Oh, Hello 2016

January 1, 2016 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

It would appear I have taken a few days off, and I guess I did. I worked ahead to be out of town and still blog, but didn’t have quite the time to get back to it when I got home. Sometimes life just has to happen, and it was so much fun!

This card is just cuteness overload! I am absolutely in love with this little chick, aren’t you? It comes from a free set that is only available during Sale-a-bration. It is a free gift option when you buy $50 of product. No problems here, I love free!

I snatched a tiny stamp from December’s Paper Pumpkin kit that says 2016. It works with the calendar kit, but is just what I needed for this card. Kind of like the year 2016 was there before I realized it. I do think this chick will find its way on everything I can think of. I have tons of other new product to play with, but nothing this cute. Oh how I do love cute!

Have a creative day, what’s left of it.

Moana

Sale-a-bration is Almost Here!

December 29, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

To add on yesterday’s blog, this is the icing on that oh so delicious cake. I love Sale-a-bration! I already get to order what I love to work with. But when you get to choose great free product too? Almost too much.

And like my other box, this one is also tucked away waiting for me to get back home. It will be tonight. In the morning you should get to see a bit more excitement going on.

These are some of my soon to be favorites. There are some that are limited time offers even within the short time of Sale-a-bration, so there is no time to waste. I made sure I got those right away.

Another perk of being a demonstrator? I already got to pre-order, how cool is that? But, I also got to earn Sale-a-bration free items with that pre-order. Of course I took full advantage of that opportunity. Christmas all over again for this little crafter!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Sneak Peek from the Coming Stampin’Up Catalog

December 28, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I know the new catalog won’t be live for a bit, January 5th actually, but I thought you would like a little peek into what is coming out.

Being a demonstrator, I get to pre-order before the catalogs go live. That way I can get used to product as I get ready to share it with my customers and friends. It was a seriously super exciting box, let me just shout that out.

Here are a few of the products close up that I am getting the most excited to use. Yes, I haven’t used any of it yet! I opened it up, looked at it all, took some quick photos and packed it back up. I am still on holiday in Arizona with family and won’t get to play until I get back home.

When I do get home, it will be a serious frenzy for sure. I will still have a week and a half of school break to work with. Should be so much fun!

Can you believe all of this great product? Me either. I just love all of the product in this catalog. Sometimes I don’t worry as much because not all of it appeals to me. This one has my number.

Have a creative day!

Moana

CD Gift Envelopes

December 27, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

More gifts? Well of course! Giving little favors to people is just one of my favorite things to do. I have found that nearly everyone I give to loves a hand made gift. Works for me!

These are actually decorative covers for some holiday CD’s I gave out this holiday season. There are a few little treats inside and a horrid extreme sour warhead candy cane. My daughter loves them, I am not a fan. But those that got these gifts also appreciate sour stuff like that.

This particular last minute gift set was so close to Christmas that the paper was on clearance! Good for me, but definitely cutting it a bit too close.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Treat Boxes for Friends

December 26, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I worked ahead so I could enjoy the holiday. These little treat boxes have already been delivered and hopefully enjoyed as well.

I am finishing up just a few things before the evening is done, and sharing this little bit of joy is one of them. Just a little reminder to share more of yourself with those around you. Even if Christmas was yesterday, keep the spirit going strong.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Merry Christmas from the Jacobson Family!

December 25, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Yes, we are just about this odd. Last year during the holiday season we spent a fun day at Six Flags and had this drawn. It is of course larger, and I had grander plans.

However, when it came time to plan out the card for this year I thought this would be so much fun. Totally different that the usual, but that is just how we are.

So, you shouldn’t be hanging around this blog, you should be with your family and friends. That is where I am. But, I did think it would be fun to share a different look for a Christmas card.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Moana

Cookie Close-up!

December 24, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

As the holidays get rushing along, try to find the simple sweetness they can offer. Sharing kindness and treats can be so much fun!

Good friends give more than they receive often enough. Just trying to do a little for those that do so much for me. And yes, there is more to me than paper crafting, sometimes. Just kidding!

