MY TINY LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD

Red and Black

2012-01-21T07:45:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love the color combo of red and black! Red is one of my fave colors, and it looks so bold and striking against black. Add in a bit of distressing with the red/black combo and we have a wonderful wall decor piece.

I covered the entire background with a black polka dot patterned paper then added a strip of red polka dot paper to the bottom. Then I took an emory board and distressed the paper.

Then I layered on a crinkled order ticket, a calendar sticker, and a cute little rose bundle.

Next, I added a locket and key from the Basically Bare Lovely Locket Set. I covered the chipboard heart with Distress Stain in Picket Fence. Once it was dry, I covered it with Liquitex Glass Bead Gel Medium. Once the gel medium was dry, I inked the beads just slightly with Distress Ink. To make the "keyhole", I covered the acrylic piece with alcohol ink and then stamped over the ink. Lastly, the felt piece was inked the Tsukineko Brilliance Ink in Galaxy Gold.

With all the color on this piece, I decided to leave the key white so it would stand out. All of the pieces layer together wonderfully to create lots of texture and dimension.

With All My Heart

2012-01-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Now that the holidays are over...oh wait, there's another big day just right around the corner, Valentine's Day. Today I have a fun project that's just perfect for the occasion.

I was searching through the clearance bin on my last trip to the craft store and found this wonderful metal heart. Of course it had to come home with me.

To start, I covered the background with a plastic mirror from Darice. Plastic - which means that if my butterfingers drops it, there's no chance of the mirror breaking or seven years of bad luck. :) Next, I covered the outside edge with a ruffled ribbon then added a few flowers and crystals.

Then I added a chipboard locket from the Basically Bare Lovely Locket Set. I inked the chipboard with Distress Ink, ran it through my Cuttlebug to add a bit of dimension, then inked the raised portion just slightly with a darker ink. I left the felt keyhole bare since the white was a nice contrast to the pink locket.

Heart Wall Decor

2012-01-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

I have to admit that my all-time fave Basically Bare embellie is the canvas heart. Today I have a fun way to use these little gems.

I started by taking a piece of fabric and drawing hearts with my Zig Wink Of Stella in GL. Dark Pink. The Wink of Stella pen gives just a slight hint of glimmer, which was perfect for this project.

Next, I spritzed the pom-pom trim and the canvas heart with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Viva Pink. This will just add another layer of glimmer.

Now, on to the best part. Once the heart was dry, I stamped it with a simple script stamp. Then I simply sewed it onto the fabric using a simple whip stitch. I don't sew much, so I try to keep it simple when I do. Leaving a small opening at the bottom, stuff the heart with fiberfill stuffing. Then finish sewing around the remainder of the heart.

Pretty sure I've said it before, but I'm a huge fan of instant gratification when making projects. So how's this, it only took about an hour to make this project. Wouldn't this make a wonderful gift for that special someone?

Celestial Candle

2011-12-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

Do you love candles? How about alcohol inks? How about combining both into a fun project? Well, then I have the perfect project for you today!

I started by taking a plain jane white candle and completely covering it with several shades of alcohol ink.

Next, apply a couple drops of Kurecolor Ink in Orange and Snow Cap Mixative to an applicator felt and apply to an acrylic star from the Basically Bare Bare Basics Celestial Set.

For this last step, you'll need to raid your pantry! Yes, the pantry. The moon shape, also from the Celestial Set, is covered completely in foil and then ran through a Cuttlebug for a bit of dry embossing. Carefully cover the raised portions of the moon with embossing ink, sprinkle with embossing powder, and then heat set the powder. I used WOW embossing glitter in Metallic Platinum Sparkle. It's a perfect match in color to the foil and also provides a fun texture to contrast to the smoothness of the foil.

For a last bit of embellishment, I added a metal sentiment and a few beads.

White Christmas Canvas

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I have a fun Christmas canvas to share. I hope you enjoy!

Step One: Cover entire canvas, both the top and all four sides, with a thin layer of gel medium and cover with tissue paper. Set aside to dry.

Step Two: Dip a paintbrush into white paint and flick the paint onto the canvas. Repeat with silver paint.

Step Three: Attach a thin strip of punchinella.

Step Four: Trim around the edge of four strips of fabric with pinking shears and adhere to the canvas.

Step Five: Using a paintbrush, add a fairly thick layer of SnowTex to the bottom of the canvas. Then, using a dry brush technique, add random bits of SnowTex to the remainder of the canvas. While the SnowTex is still wet, sprinkle with glitter and tap off any excess. Set aside to dry.

Step Six: While the canvas is drying, ink a couple of Grungeboard snowflakes with white Distress Stain and dip into glitter while they are still wet. Set aside to dry.

Step Seven: Completely cover one side of an acrylic bird with glitter glue and set aside to dry. Once dry, adhere to bottom right corner of the canvas.

Step Eight: Add remaining embellishments and sentiment.

Christmas Wreath

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm back once again with a fun Christmas idea! Can you believe there's only 12 days to go? How about some lights, a couple stockings, and a nice fire to get you in the holiday spirit?

Now let's zoom in close on the ornament hanging between the two stockings. And what do I spy but the cutest little wreath made with a Basically Bare Chipboard gear and buttons.

To make the wreath shape, I simply cut a circle from the middle of the largest gear in the set.

The button "berries" were first inked with Festive Berries Distress Ink, then heat embossed with Polysparkle Embossing Powder, and lastly covered with Glossy Accents.

The gear "wreath" was heat embossed with two layers of Ranger's Verdigris Embossing Powder and then with a layer of Polysparkle Embossing Powder. It is Christmas time after all, everything must have a bit of sparkle and shine! :)

Lastly, I added a couple of holly leaf shaped stickers that had been coated with Lime Green and Holly Stickles.

Christmas Tag

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ready for another Christmas project idea? How about a cute little hand sewn tag? It would be the perfect addition to a gift bag or box. I hope you enjoy!

Step One: Cut two pieces of fabric and a piece of quilt batting to tag size.

Step Two: Using a Christmas tree stamp and two shades of StazOn, stamp image onto one piece of the fabric.

Step Three: Using gold Brilliance ink, stamp snowflakes.

Step Four: Adhere the pearl "ornaments".

Step Five: Stack the fabric and quilt batting so that the unstamped piece of fabric is on the bottom, then the layer of quilt batting, and lastly the stamped image on top. Pin the layers together so they don't shift.

Step Six: Stitch the tag shape. This can be done with either a sewing machine or by hand.

Step Seven: Trim all edges using a pair of pinking shears.

Step Eight: Lastly, add a flower, ribbon, and the sentiment.

Ornament Wreath

2011-12-04T08:00:00.003-05:00

Today I have a fun wreath. Shhh, don't tell anyone how simple this is to make. It's our little secret. The wreath itself is made using a sewing hoop with has alternating colors of tulle tied all the way around. It only takes about 30 minutes to make and is also a great way to let the little ones help with making projects.

Now, on to the decorations. I used a set of Basically Bare Stack-a-Bellies Holiday Ornaments and lots of fun techniques. To start, I took an acrylic ornament and inked one side with alcohol inks. Once the ink was dry, I flipped it over and stamped a Santa and snowflakes with StazOn ink.

Next up is a chipboard ornament. For this one, I painted the entire ornament white. Once the paint was dry, I ran it through my Cuttlbebug for a bit of dry embossing. Then I inked the raised portion with red and green Distress Inks.

For the last ornament, I misted the entired piece with Adirondak Color Wash and then with Perfect Pearls mist. While the inks were still wet, I sprinkled on some white and glittery clear embossing powder and then heat set the powders. I also embossed around the edges with a dark green embossing powder. Lastly, I added a felt strip and stitched on some beads.

To finish off the wreath, the ornaments were suspended on monofilament.

Can you believe there's only 21 days left until Christmas? Are you ready?

Faithful Pet

2011-11-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Time for another layout that was in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. We all love our pets as we do any other family member and I couldn't resist snapping this pic of Brandy when she was lounging in the sun one afternoon.

Can you believe this layout started as a white sheet of cardstock? I used one of my Martha Stewart border punches and punched strips of white paper to entirely cover the cardstock page. Then I used Ranger Color Wash and randomly spritzed color over the page. Once that was dry, I took a smaller piece of white cardstock and painted on a couple different colors using Faber Castell Gelatos.

Lastly, I added the picture, a floral vine, and a piece of shear fabric. This really was a fun page to complete!

Turkey Time!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving Day! In honor of Turkey Day, I thought it would be fun to make a couple of cute little table decorations. Can you picture these guys as name cards on the dinner table?

Follow along and we’ll get started making these guys. To start off, you’ll need a set of Basically Bare acrylic gears which have been cut in half. Next, I inked up all the pieces of acrylic with several fall shades of alcohol ink.

Once the alcohol ink is dry (which only takes a few seconds), layer and attach the pieces of acrylic with pop dots. Be sure to only place the pop dots in the middle portion of the gears, otherwise they will be visible on the finished project.

Next up is the body of the turkey. I took a 4 inch circle piece of fabric and inked it brown. Once the ink was dry, I took a needle and thread and slip stitched around the border. Next, add a bit of stuffing and then pull the thread. By pulling the thread it will close up the fabric and you will have a little ball.

