Scrapbook & Cards Today Blog

Power Poppy stamp Giveaway!

Happy Friday friends!  Is is strange that I call you all friends so often?  It's a funny thing about the online world isn't it?  So many of you join us each day and each week that it just always feels like a great friendship...and I'm always glad you're here.  While I stay behind the scenes with the magazine most days, I love this part of my job - the SCT blog.  I feel like it's a way we can connect daily and I, like you, especially love Friday's here :)  

Today we have a fun giveaway from a special company, Power Poppy Stamps.  If you joined us yesterday for Card Cafe Thursday then you saw the stunning selection of cards from members of their design team.  The details in these stamps are amazing, the team is incredible but you know what I also love? This note on their website...

Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley is an online shop and blog that celebrates:

Making • Inspiring • Laughing • Doing • Grooving • Empowering • Recharging • Wondering • Wandering • Creating • Caring • Loving • Dancing • Nurturing • Breathing • Smiling • Giving • Growing • and more good things that I probably forgot.

I love all those words and how it brings us all together in this creative world.  We all need a little dancing , wandering and empowering right?  But I also think one lucky reader needs some Power Poppy Stamps too!  Marcella would like to offer a reader this...

A $25 gift certificate!  Oh my, which stamps would you choose?  For me it would be this Lavender set from the June release  Love it!  Of course our lucky winner would get to choose their own favourites!  For an opportunity to win this gift certificate, be sure to leave a comment below by Thursday, August 28th!  Good luck!

On another note today, we were very excited yesterday to see our friend Ali Edwards new website launch.  What a wonderful new direction Ali and team are taking with Craft The Story.  The video intro was great and absolutely worth the watch HERE.  Ali's words to me yesterday were...

"I'm so excited to welcome, embrace, educate, inspire

and empower this community of storytellers."

I encourage you to check out Ali's new website and see what Craft The Story is all about.  We are also excited for Ali and Katie to join us at Crop & Create Markham - February 28/March 1, 2015.  Registration for that event will be October 28th so be sure to mark your calendars.  It will be Ali's only stop in Canada in 2015.  We're glad it's to join us...ohhhh, the fun we will have!

On that happy note, have a wonderful weekend FRIENDS!  

~  Catherine

Publisher, Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine

Card Cafe Thursday with Power Poppy Stamps!

For our Card Cafe Thursday, we have a "new kid on the block" to share with you today. You might not have heard of Power Poppy Stamps but artist Marcella Hawley has been sharing her style for close to a decade! Recently she launched her own company and today the Power Poppy "Bloom Brigade" (a.k.a. design team) is here to show some of the fun flair Power Poppy delivers!

Allison Cope shows us what a splash of watercolor can do when you pair it with a light color ink and this beautiful bouquet called Countryside Bouquet Deluxe!

Gingham and florals never looked so good when paired with this beautifully colored Geranium from the Geranium Take Two set. Christine Okken is a master with the Copic Markers, don't you think?

Dawn Burnworth shares a bit of summer's colorful bounty with this colorful creation using Power Poppy's Farmers Market set. Looks good enough to eat if you ask me!

Julie Koerber added a splash of fall  with her bright and sunny sunflowers from the stamp set Sunny Harvest. I love the easy breezy feel of faded blue jeans with this one!

Stacy Morgan added a splash of feminine charm with delicate die cuts and plenty of bling! She used the set Countryside Bouquet Deluxe. Gotta love those bold shades or orange and yellow!

And... after seeing this All Star creation from Tosha Leyendekker, who wants to hit the ball field for some peanuts and Cracker Jack? She used the stamp set Play Ball for this fun-loving card that's perfect for the guys in our lives! 

If you love what you see, you'll want to join us tomorrow too!  In the meantime, be sure to check out the Power Poppy Blog HERE for even more inspiration and tutorials!

~  Catherine (with a little help from Julie Koerber!)

 

 

DIY School Agenda with Aly Dosdall!

Hello SCT fans! Aly Dosdall from We R Memory Keepers here and I’m so glad Catherine invited me to come back today. I’ve missed being here with you each month, but I’ve been plenty busy over on the We R blog over the last year!

Since my kids are going back to school next week we’ve been busy shopping and preparing for the new school year. While I usually buy most of our school supplies, I enjoy using my craft stash to create a few uniquely personal items for my kiddos each year.

Supplies: Patterned Paper (Pebbles), stickers (Pebbles), decorative tape (Pebbles, We R Memory Keepers), enamel shapes (We R Memory Keepers), alpha stickers (Bella Blvd), wood veneer (American Crafts), tab stickers (We R Memory Keepers), tab punch (We R Memory Keepers), envelope punch board (We R Memory Keepers), binding tool (We R Memory Keepers), binding wire (We R Memory Keepers)

My daughter is starting 6^th grade, which will be her last year of elementary school, so I wanted to create something special for her to celebrate this memorable year. I used some of my favorite craft tools from We R Memory Keepers to make her a custom school agenda to help her keep track of homework assignments, projects, notes, and memories.

I used some papers, stickers, and decorative tape from the new Pebbles Home Made collection by popular U.S. blogger and DIY-er, Jen Hadfield. I love the fresh colors, geo patterns, pops of black, and gold accents.

To create the covers I trimmed some chipboard paper pack inserts that I saved to 7”x8” and covered them with patterned paper. The inside pages are a combination of loose leaf paper and patterned paper that I trimmed down to 6.5”x8”.

I used washi tape to divide up the loose leaf pages by subjects to she can write down her homework each day. I added a strip of washi tape to the end of a jumbo paper clip to create a book mark that my daughter can use to mark the day that she’s on in her agenda.

I trimmed some gold metallic paper to 6.5”x4” and added it to the bottom of some patterned paper pages to make pockets. I also created some envelopes with my envelope punch board, trimmed off the top flaps, and added those to the other patterned paper pages for including notes from friends and other tidbits.

Then I created some divider tabs with my tab punch and tab stickers. Finally I decorated the cover and divider pages with some stickers, decorative tape, and enamel shapes.

 

Not only will this be handy for my daughter to help keep her organized at school, but it’s something unique and handmade that she will enjoy sharing with her friends.

Thank you for letting me join you today--SCT fans are the best! Be sure to pop over to the We R blog this week for "Back to School" week if you’re looking for more school projects and ideas. Creative cheers!

~Aly Dosdall

 

Let's Get Inky with Allison Cope!

One of the best aspects of being a stamper and a card maker is that fact that “nothing is perfect”!  Crafting to me, is all about experimentation,  trial and error and learning from your “oopsey” moments and just plain getting inky!

Today, let’s get inky and I’ll show you how to use some of the inks you have hiding in your supply stash or maybe interest you in some new inks you would like to add to your shopping bag sometime soon!  

 

Let’s begin!

Step 1:

Cut a piece of smooth cardstock at 4” x 5 ¼” to begin the front card panel.  Round the bottom two corners if desired.

Grab your Versamark ink pad (mine says “dazzle” but it’s been all dazzled-out for years – it’s been re-inked with regular Versamark ink) and your favourite stamp set.  The “I Like You” stamp set from Stampin’ Up! was used here.  Using a piece of smooth white cardstock, randomly stamp your image using the clear Versamark ink all over your piece of paper.  Let the Versamark ink dry completely before moving on to the next step.

 

Step 2:

Grab your favourite water-based inks like this fun five coloured ink pad and some ink applicators.

Step 3:

Apply at least three shades of ink using a circular motion across your Versamark stamped cardstock.  If you look closely, the Versamark ink is resisting the shades of blue inks.  It shows best in the deep blue ink.

 

Step 4:

Take a slightly moistened piece of paper towel or a baby wipe and lightly wipe off the excess ink sitting on the Versamarked images.

 

Step 5:

Take a fun graphic stamp set like the “Gorgeous Grunge” set from Stampin’ Up! and stamp some graphic lines and paint splatters across the lower bottom right side of your cardstock.  I used a fun metallic silver ink for the lines and some solid black ink for the paint splatters.

 

Step 6:

Apply some splatters of fun water-based ink spray to your cardstock.  I wanted a more deliberate placement of the spots and splatters so I took the spray top off of the bottle and literally touched the end of the straw to my paper.

 

Step 7:

On another piece of smooth white cardstock, swipe your anti-static powder pouch across the surface of your cardstock so the stray embossing particles do not stick to any undesired places.  Then apply Versamark ink to your fabulously large butterfly image, “Swallowtail”, from Stampin’ Up! and stamp it on your cardstock.

Place your stamped image over top of a scrap piece of paper and pour black embossing powder over the entire image.  Tap off any excess embossing powder onto your scrap paper and return the excess back to the bottle.  Heat set your image (heat until shiny and smooth) and let it cool.

 

Step 8:

Using some soft circular motions and some fun, hot coloured water-based inks, apply ink to your embossed butterfly.  The black embossing powder will resist the inks.

 

Step 9:

Fussy cut, otherwise known as hand cutting, your butterfly from the paper.

Adhere it on an angle across the back ground you created, towards the lower right hand side of your card.  Trim any butterfly parts that fall off the edge of your back ground.

 

Step 10:

Cut and fold a piece of white cardstock, 4 ¼” x 11”.  Fold it in half at 5 ½” with the fold at the top of your card. Corner round the lower two corners if desired.

Let’s add one more fun detail to your white card base.  Take the graphic diagonal stripes from the “Gorgeous Grunge” stamp set again and stamp it running off of the lower left hand corner of your card base front using black ink.  This element will peek-a-boo from beneath your butterfly and its back ground.

 

Step 11:

Cut a black piece of cardstock to create a mat for your inked back ground panel.  Adhere it to the back of your blue inked back ground and then adhere everything centered to your card base.

And voila… you have created a simple yet vibrant card to send to someone extra special!

 

Supplies:  Stamps (Stampin’ Up! – Swallowtail, Gorgeous Grunge, I Like You);  Cardstock (Recollections);  Inks (Tsukineko Inc. – Memento – Black Tuxedo, Versamark, Delicata – Silvery Shimmer, Kaleidacolor “Blue Breeze”), (Ranger Distress – Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade);  Spray ink (Tsukineko Inc. – Fireworks – Dandelion);  Embossing Powder (Stampendous! – Detail Black).

Thanks for joining me today!  I hope my little tutorial gets you inspired to pull out all kinds of inks and just go wild!

Happy inking everyone!

~ Allison Cope ~

Monday with Megan: Aztec Influence

Aztec, tribal, southwest... however you choose to describe it, this look is as hot as a Phoenix summer sun. With arrows, zigzag lines, feathers, warm colors, ikat patterns, tipis (teepees) and more, you don’t need a dreamcatcher to have sweet, creative dreams. Though, it certainly wouldn’t hurt. Let’s check out how this tribal-inspired trend will lead us into the fall season in style!

Trendy Tribal-inspired Fashion

Aztec Backpack by Mossimo Supply Co.

As sad as it is, school days are just around the corner (or, in some cases, already in full swing). Ease the pain of summer’s end with a stylish pack like this one at Target.

Beaded Bohemian Tunic by Boho Angels

LOVE the idea of creating a tribal pattern using sequins. Wouldn’t this look awesome as the border on a scrapbook page or a striking card front? Hmmm... Feels like a project is in order sometime soon.

 

Mayan Mayhem Dress at BlueTique

There’s still time to wear this sweet summer number. Looks like the perfect Labor Day BBQ outfit to me.

Deco Dagger Drops at Anthropologie

Need some fun earrings to go with your dress? These are just the ticket!

Standout Southwestern Scarf by Escherpe

Summer or fall, the pretty pairing of colors and patterns on this scarf is sure to be a season must-have.

Aztec-inspired Art

Fancy the feathers? Here are a few handmade ideas to tickle your creativity!

Feather Zentangle by Holly Mayb

Oh, how I adore this! Zentangle is one of my favorite creative interests at the moment, and I can’t wait to give a feather tangle a try. What a cool idea!

 

Free Feather Cut File by Einzelglueck

Want to make your own tribal treats? You’re in luck! Here’s a free feather cut file for the Silhouette. Isn’t it awesome?

 

DIY Tribal Leather Feather Earrings by Sew Country Chick

This is a very cool project approach, whether you choose to make your own earrings or use this technique to create crafting accents!

 

Stitched Feather by Pitter and Glink

This stunning project was created using the fabulous Rhonna Designs app and a Silhouette machine. Isn’t that the coolest? Definitely I technique I want to try soon.

 

Southwest-inspired Supplies

Open Road by Crate Paper

There are definite southwestern elements woven throughout this line from Crate. Has me wanting to hop in a Slugbug Bus and take a trip to beautiful Santa Fe!

 

True Friend by Fancy Pants Designs

I think this line is a perfect illustration of how this trend meets our paper crafting. It pulls in that beautiful desert color palette, adds layers of geometric, and comes together to work wonderfully with other motifs we know and love (hearts, florals, banners, critters, etc). Well done, Fancy Pants Designs!

 

 Gramercy Road by Gossamer Blue

Like the yin to the Fancy Pants yang, this line takes to the softer side of the tribal trend. Equally as striking, this lovely release plays on the various aspects of this trend (feathers, triangles, arrows, etc.) in a soft and delicate way. Gorgeous!

77 by Glitz Designs

While this collection isn’t brand new, it’s still one of my favorite examples of the southwestern design at work. A warm sampling of unique and fresh designs!

 

 

 

Sycamore Lane by Elle’s Studio

The stamps and prints in this pretty paper party show yet another color combo and styling that fits this versatile look. (Adding those stamps to my wish list, fo sho!)

 

So, are you inspired by the tribal appeal? What will you create with this family of design? Wanting to get in on the fun, I decided to embrace the handmade feather fun. Here are a few I came up with.

Watercolor Postcard

I drew these feathers using watercolor pencils and then blended them with a water brush to create this look. L-O-V-E the watercolor postcard paper. So fun!

 

Painted Feather

The paint markers from Elmer’s Products are so fun to use. I drew this feather on book paper using a pencil and then filled in one half of the feather with my paint marker.

 

Brushscript Feather

Using white india ink and a calligraphy brush, I drew this feather into my art journal.

 

Art Journal

I’ve loved documenting my summer using my Fancy Pants Designs Brag Book. In it, I’ve captured places I’ve gone and things I’ve done. One thing I do daily is afternoon craft time. I sit on the back step and create a little something while my daughter gets some outdoor time in (her favorite!). Writing about that piece of our summer fun on this page, I decided to include a sampling of some of the crafty things I’ve enjoyed this summer. The feathers were a fun way to create a little illustration in various styles without overwhelming my page.

 

Thanks for playing today. I hope something here has tickled your creative fancy. Here’s to an awesome week!

Cheers!

~ Megan

My (NEW!) Website: http://www.meganhoeppner.com

My CreativeLive Course: 

https://www.creativelive.com/courses/app-archive-social-media-scrapbooking-megan-hoeppner

Colour Suite August with Summer Fullerton!

Welcome to the August Colour Suite. This month I found a wonderful inspiration piece on pinterest to use as my colour inspiration. I often start my Colour Suites this way but they morph and change and never end up resembling the original inspiration! I adored my inspiration piece and really wanted to stay true to it for this month’s challenge.

   

 

image source  

The yellow, teal, orange, pink and gold spoke to my inner self who wishes for the sunny days of August to never end. 

Supplies Used: Bazzill Cardstock, Patterned Paper Doodlebug/Bella Blvd/American Crafts/Simple Stories/Lawn Fawn, Kraft Circle Die Cut Jillibean Soup, Washi Tape Glitz Design, Gold Stars Studio Calico, Gold Glitter Heart American Crafts, Die Cut Chic Tags, Enamel Dots Doodlebug, My Favorite Things Alpha/Number Die Set Little Letters/Numbers, Corner Rounder, Hemp Twine, Black Pen, Tiny Attacher, and font Kingthings Typewriter

This month I want to talk about blurring the lines. Colour is subjective and while I adore the gold I think it’s intimidating and can be hard to incorporate on a layout. And if you're like me you simply might not have much gold handy in your stash. This is where we blur the lines. While I was able to pull a few gold goodies from my stash to put on my layout I also thought the gold could easily be interpreted as a kraft brown. Take this idea one step further by using wood or cork like products or pattered papers on your project.

 

Let the inspiration take you on a journey and remember it’s okay to blur the lines.

Happy Crafting!

~  Summer

To see past Colour Suite challenges, be sure to visit our website!