Cuttlebug Holiday Folder: Hanging Ornaments

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. We put up our tree Thanksgiving weekend and burn the lights constantly. It does not matter that not one present is under the tree; it is beautiful on its own. I so love this time of the year. People are kinder and more considerate. If we could only have the Christmas spirit year round.

Somewhere along the line, I decided to put together a series of videos showcasing the HSN exclusive Cuttlebug folders from Provo Craft. I will be the first to admit that I ordered them as soon as they were available on the website and I am so glad that I did. I absolutely adore my CB and am glad that the ladies on the QVC Craft Community Forum convinced me that the CB was the die cutter that I needed. That was about two years ago, and I have not regretted the purchase. My only problem now is that I have added to my list of must have items a whole host of CB folders and Spellbinder dies. Yes, just about every die or folder or embossing plate out there will work in this machine. If you search the internet there are a lot of sites which will provide the sandwich formulas for you.

This post takes a look at the Hanging Ornaments Folder. I had the best time playing with this folder and figuring out all of my options. The one that I settled on creating for this video is this lovely blue one. I knew that I wanted a larger card and used my Scor-pal to create lines across the bottom which were folded and allowed me to emboss the card without losing the height. I am still apologizing for the picture quality. These are scanned and in no way show the true beauty of the card. Hopefully, Santa will bring a new camera to me for Christmas, afterall, I have been a good girl. Mostly.

This Denim Blue Distress Ink from Tim Holtz is very serene on this card and the depth that is created just from using the Cut 'n Dry Foam is incredible. I used a Sizzix tree die to cut the aperture in the center. You can achieve the same by folding the card in half and tracing half of the image on the back of your card and then using a craft knife to remove the tree. Save that embossed tree to be used on another card or incorporated into this one as I did.


I used blue pastel glitter on the top of the ornaments and selected every other hanging line to emboss with Ranger snowflake glitter tinsel. I used some of the Flower Soft glue underneath and got a very different effect. I like it.

Inkadinkado stamps was incorporated for my greeting. I used an archival black dye based ink.

Both cards were sprayed with Glacier Glimmer Mist. I hope you can see the difference here.

I am also posting some of the other things I created in the video starting with the Pearlescent Chalks.

I did try chalking the folder itself, but the chalk was not strong enough. Maybe if I used a binder or solution, but I was not willing to risk staining my folder.

It is a bit light due to the scan, but these are the two images that were inked inside of the folder.

Next comes my UTEE card. That one turned out as well as expected. I love using UTEE, but it gets VERY hot because you need the powder to become molten. While it is still liquid you pour on your next layer and heat some more. I think the results you can get are worth the extra effort. Heating from underneath keeps the powder from taking flight.

This is how the card looks embossed in black. The white card did not show up. This is such a cute folder. I will finish out this post by showing the two cards where I played around with some of the Sakura, Fiskars, and American Crafts glitter markers.

Yes, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. As I type this post the lovely white stuff is falling and it is beautiful.

It is hard for me to look at a white canvass and not want to ink it. I think if I could, I would take the scene I see outside of my window and take some of the Distressed Broken China, ink the edges and then hit spots with the Black Soot. Then apply an even coat of the Glacier Glimmer Mist over the picture. It will give it that etheral look of mystique to the entire scene. Yeah, I like that.

Please keep Inking in the Name of Love.

Until then.

Extended Spellbinder Dies

Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you enjoyed spending time with your family and friends or some quiet alone reflection time for yourself. We have much for which to be THANKFUL.

For this latest creation all I can say is WOW! When I began with this card I had no idea it would transform into what it did.

After cutting the initial backing, I realized that if I wanted to mat that piece to a larger version I needed a bigger die. Then it occured to me that if I used my red rubber I could make that piece as large as I wanted it to be.

 












The picture to the left shows just how much I extended the square. The one just above shows the longer rectangle created from the square die.

That sequed into the idea to create 12 inch border strips for my scrapbook pages. Now, I am realizing an unlimited possibility for these dies. Maybe I will do an entire video devoted to that concept.

Here is the bare card placed on the extended large scalloped square die. In the video the card is turned the other direction and the black pearlized card covers the edges. I could have extended it width wise by using the same process.

The other thing I loved about this card was using the Pearl Ex Pigment Powders. I like how the interference shows up on the dark card. Again, use a fixative on this to prevent the powder from rubbing off onto other things.

Some people use the inexpensive hair spray, but I use the Blair matte fixative. It is low odor--there is a no odor version.

The Tim Holtz Distress Inks are incredible. I orginally stamped the tree using the distress inks and embossed with a tinsel powder also from Ranger. The look was really nice. Much softer than the one in the video. I am posting the picture I was playing around with for effect. You can definitely see the difference.

After returning to it a few times, I think I will try the Distress Inks again but maybe in blue for a wonderful winter scene with lots of snow on the ground and smaller trees in the background or peeking into the foreground around the edges. Truly a winter wonderland.

While I was having fun, I also created an oval version of the tree.

I am not sure about anyone else but I had the dickens of a time trying to keep the oval die from moving while embossing. Yes, I tried taping it down. I knew I should have purchased that magnetic spacer mat when I had the chance. Oh, well, next time.

 

Lab Equipment used:

Nestabilities:

Classic squares large (used the largest)

Classic scalloped square large (used the largest)

Classic oval large (used the largest)

Classic scalloped oval large (used the largest)

Cuttlebug:

Flourish and Snowflake folder

Distress Inks:

Black Soot and Dusty Concord

Stamp:

Rubber Stampede Pine Tree

Watermark Cat's Eye

Ranger:

Cut and Dry Foam stamp pad

Jacquard:

Pearl Ex Inteference Violet

Fine Glitter:

Pastel Party Mix/ Lavender

Silver tinsel embossing powder that I mixed myself.

Ribbon from Michaels

DCWV:

White card stock

Green card stock

Flower Soft:

Glue

Polar White

I am busy playing around with my HSN Cuttlebug holiday folders. That was to be my next series of videos, but this one happened to fall into place. All of the prep work has been done for the videos, I just simply need to film them. If my lovely son will allow it, I will start this week and see how far I can progress.

Thanks for stopping by and please keep inking in the name of love.

Until then.

CARS Cricut cart

Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by. I have had this Cars cart for awhile and finally decided to tackle one of the characters a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to start with something simple (or so I thought) and here are the results of one Lightening McQueen.

The cart warns you that some of the pieces are very small and they did not lie. Once I kinda got the hang of it all, I was able to pull it together. I discovered that this cart does not have a base feature for the body...only a shadow. I guess I could size down the shadow a bit and use that as the base. Beware the body cuts out in all of those intricate pieces. 

It was tough going getting everything cut and glued in the right place. My suggestion would be to remove and place the pieces as you take them off the mat. I will play with this cart more and share the results here.

Alas, there is no ink on this project. I was just too excited to get it put together. The pizazz and dazzle with have to come later. Keep cutting up those carts and piecing and inking in the name of love.

Until then.

More Product Swap Make-n-Takes

Welcome back crafters and those who enjoy looking at crafts. Weren't those cards and mini albums great? I had a blast with the Halloween album. This gave me an opportunity to put those small G Studios stamps to good use.

The Tim Holtz distress inks were the perfect Halloween colors. Gotta love it when everything easily comes together. Here they are simply inked. Pics and other embellies will really bring it to life.

So then I gathered up some of those small stamps that I love collecting. I think I purchased EVERY single pattern available. Once I get myself organized I am certain that I will realize that I purchased doubles and will more than likely offer them here as a giveaway.

Here are two of the pages that I have started accenting. I will probably bring in my Sakura pens and a bit of distressed stickles.

This mini album reminded me of those coaster albums, but I was able to fashion my own thanks to Lynda. I am also thinking that you might be able to use the Spellbinder dies to make some unique decorative edges to the album. Here are pictures of the cover and one of the open pages.

Most times when I am crafting I feel like a runaway train. A plethora of ideas descend upon me at once. So many ideas and only one pair of hands and a few minutes to craft. Huge sigh. I am thankful for the time that I do have.

The irridescent glitter sheen on this card was like having a nice piece of pp. I almost did not want to use it. This Anna Griffin floral swirl stamp was the perfect accent for this card. I used her pink and green inks which are really soft and emboss very well.

Participating in this swap was a terrific learning opportunity. One swapper, Heather, said that it felt surreal to see me put her card together in that first video. That probably did feel like an out of body experience.

Thanks for returning to my blog to see what is going on. Keep crafting and Inking in the Name of Love.
Until then.

Product Swap: Make-n-Take Cards

Hi everyone and let me say thanks for the participation in the Making Memories Halloween foam stamps giveaway. Those are precious. I love how they are large enough to create an entire scene ( you could make a sign for your porch or doorstep warning treaters to beware!!!). Of course my mind is racing with ideas.

