Friday, January 30, 2015

Growing in Unity- Day 5

 Welcome to day 5 of my stint as the GIU (Growing in Unity) girl.  I'm showing you my creations all week long and if you comment every day on my blog post, you'll be entered into a random drawing for 25 random stamps from the Unity Stamp Company.  Wowza, 25 stamps!  
Who wouldn't love that?!  2 winners will be selected.

For this creation, I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit.  Working with mixed media pastes is not my thing.  I decided to do some water coloring and used some glitter paste for the first time.  The stamp set used here, is from the Layers of Life May 2014 kit, "Never lose their Beauty".



 
I started out doing some water coloring with distress ink, first stamping my image on water color paper, then adding additional color.  I also used the Unity background stamp, "Tattered Chicken Wire".



Having zero experience working with paste, I found this video from the Scrapbook Expo and Bo Bunny, maker of the paste I'm using today, Copper Glitter Paste.  This technique worked great!  I used a Mod Podge Peel and Stick stencil with the paste.




Here's a close-up of the Unity sentiment. 
I also added some Bo Bunny pearlescent to my mixed media project and clear Wink Of Stella glitter brush on my flowers and sentiment.  Lastly, I made a burlap string butterfly from May Arts Ribbon string.  I love how this turned out.  I'll definitely be doing more of these type projects in the future.




 Thanks so much for letting me share my love of Unity Stamps with you this week.  Don't forget to leave a comment here so you can qualify for the random drawing.  And for a shameless plug, I'd love if you would come and like me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!


#cre8time #unitystamps #bobunny #tombow #mayartsribbon #plaid #modpodge

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Growing in Unity - Day 4

Welcome to day 4 of my stint as the GIU (Growing in Unity) girl.  I'm showing you my creations all week long and if you comment every day on my blog post, you'll be entered into a random drawing for 25 random stamps from the Unity Stamp Company.  Wowza, 25 stamps!  
Who wouldn't love that?!  2 winners will be selected.


I made this for a gentleman who sings in our church choir, and is just retiring from his job after 30 years.  He's an avid hunter/fisherman, so I used a piece of WRMK designer paper that has this stag on it.  The stamp set I'm using today is called, "Sing a New Song".  It's one of my favorites and I felt it would be the perfect set to use for this card, embracing the recipient's love of music and hunting. 


I used the sentiment and musical notes from the kit, stamping with Colorbox archival ink in Saddle.  I did a little water coloring around the sentiment as well.




For the inside of the card, I used a sentiment from the "Everything More" sentiment kit.  This kit is a staple and has a perfect sentiment for just about any occasion.  I inked up the edges of the musical note paper with the same ink.



Come back tomorrow for more Unity inspiration! Don't forget to leave a comment here so you can qualify for the random drawing.  And for a shameless plug, I'd love if you would come and like me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!


Sticky Doo pop dots

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

FLASH GIVEAWAY WINNER

Thanks so much for helping me celebrate 1000 tweets on Twitter!  If you're not already following me, do it!  There's always something fun going on, random giveaways, and links to other fun crafty stuff as well.  In fact, when I get to 500 likes on the Waving My Wand FB page, I'll be having a BIG giveaway!!  So share with your friends and make it happen!

Here's some links to follow:


Now on to business, the winner of my Flash Giveaway.  I took all the names of those who commented at Waving My Wand's FB post, plus extra entries from those who commented at Twitter, numbered them and entered into Random Number Generator and came up with #10 on my list who is.........

HEIDI MUSKA

Congratulations Heidi!!  Message me your mailing address to momtojeb (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get your crafty goodies out to you later this week.  Please respond within 7 days.


 
Scrapbook.com: Thousands of scrapbooking supplies. HUGE daily discounts!





Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. Your purchase price is not affected in any way. I only participate in the scrapbook.com affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support! #cre8time #giveaway #winner


Growing In Unity - Day 3

Welcome to day 3 of my stint as the GIU (Growing in Unity) girl.  I'm showing you my creations all week long and if you comment every day on my blog post, you'll be entered into a random drawing for 25 random stamps from the Unity Stamp Company.  Wowza, 25 stamps!  
Who wouldn't love that?!  2 winners will be selected.

