Birthday Girl

I have been finishing off the year, spending some time in my craft room, puttering away at organizing supplies and using up found items that I had laying around over the last couple of days. 

Supplies: Maggie Holmes Confetti Collection patterned papers, stickers, emboss folder (Crate Paper), baker's twine (MME), adhesive (Xyron), foam tape (Dollarama), black packaging insert (misc.)

For my last card of 2017, I made a quick fun and easy birthday girl party card. The black base for this card is made from an upcycled packaging insert that I embossed with the Maggie Holmes Birthday Song emboss folder and then sanded a bit before adhering bits and pieces from Maggie Holmes Crate Paper Confetti collection.

It will be the perfect card to celebrate a family member's birthday upcoming birthday next week as well as for entering it into Simon Says Stamps Monday Party Challenge.

TTFN,

Cheers

Another fun card was made with Crate Paper's Maggie Holmes Confetti collection. This one was inspired by the CardMaps challenge over at Scrapbook.com using a Becky Fleck sketch.

Supplies: Maggie Holmes patterned paper, stickers embossing folder (Crate Paper), cardstock (CTMH), icraft Deco foil (Thermoweb), glitter (Dollarama), gingham ribbon (O'Scrap!)embroidery floss (Anchor), Tim Holtz tiny attacher and staples (Advantus)

The music score embossing folder adds just that right touch to the background. 

For easy gold embellishing of the tag, I ran a quick swipe of glue stick around the edge and then added some gold foil.

TTFN,

Birthday Celebration

I am really enjoying making birthday cards with Crate Paper's Confetti collection by Maggie Holmes. I made this card for a dear friend whom I know really appreciates my handcrafted creations.

Supplies: Maggie Holmes embossing folder, patterned paper, sticker (Crate Paper), cardstock (CTMH), double sided adhesive (Scor-Tape), twine (Maya Road), butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), vellum (The Paper company), glitter (Dollarama)

For this card, I used the polaroid photo frame patterned paper piece and added a little twist. I used thin double sided adhesive on the frame and added gold glitter.

I am added this one to the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog's Happy Birthday challenge in celebration of their 7th Birthday.

TTFN,

Delight in Creating

I have wanted to try some string painting for a while now. I have seen Louise Nelson do some spectacular pieces with this technique and have been totally inspired to give it a go. What better way to give it a try than on an art journal page...  pressure free creative fun.

Supplies: journal (Moleskine), gelato (Faber-Castell), acrylic paints (DecoArt), butterfly stamp (Magenta), delight stamp (Heidi Swapp), vellum (The Paper Company), gold embossing powder (CTMH), Versamark (Tsukineko), Glimmer Glaze (Tattered Angels), die cuts (Maggie Holmes- Crate Paper and Amy Tangerine-American Crafts), Gelly Roll pen (Sakura)

I decided to use my Moleskine journal due to its size which I felt would be comfortable for this experimentation. First, I water coloured with a pink gelato and created some splatters too. Next, I used a piece of embroidery floss and dragged it through black acrylic paint and then laid it on the page in a swirly design. I repeated that process one more time. Once dry, I added some sparkly splatters with pink glimmer glaze. Then, I acrylic paint stamped the Heidi Swapp "delight". 

For embellishments, I added in some vellum as an inspiration for Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge of No Ordinary Paper. I pulled out some Maggie Holmes floral die cuts and started with the gold foil text vellum flower and then added two other flowers that would work with the Amy Tangerine "Create Everyday" die cut and the gelato pink. 

I heat embossed my favourite Magenta Butterfly stamp on vellum and fussy cut it. For finishing touches... a little doodling and some shadows with a Gelly Roll pen.

There you have it. My delight... create everyday!

TTFN,

Happy Day Card

This Maggie Holmes Crate Paper is so pretty. I used some of the 6x6 paper pad to create this card based on Cardabilities sketch #123.

