Summer’s Here and Fun with Circles!

As a 12x12 layout scrapper, I sometimes want to do a one-photo layout and use the rest of the page to feature a technique, a patterned paper, or whatever. And since we’re headed into the hottest part of the year here in HOT-lanta, I wanted to do a layout about that. I had this photo of Baxter riding in the back seat that jumped out to me. Probably because she loves to go for rides with the windows down and we usually only do that in the Summer – LOL!

That reminds me, I promised to tell her story…. When DH and I lived in North Carolina, I had a co-worker who did animal rescue work and asked us to care for a male puppy following a hurricane down on the coast. The idea was that we would care for him for 30 days until they could find the rightful owners. as you can probably imagine, we fell in love, named him Baxter and crossed our fingers that no one would come forth to claim him – thankfully, no one did!

We took Baxter in to the veterinarian for a check-up and to discuss getting him neutered. That’s where we found out “he” was a SHE! You can imagine our surprise. The vet tried to make us feel better by explaining that as young puppies, they all pretty much squat to take care of business, so it’s easy to make a mistake based on that. Of course, my defense was that I went with what the rescue folks told us! Since we and she had gotten used to the name – we decided not to change it and kept calling her Baxter. It’s a little unusual, but it works for all of us!

Now, back to that layout! I used a 1-inch circle punch to cut out a ton of circles from this fun line called “Fine and Dandy” from My Mind’s Eye. Grouped together with a few brads attached makes for a striking accent. I then added a punched out border across the middle, a few colorful flowers with some bling in the centers and called it done. I like how a simple technique -- punching out circles -- makes a statement!

What says “Summer” to you? BBQs, vacations, the beach? Post a comment and get us all in the mood for sunshine and summertime!

Happy Crafting!

Moanica

Hybrid Project: COASTERS

Today I am sharing a really cute hybrid project with you, as another example of how you can use digi supplies (especially the freebies) to create one-of-a-kind items. 

July 4th Coasters by Camille. Supplies: Wooden Circles (Michaels), 
Acrylic Paint (Americana), Mod Podge, 
Digital Sticker (Camille - SOC Magazine June/July)

I created these coasters with inexpensive wooden circles, acrylic craft paint, Mod Podge and my digi sticker from the June/July Scraps of Color magazine (page 19). Simply print the digi sticker on cardstock, and adhere to a painted wooden circle using Mod Podge or similar decoupage medium.


I hope you see how digi products are not just for digital scrapbook pages. Try using a digi product on your next project.


If you would like to win these, leave me a comment by Thursday June 30th.  These will belong to one randomly chosen winner. Thanks for visiting our blog and if you haven't gotten your free issue make sure to download it today.


Camille

Our 1st Independence Day

Happy Hellos All:

As I began to create something to represent a sign of summer, the first thing that came to mind was independence day. It probably wasn't the independence day that many would initially think of. Although, this celebration comes on the heals of the beginning of summer, I could not help but to think of the Juneteenth celebration. Being a Marylander, I did not learn about Juneteenth until I was an adult living in Europe. A few of my friends that grew up in the south educated me on the observance and its significance. From that point, I mentally decided when I started a family my child(ren) would learn about Juneteenth well before adulthood. I invite you. I challenge you, to take a moment or two to learn something about the significance of this celebration and then share what you have learned with a friend. Go one step further, and return to this post to tell us one thing you learned (i.e. who, when, what, etc.) or may already know. Just below is a card I created for the occasion....

I'm looking forward to discover what you know or learned about the Juneteenth celebration.

Peace & Blessings,


Lorie

The Joys of Summer

Hey everybody….It’s me, Barb.  Summer is upon us! Time to take it easy, slow down, relax a little. My card today is a reminder for us to embrace the joys of summer… reading a long novel, taking a dip in the pool, drinking lemonade and eating fresh ripe fruit. Perhaps you’re going on a wonderful vacation or maybe you’ll spend a day at the beach, whatever your plans, no need to leave your crafting behind. With a little planning you can craft on the go!  How about stamping images onto card stock and packing them along with your favorite coloring medium so when the crafting bug bites, you’ll have something to work on. Or why not find out if there is a must-see scrapbook store in the area you will be visiting. Make it a point to stop by and see what the locals have created. You might just be able to sit in on a make-it and take-it class. You can pack some photos to crop for layouts, don’t forget your paper trimmer! If you take your laptop along, like I do, in your down time, learn a new technique via the internet. Your crafting time doesn’t have to be super involved or last for hours, you decide what is best for you and then go for it. So now it’s YOUR turn. Do you craft on the go? What projects do you take along? Do you pack your craft items in a special tote? We want to hear from you…share your thoughts with us!

Now let’s get to the crafty parts…

I started with a Kraft card base and I random stamped the starfish using Versamark ink. I matted the waves patterned paper with blue card stock and rounded the corners. The cute digi image, called To the Beach is from Mo’s Digital Pencil. I printed her on Cryogen White Iridescent card stock and colored her with Copic markers. I masked off my image to do some sponging, and to further convey the beach theme, I added a bit of real sand. I used hemp twine tied off with a few knots to give it even more of a nautical feel.  And as I always say, no card is complete without some bling, so I gave the sun, the starfish and a few of the waves a little sprinkling of glitter.  This young lady has the right idea!

Supplies- digital image: To the Beach-Mo’s Digital Pencil; stamps: A Day at the Beach-Papertrey Ink; card stock: Kraft-GinaK Designs, Ballet Blue-Stampin’ Up, Cryogen White; paper: Seaside-October Afternoon; ink: Moonstruck, Brown Bag, Crème Brulee, Sunny Yellow-Close to My Heart  Memento Summer Sky, Memento Desert Sand-Tsukineko; glitter: Lemon Drop, Yellow Gold, Orange Sorbet, Fire Opal-Martha Stewart Crafts; other: hemp cord, Copic markers, 3M Pop-Up Foam Squares, corner rounder-Creative Memories

Summer is the time to reflect, refresh and re-new...Make sure you take some time to do something nice for yourself. And whether you go on a big vacation or you just spend a day poolside, you can still squeeze in a little creative time.

Now go create something beautiful!

Father's Day...

Is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood. It's celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in June and not just in the U.S. but in various ways and on different days around the world. It's a day to not only honor your father but all the special men in your life or the life of your children. It could be a stepfather, a grandfather, your favorite uncle or your big brother.

I know that my daughter and her father share a special bond. Right from the start he was there to guide her, encourage her, teaching her to be a leader and not a follower. He motivates her to face her challenges with courage and to stand independent, on her own feet.

So when I saw the Father's Day digital quote from Camille in our current SOC June/July issue I knew I had to use it. It was just perfect. Please go and check out all the digital freebies in the Digi Den section, starting on page 18. There are so many ways to use them even if you're not a digital scrapper.

You're an Amazing DAD by Tena Ellison. Supplies - Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee; Cardstock: Bazzill Basic; Digital Quote: Camille; Punch: Fiskars; Ink: Tim Holtz, ColorBox Cat's Eye; Chipboard Buttons: Basically Bare; Stamps: Studio g, Stampabilities; White Pen: Signo.

And don't forget to celebrate that Special male in your life!

Oh So Sweet!

How sweet it is! Summer is almost here and it's time to indulge in sweets. Ice cream, candy, carnival foods...oh my! Inspired by the Scraps of Color Espire magazine founder Tiare Smith, I hope to make responsible snacking choices this summer. One way to indulge without consuming any calories is to scrap super sweet mini-books. I used the "Life Is Sweet" digital kit to create this little accordian album (the kit is available in the June/July 2011 issue). No pictures yet but maybe I'll fill it with shots of some this summers yummiest snacks that I will enjoy...in moderation of course.

BTW, congrats to the Dallas Mavs! I love it when the underdogs win (except in baseball when a team is playing against the Yankees...BX stand up!).

Harlem Renaissance Revisited

My cousin Galen stopped by the house yesterday. His visit was prompted by our mutual attendance honoring a loved one on their last journey. It was the result of a phrase often heard: “We should get together more often and not just at funerals.” Galen had never seen my studio or any of my creative work. Hours were spent looking at photographs and many “Who is that” and “Oh my goodness, look at…” moments took place. In addition to the fun of re-visiting memories of years gone by was his amazement at the creative pages and journaling that accompanied these treasured photographs.

With the help of my latest mini-album, we were able to share some of the fun we used to have “cuttin’ the rug.” Galen’s Grandma Dot and his “Auntie” (my mother), left London, Ontario, in their late teens and took to the live stage. These two song larks took part in the fabulous entertainment phase that rocked New York during the 1920’ and 1930’s. I imagine many of us can recall events from our ancestor’s collective experiences during The New Negro Renaissance or, more commonly, the Harlem Renaissance, which was a period of immense creativity and cultural production by African Americans.

With the release of “Curtain Call”, by Graphic 45, we modern day artists are able to add to this creative era highlighting the photographs of relatives that contributed to such a vibrant community, no matter where they lived. Images of Josephine Baker, Cab Calloway,

Duke Ellington and others grace the pages of Curtain Call. This line highlights the birth of Jazz, and the razzle and dazzle of the lavish stage shows. Our projects will come alive with authenticity as we celebrate our legacies with a renewed enthusiasm.

Be sure to visit the contributions of our Design Team and marvel at the projects that they’ve created using “Curtain Call” in our latest issue of E:spire. And, don’t forget to take a moment or two to celebrate Juneteenth day this month.

Win this GREAT Bag!!! Enter today!

