Three by Three for School

Hello dear sweet people! Happy Thursday to you!

Today I'm sharing a quick little project I made. I've been feeling the direction to encourage people to take tiny steps to affect a big change in other's lives. I call it the Positivity Project (I know that term is running around the interwebs, but I didn't know that when I started. Not trying to steal anyone else's idea.).

My goal is simple: Be kind. Back to school is a crazy, hectic time of year. All that running to and fro, trying to get the school supplies, learn a new schedule, and juggle everything is a power punch to the sanity. So let's dial it back just a little.

Card base is 3x6 inches scored at 3 inches, 'wood' paper panel is 2.75x2.75 inches.

Look around you. Do you see other frazzled people? That grocery clerk let you check out in her line even though she was closing up for lunch. What about that single mom dropping kids at three different schools? She got a little car damage and is wondering where the money is going to come from. She's on the verge of tears, but then dropped her coffee. I'm telling you, life is hard.

I'm making these small items just for occasions like this. Keep these little cards in your glove box, your purse, or briefcase. Hand them out to these people. HAND THEM OUT. You can write a note in them, or just give it with a hug and tell them to use that card to tell someone else they notice and care. Take just a second to feel the warmth. Don't let your ego get involved, however.

Here's a short video on how I made this set. Enjoy it and I hope it sparks you to do something for the Positivity Project!

Maybe you don't have time to make these, or you think it's too hard for you. Contact me and we can see if I can teach you or make these for you. I guarantee this is the best mood-elevating, love-stimulating, people-uniting act in the whole world! And believe me, we need it.

Take care and SHARE!

~ky

I used my MISTI, the Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented, for this project.

I used my Overhead Cellphone Camera Mount to video this project.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I'm gonna gut you!

Hey there peoples of the world! We got some rain today. Finally! I think it  had been 43 days this go. We're not used to that. So while I was listening to this awesome thunderstorm, I decided you might like to learn something.

Have you ever got that nagging notice from the mailman? Your letter is being held in postage due hell? Oh that used to kill me. It never failed to happen on a Saturday and it would be Monday before Mom could pay the bail money on my pen pal letter that was barely half a page. But the glory of that half-page! Postage due is purgatory.

Today I played with my MISTI and Work Of Art stamp set. I wanted an ombre feel so I stamped the zig zags off until they faded away. The MISTI is magical for this sort of stamping!

I thought I might give you a way to save that extra penny or two while at the same time showing you how to stretch your cardstock dollar just a bit farther. It's a process known as gutting. Here's the quick video.

Now, I hope that gives you some ideas and that you PUT THEM TO USE right away. I have a little challenge that isn't too hard, and returns a lot in joy even on a dreary day. Send a card, give a note, leave a post-it for someone you don't say thanks enough to. #positivityproject. Just do it.

Off you go - have some fun. Reach out. See you soon.

~ky

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Beat the Heat

Man, it's so hot, but we did get a nice cold front steam through. Instead of 105, it's a cool 98 today. Honestly? My body can't tell the difference once we get this high. I decided to beat the heat and play with some Artist Trading Cards!

Last time, I showed you just how uncomplicated mixed media can be. Today, I'm sharing a method that isn't complicated using products you likely already have on hand. These little projects are great for the kids, too! Approachable, engaging, and easily building confidence in making art.

Artist Trading Cards (aka ATCs) are the size of a standard deck of cards (2.5 x 3.5 inches). We use them to swap techniques or just a bit of our art with other artists or collectors. They contain all the pertinent info on the reverse, and are numbered. Kind of like a cross between a baseball trading card and a business card. They are fun and addictive! They turn into a wonderful card just by matting them with a bold border and placing them on a card base.

Don't you just love the vibrant colors? Those water droplets make me feel a little cooler, too. Fun stuff! So - get out your toys and play along. Don't forget to like and subscribe if you feel led to do so. The more followers I get, the more chances I have to connect with you. And I seriously would consider it an honor to share my mixed media journey!

If you are a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and think these projects would inspire your customers, contact me for the pdf instructions of how to lead this as a class.




Thank you for visiting my blog. Please let me know if there is something specific you would like to see or get help with, and don't forget the sweet overhead hands-free cell phone stand so you can start making your own videos, too!

Ta for now,
~ky

Additional supplies - inexpensive paint brush, Mod Podge sealer, pressurized air, Tim Holtz filmstrip, white acrylic ink, water spritzer.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Fall Out Paper Pumpkin Style

It's hot in Texas. Really hot. We're kinda used to it but this is really hard. It 'feels like' 112*F outside today. Really weather people? Can you not say it so cheerfully? "Feels Like" is the best you've got?

