SVG: New Years Heading

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Unfortunately I came down with a severe cold/sinus infection and have been under the weather all week.  So...no New Year's weekend house party this year.  New Year's Eve is also hubby's birthday so it's very disappointing that our families won't be with us to celebrate.  But the good news is that the antibiotics seem to be working and I should be able to get into the studio sometime this weekend

Lots of new things planned for 2012 to share with all of you!

Here's a 2012 heading for all you SVG file users... 

You can get the file HERE.

Merry Christmas!

I wanted to take the time to wish all of you, my blogging friends, a very blessed Christmas.  Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, I hope that this season will bring you joy and happiness.

For me, one of the best things about Christmas is bringing out the ornaments and decorations that have a special meaning.  My tree is loaded with ornaments from my childhood and when I was first married ...28 years ago!  Plus I have ornaments for all my dogs, ornaments from trips and vacations and handmade and hand painted ornaments from family and friends.  I call it a "memory tree" and it's ornaments are so precious to me.

The little mug pictured above was given to me by my Grandma in 1971. 

She had a set that she split up between me and my siblings.  Our names and the year were written on the bottom and when I moved out, this was in a box of "my" ornaments and decorations that went with me. 

I've loved this mug for 40 years so you can imagine how excited I was to see that this year Pottery Barn was selling a reproduction set!  Of course I ordered them and the matching cookie jar.  Merry Christmas to me!!

So enjoy this time with friends and family

and I will be back sharing creatively with you all soon!

Painted Santa Ornament

Another painted ornament for a nephew.

This was from a set of gray glass bulbs I picked up on clearance last year.

Some all purpose sealer over the slick glass allowed the acrylic paint to adhere.

The design was inspired by a Donna Dewberry project.

Featured Artist & Domino Ornament Video Tutorial!

 I'm honored to be this week's

Guest Artist

over at the Outlaw Womens Scrapbook Emporium's blog.

OWSE is discount craft buying club and active Yahoo group.

Lots of creative people over there and lots of fun too...with challenges, games and PRIZES.  If you haven't checked them out, you should!

Click HERE for details.

They are featuring my Domino Ornament project and if you've been waiting

for a VIDEO TUTORIAL on my technique, it's there!

Fair warning, this is the first video I've ever done so keep in mind I'm no Steven Spielberg!  BUT...if you are a visual learner, you may find it helpful.

Click HERE for the instructions and link to the video.

SVG: Christmas Stocking

Here's a quick and simple cut file for you

Get the file HERE .

Snowman Painted Ornament

I've only shown a couple of painted projects on this blog so I guess it's about time I did so again!

Every year I paint ornaments for my nieces and nephews.

Here's one of them:

I got the wooden ornament (which is quite large) from Hobby Lobby.  It came painted white, which made it really easy to finish.  After I finished painting the center, I simply brushed DecoArt Starlight Topcoat onto the "arms" of the snowflake and then sprinkled on Diamond Dust glitter.  Once that was dry, I gave it a good coat of spray satin varnish to keep the glitter from coming off. 

The center design was inspired by a Sara Reiner project in Quick & Easy Painting (Winter 2009).

I painted him using acrylic paints and then inked with a Sharpie. 

On the back I painted a similar circle in blue and added the child's name and the year with white.

I finished the back (with glitter) the same way as the front.

Once everything was dry, I added the ribbon for hanging.

SVG: Spiral Ornament

Only a few more days until Christmas!

Here's another freebie SVG file for you.

Get the file HERE.

Tim Holtz's "12 Tags of Christmas" Day Six

This is the last tag I've had the chance to make until after Christmas.

If you've been making tags, maybe you'll get some inspiration from my supply substitutions! If you're not sure what I'm talking about, head over to Tim's BLOG and prepare to be amazed!  He has complete step-by-step instructions for you plus lots of cool tips.

I have to admit, when I saw Tim's tag, I wasn't sure if I could make a similar tag, or if I did if I would like it.  But I really love how this tag turned out and can't wait to use this technique again!

Here's how I did it:

First off, I did not have the Christmas texture fade (embossing folder) he used.  To get the look, I think you really need a folder with a lot of things going on.  Luckily I DID have Tim's Patchwork folder, which I think worked just fine.

