Victoria's Mellifluous Musings

January Sketch Challenge - Scrappy Chic Cafe

2012-01-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

I am having a sketch challenge over at Scrappy Chic Cafe.
Here is the sketch if you would like to give it a whirl.
You can find the challenges on the site under the groups tab in January challenges.
Join for your chance to win!

I hope I will see you at the Cafe!

Hint of a New Canvas - for a Valentine Friend-

2012-01-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

Just a little teaser for my next canvas. This one is another 6 x 12 canvas. I am doing it for a Valentine's Day swap, so I can't give the whole canvas away - yet! I have been working with the Liquitex glass bead medium. This time I decided to add a mix of my own rose beads, white pearlescent beads, and Swarovski Crystals. I covered the surface with Glossy Accents to make sure that everything would stay together. I am liking how it looks! What do you think?

I also am interested in knowing if my followers are interested in more tutorials on this blog. Let me know, if you don't mind.

Have a wonderful day!

<3 Victoria

Christmas Canvas using Vintage Street Market products!

2011-12-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I got my Christmas inspiration a little late this year! But no worries, Christmas will be back in about 362 days! Didn't mean to frighten you!

I made this canvas using Vintage Street Market's December kit, which is unfortunately sold out. They have lots of other great Christmas items available. I also used Delta Ceramcoat in antique white, fire red and metallic silver. There are some touches of Liquitex gel media, both glass beads (on the torch and girls hats) and opaque white flakes (the bottom edge). I love these media. You just have to have some patience, which is a virtue we can all do more with. Right? Right!

I will have some more projects up very shortly! The trip to New Orleans right before the holidays was wonderful, but got me off of my crafty postings.

Best of the New Year to each of my followers!

<3 Victoria

Having Fun with the December Daily (and Crafty Secrets)!

2011-12-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

I am loving working on my December daily. I have never tried this and am sort of making my version up as I go. I am doing digital layouts with the Creating with Vintage Illustrations CD from Crafty Secrets. I am doing a 5 inch by 8 inch size and leaving a bit of room on one edge for binding when I print them out. What I am enjoying the most is looking at the vintage and not so vintage decorations we have and writing what I recall about them. I really wish I had something like this from my grandparents or great grandparents, so I hope it will be treasured in the future.

Have a wonderful week!

<3 Victoria

Creating with Vintage Illustrations - Day 4

2011-11-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

I just cannot stop! I am continuing to create layouts with the Creating with Vintage Illustrations CD from Crafty Secrets. I just finished up this cutie with my dear little friend, Evy. Her mom made this fabulous piglet costume. She was just like I remember being - that face paint was itchy. Just adorable though!

All of these wonderful papers and embellishments are on the new CD! I hope you will check it out! I know you will love it as much as I do.

<3 Victoria

Creating with Vintage Illustrations - Day 3!

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

I could not be more in love with the Creating with Vintage Illustrations CD. It doesn't hurt to have highly photogenic kids around either! This is another LO from our office Halloween festivities. This little gal never is without a smile on her face. She is a gem!

Be sure to check out the Crafty Secrets blog for news about some fantastic sales!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am thankful for each of you.

Creating with Vintage Illustrations - Day 2!

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have had this vintage image of my dad and his brother Robert, in my album for years. As nearly as I can figure this would be circa 1930 - 1932. Both of these dear men have passed away now. I am eternally thankful for the sense of family and country my dad gave me. His brother Robert died at the young age of 24 during WWII. He was a member of the British home guard and contracted tuberculosis. Sadly he was never able to marry his girlfriend "Wendy", or live out his life's potential. Shortly after his death my family came to the United States. I treasure each family photograph, because they are so few due to weight restrictions for immigrants on airplanes.

I am so thrilled with the Creating with Vintage Illustrations CD, because it has the perfect images to showcase my special photographs! Hope you will enjoy it too!

Crafty Secrets is going to change their Clear Stamps to Digital CD’s and all the stamps will go on sale starting this Friday! Why? Owner Sandy Redburn says her husband retired last year and they want to simplify their life. “With over 200 stamp sets and over 100 printed products it’s time to clear the clutter and make room for some exciting new changes!"

WHY DO DIGI STAMPS? Imagine if you were to open a stamped image in a digital file and make it different sizes, be able to print it with perfect clarity on any medium, plus have an array of inspiring samples to browse through with links to the designer, read tips and tutorials, etc. With new digital stamp designs we won’t be limited to size any longer, so we can have jumbo size images, include inside verses for cards and background stamps, or have an image pre-stamped in 3 different colors to choose from and even include printable color papers in themes to suit the stamps!

Be sure to check out all of the other design team members' projects! I know I will be.

Crafty Secrets Design Team

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Amy Teets
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Fauve van Maanen
Julie Campbell
Gini Cagle
Jan Hennings
Tammy Roberts
Victoria Warren Mears (You are here!)
Viola Mahr

Heartwarming Vintage Blog
Crafty Secrets Store

Hot News! Crafty Secrets Second CD Creating with Vintage Illustrations.

2011-11-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

I am super excited to announce the release of Crafty Secrets second CD, Creating with Vintage Illustrations.

It will be available for purchase on BLACK Friday! What a perfect gift for yourself or any of the crafters you know.

I did the LO of my favorite Garden Gnome, Juniper, in just minutes with the fabulous elements on the CD. Everything you see in the layout other than the fonts for journaling and titling are from the CD.

In more big news, the following message is from Sandy at Crafty Secrets:

Crafty Secrets is going to change their Clear Stamps to Digital CD’s and all the stamps will go on sale starting this Friday! Why? Owner Sandy Redburn says her husband retired last year and they want to simplify their life. “With over 200 stamp sets and over 100 printed products it’s time to clear the clutter and make room for some exciting new changes!"

As the Clear Art Stamps sell out, they will be grouped into themes and sold on CD’s which will include inspiring samples, new images and printable papers.

This will be the SALE pricing on the Clear Art Stamps starting this Friday while supplies last.

Large Clear Art Stamps originally $24.99 on sale for $19.99, Medium sets reg $14.99 on sale for $12.99 and Small Clear Art Stamp Sets reg $7.50 on sale for $5.99!

I will post SALE prices on our printed items on the Blog this Wed, Nov 23. My goal is to transform the business before Spring so we only have CD’s or licensed products and we can move to a smaller house - but I have 1000’s of some of our printed items.

WHY DO DIGI STAMPS? Imagine if you were to open a stamped image in a digital file and make it different sizes, be able to print it with perfect clarity on any medium, plus have an array of inspiring samples to browse through with links to the designer, read tips and tutorials, etc. With new digital stamp designs we won’t be limited to size any longer, so we can have jumbo size images, include inside verses for cards and background stamps, or have an image pre-stamped in 3 different colors to choose from and even include printable color papers in themes to suit the stamps!

Be sure to check out all of the other design team members' inspiring projects! I know I will be.

Crafty Secrets Design Team

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Amy Teets
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Fauve van Maanen
Julie Campbell
Gini Cagle
Jan Hennings
Tammy Roberts
Victoria Warren Mears (You are here!)
Viola Mahr

Heartwarming Vintage Blog
Crafty Secrets Store

Check back tomorrow for some more projects with the Creating with Vintage Illustrations CD!

This week, I am thankful for each of you.....

<3 Victoria

Crafty Secrets Design Team Gift Bag/Envelope Challenge

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

This month we were challenged to make an envelope gift bag! It is an awesome way to use up recycled envelopes and make very inexpensive gift bags. I made mine for the guys in my life to hold sports tickets. I chose a baseball theme and used the 2011 Crafty Secret Clear Stamp set called Play Ball. The ink was a super easy choice for me. I used Ranger Distress Inks in Barn Red and Faded Jeans.

To make the bag I followed this tutorial. It was super easy. The hardest part for me was getting my big hands to be coordinated with the folding of the bottom. It took me a bit of patience, but the outcome is so worth it!

I also want to show you a hybrid card I made using the Creating with Vintage Patterns Crafty Secret CD that I am so fond of. For this card I designed the background in Photoshop and printed it out on an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of card stock. I then added the stamped title using the 2011 Clear Stamps entitled Grand Greetings. Finally I added one dimensional embellishment. Easy and I can print the JPEG background again if I want to create a similar card.

Be sure to check out all of the other design team members' inspiring projects! I know I will be.

Crafty Secrets Design Team

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Amy Teets
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Fauve van Maanen
Julie Campbell
Gini Cagle
Jan Hennings
Tammy Roberts
Victoria Warren Mears (You are here!)
Viola Mahr

Heartwarming Vintage Blog
Crafty Secrets Store

Thanks for stopping by!

<3 Victoria

Daddy's Girl - Crafty Secrets

2011-10-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

I just recently found this photograph of my dad and me. I believe that my grandpa made my dress. Not sure where we were going, but it was somewhere special! I love the shades of brown papers from the Crafty Secret Creating with Vintage Patterns CD. I recolored the journaling tag from a lovely soft pink using a sepia filter so it would coordinate more with my chosen papers.

