branch out designs

Avocado Arts + A Little Sneak Peak!

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

  Hey there friends!! Whew!! I am so glad to be back to crafting in my studio again. CHA was so much fun! I met some new friends and re-connected with old, and of course got to look at the new releases in person! Sometimes seeing and touching product with your own hands is better than just looking at it via a computer screen, but computer or not, I still love all the goodies.
  So, I am here to share another fun card using a little sneak peak from Avocado Art's March set with a couple oldies but goodies mixed in. While I was at CHA I was happy to meet a new friend, Lexi Bridges from the October Afternoon booth. October Afternoon was doing a product swap with the booth I was in; Glue Art's, and I was able to get my hands on some goodies from the  brand new 9-5 paper from October Afternoon, which inspired my card for today. Thanks Lexi! You're a gem.

I stamped a memo pad background, some fun little envelopes and the cute sneak peak is that fun sentiment!

The background memo pad lines are from Avocado Art's line of Scrappy Sets Say It Pennant Style, the envelopes are from Bring on the Holiday Cheer. Just stamp the lines on the face of the card, to create the background, stamp the envelopes on patterned paper and trim and then mask parts of the sentiment to create a dual-color sentiment!!

Hope I've excited you! Make sure to visit my fabulous fellow Pit Crew to see more sneaky peeks of next month's set!

Kimberly Crawford

Kelley Eubanks

Emily Leiphart

Savannah O'Gwynn

Becky Oehlers

AJ Otto

Julia Stainton

Latisha Yoast

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SEI + A Masculine Gift Bag Idea

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there fabulous friends! I just wanted to start this post off and thank you, the readers for visiting my page and leaving such nice comments. I've made such great friends through paper-crafting and I value all my dear, wonderful readers.
Today, I am going to share with you a great idea for a masculine bag that you can make just in time for Valentine's Day using paper and alpha stickers from SEI Whether it's for your husband, your son away at college or your little man-to-be, here's an idea for a "non-traditional" design. Sometimes it can be hard to get your creative mind out traditional cute patterns, pretty colors and fun florals, but it's really simple to do just that!

Here's some tips to make your own masculine gift bag or wrap:

To make your own leaves punch a circle. Stick the patterned paper circle back in the punch and punch again to make a leaf shape.
Masculine cards don't need a lot of frilly details. Stick to basic shapes, warm colors (think reds, browns, golds and greens)
Add some dimension to your projects by alternating foam tape dimensions....I used 1/8" foam tape and 1/16"

Have fun!

Avocado Arts + Wishes and Kind Thoughts

2012-02-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Please scroll below for my Epiphany Crafts post!

Hello dear friends!! Today I am going to share a card with you using Avocado Arts newest set Wishes and Kind Thoughts. This set has the cutest umbrella, rain and little owl too!! So, here's my card.

I masked the umbrella and stamped the rain over it! I love the fresh look of this card with the yellow, blue and red color triad!

Make sure to check out the following Pit Crew blogs for more inspiration!

Kelley Eubanks

Emily Leiphart

Savannah O'Gwynn

Don't know if you saw the announcement yesterday on Avocado Art's Facebook page, but they are releasing a long awaited borders and sentiment set! Oooh, I cannot wait to create with it!

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Epiphany Crafts + Pink Paislee

2012-02-07T00:00:00.001-08:00

Hey there everyone! Did you know that Epiphany Crafts is having a design team call?? Check it out! You'll have an opportunity to work with the bestest, sweetest ladies, greatest design team coordinator, Julia Sandvoss and the incredibly talented owners Tricia and Brian. You'll get your own fabulous tools to create with and have the opportunity to partner up with great manufacturers like, Pink Paislee!
I love love love Pink Paislee and was beyond stoked when asked to play along during this week's cross-promotion. I was given Nantucket to design with which was great because I really like the soft color scheme of bluish-greens, salmons and yellows. Plus, the embellishments complement Epiphany Crafts tools quite nicely. When I frantically opened the box in delight, I knew instantly as I was looking at the embellies and paper what I wanted to make, a card set. Hope you're inspired to play with this line, it's timeless and suits a variety of projects.

This little scalloped border was made with the Heart Studio 25 tool, trimmed in half and added to the card!

You can use your Square Studio tool to create fun borders like this chevron.

Punch squares using your Square Studio tool, trim in half and adhere triangles to card base, slightly offset.

Your Square Studio tool can also create notched banners just by punching!

The Square Studio tool can also be used to create coordinating photo corners from patterned papers!

Hope you're inspired to get your hands on some Epiphany Crafts

tools and great paper and embellishments from Pink Paislee.

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SEI + Baby Shower Invite and Favors

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there lovely people! Today's project is something fun, special and exciting (at least to me). A dear friend is having her first child, and it's a little girl! So, I was thinking baby shower and patterned paper--what could be better than a project featuring a baby shower invitation and favors?I love baby showers that are tea-themed. They're girly, fun and sophisticated; a great opportunity to celebrate being a woman and femininity. Plus, I love those little tea cakes and sandwiches.

I still can't get enough of the Promise Me collection from SEI. It is my FAVORITE Valentine's Day release of 2012, and I wanted to use papers that I hadn't played with before

The invitation is so easy to make.

1.Create the text in a word processing program, trim your border and notched paper strips and adhere.

2. Die cut teacups from the Promise Me Collection.

3. Adhere teacups and embellies!

Sometimes less is more---lots of variety in patterns, but done in moderation like banners and die cut shapes make the elements POP!

Die cut teacups from patterned paper as tags to add to the invitation and favors; it'll tie the two together creating some cohesion and unity.Use accents that repeat like the resin roses, pearl trim, trinket pins and butterflies.And finally, be inspired by what you have around the house--I had extra yummy tea and chocolates; the perfect favor for a Baby tea party.

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SEI + Gift Wrap

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there! I love gift wrap, don't you? Christmas paper with rich colors and textures, everyday paper with striking patterns, I love seeing all the ways you can wrap up a special surprise for someone.
Well, here's a fun way to wrap a soap set using papers and embellishments from SEI's Promise Me collection.

Wrap some of the lace around the soap thats included

in the Sundries.

To make a paper garland trim: Punch starburst circles from patterned paper and then feed them through the presser foot on your sewing machine, making sure to leave a small amount of thread between punched shapes; wrap around gift.

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Crate Paper + Notepad Holders

2012-01-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone!!! I simply love love love Crate Paper's Random line. It seriously is the one collection that I can't get enough of! By far, probably my favorite line EVER---well, hahahah....I have a lot of favorite lines.

For Christmas this year I made these cute little note pad holders.

Pink floral and black chevrons are such a great contrasting pattern.

This note pad has a fun pom pom sleeve that slides off so you can open the note pad holder

Each note pad holder has a pocket to hold receipts, pens or small notes.

How cute is the denim!? I love it!

Don't be afraid to trim punched shapes or have them going off the edge of your cover

This notepad holder's enclosure is some black and white trim.

Make notches at the top of bottom so the trim doesn't slide.

These were super fun and easy to make. Just measure the notepad and construct the holder based on your measurements. This is 8 1/2" x 4 1/2"

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Epiphany Crafts + A Masculine Valentine's Day Card

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001-08:00

Let's face it ladies, it's a lot easier to make cards for our girlfriends than it is to make cards for our men! You always have more patterned paper that works and all the pretty little ribbons, trims, punches and stamps. But, today you will no longer be stumped. At the Epiphany Crafts blog you're going to see some great ideas for how to make a masculine-theme Valentine's Day card, and I am going to share one with you and some tips for what makes a manly card, well uh...MANLY.

First off, no flowers! Seriously! Men buy us flowers and vice versa. There are other motifs out there besides flowers! Think automobile, leaves, branches, sports! Second, no pink! Men do not do pink, unless it's for Breast Cancer month. Blue works, green too! But, don't be afraid to mix in neutrals like warm reds,dark browns and earthy greens. And, finally....hold off on the embellies that scream, "GIRL!" Border punches are fine---but, think gender neutral, such as pinking sheers, crest punch, even a notebook edge punch. So, with those tips in mind, meet my Masculine card (note: card approved by hubby.....also, card will be given to hubby)
That's it for me today, but make sure to check out the Epiphany Crafts blog for more ideas!

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SEI + Mini Album

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE mini albums! They're like mini scrapbook pages and they make great gifts for friends and family. For this project I used the SEI travel album which includes dividers with folders and lined paper for writing special tid bits. I absolutely LOVE the embossed and foil papers with their feminine and delicate patterns.

To make a heart border with the sheer heart die cuts. Adhere the hearts upon one another, then trim the remaining pieces from the edge.

I love the way the album looks with all the yummy embellishments and the beautiful shimmery paper as a background.

Make simple titles for your dividers so that they don't distract from the GORGEOUS prints of this collection.

Don't be afraid to add a splash of contrasting pattern like the striped button.

Create feminine touches with lace, string and bold haberdasheries like buttons!

The shimmery paper is the perfect delicate background to layer other patterned papers on.

Experiment with the negative cut outs of a punch....add pearls and other patterned paper to make it stand out!

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Photo Shoot + Farmhouse

2012-01-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! My hubby and I had an amazing photo shoot this weekend with the very talented Rahel Menig of Rahel Menig Photography. You may be familiar with her already; she's an incredibly talented designer for Crate Paper and American Crafts, plus she and her darling husband live one town away from my husband and I! We met up for the first time to do the shoot and realized that we have so much in common!!! Besides our love of scrapbooking we both have great husband's, like strategy board games and scrap our pets!
Rahel Menig had the genius idea of shooting the pics at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! It was touch and go with the weather, but when we got there it was sunny, cool and BEAUTFIFUL!! I was so inspired by her, that I had to create a layout--I know, a rarity!

Trim punched hearts in half and paper piece punch starburst circles.

Trim a banner from patterned paper and add beaded trim for dimension!

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Cool Tools for Paper Crafters + Me!

2012-01-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Cool Tools for Paper Crafters is an incredible resource that features amazing techniques, tips and new ideas to use some of your favorite tools, and get you excited about ones you may have never seen before! Last week was a super fun blog hop and I am here to share with you my favorite project that was featured in this issue. Make sure to get yours TODAY!

A headband with matching notecard and paper clips featuring Epiphany Crafts Button Studio tool!

Stamp It 3 Ways! + Me

2012-01-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

Hey there!!! Paper Crafts newest special issue is a fun treat! Stamp It! 3 Ways takes one set and shows you three different approaches to using that set! Here's my favorite project of the two sets that I was assigned.

A shabby Fresh kitchen decor piece!

Yummy new product + ME!

2012-01-22T22:29:00.000-08:00

I want to combine me and these new products. CHA is such a tease, you see them all and then stalk your favorite store to buy them!!! Here's the top of my list....so far! This list is BOUND to grow!

Jenni Bowlin Blue Ribbon squeeze punches

Pretty Paper by Crate

Yummy accessories from Pretty Party by Crate

Story Teller from Crate Paper

Delicious tape and frames from Story Teller by Crate

Stamp from Jenni Bowlin

Stamps from Studio Calico

I love polaroid and camera stamps

numbers, and paper clips and note paper, oh my!

chevron glory

Happy Travels Whatnot

Classic Calico from Studio Calico Vol. 2

Tape from Studio Calico

Avocado Arts + More Sweet Treats Sweetie Die Cuts

2012-01-21T23:41:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! I'm back to share with you another idea for Avocado Arts January release of Sweet Treats Sweetie. There are so many great images in this month's release and I really loved the adorable cupcakes. Avocado Arts also sells amazing die cut files for your electronic die cut machine! I love using my Silhouette SD so I wanted to play around with the dies. Make sure to add this set (and the dies) to your collection-you'll use it a lot!

Make sure to check out the following Pit Crew blogs for more inspiration!

Kelley Eubanks

Emily Leiphart

Savannah O'Gwynn

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Winner(s) of the Paper Crafts Cool Tools Blog Hop!

2012-01-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hey there lovely crafting friends!! It's winner day! Thank you for the wonderfully sweet comments. It was my first Paper Crafts magazine blog hop, and I had a lot of fun. Because of all the sweet comments, I've decided to give out another

prize in addition the free copy of this AMAZING special issue!

So there are TWO winnner.....the winners are:

Prize from my stash who said

Die Cut Lady said...

Thanks for the ideas on using up scraps I have a ton!

JANUARY 13, 2012 6:59 AM

Cool Tools for Paper Crafters prize who said

Sadielaine said...

Your card is so cool! I love the way you did the patchwork stars. I am going to give those a try. My favourite tool is my Big Shot. I put it to use every time I papercraft.

JANUARY 14, 2012 9:19 AM

Email me at queenerh@yahoo.com your full name and mailing address so I can get your prize sent to you! Thanks for hopping along!

Avocado Arts + A Sneaky Peek of February's set

2012-01-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! I am having so much fun playing with Avocado Arts stamps! Today, I'm going to share with you a teeny weeny sneaky peak of next month's set, Wishes and Kind Thoughts. It's totally adorable! You're going to love it!

I LOVE banners! I love the way they hang on a card. Practically every card I make has a banner or pretty twine and trims that hang. Banners make GREAT focal points. In fact my first published project had a banner, so they're very dear to me. However, I love texture too! So, I added trims like pom pom's and this adorable beaded trim to celebrate my love of both! I found the beaded trim at a scrapbook fair I attend twice a year. I buy it in hoardes--love it to pieces!

