Jennifer McGuire, ink.

A giveaway, a cool link, a layout and some Q&A's...

Well, I am hoping to squeeze all that in before bedtime. :)  But watching the goofs on the Bachelorette may be too distracting.  (I can't believe I just admitted to watching that. Ha.)

First: a giveaway.  Jana is giving away something you know I love - a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  Click HERE to play!

Second: a cool link.  The remarkably talented, incredibly thoughtful and fabulously funny Shari is the lead blogger on Hero this week.  She has lots of giveaways planned!  Be sure to go check out her cool projects.  Go HERE to play.

Third: a layout.  Actually, this is part of a Q&A, too.  I had someone email me and ask what I do with 8x8 pages.  I sometimes teach them for make and takes or mini classes.  But I don't actually have any 8x8 albums.  So when I come home with an 8x8 page, I just plop it on a 12x12 page and add photos.  Here is a good example.  This was a 8x8 page I did as a make and take in the Hero booth at CHA.  I just stuck it on a background and added some favorite photos.  Easy peasy.

Supplies:
Hero Arts stamps (border, greetings and circles), flowers and pearls
White Memories Ink
ArtPrint Brown Memories Ink
Marvy punches
Strano ribbon
Bazzill cardstock

So, really, whenever I want to turn any page size (such as 8.5x11) to 12x12, I just plop it on a background and add stamping or photos on the edge.  Easy, huh?  Nothing fancy.

Fourth: More Q&A's. These are some I got in emails.

Q: I was just wondering....what is that brown square surface you do all your work on? Is it a craft sheet (like the one Tim Holtz uses?)

A: Hee... mine is just a 12x12 piece of Kraft paper that I was using for scrap paper. :)  My desktop is actually Home Depot cheapo countertop with a giant piece of glass on it.  So, I have to put something under my projects when I video or I get a glare in the shot.  I normally work on glass.  I LOVE THIS.  I highly recommend it.  When it needs cleaning, I spray it and scrap with a knife and it cleans perfectly and fast.  Love love love it.  My dad had the glass cut for my table.  Bless his heart. :)  I do like Tim's craft sheets, too.

Q: I just discovered your blog - very nice! Thank you for doing it. I saw there that you did extra articles online at CK. I followed your instructions: "You can find new articles by going to creatingkeepsakes.com  But the links weren't there. Which isn't your fault, I don't think - you're supposed to be able to click on any issue (in the archives) and see the table of contents for that issue - but it doesn't happen!  So I think the site is bonkers. :) and clicking the "magazine" tab.  In the middle, it says "more articles."  The articles can be found there - Technique Corner."

A: Well, I think they are working on things over on CK's site.  This month is a bit different - you can find my clear stamping article HERE.  Once things get worked out over there, I will link you to new articles. :)

OK... I think that is all I have in me tonight.  I need to get caught up on email.  I am hoping to work on finishing my scraproom tomorrow - it is killing me to have the mess!  If there is anything in particular that you wanted to see in the finished room, let me know.

Have a great night.  Be sure to come back tomorrow.  I am thinking it is getting to be time for another giveaway... :)

How-To Video: Stamped Backgrounds

Morning!

Over on the Hero Arts blog, I posted two videos today.  (Can you saw overachiever?  Ha! No... I just am having fun with iMovie.  Very addictive.) 

But I couldn't leave all you scrapbookers out, so I decided to do a page using a combination of the simple background techniques I did on the Hero Arts blog today: spotlighting, glittering and chalking.  Nothing remarkable here... just playing around.  I normally wouldn't have put all these techniques together, so it was a fun challenge.  The video isn't the best, but I wanted to do something quickly.  (Forgive my stumbling on words... it is getting late. :)

Supplies:

Hero Arts stamps (backgrounds of butterfly, flourish and flower)

Versamark Ink (for chalking)

Green Memories Ink

American Crafts Thickers (I have a serious addiction...)

Pebbles chalk (love the colors they have)

Bazzill Smoothies Cardstock (a must for stamping... love 'em)

Other: String (again inspired by the amazing Robyn) and pop dots

As for the chalking I did there on the little squares, HERE is a good example of a card using that background technique.  You would be amazed how fast it is to do.  Sally is the master of fast card-making-masterpieces. :) 

Thanks for stopping by.  I have another video ready to load soon (and a giveaway!).  See ya...

Creating Keepsakes and Clear Stamps...

