goldiecar designs

Going Garnet!! (www.scrapbooksteals.com MWM's)

2012-02-20T21:49:00.003-08:00

The past few months have been lacking in the scrappy arena. I think I had to find my stride again, and just buckle down and create once again. For the last ten weeks, I've been working on completing my Mid-Week Mojo's for ScrapbookSteal's weekly MWM contest. This jewel, Garnet!! And I've finished them all!! WOOT!

AND!! Garnet's #1, 7, 8 & 9 are all using February's Counterfeit Kit that I made!! Love that darn thing!

All sketches and information are linked to the title. And in order:

Garnet #1

Garnet #2

Garnet #5

Garnet #9

Project 100 update: 60/100

AUTHENTIQUE: A Genuine look at Denim

2012-02-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

Genuine by Authentique is one of the newest lines by the fabulous company. It's full of denim goodness, and lovely patterns.

For the first card, "UR Genuine", I decided to to go completely denim with my creation. I used the "Genuine, through and through..." Details sticker as my label, and created belt hoops out of the True denim paper. They aren't even glued down!! Just folded, then stitched with one stitch on the top and bottom of each. Then I frayed all of the edges to give it a more worn look, then added a jeans-type embellishment to finish off the look.

It was fun creating this card, and I really think that the belt loops are what makes this so special. I'm imagining a similar card with a jeans type pocket as a gift card holder!!

The last card was created using the Dependable paper from the Genuine collection, with a backing of True. I created a folder flower, so that both sides showed, added a stitched button and a fantastic sentiment. Totally simple, but very effective. When the flower was completed, I inked the edges to mirror the yellow tones in the paper. And of course, frayed the edges of the background paper.

The whole line is really special, and the friendship themes are just adorable.

This was totally outside of my "normal" paper choices, and I really couldn't be happier with the results.

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: A Genuine Snow Day

2012-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Authentique fans! Heather here, with a layout incorporating both the Genuine Collection, and some of my favorite Free Bird Collection "B" sides.

A few weeks ago, the Northwest had a pretty large scale snow and ice storm. Overnight, seven inches of snow fell. Probably not a lot for most places in the US, but in our neck of the woods, the snow and ice pretty much shut down cities. The beginning however, did make for some pretty cute photos of my little girl.

I knew when I saw the Genuine Collection, I wanted to incorporate some of the papers with these photos. I loved how the Friendship paper had snowflake-like stitching.

I backed all of the photos with Natural from the Genuine Collection. I also added a phrase from the Genuine Elements, as well as some of the Genuine Tiny Type (also on the Elements sheet).

The Free Bird papers helped to make the perfect snowflakes. I looked through the whole collection, and settled on solids from Fair-Weather, Endless, and Comfort. And one large background snowflake using Genuine's True.

Adding a little bling helped to make the snowflakes stand out against the background paper.

And one final Genuine Details sticker to set off one of the miniature photos.

While I do love paper collections by themselves, don't be afraid to mix and match! And if you need some fantastic color additions, check out the various solids that all grace the back of those Free Bird papers! They really are fun to add to your favorite Authentique collections.

Supplies Used:

Genuine Collection: Friendship, Natural, True, Elements, Details

Free Bird Nest Collections: Fair-Weather FBS120, Endless FBS115, Comfort FBS107

Additional Supplies: American Crafts Thickers, Teresa Collins Bling, Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink

Found on Pinterest: Valentine's Crayon Cards

2012-02-11T13:08:00.000-08:00

While my own little family isn't too big on Valentine's Day, I know that little kiddos love it. It's an excuse to give and receive candy treats. Being in education, I also know how VDay can stir up a lot of sugar induced crazy. And, I love my childcare providers and want to at least temper the insanity without adding to it. So when I saw this lovely how-to on Pinterest, I knew that I wanted to do these instead of store-bought Valentine's.

From start to finish, These babies took only about 1.5 hours. That included unwrapping and breaking the crayons (these took about 40 Crayola crayons), stuffing the silicone heart pan, melting them and letting them harden. While they were melting and then hardening, I went to work on the card bases.

A simple 2 1/8" circle punch, some reddish cardstock and a white Signo pen created the card back, and an AC pop dot stuck those babies on there. I tried to use regular Glue Dots, but the crayons were a little concave on the back. The pop dot glue actually made them stick to the circles.

I think these were my favorite ones. They remind me of some of my favorite Mark Rothko paintings. MMM... Modern art!!

Anyway, these were super simple, and look SO much cuter than anything with a logo on them. Plus, except for the cost of the pan, if you have cardstock and crayons lying around, they are super cheap!

Project 100 update: 52/100

Counterfeit Kit Challenge: Gift #1

2012-02-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

I haven't gotten to craft as much as I usually like to lately. We've had some illness floating around our house for a few weeks... and it's not been too much fun. Thankfully, we are all on the mend, which means that I get to spend my free time crafting and not doing extra chores!! WOOHOO!

For this project, I used my Counterfeit Kit to create a little gift for my sweet friend Karen. I covered one of my Moleskine notebooks with some sweet Basic Grey paper, an oh-so-cute doily, a few Sassafras stickers, Fancy Pants chipboard, and tied it all together with some twine, AC washi tape, Tiny Type and a cute bling.

I know this is an iPhone pic... But oh well. It will have to do today! In this case, I wanted Karen to have her gift right after I made it.

Totally loving the Counterfeit Kit Challenge!! I'm using up my stash of supplies!!

Project 100 update: 30/100

Counterfeit Kit Challenge: February 2012 Kit

2012-02-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

I'm going to do the Counterfeit Kit Challenge again. Last time, I made my kit SOOOO big, that I didn't use hardly any of it. Or at least, that's how it felt. This time, I tried to scale down the paper selection so that it was a little more manageable. I used the Valentine's themed Kit "You+Me" as the basis of my inspiration. Anyway, here are the elements!!

PAPER
Teresa Collins: Travel Ledger-Travel Words
Echo Park: Little Boy-Borders
Sassafras Lass: Sweetly Smitten-Heartfelt
Crate Paper: Portrait Collection-Accent Cuts
Basic Grey: Curio-Cotton (B)
American Crafts: The Classics-Canterbury Tales & kraft
My Little Shoebox-Farmer's Market-Cherries Jubilee (B)
Sassafras Lass: Paper Crush-Pitter Patter
Sassafras Lass: Paper Crush-Sweet Smooches (B)
My Minds Eye: Be-Loved-Lovely Loops
My Minds Eye: Be-Loved-Affectionate Flowers
My Minds Eye: Alphabet Soup-Sunny Stripes
My Minds Eye: Be-Loved-Passionate Paisley
My Minds Eye: Be-Loved-Dearest Dots
My Minds Eye: Lush-Pink Large Polka Dots
My Minds Eye: Alphabet Soup-Little Princess (B)
My Minds Eye: Be-Loved-Sweet Hearts (cut piece)
EMBELLISHMENTS
Sassafras Lass Foldies
Cosmo Cricket Ready-Set-Chip: Togetherness
Sassafras Lass stickers, Paper Whimsies, In-a-Stitch Blooms, Vintage Brooch
MME Lush Rhinestones, Buttons, Bohemia Ribbon
American Crafts Mementos, Bits, Buttons
Teresa Collins Bling
Fancy Pants Chipboard Shapes
Wilton doilies
Prima mini flowers
Twinery twine
AMuse wooden circle
ALPHABETS
AC Thickers: Hardcover (teal, kraft) & Sweet (red)
Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type (clear red & red)
Scenic Route kraft

Here are some details of the kit. I really wanted to include some various kraft elements, both in paper and in the embellishments in order to really follow the kraft in the original kit. I did want to add a few more colors and embellishments than the original kit had however. It seemed light on those elements.

I also included a lot of teals and red. My kit has more teals than the original one, but I own a TON of those colors. I also wanted this to not look only like a Valentine's kit, so wanted the brights to be a part of the kit.

Every kit needs the perfect embellishments. I included some that could be Valentine's (Bits), and a lot that could just be great additions to any scrapbook kit.

Some of these embellishments have been sitting around my craft area for quite awhile. I may as well use them, and not just save them for later. And those doilies are just too fun. Bling too!

And because I know that this is a holiday month, I am planning on making a couple of small gifts.
EXTRAS
Cosmo Cricket Blackboard mini book
Moleskine ruled notebooks
Kraft bags

I really like the multipurpose nature of this kit. I know that I will be making some Valentine's and birthday cards with this, as well as a few gifts for people. Super excited to get started!!

If you want to get started on your Counterfeit Kit Challenge go to this link and check out the kits for this month!!

A Little Uncommon Treat from ScrapbookSteals.com

2012-02-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

Hello all!! It's Heather here, and I have a cute little Valentine's project using Authentique. Currently, ScrapbookSteals.com has Uncommon as their deal of the day!! Better get this fast, as it is going quick!

So, my little project is a cute treat holder, and a wonderful little Valentine's card for a special someone.

For the candy holder, just create a tube of paper, and use your ATG gun (my FAVORITE!!) to close the paper into the tube. Crimp one side, and staple or stitch with your favorite tine (Twinery, again from ScrapbookSteals.com!!)

Fill the end of the tube with your treats, and crimp the opposite end the opposite way. Again, staple or stitch together.

The card is pretty easy too. It just looks a lot more difficult than it really is!

I just cut out a heart (you could also use a punch or machine) from my cover paper. Then I ATG'd a piece of clear plastic (you can use whatever is around... This is actually wrapper from some embellishments). Glue around the heart, over the plastic, place your punched shapes, and lastly place the background color. Then, just glue the whole thing onto your card base. Decorate and you're done.

I hope that you enjoyed my little projects today. I also hope that you really snag the great deals that ScrapbookSteals.com has!! Every day at 9 am MST.

Project 100 update: 29/100

AUTHENTIQUE TUTORIAL: Free Bird Coasters

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Authentique fans! Heather here with a simple tutorial for making some pretty cute coasters using Authentique Free Bird.

To start, you are going to need your tiles (I chose 4" untreated stone tiles just from my local hardware store), ModPodge or other crafting medium, spray Shellac, a spongey applicator or brush, felt, contact or rubber cement and your papers (I chose to use the Blush and Delight Nest FBN001). You'll also need some basic papercrafting tools.

To start, I cut my papers down to 3 3/4". I know that my tiles were 4", but they sloped down a bit on the edges, and this just made the most sense, as the paper wouldn't peel off the edges if it was slightly smaller.

Also, because of the tiles that I chose, and the fact that I didn't want the edges to peel or pull up, used my corner rounder on all of the squares.

A nice covering of ModPodge on the tiles themselves (untreated stone sucks some of the glue up...) so you may find that you need more than you think.

And placing all of the lovely papers on top of the stone tiles. Another generous helping of ModPodge finishes them all off for the time being.

If you want to embellish them at all, after the first coat is dry, use some paper elements to add some interest, and ModPodge those to the coaster.

While the glue is drying, I just used scissors to cut out my felt pieces. They are slightly smaller than the 4", and I rounded the corners slightly (FYI: corner edgers don't help with felt). Again this is to prevent the edges from pulling up. I used contact cement for this, but you could probably use most glues or epoxies that aren't water based.

Here is the bottom of the finished tile!! Now it won't scratch the furniture. If you wanted to not deal with felt, you could also use those felt squares or circles that they have at hardware stores instead.

When the layers of ModPodge had dried, I used the spray Shellac on them to protect the paper. I probably will put a few layers of this on. I don't suggest using these right away... Give them a week or two to properly dry. If you choose to only ModPodge them, I suggest waiting a few weeks, just to make sure that you don't ruin all of your hard work.

