Sunday 30 January 2011

Card Without Sentiment

Not always customers would like a card with a sentiment so I made some 'without' them. This simple card contains a collection of my fav colors and a tiny cute flower from Prima. To cover the line between the patterned paper and banner, I placed a stitched ribbon too. The bottom and inside are punched with EK Success Lattice Edger Punch. Here it is:

This card is entering for:

Isn't this embossed red foil paper so adorable??


Thanks for looking :)


Supplies:
Cardstock:  Bazzill Basics
Patterned Papers: Dancing Girl  (Fancy Pants Design), AC Specialty Paper Foil (American Crafts)
Stickers: Nerdy Bird Flag Banners (Sassafras)


Friday 28 January 2011

FF DAY 4- SHAIKHA AL MATROOSHI

Our featured artist today is not other than the talented lady of vibrant colors from United Arab Emirates. Amna Al Fardh (Team member) admitted that Shaikha Al Matrooshi has this artistic soul in her where she amazingly works her way through paper strips and with details too. 
Now pull your chair to read more about today's fascinating artist!!!



1. When did you start quilling?
It was around 2008 as I was looking for a special new way to make a Birthday card and while I was searching, paper quilling method popped up, and I didn’t know what it was called at that time, but it was more interesting for me. In July 2010 I attended a workshop at SLC and I think that was the beginning.

2. Did you start reading books after that? or what were your sources?
I don’t have the chance to read books about paper quilling as frequently as I wish, but to me internet is the easy way to read about anything, and lets say Amna Al Fardh is my main source :)
 
3. Do you attend workshops or give workshops ?
Although I'm trying but I don’t attend many workshops though I'd love to give a decoupage workshop one day.

4. I've seen some of your work which is great, so could you tell us about other hobbies or art forms you spend your time with?
I loved art as long as remember. I can say that I’m not a beginner but for sure I crossed a long way in the art path. My hobbies do not include art only, I love sports , reading , cooking and problem solving. My art life includes not only coloring which I still love but also Decoupage , fabric painting , glass painting , recently paper quilling and I think any thing that joins colors and imagination.

5. We’d like to know more about you, do you work? study ? has art affected these aspects of your life?
For the mean time I don’t work or study but I can say that I have a small business with decoupage. Practicing my hobbies is affecting my life positively for sure, it’s what makes me go sometimes.
As a mother for two I sometimes get this moment when I forget how I can enjoy my time , so having a hobby made my life , gave me strength and it takes me to a special world where my hands are talking silently to make a piece of art.

6. Have you gained any benefit from your art? what kind of benefit ?
The benefits of art in my life are many. Mainly passing my time, having a nice time with my kids as sometimes they like to watch and ask , which is a good mother-kids bonding time .
I love decorating my house , making gifts instead of buying them and many more.

Never miss these beautiful creations by Shaikha:






We thank you for reading and a BIG THANKS to our artist * Shaikha Al Matrooshi *. See you next week with another talent...

Thursday 27 January 2011

Special Delivery

So my newest collection of cards has been released at Edible Arrangements yesterday. Lots of cards with unique designs and for different occasions are waiting for you there :)
Now back to this cute card for a baby boy. I think my resolution this year is to get rid of the old goodies (LOL). This chipboard was the last piece in the set so I didn't hesitate to use it :) I coordinated this adhesive with Echo Park Papers that I recently purchased. Really love these colorful papers...

This card is entering for:

Checkout this cute chipboard, button and ribbon:


Here is the inside (same scalloped edge as outside):


That's for today. Hope to see tomorrow with a new artist at Fascinating Fridays!!!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Beige (Bazzill Basics)
Patterned Papers: Citrus Circle, Sunny Days Border (Echo Park Paper)
Stickers: Baby Boy Adhesive Chipboard (K & Company)
Button: In a stitch blossoms-deep blue (Sassafras)


Sunday 23 January 2011

dear mom

I really loved this color combo!!! It's a good alternative for the very common- white, black and red. And the best part in the card is the sentiment- dear mom. I believe mother's day should be celebrated every single day, not just in ONE day!!! Don't you agree with me??
This elegant sketch is based on a challenge run by Inspirational Card Sketches. Since the swirled pp had a solid yellow as a coordinating back, I thought why not try this combo. So to match the flower, I chose another darker yellow paper that just fitted so perfectly... 

