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Scrapbook & Cards Today :: Summer

I'd been granted the opportunity to write an article for Scrapbook & Cards Today as part of their Summer issue's "Simple, Detailed and Expert" feature. In taking it on, I was instructed to create three different layouts to correspond alongside the content of the article. Because the article is readily available for viewing via Scrapbook & Cards Today's website, it seemed the perfect moment to share them here as well. 

While introducing the layouts to you, I won't necessarily go into great detail about the construction process of each one. Much of that can be found in the article, so I recommend visiting Scrapbook & Cards Today to check out the latest Summer issue! 

To begin, the first of the three projects is a quick, easy-to-make layout that caters to minimal embellishments and a couple of well framed photos. This particular layout was a challenge for me because I'm not accustomed to "simple", but in the end, it became an instant favorite! 

 

That second layout, representing "Detailed", is probably another favorite of mine. It's color palette is a surefire winner! The composition's grid format is easily approachable too! Note the sudden increase in detailing and the blending of material types. I brought on board transparency for the placement of the title and snuck beneath it a few additional misc. elements. 

 

Stepping it up a couple of notches, the last and final layout hosts a parade of embellishment configurations and a feast of patterned paper varieties! It's up-to-par in terms of what I normally create, so naturally, the conceptualizing and implementing of the layout took quite a bit more work, hence "Expert".

Again, I welcome all of you to spend some time reading and admiring the latest projects on display in SCT's Summer issue! I've a couple copies here at home and already I've looked through it a couple of times. It's currently established on a side table next to one of my sofa's - in seeking an opportunity to relax, I grab a it and read! It's the ultimate form of inspiration and induces a great night sleep!

~ CM ~

The Mini Scrapbook - A New Favorite.

I did something completely off the cuff today. Never had I done it before, but I was inspired by Sarah Bellemare's take on "mini scrapbooks" that she'd written about in her new book, Painted Pages. They're not you're typical scrapbooks, at least not in the traditional sense. They're spontaneous works of art made from odds and ends and other little items you might have hanging around. Sarah uses the albums as a warm-up to bigger projects, though I'm totally fine with them being their own big project!  This one here took me three quick hours - not too bad! Putting it together was fairly simple! Here's the supply list:

Two sheets of word stickers (none-to-complicated)
Two - Three Sheets of Misc. Label Stickers
Two Sets of Stamps
Two 3-D Embellishment Packs
A Rub-on or Two 
Some Flowers
Journal Cards
One Set of Alpha Stickers
& Manila Tags
+Few Sheets of Pattern Paper/Cardstock 

Now, this still might seem like a bit much to some folks, but in terms of what I normally use on one project, this is slim pickings! It's also partly the reason I was able to finish the project so quickly. Today's New Lesson: Less is More!

 

What makes this album so great is that it's all about spontaneity! No plans required! So, when I stumbled upon an image of a glass Bell Jar on top a cake stand at Pinterest, I dove headfirst into the first-to-be-made page of the album. I reinvented the subject on paper, though skipped the glass and did transparency instead. Beneath the transparency are misc. collage pieces, both old & new. 

The Cake Stand is from Pink Paislee...

I referred to this stamp set numerous times throughout the project - finally, an excuse to take them out of their packaging! They'd been waiting around. Note the fancy cake stand!

For creating the shape of the glass bell, I die-cut both pattern paper and transparency with a large size label die {shown below} and then cut the die-shapes to fit the top of the cake stand. 

What do you think of this concept? I'm the kind of gal that dreams of owning beautifully filled glass containers for around the home, but this will have to do for now. The paper version is just as intriguing to look at and enjoy!

 

Following the manila tag page, this Collage Press journal card caught my attention next. I splashed on top of it a bright capri blue polka-dot patterned paper (MME), a label sticker (MME), a stamped banner (Pink Paislee), a vintage stamp and some other misc. elements.

The brown ring is a free label download I found over at Pinterest. I printed them on transparency rather than paper. I removed the center portion of the label.