Supplies: patterned papers (Maggie Holmes Crate Paper), sentiment stamp (October Afternoon), Stamper's Big Brush (Faber-Castell), butterfly punches (Martha Stewart), baker's twine (Maya Road), moonshine sequins (Simon Says Stamp), vellum and paperclip (Dollarama)

The vellum butterfly punched overlay helps soften the darker colours of the paper and I just like how the Moonshine sequins give a touch of sparkle to the whole thing.

My paper colour choices were based on the beautiful colour swatch from Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

Isn't that just such a pretty inspirational swatch? Happy creating!

TTFN,

Grace x 2

You know you are addicted to scrapping when you go to drive 17 km in search of a wifi connection to post for a challenge. Yes, sad but true.  The worst part... said wifi I drove in search of was actually not working this weekend, so all was in vain (I missed the KK Colour Challenge 26 deadline... sigh). I am now posting that I am home from vacation.

This selfie photo layout was inspired by the Colour Challenge 26 at Kreative Koncepts and the July sketch challenge over at Once Upon a Sketch.  I really played with this one, using oodles of techniques and media.

Supplies: cardstock (Canadian Scrapbooker Super Stock), Gesso (Golden), Glimmer Mists (Tattered Angels), Tim Holtz Distress ink, stickles, & Archival ink (Ranger), whipped spackle, gelatos, and PITT Artist Stamper's Big Brush (Faber-Castell), stencils (Tim Holtz and Prima), stamps (KaiserCraft and MME), patterned paper (Crate Paper), flowers (Prima, Petaloo, Recollections, and Michaels), letter stickers (Recollections and Prima), pen (CTMH), trim (Webster's Pages), vellum and sequins (miscellaneous)

Cluster detail photos:

The wonderful selfie photo was taken using an ipad with stunning results and resolution. With it's touches of green and the flowers in the grass that she is laying down upon, it was an ideal fit photo for the colour challenge.  The sketch and theme worked beautifully to show it off.

Journal Theme: Numbers

             

On the upside of being away... lots of creative time!  I made several projects which I will share over the next weeks.

Have you ever found yourself going out of your way or doing something nutty for "scrap" sake? Please share your stories, I would love to know that I am not alone.:)

TTFN,

A Scrappy Weekend Sojourn

This weekend was the spring ScrapFest in Kitchener. A great annual two day event where I get to meet up with scrappy friends, make new ones, shop and create. I was doubly blessed as my daughter came along with me on the adventure for her first time.

I got to play with some Faber-Castell Stamper's Big Brush pens that I picked up in the marketplace area. It was all about mixed media for me as I shopped and created, having wanted to try some new mixed media techniques that go along with my use of Gelatos.

Today, I am sharing a card that I made. I went with a card as it was smaller and easier to try out than a full art journal page when "On the Go" as in Design Memory Craft's April Take the Challenge with Mou, and it worked for the design I had in mind that was inspired by Simon Says Stamp Monday's Challenge Blog theme of "Journey" for this week.

Supplies: cardstock (Canadian Scrapbooker Super Stock), patterned papers and letter stickers (Crate Paper), gelatos and Stamper's Big Brush markers (Faber-Castell), stamps (CTMH, 7 Gypsies, Jillibean Soup), gesso and molding paste (Golden), ink and Multi Media Gel (Ranger), butterfly die (Memory Box), cloud stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), rub on letters (Royal and Langnickel), pen (Sharpie)

I decided on a spring time journey and what better way to portray this than the monarch butterflies' journey back north. I used Crate Paper's StoryTeller collection patterned papers.  The map paper was my background which I gessoed and gelatoed, followed by the addition of the molding paste clouds and stamping of "Spring" and the compass rose using a black Stamper's Big Brush.  The Big Brush was perfect for giving a lighter image, without having to second generation stamp, as it was a mid layer and not the focal sentiment on the card. I die cut some butterflies from the StoryTeller papers, glued them down and sealed the entire surface in preparation for the next layer and ink techniques.

Then I added dimension to the butterflies and edged the card with a variety of Stamper's Big Brush markers, using a quick finger smudging technique to colour areas prior to the ink drying.  Next, I went in with a fine marker to add definition detail.

