Art of Color Mailbox & Mini Album

I am fascinated by little things. When I saw the paper Mache 3" mailbox, I knew that it would be the perfect holder for a miniature album. I created the background paper for the mailbox and the outside covers of the mini album with Paula Best's Wings Goddess Collage Cube. The tags and words for the accordion fold pages are also Paula Best stamps: Word Tags, Tag Collage, Essential Words, and Word Collage Cube. Color provided by Ranger® Adirondack® Dye Ink pads.

For project details, see page 55 of the April 2012 issue of Crafts 'n things.

Stamped Holly Mug & Gift Tag

Travel mugs for personalization are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. While I was fortunate to find a bargain at the local dollar store, similar mugs are readily available in craft stores as well as specialty shops. This is a project that is easily adaptable to any occasion or skill level with guaranteed satisfaction by the recipient.

You'll find directions for this bonus online project (December 2011 Crafts 'n things) here. For best results, you'll need Ranger® Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper, Archival™ Ink, and Adirondack® Dye Ink. The Season of Giving and St. Nicholas stamp sets are by Oxford Impressions.

ATC’s: Beyond Trading – Shed New Light

As a child, each Halloween we enjoyed making a "lantern" from black construction paper by folding the paper in half lengthwise and cutting from the center out. Those memories inspired this windowed lantern, a perfect holder for these seasonal ATCs.











"Beware" of this stand alone ATC.


You'll find the directions for these Halloween creations on pages 74-75 of the October 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things. These great stamps are from Oxford Impressions: Halloween Party, Haunted, Trick or Treat, and Wicked. Stamping is easy with Adirondack® Dye Ink and Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink on white gloss Inkssentials™ Surfaces Artist Trading Cards.

Steampunk Bird Tag

The absurdity of steampunk is one of the things that makes use of the images fascinating. Only the imagination can limit the possibilities. Where else could you find a mechanical bird wearing a top hat?



You'll find the details on this project from page 97 of the August 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things here. The Steampunk Works stamp set is by Oxford Impressions. All other products are from Ranger ® including the oversized manila tag.

ATCs Beyond Trading: Celebrating the 4th

Have you seen the silhouette image of three children marching in what looks like an improvised parade? If so, you may understand why a red plastic tambourine reminds me of a July 4th celebration. I've seen the image on July 4th T-shirts, and it's always reminded me of childhood days when I marched in the kindergarten "rhythm band." In an era of electronic gadgetry, it may be difficult to imagine the pleasure that children derived in playing simple instruments such as a triangle or wooden blocks and the coveted noisemaker that led our "parades," the tambourine.

The tambourine will always signify celebration in my mind, a perfect backdrop for this ATC featured on pages 82 - 83 in the August 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things. It celebrates the "Strength of America" that is found "in the hearts and souls of its people." (Strength of America stamp from Art Impressions; flag stamp from Rubber Monger)

This artist trading card provides further reminder of the roots of our nation. It brought a little smile to my face to use the Top Hat image from the English PaperArtsy™ company to represent our forefathers.



Ink up to create a red, white, and blue party to honor the birth of a nation! You'll find all the color you need with Ranger® Adirondack® pigment and dye inks.

ATCs - Beyond Trading: Vintage Fairy Images

I didn’t notice when I purchased the trim that one set of beads in the middle of the section was not firmly attached. When I took the beads out of the plastic bag, the droplet fell apart. Sometimes the unexpected enables the imagination to take a giant step, and the broken beads provided that inspiration. Until then, I hadn’t realized that one of the small turquoise beads was actually a heart. The largest bead, why that could be a lantern for a little boy in search of fairies. One bead left, and I knew I would find the perfect spot for it atop a vintage ornament featuring stamps from the Oxford Impressions Fairy Sweets plate.



The ornament box and the ATC below feature Archival™ Ink, Adirondack® Dye and Pigment inks, and lots of Tim Holtz™ products: Distress Ink Pads, Alcohol Inks, Alcohol Ink Metallic Mixatives, and Alcohol Blending Solution. The instructions may be found on pages 84 and 85 of the April 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®.