Lastly, just adhere the body of the turkey to the acrylic “feathers”, add a couple of googly eyeballs, the waddle, and the beak.

Now, off I go to finish my Thanksgiving Day dinner!

Deer Friend

2011-11-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

What a cute card for a special someone! This card was in a previous issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can finally share it here.

The background was heat embossed with clear embossing ink and then I inked over the embossed areas to create a cloud effect.

The grass was made with a die from The Cat's Pajamas and the deer was stamped with a stamp from Sideshow Stamps and then colored with Prismalcolor watercolor pencils. The butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch and lastly a few Prima flowers were added. It all comes together to make one adorable card!

Showing Off The Twins

2011-11-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Both of these layouts were in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can finally share them.

My star of the show for both of these is Sheyla. Someone decided it was time to experiment with make-up but only managed to get a glob of mascara on the side of her nose.

And the second layout shows Sheyla as she is the majority of the time, with a huge smile on her face.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Soar!

2011-11-12T12:04:00.003-05:00

I was looking at the beautiful display of color Mother Nature has graced us with and used those colors as inspiration for today’s tag.

This tag has a lot going on and I wouldn’t want you to miss any of it. To start, the background was inked using several colors of Distress Inks and a Crafter’s Workshop template then a stamp was added in the bottom corner.

Now on to the embellies. I’ve used two of my Basically Bare gears, the first being the acrylic gear. Acrylic is one of my all time fave mediums to work with. Why? Because there are so many different techniques that can be used! One side of the gear has been inked with alcohol inks and then the other side was stamped with Staz-On ink.

The chipboard gear has been heat embossed with Distress embossing powder in a couple of different shades.

Next up is the key and wings. The wings have been inked with a metallic gold ink and the key was inked with Adirondak Color Wash.

To add a bit of distressing, I pulled up a layer from the chipboard. It just gives a bit more dimension to the gear.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get those fingers nice and inky! Plus, if everyone is inky, I won’t stand out so much with my orange hands. :)

Cards Galore

2011-11-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

It's time once again to share a couple of cards that were in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

First off is a clean and simple card made with a fabric mesh I found at a scrapbook convention a few months ago. I simply cut a small piece of the mesh and then layered it Prima paper and then added a butterfly.

My second card has three layers of Prima paper, each at an angle as they were layered. Then I simply added the felt vine, heart, butterfly, and sentiment.

And as I'm uploading these pictures, I realize both cards have ink on them. I'm starting to realize I use a LOT of pink. :)

More ATC's

2011-11-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's time to share a couple of ATC's that were in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

This first one I used a lot of Mixed Media techniques. I started with a piece of canvas cut to ATC size and randomly painted the background with a couple different colors. Once that was dry, I used a stencil and some white paint to create the circles. Then I took some red watercolor paint and allowed that to run down the card. Lastly, I took a heart, ran it through a Cuttlebug, then tore it in half and added a game spinner in the middle. Then I coated the entire card with Glimmer Glaze. The spots that been heat embossed resisted the glaze so you can see the original layer of color.

For the second ATC, I used a fun resist technique. Using watercolor paper, I inked the background with yellow and orange ink. Once the ink was dry, I stamped several hearts then heat embossd the hears with clear embossing powder.

If there's a new technique you really want to try out, an ATC is the perfect place to start. It's small enough to practice with so you don't waste a lot of product if you just absolutely hate the result. But the small size can also pack a punch if you love the outcome.

Bottlecap Earrings

2011-10-31T08:00:00.002-04:00

Jamie Pope back with you again today with a fun set of earrings! By now, I think most of you know I like projects that are quick and simple (it's the whole instant gratification thing for me :) ). With the exception of drying time, this set of earrings can be completed in about 40 minutes.

Start by selecting a patterned paper with a small print and cut out two circles to fit inside the Basically Bare bottlecaps. Glue down the paper and then cover with a thin layer of Ranger's Glossy Accents. Once the Glossy Accents is dry, it's time to add the beads and earring hooks.

Using a piercing tool, add two holes to each bottlecap - one at the top and one at the bottom. Add the earring hooks through the top holes. On the bottom holes, add a jump ring and on the jump ring add three beads which have been attached to head pins.

Here's hoping everyone has a spooktacular Halloween!

Spiderweb Tealight Holder

2011-10-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

I'm always looking for unique ways to use my Basically Bare items so when the idea of turning the pennants into a tealight candle holder popped in my head I had to run with it! And the best part of this project is that it took less than 30 minutes to complete (drying time aside). Which means you could make several of these and turn them into a spidery tablescape.

I used four of the Basically Bare large canvas pennants and stamped them with Ranger's Archival Ink in black. Be sure to use a permanent ink for this project, otherwise the stamped image will bleed out in the next step. Once the stamped image is dry, I inked all four pieces with a watered down mixture of Distress ink reinker and Perfect Pearls. Because the canvas pieces hold a lot of moisture from the inking, I sped up the drying time by tossing them into my dryer for a few minutes.

While the canvas pieces are drying, I made the spider. I simply stamped the spider on white cardstock, heat embossed with black embossing powder, then cut out the embossed image.

Once the canvas pieces were dry, I used a hot glue gun to glue all four pieces together. Lastly, I added a piece of black zipper trim and then the embossed spider.

Note: As this piece is made from canvas and thus flammable, only use with a battery operated tealight candle.

Playtime

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

I fell in love with these pics of the munchkin the minute I saw them. She was lost in her own little world playing with the blocks. So of course I had to scrap them right away.

I've been on a clean and simple kick for a bit and this layout is no exception. I used a scrap piece of cardstock to mask the area in the top left hand corner and then used a mister for the ink splatter in the lower right hand corner. For embellishment, I layered strips of tissue tape and film strip ribbon, added a piece of pom-pom ribbon, and some chipboard letters.

The finishing piece was a Basically Bare acrylic heart inked with two colors of StazOn ink. I now have a secret weapon in my arsenal that allows me to layer StazOn colors without them mixing or bleeding together, a fairly new product called GlazOne. Simple apply the first color of StazOn to the acrylic heart and allow to dry for a few seconds, apply a thin layer of GlazOn and allow to dry, then apply the second color of StazOn right on top. No mixing of colors so you can now clearly see both colors of ink on the acrylic piece!

R.I.P

2011-10-24T01:30:00.001-04:00

I created this layout for the second October Challenge at Better Living Through Scrapbooking. Head on over, take a look at the challenge criteria, and get entered for the monthly prize!

This layout has my oldest niece as she was just finishing her makeup. The picture was a bit blurry, but oddly enough, the blur really fits with the Halloween theme.

I found a really fun way to distress this layout: bleach! Who would have thought. I just took a paint brush, dipped it into bleach, and then splattered the bleach onto the layout. Then I took my heat gun and ran it over the spots of bleach to speed up the bleaching process. A very simple technique that adds a lot of visual interest to a layout.

Another thing I really love on this page is the headstones. I simply diecut them using my Cuttlebug and a die. Then I covered them entirely with black Stickles and once the Stickles were dry I inked around the edges with silver and pearl alcohol inks. It really gives an aged look!

Happy Fall

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

It’s finally starting to feel a bit like fall here in the south, so I figured a fall inspired card was in order.

I took a piece of Tim Holtz patterned paper and inked up the edges really well. Next I tore a strip of Core’dinations cardstock and crumpled it into a ball. Once I was sure it was wrinkled, I flattened out the paper and then inked it up. The ink will highlight the wrinkles add a bit of depth to the card.

Next I added a couple of Basically Bare gears, once that was plain chipboard and the other was corrugated. The largest, I inked with a bright orange ink from Clearsnap and then randomly sprinkled bits of embossing powder. I purposely overheated the embossing powder to a point where it bubbled just a add another bit of texture. Just be careful not to burn the chipboard. Next I inked the corrugated gear with Smooch Spritz, which gave it a nice metallic finish. Lastly I stamped and colored a pumpkin and added it on top of the gears.

Lil' Munchkins

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

It seems like it's been forever since I posted, but I know it's only been a couple of weeks. Life has been uber crazy but hopefully things will be back on track soon. Anyway, I have a couple layouts to share that were in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

The first one up clearly shows the moodiness of a two year old. Laughing one minute, crying the next.

The second layout I have affectionately called the Meme Monster! :) We were playing tickle and she looked so adorable reaching over my sister.

Both of these layout are fairly clean and simple, which seems to my style right now. Who knows what style I'll be in the mood for tomorrow!

Tickles

2011-10-09T08:00:00.003-04:00

Have you noticed I seem to have a never ending supply of pictures of the munchkins? I think most of us do. I try to scrap them soon after they are taken so the day and events are still fresh in my mind.

I chose to keep the colors of the layout and embellishments in the same colors as those in the picture (of course using lots of pink :) ).

All three of the hearts are Basically Bare canvas. Love, love, love the canvas! Did I mention I love the canvas embellishments? :) They take color amazingly well. I inked them all using Liquitex acrylic ink that was thinned with a bit of water. Once they were dry, I chose to give each of them a different treatment. One I stamped on, one I added little drops of Ranger's Enamel Accents, and the largest heart I sewed on letter beads. All completely different techniques and yet the canvas is up to the job!

Mixed Media Items

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

Welcome to my latest post! Today I'm bringing you a couple of items that were in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

If you haven't tried your hand at making inchies or ATC's, I have to ask what's holding you back. They're a fun way to get creative and try out new techniques. And since they are small projects, you won't waste a lot of product if you decide you don't like the technique.

