Paper Hugs

sending out...

BEAR HUGS (can you use one today?)  I am a hugger, so if you see me at CHA, you're probably gonna get hugged!

which is also the name of the second stamp set that I am sneak peeking :)

 

bear and sentiment are from Bear Hugs and the flower is from Spring Trees set.  MochaChica paper, Brilliance ink, Doodlebug brad, My Mind's Eye plaid paper (my favorite paper of all time possibly) and Baic Grey paper too... Sakura pen and DMC embroidery floss

*Tip instead of inking edges with black, trace your paper witha  black pen*

 

stump, 2 marshmallow sticks, sign and sentiment are from Bear Hugs and squirrel is from Spring Trees. Prismacolor colored pencils, Bo Bunny, Fancy Pants and Basic Grey papers.  Core'dinations card stock and Brilliance ink

*Tip replace a sun with a cheerful yellow button*

*FF To sell your home faster, and for more money, paint it yellow* (ummm, I don't get it)

Please stop by tomorrow...yup, it's time for some blog candy people.  Let's ring in the new year with 9 prizes to honor our new 2009 year...howZat sound? 

Happy New Year peeps!

OMGoodness...

did you miss me?  I missed you.  I know that I have been MIA...just been enjoying my kids way too much...well, that's not possible, but still.  Hoping that today I can get some creating done.  There is not a CHF challenge today, so I thought I'd share my last 2 cards using the new (upcoming) Spring Trees set.  There are more samples using this set on the CHF Creative Blog (link to right)

 

Tree, bird couple and snail are from Spring Trees stamp set.  Sentiment from A Welcome Hug stamp set.  My Mind's Eye, Doodlebug and Making Memories papers, Brilliance ink, Copic Markers, Sakura glitter pen (used on the snail shell) and a SU scalloped punch.

*Tip when paper piecing stamped images, cut on the outside edge of the image, so that the line overlaps*

 

I didn't mask these trees, they come like this....clustered together.  I used half of the "welcome spring" sentiment that comes with the set.  My Mind's Eye and Scenic Route paper, Clearsnap and Storage Units ink inks.  Making Memories glitter heart brad and Creative Impressions ribbon.  My EK Success corner rounder broke shortly after making this card, so it looks like I will be on the hunt for a new one :(

*FF A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans* (c'mon, you gotta be kidding...ouch!!)

Happy Monday friends :)

just had to...

opt out of my post yesterday, so sorry.  I had a wonderful day with my family and crashed way too early.  We were all up at 6:30 this morning and my kids dove in like they were 5 again.  I just LOVE this time of year and seeing those huge smiles on my kids faces.  It's snowing a ton here, so we went sledding, and was that ever a blast!!

So, I wish I could have sent you all a Christmas card, but clearly, that's just not possible (not enough time in the day *sigh*) BUT, how about this one that I can share with you all?

 

This card was published by Paper Crafts a while ago (can't remember which issue) but please consider this an online card from me to you.  I truely appreciate your friendship and I look forward to seeing what 2009 brings for all of us.  Merry Christmas!

I have a surprise for you

how about a stampy sneak peek???

My January release is around the corner and FOUR stamp sets will be released on Sunday, Jan. 6th.  This is our CHA release, so no KH stamp releases in February.  (we combined the 2 months to pack more punch for show time)  We will be back to 2 stamp releases in March.  Please visit the CHF Be Creative Blog for sneaks throughout January from many CHF designers.  Today's post at the Be Creative Blog shows the newest Elvis release also, which is too cool!

So, here's a card that I made with the first set that we are focusing on called: Spring Trees

 

juicy black Brillinace ink, Crate paper, October Afternoon and Making Memories papers were used.  I drew an outline with a Sakura pen and embellished with some My Mind's Eye and Kaiser rhinestones.  Creative Impressions ribbon (all four images are found within' my new set)

I will be back tomorrow with a "regular" post :)

Happy Pre-Christmas Eve

easy gift wrap idea ahead

 

I am down with that challenge...are you?

I altered a gift bag by cutting 2 triangles for the trees and stamping a leaf design on them, cutting stars for the top, stamping the sentiment and adding it behind the trees and finishing it off with some twine an a button...so done :) Leaves 3 backgrounder and Christmas Expressions CHF stamps, Ranger ink and MochaChica paper

*Tip draw a star on the back of your paper and cut around it...the folky and funkier, the better*

*FF Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left handed people do*(well, I am ambidextrous, does that mean I will have 4.5 years more than lefties?)

Have a great night :)

Hope to see you on Wednesday...wish I could chat more...off to wrap some gifts.  (love the holiday season....I almost got chocked up when the teller guy said "Merry Christmas" to me at the Post Office today...I am such a dork!)

xoxoxo

Scrapbooking & Beyond

said in my best Buzz Lightyear voice.  Scrapbooking and Beyond Magazine is very new to me.  The Winter Issue has a layout of mine in it (my first and only one with them)...and it's the first time I have actually looked through this magazine.  I have heard very nice things about it, so I thought I'd submit and see what thay are all about.  What a beautiful publication it is.  I enjoyed the Graphic 45 feature.  When I entrered their booth at the last show, I was overwhelmed with it's beauty...wow...seriously wow. 

 

Below is my page.  They photographed it so well. It was a 2 page spread with the information on the left and I was thrilled that the image took center stage.

 

This is another publication that displays their projects beautifully.  I don't have any advice or input for this publication, but wanted to share that I am impressed with them.  (and I want to eat those cookies)

how 'bout a card?

   

GASP!!  I know...I used popo (aka purple) My friends...I think you know by now that I am not a purple kinda gal...in fact, I think this color is the one who doesn't like me, I digress...I have to admit that I am finding it *gulp* appealing lately.  So, maybe, just maybe you will be seeing me use it more often. 

October Afternoon papers (I know, I use it too much, but no fear, I have almost used it all up) U R A Hoot and Kissable Tree stamps were used along with Making Memories paint and buttons. 

*Tip add a shimmery look to eyelids with a Sakura glitter pen*

*FF A polar bear's skin is black. Its fur is not white, but actually clear* (ummm, seriously?)

Stampington

Take 10...well, I'll take all of them, thanks.  This an amazing publication that has me completely interested and perplexed...jaw open with a duh look on my face for sure, but in the most complimentary way.  That altered arts style is so unique, I think.  I don't get it, but that's what I LOVE about it.  Finding this pub has helped me grow as an artist.  It makes me want to learn and expand what I know.  I feel artsy when I create for this publication and that brings me great joy.  I am completely out of my comfort zone, but the challenge...is oh' so fun!!

I love how they display cards together with a similar color palette...just so inviting to the eye.

  love, love, love randomness of projects that don't necessarily "follow the rules" but the end results are beautiful to look at.

 

This quarterly magazine has 145 pages FULL of inspiring projects.  They include a sketch with a nabillion samples using it...tons of techniques and plenty of wowness throughout.  There are many Stampington publications as well...Take Ten is just my favorite of all of them.

And here is a technique article that I wrote for them.  It includes 8 cards using Claudine Hellmuth paints and CHF Scrapblocks

If you would like a chance to be a part of this fab mag...you will need to mail your actual cards to them for consideration...no guarantees people.  But, if I remember correctly, the non-published cards make it into deserving hands.  Collage and artsy is key, but so not necessary.  Here is the Stampington web site for more details.  So go and get inky...it's so much fun!

Tomorrow...it's Scrapbooking And Beyond friends

CARDS

...nuff said :) Love me some cards...and a whole magazine filled with them, rocks!  hmmm, what do I love about Cards Magazine?  I "heart" the 8 x 8 size.  I am thrilled that they have a stamping section in every issue and that they educate their readers about the in's and out's of stamping...making me so happy.

 

Their staging is amazing...one card on each page, right on :)

 

They did a feature on Cornish Heritage Farms and it was incredible to say the least.  I am so thankful that they did that for us.  I am sure that it did wonders for getting my stamps noticed. 

One more thing that I really like is that they list the designers in the back with page numbers...makes it so easy to find my cards and I can V-line to the designer's cards that I eat up with a big spoon.

I consider this publication to be trendy and full of different styles, but for the most part, I think they like lots of layers and stitching.  They include plenty of "simple" cards but I think they like clever elements...they seem to appreciate the "free spirit" and welcome playful approaches to design...just sayin'

Tomorrow'a topic...Stampington :)

Today is a challenge day at CHF...a layout challenge.  I decided to play along.  The challenge is to scrap about Christmas Traditions or ornaments.  Carole, Julia and Lesley played along too...links to the right.

 

k, so it may look simple, but it took me SO long to put together...ack!  Creating a clean look can be much more difficult for me than adding on pretty things every where you feel like it, just because the colors are SO perfect.  LOL Making Memories and Bo Bunny papers, Core'dinations card stock, Heart Warmers, Christmas Expressions and Large Polka Dot backgrounder stamps.  Making Memories felt flowers and Imaginisce Brads

*Tip create a visual triangle with your accents...the power of threes is well, powerful*

 

Use a coffee sleve from Starbuck's to help you create a unique eco-friendly touch.  Core'dinations card stock.

