Marie Loves to Stamp

Lack of blog posts but staying busy...

2012-02-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting much lately - is anyone still out there and visiting my blog?

I've been busy with other crafts (maybe I should change my blog title?).

Here's what I've been up to...

Mostly crocheting flower pins, scarves, cowls, and infinity scarves to stock up for next winter's craft shows and gift giving.

Also I recently learned how to make chainmaille jewellery. Isn't this pretty?

And Until Next Time!
Marie

Unusual Uses for Copic Markers

2012-01-26T16:34:00.000-08:00

In the last few days I've had to grab my Copics for the most unusual fixes.

1. Last night I touched up my gray roots but afterwards I noticed that I missed a spot. So out comes E49 Dark Bark and I touched up the area. Voila! it's gone.

2. This morning I noticed that I had a bleach mark on one of my favourite black tops (not from bleach but probably from a lemon). So out comes 110 Specail Black (I could have used 100 but I grabbed this one first). I just dabbed a bit on the bleached out spot and Voila! It's gone.

3. In my den I have dark espresso stained cork flooring. It's beautiful but the rollers on the desk chair scrape away at it in spots. So out comes E27 Africano and E49 Dark Bark (again) and quick touch up fixes it fast.

Do you have any unusual Copic uses you'd like to share?

If so please leave a comment here - I'd love to read them!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Masculine Birthday or Father's Day Gift Card Holder

2012-01-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

I made this gift card "wallet" today.

It's perfect for money or gift cards!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Some Cards...

2012-01-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

Replenishing my stash with some quick Birthday cards and Wedding cards.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Embossing Folder Technique Class Sneak Peeks

2012-01-16T23:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some sneak peeks from my upcoming class at Scrap Arts.

If you're local and you're interested in taking this class please call the store at 604-980-8811

Until Next Time!
Marie

Sitting on the couch and doing some crochet....

2012-01-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

I know I should be doing other things but I had a lot of PVRing to catch up on and while I watched I crocheted.

This is what I made last night:

2 soap holders for the shower

I know, I know who uses bar soap anymore?
Well I just got some nice soaps for Christmas (thanks Dee!) and I want to use them so I made these custom sized soap bags so that I can use them in the shower. Don't worry I used acrylic yarn so that they will dry and not go moldy!

I also made this cowl scarf

And I started on this infinity scarf

Until Next Time!
Marie

making me some wrap bracelets...

2012-01-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

While I sit at home and recouperate from my latest surgical adventure I have been keeping myself busy with making some wrap bracelets.

Aren't these cool!

I got the info to make them from HERE

The only changes I made were to lengthen the ball chain length to give me a looser bracelet - I ended up with a 15" inch rather than a 14" bracelet for my 7" sized wrists.

If you make these yourself you might want to measure your wrist first then double it and add 3/4 to 1" to get your finished size.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Too much!

2012-01-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a great holiday season - I know I did! I think I enjoyed it a bit too much!

I don't know about you but I am starting out this year with an extra 10lbs.

That added to what I wanted to lose from last year has me joining Weight Watchers online.

If it's good enough for Jennifer Hudson it's good enough for me!

What I really need right now is wardrobe boost - something that makes me feel good and hides my spare tire.

I really like this top from White House Black Market.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Ornament Wreath Tip

2012-01-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas is over but you might want to pick up some supplies on clearance to make your own ornament wreath for next year.

If you can't find the right size form for your wreath you can make your own with some cheap foam pipe wrap from Home Depot!

Cut it to any size you want and then connect the two ends with duct tape!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Put a flower on it!

2011-12-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

My daughter has been teasing me lately about putting a flower on everything I wear from sweaters, coats, scarves and hats.

I can't help it - I love making these flowers and wearing them.

Now I'm crocheting hats and cowl scarves!

Here's a couple of photos of my daugher and I wearing some hats I made with flowers.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Crocheted Flower Pins

2011-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

I have been so inspired by all the woolly handmade stuff I've seen on Pinterest that I had to join in!

Check out these beautiful (if I say so myself) handmade crocheted flower pins that I've been making.

They are so pretty in real life and I've made them in tons of colours and fibres.

I've sold a few at a local craft sale and given a bunch away to friends for gifts.

If you'd like to purchase one they will be available at Scrap Arts this weekend or you can email me and I can ship one (or two) out to you. To see more photos click on the page above.
Until Next Time!
Marie

Ornament Wreath Re-Do

2011-12-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Although I liked the idea of the simplicity of using a wire coat hanger to make a wreath I was not happy with my final results.

Why?

It was too small for my door, it was too thick, I didn't like the coat hanger showing, it was losing it's shape from the weight of all the ornaments, and it was scratching my door.

This is what it looked like

So last night I fired up the glue gun and re-did the wreath.

I used the same ornaments just mounted them on a different base!

I used a 24" artificial wreath ($5 - found one 50% off) and wrapped it with gold tulle ($3 on sale too). I wrapped the tulle around it to hold down the greenery and protect my door from getting scratched.

Note: You might be able to find a better solution for a base but all of the foam cores I saw were too small or too big and this seemed like the easiest choice for me at the time. If I had seen a grapevine wreath that might have worked too.

When I glued down all the ornaments I noticed that there were gaps where the cap of the ornament showed or between ornaments. So I bought some small filler balls in red and gold to glue into the "cracks".

It has a thinner profile than the wire coat hanger wreath. Compare the two below.

WIRE COAT HANGER BASE WREATH PROFILE

ARTIFICIAL WREATH BASE PROFILE

The revised wreath is so pretty I don't think it even needs a bow.

What do you think?

Until Next Time!

Marie

Flower Punch Tree

2011-12-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Check out THIS VIDEO on how to make a beautiful Christmas tree out of punched flowers.

I have to try this for myself it's sooooo pretty!

Until Next Time!

Marie

Ornament Wreath

2011-12-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

How do you like this ornament wreath that I made?

You just feed ornaments on to a wire coat hanger. Then you use the hook in the hanger to hang it up.
I don't really like that the hanger hook is showing....

And it kind of sticks out quite a bit on the door.
This wouldn't work if you had a screen door on top of your front door!

I got my ornaments from Bed Bath and Beyond - a package of 41 for $13.99.

I bought 2 packages to make this wreath (yep 82 balls!).

You can find unbreakable ornaments everywhere for different price points - I saw some great ones by Martha Stewart at Home Depot - but the reason I choose these ornaments was because of the colour combo (red, green and gold) and there were both shiny and glittery balls in 2 different sizes.

I made this ornament wreath using THIS TUTORIAL.

If you are a visual learner click HERE and HERE for videos.

There are lots of different versions of this oline and I might take mine apart and do it on a wreath form.

I found THIS ONE - without using the hanger on a foam core wreath.

THIS ONE using a green wreath base.

Until Next Time!
Marie

TIP: Converting stamps to clear mount

2011-12-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

If you are like me and have been at this hobby - stamping - for a while now you will probably be running out of room for all your stamps.

Years ago I started unmounting my wood mount stamps and rollograph wheels and now I mostly buy unmounted or even digi stamps.

But I have a ton of stamps still on wood that I really must do something with.

Today I came across this blog post in my favourites and I thought I would share it with all of you. In case you haven't seen it that is!

I really like this post because it's simple to do for stamps that you haven't mounted yet -use the stamp image stickers and tombo mono glue to "convert" the wood mount stamps into clear/cling mount ones.

BUT I also love her TIP of peeling off an old sticker from the wood block and using that again on your rubber. I hadn't thought about that and I did throw out a bunch of them in my frenzy to unmount!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Kids Christmas Card Class

2011-12-04T17:06:00.000-08:00

I don't many kids classes anymore but as favour for a friend I did a class on Friday night with 8 kids - aged 8 to 14.

Here are the cards we made:

Originally we had allocated 2 hours to make these cards but my schedule changed and I only had 90 minutes. I was a bit worried but after the kids arrived and tore open their packages they only looked at the sample cards once and they were off.

The older kids got all 4 cards done - their way - in 30 minutes and the youngest - 8 years old - got hers done in 40 minutes! They were cardmaking machines and all the cards turned out so nice!

I also included a bunch of die cuts and tags - just in case - for the kids who finished early to work on until we were done.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Small Business Christmas Cards

2011-12-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

For the last few years I have been doing small business Christmas cards as a favour to a few friends.

No big mail outs - just 20 - 25 cards at most. I use their preprinted company cards as my base and then embellish with stamps, ink and sometimes glitter.

Here is this year's card for Susan at shift strategy + design.

Click HERE to see the cards from previous years.

Until Next Time!
Marie

It's the most busiest time of the year!

2011-11-25T13:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't been doing much cardmaking or even colouring lately!

We have been so busy with the kids and when I do sit down for a few minutes I just want to relax.

During this hiatus from my craft room I have re-discovered crochet. Here are some the flowers I have been making for a friend's craft sale.

Aren't they soooo pretty!

I've just been using scraps from my kids knitting class days and so I have quite the variety of colours!

As well as crochet I have been asked to do a kids Christmas class.

Here are 2 of the 4 projects I've selected for this class.

I'll share the rest once I've decided on them and made up the samples!

Until Next Time!
Marie

How to tie a scarf?

2011-11-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's scarf season!

I often get asked how I tie my scarf and I don't know...I just do it!

But I wear it the same way all the time so it got me thinking of other ways to wear a scarf.

I came across this video and thought I'd share here for those of you that are visual learners.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Tip - Inking blank spots

2011-11-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Does this ever happen to you?

I just love this solid image stamp (Dasher from Stampin' Up!) but I hardly ever use it because I sometimes get a "missed" area when I stamp.

I saw on Mary Fish's blog how she uses a blender pen to "fix" this blank spot and so I tried it. I squeezed my ink pad (SU! Cherry Cobbler) to get some ink on the inside lid and then I dipped my blender pen (NOT aqua-pen) in the smudge and then applied it to the image.

Voila! Check out this "fixed" image.

It really works!

Another great tip Mary suggested was to ink up the stamp with the pad on top rather than tapping the stamp on the ink pad.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Cornish Heritage Farms Free Digi

2011-11-12T23:38:00.000-08:00

I got THIS free digi the other day from Cornish Heritage Farms.

I had a little time to myself tonight so I coloured it up with my copics.

Here are some other views - the lights and the camera take away from the intensity of the colours. It's actually much brighter IRL (in real life).

Until Next Time!
Marie

OSW - One Sheet Wonder Full Card Photos

2011-11-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Until Next Time!
Marie

Would you believe a Coffee Filter?

2011-11-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

I love the Faux Silk technique and when I saw this done with a coffee filter I knew I had to try it.

Seriously a coffee filter!

Flatten it out first....

Then stamp on it randomly....

Take a piece of cardstock (this one is 3 3/4 x 5) and apply glue stick all over one side.

Drop the coffee filter on to it and tap it with your fingers. The more wrinkles the better!

Trim the coffee filter.

Here's a close up.

And here is the finished card!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Roadside Mushrooms

2011-10-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

I saw these by the roadside the other day when I was driving my boy to school.

Of course I had to stop and take a photo with my camera phone!

Does anyone know what kind of mushroom they are?

Until Next Time!
Marie

More Copic Colouring!

2011-10-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should change my blog name to "Marie loves to colour!"?

I don't have much in the way of stamping and cardmaking to show you lately but I do have a couple more images that I've coloured with Copics to show you.

First up is this Hannah Disney image:

I used:
Hair: E79, E74, E71, E70
Skin: E30, E51, E50, E04, R21
Eyes: YG25, YG17, YG08
Other - lips and top R17, R14, R12, R11

This next image is from my Intermediate Copic Worksheet:

I used:
YG03, YG07, G21, G28, V12, V06, BV23, C3, C5

Until Next Time!
Marie

New Posts!

2011-10-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

I've got new posts and I don't mean blog posts!

Ryan from SI Custom Creations came out today and revamped my staircase by adding these awesome 5x5 Shaker style posts.

Here are the BEFORE photos - what a difference!!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Graphicat Designs Coffee Girl

2011-10-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

I have a large group of coffee friends and when I saw this image I knew I would have to make up a bunch of "just in case" birthday cards for my stash!

This digital image is from Graphicat Designs.

Copics used:
Skin: Y000, E00, E02, G20, YR61, R02, R00, Y11, E19, E37
Hair: E97, B32, B45, B97, E09, 100, E15 and .3 multiliner
Lips: R08, R29, R02
Eyes: B02, C3
Other: T1, T3, T5, R32, R35, R37, R39, B39

Until Next Time!
Marie

More Copic Colouring

2011-10-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was "home alone" and found a few minutes to colour up this cute Gurukitty image.

Here's a close up - it's actually coloured in quite dark but the camer lightens it up!

I used: B00, B000, C3, T1, T3, T5, R32, R35, R37, YR04, YR07

If you haven't got it yet click HERE to download your own free snowman image.

Below are two more images from my Intermediate Copic Ceritification worksheets.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Free Digi Challenge

2011-10-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the latest Freebie Digi on the Marker Guru's blog?

I've just downloaded it and can't wait to colour it in.

If you'd like to join me in a quick colouring challenge just grab the digi, colour it up and then post a link in the comments for the original blog post at Marker Guru!

Don't forget to give Marker Guru the credit for the image!

If you're not yet sick of Halloween you might want to check out the Gurukitty Halloween digi pack.

It's awesome for colouring!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Houzz

2011-10-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Have you been to the Houzz website?

I get a lot of ideas and even have boards on Pinterest but I like to look for house ideas on Houzz.

Recently I got the idea to redo my stairs from Houzz.

Here's the before photo:

We've lived in this house for 14 years and I have always hated the end of my staircase.

For my birthday my husband gave me the "go ahead" to have the end posts redone.

I'm going to have the end posts replaced with these:

I'll post the actual AFTER photos after it's done this weekend!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Angie's Crockpot Potato Bacon Soup

2011-10-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

I saw THIS RECIPE for Crockpot Potato Bacon soup posted by Angie Juda and I knew I just had to try it.

I did and my family loved it!!

The only changes I made were:
1. I omitted the green onions
2. I added more chicken stock - instead of 3 cans I added 1 tetra brick that was almost 1 litre
3. I used a 1 kg package of McCains Hash Browns.

It still turned out very very thick and creamy!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Certifiably Certified!

2011-10-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the pleasure of taking the Copic Intermediate Certification course with Sherrie Siemens.

I learned a lot in this class!

One of the things I learned was to be more consistent with colouring my images.

This is what I mean.....

image by Marianne Walker

I was trying to colour consistently both the clothing and skin tones in these images.

image by Marianne Walker

This first one is very flat and I only used 1 colour for his shirt, shorts and hair.

His skin was done with 1 colour and then BV00 was used to add some shadows.

