Saturday, January 31, 2009

TUTORIAL: FAN-FOLDED HEARTS (WORLD OF WHIMM)

If football isn't your thing, you could wile away the hours (and hours) of pre-game, game and post-game chatter folding these heart shaped fans. Might be a good way to remind your heart throb that Super Bowl Sunday is only a day; the BIG day is in a couple of weeks.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start folding.

FREE DOWNLOADS: VALENTINE PAPERS AND DESIGNS (4 MY BABIE'S SCRAPS; MICHELLE)

Great background papers here, in addition to other items you can download. You have the option of purchasing accompanying kits...it's up to you.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and get ready to print!

ViIDEO: FOLDED TREAT POUCH (3-D DESIGN CHALLENGE; CARRIE AND PAMELA)

Although this challenge blog is no longer accepting entries, the previous entries are still available for viewing.

One thing you don't want to miss is the video for a folded treat pouch that you'll find here . This little cutie is made in a snap. and it's perfect for all kinds of occasions.  In origami, this pouch is often referrred to as a 'drinking cup.'  Handy fold to know how to do...

SUPER SITE: JILL'S CARD CREATIONS (JILL HILLIARD)

All sorts of super ideas here...one great creation after another. Click SUPER SITE (above) and plan to be impressed.

Friday, January 30, 2009

TUTORIAL: POST-IT NOTE HOLDER (CREATIVE CRAFTS AND STICKERS)

Talk about handy! This is one of those, 'Just what I always wanted!' Everyone can use one, including those people who have everything.

Click tutorial (above) and start creating...

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: MINI HEART BAG (KAISER CRAFT)

Cute as can be, and the perfect size for chocolate yummies. Crank up the printer, then click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above).

TUTORIAL: WALLET USING 2 SHEETS A4 PAPER (SPIRIT OF CREATIVITY; ANN WHITFIELD)

Here's a great gift for any occasion, none the least of which is the rapidly approaching Love Ya day. Jazz it up any old way you want, then fill it with anything from cold, hard cash to a gift card to love notes.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and do it!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

TUTORIAL: STRIP STAMPING (MICHELLE WOODERSON)

This technique is the perfect finishing touch, and it's especially good for valentines. Michelle's tut is excellent; each step is clearly explained. Don't overlook the link for the Valentine Inspiration Station...it's a terrific time-saver!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easily it's done.

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: VALENTINE TREAT POUCH (DANDELION DESIGNS)

These little cuties can be made lickity-split. Perfect handout-outs for kids...not too shabby for us oldies either!

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) and get to creating.

TUTORIAL: VINTAGE VALENTINE FRAME TRAY (VINTAGE INDIE; ELIZABETH HOLCOMBE FERORKO

This delightful tray will delight anyone who receives it...if you can bear to give it away! Fun to make, fun to give (or keep), fun to use.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start look for used frames.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

FREE DOWNLOADS: VALENTINE BACKGROUNDS (FAMILY FUN)

These three downloads from Family fun eliminate the hassle when your stash of valentine card stock is depleted, it's 11:00 PM, and you still have lovelies to create. Two ways to go with these downloads: print directly on card stock and fold on the dotted line)to form the card; print on text weight paper, cut along the dotted line, then adhere each of the pieces to the fronts of folded card stock (this will result in two cards from each print). Either way is easy peasy...and fast!

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and print away.

TUTORIAL: 2 PIECE NUGGET BAG (MINI PURSE): INKY IMAGES; KAREN HADEN

Another cute container for Valentine goodies...a heart or two on the front and a lovey note inside will do the job.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see it.

FYI: HOW TO USE MICROSOFT CLIP ART (STAMPIN WHEN I CAN; ALLISON)

Here's the nitty gritty for downloading, editing and printing images from Microsoft clip art. Can't imagine a better coach than Allison for leading us step by step through the process.

Click FYI (above); read, learn and enjoy!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

TUTORIAL: PAINTING NEWSPAPER ROSES RED (ZAKKA LIFE; JESSICA OKUI))

Speaking of recycling...check out these beauties. Not a bad way to impress the love of your life on valentine's day.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and dig into that stack of newspapers.

USE IT AGAIN, SAM! (ROBYNE)

Click USE IT AGAIN, SAM! (above) to see what recycling is all about...

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: VALENTINE POP-UP CARD (VINTAGE IMAGE CRAFT)

All the stuff you need to duplicate the card is here...step by step tutorial, heart template and a printable message. Bet you know by now that I'm a pop-up fan.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to get there.

