the CLASSroom

Holiday Recipe Album by Sharon Harnist

I've been promising myself the past several years that I would gather up all of my favorite family holiday recipes from the four different cook books, three loose recipe cards, and five different pieces of paper they are all written on and put them all together into ONE easy-to-access holiday favorites recipe album, so I finally did it!

 

I started with one of the several different Melissa Frances Kitschy recipe albums Ellen carries:

There are also coordinating 6-inch and 12-inch papers Melissa Frances patterned papers that match these albums that you could use on the chipboard album cover, but since I didn't plan very well in advance(!) and was looking for more of a vintage style as opposed to retro/kitschy, I chose some beautiful Conservatory 6x6 papers from 7 Gypsies:

I thought they were the perfect combination of colors, a little bit Christmasy but yet still just plain vintage that would go well in my kitchen or for any holiday!  I also decided to give the album a little bit different shape for the cover, by using this nice, big 7" x 9" Melissa Frances Label style "backdrop" piece of chipboard for the cover:

It's good and sturdy (and a real bargain at just $1!) and easy to cover with the "patchwork" style of papers I chose.  For covering chipboard with paper, my favorite adhesive, especially for something that will be kept in a moist, hot environment, is Royal Coat Decoupage glue.  After adhering the papers to the chipboard cover, sand the edges and then sponge the edges with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.  Then give the top of the paper a sealing coat of decoupage glue, too, to help make it water-resistent.  After covering the chipboard label, I punched holes in it using my trusty Crop-a-Dile, that would coordinate with the Kitschy album cover's holes and bound everything together with the binder rings included in the kit.

 

For the cover, I made a flower accent by die cutting Grungepaper with Spellbinders Nested Peony dies and inking them with Worn Lipstick & Fired Brick Distress Inks.  I thought this thicker, sturdier paper would hold up better than regular paper in a moist, hot kitchen environment:

 

I alternated inking each layer of flower with a different Distress color, to give the flower more depth.  To create dimension, I used thick foam tape between the layers of flowers:

 

But because I'm pretty certain the foam tape would end up eventually not holding the suede-like fabric texture of the Grungepaper together over time, I used Tim Holtz's Tiny Attacher to secure the flower together in the center, minus the smallest flower.  Then I added the last, smallest flower to the center to cover up the staple:

 

The Maya Road chipboard letters were colored with YG93 Copic marker, to match the greens in the papers.  I LOVE using Copics to color chipboard -- it dries fast, is easy, not messy, and with 346 Copic colors to choose from, you're sure to find just the color you need!

 

The last finishing touch was this pretty Maya Road Yellow Ruffle Edge Trim that matched these papers perfectly!  It is securely held in place with Copic's 1/8" X-Press It High Tack Double-Sided Tape:

 

The bonus to using this larger chipboard label as an album cover is that you can flip the recipe cards over to the front of the cover and the covers stand up & open and act as a built-in stand, for easy viewing of your recipe!

 

I hope this album sparks some creative ideas for you -- if not for recipes, then maybe for some favorite family photos!  Thanks for visiting the CLASSroom today!  ~ Sharon

 

Paper: Melissa Frances Kitschy Kitchen Homemade Recipe Album, 7 Gypsies Conservatory 6x6 paper pack, Tim Holtz Grungepaper,
Ink: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks-Worn Lipstick, Fired Brick & Brushed Corduroy, Copic marker YG93,
Tools: Spellbinders Nested Peony dies,
Accessories: Maya Road Mini Alphabet Chipboard Set-Noah & Yellow Ruffle Edge Trim, Ranger Ink Blending Tool, WRM Crop-a-Dile, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, EK Success 3D Dots thick foam tape, Copic X-Press It High Tack Double-Sided Tape, Royal Coat Decoupage glue, sanding block,

the Gallery Inchie INKling Challenge Winner

It's that time of year again - yes, major government paperwork, bookkeeping and all those things that aren't nearly as much fun as creating. No wonder sometimes they are called necessary evils - LOL! I apologize for being absent and hope to begin creating and sharing again shortly.

A huge thank you to all who joined in our first challenge in the Gallery!

I can't believe that I just posted this without sharing the prize package - Geri you have won a $25 gift certificate to our store and you can use it to purchase whatever you would like! Please contact us via email if you haven't received a message from us shortly.

 

Following is our winning entry created by Geri - I love how Geri combined our challenge of black and white with mossy green/gray.

 

I would like to encourage you to visit the Gallery and join in the fun by sharing your work there, as well as leave compliments for others who have shared their creations.

It is time to put my thinking cap on and come up with our next challenge, so stay tuned. I'm hoping to be back before heading off to CHA. Oh to be able to clone myself or reduce the paperwork required to keep a business running :-D

Thank you again!

Roses in a Teacup Card by Debbie Olson

Welcome to the Classroom! Today I have a card for you using one of Karen Lockhart's new releases, Roses in a Teacup, along with Copic markers, Melissa Frances Kitschy Kitchen 6" x 6" papers, an Ellen Essentials Doily, and a Hero Arts Sentiment and cardstock. 

I started by choosing some papers that I thought might work well with the Roses in a Teacup stamp. By the time I finished, I chose just one of the three papers, though I drew color inspiration from all of them.

I started with the greenery. I'm working at using darker values. Sometimes it's a challenge since we stampers tend to use Copic values ending in a 5 or lower number! I had decided that the light would come from the upper right side, so the leaves are darker on the left.

Next I worked on the roses. These are TINY. I used regular coloring techniques, but it might be simpler to use the palette method in which you scribble the darker colors on a piece of plastic and use your lighter marker tip as a brush. At the end (as I was finishing the card), I deepened shadows a bit on the left side with a BV02 marker.

Here I colored the teacup in blue-violet tones. I did not avoid the polka dots since I knew I could come back with my Colorless Blender later and push the color out of the dots. I used harder shadows right under the roses and leaves since they are so close to the object.

Finally I added some shadows, based upon where my light source was. I probably could have gone a bit darker with them, but I already went past my comfort zone on those leaves! Edited to add: That unnumbered marker that you see is a mixture of YR31 and 0-Colorless Blender. I used it just on the sunny side, the top right, to add some warmth.

I finished the card with a sweet little doily on the lower third of the card front, a few stitches, and a dyed snippet of 1/4" silk ribbon (dyed with Copic V12 Various Inks/reinker). That's it--thanks for stopping by the Classroom today!

A Sign of Love by Julia Stainton

It's January and by now, the Christmas and holiday decorations are all packed away. Spring seems so very far away but don't worry...Valentine's Day is just around the corner to heat things up.

While I love making Valentines for my guy, I love to think of Valentine's Day as a day to celebrate with my whole family. After all, love is a wonderful thing and meant to be shared. I thought it would be fun to create a wall-art decoration for the holiday. I like it so much, I think it just may hang in my craft studio all year long.

To start this project, I used a Melissa Frances Label Style Backdrop and covered it with some beautiful Parisian Anthology paper by Pink Paislee.

It has a beautiful embossed finish on it that reveals itself when you add ink. I've sprayed this paper with some Viva Pink Glimmer Mist to add color and interest.

The Pink Paislee Artisan Elements are fabulous for adding detail and are wonderful to personalize. Here I've used a RV91 Copic marker to highlight the center of the embossed flowers. Trim off the excess pieces of the embellishment and store back on the sheet for another project.

To create the sentiment, I've used some Tim Holtz Grungeboard letters. The Brushed Pewter Distress Crackle Paint gives the letters a beautiful metallic finish. Clean up is a breeze with the Ranger Craft Sheet.

Once the letters are dry, adhere them to the project with Ranger Glossy Accents.

I thought a mini frame would be a fun addition to the wall art piece. Some Webster's Pages papers are simply trimmed and placed between two sheets of 2" glass before inserting into the Ranger 2" frame.

Adhering lots of elements to a hanging piece can be a challenge, especially if they are not paper. I've used the Tiny Attacher to staple on some of the elements that will be partially hidden such as the heart doily and the crocheted doilies.

The frame was the difficult obstacle to overcome but I found a really fun solution in my stash. The Tim Holtz Hitch Fasteners can be inserted though a hole in the chipboard making a very strong hanger to support the frame.

Here's a shot of the final project.

Supplies: Label Style Backdrop by Melissa Frances, Viva Pink Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels, Parisian Anthology paper and Circle Artisan Elements by Pink Paislee, heart doily by Ellen's Essentials, Brushed Pewter Distress Crackle Paint by Ranger, Grungeboard Minis by Advantus, RV91 Copic Marker, twine, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink by Ranger, Ivory Silk Ribbon by May Arts, Hitch Fastener by Advantus, 2" Memory Frame & 2" Memory Glass by Ranger, Glossy Accents by Ranger, Hollywood Vogue Journaling Cards by Webster's Pages, Tiny Attacher by Advantus, Sweet Taffy Pink Embellishments by Prima, heart trinket pins by Maya Road

How do you decorate for Valentine's Day? Do you decorate? Create cards?

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom and happy creating!

12 Days of Christmas Blog Candy Winners!

I hope you enjoyed all the creativity and fun throughout the 12 Days of Christmas here at the CLASSroom. Now, without further ado: the winners of each day's exciting blog candy! Each winner was picked from the comments received before Midnight PST, January 6, 2011 with a random number generator.

Day 1:

Barbara Goff was the 114th commenter on day 1! Congratulations to Barbara, who said: "Your techniques are helping me overcome my fear of failure. It's a freeing experience to try the new things you suggest like the spray, which has been sitting on my table for two years!"

She will be receiving prize number 1:

 

Studio 490, Just Sew Artsy Stamp Set

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Day 2:

Michelle Reaves was our 47th commenter on Day 2, congratulations to Michelle who shared:   "Gorgeous stuff Becky!! I would really love to see more items like this, especially with details on how to accomplish it ourselves. One of my goals for the New Year is to get into making this type of Jewelry :-)"

She will be receiving prize number 2:

 

A Melting Pot and Clear UTEE!

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Day 3:

Terri in TX was our 147th commenter on the third day. She shared: "I love stamping the image and then coloring it with the copics. I am so hooked and as you, I think its relaxing. "

She will be receiving prize number 3:

A COPIC Multiliner, DVD, and airbrushing starter set!

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Day 4:

Congratulations to Gloria L, who was number 118 on Day 4, with this short and sweet comment: "My favorite part of stamping is CHOOSING the stamp. "

She will be receiving prize number 4:

Memory Box Stamps (Daphne Heart, Leaf Canopy and Adore Collage) and a Memory Box Color Sampler!

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Day 5:

Hooray for Nonnie, who commented early (19th) on Day 5: "cute project...and nice prize...my two resolutions are to try one totally new technique every week and to use the stash i have and minimize purchases! this past year i had a goal to craft every single day - and i did it! good feeling.

 

Five Treats from Claudine! Sitcky Back Canvas in Natural, Creative Layers Dwellings stamps (foam and clear) Matte Multi-Medium and a Claudine Hellmuth brush set!

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Day 6:

Our 54th comment on Day 6 was from Mary (Happy Now): "With two small children at home, ANY moment spent crafting is worth celebrating! :) "

She will be receiving prize number 6:

 

Six Sizzix Goodies:

• Texture Fades Embossing Folders, Burlap and Swirls
• Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Floral Flourishes and Vines
• On the Edge File Tabs Die
• Precut Mat Board 3-D House
• Precut Craft-a-Board Tea Cup
• Precut Craft-a-Board Cake Box

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Day 7:

Thanks Lois, for your comment which was number 100 on day 7: "My word for 2011 is "just do it" - oops those are 3 words. For real, my word should be "organize". "

She will be receiving prize number 7:

Seven Alterable Items:

• 7 Gypsies 5x7 Ruban Book Cover
• Essentials by Ellen: Assorted Doilies
• Substrates, Board Book 8"
• Essentials by Ellen: Craft-a-Board
• Tim Holtz Configurations, 5.5 x 5.5
• Tim Holtz Traveler Tissue Tape
• Adirondack Color Wash, Lettuce

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Day 8:

Beverly BL is our winner from day eight, with her comment number 59: "I've wanted to try inchies. I have bought inchies, but like many of the things I "have to have", there they sit. Maybe I'll be struck by inspiration before the challenge deadline. Think your cards are so pretty. Love the pool color. Thanks for the challenge. "

She will be receiving prize number 8:

Eight Inspring Inchie Items:

• Inchie Squares, White
• Inchie + Squares, Neutral
• Twinchie Squares, Black
• Inchie Idea cards
• Inkadinkado Inchie Clear Stamps, Morphic Patterns
• IB Candy Heart
• IB IB Rose Bouquet
• 1" Square Punch

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Day 9:

Among the first posters on Day 9 was our next winner Renne Lynch: "They are all stored in a box... Working on breaking it down further by color/pattern...and tossing some where I have to wonder why I ever kept them. "

She will be receiving prize number 9:

Nine Paper Pads:

• Melissa Frances 6x6 Kitschy Kitchen
• Memory Box 6x6 Pixie
• Cosmo Cricket 6x6 Joy Ride
• Webster's Pages 6x6 Vellum and DieCuts
• 7 Gypsies 6x6 Paddington
• Basic Grey 6x6 Hopscotch
• October Afternoon 8x8 Campfire
• Pink Paislee 6x6 Queen Bee
• Graphic 45 8x8 Once Upon a Springtime

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Day 10:

Christine's comment was the winning 144th on day 10: "I love to make cards for birthdays but I seem to craft more during cold winter months."

She will be receiving prize number 10:

Ten Toys from Tim's World:

• A Compendium of Curiosities
• Dot Matrix and Gridlock Texture Fades Embossing Folders
• Checkerboard and Cracked Texture Fades Embossing Folders
• On the Fence On the Edge Die
• Design Ruler
• Memo Pins
• Fragments
• Game Spinner
• Typewriter Charms
• Flutter ATC Stamp

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Day 11:

45th on Day 11 was Denise B whose winning comment was:: "Beautiful Copic coloring on these! And the tips for working with the markers are always appreciated too! I love Lockhart images.... so many on my wish list! Adding more Copics is at the top of my wish list, and to get the swatch book to keep track of which colors I already have. "

She will be receiving prize number 11:

Eleven Lovely Lockharts

• African Violets in a Teacup
• Bennie Bear
• Caught a Bug?
• Caught a Bug? (Sentiment)
• Clear Lake Chair
• Ducks
• Ducks in a Row
• English Garden Flowers
• I'm here if you need me
• Ribbon Heart
• Lavender in a Teacup

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Day 12:

Jennifer S. was our final winner, with the 102nd comment on Day 12: "Tami, your cards are gorgeous! I have a few backgrounds I need to use and your ideas are fantastic! I am loving all the great ideas and tutorials you guys provide on the site. Very inspirational!"

She will be receiving prize number 12:

12 Hero Arts:

• Hero Arts 2011 Catalog
• ClearDesign: Congrats
• Cling Large Open Flower
• Cling Large Solid Flower
• Hero Hues Color Sampler
• Hero Arts Layering Paper, Blush
• Hero Arts Folded Card Sets, Blush
• Hero Arts Envelopes, Blush
• Hero Hues Markers, Blush
• Hero Hues Ribbon, Blush
• Hero Hues Mixed Accents, Blush
• Hero Hues Art Flowers, Blush

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Thank you to everyone who commented, and congratulations to all the winners. Please contact us at customerservice@ellenhutson.com with your mailing address to receive your goodies.