The final image is flat but consistent.

image by Marianne Walker

In this second image I used 3 colour blending and went as dark as YG67 in his shirt. So to be consistent I had to go darker in his skin tone as well. I used E15 to give him darker skin shadows and balance the intensity between his skin and clothes.

Stay tuned I've got more to share from this class!

Until Next Time!
Marie

One Sheet Wonder - More Sneak Peeks!

2011-10-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some more sneak peeks from my upcoming One Sheet Wonder Christmas card class at Scrap Arts.

We'll be making 8 different cards (with envelopes) from one sheet of patterned paper plus cardstock for bases.

If you're in the area and would like to come to this class on Sunday November 6th please call the store at 604-980-8811 right away as space is limited.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Christmas Treats and Stuff Class at Scrap Arts

2011-10-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here are the full photos of the projects I just did at my Christmas Treats and Stuff class held at ScrapArts.

Until Next Time!
Marie

One Sheet Wonder - Christmas Card Class at Scrap Arts

2011-10-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of sneak peeks from my upcoming One Sheet Wonder Christmas Card class at Scrap Arts in North Vancouver.

We'll be making 8 different cards (with envelopes) from one sheet of patterned paper plus cardstock for bases.

Yes you read that right - 8 beautiful cards in one sitting!!!

If you're in the area and would like to come to this class on Sunday November 6th please call the store at 604-980-8811 right away as space is limited.

Next Time!
Marie

Quick Birthday Gift Cards

2011-10-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

I really like that I have a swatch book with Copic coloured images that I can use when needed!

I made these 2 quick gift cards the other day for Naomi and Dee.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Before and After - House Chores

2011-10-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting my craft room.....

I've been busy with the kids and stuff around the house.

These are just 2 things that I have been working on that have kept me from my crafting....

I repainted my daughter's room from this bright yellow to a more calming blue. Yes I had to prime it first!

BEFORE

to this:

AFTER

I also did a bit of "tile" work.

We redid the kids' bathroom a couple of years ago and when I picked the grout I chose the colour based on the sample tiles. Well in the end the sample tiles were much lighter than the actual tiles installed and I never did like the way the grout line looked.

So I added colourant and resealed the grout.

This is what it looked like BEFORE:

and this is what it looks like now AFTER:

I think it looks much better!

Until Next Time!

Marie

Halloween Decor Ideas

2011-10-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

I don't do too much for Halloween now that the kids are older.

Sure I'll put up my house witch, the fake graveyard in the front yard, some decorated pumpkins and a wreath - but that's about the extent of it. Believe it or not I used to do soooo much more!

I still love to see all the decor ideas out there and every year there is something new and different.

Last year I quit carving pumpkins and instead I decorated these pumpkins with vinyl clings from Stampin' Up! Decor Elements.

I just love WHITE pumpkins. Check out these that have been blinged out with black rhinestones!

holiday decorations design by Horchow

But be careful you can overbling them! These pumpkins make me think of Liberace!

These white pumpkin candles are really cool too - but I probably wouldn't light them!

candles and candle holders design by Pottery Barn

Now from Elegant to Wacky! Love these!!

I have a skeleton that I used to hang in a noose from a tree in the yard but I never thought to put it on the house like this!! I'm going to have to try that this year...

I love these cake ideas too but the hand one is a bit disturbing!

Here's a simple and fun idea for a halloween party - candy cones! I don't know about you but I have tons of Halloween digital paper and it would be so easy to make these!

accessories and decor design by West Elm

These mummy candy jars are so cool and look easy to make!

I could go on and on but there are just too many ideas to share here so check out Pinterest and Houzz or Google for yourself!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Witch's Boot!

2011-10-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted - I know!

I haven't really done much crafting lately but I have been busy doing other stuff for my husband and kids as well as around the house. I just replaced my smoke detectors all by myself (2 of them hard wired), primed and painted my daughter's room (from school bus yellow to "sanctuary" blue), and some other stuff around the house!

I even reorganized my craft room a bit and found a great temporary storage solution for my embossing folders. Now I can keep these on the shelf next to my Big Shot!

Check it out!

I put the folders in alphabetical order so I can find it when I need it - I just have to remember the name!

This one is almost full so I'm on the lookout for another one - it's a stationary box with a hinged lid. I don't remember where I got it from originally (probably Home Sense, Winners or maybe Superstore) but I used to keep my Copic Ink Refills in it until I outgrew it!

While I was reorganizing I found all kinds of things I'd forgotten I had. Do you do that?

Anyway while I had my Big Shot, folders and dies out I decided to make this cute Witch's Boot project.

Here are some close ups for you:

And I loaded it up with some Hershey Nuggets that have wrappers on them!

I made these with Stampin' Up!s My Digital Studio It's a Wrap - Holidays brush set and Avery 8160 address labels. But they are pretty easy to make with just stamping or digital paper!

Now I won't re-invent the wheel and repeat the instructions for this project here.

I got this idea from other demonstrators' blogs that got the idea from someone who was at or attended Stampin' Up!s recent Founders' Circle get together.

Anyway here's some links:

Tami White

Patty Bennett

Sandi McIver

The only things I did differently was I made myself a boot template (which I hand cut) rather than die cut a stocking and circle each time and I used the Box#2 die but adhered it top up (without the top).

I made my template of white cardstock and just traced onto the black cardstock.

Isn't this a fun project?

Until Next Time!
Marie

Mixed Merry Christmas Full Card Photos

2011-09-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here are the full card photos from my recent class - Mixed Merry Christmas Cards - at ScrapArts in North Vancouver.

Thanks to everyone who attended!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Tip - Die Cutting Stamped Images

2011-09-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy tip for die cutting your stamped images with open type dies (like Nestabillities).

Use a post it note or piece of painter's masking tape to hold the die over the image EXACTLY where you want it while you run it through your die cutting machine.

Isn't that a great idea? I saw it on Jennifer McGuire's blog.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Cute Punch Santa!

2011-09-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

I saw this post from Patty Bennett on making a punch out Santa while at Stampin' Up!s Founder's Circle event and I just had to try it!

Isn't it just the cutest thing!

Perfect for a card part, tag, treat topper or bookmark etc..

Punches used:
119859 Extra Large Oval (Red & White for Hat parts),
119855 Large Oval (Pink for Face),
119847 Ornament Punch (White for Beard),
117191 Bird Builder (just the wings in White for the Moustache),
118074 Owl Builder (just the Medium sized Eye circles - 2 Black for Eyes, 1 Red for Mouth, 1 Pink for Nose),
116824 Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder for the Red Extra Large Oval piece for his Hat
Snowflake Embossing folder for White Ornament Beard piece
Pom-Pom cut from spool of Pom-Pom strand

Until Next Time!
Marie

Copic Colouring: Pumpkins

2011-09-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Fall is coming...

Yesterday I cleaned my furnace and vent filters and this morning I set up the thermostat for the furnace to come on in the mornings. It's getting colder and colder every morning since the kids started back at school.

I really don't mind fall. There are lots of great colours and fun things to do in the fall - including celebrate my birthday!

One of the iconic images of fall is pumpkins.

I have this old pumpkin patch stamp from Great Impressions and it's one of my favourite fall themed images to colour.

There are so many Copic colour combos to colour something simple like a pumpkin.

I used this image to help me create a reference sheet for my swatch book for colouring pumpkins.

Here are some close ups:

And here are a few combinations to help you colour your pumpkin images.