Today's mixed media project is titled "Grunge Love".  Love is kind of messy, right?  And, with Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought I'd get all mushy, uh, I mean messy.  ;)



I did a whole lot of distressing to this stamped/hand-cut Unity heart  (Everything Love Jan 2014 sentiment kit) including embossing the card stock with my Cuttlebug and using Ranger embossing powder in black and white.  I sanded the raised edges a bit and then had a happy little accident with ink on my knuckle.  Haha, so I decided to add a couple more inked "knuckle" dots to my design.  The Love You sentiment is also from the same kit.
Here's a close-up of the finished heart.  Notice the inked doily?  I used my Unity Grainy background stamp, dabbed Tim Holtz Picket Fence distress ink all over my stamp, and stamped in a criss-cross pattern on a Maya Road kraft doily.  I dried it quick, with my embossing heat tool.
Come back tomorrow for more Unity inspiration! Don't forget to leave a comment here so you can qualify for the random drawing.  And for a shameless plug, I'd love if you would come and like me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!


Additional supplies: 
We R Memory Keepers - Shine Collection - 12 x 12 Paper Pad 
We R Memory Keepers - Enamel Dots - Warm - $3.59
from: Scrapbook.com
Prima Marketing flower 
Kaiserkraft wood flourish 
Colorbox archival ink Pinkolicious 
Ranger Ink - Adirondack Earthtones - Pigment Ink Pad - Pitch Black
 pearl brads 
canvas heart 
Darice Honeycomb embossing folder
Darice - Embossing Essentials - Embossing Folder Case Organizer - Black
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads - Brushed Corduroy 
Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Marker - Full 49 Marker Set 
Ranger Ink - Basics Embossing Powder - White
Simplicity crochet lace 
May Arts Ribbon natural burlap string in Pink

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

#cre8time #unitystamp #mayartsribbon #wrmk #clearsnap #timholtz #kaisercraft #love #valentine #heart

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Growing in Unity - Day 2

Welcome to day 2 of my stint as the GIU (Growing in Unity) girl.  I'm showing you my creations all week long and if you comment every day on my blog post, you'll be entered into a random drawing for 25 random stamps from the Unity Stamp Company.  Wowza, 25 stamps!  
Who wouldn't love that?!  2 winners will be selected.

This sweet card was built around one of my favorite Unity Sentiments by the lovely artist, Phyllis Harris.  The set is called "Before I Met You Tiny Dancer".   I actually received it in a grab bag....so see?  Those random stamps are pretty cool.   You'll see several projects from me this week with Love as the theme.  This card could be used romantically for Valentine's Day, a romantic celebration, or even a baby shower.


I wanted to build a beautiful backdrop and have you zero in on the sentiment, so I started by cutting a lace heart, just under 6" with my Cricut Explore.  If you don't have a die-cutting machine, use a large pink heart shaped doily as a nice substitute.  Next, I cut a smaller heart on white chevron cardstock and used my blending tool to blend in some Colorbox ink around the edges.


The lace heart and sentiment are the shining star to the floral backdrop from Graphic 45.  I embellished the heart with Pretty Pink Posh sequins glued with Stickles Firefly glitter glue and a silk May Arts Ribbon bow finishes everything, with a purple rhinestone.  I left the inside blank as this card could be used for a number of occasions.


Come back tomorrow for more Unity inspiration! Don't forget to leave a comment here so you can qualify for the random drawing.  And for a shameless plug, I'd love if you would come and like me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!



Additional supplies:
DCWV Quince Blossoms white chevron cardstock

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!
#unitystamps #mayartsribbon #dcwv #cre8time #tombow #prettypinkposh #xyron #phyllisharris #graphic45 #clearsnap

Monday, January 26, 2015

Growing in Unity - Day 1


Welcome to day 1 of my stint as the GIU (Growing in Unity) girl.  I'm showing you my creations all week long and if you comment every day on my blog post, you'll be entered into a random drawing for 25 random stamps from the Unity Stamp Company.  Wowza, 25 stamps!  
Who wouldn't love that?!  2 winners will be selected.

