Summertime Smiles

Hello Scrappy Friends! So I'm sharing today a NEW layout that I made for just ME! 

I make sooooo many DT projects and many of them I mail out to the company, so sometimes it makes me a little sad that I don't have them for myself....OK I suppose I could make another one just like it....but for some reason it NEVER seems to happen??? So Im so happy to be keeping this one of my little Roxy and a super recent photo taken of her just a few days ago.... :) 

I thought since it is summer and she is smiling....."Summertime Smiles" became the title.... :) 

So here is a super duper old stamp that I have that is a clock face....I believe it is from Heidi Swapp.

I added a little black brad in the center and I used "Lacey Circles" and "Lacey Ovals" x 2 behind the clock with a doily. I also had my "lily" stamp out from Heartfelt Creations from my prior layout and I figured I should take a break from my favorite Rose stamps....lol

OK, so I had to add 2 little "Bitty Blossoms" in polka dot paper....I couldn't help myself! 

The title is Microsoft Word for Mac...just used 2 different fonts on the "Fancy Tags 2" I just LOVE that diecut and I just cut out the center and saved the rest to place behind the prima flower and bling.

So here is the Prima bling that I have had for a super long time from my DT work with "Scrap That" I have always wanted to use it and I could never seem to find that right layout for it...until now.....

So you can also see where I used the leftover part of the "Fancy Tags 2" I just couldn't let it go to waste...right? LOL

So, some more flowers here and a close-up of my Roxy's eyes...I sure wish I had green eyes! 

Also, wanted to show that the Premade flowers are all the same except they have been sprayed with smoochies from Donna Salazar. OK, now don't laugh....but I will tell you I was digging around in my flowers for a perfect match....and I have lots of these white flowers that I bought from Michael's Wedding Section. Then I thought...DUH! Just color them! I don't know why I have never thought of that before? I have colored the paper just not pre-made flowers....silly ME! I used Donna's "Tea Party" and "Praline & Cream" I also framed the photo with Spellbinders "Romantic Rectangles"... and made my second circle above the polka dot paper (Bo Bunny) with Martha Stewart Corner Punch....I tell you once you get the hang of it, you will not be able to stop making them...Here you can see a video tutorial made by Lisa Gregory at her blog "Such a Wonderful Mess" 

I hope you feel refreshed like eating a piece of watermelon....because that is my color theme for today. 

Ahhhhhh! Have a great day! 

Hugs

Heartfelt Wednesday's "Ocean of Dreams"

Hello again and welcome back to another Heartfelt Wednesday!

So I know everyone was hoping to see the NEW release coming up..but it will be next week. 

Be sure to check it out! It will be fabulous!!!

So today I'm sharing with you another new photo of my little Roxy...she looked like she was daydreaming here and so I was thinking about dreams and the ocean, since it is soooo hot her in AZ. 

I sure wish I was at the beach! ahhhh! 

So I was thinking water lilies from "lily petals" & "perfect petals"....I know they are not this color blue or at the beach, but its scrapbooking right? We can make them any color we want or put them anywhere we want....LOL....I love the fence diecut "garden romance"  from HC and if you cut the tops off it looks more beach themed. I fussy cut some kraft cardstock, crimped it and layered it underneath for a sand look too. 

Check out the cool swirls using "bella rose" diecut. I was thinking waves and so I just diecut 3 pieces and glued them together. You can even make it bigger or layer them on top of each other with different blues. I will have to try that next time. :)

I had to add some shells and fish netting. Plus add a little journaling: It reads:

May all your dreams

Come in like the tides

Well, these little birds are so cute for any card or layout from "brookside manor" and diecut with "garden romance" I originally had 2 birds....then as I was glue things down I lost it??? So I was looking and looking and couldn't find it? So I made another one...then it showed up under the entire layout...lol

So i added a 3rd one and I think I like it better now. :)

Hope you feel the breeze of the ocean here....if you do send it my way too!

Be sure to check out more sneak peeks and another week of fabulous designs from Heartfelt Creations Blog. Have a great day! Hugs! 

Faux Shadow Box

Hello, I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July! 

It's Lisa back with a NEW tutorial on how to make a faux shadow box out of paper!

Im really excited to share this idea with you, because I was shopping recently at Joann's and I wanted to purchase a shadow box..... I heard somewhere they were around $5.00 dollars?

That certainly was not the case when I looked....they were around $20.00-$25.00!! 

