Good Monday morning!
I had to tell you about a little something I've been working on.
I have had the honor to be part of a really exciting new venture with Scrapbook and Cards Today. It's a new cardmaking issue called, appropriately, Cardmaps. Here's a little blurb about it:
PageMaps and Scrapbook & Cards Today have teamed up once again to bring you “CardMaps Today.” This brand new, limited edition, special issue includes 50 never-before-seen CardMap sketches from Becky Fleck and 80 beautifully designed cards from 16 fabulous designers, including Kelly Goree, Vicki Boutin, Marla Kress, Kimber McGray, Melissa Phillips, Roree Rumph and many more. Full of techniques and the latest trends in paper crafting, this 84 page, full colour magazine comes with complete instructions for each and every card!
Hmm. They forgot to include my name as one of the fabulous designers. heeee.
And here's a peek at the inside pages:
If you have access to Scrapbook and Cards today via your local scrapbook store, make sure they have this issue on order to pick it up locally. If you are anxious to get it or don't have access locally, however, be sure to check it out and preorder it here:
http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/cardmaps-welcome
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Studio Calico March - Into the Woods Reveal
The kit is live for regular sale time!
Things to note from the morning:
#1 Babbling Brook sold out first. It was probably that super cute stamp and the KI pockets. If you are familiar with the frenzy that is SC at kit time, I would make this one a first purchase if you are after it.
Next to sell out was #3 Sunny Clearing. I picked this one up and am a huge fan. This had the number stamp set, the delicious trims from Stella Rose, the button clips, and the fun Cosmo butterfly and doilies. It also adds a bit of pink to the color palette.
#2, Mossy Knoll sold out as well. I also picked this one up and am happy to have that AC Paperback alpha, more trims from MME Stella Rose, and the KI stitched paper.
I think #4 Wildflower was still available but I can't see the presale screen so I don't know for sure.
The Epiphany Crafts products are under supplies, not Punches. There are the three different tools, as well as the buttons and epoxy shapes. I'm looking forward to making these a staple to my projects!
If you want more of the exclusive Crate label stickers from the Candy Shoppe kit, there are a few in the embellishment section of the shop tonight. Get them now because they won't be restocked and are expected to sell out.
Ever get More Calico? I've noticed more dark brown as part of the color palette in our kits lately, so I definitely think getting more Kraft, Black, white, vanilla, and delicious coffee is a great way to stretch your kit. Only $5 for 10 pieces of cardstock is a great deal too.
On to my layouts:
I adore the bee stamp in the main kit and see myself using it a lot. I also used my WRMK Sew Easy tool and that zig zag stitch for this layout. I am usually a scallop girl, but I'm a huge fan of the zig zag, for some reason. I'm also having fun doing random stitchery on my projects rather than using it to hold down a piece of paper or frame something.
My next layout was inspired by the MME Stella Rose (from add-on 2).
I loved the color palette here. I chose a strip of pink scallop on the bottom to match the pink in their matching girlie helmets.
I love hand stitching the circles. When Basic Grey had a similar design in the Bakers Dozen kit, I hand stitched the circle. This time it was all about the machine.
I also used new Studio Calico mists. Barnwood (a grey/brown), and white, a staple. I had to dirty the layout up a bit since it's about my girls being tomboys and playing on the 4 wheeler.
P.S. 2peas now has the mists, Countryside, and State Fair. Check it out!
Things to note from the morning:
#1 Babbling Brook sold out first. It was probably that super cute stamp and the KI pockets. If you are familiar with the frenzy that is SC at kit time, I would make this one a first purchase if you are after it.
Next to sell out was #3 Sunny Clearing. I picked this one up and am a huge fan. This had the number stamp set, the delicious trims from Stella Rose, the button clips, and the fun Cosmo butterfly and doilies. It also adds a bit of pink to the color palette.
#2, Mossy Knoll sold out as well. I also picked this one up and am happy to have that AC Paperback alpha, more trims from MME Stella Rose, and the KI stitched paper.
I think #4 Wildflower was still available but I can't see the presale screen so I don't know for sure.
The Epiphany Crafts products are under supplies, not Punches. There are the three different tools, as well as the buttons and epoxy shapes. I'm looking forward to making these a staple to my projects!
If you want more of the exclusive Crate label stickers from the Candy Shoppe kit, there are a few in the embellishment section of the shop tonight. Get them now because they won't be restocked and are expected to sell out.
Ever get More Calico? I've noticed more dark brown as part of the color palette in our kits lately, so I definitely think getting more Kraft, Black, white, vanilla, and delicious coffee is a great way to stretch your kit. Only $5 for 10 pieces of cardstock is a great deal too.
On to my layouts:
I've been obsessed with hexagons. It started when I first noticed these shapes in the designs on some of my favorite scrapbook papers. When I got my CHA assignment for the Countryside Collection from Studio Calico, I knew immediately that hexagons were going to be part of my layout (along with that cute Betsy pattern with the cows on the B side). You can check out that CHA layout here.
I've seen the hexagons trimmed out of the patterned paper, but I hadn't seen hexagons trimmed from different patterns. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the Basics cartridge that came with my original blue Slice HAS a hexagon shape. For pete's sake. Isn't it interesting how focused you can be on one shape, maybe because of a trend, and totally overlook things that have been staring you in the face all along? It makes me take a second look at a lot of things that inspire me.
I adore the bee stamp in the main kit and see myself using it a lot. I also used my WRMK Sew Easy tool and that zig zag stitch for this layout. I am usually a scallop girl, but I'm a huge fan of the zig zag, for some reason. I'm also having fun doing random stitchery on my projects rather than using it to hold down a piece of paper or frame something.
My next layout was inspired by the MME Stella Rose (from add-on 2).
I loved the color palette here. I chose a strip of pink scallop on the bottom to match the pink in their matching girlie helmets.
