Nichol Spohr LLC

Project 365 | 2010 (February Review)

As we're nearing the end of February I thought I'd check in with a review of how I did this past month.

I started off great but lost some steam near mid-month. I managed to get a photo almost every day (had to take the photo from the 19th later since I missed the actual day) but I just didn't feel like I was doing as good a job at keeping up or making the photo a day a priority. I'm caught up with my Shuttercal calendar now and back on track. Ready to tackle March. How are my fellow Project Life/365 participants doing?

Here's a few favorite photos from the last half of February:

I call this the sugar-induced crazy face after the pre-school Valentine's party. The meltdown followed closely thereafter. I like that the photo captured some of the spoils from his party as well.

Counting change with Daddy and putting it into rolls to take to the bank is a favorite activity of all the kids, however, Ethan was the lucky one tonight and was assigned the task of stacking pennies. I like that this photo fell so close to President's Day. A happy coincidence. :)

If you read my blog regularly you've seen this photo scrapped (already!) HERE. I added some fun actions for the Pioneer Woman to the photo on the layout. Kept it simple for the Project 365 album. What I love: those cute faces and big smiles!

 
Chopping scallions and cilantro for supper one night. I use both of these ingredients often. What I like: a very good representation of every life for me.

I finally remembered to take a photo of the beautiful roses Chad sent me for Valentine's Day. They were gorgeous (and Payton got her own roses too!). I am lucky. What I love: the pops of color against the green foilage thanks to photo actions from Maggie Holmes. 

Ethan's Cars cars. These have been a staple play toy for him. He loves the movies and his collection of vehicles. What I like: this is my everyday life. I find these everywhere during the course of a week. 

I thought it was so cute tonight as I cleaned up the kitchen when I found Buzz Lightyear among Brenden's Geography homework (courtesy of Ethan). "To infinity and beyond!" What I like: the snippet of another everyday life activity: homework.

More food. Our good friends, Stevie & Cindy, invited us over for Pho one day for lunch. Yummy. She makes a bunch and it feeds a ton of people. What I like: even though this photo is of the food, it evokes good memories and celebrates friendships.

This was the sky yesterday as I was driving the kids home after school. The kids even commented on how cool looking the sky was. I ran in the house when we got  home and grabbed the camera to capture several shots. What I like: It was so overcast and cloudy but every once in awhile there would be a break in the clouds and a peek at the beautiful blue sky. 

Getting ready to place my photo order at Scrapbook Pictures tomorrow so that I can fill in all of February in my album!

Have a super weekend!

Copic Markers (what I learned & what works for me)

With regards to the Copic Markers:

I am not an expert. I am still learning (and making many, many mistakes!). The best way to get better is like with anything: practice, practice, practice!

If you are looking for expert tips and tricks my suggestions are to visit the following blogs/websites:

• I Like Markers Blog 
• Thinking Inking
• Ellen Hutson

However, I am more than happy to share what works for me. :)

I have received several questions regarding "what markers to buy". I don't have a really good answer for that. Color preferences vary from person to person. What looks good to my eye might not look good to yours. But I can share some buying tips for when you go to purchase Copic Markers.

1. Purchase in groups of three. Pick a "favorite" color + two friends. For example favorite color is the V04 shown in the photo below, then a lighter color (a couple of numbers lower than the "favorite", V01) and a darker color (a couple of numbers higher than the "favorite", V09). This will allow you to color with some nice shading. You can fill in with additional colors as you can purchase more markers.
2. Do not buy the sets of markers. They may seem like a great deal but how many times have you purchased a set of something only to come away with a bunch of pieces you never use? Same goes for markers. They generally are "random" markers. You won't be getting the "groups of three" that I talked about above and you'll end up spending more to get the additional markers you need.
3. These markers are an investment. BUT you do not have to have a huge collection of them to enjoy and benefit from being able to color and blend your stamped or hand drawn images. Buy in groups of three, buy what you like and fill in as you can.