So, for my sneaky peak the stamped banner comes from a small section of a larger stamp in the set. All you need to do is stamp and trim from patterned paper! Simple as that!

Hope I've excited you! Make sure to visit my fabulous fellow Pit Crew to see more sneaky peeks of next month's set!

Kimberly Crawford

Kelley Eubanks

Emily Leiphart

Savannah O'Gwynn

Becky Oehlers

AJ Otto

Julia Stainton

Latisha Yoast

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Paper Crafts magazine Presents: Cool Tools Blog Hop

2012-01-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! Today's a great day for a blog hop! I am so happy to be joining nine other fabulous ladies as we celebrate Paper Crafts newest special issue Cool Tools for Paper Crafters.

I loved designing for this issue and looking at my tools in different and new ways. Lots of experimentation, lots of botched ideas, but from that you find fresh and creative ways to STRETCH your tools. I think this was one of my favorite calls ever because even though at first, I was like, "uh....what can I do that hasn't been done?" the ideas eventually started flowing and I tried them out!

In fact, I had my issue of Cool Tools for Paper Crafters in my car and was driving around with some friends. One of my friends whose pretty new to paper-crafting saw it, started looking through it and was super excited to see all that she could do with tools she didn't even know how to use!

So, I took a look at my shape punches and thought about banners, or creating a background, maybe adding embellies or something simple like layering them, and here's what I came up with-pathchwork stars. Danielle Flanders offers another fun way to make these as well, so check out her ideas here! They're fabulous!

I wanted to create patchwork stars using my star punch

then add a cute little scalloped border using my starburst circle punch

So, here's the technique for a patchwork star

1. Punch your stars

2. Trim stars into smaller sections

3. Take pieces and adhere together.

Super easy peasy! Just the way I like.

Leave a comment before Sunday, January 15th at midnight telling me what your favorite tool is and why you love it, and I will pick a winner to take home their own copy of Cool Tools for Paper Crafters. Make sure to also visit the other wonderful designers while your hopping and leave a comment on their blogs for extra chances to win a copy of this AMAZING issue!

Emily Branch <--that's me!

Laura Williams

Stephanie Halinski

And, don't forget to stop by Paper Crafts Connection and leave a comment there! They're giving away an amazing prize package of tools that you can play with!

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Epiphany Crafts + Organizing Your Scraps

2012-01-12T00:00:00.001-08:00

Hey there friends! With the start of a new year comes new ideas for how to organize your craft room. This week the design team will be sharing with you how to use your Epiphany Crafts tool to organize your supplies, your room and your projects. Today I'll share a container that holds your scraps with a tie-around closure utilizing the Button Studio 14 tool.

The container is designed from scraps of papers and vellum

To make the tie-around closure:

1. Make button using Button Studio 14 tool

2. Adhere foam tape to back of button

3. Adhere button with foam tape to container.

4. Repeat with other button

5. Tie twine around one end into a knot, and

then wrap around button on other side.

That's it for me too! Keep visiting the blog for more

organizational ideas.

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Avocado Arts + Sweet Treats

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! Today marks my very first post with the Avocado Arts, a clear stamp company that makes INCREDIBLY wonderful, high-quality stamps that produce beautiful images EVERY time. When stamping, images are clear, bold and don't fade out. They work beautifully with inks--I really love stamping with Avocado Arts stamps.
They offer great incentives to design with their stamps. For example if your project is published using their stamps, and Avocado Arts is mentioned in the supply list, you'll receive your choice of a free set of stamps!!
Today I am sharing a card featuring the January release of Sweet Treats Sweetie. I loved the adorable little glass jar and the hearts and conversation heart sentiments. So, I stamped the sentiments on the hearts, trimmed the hearts and adhered them in a jar that I had stamped on the vellum. This set has so many fun little images!

Make sure to check out the following Pit Crew blogs for more inspiration!

Kelley Eubanks

Emily Leiphart

Savannah O'Gwynn

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SEI Promise Me + Paper Crafters Corner Poll

2012-01-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

Stop by Paper Crafters Corner to vote for your favorite Valentine's Day line, Promise Me from SEI. The pictures don't do this collection justice. It's so beautiful. Take a look, and vote for it at Paper Crafters Corner

Promise Me Sundries

Promise Me Sheer die-cut accents

Promise Me Accent Frames

Promise Me Accent stickers

Sweet Talk perforate sheets

Romance Shimmer paper

Treasure Shimmer paper

Passion Shimmer paper

Kisses Pink foil paper

True Love Pink foil paper

Smitten Pink foil paper

Enchantment Gold foil paper

Devotion Gold foil paper

Delicacy Gold foil paper

Adoration Pearl foil paper

Happiness Pearl foil paper

Desire Pearl foil paper

Stop by all month to see some projects using this beautiful line!

SEI + Java Jackets!

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I hope that you all had a wonderful New Years and that you made some fun new crafty goals for 2012, like being inspired by SEI paper and products, trying new techniques featured on SEI Lifestyle, and continue being the crafty diva that you already are!
Today I'm going to share a fun winter project you can make that's easy, affordable and fun! The only non-scrapbooking product you'll need is a java jacket to be used as a template. Here are the simple and fun steps to design a java jacket.

1. Gently un-adhere a java jacket by

pulling apart at the seam.

2. Trace the shape onto patterned paper and trim.

3. Adhere patterned paper to java jacket, embellish

adhere edges together with a strong adhesive.

Add small areas of glitter to create a "snowy" effect! Adding glitter in small areas making sure that you don't over-power other elements of your project!

To make sure the trimmed paper fits the sleeve perfectly, score the folds of the original sleeve onto the patterned paper, then adhere to the cardboard java jacket.

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Stationery card

2011-12-13T22:50:00.001-08:00

Snowy Window Christmas Card

Turn your unique photos into Christmas cards with Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

SEI + A Christmas Village

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! I have a fun project to share with you! All you need is paper from the Silver Valley line, your Silhouette SD or Silhouette Cameo, 3-D Love House, this tree and this tree. Simple eh? All you need to do is trim the house and tree templates, assemble and embellish.

Re-size the trees and homes so it appears that you have a larger variety.

-Find new ways to use buttons and pearls, other than on cards or layouts. The translucent buttons from the Sundries are used as stars on the trees, while the pearls are used as ornaments.

-Using double-sided paper like Silver Valley is a versatile way to snaz up your project, especially in the roof lines. Just flip it over to the coordinating pattern on the other side!

Add paint to the trees and roofline with some tinsel glitter lightly sprinkled on to make a winter wonderland.

Hope you enjoy this winter wonderland. Click on the links above to download the trees and houses! I hope you enjoy a most wonderful Christmas as you enjoy the most precious gift of all, the gift of a savior and king who born in the most humblest of means.

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Holiday Fair + Last Sneak Peak!

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends! Welcome to my last day of the Sneak Peaks! Tomorrow will be the Holiday Boutique. s. Although it is closed to the public, you are more than welcome to shop at my place or send me an email with an order.

One more Holiday Card

Although, only one card is showcased here, there is another special design, however I submitted the design for publication, therefor I can't publish it (in case it's picked up for publication). I will be selling both Holiday cards and everyday cards as well as Christmas ornaments, gifts and other fun paper-crafted goods. Here's the last sneak peak! Remember you can pre-order!

This card is clean and simple design, with a wreath stamped from a doily stamp, a bold sentiment and some baker's twine. It will sell for $4. Get yours QUICK, I have six available. This card comes with a coordinating envelope wrapped in a plastic sleeve.

If you would like to purchase please email me at queenerh@yahoo.com

SEI + 12 Days of Christmas Gifts

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! Thanks for stopping by today! SEI is continuing it's 12 Days of Christmas fun. Were actually only doing 6 days--but, hey whatever....hee hee hee. I am excited to share a fun little holiday gift idea that is not only easy to make, but VERY practical! A Christmas Thank You Card Kit using Silver Valley, which is simply perfect for a winter wonderland!

-Use old package labeling for new projects. The tin that holds this set together used to hold chipboard embellishments. The acetate sheets (below) that the card embellishments are adhered to is from some old product packaging too.

-Make sure that you don't adhere the kit label to the lid, otherwise the recipient will have to ruin it to open the kit. The label slides right off in the example.

-When buying kits, people buy them because they generally do not have those supplies at home. To make a fun-filled kit, trim patterned paper strips to the appropriate size and border punch edges so the recipient can add them to their cards.

The envelopes were made with cut files from my Silhouette DS. Here are some tips:

-Since the tin is small, re-size your cut file so that the envelopes fit inside the tin.

-The 6" x 6" paper pad is perfect for making these small envelopes.

Here are some tips for the embellishments:

-Make your own embellishments by adhering foam tape to the cardstock stickers and placing them on an acetate sheet. You can also use mount the cardstock stickers to punched patterned paper circles and affix them with foam tape to an acetate sheet.

-Pre-stamp the "Thanks" tags in coordinating colors for easy thank you card making.

-Use clothes pin to hold small trinkets together.

-Gather extra buttons to add to kit that coordinate to your kit's colors.

That's it for me! I hope you enjoy all the other AMAZING projects from the fabulous design team!

Oh, and this too will be at the holiday fair on Dec 8th! If you'd like to buy this, send me an email and I put it aside!

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Holiday Fair + 3rd Sneak Peak!

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends! Welcome to Day 3 of the Sneak Peaks! This will be the first year that I participate in a Holiday Boutique. I'm now becoming a little more excited than nervous. The boutique will take place on December and although it is closed to the public, you are more than welcome to shop at my place or send me an email with an order

I will be selling both Holiday cards and everyday cards as well as Christmas ornaments, gifts and other fun paper-crafted goods. Here's another sneak peak! Remember you can pre-order!

Two NEWLY designed Christmas Cards

This card was based on a card I created that was published in

Paper Crafts Holiday Cards and More Vol.6. It's lightly embellished with a die cut banner sentiment and pennant in addition to buttons! This card will sell $6, AND if you buy this card with ANY OTHER CARD you'll get it for ONLY $5! Get yours QUICK, I have six available. This card comes with a coordinating envelope wrapped in a plastic sleeve.

This card is graphic and clean. Embellished with three die cut trees and a stitched border of patterned paper creates some pizazz. It includes a stamped sentiment. This card will sell for $5. Get yours QUICK, I have six available. This card comes with a coordinating envelope wrapped in a plastic sleeve.

If you would like to purchase please email me at queenerh@yahoo.com

Stop by tomorrow for my last sneak peak!

Epiphany Crafts + A Leafy Garland

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! I'm here to show you how you can make an easy peasy Christmas card with texture, dimension and your Epiphany Crafts Round 25 tool. I like to play with our fabulous punch tools and experimenting with new ways to use them to get the most bang for your book!

I used paper from the Pebble's Welcome Home line to create this fun card. To get the fabulous texture on the paper, just create a card base from Wrapped With Joy embossed paper. To make the garland swag, punch ovals from Merry Christmas, Santa's List and Santa's Workshop, fold the ovals in half and adhere them to the card in a garland manner.

Add some Candy Dots buttons for holly, a few "merry christmas" rub on's, two jute twine bows, and VOILA-An easy peasy Christmas card!

Hope this inspires you to play with your own Epiphany Crafts tools in new ways!

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Holiday Fair + 2nd Sneak Peak!

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends! Welcome to Day 2 of the Sneak Peaks! This will be the first year that I participate in a Holiday Boutique. I am both nervous and excited. The boutique will take place on December and although it is closed to the public, you are more than welcome to shop at my place or send me an email with an order

I will be selling both Holiday cards and everyday cards as well as Christmas ornaments, gifts and other fun paper-crafted goods. Here's another sneak peak! Remember you can pre-order!

Holiday Tree Trio Home Decor

This adorable trio of trees is the perfect home decor piece! The largest tree measures just under 7" so it's perfect in any little nook you can find, from an end table to the mantle piece!

Buy a set of three for only $7!

Stop by tomorrow for my third sneak peak!

Holiday Fair + 1st Sneak Peak!

2011-12-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hey there friends! This will be the first year that I participate in a Holiday Boutique. I am both nervous and excited. The boutique will take place on December 8th, although it is a closed campus, you can always stop by my place and shop or email me if one of these items sparks you interest!

I will be selling both Holiday cards and everyday cards as well as Christmas ornaments, gifts and other fun paper-crafted goods. As promised here's my first sneak peak!

Vintage Ornaments

detail of the Star ornament

All these ornaments are embellished with vintage book paper, and lovely german glass glitter that tarnishes beautifully over time! The star ornament includes a lovely hanging crystal, while the vintage spools in embellished with pretty pearls. The bulb has a lovely lace touch to it right near the top, and comes with it's only pretty swirl hook.

The Star ornament will sell for $4

The bulb and vintage spool will both sell for $3 each

If you would like to purchase please email me at queenerh@yahoo.com

Stop by tomorrow for another sneak peak!

Ornament + Mini Vintage Spool

2011-12-03T11:00:00.001-08:00

Hey there! I haven't posted on a saturday in a long time. If you were at Scrapbook Island's Open House today you may have seen this adorable vintage spool ornament, and you may have wanted to make one or a few as gifts. They're so easy!

