Relaxing Coloring Therapy for Cancer Awareness with GIVEAWAY

Relaxing Coloring Therapy for Cancer Awareness with GIVEAWAY is what we have for you today. I really wanted to do two cards today. I realize Breast Cancer Awareness Month is this Month and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is November however I felt compelled to create something for both and I did!

Today for the Relaxing Coloring Therapy for Cancer Awareness, we are creating a Thinking of You card to honor those with cancer.

Specifically, Breast Cancer for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I wanted to create a card for Pancreatic Cancer for my friend Kim. She is an amazing woman, mother and friend. We would appreciate all of the positive thoughts, prayers and love for her during this difficult journey with Pancreatic Cancer.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-a

For my first creation using Coloring Therapy for Cancer Awareness, I created a Breast Cancer Awareness card. I used the Awareness Ribbon Set #3 – Ready for a Fight stamp set as well as my Chameleon Pens.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-b

We are giving the Awareness Ribbon Set #3 – Ready for a Fight stamp set away to one lucky winner! All you have to do is subscribe to both our YouTube channel as well as our Blog Post/Newsletter Sign up and you will be entered to win the stamp set! Anyone can enter!  Today is the last day you can use the coupon fclh2016 to save 25% off all of your none sale/bundle purchases!

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-c

I used the same techniques for the second Pancreatic Cancer card with a few different materials.  I liked using purple too in order to highlight the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness color.  Here is a close up picture of the card creation.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-d

Here are the supplies I used for my second card.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-e

First you will want to take out your Awareness Ribbon Set #3 – Ready for a Fight stamp set out as well as your ink, stamp block and paper to stamp on. coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-f

Take out your sentiment and place it on the block and ink the sentiment and stamp on your paper. I like to make a few extra so I usually stamp at least one extra to keep on hand.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-g

Clean off your stamp and stamp block then take out the gloves from your Awareness Ribbon Set #3 – Ready for a Fight stamp set.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-hStamp your glove onto your paper.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-i

*Note: I usually make a few extra so I have them on hand for future projects.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-jStamp the other glove so you have opposite hands for your project.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-k

This is what it looks like as I am stamping.

*Another Note: You want to be sure you have one of each hand or else it will not look right on your creation.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-l

Take out your punch and sentiment.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-m

Punch out your sentiments with your punch. Set the extras aside for future use on another project.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-n

.Take out your V04 Chameleon Pen and then take off the cap to the nib side in which you prefer to use. Set it aside and place your blending solution chamber on top of the nib. You need to ensure your nibs are touching in the chamber and hold the pen upright and I held it upright for approximately 15 seconds.

For this pen, the pigment is so intense, it really doesn’t get as light as lavender. It is really just a slightly lighter version than concord grape in color as shown.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-p

Due to the dark color of the v04 pen, I colored using the blending solution/ink combination first in the area in which I would like to highlight.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-q

Color in the remainder of the glove. It will start to shade darker as the blending solution wears off and more of the pigment comes through.  Repeat the blending solution/ink mixture process again for approximately 15 seconds and color the areas in which you want to highlight on your image.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-r

You will then want to color in the rest of the image and go over the areas in which you want to shadow or darken. I trace around all of the image lines to show depth in your image.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-s

Here shows the shadowing with the variation of color in  your image.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-t

Cut out your colored gloves and leave a small amount of white around your image to highlight it on the creation.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-u

Take out your card base and your patterned paper and place adhesive on the back of the patterned paper.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-v

Place your paper on the card base. I chose to put it a little to the left.coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-w

Measure your ribbon so that it will wrap around the front flap of the card.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-x

Place a very small amount of adhesive in the middle of the ribbon and then adhere to the inside of the card to keep it in place.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-y

Wrap the ribbon around the front of the card and tie in a knot. Set the card aside.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-z

Take out your white twine and place your foam square on both ends.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-zb

Place foam squares on the back of the gloves and adhere to your card front on top of the ribbon.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-zc

Place foam squares on the back of your sentiment. Be sure they are pushed down both on the twine as well as the creation so that they do not fall off.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-zd

Place the sentiment on the ribbon and make sure that you have it centered between the two gloves.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-ze

Wrap the twine around the sentiment on the corners and this will give your sentiment texture and attention in your creation.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-zf

Your creation is complete! This is what it will look like.

coloring-therapy-for-cancer-awareness-with-giveaway-zh

Here are both of the creations I made and as you can see by changing the color of the gloves, I changed the Awareness theme of the card. Our Awareness Ribbon Stamp Sets are versatile and can be used for multiple Awareness causes.