When I saw this brand new set, Mason Jar Love from Unity Stamps, I knew I had to have it. 
It was love at first sight.  My idea is to serve a fun drink to my young 'un on Valentines Day, pink lemonade, perhaps?  Although, I'm kind of partial to Italian cream sodas as well.  Notice, I made a matching coaster, too.  This fun jar can be used year round. 




I used mason jar lids that have open slots for straws, then cut the lid and vinyl heart with my Cricut Explore.  I set the dimensions for the lid at 2.75", the same as the heart stamp dimensions.  The hole in the center was also cut with the Explore, but you could use a hole punch such as a Crop-A-Dile to extend out to punch the center.  I used just a couple swipes of a non-permanent adhesive runner to hold the cardstock topper in place and wrapped the pretty tag with twine around the straw.   I've got so many great ideas for using this set!

 Come back tomorrow for more Unity inspiration! Don't forget to leave a comment here so you can qualify for the random drawing.  And for a shameless plug, I'd love if you would come and like me on FB: http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!



Additional supplies: 
DCWV chevron white cardstock from the Quince Blossoms 12"x12" paper pack, Oracal coral vinyl, transfer paper, 
The Twinery Mandarin twine 
heart gemstone

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!
#cricutexplore #unitystamps #dcwv #heroarts #cre8time

Saturday, January 24, 2015

My Spring Picks from Scrapbook.com and Doodlebug Design + 10% coupon code

Who's ready for Spring?  I am totally loving these fresh colors from Doodlebug Designs.  Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a sucker for enamel dots.  Scroll through my picks and peek at the fun Easter kit.  Be sure to snag the coupon code at the end of this post for 10% off your entire purchase, but hurry....code expires 1/25/15.   Have fun shopping!

Scrapbook.com: Thousands of scrapbooking supplies. HUGE daily discounts!

Get an EXTRA 10% off the ENTIRE Store! (Code: TENF222)

Get an additional 10% OFF EVERYTHING in the store. Many items are already on sale, so your final prices in the shopping cart will be 10% to 80% OFF. Use coupon TENF222 at checkout. Coupon expires on January 25, 2015 at midnight MST.


Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. Your purchase price is not affected in any way.  I only participate in the scrapbook.com affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

#cre8time #doodlebugdesign #scrapbook, #easter #spring #bunny #enameldots
Get an EXTRA 10% off the ENTIRE Store! (Code: TENF222) Get an additional 10% OFF EVERYTHING in the store. Many items are already on sale, so your final prices in the shopping cart will be 10% to 80% OFF. Use coupon TENF222 at checkout. Coupon expires on January 25, 2015 at midnight MST. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. Your purchase price is not affected in any way. I only participate in the scrapbook.com affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support! #cre8time #doodlebugdesign #scrapbook, #easter #spring #bunny #enameldots

Friday, January 23, 2015

Have you seen the 9.99 cartridges/digital at Cricut.com? Oh my.

Have you seen the cartridge and digital cartridge clearance at cricut.com? 


I am totally in love with the Florals Embellished Cartridge.  Look at all the words and quotes!  Not to mention the butterflies, flowers, folk art birds....this is a must have if you don't already own it.  

So run, but get in line after me!  Sale ends  1/27/15.

Florals Embellished Digital Set
Florals Embellished Digital Set - $14.99
from: Cricut, now 9.99 through 1/27/15





Don't forget to snag the Free Images this week.  The theme is Movie Night! Popcorn box and all.....these images expire 1/28/15.  Fun stuff!


Not all images are pictured here so go check it out!

You can see my fun projects at facebook.com/wavingmywand or instagram.com/wavingmywand

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. Your purchase price is not affected in any way.  I only participate in the Cricut affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

#cricut #digital #design #movie #popcorn #clearance #sale #freeship



Sizzix Love Cup Shaker Treat Box

 Here's a sweet little love treat box, perfect for Valentine's Day.  This was made using the Sizzix Mug and Spoon die, created by Eileen Hull.   There are so many ways you can use this die; I love the possibilities.  I augmented the cut die by trimming off the mug handle and adding a carrying handle at the top.  My husband said this would be good to fill with Godiva truffles. 
I like the way he thinks!  In fact, here you go honey....fill 'er up!




