Do THIS more Colleen…

This is a very unconventional post for me considering this is my craft blog, but hey, we all need a little flavor in our lives, yes?

So, it’s Saturday and I’m up at 7AM. WHY? you ask. Because someone’s teen has theater practice at 8AM. OK, so I drop my kiddo off then decide that this breezy, sunny and crisply charged perfect morning  is too magical to be wasted by going back to bed. So… I drive.

I go around town and into Montecito by the cemetery on a road that leads to a few great local spots.  One being, Music Academy of the West. I couldn’t have stumbled into a more “magical” place this morning. Now, I’ve been here several times for events, shopping at the Treasure House and at night with a past love, but this morning was so different, it was eerily breezy – STOP – note: Colleen (that’s me) adores the wind, OK proceed, beautifully crisp and wonderfully green. I was quiet, very quiet which lately, I have been practicing in my car due to a God inspired vow of radio silence if you will, so it seemed fitting… I walked the grounds unnoticed and completely at peace while adoring this local treasure. I have to admit, I seldom noticed the charm of this place and the “feel” it has. I remember watching the movie Great Expectations and how the manor featured in the story had a haunted, run down and grand feel to it. Yes, same here.

In case you were wondering, my favorite photo is the light fixture riddled with cobwebs. To me, it’s symbolic of unkempt belongings due to abundance, striving for more  and perhaps a dash of loss and sorrow. Now, I know that just reeked of poetic angst, it  does, no apologies here though.

OK, since images speak louder than words (for most), I’ll resign here and let you enjoy these shots from the breezy, crisp Saturday morning I had at Music Academy in Santa Barbara.

 

Easy Treat Pocket Tutorial

Follow along to make these easy treat pockets (good for any occasion)

A few tools… scissors, hole punch, decorative punch, corner rounder, bone folder, decorative elements, ribbon.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a bone folder, corner rounder or decorative punch, I will walk you through alternatives.

Take any sized rectangular shaped piece of paper [I used 6.75″ x 4.75″] and fold the two ends toward the middle to create a seam. This seam is the one you will glue together first.

Pinch both sides then fold securely with your bone folder or the side of a round pen will do.

After making the side folds, run your scissors about 1.75″ up each side, then cut the squares that are flapping, off.

Now fold the middle flap upwards, and secure with your bone folder or pen. Next, for that finished look, either use a corner rounder or your scissors to trim off the edges of the middle flap.

Take a pen to mark your holes for the ribbon to go through then punch holes. I eye-balled it! Go for it too!

Glue all your seams together, I like Scotch Quick Dry. Well, that’s a lie. I LOVE Scotch Quick Dry! If you noticed, I had a pic of the scalloped scissors in the pic, you can use those on any edges you like for added flair. Go for it!

For this heart shaped punch-out, you can alternatively cut out a heart from the patterned paper then edge with distress ink or your stamp pad.

Add a treat, or two, run ribbon through the holes, decorate and you’re all set! I put foil wrapped chocolate hearts in these.

I’m letting my son take these to school for his awesome friends. He’s in high school and has some of the best friends he surrounds himself with. I know they’ll appreciate these little treats.

*I’ll post the Altoid tins I decorated for him to give out too!

*Sasparilla – October Afternoon*

This rootin’ tootin’ album couldn’t have been made for a more precious little one. Nuff said.

Valentine’s Day Door Hanger

I created these Valentine’s door hangers for my girls this year. Foam board, patterned paper, micro beads, stamping, tinsel pipe cleaners, beads, bling, lace trim, ephemera from K&Co. Fun project!

Goodies from MOM

So mama was a crafter too! Bead work,  leather, drums, jewelry, masks, paper crafts, baking, etc.

Sooo… After receiving HER mini album, she was sure to send me home with a bunch of suede scraps, beads, shells, ribbon, old calendars and other tools and goodies for my awakened passion! THEN — (dun, dun, dun) we’ve hit up the craft store a few times (okay, more than a few times); well it’s close to the Petco and their new puppy needed treats, ya that’s why.

BIG THANK YOU MOM!!! I plan on using all the supplies to create, create, create (hopefully with you too)!

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