tami sanders * paper crafter

tami sanders is a paper crafter that teaches locally and does design work for a few companies…

Category Archives: ideas


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happy halloween!

hello!

i have a halloween project that i would like to share with you! i know, i know it’s been a LONG time since i just shared a project, and i didn’t have much time to whip something up today. BUT — this project literally took about 15 minutes from beginning to end!

i love all things vintage, and that includes old halloween and those fabulous monsters featured in the classic horror films from the 50’s and before. dracula, frankenstein, the werewolf, the mummy creature from the black lagoon… and MORE.

so while perusing the aisles of my local dollar store, i happened to spot halloween colored candles in plain glass holders. i thought it would be great to add some halloween graphics to the outside of the holders to dress them up.

so i searched on the web and found some images from those films that i wanted to use and copied them into a word document. i adjusted the size of the images to fit on the front of the candle holders…

halloween-candles-print

then i printed them out on a sheet of Computer Grafix Clear Adhesive Backed Ink Jet Film from GRAFIX. i LOVE this product! you can print on it, draw on it, stamp on it – as long as you are using a permanent ink you are good to go! you are basically creating a clear sticker to put on whatever it is that you want to embellish. the film also comes without the adhesive backing and in a matte white finish. but for this project the clear is perfect!

i cut out the designs, peeled off the backings and put them on the candles, take a look…

halloween-candles-1

quick and easy! and i think they look fun! a great way to add a bit of “retro” to your halloween decor.

and here is what they look like all lit up in the dark…

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frankenstien was a little hard to photograph! but i REALLY liked how dracula came out! take a look…

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you can experiment with the brightness and contrast of your images to get them just right. a lot depends on the color of your candle. the lighter colors worked best i think.

this would be a great way to embellish candles for other occasions as well: holidays, birthdays, weddings…

and it is SO QUICK and EASY to do! you could print full pages of multiple images if you need large quanties of candles.

but picture this technique on other items as well, like picture frames, mirrors, notebooks, really anything that needs a little dress up.

hope you enjoyed and have a sPOoKy Halloween!

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{shares}

i have some great projects and pics i’d like to share with you…

first, it’s always nice to see what you “creatives” make using things learned in my classes. delia recently sent me a FABULOUS sports themed altered book that she made for her nephew. she just recently gifted him with it and she said he first question was “how long did it take you to make this?”. how NICE that her nephew truly understood and appreciated what an amazing labor of love the book was.

delia, amazingly, has only taken my altered book classes by “kit”, she hasn’t been able to actually come to class. FAB to know that it CAN be done through directions alone – guess MY time spent on the directions is worthwhile and appreciated as well!

delia generously agreed to let me share her awesome project with you, so take a look…

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on may 21, i held a monoprinting workshop using the new MONOPRINT PLATES by Grafix…

monoprint plates

monoprinting is fun to do and there are a VARIETY of great techniques to create unique designs and papers and embellishments to use on all your papercrafting.

Clearsnap…

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and DecoArt…

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along with Grafix supplied some of our products to play with in the class.

here are some pics from the class, everyone had their own “clothesline” to hang the prints they made up to dry – and let me tell you – everyone made LOTS of prints! good, messy fun was had by all. click on pics to enlarge and enable “scroll through”view…

susan at Scrapbook n’ More still had a few of the Monoprint Plates in stock if you would like to check them out or pick a set up!

i have some other personal projects i’d like to share, but i’ll save them for another post!


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altered book classes…

SAVE THE DATE!

please mark saturday, june 11 on your calendar as the date of my next altered book class.

i will be using the STORY BOOK collection by KaiserCraft…


the theme of the book will be FAMILY and i think the paper choice and overall feel of the book would make it a perfect gift idea for Father’s Day.

i am also working on a project, possibly a mini album or DE-constructed altered book using FAIRY DUST collection by KaiserCraft…


and finally… a question for YOU the studio audience!

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

is there ANY interest on an altered book using the ENCHANTED FOREST line from G45?

i loved the look of the line when I saw it in person, but dismissed it as a possible altered book subject as i 

 sure what theme or direction a book using this line would take.

BUT- after i used the Enchanted Forest line to design my layout for this month’s PhotoFULL layout i REALLY fell in love with it! it is just a BEAUTIFUL line with fabulous colors and illustrations. (for pic of layout – see previous post).

SO? any interest? it would be great for pics of the renfests you and your family may have attended, engagement photo, princess photos of your little royal or whatever other themed photos you could come up with.

post your YAY or NAY comments here!

—tami


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NSD continued…

still cropping! took awhile to crank out a couple of layouts – BUT…

i designed one layout for my upcoming photoFULL class, then copied it so both kids would each have their own layout.

i was scrappin’ photos from the Sherwood Forest Faire rennaissance festival and was EXCITED to find THE perfect paper for the layouts – G45’s Enchanted Forest Collection. (scrapbook n’ more always has the latest and greatest from Graphic 45).


there are 8 more photos plus journaling “hidden” on this layout! make plans to attend my next PhotoFULL class to find out where they are!

if you live out of the area, you can take my monthly photoFULL or money $aving $ketches classes via email directions that include a supply list, cutting directions, full written directions and full color photos. just use the “contact me” form and request all the details.

—tami


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happy NSD!!!

happy national scrapbook day!!!

i’ve been cropping at scrapbook n’more in new braunfels since yesterday with scrappin’ pals tinka and charlotte.

i finished a bunch of layouts yesterday and wanted to share them with you.

most are finished, a few lack journaling – need the kiddos input…


i still have ALL afternoon and evening to crop so we’ll see how many MORE layouts i can get done!

—tami


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{livre de l’amour} valentine book

hi all!

the sample for the {livre de l’amour} valentine book is done!

the book came together quickly, and i was really happy with how it turned out, and hope you will like it too.

the 12 page mini book is done in a mixed media style with pages of multiple sizes and types: old book covers, diecut chipboard, vintage envelopes, old kraft file folders, paper lunch bags, 30’s bingo cards as well as a few heavy-weight cardstock pieces all serve as a background to build on using the romantic MON AMOUR line from Graphic 45. there are pockets, tags, folders and more with lots of places to add photos, journaling and love notes. many little treasures and trinkets from my “junque” stash were used to embellish the book. a perfect gift for your valentine, or for gifting for a wedding or anniversary. the book focuses more on “love” and “romance” than on “valentine’s day” so think outside the holiday.

this book has many of the same elements that my altered books have – just without the book!

here are some collage pics of the finished book {click to enlarge}…

amour - cover collage

amour detail collage

here are the class details…

LIVRE DE L’AMOUR altered mini book

date: saturday, january 30th

time: 1:00 to 5:00 

price: $55.00 {kits available for $60.00}

class size limit is currently at 11. IF there is enough interest, i could potentially accept up to 18 – with the additional 7 spaces having a few minor supply substitutions.

so if you are interested in this class, please call Scrapbook n’ MoreScrapbook n’ More @ (830) 214-1690 and sign up soon.

i will be dropping off the sample book at Scrapbook n’ More either this week or early next week if you would like to see it in person.

please contact me if you have any questions about this class or any of my other class offerings.

thanks


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{livre de l’amour} valentine book

hello all,

long time no post!

today marks the 8th anniversary of my blog! i can’t believe i’ve managed to keep it up and running for that long – although it has been neglected as of late.

BUT! it’s a new year, and i’ve got some events coming up that i’d like to make you aware of.

*** scrapbook garage sale ***

first, i’ll be taking LOADS of stuff to the scrapbook garage sale at Scrapbook n’ More. the sale will be held on saturday, january 16, so mark the date and plan to come shop for some bargains!

*** monthly scrapbook classes ***

then, my monthly photoFULL & money $aving $ketches classes pick back up on tuesday, january 19. held at scrapbook n’ more – usually on the last tuesday of the month {early this month so i can make 1 trip to teach AND pick up my garage sale leftovers}. the classes are held from 10:30 to 1:30 at Scrapbook N’ More.

these are “come and go” classes, so you can come and take one or both during the 3 class hours. of course, the earlier you get there, the more help i can give you with your layouts. a $5 supply credit is provided for both classes. if you haven’t given these classes a try, make that a part of your resolution for the new year. both of these classes are designed to help you get your photos SCRAPPED! photoFULL layouts hold 18+ photos on a modified 2 page layout thanks to flaps, folds, pockets and more. money $aving $ketches class lets you take 1 set of supplies and turn it into 2 – 2 page layouts.

if you are coming for the first time, bring your basic scrapbook supplies – trimmer, scissors, adhesive, bone folder, scoring tool and a pencil. also bring a set of 18 or more photos for photoFULL and 1 or 2 sets of photos – same event, or photos with similar color of 8-10 photos each. photos should be a mix of vertical and horizontal if possible; layouts usually have more horizontal.

this class is also offered by fellow instructor Linda Norman at her house, you can reach her at scrappytherapy@satx.rr.com to sign up or for more information.

ii also offer both these classes via e-mail; you can contact me for more info.

*** livre de l’amour ***

and…

the project i am currently working on, {livre de l’amour} mini book. it has been a LONG, LONG time since i’ve taught an honest-to-gosh mini album class.

i LOVED the mon amour collection from Graphic 45 and wanted to do a project with the line. i considered an altered book, one of my de-constructed altered books, but decided against both styles. in the end, i chose to do a mini album “mixed media” style book – WITH all the elements and goodies of my altered book classes.

so if you have taken my altered book series of classes, i think this book will appeal, but if you haven’t taken one of my altered book classes, thinking they look too complicated, THIS is one class you should try!

lots of great tidbits and trinkets from my “junque” stash: lace, ribbons, trims, buttons, charms, paper doilies, paper flowers, vintage book pages and MORE.

the covers of the mini book are old book covers that i cut off and the “pages” of the book consist of different materials in different sizes to make things more interesting: paper bags, shaped chipboard, vintage envelopes, vintage kraft file folders and vintage bingo cards mixed with paper and cardstock pages as well. there will be room for photos, journaling and love notes!

great book to make for your “amour” for valentine’s day, or for gifting for a wedding or anniversary. the theme of the book is more about “love” – hence the name – the book of love – than it is Valentine’s Day.

here are some photos of what i’ve gotten done so far – i’m in the final “staging” phase – i’ve worked this project just like i would any of my altered books…

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this class will be limited to 10-12 due to supplies i have on hand; so a little smaller than my altered book classes.

SAVE THE DATE! this class will be held at Scrapbook n’ More on saturday, january 30 from 1:00 to 4:30 {end time tentative}.

final sample book and details will be coming soon – hopefully in the next few days.

that’s all i’ve got for now! thanks for stopping by and hope to see you soon!


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handmade holidays blog hop

Displaying HANDMADE HOLIDAYS SPONSORS.jpg

hello all!

i hope you are enjoying the Handmade Holidays Blog Hop and getting LOTS of great ideas for your holiday gifting!

i have a jewelry project that i would like to share with you

— Dragonfly Pendant & Earring Set…

dragonfly jewelry set,polymer clay, smooch ink,tami sanders,blog

i used Rollagraph® Design Wheel and Handle, ColorBox® Teresa Collins Pigment Ink, Smooch Accent Inks and ColorBox® Stylus & Tips – all from CLEARSNAP – polymer clay, stamps, junque jewelry and a few other supplies to create this set.

you can see how to make this set yourself by viewing this Snapguide…

Check out this guide on Snapguide

click the blue froggie button below for the hop list for today to continue on the hop.

you are at #26 – tami sanders, so click on #27 to arrive at stencil 1 – the last stop on the hop today.

if you would like to see what you missed yesterday – if you are just joining the hop – please visit the Clearsnap Blog.

there will also be MORE projects tomorrow, so be sure to check out all those FABULOUS projects as well.

and would you like a chance to win the fabulous prize pack below?

over $600 in craft supplies to help you make this holiday handmade!

Handmade-Holidays-2015-Prize-Pack-1600-wide

then please enter to win using the link below:

a Rafflecopter Giveaway

thanks for hopping with us today!


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Doodle Lit Book Review

hi ya!

i received a book to review the other day, DOODLE LIT by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver from Gibbs Smith Publishing.

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i was instantly intrigued by a book dedicated to doodles; i can’t resist doodling anytime i have a pen and paper in hand.

“drawing on the classics” is noted on the cover, and that along with the “LIT” in the title clues you in as to the theme; classic literature. famous authors and characters and details from their books serve as the subject matter for each “chapter” of the book. a sample doodle from each author as well as a short bio is included as well.

each page prompts and prods your imagination to create. you get little jumping off points and the rest is up to you.

here are a few examples from the Jane Austen chapter…

doodle 2

doodle 1

doodle 3

among other interesting pages of Jane Austen-ish things to doodle about, you can draw your own “Pride and Prejudice” mansion complete with topiaries or design or color a ball gown for your Elizabeth Bennet paper doll.

a few of the other authors included are: William Shakespeare, Leo Tolstoy, Emily Bronte and Lewis Carroll.

the Tolstoy chapter has lots of fun activities like: design a pair of earrings and embellish hats, gloves and boots.

and there are seasonal trees to embellish with natural doodles in the Emily Bronte chapter.

Lewis Carroll’s chapter challenges you to make a hat for the mad hatter, make a list of rules if you were “Queen of Everything” and cut out some stylish ‘staches for a mustache party…

book 9

the William Shakespeare chapter challenges you to write and embellish {with doodles of course!} your own love letter, create an invitation to a masquerade as well as embellish a mask for the ball…

book 8

i’ve been obsessing on peacock feathers lately {blame the prom flowers} so this mask caught my eye. i decided to try out the book by coloring and doodling this mask, here is my finished masterpiece…

book 5

i added lots of added doodles to the mask…

book 4

in the introduction, the author, Jennifer Adams is quoted as saying “doodling is such a simple form of being creative. when you doodle, you usually allow yourself to do it freely – you’re not trying to make a final piece of art or worrying what someone else will think.” and illustrator Alison Oliver says “doodling can make you feel calm and relaxed. it can help you when you want to come up with an idea for a project, or it can be just for fun”.

i think most of us doodle when we are bored, on hold or thinking. we probably don’t purposely doodle. i mean, when is the last time you set down to DOODLE – not set out to create something, not pull out the art journal to work on – NO – JUST DOODLE?

i find that doodling helps free up my mind from the daily to-do list, or worries and problems, and makes it easier to access my creative side. sometimes when i can’t focus on an assignment or class project, i’ll find myself doodling on the info sheet.

i LOVE an idea of a book FULL of doodle ideas! doodling with a purpose – doodling for the sake of doodling. i can see myself pulling this book out when i need some inspiration, when i need to open my mind to creating.

i have to admit it never occurred to me that this was not a book just for adults – call me a BIG kid! LOL! it is recommended for ages 8 and up, so your kiddos will love it too. and if you want to get your really little one interested in the “classics” check out BabyLit series by the same dynamic doodling duo.


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how many flowers does it take to make a corsage???

because i just have SO MUCH TIME on my hands… i decided that it would be a great idea to make the prom flowers for my son and his girlfriend. RIGHT ;)

i’ve arranged flowers before – i did the table arrangements for my wedding – but i don’t think i’ve ever made a corsage before. i made mums in high school – does that count? anyway, little things like lack of experience and common sense were not enough to deter me! LOL!

i hit all the craft stores and spent i don’t know HOW much buying bits and parts not knowing what i would actually use and what would be going back to the store.

then, the day arrived for flower shopping. i thought about going to the flower market or wholesaler, but hey – how many flowers did i really need and HEB usually has really nice roses and such.

so i headed out early friday morning – IN THE POURING rain – and oh’ did i mention it was my 22nd wedding anniversary? i went into HEB confident i could get what i needed, confidence that quickly faded as i looked over what looked like mother’s day leftovers :( YUCK! so i waded back out to my car and went to ANOTHER HEB. on first glance, the flowers here didn’t look much better, but i noticed there were some unpacked boxes. so i asked, and FORTUNATELY, there was a fresh load of flowers. so i waited until they were unpacked and found pretty much exactly what i had in mind – except for any hot pink flowers. so i headed to ANOTHER HEB {at this point wishing that i went to the wholesaler or market}. but luckily, i found some small hot pink carnations – PERFECT!

so here’s my flower purchases for ONE corsage and ONE boutonniere…

flowers

think i have enough? LOL!

so after a 3 hour excursion for flowers, i settled down to make the corsage and boutonniere. i have to say, it went better than expected and i even got to take a short nap to refresh for an anniversary dinner with my hubbie. i had SO many flowers left, that i made myself a corsage for the event!

here’s the kids, all dressed up for prom – drew and his girlfriend naomi…

drew & naomi

drew and naomi cu

and here are some close-up shots of the flowers…

shoulder corsage

bout cu

i didn’t think i did too bad. the theme of the prom was “bollywood”, so i thought the bright colors would work well as well as with their outfits.

i found the idea for the pocket flowers instead of a traditional boutonniere on pinterest and LOVED the idea. the hardest part was trying to figure out how to construct it. but thanks to some acrylic sheets i had {THANKS GRAFIX} i was able to rig up something. i had decided that a shoulder corsage would work best for naomi as the couple was going to the melting pot for dinner. i thought a wrist corsage would be bothersome. turns out that was a good decision as they spent 3 1/2 hours at dinner!

i was able to make 2 small bouquets for drew to present to friends whose graduation he was attending AND a HUGE arrangement for my mom and mother-in-law to enjoy. so NO flowers were wasted in this project – just ENJOYED!