Get this set now at Sizzix and start creating your own adorable treat boxes!


Visit and "like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand









 
Additional Supplies:  Maggie Holmes sequins for Crate Paper, Unity Stamp Company sentiment from "Whooty Owl", craft glitter sticky heart, pink glitter mesh fiber, Tombow Xtreme adhesive runner, ADORNit blender paper, Doodlebug Designs Sugar Coating Lily White glitter, vellum,



Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the Sizzix affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!


#CHASHOW #Cre8time #sizzix #adornit #tombow #shaker #unitystamps #valentine #love #eileenhull



Monday, January 19, 2015

Water color painting and Art Play, so easy!

 I've been playing aound with my ADORNit Art Play Paintables.  I love this art piece, created by artist Lindsay Ostrom, "Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fear".


This is the original art that I started with.  It's from the "Home" collection and you can purchase it here:  Adornit "Home" Art Play Paintables 
I can promise you that once you take a look around and see how unbelievably inexpensive these Art Play Paintables are, you are going to want the entire collection!


If you've always wanted to learn water coloring, here is the super easy technique I occasionally use.
 Use watercolor pens, distress markers or archival ink dye pad.  For this project, I used Tombow Dual Brush pens from the Bright Collection.

1.   Blot ink onto an acrylic block or swipe your pens/markers across the block a few times.
2.  Dab a small paintbrush in water and dab onto your inked acrylic block.
3.  Paint and repeat, adding additional water to thin out your colors as desired.


That's it!  Super easy.  The flourish and stars were cut with my Cricut Explore™.  Photo editing done with PicMonkey: crazy-awesome photo editing .  Check out my supply list below.  "Like" me on Facebook because when I get to 500 likes, I'm having a big giveaway!

Additional Supplies can be purchased at links below:
- DCWV cardstock from Quince Blossoms and Prism Play
- white gel pen
-Marvy Le Pen extra fine point black
-Stickles yellow glitter glue (on the extra stars)
-Ranger Glossy Accents (for the clouds and flourish)
-DecoArt Glamour Dust glitter (for the clouds and flourish)
- silver glitter fiber sheet, maker unknown (purchased at Scrapbook Expo)
-gemstones, maker unknown
-Tombow Xtreme adhesive runner

 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the affiliate programs linked above because they are products that I use and love. Your purchase price is not affected in any way, by using my links.  Thank you for your support and helping me keep my content free!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Lace heart welded with Cricut Explore

Have I mentioned that I love my Cricut Explore?  One of my favorite features in Design Space, is welding.  You can merge your designs together by layering them, select all, then click welding from the edit feature.  Genious!  This design was created using elements from the Victorian Romance collection.  Have you been to Cricut.com lately?  All clearance items are 75% off at Cricut


Don't forget,  Free shipping on all orders in January with code FREESHIPJAN


(I'm working on a creation that I'll share with you soon, as it's for an upcoming project with a stamp company.  I ran my heart through my Xyron Creative Station to easily adhere to my project.  More later!) 


Come and "like" me on Facebook.  When I get to 500 likes, I'll be having a fun givewaway....prize to be determined.  http://www.facebook.com/wavingmywand


#cricut #cricutexplore #craft #create #cre8time #valentine #love


Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission.  This does not affect your purchase amount.  I only participate in the Cricut affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Ok, Cricut. My mind is blown.

Let me start by saying, I did a lot of research before deciding on whether I would go Team Cricut or Team Silhouette.  I even considered a few other devices.  However, after much deliberation, I went with Team Cricut, in particular, the Cricut Explore.

I have read and heard a lot of comments about changes in the company, how customer service was really ramped up, etc.  I did not expect to have an experience with customer service before I even plugged up my unit.  Here's what happened....

Like a kid waiting for Christmas day, that is exactly how I felt waiting on my Explore to arrive.  It came the day before my birthday this month.  Bonus!  I opened up my box, inspected everything and discovered the mat was bent in half.  A pretty definite crease that I wasn't sure I could work with.  So I went to a favorite site devoted to all things Cricut on Facebook.  The girls gave me some tips on how I could correct the crease, so I was good with that.  Before the conversation was over, a Cricut rep pops in to the group and asks me for my mailing address so she can remedy the situation and send another one pronto.  I assured her I was ok with the fix it suggestions, but no....she was sending me another. 

