Creative Mayhem

CHA New Product Lines

2012-01-30T15:17:00.001-05:00

Wow being at CHA from this side of the fence is so much fun!! I've had a blast meeting new people and seeing all the products! Did I mention the classes?!??

Paaaleeeaase the classes rock!

Ok so I'm testing out a new app on my phone thy let's me post on the fly. As I get a few hours here and there between classes I'll post some beautiful pictures of what I find!

Here are just a few.

Thanks!Enjoy

I Love You Card

2012-01-24T21:29:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of year again when we break out the hearts, love and all things pink! This year is no exception. My favorite color is pink so I’m really happy to be using it more and more these next few weeks.

I made this card for the challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers using the Belleek Pottery tutorial. This was so much fun!

I used Tim Holtz ink Spun Sugar and a Cuttlebug embossing folder to achieve this look. I also used Spellbinders dies S5-030 Fancy Tags Two #2 and S4-314 Lacey Ovals #2 and #4 with my Spellbinder Grand Calibur.

I then stamped the I Love You from the K-1160 Just My Type set in the same color for the center. Finally I finished it off with some white pearl Jellie Dots. and some ribbon from my stash.

Thanks for looking! I love all these new techniques. You should give it a try if you haven’t already.

Happy crafting!

Michele

Vintage Dressform Blank Card

2012-01-11T23:49:00.000-05:00

With the new year, I’ve made it my goal to create a stash of cards before I need them so I’m prepared when the time comes. I was thinking it would be great to have a set of all purpose cards that I could make for different occasions. Well here is what I came up with:

I used some Kaiser Kraft paper over kraft cardstock to form my base for the card. Then I used the J-1074 Frame Heart Stamp in Tim Holtz Distress Inks – Festive Berries over the patterned paper.

Doesn’t that look pretty over that paper?

I then covered this beautiful dress form in TRC-0010 Scrap Happy Glue and a mixture of G-120 You’re So Fine Glitter, Diva Pink and G-101 You’re So Fine Glitter, Silver Medal. I then set the dress off even more with a few small rhinestones and a tiny piece of lace trim.

For the smaller vintage embellishments I used a technique I saw on Pinterest of painting on your shrinky dinks with acrylic paint and then over-stamping them before shrinking.

The acrylic gets a crackled look to it and with some sealer they would be fantastic for your next project! On the sheet above, I used the S-114 Vintage Treasures stamps set and the S-113 Steampunk Charity Wings set.

I hope you’ve been inspired today to get some of those extra cards made for your stash. You never know when you might need a card in a pinch. Better to have some on hand and prepared.

Framed Heart	Steampunk Charity Wings	Vintage Treasures
INk	Scrap Happy Glue	You are So Fine Glitter - Princess Pink
Jellie Dots Cotton Candy	Stick em Up	Lil inkerz

InLinkz.com

Happy crafting!

2012 The Rubber Cafe Design Team Call!!!

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody! I just wanted to post this call that a great company is having. You should check them out at www.therubbercafe.com!

The Rubber Café is currently looking for a few crafty creative designers to join our design team. All international applications are welcomed. We manufacturer with love and care a unique line of rubber stamps right on our premises in San Diego County, California.

We are looking for designers whose work includes altered projects, clean and simple, elegant, mixed media, shabby chic, vintage, sewing projects … or anything you can think of using The Rubber Café products.

Requirements include:

Commit to a 6 month turn beginning February 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012 Provide one project a week highlighting The Rubber Cafe products.
Create one project a week and post it on The Rubber Cafe blog. Projects can be layouts, cards, home decor, altered projects, or anything in between!
One project a month must be a tutorial featuring our Scrap Happy glue.
Post projects on at least two community websites such as Splitcoaststampers.com and/or Scrapbook.com.
Submit projects to magazines for publication. We do have a publication reward program for each active design team member.
Be an active blogger posting regularly to your personal blog.
Be passionate about your craft and have fun!!!

Benefits include:

Generous shipments filled with The Rubber Cafe products to use in your projects. These will include all of our newly released stamps/dies as they become available and they are yours to keep and love.
Participation in our publication and special project incentive program. This program is great for those wanting to submit to magazines or who already do get published. We want to reward our design team for those efforts!
Occasionally we partner with companies and you will also receive products from those partnerships for free.
All Rubber Café design team members receive 40% merchandise on our website with the exception of sale items.
Opportunity to work/demo in The Rubber Café booth at various shows.

To apply please include:

At least 3 projects that represent your style the best.
Your name, address, telephone number, and email with a brief introduction about yourself. We would like to know a little bit more about you.
A link to your blog/website and any online galleries showcasing your work.
A link to your current online resume or a list of your current design teams, guest spots, and publication listings if any.
A link to your Facebook, Twitter, YouTube channel, or any other social media site your are active in.

Please send your entries to: design-team@therubbercafe.com by January 20th, 2012.

We will announce our new Design Team members on January 23, 2012.

Good luck everybody!! We look forward to seeing your submissions.

CAS Quick Card Set

2011-12-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

For my quick card set this week, I chose to try something a bit out of the box. We’ve had some wonderful samples using coloring, glittering, and regular stamping so I decided to showcase something a bit different.

I decided to go with F-608 Presents for Warren stamp using white pigment ink and Stamp & Bond embossing powder. I just love the look of white on kraft colored cardstock.

. . . and look how great it looks with the glitter too. I used our TRC0010 Scrap Happy Glue and G108 You’re So Fine Glitter in Diamond Clear Cool and Princess Pink on the presents to help them pop.
Since my card above did have some fussy cutting, I thought I would do another simpler version with less cutting so it could be replicated quickly.

This card simply uses the stamp with white pigment ink along with the glitter for the snow and accents to the presents but with no embossing powder.

So you can see what a different look this is by using the white ink and glitter.

For this final card, I simply used the glitter for the snow base and nothing else on the stamp. This last card would be incredibly easy and fast to do if in a hurry.

Also did you see the beautiful bow centers?

These are made with our FABULOUS Jellie Dots. They are so gorgeous. Here’s how I created the bow centers.

To make the centers, you will need the RC001 Stick Em’ Up tool, Jellie Dots, and TRC0010 Scrap Happy Glue.

Simply place a small amount of glue on a 1 inch circle covering about half of the middle. Let air dry for a few minutes until it becomes tacky.

Next using the Stick Em’ Up tool, place the Jellie Dots in the center of the circle.
TIP: Ever have a problem getting embellishments to flip over? I’ve found that by putting the Jellie Dots in the lid and giving it a quick shake, they will flip over so that I can then pick them up.

Once the flower centers set, you can then cut around them and adhere to your project. It’s that easy.
I hope you’ve been inspired to make some quick holiday cards this week. Stay tuned to the blog where there will be more last minute card ideas to showcase!

Presents from Warren	Stamp n Bond	You are So Fine Glitter - Princess Pink
Your So Fine Glitter Diamond	Scrap Happy Glue	Stick em Up
Jellie Dots Cotton Candy

InLinkz.com

Holiday Blog Hop Day #3:

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you for joining us for day three of the Scrap-Mart Holiday Blog Hop! We'll be celebrating all things Christmas this week and want to thank you for joining us.

This blog hop has been brought to you by some fabulous companies such as:

Each of the generous manufacturers will have prizes for you along the way so be sure to visit and complete the hop each day from Dec. 5th through Dec. 10th to be eligible to win. If you are just joining in, be sure to head over to the Scrap-Mart blog to start the hop from the beginning.

For my project today, I decided to make a present for another crafty friend of mine.

Since one of her favorite "go-to" adhesives (besides our Scrap Happy Glue of course) are the little adhesive dots, this will make the perfect gift for her.

Well did you know you can make any size adhesive dots you like with the Scrap Happy Glue??? Yes you can! So with that and the fact that she loves to have pretty things on her desk, I thought I would make her very own adhesive dot container!

This project was so much fun and easy to boot. For further details on how to make the dots, watch Melissa's fabulous "how-to" video.

So let's get started on making those last minute gifts. . . First we need to make the adhesive dots for the insert.

First cut 1 inch strips of parchment or freezer paper and adhere the dull sides together to make it two-sided. Then tape together at the ends to make it the length you want.

Next squeeze the Scrap Happy Glue onto the parchment strips according to the video guidelines. You can make these any size/shape you wish.

Next wind the adhesive dots onto a recycled glue dot spent spindle.

Now for the fun part! Decorating the box. I used a glue dot box and traced around it to make a template.

I used kraft cardstock for my base and Pink Paisley paper stamped with our I-987 18th Century Proclamation stamp using the G-101 You’re So Fine Glitter in Silver Medal.

I then stamped my sentiment from the J-1095 Fabulous Phrases set and matted it with coordinating cardstock.

Did you notice the extra sparkle around the edges? Well if you’ve ever wanted to apply a bit of sparkle to the edges without have to wait YEARS for it to try . . . then try this technique.

First place a small of glue onto a stamping block.

Then using an applicator such as a makeup sponge, apply to edges of cardstock.

Wait a minute or two for the glue to get tacky then simply rub the You’re So Fine Glitter into the glue and that’s it!

No waiting for the glue to dry. Once you’ve rubbed it in, you can keep on working. LOVE IT!!

Isn’t that gorgeous????? Now I’m going to have to glitter EVERYTHING!

Here’s the back of the box. I used the I-984 Pattern Royale stamp set with the Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink along with S-113 Steampunk Charity Wings set on the back.

Check out the glitter on the bird! That technique works on so many different shapes too.

Here are the side views:

I used the 121007 Silver Jellie dots to add sparkle to each of the side.

and finally the top:

I hope you like my adhesive dots gift box tutorial and are inspired to make your crafty friends their very own box this holiday season!

Supplies Used:

18th Centry Proclamation	Pattern Royale	Fabulous Phrases
Vintage Treasures	Your So Fine Glitter Diamond	Jellie Dots - Crystal
Stick em Up	Lil inkerz	Scrap Happy Glue

InLinkz.com

We hope you've enjoyed the hop so far and are inspired to create more holiday goodness this year!

Prize Information:

Don't forget to leave a comment here on The Rubber Cafe blog each day of the hop to be eligible for a $25 Gift Certificate to our online store! Earn extra entries for liking us on Facebook and following our blog if you haven't already. Be sure to let us know in your comments if you are taking advantage of the extra entries. Winners will be announced via our blog and Facebook on Monday, December 12, 2011.

Your next stop on the blog hop is: Canvas Corp

Happy Blog Hoppin!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Well the chill is in the air, the tree is up, the outside lights hanging, and I’m listening to Christmas music! What better way to cap off a week of decorating by making a cute little stocking ornament for your tree?

The design team has been hard at work making stockings all this week to help get you in the spirit. I hope you’ve had some time to get in your craft room and play along with us as well.

I wanted this stocking to have a vintage shabby chic feel and I challenged myself to use Melissa’s AMAZING background stamps! These are definitely my go-to stamps to give life to all kinds of projects.

For my project, I used the H978 Background Basics 2 Polka Dot stamp and the EP200 Stampendous Adhesive Powder to adhere the gorgeous G108 Your So Fine Diamond Clear Cool Highlight glitter.

I heart this glitter. It is so baby powdering fine and it sticks so well to the adhesive powder. I was even able to outline the edges of the patterned paper.

Just in case that isn’t enough sparkle for you, I also used the 121007 Crystal Clear Jellie Dots along the edge of the dainty little pom-pom ribbon I had in my stash. Isn’t that just beautiful! It looks so sparkly on my tree.

So there’s my little stocking sitting perfectly in the tree. You could also make these to use in a garland as decoration too. The possibilities are endless.

I hope I’ve inspired you to use your products in new and different ways or to simply try a new technique using the fabulous products in The Rubber Café store.

Supplies Used:

Background Basics 2	Stamp n Bond	Your So Fine Glitter Diamond
Jellie Dots - Crystal	Stick em Up	Scrap Happy Glue
Lil inkerz

InLinkz.com

Stamps: Background Basics 2 Polka Dot stamp
Paper: Pink Paisley Butterfly Garden, Bazzill Cardstock
Ink: Ranger Old Paper Distress Ink
Bling: 121007 Crystal Clear Jellie Dots
Accessories: Scrap Happy Glue, EP200 Stampendous Adhesive Powder, G108 Your So Fine Diamond Clear Cool Highlight glitter
Misc: Stick pin, glass beads, floral ribbon, mini pom pom ribbon

Happy Crafting!

Gift Idea: Card Set to Go!

2011-11-19T04:10:00.000-05:00

I really love this week’s challenge to make a card set for gift-giving. There are so many possibilities with this one that it was hard to narrow down what I wanted to do. Then I saw this Card Pouch tutorial over at Splitcoast Stampers and I completely had to stop what I was working on and do it instead!

Do you ever do that? Stop in the middle of a project and change course? Well I’m sure glad I did.

This little pouch is super easy to make and it came together quickly. I’m going to be making more of these to keep on hand for emergency gifts and also I think my daughter’s teacher will really enjoy something like this too.

For the little cards I used the sentiments from the J-1095 Fabulous Phrases set. They fit perfectly in one of my hole punches I had in my stash.

Here’s a look at the inside of the card pouch. The card fits nicely inside.

One other thing I got to play with was the T000-0001 Goosebumps texture spray. This product is so much fun! Just spray it on and let it dry. Easy peasy!

I wanted the outside of my pouch and the cards to look like they were covered in melting snow. This technique is great to do if you don’t want to have the look of embossing but want something fun for a texture.

It does look like melting snow doesn’t it??

You can really see the texture and the lovely sentiments in these photos. The ‘Get Well’ card is using less spray and the ‘Thanks’ card behind it is using an all over application of the spray.

