Creativemind's Creations

Altered Ribbon Spool Box Swap

2011-01-12T16:37:00.002-06:00

I just recently participated in a swap on swap-bot to alter an empty ribbon spool. This was my first attempt doing this and it turned out to be quite fun, even my creations turned out better than I thought they would.

The host of the swap posted a link for the tutorial. I made the first one thinking of a cheery springy feel, but when I got to the part on figuring out how I wanted it to close, (not liking the option in the tut) I kinda messed that part up. Seeing as I didn't plan the making of this thing, with it coming about as I went along, the way I added the ribbon wasn't exactly the way I wanted it to close...hence the observation in the second and third pic.

...the closure ended up on the bottom.

Then we had to fill it with goodies. This was a lot of fun and I will definitely be making more of these with a few other ribbon spools that I already have empty; maybe in another swap, some more for myself or as a gift to others. Pretty neat huh?

I then made another one playing close attention to how I should add the ribbon so it would close on the top like I had wanted the first one to.

I was going to send it with a domino key chain, but I liked it so much that I decided to keep it and go ahead and send the first one, besides, the stuff I wanted to fill it with initially didn't really go with the decor of this one. The swap required that we fill it with little things like buttons, brads, ribbon, inchies etc. I could have asked my partner what she would have liked in it as advised by the swap host, the goodies or a cool surprise, but I just went with rules.

I added a little image on the bottom and some nice words inside color coordinating the whole thing and the domino matches it too. Didn't take pix of it at the time because it was drying, sorry. But all in all, I think they turned out rather nice, don't you?

Beaded Jewelry

2011-01-12T02:25:00.001-06:00

Random pieces of jewelry that I have made and in my shop for sale. I haven't fashioned anything new lately but that will change soon as the year progresses. So many things I want to try and put my creative juices to work.

I made this piece from glass tube beads that have black and white spackles, glass pearl beads and silver tone metal spacers with lobster claw closure.

This set was crafted from silver plated discs and blue and green glass beads. I cease to amaze myself.

Made from shells, seed beads and chipped beads with silver tone lobster claw closure, this piece can be for either male or female.

This little 7 1/2 inch bracelet took a little bit of time to make as it was gestimation work while making it and with the jump rings being small with seed beads added. The silver tone frames for the center glass beads are neat. Turned out cuter than I thought it would and this one is already sold but thinking about making something similar to it.

I so need to get back to making jewelry; I remember how much fun it is creating new pieces so keep a look out for more to come.

How to Watermark Your Work!!

2010-09-03T02:16:00.000-05:00

Well, since there has a been an issue with others stealing images and posting them as their own, this how-to will protect and deter them form doing so!! This is the simplest way I watermark my work before uploading it to the world wide net. Besides, most computers always automatically have the "paint" program, so there is no special software you need to go out and buy.
For more info on how to protect and copyright your art or images, refer to a very helpful thread on Cut Out and Keep that is definitely good to know!

I didn't add the © (year) by (your name) in this how-to and I haven't in the past, but will start from now on. Just showing the basic steps on how it can be done.

See How To Watermark Your Work! and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

Toilet Paper Roll Album

2010-08-29T23:26:00.000-05:00

I just happened to see these on youtube and had to make my own! I think they were tutorials for these but I mostly saw finished ones and they were sooo creative, pretty and cute.
I think the most that's good to use is four, so that's how many I had that I painted first (including part of the inside but not completely into the middle), then covered with scrapbook paper. I used a hole punch to tie different textures of ribbon and string together, which to I added tags. I decorated each one front and back something like scrapbook pages. The ribbons are not completely glued down, just at the ends so that it can hold pix or something in place. The 6th pix is of the tags I made to slide into the middle of the rolls. These you can add journaling, pix or whatever to front and back or both. The last pix is shown without the tags inserted.
This was fun to make and I plan to make themed ones for gifts!

