The Answer Is Chocolate

BFF Open House Link Party #40 and BFF I Should Be Mopping The Floor !

2012-02-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

In some ways, like the time between parties, the weeks just go faster and faster. In others ( ie work ..smile) they draaag on.

Let’s focus on the positive and meet this week’s BFF Kristi from ( and I both love and need to do her blog name) “I Should Be Mopping The Floor”. The rest of it goes : “But instead I’m pulling out the glue gun”. Who can’t relate to that?

Kristi is a former event planner, part time graphic designer, full time wife, and mom to two boys. And she’s quite the creative genius. You may recall her re-purposed Keurig K Cup turned Valentine’s box I featured from last week’s party. Here are a few of her other awesome creations.

Love this painted and distressed coffee table that started out as a Cragslist find.

Got Mod Podge and aluminum foil? Cover a lamp base!

And you’ve got to see the incredible Toy Story themed birthday party she did:

Or the super Mario Cart racetrack cake she made for her older son’s birthday party. I want Kristi to throw me a party!

She’s got so much more including some great free printables, recipes, and hosts a weekly link party on Mondays called Mop It Up Mondays. I hope you’ll go visit!

Now, what’s everyone been up to this week? Please link to your specific post and no ads or shops please. Party On!

Field Trip: Shipwreck Beads

2012-02-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

While Mr. C may tease me about my craft stash and how excited I can get over a new product or technique, he is extremely supportive of my creative pursuits. He’s surprised me with trips to favorite places and understands when we travel that I’ll have a list of paper / bead / art supply stores wherever we go.

We had gorgeous weather last weekend and we decided to go for a drive. He asked “Do you want to go to your bead place” which is about 90 min away from us. “Bead place” sounds like it might be a nice little bead store right? WRONG! In this case, it refers to bead Disneyland, aka Shipwreck Beads, a HUGE bead supplied located in Lacey, WA. I think they do most of their business online but they have a ginormous retail warehouse. So you know my answer was YES PLEASE!

These pics don’t do the place justice.It’s located in a warehouse / office park and it's wall to wall beads, findings, packaging, etc. Gemstones, sterling, pewter, Czech fire polished, seed beads, wire, chain, tools, findings, you name it. If there’s something associated with beading or jewelry making they have it.

I’m always overwhelmed whenever I go there because every time I’ve been they’ve added more.

One thing I love is that whether you’re buying in bulk or for a specific project, they offer almost everything by the piece / strand to huge quantities.

They even have an area where those not shopping can sit and wait, as well as a café and espresso bar in case you’re there so long you need to refuel.

It’s very easy to become overwhelmed but you will not leave empty handed. Of course I didn't!

I stocked up on some things I’ll use all the time like jump rings, spacer beads, Jablonex and Preciosa crystals, and then a few things for a specific upcoming project. I’m good for a while!

Monster Birthday Card

2012-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

I don’t often get the chance anymore to make kids cards, so I had fun making this birthday card for my nephew.

I created the focal piece of the card using both My Memories Suite and Printshop Deluxe. I’m having a lot of fun with digital software.

Embellished this little guy’s spots with iridescent Stickles to make him more “scaley”.

Finished with a layered accent party hat and coordinating scrapbook stickers from K and Co.

$25 Giveaway from Sneakpeeq!

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I’m excited to share a fun giveaway with you all today! Have you heard of sneakpeeq? No? Well you have now!

Sneakpeeq is the largest and fastest growing social shopping company on Facebook. They have over 300,000 users to date and are rapidly growing, strategically partnering with 600+ brands in the fashion/home decor/gourmet food categories.

Each day you get recommendations of things to sneak a peeq at, you'll see the retail price, and then you get to peeq at a special price being offered. The items are only available for a short period of time and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

Here’s one of my peeqs that I might need to get for my son’s college roommate who has a little trouble getting up in the morning.

It’s an alarm clock that runs away so you have to get up to get it!

Dangerous for me is that they have tons of chocolate ! I mean LOTS of chocolate!

So here’s the fun part. The folks at sneakpeeq are offering one of my readers the chance to win a $25 gift card usable at their site.

In addition, everyone who signs up will receive 20% to new sneakpeeq users.

Here are the rules:

Enter the giveaway by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/xoX4VZ and joining sneakpeeq (Sneakpeeq’s rules)
You will get 20% off just for entering.
Only new sneakpeeq users can enter the giveaway
1 grand prize winner will receive the $25 gift card
Sneakpeeq giveaways are currently limited to the U.S.
Leave a comment on this post telling me that you've entered

The giveaway will be open for two weeks and will close on Tuesday February 21 with the winner announced on Wednesday February 22.

Have fun “peeqing” and good luck!

This is a sponsored post; all opinions are mine

BFF Open House Link Party #39 Wrap Up and Features!

2012-02-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend! There were once again some incredible ideas shared at Friday’s link party. I continue to be amazed at the creativity out there! Here are just a few highlights:

If you’re the owner of a Keurig coffee maker, save the boxes your K cups come in and make a cute storage container like Kristi from I Should Be Mopping The Floor ( me too) did for Valentine’s Day:

And wouldn’t this shabby chic dishtowel from Bev at Flamingo Toes look great hanging next to it , or could go inside it as a fun gift!

Since we’re getting close to Valentine’s Day, chocolate has to be involved right? You just have to be careful not to eat this fun chocolate play dough from Blue Skies Ahead which would be an alternative to sweets to give the kids:

You can definitely eat these gorgeous chocolate heart filled peanut butter cookies from Jenn at Rook No. 17:

You have to see the genius trick she used to create the heart imprint!

And be still my chocolate and peanut butter loving heart with these Peanut Butter Cup Brownies In A Jar from Tonia at The Gunny Sack:

Oh. My. YUM!

Finally, I adore this piece of altered art from Doreen at Altered Artworks, inspired by a famous line from the movie Jerry McGuire: You had me at hello.

Thanks to everyone who linked up and hope to see you all again on Friday! Make it a creative week!!

BFF Open House Link Party#39 and BFF Pitter and Glink!

2012-02-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

OK it’s February already! YIKES how did that happen? We’ve still got Valentine’s Day ahead of us (THE chocolate holiday of the year!) and I keep seeing the cutest ideas out there. Which brings me to this week’s BFF: Bethany from Pitter and Glink!

Bethany has got some adorable Valentine’s ideas on her blog, By day, she teaches literature to High School students, something I’m sure is as challenging as it is rewarding. Then she comes home to her wonderful hubs and fur baby and makes fun and beautiful things like these cute crochet thread pendants:

These go right along with the adorable heart shaped earrings she made from PAPER CLIPS!

Of course Bethany does more than just Valentine’s projects. I adore this curio shelf makeover she did…so

elegant!

And I love this side table she did over using sewing patterns:

Bethany has got great, detailed, tutorials and you can check these and more lovely projects out on her prokject gallery page. I hope you’ll go over and visit.

Now let’s see what everyone’s been up to this week. Please link up anything that’s been made by you. Papercrafts, cards, layouts, DIY, upcycle, re-purpose, home dec, sewing, jewelry, recipes you name it! Just no ads or shops please and won’t you go visit at least one other person? Party On!

Valentine's Treats for College Kids

2012-02-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

I used to love doing treats for class parties etc. when my son was in Elementary school.

Middle and High School provided fewer opportunities but surprisingly, College has brought them back!

I think it’s because he and a lot of his dorm group are away from home and it’s fun to receive things in the mail, but also now that they’re actually older, they don’t have to pretend like this stuff is just too “kiddie” for them.

I decided to go with a turquoise and red color combo. Still not totally traditional for Valentine’s Day and incorporates a current color combo trend.

The tags for the goodie bags were made from a printable I created using My Memories Suite digital software. I resized the image and then trimmed the corners into a tag shape.

I bought several different candies…Nerds, Smarties, Reeses Hearts, Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses etc. Oh darn...there may be extras!

I changed the printable size and used it on a card I made for my son, and also made him a special grab bag. I thought I had some bigger clear bags ( I can be a little OCD about everything coordinating!) but didn’t, so improvised with a brown paper lunch bag:

Embellised with misc. stickers from my stash and tied all of the bags with red and turquoise bakers twine ( Twinery).

Sharing the printable here :

Sharing At:

My Sunny (Yellow) Valentine

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular trends right now is the color combination of gray and yellow. I know neither of these colors is normally associated with Valentine’s Day but I decided, why shouldn’t they be?!

I have the DCWV Lemon Flower Stack ( LOVE this paper!) and chose a couple of complementary patterns to use on these cards. Cut panels from the black and gray sheets and then used scraps of one with the other, and finished off the panels with silver glittered ribbon.

For the focal point of the card, I used a G Studio $1 clear “LOVE” stamp (Michaels) and Fresh Ink pigment ink in mango. Layered that on a scrap of the DCWV paper, and then on a scrap of silver glitter paper.

I stamped the swirl heart (from Inkadinkado’s Hearts collection #97637) and cut out. Added a couple of hearts punched from more silver glitter scraps.

I love Stickles and the patterns on this paper gave me an excuse to dot iridescent Stickles everywhere!

By now, friends and family who receive cards from me understand they never know what they’re going to get. Sometimes very traditional colors; other times…..

Sharing At:

BFF Open House Link Party #38 Wrap Up and Features!

2012-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who linked up to Friday’s party. Hopefully my link issues are all resolved and thumbnails will be back at this Friday’s party. As always, so much creativity! Here are just a few highlights.

Katie, from Creatively Living, shared wall art combining one of the most popular design trends, chevron, with one of my favorite sayings “Carpe DIem” ( Seize the Day):

Carolyn from homework, shared how she freshened up some existing artwork in her home using nature as her guide. Crisp, fresh, beautiful!

You’ve got to see what Megan from Polish The Stars did in her son’s bedroom! My college aged comic geek ( self described) would love this!

Not only did she bring Gotham City, complete with Bat signal to her son’s room, she also brought Superman’s phone booth! Stay away comic villains!

And with Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching. you need to check out the ideas that Michele at The Scrap Shoppe shared:

Thanks again to everyone who linked up and hope to see you again on Friday. Have a creative week!

Valentine's Banner from Coffee Filters and Christmas Ornaments

2012-01-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

I finally got to sit down and play today! I had the general idea for this in my head but it was greatly helped along when Rachel from Holy Craft shared a tutorial on coffee filter flowers that made me really want to bring the idea for this banner (that’s now on our bedroom mirror) to life.

The banner is a combination of coffee filter flowers and paper mache heart shaped Christmas ornaments I picked up 50% off after Christmas.

