Expo Blog Hop!

Two fabulous blog hops in one week?!?!?! Say what?!?!?! Yep! This has been such a fun week for me. I love partcipating and seeing other artist' blogs! Today's blog hop is brought to you by gorgeous trim by Expo based out of Canada! Oh my goodness you guys! I just wanted to hoard this trim. It is so very pretty!

Before we get to the trim, first check out the canvas I made to use as the focal point:

 The corners needed to be addressed. Or should I say "dressed" and that is just what I did!

I used fabric glue to adhere each row of trim to the canvas. It turned out just darling and perfect for my purple wall in my craft room! I am going to alter an apron next with the trim.

And don't forget to hop on to the next blog:

1. https://juliemcguffee.blogspot.com/2018/05/trim-it-up.html
2. https://sbartist.blogspot.com/2018/05/make-cre8time-quick-change-with.html
3. (YOU ARE HERE) https://scrappycafe.blogspot.com/2018/05/expo-blog-hop.html
4. https://myscrapnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/05/dcc-and-expo-international-blog-hop.html
5. https://ivorypaperhousedesigns.com/scarlet-letter-holder-expo-international-blog-hop
6. http://www.justyolie.com/2018/05/expo-international-blog-hop.html
7. https://faeriedustdreams-michelle.blogspot.com/2018/05/boho-tassel-tote-and-rose-headband.html
8. https://mytime2play.blogspot.com/2018/05/expo-international-blog-hop.html
9. https://scraps-of-reflections.blogspot.com/2018/05/fun-ways-to-use-fringe-trim-on-tote-and.html
10. https://stephaniescraps.blogspot.com/2018/05/blog-hop-with-expo-international.html
11. https://goo.gl/uMQcpp
12. http://sueeldred.com/2018/05/14/5-creative-ideas…ded-iron-on-trim/
13. https://chuy-creativity.blogspot.com/2018/05/trimmed-out-jewelry.html
14. http://candyscraps.typepad.com/scraps/2018/05/dcc-blog-hop-expo-international.html
15. https://lorriemccullers.blogspot.com/2018/05/jazz-up-jacket-with-expo-international.html
16. -http://www.tammysantana.com/2018/05/designer-crafts-connection-may-blog-hop.html
17. https://creativelybeth.com/upcycled-farmhou…amp-with-ric-rac/

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!  

How to Mask A Stamped Image

I know yesterday was the fantastic blog hop with Rita Barakat's new stamps! If you missed it, don't worry! Just go to my post yesterday and hop today. I am loving these new stamps she created with Technique Junkies and had to make a few sweet ATC with them. I used a hodge podge of supplies from my stash and I show you how here in this video:

Here are a few pictures of the ATC I created in the video:

I like these so much I don't think I am ready to trade them. I have added them to my ATC binder and can't wait to make some more! 

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

BLOG HOP with Rita Barakat and Technique Junkies! NEW RELEASE!

 We are celebrating a new Illustrator at Technique Junkies Stamps.

We have 10 new stamps from Rita Bakarat in the Technique Junkies line! You can see all of the new stamps HERE.

If you’ve come from Geovana Smith's blog you are in the right place. If not head to the Technique Junkies Blog for the start of the hop.

Make sure you comment on all the stops along the hop. One lucky person who comments will receive a $25 Technique Junkies Gift Certificate! Comments will be open until Saturday May 19th and the winner will be announced May 20th on the Technique Junkies Blog.

I created these cards with the new Rita Barakat stamps through Technique Junkies:

Here is a video on how to use Copic Markers to shade in hair and skin:

And here are some close ups of the cards and tag!

Here are the links to the new stamps I used: Sweetie , Sassy Sue and Zoe AND a 10% off coupon for my readers!TJ10Betz 

I had so much fun creating these projects! My favorite style is bright and colorful. These stamps are perfect for adding a whimsical focal piece to any project. Please make sure you hop on through the blogs.