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel as well as our Blog Post/Newsletter Sign up . You could win one of your very own Awareness Ribbon Set #3 – Ready for a Fight stamp sets!

Thank you for joining us today and going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

Coffee Crafts using Scraps

Coffee Crafts using Scraps is what we are doing today! Who doesn’t have a TON of scraps and who doesn’t LOVE COFFEE CRAFTS? So we combined the two for Coffee Crafts using Scraps! I love all things coffee so why not create some adorable cards with that theme? I thought it would be perfect to Coffee Crafts using Scraps because the creation is really a cute generic card that can be used for just about anything! A great way to utilize your scraps as well as get a stock pile of some cards to keep on hand! Let’s get started!

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-a

In addition to your manual die cut machine (I use my Big Shot by Sizzix), Here are the items you will need to create the card. I suggest you cut multiple pieces so that you can make more than one. It is always helpful to have a few cards on hand, don’t you think?

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-b

The sentiment for this card comes from the the Fall & Winter Holiday Sentiments stamp set. We have an awesome discount coupon code for the 2016 Fall Coffee Lovers Hop. Be sure to use fclh2016 at check out to save 25% on all non-sale/bundled items.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-c

Here is the creation we will be making.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-d

You will need to take out your Fall & Winter Holiday Sentiments stamp set, ink, punch, card stock and stamping block.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-e

Place your stamp on the block.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-f

Ink your sentiment.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-g

Stamp your sentiment on your paper. Take out your punch.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-h

Using your punch, punch out your sentiment. Set aside your punched out sentiment.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-i

Here are the coffee cup die cuts we will be using for a background pattern on our paper.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-j

Take out your coffee cup die cut. Notice the side that has the ridges for the embossed lines.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-k

Take out your paper, sizzix die cut machine, platform and two acrylic clear plates. Place your platform on tab 1. Then place one clear plate and a piece of paper down on your sizzix machine. Place your coffee cup die with the ridges facing down on the paper you want to cut as shown.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-l

Place your second platform on top of the sandwich of platform, clear plates and paper.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-o

Using the handle, turn the handle so that the die cut “sandwich” gets rolled through the sizzix machine.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-pRemove the plastic plate then taking out your die and paper.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-q

This is what it looks like once the paper has been cut by the die. Repeat die cutting so that you have enough of the die cuts for your project.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-r

Take your die cuts and place adhesive on the back and adhere to your patterned paper as shown.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-t

This is what it will look like once you have placed the on the paper. I purposely put the coffee cups hanging off of the edge so that you can get the feeling like it is a repeat patterned paper.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-u
Trim the excess coffee cup image so that it no longer hangs over the edge.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-v

This is what the base patterned paper looks like without embossing (left) or with embossing (right). You can leave the paper like this and use it but I prefer embossing it as I really like the texture and the look of the embossed paper with the die cuts.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-w

We are going to emboss your patterned paper. Take out your sizzix platform placing it on tab 1. Then place your clear platform on top as shown.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-x

Take out your patterned paper with the adhered die cuts and your embossing folder.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-z

Place your paper inside the embossing folder.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zb

Run your embossing folder through the die cut machine and take it out of the folder. This is what the front looks like.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zc

This is what the back looks like.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zd

Take your adhesive and place adhesive on the back of the embossed paper.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-ze

Place your paper on the front of  your card.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zf

Take out your punched out sentiment and raffia.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zg

Take the raffia and wrap it around the end of the sentiment as shown.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zh

Tie a knot with the raffia and trim off the excess.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zi

Place your foam squares on the back to add dimension to the sentiment.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zj

Remove the backing from the foam squares.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-jkPlace the sentiment on your card.

coffee-crafts-using-scraps-zk

You have completed your card!

If you are here for the 2016 Fall Coffee Lovers Hop, please check out the original blog hop post and be sure to answer the question to qualify to win HERE.

Thank you so much for joining us today and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

It really has been three years…Remembering Uncle Herb

  I think that really says it all.

While remembering Uncle Herb, I can’t believe how time has flown by but yet stood still at the same time. So much has happened. So many things have changed and yet so much has stayed the same all wrapped up in 1065 days.

Uncle Herb was my dad’s brother. He moved to California in the 60’s from Chicago. He lived closer to us than anyone else in our family. We moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles and he was in San Diego. While remembering Uncle Herb… we didn’t see him as often as we would have liked.

Uncle Herb retired when he was 55.

