Join me at Lil Bee's Spring Camp!!!!

Its fun to see the smiles when crafting and that's why Lil Bee's Spring Camp is here for you!!!! I'm so glad to be a part of this camp to share some cardmaking secrets with all :)

Here are the cards that will be created:

Easy and elegant cards :) Just few days left, so hurry up and call 055-2299534.....
Happy Holidays!!!!

SPECIAL {love}

As part of my DT duty, I created this card using the gorgeous elements from Lil Bee's March Kit. This month's kit includes pretty products from Prima and Websters fun 'Spring Market' collection. Want to know more about the monthly kits?? Then just click HERE and remember Lil Bee's Boutique delivers internationally, all the way from Dubai :)
I love giving dimension to my cards and if you've seen them before you will be familiar :) First I laid out the punched paper then adhered the ribbon before popping the patterned paper. Then I popped up each alphabet in the word "SPECIAL" and that cute heart from Webster's stickers. As usual, finished the card with embellies and I joined the two flowers together :) Soon will share the tutorial at Lil Bee's Blog.....

This card is entering for:

Digital Tuesday

Freshly Brewed

Meljen's Design

Stamp Insanity

Scrapbook Sisters

Crafts and Me

Wee Memories
Bling It On
Creative Stamp Friends
Prairie Fairy
Sew Many Challenges
Stamp Something
Totally Gorjuss
Crafty Calendar
Scrap-Creations
Stamps R Us
Mami Doodles
Wags 'n Whiskers
Paper Pretties
Stampin with the Dragon
Little Miss Muffet

Love this row of ribbons:

Thanks for visiting and see you soon...

All supplies from Lil Bee's Boutique unless underlined:
Patterned Papers: Spring Market- Gardener's seeds, Fresh harvest (Webster's Pages)Embellishments: Reflections- Gianna Collection, Starshore- Delightful Day Collection (Prima), Spring Market Images and Phrases Stickers (Websters Pages), SIIC Crystal Stem with Flowers (Prima)

Showcasing Susan's Creations

Our featured artist today is no other than Susan Lee. Amna Al Fardh (team member) knew her when she was looking for other quilling artists in UAE when she found Susan's blog and then traced her to facebook .. and here she is .. for all of you to know about her and her art :) Please help us welcome sweet Susan...

Name: Susan Lee

Blog: It's All On Paper Crafts

Can you tell us how did you start quilling? and what sources did you learn from ?

I think I started 2 years back.  I remember, I bought several paper strips and the slotted tool with one ARTE member, SAD, after buying stuffs from her, I asked her if she can show me the basic paper quilling, she answered me: “Sorry, there’s a technique with this paper craft”.

Out of frustration to learn the craft, I surfed the web, and imagine I had no clue what that craft was called.  I just typed paper strips and slotted tool, in there… and voila PAPER QUILLING.  I tried YOUTUBE, and just kept on searching.  I guess if you are interested in one thing, you do not give up easily ‘till you learn it perfectly'.

Does crafting affect any aspect of your life?

I have a full time job, I work as Administrative Asst. / P.A. / Secretary / Liaison Office or Messenger / Driver (imagine all in one, only Susan can do) in a trading company of oil & gas equipment. That is why as much as I want to create more paper crafts, I don’t have the energy anymore once I get home.  

What other hobbies or forms of art do you practice?

My first love is the 3D Papertole.  I’ve learned this paper craft way back in the Philippines when I was still studying, I do needle craft too, like cross stitch, ribbon embroidery, crochet and lately got interested in scrapbooking and card making.  In card making I combine mostly all the crafts that I know.

The best consolation for me as an artist is that people appreciate what I do, especially my husband, family & friends, it motivates me to create more.  

Do you attend workshops or teach?

I do teach Basic Paper Quilling and the 3D Papertole, but not very often.

How can the other members get in touch with you or see more of your work?

My blog is http://www.mylkrafts.blogspot.com/ & my Face Book account is IAOP – It’s All On Paper by:  Susan Lee.

Now it's time to view Susan's masterpieces:

Really amazing creations, Susan!!!! Thanks so much for inspiring the crafting community. And thank you ladies for swinging by. Want to see more of Susan's creations, then visit her creative blog :) 

Have a Fabulous Friday!!!!

