Easy Peezy Picture Frames

Hello to all our Divalicious Followers and Divalicious New Friends!!!

Welcome to another Thursday Post her at the Mansion.  Today I am sharing an easy step-by-step tutorial on how to dress up a picture frame for an easy peezy holiday decoration.

With Halloween soon approaching, I have a lot of planning to do for the upcoming party.  It will be a mixture of Adults and Children, so I want some "spooky" and some "friendly ghost-type" decorations.  Of course, I have plenty of store bought ones, but a Paper Crafter's Party would never be the same without some Handmade Goodness, right?!?!?

I gathered all the supplies I would need :
Frames (amount and size is up to you)
Designer paper (cut at 3 3/4" x 3 3/4")-this size will vary dependent on your frame size of course
ClipArt images (skulls, ghosts, Happy Halloween, pumpkins)
Pop dots
Sizzix and embossing folder (I chose a swirl pattern)
Assortment of Ribbon
Scissors
Other Embellishments (as desired)

So, I started with a set of small picture frames I picked up (very cheap at Target) that came in black, purple, and pink.  I only used the Purple and Black (I may still add the other one, if I can spray paint a coat of black or orange on it).

I cut the patterned paper to fit inside.   Then I embossed the small squares (black and white circle print paper) using my Darice-swirl folder. 

I then fussy cut around the spooky images (I chose the skull and HH images, but am keeping the ghosts for later...mu ah ah ah).  I then applied a few small pop dots to the back of the images to give them a bit a dimension inside the frame. 

 I added a bow on each corner of each frame, choosing an opposite color for some extra ummmph!

This project literally only took about 15 minutes to complete.  Very simple, but a great party table decoration, I think.  Thanks for stopping by the Mansion....

And, don't forget to join in on the Monthly challenges ending tomorrow:
Michelle Sanchez, our September GDT Diva, is hosting the 3D Holiday Projects Challenge HERE! 

and
DT Diva Pammie Kay, is hosting the Black, White, and READ all over Challenge HERE!

We are so happy to have you joining us, and be sure to stop back each day for tips, ideas, and inspiration that is OFF THE CHARTS!!

Luisa's 3D Project - Pillow Box

Hi Divas!!!  Diva Luisa here...

Today I want to share my 3D that I did for Michelle's challenge!  A Pillow Box...

I used the CTMH Art Philosophy cricut cartridge pillow box template as well as the rossette flowers template.

I need to confess!  I cheat a little for this challenge...  besides the challenge I had to create 9 pillow boxes for a swap, so I decided to "kill to birds with one shot".

Since this was a big project and there was no crop coming soon, I decided to schedule "sessions"

SESSION 1 - "cricut session" for about 1 hour and cut 10 pillow boxes and 30 rossette flowers.

SESSION 2 - "cutting session" for another hour.  This time I cut the scallop borders, the pattern paper that goes in the middle and both ribbons.

SESSION 3  - "folding and gluing session" {this time in front of the TV in my living room with my family} for about one and half hour to fold and glue the 10 boxes (did an extra one of course) and the 30 flowers plus added the pearls.

SESSION 4 - "assembly session" for about 50-60 mins in my sb table to finish them up and am ready to swap and post!

FINISH, DONE, TERMINADO, FINITO!!!

Here is a picture of the 30 flowers with the pearls while drying...

The purpose of writing to you about the process I followed is to share with you that we can work on big projects "scheduling shor sessions".  We are mothers, daughters, sisters and we have commitments.  Not all the time we can dedicate 4-5 hours to create.  But if we "break the elephant into byte sizes, we can eat it all".  Yes we can!!!

Please share with us how you tackle "big projects"...

Technique Tuesday Halloween Project

Howdy Divas! It's been awhile since I've been blogging, but it's good to be back and I'm excited to share with you some projects I've been working on in preparation for my favorite holiday and season, Halloween and fall. My first project are these paper covered blocks, which I've wanted to make forever, and finally made them a priority. Before I get to the step-by-step, here's how they they turned out:

Here's what you need to make your own:

• unfinished wooden blocks (mine are 3 1/2" blocks purchased from Michaels)


• spray paint in your colors of choice (I used black & white, flat finish)


• hand sander or sand paper


• patterned paper


• stickers


• mod podge
  
  
  Step 1: spray paint all sides of each block w/ black spray paint. Let dry & spray another coat.