It's time for another GREAT SOC Giveaway!!! Yeh Baby!  This week we are giving away this cool window bag from Daily Window Bags!  Just create a card to personalize the look!  Change it whenever creativity strikes!  Inspire others wherever you go!

Ok...enough already!  How do I win?  It's easy just:

1. Make sure you have subscribed to Scraps of Color Scrapbook Magazine (right side bar).  Our contests are open to subscribers only and EVERY scrapper, stamper and altered artists should subscribe...afterall it's FREE!
2. Be sure to visit the Daily Window Web Site.
3. Lastly, come back here and leave a comment. Tell how you would be creative.  What sentiment or item you'd display if you won this GREAT bag!!!  Share your creative ideas by Friday, June 17, 2011, 11:59pm est to enter to win.

While here be sure to check out pages 32-34 of the Apr/May 2011 Issue to learn more about Daily Window Bags and check out the the bags we created!.  Also, be sure to visit their web site for more project ideas and a great challenge!!!

Please note: We will have several giveaways thru Jun 2011.  All prizes will be mailed at the end of June.  Winners are chosen by random number generator.  Due to shipping costs giveaways open to US/Canada residents only.  Winners must be subscribers to the SOC Magazine to be eligible to win.  Be sure to check the blog to see you are a winner.  Announcements will be made via the blog only.  Unclaimed prizes will be forfeited. 

EnJOY!

A Little Paint Goes A Long Way!

Want to make your scrapbook projects and cards stand out from the rest of the pack? Add a little PAINT!!!

With so many talented scrappers and cardmakers out there, and many of us using the same products like stamps, tags, flower embellishments, and the like ... a little paint can go a long way towards making your beautiful creation stand out from the crowd.

Floral Embellishments



I used a worn out toothbrush and watered down acrylics to create wonderful splatters on this floral embellishment, lending a touch of the abstract to a traditional flower. It added a nice touch to a batch of Autumn cards.



TAG Embellishments



Using a pre-made stamped image, I added painted details like the chef's hat to take the design to the next level of cuteness! Adding more detail with a scriptliner, I put the final touches on the chefs hat ... and a simple tag turned into a unique, hand painted accent.

A little paint goes a long way in making your projects POP!! So experiment, go outside the box ... and add a layer of uniqueness to your projects.

Glittery Summery Fun...

Hello Summer! Here in Texas we've already kicked off summer with temps over 100! A fun way to spread a little summer happiness is to make a quick card and add some summer fun effects.



For this card I wanted the look of the beach with some dimension. There are a lot of cool texture items on the market to create the look of sand, but I wanted to use what I had on hand, which was glitter! To make the little strip of sand I freehand cut a strip of paper and sprinked white glitter on it and then misted it with Studio Calico Barnwood Mister Huey and also Shimmerz bronze mist! I also cut another strip of paper and dabbed it with blue paint and sprinkled white glitter to create the water. The clouds are actually made from glitter paper. So, are you going to get out your glitter and add some cool summer fun to a layout or card? I hope so! It's quick, easy, and fun! And using spritz on white glitter makes it limitless!

Happy June!!

This is such a great month. We just released the June/July issue of Scraps of Color Magazine and we have Father’s Day on June 19th to look forward too. Our new issue includes wonderful pieces to inspire you, perspective on new product, as well as awesome ideas for the 4th of July and Father’s Day.

Speaking of Father’s Day, have you created your Father’s Day card yet? Take a peek at page 19, where you will find digital stickers from Camille and Aysha to use in your cards and pages 36-38 of the magazine features great Father’s day ideas from the design team.

Masculine cards in general always seem to make me work a little harder to finally get that “Feel good” feeling about the final product. I don’t know why, but they do. So when I began working on a card for this post, I remembered a tip I shared in this month’s magazine for masculine cards on page 37: “Use Bold and Strong patterns.” The card below was very simple to create with that tip in mind. I used Bold and Strong patterned papers from Graphic 45 and an embossing folder that provided great texture and strong background. I applied walnut ink to the background to make the card pop and the addition of the ink also added that rustic feel which is perfect for a Gentleman.



For you, Father by Karen Jiles. Supplies- Patterned Paper: Graphic 45; Cardstock and Stamps: Close To My Heart; Ribbon: May Arts; Embossing Folder: Sizzix; Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Metal Embellishments: Tim Holtz.

I was having so much fun I didn’t want to stop there. I decided to carry that “Bold and Strong” feeling on into the inside of the card to hold that special sentiment. The inside reads:

“As I reflect, I do not remember a time that I wasn’t proud to call you Father. You have always been such an inspiration to me and on this special day, please remember that I will always Love you.”

Happy Father’s Day!

So tell me, where are you with your Father’s Day card? Are Masculine cards quick and easy for you? Please share.

Hugs,
Karen