I covered the heart with a gray paper from Echo Park. I had some great lace ribbon trim in my stash and hot glued that around the edge of each ornament.

Here’s a better shot of what the ribbon looks like.

I cut out the letters L O V E on CoCo, my Silhouette Cameo, and put one letter on each heart.

Then I made my flowers. 5 coffee filters per flower and following Rachel’s tutorial.

Thank you Dollar Tree. 160 coffee filters for $1!

I made 5 flowers so I had one for each end and to go between the letters. I strung the hearts on some silver tulle using the thread that was already attached and then clipped the flowers using clothespins, then strung the banner across the mirror. And while this might be Valentine’s themed, with the colors I used I can actually leave it up permanently.

Sharing At:

BFF Open House Link Party #38 The I Almost Forgot Edition!

2012-01-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

Well howdy. This week is a blur and I barely remember what day it is which is why I almost forgot to post the party! Needless to say, I didn't get around to doing a BFF Feature this week. Hopefully next week will bring neither crazy weather or crazy work stuff. I'm crazy enough without the help!

We had a fantastic turnout last week...the most ever 100 links! Thanks to everyone who linked up.

Let's see what everyone's been up to this week. I've done squat so I need to live vicariously through you. The rules are simple...if you made it, link it. Recipes, paper crafts, general crafts, jewelry, DIY, upcycle, recyle, you name it. Please link to your specific post and not your main blog page and if you can, please go and visit at least one other link.

Please Note: This week the links will be text only. I needed to update my InLinkz account so the thumbnails will show up and I posted the party before I did that.

More Valentine's in Gray and White

2012-01-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun playing with a gray and white color palette that I made some more Valentine’s Day cards using it. This time I used G Studio’s clear stamps…the kind you find at Michaels for $1, and ink by “Fresh Ink” in Provincial Gray.

I love this ink because it’s a pigment ink with a chalk like finish, but it’s kinda hard to see in a picture.

I stamped the image on white cardstock and punched with a circle punch and used two heart shaped brads to attach to a panel of silver cardstock.

I ran the same Core’dinations gray paper I used in my other cards through my Cuttlebug using a Tim Holtz texture folder, and layered that onto a gray damask panel. Accented w/ black and white baker’s twine.

Stamped the sentiment in white cardstock, trimmed then layered onto another piece of white, trimmed with decorative edge scissors.

Sharing At:

BFF Open House Link Party #37: Wrap Up And Features

2012-01-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I’m certainly hoping this week is calmer than last week. Part of last week’s craziness prevented me from being able to get out and visit party links like I try to do and maybe that’s a good thing because this week we had the MOST LINKS EVER.I was so excited to see that you all had linked up 100 projects!

Of course that makes it even tougher to choose features but here we go!

Jenny, from Days of Chalk and Chocolate, shared these adorable Valentine’s “love note” pillows:

I am always amazed and impressed at what creative people can recycle / upcycle / re-purpose. Jamie from Creative Imperative combined two things that you don’t think of as going together: a pool noodle and a sweater. Result? Valentine’s wreath!

Got milk? Specifically, got a milk jug? Make a beautiful banner like Kristina from REMADESIMPLE did :

You know I have a thing for printables and this one from Bev at Flamingo Toes is a must have for V-Day:

I have to include a chocolate feature and these Nutella Whoopie pies from Kristianne at My San Francisco Kitchen are calling my name!

And last but not least is this fab wreath from Christine and Co who brings non-traditional colors and materials together in this lovely Valentine’s wreath:

Thanks again to everyone who linked up and look forward to seeing you again this Friday. Have a creative week!

Pick Your Plum Giveway. We Have A Winner!

2012-01-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in getting this up since I said it would be posted yesterday. Snow and ice are melting, power's on and even stayed on through the windstorm we had last night. That was the cherry on top of the icing on the cake!

Let's start the day off celebrating shall we? Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway from Pick Your Plum for one of their fabulous "Plum Boxes". Thanks to random.org, we have a winner: Tonia from The Gunny Sack!

Congrats Tonia. I will notify Pick Your Plum so we can get you your Plum Box! Can't wait to see what you get and what you do with it.

BFF Open House Link Party #37 and BFF Chocolate, Chocolate, and More!

2012-01-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

It’s probably a good thing I thought ahead and scheduled this post because by the time you see this, we will be under snow and ice here in the PNW and may or may not have power. It’s SNOWMAGEDDON!

How could I not feature this week’s BFF? With a blog name like Chocolate, Chocolate and More I mean was it even a question?! Joan, from Chocolate, Chocolate and More, and I are in complete agreement about this:

I firmly believe that chocolate makes everything better.

Absolutely! Need proof? Look at these yummy treats. Who wouldn’t love a batch of these for Valentine’s Day? They'd make such a lovely gift.

Joan has a wonderful tutorial to show you how to make them here.

And I love the title of this post : “Chocolate Covered Everything” . Yes please!

Or wouldn’t this be the perfect Valentine’s dessert to make for your special someone? OK I guess you’d actually have to share it. Double Chocolate Fudge Tart.

Even Joan and I have to acknowledge that you can’t live by chocolate alone ( did I really just right that?) so be sure and check out some of her other mouth watering recipes. Right now she’s on a bread kick with some delish ideas.

I know everyone’s been busy with Valentine’s projects so I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to . I am slowly getting back into the creative swing and have seen lots of inspiring things to try!

Rules are simple. If you made it, link it. Recipes, crafts, mixed media, upcycle , recycle, DIY , made over, jewelry, cards, you name it. Please link to your specific post and not your main page and no ads or shops please. And it’s a party so go make some new BFFs and visit at least one other blog won’t you? Party On!

Valentine's In Gray and White

2012-01-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of years I’ve enjoyed making non-traditional color Valentine’s cards. I went through this phase with Christmas décor so I guess my muse just moved ahead on the calendar!

This year I am playing with a palette of gray and white with accents of black and silver. Maybe it has something to do with being covered in snow and ice right now!

I used white cardstock for the card and Core’dinations textured paper (Stormy Gray), dry embossed using Tim Holtz “Floral and Fancy Frames” texture fade embossing folders. The patterned strip on the bottom is Deja Views Sweet Romance Gray Damask.

The “LOVE” focal was computer generated using My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software, sized (2.5 x 3 ) and then mounted on black and glittered silver cardstock. Finished with hearts punched from more of the damask paper, black and white baker’s twine, a silver heart brad, adhesive rhinestones and pearls.

Sharing At:

Valentine's Postage Stamp Printable

2012-01-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

I just have not had time to make a lot lately but I did have time to make another Valentine’s themed printable ( even if I’ve done NOTHING about actually decorating yet).

I used my Memories Suite software to create this one and did a neutral and muted rose version, using a background paper called "New Orleans" that comes with the software.

Added the black and white version :)

Click to bring to full resolution. Right click to Save As.

Sharing At:

BFF Open House Link Party #36 Wrap Up and Features!

2012-01-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in getting features posted! Some days I can multi-task, other days not so much!
Another fun party with wonderful ideas. I’m way behind on Valentine’s Day décor so if you’re behind like me, here are some inspiring ideas to get you started.

Tonia over at The Gunny Sack has the cutest and I think the most original idea I’ve seen for giving out Valentines:

Go check out her tutorial ! I just love this idea!

If you sew or can convince someone you know who sews to make these for you, Bev from Flamingo Toes has an absolutely GORGEOUS pillowcase project for you:

Yes I’m punny, and yes I LOVE these!

Need a simple yet beautiful way to wrap Valentine’s gifts? With stuff you likely have on hand? Yes and Yes? See Randee over at her blog Randee’s Organized Chaos has just the thing for you. Wax. Paper!

And finally, while not specifically Valentine’s this amazing journal from Terry over at Cherished Treasures showcases creating a special place to keep track of all those movies you attend with your sweetie throughout the year:

Thanks as always to everyone who linked up and hope to see you all again this Friday!

Don’t forget, there’s a great giveaway from Pick Your Plum that’s up all week. Winner will be announced on Friday!

Happy Monday! Giveaway From Pick Your Plum!

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

I’m so excited to share this with you all today. Have you heard of Pick Your Plum? If you haven’t, you need to check them out! Pick Your Plum offers daily specials on various crafting supplies and items at a ridiculously discounted price.

I have been thrilled with the things I’ve ordered from them and they’ve arrived even faster than I expected. The thing is, when they’re gone, they’re GONE and things go fast so I would suggest signing up for their email newsletter and following them on Facebook and Twitter so you don’t miss out.

Some of their recent offerings have included:

Giant Paper Clips With Flat Pads for Embellishing

Adorable Assortment of Cupcake Liners

Still Bummed I Was Too Late for These!!

The wonderful folks at Pick Your Plum have generously offered me the chance to do a giveaway! One of you lucky people will get a "Plum Box" ( $25 worth of goodies!!) from Pick Your Plum! You get one entry for each of the following ( YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH!) and the giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only. Winner will be announced on Friday January 20.

Be or become a follower of The Answer Is Chocolate
Like Pick Your Plum on Facebook
Follow Pick Your Plum on Twitter
Blog / Tweet / Share giveaway

Easy peasy! Good luck!

My First Official Silhouette Cameo Project

2012-01-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

OK technically my second, but I didn’t think using it to decorate CoCo counted.

I love handmade paper. A little too much perhaps. I love it like some people love fabric and can’t resist the temptation of so many gorgeous patterns. I walk into places like Paper Source and just stand there drooling. They cut a wide path around me!

The thing is….I love to collect it and then freeze at the idea of cutting it up. Silly huh? But it’s sooooo pretty. I can't cut it up!!! I’m facing my fears and determined to use it this year!

Supplies:

Sheet of handmade paper . I fell in love with this grey / yellow / silver combo.
Last of the Goodwill $.99 frames from Pottery Barn from last year’s score. Like these so much I haven't even painted them.
Vinyl.

I’ve had fun downloading images from the Silhouette online store for CoCo. A girl needs choices right? I picked a fun tree and a bird image. I originally cut both in white but decided I wanted a contrast so cut the bird from grey vinyl. This machine is so easy to use it makes me feel like a lazy guilty crafter!

Cut the handmade paper to size, framed it, and applied the vinyl on top of the glass.

And since I dare not waste any of this gorgeous paper, I made a layered paper flower from the scraps:

Easy peasy and will be a nice addition to my powder room.

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BFF Open House Link Party #36 and BFF Creatively Living!

2012-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

Happy almost Friday all. It’s been a quiet week here at TAIC…had to have a little medical thing done so laying a little low and slow. Getting ready for college boy to head back to school and enjoying the last few days with our great young man.