ATCs - Beyond Trading: Steampunk Valentines

Recycling has a much nicer sound than dumpster diving. At least that’s what I claimed when I rescued this heart shaped box on the way to the landfill for the project on page 48 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®. What better reuse than turning a box that once held chocolates into a repository for these non-traditional Valentine ATCs.

The box and the ATC below were designed with Ranger® products: Claudine Hellmuth Studio Gesso; Archival™ Ink; Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads; Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks; Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™; Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers.

If you are unfamiliar with the genre, steampunk provides a perfect opportunity to exercise your creativity. When I created this project, Suzanne Melvin of Oxford Impressions had one steampunk plate, Steampunk Elements. (Other plates used in these projects were The Dressmaker, Bonbon, My Story, and Fairy Sweets.) Now, Suzanne has two more exciting steampunk plates, Steampunk Works and The Deep. Two times the ways to create non-traditional Valentines!

Exploring Image Transfers: Tape Transformation

Do you remember the first time that you saw heat embossing? It’s still a moment of wonder for me. I had a similar experience years ago when I first watched a demonstration of packing tape transfers. Now, when I share this technique, the reaction is always the same. People can’t believe that the process is so simple. I have to agree.
These projects are the first in a series of three articles on image transfers for Crafts 'n things®. First, a card featuring a stamp by Impression Obsession, Inc. , Hopes & Dreams. Perfect Pearls™ always provide an elegant touch.


Below, you'll find a necklace featuring patterned paper by DCWV and stamps by Hero Arts®, Manuscript Background and a simple heart. (The Hearts Ink and Stamp Set. is no longer listed, but a similar stamp is available in the From the Heart set.) I'm not a jewelry maker by any means, but this is a project that anyone could complete.



Want to know more? Pull out your "inky" supplies: Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper; Archival™ Ink; Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers; Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads; Adirondack® Pigment Inks. You'll find the details on page 50 of the February 2011 issue.

30 Minute Card Ideas: Playful Cherub Tag and Tiers of Cupcakes

It was similar to an out of body experience. The only reason that I know that I made this card is that my name is under the picture on page 32 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®. You wouldn't describe my stamping style as "cute," but this tiered cupcake card is cute and was fun to complete. The stamps are both by Memory Box, Tiers of Cupcakes and Sweet Cupcake, with color provided by Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads. The patterned paper is from the DeLovely Mini Deck by Cosmo Cricket.

The mischievous cherub on page 30 definitely looks more like something I would create. Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks and Alcohol Blending Solution combine with Suzanne Melvin's Oxford Impression Bonbon plate for a spirited Valentine tag.


Both card and tag use Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper and Archival™ Ink. The details for 30 Minute projects are available on line. You'll find the cupcake card here and the cherub tag here.

ATCs – Beyond Trading: Sweet Fairy Eyelet Ornament

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!

Better Backgrounds: Alcohol Impressions

Looking for different ways to use your Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks? Add these wonderful stamps by Fred B. Mullett, and that's all you'll need to create striking backgrounds on Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper.

The falling leaves card showcases Mullett's Big Oriental Plane leaf.

Solved the technique mystery? More wonderful nature stamps, Magnolia and Lil’ Magnolia with Roann Mathias' "Mystery" stamp (The Stamping Studio.) One Adirondack® Dye Ink pad is all that you will need to complete the card below.

You can find detailed instructions on page 70 of the October 2010 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.

Recipe for Fashion Kitchen Set

The memory is rather faint: a day devoted to creating a Black Forest Cake from scratch only to discover that the husband who loves chocolate and lists cherry pie as a favorite did not like any combination of the two ingredients. The days when I enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen and envisioned neatly organized recipe files have long since passed. Instead, I just needed a place to file cards of different sizes, newspaper clipping, and the bits and pieces of recipes shared by friends over the years. With that in mind, I created this recipe box and coordinating grocery list and entertainment planner for the October 2010 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.

