Gift ideas Day 3

I think I mentioned my new love of jewelry making back in the summer after I had tried my hand at making some neckalces for my mom. Well, it has turned into not only another hobby for me but a business, believe it or not. Here is a matching set I made recently for an order...

Jewelry supplies are readily available not only in big box stores but also online in many places as well. I order some of my supplies from Craft Fantastic, which I actually found at the scrapbook shows I work. ;) Etsy is also a great source for beading and jewelry supplies. My favorite glue to use is Diamond Glaze by Judikins. Fast drying and water based so it cleans up easily. You could order your supplies in bulk (qtys of 10 or so) and make personalized gifts for your family, co-workers, etc. for as little as $3-5 per person. And you can use scrapbook paper or images you print from the internet or even fabric pieces to complete your jewelry pieces. Visit my etsy store: HandmadebycreativeK8

Gift ideas Day 2

Happy Monday! I am back today with another great gift idea. And the best part is that this gift is VERY inexpensive! I mean, could be as little as $1, if you already have the vinyl on hand like I did. So, let's get to it. What is today's idea you ask? Well, customized/personalized water bottles. :)

You can pick up these aluminum water bottles just about anywhere, including the Dollar Store! A friend of mine snagged up some in our school colors and I added Rockets and the player's numbers to them using vinyl. Her hubby coaches the team and they are going to be the player's gifts. Cute eh? And check this one out...

College rivalry is B.I.G. here in OK, and I am sure it is in every state. So I dolled up a silver water bottle for the OSU Cowboys fans. A die cut machine, some vinyl and a $1 water bottle from the dollar store and you have yourself a super easy, and super inexpensive yet thoughtful gift. You could even add some fabric or ribbon strips to the top or maybe a personalized keychain. So many possibilities!

'Tis the season...

Gosh, I can't believe December is already here. What a year 2012 has been. Christmas will be here before you know it so I thought I would take the next few days to share some gift giving ideas. First up is glass etched baking dishes. It may sound difficult, but this is actually a fairly simple projcet. And, if you have a die cut machine, this project is even easier.

Sorry the pics aren't the best. These were for an order and by the time I was done, my natural light was g.o.n.e. But, you can still see the images in the bottom of the dishes. I searched online until I found the images I wanted them imported them into my Funtime software. After vectorizing the jpeg's I sized them then mirrorred the image and cut it from vinyl. I had to "weed" the vinyl, taking away the actual die cut because you want the "negative" for this particular project. Then I used transfer tape to move the vinyl to the dish. I spent about 10 minutes centering and placing the image then burnishing the vinyl WELL to make sure there were no bubbles where the cream could get under the vinyl. Then, I applied the cream and waited. The whole process, start to finish, took about 45 minutes per dish. That includes searching for the images, the whole nine yards. Not too bad really. If you are looking for some fun ideas, do a search on pinterest for glass etching. Cute stuff!

A Trio of Tags

I recently hosted a Premiere Jewelry party and some of my friends from the scrapbook show circuit I work ordered some new bling. Their stuff came to me and I mailed it out to them but thought it would be fun to include a little handmade tag for each of them. After all, it is this wonderful craft that brought us together as friends. :)

I tried to incorporate a bit of myself into each tag, while making it special for the recipient too. Here's a closer view of each of them...

This little tag was created for LeeAnn. I don't know her that well, but I have seen her around a lot. She is always smiling, willing to help with anything and is warm and sweet. I handcut the tag background from a 6x6 American Crafts paper pad. Next, I grabbed a stamp set I got from ScrapAce a while back and stamped the sentiment then heat embossed it with neon pink embossing powder! YUM! Using my iRock, another ScrapAce deal!, I attached the little green embellies. The tag is topped off with some crinkled ribbon and We R Memory Keepers twine.

