Where's the WOYWW?!

Sharing a little good news...

Stop by Great Impressions to see!

Don't have time to write up a proper post right now, but thought you might like to know you'll see more Great Impressions projects here at Making Mayhem...

I'll catch you up soon.

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #20 (130) - after the Twilight

Hello, WOYWWers! The last one for November...catching up on blogging, so if you want to see the desk, scroll down...if you'd like to see more desks visit Julia's Stamping Ground. So much crafty goodness to see!

Another week (or so) has flown by! Thanksgiving was wonderful. Love having my kids and the Mister home all at the same time. Was so busy loving everyone I hardly took any pictures. It was a gorgeous lazy day. Too bad that was so short lived!

A Crandall Clan tradition...bathing the turkey...bwahahaha!

So, daughter came home for Turkey Day and brought a guest. Since she'll be home for Christmas she decided to leave me some fur...meow!

Goofy grin...that's what love does to you!

I wasn't real keen on having another critter in the house, but he is just so cuddly! Every time I sit down at my desk, he makes himself at home in my lap. He's quickly becoming part of the clan.

This week I'm finishing up some gifts and hopefully getting some festive decor up!

Until then, here's what is currently on ye olde desk:

Not a lot...yet! Leftovers from several weeks worth of projects. Cleaning up the studio in prep for some hardcore crafting...

Some recently finished projects:
- kits for my "Twilight Inspired Mini Album" All of the satin flowers are handmade. (This was originally a class that included a keepsake box. Loved the DCWV Immortal Love line! Gave the original mini sample to my daughter for her birthday and left it simple for her to add to.)

Can't wait for tomorrow...
♥ Great Impressions Stamp of the Month release

♥ December 1st - the beginning of December Daily & Journal Your Christmas! (I'm participating in both this year.)

I'll share my December Daily in upcoming posts. Are you participating, too? If so, make sure to leave your link!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Great Impressions, Memory Box and Vintage Tags

Happy Monday!

I can't believe how fast the weekends go! I am definitely looking forward to Turkey Day and some down time with the family...

Just wanted to share one more project from this month's Great Impressions Stamp of the Month set (if you don't have a local retailer, contact Simple Pleasures - they'll take good care of you!)

I love making tags...whether it's to try a new technique or dress up a gift, they are always useful. Not to mention they are the perfect size for a quick creative fix!

This time I used a Tim Holtz Sizzix die and Distress Inks, clear embossing powder and lots of glitter! (Only the sentiments and 'pictures' are clear embossed.)

I can't seem to get enough of Memory Box's La Rue die...used it again on these tags. Die cut them and then cut them in half. Adhere and cover in glitter...it doesn't get any easier than this!

Have a great week! Hope you find some time for your creative fix.

Inky hugs,
Angi

Hello, Deer One...

Happy Friday (and Happy Breaking Dawn for you Twilight fans!)

I'm so excited for this weekend! With such busy schedules, it seems rare anymore that my family gets to spend time all together...but this weekend I get to hug each of my kiddos and Mr. Mayhem! I'm thinking family photo op...now how to convince the family that's a good thing... lol

Speaking of good things...here's another card from my monthly Great Impressions class - Beyond the Board at Simple Pleasures (Check out yesterday's post to see the center step card using the birds stamp). Love this wood grain paper and the cork accent - no ribbon here!

Makes me think of Fall, crackling fires and cider. Do you see the snowflake peeking out from behind the reindeer on the vellum?

That's the La Rue die from Memory Box. LOVE. Beautiful, right? I have a feeling you'll be seeing more of this one...if you need this die, too, call Simple Pleasures. They carry everything Memory Box and if they don't have something in stock they will order it for you!

Watch for upcoming posts:
- More Beyond the Board goodness
- Twilight Inspired Mini Album Kit
- December Daily Mini Album & Art Journal

It was so good to visit with you today! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #19 (128) - Hello, Birdy!

Hello, WOYWWers! I've been away for a bit, being busy, of course, but made a little time this morning...and I do mean morning! It's almost 3am...to share a little fun. (If you'd like to know more about WOYWW...and we know you do! Stop by and say hi! to Julia. You'll be glad you did!