YR000+YR04
YR000+YR04+YR09
YR12+YR16+YR18
Y13+YR02+YR04+YR07
YR01+YR04+YR12
YR000+YR02+YR04+YR09
YR000+YR02+YR04
Y15+YR02+YR07
For pumpkins with a bit of red
YR02+YR07+R39
Y15+YR02+YR07+R39
For pumpkings with a bit of brown
Yr02+YR07+E25
Y13+YR-2+YR04+YR07+E35
If you've got limited colours try adding a gray to add shadow and tone down the brightness of the YRs
YR02+YR07+W5

Until Next Time!
Marie

Tip: Floss Threader

2011-09-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Do you know what this is?

Maybe if you had braces or kids with braces you would know that this is a floss threader. You can find them in the dental section of most stores.

Here's a craft tip for you - these little things are PERFECT for threading ribbon or string through button holes and bells.

I like to keep a couple of these in my craft tote 'just in case".

I thought you might like to know...if you didn't already....

Until Next Time!
Marie

MIA

2011-09-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA (Missing In Action) lately!

I've been busy getting the kids off to school, prepping for upcoming classes (repeats) and colouring!

I'm going to do my Intermediate Copic Certification next month and I've been trying to colour as much as I can in my free time.

Images from Beccy's Place

Until Next Time!
Marie

Christmas Treats and Stuff Class Sneak Peek

2011-09-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some sneak peeks from my upcoming Christmas Treats and Stuff Class at Scrap Arts.

This class is only running once on Sunday October 16th 1 - 3 pm.

Please call the store at 604-980-8811 to reserve your spot in this clas today!

Until Next Time! Marie

Extend the use of your Open type dies!

2011-08-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Do you want to see something that will inspire you to use your open type dies and off cuts from other dies in new ways?

Check out THIS VIDEO from Sarah Gough.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Have you seen this???

2011-08-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

I just love buying little paper flowers to use on projects - but I'm hoarding them because I don't ever want to "run out"!

OR maybe I feel like the person I'm making the card for isn't "special" enough for me to use up my stash!

Either way I know I need let go a bit and use up more of my stuff.

It will be a lot easier for me now since I found some awesome videos on how to make your own "prima" type flowers.

I know there are many videos out there and it can get overwhelming jumping from link to link but I came across THIS ONE and I especially LOVE this one because you can make it with pretty much any circular, star or flower type punch or shapes cut from your dies or cricut machines!

Check THIS video out from Jules (aka Jannaviles)

Until Next Time!
Marie

TIP - ID your Copic Markers!

2011-08-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I tell everyone BEFORE attending a Copic class is to label their markers.

There are a few ways to do this easily.

1. Use another Copic marker (Black) to write your initials on the barrel of each of your markers. The advantage to this is that if you ever need to get rid of it (ie. if you sell/trade your markers) you can just use the Blender solution (or hand sanitizer) to remove it.
If you don't have a Black Copic marker you can use a Sharpie pen but be careful not to use your blender pen to remove that ink as the Sharpie ink will stain the Blender pen nib and may transfer later when you don't want it to!
Another advantage is that if you ever leave behind or misplace the marker it will make it easy to identify it with your initials.
The disadvantage to this method is that you can't label the marker your using to label your markers. In this case I would just borrow someone else's (same colour) to label that marker. DYKWIM?

2. Use your label maker (who doesn't have one of these???) or print labels off your computer to make personalized labels and apply those to the barrell of your marker.

3. Use some kind of coloured tape to wrap around your marker. I personally use thin purple coloured masking tape for my markers. I like that I can easily visually spot which markers are mine.

My daughter has her own markers now and I used the tape idea to label hers.

She picked out PINK hockey tape!

Since she's also taking them away to school with her in the fall I'm going to add her initials to each one as well.

Whatever method you use make sure that as you add to your collection of markers you are able to continue with the same labelling process.

If you have any other ideas for labelling your markers please leave a comment. I'd love to hear it!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Copic Culture Colouring Class Sample

2011-08-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

This is the card project that was completed in my recent Copic Culture Intro to Copics Colouring Class.

This stamp is from Crafty Secrets and it's called Poppy.

I asked everyone to bring in whatever reds they had to colour the poppies.

For this example I used: R24, R27, R29, T3, W1, W3, YG13, YG17, YG25

Until Next Time!
Marie

Becca's Peg Bow Maker

2011-08-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

If you know me or have taken one of my classes you will know that I am NOT a bow maker!

I'd rather tie a knot than a bow and I sometimes feel that my ribbon embellished cards look the same because of this handicap.

I saw a post by Becca Feeken a while ago where she made her own peg bow maker and I knew that someday I would have to make one of these for myself!

I know that there are lots of tools out there to help you tie bows.

I have a couple of Bow Easy's but I have to pull out the directions to use them every time.

I even made myself some "fingers" to help me tie bows (I traced my 2 index fingers onto recycled plastic).

But after watching a few of Becca's peg bow tying videos I realized that her tool was a better one since it really is like having another hand.

So yesterday - while waiting for the garage door repair man - I looked around my garage and found some materials that I could use to make my own peg bow maker.

Here is my version of the Peg Bow Maker:

As you can see mine is not as nicely finished as Becca's but mine will fit in my craft tote and I can take it with me!

I used a scrap piece of MDF baseboard trim (leftovers from the bathroom remodel) and drilled holes every 1/2 inch. Since I'm making card bows I thought this size would work for me and the funny thing is my trim piece measures out to 5 1/2 x 4 1/4!!

I found a length of thin dowel in the garage (not sure why I had it in the first place but glad I did) and cut it into two 4 inch pieces.

All in all this was very easy to put together and I'm so happy that I made myself a fantastic new tool.

Check out my bows:

Check out the photo below. Yes - you are looking at a triple looped bow made by me!

Click HERE for the link to this figure eight multiple loop bow video by Becca.

I am happy to say that I am no long "Bow Challenged"!

If you haven't made one of these already I encourage you to do so - you'll be so happy with your beautiful bows!

Thank you Becca!!!!

Until Next Time!
Marie

September 11 Copic Colouring Class - Hair and Makeup!

2011-08-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

I checked with Shelley today and she has confirmed this class for Sunday, September 11th with a time of 1- 3 pm and $20 class fee.

Please stop by the Scrap Arts store later this week to see the card sample and sign up in person!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Hair and Makeup Copic Colouring Class

2011-08-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

I'm working on the finishing touches for my next Copic Colouring Class at Scrap Arts called Hair and Makeup.

I'll give ONE guess as to what we'll be colouring! If you guessed skin and hair - you're right!

Here are a few sneak peeks from my work sheets:

In this class we'll be colouring faces and "heads of hair" as well as making a card with this Santa image.

If you're local and interested in taking this class please call Scrap Arts at 604-980-8811 to register.

Space is limited and this class has only been tentatively scheduled for one date - Sunday, September 11th.

These classes fill up fast and to avoid disappointment call TODAY to reserve your spot!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Baby Needs New Shoes!

2011-08-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday someone asked me if I had a Baby Shoe template. It turns out I have saved several over the years.

I had a few minutes to play so I made a pair of these.

If you Google you'll find that there are TONS of templates/patterns for these and that they have been circulating for years.

I personally prefer THIS TEMPLATE from Quietfire Designs becuase unlike others it makes 2 shoes, with straps, you can print it right out of your printer on 8 1/2 x 11 paper and the bottoms are doubled for a neater result.