Monday, January 26, 2009

FREE DOWNLOADS:CARDS, TAGS, INVITES, LETTER HEADS, ENVELOPES AND MORE (JERRY)

Stick this in your favs so when you need one of the downloads found here you'll be ready to go. Think you could say comprehensive applies here...

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see what I'm talking about.

TUTORIAL:VALENTINE ACCORDIAN CARD (NO TIME TO STAMP; SHARON JOHNSON)

This terrific valentine is a piece of cake to make thanks to Sharon's excellent tutorial and step-by-step pictures. Fun to make, and super fun to receive.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and get going...time's a fleeting!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

TUTORIAL: THE STAND-UP CARD (TIME FOR CRAFTING; SARA SANDBERG)

The flippy, floppy, flatten-on-the-table card is a thing of the past thanks to Sara. Good thing to know since you'll be handing out love cards hither and yon befoe too long.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how easy it is...

FREE DOWNLOADS: VICTORIAN VALENTINE CARDS (VINTAGE HOLIDAY CRAFTS;CARLA)

No excuses for not sending out a valentine or two...that over-worked whine, "I didn't have time to get any made!" just won't fly. The sweeties are on the left side of the page...

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above), pick your favorites and print away.

EYE CANDY: PRETTY PETALS (HEATHER)

Mercy, mercy, just wait til you see Heather's gorgeous creations. After you've explored the beauties here, visit her mom's blog (link is on the right side of the page). Last but not least is her blog roll. Gorgeous, beautiful and stunning apply.


Click EYE CANDY (above) to begin...

Saturday, January 24, 2009

VIDEO: SCRAPPING 101 (STAMP WITH HEATHER; HEATHER)

If you're thinking about getting into scrapping, these videos will be a huge help. Several tips and tricks are given, and a lot of questions are answered.

Click VIDEOS (above); scroll down to see the videos in sequence.

TUTORIAL: VALENTINE (MAYA ROAD; DEBORAH LIU)

Can't imagine anyone not be impressed when this sweetie is given to them...and if they're not impressed, take it back!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and start creating.

TUTORIAL: PUNCHED PAINT CHIP CARDS (GO MAKE SOMETHING; LISA VOLLRATH)

Flower punches are used in the tut samples, but punching a heart or two among the flowers would result in quick-as-a-wink valentines.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to learn how to make these speedies.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: CONCERTINA VALENTINE CARD (PAPER CRAFT JUNKIES; TRACEY GRUNDY)

This one will impress your sweetie...big time! The steps are clear as a bell, so you'll make this beauty in a snap.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to begin.

EYE CANDY: VALENTINE CARD (STAMPING NIKA;REIN)

I think this card is absolutely adorable. Click EYE CANDY (above) to see if you agree with me (bet you do!).

FYI: SIZE CHART FOR MARVY LAYERED PUNCHES

Click FYI, above, to see the size chart for layered punches.

A tip: print the two Marvy punch charts (this one and the Size Chart that was posted just before this one) on Grafix Computer Film (http://www.grafixarts.com/). The transparency will allow you to to quickly determine which size or shape punch is needed.

FYI: SIZE CHART FOR MARVY CLEVER LEVER PUNCHES

Click FYI (above) and print this handy-dandy chart to put an end to the guessing game...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

TUTORIAL: COLORING ON RUBBER (AND CLEAR) WITH COPICS (MARIANNE WALKER)

I think everyone agrees that Marianne Walker IS the Copic guru. For those who wondered how (or if) Copics should be used for this technique, a click on TUTORIAL (above) will provide the answers.

SUPER SITE: SHELLY HICKOX

Oh boy, wait til you see all the beauties here. Shelly provides us with one huge basket of eye candy...and it's all lucious.

Click SUPER SITE (above), sit back, look, learn and enjoy.

TUTORIAL: VALENTINE POP-UP CARD (JOLI PAQUET; TIFFANY)

This card is a precious reminder of the type of valentine that was popular years ago. Maybe it's time to return to this type of card...? On thing for sure, it's be a joy to receive.

Click TUTORIAL (above); you'll love what you see.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

TUTORIAL: ATC VALENTINE (PAPER IMAGERY DESIGNS; LINDA CAIN)

Beautiful says it all, and it's perfect for your perfect sweetie. Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how to make one.

CHALLENGE: TAG, YOU'RE IT (WEEKEND TAGGERS)

Tag lovers, here you go...just what you've always wanted. Now it's up to you to get some entries posted. No excuses!

Click CHALLENGE (above) to start the fun.

INAUGURATION DAY POP-UP

Not as good as being there, but it's better than nothing!

