AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Valentine's Day Love Notes Wreath

Heather Conklin

This wreath began as simply a fun paper mache base that I purchased at a craft store. I glued and trimmed papers (Two & Three) from the Love Notes collection to the base, sanding edges to perfectly match the shape.

Once the paper covered the front, inside and outside of the heart-shaped wreath, I hot glued the pom pom ribbon in place.

Took the sticker banner from the Details sticker sheet and used dimensional adhesive to layer the stickers onto slightly larger banner pieces (I just used the sticker as a guide). Once those were complete, I hot glued those pieces to the ribbon banner, and glued that in place on the edges of the wreath.

I added a few die cuts, a couple of Details stickers, and some extra embellishments from my stash, and the wreath was complete.


Thanks for spending Valentine's with us this week. ~ Heather 

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GOSSAMER BLUE: Delight in the Details Class and Class Kit!!!!

I am SUPER excited to share with you that I was asked earlier this summer to help contribute for a Gossamer Blue class. The fabulous Jill Keller put together this course, and chose all of the contributors: Monika Wright, Emily Spahn, Sabrina Alery and ME! It's called Delight in the Details.

From Gossamer Blue: Delight in the Details: a class focused on taking your layouts from good to gorgeous! Learn to layer and embellish while focusing on techniques for enhancing page backgrounds, clustering embellishments, creating dimension and all of the little things that will make your finished projects stand out and be noticed. Register now, as class begins September 28th!! And best part, if you register soon, you get a fantastic stamp set designed by One Little Bird.

There's also a class kit! And seriously... This class kit is AMAZING! I really loved all of the details, the embellishments, the sequins (oh, the sequins!!)...

I couldn't resist snagging you a little sneak of one of my four (4!!) projects that I created using this kit. Let me know if you join the class! I'd love to see what you come up with.

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UPDATED: September Shop Your Stash Kit

UPDATE: Check out THIS PAGE on how to "Shop Your Stash"!! 

I'm on month two... Or at least "Kit Two" of my personal challenge. Nothing official or anything... I just have SO much stuff, and really want to just use it and buy things I really want, or that are multi-use (stamps, tools, etc.) I also have a ton of things that I love... But am hiding away for some obscene reason. No more hoarding pretty things!!

This month's kit was inspired by this picture of the lovely kit from Noel Mignon. (FYI, at this current moment... It's not been released, so this is just a sneak of the Tea for Two Kit). I really loved the colors, the woodgrain (of course!) and the deer. Seriously, the deer. I am going to make a custom deer stamp using some of my Silhouette stamp material, and already have the shape chosen!!

And... This color inspiration. I found the link on Pinterest, but am posting the original link here.

Here's my "kit". Once again, I've not packed a ton of paper into it, but will attempt to use it all... But it is pretty embellishment heavy. My goal, once I've completed quite a few layouts is to use it as a card kit. I love card kits, as all of the pieces go together, and the embellishments are fun.

Paper Top Row L-R:
Parfait (Madeline Collection) - Prima Marketing
Chocolate & Kraft Ribbon Stripe - Canvas Corp.
April Showers (Simply Spring) - WeRMK
Dishes (Nook & Pantry) - Basic Grey
Beaters (Nook & Pantry) - Basic Grey
Living Proof (So Sophie) - My Mind's Eye

Paper Bottom Row L-R:
Lots O' Luck (Hog Heaven) - Sassafras Lass
Beaming (Sunshine Broadcast) - Sassafras Lass
Cinnamon (Nutmeg) - Cosmo Cricket
Lunch Break (Ready Set Go) - American Crafts
Love Letters (Fawnd of You Too) - Sassafras Lass

Cardstock
kraft - American Crafts
darker teal - Bazzill
light teal - American Crafts
butter yellow - American Crafts  

Embellishments:
Some additional scraps of fun wood patterned paper...
Alphabet Stickers (Life of the Party) - Basic Grey
Yellow Tiny Type - Cosmo Cricket
Label Stickers (Lost & Found Two) - My Mind's Eye
Tiny Tags (Serendipity) - Elle's Studio
Chipboard Hearts - Um Wow Studio
Die Cut Kraft Doilies - Maya Road
Rose Ribbon - American Crafts
Stickers (Fawnd of You) - Sassafras Lass
Tickets... ??
Doo-Dads (Woodland Park) - October Afternoon
Vintage Brooch (Soft Pink) - Sassafras Lass
Metal Tabs (Carte Postal) - Basic Grey
Button Market - Bella Blvd
Tags - Martha Stewart
Chipboard Die Cuts - Sassafras Lass
Badges - Studio Calico
Canvas Pieces - Basic Grey
Wood Veneer Butterflies - Studio Calico
Fabric Brads - Basic Grey
Woodgrain Stamp - Hero Arts
Twine - ??

