Made By Design

Layout Share: Turning up the Texas Temps

2012-01-27T08:48:00.000-06:00

“Turning Up the Texas Temps”

Variation #1: I changed the base shape from a star to the shape of Texas. I cut this shape with my Silhouette Cameo machine.

Variation #2: I moved the horizontal strip up to the center of my layout so it didn’t distract from the Texas shape.

Variation #3: For my photos, I collaged a grouping of five smaller photos instead of using just one 4x6 as shown on the sketch. I also just added the photos directly to the layout instead of layering them on the strips of paper. I felt they covered up my base shape too much.

Variation #4: I loved the look of the stars on the sketch, but instead of lining them up on the photos, I scattered them across my layout to balance the larger base shape. I cut the stars with my Silhouette Cameo, then stamped them with a woodgrain stamp, scored them, folded them and used a foam blending tool to add darker ink to the fold lines and edges. They are attached to the layout with foam squares. I love how these remind me of a Texas barn star.

Variation #5: Instead of adding my journaling on the right as shown on the sketch, I moved mine to the bottom left so it would balance out the largest star I used on the layout. My journaling strips were created with white cardstock that was inked directly with a cream inkpad.

Supplies Used—Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White), DMD Inc. (Kraft), EK Success (Maple Lane: Black); Pattern Paper: Crate Paper (Crush: Longboard), October Afternoon (Thrift Shop: Complete Set); Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpads (Walnut Stain, Antique Linen), Tsukineko (Versamark: Clear); Stamps: All Night Media (Wood grain); Stickers: Basic Grey (Pyrus: Micro Mono Stickers, Green At Heart: Chipboard Alpha), Making Memories (Tiny Alphas: Brown Ledger), Heidi Swapp (Center of Attention: Black Chipboard Alphas); Tools: Silhouette America (Silhouette Cameo: TX shape, Stars), Martha Stewart Crafts (12x12 Scoring Board), Ranger (Foam Blending Tool); Markers: EK Success (Zig Black Writer); Adhesive: Ranger (Glossy Accents), Recollections (Foam Squares).

Be sure to check out the Sketch Support Blog today for a great giveaway featuring the two newest Sketch Support books!

Card Share: Merry Tex-Mas

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

“Merry Tex-mas Card”

Based off Card Sketch #14 by Allison Davis

Here is my card I created based off Allison's awesome sketch over at Sketch Support:

Variation #1: Instead of using a Christmas tree as shown in the sketch, I stamped a snowflake swirl in the same general area on my card. I then heat embossed the swirl and added some diamond stickles to some of the stamped image.

Variation #2: My message was the focal point of my card instead of being just an accent. My snow globe stamp had both an image and the sentiment. I colored the image with copic markers, added some stickles glitter to the snow dots, and covered the glass globe area with glossy accents. I also added some red stickles to the holly berries.

Variation #3: Instead of using a decorative edge on my green pattern paper, I rounded the corners with the corner chomper punch.

Variation #4: Even though the sketch didn’t include borders, I added a ribbon and polka dot strip of paper at the bottom to help “ground” my stamped image. I added staples to the ends of the ribbon to attach it to the card.

Supplies Used—Cardstock: Bazzill (Red), Georgia Pacific (White); Pattern Paper: Die Cuts With a View (The Green Stack), Rusty Pickle (Father Knows Best); Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpads (Gathered Twig, Iced Spruce, Evergreen Bough, Festive Berries), Tsukineko (Versamark, Memento: Tuxedo Black); Stamps: Inkadinkado (Snowflake Swirl), Texana Designs (Snow globe); Ribbon: Marcella by K& Company (Twill Stripe); Tools: WeR Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper), Tim Holtz (Tiny Attacher), Ranger (Foam Blending Tool), Close To My Heart (Heat Embossing Gun); Embellishments: Close To My Heart Embossing Powder (Heavenly Blue), Ranger Stickles (Diamond, Candy Cane); Markers: Copic Sketch (YG03, YG63, YG67, BG10, Y21, E33, E37, W1, W3, W5, R29, R39); Other: Ranger (Glossy Accents), Foam Squares. Card Sketch by Allison Davis (Sketch Support).

Layout Share: My Girl- Little Miss Independent

2011-12-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

“My Girl: Little Miss Independent”

Based off Two Page Sketch #21 by Allison Davis.

Variation #1: I only used the left side of the two page layout sketch, and I flipped the sketch so that my largest photo was on the left instead of the right. I used two 4x6” photos, two 4x4” photos and one 2x4” photo.

Variation #2: For my long title, I used two pre-printed stickers that said “My Girl” and the words “Little Miss Independent”. The stickers were mounted on a piece of turquoise cardstock. I stamped the swirl at the ends of the title for emphasis.

Variation #3: Since I only used one side of the layout sketch, I added my journaling in the blank space next to a photo. I added some sticker embellishments along with a button to help fill in the space.

Variation #4: For the accents that were included on the sketch, I substituted some of the tag stickers. The tag up near the title gave me the idea to cut the yellow flower tag sticker in half and use part of it near my journaling and the other piece above the title for my button and flower accents.

Supplies Used—Cardstock: Bazzill (Yellow), SEI (Turquoise, Pink); Pattern Paper: SEI (Dill Blossom); Inks: Ranger Distress (Gathered Twig); Stamps: The Girls Paperie (Swirl Stamp); Stickers: Making Memories (Like It Is Diecut Stickers: Love), My Mind’s Eye (“Gertie” Girly Sticker Tags); Pens: EK Success (Zig Brown Writer); Tools: WeR Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper), Ranger (Foam Blending Tool), Martha Stewart (Cherish Border Punch); Other: Prima (Pink Flowers), Sandpaper, Cream Crochet Thread, Foam Squares.

Card Share: Gratitude

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

“Gratitude Card”

Based off Card Sketch #11 by Allison Davis

Variation #1: I substituted smaller rectangles (stamped & punched) in place of the heart squares in the card sketch. I also stamped on the card base with some watermark ink for a tone-on-tone background.

Variation #2: My sentiment was stamped. The word “gratitude” was heat embossed with some tinsel powder and the words beneath it were stamped with dark brown ink.

Variation #3: I added a narrower piece of pattern paper under my rectangles and tied a ribbon in a knot just above the sentiment.

Other tips: I created the stamped rectangles by layering multiple stamped images. Some were stamped with full ink, some with second/third generation inking to create depth. I also layered several colors of ink with the stamps and also along the edges with the foam blending tool.

Supplies Used—Cardstock: DMD Inc. (Kraft), Georgia Pacific (White); Pattern Paper: Daisy D’s (Yellow Gingham); Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpads (Gathered Twig, Rusty Hinge, Bundled Sage), Ranger Distress Stain (Antique Linen), Tsukineko (Versamark); Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Ali Edwards: Family Circle, Simply You, Loving Words), Inkadinkado (Leaf Swirl), Hampton Arts (Small Maple Leaf), Inque Boutique (Small Single Leaf), Autumn Leaves (Swirl); Ribbon: Close To My Heart (Cream Grosgrain); Tools: Tim Holtz (Tiny Attacher), Ranger (Foam Blending Tool), EK Success Punch (Photo Labels), Close To My Heart (Heat Tool); Other: Ranger Embossing Tinsel (Copper), Foam Squares.

Layout Share: My Boy and His Furry Friend

2011-12-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

“My Boy and his Furry Friend”

Based off One Page Sketch #15 by Allison Davis.

Variation #1: I substituted a photo in place of the journaling section on the layout; I just rearranged the layout to add my journaling in place of the left photo. I used two 4 x 5 ¼” photos and one 2 ½ x 4” photo.

Variation #2: Instead of using a long title, I used a pre-printed title card that said “My Boy” and I stamped the words “Furry” and “Friend”. The other words were handwritten.

Variation #3: I omitted the small journaling strips from the sketch and just added a date sticker on the lower right corner.

Variation #4: For the leaf accents that were included on the sketch, I substituted some homemade legos and stamped pawprints to go with my page theme. I created some hand stitched swirls to pull them all together. I also added some stitching along one of the thin strips below my photos. Along the other strip of paper, I added some stamped word borders.

Other tips: I sprayed the blue cardstock with some cream spray ink.

Supplies Used—Cardstock: ANW Crestwood (Deep Sea), Close To My Heart (White); Pattern Paper: My Mind’s Eye (Life Stories: Blue Plaid, “Be Merry” Polka Dot/Cream), Memories in the Making (Window Check Navy); Inks: Ranger Distress (Gathered Twig), Ranger Distress Stain (Antique Linen), October Afternoon Color Mist (Buttermilk), Marvy Uchida (Black Marvy Matchables); Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Borderline: Family Ties), Stampabilities (Pawprint), EK Success (Antique Typewriter Alphas, “Friend” word stamp); Stickers: 7 Gypsies (Date Mini Label: Black), My Mind’s Eye (“Hattie” Boy Title), Deja Views (Family Journal Card); Pens: EK Success (Zig Black Writer); Tools: WeR Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper), Ranger (Foam Blending Tool), Making Memories (Paper Piercer); Other: Office Hole Punch, Sandpaper, Brown Crochet Thread, Foam Squares.

Layout Share: Wonderful, Ordinary, Everyday

2011-11-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

“Wonderful, Ordinary, Everyday”

Based off One Page Sketch #14 by Allison Davis.

Variation #1: Instead of using small square photos as shown on the sketch, I used 2.5 x 3.5 wallet photos. I also varied their placement on the page and lined them up more so they were all visible. Because my photos are larger, I have less white space on the right side of my layout.

Variation #2: For my title, I stamped the words with StazOn ink in the corner of my largest 4x6 photo. I used the photo in place of the title block because it was the main focal point of my layout. I also stamped the words “never forget” and “today” above and below the photo and accented them with gemstones. I completely omitted the candles and stars as shown in the sketch.

Variation #3: Because my photos were larger than the sketch photos, the banner would not fit across the top of my page. So I created a custom banner with a variety of clocks, ribbon images and banners that were all created with white cardstock, stamps and inks. I added clear gemstones to three of the banners to add some detail.

Variation #4: Instead of adding my journaling in strips under my title, I created a custom stamped journaling tag and added a stamped word border along the top. To hide this journaling section on my page, I used an exacto knife and created a slit in the layout and made a pocket. I added some ribbon to the journaling piece so it was easy to pull out to read.

