When I first saw this image from Suzanne Melvin's Fairy Sweets plate (Oxford Impressions), I was fascinated. Her look is slightly impish, and I knew that she had to find a place on our already heavily decorated tree.
The ornament box is one that I created just for this project. You can find the pattern and instructions in the December 2010 issue of Crafts 'n things® at page 50. I used some of my favorite Ranger® products: Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks and Metallic Mixatives, Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink, Adirondack® Dye Ink, and Archival™ Ink. The crystal trim provides the perfect finish.
One little ornament might be lost on our tree. I think this little angel needs some friends!
Racking your brain for fresh ideas for Christmas cards? The 30 Minutes section of the December 2010 issue of Crafts 'n things® is filled with inspiration. The best thing? All the instructions are available online.
You will find my first card, St. Nicholas, on page 42. The stamps are from the St. Nicholas plate from Oxford Impressions. Archival™ Ink and Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads (Ranger®) were used. Paper is from the All Dressed Up Paper Stack (DCWV). Instructions for this project may be found here.
The Song of the Chaffinch, page 44, also uses the St. Nicholas plate with Archival™ Ink and Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads. The instructions may be found here.
I love this ornament and can't wait to see the Christmas lights shining through the transparent surface. Found at page 59 of the December 2010 issue, the instructions are available at Crafts 'n things® by clicking on Free Stuff and Bonus Projects. (I'm sure you'll want to explore all the great free projects while you're there.)
The Bubble Light and Large Pinecone Ornament stamps are by Just for Fun. The ornament uses Adirondack® Pigment Ink, Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder, and Adirondack® Archival Pigment Pens - all by Ranger®.
I’ve completed Christmas albums in the past and always regretted that the stamped images were not as visible as I would have liked. When I viewed my beautiful new Christmas images from Just for Fun, I couldn’t bear the thought of a similar fate. This album, found at page 59 of the December 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things® was the result.
The Weathered White embossing powder (Embossing Antiquities™ ) is perfect when you don't want a bright white effect. If you notice the sprinkle of color around the sampler photograph, that's Tim Holtz™ Distress Embossing Powders. Questions about how to journal on black? That's not a problem with Ranger's ® Inkssentials™ White Opaque Pen.
Not only have I created an heirloom quality project, I can enjoy my stamps without turning the pages. You'll find complete directions and patterns in Crafts 'n Things®.
If you like to create fabulous backgrounds with a simple list of supplies, the technique in the December 2010 issue of Crafts 'n things® is for you! The first card uses little more than black Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper and Perfect Pearls™.
Want more bling? Just add "Glitter Ornaments" Peel-Off Stickers from The Paper Studio.
You'll find complete instructions on page 71.
Christmas is definitely one of my favorite holidays, and part of the satisfaction results from the warm fuzzies that accompany handmade projects and gifts. I'm lured by the preview of the December cover and the promise that Crafts 'n things® will show me "how to make the 2010 holiday season your creative best!"
These bullets about the upcoming issue caught my eye:
- Hand-crafted holiday cards and gifts, quick-and-clever ornaments and dazzling décor ideas abound in the December issue. (Occasionally, I'm clever, but now I can be dazzling!)
- Check out the Budget-Savvy Gifts section for a dozen handmade gift ideas that fit your budget and don't scrimp on style. You don't need to spend a fortune to make your loved ones feel treasured! (Who isn't looking for inexpensive ways to pamper our loved ones.)
- Go directly to the top of Santa's "Nice List" when you give homemade decadent treats -- from heavenly cappuccino truffles to beautifully packaged chocolate chip banana bread, every morsel packs a dollop of holiday happiness. (In days when everyone seems to be on a diet of some sort, I enjoy looking at all the luscious treats even when I don't make them.)
It may not be Halloween yet, but I'm looking forward to beginning Christmas preparations. Want to join me?