PS. If you're not too big on making everything all matchy-matchy, make sure to check out places like Tuesday Morning, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's, and the clearance racks of places. Quite a few of the items that are here were from those places too! Pin It

25 Cards from One Collection

In my day job, I teach art. I also am one half of a kick-ass (yes, we are THAT good!) team that takes care of our staff in times of celebration and condolence. After the many years that I have helped with this, I have realized that if I plan ahead and get some of the many cards that will be used throughout the year completed during the summer, I'm a much happier person. Ultimately, I will spend about the same amount of time no matter what, I can just spend it more wisely using similar sketches or designs and make multiples at once. All of these cards use American Crafts: Garden Café collection. Stamps are from: A-Muse, Lawn Fawn and Neat & Tangled.

Sometimes the cards are almost exactly the same, just flip the papers over and switch the embellishments a little.

Use different ribbons to make different looks...

Similarity here: those tags I can never figure out what to do with. 

When you get down to the small pieces, it always helps to make "scrap" cards. Just take all of the little scrap pieces and glue away!

Or make three of a kind. This one was inspired by this card: CARD by Chari Moss. She's amazing!

In some cases... Just using those great embellishments brings amazing results. 

Or border punches and flags!

A couple more combo scrap/embellishment cards.

And a simple, but effective version... Colorblocking!

All in all, 25 cards using a line of materials that I wasn't scrapping with anymore. One more bag of stuff in my stash down! Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Stay "Anchored" with Authentique Paper & Petaloo!

If you didn't get a chance to see yesterday's post showcasing one my fun new projects using both Petaloo products and Authentique's fun new line: Anchored... Make sure you stop on by. Both companies are having giveaways ALL week!!

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My Project Life Basket: How I Organize My Weekly Scrapbooking Part 1

I figured out the cause of my lack of mojo. An unclean room (since tidied!) and the lingering thought that I haven't really started my summer of Project Life... I like the idea of capturing what goes on during the week, however during the school year it's just not feasible. Not because I cannot keep up, more because life is a lot more monotonous, scheduled, the same each week.

And since I have a studio to work in, I really cannot drag all of my stuff downstairs, or other places. So I created a PL basket. Just enough stuff to create at least a month's of pages without having to have anything additional. I also kind of enjoy not being attached to my Silhouette (blasphemy, I know!!) for everything. I could just go buy the kits, but that's no fun!! I have the page holders, but really just want to use my stash for the filler cards.

Here's my basket!! It seriously has everything I need! I already made a month's worth of pages. In 24 hours. Seriously! Even my cute Xyron 1½" Create-A-Sticker Machine!!

And the other side.

I have quite a few pre-cut 4x6 and 3x4 cards that I made a couple of Silhouette magazine holders for (4x6, 3x4). Include a 6x6 pad of cardstock, and at least one of patterned paper, or the leftovers of one of my Gossamer Blue kits... And the month is set.  

A handful of various letter sets, used up (almost) and brand new. All small and rather thin. This way, I can put them on pics, pages, etc.

Random assortment of enamel dots, flair, Elle's Studio pieces, etc. Anything small and fun.

A date stamp and some sequins. In those little bags that come with sweaters.

Scissors, a ruler, corner chomper, Signo pen, at least one color of journaling pen (but who's counting... I have six on the other side).

Small cutter and 8.5"x11" cutting board.

Mini stapler and a sketch pad.

And here's the beginning of my pages. I'll have to show more this week. I'm super excited to start getting somewhat caught up!!

Tomorrow, I am going to share my tricks for organizing my weeks and my photos. I have a few Apps that I LOVE that make this whole process SO much easier. Especially when I don't have a great photo printer in my house.