I love hand stitching the circles. When Basic Grey had a similar design in the Bakers Dozen kit, I hand stitched the circle. This time it was all about the machine.
I also used new Studio Calico mists. Barnwood (a grey/brown), and white, a staple. I had to dirty the layout up a bit since it's about my girls being tomboys and playing on the 4 wheeler.
P.S. 2peas now has the mists, Countryside, and State Fair. Check it out!
I also had fun being creative with the numbers stamps from #3 Sunny Clearing.
Misting! I did some misting! Bonny Blue and Pickle used here, blue over the Sassafras alphas in the main kit. I wanted to use this paper from KI (from the main kit), but the alphas matched the paper too closely, so misting over them and then peeling them off was a great alternative. It also made the layout more fun to create.
The chipboard alphas came from #3 Sunny Clearing. I was happy to have a yellow alpha to use.
I hope you can tell what this is supposed to represent at the bottom here, fishies in the ocean. Fishies and water are also made courtesy of the #3 add-on, Sunny Clearing. To make the fish I snipped an X alpha in half for their tails. The ric rac makes the perfect water, don't you think? The yellow in the fishies also balances out the use of the yellow alpha on the upper right which brings the design together.
I finished the kit up with a quick and easy card. As I mentioned, I'm digging the bees. The bees and the paper all came from the main kit, but the alphas and buttons come from #2, Mossy Knoll. Those crochet yellow doilies? They are in #3 Sunny Clearing, and they are handmade by one of our members at Studio Calico! I love that we had a touch of handmade in the kit, and the fact that we used one of our own members to do it is just awesome.
That's it! Good luck tonight, and any questions about my work, just let me know! Have a great night!
Davinie
Now on Sale
Good Sunday morning to you.
I survived my birthday! I honestly don't feel different, and that's a relief. I can pretend I'm only 29 for a bit longer, I think. :)
So with that, let's shop! :)
Into the Woods.
#1 Babbling Brook has a stamp. A 4x6 bubble type stamp that is reminiscent of a chipboad piece we had in the Granny's Cupboard kit a long while back. A fun background stamp.
There's also KI pockets which will make a great mini and fun embellies from Cosmo Cricket that match the main really well.
#2 Mossy Knoll does not have a stamp.
It has the Paperback alpha from American Crafts in blue, which I LOVE, stitched paper from KI, beautiful trims from MME Stella Rose, Glitz tags, and the color palette compliments the main very well.
#3 Sunny Clearing has a really great number stamp set, which also includes year stamps for 2010 and 2011 and is a great font.
There is KI stitched border paper in this one as well, in the scalloped yellow. It is a fun spring palette which will also be fun paper in a beach theme, and brings pink to the color palette. This one has more fun trims from MME Stella Rose including a great big blue ric rac, and more shaped embellies from Cosmo that I can't wait to get a chance to play with.
#4 Wildflower has a woodgrain circle stamp.
This is a very feminine add-on with pinks and yellows and white which is a fun contrast to the main. It has KI lace paper and more Glitz die cut shapes with fun girlie themes as opposed to the more boyish, circus related theme of the Glitz die cuts in #2.
There's a great shimmer alpha from making memories in this add-on as well as some pretty floral embellies.
Epiphany Crafts
This is a tool that will be a great staple to your craft room. Buttons are the perfect embellishment. We are always wanting more in our kits. Now you can make your own! For now I'm starting with the small button maker and coordinating shapes, but the floral punch is next on my list. As I mentioned in my sneaks post, I did have an opportunity to play with this tool at CHA so I can attest to the fact that it works and is fun to play with.
Zing
This is the new trend. I added clear and white to my cart to try, because I like texture and I LOVE white, so if you want a subtle white but haven't had a chance to add white Mister Huey to your projects, try Zing because you can control where that goes. Don't forget the heat gun!
Stamps
Don't forget the Stamp sale! Natalee, jetsetter, time flies, doilies, and the labels are on sale for $2 off!
Embellishments
Cosmo Cricket sticker and ready set chip are new to the shop.
Also, don't forget to enter for the Reveal night giveaway - Pitter Patter from Making Memories.
Have a great day! I am going to be crafting the whole day and will be back tonight with my March projects.
Davinie
I survived my birthday! I honestly don't feel different, and that's a relief. I can pretend I'm only 29 for a bit longer, I think. :)
So with that, let's shop! :)
Into the Woods.
#1 Babbling Brook has a stamp. A 4x6 bubble type stamp that is reminiscent of a chipboad piece we had in the Granny's Cupboard kit a long while back. A fun background stamp.
There's also KI pockets which will make a great mini and fun embellies from Cosmo Cricket that match the main really well.
#2 Mossy Knoll does not have a stamp.
It has the Paperback alpha from American Crafts in blue, which I LOVE, stitched paper from KI, beautiful trims from MME Stella Rose, Glitz tags, and the color palette compliments the main very well.
#3 Sunny Clearing has a really great number stamp set, which also includes year stamps for 2010 and 2011 and is a great font.
There is KI stitched border paper in this one as well, in the scalloped yellow. It is a fun spring palette which will also be fun paper in a beach theme, and brings pink to the color palette. This one has more fun trims from MME Stella Rose including a great big blue ric rac, and more shaped embellies from Cosmo that I can't wait to get a chance to play with.
#4 Wildflower has a woodgrain circle stamp.
This is a very feminine add-on with pinks and yellows and white which is a fun contrast to the main. It has KI lace paper and more Glitz die cut shapes with fun girlie themes as opposed to the more boyish, circus related theme of the Glitz die cuts in #2.
There's a great shimmer alpha from making memories in this add-on as well as some pretty floral embellies.
Epiphany Crafts
This is a tool that will be a great staple to your craft room. Buttons are the perfect embellishment. We are always wanting more in our kits. Now you can make your own! For now I'm starting with the small button maker and coordinating shapes, but the floral punch is next on my list. As I mentioned in my sneaks post, I did have an opportunity to play with this tool at CHA so I can attest to the fact that it works and is fun to play with.
