Craft Project Central: Christy Fulk

Hi!

Today brings and end to the February projects at Craft Project Central.  I've had a wonderful month as a Guest Designer, so thank you to Jacque and Amanda for the invitation.

So on to today's project, which was designed by Christy Fulk.

This project will give you a little Spring in the middle of this cold Winter.  The set includes two different designed Thank You cards.  The purse can hold six of these cards, along with matching lined envelopes.  This card set would make a great gift for anyone who loves purses, and make a great class, too! 

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI #204: Just Add Colour

Hi!

Here we are once again - it's Friday and time for another Just Add Ink challenge!

This week Nikki has given us this gorgeous colour combination to play with.  I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this combination.  I don't often use gold so I was worried about how to include it on my card.  Thankfully the Watercolour Wonder washi tape ion the new Occasions Catalogue worked beautifully!

I started with a base of Whisper White cardstock and stamped a few splatters from Gorgeous Grunge in Crumb Cake. The washi was applied over the top of the stamping.

The leaves from Peaceful Petals were stamped and fussy cut.  I adhered the top leaves to the card with Dimensionals but I adhered the bottom leaves flat.  I love the effect it gives.

Nice and simple on the inside, plenty of room for a heartfelt message.

I hope you can play along with us this week at Just Add Ink.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Angie Jones

Hi!

Today I have for you another project from Craft Project Central.  This tutorial was designed by Angie Jones.

What a cute Gift Box, Notebook and Card to give with your gift at your next Baby Shower Party.  The new Mother To Be will just love the pastel tones and having a gorgeous box (once gift is removed) to save all her Baby Shower Cards and Tags, not to mention a handy notebook for her handbag / nappy bag, to record all of Baby’s first’s that often occur when you are out and about.

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central and have a look at the whole month's projects?

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Laurie Zoellmer

Hi!

It's nearly the end of February, but over at Craft Project Central the projects keep on coming!

Today's project was designed by Laurie Zoellmer.

This darling card box makes a perfect gift or is a great idea for a class too!  It can easily hold six decorated cards and envelopes.  Easy to assemble and beautiful too!

There's still time to subscribe to February's projects, and don't forget that I have a free subscription to give away to one lucky commenter on my project.  I will draw the winner later today (Monday).

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: My Turn!

Hi!

Woo Hoo!  It's my turn to be the featured Designer over on Craft Project Central. It's also a great day for you, because you have the chance to win some Blog Candy from me.  The lovely ladies at Craft Project Central have very generously given me a free subscription to give away to one lucky blog reader.

My project includes a cute mini album with a unique slider page, perfect for hidden journaling or photos. Complete the ensemble with a card and a gift tag and it is the ideal gift for someone special in your life.  The album is made using parts of the Mini Memories Kit from the new Occasions Catalogue.

To win a subscription to February's projects you need to leave a comment on my post over on the Craft Project Central blog.  Leave a comment here too if you'd like, but the winner will be drawn from the comments on my post on the Craft Project Central blog.  I will announce the winner here on Monday 24th February.

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI #203: Just Add A Sketch

Hi!

Time for another Just Add Ink Challenge. Yay!  This week Paula has designed a fantastic sketch for us to use.

I made this card a few weeks ago when I was playing around with the Good As Gold kit.  I was looking for more ways to use the kit apart from the standard cards.

The spotty panel was one half of a card base from the kit and the gold panel was cut from one of the envelope liners.  The flag is one of the foreign language ones that would otherwise go unused.

I used the three circular panels instead of the fancier shape in the sketch.  I think it's a great substitute, and best of all, it was the right shape to hide the writing on the flag!

I sometimes forget that I can leave a larger border around the edge of my cards.  It's a great look - very effective.

How will the sketch inspire you? See you over at Just Add Ink!

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Buffy Cooper

Hi!

By the time February rolls around, most of us are ready for spring – flowers, sunshine and picnics on the deck.These lanterns, flowers in painted glitter vases and butterfly straws made with Afternoon Picnic Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!® are sure to remind you that spring is just around the corner. 

This pretty picnic ensemble comes to you designed by Buffy! To get the instructions for Buffy’s project, just subscribe to February!  And if you have a minute, please leave Buffy a comment on her project!