And the finalized tiles with all of the lovely Blush Free Bird. I purposefully chose to have two patterns and two solids, but did use all four of the papers (FBS101, FBS 102, FBS103, FBS104). I really love how lovely these all ended up, and cannot wait to give these away as a cute Valentine's gift.

In fact, I even wrapped them up with some parchment paper and twine, so that one of the butterflies peeked through. And created a cute little tag out of the scraps with another butterfly to reflect the ones in the package.

Of course I hate crafting alone, so my wonderful and most dear friend Venetia created her own tiles using the same Nest as I did, although choosing to use the Delight Series instead (FBS110, FBS111). Hers ended up being just as lovely, though very different.

I hope this inspires you to find new ways to use Free Bird and your other favorite Authentique lines!!

Supplies Used:

Free Bird Nest Collections: Blush FBS101, FBS 102, FBS103, FBS104 & Delight 110, 111

Additional Supplies Coasters: stone tiles, ModPodge, spray Shellac, contact cement, felt, butterfly punch
Additional Supplies Tag: butterfly punch, AC glitter and rose ribbon, brad, Office Depot paperclip, Twinery Twine, parchment paper

What I Did During My Many Snow Days...

2012-01-21T23:49:00.000-08:00

In the Great Northwest, we don't get much snow. When we do get snow, it can cause some great havoc in our area. What most people don't really get about PNW snow, is that our ground is warmer (causing it to melt, then freeze...!), and we have the craziest hills all over the darn place. Not little, gently sloping hills, BIG hills. The kind that you are amazed when see people running or riding bikes all the way. Not only are there hills all around, there are these crazy overpasses that are forever freezing. All in all... It snowed 7" overnight. So we stayed home. I crafted. A lot. Here's a ton of cards that I made.

Rather than post them individually, I thought it would just be easier to collage them. I also was able to catch up on three of Kristy Lee's Mid-Week Mojo's from www.scrapbooksteals.com. Heck yes!

Okay, just FYI, the first of the MWM's is actually a great sketch by guest sketcher Charity Becker. Charity has a great style that is completely her own. And this sketch was fun to create!!

Garnet 4

Splash: Remember When... We Went To Idaho

And the two that lovely Kristy Lee designed:

Garnet 5

Friends

Garnet 6

Sweet Like Sugar

Now this isn't all that I did... I'll have to post the rest later. Although, there was a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer watching as well. <3

PS. I think I'm going to restart my 100 project challenge. I snagged a couple of deals and steals, so with these items and the five additional cards that are already enveloped up, I'm up to 26/100!!

A Fistfull of Cards...

2012-01-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

Congrats baby card

Congrats: Teacher of the Year 2012

This is Not a Goodbye Card, this is an I'll See You Soon Card

62 is Beautiful

Personalized Halloween candy tubes

Congrats baby card

A Year's Worth of Images...

2012-01-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

I've not been good with blogging as of late. Few things... We are expecting baby #2, the family has been battling various sicknesses, lots of work and lots of family events. Some exciting things, and some not so.

We're super excited about the new baby, but of course being pregnant also means being tired. Anywhoo... Here is one of the two calendars that I made for the going-to-be-grandparents-again.

In order, from January-December (I left July-December open for pics with both kiddos...)

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: A Splendid-ly Different Mini

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely Authentique fans, Heather here. I am bringing to you today a variation on the "mini book" idea. This is actually a manilla folder (turquoise) that has simply been folded. I took the bottom of an open manilla folder, and folded it up four inches. Then decorated!

I really loved how the Splendid Foundations paper was long enough to cover the entire folder in one piece. It made for the perfect background to all of the mini pages and photos.

Each section has a slot for a photograph that is mounted onto a 4x7" piece of Splendid, and has a space for decoration on the front of the pocket. The edges are also stitched with floss, so that the pockets are "closed".

The Headlines made for the perfect heading for a cute photo of Baby Isla and Daddy.

And the bingo card style of Richness lent itself to another great title.

Using the Petite Type made for a nice little heading. And a few details of the fronts of the pockets...

Here is the folder without all of the photos. See how the Foundations paper cover the folder so well!

And all of the photos mounted on the various papers. You could even swap out the photos if you used temporary glue!

I hope you enjoyed seeing another variation on the mini-book idea. I know that I am going to enjoy displaying this "mini", and remember the baby my toddler once was.

Supplies Used:

Authentique Splendid Collection: Foundations, Brilliance, Majesty, Richness, Delight, Renown, Magnificence, Tabloids, Headlines (back), Petite Type (circle and square)

Additional Supplies: AC This to That, AC floral ribbon, DMC floss, Office Depot turquoise manilla folder, butterfly punch

Come Play with Authentique's Sketch Challenge!

2012-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

It has been SOOO long since I posted. Part of my New Year's resolution is to craft more often, and actually get posting again. I think the dark, dark weather has been getting me down... Along with a nasty bout of illness. Colds and flu begone!
I'm back to crafting. I ended up creating 24 layouts for my parents and in-laws yearly photo calendars. I know! Seriously!! I probably should snap photos of each page and post them, as to not let any of my readers think that I wasn't crafting the past few weeks away. Although since I wasn't making anything for myself, I kind of feel that I wasn't really making much at all, so maybe the photos will prove to me that I was working hard. Anyway, I digress...

Here are January's Authentique sketches! I loved the card version, as it made for a super cute card that I am sending to CHA for Authentique's booth. Both images use my favorite Authentique line: Gathering.

I really hope that you play along. Look for some projects using Authentique's new lines soon!!!

Winner Winner!!

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you know that the winner of the "Emily's Birthday Blog Hop" prize from me..

Is none other that, Crystal from Crystal's Creative Corner!! Go give her some bloggy love and follow her blog!

Congrats Crystal! I'll try to contact you sometime today for your information!!

Emily's "Back to the 80's" Birthday Blog Hop!

2011-12-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

If you are here from Cristine's blog... You are in the right spot to help celebrate EMILY's 'BACK TO THE 80'S BIRTHDAY BLOG HOP'!!

If not, here's the lineup, and you can start at Emily's blog, and hop through the rest of the fun!!
Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net

Lisa: http://prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com
Abby: http://www.scrapbookaholicbyabby.com/
Candace: http://www.papercraftsbycandace.blogspot.com
Nicole: http://sweetstampshop.blogspot.com/
Julie Ranae: http://juliesopenwindow.blogspot.com/
Stephanie: http://www.sweetstephcardcreations.blogspot.com/
Tanya: http://nonnascraftcorner.blogspot.com/
Candace: http://www.scrappin2littleprincesses.blogspot.com
Elizabeth: http://www.217creations.com
Angelica: http://www.handmadebyangelica.com
Michelle: http://www.scrappinwithmybug.com/
Erin: http://www.erinleecreative.com
Sarah: http://www.pinkcricut.com
Dawn: http://www.designsthatdelight.com
Kathy: http://kathyand3kids.blogspot.com
Jeannie: http://polkacabana.wordpress.com/
Cristine: http://onescrappynovice.blogspot.com/
Heather: http://goldiecar.blogspot.com/

I hope that you have had lots of fun on the way. Rather than making something 80's spectacular, I decided to create a page with a fun photo that has been staring at me for quite some time. This photo was special, as it was taken at my grandma's house when I was just a few years old. Notice the very cool Sesame Street sweatshirt, and my sweet kicks. Okay, so they were pretty lame... But for 1982, I was styling!!

Next door to my grandma's house was this wonderful and beautiful horse. The horse was so gentle, that I used to feed it hay and grass. Sometimes my grandma would give me apples or carrots. Best thing... it didn't like my little brother much, so the horse was all mine. Okay, so it was really my grandma's neighbor's horse... but at four years old, I had no clue.

Well, I hope you had fun with my little jaunt down memory lane!! Make a comment, and be in the running to win some fantastic blog candy from me!!!!

1980's blog candy: iRock, because who didn't want a Bedazzler in the '80's?? Rub-ons, the one scrappy item I actually owned when I was little. And '80's colored buttons!!

Happy birthday Emily!! May this year be full of memories, love and best wishes!!

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: A Gathering Mini Album

2011-12-09T04:53:00.001-08:00

From the Authentique Blog...

*****

Hello Authentique Fans, Heather here! I have a great little mini book for you today. I love mini's! They make the best little presents, especially for family that we don't get to see on a more regular basis. Plus, you can use up all those doubles of photos that you normally don't scrap with.

Instead of going with a Christmas theme, I decided to use my Gathering Collection. The 6x6 pad made the perfect backgrounds for the mini pages, as all of the great Authentique patterns are miniscule.

I love how I was able to mix and match all the great pieces from the Gathering Collection to create this: various papers, Diction, Noteables, Icons, Tabloids, Petite Type (Orange & Aqua), Classic Type and Expressions.

The quotes in the Tabloids and Noteables make perfect mini-titles.

And I love how all the colors are just great for photos!

I even added some ribbon to help finalize the look.

Here are a few closeups. The quotes are just precious for family photos.

I already know who is getting this mini, but I'm inspired to possibly make a few more over the weekend! I hope that you have fun with your Authentique this weekend too!!

Supplies Used:

Authentique Gathering Collection: 6x6 Paper Bundle, Icons, Tabloids, Noteables, Expressions, Petite Type (Orange & Aqua), Classic Type

Additional Supplies: AC This to That, May Arts ribbon (blue), floral ribbon (coral), Bind-it-All system and binding

My First Ever Published Piece... And a Bit of Truth

2011-12-03T21:58:00.001-08:00

The past few weeks, I have been creatively drained. It's not often that I really want to admit to such truths... But I really haven't been too into crafting. Or reading, cleaning, or generally doing much of anything. I've even been lazy on Pinterest.

I digress however, because this week I did have some amazing news! I was contacted in October/November about a card that I made during World Cardmaking Day. I looked on the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog and saw a cute Becky Fleck sketch that was for one of their "calls". So, I created a cute little Christmas card using the ever-so-fantastic Authentique Wonder papers.

Well, Becky Fleck herself (I KNOW!) emailed me, and asked if I wanted to be published... UM, YES!

Long story short, the magazine, Scrapbook & Cards Today came out on December 2nd. And my card got a page! WOOT!

My card is located on page 46. I know you want to go and check it out!!!

My mojo is slowly coming back... I'll be back to normal soon <3

AUTHENIQUE PAPER: Putting a Bird on Free Bird

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

From the Authentique Blog:

*****

Hello folks!! Heather here. I hope that all of your Thanksgiving feasts were wonderful, and that you were able to spend time with loved ones. Today for you, I have a nifty piece of decor that you too could whip up before the holidays!

Samantha showed me a fantastic pin over at Pinterest, and I was inspired to use the Free Bird Series to craft something similar. I even drew a lovely little chickadee to place on it!

I chose to use Warmth for the wreath, as I felt that it reminded me of all of winter. It does have some lovely colors and patterns.

I didn't have a little chickadee, so I actually drew one up using my scrapbooking pens and a little bit of chalk ink. Yup... the yellow is chalk ink!

The wreath itself is simply concentric circles of cones of paper. I just cut the Free Bird pages in half using decorative scissors, then trimmed off one of the 3" sides with decorative scissors as well. Roll the paper into cones, then attach the trimmed edge to the cone with a glue dot.

To attach the cones to the wreath, each cone is pinned in place, then hot glued. I haven't quite made up my mind whether or not I want to replace the drawing with a little faux bird or not yet. At the moment, I rather like him.

I hope that you enjoyed my take on a fun decor project. Just another way to use those fantastic Free Bird papers!! Have a great start to the holiday season!!

