Fun 'N Easy Mr. Rabbit One-ish Layer Easter Card!

 Hello!

There's no better time to think about Spring than when there are mountains of snow piled up!  This project features Mr. Rabbit by Tim Holtz and Stampers Anonymous and a bit of masking to keep the bulk down so you can mail them without taking out a second mortgage.

All the how-tos are in this week's video and many of the products are linked below (AFIL- thank you so much for your support!  I may get a small commission when items are purchased using these links.).  I hope you will enjoy the tutorial and consider subscribing, liking and sharing at no cost to you!

Here are the supplies I used:

I hope you stay safe if you are in this nasty weather!  I'll be back soon!

Gale

Shaggy Dog Shaker Card (Craft Roulette #301 Submission)

Hello!

Happy New Year!  Wishing you all the best in 2026 with tons of time to craft!  My first card this year is a Craft Roulette submission.  If you haven't heard of Craft Roulette, it's a live paper craft challenge on YouTube at 7:10 EST.  It's a great way to stretch your card-making muscles!  We have a lot of fun and laughs along the way!

Mary Gunn Funn spins the wheel to decide our parameters each week.  This week was Project:  Appreciation Card,  Color: Apple Farm,  Element: Silhouette, Random: An Old Product.  There was a bit of an extra challenge this week by Jenn Gross to make it a shaker card and she'll donate .25 cents for each one to the Elderly Dog Rescue in honor of Mary's son Stephen's dog Furgis.

I had no problem with the old stuff!  The corner punch (unknown) is ancient as well as the Thank You window (Creative Creations).  I also used an old Martha Stewart edge punch to make a little stencil for the pawprints and a Simon Says Stamp Dog Die that's discontinued.  Anything else I used is linked below.  

I don't normally do 5 x 7 cards, but was "forced" to because the thank you die was too wide for an A2:(. That's a lot of real estate for me to cover!

I added a shadow to the dog die, but the silhouette wound up being the pawprints.  I was hoping the thank you would be, but it's a drop shadow LOL!

I'm planning some tutorials soon as I have a little time off work this month.  So watch this space!

Take care and I'll be back soon!

Gale

This Interactive Card Takes The Cake!

Hello!

I'm so excited to show you a card a made using products by two amazing ladies- Taniesa, owner of Trinity Stamps and Amanda, owner of Pear Blossom Press!  Supplies are linked below if you are interested.

I decided that more is more, so I doubled the interactivity for this project.  It lights up and is a shaker card, plus it's 5 x 7!  ! I made a YouTube tutorial about the construction because I would be typing for a very long time and my tutorial is about to post;)

But first, I thought I'd share my "practice" card.  It's not interactive, but helped give me the lay of the land.  This is an A2 (4.25 x 5.5") not an A7 like the interactive one.

I really had fun playing with the cake die.  The possibilities are endless!  It looks like it's hard, but it really isn't.

Next, the star of the show...

Here is the YouTube tutorial.  I hope you enjoy it!  (If you haven't already, I'd really appreciate you subscribing, liking and especially sharing with your friends!

Here are the supplies I used (AFIL-thank you so very much!  I may get a small commission on purchases made with these links;)

I'll be back very soon with another fun project, so stay tuned!  Take care!

Gale

Playing with 3D Embossing Folders!

Hello!

Did you ever try making a sun print when you were a kid?  A sunprint is when you lay an object, usually a leaf on a piece of light sensitive photo paper.  You leave outside a few minutes and when it's done, there's a blue outline of the leaf.  Ahhhhh, those were the good old days of simplicity!

Here is a brief tutorial of how I made this faux sun print.  The products are linked below if you are interested (AFIL thank you!  I may receive a small commission if you purchase products using these links;)

Here are the supplies I used:

Take care and I'll see you again soon!

Gale

How To Make An Easy Spinning Globe Card!

 Hello!

Hope all is well with you!  I'm sharing an easy way to make a spinning globe card that you could use for any project!  The supplies are linked below (AFIL-Thank you for your support!

The complete tutorial is here:

Here are the supplies I used:

I'll be back again soon with a new project for you!!