12 Days of Christmas: Day 12 - Scrap Drawer Rescue Mission with Tami Hartley

It is our final day and I can't believe it is already here. We hope that you have been enjoying this series and we want to end it with a "bang!"

Today we are so very happy to welcome Tami Hartley (blog: i make cards) as our guest here in the CLASSroom! Over the past several months, on the occasion that I have been able to visit the Hero Arts blog, I have seen her beautiful work and it is an honor to have her sharing her talents here in the CLASSroom. Thank you Tami, for sharing your passion with us! -Ellen

SCRAP DRAWER RESCUE MISSION, by tami hartley

 

On this 12^th Day of Christmas, I’m pulling open my crowded desk drawer labeled “Stamped Bits & Pieces.” Do you have one of these catch-all bins where you store stamped/inked odds and ends? Mine is filled with at least a decade’s worth of pieces and many of them are inky backgrounds that never found their way onto finished projects. It’s time for a rescue!

 

I love creating backgrounds in a variety of ways – especially by mixing Distress Inks and water on a craft mat and soaking the mixture up with plain white cardstock or watercolor paper. It’s often as much fun as making an entire card! A handful of inky backgrounds from my drawer are pictured above. I typically look at them and say “now what…?” (Sound familiar?)

 

Here are the secret weapons. Use these large collage background stamps right on top of any inked background to create colorful “artsy” cards in a few simple steps. These stamps do all the work and turn even ho-hum scraps into things of beauty. And it’s SO easy! We can keep it our little secret. ;)

 

In the photo above you can see the background I pulled from my drawer. First I intensified the color with a bit of Crushed Olive Distress Ink applied with an Ink Blending Tool. Once satisfied with the overall color, I stamped the large Flower Text stamp with VersaMark Ink and sprinkled white embossing powder on top. This is key. Embossing really makes the image pop off the background. (Tip: Be sure your background is completely dry before stamping and embossing, as embossing powder will stick to wet Distress Inks on the background!)

 

After heat embossing, it’s time to bring definition to the flowers and leaves with some additional color. I turned once again to Distress Inks and used them this time as watercolor paints. Using an acrylic block as a palette, simply press the ink pad onto the block, spritz with water, and paint the flowers and leaves a shade darker than the background.

 

Finish with a stamped sentiment, twine bow, and a dab of Glossy Accents on each flower center.

 

In the variation above, I used the same process but stamped the Musical Collage with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and embossed with clear powder instead of white. The Envelope Pattern was also stamped onto the background for added texture.

Both cards are flat for easy mailing.

It’s so much fun seeing these once tossed aside pieces come to life. I hope you’ll enjoy experimenting with your own scraps and stamps. Happy creating! -Tami

 

stamps: Hero Arts Musical Collage, Hero Arts Flower Text, Hero Arts Envelope Pattern, Hero Arts Thank You For Being My Friend

Ink: VersaMark, Ranger Distress - Crushed Olive, Shabby Shutters, Forest Moss, Broken China, Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky, Walnut Stain

Paper: Hero Arts White Watercolor Paper, Hero Arts Snow Layering Paper

Other: Glossy Accents, Mini Mister, Ink Blending Tool, white embossing powder, clear embossing powder, twine, colored pencils

On the twelfth day of Christmas my goodie box could be:

• Hero Arts 2011 Catalog
• ClearDesign: Congrats
• Cling Large Open Flower
• Cling Large Solid Flower
• Hero Hues Color Sampler
• Hero Arts Layering Paper, Blush
• Hero Arts Folded Card Sets, Blush
• Hero Arts Envelopes, Blush
• Hero Hues Markers, Blush
• Hero Hues Ribbon, Blush
• Hero Hues Mixed Accents, Blush
• Hero Hues Art Flowers, Blush

 

To participate in this random drawing please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

Remember to visit the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings --- today is the last day to leave your comments on any of our 12 Days drawings, so be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing before midnight tonight!

• One Stampin' Treasure
• Two Melting Tools
• Three Copic Goodies
• 3 Stamps + 1 Color Sampler = Four Memory Box Treats
• Five treats from Claudine's Lines
• Six Sizzix Goodies
• Seven Alterable Items
• Eight Oodles of Inchies
• Nine Packs of Paper
• Ten Tim's Tools
• Eleven Lovely Lockhart's

Today I have a special request for your comment --- first, please leave some "love" for Tami. Her willingness to jump in and help us at the last minute is something I appreciate so very much --- thank you Tami!

We would also like to try once again for that recommendation page that I talked about LAST year - LOL! It is so wonderful to have Julia E. on our team here at work - she has been upgrading our website, aided in getting together our very first issue of Create: Paper Arts Education & Inspiration E-magazine, and more. SO... we finally have someone on our team here at work who can help me get things like this done (and she actually knows what she is doing - LOL!). So my request on this final 12 Days of Christmas blog candy post is for you to leave a comment that shares what it is that you think about what we do at www.ellenhutson.com. We want to hear what it is that you love about us, any suggestions you may have for improvements (other than shipping costs, because in all honesty we absorb MANY $$ in shipping already and I know that you would like free shipping, but we just won't be in business any longer if we provide that for you and I am so very sorry about that) we can make - in other words we would like for you to share your true opinion of what we do and how we do it. Please share your thoughts regarding the service we provide, the product we carry, etc. Your opinion truly does matter to us!

