Nichol Spohr LLC

Technique Tuesday | Family Circle Layout

Here is another layout I created with a current Technique Tuesday Ali Edwards Stamp Set for CHA Winter focusing on the Family Circle Stamp Set. 

The theme couldn't be further from our current weather today: cold, windy and freezing drizzle. Lovely.

However, these photos and this layout make me long for the warmer summer months. Lots of fun, bright color and of course stamping + die cutting. 

Again, I used multiple colors of ink to stamp the different elements in side the circle or sunshine. 

I absolutely adore combining the stamp sets to create a custom stamped creation.

To create the sunshine and Summer title I used a couple of designs from the Silhouette store:

summer_C00307_19547 

sun_C00077_28466 

SUPPLIES

Ali Edwards Today You Stamps	Ali Edwards The Family Circle Words We Love	Silhouette SD
Tim Holtz Scissors	Circles Foam Tabs	White 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack
Ali Edwards Awesome Days of Summer Stamps	Tent Trailer Campfire Collection Paper	Camp Stove Campfire Collection Paper
Animal Tracks Campfire Collection Paper	Seashells Seaside Collection Paper	Yellow Bikini Seaside Collection Paper
On the Shore Seaside Collection	Corner Chomper	Sleeping Bag Campfire Collection Paper
Fly A Kite Label Stickers	Modern Homemaker Label Sticker

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:

• Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede & Kiwi Kiss Inks from Stampin' Up

Click HERE and HERE for other Technique Tuesday CHA samples.

Have a great day.

Technique Tuesday | Dad Rocks Layout

Tonight I thought I'd share another layout I created for Technique Tuesday's booth at CHA. This isn't a new stamp set but rather a new layout with a stamp set that is currently available: Dad Rocks.

The stamp set was perfect for these older photos of my daughter with Daddy. 

I incorporated lots of older product in this layout: Heidi Swapp journaling circles (pink & green), Echo Park Life is Good Papers (all 50% off at Two Peas, see links below), Making Memories Noteworthy Scallop Edge Paper and Jenni Bowlin Circle Die Cut (orange).

To really make the title pop I stamped each element on the die cut circle using a different color of ink. It really gave it the finished piece a more polished look. I love stamping in colorful inks.

I also stamped a border using a phrase stamp from the Dad Rocks stamp set and stamped additional phrases on the circle die cuts to use as embellishments.

For the journaling, I used the Technique Tuesday Ali Edwards Today You Stamp Set. I stamped the journaling stamps on Making Memories Ledger paper, again using an array of colorful inks and then printed my journaling using my printer before adding the piece to my page.

SUPPLIES

Ali Edwards Today You Stamps	Tim Holtz Scissors	2.75 Circle Punch
2.5 Inch Circle Punch	2.25Inch Circle Punch	Circles Foam Tabs
Premium Cut Line Paper Trimmer	Bold Stripes Life is Good Paper	Floral Dress Life is Good Paper
Grandma's Quilt Life is Good Paper	Brown Floral Life is Good	Dad Rocks

One of my favorite things about Ali's stamp sets is not only are they amazing for cards but how perfect they are for scrapbook layouts. And how all of her stamp sets work so well together. I love to mix and match elements from all my Ali Stamps for a one-of-a-kind design.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. The weather here in Western Kansas has been amazing the last couple of days. Spring weather. The kids all played outside most of the day. Running around the neighborhood, jumping on the trampoline and playing fetch with the dogs. However, a cold front is blowing in so I think that little hint of spring was a fluke. Darn. I am so over winter. Ready for warm days again.

More tomorrow....

 

Stampin' Fun Friday | Feel Better Soon (Hedgehog Card) + Stamp Storage

This Friday's card features two of my current favorite things: Penny Black Hedgehog stamps + Papertrey Ink Stamps & Products.

I also used Copics. Still addicted. Still collecting a few markers at a time. I just ordered a few more from Ellen Hutson (links below in the supply list). I also made sure to link the individual markers that I used. I know that helps when trying to find a specific color to add to your own collection. :)

HOW TO

  

SUPPLIES

Scoring Board	Sizzix Big Shot	Copic X-Press
Memento Tuxedo Black	Metallique Gems & Brads	Wonderful Day
Copic Markers	Copic Markers	C1 Cool Gray
C3 Cool Gray	C5 Cool Gray	C7 Cool Gray
YG13 Chartreuse	YG17 Grass Green	BG01 Aqua Blue
BG02 New Blue	BG10 Cool Shadow	V01 Heath
V09 Violet	E0000 Floral White	E000 Pale Fruit Pink
E01 Pink Flamingo	E11 Bareley Beige	E17 Reddish Brass
E97 Deep Orange	E99 Baked Clay	0 Colorless Blender
R20 Blush

PAPERTREY INK PRODUCTS USED:

• Mat Stack 3 Collection Stamp Set
• Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Circle Collection Dies
• Edgers #1 Collection Dies
• Mat Stack #3 Die
• Woodgrain Impression Plate
• Spring Rain, Smokey Shadow CardstockS
• Spring Rain Satin Ribbon

OTHER PRODUCTS:

• Stampin' Up Basic Gray Stamp Ink
• Close to My Heart 

Someone recently asked me about my stamp storage, specifically my clear stamp storage. I had briefly covered it in THIS post that showcases my entire studio but wanted to give a bit closer look at my Clip it Up Floor Spinner now that I have transferred all my clear and cling stamps onto it.

The Clip it Up Floor Model fits neatly into an unused corner of my craft room and makes good use of an otherwise empty space. Plus, it opens up my shelving and other storage spaces for other things. I did purchase two additional Clip It Up Arms to give me even more storage. 

I love how I can quickly and easily find what I'm looking for with this system. I also am in the process of adding the Clip it Up Tabs to be even more organized.

Lots of questions on the clear envelopes I use to store my stamps. I use THESE. You can also get them on Amazon.com HERE. They are made to fit in 3-ring binders but I cut them in half and use them to hang from the clips as shown here.

Currently I have some of my favorite or newer Wood Mount Stamps in these postman cubbies from Pottery Barn. I don't have near as many wood mount stamps as I used to so this is an easy way for me to see my newest stuff quickly and easily. 

All my Stampin' Up stamp sets, Design Block background stamps are stored in THESE Artbin Double Deep Clear Storage Boxes. They are easy to store, easy to see through and work great for me.

All my other wood mounted stamps are stored in THESE Artbin clear boxes.

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend.

More soon. :)

Studio Calico | Candy Shoppe Layouts

Studio Calico's February Kit, Candy Shoppe is now available HERE. And the gallery is live HERE.

Check them out if you get a moment. :)

I did four layouts with the main kit and add-ons with plenty of goodies left over for more projects.

 

The KI Memories Calendar Paper available in the Jawbreaker Add-on was perfect for a calendar page. I am slowly but surely finishing up all of last year's Month in Review layouts. This one may be my new favorite. I also included the fabulous new cloud stamps from the main kit that coordinate with the cloud punches (in stock HERE & HERE).

I used the followed design from the Silhouette America store to die cut my title:

october_outline_C00703_19547 

I had to play with the cloud punches a little more so I used them on this page about my daughter. And cloud paper...I love cloud paper (Pulled Taffy Add-on).

In love with the big alpha background stamp from the Licorice Twist add-on. I stamped it with versamark ink on white cardstock and embossed with clear powder, then die cut butterflies from the embossed image using a Stampin' Up Sizzix die. I rubbed over the embossed die cuts with Worn Lipstick, Spiced Marmalade, Scattered Straw, Tumbled Glass, Faded Jeans, Barn Door and Weathered Wood Tim Holtz Distress Inks.

I paper pieced the background with rainbow colored bits and scraps of patterned paper from the kits.

The light bulb stamp from Pulled Taffy add-on totally reminded me of one of our family's favorite lines from the movie, Despicable Me so I had to do a page about my very own little "minion" with quotes from the movie printed on the label stickers included in the kits.

The pocket was die cut from THIS digi die cut kit by Kerri Bradford:

The tags were die cut using this Silhouette American shape:

journaling_tab_wcircle_C00816_19547  

I hope everyone was able to grab the kit(s) and extra goodies they wanted from Studio Calico tonight! Looking forward to seeing what everyone creates with this amazing and fabulous kit.

See you soon with Stampin' Fun Friday. G'night!

Technique Tuesday Adored Layout | Studio AE

I have scrapbooked more in the first three weeks of this year than I did in the whole last half of 2010.

It's sort of scary how many layouts I have been pumping out. Part of the reason for all the layouts are the fabulous stamps that I get to play with from Technique Tuesday.

January's Studio AE stamp set is my favorite yet.

I love the circles.

I sort of have a thing for using circles on my layouts.

I incorporated lots of the circles from the set as embellishments for my layout. I stamped them on patterned paper and punched out the circles using punches and layering them for more interest.

The title was die cut using my Silhouette using the following design:

i_love_your_smile_phrase_C00594_20509 

I cut the title twice, once from patterned paper and once from dark gray cardstock. The gray cardstock gives a nice shadow effect.

Here's a little closer look at the stamped circle accents.

SUPPLIES

Silhouette SD	Tim Holtz Scissors	Stamp Press
Cloud Large Squeeze Punch	Cloud Extra Large Squeeze Punch	Circles Foam Tabs
Postage Stamp Border Punch	Premium Cut Line Paper Trimmer	January Studio AE

OTHER SUPPLIES

• Older patterned paper by My Mind's Eye
• Slit Punch by Stampin' Up
• Brads by American Crafts
• Vellum
• Circle Punches
• Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray Stamp Inks by Stampin' Up

Click HERE to learn more about the Studio AE Membership Program.

Thanks for stopping by. :)

 

From Start to Finish: May 2010 in Review

This week's From Start to Finish layout showcases creating and using photo collages on a layout. I have been sneaking in these month in review layouts from 2010 when I can. I think I only have five more to finish for last year...ha.

Just like last week's layout + video (can be seen HERE), I showed more of my process, starting with the supplies I pulled to use, creating the photo collage, figuring out the layout design and ultimately changes I made in some products that weren't working with the design. 

Another thing this particular page demonstrates is how to incorporate a lot of patterned paper in a design that is photo heavy and make the design work.

I have been using the outline type monthly titles from Silhouette for all these layouts, so I continued that on this page using the following design by Loni Stevens:

may_C00285_19547 

I used October Afternoon label stickers and punched hearts as a design element on the cloud paper strip. I enjoy including a pop of red on my pages.

All the photos in the collage are 1x1" or 1x2". I opened a bunch of photos in photoshop and cropped them to size. Then I click and dragged them to a new document to create the collage. Once I was happy with the design, I "flattened" the image and printed it as a single photo.

HOW TO

 

SUPPLIES

Silhouette SD	Tim Holtz Scissors	Tiny Attacher
Mini Paper Clips	Circles Foam Tabs	Premium Cut Line Paper Trimmer
Blue Jean Dot Grid Petite Print Paper	Swimming Pool Dot Grid Petite Print Paper	Ladybug Dot Grid Petite Print Paper
Swimming Pool Daisy Stripe Petite Print Paper	Ladybug Daisy Stripe Petite Print Paper	Sleeping Bag Campfire Collection Paper
Skipping Rocks Campfire Collection Paper	Animal Tracks Campfire Collection Paper	Chance of Rain One Fall Day Paper
Needle In A Haystack One Fall Day Paper	On the Shore Seaside Collection	Fly A Kite Word Stickers
Farm Fresh Words Stickers

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:

• Heart Punch & Scallop Border Punch by Stampin' Up
• Coluzzle Circle Cutting Tool

I have received several questions regarding where you can find this series at Two Peas in a Bucket.

The whole series can be found HERE. 

If you are on 2peas and want to find it without linking from here, there is a dropdown box under "Designer Garden". Right now it says "Finally Friday Videos". The tech guys are working to change the name. In the meantime, if you click that, down on the left side of the screen is says, "Designer". If you click my name under that it will take you to all the videos in the series.

Have a super day!

 

New product picks for the week! Enjoy.

 

SUPPLIES

I also included additional supplies I will be using but didn't show in the video as well as my two favorite sources to buy Copic Markers. 

Scoring Board	Sizzix Big Shot	Sea Mixed Accents
Copic Markers	Memento Tuxedo Black	Tim Holtz Scissors
Circles Foam Tabs	Premium Cut Line Paper Trimmer	Neenah Solar White Cardstock
Wonderful Day	End of Summer Stamp	Copic Markers

PAPERTREY INK PRODUCTS:

• Simple Sentiments Stamp Set
• Mat Stack 3 Collection Stamp Set
• Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Circle Collection Dies
• Edgers #1 Collection Dies
• Mat Stack #3 Die
• Double Ended Banners Die
• Woodgrain Impression Plate
• Spring Rain, Smokey Shadow Cardstocks
• Spring Rain Satin Ribbon

Wishing you all a super week!

Stampin' Fun Friday | Happy Birthday Mouse in Teacup Card

I finally got around to coloring this adorable little Tina Wenke stamped image. I actually colored this little guy twice. I boogered up the first one. It happens. 

I went with a bright, colorful theme inspired by THIS image found on THIS website. I absolutely adored the rainbow of bright color in the floral arrangement and wanted to replicate it in my coloring on the flowers in the teacup. 

I originally went with a beige color scheme for the teacup but it really didn't show off the loveliness of the flowers. I am much happier with the aqua colored teacup. Besides, I seem to be partial to those particular copics (G0000, G00, G02). They are some of my favorites.

By the way, I am trying something new.  Along with the photo of the markers used, I am including links to each individual marker in the supply list to make it easier to see just exactly what is what. Hope that this small change will help my readers out. :)

I used a couple of Copic Spica Glitter Markers to add detail to the flowers and the ladybug. I also used some glossy accents on the ladybug's head and the mouse's nose and eyes. The Copic Spica's are listed in the supply list below as well. :)

The background of the card was pieced together with patterned paper scraps from my scrap file. I have really been loving the look of pieced backgrounds on my scrapbooking layouts lately and wanted to give it a try on a card. Examples of pieced backgrounds can be seen HERE and HERE.

I masked the stamped image and stamped a plaid background with a new Hero Arts Design Block Stamp and added inking to the edges of the die cut label with Distress Inks. I can't seem to leave a background white. ;)

I didn't want to leave out the inside of the card. I finished the design with the "inside" greeting from the Hero Arts stamp set and a little flower stamp from the same set.

SUPPLIES:

Stamp-a-ma-jig	Stamping Mark Paper	Ink Blending Tool
Sizzix Big Shot	Memento Tuxedo Black	Copic X-Press
Bumblebee Boutique Buttons	Tim Holtz Scissors	Premium Cut Line Paper Trimmer
Neenah Solar White Cardstock	Mouse In a Teacup	Sending Smiles Clear Stamps
Envelope Pattern Wood Mounted Stamp	Glossy Accents	Milled Lavender Tim Holtz Distress Ink
Dusty Concord Tim Holtz Distress Ink	RV10 Pale Pink	RV13 Tender Pink
RV14 Begonia Pink	R20 Blush	R22 Light Prawn
R27 Cadmium Red	R39 Garnet	V01 Heath
V06 Lavender	Y11 Pale Yellow	Y15 Cadmium Yellow
Y17 Golden Yellow	YR14 Caramel	YR65 Atoll
YR68 Orange	E37 Sepia	G0000 Crystal Opal
G00 Jade Green	G02 Spectrum Green	YG17 Grass Green
YG23 New Leaf	YG25 Celadon Green	C1 Cool Gray
C3 Cool Gray	C5 Cool Gray	Spica Glitter Pen Clear
Spica Glitter Pen Melon

I just placed a new order from Ellen Hutson for quite a few new delicious Copics + air brushing supplies. Look for new tutorials on that coming soon. :)

Wishing you all a super happy weekend full of creativity!

Q&A: Silhouette Cutting Mats + the typewriter font I use.

The most often asked questions I get via email or otherwise are regarding the Silhouette Cutting Mats and the typewriter font I use.

I am adding them to the Q&A Category so that hopefully it will cut down on the number of emails I receive asking the same questions. :)

Q: 

My question for you is in regards to your cutting with your Silhouette. How often do you change your mats? I have the original sil and so I don't know if it's the same for you since you probably have the upgraded new version but I find my mats lose there sticky after just a few times :( Do you refresh your mats with spray or the zig 2 way pen or perhaps because you work with Silhouette you get an unlimited amount of mats sent to you ???

Any tricks or tips for me....I find I don't use my Sil as much as I could because it's like hoarding it for good projects.

A: 

First, I feel like I should probably address that I am no longer affiliated with Silhouette in any way so I don't get anything from them. Anything I share regarding cutting with the Silhouette Machine or the designs I use is shared because I truly love die cutting with this tool and I actually purchased the designs. I won't share anything here regarding the machine unless I really love and use it. I loved my Silhouette before working with them and I still love it now.

I only use the thick media cutting mats.

They are ultra ultra sticky to begin with (almost too sticky) but I find they hold my paper better than the thin media ones.

I only change my cutting mat about every 2-3 months. I use mine on almost every scrapbooking project so I feel like I get a lot out of the cutting mat during that time.

The cutting mat does lose it's super stickiness after awhile, however it will should still hold your paper in place. It will not look clean and new but it should still hold your paper. You can always use spray adhesive if you feel like you need to but I never do. Once my paper starts moving during cutting or the cuts aren't clean, I throw the old one away and get a new one out. Same with the blade. If I have changed cutting mats and the cuts are still not clean, it's time for a new blade.

Q:

What font do you use for your journlaing? I love that it looks like an old typewriter font...

A:

The font is Typenoksidi. You can download it HERE.

 

From Start to Finish: TwentyEleven + Links.

Today's layout is bright and full of embellishment but not bulky. I also included the entire process from the product I pulled to use, to breaking down the steps. I hope all of you who have been requesting more insight into the first steps of the process enjoy that and I will continue to include that in future videos.

HOW TO VIDEO:

 

I used one of Kerri Bradford's amazing digi die cut designs for the title/date. Love that it can be both.

Click HERE to purchase the TwentyEleven kit from Kerri.

I used one of the same Hero Arts stamps that I used on THIS card on a layout. Love how versatile stamps can be. That journaling paper is an old, old, old Narratives sheet. I loved these. I still do.

Doodlebug buttons should be used on everything because they are just to bright, fun and pretty. Just sayin'.

Layer stickers, embellishments for a big impact but little bulk.

SUPPLIES:

Ali Edwards Today You Stamps	Stamp-a-ma-jig	Silhouette SD
Limeade Boutique Buttons	Tangerine Boutique Buttons	Ladybug Boutique Buttons
Tim Holtz Scissors	2.75 Circle Punch	Tiny Attacher
2.25Inch Circle Punch	Modern Homemaker Label Sticker	Modern Homemaker Words Stickers
Premium Cut Line Paper Trimmer	Polka Dot Person Rubber Stamp	Pasta Fagioli Collection Stickers
Blended Beans Pasta Fagioli Paper	Shell Macaroni Pasta Fagioli Paper	Clove Fresh Garlic Pasta Fagioli
Romano Cheese Pasta Fagioli Paper	Italian Seasoning Pasta Fagioli	Toasted Marshmallows Campfire Collection Paper

FUN LINKS:

Copic Sketch Markers are on sale for $4.99 each at Simon Says Stamp HERE:

And all orders over $70 ship FREE within the USA:

HERE is a link that references some of my favorite colors of Copic Sketch Markers.

Simon Says Stamp is also now carrying Belles n Whistles Stamps.

I am super excited about this because this particular line of stamps is created by my favorite artists,   Elisabeth Bell. You may recognize her style from the line she does for Whiff of Joy Stamps. Elisabeth's designs are amazing, fun to color and capture childhood perfectly. Plus, I adore how many of her designs speak to an older age of girls (me included!) and are not so young or baby-looking. And here is what I absolutely adore about Belles n Whistles stamps: they are clear stamps. No special mounting necessary. Fabulous!

Here are the stamps I just had to have:

A Child's Prayer	Bronzing Beauty	Cupcake
Eden with Teddy	Goggles	Kitty Love
MMM Yes Please	Smile	Splashing Good Time
Sunshine & Apples	Tea Time	Tube Wear
Wishes

New Echo Park Little Girl Collection is in at Two Peas. LOVE it.

Happy Wednesday Crafty Friends!