Coloring Do’s, Don’ts, Results & Lessons Learned

Coloring Do’s, Don’ts, Results & Lessons Learned is what we have for you today. I love to color and shade. I thought it would be a good idea to show you what I would do to utilize two different colors and join them together for a creation. Coloring Do’s, Don’ts, Results & Lessons Learned – This post is a perfect example of me being human.

Personally, I don’t like edited videos because to me it makes me feel stupid when I make mistakes all of the time and everyone else has these BEAUTIFUL PERFECT videos and I am JUST ME. I am a one shot video kind of girl unless I REALLY mess up and I will just do the whole thing over again. Honestly, I think that has happened 5 times in the past 3 years and had to be redone due to language.. OOPS!

I have been told that people like my videos because I am real and show how to correct the problems I have made. I am actually good with just me so let’s see how this turned out, shall we? Can you hear my eye roll? LOL Trust me, it’s well deserved.

Supplies Needed for the Coloring Do’s, Don’ts, Results & Lessons Learned Tutorial

Chameleon Alcohol Pens

A Creative Journey with Melissa Everyday Alphabet Outline Upper Case and Symbols Large Stamp Set or your favorite A Creative Journey with Melissa stamp set

Ink

Paper

Stamp Block

TIME!

Take out your A Creative Journey with Melissa Everyday Alphabet Outline Upper Case and Symbols Large Stamp Set

Stamp your letters on your paper. Take out your chameleon pens.

Using a flicking motion, color the top part of your p with the Y03 chameleon pen.

Using your PK3 chameleon pen and click color the pink. This really didn’t come out the way I had hoped. I have my ideas as to why below.

This is how it looked once it was all colored. Honestly, after cutting out the letters and cleaning them up a bit, they wouldn’t be TOO bad… but… I didn’t care for it.

For the next part of Coloring Do’s, Don’ts, Results & Lessons Learned, take out your CG8 Chameleon Pen. I colored the inside the letter I with a flicking motion.

Take out your PK3 Chameleon Pen and also did the flicking color on the opposite side from the gray. I really like the way the pink and gray blended. The middle one is my favorite!

Here, I want to show you that you can do a variance in color with just hand drawn letters too! I started with the CG8 for the top part of the letter S on the right. Using my PK3 Chameleon pen I made the bottom part of the S and blended it with the gray.

I really like how it came out! What do you think? I realize it was done quickly but the possibilities are ENDLESS, right?

I guess the word spring isn’t AS BAD as I thought… sorta… LOL!  I do like how the middle letter I looks with the gray and pink. Typically, coloring looks better once it has dried.

Coloring Do’s, Don’ts, Results & Lessons Learned? Make sure your pen ISN’T OVER FILLED WITH INK, the ink has time to dry because it looks better once it has AND most of all… use lighter colors to start with. I am not saying it wouldn’t look great with darker colors but I think I need more practice. The pink and yellow didn’t turn out as bad as it looked at first but I will have to try that one again and show you an update. I am on a mission!

For this weeks giveaway, we are giving away the Chameleon Pastel pen set and they are great for coloring!

For last weeks giveaway, we are giving away the A Creative Journey with Melissa Birthday Wishes Stamp Set! Not only are the sentiments fantastic, the images are awesome and great for coloring!

The winner for our last blog post giveaway is Maja.

Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prizes out to you!

Winners, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. 

melissa-written-signature

Movable Card Created with Scraps

Movable Card Created with Scraps is what we have for you today. With my A Creative Journey with Melissa stamp sets, I love to create sets that are versatile. You spend less and get more with every set. I love creating cards and using up my scraps helps me gain some room in my ever growing collection of paper. Again, saving money…It’s a WIN WIN!

