Monday, June 30, 2008

Photo Week

This week, we will be sharing lots of great projects! The one thing they all have in common is that they use photos somehow. Paper Crafters traditionally use photos in scrapbook pages, but there are so many other ways to use them. We hope that you find some inspiration this week. So dig out those photos and get crafty! And if you do, be sure to link your projects up. We'd love to see them!

These first two projects use photos and acrylic frames. As you can see, they are both so different from each other but equally as beautiful.



GOOD TIMES ACRYLIC FRAME
Designer: Linda Beeson
Materials:
Patterned paper – Fancy Pants
Rub-on designs – K&Co
Rub-on words – LUXE
Acrylic frame




Title: Footprints
Designer: Melanie Douthit

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Seashell Swirl by Flair Designs (Seaside Collection)
Cardstock Stickers: Flair Designs (At the Ocean)
Clear Sticker Quote: Flair Designs (Seaside Quotes)
Flower: Prima
Button: Making Memories
Acrylic Frame: Dollar General
Other: Ink and Jute

And finally we have this adorable project from Melissa Phillips. Yes, that's Melissa wearing those cute little cowgirl boots!




Cowgirl Bliss layout
Designer: Melissa Phillips
Supply list:
Making Memories paper, alphabet stickers, and rubon
Basic Grey paper and cardstock stickers
Provo Craft Cuttlekids die cuts
EK Success buttons
Ranger ink
Tulle and buttons from craft store
Old sheet music

Be sure to check in throughout the week. We have lots more in store for you!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Canvas Art with your Kids

Summer is here and I don’t know about you, but we enjoy doing crafts together. And with gas prices the way they are, finding things to do with your kids... at home and with on-hand supplies is even better!

Not long ago I was blog hopping and came across a fun kids project by Arounna Khounnoraj at the Book Hour Craft Projects Blog. She created this amazing Alphabet Poster using old wood typeset letters & numbers. Such a simple, but beautiful piece for any wall and I was instantly inspired. What a fun project to do yourself and have your kids make one too!

At first I thought we could use some of the alphabet stamps I already have so it would be similar. But then I came across the large, 8 inch chipboard “M” by Making Memories that I bought forever ago. Who knows what I had planned for it way back then, but I’m glad I saved it because now I had the perfect project for it. It inspired me to do a monogrammed canvas instead! Isn't it funny how inspiration works!

Then the fun began with digging through all the chipboard, metal and other fun M’s that I could find in my supplies. I dug pretty deep, because if you've been scrapping for a while, you'll notice some older products on there too. Here's what I was inspired to create. A simple, colorful monogrammed piece of art.

My canvas is 14" x 18" and I have a pretty big variety of products on there. The largest M is from Making Memories. I think I've had that for at least 2 years, so I'm not sure if you can still find them or not. The large green M on the top right is from Creative Imaginations Bare Elements line and the pink M is a felt one that I picked up on clearance at Joann's. There's pretty much a little of everything on here. I even painted a few of my chipboard pieces with Twinkling H2o's. Just have fun using what you have on-hand!

I started with the large 8 inch “M” and then worked my way around it until I liked the way everything looked. I then took a photo so that I could refer back to it as necessary. Next I painted the bare chipboard pieces and my canvas. Once everything was dry, I started gluing.

Here’s the one my 9 year old son, Tyler made and he loves it! I kept his a little easier to manage by having him work on a 6 x 8 canvas. It was a Target $1 spot item I already had in my supplies. I then had him stick to mostly alphabet stickers, using just a few larger chipboard pieces. He sure had fun going through all of my alphabets to find what he liked! I really like the tan color he used for his canvas and the green he chose for the large T inspired me to use that color too.

You can find lots of fun & inspiring projects on the internet for all ages, including the one I linked above. And remember, your local library is always a good source for some kids craft books.

Go find something that inspired you and enjoy doing something crafty with your kids this summer!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

goodbye/farewell book

My daughter's friend is leaving her school this week. Phoebe and her friends wanted me to help them make a farewell/goodbye card for her that friends and teachers could sign. We talked about the project while pulling out the craft supplies, trying to work out what to make.

We came up with the idea of a farewell/goodbye book. A little like an autograph book, where each friend could write a little goodbye message on each page.

I covered the book, while the girls punched shapes madly from pattern paper (which by now covered the family room floor). These punched shapes were used later in the project.

Here's the cover of the book:





I've used a small Maya Road chipboard binder book as the base for this project.

The book was covered with pattern paper. When covering chipboard books I use Helmar 450 Clear Adhesive as the adhesive. This glue is fantastic for paper crafting as it doesn't buckle the paper or the chipboard as some wet adhesives do, and it is quick drying (I mean really quick).

I then used double sided tape around the book to hold a length of grosgrain ribbon in place, which will be used as the closure for the book.





The above detail was added to the cover and placed over the ribbon. A scalloped oval punch shape was added as a base for the letter stickers.

With the book finished, all that was left was the collection of "farewells" for the recipient. This part I left for the girls to arrange and to decorate their pages. The punched shapes they'd made have been used to decorate each page.


Materials:
Maya Road 4"x4" chipboard binder book
Me & My Big Ideas Chester Juniper double-sided paper
Me & My Big Ideas Glitter Alphabet Stickers (gold)
Helmar 450 Clear Adhesive
Ribbon

So next time you are creating a card for an occasion which will require several peoples' signatures, why not consider creating a little keepsake book instead.

Hope you have a great week, and thanks for visiting.

Cheers

Fiona
x

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Sentiment-less & simple

Sometimes life needs simple things. Sometimes you need a card, and you find the perfect design but it has the wrong sentiment. After running into this dilemna this past week, I decided that I needed to add some simple card designs to my stash and go "sentiment-less" with a few cards. This was one of them...

This card also happens to be a great thing to work on while watching TV or traveling in the car. With vacation season in full swing, I will be stamping several of these out for future cards. They are addicting! (All of the intricate scissor work for this card was done while watching my favorite reruns.)

I stamped this (gorgeous and intricate) detailed image from Outlines Rubber Stamp Company, 4 times on coordinating colors of cardstock & paper. Next, with fine tip scissors, I trimmed portions of the flower and decided which layers would go where. I used foam tape to adhere the layers and add depth. Then, just randomly cut pieces of green papers for the stem and leaves. After it was all together, I added a bit of glitter and glaze pens (Sakura) and a bead to the center of the flower to spice things up a bit.



Materials:
Paper: Micro Dot paper (Black and White Basics by Reminisce), Making Memories Noteworthy collection; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Rubber Stamp: Fancy Blossom by Outlines Rubber Stamp Company; Inc.; Ink: Versafine by Tsukineko; Glitter pen by Sakura, Scor-Pal, Micro-tip scissors by Tonic Studios; Foam tape: Thermoweb; Bead (unknown craft supply)


Have a great weekend!
-Stacey

Monday, June 16, 2008

Quick and Easy Fabric Yo-Yo's

I was introduced to fabric yo-yo's after I received some in a scrapbook kit. I wasn't exactly sure what to do with them at first, but I soon found out they are fun to use as flowers on a scrapbook page or card, especially when you place a button in the center. Well, one day I was in the local quilting and sewing store to get some fabric for a different project. That was when I spotted "the yo-yo template". I asked about it and the ladies showed me how easy it was. I thought I'd share how to make them.

Supplies:
Yo-Yo Template (by Clover, 4" template)
Scissors
Fabric
Needle and Thread


First, place your fabric in between the two template plates (they snap together.)

Next, trim the fabric.

Then sew in and out of the holes in the template.

Remove template from fabric and pull the thread, making the fabric gather and the yo-yo forms. Tie the thread and flatten the yo-yo. I like to place a button in the center.

You can make these without a template. Simply trace the circle on the back of your fabric, fold down the edges and stitch.

This is a really neat thing to do while sitting on the couch watching a movie. There are oodles of things to do with fabric yo-yos. (like put on quilts, purses, and even create yo-yo animals). Have fun! I'd love to see your designs with yo-yo's.

Here are a couple of things I did with fabric yo-yo's.


Supplies
Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned papers and Bingo Card: Jenni Bowlin; Stamp: Inque Boutique: Ink: Clearsnap. Fabric and buttons.


Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper and Die Cuts: Cosmo Cricket; Stamps: Paper Salon; Ink: Ranger; Felt Flower: Fancy Pants. Other: Buttons, Fabric, Buttons, Twine.

Some tips for yo-yo making: Look for remnants. My fabric store has a barrel full of scraps. They will give you a small baggie and you can have whatever you can stuff in the baggie for $1.00. If you have an idea of what papers your are going to be working with, you can coordinate. In the pink and brown scrapbook page (above), I knew I was going to be working with that paper line and when I spotted a gorgeous pink and brown fabric in the scrap pile, I knew that would be perfect. Another tip - don't assume the fabric design won't work. Stripes and argyle make interesting yo-yos when they are gathered. Give it a try!

Happy creating and have a wonderful week!
Photobucket

Friday, June 13, 2008

Making Memories For All

It's our final day showcasing Making Memories. We hope you've enjoyed the posts and projects this week. We are finishing off our Making Memories week with more great ideas and inspiration using their many other products and lines. Our thanks again to Making Memories!!



"Wooden Bracelet"
Designer: Kelly Grundhauser

Making Memories Passport Collection Pattrn papers
Ranger Distress ink
Zip Dry Adhesive



"Wrapped"
Designer: Melanie Douthit

Patterned Paper: Making Memories Love Story Collection
Embellishments: Making Memories Love Story (Glitter Jigsaw Shapes, Embellishment Jar, Shimmer Brads), Vintage Hip Trinket Pins
Stickers: American Crafts Black Pajama Felt
Ink: Clearsnap
Rub Ons: American Crafts Ginger, Black
Zig Pen
Embroidery Thread
Cricut (Jasmine Font) by Provocraft



"Nightlight"
Designer: Kelly Grundhauser

Making Memories Noteworthy Pattern Paper
Making Memories Passport Flowers and buttons
Making Memories Passport Trim
Making Memories Garden Party Wordfetti Stickers
Rangers Distress Ink




"Hello butterfly" card
Designer: Sherry Wright

Making Memories die cuts (Sophia photo corners for wings)
Making Memories journaling notebook paper
Prism cardstock
Glitz Designs frosting
Jenni Bowlin circle sticker
Scenic Route rub-on


"Happy Birthday" Card
Designer: Melanie Douthit

Patterned Paper: Garden Party (Striped Double Sided; Die Cut Scalloped Square; Glitter Dots Pink)
Cardstock: Bazzill
Ribbon and Chipboard: Making Memories Garden Party
Flower and Buttons: Making Memories (Love Story)
Stamp and Ink: Paper Salon


"Souvenior Jar"
Designer Kelly Grundhauser

Cork topped bottle
Making Memories Passport Cardstock sticker edge, tag and stamp
Making Memories Passport diecut stamp
Making Memories Passport flower and button
May Arts Twine
Ranger Distress Ink
sand paper



"Love" Card
Designer: Melanie Douthit

Paper: Making Memories, Elizabeth (Brocade Foiled), Love Story (Die Cut Artisan)
Cardstock: Prism Papers (Iced Pink)
Chipboard: Making Memories: Love Story and Melissa Frances
Trim: Making Memories (Love Story) Other: Tulle and Organza
Stamp: Hampton Art
Buttons: Making Memories (Love Story)
Embossing Ink and Powder: Ranger





"Journey Jar"
Designer: Kelly Grundhauser

Ceramic Jar-Thirft store find
Making Memories Passport Collection Packaging ( for background paper )
Passport collection diecut poscard, stamp and tag
Passport collection Ribbon, stamps, buttons, Cardstock Stickers, Wordfetti and flowers
Making Memories Itty bitty Alpha-blue
MayArtsTwine
RangerDistress Ink
Sandpaper

***TIP***
Take a second look at the items you find at the thrift store. This was a not so pretty jar I sanded the finish a bit then distressed with ink I rubbed in... making the finish feel even older than I think It really was.

That's it for this week! I know we have all found lots of inpsiration from one another..we hope we've done the same for you! Happy Scrappin!!

Julia

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Making Memories -Sponsor Week continued

We hope you enjoyed the first round of Making Memories projects posted on Monday. If your like us and can't get enough of the Noteworthy line...here's more for today. Enjoy the inspiration!

"Summer Smile" layout
Designer: Julia Sandvoss

supplies used:
Making Memories Delany Ledger Circle Paper
Making Memories Addie Diecut Circle Paper
Making Memories Delany Floral Paper
Making Memories Glitter & Clear Diecuts
Making Memories Addie Ribbon
Making Memories Noteworthy Blossoms
Making Memories Glitter Brad
Making Memories Boho Chic Tiny Alphas
Making Memories Noteworthy Hilary Flocked Alphabet
Colorbox Chalk Inks

Heidi Swapp Jewels

"Grateful" layout
Designer: Anabelle O'Malley


supplies used:

Making Memories Noteworthy Delaney Die Cut Circle paper
Making Memories Noteworthy Addie Striped paper

Making Memories Noteworthy Glitter Die Cut Embellishments
Making Memories Noteworthy Clear Glitter Embellishments

Making Memories Noteworthy Delaney Shimmer Alphabet Stickers

Making Memories Tiny Alphabets

Making Memories Noteworthy Trim

Making Memories Noteowrthy Delaney Flowers

Petalloo Flower

Ranger Stickles

Crate Paper
Brads

marker

paint


"Baby Girl" gift card holder card
Designer: Sherry Wright


supplies used:

Making Memories paper (Noteworthy Addie pattern stripe, Ledger Floral)

Making Memories die cuts & ribbon (Noteworthy Addie)

Scor-Pal

Crafty Secrets stamps

Clearsnap fluid chalk ink

Prism cardstock
Zip dry adhesive by Beacon



"Happy Boy" canvas
Designer: Jessica Witty

supplies used:
Patterned paper: Noteworthy Addie Pattern Stripe front & reverse (MM)
Flowers: Noteworthy Blossoms in Addie (MM)

Frame: Noteworthy Glitter Die Cuts (MM)

Tag: Noteworthy Collection Glitter Clears Self Adhesive Die Cuts (MM)
Alphas: Ultra Small & Small Tiny Alphas (MM)

Brads: Metallic Basics circles & mini circles (MM)


"Thank You" card
Designer: Linda Beeson

supplies used:
Solid cardstock
Patterned paper – (note)worthy Addie Ledger Floral and Pattern Stripe/Making Memories
Die Cut Labels/Making Memories
Fluid Chalk stamp pad
Ribbon, brads and rub-on words – Making Memories
Scallop Scissors



"Hi" card
Designer: Miki Benedict

supplies used:
Pattern Paper: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie Brocade Dot, Circle Glitter Dot Die-cut
Stamp: Making Memories Floral foam stamps

Ink: Tim Holtz Old Paper Distress

Tag: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie Glitter Die-cuts

Stickers: Making Memories Noteworthy Delaney Shimmer Alphabet

Ribbon: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie

Jump ring: Making Memories

Tools: EK Success corner rounder



Monogram journal & pen set
Designer: Sherry Wright


supplies used:

Making Memories paper (Noteworthy Addie Ledger Floral)
Making Memories die cits, ribbon, and flowers (Noteworthy Addie)

Small journal and pen (department store)



"Green Jewel" card
Designer: Stacey Stamitoles


supplies used:

Paper: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie (pattern stripe, brocade dot)

Cardstock: WorldWin

Flowers: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie Blossoms (felt & paper)

Tools: Scorpal, sewing machine



"Just Because" card
Designer: Julia Sandvoss

supplies used:
Bazzill Washboard Cardstock
Making Memories Addie Diecut Scallop Paper
Making Memories Addie Journaling Paper
Making Memories Glitter Diecuts
Making Memories Noteworthy Blossom
Colorbox Chalk Inks
Heidi Grace "Greetings" Stamps
Bo Bunny Double Dot Ribbon


"Smile" card
Designer: Miki Benedict

supplies used:
Pattern Paper: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie Ledger Floral, Addie Brocade Dot, Addie Artisan Flower Die-cut
Die-cut sentiment: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie Glitter

Flowers: Making Memories clear Glitter Flowers Bright

Ribbon: Making Memories Noteworthy Addie

Tools: EK Success corner rounder, EK Success scallop scissors, We R Memory Keepers Crop-o-dile
Adhesive: mini dots by Glue Dots


"To My Friend" card
Designer: Julia Sandvoss

supplies used:
Making Memories Delany Floral Paper
Making Memories Addie Diecut Scallop Paper
Making Memories Glitter Diecuts
Making Memories Addie Ribbon
Making Memories Noteworthy Blossom
Making Memories Noteworthy Addie Brad
Colorbox Chalk Inks
Heidi Grace "Greetings" stamp



"Hello" card
Designer: Sherry Wright

supplies used:
Making Memories paper (Noteworthy Addie Ledger Floral)

Making Memories ribbon, die cuts (Noteworthy Addie)
Cornish Heritage Farms stamp

Clearsnap fluid chalk ink
Zip dry adhesive by Beacon

Make sure to come back on Friday for more Making Memories projects that will knock your socks off (or maybe your flip-flops this time of year)!