This tag is for my friend Teresa. I met Teresa years ago right here in Tulsa when I was selling cars. I sold her hubby a pickup truck and he brought her back to buy an SUV. We became good friends then she was transferred with her job. I hadn't seen or heard from her in years then one day, we ran into each other at a scrapbook show in Bellvue, WA. She lives near there now and travels the circuit with Craft Fantastic. The pink in this card is definitely me. Teresa likes vintage inspired crafts so I pulled the doily in for her, but the tag overall has a very CAS feel. I used one of Becca Feeken's new stamp sets for my sentiment. Again this one is topped off with some crinkled ribbons.

And last but not least, this little tag was created for my very special friend, Michelle Ogdahl, owner of Avocado Arts stamps. I have known Michelle for years...she used to be our rep when she worked in the industry before opening Avocado Arts. She is a doll. The sweetest thing you could imagine. Of course, I HAD to use Avocado Arts stamps on her tag. ;) This is the January 2012 set. I created the tag with some Canvas Corp fluted cardstock, misted it with some Strawberry Shortcake Glimmer Mist then layered up some Want2Scrap bling and the stamped banner and sentiment. I had fun making these little tags and I hope they put a smile on my friends' faces when they open their packages!

Happy Birthday

One of the best things about my job is shopping in the booth. Of course, this is also one of the most dangerous too because I could easily spend my whole paycheck there! lol! Last month, I went to a show and we had the big booth, which I hadn't seen in a while. I was thrilled to see we still had some October Afternoon Cakewalk. I snagged up the whole collection and couldn't wait to play! Shelby had a birthday party to go to this weekend so I grabbed my Cakewalk and went to work!

I had some American Crafts notecards so I grabbed one of those and trimmed the bottom off so that it would resemble a little banner. Then I layered up some papers and embellies. Here's a closeup of the card...

I just love October Afternoon! You can find their collections in the Scrap-Mart booth at a scrapbook show near you!

Bling Bling!

Hello friends! I have been super busy the last few weeks. Lots going on around here. I opened an Esty shop where I will sell some of my jewelry creations. I also decided to open my studio to crops, classes and private parties. You can read more about that on my K8's Classroom blog. I found some great ring blanks with rhinestone bezels and thought they'd be the perfect addition to my etsy shop! Check 'em out...

I posted them on my Facebook page and had orders right away! I can do them in ANY theme, color, and for any school!! And they are only $10 so if you'd like one, you can email me at handmadebyK8@gmail.com or order one through my etsy shop! I'll be back tomorrow to share a fun birthday card!

JustRite Friday Challenge #079 - "Opposites Attract"

This week's challenge over at the JustRite blog is to use the color wheel and create a project using opposite, or complimentary, colors. I have to admit that I originally intended to skip this week. I wasn't immediately inspired. But then I played with my FarmHouse Paper Company Sugar Hill collection. And revisited the JustRite blog post. Then, I came up with this...

I started with a 4x4 Stretched Canvas from Canvas Corp then stamped the JustRite Chevron Stripe Background onto the yellow paper from the FarmHouse Paper Company Sugar Hill 6x6 paper pad. Next, I cut a little banner (also using paper from the Sugar Hill 6x6 pad) and tied some twine around the top, finishing it off with a button. I stamped the title, Give Thanks, using the JustRite Autumn Words stamp set then cut it out using my Spellbinders Ribbon Banner die template. Using the new Spellbinders Fall Foliage die templates, I cut various leaves and pinecones from the Sugar Hill 6x6 paper pad, embossed, stenciled/inked them and added them to my canvas. Here's a closer look...

I really like how it turned out and think I will add it to my entry table this Fall. You still have a little time if you wish to participate in this week's challenge. Check out all the details HERE.

Fall is coming...

Could it be? Really? Okay, probably just wishful thinking on my part. After all, Fall is my favorite time of year. And the new Sugar Hill collection by FarmHouse Paper Company has me wishing Fall would come even faster. Until then, I guess I'll keep playing with the paper.

