C'est Magnifique MARCH Preview

Here is a sneak peek at the amazing C'est Magnifique March kit. Some beautiful kit add-ons were revealed this week! You'll have to wait until February 28th to see the main kit contents but for now you can drool over these...

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THE PAPERS 

THE FLOWERS

THE EMBELLISHMENTS

THE MIXED MEDIA

I'll be back on February 26th to reveal 2 project sneaks made with this kit. The full reveal is on February 28th from the entire C'est Magnifique design team.

Something Tattered Valentine Project

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm here to share a cute little project created with Something Tattered Stamps - a treat bag that I will fill today (for my kids to have an after dinner surprise). I first stamped a plain pink craft bag with the brand new POWDER antique wallpaper stamp, added some distressed Prima paper, and then cut a hole through the front of the bag.

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Next, I used 2 stamps from the French AMOUR stamp set just below the circle and added clusters of Green Tara flowers around the opening. The final touch was glueing some old plastic Prima packaging to create a peek-a-boo "window" in my bag (the white words were already on there!).

Here is a look at the gorgeous Something Tattered stamp sets I used for my gift bag project.

Be sure to check out the Something Tattered Blog today to see what the rest of the design team has created in celebration of "Love Day".

FEB Dusty Attic Sketch (and Prima PPP)

The large Dusty Attic skeleton clock face (DA0430) is my all-time favourite chipboard piece and I never tire of finding ways to use it. I paired the gorgeous clock with a word "eternally" from the word pack #2 (DA0476) and lots of pretty Prima papers and flowers (using the Prima PPP as inspiration). The picture was taken 12 years ago on my wedding day - seems like yesterday!

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I used the gorgeous sketch created by Nadia - one of our incredibly talented Dusty DT members!

Here is a close-up of the clock finish.

EASY DISTRESSED LOOK TIP:

Using Ranger Distress ink in "pumice", I randomly pressed the ink pad onto the clock leaving some bare chipboard exposed (and then let it soak in and dry completely).

Next, I used Ranger Distress ink in "black soot" and did the same as above - very randomly. It is THAT EASY! I have tried using other inks (like chalk ink) but cannot achieve the same look... they just all blend together and look bland.

Here is the beautiful Prima PPP palette for February.

C'est Magnifique's FEB giveaway!

The owner of C'est Magnifique Kits is very generous with her blog readers. Each month, Leslie gathers up the bits and pieces from her kit, and offers to send them to one of her blog readers.

It's easy to enter Leslie's giveaway - but you need to enter directly on the C'est Magnifique blog. 

The giveaway will close at midnight on February 12th. The winner, selected by a random draw on the C'est Magnifique blog, will be announced the following day. Good luck to all who enter the draw!

C'est Magnifique February Sketch Challenge

I am back to share a layout that I created with the monthly C'est Magnifique Sketch. My daughter was teething when that photo was taken so no smiles that day, just chubby pink cheeks to photograph. I used product for the February main kit and flower add-on and then backed everything on pink cardstock from my stash - to add a little more colour and complement the pink elements in the kit.

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I rotated the beautiful sketch as shown below. Don't forget to enter your interpretation of the monthly sketch for a chance to win a fantastic prize. See details on the C'est Magnifique Blog!

Here is a peek at the main prize but there is also a send one for a store gift certificate too!

Dusty Attic Paint Caddy

I am back today to share with you my altered Dusty Attic paint caddy (DA0811). I loved the fact that the wood edges were already stained very dark brown. So... I didn't feel it necessary to paint the inside since my project was going to be black, cream and tan anyways (and it will be filled with all my DA paints too). I do love the simple elegance of the natural tan wood colour against the cream and black papers. I used my scraps from the C'est Magnifique February kit, featuring Manor House Creations papers to cover the caddy.

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I added some DA French flourish pieces (DA0275 and DA0273) to decorate the top portion and the drawer. I kept the natural wood finish on the flourish pieces and simply topped them with DA's clear crackle varnish (DA0900) to give them a polished look. This nicely matches the natural finish on the inside of the caddy.