First you'll need to gather the materials.....many can be purchased at Scrapbook Island.

Materials

-Epiphany Crafts Round 14 tool

-Epiphany Crafts Round 14 Epoxy

-Epiphany Crafts Scalloped Metal setting

-One Maya Road wooden spool

-Melissa Frances german glass glitter

-One sheet of "Believe" from Dec 25 collection by Kaiser Craft

-White glue and hot glue

-Scissors

-20 gauge wire

-White shank button

-Two pearls

Directions

1. Trim patterned paper and adhere to spool.

2. Apply glue to top and and bottom rim of spool. Affix glitter. Let dry.

3. Set Round 14 in scallop setting and set aside.
4. Trim 7" of wire, thread through spool and into shank button near end and pull up into loop back towards the spool's center.

Affix a little glue to shank and pull wire up towards the top of the spool. Let dry.
5. Thread pearls onto wire at top of spool.

6. Bend wire as shown.

7. Trim sentiment from patterned paper. Adhere sentiment and vintage setting to spool ornament.

SEI + An Advent Calendar

2011-11-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hey there everyone! Well, my blog is getting a little workout today. Today I am being featured twice at the SEI Lifestyle blog. I'm excited to share this second project with you so that if you'd like to make your own Advent calendar for December, you can get started TODAY! I totally fell in love with the Holiday Cheer line; the colors, prints, shiny and festive feel of it....EVERYTHING! This Advent calendar is a great way to use a lot of patterns in a distinct way.

The advent calendar is made by die cutting adorable envelopes in different shapes and sizes. Even better is a cork board! To hang the envelopes, glue a mini clothespin to a flat tack pin, and then clip the envelopes to the clothespins!

Now, hold on....there are a lot of pictures to showcase a lot of little details.

Snazz up a simple die cut with pearls like the Christmas tree for the first day.

I love love love the red and white striped paper with pipe cleaner candy canes for the fourth day.

Sometimes trimming an element in half like the snowman for the twelfth creates a dynamic focal point.

Adding ribbon trim to the snow cap makes it feel a little more cozy.

Decorating a Bright Trimming die cut with ornaments of a different scale ma

The North Pole perforated sheets have the CUTEST prints! I used them on almost EVERY envelope

Since there is a lot going on here, repeat design techniques that you like such as border punching panel edges, notching strips of patterned paper and using the same ribbon in different colors to create unity

Place elements and embellishments asymmetrically! It creates a strong focal point.

Add baker's twine to string some ornaments and a fun beaded trim to a Bright Trimming die cut tree.

Hope that you're inspired to create your own fun advent calendar!

materials

SEI + Chez & Me

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey there all! I hope that you're all recuperating from the Thanksgiving feast. I have all my Christmas trees up and decorated, snow on the villages and I've had my first eggnog of the season. I hope that you're enjoying that special time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year.
Well, it's my turn today over at the SEI blog and I've made a fun layout using the Homestead line that features the amazingly uber-talented, beautiful and fun-loving Chez and little 'ol me. When my husband was living and working in D.C. earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit him twice! On one of the visits, Scott and I were able to get together with Chez are her hubby for dinner! It was super fun!

To add some dimension to the layout, I inked the fall foliage leaves, and then strung them together to make a fun little banner.

Vintage items, like the ticket label are perfect for a fall palette, add some to your projects

Layer your paper so small tidbits of color pop through.

Well, that's it for me. Have fun getting ready for Christmas!

materials:

Thanksgiving Place Setting Decor + S.E.I.

2011-11-12T08:00:00.001-08:00

Hey there everyone! FINALLY, it's beginning to feel like fall. Some cold air (55 degrees in California is chilly) and there are occasional clouds in the sky! All this fall weather ins[ires me for the holidays...turkey, pumpkin pie, veggies--all the festivities of Thanksgiving. And, what better way to decorate the plate before you fill the plate. Today I am going to share with you some wonderful Thanksgiving place settings using the new Homestead line from SEI.
One of the great things about fall are the rich, vibrant and deep colors...Table Napkin Decor using the Homestead collection is a great way to play with the wonderful colors of fall. And the luscious patterns are great! But, not overpowering. The Homestead collection lends itself to elegant chicness in your home.

Table Napkin Decor

One of the benefits of Table Napkin Decor is the size. Because they're smaller you will be able to use up your scraps! It's a shame to throw away your smaller blocks and strips of paper.

The rub on tree is AMAZING--so smooth and easy to transfer--best rub on's I've ever used!

Emphasis is a principle of design that works well in any project-One way to create emphasis is to develop a focal point which can be as easy as layering your elements in one area, the eye is drawn there naturally!

Fibers add dimension and texture! Any type you have works, even string!

On each table napkin decor piece, write down something you're thankful for.

Modeling paste creates a vintage, weathered look. Try a little and build it upon itself to draw interest and contrast in your project.

Asymmetry makes your projects stand out, experiment with moving elements off center for a fun new look!

This banner is so cute and so easy to make. Punch holes in the fall foliage die cuts, then string some cord through, and adhere leaves with foam tape.

Make sure to stop by the blog and check out all the other amazing projects from the other design team members.

Materials:

Hearth Napkin Decor:

Friend Napkin Decor:

Family Napkin Decor:

Love Napkin Decor:

Home Napkin Decor:

New Ways to Use Buttons + Epiphany Crafts

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! Back again with another way to use your Round 14 tool and something you may have a lot of just lying around-BUTTONS!

Thanks Card

Use leftover buttons to create frames for the Round 14 tool to nestle perfectly into.

I love the dimension and warmth of the wooden buttons from SEI. The buttons set off the epoxies nicely.

Thanks for stopping by!

materials:

Epiphany Crafts + Gift Wrap Trim

2011-11-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! Today I am going to share with you a fun gift wrap trim idea that you can make with your Round 14 tool to add a fresh shabby feel to any gift you give this holiday season.

Gift Wrap Trim

This technique is so unbelievably simple.

1. Punch circles using your Round 14 tool.

2. Feed the circles into your sewing machine with the presser foot down.

3. After you stitch a circle, let the needle pass through the hole about four times, and then feed the next punched circle!

Wrap around a gift item several times using as a decorative trim.

Come back tomorrow to find out how to use your Round 14 with everyday items in your scrap pile!

materials

365 Cards + Me

2011-11-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! Yesterday I received the amazing new special issue from Paper Crafts, 365 Cards (well, actually 366-it's a leap year!
There are sooo many FANTASTIC designers in it, and lot's of inspiration. This issue is particularly special to me because it's my first Cover!
Make sure to get your copy at your local book or craft store!

A Fall Invite+S.E.I.