Supplies Used—Cardstock: Bazzill (Red), The Paper Studio (Grey), Close To My Heart (White); Pattern Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle (Love Letters), Fancy Pants (Fabulous); Inks: Tsukineko (Black StazOn), Ranger Distress (Pumice Stone, Barn Door, Chipped Sapphire), Marvy Uchida (Black Marvy Matchables); Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Ordinary Days), Hampton Art (Memories Mix & Match, This Day Sentiments Mix & Match), Maya Road (Clocks), Martha Stewart (Patterns Background), Close To My Heart (Ritzy Ribbons), Glitz Designs (Love Games); Stickers: 7 Gypsies (Date Mini Label); Embellishments: The Paper Studio (Clear Gemstones), Martha Stewart (Twill Tape-Putty), Making Memories (Scrapbook Stitches-Black Thread); Tools: Tim Holtz (Tiny Attacher), WeR Memory Keepers (Sew Easy-Orange Head), Ranger (Foam Blending Tool), Exacto Knife; Pens: Close To My Heart (Outdoor Denim Marker), EK Success (Zig Black Writer).

Layout Share: Happy 1st Birthday

2011-11-29T06:00:00.002-06:00

“Happy First Birthday”

Based off Two Page Sketch #20 by Allison Davis.

Variation #1: For my title, I layered a pre-made sticker from the Happy Days kit onto a chipboard number covered with coordinating pattern paper. The sticker was adhered with foam squares. I love how the little flag that says “happy” on it worked so well to layer over the chipboard.

Variation #2: Instead of using the large heart accents on the first page, I used a 6x8 Photo Mat Element from the Happy Day collection. I grouped a calendar also cut from the Journaling card elements paper along with one of the swirl and cake stickers for my main accents. I wrapped red string around three areas on my layout for interest.

Variation #3: I varied the photo placement on my layout. Instead of using small 2x2 photos, I created a photo mat and used two larger photos above and below the mat.

Variation #4: Instead of using lots of vertical layers under the smaller photos, I cut a journaling card into two sections and used it at the top and bottom of my smaller photo strip for my journaling. I also cut some thinner pattern paper strips to fill in the gaps on the side of these photos.

Supplies Used—Cardstock: Bazzill (green, red, brown); Pattern Paper: Simple Stories (Happy Day); Ink: Ranger (Walnut Ink Distress); Adhesives: Ranger (Inkssentials Matte Accents), Scrapbook Adhesives (Foam Squares); Tools: Basic Grey (Paper Files), WeR Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper); Other: EK Success (chipboard number), Crochet Thread (Red), American Crafts (Precision Pen-Black).

Card Share: There's No Doubt

2011-11-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

"There’s No Doubt"

Based off Add-On Sketch #10 by Allison Davis.

Variation #1: Instead of using a group of balloons on my card, I created a group of flowers from circle punches. The layers of the flowers are attached with foam squares for dimension and I added small pearls to the centers.

Variation #2: I was inspired by the curvy stitched lines for the balloon strings and I took that inspiration a step further to create a background. I used my sewing machine and some tan thread to sew some free-form swirl patterns on the card front. Then I sewed a double border around the card edges to pull everything together.

Other details: I added a punch shape to the front of the card with a stamped sentiment. The punched shape was cut into two pieces and I used the larger piece on the inside of the card to create my sentiment. I decorated the inside of the card along the top edge by adding a stripe of paper and the other stamped punch shape.

Supplies Used - Cardstock: DMD Inc (Kraft); Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny (Sophie); Tools: EK Success Punches(Circles- ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, Real Estate), Tim Holtz (Tiny Attacher); Adhesives: Scrapbook Adhesives (Foam Squares); Ribbon: American Crafts; Stickers: Recollections (Adhesive Faux Pearls); Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Loving Words); Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpad (Walnut Stain), Ranger Distress Stain (Antique Linen); Pens: Zig Writer (Brown); Other: Sewing Machine and tan thread; sand paper.

Card Share: Greatest Blessing x 2

2011-11-25T06:00:00.004-06:00

"Greatest Blessing Leaf Card"

Based off Add-On Sketch #11 by Allison Davis.

Variation #1: I created two single strips of diagonal pattern papers, then put them together to create the chevron stripes. Then I traced a leaf shape on the backside of the paper and cut them out by hand. My leaf sizes vary from those on the add-on sketch.

Other details: I stamped the background of my card with Versamark ink for a subtle pattern, and stamped a sentiment to match my pattern paper colors.

Supplies Used - Cardstock: DMD Inc (kraft), Bazzill (Brown, cream); Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye, Me and My Big Ideas, Die Cuts with a View, The Paper Loft; Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Loving Words), Jenni Bowlin (Labels), Stampers Anonymous (TH Curiosities); Inks: Tsukineko (Versamark), Ranger Distress Inkpads (Bundled Sage, Gathered Twigs, Rusty Hinge), Ranger Distress Stain (Antique Linen); Other: Autumn Leaves (Button), Cream Embroidery Thread; Tools: WeR Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper), Adhesives: Scrapbook Adhesives (Foam Squares).

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"Greatest Blessing Heart Card"

Based off Add-On Sketch #11 by Allison Davis.

Variation #1: Instead of using a leaf shape, I created a punched out heart with a chevron pattern paper design.

Other details: I stamped the background of this card and created a multi colored stamped saying to coordinate with the various pattern papers I used.

Supplies Used - Cardstock: DMD Inc (kraft), Bazzill (Brown, cream); Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye, Me and My Big Ideas, Die Cuts with a View, The Paper Loft; Ribbon: Bo Bunny; Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Loving Words), Jenni Bowlin (Labels), Stampers Anonymous (TH Psychedelic Grunge); Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpads (Bundled Sage, Gathered Twigs, Rusty Hinge), Ranger Distress Stain (Antique Linen); Other: Autumn Leaves (Button), Cream Embroidery Thread; Tools: EK Success Punch (Heart), WeR Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper); Adhesives: Scrapbook Adhesives (Foam Squares).

Card Share: Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart

2011-11-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

"Thank You From the Bottom of My Heart" Card

Based off Add-On Sketch #11 by Allison Davis.

I just wanted to say a huge Thank You to everyone who has been following my blog this past year. I love reading all the comments and sharing my projects here. I have so much to be thankful for this year, but just wanted to express my thanks to each and every one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Supplies Used - Cardstock: DMD Inc (Kraft), Bazzill (Brown, Cream); Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye, Me and My Big Ideas, Die Cuts with a View, The Paper Loft; Stamps: Fiskars (Thank You), Inkadinkado (Leaf); Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpads (Bundled Sage, Gathered Twigs, Rusty Hinge), Ranger Distress Stain (Antique Linen), Tsukineko (Versamark); Other: Autumn Leaves (Button), Cream Embroidery Thread; Tools: Tim Holtz Alterations Die (Plaque & Postage).

Layout Share: Stocking Surprises

2011-10-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

This layout was created based on a sketch by Allison Davis. (One Page Sketch #11).

“Stocking Surprises”

Variation #1:

I loved how the sketch had the smaller pattern paper pieces mixed with the swirls and stars. I cut the pattern paper exactly as directed on the sketch, but I used a stamp to create my swirls, and I also repeated the stamping above the larger photo and along the bottom of my layout. Along the circular “jeweled” areas on the stamp, I added some brown brads. This was a great way to use up some of my brad collection! I also added some silver star sequins to the stamped areas for interest. A silver word paperclip was added to the bottom of the largest photo to carry out the copper brown and silver theme.

Variation #2:

I used 4x6 photos and cropped them down to follow the sketch. The larger photo I used was vertical instead of horizontal (3.25 x 4”) and the two smaller photos were 3 x 3”. I also sanded the edges of the photos with a nail file to help them stand out a bit more against the pattern papers.

Variation #3:

I used two alphabet sticker sets and created a banner from cardstock to hold part of my title. I inked the edges of the banner and adhered it with foam squares and silver brads. The red felt alphabet reminds me of the red felt that my mom used when she made these stockings for my kids.

Variation #4:

Using my sewing machine, I added journaling lines, then wrote in my text. I also added some small label stickers to include the date and ages of my children. I also stitched along the outside edges of the layout and inked the edges with brown ink and a craft sponge to finish off the layout.

Supplies Used:

Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Figgy Pudding: Kringle, Tinsel, Nestled)

Cardstock: Bazzill (Tan); DMD (Kraft)

Alphabets: Basic Grey Micro Mono Stickers (Olivia); American Crafts Thickers (Playroom Felt)

Brads: Making Memories (Antique Copper, Silver)

Inkpads: Ranger Distress Ink (Walnut Stain); Tsukineko (Timber Brown StazOn)

Stamps: Inkadinkado (Jewel Swirl)

Stickers: 7 Gypsies (Mini Labels); The Girls Paperie (Tinsel & Twig Border)

Pens: Zig Writer (Brown); Martha Stewart (Black)

Adhesive: Foam Squares and Glue Dots

Other: WeR Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper, Brad Setter); 7 Gypsies Word Paperclip (Joy); Craft Supply (Silver Star Sequin); Craft Sponge, Sewing Machine and Brown Thread.

Card Share: Birthdays are good for you

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

Just wanted to share another project I finished recently. I made this for a friend who had a big birthday (60's) over the summer. This was based off a sketch by Allison Davis over at Sketch Support (Add-On Sketch #8).

"Birthdays are Good For You"

Variation #1: I created a tiny party hat to put on the front of a birthday card. I used scraps of papers I had in my scrap bin and added them to a white piece of cardstock on the diagonal. To mimic the stitching on the sketch, I stamped some stitches in black in randomly on the hat. For the top of the hat, I used a black paper flower and a ribbon rose with a gemstone glued in the center. The bottom of the hat was embellished with a scrap piece of black cardstock that had already been punched in a loop border. The party hat was adhered to my card with foam squares.

Variation #2: I also used scraps to create the rest of the card. The cream background was a larger scrap that I stamped a flourish on. The black and kraft layers were punched with a corner rounder and stamped with the same stitches stamp. I included a stamped sentiment on the front of the card and also on the inside. My finished card measures 5 x7".

Supplies Used:

Patterned Paper: The Paper Studio (Black Flocked Damask),

Making Memories (Ledger Text), Sweetwater (Autumn Sweet, Black Polka Dot), EK Success (Antique Journal), K&Company (Folded Wood Tape Measure)

Cardstock: Bazzill (Black), DMD (Kraft), Georgia Pacific (White)

Inkpads: Ranger Distress Ink (Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy), Marvy Uchida (Black)

Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Hanging by a Thread), Close To My Heart (Card Sentiments), Autumn Leaves (Flourish)

Adhesive: Foam Squares and Glue Dots

Other: WeR Memory Keepers Corner Chomper, Martha Stewart Punch (Loop Edger), Prima (Black Paper Flower), Maya Road (Small Organza Rose), Making Memories (Scrapbook Stitches, Cream Thread), Autumn Leaves Button (Black), The Paper Studio (Gemstone), Ranger Foam Blending Tool

Layout Share: Goofy Guy

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

Allison Davis has done it again with another great sketch. This one was posted over at Sketch Support in August (One Page Sketch #12).

“Goofy Guy”

Here's my details and more photos...

Variation #1:

I loved how the title had the little flags on the sketch, so I mimicked the same look and stamped the word “guy” on cream cardstock, then stamped background patterns on top. These letters were hand-cut. The word “goofy” was die cut with two different fonts and placed onto some punched and stamped ticket shapes. I used the Sew Easy tool and hand-stitched a zig-zag pattern across the title and along the bottom of my page.

Variation #2:

I used three 4x6 photos by replacing the bottom three 2x2 photos with one 4x6. I like how the two photos on the right almost look like a larger photo of my son (the photo of the face close up and the shirt close up gave the look of one larger photo).

Variation #3:

I added my journaling under the photos on the bottom of my layout. I used some quote stickers and formed my journaling around those words. I wrote the rest of my journaling with a black pen to fill in the other words. This is a great way to use up those stickers that have random sayings.

Variation #4:

For my accents, in place of the hearts on the sketch, I used stamped tickets (stamped on pattern papers and cut out) along with some stamped male figures. The stamped boys were stamped with red ink onto white cardstock, then cut out and added to the layout with foam squares.

Supplies Used:

Patterned Paper: Glitz Designs (Love Games: Stripe, Polka, Floral)

Me and My Big Ideas (Mini Houndstooth)

Cosmo Cricket (Jitterbug: Lula)

Cardstock: Close To My Heart (Cream); Bazzill (Black);

Alphabet Die Cuts: Cuttlebug (Red Tag); Quickutz (Mini Alphas)

Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Big Timber)

Inkadinkadoo (Tickets)

Maya Road (Measure Twice)

Prima (Screen)

Stampin’Up (Paint Prints)

Stampabilities (Male Silhouette)

Inkpads: Marvy Uchida Matchables (Black)

Ranger Distress Ink (Barn Door, Pumice Stone, Brushed Corduroy)

Stickers: Creative Imaginations (Wildberry Quotes)

Pens: Zig Writer (Black)

Adhesive: Foam Squares and Glue Dots

Other: Fiskars Punch (Photo Labels)

We R Memory Keepers ‘Sew Easy’ (ZigZag)

Red Crochet Thread

Layout Share: Texas Memories In the Spring

2011-10-03T06:00:00.006-05:00

This is another layout I created based on Allison Davis' Sketch for September (Two Page Sketch # 19)

“Texas Memories in the Spring”

Of course, I used the sketch as a jumping point and made a few variations. Here's all the details...

Variation #1:

For my title, I used several different sticker fonts and a stamp to create the main words. I outlined the blue glitter alphabet with a brown marker to help it stand out more and colored the words “in” and “the” with the distress stain to match the cream colors in my layout.

Variation #2:

I used one 4x6 photo and eight wallet size photos (2.5 x 3.5”). So my main photo was smaller and oriented horizontally, and my other photos were rectangular instead of squares and some were horizontal and some were vertical. When I printed my photos, I used a white border around them and I like how it gives the photos some definition and helps them stand off the page. I love how the layout had a grid-like look to it when I had all the photos adhered to the background.

Variation #3:

Because my photo sizes varied from the sketch, my pattern paper sized varied also. I used smaller pieces in between the photos and used some scraps to create the mat under my largest photo and the title. The decorative edges on the small red pieces and the main orange polka dot piece were all cut by hand. My entire layout had a larger border around all the edges since the photos I used were smaller. To ground all the pieces of paper and photos in the center of the layout, I used machine stitching in wavy lines as a border. I was inspired by the stitching lines that were drawn between the photos in the original sketch.

Variation #4:

Instead of using the smaller journaling strips on the open squares, I used stamped words in the pattern paper sections and added a flower to each area. My main journaling was written in the same place as the sketch but I used a lined pattern paper and bordered it a piece of the striped pattern paper to tie it in with the other layout papers.

Supplies Used:

Patterned Paper: My Minds Eye (Bliss: “Friends” Brocade/Red)

October Afternoon (Prize Pig, Grandstand)

Pink Paislee (Enchanting-Adorable)

Cardstock: DMD (Kraft)

Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Family Circle)

7 Gypsies (Nottinghill) word-"memories"

Office Supply Date Stamp

Inks: Clearsnap Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink (Dark Brown)

Ranger Distress Stain (Antique Linen)

Stickers: Making Memories Shimmer Alpha (Spring Fling)

EK Success ‘Bookworks’ (Mini ABC’s)

EK Success (Scrabble Letter Stickers)

Pen: Zig Writer (Brown)

Tools and Embellishments: Fiskars Border Punch (Scalloped Sentiment)

Making Memories Brads (Antique Copper)

Sewing Machine and Brown Thread

Prima Flowers

Layout Share: Sweet Cheeks

2011-09-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

I know, I know...it's been a while since I last posted a layout. Life just seems to happen and time speeds by in fast forward. Sometimes I just need more hours in a day. :) I've been scrapping here and there as I've had a chance, but I haven't had much time to get them posted here since the summer, so I have quite a few layouts I'll be sharing over the next few weeks.

“Sweet Cheeks”

This layout was created based on Allison Davis' sketch for September over at Sketch Support (One Page Sketch #13).

Here's the details for my layout. I did slightly vary some of the sketch elements on my page.

Variation #1:

For my title, I used a mix of stamps and chipboard alphabet letters. The word “cheeks” was stamped in versamark ink, then heat embossed with white powder. I eliminated the banners/flags that were shown in the sketch and added my title in the space around my photos.

Variation #2:

I used two 4x6 photos and one wallet size photo (2 x 3”). So instead of just one larger horizontal photo, I used two vertical larger photos and one smaller photo in place of the 3x3 square photo.

Variation #3:

I varied the sizes of my pattern paper strips to work around my photo placement. The paper I used for the base of the layout had a white scroll border, so I used that to my advantage and accented it with gemstones colored with sharpie markers. My accents were cut from one larger pattern paper- I trimmed the clouds out and placed them as shown on the sketch. For my journaling spot, I cut the little animal out in a rectangle from the bottom of the pattern paper, then I trimmed around the flower at the top with my scissors to create the accent. I used my corner rounder to soften the edges of my photos and papers. To pull in the colors at the top of the layout, I added some yellow stitching and a red sticker with the date.

Supplies Used -

Patterned Paper: Die Cuts With a View (The Green Stack)

Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Savannah- Lower Case Alphas)

Inkpad: Tsukineko (Versamark-Clear)

Stickers:

American Crafts Thickers (Sweet Glossy Chipboard);

7 Gypsies Mini Label Stickers (Naked Color)

Pens: Zig Writer (Black)

Embellishments and Details:

Close To My Heart White Embossing Powder

Close To My Heart Heat Gun

Autumn Leaves Red Buttons

Prima Flowers

We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper

Making Memories Paper Piercer

Crochet Thread (Yellow & White)

The Paper Studio Clear Gemstones

Sharpie Markers (Yellow & Red)

You don't want to miss this garage sale...

2011-09-28T23:11:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to give all my local friends a heads-up on a HUGE scrapbook/stamping sale in the Leander/Cedar Park, Texas area. This is the fourth year my friend has hosted this sale and it is always packed with tables and tables of vendors and LOTS of great buys! You don't want to miss this one!

Here's all the info:

MULTI- VENDOR STAMP & SCRAP GARAGE SALE:
Saturday, October 1st 1-5:PM.
Held indoors rain or shine

903 Apple Rock Leander TX 78641 (Enter address at Mapquest.com for directions)

16 tables of Products including items from Prima, Basic grey, Tattered angels, Graphic 45, Paper, Stickers, Rub-ons, Stamps, Ribbons, Kits, Flowers, Embellishments, Fibers, Idea books & Magazines, Storage totes & Organizational Items Tools, Die cut machines, Dies, Stampin' Up, Close to my heart, Creative Memories and much, much, more.

Prices you won't believe on products you have been wanting! If you paper craft, this is a sale you don't want to miss!

And the winner is...

2011-08-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

I used random.org to choose the winner for the One Page Sketch Book giveaway and the winner is....

Jessica!

Thanks to everyone to entered!
Jessica, I will be sending you an email to get your mailing address.

Another giveaway...

2011-08-04T21:59:00.000-05:00

I apologize for being absent from my blog...my mom had a mini stroke and has been in the hospital. She is home now and I will be returning to a more normal blogging schedule soon. But for now, I wanted to do another giveaway...

The giveaway is for this book that was just released by Allison Davis for One Page Sketches. Let me tell you, her sketches are SO much fun to use and this book is a good one! You can find more information on how to order these books here: Scrapbook Generation. And Allison has some awesome sketches over at Sketch Support also!

To be entered in the giveaway, you must be a follower of this blog, and leave a comment on this post by Monday, August 8th no later than 9am CST. I will be drawing a random name from everyone who is a registered follower of my blog and will post that name that morning.

Sketch Support Giveaway winner

2011-07-18T09:19:00.002-05:00

Wendy K is the random winner for my giveaway....congrats to you Wendy! An email is coming your way...

Layout Share and Sketch Support Giveaway

2011-07-14T06:00:00.006-05:00

Today I have a layout to share along with a giveaway for one of the newest Sketch Support books...

be sure to read all the way to the end and enter to win!

“Sporting Heavy Metal”

2 Page Sketch #17 by Allison Davis

Variation #1:

What I fell in love with on this sketch was the sewn on star accents. I had just taken photos of my son when he got his braces on this week, and the stitched row of stars reminded me of braces, so I went with that theme instead of the stars. I created my own “brackets” with the larger square brads, then I glued a small green square of cardstock to the top of the silver square (to mimic his green rubber bands he chose), and glued the smaller square brads to the top to complete the bracket. For the smaller brads, I just cut off the prongs on the back with my wire cutters first, then tapped the square brad head flat with my hammer. The finished brackets were then glued down to strips of paper and I added a silver wire underneath to complete the look of my custom braces. Hot glue was the best adhesive to use for these since it was quick and holds great. Other than trading the stars for brackets, the only other variation to this part of the sketch was that I added the paper strips and kept the row straight instead of adding them in a curve.

Here's a quick photo tutorial of how I created the brackets for this page:

I started with the small square brads and I used my wire cutters to snip the tabs off the back of the brads.

Then I flattened each small square brad with my craft hammer.

I took the larger square eyelets and set them with my Crop-a-dile tool.

Then I used some matte accents (liquid glue) to attach a small square of green cardstock to the top of each larger square. This will give my brackets the look of having the rubber band around them once I am finished.

To finish off each bracket, I glued four small square brads on top of the green cardstock. I used a hot glue gun for this step. The brackets were glued down on top of some craft wire on my layout.

Variation #2:

I used 7- 4x6 photos instead of the 6 photos detailed in the sketch. The only photo I cropped down was the close-up photo of my son’s braces and I only trimmed about ¾” off the left side.

Variation #3:

Because I added larger photos and a second row on the second page, I didn’t have as much room for the star shape, so I substituted the journaling notebook page in place of the larger star shape.

Variation #4:

For my title, I stamped the word “heavy” on some coordinating cardstock and colored in the letters with a red marker. Then I spelled out the words “sporting” and “metal” with various metal alphabets.

Supplies - Patterned Paper: Scrap Within Reach ‘The District 406’; Cardstock: Bazzill; Alphabets: Autumn Leaves Stamps ‘Snap Frame’, Making Memories, K& Company; Adhesive: Hot Glue Gun and Glue Dots; Brads: Making Memories, WeR Memory Keepers; Inkpad: Marvy Uchida (Black); Stickers: 7 Gypsies ‘Mini Labels’; Journaling Block: Making Memories; Pens: Zig Writer ‘Black’, Close To My Heart Marker ‘Cranberry’; Other: Fibre Craft ‘Silver Wire’, Bind it All ‘Wire Cutters’, WeR Memory Keepers 'Crop-a-Dile Tool'; Making Memories ‘Craft Hammer’; Sketch: Allison Davis (2 pg sketch #17).

Now on to the giveaway! :) The sketch came from one of the newest books just released by Scrapbook Generations, called Sketches for Scrapbooking, Volume 8. This book is filled with 30 different sketches all in two-page layouts. You can use one side of the sketch to create a single page layout, or use the sketch as drawn to create a double page layout.

For more ideas on how to use sketches creatively, be sure to check out the Sketch Support website.

To be entered in the drawing to win a copy of this newly released sketch book, please be sure to leave a comment on this blog. Contest will close on Friday, July 15, 2011 at midnight CST. The winner will be randomly chosen from all comments posted before the deadline, and winner must be able to email their shipping address to me.

Good luck!! :)

And I'm back... :)

2011-06-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

It's been way to long since I've posted here, but it's been a crazy few months for sure. :)

I did want to share this exciting announcement though....

I was asked to be on the Design Team for Sketch Support and will be working with Allison Davis' awesome sketches each month! Here's a link with all the details.

I will be posting some layouts on my blog again starting on Monday, so be sure to check back in then!

2011-05-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am a little sad to be giving my last weekly challenge as a Design Team member over at Memorable Seasons. I have really enjoyed working with Jill and the other team members. I've enjoyed seeing the amazing layouts and inspiration that has been posted by all our board members on a regular basis. But don't worry...I'm not going anywhere...I'm just taking a break. :) So without further ado, here's my challenge...

For this week's Design Team challenge, I want you to shape up! :) LOL

No, really, the challenge is to hand-cut or die-cut a shape from paper and include that on your layout.

In my example, I used a piece of a die cut circle paper that I had sitting on my desk and it reminded me of a cloud. So then I drew some smaller cloud shapes on pattern paper and cut them out with scissors and attached them to my layout with foam squares.

I stamped the title, the stars, the border on either side of the photos and several words on the layout. My journaling is written on the back of the layout with all the details. The title was stamped on plain vellum with dark brown ink and I embossed it with some iridescent embossing powder...love the look this gave to the title.

You have until the end of May to complete this challenge to be entered into the random drawing over at Memorable Seasons.

I can't wait to see what you come up with for your layouts!

National Scrapbook Day Crop Challenge... "Mama Says"

2011-05-06T06:00:00.021-05:00

Over at Memorable Seasons, we are holding an online crop from Thursday-Tuesday to celebrate National Scrapbook Day. Since it's also Mother's Day weekend, we are focusing our challenges on the theme of moms.

Here's my challenge I posted for the crop:

I know for those of us who are moms, there are so many things we set aside to focus more on our kids. We write down funny things they do and say and scrapbook those, but often neglect to scrapbook things we say to our kids or things our mothers said to us. I want both of my kids to remember important things I tell them and have some insight into my reasoning behind those phrases. So my challenge is to create a layout that records some of those things you've said to your kids or your mom said to you. If you don't have a saying, then you can use a quote about moms.

Here's my sample layout for this challenge:

My inspiration for this page was this paper by Glitz (from Love Games Collection):

The image at the bottom that said "Play fair or lose" reminded me about the saying I always tell my kids: "Fair isn't always equal". When I was going through some of my recent purchases from Memorable Seasons, I saw this multi colored paper by Prima and LOVED how it brought all the colors together from the photos, so I had to combine the two papers on this layout. So I decided to tear away the bottom corner of the striped paper and let the saying peek through that torn area.

I also used a small piece from the top of the Love Games paper on the top edge of my layout, and I inked around the torn edges. It said "score card". My kids are always keeping "score"...who got more than the other, etc. Drives me bonkers. :) Guess it's a kid thing??

My title was created with a mixture of several alphabet stickers:

I stamped several areas on this layout too b/c it just wouldn't be a layout of mine without a little stamping. :)

I stamped the areas under the title and the journaling (ledger stamp), the circles that have the card suites are also completely stamped (text and suites), and I stamped the date label. The circles and date stamp are popped up on my layout with foam squares.

I can't wait to see how you create your layout focusing on the theme of "Mama says"! :)

To be entered in the challenge, your layout must be completed, posted to the gallery and then linked to this board thread over at Memorable Seasons by Tuesday night 5/9 by midnight CST.

Supplies Used:

Glitz Designs Love Games Collection Paper: Score Card

Prima Madeline Collection Paper: Parsley Place

Brown Cardstock, Tan Cardstock

Glitz Designs: Woodgrain Teeny Alphabet Stickers

Making Memories: Red Puffy Alphabet Stickers

American Crafts Thickers/Dear Lizzy: Fancy Glitter Foam Alphabet Stickers

My Minds Eye: Date stamp

Fancy Pants: Heart Stamp

Studio G: Card Suites stamps

Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz: Curiosities Stamp Set (ledger)

Glitz Designs: Laced with Grace Stamp Set (text)

Stampin Up: Bermuda Bay Ink Pad

Ranger Distress Ink Pads: Walnut Stain, Fired Brick

EK Success: 1.5 inch Circle Punch

We R Memory Keepers: Corner Chomper

Foam Squares

*All products were purchased personally by me.

Random Winner for Spring Blog Hop RAK...

2011-04-27T13:43:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to update with a quick post with the Spring Blog Hop winner from last Wednesday.

The randomly chosen winner was KW. Please email me at stampingwithheart@yahoo.com so I can get your goodies out to you.

A huge thanks to everyone who left comments on my blog! :)

2011-04-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's my turn to host a challenge over at Memorable Seasons and this week's challenge is a really easy one! :) You have until the end of April to submit a project and you will be entered in the monthly drawing. Here is the thread you need to link your cards to when you are finished.

So here's my challenge:
Create a card with a circle background. You can create the circles from anything you'd like: stamps, pattern paper punched circles, etc. Just use your imagination!

Here's my card:

And here's how I created it:

I stamped a circle image stamp in pink ink on my card base. Then I stamped the same image with blue and green ink too. I punched out the image with various sized circle punches and layered them onto the pink image. I punched some of the circles smaller than their original size so that the stamped pink circles would be larger and frame them. This was an easy way to combine the three colors on the background.

Then I cut out a larger circle from pattern paper to frame my focal point and added a photo on top of that. My title is stamped with a small wooden alphabet stamp. I also added jewels to the centers of the circles.

Can't wait see what you all come up with for this challenge! :)

Supplies Used:
Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Stamps: Psychedelic Grunge
Ranger Distress Ink Pads: Worn Lipstick, Peeled Paint, Faded Jeans
Marvy Uchida: Marvy Matchables Black Ink Pad
EK Success: Antique Typewriter Alphabet
McGill: Word Tags Punch
WeR Memory Keepers: Corner Chomper
The Paper Studio: Clear Gemstones
Crate Paper: Restoration line
Foam Squares
White Cardstock
Photo Credit: Made By Design.

* All supplies were purchased personally by me.

Step into Spring Blog Hop

2011-04-20T06:00:00.005-05:00

Hello and Welcome to my blog! Today we are celebrating the beginning of a new season with the Step into Spring Blog Hop brought to you by the Design Team from Memorable Seasons!

If you did not start your hop today on the Memorable Seasons blog , please jump back over there so you do not miss anything. Today we are looking at the word S-P-R-I-N-G and taking you through all the steps for creating a fabulous layout using an exclusive sketch created for this blog hop by Liz Chidester, which was the first step! You have already hopped through the letters S, P and R, and now you are here for the letter I.

The letter "I" will stand for the technique of "inking".

I love adding ink to my layouts--it gives the paper layers so much depth and allows you to customize your layout completely. You can add any type of ink to your layout (ink pads, paint, mists, etc), but I chose to just use ink pads on mine. And you can use as little or as much ink as you'd like...you just have to include it on your layout as part of this challenge.

To add depth to the edges of your paper, just use a foam applicator and an ink pad and lightly flick the ink on the edges. This gives a really soft look to the edges and helps tie multiple colors together on your layout.

The photo above is the paper with no ink around the edges and the photo below shows the difference a little ink makes.

Another way to add ink is to use stamps. On this layout, I created a stamped border with several stamp sets and ink colors. I started with a ruler and a pencil to draw a line, then I used the protractor stamp and watermark ink to add a line of semi circles to the layout base. Then I added the turquoise doily stamped layer, followed by the red doily stamped layers in between the turquoise doilies.

Here is my layout up to this point.

I also used ink in an unexpected way on some accents and for the title on my layout. Be sure to follow the blog hop all the way back to the Memorable Seasons forum post to see how else I used my inks and to see the layout completely finished.

Be sure to leave me a comment here on my blog telling me what you think about this step. By doing so, you will be one step closer to a fabulous Memorable Seasons prize as well as getting your name entered in for a RAK from me! Also, be sure to hop all the way until the end, where you will be taken back to the Memorable Seasons forum, where you will see a complete reveal of all the Design Team's finished layouts and the full details for this challenge!

Now it's your turn to head on over to Tami's blog , where she will be giving you the 5th step in S-P-R-I-N-G

(the letter N)!

Have a nice day!

Here are a list of the blogs and in the correct order:

Memorable Seasons blog: http://www.memorableseasons.blogspot.com/

Joni's blog: http://joniparkerstuff.blogspot.com/

Kristin's blog: http://memoriesbythepageful-kristin.blogspot.com/

Megan's blog: http://www.made-by-design.blogspot.com/ **(You are Here now)**

Tami's blog: http://tami-lifeinthewhitehouse.blogspot.com/

Telah's blog: http://bamabuttercupscraps.blogspot.com/

Memorable Seasons Forum: Blog Hop Challenge Thread

Layout Share: Drink Dr. Pepper

2011-04-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Here is the last page I created with the monthly kit I purchased from Memorable Seasons for January.

