the CLASSroom

Hello, Monday 05.13.2013

(click on the pic to enbiggan)

Go bold, or go home, right?! *chortle*

This card was inspired by a dress I pinned on Pinterest: 

 

Source: news.stylecaster.com via Julie on Pinterest

I'd actually wear something like this.

 

 

Oh, for the love o' Pete, don't mess yer dress!!! I will spare you the horror of my blinding white bird legs! Sheesh!!!

Some tips for color-blocking, if you plan to heat emboss over the top of your paper:

• Really secure those panels of paper down to the typing paper; heat can cause some adhesives to loosen up and then the edges of your colored strips might curl up during the heating process
• For larger pieces, or to avoid smearing the embossing powder when trying to hang onto the panel during embossing, try placing it into a shoebox lid or shallow card board box
• Don't get so close or linger so long in any one spot that you scorch the paper; the embossing gun exceeds temps of 300 degrees
• Tilt the panel to SEE that you have indeed embossed all areas of the powder; all too often folks think they've embossed something completely, only to swipe their finger across it and all the embossing powder falls off! The surfaces should be raised and shiny/glossy, with no sandy or gritty looking areas. Use the embossing gun to spot heat any areas that didn't completely melt

 

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube! Thanks for subscribing to our channel!

Hope your Mundane is happy-happy-happy!

Finished dimensions of card:  4 x 5 1/2" (this card is top-folding)

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Impression Obsession Cling Background Stamp, Circle Fusion 2	Savvy Stamps, Happy Birthday	Ranger Embossing Powder, Clear	VersaMark Inkpad
Memento Ink Pad, Tuxedo Black	COPIC Sketch Marker 100, Black	EEE5 Cardstock, Lagoon	BBB Cardstock, Red Pepper
D5 Cardstock, Sunflower	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream	Studio Calico Snippets Wood Veneer, Chevrons
Shape 'N Tape, Black	Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag	Embossing Gun	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4 Squares (1/16 Thick)
Glue Glider Pro	Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Accents, Glossy	Tweezers, Stainless
EKSuccess Adhesive Remover Tool	Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"

InLinkz.com

 

 

Tribal Trends by Julie Ebersole

I'm sure you've noticed the tribal trends that have been resurfacing throughout 2012 not only in fashion and home decor, but also in paper crafts!

I've never been one to really sport animal or geometric prints in my wardrobe (Alright, alright!!! I will confess to owning some soft grey leopard spotted flannel pajamas...), however, the modernized way this trend has been updated intrigues me and even if it's something I might not ever wear (out on the street, cuz I have zero fashion sense...), it's fun to experiment with these kinds of prints and patterns with your paper crafts!

{image credit}

This gorgeous image from Pinterest.com caught my eye and I was instantly drawn to the rug--so striking!  I love the generous expanses of white accented by little splashes of bold color and the dramatic look the zebra stripe pattern gives the entire room! *swoonage*

This, of course, inspired me to pull out the latest addition to my Cover-a-Card Background stamps: Zebra

I love the fact that I can call all the shots with background stamps like these--if I want PINK zebra stripes all I need to do is swap ink colors--I'm limited only by the number of ink pad colors at my disposal! *fist pump*

If you find mixing and matching patterns challenging, like I do, take baby steps! The only pattern you'll find on my finished project is the Zebra print; the rest is simply the subtle textures found in the embellishments (Black Glaze pen on the Savvy Stamps Brush Flower Head) and linen/canvas weaves of the solid papers used for the rest of the card!

Enjoy the video here or in HD on YouTube!

Have you thought about incorporating any tribal trends into your projects? What do you find intriguing about these particular trends?

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Supplies & Materials:

Savvy Stamps, Brush Flower Head	Impression Obsession Cover-a-Card Cling Stamp, Zebra	Mega Mount Acrylic Stamp Handle	Memento Ink Pad, Love Letter
Memento Ink Pad, Gray Flannel	A Cardstock, Essentials by Ellen: White Linen #100 Cardstock, 25 Pack	EEE3 Cardstock, Pool	Core'dinations Cardstock, Adirondack Collection
A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, 25 pack	A1 Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, Ream	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack	A Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Ream
Paper Trimmer, Tonic Guillotine 8 1/2"	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Honey Bee Non Stick Scissors	Glue Glider Pro
Glue Glider Pro Plus Refill, High Tac 58'	Ornare Piercing Pad	3D-Dots, 1/16" Thick	3D-Dots, 1/8" Thick
Tweezers, Stainless	Glaze Pen, Black, 2 pk

InLinkz.com

Designing with Neon by Julie Ebersole

When I was a teenager back in the '80s, neon was hot! I must admit to being intimidated when the trend came back into vogue this year... But, then I took it as a challenge to stretch creatively! :)

Probably one of the easiest ways to interject these hot new colors into your projects is by playing with inks, like the new Hero Arts Neon Inks! It took some experimentation to find the right combinations that I was satisfied with, so don't worry if your initial attempts leave you feeling a bit unsure--I look at it as part of the process. :)

Even so, I do have some tips to share that will hopefully guide you on the quest to incorporate this fun trend into your paper crafting!