I started with some Stampin' Up! cardstock for my layout base then trimmed and added the wood grain piece from the Autumn paper pack. I added a few layers of smaller pieces under my matted photo. I decided to do some hidden journaling so I pulled out my 7Gypsies tabbed ATC tags and covered both sided with paper from the 6x6 Paper Pad then layered up some Fall chipboard embellies. I used the alphas from the Sticker Pack to complete my page title. Here's a closer look...

I love how the layers of chipboard embellies added so much dimension. Way down deep, in the back of my stash I found some old hinges and thought that would be a fun addition. Here's a peek of what it looks like when the tag is opened...

I embellished under the tag with more stickers and chipboard accents. All of the paper pieces were distressed and inked and I added a bit of Want2Scrap bling to the left of the photo. The bling was white pearl so I colored it with my Copics so that it would match better. Off to play with more paper! Thanks for stopping by!

Announcing the *NEW* Amazing Paper Graces Kit Club

Somthing BIG has happened this week!!! I am super excited to announce that Scrap-Mart has teamed up with the amazingly talented Becca Feeken to bring you a one of a kind monthly kit club, Amazing Paper Graces. The September Amazing Paper Graces Kit Club...

Amazing Paper Graces is a monthly project kit club. You *can* purchase just the kit for the current month, without a membership, but you are taking a serious risk! lol! It is VERY possible that the kit will sell out and members are guaranteed availabilty. The individual kit price each month is $57.99.  With that you will receive an EXCLUSIVE Spellbinders die set AND JustRite stamp set designed byBecca Feeken ONLY available in that month's kit. You won't find it anywhere else!! You will also receive all the materials to complete the projects Becca designed with the goodies along with full color, step by step instructions. The BEST part is you can keep creating with them time and time  again!

In addition to guaranteed availability, members also receive a discount on each month's kit. Now, should you decide to jump in with both feet and join the club there are two options available to you. A Silver membership or a Gold membership. The Silver membership is a 6 month committment and the cost each month is $55.99, you have the option to defer 1 kit without extending your membership PLUS you will receive 1 bonus mini project at the end of your 6 month membership. The Gold membership is a 12 month committment and the cost each month is $53.99. As a Gold member you may defer 2 kits without extending your membership PLUS you will receive 2 bonus mini projects, 1 at 6 months and the other at the end of your membership. Here's a peek at what you will make with this month's kit...

The JustRite design team has worked up some beautiful samples to show you how versatile this month's dies/stamps are and help boost your creativity outside of the included kit projects. You can view them HERE. For more info about the Amazing Paper Graces Kit Club, please visit the website HERE. If you have questions, you can read the details HERE. For more info you can reach customer service at info@amazingpapergraces.com or by calling us at 918-453-9111.

Trick or Treat Door Hanger

One of the first things my eyes landed on when I opened the box of goodies from Canvas Corp was the Twinkle Yellow and Valencia Chalkboard Glimmer Mist and the canvas Canvas Minis triangles.  Instant inspiration = candy corn!! 

First, I rounded the three corners with scissors then, using a piece of paper as a mask, I misted the Twinkle Yellow and Valencia.  Here's how it turned out...

Cute, eh?!  There was also a Canvas Shapes rectangle in the box so I thought it might make a cute door hanger. 

The first thing I did to the rectangle was mist it randomly with some Charcoal Chalkboard Glimmer Mist.  Next, I trimmed a piece of the Spooky Diamonds on Ivory patterned paper and laytered the trick or treat tag, fussy cut from the Trick or Treat Sampler on White, and inked the edges.  Then, I grabbed 2 Canvas Corp mini clothes pins in natual and misted them with the Valencia Chalkboard Glimmer Mist and added them to help hold my trick or treat sign in place.  I used a Stampin Up! punch to cut out the Oct. 31 from the Trick or Treat Sampler then misted it first with Valencia Chalkboard then Charcoal Chalkboard Glimmer Mist and adhered it with dimensional foam over the candy corn.  I thought it could use a little bling, so I added some Want2Scrap swirls then finished it off with the Canvas Corp black cord.