Zing
This is the new trend. I added clear and white to my cart to try, because I like texture and I LOVE white, so if you want a subtle white but haven't had a chance to add white Mister Huey to your projects, try Zing because you can control where that goes. Don't forget the heat gun!
Stamps
Don't forget the Stamp sale! Natalee, jetsetter, time flies, doilies, and the labels are on sale for $2 off!
Embellishments
Cosmo Cricket sticker and ready set chip are new to the shop.
Also, don't forget to enter for the Reveal night giveaway - Pitter Patter from Making Memories.
Have a great day! I am going to be crafting the whole day and will be back tonight with my March projects.
Davinie
Friday, February 25, 2011
Five on Friday
1. So.... last week we had a snow storm that unexpectedly brought about 8 inches of heavy, wet snow in the space of a few hours. I worked in the office that day, so I was up, showered, and out of the house around 6:30am, got my Starbucks and my pumpkin scone, and was sitting in the office when I heard Morgan's school had closed, there were busses in the ditch (with no kids on them, thankfully), and later, that my house didn't have power.
When I left the office around lunch time, I picked up coffee for Steve on the way home, because the power had gone out about 8am and I knew the kids were outside playing in snow, so I figured they might need coffee and hot chocolate to warm up.
At about 2:30 we all got tired of being without electricity. I'm a girl who likes silence, but I had no idea how comforting the hum of electricity was. Silence with no electricity is an uncomfortable silence. I didn't like it. After pondering ideas of things to do, I decided..... "HEY! Let's make a tutorial for Studio Calico!" And out came the video camera.
I had planned to do a hand stitching tutorial with the WRMK Sew Easy tool already, so it worked out pefectly.
Things to note:
1. How do you tell your husband to ZOOM OUT without coming across as a nag? That is something I need help with. heeeee.
2. I am easily distracted. So when I have one kid snaking my m&m's and the other throwing snowballs at the window, a mama can lose focus on what she was talking about. Yes, we are having a snow ball. pffft.
3. When we bought our video camera, we had a new baby, and we paid @$900 for it. So, even though it's now 7 years later and things are much improved, I am a girl with a hubby who doesn't want to purchase a new one, even though Flip camera's are at Costco for $129. I'm still working on him. That said.... the video on the camera looks fine. It also looked fine in my video program. But somehow the transfer to YouTube looks terrible, and for that I apologize. You didn't really want a clear, close up look at that hangnail, did you? No, probably not.
4. My hubby was filming me, and I was talking about hand stitching. Awkward.
5. I think the fact that Payton ended up eating all my m&m's deserves it's own bullet point.
With that, here's a video tutorial on the WRMK Sew Easy tool, as well as some hand stitching.
Please let me know if you need something clarified, have a question about my technique, etc., or would like future tutorials, zoomed out, and in clear form. I'm all ears.
In general, I am only going to post craft related videos and tutorials on this account, so if you want to click the link at YouTube and follow me you will get a notification email when a new video is posted. I don't know how often that will be but, you know, just in case.... :)
2. Speaking of crafting, today is the 25th. That means you have 3 more days until Project 12 layouts are due. If you are still wanting to play along, this month you need to link your layouts to this post.
I had to break out my creative thinking cap, because I didn't take a lot of photos in January. I was up to my neck in crafting and prepping my life for CHA, so as I looked through my digital files, all I was coming up with were layouts and closeups, lol. The bright star to my month, though, happened to be my baby girl, who turned 7.
With just two big events to summarize the crazy month, I modified the sketch a bit to use fewer photos:
This photo cracks me up. Daily, all year long, my girls like to ask "how many days until my birthday", so that thought comes to me immediately as I look at this photo and her wearing her sister's birthday hat. Her birthday is in March. Not much longer! Only 33 days, PJ! :)
When I left the office around lunch time, I picked up coffee for Steve on the way home, because the power had gone out about 8am and I knew the kids were outside playing in snow, so I figured they might need coffee and hot chocolate to warm up.
At about 2:30 we all got tired of being without electricity. I'm a girl who likes silence, but I had no idea how comforting the hum of electricity was. Silence with no electricity is an uncomfortable silence. I didn't like it. After pondering ideas of things to do, I decided..... "HEY! Let's make a tutorial for Studio Calico!" And out came the video camera.
I had planned to do a hand stitching tutorial with the WRMK Sew Easy tool already, so it worked out pefectly.
Things to note:
1. How do you tell your husband to ZOOM OUT without coming across as a nag? That is something I need help with. heeeee.
2. I am easily distracted. So when I have one kid snaking my m&m's and the other throwing snowballs at the window, a mama can lose focus on what she was talking about. Yes, we are having a snow ball. pffft.
3. When we bought our video camera, we had a new baby, and we paid @$900 for it. So, even though it's now 7 years later and things are much improved, I am a girl with a hubby who doesn't want to purchase a new one, even though Flip camera's are at Costco for $129. I'm still working on him. That said.... the video on the camera looks fine. It also looked fine in my video program. But somehow the transfer to YouTube looks terrible, and for that I apologize. You didn't really want a clear, close up look at that hangnail, did you? No, probably not.
4. My hubby was filming me, and I was talking about hand stitching. Awkward.
5. I think the fact that Payton ended up eating all my m&m's deserves it's own bullet point.
With that, here's a video tutorial on the WRMK Sew Easy tool, as well as some hand stitching.
Please let me know if you need something clarified, have a question about my technique, etc., or would like future tutorials, zoomed out, and in clear form. I'm all ears.
In general, I am only going to post craft related videos and tutorials on this account, so if you want to click the link at YouTube and follow me you will get a notification email when a new video is posted. I don't know how often that will be but, you know, just in case.... :)
2. Speaking of crafting, today is the 25th. That means you have 3 more days until Project 12 layouts are due. If you are still wanting to play along, this month you need to link your layouts to this post.