So, there's the desk. Bits and pieces from my Twilight Inspired Mini Album (kits will be available for the mini album at Simple Pleasures very soon!) 

And can you believe it? I've got another quick picture to share...this is one of the cards from my last Great Impressions - Beyond the Board class. What do you think? Click on it to see more detail. This is a center step card - love this design! If you made it just a tad larger, you could use it for the holiday photo! Frame/card/display all in one. Very handy.

There are 2 more Great Impressions cards and a lovely set of tags using Memory Box's La Rue Die to share later this week, so stop back by and see them, too!

Happy Wednesday!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Scones Recipe Revisited - Time for Pumpkin

LOVE this time of year! Autumn is my most favorite season. Rich colors, wonderful weather and the food...stews, casseroles and baking. This time of year it's okay to heat up the kitchen - and we do! As I'm typing this post, my girls are in the kitchen whipping up a lovely batch of Pumpkin Scones. Am I a lucky mom or what?!

I intended this Friday's post to be a "Friday Food", but it didn't happen until today...so welcome to Friday Food on Saturday!

I'm sure I'm not the only busy mom this week, so I decided I would share a recipe from the past. It's one that we use often and can easily be adapted to use whatever you have on hand.

The kids and I made pumpkin milkshakes the other day and had some leftover canned pumpkin. Wouldn't want that to go to waste...and when you add a little caramel glaze...breakfast! Or lunch...or dinner...or dessert for that matter! Of course, we don't usually have leftovers. The scones get eaten warm as they're made - surely the best way to eat them!

If the thought of something light and delicious sounds good right now, click HERE to get the recipe for scones (aka cream biscuits) and see the pictures!

And here's what we are using for the caramel glaze:

4 T butter
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (we use the dark brown)
1/2 cup whipping cream (aka heavy cream)

1. Melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sugars, stirring well until bubbly (about 1 minute)
3. Stir in the cream. Bring to a boil.
4. Stirring constantly, boil for about 2 minutes.

We pour this into a shallow bowl and dip the tops of the baked scones. This glaze is also wonderful over Apple, Oatmeal or Spice Cake...well, it's yummy over just about anything! Sometimes, we add a pinch of spice at the end - the aroma is heavenly!

Enjoy!

Angi

Just a card...Beyond the Board (using Great Impressions Stamps)

It's way past my bedtime and with an early rise to boot, so this will be a quick post! I had made samples for my October "Beyond the Board" class, but hadn't had a chance to post any pictures. Already gave away 2 of the samples (one was a card; the other project was acrylic tags - might get around to remaking them, just to post...then again, maybe not...no promises!)

Here's one of the cards...think it was my favorite. The Holidays usually bring on the glitter!

There is a lot of glitter on this card - the reindeer, his harness, the trees, the edge of the tree layer, the snowflakes and even the edges of the tiny tab!

Love. Love. Love the tiny jingle bell. What is it about making things tiny that make them so cute?!

Okay...click on the picture if you want to see more detail...glitter is hard to photograph...especially late at night! lol

Might sneak in a late WOYWW (on Thursday) post later today.

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #18 (121) - Fall Fun

Hello, WOYWWers! Can't believe it's already time for another round of What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday... I missed last week and almost missed this one, too. It's been crazy busy around here. Finishing up some pdfs for a few previous classes (sorry, Girls! Get this to you ASAP.) and trying to keep up with current and upcoming projects, so this will be a quick post. Don't worry - with photos, of course!

Here's the desk from last week with the makings of my Simple Pleasure's Card Club Exchange card still littering the workspace. Great fun coloring and misting the paper for the leaves. Beautiful Autumn colors, wouldn't you say?

This card uses Great Impressions Stamps Pumpkin Flourish, Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves (one of my favorite dies!), Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists, Spica Pens and Ranger's Crackle Paint in Rock Candy (I need this stuff in a quart size!) Any questions, email me.

Okay, it's your turn...join in the fun and show us What's On Your Work desk!

