Scrapbook Steals 4th Birthday Blog Hop

Welcome to those hopping along from the oh so amazing blog of Heather Conklin!  

Happy 4th Birthday, scrapbookSTEALS.com!!!  When I first started scrapbooking almost four years ago, scrapbookSTEALS.com was my source of affordable supplies, amazing inspiration, and constant encouragement. Four years later, scrapbookSTEALS.com continues to be my go-to source for scrapbooking supplies, sketch inspiration, and scrapping girl friends.  So you can imagine how honored I am wheto be a part of the fourth birthday celebration blog hop!

As part of the birthday celebration, there will be an online crop TONIGHT, July 12.  In conjunction with the online crop, scrapbookSTEALS.com will be hosting a number of online challenges with some amazing prizes through their blog. For this blog hop, I have two challenge layouts to share.

A.  Challenge #3 - Favorite Vendor.  Choose your favorite scrapbookSTEALS.com vendor and create a project using their products. 

It is no secret that I absolutely LOVE Xyron.  Their adhesive products make crafting fast, simple, and mess free.  I bought my first Xyron machine (the Xyron 2.5" Create-a-Sticker) through scrapbookSTEALS.com almost three years ago and it completely changed my crafting life!

For this challenge project, I created a layout using a TON of Xyron adhesives and other goodies all purchased from scrapbookSTEALS.com. 

Supplies:  Patterned Paper (October Afternoon); Vellum (Martha Stewart Crafts); Chipboard Stickers (October Afternoon); Letter Stickers (American Crafts); Stamps and Dies (Lawn Fawn, Simon Says Stamp, American Crafts); Die Cuts (American Crafts, Little Yellow Bicycle); Sequins (Doodlebug Designs); Wood Veneers (Studio Calico); Inks/ Paints (Mister Hueys, Memento, Sharpie, Tim Holtz, Uni-ball); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, Xyron 5" Creative Station, Xyron Creatopia, NEW! Xyron Adhesive Dots).

This project is a direct response to this layout I created in September 2012 shortly after my son was born.  Back in September, I questioned where the rainbows were.  And now, with our family finally complete and together, we literally see rainbows everyday.  What a change!

 One of the main elements of the layout is a printed vellum I created by combining a number of my rainbow instagram photos and simply printing them on vellum.

CRAFT TIP:  Use your Xyron machine to adhere vellum onto your project without needing to cover up any adhesive.

ANOTHER CRAFT TIP:  Use Xyron Adhesive Dots to adhere small elements like sequins or wood veneers onto your layout with the mess or fuss of liquid adhesive.

B.  Challenge #4 - Washi Fever.  Create a project using washi tape. On this project you must use 4 different tapes. 

I love using my Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker to make my own washi tape which I used to create a number of elements in this project, which is based on Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go.

Supplies: Patterned Paper (Echo Park, My Mind's Eye); Cardstock (American Crafts); Letter Stickers (American Crafts); Embossing Folder (Lifestyle Crafts); Punch (Fiskars); Digital Files (liv.E Designs, Lettering Delights, Splendid Fiins); Floss (WRMK); Brads and Buttons (Echo Park, Pebbles); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker, DIY Foam Tape).

This project, specifically, is based on this page from the Dr. Seuss book.

The layout includes a vellum tape that I created by printing the text of the book on vellum (together with a woodgrain pattern from Splendid Fiins) and running the vellum strings through the Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker.  The placement of the vellum tape mimics where the road is placed in the inspiration page.  I even tried to mimic the look of the Seussical trees, which were die cut from sheets of DIY washi paper.

I also loved using all of my WRMK floss (another scrapbookSTEALS.com purchase) to add little details throughout the layout.

C.  GIVEAWAY!!!  In honor of the birthday celebration, I'm hosting a small giveaway on my blog this week.  Just make sure you are "following" the blog and leave a comment.  For another entry, "like" my facebook page and leave a comment letting me know.  I'll pick a random winner next Friday, July 19 and send the winner some scrapbooking goodies!