Take care,

Gale

Sketch Vs Artify Markers: Are They Worth The $$$ ???

Hello!  

Welcome, or welcome back!  I was given a lot of Artify markers at Creativation and wanted to share my honest, but humble opinion.  To start, I am not a professional artist and I'm not great at coloring.  I sometimes do a little of that on my card projects.   

That said, I hope you will enjoy my review and take from it what you will!  Supplies are linked below (AFIL, thank you for your support!)

If you are going to Simon Says Create!  Stop me if you see me.  I have a cute little gift for you (while supplies last!)  I'll be posting a video about that early next week!

Here's a quick card I made with the Artify Markers for Craft Roulette:

Here are the supplies I used:
 

Take care!

Gale

How To Make Moons Many Ways!

 Hello!

Welcome back!  I was inspired by Tim Holtz's YT lives to play with fun ways to make regular and "spooky" moons!  

This is Part 1:  I split the tutorial because it was going to be pretty long, so the first one is this card.  The video tutorial link is below as well as the supplies I used for all of the tutorials.  (Affil--Thank you so much for your support!)

I was pretty happy with the result, but it took a few attempts:)

Here's the video link:

Here is my supply list:

I will be back with the second part very soon!   

Take care!

Gale

All The Things From Simon Says Create 2023!! (Parts One & Two)

 Hello!

I've actually been able to get out to some bucket list conventions and classes and want to share with you!  (Figuratively and Literally!)  i can't believe they were both local!  I have another post on the way about Creativation '23, but right now let's talk Simon Says Create!

I've attended all three years, but this time I decided to splurge on the classes.  They were so much fun and inspiring!  The first video is about the general goings on and the second one is all about the Create 'n Takes, classes and lots of swag!  I am going to spare you my shopping haul for now, but will be using them in many future tutorials!  Most of the class and create 'n take products are linked below.  I really appreciate it when you use these links.  I may get a small commission on purchases made with them.  Thank you!!

There is a fun giveaway in Part Two you won't want to miss!  Entry details are in the video, but here's the prize (I'm so sorry, but US mailing addresses only for this one.)

Here is the link to Part One:

Here is the link to Part Two:

I hope you enjoy the videos and be sure to enter the drawing!  Please like, subscribe and share with a friend if you do enjoy them!

Supplies:

Take care and I'll be back shortly with new tutorials!

Gale

How To Use Stencil/Foil Sets & Are They Worth It?

 Hello and Welcome!

I know it's been a minute but I'm so glad to finally be able to post a project!  I really am liking the hot foiling technique and thought I would try it with coordinating stencils.  

I found them easy, especially since I'm not one to color much as it's time consuming and I'm not very good at it:)

Here is the quick tutorial (the supplies I used are linked below ---AFIL-- thank you!):

I hope you enjoy it and come back soon!  

Supplies:

Elegant 'N Easy Get Well Card-- "A Blog Named Hero" Challenge Inspiration!

Hello!  

Spring is here if only in my dreams!  It will be here soon--turning back our clocks this Sunday...

Here is some floral inspiration for the current "A Blog Named Hero Challenge."  Hurry and enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card!

So shiny:)

This card is pretty simple and quick (my favorite kind!)  The supplies are linked below (AFIL-Thank you!)

I chose several shades of pink/coral Distress inks and smooshed them, drying between layers.  I stamped the bold script background in white pigment ink.  I used the second largest rounded rectangle die to trim panel.  

I added it to an A2 top folding base, then carefully glued on my vellum envelope and flowers from a My Monthly Hero kit so popular, they now sell the dies!  I added a little ink and glitter pen to the flowers to add some interest. 

I stamped the sentiment strip and laid it over the foliage to hide glue I used to apply them.  Then added a few sequins for some additional shine.

Here are the supplies I used:

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I'll see you again soon!

Gale

Fun Distress Ink Smooshing & Die-Cutting Techniques!

 Hello crafty friends!

I had so much fun making this project!  I hope you will check out the youtube tutorial for the tips and tricks! 

