"My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue?
It rather denotes a lack of courage."


~Practical Magic~

Digital Freebie Update

Just to let you know.
The digital freebies found on the right hand sidebar have been updated and now are ready for downloading.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Create It-Green DT Reveal

Hello Crafty Bloggers :)
Time for another Create It- Green Design Team Reveal!
The Challenge for the Altered Team this month, use a paper bag, tissue paper or lined paper to create an Eco- friendly project.

I decided to use paper bags for my project this month.
The end result a Paper Bag Wreath.
I used a total of 3 Paper Bags to create this Wreath.
Two of the bags coming from one of my favorite places to buy bread, Paneras Bread! Yummy!!!
They give you those lovely heavy brown bags with the twisted paper handles, the other from my local grocery store.

All items contained in this wreath are created from the brown bags, with exception of a little hemp rope that intertwined in with the braiding.


Using the handles from my bags for the centers of my flowers and the curly vines I also unrolled one ever so gently for the Bow.
Next time I think I will use 2 handles for the bow so it will be larger.
To create this wreath
Open 2 bags very gently so you have a large rectangle.
Cut 3 strips of equal width horizontally from the 2 bags.
Gather 3 Strips and bind at one end.I used twine to hole my end together.
Twist each strip before braiding.
With Glue add in your other 3 Strips onto the bottom of each of your first strips.
Binding with glue.
then twist this addition of Paper bag.
I clamped each of my 3 strips together using clothes pins until the glue was nice and set.
Begin to braid your Paper Bag strips together.
Form your Wreath , then secure by wrapping twine around the ends.
Now your Wreath is ready to decorate how ever you choose.
I created flowers using my 3rd Paper bag .
Finishing off with Ink, Glimmer Mist and a Clear Acrylic Sealer to set the Wreath.
That's it fairly easy and fast project to complete.
Don't forget to stop by and check out all the other fantastic creations created by the DT members at Create It-Green this month.
You will find projects, Scrapbook and Card Sketches.
All using everyday items that we find around the home everyday.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Think Green ( it is almost Saint Patrick's Day after all) :)!!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Spring is in the Air

Finally the sun has been shining the temperature rising and the snow melting.
Spring is in the air!
Cleaning up the yard and raking out the flower beds have been the priority for the last week.

While waiting for the snow to melt I have been working on a few crafty and scrapbook projects in my free time.

Something new for me has been ATC cards.
I never real understood what is the purpose of an ATC card besides a way of introducing yourself in Craft and Art circles.

I discovered they are a fun way to mix and try out different techniques on a smaller scale.

My first ATC (ARTIST TRADING CARDS) I was really pleased with until after it's completion.

I discovered that I should have done a little googling to discover the ins and outs of ATC's.
First mistake I left out all designer information!
2ND mistake ...I misquoted the quote!!
3rd mistake I submitted it into a challenge!!!!!
So for all those who are interested in trying an ATC for the first time here is a link
explaining the basic rules of ATC.

All in all I am happy again, by slapping a magnet to the back, I have redeemed myself by turning my mistakes into a refrigerator magnet!!

Vintage ATC #1 "Dancer"



This next ATC was created for a RAK Challenge posted on the "Sisterhood of Scrap".


With a little more of an understanding on ATCs and feeling a little more confident .This little project came together without a hitch!
Using free vintage images from the Graphics Fairy (link in the right hand sidebar).

Vintage ATC #2 "Secret Garden".



I discovered they really are fun to create. If nothing else they can come in handy as a visual reference for different techniques.
They are also a great way to fill the need to create when the desire hits you but your time is limited.
They can be as simple or complex as you would like, no wrong or right...just a few simple rules to follow.


I also managed to complete 5 new Scrapbook layouts during the Winter Olympics
by participating in the "Olympic Crop" that was hosted by the "Sisterhood of Scrap".
Great fun to watch the Olympics while having your own challenges to complete.
If you would like to check them out they may be found here.


If you are in the mood for a Challenge all March Challenges have been posted for the "Sisterhood of Scrap" links may be found here.

Also tomorrow the Sisters will be hosting their One Hour sketch Challenge .
Beginning at 7:00 pm EST you will have until 8:00 pm to complete and post on the forum by 8:20 pm. Great fun and a real challenge!!!
Also you have a chance at a wonderful and generous prize!

Don't forget to stop by Create It-Green Blog on March 15Th for the design Team Reveal.You will find many ways to recycle ,up cycle and refurbish everyday items into your creative process.

Thanks for stopping by :)