This layout is based on my October sketch over at Scrappy Chic Cafe. Please join us for the reverse challenge. Check out the DTs awesome Halloween items and vote for your favorites. You might even chose to lift one or two before Halloween arrives.

This CD is so versatile, I have used it for digital and hybrid projects. What I really love is that I can print the same pattern over and over. So if I create a coordinated mini album, I just can buy white card stock and print the design multiple times.

Watch my blog over the next weeks for a special give away to one of my followers. If you aren't a "follower of record" please consider joining my blog so you don't miss a RAK opportunity.

Have a wonderful week!

Throwback Halloween - Crafty Secrets

2011-10-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Wasn't my DS cute in 2004? This year we are going as a mummy. Each year requires mommy to get more creative. So we are off to the store to buy a white long sleeved shirt and miles of gauze which we will dye with black tea for that aged mummy look! I really love making costumes.

This LO was created with the Crafty Secrets Creating with Vintage Patterns CD. This CD is so versatile, so many more possibilities! Thanks for stopping by!

Crafty Secrets Design Team Challenge "Retro Inspiration"

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

This month's design team challenge theme at Crafty Secrets is Retro look. What could be more retro than this '64 1/2 Mustang that was owned by my dad. It was the second one on the road in Washington! My dad was cool that way.....

This layout was created digitally using the Creating with Vintage Patterns CD
. I especially love the red and turquoise papers. Our car was a steel blue-gray so I sampled the color of the car and used the free-font "A Hard Day's Night" for the writing.

By the way, that is retro me in the photograph! I really loved this car and the cars that followed, including a Pontiac Firebird and a Chevy Malibu.

Crafty Secrets Design Team

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Amy Teets
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Fauve van Maanen
Julie Campbell
Gini Cagle
Jan Hennings
Tammy Roberts
Victoria Warren Mears (You are here!)
Viola Mahr

Heartwarming Vintage Blog
Crafty Secrets Store

Thanks for stopping by!

<3 Victoria

A One Dollar Frame Transformation

2011-09-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

For this project, I took a frame that was plain from Joann, it had monkeys on it to color in. I modified it using:

1. Gesso
2. Delta Acrylic Paint in Tahiti Blue and Magnolia White
3. Crafty Secrets Stamp SM40 Grand Greetings
4. Staz On Black Ink
5. Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Crackle Paint - Clear Rock Candy
6. Ric-Rak and Ribbon
7. Crafty Secrets Homemade Images and Journal Notes

It was so easy to gesso and paint the frame, stamp the image, paint with distress crackle paint, add the ribbons and cut and add the embellishment "coffee, tea or me" and frame up the picture.

Hope you enjoy this end of summer project! Look for more great ideas from Crafty Secret next Monday!

<3 Victoria

A Party is Coming Soon! Congratulations Ticey and Antwan!

2011-09-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

I just love weddings and engagements, well parties in general. I made about 60 favors for Ticey and Antwan's engagement party coming up this weekend. Ticey wanted Damask and Blush Pink. The favors are from a template on the Crafty Secret Creating with Vintage Patterns CD, as is the damask. I just took white card stock and ran one side with the template and the other with the damask. Could not be simpler!

These are filled with dinner mints and embellished with hand made paper flowers, ribbon and the couple's names. Tomorrow, I will show them to the future bride. Hope she likes them!

Have a beautiful week!

Crafty Secrets Design Team Challenge "Fairy Theme" - Fairy Unaware

2011-08-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

The challenge theme for Crafty Secrets this month was to create a "fairy" themed object. I am so in love with the Creating with Vintage Patterns CD, that I used it again for a digital LO.

I chose to focus on a "vintage" photo of me from about 1967, when my mom and dad thought I should take dance lessons. I was *so* uncoordinated. The thing I remember about my recital was that I was doing the dance steps slightly after everyone else. Thank goodness my coordination and abilities improved later in life.

The journaling reminds me that I was not only a fairy unaware, but fairly unaware! So instead of the art of dance, I eventually moved along to the art of music, which was one of the best experiences of my life.

How to make the layered Flowers in Photoshop Elements:
1. Select your paper from the digital CD.
2. Open in Photoshop Elements
3. Create a new file (I did a 1 inch by 1 inch; 300 dpi file with white background)
4. Cut a flower shape with the cookie cutter tool from the patterned paper and copy your layer to the new file. I duplicated this layer 4 times.
5. Add a drop shadow to each layer and adjust each layer so you have a flower that appears to be multiple stacked layers.
6.On the final layer, I used a plastic layer to give the look of a rounded embellishment.

That simple!

I also found yet another photo of my dad. I love how he is taking vacation movies (yep I'm a chip of the old block with photography) and wearing his "signature" flat cap. We lost more of those over the years than I care to remember, but he always had a flat cap on. I miss my dad <3. Fortunately a bit of my dad lives on in my DS, (and me I am sure) he is never far away.

Now, head over to the other design team members blogs and check out their fabulous fairy projects!

Crafty Secrets Design Team

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Amy Teets
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Fauve van Maanen
Julie Campbell
Gini Cagle
Jan Hennings
Tammy Roberts
Victoria Warren Mears (You are here!)
Viola Mahr

Heartwarming Vintage Blog
Crafty Secrets Store

Engagement Favors!

2011-08-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

OM Goodness! I am so excited. My assistant at work got engaged on the 4th of July. She is having an engagement party in September and I am going to make candy holders for her guests. Shhhhhh! I made these prototypes using the Crafty Secrets Creating with Vintage Patterns CD. I printed hot pink paper with the damask pattern AND used the template on the CD to create the gift cone! We have since decided to go with black and white cones, with pink sheer ribbon. I can hardly wait to get started!

MUAH! Have a great day and here is to new love <3

Jewelry Time!

2011-08-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

I just finished this necklace using a square slide mount and a wonderful bird image from the back of the Mini Vintage Creative Scraps from Crafty Secrets. I used the square with the large bird as my background. I cut out the nest and added some Stickles to the eggs for a tiny amount of bling. Finally I printed a patterned paper from the Creating with Vintage Patterns CD and added the tiny flying bird to the pendant. I hand tied the bow to the bail and added the pearls on jump rings. Finally I added the ribbon necklace. Now I have a cute and simple pendant to wear with a plain shirt.

Have a splendid week everyone!

Does Anybody Know What Time It Is? Crafty Secrets Altered Kitchen Clock

2011-08-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

I have had a great time working on this quick and easy altered clock. The background tiles are printed from the Crafty Secrets Creating with Vintage Patterns CD. I then used the Domestic Goddess Creative Scraps at 12, 3, 6, and 9 positions. Finally, I added the numbers and the flower with the help of a circle template.

This is a quick and fun housewarming gift, especially in the land of the Ranch Houses, we live in!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week!

Life On A Farm

2011-08-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have been looking through my vacation photos. I love digital photography, so much easier than film and you can see if you have good photos ahead of time. It is a far cry from when I was little. I have so many photos of Preston and our vacations that it is hard to get to them all.
This is from last summer at a little farm near Kensington California where our friend Lyle lives. Preston had a great time with the animals!

I used the Creating with Vintage Patterns CD from Crafty Secrets. I did this LO in Sketchbook Pro, which I have to confess I am still learning. I was able to add paint splatters and hand doodling. It is a lot of fun but a steep learning curve for photoshop trained me!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Oh Happy Day!

2011-07-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Isn't it a happy day when the weather is fine and you are feeling great? Well, that has been my day today!

I just finished a card using the Crafty Secrets Creating with Vintage Patterns CD and Mini-Vintage Creative Scraps. I designed the card base using the patterned papers on the CD and elements in Sketchbook Pro. I created my design in a 10 inch by 7 inch format for my 5 inch by 7 inch card. I designed the front and back at the same time! So simple. I printed the base card out on a white 5 x 7 card blank and added buttons, stitching, the mini vintage scrap mounted on card stock and a little bit of stickles on the Robin's blue eggs.

Could not be easier! Hope you all have a happy day! If you have any questions about the CD or the techniques I am using just ask. I am always happy to provide you with a tutorial!

WINNERS! Crafty Secrets Give Away!

2011-07-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

We have two winners tonight! Yeah!

First for the Mini Scraps and little goodies from me:

Becky Dunham said...
What a fun project! I have seen this kind of thing before but this one is beautiful! Love all the little images - thanks for the chance to win some for myself :)

rebeccadunham at hotmail dot com

And the winner for the Creating with Vintage Patterns CD:

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...
What a fun post. Baseball and kids is really all summer is about
I've seen so many wonderful things made off this CD I just think it is almost a must have. The inspiration is awesome.
Thanks for the fun

If you both will send me your addresses at drvamears at yahoo dot com, I will get your prizes out in the mail shortly! Thanks for visiting and playing along.

Baseball And Crafty Secrets Have Been Good to Me & You!

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I am in Sacramento California this week at the Thunder Valley Resort for work. While I am away, I wanted to show you a layout made with the new Crafty Secrets Creating with Vintage Patterns CD and the new Play Ball Stamps (SL 44).

This is my son playing for Mt. Tabor Little League 9-10 year old All Stars. They played with heart in the Clackamas tournament. Even though they were eliminated after two games they battled the whole way. I am one proud mom!

To make this layout, I first made the heart embellishment. I inked a chipboard heart with Versa Magic Aspen Mist Ink, which I let dry throughly. I stamped the heart with the baseball stamp inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink by Ranger in Fired Brick. I stamped the All Star Base and the Mitt on White Card Stock with Color Box Royal Blue Ink and Fired Brick Ink, respectively which I embossed using clear embossing powder. I cut these out and layered on the heart and set aside.

One of the amazing advantages of the Creating with Vintage Patterns CD is you never run out of paper. I printed one of the papers in 8 x 8 on white card stock. I added the photo. Then I stamped the three stars from the Play Ball set with acrylic paint and Fired Brink ink over the acrylic paint when it was dried.

Finally I added the embellishment and the journaling spot, which was also inked with the Aspen Mist Color.

On Friday, I will announce the winners of both today's post and Monday's post. Today, I am giving you a chance to win the Crafty Secrets Creating with Vintage Patterns CD. What do you have to do to win????? Just leave your name and a comment about why you would love to win. I will randomly select the winner on Friday July 22nd, when I get back from my business trip! Good Luck!

NEW Product Show Offs! Crafty Secrets

2011-07-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today I get to show off some new Crafty Secrets Product that are ready now! I used Mini Vintage Creative Scraps for the design team challenge, I made a pretty cookie plate that is hand washable.

This project uses the Mini Vintage Creative Scraps. Let's make one together!

Supply list:

1 Sheet Mini Vintage Creative Scraps
1 Paper doily
1 Clear plate (I got mine for a dollar at the Dollar Store)
Paper Towels
Mod Podge (I used Matte finish)
Tissue paper
Acrylic spray

Tools:
Scissors, craft knife, rag, bowl of water, brush, damp sponge

Directions:

1. Cut out your Mini Vintage Creative Scraps, you can use the fronts which are brightly colored or the more softly colored cream and brown backs OR mix it up!

2. Plan you design. Adjust until it is how you like it.

3. Set up! Being organized will help this project along a lot. Make sure the water is not in your elbow space and place the paper towels on the side and have a damp rag ready handy to wipe your hands on.

4. Pick up a scrap an add it to the water. It will curl up a little and then flatten out. This makes it so that you won't have wrinkles in your work.

5. Gently taking the scrap out of water and place it on a paper towel. Brush the Front of the image with Mod Podge and place carefully on the Back of the plate.

Hint: If you have bubbles, gently dab the back of the scrap with a wet sponge or rag, until no wrinkles show.

6. Repeat with the remaining clippings, check the front of the plate from time to time to make sure everything is where you want it to be and has no bubbles.

7. When you are finished gluing on images and doilies, brush an even coat of Mod Podge over the back and let the plate dry face down overnight - no peeking!

8. Place the plate upside down on tissue, trim close to the edge of the plate. It doesn't need to be exact at this point.

9. Brush Mod Podge on the back of plate and smooth tissue, set the plate face down again to dry overnight.

10. When it's completely dry, trim the excess backing from the rim with a craft knife.

11. Apply three coats of Mod Podge, allowing to dry between coats. When completely dry spray with an Acrylic Clear Spray.

Remember it is only HAND Washable.

Now, head over to the other design team members blogs and check out their great projects!

Crafty Secrets Design Team

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Amy Teets
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Fauve van Maanen
Julie Campbell
Gini Cagle
Jan Hennings
Tammy Roberts
Victoria Warren Mears (You are here!)
Viola Mahr

But wait, leave a comment here and I will draw a winner for a Mini Vintage Creative Scrap sheet so you can make your own plate! Winner will be drawn on Friday. Check back on Wednesday for some more projects with new product and another give away!

Life at the Zoo

2011-07-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mr. P has been at zoo camp at the Oregon Zoo this week. He is totally loving it! He had a camera with him and took these shots (among 100 or so others). He is getting to be a great photographer.

For this LO I used the Crafty Secret Digital Paper CD, Creating with Vintage Papers. I love the background paper and it seemed a little "zoo like" to me. I used the letters filled with a green hounds tooth pattern, and buttons. The collage template was designed by Amy Teets, another design team member. I love how easy this layout was to do!

Happy weekend everyone!

Whitney Family Exploration

2011-07-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have been working a bit more on my heritage albums. Here are two new layouts of old photos. This first layout is of me. I found a photo with great contrast and made a "paper doll" of me. The super cute background paper is from Crafty Secrets digital CD. It was crying out for a little girl! I love the colors and the look of this paper. The layering is also done with papers cut from the papers on the CD.

I just got the photo in the following layout from my cousin Marcia. This was her dad, my great-uncle in a photograph from the 1940s. I remember him as a tall slender man and this photo certainly accentuates that. What a winning smile! The papers and embellishments on this layout and the layout of me are all from Crafty Secrets' new digital CD Creating with Vintage Patterns.

Thank you for stopping by!

Retro Summer Fun - Crafty Secrets and Scrappy Chic Cafe

2011-07-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend! (and Canada day to my Canadian friends!) Today I wanted to show you this month's sketch at Scrappy Chic Cafe. The challenges are found under the group tab and choosing the July Challenge Group. Each month I provide a sketch with a RAK to the winner. The summer is a great time to enter because more people are enjoying the outdoors than are inside scrapping, so join the challenges at the Cafe! This month's sketch is inspired by the stars and stripes, but would be easily changed by swapping out the stars for flowers!

For my sample layout, I went digital using some more of the "vintage" me photos. All of the papers and embellishments I used are from the Crafty Secret CD, "Creating with Vintage Papers". I love everything about this CD. The designs are totally fun to play with. I plan to show you a lot more in the coming weeks.

To make the LO:
1. Select your background color and duplicate the layer to a new 12 x 12 inch file set at 300 dpi.
2. Open a coordinating color and use your cookie cutter tool to cut an 11 inch diameter circle. Duplicate this layer and send to your 12 x 12 file.
3. Open a third and use your cookie cutter tool to cut a star. Send to the 12 x 12 file and duplicate 4 times, space the stars around the circle layer.
4. Add your title, I used Arial lettering at 72 pixels with a drop shadow.
5. Select your photos and crop to 3 x 3 inch. Using a grid align them to the layout.
6. Select a fourth color of pp and using your cookie cutter cut small scallop edged flowers, send to 12 x 12 file and layer on stars. Add drop shadow layer to each.
7. Choose the button embellishment and add to the center of each star.
8. Add the journaling embellishment and your journaling.
9. Finally add drop shadows to each layer and adjust to your liking, so they look dimensional.
10. Save as a jpeg and size according to your liking.

Have a wonderful weekend! Be safe!
<3 Victoria

Crafty Secrets Design Team Challenge "Childhood theme"

2011-06-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another fabulous Monday! I am honored to be participating in my first Crafty Secrets Design Team challenge today. Our theme was childhood. As some of you know I recently had all of my childhood slides scanned onto a CD. It was expensive, but it is so nice to have these images (and some film, too) digitally.

I made my project in Photoshop Elements and used the fabulous new Crafty Secrets "Creating with Vintage Patterns". All of the yummy papers and journaling mat are included on the CD.

I cut 2 inch squares for the layers. It is really important to activate your grid in Photoshop elements in order to get everything precisely lined up. The grid is located under your view tab and select grid. It really will help a lot.

You are sure to want to see the other ideas from the Crafty Secret Design Team.
Follow the links below to view all of our blogs! Please be sure to "follow" us so you can get our most up-to-date tips and ideas.

Crafty Secrets Design Team

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
Pam Hooten
Heidi Blankenship
Linda Duke
Michele Kovack
Amy Teets
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Fauve van Maanen
Julie Campbell
Gini Cagle
Jan Hennings
Tammy Roberts
Victoria Warren Mears (You are here!)
Viola Mahr

Have a wonderful week!

Love,
Victoria

I Love Babies! Especially when they belong to other moms!

2011-06-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky that my work has a bring your baby to work policy. Moms and dads can have their little ones at work until they are 6 months old. We have been so lucky to have two beautiful little girls in our office this year - Juniper and Finley. They give the office such a nice feel and are always a mood lifter no matter what! I am hoping we will have some more on the way in the next year too! I love being an honorary auntie!

Today, I want to show you a chipboard decoration that I made with the new Crafty Secrets digital paper CD, Sweet Chips Chipboard Little Boy Outfit and Alice in Wonderland Stamps.

I printed out all of the three papers used - 2 green and 1 parchment from the CD and cut out the shapes. I adhered all of the papers with a thin layer of matte Mod Podge. When completely dry I added the Offray ribbon to the buttons, inked the edges with chalk ink, and stamped the sentiment with Black Staz on ink.

