made by ejp

Friday FREE day - freebies from 2 Peas!

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone! Well, I wanted to share with you something that you may or may not know. The wonderful paper crafting online store, 2 Peas in a Bucket, has over 91 items that are FREE. Did you know that?! Click HERE to see what they have. Love that $0.00 in the price and checkout! =) Enjoy!

Baby Card - video

2012-02-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the poor photo, but this was a perfect example of a weekend card. I had a party to go to and I needed a card. So I made this quick card and had to take a quick photo! =) Luckily I caught it on tape to make a video tutorial for you all. This was a simple almost one layer card. Just using different ink colors makes a more interesting design. As you can tell, the gender of the baby is not known, so I was able to combine classic baby colors all on one card.

I hope you enjoy the tutorial. Happy stamping!

Scrapbook layout with pocket - video

2012-02-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hello there. Today I wanted to share a layout I made with a pocket. This pocket is to save my memorabilia without it being glued on to the layout. I had a postcard with my daughter's writing on it that I want to preserve, but did not want to glue it down since I wanted to see the front and the back. The solution was a pocket!

I also had other postcards, papers, and other memorabilia from the same trip, but I did not have other photos to scrap nor did I want to make a layout with just memorabilia on it. So I made a pocket on the back of the layout too to save it all and keep it all together. This way I don't have multiple layouts from the same location and I have one place to keep my memorabilia.
Watch my video tutorial on how I put this layout together.

Friday FREE day! - a playlist!

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. If you're anything like me, you have to have music or a movie playing in the background as you are creating. I stumbled across a FREE playlist from Creating Keepsakes. Try it out and start creating!! =)
Enjoy!
By the way, I have a giveaway going on my You Tube channel. Subscribe and comment by January 31st to be entered. Happy Friday!

Kindness Matters - Make N Take

2012-01-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hi friends. I had a stamping party at my house last week. I was able to meet two new stampers and got them excited to get stampin'! =) I wanted to share the project that I had designed for my make and take. If you don't know what a make and take is, it basically is a project you get to make yourself and take it home!

This was a clean and simple design that truly lets the designer paper shine. All products used are from Stampin' Up! The designer paper is called Twitterpated which is in the current occasions mini catalog. I simple die cut the butterfly, punched a circle, punched a word window, and layered it all together. I lightly sponged around the edge of the white circle to add some interest and blend the white with the designer paper. I stamped the sentiment from the Kindness Matters stamp set in gray. To top it off, of course I added a button and twine. The button is also from the twitterpated line from Stampin' Up! This was a simple card design that my friends enjoyed making. They even added more butterflies since the die cut creates 5 at once!

Happy creating!

Friday FREE day - giveaway!

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends. Today I have a giveaway for our Friday FREE day! I've been crazy busy these last few days and really not sleeping well...so sadly my crafting time has been cut down. But besides these few set backs I was able to put together a package for a giveaway. Check it out.

Giveaway includes:

10 sheets designer paper (5" x 7") Anna Griffin "Fifi and Fido" collection

1 mini album "FRIENDS" Scrapbook Corner

1 pack adhesive ribbon (3 feet of ea. pattern)

Vellum Stickers EK Success

Please watch my video below for all the details on how to enter for this giveaway as well as a brief overview of my 2012 sketchbook. Head over to You Tube, subscribe, & comment! A winner will be randomly chosen on January 31, 2012 so post your comment before then. (US residents only)

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Friday!

-Ezlie

Friday FREE day! Paper piece templates

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

One of the simplest techniques is paper piecing. This is a simple technique of hand cutting or die cutting an image in various patterned or solid colored paper, pieced together to make your image. You can do this technique with stamped images like I did on this card. The girl stamp I stamped on each different patterned paper, and cut out each piece of her outfit. Then I just glued them onto the original stamped image on the white cardstock, colored in her skin and hair and viola! This technique is great to use up the smallest scraps. If the portion of your image fits on the paper, you can use it!

So for today's FREE day, I wanted to share with you Scrapbook Etc. link to FREE paper piecing templates. Instead of stamps, these are digital patterns you download. Then you can print them onto the various colors or patterned paper, or you can cut the first print and use it as a template to trace and cut the pattern out of your designer paper. It is a little tedious and takes some time, but the results are so cute! Here's one pattern that I really liked.

With this cute typewriter you could use a circle punch to get the keys, or use pearls, rhinestones, gems, etc. Don't limit yourself to paper. A fun idea and they have 29 FREE patterns! Check out their site HERE.

Enjoy paper piecing and happy Friday!

What I've been up to...

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've been 'in training' - literally! First off, I started to teach myself a bit on photo editing with GIMP. If you don't know what GIMP is, it is a free downloadable software that you can edit photos with. It has similar features to Photoshop. I've been wanting to be able to improve the quality of my photos for not only my projects here on my blog, but even my photos to scrapbook, but I hadn't been quite determined to watch tutorials and practice...til now. I have been able to find the white balance option which helps makes my cards look more what they look like in person. I also learned about layers and how to resize images. So far so good.
Then, I had to find out a way to turn my videos around so you are not watching me upside down, but more as if you were behind me. This was a challenge, but thanks to my husband and a tripod I am now able to flip my videos without a problem! Yay me! I also cleaned up my craft space a bit too since I had to make room for the tripod on my desk.
Finally, I have been literally working out. As part of my new year's resolution and because I have a wedding to go to and I'm wearing a strapless dress, I really am motivated to work out! =) I hope to tone and build up my cardio abilities since I'm so out of shape. So each workout is about an hour...so that is time taken away from my crafting time.
So, because of all this training I have not been able to create a layout or card or stamp anything. Boo. But I did get a new stamp set and I am anxiously waiting for my goodies from Paper Crafter's Library (PCL), to get started on creating videos and projects to share as a design team member, for members of PCL. Hopefully by next week I will have more paper crafting projects to share. Thanks for stopping by. I'm excited for the next few weeks of projects. Stay tuned...

Scrapbook layout - candlepin bowling

2012-01-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. Today I wanted to share a layout I made using some paper I've been hoarding for over 6 years!! I think it just got lost in the stash or something, but I'm glad I was able to finally use it on a layout.

This layout features my two kids and my two nieces. They drove to the East coast with my husband and dad on a 3 week road trip. This was one of the highlights for them as they truly enjoyed candlepin bowling. As you can see the bowling balls are small and light. The pins are a lot thinner and lighter also. They had a blast and they went back more than once!
Anyway, about the layout itself, the designer paper with the distressed circle designs was what I was hoarding. I guess I just didn't want to cut it up. I used the back of it, which was the green paper, to make the accents. I used a circle punch and punched a few circles and taped them to the top to make a large scallop edge. I then had some designer paper scraps in the orange that added some contrast. To add balance I added a postage punch with a library clip and twine to the upper left corner. The only stamps used was the small text "Boston" on the label. I like how this layout turned out. Thanks for stopping by. Happy stamping and scrapping!

Friday FREE day! - tape flower tutorial

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hi friends. Today's freebie is a tutorial I found on the American Crafts Blog by designer Pooi.
It's a simple tutorial but the end result is so cute. Basically it is making a rolled flower, but wrapping it with designer tape to get a unique look. With all the different designs of tapes the possibilities are endless.

These would be great on a scrapbook layout or on a card. Love that! Please enjoy the tutorial. It can be found HERE. Happy Friday!

I'm on the team!!!

2012-01-04T21:32:00.001-08:00

Okay, okay. I'm so thrilled to say I made it onto my first design team!!! Woo Hoo!! And not just any design team, it is the first team for the popular Paper Crafter's Library site! I'm so honored and can't believe I made it! Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement. I'm super excited and can't wait to share new ideas with you. Woo hoo! Join me in a happy dance. Don't worry, no one's looking. =D

card with video tutorial

2012-01-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. Sadly, I've been fighting a cold for the last few days - what a way to bring in the new year huh? But I was way overdue for a video tutorial. Since my voice is groggy and I'm a bit 'sniffly' (if that's a word), I did not include my voice over.
Here's the card I made. I call it a weekend card since it was a quick and easy card - one that could be made in about 5 minutes.

This card highlights Stampin' Up!'s pretty designer paper called Spice Cake. I really like this pattern, I think it is my favorite from the entire set.
In the video you will see how I customized the sentiment to work with my card design. The words on the stamp were stacked atop each other, but this would not fit on my card with the design I had in mind. So I used my stamp-a-ma-jig to separate the sentiment to be as shown in this card. Even with clear stamps a stamp-a-ma-jig is handy to make sure it is aligned where you want it. Too bad I didn't draw a pencil line, as I see that I was a bit crooked on the overall sentiment....but it's okay. Next time, draw a pencil line ensure a straight sentiment! =)
After I finished the video, I felt it needed just a bit more of something, so I added a button and rounded the two bottom corners. I think that was just the right touch to take the design to the next level.
Please enjoy the video and happy stamping.

Scrapbook layout - 12 4x6 photos!

2012-01-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

I have been inspired by the talented Shimelle Laine's class over at Two Peas in a Bucket, called 4x6 photo love. So I came up with a way to get 12 4x6 photos in an album in a way that was inspired by Shimelle.
It was a simple layout, but I love it!!
This is the first page. It has the title, and 4 4x6 photos on it.

I love this title since I was able to combine stickers, designer paper, and stamps. It was fun to make.

After this base page was made, I made another page that was trimmed down to about 9" tall. I then placed 4 more 4x6 photos in the same location as this first page, on the front and back - which ends up with a total of 8 photos on this shorter 9" layout. When I put these in the page protector, the title will be seen with the first short page, and then when you turn the page you will see the other photos on the back and then the first photos on the base page. Here's a picture of the short 9" layout 'atop' the base layout with the title showing at the top.

So this is what you would see first, basically a short page 'atop' a full size page that has the title. Then you turn the page and you'll see 4 photos on the left and 4 photos on the right, with the same title at the top. That's 12 photos!!

Love it! I also like adding the stickers atop the photo. I think it adds a nice touch and makes the text more interesting. And those orange flowers...are stamped images.

This is a great way to get a lot of scenic photos together quickly and with minimal design time. I hope you are inspired to get 12 photos down on two pages and into your album! =) Happy scrappin' and stampin'.

Friday FREE day

2011-12-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. Welcome to the last Friday of the year 2011! For this Friday FREE day, I found a template on Monika Wright's blog: I Love It All. This template is one that I think would be easy to use to get your final layouts for 2011 done before the new year begins. Or to get started on your new 2012 memories. I like how you can just circle the year of the event - so it can be used for whatever project you may be working on, past or future. Here's the template:

Click HERE to get to Monika's blog and download it for yourself since she so kindly is sharing this template for FREE.
And here's a layout made by Monika Wright using the template, for some inspiration.

