Idea Book

Awhile ago I decided to create an idea book where I could write things down as I came across them, cut inspiration out of magazines, print things off and keep a list of websites that have challenges and inspiration.

This is the book I started out with.....the pages inside are blank.  I am thinking it may end up looking like a Smash book inside as time goes on.

Below is the completed book.  I used some Glimmer Mist and masked out a flourish/leaf pattern and then used a border bunch around the outside of the paper.  The "ideas" letters are Tim Holtz Grungeboard letters sprayed with Glimmer Mist.  The rhinestone flourish used an Imaginisce template and jewels.  Because I didn't have the correct tip for my dremel sander, I did not prep the spots where the jewels would be adhered.  You can see that this book has a shiny/glossy surface, and this can cause issues with the glue holding.  I've already lost several of the jewels off of it, so I would recommend not ignoring that step.  By sanding the spots you give the glue a rougher surface to grab onto and that way you won't lose your jewels.

So far I am really liking this book and I'm curious to see where it will take me.

Supplies:  Mead Sketchbook, white cardstock, Glimmer Mist: Jack Frost and Creme de Chocolat, Chipboard photo corners, Flowers: Floradoodles and Making Memories, button.

Sketchy Thursday - Rat's Nest

This week I decided to give Sketchy Thursday a try.  It's fun to be back in my scrap area on a regular basis and to be able to try out all these challenges that I've been wanting to do for a long time.  I love sketches and think they are especially fabulous when you are stuck, your mojo needs a kick start, or you just want a little guidance.

This is the original sketch that they posted for this week's challenge:

 

Below is my take on the sketch.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.

  
I used papers from a Colorbok pack I got for participating in their monthly surveys.  The yellow strip was a white border by Bazzill and Glimmer Mist.  The flowers are so old I don't remember where they are from and the brad in the center is by Fancy Pants.  The swirl at the top is a bling pattern and stones from Imaginisce, using their iRock tool.

Be sure to check out what other people have done with the sketch by visiting Sketchy Thursdays.

BOO Banner

It may be a little early for Halloween, but I like to get projects done ahead of time. PLUS, I got my new Black Cat 13" Cougar die cutting machine last Thursday and I just had to play with it a bit! I couldn't help myself.  Below is an image of the banner, I L-O-V-E how it turned out and can't wait to make more!

The first pendant in the banner is decorative.  To make the pendants I did a google images search for a scalloped triangle, found one that I liked and then live traced it in Adobe Illustrator.  I then size it how I wanted, saved it as an .eps file and cut it using Sign Cut and my new Cougar.   Like Buttah....  The embellishments on this are one are by Little Yellow Bicycle and Making Memories.

 

I alternated the patterns on the scalloped part of the pendants and then each one has a different pattern on the straight edged triangle.  In order to create the folded paper medallions behind the letters, I cut two strips of 1.75" by 12" and scored them at 3/8 of an inch intervals.  I folded on the score marks and glued the ends of the paper together.  Then I flattened it onto the pendant and used a hot glue gun to hold it in place.  You could create these medallions on a non stick surface and let it dry and have them made ahead of time if you would like.  I did need to hold the paper into position for a minute or two until it dried.

All the papers are by Echo Park with a little bit of My Little Bicycle, except for the letters.  Those are done in Bazzill Black Tie paper that has the slight shimmer to it.   As you can see in the image below I popped up the letters a bit to get them to stand out.

I love the patterns and colors of these papers.

All of the embellishments on this one are by Little Yellow Bicycle.  I used a small piece of embroidery floss for the "web" coming down with the spider.

That is my first big project with my new die cutting machine.  It was SO fun to make it and I love all the possibilities this machine has.  I can't wait to create more to show to you!

Scrapbook Challenges Seasons of Change Blog Hop

Hi All!  Finally, a new post and a new scrapbook page!  I'm on break from school and have been diving into my creative space.  It's awesome and I feel so rejuvenated!  To get my creative juices flowing I decided to participate in a blog hop/challenge at a site I regularly visit, but rarely have time to participate in:  Scrapbook Challenges.  It was the perfect way for me to get started, and I really like the layout I ended up with.

The original sketch:

My take on it:

You can start the blog hop at:  Brynn Marie's Blog.

To see what other people have created with the sketch, you can go to the Hop On Board.

This was a very fast layout for me and was the perfect way to get my creative juices flowing.  I can't wait to do more challenges (I have several on my list already....).  Let me know what you think!

Products Used: Reminisce Snowflake glitter paper; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist; Archiver's White Cardstock; All other items are Momenta.

My very first Guest Design!

Hi all!  Head on over to Frosted Designs to check out my very first guest design.  I've been working on a bunch of stuff lately and hope to get pictures of other layouts and projects posted soon!

If you are here from Frosted Designs, thank you SO much for stopping by!  My blog has been quiet lately because of school, but I've got a bunch of projects in the works and will be posted soon.  I would love it if you became a follower to view more of my work!

Thanks again for the visit and I was SO honored to be asked to guest design at Frosted Designs.

New Christmas Decor

About a month ago I decided to create some things for my house for Christmas.  With the craft show, school and work, I was only able to get this one thing done so far....although I do have an idea for a card display for all the wonderful Christmas Cards we get.  For now this will hang on our wall with the photo updated every year.

These are available for custom order, in a wide variety of colors, styles and themes.

Supplies:
12x12 Canvas
Miscellaneous Christmas Paper: My Little Yellow Bicycle, Jilly Bean Soup, Imaginisce
Chipboard Words: My Little Yellow Bicycle
Flowers: Color Me Crazy
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Scarlet and Gum Drop
Jewels: Imaginisce and iRock Heat Setting Tool
Modge Podge

Happy B-Day!

I've been away for quite awhile!  I started school in January for Graphic Design and took a ton of credits the first quarter.  I won't be making that mistake again!  I missed my scrapping time and haven't gotten to make as much for my shop as I would like to.

On a positive note:  I'm BACK!  During my hiatus I had a couple of custom orders and one of them was for a set of matching birthday cards.  Below are samples of the cards.

Quick tip for the buttons.  I have a MILLION buttons, but mostly in pastels and greens and reds.  The colors I had didn't work for these cards and I didn't want to go out and buy more.  So I picked out a button that was the right style and size, covered one side of it liberally with VersaMark and dipped it into my American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder.  I picked it up with a tweezers and heat embossed it.  That quickly and easily I changed the colors of my buttons!  I love that I can now customize all of my buttons to whatever project I'm working on.  Be careful though, if you heat it too long, your button may warp.

In order to get a full bow on top, rather than the cut out like it is on the cartridge, I went into Design Studio and hid the lines so they would not cut.  I like this look a lot better and I think it adds a lot more contrast.

Both cards were made using the Lyrical Letters Cricut Cartridge and BoBunny Love Bandit Collection, plain white cardstock and miscellaneous buttons.  The second card uses Archiver's pink cardstock.