My Time To Play

Mixed Media Canvases

2012-02-01T06:31:00.005-05:00

I had a chance to try some more mixed media with some girlfriends and I have a couple of canvases to share. My first attempt is on a small 6"x6" canvas. I had no idea where I was going when I started and it kind of evolved into a nature themed piece:

Many of you will recognize the second canvas.

It is my take on Christy Tomlinson's She Art:

I have not decided on the sentiment for the canvas yet...I have too many choices. I am actually planning on making some more canvases so I can use all of them...just waiting on that order from Dick Blick! I must say that this was a very relaxing and fun process...and I love the results!

Swedish Heart

2012-01-18T06:07:00.006-05:00

Did you ever make a woven Swedish Heart for your Christmas tree? They are perfect little pockets to hold tiny treats or messages of love for someone special:

My husband and I like to drink a little champagne on our wedding anniversary (tomorrow!) and I wanted a little something to decorate the bottle. I decided to try my hand at making a woven heart using my Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Hearts dies and some felt:

And I made a simple little card to insert in the pocket:

I just love this detail:

I think this would be very sweet for Valentine's Day, too!

Exploding Box

2012-01-16T06:16:00.026-05:00

It is no secret I love to make exploding boxes. I actually find myself making them as a 3D card...or a card/gift combo. Here is one I made for my husband - our 21st Wedding Anniversary is this week!

When you take the lid off, the 4 sides open out and this is what you see:

Each side of the box has a pocket. They are decorated very similarly, but the sentiments are different. They are from Quick Quotes and are printed on vellum. I cut them with the Classic Squares dies from Spellbinders and backed them with a lightly patterned paper before mounting them on Fleur De Lis Squares - also cut with Spellbinder dies. Here are three of them - I somehow forgot to take a close up shot of the fourth!

The little chipboard tags are also from Quick Quotes. I applied some adhesive to the back of each tag to hold them in place, then tied them up with some Maraschino baker's twine from the Twinery. Inside the pockets are simple tags to which I will add pictures and some notes/memories of our years together.

Here is the second layer with pockets for more photos, memories and maybe a gift card to a nice restaurant! This time the tags inside the pocket are cut and embossed with Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Squares and Classic Squares. The embossing on these tags create a rich, elegant and finished detail to this project.

All of the paper and ribbons I used to create and decorate this box are from Quick Quotes. The papers are from the Paint It Black line. The rose in the center of the box is from my previous tutorial and is cut from felt with the Spellbinders Blossom One die.

Spellbinders Design Team Final Round!

2012-01-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know the amazing news...I made it through to the final round! Spellbinders will be assigning a project and sending me some dies to use...I can hardly wait to see what arrives! Wish me luck!

All of the other finalists are very talented - I have visited their blogs - and they are from all over the world!


Marisa Job	Santa Clarita, CA
Astrid Maclean	Edinburgh, Scotland
Sylvia Blum	Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
Lesley Langdon	Ontario Canada
Michelle Woerner	Aloha, OR
Darsie Bruno	Elmira, NY
Tina McDonald	New Brunswick Canada
Christine Emberson	England
Kim Nath	Valencia, PA
Heidi Van Laar	Trout Lake, WA
Windy Robinson	Loveland, OH
Kathy Roney	Corona, CA
Iwona Palamountain	Australia
Katie Piotrowski	Prue, OK
Susie Bentz	Centreville, VA (that's me!!)
Teresa Horner	Covina, CA
Shanna Vineyard	Madison, MS
Theresa Momber	Redding, CA
Debbie Seyer	Arnold, MO
Yvonne van de Grijp	Netherlands
Ashley Harris	Peoria, AZ
Trina McClune	Auckland, New Zealand
Tonya Dirk	Portland, OR
Judy Hayes	Tracy, MN
Angela Ploegman	Bettendorf, IA
Monika Martinsen	Sodertalje, Sweden

Congratulations and Good Luck to everyone!

Susie ;)

Every Second is Precious

2012-01-05T06:04:00.001-05:00

I created this layout in memory of my nephew, Johnny Hoover:

The journaling tag is hidden behind the photo.

I used a swivel clasp from Tim Holtz to connect it to the pocket watch:

I used Spellbinders dies to cut and emboss the pocket watch...

...and the fancy tag in the bottom right of the page.

I cut these last two elements with Copper Engraving Art board from Royal Langnickel, which I picked up from the local craft store. I love the effect you get with just a light sanding!

I placed 84 individual crystals on the die cut clock face using my indispensable Embellie Gellie from ScraPerfect! The letters were cut on my Cricut using Stone Script. I embossed them and then gilded them with Perfect Pearls.

ScraPerfect: Embellie Gellie, The Best Glue Ever

BoBunny: Paper

Jolee’s: Rhinestones

Spellbinders: Shapabilities Timeless Heritage and Fancy Tags One

Ranger Ink: Perfect Pearls, Tim Holtz Collage Texture Fade, Swivel Clasps

Cricut: Stone Script

Royal Langnickel: Copper Engraving Art

A Purr-fect Halloween...

2012-01-03T01:37:00.002-05:00

...in January? Really? Really! I have told you before that I am not, and never have been, a chronological scrapper. I work on whatever inspires me at the moment. It does tend to be in sync with the season because those are the papers and products that are available, but sometimes I flip through a collection of project packets I put together for crops - paper, pictures, and embellishments - and find something there that gets the creative juices flowing!

Truth be told, I was working on a submission for the Spellbinders 2012 Design Team Call. I am very excited (and more than a little shocked) to have been selected as one of 40 "creative souls" to move on to the second round. They are all such talented paper crafters/artists it is humbling to be in their company - Good luck to everyone!

This layout is one that I did not submit, however, I am very happy with how it turned out so I wanted to share. I decided I wanted to use more pictures - MC was so cute and had such fun that year and the pictures really do tell the story - so this ended up morphing into a 2 page layout:

You probably remember that I am a big fan of hidden journaling, so there is a pull-out tag behind the large picture on the far right. I love being able to cut, emboss and stencil with Spellbinders' dies. I used chalk on the Jack O'Lanterns and then actually traced around each die on black cardstock to create a mat.

The papers are from My Mind's Eye. The glitter is Martha Stewart's Fire Opal. The Spellbinder Dies I used are listed (and linked!) below!
Labels Four
Jack O'Lanterns
Fleur de Lis Accents
Fleur de Lis Rectangles

Thanks for stopping by!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

2011-12-28T22:49:00.000-05:00

...is Wrestling Season! This is a shot of my son from the tournament last week.

Every normal person in the world was getting ready for Christmas and I was sitting in a gym all day December 22nd & 23rd...and loving every minute! Good thing I had my shopping done early! I am team mom this year and team photographer so the next couple of months will be very exciting and very busy. He has 2 - First Place finishes so far this season - I will keep you posted! Now, let me see if I can turn this into a layout...

Happy "holly" Days Card - Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T02:40:00.005-05:00

This week's theme over at The Shabby Tea Room is "A Kraft-y Christmas" and we are supposed to create a project which includes kraft, red, silver,newsprint and a star. Here is the inspiration photo:

Don't you just love it? I did too! Here is my card:

It may be hard to see, but the mat behind the "holly" definition/newsprint is a highly reflective silver paper. I created the red cardstock filigree around the edge of the card using the largest Fleur de Lis Squares die from Spellbinders. I fussy cut and pieced the edge so that it looks like one continuous cut. It is not hard, just takes a little patience. I used Spellbinders Spiral Blossom One die to create the felt rose - click here to see the tutorial - and one of the dies from the Fleur de Lis Pendant set to make the leaves.

The Maraschino baker's twine is from The Twinery. The paper comes from My Mind's Eye, Teresa Collins, and Graphic 45 - three of my favorite companys! The little star may be the most fun element to me...it was part of the tag I cut off of my son's new pair of Converse jeans - talk about recycling!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T00:35:00.004-05:00

A quick share of another tri-shutter card I made:

I used paper from Teresa Collins.The stamp is from Inkadinkado and is heat embossed. The card stock is Bazzill and was embossed with one of the folders from the ProvoCraft Organic embossing set.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Santa Shaped Mini-Album

2011-12-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

This project is so cute and easy you are going to love it! This cute little Santa hangs on the tree and holds a mini-album of favorite family Christmas tree ornaments.

It all begins with this Santa Shaped box of chipboard embellishments from K&Company...

Start by painting over the text in the belt buckle and the fur trim around Santa's jacket. It may take a couple of coats of white paint to cover up the red lettering:

Cover the wording on the belt buckle. I used a paint pen from my stash and later added gold Stickles:

Next I covered the fur trimmed area with The Best Glue Ever from ScraPerfect and sprinkled it with white flock.

Once it was dry, I took out my black sharpie marker and made little black spots to replicate the ermine look on the original design. To cover the acetate window I took some of the chipboard "packages" from inside the box, and arranged them in Santa's arms. I adhered them with glue spots made with The Best Glue Ever. I lined the inside of the box lid with a piece of red cardstock.

Inside the box, I made a quick accordion fold album. I created journal boxes for it by stamping on vellum. I used the Perfect Crafting Pouch from ScraPerfect to prep the vellum for a crisp, no-smear image.

...then decorated the panels with pictures and chipboard embellies that came in the box!

This project comes together very quickly. In fact, I made an extra one to give as a gift. I know a lot of families add one new ornament to their tree each year - wouldn't this be a great way to document those special memories?

I also saw a Snowman-shaped box at the store that holds a chipboard alpha...maybe for next year?

Dog and Cat Card

2011-12-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

I love to make tri-shutter cards. They are easy and look so impressive. I found this red and green paw print paper from We R Memory Keepers and had to use it for a pet-themed Christmas card!

The stamps are from Inkadinkado, JustRite and Studio G. I kept the coloring simple with a little chalk, a red marker and some Stickles for the fur on the hat.

I used a die from Spellbinders to create the fancy-cut focal image and another one to cut the "Santa Stop Here" Dog Tag. The embossing folders are from ProvoCraft and the cute paw print brads are from my stash.

"The stockings were hung..."

2011-12-16T00:03:00.002-05:00

So I was back at my new favorite challenge blog, The Shabby Tea Room, to check out this week's challenge. We were asked to create a project inspired by this picture, and to make sure it includes a stocking.

I sifted through my stash and found a really pretty winter-print vellum. It reminded me of all the lovely greenery on top of the mantle. The next addition was the requisite stocking, which I stamped in brown, heat embossed, and attached with a brad.

I pulled out my ScorPal and replicated the diamond pattern from the stockings on some cardstock.

For the sentiment, I considered "Silent Night", but ended up going with "Peace on Earth". I cut out the sentiment with a Classic Square Nestability, wrapped it with some ribbon and dangled a gold snowflake charm. This whole assembly was backed with another die cut from Spellbinders, the Fleur de Lis Square, and then popped off the card.

And now it is time for the big reveal:

I think it captures all the elements of the inspiration picture, don't you?

I am really enjoying playing along at The Shabby Tea Room. This is the first time I have ever tried to create projects based on inspiration photos and it is fun! One of my favorite parts about it is that I am free to comb through my stash and use whatever I already own - so it is free!

Splitcoast Stampers TLC355 Decorated Bag

2011-12-13T06:59:00.003-05:00

Okay...so I thought I was done with the tree...but I went to Splitcoast Stampers Monday morning and had to whip out one more project for one of the challenges there - a decorated bag:

The stamp is from Inkadinkado and was heat embossed before I cut it out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags One. The paper is from Graphic 45, K&Company, and Basic Grey. The tiny star brads are from Recollections.
Last one! I promise to have something new next time!

