Graduation Cap Box

Hope you are all having a wonderful Memorial Day.

This is not just a day to have a day off work, but to honor the men and women who have served in the military and have given their lives for our protection and freedom.

We reap the benefits of their sacrifices.

Thanks you to all the men and women who have served our country!

On another note... 

I have seen a few of these graduation cap boxes around and just had to make one for my self.

It is fairly easy to put together.

Here is a video on how to assemble this box

 and the video I shared in my last post on how to make a tassel.

These files will be available on my Etsy shop.

Graduation Cap and Gown Card

Well this post may be too late for some of you. I am just getting around to posting the cards I made for my friends and relatives who are graduating this year. 


I made center step cards with little graduation caps and gowns. I think they turned out really cute.

Red and black for a more formal card

Blue and gold for school colors

And Zebra stripes with pink accents and bling. (Had to make it girly :)


The cut files for the center step card with the graduation cap & gown will be available in my Etsy store.


Here are a few videos I made to show the different parts...


Center Step Card Tutorial (6 minutes)
You can see written instructions and diagrams on this post. Center Step Card
(You will have to scroll down to the "center step card" section of that post.)

How to make a tassel
(You just never know when you might need one of these...LOL)

How to assemble the graduation cap and gown in 2 videos about 9 minutes each


Video 1

Video 2

Enjoy and have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Flowers for me

Ironically as many paper roses as I make, I only have one project in my craft area that has my roses on it. My "Paper Compulsions" blog sign at the top of my header. I have given the rest away. So I decided to make a project just for me. Something to inspire me.

I made a tag using my Rounded Corners Tag cut file. Cut 2 of Penny Duncan's Swirly Vines. It is hard to tell but the vines meet in the middle under the large rose. I added roses that I handmade from my Regal Roses and inked them with Worn Lipstick. I 
made cut files for the "faith, hope, & love". (reference to 1 Corinthians 13:13)
I glittered the words to add a little sparkle.


You can download the tag and caption files here.


Oh, I forgot to mention that I STAMPED the background. Yes, I actually stamped it myself and liked the finished project. LOL. Then I inked the tag making the bottom darker than the top.


I finished the tag off with seam binding that I stained with TH Distress Stains. Chipped Sapphire and Worn Lipstick. If you look really close you can see that the pink ribbon is a little darker on one side for a variegated look. I wet the seam binding first then applied the stain on one side and let the color bleed over. So cool in person.


I am entering this tag in Die Cuttin' Divas flower challenge.

Apple gift box and card

Looking for a quick and easy gift box and card for a special teacher?
I just listed the cut files for this cute little box and card on my Etsy store. 

Card 

I also have a chalkboard card that comes with an easel.

And this adorable apple mini album

Mother's Day Card

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day!
With family birthday card, more wedding invitations, and Mother's Day all at once, I am just now getting a chance to show one of the cards I made for my MIL's.

It is very similar to the one I made for my mom last year.
You can see that post and get the sentiment cut files here. I just changed the colors and used my own butterfly and rose cut files this time. 
(Yes, I have used this color on my last several cards, but I just bought the Aged Mahogany distress ink so I am having fun playing with it. LOL)


You can find the cut files and instructions for the step card on one of the tabs under my blog header.


Enjoy and THANKS so much for all of your lovely comments! I really appreciate them. :)

Help Needed...

I have not been able to craft much lately. I came across some stencils that I have had over a year now and have never used. I grabbed a piece of scratch paper and started tracing ...before I knew it, I had inked it, added some flowers, and some bling. I really like it but now I am not quite sure what to do with it.

I am open to suggestions.
It can be flipped around and added to. Please leave a comment and tell me what you think.


On to another topic...


I do not talk about my nerve damage much on my blog. I want to keep a positive attitude and focus on creativity. To be honest though, my life is completely centered around dealing with and/or avoiding severe nerve pain every single day. I literally eat. sleep, and craft in a recliner so I can sit at an angle that takes the pressure off the damaged nerves. I can not even begin to explain what a toll that takes on me and everyone around me every single day. (Please understand, I am not asking for sympathy. I am just explaining).


I came across a blog tonight that touched me. A lady by the name of Mary Ann Clay-Shumm has started a blog called The Chronicles of a Handicapped Crafter. (She also has a You Tube channel.) She has a condition that keeps her from sitting up or standing because her heart rate and blood pressure will shoot up dramatically. She has to recline all the time. (even more than I do) 


Mary Ann has been entered in a contest to try to get a vehicle that is equipped to allow for her wheelchair to be lifted in and out. I cannot express what a major obstacle it is to try to get in and out of a vehicle when you have a mobility issue. I am asking you to drop by her new blog, leave her a note of encouragement, and follow the link to vote for her so she has a chance to win the vehicle. I know it would mean so very much to her.


THANKS!