Happy Autumn ~ Mini Maze Book Album

This is my favorite time of year!

I made this little maze book a while back for a gift. I designed the covers using graphics from one of my favorite artists, Carolee Jones. At the time, I was starting to make paper beads so I added a matching removable paper bead bookmark.
I watched this video to learn how to fold-cut-fold the twelve 3" x 3" maze pages from only one piece of scrapbook paper. Tricia Morris from Club Scrap makes the difficult-looking folds and cutting very easy.

Enjoy the season!
~Molly

Thursday Video Thingy

This work is truly amazing. Enjoy!

Denim Paper Cha-Cha Ring

I need to be doing something crafty with my hands while watching TV, sitting with my mother, in a waiting room, flying. Recently on a flight from Texas to CHA in Orlando, I sneaked on a needle tool in my carry-on and made some tiny denim bullet and barrel beads using 1/8" by 6" strips of denim paper.

This is my cha-cha ring. It is full but lightweight and matches a cha-cha bracelet I made to wear at the 2010 NAQGCON next year.

Have a crafty September!

-Molly

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!