3D Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T01:57:00.010-05:00

In my post on December 8th I showed you how easy it is to make the folded Christmas Tree and promised to show you another idea I had using the same technique. As I was playing with it, I realized how easily it could be made into a 3D Christmas Tree for use in your holiday home decor! The tutorial ended when we got to this point:

For the 3D Tree, I duplicated the process with some green patterned paper, although I did not emboss it this time:

I assembled the tree, then cut and folded a second set of squares:

Starting at the top of the tree, I glued them together (using glue spots I made with The Best Glue Ever), 1 segment at a time:

When all the layers were adhered, I added a gold charm to the top of the tree:

I liked it so much, I decided to make another one, using bigger squares to create a larger tree. I used Spellbinders Classic Squares for the smaller cuts, then I had to pull out my paper cutter and added the last 2 squares: 4-1/4" and 4-3/4". I also created a base for the tree by cutting a strip of cardstock that was about 1.25"x4". I coiled it into a circle and glued the ends together. I cut 2-1" slits into opposite sides of the circle and slid it onto the bottom of the tree.

I've got a nice start on an evergreen forest for my mantle this December, don't you agree?

I do hope you will give this technique a try as it is a great way to use up some of the lovely green papers I know you have in your stash and it is a really personal touch to your home decor.
Oooh! Another idea - wouldn't these be cute as name holders on your Christmas dinner table?!?
;) Susie

Santa Gnome Card

2011-12-09T06:15:00.002-05:00

There is nothing more cheerful than to see red & white mixed with kraft paper in a Christmas project! This simple card was a breeze to put together.

First step was to stamp the border and the tree on the card using Timber Brown ink from Stazon. Jillibean Soup's Frozen Lobster Tail paper has tiny little Christmas words that were just the right scale for this card. I inserted a small square into one of the slide frames, punched the holes in the other slide frame using my Crop-A-Dile, then attached them both to the card with glue spots I made with The Best Glue Ever. I added Maraschino baker's twine from The Twinery. The finishing touch was the little Santa Gnome. He was stamped in red ink on kraft paper, cut out, and added to the slide frame.

Stamps: Rubber Soul, Hampton Art, Stampin' Up

The Magic of Christmas

2011-12-08T03:21:00.003-05:00

There is a new challenge this week over at The Shabby Tea Room: create a project using pink, gold, neutrals, flowers and snowflakes. We were given the theme "The Magic of Christmas" and this inspiration photo:

Add caption

There is also a challenge over at Stuck On U Sketches to create a project with a Christmas Tree using die cuts. I decided to combine the challenges and came up with this card:

Cardstock: Recollections Paper: K&Company Spellbinders Dies: Classic Scalloped Squares, Fleur de Lis Rectangles, and Create A Flake One

But wait, where are the die cuts? Well, the tree is made by folding die cut squares...in this case scalloped squares because I wanted the fancy edges!

But weren't there supposed to be flowers? Yes...and my flowers may be a little hard to see...but they are there! The cardstock I made the tree from was embossed with the Provo Craft Floral Fantasy embossing folder:

In my last post I promised you a tutorial on how to create this tree, so let's go!

To start with you need to cut (5) graduated squares from cardstock or paper. The largest square in this tree is 3.75" and then they decrease in size by .5" down to the smallest square which is 1.5" square. I cut my squares using my Spellbinders Nestibilities Classic Scalloped Squares, which made this fast and easy!

First, fold the square in half and give it a nice crease with your bone folder:

Open the square...

...and fold it on the diagonal. Again give it a nice crease with the bone folder.

Open the square again, rotate it 90 degrees...

...and fold it on the other diagonal. Don't forget to crease it!

Open the square back up, and collapse in the sides as shown in this picture...

...so that it folds into a flat triangle shape!

Fold the right side of the triangle (top layer only) to the center and crease the fold.
*Tip: use the grid lines on your cutting mat to postition the triangle to make this fold precise.*

Now repeat with the left side, making sure you crease the folds with your bone folder. Your square should now look like this:

This is where I opened up the square and ran it through the embossing folder.

When it comes out, you can still see the original fold lines...

...so you can refold along those lines. Your square is now a triangle and it will look like this:

Now - repeat the same steps with all of your squares.
Once they are all folded, put adhesive on the back and stack the triangles to create the tree:

Almost done! I just need to add one last layer!

Because I used cardstock and embossed it, the folds in this tree tends to want to "open up". I fix that by putting some glue spots inside the layers of the folds to hold the flaps and folds in place. I have also made this out of paper and it stays folded much better.

I have one more idea of something to create with this origami folded tree. If I don't have it posted on Friday, I will definitely have it up on Monday.

Felt Flowers with Spellbinders Blossom One

2011-12-05T02:27:00.011-05:00

I recently bought a new Spellbinders die that I am now in love with: Spiral Blossom One. I had seen the tutorial on You Tube and really wanted to make a felt flower. I started by cutting the spiral in red felt.

To make the blossom you simply begin rolling from the small end, and you can see a flower bud start to form immediately.

I actually decided I wanted to try mixing two different shades of red felt in one blossom, so I started over and rolled the two felt pieces together. When I got to the end I held the felt in place with 2 of my extra long quilting pins.

I applied The Best Glue Ever directly to the bottom of the flower and let it dry.

I absolutely love the finished product and it is going to look great in one of my dimensional projects:

I have played with it a lot and it holds together very well, but I wanted to see how well it would work if I used a large glue spot. I started with cream and a light wheat colored felt this time. I decided that a glue spot about the size of a quarter would be perfect, so I traced it on my release paper and filled in the circle with a thin coat of The Best Glue Ever.

When you make a thin layer it dries very quickly.

I turned the felt flower over and pressed it to the glue spot. It picked it right up and I was able to remove the pins and finish the flower by folding the bottom flaps into place.

This one also holds together very well...and here it is adhered to a canvas I designed:

The Christmas tree is something I just learned to make. It is so eye-catching and so very easy - that's a combination I can't resist! I will have a little tutorial later this week so be sure to check back.

;) Susie

Winter Inspired Card

2011-12-04T17:05:00.003-05:00

I found a challenge I could not resist over at The Shabby Tea Room. This is my second entry. The project was supposed to be inspired by this photo:

...and use cream or white, neutrals, silver, and glitter. So I created this simple Joy-fold card:

The base of the card is created with Core'dinations cardstock...this particular combination is called Grandpa's Attic. I used my Sledding embossing folder from Provo Craft on the front of the card. I think it is hard to see in a photo, but the border strip on the right side (courtesy of Martha Stewart) is punched from mirrored card stock and is quite striking in real life!

The glitter is my all time favorite from Martha Stewart : Antique Silver. The metal tab is from 7 Gypsies. I heat embossed "Brr!", which came from a Studio G mini-stamp set.

Thanks for stopping by!
Susie

Winter Inspired Canvas - Shabby Tea Room Challenge!

2011-12-04T16:46:00.006-05:00

I was over at The Shabby Tea Room on Friday and found the most wonderful challenge - Create a project inspired by this picture and use cream or white, neutrals, silver and glitter:

I was inspired! I combed through my very healthy stash and decided to create a Winter-themed canvas that would let me use some pictures I took during Snowmageddon in February of 2010!

I was very pleased with how it turned out - and the best part is that all of the materials I used came from my stash!! Here are some close ups:

The bird die cut came from K&Company. I sprayed it with Partridge in a Pear Tree Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels. The wood sign is from Kaisercraft. The metal alpha is from Making Memories. All the paper is from DCWV.

I just learned how to do this fabulous origami fold! The paper is from Recollections and it was embossed using a ProvoCraft folder. I cut the felt for the flower using the Spiral Blossom One die from Spellbinders. I used The Best Glue Ever from ScraPerfect to attach all this dimensional loveliness - works like a dream!

The index Tab is from 7 Gypsies. I used tiny dots of The Best Glue Ever to adhere the transparencies. I hid them behind the design elements on the transparencies and waited for them to become glue spots before adhering them to the canvas. Worked great - you can't see them at all!

The beautiful swirl is from Prima and the transparencies are from My Mind's Eye.

Scrabble pieces are my favorite way to title in a shadow box or on a canvas. The lovely reindeer are from Kaisercraft and I glittered them up with Antique Silver glitter from Martha Stewart. The tissue tape is from Tim Holtz.

I am slipping in under the wire because I had to pick up my pictures from Costco. I had them printed in Sepia and they work so well with the monochromatic theme. Thanks for looking!

Pocket Card with Tags

2011-12-02T01:11:00.000-05:00

The Diagonal Double Pocket card is one of my favorite fancy fold cards. It makes a very special presentation and the pockets are lovely for holding pictures, gift cards, and tags. The base of this card is made with double sided paper from Kaisercraft and the focal image is from Graphic 45.

Putting tags inside the pockets also gives you more surfaces to decorate - love it! I used the Season's Greetings embossing folder from Provo Craft to create the background on this one and then added some Stickles and Maraschino baker's twine from The Twinery. The sweet little greeting card is from Graphic 45. You can add a gift card or photo to the reverse side of this tag if you would like:

The second tag also starts with an embossing folder from Provo Craft: Winter Borders. A little distress ink brings out the details in the embossing. I stamped some snowflakes with Versamark in the background before I added the card from Graphic 45. The snowflake charm is from my stash.

When the tags go into the pockets, I make sure the snowflake dangles over the front of the card...adds the perfect touch don't you think?

If you would like to learn how to make the card, follow the steps in this tutorial.

Quick Christmas Gift

2011-12-01T06:52:00.007-05:00

Would you like to create a personalized, inexpensive Christmas gift that will be used and appreciated every day - and do it in less than an hour? Check out this desk calendar I created:

It really is easy to make. First, pick up an acrylic picture frame like the one below. It is intended to display (2) -5"x7" pictures. I think I found this one at WalMart, but I also saw one on sale at Kohl's yesterday!

The brown cardstock in the background is cut to 7" x 10.25". I decorated the left edge with paper from the Baby Steps collection from Simple Stories. I love this stuff because it works for boys or girls and it is not at all frou-frou so it can sit on a man's desk and not be out of place! You can see here that the frame is turned on its side:

I also used some elements from the 6"x6"paper pad on the background and slid it back into the acrylic frame.

On top of the acrylic frame, I added a layered die cut frame created using my Labels Eight dies from Spellbinders. Ready for a surprise? I designed it so that the frame opens and the picture can be replaced throughout the year if desired.

To create this effect is another very simple technique. Fold the cardstock you want to use in half, then position the the fold so that it is just inside the cutting edge of the Spellbinders die:

The picture is held in place inside with some clear photo corners:

The frame is held closed by attaching a button (I created one using a Spellbinder die but you can use a real button) to the left hand side of the frame using baker's twine. This is Cappuccino twine from The Twinery. Just leave it long enough to wrap around the acrylic frame a few times, and then wrap around the button once. I tied a little overhand knot near the end of the twine to keep it from unraveling with repeated use.

Add a Post-It note pad and a mini-calendar and you are done!

I order my mini-calendars from SkyBluePink, however you can always print your own if you are short on time. Redcastle offers free downloadable software that lets you size and print calendars at home.

Now just think about the possibilities! Change the paper and the picture and you can have a lovely wedding shower gift or birthday present! Have fun and thanks for stopping by!

;) Susie

Top 10 (actually 14) Favorite Ornaments Mini-Album

2011-11-28T06:05:00.006-05:00

I love Christmas. It is one of my favorite holidays. I often find myself picking up an ornament from a vacation spot so that when Christmas comes, I can recall all those happy memories. I realized I tell the same stories every year as we decorate the tree - some the kids remember, some they don't - so I created a little mini-album with some of my favorites:

The first thing you may notice is that it is not "traditional" Christmas colors.
I found this Envelope Album Kit by My Little Yellow Bicycle this past summer and I really loved the bright citrus-y colors and the fabulous shapes. The colors coordinated perfectly with the Lime Twist Line from My Mind's Eye, which happened to have this cute little Top 10 journaling card that got me thinking about some of my Top 10's.