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! I am so excited. Today is my first post over at the SEI blog, I am so thrilled to be a part of this team, designing with such amazing women and such wonderfully creative and inspirational product. Today I am going to share with you a Thanksgiving invite using the new Homestead line that is super easy to make, and will impress your guests way before you put the turkey on the table.

Thanksgiving Invite

Don't just decorate a piece of paper invite, go beyond the simplicity! Try something new- Design an open-enveloped sleeve, slip the invite inside and hand deliver to your recipients to make them feel more welcome at your holiday gathering.

Layered elements add dimension. To make them stand out, especially the fabulous embossed leaves, ink them with chalk to bring out the raised areas.

Sometimes simple is more--white paper and vellum can make even the simplest rub on or strip of patterned paper pop!

Check out all the fabulous fall inspiration showcasing this month from the new design at the blog!

materials:

Advocado Arts + Me

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have TERRIFIC news to share. A couple weeks ago I was at work on a wee break, and was checking my email. Out of the blue, I noticed an email from Lisa Hetrick of Avocado Arts, titled "Avocado Arts Design Team" Beyond excited I opened up the email, and was SOOO thrilled to be asked to join the team!

I adore this company, the WONDERFULLY designed stamps. I have SOOO very much wanted to be a part of something really special, and Avocado Arts is it!

If you don't know much about them, Avocado Arts is a clear stamp company that mails out monthly sets that require no commitment other than your desire to work with the best product! Read more about their program here

I can't wait to start sharing all their amazing stamps with you in January of 2012!

Here's the NEW Pit Crew team!

Andrew + Crate Paper

2011-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! I wanted to share a GORGEOUS card that my very artistic nephew made last weekend!! He saw my craft room, and asked me, "What are we going to create today?" I thought to myself, "Dearness me, he is ADORABLE!" So, I pulled out Toy Box from Crate and let him choose some ribbon, buttons and embellishments. With a little help gluing and cutting, Andrew made this adorable card which he told me he would proudly keep in his room at home!

The amazing little man himself (with my pet Mr Green)!

Epiphany + Clearsnap Day 2

2011-10-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Hey there! I'm back again! I know, twice in one week? Well, now that my design teams are in full swing again (in addition to another creative surprise that I'll mention in Jnauary 2012), I have lots of fun things to share with you.
Day two has me sharing a fun Halloween party invitation using Epiphany Crafts Vintage settings and Clearsnap Pigment Ink and watermark ink. I really enjoy the incredible quality that Clearsnap creates. Rich colors, easy to use and great results. Check them out-their product line is extensive.

It's really easy to make this invitation. Trim some "Haunted" paper from the Phantom collection by Pink Paislee. Fold into a gatefold, trim envelope edges and attach a Vintage setting

Trim some "Obscure" paper from the collection, stitch the top, stamp the Skull image with Clearsnap watermark ink, emboss with clear powder and ink over for a fun resist!

You can print your own info on the inside card to customize this invitation.

I hope this inspired you to think about fun halloween ideas for your upcoming party! Make sure to stop by the Epiphany Crafts blog to see new projects all week!

materials

Epiphany Crafts + Clearsnap

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! Were continuing the Epiphany Crafts and Clearsnap cross-promotion! What a great idea to combine the fun tools of Epiphany Crafts with the inks, spritz's and accessories of Clearsnap--SIMPLY PERFECT! I had so much fun with them that I made two projects! I'll be sharing one today, and you'll have to come back tomorrow to see the next project.

Today's project is a mini canvas album from my 2-year anniversary with my husband to Bird-In-Hand, Pennsylvania--AMISH COUNTRY. I have a ~~small~~, okay BIG obsession with the Amish people. My husband worked from January to May in DC, and since our anniversary falls on my spring break, I flew out to DC, spent some time with him there, and then we drove to Pennsylvania. It is a vacation EVERYONE should take. There's just something about staying in a lovely inn and drinking coffee, while lookint out the window and watching an Amish farmer till the soil---a much simpler pace.

I thought that a canvas album mixed with the Fresh Goods line from Pebbles would suit my Amish Country trip perfectly. Plus, it seemed a really FUN way to showcase how you can combine Epiphany Crafts with Clearsnap products.

"Amish Anniversary" Album

For the cover I layered and stitched some paper and sticker borders, threw on some yummy polka dot ribbon.

I layered the 25 Flower button over flowers that I painted on

with the Clearsnap Smooch which I used as a painbrush, painting directly onto the canvas the same flower motif that appears in the the patterned paper.

Here's another little close up of this fun technique. The canvas really absorbs the Smooch well, so no worries about bleeding.

For the second page, I decided to stamp directly on the canvas with a cute gingham swatch using Clearsnap's Color Box Pigment Stamp Pad. The ink is rich, bold and PERMANENT--so, less is more.

The vintage settings are my FAVORITE Epiphany Crafts product. I punched a circle with the Round 14 and then added a bow of baker's twine to the center.

The next page features a fun little tile technique that I stumbled upon just by playing with the new 25 Square tool. All you need to do is punch the squares, layer them on the canvas and then add the epoxies over some of the squares for dimension. I also repeated the fun painting technique with the Smooch. I also added a cute vintage dairy cap I picked up at an antique store to add to the charm of the farm photo.

For the last page I wanted to use a masking technique, but I wanted it to look clean as I'm not a fan of altered work and heavy paints, mists and the like.

I used the Smooch Spritz to spray over the 25 Heart Epoxy mask. I then stitched the hearts for some contrast.

I also added another vintage setting, punching a circle with the Round 14 and adding some pearls.

Well, that's it for me today! Come back tomorrow and I will share with you a fun Halloween party invite idea.

materials

3 Different Ways to Use Your Epiphany Crafts Tool

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! It's been so long since I've made a design team post, but I am back at it again with some fabulous ideas of how to use your Epiphany Crafts tools in a new way! I am excited that Julia Sandvoss has joined the Epiphany Crafts team as our Design Team/Social Media coordinator. I've worked with her before, and she is the sweetest, most helpful lady EVER!! She's designed our new blog, and set up some really fun assignments that will share Epiphany Crafts products and ideas ALL MONTH LONG!

Today I am going to share with you a fun idea for a Halloween party--a trio of mini treat bags that showcase three different ways that you can use your Epiphany Crafts tool!

Trio of Mini Treat Bags

You can use the 14 Button tool to anchor a banner to the front label of a bag which creates a nice focal point

Threading the buttons with string makes it look vintage!

Another fun technique that showcases the versatility of Epiphany Crafts tools is using them as punches to create a chevron border.

On this treat bag I used my 25 Square tool to create punched squares. I then trimmed the squares in half to create triangles. I then adhered those triangles to the paper block, creating this border--SUPER EASY

The last technique that I'd like to share with you is using your tool to make an embellishment on your project

To make this cute little pumpkin embellishment, all you need is your 25 Oval tool. Punch some ovals using your tool, fold the ovals pieces in half and adhere the backs together. Make sure to trim a stem to complete the look

I hoped these little techniques showcased the versatility of these tools in some new ways. It's always fun to discover new uses for a tool!