Step 2: Cover the black spray paint w/ white paint, again 2 coats of white spray paint.

Step 3: Use an electric hand sander (could probably use sand paper too) to sand the outer edges & faces of the blocks until the black shows through the white as much/as little as you like.

Step 4: Cut your patterned paper squares a tad bit smaller than your actual block.

Step 5: Brush Mod Podge across the block face and glue paper down.

Step 6: Embellish with stickers!

That's it! Easy peasy and project one of my "13 Days of Halloween" event on my blog The Magic of Ordinary Days beginning Oct. 1st!

~ Happy Crafting!

Stephanie

Last Week of the 3D challenge & Card

It's the last week to submit a project for the 3D Challenge! We already have some great projects posted!

This week I decided to make a card for fall.

And here it is!

I used the leaf cardstock that I had left over from the pillow boxes that I made previously.  I also had cut out some extra maple leaves so I used those also.

Hope you like it!

Happy Crafting!!

~Michelle

**Don't forget to post a project for the 3D Challenge before weeks end!!** 

Saturday Diva Snaps!

We have some awesome projects that came around this past week!
First, we have Katie from Katie's Nesting Spot...

She made this great job using etching creme and the Cricut.  Just click on her blog to find the details.

We also have Karen L. She doesn't have a blog so her pics are posted on our Facebook Page.  She is such an awesome Diva, and we love how she jumps in and plays along!  Here are some of her projects...

Thanks Divas, you rock!

To be a Diva and get your snaps, just leave your projects links in the comment section through the week.  At the end of the month, every Diva who is featured get a chance to win a prize at the end of the month.

Simple Birthday Card - Changito

Hi All,

It's so exciting to be here and to be apart of the CS Divas DT. I sure hope you all enjoy my projects and that they inspire you.

I needed to make a birthday card for a little changita in our family, so what better stamp to use than the Stampendous Changito! I just love this little monkey! (of course I am talking about the one I made it for as well as the stamp.)

and here it is.....

Isn't he just a cutie??

I cut out the little gift and used a pop-dot to raise it up and give it dimension. I also used a distresser on the matting in the back.

Here he is close up. I used my copic markers to color him in.

Here is a side view. You can see I used the pop-dots on all four little stamps.

I love to use inks around the edges of the cardstocks. It is definitely something you will see me using alot on my projects.

Hope you like my simple birthday card!

~Michelle

Welcome our new Design Team Member!

At the begining of the month, we introduced you our Guest DT Michelle Sanchez, today we are excited to inform you that Michelle is not a Guest anymore, she is part of the Design Team at the CSDivas Mansion!!!  yay

Here is a little information about Michelle, just to refresh our memories.

About me...  

Michelle, married 15 years. No kids, 5 dogs

How long have you been scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking for 11 years. About 1 year ago I got into copic markers and card making.

My Blog... 
Michelle's Happy Scrappy Place

What is your scrapbook style?

My SB style I would think is simplistic. When I SB I do like to use at least 3 to 4 pictures per page layout or up to 5 pictures per 2 page layout. I am a little OCD when it comes to SB layouts. ;)

Where do you create your projects?

 I used to get together with my sister and friends once a month at each others houses but now I have my own craft room so that is where I do my crafting and scrapping.

What is your favorite scrapbooking tools/colors/techniques?

I love to use muted tones or jewel tones.

Where do you find inspiration?

Magazines and websites

What is favorite scrapbooking tip?

For my layouts , I really love the ripping of two sided paper and using the distressing inks.

First, I would like to say how happy I am glad that the ladies at Creative Scrapbooking Divas have decided to stay.  I get a lot of inspiration for your blog and from all the ladies here.  Secondly, I want to express my excitement to be the first Guest DT under the new monthly challenge format.  It is truely an honor, and I am extremely excited. So let's get started! 

 

Michelle will be sharing atered items, 3D items (boxes, bags, etc.) and cards. 

(psss psss... her first post as DT will be on Monday! It´s a secret, let´s keep it that way!!!).

 

Please help us welcome Michelle, we are sure she will bring lots of fun and inspiration to all of us!

 

W E L C O M E    M I C H E L L E ! ! ! 

Good morning Divas!  I just wanted to throw in a quick reminder that we have 2 challenges still current...
           A 3-D Holiday Project from our guest Designer Michelle can be found here.  It is a timely challenge..a great opportunity to create some decorations to pretty up your home.
          And my challenge, for Black, white, & red all over.  I have another page that I had created for a Book Of Me challenge about a year ago.  It has more than 20%  red in it , but I wanted to re-share it with you. I think this color combination lends itself to so many uses! 