Happy scrappin' and stampin'. Welcome twenty-12!!

Paper Crafter's Library Design Team Submission

2011-12-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hi there friends. Thanks to one of my blog readers, I got some information on a current design team call by Paper Crafter's Library. I fall into the category of having a love for paper crafting and enthusiasm for teaching others, so my passion qualifies me for the role. For the call I had to select 3 of my projects that showcase my design style. This was tough for me, but here are the three I chose.

This first card is truly one of my favorites. The colors, texture, and the mix of paint, rub ons, stamps, and twine come together on this clean and simple design - which is truly EJP style. =)

This second card showcases how I like to layer paper. Just a few layers but all different colors that still go together. The card seems to feel neutral, yet it is still bright and cheerful with pops of color. The touch of buttons and twine add to the dimension and keeps the card from feeling flat. Here the stamped sentiment is not too bold that it overpowers the card and I feel it is the perfect size and adds to the balance of design - plus I really love that font!

And since I love scrapbooking, I had to include a layout as my third project. I selected this layout since it shows how I like to use stamps on my layouts and how I like combining contrasting colors and patterns. This layout also blends straight lines with circle accents which is something that I am drawn to and really like working together onto a layout.

I hope I have a chance among all the other talented ladies that may enter. Just to be considered is an honor. I will keep my fingers crossed as I look forward to hopefully being selected.
Thank you all for your support. Happy stamping and scrapping!

Scrapbook layout - Reno

2011-12-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

I'm making an effort to use up my supplies. So I went into my stash and found more stickers and paper from an older scrappin' kit from Stampin' Up! I'm very surprised that again I did not use stamps on this layout. I guess with my clean and simple style, I'm feeling that the stickers are accents enough...and stamping may be just a bit too much. Using the kit and layering the stickers really made this layout quick and easy to put together. This was one of the fastest layouts I put together actually. Just deciding to crop the photos and where I would place them was actually the hardest thing on this one. So anyway, this is the layout I made.

The colorful alphabet stickers are from Echo Park and the RENO stickers are from Doodlebug. The rest are from the kit. I was inspired to use my patterned paper and get it out of my stash and onto a layout. I've actually had this kit for about 2 years! I'm glad I got to use it...but the funny thing is that I still have another sheet since in the kit you get 2 of each pattern! =D But at least one made it onto a layout.

Happy scrapping and stamping - until next time. Thanks for stopping by.

Personalized card

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest things about making your own cards is that you can personalize them. These are my favorite cards to make and they are the easiest. Why? Well because you have someone in mind of who will receive your card. Thus you know their personality, what they like, don't like, possibly even favorite colors. If they sent you an invitation for a party and you are making a card for a gift to bring to the party, you can use their invitation as inspiration. You already know they like it since they chose it! Just match the colors or theme as best you can and viola'! Plus, any chance you get to add their names to a card is almost a guarantee that it will be memorable for them to receive it, they most likely will cherish it even more, and most likely will keep it. What more satisfaction can you get?!
So here's the card I made for my friends. Their invitation had owls on it, with yellow and blue color scheme.

The branch, owls, and hearts are Swissgirl Design stamps. The font for the names is from Lawn Fawn. The clouds are from Stampin' Up! I hand wrote the "congratulations". I cut out the eyes so they would be white, and I also cut out the clouds for the same reason. I colored the leaves in green directly on the yellow cardstock. White embossed the names and that was it.

Can you make a personalized card? Try it out and see how much fun it is.

scrapbook layout & video tutorial

2011-12-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

I felt it was overdue to have a scrapbook layout and video. This layout was unique for me since I did not stamp on it at all! I used only designer paper and stickers. Here's the layout, with two 4x6 photos.

The stickers and paper came from Stampin' Up!'s scrappin' kit "Tickets & Tags". The alphabet stickers are from Doodlebug and My Little Shoebox. This was quite simple since all the embellishments were stickers. I just kept layering them until I got the look I wanted.
Here's the video. Enjoy.

And the winner is....

2011-12-11T19:03:00.001-08:00

ILISMOMMA!!! I already have your info, so I will send out these goodies later this week. Congratulations and thank you to all who commented.

Friday FREE day! - Scrapbook & Card Magazine

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

What's better than some free inspiration? I found this great website that shares a free Scrapbook & Cards Today digital magazine! =) Lots of great articles and samples that are inspiring.
Their Winter issue is now published. Check out the cover. Let me know what you enjoy about this magazine, I have too many things to list of what I like about it. Enjoy and Happy Friday!
The winner of my giveaway will be posted tomorrow. Thanks to all that entered.

Butterflies - thinking of you

2011-12-06T20:56:00.001-08:00

I have a few friends going through some difficult times. I hope these "thinking of you" cards perk them up a little. Here is another clean and simple card. I was happy to use my ticket corner punch. This is one of those tools that I've had for ages, but hardly ever use - don't know why. Anyway, I love the way it looks when its layered. Sadly I don't think Stampin Up sells it anymore, but most likely you can find it at a local craft store.

This stamp set of the butterflies is from the Kindness Matters stamp set from Stampin Up. The butterflies were originally one stamp with the butterflies side by side of each other. I decided to cut them apart so they are three separate stamps. For this card I placed all three on one large acrylic block and stamped them all at once. I then just used my colored pencils to color them in.
I originally wanted the sentiment to be on the card base, but I accidentally stamped the sentiment wrong, so I had to layer a better stamped sentiment over it. To finish it off, I just added twine and a button and some hand stitched lines.

Thanks for stopping by. Click HERE to comment on my giveaway post.

Friday FREE-day!

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi my friends. For today's free day I have a giveaway!
Giveaway includes:
Bag of misc. die cuts - flowers and butterflies
Bag of felt flowers with brads
Square metal edge tags
Stamp set - for two step stamping

To be entered for the giveaway, just be sure to be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment! Winner will be randomly selected by next Friday. (US residence only please)
Thank you so much for your support. Happy Friday!

Cards made by ejp FOR SALE

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. In an effort to keep my hobby room from overflowing - and to help support my hobby - I've decided to start trying to sell some of the cards I have made. In this way, I hope to share my creations with more persons and get more greeting cards out in the mail rather than sitting in a box. I appreciate your support. For now, I will be first posting my cards for sale here on my blog. Please note that this is not going to be the main content of my blog - it will be the host site until I can get more publicity to open a shop on Etsy.
All standard sized cards will include an envelope. Standard price per card will be $2 + $0.50 for shipping - US residents only. Some cards will be sold as sets. These will be priced differently.
Here is the first set of cards up for sale. Click HERE or my FOR SALE tab above to make any purchases.

More cards will be posted. Thanks again for your support. Happy stamping!

Card with Video Tutorial

2011-11-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Today I had to make a card for a friend of mine. I really like the color Pool Party with white and kraft - so that is what I decided to use for this card. Also I'm very happy that I used ribbon instead of twine on this card - this took effort, as I felt the chocolate chip or the natural twine would have worked perfectly. Scroll down for the video & supply list.

Any Stampin Up product with product number listed, can be purchased from my website. Click HERE or on the link in my sidebar.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin Up! - A Slice of Life (retired); Hero Arts- Big Hugs

Markers: Stampin' Up!: In Colors - Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party (5 marker assortment 123002)

Blender Pen (pack of 3 102845)

Ribbon: Stampin' Up! Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480)

Ink: Versamark (102283), Crumb Cake (121030), Black Staz-On (101406)

Clear Embossing Powder (109130)

Embossing Folder: Stampin' Up! - stripes (123128)

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953), Pool Party (122924) , Whisper White (100730)

Die Cut: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eleven

Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Thanks for stopping by. Happy stamping!

Scrapbook layout

2011-11-27T21:48:00.001-08:00

I've been in a scrappin' mood lately. I got a few layouts done - which I'm happy about getting these photos into albums. I'm slowly making a dent in the stack of photos from my family's 2 week road trip!
Here's a layout of my family that came to visit from Kentucky, while my hubby and kids were on the road. We had a bbq at my place.

I almost made this layout without any stamping but I was able to add polka dots to the edges to add some texture and visual interest to a clean layout. I used Shimelle's inspiration to layer stickers atop one another to make a layered embellishment. All these stickers were from my scrappin' kit from Stampin' Up! I really like the pop of red in the stickers. I added pearls for more dimension and to add movement.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you get a chance to stamp or scrapbook! =)

Authentique - November challenge

2011-11-25T17:08:00.001-08:00

Hello all. My love of paper has drawn me to Authentique. I really love their colors and patterns. This month I decided to play along with their monthly sketch challenge. Here is their sketch & click HERE for their blog. What I like is that they show you both a scrapbook layout and a card sketch- so you don't have to think about it too much - you can more easily adapt the sketch for your project.

I decided to mix my favorite papers on my card. The blues, greens, and yellow really are just my style. Here's my card.

The Authentique paper used are: "Comfort", "Fair-Weather", "Delight", "Brilliance"

Sentiment stamp is from Paper Trey Ink.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you like my card.

EJP party sighting: cake pop favor tags

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's very rewarding to make projects for other people, especially for special events in their lives. I was happy to create cake pop favor tags for a bridal shower party. These delicious and pretty cake pops were made from an upcoming company, Yum E Treats. Check out their cute pop creations - they make custom orders to fit your theme. Take a peek - not only do they look good, they are DeLiCiOuS! Trust me!

(photo by Jolina Gallero)

Back to the tags, these tags were hybrid - meaning the text and circle border were digitally made and printed. The flower was a paper flower with a pearl center. To customize the paper flowers I did a few things. First, I had to make them black. The theme was black & white. The paper flowers I had were all pastel colors. So I took my black marker and colored each flower - quick and easy. Then to step them up a notch, I spritzed them all with silver smooch spritz. Spritz added a nice shimmer that matched the flowers on the cake pops since they too had a shimmer on them. The pearl was the final touch. Here's a close up of the tags.

Keep your eyes open as one of my creations may be spotted at your next party! =)

CAS - paper players challenge

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

I came across the latest challenge from Paper Players. Right up my alley - clean and simple with 3 colors. =)
So I decided to play along. Click HERE for their challenge. And here's my card.

I used my new stamp set - Flower Star Wreath - from Hero Arts. I stamped it twice - cut the flower out from the second stamp image and adhered it atop the original stamped image on the card. I folded up the petals to add dimension. I also glazed the entire flower with Crystal Effects - which is similar to Glossy Accents. I then stamped the sentiment with versamark ink, and embossed it with silver embossing powder. The finishing touch was to round the two corners. The sentiment is from Stampin Up!, set called Thank You Kindly.
I hope you like my clean and simple card. Here's a close up of the glossy flower. After it dried completely, it smoothed out....more than what is shown in the close up.