Well I hope you’ve enjoyed my project this week and are inspired to create your own. There’s just a little over a month left before Christmas and it will be here before you know it!

Supplies Used:

InLinkz.com

Stamps: J-1095 Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Cosmo Cricket More Holly, Bazzill Cardstock
Ink: Ranger Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Eco Green Paris Trunk
Dies: Spellbinders™ Grand Calibur, S5-031 Fancy Tags Three #3
Accessories: Scrap Happy Glue, Dimensional Squares, Want2Scrap mini rhinestones

Happy crafting!

Special Touches with Gift Wrapping

2011-11-12T03:01:00.001-05:00

I always like to add that extra something special to my gift wrapping for every person I give a gift to. I guess it is my way of showing that person how special they are to me.

So for this challenge I knew exactly what I wanted to do in creating my own wrapping paper:

I love the background stamps at The Rubber Café because they are so interesting in and of themselves. . especially this I-986 Roaring 20’s Placard!

Simply stamp repeatedly to make a seamless background. Then using the Spellbinders™ Grand Calibur simply cut the #2 fancy tag from S5-031 Fancy Tags Three and you've got yourself a tag.

I also made a small ornament embellishment using shrinking dinks and our I-980 Swirled Ornament with Hanging Ribbon stamp. I simply topped it off with some glossy accents and that was it! So simple but yet very elegant.

I hope I’ve inspired you to make your wrapping a little bit more interesting. Would love to see what you come up with.

Supplies used:
Stamps: I-986 Roaring 20’s Placard, I-980 Swirled Ornament with Hanging Ribbon stamp
Paper: Brown Grocery Bag, DCWV Elegant Stack
Ink: Ranger Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Dies: Spellbinders™ Grand Calibur, S5-031 Fancy Tags Three #2

Glue: TRC Scrap Happy Glue, glue gun
Accessories: Making Memories Velvet Pleated Ribbon, Making Memories Floral Mesh Ribbon, Vintage button, Want2Scrap Baby Bling Creme

Happy stamping!

Organization, Cut files, and play time!

2011-10-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

So I was surfing around the internet and checking emails a few weeks ago and I happened to see someone on one of my yahoo groups was looking for project samples for their online store. Since it was a cutting file group and I have a dusty old Cricket machine sitting in a corner of the my scraproom, I thought it was high time I broke that puppy out.

I won’t bore you with the details but I was sent a wonderful magazine file to try my hand out with. Here’s what I came up with:

Just to let you know I sized this way down so that I could have a cute little container sitting on my desk to hold my ever elusive dimensional adhesive! I can never remember where I put them so this was a perfect solution.

A few weeks ago I got a great deal on the flower trim above. I know they have been out for a while but I finally got my hands on them AND they were incredibly inexpensive at that!!

I roughed up the edges of some old SISTV paper that I had in my scrap pile and adhered it to the magazine file base. I used a Spellbinders die adorned with mini pearls on the edge.

On the front I used a Rubber Café dress form stamp and gave her a blinged-out waistline with their jellies too.

I hope this inspired you to get organized and use your scraps!

Supplies used:

Stamps:
Steampunk Charity Wings by The Rubber Café
Paper:
Bazzil Green, SisTV scraps
Ink:
Distress Ink, Old Paper
Other:
Cut File – Visual Designs by Chris – a Christy Cleary design
Label Four Small #1 by Spellbinders
Crystal Jellie Dots
Scrap Happy Glue
Misc Beads
Stick Pin
Glue Gun

Happy Crafting ladies!

Michele

Show us Your Halloween Décor!

2011-10-27T02:30:00.000-05:00

This week The Rubber Café design team is showing off their mad home décor skills! Hopefully you’ll be inspired to make your own decorations too.

I’ve been wanting to make a wreath for a long time so I decided our front entry needed a little bit more pizzazz so here is what I came up with.

A little Trick-or-Treat fun to get us in the mood to hand out some candy!

Here’s how I made this tissue paper wreath.

1. Stamp the I-986 Roaring 20’s Placard with Distress Ink Old Paper on to two sheets of white tissue paper. Then over-stamp using the small bat from the CL-002 Pumpkin Face Mix-n-Match set using Memento Tuxedo Black and cut into 3 x 3 inch squares.

2. Cut two concentric circles from your chipboard. The largest circle should be approximately 10 inches in diameter.

3. Crumple the tissue paper before pushing the center in to form a pocket. Place some hot glue on the bottom and adhere to the wreath form.

4. Next curl some black wire, thread some beautiful beads onto it and adhere to wreath. Don’t the little bats look adorable peaking out of the paper?

5. Finally stamp the Trick or Treat from the CL-002 Trick or Treat set using Memento Tuxedo Black and back with black cardstock. Embellish with 121007 Crystal Jellie Dots and adhere to project using TRC0010 Scrap Happy Glue.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my tutorial today. I really enjoyed making this wreath and it didn’t take me long at all to create it.

Supplies:

Stamps:
CL-002 Trick or Treat set by The Rubber Cafe
CL-002 Pumpkin Face Mix-n-Match by The Rubber Cafe
I-986 Roaring 20’s Placard by The Rubber Cafe
Paper:
Cardboard from back of paper pack
Bazzil Black
Ink:
Memento Tuxedo Black ink by Tsukineko
Distress Ink Old Paper
Other:
121007 Crystal Jellie Dots
TRC0010 Scrap Happy Glue
Beads
Black Wire
Glue Gun

Fall Elegance Card–Thinking of You

2011-10-22T02:30:00.000-05:00

I had a lot of fun creating my The Rubber Café design team challenge card this week. Did you know you could win a $20 GC to The Rubber Café? It’s really easy. Simply visit this post to find out all the details.

When you sit down to make a card there is nothing like being able to diecut your pieces quickly so you can start playing with glue! Well Spellbinders™ makes it so very easy with their Grand Calibur™ machine.

Here’s how:

1. Cut card base to 5 1/2 x 11” and card facing at 5 1/4 x 5 1/4. Fold card base in half lengthwise.

2. Pierce card facing with a stick pin at even intervals along each side and adhere to card base using TRC0010 Scrap Happy Glue.

3. Diecut S4-190 Labels Four #5 and S5-031 Fancy Labels Three #1 and ink the edges of the label with Tim Holtz Old Paper Distress Ink and our Lil Inkers tool.

4. Stamp Thinking of You sentiment from J-1095 Fabulous Phrases set in Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Snip right side of Fancy Tag off before adhering Want2Scrap Baby Bling Pearls to label and 121007 Jellie Dots Silver with Stick “Em” Up tool to center of lace flower.

5. Assemble card using embellishments of your choice.

Supplies Used:

Fabulous Phrases	Pumpkin Face Mix-N-Match	Labels Four Small
Fancy Tags Three Die	Stick em Up	Jellie Dots - Crystal
Lil inkerz	Scrap Happy Glue

InLinkz.com

I hope you’ve enjoyed my tutorial and project today.