Something that he would recommend to everyone if it is possible. He was a retired Police Sergeant and with his job, he had seen way too much of things he would prefer to forget. He retired early and really enjoyed life by traveling, kayaking and really experiencing the world that we live in. Now he was enjoying the world around him. When we did see him, he always had a story to tell from one of his traveling excursions. Boy did he have stories! Whether it was a story from a kayak trip, traveling or just stories of things that were important to him.  He really loved life. The legacy he left behind was great… one of the many life lessons he taught my boys was live life to the fullest.

Uncle Herb lived what he preached.

Uncle Herb was an amazing example and a man who will forever be remembered with love, fondness and gratitude.  Fondness because he always accepted me for who I was and who I wasn’t. He listened without judgment. We are grateful for the time we had with him although forever wouldn’t have been long enough. I am honored that he always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

We all have a dream…

I always wanted to start my own stamp line. Honestly, I never thought I would it was just a pipe dream that really wouldn’t ever come to fruition. That was until I talked to him. He was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2012. As a result of one of our talks during his treatment he basically said, “Miss, if not now, when?” (Missie was a nickname when I was younger and he was one of the VERY FEW that are still allowed to call me that. Funny enough my husband doesn’t even know who she is! LOL 😉

His statement basically stopped me in my tracks.

Well, considering he was going through radiation at the time I thought I really need to LISTEN to what he was saying. He has always lived life to the fullest although uncertain of what lie ahead. So I called around, did all of the leg work and started creating drawings for my stamps. I wrote down ideas and after quite some time, some mistakes mistakes mistakes. (Did someone say mistakes?) Of course there were even more mistakes.. I had my stamps manufactured, organized an awesome group of fabulous supportive creative women that made up the Creative Crew (design team) and was well on my way to beginning my journey of my stamp line release.

My stamp line grand opening release was on September 18, 2013.

The first release included the stamp sets that were inspired by Uncle Herb.

The first two stamp sets were Awareness Ribbon stamp set #1 and Awareness Ribbon Stamp Set #2.

Awareness Ribbon Set #1 Awareness Ribbon Set #2

Awareness Ribbon Stamp Set #1         Awareness Ribbon Stamp Set #2

All of my Awareness Ribbon stamp sets have been in honor of my Uncle Herb and his fight against cancer.

Specifically, the Awareness Ribbon Stamp Set #2 .

He wasn’t doing well and had called me September 17th. As I always did, I asked him if he needed me to come to San Diego. He said Yes. I knew it wasn’t good because he rarely said he needed help and asked me if I would come to San Diego. We (my boys and I-including my husband of course!) often came whether he wanted help or not! Well, with tears in my eyes and a very shaky voice I called my husband at work. He really is my rock. Without skipping a beat he left work,  picked the kids up from school asI packed up everything I needed for my release as well as my undetermined extended stay and we were on the road in less than two hours. Although he wasn’t feeling well,

Uncle Herb was very excited about my stamp release!

These were created with Awareness Ribbon Stamp Set #1

imag1703

imag1709

10530929_640619322680627_5929782773616390713_n

 These were created by Sharon with Awareness Ribbon Stamp Set #2

This was created using the Awareness Ribbon Set #2 Stamp Set       This was created using the Awareness Ribbon Set #2 Stamp Set This was created with the Awareness Ribbon Set #2 Stamp Set  This was created with the Awareness Ribbon Set #2 Stamp Set

He watched me get prepared for my release, package my items for sale and get everything organized even though he wasn’t feeling well. When the stamp release day came, he watched me accept orders and prepare them for shipment from San Diego where he lived. He really shared in the excitement that day and I was ever so grateful for him to be able to share this with me.

Sadly, he passed away September 19, 2013. This being the day after my stamp release and stamp business grand opening.

Much of the time within the last year of his life was spent with him while he wasn’t feeling well, under treatment or recovering from surgery, I learned so much from him during our time together. The stories, wisdom, unbelievable courage, strength and perseverance. I am so grateful that he was able to enjoy his support and influence for me come to fruition and watch the first day grand opening of my stamp business.
remembering-uncle-herb-aWhen remembering Uncle Herb…

If there is anything I have learned from the loss of Uncle Herb it is remember what is important. When we are remembering Uncle Herb weather happy or sad, we share. We talk about it. We share stories. He would never want us to live in sadness. Life was too precious and if we were living in regret or sadness, we weren’t living life to the fullest.

Remember what matters to you most.

Whatever that is, live your life with that which is instrumental in happiness and success in your life.  Surround yourself with people that support you and lift you up. Be selective with those that don’t. Your time is valuable. Tell those friends, family and loved ones you have in your life that you love them. Hug your kids. LAUGH. A LOT. Tell them they are important. BE PRESENT. Be grateful. Listen more. Talk less. Live and Love to the fullest. Tell the people that you love how much they mean to you because tomorrow is never promised.

