BC Designs

Festive Friday Blog Hop #3

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Festive Friday Blog Hop! We will post Christmas Cards (or other Holiday projects) every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month EXCEPT December. Use the link on my side bar or directly below:

This was created with scraps of fabric, a little bit of sewing and finished with a bow!
The card base is sturdy card stock. Quick and easy, no patterns needed: HAVE FUN, I hope you'll give it a try. If you do, I'd love to see what you can make with non-traditional colors and patterns. Share here :o)

Thanks for hopping! You should have come from Carol Berns Blog and now you're off to Amanda Marks Blog. Use the hop image below to follow them all, if you get lost, you can start over with Terri Sproul.

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Robin's Nest: ALL GIRL Scrapbook Page

2012-02-07T00:00:00.002-05:00

ROBIN'S NEST SUPPLIES:
Glitter Pink on Gold Daisies: Daisy Gold / Daisy Stripe Gold paper,
Pink Coral Mini Dews

Other Supplies:
Light and bright pink card stock scraps
Makins Clay: brown, white, red
Art Foil: Copper
Flower Punches (2 sizes), Heart Punch (1")
Manilla tag, Pink embroidery thread
Flourish stamps (Mine :o)
Floral Frenzy Rollograph Stamp by Clearsnap
Brown and bright pink ribbon
Eco-ArtBoard 1 3/4" squares (3)
Brown and bright pink ink pad
Cricut Plantin Schoolbook font
The Best Glue Ever! ScraPerfect

1. Use a circle template to cut 11" half circle, ink edges and adhere to the background paper. Ink edges of background paper. The Glitter Pink on Gold Daisies paper is striped on the back side which was used for the circle. Adhere the ribbon where the half circle ends.

2. Mix the red and white clay together in equal parts to make a nice deep pink, roll to slightly larger than 1/8 thick. Ultimate Clay Machine setting #4. Roll the Floral Frenzy stamp over the clay, pushing to create an impression. Create 3 complete blocks. Let dry. Rub bright pink ink pad over the high spots and let dry completely, cut into squares. Use the excess clay to punch small hearts (7 needed). Ink the hearts with bright pink ink pad.

3. Ink 3 pieces of Eco-ArtBoard with brown ink, heat set to dry completely. Apply The Best Glue Ever! free-hand in a floral motif that mimics the flowers on the background paper, let dry until completely clear and tacky. Apply copper Art Foil. Layer large and small flower punches in light and dark pink card stock, glue Pink Coral Mini Dews to the centers. Arrange the Eco-ArtBoard squares and stamped clay squares to create a border as shown.

4. Stamp pink card stock with bright pink ink pad and flourish stamps. Cut out the title and hand cut random large hearts approx 2" and slightly smaller to create the large flower shown. Bend and crinkle the petals for dimension, ink edges with brown and glue into place. Add the layer of clay hearts, adhere punchies to the center and embellish with Pink Coral Mini Dews.

5. Attach the photo using glue on the sides and bottom only to create the pocket for the journaling tag. Ink edges of the tag with brown ink, embellish with punched clay hearts as shown. Embellish the centers of the daisies on the background paper with Pink Coral Mini Dews.

Thank you for stopping by the BCDesigns Blog, please visit the Chattering Robins blog for many great project ideas and inspiration.

Cheers!
Becky

Designer Crafts Connection: CHA Reports

2012-02-05T19:50:00.021-05:00

Welcome to the Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop!
We are a group of Designers banned together for themed postings for hopping on the first Monday of each month. This month, we are reporting on the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Winter Show held last week in Anaheim, CA.

I am a CHA Designer member. If you would like to join this very supportive organization as a Designer too, PLEASE tell them I sent you! Member #310274, if you need help or have questions, please feel free to email me anytime.

You can follow this hop using the DCC hop button on my left border or at the end of this post.

There is SO MUCH to see and do at the CHA Show in what seems to be a short amount of time, it goes by so quickly! Artful creations everywhere on display, new product releases, events, promotions, seminars, and workshops. Enjoy the eye candy!

I am a paper addict, so that is where I'll begin :o) Here are some of my favorite new paper lines that really caught my eye on the show floor. (information is below each photo, click the image for a larger view)

Two by Authentique!

Completely glitter covered card stock by American Crafts.

Bo Bunny had many great new lines, here's my favorite next to DCWV's Lace & Linen.

Loving these pseudo solids by Double Dot!

TRENDS:

12x12 papers with die cut motif borders and FABRIC scrapbook papers.

Home decor and wall art product lines that match scrapbooking supplies, The Paper House had the most amazing artwork and sets.

MORE OF MY FAVORITE PICKS

Dimensional Flourish stickers by Momenta!

OTHER FUN STUFF TO SEE AT THE SHOW:
The booth displays are beyond beautiful, there is actually an award given to the best booth display!

DCWV won the booth display award! Gorgeous trees, shaped hedges and birds perched and in flight adorned their entire booth, all created with paper and luscious beads!
Blue Moon Beads and DCWV have merged. Design Originals celebrated their new releases by serving champagne to show-goers one evening before closing the floor. Thank you Design Originals!

And for you Ranger Ink fanatics, here is a look at their new releases:

One of the BEST things about the CHA Show is meeting up with your online friends and manufacturers that you love.