This week I’d like to introduce you to another talented and creative person, Katie from her blog Creatively Living. Katie describes her blog as: Taking everything from thrift store finds, to dumpster dives and making them into a beautiful home.

Not only does she manage to do that for her own busy home ( she’s a military spouse and mom to 5 kids!) but shares her talents with others, like doing a room makeover for her sister. This week’s feature will be a little different since I’m going to share several projects from Katie’s room makeover. Let’s take a look:

When will you be over to my place Katie?

Another corner of this room showcases this fabulous chair re-do:

Here’s a closeup of the chair:

Isn’t it gorgeous?! Katie also made over the frames she used to create the gallery wall from those her sister already had, unifying them with color and adding mats.

I love the silhouette Katie did and framed, and that little catch all next to it? It’s a condiment holder! You can also see in the mirror the chadelier Katie made from two wall sconces she found at Goodwill.
You really need to pop over to Katie’s to see the whole room and SO much more!

Now, what have you been up to this week? If you made it, link it and no advertising or stores please. Otherwise…party on!

PS...mark you calendars for Monday January 16. I have a FUN treat coming :)

Why Yes, I Did Name My Cameo

2012-01-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

After entering every single Silhouette giveaway I could, I finally broke down and asked “Santa” for a Silhouette Cameo for Christmas. I know I totally didn’t need it but…..

Fortunately, Santa has a great elf in Mr. C and I screamed with delight when I opened my present.

I finally had a chance this week to take it out of the box and install the software ( super easy!) and then last night, dove right in and played with it and even CUT SOMETHING! Woo Hoo!

I also couldn’t resist naming her, so the first thing I had to cut was something for my new BFF. Meet “CoCo” …a play on the name of one of the world’s foremost designers (Chanel) and my chocolate infused blog.

I downloaded the damask swirl from the Silhouette online store and cut it and the letters from chocolate brown vinyl.

I am totally overwhelmed by the amount of designs you can cut with this wonderful tool and cannot wait to play and play and play, but the set up really was very straightforward.

I have TONS to learn but CoCo and I will learn together!

First Card of 2012!

2012-01-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

It’s been a slow creative start to the New Year although I have unboxed and installed my new Silhouette Cameo! Now I just need to learn how to use it! I have named her, and yes she is a her. Her name is CoCo.

Time and birthdays wait for no lazy crafter however, so I have had a couple of birthday cards to make. I thought I took pictures of both but oops. I did make them using the same papers: Basic Grey’s Little Black Dress collection.

The two patterned papers are the different sides of a double sided paper. The stars are punched from glittered cardstock scraps in my stash ( I am focused on using up my scraps this year) and the swirly thingys are leftovers from my sticker stash.

I have a slight problem with clear $1 stamps. JoAnn’s, Michaels, and my soon to be closed ( waaah) local store Paper Zone, all carry them and let’s just say I’m an equal opportunity $1 stamp collector. This one is from Inkadinkado. I stamped the image on a scrap of paper from the card I forgot to photograph, and accented with glitter glue. The frame is from a pack of K and Co die cuts.

BFF Open House Link Party#35 Wrap Up And Features: Giving Back Edition

2012-01-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who linked up to the first BFF Open House Link Party of 2012 and the 35th weekly BFF Open House here at The Answer Is Chocolate!

As always, some fantastic ideas were shared, but this week’s features all share a common theme. One thing I love about crafters, artists, and creative people is the willingness to share those talents for good causes. I always love “crafting for a cause” and will be looking for more opportunities to do so in 2012.

Mary, aka “Mrs. Redo” shared a project that still has me emotional because I know someone who’s been affected by the cause she and her family have crafted for: Domestic Violence.

You can visit her blog to learn more about “Operation Comfort Doll” , dolls made to give women in shelters escaping from Domestic Violence. Each doll comes with this note:

"I am a Comfort Doll. I was made especially for you
by a woman's heart and hands who cares.
When you need strength or just a smile,
hold me and feel the love I send.
Like me, you are unique, worthy, beautiful,
and deserve all good things in life.
You have the strength within yourself to be extraordinary.
Find the strength and shine!
Comfort Dolls - created with our hands -
given with our hearts."

Michelle over at Faith Trust and A Little Pixie Dust shared the way she chose to celebrate reaching 500 Followers on her blog. Michelle collected and donated coats for a local shelter providing temporary housing to families. Michelle did this in honor of her readers! OK trying not to cry here!

Those are some of the coats in the background, and that’s Michelle. How special is this?! As one of her readers, I feel so humbled by her thoughtfulness and generosity.

I know that in times of sadness, creating something has been healing for me. Karin, over at Art Is Beauty, recently had a dear friend of hers lose a brother to suicide. Turning this tragedy into something healing, the family started a suicide prevention awareness foundation in his name. Karin created this beautiful piece of art that will be part of an auction to raise money for this foundation:

These things just spoke to me as needing to be shared. Like our favorite Super Heroes, we can use our talents for good! I know these ladies have done just that and I am so honored they shared their generosity at my little link party.

Now where did I put my tights and cape?

Valentine's Day: Love Is All You Need Printables

2012-01-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

I haven’t done too much creatively in the New Year but one thing I have enjoyed doing is playing around with my digital scrapbooking software, My Memories Suite.

So , I thought I’d make and share some Valentine’s printables. Here are four colors to choose from. Click to bring to full res; right click to “Save As”.

Would love to see if you use these!

Mocha

Charcoal

Khaki

Ruby

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BFF Open House Link Party #35 and BFF The Messy Roost!

2012-01-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 35th BFF Open House Link Party and the first one of 2012!

I’m looking forward to another fun year seeing what everyone’s up to and being creatively inspired by you all. I had some much fun meeting new bloggers in 2011 and am looking forward to making many new “BFFs” in 2012.

To start the year off right, let me introduce you to the first Blog Feature Friday guest of 2012, Rhonda from The Messy Roost!

I love how she describes her blog so I’ll let her do it:

I believe people are born organized. I, however, was not. Please join me in my quest to turn my Messy Roost into a Tidy Coop.

Rhonda has shared some great projects at previous parties. Here are just a few of her creations. You can get a jump start on Christmas cookie gifts / exchanges by saving cans throughout the year and then dressing them up like Rhonda did:

I’d be thrilled just getting an empty can!

I love this Christmas tree idea she did and it’s all from hole punched holes! I could see doing this idea in other shapes and on cards etc.

Beyond Christmas, I just can’t get enough of topiaries and Rhonda has a wonderful tutorial for how she made these:

And I love how she did this coffee filter wreath and mounted it on a board:

I really don’t believe her roost is messy at all! I hope you’ll go by and visit and say hi to Rhonda!

Now, let’s see what everyone’s been up to in the new year. Just a few rules. Not too many! If you made it , link it. Please no advertising or promotions. And please link to your specific post page. That’s it. Well besides going and visiting other party goers but that goes w/out saying! Party On!

Restoration HW Inspired Mantle Clock Project

2012-01-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

I’m definitely going through a timepiece phase right now. Everywhere I look I see clocks and clock ideas. I am in absolute LOVE with the oversized railway station and vintage clocks at places like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. I’m not in love with the prices.

$995 and $1545 um NO!

Still I like the look so I got one of those ideas that you aren’t really sure how or where you’re going to end up?

Come with me on my little journey!

I started out with Elmer’s Foam Board and the lid to a cookie tin. Traced the cookie tin on the foam board, cut out a circle and them smooshed the circle inside the tin. You want a snug fit.

That little gouge doesn’t matter because I cut another circle from some textured cardstock which I glued on top.

The clock face is black vinyl cut using the Tim Holtz Weathered Clock die. I put that on top of the cardstock layer and then mixed up some Envirotex Lite resin which is super easy to use but you need to use it immediately. You can read more about Envirotex here.

Painted the back and sides of the lid with black acrylic paint and painted a furniture leg I picked up at my favorite architectural salvage place for $1. I added a silver bottlecap and wooden ball to the top.

Once the resin was set ( several hours…not patient!), I glued the “clock” onto the “stand”. I added the hands of the clock afterwards on top of the hardened resin for no particular reason. Just did.

It doesn’t tell time but I think it tells a story. I can look at it on my mantle and imagine I’m somewhere on a trip, waiting in an old railway station on my way to sight see. My imagi-cation is about as close as I’m going to get right now!

I also got to play with my new portable / collapsible light box that Mr. C got me for Christmas! I think it will be a so much fun I won't even miss not going anywhere :)

PS...if you are trying to win a Silhouette Cameo, peek over at my sidebar. Expressions Vinyl is giving one away!! GO . ENTER. NOW! Ends 1/25.

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Pottery Barn Inspired Prints Made Super Simple by The Graphics Fairy

2012-01-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

This was the laziest project ever but it’s because The Graphics Fairy makes things so darned easy!

I was flipping through my latest Pottery Barn catalog looking for things to knock off ( it’s what we do right?!) and came across this page:

Mr. C is crazy for time pieces and I’m going though a clock phase myself as you could see from my New Year’s Eve party hats. I decided to continue that theme into the New Year and when I saw this display in the PB Catalog, knew I could adapt it. These will go on my mantle but we haven’t put away all of our holiday stuff yet.

12x12 frame from Aaron Brothers Art and Frame which is a very dangerous place right now because they’re having their semi-annual $.01 sale. Buy one frame for regular price and get the second of equal or lesser value for a penny. It’s easy to go a little crazy.

I used Basic Grey’s “Little Black Dress” collection for the background paper, and printed out the clock from The Graphics Fairy.

The Graphics Fairy also has this wonderful graphic with times from all around the world that I’ve been wanting to use:

And since I had another frame that I’d bought for $.01…..

I have a couple of other clock projects in my head so I’ll post those (assuming they come out of my head and into reality the way I want them to!) soon.

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BFF Open House Link Party #34 Wrap Up and Features

2012-01-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2012! I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year’s. Ours was a quiet evening at home trying hard to stay awake until the countdown but we did it!

The last BFF Open House of 2011 was, as always, a fun one with lots of creativity shared. Here are just a few highlights:

New Year’s may be over but there’s always a need for creative party ideas. Homespun With Love shared these great New Year’s horns that could easily be adapted to birthday parties or other celebrations in 2012:

I’ve seen some great tea staining ideas but Lynette from Casa de Luna offers a new twist by tea staining lampshades for a fantastic chandy makeover.

This is the time of year where my thoughts ( THOUGHTS not always actions!) turn to organizing.

Donna at loopyloopcreations has a bright and simple idea that makes storage pretty and practical.