Happy stamping!

Paper Smooches - Sparks Challenge

2011-11-20T13:34:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends. Paper Smooches is a brand of stamps designed by Kim Hughes. Very cutesy images and fun fonts. She also designs digital images that are available for free. She hosts a few different challenges - one is called Sparks Challenge. She selects an inspirational piece and we use her stamps to make a card or layout - like most challenges.
Sadly, I did not win, but I was quite proud of my entry. It was a hybrid card - which in itself is a challenge for me. The berry image was a digital stamp. I printed three of them out on white cardstock and just cut them out. The color combination was part of the inspirational piece.

I like the white embossing on the orange - that is a combination that I most likely would not have tried had it not been for the challenge.
Thanks for stopping by. Happy stamping!

Friday - FREE day! - origami leaves

2011-11-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Just in time for your fall projects. I found this free tutorial to make origami leaves. Aren't they cute?

Love these earthy colors. My suggestion is to use thin origami paper or designer paper. Cardstock will be a bit harder to fold. Another suggestion - make a group of them in various sizes. (Start your folding with a square) Want to try making some of these? Click HERE for the Bloomize blog post with the FREE tutorial. Have some fun. Try it out with your designer papers to get different patterned leaves - imagine the possibilities! Happy crafting! Are you a follower yet? Please show me your support and follow me here as I strive to continue to share and inspire freely.

scrapbook layout - nine 4x6 photos on this page!

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Again, I was inspired by Shimelle Laine with her 4x6 photo love class. Scroll down below to see her video/class of how to get 9 photos on a layout. Love that! So here is my page.

This was a fun page for me to put together. My 8 year old daughter had a camera with her on her 2 week road trip vacation she took this summer with my hubby. Anyway, she took a lot of pictures during the trip. The fun thing was seeing what she felt was worthy of taking a picture of, as well as from her angle. She surprised us with some very nice shots. She even asked others to take pictures of her, so that was fun too to see her own poses. =)

The layout has a pocket which stores two pages that each have 4 photos on them - 2 on each side. I like how the pocket is top loading, so you can take the photos out the of the pocket even when the page is in the page protector.

For the accents, I used a sheet of designer paper that had a lot of glittered icons related to travel. I just cut out the icons and used them as embellishments. I normally don't have glitter on layouts, so this was a fun 'surprise'. The designer paper with the glittered pieces is from K&Co. The rest of the designer paper is from My Mind's Eye, Lost and Found collection. I liked the brown and pink how they were soft and subtle, so the pictures would stand out more.

I used Basic Grey alphabet stickers for the title. I just hand wrote in my journaling. Check out Shimelle's video class below. Did you ever think it was possible to get 9 4x6 photos on one layout?! I didn't...until now. Happy scrapping!

Friday FREE-day!

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. Today I wanted to share a website that has free digital fonts. But these are not ordinary fonts. These are actual fonts made from person's hand writing! Pretty cool! But that's not all that they have, they also have recipes. It's Kevin & Amanda's Free Fonts. Check out their site and see what other goodies they have. I've used their fonts for a lot of my digital scrapbook layouts, invitations, and I even used their font on my new blog header! Love it! Check it out, and happy creating!

Card with Envelope - video tutorial

2011-11-10T19:39:00.001-08:00

Hello friends. Today I wanted to share with you a quick card and envelope I made. By using my punches I was able to use some scraps again! Love that!
Here's the card and envelope.

Please enjoy the video tutorial. Comments and subscriptions are appreciated. Check back tomorrow for Friday FREE-day!

Supplies: (any current Stampin Up product can be purchased from my website - click HERE to order)
Designer Paper - Stampin Up (retired)
Cardstock - Naturals Ivory - Stampin Up (101849)
Boho Blossom Punch - Stampin Up (119858)
Decorative Label Punch - Stampin Up (120907)
1 3/4" Circle Punch - Stampin Up (119850)
Itty Bitty Shapes Punch - Stampin Up (118309)
Basic Pearls - Stampin Up (119247)
Scallop Envelope Die - Stampin Up (113462)
Tagtastic Stamp Set - Hostess - Stampin Up (122747)

Happy Day card

2011-11-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow crafters. Today I wanted to share my latest card. I was going through my paper and found a Cosmo Cricket pack I've had - the Pixilicious collection. This kit was included in a package I won. This collection is not my style...I'm not really into fairies...and it is a bit bright for me..so, needless to say this kit is barely touched. But, I thought I would challenge myself and try to use some of it. I kept it simple, of course.

I found a new love in my craft room - grid washi tape!!! I used the tape on the top and bottom to help add balance. It was a wide tape, so I just cut it to get the two different widths for my card. Since it is a bit transparent, it is subtle against the kraft card base. I've done this layout of a card before - I think this is one my of "go-to" card sketches when I'm in a hurry or don't know what else to do.
I used my new label die to cut out the image. I also added diamond stickles to the flower buds...I think that's what they are called. Combining a classic simple sketch with new products makes for a new look - I like it.
Thanks for stopping by.

Scrapbook layout - using scraps

2011-11-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Here's another layout I completed - using scraps. I was challenged to use designer paper as the background - which is not normal for me. It was a challenge that sounded easy at first, but once I got working on the layout, I started to struggle with it. With my clean and simple style, having a pattern all over the page was hard for me to adjust to. I kept feeling the layout was too busy, and anything I added would just make it more cluttered. Oh, the struggles of a clean and simple style. But after using a sketch to help me, I was able to complete the layout, and use some of those scrap strips of paper I've been hoarding.

This is my first layout of my nephew - born in April of this year. I used the same monkey stamp for his baby shower invitations - my sister in law wanted monkeys as her theme. I colored the stamp in with chalk - one of those supplies that I just have sitting around - hardly used.

The journaling sticker was also something new for me to use. I don't have many of these, so I was glad I was able to use one, finally! For accents I used these mini button brads and safety pins from Stampin' Up! that I thought I would have used up by now...but not quite yet. =)

I hope you like this layout. Did you notice my new blog header and buttons? What do you think? I'm going to work on my new signature too...stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

Friday Free-day: Skirt Tutorial

2011-11-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Do you sew? This is something I just recently been inspired to try. I got my mini sewing machine and basic thread in neutrals. I made a little tote and a skirt for my daughter. For today, I thought I'd share with you the FREE tutorial to make this cute and simple skirt. Truly a great way to get started into sewing. It's a simple design but very cute. Definitely easy enough for a beginner - like me. I was able to finish the skirt in about 2 1/2 hours. Not bad, huh?
Here's the skirt I made, modeled by my daughter.

Want to try making this skirt? This free tutorial is shared by Dana on her blog MADE. I was drawn to Dana by her clean and simple style, yet I liked her bright colors and contrasting colors. And the fact that she shares FREE tutorials - that was a plus. =) Thanks Dana for this great pattern and the inspiration for us beginner sewers....(is that a word?!)
Happy sewing!

Finally got to get scrappin'

2011-11-02T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I finally was able to finish a layout I started for the Paper Party hosted by Shimelle. She has been providing challenges daily, and so far I've only been able to make 2 layouts! But I'm happy I was able to do some scrapping, in between researching ways to improve my blog, create a 'shop', and still create videos and inspiration. Lots on my plate at the moment. But I like teaching myself and improving on things that are in my control - at least to some degree.
So on with the layout. The challenge was to use kraft as a background and then use only one other color on the layout. This could be different shades of the same color, but stick to the one. This I thought was going to be easy, since I love kraft and the color I chose, Pool Party - from Stampin Up! is also one of my favorites. But as I was creating the layout, it came to be difficult since I like contrast - and sticking to the one color, I felt blended too much. So it was hard for me to put an embellishment of the same color near or on the same color paper. So here's what I came up with.

I added some neutrals to help me break things up a little bit. Of course I stamped on this layout. The camera image, the stars, and the text "smile!" is from one Hampton Arts set. The alphabet stickers and brackets are from Doodlebug Designs. The designer paper, buttons, and brads are from Stampin' Up! To tie it all together, I just used a brown marker to free hand a border around the pocket, the photo mat, and the entire background sheet.
I've been in a button phase lately, where I just have been reaching for my buttons as the accent to everything! I love them - I have various sizes and colors which makes it easy to match up on my projects. This project I also made a pocket to keep the memorabilia - the tickets - in. I've only done a pocket on one other layout that I can recall. I like how it breaks up the flatness of the layout, but also adds functionality. This was a fun layout to make once I got on a roll. The photos were laying on the kraft for a while as I kept thinking about what I was going to do.
What do you think? Do you like the pocket? Can you use only one color on a layout or a card? Try it out. It might be easier for you than it was for me. But still it will be fun to try! =) Happy crafting!

And the winner is.....

2011-11-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

The winner of my giveaway is: TANYA! Thanks to all who entered and I hope to have more giveaways in the near future. Tanya, please email me your mailing information so I can send you your goodies! madebyejp@gmail.com

Please refer me to a friend - it's the best compliment. Happy crafting!

Scraps to card

2011-10-31T22:31:00.001-07:00

First I want to thank all that had left a comment to enter into my giveaway. I'm running a bit behind on my crafting schedule, but the winner will be posted tomorrow. For today, I just wanted to share another card I made with some leftover scraps I had.

The technique here is called Iris Folding. A very basic square pattern. I hope to make a video tutorial on this technique very soon. The heart was die cut, the grid paper was punched with a circle punch, and the Iris Folded portion were all scraps. The sentiment was stamped on a predesigned piece I had for years. The stamp is from Papertrey Ink. I added faux stitching around the box and hand drew a square around the focal point. Keep those scraps and put them to use! Happy stamping!!

FREE Friday - last day to leave a comment for my giveaway!

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is your last day to follow me and leave me a comment HERE to be entered in for my giveaway. Here's my introduction/portfolio video with the giveaway details. I appreciate your support! If you are a You Tube subscriber, leave me a comment letting me know to be entered twice! Happy stamping!

Here's the giveaway goodies! 3 cards, 3 stamps, and a bag of paper flowers. Just FOLLOW me or SUBSCRIBE to my channel, leave me a comment here to let me know you did and you are entered! If you do both, leave 2 separate comments to be entered twice. Thanks for your support.

challenges- Embellish & Lily Pad

2011-10-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

I was in a creative mode tonight, so I decided to participate in challenges. I really liked the Embellish challenge - with buttons and a great color combination.

I also wanted to participate in the sketch challenge over at Lily Pad Cards. Here's the sketch.

And finally, here's my card.

