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.

Flower Soft Day 3

If you are still here for Day 3, congrats. I hope you have had a chance to view the latest installment. If not please check the links to the left and it should be the first one. If not click Retreat Day 3 to view it at YouTube. Flower Soft is an awesome product. It is truly glue and sprinkle. I just like being able to bring my artistic side to the project. In my opinion this is what makes it great for the 'novice' or the 'pro'.

Remember that you can use the code '5 Free Bags' at http://www.cutterscreek.com/ when you place your Flower Soft order to help with keeping you organized. These come empty and you fill them up. I can highly recommend the store because the prices are good and the service is excellent. If you spend a minimum amount your shipping will be free. That will not be hard to do. If there are items not in stock just ask Kim. If she can get it, you can own it.

For all you bargain hunters here is a heads up. The orange container that I use to house my flower soft is on sale this week at Office Depot for $2.99. I ran out and picked up six more. Now I have a total of 12. They do come in a range of rainbow colors and clear. Get 'em while the getting is good. They also have some itty bitty ones that would be great for storing brads, eyelets and charms.

To reward your commitment to this retreat I have posted this decoupage card that I put together. Now this one was a ton of fun. It was like dressing up my paper dolls from when I was a young girl/ok--young-old adult (I still own some).

The photo does not do it justice. I sponged the mountains, clouds and sun to create a background. Here are a few photos to give you a better idea. I added my pop dots to the pieces prior to removing them from the sheet. I found this to be a much easier method. Then I only had to focus on the front and lifting out the correct number.

I used my tweezers to help me get the alignment right. I found these to be invaluable. The other photos are close-ups once I added the flower soft.

I started with the polar white and worked my way from light to dark colors.


I wanted to use liquid applique on the mountain tops, but mine had turned to a creamy latte color.

Maybe I can save it for my coffee stamps. This is totally off topic, but I love coffee. Black and Hot. Ok, back to the task at hand.

My dots are VERY low profile. I used some from American Crafts that I picked up at Tuesday Morning.
The card was folded to create a diorama type frame using my Scor-Pal. The quote is attached to a piece of acetate that covers the entire scene. This way I can display it and not have to worry about little fingers trying to remove the Flower Soft. I edged the side panels in the silver Peel Offs.

Since there is depth to the background it gives the appearance of a diorama with added dimension from the decoupage pieces. Here is a different view.

Hope you will experiment and play around with Flower Soft. I am sure they will be adding additional products to their line. Just ask Kim at http://www.cutterscreek.com/

Thanks for joining me on the Flower Soft Retreat---mmmm.....we could do a world cruise on another product? See how I get carried away? Before I forget, prior to adhering my pieces I used my Sakura glaze and metallic pens on portions of the images. It comes across in person, trust me.

Keep creating and inking in the name of love.
Until then.

Flower Soft Day 2

Whew. This has been a busy retreat. I am posting the Wishing Well card that I had in the video opener. I changed the background to lavender and stamped some flowers on the side and added some hand drawn elements that I covered with the lovely Flower Soft. If you have not seen the video you can watch it here. If not click FlowerSoftRetreat to view it at YouTube.

You could also create an entire field of flowers and have your Wishing Well as the focal point; place a few clouds and birds in the sky: idyllic. I kept mine pretty basic on the side panels by stamping with Versamark and then using a clear embossig powder. The stems were hand drawn. Here are a few more closeups of those panels.

Now, on to what you all have been waiting for...a sneak peek of the finished beige door card. Before I show that to you I would like to give the code again for the freebie with purchase. When you visit www.cutterscreek.com please enter "5 Free Bags" to receive your empty bags that can be filled with your new purchases and help to keep you contained and organized. Don't forget your toppers and your glue while you are there. These items will get you started and the projects are EASY. Ok. Now. Ready? TADA.......

Isn't this spectacular? When we have completed our project, this will be the end result. Again, you can glue and sprinkle, but look what happens when you dress it up a bit. STUNNING. Here are a few more views of the completed topper with the Flower Soft.

