Dog Plays Dead

Post by Anthony Ascending.

Simply Fabulous

Last year at convention I received the Simply Fabulous Simply Sent kit for free.  I love the design of the beautiful laser cut card but wanted to use it in a different way than suggested in the kit.  Today my thoughts and ideas finally came together and this is what I created.



I stamped the greeting “Fabulous is what you are” from the Million and One stamp set  (another convention freebie) diagonally across the centre of the card using Strawberry Slush ink.  Then I cut a custom sized card to attach the stamped piece to (14.8cm x 22.8cm, scored on the long side at 11.4cm).  I cut Pistachio Pudding card using the Little Leaves Sizzlet and attached the leaves to the upper left and lower right hand corners of the card.  I did trim the stem and actually cut it up a little so that I could place the leaves closer

together.  I stamped the flower from the Petite Petals stamp set onto Whisper White card using Strawberry Slush ink six times and punched them out with the matching Petite Petals Punch.  I gave the flowers a slightly cupped shape and attached them to the card front using Glue Dots.  I added large Basic Pearls to the centre of each flower.

To decorate the inside of the card I cut another set of leaves from Pistachio Pudding card using the Little Leaves Sizzlit and attached them to the lower left hand corner of Whisper White card.



I embossed a strip of Whisper White card using the Fancy Fan embossing folder and attached a narrow strip of Strawberry Slush card which has been punched on one long edge using the Scallop Trim Border Punch.  I attached this to the Whisper White card over the leaves and attached another flower created the same as the ones on the front of the card.

I am quite excited by how gorgeous this card looks.  The laser cut cards in this Simply Sent kit are really lovely and make a gorgeous addition to the card front.  In fact I was so happy that I created another three cards using different colours, Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana and Crisp Cantaloup.  I still have four of these laser cut cards and all the embellishments and envelopes left in the kit waiting for me to “play” another day.







Kris's Blog

Hive Card and Fancy Tag For A Gift - by Sandy Hancock

Hexagon Hive-a total case (copy and share everything)

I found this yesterday on Jennifer Timko's blog and just loved it!

Of course, I didn't have the sets! But my friend, Roberta, did!  So there you go:):)

For the first card I used dimensional sunder the Hexagon Hive.

Here is the hive flat without dimensionals.

Here is an upclose view.

Here is how you position the hive once it has been cut out.

Then you just snip away the parts of the hive that you do not want before you adhere it to the card front.

It is very important to add wax paper into the sandwich when you are cutting out the Hexagon Hive. My Big Shot needs two layers pf wax paper.  Some other people only need one layer.

• Notes:  Here are my layers for my "sandwich"  on top of the magnetic platform:  1. The standard cutting plate 2. the Hexagon Hive with the blade UP,  3.  two layers of wax paper, 4.  the card stock, and  5.  the second standard cutting plate
• Cut out a seocnd Hexagon Hive out of Crushed Curry card stock.
• Sponge the "hive"  and the sides of the Crushed Curry hexagons with Soft Suede.
• You can add the hive straight onto the card or you can raise it up with dimensionals. I did it both ways.  I like them both.
• Color in the bee with the Black and Crushed Curry markers.
• Add Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to the bee wings.

Supplies:

• Sets:  Backyard Basics  #129259 (c)  #129255 (w);  Six-Sided Sampler #130956 (c) #130953 (w) (for the greeting)
• Card Stock:  Naturals White #102316; Crushed Curry #131199;
• Ink:  Black StazOn #101406;
• Markers:  Crushed Curry (in the Regal's set) and Basic Black #100082;
• Big Shot:  Hexagon Hive #132965 Occasions Catalog; Backyard Basics Framelits #129380;
• Accessories:  2-Way Glue Pen #100425; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter #102023; Dimensionals #104430;

A Hexagon Hive Treat

I was having so much fun watching the closing ceremonies of the Olympics and talking with my good friend who came over to watch with me that I totally forgot about posting to my blog!:):)

Here is a varation of two projects that I have already done.

This would be a really fun treat to give or to receive!

It is very important to add wax paper into the sandwich when you are cutting out the Hexagon Hive. My Big Shot needs two layers of wax paper.  Some other people only need one layer.

• Notes:  Here are my layers for my "sandwich"  on top of the magnetic platform:1.  The standard cutting plate 2. the Hexagon Hive with the blade UP 3.  two layers of wax paper 4.  the card stock  5.  the second standard cutting plate
• Cut out a second Hexagon Hive out of Crushed Curry card stock.
• Sponge the "hive"  and the sides of the Crushed Curry hexagons with Soft Suede.
• You can add the hive straight onto the card or you can raise it up with dimensionals. I did it both ways.  I like them both.
• Color in the bee with the Black and Crushed Curry markers.
• Add Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to the bee wings.