I love how this turned out and the new digital CD. Be sure to check it out on the Crafty Secrets Blog.

Have a wonderful, snuggly day!

"Vintage" Photos

2011-06-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

I have just had all of my vintage family slides and movies transferred to DVD. It has been a fun experience seeing what pictures those slide held. I will be working my way through some of the slides and scrapbooking them. I love the ones I found of Disneyland from about 1967.
It rained so hard while we were there. I love these three photos. Waiting in line for the carousel ride with my dad. Sitting on a bench with my dad. Finally, the photo of Tom Sawyer's Island. Thanks for stopping by to visit! Have a wonderful week!

Altered Mini Notebook - Modern to Vintage

2011-06-06T16:43:00.001-07:00

I love making new look vintage. I found a small notebook at my local department store and thought it would be perfect for carrying in my purse for notes on the go. The only thing was I am more vintage style than modern (and not so much of a pink gal).

I took the new Crafty Secrets Digital Paper disc and printed two of the papers onto white card stock.
The change was easy!

Supplies:

Mini Notebook
Crafty Secrets Patterned paper
Gesso
Sakura Gel Pen
Mod Podge
Vintage Lace and Ric Rak and Red Ribbon
Distress Ink - Tea Stain

1. First, I traced the cover onto the Birdie music paper and hand cut it.
2. I cut the scallop border from a coordinating paper
3. I adhered the scallop to the top of the Birdie paper
4. To "show off" the scallops, I colored the edges with a orange red gel pen
5. I gessoed the cover of the mini notebook, paying especially attention to the lime green binding.
6. When the gesso was dry I inked the spine and added the cover, adhering it with matte Mod Podge. It really brought out the vintage aged yellows in the paper. I also "finger painted" a bit of gesso on the lower edges of the front book cover.
7. I added the lace and ric rak, which I had "aged" with the distress ink in tea stain.
8. Finally I applied the matte Mod Podge to the cover and added the red bow.

I have the perfect "aged" notebook! This was a quick and fun project and it would make an awesome gift for a teacher too!

Over the Moon!

2011-06-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am ever so excited! I was selected to be on the design team at Crafty Secrets. I have long been a fan! Sandy has just come out with a digital CD of Crafty Secret papers and ephemera. I am in love!

Here is a photo with some of the papers that are available. There are even templates and instructions to change the papers to your own color scheme.

I am excited to start on some digital and hybrid designs to show you!

New Creations!

2011-05-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with a few projects. I have had this 7 Gypsies Printer Tray in my craft room for a while. I felt a little intimidated to begin work. In late March, I decided to just jump in. I had some cute Jenni Bowlin papers and started with those. I decided on the USA and "home" theme early on. Much of the ephemera is from my house and often from my childhood. The ballerina was on a cake and the ducks were cake candle holders - very vintage - as you can see from the layout that I just completed.

This LO was a lot of fun. Each year I try to do one of me at whatever my age is! So now you know, 48. I adore the Echo Park for the record line. Likewise I am proud of my age! I have earned every color challenged hair! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all are having a fantastic week!

Homage to the White Rabbit Alice in Wonderland Part 1

2011-04-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

I have always loved Alice in Wonderland. I am in the process of working on several paper art pieces that will have an "Alice" focus. My first piece is an acrylic mini from Maya Road and features the evolution of the White Rabbit in book and movie history, my oh my how he has changed over the years. This little mini features a "blingy" charm that I made at CKC Portland in the class on using your scrap supplies to make jewelry. It could be used as a focal charm on a necklace, but I like it here!

Opening Day Bliss!

2011-04-10T13:08:00.001-07:00

Preston has been playing Little League since he was 6. This year, we are on the Texas Rangers! Woot! This is the first year in the last four that it did not rain on opening day here in Portland! It was cold, but the Snack Shack has coffee! Preston got his first RBI single this year. And wow, I feel like a home run must be in the offing soon! That boy has power!
Anyway, that was my fun Saturday.
Thanks for stopping by!

Happy First Day of Spring 2011

2011-03-20T21:07:00.001-07:00

I certainly hope your first day of spring was more "spring-like" than ours! We had one windy Portland Day with a little rain thrown in for good measure. I used the design for today from 365 Cards. It is day 20 of the card making year!
I did this card for a "layering challenge" issued to me by Terri at Eye-Lets, Etc. If you haven't done so yet, you should "like" her store on facebook. Her products are easy to use and fun. AND when she has a few more followers, she will be introducing a new product.......

This card was made as a first spring day card. I love the purples, blues, and pinks. Absolutely everything except the ribbon came from Eye-Lets, Etc. I made the cabbage flower by punching three 2 inch circles. I tore two to be smaller circles and then my favorite part crumpled the paper up and then smoothed it out. They are adhered to one another from smallest to largest with a liquid adhesive. I also added the pink button with liquid adhesive. When it was dry, it was added to the card. These flowers aren't new but they still are fun to make!

I hope you all have a joyous spring time!

Scrappy Chic Cafe Work

2011-03-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

I am the sketch artist for Scrappy Chic Cafe. It is a wonderful place AND one of the fabulous perks, aside from Christine and all of the lovely DT ladies, is getting to work with some fabulous new products. Christine sent me the Echo Park Little Boy line to work with along with some fun Rick Rak and embellishments. The Little Boy Line works great for little guys or bigger ones.
I love working with both old and new photos. Look how Mr. Preston has changed! The Little Boy LO features him at 18 months, the middle at Oregon Gardens, when he was a little older, and the bottom one as a terrific almost 10 year old.
Hope you'll join me at Scrappy Chic Cafe. You'll find the link on the right hand bar. Come experience some fabulous challenges and check out a great store!

Lovin 2 B Me

2011-03-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

Two new projects! I am lovin' to b me! Doing things with my family makes me extremely happy. I am really enjoying this pre-teen time a lot.

My first project was done for my son's room. One of his "new" heros is Luke Sikma, pictured in the photo. Luke is a senior basketball player at the University of Portland. Preston had a chance to go to basketball day camp in January and met him. Luke even stayed after to shoot some one-on-one hoops with Preston. There is something to make a hero, being kind to kids and having talent in something the kid is interested in! Preston got really into basketball after this camp and continues to be so. Luke make an inspired and positive change in Preston's life.

This picture frame started out as a plain wood Ikea frame. I painted it brown and then added the distress crackle finish. Over that is layered tiles of boy themed paper designed by Donna Salazar. Everything is distressed and inked to give it a little of that grungy Northwest look. There is real denim shredded and stapled on. Also the flowers are made from cut denim -NEVER throw away old jeans!

The layout is for a challenge at Tally Scrapper. The items to be included were orange, a tree, three buttons and a title like a text or e-mail I had received. This challenge was loads of fun. Lots of different paper lines and mixed embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

We Love Basketball

2011-03-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks we have been busy finishing up our season with St. Ignatius School. The 4th grade boys finished in third place for their level. They were really pleased. Since my DS attended the University of Portland Pilots basketball camp on New Years day, he has been a changed player. The Pilots are playing in the WCC - championships in Las Vegas starting this weekend! GO PILOTS! A huge shout out to this great team, the coaches and the players. Yesterday I completed a digital LO using the Echo Park Walk in the Park line. I love that I can get the papers in digital and "real" product. I used my own sketch, developed for the Scrappy Chic Cafe March Sketch Challenge.

The two players in these photos are Luke Sikma and Jasonn Hannibal, both Seniors. What tremendous inspiration and role models they have been for Preston! Have a wonderful week and GO PILOTS! (oh wait.... I said that before).

2011-02-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

I am still trying to do all of the 365 Card Challenges. This week is sketches. Now I am up to Tuesday. Don't know if I will make the entire week....... For this sketch I used DCWV and Bazzill products along with Maya Road and Melissa Frances embellishments.

Over at the revived Tally Scrapper, there is a Survivor Challenge on right now. Here is my LO for the first challenge. Still getting my Disney on! What a fun summer trip we had!

Hope all of you are doing well. I am looking forward to having some time to post some tutorials for you! Happy Day!

365 Cards - Sunday and Monday Sketches

2011-02-15T16:31:00.001-08:00

Here are two new cards from me using Echo Park papers and the sketches from 365 Cards for Sunday and Monday. This week every day is a sketch! Love it!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

My Man - Scrappy Chic Cafe Sketch Example Featuring Echo Park

2011-02-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, you all *know* how much I love my DH, Jim. There are some moments that are too good to pass up, especially when you are invited to snap a photo! This photo was taken at the Puyallup Fair this past September. It illustrates one of the BEST characteristics of my DH, his wonderful sense of humor.

This layout was based on the sketch I created for Scrappy Chic Cafe. I had loads of fun with this one!

