Beautiful Glass Pendants

Beautiful Glass Pendants
Lovely Pink, Green, or Amber Glass

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Large Recipe Card File

I created this box for those who would rather use the larger (4x6") size recipe cards. The dividers are made from coordinating card stock and the tabs on the dividers are a Quickutz die. If you have any questions about the template please leave a comment and I'll be happy to clarify it.




Recipe Card File Base Diagram

Recipe Card File Lid Diagram

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Friday, December 26, 2008

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Beautiful Hummingbird ATC

One of my friends from Jams Galore group sent me this lovely hummingbird ATC.  Beautiful work Linda Lee Smith!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Beeswax Technique


I've just discovered the fun and beauty of Beeswax!  I have had so much fun in the last few days working with vintage images and beeswax.  I'm actually going to copy some of my own family's images to work with.

Please check out My ATC's section of this blog and see the ones I've created and have up to trade.

Fellow Readers

I was introduced to a really cool website the other day.  I do try to read a little but I have too many hobbies.  

If you love to read here is a site that you'll enjoy www.goodreads.com.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Holiday Photo Ornament

I love this little ornament.  So simple to make but with so much character.  This is also a good way to use those little scraps of paper and cardstock.

Materials:
Chip board or heavy cardstock 2 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Patterned paper 4" x 7"
Ribbon 6-7"
Cardstock (desired number pages) 2" x 5"
Adhesive
Bone Folder
Cutting Tool

Cut all materials to size.  Score and crease with bone folder chip board at 2 5/8" and 2 7/8".  Fold cardstock in half.  Apply adhesive to back side of chipboard and apply to patterned paper.  Miter corners of patterned paper by cutting at a diagonal at each corner, being careful not to cut less than 1/16" of an inch near the cardstock corner.  Crease and fold ends of patterned paper over edge of cardstock, repeat this at the ends.  Carefully crease patterned paper along the score lines of cardstock.  Fold ribbon in half and apply adhesive to the back cover approximately half way between the spine and the end of the chipboard.  Adhere pages (signatures) of cardstock together one page to the next page.  Apply adhesive to the back of the first pages and apply it to the inside of the front cover.  Apply adhesive to the last page of cardstock, holding the cover flat against the surface, apply the last page to the back cover. Embellish outside covers as desired.  

*Hint:  When printing photographs, use 4x6" photo paper and choose wallet size for the size of photos.  Use a punch less than 2" to punch out photos for pages.  




Saturday, November 29, 2008

Wizard of Oz ATC Swap


It doesn't take a genus to know I love the Wizard of Oz!  My local friends have seen my vast collection of items including a fist edition L. Frank Baum book signed by one of the last living munchkins!  One of my yahoo groups ATC's For Everyone recently had a swap meant just for me.  Here are the beautiful cards I received.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Homemade Envelope Adhesive

I found a really cool recipe and it does work quite well. Cardmakers will love this one. It's a recipe for envelope glue. It dries on the envelope just like commercial glue. The recipe is as follows:

6 Tablespoons of White Vinegar
4-0.1 ounce packets unflavored gelatin
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Bring vinegar to a boil, add gelatin and stir until it is dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and stir until well mixed. While still warm brush a thin layer onto the back of an envelope flap. Set it aside and allow to dry.

Store unused mix in a airtight container and to reapply the glue rewarm mixture and apply to envelope.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Another Crazy Week

Hi All,

Well, it's been another crazy week.  On Wednesday I found out one of my babies (Isabelle) my Pomeranian had a dislocated hip.  We now have her in a little sling and in all liklihood it won't stay in place.  I guess time will tell.

Then my husband gave me a scare and had an cardiac related episode that wound him up in intensive care at our local hospital.  All went well and his condition resolved and he's home safe and sound.

I've got a break in teaching for the next week and half so I plan on doing some new videos for you on YouTube.  I'll be sure and post a link here as well.


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Groovin 60's ATC Swap

Here are the coolest cards I received from the Groovin' 60's Swap.



Monday, November 10, 2008

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree ATC Swap





Here are the beautiful ATC's I received from ATC World swap.

My New Projects












I've been in bed the last couple of days with a terrible cold, then a migraine...wasn't my week last week. This morning I couldn't wait to get back into my studio and work. This is one of the projects I completed.

I got the idea from Monica at http://www.doulanana.blogspot.com. This little album was made from toilet tissue rolls. It's a lot of fun and a good way to use up scraps.

I still don't have much of a voice but may try to do some YouTube videos this afternoon.

Beautiful Card


I received a beautiful card this morning from one of my swap groups. Card Swaping Friends. This lovely card was made by Carol Westphal of Anticoch, California. The theme was Leaves.

If you are interested in joining this group go to Subscribe: Making_Friends-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Under the Weather

Hi All,

I won't be posting any videos on YouTube for the next few days. I've lost my voice and am a bit under the weather with a cold. I certainly hope this is the first and last one of the winter...Haha wishful thinking!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Envelope Pocket Mini Album





I hope you enjoy making this cute little mini album. The instructions are as follows:
Materials:
4 Envelopes 5.73 x 8.75"
3 Paper Rings
Patterned Paper to cover both sides of each envelope
1 Piece of ChipBoard 6" x 9.75" inches Scored at 4.5" and 4.75"
1 Piece of patterned paper to cover chipboard

Seal all envelopes and cover each envelope front and back with patterned paper.
Cut off each (short end) of each envelope to make the pocket
Fold each envelope in half
Punch holes in each folded envelope
Score and cover chipboard with patterned paper.
Line up each folded envelope along the crease of the cover and mark holes to be punched.
Bind all signatures together side by side.
Use 1/2 " circle punch to punch out 1/2 of a circle for area to pull out journal card or photo
Line up all signatures inside cover and bind with paper rings or ribbon.
Fashion closure of your choice and embellish as desired.