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: PICTURE-FRAME CARD (MARTHA STEWART; MELISSA NEUFELD)

Although some may find this tutorial difficult to follow, the template is a keeper and offers several options. A few tips that might help to make the tut easier to understand: transfer tape is double stick tape; as one commenter suggested, a Xyron could be used; chipboard, in a weight sturdy enough to support the card stock, can be substituted for Museum Board; print the template on the back of the card stock to eliminate tracing.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to get to the template.

Monday, January 19, 2009

TUTORIAL: WATERCOLORING WITH REINKERS (MY BLOG BY CAMMIE; CAROLYN KING)

I couldn't operate without reinkers; I grab those little bottles for all sorts of techniques. This tut shows you how to use them to obtain a watercolor affect...easy, and the results are terrific.

Grab a brush, click TUTORIAL (above) and get going!

ULTRA TEMPLATES: PAPER SCRAPZ (TANYA WEINER)

Templates to the max here. And to sweeten the pot, there's other stuff too. Tanya deserves a huge thank you for this terrific site.

Click ULTRA TEMPLATES (above) to see what I'm talking about.

ULTRA SUPER SITE: EVERYTHING CRICUT (GRACIE)

Like the gal said...if it's not here, it's not to be found. This blog contains an incredible amount of info for Cricut owners (and those thinking of becoming one). Shoot, after seeing what's possible with one of these gadgets, I'm giving thought to getting one!

Click ULTRA SUPER SITE (above) and be ready to learn and see all sorts of invaluable stuff.

In case you're wondering...I got an eCraft.  Love the no-mat feature, plus Provo Craft no longer allows the installation of either MTC or SCAL programs (eCraft does).

Sunday, January 18, 2009

TUTORIAL: STITCHED HEART CARD (KREINIK;ERICA FORTGENS)

Erica Fortgens' step by step instructions eliminate any confusion as to the hows and whys of stitching cards. Easy way to begin your stitching career!

Click TUTORIAL (above) and thread that needle...

JUST PLAIN FUN: PUZZLES (JIG ZONE)

Kind of bored and don't have the urge to be creative? This site will provide the jump you need. All sorts of options here, so look around a bit.

Click JUST PLAIN FUN (above) to get 'unbored.'

Saturday, January 17, 2009

TUTORIAL: VALENTINE CARD (CRAZY STAMPIN WOMEN; NANCY)

Woo! Wait til you see this beauty...you'll love it! Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how to make one.

CHALLENGE: PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE (TRACIE AND KATH)

Another challenge blog that's loaded with excellent creations. Click CHALLENGE (above) to see the rules and regs.

TUTORIAL: NOTE CARD FOLDER (CAPADIA DESIGNS;

Here's a neat gift (or keeper) that is easily and quickly made....and greatly appreciated. Fill it up with cards, and you'll be the Queen of Givers.

Click TUTORIAL (above) and create!

Friday, January 16, 2009

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES: 3D HEART ORNAMENT (CRAFT IDEAS)

Here's a cute deco to make for 'heart' day...plus this is a great use for those leftover scraps .

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATES (above) and get ready to decorate!

SUPER SITE: PAPERVILLE ; LAURI HAMDEN)

Lauri has all sorts of super creations that will inspire and delight. Her links aren't exactly chump change either.

Click SUPER SITE (above) to see it all...

TUTORIAL: LUNCH BAG FLOWERS (MARTHA STEWART)

How about making a few of these for Valentine's Day givies? Fun, easy and inexpensive...

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

FREE DOWNLOADS; VALENTINES (INSIDE A BLACK APPLE; EMILY MARTHA

These little dollies are beyond cute and precious...perfect for cards, perfect for layouts, perfect for magnets, perfect for necklaces...perfect, perfect, perfect.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to see and print.

ULTRA TEMPLATES: TEAS 2 DINE 4

Mega templates was another title I considered for this site...just wait til you see the stuff here. It's gonna take more than a couple of hours to see and read everything, so plan accordingly. Needless to say, this will be a valued item in your favs.

Plan to be impressed when you click ULTRA TEMPLATES (above).

ULTRA SUPER LINKS: VAMP STAMP NEWS

Next time insomnia hits, here's where you go to pass the time. Links, links and more links. Take a look at the other features Nancie has on the site. Better yet...subscribe to the magazine!

Click ULTRA SUPER LINKS to see them.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

SUPER SITE: PAPER CRAFTING IN COCOA; IRIS

I couldn't get over the number of close-ups Iris provides for each card, and how much I enjoyed (an appreciated) those pictures. I don't recall seeing this many close-ups of a creation on another blog. To say Iris has raised the bar is an understatement; I have an idea a lot of bloggers will be copying her format. Let's hope so!

Plan to be impressed when you click SUPER SITE (above).

