Monday, December 16, 2019

Star Filled Sky Christmas


Hey, Crafty Friends!!
I back again with another adorable card for Team Xyron! 
Today I'll show you how to create a dimensional star-filled sky using my Xyron Mega Runner!



Supplies Used
Crossover II (Crafter's Edge)
Beary Christmas Stamp Set (Maker's Movement)
Beary Christmas Die Set (Maker's Movement)
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)
140 lb Mixed Media Paper
Cardstock- White, Kraft
Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink - Salty Ocean (Ranger Ink)
Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink - Blueprint Sketch (Ranger Ink)
Life Changing Blender Brushes (Picket Fence Studios)
Starry Sky Sparkletz (Buttons Galore)
Watercolor Pencils (Derwent Academy)
Water Soluble Markers (Derwent Academy)
MISTI (My Sweet Petunia)
White Gel Pen (Sakura)


For those of you who have been following me for a while, you know that I love to color. I am by no means a professional colorist. Nor do I pretend to know what I'm doing. If I love the results of my coloring then that's all that really matters to me. And if others like my results, that's just extra, I'll take that as a pat on my back too.

A lot of times when I color I tend to stamp several images at once and color them all. Sometimes I use all the images and sometimes I don't. 

I've been coloring a lot of these bears lately. They are just too cute and I became absolutely addicted! And I have made several cards already with this awesome set. But I found that I had an extra bear (that tall guy on the left) leftover that still needed a "home". I didn't want him tossed on the side to get lost or even *GASP* thrown out! So, what else was I to do but to make a new card?


I started with the background. For this project, it became the most important feature. I blended shades of Salty Ocean and Blueprint Sketch onto a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of white cardstock using my Life Changing Blender Brushes.

 I took a mini water-filled spritzing bottle and unscrewed the cap and flicked on drops of water over the ink shaded areas. Then, I blotted the excess water using a clean and dry paper towel.

The reactive "bleached" out effects of the water are stunning! This technique always gives me so much joy!


But... that was just the beginning of my star-filled sky! For dimension and a whole lot of bling, I wanted to fill that blue sky with literal stars!!

I hate the messy process of wet glue. the sliding around, smeared glue, possibly ruining my ink job and the ever horribly time-consuming/ soul-sucking DRYING TIME. I absolutely loathe waiting for things to dry!!

Thank goodness for my Xyron Mega Runner! I simply uncap, face the application point up, and adhere all the tiny things onto the sticky microdot adhesive strip! So easy-peasy! And the best part... ABSOLUTELY NO DRYING TIME!!

Then, I simply attach the stars onto the blue speckled sky starting from the biggest and trickling down to the smallest stars.

Then I attached the background to an A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") card base made from kraft cardstock.


I didn't have any extra houses or trees leftover so I needed to stamp and color a few of those. Then I die cut them with the coordinating dies.


Then I created a little snowy village landscape using the houses and trees. I simply flipped each image over and used my Xyron Mega Runner to apply adhesive and attached them to the card front.

Then I created a sentiment strip and attached it across the bottom of my village with the little bear peeking out holding a gift.



And here is my finished card...


How gorgeous are those stars?!



I hope you enjoyed this quick tutorial and create a starry sky of your own!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...
HAPPY CRAFTING!!
~Mitsyana








Sunday, December 15, 2019

IAR Season's Greetings Blog Hop - Hello Deerie Card


WELCOME to the I Am Roses "Season's Greetings" Blog Hop!
Season's Greetings from all of us at I AM ROSES! There will be no IAR Challenge this month but we have a fabulous blog hop for you. We'd like to THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all your support this year! There will be THREE Prizes up for grabs!

(2x) $50 Voucher
and
GRAND PRIZE $100 Voucher

Are you ready to win some beautiful I Am Roses flowers?

Here’s how to play:

  • Hop along to each of the Designers’ blogs and be sure to comment on their individual IAR Blog Hop Post
  • There are 3 HIDDEN BLOG CANDY PRIZES up for grabs spread throughout our  Designers’ blogs!
  • Be sure to Subscribe/Follow the I Am Roses Challenge Blog
  • Commenting along the way highly increases your chance of winning a Prize Voucher.
  • Comments will be CLOSED on 11:59pm PST on Saturday, December 21st (This blog hop has a duration of one week)
  • We will be randomly selecting 3 winners from the comments made on our Designers' blogs and will announce the winners here on the I Am Roses Challenge Blog on January 1st!
Let's get this hop started!

