Field Guide | what students are saying

February 13, 2012 By 3 Comments

I can talk all day long about Field Guide and how much fun I’m having, how much I’m loving class…

but as the one who made class, shouldn’t I?!

Today I have some quotes + blog links from students.

Kristeen…
I really like how free you are with your crafting.  Makes me want to be less of a perfectionist.  I started misting this past year and I tell people that I need to do it, because it is messy and that is good for me.  I need more mess and less neatness in my creations.  Watching you helps give me ideas on how to incorporate mist in regular scrapbooking pages.  I had not done that previously.  I think that I will get out all my stuff and start on my travel scrapbook and have the pages be made and filled with the techniques learned from this class.  Will be a memory maker in more ways than one.

Barbara…
I have signed up for so many classes that I have never completed, I decided that I just was not going to sign up for anything else until I finished some other things.  However, you tweeted that the class was now up and running so I just had to go look at it one more time and decided to purchase the class.  After reading over the pre-class materials and reading the first week handout and viewing some of the videos I am now convinced that I made a great decision in purchasing this class.  I am so inspired just in the past hour I have spent with the materials.

Siri blogs…
http://hundoghand.blogspot.com/2012/02/distress-stains-and-sticky-back-canvas.html

Dawn…
I am loving class so much!!  I feel so inspired I don’t even want to get out of my PJ’s.  I just want to stay in my room and work. But kiddo’s must be fed and laundry must be done =) But I am absolutely LOVING the paint with mist.  I just painted a page for a layout.  Can’t wait to share that.

Emily blogged here:
http://aplaceformyscraps.blogspot.com

Sarah…
I love the look of blended colors and layering, but haven’t known how to create that effect. I love that you are showing us how things work. I’m also loving seeing how you play and experiment. That is more freeing than you might know! At first, I was thinking, okay, now I need to go to the store and buy all these supplies. And, then I thought … no. I’m going to go home, see what I’ve got (I know I have paintbrushes, at least one mist, some stamps and inks, and paper) … and I’m going to use these core ideas to create something colorful … I’m confident that I know enough to be able to play. And, perhaps my own ideas and style will really start to show through!! I’m so grateful to have a guide – and such a loving and encouraging voice in my head.

Sherry blogs:
http://sherrys-crafty-corner.blogspot.com

SoapHouseMama blogs:
http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com

 

More student blog posts…

http://myscrapbookevolution.blogspot.com/2012/02/bringing-ju-ju-bee-home.html

http://elinjanne.com/2012/02/09/how-i-stay-inspired/

http://www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com/

http://crystalsgarden.blogspot.com/2012/02/inspiration-explosion.html

 

 

If you’ve blogged about class please do feel free to leave a link in the comment section here!

Registration is still open until Wednesday if you would like to join in.

Filed Under: Big Picture Scrapbooking Classes

Peek at Field Guide

February 5, 2012 By 12 Comments

It’s just days until my Big Picture class starts – are you joining me? If you have questions or want to know more feel free to email me or ask here. I thought today I’d share a few peeks at some of the finished handouts!

Here’s part of the week #4 header/first page of one of THREE handouts. In fact (spoiler alert!) I threw in a handout with a few sketches that week just for fun.

Because I do love my happy crafting! Ok, so here’s another peek, this time week #2…


In week 2, we talk a lot about stamping + inks and I threw in a bunch of ideas in the start of the handout to remind you of all kinds of things you can do. In addition to my project ideas, that is!

Here’s one more peek – this is a project in progress for a later week…

I’m having so much fun with my stash, and a big part of my process of developing class is this:

I think about what works, what doesn’t, and what ways I have of making things simple, fun, and easy. I don’t get into 10hour intensive detail type projects (though that’s cool if you want to!) I stick to ideas and projects that are awesome, but that can be done in more manageable amounts of time. I also show you ideas that can be used on or off a scrapbook layout.

So if you don’t do layouts, there will be some projects for you weekly, and you can take my layout ideas off the page.

Just into pages? cool! I will have at least 1 layout per week (usually more) and most anything you see in class absolutely could be tried on a layout.

Almost every idea is highly substitute-able. You don’t have to have any one specific item to enjoy and learn in class!

The sneak you see above with the sun + ocean? that’s a mixed media canvas project I’m breaking way down into a 4-video series over several weeks. There will be a few other mixed media or altered projects (more in later weeks vs early weeks), but not so many that it takes over class.

I’m really looking forward to guiding some amazing crafters through this class – and I’ve already gotten such great emails about it – I’m excited it’s just days away.

Want to learn more or join in the fun? Check out class info here.

Happy Crafting!

note: I say “almost” all are substitutable because (for example) distress ink has specific properties other inks simply can’t copy. But in most cases you can swap something else out, and part of class is that I’m there to help you figure it out!!

Filed Under: Big Picture Scrapbooking Classes

Recommended supplies [part 2]

January 10, 2012 By 6 Comments

I already shared my “staples” suggestions that apply both in general and specifically to my upcoming class Field Guide. Now I’m back to share a “part 2″, things that I don’t think of as absolute basics/I can’t craft without it items but that I still think are 100% awesome and recommended for class (and again, in general).

Remember for class you do NOT need to buy anything. You can work within your stash, make substitutions, etc. That disclaimer given, let’s dive in! 

1. Embossing Powder. Whether you choose UTEE (thick) or regular, I recommend both Ranger and American Crafts, though there are a LOT of brands. I suggest clear, metallic shades, or neutrals. I use distress ink + clear when I want a “colored” embossed look. I use Versamark ink pad or distress ink pads NOT EMBOSSING INK when I do my stuff. I have nothing against the stuff- I just minimize cost + supplies where I can, and other things can multi-task instead of having such a specific ink pad taking up space. You WILL need a heat gun for this though. NOTE: glossy accents can so take place of clear embossing powder in most cases.

2. Distress Stickles. I may do a whole post on this stuff. I *LOVE* distress stickles. I struggle to NOT put it on every project. ANY glitter (or no glitter at all) is cool – it’s just a product I LURVE A WHOLE LOT.

3. STENCILS! I adore the 6″ crafters workshop ones. ADORE! They are such fun to use with mists, texture mediums, paint, and more. You can view a video I did about them here if you’re on the fence or want to know more about them. They make 12″ ones too which are great, I just find I don’t need HUGE pattern very often.

4. molding/modeling paste is straight up fun. Add texture, mix with color mediums, create patterns and dimension… it’s simple stuff and works great with templates too. In most cases multi-medium (rec’d in my previous post) could stand in for this – especially if mixed with heavy acrylic paint.

5. Claudine Hellmuth’s sticky back canvas. I use a few (3×5, 5×7, 8×10) canvases during class, but sticky back canvas is like canvas paper. You can print on it, tear it, cut it, die cut it… oh it’s awesome. AND it’s adhesive backed and ready to party on any card, layout, or other project. This is one of those “if you like the look of it, give it a try!” suggestions, I know I use and love mine!

6. Background stamp. Whether a larger or smaller pattern, shape or text, I love background stamps. Use on letter stickers, on background paper, with versamark for faint look, to add layer to a mixed media piece… oh I LOVE them.

7. Ranger Craft Mat. While you can just use slick plastic packaging or other surfaces when you want to ink, pool up distress ink, mist, and do other messy things, this mat has been so valuable to me over the years. It’s a great tool that you can use without fear of melting with your heat tool either.

8. Ranger metal foil sheets. I just love this foil! Use paint, alcohol ink, embossing powder, emboss it, stamp on it… just a cool surface.

9. Archival Ink in jet black. Staz-On is just as good, the point is that a juicy black ink pad that will stamp on/over most surfaces is a GREAT tool. Love mine. Use them often.

10. Grunge paper. Die cut it, layer it, and terrorize it all you want. It’s not going to care – and in fact it’s just a whole lot of fun.

I realize a lot of this list is Ranger Ink brand products. I don’t (nor have I ever) worked for Ranger, I just really love their stuff. It’s a base to so many of my creations, and truly a favorite.

I use (and love) so many more things both everyday and in class. This list, like the last one I shared, is designed to talk about items that you can use with other products, on your paper projects, give you some ideas, and that help extend and customize your stash. If you have questions about my suggestions, my stash, Field Guide, or anything else don’t hesitate to email me or leave a comment here.

Again, here’s the link to part 1 (aka ‘basics’) suggested supply post.

Filed Under: Big Picture Scrapbooking Classes, Uncategorized

hi there.

January 3, 2012 By 3 Comments

So far? I’m MAXIMIZING every day of 2012. Owning it!

At the moment that’s more by necessity than choice. A *LOT* going on yo!

So I thought I’d pop in and say “hi” for today. See what’s up with you. And that hello card you see? That’s a sneak peek at a field guide project!

Filed Under: Big Picture Scrapbooking Classes

Field Guide: what about supplies?

December 29, 2011 By 4 Comments

I have been getting emails about supplies for Field Guide, suggestions, etc. and I thought that perhaps it’d be good to do a blog post about it along with some recommendations. The first, most important thing is this:

You don’t NEED any specific supply to make the most of class. Substitutions are always welcome! In fact, right off the bat in week #2 I found myself needing gold ink but I don’t have any. What’s a crafter to do? I used gold paint instead. That’s just one example – you can skip things (mist), change things, use brands that you prefer. There’s no “must” for your stash.

I really want that to be clear. You can make your own stash work and have a lot of fun, no shopping required. Many supplies can multi-task, and you don’t need everything or every color of every kind of product to make the most of this class.

Of course if you want to know what I recommend – I’ve made this list based on items that I personally use, love, and suggest both in general and for this class in particular. Today I am going to share my ’staples’ list if you please.

“Field Guide recommended”:

 1. Rulers rock. I just love rulers in general, this ruler in particular. Whether you’re measuring, tearing paper, marking holes for hand stitching, or anything else it’s a great tool.

2 & 3. Distress ink pads and stains. I recommend these as a general go-to ink and color source, especially since they can do things that other ink pads can’t! Check out www.timholtz.com for tutorials if you want more info on them now. NOT required for class, but they are the one thing that’s not really substitute-able in some techniques shown.

4. Mist is not a requirement, but it is a lot of fun. I recommend the ranger perfect pearls mists for a sprinkle of metallic sparkly shine that doesn’t take over your project. Want more opaque color? Then I recommend the (non-sparkly but very colorful) Mister Huey mists by Studio Calico.

5. Manila tags are available in a lot of sizes and in bulk at office supply stores, or you can get them in smaller quantities at craft stores from companies like Ranger. I like them because it’s a blank slate for trying new techniques in a nice small format and they have lots of uses and are a nice sturdy weight.

6. You can use any liquid adhesive you like in class, I recommend PPA by US Art Quest. The quality is unmatched as far as I’m concerned. It is archival, acid free, uv resistant, and the MATTE finish (which is what I use) dries clear and invisible. It takes time to dry, but will hold darn near anything you might need down onto your project. As an adhesive, sealant, and all-around wet medium it rocks.

7. I use Claudine Hellmuth multi-medium in GLOSS in this class as a medium with stencils to create a resist effect (and other places in class as well) and it’s a great product. It has more body than PPA, is more gel-like (vs runny liquid) so it has unique uses that make it a must in my stash. In the images above I show a sampler – that’s because a) it’s a nice trial size and b) it gives you other great Claudine products like gesso and matte finish multi-medium to test as well.

8. Acrylic paint can be stamped with, watered down to make ‘mist’, and is a lot of fun. I’ve been partial to the ranger dabber paint in gold and pearl because it’s got an applicator sponge so I don’t need a brush even. EASY. However, Martha Stewart and Claudine Hellmuth also make great paints that I love, and truly any paint + brush (foam or regular) will work for class.

9. Glossy Accents is another great liquid medium, I use it over letter stickers and patterned paper (or stamped images) to create a shiny raised finish, it can be used to make a resist finish, as glue, to adhere glitter, and it’s got a fabulous tiny applicator tip making it easy to use as well. There are other brands, and you could substitute out (or skip entirely) easily.

10. Good journaling pen(s). I use Micron journaling pens by Sakura (.03 and .05 being my most commonly used) and I love them. But any pen that you have and like is great. I use mine for journaling, outlining, adding dots and faux stitching, and more.

Those are my top 10 ‘staples’ that you would never find me without when getting crafty – ever! Of course things like scissors, tape, patterned paper, brads, ribbon, and stamps are used in class (and beloved by me) too!

I’ll say it again: you can use/substitute darn near anything in class! So don’t think I’m trying to make you buy stuff. Also I’m happy to give suggestions on colors to try/start with, etc. just shoot me an email.

Got questions about my class or craftiness in general? Leave a comment! I’ll be happy to answer the question or share more info…

link to class info page

Filed Under: Big Picture Scrapbooking Classes

19 | surprises, gifts, and multi-tasking as ever…

December 13, 2011 By 8 Comments

This morning the girls woke up to find unadorned wrapped gifts, holiday shirts, chocolates, and even the Christmas dog “Jingles” + book (which is AWESOME, by the way) they had been dreaming of on the stairs. Who could be responsible? Credit was given to Buddy (their elf on the shelf) who was hanging from the garland overseeing it all.

This afternoon I was working on videos for my new BPC class, and I found out that my Scrapbook Update article (link) about the new 2012 Hero Arts stamps + their debut parties was up.

how are these things in any way related?

I multi-tasked! I created a tag with two of my new (beloved) Hero Arts stamps while talking about my Big Picture class and made it a tag for one of Elizabeth’s gifts that clearly needed something fancy.

I LOVE the green tulle I purchased (craft store, wedding aisle) on a whim. I’ve been using it tons. I also use cardstock as a base ‘strip’ around my packages a lot lately too.

If you want to read more about my experience with the Hero Arts party and see all my favorite picks then check this out: http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2011/12/13/hero-arts-debuts-2012-stamp-catalog/

The two stamps I used on this tag are the leaf & flower background (link to simonsaysstamp.com) and the four hearts (link to simonsaysstamp.com) set.

If you’d like to see some of my process on this tag, and hear about the A-Z library that is 26 videos, available on day 1, and just one part of my new Big Picture class (registration/info page link)- check out this video I made this afternoon:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZiZQFx5nwg]

Have an idea for something you’d like clarified, talked about, or ‘sneak peeked’ about my class? Let me know! I hope you’re finding some crafty happiness somewhere in the midst of the crazy that can be December. I need to go journal today’s elf-capades and edit videos for Field Guide too…

Filed Under: 25 days of holiday crafting | 2011, Big Picture Scrapbooking Classes
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