12 Days of Christmas: Day 11 - By Sharon Harnist

A new year brings a new release from Lockhart Stamp Company . . . wait until you see these darling new images!  I chose three new images and three new sentiments to share with you today:

 

These cards and tag were all created with papers from Cosmo Cricket's 6" Mini Deck-Pixie Licious . . . I thought they were a good representation of Spring and whimsy that would coordinate well with the whimsical style of Karen Lockhart's stamps.

How sweet is Bennie Bear?!!  I think he's my favorite of this new release!  Combined with this darling I'm here if you need me sentiment, I thought he would make a great encouragement card for a child or friend.  Or wonderful new baby cards!

 

I stamped Bennie on Copic's X-Press It Blending Card -- if you haven't tried this wonderful cardstock yet, you will be very pleased with how easily your Copic markers blend on it (and how easily mistakes erase/blend right off of it!).

Bennie's sweater was colored with Copic BG11 & BG72, then BG75 was added to the deepest crevices & folds of the sweater, and along the neckline of the sweater where it would naturally cast a shadow underneath the deep cable knitting:

 

COPIC TIPS: Don't be afraid to add quite a bit darker colors for shading, as it will make those areas recess and give your image a more realistic look.  Bennie was colored with E30 & E31, and E35 used for the deepest shading (in the folds where his legs meet his body, along the bottoms of his legs where light would be blocked by the tops of his legs, and under the sleeves of his sweater where the sweater would cast a shadow on his arm).

Along the same lines as adding darker color to the deepest folds of skin or clothing, keep features like Bennie's protruding nose and feet amongst the lighter colors you are using, since they are closer to you.  This will instantly make his nose appear closer to you.  Visualize where your light source is coming from -- I usually have mine coming from the upper right, as it's easier for me (being right-handed), to add darker colors over on the left side of images.  W1 & W0 were used for Bennie's cast shadow on the floor.  Using the W1 first, then softening the edges with W0, will fade the shadow along the outer edges nicely.

I finished the image by circle die cutting it.  The background was airbrushed BG11 while the image was still in the die (*See more about airbrushed background Copic Tip below).  I die cut a scalloped border from coordinating Cosmo Cricket striped paper and placed tied buttons in the centers of the scallops.

These darling Ducks will make great Easter or new baby cards, or when combined with this new Ducks in a Row sentiment, a fantastic "sorry I'm late wishing you a happy birthday" or late for anything type of card!

 
 

*COPIC TIP: On these cards I stamped my images and die cut them first, then airbrushed the backgrounds.  Then I used my Copic 0 Colorless Blender marker to remove any overspray that may have gotten on the images.  I find this is quicker than stamping and fussy cutting out a mask!

 

The ducks were colored with Y11 and shaded with Y21 and the areas receiving the most light (tops of heads & bodies) were left white.  An orangey YR21 was used for their beaks & feet.  G21 for grass & leaves and V01 for flowers.  BG11 & E31 were airbrushed for sky and ground; W1 was used for ground shadows. The image was oval die cut and is popped up on foam tape.  Crop-a-Dile's Corner Chomper was used to round the top corners of the card -- it cuts through multiple layers of cardstock and paper like butter!

This Caught A Bug? in a jar cracks me up -- and it's sure to cheer up anyone you know that may be ill!  I thought he'd make a good tag to tie onto a jar of homemade soup to share with a sick friend:

 

Bug is colored with Copic G20, G21, V01, & V05.  BG10 was used in the corners of the jar, where it would have the deepest color and BG0000 was used on the rest of the jar.  The cork was colored with E30 (lightest top of the cork), and the sides shaded with E31.  The part of the cork inside the jar was also colored with E30 & E31, then BG10 colored over it to make it darker and give it a realistic look that it's really inside the jar.

 

The image was die cut with a Labels-Lg die and popped up on foam tape over the scalloped circle tag base. 

I hope you'll take a look at the rest of this new Lockart stamp release and answer the question below, for your chance to win a fabulous Lockhart stamp package!  ~ Sharon

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Bennie Bear #1011, I'm here if you need me #10080, Caught A Bug? #4006 & Caught A Bug? Sentiment #10079, Ducks #2135, Ducks in a Row #10078,
Paper: Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck-Pixie Licious, Copic X-Press It Blending Card, Memory Box Lagoon notecards, 
Ink: Tsukineko Memento-Tuxedo Black,
Copic Markers: BG10, BG11, BG000, BG72, BG75, E30, E31, E35, Y11, Y21, YR21, V01, V05, G20, G21, BG10, BG000, W0, W1, 0 Colorless Blender marker, Clear Atyou Spica Glitter Pen
Acessories: Copic Airbrush System & Air Compressor, Spellbinders Labels-Lg, Oval & Classic Scalloped & Classic Circle Nestabilities, Big Scalloped Border Petites; Hero Arts Art Buttons-Spring (green) & Summer (teal), Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, EK Success 3D foam dots,
Other: white embroidery thread, plum satin ribbon

ETA: We are aware of the gramatical error in the newest sentiment and are happy to share with you that Karen is working on it immediately. With all things in life, little mistakes happen - the good news is that we always do work to fix them as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and support.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

On the eleventh day of Christmas my goodie box could be...

