Paper Made Bakery: Window Sill Card

Happy Leap Day! Today is the last day of the February Fresh Baked Kit from Paper Made Bakery, and the good news is, it is on sale! You can stock up on previous kits at a discounted rate here.

The Reveal
This is my fifth and final project using the kit. It is a cute little 3 x 3" window sill card. To see all the details and how to create your own, please visit today's post on PMB.

Lil' Window Card

I have to say I totally loved this kit and all the fun stamp images were so fun to play with. I am sad to see this month end. Bye, bye birdie. 

February's Kit

The Summary

Here are all the other projects I've made with this kit, and I still have so many sheets leftover of the Tiny Tablet papers. 

February PMB Projects

Tomorrow is the launch of the March kit which includes an exclusive clear stamp set by Sweet Stamp Shop which can only be found at PMB. The DT have been busy working on projects which showcase the new kit, so please stop by again tomorrow to see the new release, participate in our blog hop and be entered in a crafty giveaway. Fun, fun, fun. 

Thanks so much for stoppin' by,

News and a Single Photo Layout

ScrapStreet Magazine's Blog
Hey everyone! Hope you had a good weekend. I just wanted to share that I wrote a guest post for ScrapStreet Magazine's blog today. I shared three easy birthday cards I made based on the same sketch with a few variations that made them look totally different. Here is a sneak peek:

Trio of Birthday Cards on ScrapStreet's Blog

I hope you can head over and take a look!

Paper Made Bakery
My last project for February's Fresh Baked Kit will be revealed this Wednesday. I actually made 5 projects this month with my kit and I still have a ton of paper left. Then on Thursday we'll be celebrating Paper Made Bakery's new release for March with a blog hop and giveaway. I can't wait to show you what I made featuring my nephew Isaiah. Please come back for those fun events.

Trash to Treasure
I haven't really been working with trash, but have picked up a few items through an estate sale, thrift shops and craigslist for my craft room. I altered a few of the items and left some as is, and the outcome is super cute. I'll take some photos and share with you all soon.

Single Photo Layout
I am a multi-photo gal at heart, but wanted to try a single photo layout as it seems like all the rage. I had to ignore so many photos just to pick the final one. I settled on a group shot of my family's trip to Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Patara Elephant Farm layout

I used several collections from Bella Blvd. and picked out the colors that reminded me of the jungle and the bright sky. I did a color block in the background, but the colors looked too busy directly next to each other so that I matted everything in a dark brown to balance the bold colors. 

Title

For my title, I chose colors from the Thai shirts we were given to wear during our trek, and outlined the alpha stickers with a black pen to make them stand out a bit from the patterned background. 

Handmade embellishment

For my embellishments, I didn't want to use elephants as that tends to be associated with baby themed layouts. I went with the jungle theme and cut some thin strips of patterned papers and distressed the edges to simulate the tall jungle grass we traipsed through. 

Journaling Block

For the journaling, I used a sticker and just filled in the basics. The layout was looking pretty full at this point so I just let the photo do the talking. I finished things off by adding a few more little stickers and jewels, and machine stitched each block. 

In the end, I like the balanced look of the layout and the bright colors really reminded me of my Thailand adventures. But I really missed putting in the little photos that would have supported the main photo. I tried, really I did, but it will be back to a multi-photo page next time. 

Thanks for stoppin' by,

Paper Made Bakery: Feeling Under the Weather?

The Reveal
Happy Wednesday! It is time for my weekly reveal over at Paper Made Bakery. I had so much fun this month working with my February release stamps from Avocado Arts, making up punny sentiments, playing with the embellishments in order to create my cards. This one might be might favorite one yet.

Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head

To see the whole thing and some tips on how I created this, please hop on over to Paper Made Bakery and see today's post. There's only one week left for this Fresh Baked Kit. Next week there will be a new kit, plus another blog hop and exciting news from PMB.

PMB

Thanks so much if you filled out the survey last week regarding die cutting machines. All the participants were entered in a raffle and the winner was Amanda. PMB is gathering data for something that is in the works. I'll let you know all the latest developments. So stay tuned!

