Snow Challenge

For the: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Let it snow challenge:

December Snowfall. I made this with a wooden framing, Artistic Outpost Stamps, 

Tim Holtz Embossing Powders.  I used Snow Tex for my snow. 

I distressed the background with Tim Holtz distress pad(s). 

December I took from the Seasonal papers. 

The metal embellishments I used Ranger Alcohol inks.  

I used Embossing Powders on the tree and framing. 

I cut the framing out from a menu I saw at Black Bear Diner. 

I used chipboard underneath for making it sturdy. 

The little squrrial I had from old embellishments.  

I used Antiquities Frosted Crystal on the branches of the tree.

The small metal embellishment read: Grateful.
I added small metal Oak Leaves on each upper corner
which I used gold Alcholol Ink to distress a bit.

Please check out my Etsy store as well: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JanBianchi

December is here!

I bought a couple of Tim Holts canvases last year that came in a four pack on close out.
Here is one of them that had music on the background. I believe these were part of the
District Market collection.  I used Tim Holtz Christmas Carolers die cuts. The
background cards I bought at Target as part of the Feed Collection.  I always look

for items that can be used for other purposes such as background.

The string is from Tim Holtz Christmas decor and the lettering for Joy To The World.

December is fast upon us and here is an updated image of the Carolers.

I also added the small clip for a small 2 x 3 picture. I added Christmas rub ons 

from Tim Holtz. 

Getting Ready!

For the http://www.flonzcraft.com stamp challenge for December:
As I prepare for an upcoming craft fair in early December
the configuration for decorations is now finally getting done

and coming together. Hard work never felt so good or rewarding.

DYI is definitely the name of the game for this gal.

"Vintage" 2nd Challenge w/Crafty Hands Challenge Blog

For the"Vintage" 2nd Challenge With Crafty Hands Challenge Blog

I thought I would enter this since the theme was for Vintage items. 

I loved making this simple ornate item for upcoming craft fair I will be participating in. 

http://craftyhandsdevon.blogspot.com/

Christmas Shadow Box

Shadow box made with Artistic Outpost Stamps, Distress Powders, Tim Holtz Embellishments,

Snow Tex and Distress colors. And old carboard. Small snow embellishments.
On the outside a hiking cane and snow shoes to boot!
Borders on the inside done with Tim Holtz Christmas papers.

http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/ Challenge Christmas

Simplfying Matters

As I drove around doing errands I was thinking, actually more like reflecting upon the time of year we are now entering. I feel like there is too much noise, things around me feel like they are too crowded. I like to simplify things. I wondered to myself today what was Christmas like back in the mid 1800's? I mused how organic all of it must of been back then. The preparations, the cooking, the making of gifts. Everything then compared to now took effort, thought, planning of details, and I imagined nothing necessarily came with ease. What I love about the retro days that have come and gone was the simplicity. Even for me growing up in the 60's it was still a time of certain innocence. Many things were still made here in the U.S.A. There were no electronic gadgets, Iphones, Ipads, and so on. There was simple. So as I prepare for an upcoming Holiday Craft Fair in Santa Rosa, CA in early December I have kept my philosophy to sticking with meaning, simplicity, and value. I have made items that represent the spirit of the past, the hope of the moment. The advent of Christmas is not about over commercialization.  Nor is about getting the next best thing.

Christmas is a time to honor, and give back. It is a time to reflect and to remember. I can only imagine what a white Christmas meant in the late 1800's? Spleandor and beauty.  I so passionately love Artistic Outposts Mid Winter Stamp set. I love many of their stamps simply because they are so beautiful. I also love many of

the new ideology items Tim Holtz came out with
for this winter and holiday. I hope to honor the past by remembering tradition and the spirit of the season. I will post some pictures soon.