• African Violets in a Teacup
• Bennie Bear
• Caught a Bug?
• Caught a Bug? (Sentiment)
• Clear Lake Chair
• Ducks
• Ducks in a Row
• English Garden Flowers
• I'm here if you need me
• Ribbon Heart
• Lavender in a Teacup

 

To participate in this random drawing, please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

What is now at the top of your paper crafting wish list?  Is there a specific product or product line that you are enamoured with?  Please share in the comments section below to be entered in this random drawing!

Remember to visit the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings -- be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing!

• One Stampin' Treasure
• Two Melting Tools
• Three Copic Goodies
• 3 Stamps + 1 Color Sampler = Four Memory Box Treats
• Five treats from Claudine's Lines
• Six Sizzix Goodies
• Seven Alterable Items
• Eight Oodles of Inchies
• Nine Packs of Paper
• Ten Toys from Tim's World

12 Days of Christmas: Day 10 - Vintage Dream Card By Julia Stainton

Creating with a wide variety of elements is one of my favorite things to do. I guess I'm just a sucker for lots of fun bits and pieces.

That's one of the reasons I enjoy Tim Holtz product so much. There are so many things you can do with them and they can span a large variety of styles. I love using them on trendy cards, vintage styles, shabby chic, even clean and simple. One of my favorite ways of designing is in a collage style that fits the Tim Holtz product line so well. Today's card was so much fun to create. I surprised myself by working eleven different Tim products into this 4.5" square card design.

How many can you find without looking at the supply list?

 To create the little sentiment piece I've used a Fragment that I stamped with one of Tim's sentiments from the Odds and Ends stamp set. You can use the Jet Black Archival ink for this if you heat set it. To make it stand out, dab paint on the reverse side with a paint dabber and allow to dry. Glossy Accents makes a great adhesive to adhere your finished piece.

The fun vintage photo is a sticker from Tim's Salvage Stickers. I sanded the edges with the Sanding Block to distress it even further. To make the project more feminine, the white Prima flower is misted with Glimmer Mist before adding to the design.

 

Tissue tape is a fun product to add interest and is so easy to use. Also in this photo you can see the Hinge Clip, Game Spinner and Adornment charm. A final misting of Glimmer Mist over the entire project ties it together.

Supplies: kraft cardstock by Hero Arts, Tim Holtz Memo Pin, Tim Holtz Game Spinner, Tim Holtz Hinge Clip, Tim Holtz Fragments, Tim Holtz Adornments, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Tim Holtz Sanding Block, Tim Holtz Traveller Tissue Tape, Tim Holtz Journaling Tickets, Tim Holtz Salvage Stickers by Advantus, Tim Holtz Odds and Ends stamp set by Stampers Anonymous, Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger, Snowcap Paint Dabber by Ranger, Viva Pink Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels, 6x6 Holly Wood Vogue paper pad by Webster's Pages, Glossy Accents by Ranger, Innoscence flower by Prima, twine, Cream Laceby Prima

Have fun creating with lots of bits and pieces!

On the tenth day of Christmas my goodie box could be:

• A Compendium of Curiosities
• Dot Matrix and Gridlock Texture Fades Embossing Folders
• Checkerboard and Cracked Texture Fades Embossing Folders
• On the Fence On the Edge Die
• Design Ruler
• Memo Pins
• Fragments
• Game Spinner
• Typewriter Charms
• Flutter ATC Stamp

 

To participate in this random drawing please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

What is your favorite time of year for crafting? Is it for a specific holiday or occasion?

Remember to visit the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings --- be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing!

• One Stampin' Treasure
• Two Melting Tools
• Three Copic Goodies
• 3 Stamps + 1 Color Sampler = Four Memory Box Treats
• Five treats from Claudine's Lines
• Six Sizzix Goodies
• Seven Alterable Items
• Eight Oodles of Inchies
• Nine Packs of Paper

12 Days of Christmas: Day 9 Playing with Patterned Paper- By Becky Olsen

It has been great to read the comments that all of you have been leaving on the blog posts, thanks so much for taking a little of your time to share your thoughts with us. One of the recurring goals that has come up from a lot of people is the desire to scrapbook more. I thought that sharing some inspiration in this area might be nice to help everyone get on that track.

For me, I don't try to do my scrapbooking in order, it is so stressful for me and makes me feel like I am constantly behind. Instead when I find products that are really inspiring I will print out the pictures that go with the products and I can get quite a few pages done in a pretty short time. If I have to do everything in order it takes me forever to find papers and products that help me feel inspired and it takes way to long to get one page done and I feel like I am wasting time.

To help myself get organized with this method I use little sandwich baggies for the pictures I print and I put them with the products that I want to use them with. For an example, I fell in love with the new October Afternoon's Campfire paper line. The chipboard was adorable, the papers are in delightful colors and so many useful little stickers for dates and such. I had some pictures from my youngest sons Boy Scout father/son Memorial Day weekend campout that I had been waiting for the perfect paper for. This happens for me all the time, if I am patient the product comes along and the memories easily come together. If you make a list of the events, moments and stories that you would like to work on and then keep it handy while you are shopping, it makes it so you don't over purchase and get just what you need to get the memories on your list documented.  