Thanks for stoppin' by and have a scrappy day,

Pages Reveal: Baby Banner

The Reveal:
The February assignment for Pages from the Heart was to create a banner project. The one I originally made was picked up for submission, so I had to retrieve my project from the store. I found out that the magazine will keep it for 6 months before they return it so I decided to make another one for Pages. Without further ado, let me introduce my little niece, Zemira, to the scrapping world.

 I've made a lot of projects featuring my nephew Isaiah, like this one of him falling out of the car card. I didn't want his little sister to feel left out so I made a wall hanging for her new room using her Christmas morning photos. Good thing she was wearing a pink and brown coat which matched my collection colors.

Isaiah's Card

The Details:

I was given Authentique's "Miracle Girl" kit which is a 700+ piece collection with a baby girl them. There is also a boy version with blues and greens. This was actually the fifth project I've made from the same kit. You don't have to use it for baby projects as I made a more masculine card for Kevin from this kit. 

Supplies:

Patterned Papers: Authentique

Die Cuts: Authentique

Stickers: Authentique

Mist: Tattered Angels

Jewels: Making Memories

Ink: ColorBox, Ranger

Twine: The Twinery

Liquid Adhesive: Fabric-tac by Beacon

Clothespins: Lowe Cornell (Jo-Ann Crafts)

Other: buttons, string, frame

As I was pondering the banner assignment, I thought that a clothesline looked similar to a banner. I also starting imagining cute baby clothes being hung on the line with clothespins so I just went with that idea and hung Zemira on the line.

I anchored my three photos of unto hand cut tags. I decorated the tags with twine, buttons, die cuts and stickers. I had previously purchased some wooden clothespins from a craft store, so I used that to hang the tags onto a piece of brown string. To fill in the space in between the tags, and to bring in more of a banner feel, I hand cut some little flags, glued on a few buttons and attached that to the string.

For the frame, I went to a thrift store and purchased a framed wall art which was still new in package. I was looking for something cute or elegant in a bright white but could only find a rustic brown in the size I wanted. I decided to use the best available find and make it work. I took out the central art piece which was a pineapple print and cut out part of the central mat so I would have a bigger space to work with. The large mat that was left was an unappealing beige color, so I took my Tim Holtz Distress Ink and rubbed it over the mat to create a woodgrain look which matched the rustic charm of the frame. I also sprayed a bit of glimmer mist onto the mat to add a bit of shimmer and femininity.

Be creative and work with what you have, you might be surprised by what you can achieve.

Thanks for stopping by,

Another Giveaway at Paper Made Bakery

Hey everyone! I just wanted to share that Paper Made Bakery has a quick survey they would like you to fill out regarding electronic die cutting machines. If you participate in the survey and leave a comment at Paper Made Bakery, you will be entered in a drawing for "a super-fun, crafty-type swag bag!" Please respond by Sunday for a chance to win. Good luck!

Paper Made Bakery: Owl Always Love You Card

The Reveal:
Welcome to my Wednesday sneak peek reveal with Paper Made Bakery. For the full card, please visit Paper Made Bakery's blog, here. 

Latest Creation with Paper Made Bakery

The stamp set this month from the Fresh Baked Kit has been so fun and versatile. There is so much you can do with all the Avocado Arts stamps. I decided to use the owl stamp this time. He was so nice, I used him twice on my card. I also loved the burgundy jute twine that comes with the kit. I may have gotten carried away and used the whole strand. 

I also made a sketch for today's reveal, but as I started creating my card, I made numerous variations from my original sketch. 

Thanks so much for stoppin' by, 

Happy Valentine's Everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you will all have a lovely day. I was so surprised to receive a box of chocolates in the mail today. Thanks so much kind friend!

News to Share:
I made some scrapbooking resolutions in January 2011 and I have been working on trying to achieve them. One of my goals which I thought was elusive was to get published in a magazine. I've been featured on some blogs and online magazines, but was wondering if I could ever get published in a handheld, physical medium. I made a wall hanging which will be featured in "Create: Idea Book Series" in the July 2012 Home Decor issue. So I guess technically I'm in a book, which is even better.