Supplies Used:

Authentique Free Bird Series: Warmth FBS 129, 130, 131 & 132

Additional Supplies: wreath form, American Crafts Memory Markers in Charcoal and Black, AC ribbon, AC white cardstock, Colorbox Chalk ink in Yellow Cadmium, stick

AUTHENTIQUE BLOG: Wooden Christmas Ornaments with Free Bird!

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

From the AUTHENTIQUE PAPER BLOG:

*****

Hello Authentique fans, it's Heather! I have a really inexpensive idea for either a small decor item, or possibly a beautiful, and toddler-proof Christmas ornament. My little girl found this on an end-cap of one of the large chain craft stores. At first, she grabbed the more expensive birdhouse, but I was able to trade her for this smaller (and only $1!) one instead. She was happy throughout the rest of the shopping trip, and I wasn't out a lot of money.

While this step is completely optional, painting the pine birdhouse can tie all of the colors together. I chose black, and painted the inside as well. Since it was pine, the paint dries very quickly.

This is seriously the hardest step... Take a piece of copy paper, to figure out where the posts are. In this case, I was able to use an office hole puncher in order to slide the paper over the roosts. If you are using a larger birdhouse, you may want to cut the holes out with fine-point scissors.

I then grabbed my first piece of Free Bird ("Delight" FBS 111). Rather than measuring and cutting out, I was able to fit most of the pieces in without spending too much time measuring. In this case, the eave of the roof was 90 degrees, and I was able to use the corner of the paper as my angle. I then just creased the edges and cut them off so that the piece fit properly.

I had to use an X-Acto knife to slice the very bottom from the paper. Then, I felt for the holes in the birdhouse, and used the back of my X-Acto knife to slightly push in the edges of the entrances.

To cut the holes, I used a rotary nail file to "sand" them off. You could also use a wood file or even a thin nail file.

Mod-Podge the wood base, then the paper to make it all stick! I found out that the more Mod-Podge you use, the better it all sticks! Plus, it dries clear... So even if it looks like it's all weird... Wait a few hours.

Repeat the same steps on the other sides of the birdhouse. I ended up using just one sheet of Free Bird for all of the sides! I then added a thin strip of a different paper ("Delight" FBS 112) for the bottom edge of the birdhouse. Rather than piece the paper, I diagonally cut a strip from corner to corner. I punched only part of a hole in the top, so that the roost would fit around the edge. Then, Mod-Podge'd it all down.

For the roof, I used half of a piece of "Delight" FBS 109. One side of the roof was simple, and just needed an edge punch to add some extra dimension to the roof. The other side needed to have some of the roof notched in with a hole punch so that it fit the rope. I just played with the amount I cut out until it fit right.

For the last detail, I added small strips of the same paper (FBS 109) to the front and back of the roof eaves.

When you have finished with your decoration, Mod-Podge the entire thing once more. Let it dry completely for a few hours.

I haven't shown this to my little toddler yet, but I know that she is going to love it. Best part, the total bill on this project (if you already have Mod-Podge and paint) is under $3!! Even if it doesn't last toddler hands... I can make another one for just a few dollars!

Authentique and Twinery Blog Hop!!!

2011-11-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

HELLO AUTHENTIQUE AND TWINERY HOPPERS!!

If you came here from Hera Frei's site, you are in the right spot! If you just started here, make sure that you start at the beginning with Authentique Paper, to enjoy all of the fun!!

Authentique Paper
Tifany DeGough
Julie Ranae Murray
Natalie Dever
Stephanie Johnson
Emily Lanham
Hera Frei
Heather Conklin <-----YOU ARE HERE
Deena Neimat
Janeen Shember
Ivona Foster
The Twinery

For my first two cards, I kept a Christmas theme! On the first one, I decided to keep a simple wrapped present as my main theme. I just love how the Twinery twine can transform anything very simply.

For the second card, I decided to use various colors of twine in different ways. I love how I was able to braid the twine, so that I could add a cute scarf to the snowman. I then stitched the tree decorations, and tied little bows for each present.

For the last card, I used my new favorite Authentique line... GATHERING! I used my diecut machine to cut out a heart, and then placed a smaller heart in the center, tying twine around the smaller heart. This is a really simple card, but I really like it. I added a little bit of chalk ink for detail, a Noteable message and a button.

I hope you enjoyed my cards today! Make sure that you continue the hop at Deena Neimat's website!! Have fun!

Supplies:

AUTHENTIQUE patterned papers and supplies: Wonder-Awe, Anticipation, Petite Type Circle, and Icons; Gathering-Together & Flourish, Noteables

Other Supplies: Twinery twine in Maraschino, Charcoal, Buttercream, Lemondrop and Cappuccino, Colorbox Chalk Ink, button, Stickles

Handmade Holidays Blog Hop

2011-11-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!!!

Calling all crafters! We’ve gathered designers from some of our favorite manufacturers to show you ways to create something from the heart this holiday season. This 3 day Hop includes over 60 stops with inspiration brimming from every corner. Explore all thoughtful and frugal handmade gifts you could make for the holidays, all in one place on this Hop!

Each day we will be sharing a brand new list of blogs with brand new projects for you to explore, be inspired by, and create from!

The Blog List:

Donna Salazar Designs

The Twinery

Authentique Paper

Jan Hennings – Glue Arts

Kim Sonksen – Donna Salazar Designs

Jamie Harper – Hampton Art

Jenny Suchin – The Twinery

Heather Conklin – Authentique Paper <--You are here!

Glue Arts

Gloria Stengel – Graphic 45

Christine Emberson – Spellbinders

Julie Overby – Spellbinders

Mary Dawn Quirindongo – Clearsnap

Lea Sanders – Zutter

Tara Orr – Graphic45

Patti Milazzo – Glue Arts

Emily Lanham – Authentique Paper

Jessy Christopher – Donna Salazar Designs

The Details:
To sweeten to Hop, we’re offering a gift for you! How does one of the 6x6 Bundles from EACH of Authentique Paper's current 7 collections sound?

{They'll even throw in a few other Authentique Paper goodies as well!}

Leave a comment on each blog along the hop to be be entered to win a prize pack from one of the participating manufacturer sponsors (including this great prize pack shown above)! The winners will be chosen randomly from all comments on the manufacturer blogs AND the designer blogs.
{Authentique Paper winner must have a US/Canada address.}

Blog comments close on Nov 7, 2011 at 11:59 PM {PST}.

The Project:
During a staff meeting, I was noticing how my co-workers' Moleskine notebook was in need of some decoration. While I will decorate her notebook at a later date... her notebook gave me some inspiration of my own.

For the first book, I thought about the traditions that I want to start with my little girl. She's two now, and is actually starting to understand how Christmas works. She's not completely afraid of Santa Claus, she loves to unwrap presents, and totally loves Christmas ornaments. I created her a "Dear Santa" book. Every year, she can write Santa a letter or two, draw some pictures, and rather than send each letter off by itself, we can send the book of to Santa, and have him return it the following year.

I covered the entire notebook with the Awe paper from Authentique's Wonder line. I then used part of the back of the Suprise paper to add the ruler and border. I added the Classic Type for the title, and Petite Type for Isla's name on the Icon die cut. Of course... I had to also include Twinery twine in Maraschino.

Isla's first entries:

*****

For the second book, I realized that for all my craftiness, my wish to create a December Daily is just not really going to happen. I would love to really set everything up, have it all done and created... But with all that is currently going on, this is a more realistic idea. Simply, a Christmas Memories book. This way, I can add memories, journal entries, photos, and other great information!

I used some more of the Surprise paper, along with a ton of Diction words in various Christmasy themes, a Classic Type title and Petite Type subtitle.

I also used a couple of brads, one for the title (Christmas), and one to act as a closure. Tie the twine (Charcoal) around the brad and the book is closed.

*****

The last book is for one of my lovely friends. Since she is Jewish, I decided not to use the Wonder line, but use the Journey line instead. The blues, silvers and creams made just the perfect Hanukkah journal. I kept the notebook simple, but it ends up being an effective look.

The title used the Classic Type, with a Wonder Diction "Happy". I also used a brad and Twinery twine in Stone to make the closure on this journal.

I'm really glad that I will get good use of two of them!! And I'm super excited to gift the last notebook to one of my dearest crafty friends.

Cheers to creating gifts from the heart this holiday season! Next up... Glue Arts!!

Happy Hopping! ~Heather

Supplies:

AUTHENTIQUE patterned papers and supplies: Wonder-Awe, Suprise, Classic Type, Diction and Icons; Journey-Jaunt, Itinerary, and Classic Type

Other Supplies: Twinery twine, Colorbox Chalk Ink, Echo Park Brads, Moleskine journals, Signo white pen

A Glowing Halloween and Beyond!

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I already had something in mind when Kristy from Scrapbooksteals told me that she was asking for Authentique Design Team Members to showcase how they used Authentique's Glowing Collection (which is on SALE TODAY @ Scrapbooksteals!!!!! I already needed a birthday present for a family member, and she LOVES Halloween and her granddaughter. Creating a mini album using Glowing just seemed like a perfect solution.

For the cover, I used a few of the pieces (Music notes & Harlequin Patches) in various sizes, and edge punched the smaller piece. I then made a banner with strips of Foundations and Black Script paper, placed the Classic Type letters on the front. I added the year in Petit Type Square lettering.

In the inside of each of the pages, I used combinations of paper, Icons, Noteables and Tabloids.
On the first inner page, I used the diecuts with the Lace Spiderweb, Black Script & Foundations paper. On the second, Orange Brocade & Harlequin Patches with a Noteable.

For the second set of pages, I used Black Script for the larger piece (2nd page), and a combination of all of the papers for the first. I combined all of the diecuts as well. See how they are popped up with dimensional adhesive?? This way I can take some great photos and just stick them in the book before I hand it over.

For the last of the pages, I incorporated some of the Black Script, Black Gingham, Foundations and diecuts. On the second page, I used the Ledger, Cream Foundations and one of the Tabloids.

Here are some of the details in the book. I just loved using all of the diecuts to add more interest.

*****

One of the most difficult thing about Halloween paper, is there is SO much cute paper, that can only really be used for one day in the year. With Authentique's Glowing Collection... This is not the case!!

When I saw the Geometric Fleur de Lis paper, I instantly thought of Thanksgiving. I don't know what it was about the design, but it made me think of the Thanksgiving table and placecards. I loved how the simple design wasn't overly "Halloweeny". I paired the patterned paper with various shades of brown cardstock, and it was perfect! Adding a woodgrain stamp, just solidified the Harvest theme and took away some of the Halloween elements.

I stacked all of the pieces together, and used my Corner Chomper to diecut all of the edges. On each tablecard, there are five layers! Two pieces of brown cardstock, the Geometrical Fleur de Lis paper, Cream Foundations (that I woodgrain stamped) and a fussycut Fleur de Lis.

I also used the Petit Type Square letters to add a name to each of the cards. These will make the perfect addtion to my Thanksgiving table!

I challenge you to use up all of your Halloween papers this year!! Even for non-Halloween items!! Have a Glowing Halloween!

AUTHENTIQUE: Have a Glowing Halloween!

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

From the AUTHENTIQUE BLOG...

*****

Hello Authentique fans! It's Heather with a card set, just in time for a Glowing Halloween!

Each of these cards used pieces from the Glowing line. I used quite a bit of the Glowing Foundations, Lace Spiderweb, Ledge, Black Gingham, and Orange Brocade.

I cut four of the same sized pieces of two papers for the base of the patterned sections, then layered them with four similarly cut papers in a smaller size. I used my Cricut for all of the diecut pieces, but you could also use a Corner Chomper and achieve the same results. I then swapped the papers for each card.