Sahar's Stunning Hand-Crafts

Welcome all and happy Friday!!!! Today's artist overwhelmed me at ARTE market so I decided to share with you her creations. She was so sweet and her crystal trees were calling me. Let me introduce you to Sahar!!!!

 

Name: Sahar Afsheen

Webpage: Sahar's Hand-crafts

How and when did you start your crafting journey?

My connection with art started way before I even knew what I was doing. As one of five siblings, our mother would devise ways to keep us out of her hair, so she would give us tiny clothes to stitch for our dolls, and I even made an entire doll house complete with (almost-edible) food items made out of clay, and furniture made out of recycled items.

In school, again I preferred doodling and drawing far much more than the chemistry lesson going on in class.

While I was in college, I used to make many handicrafts and cards for college festivals, and while they were much appreciated I did not think of expanding my work because of studies and later my job.

However, after marriage I realised that the typical 9 to 5 jobs were not my cup of tea and decided to explore my creativity. Hence Sahar's Hand-crafts was born.

What type of handicrafts do you create?

I try to be a jack of all and create handmade greeting cards, wall hanging towel decors,car decorations, decoupage crafts. But my specialization is more into Glass Painting, and Crystal crafts like small bonsai trees.

Here are some of them:

From where do you draw your inspiration?

Nature mostly but almost anything and everything from our daily lives.

I also use a lot of natural stuff like marble,glass, semi precious stones, eco friendly paper and towels in my crafts.

What are the top 5 tools in your crafting space?

My wire pliers, finger rubber gloves, gold glue, glass paint fix adhesive and my ever loyal portable fan

How long does it take you to make a creation you are happy with?

I'm quite moody as typical of an artist.  If I'm in a highly inspired mode then I shall work at a piece till I complete it otherwise it takes me days to create and make the same thing.

But I am quite a perfectionist and will not put up a piece for sale unless I know I have made it the best possible piece it was intended to be.

What do you do with the handicrafts that you make?

Initially as typical with all artists I couldn’t think of parting with my creations or selling them. After so much work has gone into an art piece, you want to know that it will be well taken care of. But with a lot of encouragement and support from my family and friends I started selling my handicrafts at handmade markets like the ARTE markets and other miscellaneous exhibitions. They also are the most popular gifts amongst my family and friends.

Do you post your handicrafts in any blog, forum, gallery?

I currently have my crafts group called Sahar’s Hand-crafts on facebook for which the link is HERE.

Want to see more, enjoy:

WOW, amazing creations Sahar!!!! Really proud to know a creative person like you. Thanks for being very communicative and sharing with us. Friends, don't forget to 'Join' Sahar's group and enjoy her artistic sense :) Hugsssssss

Another card for our Lil Bee's

Today I'll share with you a card that was already posted at Lil Bee's Facebook page. If you're not a fan yet, then just click the 'Like' button and get ready to be inspired :)
This card is loaded with layers and Prima accents!!! I first started with Heritage Park paper on where I laid a stripe of Ashton Annalee Cardstock (the dark pink). However, to get the scalloped edge down, I took another piece of the latter paper, punched, assembled it then adhered with the top paper. Finally I glued the colored lace (to coordinate), ribbon, Bubble Gum Candy Gems and placed the beautiful flower...

Love those spiral stems:

Full of layers:

Thanks for peeking and remember you still have one day to enter the gorgeous GIVEAWAY at Lil Bee's. All are welcome!!!!

All supplies from Lil Bee's Boutique unless underlined:
Patterned Papers: Enchanted Dreamy Violet Lace Paper (American Crafts), Heritage Park Emboss- City Park (American Crafts), Ashton Annalee Cardstock (Prima Marketing)
Embellishments: Lace and Pearl Borders, Bubble Gum- Candy Gems (Prima Marketing)

xoxo

This card is full of Prima goodness!!! Those edges were cut from the design in patterned paper that formed the basis of the card sketch. I very much adore the combination of these soft colors and how they coordinated so well :) Here it is:

The pearls and the sentiment go in opposite directions centered by a lovely flower from Prima:

Same paper and punch style for the interior:

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day!!!!!

Supplies:
Patterned Papers: Parlor 12X12 Annalee Cardstock (Prima Marketing), Ashton 12X12 Annalee Cardstock (Prima Marketing), Garden Party 12X12 Fairy Flora Cardstock (Prima Marketing)
Stamp:  Basic Uppercase Letters (Hero Arts)
Stamp pad: Cerulean Chalk Ink (Hero Arts)
Embellishments: E-Line Gem #300104 (Prima Marketing), Delano The Roosevelt Collection (Prima Marketing)

Welcome....

Welcome dear friends!!!! So glad to see you here :) Now onwards I'll post all my creations in this studio....
Unfortunately, I lost all my followers but am quite certain you'll continue to "Follow" me, yeah :)
Thanks for passing by and see you soon....

Viola's Vintage Creations...

Wow, it's already tenth week at Fascinating Fridays. Lots of efforts are running behind the scenes with my sincere team members, Amna Al Fardh and Sabrina Sulaiman. Thank you dear friends!!!!

Today's artist owns a very unique style of hers: shabby, chic and vintage. I've to admit that I was so inspired by her creations. Won't keep you waiting for long :) Let's all welcome Viola Mahr!!!

 Name: Viola Mahr

Blog: Miss Vio's Sunshine

1.   When did you first decide to make a card and why? (for eg. any significant event that drives you to make it?)

I've created silly, little handcrafts since young, and dabbled in painting, drawing, and all kinds of art. Cardmaking started around three years ago when I was sixteen... a group of my friends and I wanted to send a card back to our friend in Europe to encourage her, and I was nominated to make the card... I printed some digital patterned papers, and that was the simple beginning to my present favorite hobby :)

2.   What process do you go through to create a card? (for eg. do you take out all your embellishments and papers and start or you usually just hit and go?)

I usually find a patterned paper and just start mixing and matching from there. Sometimes I get stuck with a card late at night, and I give up and go to bed. In the morning, almost without fail, it comes together smoothly for me as my refreshed brain can "see" what was missing on the card the night before! :)

3.   How would you describe your cardmaking style?

Oh, a little mixed up of simplicity and shabbiness. I love fresh, spring colors with a little aged look. Not too much grunge, and not too gaudy, and it will be perfect for me :)

4.  What are your favorite products and manufacturers?

I love Melissa Frances patterned paper and embellishments -- something so very sweet about the soft colors and patterns. BasicGrey never fails to please :) and Pink Paislee is a new favorite of mine.

5.  As you probably know, cardmaking is an expensive hobby. What drives you to continue and any tips for crafters with low budgets?

 I am what I call the thrifty-est scrapper in the whole world!! :) at least in my view point. As I am a student, my budget is low and I never ask my parents for money to support my hobby. I use my own savings from my etsy store to make purchases (as well as pay for my music lessons!) and so far it has been good, as long as I watch my expenditure at the scrapbook stores. I shop online (etsy) quite a bit and look for the best of the very best bargains. Many times I create my own embellishments, such as trinket pins which I now share in my etsy store, hand-roll flowers, and cut out my own leaves and add special touches like stitching to them (see the Just a Note card below) ... these little things all add up to save a lot of money! I also hoard my scraps and use them for special cards.. you never know when they will come in handy. All in all, the best thing to keep in mind is when you go shopping, limit yourself to what you really, really can use, and don't waste on things that just look pretty but you find hard to use.

Feast your eyes on Viola's elegant cards:

6.  From the 3 cards you have shared, describe the most creative design you used.

I love the newest creation I'm sharing.. the shabby darling treasure box.. it's covered head-to-toe in pretty things, and you could spend a whole day looking over it. My favorite way of embellishing is tucking a little of this and a little of that into the corners and edges, making a collage-effect that is both intricately beautiful and also sophisticated. The other two creations are cards that are my most recent favorites.


Thanks Viola for inspiring us!!! Viola, I'm very sure your creations have fascinated all. Another thanks to all who popped in to see our talented artist!!! Don't forget to checkout more creations at her blog :) See you soon...

JUST FOR YOU

As promised, today I'll share with you another card that was created for Lil Bee's Boutique. Here I'm featuring February Stamp Kit that includes this fun Typewriter Background Cling Stamp...
First I stamped on Neenah Cardstock with versamark ink using this stamp. Then with ink resisting technique, I applied Old Paper Ink to distress the background. Later, three different color cardstocks were cut equally. I applied Punch, Cerulean (Hero Arts) and Natural Green (Inkadinkado) Chalk Inks on the stamp and sprinkled some water on it to give rough surfaces. As you see, the biggest typewriter was stamped in black, popped and glossed, typing the message 'JUST FOR YOU'. Lastly, finished the card with distressed twine and a metal embellishment from Lil Bee's Main Kit.

Zoom to the details :)

The same concept inside:

Thanks for looking and don't miss the giveaway at Lil Bee's blog. Hurry up!!!

All supplies from Lil Bee's Boutique except underlined:
Stamp:  Typewriter Background (Hero Arts), Basic Uppercase Letters (Hero Arts)
Embellishments: Mementos Charming Metal Embellishments (American Crafts)

MOM You're so special!

Today I'm sharing with you one of my adorable DT projects for Lil Bee's Boutique. That lace paper is just so stunning!!! Lil Bee's always introduces us to creative products like these...
First, I made a circle from this hearty City Park paper and adhered to the cardstock. Then I pressed that heart chipboard on cerulean stamp pad and laid it on the circle. Later, lace paper was glued to the back of same patterned paper and popped on the cardstock to give dimension. The last step was embellishing: metal butterfly was popped on the butterfly in lace paper, the blossom again popped and attached to the bright tag from American Crafts then both linked with a swirl from Prima!!!

Check out the heart inside for a special mom:

Now there's a GIVEAWAY at Lil Bee's blog. Click HERE to win March Exclusive Kit or a pack of Prima goodies (wowzer)!!! 
Thanks for swinging by and see you tomorrow with 'JUST FOR YOU" card...

All supplies from Lil Bee's Boutique except underlined:
Patterned Papers: Enchanted Mystical Mary Lace Paper (American Crafts), Heritage Park Emboss- City Park (American Crafts)
Stamp:  Basic Uppercase Letters (Hero Arts), Card Messages (Hero Arts)
Embellishments: Bits Decorative Tags (American Crafts), Mementos Charming Metal Embellishments (American Crafts), Mixed Scallop Pendant Banner (Maya Road), SIIC Stem With Flowers (Prima), , Kraft in Stitch Blossoms (Sassafras)

Meet Talented Tammy...

Happy Friday, crafty friends!!! Today, Tammy Hobbs will fascinate us with her 'WOWful' creations. I'm quite certain you'll adore her chic and fun style!!! Let's welcome dear Tammy :)

Name: Tammy Hobbs

Blog: Creating Somewhere Under The Sun

1.How and when did you start cardmaking?

I remember receiving a hand stamped card many years ago and about a year later someone gave me a beautifully embossed card, and I was really intrigued by such a wonderful craft.  I was working full time and I thought I would never have time to take on a hobby nor could I begin to fathom I would be able to learn such a craft and then I was invited to a Stampin’ UP Stamp Camp and that got me thrown right into it.  I was hooked ever since.

2.From where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw my inspiration usually from my mood believe it or not.  I don’t have any one style, so it may be what I feel like creating that day or depending on a challenge I am working on. I have drawn inspiration from color combinations in a store display to something I saw in a magazine.

3.What are your favorite companies?

I have many! Stampin’ UP!, Wilson Design Stamps, DeNami Designs, Spellbinders, MayArts, Cosmocricket this list could easily go on.

4.What are the top five tools in your crafting space?

My top five tools in my crafting space are my Big Shot, and dies, ATG Gun, dimensionals, Scor-pal, embossing folders and paper punches!

5.How long does it take to make a card that you are happy with?

I am laughing at this question because I am a slow card maker! It really depends on what project I am working on. I can finish a card in an hour or two, and there are times I will work on it for a day or two until I get all the embellishments I need if I don’t have them! It depends if time permits.

6.What do you do with the cards that you make?

Nothing makes me happier than to give my cards to others! I don’t keep them. I photograph them and that is all I need! I get so much joy in passing these works of love.  I do not have one single Christmas card I posted on my blog at Christmas, they were all signed sealed and mailed. I got started in cardmaking because I received a handmade card because it made me feel good, so I hope it does the same.

7.Do you post your cards in any blog, gallery, forum?

I have a blog where I post my cards at: Creating Somewhere Under the Sun

I have a flickr account where I have a few of my cards, but not many: http://www.flickr.com/photos/somewhereunderthesun/

8.Are you currently designing for any blogs?

I currently design for Off the Wall Craftiness and Wilson Designs Stamps

I was a guest designer for Jazzy Paper Designs August 2010

Now onto her fancy cards:

 

Thanks Tammy for sharing your creativity with us!!! Ladies, never miss visiting this sweet lady at her blog :) Have a great day!!!!