The Woods are Lovely

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep.   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep."

-Exert from Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

I saved my favorite project created from the Artful Delight Card Kit to show you last! It was so simple to make too! I cut a card base from the nice, thick card stock included in the kit, adhered a panel of patterned card  stock from the kit, and added a strip of cream paper stamped with a sentiment from the awesome stamp set from the kit. To finish it off, I wrapped the card with some jute twine and topped it with one of the beautiful flowers from the kit too.

 CARD KIT

this kit will includePaper

Carta Bella Hello Again collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Small Floral
Words
Friends Forever

My Mind’s Eye Charm Carefree collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Mellow
Relaxed

Simple Stories I {Heart} Summer collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Brown Boardwalk/Graph

Authentique Strong collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Marvelous
Hero
Enduring

Glitz Design Dapper Dan collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Chevron
Woodgrain
Stripes
Geometric

Coordinating Cardstock Bazzill 8 1/2x11 sheets (2 each)
Gold Coins
Peanut Cluster
Candy Bar
WhirlyPop

Embellishments: size and color may vary per kit
5 – Maya Road Measure Once, Cut Twice Wood Embellishments
1 – Maya Road Been Framed Wood Embellishment
3 – Maya Road Polka Dot Kraft Envelopes
3 – Prima Soubrette Handmade Paper Flowers  Blue/Green
1 – Canvas Corp Paintable Burlap Mini Pocket
28 feet – Canvas Corp Natural Jute
6 – Fancy Pants Cork Shapes – Arrows
3 – Fancy Pants Etcetera Decorative Paper Clips
1 package – Pink Paislee Portfolio Labels Stickers
1 package – My Mind’s Eye Cut and Paste Charm/Carefree  collection – Chipboard stickers
1 sheet – Glitz Design Dapper Dan collection – 12x12 Stickers and Alphabets
1 – Paper Smooches stamp set – Many Thanks

Remember that Artful Delight offers both a card and scrapbook sketch challenge each month, which you can find details here- please be sure to check it out!!

May Arts:: Faber Castle Hop

My world of things to color just opened up when Faber-Castle paired with May Arts! I love the look and soft, shiny that the creamy Gelatos gave to the stock white wrinkle ribbon. I customized the white ribbon to be a frosty mix of purple and blues to create a Binder Band for a standard notebook. No need for gift wrapping this gift-the presentation says it all!

It was so fun to have the ability to control the color on this ribbon by using the Gelatos. I simply colored strips of the purple, blue and green right onto the ribbon and then soaked the length of ribbon in water and let it dry. The end result was this dreamy, shiny ombre effect!

 

I found this pretty notebook that I got at a value store, but wanted to jazz it up a little bit to make the perfect gift. Sometimes it is nice to go without wrapping paper too-either I don't have it on hand or I want my gift to stand out from the others, so this Binder Band has a dual purpose. I wrapped the length of the colored wrinkle ribbon over the front of the cover and tied tight. Before tying a bow, I added lengths of the regular white (un-dyed) wrinkle ribbon and a bit of the leftover died ribbon, along with some amazing May Arts metallic string in silver. So then to make the big, puffy bow, I tied a bow in different levels of each of the ribbon, and each level was tied on top of each other. To finish the bow, I tucked in some May Arts Silver Cutout Snowflakes.

There is some amazing inspiration to be found along the Hop! Please be sure to check out the schedule below, as well as the May Arts Blog,  and leave comments for your chance to win some ah-mazing May Arts and  Faber-Castle products!

-->Monday

 Virginia Fynes 
 Shellye McDaniel 
 Rhea Weigand

Tuesday 
 Latrice Murphy

  Lalo IK

 Karen Baker

Wednesday
Jessica Kephart

 Jenifer Cowles

Jen Shears

Thursday 
 Gini Williams Cagle

  Emily Lanham

DeeDee Catron

Friday 
 Christina Colón

 Charlene Driggs

Broomsticks

Getting into the Halloween Spirit? Need some ideas?

I have a quick tutorial (seriously quick, about two minutes to make these!) over on the May Arts Blog for you on how to make these Broomsticks!

TCM:: September Release Blog Hop

Isabella Valancy Crawford

A startled stag, the blue-grey Night,

Leaps down beyond black pines.

Behind—a length of yellow light—

The hunter’s arrow shines:

His moccasins are stained with red,

He bends upon his knee,

From covering peaks his shafts are sped,
The blue mists plume his mighty head,—

Well may the swift Night flee!

