Tuesday, August 26, 2014

A Merry Christmas! card with Sandi


Hello,  CE fans! Sandi here with you today. 

Let me start by saying that I'm doing the scrappy "walk of shame" today and posting a Christmas card in the Summer. It's against all my scrappy rules to do so … but there you have it! I had a layout planned but needed something quicker which led to doing a tag or a card. First thing you know I'm pulling out some old Fabscraps Christmas papers to go with this great new Stars in my Universe Frame. I've been dying to use it since I first spied it in the store and can't wait to use it again! I love, love, love using the CE frames to bring focus to my photos. But here I've decided to go another route and cut it apart to create some interest around the children in the corner. I've then added another piece in the upper left corner to represent a starry night. Love it! 



I primed my chippy with gesso, then added some color with Prima chalk ink in Teal Damask here and there. After that was heat set,  I embellished the chippy with the Circle Bokeh Stamp just to add a bit more character. Totally random choice. Since it's a stringed piece of chipboard, any of the stamps would work just as well. 



I suppose I should have mentioned earlier that my paper was stamped here and there with the Binary Stamp.  That stamp is dynamite! Stamps add so much dimension to your projects without any bulk .. win, win! 



Lastly, I finished off with some red crinkle ribbon as a bow and added a I Love Music Flair to the middle. 

That's it from me today! We have some great things coming up soon! And you will surely want to see what we have planned for September 1st! It will be a holiday here in the US but try to check in! 

Thanks for coming by! 








Friday, August 15, 2014

New My Creative Scrapbook Off The Page Kit!

Marilyn Rivera is treating us to a step by step video tutorial today featuring our August Off the Page Kit!

First, have a look at Marilyn's gorgeous project:

Some more views:





Sit back and enjoy as Marilyn shows you her design process!




You can see more of Marilyn's beautiful work in our Design Team Gallery!

Here's the Off the Page Kit:
The Off the Page kit can be purchased on a one month sub. It can also be purchased on a three month subscription- this will guarantee that a kit is available for you each month. You do not need to be a member to purchase this kit.
We invite you to join us and experience the possibilities that our coordinated monthly kits offer. To purchase a kit, please visit our website, here.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

#Summer ~ Creative Embellishments Aug 12th



Hello, Creative Embellishments Fans! Thanks for coming by the blog today! Sandi here with you today sharing a new layout featuring a photo of sweet granddaughter, Marianne. Although not an award-winning photo from a technical point of view, it really got the creative juices flowing for me because I just LOVE it! There is something special about seeing kiddos outdoors enjoying themselves in swimsuits and straw hats! To mimic the straw hat a bit, I've used the Prima Basket Weave stencil and molding paste on my yummy 7 Dots Studio's Nature Walk papers. 



Here is a close-up of the Flourish Frame 2 as well as the  #summer title from the Social Hash Tags collection ... my first time to use the hash tags! I know, I know, shock! The frame was treated with white gesso and then a myriad of paints and stains, TH Distress Paint in Wild Honey and Fired Brick as well as his Distress Ink in Vintage Photo. Lastly, a few steaks of Black Soot and my ever faithful Rub 'n Buff in Patina. The hash tag was treated similarly minus the Fired Brick and Patina. On the hash tag, I swiped my Black Soot on with a palette knife just to give it a different look. You know me, always experimenting. 



 I've included this closie to show you the fab new Paint Splat Trio stamp which I've used in various places throughout the page. My Time Flies Frame Set was treated like the Summer hash tag although it got a bit more of the Vintage Photo rubbed into it with my favorite tool, my finger.  I've used some older Prima florals from the Anna Marie collection along with some Prima Something Blue. Then I've added in some of my fave Marion Smith Junque and Gems as well as some cute Prima Hello Pastel wood buttons. Oh, and  a bit of raffia 'cause I couldn't resist! Straw hat photos beg for it. 




Thought I'd share another close-up of the Flourish Frame 2. Love, love, love it! And it's kind of hard to know when  to stop! I love creating as many layers as possible on my chippys for added dimension. 