I met the Purple Cow!

Designer friend, Terri Sproul at the Sakura booth all smiles with her new line of Terri Sproul's Metallic Mixers! I just LOVE seeing my Lily Art on the wall behind her.

My Designer Showcase Display: Simple, bold and informative.

Deja Vu! When I checked into my hotel and saw this behind the registration desk, I felt so hip and trendy! It's much like the layout of my Designer Display boards :o)

Lastly, but certainly NOT least, I need to shout out a big THANK YOU to ilovetocreate.com for their "over the top" generous support of CHA Designers. They provided "emergency" kits to Designers participating in the Designer Showcase, a huge 2 day event, just LOOK at the generosity and thoughtfulness!

Thank you for stopping by the BCDesigns blog, please continue hopping to see what the other designers have to share of their experience at the CHA Show.

Cheers!
Becky

SAKURA: Fun Jewelry

2012-02-03T00:00:00.003-05:00

Woohoo! Back from CHA! Today, I've created some fun jewelry pieces with a few of the NEW Sakura products. I'm loving the new bales, findings and chains.

WILD CAT PENDANT NECKLACE:

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Silver-tone Heart Bale
Silver Plated Ball Chain Necklace
Rectangular High Quality Glass Pendant
3D Crystal Lacquer -Clear

Other supplies: Postage stamp

Directions: Apply a thin coat of 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer to the back side of the Rectangular High Quality Glass Pendant and place on top of the image on the postage stamp. Let dry completely and trim. Brush a thin coat of 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer along the back side of the paper to seal it, let dry. Use a small drop of 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer to attach the Silver-tone Heart Bale to the front of the Rectangular High Quality Glass Pendant. Viola!

CUFF BRACELET

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Antique Brass and Copper SteamPunk elements : Jewelry Findings

Other supplies:
Duck Tape: gold metallic, cheetah, black
Black Velcro

Directions: Start with a strip of black Duck Tape, then add strips and triangles of gold metallic and edge with the cheetah. Assemble and affix the Antique Brass and Copper SteamPunk Jewelry Findings. Finish with black Duck Tape on the inside to cover the mini brads from the embellishments. Affix Velcro to the ends.

Thank you for stopping by the BC Designs Blog! Please stop by the Sakura Hobby Crafts blog for more project ideas and inspiration!

Craft on!
Becky

Festive Friday Blog Hop #2

2012-01-27T00:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the Festive Friday Blog Hop! We will post Christmas Cards (or other Holiday projects) every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month EXCEPT December. Use the link on my side bar or directly below:

I usually create cards from my scraps bucket, there is a treasure of good salvage in there that I hate to waste :o)

I spied this scrap of paper by Grant Studios and thought the bird would fit well as a partridge in my tree. The tree is from the "Joys of the Season" Cricut cartridge. I cut one small bird and placed in the tree. The card is embellished with red and gold glitter, accented with a small pink gift and bow. Viola!

Thanks for hopping! You should have come from Carol Berns Blog and now you're off to Amanda Marks Blog. Use the hop image below to follow them all, if you get lost, you can start over with Terri Sproul.

CHA: Tooting Horns

2012-01-26T10:35:00.003-05:00

I'm very excited, (and flattered) that the amazing Terri Sproul used two of my projects on her Mixer Promo Sign for her new line of Sakura Products! The Genie Bottle and the set of 3 charms are mine! woohoo! :o)

DOUBLE TOOTS!!

Please visit my Designer Showcase TABLE #5 while at CHA.

Monday, January 30, 2012

10am-6pm - Showcase Viewing for CHA Attendees (Includes: Retailers, Editors, Publishers and Manufacturers) - Designers not present

6pm - 8pm - Designer Spotlight Event - Meet and Greet PLUS Showcase (Viewing for all registered CHA Attendees) - Designers present

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

10am-6pm - Showcase Viewing for CHA Attendees (Includes: Retailers, Editors, Publishers and Manufacturers) - Designers not present

Stop by CHA Booth #844 to visit with Terri and see all of the glorious Metallic Terri Sproul Mixers (powder pigments).

Craft on!
Becky

CHA BOUND: IMP PROJECT

2012-01-24T11:40:00.004-05:00

It's crunch time! Designer, manufacturers and retailers alike are in the last stretch before the big CHA Winter 2012 Show in Anaheim, CA. Everyone is scrambling to finish the details before the big show, there are many exciting promotions and events at the show.

Stop by the Independent Manufacturing Partners (IMP) Booth #968 to see the many amazing projects designers will be sharing combining product from these companies! There will be 12 CHA Designers who have created projects using these products, the projects are on display in the booth as well as having a designer present for demonstrations of techniques used while creating their masterpieces.

I will be there and will be updating the blog during the show, as well as having my regular Festive Friday post on Friday Jan 27th and a Sakura post on Friday Feb 3rd.

Craft on!
Becky

Sakura: Clay Jewelry

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

WELCOME to my Sakura project.

This week I created a necklace from clay and blinged it with Sakura's new line: Terri Sprouls Mixers: awesome metallic pigments.

SAKURA PRODUCTS USED:
3D Clear Crystal Lacquer
Ball Chain-gold tone
Terri Sproul Mixer Mica Powder: Gold & Bronze Satin

Other materials:
Makins Clay
Mono-filament 8lb clear

I cut the shapes from clay, let them dry and then painted with 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer mixed with Terri Sproul Mixer Mica Powder: Gold & Bronze Satin while they were still not assembled .

I had to sew the base pieces together with filament, then I attached the top layer of circles and stars with 3D Clear Crystal Lacquer.

Thanks for stopping by BC Designs blog, please visit the Sakura's design blog for lots of inspiration and project ideas.

Cheers!
Becky

Color Cafe: Batik Fabric from India

2012-01-19T00:00:00.002-05:00

I'm very excited to be featured on a new and fabulous site "Color Cafe" by Brenda Pinnick. She has collaborated a amazing myriad of projects featuring the creative use of COLOR created by a diverse showing of talented and creative artists and designers.

Today's Theme: International Sampler

My article features projects created with colorful Batik fabric from India.

TEEN CANVAS COLLAGE

by Becky Conley 8/07

for Princess Mirah Crafts

SUPPLIES: (listed in order of use)

Traditional Canvas (1) 12x36 and (2) 12x12” (Dick Blick Studio)

Denim colorwash spray (Ranger Industries)

Spray Webbing-Gold (Krylon)

Workable Fixative (Krylon)

Batik Self-Adhesive Fabric 12x12-4 patterns (Princess Mirah Crafts)

1/2” Scrappy Tape (Advantus Corps)

Green Batik fabric ribbon (Princess Mirah Crafts)

Kelly Green Seed Beads (Create-a-Craft)

Sewing Needle (Singer)

Sage Thread (Coats and Clark)

Over-Sized fabric Daisies and leaves (Teters/Walmart)

Arctic Ice Stickles (Ranger Industries)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Completely cover the canvas with color wash spray. Do all three at the same time. Spray with water.
Crumple 3-4 sheets of paper towel into a ball and dab excess moisture randomly to create texture and tones. Let dry.
Spray the canvas with gold webbing, let dry and then spray with workable fixative or other sealant. (Color Washes are water based and should be sealed).
Cut 12x12” batik fabrics diagonally and create a pattern as shown. Start on the right side by placing the first triangle on the top right edge of the largest canvas, peel and stick. Place the second triangle along the bottom right. Place a third triangle on the left side of the large canvas centered in relation to the two on the right. Cut one triangle in half and place half on the top left and the other half on the top right.
Here's the tricky part :o) Place the accent 12” canvas next to the large canvas and continue the “illusion” of the pattern of squares of batik as if it were full squares of fabric running over onto the next canvas. Trim the batik to the front edge of the canvas.
Place strips of super sticky adhesive (Scrappy Tape) to form stems and then accordion fold the batik ribbon over the adhesive. Trim at the edge of canvas.
Sew beads in a row on top of the stems. String beads approximately 2-3 inches then anchor the thread through the canvas.
Trim the stems on the back of the flower heads flush so they lay flat on the canvas and then sew the flowers to the canvas.
Rub the edges of the canvas randomly with stickles and pull it into the center of the canvas. Teens love bling!

Below is a "memory" Wall Art collage of my (then) newborn Grand Daughter

12x36"

A mini canvas.

"When Ryan Smiles" Board Book

"My Star" Board Book

PLEASE jump over and visit "Color Cafe" and the wonderful projects posted by many talented artist and designers. If you care to leave a comment, please tell Brenda that Becky Conley sent you! Craft on!

Robin's Nest: Mini Album

2012-01-16T23:28:00.004-05:00

Hey all you crafty peeps! This week I created a mini album with some gorgeous Robin's Nest papers. It's simple but yet so pretty when you see the gorgeous papers in person. I started with a board book from Kaiser Craft.

Robin's Nest Supplies:
Brown on Brown glitter snowflake
Glitter Daisy Honeycomb
Glitter Reindeer stripe
Belgian Chocolate Glitter
Brown on Brown Fleur
Brown Dew Drops
Brown Velvet Ribbon

First, I cut the Belgian Chocolate Glitter to the size of the cover, then painted with acrylic brown and bronze. The recessed area is filled with a heart that is a wood shape I covered with dimensional blue paint, I accented the empty areas with Brown Dew Drops and then filled in with golden mini beads.

The bindings are tied with Brown Velvet Ribbon and some brown gross grain ribbon. The overall size is 6.5 x 7".

I used many Robin's Nest papers to create pages inside.

Thank you so much for stopping by the BCDesigns blog, please visit the Chattering Robin's blog for project ideas and crafty inspiration!

Cheers!
Becky

Festive Friday Blog Hop #1

2012-01-13T00:00:00.005-05:00

Woohoo! We made it through another year, and a holiday season :o) Welcome to my very first "Festive Friday" post of 2012. This hop will post Christmas Cards (or other Holiday projects) every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month EXCEPT December. Use the link on my side bar or directly below:

This week, I've created an ornament. A very patriotic ornament that will be displayed at the Winter Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Show in Anaheim, CA Jan 27th through Feb 2nd. Many CHA Designers are participating in this "Giving Tree", all ornaments are created specifically for a charity and will be raffled off at the show.

There are NINE charities involved (listed below), this ornament is for "Operation Write Home". Being a retired Marine myself, I am always enthusiastic to contribute to various Veterans organizations.