To make a little more interest with the stamped sentiment, I also diecut the paper for the stamp using the Foundations paper. I used a chalk ink and a pen outline to give the sentiment a little grungier look. Each card uses various combination's of Twinery twine, buttons, and gems

There aren't too many more days before Halloween, but there is definitely enough time to make a few Glowing cards of your own!

Card Supplies:

AUTHENTIQUE patterned papers: Glowing-Foundations-Black Dot, Cream Solid & Solid Black, Lace Spiderweb, Ledge, Black Gingham, and Orange Brocade

Other Supplies: Basic Grey buttons, Inkadinkado stamp, Twinery twine, iRock gems, Colorbox Chalk Ink

Having fun with Authentique's newer and older lines

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not ready yet to post all the fun that I had in Salt Lake City. Just not enough time. I will work on it this weekend, I promise!!

Instead, I have a few fun cards to share using Authentique, and a lovely layout using Authentique's new line, Gathering! I'm not scheduled for a blog post, but I thought I'd like to share...

These two cards are using the Journey collection. I thought they just made some really cute cards. I just used a base of a paper, and flipped it to use both patterns, added a gray cardstock base, then piled on Tabloids, Icons and Excerpts. I love the diecuts. Then a silver ribbon and Stickles to finish it off.

The Stickles are fun, even though I'm impatient and don't want to wait for them to dry.

I really liked this chevron paper. I originally made this card for a challenge that involved chevrons... But never look at the due date, so it was late. Who cares though, I got a really cute card out of my mistake. This uses the same recipe as the first card. Just different papers, and all of the diecuts. No Stickles however.

Somehow I got the bow just right. I love when the bows turn out!

*****

For my layout, I used Authentique's new line, Gathering. I was packing for my trip to SLC when Authentique sent this my way, and so wasn't able to play with it before I left... However, I was able to actually play with it at the Scrapbooksteal's crop!! Melodee from Authentique was there, with Samantha!! And showed us how to do a really cute paper bag mini album (more to come on this over the weekend!!) When I got home, I was in love with the line, and determined to do something with the poppies and damask. I do love damask!!

It may be a little hard to see, but the little monkey is eating olives. She would eat a can if I would let her. And I don't. Grandparents however (which is where we were)... Another story!

I loved stacking all of the small diecuts. And I don't normally like the circle alpha stickers (too hard to make straight), but these ones are really pretty. And I love the orange color.

I even stitched a few of the edges!! Thanks to Kristy, who told me to use orange, and my stash of Twinery twine in Mandarin. It was the perfect color, I just removed the white threads.

And, I fussy cut the poppy, and pop-dotted it to show some more interest. The things I do now because of the crop... Fussy cut and stitch!!!

If you get a chance to see Gathering, it really is lovely. Perfect for Fall photos!!

Yes, I actually scrapped in Salt Lake City...

2011-10-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the many cards that I made using my new October (Fall themed) Counterfeit kit. I really need to get the photos for it up, but they weren't that great... So I've not been in a huge rush to post them.

Anyway, there are two girly cards to start. The first is perfect for a birthday, and the second just a great hello card. I even added Stickles to the multi-colored stamped candles.

The rest are just an assortment. I love all the woodgrain, pinks and blues!

This is a small, square card. Perfect for a mini gift enclosure. I do however have to make an envelope for it.

While I wasn't looking, my friend Venetia added the "sexy" underneath the "Hello". I thought it was funny, so it stays.

Just a LOVE card. 'Nuff said.

This is for a cutey 7 year old's birthday in December. Her favorite color is orange. So I added an orange banner!

This is another oddly-sized card. I thought I was cutting the right size of paper. Nope. Oh well. It will fit into a standard envelope quite easily.

Hope you enjoy! Tomorrow is a few more Authentique projects!!

AUTHENTIQUE: Trick or Treat with Glowing!

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

From the AUTHENTIQUE BLOG...

*****

Hello Authentique fans, it's Heather with today's post. When I was looking at the Glowing line, I knew that I really wanted to scrap some cute Halloween photos. My little girl has been making pirate noises, "Arrrrghs," for a few weeks, so I asked if she wanted to be a pirate. She was super excited about this, and true to my upbringing, I made her costume from pieces that we already had around the house. Getting her ready made for the perfect photos, and I knew that Authentique's papers would be perfect for the pictures.

I used the Grunge Orange Dot paper, but turned it so that the spiders seemed to be crawling across the paper. I also like how this weighed the bottom of the layout down.

Since Isla has just learned how to say "Trick or Treat", I had to use the back of Headline 2. I also used a lot of the Noteables, Tabloids and Icons to add more interest.

The Diction words made for easy journaling, and the Petite Type Square were perfect for the subtitle.

I also used just a little bit of Glossy Accents to make one of the Icons glow!

*****

When my layout was done, I couldn't resist continuing to play with the Glowing papers. I decided to make a fun Halloween treat! I had a few of these tubes from the $1 rack at my nearest scrapbook store. I've been wanting to play with them for awhile now. I used some black cardstock for the tag, then layered my Authentique papers in Orange Brocade and Lace Spiderweb.

A few of the diecuts made for the perfect decoration to the tag, and a ribbon that I saved from some packaging was the perfect final touch.

I even added an Icon to the top of the tube!

I hope that these projects inspire you to create your own Halloween fun using Glowing!

*****

Layout Supplies:

AUTHENTIQUE "Glowing" patterned papers: Orange Grunge Dot

AUTHENTIQUE "Glowing" die cuts & stickers: Glowing-Headline 2 (back), Noteables, Icons, Tabloids, Petite Type Square, Diction

Other Supplies: Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock, Glossy Accents, pen

Tag Supplies:

AUTHENTIQUE "Glowing" patterned papers: Orange Brocade, Lace Spiderweb

AUTHENTIQUE "Glowing" die cuts: Icons, Noteables

Other Supplies: Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock, ribbon, Signo pen, tube, M&M's, Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

Just a few cards...

2011-10-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sketchy Thursday: 9/29

2011-10-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Another Sketchy Thursday layout using my September Counterfeit Kit!! I just loved the simplicity of this layout, and the ability to use a bunch of my scraps!!

Here are a few little snippets of fun!! I just loved the simplicity of the kraft background!

Woodgrain Mustache: Color Challenge!!

2011-10-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

I am in charge of today's post for Woodgrain Mustache! Check out the color challenge here:

(Design Seeds)

And a sneak peek of how I used these colors!!

Go check out the site and play along!!

Topaz #10: Grumpy Monkey Face

2011-10-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

Another 10 weeks down, and another 10+ layouts done...

This week's Topaz #10 signifies the end of another gemstone over at ScrapbookSteals. I am continuing to use my lovely Counterfeit Kit (I cannot wait to get this month over and create another one this week!!! Seriously, they are that fun!!)

For this week's Mid-Week Mojo, I used a couple of funny photos that I had of Miss I. Seriously, she does make the silliest of faces.

The sketch was one of Kristy's fantastic MWM's!! I loved all of the layers, and was able to mix up a ton of the different patterns and styles of my Counterfeit Kit. Of course, I added some green woodgrain, kraft, clouds and a felt ribbon!

Rather than go with the more traditional circles or flowers... I went with stars, and pop-dotted them to make them stand out more.

I also did the same to the cloud... Before I used the sticker, I fastened it to kraft paper first.

Rather than using the standard Thickers, I used the smaller Echo Park letters to create my "Grumpy Monkey Face" title.

All in all, this was a great way to end my Topaz career. Loved the last 10 weeks!!

World Card Making Day!!

2011-10-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today is World Card Making Day... and I am off to make some cards!! I will be uploading what I made today to this post!!

I created quite a few cards over the weekend!! The first four use pieces of my Counterfeit Kit!! I have gotten SO much use from that little kit!! This one uses Becky Fleck's sketch for World Card Making Day.

Two cards for anniversary's...

And another to apologize that we weren't able to visit with a family friend...

This card was a Becky Fleck sketch for the Scrapbook&Cards Call. I used Authentique on it. I just loved have at least one Christmas card down... Only about 100 more to go!

And last, but not least... A lovely card for a fall wedding!!

I really hope that you had as much fun making cards over the weekend!

Sketchy Thursday... 9/28

2011-09-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

So... In my personal teaching career, this has never happened: a Teacher's Strike. I'm not going to go into details, and not give my personal opinion... As this is neither the time, nor the place to do so. I am going to say only this... It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do for, or because of work. It was mentally stressful, physically taxing (we logged 70+ miles in the first four days), and just emotionally draining.

My friend, and talented artist, Lynn Eisenhauer came up with this painting. She's a fellow arts lover, and educator, and an all-around lovely lady.

I figure, something beautiful had to come out of the mess.

I used Sketchy Thursday's sketch for this layout. I've been playing around with the layout in my head all week, and when I sat down to actually do it, it went really quickly. Probably also, because I only used my CounterfeitKit! Okay, and some additional Thickers... But they were necessary for this powerful of a statement.

Topaz 9: Friends (w/ Counterfeit Kit)

2011-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

For this project, I wanted to use a few photos of my lovely Miss I, and her two best friends! I love how the natural light on these photographs just picked up the cutest expressions on each of the girls. I also really wanted to keep using my fantastic Counterfeit Kit that I made for September. I still have SO much paper and supplies, that it might just run me into October as well! Or, I could just find more time and keep crafting away...

I decided to finally use the elusive Crate Paper Bouquet paper. I'm not one for using a ton of florals in my projects, so this was kind of a stretch for me. I loved the flowers, and the colors, but just do not choose them everytime. I also used Kristy's fantastic Mid-Week Mojo for Topaz #9. I loved the idea of using photographs more than once, and so mirror the larger photos with the same photos in wallet size.

Instead of another journaling area, I decided to use some Glue Dots (I couldn't find my Glubers, homemade or otherwise) and a piece of kraft scrap to make this muslin flower. Super easy!!! I then adorned it with a Studio Calico butterfly that I had sprayed with Lunchtray Mr. Huey, then adorned with my MME bling.

I mirrored the small butterfly, with a larger one that was created in the same way. I just adore how the Mr. Huey's is SO bright. And it matched my color palette perfectly!

After piling all the pieces together, I realized that the blues needed something to 'pop' against, so used the reddish paper to make the polka dots stand out. I didn't want to waste paper, so strategically pieced together a border in reverse. All of the seams are hidden behind the flower, bracket or butterfly (you didn't notice, did you???!). I also added a small kraft scalloped edge to reflect the journaling box. Lastly, foam Thickers made up the title.

All in all, I think it went just well! I'm sad to see most of the inspiration paper from my Counterfeit Kit gone, but I have enough to make a card or two...

AUTHENTIQUE: Beautiful Girl

2011-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

From the AUTHENTIQUE BLOG...

*****

Hello Authentique fans, it's Heather again!

I have to start this post with a confession: I love my Hipstamatic photo app. When I printed this photograph, I knew that I wanted to use some of the pink colors from the Uncommon line that Authentique sent, to showcase my little munchkin off.

I started by using the back of the Gifted paper from the Uncommon line. I really liked how the text, and simplicity allowed for more color in the embellishments. Rather than using a bold mist, or a liberal swipe of acrylic paint, I made a simple solution of white acrylic and water. Instead of spraying, I just splattered some on for interest.

(Supplies Used: AUTHENTIQUE patterned papers, Uncommon Gifted (back), Uncommon Foundations (back); AUTHENTIQUE die cuts Uncommon Icons, Splendid Icons, Splendid Tabloids, Journey Classic Type)

(Other Supplies: Basic Grey buttons, Twinery twine-Lilac, American Crafts brads, Sassafras Lass Vintage Brooch, Glossy Accents, homemade white acrylic spray)

I really enjoyed how the Uncommon papers worked against the Journey stickers and Splendid die cuts. I used some of the buttons, brads, and a metal flower that I had in my stash.