Thanks for coming by today! Hope you enjoyed your visit. As always, let me know if you have any questions. Be sure and visit The Creative Embellishments Store and load up on fun! 






Sandi



Monday, August 11, 2014

Creative Blog Hop Nomination

Hello, all! As I'm sure so many of you already know, there has been a Creative Blog Hop going around. The idea is to meet, greet and connect with all the awesome bloggers out there! A little note to some of you: I was invited by several friends to play along back when I was ill with bronchitis and I do apologize once again that I couldn't accept at that time.

However, now that I am feeling like myself again, I've accepted the nomination from my good scrapbook friend Laura Gilhuly. I hope you will visit her blog and take a look at her incredible work! She has a flair for dramatic color schemes and sometimes I gasp a little (okay, a lot) at her creations! She is one talented gal! And of course, her family photos are amazing! In addition to all that talent, she is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, loyal to the core and as honest as the day is long!

I am supposed to start with my 4 questions and answers and then pass along my nomination. Of course, at this point in the game, we are rapidly running out of people to play … and more to the point, I am running out of time to find people because I'm still trying to play catch up! LOL

1. What am I working on? 

Right now I'm working on my August projects for Creative Embellishments and my next DT assignment for The Color Room.  I'm expecting my September Kit to be here from My Creative Scrapbook today, so I need to get these other projects completed! Here is a peek at something that reveals tomorrow:



2. How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

Frankly, I'm not sure it does differ too much although I "know" my look as well as the "look" of others. Many times I see a project and recognize right away who created it .. or have a pretty good guess. I like earth tones, more subdued shades versus brights. Even though I like the more subdued shades, I always like a pop of color! I use color pretty consistently. Monochromatic is hard for me because of that; I like the  unexpected little twist.  I love mixed media, mist, inks, paints and flowers! And texture! I have to have multiple forms of texture on any project … a little chipboard, cheesecloth, metal, burlap, stamping.   And pretty .. I like pretty. Oh, and I'm not a fan of using pink, I'd rather use red! That DOES make me different!

3. Why do I create what I do? 

I have always done some form of crafting but when I found scrapbooking, I fell hard! It started as a way to document family events but after awhile, it totally became all about the artistic journey! I recently did a canvas and used the quote from Pablo Picasso about "art washing away from the soul the dust of everyday life." That is it in a nutshell for me! It's therapeutic, it's fun and I love creating a beautiful story with photos of my loved ones. Here is that canvas:



4. How does your creative process work?

These days I mostly do Design Team work, so those assignments steer the direction I take.  If I'm working on a Kit, then I choose the elements I like and pair those, then try to find a photo that will work. Being a fan of black and white photos, I can always turn color  photos to b/w and I'm good to go. If I'm doing a chipboard assignment, then I usually look for papers and chipboard that I'm itching to use, then look for just the right photo. However, when I'm "stuck" or have "scrappers block," the only thing that can get me through it is a photo that I dearly love! Overall, my best work flows from a photo that I adore. Or … doing a canvas. I love doing canvases because that is a true artistic journey! It can go anywhere and they are so liberating! The only downside is where to put them all! LOL

Now for my nominations:

Karan Gerber - I am sure that most of you know Karan! If nothing else, you know her through her amazing sketches as owner/sketch designer for Sketchabilities and Cardabilities. These are both Challenge Blogs that have garnered a huge following. Her sketches are everywhere! She has been on a number of Design Teams herself and I've been privileged to design alongside her on a couple as well as for her at Sketchabilities. She is tremendously talented on multiple levels, one day doing a fascinating mixed media project and then an ultra feminine, flowery card the next! Besides being so multi-talented, she is one of the most grounded people I know in this industry. Her faith and family are foremost! Please be sure to visit her Blog.

Nicolle Kramer - Although she's one of those "busy ones," I'm nominating her anyway.  Nicolle used to be one my Design Team members when I was one of the co-creators/leaders at Stuck on U Sketches. I was always impressed with her layouts and uniquely detailed style. Along with her work ethic, I knew that she would go far in this industry and she has! She and her husband are now co-owners of Creative Embellishments where I'm proud to say that I am a DT member! They create fabulous laser cut chipboard, wood veneer, rubber stamps and flairs. She works and works and works some more. But she are does LOVE her family! They are everything to her! I see a younger version of myself in Nic and just adore her!

Tracey Sabella - Tracey and I kind of nominated each other on the same day! It was hilarious actually.  So, I'm including her just because .. She's such a wonderful person, kind-hearted and does such beautiful work. She spends hours on her projects and is well-known for her amazing handmade flowers and fabulous alterations on her chipboard pieces. Tracey is one of those people that takes the time to submit her work for publication and I truly admire that! She freely shares her ideas and techniques, so be sure to follow her blog! Tracey is out-spoken about her faith and always leaves blessings with all her comments!

I had a few other potential nominees that didn't respond or they were busy but they know who they are! If they have time, I'm sure they will join the Hop!

But I can't close without mentioning one more person!

Tracey Gregory!! She got nominated by Laura Gilhuly already but like I said: it wouldn't be right to not include her in my post! She's a precious friend and I appreciate that I can run to her with just about any problem, care or concern! She'd be there for me! I do .. and she is! LOL If she didn't create a thing, that would be fine by me, I'd love her anyway. But the bonus is that she does! Her work is vintage shabby chic and simply wows! She is one of those true "artists" whereas I'm more of a "wannabe." I'm always scratching my head wondering where she got all those bright ideas! Please follow her blog if you don't already! You'll love her work, learn lots and be blessed by her sweet spirit. Oh, you'll love her family photos too!

Okay, thanks for coming by! Have fun hopping!


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

My Creative Scrapbook Blog Hop

Welcome to the My Creative Scrapbook August Kit Reveal Blog Hop!



My Creative Scrapbook is thrilled to celebrate the reveal of the beautiful August kits with an inspiration-filled blog hop complete with beautiful PRIZES!  The design team has prepared a spectacular assortment of projects for you, so be sure to visit each blog to soak up all of the inspiration.

Several prizes are up for grabs!
*** The Grand Prize Winner will receive a complete Limited Edition kit! ***
But that’s not all… there are more prizes to be won… Prima, Prima, and more Prima!
Don’t forget to leave comments as you hop along to each blog for chances to WIN!

Presenting the My Creative Scrapbook August kits:


There’s something for every style!

Are you a My Creative Scrapbook kit club member?
If not, now is a great time to join!

Subscription information can be found here: http://www.mycreativescrapbook.com/kits.htm

Did you know that My Creative Scrapbook also offers a variety of Add-ons?
Choose from flower kits, mixed media kits, off-the-page project kits, project life style kits, and more… there are even Lindy’s Stamp Gang spray sets available!

The add-ons can be found here: http://www.mycreativescrapbook.com/addons.htm

***
Because I had to sit out this month due to illness, I've decided to share my favorite layouts from each of the last 5 kits:  

March 2014 Limited Edition Kit

April 2014 Limited Edition Kit

May 2014 Limited Edition Kit

June 2014 Limited Edition Kit

July 2014 Limited Edition Kit

Before you go, remember to leave a comment to be entered into the prize drawings!
We would love it if you would follow us on Facebook, too.

The blog hop ends on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Winners will be announced on the My Creative Scrapbook blog on Monday, August 11th.

The next stop on the blog hop is 
Wendy Antenucci's Blog. 

Here is the complete blog hop lineup:


Thanks for coming by! Hope you enjoy the remainder of the Hop! 
Sandi

Saturday, August 2, 2014

My Creative Scrapbook August Kit Sneak Peeks

It's time for our August sneak peeks!

The girls have outdone themselves once again... just wait until you see the stunning work that they created with the new kits.

In the meantime, we have prepared a beautiful assortment of sneak peeks for you!


Now, feast your eyes on our August Limited Edition Kit:



and check out a few layouts that the girls made with the Limited Edition kit:


by Marta Lapkowska 


by Maiko Kosugi

by Marta Lapkowska



So... are you thoroughly excited now?!
You may want to race over to the website and reserve your kits, as they are not going to last long.

*** We hope you'll join us for our spectacular BLOG HOP and GIVEAWAY on the 5th! ***