Art Journal Girl Coasters Set

I created the above coasters gift set using the first art journal girl from Nancie Rowe Janitz’s Art Journal Girls: My Soul Listens—now available at jessicasprague.com.  She is an 8-x-10-inch art journal girl straight from Nancie’s own art journal. She’s delightful to print on canvas, frame for home decor, gifts, paper crafting, or working her into your own art journals.  I’m hoping Nancie comes out with more art journal girls, so I can add to the above coasters set.  They’d be great to trade for swaps, etc. 

To make each coaster, I mod-podged the images, at various image sizes, to chipboard, layered more mod-podge, and followed up with layers of polyurethane for shine and durability as they ARE coasters after all. The box is made from chipboard as well with Nancie’s Art Journal Girl images attached with pop dots for dimension.

I thought the set could reside on a shelf until ready to use for special occasions. What do you think?

The entire project was a print-and-cut using my Silhouette Portrait—of course, right?  I used Lori Whitlock’s A2 Card & Envelope Magazine Holder #2 as the coaster holder but used her shaped flat cards from the A2 Card & Envelope Magazine Holder #1 and #2 sets.  These are fabulous cut files recently released in the Silhouette Online Store. 

Below are a ton of pictures from this coaster gift set.  Hope you like!

 

Click on the above collection image to be taken directly to the product page at jessicasprague.com.

Crate Paper’s Storyteller Collection at ACDigitals.com!

Crate Paper’s Storyteller Collection is now available at acdigitals.com.  Click on the above collection image to be taken directly to the product pages at ACDigitals.

Here’s the description from acdigitals.com:

Let the Storyteller Collection from Crate Paper help you tell the precious and memorable stories of your life. Filled with vintage-style elements with a distressed style, this versatile collection will quickly become a favorite you will reach for again and again.

Buy the full collection and save 20%! The Storyteller Full Collection includes the following individual kits:

• Storyteller Element Pack #1 includes 70 elements in PNG format
• Storyteller Element Pack #2 includes 69 elements in PNG format
• Storyteller Paper Pack #1 includes 11 12x12 patterned papers in JPEG format
• Storyteller Paper Pack #2 includes 11 12x12 patterned papers in JPEG format

Here’s what I did with it!

I’m pretty sure that I used a piece from each pack in the collection—the prints and pieces are gorgeous!

This card was put together with a little help from my Silhouette Portrait (a lot actually).  All of it was produced utilizing the print-and-cut feature with the Crate Paper Storyteller Collection coupled with a Silhouette cutting file by Lori Whitlock called “quilt” card available from the Silhouette America online store—ONLY 99 cents!  This beautiful (and versatile) cutting file features 9 circles that are perforated just right to form the quilt pattern. The finished sized is 4.25-x-5.5-inches.  Also, just a tidbit extra about the Silhouette Portrait, the embellishments on the card, like the sentiment, the heart, and the label were cut from chipboard.  This was something that I thought previously could not be done with the Silhouette.  To add to that, I’ve been able to cut watercolor paper as well.  That will be for another day . . .

Faux Polaroid Rosette Turkey Door Decor

Last year I made a small rosette turkey for a greeting card and admired it all year long.  I couldn’t wait to get started this year for the next installment of . . . Rosette Turkey!  I used the same cut and sentiment from Animal Kingdom Cricut cartridge.  I inserted an ultrafine sharpie into my Cricut Expression 2 and had it draw the sentiment and turkey legs onto some watercolor paper.  My Cricut also drew the turkey body which was then cut.  I then colored the background and turkey body, legs, etc., using a combination of Tim Holtz Distress Ink markers, pads, and Stampin’ Up watercolor pencils.  Then I sewed the clouds (digital patterned paper from Lori Whitlock’s Fall Fling Collection) onto the background.   Twine was tied into a bow and adhered to the top of a piece of 12-x-12-inch chipboard. The watercolor paper piece (background with sentiment) was trimmed and adhered to the white side of the chipboard, so that it resembled a Polaroid.  The rosette (digital patterned paper also from Lori Whitlock’s Fall Fling Collection) was from Close To My Heart’s Artiste cartridge.  This was assembled and hot glued onto the background.   I hot glued the turkey body where shown, added a black cardstock bow tie with button (also from CTMH Artiste cartridge), and applied glossy accents to the turkey’s wattle (because every wattle needs dimension!).  Black pearls were added to the Turkey’s eyes.   Then . . . I hung it on my front door!

