Pockets of Inspiration

Taffy-Colored-Valentine-2 [Flickr]

2012-01-21T06:13:31-08:00

Pockets of Inspiration posted a photo:

Additional images at

Taffly-Colored Valentine.

Taffy-colored Valentines 1 [Flickr]

2012-01-21T06:13:30-08:00

Pockets of Inspiration posted a photo:

Additional images at

Taffly-Colored Valentine.

Sweetly-Dispensed-MM3 [Flickr]

2012-01-08T04:59:36-08:00

Pockets of Inspiration posted a photo:

Sweetly Dispensed M&M's using the template from the January PCS, Expression of Affection.

Sweetly Dispensed...

Sweetly-Dispensed-MM1 [Flickr]

2012-01-08T04:59:36-08:00

Pockets of Inspiration posted a photo:

Sweetly Dispensed M&M's using the template from the January PCS, Expression of Affection.

Sweetly Dispensed...

Magnetic-Office-Organizer-3 [Flickr]

2012-01-08T04:59:35-08:00

Pockets of Inspiration posted a photo:

Modification of the Sweetly Dispensed template from the January PCS, Expression of Affection. to create a desk-top organizer

melanieschulenberg.blogspot.com/2012/01/resolve-to-organi...

Back to Blogging

2011-08-15T06:43:00.000-05:00

Sorry for such a long absence. Took a week off for vacation and another three weeks to prepare for back-to-school.

An entire month you say? Yep. Our oldest is off to boarding school for some serious academics. Lots of big changes for all of us, but we're excited just the same. She'll be getting a top-notch education.

We're going to miss her, but she'll be back to visit here and there. Thank goodness for programs like Skype. We'll be able to talk to her via internet and see what she's up to.

Now, that we've got her situtated (and our others settled into the new school year), it's back to blogging.

Hope everything has been having an eventful summer.

Alpha Kids

2011-09-06T06:36:00.000-05:00

Playing with a few ideas for teacher cards.

Backpacks and Bookmarks

2011-08-31T06:16:00.006-05:00

The September issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler debutes Septemeber 10th. The back to school issues offers project ideas for kids, classmates and teachers. Getting back in the mood for school has never been so fun!

Mbr>

Sweet and Sinister

2011-10-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

The October issue of the sampler will soon be here. The design team has taken the fright out of the Holiday and put a "Sweet & Sinister" spin on it.

A little sneak peek:

Giant google-eye

2011-10-04T06:46:00.000-05:00

Here's an alternative way of using the SU! treat cups for something other than 'treats'. The google eye is sitting on top of a jumbo button which allows the eye to move more freely (and adds an additonal layer). The hands were created with the petal flower punch.

Wacky Ghost Manor

2011-10-21T12:48:00.003-05:00

If you're still making Halloween projects, here's something for you to try. I whipped up a little Wacky Ghost Manor template. Here's a few photos for you and if you're up to trying this yourself, you can download the Paper Crafters Sampler Wacky Manor for free. It's avaiable for the next 7 days.

Making the ghost behind the door was an after thought. My first plan was to simply have a hugh googlie eye peeking through...then it looked to plain so in came the ghots.

Since the self-adhesive eye was already placed, I cut white cardstock to resemble only half a ghost, this way it fit around the eye.

Dazzeling Diamonds glitter to make your ghost sparkle.

Cut strips of black cardstock and attach completely before applying utlra-fine black glitter.

...and a view from the topside.

Don't forget to donwload the template and give it a try.

Witchy-poo Fumble

2011-10-22T21:51:00.010-05:00

Looks like this witch hit a bit of turbulence.

Halloween is just 10 days away and I've been spending time creating a few more projects, like this one. Breif directions along with a printable template for the shoes by selecting the link:

Curley-toed Shoe.

Start by stuffing the cello bags with candy making sure to leave room attach shoes and to tuck into cauldron. Print shoes, cut and apply glitter.

To create broom, cut a 2" peice of Daffodil cardstock, brush with mustard and Suede ink, then roll around a wooden dowel or stick. Secure with adhesive.

Use a circle punch to create a moon and Grey cardstock to create a cloud.