 

Downsizing the overall size of the page, I covered the top portion of a Pink Paislee journal card with some of their bright yellow patterned paper. I placed a label (American Crafts) and chipboard piece (Bella Blvd.) to the left before bringing life to this happily-at-home butterfly (Jenni Bowlin).

 

Another really easy technique to share incase you're curious as to how to go about making tons of border strips in "one-take". Now these would be small border strips, not large (length). On an individual sheet of paper, and with a Fiskar's decorative edger, trim from the edge, multiple scallop strips (moving the scissors in towards the paper). Then, take a regular scissors and trim the strips from the paper all in one shot (moving the scissors downward; top to bottom). The strips should just fall off the paper. If this doesn't make a great deal of sense, I'll go about putting together a photograph step-by-step mini tutorial for this technique. It saved me quite a bit a time to cut the strips this way rather than one by one. I'd recommend it to anyone! 

 Incase you're wondering who the manufacturer is of the cute pink lacy tag, it's American Crafts and of course, a tag belonging to the Dear Lizzy, "Enchanted" collection. 

 

And finally, the album wouldn't quite be done without a title page, though this one is on the "tiny" side!! Fitted with an American Crafts banner & the letter "S", the stamped tag (Keiser Craft) is painted with both pink and white acrylic paint. A little bow is arranged just above the banner. I then made my own Kraft color ring support with a 5/8" inch circle punch and standard sized hole punch. A binder ring was attached and with it, the album was finished! 

This album is probably going to fall into the category of "faves". It's a delightful mini to have around and already, it's housed on the bulletin board adorning my scrapbook space. It'll be there for a long time! :)

~CM~ 

Snapshot Moment

I wish I could recall what inspired the colors for this layout..it may have been a decor ad, but I'm almost 99% certain that the source is that of the ever popular Pinterest. Can't say that I'm there as frequently as I once was - but when I do visit the place, I tag at least a couple of items and stash them away for future reference. This color combo was probably spotted from something I pegged earlier on. In any case, it's most likely my favorite color combo to present itself 'til now; Rich reds, soft pinks, hints of violet, lively gold and the dark, omnipresent luxe brown. Throw in a little black for contrast, and all is well. Reminds me of wood paneling, but deeper and richer than that used during the 1970's & 80's..could still see someone getting away with using it as a backdrop for a library or hip, modern living room, especially with colors like this! 

 

Reinventing the wheel in terms of layout design and embellishments is an almost impossible feat these days. Though an idea did find me while reading Sarah Bellemare's new book, Painted Edges. From one of the photo's inside the book, I noticed an image of stencils covered beneath layers of paint. The site of them stencils got me thinking about creating stencils from simple punched images like that of various sized circles. Lord knows I have plenty of circle punches laying around. So, I took to the idea with an open mind and what you see above, is the outcome. That being said, I thought maybe you might be interested in finding out more about the technique.It's terribly simple, but still rather worth trying if you're ever in the mood to play with paints.

 

I some how want to further my experience in the layering of transparent elements. That's another reason why I tried out this simple idea. Next time, I'm going to thin down my paint some more or try it with a lighter medium, like watered down ink.

First, punch various size circles from scrapbook paper. Trim the negative shapes from their locations, while leaving space around them for excess paint. You've now a few self-made, basic stencils. 

With just a slight amount of paint on your brush, tap paint over the stencil in various locations on your layout. Give the paint five minutes to dry. Then follow up with a small size circle stencil and go about painting additional circles with a different color paint. Continue with this process until you are happy with the end result.

I adorned each of the circles with glittery cabochons. You're welcome to leave them as is or dress them up with other types of accessories. I could easily picture this being really cute with buttons too. Or how about large size circles with butterflies, large stamped images, vellum cuts, transparency designs, etc. Lot's of possibilities! 

 

Speaking of a paint, Tara Anderson suggested I try "spray paint" at some point and so I did, but let me forewarn you, it's not a forgiving medium in terms of clean-up! Laugh. It also takes a little bit longer to dry than acrylic paint. The overall effect though is ten times better than acrylic...you just have to know how to use it! It's awesome stuff! {Minus the Smell}

 

These adorable transparency word stickers from Heidi Grace (Jo Ann Fabrics) are so much better than I expected!! They literally look like dyed scotch tape...another idea on my plate that I want to work with more in the near future! 