Amador County Farm Day

Recently I had the honor of chaperoning my daughter and her class at our county’s first Farm Day--what a treat!  Gwen was so taken with the chickens that we might just have to get a couple for our backyard next spring.  I think it will be a great learning experience for the kids and maybe we’ll get a few eggs a week out of it.  By the way, you DO NOT need a rooster if you just want eggs.  I’m sure if you think about it, you’ll understand why.  The reason I’m bringing this up is that initially, after explaining to more than a few people that I just wanted to have some backyard chickens for eggs, they kept explaining I needed a rooster.  Being the understanding person that I am, I just nodded my head and walked away.  Trust me, I don’t want to BREED the hens, I just want their EGGS.

That day, instead of lugging around my big DSLR, I decided to just use my iPhone to take pictures. I couldn’t help but take the pictures and combine them in an album for her as a keepsake of our day together.  The Spellbinder’s Snapshot set came in handy as well as Cricut’s new Mini Books cartridge.

Hopefully I will have the opportunity to go with my son, Raiden, next year.  Maybe after that trip, we’ll plant a vegetable garden, too—Lol!    

The tag above lists all the children that were in our group during the Farm Day tour at the Fairgrounds.

The children were given a swag bag at the event.  Gwen gave me permission to use the ruler she received in the bag as an embellishment in her album.  You’ll see the rest of it at the end.

The tag on the right side includes the folded itinerary for the day that we received at school before leaving on the trip.  Each activity was given a letter on the itinerary which explained the nature of the activity.  Most of the pictures I included in the book after this page will have a letter on the tab which refers back to this itinerary.   The picture below shows the itinerary unfolded.

The picture above shows the other side of the tag with attached itinerary.  Below, you will see how this side will unfold and show a map we used that day of the Fairgrounds to get to each activity.

In the above picture and in the picture below, you see that ruler again!

This entire album, almost every page (except for the manila tags) was constructed with chipboard.  By the time I was done assembling my pages, I noticed it was quite bulky.  With that said, I did have to remove some pages (not pictured above) from the album.  One of the things I had removed was a cardstock folder assembled using that new Cricut cartridge called Mini Books.  Our name tags from the day were going to be nestled in that pocket.  I just loved it but it had to go. In the future, I think most of my pages will be constructed with cardstock instead.  Also, the spine originally was closed---another cut from Cricut’s Mini Books cartridge, but it was just too bulky, so I had to cut it in half.   

All in all I am very proud of it, but most of all, so is Gwen.  It’s hers after all is said and done.  This did take quite a bit of time but we just had Fall Break and Gwen helped me in the planning of her album while we were off. 

Below will be a list of items and tools used to assemble the album.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at cammie1971@yahoo.com.  TFL!

Supplies

All patterned paper and some doodle elements by Nancie Rowe Janitz available at  jessicasprague.com items:

My Doodle Book

Mixed 4:  Mixed Media Canvas

Mixed 3: Backgrounds

Die Cutters, Tools, Inks, and Stamps

Cricut Mini Books and CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridges used with Cricut Expression 2 and Gypsy for album structure

Spellbinders Grand Calibur and following dies for frames, etc:  Snapshot, Nested Lacy Pennants, and Labels Two, Twenty, and Twenty-Five.

Jenni Bowlin For Fiskars Tab Punch and Butterfly Punch

WRMK Crop-a-dile 2 and large eyelets on binding of book and pages

I-Rock and crystals by Imaginisce

Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pens and Pads:  Black Soot, Vintage Photo, Mustard Seed, Wild Honey, China Blue, Faded Jeans, Barn Door

K&Company Smash Tape and Smash Clips

Stamps by Unity Stamp Company:  Summers Best by Simple Stories, Travel Notes, Slow & Steady, and 1/12 and 9/12 Kits of the Month

What?! It’s October already?! YIKES!

September flew by!  Here’s some projects I’ve been working on during the month.  Also, I’ve discovered the joy of ATCs and will be posting some soon. I can’t wait to share.  They’re so fun and addicting.

Happy Halloween Hybrid Card

Creativity by Crystal:  Crystal's Too Cute To Spook Papers and Crystal's Too Cute to Spook Elements available at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies:  CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Tim Holtz Rosette die by Sizzix, buttons, brads, and embroidery thread.

My Beautiful Girls Hybrid Bracket Album

Jodie Lee:  Gorgeous Hybrid Bracket Album available at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies:  CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, Tim Holtz Rosette Die by Sizzix, Martha Stewart Embossed Button Punch and flower punch, and Zutter Bind-it-All and 1/2-inch O-wires.

Comic-Book-Sized Panel Home Decor Frame

Splendid Fiins: Splendid Tutorial 6 Super Comic Photos, Super Elements v1, and Super Comic Book Size Panel Layouts available at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies:  Frame stand made using Fancy Frames Cricut Cartridge, chipboard, and pop dots.

Halloween Rosette Ribbons

Just thought I’d make something fun to wear this Halloween Season!
Creativity by Crystal: Crystal's Too Cute To Spook Papers available at jessicasprague.com.