While remembering Uncle Herb the biggest thing I want to do is not be sad but do what he would have wanted and

Celebrate Uncle Herbs life!

He would not want us to live in sorrow. What better way to celebrate Uncle Herbs life than have a coupon for the stamp sets he inspired me to start!  All Stamp Sets are 25% off! This would exclude bundles and items already on sale.

Enter in coupon code UncleHerb at check out! Coupon good until 9-22-16

We appreciate you visiting today. We hope you will share your story of inspiration, hope and courage. Thank you for going on A Personal and A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

 

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Three: Technique and Finishing Touches

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Three: Technique and Finishing Touches is what we have for you today. We are going to clean up our wreath to get rid of our little glue strings that tend to happen when using hot glue and create a bow to finish off your wreath! If you haven’t seen our other posts in this series of three, please check out PART 1 HERE and PART 2 HERE.

But first… before we get started with the Create your own Cork Wreath Part Three: Technique and Finishing Touches,

I have an awesome tip for you thanks to my friend Sheila!

technique-and-finishing-touches-b

You know how when working with hot glue you have those pesky little strings… Well my friend Sheila told me of an awesome tip! Use a hair dryer or heat embossing gun and you will heat those little buggers away! I used mine (shown above) It works perfectly!

technique-and-finishing-touches-c

A BONUS TIP!

If you plan to have your wreath for a variety of themes like holiday, birthday, summer, etc. I would suggest you place some velcro at the top of the wreath so you can change the bows out rather easily. Using velcro will not only make it easier it will allow you to change them out without much fuss and make your wreath more versatile throughout the year! Now…. Onto the bows, shall we?

technique-and-finishing-touches-d There are a number of bows you can make. Here I am going to just show you three of them and another technique with mesh ribbon. Here are three of the ribbons I am using for my project. You can always double or triple the amount of ribbon you use for your bow creation as well as add multiples together for a thicker more full looking bow.

technique-and-finishing-touches-e

For the Technique and Finishing Touches, you want to start with wired ribbon. It makes it easier to bend and adjust and it will stay. You can use ribbon without wire but it does make it a little more difficult to keep the bow in place.

To start, you will want to take out the ribbon of your choice.

technique-and-finishing-touches-f

First, you will want to take the ribbon and make a loop like shown, This will be the front of the ribbon.technique-and-finishing-touches-g

You will then fold three loops, each being a bit larger than the next for the ribbon. Be sure that the design is facing outward so the ribbons decorative appearance is on the visable part of the creation. technique-and-finishing-touches-j

You will repeat this three or more times. For video and creation purposes, I only did this three times. If I was to make a large bow for a larger wreath, I would probably make at least six or more for a fuller bow. technique-and-finishing-touches-l

Cut the end of the ribbon just a little bit past where you have it held in the middle of the bow.technique-and-finishing-touches-m

This will be how it looks.
technique-and-finishing-touches-oWhile still grabbing the ribbon, you will want to place some floral wire or wire around the area in which I am gripping to keep the ribbon bow in place.

technique-and-finishing-touches-p

This is what it will look like once you have placed the wire around the ribbon center. technique-and-finishing-touches-rNow for the fun stuff! You get to fix the bow to make it fancy! You can puff it out or adjust it to your liking.

technique-and-finishing-touches-s

 

Now for the second bow Technique and Finishing Touches…

You will want to start with at least three different sizes of ribbon one larger than the other. The sizes I used are approximately 30″, 24″ and 12″. The fuller the bow, the more sizes and variations you will want to use. You will want to place your ribbon on a sturdy surface and folded in an awareness ribbon shape like shown. technique-and-finishing-touches-t

Take the ribbon and pinch the center. Take out the second piece of ribbon.

technique-and-finishing-touches-u

Fold the second piece of ribbon and gather in the middle.

technique-and-finishing-touches-x

Place a small amount of hot glue to the gathered two pieces of ribbon. This will be used to hold the third piece of ribbon in place.

technique-and-finishing-touches-y

Take the third piece of ribbon and wrap it around the center of the ribbon holding the gathered area in place. Apply hot glue to the end of the ribbon to secure it in place.

technique-and-finishing-touches-z

Trim the ribbon and adjust to beautify the ribbon for your creation,

technique-and-finishing-touches-za

This is the completed ribbon.

technique-and-finishing-touches-zb

On the third bow Technique and Finishing Touches,

take the ribbon you are going to use. Make two “rabbit ears” like you would for tying your shoe laces.

technique-and-finishing-touches-zc

Cross one of the ears over the other.

technique-and-finishing-touches-zd

You will then fold one of the ears over the other and push it through towards you .

technique-and-finishing-touches-ze

Pull tightly to secure your bow. Adjust your bow to the desired look you want for your creation.

technique-and-finishing-touches-zf

For this creation, we are going to use glittered mesh.

