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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Thinking of you

Up until a few months ago, I used my Hallmark software to create cards for family and friends.  Feeling that I was sharing something "better than store bought," I was happy with my efforts.   The only shortcoming in the software was the lack of faithbased or inspirational messaging.  It offered some, but not much.  When you do as many cards as I do in a year, you don't want to repeat cards from year to year. 

As I have been exposed to scrapbooking and papercrafting,  I see the real possibility of sharing unique faithbased messages and gifts to those around me.  Using my own photography, papercrafting, and messaging, I feel even more blessed to share these one-of-a-kind cards and bookmarkers with those whose lives have touched me.  This is just the beginning and I hope that over time my techniques will improve.  If you have a chance, check out my latest video of Cards and Bookmarkers.  As always, I hope sharing my crafts with you all will inspire you to get busy crafting and share the blessings you have received.

Leave me a comments if you so choose as I really appreciate your comments.

Have a blessed day,

Valerie

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Harvest Themed Mini Album

I am very excited to finally upload on YouTube the Harvest themed multi-pocket mini album I recently finished.  It was a lot of fun to make this album for a very good friend of mine.  It was more of a thank you for all of her support and encouragement to a fellow crafter.    

Creating this album really pushed my crafting skills to a whole new level.  The base papers are from the Bo Bunny Harvest Collection.  I added a few coordinating paper pieces from K & Company.  Everything was distressed with Tim Holtz ink mostly vintage photo.  A few pieces I distressed with moss green and tea dye.  Lots of home made glimmer mist using Perfect Pearls throughout the project.  The stamps were Tim Holtz, Anna Griffin, and Martha Stewart.   The base of this album was made from 6 x 9" envelopes.   This album design provides space for a lot of photo mats and journal tags.  I have to give credit to several ladies that inspired me on this project: Arlene, Marion and Weezie.  They are amazing. 

Several of you asked me to do tutorial videos.  I am in the process of upgrading my video equipment for just that purpose.  So look for those coming soon. 

I have a really cute Christmas album to show you coming out soon too. 

Thank you for becoming a member and if you haven't seen the Harvest mini album yet, check it out on the side Video Bar.  As always, I appreciate your comments.

Have a blessed day,

Valerie

Saturday, October 9, 2010

A New Journey

Starting this Faithful Crafter blog is a whole new journey in my life.  I was looking for a way to evolve my  Christain ministry to women along with my many hobbies and interests.  My complete joy comes from sharing "hand made" items with friends and family.  Whether it is a custom card, mini album, gift box or music video, each personal item has an opportunity for me to share the beautiful messages from the Lord. I am looking forward to sharing with you the creative ideas, techniques, and new crafting products that come across my workspace.   

Last night I played for a few hours with all of my scrapbooking paper getting it all organized.  By designer, colors, solids, prints, seasons and so on.  My paper collection was out of control and needed a good cleaning up.  If any of you have paper organizing ideas and would like to share, I would love to hear from you. 

Recently finished a mini album gift for my friend Kelly.  It has a Harvest/Fall theme with endless photo matts and journal tags.  This album took my skills to a whole new level.  I'm working on a video of it and will post it soon.  Working on this album made me very aware that I need more fibers and charms.   Looking forward to scouting out great deals and sharing them with you all soon.  If you haven't been to Creative Fiber Arts website, check it out for great fiber deals by the yard.  Looking for charms to embellish my albums with and if any of you know where to get a great deal, please let me know.

Thanks for taking time to check out the Faithful Crafter blog.

Have a blessed day.

Valerie