Supplies Needed for the Movable Card Created with Scraps Project

A Creative Journey with Melissa Birthday Wishes Stamp Set

Acrylic Stamp Block

Adhesive

Pattern paper

Black Ink

Solid color paper

Sizzix die cut machine

Stephanie Barnard die set 659634

This is the front of the Movable Card Created with Scraps Project

The Movable Card Created with Scraps Project is simple, cute and clean.

The inside of the Movable Card Created with Scraps Project… MY FAVORITE TYPE OF PROJECT! Cool and simple!

This is the die set I used for the Movable Card Created with Scraps Project. It is Stephanie Barnard die set number 659634.

This die set has ELEVEN dies which allows for so many combinations!

You will need to take out three dies for this project. The first is the tag die.

The second die you will need is the card die.

The third is the inside panel die.

When placing your die down on your paper, be sure that you place your die with the side above toward the paper you wish to cut. The areas shown above are what actually cut the paper.

 This is the back of the die which is flat and has no cutting properties. This will be facing toward you when you cut  your paper.

For your Movable Card Created with Scraps Project, take out your die cut platform, clear platforms, paper and card die. Place your die cut platform down along with one of the clear platforms. Be sure to place your card die facing down on the pattern paper on the cutting side so the flat side is toward you. Place your second clear platform on top of your die.

Run your die through your die cut machine. (Lesson Learned.. do it TWICE!)

The die didn’t cut all of the way through all of the paper. It was cut for the most part.

 I  had to fold it on the areas it wasn’t cut and carefully pull it away from the outside of the paper.

Take out your solid colored paper, your panel die and your tag die. Place your dies on your paper with the correct platforms.

Run your dies through TWICE just to ensure it cuts completely.

The second pass thru the die cut machine HELPED! LOL

Here are the die cut pieces you will need to make the Movable Card Created with Scraps Project.

Take your card base and fold along the score lines.

Apply adhesive to the back of the inside panel die cut. Adhere to the inside of the card as shown above.

Apply adhesive to the back of the tag die cut. Adhere to the tag area on the card as shown above.

Take out your A Creative Journey with Melissa Birthday Wishes Stamp Set. Take off the sentiment of your choice from your stamp sheet. I chose to use the Celebrate stamp this time instead of Happy Birthday.

Place your sentiment on your stamp block. Ink your sentiment and stamp on your card as shown above.

*Change it up! Add a little twine for a different look! You can even do the creation sideways as I have done with the tutorial so you  have numerous different options for your creation!

This is the card creation done a little different as well. Even just a little turn of the creation gives you such a different look!

I really like the versatility of the die set as well as the stamps! SO MANY POSSIBILITIES!

For this weeks giveaway, we are giving away the A Creative Journey with Melissa Birthday Wishes Stamp Set! Not only are the sentiments fantastic, the images are awesome and great for coloring!

For our previous post giveaway. we are giving away a $15 store credit to our store!

The winner for our last blog post giveaway is Donna L.

Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prizes out to you!

Winners, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. 

melissa-written-signature

Movable Card Created with Scraps Project

Add Hidden Pictures to your Scrapbook Pages

Add Hidden Pictures to your Scrapbook Pages is what we have for you today. I don’t know about you but I always take way too many pictures.  I would rather have too many pictures than not enough. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem except that means I usually get way too many pictures I can’t part with!

Today, I am going to show you how to give yourself a way to add hidden pictures to your scrapbook pages so that you can keep them all!

This is a scrapbook page I made for my son Austin’s bath. One important tip here is that you can make any picture mat a pocket. Just apply adhesive to only three sides and you have it! Be sure to write notes in your hand writing for your loved ones.

This is how we are going to be able to add more pictures to your scrapbook. You can even use the front side for pictures and the back side for journaling.. It gives you a bunch of room!

I love how this easy tip allows you to add some fantastic pictures or notes that you may not normally be able to !

We are going to start with our paper and base paper.

First, score your paper on one side. You will need to decide how much you want to do this depending on how large your base paper is. Repeat for all of the papers you are using.

Fold your scored paper. Repeat for all of the scored paper.