Good evening!

I just got my CK in the mail today.  I gotta say - the cover was one of the best ever.  Maggie Holmes did a fantastic page!  My article in there is on using clear stamps.  And since we decided it was best to show how-to photos, some of the projects were saved for online.  So, I thought I would share it here a bit, too.  But for the whole article, click HERE.  If you are like me, you may not be one to read stuff, but rather just look at the pictures.  (Opps... did I just admit that!? ;)  But I would recommend reading this... the steps are very helpful in learning some fun things about clear stamping.  I love the editors I work with there (Brittany and Joannie) and they help me so much with the writing part.  Me not good writer.  Ha.  (That is why I went to engineering school!) 

This was one of my favorite projects to make.  I used a box-making template after covering cardstock with stamping. (The tip is to mount LOTS of images onto a large mount and stamp repeatedly... a great way to make backgrounds quickly.) 

Supplies and details:
See creatingkeepsakes.com HERE.

And I think they left the layout out of the article by mistake.  It is in the magazine, but I thought I would share a (not-so-good-sorry-about-that) scan here.  Man, this little dude loves Legos.  He got it from Kay - she still loves to play with them. 

Supplies and details:
See creatingkeepsakes.com HERE.

This was actually my second clear stamping article for CK online.  Back in 2007, I did one, but I can't find it on their site.  (If someone can find the article on their site, I would love you forever.  In fact, the first person to find it - if it is still there - will get a goodie box - I will send you some fun scrappin' stuff!)  Here are some of those projects...

This layout shows the same shadow stamping technique that is in the current CK article.  This layout makes me happy because Kay and I talked about the journaling one day - that idea of why scrapbooking is so good-for-our-souls.  And then I did this page.  I actually did it as a 2-pager, but didn't scan the second.  The second just extends all the photos.  We got a lot of good ones from our first family trip to St. John.  So happy that the girls' school is almost over and then we go back to St. John again!

Supplies :
Not sure if I can remember...
KI Memoires, Cherry Arte, Fancy Pants, Fontwerks & Someone Else's clear stamps.
Autumn Leaves buttons.

This next one is of my great-grandparents.  When looking through old photos, I noticed that they were always with each other - always close, holding hands or leaning on each other.  Makes my little heart soar.  Anyway, the tip was to mount your alphabet letters once and then use them repeatedly.  Oh, and you can see that I adhered a couple of the journaling strips in the wrong order.  I fixed it after I scanned.

Supplies :
Fontwerks alphabet stamps
Cerry Arte paisley stamps
Making Memories paper
Doodlebug's awesome trims
Other: ribbons, ink, flowers, white embossing powder.

This last one was one of those layouts that looked sooooo much better in my head than on paper.  Ha. But, oh well.  It is done, right? :) Tip was to mount long, thin images/words/greetings at an arch.

Supplies :
Hero Arts clear stamps (discontinued), inks and clear tag.
Lots of sewing.  Lots.

So, how is that for a lot of randomness about clear stamps? :)

I wanted to answer some questions from the comments that you all have left.  First, yes, I will post pictures and videos once my scrapbook room is done.  But I have a feeling it won't be for a few weeks.  I have my CK article due this coming week and am hosting the Hero Arts blog.  So I will be busy trying to work IN the mess instead of working ON it. :)

As for questions about Gamsol: I use Gamsol with Prismacolor Colored Pencils.  They are my fave - by far.  And, nope, you can't get Gamsol at your local chain stores.  But you can order it HERE.  You use compressed paper pencils (paper stumps) with them to apply.  You can get these at your local chain stores.  Hope that helps.  There is a video on using it on my sidebar.

And I also wanted to let you know that I do have plans to do videos based on your suggestions, including the photo cropping stuff.  Soon. :)

OK... time for bed.  Night!

National Scrapbooking Day Giveaway!

