Sunday 31 March 2013

Happy Easter!!

Ohhhhh I can't wait for my daughter to wake up and see the eggs around the house.  As a bonus we weren't stomach sick this year!! (Knock on wood, of course)

We were very busy today making things... I truly enjoyed the day!!
Here's the bunny tails I made from an idea I got from this pin.  I used all Stampin' Up products to create this except for the Tiny Type Letters.  I just love how these turned out, especially the pastel colored marsmellows and the marsmellow on the tail.  I tried buttons but it didn't have the same "oomph". Supplies used were the whisper White paper, discontinued DSP, top note bigz die, wisteria wonder baker's twine and the following punches!
A couple tips would be to remember to score the top note by placing it front side down.  Remember that you can use your trimmer and your scorer to do this as shown in the picture instead of draging out your larger score board.  
Also, I first stapled the cellophane bags and then used sticky strip (scor-tape for non Stampin' Up) to adher to the cellophane bags.
Up next was just some peeps that were arranged on a stick.  I used mini skewers and really smashed those peeps onto the stick.  Make sure that if your recipients are young you have the tips cut off.  I used the same bags (approx 5"x10" as above) but folded them over and adhered with sticky strip. I first held them together with an elastic and then covered with a ribbon.  Just to make sure it stayed snug but also to make sure the ribbon doesn't slip down. Aren't they cute?
Later on, Miss J and I decided to make some bunny ears. This was based on another pin that I saw. My recommendation is to first measure the child's head using the paper.  I would use a strong tape or glue on the paper rather than staples because remember it will be on their head.  Make sure you use strong cardstock rather than printer paper.  All the paper used in this was Stampin' Up and it truly lasted some "rough housing". To make sure that you incorporate your child, first draw the bunny ears and pieces out on paper and let them cut it out with kid's scissors. You can let them draw, paint or add sparkle or cotton balls to this as well.  My child's favorite part is the glue so just let her do her thing.  Most of all - have fun!!!!
Aren't they cute little bunnies?

I wanted to show you my awesome bunny "quilt" table runner that I got from our local quilting guild.  Don't you just LOVE it? Also, see the dish of carrots?
 My daughter and I put a couple carrots outside too.  Remember to pick them up so that they know the EB ate them.
Have a great EASTER everyone!
Cathy



Saturday 30 March 2013

A Scooby Birthday!

For my niece's birthday, I was dead set on doing a canvas but the vision I had didn't quite come out on "paper".  None the less, it was great fun and the message is there. I wrote some journaling on the back of the canvas as a note to her so that she always knows she is beautiful and special.

This canvas has a lot going on but largely its a lot of ripped book paper and then some patterned paper riped to create the heart (From the Heart by Crate Paper).  Like all mixed media, you are playing in layers.

I wanted to use my own hand writing on this canvas but its the part I don't like.  But hopefully it will grow on me!

Here's a couple close ups of the Prima flower (adhered with a  matte medium - I used a light paste for the rest).
In the first close up, you can see the silver modelling paste, create by using a Ronda Palarzzi Crafter's Workshop mask, as well as some SC cihpboard hearts, and Authentique letters.

In the second close up, you'll see the pretty flower as well as some of the Close to My Heart embellishments (florish and brad).

My next project was a birthday banner!  Since this was a bowling party, I just wanted to fit it on the bulletin board.  
Using the cricut I cut the letters (Cut it Up). I traced the scooby silhouette 6 times for the shadow. I also used the cricut the create the big circles (Accent Elements). I used AC paper that I had in my stash. In order to get this to lay flat, I adhered strips of chipboard behind each row of letters.  The bows helped to keep this feminine.
Enjoy Easter (oh boy, I am not ready!)
Cathy





Wednesday 27 March 2013

After a long hiatus..

... Well, I went on vacation and because of flight delays and cancellations I was long than I expected!! In other news, I got my Crop & Create Delivered Spring edition today!! Wahooo!

I have several projects on the go and even completed with photos taken but I wanted to share my layout for the March Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine re: It's a Sketchy Challenge.
This layout was made from my local scrapbooking store's monthly kit (February) - the Paperie.  I loved the kit and this is the second or third layout that I have completed using it.  There are also a couple pieces from the Studio Calico February kit. The cute little heart button is from a Canadian company called "My Little Bit of Whimsy". Their stuff is adorable so make sure you check it out! I cannot get enough of those MME enamel dots and they have been in each of the kits!!! Yahoo!!

I had some fun with this layout as I first used a Crafter's Workshop mask and a sponge dabber to ink some arrows. The ink I used was actually the Mister Huey's mist that I just dripped onto my kraft mat. Once it dried I took my AC precision pen and doodled the arrows by virtually tracing with the mask again. I then took my vintage photo distress ink and took another Mister Hueys mask to create a circle underneath my photos and paper.

In the mean time, I've continued to work on my first quilt but my dog Rooney put a stop to that pretty quick last week.
Have a great Thursday!
Cathy

Sunday 10 March 2013

Playing With Fabrics

Since my husband went out last night, I went downstairs to create a couple birthday presents.  Well, since I got messy I needed to do some other projects while things dried (without taking up too much space).

I happened to see this video while checking out the 2 Peas in a Bucket video gallery.  Since I had just recently found my Stampin' Up fabric, I thought I'd try the "No Sew Bows'.

You can find the instructions to create these darling bows by clicking on this video.  I would make a couple changes in that I would have strips of fabric 2inchesx 6 inches so that you can have a nice 1 inch wide middle.  It simply allows if your ironing isn't super precise. I would also put a dab of hot gun in the middle of each half after folding the large piece.
I didn't want to stop there so I decided to create a couple rosettes as part of the Scrapbook Steals.com challenge #15.  I created one that was a small size and the other I tied two strips together to make a bigger side. I posted about instructions to make these here. I like the frayed edges in this but I would use hot gun while you are twisting to make sure that the rosettes keep their shape.
 Today, I came home to my daughter running around with a roll of toilet paper... errrr... apparently it was a kite.  So, to kick that in the butt I told her, "oh no, that's not a kite but we can make one if you like".  We marched downstairs and picked some "pink" paper (her favorite color), we picked some "sparkles", some pink ribbon and grabbed a pack of markers.  I quickly hand cut two matching diamonds and told her to draw on the paper and use the sparkles while I cut the twine and taped it to the back of one of the diamonds.  I then got her to glue the two diamonds together.  Once she finished drawing, I asked where she wanted her pink ribbon.  And 5 minutes later we were running around the house with a kite.
Don't be afraid to do things quickly and on the fly - it never has to be perfect.

Next we were off to two birthday parties!!  Earlier in the week my daughter and I had made some salt dough (1 cup of flour, 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of salt - put it in the oven at 200F for 3 hours).  We cut out shapes of hearts - she wanted to make cookies but since I am dieting I opted for the salt dough without any plan for them.  With the hearts we had used a straw to create holes.  The next day we painted them.  Again, without a plan.  Note that we did not prime them with gesso - if you are to do this idea, make sure you gesso them before you give them to your children to paint.  This morning as I was wrapping up the gifts with kraft paper I needed a "tag" so I grabbed a sharpie, wrote their names on the salt dough and "away we go".  Here's the result:
Here's a sneak peek of the birthday I referenced above - its not completed yet but should be in the next couple days.
Have a fabulous day!
Cathy

Friday 8 March 2013

Lovin' Navy Blue

Gosh, where have I been to miss such an awesome color as navy blue? I love the crisp-ness of it!

I have a few partial layouts hanging around and the Amber 2 scrapbook steals sketch was one of those.  I have been in love with Stampin' Up's (SU) new "Sent With Love" paper so I grabbed that as well as some textured white SU paper. Oh and I stared at that sketch knowing exactly what pictures I wanted to use. My daughter is stunning in these pictures so I wanted it to be all about her and her innocence.

You'll notice that this layout is all Stampin' Up products except for the cardstock stickers (both Jillibean soup).  To create some dimension I punched out some vellum hearts and doodled with my white signo white pen around the edges of the hearts. I added some pearls, as well as the doily. You'll also notice that I often don't smooth out my letter stickers.  I often let them just "lazily" stick off the page. I love that look but I know when I put the page in the page protectors they will stick on. :)  But it turns out that I haven't put a page in an album for years... (quite a daunting feat and quite stressful so I avoid it all together).

To create the circle, I first used the crumb cake marker and traced it in a semi-circle (my photos were already taped down. I didn't like just that so I took shimmer paint and dropped some re-inker in it. I then used a q-tip to spread it along the page.I then realized there was two boys' birthdays coming up over the weekend so I grabbed the "Goal" Stamp set that was laying on top of my stamp set piles as it was recently was used my a friend.  I then grabbed an old Stampin' Up paper pack called Night and Day (Retired).  Oh what nice navy color has Night of Navy.  Since I like to use up all my scraps and play around with things.  I came up with three cards. Scrapbooksteals.com has a weekly challenge each week called the Monday Craft Madness challenge.  This week it was "Stamp It" so I decide to include this as part of this challenge. You have until the end of the month to complete this challenge.

You'll notice on a couple of these cards there's a shade of blue.  Its simply the night of navy ink smeared on the card using the sponges (its not bashful blue... I am not the best at adhering to my own rules!). There's also some doodling on the pages with white signo pen, as well as just the basic black journaling pen (scribbles).


 Not wanting to stop there I thought I would play along with my local scrapbooking store's weekly challenge - use ribbon or lace. I saw a lady from Stampin' Up do something similar with the Stampin' Up trim using the dress form framelits (a must-have that I have not yet ordered!!) but I sadly don't remember her name. My inspiration for the trim dress comes from her. Instead I used a stamp set, as well as the labels framelits. Again, I used night of navy cardstock.  The pearls added some gorgeous bling.

Also, Stampin' Up is offering a monthly kit that you can subscribe to. It's only $25 including shipping (but not taxes) and includes absolutely everything n eeded for a particular project.  So its fantastic for both beginners and "oldies". Check it out by clicking the icon below!

It's bed time! Good night!
Cathy



Wednesday 6 March 2013

Twinchies!

What's that?

Well, its a two inch by two inch square of... art! A group of ten of us participated in a swap and so I'll get 9 other twinchies in return... This was organized by the lovely Rhea Skomorski - visit her here as she is extremely talented and you don't want to miss what she has come up with.

Here's the final product...
This uses MME's 29th Market Street paper, the new mini butterfly punch from Stampin Up, as well as linen thread, glitter paper, pearls, mini silver brads and wire from Stampin Up. I used Tim Holtz vintage photo distress ink to tone this done and bring the purple to match the gold.

... When I first started I went crazy with lots of ink but I couldn't make my vision work... Here was the mess... I am going to try to salvage it for something.
 
Alright, good night everyone!! I created four cards and a layout this evening so I'll post that tomorrow.

Cheers,
Cathy

Monday 4 March 2013

Winner, Winner.. (chicken dinner)

How can you not say "chicken dinner" after Winner, winner?

I had almost forgotten to pick the Crop Circles Blog Hop winner... I have been astounded by the success that Brad Gushue and his new, young team have been having at the Brier.  Go Newfoundland Go! (Could I have just cursed him... I hope not).
... AND THE WINNER OF THE HOP IS...  LISA M! Congrats Lisa!!
Lisa, can you email me at cathywoodman@hotmail.com for your prize?

And the winner of my own blog candy was CoraLee Kilfoy!! Congrats CoraLee!! I'll send your prize out to you shortly!

Have a wonderful day everyone!! Stay tuned for my twinchies (two inch square piece of art) and some layouts I did in January but forgot to relay.

Cheers!
Cathy

Friday 1 March 2013

Crop Circles March Blog Hop

Welcome to the first ever Crop Circles blog hop!! 
This is the last stop so I hope you had fun! You should have come from Liz's blog. If you want to start from the top check out Cheryl's blog. By now you should know we are fun group of ladies that are totally addicted to scrapping and crafting. 

This month, we decided to use the March sketch at Sketchbook365 to showcase our many different styles.  Using some of my Paperie and Studio Calico February kits, I created this layout:
Materials Used: BG True Love, October Afternoon Duck Pond, SC wooden veneers, SC with MME enamel dots, Dear Lizzy chipboard, Graphic45 trim, AC Ready Set Go Surrounded paper, Echo Park Today's Story "Hello" photo freedom, SU pool party baker's twine, Mr. Huey's white, SU buttons, MME lime twist stickers and signo white pen.

I have to say that the kits I have been getting are absolutely inspiring me.  I love getting a surprise to see what someone else would put together.  When I saw this sketch, it just cries layering.  And layering can sometimes mean tags or journalling cards.  I used a number of these Echo Park cards that originally came with 12 on a 12x12 patterned paper sheet.  When I see this happen (often with Simple Stories), I have been cutting them out and holding them together with a paper clip including the name of the collection.  Once I am done, I put it in my 'journal tags' basket so I know exactly where to look for them again.

If you are following the blogs, you know that vintage cameras and polaroid-type pictures are a huge trend right now.  This sketch called for something similar.  I encourage you to just make your own as shown here. (In this picture I was trying to use the Stampin Up 'Sent with Love' pattern paper kit but didn't get there.  I just can't get enough of the arrows!)

Since some of our members didn't have blogs, we invited them to play along - check out Rexene Lockyer's fabulous take. I love how the blue pops against that brown.  And of course, I love the white doodling around the page. 
You have until end of day March 3rd to complete this hop! For every comment you leave along the way your name will be entered to win a Stampin' Up bundle prize lot. You'll also have chances to win some blog candy along the way from individual bloggers... INCLUDING MINE! For every new follower or existing follower who posts a comment, you'll be entered to win some Maya Road chipboard, the SU Dasher stamp and a surprise goodie!

Here's the list of bloggers on the hop in case you missed anyone!
Cheryl Ashworth (also Shar & Brande Strahan)
Rhea Skomorowski (also Natasha Connolly)
Lori Smith (also with Elaine Lambe Beck)
Cathy Caines (also Rexene Lockyer) THAT'S ME! THE END!

Check back on my blog on March 5th when I post the overall winner, as well as my own blog candy! Also, you have until March 15th to play along with the rest of us to join Sketchbook365!

As a side note - no natural light in this girl's crafting room... see below... is Winter over yet?
Cathy