 

Where to buy Copic Markers? I have purchased the Copic Sketch Markers from the following:

• Hobby Lobby: (not a huge selection but decent for just starting out) They retail for $6.49 I believe but I like to wait for them to be 30 or 40% off.
• Ellen Hutson: Wonderful to work with, super fast shipping, great prices. (I believe they are around $4.99/marker). They offer discounts often which usually makes the cost even cheaper + they carry a wide variety of papers and inks that works well with Copics (more about that a little later).
• Dick Blick: Offers the markers individiually at approximately $4.87.

This brings me to my next point: 

Copics come in several styles (that I am not going to cover at this time). I am using the Sketch style. These are the most popular and they come in all 334 colors. However, this does not mean the other styles are not good. In fact, they are all the same colors. If you buy BG05 in the Sketch, it is the same in the Ciao, Square Barrel and Wide Marker. It's just a different style. They can all be used together. Isn't that awesome?!!!!

The colors on the markers: what do they mean? 

I have to admit, I think this might be the information I found most useful from the class. It explained a lot and it made "picking a favorite + two friends" make so much sense to me. This is a very quick, very simple breakdown of what the numbers on the colors mean.

The Letter of the Marker: Stands for the Color Family (R=Red, RV=Red Violet, B= Blue, BG=Blue Green, G=Green, etc. C=Cool Gray, W=Warm Gray, E=Earthtones)

Intensity of the Color is defined by the first number of the color. The first number after the letter indicates the intensity or saturation (numbers with 0, 10's or 20's tend to be more vibrant) where as numbers with 30's, 40's, 70's, etc. are not quite as saturated. The higher the number, the more gray there is to that particular color.

Color Brightness is defined by the last digit on the marker. The lower the number, the lighter the color.

What paper works best with Copics? There are several recommended papers. I use Neenah Solar White. I buy it here.

What ink works best with Copics? Again, there are several recommended inks. I use Memento Tuxedo Black. I bought it here.

Last but not least before I share my Copic Colored card: 

The Blender Pen is NOT a Blender. Got that? The lightest color you use in your set of three (or however many colors you use) is your "blender". The blender pen was referred to as "kryptonite" in class. It serves a very awesome, useful purpose but that purpose is not blending. Okay? ;)

Here is my very simply colored card. With Copics you can go as elaborate and layered as you want. I'm still learning so I tend to do subtle shading. ;) Copics can be colored one on top of each other without rubbing a hole in your paper. How awesome is that?!!!

 

How To Video:

Supplies:

• Neenah Solar White Paper
• Friendly Fern Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Puddle Play Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Sweet Wonderful You 6x4 Clear Design Stamp Set by Hero Arts
• Classic Messages 2x3 Clear Design Stamp Set by Hero Arts
• Clouds Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
• Soft Pool Shadow Ink by Hero Arts
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
• Copic Markers (E000, E00, E20, E31, E33, E37, Y15, Y17, B93, B95, B99, R27, R39)
• Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
• Top Note Die (Stampin' Up)
• Florals (MM)
• Light Green Accent Pearls by Hero Arts
• Eyelets
• String
• Foam Adhesive

That is a lot of information. (And I keep thinking of more!) But I think that is enough for one day. I will share more as I share projects here on the blog.

Wishing everyone a very happy (and creative) weekend! 

*SNEAK PEEK* Making the Most of Die Cutting Machines | March 2010

I think the class samples for the March Making the Most of Die Cutting Machines class featuring the MM Slice are my favorites yet. :)

They are very sunshine, spring and warm weather inspired. (I am more than a little tired of all this snow, ice and cold weather!)

I can't wait to share the class with you on the 5th of next month!

Until then, here are some sneak peeks:

 

 
 Have a fabulous evening.

p.s. All things Copic Markers tomorrow!

Print & Cut (Video Tutorial)

Happy Wednesday! 

I have been promising a Print & Cut tutorial and here it is! This is how I created the P&C designs for the layout from Monday's blog post.

Enjoy!