To create a cauldron, cut a black sheet of cardstock similar to the shape below. You'll want to stay under 4 1/4" in width so it fits on the card. The green foam is Easter basket fiber.

Fold the cello in half and attach the shoes on each end. Tuck the folded end of the cello into the cauldron and adhere with glue dots or sticky strip.

Thanks for looking.

Candy-leg Witch

2011-10-24T12:35:00.001-05:00

Another curly-toed shoe treat. This may be the last of my Halloween projets. Moving on to Fall. You can download the shoe template I created HERE.

Harvest Essence

2011-11-05T09:39:00.005-05:00

The 10th of the month will soon be here and with it the latest issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. It's Harvest Essence, the November issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. The issues is filled with projects that focus on the season of Thanks. Take a peek of what's inside at the official Paper Crafters Sampler website.

Turkeys on Parade

2011-11-18T06:34:00.000-06:00

Finaly had some extra time to make a few more samples using the Turkey Place setting idea from the "Harvest Essence" Sampler. There were several new ideas I was playing with, it was hard to narrow it down. Think this weekend I'm going to try this on a larger scale.

First up is the Floral turkey. The main body uses the Spice Cake DSP. It reminds me a bit of Toile.

Here's my fanned turkey. The ornate image is stamped in Tangerine and the paper just behind it is Poppy (although it does look like Tangerine). It really makes it pop. The addition of the brown markings on the image were added thinking I needed more, but it looked very sweet and simply with just the fanned tails and glitter rim on the Poppy layer. Main turkey embossed with Lattice folder.

You can see the Poppy color a little better here.

Thanks for looking.

Annivesary Flowers

2011-11-13T06:43:00.001-06:00

Aren't these lovely? Anniversary flowers for me from hubby. Brightened up my office space for sure.

Adorned Holiday

2011-11-21T13:39:00.003-06:00

A few holiday samples below. Each was designed using the holiday templates in the December issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. If you're interested in seeing additional samples, mark you calendars for December 1st to see what the PCS Design Team has come up with.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday is just days away. Keeping that in mind, the Sampler is releasing the holiday templates for INSTANT DOWNLOAD starting today.

So, all those anxious to get started creating can do so immediately. The December issue "Adorned Holiday" is scheduled on the 10th of the month as usual, featuring eight (8) glorious projects as always. Those purchasing now (to receive the templates) will receive the direct link to download the entire issue on December 10th.

$12.99

Ice Queens Sleigh

Box sleigh, for tucking a little something gift inside.

Lastly, a Limoge trinket box.

Metallic Mocha Scallop Box

2011-11-22T09:31:00.000-06:00

I whipped this up in 30 minutes. Yep! I printed the base on Suede cardstock using the Scallop box template from Mirkwood designs. Be sure to check out the link. More than likely you've come across it in the past...just simply forgot it was out there.

For the top, I traced the base (that I cut out) onto the Metallic Mocha cardstock. Added a little label, half of accordian scallop (made with the round scallop punch; scored to make peaks) and embossed the edges. Tuck the gold waffle paper behind and WALLA!

It's hard to see but if you zoom into one of the images you can catch a glimpse of the metallic-ness (add that to my spell check) of the paper.

This quick box would make a great presentation for tucking in a Christmas (or better year, New Years) gift.

Elfin Shoes Treat Bag

2011-11-27T07:30:00.002-06:00

Putting a few more of those narrow cellos to use for the holiday.

The bag is stuffed with Runts candy (although any small candy will work...nerds is a good alternative). Used the curly-toed shoe pattern from my candy-leg witch HERE.

Vintage Ice Boot Sleeve

2011-11-28T07:02:00.000-06:00

In all my life (and that's been a while), I've only tried Ice Skating 5 times or less indoor ice rinks. Never really could get the hang of balancing on those blades without having my inner ankles using the ice as support. Of course, if there were more frozen lakes in the South I'd probably have more time to practice.

Who doesn't love the images associated with winter. Sleds, snow tipped evergreens and pom pom mittens are a welcoming site from those toasty summer days. Soon many will be lacing up their ice skates for a spin on the ice.

Take a look at this skate. Nothing makes a fashion statement for a skater than a satin dress with a furry ruffle.

