New Sketch N Scrap "Inspired By" Challenge!!!

Hello my fellow crafters!!!  Hope you're having a scrap-filled week thus far!!! 

Did you know that Sketch N Scrap is now hosting a BRAND NEW "Inspired By" Challenge every month?!?  That's right...  Now, there are two card sketches, two layout sketches, and a BRAND NEW Inspired Sketch EVERY SINGLE MONTH!!!! WOW... That's a whole lot of inspiration to get your creative mojo flowing :-)

So what is an "Inspired By" challenge you ask?!? One of our lovely sketch artist draws inspiration from a layout... Either submitted from our member's entries, DT, etc... And then we give YOU that sketch (along with a DT reveal and original entry) to interpret!!!  I'm so excited because this month, MY LAYOUT is the "inspirational" one!!!  This is an oldie, but goodie :-)

"This is My Story" with Crate Paper "Maggie Holmes"

I, myself, am a "colorful" person of sorts.  I'm outspoken, extremely personable (from many years in the hospitality industry), and sometimes down right obnoxious!!!!  I'm also good-hearted, I give when I can, and help others as much as possible :-)

One way I express myself is through my tattoos.  Yes, I have several of them, and they all provide a glimpse into who I am.  I wanted to make a page that reflects me as an individual.  A page that gives you an idea of "who I am".  And this is it:

The picture is of my "backside" where most of my tattoos are.  For those who are curious, I have several of them, including: both of my daughter's names, my own eyes, a clover, a shamrock, some stars and flourishes, a butterfly, the word "Lucky",  something that looks like a compass on my neck (don't ask... I was young!! Hahaha!!!), mine and my husband's astrological signs, and a large rose down my side which still needs to be shaded in (it's my "newest" addition!).  All of them are meaningful, and nothing I will "regret" as most may think of people with tattoos.  They all represent an "era" in my life...  And they all tell a story :-)

I used papers by Crate Paper Maggie Holmes collection to start things off.  I distressed and tore edges, and created the big tear down the center.  I used a MS paper punch to punch the edges of the torn area, then layered punched edges of different paper, ribbon, and a little Liquid Pearls.  I created the flower cluster using various flowers by Recollections and Paper House Studio. 

 The chipboard pieces are from Blue Fern Studio and were heat embossed, inked,  misted and then topped off with Perfect Pearls and Liquid Pearls.  I used my Spectrum Noir Black Alcohol Marker to go over some teal glittered Thickers so that the chipboard color was black, but the glitter would remain teal to match the page.  This page is easy on the eyes, full of sparkle, and a little rough around the edges.  Pretty much sums me up!!!!!  

Here is the AMAZING SKETCH created based on the layout by the very talented Kelly Holifield:

This sketch turned out better than I expected!!!!  It's AMAZING!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!  Make sure to stop by the blog and participate... There is a wonderful prize up for grabs!!!  

Also, be sure to stop by the Frosted Designs store soon....  We are QUICKLY selling out of the "Shades of Spring" February Kit, full of beautiful papers, embellies, and flowers!!!  Here's a few projects created using the kit (for the new monthly "Kit Challenge"!) from myself and member Vicki Robertson:

Me

Member Vicki Robertson

There are only a few "Love is in the Air" January kits as well... PERFECT for Valentine's or "love" themed projects!!!  Here's some ideas from our DT using this kit:

Debbie

Anita

Jean

Well gang...  Thanks soooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

Exciting Design Team Changes and Sketches4All Mixed Media Challenge!!!

Happy New Year all!!!!  I hope you have a fabulous (and SAFE) New Year's!!!  I truly can't believe that 2014 is already here!!!!

With the start of the New Year, there is also some exciting news!!!  