Here's a closer view of the candy corn...

I really like how this turned out and can't wait to hang in on our door for Halloween!

It's All About the Treats...

Oh, yes, I LOVE treats.  And yesterday I got the biggest treat EVER!  I heard a knock at the door and opened it to find the Fed Ex man holding a very large box with a Canvas Corp sticker on the outside! 

See, I had emailed back and forth with Jenn at Canvas Corp many times over the last year and they sent generous boxes of goodies to our design team for our Holiday Blog Hop last year.  Finally, I got to meet sweet Jenn at CHA.  So sweet and kind, just love her!  I was telling her I couldn't wait to play with some of the Deco Mesh and more of their fabulous products.  That brings me back to the box of goodies.  There was TONS of stuff to play with in there.  Paper, super fun canvas albums, pretty flowers, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists, 7 Gypsies stamps and a Printers Tray and my FAVE 3 fabby colors of Deco Mesh!

I  could't WAIT to get started playing with my goodies so I whipped up this quick, fun Halloween card...

I started out by adding two different patterned papers to my card base.  To cover the seam, I misted some crepe paper with Valencia Chalkboard Glimmer Mist then scrunched it up and adhered it.  I fussy cut the sentiment from the Trick or Treat Sampler on White and mounted it with dimensional adhesive over a Spellbinders Wonky Rectangles and added some Want2Scrap bling. 

I have LOTS of projects swirling around in my head and can't wait to play with more of the goodies.  Be on the lookout for more Canvas Corp projects from me! 

I'm headed off to Novi, MI for the Heriloom Productions stamp show.  I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Back to School: Teacher Notepads

Today is our first day back to school!  I always like to have a little something for the teachers on the first day.  Cody and Shelby are lucky enough to the same teachers they had last year.  I think that makes it easier for me to come up with little things for them.

I had purchased a pack of Jr. Legal Pads a few months ago and thought it would be fun to give them each their own peronal notepad. 

After fitting the covers I decided to use my Gazelle and some of the school files to embellish them.

I started by adding a stip of paper and oversized bingo card from the Simple Stories Elementary collection.  Then I added the cute little Book Worm.  There was already an apple image in the center of the bingo card so I worked with that to position my little guy.  Next, I added a sticker element to the bottom right and finished it off with a glittery brad.  I felt like it needed something to balance it out, with the glitter on the bottom, so I cut a star our of Gold Glitter Paper to cover the star in in between the letters in read. 

Although I wanted them to be different, I followed the same basic layout.  Again I used Simple Stories Elementary paper and elements.  This time I added the Crayons and Scissors.  I decided to put the scissors to use and positioned them so they appear to be cutting the name tag.  ;)  A little clip at the top holds the "my class" sticker in place.

I really love how they turned out and believe it or not, they came together rather quickly, thanks to my Gazelle! 

Scrap-Mart: Happy Birthday Gift Box

Hi friends!  Today is my day on the Scrap-Mart blog.  Hope on over to see the deets on how I created this fun Happy Birthday Gift Box...

Gazelle fun

My hubby asked me the other day if I had a notepad or something he could use to help him keep track of the vehicle maintenance.  I pulled out a notepad from my office and as he reached for it, I slightly pulled it back and asked if he needed a "cover" for it.  Little did he know I didn't mean a plain 'ole cardstock cover.  I HAD to embellish it, of course.   Really, he should've known.  ;)

I had purchased a 10 pk of white notepads from Papertrey Ink over a year ago.  I thougth this would be good for him to use so I grabbed one and went to work.  Here's a pic of what I ended up creating for him...