This sturdy MDF caddy is so very easy to assemble and is a really good size to house a lot of paints on top and tools in the drawer. The caddy is 9.5 inches wide, by 10 inches deep, by 5.5 inches high. Can't wait to fill it wit hall my Dusty Attic paints and glazes!

C'est Magnifique FEB Kit Reveal Day!

Today all of the C'est Magnifique designers are revealing their creations! Here are 2 more layouts I have created with this amazing "An Aura of Romance" kit (featuring new Manor House Creations papers).

Up first is layout of my middle child when he was a toddler... in his very cute "authentic and original" disheveled self. I added a doily and stamped the "cutie pie" label but everything else on here is from this month's wonderful main kit and flower add-on. I adore the natural feel of the flowers and vine - a perfect match for these papers!

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Up next, is a layout of hubby and I with our daughter. The photo was actually taken on Valentines day when she was 10 months old. I just LOVE the striped paper in this kit - my FAVE! Ohhh don't you just love that gorgeous black lace too? The scrumptious flowers are from the add-on and I finished the chipboard with the snow tex paste in the kit (and then topped with some diamond dust for extra chunky glam). I just added a few doilies from my stash to create a bit more texture on this layout. The black white and cream paper is so elegant in this kit!

Here is a peek at the main kit this month (I used the pink and red on other layouts - stay tuned for more projects!).

I always get the gorgeous flower add-on (a MUST have - especially this month!).

Lace Rose - Flower Tutorial

It's been a while since I've posted a new flower tutorial. I have been wanting to replicate the Prima Scarlet flower for a while and finally had the chance. You'll be so surprised how easy and inexpensive these are to make.

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What you'll need is very simple:
-- about 18 inches of thin, inexpensive scalloped lace trim (depending on your flower size)
-- 10-15 fabric rose petals (from a recent wedding/craft store)
-- a paper circle (2 inches equals a 3.5 inch finished flower)
-- good glue for fabric (that dries clear)
-- sharp scissors to cut lace

STEP 1 - Glue some petals to the paper circle (about halfway into the circle) and then pieces of lace on top of the petals - scallop facing outwards as shown below.

STEP 2 - Repeat step 1 with a few less petals and lace and glue them to the middle of the circle - as shown below.

STEP 3 - Add a few more pieces of lace tucked between the petal layers - to fill in and "plump" up your flower as desired. Also, create a lace bud and set aside - to be added later. Let everything dry really well now.

STEP 4 - Flip your circle over and add some lace to the very outer edge of the circle (to have it peek out just past the bottom petal layer you glued to the other side). Let it dry.

STEP 5 - Flip it back over and glue the bud to the centre of the flower. Now you're done!

Below are my two handmade flowers (top 2 larger ones - 3.5 inches each) beside an actual 3-inch Prima Scarlet flower (the smaller one on the bottom).

Can you imagine using mists on these?
Endless colour possibilities!

A few early FEB kit shares (C'est Magnifique)

I'm here with a little tease of what I've made so far with the gorgeous C'est Magnifique February kit, using the same piece of paper twice (front and back). I love this classy paper from Manor House Creations. Up first, is a picture of my grandparents the last time they were photographed together. For this layout, I complimented the kit products with some heart doilies to add more pop of colour. The big gorgeous flowers are from the flower add-on (they are so beautiful!).

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Next, is a picture candid of hubby and I at a wedding we attended 10 years ago. I've been waiting for a black and grey kit to scrap this photo. I adore the black lace in this kit and tucked it here and there, revealing some bits (I will be using more of it on another kit layout too). The pretty flowers are a mix from the main kit and the flower add-on. I even used some of the flower packaging as a mat leaving the signature Prima "create memories" slogan as my title.

Be sure to check back on January 30th when all the C'est Magnifique designers reveal more creations with this kit on all our personal blogs! I think this kit is the most versatile ever and the design team will really knock your socks off!