1. Operation Write Home - www.operationwritehome.org - Supports our Nation's
Armed Forces by sending blank hand-crafted greeting cards to the troops so they
can write cards home.
2. Warm Up America Foundation - www.craftyarncouncil.com/warmup.html -
An organization made up of volunteers who create handmade afghan blankets,
clothing and accessories to help those in need. These items provide warmth and
comfort to people who have lost their homes, fled abusive relations, or are being
cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals and nursing homes.
3. Kids In Need Foundation - www.kinif.org - The mission is to ensure that every
child is prepared to learn and succeed by providing free school and art supplies
nationally to students most in need.
4. ConKerr Cancer - www.conkerrcancer.org - ConKerr Cancer donates handmade
sewn pillowcases for chronically ill children in hospitals in order to make
their stay as pleasant as possible.
5. Crops of Luv - www.cropsofluv.com - Crops of Luv is a non-profit organization
that creates scrapbook albums for children and families facing critical illnesses.
6. Charity Wings/Scrapbook Royalty - www.charitywings.org - Charity Wings
hosts and sponsors crafting events across the country in order to raise money for
worthy, charitable causes.
7. The Portable Playhouse - www.theportableplayhouse.org - provides in-hospital
beading with women and children undergoing cancer treatments.
8. Crafting For A Cure - www.craftingforacure.ca - looks for opportunities
through crafts and other means to ensure children are having a positive experience
when a hospital visit is necessary.
9. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America - www.bgca.org - Boys & Girls Clubs are
a safe place to learn and grow - all while having fun. It is the place where great
futures are started each and every day.

Thank you for visiting my blog, please become a follower: it's going to be an exciting year!
Now, hop around to all the blogs using the "Festive Friday" hop button in this post or on my left side bar.

Cheers!
Becky

Designer Crafts Connection: Journaling

2012-01-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the first Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop! We have a wonderful group of talented paper crafters in the group to provide you with inspiration and project ideas.

We normally post on the first Monday of each month. However, by popular vote--(our Holiday season was BUSY), so we gave ourselves an extra week this month. If you become a follower, you'll get notices when the posts are up.

YOU CAN USE THE "DCC" HOP BUTTON ON THE LEFT TO HOP TO THE NEXT BLOGGER.

This week our theme is "journaling".

I've been teaching scrapbook classes since 2000, and I'm not really a fan of putting my most tender, personal thoughts on public display. I feel they are *mostly* (but not always) private memories. I create ARTful pages and usually hide the journaling behind elements, on tags, or subtly printed on transparency film as a layover, and do not make the journaling the focal point of the layout.

I've dredged up a few examples of how I journal on my scrapbook pages.

The ritualistic "first day of school" photo :o) Here I used many tags from the "Back To School" clothes shopping. Journaling is on the folder behind the photo. Sometimes I create "spaces" for journaling, hidden or not, when I create pages for my children's scrapbooks so that they may add their thoughts later. (This one below will be for my Grand Daughter's own scrapbook)

This layout was actually for my HGTV segment on "That's Clever", it was designed for many people to see, teach techniques and create with what was "trendy" at the time. You can see my segment here: HGTV That's Clever! The journaling is hidden behind the porthole.

For me, it's photos first, the people & catching that moment that tells it's own story (a picture says a thousand words!) then ART, then record keeping: it's important to include the names of your subjects, dates, places and then anything else you'd like to share. Sometimes, just their smiles inspire me to use cute quotes and share a brief thought or two.

I like to print my journaling: spell check is your friend :o) and I can be creative with shapes and fonts.

Of course, every now and then........... there are those thought provoking milestones and you just HAVE TO pour your heart into your layout, like the one below. One of my earliest, published in Memory Makers special issue Fast & Easy Scrapbooking May 2004.

(Rubberstamping, Melt Art with a journaled tag tucked away) This was a thoughtful layout, as I was turning 40 years old!

Whatever your style - BE YOU. Scrapbooking is FUN, it's not supposed to be painful. If you want to expand your journaling ideas, or get creative with it, there are many resources both online and in print. Most magazine forums have lots of journaling tips and members that you can ask just about anything. (You may need to register to use the forums)
Memory Makers Magazine, Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks, Etc.,

There are templates and tools too! at Scrapbooking 101.com
Scrapbook.com (store and forum)
2 Peas in a Bucket.com is a vast encyclopedia for all your scrapbook needs.

Here are some books in print by Memory Makers Magazine
Amazon.com offers them by many publishers.
Articles to reference and books by Creating Keepsakes Magazine.

Wouldn't it be FUN to participate in a "journaling" challenge? If you have taken a challenge, please share a link in your comment!

Thanks for hopping with the Designer Crafts Connection.
Cheers!
Becky

Sakura: Scrapbook Page

2012-01-06T00:00:00.007-05:00

I am loving the new Mica Powders! SO GORGEOUS!! You'll all be able to see them up close in a few weeks as they are introduced as "Terri Sproul Mixer: Jewel Effects" by Sakura at the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Show in Anaheim, CA Jan 29 - Feb 1. Stop by their Booth #844 to check out the complete line!!