Other Supplies:  Tim Holtz Rosette Die by Sizzix, Stampin’ Up label punch, EK Success Circle Punch and Scalloped Punch, Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Ribbon Die by Sizzix, felt, ribbons, chipboard, and recycled pins and crochet coasters from the thrift store.

Monthly Inspiration Binder

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by a scrapbooking tool/embellishment that it completely spins you into overdrive?

I was so overwhelmed with inspiration using Splendid Fiin’s Evidence Notes and Frames that I spent most of the weekend putting together a handmade binder I didn’t know I even needed!

It became so clear to me.  Every month, I complete about four to six projects, either scrapbooking, papercrafting, sewing, or home decor.  Quite often, I find inspiration everywhere—online through tutorials, on my phone in apps such as craftgawker, looking through home decor or scrapbook magazines/sketch sites, or looking at products in a catalog.  It occurred to me that keeping a tangible binder with these ideas might make life easier for me.  I can actually PLAN to do them.

For each one of the above subjects, I’ve made a divider using the note frames as a prompting tool in my binder.  Each divider contains information and a picture of the inspiration I’ve found.  The information includes the tutorial or origin of inspiration, the month I’d like to complete it, why it inspired me in the first place, and what products I would like to use to complete that project, etc.  Each month, I am going to print out the note card and place it in my binder with hopes of completing it.  If I don’t get to it that month, it stays in the binder until I complete it—then onto another inspiration note card prompt.  A lot of times, I find some pretty good inspiration out there and save it to my browser, phone, etc., only to find I’ve forgotten about it.  At least if I print out these prompts and save them some where tangible, I can actually DO them and keep the inspiration alive by planning to do them.  I’ve included plastic pockets in my binder, so that I can store/save sticky notes for those ideas that pop in my head from time to time. 

The binder itself is not cumbersome, small but not too small, and was made using a lot of the tools/mediums that inspire me in the first place. It was binded using principals from this tutorial by Francine Clouden.  I used loose-leaf binder rings so that I could add to my binder instead of using the Zutter O-wires.  Also, I discovered that my Cricut will cut canvas sheets.  I pressed Heat-n-Bond to the back of 1 canvas sheet, trimmed to 12-x-12, that I had previously painted on.  I cut 2 of the bracket cards from this canvas sheet using the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge (fit to page), one for the front of the album and one for the inside of the album, using fabric settings on my Cricut Expression 2.  I then cut the same shape again from chipboard, using chipboard settings and my deep cut housing with blade.  I pressed the canvas die cuts to this chipboard piece, one on each side.  You would not believe how sturdy it feels. It’s going to last.  As you can see from the picture, I can keep a pen in the binding.  I’m hoping to replace the pen with one of those smash book pen/glue sticks by K&Company.  That would be more useful, I think for something like this.  The pen is attached to the binding by sewing and tying  one hair tie, cut in half, to the holes that were placed by the Bind-it-All.  A hair tie with button was also used to make the closure.  Paper bag pockets were included to store sketches, magazine clippings, etc.  All in all, it was a lot of work but didn’t seem like it at the time because I really wanted to see the idea come to fruition.  I’m very satisfied with the outcome and hope it inspires someone to make an inspiration binder of their own.  Here are some pictures of he outside and inside.  TFL!

The doily and colored label (seen on the back) are from the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  “Craft” is from the Word Collage Cricut cartridge.  The Ohh-LA-La! mat is from the kit of the same name available at jessicasprague.com by Jodie Lee.  The folder pages you will see in the binder is also available in this kit but will be full 12-x-12 pages. I printed and then cut them using my Sizzix folder die.  The dress form is a rubber stamp, stamped on the paper, then cut and attached.  The heart was a chipboard shape I had lying around, embossed using a Cuttlebug embossing folder, painted with red acrylic paint, and then UTEE was applied in several layers to add dimension.  

Here’s a peek at the inside paper bag pocket where I included Becky Fleck sketches that inspire me.

Above is the scrapbooking inspiration prompt.

Plastic pocket that holds some sticky notes for those inspirational a-ha moments.

Above is the home decor prompt.

Another sketch pocket and plastic pocket to include magazine clippings, etc, that may come and go with my binder.

Above is the papercraft inspiration prompt.

Card sketch inspiration pocket, perhaps I could add some quotes/sentiments that might inspire me as well. 

Above is the sewing inspiration prompt.

I’m sure ideas will pop in my head following the printing of the prompt, so I can jot them down in the back of each prompt.  Also, another pocket for sewing projects I may find in magazines, catalogs, etc.  In this plastic pocket, I might include color inspiration, like paint chips, palettes, etc. 

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!

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.

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!