Have a delicious day!

Moana

Just the Right Box

December 23, 2015December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

What do you do when you have an odd sized gift? Make your own box, that is what you do. It also needed a little extra reinforcing. Heavy weight craft card stock to the rescue!

I used two 12 x 12 sheets to wrap this lovely little gift. It didn’t quite reach around the back, so that is why I had to use a second sheet.

I have been surprised how often I have gone to my paper to create a specific gift box. I guess I will have to be mindful to keep more of that in stock. A quick wrap for that last minute gift, just the thing I needed.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Big Gift Box

December 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

How big is big? This one took two 12 x 12 sheets to make it work. This bag/box measures 5 x 6 x 6. How awesome is that? The gift inside is pretty much hilarious. Another gift exchange for my husband at work. Quite the group there.

I could have fit at least six stamp sets inside this guy. That could double for DVD’s or any other combination for sure. It is made with last years craft holiday paper so it is super sturdy. I could have made a fun tag and decorated it more, but it was a quick make this morning.

Could I find gift tissue to match? Nope. No worries though, there was a Santa hat close by and it did the job quite well. Actually, I think this might be a repeater idea. I probably won’t remember it, like the measurements for the awesome bag. It was a custom design for this huge mug. One thing at a time, and getting last minute holiday fun done is more important.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Flameless Candle Favors

December 21, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Two days off in a row? What is up with that I would like to know. Well, these little babies are to blame. Well, these are the ones left over from the original 150 I made. Yes, there were 150.

Our church youth group decided to go Christmas caroling to a few nursing homes in our area and well, the final decisions came a bit late. We normally would have collected fuzzy grippy bottom stockings, or made knitted hats or something along those lines. I live in a small town and couldn’t gather up enough of those kinds of things this late in the holiday season. So, it ended up being a paper crafting moment, or two, or more.

My Saturday was spent making these little treasures. If you weren’t making a ton it would be a super quick craft. I cut 6″ squares, scallop trimmed the tops, punched two snowflakes on opposite sides and tucked in a candle at the bottom. The candles got a little extra grip from glue dots to make sure they stayed put. It is a tight fit, but just in case. They are tubes so you can turn the candle on and off without taking it out. Pretty simple, but very nice.

As we sang the kids passed out lit favors to the nursing home guests. It really was a lovely experience for everyone. Christmas is about giving after all.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Paper Pumpkin Re-Make

December 18, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

What says thank you better than a big bar of chocolate? A really pretty bar of chocolate with a coordinating card, that’s what! I really like how this Paper Pumpkin set got used so differently than I normally do.

I have mentioned my teacher aides before and how awesome they are. The holidays are the perfect time to share that gratitude. Especially when they feel special and others get to see that too. Okay, they are teenage boys that love to feel awesome and oh so cool. This works very well, just like they do.

I used the card base to wrap over my vanilla cardstock and it fit around so nicely. I was able to give it nice little scores and get two swipes of fast fuse to keep this together. After a hefty wrapping of ribbon, I know it is so secure. These holly leaves and little adhesive backed berries are so adorable though. I could definitely get into a die cut to make more of these. I will have to look around for one.

It is fun to go to work when you have this kind of joy to share. Besides, today is the last day of school before a very nice and long three week break. Phew!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Paper Pumpkin Makes Me Smile!

December 17, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

While I was visiting my children and parents during the Thanksgiving break I had a little fun with my November Paper Pumpkin kit. My mother and I love to craft, differently mind you, but love it still the same. So we sat down and did half of our kits together. It was so much fun.

Yes, this is only half. The kit came with materials to make ten cards, two different designs. I just loved them. I usually don’t share these unless I do something different than the kit suggests, but it was the time spared that was the fun share. My favorite part of crafting in any form is sharing it.