I had to break out my creative thinking cap, because I didn't take a lot of photos in January. I was up to my neck in crafting and prepping my life for CHA, so as I looked through my digital files, all I was coming up with were layouts and closeups, lol. The bright star to my month, though, happened to be my baby girl, who turned 7.
With just two big events to summarize the crazy month, I modified the sketch a bit to use fewer photos:
Kelly was nice enough to share some photos taken with her camera at CHA, which worked perfectly to highlight that experience. The two themes were so different that I was worried about what the design would look like, so to make it fun, I carried Payton across the layout and put her on the right, carrying forward the birthday theme.
I took out a photo so I wanted to fill it with something fun. Recognize these frames, and most of the other products, for that matter? Yes, it's a previous kit from Studio Calico. Baker's Dozen, to be exact. I bought extras that month but haven't had a chance to use it all yet. That's a blessing and a curse! It means I have a backlog of stash, but it also means I get to play with Scenic Route, which I haven't seen in a while.
I had a lot of fun with this layout and really like how it turned out. I like the changes Becky made for the sketch, and I'm doing something different with my titles this time too, taking more creative liberties each month.
3. In two days, it'll be time to head to Studio Calico if you want to purchase March goodies. April posted March prices and shop items on this thread. In an effort to get the latest and greatest we are cutting it close with some goodies from Cosmo Cricket, etc., so watch that thread to see what we are able to get our hands on. I am also in line for some of the goodies that are new to the shop.
4. Tomorrow is the anniversary of my birth, lol. I'm not really looking forward to it. When I turned 30 I was 8 months pregnant with Payton. Steve took me to dinner and I came home with heartburn. heee. On my 33rd birthday I broke my driver's side mirror on my way to work. That means 7 years of bad luck. Guess what day it'll be when that runs out? oy. So, there's a wee bit of dread in what tomorrow brings. I'm just not ready yet. When I was at my yearly physical my doctor told me that at the advanced maternal age of 35 they like to start weaning women off birth control pills, which led me to think "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME". This is something I would expect to hear from my mother. I'm just not ready to be hearing this type of talk directed at me. A great big ugh.
5. With that, I'm out. After the kiddlets are in bed hubby and I are going to maybe rent a movie. The Academy Awards are on Sunday night so I'm hoping to see something nominated. Is Black Swan available On Demand? hmmmmm.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Into the Woods Sneaks
The March 2011 kit from Studio Calico, appropriately called Into the Woods, is very earthy. Browns, golds, yellows, and a touch of blue and green. The main kit immediately made me think of the outdoors. Camping, etc. We do a lot of that in these parts.
The main kit stamp is one of my favorites in a long time. The buttefly is everywhere, and now there's a cute little bee to compliment it in your embellishing. I stamped it a few times this month and can see myself using it quite a bit.
As for add-ons, I purchased two this month. #2 Mossy Knoll;, and #3, Sunny Clearing.
I purchased #2, Mossy Knoll to get more of the blues to compliment the main, but I also liked the neutral colors. The trims from MME Stella & Rose and the AC Paperback alpha confirmed the purchase. If I were to only pick up one add-on this month, #2 is the one I'd go with. It also included some fun cards and frames from Glitz Designs.
I purchased add-on #3, Sunny Clearing. I was really excited about this add-ons but unfortunately wasn't sent the doilies and butteflies from Cosmo Cricket so the projects I was going to create this month changed in theme a bit and were less girly as a result. I look forward to playing with these little embellies when they are sent to me. This add-on has pinks, yellows, and light teal, and includes the number stamp set.
In retrospect I wish I had picked up add-on #1, Babbling Brook because there were pockets perfect for a mini album, and I like the colors in the Cosmo butterlfies and doilies with this add-on. I also like the fun bubble stamp.
#4, Wildflower, is very girlie, very feminine. The embellishments from Glitz are very pretty as is the lace paper.
On retrospect, now that I've described everything, I should have purchased it all. ha!
This is what I made this month:
The main kit stamp is one of my favorites in a long time. The buttefly is everywhere, and now there's a cute little bee to compliment it in your embellishing. I stamped it a few times this month and can see myself using it quite a bit.
As for add-ons, I purchased two this month. #2 Mossy Knoll;, and #3, Sunny Clearing.
I purchased #2, Mossy Knoll to get more of the blues to compliment the main, but I also liked the neutral colors. The trims from MME Stella & Rose and the AC Paperback alpha confirmed the purchase. If I were to only pick up one add-on this month, #2 is the one I'd go with. It also included some fun cards and frames from Glitz Designs.
I purchased add-on #3, Sunny Clearing. I was really excited about this add-ons but unfortunately wasn't sent the doilies and butteflies from Cosmo Cricket so the projects I was going to create this month changed in theme a bit and were less girly as a result. I look forward to playing with these little embellies when they are sent to me. This add-on has pinks, yellows, and light teal, and includes the number stamp set.
In retrospect I wish I had picked up add-on #1, Babbling Brook because there were pockets perfect for a mini album, and I like the colors in the Cosmo butterlfies and doilies with this add-on. I also like the fun bubble stamp.
#4, Wildflower, is very girlie, very feminine. The embellishments from Glitz are very pretty as is the lace paper.
On retrospect, now that I've described everything, I should have purchased it all. ha!
This is what I made this month:
I used some new Studio Calico Mister Hueys, shockingly. Barnwood, Bluegrass, and Bonny Blue. I also used white. Timber brown for my bees. In my opinion, Stazon is the only ink you should buy if you are wanting Jet black or brown images (my brown is really old. A new, fresh pad is in my cart for next kit).