There might be some cheaper out there...but I was into instant gratification at the time...lol

So with that price, I figured I could get a similar look if I made one myself, plus make it any color, size and design on the inside....so here is my first faux shadow box, made out of just cardstock.

I used lots donna's fabulous products too! Wink wink! 

Here you can see the dimension of the frame....can you still believe it is just paper? lol

Ok, here the tutorial that I know you can make your own frame in just a short time too!

First, pick out a cardstock that is a heavy paper so it will be stronger, like Bazzill or DCWV.

Cut strips of paper 1.25 inches wide and score every .25 inch...

Make 2 (12 inch) long, 4 (11.5 inch) long, and 3 (3.75 inch) long

Next fold all scored lines and fold over, there will be 4 creases and it should overlap with the end.

Then glue together. I suggest a fast drying clear glue like "Art Glitter" clear (my fav!!!)

Here you can the 3D of the frame. 

The flat view of one of the smaller inside pieces. 

After you have made all of your frames pieces place them aside.

Take your patterned paper for a background, I used GCD Botantique from Donna Salazar and

stamped using Donna's "Crackle" with Mix'd Media Inx and Embossing Powder in "Leather"

It really gives it a nice texture and glossy shine.

After you have stamped on you paper wherever you like....then add your frame pieces.

12 inch pieces on the left and right sides. 

11.5 inch pieces on the top, bottom and two long centers

3.75 inch pieces in the 3 short centers

Your frame is done! 

Add embellishments and pictures to your liking! 

Here is a close up using Spellbinders "Bitty Blossoms", "Mix'd Media Elements"

 and some "bling pearls" from Want 2 Scrap. 

I used corrugated cardboard for the branch and fussy cut out some flowers. 

Hope you try making your faux shadow box frame soon! 

Have a great day!

Hugs Lisa

Products Used:

GCD Studios- Botanique Collection

Colorbox Mix'd Media Inx- Leather

Colorbox Embossing Powder- Leather

Spellbinders -Bitty Blossoms

Spellbinders- Mix'd Media Elements

Want 2 Scrap Swirls Finesse LeCreme Pearls

Zutter- 7x7 Corrugated Cardboard

Clearsnap Fairy Dust Glitter- Sugar Shimmer

Clearsnap Glue Gloss

Stampers Anonymous- Donna Salazar- Crackle

My Daughter....My Friend

Happy 4th of July!

I wanted to share with you a new layout that I made for the "Once Upon A Sketch" Friend Theme

I cant believe that this is the very first layout that I have actually have made in months that isn't part of a Design Team obligation....I am so happy and excited to show you my layout based on this fabulous and beautiful sketch made by Nadia Cannizzo. Thank you soooo much! As I was following the sketch, I didn't realize how many layers there are on this sketch....but Im so happy with the ending results :)

Here is the sketch for July 2012...just love birdcages lately.

So here is my layout of my Roxy....now I know she is my youngest daughter, but now that she is not a teenage girl, we are now friends :) The story starts with my mother and I of course not seeing eye to eye when I was a teen...shocking I know...lol. I remember her telling me then, I am NOT your friend, I am your mother....and maybe someday when you get older we can become "friends". Well, that day did come and I love my mother very much and I consider her my best friend now, because I can tell her anything anytime and she is always there for me. I always wanted the same with my daughters, and now I can say that is the case. 

So I made the shabby chic frame with paper and an embossing template to match the diecuts in the center. I also tried the Martha Stewart corner punch for the circle because I wanted it to match the photo frame. It was a lot easier than I thought this time around. I tried it once before and messed it up, but I thought I would give it one more try and this time it worked out wonderful. I suggest a 8 inch circle...it seems to be the right size for the perfect edge. 

Here is a close up of the birdcage that I just love by spellbinders called "Bird Sanctuary" I keep adding lace and pearls because I really like the look and I also curve it out a bit for a 3D look. 

I have been making so many handmade flowers lately, it was nice to get some of my old prima flowers and odd in ends out to good use....think they were getting lonely....lol

If you look behind the birdcage I used "Floral Ovals" and when I was cutting out the oval in the center it happened to be the kids from the patterned paper...I thought it was cute and perfect for my layout because it represents how some children feel when they are growing up (trapped in a cage) and well they grow up and move out of the nest they are free but always come back home.... :)

Here is my title and journaling: It reads:

Daughter

Now that you are a young 

adult, we can become close

"friends" like I am with 

my mother too! xoxo

I added tiny pearls around the diecut for a little bling. 