I also stitched a contrasting color of twine on one of the die cuts. I haven't really quite decided if I really want to add any journaling onto the tabs. So far... I've decided against it.

On one of the die cuts, I used a little bit of Glossy Accents to make the sentiment stand out.

Rather than keep the title straight, I used a piece of circle paper to position the letters in the right spot. I also reflected the circle in the metal flower and the curves in the stitching.

*****

I also created a card with some of my scraps. This one is for a lovely scrappy friend who just had her fourth baby, a little girl!!

(Supplies Used: AUTHENTIQUE patterned papers, Blissful 6x6; AUTHENTIQUE die cuts Blissful Icons and Excerpts)

(Other Supplies: American Craft buttons, Hero Arts stamp, Twinery twine)

I hope you enjoy! ~Heather

First Take on AUTHENTIQUE'S Free Bird

2011-09-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

When Authentique sent me their new series, Free Bird... I was in love! They are a set of 32 6x6 papers that are all sold individually. The really neat part, is that they are in groups of four mix-and-match patterns, with coordinating solids on the reverse. You can also purchase them in "Nests" or groups of patterns... But I kind of like the idea of mixing and matching as I see fit.

For this card, I chose to use the Familiar line. I have a thank you card for a fellow staff member, and I figured that he may like something that wasn't so girly.

I'm not usually one to gush, but I really liked these! I tried to mimic the pattern that was on the tan and aqua paper, by using my new Corner Chomper that I just got from ScrapbookSteals. It was pretty fun using the Chomper in three ways, the stub cut (sentiment), the deco cut (brown polka dot), and using both of them together (tan/aqua paper)!

I also used an American Crafts stamp, with Chalk Ink and some of the May Arts ribbon that I won last year!

If you are interested in getting some of your own Free Bird papers from Authentique... Ask your LSS! Or, you can order them from here.

Isla's First Slurpee: Topaz #7

2011-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I saw the Topaz #7 from ScrapbookSteals.com's MWMs... I knew the photos I was going to use. Charissa did a great job with her Guest Designer sketch, and the whole thing just fell into place.

I decided to use a couple of Hipstamatic photos that I had printed using my great tutorial that I had created for ScrapbookSteals. I chose to use the bright colors that were located in the Slurpee cup (it was a sugar-free Slurpee!) to highlight the photos. I love bright colors, but even this layout was SUPER bright for me! I used a few papers from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper, and a piece of red woodgrain paper from Basic Grey's Life of the Party.

The lettering was Cosmo Cricket's Tiny Type and Studio Calico's wood veneer, that I used a stamp pad to change the color.

I added some Sassafras Lass In-a-Stitch-Blooms, an American Crafts tag, and a random supply of brads, buttons, and ring brads.

I strung a piece of Twinery twine along the top.

Just fun and bright!

This is a super bright and fun layout, but it was SUPER easy to make.

My Mustache Man: Topaz #6

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I saw the lovely photos that Kristy over at ScrapbookSteals had taken of her adorable JM... I had to scrap them! I asked her, and she was lovely enough to oblige me!

Topaz 6 was a lovely layout, but didn't quite allow me to really put in all of the photos that I saw! I change a few things up, and ended up with...

This! I really liked how the fantastic American Crafts cardstock popped against the fun Sassafras Lass papers! I used quite a bit of Sassafras papers, and embellishments! I also used those fantastic yellow Thickers that my friend Karen over at PaperHeartCrafts snagged for me at Big Lots.

I loved using a ton of those fantastic elements that I got in this year's Sassafras $50 box.

The Entwined Blooms and Paper Whimsies are just too fun!

I'm not a huge fussy-cutter, but I really enjoyed how the "scalloped" circles looked after cutting them out. I also used a lot of various buttons and brads.

I also used a stamp on the back of the black paper, then cut it out for the mustache! I made sure that the little Sass creatures were showing off their mustache.

Kristy gave me some great journaling to write out for her. I broke out my Signo pen and got to work!

I also used the same stamp for my die cut to actually stamp the top of the journaling.

This layout was SOOO much fun to make! And I know that Kristy enjoyed it.

This is the Life... Topaz 8

2011-09-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

I got to use my Counterfeit Kit for the first time this week! (Remember the Counterfeit Kit Challenge??) It was a lot nicer than I realized. Not because I am the most fantastic at making kits, more because there was no time spent figuring out which papers to blend... What to use... Which embellishments to find...

I just got to SCRAP! {PS. Cleanup is SOOO much easier BTW!!}

This layout did end up completely flat. Which is odd for me. I usually use more dimension, add pop-dots, make things shiny, ribbon, twine, etc. It was a total throwback to some of my first pages. And you know what, I love it!

Here is Kristy Lee's sketch for Topaz #8:

And here is my interpretation! I used kraft for the base, then layered it with Crate Paper and Kaisercraft strips from the same piece of patterned paper. I just cut the strips apart, so that it looked like I used different pieces of paper. I love how the simplicity of the background works with the variations in polka dots and other patterns.

I layered a rose colored cardstock circle with a Sassafras Lass Mix and Mend sticker, then added white pen accents.

For the title, I kept things really small so that they didn't compete with the photos. I used Echo Park Springtime small letters in two colors.

I really like how the colors from my main Crate Paper paper and my Pinterest pin really work in this layout!

AUTHENTIQUE: September Color Challenge

2011-09-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

From the AUTHENTIQUE BLOG:

We will have two challenges per month:

• Sketch Challenge - The Sketch Challenge will be posted on the first Saturday of each month. There will be two sketches posted {one card sketch and one layout sketch} for you to use as inspiration.
• Color Challenge - The Color Challenge will be posted on the third Saturday of each month. There will be a color palette posted for you to use as inspiration.

We would love for you to play along!
Just use the challenge inspiration to create as many projects as you'd like.
A winner will be randomly selected from all the qualified entries to receive an Authentique Paper prize pack!
{The more projects you create, the better your chances are of winning!}

*****

Here is the color palette for September 2011:

Here is my interpretation of the color options. I really wanted to focus on the Foundations paper, as well as use more of the Splendid that I received. I also used some of the Blissful papers and die cuts for the sentiment. The pink bow is actually paper rafia that I unwound and tied around the card.

(Supplies Used AUTHENTIQUE: Journey Foundations Front, Splendid Renown, Blissful Prosperity, Splendid Icons; OTHER supplies: paper rafia, a•muse studio stamp, cardstock)

I used an a•muse studio stamp for the sentiment. I like how the script works really well with the Blissful die cut.

It's a brighter card, but I like the fact that it will help to brighten my friends day.

*****

Make sure that you link your color challenge to the AUTHENTIQUE blog!! Also, check out the AUTHENTIQUE Facebook page for information on getting the new Free Bird loose 6x6 papers!!

Counterfeit Kit Challenge: Crate Paper "Bouquet"

2011-09-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today, I am showing my Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I chose to use a piece of paper that was similar to this month's kit of choice, but different in color tones. I chose this piece of paper from Crate Paper's Portrait line called "Bouquet".

The colors for this paper were not the same as the Sassafras paper's blue and yellows... but I found a great pin off of Pinterest that held similar colors.

Since I don't use a ton of plain cardstock, I chose a few pieces that would be great for my uses.

Kraft paper, reddish/pink Bazzill, Green Bazzill, Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe "Inventory", Little Yellow Bicycle Twig's "Fern", Prima Madeline Collection"Parfait"& Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe "Dolls".

My patterned paper included a few pieces (14)... Including a couple of half sheets...

American Crafts Peachy Keen in "Easy as Pie" and "Good Golly Gee", Basic Grey's Hello Luscious "Scrumptious", Crate Paper Portrait "Something Blue", Prima Madeline Collection "Skyward", Pebbles May Bouquet Collection "Front Porch", Pebbles Lil' Miss Collection "Sunshine", MyMindsEye So Sophie "Never Enough", Crate Paper Restoration "Refinish", Prima Coquette "Chemise", Hambly "Big Vintage Circle", Kaisercraft Lush Collection "Maple", Sassafras Lass Mix & Mend "Free Composition", Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe "Dresses", MyMindsEye Stella & Rose "Joy",

Embellishment Kit #1: AC Thickers in Dear Lizzy, and Honey puffy Thickers, Sassafras Lass stickers in Mix Sweet Treats, Studio Calico tickets, American Crafts rose ribbon, MME adhesive bling, hemp twine, BG Hello Luscious fabric flowers, MME Lime Twist cardstock embellishment, Echo Park mini type, YLB doilies, Studio Calico spray in Bluegrass

Embellishment Kit #2: aqua ribbon (unknown), AC Delights, AC tags, MarthaStewart kraft tags, AC Flair, MME Lime Twist stickers, MME Fine and Dandy ribbons, Studio Calico Mr. Huey Sunshine, CosmoCricket Tiny Type in Yellow and Top Secret, YLB dimensional embellishment Twig

Chipboard Kit: MME Fine and Dandy chipboard set, Studio Calico wood veneer butterflies, MarthaStewart adhesive ribbon, muslin, white and black paperclips, BG brads, CC Blackboard mini book

My goal is to use this kit all month. I hope to use more of my existing materials, and purchase less and less. That means that I can snag more tools when I see great deals!!

Snippet: Counterfeit Kit Challenge & Design Seeds Preview

2011-09-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend Brenda over at The Imperfect Scrapper found a great blog called the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. The goal over at The Counterfeit Kit Challenge is to use your own supplies to create an amazing kit! Why buy more, when you have TONS of stuff already?

Their kit used a great kit from Sweet Peach Crop Shop's September 2011.

While it is completely cute and lovely... It's a lot of Sassafras Lass. Sass that I don't have. While I could just toss a bunch of Sass in and call it a day, I wouldn't go the easy route. When do I ever do that? So... I found a piece of paper that I love, but was challenging me... And was floral. Which I hardly EVER use!

(Crate Paper "Bouquet" from their Portrait line)

I then matched the colors with a great color palette from Design Seeds that I found on Pinterest.

I ended up including quite a bit of yellow and green. Again, colors I don't use a lot of. My kit includes 8 pieces of "cardstock", 14 pieces of patterned paper, a mini chipboard book that I have NO idea what to do with, 2 mists, a handful of ribbon, chipboards, alphas, twine, wood veneer, brads, tags, and a few more embellishments. Okay, so a couple of "add-on" kits...

I'll post my own pics tomorrow!!

I. Love. Twine!

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I. Love. Twine!

Seriously... I love twine. I think twine has to be one of the prettiest things that I can add to my papercrafting. It looks fantastic with kraft paper. Twine is just lovely. So, when my lovely friend Kristy over at www.scrapbooksteals.com asked me to showcase how I keep my twine, as well as a few of my projects... I JUMPED at the chance.

A little while back a few of my crafty friends and I bought a bunch of Twinery twine in bulk, then divided it all up. This way, I was able to have each of the colors for the same price of one roll!!

Although I love love love how many people creatively hold their twine... I'm all about function! I used strips of chipboard 1.5"x6" to use for two colors. I tried to use complementary colors, or colors that I felt weren't necessarily the same, but I could use together. The concept worked perfectly, until I had to get the newest Twinery colors: Denim, Buttercream and Stone.

I may rearrange at some point... But it's not too important at the moment!

For this card, I used a bee that I had lying around from a previous bout with my Cricut. I copied the Echo Park rainbow pattern in twine. It just ended up really cute!

I really liked how the colors of twine matched all of the rainbow colors in the EP paper.