Now if you're reading this Shelley I should tell you that I brought them in to the store today and left them for you. You'll just have to find them!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Future Copic Colouring Class Samples

2011-08-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some samples for another Copic colouring class.

The stamps are both from Flourishes.

Until Next Time!
Marie

July Birthday Card

2011-07-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a card I made for a friend - Happy Birthday Shelley!

Since it's a July Birthday I used Flourishes Year in Flowers 2

- Tiger Lily -

and I added a Ruby gemstone for July.

Copics used: YR01, YR04, YR07, YR09, YG13, YG15, B91

Tip: I didn't like the way the stem just ended so I used my Copic fine liner to extend the stem to the end of the die cut.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Card of my dreams - Take 2!

2011-07-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

Since I had my Copic markers all over my desk I decided to add some YR07 Chinese Orange to this flower image I used in my Card of My Dreams post. FYI - I stamped the ruffled flower with Memento Ink on Stampin' Up! Calypso Coral cardstock.

I really like how it turned out!

I know it looks kind of weird in this photo but IRL (in real life) it looks really cool!

I also added some W3 to the middle of the flower.

I was on a roll so I used this bird cage stamp to make the same card in another version.

Yep - I used my Copics again to colour it in!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Copic Swatch Book and Work Book

2011-07-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

If you are a Copic "user" with a lot of markers then you understand how overwhelming it can sometimes be trying to find the right colour for your projects.

A few years back - when I first started "collecting" my markers - I made myself a swatch book from a file that was shared online.

It was great for keeping track of all the colours I had and what I "needed".

After the addition of the new colours last year, my book was out of date and so I made myself a new updated one and changed the format to one that worked better for me.

ETA: 08/05/11 I've got a few of these made up and ready to mail out. Please check out the Copic Reference Booklet page tab at the top of my blog for more information.

As well as updating my Swatch Book I put together a Work Book for myself. In here I keep all of my stamped and digi images that I've coloured and any blanks I have waiting to be coloured.

If you haven't done this for yourself I highly recommend it!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Card of my dreams...

2011-07-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up with a card in my head. Does this ever happen to you?

I learned a long time ago to keep a pen and paper by the bedside because I often have these inspirations - not just for cards but for other stuff like where to find the missing SIN card or an idea for something else that's been bothering me.

So I sketched my "dream" card down on the paper - yes I even dreamt up the colours - and this afternoon I made it.

Here it is:

Seriously I dreamt this one up and it turned out quite nice.

It's a good thing too because I need a card for a friend's birthday tonight.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Bloom!

2011-07-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

Last week I shared some photos of my backyard and gardens. Click HERE if you missed it.

We've had a long wet and cool spring here and it seemed like we were a few weeks behind with the flowers in our yard.

Well just one week later and everything is pretty much in bloom!

Check out my roses!

We cut back these bushes every year to about 1 foot high and by the end of the summer they are up to the roof line! These roses are as old as our house - 24 years old!

It's hard to tell in this photo but they are a beautiful coral pink colour.

This hydrangea is about to explode!

The flowering trees are all bent over because they have tons of buds and flowers on them!

Today I got a new wreath to try out on the front door - not sure if I like this particular one - but I needed to take the Christmas wreath down and get something more springy/summery.

Until Next Time!
Marie

More Baby Cards!

2011-07-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

I should be working on some Female Birthday cards because I'm running low but I just couldn't help myself - I made another batch of Baby cards!

ETA 07/02/11: I used scraps and leftovers for paper on these cards and the image is from Sugar Nellie - Bambino - coloured in with Copics.
I also cleared off my craft desk!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Cover your eyes!

2011-06-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

I've seen other bloggers post what's on their desks but I haven't had the nerve to do one of these posts lately.

The truth is my desk is a mess - but I know where everything is and what I'm working on!

For those of you who really want to see and are brave enough - this is what my desk looks like as of this morning....

I've been working through my Copic swatch book.

And paper testing samples:

I hope you don't have nightmares after seeing this mess!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Princess Oceana Completed

2011-06-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here she is completely coloured!

This is the back -

I was just using regular printer/copy paper to colour her in.

It can be done but you need to be quick and have a light touch.

In this close up you can almost see the sparkle from the Spica Clear pen I used on her hair shells.

Until Next Time!

Marie

More Copic Colouring!

2011-06-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

I just got some new digis from Michelle Perkett.

I test coloured this one called Princess Oceana straight off the printer - on COPY PAPER!

Looks pretty good if I say so myself!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Local Papercraft Enthusiast Looking for Classes?

2011-06-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

If you are a Local Papercraft Enthusiast (live in or visiting the Vancouver BC area) looking for classes check out my CLASSES page (at the top) or click HERE to go the ScrapArts Blog and see what the other girls are up.

Until Next Time!
Marie

No stamping or colouring today!

2011-06-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today was such a nice day that I felt the need to go outside and work in my garden!

Here's a few photos from my backyard.

These are flowers from my planter boxes.

This is some lavender - at least I think it is.

I don't do the planting (my husband does) but I'm in charge of the weeding and pruning.

Leeann left a comment asking what this next photo was.

It's my outdoor fireplace.

See how the hearth is raised and goes around the entire patio (it's sunken) well it's perfect for entertaining and s'mores parties!

This maple reminds me of Cousin It from the Adams Family!

This hosta ends up being huge by the end of the summer!

These are the double sliding doors in my dining room.

I've got fuschia growing in that planter.

Check out my side gate - it's completely covered in hops and clematis!

These next two are from flowering trees in my yard.

Blooming chives!

My husband was "helping" me in the garden.

Beyond our back fence is a creek and wooded ravine.

Looking at the creek from the opposite side.

I call these next 2 photos of my backyard the Real Estate Weekly shots.

To the very right - behind the garage - is my son's basketball/sport court.

Here's Murphy guarding the yard.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Question and Answer: Copic Storage

2011-06-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

One question I get asked a lot is "How do you store your Copic markers?"

I've posted before that I store mine vertically (yes it's ok to store Copics this way) in a clear plastic retail display unit I got over 2 years for about $50.

ETA 6/21/11: The measurements for this unit are 10" x 16" x 4"

It fits on my counter under my bookshelf.

When I want to use them I slide the unit out onto the counter and take out the markers I need.

Before I got this unit I used to store my Copics in an over-the-door shoe holder with clear plastic pockets.

But as my marker "collection" grew I ran out of space - I think this one held approx 120 markers.

I really liked how it was out of the way yet easy to access and portable. I could roll it up and take it with me whenever I needed to travel with my markers or even go into another room.

I CAN take my current display unit out of the house but it's heavy! I've got all 346 markers in there now.

Luckily I found this tote bag that is the perfect size to slide the display unit in and it has good strong handles for carrying.

How you store your Copics depends on how many you have, where you have space for them, and how much you want to spend.

Click HERE to see a post I did over a year ago on Copic Storage with links.

Below are a few more new storage ideas that I've discovered - from custom made units to simple everyday containers.

Solutions 3 Color Cubbies
Solutions 3 Colour Cubbie in use

Pampered Chef Rotary Tool Caddy

Beverage Container from Target

Wine Rack and DIY Make Your Own out of PVC drain pipe

Make your own out of Slim Jim containers

Make your own out of a cereal box!

Make your own out of foam core display boards!

Individual buckets

Enjoy!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Copic Culture Class Sneak Peek

2011-06-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on the finishing touches for this class - coming up on July 23rd and August 7th at ScrapArts - but I wanted to share with you a sneak peek of the card we will be making.

