I just realized that I have had almost 7,000 hits on my blog!  You know what that means….blog candy time!  I’ll be putting together a *YUMMY* package of goodies…check back frequently….when you least expect it! 

Oh my…look at all the goodies!  Check out the new arrivals…and the clearance centre!  SCRAPPIN GREAT DEALS!  lol  I amuse myself.

Here’s Sheila’s weekly newsletter (check out Kim’s Korner!).  The big news is…you can now shop in-person (by appointment only)!  You have GOT to see the new place!  So big, and organized!  You can now SEE everything….it’s like Scrapbook Heaven! 

(hint - should you have trouble viewing our sale page, try hitting the “refresh” key on your computer

                      & lots more!

  … & more!

What a crazy month this has been for me!  So much on the go…but, it’s all good!  :)  I finally finished my August DT projects for Scrappin’ Great Deals.  I usually like to post on the 1st of each month, but this month everything got delayed due to Sheila’s (physical) move to brand new digs, along with a few things in my life which took up all my spare time.  Anyway, enough excuses…I’m finished!  This is what I had to work with this month….

This yummy “Blue Hill” line is from Crate Paper.  The paper pack includes 12 different patterns (6 double sided papers - heavy - cardstock weight), 35 die cuts, and 32 rub-ons!  I also got the brads - which included 7 epoxy, and 12 painted brads.  AND, the ribbon & trim pack:

So, first, I made a mini-album.  The theme of the rub-ons and die cuts was “sisters”.  I am the oldest of 4 girls, and my Mom is also the oldest of 4 girls, so one side of this four-page chipboard lace-up album is my sisters and I, while the other side is my Mom, and her sisters.

In addition to the fabulous Crate Paper kit, I used a few items from my stash.  I started with a lace-up chipboard album (don’t remember whose it was…sorry - maybe 7 Gypsies?).  I had a few different colours of Ranger Crackle Paint, which just happened to match my paper perfectly!  So, I painted each page a different colour, and then inked with SU “Close to Cocoa”.  I made all the felt embellishments with my Cuttlebug.  The little pearls are by Kaiser (LOVE THEM!).  The flowers are Prima.  The clear shaped embellishments are by Heidi Swapp.  The ribbon and buttons were in my stash.  Some of the brads I used were Basic Grey.

Next, I altered a journal:

I used Heidi Swapp acrylic letters, but altered them with Ranger Alcohol Ink.  The felt letters are by Your Memories by Design (YMBD).  The green rub-on is by Basic Grey from their new Ephoria line.

Next, I altered a clipboard to hang above my computer - my “to do” lists:

A few cards:

I used Glitter Mist on this one…the swirly background was done using a Heidi Swapp Mask, and Glimmer Mist - doesn’t really show up well in this photo, tho.

I had lots of fun playing with some of my new Cuttlebug embossing folders! 

So, I have one more item to post, but it’s gonna have to wait until tomorrow.  If you have any questions at all about any of these projects, please feel free to ask!  :)  Oh, and I almost forgot - if you’d like to purchase the Crate Paper Blue Hill paper collection pack, you can get a 10% discount over at www.scrappingreatdeals.com - all you have to do is mention in the comments section, upon checkout, that you saw it on my blog! 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

LOL - I’ve had a busy weekend - haven’t posted since Thursday, and it’s Sunday already!  *YIKES*  I’m busy working on my August reveal for Scrappin’ Great Deals!  I’m almost ready to reveal, but it’s almost dark, so it’s likely to be tomorrow, as I can’t get good photos at this time of day.

So……….check back tomorrow! 

As promised, I am going to share some details of the techniques I used to create my monochromatic cards for the BSW Challenge over at Lil’ Scrappers.

Today’s tutorial is about how to make funky SHAPED cards.  Our challenge, for the contest, was to create 2 shaped cards (they could NOT be circles or squares/rectangles).  So, my first one is a chocolate cupcake! 

I started by making the card base - which I made from Kraft cardstock.  I started with a 6×6 square base.  Then, using a plate, U traced a half circle on the top half of the card, and cut it out with scalloped scissors.  then, I tapered the bottom section to resemble a cupcake.  Next, I traced the basic shape of the card, and cut that shape out of dark brown Bazzill non-textured cardstock.  Then, using my Scor-pal, I scored vertical lines in the bottom section, and highlighted them with metallic paint (dry brush technique). 

For the top “icing” section, I ran a darker brown piece of non-textured cardstock through my Cuttlebug, using the “swiss dots” embossing folder.  Then I stamped swirls with versamark ink, and embossed with clear embossing powder.  I highlighted some areas and added some dots with my copper Stickles.  Then I added some bubble-like embellishments (Dollarama), and a line of copper brads across the bottom of the icing.  I adhered the icing to the card with pop dots.  Then, I added the ribbon.  I made the sentiment from a chipboard flower, which I covered in dimensional adhesive to give it shine.  Then I added the “hey” sentiment, using AC Thickers, and the “cupcake” sentiment was made with bling letters that I got at M’s.  I finished by sewing around the outside edge of the bottom portion.

For my other shape, I chose my favourite owl image.  This stamp is so cute!  I just scanned a stamped image, and enlarged it, then printed it on grey textured, white-cored cardstock.

Then, I printed it again (twice) - once on the same cardstock for the card base, and another time on the same cardstock for the first layer.   I used kind of a paper-tole technique.  I cut out one of the owl images, and flocked his wings, and then adhered it to the card base, but didn’t put any adhesive on his wings so they would kind of wing forward.  Then, for the final layer, I cut out the own body only (excluding his wings).  I then sanded it, and outlined the outside edge, eyes, beak, and feet with dimensional glaze, and let it dry overnight.

I inked the card base with black soot Ranger distress ink - darker around the edge, and then lighter (less ink) - towards the centre.  I layered the owl with the flocked wings first, and then used pop dots for the top layer.  I added the ribbon embellishment (to make it look like a branch), the large black brads, and the sentiment.  VOILA!  lol

That’s about all for  now…feel free to ask any questions about any of my tutorials or projects!  Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. - I’m working on my next reveal for Scrappin’ Great Deals - should be able to post it within the next day or two! 

I am so excited, I can hardly type!  lol  I am in the final round of the Lil’ Scrappers Big Summer Win Contest!  There are only THREE of us left…and we are anxiously awaiting the details of the final challenge!  In the meantime, I can post my creation that got me this far!  This was the challenge:  Create a layout, using this sketch as inspiration:

Sounds easy peasy so far, right?  *NOT*  Here are the additional challenges:

#2. PAGE THEME: ABSTRACT

#3. Minimum of 4 different patterns visible on page (not necessarily pattern paper)

#4. “REMOVABLE” OR “EXTENDABLE” page item.

So, here is what I came up with:

When I read the details of this challenge, I knew almost immediately what pictures I was going to use for this “abstract” layout. My DH and I were in Vancouver in 2006, and went on a long cycling trip from Granville Island to Stanley Park. One of the pictures I took (of an upside-down house) stood out in my mind - given the abstract quality of this sculpture, as well as many other abstract architechtural landmarks along the way. To give the photo even more of an abstract look, I altered it in Photoshop.I think of “abstract” as blocks of bold-coloured, “wonky” shapes, that could look like one thing to me, but something else to someone else (that made sense in my head!). I also think of “chaotic” (as Alicia said in her post). But…the DT…in their wisdom…made us use FOUR PATTERNS in our ABSTRACT layout. YIKES. If I was able to, I would have used all solid colours - no patterns at all! Anyway, I think it all came together and I guess it looks abstract…in my head, anyway! lol Creative interpretation…that’s what I call it!

I printed several copies of my photo-shopped photo, and used them as “patterns” - covered the chipboard arrows, and a couple of the chipboard “wonky” stars with it. I also added a block of my homemade patterned paper behind the main photo.

I love to sew on my projects, and initially thought sewing would not be in keeping with the abstract theme. But, I had to be me…so, I sewed all over in a chaotic, geometric way…kind of abstract, don’t you think? I also repeated the “house” shape (chipboard arrows, arrow photo turns, the upside down house under the “flip” sentiment). I wanted the stars to be wonky, not perfect, so these Bazzill chipboard stars worked perfectly. The title is from a TV show by that name. The circles are actually brads, but I backed them with patterned paper, added stickles and dimensional adhesive, and pop-dotted a few of them. I thought the doodled flower rubons on the stars were kind of abstract, too…and added another pattern to my layout.

The gatefold card was my way of adding something expandable - it’s tough to see in the photo, but I cut out the house, and a corner of the tree, and popped it up with pop dots to give it an abstract/dimensional look. Then, I added dimensional glaze around the edge of the house, and the circle of Heidi Swapp green bling draws attention to the house. Inside the gatefold card, is the original (non-photoshopped) - photo.

So, that’s it for now…stay tuned! 

Once again, I feel so incredibly grateful for having found scrapbooking!  This morning, I received the nicest note from Sarah - she nominated me for an award!  :)  Check out her blog here - http://sarahelliottcards.blogspot.com/

So, in the spirit of Blog Lovin, here goes:

I have to pick 7 of my favourite blogs and…

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog - done!

2. Link the person you received your award from - done!

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. Put links of those blogs on yours.

First, I nominate Michy - just cuz I know she loves it when people nominate her for stuff!  :)  Also, she is super talented! - here’s her blog link:  http://michelledobbyn.blogspot.com/

Second - Carla - her blog speaks for itself!  http://moralia.wordpress.com/2008/08/12/

Third - Aimee - Her designs, and photography are beautiful!  http://agardenofmemories.blogspot.com/

Fourth - Alicia - Founder of Sheetload of Cards ezine, and another inspirational artist!  http://callmecraftyal.blogspot.com/

Fifth - Heidi - Fabulous designs, and inspiration plus on her blog!  http://morescrapstuff.blogspot.com/

Sixth - Danielle - just cuz I stalk her blog…she may as well know who her fave stalker is!  lol - http://www.danielleflanders.blogspot.com/

Last but not least - Corinne - aka Roxy - http://stampingwithroxy.typepad.com/my_weblog/

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated. - off to do this now! 

