A few giggles from Laughing Lola!

It is almost September!  Who woulda' thought that Summer would pass so quickly?  It isn't completely gone yet, right??  You would not be aware of that fact if all you had to go by were the isles in the craft stores and department stores right now.  I am feeling a little ADD, working on all the holidays while still experiencing the heat of Summer.  The life of an avid crafter!  We have to stay ahead of the rush!

The featured paper for my September workshop is "Laughing Lola".  I love this paper.  It is perfect for the "back to school" season and can be carried over into October.  The colors are vibrant and so fun!  I have a lot of wood in my arsenal and have incorporated using the papers with a cute wooden box and some wood tags that I love.  

Next up are a set of greeting cards that I created using the Laughing Lola chipboard Complements to embellish. I used the pink zip strip off of one of the 12" sheets of paper for the saying on the bottom of the card. (The zip strip is the strip that has all of the ordering info on one side and a design on the other). I actually used one 12" long zip strip for all three cards!  These were so fast and easy that I had to share.

Are you inspired to craft now?  I have so many friends that don't think they are "crafty" or talented enough to make projects such as these.  That is why I do this!  I love to teach how to get er' done by having everything cut out and ready to go for the workshop.  I guide as it is needed and at the end of  the "fun" they will have a complete set of cards and a big smile on their faces!  Did I mention we like to talk, eat, drink coffee and tea while we work?  Sometimes we throw a little popcorn into the mix.  It is just about having fun!

Thanks for taking time to stop by and check things out.  If you have any questions, please message me.  I would love to hear from you.

May the Blessings flow freely;

Happy Crafting!

Marilyn

Don't forget you have until the end of August to get this really fun Chocolate Lovers Stamp set for FREE with a $50.00 order!

Is it an Illusion? It is Rowlux® Illusion Film!

Hello Friends!  Hope you are having an awesome Summer!  It is going by fast, but the warm weather should stay with us for a while yet.  I love it!  Summer weather was the inspiration for the cards I created here as it makes me think of water and sunshine.  

Today I am featuring some cardmaking using a product new to the craft industry called Rowlux® Illusion Film.  It comes in a diverse range of spectacular eye-catching colors and patterns.  These durable, translucent, 12" x 12" polycarbonate sheets add instant pizzazz to craft projects, seasonal accents, jewelry, gifts and a plethora of other projects.  "Whatever the mind can conceive and perceive it can achieve!"  I didn't think that saying up, but I have practiced and believed it for many years!

For these projects I needed the following supplies:

* Rowlux®Illusion Film in 12"x 12" sheets:  Aqua Serpentine, Clear Serpentine, Gold Moire, Dark Blue Sea Glass  (Available at Amazon)

* Cricut Expression Machine (or other die-cut machine)

* Cricut Cuttlebug for embossing and small dots template (optional)

* Cricut Cartridge: Artiste by Close To My Heart (Celestial die-cuts)

* Cardstock:  Honey, Colonial White by Close To My Heart

* Embellishments:  Green & Blue Epoxy Bubbles by Close To My Heart

* Rubber stamp:  A Flowering Bunch SOM by Close To My Heart

* Ink:  Indian Corn Blue by Close To My Heart

* Paper Cutter

* Scissors

* Glue Gun and low melt glue sticks

Each notecard measures 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".  I embossed the card to give it a little more texture.

The card pictured above is basically the same as the first one shown with a little addition.  I cut a rectangle of clear Serpentine Rowlux®Illusion Film slightly smaller than the Aqua rectangle.  I cut a piece of off-white cardstock the same size as the clear film.  I stamped the image on the cardstock, then used low-melt glue along the side edges to adhere the two rectangles. I glued the stamped image to the front of the card as shown.  The message looks like it is under water!  Cool!

I loved the celestial look of the die-cut shape made from the Gold Moire Rowlux®Illusion Film.  I decided to pair it with the Dark Blue Sea Glass for a different effect.  I created the card below the same as the "Thank-you" card pictured above only changed up the position on the card.  When adhering the Rowlux®Illusion film to the paper; apply a small amount of glue along the outside edges or in a place it will be hidden.  (The hot glue will diminish the optical effects and will be visible due to the translucent nature of the material so use it sparingly!)
I applied a tiny dot of hot glue to the top point of the celestial piece and to the bottom point.  After adhering to the card; I applied an adhesive Epoxy Bubble to hide the glue.

Here is a closer view of the card. 

Below, I have included pictures of my first cardmaking attempts using the Rowlux® Illusion Film.  I was trying out my die-cutting machine with the film and wanted to see how it did.  It cut very nicely.  I used my regular blade and put it on maximum pressure.  The Cricut Artiste cartridge has mass quantities of die-cut shapes to work with but I chose some simple shapes.  Again, I used the embossing machine to see how the Illusion Film would emboss, and it worked like a charm!  I had fun experimenting with layering and created the cards and bookmarks pictured below.  Just die-cut shapes and my embossing machine!  Some pearl embellishments finished them up.  Hopefully these visuals will help you get started creating with this great new product!  The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy some more great ideas by clicking on the Designer Craft Connection Link and see what the other designers have come up with.