While there's more freedom for leg movement in today's skating garments, I would image the older garments helped protect your derriere from getting iced. You can check out some other beautiful vintage ice skating images HERE.

Here's a little something I put together in tribute to those who have mastered those icy ponds, a vintage ice boot sleeve . The boot is designed to tuck a gift tag or bookmark (as shown below) inside. The main boot was run through the holiday stocking bigz die. The template has been modified a (shaved off a bit of the base and straightened it vertically) to create a more 'skate-like' appearance.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Paper Crafters Sampler Adorned Holiday blog hop scheduled for December 1st!

Flourishing Butterfly Tag

2011-12-06T07:55:00.000-06:00

Whipped up this little tag with some of my holiday fabric, embossing folder, Kinds Matters stamp set and additional do-dads.

12 Days Countdown Vintage Stocking

2011-12-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

The December issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler, "Adorned Holiday" is LIVE today! An issue filled with beautiful projects for decoratingyour home or offering as gifts to family and friends.

Here's a little sneak peek of a magnetic stocking to brighten up your kitchen or filing cabinets. Each date is replaced as you count down to the last 12 days of Christmas.

Another sneak peek of the Holiday Sled Gift Box.

Adorned Holiday Blog Hop

2011-11-30T21:10:00.002-06:00

Thanks for finding the time to join us for the Adorned Holiday Blog Hop. This hop was designed to showcase three of the project templates in the December issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler.

The hop is designed to take you full circle by selecting the link at the bottom of the post. You're free to start viewing here, unless of course you came from viewing Heidi Baks amazing projects!

First project, Winter Sleigh. While there are many treats that could be used to stuff the sleigh with, I chose to do a more decorative peice. Something sweet and simple to sit on your desk or the side table in your foyer.

The main sleigh used some flourishing designer paper and I embellished the flourishes with glitter. A few Boho flowers, brads and mica flakes to finish it all off.

Next up, Bright and Starry Sled. The "Joy" on the main sled was embossed using an older stamp set. The stars were created with punches, Stars die and the Stars stamp set. A little gold embossing topped off with glittery red stars tie it all together.

Waffle paper is 'drapped' around the top. My goal was to create a swag. It's hard to see with all those stars.

Here's a full view. What you can't see is the box that supports the top of the sled. It's designed to be stuffed with a little something. I've made mine into an ornament to hang on the tree but it wouldmake a nice presentation with a gift card inside or Ben Franklin's image inside :-)

Last is my Holiday Limoge Trinket box. A big Thank You to Cherie Franklin for the template. Here I've stuffed it with a few Holiday sweets.

A view of the box closed with the holiday flower on top.

That's it for me. Next stop on the hop is Lisa Hensley. Select the link below to be transported. Thanks for taking the time to view the Creative Take from the design team of the Paper Crafters Sampler.

2012 Early Bird Special

2012-01-03T21:34:00.004-06:00

Let's welcome in the new year by kicking off the 2012 Paper Crafters Sampler with an early bird special! Purchase the Full Year of the Sampler by January 9th and you qualify for the early bird price of $89.00

$89.00

Peekaboo Slider

2012-01-06T07:29:00.003-06:00

Putting to use some of my new goodies from the SU! Occassions Mini. If you've like the doily effect, then you'll appreciate the new Large Doily Sizzlit.

Check out this peekaboo slider card put together. It's Easter themed. Kind of skipped over Valentines day but I was in the mood for Easter at the time.
If you'd like to try this slider for yourself you can download the template HERE.

Here's what the doily cutout looks like after you run it through your Big Shot. The blue circle is what remains after taking my scissors to it. The scallop disc is not related to the template, I only used it to cover the rough edges on the blue cardstock after attaching to my slider insert.

*** I've received responses from 3 viewers that they are receiving an error code when downloading. The error is due to maximum downloads. You may receive a message "the file has already been downloaded".

Please check your computer for the location of your download files. You should do a search for "Peekaboo*.Zip" on your "C:/" drive. Once your computer list the location of the file, cut and paste it into a directory you can find in the future, i.e. "C:/Templates".

