A Folio of Fun for "You & Me"!

Dearest Sara created this lovely folio mini-album and I just adored the idea to create as a gift, so much that I wanted to do a replication of sorts using the "miracle" paperpack, designer wood buttons, and that gorgeous "Sweetleaf" grossgrain ribbon.  There is still six days left to get your hands on this gorgeous "You & Me" National Scapbooking Month Kit.  I used the stamp set to do my mini-album and there is a lot more creativeness that can flow using it.  Grab your "You & Me" kit Today!  

BONUS: If you join our Team Creatique Innovationz before May 31st 11:59 MST you can get the kit for FREE!  Your initial investment during this promotional month is ONLY $64.50 ($350 value).  I can't wait to take a journey with you on this incredible endeavor. 

Sweet Aroma'

SaWeet, so sweet the aroma of fresh hand-picked flowers by my Darling Husband. Where else can a lady craft the day away and never notice these gorgeous and luscious smelling Spring flowers blooming?  If it weren't for my Honey I would never of been able to catch these once a year bloomers.  It was very fitting to incorporate them into the backdrop of my Altered clipboard project and certainly my camera is still less than be desired, that topic is certainly for another day. :)  

One thing I enjoyed at CU 2011 was a class taught by Denise using regular office clipboards to change them into a work of heART!  I have to admit I embellished a little bit on this one.  The medallion flower pictured below is rather a bit complex; I used one of the Martha Stewart border punches on a 1 1/2" piece of baby pink cardstock (CTMH exclusive), a Fabric pack to cut out the base flower image, then I adhered it with Tacky Glue to a base of baby pink cardstock and then cut around the edges, for the middle I used the ever addicting canvas badges (CTMH exclusive).  It was fairly tedious, yet I truly enjoy the way it turned out.  I'm looking forward to creating a few more of these just to post around the office.  This was just a Sunday, Spring, Sweet, Inspired piece that I couldn't help but do...I sure hope you enjoy it too!  

If your interested in getting your hands on one of my creative clipboards please feel free to comment below and and post on the Creatique Innovationz FB page under the photo post and your name could be drawn for April's blog candy give-away!  

Snowflake Doubles...

Wow, the holidays are certainly flying in too soon for me!  I'm certainly in the land of the lost when I'm not near my family during the festivities so to speak.  The weather is very frigid and unwaivering in these blizzard type conditions we are experiencing, which is abnormal for us during this time of the year.  Armed with a lack of posting, morning mocha and a desire to create my way out of the blues...I went on a hunt for some inspiration.  I never really have to look that far when I click over to my FABULOUSLY ARTSY Friend Tresa Black's blog.  It just so happens that I'm always looking for different ways to create interactive cards and there it was...her latest Ustream class on a Double Slider.  This creation is a replica of what I learned on her Ustream class...with the exception of the stamp set and multi layers.  I only made one of the sliders as I had a difficult time playing with the measurements.  I did however, create two more cards from the base of the chocolate cardstock and made a lovely one as a gift.  As always Thank you so much Tresa for pulling me out of the creative blah's that I tend to drown in during the holiday season.  How fitting that today was the day we had first downpour of snowflakes that actually stick to the ground. 

1. The snowflake embossed using liquid glass and prisma glitter.  So cute!

The three different placements of the liquid glass and the open part of the card is what is inside of the two I actually created without doing the slider part.

This is a closed card...I really loved the ease of using the water-brush to roll my paper edges and my embossing dryer to dry it in an instant.  Who would of thought to use these simple techniques.  

Inspiration Artwork & Kusudami...?

Time flies when your being creative...!  I was very inspired this weekend when I attended our Creative Hearts training.  Michelle Snyder shared some fabulous ideas of where to pull inspiration from.  I like to think that I tend to create outside of the box but when Michelle did some pages and cards for her Holiday Extravaganza, I never would of thought to look within my own wardrobe not just for colors but also patterns when creating from them.  There were several projects she created that I uploaded to our Team Training Album on Facebook.  The one I loved the most and re-created with her inspiration was the one she did using a really cool hounds-tooth patterned hat.  

This was hers & the gorgeous hat I so want! 

Here is My Design: 

Here Are the Pages I created from her bases:

Then of course prior to Friday I had wondered around YouTube.com for some ideas to play around with.  Since I've become a flowerholic a dear inspiration Dawn Griffin posted a video tutorial on how to make these really adorable flowers.  Of course true to form I wanted to learn more about how in the world I could put these flowers into an ornate gift.  So I dug further to find a really neat technique of orgami called "Kusudami", which in turn got this as a result: 

You can also turn it upside down and utilize it as a center piece for your table.  

You can also create it in many different ways with all kinds of centers, papers, and ribbons.  I admit that this one took approx. 8 hours to create from start to finish.  I couldn't find a video specific in putting the pieces together so I just layered them using the gluing technique Dawn showed in her video, I suggest using a low heat glue gun and you can use an emboss dryer to melt the stringy parts.  In total it took 50 flower petals to create this Kusudami.  Many thanks to Michelle and Dawn for their inspiration contribution to my Creatique post this week. 

**NOTE**I find it so important to provide credit for where I get my inspiration from, therefore within all my posts I do highlight with a link that are different colored words that will link you back to whom and what it is that I'm referring to. 

With that I wanted to express a deep gratitude for those of you who follow my blog, Creatique Live classes and FB Fans.  I appreciate all of your patience, guidance, suggestions, and more!  With that I wanted to let you know that I'm going to be resuming my online live classes after this holiday season.  Till then please keep tuning in to my blog as I will have candy to give-away on my weekly posts.  So without Further ado...Erin Grotegut is the Creatique Winner of Dr. Suess Surprise!  Congrats Erin, please contact me for delivery of your Creatique Candy.  

Creatique Candy Time - "A Little Story Told"

When you think of telling a story, we think often of the meaning behind that particular story. I'm an admitted avid reader personally. My point is that I find inspiration within stories. Because only within a book can I tend to get lost in a moment that well, each individual experiences or perceives the meaning in a different way. I had this professor Lois Hart in college, she always had books lying around her home. Our first Literature class she had me read a book by Maya Angelo called "Why The Caged Bird Sings". That book evoked so much emotion, a portrait within my mind that at the moment I can't seem to find the words to explain. What I can say is that inspired by that experience and course, I've always kept my heart open to other opportunities.
So we have "Blogtoberfest" going and I have been recuperating from an infection. I know sounds yucky don't it? Well it shouldn't because it is that time of the year. I wanted to do something new and creative because I just enjoy playing around in my photobucket account and today was also K's school picture day. So what better than to create a story of the pictures I took but in a different and unique way then I ever have before. "Portrait In Progress" kind of thing. So without further ado here is "A Little Story Told"
Click on the slideshow for Album.There are so many different ways that you can tell a story or share something creative even when your feeling a little bit under the weather.  Our precious little Miracle truly inspires me everyday.  She makes me want to be a better Mother in so many ways.  I'm so far from being the perfect Mom but I do my best to teach her about reading, creating, and using our inner heart's to help others.  Here is one of my Favorites Taken:

"CREATIQUE CANDY" Time...

Since there was not a "Technique Tuesday" taught this week.  I'm wanting to give some Creatique Candy away!  YAY, it is something I've been really holding back on so I'm really excited to share it. Only one other lucky person will have this card I created.  If you would LOVE to have this card...all you have to do is leave a comment about your favorite story, book, song, phrase, anything really, to be entered into the drawing.  The winner will be announced on October 26th @ 6:30 pm MST -7:00 during my LIVE "Technique Tuesday" broadcast on the Creatique Innovationz Ustream Channel.  You won't want to miss it.  I'm going to be designing a glass "krafty block" an really neat gift idea.  Stay Tuned for more...

Canvas - "Elements In Two's"

"Elements In Two's"

Despite all that I've ever learned in applying elements in 3's, I couldn't help but step outside of the box in a creative stump, so to speak and knock out 3 personal challenges when I decided to create this canvas.  First I used this as my "Make It From Your Heart" Olivia submission. Second, I've wanted to do a canvas for ages so inspired by Creative University Online classes taught by Tresa Black's "Canvas Wall Hanging" and Christine David's "Scrapbook Lay-Out", I wanted to combine 2 of the classes with one swipe.  Officially, I can announce this did not make the "MFYH" submission, however it does look fabulous on my family room wall and I'm convinced that a scrapbook page/canvas wall hanging can actually be so beautiful in visual elements of two's.  

There are no words in this lay-out because I wanted it as a beautified 12x12 decoration that goes along with the wall creation I'm doing as a dedication to my children.  What is that you ask?  I'm always captured by the many pictures that I've seen from family and friends in their homes.  Usually most of them are in a frame and ordered along the wall according to time line or grouped.  I decided that since I have lots of professional and school pictures of my children that instead of using a normal picture frames that I would be a bit more creative in 'framing' their photos.  

For their christmas gift I'm working on a wall in my family room that displays these handmade creations with altered letters as a treasure to them.  So whenever we have visitors over they can see our family photos in a collage all created differently.  I have a lot to catch up on and I'm moving along very snailing in doing so.  I have to admit, it is easier when using this incredible Close To My Heart How-To book "Magic".  So without further ado; 

What I Used:

Magic: Backstage (Left page)

Z7128B Olivia Level 2 paperpack (Leaves & Polka-Dot background)

Textured Colonial White carstock

X5759 Pacifica cardstock

Z1102 Colonial White grosgrain ribbon

Z1331 Foundry Metal Accents

Z1335 Opaques Licorice pearls

Z1336 Opaques Cream pearls

Z1226 On Target Dimensional Elements

Z1299 Distressing Kit 

Z2297 Pear Re-inker

Long reach punch, 12x12 Canvas (for the base)

H2H "Birthday" Challenge/Sponsorship, "Blogtoberfest", & More!

There is tons to share this week, so let's get right down to it shall we?  This creative inspiration came about with my husbands initial help.  Yes, you heard it right, Kip actually participated along with me in this weeks H2H "Birthday" Challenge.  I must admit I was stumped for a good bit as to what in the world do I create?  Ultimately in the end it was funny when he said "That is nothing like what we were doing last night."  Well, "Thanks Honey, I appreciate your inspiration!"   This was actually pretty fun to make.  I used some emboss resist on the candles with sponging Sunflower, Pear, and Spring Iris, foam backed them to the card base at the bottom.  It is a 6x6 card using: Sponge Technique, Embossing, Bitty Sparkles, and scrap ribbon plus the items below; 

It is an honor to sponsor the H2H "Birthday" challenge this week. That I'm having a 'Celebration' just awaiting to find out who's going to provide a new home for this prize package from this lovely H2H "Birthday" challenge Give-Away.  
This is how the H2H Challenge works: 
1.  Click on my H2H sponsor badge located to the right of my page. The Challenge period runs from Monday October 4th until Sunday October 10th @ 10:00 pm EST.
2.  Create a project that is "Birthday" themed in it, ie; Card, Lay-Out, Gift, Jewelery, Canvas, Letter, Bouquet, anything that inspires YOU but it must have a "Birthday" theme and the following;  **PROJECTS MUST INCLUDE Close To My Heart Prouducts BUT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE 100%**
3.  When your done creating, you will want to upload your photo (Must have a link to view it).  Then click on over to the H2H "Birthday" challenge, Post into Mr. Linky your Name & URL Link to the project, and don't forget to comment - To Enter The H2H Give-Away.  Winner will be Announced via random.org on Monday October 11th.  

There is Lot's to See and Learn through the professional H2H Design Team that enjoy creating and inspiring others while using our exclusive Close To My Heart Products.  There is a bonus handmade card creation by the Design Team if we reach 40 participants too!  

It was also important for me to share this week that I did a photo submission of my "Three Dimensions of Majestic Lake Cour D' Alene" via Farm Bureau.  Please take a moment to contact me on how to vote, it is truly a view to behold and one I will see soon at Creative University Class of 2011.  I took this photo last year and every-time I see it I still feel as though I'm there now. 

"Three Dimensions of Majestic Lake Cour D'Alene"

I also wanted to share that our Fabulously Artsy Fans have gone wild once again with "Blogtoberfest"!  I'm an avid follower of Fabulously Artsy and if you click the blogtoberfest badge to the right column above my Creative University Online Badge you can grab a badge of your own to share and Blog along with motivation and inspiration everyday.  I'm totally digging the gorgeous handmade bracelet she made. Isn't it just divine?  I wonder if I will have time to make one of my very own?  It truly is a blogging party like no other.  So jump on in and get that Blog Hopping! Don't forget to link your blog to the Blogtoberfest this event is open world-wide!

I truly appreciate all the love that is shared by these amazingly talented ladies.  I love hearing your feedback, comments, c-box, e-mails, and more.  I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy that I haven't gotten to my monthly newsletter yet, so thank you for your patience.  & The Winner is...drum roll please?  "SHELLY" of the September 14th "Cherry-O" Flip My Top bookmark card from my 9/28/10 "Technique Tuesday's" live Ustream Class. Tune in for the next Creatique Candy give-away! 

What To Do With Soup Cans...

So what do you do with your soup cans?  Usually they get put into the recycle bin.  Well this whole week I've managed to save 2 veggie cans and a bigger soup can so I can really dig the idea of our precious little girl's first Class, First Grade Teacher Mrs. Platt.  She is just an incredibly awesome teacher.  She came up with this unique idea of parents participation in rotating a volunteer recycled art class.  Of course I jumped at the chance to come up with an idea.  

So I consulted with one of my dear friends regarding this.  She was a Sunday school teacher for years.  I'm lucky to have so many teachers to call upon in these tasks.  Anyhow, while I was speaking with her the idea popped into my head about using some old B&T paper I had on hand and these soup cans since I'm also privileged to be apart of the PTA Box Tops Team.  I figured we could get 23 soup labels and cans to go along with it. Well suffice to say winter is not upon us and the labels don't have points on 'green beans'.  With that said this is the base project that were going to create for our first "Recycled Art" class this upcoming Tuesday.  

Here is what I used:

"Game On" and "Whoopsy-Daisy" B&T paper

Black & Ocean cardstock for the base

Mod Podge to put on the base and the finished coating of the project

1. Tear up paper and put it on a paper plate.

2. Apply glue to the outside of the can one swipe at a time and adhere the paper or roll the paper that is tattered onto a paper plate.  

3. Dry set it, then apply an outer coat of Mod Podge for a gloss finish.

4. Emboss a Letter...here I used E1014 "Posterboard" Alphabet.

5. Use glue dots to adhere the letter to the front.

6. Embellish as desired.

I don't have ribbons on these ones yet, but I'm working on it.  I used the First Initials of my kids names so each of them have a decorative can of their own.  For K it was great because now she has something to shake her dice in when we do her math games homework from her toolbox. For A, well he can use it as a pencil/pen holder so I can have mine back!  You can also use them for a mini flower arrangement base, Chunky paper clip holders, and well just about anything you could have sitting on your desk.  It took K & I only approx. 30 min from start to finish to complete one.  Can you do the same with your child?  Share an idea with me on your soup, veggie, chilly, tuna, or other can of choice for some upcoming Creatique Candy.  

For More Recycled Art Ideas check out these links: Kid At Art & Make Stuff  

Thanks to Mrs. Platt's private classroom blog for these links to share.  

Have A Scrappy Evening!

"Fall"ing in LOVE with FALL

I'm in love with Autumn/Fall!  It happens to be one of my favorite times of the year.  When I use to live on the east coast and now here in gorgeous Idaho, at this time of the year it truly is breathtaking to see what mother nature has in the design arsenal when it comes to breathtaking color hues. Oh, how I love a hot cup of fresh homemade apple cider, the aroma of the brisk air tickling my cheeks, the sounds of the leaves laughing beneath my feet.  

I can go on and on about the many ways I'm touched by the season.  One of the things I search for is harmony, a sense of peace within my soul and a way to artistically express it.  

This particular piece is just a practice for the one that I'm going to teach during my upcoming "Technique Tuesday's" Live online class.  

Letters are an easy way of expressing yourself and ones creativity as a gift or just a simple treasure for your family to see on the wall.  I love the papers in "Olivia" our newest paperpack from "Close To My Heart", it is fun, autumnish and really the papers are versatile within the pack so you can actually step out of the Fall feel and be free to mix and mingle papers together.  Whatever it is that you decide to do with your Letter expressions, remember to make it from your heart or whatever it is that's inspiring you.  

Creatique Candy works like this; those who participate in the class or watch the broadcast have until Sunday following the airing of my class that week to comment on my blog and channel.  Each new class will be eligible for the handmade creation I completed & posted from the prior class.  (Subject to minor changes in embellishments and/or base project to create your own).  Thanks for Viewing & Stay Tuned!

Chunky Monkey Letter Ustream Live Broadcast September 28th completed Torn, Tattered, T!  Check it out, there will be an upcoming post Sunday that will be featuring our Creatique Candy Winner.  Check out the live show via Creatique Innovationz Channel link: 
@ http://www.ustream.tv/channel/creatique-innovationz  After viewing the live broadcast it is in 3 segments, please comment on the show or share your thoughts, then come back here to comment and enter to win Creatique Candy through the link below. ***REMEMBER*** This Candy is for last Class Project Created and a pre-made base bonus, featured in one of my previous blog posts.
Thanks for viewing & sharing!
Here he is...Mr. Linky....Feel Free to leave your comment from last nights class...I look forward to Sunday's Creatique Candy Give-Away!  Also please leave a comment on the 3 part broadcast. Have a Fantabulous Day!

Flipped My Top - Big Time! My Ustream Online Class...

The first class is now over....Whoosh that was a biggy!  Thank YOU sooo much for coming out to support me.  It was an extra special opportunity for me to get my feet wet since the inspiration to do so came from YOU & of course CU-OL. :)  You can still click on my CU-OL button to get creating on some extraordinary classes that were taught.  
Now on to the goodies!  I had a Fun experience with everyone who attended.  Next time I will check my sound settings so it is better.  Portrait in Progress right?  I don't want to keep you in suspense because there are a couple of things I want to share with you.  You will find the Creatique Candy Comment winners within the slideshow so pay close attention.  You will have until Tuesday September 28, 2010 10:00pm MST to e-mail me with your name and address for these lil fellers to have arrive in their new home! 

My next Live Ustream class will be taught on Tuesday September 28, 2010. You can view the class on my Ustream Channel @: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/creatique-innovationz 

You can view my supply list @: http://creatiqueinnovationz.myctmh.com/MyCTMH/Events.aspx?PageID=183&eID=573256

Here is My Favorite Card I created yesterday that shows my LOVE of reading!

Recipe:

X7123B “Cherry-O” Paperpack

Z2166 Tulip Exclusive Inks Pad

Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks Pad

Z2153 Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks Pad

B1348 “Bowl of Cherries” Exclusive WOTG “Cherry-O” FREE stamp set!

Z1319 Opaques “Cherry-O”

Z1320 Mini-Medley Tulip Collection

Z1102 Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon

Z1114 Piercing Tool Kit

Z1294 Sanding Kit

Z1208 Soft Eyelet Tool

Z1229 Chocolate Soft Eyelet

Z1151 3-D Foam Tape

Z534 Micro-Tip Scissors

1514 Tombow Mono Adhesive

How To Paper Measurements:

1. The base of the card is measured as 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". 2. To create the pocket base you want to make sure your using a 4 1/4" x 12", take a bone folder and fold the base in half.

3. Cutting: Fold Facing to the Right open up the card lay flat up against your trimmer, you will cut 3" off of the top of the card. This will leave a V shape when holding it up.

4. Place the folded edge to the left of your trimmer and cut at the 5 1/2" mark.

Congrats you now have a pocket card base.

5. You will then need 2 pieces of 3" x 4 1/4" of cardstock or pattern paper for the top and bottom half of the front of your card base. (I combo layered with our B&T paper & cardstock)

6. Swing Mechanism: Very important that you have aligned your top layer up against the top to see how much adhesive you need to apply to the inside bottom that should flip down. (the 3" piece for the pocket)  **If your using the pocket for a bookmark or tag etc. you want to make sure that you place that over the top 3" piece and below the bottom 3" flip up prior to adding your adhesive to the bottom portion. Remove Bookmark or tag.**

7. Use a piercing tool, make sure that your overlapping pieces are together poke a whole and place a brad less than 1/4" from the left side and that the pieces are all overlapping.

Now You Can Embellish Away & Share...Tune In For Technique Tuesday For More Creatique Candy Give-Aways! I have a homeless Card that would love to take a trip. 

Just look for the Mr. Linky post after my Live classes and You could be an owner of one of my Creatique Innovationz exclusive handmade gifts.

Facelift, Flowers, & More...

Howdy Bloggers, Friends, Family, Visitors!  I sure hope you like my new facelift!  It certainly isn't the surgical kind but I tell you what, it takes just as long as a surgery would. I was playing around with my blog the other night, one of those inspired things someone does when wanting to make a change, and wow there are so many things I can do & well as the fonts are still showing up as bitty fonts for my titles...I've yet to figure out Kevin & Amanda's trick on that one.  :)  All things considered I'm thrilled with the results! 


Getting Crafty...have you ever noticed most of my status messages lately say I'm getting Crafty?  Well my Happy Readers I have!  I finally gone & done it.  It started with wanting to learn more about interactive cards so I went on UTube (Garsh I wished I were a Utube Sensation!) and I learned how to make my first ever waterfall card!  "Splendid" did you say?  I thought so too....Here is some pix I did of my first waterfall card ever.

Now That was Fun!!! - You can see how when you pull out the tag the different squares I utilized in creating this wonderful waterfall card.  Too Cute!!!

So next on my list was to get my Team Card Swaps Completed before TODAY!

This one is a mix of Pear, Gypsy, "Olivia" B&T, with some Bleaching Technique Taught By: Tresa Black on her Fabulously Artsy Tutorial (For the Skull Teeth).

However, The next card was so totally inspired by CU-OL with Sheila Bennett!

There are 2 parts to her tutorial in CU-OL & you can reference them anytime...Just click her name above to create a Pinwhell card of your very own!

Now...On to the Flowers!!! Of course I've got a crafty habit of using our delicious new exclusive colors palette in creating these flowers...Of course I used UTube again!  I'm thinking I should do a tutorial on my Ustream on these for my team, Thoughts?

These are my Delcious Flowers & You can tell which ones I utilized all 8 new colors in!  How Delightful.  The one thing I love about these are that they are simply Divine. F.S.E!

Here are a few more & think you can spot the one with the questions?

Well That's It for Today...I have a couple other contributions to post however, I'm waiting very patiently for Make It From Your Heart to end in order to display them.  I sure hope you've had fun looking at my latest Facelift & Creatique Creationz!  

On A Personal note...Things in my life are extremely hectic lately so my deepest apologies for not having all of these treats to share for you.  I'm so vamped about CU-OL that I'm ready to tackle my krafty block with these amazing new colors & do a Canvas of my own! I will also get to those adding of pages that I need to do at the top bar as well.  So I'm certainly in a Portrait of Progress with this whole thing and my deepest appreciation for all who contribute to my inspiration everyday.  

HUGS & LOVE!!!

"Topstitched Cupcake" - Yummy!

"Topstitch" Cupake w/ giftcard insert.  This personal handmade creation was inspired by Tresa Black with all of her treasured talent and her Fabulously Artsy video tutorial.  I so admire her because with the amount of work that I put into this lil bug-gar I can only imagine what she went through to create her very own cupcake.  I have promised for well I can honestly say over the last 4 months that I was going to one of my very own.  I can not tell you how many mistakes I made...however, it was one of the funnest most joyous projects I've made lately.  For many reasons because my children put there precious input and thoughts into what I was doing.  Especially Kaedyn who seems to think she will get this to use with her babies in her bedroom kitchen, Kip who from a distance said "Wow, That actually looks good enough to eat!", Alec uhm he just thinks it's kewl Mom. :)  I wonder what you're thoughts are?  
     It will be a while before I create another one of these however, truly what got my juices flowing was our exclusive "Topstitch" B&T Due from "Close To My Heart".  All products used in this were from close to my heart from the Grosgrain ribbon: Baby Pink, Chocolate; Cardstock: Heavenly Blue, White Daisy, Accessories: Embroidery Floss Baby Pink & Chocolate, Mini Medley-White Daisy Accents, Pretty Pins, Prisma Glitter, Bigger Brad Baby Pink, Delta Ceramacoat, Baby Pink Re-Inker, bonding memories glue pen.  Last but not least it was even the cardboard backing - other products used for my cupcake were: small pink binder clip (staples), small wooden ball, 3" styrafoam ball & Hot Glue & Tons of it!  Thanks Again Tresa for such a wonderful tutorial & the inspiration to make my very own "Topsitched Cupcake"! :)