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}…
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.
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…
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!
signups for the class have been going well and the class is almost half full already – thanks to those who signed up early!
so without further ado, here are pics of the next book in my altered book series… dicken’s christmas {click to enlarge}
if you have been wanting to try one of my altered book classes, this would be a good one to start with. i’ve kept the structure of the book simple, but we are doing more embellishment and more stamping and inking. I’m hoping the balance will still make the project challenging for my “regulars”.
the “centerfold”, always a main attraction in my books, is something special in this book. the center opens up to reveal a “countdown to christmas”, which consists of 12 mini postcard pockets which hold tags. you can jot down treats or activities that your kids or family can reveal one day at a time.
the book is full of goodies from my “junque” stash: ribbons, charms, flowers, tags, a vintage postcard, christmas trims and custom printed ephemera.
in addition to the general supplies, i am recommending a few extra supplies. these are not NEEDED to complete the project, just suggested if you would like to amp up the bLiNg factor! all of these items, as well as most of the general supplies, are available at Scrapbook n’ More. if you would like any of the recommended supplies (or even any general ones), you can call ahead to reserve them to make sure they are available for you to pick up the day of the class. limited quantites MAY be available the day of the class if they are not all sold in preorders.
Gold Shine and Platinum Silver – great new metallic colors that will add a pretty glimmer and shimmer to any of your holiday projects…
i used these inks to distress the edges of the photo mats, tags and some of the printed papers pieces…
ColorBox Stylus & Tips, great to use to apply inks to paper and embellishments – especially when using full size inkpads…
the styluses & tips are available in packs or individually – just ask.
and lastly, Smooch Glitz in Frost, Smooch Glitz is an easy way to add glitter accents to your projects. you can use on porous or non-porous surfaces. quick drying, you can add multiple layers to add even MORE shimmer!
i used the Smooch Glitz throughout the book to add some frosty glitter to snow, berries, snowflakes, flowers and more…
here are the details for the class:
Dicken’s Christmas Altered Book Class
saturday, november 7
12:00 to 5:00
$65
you can call Scrapbook n’ More to sign up and to reserve your “extra” class supplies at 830-214-1690.
if anyone can come a little early to class – 11:30 or so – i will get you started on stamping and inking, that will hopefully make the process quicker for the other attendees. i have a previous engagement for later in the evening, so i will need to leave by about 5:30-6:00. i am trying – more so that usual – to make sure that everything runs smoothly in class and that we get as much of the book finished as we can during class time. PLEASE DON’T think you are going to miss anything if you don’t come early! but PLEASE DO be on time!
for those of you who have not taken an altered book class from me before, we always finish the basic structure of the book and anything that needs to be done DURING class. but usually a lot of the finishing – adding ribbons, bits, tags, etc. is done on your own. i do provide complete written directions with full color photos to make finishing the project simple. i also leave the sample book at the store for those that want to come in and work on their book there.
if you can’t make the class, kits are available for $70. the extra $5 fee covers extra prep to finish stamping and such for you that is usually done in class.
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…
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…
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…
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…
i added lots of added doodles to the mask…
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.
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…
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…
and here are some close-up shots of the flowers…
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!
if you missed the {school years} altered book class this past sunday, you still have an opportunity to get in on the project…
i had 3 kits left over and they are available for purchase at Scrapbook n’ More for $65.
the kits have everything you need to put together your book and have step-by-step directions with color photos. the sample book will be left at the store for reference.
these books would make great graduation gifts!
thanks to everyone who attended this class, we had a great time and got most of the book done in class! so finish them up!
On this hop we will share easy, affordable and fun ways to use Clearsnap’s Designer Foils with Tombow adhesive as well as other fun ways Tombow and Clearsnap products work together. “Stick” with us for the next two days to be inspired!
You probably got here from Suzanne Austin’s blog but if you just stumbled across my blog
i have a sweet and feminine Mother’s Day project to share with you; this framed quote for Mom…
i used a foiling technique similar to one Jennifer Priest shared on her blog: CHIC FOIL PRINTING WITH CLEARSNAP to add a little bLiNg! to my frame. i wanted the project to be soft and “frilly” with a peaches and cream color scheme and a little touch of GOLD.
foil accents are HOT right now, not only crafting but in fashion as well. Clearsnap makes a product called Design Foils which come in several colors and makes it easy for you to add a fashionable-foil accent to your projects.
to add the zig zag foiled elements to my frame, i used Tombo Mono Multi Liquid Glue and ColorBox® Chevrons Art Screen. the stencil was taped over the painted frame and then the design was filled in with thin lines of glue. a paintbrush was used to spread the glue to fill in the designs completely. then the stencil was removed and the frame set aside to let the glue dry. you’ll know it’s dry when it turns from white to clear. then, the foil was placed over the glued designs and rubbed to transfer the foil. quick, easy and best of all NEAT! no loose gold flakes to deal with.
Izink Inks were used to paint the frame. Izink Inks are a hybrid of ink and acrylic paint so they cover well and are quick to dry. they also come in lots of VIVID colors.
the overlay was done using Computer Grafix by Grafix.
i’ve put together a Snapguide that shows how you can make this project step-by-step in both photo and written directions… Check out this guide on Snapguide
To win, visit and comment on the participating blog posts. You have until April 21 at 11:59 EST to comment. A winner will be picked randomly and announced on April 22 2015.
i wanted to let you know that i have a NEW! card sketch up on the Clearsnap Blog. once a month, usually on the 13th, i add a card sketch and sample card.
this month, the sample card features a quick and easy foil technique to add a touch of bLiNg!
you can view the sketch and get all the details you need on how to make the sample card and the foil technique here: APRIL CARD SKETCH.
the card also has some book pages that were painted using Izink Inks incorporated into it. Izink Inks are a hybrid ink – a mixture of pigment inks and acrylic paint. they are SO bright and intense and dry QUICK! they are a great addition to your ink/paint arsenal.
if you visit me over on the Clearsnap Blog, please post a comment there to let me know you stopped by. and if you like the sketch, please share it with your friends on facebook, pinterest, etc.
i recently created some projects for GRAFIX and would like to share them with you over the next week or so.
one of the projects used the new Artist-tac, a dry adhesive, to add foil accents to paper mâché Easter eggs…
the Artist-Tac was used to add the designs to the eggs: punched circles for dots and wide and narrow strips for stripes. the eggs get their GORGEOUS colors from Izink Inks and the foils are Designer Foils, both from Clearsnap.
i created a Snapguide that shows you step-by-step how you can make these eggs yourself…