Patterned paper, stickers from Echo Park
Bling: Zva
Skull: Grunge board
Hearts: Maya Road chip board
Paint: Hydrangea pink Delta
Ink: Charcoal Gray and Cotton Candy, Hot pink and blue pen
Flowers: Petaloo Candy Flora Doodle and handmade paper rose.
Rub-on: Basic Grey

Sketch Challenge on Scrappy Chic Cafe

2011-02-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to report that I was selected to be the Scrappy Chic Cafe Sketch artist! Woo-hoo! I have created a sketch group at the site, which I hope each of you will consider joining!

Let me show you the sketch of the month for February

I will be back with my sample and I hope to see yours over at the Cafe.

Getting Digital with Love

2011-02-02T12:07:00.001-08:00

It has been a long time since I did a digital LO. I thought I would give it a whirl again. This LO was made in Photoshop Elements with papers and elements from BWScrapbooking.com, the kit is called Red Romance. I began this with a new 12 inch square file at 350 pixels/inch. Each of the patterned paper layers was cut from the kit. Layer 1 is dark red cut in a simple square of 11 1/2 inches. Layer 2 is the torn layer cut with a torn shape cutter from the grid paper, layer 3 is cut from the dotted paper with a torn circle. The hearts were also cut in Photoshop with a standard cutting tool. To add depth to this LO each of the layers has a low drop shadow added. The only items that aren't drop shadowed are the swirl and the faux dymo labels. The journaling labels have additional bevel effects added to make them appear to have more depth, just like the plastic dymo tapes do.
The photo was taken last summer at the Portland Beavers game. I am wearing my Komen breast cancer awareness jersey (game worn) and the guys have the team jersey. This was the last game of the season for the team AND unfortunately ever in Portland. We will miss them.
Thanks for stopping by!

Valentine's Day is Coming

2011-02-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Two new cards for me. The first card is based on the 365 Cards Sunday Sketch for January 31, 2011. I was really into using blue on a card and love the mosaic look of the corners. I had a great time inking and placing bling - very fun! Then, I got another idea for the same sketch, so watch for the card later in the week!

Tally Scrapper is having a "re-opening" crop of sorts. It is really a re-freshing crop going on now through the 7th. This criss-cross card is my first card for the crop. I also did a digital LO, which I haven't done for a long time! I think my mojo is coming back!

Have a wonderful week! Keep warm everyone!

365 Cards - Sunday Sketch 315 and Challenge 316 Pure Elegance

2011-01-10T17:10:00.001-08:00

The challenge for Monday was to create a card that was elegant. I used taupe card stock and some Bo Bunny leftover Christmas paper (shhhhhh!) The velvety ribbon accent is from Maya Road in cocoa. I also used some prima bling in a taupe color and Java colored ink to accent the monochromatic look. Hope you like it!

The Sunday sketch this week is a wonderful challenge. I got out my new Graphic 45 papers with fairies and a spring time theme. I added some velvet ribbon from Maya Road and bling that was from the $1.00 bin at JoAnn! I really like how it came out. The rub on came from Cosmo Cricket. I love the look of this paper line. It is just fun to work with.

Have a fantabulous week everyone!

Two New Projects

2011-01-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

I have two new projects to share with you today. The first one is a baby frame made with a plain IKEA frame. It was painted pink (hydrangea pink) and flowers and Beatrice Potter illustrations added. The photo was matted with Graphic 45 paper. I love how it came out and can hardly wait to see it the baby's mom likes it at her shower!

This Steam Punk inspired tag was made entirely with supplies from Eye-Lets, Etc Consumer Store (except the ink and stickles). You should check out the deals on the site. Terri has amazing pricing and you can get some fabulous papers and embellishments to create projects like this!

Paris Inspired Valentine Canvas

2011-01-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

I adore the idea for this project. To create a Valentine themed mini canvas. Heather at My Artistic Adventures Blog issued this challenge and has a beautiful example on her blog with step-by-step instructions. My interpretation is on a 9 x 12 inch flat canvas and takes it's inspiration from a Valentine in Paris.

Supplies:
Canvas
Delta Ceramcoat in Antique White and Hydrangea Pink
Vintage Ephemera - Dance book and Stamps
Ranger Distress Ink - Fired Brick and Brushed Corduroy
Staz- On Black Ink
Embossing Powder - Clear Super Fine Detail Ranger
Scrabble Game Tiles "L" "O" "V" and "E"
Stamps - Crafty Secrets and Swirl X12634
Stickles - Ranger Cinnamon
Glimmer Mist - Tattered Angels Cinnamon
Dover "The Art of Perfume Clip Art"
Patterned Paper - Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection
Eyelet - Eye-Lets, Etc
Flowers - Prima
Lace
Cardboard

Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by! <3 Victoria

365 Cards - Sunday Sketch

2011-01-03T18:03:00.001-08:00

I have had these embossed DCWV square LOVE cards for awhile. I saw this weeks Sunday Sketch at 365 cards and a lightbulb went on! I stamped and embossed the red "graffiti" heart on the lower right hand corner with Ranger Distress Ink in Fired Brick. The smaller hearts were stamped and embossed with some tiny tiny Maya Road stamps using the same ink. I hung them with rick rak from Jillibean Soup. I really like how simple this message of love is!
Thanks for stopping by!

Green, glitter and grosgrain - Flashback Saturday

2011-01-01T13:47:00.001-08:00

This was done for the flashback Saturday challenge at 365 Cards. I used Bazzill Princess Pink card stock for the card and mat. The patterned papers are from Pink Paisley (in green), the grosgrain ribbon is from Fancy Pants (green and pink) and I used lime colored glitter around the edge of the vintage game card. All to welcome a new little one to the world! Thanks for taking a peek!

Flashback Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 365 Cards

2010-12-31T17:08:00.001-08:00

The first birthday card is for Day 306 at 365 Cards - Flashback Friday. The challenge was to use some metal on you card. For this card I used metal embossed with my Cuttlebug numbers folder, Patterned Paper is from Scenic Route, Flower is Prima and the ribbon is from Marcella by K and Company.

The challenge for Flashback Thursday, Day 305, was to use a silhouette on your card and just black and white. Papers are from Bazzill, 7 Gypsies and Pink Paisley. The chip is from Bazzill and the rub on is from Bo Bunny. Finally, I embellished with a Jenni Bowlin butterfly.

I finally found a jingle bell for Flashback Tuesday, Day 303! Paper is from Pink Paisley. The image was something from my stash. I tied around the image with jute and added the jingle bell!

I hope each of you has the most wonderful of new years!

Three New Cards Based on Flashback Challenges

2010-12-29T16:21:00.001-08:00

Flashback time at 365 Cards. Since I just recently started doing their challenges these are all new to me.
First, day 304 Flashback Wednesday, do a super simple card taking up only about 1/3 of the front cover with decoration.

Second, day 302 Flashback Monday, select three patterns. I used paisley, gingham and hounds tooth.

Finally the sketch of the week:

Now if I can just find something small around to make noise I also have Flashback Tuesday done! I am loving these challenges!

365 Cards - Day 298 Think Three

2010-12-23T18:12:00.001-08:00

I am caught up with the challenges for this week! Yeah! Today's challenge was to use three embellishments in groups of three. I have three light yellow bloom-lets from Eye-Lets Etc. I added three pink bling center rhinestones. Finally, I added three silver brads, which I distressed with my son's hammer and a piece of brass jewelry finding for some texture. I am looking forward to Christmas and to see what 2011 brings!

Hope that your holidays are merry and bright! May you enjoy with relaxation the birth of our Savior, Jesus!

365 Cards - Day 297 Think "Cute"

2010-12-23T09:38:00.001-08:00

This challenge was really a challenge for me! Think "cute". I don't usually think cute when I make cards or scrapbook pages. So off I began.

This card was created on a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card blank. The patterned paper is from my stash - Scenic Route. For inspiration, I used sketch #20 from CardMaker Magazine (November 2010). The stamp is a "freebie" from Some Odd Girl called Deery. After adhering the two background layers, I used a mini flower punch and punched flowers from the coral pink dots of a left over piece of the paper. I highlighted each of them with glossy accents. When the glossy accents were dry, I added light green rhinestones. Deery was added last, along with the lettering. I colored the stamp with Sakura Glaze Collection pens (one of my new favorites). To be super-cute, I added a tiny Offray ribbon bow. The deer is mounted on dimensional tape. So here you have my interpretation of cute.

Thank for looking and have a wonderful day!

365 Cards - Day 296 Imagine This: Mistletoe

2010-12-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

So when I think mistletoe, I think love - okay kisses really! White, green and round shapes also come to mind. This card entitled "love" was created for the 365 Cards Day 296 challenge. To be inspired by mistletoe. It has the soft greens and whites and the round shapes. I especially like the pearl flower center to echo the idea of mistletoe. Love and smooches to you this holiday season!

365 Cards Sketch of the Week and Day 295

2010-12-21T16:22:00.001-08:00

Two new cards from me. The sketch card is inspired by the 365 Cards sketch of the week. January is going to be a time of baby showers at work, so one of my co-workers asked me to make some baby cards. This is the first one of the batch. Both of the babies we are welcoming are girls! As a mom of a boy I am much more comfortable in blue than pink, but always willing to give it a shot!

