Tour de Freaks ~ November

Time for another Tour de Freaks.  Remember, the tour officially starts on the 20th of each month, so stop by then in the morning to see it in full swing.

The theme for this month is altered art, stocking stuffers, gift and more.  Mostly 3D you see.

You probably just arrived from the fabulous blog of  Gretchen Barron

My first project is an altered wooden hanging plaque.  The base paper is from the Merry Moments designer series packet.  All other embellishments came from the Christmas Jingle Simple Scrappin pack.  Here's a suggestion if you try this yourself.  Use the beautiful papers in the Scrappin' pack instead of the Merry Moments.  I just happen to attach the paper before I thought of using the Scappin' kit.

I must have taken 30 photos of this and each came out blurry.  I finally opted to scan the plaque, which is the reason for the grey background color.

Here's a close-up of the details.  I used a gold zig pen to add color to the brown die cuts that came in the kit.  The center ornament you see here is actually the outside rim of where the green stripped ornament was held.  I adhered a peice of vanilla cardstock behind it after stamping the with a festive image (from the Pattern Pines set).  Additional gold dots with the Zig pen were added to the green stripes on the ornament and dots on the vanilla card stock and stamped image.

Here's the top of the plaque.  My large Bigz Scallop, Circle Cutter and Damask Texturz was used to create this embellishment.  Oh, and the Peace is from the Peace, Love, Joy and Cheer die.

Next up.  A plain white candle I picked up from a dollar store (the same place the plaque was purchased).  The candle had been sitting for a month (knowing I would eventually dress it up).  Who couldn't use a candle?

The paper once again is from the Christmas Jingle Scrappin' Kit.  The paper is adhered with sticky strip and the red paper going down the front  is a peel and stick border.  Quick and easy! 

The snowflakes are from the Patterned Pines set.  Emboss in gold on Vanilla card stock and stamp in Real Red on Vanilla card stock.  An additional stamped image and scallop punch finish it off nicely.

Here's a close-up.  The Joy once again is from the Peace, Love, Joy and Cheer die.

There you have it.   I hope these ideas help you to create some inspiring gifts and 3D items your self.

Next up on the hop is Connie Babbert.  I'm sure you can't wait to see what she has in store for you. 

Melanie

Maple leaf Roses

Gotta, gotta, GOTTA share this!  Surfing online at 4am I came across the most wonderful website.  House of Art.  An array of hand-made goodies simple enough for even the most inexperienced crafter to try.

Digging through the archives I found this beautiful Maple leaf Rose arrangement. 

Did you know that such a thing existed?  They're beautiful.  So, guess what I'm doing today? Yep, I'm going to try and make one of these beauties myself.   Not sure if I'm doing an entire bouquet; that may depend on how the first rose develops.  Even a single mapleleaf rose look lovely if displayed properly. 

If you're up to trying your hand at this, you can find a tutorial HERE.

Be sure to check out the current page of the site "House of Art".  There are some fun crafting projects you may be interested in trying.  Looking forward to getting the kids to school to so I can get started. 

Have a creative day!

Melanie

Matchbox Memories

Here's a fun Matchbox Keepsake box I created using the matchbox die cut from SU! You can get the free video tutorial for signing up for my NING account. PocketsofInspiration.NING.com

The box sports some lovely Zoo photos but you can create a box to suit your own needs. Think of replacing photos with friendship phrases or verses. Stuff the boxes with chocolates and share it with a friend.

Mixed Media sneak peek

A closer sneak peek of my upcoming online workshop: WAY Beyond Basics: Mixed Media and SU!.

This online workshop is designed to show you how to extend your rubberstamping supplies beyond cardmaking and scrapbooking.

Halloween Countdown Calendar

Who's a fan of Halloween, Halloween, Halloween? It is one of my FAVORITE Holidays.

I've been working on something extra special! While I'm dying to share with you, it'll have to wait until I finish writing up all the class details. Until then, enjoy this sneakity peekity: