Tuesday 31 May 2011

Lil Bee's Sneak Peek and ........

a winner!!!! Such a great week here at Paperie Designs' Studio... From GD spots to Lil Bee's sneak peeks and today  won the Super Six at CardPatterns (still in shock):

Such an honor making it to the the Super Six!!! Now back to my DT duties :) Lil Bee's Boutique will soon release the latest Kit of the Month featuring many classic and vintage products by Tim Holtz. Here's one creation using them....
I started this card with laying the base pp then cutting a circle to fit the chipboard from Dusty Attic. Later, silver embossed the sentiment and added a pearl on the letter 'O'. Final steps were adhering the ribbon, tying with twine and finishing with embellishments...

This card is entering for:
Case Study
Stamp Something
Sew Many Challenges
CES Challenge
Crafty Hos'
Top Tip Tuesday
Simply Create

Love that hanging metal butterfly:


Thanks dear for passing by!!!! Trying to catch up with commenting in your fantabulous blogs.....

Supplies
Patterned Paper:
Tim Holtz Paper Stash Kraft Resist (Rangers), Mabel Joy Woodgrain Paper (My Mind's Eye)
Stamps
: Sophie's Sentiments (Lawn Fawn), Big Uppercase Alphabets
(Hero Arts)
Embellishments: Twine (Jillibean Soup), Say it In Crystals, Lollipops (Prima), Metal Charm (Pink Paislee)


Monday 30 May 2011

Tooty Fruity

I think I should start investing in Copic markers!!! Currently, I've very few of them otherwise this cute strawberry would have been so attractive :) I started this card with adhering pp from Webster's Pages then stamped and colored the image on Neenah. Later, I clear embossed the strawberries in such a way that the colored one pops in the centre. Finished the card with two buttons and a coordinating ribbon from Prints...

This card is entering for:
Unity Stamp Company
Pixie Dust
All Things Unity (ATU)


Can you see the clear embossing??


Thanks for swinging by!!! See you tomorrow with sneak peeks for Lil Bee's Boutique....Until then, have a great day :):)

Supplies
Patterned Paper: Spring Collection (Webster's Pages)
Stamps
: Sweetest Day
 (Unity Stamp Company)
Embellishments: Asst. Love Buttons (American Crafts), Ribbon (Prints)


Sunday 29 May 2011

News+ PIO Guest Designing (cont.)

I was so excited when contacted by Dawn Baty, the owner of ICS Challenge, to design for their creative sketches in June!!!! Such an honor to work with this team of talented ladies...


Seriously, love playing with sketches!!! Now back to my GD duty at Pile It On. As you may know, I'm designing there for the month of May which sadly has come to an end :( This week's challenge is to use an image with sprinkles, here's a sweet teaser for you (visit PIO blog for complete view):

 This card is entering for:
Pile It On- Cake/Ice cream with Sprinkles
CardPatterns- Sketch
Color Throwdown- so saffron, old olive, pink pirouette, optional colors
Paper Cutz- Banner
Scrap Creations- Use at least 3 DP
Stamp Something- Stamp a sentiment
Truly Scrumptious- Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter- Anything Goes

So why not play with us?? Give it a try coz 'sprinkles' will never disappoint you....

Thanks for peeking!!!! See you tomorrow with a fruity card :)

Friday 27 May 2011

Kate's Small Bits...


Wow, its the 21st Friday here at Fascinating Fridays. I'm so grateful to my team members Tammy Hobbs, Alia Mohammed and Amna Al Fardh without whom this would have been impossible....Thank you dear friends :)
Today we're featuring a sweet crafty lady from Ontario. I visited her blog and believe she's a cricut addict!!! Without further ado lets get to know- Kate :)  


Name: Kate Dykstra


When and how did you start Cardmaking?
I started cardmaking in 2007.  I had started with a bit of scrapbooking before that but then discovered that cardmaking was much more my thing.  I got my first Cricut in June 2007 and my addiction to cardmaking began!