Next on the blog hop is the ever amazing and talented super woman Staci Jones.  Make sure you check out all the amazing crafters participating in this Birthday Blog Hop!

scrapbookSTEALS.com  {START HERE}
Cathy Caines

Cristine Redmond

Venetia Holbrook

Cyndee Kawa

Heather Conklin

Van Nguyen {YOU ARE HERE}

Staci Jones {GO HERE NEXT}

Charissa Miller

Brenda Smith

Erin Colby

Erica Bass

Kristy Lee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCRAPBOOKSTEALS.COM!!  Don't forget to visit the scrapbookSTEALS.com Blog for more details about the online challenges for chances to win some awesome prizes.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

May Counterfeit Kit Challenge - Lazy Weekend Mornings Layout and some cards

I just wanted to quickly share a layout and some cards I made using my May Counterfeit Kit.  It felt so good to just craft with no particular agenda or purpose. And as always, it feels great to work away at my stash.

1.  We Love Lazy Weekend Mornings Layout.  I adore the weekends, especially when Justin is home and we get to all sleep in a little bit longer.

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Lifestyle Crafts Doily Die, Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape.

And here is a close up of the title.  I love mixing up my letter stickers.  Goodness knows I have enough of them.  Sigh...  :)

2. Ahoy Boy Card.  This card is for a good friend that just had another boy.  I need to get this bad boy in the mail along with this super cute outfit I bought the other day.
 

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit; Stamps (My Cute Stamps - Ahoy); Inks (Jenni Bowlin Studios, Tim Holtz); Punch (WRMK); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape).

3.  Celebrate Card.  I love how easy it is to use this stamp set from Papertrey Ink to make a card for any type of celebratory occasion.

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Stamp and Die (Papertrey Ink - Celebrations, WRMK); Ink (Jenni Bowlin Studio, Versafine); Xyron Creatopia - Shapez Component; Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape).

4.  Thank you Card.  I used the circles in the patterned paper to frame these cute little punched hearts.  Can someone say...use up your scraps!

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Punchs (Fiskars, WRMK); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker).

5.  Smiles Card.  And this final card is for my amazingly dear and talented friend, Misty.  Out of the blue, she sent Benjamin the sweetest card and outfit.  So, Misty, this one is coming in the mail to you very very soon.  I love you dearly, my friend.

Supplies:  May Counterfeit Kit, Stamp (Lawn Fawn - Many Thanks); Ink (Jenni Bowlin Studio); Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher; Punch (WRMK); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape).

If you haven't already, make sure to check out the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.  It's a great way to use up that stash of yours!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Xyron and Imaginisce Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the final day of the Xyron and Imaginisce Blog Hop!  I cannot even begin to tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE Imaginisce.  Their designs are always so cute and bright which is totally my vibe.  And their sticker and chipboard stackers always make embellishing any type of project a breeze!

For this blog hop, I got to play with goodies from the Childhood Memories Collection to create two scrapbook layouts and two altered frames.  With the awesomeness which is Xyron, all of these projects came together so easily.  And...if you make it all the way to the bottom of this post, I promise you an AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!!

1.  Altered Picture Frame {a tutorial}.  

Using a Xyron machine (in my case, the Xyron Creatopia) is probably the fastest and easiest way to cover any picture frame.  Coupled with the awesome stickers by Imaginisce, you can create the most adorable frame perfect for any home.

For your supplies, you will need an unfinished picture frame,

...the Xyron Creatopia with Permanent Adhesive,

...Imaginisce Patterned Paper (Childhood Memories), Imaginisce Chipboard Stackers, Craft Knife.

Run your picture frame through the Xyron Creatopia.  Remember to place the front of the picture frame facing DOWN.  Also, remember to adjust the rollers to "2" or "3" to allow for the thick frame.

Remove the plastic and then the frame from the backing paper.  Place the frame sticky side down onto the BACK SIDE of your patterned paper.  Press down firmly to make sure the adhesive is secure.  Then, using a craft knife, cut off the excess paper.

You know have a beautfiully covered picture frame.  (Does anyone else get the humor in covering an unfinished wood frame with a wood grain paper??!?!)

Next, you embellish the frame with the Imaginisce chipboard stackers.

And now you have a beautiful, class, clean and simple picture frame ready for all your photos.

