My quest for coffee continues...

We haven't made it a priority to stock up on coffee. There are no kcups to be found in our house.  We are having to get creative and actually use up our reserve. You know, the one you drink only if you have to! The type that's gifted to you, or left behind by a house guest. Needless to say, there are some interesting choices. 

As I sampled away some coffee, I decided I needed another coffee stamp. 

This time, I went with a mug complete with some steam and coffee beans.

I then created a tag to showcase my stamp. I made a border with the beans and paper pieced my mug. I was also able to fit in a sentiment from the CTMH free stamp set. It's free this month with a 30 dollar purchase. 

A KIT Saturday

This past Saturday, I participated in a Kraaft it together Live Google hangout.  I met via the internet with some crafting friends from the Kraafters Kommunity on Google plus. It's a fun concept, eveyone turns on their computers and works on a craft project. It's a great way to chat and share.  During this time, I carved a few stamps.

It's a layer stamp set. The first layer is an outline stamp.

The second layer is some Inside detail. 

Finally a center stamp

When placed together, they create a very cool flower. I was very pleased with my final results but it was a bit of a challenge trying to remember how to line up my images. If you want to try this out, I recommend using simple shapes that can be lined up easily. 

Coffee Time

We ran out of coffee and I found myself really wanting some. So I got creative and made a stamp instead.

I drew a coffee cup using a Google image as my reference.

I then rubbed my image onto some Speedball Speedy Carve to transfer my drawing. It doesn't take much pressure to do this. Once I had my image transferred, I was able to begin carving using my carving tools.

Once I had the majority of my lines carved, I stamped to see where I still needed to continue carving and cleaning up areas.

My final product, still with a few areas that could be cleaned up, but I like that they let you know it's hand carved. 

 Total carving time was an hour since it had simple lines.  A quick card I created using this stamp. I might need to create a phrase or sentiment to go with it. For now I hand-wrote my sentiment.

What do you think? Now to find some real coffee!

Kaards by Kraafters

Last month at the Kraafters Kommunity we started a monthly card group in which we create cards to send out to people needing a little pick me up. We meet up on a Google + hangout and craft together. During our Hangout time we decide on recipients and get crafting making cards.  You don't have to make anything.  It's also a great place to just visit and watch crafters create amazing cards. Who knows?! You might even be able to steal a few new ideas here and there. This month we created "thinking of you" cards which will help spread a little love. Since I didn't own and flower stamps I decided to draw one.

I drew a flower onto some watercolor paper and painted them with some purple and magenta watercolor paint.   I then made some yellow circles and traced them with a black pit pen. My leaves were created by making some green ovals and then adding a darker green. I added a sentiment that I cut out with my electronic cutting machine. I used some store bought card bases. These are great to have at hand whenever you need a quick card. 

My trio of cards. Those card bases have come in handy. 

Want to get in on the fun? Join the Kraafters Kommunity it's filled with great Kraafters. I also want to challenge you to spread some love send a card to someone letting them know you have been thinking of them. It might just be what they need at this moment. 

This is Sew Boring!!!

I had every intention of creating a new challenge for myself for the month of September, but I've had some odd jobs pop up here and there. So my time is consumed by a sewing project for now. Here's a quick look at the madness that I've been working on. I'm in the finishing stages of sewing 24 classroom seat pockets. I had a request to make these for a teacher friend. So after the first set, I found myself saying this is "sew boring." I enjoy sewing but when it becomes repetitive, it loses its novelty to me...However, they are turning out great and I can't help but recall my childhood visits to my grandma's house growing up. She was often sewing quilts on her petal sewing machine and my mom would join in and help her. I think my love for crafts, making and creating, comes from both my mom and my grandma who just turned 87 this last week.

So I've been sewing....

And sewing....

and sewing!