Until Next Time!
Marie

What I'm Up To? Colouring!

2011-06-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of colouring lately - getting ready for my COPIC class and trying out a few things.

Stamps used: Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamps - Poppy, Stampin' Up! Fifth Avenue Florals

Until Next Time!
Marie

Bin Storage from Costco

2011-06-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Costco with my friend Darlene. I only needed 2 things so I went along with her for the ride and the company.

She drove so that helped me to only get what I needed.

Most of the time I go in for a couple of things and come out $300 poorer with tons of stuff I didn't know I needed! Does that happen to you too?

Anyway Darlene had a big shop to do so while I was there I cruised the aisles and found this....

It's a bin storage rack system from Whalen.

Click HERE for a link to the Whalen website for more views on this.

I know that if I had my own car I would have found a way to bring this home with me! I'm not sure where I would put it but I could certainly fill it up!

Is this more industrial look a trend for residential/craft room storage?

I just read that Andrea Walford has gone to the bin storage system too.

Click HERE to see her new storage system from Uline.

I think I still like the pretty rather than the practical look for my crafting area but I find myself looking around the house to see where I could put one of those bin racks. Maybe the garage?

Until Next Time!
Marie

Baby Cards

2011-06-16T00:24:00.000-07:00

I needed to make up some baby cards and this is what I came up with.

I used Stampin' Up! wheels - Baby Tees and Nursery Letters.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Mixed Merry Christmas Sneak Peeks

2011-06-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here are the sneak peeks from my upcoming Mixed Merry Christmas Class at ScrapArts on July 10 and August 20th.

If you're local and interested in joining me for this class please call the store at 604-980-8811.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Custom Thank You Card

2011-06-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

My son was in a couple of golf tournaments this past week and he was feeling very nervous and anxious about competing (he's only 15).

One of the pro's at his golf club lent him her Bushnell Ranger Finder.

For those of you that don't know it's kind of like binoculars but with just one scope and it gives the user yardage to the pin so you know which club to use. Sounds like cheating I know but it's perfectly legal to use!

Here is the Thank You card I made for her.

Let me tell you that it was really quick to put together!

I used scraps and my new Lucky Limeade In Colour marker - the sttamp set is an old SU! one called Back Nine.

Until Next Time!

Marie

Punch Storage & Custom Craft Space

2011-06-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I often get asked - How do you store your punches?

Storage is an ongoing issue for me because I have soooo much stuff and I keep buying more!

But as I tell all my crafting friends - keep your craft stuff where you can see it and access it.

Out of sight, out of mind!

Which for me means if I don't have it handy and ready to use I forget about it and I don't use it. OR worse yet I buy duplicates!

What a waste!

So even though my desk and work area is very cluttered I have most of my tools and supplies handy!

I used to keep my punches in a drawer like this and they hardly got used or more like I'd be too lazy to dig them out and find what I needed.

So what I did a while back was I hung them on my wall!

I bought 3 of the Ikea Kroken kitchen rails and one of the matching magnetic knife rail.

This is what it looks like "naked".

Unfortunately they are no longer available but Ikea has others that work just as well.

This is the Bygel Rail - it's super cheap and comes in 2 lengths. Click the photo for more info.

There are so many interesting and different storage ideas on the internet now.

You can pretty much find anything you need just by Googling it!

And lots of lucky women have their own "custom" or makeshift craft spaces.

I fell pretty lucky to have 1/2 of our main floor den - I share the other half with my son and his gaming system.

If you haven't already checked out Crafty Storage you should! There is lots of info and sharing going on there and you may find some ideas that will help you.

Right now I can think of a couple of women who are showcasing their "renovated" craft rooms. One is Nicole Heady (from Paper Trey Ink) and the other is Mary Fish.

HERE is what Nichole's old room looked like. Isn't it gorgeous!!! She is re-doing it but I can't find the link right now so I'll post the link to her updated room as soon as I find it!

THIS is what Mary's old room looked like and now she is installing a custom craft room after her move to another state. If you are interested in seeing a custom craft room being built please click HERE to go to Mary Fish's blog. She is setting up her special place - it's amazing - and she uses the Bygel rails for her punches.

Everytime I see an update from these ladies it makes me want to purge and re-oganized my space!

I hope that you get some craft room/space inspiration by visiting their spaces.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Cupcakes?

2011-06-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Wednesday) my daughter had a presentation on MACHU PICCHU for her Comparative Civilizations class. As part of the presentation each group had to bring something in to share with the class.

So she and her friends made these at my house on Tuesday night:

At first I didn't understand why she would make cupcakes for Machu Picchu - were they made from ancient grains? No they were confetti cupcakes decorated like Guinea Pigs.

Apparently in Peru there is a dish called CUY which is roasted Guinea Pig.

Surprisingly the cupcakes were a big hit with the class!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Summer Christmas Card Class Sneak Peeks

2011-06-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek from my upcoming Mixed Merry Christmas card class at ScrapArts on July 10th and August 20th.

We'll be making 4 cards in this class and I'll have more sneak peeks for you this week so stay tuned!

If you like what you see and you're in the area please call the Scrap Arts store at 604-980-8811 to reserve your spot in this class (space is limited).

Until Next Time!
Marie

Feel the Heat Part 2 Card Photos

2011-06-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the full photos of the cards I made in my Feel the Heat Part 2 Card Class.

Double Emboss and Melted Ribbon Flower

Sorry some of the ribbon bits to need to be trimmed off!

The leaf is just the oval punch folded in half and then scored with my scissors.

I then used a darker shade of green ink to sponge and drag on some definition.

Mosaic or Broken Tile Technique

I used Sahara Sand to sponge on the "grout" lines.

The image is stamped on Very Vanilla but the greeting is stamped on

Whisper White and then sponed with Sahara Sand ink.

Stained Glass Diorama

This hummingbird was coloured using Stampin' Up! Markers but

I used COPIC colouring techniques to get this blended look.

A close up of the stained glass part - the image is heat embossed using black pigment ink and then clear embossing powder.

The image is then coloured FROM BEHIND for a more subtle look.

Until Next Time!
Marie

What am I up to?

2011-06-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been over a week - almost 2 weeks since I last posted. Sorry about that!

I've been busy getting my DD sorted out with her grad year and all the prep/paperwork for going away to University in the fall!

Also my DS has been having a busy golf season - school, private, interclub and regional tournaments. Lots of driving and carpool organizing as well as nagging to get school work done!

Not much stamping but a lot of "momming" going on here lately!

What am I working on that's paper crafts related?

Well, on my desk right now are the supplies and prep packages for my class tomorrow at Scrap Arts - Feel the Heat 2 Heat Embossing Technique Class. This class is full - sorry if you missed this chance to take it. But not to worry it will be repeated - as well as Feel the Heat 1 - sometime in the fall.

Also on my desk are the "beginnings" of my upcoming summer classes at Scrap Arts. When I get a class idea I like to gather up as much info/samples/notes as possible and then put them in these handy snap cases.

It's going to be a busy summer for me and the kids so I'm only going to teach 2 classes at Scrap Arts - specific dates/times to be determined very soon!

First up I'll be teaching a Christmas card class. Yes in the summer! I'm still fine tuning the samples for this class but I can tell you this - we will be using different techniques to make some exciting Christmas cards. I hope to get lots of Christmas cards made and ready to send out EARLY this year! If you feel the same maybe you'd like to take this class with me?