Be inspired by the colors and textures of the pictures and use the products to help tell the story, that is what makes scrapbooking so much fun!

You will find that the pages come together in no time and that the memories that you cherish will be preserved and available to share with everyone around you.

The joy that I feel when I get a page done is wonderful and it is even more heart-warming to hear my loved ones gush over the pages full of our memories that I share with them. I hope that this has inspired you and given you a few ideas on how to manage your memories. Don't forget to use those delicious paper scraps on cards, then you get the best of both worlds  :o)

B-

On the ninth day of Christmas these paper packs could be yours:

• Melissa Frances 6x6 Kitschy Kitchen
• Memory Box 6x6 Pixie
• Cosmo Cricket 6x6 Joy Ride
• Webster's Pages 6x6 Vellum and DieCuts
• 7 Gypsies 6x6 Paddington
• Basic Grey 6x6 Hopscotch
• October Afternoon 8x8 Campfire
• Pink Paislee 6x6 Queen Bee
• Graphic 45 8x8 Once Upon a Springtime

 

To participate in this random drawing please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

We would love for you to share with your fellow crafters how it is that you store and use those extra bits of paper! Do you pre-cut them up and use them for Inchies, paper piece with them, ... share your ideas with others today for a chance to win more paper :-D

Remember to visit the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings --- be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing!

• One Stampin' Treasure
• Two Melting Tools
• Three Copic Goodies
• 3 Stamps + 1 Color Sampler = Four Memory Box Treats
• Five treats from Claudine's Lines
• Six Sizzix Goodies
• Seven Alterable Items
• Eight Oodles of Inchies

12 Days of Christmas: Day 8 - Parisian Inspired Inchies and an Inchie INKling Challenge

Creating with inchies is probably one of THE quickest ways to create a series of cards! I can tell you that editing the pictures and writing this post took so much longer than creating these cards - LOL! I would like to challenge you to try creating a card this next week using this concept.

When the Parisian Anthology line was first debuted I fell in love with it - the simple color base that could twist in so many directions, but leans towards one of my current favorites (Bayou --- it takes me to an ocean beach everytime I look at it), the simple clean lines of the little stamps, the unusual little embellishments, or just the simple elegance of it... not certain which appeals to me more.

I knew that I REALLY wanted to share it in conjunction with Inchies today!

 

Crisp, clean and elegant are the words I would use to describe these cards - it goes back to the simplicity of black and white with one color family. Love it!

You do not need "inchie" stamps to create inchie focal points or inchies. Yes, inchie stamps are wonderful and I absolutely love them, but you can look at any of your images and figure out a way to use them.
 

I felt that this first card was just the "ticket" to a perfect dinner invitation - ha! ha! Do you see the little hostess "walking" through the inchies with her invisible serving platter? As you can tell I did not use the entire stamp and I love the way it looks.

Always look at your Inchie Arts Squares before stamping - one side has a beautiful finish that is perfect for stamping and coloring. I used Archival Jet Black ink to achieve this beautiful crisp look. Always make certain that your stamp pad is well inked for optimum results.

I then used Adirondack Pool and Slate ink, together with an ink blending tool to add a little definition to each "tile."

TIP: The border was created using the open scallop punch. Repeating your border punches or combining different punched edges can add so much interest to your card fronts.

 

Layering also adds interest! I LOVE the little "notes" that come with the Parisian Anthology line - they make creating a focal point so very easy. I simply punched the bottom edge to add interest and then layered a black Twinchie Square together with an Inchie + Square, a small doily (yes, our doilies are tiny and can be used so very easily on card fronts), and a portion of a leftover flourish from a different project.

TIP: Think about how you can divide up the larger pearl and rhinestone flourishes to add interest to card fronts. These are not just designed for scrapbook pages :-D

Inchies are GREAT for creating cards with spotlights, adding an easy focal point and bringing dimension to your card fronts!

 
stamps: Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology

ink: Jet Black Archival, Adirondack Dye - Pool and Slate

paper: Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology Notes, Tickets, Small Doily, Memory Box Notecards - Bayou and Pool, Licorice Cardstock

accessories: Inchie Arts - White 1" Squares, White Inchie + Squares (1 1/2"), Black Twinchie Squares (2"), EK Success Punches - Open Scallop and Deco Scallop

On the eighth day of Christmas my Inchie supply collection could grow by:

• Inchie Squares, White
• Inchie + Squares, Neutral
• Twinchie Squares, Black
• Inchie Idea cards
• Inkadinkado Inchie Clear Stamps, Morphic Patterns
• IB Candy Heart
• IB IB Rose Bouquet
• 1" Square Punch

 

To participate in this random drawing please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

Have you joined in the fun? Have you created an inchie or inchie inspired project? Leave us a comment and let us know how you use your "inchie" items (or any tiny items if you haven't "inchied" yet.)

