Teacher - Student - Cropper

This morning I am teaching a class for Scrapper's Boutique. It is called Page Candy...Flowers.

It is all about learning different techniques, making 5 flowers & students will leave with handouts that include both written and photo instructions to recreate these projects for their layouts, presents, cards and more!

Then I will become the student taking Copic 2 class from our own Jen Del Muro. This class focuses more on 3-4 color blending ...I'm super excited! I just love my Copics.

Then saving the best for last...I'm cropping tonight from 5-12am. Working on getting lots of Christmas presents done!

Friends

You KNOW we are friends when I spend my evening making you polymer clay mice for a Christmas project your making...LOL!

Dear Sweet Lynn - these are for you.

...on to my next project ;)

Productive weekend

I've attended 2 crops in 48hours this weekend. Both were productive and fun.

The 1st crop was a 24 hr crop at a local church that I attend about 3-4 times annually. I worked on a 3rd tree to my Christmas set, I'll post photos when it is complete.

The 2nd crop was at the store I am an instructor at "Scrapper's Boutique". It is seldom that multiple workers get to attend AND work on their own personal projects. Seems as if we are always creating or prepping to the next class...lol...but that's fun too! The Cherie and myself worked on our December Daily albums. Adair was hard at work creating her next mini album, Lynn was finishing up some Christmas gifts, and Susan was making some fabulously cute card samples!

I finished (for now) the cover of my Dec. Daily album. I used the Prima Canvas album and painted it with the Jenni Bowlin cough syrup paint dauber. I then used a Hedi Swapp mask and added a flourish with silver metallic paint. Fabric thickers painted with Jennie Bowlin malted milk also and then stamped with black ink with flourishes.The flowers were made using this fun die "rolled flower" from My Favorite Things and just backed on black felt to help them stand out.

* ALL of these items can be purchased locally at the Scrapper's Boutique*

I also purchased some digital journal cards by Ali Edwards and photoshop colored them and printed them each on cardstock so they are ready to go. All I have left is designing the pages...nothing like saving the hardest for last (haha!)

Christmas Centerpiece

Seldom am I ahead of the game when it comes to the holidays, but finally this year I seems to have mastered it a bit. After creating the Halloween Center piece "31" I decided to carry the idea over to Christmas.

Using the same craft paper, pre-made numbers, BoBunny paper and some fun miniature decorations this is what I came up with!

I completed mine on Tuesday and have even taken a couple orders to make them for friends.

Well, off to work on some more projects, a crafter's job is never done ;)

More Tree & button fun

I had a blast this past month making fall trees from the laser die cuts and covering pumpkins with buttons. I decide to combine the 2 for even more holiday fun with Christmas decorating only a few weeks away.

These tree were purchased at Michael's, they were just plain cardboard cones waiting for some love! I used Webster Pages, Waiting for Santa on the punch out tree and a Martha Stewart punch. I added stickles to the ends of each circle, a few pearls and a soft blue crepe bow to the top with a pearl in the center to finish it off.

The second tree was painted with a base coat of Jenni Bowlin malted milk paint dauber. I then began from the bottom of the tree covering it with ivory buttons with a few random turquoise ones spread throughout. I dripped a bit of diamond glaze around the buttons and then sprinkled the entire tree with Pink Paislee 'cream soda' pixee stix. I added a creme crepe bow tot he top with long flowing streamers and a few pearls in the center.

Feels like Fall

A couple weeks ago I got the opportunity to attend a scrapbooking retreat & I got to make some fun things for myself. One was this fun banner for my Fall decor. I was excited to hang it up the day after Halloween. Nothing makes me happier than fall colors and lots of glitter!

I made a second one in different colors for my mom. She has more of a shabby sheik decor in her home.

This banner was made using a Maya Road chipboard pennants & the paper is Apple Cider by Imagineisce. The other materials are as follows: Plain white crepe paper (streamers), Cricuted letter from Plantin Schoolbook, and Pink Paisley Brown glitter, 2yrd 3/4in. green crepe ribbon, 2yrds 3/4in brown crepe ribbon, orange & lime green cardstock.

Catching my breathe!

Wow, this has been one busy week for me and all the instructors at Scrapper's Boutique as we prepare for Boutique Day this Saturday Nov. 4th from 10:30am - 2:30pm.

We will be revealing all the classes coming up for November & December. It will be a day full of excitement and fun. The majority of the instructors will be on hand to meet and visit with, we will be taking sign-ups for fall classes and even having a drawing for a fun Red Bo Bunny handbag! The best part is, the first 24 people who sign up for classes receive a FREE Bobunny Mini Album Kit.

Here is just a little peek at one of my upcoming classes:

I'm very excited to have the opportunity to teach this fall among the talented gals at Scrapper's Boutique.

If your a local reader of my blog, I would love for you to come on our Saturday. I'll be there and would appreciate your support!

free blinkie

Feel free to add our New Scrapper's Boutiqe blinkie to your blog!

