Month: November 2011

Day 9 | hybrid tag

Sometimes I want a fast tag, something semi-homemade but cute. Today I want to share a hybrid tag featuring an image from www.rhonnadesigns.com that only takes a few minutes.

1. Open up the digital image (in word, photo editing software, etc.) and print out onto paper a size that is slightly larger than your tag. I printed 6.5in high for mine.

2. Tape your tag to the paper across the top. This will let it smoothly run through the printer, and because you  pre-printed you know exactly where the design will print.

3. Carefully remove the tape and you’re ready to play!

There is a tiny space where the tape was that you’ll have no printing on. It didn’t bother me, but I used a bit of Tim Holtz new limited edition distress ink on mine and made it barely visible! At this point I also highlighted a few areas with glossy accents + allowed to dry.

I could add glitter, more layers… but instead I just spritzed with my favorite template + current favorite mist.

And there you have it.

I will definitely be pulling this trick out more often – and yes you could re-print easily and/or print more than one at a time.

Supplies:

 

 

 

 

 

Note: The links to the seasonal distress inks (above) are to Scrapbook.com and simonsaysstamp.com – and they are both on sale as of this post! Get ’em while you can!!

Stencil blog hop!

I’m happy to be a part of another of Julie Balzer’s stencil blog hops today! Today the focus is on the leaf and flower frame stencils. I managed to work in both – and I had a lot of fun.

First I placed the leaf stencil onto a piece of green (kraft core) cardstock, then I used the green patina perfect pearls mist all over. I did not spray heavily – I wanted a dotted/misted look not a solid look. I then dabbed gold acrylic paint all over, and because it was still wet (and I knew this going in!) it smudged in some places. LOVE the look!

Where the mist is – it’s barely visible and in person SO sparkly. LOVE this green patina mist. Once dry I added my photos, stitched a bit, and used some yellow paint + flower frame (6″) stencil to accent my page…

In addition to the stenciled spot, I turned over the (wet) stencil and “stamped” a few spots on my page. Great use of the extra paint and I love the look!

I also used the leaf frame and (my favorite) punchinella stencils on a strip of patterned paper to add more color and depth to it. FUN.

I misted a leaf onto my journaling tag, and added a few paint, distress stickles, and other accents to finish the page.

I could see the leaves taking on a spring feel, bolder green for summer, perhaps a tropical vacation page… so many things.

As you can see I used the leaf stencil 3 ways on this page in addition to the punchinella and flower frame stencils.

A great selection of Crafter’s Workshop templates can be found at BlueMoonScrapbooking.com, a ton of the 6″ templates are available at simonsaysstamp.com, and scrapbook.com also has a number of their templates.

Be sure to check out the other ladies in today’s hop too:
Amy Tan: http://www.amytangerine.blogspot.com
Karen Ellis: http://www.thearthousestudio.ca
Julie Fei-Fan Balzer: http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/11/flower-frame-tcw225.html

Supplies used:

Buddy is back…

Buddy returned this weekend for his second year of being our scout elf. Becca was concerned he might come to life and eat her brains (wha—-?) but then after we re-read his book she is convinced he is kind, but still won’t speak to him. Elizabeth on the other hand will not stop talking to him about her toys, things she wants, questions about Santa…

Which reminded me I have this layout about Buddy that I’d created for Tim Holtz (CHA-Summer) that I have yet to share:

Our house rule is that you can hold/kiss/hug Buddy ONCE on the day he arrives, and again on Christmas day before he goes back to the North Pole. But you’re not allowed to touch him otherwise (per the book). Sometimes Buddy forgets to move (whoops) – we think it’s that he forgets where he had been parked or just really likes a specific spot.

Supplies:

day 8 | thoughts on giftwrap…

Crazy crowds and lack of sleep isn’t my idea of a good shopping time, so you won’t find me out in the crush of Black Friday madness, but here cozy at home instead.

It’s a good day indeed! All of the “to be mailed” packages and most of my holiday cards were mailed out on schedule. Hooray! Mailing everything this week is one of my traditions and I am happy to have gotten back on-track with it this year. I spent a lot of time in the last week gift wrapping – I’ll be taking a break from it for a while before starting on to be delivered and/or put under my own tree packages. Today though, I thought I’d share a few.

I really like the layered look with wide ribbon or paper wrapping box. I also really liked small manila tags too. Here’s a video with a birds eye view of me wrapping 4 assorted packages…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94sIckp8vdk]

Two things to note:

* I do not think every package turns into a masterpiece. Some come out better than others, I just remind myself that every/anything I do above plopping a bow on is above and beyond and extra fun. IT IS OK if some aren’t awesome. It’s the thought and what is inside that counts.

* I like trying out ideas and new things, and taking risks. Because it’s giftwrap and likely to be crumpled in a ball, it’s ok! Love the freedom to just play.

I hope your day is off to a great start. It’s tree time over here…