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #17 (119) - Great Impressions Halloween

It's time for another episode of WOYWW! Happy Wednesday! Hop over to Julia's blog to see what the fuss is about...keep reading to see what projects I've been up to...

I'm in the middle of lots of creative chaos! This mess is the direct result of prepping my cards for my Great Impressions - Beyond the Board class on Saturday. This has been so much fun and quite the challenge. Since I don't get to see the stamps much before the date of my class, I have NO IDEA what we'll do until I see and play with the stamps.

So, you've seen the desk...want to see the projects? This month the theme is Halloween and we've got 2 interactive cards...a waterfall and a shadow box card...and they both fit into an A2 envelope!

(The Beyond the Board class is a class offered monthly at Simple Pleasures in CO. The class features 3 cards + 1 Anything But A Card. It's even available as a kit, if you can't make the date! There's still a few spots left for this Saturday...call Simple Pleasures to make your reservation. 719.528.1338.  Make sure to bring your basic kit!)

Pull the string and watch the pictures flip through to a surprise message at the end!

We use paint dabbers, Distress Stains and new Perfect Pearls mist to put the finishing touches on this layered card.  

Shadow box card - stands up on its own and even folds (mostly) flat to fit into an A2 envelope.

Perfect size treat box...and who doesn't love playing with Tim Holt's Rosette Dies?!


Alright...hope to see you on Saturday!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Apronista - Altered Apron - Art in Progress

(ETA: The last picture is what the apron looked liked before I washed it. After I washed it, the Adirondack Color Washes faded. A lot. I'll post an updated picture soon...)

close up of my bird on branch with color washed muslin flowers
(more photos of my apron are at the end of the post!)

I think this was my favorite class to teach to date! So much creative play going on here...acrylic paints, paint dabbers, color wash, Glimmer Glam, die cut fabric, fun foam, stamps, lace and ink...let me just show you...

Keep in mind, these aprons are a work in progress! These pictures are towards the end of class and the inspiration was still flowing! I hope The Girls have a chance to send a picture when their aprons are done! Click on the pictures to get a better look.

Here are some pictures of the aprons in class (I promised not to post pictures of the girls on the blog! Girls...if you're reading this, send me an email and I'll forward those pictures to you!)

Aren't these great colors? Love how the Adirondack Color Washes blend so beautifully and without a lot of work! Ms. C. was working on a Halloween themed apron...off to a wicked start, wouldn't you say?

Can you tell Ms. D is into nature and southwestern colors? Those sunset blends on her apron are so warm and inviting... I wish I had gotten a closer picture of those leaves...she used 3 different colors of paint to add dimension and details to the greenery!

Ms. E's apron has great color blocking and contrast...if you click the pic you'll be able to see the 'raindrop movement' behind the bird...the Adirondack Color Wash is so forgiving! Ms. E had worked a section of her apron and then decided she didn't like it...spritzed some more water, a little more color wash, a bit of flicking and you'd never know she hadn't planned that all along!

Here are a few more detail pictures of my apron...

Lots of vintage lace. Hand dyed using Adirondack Color Washes. My new favorite liquid glue - Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive. Yep. Makes this a NO SEW project and it's washable! (Note: I made my apron with the idea that I *might* want to wash it. I only used products and items on my apron that I thought would be washer & dryer safe.)

This is my name tag with a few muslin flowers. The flowers were die cut using a Sizzix Big Shot and Tim Holtz's Tattered Floral Die (LOVE the tattered dies) and then hand dyed using the Color Wash. After I dyed the muslin tag, I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam to add a little border with a little sparkle! Then I stamped my name with paint. Notice the safety pins? Still a work in progress. Not sure if the name tag will stay here...

Did you notice there was a little quote behind the tag? I think it's my second favorite feel good stamp by...hmmm...I think it's Inkadinkadoo...but I'm not sure as I can't find it right now! The other is "It's never too late to be a rockstar!"

This is the altered apron in full. Love the drippage along the pockets. Stamped one pocket with a Claudine Hellmuth acrylic stamp. Don't feel like it's finished, yet. So, who knows...you might see another post in the near future...maybe even another apron!