 

Bees + Glasses = what exactly? Well, I'm not sure..but it's one of my favorite details from the layout! The Bee is Pink Paislee and the glasses are Hambly.

 

I've been looking for the perfect excuse to use these Sassafras PoP-Up Florals. I hope they make more of them because they take the hassle out of combining one's own unique array of flowers. Don't always have time to put out a floral display like this one - they're gorgeous!

 

I took a KI Memories lace paper section and made use of one of it's flowers as a base for a larger sized, heavily layered flower. I tucked both beneath and on top the cut area differing pieces - the large kraft/white flower being October Afternoon and the pink polka-dot circle of The Girls Paperie {Stickers}. 

 

This is a great font, isn't it? Basic Grey knows just the right style of fonts to release and they always end up working wonderfully on layouts. The cursive alphas belong to them, while the "S" is a hand-trimmed alpha from Cosmo Cricket's "Manhattan" pattern paper. 

Also, you might have noticed the overlapping strips of paper along the bottom that override most the layout. Before positioning them, I adhered each strip to an Elle's Studio"Detail" card, hence the black mini scallops! Cute, eh? 

And so goes another layout...And yes, that would be Ethan holding an SLR, but the old model, not the new one! Laugh. That photo ended up being a lucky shot and I grabbed it right after purchasing the D60. Love the photo. Funny how often it is that our favorite photos are those that happen by chance - I should get in the habit of simply pressing the shutter button without thinking ahead. :)

~CM~ 

Prize Winners + A Tutorial Insight

 

Spotted amongst the eighty comments left over the weekend, this sixth month undertaking was a sure fire winner, but it's not the only one, as I decided to pull two winners from the bunch since I changed the drawing slightly earlier on. First, I'd like to congratulate Jen B., the very first winner! 

"I absolutely adored this tutorial. It took me over six months to finish all 16 (I even postponed a few of them until I took a trip to the US so I could find some of the same products you used!) and they now hang proudly in my living room in a beautiful frame. Thank you so much, not just for the giveaway but for the amazing work you do and the amount of time you took to put together such a fantastic tutorial. You definitely inspire me :)" - Jen B.

 

The second randomly chosen comment is that left by KellyAnn, and I'd like to congratulate her as well!

 

"I am enjoying looking at all the doilies that have been linked and the gorgeous ones that Stephanie shared, too. Who knew that those little, lacy, round cut-outs would be transformed into such lovely, layered bits of beautiful art? Wonder what Martha thinks and if she knows?!!  Thanks for creating and sharing the tutorial with us, Christine!" - KellyAnn

I'll begin to prep both your packages while awaiting your info. If the two of you could so kindly email me your shipping addresses, I'll be sure to send the boxes out this week! Once again, Congratulations to the both you! 

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In moving ahead, I'd like to make mention of just how surprised I am by the number of you out there that went about to create your very own doily wall hanging. I think in my mind, I never fathomed that so many would take interest in it..from my perspective, there's an empty studio (my own), a lugged around camera and a formidable computer, each of which offer very little insight into the responses of those of you whom visit here. Beyond comments, I'm never entirely sure what follows after the posting of one of my tutorials. So, I regularly assume that the tutorials are absorbed as a rich display of eye-catching ideas with semi-potential for actual replication. Emphasize, "Potential". Strange, I know, but I've nothing to fully measure the outcome of a tutorial's performance by - I rely only on mere judgement and a computer screen that rarely outputs any real answers. Laugh. With so little options at my disposal, there's an internal struggle for me in not really knowing a tutorial's true success, but in briefing last year's doily project last week, I realize that I shouldn't even worry about it. Simply put, enjoy the studio, continue lugging around the camera and don't ever forgo the intermediary opportunities of the MacBook Pro, even if you think that what's being shared won't work out or be of interest to anyone. Life is full of surprises!