- See more at: http://www.poetryinvoice.com/poems/dark-stag#sthash.7CebxMbf.dpuf

Isabella Valancy Crawford

A startled stag, the blue-grey Night,

Leaps down beyond black pines.

Behind—a length of yellow light—

The hunter’s arrow shines:

His moccasins are stained with red,

He bends upon his knee,

From covering peaks his shafts are sped,
The blue mists plume his mighty head,—

Well may the swift Night flee!

- See more at: http://www.poetryinvoice.com/poems/dark-stag#sthash.7CebxMbf.dpuf

Isabella Valancy Crawford

A startled stag, the blue-grey Night,

Leaps down beyond black pines.

Behind—a length of yellow light—

The hunter’s arrow shines:

His moccasins are stained with red,

He bends upon his knee,

From covering peaks his shafts are sped,
The blue mists plume his mighty head,—

Well may the swift Night flee!

- See more at: http://www.poetryinvoice.com/poems/dark-stag#sthash.7CebxMbf.dpuf

"A startled stag, the blue-grey night

Leaps down beyond black pines.

Behind-a length of yellow light-

The hunter's arrow shines."

~Isabella Valancy Crawford

We are gearing up for bow season here in Wisconsin, Hunter's Widows Weekend is fastly approaching too! Welcome to the September Release The Craft's Meow Blog Hop! You should have arrived from Jinny's Blog!

I couldn't resist using that amazing buck silhouette stamp again. This time I stamped him onto a piece of natural birch bark, which was adhered onto white cardstock and a tag. I used a greeting from Autumn Borders and finished it with May Arts Burlap String.

I hope you enjoyed this month's releases by The Craft's Meow! You can find more details on the hop and prizes by stopping by the store blog. Your next stop is Larissa!

May Arts:: Splash of Color Flower Pop

Did you know that May Arts Ribbon offers these gorgeous flowers that are completely customizable, and Splash of Color's mist is the perfect way to do so! I created some cute flower pops using both products.

First up is the flower pop. I first sprayed the flowers with Splash of Color's Rain Mist and let them dry. Then I simply slipped them up the stem of the lollipop. I then wrapped the lollipop stem with parrot green solid wrinkle ribbon in the 1/2" width and tied a small bow right under the wrapper to create the leaves.

For the presentation, I found some organic starter pots, added some flower foam and stuck the flower pop in. I then added some wrapping grass to cover the foam.

I also made a clean and simple card to compliment the flower pop using leftover dyed flowers. Here I sprayed some mist onto a white card base, let it dry and stamped a greeting. I then wrapped the card with the wrinkle ribbon and tied it in a bow. I added the flowers and used a piece of white mini pom pom for the flower center.

Stop on over at the May Arts Blog to check out the other participating designers and find out about the awesome prize up for grabs!

Angels

I believe in Angels, do you?

Today is the last day of the sneak releases for The Craft's Meow September Release. Please join us tomorrow for our Blog Hop! We are featuring Clare's latest, Little Angels, and let me tell you, she's designed the sweetest images!


I stamped one of the angels onto white and fussy cut, adhering it to a card base embellished with large banners. I kept the wings free of glue so I could bend them up for some dimension. I finished the card by wrapping the top with May Arts Burlap String and some tags.

I hope you get the chance to stop by The Craft's Meow Blog, as you have the chance to win this set for free! Please join us tomorrow for the blog hop too.

Chalkboards and Stags

God understands our prayers even when we can't put them into words...

An exciting day today as The Craft's Meow showcases two sets! This first one, Chalkboard Faith, is designed by Nina B. and has a multitude of beautiful sayings done up with the chalkboard style. I simply stamped my favorite onto kraft cardstock, framed it with a negative die cut and added a coordinating sticker from an old paper collection.

This next set, Rustic Greetings, designed by Angelica, is my favorite from the September Release. I stamped a stripe of the plaid down the left side of the card, then added a stamped stag in black and finished with the banner and sentiment from the set (that was fussy cut from white cardstock). So simple, yet so perfect for all the guys!

You have a chance to win these two sets by stopping by the The Craft's Meow Blog. Check out details there!

Into the Person

"Each year our birthday forces us to grow

Into the person whom we have yet to know
With circumstances that hopefully have made us wise
When we learn from our multitude of mistakes and tries.

To take a long look at these years gone past
To really reflect on how time travels fast
To know that every day that each of us lives
Is a great gift from God that He lovingly gives..."
~Kristina

Oh my, this September Artful Delight Card Kit has been one of my favorites since I've been on the team. I love the versatility of the products! I made a birthday tag today, full of texture and lots of fun!