If you are saavy to the layout of the Studio Calico store, you may notice a new section for Embossing. Studio Calico will soon be carrying just about every color of Zing embossing powder from American Crafts, if you are of the embossing pursuasion. The funny thing about this new trend is that embossing and cardmaking is how I got started in the scrapbook industry. I made fancy Christmas cards with detailed embossed images of Santa, etc. I still have my heat gun but it's been a while since I've done too much with embossing. I do think I'll consider clear and white though, when they hit the shop. Those colors alone will add great texture to projects, I'm thinking.
Anyway, I'll be back with my projects after Reveal!
Davinie
Friday, February 18, 2011
Five for Friday
How are you friends and blog readers?! I hope everything is going well in your world. I missed my 5 last week but am back on track and ready to carry on.
1. One of the things I've been doing lately is obsessing over Pinterest. One of the reasons I like it better than my tumblr account is that you can use different "boards" to sort the things that interest you. I had to share what I stumbled across last night. I have been pinning a little of this and a little of that, and I literally gasped when I saw all of my favorite things lumped together on one post. It came from the House of Turquoise blog. I should have known. I love that blog and it was only a matter of time before she posted about something I wouldn't be able to live without:
I swear if Steve wasn't working today I'd have him down at Lowe's picking up wood and Benjamin Moore Wythe blue paint right now. I am so excited.
We have a mud room downstairs which we use most often to get in and out of the house. It used to be a single car garage, so it's a huge space for a washer and dryer. Just as described, what a functional, pretty piece to decorate it. I MUST have the magazine rack and the little knobs for my purse too. I don't see much that I would change (although I think I will do baskets underneath for shoes rather than the drawers). Good thing I have a handy husband! I'm putting him to work asap. :)
2. Another thing I have been doing lately (but not often enough, having been sick) is continued training for my upcoming 10k and later the half marathon. As I've said, I have done 5K races before, but these longer distances are new to me. Oh my, I hope I can make it. My birthday is coming up and I will be really disappointed with myself if I don't follow through with this goal. Any playlist recommendations? I ran for an hour on the treadmill today, because of the icky weather, and I. got. bored. And when I get bored, I want to get off. Steve has this uncanny ability to just zone out when he's running. He runs his half marathons without headphones. Not moi. I need a distraction, or the entire time my head is beating to the drum of my footprints, saying, "get. off. this. is. dumb. get. off. get. off" over and over. oy.
3. On another note, today is February 18, which means you have 10 more days to submit a layout for the first Project 12 challenge of 2011. I have noticed many new faces to this challenge which has me very excited and looking forward to the challenge this year so much more. THANK YOU! (and if you are still curious, check out the Project 12 page at the top of my blog, or click on the Project 12 button on my sidebar).
4. Crafty related, there was some buzz on the message board at Studio Calico, so I wanted to share a little bit about a company that was new to me. They are called Epiphany Crafts, and involve some of the same faces that were involved with Li'l Davis back in the day.
At CHA I was obsessed with their booth and their button making tools. Basically it's a punch, etc., for making your own acrylic buttons. They have different shapes and sizes and I am very excited to get some of them in my hot little hands. Make my own buttons? Any color, pattern I want? Forever? SOLD.
Here's what one of the button makers looks like:
Here's the how to on creating your own button:
I know that April loved them too and we may or may not have plans to include them in the future kit (the acrylic buttons, anyway. I think.). So you'll have to keep your eyes peeled the punches and various button sizes / shapes in the Studio Calico store.
5. Lastly, speaking of Studio Calico, check out the layout I made for the product spotlight blog post highlighting the new State Fair line:
I used my Sew Easy tool in abundance! Check out the blog next week too. I created a tutorial on how to use it.
And with that I'll leave you. It's family fun night at Morgan's school tonight. We are watching Toy Story 3. And eating pizza. And popcorn. The kids have been looking forward to it all week!
Have a great day! Davinie
1. One of the things I've been doing lately is obsessing over Pinterest. One of the reasons I like it better than my tumblr account is that you can use different "boards" to sort the things that interest you. I had to share what I stumbled across last night. I have been pinning a little of this and a little of that, and I literally gasped when I saw all of my favorite things lumped together on one post. It came from the House of Turquoise blog. I should have known. I love that blog and it was only a matter of time before she posted about something I wouldn't be able to live without:
I swear if Steve wasn't working today I'd have him down at Lowe's picking up wood and Benjamin Moore Wythe blue paint right now. I am so excited.
We have a mud room downstairs which we use most often to get in and out of the house. It used to be a single car garage, so it's a huge space for a washer and dryer. Just as described, what a functional, pretty piece to decorate it. I MUST have the magazine rack and the little knobs for my purse too. I don't see much that I would change (although I think I will do baskets underneath for shoes rather than the drawers). Good thing I have a handy husband! I'm putting him to work asap. :)
2. Another thing I have been doing lately (but not often enough, having been sick) is continued training for my upcoming 10k and later the half marathon. As I've said, I have done 5K races before, but these longer distances are new to me. Oh my, I hope I can make it. My birthday is coming up and I will be really disappointed with myself if I don't follow through with this goal. Any playlist recommendations? I ran for an hour on the treadmill today, because of the icky weather, and I. got. bored. And when I get bored, I want to get off. Steve has this uncanny ability to just zone out when he's running. He runs his half marathons without headphones. Not moi. I need a distraction, or the entire time my head is beating to the drum of my footprints, saying, "get. off. this. is. dumb. get. off. get. off" over and over. oy.
3. On another note, today is February 18, which means you have 10 more days to submit a layout for the first Project 12 challenge of 2011. I have noticed many new faces to this challenge which has me very excited and looking forward to the challenge this year so much more. THANK YOU! (and if you are still curious, check out the Project 12 page at the top of my blog, or click on the Project 12 button on my sidebar).
4. Crafty related, there was some buzz on the message board at Studio Calico, so I wanted to share a little bit about a company that was new to me. They are called Epiphany Crafts, and involve some of the same faces that were involved with Li'l Davis back in the day.
At CHA I was obsessed with their booth and their button making tools. Basically it's a punch, etc., for making your own acrylic buttons. They have different shapes and sizes and I am very excited to get some of them in my hot little hands. Make my own buttons? Any color, pattern I want? Forever? SOLD.
Here's what one of the button makers looks like:
Here's the how to on creating your own button:
I know that April loved them too and we may or may not have plans to include them in the future kit (the acrylic buttons, anyway. I think.). So you'll have to keep your eyes peeled the punches and various button sizes / shapes in the Studio Calico store.
5. Lastly, speaking of Studio Calico, check out the layout I made for the product spotlight blog post highlighting the new State Fair line:
I used my Sew Easy tool in abundance! Check out the blog next week too. I created a tutorial on how to use it.
And with that I'll leave you. It's family fun night at Morgan's school tonight. We are watching Toy Story 3. And eating pizza. And popcorn. The kids have been looking forward to it all week!
Have a great day! Davinie
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Crate Love - a li'l bit Country
As I've mentioned, I'm a huge fan of all the new lines from Crate Paper this winter, but when it came time to create something for my January assignment for the Crate Paper blog, Emma's Shoppe won.
I'm a huge fan of tone on tone designs lately, so I took the two yellow patterns in the collection and weaved them for a basket affect on this layout about my country girls.
Supplies:
Crate Paper patterned paper / die cut / buttons / brad / sticker alphas / trim
Studio Calico veneer alphas and new Mister Huey in Piglet
Uniball Signo pen
You can see this layout and a break down of the technique on the Crate Paper blog here.
Have a great day! Davinie
I'm a huge fan of tone on tone designs lately, so I took the two yellow patterns in the collection and weaved them for a basket affect on this layout about my country girls.
Supplies:
Crate Paper patterned paper / die cut / buttons / brad / sticker alphas / trim
Studio Calico veneer alphas and new Mister Huey in Piglet
Uniball Signo pen
You can see this layout and a break down of the technique on the Crate Paper blog here.
Have a great day! Davinie
Monday, February 14, 2011
XOXO
I hope you had a fantastic Valentines Day, whether you celebrate or not. I volunteered in Morgan's classroom this morning and we made pipe cleaner bracelets, magnets, heart flower wall decor, and decorated goodie bags. She came home with a bit of loot, so all was well.
Payton doesn't have school on Monday's so she celebrated last Friday. I love this time of year and the cute little projects kids come up with. (Payton came home the other day with a new macaroni necklace too. yay!) She did have ballet today and got to dance in the big girl room which still had Vday decor from a recent party. She was in hog heaven.
Last night was sneak night at Studio Calico. The kit this month is called Into the Woods and is filled with fun woodgrain textures (a lot of MME Stella Rose in the add-ons, especially). Here's a peek at what I've done so far:
This layout was made with the main kit (I am in lOVE with that bee stamp) and the bold fresh colors on this sneak are prints from Cosmo Cricket. I used my WRMK Sew Easy tool here too. I am currently having a love affair with the zig zag even though I have most of other heads, including the scallop. I can't wait for the new fun designs from CHA to land at the Studio Calico shop. I'll be there to snatch it up and try those out eventually. While at CHA I did make a card at a make n take with a new banner head, and I'd love to share it, but I can't find it anywhere. hmph.
As for sneaks, I'll be back with more of those to share soon, I promise you that!
In the meantime, if your honey got your some V-day cash, head to 2peas. They have a promo for 15% off your $25 total purchase. Keyword is VDAY11. It expires midnight CST on 2/15 so dash over there (that's Tuesday night).
I'd pick up the Wizard of Oz from the Classics Collection as well as Dorian Gray, two of the prettiest papers I've ever seen and a gorgeous shade of blue.
I would also zip right over to the Campy Trails line from American Crafts. I was able to bring some of this home with me from CHA and Oh MY, it is delicious. A really fun woodgrain. (It also mixes very well with new Studio Calico product coming soon).
Another new line I'd look at is Echo Parks "For the Record" line. It was a fun mix of prints and I fondled it a bit at CHA too.
I also think everyone should bone up on their altering skills and get a mini album done. I'll do one too. I'm looking at the Lush albums from MME. I love this orange polka dot and the blue damask. My kids have more fun looking through my minis than my actual scrapbooks so I have GOT to make more of them, starting with a look back on the last 7 years with Morgan. Or maybe something with Payton and preschool as this is her last year. Or maybe even something about our pets. That might be fun. hmmmm. Off to ponder that.
Having a rootbeer float and watching the Bachelor (dadgum, he's a cutie)......
Davinie
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
crafTuesday - Paper Bracelets
crafting with the kiddo is back! I've taken a break from routine craft projects with my girls, not that it's stopped them from doing it on their own and covering the house in paper bits.
I wanted to share what Payton recently came up with on her own. This would make a GREAT party craft, it's inexpensive, and it's a great way to use your crafting stash and get some work out of those punches.
Payton came to me, wanting to make a bracelet. Morgan had received this rock 'n roll leather bracelet kit for Christmas that is a similar idea, but what a smart cookie, to think of doing it with paper.
Paper bracelets. Making them is easy.
I trimmed 1.5 inch strips from 12x12 pieces of patterned paper. I cut one pink strip, and one purple strip. Payton then proceeded to cut the purple strip into little squares.
After that it was a matter of adhering squares to the pink strip with a glue stick, and adding punched and hand cut shapes and a little bling.
We left a couple of inches blank, and attached it with a glue dot or two.
What a fun craft for kids at a theme party, a girl scouts meeting, or a no school / indoor / snow day?! It was very easy to put together AND to clean up.
Before I go I wanted to share this little game my girls got for Christmas. We are obsessed with this game, and it's been a lot of fun. Payton enjoys it, and even I enjoy it. It's a challenge for everyone. The best part for me is it's tiny size. It doesn't take a lot of room on our game shelf. It's called Spot It
.
![Spot It](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_siLtCCAZ1T1OIuBX79jJmzlRicFVqj1HcV5HketER5tEU-PBE3KcMMJfbgyd6Hmo2MWuTWgJ2sDbYrRtTUZm2gXMhQIn4Drfpt0UKWxtarzq_g1wmlwVFVmjD9WJ4cNm6ya8GOYkkMDsq9b3L-jR0YkfO_roLgWwo5XqbnfjGUitHi5ahVTI-fOZQxI8EpAif2ktiAf_1H7jSMLrYE-lEZi_TiM1EhRW2TcrZxHr4=s0-d)
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vXxrLUqWbWEqxnb6aPnlE9WEktvxfF9Q-kne0RrICPL5aVRacNAZSnT9O9FR2AzZkEUp3WmkAKuZc-XtQaRA6FBw_6Sx72bQD7HqZv5KHYfijC1ETLwcbztz9KHhUnwjaVoI4XMWnNcxFhhgO6L2Yq0aQwV4ZrPMlR-no0_Ts7Ca_FpwNNxnS-2A=s0-d)
Each person is dealt one of these circle cards, and then one circle is placed in the middle. It's a matter of looking at your card and the center card, and finding the image that both cards have on them. Seems easy, but there are several images on each card, and they are different sizes, so it's actually quite a challenge. Whomever points out their matching shape first wins the card in the middle, and the winner is the person with the most cards once the stack is empty. We've been playing this game daily and it's a fun time filler, it stretches your brain a little, and I'm a fan (obviously, lol). Check it out!
Have a great day! Davinie
I wanted to share what Payton recently came up with on her own. This would make a GREAT party craft, it's inexpensive, and it's a great way to use your crafting stash and get some work out of those punches.
Payton came to me, wanting to make a bracelet. Morgan had received this rock 'n roll leather bracelet kit for Christmas that is a similar idea, but what a smart cookie, to think of doing it with paper.
Paper bracelets. Making them is easy.
I trimmed 1.5 inch strips from 12x12 pieces of patterned paper. I cut one pink strip, and one purple strip. Payton then proceeded to cut the purple strip into little squares.
After that it was a matter of adhering squares to the pink strip with a glue stick, and adding punched and hand cut shapes and a little bling.
We left a couple of inches blank, and attached it with a glue dot or two.
What a fun craft for kids at a theme party, a girl scouts meeting, or a no school / indoor / snow day?! It was very easy to put together AND to clean up.
Before I go I wanted to share this little game my girls got for Christmas. We are obsessed with this game, and it's been a lot of fun. Payton enjoys it, and even I enjoy it. It's a challenge for everyone. The best part for me is it's tiny size. It doesn't take a lot of room on our game shelf. It's called Spot It
Each person is dealt one of these circle cards, and then one circle is placed in the middle. It's a matter of looking at your card and the center card, and finding the image that both cards have on them. Seems easy, but there are several images on each card, and they are different sizes, so it's actually quite a challenge. Whomever points out their matching shape first wins the card in the middle, and the winner is the person with the most cards once the stack is empty. We've been playing this game daily and it's a fun time filler, it stretches your brain a little, and I'm a fan (obviously, lol). Check it out!
Have a great day! Davinie
Friday, February 04, 2011
Five on Friday
1. CHA was a blast! I was sick as a dog going into the trip but decided to go for it anyway, and while I didn't have my voice the entire trip (I still don't have it) I had the best time. It was great to spend time with the Studio Calico crew, bowling at Lucky Strike for Nik's 29th birthday (wink, wink), walking the floor and kit shopping, working those orders in the booth, eating at Lawry's and the ESPN Zone during a Laker game..... memories to cherish! Seeing Catherine and Becky and having dinner in a converted fire station with the SCT crew was loads of fun too (I had some delicious crab cakes and my signature Arnold Palmer).
On our last night as a group we even took one of KP's famous jumping photos:
Greg was standing there holding a few cameras and several purses, and while April was back at the hotel with baby Claire, her mama joined us for bowling and a few jumps. (l-r, Vee, Emily, Kelly, KP, me, Lisa, Nik, and Joy, April's mom).
It was so nice to spend time with people you only know from an avatar. I can't wait to do it again.
2. If you are sick and heading out of town anyway though, should you decide to go for an herbal supplement and try Airborne, my advice to you would be to please drop the tablet in a glass of water for one minute so it dissolves, and then drink, per the package directions. Don't look at what appears to be a large vitamin C chewable, pop it in your mouth while sitting at the gate for your plane, basically foam at the mouth, and then try to covertly spit the dang thing into one of the 10 napkins you thankfully picked up while at Starbucks when you bought your latte and maple almond scone. I'm just sayin'........
3. While I was gone my hubby cleaned the house, scrubbed out a few closets, and read some articles regarding a few child raising issues we are having. Where else can I go so he can do that again? heeee.
4. As for product, the hit of the show was definitely Smash. You won't be missing much if you head here in the next few months. We were obsessed with this booth and not much missed a checkmark on the order form. I also liked the Crate lines, of course, the new Sassafras basics line, Pink Paislee Junkue Drawer, the new OA, and some of the new Basic Grey lines too.
5. The only other thing I wanted to mention today was to make sure to check out my February 1 post for Project 12. If you are new to Project 12, or anxious to start your 2011 year in review album, now is the time!
Have a great weekend! Still trying to get better and get organized. I need to travel more often so it isn't such a big deal to get back into the routine. Back soon. Davinie
On our last night as a group we even took one of KP's famous jumping photos:
Greg was standing there holding a few cameras and several purses, and while April was back at the hotel with baby Claire, her mama joined us for bowling and a few jumps. (l-r, Vee, Emily, Kelly, KP, me, Lisa, Nik, and Joy, April's mom).
It was so nice to spend time with people you only know from an avatar. I can't wait to do it again.
2. If you are sick and heading out of town anyway though, should you decide to go for an herbal supplement and try Airborne, my advice to you would be to please drop the tablet in a glass of water for one minute so it dissolves, and then drink, per the package directions. Don't look at what appears to be a large vitamin C chewable, pop it in your mouth while sitting at the gate for your plane, basically foam at the mouth, and then try to covertly spit the dang thing into one of the 10 napkins you thankfully picked up while at Starbucks when you bought your latte and maple almond scone. I'm just sayin'........
3. While I was gone my hubby cleaned the house, scrubbed out a few closets, and read some articles regarding a few child raising issues we are having. Where else can I go so he can do that again? heeee.
4. As for product, the hit of the show was definitely Smash. You won't be missing much if you head here in the next few months. We were obsessed with this booth and not much missed a checkmark on the order form. I also liked the Crate lines, of course, the new Sassafras basics line, Pink Paislee Junkue Drawer, the new OA, and some of the new Basic Grey lines too.
5. The only other thing I wanted to mention today was to make sure to check out my February 1 post for Project 12. If you are new to Project 12, or anxious to start your 2011 year in review album, now is the time!
Have a great weekend! Still trying to get better and get organized. I need to travel more often so it isn't such a big deal to get back into the routine. Back soon. Davinie
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Project 12 2011 - January in February
Good Morning! Happy February! I've prescheduled a post while I am in LA at CHA so that we can get 2011 going with our Project 12 layouts!
If you are ever curious about Project 12 or need more information, there is a tab at the top of my blog that is full of links and FAQ's. If you have any questions, please post them here and I will try and answer them there to avoid any confusion.
On to the challenge:
Normally each month I go through and pick out some favorites from submissions to share, but you will have to forgive me this month. Christmas hangover, my daughter turning 7, CHA projects, and then the anticipation of leaving my family for 6 days to go to the show, combined with a last minute head cold, has sapped the strength right out of me, and I didn't have the time to do it.
BUT. When I get home I will go through every comment left on my blog and every link, and leave a comment if I can. I love looking at your work. I really do.
If you are new to Project 12 I'm sure you are anxious to get started, and if you are carrying forward, I'm sure you are ready to see what kinds of changes Becky made to the sketches for 2011. In a word, they are... FUN. They will stretch your creative brain this year. I am SO excited.
As a P.S. You are under NO obligation to use the sketch in order to play along. Just capture your life. That's it. The sketches are for fun. I use them, and you can if you'd like. You also do not have to do a 2 pager. It's totally up to you.
Without further ado..... the January sketch:
I feel like there are more details this time around and I'm excited to give my own interpretation. What are your thoughts?
As always, you have until the 28th to link your layouts to this post (last year it was the 20th). I'll draw a winner amongst those submissions for a prize. For a second chance to win, link your layout to the appropriate post at the SCT blog, or email it to ideas@scrapbookandcards.com to be added to the Facebook album.
Please note: SCT wants you to link your January layouts to the blog post where the January sketch was revealed. For this month, that post is this one. I know this may be confusing. I guess the best way to remember it is to link your layout on the month the sketch is revealed for both blogs. I'm revealing the January sketch today, February 1 (because you can't document January until you have lived January, right?!)
If you are ever unsure, head to the Project 12 tab at the top. I will always have the appropriate links for you so you can simply click and post if you are interested in a prize.
Sound good?!
THANK YOU for joining me! I am so excited by the increasing response in this challenge. My husband in particular LOVES to look at these layouts. I take the photos, look at them all the time in my digital files, but often my family doesn't see much unless I create a layout. This challenge also provides another opportunity for people like my hubby, who aren't around the house all day, to see what else is happening.
Enjoy the process!
Davinie
If you are ever curious about Project 12 or need more information, there is a tab at the top of my blog that is full of links and FAQ's. If you have any questions, please post them here and I will try and answer them there to avoid any confusion.
On to the challenge:
Normally each month I go through and pick out some favorites from submissions to share, but you will have to forgive me this month. Christmas hangover, my daughter turning 7, CHA projects, and then the anticipation of leaving my family for 6 days to go to the show, combined with a last minute head cold, has sapped the strength right out of me, and I didn't have the time to do it.
BUT. When I get home I will go through every comment left on my blog and every link, and leave a comment if I can. I love looking at your work. I really do.
If you are new to Project 12 I'm sure you are anxious to get started, and if you are carrying forward, I'm sure you are ready to see what kinds of changes Becky made to the sketches for 2011. In a word, they are... FUN. They will stretch your creative brain this year. I am SO excited.
As a P.S. You are under NO obligation to use the sketch in order to play along. Just capture your life. That's it. The sketches are for fun. I use them, and you can if you'd like. You also do not have to do a 2 pager. It's totally up to you.
Without further ado..... the January sketch:
I feel like there are more details this time around and I'm excited to give my own interpretation. What are your thoughts?
As always, you have until the 28th to link your layouts to this post (last year it was the 20th). I'll draw a winner amongst those submissions for a prize. For a second chance to win, link your layout to the appropriate post at the SCT blog, or email it to ideas@scrapbookandcards.com to be added to the Facebook album.
Please note: SCT wants you to link your January layouts to the blog post where the January sketch was revealed. For this month, that post is this one. I know this may be confusing. I guess the best way to remember it is to link your layout on the month the sketch is revealed for both blogs. I'm revealing the January sketch today, February 1 (because you can't document January until you have lived January, right?!)
If you are ever unsure, head to the Project 12 tab at the top. I will always have the appropriate links for you so you can simply click and post if you are interested in a prize.
Sound good?!
THANK YOU for joining me! I am so excited by the increasing response in this challenge. My husband in particular LOVES to look at these layouts. I take the photos, look at them all the time in my digital files, but often my family doesn't see much unless I create a layout. This challenge also provides another opportunity for people like my hubby, who aren't around the house all day, to see what else is happening.
Enjoy the process!
Davinie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)