Now hop on over to Ceal Pritchett!

~~~~~~~~

Hop links (in order). Full list will be posted on the Technique Junkies blog

TJ Blog - https://techniquejunkies.blogspot.com/2018/05/technique-junkies-new-illustrator-hop.html

Rita Barakat http://RitaBarakat.com

Giovana Smith https://giovana-believe.blogspot.com/2018/05/technique-junkies-new-illustrator-blog.html

Betz Golden - http://scrappycafe.blogspot.com/

Ceal Pritchett https://simplybeautifulcreations.blogspot.com/2018/05/technique-junkies-new-illustrator.html

Jenn DuBell - http://yvonnebijouxcrafts.blogspot.com/

Jeanne Streiff - http://inkypaws.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/tjrita5-18/

Rebecca Parsons - https://www.cre8tivecompass.com/

Lee Ann Barrett - https://greytpapercrafts.blogspot.com/2018/05/technique-junkies-new-illustrator-hop.html

Cheri Weston https://stampnboomer.blogspot.com/2018/05/technique-junkies-new-illustrator-blog.html

Janelle Stollfus - https://rainpuddlesdesign.blogspot.com/2018/05/technique-junkies-new-illustrator-hop.html

Karen Jiles - http://stampinakapalace.blogspot.com/

Ro Donner https://rodonner.blogspot.com/2018/05/welcoming-new-stamp-artist-at-technique.html

Yolie Burke - http://www.justyolie.com/

Judy Jackson - https://judysstampart.blogspot.com/2018/05/a-mid-month-blog-hop-for-new-stamps.html

Kathryn Morrow - http://whimseygirl.blogspot.com/?m=1

Beth Norman http://www.sunflowers-dragonflies.ca/blog/60937/technique-junkies-new-illustrator-hop/

Stephanie Eaton - http://inkedartist.com/

Lynda Pleckan https://paperartscafe.blogspot.com/2018/05/technique-junkies-new-rita-barakat.html

Pat Huntoon https://patstamps.blogspot.com/2018/05/blog-hop-celebration-new-rita-barakat.html

~~~~~~~~

Links to new stamps (links will be live before the hop time)

Rita blog hop links
techniquejunkies.com/special-release-rita-barakat-designs/
techniquejunkies.com/ballerina/
techniquejunkies.com/reflections/
techniquejunkies.com/sweetie/
techniquejunkies.com/sing/
techniquejunkies.com/floral-border/
techniquejunkies.com/monica-fairy/
techniquejunkies.com/sassy-sue/
techniquejunkies.com/picnic-princess/
techniquejunkies.com/relaxed-fairy/
techniquejunkies.com/zoe/

and these will also be online and available:
techniquejunkies.com/be-true-to-yourself/
techniquejunkies.com/dance-with-your-heart/
techniquejunkies.com/beautiful-minds/
techniquejunkies.com/delight/

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Layout Round Up!

One of my goals for 2018 has been to catch up on my scrap booking. I have been scrap booking since 1990 and up until 2012 I was not behind. In 2012 I got a job outside of the home and it just went to the back burner. I was still taking pictures and my collection of them were growing. I got back into my craft room in 2014, but my focus was on mixed media and card making. I seemed to have lost my mojo for scrap booking, though it is one of the most important things I do for my family -- memory keeping. I think part of the problem was scrap booking was not "in" anymore. So, this year I decided to focus once again on memory making. I am happy to say that I have made a dent in my photos and possibly could catch up in the near future! Here are a few recent pages I have created:

They are an odd assortment of themes, but I scrap when inspired ;-)

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Major Fun Comic Book Mini Album

One of my favorite things in the December 2017 Bad Girls Couture Kit is the mini album! It is comic book images on scalloped pages. I had a few pictures of my son who is currently obsessed with Jurassic Park and basketball. We took a trip to Universal Studios and the Wax Museum in Hollywood two summers ago. I have been waiting for the perfect place to document them in and this little album was it! The kit came with cool little black pockets and white tags to journal on as well as fun colorful clips! I used ink to color the title to match and make it pop! Here is a flip through of the album:

I think it is perfect for a teenage boy! 

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Remember When?

While attending Creativation this past January a few designers and I were talking about the old stuff in our stash. The stuff we could not live without a decade (or two in my case) ago and how we never use it anymore. We thought it would be fun to create a blog hop in which we used those old treasures. I have to tell you that I had a really good time with this and it rekindled my desire for things I have forgotten about. After you get done reading my blog please leave a comment to be entered for a change to win a really cute coffee stamp set by CTMH. Also, make sure you visit each blog listed below for a chance to win a goodie at each stop!