First, I would like to announce that I will now be on the 2014 Design Team for....  FROSTED DESIGNS!!!!!! I can't tell you how happy this makes me!!! I have been "playing along" with them for quite some time and am always inspired by their very talented DT.  And now, I'm a part of it!!!!  When you have a moment, please stop in and check out their blog: http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/ and Store: http://frosted-designs.com/.  Frosted Designs is a "Kit Club" but their store is loaded with wonderful collections, embellishments, mixed media supplies, etc.  I will be sharing my first project with them on January 7th :-)

Secondly, as most of you know, I have been on the Design Team with Colorful Creations for a little over 18 months now.  The site is undergoing some changes and effective January 1st, it will be a Challenge Blog!!!  The "ning" site will no longer be there, but the creativity and inspiration will continue to flow on the blog!!!  Stop in and check it out: http://colorfulcreations2014.blogspot.com/.
 

"Altered Trinket Box" with Crate Paper "Maggie Holmes" Paper Pad

Okay... Now that I have the "big" news out of the way, I'd like to share a few projects I've been working on for the New Year!!!  Sketches4All is hosting a "Mixed Media" challenge for the month of January... That's right... GET MESSY!!!!!  Any type of mixed media work is fine!  

I decided on making a trinket box for the challenge.  I found this unfinished wood box at Michael's on clearance because the clasp was broke.  No biggie!!!  I knew I was going to replace it anyway!!!  

Here's a look at the box before I started working (I already painted it when I took this photo! Please excuse the first few pics as it was already dark outside!)

I started by measuring the box and cutting out paper pieces accordingly (American Crafts 'Maggie Holmes' paper collection).  I inked all the edges with Distress Ink, then got to work!!!!

I layered on some Mod Podge (matte used here!) and started adding my pieces.

After all the paper was on, I added another layer of Mod Podge for sealing purposes.  Then I started to embellish!  

I just love the rose trim by Tim Holtz!  It's so pretty and very versatile.  I colored it with "Chipped Sapphire" Distress Stain (which left my hands blue for days!!!) and added it to the base of the box.  I added another pink trim with pearls directly above that.  I used my Martha Stewart "doily" edge punch and created a border to go down the center of the box.  I then added a pink ribbon atop of the punched piece and strategically placed tiny pink rhinestones around the entire box.  I then added some flowers by Martha Stewart and Recollections, metal pieces painted with "Silver" Liquid Leaf, and blue felt and inked paper to the inside for a finished look!!!

Here is the finished product!!!!

Isn't it beautiful?!?  And to think... This box only cost me $1.75!!!!  AWESOME :-)

 

"Christmas Cheer" Scrapbook Layout with Simple Stories "Handmade Holiday" Collection

Next on the list is a page I created for my January Sketches4All "Once Upon A Theme" Challenge!!!  

I decided for January, I would do a "Cheer" theme!!!  Holidays always seem to bring people cheer and what better way to show it than with a scrapbook page?!?  

I used Sketch # 105 from Sketchabilities to complete this page:

This is my oldest daughter on Christmas of last year:

I used the Simple Stories "Handmade Holiday" paper collection to make this layout.  It's full of awesome elements and tidbits for "fussy cutting"!!!  The tree has buttons designed onto the paper so I added real ones for detail where they lay.  

I made the "pocket" with coordinating paper and used a White Gelato by Faber Castell and a snowflake stencil to create the

design.  I finished the page with tiny chipboard stars by Studio Calico (purchased from the Frosted Designs Store!!!).  

Here are a couple of close-ups:

Well gang...  Thanks soooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

See you next year!!!!

Chills, Thrills, and Frills for 2 Broke Girls!!!!

Hello there my crafty neighbors!!! It's been one busy week around here and I have much to show you!!! So sit back and enjoy the show :-)

As you all know, 2 Broke Girls has a MONTH LONG Sketch A Thon with tons of sketches and prizes galore!!! If you haven't stopped in to check it out, I suggest you do so now!!! It goes a little something like this: Each DT has a sketch for you to complete, as well as the sketches from 2 Broke Girls, each giving you an opportunity to win some goodies.  And what would a Sketch A Thon be without a GRAND PRIZE?!?  That's right!!! The more you complete, the better your chances are... So what are you waiting for?!?  

So far, I've completed sketches 1, 2, 4 (my own), 5, 11, 12, and 13.  There are 14 TOTAL sketches to be completed so I'm about half way there!!!! Here's a look at what I've completed so far...

2 Broke Girls Blog Sketch #1:  Laugh and Play with Crate Paper "Party Day"

Here is the sketch:

And here is my page:

I followed it quite literally, making only a few minor adjustments.  This is my oldest daughter with her father at Disney World earlier last year.  

Tabitha Sketch #2: "Fall Colors" Handmade Fall/Autumn Card 

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

I used traditional fall papers by Momenta and various embellies and stamps.

Janet Sketch#5: "Danger" with MME: Handmae Halloween Card

Here is the Sketch:

And here is my card:

I cut up a piece of the "poisons" pattern paper from the MME paper pad, matted them, and outlined it all with a black Sharpie.  Then I just continued on with the theme and added a chipboard piece by K&Company for this "dangerous" looking card!!! 

Michelle M Sketch #11: "Chills and Thrills" Halloween Layout with K&Company

Here is the sketch:

And here is my "spooky" page!!!

These are my girls on Halloween of last year!!! If you look close enough, you can see just how agitated my little one is having to take a photo with her sister!!!! Hahahaha!!!!  

The papers and most embellies are by K&Company.  The spiderweb doily in the background was made by cutting a circle and then using my corner punch to shape it.  Here's the tutorial in case you missed it!!! 

Darcy Sketch #12: "Shine" with Crate Paper Maggie Holmes

Here is the sketch:

And my layout (this one is one of my favs!!!!)

This is my oldest daughter goofing off at the house in her dress up clothes!!!! Quite beautiful she is!!!!

I started by using the Crate Paper "Maggie Holmes" Signature line (which I LOVE) and went to work!!! I'm a sucker for layers so everything gets matted several times.  I also ink all the edges, and sometimes distress a few for added detail.  The stars and arrow are from Heidi Swapp and they were colored with Distress Inks I used for this page (Evergreen Borough,  Picked Raspberry, and Faded Jeans).    The chipboard title "Shine" is by K&Company.  I sanded it just a little bit so that I could add the colors I wanted to match the page.  I topped it off with some Liquid Pearls.   I finished it with some rub ons by Tim Holtz and a few extra embellies!!! 

Pat Sketch #13: "Happy Journey" with K&Company

Here is the sketch:

And here's my layout:

I actually had a lot of fun with this one!!! I got to use one of my MS punch all over the page punches and my liquid pearls.. all on one page!!!! LOVELY!!! Hahahaha!!! All the papers are by K&Company, including the die-cut border pieces on the top left and bottom right.  I added some rub-ons to them for some sub-titling and added detail.  This is my youngest daughter when she was just a few months old.  She still has that same perfect smile!!!!  

Well gang... Thanks soooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

2 Broke Girls Overhaul... Great New Look and Prize Giveaway!!!

Well hello and happy August everyone!!!  

This is My Story with Maggie Holmes

Okay... Now this next one is a page I've been wanting to make for quite some time.  This is for my Creative Monthly Project Challenge over at Colorful Creations.  The challenge this month is to explore the world of "paper tearing".  

I, myself, am a "colorful" person of sorts.  I'm outspoken, extremely personable (from many years in the hospitality industry), and sometimes down right obnoxious!!!!  I'm also good-hearted, I give when I can, and help others as much as possible :-)

One way I express myself is through my tattoos.  Yes, I have several of them, and they all provide a glimpse into who I am.  I wanted to make a page that reflects me as an individual.  A page that gives you an idea of "who I am".  And this is it:

This page turned out better than I expected!!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!  I used papers by Crate Paper Maggie Holmes collection to start things off.  I distressed and tore edges, and created the big tear down the center.  I used a MS paper punch to punch the edges of the torn area, then layered punched edges of different paper, ribbon, and a little Liquid Pearls.  I created the flower cluster using various flowers by Recollections and Paper House Studio.  The chipboard pieces are from Blue Fern Studio and were heat embossed, inked,  misted and then topped off with Perfect Pearls and Liquid Pearls.  I used my Spectrum Noir Black Alcohol Marker to go over some teal glittered Thickers so that the chipboard color was black, but the glitter would remain teal to match the page.  This page is easy on the eyes, full of sparkle, and a little rough around the edges.  Pretty much sums me up!!!!!  