Dusty Attic January Sketch

I'm back with a project created with the Dusty Attic January sketch. I used the very large scroll #6 (DA0578) and cut it in half to surround my flower cluster. The picture is of my dance instructors. I used the last of my Prima Almanac papers and some Prima packaging to create this layout. The flowers are from Green Tara (I still have lots left over from my time spent on the DT - they are so generous!).

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Nadia's sketches are all so beautiful and Dusty Attic is offering up a nice chipboard prize each month for the sketch challenge. Here is the lovely sketch for this month...

On the chipboard I used a faux reverse crackle technique:

Step 1 - Generously stipple gesso onto chipboard and to create "peaks".
Step 2 - Let completely dry.
Step 3 - Dip your finger into chalk ink and gently rub over the textured bumps to highlight them.

Here is a closer look at the other half of the scroll.

Be sure to enter Dusty Attic's January sketch challenge for a chance to win some beautiful chipboard!

C'est Magnifique FEB add-ons

Here is a sneak peek at the C'est Magnifique February kit. Some beautiful add-ons revealed! You'll have to wait until January 30th to see the main kit contents but for now you can drool over these...

THE PAPERS 

THE FLOWERS

THE EMBELLISHMENTS

THE MIXED MEDIA

I'll be back on January 23rd to reveal 2 layout sneaks made with this kit. The full reveal is on January 30th from the entire C'est Magnifique design team.

Leslie's C'est Magnifique's January Giveaway

The owner of C'est Magnifique Kits is very generous with her blog readers. Each month she gathers up the bits and pieces from her kit, and offers to send them to one of her readers.

It's easy to enter Leslie's giveaway - but you need to enter directly on the C'est Magnifique blog. 

The giveaway will close at midnight, January 12th. The winner, selected by a random draw on the C'est Magnifique blog, will be announced the following day. Good luck to you in winning! What an awesome collection of paper and embellishments from the main kit, the embellishment add-on, and flower add-on!

C'est Magnifique January Sketch

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am back with my last project made with the C'est Magnifique January kit. This is a layout using my mom's grade one picture. Everything on this layout is from the main kit and the flower add-on. I even used the grey chalk ink in the kit to soften the flowers and on the title.

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Here is the beautiful sketch this month. Don't forget to enter your layout for a chance to win a terrific prize. See details on how to enter your project on the C'est Magnifique blog!

2014 Dusty Attic DT

Whoooo-hoooo! I am so very happy to announce that I was asked to stay on the Dusty Attic design team for another glorious year! Check out the new and returning DT members posted on the DA blog! Congrats to all!

MY ETSY SHOP UPDATE

Sadly, I will no longer be retailing Dusty Attic product through Etsy though. I obviously adore the product, but unfortunately my life does not have enough hours in each day right now to continue retailing this truly FANTASTIC product (plus Canada Post is really raising their 2014 prices) - so I am having a closing sale...

30% off closing sale in my Etsy Shop at:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/vickyalberto

Receive 30% off your ENTIRE purchase. Enter the coupon code CLOSING2014 upon checkout (in the area provided for it) to receive the 30% discount. Coupon is valid through to the end of January 2014. NO minimum order!

C'est Magnifique JAN Kit Reveal!

It's time to reveal more of my projects made with the gorgeous January kit from C'est Magnifique.

Up first is a layout of my daughter as a toddler. Everything on here is from the main kit and flower add-on except for a doily and a piece of plain white cardstock from my stash. Gorgeous papers embellies as usual this month!
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My daughter really wanted an old headband altered with the blue ribbon she spotted in the kit and the grey flower in the add-on was a perfect match too.

I made some fridge magnets with the wood elements and flowers in the main kit and add-on. Glammed them up with some paint, diamond dust and a bit of grandma's lace (she left me so much beautiful lace when she passed).

Made a birthday gift box for my mom - for December 31st - just added a few leaves from my stash and everything else is from the main kit and flower add-on.

Made a birthday gift box for my dad - for January 8th. Everything is from the main kit and flower add-on.

The tutorial for the kirigami gift boxes can be found HERE.

Here is a peek at the main kit this month - so gorgeous for scrapping the winter blues away!

I will be back with my kit sketch layout in a few days!