I used Photoshop to add journaling to some wallet-sized pics of my favorites.

The envelope format was perfect because I could make little tags that would go inside each envelope and would tell more of the story - I really like hidden journaling. On this first tag, I just listed the dates and locations of some of our dive trips.

The tags were easy to make with a circle punch, an eyelet and some baker's twine. The tags also gave me a place to use up some of my stickers - my fins, dive mask and snorkel are precisely that color of pink!!

I started to go through my embellishments and realized I had leftovers from the scrapbooking layouts I had created for these trips. I picked up the little boy and girl patches from a sewing store...aren't they sweet? I also found a Canadian coin from the trip to Niagara Falls.

When I was cropping the pictures and adding the journaling I framed them so that the ornament was off to the left or the right. That way there was a dark area created by the Christmas tree that makes the white jornaling really pop!

When I first started collecting ornaments, I always tried to find an angel, however, that was not always possible - and there are some pretty amazing non-angel ornaments I would have missed out on - like the wax ornament from Germany of the baby Jesus.

I had more ornaments I wanted to include than I had envelopes...so I created more envelopes by using the MLYB ones as patterns. I just traced them on the paper from MME - and they work together perfectly, don't you agree?

So think about making yourself a little mini-album using non-traditional colors. Use up those embellishments, preserve some special memories and share some funny stories.

Another Snow Baby!

2011-11-25T08:39:00.005-05:00

I just love Jillibean Soup! It is so easy to work with that this layout almost created itself!

I love mixing different alphas to create the title and the journaling.

The only tricky part was that I wanted to add some detail to the sweet little mittens that run across the bottom of the pages…and I kept dropping the beads and sequins! Duh! I pulled out my Embellie Gellie and easily picked up each piece and added a dot of The Best Glue Ever. I waited a minute for the glue to get tacky then I simply touched it to the page and it stayed exactly where I wanted it to stay! See how I was able to position the little red “cherries” so perfectly?

And the teeny-tiny gold star sequins really light up those little Christmas Trees, don’t you agree?

I added one last detail to the bottom right of the layout: a small silver snowflake charm attached with baker's twine.

The layout is mostly red and white so I reached for the Maraschino twine from The Twinery. It looked good but I thought it was a little too bright so I pulled out some of my tea-dyed twine. The difference is very subtle but to me it made all the difference. In the picture below I tried to show you both - the piece of twine in the center is the original and the two pieces on the outside are tea-dyed.

I really love the way this layout turned out - the difference was in the details!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:46:00.010-05:00

Last year I designed a very simple 2 page layout for the Gobble 'Til You Wobble Crop at Scrapbooks Plus and I just realized that I never posted it on my blog...so here it is:

The journaling element on the second page was designed by Louise Erekson who does all of the monthly Make-N-Takes at the store - isn't it cute? I am afraid I do not remember the paper manufacturer - it was something I just pulled off the shelf.
Anyway here's hoping that you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Countdown to Christmas Blocks Class

2011-11-22T07:25:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that the registration for this class closes on Dec. 1st. Hope to see you at Scrapbooks Plus!

Here are a couple more views:

We will also be painting one of the block faces with brown chalkboard paint so you can also use this display as a Countdown to Christmas!

Yard Sale-ing with Paul

2011-11-14T07:11:00.001-05:00

I was recently challenged to create a layout about the first signs of spring. My favorite sign of spring is a little unusual: the start of Yard Sale Season. In Northern Virginia it stretches from Easter until Halloween. My favorite yard sale-ing buddy is my son, Paul.

ScraPerfect Perfect Crafting Pouch, Perfect Cleaning Cloth and The Best Glue Ever

Paper: My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon

Transparency: Simple Stories

Baker’s Twine: Pink Paislee

Letter Stickers: Simple Stories, Cosmo Cricket

Journaling Blocks: K & Company

Stamps: Hampton Arts

Ink: Stazon

To create the title block on the cloud paper, I marked the corners of a rectangle the size I wanted the opening to be and used a craft knife to cut the “x” shape connecting the corners diagonally. I then rolled back each flap, using The Best Glue Ever to hold the coils in place (it dries very quickly!). Next I pierced the paper every ¼” along the outside edges of the coils and lashed them in place with the Baker’s Twine.

I treated the transparency with The Perfect Crafting Pouch because it is great at keeping stamps from slipping on slick surfaces. I then stamped the banner with Stazon Ink and swiped off the powdery residue with The Perfect Cleaning Cloth. (I also used The Perfect Cleaning Cloth to wipe away the inevitable fingerprints you get when handling transparencies!) The tight control of The Best Glue Ever allowed me to place *tiny* dots of glue along the top of the banner so I could add another piece of twine.

The transparency was layered over the letter stickers with the rest of the title and then the entire assembly was placed behind the opening in the cloud paper – Voila!

Tea-dye your Baker's Twine

2011-11-11T06:58:00.004-05:00

I love to use baker's twine on my projects, but sometimes the white just does not work. I have been working with the 25 Days of Christmas line from Simple Stories and there is very little pure white in this paper collection - it all has a lovely aged and faded feel. I thought after I used the tea-dyed twine to create the Christmas Card in my last post I should probably show you how I made it!

Long before I was a paper crafter I was just a crafter. Sometimes when I was working with fabric I wanted a more homespun look, so I would tea-dye the fabric. The same technique works for baker's twine and it is so easy!

I start by heating about half a cup of water in the microwave, throw in a Lipton tea bag, and let it steep. After a few minutes I take out the tea bag and drop in the twine.

A quick stir makes sure it is all submerged then I just let it sit. I usually dye a 2-3 ft length of each color at a time and I start checking after about 3 minutes. The longer you leave it in the darker it will get so be careful. I just try to turn the white to cream. When I decide it is ready, I pull out each strand separately, and straighten it by pulling it between my thumb and forefinger - which also squeezes out any excess tea. I generally just lay it out on wax paper to dry...although I have been known to put it in an oven on low heat for a few minutes if I am in a hurry!

I took some pictures of the tea-dyed twine next to the original twine so you can see the difference:

Cappuccino

Maraschino

Peapod

Like I said, it is a really easy technique. I hope this will give you the confidence to give it a try.

"Don't Peek!" Christmas Card

2011-11-08T21:44:00.008-05:00

Here's my Christmas Card for the JustRite Christmas Linky Party:

I used "Don't Peek" from the Tiny Words Set. That is one of the most Christmas-y of sentiments, don't you think?

I used the "Dear Santa" embossing folder from Quickutz on red Core'dinations cardstock. A little sanding, a little inking and the background was done. One of my current favorite paper lines right now is Simple Stories and that is where I found the little tags which are included on the front of the card. I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment and then framed it with an Ornate Plate from Tim Holtz. The decorative black edge strip along the bottom is courtesy of a Martha Stewart edge Punch!

The final touch was some tea-dyed baker's twine from The Twinery. I love baker's twine but sometimes the white is just too bright for one of my projects. That was the case here. I originally pulled out the Maraschino Twine. It just didn't work with the faded old-world feel of this card, so I dug into my tea-dyed stash - yes, I keep a stash. I ended up choosing the Pink Sorbet - surprise!

If you like this paper line, be sure to check out my blog post from October 28th. It gives you a peek at the Christmas Blocks class I am teaching in December.

Christmas Blocks with Simple Stories

2011-10-28T08:14:00.002-04:00

I am teaching another class over at Scrapbooks Plus in December.

I love all the Simple Stories paper lines but this is the first time I have been able to find the time to teach a class using their wonderful papers. I am planning on stacking mine on my fireplace mantel every December - but it would make a lovely Christmas gift if you are trying to come up with something a little unique!
Just follow the link to Scrapbooks Plus for all the details. I hope you can join me!

Remembering my Sister

2011-10-21T06:05:00.000-04:00

I have tried for many years to create a scrapbook layout to honor my older sister, Carolyn. She was only 40 years old when she died in a plane crash. She lived out in Colorado,where she had gone to college and had established roots. She loved to fly. She loved to ski. She was very funny, strong, smart and independent. I collected paper and embellishments for years trying to come up with the right combination...and failed. I recently got together with some friends to try something new: Art Journalling. My friends generously shared their collections of ephemera, stamps, and stencils and suddenly...it worked.

If you're feeling blue...

2011-10-14T06:56:00.002-04:00

There is nothing like looking at life through a child’s eyes. Inkadinkado has a couple of sets of Kid’s Quotes Stamps that I love called Friendly Advice and Tell It Like It Is. They make great cards! I used one of these stamps to create this card:

I used my Perfect Crafting Pouch on the cardstock before I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment. Even the tiny lettering on this stamp came out crisp and clean! Then I stamped and heat embossed the image in blue - great Jenni Bowlin stamp called Whimsy Silhouette.

Do you love that colorful background? It was the easiest part! I used the new Tim Holtz Distress Stains from Ranger and applied them directly to the cardstock. The embossed images resisted the stain and I ended up with a great card to send to a friend!

By the way....Inkadinkado has a 25% off sale running through the end of the month. I placed my order yesterday for some cute little Christmas stamps. Check it out!

Lucky Boys!

2011-10-08T06:06:00.004-04:00

Here is another of my favorite photos- this time of my older son and husband experiencing a bit of luck while fishing.

Sometimes I find it hard to find appropriate “masculine” embellishments and so I decided to make one. I swiped a cork sheet with the Perfect Crafting Pouch and stamped using Stazon ink. Result: Perfect impression! I cut the image with my Spellbinders Nestability Labels 2, and inked the edges of the cork. Using my Nestabilities it was easy to cut and emboss a black mat for the stamped image and it really made it stand out!

The papers are from Graphic 45 and the bingo card is from Jenni Bowlin. The metal embellishment and the stamped expression inside of it are from Tim Holtz. My favorite embellishment, though, is the stamped fish on the bottom right!

Christmas Card Crop

2011-10-06T06:24:00.070-04:00

The Annual Christmas Card Crop at Scrapbooks Plus is scheduled for Sunday November 6th. The samples are up at the store so be sure to check them out. There is something for everybody - religious, pet and nature themed cards - using papers from a variety of manufacturers including Graphic 45, We R Memory Keepers, Jillibean Soup and more. The collection includes a tri-shutter card, a joy fold card, and a diagonal pocket card with tags that is going to be lots of fun! I'm not allowed to show you the cards right now, but here is a sneak peak:

We will be using a lot of different techniques and products. I'll be there from 10am until 6pm, so you can plan to come in to work on your cards at any point during the day. I have loaded up my iPod with Christmas music and baked up a bunch of Christmas cookies. Oh! Did I mention that we will have drawings every hour for door prizes?! (They really are awesome prizes!) It is a really fun way to kick off the season, craft with your friends, and learn some new techniques as you scratch those cards off your "to do" list!

Registration closes on October 30th. Some of the cards are "limited editions" so be sure to order yours early!

He is a Two-Fisted Eater!

2011-09-27T06:03:00.007-04:00

This photo of my son has to be one of my all-time favorites of him and I have waited a long time to take it out of the picture frame and put it onto a scrapbook page...which I think I will frame and hang on my wall!!

You can find all the details on creating this page on the ScraPerfect Blog.

I was inspired by working with some of my friends. Each of them contributed a little something to the layout so I have a few thank-yous:

Lisa - thanks so much for sharing your tree stamp - and everything else!

Angela - I can't believe you had a die-cut apple!

Karen - the red edge strip - so not your style - and the perfect finishing touch!