(Supplies used: Echo Park Summer Days 6x6, American Crafts cardstock-blue/white, Bazzill cardstock-black, Basic Grey yellow patterned paper, Sassafras Lass In-a-Stitch Blooms, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type, Twinery Twine, Hero Arts stamp)

For the next card, I really wanted to make a knitted looking stocking. I started by actually trying to knit using skewers, and quickly realized that I am NOT a knitter. I'm okay with that information. I ended up using a really quick slip knot stitch and made one long braided looking string. I had previously cut out the stocking, and so wrapped the braid around the stocking shape.

I really liked how this gave the impression of being knitted, without all of the bother! I ended the stocking, by looping the leftover twine to make a loop.

(Supplies used: Basic Grey patterned cardstock, PaperZone white cardstock, A*Muse stamps, ColorBox ink, Twinery Twine)

I also use twine on layouts! This brightly colored layout was screaming for more pink!

(Supplies used: Basic Grey Patterned Paper in Olivia, MyMindsEye patterned paper SoSophie, BG embellishments, Sassafras Lass letters, Twinery Twine)

For this layout, I attached a chipboard piece to the twine, then made it stay in place using grommets. I love how the twine just adds that extra bit of wonderfulness!!!

All in all... I LOVE Twine! PS. Scrapbooksteals is having Twinery twine on sale today!! Just sayin'!

Also... Head over to my friends' sites to see how they use Twinery twine! ALL of these ladies are downright GENIUSES!!!

"Splendid"ly Authentique...

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! As my first post for Authentique, I decided to make both a layout and a card using Splendid papers. Before joining the Authentique Design Team, I had not had the chance to play with either line, and I loved finding ways in which to mix the different colors.

(Supplies Used AUTHENTIQUE: Splendid patterned papers-Delight Back, Richness Back, Foundations Back, Renown Back, AUTHENTIQUE die cuts: Splendid Icons & Tabloids, AUTHENTIQUE Petite Type Squares)

(Other Supplies: kraft cardstock, American Crafts buttons, Twinery twine, Basic Grey brads, Glossy Accents, Signo white pen)

I really wanted to create a layered look, but wanted to keep the look of the layout soft. To achieve this, I used a base of kraft paper, and let the colors of the Splendid line speak for themselves. As you can see, I really like using the backs of paper lines!

For a lot of the smaller accents, I used Glossy Accents to make the great details in the Icons and Tabloids just a little extra sparkle.

I also chose to cut off the end of the quote on the Icons piece. I felt that for these images, it created just the perfect sentiment.

*****

For my card, I used some of the scraps that I had leftover from my layout. I used white cardstock for the base, and layered the Splendid "Delight" Back (pink) with the Splendid Foundations Back (green). I then added twine, a button, and a Blissful Icon for the sentiment. I also used a paper punch on the green Foundations paper.

(Supplies Used: AUTHENTIQUE Splendid-Delight (back), Foundations (back); AUTHENTIQUE die cuts: Icons-Blissful)

(Other Supplies: Twinery twine-Blossom, Basic Grey button, Staedler pen-yellow, Signo White pen, Martha Stewart punch)

To tie in the yellow on the Splendid paper, I faux stitched the white cardstock with a yellow pen, and then "stitched" the green Foundations in white gel pen. I loved how the pink in the Blissful Icon popped on the Splendid paper!

I hope you enjoyed today's projects!

Heather

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: September Challenge

2011-09-03T08:20:00.001-07:00

AUTHENTIQUE has started to issue challenges in both color and sketch form. I loved using the card sketch this week!

(From the AUTHENTIQUE blog)
We will have two challenges per month:
• Sketch Challenge - The Sketch Challenge will be posted on the first Saturday of each month. There will be two sketches posted {one card sketch and one layout sketch} for you to use as inspiration.
• Color Challenge - The Color Challenge will be posted on the third Saturday of each month. There will be a color palette posted for you to use as inspiration.

We would love for you to play along!
Just use the challenge inspiration to create as many projects as you'd like.
A winner will be randomly selected from all the qualified entries to receive an Authentique Paper prize pack!
{The more projects you create, the better your chances are of winning!}

******
Here is the card sketch that Tifany created:
And here are my cards, I created one masculine and one feminine. For both, I used the Authentique I had gotten prior to my acceptance on the Design Team. For the masculine card, I used my Cricut to cut the fleur-de-lis out of pearl AC cardstock, Twinery twine, Glossy Accents, and a iRock gem.
For the feminine card, I continued to use my A stash, used some AC ribbon, a Theresa Collins bling, and a few of the stickers that A sent me for the sentiment.
I hope that you join the AUTHENTIQUE team in creating some fantastic cards or layouts using some wonderful products! Make sure you link yours on the blog!

How To'sDay from www.scrapbooksteals.com

2011-08-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, I was featured on the ScrapbookSteal's blog for my take on printing cool photos like those from my Hipstamatic (the COOLEST app!!). Here is the blog post:

*****

With the advent of smartphones and those neat apps like Hipstamatic, Retro Camera and Instagram, there is a square photo revolution. For those of us who upload our prints and get our photographs from other sources than a personal printer, it can be difficult to take an awesome square photo, with all of its quirks, and cut it to fit a standard size 4×6 or 5×7.

By some happy chance, I figured out how to use Picasa3 to keep the square aspects of the photo, but make it so that I can upload to my favorite photo printer (Costco, Shutterfly, Snapfish, Walgreens, etc.) All I have to do when I get my photos is cut off the edges into the perfect square!

Step 1: Take your cool square photo and upload it to your computer. Open Picasa3.

Step 2: On the bottom of Picasa is a “collage” button. Click it!

Step three: On the left hand side of the collage section, you can choose your photo paper size (4×6, 5×7, 8×10, etc.) Remember, you want to choose a size that reflects the size of the photo you want. 4×6 would make a 4×4 square, 5×7 = 5×5 square, etc.

Step four: Once you have chosen the size of the photo that will be printed (small area), click on the photo itself. When you do this, a circle with a pull arrow will pop up. Pull this and play around with it until it is the size you want.

Step five: Here the photo fills up white space, except for the edges. This means that the photo will print 4×4. Remember about your neat photo app edges. If you want to keep them, make them fit within the white space.

Step six: Click the box “create collage.”

Step seven: The now “collage” photo should save in Picasa3, but double check. I always save to the desktop, and then delete it once I have uploaded to my printer’s server.

That’s it! Now you can print your cool app photos at your normal printing spots. It’s a little odd that you just made a collage out of one photo, but it works!

******

Hope you enjoyed that! Check out www.ScrapbookSteals.com daily at 9 PST both AM and PM for some sweet deals!!!

Congratulations Kendra!!

2011-08-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

I wanted to announce the winner of the Basic Grey Card set!!! Kendra K.!! I will get your mailing information and send off your prize this week :)

Congratulations!
I may find some more items in my scrap area that will be given away later on. Be sure to look back!

Topaz #2: Up, Up & Away

2011-08-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

While in Idaho, our families visited Silverwood. It's a pretty fun place to go. There are a lot of rides, food, and a great waterpark. We didn't stay too long though, as our visit happened around naptime, on an extremely hot day. This of course created cranky toddlers. I did however get to snap a few photos of Miss I going on her first ever ride.

For this, I used Kristy's Topaz #2 sketch from www.scrapbooksteals.com:
I chose some fantastic Echo Park papers in Little Boy, simply because they had amazing planes on them. Miss I's favorite thing are airplanes... And I'm glad that her first ride could be in one.
The title was in green Thickers. I also used Sassafras Lass In-a-Stitch Blooms in the red/blue combination to play off the colors of the planes in the photo.
Instead of Miss Kristy's scalloped edge, I chose to create a stamp of sorts that bordered the journaling box.
Last, but not least... Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type spelling out Silverwood.

I think we realized fairly quickly... That we may wait a few years for a Disneyland trip. Just too much excitement!

Campy Trails and My Version of Camping...

2011-08-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

This past August, my family went "camping" with a fantastic family. My version of camping is not what most hardcore campers really call camping. I'm okay with that. My camping, is a house or cabin with no cable. I like being secure in a place with walls, plumbing, and other basic conveniences.

We did however do some of the normal camping activities: watch the stars, go swimming in the watering hole/lake, have s'mores, and build a campfire.

When I used American Crafts Campy Trails for a scrapbook, I loved the masculine feel to it. Most papers are feminine, and this was just too perfect for the vintage photos that I was using. After camping, I really wanted to revisit this paper set, and use all that I had for my camping photographs.

For my first layout, I used Kristy's Topaz #5 sketch from www.scrapbooksteals.com:
Topaz #5 was a great sketch to play off of the existing themes in the paper. I mirrored the diamond and circle shapes in the blue, white and brown paper, in the yellow and green large "moon". I also used a mix of Thickers to play with the color combination.
I really enjoyed using up some of the stars that I had purchased years ago in the Christmas aisle of JoAnn's for this layout! The colors matched perfectly.
Even the smallest of details just made this layout great.
For my second Campy Trails layout, I used Kristy's Topaz #4 layout. I felt that I could really capture quite a few photos, and use lots of layers with this sketch. It also allowed for me to really use some journaling space.
I used photographs from our visit to the swimming hole at Lake Pend Orielle. The lake was gorgeous, and while we were not looking our very best... Temperatures were in the 90's. And this was about 7:30 in the evening!
I liked using some of the dimensional stickers along with the regular stickers, as well as using kraft paper to add more ruggedness. I also used a great Peas font to tell our story!
See... Isn't the lake just AMAZING?!?!?!??!
I have a few more photographs. I might still work on a few more layouts using up the rest of what I have!

100th Blog Post!

2011-08-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

I am celebrating YOU! This my 100th blog post, and I would LOVE to share my joy with you!

I am gifting this Basic Grey Card Set to one lovely poster. I bought two sets awhile ago, in hopes that I would be making one a prize!
Just post me a lovely comment before 11:59 PM Sunday, and I will choose a winner via Random.org on Monday!

Good luck all.

YEAH!! Authentique Design Team!!

2011-08-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know... I'm on the Authentique Design Team!! I'm super excited, and really hope that I can do them justice!!
Here is the original blog post! There are twelve fantastic girls who are going to head up the Design Team, and an additional twelve girls who will be creating as Design Specialists.

This is going to be a really great adventure, I'm looking forward to the challenge!

Honeycomb Authentique Card

2011-08-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

One of my lovely friends ended up on bedrest... I wanted to make her a cute card, and included some of the MoxieFab ideas about hexagons. I used my Cricut to cut out cute little hexagons and placed them all together in a honeycomb pattern.I then added some Glossy Accents to alternating hexagons, and stuck a piece of bling while one of the hexagons was sort of dry. I added just one word to remind my friend to take some time for herself.

This Week's Mid-Week Mojo and some more Authentique!!

2011-08-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing on my 100 project journey!! I'm up to 28 total projects, but I think I'm going to increase the cards to 2 cards per 'project'. I'm so for easy mathematics!! 3 just got too confusing, and I feel it's still fair as it would include 200 cards for a total of 100 projects. That's a lot of cards!

Here is Kristy M's Mid-Week Mojo over at ScrapbookSteals.com. Kristy M. was the guest sketcher this week, and I love the sketch! It just came together so easily. I tried to use a lot of the items that were in my Swap Box from last month from my friend Brittany.
I used Echo Park's Country Drive, KI Scribbles for the subtitle, and AC Thickers for the main title. I also used some of the fantastic Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type for the date, and Twinery twine!! OH! and a Doodlebug button to finish off the twine!