The dimension this product adds without a lot of bulk is incredible. Don't you want to take that snow and have a snow ball fight? Or, make some ice cream?

Before I forget, I also want to mention that there is a yahoo group for www.Cutterscreek.com

You will definitely want to request membership. Kim is famous for interacting with her customers and sponsoring fabulous contest, doing giveaways, providing discounts and all around fun. You can also check out her blog at http://kreativekim.blogspot.com.

It is my sincere hope that you have enjoyed this Flower Soft retreat. Please don't forget to check back for the Day 3 Vee-dio. If there are questions you have that I have left unanswered, please let me know. I enjoyed the journey and can hardly wait until the next time I can add a bit of ink to my projects.

There is a Scarecrow that I need to work on to get ready for fall. That autumn Flower Soft is sounding yummy and calling my name. I had better get busy.

Gotta find some fall ink colors, in the Name of Love of course.

Until then.

Flower Soft

Hello everyone. I hope that you are taking advantage of these wanning days of summer. If you have not gotten out your camera, please do so. You will be able to document the swift changes that will take place in the next few months. How about taking a photo of yourself/your family in front of the same tree for the next four seasons. If you print them out in B/W you can color them in using chalks and a wonderful new product called Flower Soft.


If you haven't checked out my newest video on YouTube see the section to the left or go to FlowerSoftRetreatDay1 to get more background information.



Here is a Christmas card topper that I decorated using the Vintage Christmas and the super sparkly Polar White from the Diamond Glaze collection.

Attempting photographs with this product is a bit tricky but I have also tried different angles. Here it looks as if the ivy vines are floating on the page. Pretty neat. I really like the 3-D look you get when using flower soft.


The range of colors available is incredible. There is something to meet every need.
When you go to place your Flower Soft order for this incredible product at: http://www.cutterscreek.com/
and use "5 FREE BAGS" in your coupon code box; you will have the empty bags ready to fill with your Flower-Soft and be well on your way to getting and remaining organized. Use a slick writer to make sure the name is permanent on your bags. Then your 20 and 30ml containers could be used to house those hard to control brads and eyelets.


To the right is where I enhanced the bells with more Vintage Christmas and some Polar White along with a bit of white glitter. Of course I could not resist pulling out my Sakura metallic pens and also my Fiskars red glitter pen. It is those small touches that really makes your work stand out.

I am having a load of fun playing with this product. It is nothing like embossing powder. It easily pours from and back into your bag with no waste. I would suggest that you allow the product to set in between color usage and start with the Polar White first. You really want to keep this pure white. I also created a little bag of 'leftovers'. When cleaning my area any flakes that I missed go into that bag and I can use them on a wildflower topper. See, waste not whatsover.



Please keep inking in the name of love.
Until then.

Embellishments using Clipart

Hello again. This is August and the month of my birth. I have been having a blast celebrating and creating new things.

I have been receiving samples of clipart images from Dover Publishing for about two years now. These are delivered free of charge to my inbox. I recently had a chance to download several silhouette images. I turned a few of them into tags.

Having Mary Davis send a link to me is a wonderful opportunity to peruse many of the CDs offered and decide which purchases to make. Additionally, I can pull many of these images into my Pink Wishblade software or Inkscape.org (free shareware editing and design program). I have become totally addicted and decided to come up with more creative way to use these fabulous designs on my scrapbook pages, cards and other artwork.

Here's the video:

After cutting them out I have used the Ranger Glossy Accents to give a glazed 3-D look. I have also use the Sakura metallic, glaze and stardust pens to add a bit of bling. These can also be printed and cut in triplicate and them made into an impressive dimensional by placing foam dots between the layers.

Any chance I get to add a bit of ink to a project is a bonus for me. Try your own hand at using this "free" clipart to bring new life to your projects. Don't forget to add a bit of ink---in the name of love.

Until then.