Paper Bag Album - Destination Phoenix USA

Hello friends,  thanks so much for stopping by.  A little warning that this is a lengthy Post - I am sharing a whole album here, rather than over two posts! I don't know about you but I always seem to be working on so many things at once and it is always such a great feeling when you manage to complete one - especially when it is something I have wanted to do for a few years.  A Paper Bag Album of my trips to Phoenix for Spellbinders as one of their Designers/International Ambassadors.  I have been very blessed and feel it is important to have these memories recorded - it has been so much a part of what I do and who I am creatively - and I am so grateful - I hope you enjoy reminiscing with me.

I used soft colours for the Album - I believe they were Melissa Frances along with bits and pieces from my stash,these have been attached using Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L E-Z Adhesive Runner Ultra, to make use they don't lift.  I have also used the Spellbinders Shapeabilities Victorian Medallion One Etched Dies as the centre piece and added some metal embellishments around it - I love the look that has been achieved. 

The flower is from the Spellbinders Shapeabilities Laced Flowers Etched Dies Special Moments Collection by Marisa Job and has been sponged using Imagine Memento Ink in Teal Zeal and glued to the centre of the die cut. The sentiment has been trimmed from one of the photos and layered into slightly larger teal card stock and then glued to either side of the flower.

As you can see from the photos above , layers and embellishments, along with tags in the top pockets certainly add to the 'bulk' of the Paper Bag Album - and I love that - so many beautiful things hidden within!

I have die cut photos and lightly sanded the edges - a favourite technique with the Spellbinders Dies. I have tried to keep the photos in chronological order.  I have also added pockets on three of the pages and placed more photos, tickets etc from my trip that I hope to add to tags, but if I don't, they are still part of the album and add to the general look (and bulk).

I have used chipboard embellishments from varying companies, including Quick Quotes Scrapbooking Company, Cosmo Cricket and Kaisercraft...some of thee have been in my stash for longer than I like to say wink:wink!  I have also added flowers from Little Birdie Crafts, some cut from patterned lace and hand made embellishments.  The lace is from a bag of vintage lace I purchased - the bag ended up being three bags with some gorgeous vintage lace among it - one happy designer here!!

The above photos were taken in Los Angeles - we had a 14 hours layover and one of the local designers, Teresa Horner took us on a guided tour around the amazing sites of LA - including homes of the rich and famous - yes we got to see the back of their houses and their rubbish bins LOL!  We did many of the tourist sites, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Pizza on Venice Beach.  We even got to walk the red carpet and were offered to be 'sneaked in' to watch the Premier of the 'Hungerford Games 3' as exciting as that would have been - we had to get back to the airport to catch our flight to Phoenix.

Again I have used Spellbinders Dies to cut the photos and added embellishments from Little Birdie Crafts - how perfect are those Cacti.  The above photos are taken with Designers Judy Hayes, Christine Emberson (my roomie), Karen East Haas and Christy Farneth-kerr.  Karen was the receptionist and Customer Service at Spellbinders and it was a pleasure to meet her - as we all know it is not always the obvious people who keep the company running - and I will say no more on that! LOL!  Christy and her family had re-located to Phoenix to support Stacey and her business - I just might happened to mention - I got lost in the desert with Christy - one main road across the whole thing and we made a wring turn - we may or may not have been talking and not concentrating!  Ursula from Germany was in the back and asked 'do you think we will be back in time for breakfast tomorrow' LOL!  It was hilarious!

The next photos are embellished using vintage lace, Little Birdie Crafts Flowers, Kaisercraft Collectibles and sticker sentiments. I have also used stamps and patterned paper.  The first photo is of Cindy Farneth Alexander - who quickly and affectionately became known as 'Mrs Fix-It' to me.  After chasing lost luggage for three days- all it took was one phone call from Cindy to have it turn up right to my hotel room at 4m in the morning....and then there is Yana Smakula- it was wonderful to meet Yana and get to spend some time with her - I love this photo - captures this talented and somewhat sassy Ukrainian Designer perfectly.  Another pocket holds my Star Bucks memorabilia - John Creighton Peterson would have a Star Bucks coffee waiting for me in the dining room in the morning - love that man!!

Then there was the trip to Sedona - a beautiful surprise from Stacey for her 'girls' and it was amazing - from the minute we left the hotel til we got back - we were treated to beauty of every sort.  Sedona itself is amazing - we all loved the fountain area and the Mexican tiles - everyone got photos - these ones are of Tina McDonald and myself - what a gorgeous lady she is - and so funny.  We were treated to lunch at the very bottom of Sedona - the view was amazing - how could it be anything but!!  I am proud to say I had 'grits and scampi' for lunch - had to have something I don't get at home - loved the grits...it is hard to pick the best moment of the day between the people, the food, the place....a tough job but someone has to do it! LOL!

