Swirlydoos June Kit Reveal Blog Hop

Welcome to Swirlydoos' Antiquities Kit Reveal
& Blog Hop Block Party!

If you came here from Rae's blog (scrappingfancy.blogspot.ca), then you are on the right track. If not, go back to Swirlydoos' blog (www.swirlydoos.blogspot.ca) and start from there. We have some amazing projects for you to see today and as a bonus we have a very special guest joining in the fun and offering a prize!

Let me start by saying that at first when I saw a dark kit I panicked a wee bit because pastels are my comfort zone... BUT the Bo Bunny (weekend market collection) papers and "Antiquities" kit embellishments are so gorgeous that once I started, I got 3 layouts done in just 4 days!!!

This is my pup (no longer with us now... but still in my heart). I pulled apart a large brown Prima flower to create 2 matching flowers. Only the title is from my stash on this layout.

Here is a close-up of the flowers in the add-on kit.

I used the kit sketch as inspiration for the layout above but it took on a life of its own.

This layout I made 100% with the main kit contents and you will find a step by step tutorial on the Swirlydoos Forum later today. Yes... that is me on my wedding day! The picture was taken on a cruise ship so that's why the "Titanic" backdrop. Had to have a few cheesy cruise pictures, LOL.

A little close up of the bow I made with the main kit ribbon and flower...

I used the June OUAS sketch (without using the birthday theme qualification portion for the challenge). I start my DT term with them in July :)

For this third page I used the Swirlyhues inspiration and sketch which will reveal on June 10th if you'd like to play along with this month's challenge. The photo is my dance instructor (middle) and her assistants. The bling and chipboard title is from my stash - and I altered the flowers.

Close-up of the pretties...

You have until midnight, eastern time, on Sunday, June 10th to complete the hop. Winners will be announced on the Swirlydoos Blog on June 11th. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:

1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already.Take your time. There are REALLY beautiful things to see along the way.

2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down. 

Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence. 

3: Finally, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had AND tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected.

My special word is : TO

The party continues over at Lisa's blog (what-a-beautiful-mess.blogspot.ca)

Have fun and thanks for participating!


Please note: that I have used Helmar's adhesive runner, acid free glue and 450 quick dry glue to create all of these projects.

New chipboard will be here in 2 weeks!

Jen at Dusty Attic has done it again - a new release! I just received notice that my chipboard shipment is in the mail and will be here in about 2 weeks... so after I unpack it all and load it into my Etsy shop it should be available for purchase around the 23rd or 24th of June (along with a generous re-stock of popular items :) Take a peek at just a few of the pretties coming in my order...

Cards in a Pinch (Meg's Garden/Green Tara/Helmar)

Meg's Garden papers make it so simple to pull together a few cards when you're in a pinch for time. The graphics literally do all the work for you and all you need is a few great embellishments. Here I have used gorgeous trims and flowers from Green Tara. I actually made these from concept to completion in 45 minutes. Since I live 20 minutes from a shopping mall, well... that's 2 cards made in the same time as driving there and back and standing in line to pay for cards. I'm sure the recipients will appreciate handmade cards more than store-bought ones too!

I cut one piece of paper to make these 2 cards. This first one is a more feminine in style, pulling out the cream in the paper and accenting with pearl beads and butterflies to compliment the pretty gardenias, cherry blossoms, cream and olive trim - that matched this paper so perfectly. I LOVE the new Green Tara lattice trims!

For my second card, I played up the black and green in the paper to be able to be able to give this to a man. Men like flowers too (my hubby gardens while I scrap, LOL!). These green cherry blossoms really pop against the vintage inspired paper and work well with the gold tones in the paper (that I also enhanced with some bling). This time I used the lattice trim in black.

This is the lovely sheet from the "Forget me Not" collection that I cut in half and then simply folded to create these 2 cards. This paper has a real hand-stamped look to it without any work or mess.

Meg's Garden has also released a "Forget Me Not 2" collection which is a perfect companion to the first collection released and I am working on a project with it right now.

This is the wonderful Helmar glue that holds all the pretties on the paper - acid free, sets clear and won't yellow!

Green Tara products used:
Cherry Blossoms Peach/Cream 
CODE: FLC22PeC
Cherry Blossoms 2 Tone Sea Green
CODE: FLC22SG
Gardenia Ivory
CODE: FDV054Iv5
20mm Self Adhesive Leaf Garland
CODE: RB796Gr
25mm Lattice 10m roll Black
CODE: RB6735BL
 25mm Lattice 10m roll Ivory
CODE: RB6735Iv

25mm Lattice Ivory
CODE: RB6735Iv

25mm Lattice Black
CODE: RB6735BL

Helmar's June Challenge and USTREAM classes

Look at the beautiful color palette design challenge (designed by Lydell Quin) that Helmar is having for June. Check out the Helmar blog for details and http://www.flickr.com/photos/helmarlive

Also, Helmar is now hosting USTREAM classes starting with...

