The Whitman Kit + Screen Printing Ideas + New Color Theory Ink Colors

Whew!  That title is a mouthful, but I have SO much to share with you!  I made a quick video as I unpacked my new Whitman embellishment kit from Studio Calico.  I wanted to show you some ways to use the new screen print - YES, screen print - from the kit.  It's crazy cool!  I also stamped out some images using the newest 6 colors from the Color Theory ink collection.

I snapped a couple of quick photos of one of the projects I'm demoing in the video.  I *love* how the screen print worked with my Silhouette Fabric Inks on this canvas bag.

I forgot to mention it in the video, but to clean my screen print in between applications, I just washed it off in the sink & allowed it to air dry.

Here are the new ink colors in all their glory.  Pretty, huh?

 

Here's a photo that I snapped after stamping the images in the video. After the images dried, the Flamingo ink is definitely a vibrant "hot pink."

I hope this helped give you a better idea of what the Whitman kit is all about.  You can also find more inspiration in the September Creative Team gallery.

A Peek Into Our Life

OK. So first of all, just to clear up any confusion, my mom is not goth. The caption below is suppose to read, "Mom's 60th B-day Party" but the font choice wasn't the best.  ;)  I didn't notice it until I had already processed the video... so it is what it is.

One of my goals for this blog is to begin to share more than just things made from paper & scissors.  I'd love for you to get to know me as a whole person & not just a crafter.  So, here's  a peek at my family & what life is like living in rural Indiana:

This video was made with the Cameo app. If you haven't tried it, it's a great way to capture life!

Vintage Book Tablet Case {Video Tutorial}

For those of you who have patiently waited for this tutorial, thank you!  I initially posted photos of my first tablet case in this post & have made several since then.  They're just so fun & they make great gifts!

This case fits my iPad mini perfectly (as well as a few other goodies) & it's definitely unique compared to all of the other cases available commercially.  I love that you can customize it to fit your own personality & style.

To make your own case, you'll need:

• a hard back book slightly larger than your tablet
• a long zipper (22"-26", depending on the size of your book)
• fabric of your choice
• Heat & Bond
• E6000 glue
• binder clips
• sewing machine & basic sewing skills (you'll need to sew a few straight lines)
• Fiskars Craft Knife (or similar cutting tool)
• patterned paper (I used this Color Theory paper pack for all of my books)
• iron
• chipboard (cereal boxes work fine)

Here's the step-by-step video tutorial:

I hope you enjoy making your own vintage book cases!

Envelope Punch Board Gift Box Video Tutorial

It's no secret that I love the Envelope Punch Tool.  It can do SO many different things (besides the obvious.)  Just do a Google search for the tool & you'll find tutorials on all types of boxes, bags, envelopes, and more.

I'm not sure who came up with the original idea to create boxes using the tool, but I think it's brilliant!

Here's my version along with a video tutorial on how to make a simple gift box, perfect for Mother's Day or any occasion!

 If you'd like to learn how to make cabbage roses from ribbon or fabric, you can watch another video tutorial found here.

The aqua ribbon I used for this particular rose was PERFECT & I wish I had an entire roll of it.  It's 4" wide (which can be hard to find) and is part of the Studio Calico Morgan card kit.

The gift tag was made with these digital stamps by Suzy Plantamura.

Thanks so much for watching!

Video: Album Envelopes

I love adding envelopes to my albums to hold extra memorabilia, photos, or hidden journaling.  I made a quick video to show you how you can create your own!

If you haven't tried out the Envelope Punch Board, it's such a great tool!  There are measurements printed on the board that show you how to make envelopes in almost any size imaginable.

To make my envelope, I used the new Color Theory patterned paper as well as some adhesive backed Velcro dots.

I designed a set of Attachers dies for Studio Calico that can be applied to envelopes or anything else you'd like to attach in your albums.  One of the dies fits the Handbook albums & the other can be used in any type of ring album.

As you saw in the video, I added double sided adhesive sheets to a scrap of fabric which added stability & allowed me to attach it really easily to the envelope.

You might also want to try adhesive backed cardstock or even adhesive backed canvas sheets along with the dies.  Of course, you can always use your adhesive of choice or stitch the attachers in place as well.

I hope you give envelope making a try!  :)

New Studio Calico Color Theory Ink Video + Free Printable

Studio Calico has a new collection called Color Theory.  It's a great "basics" collection that's exclusive to SC & includes coordinating products such as inks, patterned paper, alpha stickers & embellishments.

For a limited time, you can preorder the Color Theory ink bundle & get it shipped for free!

Here is a close up view of the inks in action.  In the video, I'll show you how well they work with Copic markers & how to create a watercolor palette with the inks.

I created a downloadable resource chart for you to use with your new Color Theory products.  I stamped each color of ink with a paint splatter stamp.  The bottom section of the chart can be filled with a swatch of coordinating patterned paper, embellishments, or sticker samples.

 You can download your own Color Theory Printable here.

I hope these resources are helpful.  I know you're going to really love this new collection!

A close-up view (a.k.a. video) of the New Copper Mountain Card Kits

I let my video recorder roll as I opened up my Studio Calico kits this month.  I'm sharing a close up look at the new Copper Mountain card kit & the Spaulding Bowl card kit add-on… as well as my initial thoughts on the kits.

The kits are now live in the shop, so grab one if you can!  :)

Trendy Trios Cardmaking Series: Negative Space

This month's cardmaking series proves that it's ok to be negative sometimes.  I hope you'll join me in this free class as we delve into using "negative space."  You can find out more about this month's trend & play along with our challenge here.  (p.s. There's a Two Peas gift card up for grabs!)

You can watch the video below or on the Two Peas site.

This card was SO much fun to make!  Learn how to use Amy Tangerine's new stitching templates to create your own custom fabric embellishments and to create your own negative space focal point.

Have you seen the new stitched pockets by Studio Calico?  I'll show you how to utilize them to create an envelope for your cards!

This stamp set is pretty fun too!

I have a free Silhouette file for you to use as well.  Just follow this link to find out more.

Two Peas has their own exclusive embellishments & I love this wood veneer frame!  On this card, we're using lots of layers & rub-ons to create an elegant card with gold accents.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Studio Calico December Daily Video

The Studio Calico team is hosting a blog hop today featuring the new December Daily kit.  It's available here for preorder now, while supplies last.

I created a short video for you with sneak peeks of the kit... and the whole reason I've decided to do this project this year.  As I was making this video, I have to admit - I got a little emotional.  It's true what they say about time flying by & I want to remember these moments that I've shared with my family forever.

I'm new to scrapbooking & while I was working on this project last season, I was really surprised at what a difference it made.  I know it might sound strange to those who've never done it, but this project made me look at the holiday season with new eyes.  Suddenly, the things that ordinarily felt busy & exhausting became exciting & fun.  I looked at our time spent in a whole new light, loving when I could capture a moment & document it as part of our album.  I don't know why exactly, but it made our season more meaningful... and I wish I would have started this project years ago.

You can find the full list of contents here.  (This kit is PACKED with awesome supplies!)

The kit ships free - even to the North Pole!

I hope you'll join me this year for December Daily!

Be sure to check out the Studio Calico blog for links to all of the blog hop participants.

Trendy Trios: Chalkboard

Now that school is back in session, I thought it would be fun to feature the chalkboard trend for this month's Trendy Trios class.

You can find the step-by-step video tutorial & all of the supplies here.

 For the first card, I went very literal with the chalkboard concept.  This school-themed stamp set by Lawn Fawn is just too cute!  I also love this school ephemera found in the Two Peas vintage grab bag.

There are so many chalkboard themed products on the market!  I especially love this framed paper from My Mind's Eye.  I had so much fun filling in the spaces with colorful doodads.

 Of course, you can also get the chalkboard effect with stamps!  This set from Mama Elephant is just gorgeous!

I hope you'll join in my challenge & upload a project to the Two Peas gallery that includes a chalkboard element!  Psst!  There's a Two Peas gift card up for grabs for one lucky participant!  ;)

Trendy Trios Video Series: Stars

This month's Trendy Trios class features one of my favorite trends. It's perfect for boys & girls alike! It's great for creating projects for celebrations, school related themes, or for any occasion! 

Even though “stars” have been around since the beginning of time, this simple shape has really become a trendy icon lately. Companies have also started to branch out from this trend a bit by focussing on constellation prints.

You can watch the full video tutorial for these projects here. 

You'll also want to check out the FREE digital download that allows you to create your own coordinating paper confetti!  So fun.  :)

 I used a lot of new BasicGrey goodies in my video.  This is a card I made for my son's first day of middle school:

And here is a card I made by custom cutting chipboard.  Just call me Edward Scissorhands.  (For those of you who are too young to get this reference, I'm sorry.  Just don't tell me & I won't feel so old.)  ;)

There's always a challenge that goes with each class, so make sure to check it out for your chance to win a Two Peas gift card!