Materials

Operation Julie's Smile + A Card

2011-10-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

I am so happy that you could join us for a special blog hop, for a special lady, Julie Ranae Murray.

She is a bright sunshiny ray in the paper-crafting community, and when I found out about this wonderful blog hop and was asked to participate, I definitely wanted to be involved. If you came here from Lynn Miller's blog, then you are in the right spot! If not, you may want to start from the beginning at the Sweet Stamp Shop's blog and take your time. You have all weekend to hop with us and win prizes, I do hope you continue and see the lovely work of all the ladies involved.

You may know her as the Design Team Coordinator for many wonderful companies, from bakers twine, die cuts, rubber stamps and more. What many people don't know about Julie Ranae Murray is that she has had some pretty major dental surgeries in her lifetime due to medication she had to take as a child. It was in her plans to think about having all her teeth replaced at some point in the next five years, a decision that was pretty easy to plan out. But, then it happened....she chipped her front tooth on a weekend a month ago. The dentist told her there was no way to save them, and that it was his recommendation that she give in and have all her teeth removed very soon; but for that day, they needed to get her front teeth done so that her gums could begin to heal. He said that he would 'work out payments with her to have ALL this work done, but when she called to make an appointment for the first set of impressions, his staff told her the amount of money that it would cost, and that the payments only applied to the the teeth that were extracted that day. So, this is how she has found herself in this situation-needing at least $4000 to get started and another $3000 to finish it up, totaling $7000.

Nicole Rixon, owner of Sweet Stamp Shop put together this benefit after finding out about this situation, and before Julie Ranae Murray knew it, the blog hop took flight! An organizer by trade, Julie Ranae Murray has taken on the job of organizing all of the blogs in this hop as her way of "working overtime" for what she needs, the same as if she were able to work overtime at an outside job to pay for all the work to be done.

If there is anything that you can do to help with a financial donation, there is a donation button ready for you to click on the left side bar of this blog. Any amount is appreciated and ALL DONATIONS will be eligible for prizes from our sponsor pool of over $2500!

A thank you card for Julie! We all appreciate you and, were thankful to have you in our lives.

Don't throw away pieces of string! You can use them in your projects

to add a little dimension.

I hope you enjoyed your stop here on the blog hop. Your next stop is Iwona Palamountain. Make sure to leave a comment here so that you can have a chance to win one of the amazing prize's up for grabs. If you can, please make a donation so that we can help bring back a new smile for our friend.

WCMD 2011 + American Crafts

2011-10-02T01:55:00.000-07:00

Happy World Card Making Day everyone! I had a lot of fun today, and even though I didn't work too much on cards, I was happily creating in my craft room on some FUN DT projects for SEI. World Card Making Day is a relatively new holiday that Paper Crafts Magazine started to recognize the joy of card making and jump start the holiday fun of homemade gifts and cards. I am excited to jump start that fun, as I have signed up for my VERY first holiday fair this year! Eeek! A relatively small fair, I am hoping to clear the shelves of old projects and cards and gain a little extra cash for my design funds.

I thought I would share this fun little tag trio that I paper pieced with a little American Crafts and a digi stamp! Enjoy!

NEW blog design + Smitten Blog Design

2011-09-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

  Hey there everyone! I am soo happy that I found Smitten Blog Design. A couple weeks ago I got serious about my plan to re-design my blog, making it cleaner and more unified. After a basic google search, I found their ADORABLE site and FABULOUS portfolio. After looking around, noticing their entire team of talented designers, and also noticing the NO WAIT LIST bonus, I sent an email of what I was hoping for.
  SUCH A QUICK response. I sent in a reasonable deposit that was applied to the final amount, and within 1 , I was contacted by the lovely Jacquelinne, who designed the first mock up in only 2 days!!! She kept in touch with me frequently, responding promptly and was so sweet in answering all my questions (no matter how silly they were.
  I cannot recommend Smitten Blog Design ENOUGH! They are amazing, professional and offer not only two packages for a custom re-design, but adorable free and affordably priced templates!!! Check them out at Smitten Blog Design.
    To celebrate, here's a fresh, new card that I made recently(I haven't posted anything new in a couple weeks).

Birthday + Crate Paper's Random

2011-09-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, I just wanted to share an album for a friend's birthday that I made with the yummy new Random collection from Crate Paper. To say that I love these papers would be an understatement. Bold patterns and colors reminiscent of fabrics and textures we all have in our closet, or at our relatives house. What an amazing mix of yumminess.

I covered an album that I found at my local craft store with paper and goodies from the Random collection

a cluster of yumminess

materials

Basic Grey + My Wedding Dress

2011-09-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

There's this one picture of me in my wedding dress that I simply just love. I am running away from the photographer and the way the dress moves makes the dress seam so light and airy. The Curio collection from Basic Grey was the perfect complement to this photo.

materials used

Basic Grey + Epiphany Crafts

2011-09-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired lately by text, font, print and all things type related. Lately, I have been seeing a lot of typewriters enter the scene when it comes to design.

My Type set

Just my Type set

another Just my Type set

From the Thrift Shop collection

I love the typewriters, but I also love font, so the two met perfectly in Basic Grey's Out of Print line. Since this line is a little softer on contrasts I wanted to place the paper against a white background to really make it pop off the page!

try playing with fonts by stitching titles. Just draw the title first, pierce holes equally distant from each other and then

stitch with a backwards stitch!

The title here was super easy. Trace around letter stickers,

outline in ink and then color some in!

That's it for me. Have fun experimenting with type!

Materials Used

Survey + Winning a NEW Cricut Expression 2

2011-09-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right. If you'd like a chance to win a BRAND spankin NEW Cricut Expression 2, then follow this link and take this survey before the end of the month for a chance to win!

http://kwiksurveys.com?u=consumeradhesives

S.E.I. + Me

2011-09-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hello All!! I have exciting news!

I am so honored to have been asked to design for this wonderful company for the 2012 term! I know I was up against some really amazing competition, and I am blessed to have been asked. I'm looking for to representing S.E.I. I am also excited to be working with the following talented ladies:

Amy Kingsford

Jennifer Holmes

Emily Branch <--That's me!

Amy Tan + My Life

2011-08-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

I seriously can't get enough Amy Tan. I am so in love with her line from American Crafts. I love the paper, the little cameras, typewriter and sewing machine, and ever since I got the Silhouette machine which is sadly, no longer available-I have been downloading all the coordinating die files!! Awe--pure love!