I was inspired by Tim Holtz's December Facebook lives where he demo'ed all kinds of cool techniques!  All the instructions for this project are in the tutorial link below.  

Btw, I purchase my supplies and my opinions are my own.  They are linked below (AFIL-thank you so much for supporting my channel/blog!)  Hope you will check them out!

Note:  I couldn't find a cardinal:(  Also, I didn't mention in video that I used Ebony Nuvo drops for the bird's eye.  

Supply List:

I will see you again soon!  Take care!

Gale

What Could Be Cookin' At The 'Creek?

if I were cooking...

Greetings!

I've admitted before that cooking is not my favorite thing.  But, I really admire folks who have a passion for it (and especially share the by-products of that passion!)  Sometimes one has to cook and believe it or not, there have been times where I have gotten compliments!  I thought I would share a few recipes with you now to try out this holiday season.

None of the recipes are complicated or require exotic ingredients, though the stuffing takes a little time.  Most are from the backs of boxes or cans, family or friends (who probably got them off the back of boxes or cans LOL!)  However, they are really good and full of calories.  Feel free to share these and Enjoy!

Corn Pudding:

2 EGGS, BEATEN
1/2 C BUTTER, MELTED
1 8.5 OZ BOX OF JIFFY CORNBREAD MIX
1 15 OZ CAN WHOLE KERNEL CORN, DRAINED
1 14.4 OZ CAN OF CREAMED CORN
1 C SOUR CREAM

Place in buttered baking dish and put into a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.

Marynelle's stuffing:  

1 1/2 LOAVES DRIED BREAD TORN INTO SMALL PIECES
3 EGGS
1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
1/3 LB OF BACON, LIGHTLY BROWNED (STILL SOFT) AND CHOPPED
1 C CELERY, CHOPPED
1 LG CAN MUSHROOM PIECES, DRAINED
1/2 CHOPPED ONION
POULTRY SEASONING, SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE
1 1/2 LBS BUTTER, MELTED

Using the biggest bowl you have mix wet ingredients, then add bacon and seasonings.  Stir in bread gradually.  Put in a greased pan or pans and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour, according to how deep it is.  If by chance you over bake, you can generally save it by adding a tiny bit of turkey broth.

Barb's Broccoli & Cheese Casserole:

2 16 OZ PKGS OF FROZEN BROCCOLI FLORETS
1/2 LG BOX OF VELVETTA
2 STICKS BUTTER
2 ROWS OF RITZ CRACKERS

Cook broccoli until just tender, but not soggy.  It will finish cooking in the oven.  Pour out water and add 1 stick of butter while pan is warm.  Then add chunks of Velvetta until all is melted.

While broccoli is cooking put 2 rows of crackers in a gallon size baggie.  Crunch with rolling pin, but leave little hunks.  Add 1 stick of melted butter to the bag and mush around until all is moistened.

Pour broccoli mixture into buttered 11 x 14 dish.  Layer the cracker mixture on top.  Put in 350 degree oven 20 mins or until bubbly and slightly browned.

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Dip:  

8 OZ CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED
1/2 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
3/4 C CONFECTIONER'S SUGAR
2 TABLESPOONS BROWN SUGAR
1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT
1 CUP OF MINIATURE SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS

Beat cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla to the cheese mixture; stir. Stir chocolate chips through the cheese mixture.  Some folks shape into a ball and decorate, but we dip it out of the bowl with chocolate graham cracker sticks.

Pink Fluffy Stuff aka Ambrosia:

1 LG. CAN CHERRY PIE FILLING

1 TUB OF COOL WHIP (not low calorie--I prefer whipped cream, but I make an exception for this)

1/2 PKG OR SO MINI MARSHMALLOWS (colored or plain)

1 CAN PINEAPPLE TIDBITS
1 JAR MARASCHINO CHERRIES DRAINED
1 CAN MANDARIN ORANGE SEGMENTS DRAINED
1 CAN SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

Dump all in bowl, stir, refrigerator a couple of hours and serve.

