Distress to impress...

Basically Bare CHA sneak peek # 3..

2012-01-20T09:04:00.004-05:00

It's time to show another new album from Basically Bare! This one is called "Polly's Pockets" and is filled with pocket pages, just perfect for tucking away all kinds of special memoribilia!

Check out the details on the Basically Bare blog!

Basically Bare CHA sneak peek # 2..

2012-01-19T07:24:00.003-05:00

It's another sneak peek day for Basically Bare! Check out the Wonky Windows album inspired by the amazing Suzy West!

Head over to the Basically Bare blog to read more!

Let the Basically Bare CHA sneaks begin!

2012-01-18T09:43:00.003-05:00

I LOVE CHA season! All the pretty new bits and baubles and papers and colors and books and shapes and...and... Whew, take a deep breath there girl, LOL! It's an exciting time for sure! Today I'm sharing a peek at the new Betty's Brackets album from Basically Bare. You can read more about it here.

Isn't it amazing? Wanna see it in action? Visit Basically Bare at booth #2704 at CHA!

Teach them young...

2012-01-16T14:56:00.003-05:00

I believe I've posted before how much my children, especially my daughter, love to craft and create alongside me. Rylie loves all things crafty, and even expressed a love of photography recently. She likes to model, and does that very well, striking her sweet poses! But she also said that she wants to be behind the camera, to capture those special moments and then "scrap them like momma".

Well, wouldn't you know, Santa must have heard her wish, because she got her first camera for Christmas! She absolutely loves it, and takes it everywhere. Many times each day I am told to "turn around mommy," and there she is, with her camera in my face, trying to capture the moment! I love this time in her life, six is a beautiful age. She is so smart, so eager, and the world really does belong to her! I hope that she continues to embrace her creative side. She wants to be a "scrapbooker, photographer, and nurse" when she grows up. I tell her she can absolutely be ALL THREE if she wants to!

I have a page to share today, that captures my budding "Future Photog". I caught a picture of her, taking a picture of me! I think it's just a tiny glimpse of the incredible future that lies before my baby girl. I used the Paparazzi Set from Basically Bare on this!

The cat whisperer...

2012-01-07T16:03:00.003-05:00

My daughter and our kitty Lester absolutely love each other! When she holds him he often puts his "arms around her" and smiles. This morning I caught them in this pose, but as I took the picture, Lester moved a little bit. It still is a beautiful picture showing their bond, so I scrapped it right away! Have a look:

You knew this was coming, right??

2011-12-29T09:55:00.003-05:00

Well, you should have, LOL! If I already made a bed for my daughter's Lalaloopsy dolls, you can certainly bet I would get a layout done ASAP! She asked me to and I was more than happy to oblige, so here is my first layout showcasing our new "girls".

And did you see the heart locket? That's right, it's the Lovely Locket Set I designed for Basically Bare! I think it works fabulously on this page!

A Lalaloopsy bed!

2011-12-27T15:44:00.004-05:00

I missed getting a chance to post right before Christmas, things were busy busy around here! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Did you get the goodies you asked for?

Here at our house, we had a wonderful holiday. Everyone, especially my daughter Rylie, was very happy with Santa. She wanted a Lalaloopsy doll, SO BAD, and she hit the jackpot by getting two of them on Christmas morning! We happily welcomed Pillow Featherbed and Mittens Fluff N' Stuff into our home. That first night, as Rylie went to bed, she faced quite the dilemma. She had to choose one doll to sleep with, and place the other on the headboard with a piece of my fabric draped over it as a makeshift blanket. That made her sad, and I set out to fix that problem.

I decided the adorable little Lallallopsy dolls really did deserve their own bed. Rylie liked that idea very much, she didn't want them to be cold or scared on their own. So, I set to work. I used an empty boot box (one of my gifts this year!), my fabric stash, a few flowers and trims, an assortment of buttons, and my go-to adhesive Fabri-Tac. It took a few days, but I was able to make a sweet little bed, complete with a mattress, two sleeping bags, and two pillows.

The result of all that hard work? My baby girl is VERY happy. She loves the bed and I am told that Mittens Fluff N' Stuff and Pillow Featherbed absolutely adore it. That is why I do what I do!

Some cards to share!

2011-12-16T12:57:00.004-05:00

Today is my parents' 45th wedding Anniversary! 45 YEARS together is an amazing milestone and calls for a special card! Sapphire is the traditional gift, so I used it's rich color to enhance what is meant to be not just any other card, but a display piece. (And I know my mom will definitely be displaying it!)

I made a bouquet from scraps of fabric and sweet little tea roses. The golden wedding bands were cut from gold glittered cardstock and I added some of my grandmother's old sheet music as well. I love this card, hope they will too!

Next, I want to share a few Christmas cards I made with the awesome chipboard birds from Basically Bare. I used both silver and gold powders to emboss them. Cute, right?

Spruced up stockings!

2011-12-07T11:02:00.003-05:00

Today I'm sharing a quick way to decorate your stockings for Christmas! Just use a banner shape and simple embellishments and the results are amazing!

I love poinsettias!

2011-11-30T09:14:00.004-05:00

It's time to decorate for Christmas and I always love to have poinsettias around! I do like to give them a bit of a makeover though, so check out the Basically Bare blog today to see how I gave them a festive "upgrade"! Here's a little sneaky peek:

December Tidbitz sneak peeks!

2011-11-29T10:38:00.003-05:00

Here are some sneak peek pics of projects I made with the upcoming December Tidbitz In Time kit! This kit is packed full of goodies and I had fun with it!

Tis' the season for wooden sled ornaments...

2011-11-25T17:26:00.005-05:00

I love sleds. I often find wooden sled ornaments in craft stores during this time of year. I got my hands on EIGHT of them three weeks ago! (Found them at Michael's if you're wondering..) I have decorated them with several different designs and can share six of them now:

I will have two more to share soon. I am working with my December Tidbitz In Time kit and it is just perfect for my remaining sleds! So tell me, are you making any ornaments this year? If so, what??

Epiphany Crafts and Tattered Angels make beautiful music together!

2011-11-16T07:16:00.003-05:00

I love my Epiphany Crafts tools and pairing them up with Tattered Angels makes for some beautiful projects! This week you need to keep your eye on the Epiphany Crafts blog for some fabulous inspiration and incredible giveaways. There is also a tutorial for the wish and hope bottles shown above. They're very easy to do!

Make Christmas shine with Easy Canvas Prints!

2011-11-05T12:47:00.005-04:00

Yes, I know what you are about to say to me, I really do! "Rebecca, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, what are you doing making a Christmas post!" Well, I have a great reason! You see, I have already figured out what I'm giving folks on my list this year. I know something perfect, not just for my family but yours as well. Something easy, timeless, and sure to be a treasured family keepsake. No one will be regifting these beauties! Are you interested? Of course you are!

Look, we all need a little help this time of year. Whether you are getting gifts for ten people or a hundred, there is always that one person so difficult to buy for. Either they say they "have all they need already," or they tell you to "surprise them." I know people like this, and while they surely don't mean to, they kind of add to my holiday stress, LOL. From now on that stress will be no more because I have discovered Easy Canvas Prints!

Easy Canvas Prints will turn your favorite photos to canvas. Their website is very easy to navigate, and you can set up your canvases in mere minutes. They offer four set sizes and the option of customizing your own size if you need to. You also select the border style and width to fit your needs. Shipping is fast and customer service is wonderful should you need it! I set up an 8 x 10 canvas and am amazed at the quality of the piece. It's just the perfect gift, have a look:

So now I think you might understand why I'm posting this early. Get your lists out, cross "who's been naughty" off, and send everyone "who's been nice" a canvas from Easy Canvas Prints! They are happy to help you this holiday and offer discounts and deals on their Facebook page. In fact, if you "Like" Easy Canvas Prints on Facebook right now you'll automatically receive 50% off of your next order, and free shipping as well!

Hey, go do it! You will thank me, I'm telling ya!

November Tidbitz In Time sneak peek!

2011-10-23T11:38:00.004-04:00

The November kit from Tidbitz In Time landed on my doorstep yesterday, and I loved it so much I dove right in! Have a look at some sneak peek shots..

Tidbitz In Time kits are revealed on the thirtieth of each month, check them out HERE!

Spooky layout!

2011-10-15T19:32:00.003-04:00

Just sharing a fun page featuring a picture I snapped last weekend while at the pumpkin patch. Our family LOVES pumpkin picking, and my daughter was happy to pose with the pumpkins we picked. This layout features papers from the Pink Paislee Phantom collection...

Care to share your pumpkin patch pictures or layouts? Link me up in the comments section and I'll drop by to give you some love!

Little pumpkin monsters!

2011-10-14T11:53:00.002-04:00

Check out the Basically Bare blog today and learn how I made these creepy cute little mini pumpkin monsters.

October Tidbitz In Time reveal!

2011-10-01T12:51:00.004-04:00

It's time for the October kit from Tibitz In Time! This month's kit is full of vintage goodness and the deliciously rich color combination of navy, mustard, and cream. It features The Vintage Blue line from Glitz Design. Check out "Midnight Stories":

I have to say I am absolutely in love with the Adirondack Color Wash included in this kit. The color explosion from this bottle is off the charts! Have a look at what I did with the kit:

Want to get your hands on this kit? Head over to Tidbitz In Time today!

Super simple pumpkins for fall and Halloween!!

2011-09-24T17:14:00.008-04:00

I love all things fall. The pumpkins, the orange and red leaves, the smells, sights and sounds.. It's no wonder that when it comes to craft making, this season is a standout, beaten only by Christmas. Just think about your home. You want to decorate for your family, friends, and all those trick-or-treaters too! Thing is, if you aren't that crafty, decorating can get really expensive between now and the new year. How to cut costs, you wonder? Well wonder no more, I've got an answer for you!

Have you heard of Pinterest? It's an amazing site, where eye candy runs rampant, recipes flaunt themselves, and tutorials bask in the sun. Seriously, if you have never heard of it, check it out RIGHT NOW! There you will find so many fabulous fall and Halloween crafts. Today I am sharing my take on these adorable pumpkins from Jenn at Clean & Scentsible..

She shared a tutorial for toilet paper pumpkins, covered by fabric. SO COOL! I knew I had to give these babies a try. I did one with a toilet paper roll, and one with a paper towel roll. Newspaper is necessary to give the pumpkins a good girth. My fabric of choice was orange burlap. Why? Well... I think it's no secret I love burlap! The texture of burlap simply screeches "fall." (Remember that when decorating!) Have a look at my pumpkins, which I turned into jack-o-lanterns, with some black cardstock and Basically Bare buttons..

Aren't they FAB! HUGE thanks to you Jenn, for the idea! I love these so much. Not only do they look great, but they were really so easy to do. I swear, so simple even a caveman can do it!! ;)

If you have Pinterest, what fall crafts top your to-do list this year? Will you give Jenn's toilet paper pumpkins a try now? And if you have great ideas, either from Pinterest or your own, link a gal up! I'd love to see what you're interested in!

September Tidbitz In Time reveal!

2011-08-31T14:47:00.006-04:00

The new kit for September is ready to go at Tidbitz In Time! This is for those who love to travel, and the color combo is gorgeous! Please say hello to "Follow Me"...

And here are a few pages I did with it..

If you want to get your hands on this kit, go here today!

An altered purse...And Basically Bare!

2011-08-28T12:26:00.009-04:00

I've been neglecting my blog, my apologies! The end of summer and beginning of school is always a busy time, but I'm back with a fun project using a brand new Basically Bare release!

We have a neighbor girl who always comes over to play with my kiddos each weekend. Her birthday is tomorrow and I wanted to do something "girlicious" for her. She loved a bag I had previously glammed up for my daughter, so I thought this would be the perfect time to make her a fabulously sassy purse. I started with this, a skirt shaped purse, complete with front and back pockets. Too cute!

I turned to the brand new Bare Basics Celestial Shapes set from Basically Bare for my theme. Little girls are rock star divas, and therefore, stars are the perfect decoration!

I painted two of the chipboard stars from the set a fresh "diva" lime. I gave them a quick coating of glitter as well. Then I pulled fun bling and beaded trim from my stash.

To finish off this gift, I filled the purse with scratch-n-sniff stickers and funky press on nails. I am thinking this will be a big hit!

New Basically Bare sets, coming SOON!!

2011-07-29T12:33:00.003-04:00

I promised pics of the new sets being released by Basically Bare in my last post, and I do finally have something to share! Now, these are prototypes only, made of kraft. The actual sets will be just like Basically Bare's other amazing embellishments. It is one of the things I love so much about this new and exciting company, they play with texture! So you will find corrugated, chipboard, acrylic, canvas, and felt pieces all mixed in with each other. The sky is absolutely the limit when you open up a package from Basically Bare!

Now, on to the new sets! As I mentioned before, I am completely over the moon about the Basically Bare gals giving me a chance to design a few things for them. In this photograph you can see all of the eight new releases, which will be shipping very soon.

Aren't they all awesome! I cannot wait to get my hands on these beauties. Are you wondering which ones I designed? The frames, wall with ivy, and heart locket with heart key are my sets. I love how they look, what do think?

Special thanks to Candy Rosenberg for use of the photo, and all of her hard work. Please go to her blog to see more photos from the Basically Bare booth at CHA!

On the first day of CHA: I'm sharing big news!

2011-07-19T13:55:00.006-04:00

CHA is officially in full swing! As I said yesterday, I am not physically there but "pieces of me" can be found if you look hard enough! You can find some of my projects in the Epiphany Crafts booth (#1239, go say hi!). If you go to the New Exhibitor Pavilion and visit Basically Bare in booth #1814 you'll see my latest adventure. What is that, exactly? Well first let's back track for just a minute..

I scrapbook and create altered goodies with paper, fabrics, and all kinds of textures. It makes me happy, and as cheesy as it may sound, "comforts my soul". I am not happy if I am not making something, and when I cannot physically sit down and create, my mind is constantly swimming with ideas. There have been many times I wished I had "just that right thing". Whether it be a shape, frame, flourish, or textured pieces to create with. Blank canvases ready to transform to match my specific needs...

Enter Basically Bare, launched in May of this year by Angela Pruitt and Carol Jackson. They are a family owned and operated manufacturer of fine embellishments and albums for the scrapbooking and paper crafting industry. Basically Bare products are alterable, which means they can be customized by the crafter to meet the artistic needs of their current project. You guessed it: I fell in love with their incredible goodies!

So now what does my big news have to do with Basically Bare? I am excited to announce that I have designed three new sets for them, and they are being debuted at CHA along with five other sets and a fabulous new album! This is a dream come true for me, seeing some of my ideas transformed into actual product! I have said this so many times over the past weeks, but I must again shout out a huge thank you to Angela, Carol, Candy, and everyone else involved behind the scenes at Basically Bare!

Would you like to hear about the new sets? Here are the names of the sets I designed:

Fanciful Frames
Climbing Ivy
Lovely Locket

Here are the names of the other new Basically Bare sets and album:

Bare Basics Blossoms & Leaves
Bare Basics Celestial Shapes
Stackabellies Holiday Ornaments
Welcome Little One Set
Up Up & Away Set
Bare Booklets – Simply Shapely

These new sets will begin shipping August 15th and as soon as I have photos I will share them. Again, if you are at CHA this week head over and visit the Basically Bare gals at booth #1814!! If you are a kit club or store owner and would like more information or an order form you can contact me at byondbzr@yahoo.com or the ladies of Basically Bare at info@basicallybareonline.com.

It's CHA week , are you excited yet??

2011-07-18T12:20:00.004-04:00

Because I sure am! I love this time of year. All the new products and industry buzz! I am sadly unable to attend this show, but several "pieces of me" will be there and I will be posting sneaks and pictures of them throughout the week. I also have some awesome news to share, that I am still pinching myself in disbelief over!

But enough of that for right now, I've got some project sneaks for Epiphany Crafts today! If you're at the show, check them out at booth #1239. I have seen some photos of the booth as it's being set up.... It is going to be GORGEOUS! If you haven't already, "Like" them on Facebook and you will see more photos and updates throughout the week! OK, here are a few sneaky peek shots of some of the projects I shipped off to them a few weeks ago:

Tidbitz In Time kit reveal!

2011-07-01T07:56:00.004-04:00

The July Tidbitz In Time kit "Dream In Color" will have you doing exactly that! It's packed with stunning papers and brightly colored embellishments which make designing layouts and projects easy! Have a look at what I created with it:

Want this kit? Get over to Tidbitz In Time TODAY before they are all gone!

Sneaky-peek time!

2011-06-28T13:31:00.003-04:00

Have a quick look at some sneaks for July's Tidbitz In Time kit! Full kit reveal on Thursday!

Epiphany Crafts will be on HSN!

2011-06-14T09:29:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow, Wednesday June 15th, you can see Epiphany Crafts on HSN! If you haven't had the opportunity to see the EC tools demonstrated before, you won't want to miss it. If you're interested in buying you will need to be quick, they sold out fast the last time they were on! Tune in or set your DVR for two shows at 11AM and 6PM Eastern time. (8AM and 3PM for the West Coast)

While I have you here, how about a quick tutorial using the Shape Studio Round 14 Tool and Vintage Settings from Epiphany Crafts? Here we go...

Using the Shape Studio Round 14 Tool, Round 14 Bubble Caps, and words printed from my computer..

Step 1. Open lid and remove the insert tool. Move the paper into the desired position, so the words show. Peel a bubble cap from the plastic backing and place it onto the paper.

Step 2.) Press down and punch your words..

Step 3.) Place the words into the Vintage Settings..

Step 4.) Now scrap with them!

Erosion Bundle: Projects!

2011-06-01T13:42:00.004-04:00

If you haven't been following my erosion bundle posts, check these links out first!

Putting my bundle out, December 14 2010..

Reveal time! May 2011...

So I have been playing with my erosion bundle goodies! I let everything dry and packed it all up like it was a scrapbook kit. I have made a few things and have a lot of goodies left to play with! Here are a few flowers I made, and a layout:

A few of my friends/readers have let me know they are doing a bundle... To those still on the fence... Are you in now? (lolz!)

June Tidbitz In Time reveal!

2011-05-30T16:12:00.003-04:00

You are going to want this kit! It's full of Pink Paislee, 7 Gypsies, and Zva Creative embellishments! As always, Wendy has done an outstanding job of packing this kit with an incredible amount of product at a great value, and everything meshes so well together. You will LOVE this! Here is what I did with the June kit, "Magpies and Monarchs"....

Erosion Bundle: It's REVEAL time! (Seriously, it's awesome!)

2011-05-19T10:11:00.010-04:00

(This is a photo heavy post (my apologies), but I promise it is worth any loading time you might have to sit through!)

If you haven't read any of my previous posts about the Erosion Bundle Project, check them out here:

Putting my bundle together and placing outside, December 14, 2010..

A few progress pics in the snow and a second bundle I made, January 8, 2011

The bundles were to be revealed in April, but here in Ohio we began to get rain. LOTS of rain! So I opted to leave mine out a bit longer. This morning though, during a slight break in the weather, I brought them in! The second bundle, which was mainly fabrics, didn't show much change so I didn't bother to photograph it. My main bundle, full of scrapbook papers, fabrics, and other funtastic bits and pieces, has blown me away!

What this project has taught me: Mother Nature rocks. She happily took my pretty things, and aged even more beauty into them. All I needed was patience, and after the first few months, the wait did become a bit easier. I am so in love with this project, that I will be setting out another bundle this weekend. My hope is to have at least one eroded bundle of goodies to play with at least once every year. I want to thank every single person involved in the Erosion Bundle Project for inspiring me to join in. Seriously guys and gals, THANK YOU for this!

Now, on to the fun part: REVEAL IT! Here we go, with a quick picture of day one, back on December 14, 2010:

(For more pics of what went inside, check the first post linked above.)

Here she is, on my kitchen table:

As I started to peel it apart, layer by layer:

That mini album is one of my favorite things from the bundle. Right about here, as the tiny ants began to swarm out at me, I realized it was time to take this operation outside! (lol)

I floral stem, all moldy amongst sheet music and fabrics..

This paper makes me HAPPY!

This is a bit of a bamboo placemat..

Beautiful fabric strips..

Love this kraft envelope!

This doily simply rocks my world!

Love this mess!

Sheet music, I LOVE it for layering on my projects so I put a lot in this bundle.

Note the pattern on the organza, it came from the molded floral stem berries!

More sheet music, and this one is completely stuck to a 12x12 piece of paper. This will make a gorgeous background for a page.

Again, more lovely sheet music..

This is so pretty..

Beautiful find: A rusted up key!

Love this burlap piece I put in..

The burlap with a bingo card..

This fabric strip is stunning!

The fabric up close..

So here it all is. To me, it looks like a gorgeous scrapbook kit. After everything is completely dry. I'll bag it together just like a kit, and use it that way!

Soooo, I am in love with my results and will be doing this again and again. A few of you out there have been following me on this, and were waiting to see the outcome before trying it yourselves. So now I have to ask... Will you be trying it? ;)

More Vintage Street Market and Epiphany Crafts projects to share!

2011-05-18T10:31:00.004-04:00

Remember to keep your eye on Vintage Street Market and Epiphany Crafts on Facebook this week. You will find amazing inspiration from both design teams, and a giveaway too!

Here are a few more projects I made with the Party Games paper kit from Vintage Street Market. A sweet birthday card and fun bingo gift tag!

Using Button Studio Round 14, Button Studio Accessories Button Round 14, and Chocolate Strawberry Spring Felt Flowers from Epiphany Crafts.

Using Shape Studio Round 14 and Shape Studio Round Bubble Caps 14 from Epiphany Crafts.

When Epiphany Crafts meets Vintage Street Market...

2011-05-16T11:02:00.005-04:00

Be prepared for FUN and exciting projects! Keep your eye on Vintage Street Market and Epiphany Crafts on Facebook this week. You will find amazing inspiration from both design teams! I'll be sharing some projects on my blog throughout the week as well, so be sure to check back in with me.

My first project is a layout made with Vintage Street Market's Party Games paper crafting kit. This kit is full of vibrantly colored images. I really loved the ice cream man with his old-fashined push cart. I had to use him!

I used the Shape Studio Heart 25 Tool, Shape Studio Heart 25 Bubble Caps, and Clover Frayed Felt Flowers from Epiphany Crafts.

Sneak peek: June Tidbitz In Time kit!

2011-05-15T15:20:00.003-04:00

Well, the June Tidbitz In Time kit landed on my doorstep yesterday, and I was blown away! It is just gorgeous, and I had to dig in straight away! Want a little sneak peek? Of course you do!

Erosion bundle: Soggy progress!

2011-05-04T10:21:00.004-04:00

If you haven't read any of my previous posts about the Erosion Bundle Project, check them out here:

Putting my bundle together and placing outside, December 14, 2010..

A few progress pics in the snow and a second bundle I made, January 8, 2011

The bundles were to be revealed in April, but here in Ohio we began to get rain. LOTS of rain! I have to believe that going through practically a month and a half mini monsoon (lol!) will really give me some fun results, so I have opted to leave my bundles out for now. I will wait until we get a good dry spell so they can start drying on their own before I take them down.

I do want to share pics I took of them today. The apple tree they are bound to is turning green, and I think the raggedy looking bundles look cool against that. Here is the first day picture, back in December:

Check it out now:

Doesn't that look AWESOME! I can't wait to get some nice sunny weather now! If you want to see amazing bundles and the art that is made with them, follow along with The Erosion Bundle Project!

A brand new company you must check out!

2011-05-01T13:03:00.003-04:00

Do you love texture? Think corrugated cardboard, felt, chipboard, canvas, and acrylic. Do you love naked embellishments, ready to be stamped, inked, sanded and painted? Then you are going to love what the ladies at Basically Bare have to offer!
Today is their grand opening, and if you "like" them on Facebook and follow along on their feed, you could score coupon codes for discounts at their online store! I've already filled my cart, what are you waiting for!

May Tidbitz In Time kit reveal!

2011-05-01T07:50:00.003-04:00

The May kit "Picking Flowers" is full of Webster's Pages and fun texture! Here's what I put together:

Head over to Tidbitz In Time to get one today!

Flower RAK winners!!

2011-04-15T13:29:00.002-04:00

Thank you everyone for the interest in my flower RAKs! I have a feeling that as I continue my spring scrappy cleaning there will be other RAK's coming in the next few weeks, so stay tuned! Now for the lucky flower winners:

Emma
Becky Anderson
MYLIFEMYPUGSMYSCRAPBOOK

Congratulations ladies! Please contact me at byondbzr@yahoo.com with your name and address!

Spring flower cleaning...RAK ALERT!

2011-04-10T10:49:00.012-04:00

I've been needing to sort my four large flower storage bins for quite some time. I often can't find what I'm looking for, or I think I still have something I already used up! Today was the day, I tackled a little scrappy stash spring cleaning. This is good news for me, and good news for you too. You see, I found so many flowers that didn't have a home, just tossed back into the bins by their lonely selves. I also found several packages with just a few flowers left in them. There were even some that I honestly don't like or have a use for anymore.

What am I going to do with these? RAK'em out of course! Have a look at all of this I no longer need:

That's a ton right! So much that I actually split it into three.. That's right I have THREE RAKs to hand out! Here they are separated into bags. Each bag has loose flowers and at least four packages that may be new or missing one or two:

Soooo, what do you have to do to have a chance at one of these flower RAKs? Just take a moment to leave me a comment. That is all! I'll randomly draw THREE names on FRIDAY, APRIL 15.. That might make tax day a little brighter right!

April Tidbitz In Time kit reveal!!

2011-03-30T11:33:00.002-04:00

Here's the projects I made with the April "Make Me Happy" kit! It features lots of American Crafts and brand new Prima releases. If you want one, you better hurry! Check it out HERE!

April Sneak peek!

2011-03-20T13:47:00.003-04:00

I have a few quick sneak peeks of my projects made with the upcoming April Tidbitz In time kit! It's full of amazing color and whimsy! Have a lookie:

Wanna be sure you get a kit? Head over to Tidbitz In Time today and join the club!

Coffee and alcohol ink distressing

2011-03-14T13:07:00.006-04:00

Have any leftover coffee in the mornings? Even if it's a small amount, why not save it in a tupperware container? When you have accumulated enough to fill a platter, bowl, or pan you can use it to stain paper.

I just purchased a white die cut clock paper and I wanted to "antique" it a bit. I put it onto a plastic platter that was just the right size, and then poured coffee over it. I used copper, espresso, and caramel alcohol inks as well. Just squeeze a few drops onto the paper while swirling the coffee from side to side. Some of the ink drops will make direct contact with the paper and give a cool blotchy stain effect. When I finished this, I just loved the look. I wish I had photographed the die cut before distressing. Trust me, it was bright white! Here are a few pics of the process:

When this was dry, I HAD to use it right away! It was perfect for a photo of old and new friends made at a crop I attended over the weekend! The amazing charm clip on this page was made by one of my newest friends, Nancy. Thank you Nancy! ;)

An exciting new adventure!

2011-03-02T10:00:00.004-05:00

I am so happy to announce that I am on the 2011 Epiphany Crafts design team!

I cannot wait to get started and share my projects with you!

Sometimes only paint will do.

2011-02-12T14:27:00.004-05:00

I think by now it might be a bit obvious that I love all things messy. Ink, paint, color sprays.. It's all wonderfully exciting to me! There are times when I want to make a page extra special and in those cases, I feel only paint will do. I often handpaint backgrounds to build my layouts onto. I think it gives them a cozy "handmade with love" vibe. My latest project with a painted backgound is this:

I painted a sky and sun onto a 12x12 acrylic page and finished it off with a sweet picture of my dd. Yes, she really does outshine the sun in this momma's eyes! The chipboard frame and clouds are from Magistical Memories and the fabric flower is a RAK from my girl Wendy at Wendy hammer Designs.

So do you ever paint backgrounds on your projects? Share a link, I'd love to see!

Tidbitz In Time February kit reveal!!

2011-01-30T13:30:00.004-05:00

Have a look at "Take Me Away"...

This beautiful kit is perfect for Valentine's Day, vintage, and heritage projects! It is also an incredible value with all the embellishments. The embellishment and flower packages are complete, not broken up into pieces like you might see in other kit clubs. Here are my projects for February:

A treat bag, ready to be filled with chocolates and given to a special someone!

A pretty way to store my fabric bits. This makes me want to play!

If you like what you see, hurry on over to Tidbitz In Time and get your kit right now before they are gone!

Printing and painting photographs on canvas...

2011-01-29T14:58:00.009-05:00

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I love canvas and have seen photos printed directly onto it before. I decided it was time to try it out! I started with the following:

*photo printer paper
*canvas
*Glue Arts FabricBond cartridge/ GlueGlider Pro
*clear acrylic sealant spray
*Creative Inspirations paints
*large paint brush, scissors

Step 1: Trace your photo paper onto a piece of canvas, and cut out. Try not to fray the edges as you go.

Step 2: Now adhere the canvas onto the photo paper. Place a few strips of FabricBond onto the bottom edge of the paper. Line up your canvas edge as evenly as you possibly can. Add more strips of adhesive on the rest of the paper, and flatten your canvas down onto it.

Step 3: Now smooth out the canvas, and go over it briskly with a brush. You are trying to get as many fluffy fiber bits off of the surface as possible. Spray your canvas liberally with acrylic sealant. This also helps control loosened threads as it feeds through the printer.

Step 4: Let your canvas dry for at least thirty minutes or so before printing on it. When it comes out, you'll have something like this:

At this point I seal it again and allow it to dry...

Step 5: Time to paint! Use water to clean your brushes out between colors, but dry them well. Excess water will turn your black ink a sickly green.

This seems like it's time consuming, but it really isn't bad and I found it very fun! Is it something you might try?

Here's the page I used the photo on:

Blog TRUFFLE alert!!

2011-01-26T10:42:00.003-05:00

What the frig is a "blog truffle"? Is that what you're wondering right now? LOL! Well, that is what we at Creative Inspirations like to call blog candy because we think giving away FIVE jars of our paint is better than plain old candy! Are we right? Of course! Just look how pretty they are:

So what do you have to do to be in the running for FIVE jars of fabulous, shimmery paints in the colors of YOUR choosing? It's very simple. We just want you to answer a few questions, and follow our blog. Here is the post you want to comment on. You have until February 7th, and the winner will be announced on February 9th. You don't want to miss out on this chance to win!

Tidbitz In Time sneak peeks!