Chadelier Wall Hanging

I can't believe my wall art was chosen, because that is something I usually don't make. I usually make cards and layouts. I can't post any photos of my project until August. If you just can't wait, it will be displayed at Pages from the Heart after I get it back from being professionally photographed. So fancy!

Valentine Card:
I made a Valentine's Day card with Kevin in mind, so I kept is no frills, and tied it in to his favorite pursuit, technology.

Masculine Valentine Card

This also got picked up by a magazine, Cricut Magazine: Card Idea Book, August 2012 edition.

He really likes all things Mac so I cut 24 little apples with my Cricut (Plantin Schoolbook cartridge). The apples are round, but on the one red one I hand cut out a bite, so it looks more like the Apple logo and also because he got picked. I typed the sentiment and ran the patterned paper (Authentique) through my printer. I don't like my handwriting so I try to think ahead and type the sentiments and arrange it in the right place. If you like your own handwriting, it'd be easier to just write it after everything is glued in place. I drew in two tiny apple seeds to continue my apple theme. I drew in some lines and a frame using a pen and ruler to finish the card. I kept everything simple and streamed line, and tried to refrain from the extra layers and embellishments that I'd normally want to add in there.

We actually celebrated Valentine's Day one day earlier since Kevin had Monday off from work. Guess where we went before the secret restaurant he chose? The Apple Store! He wanted to see the newly remodeled one in Pasadena. I usually obtain a glassy stare upon entering, but I have to say one new thing to note was that the usual typed display tags were replaced with iPads. Each piece of equipment had its own iPad detailing its features and functions. Can you believe we have devices that seemed so far fetched in Star Trek? The point is, the card was perfect!

Come by again on Wednesday to see my new Paper Made Bakery reveal!

Thanks for stoppin' by,

Paper Made Bakery: New Project with Tutorial

The Reveal:
I have an exciting new project with a tutorial up on Paper Made Bakery's blog today. I can't tell you all the details, but can only give you a sneak peek.

New Paper Made Bakery Project

Can you guess what it is? I'll give you two clues, it isn't a card and chocolate is involved. You'll just have to hop over to Paper Made Bakery to get the full scoop. I added some bonus tips along with the tutorial if you want to create your own mystery item.

Keep In Touch:

Here are the different ways you can keep up with all the exciting news, reveals and giveaways that's constantly happeing with PMB. Visit their blog, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter. If you need inspiration, just browse their Flickr gallery.

Congratulations to the blog hop winner, Katie Skiff, who commented on Savannah's blog. Don't feel bad if you didn't win this time, I'll update you on all future events. So just keep trying. There will be a new blog hop each month.

Thanks for stoppin' by,

"What Lurks Beneath?" Layout

Featured Card:
I was informed by my fellow DT member, Ryann, that my A Penny for your Thoughts card was featured in the Two Peas Stamp Gallery. Thanks for the heads up, as I would have missed it. I was quite surprised since I thought they only showcased their own designers or contest winners. I took a screen shot to show you as the project has since changed, but it was an honor just to be nominated, I mean, featured. You can see Ryann's circular heart card in the picture too.

Two Peas Stamping Gallery

The Reveal:

My friend Becky was over and mentioned that she hadn't seen this layout before. 

What Lurks Beneath? layout

I forget to post projects that I make just for fun rather than for a design team. This was from my family's trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand last summer and we were taking photos in the hotel pool. My dad didn't want to pose underwater so we placed the camera underwater while we stood above the water for the photo.

Pool Photo

The Details:

I wanted to create an underwater scene with strange creatures peering into a ship's porthole. 

Raised Porthole and Main Photo

I cut the photo into a circular shape and placed a piece of transparency over it to look like glass. I trimmed a piece of metallic silver cardstock to go around the edge as a metal frame. I used gold accents from Imaginisce Glam-rocks to look like the screws. I popped that up over the background. 

Supporting Photos

I printed up three smaller photos of the three of us who actually took underwater photos. I arranged that as a small cluster with a few sea themed stickers. 

Title

I interspersed the title with more aquatic stickers and tied the anchor with some baker's twine.

 Come by again tomorrow for another PMB reveal. 

Thanks for stoppin' by,

Paper Made Bakery: February Kit Reveal + Blog Hop + Giveaway!