And finally, Katie from Creatively Living, shows how to take two wall sconces and turn them into one piece of fabulous:

You really have to see how this started out!

Thanks as always to everyone who linked up and look forward to seeing your creativity at this week’s BFF Open House.

PS The winner of the My Memories Suite digital software is :

Marilyn from The Artsy Girl Connection!

My Word For 2012: FOCUS

2011-12-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

Starting last year, I decided that rather than make a list of resolutions, I’d have a word that would be my theme for the year and I’d try to apply it to all the things I wanted to do.

For 2011 it was “DISCOVER" and I think it worked well. It was a year of lots of new things…son’s graduation from HS and starting college ( and discovering how to let go!) ; changing jobs ( discovering new skills); all kinds of blogging discoveries like new bloggy friends, ideas,technical how-tos etc. You get the idea.
I decided I’d stick with this idea for 2012 and pick a new word.

2012’s word for me is FOCUS:

This word just fit into all the things I keep thinking about for the year ahead. I want to FOCUS on me. Not in a selfish way, but in a healthy way. Taking better care of my physical and mental health. Ensuring that I’m in good shape so I can be there for those I love.

I made this printable to frame and hang outside my office door as a daily reminder.

I also want to FOCUS on things I want to do in blogging. Continue to grow but stay authentic. FOCUS on why I started blogging and have it be part of my creativity but not dictate my creativity. FOCUS on expanding realationships while maintaining the ones I already value and treasure.

You know I can't resist an opportunity to make a pun so I also want to FOCUS on taking better pictures. I'm excited to play with a portable light box I got for Christmas!!

FOCUS on the US in my relationship with hubs. We celebrated our 20th Anniversary this year and yet it seems like just yesterday that we got married. We’re still adjusting to this whole empty nest thing but as hard as it was to adjust to our son being gone for long chunks of time, we re-DISCOVERED what it’s like to be a couple again, just the two of us. In 2012 I want to FOCUS on that some more in 2012. Love you so much Mr. C.

I want to FOCUS on the things that are really important and not dwell on the things that aren't. That's something I know I need to work on...just a little OCD sometimes!

So you get the picture. This just clicked for me as a word that encompassed everything. Do you have a word that describes what you want from 2012?

BFF Open House Link Party #34: New Year's Eve Edition

2011-12-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

I'm late to my own party! Welcome to the "I can't believe it's the last BFF Open House of 2011" link party! I want to kick off the party by expressing my gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has chosen to be a regular part of The Answer Is Chocolate. Blogging has been such a wonderful experience for me in 2011, and it's because of the friendship, support, humor, creativity, generosity and talents of brilliant talented bloggers. You all enrich my life beyond measure and I can't wait to see what 2012 brings.

Now, let's see what everyone's been up to. I've seen some wonderful New Year's Eve ideas that even an NYE Grinch like me can love, and I'm starting to get excited about the clean look that usually comes to my house after the holidays ( not the putting away of the decorations part!). If you made it, link it and no advertising or shops please. And what better time to make a new friend than the start of a New Year so won't you go and visit at least one other person? Party On!

PS Don't forget I have a giveaway going for My Memories Suite digital SW...seriously it's FREE and it's fun program to play around with.

Even A New Year's Grinch Can Celebrate: Easy Party Hats

2011-12-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

We are not big New Year’s Eve party people. I joked with my mom that I’d celebrate on Australia time which means I could mark the New Year a day earlier and not even attempt to pretend (or pretend to attempt) I was going to stay up.

I don’t have anything against New Year’s Eve…I love thinking about the year past, the year ahead, goals, memories etc. Just have no desire to dress up in stuff I’ll wear once, and/or be out and around people who’ve had too much to drink.

So it’ll be another cozy night at home. But we’re not total Grinches! We’ll have a special dinner and of course there will be chocolate, and we’ll have a movie or On Demand TV series marathon. Living on the edge I know, but even homebodies can be festive! Especially with a trip to Dollar Tree, supplies on hand and the amazing Graphics Fairy!

I found the basic paper top hat at Dollar Tree…variety of colors but I liked the silver and gold. Except they only had two. Well they had three but one was smashed in. So I got blue for college boy since it goes with his school colors.

Remembered I’d downloaded a great antique clock graphic from The Graphics Fairy. Printed several on cardstock in various sizes and cut them out.

I have the Tim Holtz Weathered Clock die by Sizzix so I cut out several in silver and gold and used up scraps from my Christmas cards to punch glittered silver and gold foil stars.

I used 3 chenille stems for each hat, bending each one in half to make a loop and hot glued them to the hat. Then stuck the clock faces on, embellishing some w/ self adhesive rhinestones. Just kind of stuck stuff
wherever.

Not too bad for a $3 investment by a New Year’s Grinch right?

Don't forget, I also have a great giveaway of My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software going on through New Year's Eve!

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Capture Holiday Memories With A My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Giveaway

2011-12-27T09:58:00.000-08:00

Something I’ve been wanting to do is play more with digital scrapbooking. Even if you’re not a scrapbooker , there are so many things you can do with digital scrapbooking software. Printables, signs, buttons or graphics for your blog.

I was so excited when My Memories gave me the opportunity to try their digital scrapbooking software and have been having so much fun playing with it. Even better, they’re giving me the opportunity to let one of my readers download their own copy! More on that in a minute.

One of the first things I created was my dinner menu for Christmas.

I used one of the templates (Holiday Snows) that came with the software to make it. You can use as is or modify by deleting, moving, or re-sizing elements. This was a very basic project that I did in about 5 minutes.

I used pages from the album Holiday Simplicity in the post I did on the ginger bread cottage I made for Christmas. The designer albums allow you to use all or as few of the pages as you want and it’s super easy to drop pictures in.

In addition to all of the templates that come with the software, you can buy or download free templates from the My Memories website. They also offer some exclusive downloads on Facebook.

I also love that you can export your album or pages from your albums as JPEG files just like you would any other picture.

So now for the fun part! My Memories is offering one of you the chance to get your own copy of the My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking program, a $40 value.

To be eligible (leave a comment for each thing that applies)

Go to https://www.mymemories.com/store/category_search?search[category]=72 and tell me what you favorite digital album is
Be or become a follower of The Answer Is Chocolate via GFC
“Like” The Answer Is Chocolate on Facebook
Follow The Answer Is Chocolate on Twitter
Share this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter

The giveaway will be open through New Year’s Eve and the winner announced on New Year’s Day 2012. What better way to start the new year off than by making a memory!

If you don't want to wait to see if you win , or if you see this after the giveaway closes, you can always use my My Memories code and get $10 off your purchase of My Memories Suite PLUS a $10 credit to the My Memories online store. Just type in STMMMS58014.

*While I was provided a copy of the software to use, the opinions expressed are my own.

BFF Open House Link Party #33 Wrap Up and Features!

2011-12-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of Hanukkahs. It’s hard to believe that it’s the day after Christmas already! I'm off to a slow start and will see what goodies are left at the stores whenever I get there.

I didn’t get a chance to visit all the links like I usually try to do but wanted to share some ideas that caught my eye from last week’s BFF Open House.

While the holiday wrapping may be done with for another year, we all have birthdays, weddings, showers etc to wrap for throughout the year. I usually pick up non-traditional wrapping paper etc on sale after Christmas to use all year. Katie, from blahtobeautiful shared some very creative wrapping ideas using Duck tape and fabric scraps!

This time of year, thoughts always turn to how to be better organized. Keri, from Pressed Down Shaken Together shared a pretty and practical idea to do just that; a cigar box scrapbook:

Inside the box, she’s got a file / tab for each month where she can jot down the happenings from that month, put pictures from that month etc. What a great idea to start in January and give a family member or friend next Christmas!

Planning ahead for next year, I’ve pinned this idea from Aimee at It’s Overflowing. I love the idea of a family photo tree and hers is just adorable:

Now would be a great time to pick up all the supplies with the after Christmas sales!

Finally, like many of us, I will start the New Year trying to be good after all of the holiday indulgences so I think I better make these amazing cheesecake brownies before New Year’s Eve.

These were shared by Andrea from The Cottage Market. YUM!!

Thanks everyone for linking up and looking forward to seeing what you've been up to this week.

BFF Open House Link Party #33 Christmas Edition!

2011-12-22T18:00:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe that Christmas is Sunday! Are you ready? I’m not. Just a few last minute things to do. I’m sure there are some brilliant last minute ideas out there right? So we’ll get right to the party! If you made it, link it, and no advertising or shops please. I know we’re all running like crazy, but let’s support each other and visit at least two other links.

This will be my last post until after Christmas so I just want to take a moment to say:

Peppermint Bark Cupcakes and Cookie Pops

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thought I’d share the treats I did for my husband’s office. You might remember the cookie pops I did for Halloween. Same basic process…candy melts, Oreos, lollipop sticks. This time I just crushed up some candy canes to sprinkle on top. Voila. Peppermint Bark Cookie Pops.

I started out making cupcakes but completely spaced and forgot that he needed more than 2 dozen. So….supplemented the cupcakes with a box of cookie pops. Crisis averted.

Basic chocolate cupcake, vanilla icing, crushed candy canes = Peppermint Bark Cupcakes. I was completely lazy and used pre-made toppers by Wilton. Thank you Dollar Tree Christmas trays.

I wrapped each of the cookie pops in cello bags and tied with red and white striped paper ribbon I had on hand. Then at the very last minute I decided they needed a box so covered one w/ scrapbook paper in like 2 minutes. Made a medallion and stuck on the front.

Ooops. Fixed that tape that sprang loose before I sent them off.

These cookie pops are the stinkin easiest last minute thing to whip up. Seriously.

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Quick and Easy Package Toppers

2011-12-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

This is far from life changing but I thought I’d share a quick and easy way to 1.) finish off your packages and 2.) use up those pesky scraps of wrapping paper that always seem to be there.

I neglected to take pics along the way but it’s pretty straightforward.

I just made a medallion, lolly, pinwheel, whatever you want to call it from my scrap wrapping paper. ( Fan fold either one long piece or two smaller pieces cut the same size ) and make your basic medal-lollly-wheel.

I did find a video that covers the basics here

I punched a circle from some scrap glitter cardstock and added a metallic pom pom from my stash. You could add another medallion, a die cut, a different punched shape, button etc. Great way to use up leftovers and onesies.

I tried this idea as a more 3-D concept too:

I call this the “half lolly” . Sounds like a diving term!

Instead of bringing the two sides together to form a circle, I just taped them straight to the package so it stands up.

