Nichol Spohr LLC

Mama Elephant | Designer Series Remember December

Today I have a new card created with the Remember December Stamp Set. I love the simplicity of single layer cards and the adorable text circles in this stamp set lend themselves to creating perfect hanging "ornaments" on this easy-to-create card.

When I'm creating a single layer card, I like to add small touches with glaze or glitter pens for a dimensional look and texture without any bulk of additional embellishments. This also makes this an easy to duplicate card if you have a lot to make!

Here's a quick video I put together showing how I created my card:

InLinkz.com

• Mama Elephant Smoke Ink Pad
• Mama Elephant Lollipop Ink Pad
• Mama Elephant Apple Ink Pad
• Mama Elephant Mojito Ink Pad

Don't forget Craftsy's 48 hour Halloween FLASH SALE ends tonight!!!! 

Find super sweet discounts on popular Craftsy classes. Click the banner below for sale savings:

Happy Halloween!!!!

 

KBS | Spooky Haunted House (a layout)

Happy Halloween (one day early...)!

In the spirit of all things spooky and scary I have a new layout up at KBS Blog featuring all my favorite KBS things: a Storyboard template, Halloween shapes and amazing titles!

I think it's fun to record our seasonal home decor. Looking back on it in a year, five or more shows what changes and what stays the same! Plus, if you're like me and can't remember how you arrange things each year, it's a great little reminder when you go to decorate. Ha!

I started my layout with a 12x12 sheet of Halloween themed patterened paper and a sixteen photo template from Kerri's Storyboard Instagram Style Kit. I love photo templates because they take the guesswork out of figuring out an eye-pleasing photo arrangement! And, hello?!!! Sixteen photos on a single page layout?!!! And it doesn't look overcrowded? Amazing!

The element that inspired this entire page, though? Kerri's new Family Banner Kit. I love the kit "as is" but take the banner elements by themself and you can create a seasonal or themed banner for almost any type of page that you have to scrap! I can see this same page design for the Holidays, Easter, Valentine's, etc., etc.! I swapped out the "Family" title with the word "Spooky" created using Kerri's Weathered Door Alphabet.

Something to keep in mind when die-cutting the banner background (the black/white stripe with skulls on my page): if you aren't using a solid cardstock, you want to make sure that the design will be right side "up" when you fold over that top piece. If I hadn't paid attention to that detail my skulls could have been upside down and that would have ruined the entire effect. ;)

I finished my page with another die cut title from the October Thirty-One Kit and and elements from This & That All Hallows Eve and This & That Halloween. I used some American Crafts Glitter paper for the candleabra and word "haunted". In real life, the glittery texture is amazing!

InLinkz.com

InLinkz.com

InLinkz.com

• MME Lost & Found Halloween 6x6 Paper Pad
• MME Lost & Found Halloween Chipboard Elements

• KBS Halloween Mini Album Cover, Title Page and 2010 Page Spread
• KBS Halloween 2005 Page Spread
• KBS Halloween 2004 Page Spread

Craftsy is having a 48 hour Halloween FLASH SALE! From October 30th - 31st, find super sweet discounts on popular Craftsy classes. Click the banner below for sale savings:

I'll be back tomorrow with two new Mama Elephant card shares and a video!

See you then!

 

Life Documented with Daily Grind

Hello!

Today I am blogging over at the Simple Stories Blog showcasing the brand new Daily Grind Collection!

Life Documented | Oct. 20-26, 2013

Last week was a big week: last Freshman football game of the 2013 season, my new nephew was born, fall sports banquets, kids conferences, birthday parties and movie night and I am now officially the mother of two teens!

I love the look of the large monogram 3x4 cards in the SS Daily Grind collection and decided to use them throughout my 2-page spread both as journaling cards and embellishment! If you're looking for a great tutorial on how to easily print on PL style journaling cards, check out THIS video from Two Peas.

I incorporated some of the new Everyday SN@P! Set cards into my page as well (the 4x6 title pocket insert and the 3x4 heart insert). I love how the SS Collections all mix and match so nicely!

InLinkz.com

• Simple Stories Daily Grind Collection Kit (3x4 Journaling Card Elements 12x12 Paper)
• Simple Stories Daily Grind Ephemera
• Simple Stories Daily Grind Chipboard
• Simple Stories Daily Grind SN@P! Cards

Daily Grind begins shipping to retailers mid November! 

LIFE DOCUMENTED/PROJECT LIFE 2013 | FULL LISTING (with links):

• Title Page
• Bonus Page | backside of title page (coming soon)
• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Nine
• Week Ten
• Week Eighteen
• Week Twenty-one
• Week Twenty-two
• Week Twenty-nine
• Week Oct. 20-26

 Thanks for stopping by!

Studio Calico + Mama Elephant

Hello new week and hello to a new card share featuring the awesome new Studio Calico Card Kit Add On Cinnamon Spice!

Last Friday I shared some sneaks of three other cards I created with the SC November Card Kit and Add On HERE and if you want to check out the accompanying video, you can find it HERE and today I have another holiday themed card!

I can't get enough of the awesome text style stamps in the Cinnamon Spice Add On... pure Mama Elephant goodness through and through!

 

I used the 6x6 patterned papers in the kit for my background and also I cut the frame from one of the papers. Then I wrapped the awesome chevron red/white ribbon around the white brick paper and tied a bow.

I stamped the "joy..." phrase twice on white cardstock using Versamark Ink and embossed the images with red and gold embossing powders. I punched the circle out with a 1.5" circle punch and cut the banner portion out of the other design and layered it over the red one. Then I adhered the stamped greeting inside the "frame". I popped the entire frame up with foam adhesive for dimension.

I finished my card with two of the star trinket pins from the kit!

InLinkz.com

Please visit the Mama Elephant Blog HERE to for links to all the Design Team's projects created with the Studio Calico + Mama Elephant Kit/Stamps and for a chance to win the Cinnamon Spice Kit (which sold out!) plus the Cuppa Main Card Kit!

 

Quilted Halloween Table Topper, Halloween Decor & A New Quilting Project

Hello Weekend!

For my paper crafting friends, I'm taking the weekend off from sharing new projects and am going to instead share one of my latest quilting endeavors. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have caught a glimpse at it in this photo collage of our Halloween Decor 2013:

If you've followed my blog for awhile, you might know that I love everything Halloween. I love the costumes, the decorating, and yep, the candy (even though I don't eat much of it anymore....)! ;) I've been waiting for the perfect fabric collection to catch my eye for a Halloween related project and when Sweetwater released "Boo Crew" I knew it was perfect for a couple of new projects!

I've been wanting to make the table topper from the Summer 2012 Quilts and More Magazine designed by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts. I used all Sweetwater Boo Crew fabrics (oranges, blacks, creams and greens...no purple...I'm not really a purple kind of girl!) and this little topper went together super fast! I put it together in just a couple evenings!

My quilt model was being quite silly and entertaining me while we tried to get a good photo in between gusts of wind!

And here's the Halloween Table Topper at home in our family room:

I also sewed up this little treat bag right from a Sweetwater kit using the same fabric:

The fabric kit is available from Sweetwater's Etsy Store HERE.

The pattern is available from Sweetwater's Etsy Store HERE.

The label is available from Sweetwater's Etsy Store HERE.

It's the perfect sized bag for your Halloween night candy haul! ;)

What am I working on next?

Well, this afternoon I finished cutting out Sweetwater Boo Crew fabric to make a Spools Quilt designed by Joanna Figueroa for Fig Tree Quilts. I adored THIS post showcasing Joanna's Spools Quilt shown in orange/black/creams and decided my table topper above needed a matching quilt!

The pattern is available individually or if you decide you love Joanna's (Fig Tree Quilts) style and want to get this pattern plus several more and learn her tips and tricks you can purchase her Craftsy class: Simple Fresh Quilts - Joanna Figueroa.

I highly recommend this class! I've watched the entire thing twice. It's full of great tips and tricks and of course lots and lots and lots of amazing quilt samples!!!!

I'll be sharing photos on Instagram HERE as I start my new quilt so if you're interested in following along or seeing how it comes together you can check it out there! I'll be posting the completed quilt here on my blog one of these days as well.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

More soon!

Studio Calico Video Tutorial, Craftsy FLASH SALE + GIVEAWAY WINNERS announced

Head on over to the Studio Calico Blog today and check out a new video tutorial I created showcasing the November Card Kit Add On Cinnamon Spice (the stamp set in this add-on is by Mama Elephant!). I created three brand new cards with this kit. You will definitely want to pick up this add-on when the kits go on sale October 28th! 

  

Be sure to head over to the SC Blog HERE to see how I created all three of these cards!

Craftsy is having a Craftsy 24 Hour Halloween Flash Sale! Ends at Midnight Tonight! Click the banner below for sales! 

*** GIVEAWAY Winners Announced ***

The winner of the Simple Stories Faux Leather Album and inserts is Tammy B.

The winner of the Simon Says Stamp November Card Kit is Melitta Ball.

The winner of the Simon Says Stamp Grab Bag from the November Card Kit Blog Hop is Elizabeth Garcia.

Congratulations ladies!!!!

 

What Is Craftsy?

What is Craftsy?
Craftsy is a worldwide craft community offering online classes. It also has a patterns marketplace where independent designers can sell their patterns; a supplies shop with great deals on yarn, fabric, and class kits; and a projects section where members share pictures of their latest craft successes. With over two million members and counting, Craftsy has something for just about everyone, in categories ranging from quilting, sewing, knitting, painting, photography, cooking, and more. 

Why should I take a class online?
Online education isn’t just for schools and universities anymore. Craftsy courses provide you the convenience of a world-class instructor in your home, whenever you want to learn. Online education, no matter what subject, is a great alternative to in-person classes for a number of reasons. 

With many online learning opportunities being on-demand, you are able to learn at your own pace, anytime. Online learning is a fantastic alternative to in-store craft classes for people with busy schedules or who have difficulty leaving the house. It also allows you to watch a troubling section over-and-over again, so you can see exactly how a technique is carried out, or refer back to your class for relevant concepts before beginning any new projects.

What classes have I personally taken at Craftsy?

Currently, I have purchased and completely loved the following quilting classes from Craftsy! They are high quality, enjoyable to watch, easy to navigate and I have learned so, so much from these talented ladies! If you love Moda fabrics from Bonnie & Camille or Fig Tree Quilts and/or want to learn how these talented quilters make such amazing quilts, I highly, highly recommend these classes!!!

• Craftsy Pre-Cut Piecing Made Simple Class with Camille Roskelley
• Simple Fresh Quilts - Joanna Figueroa

I just purchased and started watching Playful Piecing Techniques, Camille Roskelley . This class came out this week and I am loving it!!!!

Check out all the quilting classes at Craftsy here:

If you're wanting to see what it's all about before you buy a class, you can check out Crafty's free online classes first!

And Craftsy isn't just for quilters and sewers! If you're a scrapbooker wantint to hone your photography skills, there are classes for you as well. I haven't personally taken any of these, yet, but several are on my wish list:

You will want to check back tomorrow for a little sale news at Craftsy. That's all I can say so check back then!!!

 

Lawn Fawn October Inspiration Week | Winter Sparrows

One of my favorite Lawn Fawn Stamp Sets from Lawn Fawn's latest release is Winter Sparrows and the coordinating Lawn Cuts dies. 

I've used these cute little guys on another card (you can check it out HERE) but today I wanted to create a super simple, relatively flat card that looks like it has lots of dimension!

To create my card, first I wanted to create the illusion of falling snow on the kraft card base so I used my most favorite new stencil from the Simon Says Stamp Holiday release, Falling Snow and the technique from THIS blog post. I used the Unicorn White Ink Pad and Ink Blending Tool to apply the ink.

Next, I stamped the branch using the Hero Arts Cup O Joe Ink and die cut it using the coordinating die.

I stamped the leaves and birds using Memento Black Ink and colored them in with these Copic Markers...

I added some detail to the birds with a white pen and the Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush Pen and then die cut them using the coordinating dies.

Before adhering any of the die cuts to my card, I stamped and embossed the greeting using Versamark and red embossing powder.

Then I simply glued all the elements in place!

InLinkz.com

• Lawn Fawn Frosty Friends, Winter Owl, Winter Bunny Lawn Cuts ("Handmade Cards 2011" layout)
• Lawn Fawn Yeti Set Go (snowglobe shaker card)
• Lawn Fawn Winter in the Park (card)

Please check out all the Lawn Fawn Design Team's Projects featuring Winter Sparrows & Happy New Year HERE.

Mama Elephant | Merry Greetings (card trio + video)

*** I have two blog posts today! Click HERE for the Lawn Fawn Winter in the Park Blog Post! ***

I've got another quick card (set) to share with you today! I am still loving single layer (or almost single layer cards in this case!) and I created this set featuring the Mama Elephant Merry Greetings, Winter Wonderland and Basic Borders Stamp Sets!

InLinkz.com

• Mama Elephant Smoke Ink Pad
• Mama Elephant Winter Ink Pad
• Mama Elephant Hazel Ink Pad
• Mama Elephant Apple Ink Pad
• Mama Elephant Mojito Ink Pad

• Winter Wonderland Card
• Chalkboard Style Card featuring Merry Greetings
• Cozy Christmas Card
• Remember December (layout)

Please be sure to check out all the Design Team's projects featuring Remember December on the ME Blog HERE!

 

 

Lawn Fawn October Inspiration Week | Winter In The Park

*** I have two blog posts today! Click HERE for the Mama Elephant Merry Greetings Blog Post & video! ***

Today the Lawn Fawn Design Team is showcasing the new stamp set, Winter in the Park.

I embossed the card base with a Papertrey Ink Embossing Plate and then layered patterned paper strips down the center of my card.

I stamped the lightpost from Winter In the Park with black ink and then colored in the "light" with the gold Wink of Sella Brush Tip Marker. Then I stamped the bow from the stamp set using Versamark ink and embossed it with red embossing powder to make it pop!

Finally I stamped the greeting using Versamark and embossed it with silver embossing powder before gluing sequins down and tying on a twine bow!

InLinkz.com

• Papertrey Ink Polka Dot Basics II Impression Plate

• Lawn Fawn Frosty Friends, Winter Owl, Winter Bunny Lawn Cuts ("Handmade Cards 2011" layout)
• Lawn Fawn Yeti Set Go (snowglobe shaker card)

Please check out all the Lawn Fawn Design Team's Projects featuring Winter In The Park HERE.

Check back tomorrow for more LF October Inspiration Week Project(s)!