 

Supplies:  Patterned Paper and Chipboard Stickers (Imaginisce - Childhood Memories); Xyron Creatopia with Permanent Adhesive; Martha Stewart Craft Knife; Ikea Unfinished Frame.

It was so easy, that I created a second frame just to use that adorable banner sentiment, "Just be Little."

2.  Hopscotch Memories {a scrapbook layout}.  When planning a scrapbook layout, I am often inspired by the product itself.  While working with the Childhood Memories collection, I was drawn to the hopscotch image.  Maybe it was because I loved playing that as a child or that my daughter has a hopscotch rug in her bedroom.  Regardless, I really wanted to mimic the look of a hopscotch board on the blacktop surrounded by chalk drawings.  This is what I came up with.

Supplies: Patterned Paper (Imaginisce - Childhood Memories); Chalkboard Paper (DCWV); Stickers (Imaginisce - Childhood Memories); Stamps (Imaginisce - Childhood Memories, Scenic Route); Ink (Versamark); Embossing Powder (Hampton Arts); Brads (Oriental Trading Company); Adhesive (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape); Other Tools (Photoshop CS5, Heat Gun by Darice, Fiskars Stamp Press).

For my background paper, I used chalkboard paper from DCVW and stamped images throughout using versamark ink and white embossing powder.

The photo collage is meant to look like a hopscotch board.  I created the collage in photoshop, printed it out on my printer, and simply cut it out with my scissors.

At this point, it was just a matter of layering on some patterned paper (which I cut into banner strips) behind the photo collage and embellishing with the Imaginisce stickers and color coordinating brads.

And how fun is that, right?!?  Here are some closeups...

3.  Forever Young Friends {a scrapbook layout}.  Finally, here is a layout I created inspired by the Polaroid paper in the collection. 

Supplies:  Patterned Paper (Imaginisce - Childhood Memories); Cardstock (Neena Paper); Stickers (Imaginisce - Childhood Memories); Stamps (Lawn Fawn); Ink (Memento, Ranger, American Crafts, Uni-ball); Adhesive (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape).

Make sure to visit the Xyron and Imaginisce blogs for more inspiration!!! Both blogs will be featuring giveaways throughout the week!

Now, here are the details for my own personal giveaway.

XYRON CREATOPIA GIVEAWAY!!!  So, I accidentally ordered a second Xyron Creatopia when I meant to just order refills.  DOH!  Don't ask me how.  Sigh.  However, you are totally going to gain from my HUGE mistake.  Get this.  I am going to be giving away a XYRON CREATOPIA preloaded with permanent adhesive.  Did you hear me??  YOU CAN WIN A FREE XYRON CREATOPIA!!!  You want one?  You should because it's pretty awesome.  How can you win?

Make sure you are "following" my blog and leave a comment by April 7 at 12:00 AM PST and I will randomly pick a winner.  To get an additional entry, you can "like" my facebook page and leave a comment to let me know!  Because of the large size of the prize, I am only opening this to US residents.

Best of luck to everyone and as always, thanks for stopping by!!

Sweet Stamp Shop - March Release

I cannot even begin to express how excited I am to be guest designing for the Sweet Stamp Shop this month!  First, I am a HUGE fan of their amazing stamps.  I'm pretty sure that "Across the Miles" is one of my favorite stamp sets EVER.  Secondly, the owner of the Sweet Stamp Shop, Nicole Rixon, is an amazingly adorable and talented superwoman who I am honored to work with!!  Plus, she lives in San Diego and you know how much I love San Diego!!!

I got to play with the Calendar and Today Was sets for this release.  O.M.G.  They are so super versatile and awesome and a must have in every scrapper's stamp stash.  They will fit perfectly in any Project Life type of layout but also work beautifully in a traditional layout. 

1.  45 Days {a scrapbook layout} - featuring "Calender" by the Sweet Stamp Shop.  In this layout, I use the calendar stamps to document a period of time.

Supplies:  Stamps (Sweet Stamp Shop - Calendar, Across the Miles); Patterned Paper (Crate Paper, Echo Park, My Mind's Eye); Sticker Embellishments/ Brads (Crate Paper); Letter Stickers (American Crafts); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape); Washi Tape (Target); Digital Elements (Splendid Fiins Faux(laroids)). 