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Peppermint Themed Gingerbread House

2011-12-19T16:33:00.000-08:00

House seems like a bit of a stretch. It's more like a cottage. I baked a gingerbread house from scratch one year and realized that I am not an architect! After that, it’s been Wilton, or grocery store pre-baked kits to the rescue. I picked the kit up from JoAnn's and Wilton does such a good job wrapping all of the pieces that nothing was broken.

I decided to go with a simple red and white theme, hence the name. And since this is decidely NOT a family affair ( more like a spectator sport in my house) I get to pick!

The front door is made from Andes Peppermint Crunch candies. Here’s where the charger didn’t make such a great base:

I wanted to make a sugar cube chimney and “brickwork” but need a little more truly flat space than I had. Oh well! Icing hides everything!

Maybe next year I’ll try baking a chocolate one from scratch. MAYBE!

BFF Open House Link Party #32 Wrap Up and Features !

2011-12-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the home stretch ! With both Hanukkah and Christmas this week, it’s going to be a busy one for sure.

Couple of notes before we get to this week’s features:

I’ll have the link party up on Friday, but will skip a Blog Feature this week. Will resume 12/30.
If you are or know a smaller blog ( crafts, DIY, paperarts, or foodie…500 GFC followers or less) and would like to be featured as a “BFF” in 2012, please email me: theanswerischocolate@comcast.net.

Thank you to everyone who linked up on Friday. This was the biggest party yet and I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to link up and share their creativity here.

This is on my list of things to make this week. Cappucino Fudge! Jocelyn from Inside BruCrew life shared this delightful temptation and I just wanted to jump through the screen! YUM!

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or not, the ideas that Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday shares with her wonderful Hanukkah calendar are things I think all of us could do.

If you need a super cute idea for wrapping paper or something to do around the table, visit Megan at Polish the Stars for this great word search printable. She used it as wrapping paper. So cute!

You really have to see this amazing wreath that Bethany at A Fish Who Likes Flowers did proving that indeed, she likes flowers. She made this out of 902 hand cut pieces!

And finally, At Home with Mrs. H shares this printable that I have a feeling all of us have someone in our lives we could frame this for:

Please feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar if you like.

Thanks everyone. Have a very creative week and don’t over do. More easily said than done I know! Hope to see you all again on Friday.

Framed Glitter Ornament

2011-12-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

This week's BFF Open House link party is still going on here and will be up through Sunday.

I thought I'd post an idea I recently shared over at The Scrap Shoppe where Michele has had a wonderful Handmade Holiday series going. This week is recipes so you should definitely check it out! It wraps up tomorrow but there have been some wonderful ideas shared.

I was excited Michele decided to do another Homemade Christmas and thrilled to be invite to share a fun , easy, and inexpensive piece of Christmas décor : A Framed Glitter Ornament

I really enjoy making things using inexpensive materials. Largely that’s because I can justify buying more supplies, but I’m also a firm believer that you don’t have to spend a lot to have pretty things around you. Like so many crafters, one of my go to places is The Dollar Tree.

On one of my trips I found a pack of glittered reindeer ornaments. Five for $1! Had to have.Right next to them was a pack of red tissue paper “hot stamped” with silver. Also a must have!

One of my other stash staples are unfinished wood frames from Michaels. Yep you guessed it. They’re $1.

I took one sheet of the tissue paper and traced around the frame and cut out. Covered my frame with Ranger’s Glue N Seal and then put my tissue paper on. You could also use Mod Podge. I chose not to seal the top since I wasn’t sure if it would dull the shine of the silver foil.

Don’t worry if you don’t get this exactly measured to your frame. Let your adhesive dry and then I file around the edges with a piece of fine sandpaper or a package of emery boards that you picked up at Dollar Tree!

Waste not want not, so I covered the cardboard that came with the frame with some scrapbook paper:

I covered both sides because it just gives a nice finished look since there’s no back to the frame.

Took one reindeer from my package of ornaments, cut off the string used to hang and then hot glued it to my finished frame, offset so the feet and antlers are glued to the frame vs onto the paper. I liked the dimension this gave.

I cut the letters JOY from black vinyl using my digital cutter but if you don’t have one of those, you could easily use alphabet scrapbook stickers or letter stamps. Embellished those with red self adhesive rhinestones I had in my stash.

Another reason I like the effect of gluing the reindeer to the frame vs the paper is this shadow effect. The glittered snowflakes I also had on hand and came in a package of 12 for $1.99 at Michaels.

My total cost for the supplies for this project was about $3!

$1 frame
$1 Tissue Paper ( over 4 sheets left over so lots more crafting!)
$1 Ornaments ( really $.20 for this project since I used one of five)

Let’s say you decided to spend $4 more on frames and make a total of five of these so you used up all your ornaments. Price per project would be around $1.40!! And I guarantee you’ll still have tissue paper left over.

If you're looking for a last minute decor idea or gift, this is a fast an easy way to whip something up.

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BFF Open House Link Party #32 and BFF the creative imperative!

2011-12-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

‘Twas 10 days before Christmas and all through the blogs, not a crafter was quiet as bumps on a log. The creative were busy, the cooks and the arty, it’s time to link up for our weekly link party! OK stop groaning; I’ll stop :)

This week I’d like to introduce you to Jamie from the creative imperative. She’s been busy getting ready for Christmas, decking her halls in fine fashion. You may remember her from last week’s party features with her gorgeous ruffled tree skirt:

I also love her “O Holy Night” light. It’s a lamp she re-did ( you have to go see how she did the lampshade) and then wrote the words to the carol “O Holy Night” on the base in dry erase marker!

I don’t know about you, but when I’m waiting for the icing to set on a gingerbread house, I usually just lick the icing off a spoon or something. Jamie does creative things like this marshmallow tree:

And then puts it under a dome! Adorable.

Beyond Christmas, Jamie has done some amazing projects like transforming her son’s room into Spiderman’s lair and many other creative and inspiring ideas, so I hope you will go and visit her. It really is a creative imperative !

Now, time to see what everyone’s been up to….tick tock…counting down!

Please Don't Taste The Vanilla Bean Bath Salts

2011-12-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Since I became rather addicted to Epsom Salts this holiday season, I thought I should at least do one thing with them for which they are actually intended. Making homemade bath salts isn’t a new idea but here’s my take on it.

Vanilla Bean Bath Salt

I followed basic guidelines I found online. 3 parts Epsom Salt to 1 part Baking Soda ( I found a big box of baking soda at Target with the cleaning supplies). Then I kinda improvised!

I figured if you can infuse sugars with vanilla beans, why couldn’t you infuse bath salts? So I did.

I mixed my ingredients together, sliced open a vanilla bean, plopped it in there and mixed some more. Then I added just a few drops of vanilla extract for good measure.

Fished out my vanilla beans and dropped them in the bottom of the glass jar I bought for my bath salts. I got the jar at Cost Plus where I also got my “scoops”. More on that later.

Poured in my salts and done. Well with that part. I wanted to pretty up my jar and since it was going in a bathroom, went with vinyl instead of paper to embellish the jar. Cut some shapes from the Damask Décor Cricut cart on my Expression in brown and gold vinyl.

Tied some twine and ribbon yarn around the neck and added a little of this star garland I had in my stash

One of those things you pick up because it’s pretty and don’t know when you’ll use it?

Finished the top off with a gold vinyl cutout and a vintage button. Now for the scoop on the scoop. I was looking for individual spice or coffee scoops (you know how you get an idea in your head about what you want and how dare the store not have it?) and was about to give up and buy a pack of different sizes which I didn’t really want and then found that Cost Plus has a whole section devoted to tasting sized stuff! YAY! Spoons and Forks and Spreaders Oh My. I found these little square tasting spoons that I’m going to use as scoops!

See? I still managed to find a way to use something for other than its intended purpose!

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Yes Virginia. This Is A Christmas Card!

2011-12-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

I could tell from the envelope that there would be a treasure inside. My life longiest BFF ( since 7th grade!) is a true artist. She’s one of those naturally talented people who for as long as I can remember could draw ANYTHING freehand without instruction.

She went on to expand her creative talents into sewing just about anything including her own wedding gown, home décor, art dolls, gorgeous gifts…you name it. She’s done some very creative Christmas cards over the years but this is my absolute favorite:

It is a 3-D Gingerbread House! It folds flat to mail but with a easy twist, pops right into shape. I just had to share it. And this is so her…look at all of the details done by hand:

Twisted chenille stem candy canes. Ribbon candy trim and puff paint trees and snow!

Look at the sides and the roof!

And for privacy, I’m not sharing the inside but if you undo the bow, the doors open and there’s a pic of her gingerbread family complete with Santa hats!

How could I not share this? She’s not a blogger but since I am, what’s the point of having a blog if you can’t show off your BFFs?

Love you, you.

Glitter Is For Hanukkah Too! Hanukkah Card

2011-12-12T18:53:00.000-08:00

I’m a glittermaniac lately so I was quite thrilled when I found glittered cardstock that I could use for some Hanukkah cards I wanted to make for friends.

Michaels had their glitter cardstock 10 (12x12) for $10 last week. It’s hard to capture just how gorgeous this blue is in a picture but trust me it is!

I generated the menorah from my PrintShop program , printed on a textured cardstock, and then went over the candles with an iridescent Stickles glitter glue.

I also accented the dreidel. Mounted this on gold glitter cardstock and then on the blue.

I made the main panel for the card from a spongy blue paper with a strip of the blue metallic and added a row of gold glitter ribbon. Hey, if you’re going to go glitter, go all in!

To finish, added a strip of blue rhinestones I had in my stash ( more from last year’s after season Michaels binge).

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BFF Open House Link Party #31 Wrap Up and Features

2011-12-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

Once again, a huge thanks to everyone who linked up at Friday’s BFF Open House. I hope you all enjoyed meeting Lesley from Freaking Craft.

I continue to be inspired by the incredible creativity that’s shared each week. Here are just a few highlights:

Jamie, from the creative imperative shared this gorgeous ruffled Christmas tree skirt.

It’s so pretty, you could just skip decorating the tree!

It would look fantastic in a room with this Nagoya Wreath, shared by Michele from The Scrap Shoppe:

The wreath is named for the stencil she used on the fabric she painted and then in a genius move, she mounted this on a charger.

Since I love ordinary materials transformed into things of beauty, I was stunned to learn that this trendy tree started out as moving boxes:

Go visit Tracy at Screaming Sardine to see how she did this.

The minute Mr. Chocolate sees this, I’m going to hear about it until I make one. Jenn from Rook No.17 shared an AMAZING Restoration Hardware knockoff that has to be seen to be believed:

The original is a wallet busting $995. Jenn estimates her cost at $25. I know which price I like!