Halloween Layout Showcase and a Challenge

2011-10-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

I’m filling in for Melissa this week over at The Rubber Café as she is getting ready to teach some fabulous classes in West Palm Beach at the Scrapbook Expo. If you happen to be in the area, stop on by our booth for some great card Teach-n-Takes.

So this week the challenge to be entered to win a $20 GC from The Rubber Café store is to create a layout featuring . . you guessed it. . Halloween!

I did mine a little differently since we don’t normally dress up in ghoulish outfits but we do like to carve a pumpkin every year to help us get ready for the trick-or-treaters.

I couldn’t find the right patterned paper so I decided to create my own background paper by stamping over the entire cardstock piece with H-977 Background Basics #1 and then overstamping with the pumpkins from CL-002 Pumpkin Face Mix-n-Match.

I then added my embellishments including the 121007 Jellie Dots in Crystal with the very handy RC001 Stick “Em” Up tool. These work great as centers for your flowers.

Only thing left was to add my photo, bling, and title to complete the layout. I hope you’ve enjoyed this project and are inspired to participate in our challenge of creating your own Halloween layout.

Products Used:

The Rubber Café DT Project: Treat-or-Trick Sweets Box and a Simple Card

2011-10-08T02:00:00.000-05:00

This week at TRC we were challenged to come up with a treat box or bag so I decided to convert a pizza box I saw over Splitcoast to create my project. You can now surprise your little trick-or-treater this year with their very own treat-filled box! Just be sure and save enough of that chocolate for your favorite little peeps! I just can’t seem to stay away from it.

These adorable mini pizza boxes are easy to convert into a Halloween goodie box by simply adding ribbon as an enclosure.

Here’s how.

1. Use this template from Jen del Muro to make your box.

2. Diecut and emboss two LF-161 Grand Nestabilities Label One #2 in black.

3. Heat emboss the Trick-or-Treat sentiment multiple times from the
CL-002 Trick-or-Treat set. I love how spooking that saying is!!

4. Next stamp the treaters from that same set three times and color as desired with markers, Copics, or colored pencils. I used my colored pencils and some mineral spirits to give it that watercolor effect.

5. Fussy cut the image creating three layers in spots for areas you want to give dimension. Adhere with your Scrap Happy Glue layering each additional layer with dimensional adhesive.

6. Double check opening is on the right side and adhere your ribbons first then the two diecuts to the front and back of the box.

7. Fill with your favorite candies.

That’s it! A great little box to give out to those little goblins.

I also created a card to go with the box.

Using the TRC0050 Lil Inkers, I inked the edges of the white card to give it a spooky look too.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial today and are inspired to spoil your little hooligans this year.

Products Used:

Spooky Halloween: Altered Frame Tutorial!

2011-09-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of year again! Have you started decorating yet for those little goblins and ghouls? I have and I am having a blast repurposing those old frames I purchased at the garage sales this summer.

I love to turn trash into treasure so today I’m going to show you how easy it is to put some new life into an old object to make a beautiful Spooky Halloween Frame.

So let’s get started:

1. First you will need an old frame, some paint, and a paintbrush. Disassemble the frame and paint it.

2. Then remove the photo mat and paint it.

3. Cut your Kraft cardstock to the photo mat measurements.

4. Stamp your sentiment (Happy Halloween from the CL-002 Pumpkin Faces Mix n Match) consecutively until it fills in the photo opening completely.

5. Finally reassemble the frame and decorate the front as you wish.

The ribbon rose I made using using the Scrap Happy Glue glots as a base. They are so easy to make.

I used the CN-0076 Candis Trick or Treat and my bling on the outside of the frame to give the frame some depth.

I also used the spooky faces from the CL-002 Pumpkin Faces Mix n Match stamp set to create the spooky faces in the corner of the frame. They are stickled and adhered to the glass front.

I hope I’ve inspired you to find those hidden treasures around your home. Why not breathe some new life into an old piece? You might be surprised what you come up with!

Don’t forget it’s World Card Making today and we are celebrating with a chance to win 6 sets of the Tim Holtz Limited Edition Distress Inks!

Click HERE for all the details on how you can win. For extra entries, don’t forget to LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Products Used:

Scrap Happy Glue

Pumpkin Face Mix-N-Match

Candi - Trick or Treat

InLinkz.com

Happy Crafting!

Michele

Chance to Win Special Edition Distress Inks and a Coupon!!!

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

A CHANCE TO WIN !

If you go to the The Rubber Café blog and answer 5 simple questions and email them to marketing@therubbercafe.com, you will be entered in their drawing for a chance to win 1 of 6 sets of Limited edition TIM HOLTZ distress inks .... Retail value of $18.00!!!

Want your name in Twice ? Like us on

FACEBOOK and leave a comment and we will put another ticket in for you. Winners will be picked Oct. 3rd.

These ink pads are already sold out everywhere... ! We only have 5 left in the store for sale ... Winning one may be your only chance.

A Note From Melissa ...

We are so excited to extend this party for you on World Card Making Day ... We have some amazing designers lined up for this week-end . Since Halloween is right around the corner we have spooked up some really cool cards on the Blog . I am sure that you won't want to miss a chance to win the TIM HOLTZ ink pads and of course see what's spooking on our

blog .

Use this CODE for 15% off your Order before taxes - WCM2011

Enjoy!

Michele

Just Us Ducks!

2011-09-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

This week was a layout kind of week at The Rubber Café and with fall around the corner I couldn’t resist making a layout that captured the essence of the season.

Here is my (now 10 year old) daughter. I can’t believe she was ever this little!

This layout was inspired by a Jana Eubanks sketch and I created it first by stamping the leaves using the G-773 Falling Leaves set on cardstock. I then fussy cutted and arranged them as a border at the bottom of the page.

I used our TRC0010 Scrap Happy glue to adhere both the ribbon and the leaves and it worked great! I LOVE that glue.

I used a crochet flower and made my own rosette for the middle using glots made from the Scrap Happy glue. Making flowers is so easy when you have a base to start with.

The most exciting part of this layout was the journaling section. I got to use my Spellbinders Grand Calibur machine and the Labels One die set. I’m a long-time user of another machine and I have to say that the Grand Calibur is SOO much easier to turn!! I then used the Nestabling Labels One BlackR to accent this beautiful die cut.

The blank space is there for my personal journaling that I will add later. This was my daughter’s first Fall event she participated in and I wanted to capture those memories in writing for her.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope your weekend is a wonderful one!

Michele

Products used:

Scrap Happy Glue

Nestabling Labels One BlackR

Falling Leaves

InLinkz.com

Pumpkins and Shades of Brown

2011-09-17T06:11:00.000-05:00

I LOVE Fall! It’s my favorite time of year. The leaves turn beautiful colors, the pumpkins come out, and we start to appreciate and be thankful for what we have been given throughout the year.

So with this challenge I wanted to reflect on Fall by capturing its colors and of course its pumpkins!

By using the pumpkin from the CL-002 Pumpkin Face Mix n Match Set , I created this dressed up glossy pumpkin by double stamping it onto paper painted with Tim Holtz Crackle Paint and then popping it up with glots made from our Scrap Happy Glue. If you haven’t seen Melissa’s video on how to use her fabulous glue. Check it out here!

Here’s a close-up. I like using the glue to make my adhesive dots because I can control the thickness and size I need.

I didn’t put a sentiment on this card because I wanted to leave that beautiful pumpkin in the center. I also used some leftover bling from the Nestabling Beaded Square Silver Rhinestones and used my markers to give it just the right Fall color I needed. That was fun and easy to customize!

I hope you were inspired to create your Fall card this week for the challenge! Add your link to the Fabulous Fall post for a chance to with a $20 gift certificate to the Rubber Café Store!

Enjoy!

Michele

Supplies used:

InLinkz.com

The Rubber Café DT Project - Create Your Own Background Paper

2011-09-10T17:38:00.000-05:00

I was really excited when I saw this week’s challenge at The Rubber Café because the door was wide open for us to create anything as long as we made our own stamped background paper. How fun is that?

Well I decided it would be fun to work up one of those toilet paper roll mini albums for a very special friend of mine for her birthday. Since she is a crafter herself, I thought I would let her decide what pictures to put in it and how to give it that final touch . . . something she can add her special pieces and notes to.

For the front cover I used the brand new stamp I-984 Pattern Royale, Versamark ink, and black UTEE embossing powder to create a beautiful background. That stamp is so gorgeous and versatile. It’s definitely one of my favs.

I also had a lot of fun playing with Sculpey clay and the beautiful C-392 Small Trailing Butterflies stamp. I was able to make a mold and then create a custom embellishment for my album charm. I topped it off with metallic paint so the intricate detail could be seen. The deeply etched stamps that The Rubber Café manufacturers makes making molds a breeze!

For the inside pages of this mini, I wanted to keep with a shabby chic rustic theme so I aged the cardstock with Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink using our TRC0050 Sponge Brush Little Inker and our dress form from the S-113 Steampunk Charity Wings set. I love how you can use one tool to get varying degrees of aging on your paper.

In between the pages I used an acetate sheet to give it more interest and bring the background alive.

On the second page I used the gears from the S-113 Steampunk Charity Wings set and Nestabling Heart Circles in brown to decorate the tag.

The background on this page was created from the I-987 18th Century Proclamation. The sizes of the stamps are just perfect for these little minis!

On page four my background stamp of choices was the S-120 Through the Window set.

Here is a close-up so you can see how the sponge brush works in conjunction with the stamps. It really gives it that aged worn look very easily.

On page five I used our I-985 Bingo stamp. Who knew making background paper was so easy! I also created another clay embellishment using the clock from the S-114 Vintage Treasures set.

On the final page of the album, I used the I-985 Paris Nights stamps for my background. Again I left some areas for my very crafty friend to fill in. I think she will have fun putting the finishing touches on this mini.

and last but certainly not least a close-up of the tags that fit inside the pockets. After all. . . this is a toilet paper roll mini so it has built in pockets!

Well I hope you’ve enjoyed my mini album today and hopefully you might be inspired to get your fabulous Rubber Café stamps out and start making your own background. It really is oh so easy.

Happy Crafting!

Michele

Want2Scrap™ Sneak Peeks!!!

2011-07-10T05:02:00.000-05:00

Have you seen all the great products being released over at Want2Scrap???? They’ve launched some exciting new products that coordinate with more of the Spellbinders™ dies! They have great prizes to give away as well!

Here are a few sneaks:

To see the rest of the line and to take part in their awesome prize giveaway, head on over to the Want2Scrap™ blog and see all the new releases!

Here is an excerpt that helps explain just what Nestaboard really is!

-----------------------------------------------------------

This CHA we are taking it a step further. . . introducing the newest and progressive chipboard line yet:

NESTABOARD™

Let me tell you about this product and what makes it the greatest!

The ONLY chipboard design to perfectly coordinate with the most wonderful die cutting system from Spellbinders™!
It will not warp when applying paint, spray mists, or adhesives.
Beautiful designs that already coordinate with Nestabling™ Pearls and Rhinestones!
Perfect for the altered artist when using all types of mediums.
Sturdiness for mini albums or wall hangings
Nested designs available all in one package!
Very affordable!!

They look so fun!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hope you’ve enjoyed the sneak peeks!

Have a great day!

Michele

Smile Shape Card

2011-07-09T01:30:00.000-05:00

Well another fabulous weekend is upon us! I hope you get some crafty time in your schedule over the next few days. Don’t forget to enter the fabulous giveaway this week.

For this week’s challenge, we were to make a shape card. I loved this challenge because I’ve been wanting to make a card like this out of the Spellbinders Heart Circles die S4-316.

I just used a little bit of chalk ink on the end of the card to give it some softness.

That gorgeous butterfly is from the Vintage Treasures set. I first stamped the image with Versamark Watermark Stamp pad and then glittered it with Your So Fine Ruby Slipper Glitter. Isn’t it beautiful? I really love that stamp!

For my sentiment, I used the You Make me Smile stamp from Fabulous Phrases. There are so many cards that can be made with that set. It’s a must have!

Finally I topped off my card with Baby LeCreme Pearls and the scalloped portion of the Nestabling™ Lacey Ovals.

I truly hope you are inspired to get creative with your shape cards. We would love to see what you come up with!

Happy Scrapping!

Michele

Cupcakes all Red, White, and Blue

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

I love the challenge at the Rubber Café this week because it ties in so nicely with the 4th of July weekend! I can’t wait to spend some quality time with family and friends and be thankful that we can get together and celebrate! We owe a huge thanks to the men and women who have ever fought for our safety and freedom! THANK YOU!!!

We always do something during this time of year to show our gratitude. So my daughter and I came up with a Thank You Cupcake decoration to take to the annual 4th of July party across the street! We were inspired by the rosette tutorial earlier this week.

This centerpiece will adorn a plateful of cupcakes that my 10 year old decorated. Didn’t she do a great job???

The topper was fun to make. I stamped my sentiment with the Fabulous Phrases Thanks stamp and placed it on my rosette. The rosette is glittered in the beautiful Your So Fine Glitter in Diamond Clear. This is the first time I used this glitter and let me tell you, it is so fine . . . baby fine. I LOVE IT!!!! It goes right back in the container so smoothly too.

Here is a close-up. I used the glitter in between the Want2Scrap™ Petite Scalloped Circle Nestabling™ and also with the Background Basics Stamp. I thought that looked like basket weave and was very patriotic!

I also used the Scrap Happy Glue for the first time to adhere my rosette to the Spellbinders™ Heart Circles diecut. I love that the glue doesn’t gunk up the bottle. That one is a keeper as well. You can never have too much glue!

I hope this inspires you to say thanks to those who’ve served you well.

Happy 4th of July everybody!!

Michele

Scrap-Mart and Want2Scrap™ Blog Hop Day #5!!

2011-06-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our first Nestabling™ celebration week with Scrap-Mart!! Designers from both Scrap-Mart.com and Want2Scrap™ have teamed up to bring you a week long mini blog hop full of beautiful projects featuring Nestabling by Want2Scrap. If you are just joining us, hop on over to the Scrap-Mart Blog and start there.

For my projects, I wanted to create something sophisticated but also quick and easy. I know asking for the moon right?? Well you’re in luck!

Easy sophistication is so simple to achieve when using Want2Scrap™ Nestabling! The designs of the STUNNING Fancy Tags Two Nestabling set will bump any project up on the sophistication scale. Looking like a million bucks no longer means hours spent in the studio! Let me show you how I was able to achieve this look in a matter of just minutes.

For my first card, I decided to use the Fancy Tags Two Nestabling in White Pearl along with the Spellbinders™ Fancy Two Tag Die S5-030 cut out in cream cardstock.

I simply added my sentiment and Fancy Tags Two White Pearl rhinestones and placed it on several layers of paper.

So easy . . so fun and this came together in a matter of minutes! Beautiful bling isn’t it???

Here is another project that was just as fun and even easier to come together.

First I made a tag using Graphic 45 Tour de France paper from the Curtain Call Collection and a Thinking of You Sentiment stamp. I placed the beautiful Fancy Tag Two Nestabling in Black Rhinestones around my sentiment, topped it off with a decorative brad, and adhered it to the front of the box with Beacon Adhesive 3-in-1 glue.

I finished the box off with some ribbon and a handmade flower and voila! This just goes to show that with a few beautiful embellishments your projects no matter how simple or elaborate will look just beautiful!

Supplies
Want2Scrap™ Fancy Tag Two Nestabling in Black Rhinestones , Fancy Tags Two Nestabling in White Pearl
Paper: Graphic 45 Tour de France paper from the Curtain Call Collection, Misc from stash
Stamps: Thinking of You Sentiment stamp
Ink: Staz-on Black, Time Holtz Distress Ink Vintage Photo
Dies: Spellbinders™ Fancy Two Tag Die S5-030
Accessories: Rubber Café Sponge Brushes, Beacon Adhesive 3-in-1

I hope this inspired you today to create some fun, easy, and beautiful cards for your loved ones. Now hop on over and see what our talented friend, Katie Scrap-Mart Blog has created for you today!

If you are just joining us, here are the links to all the very talented ladies participating in this celebration of Nestabling!

Sunday, June 26^th
Scrap-Mart Blog (Jenn)
Terre Fry http://www.terresscraptherapy.blogspot.com/

Monday, June 27^th
Scrap-Mart Blog (Mindy)

Tuesday, June 28^th
Scrap-Mart Blog…Guest designer…Dana Gustafson http://paperdaydream.blogspot.com/
Heidi Blakenship http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, June 29^th
Scrap-Mart Blog (Laurel)

Thursday, June 30^th
Scrap-Mart Blog (Katie)
Michele Ciola http://creative-mayhem.blogspot.com/ (<—THAT’S ME)

Friday, July 1^st
Scrap-Mart Blog (Karen)

Saturday, July 2^nd
Scrap-Mart Blog (Eva)
Elise Durenberger http://www.mamacowcreations.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Michele

Rubber Café Design team Project: Birthday Tag Card!

2011-06-25T07:05:00.000-05:00

Well hello you beautiful weekend! Boy am I glad to see you. This week has been crazy here at my house so I’m so glad I still found the time to get crafty in my studio. That is the ONE thing that keeps me sane.

My project today goes along with the birthday theme challenge this week over at the Rubber Café and uses the BEAUTIFUL Be Stylish (Corset) stamp set. I decided to create this tag card for a friend of mine.

Yes it’s a tag AND a card!

Isn’t the detail on the Be Stylish stamp set amazing????

I turned this little tag into a mini card that you can attach to your gift bag. If your friend is a crafter they can simply cut off the card backing and use it in their next project as well.

My inspiration for this tag was of course from the Tim Holtz Adirondack inks, the stamp set, and my need to play with water!

Yes I did say water . . my water brush of course!!! SO MUCH FUN!

If you’ve never used your water pen with Tim’s inks you have to try it. Simply dab your inks onto a slick surface. I used my large acrylic stamp block. Then use your water pen to pick up the ink and color away. It’s really that easy and not messy at all.

I also watered down some pretty Lumiere paint and used that to add some shimmer to the finished piece. It really sparkles. You can see it a little bit in the bottom right corner of the photo below.

Then I topped the corset off with some Want2Scrap Baby Bling Pearls and the saying with Amber Rhinestones, added my sentiment that comes with the stamp set, and accented the corset with some stickles. I also used dimensional adhesive and beautiful lace trim to put it all together.

I hope this inspires you to create a birthday card tag for that special person in your life. . . and get those water brushes and inks out. You’ll have so much fun!

Have a great weekend!

Michele

Thinking of You Card

2011-06-18T02:19:00.000-05:00

Hello everybody!

I have some news for you that I’m so excited to share! I’ve been selected as a member for the Rubber Café Design Team and I’d like to share with you my first project.

For this summer card, I used the Thinking of You stamp from the J1095 J-1095 Fabulous Phrases set for my sentiment.

I just love the elegance of this stamp set. I think it goes so well with the Want2Scrap™ Nestabling™ Labels Fourteen and Spellbinders™ Labels Fourteen #5.

I used dimensional adhesive to pop up the sentiment and surrounded it with some handmade velvet flowers. Stitching was added to the edges along with a few beautiful 72 Count White Pearls at the top and a tiny little baby bling to dot the “I” in the center.

Here is a close-up:

Thanks so much for stopping by. I can’t wait to see how you use your sentiments this summer.

Have a great weekend everybody!!

Michele

Want2Scrap™ & PSA Essentials Blog Hop

2011-06-13T00:07:00.000-05:00

That’s right! Want2Scrap™ has teamed up with PSA Essentials for an absolutely inspiring Blog Hop all day today!! You should have come to me from the uber talented Melyssa Connolly: If you just stumbled on my blog and want to start from the beginning then click HERE to start at the beginning and the Want2Scrap Blog.

I made a card today using some of my favorite things and some brand new favorite things!

