nichol magouirk

Custom Stamped Journaling Cards #ProjectLife

What I'm discovering on this Project Life journey is that I prefer creating my own stamped journaling cards for my album in lieu of the ones in the kit. And that's ok. I have given myself permission to figure out what works best for me this year so that I keep it up and don't get too behind (don't laugh since I am more than a bit behind sharing). Now that I know that I will be stamping my own journaling cards pretty much from here on out, I can stock up on Becky's blank journaling cards when they are back in stock at Amazon.

As I have been printing photos and working on the last 5 weeks of Project Life to share here on my blog, I also took some time to stamp up a bunch of journaling cards, ready to be used. I love being able to just put my page together without having to work on coming up with the journaling card design right at that moment. I discovered this when creating the stamped journaling cards for the last three Studio AE Blog Hops. You can see those cards HERE, HERE and HERE. As I have put these cards to use and included them in my album, I realized that I could be making all kinds of journaling cards to have on hand. Duh!

Here is a look at some of the cards I stamped this week:

This weekly journaling card set was inspired by these Studio Calico Hero Arts days of the week stamps. I knew when I bought these that I wanted to use them for daily journaling cards and I finally got around to creating them! I really love how they look paired with the May 2012 Studio AE Stamp Set. The combination of block letters with a script font phrase is so fun. I also mixed in lots of other stamps from Studio Calico. Kelly Purkey really designs some fantastic stamps. They rock my stamping world. :)

I am partial to bright colorful stamping but these cards would look good stamped in any color combination to make them personal to you and your style and it will give them a whole different look.

This next set was inspired by the set of cards I stamped for the April Studio AE Blog Hop last month. I love how Ali's Hello Routine Stamp Set stamps and how the circle is the positive (colored) stamped portion and the words are the negative (white) part. It gives the journaling cards a real pop of color. Because I have already used all the ones I made last month, I decided I needed some more. :)

Again, I combined other stamped phrases for diversity and interest.

My final share today is something I have been thinking about for weeks. Weeks. I am a voracious reader (nothing too thought-provoking, to be sure. I'm more of a "fluff" reader. It's my relaxation before bed most nights.) and I would love a way to document that hobby in my PL album since my Nook is such a big part of my life. ;)

This is what I came up with. Several fun journaling cards created with a book border stamp from a past Studio Calico monthly kit and lots of other Studio Calico stamps, all with a story, book or reading theme. 

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

I'm working on a travel-themed set, a "quoted" set and a framed-up set (for instagram sized photos) as well. I'll be sharing those soon. Like tomorrow. ;)

And if you enjoy the Project Life shares I will be catching up with the posting of all my weekly layouts over the next 2 weeks. :) And, yes, you will be seeing lots of these cards on my weekly page shares. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

A Blog Named Hero

Today, I'm honored to have a card featured on, A Blog Named Hero, that features my favorite Hero Arts products!

Here's a sneak of my card:

Be sure to check out my card HERE (and there just might be a little ol' video showing how I created my card) and check out A Blog Named Hero all week to see other paper crafting designers sharing their favorite Hero Arts products.

To make it easy, I have included a supply list below (that includes all 7 of the HA products I featured on my card).

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

March Studio AE from Technique Tuesday Blog Hop

Welcome to the March Studio AE Blog Hop!

This month the design team is featuring projects showcasing the February Studio AE stamp set, “Beauty of Spring by Ali Edwards” (March Studio AE) set".

Here's some journaling cards for my Project Life album that I created with this month's stamp set:

I grabbed some plain journaling cards by Becky HIggins and a variety of image stamps to coordinate with the March Studio AE Stamp set...

And stamped up some 3x4 cards for my Project Life album.

These cards are all more of the "filler" variety. Not much room for journaling but are lovely little stamped additions that work great for "filling in" when needed. Pretty Spring-like colors and phrases that help tell a story.

I think this filler card below is my favorite. I colored in a Hero Arts stamp with Memento Stamp Markers so that I got this wonderful multi-colored effect when stamped and then I stamped Ali's Studio AE phrase stamp over it, being sure to line up "life is good" with the opening on the HA stamp design. This would have worked with several of the phrases in the Studio AE stamp set. I may have to make more I love it so much.

Colors of Memento Markers used:

• Rose Bud
• Tangelo
• Cantelope
• Pear Tart
• Bamboo Leaves
• Rich Cocoa

I also stamped several more "journaling style" cards that work better for adding bits of information and journaling to my Project Life album. 

I love how the Studio Calico "twenty twelve" circle/sun stamp works so well with this month's Studio AE stamp set. 

