Distress’ed Out!

But in a good way!  For the past couple of weeks I’ve been taking THE online class by Tim Holtz, Creative Chemistry 101, at onlinecardclasses.com.  If you haven’t taken an online class there before, you should, especially this one.  I’ve learned SO much and inspiration has come easy taking Professor Tim’s class.  Here’s some pics of what I’ve been up to.

Pictures of how I binded all the tags and will store them:

I was so lucky to have made some cupcakes during the class.  That’s when I came across the cocoa box and decided to use the empty one as a container for my tags.  Very easy to upcycle by using ModPodge and scrapbook paper, ribbon, etc. 

Day 2 of CC101:

Day 3 of CC101:

Day 4 of CC101:

On Day 4, I wasn’t able to complete the third tag as I didn’t have any cut-n-dry felt.  At this point, I don’t think I’m going to purchase any, so no tag that day—LOL!  I might change my mind in the future If I can find another reason to use cut-n-dry felt. 

Day 5 of CC101:

Day 6 of CC101:

Day 6 tags are a favorite of mine as I had been waiting for my full set of distress markers to arrive as I had pre-ordered them shortly after CHA.  They arrived on the last day of class, so I was able to participate in that portion after all.  When they arrived from Absolutely Everything, they were gift wrapped with free goodies, some Perfect Pearl powders, which was a surprise in and of itself as I had only had one color previously, and this was a technique Tim was using in the class!

Day 7 of CC101:

On Day 7, I wasn’t able to complete the third tag as I didn’t have any Distress Embossing Powder, but I plan to make one when I get some as class videos, handouts, etc., will be available to me forEVER!

Day 8 of CC101:

Day 9 of CC101:

Day 10 of CC101:

I’m feeling such a sense of satisfaction upon completion of this class.  It was tremendously detail-oriented, complete with techniques and tips I’ve already put in motion with my Ranger supplies and my creative process.  The class materials are available to me forever and I think I will be referring to them quite a bit.  I highly recommend taking this class—you still can—it just won’t be live.  BTW:  Tim is one cool dude.

Yours Truly

I’m so in love with these little boxes from svgcuts.com.  They sure come in handy for Valentine’s Day, too.  After helping my children put together their Valentines, I was definitely in the mood to make something for their teachers, too.  These boxes hold Dove milk chocolate hearts and so does my belly!   I also made a home decor project with the same Echo Park Yours Truly collection.  In fact, I only printed three sheets of 12-x-12 patterned papers from the Yours Truly paper and element kits and had enough to make two boxes with tags and the home decor project pictured below.  I’m pretty sure I can even get a card with embellishments with what’s left over.  It’s a great collection---SO cute!

Candy Boxes and Home Decor Frame Set Supplies

Yours Truly Paper Pack 1 and 2 and Elements 2 available at jessicasprague.com; one-piece boxes svg kit from svgcuts.com; Cuttlebug butterfly and hearts embossing set; twine, eyelets, and ribbons.

Last but not least, I went to a baby shower over the weekend with my youngest daughter, Gwendolen, and we had much fun.  It’s been quite a while since I went to one and it was her first time.  She was so delighted to take part in all the games and belong in a house full of women, talking, bonding, and eating cake.

Baby Girl Card Supplies

Lily Kate paper by Basic Grey; CTMH grey wool and Hollyhock cardstock; Tim Holtz Pumice Stone Distress Ink, Rock Candy Stickles, and Vintage Market die; Dress die by Sizzix; white embossing powder; Alpha stamps with punch by Stampin’ Up; string, embroidery thread and sewing machine.

Hope you all have a Happy Valentine’s Day.  I’m going to inhale quite a bit of chocolate!