There are 6 buttons on this card. The green layer under the fabric flower is a large button - from Stampin' Up. The fabric flower with button center is from Maya Road. All other clear buttons are from Stampin Up.
The final touch on this card was the pearls - they add just that extra touch and help add movement to the card design. Thanks for stopping by! Previous post has a video tutorial. Scroll down to check it out.

Faux Polaroid Card - Video Tutorial

2011-10-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. I've been wanted to make a polaroid card for a while now, and finally got down to make one. The nice thing is you can make it fit any project you may be working on. I love the look, I hope you do too. Enjoy the video tutorial below. I was using my scraps, thus the different color combinations and card sizes. Happy stamping.

FREE FRIDAY: Sketchbook template

2011-10-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Free Friday. This series is where I share with you freebies that fellow crafters and manufacturers offer for us, for FREE! I also will time to time include giveaways and free gifts from me for you! Please pass on my blog to your friends who may also enjoy freebies. =)
So on to today's freebie. The talented Kristina Werner has shared a sketchbook template for you to make your own and decorate as you wish. Here is a photo of her last sketchbook.

Click HERE to get to Kristina's inspiring blog and download the template for yourself. Also she has a video tutorial on how to assemble them. So enjoy! I'd love to see what you make. Comment with a link to photo of your sketchbook. Thanks Kristina for sharing!

Scrapbook layout - dinner for one

2011-10-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

This layout was inspired by the Pretty Paper Party I have signed up for. I was encouraged to use scrap pieces of designer paper and combine various patterns. Also I was given a choice of sketches to choose from. So here is my layout.

The designer paper is all from Studio Calico-also the tags. The alphabet stickers for the title are from Basic Grey and the smaller stickers are from October Afternoon. I added a brad from Pebbles, and a chipboard flower from Lily Bee Design. I like how the orange pops off the page. I inked up all the edges with distress ink - vintage photo. I had to stamp, so I used a stamp from Studio G and stamped it with crumb cake ink from Stampin Up (which is the kraft color) onto the same color cardstock to get the tone on tone look.

It was nice working on this layout using up some pretty paper. On to the next layout! =)

There's still time to enter into my giveaway. Click HERE to leave a comment and be entered to win.

Scraps to card

2011-10-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

In my effort to make room for new supplies, I have to use up my older supplies. A great way to do this is with my wonderful Big Shot. If it fits on the die, I'm cutting it! I cut the butterfly, flower, and background all from scraps through my Big Shot. Just added a stamped sentiment, inked the edges, twine, rhinestones, and faux stitching to the edges to finish the card.The dies I used are from Stampin Up:
Daisy Sizzlit (retired); Beautiful Wings 118138 ($11.95) and the Top Note Die 113463 ($21.95)

These products can be purchased through my website: www.madebyejp.stampinup.net if you're interested. The butterfly die in particular is great for scraps, since it embosses and cuts these butterflies in various sizes - even the smallest scrap can be used with this die. Get cutting, and use those scraps!

Paper Party!

2011-10-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Since I qualify as one that loves pretty paper, I had to take this class given by the inspiring Shimelle. Curious about the details of this class? Check out Shimelle's blog post. Join the class and see how to use your stash of pretty paper. I'm so excited. Classes start on Monday! Happy scrapping and stamping!

FREE FRIDAY!

2011-10-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

(if you're here to enter into my current giveaway, scroll down to yesterday's post and leave a comment! Don't forget to follow me)

Hello friends. A new series I plan on posting weekly, FREE FRIDAY! Doesn't that sound great?! There is so much out there that companies and individuals share freely. Each week I will post a new freebie, weather it be free downloads, digital images, a giveaway, templates, etc. I hope you enjoy these posts.

In line with my blog makeover I will be changing my design to a bit more happy and bright color scheme. If you noticed, my current blog design is from Basic Grey...but did you know it was FREE?! They have other blog backgrounds and headers that are free too. Check out their website http://www.basicgrey.com/, click on Digital, Shop, Web. Click HERE for the direct link. They have other items for a dollar or two, but who doesn't like free? Thank you, Basic Grey for being so generous.
Have fun with these free blog designs. Let me know what you think of my new one...which I hope to be up by this weekend. Enjoy and happy stamping and scrapping!

Introducing ME! & a giveaway!

2011-10-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy this brief introduction video of me as you view recent cards and layouts I have made. Stay tuned until the end for the giveaway details. Please show your support by following or subscribing. The ultimate compliment is to refer me to a friend. I appreciate your support as I try to provide more consistent and informational posts.

Authentique card & blog makeover

2011-10-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Here is my latest card using: Authentique paper, Swiss Girl Design stamps, Stampin Up buttons, twine, and EK Success border punch. I made a top folding card this time - which is not very common for me, but I hope to do more of them.

The postage border punch is a new tool for me. It was on sale, which makes it even better! I love how the Stampin' Up! buttons compliment the colors in the designer paper so well. I used Artichoke ink for the sentiment. To add texture and interest I added a 'line' of twine. I like the little touch of detail that adds.

On to my blog makeover. I hope to inspire and teach as much as possible. But this is not possible without an audience. I hope to improve my blog posts to be more regular, have usable content, and participation of my viewers. I'm an entry level blogger, so I will be teaching myself a bit on how to get links working, add a flicker library, post class or tutorials together, and just basically improve the quality of my blog. I'm sorry if I've bored you up to this point. I hope to share more and get you more involved that you want to follow me and are inspired by me. Thanks so much for your support up to now. If you like my cards, scrapbook layouts, and videos, please let me know - and the ultimate compliment is if you would refer a friend to my site.

As always, I am open for any feedback or comments you are willing to provide for me to improve on. Ideas for content you would like to see more of? A technique you would like a tutorial on? Anything? I'm open to hear from you. Thanks again for your support. Please bare with me as my blog goes through this makeover.

10 things...

2011-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

My 10 things post is based on my 'health kick'. I'm trying to be healthier and lose some weight. So here are 10 goals I'm trying to keep up in this regard.

1. jog every Saturday morning
2. drink only water with my meals
3. only one cup of coffee a day
4. make my lunch at work - eat out only once a week
5. eat only one serving - don't get seconds
6. no soda
7. do an hour workout video once a week
8. walk whenever I have the opportunity
9. drink soy milk
10. snack on fruit

I would love to hear your 10 things. Play along HERE on Shimelle's blog.

Scrapbook video

2011-10-06T23:39:00.001-07:00

Please enjoy this video tutorial of me making a scrapbook layout - using stamps, paint, and stickers. Please comment and subscribe. I appreciate your support.

Scrapbook layout - video will be posted

2011-10-04T23:46:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest scrapbook layout. Due to some maintenance on You Tube, my video cannot be uploaded yet, but it will be.

This layout I wanted to add texture and color. So you'll see in the video how I added color to the vellum that I stamped the lanterns on. Also how I distressed the alphabet stickers. Video will be posted soon. Here's some close ups.

Stamp: American Crafts - Terrace

Stickers: Stampin Up scrappin kit - Tickets & Tags; Basic Grey

Alphabet stickers: Doodlebug Design

Acrylic Paint

Rhinestones - Stampin Up

Designer Paper: Stampin Up scrappin kit - Tickets & Tags

Have a great day. Happy scrapping and stamping.

Embellish challenge

2011-09-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to miss the deadline for the Embellish challenge. So here is the challenge.

I like this color combo and I like paint. Sadly, I don't have any mists...so I had to use paint. I struggled a bit just because I couldn't determine which stamp to use! Finally after choosing one, my mojo had sort of slipped. I had an idea in my head...but it didn't turn out the way I thought it would. So anyway, here is my card.

I used paint for the background, but also on the flower and behind the ribbon. Yup, I used my denim ribbon. In order to get contrast, I painted behind it in the cream paint so that it stood out and acted as a layer. I paper pieced the flower so I could get the paint on just the flower. I paper pieced the center too with a soft colored designer paper I had. I also painted along the edge of the kraft cardstock. Paint got everywhere! I got it all over my craft table, myself, my hands, and the surrounding supplies on my desk! I gotta practice with splattering the paint. But anyway...I'm glad I was able to play along.

Until next time...

Stamp: Friends Never Fade - Stampin' Up!
Denim Ribbon & Brads - Stampin' Up!
Acrylic paint mixed with water

Scrapbook layout - cousins

2011-09-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

For this layout I used my Authentique products. I really like the bright colors and the textured patterns.

I inked up the edges with distress ink. The photo is enlarged to 5x7. I hand wrote the journaling banners. For the title, I used American Crafts fabric covered chipboard letters. The "5" was a chipboard piece I've had in my stash forever. I'm glad I finally used one of these! To add more texture and interest to that plain chipboard, I stamped on it. I had a grid stamp so I stamped right onto the chipboard and then inked up the edges.
My large button is a new one I got from Stampin' Up!'s holiday mini catalog. I layered it with another button, and just used twine to hold them together. The tags are also from the Authentique line. I really like the blue color and the dark purple. Here's a close up of my stamping on the chipboard.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy scrapping and stamping!

Lawnscaping challenge...1st try

2011-09-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I stumbled across the Lawnscaping challenge. I knew it existed, but I thought you had to use Lawn Fawn stamp sets...which I only have alphabet sets and the one background set. But after reading the challenge rules, it does say any product line is ok. And this current challenge was about text...so I thought I would try it since I have a Lawn Fawn alphabet set.
So here is the challenge.

So I thought I would let the text be the main image on my clean and simple card. I did use the teeny tiny backdrops from Lawn Fawn for the hearts...but kept it stamped in kraft ink so that the text stands out and it does not distract too much from it. I used my markers to ink up just one of the hearts from the background stamp and stamped it between my text. I love that you can do that with clear stamps so easily. The "you" is from the Smitty's ABC stamp set from Lawn Fawn. The "amazing" is a stamp from Technique Tuesday - an Ali Edwards design. Hope you like my card. I challenged myself to use some scrap designer paper I had in my drawer...so that's what I did too. Inked the edges, rounded the corners, added twine and a rhinestone..and viola! =)

Lily Pad challenge

2011-09-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the sketch challenge over at Lily Pad cards. Nice and simple...so of course I wan'ted to play along.

So here's my card.

I flipped the sketch but I still like how it turned out. I was able to use my colored pencils to color in my stamped image. I think next time I would like to add some stitching. Check out my video below of how I made this card.

I hope you enjoyed the video and the card. =) Happy stamping!

Embellish What's Hot - I made it!!!

2011-09-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm so excited! My card I entered into the Embellish challenge, was in the What's Hot list! =) Here's the link - Embellish What's Hot

I'm so proud of myself - even though I didn't win, it's still an honor to be recognized among all the talented designers that enter into these challenges.

What a great boost of encouragement to keep going and to embrace my personal style and go with it.

Here's the card again...one of my favorites.

Invitation

2011-09-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. Here's what my invitation looked like for my anniversary party. Again - clean and simple.

I punched the hydrangea petal from blue vellum to give it a softer look. I printed the text on vanilla cardstock so it wouldn't be too bright on white. To add texture I added the bakers twine. I poked a hole in the fold of the card so the twine continues on to the inside. This is what I used as my "flap" to hold all the detail, directions, and RSVP card. Here's a picture of the inside.

The twine held all the papers in place and added a nice detail to the inside. I used the hydrangea stamp from Stampin' Up in baja breeze ink. I printed and cut the information and adhered to natural cardstock from Stampin' Up. And again used the hydrangea punch in blue vellum. The punch are Martha Stewart punches. She has one large petal, and then another punch that has 3 smaller sizes of petals. For bling, I had to add rhinestones to the center of each flower. So this is what I created - about 83 of them I had to make. Fortunately I had some friends come and help me assemble them all. And because I didn't have the extra bulk of a cardstock 'flap', this was able to go in the mail with a standard stamp. Love that!

I'm glad I was able to tie in stamping and my clean and simple style into a formal mass production of these invitations. Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment and share what you like about the invitation. Happy stamping!

Embellish Stripes Challenge

2011-09-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

Here is the current Embellish challenge.

This is a great color challenge as I really like this combo and stripes go well with my clean and simple card style. So here is my entry.

I feel a bit of K. Werner inspiration with the dashed lines around the circle. I really like how it adds an extra touch very cleanly and simply, without adding an additional layer. When I was looking through my craft products, I found this designer paper that fit the color challenge perfectly. It was an older piece of paper I think it was from a kit I got years ago. I used my Big Shot to die cut the heart. I stamped the sentiment in Navy ink to keep it not as harsh as black. Now that I think of it, I should have stamped the stitched lines in the same Navy color...but sadly I stamped those first in black. But it still looks okay, but I think I would have liked it better in the navy.

Anyway, I rounded the two corners and added a button and some black button twine to finish off the card.

Sentiment stamp from Papertrey Ink. Stitching stamp from Close to My Heart. Heart die cut, and button from Stampin' Up.

Thanks for stopping by.

Inspired by a sketch

2011-09-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

I was able to make a layout that was inspired by this sketch from Shimelle.

Here's my layout.

I used designer paper from Stampin' Up and the rose accents are just cut from a sheet of designer paper. I mixed my pink reinker with my shimmer paint to get the pink shimmer. I painted this directly to my layout around my photo and on the roses. I think it adds a nice look. Thanks again to Shimelle for the inspiration to do that technique also.
I mixed 'fonts' of stickers from Doodlebug, October Afternoon, My Little Shoebox, and American Crafts. I like the variety it adds to the page.

The journaling sticker was from Cosmo Cricket. I stamped with light blue my grid stamp to add some texture behind my journaling and to bring in some more blue.
To finish off the page I drew a line all around the edge of the layout.
Thanks for stopping by.

Lots of cards

2011-08-31T21:03:00.000-07:00

Be prepared for lots of pictures - I found pictures of some cards that I don't think I've shared.

A simple, yet elegant anniversary card. I love the white embossing on the black cardstock.

This next card I used a scrap piece of designer paper. It's very subtle but I used versamark on the background stamp to get some texture on the card base. I lightly used brown ink to ink up the edges. I used a coordinating die and stamp from Papertrey Ink for the label.

This rainbow card was my challenge to use some of my 'old' supplies. The rainbow was a sticker from Crate Paper. I didn't like the clouds on the sticker, so I stamped these clouds with my new Imaginisce stamp and paper pieced it over the clouds on the sticker. I used a scrap piece for the scallop strip of cardstock. Added ribbon, twine, a rhinestone brad and a sentiment.

This next card is a simple way to make a card a bit different, but cutting the stamped portion into strips and putting a space between them. Simple, yet a fun new look.

This next card I used another sticker from that same Crate Paper sticker sheet that the rainbow came from. The border stickers are also from that same sheet. I stamped the butterfly, added glossy accents, and the white dashed lines to finish off the card. Very quick and clean card.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed all these cards. Please leave a comment and let me know which one you liked the most.

Happy stamping!

Card with Video Tutorial!

2011-08-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Putting some of my new goodies to use on this simple weekend card. With the heat embossing, it took a little over 5 minutes to make. But I used my new background stamp, cardstock, and ribbon from Stampin Up.

Check out the video tutorial and supply list below. All Stampin' Up! products can be purchased from my site: www.madebyejp.stampinup.net

All products used on this project are from Stampin' Up!

Cardstock: White, Black, Island Indigo
Ink: Versamark, Basic Grey
Embossing powder: White, Silver
Stamps: Netting, Thank You Kindly
Ribbon: Pool Party ruffled ribbon

Embellish Challenge

2011-08-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

In an effort to get myself more exposure in the craft world, I would like to participate in more challenges. I hope to actually win one...at least make top 5...but it's tough. There's so many talented ladies that actually have degrees in design, or design team experience. But...gotta start somewhere. So, I would be so honored if I ever won at the Embellish Magazine challenges...so that's where I hope to participate more in...with the hopes to actually winning.
So the latest challenge is a color challenge, with embossing flowers. Here's the inspiration for the challenge.

I took this inspiration quite literally since I had a stamp that was similar to the flowers in this picture. Here's my entry.

I definitely prefer clean and simple. Since I used markers on my stamp to get the two colors, I had to use my versamarker so I could emboss the flowers. I used clear powder so the color of the marker will show through. Here's a close up of the embossing.

With the versamarker I think I should have been a bit more heavy handed..since my cardstock seemed to soak up the marker. Even though the embossing powder stuck...it was not a smooth embossed image. I think next time I would be a bit heavier with the marker..and maybe even emboss twice to get more even coverage.

This stamp set is from Stampin' Up, called Love & Care. The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink "Fillable Frames #2". The butterfly rub on was from Studio Calico. I used buttermilk acrylic paint mixed with water to get the splatter and I used it to soften the pink cardstock behind the sentiment.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'd appreciate your support if you would follow me here on my blog or post a comment. Thanks so much and have a great day!

Card with Video Tutorial!

2011-08-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

I had an idea when I saw the stamp set: Sweets for the Sweet from Stampin' Up! So watch my video as I use the packaging from some crafting supplies on this card. Love it!
Are you a follower on my blog? I'd appreciate your support. Happy stamping!

What I've been working on...

2011-08-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends. I have been missing from the 'craft scene' a bit due to some late planning of a 10 year anniversary party for me and my hubby. Though I'm excited, there's a lot to do in a very short time. So, expect fewer posts for the next few weeks as I am working on invitations, favors, centerpieces, photo shoots, etc...

Lots to do. Here's a preview of the bouquet I hope to have.

I will share photos of my invitation design once I have it finished. =)

My Haul!

2011-08-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Be prepared to see the products used on future video tutorials and projects. I'm so excited! Any Stampin' Up! product can be purchased through my website: www.madebyejp.stampinup.net

4x6 photo love

2011-08-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

A class by Shimelle Laine - for the month of July get SEVEN 4x6 photos on a layout. What?! How??! Shimelle shows you how. Click HERE for her class with video tutorial on Two Peas in a Bucket.

Here's my layout for this class.

My journaling - with stamps. Inspired by Nichol M. at Two Peas.

This was a nice way to get these scenic photos out of the box and onto a layout. I used my mini alphabet stickers to label the photos of where each was taken. Rub ons I think would have looked better, but I didn't have any small enough...future purchase I think.
I really like the blue color tones and the clouds. A fun touch I did was the alphabet letters for the word "destinations" was originally red I painted the letters to be grey. I just made my own grey color with acrylic paint - mixing black and white and painted over the letters. Cool huh?
I felt the page didn't have any 'movement', so I added the heart stamps to give the feeling of a flow...and to fill some space I felt was empty. Overall a good challenge to get this many photos on a page - next month..8 photos! How? We'll have to find out together.
Happy scrapping!

from sketch to layout

2011-08-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

Sketches - yes I have started to use these. I don't know why I haven't been using these tools that are readily available. You can find them all over blogs, pages in scrapbook magazines, pinterest, everywhere! Even another designer's layout can act as a sketch for you - if you decide to 'scrap lift' it. (meaning copying the design concept and changing it as you see for your particular layout needs) So with sketches you are given a basic guide of placement, but you still have the freedom to design as you wish. In my scrapbook notebook I have layouts that I like that I've seen in scrapbook magazines. These I cut out and paste in my notebook. Sadly, I have not used these references, until now! =) I finally opened my notebook, saw a sketch and used it to create a layout. Here's the sketch.

I had 2 photos and I tend to lean towards clean and simple. I also like the combination of circles with rectangles. So with this sketch as a guide, I created this layout.

I tend to follow sketches quite literally, but why not! They already look nice - so why change it. I really like these colors of paper from Studio Calico. I used the same patterned paper to make the circle accents. I just punched out circles and scallops from the paper and inked up the edges to give a darker tone. But this way it coordinated perfectly and I didn't have to search for matching paper. Of course I stamped on this layout. The text "of" and the 2010 and "something special" on the banners are all stamps from Swiss Girl Designs. The alphabet letters for "family" and the number 4 are from October Afternoon -I love this font and the colors. The bitty buttons are from Stampin' Up!

A clean and simple layout, but I really like how it turned out. Use those sketches - I know I will be using more from my notebook and putting these to use.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy stamping and scrapping!

Weekend card - with video tutorial

2011-07-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. Here's another quick 'weekend' card for you. Enjoy the video tutorial - I'd appreciate any feedback as I am trying a new video editing software. Thanks in advance and happy stamping!

Card with Video Tutorial!

2011-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends. Here's the card I made this week. Scroll down for the video tutorial. Enjoy!

I am loving crystal effects which is Stampin' Up!'s glossy accents. It adds a glaze over your image. I've used it now on the last few projects and I just love how it adds that little extra touch. Here's the side view to show the look of the gloss. Scroll down a bit more for the video tutorial.

Congratulations Card

2011-07-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a wedding card I made. I love how stamps make it so easy to customize and personalize a card. I used an older Hero Arts stamp for the "congratulations", and the alphabet stamps are from Lawn Fawn. The cake image is from Stampin' Up! - A Slice of Life set. To keep the card soft, I used colored pencils to color them in. To make the main cake stand out I used a darker red, and crystal effects (from Stampin' Up!) to make the heart and the cake stand glossy. And of course for a pop of elegance I had to add rhinestones. I used the masking technique to layer the cakes and make the cake look as if it is in front of the other two.
This was a fun card to make and a clean and simple style that I hope the bride and groom will appreciate.
Here's a close up of the glossy look the crystal effects makes.