There's a brand NEW LAYOUT on display in are main living area that I self-titled, "Snapshot", but I'm going to hold off another day or two before posting it. I've also three layouts that just made their big debut in Scrapbook & Cards Today! I'm expecting this week to be photo heavy as a result ....keep pace, there's more to come!

Real quick though, before I go, I want to share these with you....

 

This sweet girl is absolutely precious to me. I've known for over five years - she goes by the name, Abby. She's one of the oldies from the feral community in our area and is a frequenter of my porch because it provides protection from the rain and other outdoor nuances. Today, I took an assortment of photos of her and of them, I partook of these two photos. She's not nearly as "tidy" as the domestic cat, but she has a host of stories to tell, I'm almost certain of it. Her life hasn't been an easy one...and still, Abby endures. Think we've something in common...

I hope you're finding some time to enjoy the weekend - the layout will post on Monday :)

   ~ CM ~

 

The Tutorial Phenomenon

 

 

I'm so excited over here you guys! I've been scrolling through the comments, clicking on the links shared and admiring  your take on the Embellished Paper Doily tutorial from last year. Quite a few of you took up the task of creating your own interpretation of the embellished doily and from what I'm able to tell, each is entirely unique and presented in such a way that I'm reminded that tutorials aren't always about replication, but about so much more. Just think of how often we run into them right now as we navigate back and forth between our favorite blogs and websites. On what basis do we decide which tutorials to follow?

I often find myself gravitating towards tutorials that allow me to do what I love, but  still offer me the opportunity to learn more about a craft that I might not yet be familiar with. For example, I've always aspired to try my hand at the application of beeswax on top a canvas or other solid form. I also wouldn't mind learning a little more about the art of painting. Each of these aspirations leaves just enough room to still express myself in a way that I'm most comfortable and that is totally "me". So, when I seek out tutorials, I'm looking for one that is without stringent limitations and teaches me something that is transferable to some of the other projects I might be working on at the time. 

That being said, you're doilies brought home the reason why it is that I enjoy tutorials. They're well versed in unordinary lessons that would frequently go amiss had we not found them. And that's the real beauty of tutorials, isn't it? Happening upon an idea not heard of before? They're the kind of moments that are truly genuine..and add to that your own unique sense of style too - Icing on the cake! 

 

 

Hand Trimmings

Trim, Trim, Trim. We all could benefit from a little pattern paper trimming from time to time. Sometimes, pre-made embellishments just don't cut it! What if we like a pattern, but it's not available as an embellishment per say? That's when the handy-dandy scissors comes in handy! Whether a tidy word or old country house, pattern paper is the only scrapbook material that I'm aware of that displays nearly every subject known to man. :P

 

Butterflies Galore

I'm not quite sure when they arrived on the scene, but they're extremely useful on layouts. They're also appealing from the perspective of whimsy! They're a tremendous amount of fun to look at! And wouldn't you know it, they're also a common theme in terms of new collection releases - so bumping into them at the scrapbook store is never a problem. 

 

 

Outside the Boundaries

The doily itself doesn't have to be the only place for the embellishments. Take the pretty stuff and add it outside and around the doily too! Spruce up the background with either layered patterned paper pieces or a lacy die-cut like that used by Stephanie above. Bring in hints of smaller item's as well. Don't feel limited by boundaries just because they exist and beg not to be broken. I break them all the time!

 

Doily-Redone & Clocks

One of the suggestions I made during last year's tutorial was to trim the outskirts off a separate doily and then to attach what remained of the second doily, to the first one. The combination of the two brings a whole new feel and appearance to the doily itself. If wanting, tuck beneath the top most doily piece (or bottom piece) a colored piece of cardstock. Note the pastel yellow that pops through the back of Stephanie's doily. She also removed the center and replaced it with a clock - clever! 

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I'm going to post-pone selecting a winner from last post's drawing so that other's will still have time to participate if wanting to get in on a box of fresh, new scrapbook goodies and a self-made college pack of pretty things that'll include both new and vintage items! Make sure to comment, if you haven't already, in response to the post just below this one!! Find details there as well...