Lisa Wilkenson Live USTREAM Class 10:30AM EST

Friday June 8th at 10:30am at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/helmar-live

Once Upon a Sketch DT

Wow what an exciting team this is to be on, I am in the company of so many friends and so much talent from around the world (not to mention working with Nadia's gorgeous sketches :)

NEW Design Team:
Jeni O'Connor -Administrator (Australia /Canada)
Georgia Heald - Guest Designer coordinator (Australia)
Patti Hamil - Sponsorship Administrator (USA)
Eila Sandberg (Sweden)
Efi Stamatelli (Greece)
Erin Blegen ( USA)
Romy Veul (The Netherlands)
Kelly Foster (USA)
Jolaine Frias (USA)
Vicky Alberto (Canada)
Luzma Bruna (Chile)
Mona Pendleton (USA)
Solange Marques (Brazil)
Anna Zaprzelska/Brises (Poland)
Evgenia Petzer (South Africa)
Renata Moni (Brazil)
Elena Stefanidou (Greece)
Melenia Agapides (Greece)
Cathy Cafun (Australia)
Tina Walker (USA)
Kim Jeffress (Australia)
Florence Teixeira - France
Helena Virpi (Italy)
Hilde Aaslund (Norway)
Kay Fatula (USA)
Camilla Ekman (Sweden)
Svetlana Austin (South Africa)

Check out the the OUAS blog!

Pion Design Release: Grandma's School Book

Look at what Pion Design JUST released... (and it's in the mail to me :) This beautiful collection is available in 12x12 and 6x6. Beautiful pastels for summer...

LAUGH card (Swirlydoos/Helmar)

Well, this is the last project I'll be revealing with the May Swirlydoos "So Chic" kit even though I still have loads of product left over from this kit after doing 3 layouts plus a journal and this card (LOADS left over!). But... it's soon already time for the June kit reveal! I used the fabulous Helmar adhesive runner and 450 quick dry glue for this card. BTW - Helmar just put together a new Video Design Team and will be hosting weekly USTREAM classes - so exciting!

A fairly simple card to brighten someone's day...

Acrylic Bead Headband (Helmar/Green Tara)

My daughter LOVES headbands so when Green Tara sent me a plain plastic headband to "dress-up", well I just couldn't resist creating another pretty headband for her. I immediately grabbed some of their beautiful pearl trim, an acrylic bead flower and a dragonfly. Helmar's strong holding 450 quick dry was just the right glue I needed for a long-lasting bond of all the pretty elements you see here. This glue really made the job fast and easy. You can't see where I glued either and it lets the acrylic beads really shine! Aren't these embellishments gorgeous?

I gave her the headband on the morning of her 4th birthday, she wore it all day long - full of smiles!

This glue is my brand new "go to" glue - clear, strong and acid FREE! Love this stuff!

Thanks for dropping by the blog today!

Live *Pion Design/Helmar*

I was so inspired by the new challenge site CSI (challenge #19 due tomorrow) to create this layout as Pion Design DT work (For Mother Collection) and my first project for Helmar Adhesives. I will also be teaching this layout on June 16th, complete with the large white handmade flower (a mix of a few of my flower tutorial techniques), chipboard techniques, gesso, sanding, chalking, and so much more! Class details will soon be posted next week at Paper and Lace (Strathmore, Alberta, Canada).

Well, this is my middle child at the ripe age of 5 years old. You see, he has an amazing sense of balance and he could actually skateboard and ride a 2-wheeled bike by his 4th birthday (self taught!!!). So... you can imagine how high the ramps are and what he does now 3 years later at 7 years old (scares the crap outta me!). Anyways, who says you can't put doilies and flowers and pearls on a boy layout? I created this with the intention of making a baby layout but these pictures just called to me. BTW - this layout style is GREAT for using up your precious scraps :)

I Do! (Swirlydoos)

I've created another DT layout using the oh so versatile May "So Chic" Swirlydoos kit. Just LOVE the Donna Salazar "Botanique"papers to death! BUT, my layout photography just does not quite capture the beauty and the shimmer of some of the papers like this one - what a shame! This is a picture of my wedding day during the vows, almost 11 years ago! The Dusty Attic chipboard garden frame (I cut it into 2 pieces) is from my stash.