Thanks for stopping by today. Happy stamping!

Scrapbook every-day.....

2011-07-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Everyday? or every day? I've been seeing so much encouragement lately to scrapbook your everyday events and moments to tell your story - of your life. Even if it may seem mundane or routine, it is still your life. And what may seem repetitive to you, may make you wonder, why do I do this same thing each day? Why must I do this over and over? Tell the story.
A few weeks ago the 'smashbook craze' occurred in the paper crafting world. But the main point again was to scrapbook everyday moments - quickly and easily. Documenting something in your life - get started and you will love this hobby.
Along those lines, the inspiring Shimelle just uploaded this video for her new class. Be prepared to be inspired.

With my last layout of my son's breakfast routine - that is my baby steps toward documenting the everyday. I do carry my camera with me, but need to try taking more photos of the everyday, every day. =) Are you now inspired to do so? Find a notebook and jot down some of your routines. What do you do when you first get into your office? What do you eat? How did you decide your outfit? But even with these every day moments, I think it would be interesting to document the thought of the future a bit too. Do you think you will still eat the same breakfast 5 years from now? Why? Why not? What are you doing now that you know will not be the same in 5 years? Changing diapers? Dropping kids off at school? Whatever it is..that makes the today moments more memorable, I think since it your family's history. Something now will become the past. Pretty interesting when you think about it.
Do you have a smashbook? Are you using it? Do you scrapbook....everyday?? I hope you may be inspired as I am to take on this fun and creative challenge to document your life - maybe every day.

scrapbook layout with video

2011-07-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here's my recent layout of my son enjoying his breakfast routine - cereal. As always, I've used stamps and some pretty paper from my 'stash'. =) Paper: Studio Calico and Creative Imaginations. Stamps: Swiss Girl Designs, Stampin Up, and Close to my Heart. Stickers: American Crafts and October Afternoon.
This is one of my first attempts making a scrapbooking video. Please watch and let me know what you like or not like about it. I truly appreciate your feedback so I can continue to create videos that are inspirational and enjoyable to view. Thanks in advance and enjoy!

3 card set with video tutorial

2011-07-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. Stamps are so versatile and there are so many great products and techniques, that one set can go a long way. I decided to show you a card set you can make with just one stamp set - Delicate Doilies from Stampin' Up! and one sentiment, from Hero Arts - Big Hugs. Here are the 3 cards in the set.

Enjoy the video. Due to time, I had to do a lot of editing - sorry for the 'choppiness' of the video. Thanks for stopping by. Happy stamping.

scrapbook layout - service

2011-07-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

I made this layout for a color challenge that was up on Two Peas in a Bucket. I liked the colors and I thought it worked well with this photo. I stamped part of the title and the embellishment "memories 2011" was also stamps. The designer paper is from the Cosmo Cricket Pixie collection. The flower is a Jillybee Designs chipboard sticker. And the title is American Crafts foam thickers. I also stamped around the border of the vanilla cardstock for a fun accent.
Have a great weekend and happy scrapping!

Two Cards

2011-07-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. Thank you all for your support for the great blog hop hosted by Britta! That was my first time participating in a hop and it was great!! I'm happy so many of you liked my card and video. Your comments, subscriptions, and following means A LoT! THanK YoU!! =)
On with the cards. This card is a make and take I had at my home a few weeks ago. It is a simple card because the Big Shot does all the work! Love that. Here's the card.

Elegant huh? I love that embossing on the gray cardstock. That embossing folder is called Elegant Lines from Stampin' Up! It works with the Cuttlebug too, not just the Big Shot. Then the flowers is the Floral Fusion Sizzlit which is exclusive - which means you can only get it from Stampin' Up.

From that flower die you get all 3 different sized flowers. I just lightly sponged the edges of each with rose red ink to add depth and emphasize the layers. I topped off the flower with an itty bitty button and bakers twine. Then I just stamped my sentiment on a scrap piece of white cardstock. The sentiment is from the Thank You Kindly stamp set - also from Stampin' Up. Just one stamp this card is done - thanks to the Big Shot! My friends really liked this card, both how simple it was to make but also how elegant it looks.

(interested in purchasing Stampin' Up! products?? you may purchase from my website - click on the link on the right side bar)

The second card is one I made for my daughter. Here it is.

I used one my new stamps set I got from Eclectic Paperie. This is a Hero Arts set called Sweet Wonderful You. I paper pieced the outfit. I used the coordinating flower stamp to lightly stamp the background where the girl is, and also on the designer paper strip. I used my colored pencils to color the girls hair and skin. I used more of my scraps for the strip going down the side. The sentiment is from the same set and the hearts are too! There are 2 other girls and 2 more sentiments on this stamp set...it is a great set to have. To finish off the card I added crystal effects to her hair clips and to the hearts. My daughter really liked this card and I had fun making it. Happy stamping.

Young Crafters Unite - blog hop!

2011-07-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog and thanks for 'hoppin' along with the Young Crafters Unite hop. If you're following the hop, you just came from Kathy's blog and now I welcome you.
What makes me a young crafter?
I feel like I am a young crafter due to my limited experience in the 'world' of crafting. I've been crafting in my own room for over a decade without really exposing myself to see what others were doing, what the trends are, what new techniques and products were out there. I tend to teach myself, but along those lines I'm teaching myself to keep up with some of the papercrafting 'world' and I am learning oh so much! I also am trying to inspire others as much as I can, which started with this blog and my You Tube channel. (I hope my age also qualifies me...I just turned the big 3-0)
On with my card. My favorite thing is STAMPS and the colors kraft, chocolate chip, and cherry cobbler red! I currently use stamps on every project I make whether that be a card or scrapbook layout. I love their versatility and there are so many great designs out there - the uses are endless. So, here's the card I created using stamps and my 3 favorite crafting colors. I hope you like it. I'm also really liking Crystal Effects (Glossy Accents).
Scroll down for my video tutorial as well and for details on the blog hop giveaway and the link to the next stop on this blog hop - Karen's blog!

To be entered in for this blog hop giveaway of gift certificates for stamps, please leave me a comment before July 4th - winner will be announced Wednesday July 6th. I appreciate your words of encouragement. Thank you for stopping by. On to the next blog: Karen's blog

Shimmer paint video tutorial

2011-06-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy this video of a few different ways to use shimmer paint. If you like this product, you may purchase it through my website: www.madebyejp.stampinup.net

scrapbook layout - assembly hall

2011-06-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

This was the layout I made the other night. I had a sketch I was trying to copy, but it ended up to be different than I had planned. I initially had the designer paper as the entire background, but it was way too busy. Once I put the white background, the page came out much easier. I added layers and I inked up the edges with distress ink. I added some shimmer paint to the layout by using my paint brush. This was inspired by Shimelle. The only stamp I used on this layout is the blue arrow. Surprising!

The stickers are from Basic Grey, October afternoon, and Cosmo Cricket. The designer paper is from Bo Bunny. The fabric brad is from Stampin' Up! It's hard to see, but I painted the shimmer on the arrow, the center of the small flowers, and the edge of the kraft card stock.

I was happy the way this layout came together. I hope you like it too. Happy scrappin'!

creative juices...finally

2011-06-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow crafters. Just wanted to say, I finally had some creative juice to finish a layout that I started 2 days ago!! It started out, blah - but tonight I was able to feel a 'flow' and finally finished the layout in a way I am happy with. Granted, it's after midnight, but that is how my juices flow I guess.
I will upload pictures tomorrow of this layout along with a few cards. I hope to make a video tomorrow too - til then, good night! :)

scrapbook layout - brush 100 times

2011-06-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

This layout is a hybrid - I call it hybrid since I printed the photos myself, made the photo strip and added the numbers to that photo strip using My Digital Studio (Stampin' Up!). This is the same photo, just formatted on the page as 4 photos.

The story behind this layout is, this is my dad brushing my daughter's hair after she took a shower. He used to do this with me and my sister when we were younger and he would say to "brush 100 times" to get your hair nice and smooth. So we would count out loud together as he brushed. So here he was doing the same with my daughter - the next generation. I now feel this is a family tradition that he had started and is carrying on. Since it was a tradition I was documenting, I decided to go with the vintage type style, using the newsprint designer paper, antique brads, and brown shimmer mist all from Stampin' Up. Also by printing the photos in black and white I think adds to the vintage feel. I stamped the phrase "remember this moment" and the title is also stamps except for the number 100 which are chipboard stickers from American Crafts.

Happy scrapping and stamping - until next time.

Storage solution - clear stamps

2011-06-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

As I was organizing and cleaning my space, one item I had to organize was my clear stamps. I had just recently ordered 5 new sets and I had to really think about where was I going to put them. Before I started cleaning, I had 3 places where I had my stamps - not very smart. So I had to check each place to see where I wanted to put my new stamps. So I changed this. Now I have still 3 places I put my stamps, but much more organized. Let me share what I did with you.
First I did a Google search for clear stamp storage. I saw this video by Jennifer McGuire - who had a large collection of stamps. She uses binders, as does many other people I've seen from my Google searching. But I personally do not like the binders since they are large, bulky, I don't have space for them, and I want my stamps much more accessible since I use them a lot. But I like the concept of being able to see them since I am visual. So I came up with this compromise - I used a day planner that I had laying around with old papers in it.

I keep the stamps in its original packaging and used my Crop-A-Dile to punch the holes through the plastic and the thin paper in the set. I used scotch tape along the end first to help stiffen the edge of the plastic before I punched the holes through it.

Here's a close up. So I did this for the sets that I had enough room to punch the holes in the package. Hero Arts fits perfectly in this planner.

But I also have thinner 4x6 sets that I could not punch holes through. So for these, I used a binder ring and again kept the original packaging and used the hole already there for retailers to hang the stamps on. I use the 3M hooks on the side of my bookshelf and hang my stamps there. This is a simple way to see them, keep them in one place, and due to the packaging of each brand, I'll know which set is where.

Here's the view of the side of my bookshelf which is right next to my desk. These sets are in arms reach and easy to see. I love these hooks. I also have one of these hooks on the side leg of my desk holding my heat tool! Love it!

And the final storage for clear stamps I have is a drawer for my mini sets. This drawer system is directly in front of me and these drawers are the best thing ever! They fit perfectly and they store my most frequently used items - clear block, clear mini stamps, markers, journaling pens, adhesive, dimensionals, sponges, bone folder and white scraps.

Here's my stamp drawer - with my newest stamps at the top.

