Hi everybody!

I hope you’ve been busy being inspired this week!  We have enjoyed bringing you this roundup in celebration of the 12 days of Creating . . . . and with that . . . .  

Welcome to our third day of creating!


Lately I have been big into recycling and repurposing.  Well today is no different.  I found this fabulous video tutorial on the Martha Stewart site. They were making these yummy gold and glittering magazine trees!


The best part is they are made with magazines!!  Yep see for yourself how you can take an ordinary magazine and turn it into something fabulous.  Check out the Christmas tree tutorial now.    

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Next while I’m on a decorating kick is a fabulous paper wreath by Lisa of The Red Thread.  The best part is it’s lightweight so it won’t be heavy to hang. 



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Another Christmas tree awaits!  I snuck this one in didn’t I??  I couldn’t resist. I love this idea!  Let Kristen of Domestifluff show you how to make this creation!  





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Ready for a video tutorial?? Here is just one of many beautiful cardmaking videos by Kristina of Kwerner Designs. 



I just love these videos and the samples are gorgeous.  

Thanks for visiting today and stay tuned tomorrow as we showcase more ideas to make you’re holiday season creatively painless!

Don’t forget to participate in the the blog hop at Want2Scrap to win a chance at two $25.00 gift certificates to the store!!

Have a fabulously creative day,

Michele

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  You know, I just have to say . . I'm feeling very good about myself right about now. Why you ask?  Well I've decided to send cards out this week.  (Early me?  No!!!)

So please pick your jaw up off the floor while I finish my story.

What better way to touch someone for the holidays than with a beautiful handmade card. Are you ready for the good part? I’ve found some of the best AND simple ideas to share with you!. 

So let’s get going with our Day 2 of our Christmas round up activity!

 
This beautiful card has been created by the wonderful Melissa Phillips!

So glad you could join us today as we get busy with the season of gift giving!  Sometimes the thought of giving that special someone can be a daunting task so we've created quite a line-up of fun projects to create that personal touch this holiday.  We want to make this holiday as painless as possible. . . at least in the gift-giving area.  :)

Every day for the next 12 days as we countdown to the holidays, I will supply you with wonderful tutorials, inspiration, templates, and videos so you can create that one-of-a-kind gift everyone will be raving about or that beautiful Christmas décor to really put you in the Christmas spirit!

So let's not waste any more time and get right to it, shall we?



First on our roundup is this beautiful hand-crafted rosette Christmas tree from the amazing ladies of the Shanty 2 Chic blog. They’ve created a great tutorial on just how they made this adorable tree. 

Isn’t it cute??  I love the twine and the bells at the top. 

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Next is that fabulous Christmas tree Canvas from Tracie of Cleverly Inspired! She also has a tutorial plus a few tips on how to make this cute canvas.  I can see doing this with the kids and letting them create away.  What a great idea!


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Next is an adorable flower and tree embellishments by Leslie of GCD studios. She shows you how to make the layered foil flower below.



Hey you could even make a bunch of these and create your own Christmas tree!!  Yep my creative juices are in overdrive now!

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Finally, if you are at a standstill with your holiday decorating and want to do things a little bit differently this year, then you just have to see the video series below for some excellent holiday decorating ideas!

Be prepared to get your decorating on after watching Rebecca of Robeson Designs walk you through her tips/tricks on decorating this holiday season. 

Part 1: Christmas Decorating Tips and Tricks

Have an idea for a tutorial?  Let me know what kind of features you are most interested in.  You can also vote in our poll on the right-hand column to cast a vote or simply post a comment below!  I would love to hear your ideas. 

Thanks for stopping by!
Michele

I am so excited to be taking part in the Passionately Artistic blog hop sponsored by Want2Scrap manufacturer!!!  This is the most exciting and crafty time of the year for me, so this is like having my cake and eating it too. Bling plus a blog hop???? I’ve truly hit the lottery!!  :)

Here is a little bit about this wonderful sponsor!

Want2Scrap is currently manufacturing a complete line of diecuts, chipboard, acrylic, and rhinestone embellishments perfect for your next project.  From rhinestones to pearl accents, from chipboard albums to embellishments, they carry what you are looking for.

Visit the Want2Scrap storefront at http://www.want2scrap.com

 
 
 

and check out the design team's fabulous projects on their blog!

Now for the really fun part!  The blog hop!  If you just happened to find us, please jump on over the Passionately Artistic blog hop starting point for all the details.  There will be random prizes to all those who stop at every inspiration blog listed for the hop as well as wonderful sponsor prizes too! 

Here are just a few things to remember...