Candied Pecans:

1 LB BAG OF SHELLED PECAN HALVES
1/4 C OF ORANGE JUICE
1 C OF GRANULATED SUGAR

Put all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl.  Cook on high, stirring every 2 minutes until sugar crystalizes (about 6-8 mins) being careful not to burn them.  Pour onto greased cookie sheet and separate to cool.  Store in an airtight container.

Tried and True (See the back of the packages):

Ocean Spray Whole Cranberry Sauce  (It doesn't get any easier than this!)

Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust (on the back of the key lime juice bottle.)

Jiffy Mix Cornbread  (People love that I add whole kernel corn to it.  It makes it more moist and less bland.)

Until next time!

Gale

The 'Creek's 2014 Year In Reverse (& a trick chicken...)

Hello!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!  It's time for that annual bit of reflecting, so I thought I would do it backward like most other things I do:)  If you don't know my family personally, you might want to drop to the end to the chicken!

This was a busy month for the kids.  Taylor finished up his first semester at University of Cincinnati, but had to go back Christmas day to hop on a bus with the band to DC as the Bearcats got into the Military Bowl.  After their star quarterback got hurt, he said everyone knew it was over.  They had to use a wide receiver (Munchie) to fill in--though the same thing happened against the same team in the same bowl a few years ago and Munchie won the game.  (Sort of reminds me of Ohio St. this year going through quarterbacks like water.  Go Bucks! Beat Alabama on New Year's day and go to the national championships!)

Audra now has one semester left before she graduates from Ohio Wesleyan and will have to find a real job.  She is catching up on cooking shows and Netflix as I type.

This Fall Audra had her senior recital and did a great job.  It's hard to play the French Horn for a half hour alone!  Audra and I went to Cincinnati to visit Taylor and take in a UC home game (they won.)  My sis-in-law Mary and I went to the Ohio St.-UC game to see Taylor play in the 'Shoe (which is now closed-in and not really a shoe anymore...)

The ladies (hens) had a nice summer that wasn't too hot, but they had a hard moult and quit laying in August or so.  I was afraid they had gone into early "henopause," but found out everyone's hens did the same thing around here.  Weird.

This Summer I changed from Appliance Sales Specialist to Kitchen Specialist at Lowe's.  It is nice to be able to be creative (and nicer to deal less with appliances...)  I design kitchens, craft rooms, laundry rooms, the occasional bathroom and even a basement!

Taylor graduated from high school and worked for his dad in construction.  He sure got hot and dirty!

Not much happened last Spring aside from dealing with the yard in the aftermath of that never-ending awful Winter.

Truly and Carrie are doing fine and look forward to their daily chewy treat we like to call bamboo because that's how Truly eats it between her feet.

It was an all-round nice year here at the 'Creek.  I plan to do more crafting and blogging next year (though I should be doing more cleaning!)  If there is a question or topic you would like me to address, just let me know!

One thing I was finally able to get captured on video is Henrietta the Americauna hen (brown with a beard and ear muffs who is more like a dog than a hen) catching treats in the backyard.  She has caught up to 8 in a row, but this day was windy and she only got 2... the other hens let the treats bounce off their beaks or heads or whatever.... the bottom video is easier to see.

Wishing you Health, Wealth and Happiness in 2015!

Gale

P.S.  Audra did finally decorate the tree Christmas Eve.  Even undecorated, the tree was pretty and it smells unusually nice!

Poultry Puzzle

Happy Valentine's Day!

The ladies (hens) and I would like to help put you in the mood for Spring---as if you need any help:)  All is well at the "Darby Creek Chick Inn."  There were six eggs in there today!  They got to run in the yard some this week and they looked like kids at recess!  I can't believe they are nearly two years old.  We still have all the original gals, plus Olga/James Brown is alive and well up the road chasing folks while keeping watch for his hens.

Here is a link to a puzzle I made on Jigsaw Planet for you featuring Sylvia Scarlett, the Silver Laced Polish hen.  I am working on several posts as well as getting the house in order to place on the market.  So, please come back in a few days, okay?

Sylvia Scarlett Puzzle

Hint:  Work from the outside in:)

Until next time!

Gale