Travel Games Gift Idea

Hello everyone!  I've enjoyed taking a break for awhile and getting ready for the holidays.  My Christmas shopping is done and now I'm down to finishing the homemade gifts. 
 

I ran across this fabulous idea on JessicaSprague.com for creating a Travel Game Book.  I think it's perfect for a stocking stuffer or to use while you're traveling for the holidays.  You can download the printables here for under $3! 

I'm not sure when I'll post again.  Santa is keeping me very busy.  ;)

Free Jessica Sprague Class!

If you have never taken an online class from Jessica Sprague, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!!  She is an amazing teacher and now you have a chance to try a class for FREE!  Click here for all the details.

Folded Paper Flower Tutorial

Interested in learning how to make this beautiful folded flower?  Click here.

ReThink Your Stamps

Studio Calico has a fabulous tutorial full of unique ways to use your stamps.  Check it out here.

Pleated Paper Star Tutorial

Here it is...my version of the pleated paper star!

STEP 1:
Cut a 1 1/2" x 12" strip of patterned paper.  Score vertically every 1/4".  (Notice that's a scoring blade, not a cutting blade).  You will have five 12" long scoring marks when you are done.

STEP 2:
Cut the strip into 1 1/2" x 2" pieces.  This will give you 6 pieces.  You only need 5.  Using a fine-tipped red pen and a ruler, draw three lines across the top of each small piece.

STEP 3:
Fold each piece like you would a fan.  When the green side is up, the two folds on the ends should be pointing down.  This gives you 3 peaks and 2 valleys.

STEP 4:
Using a tiny stapler (like a Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher), staple the end closest to the red lines. Repeat for all five pieces.

STEP 5:

Arrange pieces into the shape of a star and attach to background with glue dots.

STEP 6:

Cover the hole in the center of the star with punched pieces placed on pop dots.  Embellish as desired.

Enjoy!

A Holiday Layout

As hard as it may be to believe, Christmas is only 54 days away.
(I KNOW!!)

In anticipation of the upcoming festivities, we are already designing our holiday classes at Lucky Lark Designs.  Here's a closer look at what's in store...

"Believe"

I saw a layout in the November 2010 issue of "Scrapbook Trends" by Tonya Dirk that had a beautiful pleated star and a folded border.  I fell in love and decided to try it out.  This is my version of the star:

Here's a peek at the folded paper border.  (According to "Scrapbook Trends", cut squares or circles from double sided patterned paper, then fold the corners in slightly to reveal the other side.  Top with jewels).

I found these beautiful flourish stamps by "Inkadinkado."  They have spaces ready for you to place rhinestones of various sizes.  I ran out of gems, so I filled in the remaining spots with stickles.  I love the final result!

A Santa layout isn't complete without a wishlist.  Here's Cameron's:

I will try and post a tutorial for the pleated star tomorrow.  Stay tuned!

So Loved

A few weeks ago, my brother and his family welcomed a new baby girl into their home.  As Baby #6, she had 3 older sisters and 2 older brothers who were anxiously awaiting her arrival.

A few days after her birth, her dad emailed me some photos.  As I was scrolling through them, I was delighted in each pose that was the same, except for a different face smiling above hers as they each cradled Baby Lucy in his or her arms.  It struck me how lucky she is to be loved by so many people right from the start!

The pictures prompted this "So Loved" layout which I pieced together in a patchwork quilt style.  The muted tones and rich colors feel warm and welcoming.  I kept the embellishments to a minimum so the focus would remain on the photos.

p.s.  The layout really isn't crooked...I just can't take a straight picture.

I've been looking for an excuse to use these beautiful paper roses on a project.  I cut out the scalloped peach flower (shown below) using my Silhouette.  But you can also create one easily on your own like I did for the ivory flower.  Here's a quick tutorial for a spiral cut flower on the Fancy Pants blog.  (Scroll down until you seen "Spirals").

I love the dimension they add to this layout!

Here's my new "Plants" die from QuicKutz.  It's simple and elegant...love it!

Yes, Lucy is definitely loved.  Don't you agree?

Supplies Used:  Cardstock:  DCWV; Patterned Papers:  My Minds Eye; Dies:  QuicKutz; Border Punch:  Fiskars; Journaling Stamp:  WRMK; Pin:  Making Memories; Butterfly Punches:  Fiskars and Marvy; Flower:  Prima; Pearls:  K&Co.