School swap stuff...

Two swaps in a row?  It has been ages since I did a swap, and forgot how fun they are ;)  This one was a school theme, and we could make anything.  A tag, a journal block, an embellishment, whatever.  I dug deep for this one!  I decided to make a journaling card, and a library tag seemed like the perfect fit.

I used these two $1 stamp sets, I believe they both came from Michael's awhile back.  I used the stars in yellow, the A+ in the scallop circle in red, and the 'good work' inside the circles in black.





And these inks..





I cut the pockets and tags using the Coluzzle system.  It came with the template to cut both pocket and tag, as well as the cling stamp for the tag.  I bought it years ago, probably 8 or 9, and it was still in the package!  Of course I HAD to have it back then ;)   It's nice when you can go shopping in your stash!

The pocket is plain black carstock, and I cut pieces to line it from the DCWV Grade School stack.  The tags are plain white cardstock, and so is the decorative strip on the front.  I used an EK Success punch for the edge, Binding Edge.







I am really pleased with how these came out!  I usually have a tough time coming up with an idea, but these came together fairly quicly.  Love it when that happens ;)

PTI Inspired...

I love, Love, LOVE Papertrey Ink stuff :)  Love their products, love their designers, love it all!  I was browsing the site last month and came across this set of cards that I had to try making.  And as much as I would have loved to order the stamp set, I had enough leaf stamps in my stash to make my own version!  I used a bunch of misc. stamps; Hero Arts, $1 stamps from Joann's, and the one on the far right is also from Joann's, but don't remember the name.




These are the ink colors I used...




First, I inked up the stamps directly from the pads, spritzed them with water, and then stamped randomly all over the paper.  I wanted it a bit more watercolor-like, so I did the second round a bit different.







I applied the ink to my craft sheet and then spritzed the craft sheet with water.  Then, using the sheet as my 'ink pad,' I inked up the stamps that way.  I got a bit more variation in the colors, and more control over the water.




I wasn't planning on doing two pages, but I had enough ink left on my craft sheet to do another one :)






This set of stamps is a Martha Stewart set, with each flower having an outline and a solid image that match.  I stamped the solid shape first, with a spritz of water on the stamp, then the outline in the same color without water.  Not sure how I like it, but it may look better when cut up on the card :)




Each piece of 8 1/2" x 11" paper was cut into 8 pieces, 2 3/4" x 4 1/4". 



I mounted the cut squares onto cardstock, and sewed around the edges with my sewing machine.  I also inked up the edges with some Tim Holtz Tea Dye ink with the blending tool, added the ribbon, and then it was all ready for a card base!



I haven't added any sentiments yet, still working on that part!  But I am leaving tomorrow afternoon for the Seattle 3day Breast Cancer Walk, so that will have to wait ;)

More bookmarks, can you guess the theme...?

I decided to make some more bookmarks, and these came together pretty easily once I decided on the embellishment! 







I knew I wanted to put an apple on them, but couldn't decide if I wanted a charm, and brad, or something else. First I tried stamping a bunch of apples and colored them in with inks, then covered them with Crystal Lacquer for shine. But when they dried (and I waited overnight!), they were a bit lumpy and the red just wasn't the right color. Then I decided to see if I could find the EK Success apple punch after seeing it used on some cards, but after THREE trips to three different stores I still couldn't find it. I was wandering around Michael's trying to find something else that would work, but I didn't want to spend too much since I needed 24 of them.


I came across this pack of 24 brads (perfect!), but half of them were green.  But they were 40% off so I bought them anyways, thinking I could come up with something to do with them!  I started by painting them all red, even the red ones, so they would all match.  I just used some plain acrylic craft paint.  Then when that was dry, I used a bit if some Making Memories clear glitter glaze over the top.  I still needed them to be shiny, but was too impatient to wait for more Crystal Lacquer to dry...  So I decided to use some good old UTEE, Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel!

 




The apples needed 4 coats of UTEE, and after doing 4 or 5 apples, my fingers were getting a bit tired of holding them with tweezers, so hubs came to the rescue with a pair of vice-grips, and after that it was a piece of cake!  They clamped on the brad prongs with no tension, much easier ;)  It was a bit time consuming to do 24 of these puppies, but they turned out so pretty!








Then I just cut off the prongs, and adhered them to the bookmarks with a foam dimensional, easy peasy :)






Now let me tell you a bit about the bookmarks themselves.  I love this technique, is is such a dramatic effect for so little work!  I started with printed paper, approximately 2" x 5", and matted it with black cardstock.  I went around the edges with my sewing machine, and then matted them again on red cardstock.  I did this so the stitching wouldn't show on the back ;)  I punched holes, and then added eyelets.  Once they were all assembled, I stamped various background stamps on them with Versamark Watermark Ink.  I used a few different flourishes, and a music score background.

After that, I heat embossed them with clear embossing powder, then went over that with some Tim Holtz Distress inks in Antique Linen and Tea Dye.  LOVE the inking tools and foam applicators, I use them so much!




