Masking a Stamp

Had a great time on Good Things Utah today showing how to mask a stamp to create a unique title and design on a layout. The layout is one part of a two page layout from the Think Ink class that we teach at CK Scrapbook Conventions - I changed the title by using stickers instead of the transparency they use in class and added some additional stamping.

Here's the link to the segment: Friends & Cousins Masked Stamping Layout

Here's the layout:

I love stamps and have more than I use, but don't we all? The great thing about masking is that you can use a portion of a stamp to create something different. On this layout, the title is made by covering up the middle of the stamp so there's a spot to put the title without the stamped image interfering. As I mentioned, I added a little extra stamping. I loved the swirl look, so I masked most of the stamp leaving just one part of the swirl and then stamped that at the top and bottom of the patterned paper.

This same technique can be used with sentiment stamps where you want one or more words but not all the words or objects that you want to combine into a scenery or layer on top of each other. This gives you a lot of flexibility in how you use your stamps.

However you use your stamps, have fun with them and try different things. You never know what you'll end up creating.

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Butterflies and Rhinestones on GTU

Monday was fun on Good Things Utah showing how to color clear rhinestones using alcohol inks from Tim Holtz. The technique is from one of the classes being taught at CK Scrap & Play (you'll also use the BasicGrey product I used for the class project).

Here's the link to the segment: Butterflies and Colored Rhinestones Card

The great thing about this technique is how versatile it is. I showed using alcohol inks on rhinestones, but you can use the inks on glass, buttons, tiles, and so much more. Pretty much anything that is non-porous (so it doesn't get absorbed). Typically I use the applicator Tim Holtz made, but I ran out of the felt squares and didn't have time to go get more, so I just squirted the color on the rhinestones. For this project, that worked. But if you are coloring a larger surface, you want to save on ink, or you want it to dry faster, I do recommend using the applicator. It gives you more control.

Now, if you're looking for a fun weekend escape, you really need to think about attending a CK Scrap & Play. There are three scheduled right now with a fourth in the works (can't announce it until the contract is signed). The three locations are Midway, UT (just outside Park City) on June 17 and 18, then Boise, ID on August 12 and 13, and next is Lancaster, PA on August 26 and 27. Registration is open for all three.

Each Scrap & Play includes cropping time with four people to a table (you can sit more if you want, but we set the tables for four), five classes spread throughout Friday evening and Saturday, a goodie bag with scrapping stuff, prizes, treats (as in the edible kind), and much more. Plus, there are a la carte classes you can take either Friday morning or at other times during the event (these have an additional cost associated with them).

So, if you're looking for an excuse to get away and scrap, use this one! Here's the web site with all the information: www.creatingkeepsakes.com/scrap_and_play

Hope you had a wonderful Tuesday!

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Sneak Peek - GTU Project (Updated)

UPDATE:
I won't be on Good Things Utah until Monday. Breaking news took precedence over today's program so they had to bump things forward. Sorry!


Friday I have a segment on Good Things Utah. I don't want to spoil the fun, so here's a look at a piece of the project. Also, if you are a Law & Order: Criminal Intent fan, Vincent D'Onofrio is part the of the show, so make sure you watch or set your recording mechanism.

Check back Friday or Saturday for the entire project.

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Good Things Wednesday

Yep, it's Wednesday and it was a good day, partly because I was did a segment for Good Things Utah. And I have to confess, while I usually enjoy doing the projects I make for the segments, this one was especially fun. Maybe because it was so easy, but also because I made a sample of the page we use in the featured class (15 Minute Pages) and it includes photos of my adorable hounds (look closely at the clip and you'll see it in the background).

So here's the link to the segment: Circle Your Scraps Card.

Here are two additional photos of the card. I don't have a photo of the layout, but if I get one I'll definitely share.

Hi card made using circles

Side view - the circles under Hi had foam tape under them

The thing I loved about this card is that it uses scraps and is so quick to put together. The layout is also very fast - cut a few squares, add some stickers, photos, journaling, and voila - a completed layout. You'll love this class too. This is just one of four pages that you complete, so if you are going to a CK Scrapbook Convention and looking for ways to make quick layouts, check out this class.