While I was digging around my old prima flowers I found these button flowers...I only had two in this color, think they are Recollections? But Im thinking...hey I could make some like these...be sure to check back for a tutorial coming soon. You can also get a closer view of the frame, Im sure I will make another one soon too, just love the look. 

Well, I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday! 

Thanks for stopping by....hugs!

Heartfelt Wednesday's "Happy 4th of July"

Hello, Happy 4th of July!! 

This is my Favorite Holiday of the year! I usually spend it in Chicago, but this year since it falls on a Wednesday....I didnt get the other day off... :( 

Oh well, guess I will spend it here in the blazing AZ heat...no need for fireworks here it feels 

like fire already! lol

Here is my card for Heartfelt Creations this week. I was thinking about all my friends and loved ones in Chicago so I was sending this card out to them from my heart. 

Here is a side view....

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Hugs! 

Be sure to stop by the HC blog to see this week's fabulous creations too! 

Funtoolas Featured Guest - July

Hello again!

Today, Im sharing with you some layouts and a card I made for Funtoolas!

I was so honored to be asked by Cindy (MadScrappinMim) back in March 

if I could be a featured guest one month this summer. I decided to take July and I sure love this month's kit "Vintage Treasures"....it is so bright and cheery with my favorite color red! :)

This is my first layout of my little Roxy. Check out those amazing papers!! 

I love those big red flowers too!

I added cardstock and a doily. 

Here is a closer view....i made some extra little roses in red and cream with cardstock, 

but the teal flowers, that cute little gold fan, and the "beautiful" sticker all comes with the kit.

Gotta love the bling!!! 

Here is my second layout of my adorable little niece Emma. 

I love the gorgeous flowers and the patterned papers! I added doilies, lace and cardstock.

As you can see, this kit can be used for bright or soft layouts.

I made the one big rose out of cardstock, stamped and layered. 

I also used some of my diecuts with white cardstock.

Here you can see the gorgeous flowers...they are so beautiful! 

A closer view of the birdcage diecut and I added lace with pearls. 

The beautiful teal ribbon comes with the kit, it is a perfect match to those flowers. 

Here is my last project for Funtoolas this month. This red paper just pops! 

The black lace and the beautiful silhouette face are wonderful to use with the red. 

I used "Bitty Blossoms" to diecut the red roses and to make the title I diecut out a fancy tag and used microsoft word for mac. I really love the vintage feel to this card.

Here is the side view of the card, I added some pearls for a little bling.

Hope you enjoyed my projects using funtoolas AMAZING kit! 

Be sure to stop by their blog to order your kit too! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Copic Marker Storage

Happy Sunday!

I wanted to share with you my NEW copic marker organizer that my husband just made for me this morning! Now dont laugh...lol....i know it is obviously way bigger than my collection. I just bought some for the first time at the recent scrapbook convention here in AZ. However, since there are over 350 sketch markers...(358?) i wanted to have something big and ready to go for them. 

This bookcase is on the right hand side of my scrap table. Whereas the HC stamps and spellbinders are on the left hand side of my table. As you can see I have my cricut cartridges and block stamps on the shelf and on the bottom is my little cuttlebug with my embossing folders in the box. 

Here is a close up of my copic storage. I was planning to take photos as he was making it, but before i knew it he was done! Basically, he bought 3 long pieces of PVC pipe 1.5 inches and cut them into 5 inch pieces. Then he glued them together and stacked them on top of each other all glued into one big piece. I thought it might be too heavy at first, but it is not too bad at all. They are big enough to fit 5-6 markers in each hole and well, there are 70 pieces....now all I need is lots of markers! :)

Well, that is my organization tip for today....have a great day!

Hugs!

Heartfelt Wednesday's "Wind Beneath My Wing"

Good Morning! Welcome back to another Heartfelt Wednesday.

Today I'm sharing with you a design that was inspired by a beautiful lo by CreativeKelly. I loved it soooo much that I wanted to make something like it, except made with all our wonderful stamps and diecuts from Heartfelt Creations. The best part of this layout is that it is made with paper, so NO need to buy lots of pricey embellishments because you make a similar look over and over again with stamps and diecuts...love it! This is a fun photo of Roxy and I cut it down to fit the Romantic Rectangle frame. 