"Summertime" Anything Goes at Sketches4All

Sketches4All is hosting a "Summertime" Sketch Challenge where ANYTHING GOES!!!!  That's right... Make what you want as long as you follow the sketch:

I decided on a layout using pics from my trip to Cozumel in 2011.  Here's a look:

I've had these papers by The Girls Paperie sitting for quite some time and thought I would finally put them to good use!!!!  They went well with the photos anyhow!!!  

Instead of using three photos, I cut one into two and then added one of me and my husband on shore.  The embellies and ribbon are all from the same paperline, aside from the K&Company tag (bottom right) and the metal balloon by Recollections.  Looking at these pics make me want to revisit this tropical paradise!!!!!   

Handmade Baby Girl Card using Crate Paper "Little Bo Peep"

This is a card that I made for SketchNScrap's July 20th Card Sketch Challenge and FORGOT to post as we were in Fort Lauderdale!!!!!!  Browsing all my sites last night, I realized I hadn't even posted it yet... Better late than never I suppose!!! Hahahaha!!!

Any who... Here is the sketch:

My husband needed a baby girl card for his boss and this was the perfect sketch to get it done!!!  Here's a look at what I came up with:

I had this Crate Paper that I also TOTALLY forgot about and finally pulled it out to use!!!  Seems like a trend around here!!!!  I followed the sketch quite literally, adding only minor changes.  I hand cut the tag, hand-colored the elephant with my Spectrum Noir markers,  and heat embossed "Congratulations"  using pink powder.   I finished it with ribbon, buttons, and a couple of flowers!!!!  That's it!!!  Easy Baby Girl card out the door :-)

Well gang... that's all for today!!! Stay tuned for some more exciting projects coming in the next few days!!!  Have a LUCKY day :-)

Scrap Your Story DIY Challenge with Maggie Holmes!!!!

Hello gang!!!!  I know it's been a while but I have been out of town for the past week and just catching up on things.  My family and I went down to Fort Lauderdale to spend some well needed time away from home and with my Aunt and Uncle whom we love dearly!!!!  They were kind enough to have us AND the kiddies for the past week and deserve an award for their patience with us!!! Hahahahaha!!!!! Hope everyone has enjoyed their summer thus far :-)  

Any who.... I am writing in regards to a BRAND NEW DIY Challenge over at Scrap Your Story.  We were going to do this a week ago but unfortunately Christy, the site owner, has fell ill and needs some time to heal.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family!  We've decided to go forward with the challenge with Christy cheering us from the sideline!!!!  

This week, the challenge is to CREATE YOUR OWN embellishment.  The girls have put together some FABULOUS ideas for you to learn the latest and greatest techniques for your pages!!!!  My DIY embellies are the ever-so-fabulous ROSETTES!!!!  They are super easy to make and add so much flavor to your pages!!!  And the best part?!?!?  You just use the same papers you're already working with to make them :-)

I've put together a step-by-step tutorial on how to get these done in a past post that includes a YouTube video if that will be of more help to you, but I will add the steps below as well.  
First, here is the layout I created making my very own rosettes.  I used a sketch by the wonderful Tabitha Triplett for the Twisted challenge over at Colorful Creations and Crate Paper's "Maggie Holmes Collection" (LOVE this line!!) to complete the page.  Here's a look:

Here's a close up of some of the rosettes.  As you can see, I cut them in half after making them to add a beautiful border to my picture!  I also added some K&Company brads to add a little detail :-)

For the page, I started by choosing papers that matched mine and my husband's outfits.  Just like a "girl" to do something like that!!!! Hahahaha!!! I used a Martha Stewart deep edge punch set to create the die-cut behind the photo.  Then, I just layered some papers, added the rosettes and grungepaper embellies,  threw on some ribbon, bling,  and liquid pearls, and called it a day!!!!  Don't those rosettes just make the page?!?!?   