*Tip hand or machine sew a pocket to hold a gift card*

*FF There are more chickens than people in the world* (not sure how I feel about that)

Paper Crafts

Hands down, my first paper crafting crush.  I opened this magazine in 2004 and fell in love instantly...no doubt I am not alone.  What I love most about this publication is the variety of crafts that they feature.  Along with their monthly magazines, they offer something for everyone in their special issues.  My favorite are the Card Creations series.  Projects are photographed beautifully and they go an extra step to enhance some pages with cute fonts, like on this page:

 

I find their magazine very informative of what's going on in the industry including a trend watch section, that I love.

 

and each issue is always full of inspiration...like this page...it makes my heart flutter with...well, I don't really know what, I just know that I get excited when I see such beautiful designs and they make me want to play.

 

So, what I have learned about Paper Crafts is that they a have a great sense of humor and love to laugh...so tickle their funny bone...I am sure they would love that.  And...think outside the box...try to be different and stand out from the rest and don't be afraid to create in your own special way since this is a very diverse publication.

Tomorrow, I will chat about CARDS.  (and have a layout to share...maybe a card too) :)

Happy Monday!

I have decided that this week I am going to share what I love about certain magazines.  These are publications that I highly recommend and not just because they show me pub love, but because they inspire me to be a better designer every month.  I feel that I was able to develop my style by working hard for these magazines and I thought I'd share some insight as to what I have learned about each of them.  I don't consider any of these publications to be "easy" to get into, therefore, it reminds me that competition is high and that makes for a great challenge. 

I am going to start with the latest issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today. 

I wanted to wait until I had my paper issues in hand to really take this issue in and let me tell you...it's fabulous (in every way).  I love the cleanness of the cover (so fresh and inviting) Something else that I completely LOVE is the brilliant colors that just make me smile (I am a sucker for amazing color).  Every season has a color palette that makes each page just flow so beautifully.  Tutorials are clean and concise and they cover so many different paper crafting projects.  Projects are the main focus on the page (I just LOVE the eye candy).

(yup, that's my boy)  I also love the textures and props that they choose to photograph some projects on...it's just yummy!! 

And the reader gallery is always oh' so inspiring.  So, when submitting to this magazine, try to scrap unique topics and use colors that scream that season (they are published 4 times per year...March, June, Sept and Dec)  Their spring call ends today and they have an amazing blog candy give away going on right now as well.  All of this information is found within the link that I provided above.

Tomorrow, I will chat about Paper Crafts.

now, onto today's challenge, using a Mini Mister which is on sale for just $1.39.  I bought this cute little thing a while ago (mainly because it's just cute), but never played with it until this challenge came along.  Let me start by saying "do not try this at home" Apparently, I did it wrong...who knew?...with me always experimenting...well, yeah, I make a ton of mistakes and oopses, but I do learn during the process.  So, I added some alcohol ink to my mister and added some water and sprayed it over a stamped image that I heat embossed onto glossy card stock.  My first mistake was using UTEE with a Versamark pad, when I heat set it, some of the crystals were flicking at me...and freaking me out as they slightly burned me...it would have been better to heat underneath, but I suffered through it and made it work...then it was time for misting.  So, I sprayed it, and wiped the paper (the second mistake was using glossy paper because it absorbs the ink in a different way) but I just kept adding ink and sprayed to my little hearts content.  So, I LOVED the result and had no idea that what I had created broke so many rules...whupz.  It wasn't until I was talking to my inky friend that I did it all wrong...turns out that you aren't supposed to put alcohol ink into those spritzers cuz the pressure could make it a bad thing....if that sucker blew up on me, I am pretty sure it would have been shocking (I am sure that I would have laughed, but still)!  She said I had to throw my mister away...awww, mannn.  I did it, but I will buy another one to play with...well, maybe I should buy more than one, because I will no doubt pour something into it that I shouldn't.  So, it's up to you, feel free to try what I did, but be warned.  Someday I will make a point to figure out the tried and true way to use my inks, ntil then, maybe I should invest in a Kim proof suit.

(yup, that's my girl) (click on the image for a larger view) Large Polka Dot and Pine Needles and Cones backgrounder, Heart Warmers sentiment and Ranger alcohol ink.  Creative Impressions ribbon and brads.  Creative Imaginations chipboard ornament.

AND, is you are still here, and I haven't lost you will my excessive talking, Cornish Heritage Farms is having a rockin' sale through Thursday.

*FF Napoleon constructed his battle plans in a sandbox* (what, when he was 5?)

gonna say it again, happy Monday friends :)