Add adhesive on the back of the folded edge.

Place your adhesive on the edge of the paper.

Fold back where the score line is and ensure crease is strong.

Take your second piece of paper and line up to the edge of the last one as shown above. Fold back and ensure crease is strong.

Repeat the placement of the papers. This is how you create the waterfall effect for the papers. What do you think?

Another way you can do the waterfall effect with the papers is vertically. It works either way! You can even do it at an angle across the page!

This is just a close up of Austin tasting snow and being in snow for the first time. I just love the expression on his face. He is so darned cute! I am super blessed to have two amazing sons and an awesome husband.

For our giveaway this week, you can win a store credit so you can pick out your favorite item in our store!

The winner for our last blog post giveaway is Hannah L.

Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prizes out to you!

Winners, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. Have a wonderful holiday!

melissa-written-signature

Crafty Tool Box Must Haves

Crafty Tool Box Must Haves is what we have for you today. Do you have a tool or item that you HAVE TO HAVE when you are crafting? I do too! Today I am going to share with you mine and hopefully you will be inspired to share yours as well!

Here are all of my must haves. I have a few more that I like to use a lot from time to time but these are THE HAVE TO HAVES!

A Creative Journey with Melissa Stamp Sets

Stampin Up Stampin mist and Stampin Scrub

Tim Holtz Mini Stapler

Scotch Advanced Tape Glider (ATG Gun)

Memento Ink

Quick Kutz Quicker Poker Picker Upper

Spellbinders

I know it seems like I of course have to say my stamps but I really do love our stamps and use them all of the time! We are coming out with new ones so I am very excited for what this year is going to bring! Stay Tuned!!

Twine Twine MARVELOUS TWINE!!!

Stampin Up Stampin Scrub Pad and Stampin Scrub cleaner.  I use this for ALL of my stamps. It works great, cleans wonderfully and doesn’t dry my photo polymer stamps! If you need to check some items out, please be sure to go to my friend Brandie’s website HERE.

Memento Ink…. I use black the most but basically every color I have used works perfectly! This ink works great with alcohol ink markers too. You just can’t go wrong with crisp images!

Tim Holtz Mini Stapler is a perfect addition as it allows you to add a little bit of ephemera (crafty stuff lol) to your project or you can create a pocket or attach a ribbon.

Notice how small the staple is? It is so cute and super strong!

I love how wonderfully this works on all of my crafty project! Works wonderfully and you can get generic adhesive to save money!

My favorite way to add a little bling to a project is my Gelly Roll clear star pen. Nothing like a little bling for my crafty creation!

I love the Quicker Picker Poker Picker Picker Upper!

Not only does it have a pointy end that you can use for your weeding with your dies and intricate cuts, you have the other side to use for picking up your rhinestones! But wait…. THERE IS MORE!

On the other end, it has a type of clay like material that allows things to stick to it without residue. You turn the cap and can get more. If you want to get rid of what is on there, you can just rub it off, twist the top and get a new fresh start of sticky stuff! COOL, RIGHT?!

Last but not least we have the Spellbinder Tool ‘N One tool. I love it! It is great for getting multiple pieces out of of small intricate dies, It has a great pointy tool as well as a spatula to lift off any paper or rhinestones! Truthfully, I can’t pick between either the Tool ‘N One or the Quicker Picker Poker Picker Upper so I keep them both in my tool box!

For our giveaway this week, you can win a store credit so you can pick out your favorite item in our store!

The winner for our last blog post giveaway is Linda S.

Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prizes out to you!

Winners, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. Have a wonderful holiday!

melissa-written-signature

Using Ink with Embossing Folders

Using Ink with Embossing Folders is what we have for you today. I love using my embossing folders but I am always looking for new ways to use them. Today I am going to show you how to add ink to your embossed image two ways! TWO WAYS to dress up your embossed images!