Here you can the birds, birdcage, birdhouses and flowers all made with stamping and diecuts.

The new "Garden Romance Collection" is a beautiful collection to have for all those popular bird layouts and cards that a really popular right now. 

More gorgeous flowers and the adorable little bridge made with exclusive stamps and diecuts from HC. 

The stamp is "Brookside Manor" and the diecut is "Garden Romance" I sure cant wait to make more of these little bridges...easy fast and fun to make in any color you want. 

For more details be sure to come to the Heartfelt Creations Blog. As always lots of inspiration there too from our awesome DT....Have a beautiful day! 

Stamp/Spellbinder Storage Solutions

Hi, Happy Saturday! So on our private blog between Design Team Members at Heartfelt Creations there has been some recent chatter about stamp storage solutions. So I wanted to share with you my stamping storage solution for all my rubber stamps...I have a clear album for all the clear stamps. I'm always thinking of a better way for them but meanwhile here a awesome way to store your stamps too and for a super cheap price. 

First, I want to show you what my stamps looked like before I finally organized them. 

Just 3 months ago...

Pretty sad I know!!! As you can see, I had them in the original packaging and in a large box. When I tried to find a stamp I had to dig around all over the place and sometimes I couldn't find what I was looking for and sometimes I forgot that I had a great stamp to use on a project! Also if you look close you can see some of the packages were ripped and I even had some stamps just thrown in on the bottom...so as you can see i really needed some help! lol

Well, Here is the answer! I bought a bunch of plain DVD cases from tapeonline.com. 

They are .22 cents each and come in a batch of 100. The shipping is a little bit higher than I thought around $11.00, but it is still way cheaper than the DVD cases you find at the stores. Some places are asking $1.00 per case! That is way too much!!! I bought a batch to see if I really liked them and if they had a clear sleeve so I could place the cover from the stamps in the front. They do come that way and they are perfect for every one of my Heartfelt Creations rubber stamps. I also have some fabulous rubber stamps from Donna Salazar and I also use these for them too! I just place them in a different section of the shelf as you can see below. So I save every front part of the package and place that on the front part were the DVD would show. When you open the case, the stamps fit on the side that is flat. I made a template for the spine labeling and saved it for future stamps. :) I bought the white stickers from Officemax and they are permanent and great size for the spines. Since then, I have ordered another set of 100 DVD's, they are filling up quickly. OK, and I even have them in numeric order too! lol

So, here you can see I also did the same for all of my spellbinders, except I used clear thin cases from Memorex. You can find them here. I bought mine from Target when they were on clearance. I originally started off with the pack of 25..and realized I needed more, so I bought 2 more sets,  75 total. I still have some leftover though. To keep them in place I bought a magnet roll from Walmart and cut it up in 5 inch strips and then cut that in half. These also have a spine label smaller than the DVD's and are in alphabetical order. My Spellbinders also started off in the clear packaging that was torn and placed in a cardboard box....I sure was a mess before.... :) 

So here is my organized bookshelf. I bought the bookshelf at target for $30 bucks. I have 2 of them on each side of my crafting table. The other shelf has all my cricut cartridges, block stamps, my cuttlebug with templates and my new copic markers. :) Just starting off with those so it is pretty small collection. 

I hope this inspires you to get organized too!
I sure am a much happier stamper now :)

Have a great day!
Update 6/24/12
Lisa mentioned Becca Feekin and her storage idea and I knew I seen a bunch of ideas out there but couldnt remember which one or where? Thanks for the reminder Lisa! Hugs and thank you Becca! 

Heartfelt Wednesday's

Good Morning! Sharing a new card made with more new stamps form Heartfelt Creations.

So I have been married now for almost 24 years and I have a great family with 4 grown kids :)

I see so many wedding's now on the beach and that is my inspiration for today's card. 

For those of you who have had that beach wedding....your so lucky! I sure wish I could be at the beach right now....lol....it is sooo hot here in AZ...im melting! 

Here is the side view of this beach themed wedding card....the flowers really pop....They are made with "Botanical Florals 1 & 2" and "Rose Creations" I think they simply must be my all time favorite stamp set because I LOVE ROSES...especially paper ones on cards and layouts...they last forever...

 

Here you can see the dimension of this card...I added starfish and shells for a complete beach feel....now all I need is WATER...lol

Have a great day and be sure to stop by the Heartfelt Creations Blog for more fabulous ideas from the Design Team....