Santa Struck! & Not enough time or tags

(Santa Struck Supply List below)

Even though I got most of our shopping done on Black Friday, it still seems like Christmas snuck up on us again and with a vengeance. We did manage to get our Christmas tree up the first week of December, which hasn’t happened in a very, very long time but not all the decorations were hung or placed to my liking—oh well!  Next thing I knew, it was time to make batches upon batches of Heavenly Layered Bars (my husband refers to it as my Christmas Crack), volunteer for kids’ Christmas parties at school, and manage to get to school Christmas programs by 6 p.m.—all in one day—oh and work, feed the kids, and go to the bathroom (LOL!).  It happened but barely, even the bathroom (LOL) thing.  Me and the kids are off for the next couple of weeks and we plan to hug, craft, and be merry!  I’m sure it’s just as hectic if not more so for everyone else on the planet.  How did we get ourselves in such a jam for the holidays? I still haven’t wrapped any presents nor found a gift for my mother-in-law.  That, I hope, will happen today.  On Christmas morning, as always, I plan to make Monkey Bread, grits, and this year, start the crock pot using a recipe of scalloped potatoes and ham.  I really don’t want to make things difficult.  Relax and be merry.  Just have fun and be with our family. Simplicity is key.  I really don’t know how other families deal with and accomplish as much as they do for Christmas—cheers to you all for your hard work and I hope your families treat you with the respect and love you deserve.

The layout above was inspired by a visit to see Santa last weekend.  My children, just like your children I’m sure, tell you all year what they would like Santa to bring them for Christmas.  When my children were presented with Santa’s lap and his ear, I could not believe what I heard! They were star struck and stunned by the legend himself.  Couldn’t even utter the words they had been telling me for a full year.  My son is a full-blown video game fanatic.  What did he tell Santa he wanted? A car and a plane—I’d never heard that a day in his little life.  My daughter, on the other hand, took the crowd by storm (and might be a future candidate for Miss USA), “I just want my family to have a merry Christmas.”  It warmed my heart to hear them utter such cute nonsense and reminded me of one of my favorite holiday movies, “A Christmas Story”.  I still have not found time yet to see it this year—I’m adding THAT to the list. 

I used my circle punch to punch bottle caps from Carina Gardner’s element collection for the middle of the rosettes.  Also, when I die cut the rosettes from the digital kit papers, instead of folding a couple of them and using them as rosettes, I used them at the bottom of the photo/journaling block as scalloped borders. 

Jessicasprague.com Supplies for Santa Struck! Hybrid Layout

Vintage Christmas Element Collection--COMING SOON!
and Essentials Plus Mega Collection by Carina Gardner.

Other Supplies:  Tim Holtz Rosette and Mini Rosette Sizzix Dies, Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink, small circle punch, sewing machine/thread, printer, etc.

Did I tell you I happened to squeeze in some time to get some tags done?  I just couldn’t help myself.  This year I noticed a big trend online--tag making.  In noticing that, I went searching the internet and found it’s been a trend for quite some time now—thanks to Mr. Tim Holtz! I’ve had his Vintage Photo distress ink for years but really didn’t know what wonderful, cool coloring tools these distress inks were until I took an online card class, “Inspiration Showcase” by Jennifer McGuire a couple of months ago.  Since then, I’ve purchased quite a bit of Mr. Holtz’s inks, dies, tools, stamps, etc. Thanks, Jennifer.  If you haven’t taken this class, I suggest you do so.  My fingers haven’t been this inky in years!  It really revitalized my love for stamping.  Have you seen Unity Stamps?  Soooo cute! Have you seen the new Hero Arts 2012 stamps—amazing!  Oh my wallet hurts but my tags have never looked so good!

The Raven ATC (artist trading card) Set

For the past few weeks, I’ve been researching the joy of making ATC’s and decided to jump in the hybrid way using The Raven Mega Collection by Carina Gardner (available at jessicasprague.com) coupled with the Happy Hauntings Cricut Cartridge.  I’ve been working on these little babies, little by little, all throughout the month of October and have enjoyed every minute of it.  If you haven’t tried this venue of paper crafting yet, I DARE you to!  Instant crafty gratification. 

I even die cut boxes using the Spring Holiday Cards Cricut cartridge to hold my Raven ATC collection.

The ATC is a good size to experiment with different paper crafting/stamping techniques you’ve been wanting to try.  

Splendid Finds!

I’m in love with these Feedsack papers by Splendid Fiin’s (available at jessicasprague.com), my Cricut, and the spontaneity of finding something that can be useful and made for me personally.  This shelf was found at my local thrift store but needed some drawers to make it more useful.  I printed some Feedsack papers onto thick cardstock,  die cut them using the box from Cricut Sweet Tooth Boxes cartridge (fit to page), added a “handle” using a label from CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge (cut at 1-inch), which was embossed using my Cuttlebug, and attached to the box using brads.  A circle punch was used to cut a half circle at the top of each box so that I can peek at the contents of the boxes.  Voila! In less than half an hour I had something I was proud to display.  I love craft technology!

Evidence of the Disney Magic

(jessicasprague.com supplies:  EZ-PZ Template 08 by liv.e designs)

We decided this year, instead of spending money on some elaborate birthday party for Gwen in our hometown, that we would put money toward a family Disneyland vacation on her birthday instead.  This was the best decision we’ve ever made for a birthday party.  The above picture was taken on Gwen’s 8th birthday at Ariel’s Grotto inside Disney California Adventure Park where Gwen had lunch with her favorite princess, Ariel.  We also got to meet and take pictures with all the other princesses as well.  Her birthday marked the opening day of the new Ariel Undersea Adventure Ride.  We didn’t plan that but what a nice surprise. She also received a complete Disney Diva makeover that morning at the Bippity Boppity Boutique in Fantasyland at Disneyland.  Towards the end of the night, we watched the new World of Color water attraction on the California side which was brilliant by the way and she got to pick out a new Ariel costume at the Disney store on our way back to our hotel.  It really was a magical birthday--one she will never forget and neither will our family.  The downside—well, what the heck are we going to do next year?

Check out the new family portrait with Mickey—this will probably only happen once in a lifetime—ALL of us looking at the camera and smiling—SO worth this trip!

(jessicasprague.com supplies:  EZ-PZ template 09 This Is Love by liv.e designs.)

Yipppeeee! It’s Summertime!

Well, not exactly.  Our weather hasn’t been cooperating but the school year is coming to an end and we’ve made plans for a little family trip excursion.  Photos will follow, I’m sure.  Lots of things have been happening lately.  Brandi has graduated community college with her AA and is transferring to State this Fall; Jake will be graduating from high school pretty soon, in about a week and a half; Raiden is READING!  Gwen will be turning 8 by the end of this week (hence the family trip excursion).  I’ve been playing (quite frequently) with my new Cricut Expression 2 (Anniversary Edition).  My hubby got it for my birthday/Mother’s Day present.  It cuts like a dream and I love all the content that came preloaded.  Here’s a sample of the things I’ve been creating with it, especially with all the lovelies I’ve been printing from jessicasprague.com.

Fleuriste Frame Collection Supplies from jessicasprague.com

Fleuriste by Cosmo Cricket—COMING SOON!

Other Supplies Used:  Cricut Happy Hauntings, Elegant Edges, Carousel, and Mother’s Day Bouquet; Cuttlebug/embossing folder; Red River Paper Company photo paper; ModPodge; chipboard; brads.

Thank-You Card Supplies from jessicasprague.com

Fleuriste by Cosmo Cricket—COMING SOON!

Other Supplies Used:  EK Success scallop punch; sewing machine/black embroidery thread; pearl brad.

Teacher Appreciate Gift (Desk Ensemble with Card)

Retro Kids Paper Pack by Kitschy Digitals.

Other Supplies Used:  Cricut Mothers Day Bouquet, Makin the Grade, and Elegant Edges cartridges; sewing machine/thread, ModPodge, Cuttlebug/embossing Folder.

Smile (Calaveras Big Trees Fieldtrip) Layout jessicasprague.com supplies

Kitschy Digitals/Paislee Press Collaboration Curated and Vintage Cameras Kit by Kitschy Digitals.

Other Supplies Used:  Punches, stamps, Cricut, MM jewel brads, sewing machine/thread.

Hybrid Tips and Tricks and Digi-Templates, Oh My!