2011-01-14T11:53:00.005-05:00

When I received the February Tidbitz In Time kit that Wendy put together, I was completely floored. Not only is it beautiful, but I have to say I don't think I have ever seen a kit packed with so many spectacular embellishments. REALLY. The papers are just gorgeous too! This kit is perfect to use for February's biggest holiday: Valentines Day. BUT, it is also perfect for scrapping old family photos. I think you will love it as much as I do, and I want to share a few small sneaks with you:

Beautiful, right? Check back on January 30th when I will have the full reveal and a link for you to get one of these babies for yourself!

Art from her heart..........

2011-01-11T10:32:00.004-05:00

Like mom's everywhere I am slowly being buried by the artwork of my children. Drawings, paintings, love notes, scrapbook pages... The list goes on and on. I want to keep everything they make, but that is just not possible. My daughter alone would have a few large boxes full of stuff in just a few more years. While it will be difficult, I have come to the conclusion that I must only keep a select few examples of her creativity. Not wanting to put these pieces in a box to be pushed to the back of the closet, I decided an album would be a great idea for storage. The plan was to use paper bags which could be filled with artwork over the years. I was thinking that having the album made right now would force me to keep her things in one place and remember to get examples from every age. I am hoping I can collect things all the way through high school. I am imaging how amazing this will be to look though when she has moved on to start her own life!

I started out with cardboard, chipboard, paper bags, and paint. After everything was painted and dry, I punched holes through everything and put on the jump rings. Decorating the front was fun, I went with my grandmother's old sheet music and the "One Fine Day" set from Wendy Hammer Designs. Isn't the pinwheel awesome! The stems are cardboard that I painted with Fresh Green paint from Creative Inspirations.

I have to say, I love this so much! Rylie loved it too and it inspired her to make me a "love" book. She drew pictures of me and her, and glued several pages together. It is so sweet, and definitely a keeper, so that is the little rolled scroll already in her album! Next task: To make one for Mason's art!

So, what do you think? Do you like this idea, and will you try something like it?

**OH, I forgot to mention the size of it! It is 8.5 x 11, so I will be keeping small creations, or rolling them up. I can always make the album wider with larger jump rings.**

Progress: Erosion bundle project...

2011-01-08T10:19:00.003-05:00

In December I joined in the Erosion Bundle craze. This post shows the bundle I made. Well, I couldn't help myself and made another just a few days after that! Every few days I head to my backyard and check them out. I was ecstatic the first time they got soaked with rain! Today we have a beautiful fresh snow and I couldn't resist snapping a few pics of my bundles. You can already see a bit of discoloration on the outside fabrics!

The fabric on my second bundle, which mainly holds fabrics and metal so I can get some rust action, is really getting good spots of discoloration.

See the bit of discoloration over the starfish? YAY!

Sooo, have you made your bundle yet? I recommend it!

Creating for friends..

2011-01-07T11:47:00.004-05:00

Have you seen the "Pay it forward 2011" posts on Facebook? You have to send something handmade to the first five people who respond if you make it your status. Here is the status, if you haven't seen it yet:

"Pay it forward 2011.... I promise to make something handmade and send to the first five people who comment. They must in turn post this and make something for the first five who comment on their status. *The rules are it has to be handmade by you, and they must receive it before 2011 ends."

Well, I ended up with six people and I couldn't turn anyone away! Today I decided to get a start on some flower sets for them, and I am seriously going to have a hard time parting with these! Have a lookie:

Made with a corkboard base, mesh, organza, and metal numbers...

Made with a cardboard base, printed fabric that really reminds me of "Little House On the Prairie", remnants of an old sweater, and pearl beads...

And these were made with canvas that has been my misting mat/drop cloth of sorts. I've misted so many items on this piece of fabric, it is very beautifully colored. I decided I'd sacrifice it now for flower making. I topped them off with plastic alpha beads...

These were fun to make, and took me very little time. I am happy to say I've got three down, three to go for this RAK! Do you think they will like them?? They are my friends and know my obsession with texture, so I think I'm OK, lol!

January kit reveal!

2010-12-30T10:36:00.007-05:00

I'm excited to reveal the projects I made with Tidbitz In Time's January kit "Below Zero"! This kit is gorgeous and packed to the bursting point with Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology and Prima. While this may look like a blue and cream kit, the papers are ink resist and are ready to be inked and misted any color you desire. I stayed with a "wintery" colored theme for the most part, but really the sky is the limit! Have a look at what I made:

A card...

A few layouts:

And a pretty thermometer using the box from the Parisian Anthology alphabet:

If you want to get your hands on this kit, check out the details at Tidbitz In Time!

A fun way to "wow" your children this season!

2010-12-22T11:06:00.003-05:00

My kiddos were so excited when they saw these:

These are the stockings that Santa gets to fill in a few short days, and my kiddos can't wait until Christmas morning to see what will fill them! It is magic to see their eyes light up! And a little bit of excitement for mommy also surrounds these beauties: Two Peas In a Bucket featured these during their "20 Days of Holiday Sharing" event!

This was a rather simple project because I used store bought stockings. That's right, I'm not gifted enough to whip up my own! But adding some pretty papers and embellishments was no trouble at all! The sweet scalloped frames are actually just one piece that I cut in half. It's one of Amy Teets' new chipboard designs from Magistical Memories. Check them out here..

The frames are painted with beautiful, shimmery Gold paint from Creative Inspirations. You can find it here..

I love the warm and cozy feeling from the felt, it's one of my favorite additions to these stockings. I used felt circles from Wendy Hammer Designs. Check them out here...

This will be my last post before the holidays, so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friends! Be safe out there!

A contest from Wendy Hammer Designs!!!

2010-12-21T13:11:00.002-05:00

Do you want to get your hands on one of her NEW sets? Let me tell you, they are amazing, so yes, I'll answer for you: YES you absolutely do! Well, here is how, you only need to have a Facebook account to play along! Here are the details, from Wendy's blog:

So I've been toying around with the idea of a contest to see how many fans we can get. I think I've come up with a plan. There will be a winner for the group of peeps that are ALREADY fans AND a winner for the group that are NEW fans...

If you are ALREADY a fan...

You will be entered in that group once.
If you can get other people (that are NOT already a fan) to become a fan AND comment on THIS post that they became a fan because of YOU, then you'll get another entry for each person that you send our way.
If you are a NEW fan...

You will be entered for becoming a new fan.
If you can get other people (that are NOT already a fan) to become a fan AND comment on THIS post that they became a fan because of YOU, then you'll get another entry for each person that you send our way.
We will end the contest on January 8th (since it's the Holidays we'll give it some time.). I will draw a name using an online randomize. The winner of each group (already fans & new fans) will each receive...

One of my new Embellishment Sets (your choice)
One of my Individual Embellishments (your choice)
and One of my Handbags or Phone/iPod Sleeves (your choice of what I have left in my shop)

Easy right? Head over to her blog and get your name in the hat for these prizes!

Time to join in the fun...

2010-12-14T13:25:00.007-05:00

Earlier this year I stumbled upon many blogs talking about The Erosion Project. Basically, you take papers, fabrics, ribbons, anything you like, and bundle them all together. Then you set them outside and leave them there for Mother Nature to have her way with them. After three or six months, or even more if you can stand the wait, you unwrap your bundle to reveal how the elements decayed and distressed them. Then, you have fun creating with the pretties inside....

Well, I knew I wanted to do this, but I set it aside for another day. I kept doing that, until I forgot about it completely. Then today, out of the blue, a voice in my head screamed out "EROSION BUNDLE! GO MAKE ONE NOW!" Never wanting to upset said voices, I set right to work, gathering fun things from my stash. I layered 12x12 papers from Graphic 45, Tim Holtz, and K & Company with all kinds of fabulous things. Cardboard, lace, washers, keys, mesh, sheet music, ornamental grass... I had the idea to splash some coffee around, and I even tossed Luminart powders into the mix. I think my favorite item is an entire Jenni Bowlin Mini Chipboard Book..

Here are the photos I've taken of my bundle. I have her wedged between two branches, then firmly tied to, my apple tree. I tell you, I cannot wait until early next summer.

Design Team call!

2010-12-07T09:05:00.002-05:00

Would you like to work with a fabulous team, fabulous challenges, AND get the opportunity to work with a kit from Tidbitz In Time? Well you need to read this:

Tidbitz In Time is currently looking for six design team members for our Bird is the Word challenge blog. In short, a new word is chosen every other week and the challenge is to use this word in the title of your page. For example, if the chosen word is LOVE, your title could simply be LOVE or you can expand on the word and have your title be something like LOVE YOU FOREVER.

As a design team member, you will receive the word in advance, and create a page or card using this word. We will feature your work on our site (www.tidibtzintime.com) as well as our Facebook page and our blog (http://tidbitzintime.blogspot.com).

You will be chosen as a design team member for sixth months, with an opportunity to keep going after that six month period. In addition to being a design team member for our challenge blog, you will have the choice to be a guest design team member for Tidbitz in Time at least once during the six months….meaning you will get a free kit to work with that month!!

If you would like the opportunity to be on our team, please e-mail me at wendy@tidbitzintime.com. Please include 4-5 layouts you have created, your blog and a little bit about yourself. The deadline is Sunday, December 19th and your first page will be due Saturday, January 1st. The only requirements are to create a page with the chosen word, submit it by the deadline and be willing to promote our site and challenges. Thank you!!

I can't wait to see who joins us at Tidbitz In Time, apply today gals! (And fellas too!)
I can tell you that Wendy is amazing, generous, and knows how to put together beautiful kits. (I'm looking at January kit right now and can't wait to dig in!)

Got felt? No? Then get some!

2010-12-03T13:48:00.005-05:00

OK, if you have been thinking about getting some of Wendy's awesome felt pieces then you need to act now! Check it out, she's got great sales going on right now at Wendy Hammer Designs!!

Need more motivation?? Check out just SOME of the pieces from my stash. Gorgeous, right?

BLACK FRIDAY SALE! BLACK FRIDAY SALE! BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

2010-11-24T10:53:00.010-05:00

Do I have your attention yet? LOL! I've got great news for you if you love to grab up scrappy kits at incredible prices! Tidbitz In Time is offering all kits for 50% off beginning on Black Friday and running through the weekend. All you need to do, is be armed with the following code and enter it at checkout:

Thank50

Take a look at what's available, but if you want them, better grab them on Friday as quantities are limited!