See Toilet Paper Roll Album and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

Zombie Craze

2010-08-06T12:20:00.003-05:00

I joined a zombie swap hosted by Sugarlishes (Sug) on Cut Out and Keep, who was also my partner and a zombie fanatic. I had fun making everything for her!!
1. Amigurumi Zombie Head (my own pattern)
2. Zombie Exterminator Badge/Pin
3. Assorted Stickers
4. Assorted fridge magnets
5. Postcards
6. Zombie Survival cards (front)
7. Zombie Survival cards (back)
8. Zombie Pin-Up Brooches
9. Zombie Girl Necklace (Glow-n-da-dark!!)
I also made some Hollywood Zombie ATC's but the pix I took for those didn't turn out so well.

See Zombie Craze! and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

Squash Books

2010-07-23T21:24:00.001-05:00

These are a couple of books that me and my partner swapped on swap-bot. We are members of a Twilight fan group so they are had to be Twilight themed. The first one is the one I made and sent, the second one his from my partner.
Another fun craft that I have a slight fetish for!!

See Squash Book and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

Home - ATC Mania Haven

2010-07-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

Home - ATC Mania Haven

Hey there crafty friends! For those of you that love ATC's, I'm inviting you to join my network and some events that are now in progress. Having something of a Group Revival since it's been inactive for awhile; I got a little busy with other swaps and crafts left my poor network in the dark. So there are now some swaps and contests that going on that you can check out. In order to join any of the the events though, you will have to join the network. Would love to see others ATC creations, tips and ideas and hope to start having fun again with it. Hope to see you there!!

Domino Pendants!

2010-04-21T21:23:00.000-05:00

I always wanted to make these, but didn't want to use my set of ivory dominoes that I've had for years and then wasn't sure I wanted to buy a new set just for this if they didn't turn out. So my luck got really good when I was one of our local thrift stores had a set (well it was supposed to be 28 but there was only 21). They were only 79 cents!! I was looking for a scrabble game, which they didn't have, to make pendants with those too. I will be checking back or other thrifts stores.

These are some I've done so far. Can't bring myself to leave the glitter alone, but they look better with it or at least they look better after I add it. I have some favorites, but still like them all. I just have to add the bails to them when I get some this weekend.

These are WIP. The first one is covered with holographic tissue paper, the same stuff I use to make my holographic ATC's. Sp far all of these have some type of printed paper or image, scrapbook paper, printed images, tissue paper, origami paper or gift wrap paper. The black one is painted with black acrylic paint.

Can't wait to get the finishing parts and find some more dominoes! This seems to be addictive too, looking forward to listing these in my shop.

Which Twilight Character Are You?

2010-04-13T10:34:00.001-05:00

This post is out my creative zone, but I couldn't pass this up being that I'm a Twilight fan. Turns out though I'm a lot like Alice, I love her!

Which Twilight Character Are You?

More on Twilight. Created by BuddyTV

My First Swap on Swap-bot

2010-04-11T18:29:00.003-05:00

Well, it took me a minute to finally join a swap there. I've noticed that they don't take flakers there lightly, not that I ever not send out a swap that I joined. It's just that the strictness they put on not flaking is intimidating just a tad, but it's refreshing to know flaking is a big no-no and you get rated and listed as a flaker so you know who's capable of completing a swap and who is not.
Anyhoo, the swap I joined was the Lady Gaga ATC, where we had 2 partners to send 1 card each to. I got my first card from the coordinator of the swap who was one of my partners. Still waiting on my second one, but I can see that my partner has never flaked and has gotten many hearts from other swappers. She's got it marked as sent, so I'm just anxiously waiting for it arrive. Nice huh?
This is one of the cards I already received.

And here are the two I sent out and I got hearts for both of them, which was totally unexpected. That really made my day!!!

They are 3D and I'm quite proud of how good they turned out!