With this set of inchies, I stamped the background with stamps from The Rubber Cafe. Once they were stamped, I ran each of them through my Cuttlebug using different embossing folders. The last step was to add some Grungeboard covered in Perfect Pearls and a bit of Stickles.

For the ATC, I layered on several different stamped images and several different colors of Distress Inks to create the background. Then I cut out a vintage schoolgirl image and then stamped the pen images. Quick and easy.

Thanks for stopping in today!

Cards On Parade

2011-09-30T08:00:00.004-04:00

It's time once again to share a couple of cards that were in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

First up is my card title Dream, which uses three fun items - glitter, a border punch, and an acrylic butterfly. All layered together to make a wonderful card.

Next on tap is an adorable circle card. Simply cut a circle using a 5 inch circle cutter, layer on the bird sticker, then lastly add a couple of flowers. Easy.

What fun products have you had a chance to play with lately?

Layers of Paper

2011-09-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's time once again to share a couple of items that were in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

Fist up is a wonderful card using one of my favorite items - transparencies! They are super versatile and can be layered on top of patterned paper to create a unique look.

Next up is a set of inchies. I simple cut thin strips of patterned paper and adhered then at an angle on a 1 inch piece of cardstock. Add in a bit of ink, twine, and some buttons and you're done.

Now that you've seen a couple of my recent projects, what have you created?

Family Fun

2011-09-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

The entire family got together one day in May for a birthday celebration and one of the munchkins grabbed my iPod. Little did I know that it would keep them entertained for hours. Who would have thought that music trivia apps would be so entertaining? Even the two year olds were playing along. Of course, this provided the perfect opportunity for a picture. It’s not too often that everyone is sitting still and in the same spot.

This layout features LOTS of yummy embellishments from Basically Bare! The canvas heart was inked with Distress Inks and then the dots were made with Enamel Accents. The acrylic heart was completely covered with Stickles. And the little bird was made by pealing a layer off the corrugated chipboard and then adding Distress Ink. Lastly, the canvas flowers were added and colored using Distress Inks also.

Forever...With Love

2011-09-17T13:07:00.000-04:00

Looking back over the last few items I've created, I've noticed a trend - incorporating black into the finished item. So of course, this card is no exception. I just love the contrast that black has to the pink used on this card! It gives the card that "pop" that it needs.

Better yet, this was a fairly quick card to create. I simply layered some Echo Park patterned paper, added a couple stickers, and then added the floral trim. For the last embellishments, I took a Basically Bare acrylic heart and lightly inked around the edges with StazOn and then layered a felt dress form on top. I chose to leave the dress form bare since the white was a nice contrast against the black.

Have a good day everyone!

School Memories

2011-09-05T10:16:00.000-04:00

The first challenge of the month is up at Better Living Through Scrapbooking. Head on over, take a look, and create a layout to get entered for the monthly drawing.This challenge was all about school photos. Well, I didn't have have any of my photos from elementary school (they're all at my Mom's house.) However, I have plenty of pictures from my Senior year. Just looking at these pictures just reminds me of 1) how much hair I had back then, 2) how long it took to get that teased look, and 3) how much hairspray it took to make sure my hair wouldn’t fall. Big hair, those were the days. :)

Since this challenge has me thinking back to my high school days, I have to ask this - What is one of your fondest memories from your Senior year in high school?

Dress Card

2011-08-31T08:00:00.002-04:00

It's time to share a few cards that were in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. I absolutely love how this card turned out! It's such the girly girl card!

The skirt was super simple to create. I just took a half circle and created pleats then added a bit of tulle on top. Layer on a few pearls and a glittered butterfly and the look is complete.

What little girl wouldn't love to receive this card?

Fun with Inks

2011-08-26T09:03:00.003-04:00

Life has been so busy I've almost completely forgotten about my blog. Hopefully soon things will settle back into a normal pace. But for now I have a couple of cards to share that were in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

My first card was created by stamping on cardstock with Ranger's Perfect Medium and them brushing Perfect Pearls over the stamped areas. Then I simply inked the background and added a few butterflies.

My second card was made by stamping a piece of fabric with a grid stamp and then randomly spraying the fabric with Adirondack Color Wash spray. Once the fabric was dry, I adhered it to a card base and added my embellishments.

Both of these are fun and quick cards.

A Wise Owl

2011-08-22T08:00:00.003-04:00

Most of the schools here have finally started back, so I figured what could be better to make right now than a quick card for either a teacher or even for a child as a reward for good grades (maybe even tuck a few dollars into that card, lol).

Did you notice I said a quick card? From start to finish, it only took about 40 minutes to make, which is quick for me.

The grid on the background was made using my ScorPal. Then, I inked around the edges and over the grid lines. Next I added a flourish stamp, a strip of patterned paper, and the chipboard letters.

Now, on to the cutest part of the card. I took one of the Basically Bare chipboard owls and covered it entirely with patterned paper and then inked it up. Next, I added the googly eyes. Lastly, I cut an apple from cardstock using my Cricut and attached it to the owl.

Until next time, keep creating!

Wall Decoration

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm back with you again today with another Basically Bare project and this time it's something a bit different for me, wall art. It's always a good thing to crawl out of your comfort zone, and that's just what I did. :)

I started with a wooden heart, covered it with some gorgeous Webster's Pages paper, sanded the paper to create a worn look, then added a bit of ink to distress it further.

Next, I added a bit of vintage lace and Prima flower that had been inked a bit.

And then I was on to the really fun part, adding my Basically Bare dress form and wings!

First, I heat embossed the dress form, slowly building up the embossing powder until I had 4-5 layers. Once that had cooled completely, I ran the dress form through my Cuttlebug for a bit of dry embossing. Do you see all that wonderful texture?

Lastly, I took a set of felt wings, covered them with adhesive and then dipped them in glitter. Everything is better with a bit of shimmer.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Pretty In Pink

2011-08-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Today I have a layout that incorporates several of my favorites items: a clean and simple style of layout, pink, and or course canvas! I've used the Basically Bare canvas pennants to create a simple page border.

And the border couldn't have been easier to create. In a small jar or bowl, I took a couple dropper fulls of Liquitex liquid ink, added in a bit of water to dilute the color a bit, and just painted the mixture over the canvas banners until they were thoroughly saturated. Once they were dry, I used Ranger's Enamel Accents to create the edging.

Thanks for stopping by!

Laoyouts Featuring Fabric Pieces

2011-08-02T09:27:00.002-04:00

Time again to share a couple of layouts that were in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Both of these layouts have one thing in common, the use of fabric, felt, lace, or ribbon and fibers. Using fabrics is quickly becoming one of my fave things to incorporate into a layout.

This layout of the munchkins at the Tybee Island Pirate Fest last year was made using mostly canvas (the background and rolled flowers) with a few bits of lace and fibers.

The second layout was made using a felt vine and a vintage piece of lace doily.

Bring in textile pieces into your pages is a fun, and beautiful, way to bring lots of color and texture into your scrapping.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mixed Media Projects

2011-07-29T12:38:00.002-04:00

Time to share a couple more projects that were in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

Fist up is a fun tag. I took a piece of tissue paper and stamped randomly over the entire piece with a travel text stamp. Next I adhered the tissue paper to a piece of cardstock, painted then entire piece with several color of watercolor paint, and then added a piece of netting. Super simple so far. Then I printed the hot air balloon on transparency and then covered it with Stickles. Once the Stickles were dry, the hot air balloon was attached to the tag, a few triangle shaped beads were added, and lastly the sentiment was added.

And lastly is an ATC using one of favorite mediums, Glass Bead Gel made by Liquitex. And again, this was super easy to create. The fairy and sentiment were stamped onto a heavy weight watercolor paper. Regular cardstock will buckle under the weight of the Glass Bead Gel. The background was colored with several shades of watercolor paints and set aside to dry. Once the watercolors are dry, cover then entire ATC with Glass Bead Gel and set aside to dry, which will most likely take 24 hours. The gel dries clear (unless you add color pigment to it) so you can see everything under it. I LOVE how this turned out! Sort of reminds me of a snow globe that's been shaken and everything is floating.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today and maybe even picked up a trick or two to try out on your own projects.

Butterfly Cards

2011-07-26T08:00:00.003-04:00

Time again to share a few cards that were in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

As I was uploading these cards, I noticed they all have butterflies punched from my Martha Stewart punch. Odd that I didn't notice this pattern before. But then again it is one of my fave punches.

Something else I've notice more of in my projects is the use of fabrics, lace, and tulle. All very fun to work with and they give projects a nice texture and depth.

One thing that is a constant throughout all my projects is the use of bling, whether it be with glitter, Stickles, Perfect Pearls, or gems. And this last card is no exception. The blue background was made entirely with Perfect Pearls, which gives a wonderful shimmer to anything it touches.

On a side note, my blog giveaway is still ongoing and you have until 08-01-11 at 8:00 AM EST to get entered. Check out my prior blog post for all the details and to leave a comment.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting!

Canvas Pennant Flower Tutorial

2011-07-22T08:00:00.004-04:00

Today I have a simple flower tutorial that packs a lot of punch. I was working with the large canvas pennants a few weeks ago and they were sort of fanned out on my table and I had a light bulb moment. Why not turn them into a flower? So I did and loved the result!

