Blessed

The photo on this hexagon is a favorite of mine. I took it while on a shopping trip with my daughter. I love the drama of the paper parasol with just a hint of the person underneath.

Blessed

This hexagon is edged with Colorbox chalk, Chestnut Roan and set with Making Memories eyelets. The purple twine is from The Twinery, the brads are Spare Parts, and the alpha is EK Success. The glitter is Martha Stewart, and the buttons and ribbon are Graphic 45 staples.
To compliment the purple twine I ran the edges of the ribbon through craft glue and then through a pile of purple glitter. The banner is made from buttons and a G45 flower I cut the petals off of. I embossed the edges of the petals with purple Stampendous embossing powder and strung them on the twine. 

~charity becker~

Treasure

Today I will be showing a closeup of Treasure. This one was all about fussy cutting with a few spiral flowers thrown in for good measure.

Treasure

This hexagon is edged with Colorbox chalk, Chestnut roan and set with Making Memories eyelets. The fruit and leaves are edged with CTMH ink and the tips of the flowers with Fruit Punch Stickles. The title is a CTMH stamp with Stampendous embossing powder.

The leaves I cut from the Graphic 45 paper were not quite green enough for the layout. I dipped a spong in Ivy green ink and dabbed extra color on them. Then I inked the edges with brown and using my thunb and first finger crimped the very edge of the paper up. I also inked the edges of the pears and grapes.

~charity becker~



Delight

Delight

For this hexagon I used Colorbox chalk, Chestnut Roan; Making Memories eyelets; Recollections and CTMH gems, and an alpha from my stash. The paper bordering the photo is misted with Tattered Angels, Bronze.

The purple flowers are Graphic 45 Staples trim, misted with Tattered Angels Cranberry Zing. I laid the strips of trim on a piece of plastic to mist them. After misting them I dipped them in the mist that had beaded up on the plastic. This made bits of the trim quite dark. 

To form the flowers I ran a quick running stitch around the base of the trim. I pulled it tight and tied the ends together. This gathered the trim into a circle. I then pinched the two ends together and added a little extra adhesive when I placed the flowers on the page.

~charity becker~

Beautiful

Last weeks Thursday reveal of Graphic 45's Botanicabella at Scrapbooks Steals was so amazing. I enjoyed having my work showcased and all the lovely comments on my projects. What a treat to work with such a wonderful company!
As promised, this week I'll be showing detailed shots of the Hexagon wall hanging and highlighting a few of the techniques I used in the process.

Beautiful

For this hexagon I used Making Memories eyelets; Colorbox chalk, Chestnut Roan; Ranger ink; CTMH stamps; and Stampendous embossing powder. The flowers are Graphic 45 staples. They are heavier than regular cardstock so perfect for embossing. I used various stamps to decorate the flowers. I also inked the edges of a few of them with embossing ink and dipped them in the powder, then heated them. Once they were dry I pinched the petals to give them a curved shape.

~charity becker~


Garden Girls

During my Thursday stint as a guest designer at Scrapbook Steals I left you with a teaser of this crazy detailed project made from Graphic 45's Botanicabella paper pack. I tried to use a variety of techniques to show off this fabulous paper and the Graphic 45 Staples accesories. It would take a larger format then this blog to get a good look at this project as a whole, so I'll spend the next week displaying each individual hexagon. I'll give a list of products used and details on techniques.

For the title and center piece of my wall hanging I cut a hexagon shape from the back cover of the paper pad. The cover material is stronger and better suited for wear and tear. I set 12 carefully measured eyelets for attaching the various hexagons. Because the cover paper is glossy I sanded the surface where I planned on adding ink. Then I used this technique for adding dimension.

I trimmed the left edge of my inked line with a craft knife. Then I punched shapes from a variety of papers, inked them, and slipped them behind the title. I added bits of Graphic 45 Staples Ribbon and a tag from the die cut page. The title is stiched on using crochet thread.

For the title hexagon I used CTMH ink, EK Success punches, and Lagoon Stickles. The Eyelets are Making Memories and the Alpha is G-45 Staples.

Check back next week for detailed pictures of each of the hexagons in the Garden Girls wall hanging.

~charity becker~

Botanicabella ATC's

~ Live Fully~

Botanicabella, yesterdays 10 a.m. deal at Scrapbook Steals, has so many detailed papers in the collection that ATC's were a snap to make. I cut out a few rectangles, inked, stickled, or twined and called it good.

