Because you're all so patient Thursday, December 21, 2006

Sorry for the delay! Crazy time with the holidays, and a teething baby!

Here are a few more of the layouts. Below are (in order, sets of 2)
Graphic Texture (4 small photos go in the hollyhock areas to complete the checkerboard pattern)
Portrait Collection
Treasure Tags
Puzzle Junkie

2 more sets to come soon!!!

Next set of pages Saturday, December 16, 2006

Here are the next two payes of the 16 page workshop. This layout is the "Elegant Showcase" layout from Cherish. I plan to embellish it up a little with some paper flowers.

Ready... Set... Friday, December 15, 2006

Here they come, pics of all of the 16 pages that will be created in the upcoming workshop.

I've completed all the layouts solely with the More to Adore level 2 paper packet, and 17 additional pieces of cardstock. I haven't added any embellishments yet, only distressed the paper where I felt appropriate. All in all, the 16 pages took me slightly over 4 hours.

First up, 2 pages made from the "Silver Screen" layout in the Cherish book...

Last minute gift ideas Thursday, December 14, 2006

I know that lots of you are scrambling to get all your gifts together for Christmas. Small brag books are a great idea for those you want to give a little something to, but don't know what to get, or you're watching your budget.

Here's what's called a "squash book". They are fun to make, and even more fun to look at! A great little coffee table brag book.

Outside...



Looks simple enough, right? But it's amazing what it opens up to...

Photo Christmas Cards Monday, December 11, 2006

Since they are sent out, I guess it's safe to post my Christmas cards. This cards was fairly simple and I was able to encorporate a photo. Many people think that if they are going to do photos, they can't make their own cards - nonsense! If you do decide to make cards with photos, do NOT get wallet size pics printed. They really overcharge for these. The best thing to do would be to photoshop 4 images on a 4x6, and have 4x6 photos printed at a fraction of the price. Or, if you can, print your images on a 8.5x11 photo sheet at home.

A friend (thanks Jamie!) also had the ingenious idea of getting a 4x6 pic printed, cropping it slightly and adding it to a 4x9 piece of cardstock. This way, it fits in one of those long envelopes. I can't wait to see her final product!

No photos Thursday, December 07, 2006

I've hit another technical glitch, and can't seem to upload any photos these days. I'm working on it!!!

Till then, let me introduce you to a product you might not have tried - watercolor pencil crayons! These are fantastic for adding a little extra color to your layouts, or coloring stamped images. You can add water from a waterbrush, or use a blending pen to give it a real watercolor look. Or, you can just blend them with a sponge tip for a muted effect.

Hope you try them out sometime!!

Faux bows Sunday, December 03, 2006

I love the idea of a faux bow... it's great when you are sick of using plain knots, but still can't get a real bow to look right!

To make a faux bow, cut a piece of ribbon twice the width of the bow you want. Place a glue dot on either end, and fold those ends in to meet the middle. If you want, do a smaller piece as well (as I did above with the Hollyhock ribbon). You can then lay that ribbon piece on the larger ribbon piece. To finish the bow, cut a piece about twice the width of the bow and wrap it around the center (secure with glue dots). You can attach it with a glue dot as is, or you can add a brad to the center. If you add a brad, be sure to poke a hole first with an awl, otherwise you will have a tough time getting the brad through all the layers of ribbon and glue.

This technique looks great with on it's own, or on top of a length of ribbon. Enjoy!