Wanted to share a bit of background info and post some photos of the card swap make-n-take. I share this love of crafting with some very awesome and talented people. The women on my Yahoo groups are incredible.

I truly love the product swaps. This gives me exposure to regional items that I might otherwise miss out on acquiring. You know how you have your style and your taste? Well, this yanks me from my comfort zone and forces me to become more experimental and open to new ideas. I LOVE it. 

We have had as many as 15 people in our swaps, but the card one threw some people off and they were not sure what to do. After seeing what was submitted, I hope they are willing to give it another try if the opportunity presents itself again.

These cards provide scraplifting opportunities for me. I have already taken some of the patterns and made up cards based on the layouts. This has also opened up another avenue of crafting for me. Maybe I will suggest a make-n-take card swap group. I would only have to purchase enough supplies to make my group of cards. Waste not want not. This will also allow me to take advantage of awesome deals. You know those pkgs of paper that have 25 of the same design. I can cut those up and send them on their merry way. Hmmmm.

Ok, enough yammering. Hope you enjoy the vee-dio (first one in the upper left) and can get some great ideas. Please look for part two to appear by the weekend showcasing the final card (the card base is like Pretty Paper (pp) I don't want to use it, but will FORCE myself). The other two are mini albums. They are C-U-U-U-T-T-E!!!!


Please keep crafting and creating and always ink in the name of love.


Until then.

Happy Halloween

UPDATE:  Contest is now open to anyone (US only) who visits my blog. Please see below for how to win a free set of foam stamps from Making Memories.


Ghouls, ghosts, goblins and witches. I truly enjoy Halloween. I love to see the kids dressed in their costumes and going door to door seeking treats. I decorate my home to fit the occasion and take tons of photos. I will never scrap them all, but they make for great slide shows.

In celebration of this ghoulish holiday, I would like to do a giveaway. The day is just around the corner and to help out with any last minute treats, I would like to giveaway a set of foam stamps from Making Memories to three lucky followers.

As of now this is only open to U.S. residents.

I was able to pick them up locally for a steal and would like to hold a little contest to send a set to three of you. This is to thank you for taking the time and having the interest to follow my blog.

I am always out shopping and finding great deals and purchasing them saying that I will find someone to give them to.


What better place to share them than here with like-minded individuals. There is no charge, and I will pay for shipping.

Y'all know how much I love making movies. Here is a quick video that appears only here showing you the set of stamps.

Please note that this is only open to the current 19 followers of my blog and US residents only. All you need to do is leave a comment regarding your favorite Halloween celebration or a tradition you do. My darling son and I will select the top three on October 18th. Good luck and get those comments rolling.



If you win these cute stamps you cannot help but to keep inking in the name of love.
Until then.

Shimmerz: Blingz It On

Happy Fall Y'all!!! Hello everyone. I hope this day finds you healthy and wise(r). It is a beautiful summer-like day here in Northern Virginia, but I know that fall is on the way. If you're here because you saw the  Shimmerz Vee-dio on YouTube, welcome. If not, it is the first video to the left.

Let me apologize in advance for the picture quality. I have not replaced my point and shoot camera. I will take new photos once I get it and repost them to this blog. Now, on to the Shimmerz.

I did not use any Sakura stardust or metallic pens on these projects--as a collective gasp is heard around the globe. This Shimmerz is shimmery enough and did not require further enhancement. Shimmerz comes in three ways--as a shimmering spritz (mist--now available in a mini bottle), Shimmerz paints which is more viscous than the mist, and the Blingz which is a thicker paint with lots of chunky mica. Both paints come in a pot. All three are water soluble for easy clean up and are non-toxic.

These products are highly irridescent and quick drying. I really like the versatility they provide.

One thing I discovered that was most helpful was using my paint brush to clean the ridges of the lid and the jar's neck. I returned the product to the jar. If you find bits of dried flakes on your jars, just remove them and return them back to the jar. It will reconstitute itself.

My favorite was by far the Fall scene using that incredible Autumn Flower Soft with the Spiced Cider Blingz (all of which are available at http://www.cutterscreek.com/. You will have to go back to my previous Flower Soft blog to find out how to get a freebie with your purchase.

Now to what most of you are seeking. The code to use when shopping for your Shimmerz Productz at http://www.cutterscreek.com/. Just enter Shimmerz Skittles and you will receive this beautiful mixed bag of flat back plastic gems. You will wonder how you ever lived without them.

Remember to keep inking, spritzing and blinging in the Name of Love.

Until then.