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Black Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer
3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Black, Violet
Blue Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer
3d Crystal Lacquer -Clear
Mica Powders - Gold Dust, Lilac Pearl

This butterfly embellishment is gorgeous! I created it with black card stock. I mixed 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Black with Lilac Pearl Mica Powder and brushed in onto the bottom layer. The top layer has 3d Crystal Lacquer -Clear mixed with Gold Dust Mica Powder. Details were added to the wings with Blue Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer and 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Violet. I also used a line of 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Violet behind the top wings to keep them dimensional. The body was done with Black Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer. The spots of color in the Star background cut out were made with 3d Color Crystal Lacquer -Violet and Blue Pearl 3d Crystal Lacquer.

Thank you for stopping by the BCDesigns Blog!! Please visit the Sakura Hobby Crafts Blog for lots of inspiration and project ideas!

Have a fabulous weekend!
Becky

Robin's Nest: Life's A Journey Scrapbook Page

2012-01-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

Woohoo! Happy New Year! Welcome to my first post for Robin's Nest for 2012!
I'm honored to be back for another term with this team! Loving the new products!

ROBIN'S NEST SUPPLIES:
Belgian Chocolate Glitter Card Stock
Clouds Card Stock
Golden Berry Dew Drops
Brown Velvet Ribbon
Black on white Journaling Block

Other Supplies:
3 antique copper mini brads
Transparency film
PC & printer for title
Fonts: Duetica.com Mandolyn 2C00, Floot C20, Woodwynds G00, Tin Whistle E00, Saxi E40
Distress ink: Old Paper & Vintage Photo (Ranger)

Directions:
1. Cut the Belgian Chocolate Glitter Card Stock one inch from the top and bottom, leaving 1" on both sides. Cut from corner to corner to meet the first cut that is 1" from edge of paper to create flaps, score and accordion fold as shown. Secure with a mini brad. Glue to background paper Clouds Card Stock.
2. Print the title on transparency film. Adhere the photo and title block to the background. Glue only the sides and bottom of the photo to create a pocket for the Black on white Journaling Block Tag.
3. Distress the Black on white Journaling Block tag with ink, attach Brown Velvet Ribbon with a mini brad and tuck behind the photo.
4. Apply adhesive to create flourishes, place Golden Berry Dew Drops.

Thank you for visiting the BC Designs Blog! Please be sure to check out the Robin's Nest Blog: Chattering Robins for more inspiration and project ideas.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Becky

Duetica.com "Joy" Scrapbook Layout

2011-12-31T00:00:00.004-05:00

Wrapping up a joyful season with some Duetica.com Lettering Art Studio!

These cutsie pics are of my Grand Daughter, Ryan. She's 4 years old. I took her to the Elks Children's Christmas Party a couple weeks ago and she was baking cookies at her Daddy's house too!

LARGE FONT: Duetica.com DT Woodwynds-F00 (size 325)

I printed the large JOY directly to the background paper, then used a cutting knife (Thank you Westcott!) to cut slits around the font to slide the printed photos behind the lettering.

I recycled one of the napkin rings from my Holiday table scape blog post to use as a page embellishment: Cricut "Joys of the Season" cartridge, layers of red and green card stock 5", 4.5" and 4", with glitter details and coloring on the leaves.

JOY is accented with small holly punchies and stickles glitter glue holly berries.

"Ryan" and "2011" are Cricut "Plantin Schoolbook" bold text at 3/4" cut from red card stock.

Thank you for stopping by BC Designs Blog. Please visit the Duetica.com Project Gallery and BLOG for lots of lettering inspiration and project ideas.

WISHING YOU AND YOURS A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Becky

Duetica.com with ScraPerfect: Scrapbooking

2011-12-29T13:41:00.008-05:00

This is a simply beautiful "hybrid" scrapbook page layout. It's also a very inexpensive and easy project. All you'll need is your PC & printer, Duetica Lettering Art Studio, white card stock or photo paper, some Best Glue Ever! a Perfect Crafting Pouch and art glitter!

(click for larger images)

1. Create a document in a word processing program, select the "Draw" document vs. the text document. Alter the page to 12x12 document with .25" borders.

2. Insert a "text" block within the Draw Function to type background. I have repeated my grand daughter's full name in 10 different fonts, making 5 lines that I copied and repeated. She loves pink and purple :o)

3. Create a new "text" block and type an initial. Be sure to "arrange" this block to be on top of the background block.

DUETICA.COM FONTS USED (in order as they appear on the document)
Floot-A00, Mandolyn-B00, Piper-F00, Saxi-E40, Mandolyn-D00, Floot-D30, Piper-B00, Tin Whistle-L00, Woodwynds-I00 and Saxi-G60

4. Insert photos into the document and size accordingly. I "arranged" the layers so the photo was on top of the background fonts, but behind the large initial.

5. At this point I realized I wanted some texture and shading to the background but if I wanted to photos to print well, I'd have to print on WHITE card stock or photo paper.............

6. Under "format", select "area" and pick a texture and colors that work.
You may have to name your new creation and save it. To apply it to your page, see below.

7. Under Page Set up for your document, select "background" and you will see your newly created background texture there. Select it for use in your document and say "OK"

8. Insert more photos. Remember to "arrange" their layers, and print the document on 12x12 white matte card stock or photo paper if desired. LET DRY for at least two hours, longer if you use glossy--see product specifications.