By smurfett8 at 2010-11-02

Candy Crash

I'm sure teachers everywhere today are feeling the candy crash of students of all ages.



Last night my girls went trick-or-treating too. There are 16 & 12 ...it changes from year to year if they are participating or not.

We spent part of our afternoon carving the annual pumpkins. Katie picked an owl and Ivy picked "Grr" from a cartoon she likes. They decided this year they wanted to attempt the scored pumpkins instead of the traditional carving type. I think they both did quite well.

What was I thinking

I'm still recovering from Friday night after allowing my 12yr old to throw a Halloween party/sleepover. They were funny to watch and listen to for about the 1st hour - lol!

We even had 4-5 party crashers arrive and start yelling my daughter's name from out front...the party moved outside for awhile, but no crashers were allowed inside. We did have 2 boys arrive after this photo was taken, one in a scary mask was so cute! The boys left at 10 and the scary movie marathon began. I slept almost all day Saturday trying to recover from the event. It may be a few years before we try this again (or never) ;)

Flower fun *tutorial*

I love making flowers and hair bows for my girls.

When they were young they never left the house without their hair being perfect. As they aged they cared less about their hair & even less about those flowers and bows.


Finally things have come full circle and they of course care VERY MUCH about their hair (at 12 & 16) and hair accessories have come back into fashion! Bows, clips, headbands, etc....

This is a new style of "flower" I learned recently in a class from the very talented Adair.

You begin with 8 large circles (I used scalloped circles on these pictures) you will also need 8 of the smaller circles and a layer of lace or tulle.

Taking one stack of circles at a time cut into them from on edge to the center (just a straight slit). Beginning at one edge you accordion fold the circle until it become a wedge shape - folding approx. 7 times, making 8 layers. I use hot glue to secure each until I am ready to attach them. Complete this step with both the large and small circles.

Once you have all your pieces folded and secured. You will begin to form a circle with the large circles gluing 2 together, then a 3rd, and as you add the 4th...you should have 1/2 a circle. They don't (and often won't) line up perfect, no worries....that will be covered up.

I then use a drop of hot glue to attach the layer or tulle/lace and set it aside as I build the smaller circle in the same way. Again building a circle and gluing it down to the lace/tulle layer.

I finish mine off with buttons, stones, knots and any other little items I find that match and look cute. My girls loves them and I've made quite a few for their friends too. I just glue alligator clips to the backs, but you can also add bar pins to wear them on a lapel or bag.

prepare yourself

It's not Halloween quite yet, but these pictures are a bit scary!

I've had a few questions about my weight loss ticker on my blog.

Yes...I did lose 100lbs... Through Diet and Exercise only.

I started my lifestyle change in May 2009.

May 2010 I hit 100lbs. lost.

I have played with some pounds up and down over the summer,

but I'm still wearing the same clothes I purchased at my lowest.

My friends and I just started up a 3rd round of biggest loser, it will go thru the holidays and end mid January 2011.

Every little bit helps with motivation!

Quick and Easy mini album

This weekend I finished up this little album of out summer water park fun. Each section 2 pages/4 front and backs is made from a single sheet of cardstock.

I lined each flat page with a coordinating printed paper (this was BoBunny line Sun Kissed) using different edge punches to make each unique. I did triangles on each pocket page, also adding edge punching or corner punches. I used small tags to journal on and placed each in a pocket and attaches buttons or ribbons to the tag hole for easy access.

Making the pages are pretty simple...

Take a full sheet of 12 x 12 paper and score it at 6inches on each side. This will resulting in 4 - 6x6 scored squares.

Second cut one scored line from the edge to the center of the four squares (see dotted line)

Next using a ruler, score from the corner of the new cut line, to the corner diagonally from it, this will form 2 triangles on each of the flaps.

Alone that scored triangle line, crease the cardstock, forming a triangle. Using your tape runner or adhesive of your choice, glue the flap down to make that triangle double thick.

Next you will form the pockets. On flap #1 add adhesive along the triangle/pocket edge that will lay closest to the center scored line, that will be the fold in the page. Keep the adhesive as close to the edge as possible so you will have plenty room to use that pocket. On flap #2 you will do the exact same thing, but this time folding the flap backwards to the other side. After gluing it down, you will have one pocket on each side. This will be 2 pages, each side consisting of 1 pocket, 1 flat side.

The blue represents your pockets/flaps. But this is as if you can see thru the cardstock to see each sides pocket.

Recovering from my weekend

Who knew Retreating could be so tiring. I guess I should have allowed for more sleep time. It's very hard for me to stop when I'm on a roll but I paid for that last night. My sweet husband let me sleep in this morning till 10.



I made a small banner using the "lost and found" line by my minds eye. It turned out pretty cute. This shows it under construction and the glossy accents drying.

Here is the finished product:

My littel get-away!