(Everything came from the Artful Delight Card Kit with the exception of the thin May Arts Burlap String and sentiment stamp.)

 CARD KIT

this kit will includePaper

Carta Bella Hello Again collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Small Floral
Words
Friends Forever

My Mind’s Eye Charm Carefree collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Mellow
Relaxed

Simple Stories I {Heart} Summer collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Brown Boardwalk/Graph

Authentique Strong collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Marvelous
Hero
Enduring

Glitz Design Dapper Dan collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Chevron
Woodgrain
Stripes
Geometric

Coordinating Cardstock Bazzill 8 1/2x11 sheets (2 each)
Gold Coins
Peanut Cluster
Candy Bar
WhirlyPop

Embellishments: size and color may vary per kit
5 – Maya Road Measure Once, Cut Twice Wood Embellishments
1 – Maya Road Been Framed Wood Embellishment
3 – Maya Road Polka Dot Kraft Envelopes
3 – Prima Soubrette Handmade Paper Flowers  Blue/Green
1 – Canvas Corp Paintable Burlap Mini Pocket
28 feet – Canvas Corp Natural Jute
6 – Fancy Pants Cork Shapes – Arrows
3 – Fancy Pants Etcetera Decorative Paper Clips
1 package – Pink Paislee Portfolio Labels Stickers
1 package – My Mind’s Eye Cut and Paste Charm/Carefree  collection – Chipboard stickers
1 sheet – Glitz Design Dapper Dan collection – 12x12 Stickers and Alphabets
1 – Paper Smooches stamp set – Many Thanks

Remember that Artful Delight offers both a card and scrapbook sketch challenge each month, which you can find details here- please be sure to check it out!!

The Second Spring

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
~Albert Camus

The Craft's Meow has a spectacular line up of new stamps for their September Release. Back again today with Angelica's first of two sets, Speaking of Fall. (I can definitely tell fall is coming, I'm running out of daylight to photograph cards, so this one is a bit dark!) 

I showcased two of the fun leaves included in this set as well as one of the striking sentiments in a clean and simple creation.

How about stopping by The Craft's Meow to see the other amazing creations using this new set from Angelica? You've got a chance to win it for free!

The Fall

"Good-by, sweet flowers!
Through bright Summer hours
You have filled our hearts with cheer
We shall miss you so,
And yet you must go,
For this is the Fall of the year."

A Fall Song ~ Ellen Robena Field

The Craft's Meow has a spectacular line up of new stamps for their September Release. Today we are showcasing a beautiful, traditional set called Autumn Borders, designed by Clare.

I kept my card simple by stamping the pumpkin image as close the bottom of some gold cardstock as possible. I colored the image in with Copics, then impressed the card front and tied it off with a touch of May Arts Burlap String (SM10).

How about stopping by The Craft's Meow to see the other amazing creations using this new set from Clare? You've got a chance to win it for free!

Heart Bottoms

Do you ever wonder where TIME has gone? I would think that I could find it somewhere, but it is a very tricking thing to find, and it is not hiding anywhere in the normal spots!

 I can't believe another fantastic Artful Delight Card Kit arrived in the mail for September. I love this one, it has a perfect mixture of masculine and feminine products for your projects... you can take it either way or both!

These two cards were made with contents of the Artful Delight Card Kit!

 CARD KIT

this kit will includePaper

Carta Bella Hello Again collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Small Floral
Words
Friends Forever

My Mind’s Eye Charm Carefree collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Mellow
Relaxed

Simple Stories I {Heart} Summer collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Brown Boardwalk/Graph

Authentique Strong collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Marvelous
Hero
Enduring

Glitz Design Dapper Dan collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Chevron
Woodgrain
Stripes
Geometric

Coordinating Cardstock Bazzill 8 1/2x11 sheets (2 each)
Gold Coins
Peanut Cluster
Candy Bar
WhirlyPop

Embellishments: size and color may vary per kit
5 – Maya Road Measure Once, Cut Twice Wood Embellishments
1 – Maya Road Been Framed Wood Embellishment
3 – Maya Road Polka Dot Kraft Envelopes
3 – Prima Soubrette Handmade Paper Flowers  Blue/Green
1 – Canvas Corp Paintable Burlap Mini Pocket
28 feet – Canvas Corp Natural Jute
6 – Fancy Pants Cork Shapes – Arrows
3 – Fancy Pants Etcetera Decorative Paper Clips
1 package – Pink Paislee Portfolio Labels Stickers
1 package – My Mind’s Eye Cut and Paste Charm/Carefree  collection – Chipboard stickers
1 sheet – Glitz Design Dapper Dan collection – 12x12 Stickers and Alphabets
1 – Paper Smooches stamp set – Many Thanks

Isn't that a crazy amount of awesome coordinated supplies!? Please remember that Artful Delight offers both a card and scrapbook sketch challenge each month, which you can find details here!