This card is entering for:

See these tiny alphabets from KaiserCraft:


The inside was finished with the same solid paper:


Thank you so very much for looking :)

Supplies:
Cardstock: Black (Bazzill Basics)
Patterned Papers: Moda bella, abode (American Crafts); Audrey Love & Cherish Collection Paper (Imaginisce)
Stickers: Lullaby Glitter White (American Crafts), Mini Alphas (KaiserCraft)
Flower: Umbrella (Prima)

Friday 21 January 2011

FF DAY 3 - COLLEEN DIETRICH

Today's star in Fascinating Fridays (FF) is a talented lady whose cards are very unique. Indeed her work thrilled me so I decided to feature her. Let's all welcome her!!!

Name: Colleen Dietrich





1. How and when did you start Cardmaking?
I was introduced to the ‘official’ card-making world in October 2007, when I joined Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator so I could get the discount. Prior to that, I had made cards many years before for co-workers with just a small handful of stamps, and my tools were very limited.  SU opened up a whole new world for me.  (I do not demonstrate anymore.)  Along the way, someone told me about Splitcoaststampers and then I began uploading my cards there on March 30, 2009.  In late May 2010, an SCS friend encouraged me to start a blog, and it’s been addicting ever since!
2. From where do you draw your inspiration?
My inspiration truly comes from everywhere:  catalogs for bedding, clothing, decorative objects; a magazine called Where Women Create (published by Stampington & Co.); Target circulars; blog challenges; nature.  On my blog, I have about 8 or 9 different cards that are in a series I call “Inspired by….”.  There, you will find cards inspired by a priest’s stole, a child’s bathing suit, things from the Target circular, and more.
Take a look at some of Colleen's stunning creations:



3. What are your favorite companies?
My favorite companies are Stampin’ Up!, Flourishes, Spellbinders, and Anna Griffin by Plaid Enterprises.
4. What are the 5 top tools in your crafting space?
The top 5 tools in my crafting arsenal are:  the Stampamajig stamp positioner, paper piercer, dimensionals in two thicknesses, heat tool and a ruler.
5. How long does it take you to make a card that you are happy with?
It usually takes me an hour or two to create a card I am happy with.  That’s because I usually make two of any given design.  While my 8 ½” x 11” cardstock is on the cutter, I use both halves to make identical cards – one to keep and one to give away.
6. What do you do with the cards that you make?
The cards I make wind up in various places.  I keep a large, collapsible fabric container with sturdy sides from The Container Store for give-aways only.  Those give-aways might be sent by me to various people, or sometimes several are packaged up and given as a gift for someone else to give away.  I also keep a supply of simpler cards to donate to Operation Write Home.  I have another identical container where I keep a stash for me.  Sometimes I just pull them out to look at them because it’s enjoyable to me.
7. Do you post your cards in a blog, gallery, forum?
My cards are posted in two places -- my blog, Dietrich Designs:    http://colleen-dietrichdesigns.blogspot.com/                                              
8. Are you currently designing for any blog?
Recently I have been named as Private Blend Designer for the new term beginning in early January 2011 at The Play Date Café:  http://www.theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/
I’ll be a Guest Designer coming up on January 6, 2011, at Off The Wall Craftiness: http://offthewallcraftiness.blogspot.com/
and also as a Guest Designer on the Clean and Simple Design Team at Splitcoaststampers at the end of January 2011.


Thanks dear Colleen for sharing your art and another thanks to those who visited us. Be sure to leave Colleen some sincere love :)

Wednesday 19 January 2011

BABY

Baby, oh baby!!! I got this cute Little Princess Dimensional Stickers (K & Company) as a gift and just couldn't wait to use them. They are so tiny and detailed, really love them :)
The base pp is Hippity Hoppity Juicy by We R Memory Keepers and the scalloped one is from DeLovely Collection (Cosmo Cricket). Before popping the pram, pink twine was cross-tied giving some touch at the top. The card was finished with the word 'BABY' and sparkling tiny mini stars were adhered. Here it is:

This card is entering for:

See this cute polka dotted pram, so adorable!!!