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Michelle Wecksler

Hi!

How beautiful is this Swallowtail Altered Book and Card? Designed by Michelle Wecksler, it's the newest project for February over at Craft Project Central.

This Swallowtail Altered Book Box and Card is perfect way to transform an unused hardcover book into a beautiful gift! This set features an altered hardcover book and a coordinating gift card.  This elegant box provides a special place to store a secret gift, a small journal, or other cherished keepsakes!  This set would make a wonderful gift for a treasured friend!

You can find information about this tutorial and more over at Craft Project Central.

Bye for now,

Tina

Layouts 11 and 12

Hi!

Here's some more pages from my Paris album.

Just across from the Architecture Museum is the Maritime Museum.  It was one of those "OK, we're here, we may as well take a look" kind of decisions that ended up being a good decision.  So many fascinating things to see!  The photo on the bottom right shows an early deep water diving suit - no way you'd get me into one of those, but it was still amazing to see.  Again, we saw so many touches of luxury and wealth, including golden figureheads.  Astounding!

By the time we got to the Arc de Triomphe we had been on the go all day and it was nearing sunset.  You can imagine how weary we were - we'd just flown into Paris that morning!  Our intention had been to climb the Arc, but we found it closed for a ceremony commemorating 50 years since the war in Algiers - my very poor French allowed me to ask a few questions of some lovely people in the crowd to find out this information.  In hindsight, I'm glad we didn't climb the Arc as I don't know if my legs would have carried me all the way to the top.  We did however get to see the roundabout around the Arc completely devoid of traffic.  If you've ever been there, you know how crazy it usually is!

I really loved the photo on the top right - the Arc at sunset with the flag hanging from the bottom of the Arc.  So beautiful, taken as we crossed the Champs-Eleysees as we headed for our hotel.  I think I worked out we walked at least 14km on that first day, and that doesn't include our ramblings around the museums we visited.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Julie Beltramo

Hi!

The fabulous projects over at Craft Project Central just keep rolling on this month!  Today's project is a Retro Fresh Magnetic Memo Board Set, designed by the very clever Julie Beltramo.

It’s always nice to have a fresh new way to post some quick notes or reminders. This Magnetic Memo Board is really simple to make, and the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper gives it a super fun vibe!! The coordinating note cards, pen and super-hip magnets are all stored neatly into the Sweet and Simple Storage Case. When it’s all packed up, it makes a great little ‘anytime’ gift! 

Remember, the only way to get your hands on this fantastic tutorial is to subscribe to February, or if you're lucky you can win a subscription from me when my project gets posted on the Craft Project Central blog later in the month.

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI #202: Just Add Stripes

Hi!

Boy, the weeks are rolling past very quickly!  Time for another Just Add Ink Challenge.  This week Paula has challenged us to add stripes to our projects.  Love this challenge - there are so many possibilities!

I went for the diagonal stripes in the I Am Me DSP for this card.  I thought they were great for a boy's birthday card.  I've been wanting to try the cut out idea for a while and this seemed the perfect time.

I used my 2 1/2" Circle Punch to create the frame for the Police Car image, and then popped the whole piece of DSP up on dimensionals to add to the framed look.  The twine was tied around the DSP to complete the card front.  No bows for a boy, just a simple knot!

I couldn't let the punched piece go to waste, so I used it as the basis for the inside of my card.  I may have gone a little nuts with the weeeooo-weeeooo stamp, but I was having a bit of fun by that stage!

Stamps: You're My Hero
Ink: Basic Grey, Real Red, Daffodil Delight
DSP/Cardstock: I Am Me DSP, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Blender Pen, White Baker's Twine, Dimensionals

How are you going to incorporate stripes into your project?  Can't wait to see it!

Bye for now,

Tina

Good As Gold

Hi!

One of the freebies you can choose this year in Stampin' Up!'s Sale-A-Bration's catalogue is the Good As Gold Simply Sent Kit.  It wasn't one that caught my eye straight away, but it somehow found it's way onto my order, and I'm glad it did.

Today's card is one made straight from the kit, as suggested by Stampin' Up!  It's very quick and easy to put together - the only thing extra you need is adhesives.