I also had plenty of aluminum duct tape left over from other projects so I laid two pieces over glossy paper and it embossed just fine.  I used my regular acrylic paints and they dried and held to the metal.

I did have the wreath charm Tim used to trim the tag but I just didn't care for it...I thought it got lost against the business of the tag.  So I cut a strip of paper from his Seasonal Stash and made a rosette.  Over that I put an embellishment I made from a flattened bottle cap, a Santa punched from the Seasonal Stash paper and an epoxy dot.  I attached it to the tag with hot glue. 

I did find that where the metal was cut, the tag was flimsy.  I glued another tag to the back for more support and adding the rosette at the break also made the tag sturdier.

Santa Painted Ornament

Here's another painted ornament I made for a nephew.

This is from a set of glass bulbs I picked up on clearance last year.

It was gray but as you can see, the paint covered it completely.

I first put an all purpose sealer over the glass so that the acrylic paint would have something to "hold" onto.  The design was inspired by a Donna Dewberry project.

Poinsettia Cards from new SVG file

Well, it's the one week count down to the big day!

If you're still looking for last minute Christmas ideas, I've got a couple of cards for you that feature my new Poinsettia SVG file.  This poinsettia is made to be dimensional.  Very easy... you just cut it out, distress and bend as you like then adhere the layers together. 

Why buy embellishments when you can make exactly what you need?  Plus no running around shopping or waiting for an online order to arrive. 

Here's the card I made with the file:

Poinsettia Details:

The poinsettia was created using three different red cardstock papers (one for each layer) and green.

After I cut them, I took an embossing stylus and scored a center vein.  I then bent the petals to create the dimension.  Added Vintage Photo DI to the edges and the center areas.  Sprayed the entire flower with the pearl mist and while damp, shaped the petals even more.  Once it was completely dry, I glued all the layers together and added silver Stickle dots to the center.

To keep the petals popped up and from flattening in the mail, I used a new (to me) product called Liquid Scrap Dots (http://www.helmar.com.au/) which "is a clear 3-D effect that replaces mounting tape, no fiddly cutting and is ideal for intricate work and raised effects."  Yup....it did all that!

Card Details:

I took silver paint and using a swirl background, stamped it onto green cardstock.

I cut a piece of music themed scrapbook paper and glued it to the card.  The sentiment was stamped with red Distress Ink.  I distressed everthing with Vintage Photo DI then sprayed with pearl mist.  Once dry, I attached the poinsettia with a glue dot and added silver Stickle "brads" to the music paper.

If you have an electronic cutter and can use SVG files, you can purchase the Poinsettia file HERE.

Now I want to show you what Bonnie, my Creative Team member, created using this same file:

Bonnie has all the details on how she created her poinsettia and the card.

Check out her BLOG.

 Isn't it beautiful?!  Same file, two different looks.

Why buy your embellishments when you can make exactly what you need over and over again?

So if you're thinking about asking Santa for an electronic cutter for Christmas,

make sure you get one that can use SVG files!

 (Cricut no longer does)

My card was entered into the following Challenges:

Simon Says Show Some Depth

Just Add Ink--#98 Add Sparkle

4 Crafty Chicks--Christmas

Cheerful Stamp Pad--#31 Christmas Greeting

SVG: Joyous Noel

Time to share a Christmas SVG with you!

This one would be great on a last minute card, gift tag or gift bag.

Get the file HERE.

Shopping Alert!!

Shopping Alert!
Lots of Tim Holtz products on sale (including many items used in the "12 Tags of Christmas") over at Blitsy. Distress Stains only $2.99. Trinket Case $24.95. Register for free....Just click HERE

Tim Holtz's "12 Tags of Christmas" Day Five

This is an easy tag that looks so cool!

If you've been making tags, maybe you'll get some inspiration on some supply substitutions!
If you're not sure what I'm talking about, head over to Tim's
BLOG and prepare to be amazed!  He has complete step-by-step instructions for you plus lots of cool tips.