9. Lightly rub the entire page with the Perfect Crafting Pouch.
This will eliminate static problems with the fine art glitter. This will happen more so if the entire page has been printed, the ink is moist. The extra drying time and the Perfect Crafting Pouch will eliminate this.

10. Apply The Best Glue Ever! over the printed initial.

11. Cover completely with glitter. I mixed blue and purple Tulip fine art glitter together to get the right color for the layout.

12. Dump off excess glitter and let dry.

I trimmed the approx 1/8 - 1/4" of white off the edges and mounted onto a piece of purple card stock that gives it a nice frame :o)

I hope you try this and have fun with it. If you have any questions, you can email me anytime or find BC Designs FaceBook.

Be sure to visit the ScraPefect Blog and Duetica Lettering Arts Blog for inspiration and project ideas.

Surpise Mail: Thank You Duetica.com

2011-12-24T10:19:00.006-05:00

In yesterday's package deliveries, I received this thoughtful and yummy "THANK YOU" from Mark and Adrienne DiCamillo, Owners of Duetica Lettering Arts Studio for being on the Duetica.com Design Team!

I will be enjoying this Harvest Medallion Tin with my family today.
You're very welcome, Mark and Adrienne, my pleasure.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Cheers!
Becky

Robin's Nest: Convention Journal

2011-12-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my final Robin's Nest post for 2011! (more coming next year :o)

I'll be heading to California in Januray for the Winter Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Show where I will be meeting and mingling. So, I created this Convention Journal to be my assistant in keeping all of my new contacts organized.

ROBIN'S NEST SUPPLIES:
Calamity Jane Stripe card stock
Glitter Pine Trees double sided card stock (back side is Just for Boys Stripe)
Brown Fish Net
Live Brightly rub on flourish
Country blue mesh fabric

Miscellaneous supplies:
3L clear pockets
fibers, plastic leaves,
shells, flat shell, mica,
art glitter
charms: sand dollar and moon w/ star
dolphin wall paper cut out
rubber snake, sea glass
5.5 x 8.5 chipboard (2)
RubiCoil binding machine and coil
balsa wood, dowel and acrylic paint to make buoys.
left over wood flourish (Kaiser Craft)
left over shell die cut (Spellbinders)

I adhered the Calamity Jane Stripe to the outside cover of the chip board and Glitter Pine Trees card stock to the inside covers with the Just for Boys Stripe side up. Then I punched them with the RubiCoil and decorated the front of the book as shown. I added glitter to areas where glue was showing (around net edges, wood flourish and among the shells)

There are 15 pages of printed card stock (both sides = 30) inside with a clear pocket on each to hold a business card from new contacts. 20 sheets of plain white paper and 20 sheets of lined paper. After the cover completely dried, I assembled with the coil binding.

HERE'S A GREAT TIP when binding: some how, my paper wasn't loaded correctly for this punch and the holes go off the page. OH NO, don't throw it away!

ANOTHER AWESOME use for Duck Tape!!
Cut a strip of duck tape approx 1", place half on the front side then fold over to the back side and re-punch!

VIOLA! GOOD AS NEW.

If you are going to a convention and need one of these journals, please contact me for a quote and details.

Thank you for stopping by today, please visit the Robin's Nest Blog: Chattering Robins for more inspiration and project ideas.

WOOHOO! Another Term with Robin's Nest DT!

2011-12-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

TODAY I GET TO SPILL THE GREAT NEWS! I was selected for another term on the Robin's Nest Design Team! Woohoo! Congratulations to the whole team, jump on over to the Robin's Nest Blog: Chattering Robins for their announcement and meet the entire team.

SHARING MY DT PROJECT AGAIN.

As promised! Here is my finished table setting for Christmas using lots of gorgeous
Robin's Nest papers.

I gave you a sneak peek last week of the place-mat.

Robin's Nest Supplies:
PAPER!!!!! Red Snowflakes, Black and White Holly, Glitter Snow Covered Trees (I used the pseudo solids on the reverse sides), Glitter Silver on Creme Swirl.

Other supplies: fine art glitter, Cricut "Joys of the Season" Poinsettia and Holly, "Celebrations" confetti, stickles: crimson and gold, sewing machine w/ gold metallic thread, decorating chalks, red fine art glitter (tulip), Canson Drawing Paper 14x17", dark green card stock, Spellbinders Holly border die S5-056, white duck tape, Elmer's spray adhesive, iridescent art glitter.

Here is the angel. She's an altered doll! I made her top out of white duck tape, the wings are many small pieces of white cardstock rounded like feathers and glued in layers. Then I sprayed each wing with adhesive and covered with iridescent art glitter. Her waist band is made of Glitter Silver on Creme Swirl. embellished with a layered poinsettia like the ones on the napkin rings and place mats. The skirt is white paper with waves of glue and art glitter with a holly border.

NAPKIN RINGS: 1 1/5" strip of white card stock embellished with green Holly Border and a large poinsettia. (directions below)

PLACE CARDS: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" white card stock folded with a layer of Red Snowflakes, and another layer of white with a large holly leaf and berries (directions below).

Directions:
1. The poinsettia is 5" (green card stock), 4" (Black and White Holly), 3" (Red Snowflakes), cut off the leaves of the 2 red layers, assemble and then outline the edges with glue and add fine art glitter. These were used on the place mats and napkin rings. The angel has a smaller identical set: 3 1/2, 2 1/2" and 1 1/2".

2. The holly is cut from Black and White Pine Tree paper (back side), make sure to cut one with the "FLIP" on so it's a mirror image. Make the berries red w/ stickles. These were used on the place mats and name cards.

3. I actually adhered the "confetti" (Black and White Holly) to the background, then stitched in gold, some straight stitch over the confetti and then zig zag around the border. Then attached the poinsettia and holly as shown.

Thanks for visiting BC Designs blog, please stop by the Robin's Nest Blog: Chattering Robins for lots of inspiration and project ideas!

Cheers!
Becky

SAKURA: Artcover for Journal

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!! Welcome to my bi-weekly Sakura post. This week I created two embellishments to adorn my latest artfully covered composition book.

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
Oriental Paper (coming soon!)
3d Color Crystal Lacquer
3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer
Peacock Green Gem Particles

Other supplies:
Composition notebook
large postage stamp
Outline Sticker-Sparkraft Enterprises, Inc
Black & White Card stock
Cricut: Rock Princess cartridge
sheet of double-sided super sticky tape (Therm-o-Web)

The butterfly was cut from black cardstock at 3.5" in two layers and brushed with 3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer in blue and gold. While it was still wet, I rubbed the gold layer through the Gem Particles then let dry. Then I assembled the wings and added more details with 3d Colored Crystal Lacquer and 3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer. I added dimension to the body with black 3d Colored Crystal Lacquer.

I applied the sticker to white card stock, then colored in the open areas with 3d Color Crystal Lacquer and 3d Pearl Crystal Lacquer. When it was completely dry, I trimmed it to the size of the sticker.

I put a sheet of super sticky tape on the entire cover of the composition book to apply the decorative Japanese paper, roll with a brayer to get any air bubbles out and to assure good adherence and trimmed the edges. Merely embellish the cover with artful elements.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog, please become a follower to receive updates and notices for new projects posted.

Be sure to stop by the Sakura Blog for more great project ideas.

Cheers!

USArtQuest Design Team Application

2011-12-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hello All, Welcome to my USArtQuest Design Team application.
I really had fun with this project and was able to use some USArtQuest products too.

This board started out like this: it was one of those gambling / ticket boards at a local private club. There are 14 recessed rectangles that are 4.25x3".

I removed the clear laminate and the image down to the bare board and then I painted it with Artists' Gesso............ and just LOOK at all the help I had :o)

Patches and Tippy are 5 months old, they are SO curious.

I used acrylic paints and 2 blues from the Mica Watercolors by USArtQuest to paint the background. Then I painted some branches with two colors of brown acrylic paint.

The gold and red fonts were cut with Cricut cartridges: Plantin Schoolbook and Rock Princess 1 1/4".

"Love" was cut from a sheet of adhesive shell material that is made by USArtQuest, but I think it may no longer be available. I created a text document in word, then printed it in mirror image and adhered it to the back and cut it out with scissors and an blade cutter. The red heart that dots the "I"s came out of the "P" in the Rock Princess font, I liked it so much I cut another "P" so I could have another little heart for the other "I" :o)

I used a ruler as a guide to keep the letters aligned.

I printed the birds on regular paper, cut them out and decoupaged into place.
The top left rectangle is covered by a different color/style of the shell sheets made by USArtQuest. The rest of the depressions were filled with a large photo that I took in Barbados cut apart to fit the spaces. I added lots of miscellaneous left over embellishments, charms, the dolphin is a wall paper cut out, paper umbrella, metal sand dollar, shells, frog bead, tile squares, and there is a little monkey in the tree (second down on left). It is sealed with glossy clear coat.
There are three metal sentiments between the depressions on the left: "friends", "laughter" and "enjoy". I made holes and adhered them with glue and mini brads through the holes.

This collage could have been titled "My Favorite Things"! I just love the way it turned out; birds and the beach with lots of fun accents!

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog. Please be sure to visit USArtQuest.com and their blog: to learn more about their amazing products and watch some great "how to videos".

Make art everyday!
Becky

ScraPerfect: Fun Party Invitations!

2011-12-12T11:32:00.004-05:00

Here are a few ideas for invitations to your New Year's or other holiday party celebrations.

**when using small particles, embossing powder, glitter etc. nothing breaks the static like The Perfect Crafting Pouch.

The martini is my fave :o) Chambord with chocolate around the rim and there's nothing like a girls nite with salted margaritas!

I printed the glasses onto colored cardstock with sentiments. Then colored in the drink areas with markers.

The Martini card is accented with a stamped flourish from my own stamp set and Brown Color Micas glued to the rim. Brush the card stock with the Perfect Crafting Pouch, then apply The Best GlueEver! and micas, let dry. Dump off excess. Use the Perfect Cleaning Cloth to help remove any residue and extra particles.

The background on the Margarita card is inked bubble wrap, I had to mask the glass image area. The lime is hand drawn and colored. Brush the card stock with the Perfect Crafting Pouch, then apply The Best GlueEver! and glitter, let dry. Dump off excess. Use the Perfect Cleaning Cloth to help remove any residue and extra particles.

Party on!

Designer Crafts Connection: Sock Monkey Hop

2011-12-05T14:27:00.003-05:00

This month, the designers are challenged to create Sock Monkeys!
The sponsor of this hop, "When Creativity Knocks" has a wonderful new video book of this timeless and extremely FUN past-time. (YOU CAN WIN! READ BELOW) You have until Dec 19th to enter.

A few other fabulous companies helped us out with this challenge:

Fox River (sox) http://www.foxsox.com/defaultEcomm.aspx
Judikins (rubber stamp) http://www.judikins.com/
RIT (dye) http://www.ritdye.com

Unfortunately, due to illness, my sock monkey and her lovely outfit are not completed, but should be by the end of the week. I'll be sure to share when she's done.

PLEASE USE THE DCC HOP BUTTON ON MY LEFT MARGIN TO HOP AROUND AND SEE WHAT THE OTHER DESIGNERS HAVE CREATED!
Prize Package for One Lucky Reader:

-Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas WCK VideoBook

-One (1) sewn Sock Monkey body ready to be stuffed

-One (1) pair of original Rockford Red Heel Socks

-Button Eyes, needle, floss and stuffing

Prize package worth over $40.00

FREE 2012 WCK Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas eCalendar

Any blog hop reader who goes to When Creativity Knocks and orders: Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas WCK VideoBook will receive a free copy of the eCalendar to be created featuring some of the sock monkeys from this amazing blog hop!

Things to know about: Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas WCK VideoBook

A history of the Red Heel sock monkey
A new and easier way to make sock monkeys
Timesaving hints
- A detailed sock monkey worksheet
- Tips on personalizing your sock monkeys
- Printable PDF directions
- 26 Full-size sock monkey body and clothing pattern pieces including “Sock Pants”

To enter to win go to When Creativity Knocks. In the Member Log-In box, click "Create An Account". Enter the code Sock Monkey. There is also a discount coupon to purchase the WCK VideoBook Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas.

SAKURA: Altered Photo with Sparkraft

2011-12-02T01:23:00.000-05:00

I'm in mixed-media HEAVEN! I printed one of my garden photos and altered it with SAKURA products and Sparkraft "outline" stickers.

This photo doesn't do the original art any justice, you have to see it in person to appreciate it's glory.

SAKURA SUPPLIES:
3d Clear Crystal Lacquer
3d Color Crystal Lacquer: Black
Gem Particles: Raspberry Iridescent, Peacock Green and Blue Flash

Other Supplies:
Canson Canva-Paper 12x16", Sparkraft dragonfly outline stickers, Matte finish Spray Sealant

DIRECTIONS:
1. The Canva-Paper is textured like canvas! Print the photo and heat-set to hurry the process if you are impatient like me! Then spray with a matte finish to seal the inks.
2. Apply the dragonfly "outline" stickers, apply 3d Clear Crystal Lacquer to the wing areas and sprinkle with Gem Particles. (Blue Flash and Peacock Green) Remove the excess, then fill in the body and head area with 3d Black Color Crystal Lacquer. Let dry.
3. Brush the flowers with a thin layer of 3d Clear Crystal Lacquer, sprinkle Raspberry Iridescent Gem Particles to the center areas only. Let dry and remove excess.

Thank you so much for stopping by BCDesigns Blog! Please visit the Sakura Hobby Crafts Blog for more inspiration and project ideas.

Cheers!
Becky

Robin's Nest: Design Team Application: TABLE SCAPE SNEAK PEEK

2011-12-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling very FESTIVE! Welcome to my Robin's Nest Design Team Application post.
I have to say this past six months, (and my very first time as a team member) has been SO FUN, and I've fallen in LOVE with their papers, dew drops and GLITTER! So, I'm hoping for another term.

I'm working on a complete TABLE SCAPE for my Christmas Dinner. Here is a sneak peak of one of the pieces, the place mats. You can see the finished tablescape on my Robin's Nest Blog Post for Tuesday, Dec 6th.

Robin's Nest Supplies:
PAPER!!!!! Red Snowflakes, Black and White Holly, Black and White Pine Trees (I used the pseudo solids on the reverse sides)

Other supplies: fine art glitter, Cricut "Joys of the Season" Poinsettia and Holly, "Celebrations" confetti, stickles: crimson and gold, sewing machine w/ gold metallic thread, decorating chalks, red fine art glitter (tulip), Canson Drawing Paper 14x17", dark green card stock.

Directions:
1. The poinsettia is 5" (green card stock), 4" (Black and White Holly), 3" (Red Snowflakes), cut off the leaves of the 2 red layers, assemble and then outline the edges with glue and add fine art glitter.

2. The holly is cut from Black and White Pine Tree paper (back side), make sure to cut one with the "FLIP" on so it's a mirror image. Make the berries red w/ stickles.

3. I actually adhered the "confetti" (Black and White Holly) to the background, then stitched in gold, some straight stitch over the confetti and then zig zag around the border. Then attached the poinsettia and holly as shown.

I hope you enjoyed this project!! I'm loving it so far, there is a centerpiece ANGEL and name cards coming soon! Don't forget to stop by the Robin's Nest Blog for my post on Tues, Dec 6th to see the complete tablescape!

Thanks for visiting BC Designs blog, please stop by the Robin's Nest Blog: Chattering Robins for lots of inspiration and project ideas!

Cheers!
Becky