June kit: Prairie Grass

12 sheets Basic Grey Origins Patterned Paper - Double-Sided
1 Basic Grey Doily - White & Green
1 Package Making Memories Canvas Alpha Stickers
1 Package Tim Holtz idea-ology Foliage - 36 Pieces
2 Teresa Collins 8 X 8 Transparency Trees
4 - 1 yard each Ribbon / Trims
3 Accent Butterflies - Various Colors
8 Accent Leaves - Green
1 - 1 oz Jar Ranger Puffs Embossing Powder

July kit: Tree Tops

12 Sheets Double Sided Paper - Pebbles Tree House Collection
5 Colors of Felt Fabric - Green, White, Brown, Black, Red
2 Felt Creation Patterns
1 Felt Embellishment Example Sheet
Glittered Thickers Alphabet Stickers - Niki Riki Brown
70 Pieces Pebbles Chips - Printed and Glittered Chipboard Red
24 American Crafts Buttons - Multiple Colors
8 Shaped Brads - Trees, Stars, Hearts and Flowers

August kit: Sultry Summer

Eighteen Sheets Patterned Paper - Basic Grey Indian Summer
One Sheet Monogram Alphabet Stickers - Basic Grey Brown
One Laser-Cut Doily - Basic Grey in Mauve
Two Transparencies - Teresa Collins Swirls in Black
One Package Rub-Ons (five sheets included) - Basic Grey Sultry
One Package Petaloo Roses - Three Large Burgundy Flowers
One Package Petaloo Jewel Centers - 6 Pieces Fuschia
Four - One Yard Sections of Ribbon/Trims - Velvet & Satin
Tulle - Measures One Yard

September kit: Rusty Botanicals

Eleven Sheets of Graphic 45 Paper - Botannicabella Collection
One Sheet of Graphic 45 Botannicalbella Tags
One Package of Making Memories Tiny Alphas - Black & White - 468 Stickers
Two Rolls Tim Holtz Tissue Tape - 16 Yards Each - Symphony
One Variety Package of Real Vintage Buttons
Making Memories Vintage Findings Mini Kit
One String of Pearls
Collection of Cream Colored Ribbon Flowers
Five Making Memories Glittered Paper Flowers
One VersaMagic Dew Drop Chalk Ink - Brown
Ribbon/Trims - 4 Pieces - One Yard Each

October kit: Moons And Monsters

Little Yellow Bicycle Patterned Paper - Nine Sheets Double-Sided 12 x 12
Little Yellow Bicycle Monogram Alphabet - Glittered
Hambly Studios Journaling Transparencies - Orange
Three Yards of Ribbon and Trim - Orange, Green & Black
Little Yellow Bicycle Decorative Edge Cardstock Pieces 6 X 6
Hambly Studios Lace Edged Transfers - Black
Little Yellow Bicycle Chipboard Album House - Black
Two Yards of Black Sequins
Little Yellow Bicycle Clear Cut Shapes - 30 Pieces with Glitter Accents
Hambly Studios Trick or Treat Sticker
Hambly Studios Pumpkin and Ghost Stickers
Two Feathered Black Accents

November kit: Patterns And Pearls

1 Sheet Donna Salazar Calendar Cards
1 12 x 12 October Afternoon Schoolroom Alpha
1 12 x 12 October Afternoon Journal Cards
1 12 x 12 October Afternoon Shape Stickers
9 double-sided October Afternoon Thrift Shop Collection Patterned Papers
2 6 x 12 Grungeboard Sheets
1 6 x 12 October Afternoon Mini Market Alphabet Stickers
6 Zva Creative White Roses
4 - 1 yard Ribbon / Trim sections
1 bottle Ranger Lemon Yellow Liquid Pearls
1 Zva Creative Green Pearls
1 Zva Creative Pink Pearls
12 Zva Creative Heavy Silk Flowers
6 Jenni Bowlin Yellow Buttons
12 Jenni Bowlin Mini Butterfly Chipboard Pieces

Fabulous felt!

2010-11-22T10:23:00.010-05:00

Here are a few of the pages I've made using the fab felt embellishments from Wendy Hammer Designs:

You really need to get some for yourself AND guess what! Wendy has SEVEN new designs up in her shop TODAY! Check these out, like now!

When opportunity knocks....

2010-11-15T09:56:00.005-05:00

Answer the door! Yesterday I had a visit from the opportunity fairy. Wendy over at Tidbitz In Time contacted me. She was looking for a designer to work with her monthly kits. So, I thought about it for awhile, you know, should I or shouldn't I? Hmmmmmmm....

HAH who am I kidding! I was thrilled to accept her incredible offer and so my news for this Monday is that I'm the newest DT member at Tidbitz In Time!!

My work will begin with the January kit, but I wanted to share the awesome November kit here with you:

Just look at all the great stuff! It is packed with the following:

1 Sheet Donna Salazar Calendar Cards
1 12 x 12 October Afternoon Schoolroom Alpha
1 12 x 12 October Afternoon Journal Cards
1 12 x 12 October Afternoon Shape Stickers
9 double-sided October Afternoon Thrift Shop Collection Patterned Papers
2 6 x 12 Grungeboard Sheets
1 6 x 12 October Afternoon Mini Market Alphabet Stickers
6 Zva Creative White Roses
1 Zva Creative Green Pearls
1 Zva Creative Pink Pearls
12 Zva Creative Heavy Silk Flowers
6 Jenni Bowlin Yellow Buttons
12 Jenni Bowlin Mini Butterfly Chipboard Pieces
4 - 1 yard Ribbon / Trim sections
1 bottle Ranger Lemon Yellow Liquid Pearls

If you want one, hurry on over to Tidbitz In Time today!!

My canvas flower RAK winner is.....

2010-11-06T11:28:00.002-04:00

**********LISA!!**********
"Those are awesome!! And pretty!!"

Congrats Lisa! Please shoot me an email at byondbzr@yahoo.com with your full name and address and I'll get some flowers out to you ASAP!

AND, speaking of these flowers, the fabulous Dymphie featured them on her "Deze is ook leuk" blog! Thank you girl!

Hand painted Christmas cards!

2010-11-05T12:09:00.004-04:00

These were fun and easy to make and took very little time! I simply painted the background on white cards, placing a paper towel inside the card to protect it as well as I could, and when dry I painted the scenes on. If you are good at painting, I recommend making Christmas cards for family and friends this year. I have a feeling they will be well received!

I'm a Fleur Girl!!

2010-11-04T12:41:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to be on the design team at Wendy Hammer Designs! Wendy makes the sweetest felt embellishments, purses, and more! Drop by her shop and have a look, I guarantee you will find something you cannot live without!

And just have a look at the other Fleur Girls... This is one madly talented team and I'm honored to be a part of it!

Amy Coose
Kimberly Neddo
Leslie Ashe
Sheri Twing

Canvas and hemp cord flower tutorial.....and RAK!

2010-10-30T12:53:00.009-04:00

It feels like such a long time has gone by since I've posted a tutorial. I've been happily creating, but just haven't seemed to get the time to take pictures and put posts up. Well, I was determined to change that today because I have a new flower I absolutely love! They're made with canvas and hemp and are loaded with shabby chic texture. They will work with any theme, just color them to your needs..

YOU WILL NEED:

* canvas
* hemp cord or twine
* Scissors
* paint/color sprays/ink

Step 1.) Gather your supplies. Cut your circles out of the canvas. I just trace cups and bottles I have on hand with a marker and cut them out. It's a good idea to make a big batch.

Step 2.) Use your scissors and cut slits about one third of the way into each circle. Space them about a half inch apart, depending on the size of your circle. You are making the petals, and if they are too thin, your flower will completely unravel in step three. These slits do not need to be evenly spaced.

Step 3.) Place a circle in your hand, and then crumble it between your fingers. Do this fairly gently, or again, your flower will fall apart. Unwrap the canvas ball to see that your petals have separated and frayed.

Step 4.) It's now time to color them. I used the amazing glimmery paints from Creative Inspirations. If you are painting, it works best to wet both sides of the flowers. This cuts down on the curling effect. I paint both sides, again, to help with curling. You can also use color sprays like Glimmer Mist, Maya Mist, even your own homemade mists.

Step 5.) When the flowers are dry you can add the hemp cord centers. Apply some Fabri Tac to the flower center. Roll some hemp cord into a spiral in between your fingers. Roll a piece large enough to cover your glue center, then place the hemp cord spiral onto the glue and hold down for a few moments. You can ink the edges of the flower petals for more dimension if desired.

I used yellow, turquoise, and green paints to color the batch on this page:

So what do you think of this flower? Is it one you will try? If you do like it, and would like some of these beauties, then leave me a comment. I'll RAK one lucky person a set of the above fall colored flowers. Winner will be chosen on November 6!

Old to some, yet new to me..

2010-10-28T15:06:00.003-04:00

I have a new favorite paper collection, and it's not even a brand new release! I stumbled upon "Life's Journey" from K & Company while at Michael's last weekend. I don't ever remember seeing this paper pad in person before, and I just loved it immediately. The thing is, it was released in 2008 I think! So while this is old news to most, it is brand new to me and I dove right into the papers. Here are a few pages I've made so far. Pretty, yes?

My delightfully scary Vampiress!

2010-10-21T09:43:00.004-04:00

Halloween is almost here, and my girl wanted to be scary this year! So, we got a dress, black hair spray, and glow in the dark press on nails for girls. She also asked me to do her makeup..YAY, fun for mommy too! Here she is, all "spookified" and ready for a friends' party last weekend....

Isn't she cute and spooky all in one? Her younger brother was actually scared of her and said he didn't like it all! I love the "mean" picture the best, and what kind of scrappy mom would I be if I didn't scrap it right away? Hmmm? :)

Combining CI and MM!

2010-10-12T11:00:00.004-04:00

I'm pretty lucky to have product from two design teams that go so very well together. My favorite chipboard pieces from Magistical Memories just beg to be painted with Creative Inspirations paints! Check out some of things I've done with them!

SNA World Card Making Day Blog Train!

2010-10-01T11:39:00.008-04:00

Welcome to the Scrap ‘n Art World Cardmaking Day Blog Train! If you haven’t been with us since the beginning of the train, make sure you go to Angela’s blog (www.theprissypixel.com) to board. Our train is headed on a fantastic holiday tour and you won’t want to miss any of the ten stops. We start out at Halloween, head on over to Thanksgiving and end our journey at Christmas. Each blog along the way has a word that you will need to write down. At the end of the line, post the sentence you gathered from the various blogs and you will be entered to win an amazing prize package!

