Friday 31 January 2014

Catherine and Cathy Create: Hearts a Flutter

It's another month over at Catherine and Cathy Create which means a new challenge!!  This month's challenge is ..

CHALLENGE: "Hearts-a-Flutter"

One of the sale-a-bration items is this a-mazing banner!!  It practically does all the work for you!!
... I think that means you have to somehow get this exclusive kit... 
all you have to do is spend $60 with Stampin' Up! and get one product free.  In fact, for every $60 you spend, you get that many free products!
SALE-A-BRATION starts now until March 31st.

Have a fabulous day and play along with the challenge for your chance to win the stamp set "Watercolor Happy"!

Cathy

Wednesday 29 January 2014

My Paper Pumpkin: You & Me - Project #4

It's my last project for the My Paper Pumpkin challenge this week! Check out the My Pumpkin Challenge to play along.  This week the challenge is: You & Me... or just Me.. or just You.  Whatever you interpret.  This week, mine interpretation is "You".

The December kit just screams scrapbooking to me so I continued on that trend.
The "you and me" is cut out using the E-cutter and is the .svg called Moments Ago.  You can get this digital download from My Digital studio.

Here's some close ups:

The new Paper Pumpkin promotion continues...  if you subscribe NOW you will receive a pack of five markers for FREE!  Click here for more information. Remember that Stampin' Up! just announced some new developments in the My Paper Pumpkin kits - they are increasing the product sizes.  Woohoo!

Have a great day and join in on the challenge!
Cathy

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Artisan Wednesday Wow: "My perfect mess"


So, I like white. Sue me.
I know what you are thinking... "that's a MESS"
And to you I say..
"Yes, it is... but it's MY MESS"
And quite simply, my life is a mess.  
"My perfect mess"..and I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, let's talk about this.  What did I do? First I mixed my re-inker with gesso and using a paint brush I created an ombre effect on my plain white paper.  Then I wanted more of a watercolor effect so I decided to mist with water. So much so that it was dripping along the page. Right away I dried it with my heat gun - what this meant is that is holds the "drip effect".
Because I misted with water, I needed to be careful with my stamping so I used the Staz On ink, which is archival.  It shouldn't have a reaction with the water.  Did you notice my staple "exes"?  Staples are my adhesive of choice. :)
Next, I started to doodle and stamp some more.  I flicked my reinker+rubbing alcohol mix using the Stampin' Spritzers. Don't forget the Crytal Effects - that gave me a cool effect on the camera.
  oops, I noticed I had ink on my fingers and it got on my pure white page... Darn... 
 Sooo... I dare you. Make your own perfect mess... err... step out of your comfort zone.

Did you see all my Leadership Display Board projects this week? Check them all out here!

Make sure you keep hopping to Cindy and the rest of the Artisans!! They are pretty awesome. :)

Leadership Display Boards Day 7: Petal Parade


Been a little busy... but not too busy for SALE-A-BRATION!!!!! What is sale-a-bration? Well, its the most exciting time of year in the Stampin' Up! world.  When you spend $60 you get a free product out of the Sale-a-bration catalog... so now's the time... take advantage of the deal!

Now for some inspiration from the new Occasions catalog!

Project #13: Stitch. Stitch. Stitch.
I love the cute little "wings" I found on this Petal Parade stamp set.  Every tie I look at them they remind me of feathers...

Project #14: Cupid's Arrows

Here they are again - the "feathers"! Since Valentines is around the corner, I decided to make some of Cupid's arrows. I used hot glue to adher to the dowel.

Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy

Project Life: Chaulkboard Technique

This week for the Stuck on U Sketches Project Life (PL) challenge its "use Embossing powder". As with most of my PL layouts you probably notice that they take on a more "themed" approach and this is no exception.
With lots of photos taken at my daughter's birthday day, project life is the perfect solution.  The project life cards were created by making 3x4 cards with basic black cardstock.  They were then embossed with white embossing powder.  And finally I rubbed some whisper white ink on top for the chalkboard effect.

I encourage you to play along with the challenge!

Cheers!
Cathy


Thursday 23 January 2014

Leadership Display Boards Day 6: Sale-a-bration PAPER!