It's been a joy to go back with you in time and revisit the Embellished Doily feature. If desiring to see the tutorial in it's entirety, please utilize the word map to the right - can't be missed! Thanks so much everyone..and now it's time to finish the last of Crate's Card Menu..stay tuned!

~CM~

Special Giveaway + The Embellished Paper Doily

 

 

Does this look familiar to you guys? Almost a year ago, the Embellished Doily tutorial idea came to me while strolling the aisles of Michaels. Little had I known at the time what would ultimately result from the couple of packages of Martha doilies I'd purchased in that moment. After all, I was going about doing the usual day-to-day things and it'd been a while since I'd thought of a decent idea or two. Figured the tutorial would be like the rest of the tutorials I'd done up until that point and would broadcast a fair amount of interest. Didn't take long to realize that I'd been rightfully wrong in my estimation. 

One year later, and there are still inquiries about the Embellished Doily project from those that visit this place or land upon it by accident. Not entirely sure what the pull is, but my guess is that because the project is broken down into a series of small bites (per doily), it's easily manageable. Also, the project is heavy on technique development. I made it my number one goal during the project's presentation too demonstrate my most counted on, favorite techniques, many of which I still rely on today! And because much of it was performed on a "tiny scale",  the techniques could be tried out quickly and without concerns of a serious investment. 

 

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A couple of weeks ago, I'd been emailed a set of beautiful doilies from a someone I had recognized. She's a prolific designer within the scrapbook community and is closely tied to familiar manufacturer's like Webster's Pages, Prima and the very popular color challenge blog, The Color Room. After having received the doilies, I asked Stephanie Devlin for permission to share them here as part of a brief review of the popular feature and excitedly, she replied, "Yes!".

So, here we are, one year later, with a brand new set of doilies to look upon and remark about! I've separated them into pairs and written small statement about each. Once again, the focus is that of "technique" since this was the primary basis of the tutorial from the very beginning.

 

 

Playing with Frames: 

Playing with frames is just one of the things I'm still heavily addicted to. Pre-assembled or handmade, frames lend plenty of unique opportunities for one to bring attention to either a single element, or a whole host of elements! Tuck beneath them either a simple patterned paper or a literal stage of carefully placed items.

To make a frame, you've plenty of options! Trim the center's from die-cut flowers and use the outskirts of each flower as the primary frame component. Die-cut journal cards and circle labels are also able to have their center's removed either via scissors or punches. One of my favorite materials from framing is transparency. Hambly has a huge assortment of transparency frames and I've the collection to prove it! I pre-trim several of these frames upfront and then store them in color coordinated drawers so that I'm conveniently able to find them later on. Lastly, the literal, white ornate resin frames from Melissa Francis are not only gorgeous to look at, but their simply stunning on paper. Stephanie has made use of one just above. 

 

Stamped Backgrounds:

I always say that small projects start best with a stamped image or a series of multiple stamped images. I suppose there are a lot of card makers out there that would agree with me on this. Some how, stamped images appear less contrived then pre-made embellishments as they're sometimes unrecognizable depending on the color and application process that was used. Plus, you can combine an assortment of stamped images on a single block to make a personalized background or a unique environment in which to place the remainder of your design elements. Because of this technique and the numerous color options available to us from within the stamping community, not a single person will be able to guess the source of the stamped creation. So much for them pre-made embellishments, eh?! 

 

 

Fabric + Paper:

The partnering of fabric and paper appears to be growing in popularity as scrapbookers are seeking alternative means in which to express themselves and their work within the diverse and expanding scrapbook community. We're reaching out for brand new materials like never before and fabric has gained a lot of attention because of this new obsession of ours. That being said, there's quite a bit of tricky work involved in pairing paper and fabric. The easiest means so far that I have found for bringing the two together is with the assistance of  a sewing machine. Forgo the glue if ever an option. Sewing is ten times easier than glueing fabric and paper together! If still requiring glue though, there are ample fabric glues available for purchase at the big box stores. I find that spray adhesive works substantially well for the flat application of fabric. Flowers are a whole different story though and for today, we won't go there.  Most go the route of hot glue or hand sewing when making fabric flowers. 