The train ride will be open until midnight Sunday (US Central Time Zone) and the winner will be announced on the Scrap ‘n Art Blog on Monday, October 4.

Welcome to Halloween! I am so happy I got to do a Halloween card for our blog train!

Halloween is my favorite holiday, yes, even before Christmas! I had fun pulling from my stash on this one. The card and cardstock are from Paper Accents and the purple patterned paper is of course from Graphic 45's Hallowe'en In Wonderland!

Thank you so much for stopping by. My word for you is HOLIDAYS! Next stop is Jennifer's blog. Have a great journey!

So who loves paint?

2010-09-30T15:29:00.005-04:00

ME of course! It's a good thing too, because I'm happy to say I'm a Creative Inspirations DT member! I received my collection of paints in the mail yesterday, and I am just floored by all the incredible colors. I cannot wait to work with them!

Here's the new design team:

Returning:
Kendra Sand
Barbara Washington
Shelly Schmit

New:
Jan Hennings
Karen Wilson
Samantha Star
Chris Dickinson
Rebecca Price
Kianel
Jenn Koss

Keep an eye on the Creative Inspirations blog for daily tutorials, challenges, and projects from the design team!

Ahhhhh canvas!!

2010-09-22T13:02:00.006-04:00

Oh how I love thee! Your texture is amazing, and you always look so eager to be painted and misted...........

LOL, yes I know it, I'm kooky, talking to a piece of fabric like that. But hey, I do embrace my silliness! I have been working with canvas every free moment I've had this week. I am definitely loving the results. Check out some fun stars I worked up, and the layout I used them on:

Cool huh! I've got more canvas goodies up my sleeve and I'll be sharing them soon. OH, and next week I'll have some great news as well!

Design Team and Guest Designer opportunities await you!!

2010-09-05T17:09:00.003-04:00

Do you want to be a member of one of the coolest design teams out there? Do you want to work with friendly, creative designers? Do you want to work with the best chipboard out there? If you answered yes, yes, and yes then you're going to want to listen up! Magistical Memories is having a Design Team call! Information can be found on the MM blog, here.

We are also looking for a Guest Designer! In order to have a chance at it, you need to complete a page based on our AWESOME September monthly sketch. Information, and the sketch itself, are available here.

I LOVE this month's sketch, here is my example:

Sooooooo, what do you think? Will you be trying out? Good luck to those who do, I look forward to working with the new team members!

Favorite pair of jeans flower tutorial

2010-08-04T11:28:00.008-04:00

You know we all have them. That favorite pair of jeans that we've owned simply FOREVER. We don't dare wear them out of the house because of all the holes in them, but they feel so very comfortable. There does, sadly, come a day when they do need to go. I couldn't completely part with mine this morning, so they had one more wash and dry, and then I took my scissors to them. I love the flowers I made with them, and this tutorial can, of course, be used with any ribbon/fabric you like best. But me, I know when I see these on my pages that I'll remember the jeans that kept me so comfortable and happy for all those years....

You will need:

* Old jeans/denim (or fabric of choice)
* Fabri Tac
* Good pair of scissors

Step 1.)
Begin by cutting your denim, and you will need two different lengths. For the petals, you need strips that are about 3.5" in length and a half inch in width. For the centers, you will need longer strips, about 15-16" in length and again about a half inch wide. These are not exact, just estimations, and you can experiment to find the sizes you really like to work with. For each flower, you need three short strips, and one long one.

Step 2.)
Build the base of your flowers. Apply a drop of tacky glue to the center of a short strip. Place a second strip on top, forming an "X". Add yet nother drop of glue to the center of the X and place the third denim strip to form a basic flower shape. Set this aside and move onto the flower center.

Step 3.)
Make the flower centers by laying a long strip out, flat. Apply glue the entire length of the strip, and roll it up.

Step 4.)
Now apply a few drops of glue in the center of the flower shape, and press the flower center onto it. Let them set up awhile, and they are ready to create with.

VARIATION:
Have fun with the centers and add a touch of lace to them when you're rolling them up. You might need to trim a bit off when the center is rolled up if your lace is longer than you want. Just play around with it!

Here is a batch I made this morning, what do you think?

Bubblewrap flowers!

2010-07-24T15:33:00.005-04:00

Oh yeah, I said it! I know that so many scrappers out there use bubblewrap to stamp cool patterns on their work. I'm here asking, WHY not actually include the bubblewrap on your pages? Huh? Well, it is super easy to whip up bubblewrap flowers. The technique is something seen in many tutorials, the only difference is that you're using bubblewrap instead of paper, ribbon, or fabric. Beause of this, I will go ahead and make a step by step tutorial for them. Are you READY!!!!! OK!

You will need:

* Bubblewrap
* Paint
* Fabri Tac from Beacon Adhesives
* Gemstones, or alternate desired flower center

Step 1.)
Begin by painting the bubble wrap. You want to paint the flat side, not the side with the air pockets. The reason for this is simple. The flat side will dry faster. Imagine the bubble side, with it's bumpy, rough texture, which takes far longer for paint to dry on! When it is dry, cut the bubblewrap into strips. My strips are approximately 9" in length and about a half inch in width.

Step 2.)
You painted on the flat side, but want to roll on the bubble side, if that makes any sense at all. Hold the strip bubble side up, and roll a bit of one end up into a ball. Apply a little glue to this, and then continue to wrap the strip around itself. You can twist this, from bubble side up to flat side, if you want to. The goal here is to get a nice flower shape. Apply glue as you go, to keep the flower in place as you roll..

Step 3.)
When you finish, add a teeny drop of glue to the center, and apply your rhinestone or other flower center. Allow these to set for at least an hour before you use them on a project!

So, what are these fun flowers good for? Well, the texture and cool look lend themselves to fun, bright pages. I can see blue and orange ones on summer pages, and dark blue, white, and clear(unpainted) on winter pages. It's really up to you. Have fun with them! Do you think you'll try these out? Please let me know!

Ruffled Romance flower tutorial!

2010-07-24T12:17:00.011-04:00

I've got a new flower tutorial for you! They are fabric, and pretty easy to do. I also have to tell you that my great friend Wendy (WendyG-SA on sb.com) also came up with these flowers the same weekend I did. LOL, great minds think alike! We both saw a Prima flower and decided to make our own. She does hers differently, and can get more petals per flower. So, I have told her to do a tutorial as well showing her method. If she does, I'll link it up here.( UPDATE! HERE is Wendy's tutorial!)
Here are my flowers:

To make these flowers you will need:

* Fabric circles, a little bigger than a golf ball in size.
(You can try other sizes too!)
* Chipboard sheets
* Fabri Tac OR 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue, both from Beacon Adhesives
* Assorted beads, buttons, flower centers

Step 1.)
Cut your circles out of the desired fabric. The great part about this flower, is that the circle DOES NOT need to be perfect. Just pick up the fabric and cut it, it's that simple! You will need five circles per flower to make my five-petal blooms.

Step 2.)
Pick up a circle, apply a bit of glue in the center, and fold it in half. Press and hold it together a few seconds.

Step 3.)
Now apply a drop a glue to the center of this half circle, and fold over again. You will have a pie piece shape. Again, hold this together with your fingers for several seconds. Make five petals just like this.

Step 4.)
Now build your flower. Apply a circle of glue, about the size of a nickel, to the chipboard sheet. Place the pointed tip of a petal on the glue. Add the other petals next to it, pressing into the glue and slightly overlapping the edges of each one.

Step 5.)
Apply a bit of glue to the center, and apply your beads, gemstones, or buttons. Allow these to set for awhile, and then cut the flower from the chipboard sheet.

That's it, pretty easy right! Is this a flower you will try on your own? I think they look great on layouts. Have a look at a few I've done with them:

Can I get a "WOOOOHOOOOOO"!!??

2010-07-22T18:57:00.003-04:00

Because I have NEWS! I'm so happy and proud to tell you I am a DT member for Gauche Alchemy!! YAY! Have a lookie here to see the amazing gals on this team. We are for sure going to tear into our kits with gusto and inspire you! So be on the lookout for Gauche Alchemy news, kits, and projects here on my blog and on Facebook. (Not my friend on FB? Go on and add me, my badge is just to your right, and I won't bite you. I may ink you. But I won't bite you... LOL!)

My flower RAK winner is......

2010-07-12T07:55:00.002-04:00

DYnKY:

"Congrats on the BIG 100!!
Love this...well, I've grown to love all your cool handmade flowers!! Thanks for the cool tutorials!! "

Congratulations!! Please email your address to me and I'll get some flowers out to you ASAP! byondbzr@yahoo.com

Ruffled lace/ribbon trim

2010-07-06T13:49:00.007-04:00

I like the look of those fancy trims that some companies out there are selling. You know the ones that look like bundled roses? That's what I tried to recreate with lace and glue. I like the finished product, and it cost me only one dollar's worth of lace to make. Here's the finished trim, on a layout:

Does it look similar to those trims? Well, I think so! If you like it, and want to whip one up yourself read on!

You will need:
*Lace or ribbon, amount varies on the length you want your trim to be.
*Fabri Tac
*Chipboard

Step 1.) Cut a piece of lace and glue it onto chipboard. The length is entirely up to you. Be sure you make the glue strip thin, and adhere the middle of the lace right onto it. This way, when you cut it out you won't see the chipboard backing. Cut many more pieces of lace, all around five inches in length. These will be the blooms.

Step 2.) Roll the blooms! Start with one end of a five inch strip of lace, and begin wrapping it around itself. Add a bit of glue as you go to help keep it together. When you get to the end, glue it to your bloom.

Step 3.) Apply a bit of glue in the middle of the lace and press your bloom onto it. Press down right through the middle of it, and hold this in place for several seconds. Then, continue making blooms and putting them on the trim until you reach the length you want.

Step 4.) Cut the trim out of the cardboard and use it!

100th post, tutorial, and a RAK!