I got the opportunity to attend a scrapbooking retreat this weekend and jumped at the chance. Last night Lynn and I were up till 5am...(I was back up at 9am). Our time was super productive last night, checkout Lynn's cute lil pumpkin!

I've been surrounded by banners lately....I think I'm being dubbed the "banner gal"!

I'm looking forward to showing you all my finished projects this coming week. Have a great weekend and stay dry in all this rain!

The 31st is here!

Well, it's here at my home... but it will be arriving before you know it on the calendar too!

I saw a cute idea recently and made it my own, using those paper mache type numbers. Most all craft stores carry the letters, I have only found the numbers at Hobby Lobby.

After painting the numbers and a small wooden base black, I just added in a few spooky accents. You could use a wide variety of those small party favor type items you find at all the discount stores. The raven, butterfly and hologram sticker were all found at Micheal's. Add a few cobwebs and a light layer of silver glimmer mist and you have a fun center piece. Mine will be on the food table at my daughter's upcoming Halloween party!

Have a great day!!

Banner Tutorial

After my recent post of banners, I had a few requests for more details...so here we go!

These banners were made via swaps with other scrappers, but could easily be done but one person with lots of creative juices flowing {lol}

The tags were sheets of 8.5 x 11 cardstock cut in half to form 2 - 4.25 x 5.5 Tags. I notched my corners 1inch in and 1inch down.

You create one tag for each letter in the word or phrase you want to spell on your banner. These were Happy Halloween - so 14 letters, plus one to start the banner, one to separate Happy from Halloween and one to end the banner. That made for 16 tags in all...thus 16 people signed up for spots in this banner swap. Each of those 16 people chose from the list of letters & dividers needed and created a tag and repeated it 15 times.

I've created several of this type banners on my own, but it does take awhile longer and I tend to stick to shorter words, as it can be challenging to come up with that many decorative ideas in one session. If you start early and have some real time to put into it, you'll have a wonderful banner you can use year after year.

I store these by folding them accordion style and placing them in gallon Ziploc bags.

Banners

I love all kinds of banners around my home. Halloween is always a fun occasion to decorate to me. I have multiple banners and seems to keep adding each year.

This banner is 3 years old. I made it via a swap

on 2peas in a bucket. I created the "W". I turned out to be a great piece and has held up well.

I also complete this banner in a swap too. This one I did the "Y". It's hung in a standard doorway from the entry way. It's always fun to see what everyone will do to decorate there piece.

This is my newest banner. It is made from fabric. Each member was to create an assigned letter from the "Happy Halloween". I made 14 - N's and 14 - A's. I got 2 complete sets of the letters as I was making one to share with a sweet friend.

The letter were to be made from Halloween fabric, a layer of batting and a contrasting color for the back sides. The each turned out wonderful. I'm almost out of doorways to make any more banners, but there is always room across the mantel!

I {heart} pumpkins!

I've been really into pumpkins this season. I tend to buy and make more each year adding to my collection. I find pumpkins are great items that plays double duty when it comes to decorating!

They are perfect for October as Halloween approaches, but can be left out to carry your decor through Thanksgiving. These are a few of my favorites..old & new!

Getting it done

This past weekend was busy but ever so productive. I went to a late night crop Friday and completed a project that I have long been waiting to do. I went to Canton a couple weeks ago (a local flea/craft type market) where I purchased three unfinished crosses. I painted the edges, covered 2 with paper that coordinates with my home and covered one with embossed metal. Once each was complete, they were gorilla glued together and will be hung in my living room very soon.

It's always a suprise

That is one consistent thing about scrapstachers at the Little Blue House. This week we were to bring 12 - 1x12 strips of papers. One set Halloween and one set Holiday or fall. It turned out to be great fun.

I look forward to the next class!

Today is the BIG DAY

I have been marking off the days on the calendar in anticipation of today for 2 wonderful reasons....

#1: I finally get to create the astonishing Alice in Wonderland Mini album at the Scrapper's Boutique taught be the talented Adair!

#2: I will be attending the Carrie Underwood concert at the AAC. I've been looking forward to this since attending the Adam Lambert concert several weeks ago with my "concert buddy"!

Busy Weekend

This weekend is going to be day busy!

I will be cropping late into the night with a fabulous group of women.

God has truly recently blessed me with a circle of friends who lift me up and steer clear of the drama factor. I somewhat feel like Jonah in that God wanted me to be in a certain place in my life and I've fought that for years, but through a whale of another kinda, I am right where I need to be for me.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Party Time!

My youngest daughter is excited to be hosting her 1st ever Halloween party!! She plans to invite some boys too, so it should make for an interesting evening of spooky fun.

I used the fun Bo Bunny Halloween line "Whoo-ligans". I'd been looking for just about any excuse to use this line of paper. She was thrilled with my invitation design and they are all tired, enveloped, addressed and ready to be delivered to her friends! I guess she's a bit excited :)