sorry for the delay in posting...Christmas Wishes Winter Card

This is my winter card from me to each of you!  May 2011 be filled with joy, hope, peace and love.  Merry Christmas!!
Dreamweaver stencils were used with pearl paste and then blended with some purple pearl-ex.

Happy Creating in the new year!

Kristi

sorry for the delay in posting...Christmas Wishes Winter Card

Counting down to Christmas with a menu and coupons!

Hello Everyone,

Chances are you have a friend or co-worker still wondering what to get them? here’s a simple quick idea. Desktop or wall Calendar.

Desktop or wall Calendar 2011

Supplies:

• Graphic45 Debutante and Christmas past line
• Want2scrap rhinestones
• Rub n buff
• Glue Dots International
• Iridescent Medium
• Ranger distress ink
• Ribbon
• Pearl Ex
• Ek Success scallop punch
• Embellishments
• Calendar download

How to:

• Remove the glass from the frame and mix a bit of the iridescent medium with Pearl ex. With a brush cover the mat with your chosen color. I chose a light gold. Let dry 5 min.

• Use distress ink to edge the mat insert.

• Cut Graphic45 paper of choice by using the mat as your guide.

• Print calendar and reduce the size to fit the glass frame. Use distress ink on the printed calendar too. Adhere to the bottom of the paper right under the mat.

• Cut a strip of coordinating Graphic45 paper using the scallop punch. Distress the edge and adhere to the top of the calendar to cover the cut line.

• Cut a strip of ribbon and adhere to the top of the scallop strip.

• Replace glass top and insert into the frame.

Now for decorating the glass portion!

Follow Miss Tracy's directions to make a rosette from yesterday’s post .

• Add rhinestones from Want2srap to the center of the flowers on the glass.

• Add flourish rhinestones and add more rhinestones to create visual interest.

TIP:

I cut the flourish to fit the size I needed and added more rhinestones to match the rose centers.

• Adhere rosettes with Glue Dots. Adhere embellished tag from Graphic 45 Debutante collection then add buttons.

TIP:

I ran out of the medium sized buttons so instead I colored a white button with E79 to fit the color scheme I needed.

• I added another circle to the tag and rhinestones to complete the look.

• The frame was too shiny for me so I used Rub n Buff to add more of a patina.

Voila you are done!
Here is the final Calendar!

 

Happy Monday just 5 days away from Christmas are you ready?

Here’s a 4 day menu I plan on doing before Xmas..

MONDAY Stroganoff-Style Beef with Broccoli

TUESDAY Chicken Alfredo and Rice Casserole

WEDNESDAY Slow-Cooker Flemish Beef Stew

THURSDAY  Slow-Cooked Chicken with Sourdough-Mushroom Stuffing

Here are your coupons for the week

 

Term:  1 Yr 15 Issues

Cover Price: $47.43

Consumer pays a total of: $4.69

have a great day,

Maggie

PS be sure to visit tomorrow as I share another tutorial

Counting down to Christmas with a menu and coupons!

Christmas Gift ideas and crafts with kids!

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all the well wishes, I am feeling so much better and ready to get into crafting full on!

I have several Christmas gift ideas, I’ve shared on Passionately Artistic site, I hope you had a chance to visit.

Here’s a fun idea I shared on the Want2scrap blog, that you can do with kids very easily…

Chocolate Covered Spoons

If you have to create gifts for a large number of people such as teachers or church admin then this is a quick and easy gift idea you can make in less than 5 min.

Ready???

Supplies:

• Want2scrap candy cane die cut
• Wilton clear bags
• Clear Spoons
• Parchment paper
• Ribbon
• Bakers dark chocolate, white chocolate
• Cinnamon spice, marshmallow, sugar candy

How to:

• Melt the chocolate on a double boiler or melt at 20 sec increments in the microwave, stirring  after each time.
• On parchment paper, dip the spoon into the melted chocolate, making sure it is coated well. Let cool for 2 min and then sprinkle sugared candy or shaved white chocolate over the spoon. Let cool for 5 min and repeat the process until you have all spoons coated.
• Add the spoons to the clear bag and tie a ribbon around the bag. Adhere the candy cane diecut to the back with a sentiment and a little extra bling.

Voila you are done!

Isn’t that the cutest???  I could think of a ton of people to give these to.  What a great little gift idea!

Have a great day everyone,

See you tomorrow as I resume the weekly menus.

Maggie

Christmas Gift ideas and crafts with kids!

Another Wednesday! Fun with Jewelry

I decided to share a couple of my wire wrapped creations today. I love the top stone. It was also the one of the first pieces that I did a solid wrapped bail.

This is just a fun piece that I first added a bit of embossing paste to on the small rose stencil. If you like the look of wire wrapped jewelry then check out your local beading store. Most offer classes in wire wrapping and you will be amazed at how quickly you become addicted!