Step 1 - Start with eight of the large canvas pennants.

Step 2 - Using your ink sprays, use several colors and thoroughly saturate each of the canvas pennants. I used Ranger's Adirondack Color Wash. At this point, you have a couple of options. If you want a bold, striking color, set the pennants aside to dry. If you want a more muted, faded look, take the pennants to your sink and give them a quick rinse. The ones in the picture below have been rinsed.

Step 3 - Take the right hand point of the pennant and fold it to the left. Take your finger and slightly crease the fold line. The canvas will hold the crease so there's no need for adhesive. Continue this process for all eight of the pennants.

Step 4 - Cut out an approximate two inch circle. It does not have to be exact as it will be completely covered. Using a hot glue gun, start layering and adhering the pennants to the circle. I found a hot glue gun was the was the easiest way to go since it dries so quickly.

Step 5 - Once all the pennants are adhered, you should have something similar to this.

Step 6 - Adhere a layering or netting or tulle using the hot glue gun. I used a four inch circle of netting that was just cut by hand. I didn't feel the need to have an exact circle. The unevenness of the circle just adds to the distressed feel of the flower.

Step 7 - Ink up two of the Basically Bare Basics Felt Flowers. I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze for the base color and Ranger Distress Ink to add a bit contrast.

Step 8 - Using a hot glue gun, attach the two felt flowers. While the hot glue is still hot and pliable, take the eraser end of a pencil the press down in the middle of the flower and hold for a few seconds until the glue sets up. This will make the petals stand up.

Step 9 - Add a flower center and voila, the flower is complete.

The finished flower using the larger pennants is approximately five inches. If you were to use the small canvas pennants, the finished flower would be approximately three inches. Or you could layer the small pennants on top of the large pennants. So many different options!

Have fun with your embellishments and let your imagination run wild. You just never know where it might lead you.

Distressed Hearts

2011-07-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm back today showing a fun way to distress the Basically Embellies Acrylic Hearts. But first, let's start from the beginning with the card background.

Using craft cardstock, spritz with a couple different colors of Smooch sprays. Once the cardstock is completely dry, ink a star background stamp with Perfect Medium and stamp the entire piece of cardstock. Working quickly while the Perfect Medium is still wet, use a small paint brush and apply gold Perfect Pearls over the stamped areas.

Set the cardstock aside because now it's time to work on the hearts.

Painting on acrylic pieces can be tricky as the surface is super smooth and there's nothing for the paint to grab onto. However, there are a few tricks to work around this problem. First, I took a piece of sandpaper and roughed up the top surface of the hearts and then painted on a thin layer of Liquitex Clear Gesso. The gesso will create a rough surface for the paint to grab on to. Next, I applied a layer of Ranger Distress Crackle Paint and waited (not so patiently) for that to dry. Once the paint was dry, I applied a thin coat of Liquitex Gel Medium, which will seal in the paint so it won't chip off. As an added bonus, the gel medium provides a smooth finish layer which allowed me to stamp on top of the cracked surface.

So until next time, keep thinking outside the box. Just because things aren't supposed to work together, like paint and acrylic, doesn't mean it's not possible.

Tissue Tape ATC

2011-07-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

This ATC was in the May edition of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now it's time to share it with the world.

This really was a simple ATC to create but it seems to back quite the punch. I started with a piece of cardstock cut to 3 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in and just randomly applied pieces of Ranger Tissue Tape until the entire surface was covered. Next, I used a Crafter's Workshop template and ink to create the circles on the left-hand side. The sentiment was stamped with Ranger Archival Ink and a Stamper's Anonymous stamp. The heart is a piece of Grungeboard covered with Ranger Distress Crackle Paint and when the paint was dry I added a bit of Stickles.

Triptych Arch

2011-07-11T10:21:00.003-04:00

The first July challenge is up at Better Living Through Scrapbooking! Head on over and take a look at what the Design Team has created and while you're there check out the prize for July. All you have to do to get entered for the prize is get creative and post those creations to the challenge website. Easy, peasy.

Now, on to my project for the first July challenge. This is was the theme:

Make a layout or project about what you want to do – what’s your dream job or what career goal are you working toward? If you’re already doing that job, show why you love it.

For this challenge I wanted to do something a bit different so I created a Triptych Arch. Mixed Media items allow me to express my emotion in my art and the topic for this challenge struck an emotional nerve with me. As a young child, I dreamed of all the high profile, high paying jobs just as any normal child. However, growing up very poor you quickly learn that all it takes to be happy is a job that pays the bills and leaves a few extra dollars in the bank at the end of the month. Currently, I have that well paying job that allows me to pay my mortgage and utility bills each month plus have money left over to indulge my creative side.

Fun and Funky Altered Canvas

2011-07-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me! And where am I on this wonderful day of mine? In the big city of Atlanta at the Scrapbook Expo working with a great bunch of gals in the Basically Bare booth. If you're in the area, we'd love to see you!

How often, at thirty-something, do you have a "first"? Well, I can say this is my very first canvas and I think I just might be addicted!

For those who have not yet wandered into the world of mixed media, don't let it scare you. Creating this canvas couldn't have been easier. I started with an 8x8 primed canvas and covered the entire surface with a generous coating of Liquitex Gel Medium. While the gel medium is till wet, take small pieces of tissue paper and just randomly apply it to the surface and crumple them as you go. By crumpling the tissue paper, it will create a wonderful texture to the canvas. Once the entire surface of the canvas is covered with tissue paper, apply a thin layer of gel medium over the canvas and set aside to dry overnight.

Once the canvas is dry, take several different colors of acrylic paint and randomly paint the canvas. And if you don't like how it turns out, let the paint dry and you can paint over it. Once the paint is dry, use a dry brush technique and apply a very thin layer of Liquitex Iridescent Medium. The iridescent medium will add just a hint of shine and shimmer to the canvas.

Now, on to the next layer of texture! I used the Basically Embellies Chipboard Hearts and painted them black. Once the paint was dry, I added a layer of Liquitex Glass Bead Medium. Set the hearts aside to dry overnight. And, I learned something about the durability of the chipboard too. Even with a layer of paint and thick mediums, it didn't warp or curl, a plus in my book!

For the last bit of texture, I used the Basically Embellies Felt Dress Forms and the Basically Embellies Canvas Wings. The wings were paints with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze and then attached to the back of the dress form. For the dress form, I wrapped the waist with a bit of fiber.

So go out, lose your inhibitions (your artistic inhibitions that is), and have fun. You never know where a bit of artistic freedom will lead.

Fun With Cards

2011-07-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

It's time to share a couple of cards that were in the May edition of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

This first card was made by layering a Heidi Swapp transparency with Basic Grey paper. Add a bit of flower trim and ink and instant card!

The second card is just totally fun! This would be perfect for an anytime pick me up for a child.

I hope you've enjoyed these cards and stop back again soon!

The Younger Generation

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

All of these layouts were in the May issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can finally share them with you.

I love the picture on this first layout. Such a mischievous look on Sheyla's face, hence the title! And this layout incorporates one of my new found loves - canvas. It takes sprays and mists like a dream, and doesn't warp like paper when it gets wet.

This second layout, featuring Emily and Felix, is such a fun layout. Those kids have so much energy, and I think the picture shows this. I wanted the layout to reflect some of that energy, and I'm hoping I achieved that effect.

And lastly, a picture of the twins playing together. And that energy I mentioned earlier, multiply it by two! These two muchkins have an endless supply of energy.

You've seen where my inspiration come from. So, where do you find inspiration for your projects?

Where Does the Time Go?

2011-06-26T08:30:00.002-04:00

I've recently started thinking about how quickly time passes. I was looking some old and some recent pictures of my niece (who just turned 13) and I couldn't believe how she had grown so quickly. So of course this became the inspiration behind my layout.

This layout was created as a collaborative between Basically Bare and Sketch Inspiration . The sketch was provided by Sketch Inspiration and I used Basically Embellie Banners and Basically Embellie Acrylic Birds for embellishments on the layout.

I had lots of fun with this layout too! Inking, masking, lots of bling and perfect pearls. Very much a girly girl layout, which is fitting of my niece. She's outgrowing a lot of her tomboy ways and is becoming very much the girly girl.

A Pirate's Life

2011-06-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

Both of these layouts were in the May issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can finally share them here.

ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH! If we heard it once, we surely heard it a thousand times on our weekend excursion to Tybee Island Pirate Fest.

What a fun event, and I have tons of pictures to use as inspiration for future layouts.

The picture for this last layout was taken at The Crab Shack. In my opinion, one the best places to eat on the island. And, while you're waiting for a table, you can entertain yourself by feeding the alligators.

Then and Now

2011-06-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

This layout is my DT entry for the second June challenge at Better Living Through Scrapbooking.

This challenge was all about showing how you and a close friend or relative have changed over the years. And boy, have we changed or what?!

So head on over, take a look at the other DT creations and get your entries posted for a chance to win the monthly giveaway. The prize for June is a $25 gift certificate to Basically Bare! They have such amazing alterable pieces - plain chipboard, corrugated chipboard, canvas, felt, acrylic. So what are you waiting for?

Fun With Stamps

2011-06-18T11:43:00.000-04:00

This tag was features in the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and I can finally share it with you.