Because I learned that the Cricut does not like to cut through packaging, I cut the top tag portion from thinner acetate and the inking technique worked just fine.  I did not have any of Tim's Reflection stamps so I used a music stamp.  Once again I put it on my Fiskar's Stamp Press which made it very easy to line it up and stamp straight.  I designed a SVG file similar to Tim's to create the wreath and just cut it from regular green CS.

Tim Holtz's "12 Tags of Christmas" Day Four

This is one of the favorites I've made (so far)!  If you've been making tags, maybe you'll get some inspiration on some supply substitutions!
If you're not sure what I'm talking about, head over to Tim's
BLOG and prepare to be amazed!  He has complete step-by-step instructions for you plus lots of cool tips.

After learning my lesson on cutting Grungeboard with my Cricut, I used Grungepaper to cut the snow man and it cut like butter.  It was still strong enough to take the crackle paint.

I also created a similar SVG file as Tim's snowflake edge die and cut it, as he suggested, on packaging...which DID NOT cut well with the Cricut, even with a deep cut blade.  I had to do a lot of hand cutting with a craft knife.  If I do it again, I'll use my regular (and thinner) acetate. 

I love the soft look of the tulle!  Bought a big roll of it so I'm sure it will get lots of use.  I've also been using the heck out of my seam binding.  Very versatile as you can color it (or leave it white as I did here).  I took a clear button and pounced on alcohol inks to color it.

I will definitely be using the techniques Tim showed on this tag on many other things in the future.

Tim Holtz's "12 Tags of Christmas" Day Three

This tag was very quick and easy!  If you've been making tags, maybe you'll get some inspiration on some supply substitutions!
If you're not sure what I'm talking about, head over to Tim's
BLOG and prepare to be amazed!  He has complete step-by-step instructions for you plus lots of cool tips.

Here are the details on my tag:

Once again I didn't have the stamp or the embossing folder that Tim used.  No worries!  One of the main things Tim emphasises is to USE WHAT YOU HAVE!  Following along with his tags definitely makes you think creatively!

I liked the look of his stamp so I reproduced it using my Christmas sentiment stamps.  I first laid out the design using my Fiskar's Stamp Press....very handy for this technique!  Once I had the wording just how I wanted it, I stamped a test piece to get the ink colors as I wanted them.  At this point, I didn't worry if the inks ran together.  Once I was ready to stamp the tag, I inked one stamp at a time, starting from the bottom, then pulled off that stamp before inking the next one.  It took a little longer but all the colors came out true.

I also cut the same batch of greenery as I did on the first tag.  Instead of inked pearl "berries" I used red rhinestones for a little more "bling".

Tim Holtz's "12 Tags of Christmas" Day Two

Continuing on with my interpretation of Day 2. 
If you've been making tags, maybe you'll get some inspiration on some supply substitutions!
If you're not sure what I'm talking about, head over to Tim's BLOG and prepare to be amazed!  He has complete step-by-step instructions for you plus lots of cool tips.
Here's my tag:

I didn't have the Seasonal Kraft Resist paper so once again, I made my own.  I simply took kraft cardstock, cut the tag and then stamped with the music design and embosed with clear EP.  I added the holly design stamp on the left side and that is the portion I highlighted with the Distress Inks.  I also made my own mist with water and Perfect Perarls.  No "Frayed Burlap" DI so I used Walnut Stain. 
I did have the sticky back canvas and after cutting the deer element out on the Cricut, I placed the canvas on it and hand cut the canvas to the die.  For the bottom trim strip, I used an EK Success border punch with scrap Kraft paper and painted it with gold paint.  The brads were "grunged up" using a little screw driver that I tapped with a hammer.

Tim Holtz's "12 Tags of Christmas" Day One

Did you play along with Tim as he showed us his awesome creative genius in the 2011 tags?
I'm way behind but I have a few finished that I thought I'd share with you.
If you've been making tags, maybe you'll get some inspiration on some supply substitutions!
If you're not sure what I'm talking about, head over to Tim's BLOG and prepare to be amazed!  He has complete step-by-step instructions for you plus lots of cool tips.

Here is my rendition of the first tag.