The final step was to add some more sparkle ;)  I sprayed the whole thing with a mixture of Perfect Pearls powder and water, and dried it with the heat tool.  The ribbon went on last, and all done!







Guessed the theme yet??

Did you know...??

...That the Seattle 3day Breast Cancer Walk is only 19 days away??

Did you know that there are TONS of things that the friends and family members of a 3day Walker can do during the event??  If you live in the Seattle area, there's lots to do and I would LOVE to see your smiling face! :)

Did you know that you can write letters to 3day Walkers and we can pick them up at our very own 3day Post Office??  My first year doing the 3day in 2008, one of my team members, Dyona, wrote us all letters and it was so special to go pick up such happy mail :)


Dyona and I, 2008


Did you know that all 3 days you can join other supporters and cheer on a Walker at one of the designated cheering stations?? These stations are literally lined with hundreds of smiling faces, and it is an awesome site to see. It is such a boost and helps to re-energize our tired muscles to keep walking!

Cheering station, 2009




Did you know that you can come support Walkers at the Closing Ceremonies?? Memorial Stadium is easy to find, and plus being able to see pics taken by friends and family from their perspective is pretty cool :)




This was our team in 2008, "Saving Jenny's Jugs" :)

Kim, Calie, Me, Dyona and Matty


Did you know that there are hundreds of handmade signs and pictures posted along the route for us to see?? Some are drawings by children in crayon, some are fancy with glitter, but they all are works of art :) It is so special to see a sign with your name on it with some encouraging words! My friend Angie made a sign for me and another Walker, Lori. It was a great surprise after seeing all these other signs, and then to see one that had OUR names on it!

2008


All this info and more can be found in the Spectator Info. The info here is for Seattle, but the info for all the other 3day cities can be found there as well. Here is the direct link, or read on below...


Before the Event

Getting ready for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ is a big job. Here are some ways to support your participant before the big day arrives.

Write a letter expressing your love and support to your walker, which we’ll deliver to him/her on the event. Send letters to:

3-Day for the Cure
ATTN: INSERT NAME OF PARTICIPANT
P.O. Box 31609
Seattle, WA 98103

Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than September 14 in order to ensure delivery at the Komen 3-Day for the Cure Camp Post Office. Please note: This address is not the actual location of camp, but a PO Box for mail delivery only. Any mail that is not received by the 3-Day for the Cure by the date above or retrieved by the participant by October 10 will be destroyed.

Organize a group to host your very own private cheering station. (Contact smooney@event360.com for more information.)

Organize a group of Camp Angels to assist participants with setting up and striking tents and unloading gear. (Contact dnelson@event360.com for more information.)

Help raise money. Ask your participant how you can get involved in her/his fundraising plan.

Join your participant on a training walk.


Opening Ceremony

The Komen 3-Day for the Cure begins early Friday morning with the Opening Ceremony. When you arrive, take a moment to write the names of the people in your life who have lost their lives to breast cancer on the white ribbons we will provide. Those ribbons will be used to create a special memorial flag that will be raised during the ceremony.

This celebration is not just for participants. Friends and family are highly encouraged to attend, though please note that seating will not be available, so if you are unable to stand for 30-60 minutes, you may want to bring a folding chair. Please allow extra travel time due to expected traffic congestion at the site.

After the Opening Ceremony is over, participants will begin walking the 60-mile route and start a journey of a lifetime. It will be even more special if you are there to help send them off with smiles and encouragement. We'll also have the Shop3Day.com™ store on site if you'd like to purchase a souvenir for yourself or your participant.



Friday, September 24

60 Acres Park
15200 NE 116th
Redmond, WA 98052

Schedule for the Day:4:00 a.m. - Crew members should arrive.5:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Walkers should arrive.6:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony begins with community stretching.

Directions:Please enter Sixty Acres Park off of NE 116th St. from Willows Road.


Cheering Stations

Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise - anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.


Friday, September 24

8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Red Robin    21215 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell, WA 98201
12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Silver Lake Shopping Center    112th St. SE and 19th Ave. SE, Everett, WA 98208


Saturday, September 25

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Jackson Elementary   3700 Federal Ave., Everett, WA 98201
11:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Fluke Corporation   9028 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98204


Sunday, September 26

10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Cal Anderson Park    1635 11th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122

On some portions of the route you may find some areas that are deemed “quiet zones” which will be indicated by signage on the route. Please assist us in respecting our neighborhoods and communities during this time.


Camp

Our campsite is meant to be a special place for your participants to relax, reflect and bond with the 3-Day for the Cure community. To help us maintain a safe, secure and organized campsite for your loved ones, we ask that you respect our “no visitors” policy. Also, if you wish to call your walker or crew member on their cell phone, please do not call after 9:00 p.m. “lights out,” when camp is a quiet zone.