Supplies:

• Sets:  Backyard Basics  #129259 (c)  #129255 (w);  Six-Sided Sampler #130956 (c) #130953 (w) (for the greeting)
• Card Stock:  Naturals White #102316; Crushed Curry #131199;
• Ink:  Black StazOn #101406;
• Markers:  Crushed Curry (in the Regal's set) and Basic Black #100082;
• Big Shot:  Hexagon Hive #132965 Occasions Catalog; Backyard Basics Framelits #129380;
• Accessories:  2-Way Glue Pen #100425; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter #102023; Dimensionals #104430;
• Punch:  Scallop Tag Topper Punch #133324;

Notes:

• Start with a 7"x 2" piece of Naturals White card stock. 
• Score the card stock a 3 1/4" and 3 3/4".
• Use the Scallop Tag Topper Punch on both ends of the treat.  The one you see below is one that I made for Valentines so I also added the Scallop Embossing Folder to each end.  But you don't need that for this project, as it is a tag, and not a treat holder.
• 
• Then just decorate the front of the treat just like you did the card that I showed you last week.
• Position the cut out Hexagon Hive over the front part of the bookmark and cut off what you don't need. I'll show you the picture again that I took when I was making the card.  So just do the same thing except on the front of this treat.  I got two treats out of one Hexagon Hive cut out.
• 

UdderlyAwesomeStamping - Sandy's Blog 

Flower Card by Sue Root

Here is this week's Techno Stamper Sketch Challenge sample:

I used some of the items that are on the Weekly Deals list.  If you want any of these items at 25% off, act fast because this is the last day of the sale.  If you order online, please use hostess code:  HEANKVVG  Or, let me know by 8:00pm tonight if you want to take part in a group order.

Tasteful Trim Bigz Die Item # 120893

Floral Frames Framelits Dies Item # 127012 

Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Item # 129378

 

Other items I used on this card:

Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper (DSP): Epic Day

Big Shot for all those sale items

Here's a side view of the flower.  See the depth?

 And here's a close-up view from a different angle.  See the texture?

 Wonder how I got that depth and texture?  I used my Simply Scored Stylus (you can also get it with the Simply Scored Board) and Stampin' Pierce Mat. 

 First, use your Paper Snips to cut between the petals on the Daffodil Delight layers so they are separated, but still attached at the center.  Press down with your stylus along the middle of each petal and then work out to the edges. The petals will start to curl up a little.  You can vary how much the petals curl by how hard you press and how many times.  I also did the centers of each layer.  Make sure to poke in a random manner so you don't end up with straight lines.

Here is this week's TSSC sketch that I used for inspiration.  This card is portrait, but I changed mine to a landscape orientation.  I felt that worked better with my design.


Sue Root's blog

Rio Scarf from Michael Sellick.  This crocheted scarf is made with the crocodile stitch and is perfect for those who love a little challenge.  You can change colors on your own or use a multicolored yarn.


Rio Scarf

Materials:

    Size J or 6.0 MM Crochet Hook
    4 Balls 3.5 oz or 100 g Bernat Mosaic

Yarn Vivid
    Substitute Option:  If you don't have access to Bernat Mosaic Yarn and don't wish to purchase it online, check your favorite store for Red Heart Unforgettable Yarn. It transitions in color just the same.  You will need 4 balls of Unforgettable if you are going to substitute.


Scarf measures 80" long x 7.5" wide.

Notes:

    You will be making this scarf in two different sections and then sewing them together. You will do this so that the Crocodile Stitch is going down on both sides of your body. The seam for the two coming together is at the back of your neck.
    
    Each section will get 2 yarn balls. Crochet with those until they are finished up. When finishing, ensure your last row is a scale stitch and not the back supporting section.
    
    If your ball has a knot and tie due to manufacturing, simply cut out the knot and crochet as normal. IF the knot has two different yarn colours tied together, ensure you crochet this on the back supporting section and not the scale. This way you can guarantee the entire scale going across is looking consistent in colour and not suddenly changing colour that is visibly noticeable on the scales.


Instructions:

CH 21
    
    DC 3rd stitch from the hook. *CH 2 and skip 2 stitches on the chain. DC twice into the next stitch. Repeat * for entire chain.

Turn (This causes the stitches to be in groups of two and is the foundation behind the scales for the entire project.