And when you have kits as adorable as these, it is easy to share more than you might think. These will be going to some special people, but not until they get some candy to go with them. I will blog that part tomorrow. I am going to turn the other five cards into candy bar wraps for the gift part and give them with these cards. Fun stuff, right? See you tomorrow then!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Garden Green Gift Box

December 16, 2015December 15, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Need a gift box or two? During the holidays we are always looking for something to wrap a last minute gift or party favor. That is what my husband needed for a work party tomorrow.

They are having a white elephant gift exchange, so I thought a really great box would throw them off completely. The ornament inside is nearly bizarre, but almost interesting at the same time. It has a flying pheasant, with a hunting fest hung below, and then a pheasant call hung below that. Yes, somehow I let that one not go on my tree. I wonder how that happened.

This box though. I used two sheets of garden green cut at 8.5 x 8.5 and scored at two inches all the way around for the sides. The top score lines were moved a smidge over so the lid would be just a bit larger than the bottom and fit snug. Mission accomplished. I used the snowflake stamp from the Perpetual Birthday Calendar set. Love that one so much. It gets used all of the time. I put a whole in the center with a circle framelit, which gave me funny half circle edges on two of the sides, but I couldn’t see a way around it, so I just went with it.

The window sheet was embossed with the elegant dots folder and stuck down inside. The sheet measured 4 x 4 and I used fast fuse to keep it in there. I ended up wrapping the gift in some 6″ wide burlap ribbon and doesn’t that look great? Surprised me too. Then this lovely box was given a big hug with some satin ribbon, gold to match the stamping, after being sponged like crazy of course. Now, the fun begins!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Your Presents

December 15, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Good morning to this bundle of happiness! My daughter was teasing me about how I get these ideas, don’t know if they will work out, because they always look amazing. Well, I don’t know if my original vision was achieved, but I do rather like how it turned out.

Wouldn’t it be fun to see a big pile of gifts like this? With the holidays here and Christmas right around the corner, I guess it could happen. It reminds me of growing up with the way my mother decorated and wrapped gifts. She liked everything to coordinate, the wrapping, the tree, decorations, everything. If someone gave a gift that didn’t coordinate, she would wrap it over to make it match. She would approve of this card for sure.

Just one stamp set and all of this pattern just happened. I bet if I worked harder I could have gotten more. I know that I will get to use this for countless birthday cards. A holiday stamp that can keep going on is my kind of stamp. I just stamped and layered with glimmer paper. The gifts were sponged lightly and a couple got bows stuck on top with glue dots. A few stars inside and one on top of the pile and it was done. So cute.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Workshop Wonders

December 14, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

What do you get when you bring together some creative friends? A really unique workshop that was more fun than work that is for sure. Just look at these adorable projects they created!

We really did have a wonderful time sharing ideas, laughing, exchanging gifts and enjoying a lovely luncheon. I think they impressed themselves more than each other. And I loved crafting with them.

I already blogged mine on Saturday, but wanted to just show theirs. Two of our group couldn’t attend this one and they sure missed out. Next time I am sure they will share something wonderful. The ladies liked the activity so much that we decided to do it twice a year, once in December and once in the summer. I do love these gals!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Happy Christmas Exchange

December 12, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I usually don’t get the chance to blog on a workshop morning, but since we are doing things a little differently, my morning is a bit different.

For today’s workshop, my club ladies are each sharing a project and making a kit for everyone to complete. This is my contribution. It does need to be simple, the prep work done, and the project should be able to be completed in 5-10 minutes. We then get to come home with several different projects and my ladies get a chance to show off their skills too! I call that a win.

This project is all about simple layering with 1/4″ borders, two stamps, two different sized square framelits and a touch of ribbon. Oh, and sponging please, plenty of sponging. Really, it should be pretty satisfying.

We are also doing a little gift exchange and I am bringing my big bin of retired product that is their own little clearance rack. I drag that out every 3-4 months after I add a bit here and there into it. This will be our third year doing this, and I think it is a tradition here to stay.

Have a creative day!

Moana

White Christmas

December 11, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I had intended on making a matching bag for yesterday’s card, but I spent so much time on the card I had to call it and move on. Yet the large piece of velum was still waiting for me to finish it up. I made an effort or two.