Supplies Needed for the Using Ink with Embossing Folders Project

Embossing folder

Ink

Paper

Manual die cut machine

Take out your manual die cut machine and place the appropriate platform inside the machine. In this case, I am using the Sizzix Die Cut Machine. You will want to use the platform on tab 1.

Place your clear platform on top of your platform on tab 1.

Take out your paper and embossing folder. Place your paper inside the embossing folder in the center.

Take out your other clear platform and place it on top of the embossing folder.

Run your paper through your manual die cut machine. This is what it will look like once you have embossed your paper. I love the texture and design!

Open up your embossing folder and take out your ink.

Ink the inside of your embossing folder on whichever side you choose for your design.

Place your paper in the middle of the design inside the embossing folder.

Run your paper through the embossing machine.

This is what it looks like once you have embossed it. I love how the ink has transferred giving a water color look.

After using ink, be sure that you clean off your embossing folder. I used Memento ink and cleaned it right away . Sometimes different inks can stain so be sure you test it before using it. I have had great luck with Memento ink.

I used make up cotton circles to clean it off along with stampin up stamp cleaner.

Here you can see the embossing folder is clean and no longer has any red residue.

Take out your white embossed paper.

Using your ink, color your embossed paper with the ink pad directly onto the paper.

This is what it looks like! The left is the ink on the embossed folder and the right is with the ink placed directly on the paper. I really love how they both came out!

For our giveaway this week, you can win a store credit so you can pick out your favorite item in our store!

For last weeks giveway the first winner that is getting the A Creative Journey with Melissa Sign Language Alphabet stamp set  is Maja.

Robyn is the second winner and she is getting the  A Creative Journey with Melissa I Just Love You stamp set.

Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prizes out to you!

Winners, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. Have a wonderful holiday!

melissa-written-signature

 

Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders

Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders is what we have for you today. I was very fortunate and grateful for being a room parent for both of my kids. Actually, my husband and I were BOTH room parents. I couldn’t have done it without him. When it was a holiday, I loved creating something for my children’s classmates. I tried to create something that would also work with what the teachers were doing in the classroom. These treat holders will do just that!

Supplies Needed for the Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders Project

A Creative Journey with Melissa I Just Love You stamp set

A Creative Journey with Melissa Sign Language Alphabet stamp set

Acrylic Block

Stapler

Adhesive

Marker

Candy of your choice

Red Ink

Paper for treat holder

Paper to stamp on

This is the Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders Project that we are going to create! It is perfect for you to create yourself or make it a family project! Simple for little ones to help with too!

To begin the Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders Project, take out your paper to stamp on, sign language stamps, red ink pad and stamp block. Place your stamps on your stamp block.

Ink your sign language alphabet stamps and stamp them on your paper. Clean and remove your stamps, placing them back on their sheet.

Place your love stamp from your I Just Love You stamp set onto your stamp block. Add ink to your sentiment and stamp your word onto your paper. Clean and remove your stamps, placing them back on their sheet.

Take out your heart stamps as shown above from your I Just Love You stamp set. Ink your stamps and stamp your image on the upper right hand corner of your paper. Repeat for the bottom left corner by moving the vertical hearts above the horizontal hearts as shown. Clean and remove your stamps, placing them back on their sheet.

This is what your Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders Project looks like once you have stamped your images and sentiments on your paper.

Have your child write their classmates name and sign their name on the tag. I would suggest they use pencil in case they make a mistake. For older kids, using a pen may be preferred.

Take out your treat holder paper. You can choose to fold the paper more or less depending on how much of the treat you want exposed. For the example, I chose to fold it more so less of the treat would show. With this creation, I am going to fold it a little bit less so more of the treat would show.

For this demonstration, I decided to use adhesive to adhere the sides of the treat holder. Place adhesive on either side of the flap. Do not to all three sides or else you won’t have an opening for the treat.

In my example, I used staples. Either way works great. If you have little ones, they may be more excited to use the stapler.