"Drink Dr. Pepper"

It was a really quick layout to create. I just used one of the photos for my title.

The journaling was written with the slick writer pen that came in the kit. I love these coated cardboard elements that I wrote the words on...so pretty and give a bit of dimension to the layout.

Buttons were also stitched and added around the layout for small pops of color.

Supplies Used:

Memorable Seasons January Kit: Petals and Polka Dots

(Pink Paislee Sweetness Papers, Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology elements, Brown Slick Writer)

Making Memories Buttons

White Crochet Thread

All products, including the January kit were purchased by me personally.

Layout Share: Vintage Love

2011-04-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have another layout to share today--this was created on the backside of the layout from yesterday. I just loved the backside of this paper, so I had to use it too! I will just slip the double-sided layout into a single page protector so both sides can be viewed easily.

My journaling was written along the right side of the photos. The paper had some lighter patterns printed in that area, so it worked out perfectly with being able to easily read the words.

I used the stamp set that came in the kit to add the flower accents around the page. They were just stamped on white cardstock, colored in with colored pencils, and blended with a blending stump and gamsol (odorless mineral spirits). The flowers and leaves were cut from the larger heart image. I love that I can get both looks from one stamp! I also added some stickles glitter glue around the outlines of the stamped images along with the green alphabet stickers I used for my title. The yellow lace borders were cut from a piece of coordinating pattern paper.

Supplies Used:

Memorable Seasons January Kit: Petals and Polka Dots

(Pink Paislee Sweetness Papers, Unity Stamps: Hello Friend set, EK Success Alphabet letters)

Ranger Stickles: Diamond

Uchida: Marvy Matchables Black Inkpad

White Cardstock

Zig Brown Marker

Colored pencils

Gamsol, Blending Stump

All products, including the January kit were purchased by me personally.

Layout Share: Days Like These Make Me Smile

2011-04-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is another layout I created with the January monthly kit from Memorable Seasons, "Petals and Polka Dots".

My larger photos were matted on a piece of white cardstock, then onto the kraft cardstock base. I used a film strip transparency to mat my smaller photos in the middle. I used a light grey paint dauber to lighten an area on the background pattern paper so I could stamp my title in that area. The border above the title was stamped with a dark brown StazOn inkpad, and I added the green sticker letters and stamped the words for the title above the stickers, and the word "smile" was stamped on top of the stickers that spelled out the word "smile". A grey copic marker was used to outline the green stickers to help them stand out a bit more from the background. The yellow lace border was hand-cut from some more of the pattern paper that came in the kit.

Then I used a notebook tab page to include my journaling.

Supplies Used:

Memorable Seasons January Kit: Petals and Polka Dots

(Pink Paislee Sweetness Papers, EK Success Alphabet letters)

Creative Imaginations Photo Negative transparency
Kraft Cardstock (DMD Inc) and White Cardstock (CTMH)
Tsukineko Inkpad: Timber Brown StazOn
Heidi Swapp: Border Stamp
Technique Tuesday: Word stamps
Copic Marker: C1 Cool Grey

Ranger Paint Dauber

Zig Brown Marker

All products, including the January kit were purchased by me personally.

Layout Share: A Taste of History

2011-04-14T06:00:00.003-05:00

This layout was created with the January kit that members could purchase from Memorable Seasons. This month's kit was called "Petals and Polka Dots" and had so many pretty papers and embellishments.

To create this layout, I covered the brown pattern paper background with the paint dauber to soften the colors. Then I used strips of the lace paper from the kit and cut them out along the edges, following the pretty lace pattern. Circles were punched from several pattern papers to anchor my embellishments and title. I added some of the beautiful crochet flowers made by Julie, some of the pink velvet ric rac ribbon and the buttons for my embellishment clusters.

The title was created with green alpha stickers, and I added some clear glitter glue (stickles) on top. I also added dots of glitter glue in between the green seed beads I stitched to the bottom border of my page.

Supplies Used:

Memorable Seasons January Kit: Petals and Polka Dots

(Pink Paislee Sweetness Papers, crochet flowers, EK Success Alphabet letters, May Arts Pink Velvet Ribbon)

Making Memories Paper Flowers and Buttons

EK Success Circle Punch

Green Seed Beads: Craft Stash, unknown

Ranger Stickles: Diamond

Ranger Paint Dauber

Zig Black Marker

White Crochet Thread

All products, including the January kit were purchased by me personally.

Layout Share: Family Memories

2011-04-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

Starting in March over at Memorable Seasons, we are choosing a member to highlight and each of the design team members use a layout of theirs for inspiration. Tracy was chosen for the month of March. This is the layout of Tracy's that used as my starting point: "Rain, Rain".

I really like how she had the photos arranged on her page and the title nested in the photos. I also loved how she added the pattern papers in sections.

Here's what I came up with:

I stamped the red labels and added some direct-to-paper inking in a cream color to age them a bit. Then I stamped the title in the center of the largest label with a turquoise inkpad and a brown marker. I love these little silverware embellishments and I added them with brads to work with my Thanksgiving theme.

The other two labels were stamped in the same manner as the larger title, and I used them for my journaling and the date.

You can also see some of the faux stitching I added with a brown marker.

Supplies Used:

WRMK: Maple Grove Pattern Papers

Jenni Bowlin: Labels Acrylic Stamps

Scrappy Cat: Family Memories Stamp

Stampin' Up Inkpad: Baha Breeze

Ranger Distress Inkpad: Fired Brick, Antique Linen

Zig Brown Marker

Making Memories: Antique Copper Brads

Gold Silverware Embellishments: unknown

Heidi Swapp: Paper Edge Distresser Tool

Sandpaper

Brown and White cardstock

All products used were purchased by me personally.

Sketch Share: Oven Fresh

2011-04-12T06:00:00.016-05:00

This is a sketch designed by the talented Kristin over at Memorable Seasons.

I loved this sketch by Kristin and this is what I came up with.
I added a few more photos, but I really love how this layout turned out!

I stamped the images to create my title. The frame was stamped in black, then I added glossy accents to it for emphasis. The words "oven fresh" were added to the center of the frame, then I stamped a flourish in a lighter turquoise ink in the background of the frame. I also used stamps to add swirls on the page, and even the little silverware images were stamped, then covered in glossy accents.

Supplies Used:

Echo Park: For the Record Collection (all pattern papers)

Purple Onion Designs: Silverware stamps

Autumn Leaves Stamps: Swirls

American Crafts: Oven Fresh stamp and Frame

Studio G: Flourish stamp in center of frame

Ranger Distress Inkpads: Pumice Stone, Barn Door, Black Soot

Stampin' Up Inkpad: Bermuda Bay

Bazzill Basics: Black Gingham Ribbon

Bazzill Die Cut Cardstock: Cream Scallop

Darice: Black Gems

Ranger Glossy Accents

Zig Black Writer Pen

WRMK Corner Chomper

All supplies used were purchased personally by me.

Challenge and Layout Share: Summer Surprise

2011-04-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share another layout I created in March as my sample for the Crockpot challenge I posted over at Memorable Seasons.

I love to cook from scratch, but sometimes I need an easy, no-brainer meal for busy days. My "go-to" tool for easy meals is my crockpot. So think of my challenge this week as a crockpot--you just dump in the main ingredient, add the spices, stir and let it cook until it's done.

Megan's Crockpot Creations:
Prep: 10 min
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: Many

Ingredients:
Main Dish: 3+ photos (photo size is up to you)
Spices: Sanded Photo Edges, Something Stamped, and Handwritten Journaling.

Mix all four ingredients together with your choice of papers and colors, and stir.

Sanded photo edges:

This is a quick way to help your photos stand out from your background. I use a wide emory board.

Something stamped:

I also stamped the receipt background for the journaling block and the red labels.

Handwritten journaling:

So for this challenge, you need to use the following ingredients:
* 3 or more photos
* Sanded photo edges
* Something stamped

(if you don't own any stamps, then use some item around your house to create an image)
* Handwritten journaling.

This recipe is one of my favorites and can easily be personalized to fit your own taste. I can't wait to see what you come up with for this challenge!

Supplies Used:
Echo Park: For the Record Collection (papers, border sticker, and alpha stickers)
Jenni Bowlin: Label Acrylic Stamps, Register Stamp
Purple Onion Design: Star Stamps
Ranger Distress Inkpads: Fired Brick, Antique Linen, Weathered Wood
ColorBox Fluid Chalk Inkpad: Prussian Blue
Black Cardstock
Zig Black Marker
Sandpaper

All products used were purchased personally by me.

Card Share: Reflections

2011-04-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

I also created a card with some of the leftover supplies from my Memorable Seasons kit.

"Reflections Card"

For this card, I used another scrap of the core'dinations cardstock, but used the tan backside instead of the darker front and cut it into a flag shape on one end. I inked the chipboard frames with brown ink and glued them to the cream cardstock, then added a jewel in the center of each frame.

The rest of the papers I used were scraps. I didn't add a sentiment to this card so I can use it for any occasion.

Supplies Used:

* Prima Reflections Collection--Kashana, Talavera

* Cosmo Cricket: Social Club--Jewels

* Maya Road Mini Chipboard: Circles and Squares (sold out in store)

Ranger Distress Inkpad: Brushed Corduroy

Fiskars Border Punch: Scalloped Sentiments

DMD Inc: Kraft Cardstock

* Products I received as a Design Team Member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: Sweet Memories

2011-04-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share another layout I created with the Memorable Seasons design team kit.

" Sweet Memories"

For this layout, I cut the Memories top from a sheet of paper, then added the word "sweet" above it for my title.

I used the chipboard circles--solids and frames and stamped the letters using a typewriter alphabet set. For the circles that were frames, I put the stamped letter under the frame and filled it in with glossy accents. For the solid circles, I just cut around the stamped letter and glued it on top of the chipboard circle, then added glossy accents on top.

These flowers by Maya Road are SO much fun to work with! I sprayed mine with some Maya Mist, then wiped off the pearl in the center and it stayed white.

The journaling on this layout is written on the stamp set packaging with a permanent marker. I just tucked the top of the packaging under the border strip.

I added a glitter sticker along the left side, then stitched around the brown paper on the base of the layout, and distressed it.