Thanks for stopping by. If you've created an altered apron, leave me a comment - I'd love to come by to see it!

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #16 (117) - Fairies & the Wash

The desk. It's current. Probably the cleanest it has been in awhile! It's been a chaotic mess lately with me not being able to work on anything prior to 2100. By the time I make any progress on a project, there's not much energy left for clean up!

Want a closer look of the Outlines Rubber Stamps - Mini Fairy Circle? Go HERE to my previous post. She's darling. We're coloring this stamp in my Color Me Copics class at Simple Pleasures.

My most recent class was "Apronista" where we altered a canvas apron. I love messy art! This was a great group of creative women! Look for pictures of my apron and some of the ones made in class on Monday.

When I was putting the class together I wanted to have samples of all of the current Tim Holtz Adirondack Color Washes, so I would know what they looked like dry on muslin. Here are the fabric swatches. Loved them so much I decided they needed a prominent spot in my studio...it's a little washline of rainbow!

(This also shows a few of my most used tools: ATG 700 (spray painted metallic red!), Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Crop-a-dile punch, Corner Chomper, Texture Hammers...these are a few of my favorite things!)

Happy dance!

Need more WOYWW? Visit Julia's blog for the full list of participants for this week (and week's past in previous posts!) Be sure to leave a little comment love for her and the blogs you visit. Would love to have you join us in this parade of creative coves!

Until next time...

Inky hugs,

Angi

A Preview of WOYWW #16 (117) - Fairies & the Wash

Wanted to actually post my WOYWW this morning, but the time has gotten away from me! So, here's a peek until tonight.

Have a great Hump Day!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Beautiful Backgrounds - Distress Workshop Series

{These are just a few of the techniques that you'll learn!}

Are you local to Colorado Springs and free Thursday morning? Want to learn more about Distress Inks and Stains (including Picket Fence - the new white stain!) and what you can do with them (besides stamp!) on your projects whether it's cards, scrapbooking or paper crafting?

Join me Thursday @10:30 in Simple Pleasures and make your own technique deck that you'll be able to use as a reference for all your projects. Call 719-528-1338 and reserve your spot.

Looking forward to getting inky!

Hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #15 (116) - Twilight Inspired

I know it's been awhile since I've participated in WOYWW. I have missed it! (Check out Julia Dunnit's Blog, if you'd like to know more.)

This shot isn't yesterday, but pretty recent. After the fiasco with my camera, I was pretty reluctant to blog without a photo, but that's since been remedied (more on that later!) I've been busy, busy, busy!

School's been in session for most of this month, been busy with work and teaching at Simple Pleasures (Apronista Class photos coming soon!) Thought I'd do a quick share of my desk and what I've been up to.

This is a peek of my desk as I was prepping my class sample for an upcoming class at Simple Pleasures - Twilight Inspired Keepsake Box and Mini Album. I'll be sure to share more photos! I have lots to share, just not enough time to share them, just yet, but hang in there with me...I've got more crafty goodness!

Enjoy this week's WOYWW and I'll see you soon!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Coming soon...

Hi! Didn't want another day, week, month...to go by without a post, so just a quick blurb to say I'll be back soon! A friend generously gifted me with a new lens and I've been getting stuff together for the ol' blog.

Prepping class samples, trying new products...busy, busy, busy!

Looking forward to catching up!

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #14 (111) Summer Blues

Miracles. That's what I need. How about you? A little more time, money, better health, more summer, less heat...not complaining (well, maybe a tiny bit) but as usual Life is happening around here. Lots of it. Broken bones, family illnesses, moving/not moving, vacations, working, creating, making stuff. Busy.

No recent posts or pictures since my camera lens was broken a few weeks ago. No one is taking the credit on this one! The camera accompanied a few to the Ren Fest and came home worse for the wear.

Oh well. No use crying over a dropped lens, right? (okay...I might have cried...a lot, but I'm over it now...sniff...really) Irony is that as I was surveying the damage I was thinking "Too bad I can't get a photo of this mess!"  