Zentangle ATC

2010-03-26T20:10:00.000-05:00

ZENTANGLES!!! It's basically doodling, something you tend to do when you're bored or something, and notice how it calms you? That's the zen part, the tangle should be obvious.
This fantabulous method of doodling I came across while googling...I think. Oh I can't remember really how I found this out but it too is addictive.

I also did a couple in my sketch book. I used my black fine point sharpie and for the color ones, gel pens. You can use anything you choose so you're not limited. Love it!!

I'm already starting on some new ones!!

Gift Tags

2010-03-24T20:47:00.000-05:00

I am a genius! Well, that's what I thought when I looked over my first set that I made. I still cease to amaze myself, but enough of self praise, and yes I broke my arm petting myself on the back. Haha!
The ones in the second pic are the first ones I made from printed images that I colored with markers and then cut out. As you can see, some of these do not yet have the ribbon added yet.
Anywho, these little cuties can be use for any occasion where you can add a little note on the inside and are very easy to make.

Here's a how-to
You will need:

- Image(s)
- Hole Punch
- Ribbon or string
- Pop Dots
- Scissors
- Blank Index Cards or scrapbook paper (with or wirthout print)
- Pen(s) or sharpie or any other kind of writing tool such as gel pens

First print or cut images that you want to use. You can also draw your own if you'd like. I used images I have saved in a pc program. It's better to have these on card stock, so if you cut out images from a magazine or something, you would need to glue them to card stock.

My tut is going to be done using Marilyn Monroe images.

You can either use blank index cards, which I am using here. Or you can use scrapbook paper, which is what I used on the others shown. If using scrapbook paper or any other type of sturdy paper like card stock or construction paper, I cut mine 4 1/2" X 3 1/4" and folded them in half. You can choose to make yours bigger or smaller.
Using index cards, fold in half width wise and you can write something or not. Your choice. I used a sharpie for these, but you can use a pen, colored pencil, markers, gel pens whatever you can think of.

After cutting out image you plan to use, center a pop dot on the back.
These can be found in craft stores in the scrapbook section and they come with adhesive on both sides.

Peel off other side of pop dot and place on tag. Punch hole in top left corner, or if you are using a different angle, put hole on either side of folded edge of tag.

Cut your ribbon or string in 6 or 7 inch lengths. I used 6".

Put ribbon through hole and tie in a knot and you're done! The possibilities are endless with these tags. You can use any kind of image you like (even with a pic of a friend, family member or pet or you can use stamps) with any type of paper, even gift wrap, which I plan to try next. Embellishments can be used as well as other mediums and materials.

Have fun with these, I DID!

Book Mania

2010-03-23T15:45:00.001-05:00

Or maybe book "MANIAC" which is what I have become since I made my first few books. Now I can't make enough of them. These books though, were made with different kinds of stuff. The covers mainly were either from printed tissue paper, cloth material, marbled construction paper, or my favs (blue and red books) textured memory book paper. Cool!!

Some of these have lined pages and the covers are either material or patterned tissue paper covering card stock.

And some are others I just revamped or something. Like these mini composition notebooks.

These are just a few that I have already dressed up. I added either colored card stock, an image, printed paper, stickers or rub-ons to the front. The second set, which are slightly bigger, are laminated, and some have plastic jems added. Very cute. I was thinking of my mom when I made the one with butterflies; she likes butterflies.

Now I have done a couple of coptic stitch books. It's amazing the things you can learn with google. I have wanted to make one of these for a while . I finally did it and it was easier than I thought. I started out with small ones; didn't want to overwhelm myself with larger signatures which require more stitching. Turned out pretty neat.Hmm, couldn't locate the other one to digitize...sorry.

And last but not least, and my most favorites are my journals.

I was thinking I might make this an arts and craft journal where I will be adding my craft ideas that have not been made reality yet, some that have been created, copies of my old drawings as well as new ones and whatever else I can think of.

This book has an added flap that's held down with velcro and wrapping paper covering card stock as the cover. I love this one.
BTW, this is the same way I make my other books not including the flap.

