With simply paper and creativity anyone can create art


Saturday, November 30, 2013

Another C'EST MAGNIFIQUE project

If you came for the Something Tattered blog Hop, please see previous post.

C'EST MAGNIFIQUE KIT PROJECT
Today I am revealing yet another creation made with the gorgeous C'est Magnifique December kit. A 4x4-inch kirigami. You can find my tutorial on how to create this wonderful, sturdy little gift box HERE on my blog. The large flower is from the add-on and the leaves are from my stash. I cut up the lace and added a wonderful chipboard MME title from this glorious kit.

Here is a peek at the main kit contents - so beautiful and so much to work with. A Christmas crafter's dream!

Friday, November 29, 2013

Something Tattered Blog hop!

You can feel Christmas in the air! The kids are so excited and so am I... so are you ready to a fabulous blog hop with LOTS of stamp prizes? 10 PRIZES TO BE WON!

Welcome to the First Annual Something Tattered Holiday Blog Hop!
If you came here from Misty's Blog, then you are on the right track. If not, head to the Something Tattered Blog for the full blog roll.

We are so excited to share our creations using the gorgeous vintage style stamps created by Beth Neumann. Our Design Team has been hard at work crafting their Holiday projects for you to see! We hope that you will be inspired and want to try some of these beautiful and elegantly detailed stamps for yourself!

First off here is my project, using the Paris Script Stamp set. I used the script stamp on both the snowman and stocking die cuts. I thought this card and tag set would look really cute together - maybe even make a nice teacher gift. Now... what to fill the jar with? Cookies I think!

click on images for larger views

Here is a close-up of the card. I actually don't own a die cutting machine since I primarily work with chipboard so a big shout out to my generous friend Bonnie for sending me Christmas die cuts (she sent lots!).

There will be a chance to win a monogram set of your choice for every blog that you visit and complete the steps below.
Here are some examples:

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/160146649/something-tattered-letter-a-initial?ref=shop_home_activehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/160138508/something-tattered-letter-b-initial?ref=related-2
  https://www.etsy.com/listing/160150166/something-tattered-letter-n-initial?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=nhttps://www.etsy.com/listing/160151763/something-tattered-letter-s-initial?ref=related-6


The Grand Prize is a complete set
of French Months Stamp Sets!
Here are some examples and you can see the entire set here.

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/166546403/something-tattered-june-juin-french?ref=shop_home_activehttps://www.etsy.com/listing/163312374/something-tattered-october-octobre?ref=shop_home_active

 Grab a mug of something warm and yummy and start hopping!
 The Blog Hops ends at Midnight, Monday, December 2, 2013 - 10 PRIZES TO BE WON!

To play along:

1. Become a follower of the Something Tattered blog
2. Visit each Designer's blog and become a follower if you are not already.
3. Leave a comment on each blog so we know you were there!
4. Enjoy the projects!
4. If you have a blog,post our button on your blog (see sidebar on Something Tattered Blog)
5. Like our Facebook Page  and let us know you completed the hop!


One winner will be selected at random from each blog and all participants that complete the hop will be eligible to win the Grand Prize!

Your next stop on our Holiday Hop
If you lose your way here is the entire Blog Hop Order:

Have a happy hop and  Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

My first C'est Magnifique reveal

My very first C'est Magnifique reveal! I'm posting most of my projects made with the gorgeous December kit today (only 2 more projects to come). This kit features some gorgeous Inkido and Kaisercraft papers, plus perfectly matched embellishments. I love Christmas kits and had so much fun with this one that I created 7 projects in total!

Up first is a picture of my daughter's first Christmas - asleep most of the day, LOL! These 3 papers were my favourite ones in this kit! I added some diamond dust to the cream roses to compliment the sparkling vine. I inked, ripped and rolled the edges of my papers to add texture. Everything is from the main kit and flower add-on.
click on images for larger views

Next is a layout of my middle child as a toddler. I loved his little bear snowsuit! I added some doilies on here to complement the gorgeous lace in the kit. The details in the Inkido papers are so cute too! I simply finished the chipboard with some brown ink for a natural wood look. Everything else is from the main kit and flower add-on. Awesome zipper flowers this month!

This is a display layout for my fireplace mantle... I do a new one for every season. Again, I added a doily on here. There was some red ink in this kit so I made good use of it on the chipboard (along with some splattered gesso) and around the banner quote that I cut from one of the papers. Everything else is from the main kit and flower add-on. Love the red flowers - so festive!

Here is a card and tag set I made with some kit scraps for my mother in-law. I used a few leaves from my stash on here. I inked the paper edges for a classy vintage feel. Everything else is from the main kit and flower add-on. Such a great flower variety in this kit!

And yet another card and tag set made from this kit for my father in-law. I used a few leaves from my stash on here too. Heavy distressing on these for a shabby look. Everything is else main kit and flower add-on. Love the vintage images on the Inkido papers!