~ Butterflies ~

Of the three ATC's this was the most difficult because I applied several colors of ink to each of the butterflies. I used Color Box petal inks which are triangle shaped. Instead of getting out an applicator and following inking protocol, I just used the tip of the triangle to add the color. I then inked the butterfly paper, the ATC paper, and the title strip. Then using a CTMH stamp I added my sentiment. After assembling the card I pierced holes and tied MME twine.

~ Dragonfly ~

The dragonfly is embellished with Lagoon and Black Diamond stickles. Before spreading the stickles I used a craft knife to slit the upper edge of the wings, then I bent the slit edge upward. This ATC is edged distressed with Color Box ink and has a CTMH sentiment. The twine is from The Twinery, but the tieing technique is a little more difficult than the butterfly ATC. I used a single strip of twine, wrapped it around the top, tied it to itself; wrapped the middle, tied it to itself; and then wrapped it around the bottom and tied it to itself.

~Sunflowers~

The Sunflower ATC was a breeze. I inked the various parts of the flower using Color Box ink, stamped the CTMH sentiment directly onto the card, then inked all edges and assembled.

Visit my blog tomorrow for detailed photos of the Hexagon Wall Hanging and explenations of the techniques used.

~charity becker~

Graphic 45 has Arrived

Well, it's finally happened, Scrapbook Steals is featuring Graphic 45: Botanicabella!!!  How can it get any better? Scrapbook Steals offers amazing deals on scrapbooking supplies and all we have to do is wait around till 9am MST to snap up the goodies.

When I was contacted with the offer to whip up something dazzling using Graphic 45 I was truly delighted. This company's paper never fails to impress. Their detailed designs and faultless color schemes make classy paper projects that any crafter can be proud of. The heavy weight paper is a dream to work with and holds up to misting or inking extremely well.

Don't waste your time being too timid to cut into this gorgeous paper or feeling like your layouts won't do it justice. Just rush over to the Scrapbook Steals purchase page and check out todays awesome deal. Then hop on over to the Scrapbook Steals blog and let me entice you with a few more reasons to purchase this product ASAP.

Here is a taste of what you're in for:

If you find this Hexagon Wall Hanging to be a little much to take in all at once, no worries. I will be featuring one hexagon at a time starting Saturday. Tomorrows blog post will be dedicated to the ATC's featured in the Scrapbook Steals blog post. If Graphic 45 tickles your creative fancy, be prepared to enjoy the next few days. I've got LOTS for you to see!

~charity becker~

CTMH Card: Nice Job

CTMH is my favorite in-home Scrapbooking company. My sweet friend, Jackie, just became a consultant. I went to her first open house and made this summery card. Visit her page for more info!

 www.JackieFollmuth.ctmh.com

Although this card is made primarily with CTMH products I did deviate a little from the plan. I used an EKSuccess punch and Up & Up washi tape.

~charity becker~

Creative Scrappers Sketch # 209:Take 2

I purchased a jumbo pack of Authentique:Splendid a month ago, but haven't taken the time to play with it till now. I was packing up scrapping supplies to take along on our trip to visit family on the west coast and had to pull out a couple pieces to play with. Once again I am amazed by the thick, textured quality of this paper. Creative Scrappers Sketch #209 melded these papers and photos together perfectly.

~ Take 2 ~

Supplies: all papers, Authentique; flowers, Imaginisce; alpha, American Crafts; twine, The Twinery; journal box, DCWV; gems, CTMH; ink, Color Box; punches, EK Success.

~charity becker~

Paper Girls Challenge Blog: Beautiful

Sheryl's turn to host at the Paper Girl's Challenge Blog today. Follow the link to get the details and join in.
~Beautiful~

Supplies: Making Memories ribbon, MME chipboard and paper, CTMH stamps, Ranger ink, Stampendous embossing powder.

~One of a kind~

Supplies: MME chipboard, Twinery twine, Hampton Arts and CTMH stamps, CTMH ink, Ranger acrylic paint, Stampendous embossing powder.

~charity becker~

I've got PROOF...

My children are certified space enthusiasts, astronomy, science fiction, aliens, rocket ships...it's all good and they can't get enough. On Easter morning they decided to try the plastic eggs on as spectacles; then it was time for a photo shoot; then I had to load the pics on to Facebook so Grandma could see them; then they had to go watch the latest Clone Wars episode on Starwars.com...and that's how my days go. I think you'll get a taste of all that energy in the following layout.