CH 3, DC 4 times down post of the first DC of previous row. CH 1, DC 5 times up the next post, *CH 1, Skip next two DC posts, DC 5 times down the next DC Post, CH 1, DC 5 times up the next DC Post.

Repeat * for the remainder.Turn (You will have 4 scales).


CH 1 and SL ST into the gap space between the 2 DC Posts below (this prevents the scale from being forced to collapse on itself). Ch 3, 1 DC into the space between the two DC Posts below. *CH 2, 2 DC into the next space between the two DC posts below.

Repeat * all the way across.

Turn.


 These scales will fall directly between the scales seen on the row below. CH 1, SK first 2 DC posts and immediately DC 5 times down next DC Post, CH 1, *DC 5 times up the next DC Post. CH 1, SKIP next two DC Posts and immediately DC 5 Times Down the next DC Post. CH1 Repeat * to the end.

Last stitch you will do a single crochet into the gap space between the final two DC Posts. (You will have only 3 scales across).

Repeat Step 4 - 6 for two yarn balls. Fasten off when both balls are used.

Side 2 will be identical to what you have done above. Complete an identical section. When finished, sew the two together by sewing them on the underside of the scales.

My example ended the scales with three scales on both sides, yours may vary depending on yarn length. You may want to ensure both sides of the scarves have the same scale counts to look consistent.

Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Rio-Scarf#BW4kmm2KyOtDgwKD



This colorful and festive Rio Scarf from Michael Sellick.  This crocheted scarf is made with the crocodile stitch and is perfect for those who love a little challenge.  You can change colors on your own or use a multicolored yarn.

rio scarf

Materials:

    Size J or 6.0 MM Crochet Hook
    4 Balls 3.5 oz or 100 g Bernat Mosaic Yarn Vivid
    Substitute Option:  If you don't have access to Bernat Mosaic Yarn and don't wish to purchase it online, check your favorite store for Red Heart Unforgettable Yarn. It transitions in color just the same.  You will need 4 balls of Unforgettable if you are going to substitute.

Scarf measures 80" long x 7.5" wide.


Notes:

    You will be making this scarf in two different sections and then sewing them together. You will do this so that the Crocodile Stitch is going down on both sides of your body. The seam for the two coming together is at the back of your neck.
    
    Each section will get 2 yarn balls. Crochet with those until they are finished up. When finishing, ensure your law row is a scale stitch and not the back supporting section.
    
    If your ball has a knot and tie due to manufacturing, simply cut out the knot and crochet as normal. IF the knot has two different yarn colours tied together, ensure you crochet this on the back supporting section and not the scale. This way you can guarantee the entire scale going across is looking consistent in colour and not suddenly changing colour that is visibly noticeable on the scales.



Instructions:

    CH 21
    
    DC 3rd stitch from the hook. *CH 2 and skip 2 stitches on the chain. DC twice into the next stitch. Repeat * for entire chain. Turn (This causes the stitches to be in groups of two and is the foundation behind the scales for the entire project.
    
    CH 3, DC 4 times down post of the first DC of previous row. CH 1, DC 5 times up the next post, *CH 1, Skip next two DC posts, DC 5 times down the next DC Post, CH 1, DC 5 times up the next DC Post. Repeat * for the remainder.Turn (You will have 4 scales).
    
    CH 1 and SL ST into the gap space between the 2 DC Posts below (this prevents the scale from being forced to collapse on itself). Ch 3, 1 DC into the space between the two DC Posts below. *CH 2, 2 DC into the next space between the two DC posts below. Repeat * all the way across. Turn.
    
    These scales will fall directly between the scales seen on the row below. CH 1, SK first 2 DC posts andimmediately DC 5 times down next DC Post, CH 1, *DC 5 times up the next DC Post. CH 1, SKIP next two DC Posts and immediately DC 5 Times Down the next DC Post. CH1 Repeat * to the end. Last stitch you will do a single crochet into the gap space between the final two DC Posts. (You will have only 3 scales across).
    
    Repeat Step 4 - 6 for two yarn balls. Fasten off when both balls are used.
    
    Side 2 will be identical to what you have done above. Complete an identical section. When finished, sew the two together by sewing them on the underside of the scales. My example ended the scales with three scales on both sides, yours may vary depending on yarn length. You may want to ensure both sides of the scarves have the same scale counts to look consistent.