I'm sure this is not the last of my lovely Authentique layouts either. I am continuing to use my fantastic Blissful papers. It's really amazing how versatile these papers are! I also used some pearl American Crafts cardstock, and that paper raffia that my lovely MIL found for me! A little bit of bling (courtesy of my swap box again) and some Glossy Accents give it a little more sparkle!
I really love this photograph. We went to Silverwood theme park in Idaho last week... And this photograph was right before a HUGE meltdown on Miss I's part. As in, people thought I was abducting her because she was fighting me so much. Or, at least until she called me "Mommy". I love her, the little wee beastie!

How To: Yarn Wreath (Part 3: Decorating!!!)

2011-08-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the final version of my yarn wreath! I love this, and am planning on gifting it next month! For this project, I wanted to use some of the papers from Authentique.
Here are the rest of the directions on how to complete this project.

Side note... I dropped the wrapped wreath this morning and the seam busted open. So, I had to glue it, fix the yarn, then wrap this wide ribbon around the wreath's seam to cover up my accident. No one will ever know!!

Step 1: You can cover the seam of the wreath with a wide ribbon (totally by choice, but it does add that extra something!)
Step 2: Pin the ribbon using fabric pins. Don't spend lots of money on these, those gorgeous stick pins are too expensive for something that is not going to be seen.
Step 3: Stick on of your flowers where you want to add it, I used a combination of stick pins, and hot glue to make it stay in place.
See my hot glue. Again... It's in the back. No one will know :)
Step 4: Add more flowers, bling them if you want more sparkle! I attached a Theresa Collins (thanks swap buddy!) gem to the center of a flower.
Step 5: Make smaller flowers!! I just used a couple of strips of paper (about 1/2") to add smaller flowers. Take the strip...
...and crumple it up! The more damage you can do to the paper fibers, the better!! Rips don't really matter either, they will just help to give the flower more detail.
Step 6: Fold the strip of paper in half lengthwise, perfection is NOT your friend in this!
Step 7: Wrap up the "rose", leaving some extra paper to finish the flower. Then use a glue dot at the bottom to stick the extra paper to the bottom! Cut it when you are done.
Here is what the front looks like.
And the back with the extra cut off!
Step 8: Use another stick pin, in a color that matches, or contrasts, the paper flowers. I chose pink, as there are small bits of bright pink color in the Authentique Blissful papers!
Step 9: Make more flowers, use buttons, brads, stick pins, etc. to add more definition, color and interest. Stick pins just stick into the foam. I used glue dots to attach the threaded buttons (the thread just finishes them off). Brads are super simple... Just make sure that the tines of the brad are together... And try to slip them between yarn pieces.
Step 10: I know that the majority of the items are located on one side of the wreath... Create a visual triangle (which makes the eye travel back and forth through your work) by adding a few pieces of interest in a different part of the wreath.
Step 11: To hang the wreath, I hot glued a circle of thinner ribbon on to itself. I used another stick pin to make the ribbon stay in one place. Again... Color doesn't matter since you won't see it!
Final version!!
Closeups of the wreath.
And the visual triangle!
See how the small amount of detail creates a more powerful image...
I hope you enjoyed this three part project! It probably took me about 6 hours to create the entire wreath.

As far as my 100 projects... I'm counting this as three!! Hee hee!!

P.S. I'm still in love with Authentique!!

How To: Yarn Wreath (Part 2: the flowers!)

2011-08-09T22:30:00.001-07:00

Before I debut my finished project... I really want to share how I make these cool flowers! The flower is one of what would be many flowers used in order to make a kusudama flower ball. I like them seperate though, especially using them for fantastic patterned papers!! To make this a little easier to see, and so that the pattern wouldn't distract from the folds... I used a piece of dual colored paper.

Step 1: Cut 5 squares of paper. I used 4" paper, but you could go smaller or bigger. My suggestion however, would be use thinner paper for smaller flowers. It's also helpful to have a straight-edge of some kind, and a bone folder. Not necessary, but helpful.
Step 2: Use your bone folder (if you are using one) and score the center of the paper, diagonally.
Step 3: Fold the paper into half, so that it makes a triangle.
Step 4: Fold the 'arms' of the triangle up to the top of the first triangle.
(Step 4 again!)
See the work in process, you end up with a square again.
Step 5: This is a little complicated, so I'm going to try to make it simple. You're going to take the folded 'arms' of the triangle you made in Step 3, and flatten them out. Line up the crease of the edge of the paper with the outside of the square shape. This is a perfect spot for using your bone folder to sharpen those folds!
Step 6: Fold down the pointed area of the arm. Do the same to the other 'arm'.
Step 7: Fold the arm in half onto itself. Do this to both sides.
Step 8: You are going to round the origami shape so that the folds are now touching. This is where the glue dot will go. Whatever you do, just don't make a fold!
Step 9: Use a glue dot, and stick the two arms together!
Like this!! Round the shape as needed.
Step 10: Do this to the other four pieces of paper!!
Step 11: You're ready to 'build' the flower. Use glue dots, or some kind of adhesive to stick all of the petals together.
Here are three petals stuck together!
And the completed flower!!!!
The back of the flower!
Step 12: Getting ready to use for the wreath... I realized that the flowers themselves aren't particularly sturdy... So, I used a low-temp glue gun to add some solidity to the back of the flower. The way that I'm going to show you tomorrow how these are used, doesn't need the back showing.
If you are going to use the flowers in a more visible way, you could pipe glue into the center of the flower if you wanted. Just make sure that you cannot see it from the top of the flower!

I will post the finalized project using my Authentique papers tomorrow!!!

How To: Yarn Wreath (Part 1: the wreath)

2011-08-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

So... This is Part 1 of my fun yarn wreath! I love this project! Seriously... It's not that difficult, and looks AMAZING when it's finished. Once it's all finished... It's also not that expensive. The project does take awhile, and this is really the most time consuming part. More so, if you're kind of particular like me... :)

Step One: Gather your supplies. I have a foam wreath ($4.99 from JoAnn's), some grey yarn (acrylic, but you could use anything, wool might 'felt' better at the end of the project!), and some stick pins (I snagged these out of my MIL's garage sale).
Step Two: Find a starting point. I would suggest that you avoid the 'seam' that is located on the foam wreath. Not because it's the biggest deal, but more because it's kind of annoying to start there... The yarn would snag on the seam. Use a stick pin to jab the yarn onto the wreath.
Step Three: Just start wrapping. There really is no science to this. I suggest popping in a movie, or watching a show while you are working on this... It takes awhile. I think this one in particular took about 2 hours. Let's put it this way, I watched a few DVR'd shows!!
Step 4: After you've wrapped a section, tighten up the wrapped area. I just twisted the yarn tighter, then wrapped more, tightened, etc.
Step 5: When you need to... Use another pin to keep the yarn tight.
Step 6: Keep working. Seriously, it takes awhile!!
Step 7: When I was at the end, I simply wrapped everything fairly tight, and used the beginning piece of yarn as my tie off spot. I made a double knot, where I could also use this area to hang the wreath if I wanted to.
Step 8: Totally optional, but I prefer to make my yarn wreath look more 'felted'. I took this neatly rowed yarn... And rubbed it really hard to make it look more like this...
It's just that little extra touch that I feel makes it more special. I think next time, I'm going to use wool yarn in order to create a truly felted look.
Thanks for looking at my wreath! Stay tuned for how I love to decorate these wreaths!!!

More Authentique!! A Card and a Layout!

2011-08-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

I am loving Authentique!! I continued my love affair with a simple blank card. I took some of the 6x6 pad, some kraft paper, a found ribbon (I have NO idea where it came from...) and two stick pins. One was from my lovely friend Elizabeth, and one is just from the sewing section of one of the big box stores!
I really loved Authentique when it came to this layout. I used one of Kristy Lee's fantastic sketches from www.scrapbooksteals.com This one is from the Topaz club!
I changed a few things, used a square photo, some gray satin ribbon, and some yellow inked edges. I really liked how both the 12x12 sheets, and the 6x6 pages worked fantastically in sync to create a layout that both I, and my husband love. I created it using a picture that I really wanted to use, but couldn't find the right paper to really complement it. I also used my husband's point-of-view for the journalling. Not my normal forte, but it fits with the photograph.
I really enjoyed this layout, as well as all of the lovely paper that I was able to use in it. And those journalling stickers are GENIUS!!!

I LOVE Authentique!!!

2011-08-08T01:39:00.000-07:00

I saw the first few sneaks of Authentique before CHA, but was even more amazed by them once I actually played with the papers! I couldn't find the brand in my personal LSS, but my friend Karen lovingly snagged me a few sheets of paper, a 6x6, and some of the embellishments from an LSS that she knew about. They are all from the Blissful line. So far... I'm in love!!
This card uses some of the 6x6 pad, some lovely satin ribbon in a matching gray, one of the Authentique embellishment sayings that I stapled for emphasis, and some iRock bling!
I used some more of the 6x6 pad (love that thing!), another Authentique quote, a Martha Stewart punch, and some paper raffia that I untwisted and tied into two 'double bows'. Of course i had to add some more bling (Theresa Collins that my lovely swap box partner sent me!).
I actually used the cover of the 6x6 pad for this card... It worked perfectly! I then added strips of the regular paper, edge punched part of it, added a diecut sentiment and fleur-de-lis and a button.
I really love this look! I love seeing all of the different patterns together. This is a combo of both regular papers and 6x6 pieces. The circles are all pop-dotted, and then I added bling, a button, diecut and twine for fun. Just to add more interest, I matted the dots in black, pearl cream and pearl pink paper. I also used the saying stickers from Authentique!
I kind of really like this one! I used the raffia twine for more color against the 6x6 papers. I then used the saying that is actually on the bottom of each 12x12 sheet, then pop dotted an Authentique quote. I also added a little Glossy Accents for more definition.
I used both the 12x12 and 6x6 papers, wove them together, stamped my sentiment and added bling!
This is a great way to use up scraps! I took a few of all of the papers, added a ribbon, stamped my sentiment and then pop-dotted it! I also inked the edges of the sentiment.

Well... I'm 7 cards down in my 100 projects until I can purchase scrappy items again... I'm becoming a powerhouse. I also have 2 layouts that I will hopefully debut tomorrow or Tuesday. I have to get a few photographs printed first :)

Vacations and Seminars...

2011-08-02T00:43:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was at a seminar in San Diego with little time to breathe... This week, on vacay.

So... This means no blogging. :)
But I am sneaking papercrafting supplies with me!!

Two Prince Bakery Theater: 400 Facebook Fans Celebration, The Twinery Giveawa...

2011-08-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Two Prince Bakery Theater: 400 Facebook Fans Celebration, The Twinery Giveawa...:

Make sure that you go to 2Princes blog for your chance to win some fantastic Twinery (LOVE!) twine!!!

100 Projects...

2011-07-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

I just agreed to making 100 projects before I made any more purchases. While I don't really 'need' anything... It's always fun to buy.

Rules are:
Glue doesn't count. Without glue... I couldn't make anything...
EDIT: 3 Cards =1 project (I talked T down!!!)
Layouts can be 1 page or 2 page... Depends on the sketch or layout.

Other than that... It's 100 projects....

I'm excited for the challenge. I have most everything I need. We will see how it goes :)

MWM 51, 52 and Sapphire!!

2011-07-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here are my layouts for Sapphire!! I finally finished the last few that I was working on. I also added the next two layouts to round out my 52 for 52 weeks for ScrapbookSteals' Mid-Week Mojos! I know! 52 layouts in 52 weeks, plus challenges, and additional layouts!! That's a lot of scrapping... No wonder I have so much stuff!!

Enjoy!