The final pages have a number of hidden pockets - the first being under the photo, which I popped up on three sides using Foam Tape, leaving the left as the pocket opening - the perfect place to hold more photos - as you can see in the top right hand photo.  The last pocket holds more photos - one of my favourite moments - when Stacey taught a Workshop with the Designers - it was the most inspiring moment for me - so much inspiration and passion - it is life changing.

I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and and even happier that I have finally managed to get them documented.  I am sure I will add more bits and pieces to this album but the majority of it is completed - I hope you enjoyed the process.  Now to start on the Australian Mixed Media Roadshow Album.....

This project has been linked to the following challenges:

House That Stamps Built - Anything Goes

Crafty Sentiment Designs  -  Anything Goes

Little Red Wagon - Use Craft Leftovers

Die Cuttin' Divas - must include a Die-cut - Tags

Simon Says Wednesday - Anything Goes

Lemon Shortbread  - Always Anything Goes 

Sisterhood of Crafters 2nd/4th Wed, 3E - Use Stitched Dies  (on photos)

Unicorn Challenge - Use a Sentiment

The Crafty Addicts - Anything Goes/Optional Girly

Artistic Inspirations - ANYTHING GOES

Word Art Wednesdays - Anything Goes

Get Creative Challenges - ANYTHING BUT A CARD

Always Fun Challenges - ANYTHING GOES

The Corrosive Challenges - Always Anything Goes

Allsorts - Inspired by a Song (Leaving on a Jet Plane)

A Vintage Journey - PAPER STASH

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}} and happy crafting

Teacups and Roses

Hello friends, thanks so much for stopping by.  I have a card to share with you using the one of the new Spellbinders Cuppa Coffee Cuppa Tea Collection by Sharyn Sowell.  I have used the Shapeabilities Tea Pots Etched Dies Cuppa Coffee, Cuppa Tea Collection by Sharyn Sowell - so adorable don't you think?!

'Shapeabilities Tea Pots Etched Dies Cuppa Coffee, Cuppa Tea Collection by Sharyn Sowell is a set of four dies that includes four different intricate tea pot designs.  Cuppa Coffee, Cuppa Tea Collection by Sharyn Sowell creates fun motifs from our favorite drinks that warms the heart and adds a little whimsy. Perk up someone's day with a creation made from this collection.' - Spellbinders

The Rose Teapot has been run through the Platinum Die Cutting Machine using white card stock.  The die has been used as a stencil, sponging the exposed areas using Imagine Memento Ink in Teal Zeal.  The flowers on the teapot have been sponged using Imagine Memento Inks and a sponge dauber leaving the main part of the teapot white.  This has been popped up onto the third largest die from the Nestabilities Scored and Pierced Rectangles Etched Dies using Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L 3D Foam Squares.

The sentiment has been stamped onto white card stock using Imagine Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black and cut/embossed using the tag from the Amazing Paper Grace Vintage Elegance Becca Feeken Giving Occasions Stamp and Die Set.  The die has been used as a stencil, sponging the exposed areas using Imagine Memento Luxe Ink in Rose Bud and a sponge dauber. This has been popped up onto slightly larger patterned paper and popped up under the teapot using using Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L 3D Foam Squares.

A card front has been cut/embossed using the Nestabilities Scored and Pierced Rectangles Etched Dies and Authentique Paper, a strip of pink card stock has been adhered 1cm from the lower edge and a strip of beautiful vintage lace glued across the pink card stock.  Pop up the layered teapot onto the top portion of the card front, adding two rows or pink twine around the card front, across all layers and securing through a button, with a bow.

Pop up the layered card front onto a slightly larger white pre-cut card base using Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L 3D Foam Squares. Finish off by adding a pearl swirl out of the tea pot spout.