Super Easy Rosette Tutorial! 

So, how do you make them you ask?!?  Well, it's SUPER easy and well worth the effort!!!  Here's what you'll need:

Necessary

12x12 paper (any kind)

Scoring Tool

Adhesive

Hot Glue Gun

Paper Scraps

Not Necessary

Paper Edge Punch(es)

Ink

First, you'll need to cut out some strips out of 12x12 paper that you want to use.  It HAS to be 12 inches in length for the rosette to form.  Depending on the size of the rosette, you'll want to cut your strips anywhere from 3/4inch (.75 inches) wide to one and a half inches wide(1.5inches).  Anything bigger or smaller will be too hard to work with.  Use your SCORING board and tool and score the strips at EVERY 1/4 inch.  To mae it easier in the long run, you should start on one side and score at every HALF inch (.5, 1, 1.5, 2,etc...), then flip it over and score at every 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch (.25 and .75).  This will make the accordion fold MUCH easier when you get to that step!

If you DO NOT HAVE a SCORING board, just use your paper trimmer and bone folder, or something similar.  When I don't feel like taking out my board that's what I do!!!!  

When you've completed the first step, you'll have a bunch of strips that look like this.. maybe more, maybe less.  You only need ONE strip per ROSETTE.  

For added detail, you can use your edge punches on some of the strips after you've scored them.  THIS IS NOT REQUIRED.  I'll show you the difference between them and the punches I used :-)

They should look like this when you're done punching.  

If you're an "inker" like myself, this is the perfect time to do your inking.  Just choose a side on the "non-punched" strips and ink the detailed side on the "punched" strips. These are the inks I choose:

Here's my heap of strips!!!  After you're done inking, go ahead and accordion fold the strips using the score lines.  This should be VERY easy!!!!

Now, use a little adhesive and bind your strips to make a circle (see below).  VERY IMPORTANT:  You MUST adhere the edges together keeping the SAME accordion fold pattern.  If it doesn't meet with the same pattern, just CUT one 1/4inch piece from ONE of the sides.  Then it should meet perfectly!!!!

Now, you'll need something to glue your rosette to when it's done.  This will be UNDER the rosette and NOT noticeable.  It doesn't have to be pretty... just big enough to keep it down and small enough to not be seen!!! I decided to use my 1inch circle punch and make circles.  You can use squares, strips, scraps, or anything else that floats your boat!!!  

Now, take your circle strip of paper and FLATTEN it!!!!!  Literally, just squish it down in the center while it's standing and it should form your rosette.  You can squeeze it tight for a "tighter" looking rosette, or lightly for a more "relaxed" look.  I usually go tighter!!!  Using your HOT GLUE GUN, place a little hot glue on the piece you cut for your base.  This would be my circles.  Now, take your rosette and CAREFULLY place it down atop the base while the glue is hot.  You must work rather quickly here!!!!  Hold the rosette in place on the base for about 30 seconds, or until the glue is cool enough to hold it.  That's it!!!! YOU'RE DONE!!!!!  

Here's a look at my rosettes:  You can see the difference between the "fancy" edge ones and the regular ones.  I actually like the look of BOTH!!!!!

Pretty cool, right?!?   Now, you can embellish as desired!!! I usually like to add a brad to the center of mine, but you can add buttons or anything else that looks good!!!  You can also "stack" them for added detail like this:

Tim Holtz Grungepaper Fun!

As an added "bonus" (hahahaha!!!),  I also want to show you the versatility of GRUNGEPAPER!!!!!!!  I absolutely LOVE grungepaper.. it's SOOOOOO much fun to play with!!!!!  

I used various stamps and stamped on the "smooth" side of the paper using embossing ink.    

Then, I used different color embossing powders and heated it up!!!!  Here's a look at them after I cut them out:

Isn't that neat?!?  And SOOOOO easy?!?  I added a little fun to my hearts using the Broken China Distress Marker by Tim Holtz.  He's my fav!!!!!

And the other heart I made... 

Well gang.... Thanks soooo much for stopping in.  Have a LUCKY day :-)