Here is a close-up of the Prima bling (in the main kit) and flowers (in the flower add-on)

I used the Swirlyhues sketch and 2 of the 3 colors as inspiration (since I'm on the DT I decided to break the rules since I don't qualify for the competition, LOL). FYI - the full palette is mandatory but the sketch is optional if you wish to play along this month - open to ANYONE (you do not need to be a kit subscriber!).

Check out the full challenge information and more Swirly DT inspiration on the Swirlydoos blog.

Second ScrapFit Challenge Prize for May

I'm sponsoring 2 Dusty Attic prizes this month over at the ScrapFIT blog (http://scrapfit.blogspot.ca). It is truly a fantastic inspirational EASY challenge blog with an awesome design team (great tutorials too!). You have until May 31st to enter. The SECOND theme and prize this month is...

CHALLENGE: Misting!
Create a layout or project with a good amount of misting!  Be creative, make your own misting mask, mix your mist colors - think outside the box! Visit the ScrapFIT blog for more details and great inspiration!

You can find a healthy selection of Dusty Attic chipboard in my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/vickyalberto. The chipboard styles sell out very fast - so be sure to check back often for re-stocking.

Have fun creating!!!

Pion Design May Sketch Challenge

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

Pion Design is having a fantastic sketch challenge (ending May 31st) and you could win an entire Pion collection. Here is my interpretation of the sketch, using the gorgeous new "For Mother" collection.

This is a picture of my boys sharing a snack while camping a few years ago. I just love the little toddler chairs - so cute! I used some new Dusty Attic chipboard pieces from my Etsy shop and kept the focus on the picture. I also used a script stamp with chalk ink on the "love" word (white flocked chipboard letters from the dollar store!) and really like the result.

The beautiful layout sketch was created by our DT coordinator, Ann Kristine. I really love the simplicity of this sketch as it allows for so many wonderful interpretations.

I hope you give this wonderful challenge a try and link your Pion Design project  at http://blog.piondesign.se. The sketch challenge ends May 31st. Good Luck!

If you are a card maker, then you may enter using this wonderful sketch:

Help me win a PRIZE for YOU

Hun??? Well... the Helmar DT is having a little "friendly" competition and the winner gets prize (and the claws are coming out, hee, hee). So... if I get the prize it is only fair that I reciprocate the generosity for getting your help (and you know I give good stuff - just saying, LOL :) All you need to do is:

LIKE Helmar on their facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/HelmarUSA) and leave them a comment saying that I, Vicky Alberto, sent you there to do so. THAT's it!!! (If you already like them just say so and quote my name in the comments :)

If I win... then one of you wins too - so hurry and like them on Facebook (and remember to mention my name). This DT contest is only going on for a week. Thanks for your support and have a great weekend!

Swirlydoos May kit reveal/blog hop

Welcome to Swirlydoos' May Kit Reveal

Blog Hop Block Party!

(and happy National Scrapbook Day too!)

If you came here from Swirlydoos blog, then you are on the right track.  If not, go back to Swirlydoos' blog and start from there.  We have some amazing projects for you to see today and as a bonus we have 3 special guests joining in the fun and offering a prize!! There are 4 prize packs up for grabs so make sure to follow along and have fun!

The "So Chic" May kit is is just that - shabbylicious chic! It features beautiful papers from Donna Salazar "botanique" and tons of fabulous scrappy goodness from Melissa Frances. For my fist layout, this is my daughter as a newborn. I added a crochet doily (from Michaels) and little acrylic stems (in last month's kit) from my stash.

I did some faux stitching on this (white pen and paper piercer) and love the result. Here is a close-up.

For my second layout, this is my son as a toddler on Easter morning (at my mom's house). I added a Dusty Attic chipboard cherry blossom piece and some paper doilies from my stash. 

Oh my goodness I can't even start to tell you how FULL this kit is - so many flowers! Seriously, I get the main kit and a flower add-on and I have more than enough to make at least 5 layouts. 

I used the gorgeous kit sketch for this one.

Last but not least, a little altered booklet. This will be sent to Stephanie Dinnell, the winner of a recent Swirlydoos forum challenge. She gets a handmade item from several of the Swirly DT members! BTW - Don't you just love those metal corners in the kit?

You have until midnight, eastern time, on Monday, May 7th to complete the hop. Winners will be announced on the Swirlydoos Blog on May 8th.  In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:


1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already. Take your time. There are REALLY beautiful things to see along the way.

2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down. Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a QUESTION.


3: Finally, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had AND tell us the QUESTION that was created with all of the special words you collected AND GIVE US YOUR ANSWERS.