Check out my blog for other creative ideas and Dreamweaver Thursday Dream Schemes!

http://www.kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/

Happy Creating

Kristi

Another Wednesday! Fun with Jewelry

Scrapbook Page With Prima Flowers

This is a page I did for a challenge. This is an older photo of me and I just love it. I NEVER like photos of me! I started with some basic card stock and then layered! I added some paper ribbon and some real lace and fun Prima flowers. It is a fun and easy layout and hope you enjoy...below is a variation on the theme.
Hope you all are having a great and creative Holiday Season!

Kristi

http://kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/

Scrapbook Page With Prima Flowers

Want2scrap Blog Hop and a fun Tutorial!

Hi everyone,
I am finally doing much better, thank you so much for all the good wishes. We welcome all of you to our first blog hop with Want2scrap.com
Want2Scrap Scrapbook Manufacturer is proudly sponsoring the Passionately Artistic blog hop! Let me tell you, the line of rhinestone bling and embellishments they currently have is fabulous.  Seriously! If you just can't stop yourself from putting bling on anything that doesn't move, you need to go visit them.  Want to know the best part??  Their prices are really great too.
I’m so happy that you are hopping with us, and leaving fantastic comments for us, with a chance to win fantastic prizes and 2 GIFT CERTIFICATES worth $25.00 plus other goodies.


Here are just a few things to remember...

• Become a follower of  Passionately Artistic and Want2Scrap blogs if you are not already, leaving comments on both sites for all 12 days of Christmas posting for a chance to win.
• Leave as many comments as you wish, blog about it, tell your friends on twitter, facebook.
•                                     not one but 2 fantastic prizes.
• Leave a comment for each designer on the list to be eligible for the grand prize.  Did I mention that there will be two winners of the grand prize??  Yes that’s right.  One winner will be announced on the Passionately Artistic blog and the other winner will be announced on the Want2Scrap blog. On December 18th.
There will be random prizes to all those who stop at every inspiration blog listed on the hop as well as wonderful sponsor prizes too! 

Here are the list of the ladies participating in the blog hop.
http://Passionatelyartistic.com
http://want2scrapco.blogspot.com/
Michele  http://inspireyourcreativity.blogspot.com/
Sandee   http://simplysouthernsandee.blogspot.com
Maggie   http://MaggieLamarre.com
Terrie     http://terriebaileys.blogspot.com/
Tracy     http://thelittlebluehouseblog.blogspot.com/
Ellen       http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/
Melissa   http://www.instampingmode.com/
Mimi       http://mycharmingblog-scrappermimi.blogspot.com/
Dana       http://paperdaydream.blogspot.com/
Court      http://courtscrafts.blogspot.com/
Melissa   http://blog.melissasamuels.net/

Our tradition, is to wake up early like 2-3 am have breakfast, then share a cup of hot cocoa, yep in the middle of the heat in Florida we have hot chocolate :)

I want to share a simple tutorial on how to create a fantastic gift at a fraction of  the cost.
This Frame is sponsored by Marvy Uchida and Want2scrap.


When the frame is open, you can see the back side of the front.

Here is what you will need to recreate this project.

1. Cut  10 flowers from Home Accent  Cricut  Cartridge sizes 4.5, 4, 3.75,3.5,3.25.2.75,2.5,2.25
2. Ink all the edges.  Layer in ascending order to create the large flower, then fold the petals towards the center.
3. Add a clear button to the center, add Want2Scrap bling.  Repeat the same process for the smaller flower.
4. Add the Rhinestones under the petal to create a continuing line, I had to cut the Rhinestones to create the look I wanted which is what I luv about the Rhinestones the flexibility.
5. Cut 2 leaves freehand and place on each side.
6. Repeat the same process for the inside of the frame.

Supplies used:

1. Marvy Uchida frame, Want2scrap bling.
2. Cricut & Gypsy, Home Accent  Cricut  Cartridge.
3. Core’dination Paper, Coloorbok fluid chalk, Blumenthal lansing buttons

Voila you are done.
I appreciate you leaving a comment and following this blog
Have a fabulous day, don’t forget to visit the ladies to see their
If you would like to know about any of the steps, or if you have any questions let me know.  Be sure to leave a way for me to get back to you. Thank you so much!
Maggie

Want2scrap Blog Hop and a fun Tutorial!

Happy Thanksgiving...Dreamweaver Stencils

I know, I know...it is Thanksgiving tomorrow and here are some Christmas Cards! This is a sneak peek at some of my cards I am posting in the next few weeks of Christmas Cards in not the usual colors. I used Dreamweaver Stencils on both cards. I love the Glitter on the card above and love the pinks! I even inked color on the edges of the clear glitter. Always up or a challenge!

