"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 :)

Friday, February 19, 2010

Tree Branch Video Tutorial

Here is a video tutorial I put together to help add you in creating your own tree branches.

I hope you will find this helpful and easy to follow along.

If you have any questions about this tutorial, please post them in the comment section and I will get back to you as promptly as possible.

Thanks for taking the time to view this tutorial and hope you found it helpful.

Have fun!

Thanks for stopping by My Craft World have a great weekend :)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Create It-Green DT Reveal

This month's Create It-Green Design Team Reveal comes to you this month in 2 parts.

I am just in awe with all the wonderful refurbished projects , cards and Scrapbook layouts that the DT has put together for this reveal!

Check out the card and Scrapbook layout sketches that Victoria provided to inspire the design team...fantastic ideas were created inspired by the sketches!

The altered Design Team Projects are full of wonderful gift ideas and some recipes to boot!!! Yummy!


When you have the time stop by and check out all the creations for this month and give the girls a shout out ...I am sure they will appreciate it !


Part 1 Reveal
Part2 Reveal

The project challenge for this month was to refurbish a vase , can or bottle.


Here is what I came up with. All the snowy weather we have been having in my neck of the woods has me longing for spring.





I started this project with a vase I had saved from flowers received a few years back. I tend to save my vases as they always come in handy during the spring and summer months for cut flowers from the back yard.


1. Make sure your vase is clean and dry before you begin.


2. Using dimensional paint apply your shapes...I made hearts, allow to dry completely.

3. Taking tissue paper from a gift package I had saved .
Rip into pieces, beginning at the top with small pieces.
Apply small areas of vase with a light coat Mod Podge and lay down your tissue paper over lapping at the rim. Smooth out to remove air and wrinkles.
As you move down to the larger section of the vase your tissue paper may be in applied in bigger pieces.


3. Once dry apply another light layer of Mod Podge...dry completely
Next apply one more light layer of Mod Podge , while still tacky spritz your vase with some Glitter Mist.
Turning upside down and right side up , allowing the Glitter Mist to fill in the crevices .Let set a minute then lightly dab with a sponge to remove the excess.
4.After completely dry. With a sponge dab on distressed Stickles.
for good measure I added another light coat of Mod Podge.



Trim off the extra tissue paper at the top of the vase with your exacto knife.

Continue on to embellish your vase with what ever you would like.
I used some beads that I had using generous amounts of tacky glue.
Or you can just leave it plain as it looks very nice that way also.

So that's it ! Hope my instructions are not to hard to follow :)

I also created my Cherry blossoms and Branches.
I am in the process of putting together the how to of creating your own tree branches.
So stop back by this week if you would like to know how they were created.
Hope you are having a Crafty Green Week!
Thanks for stopping by :)

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Snow and Then Some

Thought I would share with those family and friends who are not in the area,
some photos of yesterdays Snow Storm.
On top of the 20+ inches we received Saturday we now have had the additional same amount deposited in my area.We were in the bulls Eye Area!
These photos were taken in the morning as the storm began to take hold, by the afternoon I was only able to grab a couple of photos as the wind and snow were just to strong.
Now for some this might seem like nothing !
But for those of us who live in this area know that this is not a common occurrence and can lead to multiple problems.
Without the proper equipment to deal with this massive of a snowstorm it can be a challenge for sure!
Three cheers to our County and State road crew for your endless devotion for trying to keep up with this.
Our local News for their continuous news coverage with updates.
To all the wonderful neighbors who are coming out to help each !Great Job!!
Now time for the Big Dig Out!!
















Monday, February 8, 2010

Valentine Blog Hop Winner

Thank you all for stopping by and playing along with Create It-Green's very first Re-Purpose With Love Valentine Blog Hop.
Hope you all had fun!
All the wonderful feedback on my project is very much appreciated, you were all very generous with your comments.
I also enjoyed reading all the different ways that you share Valentine's day with your loved ones and look forward to checking out all your blogs and Crafty Goodness.

I wish I had a prize for all of you, but sadly the economy does not allow.

The winner for the Big Bite Crop A-Dial chosen randomly is CARLA.
Please contact me with your snail mail at jpen56 at yahoo dot com ( sorry must watch out for those nasty spammers):)

I hope you will join us again in our next hop and remember think Green!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

A Valentine Blog Hop

Hello Scrappy Crafty Blog Hoppers!
Welcome to Create It-Green's Re-Purpose with Love Valentine Blog Hop!

If you have been following along you will have arrived here by way of CYNDiLou's Graphic Craft's Blog.

If not head on back to Create It-Green to start from the beginning.

You will not want to miss out on the Word Search Game and wonderful projects that will be showcased, not to mention some great RAK Prizes that will be available to you.

My Re-purposed Project I have to share with you is created from an Infant formula container.

First removing the top with a pair of nippers and soaking in hot soapy water to remove the labels.
Next apply a coat of Gesso for some tooth.


With a handful of Scrapbook paper scraps and some help from tutorials on Origami found on the web, I created my flowers.



The end result ... a Valentine Floral Display.
For my container I used Mod Podge and Vintage images that are generously offered free, for all to use in your favorite Projects.



Finishing off with Twine glued along the bottom and top rims for a more finished look.
Using Styrofoam salvaged from packaging that came in boxes delivered to my home .

Inserted into my container to hold my flowers.

Here is a close up of the flowers .

Not having on hand origami paper.

I used Scrapbook paper scraps, a bone folder and ink to make up for the difference.


Wanting my Display to resemble a bouquet one might find delivered on Valentine's Day I found this great tutorial for a heart pocket.


Inserting a Vintage Valentine Image I found on the web as my gift card.



I would like to share with you the tutorial I used for my Heart Pocket.


First you must begin with an Origami Square Base fold.

This first video will help you begin with your square base fold.





Now let's move onto creating the heart pocket.





Links may be found at the end of this post for helping you to create your own Origami Flowers and Vintage Images that I found useful in helping this Floral Display come together.


As a thank you for joining us at Create It- Green's Valentine Blog Hop I have a Crop-A-Dile Big Bite that I will be giving away.

To be eligible for this RAK leave a comment in this post sharing your favorite Valentine Project, recipe, song or just about anything that you like, to celebrate the day.

One winner will be drawn from the comments and posted on Monday.

Origami Links




Vintage Images



http://www.thegraphicaddict.com/

Before I send you on your way to the next stop on our Blog Hop.

I would like to make you aware of some fun going on at Create-It Green.

Create-It- Green Yahoo Group is hosting an "Art Lottery"!

To find out more stop by and sign up today !

Create It-Green is also on Facebook and hosting a well worthy project the


Stop on by and read all about it.

There is still time to help out with this cause!



Also a Big Congratulations go out to Holly Doyle!! Winner of Create It-Green's Coffee Cup Lid Challenge! WTG Holly!!



Now on to the next stop of the Blog Hop!

Ali MacDonald has a Recycled Flower project she would like to share, using a mystery item!

Wonder what it is ??? !

Well, you'll just have to hop on over and find out !! :)


Hope you are enjoying the hop so far and coming away with some inspiration for those Holiday Projects you have in mind.


As always Thanks for stopping by My Crafty World :)

If you have made it this far down the post, you have just found the next key word for the Word Game

Good Luck!