You can make a number of things with this amazing material but what you may not know, you can use a heat gun on it and give it a different look.

technique-and-finishing-touches-zg

It will melt the material and make it curl up at the ends. It really gives a great look for your creations. Play with it!

YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Thank you so much for joining us today for Create your own Cork Wreath Part Three: Technique and Finishing Touches. We hope you will be sure to stay tuned as we are going to be participating in an amazing coffee lovers blog hop with amazing prizes and awesome inspiration you will not want to miss!

We hope you enjoyed our bow creations and going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two: Putting it Together

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two: Putting it Together is what we have for you today. We have a tutorial on video above as well as the pictorial below.

The original video was over an hour and a half long (1:48 to be exact).

In the editing process I sped up the time so that all you actually have slowed is when I am speaking with tips, techniques and suggestions. Everything else is sped up to not make the video longer. I really wanted to do this video so that you can see from beginning to end what is needed to be done. As I said in my video the wreath is not a difficult project.

It only takes about two hours of time for the larger wreath.

A little under an hour and a half for the smaller one. To find out exactly what you need to create one of the smaller wreaths, go to my first Create your Own Cork Wreath blog post here for info. Hopefully this will give you the courage to try it out! There are so many wine drinkers out there that this could be a great gift or even a great craft fair product to sell! Be sure to ask your friends to save their corks and you can TRY IT! Sooo… let’s get started!

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two b

Here is the first of two wreaths that I have made. There are two different types of patterns I used to place the corks her

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two a

We are going to recreate this one again for this pictorial and the video.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two c

First, be sure you have your wire or whatever you plan to use to hang your wreath in place before you start to apply your corks. This will ensure it’s usability as well as ease for the person you are either gifting it, selling it or even for yourself!

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two d

The first thing you are going to want to do for the Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two is get out your hot glue gun, corks and a protective mat (Hot Glue Gun Helpers set including the protective surface Mat) Place your protective mat down. I placed my corks on the inside of the wreath for visibility. Plug in your hot glue gun approximately twenty minutes before you plan on starting. What I did was I got my glue gun plugged in and then I pulled everything out and got situated to get ready to create. It worked out perfectly!

*NOTE* You will  want to be sure that you have gone through your corks and made sure that you have enough to do this project.

I was so fortunate to have one of my BFF’s which I am also lucky enough to have as my next door neighbor, give me a whole box of corks that had been collected over some time. I was so excited I thought of a few ideas and here is one of them!

A HUGE thank you to ROBIN for the corks for these wreath projects!

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two d

Once your glue gun is heated properly, you will want to take out your unwrapped wreath with the flat part on the work surface. The flat side will be the back of the wreath. It is important that you use the flat side so when someone hangs the wreath, it will lay flat on the surface.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two b

You will want to adhere corks to the wreath to essentially cover the wreath. There are a few different ways to do so. This is the first one. You can use this by itself (I would have been a little more careful, lined up the corks better and closer together so it was covered more had this been the final look of the wreath.)

The other way you can do it is the way we are going to show you in this tutorial.

 There are a few ways you can adhere the corks.Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two p

The three ways I have done in this video are zig zag, directly on the corks and a long line. I have found the line isn’t the most effective when gravity is involved. The corks will slip down and I ended up doing more redo’s with that.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two l

If you use the hot glue line technique, it works great for when you are doing the circle around the top of the wreath when the cork is supported like shown. This was very effective.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two h

I would suggest the following as the best two to techniques to use for the majority of the corks.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two g

The first is using a zig zag line approximately two to three inches wide and almost as tall as the corks that you are using. This works well as long as you make sure you have enough glue on the area where the corks are going to go.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two s

Another other way you can adhere them is to place the hot glue directly on the cork in a thick line.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two i

You are going to start gluing the corks on the top part of the wreath going all the way around. Once you have used either of those techniques, you will then press your corks on the desired area. Complete putting on corks all around the top of the wreath.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two n

Next, you are going to put glue on the inside of the circle of corks you just placed.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two o

Place them all of the way around the wreath.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two p

The next layer so to speak of corks you are going to place is the inside of the wreath layer.