What are they you ask? Well here they are:

Want2Scrap™ Supplies:

Rhinestones - Want2Scrap™ Nestabling™ Labels Eleven Silver,
Rhinestones - Want2Scrap™ Finesse Swirls Silver
Rhinestones - Want2Scrap™ Baby Bling White
Rhinestones - Want2Scrap™ 72 Count Rhinestones Silver

Cross Promotional Partner Supplies:

Stamps – PSA Essentials Love Bird
Paper – Butterfly Kisses & Spellbound, Once Upon a Springtime Collection by Graphic 45
Spellbinders™ S4-246 Labels Eleven #2, #3
Beacon 3 in 1 Adhesive

Additional Supplies:

May Arts Flower
I am Roses Flower
Versamark Watermark Pad, Ranger Super Fine embossing powder clear
Stick Pin
7 Gypsies Photo Turn, Best Creation 3D foam tape,
Ribbon, Buttons, and misc findings
Ink – ColorBox Chalk ink in Toffee
Old Paper Distress Ink by Ranger Here are a few close-ups for you:

In this photo you can see that I stamped my own background with the PSA Essentials Stamp and embossing powder and then topped it off with a tiny Want2Scrap Baby Bling. LOVE IT!!

Here is a close-up of the Nestabling™ in action with the cute cute Love PSA Essentials stamp.

I hope this brings you a little summer inspiration your way. It was so easy to add my bling using Want2Scrap™ Nestabling™!

Now for the BIG Giveaway!

PSA Essentials is giving away: 1 stamper, 1 Peel & Stick packs of winners choice
Want2Scrap is giving away a $35 gift certificate to their store!
Dates of entry for the giveaway are 6/13 - 6/15
Be a follower of PSA Stamp Camp Blog & Comment - 1 entry
Be a follower of Want2Scrap Blog & comment - 1 entry
Winner will be chosen on 6/16 and announced on Facebook
Visit Want2Scrap: http://want2scrap.com and use this 30% off coupon for orders received 6/13 - 6/23 - use coupon code psahop30
PSA Essentials: http://thepaperclique.com/stamps.html and use another 30% off coupon on orders received 6/13 – 6/23 – use coupon code SAVE ONPSA

So you only have one more stop to go. Please visit the PSA Stamp Camp blog for more inspiration!!

Blog Hop Order:

Want2Scrap Blog: http://want2scrapco.blogspot.com/
Tami Mayberry: http://www.tamimayberry.blogspot.com/
Amber Zimmerman: http://amberzimm.blogspot.com/
Kelley Eubanks: http://www.myfrontporch-kelley.blogspot.com/
Heidi Blankenship http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com/
Kim Moreno: http://www.livingthecircuslife.blogspot.com/
Mara Campbell: http://www.loveyourmotherearth.blogspot.com/
Terre Fry http://terresscraptherapy.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Jones: http://pinkstarcreations.blogspot.com/
Elise Durenberger http://mamacowcreations.blogspot.com/
Anthonette Chavez: http://chavezdesigns.blogspot.com/
Jeanne Streiff: http://inkypaws.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Dana Gustafson http://paperdaydream.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Holmes: http://www.simpleflourishes.com/
Marie Ramirez: http://www.absosweetmarie.blogspot.com/
Melyssa Connolly: http://www.fantastink.blogspot.com/
Michele Ciola: http://creative-mayhem.blogspot.com/ <--– YOU ARE HERE
PSA Stamp Camp: www.psastampcamp.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Stamping!

The Perfect Touch to a Make-n-Take

2011-05-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Back in February I took a little Make-n-Take at a booth at CHA. I think it was for Ranger and it showed us how to use their dauber inks to die some tags and ribbon. SO MUCH FUN! Well I’ve been wanting to finish it off and recently found the time to do so.

I used our GORGEOUS Want2Scrap™ Finesse Swirls in Black Rhinestone to finish the bottom edge and then added some inked book words to the top in a quote I found in one of my old books.

I LOVE how it turned out! It will go great in my studio downstairs. It doesn’t take much to bump up or finish off a project with little additions like BLING!

Thanks for looking!
Michele

Paris ATC

2011-05-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

I have another little project to show for you today. This is an ATC that I did a while back for a swap I was in. I have to be honest, I almost didn’t send it. I really like how it turned out!

I used the packaging from one of my die purchases as well as some distress inks to give it that aged look. The image I printed from online. I think I’m going to have to redo this one so I have one for my house. It would be nice to do a series of these framed for my bathroom. Hmmmm . . I may just do that!

Thanks for looking!

Michele

National Scrapbook Day . . . .

2011-05-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

. . . . last weekend was a blast! I actually found time to scrap and I even created a layout! I had so much fun meeting new friends and blog hopping with Want2Scrap™ and a few others. It was a long overdue creative weekend and I can’t wait to get downstairs to my studio and do it again!

Here is a layout I did for the Big Picture’s Creative Crop Challenge #2 where you had to use 10 techniques and 10 different products.

The background I created from a piece of cardstock using stamps, Glitter Mod Podge, tissue paper, Glimmer Mist, Paint and white wash to soften the look. I also used some Want2Scrap™ Pink Swirls, chipboard flourish, and some handmade flowers I made. The chipboard letters are from K & Company.

Here are a few close-ups:

Love these flourishes and the three little pearls above the folded ribbon.

I added a Want2Scrap™ 72 Count Pearl in white to the center of my flower and a few 72 Count Pink Rhinestones to the chipboard flourish too.

Here is a close-up of the background. I’ll be doing this technique again soon. It was so much fun and surprisingly easy to do.

Thanks so much!

Michele

National Scrapbook Day Celebration!!

2011-05-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

Come join us as we celebrate not only NSD but our brand new Nestabling™ line!! Have you seen these fabulous beauties yet??? They coordinate with Spellbinders™ Nestabilities™ and they are soooo easy to use. As a preferred partner of Spellbinders, we are the ONLY company that makes these.

Just take a look at these! Best part is they are only $3.49. Can you believe it? Some styles have 6 different sizes!

Well aren’t they GORGEOUS!!!!

So be sure and stop by our NSD BLOG HOP for a fun-filled weekend with plenty of inspiration to go around. Don’t forget to visit the Want2Scrap™ store for more information on how you can get your hands on these!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!!

Michele

Cuttlebug Challenge, Relax, Rejuvenate, Be Inspired Blog Hop!

2009-05-01T06:58:00.002-05:00

Who: Cuttlebug Challenge Blog
What: Fun Blog Hop to get to the DT and some really cool members!
When: Friday, May 1st, at 8am EST until Sunday! YAY!
Where: Cuttlebug Challenge Blog

Welcome Cuttlebug Challenge blog hop participants!! I’m glad you stopped by for a visit. You are now on the second blog in the HOP. If you happen to stop by here first, simple visit the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog for all the details!

So how do I relax/rejuvenate?? Well after a long day sometimes it is very difficult to relax and rejuvenate. Here is what I do to unwind enough to get my creative soul moving again. First, I make a relaxing cup of tea (licorice is my fav) and then I curl up the corner of my comfy couch and listen to my favorite tunes. Sometimes I get out my crafty magazines and peruse the pages for extra inspo. This let’s me unwind just enough to refresh my spirit!

Once I’m recharged though. . . look out world!! It’s down to my studio for some crafty goodness! How do you relax? What is your inspiration? Let me know how you unwind and get into the crafty spirit.