When would you say you are most creative?
I am most creative in the middle of the night!  I often wake with ideas but then have to wait to actually follow those ideas through to completion.  



What is your favourite technique?
My favourite technique is definitely embossing.  I love to run papers through my Cuttlebug.  I love the added texture and dimension that embossing can add to a project.


Do trends inspire your creative process?
I suppose they do a bit.  I love looking at new trends and trying some of them out.  I won't be inspired by a trend if it's really not my thing though.


Is there a designer in the paper crafting industry that inspires you?  If so, what about their style or technique inspires you?
No, I am more inspired by my crafting friends in the blogging world.  I find that the projects created are more real and meaningful when created from the heart and not for business and I am drawn to and inspired by the emotional aspect of those creations.


How would you describe your style?
I'm not sure I have a specific style but I certainly like clean lines and balance in my projects.


How long would you say it takes you to complete a card or project?
Too long!!  I'm a very slow crafter and like to take my time with my projects.  I usually have a general idea of what I want to create but I need to try different things (e.g., papers, sizes, embellishments, etc.) out before I know what will work best for me.  Also, I'm hopeless at putting my papers on my Cricut cutting mat the correct way (even though I even label my mat!) so generally have to cut images multiple times!!  (I tend to use my Cricut for the majority of my creations.)



When you are finished with your beautiful creations what do you  do with them?
I always take pictures of my cards before I give them away.  Most of my cards are created with a specific person and purpose in mind.  I love to give my cards away and delight in knowing that I've brought joy to another.

Kate's creations that will flutter your heart:







Creative and stylish projects, Kate. Thanks darling for overwhelming us and spending some time with Fascinating Fridays. Sweethearts, don't forget to visit Kate's rocking blog!!! Thank you so much for swinging by...Fabulous Friday :)


Thursday 26 May 2011

hearty cutie

Here's another baby creation for my dear customers at Edible Arrangements-Dubai. I enjoy making them so you should get yourself ready for many new-born cards soon :):)
I played with many patterned papers here and the result was CUTENESS... Started the card with adhering bases then cutting a circle using Martha Stewart Circle Cutter. I divided the circle and glued them on both sides. Final steps were adding the sentiment, ribbon and popping up that baby bib from BasicGrey.


This card is entering for:
CardPatterns
Color Throwdown
Inky Impressions
The Paper Shelter
Truly Scrumptious
Fussy and Fancy
Added some glossy accent to the heart :


Thanks for passing by...Be sure to come back tomorrow at Fascinating Fridays :)

Supplies
Patterned Paper: Persuasion Blooms (Bo Bunny), Heritage Park (American Crafts), Dancing Dots-Dancing Girl (Fancy Pants)
Stamps
:
Basic Uppercase Letters (Hero Arts), Bannerific (Lawn Fawn)
Embellishments: Love Eternal Delights (American Crafts), Baby Element Stickers (BasicGrey), Ribbon (Prints)

Tuesday 24 May 2011

baby shower

So far, baby arrival cards are the most-selling at Edible Arrangements-Dubai. And that's why you'll get enough doses of inspirations from my blog :) Today's cards are extremely simple and easy to make....
I started with tying the twine then adhering that paper strip towards the end. Later I stamped the banners and popped up those cutie umbrellas at an angle. Finally, I popped up the whole base to the cardstock....

 This card is entering for: 
Case Study Challenge
Crafty Sentiments
The Pixie Cottage
Stamp with Fun
Top Tip Tuesday
And one for the baby-boy:


Thanks for visiting!!!! Until next post...Happy Crafting :)

Sunday 22 May 2011

Vintage CAS card...

My youngest sister wanted a vintage card for her teacher so I used this shabby chic paper from BasicGrey. So glad she LOVED it and the best part my eldest sister wanted the same for a close friend :):):)
I started this card with die cutting Camelia Curio Collection paper. For the base, I used back side of the same paper. Then I cut the flowers, distressed them and tied a twine. Finally, I added the mask, swirl and crystals from Prima......

This card is entering for:
Inspirational Card Sketches
CES Challenge
Crafty Creations
Aud Sentiments
Fairy Knoll
Pixie Dust

Love those added tiny crystals on the mask:


Thank you for swinging by!!!! See you soon with baby arrival cards :)

Supplies
Paper: Camelia Curio Collection Paper (BasicGrey) 
Embellishments: Twine (Jillibean Soup), 12x12 Mask, Crystals and Flowers (Prima)


Friday 20 May 2011

Preethu's Pretty Pieces

Hello and Welcome....Our artist today resides in United Arab Emirates, and Amna (Team Member) met her once at one of the exhibitions. She's quite a busy lady yet finds time to create beautiful pieces....Let's meet Preethu  :)

Name: Preethu J Kurup

1) When did you start paper quilling ? and how did you know about it ?
I have a passion for art and craft from my childhood days. A few years back while I was searching for different methods of making paper flowers, I got the idea of quilled flowers on internet. Because of the difficulty in finding supplies and tools at that time, I started cutting paper strips using a ruler and a craft knife.  
2) Do you read books about quilling and other crafts? or what sources do you use mostly?
I never got a chance to go through the books on paper quilling. I am using Internet for most of the information regarding art and craft. I am a member of many art and craft groups and have good relations with many quillers around the world whose works inspire me to do quilling. 
3) Describe yourself as an Artist , what hobbies do you like and practice? what other forms of art do you like? how long have you been crafting in general ?
I am so passionate to art and craft and a constant learner of the same. I love to experiment with different techniques and methods and always try to combine different art & methods. Along with quilling I love to try other art forms like glass painting, embroidery, card making and now crochet.
4) Do you work or study? and does practicing hobbies affect any aspect of your life?
I am doing Ph.D in Business Administration. Hobbies really do affect my life. It gives me so much, satisfaction, happiness and relief. My family and friends motivate me a lot to create more.
5) Do you attend workshops or give workshops ?
I did not attend any workshops yet. I am conducting craft classes.
6) Have you gained any benefit from your art? what kind of benefit ?
The main benefit is self satisfaction on the completion of any art work. In addition to that, the motivation and inspiration from people which really help me to improve my skills.
7) Anything else you would like to share with us?
I would like to thank you all for giving me an opportunity to share my experience in quilling and other crafts which really honored me. I would like to share and learn more with other members of the Emirates Quilling Guild.

Now take a look at Preethu's creations:




Phenomenal creations, Preethu!!!! Love all the details added :) Thanks sweetheart for sharing your passion with us. And thank you peeps for visiting us today...Great Weekend!!!!


Wednesday 18 May 2011

Teacher cards (contd.)

If you've been following my blog lately, you must have noticed plenty of 'Teacher Appreciation' cards posted here. I loved them all and so shared them with you. I'll be very glad if they've inspired you in any way :)
Long time back, I found a tutorial at Splitcoaststampers where faux windows were created like those in cards below. They're quite simple and all you have to do is calculate spaces evenly. After stamping the background with versamark, I stamped the word 'teacher' in white and then added mini alphabets. Next, I popped up the image and added black pearls in images' stems and leaves. The last step was gluing a blooming flower from Prima....
This card is entering for:
Incy Wincy Designs 
Papertake Weekly
A Spoon Full of Sugar
Truly Scrumptious
Crafts and Me

Get closer:

Recently, sister's friend asked for teacher cards and among them was this one below. She adored it so much and ordered for more :):):)


Love that tiny sentiment:

Thanks for peeking. Until next time...Stamp Happy!!!!!

Supplies
Paper: White, Kraft (Bazill)
Stamps
: Flower Bird Garden,
Curly Alphabets (Hero Arts), Soiree Collection Stamps (Pink Paislee)
Inks: Apricot Stamp pad (American Crafts), Colorbox Frost White, Cerulean Blue (Hero Arts)
Embellishments: Say It In Crystals and Pearls, Flowers: Guava Peony Waltz, Delano The Roosevelt Collection (Prima)

Sunday 15 May 2011

Winner and a new card :)

Let me start with the good news :) I was so excited to see my card (already sold!!!) had won the Top 3 in Ribbon Carousel Challenge!!!! Oh my, what a great start to the day....Can't wait to grab my prize (LOL)
Today I'm sharing with you a third card for our dear teachers. I made a similar one earlier but here I altered few things. After embossing and distressing, I tied that big bow and added a distressed sentiment as well as alphabets that have been stamped and cut out separately.....

This card is entering for:
Never make a card without pearls :):)


Thanks for peeking!!!! Have a great day too....

Supplies
Paper: White, Black Cardstocks (Bazill)
Stamps
: Classic Fabric Design (Hero Arts), Bannerific, Sophie's Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)
Inks: Old Paper Distress Ink (Rangers), Opaque White Embossing Powder (American Crafts)
Embellishments: Say It In Crystals and Pearls Item # 544553 (Prima)

Saturday 14 May 2011

Patty's Priceless Pages

Day by day we get to know new artisans from every part of the globe. Today's artist has been practicing creativity for quite long and is definitely much more experienced than many of us :):) Ladies, let's get to learn from- Patty Rogers...
Name: Patty Rogers
1. How did you get involved in the world of scrapbooking? 
I became involved in scrapbooking at an early age, with scrapbooks from the fifties and sixties era. There were very few supplies available for scrapbookers that I knew of at that time, and many supplies were not acid free. When scrapbooking started to take off in the mid 1990's, I started catching up on scrapbooking for my two children who were fifteen and eleven years old at the time. Compared to today, there were still very limited supplies at that time. Most of the supplies were stickers, acid free paper, die cuts and pens. Scrapbooking has come a long way since then! 


2. How do you go about creating a layout? Describe your typical process.

Usually, I begin with a specific picture or group of pictures in mind and  print them at home. This gives a greater choice in photo paper, color, contrast and size for each photo. I paste each photo inside a text box and can maneuver the pictures to get more photos printed per photo paper page.When using old pictures that are damaged I sometimes have to do a bit of a touch up on Corel software. If there are too many different colors in a picture, I sometimes make the photo black and white or a sepia color. If using only one photo, the photo size is usually 4"x6" (10 x 15 CM) or larger.

Some things I keep in mind when searching for patterned paper are:  color, texture, theme, size of the patterns on the paper, and a mixture of lights and darks for contrast. Floral and geometric mixtures are just as important in scrapbooking as it is in interior design! If the layout has more of a modern theme I tend to use brighter colors, fewer browns and more modern designs when choosing paper. Another thing to keep in mind is the age of the people in the pictures. If the page is juvenile themed, a playful feel to the paper is important. This can be achieved easily with primary colors and childlike designs.

Once I have the paper chosen, I choose embellishments that also coordinate with the era, colors and theme. For heritage LO's I enjoy using vintage lace from my paternal grandmother's collection, which is more than fifty years old. Modern white lace can always be tea-dyed for the same effect. I am also very fortunate to have a collection of antique scrap that was among my maternal grandmother's collection.  Also, I like giving more of a vintage look using corrugated cardboard that I paint and distress. Using fabric of some sort is especially important. I have relied on felt, canvas, ribbon, lace, burlap, cardboard, chipboard and metals to create interest.

One consideration that I keep in mind is what kind of techniques I want to include. For instance, if the LO is heritage, I do a lot of distressing and paper tearing for definition. Techniques such as sewing (either by hand or on machine), masking, painting and border punching are high on my "To Do List".  Any kind of paper manipulation such as wet distressing, folding, curling and tearing is a must for me, as well.

Once I have chosen the paper, embellishments, and techniques, I lay out the background paper(s) and then play with where I want the picture(s), title, journaling and embellishments to be in the finished product. Occasionally, I draw a thumbnail sketch, but my layouts seem to usually develop without a sketch. Three areas of interest is a good idea to keep in mind: the title, the picture and journaling.  The eye should be led to the picture first, in a layout. One way to do this is to surround the picture with interesting embellishments and or techniques on two sides of the photo. Two converging lines in the design, with the photo inside the place where they intersect is always good. Occasionally, I place embellishments on three sides of the photo, but I usually use only two sides. Once I determine where all elements will be placed, I actually do the paper tearing, inking, stitching, masking or painting. The last thing I do on a layout is adhere the paper and add the embellishments. I typically spend about six hours on a typical 12" x 12" album page!

3. What are your favorite products and tools to use on your layouts? If you could have unlimited access to any product or tool what would it be? 

My favorite patterned papers:
  •  Bo Bunnye Press
  •  Webster's Pages 
  •  Prima
  •  Graphic 45
  •  K & Co
  •  Pink Paislee

Favorite Embellishments:
  •  Tim Holtz (metals, Grungeboard and journaling)
  •  Prima (flowers and lace)
  •  Scrap FX (laser cut chipboard)
  •  Webster's Pages (vintage look)
  •  Ten Second Studio (metal embossing)
  •  Maya Road (chipboard, trinkets pins and ribbon)
  •  May Arts (ribbons)
Favorite inking and painting supplies:
  • Ranger Inks
  • Ranger Crackle Paint
  • Tim Holtz/Ranger Masks
  • Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and Masks
  • Maya Road Mists
    
4. What types of unconventional, unique, or unexpected materials or techniques have you used on your layouts? 

The most unconventional materials that I use are antique lace from my paternal grandmother and antique scrap from my maternal grandmother. I also like to use findings such as a feather that was left near our birdfeeder. I used the feather in a small Maya Road album about the birds that we see outside our kitchen window.

5. When someone opens your scrapbooks years from now, what do you hope they will think or say?

My hope is that future generations of my family will appreciate their heritage and have a better understanding of what life was like in our family at a certain time in history. Perhaps the interest and artistry I have brought to each page will help the viewer have a feel for the people in the pictures and the time when each person lived
6. Where can we view more of your work?
Now see these chic and shabby layouts:





Didn't I tell you that her pages are rich and beyond any valuation?? Patty, we're very lucky to know you and your creations are nothing but pieces-of-art. Thanks Patty for refreshing us and thank you all for visiting. Happy Weekend :) 

*Sorry for the late post :( It was scheduled since Thursday but faulty blogger failed to publish on time...

Wednesday 11 May 2011

THANKS teacher

Today I'm sharing with you another card expressing gratitude to our beloved teachers. Actually, this card is already sold and I received an order to make more of this (wohoo!!)
It's a simple card but the details make it stand out :) After adhering the pp, I pierced that strip of Parisian Anthology paper and surrounded it with a mask from Prima. Later, the butterfly was popped from the same direction, and to add extra beauty I applied silver liquid pearls at the top...

This card is entering for:

Zooooom:

Thanks for your kind visit!!! Have a wonderful day....

Supplies
Paper: Trellis- Soiree Collection, Fancy Filigree- Parisian Anthology (Pink Paislee)
Alphabets
: Black and White (Kaiser Craft)
Embellishments: Pink Butterflies (Jenni Bowlin), 12"x12" Mask (Prima), Silver Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

Sunday 8 May 2011

Guest Designer at Pile It On

I'm very honored to be May Guest Designer at PIO. As you all may know, I love piling up challenges and this has given me the opportunity to play there :) This week's challenge is to create a project using a funny sentiment, so I designed this card for a new-born baby BOY. Here's a sneak peek (visit PIO blog for complete view):


This card is entering for:
Pile It On- Funny bone
Polly Craft Challenge- Anything goes
Mojo Monday- Sketch
Kaboodle Doodles-  It's the B's
Top Tip Tuesday- Open Challenge
Timeless Flourishes- For a child
Papertake Weekly- Anything goes
Pear Tree Designs- Free for All
Spoon full of Sugar- White+one main color
Tuesday Taggers - Something old, something new
All that Scraps -Anything goes
If the shoe fits - May goes Green

Why not have fun with us?! Waiting to see you there :):)