For this, you will want to turn your wreath upside down so that the back of the wreath is facing you. You can place a line of glue or I would suggest gluing each cork individually for the best adhesion.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two qYou will then place your corks vertically along the inside of the wreath as shown.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two r

This is how it looks once completed.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two u

Just to be sure that all of the corks have adhered properly, gently run your fingers around the corks. If any feel loose or fall off, reapply them. It can happen so just be sure before you start your final layer that all of the corks are in place.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two v

Now for my favorite part!

Turn your wreath back around so that the front of the wreath is facing you. Now you will be gluing corks in a random order to cover the top to give it a more 3-D decorated look for the Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two project. I have found it is best for you to individually apply hot glue to each cork. It helps with the random placement.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two w

Apply glue and place the corks in random order on the wreath, filling areas where the base wreath may be showing through.

Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two x

Add more to fill up the wreath to add more fullness to the desired look you are aiming for. Once you are done, this is where you would clean up any extra glue, glue strings, etc to give your wreath a great finished look. It is easier to clean up the excess glue once it has cooled.

Here are full pictures of the cork wreaths I created.

Wreath 1

Wreath 1

Wreath 2

Wreath 2 (smaller wreath)Wreath 3

Wreath I made in the video (larger wreath)

Once you are done, you can add ribbon, berries, themed decorations for fall, Christmas, birthdays, even wine bottles and glasses! There are a number of things you can do. For next weeks tutorial I am going to show you how to tie and create a ribbon that will work perfectly for your wreath. I realize it may seem silly but there are different ways to tie a ribbon and they can have all of the difference in the world when creating a gift for someone. You will be able to use this technique not only for your wreath but for cards and future gifts too!

Thank you so much for joining us today for the Create your own Cork Wreath Part Two tutorial.

We are honored you took the time to visit and hope you will create a cork wreath yourself! we hope we have inspired you to get creative and appreciate you going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

Create your own Cork Wreath: What you Need

Create your own Cork Wreath – What you Need is what we are getting ready for today. I am going to show you what you need to prepare to create an awesome cork wreath. With a little time and patience, you will be ready to create an awesome creation that you can give as a gift or keep for yourself!

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need a

What you will need

LOTS OF CORKS! (It obviously depends on how big your wreath is. I have about 500 or even more but you would rather have more than less!)

Hot Glue Gun Helpers Kit

Protected work surface or a Hot Glue Gun Helpers Craft Mat

Glue Sticks

Wreath ( I used straw but DO NOT USE FOAM or it will more than likely MELT with the hot glue)

Hot Glue Gun

Wire

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need d

First, you will want to get your wreath out.

Unwrap your wreath. Mine came with plastic wrap around it. You will want to carefully take of this wrap making sure you don’t cut any of the wreath. Once you have take off the plastic, you will want to look over your wreath to ensure there aren’t any huge pieces of straw or areas where it may need a little clean up. Remember, you will be covering this wreath so not need to make it look perfect.

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need cTo Create your own Cork Wreath, you DO NOT want to cut the plastic/ clear string that looks like fishing line. If you do, the straw wreath will fall apart.

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need h

Once you have looked it over, you are ready to add your wire. Be sure you have plenty of wire just in case you will need more wire to hang it wherever it may end up.

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need i

Stick one end through the wreath making sure where it comes out will be a good place to use for it to be hung.  If it isn’t, carefully remove it and redo it. You do not want it in an area where it won’t lay flat on the hanging surface or it will show unless you are using a decorative wire. Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need j

Once it has been poked through, wrap it in a circle so it stays out of the way when attaching the corks to your wreath. Don’t cut your wire until you give it or hang it. This allows the person hanging it to have plenty of options and length of wire.

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need e

There are two sides to your wreath. The matte and flat looking side would be the back.

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need f

The glossy rounded side is the front. You want the flat side for the back of the wreath so it lays flat where it is placed.

Create your own Cork Wreath - What you Need l

You are ready to Create your own Cork Wreath!

Stay tuned for our next video showing you how to put it all together!

We hope you enjoyed our video today and appreciate you going on A Creative Journey with Melissa!
melissa-written-signature

Hot Pick: Hot Glue Gun Helpers

Hot Pick: Hot Glue Gun Helpers is what we have for you today.

Do you use hot glue guns? Have you ever touched the hot glue?

Hot Glue Gun Helpers b

So have you burnt yourself? Yes?

Hot Glue Gun Helpers c

This is NO LONGER something you need to do! I have the perfect product that will save you a lot of time and your finger prints! Sharing products that I love is one of my favorite things to do and this one is no different. As I was about to start a project with my hot glue gun, I realized I don’t think I have ever let you in on one of the biggest crafting inventions of all time and so here we are!