I will always think of you guys every time I look at this layout! I loved playing and creating with you just for fun - definitely helped get me out of my funk!

My Fall Flower

2011-09-15T07:57:00.001-04:00

If you are anything like me, you have a small stack of layouts somewhere that you haven’t quite finished -you need to add journaling, or a title or something and you are just not sure what! This is one of those layouts:

I knew I wanted to include one of my favorite quotes by Albert Camus: Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. I just wasn’t sure how so I put the layout aside and actually kind of forgot about it. When I found this stamp from Stampendous! I was ready to go.

To be honest, I was a little concerned because the blue cardstock I was going to stamp on was very textured and I wasn’t sure how well it would transfer. I prepared the surface with The Perfect Crafting Pouch and stamped with brown ink then heat embossed. The result – a perfect image:

Here is the finished layout. Although you may think the title is “almost 4” I know every time I see this layout that the real title is “My Fall Flower.”

Paper: American Crafts

"No Limits" to what I will try...

2011-09-08T06:53:00.000-04:00

I had a partial set of dominoes lying around so I decided to try a craft I had seen while blog hopping – altering dominoes. I started by applying some Ranger Alcohol Inks to the surface and the sides. I treated the surface with my Perfect Crafting Pouch and used Stazon black ink to stamp a sentiment in the lower right, and then I swiped the surface with my Perfect Cleaning Cloth to remove any residue.

A friend had gifted me a lovely butterfly charm, so I snipped off the loop and used my Embellie Gellie and The Best Glue Ever to add some rhinestone *bling* to create the body.

In my stash, I found some tiny butterfly-shaped rhinestones that I used to decorate the wings. They actually came with adhesive but I removed it and used The Best Glue Ever to attach them.

I applied a couple of coats of Mod Podge to the domino. After it was dry I adhered the charm and voila – my first altered domino!

I have not yet decided what I am going to do with it. I have seen them used as jewelry, magnets and Keychain fobs. I am leaning toward creating a framed art collage using several dominoes. That way I can try out different techniques – so be sure to check back for more ideas!

Everybody Loves a Clown!

2011-08-31T06:21:00.051-04:00

I needed to create a special birthday card so I turned to one of my favorite paper companies - Graphic 45. The paper lines there are vintage, highly detailed, and just fabulous! The circus-themed line, Le Cirque, was just the ticket!

I did some stamping and a little fussy-cutting to create the front of the card:

Inside the card I stamped the sentiment onto a specialty paper from DCWV — Shimmer cardstock.

The strip of stamps inside the card is not just a design element, it actually creates a pocket...perfect for holding a gift card or a slice of cash! I think I need to add a little ribbon to the top of that tag, don't you agree?

You can read all the details on how to make this card over at the ScraPerfect Blog.

Susie

If Nothing Ever Changed...

2011-08-15T06:13:00.001-04:00

Change is a good thing. In my project for today, I changed some plastic packaging material from trash into a beautiful embellishment. The first step was to treat the plastic with the Perfect Crafting Pouch. Then I stamped the butterfly image with Stazon ink, and colored in a few areas with markers:

I had an experiment I wanted to try. I coated one of the butterfly wings with the Best Glue Ever and set it aside until it dried.

This product dries clear and tacky so when it was ready, I simply sprinkled on various shades of glitter. The result was a lovely transparent effect. Next, I coated the second wing with the Best Glue Ever and immediately added the glitter, setting it aside to dry. The result was much more opaque…a different look but still lovely. I don’t know if you can see the difference in this picture, but it is obvious in real life.

To finish, I used the Perfect Crafting Cloth to clear away the excess glitter. I creased the butterfly in the center, and added a small stripe of glue on the back of the butterfly’s body and set it aside. I wanted to use it on a card, and printed one of my favorite sayings on some vellum. I treated the vellum with the Perfect Crafting Pouch before it went through the ink jet printer. Here you can see where I added the tiniest dots of glue to the back of the vellum – the applicator for the Best Glue Ever allows you to be so precise in your application that you never waste glue nor do you ever make a big mess!

As I was assembling the card, I decided to add some small gems to the flower centers on the patterned paper. I used my Embellie Gellie to pick up and hold the gems so I could apply a tiny dot of…you guessed it…the Best Glue Ever. I let the glue dry for a moment so it could get nice and tacky before applying them to the card. I just love the way it turned out!

Thanks for stopping by, and remember that change is a good thing!

Susie

My Mother - the Soda Jerk!

2011-08-02T06:02:00.001-04:00

I love to use edge punches because it is an inexpensive way to add impact to a layout. They come in a wide variety of designs, and some of the newer ones are very intricate, like the one I used for this layout. Instead of punching just the edge of the paper, it actually created a lovely lace-like paper ribbon.

So how to attach them? The Best Glue Ever of course! The applicator tip allows you to place very tiny dots of glue with ease. I tacked down the top and bottom of the lacey strip and there was no messy glob of glue to seep through.

The delicately cut whisk from Kaisercraft also posed a challenge. No worries! I put a small dot of The Best Glue Ever on the handle and the “wire” part of the whisk and set it aside for a few minutes. When the glue had “dried” into perfectly-sized, clear adhesive dots, I simply flipped it over and adhered it to the layout.

The little red ribbon on the whisk handle was actually a pre-made embellishment which came attached to a clunky, white foam piece of adhesive that was way too big to hide. So I removed it and replaced it with…drum roll please…a small dot of The Best Glue Ever! This is one of my favorite features of this product: I can quickly and easily make custom-sized, clear adhesive dots for my projects. It is definitely the most versatile and useful adhesive I own.

~ Susie

August Make-N-Take at Scrapbooks Plus

2011-08-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Debbie asked me to take over the Monthly Make-N-takes at Scrapbooks Plus this summer. This month I was inspired by Bo Bunny's Barefoot & Bliss Collection because I always spend part of my summer at the beach! I created another 2 page layout incorporating a calendar page to record your activities the beach:

Basically, Scrapbooks Plus provides you with the materials to create a free element. This month's element is a tag. You will be stamping the tag using Versamark to create a subtle background, stamping and cutting out a seagull, and adding a beach chair I cut out for you using my Cricut! You can take this element and use it on a project of your own design, or you may choose to use it as I did - a title element for the layout:
I personalized it with some ribbon and stickers from the combo sticker sheet from Barefoot & Bliss:

As usual, Scrapbooks Plus has pulled all the papers and materials you need to re-create my layout and have them available for purchase behind the front counter. You are welcome to sit in the crop room and copy the layout right then, or feel free to take a picture and use it later.

Adding a Smile with a Clay Push Mold!

2011-07-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

Long before I found scrapbooking I was a crafter. I stitched and stuffed and glued myself silly. I liked to try all kinds of crafts, and at one point I picked up some Sculpey clay and a push mold designed to make suns and faces. I think I planned to make some lapel pins, but I never got around to it.

Anyway, I decided today was the day so I pulled out the clay, the mold, and my Perfect Crafting Pouch. I wanted to use the Perfect Crafting Pouch as a release agent so I pounced it on the mold until I had a visible layer of “magic” powder then I pounced it on my fingers so the clay wouldn’t stick to me!

I pressed the clay into the mold, evened out the back, cleaned up the edges, flexed the mold and –Voila! – the little faces popped right out! I used a soft brush to clean the excess powder off of the faces then baked them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

I used one of the faces to create this happy little embellishment:

Which ended up on this layout (of course I used The Best Glue Ever to attach everything-that stuff is strong!):

I also used the Perfect Crafting Pouch on the stamped image on this layout…and I used an interesting background. It may look like cardstock, but it is actually a paint sample from the local hardware store! The Perfect Crafting Pouch lets you stamp a perfect image on just about any surface!

Did you notice the background cardstock? It is from Core’dinations and has all these great words embossed on it. I sanded the embossing to revealed the core color, then used my handy dandy Perfect Cleaning Cloth and swiped away the mess!

ScraPerfect products are always in my crop bag because I can use them in so many different ways!

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to share a laugh with someone you love!

Susie

Baker's Twine is All the Rage!

2011-07-13T23:02:00.002-04:00

And for good reason...it adds texture without adding a lot of bulk and comes in a wide variety of colors. I found a really cool pack in the Daily Junque line from Pink Paislee...really non-traditional color combinations. The turquoise and yellow combo was the perfect finishing touch for a card I was making.

I used
The Best Glue Ever from ScraPerfect to make a small sticky dot to hold the twine in place as I wrapped it around the card. I also used the dots to give dimension to the stamped and layered focal image.

I decorated the inside of the card with a butterfly stamp in a coordinating green ink - bold enough to stand out, but subtle enough to fade into the background behind a handwritten message.

Thank Ewe card

2011-07-10T08:17:00.003-04:00

SplitCoast Stampers offers a variety of challenges every week to get your creative juices going. On Mondays, one of the regular challenges is for a Clean And Simple (CAS) card. A few weeks ago the theme was for a play on words. I borrowed a friend's stamp (have to check with her on the manufacturer) and came up with this sweet little card.

I used my square Nestabilities to cut the window opening in the white cardstock then embossed it with a swirly embossing folder. I quickly prepped the white remnant with a swipe of my Perfect Crafting Pouch to make sure I got a crisp image, then I stamped in the center. It was easy to cut and emboss with a smaller square Nestability. I stamped the image a second time, cut out the ewe's face and layered it on top of the original image with a dimensional glue spots made with The Best Glue Ever. I finished it off by adding a bow and adhering it all to the front of the card.

NOTE: I always have a fresh supply of home-made glue spots. I use them all the time, so I just replenish them every night. I keep them on my scrap table on my Inkssentials - Reusable Non Stick Craft Sheet by Ranger.

Whew! I think it took longer to make this post than it did to make the card!

July Make-N-Take at Scrapbooks Plus

2011-07-01T06:53:00.007-04:00

Debbie asked me to take over the monthly Make-N-Takes at Scrapbooks Plus this summer. The calendar layout I designed in June proved to be very popular, so when I saw the Summer Days Collection from Echo Park, I decided to design a follow up:

Basically, Scrapbooks Plus provides you with the materials to create a free element that can be used on the layout, or on a project of your own design. This month the free element consists of a die cut sun that you paper pierce and stitch with some floss from Bazzill In Stitch'z:

It is a pretty simple way to add texture, don't you think? The line has a great set of coordinating alpha stickers so it is really easy to personalize the calendar with your own activities!

Scrapbooks Plus has pulled all the papers you need to copy my design and they are available for purchase. Just ask some of the friendly staff at the front counter. You are welcome to sit in the crop room right then or feel free to take a picture to use later.

The layout is designed to be copied quickly and easily so you have more time to make some of those summer memories!

Great American Scrapbook Convention

2011-06-23T06:08:00.000-04:00

I hope you are planning to stop by the Scrapbooks Plus booth at GASC this weekend. I designed a cute little Make-N-Take that coordinates with the Monthly Make-N-Take Layout at the store. Here's a look:

And here it is in the pocket on the calendar page!

Also remember that we are sharing space with Joanna Campbell Slan, the author of the Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft Murder Mystery books. Stop by and get an autographed copy of the latest book or the whole series!

Hope to see you there!
;) Susie

June Make-N-Take at Scrapbooks Plus

2011-06-10T06:50:00.000-04:00

Debbie asked me to take over the Monthly Make-N-Takes at Scrapbooks Plus for the summer. I have fallen in love with the 100 Days of Summer line from Simple Stories so I paired it with a calendar page and created this 2 page layout that you can use to keep track of your summer activities:

Basically, Scrapbooks Plus provides you with the materials to create a free element, in this case there are 3 elements - these 3 cute tickets:

Once you have made the tickets you may take them to use on a card or layout of your own design, however, Scrapbooks Plus has pulled all the papers you need to re-create my design! The papers are available for purchase at the front counter. You are welcome to sit in the crop room and copy the layout right then,or feel free to take a picture to use later. You have the entire month of June so we hope to see you soon!