This card is linked to the following challenges:

Artistic Inspirations - ANYTHING GOES 

Always Fun Challenge - Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: Christmas/Winter

Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge - Anything Goes

The Corrosive Challenges - Always Anything Goes

A Gem of a Challenge - Anything Goes 

Angie's Digital Stamps Challenge - Anything Goes - Twist, Christmas

Di's Digis Designs - Include A Sentiment 

Pammie's Inky Pinky's Challnege - Anything Goes

Crafting-With-Friends - ANYTHING GOES  

Cute N Crafty Challenge - Anything Goes

Card Mania - Romantic Lace 

Crafting From the Hearts Challenge - Anything Goes

Creations in Pink - Anything Goes in Mainly Pink

Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

Die Cut Divas - Anything Goes

Happy Craft Challenge - Anything Goes + option: Lace

Morgan's ArtWorld Open Challenge - Anything Goes

Papercraft Business Challenge - Anything Goes + option of Christmas Animal

World Wide Open Design Team Challenge - Always Anything Goes 

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}} and happy crafting

Butterflies Lace and Pearls

Hello friends, thanks so much for stopping by!  Happy Monday to you all, although many people dread Mondays it doesn't have to be all bad.  I hope yours is good to you!  I have a card to share with you today that has been created using a die cuts that have been laying on my desk - one of many!

I have cut /embossed a pre-cut inlaid piece of Kraft card stock using the second largest die from the A2 Curved Matting Basics B Card Creator Etched Dies and the Platinum Die Cutting Machine to create the card front.  The card front has been adhered to a slightly larger pre-cut pink card base using Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L E-Z Adhesive Runner Ultra and added a strip of vintage lace across the lower portion. 

A butterfly from a set of Kaisercraft Collectibles has been glued to the lace and the wings popped up using Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L 3D Foam Squares.  A mulberry paper rose has been glued to the centre of the butterfly.  The larger two Want2Scrap Pink Rhinestone Nestabling has been adhered to the outer edges of the inlaid pattern and an extra large pearl glued to the centre.

This card is linked to the following challenges:

The Corrosive Challenges -  Always Anything Goes

Creative Fingers - ALWAYS ANYTHING GOES 

A Gem of a Challenge - Anything Goes

Cardz 4 Galz - Flutterby

Allsorts Challenge - Inspired by a Song (Ellusive Butterfly)

C.R.A.F.T. - Make Your Own Embellishment

Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Whatever the Weather

2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Anything Goes with a Critter

QKR Stampede Challenge - Anything Goes

Crafty Animals - Always Anything Goes

Jo's Stamp Shack Fun Day  - Anything Goes

Die Cut Divas - Anything Goes

Little Miss Muffet Challenge - Anything Goes

Digistamps 4 Joy - Anything Goes + optional : add ribbon or lace

Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes

Pearly Sparkles Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{Hugs}}} and happy crafting

Spellbinders Christmas Wreath Tutorial

Hello friends, thanks so much for stopping by.  I am sharing a tutorial for Spellbinders using the both stamps and Dies by Licensed Designer Joanne Zink.   The Wreath Stamp is from the new Zenspired Holidays Collection, along with a sentiment from the Die D Lites Ho Ho Ho Holiday 2017 Etched Dies - and definitely makes a 'easy to create' Christmas Card - as you will see when you follow along with the tutorial below.

'Sentiments Wreath Stamps Zenspired Holidays Collection by Joanne Fink is a cling foam (EVA) rubber stamp designed to be used with an acrylic block.  Zenspired Holidays Collection by Joanne Fink brings her signature creative drawing techniques into the holiday spirit. For fans of Zenspirations, it is an inspiring to a fun-loving array of designs and a 'must have' in your collection'. - Spellbinders

1. Stamp the Sentiments Wreath Stamp onto white card stock using black ink.

2. Colour using Chameleon Pens, adding details using a White Paint Pen.

3. Cut/emboss the Sentiments Wreath Stamp using the largest die from the Standard Circles LG.

4.  Cut/emboss the Swirl Frame using gold card stock.

5. Glue to lightly patterned paper and trim around the Swirl Frame.

6. Adhere red ribbon vertically around the centre of the card front, adhering at the back.

7..Pop up onto cream card stock using 3D Foam Tape.

9. Pop up the die cut Sentiments Wreath Stamp onto the centre of the card front using 3D Foam Tape.

10. Adhere a red bow to the top of the card front using liquid glue.

11. Glue a recycled button to the knot of the bow.

12. Adhere red rhinestones to each corner of the card front.

Spellbinders Products

• S2-226 Die D Lites Ho Ho Ho Holiday 2017 Etched Dies
• S4-114 Nestabilities Standard Circles LG Etched Dies
• S5-354 Shapeabilities Swirl Frame Etched Dies On the Wings of Love Collection by Joanne Fink
• SBS-168 Sentiments Wreath Stamps Zenspired Holidays by Joanne Fink
• PL-001 Platinum Die Cutting Machine

Other: White and gold card stock; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: E-Z Adhesive Runner, 3D Foam Squares; ; liquid glue; Imagine: Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black. Want2Scrap: 250 Count -  Red Rhinestones - Self Adhesive;  Red Ribbon, recycled button

{{{hugs}}} and happy creating

Penny Black - Happy Birthday Flowers

Hello friends, thanks so much for stopping by.  I have a card to share with you today that is focusing more on stamping, colouring and stencils, along with simple Die Cuts.