And, be sure to enbiggan the pics by clicking on them!

For me the biggest rule of thumb, when it comes to neon, is that less equals more; use it sparingly!

This design features two neon speech bubbles, flanked on the right by a more subdued, yet still bright "pool" color of blue.  It compliments the neon orange and pink quite nicely, without overwhelming or competing, as do the birds stamped simply in black ink.

Partner neon with a neutral hue, such as grey. In the above example, the soft grey (it's actually called "Cloudy Blue", but it stamps "grey") color used on the alpha letters acts as a counter-balance to the vivid neon orange and yellow scattered dots. A little bit of Crystal Stickles also reflects the color and enhances the overall effect in a very light and airy way!

Use neon colors with patterned border stamps (Chevron - My Happy by Hero Arts/Studio Calico, Polka Dots - Geo-Graphic by Paper Smooches, Zig Zag Stitching - Sew Artsy by Hero Arts)--it will give great "pop"! The white spacing gives some breathing room to the neon hues; a black base card and some black accents also help ground the design and keep it from being overly dominating. I think this makes a great teen card, or just even fun for a guy card!

Want a dramatic blended effect? Sponge neon hues onto white card stock, allowing them to overlap and mix, creating additional hues--this combo would make a fantastic sunset effect on a scenic design as well! The white popped up flowers (Sew Me Flowers - Hero Arts) offer a nice contrast to the neon backdrop.

Try stamping a neon hue with a large background stamp (Square Pattern Background, Clippings Collection by Basic Grey/Hero Arts) directly over the top of another color--this example above features neon pink atop a non-neon mandarin orange colored card stock.  Neon pink and green washi tapes (from my stash) accent the design, and the focal sentiment is stamped in full-on neon pink, and subtly edged with neon orange.

This simple design was inspired by a Letterpress card I had seen--the Citrus ink is not necessarily neon, but when paired with the Neon pink, the combo offers a refreshing jolt--I love that it makes me sit up and take notice! The "Thank You" banner by Savvy could also have been stamped with the Neon pink, and then the panel mounted to a neon pink base card if I'd had one on hand; I must admit to being particularly fond of green, however--green just seems to go so well with practically every other color on the planet. ;)

Thanks for joining me in the CLASSroom today and I hope today's post sparks some fun ideas for turnin' up the neon in your projects!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS

STAMPS: Telephone Lines by Impression Obsession; He Said/She Said, Geo-Graphic by Paper Smooches; My Happy by Studio Calico/Hero Arts; Sew Artsy, Many Birthday Wishes, This Is Big , Sew Me Flowers by Hero Arts; Square Pattern Background, Clippings Collection by Basic Grey/Hero Arts; Monogram Alphabet by My Favorite Things; "have a wonderful...[birthday]" and Scattered Dots by Savvy Stamps

INKS: Neon Pink, Orange, Yellow by Hero Arts; Adirondack Cloudy Blue, Pool, Citrus by Archival Black by Ranger; Mistery Huey's Mist in Inky Black; Copic Marker in YG23 New Leaf

PAPERS:  Neenah Solar White (25 sheet pack or ream); Key Lime by Memory Box; Pool and Sunshine Layering Papers by Hero Arts; Black Card Stock

EMBELLISHMENTS: Crystal and Lime Green Stickles; Washi Tapes (from my stash)

TOOLS: 1 3/4" Circle Punch

OTHER: 3D Dots; Round Sponges (quartered)

Thank You Blocks by Kim Hughes

Color blocking is a timeless look that I took advantage of today when creating my card.  

 

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Butterscotch

Hero Arts: Cling Messages, Set of 3, Gemstones, Small Blossom, Fancy Felt, Buttons,Spring, Gemstones, Smooth Clear Round, Art Flowers, White & Cream, Card Buttons, Flowers

Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, Garden Variety, Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, Delovely, Cosmo Cricket Buttons, Garden Variety

Inchie + Squares, White

Dew Drops Bottle, Plumeria

Maya Road: Ribbon, Ruffle Edge Trim, Cream, Mini Chipboard Set, Houses

Vintaj: Bead Cap, Blossom 6mm

Basic Grey Woolies, Sugar Rush

inchies are so perfect for this.  Cover them with paper, paint on them, stamp on them...have fun!

 

Use the squares as temporary building blocks to work around
 

punch a butterfly, embellish a cute metal flower and cover a house chipboard shape with paper to represent an arrow
 

cut down a clear clock and tuck into a corner
 

embellish the yellow square with a clear flower button...and the flower with a sweet dew drop

change up the colors...or create a monochromatic look!

Have a BLAST!!

"Super" Dad card by Kim Hughes

I only say "super" because this card is more than an ordinary card.  It's an accordion shape which means that it's technically a mini album or brag book.  But this little nugget can be carried proudly around in a wallet as well.  Well, maybe if Dad empties everything in it, but none the less, he can carry it around with ease if he likes.

Supplies:

Arturo Cards and Envelopes, White

Jenni Bowlin: Journaling Cards, Homespun, Mini Die Cut Circle Label Papers

Tim Holtz, Grungeboard, Minis 5"x8" Sheets 7/Pkg

Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, The Boyfriend, Cosmo Cricket 6" Mini Deck Paper Pad, Garden Variety, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Stickers, Black

COPIC Sketch Marker R27, Cadmium Red

Basic Grey Buttons, Eerie

You will need 3 Arturo envelopes for this project.  One to make the accordion shape and another to use as a template and frame.

 

This is how the two envelopes will be adhered to one another.  One one side there are 3 pockets and on the reverse side, there are 3 solid sides.
 

Cut the third envelope in half and cut a frame from it.  Cut down clear plastic the same size to create a photo frame.
 

stitch along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open to slip a photo in and out.  Then you can adhere both folded envelopes together
 

Take the second half of the envelope and cut off the "pocket" piece and use it as a template.

trace it onto patterned paper and add it to the posket sides of the album

 

Insert polka dot papers onto the back sides of the album, behind the pockets.
 

To create the cute embellishments, simple color grungeboard shapes with a Copic marker
 

I added a punched circle to the larger star to help bring the color around to the inside of the project.
 

Here is the reverse side.  I added papers to the left panel...the center is the photo frame panel that I created with the envelope frame and clear sheet.  I used a Jenni Bowlin journal spot for the cover.  I wanted a little more "personality" in the focal square, so I cut down a circle paper
 

I added a "dad" sentiment along with some accent buttons

wrap it in a ribbon and tie a knot in front.  It's much easier than you may think.  Just in time for Father's Day!  I included a Starbuck's gift card in the center pocket, but you can replace that with more photos or maybe a little note from your kids to Dad?  That left panel that has paper on it can be a photo mat...you may have more than 2 children like me...or possibly include a photo of you or your pet?

Back To Basics: stamping by Kim Hughes

Welcome to the CLASSroom!  We've all been new to stamping at some point and it sure can be intimidating, but it's easier than you may think.  Here are some pointers that I hope will help get you started.  First of all, you will need at least 2 shades of brown and black ink...these are must have's when starting out.

Supplies:

EEE2 Cardstock, Robin's Egg, H1 Notecards and Envelopes, Mocha

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Ginger, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black

COPIC Sketch Marker B00, Frost Blue

Webster's Pages Petite Papers Paperpad, Home for the Holidays & Winter's Wings

Cornish Heritage Farms: Rummage Bin, On the Desk PRECUT, Scrapblock, Old Typewriter, Kim Hughes, Zooper Fun

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

Art Flowers, White & Cream

Say it in Studs, Pastels

VersaMark Inkpad

Heat It Craft Tool

Embossing Powder, Clear

 

This technique was hard to photograph as I was doing it, but here's the gist...use the tip of all 3 ink pads and dab them randomly onto the rubber stamp.  Start with the lightest color, then medium and finish with black.  Press the paper onto the rubber stamp and rub over the entire surface with your finger.  If you are worried about getting your fingers inky...place scrap paper on top of your paper and press onto the top paper.  The effect that you will get is a pattern that's multi-colored.
 

Stamp the vintage typewriter in the center and embellish with some twine and an elegant sticker. 

To make sure I get a bold impression with a stamp, like in this case, the typewriter, I press the stamp onto the ink pad and turn it a bit, making sure that the ink gets in all of the grooves. 

