Thursday, March 24, 2011

Two More Challenge Cards

This card was made for TLC316 ~ Let's make a Trellis~ on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge is to make a card featuring a homemade trellis. My trellis was made with my Cricut Expression and Sure Cuts A Lot software. It is a free svg file found here. I used SCAL to resize it to fit the card and then cut it out with my Cricut. Then I applied 3 layers of Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE) this gave it a backyard trellis look I think...what do you think? Then I added the flowers a pretty ribbon, the tag and bow and voila! Hope you like it!






My second card was made for TLC317 ~ Newsworthy ~ (03/21/11) which challenged us to make a card featuring newspaper somewhere in the design. I chose to use it as my main focus along with Hero Arts Clings stamp; poppy background. I used the embossed resist technique and think it turned out rather nicely, don't you?

Sunday, March 20, 2011

I HAVE BEEN M.I.A But Busy!

Hey there! Is there anybody out there still?
It's been a while since I posted, time can really get away from you sometimes!

Even though I haven't posted I have been creating! Here are some of the cards I have created! I hope to get back into regular posting now.

This card is one that I made for the technique lovers challenge - TLC314 ~ Handmade Tickets ~ (2/28/11) ( 1 2) at SplitCoastStampers. Splitcoast is one of the best resources on the internet for paper crafters. I have been a member since I first started stamping in the fall of 2006.

The challenge was to make a card featuring a homemade ticket.

Card Recipe

Image – digi-stamp from Sassy Cheryls called Loves Healing Hands, she also has a version with a little boy. The coupon stamp is a $1.50 stamp that I purchased at Michael's. I have just started using Digital Stamps and find I enjoy the ease of access to new images and the adaptability of them in that you can change the size. The only thing that I have found a challenge is colouring them. They pick up ink from my printed image I have tried Copics and watercolour pencils but it happens with both mediums. If anybody has found a way around this, please let me know!

Paper – The paper company

Techniques – colouring with copics, distressing

Tools – Copics, Cricut Expression, Sure Cuts A Lot. Embellies – ribbon, button, fibre.

Hope you like it!

My next cards are ones that I made for the VSN at Splitcoaststampers. VSN stands for Virtual Stamp Night and they are lots of fun. This was the first one that I had a chance to participate in a very long time and it sure feels good to be back!

My thank you card was made for the first challenge of the night - FEB11VSNA - A Heart Start! The challange was hosted by Denise who is known on Splitcoast as Resqbarbie and it was a sketch challange.

 Here is the sketch:


Denise is a New York State Certified Paramedic. She designed her sketch to get your heart pumping with 4 chambers just like your heart!

We could use any shape we wanted but had to make sure we kept the four chambers.

I was thinking about things that get your heart pumping and at once, I thought of coffee, my favourite beverage as well as my nemesis! I have this great set of stamps that I think I have only used once. So I pulled them out and inked them up and here is what I came up with!


My Card Recipe:

Stamps – Coffee Break Set – A Muse

Paper – Recollections- spice market

Tools – Slice, Gel pens

The background was stamped all over with the coffee bean stamp from the A Muse Set. I used my slice to cut out the squares and the sentiment panel. The images are coloured with gel pens and I embellished with crystal hearts in keeping with the theme.

Hope you like it!


The next VSN Challenge was hosted by LuvLee & Ashley FEB11VSNB - Heart Song which was an inspiration challenge. They challenged us to be inspired by out "Heart Song" which in my case was my Wedding song – Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk.

The first concert George and I went to, along with my son Joshua, was Chantal Kreviazuk. At that time she was just becoming known with her song Leaving on a jet plane. At the end of the concert she introduced her newest song, "Feels Like Home." It was at that point, holding hand with George that I knew that we were together for life and I really had found my home.

Years later when we were married there was no doubt in my mind what song would be playing as I walked down the hallway of my home to stand in front of the fireplace next to my soon to be Husband. By the time I reached my destination there was not a dry eye amongst the 50 plus people we had managed to squeeze into the living room on that December evening, including George. I peaked sideways at him to see tears rolling down his cheek. I was definitely home.


My card reflects all that the best I could. The house in winter nestled in amongst snowflakes softly falling behind it and hearts puffing happily out of the chimney. It has been 8 years now and I still feel that way, if anything I love him even more.

My Card Recipe –

No stamps!

Image – Cricut and Sir Cuts A lot with Free SVG file I found on the net.

Paper – recollections and AC Speciality paper (Silver Foil)

Tequnique – die cutting and embossing, Tools – Cricut Expression, Sir Cuts A Lot, Cuttlebug, Embellies – ribbon and glitter.

Well that is enough for now! I still have a couple of more cards to share and I will soon! I think I have thrown enough at you for one day!


Be Happy and Be Kind!

Debby

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

SANTA TIPS

What to buy a paper crafter

Hey! Psssst! Hey you over there!

Is your loved one, significant other into paper crafting, scrapbooking and card making? They are! Well, we need to have a conversation!

Are you stumped as to what to get the crafty person on your Christmas list? Craft stores and departments can be a foreign land for some people so here is a little help.

There are 2 items that ever paper crafter needs. Paper, of course, and scissors! You can buy all sorts of different papers. They usually come in 2 different sizes 12 x 12 and 8.5 x 11. Decorative papers also come in smaller sizes most of the time 6 x 6 pads. The pads are a great thing to get as it allows many different combinations and the papers are designed to go together. The prices vary as much as the designs. Rest assured though a nice pack of designer or speciality paper would not be unwelcomed under the tree. Scissors are another thing that paper crafters need more than one of. There are small ones for the fine delicate jobs and larger ones for the big cuts. Many crafters have different pairs for specific jobs such as cutting ribbon. Oh! Ribbon! What a great stocking stuffer. You can actually put it in the gift instead of around it. Although most crafters will keep the ribbons on the gifts and the paper too!

Another thing that crafters like to store a variety off are embellishments, that would be anything from brads and buttons to small flowers and chipboard shapes. Things used to fancy up a project.

If you are looking for a larger "special" gift, one suggestion may be a portable light studio. The studio folds almost flat it stores small lights and a cameral tripod. When the studio is unfolded it would fit on a kitchen table and is a box with dark sides and a top that you put your card or project in to take a picture of it for posting on the net, for blogs or crafting groups.

Another big gift would be an embosser or die cut machine. These range from small to very large in size as well as price. The newest machine of this type is the Provo Craft Cricut Imagine which actually prints the image in colour first then makes the die cut. The Imagine retails for about $599. If you are looking for something more affordable there is the Cuttlebug, a hand cranked die cut and embossing tool and a great place to start.

Other wonderful gift additions to any crafters space would be lighting, anything from a good desk lamp to help with colouring to a nice set of track lights. Storage is also precious to a crafter. Small bottles are good for buttons and bows, racks are good for ribbons and there are some great modular units specially for paper and supplies available at most craft stores.

You will always find the staff at most craft stores very helpful. If there is a favourite store where your crafter goes you might want to check it out they may have a few ideas for you too!

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS – THE GIFT OF ORGANIZATION

When was the Christmas Party again? What gifts have are bought so far? Who is left on my list? Where is that recipe for Auntie Joan's Christmas Cookies?

Question after question the closer you get to Christmas. Well, here is a great way to have all the answers (or at least most of them)! They can also become a Christmas gift as well. What a great idea for a Secret Santa present.

You can make many different types of organizers. Large, small, complicated or very simple – Just keep in mind the person for whom you are making it. You can check out craft magazines, libraries, local craft shops, friends or do a trusty internet search.

Here are two examples of organizers to help you get ready for Christmas. The first is a simple and very convenient pad for your shopping lists, paired with a matching pen and homemade ornament to make a great gift set. These were made by Karen Gladney and giving to her daughter's teachers (and some lucky friends) last year. The planner is made from cardstock, decorative paper, and stamps. When you open it there is a pad of lined paper for your Christmas planning. The matching pen is made by stamping your design on your paper and rolling it up to fit into the barrel of your pen. You can add extra sparkle with micro beads or glitter. The ornament, which makes a beautiful gift all on it's own, is made clear acetate or transparency which is cut to fit inside the clear blub. It is stamped with Stazon Ink which is a great ink for glossy surfaces and fabric. The stamp is coloured in with Sharpies, also great for glossy surfaces. The work of art is then rolled up, put into the bulb and voila! A beautiful gift!

The second organizer is designed for the person who needs everything written down to keep track of it. There are a lot of us out there! It is made with 8 pieces of cardstock for the pages, diagonally cut size 10 envelopes for the lists. Each envelope is measured 3.5 inches in from either end and then cut on the diagonal. Just remember to do three envelopes opposite from each other so you end up with right and left sides. The front and each page was then finished off with stamps and embossing. There are three envelopes in the back for receipts. The pages are all bound together with a Bind-it-all which is a small home binding machine but you can use O-rings or ribbon as well.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Colouring your world



Adding interest an dimension to your projects

Our lives are very colourful - green trees, blue sky, red, yellow and white houses. Take all these beautiful hues and add them to your scrapbook pages and greeting cards!

There are many ways to apply colour to your paper craft projects. One easy and enjoyable way is to colour in your stamped images. You can use crayons, paints, watercolour pencils, gel pens, markers or many other mediums.
 

Currently, many crafters and artists make their images come to life using Copic Markers. These very high quality makers are available at local scrapbooking and rubber stamp stores as well as online. These are definitely not a child's marker and were originally created 25 years ago with the professional designer in mind. Over the last ten years, they have gained popularity with Menga artists and paper crafters. These non-toxic alcohol based markers are available in 334 colours and provide guaranteed colour consistency. They are refillable, have replaceable nibs that are guaranteed not to dry out for three years.

