It's Elemental..

I have completed that last 2 ATC's of this round of our science geek Periodic Table of the Elements ATC's. I posted Lithium a while back. The first one is Barium. The "drape" does lift up, but I will leave the details to your imagination!

This next one is also interactive. It is Iron:

The scroll work is a gate that opens in the center. Below is the opened card:

No, it is not the Robert Downey Jr Iron Man (Iron is not red, unless it is rusty!). I found a more appropriately colored image on the Internet. However, I did use "Rusty Hinge" Distress Ink to sponge around the edges! Just a bit of fun stuff before the weekend!

Tuesday's Tip

I was making a few birthday cards. I started thinking about the process - decision paper, stamp, color etc. How do put together a card? I usually pull my colored card stock and mats first. Then, I choose focal images and sentiments. This works great if I am coloring in images or using colored inks since my color palette has been established.

Smash Book Part 2

As I mentioned in the previous post, I decided to make my own version of the Smash Book by K&Co. I used materials I already had. After cutting the cover and pages, I added 4 divider pages (cut from Club Scrap card stock) and 4 pocket pages. I also stamped and punched out tabs for each divider.

I pulled out my Bind-It-All and a length of coil. After deciding on the number of holes/length of binding, I punched away. I had not realized how many pages I was cutting - so the book is quite thick! I  quickly decided to add a bit to the cover with decorative tape and rubber stamping. The above photo is of the closed, completed book.

When opened, you can see the divided sections and tabs. On the back cover, I attached ribbon to make a pen holder. The ribbon is attached with 2 small brads. To cover the backside of the brads, I made a vertical pocket for miscellaneous stuff. I think this is an easily translatable project. You can make journal, sketch books, appointment books etc. Many of you probably have the materials you need on hand.

A Smash What?

Recently, someone in my West Coast Scrap group posted information and a video link to something called a "Smash Book". When I checked it out, it was a spiral bound journal with pre-decorated pages.  Seems it has become popular - with its own line of accessories. So...as a maker of books/journals, I thought it would be pretty easy to make one.

I took two 8 1/2  x 11 pieces of cardboard (the type that comes in packages of paper/card stock so that it can  not be bent) and cut them to a 4 1/2 x 6 inch size. Pretty easy and basically cheap!

I went through my stash of decorative papers and pulled out a few. I stayed with a fairly neutral color scheme, with minimal design. I figure I might want to throw it in my purse for ideas, journaling, etc. I also cut some Wausau card stock for plain pages.

Finally, I cut my pages to size. I stenciled a few of the white pages (using ink and Glimmer Mist).  This took me about an hour to decide on papers, decorate, and trim.

Stay tuned for the completed book.

Button,Button...

I bought a little package of blue buttons at JoAnn's a couple of weeks ago. I added a few others and some beads for this fairy. Have you tried this project yet? Very easy and addicting!

Tuesday's Tip

For someone who was not really interested in die cuts, I seem to have a lot dies! And, I have been using them regularly for cards and scrapbook pages. I have a few that have small pieces/windows. Sometimes it is difficult to get the paper to release without tearing. I recently read that rubbing the metal cutting portion of the die with wax paper helps to release the paper.  I have to say it works great! If you have the same issues with your dies, give it a try. You may want to do it every 3-4 cuts.

Distress Stains and Stencils Part 2

After making cards with the Distress Stains ans stencils, I thought I would play on my journal. Of course, the final outcome was not quite what I had originally had in mind! I used 2 colors of Distress Stains on my background - then stenciled the numbers. Then, after a bit of stamping I had a very busy background. I added some Washi tape and vellum, more stamping and a focal image:

You can click on the image to enlarge it. It is a bit of a commentary on having both kids home from college this summer. I do love it when I can use techniques on a multitude of projects!

Stains and Stencils

I have been enjoying playing with Distress Stains and stencils. In addition to the myriad of stencils from Club Scrap, I have quite a few from Crafter's Companion. At the end of June, I will be teaching this class at A Work of Heart. I thought that some of the Distress colors would work well with Club Scrap's Raku kit.