Even though this stamp set is geared more towards Spring, the "Hello Sun" card above would definitely be a great journaling card for those summer months and the two "hello new life" cards below are perfect for recording births. Love the way the SC boy and girl images work for this style of journaling card. So many uses. :)

SUPPLIES (click on photos for product links):

InLinkz.com

Be sure to check the blogs of all taking part in the Blog Hop today:

• Ali
• Jill Sprott, our March Studio AE guest
• Daniela
• Laura
• Nichol <--------that's me. :)
• Sharyn
• Teri
• Jaime

We love your comments so we are going to draw at random from all the comments left on all the blogs for a couple brand new Technique Tuesday stamp sets.

One person will win Technique Tuesday’s Big Wish stamp set.

One other person will win the new Sassy Cat stamp set.

You don’t need to leave a comment on all the blogs to be eligible to win. But the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win.

All comments must be made by midnight PST on March 13th.

Tune into the Technique Tuesday blog on March 14^th to see if you are one of the lucky winners.

 

Project Life 2012 | Week Four #ProjectLife

Happy Monday everyone!

I'm a little late getting my post up today. This is the first I've been in my office all day...eek! 

Lots of memorabilia again this week. Love those touches of our everyday life added to our Project Life album.

Week 4 layout:

I included a Lego Mini Figures check list from the mystery packs my kids are addicted to right now. I think it will be fun to look back on one day. I also included the packing list from a recent order. Again, something that I think will be fun to look back on one day. ;) I love clothing tags. I use them in my regular scrapbooking, too, just not that often. Love being able to include them here in this format. Plus, now I can look back and remember which jeans I loved if I go to order another pair!

I really like the layers of tags and things on the second journaling tag from the left. Lots of color and even though there isn't a lot of journaling, the embellishments help tell the story. And that photo of the brushetta in the process of being put together is one of my newest favorite pictures. It just turned out great. Love that.

I didn't really have a photo for this day but I had gone through several days of @ZodiacFact on Twitter and emailed some of my favorites pertaining to either mine or my husband's signs to my email account so I cut and pasted them in a word document and printed them out on white cardstock. To keep them from being too plain I stamped some of Hero Arts fabulous new clock designs over the 4x6 pieces to give them custom backgrounds and make them coordinate with the rest of the weekly spread.

I am not huge into Zodiak facts and such but I do kind of get a kick out of them when they "hit the nail on the head" so to speak. Scary how close some of these are to me personality... and my husband's. ;)

PROJECT LIFE 2012 | Basic Supplies:

InLinkz.com

PROJECT LIFE 2012 | Week Two & Three Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Cosmo Cricket Tiny Text Stickers
• Date Stamp (office supply store)

PROJECT LIFE 2012 | FULL LISTING

• Title Page
• Getting Started. December 25-31, 2011
• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three

 

2012 Hero Arts Catalog Blog Hop

Welcome to the 2012 Hero Arts Catalog Blog Hop!

I have a lot going on here on the blog today, if you're looking for last minute gift giving projects featuring Kerri Bradford + Lori Whitlock designs (and a GIVEAWAY), click HERE. Otherwise, read on for the Hero Arts 2012 Catalog Blog Hop!

The new Hero Arts catalog is always my favorite to peruse each year and I am so tickled to share with you a couple of card samples featuring a few of the new 2012 stamps!

First, how about a gorgeous new floral stamp all colored in with Copic Markers and distressed with Tim Holtz Distress Inks? I chose colors of markers to compliment the patterned papers and I love how this gorgeous flower turned out!

Card How To:

1. Trim patterned papers and punch borders and assemble background as shown. Add distressing with Studio Calico White Mister Huey Ink. Set aside to dry.
2. Die cut a Tim Holtz Styled Label from Neenah Solar White Cardstock using a Sizzix Big Shot.
3. Stamp the new Classic Tea Flower stamp on the label using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.
4. Color in the flower with the base color R14 Light Rouge.

    5. Add shading to the flower with R17 Lipstick Orange, R35 Coral and R37 Carmine.

    6. Blend together with R14 to even out colors.

    7. Color in leaves and stem of flower with base color YG21 Anise.

    8. Add shading to the stem and leaves with YG23 New Leaf and YG25 Celadon Green.

    9. Stamp over the entire design with the Hero Arts Thank You Definition using Antique Linen Distress Ink.

  10. Use the ink blending tool to add Antique Linen Distress Ink over the edges of the label.

    11. Use Ink Blending Tool to add Frayed Burlap Distress Ink to the edges of the label for more definition.

    12. Adhere label to card base with foam adhesive.

    13. Adhere twine bow to label and adhere button over the center of bow using a glue dot.

    14. Stamp greeting from Hero Arts stamp set and cut out. Distress greeting with SC Clover and Clay Mister Huey Inks. Adhere to card with foam adhesive.

SUPPLIES for Thank You So Much Card:

InLinkz.com

My next card is a completely different look, very clean and modern. I chose bright colors on a white backround and I used one of the exclamation points from the stamp set to create "sun rays". I cut the buildings from the Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline background stamp and used foam adhesive to add a dimensional look to my card.

Card How To:

1. Stamp greeting from Hero Arts This Is Big stamp set using SU Daffodil Delight Ink on notecard made frrom Neenah Solar White cardstock.
2. Use exclamation point from the same stamp set to create sun "rays". I used the stamped greeting as a "guide" for stamping the "rays". 
3. Stamp the greeting again on scrap paper and punch out with a 1.25" circle punch. Set aside.

    4. Emboss the font of the card to give the background some texture. I purposely stamped the sun rays first so that I got a nice clean impression.

    5. Stamp Hero Arts Newspaper Skyline Background Stamp on Neenah Solar White cardstock using bright and colorful inks. Cut out buildings and adhere to card as shown using foam adhesive behind some of the buildings.

    6. Adhere punched circle greeting directly over image on card background using foam adhesive.

    7. Wrap ribbon around one of the buildings and tie in a bow. Secure with a dab of Glossy Accents.

    8. Punch a small heart and glue to center of bow. Secure a clear heart button over punched heart with a dab of Glossy Accents.

    9. Round the top right corner using 1/2" corner rounder.

SUPPLIES for You Can Do It Card:

InLinkz.com

Be sure to leave a comment on this blog post as Hero Arts will be giving away five prize packs that include brand new 2012 Catalog stamps. The five winners will be randomly chosen from ALL of the blog hop comments received by midnight PST on Monday, December 12, and will be announced on the Hero Arts blog shortly thereafter. 

The next destination on the blog hop is...

HERO ARTS!!! 

You will want to be sure to check out Hero Arts' post as they are revealing the 2012 Catalog Cover and showing off all the stamps seen throughout the hop!

Scrapbook Stamping | December 2011

I can't believe that this is the final month of Scrapbook Stamping at Two Peas in a Bucket. My third year-long class complete. Whew! Even though I won't be continuing this class at 2Peas in 2012, I will be offering similarly themed class(es) through other venues throughout this next year so stay tuned for more information on that after the first of the year!

Now, how about some scrapbook stamping?

This month we're focusing on creating your own stamped patterned paper using stamps, inks, mists, etc.

My favorite thing about this technique is that the possibilities are endless. You can create all kinds of custom patterned papers, using supplies you already have on hand, that perfectly match your photos and theme of your page.

p.s. My page is not all wonky lop-sided like you see here in the photo. There is actually a thin band of kraft showing all the way across the top of the page. Bad page photography at work here. Sorry about that!

December Sketch:

I really, really love the look of paper lines that incorporate color on kraft paper. Think Jiliibean Soup, American Crafts, My Mind's Eye, just to name a few.

The Jillibean Soup holiday line from 2010 is what really inspired me on this page. I wanted a kraft background with a snow theme and blue/pink/brown color combo but I didn't have anything like that on hand. Not to worry! With some Hero Arts stamps + kraft cardstock + spray mists I created my own patterned paper!

Here you can see a little peak at my stamped patterned paper peeking out at the bottom of the page where I punched a circle from the top layer (see video for how to). I thought this was the perfect place to add my title. A little different, a lot fun!

And even though the focus of the page was on creating the gorgeous stamped kraft patterned paper background, I couldn't resist stamping some matching embellishments to create this really cook snowflake heart border. Love how my accents perfectly match my page.

Close up of journaling. I did lightly add just a touch of Studio Calico White Mister Huey to my journaling. I love how that reinforces the "snowy" theme of my page.

I though Amy Tangerine's lovely fabric brad with the lace doily made a great "snowflake-looking" addition to my sticker phrase and journaling block.

p.s. I know that SC White Mister Huey has a hard time staying in stock. It is back in stock at Simon Says Stamp HERE!!!

HOW TO

 

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• MME Fine & Dandy Tickled Pink & True Blue Banner Stickers

You can view the December Class, pdf handout and Video at 2Peas HERE.

Be sure to check out the entire 2011 Scrapbook Stamping Series at Two Peas in a Bucket HERE.

Don't forget to check out December's amazing, inspiring Guest Designer layouts by Stephanie Howell, Nicole Harper and April Foster HERE.

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If you love stamping on your scrapbook layouts and would like to see even more...

The Scrapbook Stamping Class I taught for The Spawn of True Scrap is now available for individual purchase for only $9.99!

You can purchase this class or any of the other incredible Spawn of True Scrap classes individually right HERE.

This is great opportunity if the True Scrap Event was outside of your budget or if you only wanted to pick up one or two classes. And at just $9.99, it would make a great stocking stuffer so put a bug in your significant other's ear (aka send them a LINK) and order up some inspiration for the holidays!

Here are some sneak peeks from the layouts included in this class:

My class focuses on stamping on your scrapbook page layouts, however all the ideas shared in the video can be adapted to cards as well. My theory on scrapbook stamping is simple: I love the creative freedom of customizing my layouts with stamping. I like to take simple elements, dress them up with some stamping and small embellishments (twine, brads, gems, buttons) and add them to my pages for creative, custom pieces that are unique and handmade and that accent my photos and the story I am telling.

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New Ali Edwards November Studio AE & December Daily Stamps IN STOCK at Simon Says Stamp!

InLinkz.com

Here are some links to where I've used these stamp sets (please note that the December Daily Stamp Set has been updated from last year's stamp set with the "2011" stamps):

• 2011 December Daily Album Cover
• November Studio AE Blog Hop Layout 
• Envelope & Letter to Santa
• December Daily 2010 (throughout entire album)

KBS | Letters to Santa (Envelope & Letter)

As part of 'Get Started Now' week on Kerri Bradford's blog the design team has been sharing ideas on creating cards/gifts/decor for Christmas now before the real craziness of the season begins.

For my project this week I created an envelope and letter(s) set that I can use in my December Daily 2011 album. I like to keep a copy of my kids' letters to Santa every year. It's fun to look back at them and see how my kids have changed whether it be their list of wants or their handwriting, etc. I decided to create decorative letters this year that are functional but pretty and that will match the rest of my December Daily album! I am really digging the red/cream/tan color combo for holiday this year. It gives that vintagey feel to Christmas projects that is timeless.

For the letter, I used Kerri's On The Edge kit to add a notebook edge to the patterned paper before cutting it at 3.5" wide. I added a stamped flourish (my favorite) and added additional stamping using Papertrey Ink's Gratitude Journal Stamp Set and the November Studio AE Stamp Set, 25 Moments.

Roughing up the notebook edge gives a bit more of and authentic feel to the page. I added a paperclip, too, because I love them. ;)

I love that you can customize the envelopes in the Signed. Sealed. Delivered kit by adding "cut-outs". I used a bit of vellum behind the date (2011) on my envelope and then added some stamping with white ink for an elegant feel. I added some red paper behind the smaller circle cut-outs for contrast.

The finishing touches add that elegance to the envelope. Pretty ribbon, decorative pins and a hanging charm complete the look.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Jenni Bowlin Pin (brown)
• Mini Clothespin
• Jump Ring

Be sure to check out the rest of the KBS Design Team's projects from this past week for more holiday inspiration!

• Ornaments by Robyn Werlich
• Card & Gift Box by Shari Carroll
• Gift Cards & Jar by Laura Vegas

And just for today only, the fabulous Kerri is offering some new holiday subway art for FREE.

Also, how about the Hannukkah version?!!! Yay!

Click HERE to download either kit.

And be sure to check out THE STORE now through Sunday for 20% off select kits!

 

 

Lawn Fawn | A Very Fawny Holiday Day 4

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to start making my cards and tags and things now so that I can enjoy the holiday season. One thing I am always in need of during the Christmas season is gift card holders for those gift cards I give each year.

My entire gift card centered around the greeting "have a cozy christmas" (assembled from the stamps in Lawn Fawn's Cozy Christmas stamp set). I thought the greeting would be perfect when giving a gift card to a clothing store. The idea of the puppy (from Critters in the Burbs) with the stocking (Cozy Christmas) hanging out of it's mouth popped into my head and I ran with it. The santa hat (Hats Off To You) completes the look. 

I also added some stamping/embossing to the inside of the card to finish it off. It's all ready for gift giving now!

Card How To:

1. Use Papertrey Ink Gift Card die to die cut card from Stampin' Up Wild Wasabi cardstock.
2. Fold card and stamp front with Hero Arts Large Plaid Pattern stamp using SU Wild Wasabi ink.
3. Stamp greeting (Cozy Christmas) using Versamark Ink. Emboss with Rouge and White American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder.
4. Sew button to gift card flap and tie bow as shown.
5. Trim patterned papers and adhere along card's right side as shown.
6. Stamp puppy (Critters in the Burbs), stocking (Cozy Christmas) and hat (Hats Off To You) on Neenah smooth white cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Color in with Copics and cut out.
7. Assemble images on card as shown, cutting a slit under the dog's mouth and slipping one corner of the stocking in so that it appears to be in the puppy's mouth. 
8. Add Diamond Stickles to the santa hat and Black Spica Glitter Pen to the dog's eyes and nose.
9. Stamp "to/from" (Bows and Holly) inside gift card using Versmark and emboss with Rouge emboossing powder.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Check out the design team's projects using Cozy Christmas, Ornate Ornaments and Pa-Rum-Pa-Pa-Pum HERE. Leave a comment on THIS blog post for a chance to win all three sets featured today!

Paper Smooches | Scooting By To Say Hi Card & GIVEAWAY

Here is my third and final card showcasing Paper Smooches stamps for the week. And, as promised, I have a little giveaway. Read on to find out more...

I have been creating more an more single layer (or close to single layer cards) here lately. They are easier to mail and with a few simple additions of glitter glue/pen or glossy accents you can dress them up without adding any bulk.

Card How To:

1. Stamp card front with Hero Arts Scattered Dots background stamp using Stampin' Up Sahara Sand ink. Color in dots with white Uniball Pen. Add Glossy Accents over each dot. Let dry.
2. Stamp scooter on card using black ink. Stamp flag and greeting as well.
3. Stamp scooter and flag on Neenah White Cardstock. Color in with Copics and cut out. Add detail with star stamp. Adhere to card as shown.
4. Round corners of card with Corner Chomper.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Paper Smooches ***GIVEAWAY***

Now for the fun part! Kim at Paper Smooches is offering up a stamp set for one of my lucky blog readers. Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win the Paper Smooches stamp set of your choice. Click HERE or HERE to see all the Paper Smooches Stamps. Leave your comment by Wednesday, November 9th, 2011, 12:00 p.m. CST.

Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed.

Don't forget about these other giveaways and deals:

• Leave a comment HERE for a chance to win Jane's Doodles Vintage Christmas stamp set.
• Leave a comment on THIS blog post for a chance to win free registration to Kelly Purkey's new SketchPad Class.
• Remember you can get THIS new eBook at Ella Publishing at a discounted price until November 7th. 

• If you weren't able to attend The Spawn of True Scrap live but would like to take part now, you can purchase the event and watch, listen and learn at your leisure. Click HERE to learn more. And if you do purchase the event through my link I will send you a link to my exclusive bonus class, Confessions of a B Side Scrapper. An additional 30-45 minute video, pdf handout and more! Click HERE to read all about it.
• If you like journaling based classes, check out Lain Ehmann's new Your Story Matters class. The premise of this class is capturing those stories from our loved ones before they aren't able to tell them anymore. I love that. Read all about it HERE. Good, good stuff.

Paper Smooches | Batty In Love Card

Today, I'm sharing the first of three cards I've created using Paper Smooches stamps. I am loving the fun, whimsical designs of these stamps sets.

I combined stamped, colored and cut out images with die cut pieces to create this cute little scene on my card:

Card How To:

1. Cut background from distressed kraft patterned paper, round the two right corners and adhere to landscape style card.
2. Die cut fence from American Crafts black carstock using Kerri Bradford's This & That: Halloween kit and adhere along bottom edge of card.
3. Die cut tree from woodgrain patterned paper scrap and black cardstock Kerri Bradfor's This & That: Spring kit, layer patterned paper on top of black die cut and adhere to left side of card.
4. Stamp spider webs using Hero Arts stamp to card base using Frost White ink.
5. Stamp bats from Paper Smooches Falling For You stamp set on Neenah Solar White cardstock and color in with Copics. I didn't want my bats to be too black in color so I first colored them in with the brown Copic colors (shown in the supplies below) and then colored over that with the two gray Copic markers listed.
6. Cut out bats, add googly eyes and adhere "hanging" from tree. Place foam adhesive udner the wings for dimension.
7. Stamp larger heart on Neenah cardstock and color in with red Copic markers. Cut out and adhere to card with foam adhesive. Apply Glossy Accents tor a shiny finish.
8. Stamp additional hearts on card using SU Real Red Ink.
9. Die cut label from distressed kraft cardstock. Stamp with coordinating label stamp using CTMH Dessert Sand ink. Stamp greeting with black ink. Adorn with gems and adhere to card with foam adhesive.

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Be sure to check back later this week for a giveaway from Paper Smooches!

Don't forget to check out the latest eBook from Ella Publishing, 31 Thank You Cards by Kristina Werner, Heather Nichols and Kimber McGray. My blog readers can purchase this eBook for only $6.49 through November 7, then the price changes to $7.99.