The first time I stamped the word TO with my sign language alphabet stamps, I didn’t press all of the way and I got half of the image. What does one do when that happens? TURN OVER THE PAPER!! In this case, we will be placing adhesive on the back of this paper so we can adhere it to the treat holder.

Place your Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders Project label on the front of the treat holder.

I chose to use Fun Dip for our treat filler. You can use any treat really however be sure to ask the teacher if any of the students have any allergies. We want to be sure that the treats are all inclusive.

You did it! You created your Kid Friendly Crafts – Valentine Treat Holders Project! How fun was that?! Now for this weeks giveaway, we are giving away two stamp sets.

The first is the A Creative Journey with Melissa Sign Language Alphabet stamp set and

the second is A Creative Journey with Melissa I Just Love You stamp set.

For our giveaways from last week, a store credit so you can pick out your favorite item in our store! Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prize out to you!

The winner is Jessica M!

Winner, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. Have a wonderful holiday!

melissa-written-signature

Sign Language Stamps

Did you know we have Sign Language Stamps? Sign Language has been part of my life before I was here on earth. My paternal Grandparents were deaf and my brother is. I want to show you how versatile sign language stamps are and how you can use them in any creation! No tutorial today but an overview of our Sign Language Stamps!

These creation may look familiar to you. I picked out my three favorite creations I used sign language stamps with.

This creation is of my Uncle Herb. Here is a close up of the sign language alphabet stamp set in use.

This coffee card was made with our coffee and sign language stamp sets. I really love how they work together.

This is a great example of a card that works perfectly using sign language stamps during a difficult time. Perfect for a sympathy card.

Our sign language alphabet stamp set that works for any creation.

We also have our sign language alphabet number stamp set. This set works great for calendars, planners and scrapbook pages too!

One of our other two sign language stamp sets is Sign Language Sentiments. This set works perfectly for a scrapbook page layout as well as cards, journals, etc.

Our sign language sentiments 2 works great with its counterpart sign language sentiments or with the alphabet and number stamps as well!

For this weeks giveaway, you get to pick whichever sign language stamp set you want or another stamp set! YOU GET TO PICK!

For our giveaways from a few weeks ago, we are giving away all four of these prizes! Three dies and a stamp set! Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prize out to you!

The winners are Laura D.,  Dana M., Lisa M and BrendaLea!

Winners, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. Have a wonderful holiday!

melissa-written-signature

 

 

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVEAWAY STUFF

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVEAWAY STUFF. I think that says it all!

I am very fortunate and want to share the love today and give away four items. There will be four winners.  You just have to answer one question..

What one goal you have for 2019?

My goal is that I want to get back to scrapbooking. It seems like in two seconds, my kids have grown RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES. My oldest son just turned 21 and my youngest is 18 1/2.

I want to get the awesome stories that go WITH the pictures down so that they can share them for years to come. THAT is my goal.

I am not putting a number on it or pressuring myself completely. I just want to add more to their books next year. Anything has to be better than nothing, right? Now for the GOOD STUFF!

We will not have any tutorials or posts until January 7th so have a wonderful holiday and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For the TIS THE SEASON TO GIVEAWAY STUFF giveaway,  we are giving away three dies and one stamp set. Here are the dies we are giving away above.

The first die I am giving away for the TIS THE SEASON TO GIVEAWAY STUFF giveaway is this beautiful cross.

 There are so many uses for this beautiful cross. You could use it for a Christening, Wedding, Sympathy, Easter, Confirmation, and the list is really endless. I love the detail!

This adorable die set is so cute with the candy cane, leaves and berries. I can’t wait to play with it and use different colors of paper!

This is a great holiday die set but also is a great masculine die set.

I create the card above using this die and I really liked it for a masculine card. What do you think?