NOTE: There is also a very special ticket that will be available exclusively at the Great American Scrapbook Convention this year. We will be helping out at Joanna Campbell Slan's table. Joanna is the author of the Kiki Lowenstien Scrap -N-Craft Murder Mystery books. She will be happy to sign copies of her books so be sure to stop by!

Butterscotch Loves the SpringTime...

2011-06-09T10:32:00.006-04:00

I'm always up for a sketch challenge...this one is from StuckOnUSketches:

Such a lovely sketch...so many elements...I ended up simplifying the background a bit and I replaced the bird in the upper right with another winged element...a pair of butterflies! Here is my take on it:

Of course I used my Embellie Gellie from ScraPerfect to place the rhinestones and pearls along the border strip. I was also very pleased with how the embossed journal tag turned out. I used the Perfect Crafting Pouch to make sure the stamped and embossed images were crisp and clean...and then again so I could easily write on top of the embossing! Details and pictures can be found on the ScraPerfect blog.

Stuck On U Sketches has switched to a bi-monthly challenge for the summer months. Be sure to drop by over there...the talent is HUGE!

Graphic 45 Le Cirque Layout

2011-05-25T05:09:00.003-04:00

Take a look at this week's Make and Take Layout at Scrapbook's Plus:

I found inspiration for the first page from Luke's Easter Walk layout by Nancy Wethington over in Graphic 45's Gallery. Karen Bearse and I added the 2nd page. (Basically this entire layout has been inspired by others *grin*.) The free element this week is the custom designed tickets I made with the circus theme.

The first page is a lot of detail cutting, but the result is worth the effort...bring your craft knife and cutting mat! These 2 pages really do go together very quickly!

I promise to show more of my own work next post!

ScraPerfect Design Team!

2011-05-20T09:49:00.008-04:00

I am very happy to say that I have been selected for the first ever Design Team for ScraPerfect, the manufacturer of "Magically Perfect Products" for scrapbooking and crafting.

What is ScraPerfect? The short answer is that it is your answer to so many crafting "challenges", but the longer answer is...

It started out of frustration in the inconsistency of printing on vellum back in 2003. Amy Roszak (the owner) found a solution and created ScraPerfect's first product, The Perfect Printing Pouch. Since then it has been used by crafters to print and stamp on many different surfaces - fabric, wood, clay, transparencies, textured paper, and vellum to name a few - without bleeding or fading. It also has anti-static properties that make it a joy to use when working with glitters or embossing powders. So many uses have been found for this product that it is now The Perfect Crafting Pouch and comes in two sizes: The Little Pouch and The Strap n Tap.

This versatile product was selected as one of the Top 20 Most Innovative Products CHA Winter 2011.

ScraPerfect offers three more products:

Best Glue Ever - dries clear, dries quickly, strong, flexible and dries tacky. You can use it to create your own glue dots. The thin tip makes it easy to control and the innovative cap design keeps the glue from drying out in the bottle and clogging up the tip! It really is the best glue ever, so a little bit goes a long way!

Embellie Gellie - Helps you pick up even the smallest of bling and put it exactly where YOU want it.

Perfect Cleaning Cloth - Removes dust and fingerprints from camera lenses, eye glasses, iPads, scanner beds and photos. Also removes the dusty residue from surfaces treated with the Perfect Crafting Pouch.

In future posts, I will be showing you how I use each of these products to make my paper crafting better and easier! In the meantime, if you click on any of the links above you can see videos with an explanation and demo of each product.

As a teacher and a professional papercrafter, I like the fact that ScraPerfect products are so versatile because it means fewer items to pack for a crop…fewer items to sift through on my craft table at home to find what I need.

ScraPerfect products simplify things!

"Let's Play Dress Up" with Echo Park

2011-05-15T22:04:00.003-04:00

I am actually going to post a revised layout...I added a flower and a much needed button...you'll see...it really was necessary!

Mother's Day with Echo Park

2011-05-08T21:55:00.008-04:00

I fell in love with the For the Record line of papers from Echo Park. I had just picked up this rubber stamp with the definition of mother on it, and I knew they needed to go together!

This is the front of a Joy-Fold card. I love making them because they offer several surface areas and one of my favorite things to do is to mix patterned paper. The top element slips out from behind the large black brad on the bottom left and opens to the right.

Paper: Echo Park For the Record: FTR12015 AlphaStickers F, FTR12013 Noteworthy, FTR12009 Picket Fence, FTR12008 Lace Stripes, FTR12002 Fancy Floral.
American Crafts: brads. Dymo: plastic label tape Inkadoo: Rubber Stamp Stazon: Ink

This is the inside of the card. Plenty of room to add a personal note and signature.
This is a picture of my mom traveling in Europe with Daddy in 1952...a cafe in Belgium, I believe.
I loved using the stickers from the alpha sheet to add journaling!

American Crafts: brads. Dymo: plastic label tape Inkadoo: Rubber Stamp Stazon: Ink

This card, which is sized to fit a standard #10 envelope, reminds me of a scrap quilt. I wrinkled, inked and generally distressed the yellow background paper. The black "lace" on the left edge of the card is actually from the Alpha Sticker sheet, as is the "hello" tab on the top of the card.

The focal element "mother", was cut on my Cricut. I used the Cricut Design Studio to weld the words and to size the box so the stamped element would have a nice frame.

Paper: Echo Park For the Record: FTR12015 AlphaStickers F, FTR12013 Noteworthy, FTR12009 Picket Fence, FTR12008 Lace Stripes, FTR12002 Fancy Floral. Inkadoo: Rubber Stamp Stazon: Ink Cricut: Base Camp cartridge

I also designed a 2 page layout as a Make-N-Take for Scrapbooks Plus using this paper line - see the same "mother" element being used as part of the title? I added a few stickers from the This & That Line from Lily Bee Design. Since the layout is on display at the store, I will wait and add the journaling after it comes home.

Paper: Echo Park FTR12011 Stamp Of Approval, FTR12013 Noteworthy, FTR12015 AlphaStickers F

Stickers: Lily Bee Designs This & That Mixed Cardstock Stickers
Thanks for stopping by!

Kaisercraft Design Team

2011-04-30T01:54:00.013-04:00

This is my submission for the Kaisercraft Design Team. The following projects are made almost exclusively with their products and are for the first round of consideration. They requested projects in a variety of categories, but I thought I would start with Scrapbooking Layouts first!

The Jungle Bug Collection was tucked away in the "Boy" section at my local scrapbook store, but I thought it was perfect to document my daughter's encounter with the "17 year Swarm" of cicadas. The title was cut with my Cricut and the journaling tag gets tucked out of sight so that just the snail peeks out!
Splash Puddle PS102, Tropic Tangle P515, Grubby Gala P518

At Christmas I always send my sister a cooking-themed ornament, so when I saw the 6.5" x 6.5" paper pad from
Nan's Favourites I scooped it up and used it to make my own mini-tree!
Shortbread P610, Apple Pie P611, Lemon Slice P615, Jam Drop Die Cut PS134, 6.5” x 6.5” Paper Pad PP836

My sewing machine is in the shop for repairs, but I pulled out my DMC floss and stitched the title and the small trees in the lower left of the layout.

These papers from the Seaside Collection worked perfectly for my honeymoon pictures! I fussy cut the hibiscus to create a "lei" on the left page and I used my Cricut to cut out the palm trees. The pineapple tag on the bottom right came off a Hawaiian shirt we bought. I am going to let my husband fill in the journaling tickets.
Sea Breeze P594, Summer Days - Die Cut with gloss PS128, Printed Tickets EM941

I actually created this layout from leftovers a friend had after she made a mini-book with the 'Tis the Season 6.5" x 6.5" paper pad. Our Christmas tree always had so many traditions revolving around it, I added the Kaisercraft Small Flourish Tree to underscore its importance.
6.5” x 6.5” Paper pad PP830, Wood Flourish Small Flourish Tree FL312, Journal Tags JT606

The next category for the Design Team Call is Cards. I used the small paper pad from the English Rose Collection to create my new favorite, the Never Ending Card. They are absolutely addictive and impossible to put down. I laid out the four panels and numbered them so you can see the correct sequence:

On panel #2, there is a space to write a personal note at the top, and you can even tuck a little photograph under the ribbon on the bottom. On panel #4 there is a place to sign your card.
English Rose Charlotte P602, 6.5” x 6.5” Paper pad PP835

My submission in the Papercraft section is another one of my favorite things to make, an Exploding Box. I used the After Five Collection to create a wedding- themed box you can fill with pictures, advice, gift cards, or memories:

I paired a few of the Coconut Paper Blooms with a framed quote to decorate the top of the box. I used Glimmer Mist on the frame and then gently sanded to reveal the details.

The die cut journal tags from this collection are beautiful. I adhered them back to back, added some ribbon and... Voila! The perfect inserts for all the pockets.
After Five Collection: Paper Blooms Coconut F627, Curtsy P584, Top Hat P587,
Cocktail P583, Cufflinks P589, Journal Tags JT609

The second layer of pockets were decorated with Rhinestones and the edge strips from the Cocktail paper.
(I *love* the edge strips!) I also inserted some journaling tags in thes pockets.

For my Mini-Album I used the Class of '87 collection:

The illustration on this tag reminded me of the old Fun with Dick and Jane books from my childhood...and led me to the perfect title! I cut the front and back cover out of heavy chipboard and paired it with the Tabbed Journal from Kaisercrafts Beyond the Page. I used my Cuttlebug to emboss the cardstock for the front of the album.
Class of 87 Sports Day P621, Class of 87 Paper Pad 6.5” x 6.5” , Tabbed Journal SB120,
Embellishment Pack Report Cards EM958, Embellishment Pack EM959

I used the 6.5" x 6.5" paper pad for this mini-album along with the Report Card Embellishment Pack & the File Folder embellishment Pack. I used the plain ruled paper on the last page and plan to add lots of details, stories and names!

Next up are the Home Dec items:

I primarily used the English Rose Collection to decorate this Beyond the Page Clock. I dry-brushed the frame with a cream acrylic paint.
English Rose Pearl P601, 6.5” x 6.5” Paper pad PP835, Wood Flourish Fairy Castle FL338, Wood Flourish Funky Butterflies FL342,
Frame Clock SB166, Kaisercraft Digital Sugar & Spice Photoshop Brushes, Rhinestones Hot Pink SB702, Pearl Brad latte EM931

I used the Kaisercraft Digital Sugar & Spice Photoshop Brush set and printed the elements on the Pearl paper. I love to use glitter and bling...but I have a pretty light hand. Mom always told me not to "gild the lily"!

More fablous quotes from Kaisercraft Digital...the Monogram was cut with my Cricut then I fussy cut the small rose and popped it! I love to add charms, and the Latte brads make perfect flower centers

When I saw this quote from the Kaisercraft Sugar & Spice Brush Set, I knew I had to add the Fairy Castle Flourish. A little more bling with Hot Pink Rhinestones...and my favorite part of the whole piece...my daughter's chubby foot peeking out of its own little frame!

Baby Shower is the paper from The Lullaby Collection which is designed to fit in the 9 Frame Photo Display.
Baby Shower Photo Display P650, 6.5” x 6.5” Paper Pad PP841, Pram Wood Flourish FL348,
Paper Blooms F627 Coconut, Pearl Flourish Classic - Latte PL512, Nine Frame Photo Display SB2092

I *love* the edge strips with the journaling. They really are perfect. The tickets are my own design. I printed them on kraft paper to tie in the color of the frame, which I wanted to leave plain. Blue and brown is one of my favorite color combinations.