Normally I do not venture far from my home in weather like this. I mean, it's a real risk of tire melt if you leave home. Most parking areas are paved in black asphalt. They say that's so the ice and snow will melt in the winter. Shhhmmmmm.... Winter is exactly 2.67 days long here. Spumall (spring-summer-fall) occupies the remainder with summer greedily usurping 90% of that. It's such a smug season, too.

I ventured away from home today because I had an 'invitation' to sit for Jury Duty. I think this is a very important civic duty. I was really disappointed in some members who arrived and snivled over every perceived slight. I like juries and the legal process. Divine providence knew I shouldn't be put at such dire risk with this weather, thus gave me a doctor's excuse.

They give you 3 chances to exempt yourself - the first are life-related, too old, too young, in school, etc. The second group are legal reasons, like, you're a felon. The third group were the infirm, hence my turtling up to the Judge to show him my high tech heart monitor gizmo that shrieks if I think about shifting my tookus while seated. It. is. HIDEOUS! The judge actually leaned away from me when I held it up for him to see. We talked about it for 15 seconds. He said, "See the clerk, best of luck to you." I have a feeling someone is going to be given new screening rules for prospective jurors.

While I was sitting there waiting my turn and getting rude stares from my peers, I was thinking about whether or not I could put together My Paper Pumpkin in such a situation. We were sardine-like in theatre seats made for little children without oil. With record high temperatures blazing down on the hot-stone-coffin that is century old brick government buildings with tall windows and poor circulation. No chance for My Pumpkin to shine.

So we hit the road. City library, toute de suite! I actually sat in my truck on a hot asphalt parking lot waiting for them to open. I was amazed at the number of people already lined up - only one had small children. This was refreshing. However, there was no space for the pumpkin and the sun was rising.

Corner bakery and step on it! I pulled it out. The food was ready before I could snap a selfie! Sigh. Off to the grocer, then home. At least this Paper Pumpkin can brag to its friends about the daring and wild life it lived.

Have you signed up for this very portable box of joy? Each month provides you with a complete project - a full set of cards, stamp set with ink, embellishments and envelopes or a set of birthday cards and gift bags - that you can work on anywhere. With anyone. Even bored kids or your office friends at lunch or with your besties as you have that last party before heading off to college. Best of all - if you are a new customer, you can get 50% off your pumpkin for the first 2 months. There is nothing to lose! Ok, well, actually you'd lose $10 a month if you didn't, so DO IT!

I'll sweeten the deal - sign up through me, and I'll send you a lovely thank you prezzie for joining! Let's play!

~ky

New Product! The Camera Stand!

I'm so excited! I haven't been too keen on making new videos because I had this problem. My set-up was bulky, hard to manage, and I had to get up on a ladder to check to see if I was still in frame. It was a bear.

Then my friend, Lydia of Understand Blue, told me to not use my big honking 35mm video beast and simplify things. I love that about her. She's wildly funny, very pithy, and such a generous sharer with her tricks and tips. Simplify. (Are you nodding along with me?)

So many selfies! 

Well, we went to convention. Together. A whole flock of little "Lydia's" in one town. I don't know how the city is still standing. We had a flaming BALL!! And I met this sweet lady, Katie, who shared her knowledge with me. DIY video stand for your cell phone!

Bev loves my little flower crab, Richard. We wuz HERE!

I about fell over dead because I'm pretty sure lightning just struck me right on the head. I was sitting next to Lydia. I'm sure that's what saved me.

When I got home, I went on the search, went to my second favorite toy store (Home Depot), and bought supplies. About 30 minutes later - eureka!

Yeah, I hope no one gets sea sick over this video. Like I said, I need help in videography! Heehee! The stand really makes a difference, though. And if you're like me... you have to clean that dinner table off to put dinner on!

Share it with your friends. I can think of so many non-crafters who would find this a big help too. I have a clickable link next to "Home" up there at the top. Click it. Order - I would love to make one for you, and you can even pick the color.

ALSO - If you'd like in on the fantastic madness and learn some sa-weeet stamping skills, check out Lydia's fall retreat: UNWIND at the Loft House! It will sell out quickly, so sign up soon!

Have a GREAT day! (Oh, and I'll have another video coming really soon, so check back!)

Ta!
~ky