~I've got PROOF that ALIENS live among us!~

Supplies:Fancy Pants; Over the Moon papers, chipboard, and alpha. CTMH inks. Up and Up (Target) washi tape. The Girls Paperie tiny type. Michael's trim. Creative Scrappers Sketch #207.

~charity becker~

Smile

Challenges and contests were all over my favorite internet sites for National Scrapbooking Day. I had a full weekend so only got to participate in two challenges. The inspiration for this card was so fun I had my idea ready as soon as I looked at the sketch. Of course that was offered by my fav site, Scrapbook Steals.

~Smile~

Supplies: cardstock, stash; patterned paper, DCWV; buttons, stash; stamp and inks, CTMH.

~charity becker~ 

Rise and Shine

Creative Scrappers sketch #208 really caught my interest. It looks as if the left side is meant to be embroidered. I had all sorts of visions in my head of just how I'd do this L/O and came up with this instead. Not sure how they match, except for the photo placement. But here it is...

~Rise n Shine~

Supplies: All papers and stick pins MME; ribbon Mokuba; stamps and ink CTMH; punches EK Success and CTMH; alpha Basic Grey; crochet thread and heart buttons stash.

~charity becker~

Hexagon Happiness: Here Comes Trouble

Who's ready for a little Hexagon Happiness? I've got a cheery layout to brighten your day and some Hexagon template tips to follow. Just keep scrolling and enjoying.

~Here Comes Trouble~

Fancy Pants; Over The Moon patterned paper and chipboard on MME; Kraft Fun Day. CTMH ink, Spare Parts brads, and stash twine. Sketch by Jana Eubank.

Here's the layout without photos and embellishment. Look at all those different sized hexagons. How'd I do that? Glad you asked. Here are the instructions for downloading and printing the templates for these hexagons. The above layout uses 1 large, 2 medium, 2 small, and 2 x-small hexagons.

Hexagon Templates

Hexagons are all the rage this season in the papercrafting industry. With the multiple angles and surfaces that these shapes offer, the potential for layering is endless. The greatest difficulty with using hexagons is the template. If you have a die cutting system your problems are easily solved. Don't read any further, this won't interest you! If you don't happen to have such a system or the correct die you may continue.
Because each printer is set up a bit differently I was unable to find a template that would work as a simple copy and paste for everyone. However, a quick internet image search should reveal printable hexagon templates. For copyright purposes I cannot repost the addresses here, but I found MANY choices online.
After downloading the target set your printer to a 5x7 image size and print a test copy. If the printed hexagon is approximately 5 inches in diameter (across) you are in business. Once you have your printer and pattern set to the right sizes print out four hexagon templates.
Trim the excess paper from one template and label this one "large."
Trim the excess paper from a second template. Using your paper trimmer, remove 1/4 inch of paper from each side of the hexagon. Label this template "medium."
Trim the excess paper from a third template. Using your paper trimmer remove 5/8 inch of paper from each side. Label this template "small."
Trim the excess paper from a fourth template. Using your paper trimmer remove 1.25 inches of paper from each side. Label this template "x-small."
To ensure that you will be able to use these templates repeatedly, trace them onto flexible, plastic cutting boards.  After cutting them out label with the above sizes and measurements, and store with your other templates.

~charity becker~

Scrapbook Steals How To'sday: Washi Tape Thank You

My daughters teacher is retiring this year from nearly 30 years of teaching. I wanted our thankyou card to be memorable. She has done SO much for my daughter and this goodbye is defenitly bitter-sweet. I turned to The Twinery, MME, Washi Tape and fussy cutting to express my thanks.
Check out the Scrapbook Steals blog today for detailed instructions how you to can go washi tape crazy on your next card!

~charity becker~

Blog Hop Prize

It's time to find out who one this fabulous prize during the Paper Girls Challenge blog hop!!!

Rush over to the blog using this link: Paper Girls Challenge Blog

And when you get there take a look at what else is happening this week.

You are going to L-O-V-E it!!!

~charity becker~

Amethyst # 9: L.O.L.

Amethyst #10, yet another fabulous sketch in the latest Mid-Week Mojo series. Find the sketch on Scrapbook Steals blog. I kept the basic flavor of the sketch with this layout, but tried to think outside the box with interpretation. I used stitching in the place of border strips and distressed, stitched paper strips instead of the photo mat. I think I got the page a little too orange, but it definitly portrays this happy baby moment.

L.O.L

Cardstock, patterned paper, inks, chipboard, and stickers are CTMH. Butterfly and Balloon die-cuts are K and Company, stamps are Sweet Stampshop, and the splattered misting is Tattered Angels. The twine is The Twinery, buttons are stash, and the flower gems are Creative Charms.

~charity becker~

Die-cut Cards: Butterflies and Flowers

The Die-cut cards I blogged on Wednesday were fairly simple. I went a little more detailed with this one, but still had it ready to go super quick. For a pop of color I layered two flowers with a corresponding brad.
To add a little whimsy I cut one flower in half, pinched that in half again and added adhesive. Then I tied twine to the center of my desimated flower and had a BUTTERFLY! I also used twine to add a stem to the flower and to wrap around the edge of the card.

~Thank You~

CTMH ink, stamp, and cardstock; WP 12x12 die-cut; Doodlebug Design twine; Basic Grey brads; and Imaginisce flowers.

~charity becker~

My 3 Sisters

MCM #80 gave me another opportunity to turn a card sketch into a L/O. I love this pic of me and my sisters and after trying to match it with different patterned papers settled on these from the Authentique: Loyal collection.

~ My 3 Sisters ~

The cardstock used for the frame and picture mat as well as the blue gems are CTMH, the diecuts are K and Company, and the brown gem is Recollections. The kraft hexagons, the pearl brads, and the twine are MME: Kraft Fun Day. I used a star punch from The Paper Studio and a CTMH punch for the circle cutouts on the picture mat. The alpha and journaling are Authentique:Loyal and the green trim is stash. The white pigment ink, brown ink, and edge stamp are all CTMH.

~charity becker~ 

Shaped 12x12 Die-cuts

Can I let you in no a secret? 12x12 die-cut pages bother me, they don't go into my page protectors nicely and show the back of the other page. Of course I can always used another sheet of cardstock to mat the layout and fix that problem, but I've come up with a different use for them all together.
I like to chop them to bits and use them for cards! The shaped edge of the diecut adds instant layers and makes assembling an elegant card a cinch. Here are two I made in just a few minutes at a recent crop.

CTMH cardstock for the base of these cards with Webster's Pages 12x12 die-cuts. The flowers are Imaginisce and the brads are Basic Grey. The ink and stamps are all CTMH and the twine is Doodlebug Design.

~charity becker~

Challenge Me Tuesday

Practical Scrappers offers challenges on Tuesday. This week layouts featuring word games are on the wanted list. I had this fabulous bingo paper from Close To My Heart as well as these fun Scrabble Tiles so I was set to participate in this round.



~Happy Girl~

All supplies for this layour are Close To My Heart with the exception of the Scrabble Tiles, MME twine, Imaginisce flowers, Creative Charms butterfly brads, and the wooden buttons from my stash. The Sketch is another fabulous brain child of Kristy Lee from Scrapbook Steals.

~charity becker~

Paper Girls Challenge: Exquisite

It's a great day for scrappin', and it's my turn to host over at the Paper Girls Challenge! Rush over and check out the sketch and DT samples.

Exquisite

This layout is primarily CTMH with a few exceptions. The alpha is K and Company.

The flourish stamp is by Scrappy Cat.

The flower is a mix of Prima and Petaloo.

The trim is stash and the stick pens are Michael's.

This Journey

(I take with you.)

All of the papers on this layout are Webster's Pages. The gems on the balloons are CTMH as is the ink. The alpha is K and Company.

The trim is stash and the gem flourishes are Recollections.

Since I'm hosting the challenge I am also shipping out the prize.
Take a good look at this batch of fun:

Don't forget to stop by the blog to see the sketch so you can get started on your own projects!!!

~charity becker~

Spring ATC Reveal: Twilight

If you are stopping by my blog from the Paper Girls Challenge Blog Hop leave your comment on this post {http://www.menemenetekeluniversity.blogspot.com/2012/04/paper-girls-challengeblog-hop.html} to be entered in the drawing for the Jillibean Soup kit.

This ATC was inspired by my childhood memories of chasing fireflies in the half-light. I used several colors of mist to recreate the feeling of nightfall and placed gold Stickles to represent fireflies and stars.

The papers I used for this card are all Graphic 45. The gems and ink are CTMH, the stamps are Hampton Arts, and the trim is stash. The Tattered Angel mists from top to bottom are Dragonfly, Patina, Gumdrop, and Spanish Moss.

To get the layered look I first cut three ATC size pieces of scrap paper. I ripped a 1/2 inch strip off the top of the first two scrap ATC's. The third scrap ATC I ripped in half.

Step 1: I laid the first ATC on my Graphic 45 ATC and sprayed the Dragonfly mist.

Step 2: I laid the second scrap ATC so the 1/2 inch rip was at the bottom of the Graphic 45 ATC (covering the Dragonfly mist at the top) and sprayed the Spanish Moss mist.

Step 3: I laid one of the ATC halves on top of the Graphic 45 ATC covering the Dragonfly mist and sprayed the Gumdrop mist.

Step 4: I laid the final scrap ATC half on top of the Graphic 45 ATC, covering the Spanish Moss mist, but leaving 1/8 to 1/16 inch of Gumdrop mist showing. I sprayed the card with Patina mist.

Step 5: I laid the card between two sheets of paper towel, inside two sheets of wax paper, and set under a stack of encyclopedias to dry. This took a full day! The weight of the encyclopedias kept the card from warping too badly. I used my iron(with all water for steam removed) to get the rest of the kinks out.

~charity becker~

Spring ATC Reveal: Fairy Queen

Just a word about paper size, when it comes to ATC's, smaller is better. 8x8 and 6x6 pads will have scaled down designs that will coordinate with the 2.5 x 3.5 size of an ATC better than 12 x 12 sheets.

 

For this card I used a CTMH punch, stamps, and ink. The embossing powder is Stampendous, the pearlescent drops are Duncan, the rub-on is K and Company. The paper and fairy are Graphic 45.

If you are stopping by my blog from the Paper Girls Challenge Blog Hop leave your comment on this post { http://www.menemenetekeluniversity.blogspot.com/2012/04/paper-girls-challengeblog-hop.html } to be entered in the drawing for the Jillibean Soup kit. 

~charity becker~

Spring ATC Reveal: Plant Smiles

The Graphic 45 papers I used for these ATC's had just a few Beatrix Potter illustrations. Although the other cards are all Fairy themed, I fell in love with these bunnies and deviated a little from the plan. 

The papers are Graphic 45 and K and Company. The stamps are both Stampin Up and CTMH. The inks are CTMH and the punches are EK Success.

If you are stopping by my blog from the Paper Girls Challenge Blog Hop leave your comment on this post { http://www.menemenetekeluniversity.blogspot.com/2012/04/paper-girls-challengeblog-hop.html } to be entered in the drawing for the Jillibean Soup kit.

~charity becker~

Spring ATC Reveal: Glow

The ATC's I am displaying today are all made from papers in the 8x8 Graphic 45, Once Upon a Spring Time. I decided to find a way to use the sheet of "postage stamp" shapes. I also adorned these sweet fairys lavishly with gold stickles.

I used Basic Grey buttons and brads in the above samples, as well as CTMH ink. The alpha is Hamton Art stamps, and the yarn and doilies are stash. 

If you are stopping by my blog from the Paper Girls Challenge Blog Hop leave your comment on this post { http://www.menemenetekeluniversity.blogspot.com/2012/04/paper-girls-challengeblog-hop.html } to be entered in the drawing for the Jillibean Soup kit.

~charity becker~

Spring ATC Reveal: Alphabet Card

If you are stopping by my blog from the Paper Girls Challenge Blog Hop leave your comment on this post { http://www.menemenetekeluniversity.blogspot.com/2012/04/paper-girls-challengeblog-hop.html } to be entered in the drawing for the Jillibean Soup kit.

Time for my Spring ATC reveal. I like to start with a simple alphabet card on the front. I am enjoying finding coordinating stamps that illustrate the letter I have chosen. The letter for Spring is "L."

For the fronts of all my cards I used CTMH paper and ink with Ink-a-dink-a-doo lantern stamps and Hampton Art Alpha stamps.

For the backs of the cards I used Graphic 45, Once Upon A Spring Time 8x8 paper. The designs featured above include Basic Grey buttons, yarn, and Fruit Punch Stickles. I used Hampton Arts alpha stamps for the title, "glow".

More ATC's tomorrow!!!

~charity becker~