Here's the card I created for today's blog hop. Sometimes I feel that Santa gets all the credit and the "little guys" are often overlooked. So, I decided to make his important helpers front & center of this holiday card!


I Am Roses Supplies Used

Other Supplies Used
Big Shot (Sizzix)
Maltese Lace Frame Set (Sharon Callis Craft Designs)
Honey Silk Frame Set (Sharon Callis Craft Designs)
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)
Hello Deerie Stamp Set (Darcie's)
140 lb Mixed Media Paper
Watercolor Pencils (Derwent Academy)
Procolor Pencils (Derwent)
Kraft Cardstock (Recollections)
Green Cardstock (DCWV)
Foam Adhesive
Patterned Paper (Echo Park)
Sprinkletz- Very Cherry (Buttons Galore)

I started with a 5.5" square card base then I layered it with a 5 5/8" x 5 5/8" piece of green cardstock.

I used the outer frame die of the Maltese Lace Die set to cut my poinsettia paper and adhered all the layers together with my Xyron Mega Runner.


Then, I used the larger of the Maltese Frames to die-cut kraft cardstock.

I also die-cut mixed media paper using the inner ornate oval frame from Honey Silk Lace set.


At first, I stamped my reindeer image (from the Darcies Hello Deerie set) into the white oval frame die-cut but then I realized I also wanted to fit the little elf on there and there simply wasn't enough room. So, after I finished coloring him, I fussy cut him out with scissors.

Then I stamped my elf onto more mixed media paper.

I used an assortment of Derwent Academy watercolor and Derwent Procolor markers to color in both images and the little banner.

And hand cut all the images.


I die-cut another oval frame out of white cardstock and attached both the Kraft cardstock frame and the white oval frame onto my card base.

I glued 2 Olive Green May Roses to anchor my corners. These roses are bold in color and size.
Then I surrounded the large May Rose with White Cherry Blossoms & Red Arabian Jasmine Roses.

Then, I added adhesive foam behind my reindeer and elf and attached them to the center of my card.


I added tiny little peppermint accents around the corners opposite to my flowers for a bit of balance.

And here is my finished card...



I thought these two were absolutely adorable... look they're even holding hands! How cute is that?!


I hope you enjoyed my card for today's blog hop and that it inspires you to create some wonderful cards this holiday season!

Don't forget to check out all my wonderfully talented design team sisters over on their blogs...

Check out the full blog hop line-up here:

Happy Hopping!!
~Mitsyana

Friday, December 13, 2019

Winter Stag Journal

Hey there, Crafty Friends!
Do you make gifts during the holidays? There's nothing quite like a handmade gift. Sure, buying gifts still take time and consideration to select and purchase. Navigating stores, fighting crowds, and waiting in long lines can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.  That is why I like to handmake gifts and avoid some of the hustle and bustle. 

Journals have been on a hot streak and it doesn't seem like it's going to cool down anytime soon. And I absolutely LOVE making them. I pour lots of love and thought into each one. Today, I created this gorgeous Shabby Chic Winter Stag Journal with the help of my Xyron Creative Station Lite. This little machine has been a HUGE timesaver... Move over decoupage, Xyron adhesive has a permanent place in this crafty girl's heart!!


Supplies Used
Mega Runner (Xyron)
Big Shot (Sizzix)
Tim Holtz Dashing Dear Die (Sizzix)
Printed Corrugate Cardstock (DCWV) 
Patterned Paper (DCWV)
Chipboard
 White Peony,  (I Am Roses)
Cherry Blossoms (I Am Roses)
White Maple Leaves (I Am Roses)
Elastic Cording
4" x 6" Notebooks
Jeweled Brads
Guillotine Trimmer (Swingline)
Crop-a-dile (We R Memory Keepers)
Hemp Twine
Self-adhesive Iridescent Flowers 
Liquid Glue
Clothes Pins (Optional)


I started by die-cutting my journal covers. I used the Eileen Hull Pocket Notebook Die and my Sizzix Big Shot to die-cut two pieces of medium weight chipboard.