TUTORIAL: DOODLING MADE EASY SERIES, #1 (PAPER CRAFT JUNKIES; TRACY GRUNDY)

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see the first in this series; click November 08 Archives and scroll to #2; the link for #3 is on the top right of the page in the POPULAR box. Great stuff here...a pad of paper and a pencil eliminates the boredom we endure when waiting.

FYI: PASTA MACHINE (MAUREEN CARLSON)

Not a bad idea knowing what you can expect from a handy-dandy pasta machines. And who better than Maureen Carlson to do the telling.

Click FYI (above) to get the facts.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

ULTRA TUTORIALS: BEST OF 2008 (WHIP UP)

More good stuff here than you can imagine...click ULTRA TUTORIALS (above) and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

Monday, January 12, 2009

VIDEO: WALLET (DANNIE GRAVES)

You'll notice this wallet is referred to as a, 'Father's Day Wallet.' It can be a Father's Day gift, or a gift for whatever occasion you wish. Change the label on the front as needed. You'll like this video...it's as good as a video could be.

Click VIDEO (above) to see it.

TUTORIAL: 3 x 5 POST-IT PAD COVER (PIECES OF ME; JEN YOUNG)

Great cover idea for those larger Post-It pads...easy and quick thanks to Jen's text and pictures.

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see and learn.

EYE CANDY: YEAR IN REVIEW; PART 1 (PICKLED PAPER DESIGNS; AMY SHEFFER)

Amy provides us with a slug of terrific creations in this Review series. The link to Part 2 is in the Blog Archive on the lower, right side of the page. You'll have a grand time going through the sweet assortments found in these reviews.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

VIDEOS: SLICE MACHINE (MAKING MEMORIES)

If Santa brought you a Slice for Christmas, and you need a tip or two or project ideas...click VIDEOS (above) to see the hows and whys and whats. If Santa DIDN'T bring you one, but you're curious about the gadget... the videos will provide the answers.

TUTORIAL: PASSWORD KEEPER (PROJECT REANIMATE; LYDIA)

How clever is this? Don't think I'll miss those brain-draining sessions I've gone through trying to remember which password fit each door. Love it!

Click TUTORIAL, above, to see how it's done.

VIDEO: MINI ORIGAMI BOOK (GREETING ARTS)

Just too cute...and thanks to the video, it's as simple as pie to fold. You'll be the most popular kid on the block when you hand these out.

Click VIDEO, above, to be impressed!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

SKETCHES: SKETCHES BY BUNNY-ZOE; NIKKI

Nikki has all sorts of sketches for you, and the displayed cards are cute as a bug (or bunny?). Lots to enjoy here.

Click SKETCHES (above) and get involved.

FREE FONTS: SCRAP N FONTS

There's a slug of free fonts here...in addition to several fonts and kits you purchase. You decide...free or pay!

Click FREE FONTS, above, to see all of them.

TUTORIAL: TYPING WORDS IN A CIRCLE (SCRAPBOOK,COM; SCRAPPY CHICK)

Neat thing to know how to do, and it only takes one or two practice sessions to become a pro. Click TUTORIAL, above, to learn how to do it.

Friday, January 9, 2009

TEMPLATE: PILLOW BOX (SKIP TO MY LOU; CINDY LOUH)

You can easily adjust the size of this template by clicking either the - or + button directly above the template. Remember: tracing the template is eliminated if you print on the back of the paper (plain or decorated) you've selected.

Click TEMPLATE (above) to see the template.

SKETCHES: GOT SKETCH (VALERIE SALMON)

Sketch Central here...layouts in all sizes, in addition to cards. Another bonus is the challenge held for each Sketch. Do it...the winner gets prizes!

Click SKETCHES (above) to see the rules and regs.

GOOD TO KNOW: PAPER FACTS (PAPER AND MORE)

All kinds of info here...plus a slug of templates. Nothing better than knowing the hows and whys of the stuff we use when we play.

Click GOOD TO KNOW (above) to get the facts.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

FREE DOWNLOADS: THE VINTAGE MOTH (ABIGAIL MOONEY)

Wait til you see what Abigail has in store for you...beauties to the max. Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to print and enjoy.

FREE DOWNLOADS: RED HATS CARDS AND NAME TAGS (SCRABPOOK SCRAPBOOK)

OK Red Hatters, here's cards and tags all set for you to print out and enjoy. You'll be the most popular 'hatter' at the meeting with these goodies. If you're not a 'hatter,' give a stack of the cards to a friend who is.

Click FREE DOWNLOADS (above) and enjoy...