This past month, I shared a tutorial at the Mouse Paper Lovely blog on the hybrid uses of UTEE (ultra thick embossing enamel) and how it can make those digital papers/elements pop and shine.  It’s worth a look-see.  Here’s a link to the tutorial:  Tips and Tricks 3-22.  Head on over to the Mouse Paper Lovely blog every Tuesday to find hybrid tips and tricks shared by the CT.   Then stop by the Digilovely blog for a free template!   On Fridays, Digilovely offers a freebie kit—Yes!  Inspiration and goodies galore. 

Below are some hybrid projects I’ve been working on this month, some using UTEE, along with my Cuttlebug and Cricut, and, as always, digital loveliness from jessicasprague.com, of course!

Take Note You’re Invited Hybrid Card Supplies from jessicasprague.com

For The Record Paper-Element Pack 1, and For The Record Paper-Element Pack 2, Echo Park Design Company
Meet and Greet Wordart Pack by In the Making Design

Other Supplies:  Scalloped chipboard shapes and rosette (Cricut cartridge), sewing machine/embroidery thread, and UTEE supplies.

Be Silly/Be Honest/Be Kind Fashion Pin Supplies from jessicasprague.com

Lil' Girl and Lil' Boy Elements by Cosmo Cricket

Other Supplies:  UTEE supplies, chipboard scallop shape (Cricut cartridge) doily, Prima flower, and bar pin.

My Life Is So Beautiful Because of You Hybrid Card Supplies from jessicasprague.com

Shabby Photo Textures, Vintage Paper Textures, and Sweetheart Kit—by Gypsy Chick--Coming Soon!

Other Supplies:  Mother's Day Bouquet and Sentimental Cricut cartridges, Cuttlebug embossing folders, cardstock, sewing machine, and embroidery thread, and ornamental brad.

Sweet Love Hybrid Card Supplies from jessicasprague.com

Shabby Photo Textures and Sweetheart Kit by Gypsy Chick--Coming Soon!

Other Supplies:  Cardstock, Cuttlebug/Embossing folders, sewing machine, embroidery thread, and UTEE supplies.

Hope you all have a warmer, sunnier, and craftier April—Happy Spring!

A little change in my schedule . . .

After five years of being at home with my children, I am delighted to have found a job with our local school district as a substitute school bus driver—Yes!  After taking the necessary training, I obtained my Class B Commercial Drivers License, with proper endorsements, and the CHP Special Drivers Certificate earlier this month---whew!   It’s a part-time position in the afternoons, so I am still able to get my youngest children off to school, get some chores done around the house before clocking into work, and so far, it hasn’t gotten in the way of my creation time, either. 

Here’s a look at some projects I’ve made this month using hybrid supplies from jessicasprague.com.

Always Card Supplies--(jessicasprague.com)

Everafter Paper Pack & Everafter Elements by Cosmo Cricket

Other supplies used:  Cricut Paper Lace and Lacy Labels cartridges; Tim Holtz embossing folder; embroidery floss with sewing machine.

I Love . . . Forever and Always Layout Supplies (jessicasprague.com)

Design 365 Journaling 1 by Carina Gardner
Artisan Labels #2 by Creativity by Crystal
EZ-PZ Template 6--Fotocentric No.1 by liv.e.designs
Decorative Circles by Splendid Fiins

Other supplies used:  Cuttlebug/Victoria Cuttlebug embossing folder; Cricut/Plantin Schoolbook and Graphically Speaking cartridges; embroidery floss/buttons; pop dots.

iPhone Cozy supplies--jessicasprague.com

(iPhone Cozy Tutorial located at Dog Named Banjo--iPod tutorial)

Design 365 Color Kit 2 & Design 365 Journaling 2 by Carina Gardner
lovely little photo frames by Splendid Fiins

Other Supplies Used:  Fabric Stick, felt, white cotton fabric, button, thread/sewing machine, Velcro.

Camera Strap Makeover Supplies--jessicasprague.com

(Camera strap tutorial located at Make it and Love It)

Material Girl Paper Pack by Cosmo Cricket.

Other Supplies Used:  Fabric stick, black cotton fabric, fusible fleece, black thread, and sewing machine.