Grocery shopping is still an ordeal, but I smile each time I make my grocery list now. For detailed instructions, see page 74.
Stamps: Ornate Bird (Hero Arts®); Trumpet Vine and Forget Me Not Sprig (Memory Box); Large Gothic Lower Alphabet (Postmodern Design).
Inks: Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks and Metallic Mixative; Adirondack® Pigment Inks; Adirondack® Dye Ink. Also used, Inkssentials™ White Opaque Pen.

ATCs – Beyond Trading: Seasonal Door Hangers

When I was a little girl, I loved Halloween. It was a magical experience. Although I don't care for the taste, I still eat candy corn in October and reminisce about homemade popcorn balls. As an adult, these door hangers provide little reminders of the simplicity of childhood. You'll find the details on page 54 of the October 2010 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.

The stamps are from the Trick or Treat plate by Oxford Impressions. The door hangers feature Ranger® inks: Archival™ Ink, Adirondack® Dye Ink, and Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink. Tim Holtz™ Distress™ Stickles™ Glitter Glue and Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™ provide the highlights.

30 Minute Card Ideas: School Days and October Fun

We've been back in school for almost three weeks already. The heat has been excessive, and "standard" dress has replaced the cute little skirts of my day. Times have changed, but the smell of new school supplies and the anticipation I see on students' faces has not. Take a walk down memory lane with this card from the October 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things. (I think I had a dress just like this.)

As with all projects in the 30 Minutes section, you can find complete instructions online here. The Oxford Impressions stamp is one of several that bring back pleasant memories from the School Days plate. The card uses Archival™ Ink, Adirondack® Dye Ink, and Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink.

If your Halloween memories don't include super heroes or television characters, you may enjoy this card.

The instructions may be found here. The stamp is from another Oxford Impressions plate, Trick or Treat. The card also uses Archival™ Ink and Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink. You'll find these cards on pages 42-43.

Better Backgrounds: Glazed Watercolors

If you've not tried the Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints, a close look at pictures of projects from the August 2010Crafts 'n Things may provide another reason to do so. My best description is the paints are yummy. Used with Claudine's issue of Multi Medium Gloss, this technique closely resembles canvas. The missing ingredient is Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads.
First, the Butterfly Collage card. (Stamp by Outlines™ Rubber Stamp Company, Inc) This background needed no further adornment.

Or add to butterflies to the "canvas" background with stickers such as the sparkly Glitter Butterflies Peel Offs by Paper Studio.

You'll find complete instructions on page 64.

30 Minute Card Ideas: Flowers and Fruit

Thirty minute card ideas. Don't you love that concept! What's more, you can find all the directions for these cards online in the June 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things. All inks are Ranger® products, and both cards use stamps from Oxford Impressions. Now, a look at my two cards.
I've typically avoid coloring, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to add my own twist to these lovely flowers. The image is from the Fairest Flower, the same plate that I used in my "Walk in the Garden" ATC project this month. Definitely versatile images, and it can be fun to use your ink pads for coloring. You'll find this card on page 32 of the magazine, and the instructions are here.

If you prefer not to bother with staying between the lines, here's the project for you. In this L'Abrege card, you simply stamp and emboss over your beautiful background. The LeJardin image, another plate that I used in the "Walk in the Garden" ATC project, puts the pear and writing together for you. This card is on page 34 of the magazine, and the instructions are here.

Classically Alice Ensemble

When Suzanne Melvin of Oxford Impressions first clued me in that Disney's Alice in Wonderland would be released this month, I had a perfect excuse. Now, I had seen stamps before based on the illustrations by Sir John Tenniel from my childhood edition of the book, but I'd always resisted. That is until I saw the three new sets Suzanne recently released: Classic Alice (the one I've used here,) Illustrated Alice, and Wonderland. Projects for the April 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things provided the perfect excuse for me to add these stamps to my collection. See what you think.
First, a spiral notebook: black and white with an accent of red. An easy look to accomplish with Archival™ Ink, Adirondack® Dye Ink, and Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™. When the self-adhesive crystals (Prima Marketing ®) were not the color I wanted, that too was a quick change with Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks.