Figure Scrapping aka Rhinestones (a Silhouette layout)

Silhouette is featuring another week of the 2010 Winter Games where you can submit your layouts on the Silhouette Flickr Group featuring this week's events:

• Skeleton: Use ONLY Silhouette shapes (including Print & Cut and Sketch). Just the basics on this one.
• Figure Scrapping: You know how they like to glitz up their costumes in Figure Skating. Well, glitz up your pages using our rhinestones and templates.
• Speed Scrapping: Page must be done in under ONE HOUR. Please specify the time it took in your comments.
  

All pages must post by MIDNIGHT Eastern Time (10 pm. MT) on Thursday night.

What are the prizes you say? A gold medal winner will be chosen for each category and will win......

a $50 gift card to use towards any item found in the Silhouette Shop or Download site!!!!

My layout this week features the "Figure Scrapping" event a.k.a. Rhinestones:

(c) Silhouette Blog | February 22, 2010 

I combined a couple of rhinestone designs for my layout. I didn't want the rhinestones to cover up any of the tiny photos along the top or overlap the rhinestone "cheer", so she cut away part of the design before ironing (and repositioned part of the rhinestones above the photo strip).

I created the paper star inside the rhinestone star by removing part of the design from "star_circle_1864" and resizing the star to fit "inside" the rhinestone design. Then pop dotted it for dimension.

The "Rock Solid" was created using a script font (Ballpark), welding the letters together and cutting it from Silhouette Brown Fuzzy Vinyl.

Silhouette Rhinestone Designs Used:

cheer_C20091125163426_19210

 

star_inverted_rhinestones_C00401_19210

 

Silhouette Designs Used:

star_circle_1864

 

wave_border_1802

 

Supplies:

• Ka-Zoo 12x12 All-In-One Pad by K&Company
• White 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack by American Crafts
• Vellum
• Fuzzy Brown Adhesive Vinyl by Silhouette
• Little Yellow Bicycle Journal Tablet
• Making Memories Star Brads
• Making Memories Tiny Tag
• Corduroy Buttons & Silver Star Brad (Stampin' Up)
• SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool by Silhouette
• Thick Media Replacement Cutting Mat by Silhouette
• White 1/2Inch Foam Squares by Herma
• Star Punch by Stampin' Up

I'm looking forward to seeing all the entries for this week's 2010 Winter Games events!
 
 
 

Cosmo Cricket + Silhouette

Good Monday morning!

I attended a Copic Marker certification class yesterday in Kansas City. I came away from the class with a much better understanding of the markers, the numbering system, how to choose colors that work well together and lots and lots and lots of ideas on how to use them to make them most of my investment. And thank you EllenHutson.com because I ordered a bunch of "must have" marker colors this a.m. The air compressor airbrush system is next! ;)

I have received several requests wanting to know what colors of Copics are must have's. I am by no means (at all!) an expert. However, on Friday, I will be sharing some of the tips and tricks I learned at the class on choosing colors and what I like. Plus if everything goes according to plan, I'll share something I stamped and colored. The class opened my eyes to what you really need (don't go buy sets!!!) and I want to pass along that info to all of you. Sound good? 

Next up, the point of today's blog post: 

Cosmo Cricket now has designs in the Silhouette Store!

I can't even begin to tell you how happy this makes me. Cosmo Cricket is one of my very favorite manufacturers, I *heart* their patterned papers so being able to die cut coordinating shapes (at the right size for my project) is perfection. 

Here is the featured layout (from last week) for the Silhouette Blog:

 

(c) Silhouette Blog | February 17, 2010

I used seven Silhouette shapes for my layout. 

FIVE of those are new Cosmo Cricket designs: 

sew_sweet_C00024_26102

 

sewing_machine_silhouette_C00021_26102

 

spice_C00008_26102

 

sugar_C00004_26102

 

spring_circle_flowers_C00006_26102

 
 
 TWO additional Silhouette Designs:

documenting_life_sideline_tabs_C00107_19547

 

Shelves_0094
 
 
 

Supplies:

• Farmer's Market Early Bird Paper by Cosmo Cricket
• Ribbon Sandwich Early Bird Paper by Cosmo Cricket
• Maple Nutmeg Cardstock Paper by Como Cricket
• White 12x12 AC Cardstock by American Crafts
• Farm Fresh Image Rub Ons by October Afternoon
• Report Card Label Stickers by October Afternoon
• Abode Sugar & Spice Flair by American Crafts
• Ribbon, Stick Pins (Making Memories)
• Clear Buttons, Photo Turn (CTMH)
• Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Machine
• Thick Media Replacement Cutting Mats by Silhouette
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile
• Black 1/4Inch Foam Squares by Herma
• Black 1/2Inch Foam Squares by Herma

The Sugar, Spice and Flowers are all Print & Cut designs. Love that you can resize these to fit your project. The sugar and spice were cut at 1" height and 3/4" height respectively so they appear to be "sitting" on the shelf. The smallest flower die cut from the set was used as an embellishment on the die cut sewing machine (looks like a knob, right?!!?).

The title was created by die cutting the title twice: once from the teal patterned paper and once from the brown. Then I layered them, slightly offset, for a shadowed look and adhered the whole thing using foam adhesive. Simple and easy!

One more thing, that apron my daughter is wearing...I made that for her a couple of weeks ago. It's an adorable Paisley Pincusion pattern. Fabrics were all purchased at Hobby Lobby. She was tickled to have an apron that fits her. :)

Have a great day! 

 

2010 Silhouette Winter Games: Cross Country w/ Dear Lizzy

Silhouette is hosting the 2010 Winter Games event on their blog. Each week there are three events. You can participate by uploading your layouts to the Silhouette Flickr Group. Gold Medal prizes are a $50 Gift Certificate to the Silhouette Shop of Download Site. Read more about how you can participate HERE.

My layout this week features the Cross Country category (or travels). I documented a recent trip to NYC using a super fun Cityscape Silhouette Shape paired with the new American Crafts Dear Lizzy papers. Very bright and springy, more so than most of my travel pages. I like it. I definitely need to remember to incorporate more color into my travel pages.

(c) Silhouette Blog | February 16, 2010 

I use pop dots under the cityscape and conversation bubbles for dimension. I also hand drew "stitches" around the word bubbles and the landscape in front of the cityscape using a white gel pen.
 

Supplies:

• Growing Green Dear Lizzy Collection by American Crafts
• Golden Glean Dear Lizzy Collection by American Crafts
• Picking Pansies Dear Lizzy Collection by American Crafts
• Giddy Grasshopper Dear Lizzy Collection by American Crafts
• Dragonfly Dance Dear Lizzy Collection by American Crafts
• Beehive Brunch Dear Lizzy Collection by American Crafts
• Puddle Play Dear Lizzy Collection by American Crafts
• Rub-ons (CK KOTM)
• Dear Lizzy Smiley Flair Adhesive by American Crafts
• Clear Medium Jewel Brads by American Crafts
• Heart Brad by Making Memories
• Hemp String
• Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Machine
• Thick Media Replacement Cutting Mat by Silhouette
• Making Memories Notch Tool
• Heart Punch by Stampin' Up
• White 1/2Inch Foam Squares by Herma
• White 1/4Inch Foam Squares by Herma
• White Signo Uniball Gel Pen

Silhouette Designs Used:

3_conversation_bubbles_C00115_24282

 

Word_bubble_0783

adventure_thought_bubble_C00093_19547 

cityscape_1314 

Have a good one!

 

Before & After (a Valentine-ish Layout)

I created the following layout as an assignment for Scrapbooks, Etc. awhile back (for the February 2010 issue). You may not recognize it because it didn't make it into the magazine. It happens. Although I liked certain aspects of the original design, I had been asked to change a few things, I was required to use a few things (the Prima flowers and canvas) and the overall effect just wasn't great, ya know? You win some, you lose some. This is the way publication goes. :) 

So, when I got the layout back a few weeks ago I decided to scrap the old design since it wasn't something I loved and I carefully removed my photos from the layout to use on a new layout, seen HERE:

 

And I love this one. Was there anything really wrong with the first layout: no. But when it comes to putting layouts into my family photo albums I want to love the finished design. And this fits the bill.

This layout is super simple. Pink Paislee patterned papers, vellum and a row of punch hearts with a few embellishments. 

Supplies:

• Bow & Arrow Cupid Collection by Pink Paislee
• Hearts Bloom Cupid Collection Paper by Pink Paislee
• Love Potion Cupid Collection Paper by Pink Paislee
• Postcards Cupid Collection Paper by Pink Paislee
• Kraft Cardstock
• Vellum
• Love You Life Stories Journaling Card by My Mind's Eye
• Ducks in a Row Label Stickers by October Afternoon
• Silver Buttons Vintage Findings by Making Memories
• Copper Buttons Vintage Findings by Making Memories
• Silk Ribbon
• Photo Turn by CTMH
• Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Machine
• $25 Prepaid Download Card by Silhoeutte
• Thick Media Replacement Cutting Mat by Silhouette
• Epic Six Die Cuting Tool by Quickutz
• Photo Corner 2x2 Die Cut Shape by Quickutz
• Scalloped Heart Punch by EK Success
• Double Heart Paper Shapers Punch by EK Success
• Small Heart Punch by Stampin' Up
• White 1/2Inch Foam Squares Adhesive

Silhouette Print & Cut Design Used:

alphabet_love_sideline_tabs_C00106_19547

 

Wishing everyone a very wonderful Monday and week ahead!

Weekly Challenge (Create a Layout from a Sketch)

This week's Weekly Challenge over at Two Peas is to create a layout based on this sketch I created:

 

The background is divided into 3 sections (shown by different patterned papers in my example), a photo strip of  6 - 2"x 3" photos, a large title, an embellishment border and plenty of room for journaling. I went with a "love" theme being so close to Valentine's Day but I didn't use Valentine's photos. Consider changing the butterflies to hearts for a Valentine's page or maybe stars for a page about a boy. So many different embellishments can easily be interchanged with the butterflies to change the theme.

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket 

To participate in the challenge, simply create a layout based on the sketch (you can turn it on it's side, omit elements, etc. just as long as you base part of your layout on the sketch) then upload your layout to the Two Peas Gallery, being sure to check the box next to this challenge. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's creations!

To create the die cut, I stamped and embossed butterflies using the technique shared in THIS blog post and video.

I die cut the butterfly out of vellum (it is the same design as the Hero Arts stamp). I cut it at 2 1/2" wide, removed all the inside cut lines and then stamped it with the HA stamp and the clear embossing ink. I sprinkled on some silver embossing powder and heat set it. Each butterfly is attached to the layout with a button and string.

The title also is layered. I just trimmed the bell from the die cut design (out of the silver SEI paper), then I removed the inside cut lines again on this design (by choosing ungroup in your Silhouette software) and cut it from vellum. I layered the silver title on top of the vellum one. I added a few gems for added sparkle.

Supplies:

• SEI Chocolat Patterned Papers
• Vellum
• MM Sticker
• Little Yellow Bicycle Journaling Tablet (Everyday)
• Buttons
• String
• Smooth Clear Gemstones by Hero Arts
• Heart Winged Butterfly Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
• Black & Clear Big & Bossy Jumbo Embossing Ink Pad by Ranger
• Zing! Silver Glitter Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool
• Silhouette $25 Prepaid Download Card
• Thick Media Replacement Cutting Mat by Silhouette
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile

Silhouette Designs Used:

butterfly_heart_winged_C20091115193057_23067

 

love_decor_C20090929024952_20387

Have a fabulous weekend! 
 

Fuzzy Vinyl (Silhouette Wall Art Project VIDEO)

Good Thursday morning!

Here is the how to video for creating the long branch (almost 30") shown in THIS blog post.

I'll be back tomorrow with the Two Peas Weekly Challenge (layout created from a sketch).

Have a great day!