• Become a follower of  Passionately Artistic and Want2Scrap blogs if you are not already, leaving comments on both sites for all 12 days of Christmas posting for a chance to win.
• Leave as many comments as you wish. . . blog about it, tell your friends on twitter, or even post a Facebook update.
  
  not one but 2 fantastic prizes
  
• Leave a comment for each designer on the list to be eligible for the grand prize.  Did I mention that there will be two winners of the grand prize??  Yes that’s right.  One winner will be announced on the Passionately Artistic blog and the other winner will be announced on the Want2Scrap blog. On December 18th.
• In addition to the blog hop prizes, we have a few additional  designers giving out goodies as well . . so be sure to visit each blog because if we told you it wouldn't be as much fun right?

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Now for the inspiration part and a little ornament tutorial for all of you to enjoy! 

Doesn’t this look fun!!!  I found this idea over at the Write it Down blog. Bridget at Everyday Chaos worked up this fun tutorial and it just screamed at me to make it . . make it. 

So . . . I indulged.  I know, I just can’t say no to myself. 

I used a little bit different technique for finishing the ornament off but the outcome was so pretty.  I wish you could see the glitter better in the photo but if you do try it, you will fall in love. 

I can see a bunch of these on a tree in different variations of the same colors.  SOOO PRETTY!!!

So let’s get started!  Here is what you will need:

1. Old ornament or any clear smooth ornament of your choice
2. Glue Gun
3. Sharpie pen
4. Thin scrapbook paper – two 12x12 sheets
5. Elmer’s glue
6. Glitter
7. Diecut
8. Want2Scrap Bling

How to:

Using your paper trimmer, cut 1.5 inch squares out of one and half sheets of 12x12 thin scrapbook paper. The amount of squares vary depending on the size of ornament.

 

Wrap the squares around the end of the Sharpie, press to form a flat bottom, and adhere to the old christmas ball ornament.  Continue until the ornament is filled.

 

Now for the fun part!  Using Elmer’s glue and your finger (takes me back to my school days) . . rub the glue on the edges of the ornament and then cover with glitter. Working in sections is best. Leave to dry. . . about 1-2 hours.


Next attach your diecut and Want2Scrap bling and sit back and enjoy!!! 

 


Seriously, these are so fun to make and totally addicting. Plus you are recycling instead of throwing things away. I think my scrappy sistahs are going to be getting these on their packages from Santa this year!

So I hope you’ve had fun on this stop on the blog hop.  Remember to leave a comment here to be eligible for one of two grand prizes from Want2Scrap:



I hope you've enjoyed yourself.  Don’t forget to visit the other blogs on the hop.  I’ve listed them below for you! 

Participants:

Passionately Artistic <--- start here

Want2Scrap

Michele  <--- you are here

Sandee

Maggie

Terrie

Tracy

Ellen

Melissa

Mimi

Dana

Court

Melissa

Ever work on a project and can’t seem to find the perfect alpha letters to go with?  Then maybe this fabulous faux chipboard technique tutorial from Leslie Langdon will help.  She will show you how to take an ordinary chipboard letter and turn it into a fabulous faux marble letter in your choice of color.


Aren’t these fabulous?  I love how the edges are inked and how the multiple layers of paint give it that realistic look. 

This technique is quick and easy using paint dobbers and your favorite acrylic paint. So check it out and see what you can come up with.

Don’t forget to follow us so you won’t miss out on the next technique, class, or tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by!

Michele

Don’t have vintage lace sitting around for your next shabby project?  No problem!  Let Carol of Tattered Inspirations show you how she turns crisp white lace into shabby chic yumminess!!! 

She takes ordinary lace: 



and turns it into vintage goodness!


From folded lace borders to lacey flowers, the tea-dyed look fits right in with any romantic theme. Carol’s easy to follow instructions with pictures give you all the steps you need to get creating.

I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to try this one.  I have so many variations of tea from black to iced that I bet I can get many different vintage looks with a bit of experimenting.  (Yes, I do have somewhat of a mad scientist gene in me.  It comes out every once in a while)

Why don’t you come along with me and embrace your scientific side to see what we can come up with???  

Don’t forget to check back often so you won’t miss out on the next tutorial, download, or class coming our way. 

Know of a tutorial or online class we should list?  Feel free to contact us and let us know.  We are always on the look-up for ideas.

Thanks for stopping by!

Michele

Mini-Journal’s are so handy to have around these days. . . . what with all the activities, events, programs, meetings, gatherings at every turn!  I really love the idea of creating something manageable that you can carry with you to help keep yourself organized. We all need that right?? 

Well let Monika Wright of Write.Click.Scrapbook show you how to make this fabulous mini-journal with easy-to-follow instructions and a free thankful page insert download!

You could make this journal in no time. Your friends will be especially impressed with your organizational prowess.  You know there is a fine line between being highly
organized and insane . . .   :)

Need more inspiration?  Check out the others who have decided to get more organized by visiting the Write.Click.Scrapbook Flickr group.   Check out the Parisian-themed artist journal while you are there. It is fabulous!

I’m so glad I found this online for you today!  Don’t forget to bookmark/follow the Inspire Your Creativity blog every day for the latest finds in online tutorials, techniques, and classes. 

Thanks for visiting!

Michele