Can't have a WOYWW blog post without a few pictures, so here's my desk from...well, I'm not really sure...decorated with a fabulous vintage haul from a local thrift store. I think I paid about $3.00 for all of it.

Seam binding, rick rack, lace, buttons, fasteners...already finding their way onto creations of paper and paint.

Didn't realize how much I used my favorite memory recorder until it was gone. It's difficult to share what I'm working on, if I can't get a decent picture!

Sigh.

Trying to make do with the other lens. Not working so well, although I think the kids think it's amusing to see me straddling bar stools, climbing onto tables and chairs to take simple shots.

Hoping to get a new lens of some sort soon. Until then here's a quick memory before the Humpty Dumpty Incident...this silly picture was taken during an impromptu 'photo session' in the bathroom with the kids a few months ago. Me, them, dry erase markers and the camera.

I absolutely love letting the kids become the photographer. So do they.

Inky hugs,
Angi

(If you are reading this post on Facebook, please come to my blog Making Mayhem,  if you would like to leave a comment, read older posts or subscribe!)

WOYWW #13 (104) - 2nd Anniversary!

Happy 2nd Anniversary WOYWWers! This is only my 13th WOYWW post, so really this is a celebration of all those work desk post vets who have been hangin' with Mrs. Julia Dunnit, crafty lady who began these Wednesday forays into other people's creative lairs, over the last two years, inspiring and encouraging by visiting and leaving lovely comments. If you haven't already, stop by her blog Stamping Ground and see what all the fun is about!

This is what I love about the internet collective...being able to connect with those of you that share the passion of creating from the inside out...and sometimes the outside in when our muse has taken an unexpected vacation.

I've been MIA for the last couple of weeks (obviously) with birthdays, work, card swaps and family (though not in that order.) I even (ahem!) sewed a couple of hooded baby towels for a friend (pictures and tutorial coming soon! I know...I owe a few of those: paper towel flowers, plastic wrap misting...they're coming!) Just when I thought the schedule would slow down a bit with the kiddos out of school, it's like someone hit the fast forward button while I was in the ladies' room! No rest for the weary...but still here, slowly moving forward.

Maybe not so much on the studio, right? (That's why there isn't an 'after' photo, yet...)

I always notice little details after I upload my photo(s) for WOYWW...3 pairs of scissors?, tweeting while I work, I'm sure there's chocolate wrappers hiding in the picture (Lindt dark chocolate truffles)...

This is the desk a few days ago while I was taking a break from making cards for the card exchange at Simple Pleasures. The theme for May was "Cards for Him" and I decided to do something fun. At least it was fun until I had to fussy cut 10 of those cute jeeps!

Here's the finished card...

{ETA: I was inspired by Corrine's design seen HERE.}

I used a few techniques that I really enjoy...coloring with Copics, embossing and watercoloring with Distress Inks. The twill tape was a fab find at the thrift store...$1.50 for a wheel that measures 9 inches in diameter!

Thanks for stopping by today. I sure have missed you! Now I'm off to link up with Julia and add my name to the PiF list! I'll show what I made for my 'pressie' soon!

Happy June!

Angi

WOYWW #12 (101) - Creative CHAOS

It's almost here! What's On Your Work desk Wednesday's 104th post...so excited! My post today is pretty short and to the point. Lots of 'stuff' coming up in the near future and lots to do to prepare...so first...

I was gifted with a wonderful box of crafty goodies from Paula Wessells during her giveaway week when she moved her blog! It's on my desk...so take a look...

Ribbons, rub ons, felt embellies, metal (LOVE the doorknob and lock piece) vintage papers and ephemera, stickers...(this is important...pay attention...) Paula was sooooo generous (I really felt the 'so' should be followed by a few more 'o's  lol), I decided to include some of these goodies in my PIF (pay it forward) for WOYWW's 104th post! (click HERE to see the PIF details...) Share the wealth, right?

