Inspire Canvas

A simple flat panel canvas turns into an "inspiring" decoration with Mod Podge and some simple embellishments.

After creating a base layer of Mod Podged scrapbook paper, I layered the cut out shapes and the "inspire" wording. When dry, I added some lace trim and buttons. The finishing touch was the adorable charm I created using a Craft Fantastic Charm Tray. The flower charm was designed to be a necklace but I flipped it upside-down and hung the bird charm off of it. 

I loved the results and this canvas became a wonderful decorative touch to my craft area! 

**Please be advised that Plaid Enterprises, Inc. has compensated the designer by furnishing Plaid product at no charge in connection with this posting. 

And she's off!

By the time you read this post the #CrazyShoeboxLady will be on my way to Paraguay! It’s really hard to believe! It is a dream come true, trip of a lifetime. I wanted to take this opportunity to first of all say “Thank you” thank you for your support, with finances, prayers, time to help with shoeboxes, and even emotionally! 

Our team has been sharing in devotions in the time leading up to the trip, the more I read God’s word, and pray about the trip, the more humbled and amazed I am that this trip is even possible?? Yet with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!

I then think about how I got here. The reason I can go on this trip is because of the generosity of friends, and family. The reason I was invited on this trip is because of the growth of my area team for Operation Christmas Child. The reason my area team has grown both in shoebox numbers and in team members,  is because I have an amazing area team! The reason I even HAVE an area team for OCC is because of our packing party “Shoebox 1K”  It caught the attention of Samaritan’s Purse, and they asked me to “join the team.” The only reason “Shoebox 1K” got so big is because of the time friends put in, because of the generosity of individuals, companies, groups and manufacturers. The only reason “Shoebox 1K” came into being is because I was challenged by a young man named “Caleb.” Caleb knew about shoeboxes because he was in my children’s ministry and his mom was one of my “partners in crime” for collecting supplies year round. The reason I started collecting supplies year round because a 3 year old Winter had her heart touched by our yearly family Christmas project. Our family’s Christmas project was started because someone told me, I could use a shoebox gift to bless a child in need and tell them about Jesus. 

Sunday, I was able to share with our Children's Ministry about my trip, they then helped me put the finishing touches on a shoebox I am taking with me. This shoebox represents so many who have given to not only this trip, but to Shoebox 1K! There are things from my fabulous group of "Shoebox 1K Crafters," there's a sewing kit with a sampler in it from Jack Dempsey Needle Arts,there are items chosen by dear friends, there is a special top made by Caleb (yes the one who first challenged me to do a 1000 boxes!) There is a Monster Loom from Rainbow Loom and a loom bracelet made by my daughter, there are letters and a "boo-boo" bunny from my Children's Ministry and I filled each and every nook and cranny the way my OCC team members Dorinda and Becky would :) Each item representing something/someone that means so very much to me, because they helped make this possible. 

THE SHOEBOX!

The children from church praying over this box

Monday, I should have been packing but you know me; I had to throw in a last minute crafting project *grin* (shhh they are for my team members in Paraguay.) Which then made me want to pack an emergency craft kit cause you never know when you will have a "crafting emergency!

Shh I should be packing, but decided to fit in some last minute crafting! 

Then I had the kids over before I left (and they came with friends) and now I should be sleeping but wanted to share here first. 

So if you think about me this week, pray for me, and the team and the opportunities the Lord will be opening up for us, and pray for those very precious children receiving the boxes we will be handing out! If you want to follow my adventures check out "Shoebox 1K" on Facebook! 

Craft Fantastic Bracelet.

Two years ago, at the St. Charles, IL Scrapbook Expo, I met a fabulous company called "Craft Fantastic." I loved the simplicity of making jewelry with their pre-sized images, and realized the endless possibilities with my own images. This past CHA I was surprised and pleased to run into them at the show as a manufacturer offering wholesale for the first time. Needing someone to fill in and demonstrate for them, I spent a few hours teaching make and takes at their booth.

Working at the Craft Fantastic booth at CHA this year. 

The coincidence was that on my desk waiting for me when I got home from the show was a Christmas present in progress for a friend, yes it is January, no I had not finished it yet. Christmas was a rather emotional time for me. I love (and I mean LOVE) making Christmas presents, but it was my first Christmas without my favorite recipient so making gifts this year took a back seat to just allowing the holiday to be and deal with the emotions of the day. So by the time January rolled around I was ready to get back into the creative swing of things and decided to attempt to make something that I had been toying around with in my mind for awhile.

The gift was for my editor. I work for Chicagoland Scrapbooker Magazine and being that I work with our social media I get sent the cover images for the magazine. The idea was to use Craft Fantastic glass and glaze & glue to create a one of a kind charm bracelet using the cover images of the magazine.

Close-up of the cover charms.

By reducing the images to a bit smaller than 1 inch square I was able to use the 5/8" square glass pieces to make the charms for the bracelet.  I added beads I strung on head pins and then a cute scissor charm as an accent. I love the way it turned out and hope that Carrie enjoys the memory celebrating our first year and a half as well.  

Finished bracelet.

Supplies used: Craft Fantastic 5/8" glass squares, Craft Fantastic Glaze & Glue, bail plates, E600, scraps of patterned paper, glass beads, silver chain, T clasp, jump rings, head pins.