I had a ton of fun creating this tag! It's one of the few projects that quickly and easily came together without a lot of second guessing and reworking.

I started by applying a few colors of distress inks on the background and then stamping the flowers, butterflies, and dotted areas. While the ink was still wet, I applied a light coating of perfect pearls to give a shimmer. Next, the dress form was stamped. I stamped a second dress form onto canvas and cut out the skirt and attached it to the tag for a bit of added dimension. Lastly, the beaded trim and lace were added to the top of the tag.

This was a more time intensive project, but the results were absolutely worth the time!

Canvas and Acrylic Embellishments

2011-06-16T08:00:00.005-04:00

This card has two of my favorite mediums - acrylic and canvas! Both are easily alterable to fit any theme.

Using the Basically Embellies Canvas Hearts, I rolled the edges into white paint, then dipped it into white glitter while the paint was still wet. Then I used Staz-On to ink the Basically Embellies Acrylic Bird. To make the wing stand out, I took a scrap piece of patterned paper and used Glossy Accents to adhere it to the back of the wing. Since the Glossy Accents dries crystal clear, it's the perfect adhesive for acrylic. Lastly, a drop of Enamel Accents was added for the eye and the birdie is complete.

You might have noticed I didn't add a sentiment to this card. Why you ask? I like to keep a stash of cards on hand in case I need one at the last minute. By not adding a sentiment, it allows me to have a 99% finished card on hand. It only take a few seconds to quickly stamp a sentiment and I'm ready to place the card in an envelope and give it a home.

Fun Layouts of the Munchkins

2011-06-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Both of these layouts were featured in the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can finally share them with you.

What could be more precious than watching children sleep? They lose every bit of mischief and become completely adorable.

This second layout was inspired from a trip to Tybee Island, GA last year. We were all waiting anxiously for everyone to board the boat so we could start our site seeing tour.

Whether it's a vacation trip or just everyday occurrences, there is inspiration everywhere that can be used on your scrapbook projects.

Tag Tutoral

2011-06-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine recently had an event showcasing tags, arches, and ATC's made by the staffers. Now I can finally share my creation with you.

I had a blast working in this tag. Instead of using paper as my background, I experimented and used fabric. And what a fun medium to play with too! I will warn you, this tag is technique heavy, but don't let that discourage you at all. For me, that's one of the best things about making projects is the discovery of new techniques to add to my arsenal.

Step One: Take three strips of white fabric and cut to 2 1/2 in by 6 1/2 in each. Randomly spritz with color until thoroughly saturated. Set aside to dry.

Step Two: Once fabric strips are dry, use a brush to coat the cardstock with gel medium.

Step Three: Apply fabric strips to cardstock base, slightly overlapping each strip. Set aside to dry.

Step Four: Once the gel medium is dry, trim cardstock to 6 1/4 in by 3 1/2 in and also round the corners.

Step Five: Using a Crafter's Workshop template and white ink, add circle designs on top of the fabric.

Step Six: To start the beaded fringe, bring up a beading needle from the back to the front of the cardstock and start adding beads. Continue adding beads to the thread until you have about a 12 inch length of beads.

Step Seven: To start forming the loops, bring up a second thread from the back of the cardstock.

Step Eight: Section off approximately 35 beads so you can see where the loop will be placed. Run the second needle under the thread of beads and then take the needle back down the same hole as it was brought up.

Step Nine: Continue forming loops across the width of the cardstock. Once the beaded fringe is complete add a length of floral ribbon across the top to hide the stitch marks.

Step Ten: Using a grip patterned background stamp and white ink, stamp the top right corner of the tag.

Step Eleven: Using a waterproof ink and watercolor paper, stamp wings and cut out.

Step Twelve: Add a drop of color wash onto a craft sheet and add a few drops of water to dilute the color. Brush the color onto the wings.

Step Thirteen: Apply alcohol ink to the back of the clock face.

Step Fourteen: Attach keyhole and wings to clock face.

Step Fifteen: Attach embellishment to tag. Print out quote and also attach to tag.

A Whale of a Card

2011-06-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's time for a bit of fun with a children's birthday card!

When is a paisley not a paisley? When it's transformed into a whale of course! :) I used the Basically Embellies Paisleys to create a super cute whale.

Using the corrugated chipboard from the set, I inked the entire piece with a light blue ink. Once the ink had dried, I used a brown Zig marker and added dots around the edge and then drew a mouth. Lastly, I adhered a googly eyeball to finish the face.

For the water spout, I coated the entire piece with adhesive and then dipped in it glitter.

The "waves" were created by using a 2in circle punch and overlapping the punched circles.

Until next time, keep thinking outside the box. You never know what "creatures" your embellishments might become.

Time To Get Inky

2011-06-06T07:45:00.004-04:00

This is my DT entry for the first June challenge at BetterScrap.com. Head on over and play along for a chance to win the monthly prize!

The challenge was to create a layout showing what I do when things don't go my way or I have a bad day. The first thing that immediately came to mind was to get inky. There's just something completely relaxing for me when I get lost in a world of creativity. I crank the music up so I can drown out the world around me and go to town. An yes, after a good play date in my scraproom, my hands look just like this. :)

So, what do you do when it feels like the world is conspiring against you?

Dress Form Card

2011-06-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

This is my first project as part of the Basically Bare Design Team! Just bare with me as I get all my excitement out! For this project, I just couldn't resist the call of the Basically Embellies Chipboard Dress Form.

The chipboard takes color and dry embosses like a dream. I inked the entire surface with Liquitex acrylic ink and once the ink was dry I ran it through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. For contrast, I used a white ink pad and lightly inked over the raised areas. The bottom of the dress form was then inked with gold alcohol ink. To finish off the dress form, a crown charm was added to a piece of ribbon which is tied around the waist.

This card would be perfect for a loved one or special occasion. Basically Bare {Basically Embellies} are so versatile that they can be used bare, dressed up, dressed down, inked, embossed, etc. Just let your imagination have free reign and there's no end to what can be created.

ATC's Galore!

2011-05-31T09:00:00.001-04:00

All of these ATC's were featured in the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. And if you haven't tried one yet, what are you waiting for? They are a fun way to be creative but also have the instant gratification of a quick project.

The first ATC was very simple to create. The background was inked with several colors of distress inks, ran through a Cuttlebug, then inked again with a darker color of distress ink. The second inking brings out the emobssed areas. Then the foreground area was stamped and inked, the edges were torn, and then a few beads were added to the corners.

The second ATC was stamped, then the background inked with several colors of distress inks, then the entire surface was coated with crackle paint.

This last ATC was created in a very similar manner. The background was again inked with several distress ink colors and then the images were stamped.

All three of these were created using very similar techniques, but the end product on each one is stunning and unique.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope I've inspired a but of creativity for you today.

2011-05-26T09:10:00.000-04:00

The second May challenge is up at Better Living Through Scrapbooking. Head on over, create a layout (or two or three), and get entered for the May challenge prize, a gift certificate to Gauche Alchemy.

This was my DT contribution. I had the freedom to choose my own theme this time, so I let my photos be my inspiration. I just went looking through all of my pictures until I found one that screamed out to the scrapped.

Crayon Resist Stamping Tutorial

2011-05-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Crayon Resist Stamping is a fun technique that allows you to quickly and easily create highlights in stamped images. And with multiple variations on the technique, it's one you won't easily become bored with.

Start by gathering all necessary supplies.

Step One: I wanted to create a background so I chose two similar flower stamps, one just slightly smaller than the other and randomly stamped both flowers onto the cardstock. Allow the ink to fully dry on the cardstock before moving on to the next step.

Step Two: Using a wax crayon, trace areas around the flowers where you want to highlight, keeping in mind that any areas that have been highlighted with the wax crayon will resist any future applications of ink. As the crayon I was using was clear, it's really hard to see in the picture but it does show fairly well in the bottom flower with the light reflecting off the wax.

Step Three: Add desired ink colors to complete the background. Tip: The darker the ink colors used, the more the resist areas will stand out in contrast.

Step Four: To complete the card, I added a bit of glitter glue in a few places for a bit of sparkle and then added the sentiment and butterfly.

Variation One - Crayon resist on colored cardstock

This variation is done using the first three steps above, with the only change being using a colored cardstock instead of white cardstock. This option gives a nice tone on tone color.

Variation Two - Multiple layers of color

For this variation, use steps one through three above; however, with step three use a light colored ink. Once the ink has dried, repeat step two and add highlight areas with the wax crayon in different spots than the first time. Then repeat step three, this time using a darker color ink. Once you have completed the second inking, you will have areas of white showing from the first resist, then areas of the lighter ink showing from the second resist.

Thank You Card

2011-05-17T09:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a card that was in a previous issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. I love to make shaped cards. Something a bit different from the standard card shape. And of course, what card would be complete without a bit of bling?

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today and will be inspired to make your own fun creations!

Eclipse Stamp Masking Tutorial

2011-05-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a fun stamping tutorial that I hope you will enjoy.

Stamp masking is a wonderful way to combine multiple stamps together to create new and unique images. And it really is an easy technique to master.

Start by gathering all necessary supplies - cardstock, stamps, ink, scissors, and repositionable adhesive (not shown).