While at Home

Capture the 3-Day for the Cure in the news: While walkers are taking steps to end breast cancer, save any media coverage of the 3-Day for the Cure. Aside from being a nice addition to your participant's 3-Day for the Cure memorabilia, it will show his/her impact on the community.

Engage the kids in the cause: Since holding down the fort may include taking care of the kids, you can make this time meaningful by connecting them with the breast cancer cause.
Have them create signs or decorations if they are able to go to a cheering station.

Have them create a welcome home banner.

Give them journals so they can write or draw what they’ve been doing for three days.

Have them plan a welcome home meal or put together a care package with goodies, movies, comfy slippers, etc.

Use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about community, helping others and making a difference in the world.


Closing Ceremony

After three days and 60 miles, participants will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremony. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremony site at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. We encourage you to carpool or take public transportation. Not only is it better for the planet, but it will help lessen traffic congestion for everyone.

All walkers and crew members should remain in the Participant Holding Area where they will receive a victory shirt, cheer on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrate one last time together before their dramatic victory walk. The Participant Holding Area is CLOSED to spectators. If you wish to meet with a participant before the Ceremony begins, please have them meet you at the Closing Ceremony site. All participants must return to the Holding Area no later than 4:00 p.m. in order to join the victory walk.

Don't forget to continue the spirit of kindness we'll be building on the 3-Day for the Cure throughout and beyond the Closing Ceremony!


Sunday, September 26

4:30 p.m.

Memorial Stadium at the Seattle Center
501 5th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103

Directions:
From I-5, take the Mercer Street/Seattle Center exit (exit 167). At the first traffic light, turn right onto Fairview. At the next light, turn left onto Broad Street. Turn right onto 5th Avenue. The main entrance to the stadium is located on 5th Avenue North. Visit http://www.seattlecenter.com/transportation/directions.asp for a list of alternate directions.

The Seattle Center offers thousands of parking spaces within a short distance of Memorial Stadium. Please visit this link for a list of parking locations in the area: http://www.seattlecenter.com/transportation/parking.asp. You can also find information about bus and monorail options there.


After the Event

Your participant has participated in two emotional celebrations, a challenging 60-mile journey and a life-changing experience in just three days. Now, it’s time to go back home. Here are some tips on how to help your walker make a smooth transition back to their daily routine.

Have a welcome home meal prepared and make it an evening of rest and relaxation.

Encourage your participant to share the 3-Day for the Cure experience.

If you can’t attend the Closing Ceremony, be sure to ask how much money was raised!

Unpack, clean and put away gear.

Share the newspaper articles or news footage that you’ve collected over the weekend.

The following day, give your participant a massage or schedule a day of pampering at a spa.

In the days to come, help your participant write thank you notes.

Print pictures and assemble a scrapbook.

Help your participant plan a reunion party to keep in touch with other walkers.

Get ready to do it all over again! Maybe you’ll be joining the 3-Day for the Cure in 2011!

Boxed card set

I found another cute tutorial the last few days!  Crafts by Beth had a boxed set that I used for inspiration, and the box tut can be found HERE. 

I added the clear cover by scoring and folding a piece of transparency to fit, slightly larger than the dimensions of the box.  It fits like a lid, just covering the top and sides.















I have no idea what brand of paper this is, I just had it in a box with a bunch of other miscellaneous papers.  I used a Close to my Heart set of stamps for the white flower and stem on the front, which were heat embossed as well.
I left these cards blank of sentiments, so they can be used for anything.





Supplies used:

paper, cardstock, embossing powder: misc
stamps: CTMH Treasures
ink: Papertrey Ink Fresh Snow
die: Papertrey Ink butterfly
other: flower centers for antennae and rhinestones from Michaels

More coffee cozies

I just love this fabric!  I got it in a pack of fat quarters at Joann's a long time ago, and the colors are just so cheery :)  The tut can be found HERE

Recycled fruit snack box

I saw this cool video project yesterday and had to make one!  It's from StampTV and is a decorated box made from Kleenex boxes, cereal boxes, etc,.  I decided to make mine a 2 compartment box, which I made from a large fruit snack box that was cut in half.  I modified the dimensions to fit my box, and instead of putting individual panels of the patterned paper on each side, I wrapped strips of it around the box instead..

Here is the video, which is in three parts, 1, 2, and 3.










...And here it is filled with some miscellaneous stuff I had sitting on my desk!

Post-It Notes

These little cuies are fun to make, and take no time at all ;)

This Post-It Note tutorial can be found here, and the pens are from Staples.












For these next ones, I used Neenah cardsock in Solar White, and stamped them with Memento inks.  Most of the stamps are PTI, Through the Trees, Up, Up and Away, Turning a New Leaf, All about You, Vintage Labels, Borders & Corners - Circles.  I randomly stamped the images all over the paper to make the pattern, then cut up the paper.

This tutorial can be found here.












These ones were done the same way, using the Believe stamp set from Verve and this stamp set from Stampendous.