Craft With May – Page 73 – no rules, just happy crafting

Big ScanNCut news: Now in Michaels Craft Stores!

If you’re a regular reader here, then you know I’m a paid consultant for Brother and I love the work I do with them testing out ScanNCut features and updates, as well as creating projects for them. When I got an email asking if I’d go check out the new ScanNCut display at Michaels, how could I resist?

My local shop did not have it, however the Emeryville, CA shop is one of the locations that is carrying not only the ScanNCut, but also many accessories! The girls and I were so excited to see this end cap full of fun ScanNCut goodies.

Here is a link to the Brother website where you can search locally for your own location.

The above ad features my projects – love seeing work I do for Brother used like this! Speaking of, you can find a lot of my projects as well as other talented designers on the ScanNcut website – including free tutorials and videos.

Back to the shop, here you can see my helpers posing with all the lovely items – I’m *SO* excited about this and I was so glad we could go and see the display ourselves.

What else could be exciting? Well there’s a great software update (available now), some new accessories coming this fall, and I have loads of new projects on the way too! It’s so great working with this wonderful company, and I love seeing how more and more people are using this machine and enjoying it the way I do! If you have any questions, or requests for videos be sure to let me know!

Sugar Skull stencil with gel medium

Tis the season for pumpkins and spooky things… but also popping up more and more are sugar skulls! I picked up a new Crafty Chica stencil to play with – loving it!

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I created a YouTube video (link) to show how I love gel medium + color spray. Totally the perfect way to work with this stencil design!

Using gel medium with spray color? Totally a favorite technique! Oh yes, and don’t forget to use the excess to make tags!

Affiliate links used below – no obligation or cost to use them, but doing so does help support this site so thank you in advance!

This Crafty Chica stencil and more are at Scrapbook.com and Blue Moon Scrapbooking

easy canvas home décor

Sometimes projects are really just too easy. This is one such project! The step-by-step is just three steps:

Smear paint across your canvas (multiple colors) in one direction nice and thick!
Use a palette knife to smear the paint into a shape.
Throw down some liquid adhesive, add embellishments, flick with mist, and done.

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In this case, I went with a heart this will be for my living room. I used my Birds of a Feather embellishment bottle (28 Lilac Lane), gold leafing, Heidi Swapp gold mist, and gold stickles. If you want to add some texture just blot a bit of white paint with a paper towel like I did!

This project was impossibly fast and easy – and guess what? It’ll be a great wall hanging for a blank wall in the living room. Getting more art into my house that is handmade, and also using some supplies in a quick and easy way! I hope you enjoyed – and have a great weekend!

Opera Pink watercolor play

Hey everyone! I’ve been rediscovering some favorite colors and I have a process video to share as well.

Oh and before we get into this – I have exciting news!! I have a new online class up now. It will begin September 19th. Want details and registration info? click here!

Back to today’s coloring session – I am deep in love with Opera Pink by Daniel Smith. It is the pinkest pink – I love that bold color and it is not easy to find in watercolors! For this I used a large stamp (I’ve had it a long time – sorry can’t find any online source!) to begin my play. My favorite way to finish a piece like this? Splatter with watery color once dry. It adds a layer of color and “messy” funk that I just love.

Here’s a link to my YouTube video if you’d like to see my coloring process and see how this comes together.

I really do love it, and I’m happy to rediscover some favorites and play with color. This style of watercolor is so forgiving, but also so fun since it never turns out the same twice!

Looking for this color? Here’s an (affiliate) link to the Opera Pink – oh how I love this color!

Sweet Autumn card featuring 28 Lilac Lane

I’m dreaming of shorter days and weather cool enough for sweaters! This summer has been so hot and rough – I’m done! Oh, and it probably has something to do with fall being my favorite season as well. Today I’ve got a card to share that features my fall inspired kit Autumn Afternoon from my 28 Lilac Lane line. Note that affiliate links are in this post. So first off, here is the finished card-

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The process here is simple.

Place a stencil on white cardstock and use assorted colors of dye ink with a chevron stencil, skipping parts and going lighter in some areas.
Use embossing ink to stamp sentiment and then coat and heat set in black embossing powder.
Stitch to blank card, then embellish! I used the stencil design and a general sweep across the card to find places for the leaves and details.

Really that easy! 1-2-3.

Ellen Hutson, Scrapbook.com, and Simon Says Stamp all have this kit (and the whole line!) in stock. You can also find the line at other online shops such as A Cherry on Top and Foiled Fox and if you’re having trouble finding a kit or bottle you want, you can always order direct from Buttons Galore as well. Know another online shop stocking the line? Let me know so I can add it to the list!

Now I’m back to dreaming of autumn, cocoa, and ending these triple digit days! Looking for some more inspiration with my fall limited edition mix? Check out these bloggers! Ashli Oliver, Libby Hickson, Maura Hibbitts, and Rebecca Vick all have outstanding posts up. Enjoy!