Hello!  Hope you are all having a great National Scrapbooking Day.  I know there are fun things going on over at 2Peas and the Hero Arts blog.  However, I am stuck on the sofa - about as useful as a dried up ink pad.  I have pleurisy - a infection of the lining of the lungs or something-or-other.  I am getting really bored sitting around, so I thought I would hop on the computer and do a RAK. Can't think of a better way to cheer myself up while on the sofa!  (OK, yes, I already did a little Etsy shopping. :)

Here is what I am giving away to celebrate NSD!  Sorry for the bad picture - not feeling up to doing anything more involved than this photo with my mac's photo booth. :)  The prize is for a set of Autumn Leaves alphabet clear stamps (they are big ones - there are two sheets of stamps here!), a Colorbox Chalk Ink Queue and a pack of the newest Hero Arts Smooth Clear Gems.  Just leave a comment here on this thread by Sunday at 11:59pmEDT to be entered and I will randomly pick a winner.  (Yes, I would be happy to ship overseas!)  In your comment, I would love to hear any suggestions you may have for future video or how-to topics.  I am enjoying doing the videos so much.  The favorite part of my job is teaching. And since I significantly cut back on travel, I miss teaching a lot!  This is a good way for me to get my fix. :)

Be sure to check out 2Peas today... they have lots going on for NSD.  And Hero Arts will have giveaways on their blog.  Be sure to visit!

In the meantime, here is a project I did for 2Peas.  Click HERE for details.

Have a good one... more tomorrow. :)

How-To Video: Cuttlebug Heat Embossing

Hello!

Decided to load the bigger of the two videos tonight.  This one shows several things:

- Cuttlebug heat embossing
- Creating scallop edges
- Creating a stay-put bow

:)

It is longer - sorry about that!  Hope you enjoy.  Please feel free to give suggestions on future video ideas!

(By the way... these songs are again from my brother-in-law.  The first one he sang at our wedding.  Great song, huh?)

Love what his shirt says.  Hee.

Supplies:
Cuttleubug and Cuttlebug Embossing Folders
Hero Arts stamps (circles) and embossing powder
Fontwerks stamp ("i love you")
American Crafts Vinyl Thickers
Versamark ink
Coluzzle
Cricut ("love you" die cut)
Fiskars punch (star)
Bo Bunny Patterned paper
Close To My Heart Hemp
Ranger Paint Dabbers
Stampin' Up Slot Punch

Enjoy...

How-To Video: Tim Holtz Crackle Paint

Hey, everyone! (ETA... winners of the drawing will be posted Sunday evening.)

I thought I would pass on some info about a favorite product of mine: Tim Holtz Crackle Paint.  This stuff is so cool and the results are gorgeous.  To top it off, the colors are so stinkin' yummy... gotta have them all. :)  I have used them on cards before, but decided to do a page... making it a perfect time to shoot a video.

There are so many great and much cooler things you can do with this paint, and you can find many of them on Tim's blog.  What I did is quite simple, but I love the look.  And it is fun to use, too!

(BTW... a few things: First, sorry, I have used this photo before, but it is a favorite of mine.  I created this project to hang on my scrapbook room wall.  Also, the video is short... I cut out all the boring stuff... hee.  Finally, the music is my brother-in-law.  I love it and figured he won't sue me for using it. :)

In case you can't see the video, you can find it HERE.

 

Supplies:
Tim Holtz Crackle Paints
Tim Holtz Distress Inks
Scenic Route chipboard butterflies
Doodlebug letter stickers (love these)
Hero Arts letter stamps and pearls
Vintage text paper (from old books)

They sure grow up fast, don't they?  Afraid to look away because I might miss something.  :) 

Have a good Sunday...

From CK...

Hi!

This month in CK, they showed the album I made for my mom and mother-in-law featuring the details of Colin's first year.  I did it with just photos, cardstock, my Cuttlebug and Cricut.  And, boy, did that make it simple!  So easy and fast.

I got a few emails asking for a close up show so they could see the texture.  Thought I would share it here.  I am in love with my Cuttlebug and embossing folders.  So worth every penny.

I am going to go work on a few videos (I shot 3 today) and then to bed.  Have a good night...

2Peas shares...

It is the beginning of the month and that means new things at 2peas.  Be sure to go look... there are some great things there.

Here are a few of mine.

That's all for now.  More tomorrow.  Night!

Book share...

Howdy!

I am away for the weekend teaching at the Sue Gilman Rep Show.  I only really travel for big trade shows and rep shows.  And I LOVE rep shows.  Just in my room for a little break before a long night of make and takes.

I got several emails asking some of the same thing, so I thought I would share here. :)  One question was where I get the vintage text paper.  Only because I love ya, I am gonna share my wonderful source.  Hee.  I get all my vintage text paper from this wonderful seller on ebay.  She is great.  You can also buy old books at antique stores, but be careful. I once bought a medial dictionary.  And it is really hard to find pages in there that don't have words on it that you wouldn't want on a card.  Ha...