Read more at  <a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Rio-Scarf#RHuV7Eso2YyEGcSD">here</a>

Read more at

Owl Punch Card

Pirate Owl Card

 Smoky 'Jack Sparrow'

            

It's all about the Punches -

Hand Held Punches Used -
Eyes: Circle Punches - 1- 3/8", 1", 1/2",
Patch - Small Oval
Wooden Leg - Word Window

Digital Punches Used -
Main Body and 'Shirt' - Owl Builder
Head Scarf - Circle and Heart combined
Hair - Tasteful Trim
Earring - Circle
Hand Hook - Part of the number 9 from 'Alphabet Soup' combined with the Oval Punch
Wings - Scallop Oval

Other SU Products -
Ink:  Smoky Slate 
Card Stock:  Smoky Slate, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Brushed Gold, Brushed Silver, Natural Compositions Specialty
Accessories:  Gold Sequin Trim, Polka Dot Parade DSP, Sponge Daubers, Basic Pearls

Bronwyn Eastley's Blog

Homemade Foot Soak - by Sosae

 Virtue Natural! We spend our days hand-crafting natural and organic skincare for our online shop at Etsy. The rest of the time we’re dreaming up new product recipes, having picnics along the Kern River, writing for the Virtue Natural blog, playing guitar and knitting the night away! (I do the knitting…)When I was invited to do a guest-post here, I just about swooned! It’s a real honor – thank you Mariel and Jessica! So, anyone want to learn to make some soothing foot soak? Let’s get to it!
My goal when designing this recipe, was to limit the ingredients to what we could find in an average supermarket. It’s just amazing how many lovely homemade skincare items we can put together with a simple supermarket shopping list!

Let’s get started. 


Here’s what you will need to make your handmade foot soak:

- 1 cup sea salt (a great alternative would be Kosher salt)
- 1 cup Epsom salt (usually found in the personal care/pharmacy aisle)
- 2 Tbsp peppermint tea (Be careful not to confuse this with “peppermint flavored” tea: the tea should be 100% peppermint leaves. Tip: if you can’t find it in bulk, buy a box of tea-bags, cut them open and measure!)
- 4 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 3 tsp pure lemon extract
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- measuring cups and spoons
- mixing bowl and spoon

 

To begin, combine the sea salt and Epsom salt in your mixing bowl.

When the two salts are completely blended, add olive oil, peppermint extract and lemon extract. Stir each time you add an ingredient, making sure to break apart any large chunks of salt with your spoon. Once these liquid ingredients have been fully incorporated, your salt mixture will look like moist sand (and it will smell pretty good too!)

Now it’s time to add the cornstarch and baking soda. Again, blend thoroughly, breaking apart any large clumps of baking soda or salt.Almost done! Now add the final ingredient – the peppermint leaves. (I add this last, because I’ve found that adding them early in the process causes the leaves to bruise and give off their green color to the salt.) Stir the leaves in until they are fully blended with the salt mixture. Go ahead and take a deep breath while you’re at it – it should have a very refreshing scent!

 

At this point, if you’re planning on keeping the foot soak for yourself, store it in an air-tight container so it stays fresh. If the container is not air-tight, the beautiful aroma of the extracts and the peppermint leaves will fade. (The soak will still be useful, just not as charming!)
If you’re planning on giving it away as a gift, try spooning it into an ordinary Mason jar. Be creative. Ribbons, tags, whatever you want to add to give the soak a loving, handmade touch.
And how to go about soothing those tired tootsies? Fill a small basin with warm water and stir in ¼ to ½ cup of foot soak. Stir it to dissolve the salts, and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Ahhhh…
So what are some of the benefits of this handmade foot soak, you ask? In my opinion, the best part is that it’s all-natural! No chemical fragrances or artificial colors and preservatives (remember ladies, whatever you put ON your skin absorbs INTO your skin!) Secondly, it’s very effecting at relaxing sore muscles (thanks in part to the magnesium-rich Epsom salts.) It’s also refreshing (peppermint tea!) and softening (olive oil!) and aromatic. Being the all-natural skincare fanatic that I am, I’ve found this recipe to be a real winner, and I hope you do too!

~ Sosae
http://oneshetwoshe.com/2010/04/handmade-foot-soak-how-to-she-sosae.html

DIY Foil Flowers Wall Art

Foil Flowers Wall Decor

I finally decided how I would hide the clips I used for the ornament wall tree I made for Christmas. I previously had a very large picture hanging there but I don't think it would have covered all the clips.  The command clips are easy to remove but I don't want to go through using a level to hang them again next Christmas.  Besides, I wanted a change for that area.  Something new and different. 