And finally, you know I have to include a chocolate feature right? And what goes better with chocolate than peanut butter? And what’s better than FUDGE?! Trick question because the answer is nothing!

When you’re done drooling, go visit Carlee and Alyssa over at LadyBirdLN to get the recipe!

If you were featured, please fee free to grab a button (which for some reason does not want to be centered)

Have a creative week and hope to see you all again on Friday!

Stay Away Hoarders People. Wherein I Use My Paper Scraps.

2011-12-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

I wonder if the Hoarders producers have ever thought of doing a crafter’s edition? Specifically paper crafters. I always have scraps left over from making cards and there’s no way I’m just going to throw them away. Not after I fell in love with all of that paper in the first place. But I confess, the scraps add up. Tags are the perfect way to use them.

I cut tags out using my Cricut Expression ( Plantin Schoolbook cart) and gathered up some scraps from my Christmas cards to cover the tags with and punched shapes from other scraps to use. I usually have a stash of tags from the office supply store but I actually ran out and had to remember which cartridge had a tag shape!

Trimmed my scraps and laid out two pieces for each tag.

I tore some of the pieces and left the others as they were cut because I was also going to use up some scrapbook borders I used in my cards.

Then I just played with different combinations and added some of my punched shapes, glitter glue, self adhesive rhinestones etc.

The one on the right actually used a scrap of glittered ribbon that was left over.

This is also a great way to use up those onesie twosie embellishments.

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BFF Open House Link Party #31 and BFF Freaking Craft!

2011-12-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

OK folks. I’ve begged. I’ve pleaded. But time will just NOT slow down! SO here we are already at the 2nd Friday of December snowballing towards Christmas!

I know everyone’s been busy in their workshops so can’t wait to see what you creative elves have been up to! This week, I’d like to introduce you to Lesley from the blog Freaking Craft! Let me tell you, she’s hilarious in addition to being a talented and creative kinda gal.

When she’s not busy as an actor, educator, wife to her wonderful hubs and mom to her cute daughter, she’s well I’ll let her tell you:

i discovered the world of crafting. and i have to admit,
i freaking love it.
but more than that, i love to take something that i've most likely purchased at a thrift store/goodwill or at a yardsale and transform it into something that freaking makes me smile.

She makes me smile too. Take a look at these gorgeous DIY mercury glass trees:

and her gorgeous ( complete with hilarious tutorial) DIY vintage glass ornaments:

Lesley has had some awesome printables that she has generously shared. I love the one she has for Christmas.

Really, I hope you will pop over to Freaking Craft and visit. I know Lesley would love to have you.

Now, time to link up! Rules are simple. If you made it, link it. Please link to your specific post and not your main blog page and no advertising or shops please. Tis the Season to be jolly so won’t you also go visit at least one other busy elf?

Silver and Red Mantle

2011-12-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

I changed up my mantle again this year. I tend toward more formal decorations but also love having some fun with Christmas. For no particular reason, I decided on red and silver. This is where my retro tinsel Martian trees come in.

Naturally, I just had to make a new banner. I mean it’s not like I’m crazy about making banners or anything ! I went with the word JINGLE.

I cut the letters on my Expression using the Doodle Type cart and used glittered cardstock by Core’dinations. Also cut a snowflake from the Damask Décor cart. Finished with some red and clear rhinestone strips from my stash.

I made another Christmas charger with the word “MERRY” and white vinyl tree.

Dollar Tree DIY footed hurricane vase, Epsom salt, cracked glass ornaments I picked up at Restoration Hardware on an after Christmas sale, and red and silver snowflake ornies from Michaels.

Tinsel Tree and my North Pole project.

Naughty or Nice charger, Tinsel Tree, mercury glass candlestick and Martha Stewart tree topper nested in a clear glass votive.

I found these stemmed votive holders at Michaels on clearance for $3.99 and loved the pattern and rhinestones . Plopped a cracked glass ornament inside and it reminds me of a snow globe!

Hopping Today:

Naughty or Nice? Vinyl Charger

2011-12-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

One of my décor staples has become those vinyl chargers that you can get at Michaels in a variety of colors. I look at them as blank canvases to play with. I did one for Thanksgiving and picked up some others to use for Christmas. Charger + Vinyl = easy peasy

I cut the letters from red vinyl and placed on the charger. Since the message was “Naughty or Nice” and Santa is the one who knows which one you’ve been, it was a perfect use for more glittered ornaments I found at the Dollar Tree ( 5 for $1 )

I ended up going over the face with silver RubnBuff to give it more definition but had already taken the pic.

Finished off with red and clear rhinestone strips I had in my stash, picked up on sale after Christmas last year, and dotted the letters with individual clear rhinestones.

So which one does Santa think you are? Naughty or Nice?

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Guest Posting At The Scrap Shoppe Today!

2011-12-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday all. I'm over at The Scrap Shoppe today, sharing a super easy and inexpensive Christmas decor idea that would also make a great gift. Hope you'll drop by. Michele has a wonderful series going with tons of inspiring ideas !

Blast From The Past: Tinsel Trees (Stinkin' Easy)

2011-12-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

OK this was the easiest thing ever. So easy it’s not really even worth posting about but what the heck.

I have lots of different styles of Christmas décor. I like different looks, and since I decorate just about every room, I figure I can do different styles in each. This year I’ve caught a glitter bug and am doing a kind of retro mid-century modern mantle. Enter the tinsel!

What the heck are they you ask? Tinsel trees I answer. With Snowflake toppers. Here are the complicated ingredients for this crazy concoction:

Styrofoam Cone and Tinsel Garland. I hoped to get the cone at Dollar Tree but apparently they don’t have them anymore so I got one at Michaels with a 50% off coupon and one at JoAnn’s with a 40% coupon. The tinsel garland I did get at Dollar Tree. 50 Feet for a buck.

For the topper, a VERY expensive glittered snowflake from Jo Jo’s ( JoAnn) $.79 and 50% off . I know…pricey!

I didn’t even use glue. Just started at the bottom of the cone and stuck a straight pin through the tinsel garland and a few more as I went around the bottom to make sure it was on there good.

And wrap. And pin…from time to time in random places on the way up to the top.

Before I stuck my snowflake pick in, I added a glittery red pom pom I had in my stash.

The mantle’s not quite finished but getting there and I’ll show it soon. In the meantime, I’m in the mood to watch some cheesy 60’s sci-fi Christmas movie like Santa Claus Conquers The Martians. OK so that may be the ONLY cheesy 60’s sci-fi Christmas movie and I don’t even know how I ever saw it but somehow I did. Don’t judge!

“Take me to your leader. No not the crazy woman with the glue gun. Anyone but her!”

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BFF Open House Link Party #30 Wrap Up and Features

2011-12-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Slow down December! Thanks to everyone who linked up to Friday’s BFF Open House. I hope you all enjoyed meeting Aimee from It's Overflowing.

Clearly there are some busy Elves out there in blogland producing some amazing holiday creations. Here are just a few!

Carolyn from homework can always transform the most mundane object into something amazingly beautiful. These little box ornaments are no exception:

Likewise, Bev from Flamingo Toes outdoes the original inspiration for an ornament from Anthropologie with this interpretation of it:

I love this mesh wreath from Gray Cardigan and would you believe this is her first attempt?!

And check out this peppermint wreath from Brown Paper Packages! Looks good enough to eat:

Finally, of course I have to feature something chocolate! Check out these tempting treats from Pressed Down and Shaken Together. YUM!

Can’t wait to see what everyone gets up to this week. Make it a creative one! If you were featured, please feel free to grab a button.

Second Annual Treat Exchange

2011-12-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

I had a treat exchange to go to last night so thought I’d share the goodies I brought. A girlfriend of mine did this for the first time last year, everyone brings 5 of something and everyone leaves with 5 of something…can be sweets or appetizers. It’s now become a tradition.

Last year I made cake pops. This year I made dark and white chocolate peppermint bark and salted chocolate pecan toffee.

Barks are one of the easiest candies, OK THE easiest candy to make! I used a combination of chocolate chips and candy melts for both the dark and white chocolates. For the peppermint, I used candy canes and Andes Crushed Peppermint thins.

In a clasically brilliant move, I broke my candy thermometer right before I needed it. Do not have candy thermometer on counter when breaking up candy canes and pecans! So I had to eyeball my toffee but I think it turned out OK.

I used this recipe : Salted Chocolate Pecan Toffee

I love packaging things. For these, I used ceramic mini loaf pans I found at Michaels for $1. Put my candies in cello bags, then put them in the loaf pans:

Then I wrapped each in polka dot cellophane, and finished with gift tags I made from scraps from my Christmas cards. I used a holly wreath graphic from The Graphics Fairy as part of my labels.

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BFF Open House Link Party #30 and BFF It's Overflowing

2011-12-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Happy December 1 everyone. Let the countdown begin! I can’t believe it’s December already. Really?! But time waits for no man, or woman, and certainly no crafter!

I met this week’s BFF when I saw a project of hers at a link party and just knew we’d hit it off. Meet Aimee from It’s Overflowing who blogs about the fun she has with her hubs and three kids and their adventures remodeling their 1950’s era home. She rocked it when she knocked off these Anthropologie Mason Jars:

As you know, I’ve recently had a slight addiction to putting things in jars and when I was out shopping last Friday and saw they wanted $30 – $38 for theirs at Anthro, then saw Aimee had done these…well the rest is history. Had to check out her blog!

Look what else she’s whipped up!

Click on the pic to see the tutorial for these. You’ll never believe how they started out.

And it’s not too late for an super cute Advent calendar idea and Aimee’s got one for you:

While you’re at it, whip up a batch of this:

A perfect neighbor gift too!

You’ll definitely be inspired by Aimee so I hope you’ll go and visit.

Now let’s see what all you creative geniuses have been up to this week. The rules are simple. If it was made by you, link it. Please link to your specific post and not your main blog page, and please no advertising or shops.

Epsom Salt and Glitter Crushed Peppermint Ornament

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love all the things you can do with clear ornaments but my favorite ones are the flat ones. I’m sure there’s a name for them but they’re the round ones that look like you took a ball an flattened it.

I needed something I could make multiples of without breaking the bank so thank you Michaels for having these 50% off. Picked up a few packs of these (4 for $2.50) along with some of these glittered snowflake ornaments by Darice ( $1.99 for a package of 12).

Glued a snowflake on one side and cut out white vinyl snowflakes using my Cricut Expression (Damask Décor cart) and stuck one on the other side.

Got out some tinsel glitter and Epsom salt, and spooned a little Epsom salt, silver, and red glitter into my ornament. Finished with a bow from red with silver polka dot ribbon.