MWM 31: Ho, Ho, Ho!
MWM 32: Wonderful
MWM 33: Happy Birthday
MWM 34: Little Guy
MWM 35: Isla, It's You
MWM 36
MWM 37: What do You Want Chica to Wear?
MWM 38: Little Kisses
MWM 39: Isla Sofi: You are so Beautiful
MWM 40: Easter 2011

And the next Jewel...
MWM 51: Happy Birthday
MWM 52: Lovely

A few cards: Happy Birthday(x2), Congrats(x2) & Another Card Set

2011-07-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

Here is my Happy Birthday Card for my friend Hannah! I made a banner card. I made sure that I didn't put the year, or her birthday year, so she could use it for decoration later!
My Little Shoebox Farmers Market paper, the Jillibean Soup Beanstalks and AC Cardstock in blue.

Here is another card set that I made using American Crafts, My Minds Eye, the Twinery, Cosmo Cricket, Prima, ribbon and some paper twine. I mixed and matched all different lines to achieve the set.
This is a super cute card for one of my friend's little girl, Budgie. Isla is a brunette, and Budgie is a redhead... So this was perfect! Plus, they are only about 19 days apart, and bestest friends! It's a combination of a little bit of My Little Shoebox letters, iRock bling, My Mind's Eye little girls, a Sassafras number and kraft paper.
I was tasked with making a card for a dear friend who just got a great new job in the scrapbooking industry. While we will all miss her from her previous position... She's going to do great!!

While the Canadian Post strike was going on, one of my Canadian friends wasn't able to send her card. I made one for her in the colors that she liked: blues, greens and browns.
This is the one that I created for her. I freed myself up to do a few things that I don't normally do. I included some shaped paper twine, Glossy Accents, a little bling, and just had fun with it!
A few details... Glossy Accents (I have to figure out how to get the bubbles out!!)
Hope you enjoyed!

Craftaholic's Anonymous Gift Swap: SnugglyMonkeyCo.

2011-07-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I saw a Handmade Gift Exchange on the Craftaholics Anonymous website. I decided to participate, not really knowing what I was getting myself into!! I mean, what should I do?? I could have made a card set, notebook, covered something in paper, but I ended up making a blank mini album.

I exchanged gifts with Claudia over at SnugglyMonkey.com. Her Etsy shop is here. I loved her shop as soon as I saw it!!

Here are the fantastic gifts I received! She made me an ouchie pouch for Isla, and a fantastic pencil case that we currently are using for Isla's Crayola Wonder Markers.
Cute ouchie pouch!!
Isn't this case adorable! It's lined on the inside with green fabric!
Here are the photographs that Claudia took of the gift I sent her way!!

All in all... This was a fantastic swap!

I'm GOLD baby!!!! (ScrapbookSteals MWM 41-50)

2011-07-11T13:12:00.001-07:00

Another 10 layouts (not including SS challenges, or additional layouts...) and I made GOLD! Okay, so I have a few Sapphire layouts to round out my 50 total... But this has been a pretty productive year so far. So, without further ado... My GOLD layouts for ScrapbookSteals.com's Mid-Week Mojo's!!

MWM 41: Adults Only!
MWM 42: NBPTS: The Box
MWM 43: New Friends
MWM 44: A Day in the Life
MWM 45: Where'd He Go?
MWM 46: Junior Daffodil Parade
MWM 47: Good Morning (Good Morning, Good Morning)
MWM 48: Cute
MWM 49: Going 2 the Zoo!
MWM 50: B.F.F

I'm ready for the next two to finalize the year. I cannot wait to continue with year two!!

MWM 50: My love affair with Peachy Keen

2011-07-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

I am in love with American Craft's Peachy Keen. When I first saw it online... I was a little unsure, but in person... Sigh! It's just the perfect amount of masculine and feminine. It's chock full of lovely teals, peaches, yellows and greys. AHHHHHHH!!!!

I made my 50th Mid-Week Mojo for scrapbooksteals.com!! I have at least made 50 layouts, plus challenges (give or take the few that I still have to finish this weekend!!)
Some of the details of the fabulousness!!
The only non-American Crafts detail... My Little Shoebox letters...
The Thickers are BEAUTIFUL!
And my favorite... The resin flower brads!
All in all... Peachy Keen is fantastic, and I cannot wait to use more!

PS. Happy Birthday Scrapbooksteals!!!

Layout Overload...

2011-06-26T18:21:00.001-07:00

Here are few layouts to catch up, and a couple for some challenges over at ScrapbookSteals.

Challenge #4: Gender Swap
The goal of this was to create a layout using products designed for the opposite sex.
For this layout, I used Basic Grey's "Oliver" paper and buttons, a BG "Olivia" journaling tag and paperclip, and Sassafras Lass Paper Whimsies.

Challenge #3: Summer Fun
In this layout, we were given this image to look at, and make some kind of summery layout or card from it! I used BoBunny "Sun-Kissed" line for the paper and stickers, and AC Thickers for the 2011.

Challenge #1, otherwise known as... MWM #48
I happen to LOVE My Mind's Eye "Lost and Found" collection, and was SUPER excited when ScrapbookSteals had it as one of their steals!! The only thing I didn't like about Portabello Road, was the super thin twine that was in the pennant stickers. So, I swapped it out for some of my Twinery twine in Blossom. Lovely!! I fussy-cut the "perfect" and the other glittered image. I haven't quite figured out exactly what I want to have the layout say yet... So I'm waiting for the right inspiration to hit. I am planning on typing this out in a handwriting font, then attaching it in strips underneath the photograph. I'll update when I'm complete :)

MWM #43: New Friends
For this layout, I used "It's the Small Things" from Fancy Pants. It has FP paper, Glitter Cuts, and ribbon that I was sent as a prize from the Fancy Pants facebook page. I also used my iRock bling, a couple of Studio Calico tickets and some Glossy Accents to highlight the cute bird on the small journaling strip. To add more definition, I also inked the edges of each paper with my Chalk ink in Charcoal.

Cancer Sucks, Unless You Kicks it's @SS!

2011-06-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite people has been fighting cancer this year, and looked fantastic doing it. Earlier in the year I made her a mini-book. She completed her chemo and radiation. We all are waiting for the positive news of no more cancer from her doctor. In congratulations (because that's how I roll!) of her upcoming fantastic news... I made her a card. WHY??? Because Hallmark doesn't have a "You Kicked Cancer's Ass!" card!!!

I'm so proud of her <3

Fantastic Etsy Quote

2011-06-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

It's been an interesting weekend. Full of ups and downs. I think I really wanted to believe that crafting was a fabulous, wonderful and joyous occasion. Where everyone gets along, and there is no strife. Where in reality... Just as the rest of life, this isn't really true.

I came across this quote while checking out Etsy... and was reminded that all creators are not always equal. And that's okay.

"Just when I think I am a little skilled, I humbly lower my head and look at a person who is grand. Not only because of what he produces but because he produces with inner strength and it shows. It is great to create, even better it is when you found out the reason why...! Beautiful people are out there." yimmekedesign

I'm going to end this weekend on a high note, and plan for this week's crafting. It will be the first full week of summer for me! Got to love those summer days...

Bridal Shower Present :)

2011-06-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

I made a simple set of cards for my friend Carolyn. I hate giving gift cards, but when I do, I always feel the need to include some kind of "gift". So, rather than looking more empty-handed than I really was, I created a cute set of cards to accompany the gift card.

Supplies: Kraft paper, MME Alphabet Soup & Love Me Do, Sassafras Lass and Crate Paper, American Crafts Embellishment, Basic Grey Stamp, white Signo Pen
Supplies: Kraft paper, MME Alphabet Soup & Love Me Do, American Crafts Embellishment, Basic Grey Stamp, white Signo Pen, Martha Stewart punchSupplies: Kraft paper, MME Alphabet Soup & Love Me Do, Sassafras Lass and Crate Paper, American Crafts Embellishment, Basic Grey Stamp, Martha Stewart punchSupplies: Kraft paper, MME Alphabet Soup, American Crafts Embellishment, Basic Grey Stamp, Martha Stewart Punch

Imaginisce Blog: The man card!

2011-06-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Go to the Imaginisce blog and enter to win some HAPPY CAMPER supplies!!!!

Imaginisce Blog: The man card!

American Crafts Facebook Challenge: Father's Day

2011-06-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hello!! It's almost Father's Day, which means, SCHOOL'S ALMOST OUT! I'm not excited one bit though... {snortle, hahaha}

Anyhoo... The American Crafts Facebook Page is having a bi-monthly challenge based on a theme. This month's theme, create something for Father's Day using three or more products. Easy-peasy, right?? Not so much. Creating something that is masculine is a little more difficult than one would imagine.

I ended up creating a Father's Day Card using primarily AC Campy Trails paper and embellishments, a couple of Thickers, and AC Cardstock. Besides the adhesive (which I do love me some AC adhesive...), the card is entirely American Crafts!

Plus... You can VOTE FOR IT! If you follow the link, vote on my card by "liking" the image! You may have to "LIKE" American Crafts first. But then.... You should already like them :)

Enjoy!

Finding my mojo!

2011-06-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

For weeks now, I've had no mojo. I've gotten quite a bit of wonderful scrappy goodness... And nada! A couple of days ago, I received my fabulous Sassafras Lass box sale (they are sold out now...) For $49, shipped, I got TONS of stuff!! Paper sets, stickers, alphas, stiched blooms (my favorite!), entwined blooms, whimsies, chipboard, and SO much more... I'll probably have to put a photo up that shows everything!!

With my Sass box, I finally found my mojo. So, I got to work last night, using Lisa's fantastic sketch for ScrapbookSteals' MWM #45:

I think that for just refinding my mojo... I really like this layout! I love the colors, and how sweet the layout ended up being. Especially with the adorable picture of Miss I.

Ingredients:
Sassafras Lass: Mix and Mend paper, 6x6 paper, matching whimsies, alpha (teal), journaling sticker
American Crafts: buttons & Thickers (light blue)
The Twinery: twine in Carribean and Mandarin

A bowl full of lemons.: May Silhouette Giveaway!!

2011-05-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

GO TO THIS LINK TO WIN A SILHOUETTE!!!

A bowl full of lemons.: May Silhouette Giveaway!!: "Im so grateful to be able to give away Silhouette SD machines on my blog. This week, I am offering another chance at a giveaway! This set ..."

Once Upon a Sketch Blog Giveaway!!!

2011-05-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

The absolutely gorgeous May kit from My Scrapbook Nook??

Once Upon A ..Sketch is giving one, right now!!

All you need to do is this..

1. Follow the Once Upon A ...Sketch Blog
2. Copy this exact information and post about this on your blog, together with the May kit picture and a link back to Once Upon A Sketch.
3. Make sure you also post the information about the current offer at the Nook listed below.

3. Link your post using the Link Tool at the bottom of this post!

That is it! You have until the end of the current challenge, which is midnight May 31st, Australian Eastern Standard Time. I will draw a random winner soon after.

My Scrapbook Nook is offering a wonderful offer for a limited time only!Sign up for 6 months and receive the May kit for free......great deal!

Or Sign up for 12months and get the 13th kit free!!!!!!!!!

Kits value between $31- $34 – Yours for only $29.50. This way we ensure that you receive a fully loaded kit each month. We will also offer combined shipping with any add-ons or goodies from the store you need.

http://myscrapbooknook.org/kit-club/

Tell a friend and if they sign up email us at orders@myscrapbooknook.com and give us your friends name and we will give you a $5.00 store credit. Good only while supplies last.

Go for it!

POST ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY ON YOUR BLOG, AND THEN LINK YOUR DIRECT POST HERE.

Southern Hospitality is giving away a SILHOUETTE!!!

2011-05-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Go to SouthernHospitality for a fantastic giveaway of a SILHOUETTE!!!
I know, right! I would love LOVE L-O-V-E this!!!

Fingers crossed!!