 I remember seeing a video by Aileen's (tacky glue) daughter, Eco Heidi, on how to make pretty wall art (butterflies) that has the look of metal.  It was a simple technique that transformed kitchen aluminum foil into the look of burnished metal.  I liked the idea, but wanted something bold and colorful.  Like a wall of flowers.  I decided to cut out different sizes of flowers from foam board and add an embossing effect with jute rope to emphasize the petals. Then cover and glue the shape with foil and paint them different hues of purple, including the 2014 color of the year, radiant orchid or something like it.

Here's a picture tutorial on how I did it:

Using foam board, Styrofoam, foam, tops and cardboard circles for the flower centers, jute rope, hot glue, Aileen's tacky glue,  heavy duty aluminum foil, exacto knife, foam brushes, scissors, acrylic paints and liquid gloss varnish.

1. & 2.   I made my own flower patterns using round objects such as plates, tops and plastic cups on the foam board and cutting them out using an exacto knife.  I realized that the first flower I made looked rather strange or wonky with just four petals and a hole in the middle. I made sure the rest had five or six petals and no holes.

3.   I glued the bottom of a top to the center for this flower.  I liked the look of using Styrofoam balls cut in half and slightly flattened best. For one, I glued on small bead balls to the Styrofoam for added texture. 

4.   The jute rope was cut into strips and hot glued on.

5.   It's best to make as many flowers at one time since this project can be very time consuming, depending on how many flowers you want to have.

6. & 7. Tacky glue was used to keep the foil on and smoothed out first by hand, and then with a plastic spoon.

8.  Excess foil was trimmed away.

9.  The remaining foil was glued to the back and smoothed down, too.

10.  The facing foil was smoothed down again, especially around the edges with the back of a plastic spoon and allowed to dry.

11.  The flowers were painted with different types of acrylic paints I had on hand.  Coverage was better with the metallic  and some of the cheaper brands, believe it or not.  And in some areas, the foil peeked through, adding to the texture.  I learned to be careful handling the flowers after the paint dried. Adhesion was not that great on foil.

I painted on a liquid glossy varnish to add sheen and protection to the paint and finish. It was too cold outside to do any spray painting with a primer or sealer.

12.  I randomly placed the finished flowers on the wall.  Adding more as they were made or needed.


For this project I used five sheets of foam board from the dollar store and I had most of the paint on hand.  I think it cost less than ten dollars to make the flower wall décor. I worked off and on for about three weeks, starting just after the holidays and between vacation and getting sick.  

 I hung the light weight flowers using the same clips and adding a few more in different spots.



Art work can be so expensive and it's difficult finding exactly what you want.

Getting creative is always the best way to go!

I love, love, love the look and feel this gives the room!

With pops of my favorite colors added to a stark white wall . . .

. . and especially complimenting the area rugs that are in place.

There's lots of light coming in from the windows and sliding door that adds to the awesome atmosphere this wall décor has created!



View original DIY

Drum Punch Art

I used the large oval, extra-large oval, and the 1" square (drumsticks) punches.  The drum was textured using the Chevron embossing folder and I finished it off with Basic Rhinestones around the rim, and Daffodil Delight Candy dots for the drumstick ends.  My card base is Whisper White with layers of Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, and Silver Foil sheet piece.  The sentiment is from the Perfectly Penned stamp set. This card uses all current Stampin'Up! product.

Street Drummer - from Facebook

http://www.reshareable.tv/best-street-drummer-ever-this-guy-deserves-to-be-playing-in-a-band.html

Canadian Commercial About The Olympics Being Held In Russia

http://www.upworthy.com/canada-makes-a-great-point-about-the-olympics-in-thirty-seconds?c=ufb1
 

GREAT GLOBAL AMBASSADOR  - DANCING IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL!!!

Sound on, sit back and enjoy this is such a feel good video.

There ARE happy people out there. Not everyone is fighting and killing.

One of the best videos you might ever be privileged to view.

It will make you smile. And, everyone can use a smile once in awhile.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pwe-pA6TaZk?rel=0

This Christian video comes from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts blog page



http://www.dawnsstampingthoughts.net/dawns-leg-accident-1-31-2013/

Stairway To Heaven - by Nancy Wilson (of Heart fame)

http://www.lifebuzz.co/stairway-to-heaven/

You Know Your “Stairway To Heaven” Cover Is So Good When It Makes Jimmy Page And Robert Plant Cry.

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Watch Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart perform this amazing classic, this gave me such a rush. This is an emotional moment as well, because the son of their dear friend and drummer John Bonham is playing the drums. John passed away right after the height of Led Zeppelin.

Credit: reddit.com

The full tribute includes Buddy Guy, Foo Fighters, and Lenny Kravitz. Everyone did a fantastic job.