Next, an Alice pendant. Same basic supplies but a totally different look.

Finally, a card. Alice with an attitude. Could that be caused by the Stickles™ Glitter Glue crown?

Fun stamps and fun projects. For additional details, see pages 48-49 of the April 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things.

ATCs – Beyond Trading: Eggs-actly Perfect

The common plastic egg transformed into a unique marbleized encasement - all through the magic of Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks and Metallic Mixatives. Best yet, these eggs are the perfect size to display Easter ATCs.
The first egg features ATC Duckies by Red Lead Paperworks stamped with Archival™ Ink and colored with Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads and Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads to add a vintage touch.

The second egg, another stamp by Red Lead Paperworks, ATC Hello Happy Easter, was stamped and colored in the same manner as the Duckies egg. In both cases, I've attached the trim with Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™.

Of course, I wanted to create a card to accompany my eggs. I enjoyed creating this ATC with fantasy colors. The patterned paper is from the All Dressed Up Stack (DCWV).Certainly not your typical Easter colors!

See the April 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things at pages 50-51 for further details of these projects.

30 Minute Card Ideas: Love

This was a first for me. I finally decided to take the challenge to submit a couple of projects for the 30 Minute Card Ideas section of Crafts 'n Things. Both these projects as well as other quick creations can be found on page 63 of the February 2010 issue.

The "Love Tag" employs one of my favorite color combinations, black and white with a punch of red. The elegant paper from DCWV and paper sticker made this a quick go together. (Instructions here.)

For a totally different look, try my "Love Poste." The postage collage stamp (Dawn Hauser™ for Inkadinkado®) made this another easy project. Pop dots and Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™ give added dimension to the butterfly postage. Of course I've used my favorite Adirondack® inks. (Instructions here.)

The instructions for these projects and many more are available at craftsnthings.com. (Look under the drop down menu for the "Free Stuff" tab.) You'll find hours of inspiration as well as close-ups of these projects.

Better Backgrounds: Irresistible Resist

Techniques have a way of morphing. I remember a demonstration of faux antiquing I saw years ago: white paint applied over a clear image embossed on black cardstock. Definitely shabby chic. Later, I learned a technique called kaleidoscope or Joseph’s Coat: black ink brayered over a clear image embossed on marker-colored cardstock, a similar process.
While experimenting recently, I believe I achieved a completely different look with Adirondack® Dye Inks, Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers, and Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper. Two cards resulting from my experiment may be found on page 95 of the August issue of Crafts 'n Things. Both feature stamps by Fred B. Mullett.
First, my "Wonderful Peppers" card. I think these pepper stamps are wonderful! I hope that you will click on the card to see the details. The Classic K Bailey Ornamental Rub-On (K & Company) is a perfect complement for this hot number!

Next, "Simply Shrimp." I'd admired the Lori’s Shrimp stamp and think that Lil’ Flying Fish is a nice partner. The rich colors of the inks provide a sharp contrast to the pastel paint. No further embellishment required!

Below, two cards that you won't see in the magazine and more stamps by Fred B. Mullett.
First, "Testing the Water." I wanted to use the rather large sticker (EK Success) and that required large stamps, Blue Bobo and Big Kelp. Big stamps also mean that lots of color shows through the paint. Take a peak!

Now, "Through the Window." I wanted to see how a transparency might work with this background and thought the Printables ERA Transparency by Prima fit the bill. It looks to me like the Mushroom and Ground Ivy are peaking through the window.

For detailed information, see page 95 of the August issue of Crafts 'n Things. With or without further adornment or with the embellishment of your choice, this resist technique is irresistible!