Scrapbook & Cards Today Blog

Canvas Photo Wreath Project with Ally!

Good morning everyone!  Only two more sleeps until the spring issue launches!  We have a great surprise so please mark your calendars to be right here on Friday morning! 

Today Ally is back with us to share another great project.  Take it away Ally...

"It’s Wednesday and I’m back to talk more about texture again today.  There is nothing better than using nature as your inspiration for texture.  Think of all the things you see outside that just pop out of their surroundings; thick green grasses and weeds on the road side, the texture of the inside of a glorious new bloom in your garden, even the texture of the vine growing on your fence in your backyard.

I just adore the feel of canvas.  There’s something about the woven aspect that just draws me in so I thought why not combine my love of canvas and all the other glorious textures from my world that I love together into one project.  So I’m going to show you how I did that today.

First I took a sheet of acrylic primed artist canvas paper which you can buy at your local art or craft shop and I printed some photos from my computer out on it.  YES… I cut the primed canvas paper to an 8.5x11 size and actually ran it through my printer.

 
 

Next I cut out each photo ensuring I had plenty of bare canvas around all the sides of each photo.  This allowed me to create borders and also so that I can enough canvas to wrap around the cardboard backings I created for them.

Next to add a touch more texture, I stitched around each cut out image using my sewing machine.  Yup… I even put the canvas paper through my sewing machine... too cool!

 
 
Next I cut out pieces of cardboard recycled from an old cereal box to stabilize my canvas photos.  I layered them to build up their thickness to create different thickness for each photo.  I trimmed each corner at a 45 degree angle to ensure when I adhered the excess canvas to the back that it wouldn’t bulk up my corners on the reverse sides.

 

Then I went through my stash of scrappy embellishments and found all kinds of cool textured items; like flowers, cardboard die cuts, 3D brads, elegant faux pearls and all kinds of fun ribbons. 

I then adhered my mini canvases to a nature vine wreath and used all the fun textured embellishments to fill in all the places in between.  And this is the end result…

 

I got a beautiful wreath displaying the photos of my family and I to hang in my home.

Here are a few close up shots so you can see some of the fun textures I added amid my mini canvases…

 

I added some cool metal photo corners…

 

I layered cardboard die cuts with flowers and brads…

 

I even added a variety of silky pearl beads for a touch of shine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my journey down the textured lane today.  I hope that you’ll really look at and appreciate all the unique and beautiful textures that you have a round you and incorporate them into your crafting and your home.  Have a great week!

~ Allison Cope

 

 

ScrapFest sneak peek!

Good morning!  Only 17 more sleeps! 17 more sleeps until ScrapFest in Kitchener, Ontario. ScrapFest is a two-day event (Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, 2011) which features classes, cropping, shopping and more! Part of the “more” are make and takes which many designers, stores and manufacturers provide for Scrapbook & Cards Today. The best part of the make and takes is that they are FREE – an awesome theme of Scrapbook & Cards Today.

Two of the make and takes which I will be providing at both ScrapFest and CreativFestival (Saturday, April 16, 2011 in Toronto, ON), are some springy fridge art and a birthday card. The first make and take includes one butterfly and two birdhouses – your choice of colour. All are magnetic and are useful for displaying spring photos and artwork. You could also hot glue gun them to wreaths or branches and add a touch of spring to your door or decor.

 
Supplies: Jillibean Soup patterned paper and cardstock stickers, Deco Art paint, Fiskars layering tape, other: magnetic wooden shapes from Len’s Mills Store

 
Supplies: Jillibean Soup patterned paper, Deco Art paint, Elmer’s magnets, other: wooden houses from Len’s Mills Store

The next make and take is a 6” square card which features the newest Core’dinations Core Impressions cardstock (Basic Grey Whimsy Collection) and Jillibean Soup patterned paper (Blossom Soup). We will also be using the Everywhere Punch by Fiskars to create the circle windows.

 
Supplies: Core’dinations cardstock and Sand-It Gadget tool, Jillibean Soup patterned paper and kraft paper, Unity Stamp Company stamp, Tsukineko ink, Fiskars Everywhere Punch (circle), paper crimper and layering tape, Stampin’ Up! cupcake punch and label punch, Creative Impressions ribbon, and Xyron Sticker Maker (to adhere ribbon).

On Saturday, April 9, 2011, at ScrapFest, I am also teaching a class from 5:30pm until 7:30pm using the new “It’s the Little Things” collection by Fancy Pants and the new Core’dinations Core Impressions (Fancy Pants) collection. Fortunately/unfortunately, this class is already sold out. While creating this double page layout, based on a sketch from Becky Fleck’s new book Scrapbook PageMaps 2, I discovered a few things about rub-ons:

• Always cut the rub-on and backing sheet that you want to use from the main sheet rather than trying to rub off the item from the main sheet. The backing sheet allows you to move the rub-on around the project without the fear of it accidently attaching to your work.
• Never place a rub-on near a photo without the backing sheet until you know EXACTLY where you want it. Rub-ons will adhere very quickly to photos!
• If the rub-on is light in colour and the photo or patterned paper shows through, adhere the rub-on the cardstock or kraft paper, hand cut and then adhere to the project. To add extra dimension, use foam layering tape underneath.
• If using a “Date” rub-on, stamp the date to a sheet of cardstock or kraft paper first, then add the rub-on next. This way you get the date exactly where you want it.
• When storing unused rub-ons, be sure to place them back in the storage bag with the backing sheet. Store in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

 

 

Supplies: Core’dinations cardstock, Sand-It Gadget tool and Dust Buddy, Fancy Pants patterned paper, rub-ons, and cardstock stickers, Cuttlebug/ProvoCraft paper twilling die, Sizzix border die, Stampin’ Up! button embossing die, Xyron Sticker Maker, Fiskars layering tape, Tsukineko ink, Glue Dots, Font: Mason, other: kraft paper, sewing machine, thread and date stamp. This layout is based on a sketch by Becky Fleck from Scrapbook PageMaps 2.

I hope to meet up with you at ScrapFest or CreativFestival in April. If you can’t make it, be sure to drop by my blog (Only in Hollywoodstock) after the events to find out how it all went. It’s going to be a happy and creative spring!

~ Sarah Hodgkinson

Shadow Box with Allison Cope!

 

 

I love texture!  There is just something about having items pop off the page or off your card or especially off something that displays a photo of your family.  Today I’m going to show you an easy way to make a great photo POP!

First you’ll need two identical photos.

 
Take one photo and cut the back ground off of the image.  Don’t forget the small areas where you can see the back ground, like under an arm.

 

Adhere some foam tape strips on the back of your cut out image.

 
Peel the backing off of your foam tape and stick the cut image directly over top of your full sized image.  See the dimension?

 

This could be done for several layers depending on how many levels of depth you have in your original photo.

Next I took this very cool Ready-To-Go® Blank Board Box by C&T Publishing.  This cute little shadow box is approximately 5”x7”x2” and I know my popped-up photo will fit inside perfectly!

 
So after taking some time to cutting out pretty papers, ink up edges, painting some surfaces with distress paints and creating some decorative details, I ended up with something beautiful to display on my front hallway bureau for all my guests to see.

This is the front of the shadow box…

 

This is back side of the shadow box…

 

And finally, the inside…

 

So I challenge you today to grab a photo that you love, that has lots of great layering capabilities and create something wonderful.  It’s as easy as a pair of scissors and your imagination!  Happy creating!

~ Allison

Thank you for a great project Ally!  Want to catch up with Ally?  Visit her blog at http://yourmemoriescanada.blogspot.com/!

................................................................

Shipping Now!  Click here to order!

 

 

 

Pebbles giveaway!

How many woke up this morning and went YAY! it's Friday?  I know we did!  But not exactly for the same reason.  Today is the day these issues are shipping to stores and subscribers! (can you tell we are just a little excited?)

 

and our spring issue too...

 

Be sure to mark your calendars for March 25 which is the official release day for both issues!  I know we have mentioned that we have a surprise too...join us on March 25th!  (would you like an opportunity to win CardMaps Today?  Come and like us on facebook right here!)

Of course it is Friday and you know what happens on the SCT blog on Friday right?  Why it's giveaway Friday.  If you read our blog this week then you may have guessed that today's giveaway would be Pebbles...and you would be right!  We have the very sweet Ever After collection up for grabs this week.

        

     

    

and maybe a little adhesive too!

Just leave us a comment below to win this fabulous prize!  You have until Thursday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. to leave a comment.  Good luck!

Now here are last week's winners who have each won a copy of our spring issue...

Funny how it's 50-50 so far. Personnally, I like to surround myself in pink since I am surrounded by boys!! I also wish all the whiteness around me melts away!! Pink or white title, I know it will still be a great issue.   Posted by: Julie Mitchell | March 11, 2011 at 10:39 AM

What a gorgeous cover! I chose the white just because I like the way it stands out more on the blue background. Thanks for the giveaway!  Posted by: Steffanie S. | March 11, 2011 at 11:21 AM

What a great cover! The white one is my top choice. I'm looking forward to the next issue and congrats on 5 years--Happy Birthday!  Posted by: Renee Hoffer | March 11, 2011 at 01:38 PM

Can't wait to pick this issue up. Or win it!!  Love you guys!  Posted by: Vanessa | March 12, 2011 at 02:09 AM

I just found your site and am loving it!  I chose pink because I've had the white stuff all around me enough this winter, time for some vibrant colors so PINK :)  Posted by: Collette Gallant | March 13, 2011 at 08:55 AM

Congratulations ladies!  Please email us at ideas@scrapbookandcards.com with your address and put SPRING ISSUE in your reference line.  Also, if you are waiting for a prize (most come direct from our partners) please send us an email as well and we'll follow up!

Have a wonderful day.  Be sure to leave your comment to win the Ever After collection from Pebbles!  Joining us next week is the very talented Allison Cope.  Don't miss it!

~ Catherine

(Are you looking to order a subscription or the new CardMaps Today issue?  You can do that right here!)

 

Random fun on Thursday!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Isn't it today that they turn the river through the city of Chicago green?  Oh how I wish I was in one my favourite cities today.  However with higher than normal temperatures in Toronto right now, I am not complaining!  Today I thought we would share a little information from one of our favourite manufacturers, release the name of the winner of the BasicGrey Sweet Threads package (better late than neve right?) and for some of our new blog readers, share some links to previous posts that were some of our recent favourites!

First up...Creative Escape...the ultimate scrapbook indulgence!

Have you ever wanted to go to Creative Escape?  Bazzill Basics Paper and Heidi Swapp are offering two free tickets to Creative Escape...the ultimate scrapbook indulgence! on August 25-27 in Phoenix, Arizona if you will help Stephen Goodman.  Stephen Goodman is a ten year old boy from Arizona that would like to send 180,000 cards to the troops overseas - and with your help he is sure to do it!  To enter to win the CE tickets, create five thank you cards, go to www.creativeescapeaz.com, download the entry form, fill it out and mail the cards to Bazzill by July 1, 2011. The winner will be selected by random drawing. Enter as often as you like. Travel and hotel not included.  Did you know who will be at Creative Escape this year?  Why our very own Vicki Boutin of course! 

BasicGrey Sweet Threads & Uni-ball Signo winner

So sorry that this is long overdue!  Last Friday we were so excited to share our spring cover with you and ask for your help choosing which one, we completely forgot to announce the winner of the BasicGrey and Uni-ball Signo pens giveaway!  Here is the winner....

That new BG collection is gorgeous and yes, it does need to come live with me! Jet Pens is a wonderful company and they have so many cool pens on their site. Please, toss my name into the hat, I'd love to win!  Posted by: Jackie | March 04, 2011 at 10:36 AM

Congratulations Jackie!  We will contact you for your information!

And don't forget you have until today at 6:00 pm EST to win one of five copies of our spring issue from THIS post last Friday...

 

Our spring issue starts shipping tomorrow!  It will be available in stores and on our website next Friday, March 25th!  And guess what also starts shipping tomorrow?  This...

 

If you would like to order either of these issues, please visit our website at www.scrapbookandcard.com to reserve your copy.  CardMaps Today is going fast!

Looking for more inspiration...have a look at some of these great posts from the past six months:

Cupcake liners

Tim Holtz rosette flowers

Saavy Window Tutorial with Christine Middlecamp

Sweet Treats!

Don't ever hesitate to look back at some posts.  It is amazing what inspiration you will find from a wide range of extraordinary designers!

Have a great day everyone!  Don't forget to join us tomorrow  ;)

~ Catherine

 

Gardening Journal with Lynn Ghahary!

Hey everyone!  It’s Lynn again and today I am going to share with you another project I created that combines my love of scrapbooking with my passion for gardening. 

As I have gotten more and more involved in gardening in the last few years I have found it very helpful to keep a gardening journal – a place where I can jot down notes and information about the plants and flowers in my yard, tape receipts from my purchases in case I need to reference them at a later date, and sketch out new planting beds and gather pictures of inspiration.  In the past I’ve simply used any old notebook that was lying around.  This year I decided to create a garden journal that was as pretty as the flowers that grow in my yard.  And of course I couldn’t resist using more papers and embellishments from the adorable Ever After collection by Pebbles Inc.

 

I used several different patterned papers to cover the front of my notebook.  I again used my diecut machine to cut some grass for the bottom edge of my cover and used one of the adorable felt embellishments as a flower atop my stem and leaves.  One of the dimensional journaling stickers is the perfect spot to add my “garden journal” sentiment (the letter stickers are from Basic Grey) and some brightly colored ribbons and buttons finishes everything off.  I cannot wait to use my garden journal this season and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a very prosperous growing season this year. 

 

Thank you so much for joining me this week.  I hope you will take the time to create a project that combines scrapbooking with one of your other passions.  Take care!  Oh and just a little reminder to take a little time to stop and smell the flowers.   ~ Lynn Ghahary

Thank you Lynn for joining us this week!  To see more of Lynn's great work, be sure to visit her blog right here.  Did you notice Lynn used the fun new Pebbles lines on her projects?  And did you know she is on the Pebbles design team?  Join us here on Friday...just sayin'!

Speaking of Friday, guess what is starting to ship on Friday? 

 

 

If you have not preordered your copy, now would be a great time!  CardMaps today is only $9.95 and includes 50 never before seen cardmap sketches from Becky Fleck and 80 beautiful cards from 15 amazing designers!  It is truly beautiful!  You can order CardMaps Today HERE.

Have a great Wednesday!

~ Catherine