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

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

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

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!

More Inchie Art

INCHIE ART

I posted a project in a Christmas in July chat party last week. I had no idea there was going to be a contest! YES I won, but I do believe I was the only one that posted a project :) Others offered ideas and recipes. I received a few suggestions for improvement and redid the card. 

Here it is! This is a 5" x 6.5" corrugated card. I used a gold leafing pen around the edges of the cardstocks. I scored a 1/4" border around the red piece and added the gold cord bow.

I embellished with a few glitter pens and a black glaze pen to write the word joy. A simple idea for Christmas cards. I'm not sending this one, it is not centered. But then, imperfection adds character so who knows? Thanks for looking!

Inchie Art

Want to have some big fun with something small?

I love creating miniatures and usually work with quilling or polymer clay. However, 1" x 1" squares of paper [inchies] can make fabulous pieces of art. I keep a photo folder on my computer of colorful, creative and amazingly small collages that give me instant inspiration.

I was going to list my favorites bookmark links, but if you Google inchies, inchie cards, inchie blogs (you get the idea) there are a ton of links to get you started. The techniques, possibilities and ideas are endless. Enjoy!

If you are already into inchie art, check out the neat supplies at Stampington & Company :o)

Have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday!
-Molly

[Photo: I participated in two inchie swaps recently, collecting inchies from over 48 crafters. I embellished the tag with a set of patriotic inchies that were a favorite.]

Father's Day Crafts & Recipes

Father's Day Recipes - Food Network
Better Homes & Garden - Father's Day Everything
Father's Day Gifts - Personal Creations
Father's Day Poems

Enjoy!
~Molly