Secondly I'll be teaching a COPIC colouring class. Now that you can get your COPICs from Scrap Arts it only seems logical to offer some classes. So that's what I'm going to do! In this class we will be getting to know the markers and doing lots of colouring!

Have you got COPICs but are unsure of how to properly use them? If so, then this is the class for you. Just make a note to yourself to bring your reading glasses!

As well as the COPIC colouring classes keep an eye out for other fun opportunities to get to know your COPICs at Scrap Arts.

If you're interested in either of these classes you can call the store for more information (604-980-8811) or keep checking back for class details here on my blog as I post them or on the store's blog.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Party Table

2011-05-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ask anyone who knows me. I often have my camera in my purse or within reach but I get so distracted that I forget to use it.

I am so bad at remembering to take photos of anything - especially before, during and after shots!

Last night we held a birthday party for my Mother-in-Law and since it rained here (in Vancouver) we had to rethink our outdoor dining plans and move it inside.

My dining table (with the small extension table) looked amazing and actually sat 11 people!

I meant to take a photo of the table laid out (before) but I got sidetracked with the guests.

So this "after" shot will have to do.

I bought a chocolate brown table cloth (my MIL's fave colour), rented Apple Green napkins (so cheap at the rental place!), rented some folding black chairs (thanks for the tip Shelley), and made some quick centre-pieces out of Granny Smith apples & votive candes!!

One of the guests graciously brought me this GORGEOUS floral centre piece and it went perfectly with my colour scheme.

Until Next Time!
Marie

My Guilty Pleasure...

2011-05-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

I don't watch much reality TV but I do enjoy the Bachelor/Bachelorette series.

The next season starts tomorrow night - Monday May 23rd - with a new Bacheloreette (a finalist from the last Bachelor season).

I can't wait!!

I watch the show on PVR most times but when I get the chance to watch it live I follow along with the live blog and I like to join the fantasy pool on CTV.

There are some great prizes and if you haven't checked it out yet HERE is the link.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Quick Card

2011-05-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

I had to make a quick birthday card for my mother-in-law to go along with a group gift (it's not her actual birthday but we were hosting a party for her).

I hate having to make cards at the last minute - even though I have my own "room" - it's always a mess and I feel overwhelmed when put on the spot.

But not this time!

TIP: When working on a project make up extra focal pieces/embellishments that you can use later when needed! And most importantly put them somewhere you can find them later!

I had some leftover watercoloured roses from my last class so I used one, plus some leaves and a prestamped greeting and stuck them onto this card base that I ran through my Big Shot.

Voila!

Not bad for something that took me less than 10 minutes! All I had to cut was 1/2 sheet of cardstock for the base!!

Supplies:
Stamps: SU! Fifth Avenue Floral, Sincere Salutations, PTI - Year of Flowers Roses (leaf)
Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Shimmer White
Ink: SU! Basic Black, Regal Rose, Melon Mango, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Versamark
Other: SU! Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder

Until Next Time!
Marie

Have you got a Grad?

2011-05-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Do you have a student graduating this year?

I do and maybe that’s why I’ve noticed lots of fun projects to make for grad decorating, cards and gifts lately.

I'm posting some links below but if you find something "grad" that might be helpful to others please post a comment here (with the link) and we'll all check it out!

Check out these links for some fun papercrafting graduation ideas:

Graduation Card using scalloped square die

Graduation fun fold card

Graduation Mini Album

Graduation treat boxes

Here’s another fun fold version of the Grad Card

Graduation Money Card

Here’s a Pop Up Grad card tutorial and template.

Graduation Cap Box

Here’s a tutorial on how to make an origami Grad Cap money box.

This is an easy one if you have a Cricut and the Wild Card cartridge.

This one is a cute little grad cap pop up card.

Here’s a link to another blog with more fun Graduation Ideas.

How about some cute treat ideas!

Click HERE to see how these above pop treats are made!

Click HERE to get the printable version for these picks above.

Photos from Pinterest.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Father's Day Shirts

2011-05-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Father’s Day is coming up and so I thought I’d post a repeat of the shirt folding tutorial I did awhile ago.

I think this little shirt stuck on a card makes a fun and easy Father's Day card.

Click HERE to see the post where I showed a tutorial on how to make the shirt.

If your man is not a "shirt and tie" kind of guy what about a Hawaiian shirt?

Just change the paper to suit your guy!

I think these shirts are great to make any occasion masculine card. Try one for youself and see!
Until Next Time!
Marie

Feel the Heat Part 2 Class

2011-05-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

I just dropped off my card samples for the Feel the Heat Part 2 class. You can see them in person at Scrap Arts in North Vancouver and register for the class at the same time. It's Saturday June 1 - 3 pm (space is limited).

In this class we'll be doing embossed mosaic, stained glass, double embossing and using the heat tool to make a melted ribbon flower.

As an added bonus to this class I'll be demonstrating how to make your own heat embossed invitation wording on velum using the computer printer.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Fresh Florals Class Project Photos

2011-05-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

I just finished teaching the 3rd session of the Fresh Florals class at Scrap Arts in North Vancouver.
You saw the sneak peeks in THIS POST and now that the class is over I'm going to show you the full photos.

We made 4 different projects in this class - 3 cards and 1 tag.

The technique I used is the Floating Re-inker technique also known as Watercolour Roses.

1. Stamp your image with White Craft Ink or Vesamark Ink on Shimmery White Cardstock.

2. Apply Embossing Powder (Clear if using White Craft Ink or White if using Versamark Ink).

3. Heat the image with a heat tool.

4. Let cool.

5. Prepare your palette with the re-inker colours you will be using. See below for some colour suggestions.

6. Lightly spray your image with a spritzer bottle filled with water.

7. Dip the aquapainter in reinker.

8. Touch the stamped image with the aquapainter (the colour will spread or “float” on the wet stamped image.

9. You can repeat step 7 & 8 with another colour and can go over the image more than once if you want to create more colours.

10. If you have a lot of water on your image you can stand it up to let the water run off or use a paper towel to dab it.

11. If you want to lighten or blend the effect just spritz again after the first wash.

12. If you want to darken the effect then go over with a deeper colour after the initial painting has dried.

13. Let image dry completely and then cut it out closely to the embossed edge and adhere to your project.

14. You may choose to make up a sheet at a time and then save cut out flowers for future projects.

This first card was CASED from Sandi McIver.

If you missed my class you can check out Sandi's blog to see how she does her version of the Watercolour Rose technique.

Here are the other projects we made in this class.

This last project is a tag - I just used an office supply shipping tag for the base.

Check out how I used a black marker to colour in the brownish piece around the hole on this tag so it matches my colour scheme better!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Owl Together Now!

2011-05-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

Owls have been popular in papercrafting for a while now.

I know I personally own at least 2 owl stamp sets, an even an owl punch but now I've got 2 little owls to keep me company in my craft room!

Check these out:

These are made with the Sizzix Pillow Box die as the base and then punches for finishing touches.

Even though mine a little bit wonky I think they are really CUTE!!!

I saw them on Kerry's blog who found them on Pinterest where they were pinned from Gen's blog!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Last Sneak Peek from Feel the Heat Part 2

2011-05-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

This last card has so much going on I just had to share TWO sneak peeks for it.

Feel the Heat Part 2 heat embossing techniques class on Saturday June 4th at Scrap Arts in North Vancouver.

If you're interested in taking this class please call the store to register 604-980-8811 (space is VERY limited).

