Friday, July 30, 2010

Chicken Wings and A Baby Chick...from a Paper-Crafts Chick?

Chicken Wings...

I'm a chicken when it comes to frying chicken, so I bake instead of frying.  I don't claim to be a master chef or anything close to it.  Matter of fact, if I had my way I'd hire a personal chef and order take-out on his/her days off.  Wait!  I do have a chef...a live in chef...he's my super-husband.  Well, despite his awesome cooking ability and willingness to do so, I usually end up cooking just because of our schedules.  So, here's my latest creation - chicken wings.  Oh my goodness, they were so pretty (lol) and the taste was simply marvelous.  I don't mean to toot my own horn (beep, beep!), but I topped the chef on this day.  Check out these pretty wings... 




It was a total fluke! And everytime I cook it's trial and error, but this trial didn't produce any errors.  I didn't plan this, but here's what I did:  I baked them for about 45mins on 350, then turned up the heat to 450 for about 20mins to achieve the crispiness and gold tone (I never fry because I'm afraid of being popped by the grease, and I don't feel too bad since baking is a healthier alternative).  Once they were done, I sprinkled them with a Ranch seasoning pack.  DELISH!

A Baby Chick...

Now, meet the baby chick.  I met this little guy during one of my paper shopping sprees.  Just paper..luv it.  I incorporated this little chick in the design of my journals that I previewed earlier.  It's a part of my "Positive Notes" line of inspirational journals.  I created this one using The Cinch binding tool.  If you've tried this tool, then you already know how much fun I had. 

Here's the hand-crafted, whimsical journal that includes “Positive Notes” from scriptures to build you up.  It was created with premium recycled papers. The book board is covered with paper designed by TPC Studio's Woodland Whimsy collection. Journal Size: 5" x 7"; 80 lined pages.




I simply printed the inner sheets with my printer and selected some of my favorite scriptures to include in the journal.



...and it reads:  A reminder from God:  I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  (Jeremiah 29:11 msg)


Thanks for stopping by and have a spectacular weekend!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Stick 'em Up!

I had a craving for a fun, yet quick project.  I'd been wanting to tackle this one for some time and figured what better time than now...since I was in the mood to make something...anything...just had to make something.
Check out these fun glass tile magnets that I made.  I used some of my own scrap paper to make the pink & grey cherry blossom and purple & white swirls magnet.  The other 3 were created with free printables from PaperGlitter's Mod Collage.  I'm looking forward to using these guys.  I plan to stick 'em up wherever I can to hold small papers and other small items (these will not be fridge magnets...too cute, so they will only be used in my craft room, lol). 

What I used:
  • clear glass tiles (7/8")
  • decorative paper
  • magnets
  • epoxy glue
  • be sure to cover your work area to protect from any messy glue spills.
What I did:
  • cut paper in the shape of a square to make sure it fits the glass tile.
  • add epoxy glue to flat side of tile
  • press tile firmly to your paper to get rid of air bubbles
  • flip the tile over, add a thin layer of epoxy glue to back side to seal  paper for longevity
  • add magnet to back of tile 
  • allow to dry overnight
  • Stick 'em up somewhere!
VOILA!    ;o)
A fun and cute craft project that will satisfy your paper-craft craving!


Wednesday, July 21, 2010

What's In Your Craft Room? {meet the inhabitants of mine}

Here's my Slice along with a few design cards and the 12 x 12 glass cutting mat.  I use the mat outside of Slice projects to protect my table, catch glue, glitter, embossing powder, etc.

My newest toy!  Recently, I started creating Positive Notes journals with the Cinch. I use it to punch holes in my journal paper, thread the wire and "cinch" the journal together.  I even have the wire cutters to remove any excess wire from the journal. 

I can't forget about my embossing tool.  I love to stamp with colorful ink, add embossing powder, then use my embossing tool to raise that image...Instant gratification!

Not only am I in love with paper and stationery, I also love paper and stationery with straight lines and edges.  Yes, I'm a neat freak in addition to being a "Paper-Crafts Chick".  Here's my 12 x 12 paper trimmer that allows me to achieve my own level of neatness and straighness.  :o)

I have a slight addiction to decorative boxes and baskets, too.  This allows me to store finished projects atop my work table and maintain organization.

I also keep a cute notebook handy to jot down any quick notes, ideas or project plans.  And what crafter could make it without a ruler, scissors, craft knife or glue?  I sure couldn't. 

While I have an overhead light, I also choose to keep my 3-light lamp lit.  It
gives me a brighter work area, so that I don't miss any flaws or create any. 

Here's my trusted friend, Mr. B (short for Mr. Bunny).  He keeps me
company during my craft time and never interrupts.  What a great friend!

What's in your craft room???  Leave comments and describe
how you use your workspace and what you're working with.




Wednesday, July 14, 2010

My Sliced Up Sweet Nothings!

You're familiar with the Slice design cutter by Making Memories, right?  It's a great cutting tool.  I use it to make my Sweet Nothings inspirational greeting cards and other fun things.   Well, I won one of the new design cards - Words & Expressions Family.  I made a short entry a couple of weeks ago telling of how I got the Slice and how I would use the new design card.  Take a look-see at my winning post:
"I have the Slice and absolutely luuuuv it. Got it as a Christmas gift from my super husband. My favorite card is the Words & Expressions Design Card. Oh my! I could make so many greeting cards with this one. It entails every word or thought I'd ever need to create the perfect sentiment for my cards and put a lasting smile on someone's face (whether it's a b'day, anniversary, holiday or the need for some encouragement). The Words & Expressions design card has it all. :o)"
Look at these fabulous designs included on the card...


So, you all know what this means...there will be new Sweet Nothings cards coming soon.  Can't wait!  But first, let me officially introduce you to Sweet Nothings and some of the cards that I've made with other Slice design cards.

Sweet Nothings are terms of endearment and expressions of love whispered from God to you. Their purpose is to guide, encourage and give hope during life's journey. This creative compilation of bible scriptures will serve as "a lamp to your feet and a light for your path".

 {Encouragement Card}

The inside reads...I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. My soul glorifies the Lord... [Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible]

{Mother's Day Card}
The inside reads...What is a Mother? She is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing desired can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed... [Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible]

{Encouragement Card} 

The inside reads..."Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. If you value Wisdom and hold tightly to her, great honors will be yours. It will be like wearing a glorious crown of beautiful flowers." The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden... [Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible]


Friday, July 9, 2010

I did it...I took the plunge and have entered the blog world!

::My hand-crafted Positive Notes journals::
::Outer cover created with paper from TPC Studio::

I have officially entered the blog world.  I already have a websiteFacebook page and even a Twitter page.  I thought I was pretty socially well-rounded UNTIL I found that some of my favorite paper-craft and stationery sites were blogging.  So, now I'm here to join in; here to share my ideas, thoughts, creations and findings of all things related to paper and other fun, hand-made projects.  Be sure to check in often, become a "follower", leave a comment, share your insights and "my luv for stationery, paper goods and other hand-crafted items".