 

The next card consists of a custom background that I created using multiple stamps from one stamp set.  I am using the same 3 colors but alternating them.
 

I start by stamping with all 3 colors and then working around the paper, making sure take balance into account. 
 

as you can see here, there;s black in 5 areas, but they aren't over powering the other 3 colors.
 

I placed the paper onto a solid brown base and added a graphic feel with a bold border that I created with a thick black marker.  Embellished with an elegant sticker.
 

stamping a Scrapblock or Backgrounder with ink is the easiest way to create custom patterned paper, but there are also other fun ways to use a patterned stamp. 
 

dab the stamp with a foam pad and make sure to dab harder in the center and softer around the edges.
 

Press your paper onto the stamp...and you will find that you have a soft and faded pattern.
 

stamp the journal spot and sentiment in the lower right hand corner and cut a scrap patterned paper.  You can easily replace the Webster's paper with a stamped paper from a Scrapblock or Backgrounder pattern.
 

Ink the edges first with Espresso.  Rub the ink in heavier on the edges and press lighter as you come inward.
 

and come further in on the paper with the ginger ink.  This will give the paper a soft and smoky distressed edge,
 

draw a line on the back of brown card stock
 

and cut a scalloped edge with decorative scissors.  Align the scalloped edge on the line.
 

embellish with a flower and pearl
 

Cornish Heritage Farms also have cute images as well as the vintage ones that I just showcased.
 

after stamping the elephant, I colored the entire image with B00...note that the color appears more teal than blue...that's because I am coloring on cream paper and not white card stock. Take note of the base paper because that will determine what tone your marker will be.
 

Instead of using multiple shades of blue, simply go over the image multiple times where you would like shading to be placed.
 

stamp sentiment onto the same colored paper and cut around it.  Cut a paper strip to resemble ribbon.
 

loop the ribbon and attach onto the back of the sentiment block and add dimensional foam squares

 

Next I will sow how easy heat embossing is.  Use a Versamark pad to stamp the elephant on the entire paper surface.
 

Pour clear embossing powder over the entire image and tap off excess powder.  Heat with a heat gun until you see the image become clear.

 

now that you have created a subtle, cute background using a single stamp, you can create an accent the same way.  Heat emboss the elephant onto brown paper.
 

Face the circle punch facing up and punch around the brown elephant.
 

embellish with a playful button.  This is the type of card that is appreciated in person, since it's hard to see ion certain light.
 

Paper piecing with stamped images is easy.  Stamp your image onto patterned paper...and cut along the outer line.
 

if your image had multiple parts, you could piece one pattern over the other.
 

to add a subtle brown frame, a pen line is cleanest, however, you can also ink the edges but it will look more distressed
 

add some dimensional squares behind the elephant and this guys cuteness says it all.

Stamping really is so much FUN...so I hope if you haven't tried it before that I may have answered some questions that you might have had.  Practice makes perfect.  Make sure to practice on scrap paper

ahhh, paper roses by Kim Hughes

I've seen gorgeous flower tutorials for ages, but I thought I'd try to create some in my own way.  I think this may require a little more patience than ones I have seen, but I think the result is beautiful.
 
supplies:

Silk Ribbon, Ivory 1 1/4" wide by the Yard

Basic Grey Collection Pack, Sugar Rush, Basic Grey Woolies, Sugar Rush

Memory Box: Happy Birthday stamp, B1 Notecards and Envelopes, Cotton Candy, EE Notecards and Envelopes, Endive

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Watermelon, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Butterscotch

Hero Arts stamp:Cling Reversed Flowers and Leaves

I started by stamping the floral pattern onto 3 different orange papers.  The pattern is oh' so subtle, but I didn't want it to over power the pattern on the paper.

I then positioned my circle dies so that it will cut a ring.  Use the second size down from the larger size.  I cut 3 rings in 3 different sizes.
 

Once all 3 rings are die cut, cut a slit with scissors in each
 

then bend each ring in the center with your fingers (crumple them up a tiny bit, but be careful not to tear the paper since it is thin.  I inked the edges with the same colored ink.  Use a darker color ink for more contrast
 

start rolling the paper, white side down
 

as you roll, apply a sturdy liquid glue that dries fairly fast. 
 

keep rolling and bending so that the paper butts up against itself.  It gets difficult because you are trying to be gentle not to tear the paper, but gluing as you go along and rolling at the same time. 
 

sorry for the blurred image, but this is how it will look.  It's fairly flat but it will make it easy to adhere to your project.
 