These stamps fit perfectly in here...for now. This drawer is getting full...so if I happen to get more mini stamp sets I might need to update my storage solution for these, but for now this works.
I really do like what I came up with. How do you store you clear stamps? I'd love to see what you do too. I hope I've inspired you to get organized with your clear stamps. =) Happy stamping!

Mission: Craft room organization

2011-06-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Getting organized and cleaning out your crafting supplies seems to be a never ending mission. Sadly though, this is a fact. I've come to accept this, as I read in a blog once that since your products are consumable (once used, it's gone) your storage needs change. Where you once had a stack of 25 sheets of paper, now suddenly you're down to 10. There's a lot of consumable products like: stickers, chipboard, paper, rub ons, buttons, flowers, brads, clips, ribbon, need I go on. But then again, you also have non-consumable products like: ink pads, stamps, die cutter, dies, scissors, adhesive, and markers. (I put adhesive as non-consumable since this is something I always refill, thus it's never 'gone' completely)

So with all these different products, how do you store them? Let alone your magazines, photos, and memorabilia - that's an entirely different subject.

I've been scrapbooking and stamping for over 12 years. I've had just a table with plastic tubs and now I have a craft room...it's been maybe a year and a half. I find I'm ALWAYS reorganizing and moving things around. I do this probably at least once every month to two months. While I leave the tables and shelf in place, what is on the table and in the shelves is constantly moving and changing containers.

I find that after I try something out for a while, if'it doesn't really work for me I'm not afraid to change it. I'm always looking for good ideas, cute containers, empty boxes I could possible recycle, etc. that expands the possibilities of storage solutions for me. Also, I have been making the move of getting less wood block stamps and getting more clear stamps. This definitely causes a need to change my storage solution for my stamps, as they are thinner, take up less space, but I have to see the front of them to know what they are.

In addition I also have been using more sticker alphabets - this I haven't used much before so I didn't need a storage spot for them. But now I have multiple sheets and I've only used portions of them, thus I now need a place to keep them.

So, tonight my mission is to organize a bit. I've been creating cards lately and find that during the process I get frustrated since I have to stack things atop each other in order to have space to work. And I see there's a lot on my desk that is getting 'in the way' as I working - this I want to avoid. Not to mention, I got a few more new stamps which now I need to put somewhere.

Take a look at your area, large or small - see what you use a lot, what gets in your way, what you wish you could find - and then organize. See if you like things visible or hidden. What inspires you and what frustrates you. Try to keep your inspiration high, as this is your creative outlet.

I hope to have a more organized and functional space by the end of tonight. Happy crafting!

I made a skirt!

2011-06-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the tutorial on the blog MADE , I made my first skirt for my daughter! I'm so so proud of myself. This is only the second thing I've sown, ever!! It took me about 3 hours - not too bad for a beginner. If you're thinking of getting started into sewing, check out that blog. Dana is the talented mother and sewer who shares great tutorials for such persons like myself to follow. It was quite easy, and I'm excited to make a skirt for myself soon too. Thanks for the inspiration, Dana.

Here's the skirt on my daughter. She's about a size 6 skinny. I was able to make this out of 1 yard of fabric. Next time I will shop around more to get a better deal on the fabric, but hey, a skirt for under $10, not too bad. =)

Here's my daughter, happily modeling for me. Happy crafting, whatever you choose to create!

How do you buy stamps?

2011-06-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Confession: I have a weak spot for stamps and designer paper. Those two things, no matter how much I may already have, I seem to always be looking for more. As I search the web, I always see so many inspiring articles and projects. But one stamp designer I am yet to use, is Ali Edwards designs for Technique Tuesday. I follow her blog and love her photography and her style. I've seen her 'hand written' type stamps used a lot by Nichol Magouirk in her videos on Two Peas in a Bucket and they always look great. The sentiments are perfect for scrapbooking and I feel I always "need" stamps for scrapbooking. But when looking at the website I had to make a decision as to what I was going to purchase, since in reality I don't have the money to just buy all her stamps! =) So I thought I would share a little bit of my thought process and why I selected what I did.
The first set I chose was her latest set for June,The Observant Traveler.

So you can see her style here. I love the hand written 'font' and all the sentiments are great! The reason I chose this set was first of all because I always scrapbook the photos of my family trips and vacations. So I knew already I had a use for it. Next, I knew my family is planning a trip this summer, so I have a current project that I can use these on, right away. Those are first 2 of my main thoughts - do I have a project I can use it on, and how soon can I use the set. I feel horrible having a stamp set sit on the shelf un-inked. I just feel so guilty. So I try to make better purchases of sets I know I will use. Next, because of the style and the words, this set is truly timeless. It will never go out of date. It is something that can be used now but also for future trips and many scrapbook layouts. Thus I made this purchase.
Another set I purchased was this smaller set.

Now, this one I thought was a great deal, only $2.99! I love that "beautiful" and that can be combined with the traveler set above. These words can be combined with so many other sentiments which to me makes this a very versatile set that I know I will use many times. Plus, I love the 2 step stamping of that butterfly. For the price, I couldn't pass it up.

I know it can be hard to justify your purchases but with a limited budget it is necessary. There are so so many cute and beautiful stamps out there. You may never get all of them. But be sure the ones you do get are truly ones that have use for you. Don't forget to check with what you have already...do you have something similar already? Or do you have something to use with your new set? Many times we naturally seem to buy similar images because that is what we like. But do you really need 6 sets with birds? or butterflies? (just examples)

I personally found I have a lot of flower stamps, so I'm not looking for any more flowers in my current purchases. I don't have many sentiment or word stamps, thus this is more of what I'm looking for in stamp sets that I will purchase. Also I found I don't have much if any 'cutesy' girlish type of stamps, just because that's not really my style. So, for example, of Lawn Fawn sets, I only have purchased alphabet stamps and backgrounds...the images are too cutesy for my personal taste - even though they are adorable and the creations you can make will be adorable, that's just not me.

So check your 'stash' before you buy. Think of your immediate needs but also future needs and uses. Enjoy every set you purchase and have fun creating! =)

Happy stamping. I can't wait for my new stamps!

Video tutorial - use those scraps!

2011-06-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

In this video I share with you how I store my paper scraps. It's nice to share what I do that maybe will inspire you to try it out or at least you get a peek into how I 'work'. Enjoy the video. Comments are always welcome!

3x3 card set

2011-06-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. I wanted to share some quick cards I made to keep in my 'collection' for when you need a card in a hurry. I love these 3x3 cards to stick in a gift bag. Believe it or not, these were made using scraps. I used the same layout and just changed colors for the different sex of the baby. Cute huh? I love how stamps allow you to have this versatility. This onesie stamp is one of my favorites, it is from Hampton Arts - one that I've had for a while now. Stamping on designer paper and cutting it out is called paper piecing. This is a great way to use scraps. As long as you scrap is large enough for the area in your stamp you want filled in, it will work.
Thanks for stopping by. Try making a 3x3 card - you'll be surprised how quickly it comes together.
Happy stamping!

Scrapbook layout - Happy Couple

2011-06-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Surprise surprise, I actually do still scrapbook. I feel like it's been forever since I worked on a layout. And actually this layout I had done for a while, I just didn't post it. With this layout I did what was suggested in a scrapbook online class - I combined photos from various times but with a common theme all on one layout. These photos range from 2008-2010. In addition to combining photos, I combined various techniques and patterns. I did layering of designer paper. I stamped with paint, in the two corners of the layout. I combined various stickers from Basic Grey and October Afternoon. The hearts were cut out from designer paper. And I even added rhinestones. Pretty good on a seemingly simple layout. I really like the non traditional combination of colors and patterns. It was fun to put this one together. Happy scrapping, until next time.

My "Scrapbook Notebook"

2011-05-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

If you recall, I mentioned that I had a notebook that was a similar concept with the *smash* book from K& Co. So I pulled it out and I really was not inspired by the cover. I had it covered, but it was from over 5 years ago and the colors were faded, and it had no real style. This was one of my first notebooks I ever altered, so it was a bit on the boring side. So I decide to re-cover my notebook to be more inspiring. So here is what I came up with.

I tried to make a video tutorial on this, but I had editing issues and I couldn't save it...so I'm sorry I couldn't share how I altered this in a video tutorial. But is really is easy. Here are my tips:

1. Use cardstock as the primary cover - it is sturdier and will survive better through use.

2. Use products/colors that you love - but try to keep it as flat as possible so it does not get damaged through use. Rub ons, stamps, and stickers work great.

3. Use products that inspire you if this is going to be an inspirational book for you.

4. Use both sticky strip and Mono multi purpose glue on the edges to ensure it will stick.

The products I used feature my favorites. This yellow designer paper is from Basic Grey's Origins line - my favorite that I purchased last year. Then the teal colored paper is one of my current favorite shades of blue. This paper was from an older piece from SEI. The combination of kraft and grey for the background is also another favorite color combo for me. These are currently my most used neutrals. The stamps for my title is from Swiss Girl Designs and Lawn Fawn. I used my own handwriting for the work 'scrapbook' to break up the straight lines. The wood grain butterfly rub ons are from Studio Calico. This breaks up the yellow and adds texture without adding bulk. Then to add interest to the lower portion, I used my new postage punch from Stampin Up in the 3 colors to contrast on the yellow. I also used a new border punch under my title to tie in the blue color and dress up the title a little bit. Here's a close up view.

This was fun to put together. I have already added more content inside this notebook of inspirational layouts, ideas, and sketches from my latest Scrapbooks Etc. magazine. I like to note what caught my eye, what I like, or what I would like to try out. I've already found one trend - I like the combination of circles and half circles on a layout with straight lines - I think I like the contrast and how it softens the lines of a layout.

Do you have a notebook in need of a makeover? Try it out, you'll be happy you did and you'll have your own *smash* book started to keep your daily memories or inspirations in one place that you'd be proud to use and share. Until next time, happy stamping and scrapping!

Weekend card - with video tutorial

2011-05-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Another one of those quick and easy cards you need in a hurry. I will try to make more videos on these quick cards. This card I actually made in less than 5 minutes!

I really like the effect you get with mixing markers on your stamped image. All supplies I used are from Stampin' Up. I hope this video inspires you to make some quick and easy cards that you can use for any occasion. Just change the sentiment to what you may need.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!!

Color pencils - with videos

2011-05-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. If you follow Hero Arts' blog and videos, you will know that in the last week they were focusing on colored pencils. Confession: I only have Crayola 12 pack that I bought for my kids! =) But when I saw all the shading and how pretty you can color a stamped image with these pencils, I had to try it out. So, I made this card for my mom. I tried using different pressure on the pencils to get the shading. I am not good at this at all - I love the look, but I've never done it before. I can't bring myself to purchase Copics, so colored pencils are the way for me. But with my small pack, I don't have various shades of similar colors, so I had to make due with what I had. It was fun though to color with pencils - I really love the soft look.