One technique that Tara Anderson makes frequent use of when working with fabric is to widen it's appearance and texture via quilt batting. Sewing over a piece of sandwiched batting (fabric on both sides), if small enough, doesn't insist upon a lot of effort. Even small patchwork blocks can be constructed this way - why do I mention this? Because when decorated, they make the best mini album pages!! 

 

Mixed Elements:

There are no hard and fast rules pertaining to layering - some would suggest to do it carefully and with a close eye as to avoid what's been referred to as "product sneeze". Personally, I find nothing inherently indifferent or disorderly about those that enjoy using lots of papers and embellishments on their pages/projects. To each there own, as is the case with all art mediums. 

Stephanie's Paris doily is home to a lot of beautiful elements, including a ferris wheel located in the very top right corner. My guess is that the underlying theme is the ferris wheel itself as supported by the ticket stub, hand-cut centerpiece and printed numbers. Please correct me if wrong, Stephanie.

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I'm going to stop here for today. There are still three doily presentations I've to post and I worry that if I continue on as it, I'll lose most my readers. So, I'll return tomorrow or the following day with the remainder - can't wait to share them!

While you're waiting, I've arranged a giveaway and it's to recognize those of you out there that have actually constructed a few of your very own doilies! Doesn't matter if they look like mine or not, share a link below to their location and I'll arrange to add your name to a random drawing for a box of brand new scrapbook goodies!! I've lots hanging out with me and would love to send them along to one lucky artist out there. Not surprisingly, I'll be adding my own twist to the giveaway as well - a personalized mix of odds and ends not immediately available at the local scrapbook store. Get to sharing below!!

**CHANGE: Everyone is welcome to join in on the drawing, even if without a link to a doily creation..let's have some fun here, post your comment below! Spread the love for Stephanie's work :) 

~CM~ 

A Father's Day Recap + Thoughts

What does Father's Day bring a widowed mom like myself and a sweet, growing four year old boy? It brings back lots of memories of Eric's first year with Ethan and the love and closeness reflected between the two of them. The value and meaningful nature of their relationship was uniquely special given the situation at the time. Some three year later, that single year has been transformed into a memory that is contained within the confines of my own mind. Ethan's ability to bring forth memories of his exchanges with "dad" isn't available to him. It's primarily my existance that keeps the bond going and alive and also, the men that knew Eric from the numerous years before his passing... 

So, on Sunday, we celebrated not just "dads", but all the male role models in Ethan's life, including the signifigant relationship shared between Ethan and Papa. I honestly can't fathom how different our situation would be without him. His apparent love for Ethan continues to provide Ethan a source of security and a greater understanding of the complexities and splendor of boyhood.  The two are inseperable when together. This isn't surprising either given the support and commitment my father has put forth since the very day of the loss. It was him who stood behind us when Eric's last breath was taken and from that moment, he's not moved...even now, he remains with us. His presense is constant and his love for Ethan, forever lasting. I'm totally grateful. 

I sometimes think that photos don't just happen by accident when it appears that they do. In this particular case, the very first photo above took on the focus of this gorgeous flower rather then the intended target. Not sure how it happened, but I suppose a glitch could be to blame. In any event, it's a beautiful image that gives reminder of how we lucky we are to experience the beauty of this world, especially on Father's Day. 

Ethan loves lights almost as much as he loves water. We found this one for papa at a small gift show. It's fueled by the sun and after a day's charge, lights up during the evening hours. Papa planted it inside one of the flower pots near the front door for easy viewing and now we wait anxiously as it collects enough energy to upstart it's first light cycle! I really don't know who's more excited about this light, me or Ethan? Laugh. It should make for an interesting show though!

The best cards are usually handmade and constructed by children! They've no sense of limitation and their message is often clear and precise.  With the help of mom's scrapbook stash, Ethan put together a small Father's Day card for his grandpa and signed it himself! Well done, little guy!