Happy creating!

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Scrappin' with Flaps

So the sneak peek I gave of the project the other day was for a layout that uses a decorative paper (the kind with the cool borders) cut in half to create a flap. I used My Mind's Eye paper, which I love because it all coordinates - no need to worry if the colors look good together or not ;) I also used the i-rock tool from Imaginisce for a little embellishing and ribbon and brads from Crate Paper.

So here's the link to the segment that aired on Good Things Utah today: Cuttin' Up and Gettin' Decorative with Flaps

The inspiration for this project came from the 15 Things that Define Me class that Creating Keepsakes is sponsoring at CK Scrapbook Conventions this year. And here are a few more pictures showing the details of the finished layout. Enjoy!

 

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Sneak Peek

This coming Wednesday (the 23rd) I'm doing a segment for Good Things Utah. I don't want to totally give it away, so here's a photo that shows a portion of the project. I had so much fun playing with my new i-rock tool (thanks Lori) and loved the papers I chose from My Mind's Eye.

I'll post a link to the segment after it airs on Wednesday. Until then, enjoy!

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Valentine Rose Cupcakes

Wednesday was a Good Things Utah day and this time I didn't do a paper crafted or scrapbooked item. Instead, I showed using fondant to make rolled roses to decorate cupcakes.

Here's the link: Rolled Rose Cupcakes

Fondant tends to intimidate people, but I like to think of it as playdough for grown-ups. These roses are very simple. Pick your fondant color, roll out the fondant, cut strips that are four to six inches long, and then start rolling. Use a little water along one edge to help the fondant stick to itself. Voila! Roses.

I prefer to use Wilton's fondant rather than make my own, since I don't usually eat it. If you can't find the color you want in packaged fondant, you can mix two colors together or add color to white fondant. If you are adding food color to fondant, make sure you use gloves so your hands don't stain.

These roses are perfect for Valentines Day, but they also work well for Mother's Day, a garden party, bridal shower, or any occasion where flowers appear.

Have fun playing!

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Just Because Card

Busy week - normal things at work and then Good Things Utah contacted me Tuesday morning to see if I could come on Wednesday morning to do a segment (one of their people had to cancel at the last minute because of illness). So I scrambled and pulled a technique from one of the new classes we're teaching at CKC called Material Girl. The segment is Just Because Rolled Flower card.

The flower technique in the GTU segment uses adhesive backed fabric paper (this particular product is from the Dear Lizzy American Crafts line). You could use paper or fabric, but the advantage I found with this product was the thickness/stiffness aspect. Fabric would be a little floppy and paper may not be as pliable (although you could soften paper up enough to make it more pliable, just be careful not to tear it). Plus, this fabric paper can be inked, rolled, scuffed, and more.

What I learned - make the circle bigger than you think you need :) Because you are cutting a spiral and then wrapping it around itself, it gets quite a bit smaller. And, I would practice with paper scraps before diving into this with the actual fabric paper since it is more expensive than scraps.

It was a fun card to make and interesting product to play with. Enjoy!

P.S. I've included the file with the spiral pattern too.

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Halloween Party

With Halloween this weekend it was no surprise that the Good Things Utah show asked me to create a Halloween Party for the segment I did for them. It was so fun! I played with Tim Holtz's embossing folders, acrylic banner pennants from Clear Scraps, and festive Halloween paper from The Paper Loft.

Here's a link to the segment and project instructions: Halloween Party Ideas

The great thing about this party is that it adapts well to any occasion just by swapping out the papers and embellishments.I think a banner for Christmas may be in the works soon!

I had so much fun creating these projects and am grateful to Good Things Utah for letting me be a part of their show. I love doing segments for them and the excuse to be creative. I have several other segments coming up in November and December, so I'll post those here as well.

Have a hauntingly good Halloween!

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