This simple mini-album is removeable - I used a velcro dot to hold it in place!
The "boy" tab is from the 6.5" x 6.5" Paper Pad.

The Pram Wooden Flourish is perfect to add a little more dimension...once I dressed it up with a simple button. More of the much beloved edge strips...and the perfect finishing touch to this frame...the Pearl Flourish Classic in Latte.

The tags and borders came from the 6.5" x 6.5" paper pad...and another of my custom tickets.

The final category in the submission is Mixed Media/Altered Art. I have always wanted to make a canvas, so with a little encouragement and some great tips from a girlfriend (thanks Karen!) I produced something I really love:

I love being able to make this as dimensional as I want and not having to worry about what will get crushed in a scrapbook album. I even like the curling of the pictures. A little Stazon, a little Mod Podge, and travel-themed stamps from my stash! Fun! I think I am hooked!
English Rose Frieda P600, Chanteuse Staccato P638, Timeless Script P656, Timeless World Map P657,

Up, Up & Away Sideshow P542, Up, Up & Away Rollercoaster P543, Pearl Brad latte EM931, Pearl Flourish Classic - Latte PL512

Thank you for taking the time to look at my submission. Best of luck to everyone!

That's My Girl - Kaisercraft Digital Freebie!

2011-03-31T14:27:00.004-04:00

I was browsing the Kaisercraft blog this morning when I came upon a challenge to "try your hand at making a girly layout from a predominantly masculine collection". I had just been looking through their Digital Scrapbooking section and there was a kit called "Tag This" in their freebie section...definite boy material. So I downloaded and started to play. I think I found the perfect picture of MC...what do you think?

The "Tag This" Digital kit is really terrific. It has 12 background papers - brads, buttons, flowers and ribbons for embellishments - and some really cool transparencies and brushes. It has a grunge rock vibe going on. Check it out!

The challenge said it had to be posted by the 31st...but I think it must mean the 31st in Australia as I am unable to add a link to the challenge post. Oh well, I still got a cute layout out of the deal!

Fairy Explosion Box

2011-03-23T12:17:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love the "Once Upon a Springtime" paper from Graphic 45! All the fairies and flowers inspired this Explosion Box. I think it would make a lovely baby shower gift - someplace for the new mom to tuck away memories and pictures from baby's 1st year! I have some new pocket designs that I am excited to share. The sample is available at the store - you won't believe all the detail! I'll be teaching this class on Sunday, May 1st, 2p-6p. Class size is limited to 12 and registration closes on April 17th. Contact Scrapbooks Plus for more details.

"Once Upon a Springtime" Growth Chart

2011-03-06T17:19:00.058-05:00

I love making growth charts as baby gifts. Scrapbook papers these days are designed with such fabulous images and such a wide variety of themes, it is easy to create a very personalized gift. For this example I used paper from Graphic 45's "Once Upon A Springtime" line. There is room at the top to add a child's name.

Each of the 4 frames spaced along the measuring tape are meant to hold pictures of the child as she grows. They open to reveal a place for journaling or additional photos...and the best part about them is that they are attached with velcro so that they may be removed at a later time and used as scrapbook elements!

Since this is intended to actually be used in a child's room, I try to keep the embellishments to a minimum - little fingers love to touch - and as much as I love the idea of dimension - safety first when it comes to the kids! Fortunately, the paper at the bottom of the growth chart has such detail and beauty, adding anything to that would have been "gilding the lily" as my mother would say!

Again, since the growth chart is meant to be used, I leave plenty of space along the measuring tape to mark dates and growth. A few green swirls are spaced along the length to suggest vines and leaves - and to provide a perch for the fairies, of course- beautiful and functional!

Graphic 45 Design Team

2011-03-06T12:41:00.001-05:00

Sad to say I did not make the first cut for the Graphic 45 Design Team. I will be re-posting each project with more comments in the near future. I have already been asked to teach both of the exploding boxes as classes at Scrapbooks Plus, so I will let you know when they are on the schedule.

In the meantime, cross your fingers for Karen Bearse and Robin Shakoor as they continue in their quest! They are both such talented ladies I have no doubt they will succeed.

Graphic 45 Design Team Projects

2011-03-01T23:45:00.113-05:00

I am trying out for the Graphic 45 Design Team. The following projects are created using primarily their papers and are for the first round of consideration. Enjoy!

Wedding layout featuring the le'romantique line of papers.

Featuring papers from Christmas Past. I am going to let my daughter do the strips journaling in the bottom right.

2 page layout with removeable mini-book on the first page - it is attatched with velcro!
I used one of the tickets from Curtain Call along with some of my own custom designed tickets.
The post card is from the Once Upon A Springtime line with a stamp from Curtain Call.
I also sprinkled in some buttons from Fashionista.

Graphic 45 is perfect for Home Dec! The tray is from 7 Gypsies and is decorated with papers from Graphic 45 Botanicabella. Not bad for a project created from leftover scraps!

I did some fussy cutting, matting and popping!

I love metallic accents.

Growth Chart
Once Upon a Springtime

These are designed to hold photos of the child as she grows. The vellum quote is there really as a placeholder for a photo. This opens up to reveal hidden journaling inside. It is also mounted on velcro so that eventually it could end up as an element on a scrapbook page. As much as I love embellishments, this is meant to be functional and safe - little fingers love to touch - so I kept the dimension to a minimum. There is a place to add a child's name at the top and space along the measuring tape to mark growth and record dates.

You can customize this card for just about any occasion. (Fashionista papers)

Inside view. You can tell I love to use edge punches - a simple way to add an elegant touch!

Papers from Christmas Past work so well on this tri-shutter card. The little angel is a dimensional element. Embossing the cardstock added depth and detail without detracting from the focal images. I just love this card!

Stickles added some shine to this post card from Christmas Past. It made a vey nice easel card!

This is the front of a Joy Fold card.

Inside/open view. A personal note can be added in the center section and a wallet sized picture can be added to the right side panel.

I love exploding boxes! They are my version of a mini-album. This one incorporates papers from
A Proper Gentleman and Renaissance Faire.
There are tags and cut outs from a few other lines on the pocket inserts.

The metal flowers were embossed in a Cuttlebug, and layered with some copper flowers I cut out myself.

This exploding box was made primarily with the 8"x8" paper pad from Once Upon A Springtime and the tag sheet.

This Shadow Box commemorates my parent's honeymoon and features the On the Boardwalk collection. I also used one of the new metal brads from Graphic 45.

There are 2 mini-books inside...

This one is attached with velcro and has simple photos and journaling blocks inside.

The other mini-album slips behind the mini-shadowbox in the bottom right corner. A few pages below...

I only found out about the DT call about a week ago, so this was all a bit of a rush. I made a point of using as many different paper lines as I could, and tried to have a variety of projects. I think it is a good example of my style - using layers, dimension and detail without a lot of frou-frou - maybe tailored is the best word to describe it. Challenging but not too intimidating.
Wish me luck! We find out in a few days if we are moving on to Round 2.

Good luck to all!

Never Ending Cards

2011-02-10T12:50:00.002-05:00

I am teaching a class later this month on making "Never Ending Cards". They are just plain FUN! In the class, you master the mechanics of assembling the cards, then you get to make(5) different cards that give you ideas for how to decorate the different panels. Here is one of the cards:

Front Panel

2nd panel

3rd Panel

Last Panel - Write a note and sign the card here!

Romantic Layout Kit

2011-01-14T14:44:00.005-05:00

Not everyone has a trip to Paris and the Eiffel Tower to scrap, but we all have those special romantic evenings we want to remember: the night he proposed, a Valentine’s Day date, a wedding, an anniversary, or even the senior prom. This layout provides space for (1)-5”x7”, (2) 4”x6” pictures and (2) journaling tags to record the details of the event. This kit contains some lovely embellishments: a paper rose, die cut and embossed heart locket and key, a wax seal, golden charms, and a set of tickets designed exclusively for this layout.

You will need to do a little fussy cutting (the kissing couple in the lower left corner), edge inking (on the tickets), and some knot tying on the charms and the buttons. Everything else is pre-cut and ready to assemble. There are written instructions and a black and white picture for reference. Kit is available by pre-order only. Order by Friday, Feb. 4th and the kit will be available for pick up on Friday Feb. 11th

Wrestling Layout Kit

2011-01-06T14:38:00.004-05:00

I love wrestling season! This layout provides the perfect backdrop for your son’s season. The background paper is sprinkled with well known wrestling terms and expressions. The custom tickets provide ready-made captions. The layout holds (1) 5”x7” photo, (3)-4”x6” photos, and there is the possibility of 7 more pictures in the film strip - Or you could replace one of the photo spots for a journaling block. Everything is pre-cut and ready to assemble. It contains written instructions and a black & white photo for reference. This is a vey limited edition. There are only (4) kits available. Pre-order your kit by Friday Jan. 28^th and pick it will be available for pick up on Friday Feb. 4^th.

'tis the Season Layout Kit

2010-12-23T14:25:00.002-05:00

Baking Christmas cookies with my kids is one of my favorite traditions so I designed this layout to document the day. I plan on using the recipe card as a journaling block. Or...maybe I will scrap a favorite family recipe and include a picture or two of the contributor as well as a photo of the finished product. Or...maybe I will finally scrap the cookie swap I hosted a few years ago. Lots of possibilities!

Check out the unique button embellishments from my private stash…and the exclusive tickets I designed specifically for this project. Everything is pre-cut for quick assembly. The kit contains black & white pictures for reference and written instructions. I used Powder Puff Amaretto for inking paper edges and tickets. This layout is only available by pre-order. Quantities are limited. Place orders by Dec. 31^st and kits will be available for pickup on January 7^th

Believe Layout Kit

2010-12-19T13:42:00.003-05:00

These beautiful papers are from Basic Grey and feature brilliant red & green foliage on a black background, creating an elegant backdrop for your Christmas pictures.

The kit comes with (10) exclusive Christmas-themed ticket embellishments, although I only used (7) for the sample (yep - 3 bonus tickets you can use on another layout!). It also contains a filmstrip ribbon from Tim Holtz, which I plan to fill with some trimmed down index prints…or you can leave it plain and just enjoy the dimension and texture it adds! Everything is pre-cut and ready for quick assembly. The kit contains written directions and black & white pictures of the layout for reference. A limited number of kits are currently available at the store.

Winter Wonderland Layout Kit

2010-12-04T14:34:00.002-05:00

Are you looking forward to scrapping snow-filled pictures from this winter? Or maybe you are still looking for the perfect layout for your photos from Snowmageddon last year!

Either way, this 2 page layout fills the bill. Everything is pre-cut and ready for quick assembly (except for the two darling reindeer). The kit contains written directions and a black and white picture of the layout for reference. A limited number of kits are currently available at the store. Additional kits are available for pick up on January 7^th if you pre-order by Dec. 31^st

A December to Remember!

2010-12-02T08:16:00.049-05:00

Office Party on the 11th?

Cookie Swap on the 15th?

Seeing the Nutcracker ballet with Auntie Pam?

The month of December is always full of so many activities...and this month's In The House layout provides the perfect way to recall them all:

The house is decorated in traditional reds & greens and includes a glittering tree and tiny packages. As usual, the items in the shadowbox will morph into a beautiful layout. The die cut title features many shades and patterns of Christmas greens – and it just pops off of the rich, Garnet Red background!

Techniques include stamping, die cutting and embossing with a cuttlebug, inking (Amaretto and Merlot), fussy cutting with scissors and craft knife. The class is open to all – you don’t need a shadowbox to create the layout.

Photos: (2) vertical 4"x6" and (5) horizontal wallets.