And here is the word 'BABY':



That's for now. Thanks for leaving me some love :)

Monday 17 January 2011

cute lil one

Another baby arrival card for Edible Arrangements. This idea struck my mind long time ago and finally implemented it. Stamps are arranged almost alphabetically at the same time they send the message 'cute lil one' in Punch Chalk Ink (Hero Arts).The floral pp is Persuasion Blooms by Bo Bunny and that cutie lil heart at the corner is from Little Whimsies (Webster's Pages). Here's my creation: 

This card is entering for:

The stamp used inside is from Artistic Borders (CL322) stamp set from Hero Arts:


Thanks for peeking and catch you soon....

Saturday 15 January 2011

sweet one

It's time to create cards for Edible Arrangements and baby arrival cards are always in high demand. Today's soft card uses MOSTLY dear lizzy collection from American Crafts. Patterned paper, stamps and 'sweet' sentiment are all from the same collection. The base patterned paper is Fanfare Paisley Parade from KI Memories. Here's my sweet card :)

   This card is entering for:

Now into the details. Cardstock was stamped with the same pattern as that in the pp. All papers were stitched and sides made rough with scissors...


What can be a better interior than the same spiral stamp design :)


Hope you liked it as much as I did!!! TFL...

Friday 14 January 2011

Fascinating Fridays Day 2- Yasmin Hagalwadi


Our featured artist this week as Amna Al Fardh (Team Member) says is a true artist to the bone practicing different forms of art. Her work is very intricate & detailed .. she’s a master with the needle work.... crochet, lace, and not only that but much more. So let's get to know her better:


Name: Yasmin Hagalwadi

1) How did you start quilling?
I had tried my hand at Paper Quilling a few years back and loved it. Because of the difficulty in finding supplies I had to put it aside. But I took it up again 6 months back after seeing Amna's beautiful quilling projects . I was so inspired that I had to start quilling again.

2) Do you learn from books too?
I do a lot of research on any craft that I take up. I don't have access to many books, in fact I have just a couple of beginners books. My main source is the internet and other artists. Everyone has such beautiful work that just looking at their quilled creations and works is a good learning experience by itself.

3) So shall we say that you are interested in different styles and techniques in arts and crafts?
I'd say I'm a Constant Learner of crafts. I love to learn new crafts and the different techniques and methods in each. I love the details.
As for other hobbies, Crochet is my passion. I do all kinds of projects in crochet. Tatting is also a favorite with me and like to make the delicate laces in this almost forgotten art of lace-making. I also do a little paper crafts ,sewing, origami, card making, embroidery, Henna designing etc. My most recent craft is fabric flowers.

4) Does your art affect your life in any way?
I'm lucky that I do what I love doing. I'm a full time crafter and do custom orders for clients. I make all kinds of gift items and favors for different occasions, gift tags crochet accessories and home decor.

5) Do you attend workshops or give workshops?
I love to teach Art and Crafts. I've been giving private classes for quite a long time . I've given only a couple of crochet workshops but haven't had the opportunity to attend one yet.

6) What does art provide to you?
The greatest gain is a sense a of peace and accomplishment felt when you see the beautiful work of art unfolding itself as you work on it. I feel that it takes me to whole new level of peace and joy and relaxes me - it's a great stress buster. 

7) How can we get in touch with you and see more of your other creative work?
I have a blog mostly about crochet: www.hooksandlaces.blogspot.com

8) What would you like to share with the Emirates Quilling Guild members?
I would like to see more people in U.A.E getting involved and learning different crafts. Its a simple pleasure in life which can help one reconnect with the inner self. I also hope that there is a better availability of crafts supplies in U.A.E with reasonable prices so crafting doesn't seem like an expensive hobby! 
I also love to promote anything handmade as each piece is unique and has a special value and a personal touch to it.

Now let's enjoy some of her chic creations:








A big thanks to Yasmin for sharing her passion with us. Don't forget to peep through her blog and leave her some love :)
Thanks for passing by and see you soon!!!

Wednesday 12 January 2011

hugs

Prima, Prima, Prima!!!! Before I wasn't so fond of Prima flowers but now I've to admit that they are so addictive :) I started this card with two pp: the base is max and whiskers gretchen from Basic Grey and the floral is So Sophie from My Mind's Eye. I layered the latter with punched black cardstock that just made it look so chic :)
The circle paper was stamped with Hero Arts Floating Blossoms and then embossed. Later I outlined the image with Baby Blue Liquid Pearls (Rangers) and set it aside to dry. The sentiment contains sugar rush (Basic Grey) alphabets that are actually blue but I colored them with black Copic. Then I popped two Little Whimsies (Websters) on the sides. Finally my new Symphony Blend Prima flower was adhered on the centre of the stamped blossom.