My original plan didn’t work because I didn’t punch my holes along the bag top evenly and the ribbon stitching looked horrible. I cut off the top and tried again. There were improvements, but it is still uneven. It did look really nice with the card, but this is like the Where’s Waldo of crafting goofups to be honest. Can you find them all?

How about this obvious one. I was chatting to my daughter and not paying attention to my scoring and the measurements got off. You don’t waste foil velum though, so I continued on. That is when I goofed up the hole punching the first time, and a bit again on the second time. I didn’t bother putting treats inside because I don’t know if I can let this goof off the desk.

But, the set does look nice even if I made mistakes. I always tell my ladies that there are no mistakes, only opportunities. I don’t know about this one, maybe an opportunity to learn from my mistakes?

Have a creative day!

Moana

Joy, Plain and Simple

December 10, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

As we have been showered with much needed rain here in Northern California, all I feel is joy and gratitude. We have a long way to go, but every little bit helps. I thought I would put my feelings into a card.

The Color Me Irresistible Specialty DSP is so much fun to work with. It was actually my inspiration. I knew it had a raindrop pattern and the project just went from there. I sponged with a dauber in silver encore ink all over in tiny swirls to give a cloudy gray look. Turned out fantastic I must say.

The flowers were punched with the pansy punch hovering over the large dots in the silver fancy foil designer velum, using the dots as the flower center. Nice idea, right? I used a bone folder to curl the petals of the velum and decided I needed more flowers. Basic gray became the flower background color and I punched another six of those. I distressed those with a large stylus to give them dimension and lift. Layered with dimensionals and glue dots, the side border came together.

A single stamp from the Your Presents set put the focus just right. It was framed with a smokey slate oval and both were sponged with more silver ink. The “i” was dotted with a metal rimmed pearl and a tiny ribbon was wrapped around. Add one more awesome card to the mix. A very rewarding project to make and enjoy.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Bitty Boxy Holiday Bags

December 9, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

I managed to sneak yet another project out of that paper set. I still have enough for a couple of cards or a medium sized gift bag. Dang, what a lot of fun I have had using this paper. But these tiny little bags certainly do take the cake. Aren’t they just absolutely adorable?

My husband was given a large bag of candy as a thank you and he brought it home. And he opened it. So that is just dangerous. I knew I had to come up with several little bags to use them up. I am getting there.

Three different styles of box bags to get me going today. I am partial to a milk carton style to be honest, but the tiny pinch pouch is just so sweet. I used up three scraps of paper with a touch of glimmer paper to give them some bling. I don’t know what I love more, the cording or metallic thread, so I had to use them both.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Have an Adventure

December 8, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

This is a break from the seemingly endless lines of Christmas cards. But you know what, people have birthdays during the holiday season too and they need to be remembered as well.

This adventurous card is headed to someone who is just about adventurous as I can imagine. Some stamp sets you look at and wonder when you will use it, but then you have just the thing. This little mountaineering guy has been waiting for just that moment. He comes from a set that has long since retired, but found a friend in the World Map background stamp for sure.

I really do love this combination. I can see many more coming together with other masculine images to accent the world map. Kind of a fun change from holiday colors as well. Good for all I guess, especially the birthday boy!

Have a creative day!

Moana

studio824

Creativity for all seasons and reasons.

Oh, Hello 2016

Sale-a-bration is Almost Here!

Sneak Peek from the Coming Stampin’Up Catalog

CD Gift Envelopes

Treat Boxes for Friends

Merry Christmas from the Jacobson Family!

Cookie Close-up!

Just the Right Box

Big Gift Box

Flameless Candle Favors

Paper Pumpkin Re-Make

Paper Pumpkin Makes Me Smile!

Garden Green Gift Box

Your Presents

Workshop Wonders

Happy Christmas Exchange

White Christmas

Joy, Plain and Simple

Bitty Boxy Holiday Bags

Have an Adventure