I started by simply creating a cover out of Slate American Crafts cardstock.  Then I pulled out my trusty Gazelle to cut my title and little wrenches.  I found the wrench by Googling.  It was a simple jpeg file I imported and vectorized.  I used a metallic cardstock from my stash for the wrenches then created a mat for them with Black American Crafts Cardstock.  Next I set out to create my title.  I knew I wanted to do something a little different so I decided to make some DIY alpha stickers.  Yep, I sure did.  It was easy really.  First I chose a single stroke font then created each letter.  After resizing them, I removed the blade housing and stuck a pen in.  Loaded my light blue cardstock and let the Gazelle write the letters for me.  Then, I opened a tag from the image book, ungrouped and removed the hole, then resized it to fit over the letters and multiplied it so that I had enough to cover each letter.  I positioned each tag over each letter, replaced my blade housing then cut each letter out.  A little ink around the edged and viola!  Pretty cute huh?!  I finished it up by cutting the rest of the title and added a few brads in the corner.  Now I just have to hope it holds up in the glove box.  ;)

Masculine Birthday Card

I don't know about you, but I sometimes struggle with making masculine cards.  I LOVE bling and ribbon and pretty flowers and most of those shouldn't be found on a masculine card.  One of Rocky's co-workers turned 21 this week and he asked me to make him a birthday card.  So I set to work...

I grabbed my October Afternoon 8x8 Rocket Age paper pad and cut two rectangles from two different patterns, one slightly larger than the other.  Then I trimmed the bottoms so they looked like banner pieces.  I inked each piece before attaching them to the kraft cardbase.  Then I cut a star using my Spellbinders Stars Nesties and adhered it to Stars Nestaboard by Want2Scrap.  This not only makes it a bit more sturdy, but also adds dimension to the card.  Next I stamped the celebrate sentiment from Stamping Scrapping Designs Holiday Stamp Set and topped if off with some black Stars Nestabling by Want2Scrap.  I have to admit, I struggled with leaving the design like this.  I just kept wanting to add more.  But in this case, I think less is more.

Since the front of the card didn't actually read happy birthday, and Rocky kindly pointed out to me that it is his 21st birthday, I decided to create a sentiment inside which I usually don't do.

First I stamped happy birthday sentiment.  Now, you aren't going to like this but I dont' know who makes this stamp set!  GASP!  I know.  I purchased it in a set from ScrapAce and removed the packaging and put it in my stamp organizers so I cannot tell you where it came from.  Sorry!  After stamping happy birthday, I used Thickers and added the 21.  Then I grabbed my Unity Learning {year by year} and stamped the st.

The card was a big hit so maybe it is easier for me than I thought to pull of masculine.  ;)

Scrap-Mart: Happy Birthday

It's my day on the Scrap-Mart blog, hop on over to see the details on this beautiful birthday card...

Operation Write Home

Hello and happy Monday to you all!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  While I was browsing Facebook the other day, I ran across a post from Sandy with Operation Write Home.  If you aren't familiar with OWH, they collect and send handmade cards to sevice men and women ALL over the world for them to use when writing home to their families.  Isn't that fabulous?!  So, as I was saying, I ran across a post from Sandy the other day and she was saying that while normally during the summer card requests were down, due to lack of holidays, that this summer requests were up!  And, since summer is in full swing, the amount of cards rolling in was down.  They are specifically in need of love, miss you, and thank you themed cards.  Soooo, I decided to set a goal for myself to send 25 cards at the end of August.  That may seem like a lot but if I create at least 2 of each design then I can certainly meet my goal by then.  Plus, I went through my stash of cards I already had made and pulled out some I could include.  Here's the first complete cards I made...

And, to sweeten it a little, I used ALL scraps (except the card bases themselves) to make these.  You'd never know though.  ;)  Be sure, if you choose to participate, to read the guidelines HERE so you follow the processes...it makes life easier on the shippers.  You don't have to send 25 like me.  You can send 1, or 100.  EVERY card helps!