I decided to break out a Close To My Heart set I had put together over ten years ago:

 I stamped  a few images on a piece of white cardstock:

 I hate to admit this, but I have several Close to My Heart markers and have never used them. I thought for sure they would be completely dried up. To my surprise most were not! One of the colors was a bit on the dry side, however I loved what it looked like when I went over the image with a blender after. I also did not know that CTMH markers are alcohol markers. They probably were one of the first on the market (these are that old) and they are really GOOD! I might like them better than Copics. I might start selling again because I totally loved the markers and the ink pads! Yep, those old ink pads still worked.

I ended up cutting out the little pots and planters, placing them on pop dots and stamping the flowers. I used the watercolor pencils on the flowers and added a little pearl to the center. I assembled my cards from there.

Even though the products I used were over a decade old the results are current and pretty! Don't forget to hop on through and leave comments at all your stops!

JustYolie - http://www.justyolie.com/2018/02/remember-when-blog-hop.html

It's Oddly Appealing https://itsoddlyappealing.blogspot.com/2018/04/remember-when-blog-hop-starts-now.html

Scrappy Cafe - https://scrappycafe.blogspot.com/2018/04/remember-when.html

Keren Tamir- http://www.kerentamir.com/remember-when-blog-hop/

Marie Heiderscheit- https://marienicoledesigns.wordpress.com/2018/04/13/remember-when-blog-hop-giveaway

Linda Israel- http://lindaisrael.com/2018/04/14/remember-when-using-retro-art-supplies-for-journal-cards/

Erin Reed - https://scraps-of-reflections.blogspot.com/2018/04/misted-atc-cards-remember-when-blog-hop.html

Anita Scroggins - https://goo.gl/WRGz6V

Katie Lamb https://whatkatiedid2.blogspot.com/2018/04/remember-when-blog-hop.html

Nadine Carlier - https://myscrapnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/04/remember-when-blog-hop.html

Susan M. Brown {sbartist} - https://sbartist.blogspot.com/2018/04/going-back-in-cre8time-remember-when.html

Julie McGuffee https://juliemcguffee.blogspot.com/2010/01/hey-presto.html

I have a linky party http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=774354

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Chalkology 101 -- Layering an Image

I recently have started creating chalkboards. I love it because I can change out the focal point as much or as little as I like. I use chalk paste and a transfer to create the the board. I purchase them here. I have purchased a few of the chalkboards through Chalk Couture that are lovely and high quality. However, I am quite happy with the boards I find at Hobby Lobby and Micheals. To ship a board from Chalk Couture is pricey! I use my 40% off coupon from one of the craft store and save a ton of money. I only recommend the transfers and chalk paste from Chalk Couture . The chalk paste is unique in that it does not just rub off like traditional chalk. A little water and a sponge easily removes it, but it is there until the creator wants it off! I have created a tutorial playlist on youtube called Chalkology 101 . Go check it out if interested in this form of art.

Today I wanted to share with you how to layer an image. Before removing the transfer from the backing it is important that you mark it. You want your transfer to be stored on the glossy side because you can get at least 20 uses out of it. I take a sharpie and do this:

 The next step is to fuzz the transfer. It is extremely sticky and will be hard if not impossible to remove from your board if you do not add some lint to it. I just do this on my clothing. Usually my shirt, but this time my sweats.

 Once the transfer is fuzzed apply it to the board and smooth out the air bubbles.

 Once the transfer is laid, open up the paste making sure not to discard the protective covering. Stir the paste carefully.

 With the craft stick quickly lay the paste out over the image.

 Using a squeegee spread the paste with firm even preassure (the transfer is a screen print).

 Once the transfer is covered lift it by pulling it from two corners NOT on opposite ends of each other. If you pull just by one corner you will stretch the transfer.

 Once the transfer is lifted, place it in a shallow pan of water or rinse it under water. The chalk is fast drying and needs to be rinsed or soaked right away. I like to just wash mine with warm water and place sticky side up in my drying rack. Give the chalk paste in the container a spray of water. Seal it with the protective cover and the lid. By doing so you will keep your paste moist and it won't dry out.

 Let the chalk dry and then layer on the next transfer.

I like to use a darker color as I add my next layer.

 Add another layer on a different part of the image. This allows the layers to dry by working back and forth on the image.

 Once the image is done I add the sentiment and hang it on the wall.

Once the transfers are dry just place them on their backing and store for use at a later time. Make sure you check out the playlist I posted above to see chalking in action! It really is easy and fast. The results are impressive. My 13 year old usually does the majority of chalking in my home. 

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!