2010-07-01T12:57:00.010-04:00

Are you going to wish me a "Happy 100th blog post Rebecca!"? LOL! I can't believe I finally hit 100, it has taken me quite awhile. Perhaps the next 100 will go by much more quickly. Anyhow, in order to celebrate I'm sending out a RAK! Just comment on this post and let me know how you feel about my tutorials. Wanna see more, or not? Anything you want to see? I'll randomly draw a winner on Monday, July 12. Winner will get an assortment of my handmade flowers!

With that out of the way, I've got a tute to share with you today! I don't know what to call them, perhaps "Wrapped Ribbon Flowers"...Or something, LOL. You will need:

*Ribbon or twine
*Fabri Tac
*Cardboard/chipboard sheets
*Bling, buttons, pearls, etc.
*Scissors

Step 1.) Cut ribbon into approximately two foot lengths.

Step 2.) Lay ribbon across your three middle fingers, allowing a few inches to hang over. Start wrapping the rest of the ribbon around your three middle fingers. You want to count the amount of times you wrap around. Try to go around 7 or 8 times. You should have about a 3-4 inch length left of your ribbon. I'll call this the tail.

Step 3.) Now, carefully slide the wrapped ribbon off of your fingers. Take the remaining tail of ribbon, find the loop it belongs too, and tie it off, around all the other loops. Be sure you have the right loop, and try not to lose any of the loops during this step. You also want the loops to all be around the same size.

Step 4.) Lay your bundle of loops on your table, and begin unfurling the loops. You want to shape them into a flowery shape.

Step 5.) Apply a circle of Fabri Tac onto your cardboard/chipboard sheet. Press the flower onto it, and hold down.

Step 6.) Apply your flower center, and cut the flowers out of the cardboard/chipboard sheeting.

This works great with thick twine as well. You can paint the flowers when finished if desired. This is more for masculine/heritage projects.

I used these, and a hair scrunchie flower, on this layout:

Do you likey? Hope so! Now, don't forget to comment here to be in for a chance at a RAK of my homemade flowers. You'll get a great assortment!

Hair scrunchie flowers!

2010-07-01T12:37:00.006-04:00

I REALLY love this idea for flowers, and they're ridiculously simple too! All you need is hair scrunchies, Fabri Tac, and chipboard or cardboard sheets.

Step 1.) Make a circle of Fabri Tac on your chipboard or cardboard. The circle of glue should be a little bit smaller than your scrunchie.

Step 2.) Wad the scrunchie in your hand, and kind of squeeze it all together so you don't see any open spaces.

Step 3.) Press this down onto the circle of glue and hold. You may need to move it around a bit so you can no longer see cardboard/chipboard underneath it. Hold this down for about 20 seconds.

Step 4.) Apply a pearl or rhinestone as a center, then cut the flowers out of the cardboard/chipboard.

That's it, told ya it was easy!!!!!

Check out what I have done!

2010-06-25T11:04:00.004-04:00

Hee, I told you I was going crazy with the flowers! I'm trying to fill up a plastic bin so I'll always have that flower that is "just right" for a page. Check this out, yummy yes?

I've also been using them, and get an incredible sense of satisfaction when they end up looking perfect on a page. Here's my latest example..

Do you see the awesome Bubble Border from Magistical Memories on there? It's one of my favorite shapes!

Random Romance flower tutorial..

2010-06-20T18:53:00.013-04:00

I've been going crazy making my own flowers! This is one of my favorites, and they are SO easy. I've called them Random Romance...

You will need:

* Cardboard or chipboard pieces.
* 16-18" lengths of ribbon or fabric. Half inch width is best.
* Fabri Tac
* Buttons, brads, beads etc.

1.) Begin by making a circle of Fabri Tac on your cardboard piece..

2.) Take your ribbon/fabric strip and place one end in the center of the adhesive circle..

3.) Now fold your ribbon over and hold it down for a few seconds. Pull your ribbon over to an opposite side, and hold again. Continue doing this until you have folded the ribbon over and onto all the exposed glue. It will look messy, and totally random. No two of these flowers will ever look alike...

4.) When you have covered all the exposed glue, trim your ribbon/fabric down to a 1.5-2" strip. Apply glue to the center of your flower and pull the final strip on top of it. Hold down for several seconds.

5.) Apply your flower center, use whatever you like! Hold it down for twenty seconds or so, and then set it aside. Continue making more flowers while the glue sets up..

6.) When you have finished making a batch of these, you need to trim off the excess cardboard/chipboard. Cut right against the ribbon/fabric. You might need to slighty lift up on the material to get to the cardboard underneath. The result is amazingly cool, unique flowers for your crafting needs!

As I said before, these are amazingly quick flowers to make. I timed myself, and it takes less than a minute to make one flower once you have all the cardboard and fabric/ribbon cut! I do have a few bits of advice to offer. I have done burlap versions of these and they do take a bit longer to make. You need to hold them down longer in order for the Fabri Tac to take hold. Once you have these down and can make them quickly it is really best to get supplies ready for 12-15 flowers at a time. I promise you it will take less than thirty minutes!

Here is a page I made with some of my flowers....

I think they bring so much to the layout. These really are the perfect shabby-chic flower. They are at home on a frilly girly page, and also on a rough and tough guy page. Do you think you might like making these? If you do, I would love to see!

By request...

2010-06-09T12:43:00.005-04:00

I've been making quite a few flowers lately, and have had many requests for a tutorial. Soooo, here is an easy tutorial for fabric flowers!

Step 1: Gather materials. You need fabric circles, any size (Though at least 3" in diameter makes a pretty finished size I think!). You also need something for the centers (I used fancy vintage buttons), and Fabri Tac. Why Fabri Tac? I've said this before and will say it again, it is SO awesome! It has a super-quick grab too, so the flower making process is easy on your hands.

Step 2: Apply a bit of glue in the center of a fabric circle, and fold a bit of the edge in toward the glue. Continue to do this, slightly crimping/folding the fabric as you go and applying more glue where you need it. The goal here, is to pull all the sides up into the center while maintaining a circular shape. Keep going until you've completed the entire circle.

Step 3: Glue your flower center onto the cirle, hiding all the edges and glue.

Step 4: Get it on a page!!!

Now, I am making most of mine white or cream so I can custom color them to my needs. It is great to be able to grab a big bag of these and pull what I need anytime I need it! What do think, will you try these out??

Fun with fabric!

2010-06-04T16:02:00.003-04:00

I love incorporating fun finds onto my pages! Quite some time ago, I stumbled across a frilly lace scarf at a thrift shop. I do mean a loooong time ago because I don't remember what I paid for it, but it had to have been cheap for me to pick it up, LOL!
It's been in my "texture basket" for quite some time, patiently waiting. Today the wait was over and I whipped it out for the Fun with Fabric Challenge in the Moxie Fab World!
I layered it between my photo and a piece of cardstock that I "double masked" with bleach, Maya Mist, and Tattered Angels Glimmer Screens. This was a fun page to make, and I am pleased with the results! What do you think?

I really do love my lace scarf find and am very happy that there is still quite a bit left of it for other projects!

RAK winner!!

2010-06-02T12:38:00.002-04:00

Oh my, I've been on vacation for five days and guess I've just stopped caring about the days of the week and the date on the calendar! I was supposed to announce this YESTERDAY! Sorry everyone! Without further ado, the winner of a Magistical Memories chippie RAK is........

dancinirish90
"They're both wonderful - but I really love the bleaching technique and use of fabric on the 'Baptism' LO!

May 22, 2010 7:13 PM "

Email me your address and I'll get it right out to you! byondbzr@yahoo.com

Cakes for charity........

2010-05-29T15:22:00.009-04:00

Well, I for one am not ashamed to admit I am NO cake decorator! Place cake, icing, and fondant in front of me and the result will be a big ole' mess, I gaurantee! Change the materials however, to boxes, paint, glue, and flowers and then I can make something pretty and funky-cool!

What am I talking about exactly? Well, a coworker asked me to join in a cake decorating contest with benefits going to Relay For Life. All I had to do was make a cake from boxes and craft supplies. I was flattered someone liked my work and thought I would be a good fit for this task, and also excited about helping others in need. So, my mind was made up right away and I knew I HAD to do this!

I began with paper mache boxes, and painted them up. I painted a cake board with hot pink and when dry I masked on it with Tattered Angels Glimmer Screens and Graphite Glimmer Mist.(In the photos the mist looks a bit purple, but in reality it matches the cake brilliantly!) I glued the boxes together with Fabri-Tac, from Beacon Adhesives. It is the BEST glue for a quick, permanent grab! Then, I "had me some fun" with decorating!

I must say, I love how this turned out! I can only hope this will bring some money in the cake raffle/auction!

Some MM projects, AND a RAK!

2010-05-22T17:06:00.003-04:00

I've got a few new projects to share for Magistical Memories! Have a lookie:

Do you likey?? If so, leave a comment telling me which Layout you like the best and why, and I'll RAK one winner with some yummy Magistical Memories chipboard! Easy right?! I'll announce the winner on June first!

A new baby in the house!!

2010-05-07T07:44:00.004-04:00

We have a new baby! No, I haven't been keeping a secret for nine months, LOL! He is a tiny grey kitten we've named Lester. We got him from our neighbors, and he is a sweetie. As I type this, he is sitting on my foot, chewing on my shoelaces. I forgot kitties were so silly! Check out our new boy:

Now I have to learn how to scrap pet pages, that is something new to me!

SBKC Anniversary Celebration Blog Hop!

2010-05-01T06:56:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the first Scrapbook Kit Club Anniversary Celebration Blog Hop. This blog hop will be a three part hop so make sure you check back on Tuesday May 4th and Thursday May 6th. Here's the order for each day:

SBKC Blog
Audrey Yeager
Jennifer Longenecker
Rebecca Price (You are here!)

It's time for me to reveal the fabulous May project kit! This is for the gardener in your life, and I have made up a tutorial with tips and techniques for display that will be available at the SBKC forums. Have a lookie:

Here's what I put together with the kit, cute right?

Happy Arbor Day!

2010-04-30T12:22:00.004-04:00

Now get outside and plant a tree if your weather permits! I took the kids out this morning and we planted a Thunderchild Crabapple. I got some great pictures, and of course, felt the need to scrap them right away. Here's my page. I used all kinds of embellies, including misted pieces of burlap, to make up the leaves of my tree.

Sneak peek!

2010-04-27T13:32:00.004-04:00

The May project kit from Scrapbook Kit Club is adorable, I loved creating with it!
Wanna little sneak?