Step One: This technique takes just a bit of pre-planning prior to actually stamping. You'll first want to determine which image will be in the foreground and which image will be in the background. In this case, the fairy image is the foreground image so it will be stamped first.

Step Two: On a scrap piece of cardstock, stamp the fairy image again and cut it out.

Step Three: Take the image that was cut out and, using a repositionable adhesive, adhere it directly above the first stamped image. Since both images were stamped onto white cardstock, I have inked the cut out image so it is easier to see.

Step Four: Stamp background image and then remove the cut out image. Now you have a layered stamped image that only needs to be colored and added to any project.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and will give stamp masking a try.

Layouts Inspired by Tybee Island

2011-05-03T09:00:00.002-04:00

Both of these layouts were in previous issues of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and I can finally share them. They were inspired from a recent trip to Savannah and Tybee Island, GA. Such a beautiful area to visit and full of history.

The pictures on this first layout were taken in the Savannah City Market, right in the middle of the historic district. The horses are used for carriage tours through the cobblestone streets of the city. We just happened along when they were all resting.

The pictures for the second layout were taken at the Tybee Island Lighthouse in the Lighkeepers cabin. My niece found a mirror and was playing with the camera. She did manage to get a good picture of herself.

There are my inspirations, what's yours?

Subtractive Masking Technique

2011-04-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a fun tutorial I had in the March issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Grab your alcohol inks and clear acrylic and get ready to play!

Apply 2-3 different colors of alcohol ink to the applicator and apply ink to surface. Tip: Leftover plastic clamshell containers are an economical alternative to store bought acrylic pieces.

Ink stamp well with StazOn and stamp image onto surface.

Tip: This technique offers better results if the ink pad is freshly inked. A wetter ink pad equals more ink on the stamp thus allowing a longer drying time.

Using a damp cloth, quickly wipe away the stamped image. The StazOn will "lift" the alcohol ink from the surface revealing a blank background. Tip: If any alcohol ink remains in the stamped area, re-ink your stamp and carefully re-stamp the image in the same spot and quickly wipe away the image. The larger the stamped area the more difficult it will be to remove the alcohol ink.

Flip piece over so the inked side is now facing the table. Using a gold pen, outline all edges.

Using Stickles, outline the revealed area where the image was stamped and set piece aside to dry.

Take a small amount of Flowersoft and place in a small bowl. Add a few drops of alcohol ink and mix the ink into the Flowersoft. Tip: if you don't have Flowersoft, you can make it yourself. Take a piece of Styrofoam and grate it using a cheese grater. It's super messy to make but gives the same effect.

Once the Stickles has dried, stamp vine image under the bird. Tip: this step is only to help me visualize where to place the glossy accents in the next step. If you are able to visualize the placement, this step can be omitted.
Cover the stamped vine with Glossy Accents.

Cover the Glossy Accents with the colored Flowersoft and set piece aside to dry. Once dry, add sentiment and final embellishments. Tip: Take the leftover Flowersoft and place in a small plastic bag for use on other projects.

Finish the piece by embellishing with the flowers and a butterfly.

I have tried this technique on glass and metal and it produces the same great results as it does on acrylic.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and I'd love to see your creations with this technique!

ATC's

2011-04-19T09:00:00.003-04:00

Time for me to share a couple of ATC's that were in the February issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. If you haven't tried your hand at making these, you really should. It'a a great way to release your creative energy. It's also the perfect medium to try out new techniques due to their small size, 2 1/2 in by 3 1/2 in.

I absolutely love how this one turned out. The background was masked with a Heidi Swapp mask, then painted with watercolor paints. Once the paint was dry, I just continued adding different stamps.

For the second ATC, I have a vision of a corset being laced up, which easily translated to ink and paper. Add in a bit of watercolor paint for the background and heat embossing for the chipboard elements, and I think my vision turned out very well.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit here today!

Cupcake Shaped Treat Holder

2011-04-12T08:40:00.000-04:00

Is this not the cutest thing you have seen! I just love how this turned out! It was in the February issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

A treat holder like this would be perfect for birthday parties! And it was super easy to make. The base of the card was made using a Tim Holtz die. I simply cut the rosette four times and then adhered each one on top of the other, staggering the layers.

The top portion of the cupcake is made using a Styrofoam ball in half. Each of the cardstock circles is attached to the Styrofoam using a straight pin.

And the candle was made using cardstock and rolling into a tight roll, adding a piece of twine for the wick, and then adding a few drops of glossy accents to mimic melting wax.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today!

Dos Tarjetas

2011-04-05T09:00:00.004-04:00

In other words, two cards! Both of these cards were in the February issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Both of these were made with Fancy Pants paper and rub-ons. This line of paper was perfect for a few grungy, both themed cards.

I hope you've enjoyed these cards and maybe they've inspired a bit of creativity for you.

Twins on Parade!

2011-03-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Both of these layouts were in the February issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can finally share them with the world.

I had so much fun creating this layout. The picture was taken at my nephew's last birthday and I couldn't resist snapping these pictures. Sheyla was trying her hardest to get that cake! The background was just randomly painted with colors to match the confetti on the cake. The border and all the chipboard elements were also painted to match.

This second layout is of Emily, approximately six months after she was born. It's just such a precious picture of her. Everything on this layout is from My Creative Scrapbook Kit Club.

You've now seen two of my biggest inspirations with scrapbooking. Have you found your inspiration?

A Few Items To Share

2011-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Both of these were featured in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can share them with you.

First off is a 6x12 layout. This layout was inspired by my morning commute on January 2. Instead of my normal 40 minute drive home from work, it took almost 9 hours, all of that sitting in a traffic jam. Luckily, no one was injured. And I had my trusty iPod to keep me company while I sitting on the interstate. An I am hoping to never be stuck in traffic like that again.

Lastly, a quick card. I love using transparencies in cards! I simply stamped the flower image on a transparency, then flipped the transparency over and on the back side filled in the entire image with Stickles. Once the Stickles are dry, you have a glittery image that can be attached to any project.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit and will be inspired to make your own wonderful creations!

St. Patrick's Day Treat Box Tutorial

2011-03-15T08:00:00.005-04:00

Here's a fun little tutorial I did for the February issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. And since St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, it's the perfect time to share it with everyone.

Print template onto desired cardstock and cut out along solid lines.

Make folds along the dotted lines. Tip: Use an embossing stylus to help make the folds along the curved lines.

Apply ink to folded edges. Lay piece flat on table with the inside side of the cardstock facing the table. Apply double sided tape to the two flaps along the arched side of the box.

Bring the right side flaps together and then the left side flaps together to form a fry container. Set box to the side.

Using Cuttlebug and Spellbinders dies, cut a circle and scalloped circle. I used the second smallest of each of the dies. Apply desired ink and attach the circle on top of the scalloped diecut.

Stamp heart shape three time to mimic a clover. Using the same color ink pad and a Fantastix tool, draw the clover stem. Tip: Using Fantastix allows an exact color match to any stamped image since you can use the same ink color.

Stamp desired sentiment.

Attach ribbon around box and add stamped medallion. The box can them be filled and any type of goodies.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and I'd love to see your take on the treat box.

More Cards to Share

2011-03-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

Time to share a couple more cards that were in the January issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

All of the flowers were stamped onto watercolor paper, colored with watercolors, and then heat embossed. I just realized that I'm heat embossing anything that doesn't move these days! :)

Alcohol inks on an acrylic card base - what a fun way to start a card! My stamped image was colored using Primsacolor pencils and the butterfly was heat embossed.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today!

Card Time

2011-03-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Time to share a couple of cards that were in the January issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

The first one was cut using my Cuttlebug and Spellbinders dies. The letters and star were all heat embossed, which gives a wonderful texture.

My last card was a quick one using some of my fave Timmy embellies - journaling tickets and grungeboard.

Hope you've enjoyed your stop here today and will be inspired to make your own projects!

Mixed Media Time

2011-02-23T08:00:00.004-05:00

Time to share a couple more creations that were in the January issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. A set of inchies and an ATC. If you haven't tried your hand making these, you really should.

First up is an ATC. The background was misted with several colors, then the butterfly was stamped, and then I heat embossed the entire card. To create a bit of texture, I cracked the melted embossing powder.

These inchies were super quick to make. Simply ink the background, stamp desired image and heat emboss, and lastly add the crystals.

I hope you will try your hand at making an ATC or inchie!

2011-02-21T17:38:00.002-05:00

This layout was done for a challenge at
Better Living Through Scrapbooking. The challenge was to create a layout without a title or journaling and to let the picture speak for itself. The additional challenges were to use something other than adhesive to attach the picture (I stitched on the top left hand corner of the photo), use a shimmer mist (I used a concoction of perfect pearls, distress reinker, and water), and use some sort of distressing (I used my sanding block on the background patterned paper).

The picture was taken over the past weekend. All of the family was together for the twins' second birthday. We had just gotten home from lunch and the it was nap time for the twins, and apparently for Cristy also. It's such a precious picture, it just begged to be scrapped.

Family Layouts

2011-02-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

I can finally share a couple of layouts that were in the January issue ofScrapbook News and Review Magazine. And of course both layouts are of the youngest two munchkins.

This first layout is of Sheyla on her first birthday. Who could resist such a cute pic? It was just begging to be scrapped!

