Kaiser have released a truly beautiful collection in 'Tea Break'. Lots of colourful pastel papers with forals, quotes and retro prints ... a fab collection to play with!

I created this layout using the paper 'Sugar Cookie' as a base, and then layering a two 4x6 and two 4x3 pieces cut from the 'Yo-Yo' and 'Kingston' papers ... I distressed the edges of the papers and inked the edges with a Versamark Pinecone ink pad ... then stitched in a piece of tulle style ribbon and added a few flowers (Paper bloom and Mini blooms) ...


Here is a closeup to show the layering and distressed edges ...


I also used the panels from the 'Yo-Yo' and 'Kingston' papers to create the following card and envelope ... also adding some twine, a Paper Bloom and some die-cuts ...


Again, a close up to show layering, distressed and inked edges ...


The base envelope was created using the amazing WRMK envelope punch board ... if you don't already have one I recommend adding it to your Santa wish list for Christmas ...


Now after all that talk of tea, I think I'll go and make myself a cuppa - enjoy your weekend!

I am not a card maker.  I've never been very good at it and it is certainly not my forte.  :)  But the Kaiser range Holly and Bright it makes it easy even for non card makers like myself.


I've made two simple cards with this collection of 6x6 papers.  I love the way they lend easily to a card or layout.



I've also used bits and pieces of the tags and papers to make this Christmas photo frame.  Just a little something I'm going to send my Mom.



Here in the States, we are just getting ready for Thanksgiving and snow is suppose to fall tonight.  I can't think of a better time to cozy up in my scrap room and play with more yummy papers from the shop.  Make sure you pop on over to find these and other yummy ranges.  Don't forget about the Heidi Swapp challenge and prizes to be won.  You won't want to miss out on it!

Till next time!
Lydia

I made a few very simple cards, with a little bit of layering and sewing (of course!).  One of the papers comes with cute little 3x4" cards printed on it, just perfect for an instant Chrissy card...


I'm just loving that chalkboard look that's all the rage at the moment :)

Continuing on the card theme, I also had a play with Heidi's Sugar-Chic range.


I love love LOVE this range!  Very 'me' colours.  So pretty and girly, perfect for cards, or layouts, or off the page, or ANYTHING! Gee, can you tell I like this one?!  Ha ha ha!

I made two Centre Step cards (this is one of my all time favourite card styles)...




So as you can see, this week it's been all about the card making!  Don't forget to enter the competitions for Centre Stage, and this month's challenges.  Prizes, ladies, prizes!

Challenges

November Challenge: Heidi Swapp and Colour Fun! The brand of the month is Heidi Swapp. We invite you to enter anything you've created with any Heidi Swappproducts. It doesn't matter if they are current or older ranges - or how much or how little you use. We will be showcasing a new range of products each week during the month of November, so there's plenty of time to buy some if you haven't already got hooked!
The theme of the month is ... Colour Fun. This sums up Heidi's approach to crafting! Submit any project that has at least 4 colours. Head to Heidi's blog to see how she uses colour on her projects. The Sketch of the month has been provided by Heidi Swapp. Use it as the basis for a layout/card/project and enter it in the challenge. There are so many ways to win - so be sure to get your entries in by midnight Friday 29th November.
Challenge PrizesWe have 3 challenge prizes this month - kindly donated from Heidi Swapp. Use either Heidi Swapp products, the sketch or the theme for your entries. There will be an Overall Challenge Winner, First Time Entrant and Sketch Winner  -  so make sure you submit your projects to us before the deadline of November 29th. We have aCompetition Gallery where you can upload your entries directly and include a description and blog link. We will need to approve them - so don't be concerned if you don't see your entry immediately. You can enter THREE projects per month. Well, that's about enough waffle from me today.  Not sure what's in store for the weekend, more scrapping me thinks.  Friday 29th November is the Kaiser showcase at the shop, you should definitely come along and check out what's being released over the next 3 months, there are some pretty awesome ranges.  I will be at the store that night, and have some creating to do before then to show off the new ranges to you all!  If you come along, please say 'Hi' and introduce yourself, I'd love to meet you :) Toodles, Beck x

Today we welcome back Heidi Swapp!!  Heidi is Centre Stage at Artfull Crafts for the month of November. You may have noticed that every week we've been loading up more and more of Heidi's products and each week she has been featuring on our blog. We've also been giving away prizes each week (thanks to Heidi!). Keep reading all the way to the bottom to see how you can win the prize pack shown below.


Thanks Heidi for sharing your product designing secrets with us.

 
1) How often do you produce a new release and what’s coming up that we should be excited about? 

There is constanly something in the works! Right now I have several things that are just so awesome… I can’t really tell… but I will say that I have a new collection called “my favorite things” that was totally inspired by my trip in May to New Zealand!

2) How would you describe your style of crafting? 

Shoot, I might need YOU to describe. I think I’d say it’s fun, no rules, colorful acheiveable and meaningful!

3) How do you get your creative juices flowing. What inspires you? 
Nothing inspires me more than a deadline, and a clean house!

4) Please describe the process from design concept through to product delivery. 

Starts with inspiring images and colors. I make a WISH list for the collection… start pencil sketching and concepts! I work with a graphic designer, and between us we polish it up, and create the final products! Then I wait on pins and needles until it’s in my hands!

5) What’s your personal all-time favourite Heidi Swapp range and why? 

This is a tough question. I always love the next thing coming! But I sure do love the Vintage Chic stuff… it’s the most mixable! I LOVE Memory Files… and wow, I really love Color Magic… see… too hard to pick!

Thanks Heidi for taking the time to share with us. Here's a piccie of Heidi (left) and me in Auckland this year. I really enjoyed Heidi's classes and her sense of fun!


Competition Time
Leave a Comment here or on our Facebook page telling us which product or range from Heidi Swapp you like the best. It's that easy!!  Be sure to check out her ranges on her blog and on the Artfull Crafts website. Do this by Sunday 24th November and we'll randomly choose a winner.

And don't forget our Monthly Challenge where we have 3 Heidi Swapp prizes up for grabs! Click here for that information. You have until Nov 29th to load up your entry.

Betsy's turn this morning to share some Christmas cards made for the Christmas Countdown.

It certainly is a busy time at Artfull Crafts, what with all the hype and excitement and we do hope you will join us in the weeks ahead, as there are plenty of challenges etc and prizes to be won.

As we are going to be away for a few days, this week, seeing our Cromwell family, I am experimenting by trying to schedule this post - do hope it works! Well ladies, here are my contributions. Actually, these are cards which I have taught at a couple of classes I have done recently, so sorry to the ladies that were in those classes.



This card is called a diarama card, as you look into it, through the hole which has been raised about 1/4". The picture is one I found on the internet and have glittered it using Stickles. After all these years, I still use my Retro Flower punches and I am still pleased with the effect they give. Of course, instead of poinsettias!




These were cards I taught at Artfull Crafts last Wednesday morning - I think the ladies enjoyed making them by the comments received. They were made using Kaisercraft's Merry and Bright collection.

Now the next two were made with a group of ladies from one of the churches in town. Thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. This card is called a rocker card - it is a circle with one side being stepped like stepper card. We have used St Nicholas collection from Kaisercraft for this one and the following.


A very simple card using one of my favourite dies - Cherry Lynn Step Card die. It is so easy to use as you just roll it through the machine and it cuts everything to size. No measuring -  love it!!



Ladies, do hope you are all having a lovely week wherever you are. We, no doubt, will be enjoying ours with our family, the kids keeping us up to date with all the happenings.

Don't forget to join in the Christmas Countdown Challenges. This week it's Christmas Cards, and each week there will be a new theme. You've got until the 22nd December to load them into the Gallery and there are lots of prizdes to be won. I look forward to seeing what you create!

Happy crafting, God bless,

Betsy

Hi everyone

Its that time of year, to make your Chritmas cards (if you have not already done so) and this week, you need look no further than the Artfull Crafts Blog for inspiration.

This week I have made a couple of cards using the Kaisercraft St Nicholas range This range has a lovely olde worlde feel to it, and the heritage colours are perfect for Chritmas cards.

This first card is made in the design of a tri fold step card. ( I cheated a little....and used a cut file from the silhouette store)



The last three projects I have to share with you, are all made from a special pack sent to us for the design team challenge. I made a 6x6 page insert for my upcoming December Daily album ( An album which is prepared in advance for me to just add photos and journaling, documenting our life in December....keep tuned for more sneaks of this album as the lead up to Christmas unfolds) , also a tag, and a centre panel step card. These projects were made with a selection of products from Holly Bright range from Kaiserkraft.

**Christmas Countdown** Launch