Then added a small amount of liquid glue to the spine and attached the two covers together, I made sure to line up the holes on the spine so that the covers were straight and laid properly when closed.

To ensure the covers dried in the correct position, I clamped them together using mini clothespins- but regular-sized ones would work too.


I usually cover my chipboard entirely with patterned paper, but this time I opted against it. Instead, I opted to make "card-front" like panels. Again, I wanted this to be "Shabby Chic" so by leaving the chipboard somewhat exposed it gives it a more rustic feel.

I cut two panels each of white cardstock and patterned paper. 

White Cardstock- 3 7/8"x 6 1/2"
Patterned Paper- 3 3/4" x 6 1/4"

 I layered and attached the patterned paper over the white card stock using my Xyron Mega Runner. Then attached them onto the outside flaps of my cover.


I ran a 5.5" x 8 " piece chipboard through my Xyron Creative Station, then flipped it over and ran it through a second time to add adhesive to both sides. I left the protective film on and cranked it through my Big Shot machine using the Tim Holtz Dashing Deer Die.

Then, I die cut another deer from corrugated cardstock and adhered the two pieces together to give my deer more bulk and dimension.


Then I attached the deer onto the front of my book cover. and attached a multi-looped bow made from hemp twine.


 I created a swag of flowers and leaves under the deer. I curled the leaf stems before I attached them for a bit of interest. Then surrounded the bow with an assortment of flowers.


I made sure to use muted tones throughout to keep with the Shabby Chic feel.

I used my Crop-a-dile tool to punch holes through the thick chipboard on both the front and back covers lined up on both flaps and looped a piece of elastic through it for a closure that hooked onto a jeweled brad on the front cover.

Lastly, I threaded elastic strands through the pre-cut holes and inserted four premade notebook inserts. 

And here is my finished journal...



I covered all pre-cut holes with jeweled brads to give a more finished look.




I hope you enjoyed today's project and that it inspired you to create your own beautiful handmade gifts... there really isn't anything like giving a piece of your heart to your loved ones this holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Mitsyana 

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Making Spirits Bright Bear Card

Hey, Crafty Friends! 
I'm back with another simply adorable holiday card to share with you all!

Christmas is just a couple weeks away! And it's not too late to get your crafty self into cardmaking gear. Sometimes with all the hustle and bustle, we find ourselves too busy to make elaborate Christmas cards... so why not opt for something more simple? Take colored images, pair it with gorgeous paper flowers, add a few tiny embellishments sprinkled in, and... tah-dah a super easy, super quick, and so super cute!!


I Am Roses Products Used

Other Supplies Used
Crossover II (Crafter's Edge)
Beary Christmas Stamp Set (Maker's Movement)
Beary Christmas Die Set (Maker's Movement)
Cardstock- Red, Black, White (Recollections)
Patterned Paper (Pink and Main)
Sprinkletz- Very Cherry (Buttons Galore)
Button Fusion- Red Carpet (Button Galore)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

MISTI (My Sweet Petunia)
Micron Pen (Sakura)

140 lb Mixed Media Paper
Watercolor Pencils (Derwent Academy)
Water Soluble Markers (Derwent Academy)
White Gel Pen (Sakura)
Black Twine
Heidi Swapp Marquee Love Chunky Glitter


Today, I wanted to make a bigger more substantial card and if you're an avid I Am Roses fan, then you know why! Many of their wonderful flowers are quite large. And placing too many large flowers onto a standard A2 (4.25" x 5.5"-folded) card just will not do. Anything else you attempt to put on such a small space would feel crowded. So a bigger surface area is always great to accommodate larger items.

I started by creating a 6"x 6" card base from red cardstock. which I layered with a 6"x6" piece of black cardstock and 5 7/8" x 5 7/8" piece of white cardstock.

Then, I took a 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" piece of houndstooth patterned paper and die cut a circle window from the center. Then I adhered all the layers together and stamped my sentiment across the bottom of the window and set it aside to dry.


This was by far the hardest and most lengthy process of the whole card... coloring the images! LOL
Seriously though, it was! Then I die-cut the images out and added tiny details onto their scarves and presents using a white gel and black micron pen.

Time to add some POP to my card...

I ran a few leaves through my Xyron X Sticker Maker, then laid down a leafy base onto my card front.


