Fun With My Big Shot: Sweet Friend

I'm SO excited to show you my first card, made with my new Big Shot!

I used one of my new embossing folders to add the polka dot pattern on my paper.

The scalloped edge was made using a Martha Stewart punch.

For the butterfly I used my Bigz Die and the Wafer-Thin die that matches it.

Next I stamped my sentiment with Stazon ink.

The finishing touch was a bit of bling ... you gotta have bling!!

And wha..la!!

Hei Matau

A hei matau is a bone or greenstone carving in the shape of a highly stylised fish hook typical of the Māori people of New Zealand. It represents strength, good luck and safe travel across water.

This is a birthday gift I made for someone who is from New Zealand.

The fish hook is made from polymer clay. The book "Making Polymer Clay Beads" by Carol Blackburn has a great tutorial on how to make faux bone. Once the shape was baked and still warm I carved my inner shape. Then I used silver metallic alcohol ink to color the indention. When dry I mixed a batch of resin and slowly added it into the carved space. My last step was to add a bit more color ... I wanted the look of the ocean. So I used some blue pigment ink. And with a toothpick slowly swirled it through the resin till I got the affect I wanted.

I think it looks great. Very natural.

Love Always .... Carla

Chevron Loom Bracelets

These cute little bracelets were fun to make. 

A few years ago my niece received a bead loom for Christmas, it reminded me of the one I had as a child. Not expensive by any means but I remember having a lot fun with it. So off to Michaels I went to see if I could find one.

For my first attempt at these, I used a simple chevron pattern. If you're brave, there are tons of patterns on the web.

I used No. 6 seed beads. DMC pearl cotton to make the tassels, and then added various charms and beads to add the finishing touches.

One tip, if you are as picky as I am, buy quality seed beads. The square beads I purchased were not cut to a consistent size. So as you can see in the picture above, the edges are quite whack a doodle at best. Lesson learned.

So rummage through your closet full of games and puzzles ... you might just find a bead loom you forgot about. Or, just trot down to Michaels, they run about $15.00.

Have fun!

My New Big Shot!

I'm so excited to share my new Big Shot!

This was my gift from my parents for Christmas! Isn't it wonderful? The packaging is so lovely. And luck for me, it matches my craft room colors perfectly. Co..wink..e.dink ... me thinks!

Out of the box it is quite heavy. And it sits well, tiny feet to hold it in place.

It appears to be made very well, I guess time will tell. You have to attach the handle ... a, washer, screw and end cap and wall la.

Included in the box: The Multipurpose Platform

On each cover is, an illustration showing you what pieces, are needed for what purpose. For instance, you use the front cover for Thinlits and Framelits. 

As, you go to cover 1, it's used for Ink-its,  Thinlits with a Impression Pad for embossing and the Texturz with a Impressions Pad.

The last cover is for Embossing Folders and Texturz when using thicker materials such as chipboard.

These are standard size cutting pads and you get a pair.

You get Basics Shapes cutting pad. It's hard to see but it has a large and small heart, a large and small circle and a large butterfly.

These are the Wafer-thin Dies. As you can see the pretty butterfly is the exact size as the Bigz die basic shapes.

You get seven Framelts. The hearts, flowers and circles go hand in hand with the Bigz Basic shapes die and the Wafer-thin dies.

This is a Embossing folder, one included.

And you get a package of card stock. Also included, a tiny piece of sandpaper.

My parents also bought me another pair of Extended Cutting Pads.

A beautiful set of Scallop Circle Dies, left. And Impressions Pad.

This wonderful Texturz Starter Kit, with six lovely designs.

And two more Embossing Folders ... Dots and Flowers.

I am one lucky girl!!

THANK YOU MOMMA AND DADDY!

Letc the crafting begin ... be sure and check back to see my first projet with my new Big Shot!!

Happy 2015 Everyone!

Happly New Year everyone!

I've never been one to make New Years resolutions. Seems we all have good intentions for the first few months .... but then, life has a way of getting in the way and those resolutions just seem to go by the wayside.

So for me, it's more about life lessons. Things that I've faced over the last year. What have I learned and how can I take those things, whether good or bad and use them to move my life forward in a positive way.