Since I used 3 different sized rings, I have 3 different sized roses.  I attached them with a dimensional foam square and embellished with a felt leaf sticker (that packs a punch)

I stamped the sentiment, wrapped silk ribbon around the bottom and embellished with a felt heart sticker.

Try this technique with fabric, ribbon or other papers.  Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Vintage Page by Kim Hughes

I don't make nearly as many layouts as I used to, so I decided to dabble a bit.  Creating scrapbook layouts really are so fulfilling to me and I plan to create many more this month.  I pulled out products that spoke to me first and searched for a coordinating photo.  I know that many designers work in the opposite direction.  They start with the fun photo and coordinate around that.  I love creating that way as well..there is no right and wrong way and everyone can scrapbook, seriously.  So, if you are new to it, maybe you could start with a 6 x 6 size and work your way up to 12 x 12.

Supplies:

Inchie + Squares, White

Ranger: Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Lettuce, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Espresso

Jenni Bowlin: Rhinestone Buttons, Black

Studio 490, Art from the Heart, Studio 490, Art Rules

Maya Road: Trinket Pins, Vintage Pearl

Graphic 45: Le' Romantique, My Beloved, Le' Romantique, Tender Missives, Le' Romantique, Loves Labyrinth, Botanicabella, Tags, Botanicabella, Secret Garden, Botanicabella, Garden Suite

Pearls, Champagne

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

I started out with the decision that I would create a "frame" for my small photo to give it more of an impact.  Inchies are perfect tiles that can easily be customized to coordinate with any project, plus they add dimension.

 

I inked up the large stamp first, alligned up my frame and pressed the stamp onto the squares at the same time.
 

I then added a soft touch to the edges with brown ink.  It gives them a vintage look, but they also look "clean" because they are not overly distressed.
 

I chose some scraps for accent papers (the edges are inked as well)  Scraps from 12 x 12 layouts are wonderful to use on a card....always keep that in mind.
 

I decided to cut down the polka dots a bit by dding a large mat to the bottom of the page.  I cut a decorative edge in the top to add interest. 
 

I then pushed the papers and tag accents around until I was please with each placement.
 

Before I adhered my paper and accents, I stamped a fun border
 

Graphic 45 has the most gorgeous rosebud paper, so I decided to cut some out to use as accents.
 

Once I added my cut flowers to the page, I embellished my tag with twine and a push pin.
 

Finishing touches include pearl stickers and a vintage button
 

I added touches to the top of the page to balance it out.

I added a touch of glitter with a glitter pen, and before it could set, I rubbed it around with my finger, the result is subtle, but sweet in person.

I will go back and add my title and journal at a later time.  This s a photo of my Mom, who is dear to me, so I will keep the details private.  I hope that I have encouraged you to create a scrapbook page.

Have you thought about creating pages as a gift.  leave a frame for a photo, include letter stickers, a journal block and pen maybe?  You could add to their album through the year and have them "fill in the blanks"

Thanks for stopping by :)

door hang gift idea by Kim Hughes

Have you created some hand crafted gift items for Christmas yet?  Here's your chance to make something special that is super easy to create.  This would make a great gift for just about anyone.  Hang this on a door, bulletin board or a refrigerator. 

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Cranberry

Basic Grey Bling It Individual Rhinestone Squares, Nutmeg/Curry, I used some Basic Grey from my stash, but this product would be a great alternative: Basic Grey Bling It Rhinestones Lotus, Tangerine, Basic Grey Take Note, Indian Summer, Basic Grey 6x6 Patterned Paper Pad, Nook and Pantry

Twill, White

Backgrounder, Leaves

Martha Stewart Craft Punch, Classic Butterfly

Start by punching a hole in the transparency and die cut paper and then punching a ring out of yellow paper to go at the top.  You can use a die cutting machine or punches, but keep in mind that your punch may not go through the transparency, so you may need to cut the circle out with scissors.

Mat the photo with green paper.  I chose green so that it would stand out from the other colors.  It has the same tones as the others, so it blends well.

 

Tuck the photo under the punched circle and cut off the area that is sticking out.
 

adhere the photo to the paper base.
 

add a punched butterfly accent and some Basic Grey bling to the center of the flower and circles on the transparency.
 

Ink the leaf patterned stamp and press the twill onto it.  Press it onto the stamp with your fingers.
 

move down the stamp and ink a long strip of twill.  The good thing about this is that you can easily see where the ink left off.  Continue down the entire stamp.
 

your customized leaf twill will look like this.
 

String it through and tie a bow. 
 

Lastly, punch another butterfly and add to the knot in the bow.