Happy Crafting!

Marilyn

Rowlux® Illusion Film

Creative Hearts Workshop - July 2013

Happy July!  

This is the month that we celebrate our nation's freedom and the big day will be here very shortly!  Sometimes we tend to take things for granted, and since it is on my mind, I just want to say how much I love and appreciate the brave men and women that make it possible for us to stay free.  I, for one, have lived a blessed life. Being a "Baby Boomer" I was born in a time of peace, but then came the Vietnam war, the assassination of President Kennedy and the turbulent 60's.  In spite of all that, there was always the underlying rock of respect for our elders and teachers, fear (love) of God, and a great work ethic..(you don't work, you don't eat).  It was a simpler time, and though not perfect, I have lots of good memories that can be calming as changing winds blow in this fast paced world we now live in.

So!  I am  stepping down from my soap box and I will get on with what I came on here to blog about today.  I hold a workshop once a month, each featuring a paper collection from Close To My Heart.  I love the fact that the collections are all picked out with matching embellishments and all I have to do is order and create!  The new catalog was just revealed at this year's convention and there are some exciting new things to be introduced by August. I will be sharing more about those later!  (Excited!)

Tommy papers are being featured in my July workshop.  I created a set of four cards that will fit nicely in a matching decoupaged wooden box.  The Tommy papers are a nautical theme, perfect for Summer.

The dimensional embellishments on the cards are fashioned by adhering the canvas stickers to cardstock then cutting each out, leaving a 1/8" border.  I used dimensional adhesive dots to give a 3-D effect.  So bright and cheery!

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I hope to see my usual bunch at the workshop! Thank you for stopping by.  If you ever have any questions, please feel free to message me.  I am happy to share!

HAVE A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Marilyn

"Hook it Up" with CraZy TACKz!

HAPPINESS IS HOMEMADE....

Hello, Friends!

Our theme for our Designer Craft Connection this month is "Happiness is Homemade".  I couldn't think of just one thing that is a happy thing because there are so many!  So, I decided to share a little about where my happiness begins, and some of the things that keep me happy!  I perused through my blog library of photos and came up with a collage of photos that aptly describe Homemade Happiness for me!

The picture below was taken about a year ago of me in my home studio.  Everything is pretty much the same, but my hair is a little darker.   I spend a lot of hours in this room and day or night you can probably find me in here!

See my clock on the wall ? Well, right next to it, to the left, I have been going to put a black and white striped semi-circular awning...above my computer area, to go with striped awnings over my high windows.  This was the intent when I painted my studio light pink....and I just haven't got it done yet!  When I do, I will be sure to post a picture and show it all off!  That will make me happy!

The kitty you see below is Buffy.  She is a fixture in my studio and was after my computer mouse when I took this picture!  Lol.  Being an indoor cat, she doesn't have a lot to keep her from getting bored, but she does like to lick plastic bags for some reason!  The only thing I can figure is that we had catnip in one when she was a kitten and she used to get into it!

Another thing that makes me happy this time of year are the passion flowers that grow in my yard.  They fill up with blooms that last for about three days each.  Then, they close up into a pod and dry up.  I discovered that if you open up the pod, something resembling a fairy pops up.  

This discovery inspired me to create some rubber stamps...and I have a couple of the images shown below.

Did I mention I like to draw too?  Makes me happy!  

Ok....I have a couple of more things that bring happiness into my world.....

I love to make dolls!  I don't get to make them from fabric much anymore, because I have other things that take my time. Below are a couple of larger sitting fairy dolls that I created a few years ago.  One of them is in someone else's home now, but the one on the left still keeps me company.

This mama duck and her brood was in our back yard one day.  How fun to get to watch them run around before she decided to take them back home across the street.  We have lots of geese and ducks living on the golf course across the street.  (Not a busy street, mind you...)

One day, I heard a swooshing noise outside of my studio window.  I looked out of the top window...and this is what I saw!  I took this picture through the glass, but it still came out pretty clear!  That was a happy moment!  I wonder who was in the basket.....

See this black kitty?  His name is Terror.  He belongs to my daughter and he likes to come visit me while I am working too.  He is a little more notorious about getting up in my stuff....but he is pretty cute, so I usually let him hang out for a while!

 Now the next picture is my little buddy, Tucker.  He lays claim to the family at large, but he is definitely my little sidekick!  He loves his mom, and I must admit,he is a sweet, fuzzy little dog and I love him too!  He has a couple of hang-outs in my studio.  His kennel, and the closet.  The latter is his favorite spot when I am home with him.

Here he is chillin' on a warm day after playing in the yard.

This is Kooky, the craft lady!  She would want me to thank you for stopping by and taking the time to let me share some of my Homemade Happiness with you!  Hopefully you will get some inspiration going through our Blog Hop today.  Just click on the blue DCC button to go forward or backward and check out some more Designer blogs! 

HAPPY DAY!

Marilyn

Angels....Verdigris, Rusty Metal and Marble....a cinch to create!

Hello, friends!