The second layout is of my sister and Emily. We asked Emily to find her nose. She did, and put a sticker there. We asked her to find Cristy's nose. She did, and Cristy got a sticker too. This one is also a 6x12 layout and I really like this size.

I hope you've enjoyed these two layouts and maybe they will inspire a bit of creativity for all you too.

Valentine's Day Tag Tutorial

2011-02-10T08:00:00.008-05:00

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine is on day four of a week long Valentine's event. Stick around here for a few and enjoy the tutorial below then hop on over to SNR and take a look at all the previous creations.

Love Tag Supplies Watercolor paper: Strathmore;
Grungeboard: Ranger; Stamps: Stampabilities, Inkadinkado; Ink, embossing Powder, perfect pearls: Ranger; Watercolor paint: Dick Blick; Heat tool: Stampabilities; Other: crystals, bead charm, tulle, ribbon, jump ring

Start by collecting all supplies.

Stamp background text using clear embossing ink and heat emboss with clear embossing powder.

Cover entire tag with red watercolor paint. Once the tag is dry, use a slightly damp cloth and lightly rub any paint away from the areas that have been embossed. Note: This is one time you do not want to use a heat tool to speed up the drying process. It will re-melt the embossed areas and cause the paper to soak up the paint in areas that you do not want.

Ink entire piece of grungeboard with distress ink and while the ink is wet apply a light coat of pewter Perfect Pearls.

Spritz the grungeboard piece a couple of times with water, apply a layer of UTEE crystals, and heat with a heat tool. The water will cause the UTEE to pit while it's being heated.

Attach the grungeboard piece to the tag. Also tie a strip of tulle to the tag and, using a jump ring, attach the bead charm.

Stamp sentiment onto cardstock and cut out.

Attach sentiment and heart embellishment. When adding the sentiment, I realized the charm was covering it so I added a piece of ribbon to the top of the tag and moved the charm.

Two Cards and A Layout

2011-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

All of these projects were featured in the October Double issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

Starting off is a layout of my fiesty Four-legged critter Brandi. Just a fun and simple layout.

Next up is a clear card. And if you've never tried one, what are you waiting for? They are super fun to make and it's always nice to play with something other than cardstock when making a card.

Lastly, I have a fun card perfect for a young boy. The digital stamp is from Dustin Pike. Being as how the dragon is on a skateboard, I thought a ramp would be the perfect accessory.

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today and hurry back!

Inchies, ATC's and Tags

2010-12-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

These are my Mixed Media items that were in the October Double issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

Can you guess how the textured background was created for the inchies? Gesso and plastic canvas. And oh so simple. Just layer on a good coat of gesso to a thick cardstock and while it's wet just lay down a piece of plactic canvas and lightly press it down into the gesso. Carefully remove the plastic canvas piece and let the cardstock dry. Once dry, you can add the ink colors, stamped images, and embellishments. The cool thing with gesso is you can embed any item into it for a wonderful texture!

This tag was inspired by a recent trip to Savannah. I was in the middle of packing and the idea just popped in my head. It really is true that real life makes for great inspiration.

Last but not least, there is my Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) ATC. The calaveras (skulls) are a very common symbol of this Mexican holiday.

I hope you've been inspired by your stop here today.

O Holy Night Tag

2010-12-24T18:00:00.001-05:00

Here's one last tag for the the holidays. With the exception of the drying time for the enamel accents, this was a very quick tag to put together. Perfect for a last minute gift idea or to add a little something extra to a gift package.

Start by gathering all necessary supplies. Projects always go together much easier when I don't have to hunt for supplies.

Cut cardstock to 6 1/4x3 1/8 in and patterned paper to 5x3 1/8 in.

Round top corners of the cardstock using a corner punch. Using the same punch, but with removing the cutting guard, punch the scalloped border across the bottom.

Color the patterned paper using a mister filled with distress ink reinker, perfect pearls, and water.

Attach patterned paper to cardstock using a sewing machine. If you don't have a sewing machine, this step can be completed by hand stitching.

The chipboard letters were the perfect size but the wrong color for this project. I also wanted a bit of dimension and not just a flat color. To achieve this, add a thin coat of white enamel accents to the chipboard letters. Set aside to dry.

Stamp image and color with watercolor pencils blended with an aquapen. Cut out image.

Apply rub-on and border sticker. Attach both the angel and bird using pop dots. Using white ink pen, make small dots across both the top and bottom edges of the tag.

Attach crystals to mimic holly berries. Finish tag by adhering the letters and adding ribbon.

I hope you've been inspired today!

Layouts Inspired From The Aquarium

2010-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

A couple months ago I finally had a chance to visit the Georgia Aquarium. If you're ever close to Atlanta, it's great place to visit! I finally had a chance to scrap some of the pics and these are the layouts that were in the October Double Issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

This first layout is a mix of some of the animals we viewed.

And this is just a few of the types of sharks at the aquarium. Such graceful creatures!

And this one is my fave! I have no idea what kind of fish this is, but my very first though when I noticed it was Elvis.

Thanks for taking a peek and I hope you're inspired to make a few layouts of your own.

Christmas Ornament Tutorial

2010-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is part two of my Christmas Tutorial. As an added bonus, the entire project was made by my 12 year old niece Taylor. So for those of you out there with children, this is a great way for your children to help with the Christmas crafting. And with a little help from Mom, this project can be made by younger children also.

Gather all supplies.

Print and cut out template.

Trace birds onto back of patterned paper. Be sure that the birds are facing opposite directions as they will sandwiched together in a later step.

Carefully cut out the birds. Tip: If working with a younger child, this would be a step the parents would need to complete.

Apply adhesive to the backs of the birds.

Sandwich the two pieces together.

Apply ink to the edges of the bird.

Accordion fold a 6in doily.

Unfold doily and add desired ink color.

Cut a 1in horizontal line where you want to place the wings. Refold the doily and insert through cut until halfway through.

Unfold doily so it mimics wings.

Apply a thin line of quick drying glue to the innermost edge of the left side of the doily and adhere to the innermost edge of the right side.

Add a half pearl to each side of the bird for an eye and it's ready for gift giving or even adding to packages as decoration.

Crafting with the young ones in the family is a great way to get in that much needed quality time, plus it keeps little hands busy for hours.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Tag Tutorial

2010-12-16T11:15:00.001-05:00

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine is in the midst of their 12 Days of Christmas Tags and yesterday was my day to share a tag with everyone! I hope you enjoy the tag!

Begin by gathering all necessary supplies so they are close at hand.

Cut cardstock and patterned paper to 3 1/8 by 6 1/14 in.

Punch a border across the length of the cardstock.

Adhere the cardstock to the patterned paper.

Stamp Santa image in lower left corner.

Ink entire tag using multiple shades of red and green. Then using distressing tools, slightly distress both the top and sides of the tag.

Mask off the area where the Santa image is stamped and stamp over the entire tag with a script stamp.

Round the top two corners using a corner punch. Add the rub-on sentiment and pearls, spritz with a mini-mister filled with water and gold perfect pearls, add ribbon and the tag is complete.

Stop on my at Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and see what else the magazine has in store!

And don't forget to stop by my blog tomorrow for another Christmas tutorial.

Chain Stitch with Felt Flowers Tutorial

2010-12-13T05:58:00.005-05:00

This card, and the stitching tutorial, were included in the October issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and now I can finally share it here.

Creating the chain stitch
Step One: Bring the needle up from the back.

Step Two: Take the needle down to the back in the same spot where it was brought up.

Step Three: Leave a slight loop when taking the needle to the back.

Step Four: Bring the needle back up to the front approximately 1/3 in up from the loop.

Step Five: Bring the needle through the loop.

Step Six: Pull the thread taught but not too tight as it will cause the fabric to pucker. Then take the needle back down and continue making the chain.

Step Seven: To end the chain, take the needle down on the outside of the loop. This will secure the last loop.

Hope you've enjoyed the tutorial and maybe you'll be inspired to pull out a needle and thread and give it a try!

SNR Holiday Sampler Issue

2010-12-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for oodles and oodles of Christmas projects and ideas? Keep your eyes posted! The Holiday Sampler issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will be released tonight.

And if you don't have a subscription, what are you waiting for?

Cards, cards, cards

2010-11-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

Thought I would share a couple of my cards that were in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

The first is a fave because of the black and red color contrast. And guess where I found those wonderful flowers? In the fabric section of the craft store. It definitely pays to step out of the scrapbook section when shopping for supplies!

And the second is a fave because of the fairy image. I have become hooked on fairies lately. She really is adorable.

I hope I've inspired a bit of creativity in each of you.

A New Found Love - ATC's

2010-11-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Time once again to share a few recent creations that were in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

I've recently become addicted to making ATC's. At a size of 2 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in, they are super quick to make and a good change from making full size layouts.

This one is definitely a fave. I simply used leftover clear packaging for the ATC base and colored the background with alcohol inks. Once the ink has dried, flip the ATC over and stamp your desired images. Lastly, I added a few drops of enamel accents and the ATC is complete.

The second ATC was made using glossy card stock and the background was inked with distress inks. Once the background was dry, I stamped the flame image with embossing ink, covered with embossing powder, and heated until the embossing powder was melted. The last step is to add the crystal accents and the ATC is complete.
Like I said, ATC's are a fun and quick way to let your creativity fly but not use up a lot of time.