So let's get busy...the challenges are due by midnight the 30th of September.  You have plenty of time,

 just wanted to put it back on your radar! 

Pammie Kay

Autumn Greetings by Guest DT Diva Michelle

Here is another project for you ladies!  Still keeping in the same theme.....as well as being 3D.

 

 

Project Recipe:

SVG Files:  Puffy Boxes and Pumpkin Patch Collections from www.SVGAttic.com

Sentiment:  Autumn Greetings by Inkadinkado

Ink:  Stampin' Up!'s Pumpkin Pie and Color Box Chalk in dark brown  (I truly use this a lot!)

Twine:  Mandarin and Peapod from www.thetwinery.com

 

I really had fun making this one.   I am really getting some good use out of my Cricut these days.  I finally had to change the blade!

 

I truly hope you ladies like my projects and I hope they inspire you!

 

Happy Crafting!!

 

~Michelle

Cookin' and Cookbookin': Good Eats!

Tired of not being able to find a discount coupon for your favorite pizza place?

Is your "junk" drawer in the kitchen too full of coupons and flyers? Then make a handy dandy notebook with inside pockets!

I used a spiral bound, a little larger than 5x7, to hold all my various dining out menus and options.

First, I gathered some paper scraps and my stand-by Jillibean journaling sprouts and pea pods.

Next, I measured and cut my cover papers to fit, and embellished. I kept things simple and flat so that it would it into my kitchen drawer and REMOVE CLUTTER!

Now, all my menus are trimmed down and folded in half to it in this one notebook, not spread out and tumbling out of the back of the drawer.

Try this! It will help you declutter and simplify.

Thanks for looking!

Admin DT Alecia!

Autumn Splendor

OK, many of you know that I love ALL things crafty.  I really enjoy scrapbooking and cards, but love to try my hand in many other crafts, too.  With all the changes here at the CSDivas blog, I still wanted to keep up with my Home Decor and Gift projects to share with all of our lovely followers.  When I thought about what project to highlight for this post, I realized that I could share my Autumn Splendor Swag that I made last year, but never got the opportunity to share.  It is Seasonally Appropriate! 


Lance and I were on a wreath and swag making frenzy last year and did quite well with sales, but most importantly, had tons of fun working our glue guns in sync and frolicking in beautiful ribbons of endless color combinations.  This was all being done at our kitchen table at the time because I didn't have a dedicated craft space then.

We scouted many videos on YouTube to teach us how to make decorative bows.  We found an awesome tutorial by Shirley Frazier at GiftBasketBusiness.com.  Before we knew it, we were making bows lightning fast.  I was quite amazed at how easy peezy it was after the first couple tries.  Thanks Shirley!!!!


Here is the finished Autumn Splendor Swag and below I will give a short list of materials you will need to create one yourself!!!!  Remember, you can make adjustments to suit your own taste.   For instance, the swag could be made from grapevine, willow, or pine.  The ribbon, flowers, and accessories can be changed for each holiday or upcoming event.  The possibilities are endless.

Materials Used:
Grapevine Swag (18")
Sunflower print Wired Ribbon (2 1/2")
Floral Assortment (Sunflowers, Gerbera Daisies, leaves, pine cones, and berries)
Wire Trimmers (this way you don't dull your good scissors when cutting your flower stems & wired ribbon)
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Patience (lots and lots of this)


Steps to Follow:
I have found it is a lot easier to start first with affixing your ribbon to the swag before placing the goodies on.  But to each their own.  Place enough hot glue to one end of the swag to affix your ribbon before wrapping.  I have found it easiest to fold the end of the ribbon under before gluing.  You will now wrap in a continuous circular motion around the swag until you reach the other end.  Then place more glue and affix the other end your ribbon.  You can make your bow now (according to the video instructions above) and place it on the swag.  Or you can leave it to the side to have it ready as the final added touch.  Next, place your flowers around the swag, without gluing them down.  I typically pull my flowers off the end of the stem they are on or even leave a bit of the stem to make placement between the vines easier.  Take a few looks at the swag before making your final decision about placement.  If you need to, change the placement a few times until you feel it is the way you like it.  Then glue your flowers one at a time at a slow pace.  Be sure to wait until the glue dries before you let go (If this step is missed, you might have flowers falling all over the place and dealing with the dreaded "spider web of glue").  This will ensure you have a sturdy placement before moving to the next flower, berry, cone, or leaf.  Continue these steps until you have used the amount of flowers and such you feel is enough.  Once done with all the goodies, you can then affix your bow.  You can either glue it directly to the swag or use a twist tie to keep it in place.  Voila, your new masterpiece!