Here's what learned:
Go light on the embossing powder.  The tag looks best when it's "hit and miss".
Here's what I did different:
I didn't have the Kraft Core paper so I used Shelly Hickox's tip and cut a tag out of Kraft CS then painted it with acrylic paint.  Worked like a charm!
I created the tag and paper decorative elements on my Cricut using SCAL and they look pretty similiar to Tim's diecuts.  I hand cut the banner.
I cut the "NOEL" from Grungeboard and because that is very thick, I had to do a lot of hand cutting with my craft knife.  If I were to do it again, I'd cut it on Grungepaper. 
Like the pinecones?  I cut them using my Rolled Roses SVG file (bottom right file).

By following Tim's tutorial using glue and toothpicks, it worked fine as you can see. 
If you're interested in this set, you can purchase it HERE .
I also created my own "bauble" by simply taking a pearl and adding a cap and headpin.
This was a blast to make and I'll have a few more to share with you soon.

Domino Ornament #12: Jolly Santa

Well, this is it!  The twelfth of the series of

"12 Days of Domino Ornaments"

These are such fun and easy projects that I'm sure you'll be seeing them again...

maybe for Valentine's Day?

This ornament was done using the same background as on yesterday's ornament

I wiped the alcohol ink off of the face and part of the beard.

I also added Rock Candy Distress Stickles to the hat.

Beading was done with blues and clear beads.

The little tree dangle was made from a broken charm bracelet.

If you missed the original tutorial, you can see it HERE

I hope you've enjoyed seeing all the domino ornaments.

Lots more Christmas projects and SVGs to share over the next 10 days.

I've been participating in Tim Holtz's "12 Tags of Christmas"

and while I haven't gotten too far, it's been a blast!

Domino Ornament #11: Happy Snowman

Winding down with the last two days of the

"12 Days of Domino Ornaments"

Today I have a new stamped design, this happy little snowman!

I did a few things different on this one. 

I added pearl mixative alcohol ink with the blue

 for the background.  Then I added Liquid Pearl snowflakes.

 The dangle is a crystal snowflake

 I accented the snowman by removing some of the background with blending solution
and then added a touch of Rock Candy Distress Stickles.

Oh, and I did put the stamp on upside down again.  But I found a solution!  I simply cut another section of mesh and attached to the back with Glossy Accents. 

Holds beautifully! 

Hope you'll check back tomorrow for the final ornament!

If you missed the original tutorial, you can see it HERE

This ornament is entered into the following Challenge:

Top Tip Tuesday--#63 Let it Snow

Craft Your Days Away--#35 Snowmen

My Sheri Crafts--#75 Let It Snow

Domino Ornament #10: Wreath

Day ten of "12 Domino Ornaments of Christmas". 

Only two more days to go!

I used Fired Brick Distress Stickles on the bow and ornaments on the wreath.

The beads are red with a few gold ones added in.

If you missed the original tutorial, you can see it HERE

This ornament is entered into the following Challenges:

Frosted Designs--Glitter

The Stamp Man--Create an Ornament

New Christmas SVG Designs

If you are working on Christmas cards or projects and need that "certain something"

paper element to add, I have several new sets in the store!

 Christmas Headings available HERE

 Christmas Set available HERE

 North Pole Sign available HERE

Poinsettia available HERE

I also have six other Christmas files/sets plus a Hanukkah Set

available.  You can see all my store files HERE.

Domino Ornament #9: Joy Angel

Day nine of "12 Domino Ornaments of Christmas"

and I've got another angel to show you. 

This is the same stamp as yesterday's ornament

but the piece was done monochromatically.

I used glitter on the halo only and added a

gold "JOY" glittered ornament as a dangle.

I also ran a line of gold Stickles around the edges,

on top of the gold clear beads.

If you missed the original tutorial, you can see it HERE

Entered into the following Challenges:

7 Kids College Fund--#36 Christmas Decorations

My Sheri Crafts--Decorate For Christmas

The Artistic Stamper--Christmas

Frosted Designs--Glitter

The Stamp Man--Create an Ornament

Domino Ornament #8: Glittered Angel

Welcome to day eight of my

"12 Domino Ornaments of Christmas"

Today I'm showing you an angel design.

this was an experiment and I think it turned out pretty good.  I stamped the angel design as usual but then covered the design completely using different colored Stickles.  After they were dry and Glossy Accent finished, I think it took on a cool mosaic look.  Very sparkly too!!