This card is entering for:

Checkout the embossed image and the glittery flower:


And here are those two cute hearts:


Before signing off, just want to let you know that a new gadget has been added on the side bar and that's Nutrition Tip of the Week. Hope it helps!!!
Thanks for looking. Hugs :):):)

Sunday 9 January 2011

Special Thought For You

I wanted to get rid of old embellishments and among them was this Green At Heart Bloomer from Basic Grey. I popped Fanfare Paisley Parade Collection Paper by KI Memories on the back of  punched Starry Night Eskimo Kisses Paper (Basic Grey). As you see the blossom rests on a 1 3/4" circle cut by Marta Stewart Circle Cutter.The card was finished with a sentiment from Southern Belle stamp set (Inkadinkado). 


This card is entering for:

The inside uses the same paisley pp and punch design:


Thanks for peeping and catch you soon....

Friday 7 January 2011

Kicking off Fascinating Fridays with Alia

Finally time has come to showcase some wonderful artists that we are unaware of. Every Friday, from today, will get to know an awe-inspiring crafter who will share with us her crafting journey. Now please help me welcome today's artist:


Name: Alia Mohammed

1.   When did you first decide to make a page/layout/scrapbook and why? (for eg. any significant event that drives you to make an LO/album?)
I created my first scrapbook after returning from a trip to Egypt to visit my family during the winter of 2004-2005. I had taken so many special pictures and wanted to do more than place them in a regular album. I roamed into the scrapbooking section of a craft store, purchased a basic collection of materials, and created my first scrapbook.
2.   What process do you go through to create a layout? (for eg. do you take out all your embellishments and papers and start or you usually just hit and go?)
Sometimes I am inspired by a special photo, and I seek out papers and embellishments to match. Other times, it’s the scrapping materials themselves that drive a layout. I first try to match papers with my photo, and pull out a variety of materials that I think I may want to use on the page. As the design develops, I often get up to grab some additional materials for finishing touches or extra details. 
3.   How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
I would describe my scrapbooking style as typically girly, cheerful, clean, and bright, with little details thrown in.  I try and add a bow onto every layout I create, and I love using border punches.
4.  What are your favorite scrapbook products and manufacturers?
I absolutely love Martha Stewart border punches and have a huge collection. I also adore American Crafts Thickers – they give a page great dimension and make it fun to create titles! As far as paper lines go, American Crafts, October Afternoon, and Cosmo Cricket always seem to release collections I love; however, I seek out any line that matches my style!
5.  As you probably know, scrapbooking is an expensive hobby. What drives you to continue scrapbooking and any tips for crafters with low budgets? 
With all of the beautiful and fun new products that are always coming out, scrapbooking does become an expensive hobby. Even so, I love that scrapbooking helps to preserve memories in a special and lasting way. A scrapbook is a long term investment that I feel is worth it. I always like to save bows and ribbons from packages and gifts to use later on my layouts, and I frequently browse the dollar sections at craft stores, too!


Here are some of her wonderful creations:




  1. From the 3 layouts you have shared, describe the most creative design you used.
Of the three layouts I’ve shared, I would say that my “Seaside Splendor” page demonstrates one of my most creative designs. I used a picture from a trip to Punta Cana, in which my best friend and I were on the beach in front of the beautiful water. I wanted to recreate the feeling of a relaxing and endless beach in my layout, so I gathered a variety of textured materials in order to do so. I used burlap to represent the sand, and topped it with an assortment of buttons and stickers to represent seashells on the beach. To create the foam of the ocean, I crumpled white tissue paper and gave it some dimension. For the calmer turquoise portion of the water, I used a matching colored tissue paper, crumpled it, and then flattened it back out to represent the calming waves. For the sky, I dug out an old DCWV paper pack and found a page of a darker ocean, which matched the color of the sky in my photo. Cotton balls were used to mimic the white fluffy clouds in paradise!

A big thanks to Alia for sharing her talent with us. You can view more brilliant layouts in her blog!!!
Thanks for passing by and come back to see another talent soon....