Heritage Scrapbook Pages

My dear grandmother is 92 years old and still as fiesty and active as ever. She is the first one in line since she is the eldest. My oldest sister tells me that she recalls when that photo was taken. She went to the session with them. When you visit my grandmother, she makes certain that you are comfortable and well fed. For years I have wanted to try her recipe for rolls. They turn out so light and fluffy that they melt in your mouth. There is no additional need for butter...just a dollop of her homemade jam and there is a party in your mouth.

Each time I visit I always find myself going through her photo albums. There is a story that accompanies each and I love hearing about them. My grandfather and my gram both kept albums. She is now the keeper of his albums and stories.

During one of those visits I begged her to allow me to borrow some of the photos  to create some heritage pages.

 I had black & white copies made through Shutterfly. They are an excellent online photo service that does quality work and stands behind their product. Turnaround time is incredible and the software is very user friendly.

An album was created for my gram, my mother and or course for me. I used an 8x8 format and papers from a Cosmo Cricket kit with additional embellisments from my stash. This card stock is so thick that I was able to use both sides of the double sided cards. I just had to compose the pages in such as way that brads and eyelets did not go through to the other side.

My gram went through every photo with me and gave me the history behind it that I diligently recorded.

I learned an unbelievable amount of information about my family that I never knew and no one talked about.  My eldest sister told me that it is really my gram's sister who is the keeper of the family history she is at the end of the line but is not the youngest. She knows EVERYTHING about EVERYONE. A visit with her is next on my list.

They are from a very large family as am I. My great grandparents had 14 children---7 girls and 7 boys. Five of the sisters are still living, they had their last brother's homegoing two years ago. I had the fortune of knowing and remembering eight of the siblings and of course my great grandparents.

That is one of the reasons that I scrapbook. I want future generations to know their history and the thoughts, dreams and ambitions of the people who came before them.

If you have access to old family photos, let me encourage you to get some copies made and record that valuable information.

Once your pages are created, you can scan them into a file at Shutterfly and have additional books made as gifts for your family members. I wanted to share a few pages from my album. Hopefully they have inspired you to pull out those old b&w's and jazz them up with a bit of ink. Keep  preserving your memories and inking in the name of love.

Until then.

Baby's First Book

Hello everyone. After taping the Flower Soft Series, I had to take some time off to spend with my son before school begins.

He wanted to make a few of his "own" videos. We have been having a ball. With his permission, I might be able to share some of the funny outtakes.

I wanted to share this 6x6 baby book that I made as a shower gift for the expecting parents.

The entire project took about two evenings to complete. I used some Anna Griffin paper that I owned and just pulled embellies from my 'baby' stash. I patterened my idea from a baby book project that Anna presented on DIY Scrapbooking.

I took several sheets of 12x12 coordinating paper and cut each into 6 -4x6 pieces. Some of the 4x6 were then cut into 2x6.

The pieces were dealt out and mixed and matched to create different background combinations. Each baby title page consisted of three pieces of 4x6 papers. I felt this afforded me more variety and more opportunities for a cohesive look.

The opposite page for the photo was adhered together with a strip that was cut to 2x6.

I used ivory cardstock for the Baby's First titles. If you have not guessed by now, the couple was expecting a baby girl.

I created a random list of Baby Firsts.

Baby’s First:

Tooth

Smile

Solid Food
Word
Bath
Month
Steps
Trip
Doctor Visit
Time Standing
Family Portrait

The mother will then insert photos of the baby on the opposite blank side. This will nicely hold a 4x6 photo. The date can be added along the side of the photo. I designed the pages to be easy for the new parents. The only thing they needed to be ready for was to capture a picture for that occassion and slide it into the page protector. Here is an example of the blank facing page.

This is what the pages look like side by side in the album.

Just a couple of more examples of some of the completed Firsts.

I do apologize for the quality of the photos. I did not use my regular camera for these. It was one that I borrowed because I wanted to capture the pages before handing off the book and as you can see, you get what you pay for.                                             I allowed the papers to determine my accent colors. This helped to create the pages quickly and easily.                   Since my family has a plethora of 'boys' I was delighted to play around with something pink and girly. I could not resist breaking out my Fiskars decorative edge scissors and decorative edge punches.

Give this a try not just with a baby book but maybe all of your child's First day of school for 12 years. Write down his/her impressions and what they liked most. Or maybe a year opener page and the facing page could be the last day of school. This would easily show the growth of your child during the school year and over the summer months.

As always don't forget to add that elegant touch of ink to all that you do and keep inking in the name of love.

Until then.