Wow, there's so many awesome projects!! I can't keep up!

Project #11: Playing with Circles
I was playing with circles... and this is what happened! Ta-da!!!!!  I am loving all the sale-a-bration paper and embellishments.  Check out the twine!!

Project #12: Fuzzy cutting
Wow - I love this page. (Bias, no?!?) I think its because I love the pictures I took of these two "love birds" from outside on the patio. If you look closely you can see the mud on the patio door from our golden receiver.  The most important thing I want you to remember in this page is to create your own embellishments. If you cant find the perfect element cut up the page.  There's so many cute little designs that are just waiting for you!

I used the buttons and pearls to continue to cluster and to give dimension to the cut flowers.
 I got out my spritzers (reinker + rubbing alcohol), to give the plain white cardstok some life.  You can also see the banners created from the banner punch out of the sale-a-bration catalog.

Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy

Wednesday 22 January 2014

My Paper Pumpkin Challenge: You & Me - Project #3

I'll say it again... The December Paper Pumpkin is AWeSOMe!

So, I'd love to see you play along with the December My Pumpkin Challenge: You & Me... or just Me.. or just You.  Whatever you interpret.  This week, mine interpretation is "You"

Stampin' Up! just announced some new developments in the My Paper Pumpkin kits - they are increasing the product sizes.  AND if you subscribe NOW you will receive a pack of five markers for FREE!  Click here for more information!
So, yeah, the background paper is from the new Kaleiscope DSP - I love it.  It's not a color I would normally scrapbook with but it really worked with these funny photos.  Notice the washi stripes on the top.  I mixed some November elements as well as some regular catalog items.  

One big tip - USE YOUR SCRAPS! 
Literally the ribbon was laying on my desk so I stapled that on.  And then the star/circle was a couple of punched pieces laying in a bowl I have on my table.
My most favorite element is the "love your guts" - this is heat embossed on the page.  This picture is a Selphy picture and my friend, Sara swears the photo paper can handle the heat... so, if you don't want to ruin your picture don't do this as it might bubble your page.  But if you DARE... its an awesome outcome if you are careful.

And really... I mean... how CUTE is this GUY?!?!?!??!

Have a great day and join in on the challenge!
Cathy

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Artisan Wednesday Wow: Just Sayin'


The plans changed and I had to figure this out fast... It seems that I am in a scrapbooking mood lately... 
These pictures make me laugh..

"I think I'll tell a story"
Here's the thing... my daughter LOVES her Baby brother.
And sometimes its reciprocal.  He doesn't laugh at anyone more than her.  
And this is a series of photos that is EVERY DAY.

The word bubbles stamp set with the corresponding framelits helped me do this.

Here's some cute detail: I used the versatile Gorgeous Grundge stamp set and heat embossed it in white.  It gave me that splatter effect that you wouldn't quite see on such a wild background paper. Also notice the linen thread sewed around the page as a border, adhered with some wild machine stitching.
You can see above that I tucked in some washi tape to bring out the color of my daughter's skirt.  I used some scraps of ribbon (I have a ribbon scrap basket) to make "photo corners".  This again, brings out the brighter blue of my son's shirt.
Bottom line... have fun with your layouts... :) 

Don't forget that the whole Artisan Team is beginning to show you their Leadership Display Board projects.  Check out here to see mine and to link up to the rest of the artisans.

Cindy has been doing some amazing MDS work lately and I am in awe of her skills.   In fact, she sent me this thank you card for her little Christmas gift this year... Isn't she awesome?
Keep hopping to see what shes up to this week! Click the "next" button!

Leadership Display Boards Day 5: I [heart] gold


My family seems to be on the mend... woohoo!

Project #9: Vellum Bag
You can... make your own bag!!  And you can make an a-mazing bag with this vellum stripes gold bag.  Again, the doily and the organza ribbon is keeping things "soft" and "delicate".
 

Project #10: gold washi
Yummy, yummy, yummy! I say! This is a quick and easy card by using washi, as well as punching out some gold banners out of the gold foil.  I topped it off with some stitching! Remember you don't want your banners to ever be "floating!"
Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy

Saturday 18 January 2014

Leadership Display Board Samples Day 4: Cheer Up Buttercup


Here's another couple leadership samples for you! If you want to see them all at once click here!

