American Star - Creating on a Budget

I love decorating my home but I hate spending money on items that will only be out a few months each year. So, in my attempts to be frugal I tend to make items here and there. I was browsing the While Supplies Section of my website recently and came across the My Creations Star. I loved it when it was introduced and gladly snagged a few once I saw the price was reduced!

This project came together very quickly (like under an hour) and was a great way to use up pieces of leftover cardstock. Less than a half sheet of each color was used. The white stars are self adhesive enamel and give a nice dimension to the piece. Each package of White Enamel Stars comes with 72 pieces in two different sizes. I used the larger stars so needed 2 packages (you could easily make this project using one package if you don't mind mixing sizes). I finished it off by sealing with Mod Podge for extra stability.

I'm pretty pleased with how this project turned out and super happy it cost less than $15 to make! I'd say that's a win!

Supplies Used (all CTMH Unless Otherwise Noted):
Paper: Holiday Red Cardstock (retired), Outdoor Denim Cardstock (1275), White Daisy Cardstock (1385)
Stamps: None
Ink: None
Other: MyCreations Star, White Enamel Stars (Z2010)

I'd be happy to help you make this project! If you purchase the My Creations Star from my website I will gladly email you a template to cut each piece of the star. I'm not sure how long the star will be available so don't wait!

~Michelle

June Creative Club - 8" x 10" Artfully Sent Canvas Project

If you think the Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge is just for cards I'm here to tell you it's not! Please join me on Friday, June 12th at 7 pm where I'll show you how to transform one of the 5" x 7" Artfully Sent cards into an 8" x 10" canvas wall hanging!

The cost of the class is $10. Please RSVP no later Wednesday, June 10 via my Meetup group, Manassas Area Papercrafters. I hope to see you there!

~Michelle Battitori

P.S. Due to the nature of this class take-home kits won't be available. However, if I'd be happy to make a complete project for you for $15 (plus shipping if applicable). Projects will be be shipped/ready for pickup within 10 days. To order please message me with your address and I'll paypal you a total. 

Card-A-Thon Kits Available for Purchase

Last Saturday I hosted a Card-A-Thon event with the theme "A Year of Cards." It turned out great and everyone had a good time creating! Each attendee had 2 hours to create an unlimited amount of cards in whatever theme and quantity they wanted!

I created cards for one holiday a month using a variety of stamps and papers. I kept some of the cards pretty general, like July, making a birthday card instead of 4th of July.  Here's a closer look at each card (click on photo to see a larger version):

Most of the card ideas were based on CTMH's How-To-Books and on-line sketches but February's card was a total CASE of THIS one by Vicki W. 

For those that are interested I have 4 kits available for purchase! Each kit contains 12 cards, all pre-cut and pre-stamped for you! All you have to do is assemble them based on the included color photo and you're done! The cost of each kit is $15, or $20 if shipped out of state. 

If you'd like to order a set (or two) please choose one of the options below:

Northern VA Pick-Up  - $15:

Out of State Shipped - $20:

Happy Creating!

~Michelle

February Card-A-Thon Class

On Saturday, Feb 7 at 10 am I will be hosting another Card-A-Thon class! I love these classes and hope you'll be able to join me! This month's Card-A-Thon theme is A Year of Cards. I've designed 12 different cards for you to choose from all based on a holiday for each month of the year. I'll be sharing all the cards throughout the week but here's a sampling of what's available to choose from:

Here's how it works...you'll have two hours to make as many cards as you can! Everything will be pre-cut and ready to make. Simply take each card box to your station and create! If you like a particular card feel free to make more of it (just be mindful of others who may want to make it as well). The only "rule" is that you must completely finish the card before moving on to the next one. The only supplies you'll need are your adhesive and VersaMat. The cost for this class is $15 or free with any $50 CTMH order!

I have a few spots open so if you'd like to RSVP here's the link: February Card-A-Thon Class

Hope to see you next Saturday!

~Michelle Battitori

The Easiest 4th of July Wreath You'll Ever Make

The other day I shared a wreath I made on my Facebook Page and promised I'd share the tutorial on how I made it on my blog.

Before we get started let me say that I've made wreaths before and they can be very time consuming. This one was not! It really was the quickest and easiest wreath I've ever made. Total working time is approximately 1 1/2 hours or how however long it takes to watch a no-commercial Disney movie on TV with the kids!

The inspiration for this wreath came from HERE.

Felt all cut up

Here's what you'll need to make your own:

• 12" Foam Wreath - $5 (check your local Dollar Store for wreaths. Mine were out of stock so I went to one of the big name stores)
• 11 sheets Blue Felt - $2.64
• 12 sheets White Felt - $2.88
• 11 sheets Red Felt - $2.64
• Heat N Bond - $2.00 (not needed if you cut your stars by hand)
• Straight Pins - had some in my stash
• Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks (Or Fabric Glue)
• Total Supply Cost = $15.16

I didn't take photos of the step-by-step process but it's so easy I don't think you'll need it. THIS tutorial has step-by-step for those that prefer visual instructions.

1. Cut each felt sheet into 4ths (fold in half and cut, then fold in half and cut again). They will be rectangular.
2.  Diagonally match two ends together. Then diagonally match the other two ends. It won't line up exactly but that's OK. 
3. Pin your "triangle" onto your wreath with straight pins (depending on the size of your pins you may need to use two per piece). Continue pinning pieces next to each other. For a fuller wreath pin your pieces close together. The closer you pin the more felt you need! I started with the blue section and then alternated with 7 rectangles of red and 7 of white. 
4. To make the stars I used my Cricut Explore and Design Space Software to cut 13 stars at 1 1/2" each. If you're cutting with your cricut you'll need to iron Heat N bond to the felt to sturdy it up. You'll also want to use the multi-cut function to cut twice. If you don't have a cricut you can trace or freehand draw a star and cut by hand. Once cut arrange stars to your liking and glue onto the wreath.

I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial and the finished product. Here's a pic of me and two of my kids before we ran our 4th of July 5K...in full costume of course!

Do you decorate for the 4th? Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite 4th of July decoration.

Have a wonderful day!

~Michelle Battitori