The other question was how I did the photo collage on the Sweetie page.  I have to get going, but I promise to answer that here soon. :)

But in the meantime, I thought I would share a project from the recent book, The Recipe Book.  This is one of the last AL books that I contributed to.  (I felt I was running out of juice... and time.  So, just taking a break.)  But anyway, this is a share from the book.  (Which, btw, is a GREAT book.) 

Supplies:
Autumn Leaves and KI Memories paper
Doodlebug Sequins
Hero Arts gems
A lot of kitchen plates
Sewing machine

Have a good day!  Gotta go meet my buddy, Shari, and others for dinner. 

Stamping is so easy...

One thing I know for sure is that I spend way too much time on my scrapbook pages.

Does anyone else feel this way?

It is part of the reason I haven't done as many pages lately.  I. am. just. way. to. slow.

But tonight I wanted to do a page.  And it was super fast, thanks to stamping.  I was inspired by the fabulous Lisa Truesdell's page on heroarts.com.  (I tell ya - that girl has a TON of talent.  Wow!  She had sent me that adorable photo of her cutie playing with the Hero Arts' sweetie stamp and I asked her to do a page with it.  Thanks, Lisa!)  I was going to do a page with lots of stamped borders like she did, but then the page took a mind of it's own.  And it only took me 30 minutes!  (That is a record for me, baby!  Woot!) 

I should note that a big reason it didn't take long is because I just grabbed my two favorite clear stamp sets, Dots and Lines and Circular Designs.  You can't go wrong with those!  Also, I just used leftover little photos from an album I did (it is in May's CK) and a new photo I just got from Colin's 6 month photo shoot.  (Photo taken by Angela Talentino.)

By the way, the little photos are on pop dots, so it scanned a bit weird.  Yes, I am obsessed with pop dots. :)

Supplies:

Hero Arts stamps (circles,  borders, alphabets and sweetie) and gems.

Heidi Swapp stars

White Memories ink

Colorbox Chocolates and Blueberries chalk ink queue

OK... off to work. I have classes this weekend and I have to put the powerpoint presentation together. Love teaching classes when you can show each step on the screen! 

Night night!

CK online article...

Good morning!

In one of my classes a few weeks ago, I was talking about a project I did for my online CK article.  A few students mentioned that they didn't know I had one.  So, I thought I would share it here so they could find it. :)

I do two online articles a month for creatingkeepsakes.com called Technique Corner.  For the first half of the month, I share additional how-to's and ideas for whatever product I used in that month's actual magazine issue.  For the second half, I revisit a product I did in the past.  For each article, I make 3 projects and often show how-to steps.

This month, I revisited decorative scissors!  What a challenge.  Here is one of the projects from it.

The article this month is HERE.  (Includes the supply list for this project on the 3rd page.) 

You can find new articles by going to creatingkeepsakes.com and clicking the "magazine" tab.  In the middle, it says "more articles."  The articles can be found there - Technique Corner.

I just noticed that the put up my newest article on using staples HERE.  If you have ever struggled to attached a huge bow to a project, check it out.  The idea in there may help you. :)  Here is the card I did.

And another fun peek at a staple idea shown in there...

I would love to show you how to find all my old articles on there (there are probably 15 or so past articles)... but I don't know how.  I will see if I can figure it out.

Have a good Tuesday... I am off to work.  I have a lot to do - eek!  (Thank God for Starbucks peppermint mochas.  They are yummy... anyone else love those?)

Scrapbook page...

Hello!

I noticed someone asked if I would be sharing some scrapbooking... so I thought I would!  I don't do much scrapbooking anymore, but this was one I did for a local class.  Nothing exciting, but you can see I again used that yummy Bo Bonny paper.  Can't get enough of it. :)   I like to use large elements on 2-page layouts, and also make sure they run from page to page.

Supplies:
Hero Arts stamps (borders, hearts and alphabet), gems, buttons and clear tags
Colorbox Chalk Ink
Cricut letters (Base Camp - the best cartridge)
Coluzzle circles
Bo Bunny dotted paper
Bazzill cardstock (Mud Pie is my favorite brown)
4x6 photos

I will check the last thread tonight to pick a winner... so there is still time to leave a comment there!  :)  Hoping to load a video tomorrow or sometime soon, so check back. 

Hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Easter!  And thanks for stopping by and for your kind words.