We were also challenged with using some glossy blue embossing paste. This stuff is AMAZING! I did this card in honor of my Grandma Parker who loved blue and silver at Christmas. I just added the silver glitter over the wet paste. Another item I am just really getting into are the long pins. One of my problems was, I hated the pointy exposed end and don't always like to tuck the pin under something. Simple solution...add a dot of glue, in this case WELDBOND to the pin tip and glitter. It goes with the theme and makes it a much safer card! LOL

Check out my blog tomorrow and all the creative minds on Dreamweaver Stencils Dream Team. All of the links to all the blogs are on my blog as well!

http://www.kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/

As for tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my artistic friends, my family and most of all My Lord And Savior Jesus Christ! Remember to count your blessing when you feel you have nothing to be thankful for...you will be amazed!

Happy Creating

Kristi

Happy Thanksgiving...Dreamweaver Stencils

I've been attacked by the flu

Ladies,
sorry I'm mia, I haven't been able to shake the flu for the past few weeks.
I'll return as soon as I get better.
In the meant time visit
Passionately Artistic.com
Thanks
Maggie

I've been attacked by the flu

Jewelry Boxes, Layers of Color, Prima Flowers and Bling

I love to make these fun jewelry boxes. I start out with a nice coat of paint and go from there. This particular box I used a great texture stencil from Layers of Color. I just found this company recently and LOVE it. Great stamps and wonderful design team.

So I painted the boxe then after it was dry I used the stencil in each corner and stippled on the ink using a large stipple brush. I let then used embossing powder to make the images pop a bit more. I was still not super happy with the look so used the overlay again and stippled again and off set it just a bit and used a different color of embossing powder. LOVE the out come so far.


Then I figured out that I did not have just the right bling for the box so headed to my local store, Scrapbook Generation, and got some bling and some Prima flowers. I got those attached and then poured on a very thin layer of epoxy by Envirotec!

This is a top view!

I also lined the inside with fabric!
This is a different style of box but still really fun! Instead of pouring a clear coat on top I used polyurethane to seal the box and it also helped to really adhere the bling!

I love how the little drawer pulls out and shows the lining. No latch on the lid is alson really nice on this design.
With Christmas just around the corner I thought maybe everyone could use a little inspiration for a great handmade gift. For the first box you could even sneak in a pack of handmade cards they can send! I love getting handmade gifts that are functional and not just sit around look pretty and get dusty.

Would love to have you visit my blog and become a follower! When I reach 100 followers I will have another prize drawing!

Happy Creating

Kristi

http://www.kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/

Jewelry Boxes, Layers of Color, Prima Flowers and Bling

Painting, Pears, Windows....oh my

I have been trying something new. I broke out my Claudine Hellmuth paints and Sticky Canvas and started to play. I have never painted so this is a new. I don't have a style or lessons or any clue as to what I was doing, just decided to do it! So this is my first painting.


I chose a pear as they are a happy fruit and have character. They also challenge the shading and change in color. I also did a mixture of color for the background.


I also did not want my pear just floating in space so grounded it on a simple "table top". I wanted the pear to pop out so I added the slight shadowing.


I like to mix color as it gives more interest. If I am coloring a stamped image or otherwise.

I did want to make sure and get some of the detail of the pear so added the speckles!

This is painting #2. Again, I love pears!

I wanted to add some other elements to this painting. so tried the look of a window and extra pears! I also wanted it to appear there was some texture on the wall. I love to blend several colors loading different colors on my brush at the same time.

They may not ever be looked upon as GREAT works of art, but at least I am trying something new and I am enjoying the new adventures!

Last, I am showing some closer shots of some of the areas!

I hope you have enjoyed my adventure into painting!

Don't forget to hop on over to my blog to see what I am up to! http://www.kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/

Kristi

Painting, Pears, Windows....oh my

Hello November Rive!

Hi Everyone,

did everyone had a good Halloween? I don’t celebrate Halloween, but I do give out candy lol.

I am very excited that it is November 1st, y’all know what that means. It’s almost Thanksgiving time.. My favorite Holiday, why??? My DH makes the most awesome smoke Turkey.

We start by brining it for 36 hours, then smoke for 8 hours using cedar and his secret recipe on the fire, for that slow smoke juicy turkey..

Before I start drooling everywhere, here are the winners of the Lunch giveaway, thank you everyone for entering.

 

 

I’m sad to say that mostly when I received comments is when I’m giving something away, I had hope to see my friends more often and engage in conversations.

I’m thankful for those of you that comes every week to see me :)

This month I’m starting a new series on Passionately Artistic here. I will be sharing ideas for recipes, timeline to take the hectic out.

Here’s a fun wreath idea for you..

 

 

Monday:

Balsamic Pork and Dumplings

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Monthly lunch outing w/dh. Visiting Macaroni n Grill :)

 

Wednesday

Moroccan Chicken Stew

Thursday

Mediterranean Pizza Skillet

 

Friday

Wednesday left over :)

Here’s this week coupons.

 

 

 

Have a fabulous week,

Maggie

PS don’t forget Happy Haunting Cartridge giveaway here

Hello November Rive!