2024 HOLIDAY HOOPLA
1 week ago
Saturday, August 31, 2013
August Challenge Winners
THANKS to everyone who entered the August Challenge - Colouring. It was great seeing how many of you used the Artfull Inklings as your inspiration - on cards, layouts and canvases. You'll be pleased to know that we have just released another 12 designs and we will be loading them online during the coming week.
Please head to the Gallery to check out the fabulous entries and leave comments to encourage the crafters. We all love positive feedback. And check the blog again tomorrrow to find out what the next challenge will be.
We have THREE winners this month. Winners,
please email the shop at info@artfullcrafts.co.nz and let them know
which challenge you have won and they will send off the prize to you.
1) Overall Challenge Winner
Congrats to Sarah Turner for winning $50 worth of the new Kaiser Fusion Markers.
We loved your card and thought your choice of colours to match the Curiosity range was perfect!
Sarah says, "I used my Copics to color inkling Enchanted Ella. The card was cut out using the Cheery Lynn step card dies and the paper and stamps are from the Curiosity range. Love this collection from Kaisercraft"
2) Sketch winner
Leigh has won 12 packs of Artfull Inklings!
3) New entrant winner
Congrats to Debbie Buckland. She has won 6 packs of Artfull Inklings. It's her first time entering the Artfull Crafts Challenges this year and we were impressed with the fun use of colour and the Artfull Inklings. Debbie entered two cards.Debbie says, "I used Enchanted Ella for a round tent fold stand up 3D card. Coloured with Copic Markers."
For card two, Debbie writes, "I used Bella Bouquet for this card. Its a tent fold 3D stand up card. I used copic markers to colour her. The link to my blog post shows you a video tutorial on how to colour her and make the greeting card with the Fiskars Fuse." http://artycrafty.wordpress.com/2013/08/18/artfull-inklings-two-more-cards/
Winners,
please email the shop at info@artfullcrafts.co.nz and let them know
which challenge you have won and they will send off the prize to you.
Here are a few other entries for you to enjoy. which included Artfull Inklings. We encourage you to head to the Gallery to check out the rest of the fabulous entries and leave comments to encourage the crafters! We all love positive feedback.
Sue Jameson has used Rugby Roger in this grungy card
Lisa Macfarlane has created an amazing canvas collage with Spaceman Sam
Fiona Angus has created a layout and add Fisherman Fred to a tag.
Jessica Toulmin has had some fun with Enchanted Ella
Head to her blog to check out some more of her Inkling Cards
Jackie Turner's card features Bella Bouquet
Check out the rest of the entries here and have a super week! Thanks again for entering and don't forget to check in tomorrow to see what the new theme is.
Fiona Angus has created a layout and add Fisherman Fred to a tag.
Jessica Toulmin has had some fun with Enchanted Ella
Head to her blog to check out some more of her Inkling Cards
Jackie Turner's card features Bella Bouquet
Check out the rest of the entries here and have a super week! Thanks again for entering and don't forget to check in tomorrow to see what the new theme is.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Design Team Introduction - Lowri McNabb
Hi Everyone - Lowri here and I am thrilled to be continuing with Artfull Crafts this year in the role of an Expert.
Here is a little more about me and my crafting, along with a few of my favorite projects from the last year.
What is your field of expertise and how did you find yourself with this interest?
I am going to be focusing on “Off-the-Page” projects such as mini albums, home decor pieces and a little bit of everything Christmas!
I love to create functional items that also look decorative and I really like to use my Cameo – so look out for some pointers in that direction too.
How did you come to be involved with Artfull Crafts and how do see your role developing through the year?
I have been working with Artfull Crafts for 3 years now – in fact I was chosen to be on their first Design Team and have remained involved in a couple of different ways!. I am looking forward to focusing on the creative aspect again for the following 12 months
What type of papercrafts do you enjoy?
I like to create mini-albums, stationery, altered projects, cards and small papercraft pieces and my style has been described as described as bold and product driven with clean lines and lots of color.
Here is a little more about me and my crafting, along with a few of my favorite projects from the last year.
What is your field of expertise and how did you find yourself with this interest?
I am going to be focusing on “Off-the-Page” projects such as mini albums, home decor pieces and a little bit of everything Christmas!
I love to create functional items that also look decorative and I really like to use my Cameo – so look out for some pointers in that direction too.
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| Echo Park Strawberries - more info here |
How did you come to be involved with Artfull Crafts and how do see your role developing through the year?
I have been working with Artfull Crafts for 3 years now – in fact I was chosen to be on their first Design Team and have remained involved in a couple of different ways!. I am looking forward to focusing on the creative aspect again for the following 12 months
What type of papercrafts do you enjoy?
I like to create mini-albums, stationery, altered projects, cards and small papercraft pieces and my style has been described as described as bold and product driven with clean lines and lots of color.
 |
| October Afternoon Mini album - more info here |
What inspires you to be creative?
I am usually inspired by the product itself – though more and more I seem to be noticing good design I like everywhere and trying to incorporate it into my work. My favourite graphic design is the old-fashioned Penguin Book covers.
What is your favourite craft brand and why?
I like a lot of manufacturer’s products – though I am probably most drawn to bold and clean lines such as those by Echo Park, October Afternoon and Cosmo Cricket. I tend to only work with one Collection at a time too – so I have to REALLY like it!
I am usually inspired by the product itself – though more and more I seem to be noticing good design I like everywhere and trying to incorporate it into my work. My favourite graphic design is the old-fashioned Penguin Book covers.
What is your favourite craft brand and why?
I like a lot of manufacturer’s products – though I am probably most drawn to bold and clean lines such as those by Echo Park, October Afternoon and Cosmo Cricket. I tend to only work with one Collection at a time too – so I have to REALLY like it!
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| Kaisercraft / Echo Park Tool Box - more info here |
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy papercrafting?
- Enjoy yourself - this is meant to be fun!
- Don’t panic – if it doesn’t work – what have you lost? Most times you can just cover it with a bigger piece of paper and start again!
- Buy product you love and think you will use in the next 3 months (I really should start heeding that advice!!) Find a few people on-line whose styles you admire, follow their blog – ask them questions. There is not a blogger out there who doesn’t love to know people are interested in their work.
- Enter some challenges/DT calls etc. It's hard sometimes to "put yourself out there" but you will find people are friendly and really appreciative you have taken the time to share your work. The Artfull Crafts Monthly Challenges are a GREAT place to start - you can win some fab prizes too!
Lowri
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Robbi - DT Intro
Hi Everyone in "Scrappy Land"....Robbi
here to tell you a little about Myself and my Scrapbooking Journey.
What is your Favourite Brand and Why:-
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here to tell you a little about Myself and my Scrapbooking Journey.
Liz has asked me to stay on the DT for another year and I hopefully will be able to bring you some inspiring goodies over my next term along with the other wonderful members of the Artfull Crafts DT for 2013/14.
While you come on this journey with me today I will show you some of my recent creations and you hopefully will also learn a little about what pushes my "scrappin" buttons.
This layout is using some of the amazing "Curiosity" Collection from Kaisercraft
(I will bring more of it in my next blog post)
Ok its Q & A time
How were you introduced to paper crafting:-
To tell you the truth I can't really remember. I do however remember putting some stickers and a photo on a bit of paper about 10yrs ago and thinking ...OK if this is scrapbooking I can do it!
little did I know that day, where I would end up.
What kind of paper crafting do you enjoy:-
I love scrapbooking! however I am falling further in love with OTP items but really where do you put them all lol. I am totally in awe of crafters (like our very own Miss Betsy) who can come up with these amazing cards, Unfortunately while I can make them if I really put my mind to it...they really are just to small and mine always end up being top heavy because I just keep adding goodies. So I will stick to my 12 x 12's
What inspires you for crafting:-
Pinterest...it has to be the best internet invention ever. If I just cant find that little "thing" to give me a start or if I'm having a mega meltdown due to not being able to get started Pinterest becomes my biggest friend (more so than Chocolate and Wine!!!)
This layout was created using the Graphic 45 Secret Garden Collection and one of the latest Prima Mixed Media Doll Stamps.
Tim Holtz, Graphic 45, Prima, and of course Kaisercraft.
all these Companies (Brands) are amazing and Kaisercraft has really come to the foreground in its paper collections in the last couple of years. Tim well he will always be a total favourite (and he gives the best hugs!) Prima and Graphic 45 have always been big hits with me - Graphic 45 because of its versatility and I love the fussy cutting that it offers, Prima...well its just gorgeous (usually lol...I have been known to not like a collection or 2)
What tools can you not do without:-
My Cuttlebug!... My Bias Square, My steel ruler, My sharp Knife, My sepia ink, actually the list is endless!
What is your current favourite technique or embellishment:-
right now it would have to be using the Prima Mixed Media Doll stamps...I am totally in love with them as they offer so much fun while creating layouts (cards!) etc. However my fav technique and has been for quite a few years is distressing, inking and lifting and you will never find one of my layouts or OTP items without this somewhere included.
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This is the 2nd layout for August, (but shhhh no-one has seen this yet as class is on this weekend) this is also using the Graphic 45 Secret Garden Collection and Prima Doll Stamps
What do you hope to try and improve this year:-
That's easy! Blogging...I have good intentions but unfortunately one week bleeds into another and before long the month is up.
What advice can you give to those just beginning their paper crafting journey:-
Don't be pushed into purchasing the latest "must have" item. Buy the basics (you will never regret spending the funds to purchase good basic gear) steel ruler, knife, scissors, glue, tape gluestick, scorer, Sepia ink, Archival jet black ink, good size cutting mat, and/or paper trimmer and of course when funds are available a heat gun and cuttlebug. Work out what is best for you as far as the purchase of "goodies" ... we all fall into the trap of the "having to have" and really unless you are confident at using the goods you will probably end up tossing it in the corner and regretting the purchase, try and have a play with bigger items either at a class or in store, make sure it is for you as the fancy items can come later on once you are more confident in your ability. Attending classes is a great way of finding out your strengths and weaknesses and allowing you to build up your confidence .........REMEMBER there is never mistakes in scrapbooking only opportunities to pursue a different course.
This Layout was created using the Bo Bunny "Cest La Vie Collection and Kaisercard and of course Tim's Sewing Room Die
Thank You for coming on this little Q & A with me... I hope you have gained a little insight into what makes me tick (Maybe....Wine and Chocolate...). Anyway just a final thought I have loved every minute being on the DT for Artfull Crafts and I look forward to the year ahead, I hope to come to Timaru and teach a few classes along with my monthly classes in Dunedin and Balclutha, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SENZ earlier this year, meeting and teaching so many lovely crafters. It really shows it is a wonderful craft to be involved in
Till Next Time
Take Care and
Happi Scrappin"
Robbi xxx
Monday, August 26, 2013
Betsy - DT Introduction
Good morning all - Betsy here this morning.
Really, I don't feel it's necessary to do an introduction, as most of you will know me by now, but better do as requested!
Liz at Arfull Crafts is very long suffering, as she has now installed me, for another year, as part of the Design Team for 2013-2014. It has been a real privilege to be part of this amazing group since 2010 and I really look forward to this next year. Just trust, by God's grace, I can keep up with these young ones! Liz has named me the "Grandma" of the group and I do take my responsibilities seriously!
I have lived with my very supportive husband for just on 50 years ( a big celebration in March, 2014) hence I will leave you to guess my age! God has blessed us with three lovely daughters and a very special son, all married and they have given us ten delightful grand children.
How were you introduced to paper crafting?
Once upon a time, many years ago, I went to a rubber stamping class and was hooked, even though I thought, at the time, it was just for kids. My, haven't things progressed since then, in the paper crafting world!!
This is a male card that I made for an order - you will notice Eddie is a soccer fan. No bling on this one!
Check In collection from Kaisercraft was used.
What type of paper crafting do you enjoy?
Card making of course - I love the fact that I can complete a project quickly then move on to the next one. Doing personalized cards, for orders, are favourites, as I do enjoy suiting them to the recipient.
What inspires you for making cards?
It is great what the old brain can come up with, all by itself, at times! I will receive a collection or papers and spend some considerable time just looking at it, so as to get ideas.Of course, there are some very talented ladies out in blogworld, and then Pinterest is an added bonus - must say I do enjoy spending time reviewing these, for ideas and inspiration.
I do love making unusual shaped cards - step cards are always a favourite. Another special collection from Kaisercraft called Pickled Pear.
What is your favourite craft brand and why?
Kaisercraft, Kaisercraft, Kaisercraft. Could I say otherwise? Yes, I so enjoy working with their collections which seem to just get better and better. I am one of the fortunate ones who get a preview, months ahead, as to what is being released for the next quarter. Actually, I design the cards for the upcoming Workshop Magazines, which I have now been doing for a number of years, and so enjoy it. Another favourite brand would have to be Graphic45 - just love the aged, vintage look of their collections, but the list could go on, as I have an addiction to ALL papers, as well as patchwork fabrics!
As you will notice, I do occasionally take little detours, getting out of my comfort zone. This tea light lantern is one of these - it is quite gorgeous when lit.
What tools can you not do without?
My patchwork square and rotary cutter (I am a patchworker first and foremost),but these two tools are definitely a must when paper crafting - they are used all the time. Martha Stewart score board, punches, dies, Ebosser etc. My workroom is choker with what I CANNOT DO WITHOUT!
Another one of Kaisercraft's gorgeous collections called 75 Cents, and notice the stitching on this card, also the sponging with sepia ink.
What is your currant favourite technique or embellishment?
Using my sewing machine for stitching, sepia inking the edges and generally lots of ribbon, flowers and bling.
Masculine cards I do find more of a challenge but it is amazing how one can manage.
What do you hope to try and improve this year?
I just pray that God will give me the ability to continue doing what I so love, which is having contact with like minded ladies and tutoring classes, sharing a little of what I can. The computer and my brain are not really very compatible, so it would be great to increase knowledge, on that front!
This easel card was made with one of my favourite dies - mind you ,I'm addicted to dies as well!!
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy paper crafting?
Speaking from experience, once you start down this road, you are hooked. Also speaking from experience, the bank account suffers severely, as my husband would confirm! Oh well, I am still so thankful I discovered this amazing hobby (more than a hobby, a full time job now!!) many years ago. My advice would be to visit or contact Artfull Crafts, the staff are amazing and so helpful and they stock all one needs for your paper crafting and more. Just go for it ladies, you appreciate this hobby the older you get, again speaking from experience!!
Do you have a blog?
Yes ladies I do, and you can find me here at Best of Betsy's.
Afraid, I am having problems with my photo uploading so you may have to click on the photos for a clearer image. It's time Graham and Lizzie came out for another meal, as I need Graham's computer expertise, AGAIN!!
Happy crafting to you all and many blessings,
Betsy.
Really, I don't feel it's necessary to do an introduction, as most of you will know me by now, but better do as requested!
Liz at Arfull Crafts is very long suffering, as she has now installed me, for another year, as part of the Design Team for 2013-2014. It has been a real privilege to be part of this amazing group since 2010 and I really look forward to this next year. Just trust, by God's grace, I can keep up with these young ones! Liz has named me the "Grandma" of the group and I do take my responsibilities seriously!
I have lived with my very supportive husband for just on 50 years ( a big celebration in March, 2014) hence I will leave you to guess my age! God has blessed us with three lovely daughters and a very special son, all married and they have given us ten delightful grand children.
How were you introduced to paper crafting?
Once upon a time, many years ago, I went to a rubber stamping class and was hooked, even though I thought, at the time, it was just for kids. My, haven't things progressed since then, in the paper crafting world!!
This is a male card that I made for an order - you will notice Eddie is a soccer fan. No bling on this one!
Check In collection from Kaisercraft was used.
What type of paper crafting do you enjoy?
Card making of course - I love the fact that I can complete a project quickly then move on to the next one. Doing personalized cards, for orders, are favourites, as I do enjoy suiting them to the recipient.
What inspires you for making cards?
It is great what the old brain can come up with, all by itself, at times! I will receive a collection or papers and spend some considerable time just looking at it, so as to get ideas.Of course, there are some very talented ladies out in blogworld, and then Pinterest is an added bonus - must say I do enjoy spending time reviewing these, for ideas and inspiration.
I do love making unusual shaped cards - step cards are always a favourite. Another special collection from Kaisercraft called Pickled Pear.
What is your favourite craft brand and why?
Kaisercraft, Kaisercraft, Kaisercraft. Could I say otherwise? Yes, I so enjoy working with their collections which seem to just get better and better. I am one of the fortunate ones who get a preview, months ahead, as to what is being released for the next quarter. Actually, I design the cards for the upcoming Workshop Magazines, which I have now been doing for a number of years, and so enjoy it. Another favourite brand would have to be Graphic45 - just love the aged, vintage look of their collections, but the list could go on, as I have an addiction to ALL papers, as well as patchwork fabrics!
As you will notice, I do occasionally take little detours, getting out of my comfort zone. This tea light lantern is one of these - it is quite gorgeous when lit.
What tools can you not do without?
My patchwork square and rotary cutter (I am a patchworker first and foremost),but these two tools are definitely a must when paper crafting - they are used all the time. Martha Stewart score board, punches, dies, Ebosser etc. My workroom is choker with what I CANNOT DO WITHOUT!
Another one of Kaisercraft's gorgeous collections called 75 Cents, and notice the stitching on this card, also the sponging with sepia ink.
What is your currant favourite technique or embellishment?
Using my sewing machine for stitching, sepia inking the edges and generally lots of ribbon, flowers and bling.
Masculine cards I do find more of a challenge but it is amazing how one can manage.
What do you hope to try and improve this year?
I just pray that God will give me the ability to continue doing what I so love, which is having contact with like minded ladies and tutoring classes, sharing a little of what I can. The computer and my brain are not really very compatible, so it would be great to increase knowledge, on that front!
This easel card was made with one of my favourite dies - mind you ,I'm addicted to dies as well!!
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy paper crafting?
Speaking from experience, once you start down this road, you are hooked. Also speaking from experience, the bank account suffers severely, as my husband would confirm! Oh well, I am still so thankful I discovered this amazing hobby (more than a hobby, a full time job now!!) many years ago. My advice would be to visit or contact Artfull Crafts, the staff are amazing and so helpful and they stock all one needs for your paper crafting and more. Just go for it ladies, you appreciate this hobby the older you get, again speaking from experience!!
Do you have a blog?
Yes ladies I do, and you can find me here at Best of Betsy's.
Afraid, I am having problems with my photo uploading so you may have to click on the photos for a clearer image. It's time Graham and Lizzie came out for another meal, as I need Graham's computer expertise, AGAIN!!
Happy crafting to you all and many blessings,
Betsy.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
DT Intro - Christine Bonifacio
We are
excited to introduce our new Design Team over the course of the next few days.
Please head to the blog to see the official
announcement!
Today we welcome back Christine Bonifacio!
Hi! I live locally on a dairy farm and love to run classes and visit the Artfull Crafts store (what a chore!!). I love using dies to create cards and layouts. When I'm not in my craft room creating, you can find me feeding calves, or out in the garden!
I saw an online scrapping store advertised on the Living Channel, so looked it up and from there I was able to discover this fabulous craft and awesome ideas on the web.
What inspires you for layouts, projects, cards?
I like to use sketches to base my cards and layouts on, there are lots of weekly ones to follow. My favourite is the MOJO sketches for cards and Pagemaps for Layouts. Pinterest is my latest 'thing'- so many amazing ideas and techniques out there.
What other project types do you like to work on besides scrapbook pages?
I love making cards using up the 'leftovers' after making a Layout. It is surprising how you can use them up! I find I am making a lot more square cards lately and now that I have an envelope maker I can just whip up a matching envelope to suit!
What is your favourite scrapbook brand and why?
It keeps changing with each new one that comes out! Authentique, Carta Bella, Kaisercraft, Prima - I like how they put together their Collections - with paper, embellishments, rubons, stickers, etc. It makes scrapbooking and cardmaking so much easier for me as everything co-ordinates – Love that!
What scrapbooking tools/products can you not do without?
My Big Shot! I love to use embossing folders, Spellbinders dies and My Favourite Things Die-namics! I use an ATG gun for my cardmaking which makes it so much quicker. But I still like my green Tombow glue for scrapbooking.
What is your current favorite technique or embellishment?
Adding some Bakers twine to a card and layout instead of ribbon! And I now have a Washi tape Collection!
What do you hope to try or improve on this year?
Use some of my Washi tape! I have also dabbled a little with Project Life in the last few years, so would like to be more consistant with that.
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy scrapbooking?
Get into Project Life, a great concept and a simple way to start and then you can do full page fancy ones to add in as well.
Do you have a blog?
Yes I do! You can find me here ChristineBcreates
I am thrilled to be back on the Design Team for another year. So looking forward to lots of creating and working with the new Team.
TFL
Happy Creating!
Christine
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Design Team Introduction - Michelle McArthur
We are excited to introduce our new Design Team over the course of the next few days.
Hello everybody! My name is Michelle and I am a scrap-a-holic, with an obsession of hoarding gorgeous papers, stamps and anything scrapbook related! (Well at least I’m honest!)
I live in Mosgiel, just south of Dunedin with my husband and our 10yr old son and 8 year old daughter.
How were you introduced to scrapbooking?
Scrapbooking was a natural progression for me with my crafting as I have always loved making and creating things. I had also developed a love of capturing memories through photography. Years ago I was happy to stick my travel photos in plain black paged albums, but when my children were born I thought the pages needed to be something more special. Friends showed me their albums, and I found scrapbook shops online and the rest is history!
What inspires you for layouts, projects, cards?
Inspiration is everywhere for me – it may come from reading a magazine, flicking through scrapbook blogs and pinterest, or through completng an online scrap class. But it can even come from a photo I take, a painting I see, or seeing gorgeous colours combined together.
What other project types do you like to work on besides scrapbook pages?
I am currently compiling a Project Life style album for 2013, which I am pleased to say is almost up to date. I also like creating simple cards (nothing as fancy as Miss Betsy’s fabulous ones though), and mini albums for the children.
What is your favourite scrapbook brand and why?
That’s not a fair question ... can I pick more than one? I love American Crafts, Simple Stories and My Minds Eye. Actually more often than not it’s not the manufacturer’s name that draws me to a product – it’s the funky fresh designs of paper that I fall in love with!
What scrapbooking tools/products can you not do without?
That would be my Fiskars trimmer, double sided tape, VersaMark Pinecone mini ink pad, and my colourful collection of buttons and DMC threads (from my previous cross-stitch obsession).
What is your current favorite technique or embellishment?
I have a couple favourite techniques include inking the edges of my papers and photos with my Versamark Pinecone ink pad, and a bit of hand stitching with my DMC threads. My current favourite embellishments would be a doily or two, buttons and enamel dots.
What do you hope to try or improve on this year?
I want to push myself to try some different techniques with my scrapbooking and off the page projects. After being inspired by Donna Downey earlier this year, I would like to attempt some more canvas art.
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy scrapbooking?
Don’t feel that you have to start at the beginning and scrap photos in a chronological order, I have never done this! Instead start with scrapping the photos that inspire you, record the story to capture that special memory.
Don’t worry if your style isn’t like everybody else’s -we all have different tastes, like different colours and designs.
I am so excited to be part of the Artfull Crafts team this year, and hope that I can inspire you with your scrapbooking over the next 12 months.
Cheers
Michelle
Today we welcome Michelle McArthur!
Hello everybody! My name is Michelle and I am a scrap-a-holic, with an obsession of hoarding gorgeous papers, stamps and anything scrapbook related! (Well at least I’m honest!)
I live in Mosgiel, just south of Dunedin with my husband and our 10yr old son and 8 year old daughter.
How were you introduced to scrapbooking?
Scrapbooking was a natural progression for me with my crafting as I have always loved making and creating things. I had also developed a love of capturing memories through photography. Years ago I was happy to stick my travel photos in plain black paged albums, but when my children were born I thought the pages needed to be something more special. Friends showed me their albums, and I found scrapbook shops online and the rest is history!
Fly - this is a very simple but effective layout. I lined up some scraps of funky papers with the photo and then used my sewing machine to stitch a border just on the inside of the edge of the photo/paper.
What inspires you for layouts, projects, cards?
Inspiration is everywhere for me – it may come from reading a magazine, flicking through scrapbook blogs and pinterest, or through completng an online scrap class. But it can even come from a photo I take, a painting I see, or seeing gorgeous colours combined together.
What other project types do you like to work on besides scrapbook pages?
I am currently compiling a Project Life style album for 2013, which I am pleased to say is almost up to date. I also like creating simple cards (nothing as fancy as Miss Betsy’s fabulous ones though), and mini albums for the children.
What is your favourite scrapbook brand and why?
That’s not a fair question ... can I pick more than one? I love American Crafts, Simple Stories and My Minds Eye. Actually more often than not it’s not the manufacturer’s name that draws me to a product – it’s the funky fresh designs of paper that I fall in love with!
What scrapbooking tools/products can you not do without?
That would be my Fiskars trimmer, double sided tape, VersaMark Pinecone mini ink pad, and my colourful collection of buttons and DMC threads (from my previous cross-stitch obsession).
Christmas Wheels - another layout using scraps of bright and fun papers, lots of space and adding my ever favourite buttons, doily and hand stitching.
I have a couple favourite techniques include inking the edges of my papers and photos with my Versamark Pinecone ink pad, and a bit of hand stitching with my DMC threads. My current favourite embellishments would be a doily or two, buttons and enamel dots.
What do you hope to try or improve on this year?
I want to push myself to try some different techniques with my scrapbooking and off the page projects. After being inspired by Donna Downey earlier this year, I would like to attempt some more canvas art.
Model behaviour - this is one of my favourite layouts using American Crafts Dear Lizzy papers, add a doily, some Dear Lizzy buttons and some hand stitching.
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy scrapbooking?
Don’t feel that you have to start at the beginning and scrap photos in a chronological order, I have never done this! Instead start with scrapping the photos that inspire you, record the story to capture that special memory.
Don’t worry if your style isn’t like everybody else’s -we all have different tastes, like different colours and designs.
I am so excited to be part of the Artfull Crafts team this year, and hope that I can inspire you with your scrapbooking over the next 12 months.
Cheers
Michelle
Friday, August 23, 2013
Design Team Introduction - Sharon Newport
We are
excited to introduce our new Design Team over the course of the next few days.
Please head to the blog to see the official
announcement and read to the bottom of the post to find out how you can win a
share of $150 worth of celebratory prizes!
Today we welcome Sharon Newport
Hello all. My name is Sharon, and I live on a dairy farm just out of Gore. We shifted here in 2008 from the North Island, with two of our four children. My husband Barrie and son Blake live on the farm, and our other three children (Alicia, Loren and Rhys) have left home. My family are usually the main focus of any pages I may do, so you will be seeing a lot of them over the next twelve months. I was thrilled to be invited to join the team this year, and am really looking forward to sharing with you my love of scrapbooking.
How were you introduced to scrapbooking?
In the 1990s, I was sitting in a dentist waiting room, flicking through a magazine as you do. I came across an article about a lady who scrapped as a hobby. At the time I thought...." What a weird word!" Who else but the Americans would take a noun, and turn it into a verb by adding "ing" onto the end of it.
A week or so later, my husband had to go to Australia suddenly, and I was left at home alone. On the recommendation of a friend, I connected our home computer to the internet. After surfing the web for an hour or three, I found a search engine and plugged in this weird word "scrapbooking". BAM!!!! Literally hundreds of sites popped up before my eyes. I went and had a look at a couple of them, and was hooked instantly. Within days I had been into town and purchased a cutter and some sharp scissors. Papers were more of an issue, as scrapbooking was still a fledgling craft here in NZ at that stage. Not to be deterred, I went to the art shop and the office supply store, and "made do" until I was able to get my hands on some more pretty supplies. The rest is history........
A layout of our very best friends,
again using an array of mixed media products
What inspires you for layouts, projects, cards?I find most of my inspiration comes from the product I am using. I am inspired also by the photographs I take and the stories I want to tell. Put all three together and you have a recipe for success.
What other project types do you like to work on besides scrapbook pages?
I love art! When I am not scrapbooking, you will find me with a paintbrush in my hand, painting landscapes of this beautiful country we live in. I also love to use these techniques in my scrapbooking and my art journal.
I also love to make books, experimenting with different book binding techniques.
Off the page projects are something I enjoy doing as well. I simply adore the wide variety of BTP projects on offer these days.
What is your favourite scrapbook brand and why?
I really do not have any one favourite brand....I LOVE IT ALL!!!!!!
I always seek out papers that are able to be fussy cut and rearranged, like Kaisercraft, Prima fancy pants designs and pink paislee.
For my more graphic designed layouts, I tend to be drawn to the papers with smaller designs such as those from My Minds Eye, Carta Bella and Teresa Collins. ( Love love LOVE the texture of these papers)
I love to mix brands together, to get a unique design. I also really like ranges that have a good array of embellishments, such as Prima, My Minds Eye and October Afternoon.
I was so very proud of hubby when he
was asked to caddy for New Zealand's top amateur golfer at the New Zealand Open
last year. A page with simple layering and a little ink to finish it off.
What scrapbooking tools/ products can you not do without?
I love my cutter and scissors. In fact I usually have spares, just in case the unthinkable happens and I break one. I think good adhesives are paramount to produce a page that's going to stand the test of time. When I started scrapping, I was not so fussy about the glues I used, but ten years on, when the embellishments have fallen to the bottom of the page protector, I have learned that you get what you pay for!
I love my die cutter machines, especially the cuttlebug, and more recently the silhouette. It's great to be able to cut a shape you need when you want it. I also would be lost without my basic paper punches, because they are so quick to use.
I think for scrapbooking to be successful you need to have a good basic kit.....of good quality tools and adhesives. Don't be tempted to buy cheap....it will cost you more in the long run.
What is your current favourite technique or embellishment?
At the moment, I love to use mixed media products in my pages.
Give me texture paste, gel medium, inks, sprays, chalks, gelatos, gesso, watercolours and masks; and I will be one happy girl.
What scrapbooking tools/ products can you not do without?
I love my cutter and scissors. In fact I usually have spares, just in case the unthinkable happens and I break one. I think good adhesives are paramount to produce a page that's going to stand the test of time. When I started scrapping, I was not so fussy about the glues I used, but ten years on, when the embellishments have fallen to the bottom of the page protector, I have learned that you get what you pay for!
I love my die cutter machines, especially the cuttlebug, and more recently the silhouette. It's great to be able to cut a shape you need when you want it. I also would be lost without my basic paper punches, because they are so quick to use.
I think for scrapbooking to be successful you need to have a good basic kit.....of good quality tools and adhesives. Don't be tempted to buy cheap....it will cost you more in the long run.
What is your current favourite technique or embellishment?
At the moment, I love to use mixed media products in my pages.
Give me texture paste, gel medium, inks, sprays, chalks, gelatos, gesso, watercolours and masks; and I will be one happy girl.
My darling boy! A very rare photo of
our son. He runs from the camera these days.
Lots of mixed media going on here!
Lots of mixed media going on here!
What do you hope to try and improve on this year?
This year I would like to get my blog up and running. It's had a false start or two, and needs a kick in the right direction!
I also want to try my hand at project life "Sharon style" . I am not really a simple scrapper, so this will be interesting for me.
Another thing I want to try my hand at is some of the BTP items by Kaiser. I love that they have produced so many "functional" items lately....especially those used for storage!
Another layout with lots of layering.
So proud of our daughter graduating from uni after four years hard labour!
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy scrapbooking?
My best piece of advice is to remember the rule....THERE ARE NO RULES!!!! There is no such thing as a mistake, it’s a “creative diversion” !
I think it's also important to remember that, in the scheme of things, "it's only paper" ! Don't save that piece of pretty paper for something special, or until you are a better scrapper.....use it now!!!!! There will be more pretty papers released every few months to take its place. If the worst comes to the worst.....you can buy another sheet if you muck up.
Most of all....have fun! Use sketches and scraplift to keep the mojo going.
And if in doubt........ Eat chocolate!
HOW TO WIN PRIZES!!
All competitions below close on midnight Satuday 24th August.
- Head to our Gallery, scroll along the hallway, click on the portraits and welcome the girls. Comment on any projects that you LOVE! (Each comment puts you in a draw to win a $50 prize pack).
- Follow the Artfull Crafts Blog and follow the girls on their personal blogs. Leave us a message (on Facebook or email) letting us know you've started following, and we'll put you in a draw to win a $20 gift voucher).
- Answer the 3 questions below on our Facebook Page or as a comment in this blogpost to go in the draw a $30 prize pack.
1) How
many cats are lazing around down the Gallery?
2)
Name someone who was on last year's team, who is staying on for another year.
3) Name
the person whose style most closely matches yours.
- Finally, head to last Saturday's blogpost and say goodbye to the team we are farewelling. (Each comment put you in a draw to win another $50 prize pack.)
Have a
fun time checking out the new team, and don't forget to share the New Design
Team blog link on your Facebook Page!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Design Team Introduction - Melissa Vining
We are
excited to introduce our new Design Team over the course of the next few days.
Please head to the blog to see the official
announcement and read to the bottom of the post to find out how you can win a
share of $150 worth of celebratory prizes!
Today we welcome Melissa Vining!
Hi everyone! I'm so honoured and blessed to be here, and very excited to be sharing my favourite hobby with you! I'm originally from the North Island, but have lived in the South Island for over half my life! I live in beautiful Queenstown, with my husband of 10 years (next month), and my 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter. You'll get to know them over the next year as they are my favourite subjects to scrapbook!
How were you introduced to scrapbooking?
After my sister in law showed me the baby scrapbooks she created for her girls I wanted to make one for my son. I'd already taken a photo of Sam every month from when he was born, and when he was 18 months old I went to the Warehouse and purchased some products to start. I dabbled in scrapbooking for the next few years, but in the Summer of 2012 I discovered the online world of scrapbooking, and beautiful products, and have been hooked on it as a hobby ever since.
What inspires you for layouts, projects, cards?
I find inspiration everywhere, it may be the typography on a menu, art, a quilt, song lyrics, and of course my photos. I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest too, not necessarily from other people's layouts, but by the things I've mentioned that get pinned. Other times I will get a vision in my mind of what I want to create, so I either create it, or sketch it out for later.
What other projects do you like to work on besides scrapbook pages?
I also make mini albums, cards and the occasional beyond the page project. I enjoy the smaller size of a card, and its always good to give handmade cards and gifts. I did December Daily last year for the first time, and it's probably my favourite album to keep looking at. I made a real conscious effort to take a photo with my iPhone everyday, and I used Instagram photos. I made my cover from plain chipboard, which I painted with white acrylic paint. I kept the front cover simple as I wanted to feature the lovely woodgrain thickers.
I'm unable to limit this question to just one brand, as I love American Crafts and Crate Paper equally! I love American Crafts for their modern products; the colours and imagery on their products are gorgeous! I especially adore everything by Dear Lizzy and Amy Tangerine.
I love Crate Paper because of their eclectic vintage mix of products. I especially love their ephemera die cut packs which are great for layering.
Here is one of my favourite pages using Crate Paper. The photo is of my daughter when we were camping in January. I used a photo overlay, and I created the whole page based on the sequins escaping from the frame into a sky of bokeh.
My must-have tools are my paper trimmer, scissors, double sided tape and sewing machine. However, I have learnt that I can still craft without my trimmer, and often hand cut my paper layers. Of all the products available, the product I love and can't do without is patterned paper!
What is your current favourite technique or embellishment?
My current favourite technique would have to be layering papers behind my photos to create dimension and interest. It also makes my products go a long way, and 6 x 6 pads are great to layer with as they have scaled down patterns.
What do you hope to improve on this year?
I really want to see how far I can push my creativity. I've just started using watercolours, and I love the added dreaminess and soft texture they add to a page. Having no painting experience means trial and error, but its certainly fun to experiment.
Here is a page that I created that combines watercolours, stamping, layering, ink splatters and machine stitching. It was taken with a disposable camera at our wedding, and is my husband (far right) and his best man and groomsman.
What advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy scrapbooking?
Never ever compare yourself (or your style) to other people, especially the big name scrapbookers. Its taken me probably a year to fully embrace my style, and although I love reading blogs and looking at other layouts posted on Pinterest (I pin a lot) or online galleries, I always try to make sure my layouts and projects are true to my style.
The most important thing is scrapbooking is to have fun and make time to be creative! I'm a very busy person, but finding time to create (and spend time with God and exercise) greatly enriches my life!
I'm very excited about the coming year! Make sure you follow this blog, and like us on Facebook! Liz has awesome monthly challenges on this blog, so make sure you play along! Come and visit my blog to see more of my work.
Be blessed!
Melissa x
HOW TO WIN PRIZES!!
All competitions below close on midnight Satuday 24th August.
- Head to our Gallery, scroll along the hallway, click on the portraits and welcome the girls. Comment on any projects that you LOVE! (Each comment puts you in a draw to win a $50 prize pack).
- Follow the Artfull Crafts Blog and follow the girls on their personal blogs. Leave us a message (on Facebook or email) letting us know you've started following, and we'll put you in a draw to win a $20 gift voucher).
- Answer the 3 questions below on our Facebook Page or as a comment in this blogpost to go in the draw a $30 prize pack.
1) How
many cats are lazing around down the Gallery?
2)
Name someone who was on last year's team, who is staying on for another year.
3) Name
the person whose style most closely matches yours.
- Finally, head to Saturday's blogpost and say goodbye to the team we are farewelling. (Each comment put you in a draw to win another $50 prize pack.)
Have a
fun time checking out the new team, and don't forget to share the New Design
Team blog link on your Facebook Page!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Design Team Introduction - Beck Caithness
We are excited to introduce our new Design Team over the course of the next few days. Please head to the blog to see the official team announcement and read to the bottom of this post to find out how you can win a share of $150 worth of celebratory prizes!
Today we welcome Beck Caithness
Hi ladies! My name is Beck, and I am super-excited to be here! Now, I have two handsome boys here with me, that I'd like you to meet... hubby Darryl and son Jacob. These guys are often the subject matter in a lot of my scrapbooking, so I thought I'd best introduce you :)
Now, just like Lisa and Lydia before me, Liz has given me a Q&A to do, so that you can get to know a bit more about me, and my crafting style. So why not grab a cuppa, and settle in for a bit... even those of you that know me might learn something new? Ok girls, here we go...
How
were you introduced to papercrafting?
I started scrapbooking in earnest after my hubby and
I had our first proper holiday in Australia, back in late 2000. While we were away I kept all of our ticket
stubs, receipts, brochures and souvenirs, and took HEAPS of photos (and they
weren’t digital ones back then either!).
I found a cute little album and some travel papers and stickers in a
craft shop in Maroochydore… and once we got home, the obsession began!
Now, back then, there just wasn’t the amazing range of choice
that we have today, so of course the obsession is a bit harder to control
nowadays! (and hence the reason why our
spare bedroom is now my craft room, thanks honey).
What
type of papercrafts do you enjoy?
I like to have a go at most things, to be
honest. I prefer to do 12x12” layouts,
and the occasional card, but I have done a few Kaisercraft Beyond The Page
items too…
One of my favourites is this
Advent Calendar. I wanted it to be
Christmassy, but not in the traditional red and green way. It had to be more ‘ME’. So, of course, it's pink and green and
sparkly with disco balls and lights! Our family is one of those families that covers the house with lights each Christmas, so my Advent Calendar HAD to have lights! Each year we try to take a new photo to display in it...
What inspires you for layouts, projects, cards?
I take inspiration from all sorts of things…I love
to sit down with a cup of tea and a craft mag, I love to surf the net for
inspiration, and sometimes, well... sometimes the ideas just pop into my head… To be honest, some of my best crafting mojo
comes when I am immersed in a crafting atmosphere, like at crop days or scrap camps. I think it is the relaxed atmosphere that
does it.
What
is your favourite craft brand and why?
Prima, Prima, Prima!
(Whoops, was that enthusiastic enough for you?!) I just LOVE their use of colour, texture and
style. They always produce top quality
products that co-ordinate beautifully, and make crafting so easy. They kind-of scrap themselves!
Here’s a layout I completed for my Design Team audition, using Prima products. The boy in the photo is my son Jacob (taken a few years ago), and he’s sitting with my maternal grandparents (his great-grandparents), both of whom are still with us today. I love the fact that he has such a special bond with them. Not everyone has great-grandparents to spend time with, so he is a very lucky boy.
Well, my Cropper Hopper always contains black and brown Staz-On
ink, an aqua-brush, my Fiskars snips, glue, double-sided tape, and double-sided
foam, at the very least. When I am scrapping
at home, I use my sewing machine and my Silhouette Cameo (electronic die
cutting machine) all the time on my pages.
What
is your current favourite technique or embellishment?
For me, I can’t go past sewing on a page or card…
yes, SEWING! It adds a layer of
embellishment without being too bulky or intrusive, and it’s something that not
everyone does. Don’t be scared of sewing
on a page… it doesn't hurt, I promise! And let's be honest, if you mess it up, it's really only cost you the price of a piece of paper, so be brave and give it a try!!! (You can blame me if it doesn't work... I have broad shoulders)
What
do you hope to try or improve on this year?
Yikes, this is a tough question! Hmm, let me think... I intend to scrap a bit more, blog a LOT more, and make a few more scrapbooking and papercrafting friends. That should be do-able, right? :)
Yikes, this is a tough question! Hmm, let me think... I intend to scrap a bit more, blog a LOT more, and make a few more scrapbooking and papercrafting friends. That should be do-able, right? :)
What
advice can you give to people just beginning to enjoy papercrafting?
Give
it a go, keep it up, just do it!
I find
that beginners can be put off by crop days where people are there with bags and
bags of product and equipment, and they all seem to know each other
already. I have heard people say more
than once ‘I’m not good enough to come to a crop day’. My answer to that? “RUBBISH!”
The honest truth is that we were all beginners once, and the only reason
we know each other is because we are there, doing it! Scrappers are great people – a really friendly
bunch, always happy to lend a hand (or some piece of fandangled equipment)
should the need arise. If you like the
idea of paper crafting, you are bound to LOVE the reality. Give it a go. Come and say hi, I’d love to
meet you.
Well, I look forward to spending the next year with you and all of the other talented ladies that make up the Artfull Crafts team. Catch you again soon, Becks :)
Well, I look forward to spending the next year with you and all of the other talented ladies that make up the Artfull Crafts team. Catch you again soon, Becks :)
HOW TO WIN PRIZES!!
All competitions below close on midnight Saturday 24th August.
- Head to our Gallery, scroll along the hallway, click on the portraits and welcome the girls. Comment on any projects that you LOVE! (Each comment puts you in a draw to win a $50 prize pack).
- Follow the Artfull Crafts Blog and follow the girls on their personal blogs. Leave us a message (on Facebook or email) letting us know you've started following, and we'll put you in a draw to win a $20 gift voucher).
- Answer the 3 questions below on our Facebook Page or as a comment in the original blog announcement to go in the draw a $30 prize pack.
2) Name someone who was on last year's team, who is staying on for another year.
3) Name the person whose style most closely matches yours.
- Finally, head to Saturday's blogpost and say goodbye to the team we are farewelling. (Each comment put you in a draw to win another $50 prize pack.)
Have a fun time checking out the new team, and don't forget to share the New Design Team blog link on your Facebook Page!
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