The flags in the kit are all pre cut and pre 'stamped' with the sentiments.  There's a few different colours and sentiments to mix and match.  You can see in the photo that both the card base and some of the flags are gold foil, which is really lovely.

The kit also comes with some lengths of Baker's Twine and Gold elastic cord.  Tying them together like this is great, as I have a tendency to overstretch the gold cord if I don't!

A very simple inside - I used the pop out star from the gold flag to decorate the inside.

I'll be back soon to show you some of the other cards I have made using the elements from the kit.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Breelin Renwick

Hi!

Are you ready for another sneak peek at a gorgeous Craft Project Central project? Remember that these tutorials are available for purchase for just $US10, or you can win a month's subscription later in the month.

This Sweet Sorbet Note Card Set & Box was designed by my fellow February Guest Designer Breelin Renwick.

This cute note card set would make a great gift idea for a friend or perhaps a teacher or co-worker.  This project would also be great for a Stampin’ Up! Sale-A-Bration kick off class, showcasing some of the fun Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper and accessories.

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central to see what else is on offer this month?

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Creating Pretty Cards #32

Hi!

Today's card was made for the Craft Project Central's monthly card sketch challenge: Creating Pretty Cards. I think sketch challenges are one of my favourite types of challenges to enter.  What about you - what's your favourite?

Isn't this a fabulous sketch, designed by Yapha Mason.  Here's the card I came up with.

Lots of yummy new products on this card!  I'm really loving the Retro Fresh range - it's a fantastic colour combo with lots of great designs. And coordinating washi.  Bliss!

As the background of my card is fairly busy I wanted to keep the main circular panel uncluttered.  I think the word bubble is the perfect accent for the sentiment, helping it to stand out from the background.  I cut the Vanilla word bubble using the new Framelits set, adhered it to some Tangerine Tango cardstock and then hand cut the larger word bubble.

Some more of that delicious Retro Fresh washi to finish off the inside and I was done.

I hope you can join in the fun at Creating Pretty Cards this month.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Regina Andari

Hi!

Another gorgeous project has been released on Craft Project Central.  Regina Andari has created this beautiful "Remember This" 2014 Mixed Media Canvas.

Some people jot New Year’s resolutions on a piece of paper, but this project demonstrates a creative way to keep specific goals in sight.  Although this project features the designer’s resolutions of being happy, creating the kind of life that she wants, and remembering kind gestures toward others, it will be easy to customize your canvas to reflect your goals and resolutions.  This tutorial also features a coordinating card and envelope.

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central to see what else is on offer this month?

Bye for now,

Tina

Layouts 8, 9 and 10

Hi!

Are you ready for some more of our Paris Trip?  This first layout is of the first museum we visited - the Sewer Museum!  We don't have any particular interest in sewers, other than the links to Les Miserables and Jean Valjean carrying Marius through the sewers to safety. I was also interested in the green fountains, which provide free drinking water to the city's homeless.

Layout 9 shows more of our wandering around Paris. We walked across the Seine and got our first full length look at the Eiffel Tower from the place du Trocadero.  I found some vintage postcards in Paris, so I used some of them to show what the Trocadero used to look like.  It has changed a lot!

My final layout today is of our visit to the Architecture Museum.  This museum houses a collection of facades and sculptures collected from significant buildings that are being demolished or restored.  Some are the real thing and other items are replicas.  I really loved the light, airy space with the rich red walls.  Most of the sculptures and facades were white, so it really helped highlight their beauty.

I'll be back next week with some more Paris scrapping.

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI #201: Just Add Colour

Hi!

Friday again, and time for another Just Add Ink Challenge.  This week Kim has given us this gorgeous colour combination to work with.

These colours, to me, where screaming out to be on a baby boy's card.  Funnily enough, that reminded me of a friend that's due to have a baby in a few weeks so instead of making the card I ended up ringing her for a chat.  Over an hour later I finally got back to making the card!

I used the Zoo Babies stamp set on the card - the first time I had got it inky.  It's a cute little set, I don't know why it took me so long! The Pool Party DSP is from the I Am Me pack.  I love how well the blues work together with just a little splash of Real Red and Saraha Sand.

I can't wait to send this to my friend - she let me know that she's having a boy, so this challenge is another case of perfect timing!