This kit was so was so easy to work with and I still have 2 more projects to reveal very soon! I was VERY inspired to create with this kit and it feels so good to be back to designing with monthly kits again! Leslie really puts together incredible kits and it is my pleasure to be designing for C'est Magnifique! They have a really great forum too so be sure to check it out!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Dusty Attic "flying high" theme

I was so inspired by the "flying high" Dusty Attic theme this month that I made two ATCs and turned each of them into cards (sympathy cards) - unfortunately need a few of these for friends of mine.

For my first ATC, I used a shield and eagle wings from the coat of arms set. I mounted the ATC on the mini Marrakesh trellis and used 2 discard pieces from the casing of the Morroccan design set.

TIP: How did I achieve the faux embossed swirls on the shield? I painted a generous coat of gesso and right away topped it with DA clear crackle varnish. I used a kabob skewer and "drew" swirls before the crackle started to dry. On the wings I simply used metallic distress stain and on the trellis several inks were applied.

Here is my second card, using mini wings, a mini word and discard pieces from a corner scroll. I finished the wings with DA's Navajo white paint and clear crackle varnish and the other pieces I left natural and simply topped with the crackle. I love the way crackle looks on plain chipboard.

*Spend over $25.00 on Dusty Attic chipboard in my Etsy and you will receive 20% off your ENTIRE purchase. Enter the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY upon checkout (in the area provided for it) to receive the 20% discount. This offer expires on December 1st, 2013.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Make something old new again (Dusty Attic)

Something old, something new and definitely not blue (anymore). I made an advent calendar last year for a class I was teaching, thinking I was going to give it away as a gift. I knew it didn't match my house style (a bit too rustic and lots of blue), but it was perfect for the class. Well, I selfishly decided to keep it. So, I changed the numbers and took out the middle (since I had never glued it down permanently). I finished a Dusty Attic advent insert this year so that it now matches my house a bit more. My Chrismas colours are burgundy, pink, white and gold. I think this will do.

Click on images for larger views

Here is a closer look at the numbers, the advent insert and even the brand new mini fence. I stacked white numbers on top of the old brown ones, off setting slightly to create a shadow. The gold trees I found at Michaels. I finished the chipboard with gesso, gold glimmer mist, stickles, diamond dust and snow writer for dimension. To see my the rustic version of this calendar, see last year's post HERE.

What did I do with the "old" middle of the calendar? I heavily distressed the edges, added some lace and then glued it down onto a folded sheet of cardstock to make a card. This oversized card (for my parents) is 4x12 inches and features the Santa and reindeer chipboard as well as a mini word title.

*Spend over $25.00 on Dusty Attic chipboard in my Etsy and you will receive 20% off your ENTIRE purchase. Enter the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY upon checkout (in the area provided for it) to receive the 20% discount. This offer expires on December 1st, 2013.


Saturday, November 23, 2013

Chipboard Ornaments (Dusty Attic)

I am so in the Christmas spirit right now. The shopping is done (yes ALL done!), the tree is being decorated tomorrow and then all I need to do is bake and wrap presents. I plan to sit back with hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies while scrapping in December... oh and attend a few parties too :)

click on image for larger view

I made these little decorations the other day, using 2 packs of Dusty Attic chipboard (DA0199). I finished the chipboard with gesso, glimmer mist, DA clear crackle varnish (DA0900) and some diamond dust. Why use 2 packs of chipboard? I wanted them really thick, sturdy and double sided so I glued them back to back. The bauble trinkets are Prima and the seam binding is hand crinkled and tinted using glimmer mist.

*Spend over $25.00 on Dusty Attic chipboard in my Etsy and you will receive 20% off your ENTIRE purchase. Enter the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY upon checkout (in the area provided for it) to receive the 20% discount. This offer expires on December 1st, 2013.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

20% off Dusty Attic Chipboard SALE!


20% off sale in my Etsy Shop at:
I have brand new Dusty Attic chipboard available!

When you spend over $25.00 in my Etsy, you will receive 20% off your ENTIRE purchase. Enter the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY upon checkout (in the area provided for it) to receive the 20% discount. This offer expires on DEC 1st, so hurry before it's all gone! Happy Shopping!

HOW TO ENTER THE ETSY DISCOUNT CODE:
Once you've added items to your cart, click the blue Apply shop coupon code located above Item total BEFORE you checkout. Then enter the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY and click Apply. The coupon discount will adjust your total before you submit the order (this only works on orders over $25.00 - before shipping cost).


Ho, Ho Ho - Christmas Kit!

Here is a peek at the C'est Magnifique December kit add-ons. OMG the main kit is so amazing... but you'll have to wait until reveal day on Nov. 30th to see that  :)

Inkido and KaiserCraft papers

Prima and Petaloo flowers

 So many gorgeous embellishments

Friday, November 15, 2013

Big News - C'est Magnifique Design Team

I've had this information held under sealed lips for two long months (I was too busy to start any earlier). Leslie offered me a DT spot on her amazing C'est Magnifique Kit Club Design Team! I am so thrilled to be getting back to my "roots" and scrapping with international products again. Wheeee! The December DT project reveal is just around the corner and I have been crafting up a storm - layouts, cards, tags and an altered project too! Can't wait to share.




Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Girly Card (Dusty Attic/ Something Tattered)

Here is a card which is my first DT project for Something Tattered. I used the "Mars" (French for March) stamp set LOTS of amazing Dusty Attic chipboard and flowers too. The chipboard used is an ATC frame, wings from the Cost of Arms set and a Mini Wire Dress Form, plus a few Bridal Veil flowers.


Here is a peek at the pretty Something Tattered stamp set I created with. I used the swirly word Mars and stamped it on the oval ATC chipboard frame with brown chalk ink and then I used the flower vine in the corners with brown distress ink. such a crisp image since it's a high quality polymer stamp. The set only retails for $10.99 too!


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Dusty Attic Fridge Magnets Tutorial

I decided to create something a little different - some shabby chic fridge magnets made with fabulous Dusty Attic chipboard. Click on images for larger views.

Here is a quick tutorial on how I created them:

STEP 1 - I used the Moroccan Accents set DA0837 and randomly dabbed them with gesso.

STEP 2 - I used Cranberry acrylic paint DA0910 on 4 pieces, and Dusty Pink acrylic paint DA0907 on 4 pieces (I did not paint the 4 smaller pieces).

STEP 3 - I topped the 8 painted pieces with Clear Crackle Varnish DA0900 and simply glued some chunky glitter glass to the 4 smaller pieces (without covering the very middle so I could add a gem there later on).

STEP 4 - I layered and glued my pieces together, including a magnet to the back of them (magnets from my local dollar store). Lastly, I added a gem to the middle.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Dusty Attic October ATC

For this month's Dusty Attic "creepy fright night" ATC theme, I decided to use an animal element from the Coat of Arms set DA0833 - which I covered with Soot paint DA0925 and topped with Clear Crackle Varnish DA0900. I mounted it in the middle portion of the ATC frame DA0876 - which I painted with Navajo White paint DA0903 and stippled on some Sunburnt Orange paint DA0906. Finally, I added some casing (discard pieces) of the Sweet Pea Border DA0593 to the background - which I painted in Lavender Blush DA0911 and then spritz with a dark purple mist, letting it pool on the edges. It's almost Halloween :)

click on image for larger view

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Exciting News - Something Tattered DT!

I know I've been quiet but trust me I have a lot of new projects on the go to share soon. I also have some very exciting news. I will be starting on 2 new design teams... the first of which I can reveal to you today... SOMETHING TATTERED - a very AWESOME brand new stamp company. They are totally vintage/shabby chic and feature high quality polymer stamps. I am really proud to be the first Canadian on this team - whooo-hoooo! You can follow the Something Tattered blog HERE!



I will be in very good company too. Here is the rest of the design team from around the globe (and I already know of a few special "secret" guest designers that will be joining us).


Friday, September 27, 2013

Farewell to Swirlydoos

I am sharing a few last projects as my terms ends with Swirlydoos, using papers and embellishments from the September "Gilted Pleasure" kit as well as some Dusty Attic chipboard from my stash.

Here is a layout I created using my kit leftovers and then added some chipboard (chandelier, wrought iron trim and title) - all dripping in the gold Silks glaze provided in the kit. These were my favourite papers in this kit! I love how the sepia picture of my son goes so well with all that gold goodness.

click on images for larger views

On the chandelier, I used gesso, gold Silks glaze, brown chalk ink and diamond Stickles.

Look at the gorgeous flowers and trim in this kit.

This layout was inspired by the #99 sketch from Sketchabilities this month.

So many beautiful metal elements, flowers, trims and bling in this kit... all were perfect to surround this picture my husband took in Rome 12 years ago. The title and corner scroll are Dusty Attic chipboard from my stash.

Here is a close-up of the gorgeous flowers and trim in the kit. This time I just lightly splattered the gold Silks glaze on my primed chipboard.

This layout was inspired by the September Dusty Attic sketch challenge.

Lastly for today, I used more of the amazing gold trim and beautiful flowers, combined with the kit notecards... all mounted on some plain pink cardstock and embellished with Dusty Attic chipboard (ATC frame, mini dress form, mini word and casing from a corner flourish)... again showing off that amazing gold Silks glaze in the kit. A simple yet elegant card for a fashion fanatic friend of mine.

I even tucked a stick pin from the kit on here behind the dress form! I also dabbed some Navajo white DA paint on my frame for a shabby vintage style - this is the theme this month over at Dusty Attic.
Don't forget about the current Swirlydoos Contest!

I would like to thank everyone at Swirlydoos, you have made it a pleasure to design for you. I cherish the friendships that I have made and the opportunity to design with many talented artists -- the design team and equally the kit club members.

Oh and... Just a few days left to enter to WIN this $150.00 Dusty Attic prize. Go to the Dusty Attic FACEBOOK page for details. Good luck!