The Hop:
Welcome to Paper Made Bakery's February release blog hop! If you've just arrived from Ryann's site, then you came to the right place. If you would like to start from the beginning, please hop on over to Paper Made Bakery's blog. If you are lost, this the blog hop order:

Paper Made Bakery
Stephanie
Savannah
Ryann
Michelle (←you are here)
Lisa
Ashley

Here is my creation for the blog hop, called, "A Penny for your Thoughts."

A Penny for your Thoughts card

The Kit:
I would like to introduce you to Paper Made Bakery's Fresh Baked February kit! I had the pleasure of receiving this kit early and working with the contents. I have to say it was deliciously good!

Paper Made Bakery's February Kit

Everything is perfectly coordinated with the base set of 10 notecards and envelopes. I didn't have to spend time and energy assembling my own materials, but instead could focus on just utilizing them. It actually helped me be more creative. I can't wait to show you my four projects this month! Look for me each Wednesday as each designer has their own day of the week for a reveal.

Unopened Splendor

If you would like to order a kit before they are all snatched up, please visit here.

The Process:

I went to bed one night thinking about what to make from the kit. I woke up with numerous ideas and quickly sketched them out in my notebook. Later I digitally recreated one of them in Adobe Photoshop. 

My Card Sketch

I was inspired by the branch in the Avocado Arts stamp set and thought three hanging hearts would be cute for a Valentine's Day card. I stamped the branch on white cardstock, but thought it looked a bit stark. I stippled on some ink using a dry brush and changed up the background color.

Changing the cardstock color

But sometimes an idea takes on a life of its own. I decided to change the hearts into coins. That way, if the recipient doesn't like the card, they would at least have 16¢ in their hands.

Dangling Coins

I wanted a way to attach the coins to the branch so I handstitched lines using the twine that is included in the kit. It is much coarser than stitching with floss, but it gives a more rustic look. 

Stitching with Twine

I matched each coin with lyrics from the 1982  Tavares song, "A Penny for your Thoughts" for the sentiment. 

Matching Sentiment

The Giveaway:

There is a prize to be given by Paper Made Bakery to one lucky participant. Here are the different ways you can win:

1. Comment on each blog with an original comment.  The more you comment, the better chance of winning!  

2. Share this hop on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or in an email.  

3. Be sure to comment on Paper Made Bakery's Facebook wall and let us know you've shared.  Deadline is Sunday, February 5, 2012.

Good luck to all! Your next stop is Lisa's blog.

Thanks for hoppin' by,

These are a Few of my Favorite Things Mini-drawers

The Reveal:
I altered this set of mini-drawers just for fun. It is around 6 x 6 x 8 inches.

Altered Mini-drawers

The Background:
I was browsing at a yard sale when I spotted this rusty item that someone had used to store screws and bolts.

Original State

I really liked the size and the little drawers and decided to rescue it. I think people who rescue dogs feel the same way, you can see the potential after some rehabilitation.

The Details:

First I sprayed it with some RustOleum white paint, and by "I", I mean Kevin. After it dried, I used Mod Podge and applied on the background pink papers. Then I decorated mostly with Imaginisce's Enchanted collection. Since I was thinking of putting my favorite embellishments in the drawers, I decided to depict scenes from the song, "My Favorite Things", like raindrops of roses and whiskers on kittens. 

These are a few of my favorite things

I used a card sketch from Sketch Support as the inspiration for the layout design. I liked the little squares in the sketch and thought that would be cute for each scene depiction.

Card Sketch

For the front, I also decoupaged each drawer and tied some ribbons on the handles. 

Front View

On the opposite side of "My Favorite Things", I made a Prince Charming scene with Kevin battling a dragon. 

Side View

The 2nd Reveal:

Around this time, my mom asked me to make a card for a wedding she was attending. Since I had the sketch out, I used that plus my pack of Valentine materials and whipped this lil' set up for her. I think the bride like it. 

Wedding Card & Envelope

I hope you enjoyed seeing my creations. It was really fun to make these two items. Don't forget, tomorrow is my first reveal for Paper Made Bakery. There will be a Blog Hop plus a giveaway!

Thanks for stoppin' by,