Hope you've enjoyed these creations. Now go create something!

Recent Layouts

2010-11-05T21:28:00.002-04:00

Just thought I would take a few minutes to share a couple of layouts that were in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

I laughed when I noticed the kids playing on the cats scratching post. Who would have thought it would go from a cat tree to being a baby tree? LOL

And this one is of Sheyla from Christmas last year. Someone, coughTaylorcough, decided it was a good idea to put her in that massive box filled with packing peanuts. What else are big sisters good for?

Hope you've enjoyed these layouts and maybe, just maybe, they'll inspire a bit of creativity for each of you.

Scrapbook News & Review Sneak Peeks

2010-10-31T09:00:00.006-04:00

The October issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine is being release this afternoon and I thought I'd share a couple of layouts as a sneak peek. Shhhh, just don't tell the bosses:)

This is a layout of my nephew's 8th birthday a few weeks ago. Somehow, not saying how 'cause I had absolutely nothing to do with it :), his face was planted directly in the middle of his cake.

Is this not the cutest layout? Her face is so precious! This layout is by staffer Irit Shalom.

And there is sooooo much more to see in the October issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine! Digital and traditional layouts, cards, mixed media items, articles galore. So head on over and take a look!

One Spooky Night

2010-10-30T21:04:00.003-04:00

The munchkins are home with bags full of candy. And how cute are these guys? A pair of bumble bees, a Jedi knight, and a witch in training who thinks she's too old to dress up.

This is Emily with all her curls and ringlets.

Then there's chubby little Sheyla.

Then we have all four of the munchkins together.

And I'm loving this one with Sheyla sticking her tongue out.

Here's wishing everyone a spooktacular night!

2010-10-25T08:00:00.005-04:00

Just a few more of my favorite items that were in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

The first item to show is an altered home decor piece. Wouldn't this look amazing on display on a mantel or shelf? And super simple to create! Simply take two pieces of grungeboard, ink both pieces, and sew both the bottom left and right sides together. Be sure to leave to the top open so you can add items inside of the pocket. Next add lace, flowers, and ribbon for hanging. The bird was cut from a thin piece of metal and then embossed using an embossing stylus. Now just add desired ink color to the bird and attach to the heart. Simple.

Next is an arch shaped card. Such a simple card but I love the red.

Lastly a simple layered card. I purposely kept this one simple to let the cute stamped image shine.

Thanks for stopping by!

Fairies, Fairies, and More Fairies

2010-10-18T08:00:00.003-04:00

This was a set of items that was in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. I LOVE how they turned out! Both of the fairy stamps are from QKD.

How cute is this! And perfect for a gift too. One of the best parts is that you can use a dry erase marker on middle pane of glass and can customize the note to fit the recipient.

This was made as a mini card and I just love the pops of red!

And this last card just shows off the fun and sexy side of the stamp.

Hope you've enjoyed your visit!

Savannah/Tybee Island/Pirate Festival

2010-10-12T12:00:00.006-04:00

What a fun weekend! Pirates and wenches everywhere, live music all day and all night, and loads of other entertainment for the kids and adults. Then there was the dolphin tour and trip to the top of the Tybee Lighthouse with an amazing view. And don't forget the food at The Crab Shack and The Lady and Sons, YUM! And we ended the trip with a walk down River Street and a stop at The Candy Kitchen.

The vidoes are from the dolphin tour. They are such beautiful creatures and to watch them play and roam in their natural environment was amazing!

Cards on Parade

2010-10-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

These are some of my favorite cards that were in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

Isn't that deer the cutest thing? It's one of my finds from Sideshow Stamps.

And how could you not love bling? Anything with bling makes it to my faves list.

And let's not forget about my pirate kitty. Both the kitty and the compass stamps are QKD.

Thanks for stopping in!

ATCs and Inchies

2010-10-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

These are some of my favorite items that were in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

Totally love how this one turned out! The background turned out just how I wanted (which is rare) and the mermaid is just adorable (it's a QKD stamp if you're interested).

Isn't that fairy just the cutest? I got hooked on Sideshow Stamps and the fairy is one of my faves.

Inchies are a bit new for me. Such a small space to work with is a challenge. The butterflies and bling make this one of my faves.

Another set of inchies. The background on this set was fun. Just blend a few colors of alcohol inks and voila!

Thanks for looking!

Layouts of the munchkins

2010-09-27T10:05:00.004-04:00

All of these were in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Hope you enjoy!

Yes, I know I said layouts of the munchkins and this first one has nothing at all to do with the kidlets. But it's most definitely a fun one that must be shared with the world. This is the bride and groom's cakes I did for a wedding last October. Love, love, love the cannibal cake!

This next one is of my nephew on Christmas Eve morning last year. He had lost a tooth and I wanted a picture of course. So here's the conversation - Felix can I have a picture? No. Felix can I have a picture please? No. Yes, we are both stubborn. After pestering him for a bit, this was the resulting picture.

On to the smallest kidlets. Emily and Sheyla with my sister. They were 10 months old here.

This one was taken the day the twins were born. They were four weeks early but 100% healthy.

Lastly, a layout of Emily on Christmas morning. She latched onto that doll and wouldn't let go for the rest of the day.

Fall Tag

2010-09-24T08:00:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my day at Scrapbook News and Review to show off my take on a fall tag. Hope you enjoy!

Cut white cardstock to 6 1/4 in by 3 1/8 in. Cut assorted color carstock to 3/4 in x 3/4 in and ink around the edges. Adhere the cardstock squares to tag and set tag aside.

Cut a 2 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in piece of cardstock and cover the entire piece with a thin layer of modelling paste. Allow to dry for 2-3 minutes. Note - the modelling paste will not be completely dry so take caution when handling so as not to displace the modelling paste.

Using a mister filled with water, spritz your selected stamp and stamp firmly into the modelling paste. The water will act as a resist and allow a clean stamped image without having the modelling paste stick to the stamp. Set aside to completely dry (overnight is ideal).

Stamp sentiment and cut out.

Once the carstock piece with modelling paste is completely dry, add color with distress ink.

To add a bit of shimmer, make a small pool of water, add a bit of perfect pearls, and mix together. Paint the slurry onto the stamped piece.

Attach stamped image, sentiment, and add ribbon.

Mixed Media Items

2010-09-17T07:00:00.004-04:00

Once again, just sharing a few more items in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. This week I have a tag and a couple of ATC's.

The tag was my take on the 4th of July celebration.

And then I have a couple of ATC's. The first one shows lots of inking, stamping, and distressing and the second was simply fun and whimsical.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Cards Galore

2010-09-10T07:00:00.003-04:00

These are just a few of my favorite cards that were in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

All the stars on this one just made a fun card.

And anything with bling is a contender to be a fave!

This one is my personal favorite! I love how the background turned out and all it took was a few colors of alcohol ink and a piece of glossy cardstock.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Layouts of Tybee

2010-09-03T07:00:00.003-04:00

Time once again to share some layouts. All of these were in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. All of the layouts are from a trip to Tybee Island last year.

This one is of my niece who told me in her best grown-up impersonation "Don't take any pictures of me sleeping". What else could I do but get pictures?

This is from one evening where everyone took a walk on the beach and the kids were gathering sea shells.

Lastly, this was from the wedding we attended that weekend. Big thanks to Liz for letting me use her daughter's pictures in my layout. Isn't she adorable? My fave pic is the top one with her just staring at the cake so completely mesmerized.

Hope you've enjoyed these layouts and they bring you some inspiration for your own creations!

Lots of cards

2010-08-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just sharing a few more of my cards and ATC's that were in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

Altered Clock

2010-08-20T08:30:00.000-04:00

Who would have thought that when I started submitting items to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine that I would have been asked to join the staff? And that I would still be there a year and a half later? Of course, I'm lovin' every minute of it and learning so much along the way.

A few months ago I got my hands on a stack of clearance Prima Paintables watercolor papers. One of the sheets was just begging to be turned into a clock. Who was I to say no? LOL So I grabbed my Prismacolor watercolor pencils and my aqua pen and got busy coloring. Next, I painted the frame a dark blue and added some yummy Prima crystals, flowers, and butterfly. Then I just stamped the clock numbers and added the clock mechanism. The one thing that doesn't show up in the picture is the shimmer all the pieces have thanks to a dose of Perfect Pearls.

When I first started working on the clock, my intention was for it to be a Christmas gift. Now that it's finished though, it might just find a permanent home in my scrap room.

More Layouts To Share

2010-08-15T08:00:00.003-04:00

This first layout is from a trip to Stone Mountain last summer. As you can see from the pictures, the view from atop the mountain is absolutely amazing.

Little miss Emily sleeping. Even in her sleep she has the cutest little grin on her face.

Flashback to the 70's

2010-08-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Let's take a magic carpet ride on a trip back to the groovy 70's. Both of these layouts are me, the first in 1976 and the second in 1979. Who could forget the shag carpet, gold linoleum, and fake wood paneling?

Cards, cards, and more cards

2010-08-01T11:45:00.004-04:00

Thought I would share a few cards with everyone. As I was uploading these, I noticed a similarity - every card has just a touch of bling. OK, some more than a touch, but if it glimmers and shines it certainly can't be a bad thing.

All of these were in the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. The July issue is up so head on over and take a look!