Hipster Birthday Cards

Have you ever been looking through your stash and discovered an awesome set of stamps that you did not even know you had? That recently happened to me. I stumbled upon my Tim Holtz Hipster stamp set and I was inspired to make a set of sarcastic cards!

 I colored the images in with Distress Markers and cut them out with my Scan N Cut. I set those aside and started on the base of my card. I used Distress Oxides  to create the backdrop. For the banner, I used Distressed ink on Stamping Paper and Watercolor Paper. I randomly stamped the Birthday Stamp Set and created two banner pieces using the Thin Fish Tail Banner Die Set . I inked all the edges and assembled the cards making sure to set each Hipster on pop dots for some added dimension. I finished off the card with Tonic Nuvo Drops . Here is a close up of each card:

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

How To Create a Textured Layout!

I started scrap booking 29 years ago, so you can only imagine how three kids later and a lifetime of adventures can add up! One thing that has become crucial in my albums is to only use one a year, therefore I need the layouts flat. For a few years I was filling up 5-6 albums. After awhile I ran out of places to keep them. I do not want to skip documenting important event or time because I do not  know where to store them. Hence, the transfer to flat pages. 7 Gypsies Architecture stickers and  mixed media pads are perfect to create stunning yet flat pages (that have some texture). I created this page using only a few sheets from a mixed media pad and sets of Architecture stickers. My kids and I discovered an awesome Ghost town on their spring break that I wanted to remember.

This is the paper I used:

I fussy cut some of the images from the Gypsy Mixed Media Pad to use as my title, photo mattes, and embellishments. To cut the inside of the large frame I found it most beneficial to use my exacto knife and glass mat.

I distressed the edges of the pieces that were straight by running a pair of open scissors along the edges and inked them all.

I used pop dots to adhere the large frame to the base page. This gave the layout extra interest because of the depth caused by the frame being lifted slightly.

Next, I placed a few stickers on the base of the page tucking the edges under the frame.

I used the smaller frames to not only frame the pictures, but also as mattes.

I added a few pop dots to two of the framed pictures to add more interest.

I added the large title to the corner of the layout over the frame. I used pop dots where the numbers touched the base.

Finally I added a few more stickers to round out the layout.

I did not feel as though the layout needed much text, so I skipped the journaling on it and just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Products Used:
Mixed Media Pad
Junque Pack Cabin
Crystal Ornaments Trinkets
Until next time ~ Happy Crafting!

Updating my Craft Desk

I have been working on the same desk for two decades and though I love it, it is time to bring it into this century. I purchased this desk as part of a set as Costco. It has been in a few different rooms in my home, but about seven years ago it finally found its resting place in my craft room. I like how much work space I have on it. It also is well made and sturdy.

 Not only did I want to change the color, I also wanted to clean and cover many of the paint and mist spots I had on it from creating. I wanted to go with a color that would benefit from my mess -- add character. I gave it a good cleaning and tried to remove as much of the dried on glue as I possible. I then had my boys cover my work area with a large plastic tarp.

 I decided to first paint the desk in Ivory followed by Jade . I purchased two jars of it.

 I was skeptical when the instructions stated the desk did not need to be prepped. I just needed to make sure it was free from dust. However, not only did the Ivory paint go on beautifully, it dried fast! I did let it set over night before I applied the Jade just to be on the safe side, but it was unnecessary.

I painted the Jade over the white.

 I used Painter's Tape to tape around my knobs as to not get paint on those. I wanted to replace them, but they ended up being to cumbersome to remove.

The Jade dried as fast as the Ivory.

I took a piece of sandpaper to distress the edges and let the white show through. However, I did not finish it because this is my craft desk and it would distress, scratch and ding up in time with as hard as I am on it.

I was able to move my supplies back on my desk rather quickly after applying the paint.

 I am so pleased with how it turned out. It really makes the desk pop and brings a smile to my face every time I walk into the room.

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Princess Mermaid Shadow Box Card with Rita Barakat and Technique Junkies Blog Hop

The Rita Barakat Designers are doing a blog hop! Each comment on one of our teams blog posts is another chance to win! Details can be found at https://wp.me/p47OIs-HA winner will be announced on Friday the 6th on the blog at RitaBarakat.com

Summer is in full swing in these parts and what better way to celebrate than with mermaids! I just adore the new line by Rita Barakat that is available at Technique Junkies! I had so much fun creating this shadow box card with the Clam Shell and Princess Mermaid! I like to keep the front of my shadow box cards simple because when it is open it is dramatic!