My special word is : WHAT

The party continues over at Lisa Gregory's blog.  Have fun!

***Also, since May is National Scrapbook month, we are saving some of our projects and will be revealing them all month long.  Make sure to come back and check all of our Design Team's blogs to see their wonderful work!

May prize sponsor for ScrapFIT

I'm sponsoring 2 Dusty Attic prizes this month over at the ScrapFIT blog (http://scrapfit.blogspot.ca). It is truly a fantastic inspirational EASY challenge blog with an awesome design team (great tutorials too!). This month you'll have 2 chances to win some Dusty Attic chipboard. The first theme and first prize this month is just perfect for my sponsorship...

CHALLENGE: Decorate With A Doily!
Doilies are back and being put to good use on our scrapbook layouts and paper crafts!  Show us fun and unique way to use a doily! Visit the ScrapFIT blog for more details and great inspiration!

You can find a healthy selection of Dusty Attic chipboard in my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/vickyalberto. Please note that I just received a new shipment just a few weeks ago and the chipboard styles are already selling out very fast (already half the shipment is sold!) - so be sure to check back often for re-stocking.

Have fun creating!!!

Swirlydoos ATCs

Happy Sunday!

Just a quick post of some ATCs I made for Swirlydoos. Each DT member made a few of these for our Swirly leader Krissy to hand out at an upcoming event. I used left overs from my FEB/MAR/APR kits. Was a fun challenge to work on such a small "canvas". Click on the image to see details...

Helmar Adhesives Design Team 2012

I'm officially a "Helmar Hottie" (hee, hee that sounds funny to say!). I was excited to be invited by Erika Taylor (the DT coordinator) to the team and even more excited to learn that she lives only about 40 minutes away from me! A big shout out to my fellow Canadians on the team and DT members from other teams together - whoooo hooooo!!!

The New Helmar Design Team consists of 19 full-time designers, 5 guest artists, and 1 sketch artist...

from all over the world!

Jamie Cripps

Jennifer Evans

Martha Richardson

Julie Tucker-Wolek

Cheryl Boglioli

Grace Lauer

Susan Weckesser

Carisa Zglobicki

Cindy Royal

JJ Sobey

Vicky Alberto

Melanie Forbes

Rae Cooper

Michelle Wallace

Amy Lynne Lassiter

Liz Chidester

Jen Erickson

Beck Beattie

Sandie Edwards

Lydell Quin- Our Helmar Challenge and Sketch Artist

Erin Morehouse - Our May Guest Designer

Lisa Wilkinson - Our June Guest Designer

Katie Nolan-Denhan - Our July Guest Designer

Kate Vickers -Our August Guest Designer

Cheryl Walker - Our September Guest Designer

Erika Taylor- Design Team Coordinator

Also Jessica Morales will be doing some amazing videos for us on a regular basis and we wanted to give her a shout out too.

Be sure to scroll to the next post to find out how you can win a Helmar Adhesives prize pack from Canadian Scrapbooker!

Canadian Scrapbooker Prize

Who wouldn't want to win this prize pack from Helmar? Check out Canadian Scrapbooker for details!

I'm teaching layout classes (and a Canadian retailer for PION DESIGN!)

I am so happy that Pam Malone opened a little shop called Paper and Lace, in Strathmore Alberta,  just 20 minutes from my house!  We have teamed up to help promote her new shop and I will be teaching a May 5th layout class (featuring Prima papers) and a June 16th layout class (featuring PION DESIGN papers!!!) at the Days Inn Hotel in Strathmore.  Yup that's right, Pam is now one of the very first Pion Design retailers in Canada!!!  She is just waiting for the "For Mother" collection to arrive.


Oh... and BTW - Pam carries all the latest and greatest scrappy goodies (she has AMAZING taste!)... all at $20-25% LESS than all the scrapbook stores around.  She also bends over backwards for her customers and accepts custom order requests - still at the lowest prices around. It's like a permanent sale at her place!

The May 5th, 2012 class will be INSPIRED by my recent "desire" layout - with a few fun twists such as handmade flowers and a stamped title plate.

In my classes for Paper and Lace, you'll apply some tips and techniques such as making handmade flowers, layering, distressing, inking/paint, use of lace, adding pearls/bling, flower clustering, etc.  You'll learn how to add dimension and depth to your layouts - taking them from flat to fabulous!  Best of all, you"ll get to play with spectacular products and tools, have lots of fun, plus go home with a gorgeous project!  At the end of the class, you'll have gained skills and inspiration to create future projects and flowers on your own. Get ready to unleash your creativity and have some FUN!