The second card is for the day 295 ad inspiration. The photo was of candles, music and lots of cream, green and gold. I need a card for Preston as he is singing a solo on Christmas in the children's choir. I got the image from Some Odd Girl, which is the 365 blog sponsor of the week.

365 Cards Day 293 - Feeling Scrappy

2010-12-19T10:06:00.001-08:00

Challenge 293 on 365 Cards was to use scraps on your card. 7 scraps that is! For this card, I did some paper weaving of scraps for the background. It was adhered to another scrap, that I didn't count in the total. I ran the weaving through my Cuttlebug to emboss it. I think it looks like grandmas quilt. The house was stamped on another scrap. The roof was stickled for a little snowy/icy look.

I hope each of you is blessed with a wonderful Christmas. I hope you are blessed with the warm and cozy feelings of home.

365 Cards - Day 290

2010-12-15T18:07:00.001-08:00

For the challenge at 365 Cards today the theme is Touchy Feely - Let's see texture 3 ways: Embossing (dry or wet), Glitter or Flocking, Fabric or Lace - so I could choose one from each of the 3 groups to meet the requirements of the challenge.
For this love card I chose to dry emboss, use glitter and lace. I really liked the idea of this challenge. I used an EK Success heart punch to make the little heart windows. All the patterned paper is by Crafty Secrets. I found the ribbon flowers at the dollar store and the floral spray is from Prima. Thanks for stopping by!

.

Six Impossible Things

2010-12-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

I love this quote from Alice in Wonderland. Six impossible things before breakfast.
This card was made for a challenge to use multiple fonts on a card at 365 Cards. I generated my fonts on the computer and accented the word six with Sakura glaze pens. The Red Queen image was hand stamped from a stamp by Crafty Secrets and colored with glaze pens.

So what six impossible things will you believe in? So far I have two this morning, plus on big one!
1. Jim's Jeep would fail electrically in the middle of the road after dying in the morning (yesterday).
2. The automatic water dispenser on the new refrigerator would fail (before breakfast).
3. I am blessed to be saved by God's grace!

The rest will come soon I am sure. Have a wonderful day!

Christmas Tags and a Card

2010-12-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that I did Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas. Tag 11 is really my own. I used Tim's background technique of masking and inking. I used Broken China and Dusty Concord. I love these two colors. I made the charm in the lower left corner with a vintage brass charm holder that I had gotten in Arizona. I added a Jenni Bowlin chipboard button. I filled in with Glossy Accents to give the look of a glossy dimensional charm. Tim's tree became my packages. I really like all of the soft colors on this one.

Tag 12 is really a testament to Mary in the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I decided that my final tag would focus on the CHRIST in Christmas. I found this beautiful image of Our Lady on line. I carefully cut and mounted her and used Distress Stickles in Rock Candy to add the shine. The background was toned down by and Ivory wash of acrylic paint. The holly is from Prima as are the roses.

I just found out my friend Wendi Hatter was selected for the 365 card Sketch Blog design team. Yeah Wendi! So I thought I would pop over and check it out. Today's sketch is a winner! It was designed by Pam Maas. I decided to go with a Paris theme and yes Wendi's card inspired me. I used Crafty Secrets Papers and Stamps to make my card, entitled Bonjour! The punches are EK Success and Martha Stewart. The ribbon from Offray. Thank you for stopping by.

Peace to you this holiday season.

More Pseudo Tim

2010-12-11T19:25:00.001-08:00

So, I am caught up on Tim's tags and will post 10 and 11 on Monday! It has been a lot of fun creating tags using Tim's techniques and my style! On that note, next year, I will be doing the 12 tags of CHRISTmas. That is tags that have Christian themes following Tim's techniques. Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day!

2010-12-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here are my renditions of Tim Holtz's tags Days 3, 4 and 5! I am caught up! The more square tag is another one I did

practicing inking. I love this Santa image from Crafty Secrets. Most of the stamps I am using are from Crafty Secrets. I am a real fan of their products. I hope you all are having a wonderful time preparing for the events of Christmas!
Joy and peace to you!

Twelve Tags of Christmas

2010-12-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am playing along with Tim Holtz on his wonderful 12 tags of Christmas! I have one and two done. My renditions are not exact because I am not going to buy new things to do them. I love to figure out alternatives and see how close I can get!
Here is number one Tim's dies - nope (Insert a sad, frugal face here). No problem, I punched my fence and free cut the house.
Tag stamp - nope. Used a vintage tag with rub ons from my stash.
Star charm - YES! Yeah, I am glad I make jewelry.

So, day 2, I am bound to have more supplies! Right? Right? Nope!!!!

So I didn't have the right stamps, the felt or the quite right colors. I did have this fun Tim Holtz bird stamp and I was able to do multiple colors on it. Didn't have exactly the same flourish or music. The music stamp is from Crafty Secrets and I thought it did great for the background.

Okay, so here is keeping my fingers crossed for day 3, gotta have one day when I have all of the supplies on hand. Come on Tim, come do an inventory before you create another tag!

Here's wishing you more holiday joy!

More Fun Left 0ver Tags

2010-11-30T20:58:00.001-08:00

As promised, a bit later than planned, here are two more tags using leftovers and products from Eye-Lets, Etc. I had the mushroom cut outs from an old Serendipity kit - how I miss Kristen's store. I got the 3-D mushrooms from The Naughty Secretaries Club on Etsy. I am loving using up my odds and ends. Now my tags don't live up to Tim Holtz's tags, but they are fun none the less. I will be following along and trying out Tim's tags starting tomorrow. Look for more creations here!

New work for ELE - design team

2010-11-26T19:12:00.000-08:00

Materials used: Create-Let cardstock #4 ~ Rich royals/plaid / Patterned paper ~ Aged Barn Red n' Kiwi / Cardstock Stickers ~ Rustic Alphabet n' Shabby Chic tags / Eye-lets ~ Asst. O'flats / Cardstock ~ Asst colors n' textures / Button Soup and misc inks and punches.

I made these three tags for a challenge at Scrappy Chic to use up leftovers. I used some left overs from my Eye-Lets Etc. DT work and added a few things. I just couldn't stop, so I have a few more on my craft table that I will post this weekend. If you like the papers and eyelets you can get them from the store at Eye-Lets ETC.

You Asked for It - A Look at the Fresh and Funky Line

2010-11-10T16:35:00.000-08:00

Here is the first look at some one of a kind pieces of jewelry for sale in my store, Preston Gems! I am going for a line that is fun and unique. Let me know what you think! I now have 40 items for sale, think Christmas! Honestly, thanks for looking and providing support and feedback! I appreciate it!

Jewelry Galore!

2010-11-08T20:29:00.001-08:00

I am having so much fun making jewelry right now! I am afraid my scrapbooking is suffering, but I will get back into that as well!

I just finished up some more earrings for the store.

I am also working on some Steam Punk items - earrings and a broach right now, with several bracelets to follow.
This will be part of my more whimsical line of fresh and funky items. Check back soon for some new scrappy goodness and check out Preston Gems on Artfire!

New Store for Crafty Me!

2010-10-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have just opened a new Art Fire store featuring primarily my jewelry designs. I will be adding a lot of new product prior to the holidays and hope you will check it out! If you mention my blog, I will provide you with free shipping until 11/4/2010!
Here is the link and some examples of my work! Hope to see you at PrestonGems - ArtFire Artisan Studio"!

I'm a Guest Chef!!

2010-10-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

I just found out I have the honor of being the October Guest Chef on Scrappy Chic Cafe. This is a new site with some awesome gals and I could not be more excited. I would love to have you participate in my challenge this month. Click here to check it out. It is my own blue plate special! I *guess* my sketch has 10 layers! Love those heavy LOs! I will have my example up here by the end of the weekend. I hope you will play along. There is a small RAK for the winner!

Wowee What A RAK I Won!

2010-09-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am super excited! I won the RAK of the August Scraps of Darkness Kit called "Midnight Garden" and all of the add ons! I just got my kit a few days ago and all I can say is wow! Melinda put together the most awesome kit. I am really impressed. I am looking forward to working with it this weekend. Thanks again to Melinda at Scraps Of Darkness! Check out their blog and from there the store. I am loving this months kit which features Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante.

Fun with Mardi Gras Masks

2010-09-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have found a new love............ MASK MAKING! I signed up for a swap at Scrapbook.com for masks. Boy there is some real talent in this swap! My partner wanted purple, silver and black with a gothic look. I hope that she likes this! I sure had a lot of fun painting and blinging it up. Would love to hear your opinions on this one too!
Thanks for taking a peek!

Twilight and Halloween ATCs

2010-09-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

These ATCs are for a Twilight themed swap at Pages in Time. Jacob and Edward are shown in an earlier August post and I finally got my inspiration for Bella tonight. In my mind, she is a girl with a secret (or two!). I made a watercolor background and added the secret magazine cover. Then Bella needed bling!