Stamps: Zoo Babies, Sweet Essentials
Ink: Pool Party, Island Indigo
DSP/Cardstock: I Am Me DSP, Island Indigo, Whisper White
Other: Postage Stamp Punch, Sahara Sand Candy Dots, Real Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

Hope to see you at Just Add Ink this week.

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Yapha Mason

Hi!

I'm back with another of the projects on Craft Project Central.  This cute set was designed by Yapha Mason.

Yapha has designed these super cute cards with numbers that can be used as birthday cards, invitations, or thank you notes. Put the same number on each card, or change it up! Includes a handy card holder as well as lined envelopes.

For just $US10 you can purchase a subscription for February and gain access to the tutorials for all of the projects this month.  Just head on over to Craft Project Central for all the details. Don't forget that there is also a card challenge running for the month - I'll be back soon with my card!

Bye for now,

Tina

Craft Project Central: Monika Davis

Hi!

Today I can finally reveal some big news for me: the lovely ladies at Craft Project Central asked me just before Christmas if I'd like to be a Guest Designer for them in February.  Would I ever!!!  I was very busy in January creating a tutorial for CPC that will be published later in the month.  So what is Craft Project Central?  Here's the description from their website.

Welcome to Craft Project Central, your one-stop shop for great projects showcasing Stampin’ Up! products. From stamping to scrapbooking, home decor, jewelry, and more!

 Whether you’re a new or seasoned Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, or an avid crafter looking for fun crafting ideas, you’re in the right place! Craft Project Central offers ideas for workshops, classes, clubs and just plain fun crafting!

 What makes Craft Project Central different? Each month you subscribe to will give you access to 10 projects with detailed, full-color, step-by-step instructions. Projects are easy to duplicate, are practical, and functional projects that you will have fun making and be able to use yourself or give as gifts! Not every project you get on Craft Project Central with be unique, never-before-seen projects, but what you will be getting are projects adapted to current and popular Stampin’ Up! products with easy to follow instructions.  All of this for only US$10 for each month that you subscribe!

How's that for awesome?  I will be posting pictures and links to the Craft Project Central website of all the fabulous projects you will receive with your February subscription all month.  I will also be giving away a FREE subscription for February's projects, so keep an eye out for more details on how to enter that soon.

Today's project is a Mail Box and Greeting card designed by the talented Monika Davis.

Make this treat box resembling a mail box for your sweet heart. Fill it with some yummy treats and some special notes. This little mail box will look great on any desk.  Great for a stamp camp, or as a class project.

Isn't it so cute? My daughter would love this, so I think I'll be making one of these before too long! 

Why don't you pop on over to Craft Project Central and take a look at what they have on offer - it's fantastic value for your money!

Bye for now,

Tina

Layouts 5, 6 and 7

Hi!

I finally had the chance to stop and photograph more of my Paris trip layouts.  I really enjoyed school holidays, but it is so good to have a quiet house!  I can get so much more done during the day!

This layout was of our first look at the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. The photo on the bottom left was our first sight of the Tower.  Even on the overcast day it was a lovely sight. Paris is so photogenic.  There were times when we had to remind ourselves to look with our eyes and not just the camera!

Rob and I kept seeing this church tower while we were walking around in Paris in the areas near the Eiffel Tower.  We really loved the look of it, and guessed that it was medieval.  We never actually got to visit it, but upon our return I did some research and found out that it was actually built in the 1930's!  Still, it's very pretty and vastly different to other churches we visited.

We had decided that the first thing we would do in Paris was to do an hour long cruise along the Seine. We thought it would be a great way to help get our bearings and work out where a lot of the places we wanted to visit were.  It set off from near the Eiffel Tower and went as far as Notre Dame before returning to the Eiffel Tower.  It was really lovely apart from the noisy school group we shared the boat with, but thankfully we were wearing headphones for most of the way so we could listen to the English commentary.

I had to include the photo on the top right on this page.  It is the skinniest house in Paris and is barely wider than the huge front door.  The commentary said that narrow houses were built along the waterfront to minimise paying tax - yes, the houses were taxed on their width! This was one of the few surviving skinny houses, thankfully times have changed and the houses are much wider.

I'm really enjoying reminiscing while I've been scrapping.  I hope you're enjoying my layouts and stories too.

Bye for now,

Tina