They come in two types: the Sketch marker and the less expensive Chio makers. Most crafters prefer the Sketch markers. They have a round square shape that is easy to manipulate. You can use either the paintbrush like tip or the chisel tip depending on what you are colouring. When applying colour, no matter what you are using, the basic method is the same. Start with your lightest colour and then graduate to darker ones to add shading. You can use a white marker to add highlights on your finished work.

The stamped image is your guide by following where the ink is heavier, showing you where you would use the darker colours. If you are using Copic markers, choose a gradient of colours that are about two colours apart, this will allow for easy shading. The markers also have a colourless blender marker, which is useful for picking up colour if you go outside the lines! It can also be used to lighten an area by pressing it lightly on your work, then just colour off the tip of the marker on a piece of scrap paper to clean it. Larger images are the best to start with as they give you more room to manipulate your colours. You do not have to colour in the whole image either, you can add touches of colour here and there as an accent.

Once you get used to colouring and develop a style of your own there are many different techniques that you can use. Many stores and companies offer classes to help you get started and find new ways of doing things. You can also find many tutorials on line. The important thing is to be fearless in your exploration and always remember that every piece of paper has two sides! If you do something, you do not like just flip it over! For more information and on line content go to http://www.just2crafty.blogspot.com.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Cold Season Stamps in Hot Weather


Cool off your Summer Days with A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA

 
It is time to think Halloween and Christmas! No, this isn't a joke... if you're a crafter. Crafters are usually months ahead of the game when it comes to holidays. By July, most crafters are finished up with preparations for summer weddings and birthdays and have moved on to the next occasion. In the same vein July is when the majority of stamp and paper-crafting companies introduce their fall and winter line-up so we're all prepared for fall and winter holidays.


At The Paperie this means it is time for A-Muse-A-Palooza! What fun! It's a paper crafting celebration that takes place throughout a full week which features the newest and most anticipated products from A Muse. This is The Paperie's second year participating in the exclusive unveiling event.


There will be lots of chances to participate in the Card Classes and Make 'n Takes. Registration for all classes and Make 'n Takes will be accepted on a first come-first served basis as space is limited so be sure to sign up in advance! A Make 'n Take is a convenient opportunity to make and item with materials provided, and then you get to take it home.

The celebrations begin with the A Muse holiday stamp debut on Saturday, July 10 at 9am. You can be one of the first stampers in North America to own the newest A Muse Holiday and Halloween stamps from the 2010 collection. There will also be mini muffins and complimentary Starbucks coffee.


This year The Paperie even has their own official A Muse instructor, Meghan Fahey!(The cards featured here are some of her wonderful creations) Last October Chris and Janna, owners of The Paperie, sent Meghan to Seattle for official instructor training and she was accepted into the A Muse creative team as a Certified A Muse Artstamps Instructor.


All week long, there will be an A-Muse-A-Palooza Raffle. Customers will receive one raffle ticket for each A Muse stamp you purchase. On Saturday, there will be a draw for the Grand Prize, which is an A Muse goodie bag valued at $50! Create an A Muse card using at least one stamp from the new Holiday releases and you enter to win a $50 gift certificate to spend on A Muse product! Drop off your entry to the store or upload it to The Paperie's Facebook Fan Page before July 16 at 11:55pm. A random winner will be chosen on July 17 at 4:30pm.


For a full schedule of events contact The Paperie at726-5323 or go to http://thepaperie.wordpress.com

For additional on-line content go to http://www.just2crafty.blogspot.com.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Happy to Me!


My son turns 26 and two cards!

"Happy to me!" was my son's greeting the morning of his birthday for many years. Of course, now he is past the quarter century mark and much more grown up. Memories of that phrase and the wonderful happy smile that accompanied it still bring a smile to my face though. 


I made two special cards for my boy this year.

The first is the one from Clarence, my brother in law. Of course, it is coloured with Copic Markers! It has become my new addiction and there is a stack of coloured panels in my desk drawer just waiting to become cards
.

The stamp is from High Hopes. I just love this little boy, called Sunday's Best - he looks so impish! The paper is Basic Grey as are the lines of paper ribbon in the corners. It was the first time I had used paper ribbon and I really liked the ease of use.

The sentiment is from the A Muse clear stamp set "Mainly Men." 

That is the set I used from my card for Joshua. I also used Basic Grey DP as well as the paper ribbon on for this card. I used the paper piecing technique for tie and the coffee cup to match with the background and give a bit of continuity to the card. The briefcase, laptop and shirt and tie are all on pop dots as is the "Son" in the centre which is actually on double layered pop dots to raise it a little higher. It is difficult to see though in the picture!


Hope you like the cards!