CHA Sneak Peeks!

Well, it has begun! I love seeing sneak peeks of beautiful new products that lead up to CHA. I find it so inspiring to see the latest and greatest from a variety of manufacturers and the anticipation really makes me want to create something fabulous! Many websites are posting sneak peeks from a number of manufacturers. The Scrap Review is a great place to see up-to-date peeks. Here are a few of my favorites so far...

3 Bugs in a Rug

Pink Paislee

Glitz Design

Tim Holtz Stamps

Prima

I can't wait!!!

Unity Stamp Co. Giveaway!

Hey! Hop on over the the CK blog where you can be entered for a chance to win $500 worth of product from Unity Stamp Company!

Have a great weekend!

Happy 4th of July!

I love America! As the celebration of Independence Day approaches, I realize I don't have many layouts documenting my patriotism. That's gotta change!

In the meantime, here's a layout I made last year based on a sketch I saw on The Scrap Review. Emilie Ahern wrote the article, but I'm not sure who to credit the sketch to. (I can't find the post now). Emilie created a digital version of this sketch...


...I created mine with paper (and ribbons and stickers):

The photos are 2" square, so it allows you to fit lots on this page (9 to be exact)!

All paper, stickers, and ribbon are Adornit by Carolee's Creations.

I love adding texture to a layout, even if it's subtle, like a row of stitching or a snippet of ribbon.

A Making Memories clip finishes it off...

So, how about you? Have you documented your love for your country? If not, I challenge you to do it this month.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone!

Paradise

Bo Bunny just announced auditions for their Design Team here. Hmmm....should I or shouldn't I?

On another note, I ran across this super cute summertime layout today. It reminds me of where we are going this weekend. I can't wait! I will give you a hint...

Mmmmmm....Paradise!

#1 Dad

In honor of Father's Day this month, I made a layout featuring the 3 men (big and little) in my life. I used the "On the Boardwalk" collection by Graphic 45. It's a super fun line and I love, love, love the color combo! Even though it has a beach theme, I managed to use it on this masculine page just fine. :)

Papers: Graphic 45, My Mind's Eye; Journaling Card: My Mind's Eye; Die Cuts and Cork: QuicKutz; Filmstrip Ribbon and Memo Pin: Tim Holtz; Heart, Photo Corner, and Scalloped Circle Punches: EK Success.

Tim Holtz products always go perfectly well with Graphic 45, so of course I had to throw some in...

These little memo pins are one of my new favorites and the filmstrip ribbon adds a fun bit of flair.

I asked the kids to do the journaling and write what they love about their Dad. I think it's so fun to include them in documenting our family memories. How priceless is that handwriting...misspelled words and all!

It's easy to find pennants/banners anywhere you look in the crafting world right now, so I thought it would be fun to include a miniature version here. A diamond punch comes in really handy for that.

We all know how entertaining it is to play with bubble wrap. But did you know you can stamp with it as well? That's exactly what I did to create the subtle background pattern shown here. Give it a try! You'll love it!

Fun Website!

I ran across this super inspirational crafty blog today. This gal isn't afraid to try anything! Check it out!

Show & Tell

On a side note, I feel like I'm still trying to catch up after the scrapbooking conference I attended a couple of weeks ago. I have some kits and fun things to post, so stay tuned. Maybe tomorrow I won't need a nap. ;)

2 More Fabric Flower Tutorials

It's funny how these fabric flowers keep popping up in my life. :) These are too cute not to share! So as promised, here is another tutorial.



Start with a 3 1/2" fabric circle and a tiny rubberband (made for little girls' ponytails):


Find the center of the circle and gather it up. Then place the rubberband about half way up:


Snip the end off:

Lay the flower out flat, creating a double layer:


Attach a medium sized brad through the hole in the center. Rough up the edges of the fabric with your fingers. I ironed my flower so it would lay flat. Super cute!


Here's an easy variation...Cut a 2 1/2" fabric circle. You will also need a brad (I used a larger one) and a tiny rubberband:


Place the brad in the center of the fabric circle:


Fold the fabric around the brad and wind the rubberband around it from the outside:

Flatten out the circle, rough up the edges, and iron . These are fun to leave as is or to add some color with Glimmer Mist:

Enjoy!