This card uses Hero Arts stamp, Lawn Fawn alphabet, and I cut the flowers from designer paper I had. I used my own writing for the sentiment since it was a bit long and I wanted it to fit.

So being my first time coloring my stamps with colored pencils, I am happy with it. This is definitely something I will continue to practice. Maybe my colored pencil 'stash' will start to grow....we'll see.

Have you used colored pencils? There's lots of videos out there that feature this technique. Below are just 2 videos that I recently watched. There's plenty more - believe me! Enjoy!

Card with video tutorial!

2011-05-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Isn't this card simple, yet unique?! I really like the look. This is a basic technique that can be combined with various colors. Did you see...I used my sewing machine again, yay me! Watch my video tutorial to see how to create this card. I call this technique, layered stamping. I don't know if there's another name for it, but that's what I call it. I hope you try it out. All products are Stampin' Up!, except my white ink...(since my white Stampin' Up! ink has dried up) but any white pigment ink should work. I've never tried it with white Staz-On...I don't have it..but if you try it, let me know if it works. It should...

Anyway, enjoy the video.

Scrapbook journey - smash

2011-05-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

Ok friends. Take a look at this video - new product by K & Co. *SMASH*

So what do you think about that??! I love the idea of the pen with the glue stick all in one - brilliant!
But even more so, it's needless to say that this art of scrapbooking is truly growing to more and more documentation of everyday life, things, sayings, favorites, things that make you smile. :)
It's more than just photos - it really is more of documenting and sharing your life and memories. I really appreciate that. In addition, I'm happy to say, I'm on that journey by carrying my little camera with me and my notebook to keep notes of things I would like to scrap. I also have on my I-touch a free sketchbook app (from Autodesk) which allows you to sketch on the go and add colors and texture all with your finger tips. Love it!
So with the Smash idea, i really like how the idea is to make it quick and easy - 1. start with a memory, thought, clipping, whatever.... 2. tell the story - quick note, tab, "I like this" 3. put it together in one spot!
This is the same basic principles of scrapbooking, just a bit more down to the basics. I really like that.

I've created my own type of 'smash' book without even knowing it, by trying to get rid of old crafting magazines. I went through the pages, cut out the ideas, colors, layouts, products, etc. that I liked from each magazine and then casually glued them into a standard Mead notebook. Then I simply added my journaling of what I liked about the product, layout, or whatever, or even the item I was contemplating buying. ;)
I think mentally we all do this process. We want to remember many things, we may fold a page over, highlight text, write a quick note on a post it, or we take a photo. But these things may never get shared....or they may even tell a bit about yourself by why you like those particular things or why they are important to you.
There's a website called Pinterest, which allows you to 'pin' what you like that you've seen online! Same concept again!! Feel free to check this out too.
So if you're not a scrapbooker, I hope you may be inspired by these basic principles - and maybe not be overwhelmed by the size 12x12 or all the many embellishments and pretty paper out there. Take the "smash" idea and basic principles and see how fun, easy, and fulfilling it truly can be to share your stories and memories with others in a very creative and unique way.
Happy scrapping!

Embellish Challenge

2011-05-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. Today I had some time to spend in my craft room, so I decided to join the Embellish challenge. Here's the challenge.

And here's my entry:

I decide to go with a square card, since my embellishment and tag was on the smaller side. I didn't want too much blank space up the top of the card.

I used Martha Stewart stamps for the polka dots and criss cross design. I clear embossed the dots to add some subtle detail and visual interest. I made my own tag after I stamped my sentiment from Paper Trey Ink three times. I used my felt flower and ribbon from Stampin' Up! to finish off the card.

Again, I tend to lean more towards clean and simple designs - it was nice using some new stamps on this card. Happy stamping!

8x8 layout - breakfast nook

2011-05-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

This page I made does not have a title - but I used the photo of the restaurant's sign as the title. It was large enough and bright - I didn't think a title would stand out with that photo on the page.

I used Studio Calico paper, I cut the birds from it. Also the light blue paper is from Studio Calico. The wood grain paper is from Basic Grey, Life of the Party collection.
I have to learn to write straight, as my journaling slopes upwards! Hopefully the more I practice, the better I will get.
I used my postage stamp punch from Stampin' Up!'s new summer mini catalog to make my accent pieces as well as a subtle border to the top area where the birds are. Itty bitty buttons and twine also from Stampin' Up! finish off the page.
For visual interest I used my ruler and brown journaling pen to make a border around the page. I hope you like it. Another 8x8 layout done! I'm getting close to the end of this anniversary album. Yay me!

8x8 layout - solo

2011-05-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Continuing with my 8x8 scrapbook of me and my hubby's anniversary - here is a layout I just completed the other night. This photo has been sitting atop this 8x8 cream cardstock for over a month, waiting to be put on a page!! So this layout combines stamping, paper, and a few embellishments.

The paper I used was Stampin' Up! & Studio Calico. The chipboard alphabet are older letters I've had from Stampin' Up! I painted them with acrylic paint in the color "buttermilk".

I inked up all the edges with vintage photo distress ink and a sponge. I used Lawn Fawn stamps - Itty Bitty Backgrounds & Smitty's ABC. The date and place stamp is from Hampton Arts - that I actually got on clearance from Michael's for $3.99 - it was an entire set with 19 images!

I hand wrote my journaling in blue ink that coordinated with the designer paper.

For embellishments I used the flowers and pearls from Stampin' Up!

Just so you know, I don't take solo photos....hardly ever. So don't expect to see many more layouts like this with me as the only person in the photos! =)

Have you been able to stamp lately?

Card with Video Tutorial!

2011-05-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. I was inspired to use a tool I've had for a while - but hardly ever used - my BRAYER. Here is the card I made - I made a few rookie mistakes - I didn't blend well, and I don't like the lines from the brayer ... but with practice I think these will go away.

I hope you like the card and enjoy the video.

Scrapbook layout is complete!

2011-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation, here is the two page layout I created.

Page 1

Page 2

What do you think??
Here's a few close ups.

Paper used - October Afternoon & Stampin' Up!
Stamps used - Close To My Heart, Lawn Fawn, Swiss Girl Designs
American Crafts foam Thickers - for the word "Summer"
Doodle Bug stickers - for the word "dad"
Chipboard stickers - Lilybee designs
Twine
Corner Rounder
Distress Ink
Acrylic Paint

So I printed my photos, selected designer paper that complimented the photos. The red gingham pattern is from Stampin' Up! and I thought it went well with the summer theme and contrasted the black and white. I then chose the October Afternoon paper with the stars to add some color and again more 'fun' accents since the kids were quite busy in these photos. The yellow grid paper is also from October Afternoon. I printed my journaling using a free font from Kevin and Amanda, that looks like handwriting. Click on the link on the side of my blog to check out the free fonts they have. I did this using Microsoft Word. I measured my space on my page, then made a text box slightly smaller than the space I measured. Once typed up, I printed it on some scratch computer paper. I then cut my designer paper and used temporary adhesive to glue it atop where the text printed. I held up the paper to the light and this allowed me to see through it..slightly to place my paper close to where my printer would print. I then placed this computer paper with my designer paper attached in my paper tray and printed again. That was it! Then I trimmed my designer paper as needed, distressed the edges and rounded the corners. Super easy - I definitely will be doing this more often. This printed journaling adds such a finished look - I really like it. I added handwritten journaling atop the pages to list the places where the photos were taken since it's not what I included in the story, and I just thought it would be a good reminder of where they went during the summer. I made my own tag accent and used stamps for the title and the year. The black stitching is also a stamp - from Close To My Heart, I've had for years! It's hard to see but I added acrylic paint in turquoise in the two corners of the pages. I just used a brush and ran my finger through the bristles, and this added light speckles onto the layout. I breaks up the white and was a subtle way to tie in the turquoise color from the photos and the title.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. What do you think? How did I do? Many more pages to come - I'm looking forward to sharing them with you. Happy scrapping! - Ezlie

Paper Craft Planet - sketch challenge

2011-05-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this challenge and wanted to play along this week. Here is the sketch from Paper Craft Planet.

And I thought to make a window card. So here's my card.

I used old and new products here. Old products include: green embossing powder, hobby blade, and my older Cosmo Cricket designer paper - Togetherness. It felt good to use my colored embossing powder - it's been in a drawer for so long. It's hard to tell in the photo, but the stamped stems are embossed in the green. I then traced a circle and make a template to sponge a circle shape atop the stamped image. I free hand cut the circle, hence the imperfect shape - but I like how it adds a homemade feel to the card. I then layered this atop kraft cardstock which I also cut by hand. I inked up all the edges with Vintage Photo distress ink and a sponge.
For the window, I just sketched a rectangle on my designer paper, and used my hobby blade to cut it out. Again, I wasn't using a straight edge or a punch, so you can see my free hand cutting imperfections...but again I like the way it looks. I also sponged these edges with the distress ink.
This embossed stems was a new stamp I just got, for less than $2! I also used my new bakers twine I just got too! The sentiment is from Stamps of Life and the butterfly is Studio Calico rub on - which I won! =) Lots of products on this card and it was fun putting some old products to use with some new ones.
Curious how my 2 page scrapbook layout turned out? Stayed tuned - the pages are done, they just now need to be photographed and posted. I really like how it turned out, I hope you will too. Check back to see the pages! Happy stamping!

My Scrapbook Journey...layout begins

2011-05-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

Well friends, I have taken the step and printed my photos! Of course the measurements that were on screen did not print to the same on the paper - I have to figure that one out - to get the pictures the size I truly was expecting. But, even with low toner, my prints came out quite well.

Once they were printed, I trimmed off the excess white cardstock to get my photo collage more to the true size. Now that they are printed, it was time to select supplies to use for the layout. To do this, I look through my designer paper and lay my photos atop it to see what color or pattern complements the photos without being to distracting, or contrasting, or bright. I initially thought I was going to use a bright background, but it was way too busy with these photos, so I decided to have a solid cardstock background. Also, this is to be a two page layout, so they have to match - and I rarely ever have 2 of the same designer paper...so I ended up using white cardstock as my background. I know, not too adventurous. Since my photos have so much going on, I felt the basic background was more pleasing to the eye and drew your attention more to the photos.

So here is the beginning of my layout.

Stay tuned to see the final realization of my 'envisioned' layout with the theme of my kids summer with their dad. I also tried printing my journaling onto designer paper. This too was something new for me, but well worth it. I love the way it turned out. Come back soon to see for yourself and let me know what you think.

Happy scrapping, enjoy the process, remember the moments.