So, I was thinking about what I love about my life. I realized that much of the things in my life that give me the most pleasure, are the everyday occurrences. And, since this line from Amy Tan celebrates the often overlooked everyday objects that we use (and love), it was perfect!

Daily Love Album

Individual pages are "bound"

with a simple ribbon.

I added some stick pins over tape

inside a fussy-cut frame

a "love" themed page calls for silhouette's

and clouds reminiscent of the morning

I could tuck some trinkets in the

kraft glassine envelope.

I love, love, love blogging in the morning.

I like to see new stuff in my google reader.

But, snail mail goodies also brighten my day.

Super cute foam stamp pop-up's

My little middle schoolers are fun to

chat with. Almost anything makes

them smile, which makes me smile too!

Did I mention that I love baker's twine

Every day after school I come home

and design. It's me time. Sometimes it's

fun to just stick stuff on a page.

A fun little stitched border of paper.

the sewing machine is just too cute

red wine, white wine....who cares!

me loveth the wine.

That cute little tree was cut from the silhouette

American Crafts has some awesome files for Amy Tan's line

Okay, when I say magazine I mean Paper Crafts

or Cards magazine. However, when I'm

done with the mag, I'm in the middle

of the Harry Potter series, which I LOVE

That's it for me!

materials:

amy tangerine (american crafts). (stamp, tree, index card, clothes hanger, clothes pin) Silhouette. baker's twine (pink paislee)

Amy Tan + Maya Road

2011-08-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

So, I got my hands on BRAND NEW Amy Tan yumminess from American Crafts. I also took out my extra big Maya Road bottle caps to make portable framed pictures for my precious niece whose shipping off to Afghanistan in about another month. They live in tents on a 13 mile base, and I figured that these would be light weight fun photos of her at my brother's wedding with her sisters, her mom and my mom (her grandmother).

the bottle caps are light weight, perfect for travel

I fussy cut the camera and safety pin from the patterned

paper

.....even better, these two images can be downloaded to my Silhouette!

Cutting the hanger was a tad tricky

Brittany (in yellow) with her sisters, Jessica (left)

and Kaitlyn (right)

See ya soon with more fun projects using Amy Tan and my Silhouette

Some American Crafts Love.

2011-08-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hey there all. I've been playing with some American Crafts goodies for their recent DT call. I just LOVE this company, and I am so excited for their new Summer CHA 2011 lines to come out! I'd be even more excited to make the team, but we'll see. So, here are two layouts, a card and a mini album that I made.

"The Clouds will Part" Layout

"Cousin...Friend" Layout

"Bring on the Sunshine" Card

"Home Decor" Mini Album

the pink tinsel tree with vintage ornaments

Sometimes simplicity and fresh designs

are perfect to showcase a busy photo of a Christmas

village

Other times, patterned paper with a fun repeating

design work just fine!

Some of my shabby fresh style

thrown in!

materials:

"The Clouds will part" Layout

Patterned paper:(Hello Sunshine collection)American Crafts.

Stickers: (Thickers) American Crafts.

Rub on's: (Dear Lizzie collection) American Crafts.

Accents: (Delights from Hello Sunshine collection)American Crafts.

Fibers: (Baker's Twine) May Arts.

Tools: (Border punches) Fiskars.

"Cousin...Friend" Layout

Patterned paper:(Dear Lizzie collection)American Crafts.

Stickers: (Thickers) American Crafts.

Rub-on's: (Dear Lizzy collection) American Crafts

Accents: Clothespins.

Fibers: (Baker's Twine) May Arts.

Tools: (Starburst and Butterfly punches) Martha Stewart. (Border punches) Fiskars.

"Bring on the Sunshine" Card

Patterned paper:(Hello Sunshine collection)American Crafts.

Accents: Cabochon flower.

Rub on's: (Sentiments from Dear Lizzy collection) American Crafts

Fibers: (Baker's Twine) May Arts.

Tools:(Border punch) Fiskars.

Other: (Distress tape) Vintage Street Market.

"Home Decor" Album

Patterned paper:(Dear Lizzie Christmas collection)American Crafts.

Stickers: (Dear Lizzie Christmas collection, Assorted Alpha Thickers) American Crafts.

Rub on's: (Sentiments from Dear Lizzy collection) American Crafts.

Accents:(Metal embellishments from Dear Lizzie collection)American Crafts. (Stick pins) Maya Road

Fibers: (Baker's Twine) May Arts.

Tools:(Border punches) Fiskars and Martha Stewart.(Label dies) Papertrey Ink.

Other: (Distress tape) Vintage Street Market. (Album) Maya Road. (Silver doily) Wilton.

Card Ideas for Paper Crafters

2011-07-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Did you happen to see the post over at Paper Crafts Connections blog? There is a NEW special issue hitting news stands in August, an issue that I am super duper excited to get my hands on! Card Ideas for Paper Crafters (formerly known as Go-To Sketches) is a hugely popular bookazine that I was asked to design sketches for! I submitted 46 sketches that I made right before Winter CHA and I had six selected! Readers then submitted cards based on the sketches! Three fun filled facts that make me curl my toes with excitement are:

1. I was one of only four designers that had the most sketches picked up.

2. One of my sketches was one of the TOP 3 sketches for most submitted cards!

3. Even though I submitted cards for my sketches (none of mine were picked--haha!) I had two cards picked up for this HIGHLY competitive issue (I can't stress this enough!). And, I was able to get my other cards picked up for publication. DON'T GIVE UP!

[image courtesy of Paper Crafts Magazine]

This hot little number hits stores August 22

*note: fabulous sketch created by the talented Chan Vuong*

Pebbles + Epiphany Crafts

2011-07-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Happy to get my hands on some fabulous Pebbles product. I used some Floral Lane paper and embellies as well as one of my favorites, heart epoxies from Epiphany Crafts.

That's it for me today!

Some pages from my brother's Guest Book

2011-07-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend my brother and NEW sister got married! I am soooo excited! They asked me to make menu and escort cards, table numbers and a Guest book! I was thrilled beyond thrilled to help out. I actually made two guest books, but I only have a few pages and the cover of one to share, since time was tight and I didn't have enough time to take photos of the second one.

I had so much Portrait from Crate, and I knew that I wanted to use it for this project

Every seventh page was a lightly embellished page

It's fun layering embellishments and frames

I love die-cutting the little tags and layering them

together in a row.

Those little silhouettes are soooo perfect!

Some of the chipboard accents were a little bizarre...a bus stop sign? How to use??? So, I came up a with a little sentiment, "this way to love," and VOILA! It worked!

Okay, so I don't know if it was lack of sleep or a pure "duh" moment, but before I stuck this on the page, I thought the bird on the cage was a wedding dress....dear Lord.

That's it for me....today I have decided to surprise my dear hubby and clean out the garage!

My hubby and I!