In addition to stencils, I lightly stamped a cluster of butterflies in the background. I added a punched greeting and a couple of die cut butterflies.

The number and clock stencil needed a little extra care in applying the stain. Some of the graphics have small cuts that would be easy to bend/break if you are heavy handed with the stain applicator. In the class, we will be making a 12 x 12 background that will be cut to make 6 cards (with some leftover pieces).

Tuesday's Tip

I often use a variety of dies with my Sizzix Big Shot. It's one of my favorite embellishing tools. Some dies are larger platform style that makes stacking pretty easy. However, I do have some thin metal shapes from Nestibilities and PaperTreyInk. They need a slightly different storage system. How do you store them? I found that using magnetic frames keeps them handy. You can also store them according to manufacturer.

A Few Changes...

I just wanted to take a few moments to let you know of some changes to my blog. They are pretty minor and may not affect many of you. If you are having trouble subscribing with Google, Yahoo or some of the other options, I have added a "Subscribe by e-mail" box on the left.  Also, as I mention earlier, i will be teaching classes using Club Scrap products (as well as many others) at A Work of Heart in San Jose. I have a direct link to A Work of Heart on the right (the row of houses). I will also be posting the upcoming classes just below the link.

If you are not a Club Scrap member or are curious, you may want to come to a class. You will learn something new and have the opportunity to work with and view the wonderful products. As always, any comments or suggestions are welcome!

Unofficial Start of Summer

The calendar and the weather may not scream "summer", but having the kids home from school is my indication. Although my "kids" are college students in their 20's, I still have a transition with having them home for the summer. That transition includes laundry (!), ground rules for being home and storing dorm paraphernalia. So, my creative time has been missing this particular 7-10 days. I have done a few minor projects (that need posting), but my time has been lacking. Do you have similar issues this time of year?

The hardest part for me in weathering a lack of time is staying motivated. Must keep the muse alive!  I have been cruising blogs in the evening and reading magazines. I generally have a post-it notes or a notebook to jot down ideas that reading will spark. I generally purchase magazines at my book store - that way I can decide if the issue appeals to me. I decided after buying it bi-monthly, I would subscribe to CLothPaperScissors. I went on-line to subscribe and found a fabulous interactive website with free downloads and a wonderful newsletter. Talk about keeping the muse alive - check them out here. Another fun website is Strathmore paper site. They have free art journaling classes from wonderful instructors. i love to look at the finished pages! You can see what they have to offer here.

Tuesday's Tip

I have been playing around with some of the Tim Holtz house dies. They are really pretty versatile - and work well with a variety of card stock and papers. When using the moving and shaper for windows, there tend to be a lot of little pieces that get stuck in the die. have you had this happen with some of your dies? I recently read a tip that suggests using a lint roller to pick up the little pieces. So, I gave it a try - it worked wonderfully!

Busy Busy

I have been a bit remiss in posting lately. Mainly due to the preparation for my upcoming classes at A Work of Heart in San Jose. The first class is scrapping - the basics in a mini booklet and the creation of a 6 page layout. I am using Club Scrap's Sales Team special "Cobblestone". The first 2 pages are pictured below:

I thought the colors would be versatile for the activities in June - Father's Day and graduations. Color can be added with fun embellishments based upon the layout usage.

Gel Pens and Watercolor Crayons

I am still busy with tons of projects - class samples, graduation cards,button fairies, and ATC's for my ongoing "Elements" swap. I recently completed one of the three elements to which I have committed. The background was created using a stencil that I colored with Glaze gel pens. After the ink dried, I colored with watercolor crayons, blending with a damp towel. The Glaze marks create a resist with the watercolor. I have been enjoying playing around with this combination.

NOTE: This is not meant to be insensitive to those taking lithium or those with psychological issues. I really just wanted to use these 2 stamps together for Lithium.