Make a Wish

Today I'm sharing a card that my crop attendees will be making.  I'm creating a set of cards for different occasions for them.  I know that I always seem to need a masculine birthday card and have none on hand.  If you find you have that issue too then let me recommend the Urban paperpack!  I love the colors and prints on these papers.  These papers definitely have a masculine feel to them.  

Now for the details on how I created this card!  I used a standard A2 size card in white daisy.  I cut the background piece of paper 5.25"x4".  I used the triangle image from the Crazy Good stamp set.  When I inked that image I tapped to get a decent amount of Saffron ink on the stamp.  Then I drug it across the stamp pad to get those little lines, you could also just stamp the image the normal way.  The piece of kraft cardstock was cut 1.5"x4".  The little strip with the image is the zip strip from the top of the background sheet.  I just cut that off the top of the sheet first, then cut it to 4" across.  I cut an additional piece of White Daisy to 2"x2".  I used Sapphire ink for the sentiment.  Make a wish is from the mini stamp set Wish.  After I stamped the sentiment I used a sponge and dabbed it in Slate ink to distress the edges.  I attached it to the card using foam tape.  I finished the card off on the inside with a saying from the Birthday Funnies set.  That set is a hostess rewards stamp set that you can get for $5 when you reach your party minimum.  

Do you find masculine cards a challenge?
~Justine


 
 

Oh so happy

  I've been working on a two page layout for my crop attendees.  I happened to have a decent stash of Blossom paper left and it's a great spring time paper.  I'm really happy (haha) with how it turned out!  I used Glacier, Lagoon, Sunset, Sorbet, and Pear inks.  There's a little strip of Kaleidoscope in there too.  I also used a masking technique for the first time to create a layered look with the flowers.  

  I recently had a conversation with a friend about scrapbooking and she said she's been told many times "there's no right or wrong way to scrapbook."  That she gets frustrated when things don't look perfect.  I can agree with wanting your pages to look perfect when you get done.  I'll be honest, I've scrapbooked for 10 years and I usually mess something up every time!  It's rare for me to scrapbook when the kids aren't around, so that's usually when mistakes happen.  Today I stuck a paper down before it was lined up straight so when I pulled it up it ripped the paper a little.  But you can't tell because I covered it up once I got the paper on correctly.  I was supposed to stick the green Kaleidoscope strip down before I stuck my photo mats down.  Of course I didn't notice until after so I just cut little pieces and stuck them where they would be showing had I put it down correctly.  Also one photo mat is off center, but you know what?  When you look at the whole thing all together those flaws fade away.  Why?  Because it's about the photos and the memories and the person documenting them.  Scrapbooking is an artistic expression of how you want to document your memories.  Flaws, imperfections and all!  

 

  I'd like to challenge you to relax and enjoy the process.  Also, if you make a mistake embellish it or cover it up :)

~Justine

Products used to create this layout:

   

My Top 10 tools.

Let's talk basic tools. I'll say favorites or most reached for because I can't say must haves since we crafters feel like we need them all or at least I do! I have many other tools that I use but these are definitely the ones that I would have to have if going to a crop. I find myself reaching for these the most.

1. Paper trimmer- There are MANY different trimmers on the market but I really like my Fiskars one. It has a wire cut-line indicator. I've read mixed reviews about the wire, but I have read great things about the company replacing the piece that holds the wire should it break! Customer service is really important in this day and I like companies that stand by their products.

2. Scissors- I've owned many pairs of scissors but the non-stick micro-tip scissors from CTMH are simply the BEST! These scissors never gets sticky stuff all over the arms and have issues sticking while trying to cut. They are perfect for fussy cutting (cutting out your stamped images). I've used them every single time I've crafted over the past year since getting them and they are just as sharp as the day I got them! Having little ones I really like that they have a cover to slide into in case someone decided to venture into the craft room. Even keeping my stuff put up at our old house, our youngest is very curious and would climb to get to things.

3. Ruler- I'm not sure if most people use one as often as I do. I like to measure twice and cut once. I think that this helps cut down on waste. I don't waste as much paper and can use up my scraps more efficiently.

4. Adhesive- I have multiple types of adhesive! Tape runners, glue dots, bonding memories glue, liquid glass, foam tape, and scor tape. I like them all and use them all for different projects. Tape runners are quick and easy when assembling cards or layouts. Glue dots are great for embellishments. Bonding memories glue comes in different size tips. When the glue is wet it's permanent and when it's dry it's temporary. This is great for assembling cuts from the Cricut. Liquid glass is AMAZING! A fellow consultant calls it "the woman's super glue." This adhesive can be used to decoupage projects. It can be used for embellishments too. Plus you can put it over top of images you stamp to give it an epoxy look. Foam tape can be cut to any size needed. You can use it to pop a stamped sentiment for cards or pop up an embellishment on a layout. Sometimes it's nice to give your projects dimension to break it up. Scor tape is an adhesive double sided tape.

 

5. Craft mat- CTMH has two different mats. I'm looking to purchase the all-purpose mat soon. I've had the chance to make projects on one while stamping at a unit meeting. You can just wipe the mess right off the mat! People mix water color paints on it, and use it for heat embossing. It's heat resistant up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, and has a non-slip underside!

6. Corner rounder- Ever since I was little I loved the round corners of my Grandma's vintage photos. This is definitely a tool that I've used since I first started scrapbooking.

7. Blocks- I have found it helps to have a variety of sizes. CTMH has recommended sizes for blocks for each stamp set too! The sides have rounded grooves to hold the blocks easier and keep your fingers out of the ink. They also have a line across one edge on the stamp side to allow you to line up letters or a phrase.

8. Journaling pen- I think that at a minimum you need a black and white journaling pen. I used to use tons of other colors. I don't as much anymore. I find that I've found a favorite black and white pen. I use them the most often.

9. Sponge or Daubers- CTMH's round sponge can be cut into 8 sections to use for different colors. Daubers are great too. You can either use one per each color or you can wash them when your done and let them dry out too. Both of these can create different textures on your creations. They can be used to distress the edges or give a realistic look to plants.

10. My acrylix spritz cleaner and stamp scrubber- These are essential for cleaning your stamps when done using them or in between colors. I've tried using baby wipes but you have to make sure they are alcohol free, plus they can leave fibers on your stamp. Then when you go to stamp you'll have a fibers that is heavily colored and leaves a line across your image. The spray really does last and you can purchase refill bottles.

*Bonus- An organizer to carry those tools in!

What are your favorite or most reached for tools?

~Justine