This year has been a very difficult one for me personally. Choices I've had to make. People I've had to say good bye to, and the loss of Wolf and Peanut. Heart wrenching things.

But I will forever be an optimist. I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned. I'm grateful that I was privileged to have these two sweet creatures in my life for the time I did.

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for my family! They have stood by my side through it all .... never wavering, always supportive, always loving, steadfast!

But most of all, i'm grateful for Jesus! For without His love and acceptance, my life would be without meaning. God has guided me through some treacherous waters. And there is no doubt in my mind He has orchestrated the steps I've taken this year. My only hope is that I can live the life He expects me to live and be an example of His love for everyone!

Bless my family and friends!

Bless my fur babies!

And bless all my new friends and followers here!

This picture kind of sums things up!

Let's have a fabulous 2015 together!

Reindeer Ring Bling

 

Look at this cute little ring I made. Yes .. yes .. I know, kind of impractical, but cute don't you think!!

 

 

 

While I was at Michaels I found these adorable little deer and trees. I just knew I wanted to try and make something with them .... what to do? *light bulb* ... a ring, why not!

 

 

So I gathered my supplies .... various glitters, a cute filigree ring blank, my little woodland cuties and trees.

 

 

I started by mixing my Envirotex Jewelry Clay using equal parts of each. After mixing it thoroughly, I formed the shape on my ring blank to support my deer and tree. Once I had the shape I liked, I covered the clay with glitter. I trimmed the base off the little tree and actually trimmed down the lower branches a bit so it wouldn't stick up too high. You have a couple hours till the clay dries so you have time to play with placement. Once I had my deer and tree set, I left the ring to dry overnight.

 

 

To finish my ring, I had to have more bling. So I used some E-6000 glue and carefully placed some rhinestones all around the base of my ring. And because more is better ... I even added some glitter to my little tree ... now kissed with snow and sparkle.

 

Isn't it cute?

 

 



The Nutcracket Market

 

To kick off the holiday season I always look forward to the Nutcracket Market.

It ran from November 13th through November 18th.

The Houston Ballet Guild's Nutcracker Market has become an annual tradition to kick off the holiday season. November 13th through November 18th.This shopping extravaganza, held at Reliant Center, features holiday decorations, food, clothing, jewelry and even furniture.

More than 315 vendors participate from across the country in this annual event which offers unique gifts for the entire family. You can find anything from home decor, clothing, toys, candles, sporting items, novelties and much more.

The Nutcracker Market has a long history dating back to its inception in 1981

 

The following pictures are just a very small taste of what I saw and experienced at this market. The vendors kind of frown on people taking pictures, and I was very careful not to upset anyone.

 

 

A very cute wrap bracelet.

 

There were many colors and styles.

 

Boots boots and more boots! Cowboy boots are the "in" thing for this season. And I must tell you, there were some beautiful boots at the market. And if your boots aren't beautiful enough, look at the pretty boot socks with lace just peeking over the top!

 

There were also these cute adornments. The lace and flowers are so sexy.

 

 

All types of boot pretties.

 

 

I especially loved this one ... the black and tan flowers, and the gorgeous rhinestone type brooch.

 

 

This one was gorgeous too, though I did not care for the boots which it was displayed on.

 

 A cute hat. Just different size fabric flowers sewn on it.

 All kinds of hair decorations .... bows and clips.

And oh my goodness ... the jewelry. This is like a blimp on the radar screen. Anything you could imagine and all price ranges. You want to spend $10 or $500. They had it all.

 

Look at these chunky earrings .... so cute.

 

And these, I just love them.

 

I hated to see this guy mounted, as I love animals .... but he was certainly adorned with bling bling and more bling.

 

 

Headbands are the rage too.

 

 Cute.

 

 

And just look at these hats! Simply adorable.

 So next year, mark your calendars for the Houston Nutcracket Market in November. I could have taken hundreds of pictures if I were allowed ... so much to see. Did I mention food and drinks. So many vendors with food items galore. What could be better ... food, drinks and shopping.

 

It was an awesome day. I always look forward to it.