Remember when I said Cricut has ramped up their customer service?  I was not kidding.  The hubs told me a package had arrived from Cricut.  Well, I knew what it was so I didn't bother opening it until late in the evening.  Not only did I get a new mat, all flat and uncreased (yay!), but there was also a brand new cartridge, an extra german carbide blade (you need to know about those blades) and a thank you card.  Mind blowing, to say the least.  So thank you Cricut for going the extra mile when you didn't have to.  A little publicity goes a long way, right?  Smart thinking, Cricut!


*If you're thinking about going with Team Cricut, click on the banner below and check it out!  Machines are still on sale, plus right now you can get All clearance items at 75% off at Cricut, through Jan 20, 2015.  Free shipping on all orders in January with code FREESHIPJAN too. 



Free Images of the week are: Chat Bubbles!  Love it!  Expires on 1/21/15 


 


Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the Cricut affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!


#cricutexplore #cricut #create #cre8time #birthday #Christmas #gift #clearance #sale

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Shutterfly 40% off everything - ends 1/21/15 (Love my pillow!)

I am so excited about the pillow I just got in the mail.  I had ordered this for my mom for her birthday and presented it to her today.  She was thrilled!  I have to say, I am so pleased with how it turned out.  Just so you know, when I loaded up this photo of my son and went through the checkout process, I got a  "low resolution" symbol on my picture that indicated the quality was not good.  I took a chance and couldn't be happier with how it turned out.  The quality looks pretty darn good to me!


Right now, through 1/21/15, everything is 40% off at Shutterfly!  Use it on a pillow!  Or, photos, or other gift items......Valentine's Day is right around the corner, Easter, Mother's Day...get a jump start with this awesome deal! The pillow size I chose was 12'' x 16" and there is one larger size as well.  

Click the link below to take you to the site.  

New to Shutterfly?  Click this link to sign up and get 50 free 4"x 6" prints

Shutterfly Photo Books 120x90
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the Shutterfly affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support!

#shutterfly #deal #discount #coupon #code 



Go the extra mile on your photographed projects #PicMonkey



Can I share some words of wisdom?  Are you a crafter, cardmaker, blogger, chef, etc?  Do you post photos for the viewing pleasure of others?  I hope you're using a good photo editing site or software.  I've seen pictures shared online that I couldn't tell what was in the photo, it was so dark, blurred and so on.  If you're going to take the time to share your project with others, particularly in a public forum, take a few minutes to adjust the elements of your picture.   



Sharpen, lighten, crop...these features make all the difference.  Believe it or not, people do judge you based on your pictures.  Sad, but true.  Your photograph can be considered a reflection on you. 
You don't want it say, "hey, I'm sloppy". 
 


I'll admit the editing features on my phone stink.  I have one app that I like but even it is limited.  The absolute best FREE photo editing site I've found, is PicMonkey.  I love it! 

I use it on my desktop computer for almost everything I do.  Almost every picture that I post online has been edited in some fashion.  The features I use the most are contrast, crop and saturation (or color enhancing).  With PicMonkey, I can even take out shadows.  It's awesome!  Use the free version for awhile, and experiment.  But be prepared; you'll most likely want to upgrade for the additional features.  It's very nominal fee and you will not be disappointed.



The photos above?  The first one was edited with PicMonkey.  I sharpened the photo, added some contrast and brightened.  The second photo was taken inside a lit room, and the third photo was taken outdoors in natural lighting.  See what a difference just a few key editing features makes?  It took me under a minute to decide what features I wanted to use and implement.  This is just a basic photo shot of the inside of a card.  Imagine what you can do, and go do it!


PicMonkey Photo editing made of win


Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links so, if you purchase a product using the link I may receive a commission. I only participate in the PicMonkey affiliate program because they are products that I use and love. Thank you for your support.

#photo #photograph #pic #create #edit #photoediting #lighting