Instead of making a door hang, add this creation to a 6 x 6 piece of paper for a mini scrapbook page.  make one with all of your kids and give them to family members.  Add a wedding photo and give it as a mini gift.  The whole pack of Basic Grey "Take Notes" are wonderful to use for this gift idea.

Sparkling Trees by Kim Hughes

Since I recently moved to Arizona from a place that had all 4 seasons, it's hard for me to realize that winter is coming (or has already arrived in some places).  The weather is more fall like for us, so I was inspired to create this card.  BUT, it can be easily conformed to fit any season or occasion.   Simply change the color scheme and voila..it's the perfect card for any time of year.

Supplies:

Basic Grey Buttons, Nook and Pantry

Gemstones, Small Blossom

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids

Ranger: Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Salmon, Distressed Stickles, Dried Marigold, Stickles, Fruit Punch, Distressed Stickles, Antique Linen, Distressed Stickles, Old Paper

Memory Box Tree Border, B1 Notecards and Envelopes, Cotton Candy, E8 Notecards and Envelopes, Dill

CHF Backgrounder, Wood Grain, Mona Lisa Moments, Motivational Centers

start by creating your own patterned paper by stamping a wood grain pattern onto your card base with a slightly darker colored ink color than the paper.

 

Stamp the tree border at the bottom and we will build from here.

 

The Stickles applicator can come out pretty fast sometimes, so I chose to use the eraser end of a mechanical pencil to apply the liquid glitter.  Apply Stickles to the end and dab onto the trees.  Experiment and cover the entire tree top or apply sparingly to make it look like leaves have fallen.

Allow plenty of time to dry before touching.  Once the small dots of glittered color have dried, go back and add some flower sparkle gems and some larger dabs of glitter Stickles.

 

Complete the card by adding a graphic element to the bottom...in this case, a bold piece of solid card stock to balance out the color.  Stamp the sentiment to the left with the same ink as the tree border and balance the weight with 3 accent buttons on top.  I added some Stickles to the larger button to help draw your eye up the left side of the card.  Finish off with colored twine through the button holes and along the tree line.

Create this card in blue hues and add sparkling silver to the trees...ohhh, I can only imagine how beautiful that would look!  You can mass produce this concept for your holiday cards, just leave off the bulk.  The design is strong enough to stand on it's own without the extra dimension.

Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Halloween Greetings by Kim Hughes

Happy 9/9/09 :)

I get excited about Halloween when I see all of the aisles of candy in stores, so I thought I'd create a card to prepare us for such a fun holiday.  I realize that it's a  not a huge card giving holiday, but why not, right?

Supplies:

 

Craft-a-Board

 

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

 

Memory Box 6x6 Cardstock, Dewfrost, Memory Box 6x6 Cardstock, Twilight

 

Halloween Greetings

 

Web Crawler Memory Box stamp (web and spider on one stamp)

 

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black,

 

Dew Drops Bottle, Cowboy

 

other:

 

Buttons

 

Cut Craft a board and Stamp pad foam to the same size as the web stamp.

 

 

Heat the grey side of the Stamp Pad Foam with a heat gun.  I heated it for about 1 minute.  Press the red rubber stamp onto the hot pad.

 

 

Once you lift the stamp, ink the entire surface with Pitch Black ink

 

 

Press the foam stamp onto the craft a board.  By creating a foam stamp, you are creating a reversed image of the original.

 

 

then use the white side of the Stamp Pad Foam to ink the edges of the craft a board.

 

...until it looks a bit "spooky"

 

then use some paper scraps to design your card.  Stamp sentiment in the lower right corner

 

 

And then use the same foam pad to chalk the edges with pitch black ink.

 

 

Assemble the card and add 2 button accents to anchor the main panel.  I added some machine stitching to add interest.  Stamp a spider accent next to the sentiment and add a dew drop to the spider's body (I think it looks eerily real, but it adds such a fun touch)  As I sit back to look at the finished card, it reminds me of Charlott's web as she hangs out in the barn.  This card will be mailed out to someone, for sure...are you with me?

 

Thank you for joining me today.  :)

Summer Collage by Kim Hughes

I'd like to show you how to make the most out of a stamp set.  By layering images with different colors, you can create an interesting scene with lots of interest.  Some designers like to mask off images, but I like to show the entire image and create a collage look.

