Friday, December 13, 2013

12 Days of Holiday Projects 2013 Blog Candy Winner


Today I'm announcing the winner of my 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Candy Winner. My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. And the winner is Cardsbymo. Congratulations!! Be sure to go visit her  blog cardsbymo.com.
Thanks to everyone who commented and followed our 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration event. Be sure to check out our Pinterest board here where you can see all of our projects at once!! 

Our next event is a New Year's Inspiration Blog Hop on December 21. Be sure to check back for more fun and inspiration from The Inspiration Crew.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Day 12 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration 2013

Welcome to Day 12 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.
We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I'm sharing some cards that are similar in design to ones I showed earlier, but I actually made these first in July. I bought these awesome Christmas Embellishments on clearance at a really cute paper crafts store called Blade Rubber Stamps in London (near the British Museum).



 I knew I had this old Christmas paper from Stampin' Up that would match them so I couldn't resist picking them up and they were easy to pack in the suitcase. I added pretty pleated ribbons (like the ones I showed earlier in blue) to some cards and seam binding to others. I also accentuated the embellishments with coordinating circles and scallop circles. And, to continue the theme of using what you have, besides my cute embellishments, I didn't purchase anything for these cards. They all came from my huge stash. Here are several of the cards I made. They were quick and easy and fun.













I hope you've enjoyed our 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration 2013. Be sure to follow our Pinterest page HERE where you can sell all the fun ideas in one place. Be sure to check back here Friday, December 13 to see who my winner is for the $20 Michaels gift card. 



Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Day 11 of the 12 Days of Holiday Project 2013

Welcome to Day 11 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.
We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I used my large ornament die again. I cut the ornaments and shapes out in grunge board. The wreath is a Tim Holtz die and the holly berries are Sizzix. I covered those images with Tim Holtz Distress glitters in Festive Berries and Mowed Lawn. I color the ornaments with metallic Distress stains. I cut the tops of the two ornaments on the right in silver glitter paper. I also used two silver letter stickers on the Joy card. Imagine how many letters you could use if you made several ornaments with just words on them!! The ornament on the right is covered in American Crafts glitter tape and on the red sections I added Green Bling on a Roll (which is by Recollections and you can buy at Michaels) to add some interest and shine. These are perfect for cards and decorating bags and presents. 




Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Day 10 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects 201

Welcome to Day 10 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.
We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I have yet another super easy idea to use up some of your stash. I've had some felt around for ages. I always imagine I'll sew some cute little ornaments, but that hasn't happened yet. Then, when I was in Hallmark last week I saw a present decoration that was a felt snowflake covered in rhinestones and of course I thought, I can do that for free! So I just ran a white piece of felt through my Big Shot using a big Sizzix Snowflake Die. I was unsure how it would work in the Big Shot, but I was happily surprised to see it cut the felt perfectly!! Then, I just added some sticky back rhinestones and after a week, none have fallen off yet. I decided to use it on this present for my mom instead of a bow. It would also look great hanging from a bag. And, it can be used as an ornament after the present is open. So easy, fun and quick!




Monday, December 9, 2013

Day 9 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects 2013

Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.
We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I have another super easy idea to use up some of yours sticker stash. I just added some cute stickers, some just images to plain white cups. This is a great way for your guests to keep track of their cup without having to write their name on it. They just have to remember what stickers are on their cup. This works for any occasion or holiday. 



Sunday, December 8, 2013

Day 8 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects & Denami Razzle Dazzle Blog Hop


Welcome Day 8 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration AND today I'm also participating in the Denami Razzle Dazzle Blog Hop (which starts at 9AM EST). I'm so excited to be able to participate again this month. 

I love Denami Stamps and I thought this little Denami Stamps Peek-a-boo Penguin in this circular sentiment was just too cute. Since I used two stamps, you can even use other images for the center. I colored the Penguin with Copic Markers and punched it out with a circle punch. I added Glossy Accents to the trim on the Penguin's hat and covered it with White Distress Glitter. Then I put it on a circle made from silver glitter paper. I've had this awesome ornament die for years, so I punched it using a teal color glitter paper and made the top of the ornament from the silver glitter paper. I put it on Real Red card stock from Stampin' Up. I hope it's enough Razzle Dazzle!!




Be sure to check out the rest of the participants on the hop and leave comments because 2 lucky commenters will receive a $20 gift certificate to the Denami Store. (also read below this post for info on Day 8 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects for)

If you're following the hop you should've come here from the blog of the super talented Heidi Hurley at 
http://www.hurleyzfamily.blogspot.com/ and your next stop will be the blog of the very gifted Deb W. at http://mycraftroomcreations.blogspot.com/ If you just found out about the hop and want to start at the beginning go to the Denami Blog.

Thanks for stopping by and below is the info on the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration.

We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Day 7 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects

Welcome to Day 7 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.