Supplies Used:

* Prima Reflections Collection--Kashana, Talavera, Mantra, Flourish

* Prima Reflections 12x12 Glittered Stickers

*Maya Road Alterable Vintage Lace Blooms

* Maya Road Mini Chipboard: Circles and Squares (sold out in store)

Bazzill Basics: Cream Sheer Dot Ribbon

Maya Road: Elderberry Blue Maya Mist

Prima Stamp Packaging

Sewing Machine Stitching

EK Success Typewriter ABC Stamps

Ranger Distress Inkpad: Faded Jeans, Aged Mahogany

Cream Cardstock

Fiskars Border Punch: Apron Lace

Rangers Glossy Accents

Martha Stewart Permanent Black Pen

* Products I received as Design Team Member. All other products were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: No Matter Your Age

2011-04-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

This was the second layout I created with the April Design Team kit from Memorable Seasons.

"No Matter Your Age"

On this layout, I did use the jewels and a glitter sticker even though it was a masculine themed layout. Just don't point that out to my hubby. :)

I stamped the little boy and dog, then colored them in with inkpads and a waterbrush. I cut them out, then adhered them to the layout with some foam tape.

To help the jewels stand out on this layout, I cut several square chipboard frames in half, then inked them with a blue inkpad and added the jewels inside. I love how this part turned out on the layout!

Supplies Used:

* Prima Reflections Collection--Shimmer: no longer in store

* Reflections 12x12 Glittered Stickers

*Prima Madeline Collection--Bella Donna

* Prima Clear Stamp: Celebrate Jack & Jill-Boy and Dog

* Cosmo Cricket: Social Club--Jewels

* Maya Road Mini Chipboard: Circles and Squares

(sold out in store)

* Core'Dinations: Core Impression Graphic 45: French Vanilla Houndstooth

Ranger Distress Inkpads: Pumice Stone, Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Walnut Stain, Chipped Sapphire

Tsukineko: Memento Tuxedo Black Inkpad

Sassafras Lass: Burlap Alphabet Stickers

White Cardstock

Waterbrush, Sandpaper, Foam Squares

* Products I received as Design Team Member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: My Reason for Change

2011-04-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

During the month of April, Jill over at Memorable Seasons let us choose a single line to work with for our design team layouts. Mine was the new Prima Reflections collection and they are GORGEOUS! I loved the variety of colors that were included and the embellishments Jill sent with the papers I chose were amazing!

Here are some pictures of the full kit I received:

This is the first layout I completed with this kit:

" My Reason for Change"

For this layout, I used the core'dinations paper and sanded it, then turned down the top corner. I stamped a script stamp (also from Prima) in the corner under the paper, and added some stitching and a button nested inside one of those chipboard circle frames.

I loved the little kraft tags that came in my kit, and I added them to the top next to my title and wrote my journaling on strips, then glued them over the tags.

I also stitched some turquoise thread along the bottom of the photos, then added a pleat ribbon border.

Supplies Used:

*Prima Reflections Collection--Shimmer (no longer available in store)

*Reflections 12x12 Glittered Stickers

*Prima Madeline Collection: Bella Donna

*Prima Textured Alphabet Stickers: Teal

*Maya Road Mini Chipboard: Circles and Squares

(no longer available in store)

*Maya Road: Kraft Shipping Tags

*Maya Road: Green Satin Pleat Ribbon

*Core'Dinations: Core Impression Graphic 45: French Vanilla Houndstooth

Prima Clear Stamp: Sweet Fairy

Turquoise DMC thread, Cream Crochet Thread

Ranger Distress Inkpads: Aged Mahogany, Antique Linen

Fiskars Border Punch: Upper Crest

WRMK Corner Chomper

Sandpaper

White Cardstock

Autumn Leaves Buttons

Black Pen

* Products I received as Design Team Member. All other items used were purchased personally by me.

Teaching a Stamping Class... Cling + Bling = Spring

2011-04-05T10:34:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are local to the Central Texas area, I will be teaching a stamping class at Stamp Salado on Tuesday, April 19th from 10:30am-12:30. We will be creating three finished cards (two pictured below).

The class will be focusing on using cling stamps, bling, and the theme of spring!

To sign up for the class, please call Sandy at Stamp Salado to reserve your spot. (254) 947-8848

CLING + BLING = SPRING
Tuesday         April 19         10:30
Instructor   - Megan
Fee   - $22.
Supplies you will need to bring - Basic Kit **

What do you get when you combine these elements together: Cling, Bling
and Spring? A fun class focusing on the use of cling stamps with pops of bling all using images of spring! During this class you will create three different cards with several cling stamps using a variety of stamping techniques. The colors you will create using inks will be amazing and will be a wonderful addition to your stamping knowledge.

** If you are taking a class at Stamp Salado, you will need to bring

a Basic Kit with the following items:

pencil, adhesive or double stick tape, fine black pen, detail scissors, stipple brush(es), red line tape (like Wonder Tape), bone folder, x-acto knife, personal paper trimmer, water brush, ruler, glue stick, liquid glue (dries clear), and glue dots.

The store will provide items such as ink pads, embossing powders, cardstock and other elements needed for the class.

Stamp Salado CLASS POLICY:

Pre-paid reservations are required.

You can register by phone with MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express.

(254) 947-8848
Refunds in the form of store credit will be given on cancellations up to 3 full days prior to class date.

I look forward to seeing you at my class! :)

Time to catch up Tuesday...

2011-04-05T09:46:00.001-05:00

What a crazy month March was! From spring break and road trips to some big home projects that needed to get done, the month sure did fly by too fast! So I'm playing catch up a little this morning with some projects I've completed since I last posted. I was honored to be chosen as a guest design team member for March over at Sketch Support. I really loved working with Allison's sketches!

Two-page Sketch #10

“Just Us Girls”
Supplies Used - Cardstock: Close To My Heart (white), DMD Inc. (kraft), Bazzill (dark brown and green embossed Dotted Swiss), and unknown (gray); Patterned Papers: Crate Paper Restoration (Chaplin, Garbo, Bette, Elements, and 6x6 pad); Stamps: Technique Tuesday Alphabet (Underground Caps), Studio G (Monogram letters), Paper Trey Ink (Polka Dots), and Fontwerks (Ruler Border Stamp); Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpads (Walnut Stain, Peeled Paint), Tsukineko (Versamark Inkpad); Markers: EK Success Zig Markers (Brown, Pink, Blue, Yellow); Punches: EK Success (1 ¾ circle, 1 ¼ square); Embellishments: American Crafts (Chit Chat Grapefruit Puffy Letter Alphabet Stickers) Making Memories (Paper Flowers), and Crate Paper Restoration (Stickers and Die Cuts); Buttons: Craft stash; Ribbon: Martha Stewart (white); Other: White crochet thread and Martha Stewart Scoring Board

Photos:

• I used 5 photos total,

• I used one 4x6 vertical photo and two 4x6 horizontal photos

• For the smaller photos, I punched each of our faces from an extra photo (1 ¼” squares)

• Instead of overlapping these smaller photos, I lined them up under the vertical photo.

Title:

• I loved how these puffy pink thickers matched the papers so well and are a reminder of my sticker-collection days with my sister growing up. We loved the puffy stickers the most!

• Journaling was written on the extra space provided on the grey cardstock.

• I also stamped the words “Allen girls” in the bottom right corner.

Papers:

• Instead of using a stripe paper as shown in the sketch, I stamped a ruler pattern on the dark brown cardstock to create my own striped paper with a tone-on-tone look.

• I added a scallop border along the bottom of the layout that was fussy-cut from a pattern paper.

• I added ribbon in addition to the paper borders along the bottom. I used white ribbon that I ruffled with a sewing machine to mimic the ruffles in the shirts my sister and I made together.

• I also stamped a polka dot section along the background where the photos and paper borders meet.

Embellishments:

• Instead of the stars in the grid shape that were shown on the sketch, I was inspired with the stitching element and decided to create a quilt with paper. I used paper circles folded to resemble a Cathedral Window quilt pattern, just like a quilt my mom has made. I stitched buttons at each intersection for added embellishment.

• I added 3 clusters of embellishments to the layout that weren’t originally drawn in the sketch to draw your eye around the page.

• Layered flowers with sewn buttons, circle stickers mounted on white cardstock circles, and ribbon ruffles completed these embellishment clusters.

• I also added a couple of die cut shapes on the 2nd page along with an oval sticker that I stamped our initials on, embossed and colored in with markers. The colors I used for each letter coordinated with the colors of our rooms when we were growing up.

• To finish off the layout, I drew faux stitching lines around the gray cardstock with a brown marker. I also inked the edges of the gray cardstock with a green ink pad and a sponge.

One-page Sketch #4

"Evidence of the Love You Two Share"
Supplies Used - Cardstock: Close to My Heart (white); Patterned Papers: Cosmo Cricket (Circa 1934: Chaplin, Garbo, Bette, Elements, and 6x6 pad); Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Ali Edwards), EK Success (Image Tree Alphabet, Antique Typewriter), and Office Date Stamp; Inks: Ranger Distress Inkpads (Antique Linen, Barn Door) and Uchida (Marvy Matchables Black Inkpad); Marker: Zig; Punches: EK Success (heart), Carla Craft Binding System (Square Holes Punch), and We R Memory Keepers (Corner Chomper); Embellishments: American Crafts (Sweet - Love Tomato Glossy Chipboard Alphabet Stickers)

Photos: four photos total used.

• Instead of using a horizontal 4x6 photo, I used a vertical 4x6 for the main photo.

• I used three photos instead of four in the strip along the right side of the layout.

• I added stamped journaling words between the smaller photos.

• I turned the right side strip into a photo negative strip with punches.

Title:

• I used the journaling area next to the title for a longer stamped subtitle on my layout.

• I added my journaling in strips on the left side of the main photo.

• I changed the right side journaling strips into a tab with the date.

• I added a larger tab along the bottom of the main photo with a stamped saying.

• I stamped the saying in red ink, then went back, cleaned my stamp off, and used a marker to ink up the bottom words in black. Then I stamped those words on a white piece of cardstock and cut them out in strips and glued them down over the original stamped image.

Embellishments:

• My main embellishment was a printed image of a typewriter that I cut from a pattern paper.

• I used small punched hearts to accent my layout.

• Covered up the word " love" on the typewriter image with one of the hearts.

• I edged the outside of the layout with a black inkpad and sponge.

Card Share: Animal Humor

2011-03-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

Now for the cards I created with this kit:

I received a border sticker strip that had a bunch of animals lined up on it. Instead of using it as-is, I cut several of the animals out of the border strip and used them as focal points on my cards. And I came up with some fun sayings that worked with the animal featured on each card...that was the most fun part was coming up with the sentiments to use! :)

Here's the first card, featuring a kangaroo:

I punched out a focal point shape from white cardstock, then stamped some clouds at the top and used a green inkpad and a sponge to create a grassy area for my kangaroo sticker to sit on. I sponged the edges of the punched shape with a black inkpad to help it stand out more. I cut the kangaroo from the border sticker strip, then outlined it with a black marker.

