Scrapbook Express: Peace on Earth

Merry Christmas from Scrapbook Express! I'm sharing this card today on our blog. Be sure to stop by to see tips for layering embellishments and using this sophisticated color scheme.

Scrapbook {Express}ions: Recipe Challenge

I'm hosting today's recipe challenge on the Scrapbook {Express}ions blog. What's a recipe challenge? It's where you create a project based on a specific list of scrapbooking ingredients. Today's challenge works with all types of themes, so you don't want to miss this one. By entering your project in our gallery you also earn a chance to win our monthly $25 gift certificate. Good luck!

Karen Foster Design: Season's Greetings

It's time to start thinking about holiday cards, and today I'm sharing one that's published in the latest issue of Crafts 'n Things magazine.

Click here for all the instructions and supplies from Karen Foster Design and others. I used their fun clear stamps, Scrappers Spools, and of course one of my favorite Swirl Burst Brads. They are an absolute must-have!! I stamped Santa's beard and the fuzzy parts of his hat onto felt and even fashioned tiny wire glasses for him. This Santa is detailed! The whole thing is layered onto a card I made using (another favorite) Core'dinations cardstock. I hope you enjoy my first peek at holiday scrapping.

myStampBOX: Epcot

Here's a fun layout using four sets of amazing stamps. Catch all the details on the myStampBOX blog today!

myStampBOX: Summer Showcase

Now that we've finally settled into sunny, summer days, the Design Team at myStampBOX has lots of fun projects to inspire you. I made this layout using some fabulous Core'dinations as my layout base, lightly inked to pull out the words pattern.

I used small images from He Loves Me and Seal It! to create the multi-toned background paper. The title was stamped with Lots of Dots and (appropriately) Splash Me a Lot! alphabets. I stamped a multicolored faux stitched line near the title using Repeat After Me and finished things off with a cheery sun from Wishing You Sunshine. I did it - I tied my stamping record for one layout using six sets. Whohooo! You can buy all these stamp sets at the myStampBOX online store.

For more amazing summer projects from the DT, check out our blog post today. Happy summer!

Scrapbook {Express}ions: Friends

Sharing a quick and easy card on the Scrapbook {Express}ions blog this week. Click here for all the fun supplies!

My Core’dinations Creative Frenzy

Welcome to my little part of the blogosphere where things are usually pretty inky and distressed. I'm happy to share some new Core'dinations creations with you. Since I finally decided to stop hoarding and actually USE this amazing set of products, my scrapping life has never been the same.

My first layout (above) features Core Impressions Cosmo Cricket Neutrals and Jenni Bowlin Red and Black collections. These pre-embossed notepads are by far my favorite products from Core'dinations. I love that they color and theme-match with so many different paper companies. For those of use who started out by embossing all our own designs, these ready-made versions are fast and easy! I especially love sanding and inking over the designs. My second project is a card for my lovely niece Lauren who turns 22 tomorrow. Like her, it's a little bit vintage and a LOT glam! I did all the embossing on Black Magic Core'dinations and added a border strip of Core Couture for extra zing. There's even an extra backing piece of purple Vintage Collection in there! And bling. Did I mention bling? My final project features more Vintage Collection for the die cut title and blue flowers. I matted all the photos using yummy brown and red Chocolate Box Core'dinations.

The title block was cut from more Core Impressions Cosmo Cricket Neutrals. I love how it looks like weathered driftwood, just perfect for my tropical theme.

The flower in the middle is made from the Whitewash Collection. I love how this cardstock holds up so well to distressing and all the fiddling used to create handmade flowers.

I was honored to share some projects on the Core'dinations blog back in February. Those two projects have become some of my favorites ever! I also have several other Core'dinations projects in my gallery. I would be thrilled and honored to be chosen as a member of the next Core'dinations Design Team. Thanks for giving me a chance to share my work! Good luck to everyone who applies. ☺

Core'dinations Feature!

I finally decided to quit hoarding all the specialty sheets of Core'dinations cardstock that I have and started using them on projects. I seriously love them! Today two of my projects are featured on the Core'dinations blog. Come take a look!

myStampBOX and Scrapbook Express: Frame it!

Here's a fun, fun layout I made of Ian using a ton of awesome products. I made this layout in response to a Scrapbook Express challenge to create a custom frame on a layout. Here's what I did:

I stamped two faux stitching lines from the brand-new Repeat After Me set of stamps from myStampBOX. Look for it soon in the mSB store! I distressed the edges then layered it onto a sanded Core'dinations cardstock mat. I tucked in a little set of polka dot punched tabs on the side for a pop of color. The title for this layout comes from the Sigh Gush Gasp set of mSB stamps.

I loved trying this gathered ribbon technique using Glossy Accents. I cut the Bo Bunny ribbon in half since it was too wide for my project right from package. A Graphic 45 chipboard button finished off this border.

I LOVE playing with pre-embossed cardstock and embossing my own, so my leaf border uses both. I tucked in some Maya Road jeweled pins tied off with a little jute as a final touch.

Here's a little tip: Don't cover up cool patterns on paper. Use an exacto knife to cut away the part of the pattern that overlaps your photo. Tuck the photo in and enjoy how the pattern becomes part of the design. It's certainly not an original idea, but it's a good one to revisit when the time is right.

I hope you enjoyed this layout and all the fun goodies. Happy scrapping!