Project #7: Kraft paper
Every time I use this brown paper, I wonder why I never use it... and then I remember that I try to save it.  So precious... :)  I love how you can still make your projects soft with the use of doilies and pearls.  This card is made from the sale-a-bration set Petal Parade.
 

Project #8: Cheer up buttercup muslin bag
I simply LOVE this set - its Geometrical (check out Catherine and Cathy Create for your chance to win this set!)... It looks great on everything!!  This was created with scraps on my table - Geometrical just brought it all together.
Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy



Friday 17 January 2014

Leadership Display Board Projects Day 3: Flowery Textures

OK, OK, I said I would post them all this week... but my house became a war zone with stomach flus and fevers and... well, headaches and mess. Hence... I am hanging on to the life boat at the moment.  But not too busy to show you a couple more projects!

Project #5: Mini Canvas
This mini canvas is 6x6 and is already primed so there was no need for any gesso.  I started by "fuzzy cutting" several flowers from the sale-a-bration paper.  I started arranging them until I got what I needed.  Then I used Modpodge under and over the paper.  Once it was dry I used my Staz On ink with the stamps.  Since Staz On is archival it should not react with the modpodge or anything else.  Note that I also did some doodling with my journaling pen - careful for reactions... I didn't mind but you might! :)

Project #6: Cork Flowers
How cute are those exclusive Sale-a-Bration cork board flowers.  To add more detail I added pearls to the centre.  On the right hand side I made an ombre effect using three different color choices including Bermuda Bay, Calyso Coral, and Pool Party. How fun is that stamp?

Don't forget to check out the whole team's projects!
Cathy Caines - You are HERE!
Connie Collins - Constantly Stamping
Erica Cerwin - Pink Buckaroos
Jane Lee - Jane Lee's Cards
Jeanna Bohanon - Stamp Time Somewhere
Cindy Schuster - Nutmeg Creations
Jennifer Timko - Stampin' on the Fly
Alanna Wharf - Sleepless Stamper
Becky Cowley- Scrap Junkie
Mercedes Weber - Paper Creations by Mercedes

Enjoy!
Cathy

Wednesday 15 January 2014

My Paper Pumpkin Challenge: You + Me

It's time for another project for this month's My Pumpkin Challenge! This month's challenge is You & Me... or just Me.. or just You.  Whatever you interpret.  This week, mine interpretation is "You".

This month's paper pumpkin is ridiculously awesome - check it out on my post last week
Stampin' Up! just announced some new developments in the My Paper Pumpkin kits - they are increasing the product sizes.  AND if you subscribe NOW you will receive a pack of five markers for FREE!  Click here for more information!
Woohoo!
Yup, I seriously love this kit... and I seriously love patterned paper.  This is a cute birthday card.  Since these papers were "pre-punched", I decided to use them as part of my card!

Here's the inside... cute with the patterned paper!

Have a great day and join in on the challenge!
Cathy

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Artisan Wednesday Wow: Retro Refresh


Yup, I'll confess.  
"I do not like green eggs and ham...
I do not like them Sam I am."
Oh. Wait.
No, I did not like the Retro Refresh colors...
...until I did this layout.

I love the stitching on this page - I actually did not use very much adhesive on this page because I just took to the sewing machine. This "grateful" word was cut out using my Silhouette Cameo and is an .svg from the digital file called Moments Ago.  This is an MDS digital download that I have used many times and its a MUST HAVE.
This banner was created using a couple products out of the Sale-a-bration catalog (begins January 28th!) called Banner Blast and the co-ordinating banner punch. The key to creating this effect is distressing the edges using a subtle ink like crumb cake.  Its just enough to let the banner pop from the page.

Don't forget that the whole Artisan Team is beginning to show you their Leadership Display Board projects.  You'll see them all over the course of the week! Check out this first post and keep checking out the whole team using the blog roll.

Make sure you keep hopping to Cindy.. she's been playing around with her E-cutter... I wonder if anything made it to her project this week!