I am having a wonderful time making ATCs. These three 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 ATCs are for a Pages in Time Swap. The background is paper I made from a black and white tree photograph I took and printed at Craft Sassy. I topped that with vintage images and labels. Each has a bow or a brass embellishment to add dimension.
Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week!

Two Layouts from One Sketch

2010-09-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished up a blog challenge for Scraps of Darkness! I loved the sketch so much I did it again.
This sketch is by Flying Unicorn (aka Alda) whose sketches I adore.

First the LO for Scraps of Darkness:
The challenge as listed on the Scraps of Darkness Blog is:

1. Between today, September 2, 2010, and September 14, 2010, create a "dark" layout. Think dark colors, dark subjects, such as Twilight or horror movies. Think Halloween, vampires, witches, or whatever you think of as a "dark" layout.

2. Post your layout on your blog or in whatever scrapbook galleries you normally post in.

3. Mention that your layout was done for the Scraps of Darkness blog challenge, with a link back to this blog.

4. Leave a comment on this post telling us where to find your layout, with a link to it.

So about the darkest non-Twilight photo I had handy was one of DS and me last Halloween. We are a couple of Jokers!
I used black, red and purple as my dark colors and really tried for a haunted spooky look. You can let me know how I did!

Speaking of Twilight, Preston and I met Solomon, who played Sam in the first Twilight Movie a few weeks ago. Preston was thrilled to meet a real actor. Here is the photo and the LO I did with it! How many of you are jealous? Admit it!

Back to School Crop at Pages in Time

2010-09-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

PAGES IN TIME on line crop this weekend. It will start Friday evening 9-10 at 6 pm EST and end Sunday evening 9-12 at 12 am EST.

I have two challenges and a game for you. Each one has a fabulous RAK!

The Design Team will have lots of things for you do participate in, challanges, games and of course alot of inspiration to choose from.

You don't want to miss this fun filled weekend of our on line crop. So come on over and enjoy!

Heads Up on the Pages in Time Boy Oh Boy September Challenge

2010-08-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

I am giving the followers of my blog a two day lead on the Pages In Time Boy Oh Boy Sketch Challenge for the month of September.

Here is my sketch for the month:

The challenge at Pages in Time will be:
1. New layout as of September 1, 2010 must be posted in the challenge forum and the gallery at Pages in Time during the month of September.
2. You must use the sketch provided by me.
3. Must have a boy in the pictures.
4. Since school is starting and fall is coming, I want to see your interpretation of autumn colors.

I will have my example done in the near future and hope to see yours at Pages in Time during the month of September!

Good luck!

2010-08-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome from Lacee's blog, if you have made it this far then you are doing great! This is the fourth PIT stop. How exciting is this?! We have been working our tails off creating some awesome banners to give away.That's right you heard me, we are giving them away!! Can you believe that? We must be crazy, right?! We have all worked so hard and I know you are going to love each and every one of them!! The banner's aren't the only thing you could win. Karen, the owner of Pages in Time has given us some prizes to give away too! How cool is that? So I suppose you want to know how you can win these amazing gifts. All you have to do to win my banner is post a comment about the banner and become a follower of my blog. For your chance to win one of the prizes from Karen you must go to all of the Design Team blogs and become a follower and leave comments. From there you will go to Karen's blog, and also become a follower and leave a comment. Lastly you will go to Pages in Time and leave a comment on the first page of the forum. You won't be able to miss it. I will give you the link to your next PIT stop which is Marie.You are going to love her banner! And she will give you a link to the next Design Team member blog and it will continue in that way. Okay, that's all there is to it. Now here is what you can win from me...

We Have a WINNER!

2010-08-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, today is the day for the post vacation RAK winner! The random number generator tells me it is LUCKY number 12!!!!!!!

Becky said...

what a rockin giveaway!!!
I wasn't a follower but I am now :)
what do I love about vintage....it reminds me of my grandparents and when I was a child. I always loved looking through my grandparents old stuff and it just floods me with memories

Becky you are my LUCKY Winner! Please send your mailing address to me:
drmommyrd at yahoo dot com! I am looking forward to getting your package in the mail!

Fatal Thursday Sketch at Pages in Time

2010-08-14T10:45:00.001-07:00

No, scrapbooking is not fatal! Well, I suppose if you don't watch out for the scissors and stapler it could be. I am having loads of fun using my August Pages in Time Kit. The papers on this layout are straight from the kit. I used my Distrezz it all on the edges. I am totally loving this tool! The layout also has liberal amounts of Shimmerz mists.

I am really liking the Steampunk look, so I tried to create a simple steampunk locket in the lower right corner, with vintage brass hearts, a Tim Holtz gear and red bling.

The two ATCs were created for the Twilight Mini Challenge at Pages in Time. For these two, I used all products available from Eye-Lets Etc, where I am on the DT. The great papers and stickers are from them. I added vintage buttons provided by Terri at ELE. The stick pins are from my stash, made by Maya Road. Thanks for taking a peek!

Don't forget there is still a small amount of time to enter my post vacation RAK. Look over on the right, it is the first August post. Feelin' Lucky? Then enter!

New Pages In Time Thursday Sketch

2010-08-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

Look at the fun sketch Karen gave us for this week! I am thinking right now!

Don't forget to sign up for the RAK on the post below! Still 3 more days until I pick a winner....... It could be LUCKY you!

I have been going tag crazy lately! These are two tags that I made for Eye-Lets, Etc. manufacturers design team. All of the materials used are available from Eye-Lets, Etc. Let me know what you think!

Paradise Found!

2010-08-08T10:04:00.001-07:00

Ah Summer in the Northwest! We love going to the ocean. For this layout I used the August Kit from Pages in Time. It has fabulous teals and maroons. I love everything about it! The design is based on the August 5th Thursday sketch as well.
PIT has some awesome new groups for you to join: Photography, and Punches are two of my favorites. (See my new punch? What a bunch of enablers!)

Post Vacation RAK for Vintage Fans!

2010-08-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am giving away this kit. I just put it together with some great vintage items. It features some great vintage finds from my vacation. Plus some awesome stuff from my stash, both new and vintage. Winning is easy peasy:

1. If you are not signed up to follow me, please do so.
2. Leave a message here about what you love about vintage.
3. Do it before the 15th of August at Midnight Pacific!

I will randomly pick a winner to win all of this great stuff! Check back on August 16th to see who my lucky winner is!

Pages In Time Weekly Sketch

2010-07-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

It is time again for the Sketch of the week at Pages in Time. Now if you are not inspired by this one, I don't know what will inspire you. You have until next Thursday to post your interpretation of this in the Pages In Time Gallery! Hope to see you there!

Just Released Pages In Time August 2010 Kit

2010-07-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Karen just released a wonderful August Kit of the Month called Lazy Long Summer Days!
It has wonderful colors and papers. I can hardly wait until it arrives! And check out the add ons! Lovely, lovely!

Watch this space for a soon - to - be announced Vintage Scrapbook kit RAK from me made up of some treasures and goodies I found on vacation! See you back soon!
Be sure to leave me a comment to let me know that you stopped by! Happy, happy summer day!

Vacation!

2010-07-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

We are on vacation, but I wanted to share the wonderful Pages in Time sketch of the week with you.....
I hope everyone will try it!
Meanwhile, I am out taking photographs! More layouts to come ;0)

2010-07-10T21:53:00.001-07:00

I am running a special RAK on my blog to be eligible, here is what you need to do:

1. Become a follower of my blog, if you aren't already.

2. Become a member at Pages In Time

3. Complete the Thursday sketch challenge and post it at Pages in Time.

4. Finally come back here and let me know that you have all of this done by Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM Pacific.

I will enter your name into a drawing for a RAK of a kit designed by me featuring some great stuff - enough for about three layouts!

Okay lets get moving!!!!!

Still 24 Hours

2010-07-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

You still have 24 hours to complete this weeks Pages in Time Thursday Sketch. Tomorrow an awesome new sketch to inspire you will be on the Pages in Time Blog

Also, join me in welcoming Carla to the PIT design team as guest designer!
Her work rocks and you can check it out at Pages in Time.

I am going to offer a special RAK to my readers. If any of you join PIT and then come back here to let me know, I will put your name in the hat for a drawing of a special RAK! You'll have until July 15, 2010 to join up and let me know!

Pages in Time July Kit

2010-07-02T21:16:00.001-07:00

Everyone who is a fan of vintage and soft looks will want to check out the July Pages in Time Kit. I am loving thinking about the possibilities! I hope all of my readers will pop over and check out the challenges in the Forum. There are lots of great inspirational challenges including Style (Shabby Chic), Distressing, Green and a wonderful Pile It On challenge where you combine specified challenges into one LO! It is a real challenge for those of you who are "old hats" at completing single challenges.
I really hope to see all of you over there.