 

Yes, it turned out to be a day full of memories for us this weekend + a few band-aids. It appears that Ethan's sandals are poorly suited for running - two trip-ups in one day! Poor Guy! Thankfully, he wasn't seriously hurt..the band-aids did the trick of helping him feel better too.

Life is rough when you're a kid.

I've to return tomorrow with a re-visit to one of my popular tutorials from last Summer. Anyone feel like taking a guess at which tutorial pulled through with the most viewers? I've never been able to surpass the project since it's unveiling and from what I can tell, it's still finding it's way to those that visit here! Amazing!!

So, I'll rejoin you tomorrow with a reminder of the tutorial and images of someone's own eye-catching interpretation of it! Should be exciting....

~CM~

Hang on, Comment Here for the Giveaway!

Here we go! Sorry it took me a little longer than usual to get this ready and going this morning. Allow me to quickly chat about the giveaway though so those of you stopping by here today are up-to-date on the details! Essentially, I mentioned to Stephanie that one of my favorite product releases from this last season was the Chipboard Essentials!! I love these guys and can't stop using them for some reason. What makes them extra great is that there "essentially" usable on every kind of project out there! Whether your crafting a layout, mini album, altered home decor, etc, these petite fillers are bound to find a home and make the whole process of storytelling/embellishing ten times easier! I'll be honest and directly confess that I'm a huge proponent of fillable labels like those provided in this set. I've quite a few to prove my addiction :)

Now how about a chance at an entire set of Bella Studio's Ciao Chips? Yes, all six of them are for you to keep and supplement your label collection with! They'd arrive at your doorstep inside a nice tidy package, together, and be all yours to keep!! If this sounds like the sort of thing that would make you happy, leave your comment here sharing your favorite Bella item {old or new} and why your fond of it. 

Stephanie will announce the chosen winner this upcoming Monday at the Bella Blvd. blog! It'll be entirely random....GOOD LUCK friends!

~CM~

And Just incase you missed it...

To preview the full tutorial for the construction of the layout, visit the Bella Blvd. Blog.

Three Days with Bella Blvd. :: June Guest Designer

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and after having been away from my blog nearly five + days last week, I began to miss this place. I was innately dedicated to a special arrangement though via Bella Blvd. that is finally coming to fruition today on their blog! Since having spotted Bella's clean-cut, modern designs immediately after their first release, I knew there was something significantly special about them. I immediately then added their collections to my "must-have" list and what followed was something totally unexpected, I'd been invited to guest design with their new collections! Without hesitation, I jumped on board and accepted the invitation - today is the very FIRST day of the three-day guest design debut at the Bella Blvd. blog!

 What exactly do we have up our sleeves in terms of my guest designing at Bella? I can't exactly say, but it's been far too long since the last one, so to make up for lost time, I doubled the number and put an extensive amount of work into both. Also, the last doesn't translate the same as the first two, but it's still amply gorgeous! To see the official, first item on the list though, you'll want to head over to Bella's blog - while there, share some love if willing and rejoin me tomorrow at this location for a Bella sponsored giveaway!

~CM~

A Hero Arts Discovery

Could it really be that I've fallen upon a white dye based ink pad that actually works? I feel like I've been on the hunt for one the last couple of years and of those I've tried so far, none panned out to be much more than but a mere shadow of white. This particular ink is "solid white", even when applied with clear polymer stamps! After trying out the new pad, I had to remark on it here because there's been much discussion concerning the abilities of white ink pads. I won't specify which pads hadn't worked for me, but I will suggest the Hero Art's pad as being a great, dependable option. It doesn't require embossing either, which is a huge plus for me! It's straight-up dye-based and works especially well on dark surfaces. I stamped with it on kraft cardstock too, and as you're probably able to determine from the above photo, the image's design is clear and sharp, and the white is saturated and noticeable. You can't miss it! 

Just had to share..have an ink pad review you'd like to share with the rest of us? I'm sure there are more workable white inks out there..what's your white ink preference?

And one last item, is anyone out there familiar with a solid, matte white mist that's currently on the market? I'm seeking the same level of vividness with the mist as well...thanks for any suggestions you might have!