Supplies/Tools: Craft knife with cutting mat, scissors, adhesive, ruler.

Limited number of kits available with instructor permission. Dec. 7, 11a-3p. Registration closes Nov. 26^th.

Harvest Time...and some farm themed Tickets!

2010-11-02T08:02:00.003-04:00

November means it’s Harvest Time. That brings to mind blue jeans and plaid shirts and working down on the farm. This month’s In The House features beautiful sunflowers made with a relatively new product at Scrapbooks Plus: stamps from Heartfelt Creations. Debbie also carries the matching Nestibilities, so cutting these blossoms out is a piece of cake!

To detail the flowers we will be using colored pencils and gamsol…a technique I have been playing with. I also used plenty of Powderpuff Amaretto ink on the edges…I will have one ink pad for the class to share, but if you don’t already have your own, you should probably pick one up at the store. (Regulars know I use this particular color all the time!)

We will be using an edge punch to create a border strip and a Cuttlebug or Sizzix Sidekick to cut the leaves, title block and the swirls, so you may want to bring yours to class if you own one. The finishing touch on this layout – farm themed tickets!

Photos: (2) vertical 4"x6" and (5) horizontal wallets.

Supplies/Tools: Ruler, pencil, regular and dimensional adhesive, scissors, paper trimmer,

Instructor: Susie Bentz No kits! Class size limited to 10. Registration closes Oct. 26^th.

October In The House

2010-10-02T07:48:00.003-04:00

Trick or treat! This month's In The House is definitely a treat!

I must say I love Martha Stewart punches...it was so easy to make the spider web ribbon...and the Iron Gate punch was perfect for creating the border along the right edge of the layout. (Debbie has them both in stock right now!)

I included more of my custom designed tickets as embellishments because I think they add just the perfect touch. Scrapbooks Plus is the only place they are available for purchase, so check out them out the next time you are in the store.

See you in class!

One Fine Day...in August

2010-08-02T07:42:00.003-04:00

...and there will be another *Bonus* layout available this month...beach themed...what has gotten in to me!?!

Seaside Memories Shadow Box

2010-08-01T12:58:00.007-04:00

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on…” is one of the many themed quotes you will find on the beautiful die cut paper that forms the background of this dimensional project. Designed to hang on the wall, the shadow box holds a selection of seashells and sandollars along with not one, but two, removable mini albums!

We will dry emboss and ink the cover of this mini album, which holds up to (8) 2.5" square photos (or you can use some of the pages for journaling).

Bring your index prints and Zip Dry glue to create a fun accent with Tim Holtz's filmstrip ribbon.

This mini shadow box holds a bingo card from Jenn Bowlin and an assortment of seashells...you can bring your own or sift through my collection.

This album actually sits in the shadow box and fits just behind the mini-shadowbox shown above.

Page 1 and 2.

A close up of the journaling box on page 1.

Page 3 and 4. The striped piece on the right side of page 4, is torn from the top of the paper that becomes the bottom of page 10 (shown below with a gingham piece behind it).

Page 5 and 6. You can cut the photo for your tag with the Accu-cut in the classroom. You can have pictures on both sides if you wish, or use one side of the tag for journaling.

The lower Jenni Bowlin bingo card actually opens to hold journaling.

Page 7 and 8.

Page 9 and 10. The right side can be made into a pocket page if you wish. (NOTE: The piece that was torn off the top of the right page, becomes the striped stirp on the edge of page 4.)

Page 11 and 12.

Page 13 and 14.

The End!

Techniques include dry embossing, stamping, tearing, and inking. You will need to bring (1) vertical format 4”x6” print, and (11) index prints for the actual shadow box. The mini albums you are creating can be filled later with the photos of your choice. Please bring (1) 4”x6” photo to be die cut for the tag inside the sandcastle. I will be supplying a selection of seashells, but feel free to bring your own if you wish.

In addition to the regular class kit, you will need to bring: Scor-tape or red line ¼” tape, super strength gel glue dots, Zip Dry (or other clear drying flexible liquid adhesive), scissors, brown distressing ink (I used Powder Puffs “Amaretto”), 1/16” foam pop dots, and a Crop-a-dile (or you can share the one at the store). No Kits. Class Size: 12 Tuesday, August 24th 6p-9p

July ITH and Bonus layout

2010-07-04T07:18:00.004-04:00

When I designed July's layout, I ended up die cutting a lovely, decorative shape from the Sunday Picnic paper from Cosmo Cricket on the left hand page...and I just had to do something with it! So I created a bonus layout for you:

I used one paper from BoBunny, but the rest of the inspiration came from the October Afternoon Fly A Kite line. I only have a limited number of these kits available...so we will draw names during class if you re interested. Good luck to everyone - I think I like the bonus layout more than the original!

Welcome to Summer...

2010-06-21T06:27:00.002-04:00

...from Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast! Those are my sister's footprints on the still pristine beaches of Pensacola, Florida. I'll be there soon...

In the meantime, I have decided to try to follow an idea my friend Sharon posted on her blog last week...journal every day this summer and create a simple scrapbook page with a picture and the journaling. Emphasis on simple and journaling. Both are a challenge for me...but of course, so is the "every day" part. Wish me luck...and enjoy your very first day of
Summer 2010!

Oh My Stars! it's July In The House!

2010-06-13T08:18:00.002-04:00

July's "In The House" class is all about the STARS - stamped, punched, stickled and popped! Here's a sneak peak:

- learn how to make these easy, 3D stars to embellish your layouts.

- create a custom background using Versamark Ink and star-themed stamps.

- make star spangled border strips with my new favorite edge punch!

- make your stars shine with a touch of stickles.

Tickets, tickets...get your tickets here!

Tickets are a very popular embellishment in scrapbooking these days, and you will be creating your own custom tickets for this layout...lots of them!

We will also be sprinkling some red, white, and blue buttons across our pages. I have a great selection from "Rusty Pickle" that you can choose from in class, but if you happen to have a button collection (mine is from my grandmother's button box!) I encourage you to bring in a few favorites - vintage buttons would look great on this layout!

Photos: (2) vertical 4"x6" and (5) horizontal wallets.

The samples for this class are now on display at Scrapbooks Plus, and registration for this class closes on June 26th. Classes are on July 6th, 11a-2p or 6p-9p.

See you in class!

Summer Daze - June In The House

2010-06-01T15:54:00.002-04:00

Warm ocean breezes, the sand between your toes...Summer Daze are coming so be ready with this month's In The House using BoBunny's Paradise collection. Ocean blues, sunset oranges, and sandy browns are paired with the subtle images of the beach. If you ever wanted to play with Ranger Alcohol Inks, this class will allow you to "dip your toes" into them. No heavy techniques, just a simple application of the ink to a metal frame so you can see the magic for yourself! An easy way to transform metal, glass or plastic to coordinate with your current scrapbooking project.

Here is a peek at Jerri's completed shadowbox:
She added a seashell from her own beachcombing, which I think is a great touch!

Bloom & Grow

2010-04-27T12:25:00.002-04:00

April Showers bring May Flowers! This month's In The House class will take us out into the garden featuring papers from the Quite Contrary collection from My Mind Eye. The theme is Bloom and Grow. Techniques in the class include heat embossing, edge punching, and the use of Glimmer Mist! Classes are scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month...check out the details in the class section at Scrapbook's Plus.

April's "In The House" Class Welcomes Easter!

2010-03-20T12:38:00.002-04:00

I found the cutest little vintage Easter images on imported chocolate candy wrappers...and they are perfect for this month's In The House project! This month we celebrate Easter Traditions in shades of sherbert!

Techniques include some cutting and embossing with a Cuttlebug, heat embossing, chalking and inking. We will also be using a Dymo label maker for journaling...egg hunts, new clothes, Easter baskets...or you can customize to match your own family traditions. You must bring your own Versamark ink pad (Debbie will have some on hand if you do not yet own this versatile stamp pad.). Bring your craft knife and cutting mat, pop dots, regular adhesive, ruler, paper cutter, red line tape and a pencil. Tuesday April 6th 11a-2p or 69-9p. No kits. Call the store to register.(703)263-9503...and I look forward to seeing you in class!

Scrapbooking Classes are...

2010-03-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

...great mother and daughter time....(welcome to ITH Jennifer!)... ...using Pat's elements as the class "example" (she really doesn't mind!) ;)...

...accepting that no matter what I design, Diane is just going to do her own thing - and it always looks great...

...so fulfilling because I know that I can count on Jerri to always finish her house and send me a picture when it is hanging on her wall!

Page Map 1

2010-03-01T08:20:00.000-05:00

Look what I can do! I can make a page map! I was playing around in Photoshop today, after visitng the Jessica Sprague website for inspiration, and I used the Custom Shape Tool to create this page map. It was actually pretty easy and I think I will make more...but I now feel compelled to do a layout with it...off to find the right pictures and papers...

March - In The House

2010-02-25T12:34:00.001-05:00

The sample is up over at Scrapbooks Plus for the March - In The House class. I apologize for the lateness in getting it done, but there were delays in receiving the papers because of the snow and CHA...and when it finally arrived I was up to my eyeballs in the last week of high school wrestling!

This month's class has a family tree theme. Using papers from Karen Foster Designs, Bo Bunny and Basic Grey, we answer the question "Whoooo loves you baby?" Personalize your house with pictures of siblings, parents, grandparents...even great grandparents! Karen Foster themed stickers provide a place for you to record the names, birthdates, and birth places of your extended family.

Color scheme: Beautiful honey mustard, browns, greens with just a touch of paprika - sounds kind of like a salad doesn't it? We will be using foam stamps with acrylic paints to personalize the title - is your family happy, wacky or nutty? Bring your favorite brown ink - I used Amaretto from QuickQuotes. Here's a peak at one of the pages from the layout...
You must bring your craft knife and cutting mat, red line tape, dimensional pop dots, regular adhesive, scissors and paper cutter. Specify the day or night class when you sign up so I know when to expect you. Brownies included at no extra charge...see you on Tuesday!

Snowmageddon 2010

2010-02-12T01:23:00.001-05:00

We got about 30" of snow... ...we still had about another 6"- 8" to go at this point...

...the snow was piled up on the railings of the deck about 12" high...

...and it was piled up on the branches of the trees in the backyard...

...the view over the back fence...reminds me more of Colorado than Virginia...

...the snow of a lifetime!

Time Well Spent

2010-02-03T11:13:00.000-05:00

This is the page map we used for the January DT Customer Challenge over at Scrapbooks Plus. It was designed by Loretta Cooper. I took a lot of liberties with the page map - turning it on its side, changing the dimensions of the elements - going so far as to turn it into a 2 page layout! (I always have lots of pictures, so I rarely do a one page layout.) Like most designers I know, Loretta encourages deviations from the page map...so I felt very comfortable with my adaptations.

The papers were from Upsy Daisy Designs and I thought they had a very beachy feel to them, so I pulled out some beach pictures and created this...
...but it was inspired by another beach-themed layout my friend (and fellow DT member) Sharon created several months ago, focusing on titles. I loved the way she made the title into a focal point and carried it across both pages to lead the eye of the viewer. I tucked the idea away and waited until I found the right pictures and the right title.

The first portion of the title is made with the corrugated alpha from Jillibean Soup...

... which I painted an eye-popping shade of green to match the papers from UpsyDaisy. I did not have that shade of green in my collection of paints, so I created a custom color, by mixing my paints. After the paint dried I distressed the surface of the letters a little with sandpaper. The smaller letters are die cut from a few different Sizzix fonts (Wingo Zingo, Playground and Monde de Blonde, I believe) in a dark brown cardstock.