We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I'm sharing part 2 of my post from yesterday. I used a 6x6 Lawn Fawn paper pad called FaLaLa that I bought last year and never used to make these cards. I decided I would put together the patterns that went together and cut out panels and put them together on cards. When I cut them to 5.5 inches, it left 1/2 inch strips that I used for accents. For the sentiments I just found a simple sentiment that fit in my oval punch and accented it with my scalloped oval punch using coordinating papers. Today I'm showing my bolder colored cards.This sentiment stamp is from a Studio Calico/Hero Arts stamp set. 






Rachel Izakowicz

Friday, December 6, 2013

Day 6 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects 2013

Welcome to Day 6 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.

We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I'm having part 1 of a 2 part project. I'm sort of obsessed with using up items I already own. So, I had a 6x6 Lawn Fawn paper pad called FaLaLa that I bought last year and never used. I decided I would put together the patterns that went together and cut out panels and put them together on cards. When I cut them to 5.5 inches, it left 1/2 inch strips that I used for accents. For the sentiments I just found a simple sentiment that fit in my oval punch and accented it with my scalloped oval punch using coordinating papers. These two are very similar so I chose to share them today. I used a pretty pleated ribbon from Stampin' Up in Baha Blue to dress these cards up. Tomorrow I'll show my bolder colored cards. Today it's all about PEACE. The sentiment is from a Hero Arts Stamp Set. 







Rachel Izakowicz

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects

Welcome to Day 5 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.

We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I have a super quick and easy project for you. If you're like me you have tons of Washi Tape. I find I don't really use it that often so I love to find ways to actually put it to good use. I just took some plain white notepads that I got from Oriental Trading Company and wrapped Washi Tape around them. It was so easy and actually really fun to make these. For the first one I used some Washi tapes I've had in my stash for a while. For the second one I used a set of tapes made by My Minds Eye. I love sets because they all work together. For the third one I used Tim Holtz tapes that also come in a set. You could also easily add a cardstock sticker or anther embellishment on the front, but I didn't want to cover up all this Washi goodness so I left them plain. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you stop back tomorrow!


Rachel Izakowicz

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Day 4 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects 2013

Welcome to Day 4 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.

We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I'm sharing an alternative to wrapping paper. I have these little boxes - about 4 inches square that are perfect for ornaments or small gifts. To decorate the box I added some red polka dot Washi Tape on the top and the bottom and in the center I added a cute Little Yellow Bicycle Holiday Sticker. Just add a big bow on top and you have an easy and cute gift that looks great and helps you use up your stash!!





Rachel Izakowicz

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Day 3 of the 12 Days of Holiday Projects 2013

Welcome to Day 3 of the 12 Days of Holiday Inspiration Blog Event brought to you by "The Inspiration Crew".  We’re just a group of online crafty friends who love being creative. This time we're doing a 12-day event to provide you with tons of Holiday Inspiration.

We're making crafty projects using products we like and some of us are even offering prizes. Check each blog and the information there for what prizes are being offered and when the winners will be announced on that blog.

At the bottom of this post is a list of all the crafty ladies participating in this event. Be sure to visit all the blogs each day for loads of fun Holiday craft ideas. 

I'm offering prize!! My prize is a $20 gift card to Michaels. I will announce the winner on my blog on Friday, December 13. To be eligible just make sure you are a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The more days you leave a comment, the more chances you have to win. So that's it - easy peasy

This year I have a theme to my projects - it's called use what you have and keep it simple. For those of you who don't know me, I've been busy building a house this year. The process started last February and construction started in early June. I sold my old house and moved in with my parents last May. So, I have not been nearly as crafty as I like to be this year, I just haven't had the time or the space. 

I haven't purchased any new holiday stamps, just a couple of new 6x6 papers pads, Distress Glitters and some clearance embellishments when I was in London on vacation. So, if you are overloaded with supplies, I challenge you to start using up your stash instead of always buying the latest and greatest. I'm going to show you some quick and easy projects over the next 12 days that you can make using things you already own.

Today I'm sharing a fun home decor project. Since I'm moving to a new house I've made several trips to IKEA and I've completed a few decor projects. A few months ago I bought several of these very inexpensive black frames knowing I could do "something" with them. Since I live almost 2 hours away from the nearest IKEA I bought them, since I can't get back easily. I haven't done anything with them, but when I saw them the other day I thought of this project. 

I just found a font I liked, enlarged it, and printed out the letters on regular paper. Then, I cut out the letters to make a template and I traced them onto TimHoltz.com Grunge Paper. I cut out the Grunge Paper letters, colored them with my Festive Berries Distress Marker and then added Festive Berries Distress Glitter. I glued them on white paper and put them in the frames. So easy. You could also add lots of other embellishments, but I kind of like just the red, white and black. You can sit them on a table or hang them on a wall and they look great. 


Rachel Izakowicz