A few years back (quite a few in fact.....), I designed a craft book called "Rusty Tin Wood".  It featured painting techniques on wood that made it look like some of the rusty tin that was so popular at the time.  Recently, when coming up with a design for  a monthly Smoothfoam Blog that I contribute to, I thought of this painting technique and applied it to the lightweight foam I was working with.  These angels are reminiscent of something that would be made out of concrete block or solid metal.  I used craft supplies that I had on hand to embellish each project and you can make it very simple or elaborate, depending on your taste!

If you would like the instructions for these projects, you can go to the Smoothfoam Blog at
http://www.smoothfoam.com/blog/author/marilyngossett/
Take a look around while you are on the site.  Our design team has found some impressive ways to use Smoothfoam!  You will find a variety of inspiration!

Verdigris

Rusty Metal

Marble

Thank you for stopping by!  I always love to hear from you too!

HAPPY CRAFTING &

A somber salute to all of our fallen heroes

this Memorial Day, 2013!

Marilyn

HANDMADE WISHES!  

Springtime is here; Summer is soon to follow. Birthdays and 4th of July are special events deserving of a banner to shout out our best wishes for a great celebration! Below are two examples and inspirations for celebrating by giving a "shout out" with die-cut banners.

For the Birthday banner, I chose five shades of cardstock and layered the background with two; then mixed up the remaining three colors for the letters.  You can cut the letters as big as you like and then cut out the background papers accordingly.  I have noticed that many Cricut cartridges have a cupcake design and you can top the cupcake with a heart, cherry, berry, or mix it up with something to match the birthday theme.

For the 4th of July banner, I cut little strips of paper and glued one to the top edge of each letter.  Each strip was then folded into a loop over the cording and adhered to the back of the letter to secure.  The little paper hooks were included with the die-cut I used for the stars, but you can substitute ribbons for the paper hooks.

To hang up my banners, I use CraZy TACKz.  They are available at many craft stores and online at www.crazytackz.com. You can pin a die-cut behind the tackz, then use the hook to hang ribbons and balloons. The blue pack contains red, white and blue stars.  Perfect for the 4th of July celebrations!

Hope you are enjoying this time of year.  I have visions of picnics and outdoor parties dancing through my head!  Wishing for you some great times in the sunshine!

HAPPY CRAFTING,

MARILYN

Pop of Color to Celebrate Spring!

SMOOTHFOAM BIRDS FOR ALL SEASONS!

Do you have a wreath, table decor or a plant that needs a little color and livening up to welcome spring? Check out these cute little birds! They are easy to create using Smoothfoam balls and they’ll add that “pop” of color you’re looking for. A smaller version of this design in holiday colors would be perfect for Christmas decorating and tree ornaments – attach a painted clothespin to the bottom of the bird for clipping to a tree branch.

Supplies for 2 birds – one large, one small:

Two 2″ Smoothfoam balls
2-1/2″ Smoothfoam ball
1-1/2″ Smoothfoam ball
Any size Smoothfoam sheet
Acrylic crafts paint: Yellow, Black, White, Orange
3/4″ teardrop wood shape
Jute twine
Two black rhinestones
Yellow craft feathers
Toothpicks
Serrated craft knife and scissors
Glue gun and low melt glue sticks
Craft glue
Sand paper
Water and paper towels
Powder blush
Optional: 12″ wood dowel, silk flowers, greens and berries, glitter

1.  For each bird, cut the bottom portion off of the bird’s body (larger ball) and head (smaller ball) to allow for a flat surface on each. Lightly sand the foam edges to smooth.

2.  Cut a triangle shape from the Smoothfoam sheet using a serrated knife. Cut the point off one end to create a flat surface that will fit against the body. Turn onto one side and sllice this piece in two, reducing the thickness.

3. Poke a toothpick into the flat side of each foam ball and into the end of the tail piece. Paint both balls and the tail yellow, using toothpick as a holder. Place into the foam sheet and allow to dry.

4. Adhere the head and tail to the body with the toothpicks. Paint black wings on the sides of the body as shown. First outline each wing with a brush, then fill in the color.  Paint a black strip on the top of the head. Highlight each cheek with some powder blush and a white paint dot, then highlight each wing with a little float of white paint.

5. Paint the wood teardrop black and allow to dry. Gently push the pointed end into the spot where the beak will be placed to create an opening. Push the rounded portion of the teardrop into the opening and adhere with glue. Adhere the black rhinestones to the face for eyes.

6. Choose a couple of feathers for the tail and trim as needed. Poke a small hole in the top of one bird’s head with a toothpick and glue a piece of feather into the hole.

7. Wrap and glue jute twine around the bottom portion of the bird’s body.  For a simple nest design, leave plain. For a floral nest, cut pieces from a spray of silk flowers, berries, etc. and glue into the jute. A dowel or wire can be inserted into the flat side of the bird if you would like to display it in a plant.

Below is another design option with glitter that I love!

You can find Smoothfoam at your local Michael's Store!

Hope you are enjoying everything new that comes with Spring!

Happy Crafting!

Marilyn