Also, don’t forget:  Registration for the NEW hybrid Heidi Swapp/Jessica Sprague class MOUSE, PAPER, SCISSORS is OPEN!

This BETA Class is 20% off!

Happy Hybrid!

Looking Forward to a New Year—Happily!

On a personal level, of all the holidays, New Year’s Day, creates a round-eyed optimism and brings the most hope to me.  I think it’s one of the holidays I look forward to the most.  We usually relax, eat what we want, and ring the year in casually while discussing the year’s events and what we look forward to in the year to come.  How cool is that?!  What are you all looking forward to?  What will you miss about 2010?  One thing I will miss about 2010 is just how well the year looks in print or written in your own handwriting.  Silly, huh? 

Best wishes to you all, be safe, and happy crafting!

Happy New Year, Friend Card Supplies

The Boyfriend Paper Pack, Early Bird Candy Candy, and
Early Bird Paper Pack by Cosmo Cricket at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies Used:  cardstock; Cuttlebug/Clockworks embossing folder; and buttons/embroidery thread.

Dashing Through the Snow Card Supplies

Reindeer Games Paper Pack and Reindeer Games Accent Pack by The Queen of Quirk at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies Used:  Cuttlebug embossing folder and die; embroidery floss and sewing machine; Making Memories brad.

A Sweet Dream Scrapbook Layout Supplies

Scrap Canvas Sectional, Reindeer Games Paper Pack, Reindeer Games Accent Pack by The Queen of Quirk at jessicasprague.com.
EZPZ Template 06-Fotocentric by liv.edesigns at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies Used:  AC letter stickers; Cricut Stand and Salute cartridge for chipboard stars; Embroidery floss/sewing machine; button; chipboard embossed using Cuttlebug and Tim Holtz Alteration Texture fades by Sizzix; MM acrylic paints; random found knotted bow.

Parade of Lights Scrapbook Layout Supplies

Reindeer Games Paper Pack and Reindeer Games Accent Pack by The Queen of Quirk at jessicasprague.com.
Snapshot Beauty Template by In the Making Designs at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies Used:  Cricut Paper Lace Cartridge; Tim Holtz Alterations Embossing Folders with Cuttlebug; embroidery thread/sewing machine; CTMH cardstock; MM glitter brads.

Happy Turkey Week!

And what a happy week it is—the kids are off, it’s wet and rainy here, and lots of goodies to play with from jessicasprague.com.  Inspiration really IS everywhere right now. 

Here are some projects I’ve been working on through the month of November.

In the past, I’ve created a few of these cozies for my daughter and friends using traditional fabric following this very fine tutorial from The House on Hill Road blog.  Great tutorial.  This time, I decided to print some Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Candy Candy and Early Bird Paper onto some Fabric Stick.  I then cut out the pattern, attached it to some felt by stitching, and then followed the above tutorial.  This one is for ME!

Early Bird Coffee Cozy Supplies List

Early Bird Candy Candy and Early Bird Paper Pack by Cosmo Cricket at jessicasprague.com.

Other supplies used:  Fabric Stick, red felt sheets, fusible fleece, sewing machine thread, button, and felt flower.  

For the above I got to use the Sentimental Cricut Cartridge with DesignStudio software to design the pattern for the card.  I’m still loving the software.  If you have a Cricut and don’t have the software, trust me, you should get it.

Merry Christmas Card Supplies

Merry Christmas Patterned Paper Pack Kit 1 and  Merry Christmas Element Pack Kit 1 by Echo Park and jessicasprague.com.

Other supplies used:  Cricut Sentimental cartridge; Cuttlebug D'vine Swirls embossing folder; Making Memories Ribbon; snowflake brad, unknown; Embroidery thread and sewing machine

Jackson, CA, doesn’t get much snow—maybe a couple of times each wintery season—but that’s about it.  Last December, the snow actually stuck for about four days.  Two of those days were snow days for the kids from school.  I took the above pictures of our little ones enjoying their winter wonderland—even our pom-chi pup, Dixie, got caught in the action.  You can barely see her next to Gwen making angels in the snow.  I hope it happens again this year.  We also took those few days and decorated the inside of our house for Christmas, made cookies and drank hot chocolate, and just enjoyed the magic of the snow and the spontaneity of it all--TOGETHER.