Come Join Me for the Pages in Time July Boy Oh Boy Challenge

2010-06-29T20:41:00.001-07:00

Join me at Pages in Time for my Boy Oh Boy Challenge. I am going to do this challenge each month to encourage people to do more boy layouts. The BOB challenge will be in honor of my Uncle Bobby. If I get more than 10 participants per month, I will be awarding a wonderful RAK!
The sketch above is for the challenge. In honor of the 4th of July our colors will be RED, WHITE and BLUE (also corresponding to the British flag - where Bobby and dad were born). Hope to see you at PIT!

Love the Beach

2010-06-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

These two LO were doe for the Pages in Time Thursday sketch and with the PIT June kit respectively. The June kit has some wonderful papers in it. I challenged myself to use pink and green on a boy LO. (I have very confident boys at my house). I painted the swirl with ivory acrylic paint and inked the upper edge with an ocean color to simulate a wave. I also "grunged" it up a bit by inking with Java. The sketch of the week LO features Graphic 45 and Bo Bunny papers to give it a boardwalk look, which is exactly where the photo was taken. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonder filled week!

Brothers Thursday Pages in Time Sketch

2010-06-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

I love this photograph of my dad and his brother, Bob. Bob had a short life. He passed in WWII, while serving as a home guard in England. Unfortunately he contracted tuberculosis and wasn't able to be treated. From what I was told as a girl Uncle Bobby was quite a character.
For this LO I used the Pages in Time Thursday sketch. I also restored the photograph. The original is less than 3 by 5. I am pleased that it looks pretty good as a non-standard 7 inch square.
I used DCWV La Creme line for the patterned papers and Bazzill card stock for the background. The flowers are from Prima. The letters are from Basic Grey and Making Memories. Quite the mix up of manufacturers. Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. May you always enjoy your family!

New Pages In Time Design Team

2010-06-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

I am very excited this morning! I was selected to be on the Pages in Time Design Team! I hope you will join me there for great conversation, fun challenges and a wonderful Thursday sketch challenge to ramp up your mojo!

Here is the team:

Victoria Warren-Mears
Denise Coulter
Lisa Valentine
Andrea MacDonald
Lacee Broyles
Marie Levite
Wendy Greenaway- International Design Team Member
Also returning to the team is Barbara Lochridge(kahlan), Design Team Leader
and 2amscraper (Helene) is back as dt member. And Ann Arbogast is the special guest design team member.

Little League - Gotta Love It!

2010-06-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I love baseball! Well, usually. This season has been extremely rainy. The Mets will get in 12 games before the end of the season. I am amazed at how great 9 and 10 year olds can play. They have had great coaching and wonderful skill building this year. Coaches Phil, Tony and Chris ROCK! Now I know that none of them will come to this blog, but I just have to let you know how much I have appreciated them!

Have a great week and here's to some sun!

PLAY BALL.......

Mother's Day was Great!

2010-05-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was great this year! We spent time in Seaside Oregon. The whole family played arcade games, and went on bumper cars. I had a wonderful time. I think it was the best mother's day yet! This layout is based on a sketch by Alda - Flying Unicorn on her blog. The papers and embellishments are from a Swirlydoos Kit. I love the soft colors to go with the great photo that my DH took! Thanks for taking a peek!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day! Thank you to all who are or have been in the service. I am remembering those who gave the ultimate price for our freedom.

Relatives on My Husbands Side

2010-05-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I "met" my relative on line. This week I connected with some of Jim's relatives, through Ancestry.com. Jim's cousin, Sally sent me a wonderful CD of family photographs. I am going to enjoy working with these! This is Julia Serena Haugland. Wasn't she beautiful? I love how her hair is done for this photograph. So thank you Sally!

Five Generations

2010-05-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

Have you ever met someone on line who is just awesome? About a month ago, I had someone contact me on Ancestry.com who was possibly related to me. Through a flurry of e-mails we found out that we were related - something like fourth cousins. I had a picture up which I only knew who one of the people was for sure. My new found relative and her mom were able to identify the others in this photo and let me know it represented five generations. The journaling on this one represents what they knew and what I am now grateful to know. So thank you so much to Julie D. for helping me! I am thankful for you and your mom.

Isn't the internet really amazing?

Have a great week!

Mother's Day Card

2010-05-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

It is almost time to celebrate that special lady in your life, your mom! I designed this card for Eye-Lets, Etc. using all supplies available from them. I love the patchwork paper that lends itself beautifully to the quilt like design I was looking for.

It is hard for me to believe that my mom has been gone for 16 years. I find myself looking in the mirror and seeing that I am more like her. I even say the same things! I am thankful for her inspiration to be crafty. She was a special, special lady.

Just a heads up: I am starting another blog http://catholicscrapbooking.blogspot.com/ that will focus on scrapbooking from a Catholic perspective. We also will have tutorials, so feel free to follow along and see what we have in store for you. I would love to see all my friends, of all faiths, at the new site!

Hugs to you all on Mother's Day!

How To For the Three Part Card

2010-04-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

For this project you will make a door hanger on acrylic.
Cut a piece of seed paper for a garden of wild flowers.
Make a keepsake card.

For the Acrylic Door Hanger:
1. Cut a piece of acrylic to match the size of your planned card.

2. I used a picture that pyramids from Crafts U Cut for the image.
3. Cut out all pieces of the image and add dimensional tape to the back.

4. Put the image pyramid together and mount on the acrylic, set aside until ready to assemble.

For the seed paper:
1. Cut the paper the same size as the card front.
2. Set aside until ready to assemble.

For the card:
1. Cut your card blank and fold using a bone folder.
2. Cut background paper
3. Stamp sentiment on the face of the card.
4. Stamp any image on coordinating card stock.
5. Cut out your stamped image, embellish and mount on card with dimensional tape.

Punch holes in the acrylic hanger, seed paper and front of card.
Add eyelets to the door hanger.
Thread with ribbon and tie. This ribbon will be used to hang the door hanger.

Type up information for the inside front of the card that explains the parts of the card/gift and how to use them. Adhere information in card and you are ready for giving!

Create It Green Earth Day Blog Hop

2010-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Create it Green’s Earth Day Blog Hop!! Thanks so much for joining us!

If you just happened by this blog and didn't realize a blog hop was taking place, please go back to Create it Green www.createitgreen.blogspot.com and start the hop. You won't want to miss all the Earth Day Inspiration or the amazing prizes from our generous sponsors! Make sure you leave a comment on each blog on the hop since winners will be drawn from the comments!

I was lucky enough to receive some fabulous paper from the Green Field Paper Company (www.greenfieldpaper.com).
I made a three part card and gift.

In this project there is a card for giving, a "floral seed paper" for planting, and a spring time door hanging!
I will be teaching you how to make this project over the next few days. Here is how it looks finished. I will be offering a RAK for someone who leaves a comment on my blog AND if you make a card project and post a link to it here, not only will you be eligible for our Love on your link, but another RAK!

Here are some other recent creations of mine using recycled elements.

This blog hop will run from today, April 22nd until Sunday, April 26th, midnight PST. We will be drawing for winners on April 27.

Follow along in our blog hop! Your next stop is Jennifer, http://justcoffeepleasestampsribbonspaper.blogspot.com/

Tributes to wonderful people

2010-04-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Who do you know that is or was an important person to you? I have family and old friends that I certainly remember fondly. Last week I got in touch with a woman in California who is something around my 4th cousin. I posted a picture on Ancestry.com and her mom was able to identify all the people in the picture, tell me where it was taken, and that it represented my great grandmother and a total of 5 generations of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild. It was just wonderful!

I have been working on some additional heritage LO. I have been working on preserving photographs and putting copies on layouts. What a joy to look at "where I am from".

What A Difference 3 Months Makes!

2010-04-12T11:27:00.001-07:00

What a difference three months makes. Preston just passed his pre-alpha on Saturday and is ready to begin alpha tonight. He went from learning to fall, to being able to skate backward and spin! And skate on one foot. I could not be more proud of him. He has fabulous determination!

The Pre-Alpha LO was a lot of fun! The circle of cardboard is repurposed from a Shutterfly envelop, that brought the photos. I used acrylic paint in ivory, painted on with a jar mouth. The next layer was some awesome Cherry Ice Smooch Spritz. I had a load of fun making the laced up boot embellishment. I used some paper I had printed at Craft sassy, using images from BWScrapbooking.com, cut into strips to simulate the sides and the tongue of the boot. I used 20 black eyelets to make the lace up boot, threaded with black rat-tail cording. (I made the embellishment, while I waited on the sidelines at the testing lesson!).

Have a fabulous week! We are off to alpha lessons tonight!

Inky Grungy Me!

2010-04-02T13:41:00.001-07:00

I have been having a wonderful time using inks and stamps and distressing techniques lately. I plan on having some tutorials up soon, if there is enough interest from my "cyber" cool friends! In the meantime, here are some layouts that show you why my fingers are blue, and green......and purple! Have a wonderful Easter everyone!