If you would like to get your very own set or two (Like I did) of Hot Glue Gun Helpers,

be sure to go to Cathy and Steve’s website to purchase them right from the inventors! They have amazing products including molds, the mod melter, their own craft sticks to be used to create amazing things and so much more! Check out their shop HERE. They also have amazing tutorials and so much more! Be sure to visit their website and take a look around! Their products are also available at multiple big box stores like Michael’s if you can’t find what you are looking for be sure to check out this list and you can find a store that is near you.

The Glue Gun Helpers:

Hot Glue Gun Helpers a

The set includes:

Hot Glue Gun Helpers dTwo finger Caps

Hot Glue Gun Helpers e

Press Wand

Hot Glue Gun Helpers f

Pointed Paddle

Hot Glue Gun Helpers g

Non Stick Tweezers

Hot Glue Gun Helpers hNon Stick Mat

Here are a few of the numerous uses you can use this set for:

Hot Glue Gun Helpers h

You can use the mat to glue onHot Glue Gun Helpers i

If you happen to spill some of the glue on the mat, no worries!Hot Glue Gun Helpers j

You just peel it right off the mat. NO FUSS OR MESS!

Hot Glue Gun Helpers k

You can even put hot glue directly on the finger caps but be mindful of the temperature of the glue so you don’t burn yourself for those that are sensitive to heat.Hot Glue Gun Helpers l

You can even put your fingers together as you can see the glue is still warm as it is sticky and stringy.

Hot Glue Gun Helpers m

As I keep touching my fingers together, the glue pulls away from the glue caps and basically clean themselves off!
Hot Glue Gun Helpers oYou can use the pointed paddle to spread the hot glue in various areas you may need more coverage than the hot glue gun tip allows!

Hot Glue Gun Helpers p

What if you have a few small spaces you need to get your hot glue to stick to?Hot Glue Gun Helpers q

You are covered! Just use the pointed tip on the area you need and you are set!

Hot Glue Gun Helpers r

What if you want to stick material to an area? Simply place glue on the surface and press down on the material.

Hot Glue Gun Helpers s

That worked perfectly but what if you end up getting some glue and material on your mat?Hot Glue Gun Helpers t

Simply use your finger caps and pull up the glue and material.Hot Glue Gun Helpers u

It’s JUST THAT EASY!

Hot Glue Gun Helpers v

What if you need to spread a larger amount of glue to a larger area?Hot Glue Gun Helpers w

Use the pointed paddle! Simply spread the glue!Hot Glue Gun Helpers x

You realize you have some on the mat? No problem! Use the non stick tweezers and pull the hot glue right off!

It’s JUST THAT SIMPLE!

Hot Glue Gun Helpers y

Who wants to have a burn like this? NO ONE! Just get your own Hot Glue Gun Helpers and use your hot glue gun for hours on end easily and safely WITHOUT BURNS!

As you can tell, I love this product. I love Cathie and Steve and their amazing inventions for us crafty people and I can’t share this enough so please be sure to save your friends some frustrations and burns and share it as well!

Thank you for joining us today! We hope you enjoyed the product overview and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

EASY Cookie Exchange Recipe

Today, I have an EASY Cookie Exchange Recipe for Toffee Bars. I really love this recipe and it was given to me by my Step Mother, Ann. I remember when I was little she would make them and they were AWESOME so I thought I would pay it forward.

This recipe is delicious, easy to make and is an EASY Cookie Exchange Recipe that you can pass on!

Gold Medal Worthy Recipe g

This recipe card is what I made years ago for a cookie exchange. Have you ever participated in one? They are really fun. Basically you make a dozen cookies or treats multiplied by the number of people coming to the exchange. Typically, the host or hostess will provide containers for you to take your sweet treats home in. Just thinking about it makes me feel like I should have one for the holidays…. Hmm… another thing for my to do list… LOL

Toffee Bar Shopping List

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Pound of Butter/Margarine (I used butter)

1 Egg

2 Cups of Flour

1/2 tsp of Salt

1 tsp Vanilla

1 Bag of Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

(Add a little more for a thicker layer of chocolate)

1 Cup of finely chopped walnuts

(Optional but definitely better with for the actual taste of toffee)

Directions

Gold Medal Worthy Recipe a

Cream the brown sugar and butter together.

Gold Medal Worthy Recipe b

Add the Egg, Flour, Salt and Vanilla to creamed mixture. Blend completely.

Gold Medal Worthy Recipe d

Spread dough completely and evenly onto a cookie sheet. (It will be approximately 1/4″ and 1/3″ in thickness.)

Bake 20 minutes at 300 degrees.