Stamp the Penny Black Inc. freshly cut cling stamp using Imagine Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black ink on angle on the bottom left corner of the card front, colour using Chameleon Pens.  Place your stencil of choice onto the card front and secure using low tack tape, sponge using Imagine Memento Ink in Teal Zeal and a Sponge Dauber, moving the stencil to fill the white spaces.

Cut/emboss the card front using the Spellbinders Nestabilities Scored and Pierced Rectangles Etched Die and the Platinum 6 Die cutting and Embossing Machine. Pop onto a pre-cut card base using  Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L 3D Foam Squares.

Cut/emboss the 'Happy' sentiment using the Spellbinders Happy Expressions Stamp and Die Set - Exclusive and black card stock.  Glue across the lower portion of the floral image. Stamp the co-ordinating sentiment using Imagine Memento ink in Tuxedo Black ink, trim and glue below the die cut sentiment. Finish by adding faux Enamel Dots using Imagine irRESISTibles Pico Embellisher in Tuxedo Black.  Layer onto slightly larger card stock, followed by a slightly larger pre-cut yellow card base using 

This card is linked to the following challenges:

Die Cut Divas - Anything Goes

Just Keep On Creating - Anything Goes

Love to Craft - Anything Goes

Love to Scrap - Anything Goes

Not Just Cards - Always Anything Goes

The Creative Crafters - Anything Goes 

World Wide Open Design Team Challenge - Always Anything Goes

Crafty Creations -  Always Anything Goes 

Creative Moments -  Always Anything Goes

Word Art Wednesdays - Anything Goes

Lemon Shortbread - Always Anything Goes

Unicorn Challenge - Use a Sentiment

Artistic Inspirations - ANYTHING GOES

Crafting from the Heart - ANYTHING GOES

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}} and happy crafting

Misty Mountain Christmas

Hello friends, thanks so much for stopping by.  I am back today with a Christmas card  to share with you - once again I created it from bits and pieces gathering on my desk - they grow daily and therefore I need to continuously 'cull' them and make cards - often some of my my favourite cards in the long run. 

I have cut a card front using offcuts of  Kaisercraft Mint Wishes Collection 6x6 and adhering them together, they have then been cut/embossed using the the largest dies from the Spellbinders Nestabilities Hemstitch Rectangles Etched Dies Venise Lace by Becca Feeken using the Platinum Die Cutting Machine.  This has been popped up onto a slightly larger pre-cut white card base using  Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L Crafty Foam Tape.

Next I have added one of the ornament stickers from the Mint Wishs Collection to a Standard Circle Etched Die and popped it slightly above the centre of the card base. Want2Scrap Baby Bling - Turquoise Rhinestones have been have been adhered to the top of the bauble and Gold Gel Pen has been used to add highlights to the patterned bauble.

The second banner from the Spellbinders Shapeabilities Ribbon Banners Etched Dies has been cut and embossed using white card stock.  The die has been used as a stencil, sponging the exposed pieces using Imagine Memento Ink in Rich Cocoa.  A sentiment from the Mint Wishes Collection has been adhered to the banner, which is popped up below the bauble using Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L Crafty Foam Tape.  Want2Scrap Beautiful Bling Borders has been trimmed and adhered along the base of the card front with Baby Bling - Turquoise Rhinestones added along the bling border.  Two Baby Bling have also been adhered to each of the top corners.

This card is linked to the following challenges:

Digi Choosday Challenge - Anything Goes

Lemon Shortbread  - Always Anything Goes 

Retarte - Anything Goes

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes 

Through The Craft Room Door - Always Anything Goes 

613 Avenue Create - Anything Goes w/Optional Twist: Christmas/Winter

Fabrika Fantasy - Christmas or Winter

Jo's Scrap Shack - ALWAYS ANYTHING GOES

QKR Stampede - ALWAYS ANYTHING GOES

Craft Rocket Challenges - Christmas Is Coming

ABC Christmas Challenge - W for Wishes/X for Xmas

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday - Christmas and Seasonal Holidays

Word Art Wednesdays - Anything Goes 

Thank you for your comments and all of the support you give me - you make blogging such an amazing place to be!! Your encouragement is such a blessing for me - it makes my day! God bless you!

{{{hugs}}} and happy crafting