If you haven't been by Paula's blog, take a moment and do so. She's fresh, witty and a wonderful photographer! Her articles include living healthy, marriage, handmade, cooking, fashion...quite frankly, she includes a little of everything and is never what I consider long winded in her posts. I have been stalking reading her blog for...gosh, I think...it's been about 3 years! Totally recommend reading (following, subscribing!...) Don't forget to leave her a little comment love!

One more photo...I've had to do some major reorganizing and purging of my studio...has been a bit painful, but I really just started, so I suppose this is the BEFORE picture:

Yikes, right?! This is really after I decided to start reorganizing and had started moving things around. About 20 minutes into it I remembered WOYWW and thought I should get a few pics. Then I decided one would be enough! LOL

Have fun peeking into the other WOYWW posts!

[ETA: Almost forgot...CHAOS is an acronym for Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome. I first heard Marla Cilley aka The Flylady use this.]

Inky hugs,

Angi

(If you're reading this post on Facebook, visit my blog http://makingmayhem.blogspot.com to see older posts or to leave a comment! Thanks!)

WOYWW #11 (100) - The Aftermath

On the desk there are remnants of April's card exchange at work, leftovers from my card class 2 weeks ago, bits and pieces of my planner pages, parts for my upcoming class at Simple Pleasures... There is quite a lot of creative herstory (yes, I know I spelled 'her' story...well, it is what it is, right?) over my desks and tables.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. Really month. Lots of deadlines. Kids, work, school...most of my creative time has been scheduled, late at night with very little time for clean up in between.

I'm barely making WOYWW tonight. I'm just determined to stay on track here and make it to the 104th edition: 2nd Anniversary! So looking forward to participating in the PIF... (click HERE to see What's On Your Work desk Wednesday is about and leave Julia a 'hello!' when you do!) And, of course, continuing as long as Julia does.

Last week I was able to post, but never got around to commenting or even replying to the comments on my post! Remedying that this evening and tomorrow evening. (Thank you, if you commented last week...I didn't forget and appreciated you taking the time to let me know you stopped by! See you soon...)

I better get back to those chores...the laundry mountain needs tending to (it's clean - thank Goodness!) but wanted to share a little bit of fun (don't want you to think my life has been one drudgery after another...) Here's one of the cards - it's a shaped easel card. It's only a little over 4" in diameter.

She's a little reminder that sometimes things are not what they seem...hoping for brighter (and warmer!) days.

Inky hugs,

Angi

Challenges:
Magnolia Stamp Lovers Challenge (Flowers)

Postcard Swap [3] - The Finished Postcards

Wow. iHanna's 2011 Postcard Swap was great fun! It was just what I needed to help me out of my creative rut and get moving to more creative endeavors. This is a picture heavy post! (click on any of the pictures to see the postcards in detail)

The Group Shot

I thought about doing a couple of photos today, tomorrow and so on until I showed them all, but I've already been working on other projects to share, so here they are - all my postcards (and a few extras!)

The Addressees (finished the postcards with a kraft cardstock backing)

So true.

It's always the first steps that seem the hardest!

Love this quote.

Mini staples make the 'silver lining'

This one might just be my favorite...colors, texture, the quote.

Had been looking for a project to use this stamp on for awhile. Glad to have found one. If I hadn't needed to mail this, I would have left the flower whole (I was worried it would get ripped off in transit.)

I made a batch of these stamped, embossed butterflies on white cardstock & color with inks/shimmer/colorwashes when needed.

 LOVE LOVE LOVE this quote.

Picture definitely didn't do this one justice. The shimmer and color

are so much more rich and vibrant IRL.

This one spoke to me. Almost kept it!

Thinking I will recreate something similar on canvas.

The heart is crinkled and ironed vellum...the heat caused the raised (crinkled) parts of the vellum to melt and puff, when it cooled and settled it was almost like embossing.

This was an extra background. Loved the 'fire' in this one.

Another extra. Was playing around with a few more techniques. Fun colors!

Now that I have a better idea what the Post Office is willing to accept, I'll be more daring in next year's swap! I hope they all arrived a little travel worn, but still in intact!

Inky hugs,

Angi