For you blog hop fans, one of my fav flowers is the PEACH BLOSSOM. I love it when the trees are full of these blossoms. It’s so beautiful and you just know good things are to come!

So what is the reason for the flowers? Well in order to be eligible for some FABU prizes you will need to do the following:

Follow my blog by becoming a follower to the right or adding this blog to your Google reader or feed.
Leave some LUUUURVE in my comments (I yikes lurv)
Collect all flower names for each of the blog participants (my name is Michele Ciola btw) and email the list to cuttlebugchallenge@gmail.com

That’s it!!

For more details and a list of all the prizes. Check out the sponsor thread at Cuttlebug! Ok on to your third stop on the blog hop!! Please visit the fabulous:

MEDA – HANDMADE BY MEDA!!

Have fun and tell all your friends to join in the fun!!! LOTS OF PRIZES TO BE HAD!!!

For your convenience . . here is a list of all the fabulous ladies participating this weekend!!

Eva http://evafromca.blogspot.com/
Michele http://creative-mayhem.blogspot.com
Meda http://handmadebymeda.blogspot.com/
Spike http://spikescreativeside.wordpress.com/
Lea http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/
Betty http://bettybrett.blogspot.com/
Karen http://reallifeinpictures.blogspot.com
Peggy http://cardcrazy.wordpress.com/
Ching http://www.notleftstanding.blogspot.com
Cassie http://www.fortheartofit.blogspot.com
Jenyfur http://torn-paper.blogspot.com/
Sally http://sallysangelworks.typepad.com
Roe http://creativeliberties.blogspot.com/
Tracy http://www.luv2cre8joy.blogspot.com
Jenn K. http://scrappinforlife.blogspot.com/
Alyson http://allisonscraftymoments.blogspot.com
Mrs. J http://www.mrsjscreations.blogspot.com/
Nathalia http://funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/
Danni http://www.dannisdoodles.typepad.com
Beth http://beth714.blogspot.com
Eveline http://vanheijstditjesendatjes.blogspot.com
Amber http://thecountryscrapper.blogspot.com/
Maggie http://stamping.craftgossip.com/
Kim http://radiogirlcards.blogspot.com/
Heidi http://vanlaardesigns.blogspot.com/
Jenn M http://captainscrappyjm.blogspot.com/
Becky http://bouncyflouncyfunfunfun.blogspot.com/
Libby http://libbysscrapz.blogspot.com
Christine http://creativejourney.typepad.com/creative_journey/
Shannon http://shannonssentiments.blogspot.com

Be Inspired Cuttlebug Challenge #25 w/Sheetload

2009-04-01T10:04:00.006-05:00

I was honored when my good friend, Maggie, asked me to participate in this week's Be Inspired Challenge. Of course, I jumped at the chance! Who wouldn't want to work with clear cards?? Btw, have you seen the new Shortcuts products from Sheetload? Well, then get your little mouse a workin' and check out their site!

Also don't forget to take part in the Cuttlebug challenge after you do some retail therapy that is. ha! (Your ears perked up didn't they?)

Now for the challenge: Use ShortCuts Clear or Frosted Card Blanks along with this great sketch in the most recent Sheetload download:

to create your project! You'll be glad you did because there are prizes involved!!

For more details, visit the Cuttlebug Challenge blog and while you are there don't forget to check out the EXCLUSIVE sneak peaks of the NOT YET RELEASED Cuttlebug folders!!! They even have an official PROVOCRAFT survey for you to fill out!

I TOLD YA . . lots of exciting things going on!

And without further ado, here is my card I created for the challenge:

need more inspiration? No problem. Check out the ideas from both the Cuttlebug Challenge DT and the Sheetload DT!

Will this inspire you today?? I hope so.

Cuttlebug Sweet For My Sweet!!!

2009-01-30T06:53:00.011-05:00

Thank you SO much for dropping by and playing along on the Cuttlebug BLOG HOP!!!! We are going to have a blast today. There are so many creative ideas from the Design Team that you are sure to be inspired. So let's keep this hop going!

For your stop I have a wonderful tutorial to share with you created by the AWESOMELY talented Beate Johns of Splitcoast Stampers. She does such wonderful tuts and they are super uber easy to follow! So be inspired and make a little:

SWEET FOR YOU SWEET!! - Ghirardelli® Box:by Beate Johns

Simply click on the tutorial link HERE and be inspired!!! I made one of these boxes for my loved ones and here it is!

Can't wait to see what you all come up with. OH and I almost forgot. Your word for stopping is FORCIBLY and the next amazing DT member you will be visiting is: Allison!! Tell her hello and stop by to pick up the next word!

Stamp Storage Idea

2009-01-01T21:25:00.007-05:00

So you all know I'm doing the crop at Chatty Scrappers right? Well I was working on one challenge, made a mistake and decided to use it for another challenge. The mistake actually turned out quite well for a storage container and I just might make a few more!

I used the Mini Magazine Tutorial from the Inking Idaho blog . . thanks Becky Roberts! However, somehow I messed up the dimensions and mine turned out taller and smaller in depth. BUT the great thing is, the size fits the Studio G stamps perfectly!!

So head on over to the Inking Idaho blog to make your own little mini versions of the magazine holders. They are fun. Here are my new stamp holders so you can see those too.

Thanks for looking! Don't forget to come to the New Year Crop. We are having lots of fun!!

How to Make a Pirouette Card

2008-12-31T20:39:00.006-05:00

I was so excited the other day because I got a little package from a stamp company that I just discovered! Have you ever heard of UNITY STAMP COMPANY???? Oh you should definitely check them out.

I found them when I was blog hopping one day and just happened to stumble upon a HOP they were having at Splitcoast. So I head on over and start participating and before I know it, I find out that I am getting a few free stamps in the mail! Isn't that the coolest????

So a few days ago, I get this package in the mail and I rip it open to find 2 of the cutest heart stamps! Good thing hubby is a peach and doesn't mind me slavin' away down in the studio cause I bee-lined it down there to work with this adorable stamp!

I used a fabulous tutorial on the Fresh & Fun blog by Beate Johns. You also need to check that blog out. It is filled with wonderful tuts!

So without further ado . . check out that cool stamp!! Enjoy!!

of course more deets:

I've been scrapping!!!

2008-12-31T14:29:00.012-05:00

There is a New Year Crop going on at Chatty Scrappers. If you haven't been there yet, you should. It's a fun place and some great people on the boards . . not to mention the fun challenges!

Here is one I did using a sketch by Becky Fleck of PageMaps. The challenge was to use one of the Basic Grey series. So I chose this one:

and here is my version of the sketch:

with some more deets . .

and a bit more . . . The journaling reads:

Beauty . . of a smile is contagious
whenever i see that twinkle
in your big brown eyes
i know my heart fills with joy.
Never forget the power in
the BEAUTY of your smile

Thanks for looking!!