Fall Leaves in Rustic Metal

Although it's always sad to see Summer go, it's not so hard to replace it with a season as beautiful as Autumn. Here is a project to keep the look of fall leaves around just a little bit longer. Using a Leaf Punch, and some Alcohol Inks, this can be done in no time.
We are gearing up for the busy Holiday Season but please remember to slow down long enough to enjoy the simple things all around us.
Diane

Christmas in July- Easy Ornament

This ornament is so much easier than it looks. I used clipart from Dover but you can use black & white photos as well to give a personal touch. Just print on Inkjet Printable Acetate. For complete instructions log on to Ranger Inks Yahoo Group.

The Holidays will be here before you know it!
Diane

Springtime in Sugar

It's amazing what you can do with a little sugar and a little practice. There are so many techniques and neat ideas for making things out of Fondant and Gum Paste and there is always something new to try.

If you would like to step down this creative avenue don't be afraid to try a new craft. Each new craft venture helps you build new skills on top of what you already know.

Diane

Homage to Chocolate

The joy of chocolate in all its forms! This collage is full of hand stamped elements including the photograph, black mat, lace and of course the M&M's and Hershey bar. The chocolate pieces are made of polymer clay.
Every day needs to include i bit of chocolate in it don't you think?
Diane

Grateful for the Memories

Although some of these people are no longer with me, I am grateful to have known them and embrace the impact they have had on my life. It's not always easy during the holidays to be without those we love, but we learn to embrace even tighter, the ones we have in front of us. Hug someone today.
Diane

A Cherry on Top, How Cool is That!

Fellow artisan and blogger Teressa Thompson honored me with the Cherry On Top Award! A big thank you to Teressa for selecting me! You can check out Teressa site Green Isles Crafts HERE
One of the stipulations to fulfill when receiving this award is to list 3 things I like about myself or 3 things I like to do (which is way easier to list)
So.......I love watching old classic black and white movies, I love listening to most any music on my ipod- but it has to be deafeningly loud, and I love to laugh.

And now it is my honor to pass the award on to 5 other creatively inspiring people.

Holly Craft - Today's Creations
Mary Hamer -  Pieces of Home Designs
Julie Koerber - Out to Impress
Michelle Forest -  Inky Scraps
Rebekka -Diamond in the Rough

ATC's Revisited

While going through some boxes, I discovered a stash of ATC's (Artist Trading Cards). I'd forgotten how much fun it was to come up with a design based on the monthly challenge theme. There was great excitement when our group traded the cards and we would open these little treasures to see what everyone came up with. It's a great way to use your supplies, meet new crafters, and stretch your imagination. If you haven't done them in awhile, or have never done them at all, go online to find a group and give them a try!

Diane

Old World Charm

The look of an old world tile can be made with some stamps, ink and paper. Inspired by a friend and their love of Italy. Love of food, family and fond memories. Things to be cherished in the everyday.
For compete directions on this project, check out Ranger Inks Yahoo Group.
Diane

Art & Food

There's nothing like bringing two passions together, and for me it's anything crafty and food!  The warm weather last weekend brought crowds to the Pocono State Craft Festival. What a way to celebrate the last remaining sunny days of summer than with some Sunflower cookies. Talent takes many forms and looking at the selection of mediums people enjoy working with is quite inspiring. Take time to create, eat a bit, and enjoy the momentary treasures around us.

Mistakes

Often what we think of as mistakes can really be usable when we look at them differently. In taking pieces of a scene, a stamped image or drawing and putting them into blocked tiles can give a whole new look. These are coated with 3 layers of clear Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel to give the look of an actual tile (can be seen much better in person) Try it with random pieces of your "mistakes".


Diane

Embrace Simple Joys

It's good to slow down and pay attention to the simple joys of the everyday. To be quiet.

Grasp the memories each day will create. A trip to Quiet Valley Historical Farm is always a treat

to escape to. While there, I sampled some Lavender Mint butter. What a wonderful way to use what's already in the backyard. Simply take some sprigs of mint, a few fresh lavender blossoms, chop finely and blend into softened butter.

Find something to celebrate today.

Diane

Acetate Background Technique

This card has a patterned, watercolor type background which I created on a sheet of clear acetate. It's easier than you think and can be done with simple tools in almost any color.
I am working on a Youtube video to show you just how to accomplish this look and will post it here as soon as I'm done.
Enjoy your day,
Diane

25 years and counting.....

As I look back on the 25 years my husband & I have spent together, I can't help but think how truly blessed we have been. My brother Eddie took this photo of us as we were rushing back to the car as it began raining. That is where our journey began.
Today I am very grateful and look forward to the road ahead as we walk it together.
(photo on this card has been covered with clear micro beads)

Diane

Mom

My mother is a unique woman with an amazingly strong charactor. It is a joy to honor her for Mother's Day. A simple feast of Chinese take-out coupled with cherished siblings and good conversation. Blessings to mothers everywhere.
Diane

Scenic Stamping Tutorial

Making scenic cards can be intimidating so I showed how it's done on Youtube.
The Stampscapes company makes a huge variety of scene components that you can combine to create any scene your imagination can dream up. Watch the video and give these stamps a try.
click here

Diane