I am so happy that you joined us today...YOU ARE DIVALICIOUS!!!

Homeless Layouts with Luisa

Diva Luisa here!

Hope you are having a wonderful month!  Can you believe is almost midmonth?  Wow!!!

Today am sharing with you my almost "homeless" layouts.  Why almost you might ask!  Well because they do not have a permament home, but they do have a "temporary home".  By temporary I mean months (3-5 months...).
Here is a photo of how my "homeless" layouts are stored meanwhile they get to their permanent home.

I installed a rack (one of those racks you can buy at Target, Walmart or Costco for like $20 or $25) and divided in 2 sections.  You can divide it in more section, but I just had pieces for 2 sections!!!

I pre-sorted them over the weekend by album.  You can see here some labels I made to be able to pre-sort them before they go to the pile.

My labels are per Album or Family Member, for example:
- Jaz layouts
- Val layouts
- Luisa's (MLM are my initials) layouts
- Murillo's layouts (my sister Alma family)
- Monthly Review Layouts (P-12)
- Events Layouts
and more!!!

Now, what are my next steps?
Am going to grab a specific album layouts (let's say Jaz LO's) and will grab her album from this albums shelf:

Am also working in finding a way to display my layouts!  Am looking at curtain rod options, empty frames or shelf.  Needs to be something: Pretty, Affordable and Easy to Maintain!  If you have or found an idea, please share it with us please.

My goal is to do 2-3 albums per week, which means that I will be able to finish in 3-4 weeks to finish giving my "homeless" layouts a permanent home...

How about you?

Do you store your layouts as soon as you finish them?
Do you display them in some way?
Do you have a temporary place for them?

Have a blessing and happy day...

Cricut Monday/ Question of the week

We haven't had a Cricut post in a while, plus I just got this notice and had to share some of these great sales!!!  So today is Cricut Monday, lol!

Michael's: Original Cricut only $79.99, Cartridges only $29.99 (regularly $59.99), 50% off all Cuttlebug products, and the lowest price of the season sale!
Hobby Lobby: Cricut Expession only $149.99, Cartridges 2/$79
AC Moore: Original Cricut only $59.99, Project/Event cartridges only $19.99, and their lowest price of the season sale!

I thought I would share some of my favorite items from Provocraft...
My favorite Products:
Gypsy- my ultimate favorite, can't live without tool!!!!
Cricut Expressions- I love the size and functions on this machine
Personal Cricut- I use at my crops and when I travel
Cricut tool Kit- I love the scrapper, spatula anf small scissors that come with this kit.


On my wish list:
Your Story- book binding machine and laminating.  I think this is my next purchase esp if I decide to do more digital scrapbooking.
Other products:
I also love my embossing machine, they have the Cuttlebug, but I have the Sizzix Texture Boutique.  It doesn't cut just embosses.
Expression 2: this machine has a touch screen which is kinda cool, still on the fence though
Cricut Cake
Imagine
Yudu


You can find the link HERE if you want more info.


So the question of the week is...  Are you a Cricut Diva?  If so, what machine do you use?  What is your favorite cartridge?  For bonus points, leave a link of one of your favorite Cricut projects from you blog!


Here is one of my favorite Chricut projects. I covered a regular photo album for my faithbook journal.

Now I want to see yours, lol!!!!

Thanksgiving Ornament by guest DT Diva Michelle

Thanksgiving Ornament

 

Here is another project.....which I have kept in the same theme.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and fall is truly my favorite season.  (And I am so glad that it has cooled down here in So. Cal.  I hope that this is the official cool down and we won't have anymore hot days!)

 

Here it is!

Project Recipe:

SVG File - Fall Celebration Kit from www.svgattic.com

Cardstock: DCWV Harvest Gatherings Stack

Ink: Color Box Chalk in dark brown  (I used this around all the cuts)

Twine:  Not sure where I got it from but I had this laying around.  LOL

 

Hope you like it!

 

~Michelle