The letters in "Friends" are from a Heidi Swapp Foam Letter set...actually the same set Sharon used on her layout...but you wouldn't know it if you looked at them side by side, because I altered mine a little...okay, a lot!

The original letters were a bright, shiny Turquiose plaid, which I liked, but didn't work for this layout. So I sanded them down a bit to remove most of the color and inked them generously with a brown ink pad. Then I took some of Tim Holtz crackle paint and dry brushed the thinnest coat on them. After the paint dried there was more inking and sanding, until I got exactly the time-worn, distressed look I was after.

I decided since the verbage in the title was repetitive, I would echo that in the actual title design, so the last part of the title looks the same as the first:

Design-wise bottom line: Start with a pagemap for inspiration but let your own sense of style lead you. Play with your titles, alter your fonts, use your techniques to get a unique and custom title for your very unique layouts.

Real bottom line: Spend time with and enjoy your friends...and then scrapbook to keep the memories. I loved this trip - we took a couple of days during Spring Break with a family who are very dear friends of ours. We just hung out and explored - hiking to a beach, playing on a playground made from recycled tires (really cool), checking out a sculpture garden - and created great memories. It really was...time well spent.

In The House - February

2010-02-01T10:56:00.002-05:00

I didn't find the right pictures to put in my samples this month...okay honestly, I couldn't find the time to find the right pictures...but here is the house for February:
And here it is morphed into the layout:

I used a mix of papers from Basic Grey, BoBunny, and Best Creations in lucious pinks, creams and chocolatey browns. In class, we will be trimming things out with ribbons, edge punches, and the cutest heart pins from Maya Road! Yes, there is a bit of glitter paper for those of you addicted to bling! There will be inking, stamping, heat embossing, and edge punching - and Ginger Lemon Creme cookies especially for Pat! See you in class!

Frosted Flakes

2010-01-14T06:25:00.000-05:00

This layout is from my final DT submission over at Scrapbooks Plus. The paper is from Upsy Daisy......I decided to play with shapes - lots of diamonds and rectangles...

...a little shine from Pearl Ex to "frost" the title...

...a little glitter (Martha Stewart Antique Silver)...trying to journal using my own handwriting..and voila!

As I said, this is from my last DT submission at Scrapbooks Plus. I have enjoyed the last 2 years on the team tremendously. I have learned so much from the other team members. My style has evolved - for the better I hope - as a result of all the interaction. It has truly been a fun challenge to push myself creatively and hopefully bring inspiring layouts to the customers each month, but I had a need to explore some other challenges this year.

Don't worry -you will still see me around the store...teaching at least one class per month...and shopping! Lots of shopping!

circa December 1964

2010-01-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

I am the happy and proud caretaker of the family slides. I have a goal of transferring them all to digital within a reasonable amount of time. Things are not going too well in that area. I printed this 8x10 almost a year ago. I wanted to see how large I could print and still expect a good image quality. Anyway, I had this print sitting around, waiting to be scrapped, when I received the January DT kit from Scrapbooks Plus with the Man About Town II collection from Upsy Daisy Designs. Because of the warm colors and the fabulous vintage feel of the papers, I immediately thought of this picture: A classic Madden family photo, circa December 1964. The picture of the deer in the background and the green faux leather (vinyl!) couch are icons in my mind.

With all the lovely browns, this page came together very quickly. I cut the title with my Cricut (Base Camp). Some of the letters are popped up, some are not. Some are popped up with their "shadow", some are popped up on top of the "shadow". All of the edges are inked. I added a small silver charm of a deer with antlers, and tied it with a tiny bow.

I think I am going to use it as the opening page in a family album...made from the slides...to give to my mother. Wow! Wish me luck. I think I just made a plan.

In The House - January

2010-01-06T08:16:00.001-05:00

Our recent blizzard apparently provided me with just the right amount of inspiration for this month's snow-themed design. It features a beautiful mix of wintery blues and warm browns - one of my favorite color combinations! And here it is morphed into the layout:

Martha Stewart's Antique Silver glitter, with it's brown undertones, is perfect on the diecut snowflakes. I also used her Drippy Goo edge punch for the icicles. There are 5 different ribbons on the layout - and hardly any Cricut cuts - how did that happen?

I've got to get cracking on February - check back in a few days!

Thank Heaven for Little Girls!

2010-01-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

Here is the last item I created for the DT call at Reminisce - an exploding box with a baby theme.

There are 8 pockets for pictures and journaling, plus an additional 4 surfaces for photos. I envisioned it as being a "Baby's First Year" keepsake, where you could add a new picture for each month. Reminisce has some really cute journaling stickers that I turned into tags with a little extra cardstock and ribbon.

On the outside, I created a "ribbon" from striped paper. It holds the box closed with a velcro dot under the decorative element on top...don't you just love the heart pins from Maya Road?

I am going to offer this as a class at Scrapbooks Plus next month. I just need to take a quick look at the calendar to set the time & date, so make sure you check out the class schedule! Class size will be limited to 6.

Bath Time Inspiration

2010-01-03T18:31:00.000-05:00

I am not a chronological scrapper...I will never be "caught up"...and I am at peace with that. I have 3 children and I didn't start scrapping until the youngest was 8 years old. There are just too many exciting events going on in their lives right now (16, 14, 12) and the backlog of pictures is humongous, so from time to time I go back and pick some special moments from the past that bring back great memories. As I was flipping through my photo albums I came across these pictures of my boys from 14 years ago and I knew I had found my inspiration. Bath Time was always such a fun and relaxing ritual every evening...and as soon as it was done, I could pass them off to Daddy for bedtime stories!I had fun with some techniques, first embossing the "B" with my Cuttlebug - the "Spots and Dots" folder from Provocraft reminded me of bubbles. Then I decided to heat emboss it to add some shine! The "bubbles" floating across the page are clear acrylic stickers I had picked up from JoAnne's and had sitting in my stash for just the right project - and here it was!

I actually used this layout as one of my submissions for a DT call at Reminisce, and almost all of the elements are from that company, however, the blue cardstock in the background is from Co'ordinations. The Wrestling Layout in the previous post was also one of my submissions. I didn't find out about the contest until the last few days, so I am happy with what I was able to produce. I did not make the cut for the DT this year, but I am proud to say I did garner an "Honorable Mention" on the blog! Maybe next year!

Now & Then

2009-12-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year...Wrestling Season! Yep, the season has barely begun, and I already have some terrific shots of Brian. Since I only started scrapbooking a few years ago, I have a ton of pictures from his earlier tournaments that I never scrapped, so I thought it was time for a layout with a little perspective. I like to hide my journaling, so the picture in the upper left actually flips up and offers plenty of room for comment!

Design-wise, I did a couple of things to make this layout work. The first was to print several of the pics in black & white...I actually even used Photoshop to make them a little "grainy"..because Westfield colors are gold and black and I think they were wrestling on red mats and one kid was in maroon and another was in red...bottom line, such a wide range of colors did not fit into my "vision". The earlier shots from 2005 when he was wrestling for SYA were in color, and they happened to coordinate with the paper.
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I also had some fun playing around with the title. One side of the background paper had the word "WRESTLING" printed on it. I cut the letters out and mixed them in with letters I cut in varying sizes with my Cricut (Opposites Attract cart). I also added Diamond Glaze to some of the letters for even more variety. I think it works well because it echoes the different types and sizes of fonts on the background paper.
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After the basic layout was completed, it was really simple to pepper in the coordinating word stickers (from Reminisce). I also added a die cut wrestler from my stash. A lot of the elements are "popped up" using a terrific idea from one of my friends on the Scrapbooks Plus Design Team. Erin Saravia recently shared that she uses leftover chipboard pieces when she wants to pop something up, instead of foam pop dots. Awesome tip from an awesome & talented lady!
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You can thank the blizzard for this layout...not much else to do since it snowed for more than 24 hours and accumulated 2 to 3 feet of snow! Perfect scrapping weather! In fact, I may have to do another layout for my other son, Paul and his baseball season from last year...

A Visit with Santa...

2009-12-19T09:25:00.000-05:00

...deserves a special page to commemorate the event. This month's papers from SEI were perfect for the occasion!

Some of the packages are epoxy stickers from SEI, and some I actually trimmed out from the Christmas Tree paper - they would have been covered up by the embossed red velvet paper.

Serendipity played a part in the layout - do you notice how the largest branch of the tree connects to a swirl on the red velvet? Love it! I wish I could say I had planned it...

I was actually thinking about putting a picture in the oval element on the tree, when I realized I had picked up the perfect Santa sticker the last time I was at Scrapbooks Plus. I wasn't sure why I needed this sticker, I just knew it was beautiful. I am so glad I had it because it worked perfectly here!

I used my Cricut and the Design Studio Software to cut the title. The "S" and the swirl are from Storybook, but the rest of the letters are from Base Camp. The little dots on the letters in red and white are just little dots of acrylic paint. I applied them with the wrong end of the paintbrush - I used a toothpick for the tiny dots.

This layout is kind of like a present, in that you have to open it to really appreciate it - surprise! You know I take tons of pictures. It is a very rare occurence for me to do a layout with only one photograph. I loved the series of Paul having his chat with Santa and had to include all 3. The only place I was able to include Brian was that shot of his back as he listens to a reading of the Grinch! I printed the journaling on vellum so I could still see the fancy foiled swirls. I added little bows tied with embroidery floss on the packages at the top...because too much is never enough!

For details on how to create the foldover page, check out my post at Scrapbooks Plus on Dec.23rd.
Merry Christmas!

In The House - December

2009-12-08T03:01:00.004-05:00

Create a home decor item to use each month and then convert it to a 2 page scrapbook layout!

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The project this month is a flurry of snowflakes, trees and reindeer in traditional Christmas red & green - with just a touch of blue!

Delicate laser cut stickers and a silver tone charm add a touch of class.
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There are 12 new houses for newbies who would like to jump into the project. This is the last opportunity to obtain a house. (Each month, for the first 5 days of the class listing, priority registration will be given to the students with houses! Ask to be put on a waiting list if you are only interested in the layout, which is available for viewing at Scrapbooks Plus.)
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You will need to bring (2) vertical pics that can be cropped to approximately 3.5" x 6.25", and (4) horizontal wallets - do NOT crop them before the class please! Also bring the regular class kit, red line tape, dimensional glue dots, a ruler and pencil.
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Tuesday Dec .15/11a-3p OR Tuesday Dec. 22/6p-9p No kits.
Class size limited to 12. Contact Scrapbooks Plus to register.

In The House - November

2009-12-07T21:52:00.003-05:00

I somehow did not get the November "In The House" posted last month! Must have been busy! Here is the class sample...I did not include pictures this time:

...and here is the way it will look once it comes down off the wall and you morph it into a layout!

Jerri sent me a photo of her finished project - she had to leave class early because her little girl was not feeling well. I think she did a great job!

Donna also had to leave before she was finished, but she had a good start on it!
You ladies all did a great job this month...there were a lot of techniques on this one: heat embossing, glittering, Pearl Ex, Cuttlebug embossing, edge punching & chalking!

Whew! I think that was all of them!

Here are some more pics from the class:

Thanks again for taking my class!

It really is such a fun group!

In December, the houses will be available again, so anybody who wants to jump into the project at this point can do so. There are a limited number of openings, so make sure you sign up early! Specify whether you need the house and the layout or, if you already have the house, if you just want to make the layout. Check the class schedule as I am offering a choice of a day or night class.

Athlete/Champion

2009-12-05T01:26:00.000-05:00

Paul's team won the county championship the first year he played 85lb National. He was such a force on the line that he was always getting double and triple teamed. By the end of the season, coach was just telling him to line up where ever he wanted to line up! I paired MME with the Athlete papers from Teresa Collins. Love it!