And just because... My newly organized buttons and brads! I took out all of the tiny ones... Love the color, NEVER used them.

Don't they look all pretty now?!?!?! Although, I realized I really need more yellow buttons. That one is looking a little lonely.

***Project Life is a system of memory keeping created by Becky Higgins.  You can learn more here***


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You Are the Sweetest Adventure!! Gossamer Blue June

I always seem to get challenge projects completed by the deadlines, but cannot seem to get them photographed and posted in time. Such is the life of a busy mom :)

Here is my Peridot 7. I really wanted to use this fantastic fun photograph that I took at the park of my little monkey. I then used my A Beautiful Mess app to add the fun filter and phrase on it. The "Adventure" made a perfect title that I then used pieces of my June Gossamer Blue kit on. I just love all of the Crate Paper Pier papers that came with it, along with the ephemera pack. And sequins. Adorbs!!

I had to include a chevron. I was working for Authentique a few days ago, and Dan and I got into a conversation about chevrons, and whether or not they are called zigzags instead. Made me laugh.

Isn't that title just too perfect? Yeah, I think so too!

Here is the linked MWM Peridot 7 sketch. I really loved the Lawn Fawn line that was for sale that day also. One day... :)

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Inspired by AtomicVenetia...

I love finding inspiration from my local sources (meaning... snagging ideas from my lovely friends). In this case, I used a layout that my friend Venetia created. I used a few of the ideas that she had used in her layout, to inspire my choices.

I was inspired by splattered ink, floral washi, banners, little embellishments scattered and tilted journaling. Hers was hidden, but I used a tag from the Gossamer Blue April Bits & Pieces Add-On. The paper, washi tape, and frames are from the April Main Kit. I'm really loving the combo of navy and pink that seems to be everywhere now!! And the Maggie Holmes products were lovely!! Pin It

Scrapbooksteals.com's How To-sday Create Your Own Embellishments

Make sure that you check out todays How To'sday over at the ScrapbookSteals.com Blog. It was created by yours truly! Here are a few sneaks both using Authentique's Strong Collection.

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AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: October Sketch

Good Morning folks! It's World Cardmaking Day!! For this month's Authentique sketch contest, I made a cute little card using the new Peaceful line. I just love the pops of green that are in this line!!

Come play with the sketches!! Here are both the card and the layout sketches. Didn't Emily do a great job?!?!

For the next two cards, I just played around with the Lively collection. It was staring me down with it's lovely and bright patterns. I couldn't resist!! I just love how easy the two cards came together.

  
Authentique: Peaceful Collection: Frost, Solitude and Details; Lively: Flutter, Spirited, Chipper, Vibrant and Details

Petaloo: Velvet and Lace Flowers in Buttercream

Imagine Crafts: Memento Ink Pear Tart and Rich Cocoa

3L Adhesives: Dimensional pop dots

Other Products: iRock gems, ribbon, Studio Calico/Hero stamp, AC Embossing powder, MarthaStewart punch

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AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Pinspired: Herringbone Patterns

Make sure that you go check out my Pinspired Monday's neat layout over at the Authentique Blog today. I'll even give you a little sneaky peek!!

Enjoy!! Pin It

ScrapbookSteals' MWM: Pearl 8

I'm finally getting to the bottom of my Summer of '69 Counterfeit Kit. I loved making the kit, and have enjoyed playing with a mixture of colors and patterns that I may not have normally chosen on my own.

This layout is a lovely moment caught with my two daughters. They are fascinated with one another. It's pretty funny to watch. I loved the frame, and have been wanting to use it forever. In this case, I just decided to use it and not think too much about it.

I also used these fun little people that create a heart in the negative space.

I usually write my journaling, but decided to type this out instead. Sometimes I really love just the simplicity of typed writing, and this font was perfect.

I loved using all of these details. The heart, the button, the feather cut, and all of the little features. I'm glad that I used the little features that I haven't used before. Pin It

Just a Few Cards...

I had some happy/congratulatory/consolatory mail to send out. Here are a few of the lovely cards. I used my Peachy Keen kit from American Crafts.

 

Somehow there were twelve cards, but I only took ten photos... Oh well. 

100 Count Challenge: 17/100

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