Here are some details:

I used purple alcohol ink with silver mixative on the background.

This "mosaic" effect worked well on this stamp because there were lots of large areas to fill in.

The beads are a mixture of purples and clear beads.

If you missed the original tutorial, you can see it HERE

Entered into the following Challenges:

7 Kids College Fund--#36 Christmas Decorations

Come & Get It--Anything Christmas

Let's Ink It Up--#18 Christmas Project

Just Some Lines--Handmade Gifts

My Sheri Crafts--Decorate For Christmas

The Artistic Stamper--Christmas

Vintage Christmas Card

For Christmas decorating, my favorite style is vintage. 

So for my turn as designer over on the

Card A Day Blog 

I wanted to follow the theme of "Christmas & Children"

using one of the many vintage images I've collected. 

 If you'd like the image, you can grab it at the bottom of the post.

This is an easy card to create.

1.  Lightly apply paint to stamp and press green cardstock on it.  Let dry.

2.  Cut music paper into a 2.25" x 4.5" rectangle.

3. Print image so it measures 3.25" x 2". 

Cut out and apply to 3.5" x 2.25" piece of red cardstock.

4.  Cut two .75" pieces of ribbon.

5.  Using the blending tool and Distress Ink, distress all the above pieces. 

Assemble as shown.

6.  Apply three Stickle "buttons" and attach expoxy sticker.

7.  Once Stickles are dry, attach card face to white card base.

TIP:

By distressing the card pieces with the same Distress Ink,

all the elements of the card now coordinate perfectly.

TIP:  Instead of running the ribbon all the way up the card,

use a t-ruler to apply each piece perfectly in line. 

TIP:

If you don't have the right buttons or brads,

create "faux" ones with Stickles or Liquid Pearls.

Supplies:
Cardstock: white--4.25" x 11" folded in half; green--4.25" x 5.5"; red--3.5" x 2.25"
Patterned Paper: The Paper Studio "Christmas Sheet Music"
Stamps:  Hero Arts "Flourish Background"
Distress Ink:  "Walnut Stain"
Paint:  Adirondack Metallics Acrylic Paint Dabber "Pearl"
Stickles: "Fired Brick"
Ribbon:  Lion--Becky "Hunter"
Adhesive: ATG, glue stick
Misc:  Anna Griffin Epoxy Stickers, vintage image, printer

To download the image, just right click and "Save As" to your desktop.

This card has been entered into the following Challenges:

Colour Create Challenge--#85 Red, White & Green

ABC Christmas Challenge--Y is For Yippee

Domino Ornament #7: Joy Bird

Day seven of the "12 Days Of Domino Ornaments".

Today I'm showing you a large six tile piece that features a little bird.

I think this is one of my favorites!

I love how all the elements came together.

I used the same background colors and beads as I did on previous ornaments.

I wiped off the ink where the bird was to highlight the image.

Scroll down for more examples. 

If you missed the original tutorial, you can see it HERE

Entered into the following Challenges:

Divas by Design--#16 Anything Goes

Lil Red Wagon--#110 Vintage Christmas

7 Kids College Fund--#36 Christmas Decorations

Domino Ornament #6: Snowman

Day six and I'm half way through my "12 Days of Domino Ornaments"!

If you're tired of seeing Santas, I have a cute snowman for you today.

This domino has a blue and silver background.

You'll notice that I did a little different technique to the background. 

TIP:  Stamp on a few snowflakes and quickly wiped the ink off...

this takes off the alcohol ink, leaving a "white" imprint.

I also used lots of Stickles...on the hat, nose, snowman, scarf and snowflakes.

The beads are clear with a few blue ones thrown in.

I did not bead the sides, just the top and bottom.

If you missed the original tutorial, you can see it HERE

This ornament is entered into the following Challenge:

Top Tip Tuesday--#63 Let it Snow