With this post I am also putting out an Inchie INKling challenge for you to play along with! You have TWO WEEKS to become a member of our gallery and add a project (or more than one project if you are so inclined - the more projects the more opportunities you have to win) to our first INCHIE CHALLENGE in "the Gallery". There will be a fun surprise "in store" as we will be selecting a winner from these entries using a random number generator. So here is the challenge:

• create an inchie that uses black/white/and one color of your choice.
• rubber stamping must be a part of your entry and we would appreciate if you would use rubber stamp manufacturers that we carry in our store - Lockhart Stamp Company, Memory Box Company, Hero Arts, Stampers Anonymous, Claudine Hellmuth Creative Layers, 7 Gypsies, Pink Paislee, Maya Road, Webster's Pages, etc.
• You have until midnight PST January 16, 2011 to share your challenge entry. We will select the winner using a Random Number Generator from the entries at that time and post the winner on the gallery challenge as well as here on our blog.

Remember to visit the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings --- be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing!

• One Stampin' Treasure
• Two Melting Tools
• Three Copic Goodies
• 3 Stamps + 1 Color Sampler = Four Memory Box Treats
• Five treats from Claudine's Lines
• Six Sizzix Goodies
• Seven Alterable Items

12 Days of Christmas: Day 7 - One Little Word

One little word... Ali Edwards has shared this idea for the past several years. Ali has suggested that, "one little word can make a big impact in your life." This year I decided I would select a word. I thought about what word would be most appropriate for my life right now and settled on the word "purpose."
 

I decided to create a "purpose" book that I can work on throughout the year and so today as we celebrate the seventh day of Christmas with an "altered project" I completed my title page and first tag.

 

To make the background for the tag I wiped Pool Adirondack dye ink on my non-stick craft sheet. I then put a small dab of Stream Dimensional Pearls on the mat beside my ink and added water. Using my paint brush I then splattered the Dimensional Pearl mixture over the Pool ink as shown above.

I then laid my tag into this mixture and allowed it to dry.

 

To paint the foam layer of my image I went with a similar approach. This time I mixed a tiny amount of Modern Red Studio paint together with Red Pepper Dimensional Pearls. I inked my non-stick craft sheet with Red Pepper Adirondack dye ink and my paint mixture.

 

For the leaf I used Lettuce Adirondack Dye ink, a little Peeled Paint Distress Ink and Lettuce Dimensional Pearls. The sheen is so very pretty!

 

I wanted to add additional dimension to my painted surface and so I allowed the acrylic paints to dry. I then colored over the top of my acrylic painted images with Copic Markers. Isn't the additional depth fabulous!?!

 

To complete the tag I wanted to create a striped appearance to make journaling easier. Using tissue tape (it is SO easy to remove after inking!) I masked the bottom portion of the tag and used an ink blending tool and Pool ink to create tone-on-tone stripes.

 

Journaling was added by first lightly printing my words using a pencil and then using my 0.3 Copic Multiliner to finalize the words.
 

I was laughing at myself tonight as I shared this project with my family. I told them that it was a rather "cerebral" project, probably due to my exhaustion factor - LOL! They looked at me oddly and so I explained. I used the mirror as I "reflected" on why I had selected the word "purpose," and added the Eye Chart to help bring the year ahead into "focus."

I would like to encourage you to select a word that might help you move forward in the new year ahead. Then create some type of journal or art project that allows you to explore your word. My hope is to "live my life with purpose" in the year ahead. Thank you for once again joining me in this brand new year and decade.
 

stamps: Claudine Hellmuth Creative Layers Clear and Foam - Decor and Nature

ink: Adirondack Dye Ink Pads - Pool, Red Pepper, Lettuce, Butterscotch, Slate; Peeled Paint Distress Ink Pad; Jet Black Archival Ink; Copic Multiliner .3 Black, Copic Markers - YG25, YG95, R43, R46

paper: October Afternoon 8x8 Schoolhouse Paper Pad

accessories: Melissa Frances Envelope and Tag Book, Studio Line - Modern Red, Basic Black and Traditional Tag; Dimensional Pearls - Red Pepper, Stream, Lettuce, Butterscotch; Mini Mister, Ranger Inkssentials Opaque White Pen, Red Bakers Twine, 7 Gypsies Word Binding Rings, Facets

On the seventh day of Christmas (and the first day of the New Year - Happy New Year everyone!) by alterable items could be:

• 7 Gypsies 5x7 Ruban Book Cover
• Essentials by Ellen: Assorted Doilies
• Substrates, Board Book 8"
• Essentials by Ellen: Craft-a-Board
• Tim Holtz Configurations, 5.5 x 5.5
• Tim Holtz Traveler Tissue Tape
• Adirondack Color Wash, Lettuce

 

To participate in this random drawing please leave your answer to the following question as a comment to this post. Please limit yourself to one comment only for each goodie package. The last day to submit a comment to this post will be January 6th at Midnight. We will post the winners (which will be drawn using a Random Number Generator) for all twelve days on January 7th.

I would love to hear what word you have chosen, or might choose as the one word that will inspire you this coming year. Please share your word and if you would like you can share why you selected your word.

Remember to visit the following 12 Days of Christmas blog candy drawings --- be certain to post a comment to the question on each individual post to be included in that drawing!

• One Stampin' Treasure
• Two Melting Tools
• Three Copic Goodies
• 3 Stamps + 1 Color Sampler = Four Memory Box Treats
• Five treats from Claudine's Lines
• Six Sizzix Goodies