I think it looks like crushed peppermint.

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Easiest Advent Calendar Ever!

2011-11-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

I’m terrible at Advent calendars, so I figured what could be easier than circling the date ? I can actually remember that ( I think!) . And what’s easier than using a dry erase marker? A trip to Goodwill, a major score, a printable and :

Since I usually go to GW with the intent of finding something to paint or alter, I am still feeling weird about not doing anything to this frame. But why would you when you find POTTERY BARN frames at GW for $.99!

Of course you buy more than one.

That and a printable and you can’t really get any lazier than that.

Sharing the printable here in case there are any other Advent Calendar challenged people out there!

Click to bring to full size; right click to Save As and then re-size as needed.

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A Furniture Leg And A Finial Walk Into A Craft Room And Turn Into The North Pole

2011-11-26T07:36:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone survived Black Friday. I got a few things at JoAnn and Michaels and I’m going to be a hermit today hopefully busting out a chunk of my Christmas cards! Didn’t know what to title this post because it was one of those things I made that I had no idea what it was going to be until I did it.

There’s an architectural salvage place in Seattle called Earthwise. I love wandering around there and finding who knows what to play with. They have a whole section of just furniture legs!

I also had a finial in my stash from a trip to Lowes. Ignore the snowflake thingy…didn’t end up using it.
I glued the finial to the leg and then painted with Martha Stewart “Wedding Cake” craft paint, followed by a coat of ivory pearl.

While that was drying, I made a polka dot paper medallion and cut out the numbers 25 from red glitter card stock.

I love my Martha Score Board which I use for my cards all the time but it’s great for making accordion folds for things like medallions.

One 12x12 paper cut in half then score each 6x12 piece at one inch intervals. Fold in half to make a fan shape, and hot glue together. Repeat then glue the two halves together. Cut a circle from plain cardstock and adhere numbers.

I added a little Epsom Salt frost to the top of my final.

Went around the top and bottom with some patterned tissue paper.

Added a glittered reindeer ornament from a pack of them I got at Dollar Tree.

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Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

I'm sure everyone is busy cooking baking, packing, or traveling ....maybe all of the above. I've been up since before the sun came up and the cranberry sauce is done, the pumpkin pie and chocolate pecan tart baked, the turkey brining, and the bread dough rising. But before I sit down to peel apples and the day gets any further away from me, I wanted to pause and say thanks.

I love this time of year which reminds us to stop and think about all the things for which we really have to be grateful. Included in the many many things for which I will give thanks tomorrow, I include you all. Truly, the talented, supportive, creative, funny, and smart people I've met through blogging are among my blessings. I read every comment left, recognizing that someone took time out of their day to share a thought with me. I appreciate that you all put up with ( and get!) my cheesy puns and sense of humor. I am so very thankful to have a creative community that constantly inspires me. My husband's grateful that I have people who get as excited as I do about how many things you can Mod Podge and glitter, and who understand why it's not redundant to need more than one die cutting machine.

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving, filled with great food shared with those you love. Thanks for enriching my life!

Plain Frame to Snowflake Tray Transformation with Martha Stewart and Plaid !

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to play with some of the Martha Stewart Craft paints and stencils from Plaid. I’m still swooning over the amazing selection of goodies Plaid sent me to work with. Work? No. PLAY!!!

I have a surplus of frames and love using them for things other than well, framing things! I decided I needed a holiday tray.

I started off with a plain frame:

Took out the glass and set it aside and then painted the inner portion of the frame with Sterling Glitter from Martha’s paint line. These paints are great because they are multi-surface and they go on everything. I love the glitter paints and you can get different effects depending on how you use them.

For the inner portion of the frame I used the Sterling on its own. For the red around the edges, I used a coat of the Satin finish (Habanero) and went over that with Garnet Glitter. This makes for a great opaque but sparkly combo!

I cleaned the glass frame and got out a snowflake stencil and used the Pearl finish for this. Right on the glass. No primer or additive. And I love the end result because it looks like etching. I covered the whole surface with snowflakes.

After checking to make sure I was liking my progress by laying the glass on the frame, I forgot to take pictures as I finished up the red edging but you get the idea!

I think the silver glitter looks like frost which goes perfect with the snowflakes! For the legs of my tray, I used old thread spools painted with the Habanero / Garnet Glitter paints.

I had so much fun with this that I had to do some other things . So I made a snowflake plate to go with my snowflake tray. Just a plain glass plate from Dollar Tree. I painted on the underside of the plate, again using the snowflake stencils.

I used the Pearl again, and a Satin paint called Wedding Cake for the snowflakes. The Wedding Cake shows up better in the pics but the Pearl has that etched look and we know no two snowflakes are alike right?

Stenciled these on the underside of the plate then when dry, went over them with the Sterling Glitter and around the rim of the plate with a couple coats of the Sterling Metallic. Went over the Sterling Glitter with Metallic Yellow Gold.

And I still couldn’t stop so I had to play with a mug I picked up at Dollar Tree because now I have a treat plate on a tray and of course I’m going to need something to drink!

The “25” is for December 25 ( hubs didn’t get it so just in case) . I made my own stencil from contact paper because I wanted it big and then used the Habanero Satin and Garnet Glitter paints for the numbers and on the handle.

I kinda boo boo’d so I outlined the numbers with gold paint pen and then freehand added some dots. And did I mention that you can bake these in your oven if you don’t want to wait 21 days for the paint to cure and then the paint is dishwasher safe?

While the wonderful folks at Plaid provided the amazing Martha Stewart supplies used, the opinions are 100% my own and these are products I will definitely be buying more of!

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Cleaning Out Your Refrigerator for Craft Ideas...More Snow Jars

2011-11-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Since cleaning out my refrigerator the other day kept me from playing in my craft room, there had to be SOME upside right? Pickle jars!!

I had so much fun with my Snowman in a jam jar ( I’ve named him Marcel ) that once I had more jars to play with, I knew what I wanted to do. I didn’t take step by step pics but the process is basically the same. This time I added trees ( I picked up a couple of packs of bottle brush trees at Dollar Tree…$1 for a pack of 2) and used some wood thread spools I had in my stash.

I’m sticking with plain white glue with my Epsom salt. I tried Diamond Glaze just to see what would happen. Not so good! So the process is:

Coat the bottom of your jar with glue ( remember bottom will become the top) and invert to let a few drips run down wherever).
Pour in some salt
Swirl / shake ( cover your opening!) until coated
Spray some spray adhesive ( I used Elmers )
Sprinkle coarse glitter, spritz a little more sprinkle fine glitter
While that’s drying, paint your lids

Once everything was dry, I glued the snowman to the spool and the spool and tree to the lid. For one of these, I wrapped a spool in a scrapbook border:

Spritzed the inside of the lids with some spray adhesive and sprinkled some more Epsom Salt, then lowered the jar onto the lid ( you want to make sure and keep the salt out of the rim of the lid so your jar screws on correctly) . I dribbled a little glue in the rim too.

On these, I went around the neck with plain twine. Start and end with a dab of hot glue.

Finished by adding a glittered snowflake from a pack of ornaments ( $1.49 or $1.99 for a pack of 12 @ Michaels, by Darice) to the top ( formerly the bottom!) of the jar.

Now I’m craving a pickle.

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BFF Open House #29 Wrap Up and Features and Carmex Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-21T07:21:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Week everyone. Thanks to everyone who linked up at last week’s BFF Open House. One of the best turnouts ever with more fantastic ideas. Here are just a few:

I am always amazed at the results achieved by those of you brave enough to tackle big DIY projects. Caroline from Artfully Caroline built a mantel. BUILT. A. MANTEL!

Isn’t it gorgeous?

Speaking of mantels, I don’t think I ever would have thought you could find one at Goodwill. But that’s exactly what Karin at Art Is Beauty did and look at the stunning result:

Amazing!

I have a slight wreath obsession among other things. So I couldn’t resist this “Glam” wreath from Michele at The Scrap Shoppe. ANd you should also read the reason she made it.

And since I remain burlap challenged, I’m in awe of anyone who can coax beauty from my fabric nemesis. Look at what AJ from Queen of My Nest created:

Finally, if you’re looking for a last minute addition to your Thanksgiving table, check out these elegant coiled thankful cards from Carolyn at homework:

The winner of the Carmex giveaway is Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday! Congrats! I will provide your email to Carmex and they will contact you to get your mailing info.

Thanks again everyone and as always, have a creative week!

Our Thanksgiving Table

2011-11-20T09:41:00.001-08:00

Cleaning out and cleaning the refrigerator don’t count as creative projects. Necessary, but not creative! But I did also set our Thanksgiving table so I did do get to do something a little creative.

We’re not super formal on holidays but Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two times a year I at least get to break out the wedding china. This year I went for a mix of nature and glitz.

Our menu is pretty traditional. Herb roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots, fresh homemade cranberry sauce, and an egg bread I’ve been baking since I was 16. I’m one of “those” people…I cook it all and I love it. For dessert there will be pumpkin and apple pies, vanilla whipped cream, and a chocolate pecan tart.

I’ve had these raffia bows forever and this year I used them as chair decorations, with metallic organza ribbon and mini Indian corn.

For my table runner, I used a woven chocolate brown and gold giant ribbon roll I found at JoAnn’s for 70% off!!! $3 for my table runner ! I also found these felt maple leaf place mats at Bed Bath and Beyond for 2 for $3. I bought 2 in maize and 2 in dark brown and just angled them along the runner.

Here are the Thanksgiving candles and place cards I shared earlier.

For napkin rings, I just used mini grapevine wreaths I found at Michaels for $.49 ea.

I don’t put out all the flatware that you’re “supposed to “ for a proper place setting because the unused stuff ends up getting scooped up between dinner and dessert and I end up starting all over anyway. SO it stays put and I get it out when its needed. Sorry Emily Post.
I filled my table favor cones with Hershey’s Toffee Crunch Nuggets wrapped in cone shaped cellophane bags that fit perfectly in the favors.

I’ll leave you with this recipe because every time I mention I make cranberry sauce from scratch, people look at me like I have three heads. It is SO SO EASY ( but you can definitely let people think it’s hard). Mr. Chocolate eats this stuff as a side dish so I start stocking up on fresh cranberries as soon as they hit the stores, freeze them right in the bags, and make this several times during the year.

Picture and Recipe, courtesy of Ocean Spray’s website

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 12-ounce package Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries

Directions:

Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil; add cranberries, return to boil. Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate until serving time. Makes 2 1/4 cups.