 

Supplies;

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Aqua, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Peach Bellini, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Lettuce, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Cranberry, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Butterscotch

General Motors, The Beach, Kim Hughes, Summer Trees (Cornish Heritage Farms)

Dew Drops Bottle, Plumeria

D Cardstock, Eggshell, E5 Cardstock, Key Lime (Memory Box)

Basic Grey Buttons, Lime Rickey

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids

 

I start by placing images face up to see where they can overlap.  Remember that they will face the other way once you stamp them.

Next, choose what ink colors to use.  The images that have center stage, should have the boldest colors.  In this card's case, the car and sentiment should stand out above the rest.  Most ink colors should be soft or light

 

I start stamping the side that will anchor the other images.  In this case, I will move from right to left

 

 

I felt that it needed a little something to "anchor" the scene, so I added some clouds.

 

I added a machine stitch around the card and embellished with 2 clear buttons to compliment the Dew Drop used on the sun.  This is what the inside of my card looks like.  I always secure m stitch with a foam square and tape my ribbons or string onto the inside of the card.

 

I hope that you will give this look a try.

Have a great day!

 

Door Hang by Kim Hughes

I think it's fun to create cute door hangs to display on the outside of children's room, plus,they make great gifts!  They can also hang from a dresser drawer handle, on your front door or on a wall as home decor.  I chose the shorter version of my daughter's name, but rather than names, you can add words like: hello, welcome, keep out etc.

 

Supplies:

Nestability Dies - Circle, Standard Large

Biscotti Cardstock, Collection (Memory Box)

Basic Grey Buttons, Lime Rickey

Other:

Butterfly Spellbinders Nestability

 

start with the 3 smallest circle dies  

Once each circle is punched out, create a ring by running the dies through the machine once again with the smaller die in the center

 

You should have 4 colors with each color having 2 different sized rings.

 

use the small circles to create a loose pattern onto a white 5 x 5 piece of paper.

 

Cut each ring once

 

loop them together, making sure to cover the cut with the next ring, giving it a finished look.

  

create a playful pattern.   Cut more rings if you choose to cover the entire piece of paper.  Once you are satisfied with the look, crop the paper.

 

I chose a red accent so that would stand out from the base paper.

 

I like butterflies to have thin middles, so I cut the die to look the way I like it.

 

add a button to the center, letter stickers and a handle to complete your project..

 

Thank you for joining me.  Hope you have a wonderful day :)

Scrapping my "Sassy Sisters"

My favorite Disney park is Epcot. I have to admit that I love roaming from "country" to "country" and studying the architecture and tile work. I also enjoy listening to the diversity of the languages spoken and music played. Mostly though, I enjoy taking pictures of my girls in each unique setting. So here are my two "Sassy Sisters."

 

As we toured Epcot on our last trip back in November 2007 I was particularly taken with the tile work in both Morroco and Mexico. I snapped these pictures knowing that someday I wanted to add them to an album of some sort. I also knew that this style of art would someday be made popular, especially with Henna and Tattoo art what it is right now. So when I arrived at the Basic Grey booth in Anaheim I nearly started jumping up and down when I saw the Marrakech line! I knew exactly what I wanted those papers for - these scrapbook pages Ü

 

To create this two page layout I began by printing my photos on to Sticky Back Canvas. I felt that the texture would add a raw, natural feel to these pages. I then cut out the pictures and pulled the threads away from the edge of the canvas pieces to give it a slightly frayed appearance.

Next I needed to determine my layout. I am most certainly not a very good scrapper and so I took out a sketch pad and quickly tried to figure out a layout that would work for two photos. I lucked in to the fact that my girls are actually facing one another in these pictures and this helped make it easier to determine a layout.

I decided to use the same sketch on my layouts, only changing the direction of the accent papers. By placing Trina's papers horizontally it left a nice spot for my journal box. I added just a slight amount of color to the flower on the box using my Prismacolor pencils. I am always self-conscious about my handwriting, but decided that my printing was OK to use. How many of you wish that you wrote cursive more often? If you don't use it I think perhaps you lose it - at least that's what I am finding. Being I type so fast I typically will type things and so I am finding that my handwriting needs some practice Ü

I discovered that the Meadow Art Flowers look fabulous with the Marrakech line and so I added a glazed brad together with flowers to finish the visual triangle on this page.

 

I worked on these pages simultaneously and I must admit that I like the strength of this triangle so much more than the previous one. Needless to say I think that I still have a learning curve to overcome on my scrap pages Ü

Tip: Alter what you have! Using some chipboard letters added strength to the title. Being the red color just wasn't right and I had no other letters that were the correct size I did what all good papercrafters do - I altered what I had. I simply sanded the bright red off the surface of these letters, grabbed my Studio paints and mixed up the correct color. I then painted my letters to coordinate beautifully. Believe it or not, this took less than five minutes! I love the fact that I can just quickly alter what I need now that I have these paints at my finger tips.