Lastly, I applied letter stickers, letter rub-ons and word stamping for the sentiment.

There you have it. A journey themed card made while on a journey. LOL! Not too bad for a first try at a new-to-me product and technique.


TTFN,

Something Old but New

Over the next several months, I am determined to complete the many partially started projects that I have in storage folders just waiting to be completed.  For me it is those ones that get pushed aside in favour of the more pressing time oriented ones.  LOL!  Do you happen to do this too? Do you have any unfinished projects just sitting around waiting to be completed?




Supplies: patterned papers, stickers (Crate Paper), fabric chipboard letters (American Crafts), stamp (Kelly Panacci by SandyLion), ink and pen (CTMH)

This layout is about about the start of a friendship and it is based on a sketch from the PageMaps blog.  I used both the sketch, the theme and the book cover as inspiration.  I used Crate Paper's Story Teller Collection.


TTFN,

A Few Feel Good Cards

It is quite amazing how much a card can lift one's spirits.  I really got into making cards more this year. I like that I can use up the stash that I have and create little gems in a relatively short period of time.




Supplies- Patterned Papers and Stickers: My Mind’s Eye; Cardstock: Bazzill; Ink: Close To My Heart; Foam Dots: Dollarama;

Nothing like a little MME.  I like this one for its' distressing, the paper collection, the stars, and mostly because I was able to incorporate seven different patterned papers into it.  It was my take on this Lucy Chesna sketch:

More MME for this next one I did for a No Sew Pleated Ribbon technique tutorial over at SNR Mag. 



Supplies Patterned Papers, Trim and Sticker: My Mind's Eye; Cardstock: Bazzill; Ink and Pen: Close To My Heart; Double Sided Adhesive: Sookwang

 I love the textures, the inking and faux stitching and how backing the sticker with black cardstock tied it all together.  Here is a side view to get a feel for the dimension of it.  I had this one on display in my living room for quite sometime. It makes me think of my family every time I look at it.

This next card just makes me smile for its' cuteness factor. I won this stamp years ago in a stamping contest and finally got a chance to use it. Add in some  October Afternoon and a piece of Cosmo Cricket chipboard whimsy and viola ... cuteness! Nothing like an obscure assignment looking for fruits and veggie cards to spark one's creativity. LOL!

Supplies- Cardstock: Stampin' Up; Patterned Papers and Strawberry Die Cut: October Afternoon; Chipboard: Cosmo Cricket; Stamp: Inkadinkado; Ink: Rangers and Stampin' Up; Label Die: Spellbinders; Green Marker: Close To My Heart; Thread: Miscellaneous

Technique laden, but oh so fun, with some stamping, heat embossing, a bit of watercolouring, a border punch and a touch of Glitter Glam, makes this next card a birthday treat!




Supplies Patterned Papers: Lily Bee Design; Image Stamp, Markers, Ink and Emboss Powder: Close To My Heart; Sentiment Stamps: Studio G; Emboss Ink: Tsukineko; Punch: Fiskars; Glimmer Glaze: Tattered Angels; Pen: Staedtler

Lastly to finish off the feel good fest... a Crate Paper vacation card to send you on your way.  I was inspired by our then soon-to-be adventure to Potter World in Orlando when I made this one based on a sketch for an assignment.

Supplies- Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper and Stickers: Crate Paper; Airplane Charm: 7 Gypsies; Pen:Staedtler; Ink: Close To My Heart; Date Stamp: Trodat; Foam Tape and Twine: Dollarama

And here is the Lucy Chesna sketch that I created my take off. 

My Nook friends will no doubt recognize bits and pieces from various kits in these.  While I miss getting a new kit each month filled with luscious scrappy goodies that are the latest and greatest, I have to say that I will be able to still enjoy the years of goody packages that I have received for quite sometime.  I have yet to have used up one kit in its' entirety.  Sad but true and I am sure I am not alone (other than you past DT members).  I have come close only a few times but still have pieces.   More a lack of time on my part, not ideas and then always the next lovely to come along.  Lucky for me, I still love what I have and look forward to creating with those little bits of Nookness for many moons to come.  LOL!