I used Glitter Paint by Plaid as the back drop to the simple sentiment on the front of the card.

 On the inside I colored the mermaid and clam with copic markers and placed pearls around the edge of the shadow box.

 I backed the mermaid with a glitter cardstock to make her shine. I also used my fingers to add a little glitter glue on her for some sparkle.

 For the clam I used copic markers to give him so personality.

Here are all the new stamps and don't forget the 10% off coupon for my readers!TJ10Betz 

www.techniquejunkies.com/july-2018/

www.techniquejunkies.com/seagrass/
www.techniquejunkies.com/clamshell/
www.techniquejunkies.com/jellyfish/
www.techniquejunkies.com/floral-mermaid/
www.techniquejunkies.com/princess-mermaid/
www.techniquejunkies.com/tidepool/
www.techniquejunkies.com/sailing-ship-collage/
www.techniquejunkies.com/swirly-waves/
www.techniquejunkies.com/octopus-face/
www.techniquejunkies.com/attitude-giraffes/
www.techniquejunkies.com/seashell-borders-set-of-2/
www.techniquejunkies.com/kisses-the-shoreline/
www.techniquejunkies.com/flip-flops/
www.techniquejunkies.com/seashells-set-of-5/
www.techniquejunkies.com/play-like-a-pirate-set-of-7/
www.techniquejunkies.com/inside-out-patience-set-of-10/

Here is a short tutorial on how to make a shadow box! It is super easy and fun!

Here is another mermaid inspired one:

And here is a video on how to use Copics:

Now, Make sure you hop on through to the next blog!

Rita Barakat https://wp.me/p47OIs-HA

YOU ARE HERE: Betz Golden https://scrappycafe.blogspot.com/…/princess-mermaid-shadow-…

Jenn DuBell - https://yvonnebijouxcrafts.blogspot.com/…/technique-junkies…

Karen Jiles- https://stampinakapalace.blogspot.com/…/technique-junkies-r…

Yolie Burke - http://www.justyolie.com/…/technique-junkies-rita-barakat-h…

Stephanie Eaton - http://inkedartist.com/?p=1971

*Guest designer Michelle Wells -https://histrulybeloved.blogspot.com

Until next time ~ Happy Crafting! 

Tasty Spots in Phoenix

Have you ever had one of those days that started of really bad, but ended up on a positive note? This happened to me recently. I went in for my half way test of a medical study group I am part of and I did not do as well as I had hoped. I left feeling low. I just wanted to grab a coffee and sulk in misery. As I left the building I glanced up and caught site of this beautiful view of downtown Phoenix.

 On my way home I remembered I had seen a cool looking coffee house heading into downtown that I wanted to stop by. I was so happy when I saw it as I approached the freeway! It then dawned on me that I was supper hungry.  I had missed breakfast so I could take the test.

 As I pulled in I discovered there was a cute little lunch spot right next door. This is when my day got better! I checked out the menu and noticed that everything was the same price -- $10. There were three options and they rotated depending on the day. There was an option for the meat lover, the vegetarian and the vegan. Each meal was under 600 calories and everything in it was locally grown and organic. I ordered the vegetarian option for because it was gluten free.

 The chef gave me the history of the restaurant. It was actually owned by a family doctor who set out to show that you can eat delicious healthy food. She bought both the houses that contained the restaurant and the coffee house and all the recipes are hers.  She also decorated them and made sure they stayed historically sound. Keeping the integrity of the food and the buildings were crucial to her.

Once I got my meal that came in a cute reusable box I sat down and ate. It was so yummy! The chef actually came and sat with me and gave me the encouragement I needed to hear. She told me what was in the food and how to actually make the meal at home. I was so touched. I don't think she knew just what kind of impact she was having on me. I felt empowered to do better with my eating habits and I left with hope and belief in myself.

Before I left I had to take a look at all the art on the walls. Each piece was done by a child and was for sale. The proceed of the sale go to the victims of child abuse. This was my favorite piece:

As I made my way around the building I noticed this:

 As a former educator I had to take a peak inside. There was a nice selection of books kids could read and return.

Of course I love the art on the building!

Finally it was time for my coffee! 

I ordered the "Bullet". Basically it is hot coffee with grass fed butter. The coffee is roasted locally in the third house on the property by this man making my coffee.

It was delicious! 

One of my favorite things about Phoenix is the street art. I smiled as I walked out to my car and saw this:

If you are in the area I highly recommend stopping by Tasty Box and Street Coffee . They are right next door and free parking in the back.

Until next time ~ Happy Feasting :-)