TCM:: September Technique Blog Hop

The Craft's Meow has another hop in store for you! It is our monthly designer hop, and this month we are featuring techniques. You should have arrived from the talented Jinny's Blog! An office chair in retro colors and retro patterns?... Sign me up please!

My featured technique is stamp kissing, and I love to use it on large silhouette images. So I grabbed the chair image from Welcome to the Office, inked it up with a luscious melon color and then "kissed" a red inked up pattern stamp from Retro Foundations right onto the chair stamp and then stamped the chair onto my card stock. I also wanted to change up the silhouette image a bit, so I outlined the image with a dark marker. I finished the one layer card with a stamped sentiment from Welcome to the Office and added some shadowing under the chair with an ink blending tool.

Your next stop on the hop is The Craft's Meow's newest design team member, Larissa! If you get lost along the way or want to find out more details, please stop by the The Craft's Meow blog for more details.

LID:: Stitched Starts

Every great dream begins with a dreamer.
Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion
to reach for the stars to change the world.
~Harriet Tubman

It's the final day of the September Release for Lil' Inker Designs! You should have arrived from Jen R.'s blog, if you are following the hop. (If you need more details, or want to start from the beginning, hop on over to the Lil' Inker Designs Blog.)

Last but not least, I've got a clean and simple, somewhat interactive, card featuring the Stitched Stars Dies.

This card started with a folded piece of cardstock in which I die cut one of the stitched stars from the upper middle portion of the card. It is so cool that LID's signature stitching also shows on the remaing portion of the card, as well as the die cut portion! I then die cut the smallest star twice out of yellow cardstock and adhered the two together, sandwiching a length of fishing line between the two.

I suspended the small star in the center of the large star with washi tape on the inside of the card. The sentiment is from LID's Sentiment Flag Additions Stamp Set and the banner was custom made with the stitched sentiment flag (just flip the die around before cutting the whole length.)

I hope you enjoyed all three days of the release!
Did you know that there are two prizes up for grabs for hopping and commenting? Check it out on the Lil' Inker Designs Blog! Your next stop is Sarah!

LID:: Bat & Broomsticks

A grandmother pretends
she doesn't know who you are on Halloween.
~Erma Bombeck

Welcome back for the second day of the September Release for Lil' Inker Designs. You should have arrived from Jen R.'s blog, if you are following the hop. (If you need more details, or want to start from the beginning, hop on over to the Lil' Inker Designs Blog.)

Today I'm featuring the Bat & Broomsticks Stamp Set and corresponding die.

For my little treat tag, I die cut a tag from the Folding Tag Die-Original, and then added some May Arts Burlap String in yellow, burlap cord and Raffia for a tie. I then die cut the witch from Bat & Broomsticks, adhered it to the tag, and then finished with a stamped tag from the stamp set. I intend to fill the pocket of the tag with a little candy for my two special trick-or-treaters.

Did you know that there are two prizes up for grabs for hopping and commenting? Check it out on the Lil' Inker Designs Blog! Your next stop is Sarah!

LID:: Starry Sky Bow

"The best part of tying your own bow tie is that
at the end of the night
you get to undo it and look like Tony Bennett." 

~Anonymous

What an exciting month! Lil' Inker Designs has some fabulous new releases that will be debuting the next three days. You should have arrived from Jen R.'s blog, if you are following the hop. (If you need more details, or want to start from the beginning, hop on over to the Lil' Inker Designs Blog.)

Today I'm featuring the positively most coolest die, Starry Sky.

You can place this die anywhere and cut out cute little stars with no border. My project features the largest of LID's Bows, and I've jazzed it up with the Starry Sky Die.

 

I die cut the bow twice in blue and black cardstock, and then ran the Starry Skies Die over the black die cut bow. Then I assembled, which is super easy. I can't wait to customize my other dies with this one!

Did you know that there are two prizes up for grabs for hopping and commenting? Check it out on the Lil' Inker Designs Blog! Your next stop is Sarah!