Until Next Time!
Marie

Candy Winner!!!

2011-05-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well it's officially moning on Sunday May 1st and I've drawn a winner for my current Blog Candy offering.

Drum roll please......

Lucky number 6!!!

LEEANN!!

Love this stamp set! Who couldn't use more cupcake stamps? I love the tuts and techniques on your blog and this is what I want to see most. It really helps to get the creative juices flowing.

By Leeann on Sweet Blog CANDY!!!! on 4/25/11

Leeann please contact me at mkirkwood2002@yahoo.com and give me your address/mailing details.

Thanks everyone for your comments and ideas!

It seems that a lot of you like photos, tutorials, techniques and links. So I'll keep on doing that as well as trying to make an effort to post supplies and details for my projects.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Last Day for Candy Comments!

2011-04-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already done so please leave a comment on my Free Blog Candy post HERE to be entered for the Cupcake stamp set shown.

I'll be drawing a name tomorrow monring (Sunday May 1) and posting the lucky winner on my blog!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Feel the Heat Part 2 Sneak Peeks

2011-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

More sneak peeks from my upcoming Heat Embossing Technique class called Feel the Heat Part 2.

I'll be teaching this class at the North Vancouver Scrap Arts store on June 4th 1 - 3 pm.

Call the store today at 604-980-8811 to reserve your space!

Until Next Time! Marie

Feel the Heat Part 2

2011-04-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

A while ago I taught a class on Heat Embossing techniques called Feel the Heat. Click HERE to see that original post.

Right now I'm working on some samples for my upcoming Feel the Heat Part 2 class in June.

Here's a sneak peek of one of the cards we'll be making.

Until Next Time!
Marie

TIP: Setting Brads

2011-04-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have the Stampin' Up! Mat Pack and I love it!

But sometimes I want to set brads or eyelets in a curve or shape.

So I've added a few additional pieces to my Mat Pack.

Check this out:

The paper strip is the top perforation on an old order form (you could also use a ring notebook page) and the plactic pieces I found in the sewing aisle with the embrodiery floss. Sorry I don't even know what they're called!

I keep it all in the original plastic baggie that the Mat Pack came in.

Until Next Time!

Marie

Ribbon Flowers

2011-04-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ribbon flower embellishments are so popular right now. Not just for paper crafting but for home decor and clothing too!

I use them and wear them and I love them!

You can jazz up any project with a few of these and they are easy to make yourself too.

I love THIS POST because it shows 16 different flowers and links to tutorials on how to make them!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Reinker Technique Demo

2011-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you missed the reinker techniques I demonstrated at Scrap Arts yesterday don't worry - I'm going to share them with you ALL here!

What the heck is this???

It's a pie plate filled with SHAVING CREAM and a few drops Carmine reinker.

After you drop the reinker into the shaving cream you swish it around - I used chopsticks - and then drop a piece of white cardstock into it. This gives you all kinds of cool "marble-y" backgrounds.

BUT THAT"S NOT ALL!

Last night I was thinking about this technique and I had the idea to drop in some of the heat embossed roses from my Fresh Florals class.

WOW! They turned out so nice!!

Another reinker technique is the Baby Wipe technique (aka Drip Drop Reinker).

I usually do the Baby Wipe Swipe technique where you drip some reinker on a baby wipe and then swipe it across glossy paper to make a cool background pattern (see below) but the Drip Drop Reinker technique is different!

Drip some drops of reinker randomly on a couple of baby wipes to make your own custom stamp pad.

Start with the darker colours first!

Ink up your stamp - be careful not to tap or move it around too much!

Stamp it on to glossy paper and then cut out your images.

This is a leaf stamp from Tim Holtz.

Here's another example using pink toned reinkers.

Until Next Time!
Marie

Dress Template Card

2011-04-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

I just made a bunch of these dress cards. I think they are fantastic for the upcoming "wedding season" and also to give out as Grad Cards for my daughter and her friends.

I got the template from Ashley Cannon Newell's blog!
Until Next Time!
Marie

Come on down!

2011-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be at the Scrap Arts stsore in North Vancouver all day TODAY demonstrating 3 different fun techniques!

Check out THIS POST for more details!

Until Next Time!
Marie

Sweet Blog CANDY!!!!

2011-04-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't done Blog Candy is so long I think this is way overdue!

To celebrate all of my recent blog subscribers and to thank all my blog visitors I'd like to offer up this delicious bit of SWEET BLOG CANDY!

This is a clear stamp set from Hampton Art called Cupcakes.

There are 12 individual stamps in this set. It's what they call a foot-long but these are separate stamps. The cupcakes are about 1 inch square and the words "make a wish" and "cupcake" are about 2 1/2 inches long.

I have to say that I really like the quality of the Hampton Art clear stamps. It takes ink very well and gives a nice crisp image.

Here are a couple of cards (Marie originals) that I made with this set:

Please note: the BLOG CANDY stamp set is unused but I did buy one for myself and used it to make this sample card.

All you have to do to be entered into this BLOG CANDY draw is just leave me a comment (on this post only) telling me what you like to see when you visit a blog.

For example: I'm mostly a card maker so I like to see lots of photos of cards. I get a lot of inspiration and ideas from visiting other peoples blogs and seeing what they are working on.

Sorry but this draw is open to all of my blog visitors in Canada and the USA only!

I will draw names from all the comments by Sunday May 1st and post the winner!

ps. the round stamp "So Sweet" shown in the second card photo is from my new Autumn Leaves set and not included in the blog candy stamp set.

Until next time!
Marie

Doily Cards

2011-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

A Doily is by definition an ornamental mat used to protect fine wood furniture from scratches but with it's openwork it allows the wood to show through. It was first made by a 17th century London draper named Doiley.

The originals were hand made crocheted works of art but today you can get pretty much get any size or colour Doily you like made of paper.

I've been seeing a lot of great cards using the paper Doily and thought I'd give it a try.

I picked mine up at the local Wal-Mart and paid $1.97 (CAD) for a package of 30 4 inch circles.

I saw a card layout that inspired me done by Maile Belles and made up a couple of samples. Click HERE to see her card.

I thought I'd like the white on white effect of the Doily with the cardbase but now I'm rethinking that and next time I'll use a fun patterned paper as a background for the Doily

Here are some close-ups for you!

This strip of paper flags is actually a digital image from Jessica Sprague that I snipped along the bottom for a more 3D effect.

What do you think?

Does this make you want to paper craft with Doilies?

If you'd like to see more Doily inspiration I sugges that you Google "doily cards" and you'll see TONS!

Thanks for popping in today and keep checking for that Blog Candy post - it's coming but I keep getting sidetracked....

Demonstration Day at Scrap Arts

2011-04-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

On Saturday April 23rd I'll be at Scrap Arts in North Vancouver doing some demos on using ink refills (aka reinkers) to make cool backgrounds with shaving cream and using the ink refills with baby wipes.

I'll also be demonstrating this beautiful melted flower embellishment technique.

So if you're on the North Shore and in the area please stop by Scrap Arts at 175 East 3rd St in North Vancouver and check out these cool techniques.

We'll be doing the demonstrations every hour on the hour from 11 am to 4 pm alternating between the two techniques.

See you then!

Marie

Stampin' Up! Grab Bags

2011-04-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else get some of the Stampin' Up! grab bags?

I got all 3 and this is what I got in them:

Here's what I've made so far with just some of what came in my $18 grab bag!

I've still got a ton more cards to make with the other materials in the other grab bags!