Thanks for the nomination, Sarah!

 First, I have to say THANK YOU for all your kind and encouraging comments, regarding my participation in the BSW (Big Summer Win) contest over at Lil’ Scrappers.  I am having a blast, and am surprising myself - I work pretty well under pressure!  lol  I posted a slide show yesterday of the 8 monochromatic cards I made, which won me a spot in round 4, with 4 other (extremely talented) ladies.  I was shocked, to be honest.  The other participants’ cards were so gorgeous!

Anyway, on to today’s tutorial -  I’ve been asked a few questions about the techniques I used on these cards, so thought I’d provide some details -some mini tutorials, if you will. 

First, just some general comments about what I found worked well on monochromatic cards.  If you look at my cards - there are lots of layers, and texture.  The key is to play with different techniques, and products - like embossing (wet or dry - used my Cuttlebug a LOT!), painting, inking, stamping, flocking, Stickles, textured cardstock, laser cut paper, brads, eyelets, chipboard, flowers, ribbon, buttons, rhinestones, etc…all that FUN and YUMMY stuff!  Pick a colour, and pull out a bunch of pp, cs, and embellishments in that colour family, and just create! 

First, the “happy 4U” orange card:

Technique Challenge

I made this one for the technique challenge.  I started with a Technique Tuesday chipboard Technique Tile, which comes unfinished but pre-cut in the framed hearts shape.  It comes in 12×12 sheets that look like this:

 I used Ranger Distress Inks - in 2 different colours - fired brick and dried marigold.  I smeared some ink directly from the ink pad on to my Ranger Craft sheet - one colour at a time, starting with orange (dried marigold).  I then sprayed the craft sheet with water, and took the technique tile, and inked it up by “plopping and rubbing” (a very technical term lol) - in the watered-down ink.  Then, I dried it with my heat gun.  I then did the same thing with the red (fired brick) ink.  Then, I spritzed the inked tile with water, and took a paintbrush and brushed on some pigment powder in copper, and let it dry.  Then, I attached the frame to a card base, layering with patterned paper (SU), a Heidi Swapp flower, a large button, and some embroidery floss.  I made the butterflies with my Martha Stewart punch, and added some bling.  I covered the chipboard flower with the same pp, and added a button and some embroidery floss.  I had the “happy” chipboard sentiment in my stash - no idea whose it is, sorry.  the “u” is a Heidi Swapp ghost letter, and the “4″ is Basic Grey chipboard.  The ribbon was in my stash, too.

For my other “technique” card, I did some sewing, ribbon weaving, and beading:

Techniques: Sewing, Beading, Ribbon Weaving

Now, if I can just remember how I made this one lol.  This one was pretty labour-intensive.  First, I used my Coluzzle to make the circle card, (out of Bazzill Bling cardstock) and then used my scalloped scizzors to make the scalloped edge.  I made another circle, larger than the card base, and scalloped it, as well.  I then added rub-ons around the edge, and doodled with a white gel pen.  I then adhered it to the back of the card base.  I hand stitched the beads (bundles of 3 seed beads) to the larger circle.  I adhered patterned paper (SEI) - to the front of the card (cut in a circle with my coluzzle) - then added eyelets around the edge of the front of the card, and wove ribbon through the holes.  I made the larger butterfly with my Cuttlebug, and the smaller ones are punched with my Martha Stewart punch.  The swirly bling is by Prima.  The ghost heart is by Heidi Swapp - I painted the edge with white acrylic paint.  The sentiment, bff - was a rubon, that I highlighted with a white gel pen.

I think that about does it for the 2 “technique” cards.  If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask! 

I also wanted to mention that this month’s reveal for Scrappin’ by Design was delayed due to Sheila’s move, combined with my busy schedule (lol).  I can tell you that this month’s product line is extra-super YUMMY!  Here’s a sneak peek:

 Thanks for stopping by!

Oh my gawsh!  I am so excited!  I made it to Round 4 of the Lil’ Scrappers’ Big Summer Win Contest.  I have not had internet access for about a week, so imagine my excitement, and total surprise when I found out that I was chose amongst only 5 VERY talented ladies to move on to the next round of this summer scrapping contest!  The last challenge was very difficult for me.  We had to make eight MONOCHROMATIC cards!  I never make ANYTHING monochromatic…I am so about colour, and contrast.  AND, I am relatively new to card-making…so, this one really pushed my creative limits!  Not only did we have to make 8 mono cards, but 2 of them had to have creative folds, 2 had to be shapes, 2 were techniques, and the other 2 were artist choice.  So, here are my cards.  Let me know what you think!

Also, I have been tagged!  My dear friend, Carla, tagged me - on my birthday, even!  lol  She didn’t even know it was my birthday.  So, that’s what makes it so funny!  I’m working on my response, but need to get back to working on my project for the next round of the BSW contest. 

So, thanks for stopping by!

Okay, so I actually was able to make a card today!  Thank you, Carla for the cute Magnolia card kit.  Here’s my card:

TFL!