Tuesday, August 25, 2009

More Magnificent Magnets




I am again making magnets from recycled 2" wood-like vinyl blinds. EASY! I have detailed how they are made here. These are covered with gold Ranger acrylic matte paint, no clear coat.

The graphics are from Carolee Jones' Gratefall Critters Collection.

Enjoy!

~Molly

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Fun Folded Fan Cards

These are very easy to create using coordinating papers and blank cards.

The fans are 2.5" x 8", accordion folded lengthwise at 1/4". I score my folds first with a quilling needle tool and ruler. Pinch and gather at the bottom and hold with a clip or clothespin. Turn over flat and glue underneath to hold the fan shape.

Make a punched flower or use another embellishment if you don't quill. The loose tendrils are strips of paper cut 1/16" wide. Wrap the strips loosely around a toothpick or small dowel and adjust the tension to your liking. Or you may want to or draw, paint or print a flourish.



I like to make matching embossed tags, use distressed ink or chalk and a craft thread through the eyelet.

I am thinking Christmas fan cards using some beautiful papers I bought too late last year :)

Have fun!
-Molly

Monday, August 10, 2009

Matchbook Note Pads w/ Puffy Flower Covers

Here we go, a blast from the past making matchbook note pads. I used a Me & My Big Ideas paper pad (Sunshine). I applied distress ink to the cover, especially on the white cut edges and folds, and I like to use slick/shiny brochure paper for my notes. Here are two variations:





I found the easy template at this
fabulous blog and here are instructions for the puffy paper flowers (go down to the middle of the post).

Enjoy!


-Molly

Sunday, August 2, 2009

CHA Summer 2009

It was so much fun seeing my designer, manufacturer and editorial friends again and sharing the experience of CHA in the summer. I made new friends and enjoyed every minute of being with thousands of people in the craft and hobby association. Here are a few of my favorite experiences over the past week in Orlando.
  • Favorite class - Tim Holtz's Distress the Holidays .. loved the music and gobs of products

  • Favorite giveaway - Tim Holtz's 12x12 paper, Christmas Past Collection by Graphic 45, WOW!

  • Favorite new product .. now on my wish list - Tim Holtz's Idea-ology Tiny Attacher, unbelievable!

  • Favorite tool I used .. now on my wish list - Tim Holtz's non-stick micro serrated scissors .. too cool!

  • Favorite person and booth I visited - Diane Newman, Beacon Adhesive .. love their Liquid Laminate to coat my paper beads, appreciate Diane's continuing assistance

  • Favorite event - Designer Showcase .. enjoyed talking to everyone!

  • Favorite night event - dinner with Denise Clason and 12-14 other designers and friends
Tim Holtz is the most generous person in the CHA. As always, his class was amazing and the four extra giveaways and take-it, make-it project were a huge surprise. He is a genius when it comes to embellishing paper and coming up with new tools, nifty doodads (his mini-clips) and brilliant ideas. He genuinely loves what he does and it shows.






Tim Holtz







Have a crafty August!