This kit is VERY limited, and is available on May first. Don't want to miss out on it? Reserve a kit today, just go here: http://www.scrapbookkitclub.com/store/index.php?main_page=contact_us

Reusing plastic packaging!!

2010-04-25T18:15:00.006-04:00

So, if you've been scrapping for some time now, you know that there are MANY products that come in a protective plastic wrapping. Many of my favorite Prima flowers come packaged this way. I have been saving my packaging up, not wanting to throw them in the trash bin. After holding onto them for some time, today I finally decided it was time to get some use out of them!

I pulled out some packaging, and some alcohol inks. I didn't worry about the labels on them, as I have found them to be difficult to remove. I just left them on, and flipped the packaging over to the opposite side. I colored them with alcohol inks...

At this point, you can do what you like with them. I used one as an extra layer on this layout:

I also made some flowers, by tracing circles onto the plastic sheets and then cutting them out. I matted the smaller, inner layers on white cardstock so they would show up and adhered them with Zip Dry. Then, simply placing a brad in the centers finished off the look.

Here's the page I used the flowers on, I just love this one!

I hope this inspires you to try and use EVERYTHING you possibly can when you create. I think every little bit you keep out of the trash is a GOOD thing!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T12:14:00.002-04:00

I've already hugged Mother Earth today, have you? Yes, I am serious, I got on the ground and hugged her. It actually feels good, if done on grass, LOL. If you're looking for some blogs to read, well, I have a few recommendations for you! Check out my post over on the Scrap N' Art blog today. I worked with some cool "Camped Out" goodies from Bella Blvd to make a page about Mother Earth! I also sneakie-peeked a bit of the upcoming May project kit over on the Scrapbook Kit Club's blog.

My Magistical Memories chippie RAK winner!!

2010-04-16T08:58:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! I have the winner of my Magistical Memories RAK to announce. Congratulations to....

Linda Beeson!

Please email me your address, with "RAK winner" as the subject line, and I will get this out to you! byondbzr@yahoo.com

I also want to remind everyone of this awesome deal:

25Spring for 25% off your entire order!

Go to the Magistical Memories store, fill up your cart, and enter the code 25Spring at checkout to receive your 25% discount. If you've been thinking of ordering, NOW is the time! I'd love to know what you got, so stop in here and tell me all about it if you like. Happy Shopping!

Bleached out Prima's

2010-04-10T12:52:00.008-04:00

It's no secret, I love Prima goodies. Flowers are a passion for me. I am NOT afraid to paint, ink, and otherwise distress the heck out of my flowers. I have been bleaching many things lately, so I figured I could do flowers too, and I might as well try it out!

If you want to try it, all you need is paper flowers, bleach, and paper towels. Pull out your flowers, and pour just a little bit of bleach into the cap. Place these on a paper towel.

All you have to do now, is simply dip the tips of the flowers into the bleach. You may want to go with a light touch here. The flowers REALLY suck up the bleach, and it will bleed up into the flowers pretty far. Then you only need to set the flowers down onto the paper towel to dry.

I tried several different colors, and after they dry, they look SO cool! Have a look:

The pink flowers really called to me, so I got them onto a layout first:

They look so cool and different! I believe I will be doing this technique quite often. How about you, is this something you may try??

Paint challenge winner...

2010-04-08T10:53:00.001-04:00

Just had one entry so that's super easy, LOL! Melissa, I'll get a RAK out to you!

Easy double butterflies!

2010-04-07T12:05:00.006-04:00

These are simple to make, and I find them to be very pretty! All you need is butterfly stamps, one small enough to fit onto the other. I even managed to use one of my daughter's inexpensive sponges as one of my butterfly stamps. I love it because it adds a fun, colorful look to the finished piece. I started with this stuff here:

I began by stamping the butterflies, not sure of how many I would end up with, I decided to make 12. Some didn't make a neat enough image, but since I was doing 12 I knew I would come away with some I liked. The easiest way to get multi colors on sponge stamps is to use paintbrushes to apply the paint. After I made the colored butterflies, I also stamped smaller butterflies using black ink.

After all the images had dried I cut out the butterflies that had the best shape and color. I lightly inked the painted butterflies with black ink, then glued the small butterflies on top of them. I applied just a drop of glue on the small butterflies, as I wanted to be able to lift the wings up for dimension. I used stickles to color in the small butterflies.

After the stickles dried, getting them onto a layout was easy!

Do-it-yourself beaded/flowered vines

2010-04-02T11:34:00.004-04:00

I love the flowery, blingy vines that are popular right now. Making my own was easy, it just took a little time and the right materials. I used to make jewelry, so I have plenty of wire and gemstones on hand that I hardly use anymore.

To begin, fold a floral wire in half, you can use either white or green for this. I chose white. If you want to, you can use glimmer mist to color it as well. Wrap one half of the wire around the other until you reach the end. You will have a piece of wire about 6-7 inches long at this point. This is the "stem".

Begin making the branches for the vine. I threaded gems onto floral wire, and twisted one end to keep them in place.

For the flowers, I threaded floral wire through the center hole (many have a hole for brads) and twisted one end back around the other. Then I pinched the flower together, and wrapped the extra wire around the base to keep it in it's place.

For the leaves, I simply took a few Prima leaves and made a hole in them with my paper piercer. I threaded floral wire through them, just like the flowers.

After all the branches were done, I began to assemble the vine by wrapping them around the stem. It may take a little time to get the branches on in a design that is pleasing to the eye, but the results are worth it. To add a bit of color and interest to my vine, I wrapped a little gold wire around it as well.

Here's the layout I used this vine on, it works perfectly!

Making masculine embellishments

2010-04-01T12:37:00.010-04:00

I'm a mother of one rather rambunctious three year old boy, so I am always thinking of ways to put a masculine spin on embellishments. Sometimes just inking or painting flowers and buttons is enough. But other times, I feel that creating my own items is a far better solution. A quick trip to the hardware store, or your husband's tool storage, can make for some fabulous finds. Have a look at what I hunted up:

Nuts, washers, pipe cleaners, and cardboard are just the ticket for manly embellishments. I decided to try a flourish made out of the pipe cleaners and nuts, and a large flower with the washers, cardboard, and pipe cleaners.

To begin the flourish, tie a knot on a pipe cleaner, approximately two inches from the end.

Thread the nuts onto the pipe cleaner until you have enough to make a swirly curve.

Tie another knot to keep the nuts on the pipe cleaner, and you can curl the loose ends up so it resembles a flourish. You can use it like this, OR, make another flourish in the same way. This time however, do NOT tie the pipe cleaner at the bottom.You will have two pieces, that look like this:

You can combine these two by placing the untied flourish underneath the completed one. Find a spot to tie them together by pushing the nuts apart. Wrap the pipe cleaner from the untied flourish around the completed one several times, and then cut off the excess. Smooth the edge down and you will have one large flourish ready for use.

Next I tried my hand at a cardboard flower. I cut a circle and petals from cardboard. They don't need to be the same size. and the more rough-looking, the better.

Begin by gluing the petals onto the circle. When finished, you can add a little paint to the petals. Roll up a pipe cleaner and glue it onto the center of your flower, and then add a few washers for good measure. I little bit of ink also helps give it a masculine look.

OK, so now I had two handmade manly embellishments, and I needed to see if I could get them on a page. I had the perfect pics of my son playing "Mr Fix It" with one of his new birthday toys. Here's what I came up with, I think the embellies look cool here! A bit different, but most definitely masculine. No frou-frou fluff on this baby! What do you think?

April Sneak Peek for Scrapbook Kit Club!

2010-03-29T13:01:00.008-04:00

This is definitely a fun, cute kit! Have a little peeky at a few things I put together with it:

The April kit from Scrapbook Kit Club releases April 1st, don't miss it!

COUPON to share!

2010-03-29T09:27:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love saving money?? I've got a coupon code you can use at Magistical Memories that'll save you a bundle!

25Spring for 25% off your entire order!

Go to the Magistical Memories store, fill up your cart, and enter the code 25Spring at checkout to receive your 25% discount. If you've been thinking of ordering, NOW is the time! I'd love to know what you got, so stop in here and tell me all about it if you like. Happy Shopping!

If you find someone else's trash, turn it into TREASURE!

2010-03-27T17:27:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I stumbled upon an incredible find. It looked like a briefcase, only bigger. I understand it is a case to hold mini CD's in. Well, it had outlasted it's usefulness to the previous owner, BUT I simply could not let it go into the trash. Even though I had NO clue what I was going to do with it, I snatched it up, and saved it from a dark and horrifying fate. Have a peek at this beauty, would you have saved it too?

Before I even got it home, I was struck with an idea. I have a ton of trims and ribbons that live in different homes. I believe that they reside in FOUR different places in my crafty stash storage. I knew this briefcase would be the perfect home for all of my ribbons and trims. I was unsure how I would work it out, as many were on spools, but I knew I could work it out if I just gave it some thought.

Think on it, I surely did, and realized I could just wrap my own trims up and call it a day. Knowing this, I launched myself first into cleaning the briefcase. I scrubbed it well, and then I pulled out the half inch foam backing on the inside of the case top. This was out of necessity, I needed more room to house my trims, so the foam simply HAD to go. I didn't like the look of the case underneath that foam, so I covered it with packaging material and some Graphic 45 paper. I want to tell you, that the best adhesive for a project like this, is Fabri Tac from Beacon Adhesives. It works on almost ANYTHING, and has a QUICK "grab", so you don't have to sit there and hold it together forever! Fabri Tac was absolutely my hero on this project!

After the inside was finished, I altered the front with yummy Graphic 45 paper and some Prima flowers. American Crafts Thickers are one of my go-to embellies, so I reached for them too. I used some trim that I had COMPLETELY forgotten about to finish off the look. I was filled with giddiness, knowing that I would NEVER again forget a trim because I couldn't find it. This project was going to make my life SO much easier!

For the trim on the inside, well, I decided it would be fine to cut strips of chipboard, wrap the trim around it, and adhere it with a pin. I got to work, and I had a lot of work to do!

After the trim wrapping work was completed, it was time to load up the briefcase. Everything went in perfectly, and it looked awesome too! The cool thing about this, is that I can EASILY take this along with me to crops and never worry about leaving some trim behind. I just can't believe how wonderful this turned out. Have a peek, and tell me what you think!