Loves Tea & Paper

TSF DT Reveal: American Crafts Mayberry (part 1)

2013-06-19T14:39:27-05:00

I am back with my final reveals for Two Scrapbook Friends. I have decided to step down from the design team there because I felt like there was an incompatibility between where my artistic endeavours are heading and the design work they require. In other words, when I am given a package of paper and asked to create 3 layouts and a couple of cards, I feel somewhat creatively stifled, because I cannot fully explore my artsy style. I want to represent the store and what they offer when I create for them, because these designs are displayed in the store - so layering on acrylics, twinkling H20's, and pastes, doesn't server them, but not layering them, doesn't serve my creative spirit. It was a tough decision to make, but I feel the right one. So, with my final reveal, I share the American Crafts Mayberry collection, full of summery themed papers and embellishments - think refreshing, like strawberries, lemons and watermelon and you'll get the flavour of what this line offers!

This first layout uses a basic diagonal stripe as my background page onto which I did a bit of subtle texturing with modelling paste and a TCW template. The narrow strips are from the bar code strips - AC almost always incorporates patterns into those strips, which adds more versatility and value to your paper collection.

I used gelatos to tint this doily and layered 2 chipboard pieces to create this posy. See the tiny vinyl heart punctuating my journalling - these come mixed with fruit shapes on a sheet. Really fun little embellishments.

I cut a strip of tickets from a patterned paper in the collection to form a horizontal border and added some pizazz with the crocheted flower and messy stitching.

I'll be back with more creations using American Crafts Mayberry collection very soon. Thanks for popping by!

Blessings,

Ann

Inspiration Elevator Reveal: Time Flies

2013-06-15T10:00:00-05:00

You may recall that the purpose of this challenge group is to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. You can view all of the challenges on my blog by clicking here or check our our new Inspiration Elevator Blog, here.

This month's challenge is issued by the super talented, Sue Sykes. Here's what she had to say:

"I have all of my parents' photos stored at my place. Shortly after I began scrapbooking, my mom and I spent hours removing her photos from those dreadful magnetic albums and documenting dates on the back of them all. So I will often sift through them and marvel at how much things change - and yet, they also seem to stay the same.

This month, I'd like to challenge you all to create a comparison layout or project - THEN and NOW. It can be any topic; just document the parallels and differences between an event/person/place from the past and a modern likeness. REMEMBER TO JOURNAL!! :)

Can't wait to see what you all create!"

Remembering to journal is rarely a problem for me, but the then and now had me thinkng for awhile.... but only for awhile. Sarah has her graduation from grade 8 coming up very soon, and about a week and half ago, we went shopping for the dress. Even though it was late when we got home, she had to try on the dress again and get some casual photos in it. I love this one of her with the dog - she looks happy, relaxed, and I knew it would be my "now" photo. The "then" photo didn't take long to track down after that, and voila - here's what I created:

[Remember you can click on the photo to see more details, especially useful if you're viewing on a mobile device]

I have scrapped and given away quite a few of Sarah's school photos, but had a few wallets from kindegarten still in my stash - perfect for this then and now theme.

I created my background by colouring large geometric blocks of colour using gelatos and then using a wet brush to move the colour around. Because I didn't apply a coat of gesso first, the colour did not move as freely.

I stitched a layer of vellum over 2/3 of my background to soften it and add a dreamy quality - it really does amaze me how fast these years of elementary school have passed, and how quickly my sweet daughter is growing up.

You may be able to see some modelling paste applied through punchinella, some stamping with the end of an old pencil to create irregular circles, and butterfly punches. Like time, butterflies and birds fly, so they were suitable embellishments for this page.Each of these chipboard boards got a different treatment: pearl paint, glitter stickles and microbeads - for fun and texture.

My journaling is on a piece of cardstock that slides into the kraft envelope (Yes, I used kraft - insert shocked expression here!) Before writing, I spritzed mist through a doily onto the cardstock tag. It adds colour and softness. My journalling talks about how fast time has gone by and how quickly she's growing up. I then look ahead at how the next graduation is only 4 years away but that I am always here for her.

I hope you will stop by and see what our designers on this adventure have created:

Remember that this month's challenge is posted on the Inspiration Elevator blog and we love to see people playing along with us, so be sure to link up your creations!

Thanks for popping by!

Blessings,

Ann

Island Girls, Unite!

2013-06-14T19:27:16-05:00

OK, I'm not an island girl, but for 1 day we all can be!

Along with my bff, I am planning a fundraising crop. Yes we did this last year, and the year before and the year before. We are just plain crazy, aren't we? It's a cause that helps many kids get active by getting involved in the art of dance (competitively and recreationally). I know my own daughter wouldn't be in more than a couple of recreational classes if it weren't for the fundraising we do. It's so worth it to see them all dancing their hearts out on stage.

The theme this year is: Hawaii!

If you are within driving distance of Elmira, we'd love to have you join us. Here are the details:

Aloha!

The 4th Annual Encore Dance Scrapbooking Crop Fundraiser details are ready to share!

Hit the back of your closet and pull out that tropical print shirt, because our theme this year is HAWAIIAN. Join us as we celebrate the beauty and sounds of Hawaii. Can't you feel the island breezes already?

When: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2013

Where: GALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

10 Barnswallow Drive, Elmira N3B 0A8 (corner of Barnswallow Dr. and Church St.)

Time: 9 am - 9 pm (12 hours of scrapping, friends!)

Cost: $45

Includes: delish food and snacks, lots of scrapping space, great lighting, swag bag, door prizes, and tons of fun!

Our fabulous raffle table will be there, AND an on-site store!

But wait, there's more! EARLY BIRD TICKETS are on sale now. Reserve your spot and save $5, but this special is on just until JUNE 15th. You can purchase your seat by clicking on our form and the PayPal button (you do not have to have a PayPal account to use the PayPal service), available at the blog.

WE'VE EXTENDED THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL OVER THE WEEKEND TO MONDAY, JUNE 17th.

We hope to see you there!