Anyone who subscribes to my YouTube video can enter a drawing for this mini album by emailing me with their name and mailing address.

Thanks!

It's Election Day!





I don't know about all of you...but I'm certainly glad it's just about over! Two years of political commercials and signs and I am BURNED OUT!

But on a positive note...whatever your choice, whatever your party...get out there and vote! It's an honor and duty to do so.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Beautiful Gold ATC's Received


Here are the photos of the beautiful ATC's I received in a swap entitled "All About Gold" from the ATC Connection Yahoo Group. If you are interested in participating in this group you may apply for membership at ATC_CONNECTION-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.













My ATC Collection is certainly growing!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Hi There from Omaha, Nebraska


Tonight I'm spending some time with my daughter and best friend Beth. Just a girls night, watching movies, surfin' and making homemade spaghetti.

I wanted to do a little bragging and show you my new baby....my husband calls her "Daisy". We've been Volkswagon lovers for so many years and actually have a 72 Super Beetle we intend on restoring, unless a really good offer comes up.

But here's a little pic of our fun little car...and she'll certainly beat 17 mpg from my Explorer!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

All Hallows Eve ATC Swap




Here are the ATC's I received from the All Hallows Eve Swap. What wonderful creations! I received these from the following artists:

The Skull entitled "Eek! A Spider!" by Lila
The Trick or Treaters Collage by Sabrina Evan
The Ghost by Connie Melton
The Trick or Treat card by Jennifer Ramey

Thanks to all of you! They are beautiful!!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Coin Envelope Card



Materials Needed:
1 Piece of Card Stock 3" x 11.5 Scored at 3 1/4, 3 1/5, 8 1/4 and 8 1/2.
1 Piece of Patterned Paper Same size
5 Coin Envelopes 2 1/2" x 4"
Tags
Sentiment Stamps
Ribbon
Eyelets
Velcro
Adhesive

Sunday, October 19, 2008

MemorialTribute--Our Beloved Luke



Tears roll down my face as I write this post. Last week our family lost one of it's most beloved members....our dog Luke. My daughter Beth and I brought Luke home from the Siouxland Humane Society approximately 13 years ago. He was a joy in our life since the day we brought him home. He never gave us one problem. He practically house trained himself and was a constant companion for my daughter when she was growing up. He was our protector and our joy.

To those of you who are animal lovers you too, know the sorrow of losing a pet. There is no one emotion to explain it. Our sorrow runs deep but we will always remember the wonderful pet that Luke was and is forever in our hearts.

Card Swap

Hi Crafters!

This week I received a card in the mail from my very first card swap. It was from Chris Nolting of Orange Park, FL. The theme was Teddy Bears. The card was lovely and showed wonderful originality. Though cutsy things like teddy bears are not my thing, I do like this card as it is not too....over the top cutesy.


My biggest gripe about the scrapbooking magazines right now is that almost every one you pick up is kid themed. Now, while I do like kids, during this point in my life, I have no little kids or grandkids. I think they could at the very least try to balance out their techniques and layouts to those who have more mature taste. Even some that do have little ones, aren't into scrapbooking balloons, dollies and fire trucks.


I'll post the card I sent out in this swap as well as soon as I have it finished. Hopefully I can keep within the theme but keep the feel a little more mature.


Sunday, October 12, 2008

Pretty Purses ATC Swap


What beautiful artwork I received in the mail yesterday. One of the groups I belong to, ATC World hosted a "Pretty Purses" swap. Here is the photo of the collection I received. This swap's theme was also to use an origami folded template. I will post the template to this blog as well so you may download it and try it yourself. It is so much fun! I'm going to make it in a larger size and make greeting cards for all my handbag loving girlfriends!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

September ATC's Received


I received a wonderful package of ATC's in the mail today from the A Piece of Craft Swap. What gorgeous cards!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Hi Everyone!
I'm back finally. I actually got my first video uploaded to YouTube. I hope you like it and I will keep things up and keep improving them. I made a few new projects this weekend I'll be posting later.

My items are also available for sale and I will post a price with each one.

Thanks!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

My First ATC

Hi Crafters and Enthusiasts!

Here is a bit of my first ATC creation...already I'm getting the hang of it and have made a few more for swaps coming up. I am really having fun with them and am excited to expand my creativity into other mediums. It's a lot of fun thinking up titles for them as well.

It was a dreary rainy Sunday here in Northeast Nebraska but makes it a good date to spend time in the studio!

Back to classes tomorrow afternoon. Wishing everyone a pleasant and productive week!

Until next time....Do something creative everyday!!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

ATC Craze!


I've officially joined the ATC craze! I'm excited to get started. I love working on the small scale. It's amazing how creative one can get on a tiny card! I have joined two clubs. One is at www.apieceofcraft.com and the other is a yahoo group ATC World.

I'll post some of my creations in the next day or two.

My husband and I are off to the big city (Omaha) tomorrow to visit my little girl at college. And, of course hitting all the craft stores! God Bless my husband!

I hope everyone is doing well and having lots of creative inspiration! Until next time...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

First Blog Day!


Hello Everyone! This is my very first attempt at blogging. I will post more about me in the About Me Section. I have been wanting to get more into my crafting and such and recently became a YouTube Junkie and found a world of information and friends with the same interest. I hope I can pass along some of my knowledge to you as well!! You can also visit my website at www.joannmckenzie.net
.

I'd be thrilled to have any questions, comments or ideas for improvement to make this an enjoyable place to visit.

Thanks Again for Stopping By!!