I layered some scraps of paper and ribbon on my card, stamped the first part of my sentiment on the card front, and outlined the entire front section with a black marker to help border it. Here you can also see some of the yellow stars I punched from some cardstock and sponged with a black inkpad.

Supplies Used:
* Imaginisce: Animal Crackers Collection
* -Pixie Sticks Embossed Paper
* -Hot Buttered Popcorn
* Imaginisce Embossed Border Stickers: Animal Crackers

* Bo Bunny Double Dot Ribbon: Orange Citrus

White and Yellow Cardstock
Studio G Wooden Alpha stamps
American Crafts Stamps: City Park
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Peeled Paint
Stampin Up Inkpad: Bermuda Bay
Uchida Marvy Matchables Inkpad: Black
Zig Black Marker
Star Punch
EK Success Punch: Real Estate
Foam Squares

* Products I received as design team member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

*******************************************************************

On to the second card:

This was a really simple card and used lots of left-overs. I basically just layered strips of paper onto some white cardstock for the background, then added a leftover piece of the banner sticker and the monkey sticker that was cut from the border sticker.

Supplies Used:

* Imaginisce: Animal Crackers Collection
* -Kaboom!
* -Step Right Up! Embossed Paper
* Imaginisce Embossed Border Stickers: Animal Crackers
Studio G: Wooden Alphabet Stamps

Uchida Marvy Matchables: Black Inkpad

White Cardstock

Foam Tape

* Products I received as design team member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

*******************************************************************

Now for card three:

I started with the background for this little card by stamping the bubble wrap texture in clear ink on white cardstock, then heat embossing it with white embossing powder. Then I sponged on some color with a yellow inkpad and the parts that took the color were the parts that weren't embossed. I also sponged the edges of the papers I used for this entire card. For the focal point, I punched the larger shape from white cardstock, stamped the ticket image on top, and colored the ticket with colored pencils. The area around the ticket was colored with a copic grey marker for subtle color. I also used a black marker to highlight the edge of the little crocodile that was cut from the border sticker strip.

Supplies Used:

* Imaginisce: Animal Crackers Collection
* -Come One! Come All! Embossed paper
* -Step Right Up! Embossed Paper
* Imaginisce Embossed Border Stickers: Animal Crackers
* Imaginisce Snag 'Em Stamps: Animal Crackers: Ticket
KaiserCraft Stamp: Bubble Wrap Background

Studio G: Wooden Alphabet Stamps

Tsukineko: Versamark Inkpad

CTMH: White Embossing Powder

Ranger Distress Inkpad: Scattered Straw

Uchida: Marvy Matchables Black Inkpad

Copic Marker: C1 Cool Grey

EK Success Punch: Real Estate

White Cardstock

Colored Pencils

Foam Squares

* Products I received as design team member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

*******************************************************************

And on to the last card:

For this card, I started with the background image and stamped the bubble wrap texture onto the yellow cardstock with a clear inkpad, then heat set it with clear embossing powder to give a subtle texture.

I punched out some small red hearts to use on the card, stamped my sentiment on front of the card. For the focal point, I punched the main shape from white cardstock, then stamped the ticket image, and colored it in with colored pencils (red). I also added some shading to the outside of the white image by coloring the white background around the ticket with a grey copic marker, and added black sponging. The seal sticker was cut from the border strip and placed on top of the ticket image to cover up the numbers.

Supplies Used:

* Imaginisce: Animal Crackers Collection

* -Hot Buttered Popcorn

* -Under the Big Top Embossed Paper
* Imaginisce Embossed Border Stickers: Animal Crackers
* Imaginisce Snag 'Em Stamps: Animal Crackers: Ticket
KaiserCraft Stamp: Bubble Wrap Background

Studio G: Wooden Alphabet Stamps

Tsukineko: Versamark Inkpad

CTMH: Clear Embossing Powder

Uchida: Marvy Matchables Black Inkpad

Copic Marker: W1 Warm Grey

EK Success Punch: Real Estate

EK Success Punch: Heart

White and Yellow Cardstock

Colored Pencils

Foam Squares

* Products I received as design team member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: You Two Make Me Smile

2011-03-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is the last layout I created with this kit from Memorable Seasons.

I had this larger photo of my kids sitting in a basket on my desk and the colors worked perfectly with these papers! I began by stamping several elements on this layout. The title was a stamp that originally said "you make me smile" and I stamped the word "two" beside it, then cut it out and edged it with a black marker to help it stand out more on my layout. The tickets underneath the title were also stamps that I colored with colored pencils, then layered onto the wooden star.

This photo show the AWESOME crochet elements created by Julie. These were circles and I added larger brads to the centers to attach them to my layout. You can also see some of the silver spritz well in this photo.

The wooden stars were colored using the silver spritz that I sprayed on a plastic sheet. I colored the stars by dipping a q-tip in the spray, then adding it to the star to build up the color. I love how it looks like the star was stained, but still has a slight shimmer.

I loved the silver spray mist and I used it all over this layout by spraying it on the background. The embossed areas on the paper resisted the spray, giving them a cool look.

I added small pieces of the orange ribbon on the side of the photo to help border it. These ribbon pieces were layered on top of the blue pattern paper to help them stand out more. I stamped the tickets on white cardstock, colored them with colored pencils and cut them into pieces to use tucked under page elements. This ticket is the other half to the ticket that had the date written on it.

For my journaling, I added a blue area of pattern paper under the banner sticker, then followed the banner outline to write my journaling. I love the look of this...doesn't detract from the design of the layout.

Supplies Used:
* Imaginisce: Animal Crackers Collection
* -Come One! Come All! Embossed paper
* -Hot Buttered Popcorn
* -Under the Big Top Embossed Paper
* Imaginisce Embossed Border Stickers: Animal Crackers
* Imaginisce Snag 'Em Stamps: Animal Crackers: Ticket
* Bo Bunny Double Dot Ribbon: Orange Citrus
* Studio Calico Wood Veneer: Stars
* Sweets by Memorable Seasons: Crochet Circles
Bazzill Brads: Silver
Smooch Spritz: Silver Foil
Technique Tuesday Stamp (Ali Edwards): You make me Smile
EK Success Image Tree Stamps: Antique Typewriter Alpha
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Barn Door
Zig Black Marker
White Cardstock
Colored Pencils

* Products received as Design Team member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: Capture the Cricket

2011-03-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

For my first layout, I chose these photos of our dog that we had for a short time. She was such a funny dog and loved to play...even with a cricket. :)

The banner paper in this kit reminded me of a hopping cricket, so I used it at the top and added my sticker title along the edge just above the orange ribbon. I like how the stickers came in the package with both the green and the black colors and I used the black ones for the word "cricket".

The wooden stars were used for accents on this layout. I stamped the word "the" on the top star for my title, and the other two stars had buttons glued to the tops.

The wooden stars were used for accents on this layout. I stamped the word "the" on the top star for my title, and the other two stars had buttons glued to the tops. The pattern of the green paper worked perfectly for lining up my handwritten journaling.

Supplies Used:
* Imaginisce: Animal Crackers Collection
* -Pixie Sticks Embossed Paper
* -Step Right Up! Embossed Paper
* Maya Road Grosgrain Pleat Ribbon: Rust
* Studio Calico: Elementary Alpha Stickers
* Studio Calico Wood Veneer: Stars
* October Afternoon Buttons: Modern Homemaker
EK Success Image Tree Stamps: Antique Typewriter
Tsukineko: Black StazOn Inkpad
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Peeled Paint
Zig Black Marker
White Crochet Thread
Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher

* Products received as Design Team Member. All other products used were purchase personally by me.

Layout Share: Never a Dull Moment

2011-03-01T09:47:00.000-06:00

For the Design Team kit this month over at Memorable Seasons, Jill sent us the Imaginisce: Animal Crackers line. This line was so different from what I would have normally chosen on my own, but I really loved working with these papers and embellishments! After completing 3 layouts and 4 cards total, I even have a few more scraps left over with plans for another layout.

And here's my first layout I created with the products in this kit:

I fell in love with the bright colors and loved how they worked with these photos. And by using the ticket border strip, I was able to add five photos to this single page layout.

For my title, I adhered one of the wooden stars to some green pattern paper, then cut it out. I loved the way the light wooden star looked so bright and cheery against the tone-on-tone pattern paper. Inside the star, I added some red glitter alpha stickers, then stamped the rest of the words in my title. I also added the buttons around the star to balance out the layout.

Of course, I had to use the ticket stamp on this layout too...I love this little stamp! I stamped it over and over again on white cardstock, colored the borders with colored pencils, cut them out and added them in various places on my layout. I love the random look the tickets gave when layered on top of each other. To finish off the look, I stapled the tiny staples on the tickets.

I also created a journal area by stamping the tickets in a row and cutting them out in a strip instead of individually.

And who says you have to use the whole image when you stamp it? I just cut off the bottom part of this ticket and tucked it under my photo for an instant date marker.

To finish off the layout, I backed it with white cardstock, then sponged the edge with some brown ink to soften the edges.

Supplies Used:

* Imaginisce: Animal Crackers Collection
* -Come One! Come All! Embossed paper
* -Kaboom!
* -Under the Big Top Embossed Paper
* Imaginisce Embossed Border Stickers: Animal Crackers
* Imaginisce Snag 'Em Stamps: Animal Crackers: Ticket
* Studio Calico Wood Veneer: Stars
* October Afternoon Buttons: Modern Homemaker

Pink Paislee Old School Glitter Stickers: Red Alpha

EK Success Image Tree Alpha Stamps: Antique Typewriter

Uchida: Marvy Matchables Black inkpad

Ranger Distress Inkpad: Brushed Corduroy

Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher

White Cardstock

White Crochet Thread

Colored Pencils

* Products received as Design Team member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

Finally, I'm able to share...

2011-02-28T13:48:00.001-06:00

I've not been able to share some layouts and cards I've created for a little while now, and I'm excited that it's only one day away from March and I can finally share my exciting news here. :) I was asked by Allison Davis to be a guest designer over at Sketch Support for the month of March and I've been hard at work creating some fun projects based off her sketches that will be revealed throughout March. Today, I am sharing this card I created for her creative team call. I will be posting my other creations too as they are posted over at her website...so stay tuned! :)

To create this card, I started with this sketch from Allison.

I started with a white cardstock base and stamped the circle stamps across the card diagonally with a pink inkpad. Then I stamped the same circle stamps again in green and blue, and punched them out to layer on top of the pink images. This was a quick way to "color" the background of the card.

