Home Sweet Home ...

Hello friends.  I'm feeling a little sad.  My daughter found a teaching job in Colorado and will be moving mid July and getting her first apartment, her own little home sweet home.  I am going to miss her so much.  But that's the way it works .... they grow up and move away.  I have been praying for God's will to be done in her life, which is hard because I couldn't help but selfishly hope that His answer would be that she couldn't find a job there and might have to stay in TX with us.   She will be teaching a 5th grade class and she is so excited, making plans for the move and for her class room.  These kids will be so blessed to have her as a teacher.  It will be a long trip to move her.  But it will be fun to go with her and help her get settled in her new apartment.

On a happier note ....

Today  I'm sharing another DT for The Cutting Cafe.  The theme this week is houses.  We got to choose between using "House Shaped Card" cutting file or the "Welcome Home" printable stamp set.  I went with paper piecing again.   I was dying to use my new 6 x 6 paper pad by My Mind's Eye (In Bloom) that I had picked up at Michaels.

There will be lots of inspiration using these files over on the TCC Blog tomorrow.  She usually gets the post up by late afternoon.  You can check it out HERE.

Paper Piecing Info

I used the PDF printable stamp set files for this project.  Several images come on 1 PDF page, but I only needed to use a single image on a page.  I followed Regina's instructions found HERE, on how to select and print just one image on a PDF page.

1. Print the image as a draft. The image will be positioned in the center of the page.

2. Trim a piece of patterned paper a size that will cover the image ... making it longer than needed.

3.  Lay the patterned paper over the draft image with the excess over the top of the image.

4.  Run light tack tape along the top of the patterned paper to secure it in place and keep any corners or edges from jamming up your printer.

5. Print and then remove the patterned paper.  Use the same draft and do it again with a new piece of patterned paper.

I ended up printing mine out on 3 pieces of pattern paper, white (to use as a base ... something to glue the pieces to), and cream (used inside windows).

To decided how to cut .... look at the image in sections.  This one has more detail than I usually deal with.  Begin by piecing the windows and doors.  

Door / Stairs : Trim the yellow door leaving excess along the bottom to glue the stairs to.  Set it aside. Windows : Trim the pink for the window on the roof first, leaving extra paper around the edges to glue the trim to.  Cut the actual window from yellow patterned paper then trim out the panes and adhere it to cream cardstock.  Adhere this to the first piece.  Do the same for the other windows.

House base : Trim pink side of the house and chimney out.  Trim the grey roof flush to all sides.  Trim the scalloped eave with extra paper left along the top so you can adhere it under the edge of the roof.

Now just adhere the roof over the pink house, then add the windows and door.  Don't forget about the trim for the chimney.

Hope you are having a fabulous week!!

Melisa

Moxie Fab Trigger Tuesday Challenge

Hello friends.  Hope you are having a fabulous Saturday.  Today I am sharing a shabby chic styled card inspired by this weeks Moxie Fab Trigger Tuesday Challenge.

I was also inspired by a couple of other challenges posted this week.

I hope you get a chance to do some crafting this weekend as well!

hugs, Melisa

You can check out all of my Gina K. Designs Projects HERE.

*********************************************

Stamps : Gina K. Designs "Dogwood and Butterfly" and Studio G (faux washi tape image)

Patterned Paper : Sweetly Smitten (6 x 6 paper pad ) by Sassafrass Lass

Die : Cheery Lynn Designs (doily)

Embossing folders : Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots, The Paper Studio - Quarterfoil

Lace trim - Joann's Fabrics

Ink : Momento "Angel Pink"

Copic Markers : Y0000, Y00, Y11

Bundle of Joy Layout for The Cutting Cafe

Good Morning friends.  Today I am sharing a layout designed using digital stamps / digital cut files by The Cutting Cafe.  Babies are the theme this week so you can hop over to the 

TCC Blog later today for more inspiration.  

The main focus of the assignment was to use one of the TCC baby bottle shaped cards / treat boxes or the diaper shaped card.  I used the baby bottle shape plus digital stamp images from "All About Babies" to create paper embellishments for my layout.  I also used a couple of dies by Cottage Cuts (Baby Buttons Mini and Diaper Pins Mini ) on the banner.

You can check out the digital files here :

Baby Bottle Shaped Card

Baby Bottle Treat Box

Diaper Shaped Card / Invite

"All About Babies" Digital Stamp Set

I used the PDF files for this project to create my paper piecing's.  Several images come on 1 PDF page, but I only needed to use a single image on a page.  I followed Regina's instructions found HERE.  Scroll down til you see the section for printing just one image.  My printer settings also allow me to re-size and image as well.  The only images I re-sized are the stars on each end of the banner (60%) and the words miracle / baby boy (75%).  After I click the printer setting on the PDF page my printer box comes up.  My printer gives me the option to change settings.  For my printer I went to "properties", then "advanced", then "page layout".  This is where I am able to reduce the size it will print.  

I always print the image as a draft first.  I cut my patterned paper to fit over the image and secure it with some light tack tape.  I switch the setting to print a better quality and print.  I repeat the process for each patterned paper I need for the particular image I'm paper piecing.   For example : I printed the boat on white cardstock, blue, and yellow patterned paper.  I trimmed out the outline of the entire image from the white so I would have a base to adhere the other section to.  I trimmed other pieces and adhere to the base.  I used pop dots for the sails and star at the top.  

Hope you are having a fabulous week so far!!
Melisa

******************************************************************

CHALLENGES

Frosted Designs - punches (scalloped border)
Scrap It Girl - dies (photo mat, buttons and small diaper pin on banner)

Created With Love - Anything Goes

Paper Playtime - use at least 2 ribbon / fibers (banner and across the layout)
The Crazy Challenge - Use sentiments (sentiments were printed on baby bottle and on banner flags)

KEEP CALM and .....

Hello friends.  Today The Cutting Cafe DT is creating with some "Keep Calm" digital / cutting files.  My card  was pretty simple, so I added a little lace to step it up a bit.  You can check out all the DT projects over on The Cutting Cafe blog HERE  LATER TODAY.  The file I used for my project is "Keep Calm and Have a Great Birthday" .  There is also a "Keep Calm" shaped card as well HERE .  And you can check out "Keep Calm and Reach for the Stars" HERE. 

I did change it up a bit.  If you check out the original file you will see that the "have a great birthday" sentiment is actually with in the borders of the image.  Here is a step by step of how I re-sized my images and created my little banner :

1. Open the Keep Calm jpeg file in paint.  

2.  Decrease the viewing size by clicking  "Image", "Resize/Skew", and decrease to 50%.  I did this so I could see the entire page on my screen.  It does not change the size of your images, just the way you view them.

3. Use the select tool (dotted box) to frame the individual image.  Drag the box as close as you can around the "keep calm and have a great birthday" image.  This will be helpful with re-sizing later.

4. Then click on the "Image" tab along the top and click on "crop".  This will eliminate all the other images and allow you to save just the one as an individual jpeg.  Save it.  It doesn't matter what size it is at this point.

5. Use the select tool (dotted box) again.  Drag the box as close as you can to the sentiment "have a great birthday", click on the "Image" tab along the top and click on "crop".  Save this image as well.

After you are done close out the program.  It will ask if you want to save, MAKE SURE select NO because you don't want to alter your original file.

Next I want to RE-SIZE AND PRINT my images.  I opened up a document (you can use Microsoft Works - that's what I have, or Word).

1.  Insert the images into a document.  I drag and drop mine.  The image will be HUGE in your document.

 2.  After I have all the images in the document I can play around and decide the sizes I want before printing.  You can drag a corner and decrease the size.  You can use the ruler along the top of your document as a guide, or to be more precise, select to format.  To re-size using format object : Right click on the image, click "format object", click "size" and then enter the measurements you want.  Mine was 3.53 x 3.  Remember that includes the area around the image as well.  Mine was cropped very close to the image.  The sentiment was 0.5 x 3.

3. Print.

Hope you enjoy all the inspiring projects the DT shares today!!

Melisa

GOT COFFEE??

Hello friends.  Boy this week really gotten away from me.  I'm excited to share that I'm going on a scrapbook retreat with one of my best girlfriends, Melayne at the end of the week ( thur - sun ) !!!  So excited about that.  I haven't even started packing though.  I'm hoping to work on painting some gingerbread ornaments, as well as create tons of Christmas and birthday cards.  I also have a really fun card set / holder project that I will making for Christmas gifts this year as well.  I'm hoping that will keep me busy enough.  In the past I have really over packed.  But sometimes you just don't know what you will need.  So after work tomorrow the mad dash to pack with begin.

I was so excited about this week's theme over at The Cutting Cafe because it's all about coffee!!   I have a layout started, but didn't quite get it finished.  My daughter and her boyfriend are crazy about coffee and the images from "Got Coffee" were so perfect.  I will have to share that one later.  For the project I'm sharing today I used a cutting / PDF file called  "Coffee Cup Shaped Card".  It includes an optional gift card pocket for the inside of the card as well.  The Cutting Cafe also has a really cool "Coffee Cup Holder"as well.  I'm sure some of the girls will be sharing some great inspiration using all three of these files over on the DT Blog for our Wednesday DT reveal.  THE POST DOESN'T USUALLY GO LIVE TIL WED AFTERNOON.   Regina is so generous and every week she does a random drawing for all those who leave comments so you definitely want to check it out.

I found the perfect shabby chic paper pad to use with this one, DCWV "The Primrose".

Hope you are inspired to create your own coffee inspired project.  If you do, link me up so I can check it out!

Have a fabulous week!

hugs, 

Melisa

Baby Shower Gift Set and Banner

Hello friends.  I know it is really such a little thing in life, but I'm a little sad because our Neighborhood Association says I have to get rid of my bird bath and possible my bird feeder (gotta give them a call about that one, not sure if it's the bird feeder or the bird feeder stand they have a problem with) in my front yard.  Both are partially hidden behind the shrubs just outside my studio window and I love seeing my little bird friends stop by to visit.  : (   What's the world coming to if you can't have a bird feeder in your front yard!  teehee.   

Has anyone been watching The Voice or Survivor???  Who are your favorites.  I don't watch a lot of tv but I do enjoy the talent oriented shows.  And yes it does take a lot of talent to be on Survivor, teehee.  I'm really upset Malcolm got voted off.  And I honestly love everyone who is left except Sherry.  

How do you even pick a winner for The Voice??   Soooooo many talented singers.  I have to say I just LOVE geek Michelle and I did take time to vote for her this week.  So glad Usher slowed her down a little and showcased that she can sing well!  I'm pulling for 16 yr old Danielle on Blake's team.  I'm having a problem picking a fav on Adam's team.  I think Amber and Judith are the best.  AND WOW!!! Shakira has the BEST team in my opinion!!   I'd have to go with Sasha or Chris if I had to choose.  Will see who stays tonight!!

Well I guess I should share a little about tonight's post, teehee!  I made this set last year and hadn't got around to posting it yet.  I LOVE Pink Persimmon's "Baby Clothesline" and "Baby Greetings" so I decided to create a little shower set.

Check out all Pink Persimmons stamp images HERE.

I also LOVE their banner sets.   They make creating your own banner really easy!

Here are a few other projects I have created using "Baby Clothesline"

Have a great night!!  I'm off to get ready for bed.  I have to be up at 4am, grrrr!  But so very thankful to have a job!

Melisa

***************************************************

Project Details

Card

Stamps : Pink Persimmon “Baby Clothesline” and “Baby Greetings”

Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

Ink : SU “Bashful Blue”, Momento “Tuxedo Black”

Patterned Paper : Deja Views “Sharon Ann Baby Collection”

Embossing Folder : Cuttlebug                 Markers : Copic

Die : Spellbinders Nestabilities “Classic Scalloped Rectangels SM”

Flower : Recollections           Deckled Scissors : Fiskars

Adhere card front to back side of brown cardstock and trim around edges with deckled scissors.  Trim patterned paper.  Cut scalloped rectangle from brown cardstock.  Trim white cardstock, emboss, and adhere to scalloped rectangle.  Adhere panel to patterned paper then wrap with tuelle.  Adhere panel to card front.  Add flower.  Stamp sentiment and hand cut into a flag.  Adhere to yellow cardstock and trim.  Stamp bear, color with markers and trim.  Stamp script background in blue ink and use with yellow cardstock to paper piece outfit.  Color trim on outfit with brown marker.  Adhere outfit, bear, and banner to card front.  

Gift Bag

Stamps : Pink Persimmon “Baby Clothesline”, “Ric Rac Circle”, and “Little Cuties”

Ink : SU “Bashful Blue”, Tsukineko “Brilliance Pearlescent Brown“, Tsukineko “VersaFine Onyx Black”  

Pearl : Martha Stewart    

Stamp ric rac circle with blue ink and trim.  Stamp ducks inside ric rac circle and on yellow cardstock in brown ink.  Trim yellow duck bodies from yellow cardstock and adhere.  Color bow with blue marker.  Stamp sentiment.  Stamp brown ink on yellow cardstock, trim, and embellish with blue pearl.  Adhere tuelle and star.

Banner

Stamps : Pink Persimmon “Big Banner with Rosettes”, “Baby Clothesline”, “Little Cuties”,  and ATC Backgrounds -“Springtime” “ Fairy Tale”, and “Spelling Bee“  

Ink : SU “Bashful Blue”, Tsukineko “Brilliance Pearlescent Brown“

Yellow cardstock : unknown       Pearl : Martha Stewart

Markers : Copic    

Chipboard Letters : Paper Studio

Stamp gingham pattern with brown ink on white cardstock.  Stamp flag image twice for each flag.  Once on white cardstock, and once over the brown gingham pattern.  Trim flags from white cardstock around the scalloped edges.  Trim along stitch line around each gingham flag and adhere to white flags. Stamp rosette with blue ink on white cardstock x 4 and trim.  Stamp star image on yellow cardstock, trim, layer onto rosette and adhere both to bottom of each flag.  Add blue pearls.   Punch holes in corners of each flag and slide onto yellow tuelle.   Paint chipboard letters yellow and adhere to flags.  Stamp ATC backgrounds with blue ink on white cardstock.  Stamp sleeper image over blue polka dot pattern, trim and color trim with brown marker.  Stamp onsie image over blue word pattern, trim and color trim with brown marker.  Stamp outfit over script background and on yellow cardstock.  Paper piece outfit together and color trim with brown marker.  Embellish banner with baby clothes.

OH SNAP!

Hello friends.  Camera's are a huge trend in paper crafting right now and I LOVE it.

So today I'm excited to share with you my first project as a member of The Cutting Cafe DT!  I used one of the sets released by TCC in March, "POLAROID AND CAMERA FUN TEMPLATE AND PRINTABLE SET". 

The Cutting Cafe offers digital cutting files / stamp sets.  You do not have to have a cutting machine to create all the fun projects.  They come in PDF for as well.  You can read more about them HERE.  Regina also has wonderful how to / tips and info HERE you will want to read over before purchasing as well. 

Starting 2013 some of the sets include JPEG files as well, which makes re-sizing soooo easy!!  On this layout I enlarged the camera, film strip, polaroid photo, and "Oh Snap" so I could use them on a layout.  I have not had good luck re-sizing images from the PDF's.  I loose some of the resolution.  Of course this could be user error, teehee

THIS set is sooo cool.  You will not only receive the files she shows you on the link I provided ... but it comes with patterns to create CAMERA SHAPED CARDS as well!

LOVIN' the Camera craze??  Well then you will also want to check out the 

"CAMERA'S EVERYWHERE BACKGROUND PRINTABLE SET" !!  And check out ALL the Camera options HERE.

HERE is the blog post that showcases the set with lots of inspiration from the DT.

You can check out inspirational projects using The Cutting Cafe files every Wednesday over on their blog HERE.

Hope you enjoyed today's post!

Melisa

**************************************************************************************

Challenges

As soon as I saw this challenge I knew which TCC files I would be using this week!

The Paper Secrets challenge is a sketch + use of a polaroid!  

The deadline for playing along is May 14th.

************************************************************************************

Project Details

Patterned Paper and embellishments : Basic Grey "Hey Boy" (patterned paper), Fact or Fiction  "Fabric Flowers", Hey You "Toothpick Flags", and Hey Boy "Die Cuts and Transperancy's"
Stamp images : Hero Arts - Basic Grey "Lucille Be Silly" and "Guest Check".

So in case you are new to working with digital images I'm going to share my process.  I'm sure there are other ways this can be done as well.  

The first thing I wanted to do was CROP OUT INDIVIDUAL IMAGES and save them as individual files so I could re-size them individually.  I'm sure there are lots of different photo programs that allow you do do that.  I use the "Paint" program that came with my Windows Vista computer years ago because that's what I'm familiar with and I can do it quickly.

1. Open the jpeg digi stamp page in Paint.
2.  I decreased the viewing size by selecting Image, Resize/Skew, and decreased to 50%. I did this so I could see the entire page on my screen.  It does not change the size of your images, just the way you view them.
3. Use the select tool (dotted box) to frame the individual image. Crop in as close as you can.  This will be helpfull with re-sizing later.
4. Then select Image and crop.  This will eliminate all the other images and allow you to save just the one as an individual jpeg.  Save it.  It doesn't matter what size it is at this point.
5. After you are done with the first image click edit and undo.  Now do the same thing with any other images you want to use.

After you are done close out the program.  It will ask if you want to save, MAKE SURE select NO because you don't want to alter your original file.

Next I want to RE-SIZE AND PRINT my images.  I opened up a document (you can use Microsoft Works - that's what I have, or Word).

1.  Insert the images into a document.  I drag and drop mine.  The image will be HUGE in your document.
2. Grab and drag a corner and decrease the size.  
3.  After I have all the images in the document I can play around and decide the sizes I want before printing.  You can use the ruler along the top of your document as a guide, or to be more precise, select format.  To re-size using format object : Right click on the image, select format object, select size and resize.
4. Print.

PAPER PIECING

1. Print images in draft form.
2. Trim the correct size patterned paper you need and tape it over the image.  I tape mine all the way across the top so that none of the edges get caught.  Make sure you don't put the tape over the image and leave plenty of room so you will get the whole image if the printer is a little off when you reprint.
3. Load the paper and print.

I'm sure there are easier ways to do it.  This is the way I learned to do it with out having to purchase additional programs.

Mixed Media Background Tutorial "Vasoline Resist"

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

Good morning friends.  Today I have some ATC background idea's for you and a tutorial to share with you, "Vasoline Resist".  I did the technique on an ATC, but it could be used on canvas or in an art journal as well.  First I'm going to share with you my other March ATC's.

All your backgrounds don't have to be technique oriented.  Below I have created a couple of backgrounds with pre-made digital ATC's.  And on the last one, I scanned a photo of my great grand mother and father.

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

For this ATC I was inspired by Stephanie  Ackerman's grungy HEart style and how she used numbers on one of hers ATC's. The initial background was from a while back. Sometimes I like to sit and play and just create backgrounds that I can use in the future. So I was having a hard time remembering the technique, but it looks like the same  vasoline resist technique I'm sharing with you today. 

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

This one was a lot easier that it looks.  Did you know there are digital ATC backgrounds?? This particular one is by Cemerony at Etsy.  I printed the background and simply stamped the bird, bird cage, and feather (Gina K. Designs - Vintage Chic) with my most favorite brown pigment ink I have ever used - Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate by Tsukineko.  The edges are inked as well.  I created a paper party streamer ruffle and adhered it under the edge of the background then wrapped with ribbon.

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

This is another printed ATC background.  Not sure where I got this one ... but here is another one I have orders from - Sabrina.   The pair was created by stamping on water color paper and stippline on ink to create the texture.  I also rubbed some brown ink around the edges to add some depth.  

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

On this ATC I started with a scanned photo of my great grand parents.  I was inspired by the use of an old black and white photo Stephanie used in her 52 Card Pick Up class.  I printed in black and white and then added chalk (Pebbles Inc) to certain area's.  

******************************************************************************

VASOLINE RESIST TUTORIAL

I actually did this with 2 different cards so I will share the step by step with both.  Depending on how you apply the vasoline you can get a slightly different look every time.

BACKGROUND #1

I started with an ATC size piece of dictionary paper.  I did not have vasoline, so I decided to try another form of waxy medium.  I used Carmex on one set and Chapstick on the other.  Randomly apply your waxy medium which will work as a resist to the acrylic paint.  Coat card with blue acrylic paint and then wipe off with a paper towel.  

After the paint is completely dried repeat the process with green paint.

I decided I wanted more aqua so I repeated the process again with more blue.  All the layers make a great distressed looking background.

Here is the second set :

You can use some sand paper after it is completely dry if you want to distress it a little more.

After I got the distressed look I wanted I rolled on some pink ink using a script pattern with my Rollagraph (Clear Snap).   I used the Jumbo "Say What" Pattern.  I love how you can roll a tiny amount of the image by picking the wheel up quickly.  Creates a random pattern.

I don't use the ink that you can put in the wheel.  I just roll mine across one of my ink pads.  

Next I splattered on watered down pink acrylic paint.  The polka dot washi tape is form Michaels.

I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial and are inspired to give it a try!  I would love to see what you come up with.  


You can check out more of my Mixed Media Background Tutorial HERE.

You can check out more of my ATC's HERE.
You can check out all my Mixed Media Projects HERE.


Thanks for stopping by today!!
hugs, Melisa

Gina K. Designs "Close-knit Friends" and "Retro Boutique"

Hello friends!  I'm doing 2 post for today.  I'm trying to get back into crafting and blogging on a regular basis now that my mom is doing better.  Right now I'm working on some magazine calls and then I will switch back to blogging more.  So many idea's, so little hours in the day!  The first post was so personal, that I wanted to split them up because I have more cards to share with you.  I love this set!!!  Isn't the sentiment so clever???   I paper pieced the image for this one.  I liked the color combination of the kraft, black and orange so much that I decided to see what else I could create using them. 

Do any of you have a cutting machine??  Which one do you think is better????

I paper pieced the dress on this one.  I used my black oil pastel around the circles to make them pop.

What do you think about this color combo??  I hope you are inspired to give it a try and as always ... if you are, let me know so I can check out your project!

Hope your day is filled with sunshine and joy!

hugs,

Melisa

You can check out all of my Gina K. Designs Projects HERE.

********************************************************

Project Details

Card #1

Stamps : Gina K. Designs  “Close-Knit Friends”

Patterned Paper : My Mind’s Eye

Cream and Kraft Cardstock : Papertrey Ink

Markers : Copic YR68, YR07, E31, E55

Ink : Momento “Tangelo”

Stitch cream panel to kraft panel and adhere to card front.  Trim

strip of patterned paper with deckled scissors, scrunch and

zig-zag stitch.  Adhere to card front.  Stamp yarn / basking on

cream and kraft cardstock.  Color, trim and paper piece yarn / basket.  Adhere to card front.  Stamp sentiment.  Embellish with buttons.

Card #2

Stamps : Gina K. Designs “”Retro Boutique”

Patterned paper : My Mind’s Eye

Cream and Kraft Cardstock : Papertrey Ink

Circle Punches : EK Success and Paper Shapers

Oil Pastels : Crayola

Trim kraft panel, stitch around edges, and ink edges.  Punch circles

from patterned paper, ink and doodle around edges, and lay out on

kraft cardstock panel.  Lightly trace around edges of circles with pencil

and then set circles to the side.  Apply black oil pastel around penciled

outlines and rub / blend with fingers.  Adhere patterned paper circles

to card front.  Adhere kraft panel to cream card front.  Stamp dress on

kraft cardstock and patterned paper.  Color belt / trim black, trim, and

then paper piece dress.  Adhere to card front.  Stamp sentiment.