Below is an image that may help you:

Resolve to Organize

2012-01-07T13:01:00.003-06:00

I've adapted the Sweetly Dispensed template into a magnetic, desk-top organizer.

The flower holding the note and the back of the dispenser flap is magentic. The flower is cut from the Fun Flowers Bigz Die.

I've used the two magentic sheets before in a 12 days of Christmas magentic stocking from the Adorned Holiday Sampler.

While both the top flap of the dispenser and the flower are magnetized, it seems to slip, probably due to the sheet of designer paper covering the magnet. It might be worth the time to attach a heavier magnet to the back of the flower to make sure it doesn't slip unexpectedly.

To modify the template from a candy dispenser into an office dispenser, I simply inserted a 2" x 1 3/4" box in the rear of the base.

Early Bird Ends Today!

2012-01-09T07:06:00.001-06:00

Last day for the Paper Crafters Sampler Early Bird Special.

That's a savings of $5.00 off the $12.99 monthly issues.

Sweetly Dispensed

2012-01-05T12:47:00.003-06:00

Just four more days till the Early Bird special ends for the 2012 Paper Crafters Sampler.

Here's a specialty template offered in the first issue "Expression of Affection". While the January issues isn't officially released until the 10th each month, you can pre-order the template now and start working on your very own Sweets Dispenser.

Be sure to check out the main PCS website to see our newest design team members and their blogs for a sneak peek of what they've created for the upcoming January issue, "Expression of Affection".

*** For those of you pre-ordering the January issue now to start on your Sweetly Dispensed container, be sure to save your download link. You'll use the same link on the 10th to access the entire "Expression of Affection" Sampler. ***

$12.99 Sweetly Dispensed M&M container:

Cut and score the Sweetly Dispensed container according t to o directions. Assemble the bottom to the back of the body.
Trace the front flap onto the back of the Enchanted DSP (from the 2012 SAB). Using a ruler, measure 1/4" on the insides and top of the DSP (not the bottom). Cut down your card stock to these 1/4" marks. Use your Adorning Accents Emb. Folder on the base of the Enchanted DSP. Trim along the embossed area, removing the DSP extending past the edge.
Emboss the base of the red flap with the Adorning Accents Emb. Folder and trim off the bottom along the raised edge.
Attach the DSP to the top of the red flap. Score again along the guidelines on the top flap. Crease the folds well. Bend so they roll around, allowing the flap to hang over the dowel.
Emboss a piece of Vanilla card stock using the .... embossing folder. Trim around window.
Cut down a piece of Soft Suede cardstock to fit inside the window of the Vanilla. Roughen edges with Cutter Tool. Stamp the Doily image from Kindness Matters on two opposite sides of the Suede square. Attach to inside of Vanilla window.
Stamp text from the P.S. I Love you set onto Vanilla cardstock. Remove text with Window punch and layer to top of Modern Label red card stock punch. Attach brads to side and use glue dots or dimensionals to attach to front of Suede Square.
Create a Suede scallop circle and Vanilla Doily circle. Punch holes in center of each and attach to top sides of box.
Stamp butterfly from Kindness Matters onto Vanilla card stock with Suede ink. Cut out. Enhance by adding additional lines with red Stampin' Write.
Create butterflies with embosslit and attach to box. Attach Kindness Matters butterfly to top of embosslit butterlfy.
Cut a stripe of DSP 1" x 12". Attach to base of box, trim off excess.
Attach flap to box.

Taffy-colored Valentines

2012-01-19T12:49:00.001-06:00

Aren't these colors yumm-o? Looking for some alternative other than the typical Valentine color-schemes.

If you're interested in doing making the Valentine box yourself, check back tomorrow for the tutorial I'm wrapping up.

This flower believe it or not was the most difficult. I kept going back and forth with what shapes would compliment the box without over doing it.

Always remember how important details are (RE: the dots around the inner Vanilla circle). Sometimes it can be the finishing touch to pull it all together.

What Valentine isn't complete without a few sweets?

Here's a peek of what I did with the Soft Suede layer.

Boxing Die Cuts

2012-01-20T07:00:00.004-06:00

A tutorial for making a box from die cut shapes and templates. Enjoy "Boxing Die Cuts".