Can it get any easier than that? I usually add some fresh orange zest or even just strips of peel to the sugar / water before I add the cranberries, or if I don’t have oranges on hand, reduce the water by 1/4C and replace with orange juice. You could also add a cinnamon stick or cloves if you want a little spice.

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Doesn’t Everyone Put A Snowman In a Jar? Snowglobe Project.

2011-11-18T19:03:00.001-08:00

I have only just started playing with Christmas projects. What kind of crafter am I?! So behind. But Vivian from The V Spot keeps sharing all these wonderful things she’s done with Epsom Salt and I just couldn’t delay any further.

“Help! Some crazy chick stuck me in a jar”

Here’s what I started with:

Empty jam jar and Epsom Salt (available near first aid stuff).

Package of flocked snowman doohickeys by Darice. I got mine at Michaels.

I swirled some glue in the bottom of my jar and then poured in about a handful of epsom salt. Covered the opening with my hand and shook it like a maraca. While that was drying, I painted the lid silver. While that was drying, I went back to my jar and sprayed some adhesive and sprinkled some iridescent glitter in the jar.

When my lid was dry, I glued one of the snow men in the middle:

then spread a little more of the salt around him. Ran a bead of glue around the lip of the jar and put the lid back on. Actually I put the jar on the lid vs the lid on the jar if you follow.

I went around where the lid and jar adjoin with a scrap of tissue paper and finished with a little snowflake ornament on top.

I also managed to muck up some of the paint on the lid but I am calling it an unintentional creative decision to make this look like it’s something old I’ve had forever instead of an empty $2 jam jar and a $.30 snowman!

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BFF Open House Link Party #29 and Carmex Healing Lotion Giveaway

2011-11-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday (if work is over for Thursday, it’s Friday!) all. Speaking of work, it kinda ate my lunch and a couple of dinners this week so this is one of those weeks where “Blog Feature Friday” isn’t featuring a blog.

With next week being Thanksgiving and next Friday being shopapalooza-kick it into high gear for Christmas-Tryptophan recovery day, I’ll skip it and have a new BFF to introduce to you on December 2.

But I do have a treat for you this week! I’m a member of the Carmex Blog Squad and they sent me a wonderful box of goodies to try:

If you’re unfamilliar with Carmex, they've been around since 1937 are are still family owned and operated. They’re most well known for healing lip balms but they also have a new line of healing lotions.

Between the weather getting colder ( which means the heat’s on which can be very drying), all the hand washing I do (contrary to popular belief, I don’t just lick the chocolate off my hands!) from playing with paints, inks, glues etc. and from working with paper which can also be very drying, my hands and skin are always dry. I have tried a BUNCH of different lotions so I was really excited when they started this line.

The Healing Lotion is great for everyday use and absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy feeling. I hate feeling covered in something. Basting is for turkeys, not people. The Healing Cream is more intense ( still not greasy) for tougher areas that tend to need a little more help. The Healing Lotion lasted through hand washing for me so I didn't have to re-apply.

The nice folks at Carmex are offering one of you the chance to get the same cute gift box they sent me, so I decided I’d combine that with this week’s party!

To be eligible, all you need to do is:

Be or become a follower of The Answer Is Chocolate or
Link up something at this week’s party

You just need to make sure and leave a comment for each thing you do.

Now, what have you been up to this week? Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? I’m seeing such cute Christmas ideas I know I won’t be able to make everything I’d like to! OK Party On!

Products were provided to me to review but all opinions expressed are my own.

Thanksgiving Table Favors “Cone-u-copias”

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

I always like to have a little something on the table for guests. Like most of my projects, this idea just kind of came to me and I ran with it hoping it would pan out.

Since cornucopias are such an iconic symbol of Thanksgiving, I thought paper cones were in order.

You’ll need:

Lightweight cardstock cut 6x6. I used a metallic gold by Recollections from Michaels
Jute twine
Embellishments
Die Cuts

I formed my cone shape and taped and stapled together.

Pretty boring right? I had this package of leaf shaped doilies I found on one of my Dollar Tree trips and thought hmmm….maybe they would work here.

I just ran a line of tape down the center of my cone and stuck a doily about halfway in. Better. Still kinda boring. In lieu of a doily, you could use a big die cut.

What isn’t made better with jute? Ran a line of hot glue down the back of the cone starting about 1/3 of the way from the bottom and then wrapped my jute around ending at the bottom. Had some more glittered turkeys from other projects ( Recollections) and glued one on top of the twine.

Then die cut oak leaves using the Memory Box Leaf Trio die I used on my place cards and candles and scraps of Core’dinations glittered paper, made and glued on a jute bow at the stem, and glued to the cone. Done and done!

Haven’t decided yet what I’m going to fill them with…thinking a mix of seasonal chocolates and spiced nuts or garlic pretzels….

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Embossed and Glittered Oak Leaf Banner

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm sharing a project I did for a guest post over at A Glimpse Inside last week. It was actually this project that started me off on my glittery Thanksgiving frenzy!

In case I haven't mentioned that it's exactly ONE WEEK til my son comes home from college, I want to make this year extra special since it will be a first Thanksgiving of sorts. It finally hit me that it's been almost four months since we've seen him. I know. I'm a WIMP. He won’t care about the decorations but I think he will care that I wanted to make it extra special. Today I’m sharing a banner I made for our dining room.

I love all things paper ( OK really, what craft supply don't I love?!) and got the idea to do an oak leaf banner. I cut the leaves on my Cricut Expression but decided they needed some texture. I grabbed a textured stamp from my stamp supply, inked it up with clear embossing ink and covered them with detailed silver embossing powder:

I also knew I wanted this to have some sparkle and needed an excuse, er um a compelling reason to play with tinsel glitter. The beginning of the end! I'm hooked.

I cut out more leaf shapes, and covered them with champagne tinsel glitter. I used Recollections brand from Michaels.

But what are oak leaves without acorns? Using the same Cricut cartridge ( Doodlecharms) , I cut acorns from metallic gold paper and then went over the caps with copper glitter glue:

The final piece of my banner was this organza tulle I found at JoAnn’s in their 2 for $5 section. Oh my they have got several gorgeous colors, many of which I may or may not have bought. Just sayin'

To put it all together, I took a couple of the embossed leaves, a plain leaf, and a tinsel glittered leaf and formed a “clump” of leaves. I covered clothes pins ( my favorite way to hang banners) with some glittered paper scraps and then put my acorns on top using a foam dot.

I twisted two colors of the organza tulle together and draped over two framed prints in our dining room and then clipped my oak clusters on. Photos aren't great. One of my 2012 goals is to get better at photographing things where glare is involved.

I think this will really twinkle in the candlelight of our Thanksgiving meal, along with some of the other glittery Thanksgiving decor.

One week. From TODAY! Not that I'm counting.

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BFF Open House Link Party #28 Wrap Up and Features

2011-11-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who linked up to Friday’s BFF Open House. I hope you all enjoyed meeting Caroline from c.w. frosting. As always there were some wonderful ideas and here are just a few that caught my eye:

Check out this fantastic black and white bathroom from stylebaggage, complete with a chalkboard painted wall!

With the holidays approaching, I’m always looking for easy but special handmade gift ideas. This is a great one from greenbean’s crafterole: Sugar Body Scrub

SUPER easy to make and love the presentation too!

Speaking of sugar, these bring back childhood memories of a classic sweet treat:

Hostess Cupcake cakeballs! Right down to the signature Hostess frosting squiggle! Go visit Chef In Training ( I think she’s waaaaaaaay past the training stage) to find out how to make.

And finally, I couldn’t resist this idea. Boo Boo Bear! Who says first aid can’t be absolutely adorable?

Go and visit A Creative Princess to find out how to make these reusable cold packs. What boo boo wouldn’t feel instantly better with one of these?

Thanks everyone! Hope to see you all again Friday and have a creative week!

Quick Book Page Leaves and Thanksgiving Decor

2011-11-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

I first started decorating for Thanksgiving when my son was in pre-school. We were in a store right after Halloween and the Christmas stuff was up and he said “What about Thanksgiving?” and then went on to opine about how Thanksgiving was getting short changed and having a very strong opinion about that. I understood I wasn’t going to hear the end of it if I didn’t decorate especially since "Mr. Too Smart For His Own Good and My Sanity" also pointed out that I had no excuse since I made all that crafty stuff. At. Four. Years. Old.

What’s that got to do with this post? Who knows. I just thought I’d share some of my Thanksgiving décor to which I added some last minute ( like 30 minutes before leaving to go see a movie last minute) easy leaves I made to hang on some curly willow I keep on my mantle.

I just cut some leaf shapes freehand from some dictionary pages; smudged some distress inks ( Ranger) over them ( actually distressed the paper first, then cut the shapes with a decorative edge scissors) added copper eyelets and twisted some copper wire on.

This sits in a vase on my mantle that I switch out seasonally. ( Dollar store vase and candlestick) .

I left the tulle I draped over a table in my living room for Halloween along with a couple of glass pumpkins and added some Thanksgiving accents:

One of the turkey’s I made over this year

"Mr. Smarty Pants Four Year Old" is now a Freshman in College and coming home for Thanksgiving in 9 days ( not that I’m counting) so I made a little extra something for his room:

Cut the pennant shapes old school ( a ruler!) but the rest using my Cricut Expression ( Doodletype and Sentimentals carts) and chose an owl accent since they’re so wise and smart…like a certain former four year old I know.

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BFF Open House Link Party#28 and BFF c.w. frosting

2011-11-10T18:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Eve everyone! It’s once again time for the weekly Open House Blog Feature Friday link party here at The Answer Is Chocolate. To new guests at the Open House and to those who drop by regularly, welcome.

This week let me introduce you to Caroline from the blog c.w. frosting. You might remember her from the Wrap Up and Features from last week’s party. She’s the creator of this amazing bicycle wreath:

She’s got some other brilliant creations and can you believe that she whips these up while preparing to become a med student?!

Love these rufflekins that would be great on a Thanksgiving table:

I especially love that they’re no sew!

Also no sew, and perfect for this time of year when we have things like gift cards to present, are these wonderful felt envelopes:

Definitely going to make some of these! Caroline’s got great tutorials for all of her projects but in addition to that, she is a blogger’s best friend because she also shares her technical talents on a section of her blog called “Design Lab”. There you can find things like really cool social media icons that Caroline’s made available for use and tutorials on things like how to use these cool drop caps:

Definitely need to learn this! So go visit Caroline and make sure to let her know you stopped by!
OK now you know the rules right? If you made it link it. Please link to your specific blog post and not your main page and no advertising or shops etc. Other than that, Party On!