Hmph, this isn't even all of the books I have made. I have some of these for sale in my online shop and I need to add some more along with other things I have finished. I've been slacking off a little there. I've got a lot of creations to post. But anyhoo, here's a how-to for the journal at Cut Out + Keep.

ENJOY!!!

Easy Sewing Box

2010-03-22T00:26:00.002-05:00

I 've been wanting a sewing box for the longest and have seen some at stores that were a bit pricey for my taste. I mean come on, I'm just storing random sewing junk in it, not my first born or precious jewels. So... I decided to make my own.

I made this from a shoe box that had a full covering lid to the base but I cut it short. With lots of tape including duct tape to make the box sturdy, I then covered it with a layer of batting and then some material. The inside was covered with material as well with sections made and placed to make compartments. I found another box that fit pefectly inside to make a removable layer and covered it. ALL this was done with a glue gun. No sewing whatsoever.

It's been of a lot of use but I plan to make another later. Not real thrilled with color choice, especially the outside fabric cover. I bought that fabric because it was on sale and knew it would come handy for some kind of project, and this was it, so I didn't really like it but it was kinda cute. I figured I would get creative with it. Besides, I didn't think this would turn out great as I thought it would being it was a trial and error kind of thing. So the next one should be spectacular!!

ATC Quick 101!

2010-02-22T21:05:00.006-06:00

I love creating ATCs (Artist Trading Card) and ACEOs (Art Collection Edition and Originals)! I have an ongoing swap on Cut Out + Keep for ATC's and it's been a blast.
I recently came across a site where you can set up a network that has a lot of bells and whistles that you don't get with blogs. I've set up a network for members to join in on the fun of making these great little works of art. If you're creative these are right up your alley, they don't require a lot of anything, just your imagination and they can be quick and easy. I will be hosting swaps, give-aways, and other fun events, and the best part is that when you become a member you can do all of that too! So if you want to join in on the fun, just click my ATC Mania Haven widget on the right side of this page.
Anywho, my love for ATC has become a bit of a passion and I'm aiming to collect as many as I can from other artist that have a fetish for them too, so I'm all about trading. Which btw, for those who don't know, ATCs are for trading, ACEO's you can sell. Standard size for them are 2.5 X 3.5 inches equal to a regular deck of cards. You can draw, paint or use any medium to create them so the possibilities are endless and can possibly get addictive. It's almost like creating a scrap book page. Well enough talk, here are some of mine.

This isn't even half of them!!

Crochet Baby Stuff

2010-01-31T01:23:00.005-06:00

Well, with my new grandson here and another member of the family that just had a baby, I've been crocheting baby things these days. First I made a blanket for my little angel...this turned out really good better than I expected because I had to figure how to do this stitch that's usually done for a granny square. I didn't want it squared, so this measures 34" X 40". I might post a how-to for it.

And with what was left over, a cap and booties for my new little cousin on my husband's side, who was born a week or so before Trey. He was early, but doing fine. He finally got to come home this past Friday.

Cute, right? I wanna make a bunting and some baby high tops next. Found a how-to for the high tops but thinking I'm gonna have to come up with my own pattern for the baby bunting. Wish me luck on that one!

My First Video!

2010-01-24T01:30:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to All!

2009-12-23T15:58:00.001-06:00

My New Craft Space!!!

2009-11-02T19:34:00.002-06:00

Ok, so some of you know that I relocated, and unfortunately we're not done! Now because we moved into a smaller place, I was worried that I was loosing space for my crafting. But as luck would have it, since it hasn't been very nice to me in the past, I got this spiffy new little shed that normally would have been for storage. Well it works perfectly for my craft stuff, downfall is that I will be storing other stuff in it as well, but mainly it will by my new craft space. This is WIP, and yes all of the stuff in it is ALL craft supplies, and there's a little more still to come.
So far, I have put down some marbled contact paper on the shelves, which matches perfectly with the walls and I used a door that was already there to put on top of two of my shelves for a make-shift work space. Having a bit of trouble with other stuff such as organization, especially with the small (same sized) boxes on the stand alone shelf. I want to use some other means of storing what's in them, so on that...I'm stumped.