After I finished the background, I cut a larger circle out from a green pattern paper, then inked the edges with the same pink ink. I had a leftover cow photo sitting on my desk, so I used that photo as the focal point, then added a hand-stamped saying with some mini alphabet stamps. The finishing touch was to add some clear gemstones in the center of the circles.

Supplies Used:

Stamper's Anonymous Tim Holtz Psychedelic Grunge Stamp Set

Ranger Distress Ink Pads: Worn Lipstick, Peeled Paint, Faded Jeans

EK Success Image Tree Stamps: Antique Typewriter

Uchida: Marvy Matchables Black Inkpad

Crate Paper: Restoration Line

McGill Punch: Word Tags

EK Success Circle Punches (various sizes)

Martha Stewart: Clear Gemstones

Foam Tape

Layout Share: You are my Favorite Valentine Gift

2011-02-18T11:00:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share another layout I completed yesterday using a sketch by Susan Stringfellow. The theme for the sketch was a love theme, so I picked these really old photos of my son and created a layout for him.

I used papers from the Sassafras Indie Girl line and they matched his outfit perfectly! The heart background was trimmed down into a smaller square, then I inked the edges with blue ink. My photos were adhered to the background, then I added a green journaling rectangle sticker at the top to fill in the gap.

I love that these papers had such great details to them! I used the scalloped edge as a border under my photos and the base paper was already printed with those awesome stitch lines and flowers. All I added to the base paper were the stamped words "this is why I love you" that I repeated in place of the journaling on the sketch.

To create the title, I stamped the words "You are my most favorite" by inking the word you in red ink, then using the black marker to ink up the rest of the words. The word "valentine" was created with the glossy chipboard alphabet letters, and to finish off the title, I stamped the word "gift" at the end. I also added glossy accents to the word "you" to help it stand out more.

My heart accents were created with a stamp that I colored in with colored pencils and then cut out and attached with foam squares. It was such a fun layout to create and I was glad I was finally able to use these photos on a page!

Supplies Used:
Sassafras Lass: Indie Girl Collection
-Free Spirit, Affection, Eclectic Elegance, Journal Tags
American Craft Thickers: Sweet Love Tomato
Ranger Distress Inkpads: Barn Door, Chipped Sapphire
Uchida: Marvy Matchables Black Inkpad
EK Success Markers: Zib Writer and Brushables

Unity Stamps: Hello My Friend
Technique Tuesday Stamps: Ali Edwards stamp
EK Success Image Tree: Antique Typewriter alpha stamps
7 Gypsies Mini Labels: Naked Color
Ranger Glossy Accents and Matte Accents
Foam Squares

Colored Pencils
Sketch by Susan Stringfellow

* All products were purchased personally by me.

Card Share: My Love

2011-02-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

This card was a really quick one to create as I just used the scraps left over from my kit. The felt sticker covered up a hole left in the pink flip note from a flower I had cut out, and I trimmed off the flip note tab, and added some scraps of papers to the bottom and sides of the card.

I tied in the jewels with a row of jewels along the side of the card. I also added some green ric-rac left over from another project.

Supplies Used:
* Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection:
-Picture Perfect, Love Letters
-Flip Notes
-DooDads
* Maya Road Satin Pleat Ribbon: Cream
* Cream Card Base - From DT kit
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Vintage Photo
Fiskars Border Punch: Upper Crest
The Paper Studio Clear Gemstones

* Products received as Design Team Member. All other products were purchased personally by me.

Card Share: Thank You Flowers

2011-02-15T09:27:00.000-06:00

This card was created with more scraps from my Memorable Seasons design team kit. I had some leftover satin pleat ribbon and I cut out the Pink Paislee name tag from the end of the paper, and covered it with a label and a hand stamped greeting.

I also added some glitter and a punched border edge.

Supplies Used:
* Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection:
-Love Letters, Picture Perfect
* Maya Road Satin Pleat Ribbon: Cream
* Cream Card Base - from DT kit
Ranger Stickles: Diamond
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Vintage Photo
Yellow tag-cut from Pink Paislee Paper edge
7 Gypsies Mini Label: Naked Color
Basic Grey: Thank You Stamp
Tsukineko StazOn inkpad: Timber Brown
Fiskars Border Punch: Apron Lace

*Products I received as Design Team member. All other products were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share; Sipping Sweet Soda

2011-02-11T06:00:00.004-06:00

This layout was made with a single piece of paper from the Pink Paislee Sweetness line. All I added to it were some cut out flowers and yellow sections cut from a flip note.

I started out by arranging my photos in a collage on the background paper, then added the yellow flip note cut into pieces in three spots on the layout.

I also cut the flowers out of other flip notes and added them to the layout with foam squares. The words sweetest day were cut from another flip note and I edged it with some pink ink and added a little glitter to the words and flowers.

For my title, I used the word sweet that was already printed on the background paper and covered it with stickles glitter glue, then built the rest of my title around that with stamps. The word "soda" has glossy accents added to it for interest.

Supplies Used:
* Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection:
-Love Letters
-Flip Notes
Ranger Stickles: Diamond
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Worn Lipstick, Peeled Paint
Ranger Glossy Accents
EK Success Rebecca Sower Typewriter ABC stamps
Studio G Mini Alpha Stamps
Zig Black Pen
Foam Squares

* Products receives as Design Team Member. All other products were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: I {Heart} Dr, Pepper

2011-02-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

This was another layout I created with the Design Team kit from Memorable Seasons. I really like how the colors worked so well with these Dr. Pepper Museum photos!

I used strips of paper to create the layers on the bottom of this layout. The chipboard frame was also layered with paper and I sanded the edges. The inside of the frame was stamped with the date.

The title chipboard frame was also layered with paper, then stamped with a doily stamp that was heat embossed. I cut out a sign from one of my photos to use as the title and added some glitter stickers to the layout. The small crochet flower added the perfect touch!

I also used the flip notes to include my journaling and along the bottom under the date frame.

Supplies Used:
* Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection:
-Sweetest Day, Pretty Lace, Love Blooms
-Flip Notes
-Glitter Sticker elements
* Cream & Turquoise Crochet Flower-made by Julie at MS
* Maya Road Brown Satin Pleat Ribbon
* Maya Road Chipboard Frame
Maya Road Doily Stamp
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Worn Lipstick
Tsukineko Versamark Inkpad
CTMH White Embossing Powder
CTMH Date Stamp
SU Taken With Teal Inkpad
Black Zig Writer

* Products received as Design Team Member. All other products used were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: Liquid Potion

2011-02-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

I used the die cut heart paper that coordinated with this kit and just cut out the inside doily with an exacto knife, then I cut it up and used it in three places on my layout. Then I used some of the pleat ribbon to border it.

I colored the chipboard frame with a red inkpad, then added the glitter word "potion" for part of my title.

The other fun part about this layout is that I cut the yellow tags from the ends of the paper that had the Pink Paislee name on them. I covered up the name with the sticker labels.

Supplies Used:
* Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection:
-Love Blooms
-Paper Heart Die Cut
-Glitter Sticker Elements
* Maya Road Cream Satin Pleat Ribbon
* Maya Road Chipboard Frames
* Pink Paislee Labels (cut from edges of paper strips)-yellow
Studio G Alpha Stamps
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Barn Red
7Gypsies Mini Labels: Naked Color
Zig Black Pen

*Products received as Design Team Member. All other products were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: Museum Photography

2011-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

I lined my photos up for this layout, then cut out the brown paper that said portrait photographer and used that along the left side of my layout at the top. Then I just added various other papers to the layout to balance it out.

I used a border punch to add some soft edges to the layout and cut out flowers from various papers to bring in all the colors on this layout.

Stickles glitter was added to the flowers and I inked the edges of all the papers with brown ink.

Supplies Used:
* Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection:
-Love Letters, Picture Perfect, Love Blooms
Ranger Stickles: Diamond
Ranger Distress Inkpad: Vintage Photo
Fiskars Border Punch: Upper Crest
Cream Cardstock
Zig Black Pen

* Products received as Design Team Member. All other products were purchased personally by me.

Layout Share: Smitten with a Kitten

2011-02-03T06:00:00.012-06:00

This was the first layout I created with the papers from the February DT kit I received from Jill at Memorable Seasons.

For this layout, I just used some strips of paper that were rounded off on the edges, and included a flip note for my journaling area.

The chipboard frame was covered with pattern paper and I included the date stamped inside. The crochet flower fit just inside the frame perfectly.

The yellow glitter letters were very bright yellow, so I just inked them with some creamy brown chalk ink to soften the yellow color a little bit.

Supplies Used:
* Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection:
* -Sweetest Day, Love Letters, Pretty Lace
* -Flip Notes
* -Glitter Alpha Stickers
* Maya Road Chipboard Frame
* Red & Green Crochet Rosebud- made by Julie, included in DT kit
Colorbox Chalk Ink: Creamy Brown
Studio G: Circle Stamp
CTMH: Month Date Stamp
Technique Tuesday: Numbers stamps
Ranger Distress Inkpads: Brushed Corduroy, Peeled Paint, Worn Lipstick
WRMK Corner Chomper
DMD Inc: Kraft Cardstock
Zig Black Writer

*Products received as Design Team Member. All other products were purchased by myself personally.

Yellow Rose Necklace

2011-02-02T06:00:00.005-06:00

Here is one of the first projects I created with the Design Team Kit from Memorable Seasons.

Jill included some awesome crochet flowers made by Julie and I used my large yellow one for this necklace in the center. The red jewel in the center was hot glued in place.

To create the side flowers, I used this satin pleat ribbon:

I punched a circle out of cardstock, then used hot glue to attach the ribbon to the punched circle in a spiral shape. This was a super easy way to create a beautiful flower! I also glued the other two red jewels in the centers of these ribbon flowers.

Once the flowers were created, I glued the individual flowers down to a piece of cream muslin fabric, then trimmed around it, leaving a tab at the top of each of the ribbon flowers. I attached a crimp clamp to the tab, and reinforced it with hot glue so I could attach my jewelry chain.

Then the last step was to attach the chain to the crimp clamp, and then I finished the necklace off with a jewelry clasp.

I really LOVE how this project turned out and I can't wait to create some more custom necklaces!

Supplies Used:

*Maya Road Satin Pleat Ribbon: Cream
*Yellow Crochet Rose: made by Julie, included in DT kit
*Websters Pages: Bloomers (red centers for flowers)
White cardstock circles, EK Success Circle Punch
Cream Muslin Material
Jewelry Supplies: Silver Chain, Crimp Clasps, Necklace Clasp
Hot Glue Gun

*Products received as Design Team Member. All other products were purchased by myself personally.