TTFN,

Random Cuteness!

I am very much loving Crate Paper's Random collection! This line is so pretty and versatile.  This layout, is my take of a fun sketch from the January PageMaps collection.

Supplies: patterned papers (Crate Paper), stamps (CTMH, Inkadinkado), ink (Rangers, CTMH, Studio G), glitter letter stickers (MM), fabric letter stickers (Prima), punch (Fiskars), baker's twine (We R Memory keepers), pen (Creative Memories), twine and staples (misc.)

The sketch really resonated with me due to its unique design.

I flipped and moved some of the elements around to better suit my photos.  I used six different patterned papers as well as lots od stamping and faux stitching.

TTFN,

Get Picky GDT Inspiration Challenge #15

Happy New Year!

With the start of the New Year, comes another really fun Inspiration Challenge from Get Picky.  For this one, you are challenged to create a multi photo layout about something that you might resolve to do this year.  It can be anything that you please or you can draw inspiration from the poem posted, as I did for my Guest Designer layout.  There is lots to choose from that will resonate with many. 

Supplies: patterned papers, chipboard, stickers (Crate Paper), fabric chipboard letters (American Crafts), pin (Maya Road), flower jewels (CTMH), buttons, heart jewels and twine (miscellaneous), pen (Creative Memories)

I drew my inspiration from this line of the poem "Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you." Which you can see is my title and journaling. This is something that both my dd and I should and will try to do this New Year. With the constant go-go of our everyday lives, it is important to stop, take a moment and focus on the people and nature around you and appreciate them.

I used Crate Paper's Random collection featured in My Scrapbook Nook's September 2011 kit. Such a gorgeous line full of bright and playfully pretty colours. There is just something about this one that I liked so much, it even made my Top 10 for 2011.  In fact, four of my favs were from Get Picky challenges.  Thanks Tanya and Nikki for the inspiration!

To see some seriously spectacular eye-candy check out the DT's takes on this challenge.  The full poem and details can be found here.  Be sure to join in for a chance to win and be featured.

TTFN,

Crate Paper Sketch meets Nook Kit

My Scrapbook Nook's March kit was well worth the wait.  Chalk full of Crate Paper's Emma's Shoppe with some added MME accessories it is perfect for little girl pages.  Lucky for me I ordered the border add-ons because they were perfect for this month's Crate Paper Blog sketch challenge.
  

Supply list can be found here

My take is a little different from the sketch.  That is the nice thing about starting with a sketch sometimes; it gives you inspiration and gets you going but it can take on a life of its' own as you make it work with the photos and supplies that you have on hand.

TTFN,

Crate Paper's New Colour Inspiration Challenge

In December, Crate Paper started a new monthly colour inspiration challenge.  Here are the details and this was the December inspiration board.

Here is what I came up with:

Supplies: patterned paper, chipboard, diecuts (Crate Paper), cardstock (Bazzill), border punches (Stampin' Up, Fiskars), letter stickers (October Afternoon), glitter chipboard letter stickers (Pink Paislee), jewels (SandyLion), pen (Creative Memories)

I scrapped an older photo of my daughter (one of the few with her glasses from when she needed them) just before her two front teeth fell out.  I love that a lot of their colours overlap on different lines which makes mixing and matching a breeze.  Using what I had on hand in my stash, I mixed "Blue Hill" patterned paper with "Paper Doll" embellishments to match the palette.  I outlined doodled the Blue Hill die-cut flowers to match the black outlines on the Paper Doll chipboard.

TTFN,

Snow Surfing Snowman

Supplies: patterned paper, chipboard (Crate Paper), cardstock (Bazzill), chipboard letters (K and Company, American Crafts), ink (Color Box), chalk (CTMH), stickles (Rangers), liquid applique (Marvy Uchida), pen (Staedtler)

This is a fun layout of a cute snowman my daughter made and boarded all around the backyard last winter.  I was inspired by Crate Paper's November sketch for this layout.



TTFN,