Here is a close up of the calendar elements made with the Sweet Stamp Shop "Calendar" set.  The swirl stamp is from the Across the Miles set.

And here is a close up of the journaling.

2.  Meeting the Mermaid {a scrapbook layout} - featuring"Today Was" by the Sweet Stamp Shop.  In this layout, I used stamps from the "Today Was" set to create a background for the mermaid image (from "Under the Sea") and to create a journaling spot.

 

Supplies:  Stamps (Sweet Stamp Shop - Today Was, Under the Sea); Patterned Paper (My Mind's Eye); Cardstock (Neena Paper); Letter Stickers (October Afternoon); Floss (We R Memory Keepers); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, DIY Foam Tape); Paperclip (Midori).

I think my favorite stamp in the set is the "special" sentiment.  It is a beautiful handwriting and is large enough to use as a subtitle.  In fact, for this layout, I used it as a template to do some hand stitching.  I LOVE how it turned out!

 

The journal card stamp also makes the perfect neutral background for almost anything, including this ridiculously cute mermaid from "Under the Sea."

Make sure you head on over to the Sweet Stamp Shop Blog to check out some other A-MAZING creations from the design team and for a chance to win some sweet stuff!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Simple Scrapper - March Blog Hop

Welcome to the March Blog Hop with Simple Scrapper!  Here are the projects that I created inspired by a template and story starter from the Simple Scrapper Premium Membership.

1.  Daddy's Lil' Buddy {a layout}.  This is a layout inspired by a Simple Scrapper template highlighting a photo of baby Benjamin.

Supplies:  Simple Scrapper Premium Subscription - Single #2 Template; Cardstock (Core'dinations); Patterned Papers (Echo Park, Scenic Route); Letter Stickers (American Crafts Thickers); Stickers (October Afternoon, Heidi Swapp); Embellishments (Studio Calico Wood Veeners, Twinery Twine; October Afternoon Buttons); Inks/ Sprays (Studio Calico; Memento); Stamps (Lawn Fawn); Washi Tape (Target); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner, Xyron 1.5" Create a Sticker); Punch (Martha Stewart Crafts); Journal Card (Jenni Bowlin Studios).

Here are some closeups.  I love using washi tape to define my embellishment clusters.  In this layout, I placed my clusters around a visual triangle to draw attention to the main photo.

Given my extensive stamp stash, I am also trying to incorporate them more into my layouts.  In this one, I stamped some borders onto patterned paper and then fussy cut them to create whimsical embellishments to the layered papers.

2.  Hawaii Mini Album. Here is the beginning of a Hawaii mini album that I hope to keep up to date throughout our time in Hawaii by simply printing out 6x6 collages of our various adventures.  This album is inspired by a Story Starter in the Simple Scrapper Premium Membership.

Supplies: Simple Scrapper Premium Membership (March Story Starters); Patterned Paper, Stickers and Embellishments (American Crafts); Adhesives (Xyron Mega Runner); Punch (WRMK); D Rings (Tim Holtz).

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter a giveaway for a one month trial membership at Simple Scrapper. There are three ways to enter and three winners will be selected. To be eligible, you must enter by 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, March 6.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2713b53/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to visit the other Design Team Member blogs for more inspiration!  Next on the blog hop is the amazingly talented and inspiring Melissa Priest!

Simple Scrapper (Jennifer Wilson)

Jeryn Carlisi

Lisa Corbin-Polak

Ronnie Crowley

Kim Gehring

Michele Holcomb

Margrethe Aas Johnsen

Amy Kingsford

Samantha Landay

Pam Lozano

Aimee Maddern

Jean Manis

Van Nguyen (YOU ARE HERE)

Melissa Priest (GO HERE NEXT!)

Celeste Smith

Sara Case Strickland

NOTE:  The Premium Membership at Simple Scrapper provides skills and shortcuts to help you
simplify and find more meaning in your memory keeping. Each month members receive a new collection
of sketch templates and Story Starters, story-focused prompts for pages and projects.