Once I laid down my leaves, I added my bears to give myself an adequate amount of space for flower placement.

Then, I added my Red Gardenias and White Tea Roses, always starting with the biggest flowers first. Once glued down, I added a little collage medium into my flowers then dusted them chunky glitter.

Finally, I added my sprinkled bits of candy shaped embellishments and tied on a twine bow...


And here is my finished card...



I hope you enjoyed this easy card tutorial!

Until next time...
Happy Crafting!!
~Mitsyana Wright

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Kids Crafts with Orange Art Box- December Artic Animals

Hey, Crafty Friends!!
I'm so excited to share a new crafty adventure with you. If you follow me regularly, you know that I'm an avid crafter and absolutely crazy for papercrafts, DIY home decor, and upcycling. A few of you may even know that I'm a mother of 4. And just like their mama, they got bit with the crafting bug... BAD! 

This is why I am so stoked to announce that my kiddos and I will be joining this crafty adventure together as a family with the help of Orange Craft Box!!

And if you have creative kids like me, then you'll want to keep on reading...


Orange Art Box is an ART Subscription box made especially for kids 5-10 years old. But honestly, my 12 yr old absolutely loves it too!  





We received our Orange Art Box- the December Arctic Friends themed art box. If you were lucky enough to catch the "Orange Friday" Deals, then your box may have come with bonuses depending on what subscription you ordered.

or

Our box was a 6-month subscription and it came with... a bonus paint set, children's apron. 
But if you ordered the 12-month box subscription, it also a  Birthday Box as your bonus on top of the paint set and apron.


Right now, Orange Art Box you can use code GIFTBOX to receive $10 OFF ANY ORDER- even single box orders!! This coupon can be reused if you have several boxes to send as gifts!

And if you are ordering a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, use coupon code GIFT to receive 15% off your entire single order. 

Coupons cannot be combined so please use the one that will work best for you.

Click here to order your Orange Art Box today!

Each box is packed with care and as you can see the packing material can be lots of fun too!!


Here are just a few of the awesome stuff that came in the box...

A fold-out art mat, a pack of classic markers, glue w/ an adorable Arctic Friends topper, a how-to-draw arctic animals manual.

The manual gives kids step-by-step illustrated instructions and also comes with an assortment of postcards, bookmarks, and envelopes to decorate.

Even though the instructions contained NO WORDS, my children were able to precisely follow along with each diagram.

Check out their drawings!! These were very first attempts!


What was also included in this box...

A set of Arctic Friends Cards. Your child can assemble artic friends using geometric shapes.
Shapes came in an array of pre-cut punch-out sheets and all your child(ren) need to do is poke out the shape to match the diagrams on the cards. then simply glue in place with the provided glue stick that was included in your box.


*SIDE NOTE*
Arctic Animal card shapes make adorable mini face masks too!

Another fun item we found in the box, and by far the biggest hit was packages of Crayola Model Magic. They were just giddy with excitement. 


These came all white but could be colored with the markers (also included in the box).


This is an air-dry clay that is softer, lighter, and more pliable than play-dough. And the great thing about it is you can save it in a bag to play with over and over again or let it air dry so that you can keep your sculpted creations. And once dried it's not crumbly like the other clays either!


All-in-all, my kids had a blast! This box contained so much stuff for all 4 of my kiddies to have a wonderfully packed crafty afternoon. We had hours of fun at our local library and still had tons of crafts leftover to create more projects!

Here are a few other finished projects they created...


From out of the How-to-draw booklet

From the Arctic Friends Cardmaking Kit


And now for something EXTRA SPECIAL...

If you head on over to my Instagram account (HERE)
I am giving away an ORANGE ART BOX to ONE lucky person!!

All you have to do is:
1. Follow me on Instagram.
2. Like the Orange Art Box post.
3. Leave a comment on the Orange Art Box post.
4. Tag a friend- As many as you like! But please tag them in separate comments.

A WINNER will be chosen at random from the comments left below.

This giveaway will run from 12/10/2019- 12/17/2019.

The WINNER will be announced all across all my social media accounts on 12/18/2019.

Sorry, international friends, this giveaway is for U.S. Residents ONLY.

Don't forget to follow me on social media...

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER

Thanks for joining us today!
We'll be back with another crafty family adventure soon!
~The Wrights