Adding a couple more glazed brads together with flowers and my pages were complete. I am so thrilled with them that I am thinking of hanging them on my office wall. It is sorely lacking decor! I think it is due time for some frames that I can change out my scrappy artwork on a whim Ü

Thanks for joining me in this new little adventure of 6"x6" page layouts. It is something I have been wanting to do, especially because I do have such "sassy" little picture takers in my home - LOL! I would love to hear from you! Would you like for me to continue doing scrappy pages now and then, or would you prefer that I stick to cards? It's two projects in a row (the other is on Inchie INKlings) that I have shared pages and I most definitely do not want to disappoint you when you come to read my posts. 

Somebirdy Special by Debbie Olson

It's cold and snowy here tonight--what better reason to stamp a spring card? I chose the Kim Hughes Pretty Birds set and some Basic Grey Urban Prairie paper, neither of which I had played with before. I stamped the bird and branch in Memento black ink, and then colored him with the following Copic markers: W1 and BG11 layered, YG03, E55, E57, and YR21(with the Copic Airbrush System).

After coloring the bird and branch, I cut and embossed the image with a Plain Nestability Square die, leaving the image in the die for the next step. I then stamped a bird mask on Eclipse paper, trimmed it, and applied it to the bird before airbrushing the focal image with a Copic YR21. (I didn't need to mask the branch or leaf because a bit of pale yellow wasn't going to hurt them. It would have made the bird look green, however.)

This is what the bird looked like after I removed its mask, and before I added the dimensional wing. TIP: When you trim a mask, always trim very closely--right on the inked edges. If you cut on the outside of the inked line, you will generally leave a little white space between your image and the airbrushed background.

Next I used a punch (SU) to create a track for the ribbon to run through my focal image. TIP: When you need a tied ribbon to lie in a certain direction, keep in mind that you can always tie the bow separately and attach it with a mini glue dot, saving time and patience! I added the little pink pearls on the upper right to help balance out the ribbon on the lower left.  Although I tried several positions for my sentiment on the outside of the card, it seemed to distract and create imbalance. Finally I stamped "Somebirdy Special" on the inside of the card.

Spring may be a long way off in reality, but on my desk, it has arrived! Thanks for visiting.

Debbie Olson, for the CLASSroom

Vintage Signage and Juxtaposing Textures

One of my favorite elements of design is texture. As an interior designer I would juxtapose rustic, almost country elements against the smooth elements of contemporary design. When done right the final look was always beautiful. I think that this love can totally be translated into the paper arts. Today's creation reminds me of the same contrast in textural elements.

 

I began with two key supplies - Basic Grey's Wassail papers, brads and buttons and Rummage Bin Winter Vintage Signage.

 

I began by inking the focal image with Memento Rich Cocoa except for the sleigh itself.

 

I then used a warm red chalk ink to selectively ink only the sleigh. As you can see in these photos this is a technique that is quick and easy. I wasn't worried about the slight overlap in color being I was looking for a distressed look.

 

I then added the border to this "sign" using Distress Embossing Powder. The grainy texture of this embossing powder gives a feel of wood.

 

I then added just a little more depth to the color of the sleigh with Prismacolor Color Pencils.

 

I have seen so many beautiful combinations of brads and buttons and decided to give it a try. The brads that Basic Grey designs have too large a prong to fit through the button holes. I spread the prongs open and then used my Tonic Scissors to trim the prong back to half it's width. Please be certain to wear safety glasses and be cautious if you try this technique being the prongs become quite sharp when brought to such a fine point. It is almost like using tin snips and it is important to keep your eyes covered just in case a piece of metal pops off while cutting.

 

I then inserted the brad through the glossy button and then through the felt snowflake.

 

Once my card was completely put together I added a clear glaze to the surface of my sleigh to once again add a high shine and smooth surface right next to the distressed wood border. When covering such small surfaces the glaze is so well controlled when using this pen.

 

Look at all the amazing texture in this one little square.

• Rough Texture - Cuttlebug Swiss embossed Crimson Note Card, Distress Embossing Powder, Felt Snowflake, Red and Green Hemp
• Smooth Texture - Button, Brad, Sleigh and smooth papers

Think about texture and contrasting the smooth and rough textures the next time you create a card. It might help push you into a new way of looking at your creative process.