VIDEO: PAPER POM POM (NATURAL MIND SET)

As the owner of more clothing patterns than I care to count, I think this is one bang-up idea. No patterns, no problem...go with wrapping tissue. Brayer different colored inks (or pat with ink pads) over the paper to add some pizazz, or use colored paper (non-fading tissue recommended). Not a bad idea to make a mobile with a variety of these to hang in front of a window that's often open...pretty good idea, as a matter of fact.

Click VIDEO (above) and start folding.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

TUTORIALS: ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS ( KATHY BARBRO)

Kiddos in the house either full or part time? Here's the place for ideas that provide entertainment that teaches. No surprise, some ideas also are good for the 'older' set.

Click TUTORIALS (above) to see what's offered here.

ULTRA TUTORIALS: CUT OUT AND KEEP

Got a few days with nothing planned? This site will keep you busy. More projects than you can think of; more topics than you can imagine. No more complainting about not knowing where to find a tutorial...

Click ULTRA TUTORIALS (above) to be impressed.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

CHALLENGE: CINEMA SATURDAY

Movie lovers, there's absolutely no excuse for your not being involved with this challenge. The facts and info included with each challenge adds another dimension to the fun, and are of interest even if you don't want to participate.

Click CHALLENGE (above) to get the nitty gritty.

SUPER SITE: INKBLOCKS (NANCY)

Great blog here; all the stuff we like in a blog, including tutorials and great stuff to download. Don't you just love Blogland?

COLOR: TEST YOUR COLOR IQ

Nice thing about this test is that you'll do just fine...click COLOR (above) to do it.

Monday, January 5, 2009

TUTORIAL: THE PERFECT BAG (JAN'S STAMPING CREATIONS; JAN FARRING)

If perfection is what you're after, here 'tis! Seriously, this little bag is about as perfect as a bag could be. Easy to make too!

Click TUTORIAL (above) to see how it's done.

GOOD TO KNOW: TRIA VS COPIC MARKERS (SKETCHBOOK; KRIS)

Kris' explanation of Tria markers, and how they differ from Copics, is valuable to anyone who has an interest in this type of marker. It's unbiased and comprehensive...good stuff. Thanks, Kris!

Click GOOD TO KNOW (above) for this info.

EYE CANDY: CINDY COULING

You know the routine...click the thumbnail to see the creation in all its glory. And glory it is. Cindy's creations are stunning. This page is only a portion of her creations; explore it all before you leave.


Click EYE CANDY (above) to be impressed.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE: SURPRISE WATERFALL CARD (TIME FOR CRAFTING; SARA SANDBERG)

New twist on an old technique...and Sara has all the steps so you won't have any problems recreating her design. Save time by printing directly on the card stock and eliminate that tracing business.

Click TUTORIAL/TEMPLATE (above) to get the scoop.

TUTORIALS: COLORING (PASTICHE)

Everything you ever wondered about coloring, but didn't know whom to ask...click TUTORIALS (above) to get the nitty gritty.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

TUTORIAL: POLYMER CLAY HEART (CF PROJECTS; STEAMPUNK HEART)

The free tutorial for the SteamPunk Heart is as good as a tutorial could be...it's exceptional. If you have any interest in creating with polymer clay, you couldn't begin with a better tutorial. Even those who are experienced polymer clayers will find this tutorial informative. There's more freebies at the bottom of the Home page, so check out the entire site.

Click TUTORIAL (above), then start claying!

Friday, January 2, 2009

RECYCLE: CHRISTMAS CARD CREATIONS (HALLMARK MAGAZINE)

You'll see a lot of stuff when you click RECYCLE (above)...but glance over it and go directly to the two videos. One uses Christmas cards to make Mini-gift Boxes; one uses Christmas cards to make One-snip Stars. Super way to put those cards to good use; super activity when watching TV.

TUTORIAL: FAUX TICKET CORNERS (YVONNE CAMPBELL)

'Using what you have,' would have been a good title here. Yvonne shows how to use a circle punch as a substitute for a ticket punch. Neat!

Click TUTORIAL (Above) to see how it's done.

SUPER SITE: LUVLEE STAMPER (LEE)

If you're a House Mouse lover, this is the place! For those who aren't into House Mouse, this is the place! Lee doesn't limit her goodies to the meeces and mouses, so there's lots to see here.

Click SUPER SITE (above) too see the eye candy.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

CHALLENGE: CARD MAKING WORLD

Now here's a challenge that might catch your eye...prizes each and every month! Not too shabby. Click CHALLENGE (above) to see the rules and regs. Then go for it!

EYE CANDY: THE TATTERED EDGE GALLERY

Beauties to the max here; one glorious creation after another.

Click EYE CANDY (above) for look-at pleasure on this New Year's day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR