Wednesday Wonder – Painted Globe Project

Today I wanted to share a fantastic project by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer!

New life for an old globe

New life for an old globe.

You know how fond I am of taking found items and sprucing them up! Julie took an old globe she found at a thrift store and used some paint and vinyl cutouts to create a really great update to the globe. In fact, the direction she took this project will allow this globe to be used no matter how or when boundaries are redrawn for country borders, or what areas are renamed. She uses some great step-by-step photos so you can follow her project.

As you can see, it’s another way to use an electronic cutter for an artsy project. Using the letters for both a masking technique, as well as adding phrases, is such a great use of her machine and her creativity! Julie uses a Brother ScanNCut machine, but you can use your Cricut or Silhouette!

I hope you enjoy the project as much as I did! Hop on over and take a peek at her globe project now!

Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures!

KS

Jazz Up Printables for Unique Cards

make it monday blog hop logoWelcome to another Make It Monday blog hop. If you came from Lisa Harris’ blog, you’re in the right spot! Isn’t her Santa’s Helpers Workshop brilliant? If you didn’t see her post, make sure you make it back to her blog!

Today’s Artful Adventure idea may come in handy, so take note! With all the printables that are available, why not use them to create something? You don’t even have to spend much time or effort on jazzing up a printable to make it unique. The point of using a printable is the fact that you should be able to just print it and be done. However, I’m not sure I could do that. I always want to add a touch that makes it unique and makes me feel like it a little more personalized.

The Creative Christmas Bundle has a number of printable items! Today is the last day the bundle is available for the special price of $29.99. I decided to use My Dream December digi kit by Margareta Carlsson. There are quite a few images to choose from in the kit, which is predominately red and white, with some pink and whites, as well. They are clean, crisp designs and I felt that any additions I made would be easy to spot.
Creative Christmas Bundle My Dream December Digipack

I simply printed out the image I wanted on nice printer paper. I usually try to keep a pack of presentation paper around for times like this, but I couldn’t find my pack! You usually get great color printing on presentation paper! Oh well, this will end up being more true to most of our lives — regular printer paper! The image was not resized, it is the original size of 3″x4″.

My Dream December image printed on printer paper.

My Dream December image printed on printer paper.

 

Next, I simply trimmed the image, and placed it on the card base to get an idea of how it would look. You can either use card stock, or make it easy on yourself and have a pack of cards and envelopes on hand.

Trimmed to add to a 4.25" x 5.5" card base.

Trimmed to add to a 4.25″ x 5.5″ card base.

Since I only wanted to print the image without resizing, it left quite a bit of border outside the image. I decided to dry emboss border lines in the white margins.

Scored using paper trimmer track and stylus.

Scored using paper trimmer track and stylus.

 

Dry embossed by scoring.

Dry embossed by scoring.

Gold ink was sponged in from the outer edge and gave more definition to the embossed lines.

Inked edges with gold ink; then adhere image to base.

Inked edges with gold ink; then adhere image to base.

I used Bonding Memories Broad Tip Glue Pen from Close To My Heart to adhere the image to the card base. The paper will not get all wet and wrinkled with this product, so it’s perfect for using since we are using a much lighter weight paper than card stock for the image.

To decorate the tree:

  • glue pen was used to add a bit of glue for glitter on the star
  • Stickles glitter glue was added along the lines of garland
  • Rhinestones were colored with a Shin-Han Touch Twin alcohol marker
  • Puffy white paint was used to add a bit more dimension and a snowy look to the ground.
Glitz and glimmer added to printable image.

Glitz and glimmer added to printable image.

 

Printable image embellished to create unique Christmas tree card.

Printable image embellished to create unique Christmas tree card.

 

Remember this is the last day to get your Creative Christmas Bundle.

15 Designers, 15 Projects, 1 Low Price!

Bundle Details

Now onto the next stop on this week’s Make It Monday blog hop! Pop over and see what Beth’s got up her sleeve this week. She is showing us how she is using products from the Creative Christmas Bundle in her December Daily album. In case you’re not familiar with December Daily, it is an album created to capture the memories of each day throughout December! Yep, just like it sounds! But before you go, I have one last thing to share with you today!


CYBER MONDAY DEAL from Close to My Heart!arrow

For the first time ever, Close To My Heart is offering a Cyber Monday Sale on Monday, December 1, 2014.

There has never been a better time to buy Close To My Heart’s exclusive Cricut® Collections

20% off, TODAY Only

Whether you love scrapbooking, cardmaking, or creating 3-D projects, our four exclusive Cricut® collections make the perfect addition to any craft room! Sale starts at midnight (MST) on December 1 and ends at 11:59 pm Monday night.

Each bundle contains 3 stamp sets which coordinate with the Cricut cartridge, and each one has other items included, depending on which bundle you select.

PLUS, with an order of $50, you are qualified to get the stamp of the month for just $5; and also a C or D sized stamp set for $10. That means a savings of about $35!


CTMH December 2014 Stamp of the Month

Here it is! The Creative Christmas Bundle!

 Are you pressed for time during the holidays?

Creative Christmas Bundle Preview

Do you want to make handmade gifts, cards, and scrapbook pages, but find it hard to find inspiration to help you get it all done NOW?

Have we got the solution for you!

Our Creative Christmas Bundle contains all the information, inspiration, and instruction you need to craft your most creative Christmas ever.

In this bundle you’ll learn how to:

  • Create easy, inexpensive gifts for everyone on your list
  • Spend more quality time with your family while counting down the days to Christmas
  • Make a beautiful December Daily album or Christmas Journal
  • Use cut files and your iPhone to create your own journal and filler cards for pocket-style scrapping
  • Upcycle everyday household items into stunning holiday projects
  • Use digital printables to create your own holiday greeting cards and scrapbook elements
  • Make custom photo gifts
  • Use your art supplies to create a unique Christmas journal
  • And so much more!

You’ll have the tools and inspiration to get started creating right away. Here’s what’s included:


Your December Solution

Digital scrapbooking bundle from Melissa Shanhun with BONUS audio and video inspiration and tutorials

Creative Christmas Bundle December Solution


My Dream December Printable Cards and Digital Overlays from Margareta Carlsson

Creative Christmas Bundle My Dream December Digipack


Whimsical Printable Christmas Cards

from Cara Vincens with BONUS postcard option and coupon code to The Hooting Pirate Etsy StoreCara Vincens Printable Christmas Cards


Advent Calendar and Activities

Printable content from Connie Hanks; with BONUS planner in both list and calendar formats

Creative Christmas Bundle Advent Calendar Pockets  and Activities


2015 Flower Calendar

Printable from Karen Fitting, with BONUS Artisan tutorial

Creative Christmas Bundle Floral Calendar


Let There Be Night

Silhouette Cross-stitch Patterns from Jen Weber

Christmas-Cross-Stitch-Christmas Creative Bundle


12 Day Advent Envelope Project Tutorial

from Jen Wright;  with BONUS advent cards

Creative Christmas Bundle Advent Pockets


PaintShop Pro Calendar Making Class

from Carole Cassel

Creative Christmas Bundle Calendar Class


Santa’s Helpers Gift-making Workshop

from Lisa Harris

Creative Christmas Bundle Santas Helpers Workshop


iPhone Christmas Scrapbooking Class

from Beth Soler

Creative Christmas Bundle iScrap-n-Snap class


Art Journaling Basics Class

from Kristie Sloan at Artful Adventures

Art Journaling Basics online class with eBook bonus!


Pocket-style December Scrapping Cut Files

from Alison Day, Day Designs

Creative Christmas Bundle December Pocket Page Cut Files


An Upcycled Christmas Class

from Gina Zee, GinaZee.com

Creative Christmas Bundle Upcycled Christmas


Photo Gifts for the Holidays Class

from Mary Mosely and Jackie Lyals

Creative Christmas Bundle Photo Gifts Class


Be Jolly Digital Scrapbooking Collection Kit 

from Janet Carr

Creative Christmas Bundle Janet Carr

 


Get the Bundle Now!
CreativeChristmasBundleBuyButton


FAQs

HOW WILL I RECEIVED THE PRODUCTS?

The products are delivered by instant download – no physical products will be shipped.

After purchasing you will receive an email with a link to download the products, including coupon codes to redeem the video classes.

HOW DO I USE THE PRODUCTS?

  • Purchase the bundle
  • Open the email titled Creative Christmas Bundle, Here’s Your Bundle!
  • Download the Creative Christmas Bundle.zip file
  • Unzip the file (this will be done automatically in Safari, or simply right click and select Extract all…)
  • Inside will be 15 folders, one for each designer’s contribution
  • Open the PDFs with the details on how to complete the project or access the classes.
  • Watch the videos
  • Print the patterns/printables/projects of your choice
  • Enjoy creating your Christmas!

HOW DO I OPEN THE PRINTABLES?

  • Unzip the main Creative Christmas Bundle.zip file
  • Within each folder will be the relevant files for each project.
  • Simply print the PDFs and JPEG files at home or use your favourite photo processor to print them professionally.

HOW DO I REDEEM MY CLASSES?

  • Unzip the main Creative Christmas Bundle.zip file
  • Within each folder will be the relevant files for each class.
  • Open the PDF for the class you want to redeem and the instructions for redeeming it, plus any coupon codes will be inside.

HOW CAN I GET HELP?

Email Lisa info@scrapbookbundles.com

Get the Bundle Now!
CreativeChristmasBundleBuyButton

Halloween Magic Potions Decor

Add a little decorative element to your home for Halloween by creating some “magic potions!” I know many of you enjoy doing your own lettering and drawing, and you can use this idea as you like. However, when pressed for time, or if you just want to use the get it done version, here’s how to make it happen. When I saw these cute little label stamps, I knew I had to do something fun with them!

C1509 Magic Potions

Magic Potions Stamp Set, #C1509

Each of these label shapes can be cut with a Cricut die cut machine from the CTMH Cricut Artiste Collection cartridge, #Z1790. You can see that the page of the accompanying booklet and the cutting size are marked right along side the stamps. Since they are clear, they are easy to see exactly where to place your stamp on the label.

I grabbed some random bottles and decorated them! You can see I did a very basic version of dressing these bottles. There is so much more you could do, but I wanted you to see that just doing something simple can be very effective!  These would look cute with candy in them. Since these bottles are rather tall, I filled them with water and added food coloring to the water to create the colors I wanted in each one.

CTMH Scaredy Cat papers with the Magic Potions stamps

CTMH Scaredy Cat papers with the Magic Potions stamps.

I love the Black Shimmer Trim! It was perfect for this project to add a little zip to the top of each bottle. All you have to do is pull off the backing tape, and it’s ready to adhere to your project!

Paper rosettes make a nice backing to the labels, or just use some of the coordinating papers from the Scaredy Cat collection, #X7185B.

Magic Potion Stamps with paper rosette

Magic Potion stamp with paper rosette from Scaredy Cat paper collection.

Cutting the labels with the die cut machine makes easy work of decorative labels. Inking the edges finishes this label nicely.

CTMH Magic Potions stamped label with inked edges.

Magic Potions stamped label with inked edges.

Coordinating decorative papers, as well as plain colored card stock make it easy to create projects have a cohesive look when doing a grouping of items.

magic potions stamps and scaredy cat papers

Coordinating papers make the perfect background to add even more interest.

There are so many possibilities for these label stamps. Wouldn’t they look adorable on treat bags? What do you think you’d make with them, my little pretty?

Here’s a peek at the Scaredy Cat printed paper. There are also pieces of coordinating card stock not shown.

CTMH scaredy cat paper pack

CTMH scaredy cat paper pack

914 SOTM KS  


Composition Notebook Makeover

Back to school sales are a great time to pick up composition notebooks, as well as many other basic supplies. Often there are bargains that won’t be matched at any other time of year. Since composition notebooks are rather inexpensive, I guess that’s why they are not very pretty! Never fear, they are easy to dress up. Not only can you fix up one for yourself or anyone at your home, you could even make one for a quick little gift, because who couldn’t use one to keep notes?

For this makeover we are going to use the new Chalk It Up line from Close to My Heart (CTMH). This is just one of the double-sided papers in the pack. Here are basic supplies I decided to start with:

Chalk It Up notebook supplies

Basic supplies: composition notebook 3 pieces of decorative paper or card stock, any ephemera you choose.

For the front and back covers, cut two pieces of paper at 6 3/4″ x 9 3/4″. For the binding you’ll cut one piece of a coordinating card stock or decorative paper at 2 1/4″ x 9 3/4″.

Cut pieces for notebook

Cut 2 pieces each 6 3/4″x 9 3/4″; Cut 1 piece 2 1/4″x9 3/4″

Lining up the out edges of the paper against the notebook, adhere in place with your chosen adhesive. I used the Bonding Memories Glue Pen by CTMH. It has a very wide tip and makes it easy to apply adhesive to paper. You notice you have a bit of an overhang if your notebook has curved corners. Just flip the cover open and trim along the edge, using the notebook cover as your guide.

Snip off excess around the curves.

Snip off excess around the curves.

To adhere the binding cover, I used some sticky strip because I thought the backing may get the most use and it may be hard to keep in place with glue. I ran the strip on the long edge of each side. I carefully aligned it just over the edge of the binding (the measurement was a little big wider than the original binding). Flip the notebook over and your ready to place the back of the binding cover down. That’s it! The basic makeover is complete. Now just decorate to taste.

Cover the edge of the original binding

Cover the edge of the original binding

notebook binding cover

Sticky strip used along the outer edge of the binding cover

The Chalk it Up Complements pack is a set of coordinating chipboard pieces and I had already chosen a piece to use. I love the phrase it has on it, Every Accomplishment Begins with the Decision to Try!

From the Chalk It Up Complements set

From the Chalk It Up Complements set.

I decided to use an initial “k” because if I decide I want to give it away, I have two family members who also start with a k. However, I think I’ll probably keep it. We can always gift to ourselves, right? Anyway, I cut a lowercase k from the alphabet that is from the CTMH Cricut Artbooking Collection cartridge, in the same color I used for the backing.

Lowercase k from the CTMH Cricut Artbooking  cartridge

Lowercase “k” from the CTMH Cricut Artbooking cartridge.

 

It looked like it need something more and it got three hearts from the Chalk It Up Assortment.

Hearts from the Chalk It Up Assortment.

Hearts from the Chalk It Up Assortment.

At this point I wished I had used some ribbon or something along the binding edge because it just looked so naked! I spied the black arrow washi tape and gave it a try! I was happy with it and I pronounced it to be finished! It was a fun, easy project, give it a try!

Composition Book Makeover

Composition Book Makeover

Be sure to stop over at Take Heart Ideas to see what other inspiration pieces are available for the current Back-to-School theme challenge, and play along with us!

Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures!

KS

August Stamp of the Month 2014