Teresa Collins Challenge Winners

Hi Everyone

We have had a fantastic month celebrating all things Teresa Collins and to finish it off we are announcing our Challenge Winners! Some fabulous entries again this month - and here they are ! You can also see all of these in our Competition Gallery on the website here.

Amanda

Barbara

Clarissa

Diane R

Juanita

Kari (Cover)

Kari (Inside)

Lisa

Louise

Phillipa

Shirelle

Sue

Teryl

Yoko

WINNERS
Our winners are:

First Time Entrant: Shirelle
Overall Winner: Yoko
Sketch Winner: Sue

Congratulations ladies - please email me here to claim your prize :-)

We want to thank you all for submitting your entries. We appreciate your contribution. Did you know we have a Competition Gallery on our website where all your projects get loaded. Head there now and see what everyone has contributed.

Stay tuned for our next Center Stage Feature! Announcement tomorrow!

Christine - Everyday Moments Layout

Hi there - Christine here.

I have a Layout to share with you today using the Teresa Collins Everyday Moments Collection.
The photo is of my daughter, Leanne and her boyfriend, Phil. At Ligar Bay in the beautiful Golden Bay at the top of the South Island. Love this Place!
I have also used some Tim Holtz Dies - the rosette ones and the weathered Clock.

Here is a card I have made as well!

TFL

Happy Creating!

Christine

Lindsey - Happy Birthday - "Spring Fling" - Teresa Collins

Hello. Lindsey here with the last little bits of my Teresa Collins "Spring Fling" collection.

I thought I might have enough bits left over to make a card. I am so besotted with those little hot air balloons, none of this could go to waste.

I made it into an easel card (6" x 6"). The red flower on the front and the "You are my sunshine" label came from the diecut sheet. I embossed the white square with a Cuttlebug folder. 

Three little pink Kaisercraft paper roses adorn the middle of the red flower. Some Kaisercraft "Lippy Red" bling helps hold the front of the easel card upright and a few more sit nicely in the middle of the little red, cut out flowers. 

I purposely did not stick the "You are my sunshine label" down flat. I don't know why I did this. I probably I saw it somewhere and thought it was a bit fancy. 

Then I realised that there was a bit more paper in the bag so ...

I made a little box to put the card into. I am really into boxes right now! As the card was 6" x 6", I made the base of the box 6 1/4" x 6 1/4" and then I had to make the box lid a little bit bigger again. Amazingly, it all came together nicely.

Here is the side view of the box. I added scalloped strips to posh it up a bit. There is actually a diecut red polka dot scalloped strip on the diecuts sheet but there wasn't enough to go right the way around the box so I used it as a template instead. Putting a card in a box really makes it into something special but also accommodates all the bulk once you've added flowers to the inside and the outside of the card.

And with the final square of balloon paper - I made a matching gift tag. The five balloons are raised up on foam dots to make them look as if they are floating away. 

Hope you like it. Thank you for stopping by.

Lindsey 

x

Q&A with Sesil and Blog Swap Winner

Hi Everyone

Today we have some Q&A with Sesil Cratin, Social Media/Marketing Director with Teresa Collins Designs 

How long have you been in the Spotlight at TCD and if you were to win an award, what crafts would it be for?
I have been with TCD for 2 years. If I were to win an award the craft would be for my card making skills. I love making cards!!

Who is to blame for your craft addiction?
A good friend of mine asked me to go to a scrapbooking party with her. That was back in 1998. The rest is history!

What inspires you for layouts/projects/cards and whose blog do you check every day?
My inspirations comes from browsing websites like Pinterest. A blog I check out every day is...Teresa's of course! Other than hers I am inspired by our own design team. They are just amazing and right now we have the dream team creating with us, we are so lucky.

The stage life is full of thrills and spills. Share with us your favourite project and describe your worst crafting disaster!
Truth be told on this card....this was my 5th attempt to make a card. I usually don't have a hard time trowing a card together but for some reason that day I could not get the creative juices flowing. This card was hard to finish in the end but overall I am happy with the results.

Even though I have created many cards, layouts and mini albums there are times that I am just not happy with the results. I just have to clear my mind and start again. Practice makes perfect. Sometimes even my goof-ups are my best cards I have created.

What tools and props do you always rely on?
I love my sewing machine. I am always drawn to stitching on my projects. I am not a seamstress by any means. BUT, If I can not use the sewing machine...I add bling.

What’s your current favourite technique or embellishment that every project simply MUST include?
Again, I love sewing on my pages. It add subtle texture and just the right embellishment without interfering with the papers or other elements in my project.

Thanks Sesil - it has been great learning more about you and we love that card!

WINNER
The winner of the Blog-Swap comment competition was - Brenda McKay - Brenda email us here to claim your prize!

Betsy - Teresa Collins Cards

Betsy here today, to share another three Teresa Collins cards. I really do love this collection which is called Every Day Moments. The colour are just gorgeous - blue and gold.

Isn't she so cute? - a Lili of the Valley stamp coloured with copic marker. She does look as though she's found the Art of Living, doesn't she?!

Buntings or banners are all the rage at the moment. The collection has stickers and chipboard which I have used here. Makes card making so easy, with all the extras.

This is the last one. Don't you agree the colours are lovely and I really enjoyed working with these papers etc. Click on the photos to get a more detailed view.

Well ladies, that's all from me today. Do you enjoy your Saturday. It is a bit cool here today - a great day to be inside, card making.

Happy crafting and God bless,

Betsy.

Lisa with a layout using Kaisercrafts' Great Southern Land....

Hi Everyone. Lisa here. Today I have a layout to share using Kaisercrafts' Great Southern Land range.
If you haven't seen this range yet, you should really check it out! It is such a versatile range. It is ideal for Australian themed projects, travel projects, masculine projects to name just a few. In my last post I focused on the gorgeous greens & browns in the range to team up with my Rain forest & flora photos. Today I focused more on the rich reds & browns to work in with my Autumn themed photos & the absolutely gorgeous leaves from the shop.

I have used a rich red/brown patterned paper from the range as my base paper. I gently distressed the edges then inked with Tim Holtz distress ink.
I then chose a lighter piece of patterned paper & created a large scalloped circle die cut using my new toy...a Lucky 8 punch from We R Memory Keepers. Basically these punches allow you to create a large die cut just by punching each corner or your page, you then flip your page & punch four more times.
At this stage we don't have these in the shop, but I can tell you Liz loves them too! So, watch this space! 
I used Tim Holtz Distress ink -Walnut stain & Antique linen to darken the die cut to help bring it all together.

I kept this layout pretty simple, I added my photos, a journal tag, a rub on, some pearls & the gorgeous Autumn leaves.
I also gently sanded the edges of my photos. I like to do this sometimes, as the photos can look to crisp against all the warm tonings. 

I have made a couple of gift tags using the tags from the Specialty paper die cut sheet. Sometimes you need a little tag for a gift that maybe for a male or someone who isn't in to pretty or fussy bits & pieces. So these are perfect. I just layered the die cut tags on to patterned paper, some more distress inking, some gorgeous ribbons, pearls & staples.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day.

Lisa

Guest Post from Teresa Collins Design Team

Today is an exciting day! We welcome two Teresa Collins Design Team members onto our blog (Amanda and Yvonne) and two of ours (Lowri and Sandy) are being showcased on their blog! There's a chance to win a $20 prize pack from Teresa Collins - so be sure to get all the way to the bottom of the posts and follow the instructions!

Hi everyone!

It's Amanda here from the Teresa Collins design team to share with you a layout I created with the Fabrications Canvas collection. I created this page for my son. Although the Fabrications Canvas line has a lot of feminine prints and details, the bolder hues and subtler designs mean you can just as easily create boy projects, which is good news for me as I have a 9 year old son and I don't have many girly photographs ;)

This picture was taken at Easter, so I wanted to use plenty of color and details to reflect the time of year. I decided to risk a bolder floral print behind my photo which I think worked really well without making the page too girly. Fabrications Canvas is so versatile! Thank you for the opportunity to share here at Artfull Crafts!

You can find more from me on my blog at http://blog.amandajonesdesigns.com and if you'd like to keep up with the latest from Teresa Collins Designs, come and join us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tcdesigns


Hi Everyone

My name is Yvonne Blair and I am very happy to share some of my work with you. I am very fortunate to be on Teresa Collin’s Design Team. I love her style and what she stands for in the paper crafting community! Her papers are so beautiful and her new line Sweet Afternoon is one of my very favorites. It is simply beautiful. I love how fresh and fun it is.

This layout is featuring my daughter Breanna. I love these pictures of my daughter and really wanted to perfect paper to showcase them. Here is a little close up.

I double layered the butterflies with Sweet Afternoon Paper with Vellum on top. The flowers were cut out from the 6 x 6 pad. Love being able to cut smaller size embellies out of the paper.
Sweet Afternoon is so very versatile. It can really be used for so many things. Spring, Easter, the everyday, special events, boy or girl. It is really that fabulous!

I am so excited to be able to share some of my work with you...I hope you enjoy! If you would like to visit my blog and see some more of my work, go my blog. www.yblair.blogspot.com. Hope to have you for a visit, wink.


Competition Time!

Go in the draw to win a $20 assorted pack from Teresa Collins by simply reading this blog post and the post from Lowri and Sandy on the new TCD blog, liking Teresa Collins Facebook Page, and then post on the Artfull Crafts Facebook Page letting us know your favourite project. Please complete by midnight 25th of May. International entries welcome.

Christine - Teresa Collins Fabrication Canvas

Hi there Christine here with some cards I have made using Teresa Collins Fabrications Canvas Collection.

These first two I edged with cream while the next two are edged with black.

What do you think - edge these papers with cream or black?

Supplies used: Teresa Collins Fabrication Canvas Collection,     

                         Kaisercraft pearls

                         Martha Stewart Butterfly punch,        Bakers Twine

TFL

Happy Creating!

Christine

Lindsey - Teresa Collins "16 Months" Layout

Ah there you are! I was beginning to think you weren't coming. Lindsey here with yet another Spring Fling layout. You know how thrifty I am and I do really like those little balloons so I have been stretching that sheet of paper as far as I can. This week I have utilised a Pagemaps sketch again.

I had to use a pink piece of Echo Park paper to frame this page and I've distressed and sewn around the edges. The doily (is that how you spell it?) has had it's middle cut out and is also sewn on. 

I've used one of my new acrylic stamps from Kaisercraft. It's a flourish but it's rather pale. I hope you can see it. I've cut some round things out of the Echo Park paper and placed them under two of the roses and one is sticking out of the side of the cluster. The tape measures are from the same EP line (This & That). The flowers and the fabric leaves are all Prima. Those little roses are really beautiful. They are Avon roses - either Pixie Glen or Romantique. The butterfly just flitting out from under the cluster is Prima too. And what about the flourishes?  My latest Spellbinders Shapeabilities Die "Floral Flourishes".

I do love this photo of my daughter. She looks so much like my mother at that age. One of my goals is to do some layouts comparing the generations across the decades. For the moment though I am just trying to keep up with current events and it's difficult to find the time to look backwards. Maybe this is something I will have time for when I am in the Twilight Home for the Gently Bewildered. I thought that I actually might book myself in there this week. I kept losing things - you know - like you do when you are getting on a bit. However, at least I am not as bad as my sister-in-law who lost a frozen leg of lamb. Apparently she put it in the tumble dryer instead of the freezer. Easily done I think you'll agree.

Anyway, I hope you like the layout. I would love it if you left a comment so I know that I am not in here all alone talking to myself.

Have a lovely week.

Lindsey
x

Louise - Teresa Collins Fabrications Layout

Hi, Louise here with a layout using some of the fantastic Teresa Collins Fabrications Canvas products available in the Artfull Crafts shop 

I used some photos of the kids looking at the Giraffes when we went to the Zoo in the Christmas School holidays.

For my layout I have used the following products...

Fabrications Canvas Paper - Orange Tapestry

Fabrications Canvas Paper - Green Damask

Fabrications Canvas - Die Cuts

KaiserCraft White Cardstock

Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam - Rockin On Sunshine

Bakers Twine

Jillibean Soup Cardboard Alphas

Thanks loads for looking and be sure to check out the fabulous Teresa Collins products at Artfull Crafts :)

MORE Q&A with Teresa Collins and our fave products!

Hi Everyone 

Did you see the first part of our Q&A post here?  In addition to those questions, we also asked Teresa about the process of creating these fabulous products...read on below for some great insight into the design process.

Here are some of the Teresa Collins Collections we are carrying in the shop right now..

1. Spring Fling
2. Fabrications Canvas
3. Everyday Moments
4. Fabrications Linen

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

This is a continual daily thing for me. We have two tradeshows a year and I do two mid-releases each year as well. So it never stops! I am so excited to debut three big collections in July at CHA S. I am so in love with the all of them. I have a new Christmas collection, a VINTAGE inspired line and a "JOURNALING" collection that was inspired from my TC idea book which I expressed and encouraged others to "Tell Your Story."

Please explain the style of TCD?

Timeless, Sophisticated and classic in nature. I am known for my journaling elements and mixing in home decor elements within my collections.

How do you get your creative juices flowing. What inspires you?

I am so inspired by shopping and clothing. I travel quite a bit and this always inspires me for upcoming lines. I went to Portugal two weeks ago and came home "inspired." I love magazines and love wedding, and style magazines. Of course, I love my home decor magazines. I designed World Traveler right after I got home from teaching in France.

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

1. LOTS OF THINKING... ha! What theme or look (trend) I am wanting to do. I keep a notebook in my purse and I'm always sketching and writing down inspiration. I keep a small camera in my purse
as well. Once I know the direction - then things speed up. It's knowing the direction that I am always thinking about and making sure it's the way to go.
2. COLOR... what colors will work well for the time/season, etc. Colors can make or break a line. I know my customer base and I try to maintain who I am in my style and what I will bring to the market.
3. Design my papers first- 18 patterns in a collection (24 for paper pads)
4. Design all the embellishments. Create a well rounded line! This is the easiest part for me. I love EMBELLISHMENTS! I create as if I am doing layouts and a mini book and what I would want to use or say.
5. Send all artwork to be sourced. Design deadlines are about 4 months (minimum) before they are released.
6. Print out papers- do mock ups projects...

What’s your personal all-time favourite TCD range and why?

Oh, that is like asking what is my favorite child. I have five children by birth and two step sons. A few of my ALL TIME favorites- World Traveler, Everyday Moments, Haunted Hallows, POSH... and the new ones are truly right up there with these. I know I'm missing some!!!!

Thank you so much Teresa - it has been wonderful to read more about you and how you create your wonderful product lines. See our Teresa Collins products in the store here.

Q&A with Teresa Collins and BEST of the DT!

Hi Everyone - Lowri here.

Today we are THRILLED to welcome Teresa Collins to the Artfull Crafts blog and she has given us some fabulous insight into not only her life but her creative process as well. Later on today we will be posting the answers to the questions we asked about design and manufacturing - it's a must-read!

Lets also take a look at some f the fabulous work created by the Artfull Crafts Design Team using Teresa's products (available in the shop here) Click on the name below to be taken to the blog post.

1. Betsy
2. Sandy
3. Lindsey
4. Lowri
5. Christine

Now let's jump to Teresa's Q&A!

Describe yourself and how long you have been acting on the Crafting Stage?
I am always on the go. I am a girly girl who loves skirts, funky jewelry, glitter, sushi, home decor and traveling. I am most happy when I'm with my family- they are my #1 in my heart and happiness.  I love designing and it's NONSTOP in my life. I am inspired by the everyday and love to take photos. I have been designing for ten years now and I love it. I love all things ornate, classic, sophisticated and chic. 

Please share with us a brief synopsis of the Teresa Collins Designs story and don’t forget to tell us anything that sets you apart.
I started to scrapbook when my mother passed away unexpectedly. I was consumed with grief and I turned to "telling her story" through scrapbooking to help me heal. I am 100% about journaling and documenting the real and everyday moments. I believe that scrapbooking has helped me to express my heartfelt feelings and gratitude for life and my family. I simply use my home decor background to do it in a way that reflects my need to "decorate my pages and story." I love projects that make you go WOW... it's so pretty but is packed with REALNESS and meaning. 

As owner, what part of your job gives you the most joy?
Seeing others love what I design and knowing I have helped them to tell tell their story. It's so important to me to know that I'm making a difference and hopefully inspiring others along the way with my products and when I teach students around the world.

Where do you think the papercraft industry is heading and what major trends do you see developing for 2012?
It is crazy, but I continue to grow every year!!! There is always going to be a need for beautiful products for crafters. I believe it's important to remember that I'm designing products that are easy to use and are timeless. (long shelf life). Major trends...hmmmm... well, I can't share that because I am using those in my upcoming collections. 

How do you use Social Media to keep your audience clapping?
I have the best design team and Social Media director. It is vital to have "cheerleaders" who love and believe in your products. It is a big task to balance the Social Media aspect of what I am doing.

Don't forget to check back later for more Q&A with Teresa Collins!

Please post a comment if you have any questions
Lowri :-)

Christine - Everyday Moments

Hi there - Christine here.
My sister wanted a set of cards as a Thankyou for a friend, but she didn't want anything pink or flowery! So here is what I made for her..

I used the lovely Teresa Collins - Everyday Moments and tried to keep it simple! You can't go wrong with yellow & blue - I think it is a lovely combination!
To put the set of cards in I decorated the paper bag with one of the 6x6 patterned papers and made a little Thankyou card and a peg to keep it closed- easy as!

TFL

Happy Crafting!

Christine

Lisa with a Mini album showcasing Kaisercrafts' Great Southern Land....

Hi Everyone. Lisa here. Today I have a simple mini album to share, using Kaisercrafts 'Great Southern Land'. This is such a versatile range, yes I know I always say that...but its true! Not only is it great for Australian projects, its great for any Flora & Fauna pics, masculine projects, gardening projects just to name a few.

This the front view of the album when it is closed.
It is a very simple design using only 1 sheet of card stock, I have used the beautiful Bazzil card stock aptly named Rainforest. Just cut your card stock in half so that you have 2 pieces at 6x12. Then score each of those pieces at 4 then 8 inches so you end up with 6 smaller sections (3 on each half piece). You need to fold on the scores alternating, Mountain & Valley folds. Then overlap (adhere with glue or tape) two ends so you have a continuing piece.You should be left with five sections on each side, with your Mountain & Valley folds continuing...Gee hope this makes sense, its harder explaining that is actually doing it!

I used some of the gorgeous patterned papers & the journal cards to decorate.
I have used the Green Tara jute ribbon (love this) to wrap around the album to hold it all together.

The flower is handmade using lots of layers of flowers from this pack....Yes it's a Christmas embellishment pack! I wet them with glimmer mist, dried them inked the with Tim Holtz Tim Holtz distress inks & pinned them all together with a brad.

I was lucky enough to have a holiday in Port Douglas, Queensland recently. I was amazed at the beautiful flora we saw along the way & the sheer beauty of the Rainforest.
I have so many photos, too many to count...so this mini just holds a sample of some of my favourite shots.

These are the photos that are inside my mini. As you can see they take up pretty much the entire page. After all, the photos are the focus. As the pages measure 4x6 you need to trim the photos down slightly.

I don't think it matters if you use photos of different orientation, as long as they are both the same direction on the same page opening.

 

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to enter our Monthly Challenge...details here.
Have a great day.

Lisa