My fiance' will be running me some electricity out to it so I can work even when it gets dark, and because I probably will be out there a lot, gonna need some heat for the next few months.
I haven't really crafted in the last couple of weeks cuz I'm still unpacking frickin' boxes!! Can't wait to get this done, cuz I'm dying here... not crafting is not kewl!!!
So if you guys have any suggestions or ideas, please share!!

DAWANDA'S WALL FALL SALE!!

2009-10-16T00:45:00.000-05:00

DaWanda's Wall Fall Sale!
The DaWanda "Wall Fall Sale" will take place continuously from 12:00 CEST on Monday, October 19th until 23:59 CET on Sunday, October 25th.
Get 15% discount on purchase for new customers in my shop.
This is a promotion that dawanda is having, so the discounted price will be automatically taken off when you make a purchase, though the shipping does not change.

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Art on paper!

2009-10-12T12:51:00.003-05:00

I used to say drawing was my first love, and I guess because I've been doing it since I was four years old, and not the usual stick people that 4 year old's draw. But anywho, I have a lot of other different loves of art besides my drawing now. This God-given gift hasn't been used lately, so I intend to do a lot more of here soon, hopefully.
Here is some of the work I've done over the years. I only have one copy of a drawing I got paid to do, unfortunately I have done others that I didn't think to make a copy of. I do commission work for portraits where as I draw from the actual picture, which is best to use to get all the details down to the eye color if not done in black and white. This is a feature that I will be adding to my dawanda shop. So if you have a picture you want drawn, contact me for details.

Special Order

2009-10-06T15:25:00.003-05:00

I had a customer order one of my knit scarves from one of my online shops but she wanted it the same color of Mary Poppin's scarf, pink and red. I googled it and found out what it looked like, so I asked if she wanted it to be the same stitch. I came up with this stitch to make the replica, and to be a self-taught crocheter, I think I did pretty darn good. I'm proud of myself on this one, and I hope my customer likes it.

Arm Jewelry!!

2009-10-02T23:19:00.003-05:00

I love making jewelry, though I haven't really made anything lately, except maybe something for a swap. I made these some months ago, from beads that my mom brought me when she came to visit last year. Didn't really have enough of the same beads to make matching earrings or anything for some, but I'm pretty pleased at how they turned out. All these were created on a splurge I was having, which sometimes happens. You know, you make something and then you make more until you got a mess of 'em!! Sug, you know what I mean, LOL! Holla!! But anywho, these are available for sale in one of my shops which I haven't yet advertised yet, might just put them in my dawanda shop; contemplating that idea. Hmm!!

Creations from previous CO&K swap!!

2009-10-01T00:52:00.000-05:00

Here are some of my most
memorable swaps (memorable to me at least) that I made for my friends at cut out & keep.
First, Meyeli Eyeli. Love the lashes which turned out great. Gothic/lolita creations with the scull and cross being made from a polymer mold I made myself. Some ATC's from an earlier round, and some recycled creations made from soda tabs, a juice carton, popsicle stix, a t-shirt and chewing gum wrapper.

Late nite swap completions.

2009-10-01T00:25:00.001-05:00

Ok, first blog and I'm up late, supposed to finishing craft swaps to ship out in the morning. I should have this done last week if not sooner, but lately I have been getting side-tracked. Got swaps from cut out and keep ( http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/), an awesome craft site, that I am participating in and one I'm hosting.
Pretty much got the ideas, making them tangible is another story. Got the supplies, not so much the time to put them together, but I'm determined to get them done TONITE!! Finally finished my ATC's for my swap that I host on a monthly basis, but don't wanna too much give away what I'm doing until my partner gets their stuff.