December Brrrr Layout

Everybody Loves Christmas Element Pack and Everybody Loves Christmas Paper Pack #1 by Echo Park at jessicasprague.com.

Other supplies used:  Cricut Give-A-Hoot & Winter Wonderland Cartridges; CTMH cardstock; buttons/embroidery floss

Do your little ones ever express this giddy emotion from time to time? Well, ALL of mine do.  In fact, it’s part of the genes because I do it, too.  I’m tickled, no giddy, that I captured it finally for at least one of my children.  For the above layout, I included the definition of the word “Giddy” under the chipboard Cricut cut of the word.  I love matching a picture to its definition.

Giddy Layout

jessicasprague.com supplies: 

Daisy Jane Flowers, Daisy Jane Paper Bits, and Daisy Jane Solids by Carina Gardner.

Mask Me Photo Masks and Warm Wuv and Soft Hugs Elements by liv.e designs.

November Collection Journaling Snippets by Creativity by Crystal.

Other supplies:  Cricut Cindy Loo Cartridge; misc. craft buttons and sequins; Making Memories brads; embroidery floss and sewing machine; CTMH bamboo cardstock

I hope that you have had a chance to sign up for Jessica's FREE class, Inspiration Everywhere. Class begins in one week, so spread the word.  Click below for more information.

Black Friday starts the store-wide 20% off sale at jessicasprague.com.  Starting November 26th until December 31st, everything on the site will be 20% off, including self-paced classes. Also, with a $20 purchase during the sale, you will receive a special collaboration kit created just for you by the jessicasprague.com design team at no additional charge.

I hope you all have a loving Thanksgiving with your family and friends.  Here’s to cooking way too much, eating way too much, and spending way too much on Black Friday!  Be SAFE out there.

October Card using Echo Park Abundance!

It’s finally crisp and cool outside.  My favorite time of year, so I thought I’d take the time to count my blessings!

Counting Our Blessings Supplies List

Abundance Paper Pack 1 and Abundance Elements Pack 1 by Echo Park Digitals at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies Used:  Cricut Heritage Cartridge (label); Cuttlebug A2 Ornamental Iron Die/Emboss Combo; Embroidery thread/sewing machine/buttons/ribbon.

September Cards & Layout

Well we’re just starting to get used to our new schedules and routines.  I’m definitely looking forward to the fall season for a couple of reasons—a change in weather AND the new fall lineup for television.  I can’t wait for my shows to come back! 

Below are some projects I’ve been working on this September using products from jessicasprague.com.   I hope you like . . .

Thanks A Bunch Supply List

Girl Friday Paper Pack, Girl Friday Candy Candy, and Girl Friday Borders by Cosmo Cricket at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies: Buttons (my button jar), Embroidery Thread, American Craft Ribbon, and Cricut Die cut (Cindy Loo).

Happy Supply List

Nutmeg Paper Pack by Cosmo Cricket at jessicasprague.com

Card Couture, Labels and Brackets, by IKari Designs at jessicasprague.com.

Other supplies:  Create-A-Critter and Straight From the Nest Cricut Cartridges; Cuttlebug D’vine Swirl embossing folder

Have A Haunted Halloween Supply List 

Apothecary Halloween Paper Pack #1 and Apothecary Element Pack #1 from jessicasprague.com.

Other supplies:  Doodlecharms and Sentimental Cricut Cartridges; American Crafts Ribbon; Embroidery thread/Sewing Machine.

Big H—Happy Supply List

Girl Friday Paper Pack and Girl Friday Candy Candy by Cosmo Cricket at jessicasprague.com.

It’s a Start, Templates 3, by In The Making Designs at jessicasprague.com.

Warm Wuv & Soft Hugs, The Elements, by liv.e Designs.

Other Supplies:  Embroidery thread/sewing machine, craft supply button, and Dr. Seuss quote freebie from designerdigitals.com

Hope you all are adjusting to the season transition and looking forward to Halloween—my favorite time of year!