Last but certainly not least, we are giving away the Coffee is my Liquid Therapy stamp set. It is one of our best sellers and I know you will be able to create some amazing things with it! I will have four winners for this giveaway. Please be sure that you  send me a message letting me know which post you won on and your contact info and I can get your prize out to you!

For last weeks prize, we will be giving away a $15.00 store credit! That way you can decide exactly what you want!

The winner is JUNE B!

Winner, please send me an message HERE and I will get your prize out to you!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa. Have a wonderful holiday!

melissa-written-signature

 

Holiday Stocking Card Using Sign Language Stamps

Holiday Stocking Card Using Sign Language Stamps is what we have for you today. I am always looking for multiple uses for the dies that I have. We invest a lot of money in our crafting tools and I like to think of multiple ways to use them. That is what we are going to do today! Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Here is the creation we are going to make! It is perfect for gift cards for the holidays!

Supplies Needed for the Holiday Stocking Card Using Sign Language Stamps Project

A Creative Journey with Melissa Sign Language Alphabet stamp set

Acrylic Block

Scissors

Black Ink

Paper for Card

Paper for embellishments for stocking

Stocking Die

Glue dot for gift card

Trim for stocking

Adhesive

Here is a close up of the stocking die I used.

Take out your stocking die, paper, platforms and manual die cut machine. Place your paper on top of the die where you need the white pieces cut. Place your die on top of the clear platform and then place the clear platform on top of the die so it is sandwiched between the two clear platforms.

Here are the pieces that the die cut out for me for the Holiday Stocking Card Using Sign Language Stamps Project.

Take your colored 6″ x 12″ piece of paper out.

Fold your colored paper in half.

Be sure the fold line is BELOW the top of the stocking. This is how you will make it a card!

Using the same sandwich as you did for the embellishment pieces for the stocking, run your die with the folded part BELOW the line where the die will cut. Run your die cut through your machine.

You did it! This is how you create the stocking card for your Holiday Stocking Card Using Sign Language Stamps Project!

This is a close up of the die. I placed my fold approximately 1/4 inch below the cut line for the stocking. Above is the picture is an exaggeration of how much space it was. I just wanted to be sure you were clear which line you were to be sure you placed the fold under for your creation.

Take out your ink and the top of your stocking. Peel off the appropriate letters from your A Creative Journey with Melissa sign language stamp set.

Place the first letter on the block.

Ink your stamp

Stamp your letter on the top of the stocking. Repeat to spell out the word you wish to have.

Take out your trim. Place adhesive on the bottom edge of the stocking top. Adhere the trim to the stocking top. Trim off any excess.

Here on the left I put the letters rounded so they followed the trim. On the right I did them straight. Which do you like better?

Place adhesive on the back of the stocking heel and toe pieces. Adhere them to the front of your stocking card.

Take out your stocking top with the trim.

Adhere the stocking top to the front of the stocking card.

You did it! You completed your Holiday Stocking Card Using Sign Language Stamps Project!


First I want to announce the two winners from the Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop $15 store credit.

The winners are:

Cynthia C. and Lucy E.

For last weeks $15.00 store credit prize, the winner is Sydney G.

For this weeks prize, we will be giving away a $15.00 store credit! That way you can decide exactly what you want!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature

Holiday Handmade Treat Holders

Holiday Handmade Treat Holders is what we have for you today. During this time of year it seems that there is a never ending need for gifts between teachers, friends, family, etc. This creation is super easy to make and is a great way to show someone you care without breaking your bank!

Supplies Needed for the Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Project

A Creative Journey with Melissa Sign Language Alphabet stamp set

Acrylic Block

3-D Foam adhesive

Black Ink

Circle Punch and Label Punch

Adhesive

Stampin Up Top Note Die (Unfortunately, I believe it is retired but to be sure go to Brandie’s Stampin’ Up website and send her a message!)

Trimmer

Card Stock for Treat Holder

Coordinating Card Stock for circle mat

White card stock to stamp sentiment

This is the Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Project. I really love the color palette and how the sign language stamps convey the perfect message for the holidays!

This is the side profile of the Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Project. You can put whatever item you wish for this and just adjust the size of the treat holder to fit your needs.

To begin your Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Project, take out your Top Note Die or the die of your choice.

 

Take your decorative paper and place it on the top of your die. Make sure that you have covered the area to be cut by your paper.

Place your clear platform, your die, your paper and then your other clear platform on your manual die cut machine. Run your die through your machine.

This is what it looks like once it has been cut.

Take out your trimmer and use the scoring blade and score your die cut in the middle. You can also fold this in half if you wish instead of using your trimmer.

This is what it looks like once it has been folded on the score line.

We are going to now score your paper for your treat bag. There will need to be three score lines where you will fold.

Did you know that most trimmers of ANY brand have a hidden arm underneath that allow you to expand your trimming size?

Here you will see the bottom of my Stampin’ Up! Trimmer. It also holds accessories as well! If you didn’t know this-check yours out!

I used a 12″ piece of paper. I scored the paper at 5″, 6″ and 7″.

This is what it looked like once I folded on the score line. It makes a “M” for Melissa! LOL

I used hot chocolate packs in my Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Project. You can place a small amount of adhesive if you wish it to be placed in a specific place or

you can place your item inside a bag and adhere it that way as well.

Take out your coordinating paper and punch your circle.

Using your punch label punch your sentiment paper.

Take out your A Creative Journey with Melissa Sign Language Alphabet stamp set, acrylic block and ink.

Place your first letter on the acrylic block and ink it.

Stamp your letter on the punched out label.

I chose to stamp the last letter on the label. That way I can get the middle letter centered between the two letters so they don’t look lopsided.

This is what the finished stamped letters looked like.

Using your 3-D adhesive, apply it to the back of your sentiment. Place it on the punched out circle as shown.

Apply adhesive to the back of your circle. Adhere your circle to the front of the Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Project.

When I cut this piece of card stock, it was a little wider than I wanted it to be for my project. 

I used the label die to approximate the size that I wanted to cut the treat holder down to.

Using my trimmer, I trimmed off approximately 1/2 inch off of the side of the treat holder project.

This looks much better and will be more cohesive for the project.

Apply adhesive to the inside of the die for the top of your creation. Be sure you apply adhesive to both sides.

 

Press firmly on both sides of the cut out die so the adhesive adheres to the Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Project.

I chose to use hot chocolate packets but you could really use anything. Here I used a packaged tea bag.

When placed inside the fold, it really won’t go anywhere. In the video I even shook it and it was staying put without adhesive!

Here are the completed Holiday Handmade Treat Holders Projects!


We are also participating in an awesome blog hop so if you would like to check it out please go here 2018 Fall Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop,

For this weeks prize, we will be giving away a $15.00 store credit! That way you can decide exactly what you want!

For all of our giveaways including this one, in order for you to qualify for an entry to win, you would need to be a follower on YouTube, subscribe to our mailing list/blog posts (found on our blog page) and you may also comment on this blog post for an additional entry to win! When you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail on Mondays with our latest blog post. BE SURE TO READ IT to check to see if you are a winner EVERY WEEK. If you do not contact me within two weeks of the announcement of winning, you will forfeit your prize. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thank you for your understanding.

NOTE: If you are subscribed with two different names and I am unable to match you with your subscription to the blog and the YouTube Channel, you will be ineligible to win as I can’t decipher if you are a matching subscriber to both. Thank you for your understanding.

For our blog winners for the blog hop , they will be announced on our blog post on Monday December 10, 2018. This is open to everyone, not only the US! 

Don’t forget to use the coupon code CoffeeLover2018 to save 25% on your purchase!

We hope you will subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Blog/Newsletter updates and check out our website!

As always, we appreciate your visit and we hope you enjoyed going on A Creative Journey with Melissa.

melissa-written-signature