Take out of the oven and turn off the oven.

Sprinkle chocolate chips on the top of the bars and place back in the oven for approximately 3-5 minutes or until melted enough to spread.

Spread chocolate across the top of the Toffee Bars.

Sprinkle Walnuts across the top of the chocolate.

Cut into squares on cookie sheet while warm.

It is best to remove the bars when cooled so they don’t fall apart and are more solid for packaging. ENJOY!

Gold Medal Worthy Recipe

If you would like a downloadable PDF copy of this recipe, please go HERE.

We hope you enjoyed our recipe and hope you will let us know what you think when you try it!

Thank you so much for joining us today and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

An Olympics Kind of Year

An Olympics Kind of Year is what 2016 is and boy for the past year plus we have felt like we have been tried as if we are preparing for one.

Although we aren’t in Rio

we feel like we have been competing to win for the last year or more. Between deaths in the family, surgeries, illness and other health issues, personal challenges, professional challenges and depression to name a few, its been challenging to say the least.  The good thing is, no matter what we face, even if it is An Olympics Kind of Year, we face it head on. We know that the only way we fail is if we don’t try so we endure what we must and keep on keeping on.

My son Christian

has had a challenging few years.  It’s been An Olympics Kind of Year times two or so. I have learned a number of amazing lessons from him and one of which is, If not now, when? With that, I have posted the above video. Whether you are a Mother, Father, Aunt, Cousin or a just an everyday caring human, no one wants to see anyone in harms way. Well, my son wanted to challenge himself. He wanted to bungee jump. Not JUST bungee jump but to bungee jump off of the

TALLEST BUNGEE JUMP IN NORTHERN AMERICA.Bungee j

How about a little perspective on what that looks like, right? I know… I felt nauseous too!

Yes. He did. Yes, I said OK and worse… We even paid for it. I hated the idea because I am his Mom but really loved the idea that he wanted to challenge himself and conquer something of his choice. And BOY DID HE!

Here are some of the pictures of his adventure. If you want to see the video, be sure to check it out above!

Bungee e

Getting harnessed up to jump!

Bungee f

He’s READY! No, I am NOT!

Bungee i

I don’t think I even watched him jump… I was really scared!

Bungee g

He jumped and is coming back up! Phew! I can breathe again!

Bungee

Almost at the platformBungee a

Getting back onto the platform..Bungee b

Bungee d

Gotta get him unhooked.

Bungee h

He did it and is safe and sound!Bungee c

I think he is a little proud of himself… AS HE SHOULD BE! LOVE IT!

The lesson? If not now, when?

Can you imagine if all of the people in the Olympics said I can’t. The Olympics themselves is a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. The only voice you have stopping you is YOURS. No one can tell you no unless you allow them.

What are you waiting for?

What do you want to do? What’s on your bucket list? I challenge you to create a bucket list and accomplish just two of those things in 2016. Well, what are you waiting for? I would love to hear what you are going to put on your list.  Just remember no matter what challenge you face.. YOU CAN DO IT! And again, what are you waiting for?

melissa-written-signature

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments is what we have for you today. Sadly, I needed to make a few sympathy cards due to a death in the family. In the first part of this two part series, I am going to show you how to color your clear embellishments to create a custom color for your embellishment.

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments a

Supplies Needed for the Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments project

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments c

Clear Embellishments

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments g

Chameleon Pens – OL3

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments f

Make up cotton pad or applicator

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments e

Alcohol Blending solution or Alcohol preferably in a small sprayer

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments h

Take out your clear embellishment and your OL-3 Chameleon Pen

Color your clear embellishment with your OL-3 Chameleon Pen.

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments i

Take out your cotton make up pad and alcohol blending solution sprayer.

Spray the pad with the alcohol lightly.

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments j

For the Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments, you will gently pat the colored embellishment with the alcohol sprayed cotton pad until you get the desired texture and look on the embellishment.

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments k

This is what it will look like on the pad. You are basically taking off some of the ink from your embellishment to give it texture. If you want to take more color from it, add more alcohol to the make up pad and you can continue to do so to get the desired effect.

Sympathy Card Part 1- Custom Coloring your Embellishments l

Here is a closer look of the embellishment once I applied the alcohol on the pad to the colored embellishment.

Now that I have created the embellishment be sure to stay tuned for next weeks video on creating the sympathy card that will have this embellishment on it as part of the card design.

We hope that you enjoyed this tutorial and we appreciate that you took the time to visit us today. Please be sure to subscribe to our blog and our YouTube channel for future tutorials, awesome craft hauls as well as product reviews and giveaways!

Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature