Hydrangea Hippo

Design Team Call

2012-02-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

*** this post is staying at the top of my blog until the call is over :) Please scroll down for newer posts -- thank you!! **

Design Team Call!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am looking to form a small design team. Each month I will send you a kit to create with. I will want to see as many projects from you as possible, at a minimum of 3 per month. In exchange for your work each month, you will earn a $50 gift cert to the Hydrangea Hippo etsy shop that you can use to purchase supplies, kits, etc. If you would like a cash payment, I can offer $25 per month instead of the gift cert.

I am looking for US only members at this time. If I do not choose you, please do not feel bad. We may be friends and I love you but I am looking for specific things from the designers on the team :) If you are a designer who would like to work with my products but do not wish to join a DT at this time, please just send me an email and we can work something out :)

Call opens today and will be closing on February 20, 2012. I know, it is not a lot of time. I want to see the work you already do and do not want you to purchase product to create something for the call. Just send me some samples of what you already do :) Team will be announced on or before February 25, 2012.

Here are the deets of the call:

Compensation:

$50 gift certificate to Hydrangea Hippo OR $25 cash payment per month
$25 cash payment for each project published in a print magazine with “hydrangeahippo.etsy.com” listed clearly in the supply list for up to 6 months after the end of the term
$10 cash payment for each project ($5 for cards) published in an online magazine with hydrangeahippo.etsy.com listed clearly in the supply list for up to 3 months after the end of the term
Photo and Bio on the Design Team Page (coming soon) here on the Hydrangea Hippo Blog
Link to your blog on the hydrangeahippo.blogspot.com blog
Product from Cross Promotional Partners
Hydrangea Hippo DT blinkie to display on your blog
Photos of projects with name credit in each Crafting Kit with which you design
Online promotion of you and your designs as much as possible

Commitment/Requirements:

Design at least 3 projects per month using a Hydrangea Hippo Crafting Kit or a selection of supplies
Crafting Kit projects may only use the supplies contained in the Crafting Kit plus adhesive, plain cardstock of your choice, chipboard albums or sheets
Other projects submitted (not featuring a Crafting Kit) must contain at least 50% Hydrangea Hippo products with no competing products (if the kit you receive includes trims or ribbon, do not use any other trims or ribbon on your project)
6 month term with review at 3 months (you may choose to leave the team at the 3 month mark if you find it is not working for you and vice versa)
Great photography of projects. Watermark will be supplied to each designer to be included on their projects. Photoshop or a photo editing program that allows a watermark to be added is suggested
Participate in Hydrangea Hippo blog hops, up to one per month
Term will begin in April 2012 and continue through September 2012. First kit will be shipped so you will receive it by March 1, 2012.
Kits will ship to arrive by the first of each month for projects to be posted in the following month – for example the April 2012 kit will arrive to you around March 1, 2012.
Projects are due by the 20^th of the preceding month – for example, April 2012 projects will be due on March 20, 2012.
Posting projects to Facebook, twitter, online galleries, pinterest, etc will earn you brownie points but is not required. This will earn you extra goodies in your DT box each month.
Discount of 60% on all product in the shop during your term.
Participate on the DT Facebook Page – this is just where we will discuss things going on with the team
You must have a social security number or be legally allowed to work in the United States. You will be required to fill out a W-9 form if you are accepted on the team :)

No experience is needed . Team members with a willingness to learn, positive attitude, and love of creating will go a long way.

Want to apply?

Email the following to hydrangeahippo@yahoo.com with "DT CALL" in the subject line:

Name
Mailing Address
Email Address
Blog and/or website
Photo
Bio (500 words or less)
Resume if you have one
List of current and past design teams or other work you think might be helpful info for us to know.
Link to online gallery where we can see your work
Link to your Facebook profile OR send a friend request to Jennifer Priest
Tell us all the social media places you hang out online at, what forums you regularly post to, etc. We want to know where you are online :)
Tell us why you want to be on this team.
Tell us about your design philosophy and style.
Links to 3-5 of your best projects. Please tell us what you like about them. Please no attachments.

That's all for now folks! LOL Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. And I would be so honored if you would share about this call everywhere you can!! Thank you and good luck!

An inside view

2012-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

One of the things I get asked about all the time is how do I prep my class kits. It is not easy and it really does become a group effort. I made a little video of my prepping of a recent class kit. This was a small batch, just 24 kits, and it took just over 6 hours beginning to end. That is partially because I stopped in the middle to eat dinner and my kids were home but you really can see what the real reality is!! And yes, I realize my clothes and rolls look terrible and this video makes me wanna work out really really badly! LOL Like I said, it is all real, no airbrushing!

Thrifty Thursdays - Topiaries, Part 1

2012-02-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was recently at a floral shop and they had these topiary forms on clearance for under $5 each!!! I have been brainstorming what to do with them. Matt has decided they fit perfectly by the front door.

Hopefully next week I will have an idea!! P.S. This is some insight into what I am battling when I try to take pics--someone is always trying to pose in my photos! LOL

---Jennifer

Room is Booked, Tickets Purchased, And a Seat Saved For You

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Are you going to Craftcation? If you are pondering a creative business, already creating and selling your wares, or just want to learn more about indie biz opportunities, join us at Craftcation!!

I will be teaching a seminar on social marketing for crafters -- we'll go over some tips and tricks and ways to get you tweeting, FBing, pinning and more!
Social Marketing For Crafters
Seminar with Jennifer Priest
March 23, 2011
Time TBA
Craftcation Indie Business & DIY Conference, Ventura, CA

Here's the latest news (super good news too):

* We have extended the Early-Bird rate to the end of this week
* ETSY has just signed on to be a sponsor- they will be presenters as well!
* check out craftcation presenter lauren venell on etsy online lab on wednesday feb 15th 2:20-3:00 PST talking about starting your creative business- link to http://www.etsy.com/community/online-labs
*WEDNESDAY GIVEAWAY:: wednesday giveaway on our blog a bundle of three rad crafting books from craftside link to http://www.craftcationconference.com/news/

links:

craftcation website: http://www.craftcationconference.com/

craftcation facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craftcation/194103673996592

craftcation twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Craftcation

18 Ladies As My Valentine

2012-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I participated in a heart swap with 18 other women at an event hosted by Andrea Villarreal of Freckled Star -- so much fun!! This group is known for their over-the-top gorgeous swap items and I knew I had to make something awesome. I was a bit intimidated to be honest, but I was so glad when everyone said they liked my "heart"! And so impressed by the lovely jar of altered hearts I brought home that the ladies lovingly created to share :)

Here is my heart:

I diecut two red felt hearts using a Sizzix die and then sewed them together with my brand new baby Lock sewing machine (I love this baby!!). Then Xaver dicut banners from wool felt with another Sizzix die and I hot glued those to the hearts. Next I stitched a button to a starburst circle punched from American Crafts foil paper and tied a bow with gorgeous red and white twine from The Twinery. I cut pennants from the "Legend" pattern of the brand new "Story Teller" line from Crate Paper and stamped the word "charming" with ColorBox Due Ink in Wicked Black and a Stampin' Up! Stamp. I threaded the pennant onto a triple pearl stick pin and stuck it into the heart. Then I coated the entire heart with Smooch Spritz in Ginger Ale (my new fave color) to give it a vintage glow. Ruby Walker suggested I make them into pins and I think I just might do that with mine!

I hope you have a wonderful day doing things you love with people you love :)

---Jennifer

Mini Me. Well, It's All About Me!

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's My Life Mini Album Class

February 26, 2011
1pm-4pm
Scrapbooking Made Simple

Santa Clarita, CA

It's YOUR life so create a 16 page mini book about whatever you want! We'll create a custom mini book featuring lovely papers and embellishments from American Crafts including rimmed tags, brads, and a full pack of Thickers alphabet stickers (will vary). Jennifer will include her signature overload of ribbon and buttons in class plus we'll use the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio to make custom embellies. We'll focus on creating lots of handmade flowers as we craft this mini from scratch. This class is perfect for beginners and kids as well.

Supplies: Please bring glue dots, redline tape or other strong tape style adhesive, 3D foam adhesive, strong liquid adhesive or hot glue gun, scissors, paper trimmer, Bind-It-All if you have one.

Designer Crafts Connection - CHA-W 2012 Re-Cap!

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

[ DC Connection ]
[ hop back ] [ hop forward ]

Okay, it's time to finally recount what happened at CHA!!!!!! And all the Designers in the Designer Crafts Connection are doing it together.
This was by far the weirdest CHA for me ever. I spent a total of 12 hours on the show floor and missed over half the seminars I was supposed to attend. I was in meeting after meeting, my feet swelled from my gout acting up, and I spent alot of time sitting and talking. And even though it was the weirdest, it was also the best!! I spent alot of time with friends, networking, being mentored, making connections. It was awesome!!

The show started early on Saturday with the Designer Roundtables. As soon as I became a Designer Member I was assigned to moderate the tables with Lorine Mason. It was scary at first but alot easier than I thought it would be - Lorine Mason is a great leader!!! There were lots of connections made, learning and sharing going on, and ideas taking flight. If you've never been to a Roundtable, don't be fooled by the name--the Designer usually run them but the topics are for ANY CHA member. Make sure it is on your list to sign up for during the Summer Show.

The rest of the day was education education education. I loved the Crafty Chica's blogging class!! After a few more seminars, I kind of burnt out and got really tired.
I taught two Workshops at the show for two companies who I truly enjoy working with: Authentique Paper and Zutter. Other sponsors made sure I had lots of awesome goodies to give away too!! Here's a snapshot from one of my classes:

Here's a slideshow of all my pics from the show as well as a bunch my friend Mykle Parker took of me teaching my Zutter Sampler class:

But I know what you really want to see :) You REALLY want to see my HAUL from the show!! This show I took home a good assortment of products I will definitely be using. Here's the deets:

So there you have it! What I did at CHA in a nutshell. To see more of the products myself and the others Designers through were noteworthy, check out our CHA Board on Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/pin/158963061817194428/
I am going to give away a sampling of some of the goodies I got from CHA :) Just post a comment here and I will choose one winner on Monday February 20, 2012. To continue on the hop use the "hop forward" button on the widget at the top of this post.
Happy Hopping!

Ch-Ch-Ch- Changes!!!!

2012-02-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

So many of you have asked me many times over the years to offer a monthly kit. Well, I am finally doing it!!

Each month Hydrangea Hippo will offer a Project Kit and a Crafting Kit. The Project kit includes instructions, precut pieces, and is organized just like my class kits, making it easy for you to complete in a couple hours or take to a crop. I will include all the additional supplies you need on the front of the supply list as always, making it easy to pack for a crop or retreat weekend. These will be much like the kits I was featuring in my shop each month a couple years ago, like the one pictured above, but with a few improvements.

The Crafting Kits are products I have collected and gathered on a theme or color scheme. These are just for you to create, no instructions, no holds barred, but they WILL include some photos of projects created with them. These are similar to the Academy Crafting Kit shown above but will include inspiration photos of projects you can make with the actual kit.

The first kits will be announced and listed on THURSDAY!!!!! So please be sure to check back for more info.

Design Team Call!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In addition, I am looking to form a small design team. Each month I will send you a kit to create with. I will want to see as many projects from you as possible, at a minimum of 3 per month. In exchange for your work each month, you will earn a $50 gift cert to the Hydrangea Hippo etsy shop that you can use to purchase supplies, kits, etc. If you would like a cash payment, I can offer $25 per month instead of the gift cert.

Here are the deets of the call:

Compensation:

$50 gift certificate to Hydrangea Hippo OR $25 cash payment per month
$25 cash payment for each project published in a print magazine with “hydrangeahippo.etsy.com” listed clearly in the supply list for up to 6 months after the end of the term
$10 cash payment for each project ($5 for cards) published in an online magazine with hydrangeahippo.etsy.com listed clearly in the supply list for up to 3 months after the end of the term
Photo and Bio on the Design Team Page (coming soon) here on the Hydrangea Hippo Blog
Link to your blog on the hydrangeahippo.blogspot.com blog
Product from Cross Promotional Partners
Hydrangea Hippo DT blinkie to display on your blog
Photos of projects with name credit in each Crafting Kit with which you design
Online promotion of you and your designs as much as possible

Commitment/Requirements:

Design at least 3 projects per month using a Hydrangea Hippo Crafting Kit or a selection of supplies
Crafting Kit projects may only use the supplies contained in the Crafting Kit plus adhesive, plain cardstock of your choice, chipboard albums or sheets
Other projects submitted (not featuring a Crafting Kit) must contain at least 50% Hydrangea Hippo products with no competing products (if the kit you receive includes trims or ribbon, do not use any other trims or ribbon on your project)
6 month term with review at 3 months (you may choose to leave the team at the 3 month mark if you find it is not working for you and vice versa)
Great photography of projects. Watermark will be supplied to each designer to be included on their projects. Photoshop or a photo editing program that allows a watermark to be added is suggested
Participate in Hydrangea Hippo blog hops, up to one per month
Term will begin in April 2012 and continue through September 2012. First kit will be shipped so you will receive it by March 1, 2012.
Kits will ship to arrive by the first of each month for projects to be posted in the following month – for example the April 2012 kit will arrive to you around March 1, 2012.
Projects are due by the 20^th of the preceding month – for example, April 2012 projects will be due on March 20, 2012.
Posting projects to Facebook, twitter, online galleries, pinterest, etc will earn you brownie points but is not required. This will earn you extra goodies in your DT box each month.
Discount of 60% on all product in the shop during your term.
Participate on the DT Facebook Page – this is just where we will discuss things going on with the team
You must have a social security number or be legally allowed to work in the United States. You will be required to fill out a W-9 form if you are accepted on the team :)

No experience is needed . Team members with a willingness to learn, positive attitude, and love of creating will go a long way.

Want to apply?

Email the following to hydrangeahippo@yahoo.com with "DT CALL" in the subject line:

Name
Mailing Address
Email Address
Blog and/or website
Photo
Bio (500 words or less)
Resume if you have one
List of current and past design teams or other work you think might be helpful info for us to know.
Link to online gallery where we can see your work
Link to your Facebook profile OR send a friend request to Jennifer Priest
Tell us all the social media places you hang out online at, what forums you regularly post to, etc. We want to know where you are online :)
Tell us why you want to be on this team.
Tell us about your design philosophy and style.
Links to 3-5 of your best projects. Please tell us what you like about them. Please no attachments.

That's all for now folks! LOL Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. And I would be so honored if you would share about this call everywhere you can!! Thank you and good luck!

Jennifer

It's My Life and I'll Scrap It If I Want To!

2012-02-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's My Life Mini Album Class

February 26, 2011
1pm-4pm
Scrapbooking Made Simple

Santa Clarita, CA

Supplies: Please bring glue dots, redline tape or other strong tape style adhesive, 3D foam adhesive, strong liquid adhesive or hot glue gun, scissors, paper trimmer, Bind-It-All if you have one.

Farming Never Looked So Cute!

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

I created this sweet little mini album for recipes or just for family memories. I started creating apron-shaped mini albums about 3 years ago when I was inspired by a book my friend Elena created for her book club. I've created all kinds of variations ever since, my favorite being this version where we use the Bind It All to make it sturdy and create an easel from the front cover of the book.

Farmhouse Recipe Album Class

February 5, 2012

Scrapbook Daisies in Long Beach, CA

February 25, 2012
Cool Scrapbook Stuff, Poway, CA

Create a handmade, apron-shaped mini album with Crate Paper's adorable Farmhouse paper collection and the Bind It All machine. We'll layer stickers, use vintage ephemera, and adorable buttons to set the warm, country tone in this album. Use it as a scrapbook or to hold recipes--the cover flips to the back to create an easel to stand the book up.

Please bring: Bind It All if you have one, assorted dry adhesive or pva (no Zip Dry or water based glues please - they make the chipboard swell), scissors, paper trimmer, glue dots or hot glue.

Here are some more photos -- check out the cool vintage flash cards!!!

To register for the class, please contact the store where it is being offered. If you are not local to So Cal and would like to purchase a kit, please contact me privately through etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/hydrangeahippo

Hit by the CHA Truck!

2012-02-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

Saw that Jenny from Craft Test Dummies posted on twitter that she felt like she had been hit by the CHA Truck--I could not agree more! Me too!!!!!! It is fun, exciting, exhausting, exhilarating and a bunch more "e" words all at the same time.

Here is the winner of my PRIORITY FLAT RATE Box of goodies!!!

Erica B.Jan 26, 2012 09:51 PM

Shared on FB, Google+, and Pinned it!!

Please email me at hydrangeahippo@yahoo.com with your mailing address and I will pop it in the mail to you!!!!

I came home to a bursting inbox and resting right on top was this gem from Zutter. So, I have not much for you than that at the moment but it is a good deal I thought would be awesome for those of you who took my class at CHA or have been waiting for the right time to get a BIA. Here are the deets (and more CHA posts to come in the next few days):

Show us your Bind-it-All LOVE!

Have your project featured as a guest blogger project on the BIA Blog. Email a note describing why you LOVE creating with the Bind-it-All along with 1-2 photos of a recently created project (designed and created by you). We will select the loviest-doviest notes and feature them between now and February 14 - Valentine's Day! Selected love notes/projects will receive $25 in Zutter Buckz to use at www.binditall.com! So show your love and email to: nan@binditall.com

Selected recipients must agree to allow projects and photos to be posted on the BIA blog

and BIA Facebook page, and agrees to a general release.

Promotion runs Feb 1-14, 2012

Bind-it-All 101 - Spring Session Begins February 14, 2012

4 weeks - $25

Updated Curriculum

Enroll Here

Once you master this class you will wonder why you waited so long! This course will cover the very basics of using the Bind-it-All for punching and binding custom mini books. This information-rich, project-packed, four week course will cover:

Overview of the Bind-it-All : Includes review of settings, tools, maintenance, and accessories.
Punching Basics: Includes creating your own Bind-it-All Punching & Binding Guide and tips for punching centered and even holes.
Binding with Confidence: Covers the use of the Owire Sizing Templates and how to bind perfect "o-shaped" owire spines.
Mini Delights : Create two custom bound mini albums - one 3X4 mini and one 4X4 mini, utilizing easy techniques you can repeat again with any theme.
Everyday Albums : Take your custom binding up a size or two with a 6X6 and 8X8 album. Explore different punching styles for a truly unique project!
Bonus! Binding Above & Beyond: Explore how to use your Bind-it-All using every day, around-the-house materials. In this lesson we will review other punching materials and expand from the basic to the uber creative! Take these project starters and take off with creative ideas and executions of your own!

Once you master this course, you will feel confident in taking on any custom binding project.

Free Shipping Continues!

Free ground shipping on orders of $75 or more

to the 48 continental U.S.

Select UPS Ground shipping method, and then use promo code FREE48 in the shopping cart. Limited Time only.

Only one promo/coupon code per order can be applied.

Special "Buy One - Get One" deals on Rivet Setting tools, Rivets and Zutter D's.Click here to SHOP NOW

You asked and we delivered! The Distress-it-All V2 is lighter and quieter.

Now available for both U.S. and European Voltage.

The original Distrezz-it-All is also available at a value price.

Shop the Distrezz-it-All Here.

Quick Links...

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Bind-it-All Blog

Zutter Zisters Design Team Gallery

Zutter Zisters Message Board

New from Clearsnap!!!

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Clearsnap is releasing a set of 6 LIMITED EDITION Pigment Inkpads and 6LIMITED EDITION Chalk Inkpads. These colors are gorgeous!!

I recently created a layout with the LIMITED EDITION Pigment Inkpads and want to share some of the techniques I used on it. First off, this entire page is created with cardstock, stamps, and ink.

Using the Stylus and Tips Set, stamp polka dots, about 3” apart, onto a 12x12 Bazzill Cardstock in Kraft using LE Pigment Ink in Zen Garden. Apply Embossing Powder in Clear to the polka dot pattern and heat set.

Next sprinkle all the dots with clear embossing powder. This will help to dry the ink as well as give the dots a glossy finish against the matte kraft background.

Did you know that Clearsnap has a whole line of cool accessories, like this Craft Funnel? I don't know how I ever got by without one of these--I used to waste tons of glitter and embossing powder!!

Heat set the embossing powder until glossy.

Next, press chipboard shapes into a lighter shade of the Pigment Ink. Here I used

Lay a Crafter’s Workshop 6x6 Chevron Template onto the page and randomly apply LE Pigment ink Blue Jean to the page through the template using a Stylus and Tips set in a circular motion. The pressure of the Stylus and Tip helps press the ink into the fibers of the paper, speeding drying of the ink. Lightly spray the page with Smooch Spritz in Silver Foil and Ginger Ale, wiping the Smooch Spritz from the embossed polka dots. Cut a piece of Kraft Cardstock to 7” x 9” and distress the edges. Stamp circles all over the cardstock using LE Pigment Ink in Raisin and a Hero Arts stamp. Adhere the 7” x 9” Cardstock to the 12x12 Cardstock, about 2” from the top of the page and 1” from the right hand side. Using the LE Pigment Ink in Blue Jean and a Stylus and Tip, apply Pigment Ink to the edges of a Large Shipping Tag. Adhere the Shipping Tag to the upper right side of the 7” x 9” Kraft Cardstock. Cut a 1.5” x 10” piece of denim from an old pair of jeans. Fray the edges by pulling the strings from the fabric. Then ink the edges with LE Pigment Ink in Berry. The intense, rich color of the pigment ink shows up against the dark fabric and dries quickly. Tuck the inked denim strip under the bottom edge of the 7” x 9” Kraft Cardstock. Tie a small strip of denim, about 6” long, into a knot on the top of the shipping tag and ink with the LE Pigment Ink in Berry.

Press one chipboard flower stem into the LE Pigment Inkpad in Blue Jean to color it. Press two smaller chipboard flower stems into the LE Pigment Inkpad in Stormy Seas to color them. Using a Stylus and Tips set, add shading to the diecuts using the LE Pigment Inkpad in Blue Jean and Stormy Seas. The Pigment Ink dries slowly, allowing the ink to be blended and shaded. Apply clear embossing powder to the diecut stems and heat set. Adhere to the page using 3L Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares.

Diecut 8 flowers from the denim using the Sizzix Big Shot and Sizzix Flower, 3-D Fringed Die by Eileen Hull. Stamp the reverse sides of the denim flowers with the Rollagraph Jumbo Stamp Wheel in Simple Dots and LE Pigment Ink in Raisin. Stack the flowers alternating right side of the denim and the stamped side of the denim and adhere to the page, atop the flower stems. Ink the edges of the flowers with LE Pigment Ink in Berry. Punch hearts from Kraft Cardstock stamped with Hero Arts stamps and LE Pigment Ink in Raisin and adhere to the centers of the flowers using 3L Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares. Stamp a sentiment onto a scrap of Kraft Cardstock using a Hero Arts stamp and LE Pigment Ink in Raisin. Add to the page, just under the photo, using 3L Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares.

Supply List:

ColorBox Limited Edition Pigment Ink in Zen Garden, Berry, Blue Jean, Raisin, and Stormy Seas
ColorBox Stylus and Tips Set
Rollagraph Jumbo Handle and Jumbo Stamp Wheel in Simple Dots
Clearsnap Clear Embossing Powder
Smooch Spritz in Silver Foil and Ginger Ale
Adhesive - 3L Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares, MyStik Permanent
Cardstock – Kraft by Bazzill
Heart Punch – Fiskars
Chipboard Diecuts – Magistical Memories
Stamps – Hero Arts
Shipping Tag – office supply
Chevron Template – Crafter’s Workshop
Denim – old pair of jeans from the thrift store, no label

There you have it, an entire page from 2 sheets of kraft cardstock, a tag, some chipboard and denim diecuts and lots of gorgeous Pigment Ink!

Talk about a bargain of a page! If you'd like to learn more techniques like the ones showcased in this post, check out my The Painted Page class at My Creative Classroom, exclusively online.

The Painted Page

Starts April 3, 2012

4 Week Course

Class Fee: $25

Happy Creating!

Jennifer

Zutter Sampler

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Join Zutter Zister Nan Paturzo and then entire Zutter team at this Workshop designed and taught by Zutter Zister Jennifer Priest:

Zutter Sampler

CHA Workshop

January 31, 2011

8:00am-10:00am

CHA Trade Show, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

Room: 213C

Supplies: Liquid adhesive, Scissors

Zutter's innovative tools have revolutionized the art of the scrapbook album and beyond. In this hands-on course we will create a guide book and sample using the Zutter Bind-It-All machine, Zutter Kutter, and more, as a sampling of the techniques presented in the Official Zutter Certification Program, launching at CHA - Winter 2012. The samples created in this course demonstrate techniques that can be easily passed on to your customers and used in classes.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Priest and Nana Campana

Sponsor(s): Zutter, Trim Craft, Xyron, hydrangeahippo.etsy.com

This workshop is sold out, however, we're sharing a few more photos with you to give you some ideas on ways you can incorporate unique elements into your own handmade books using the Zutter Bind-It-All:

Mix our Acrylic Tab Folders with Paper Hardware Bags between paper and chipboard pages.

Glassine bags make fun accents while our 3x4 Acrylic Pages are a great way to add a focal point between pages. Embellish with ribbon, sitckers, or bling for an easy accent piece.

And finally, adding in our Movable Page Protectors between pages, as well as using office supplies such as Shipping Tags, can add more room for photos in your books without the bulk of adding more chipboard.

If you're coming to CHA-W, come on by our booth to see more inspiring samples using our innovative line of tools and accessories!

Zutter Zister Jennifer Priest

Celebrating -- TOMORROW!!!

2012-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am so so soooo thrilled to be teaching this Workshop at the Winter CHA Show on Sunday January 29th! Authentique Paper's new Celebrate line is perfectly cheerful, with pops of red-orange and lovely teal. The textured matte finish of the paper and stickers are accented by a touch of sparkle from embellishments and spray inks that we'll be using in class.

Authentique Mixed Media Album

CHA Workshop

January 29, 2011

6:30pm-8:30pm

CHA Trade Show, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

Room: 212

Difficulty: Intermediate

Supplies: Scissors or paper trimmer and liquid adhesive

Create a handmade mixed media scrapbook using the the Zutter Bind It All machine and the latest releases from Authentique Paper. We'll experiment with various ink products from Clearsnap, including Smooch Spritz, to create depth, shine, and pattern on the album pages in conjunction with Authentique Paper's richly textured paper lines. Inspire your customers with unique techniques and money saving ideas.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Priest

Sponsor(s): Authentique Paper LLC, Zutter, Xyron, Clearsnap, Want2Scrap, ilovetocreate.com, hydrangeahippo.etsy.com

The Workshop is sold out so we thought it would be fun to share a few sneak peeks of the inner pages with you on the Authentique Paper blog (and my blog too)--this is the only place you can see this book!! Here we go...

The 12x12 stickers for this collection are awesome!!! There is something for any occasion you might have to celebrate, and then some.

One of my favorite things about the collection, which we will discuss in class, is that the "red" can vary between red and coral, depending on the embellishments chosen. We use both red and coral in the class for a really festive look.

This paper also "plays well" with vintage elements, like doilies and dictionary paper. The pops of black and grey play off the colors for a masculine effect.

And finally, the Collection lends itself nicely to the addition of a little navy, which we'll add with spray ink and unique trims in the class.

I hope you enjoyed the peek into the book we'll be creating at the show this weekend. If you were unable to join us, be sure to stop by the booth to say "hello" and follow us on Facebook!

Jennifer

http://hydrangeahippo.blogspot.com

Valentine Treat Box

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

This fun little box is adorned with heart embellishments created with the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studios for a custom look. I cut the box out with a Sizzix Die--I just love how cute it is! This easy peasy litle gift would be great for a teacher or, if you are really ambitious, each kid on her Valentine's list.

Supplies:

EC Heart 25 Shape Studio and Bubble Caps

EC Heart 20 Button Studio and Buttons

Tissue Festooning by Party City

Ribbons and Trims by May Arts, Making Memories

Tulle by Joann's

Diecut by Sizzix

White and Ladybug Cardstock by Bazzill

Fabric Paper by American Crafts

Twine by The Twinery

Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inkpad in Berrylicious

ColorBox Dye Inkpad in Wicked Black

Stamp and Label Punch by Stampin' Up!

"Love" Stamp by Hero Arts

Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses

Patterned Paper by Heidi Grace for Fiskars and Pink Paislee

Happy Crafting :)

-Jennifer

P.S. Don't miss out on the giveaway I posted on my Jan 21st post -- it ends Feb 2, 2011 so there is still time to enter!!

Thrifty Thursdays: Fugly to Fabulous Frame

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Our house was a repo when we first bought it.

Naturally, it had alot of "character" in the form of missing light fixtures, stained carpet, damaged window coverings, and lots of bad bad bad wall colors. My scrap room started out hot pink and peach. Matthew's room was a lovely shade of "Painter's Tape Blue". Katie had a sickly Lavender room. The halls and master bedroom were odd shades of pink and peach. Avocado Green was splashed throughout the kitchen. We set to painting and painting and painting and more painting. Two, then three, then four, then SIX coats of Kilz to cover all those wonderfully dark colors the previous owners had painted. By the time we got to our master bath, which was painted a splotchy single coat of ghastly red, we had run out of steam. Fast forward 3.5 years and my hubby finally painted 4 coats of Kilz to cover the bloody boudoir walls. Another 2 months and he painted the rest. I wanted stripes for a focal wall and he did it -- an awesome job given the wonky walls and knockdown finish which he was not used to as an East Coast native.

In my head I had a vision of what I wanted on that focal wall and finding those items for little money was gonna be a challenge. I found a framed print at Marshall's last summer that had a terrible peach frame. It was $19.99. I used acrylic craft paint in gold and a 1" flat brush to cover the frame with 4 coats. It came out perfect!! The trick was a little patience as I waited for each to coat to dry thoroughly before adding the next.

The next step was adding towel racks. We originally got some at Lowe's and they were $50 each! That was like $3 an inch. A stop at Target solved that issue--I believe this rack was $18.99. The folding wrought-iron bookcase was a purchase I made in Monterey from Pier One when I was 18 years old. It has stayed with me because it folds up, making it easy to move, and it is perfect for towels.

The way I shop Target is I hit all the end caps on the backs of the aisles first to look for clearance deals and on my way, I grab the items I came for. Any awesome deals I put in my cart. Then I stop before I get to the registers to assess what I am getting and if I have a plan or need for it. If I don't have a need but I know someone who might, then I call them or text them right then and there. Most of the time, I walk out with only a fraction of the things I had in my cart. If the line is long, I reassess again while I am standing in line. The checkers know I always seem to find the best deals!! And I will ask them for hints and tips about what is marked down in other parts of the store that I might have missed. Also, if something is damaged and it is not marked down, ask them to take 10% off. They can usually do that at the register.

I found some candle holders and candles from Target with gold glitter, perfect for my new bathroom. The holders were $16.99 regular price, marked down to $8 each. The candles were $7.99 regular price, marked down to $3.24 each. After the Christmas holidays, most stores have fancy candles on clearance so this is a great time to get a deal on elegant, decorative candles.

And there it is, my focal wall in my bathroom. I will be adding some sconces most likely in the future but with CHA around the corner, this is how it will be for at least another week!

Supplies:

Framed Art from Marshall's = $19.99
Acrylic Paint in Gold = $1.49
Candle Holders, $8 each = $16
Candles, $3.24 each = $6.48
Towel Rack = $18.99

I hope this helps you see the possibilities in items you already have, are on clearance, or you love the shape of. You can always change the color!

Happy Creating :)

- Jennifer

Grandma Smiled On This One

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Farmhouse Recipe Album Class

February 5, 2012

Scrapbook Daisies in Long Beach, CA

February 25, 2012
Cool Scrapbook Stuff, Poway, CA

Please bring: Bind It All if you have one, assorted dry adhesive or pva (no Zip Dry or water based glues please - they make the chipboard swell), scissors, paper trimmer, glue dots or hot glue.

Here are some more photos -- check out the cool vintage flash cards!!!

DO you need a Craftcation?

2012-01-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am soooooo excited to be presenting at the first annual Craftcation Conference!!!

Craftcation is a three-day indie business & DIY conference featuring lectures and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals on art, craft and food-centered small business in Ventura, Ca March 22-25 2012.

Craftcation features more than 50 workshops, lectures and events led by over 30 presenters like Jenny Hart, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Cathy Callahan, Christine Haynes, Lauren Venell, Nicole Vasbinder, Jennifer Priest, Aida Mollenkamp, Evan Klieman, Rena Tom and The Urban Craft Center.

If you want to start, maintain or grow your indie business or take a break from your routine and learn new skills while networking, then Craftcation is for you! Craftcation will ignite the entrepenurerial business spirit and strengthen skills and abilities of both seasoned business owners and newcomers to indie craft business.

Events and topics include:

Indie Business: how to start a crafty business, maximizing social media, blogging, in’s & out’s of indie craft shows, etsy, wholesaling, merchandising, accounting, legal issues, branding, website design, marketing on a budget and more.

DIY Workshops: screenprinting, sewing, canning & preserving, cheesemaking, needle arts, terrariums & edible gardens, organic bath products, jewelry, embroidery, bookbinding and more.

Community: meet & greets, pop-up shops, yoga, bbq & cocktail socials and so much more!

For more info please visit http://www.craftcationconference.com/ or find us on facebook

See you there :)
--Jennifer

LOVEly Zipper Pull

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am delving more and more back into my crafting roots, playing with beads and flowers and jewelry. Katie got a plain zippered hoodie jacket for Christmas and being a teen, she loves to accessorize. I knew she would be game for me accessorizing this jacket!

I created a charm using the Epiphany Crafts Heart 25 Shape Studio to make a custom embellishment using some Bella Blvd paper that Katie loved. I mounted the embellie to an Epiphany Crafts Heart 25 Charm Setting--I love beaded detail along the edges of the heart! Next I adhered the heart to part of a felt flower, also by Epiphany Crafts, sandwiching a bow made with American Crafts ribbon between the charm and flower. Then I threaded a row of beads onto a eye pin and attached that to the charm with a jump ring. Next I attached the eye pin to the zipper. Easy peasy!

Katie can easily change the zipper pull to match the season or her outfits, especially if I add a clasp to attach it to the zipper pull rather than a jump ring.

Supplies:

EC Heart 25 Shape Studio, Bubble Caps, and Charm Setting
EC Frayed Flowers Cherry
Paper by Bella Blvd
Beads, Jewelry Findings by Bohemian Crystal
Ribbon by American Crafts

Happy Crafting :)

-Jennifer

P.S. Don't miss out on the giveaway I posted on my Jan 21st post -- it ends Feb 2, 2011 so there is still time to enter!!

Craft a Handmade Business With Me :)

2012-01-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

Crafting a Handmade Business On Etsy

February 21, 2012

Online Class - 5 Weeks

with Jennifer Priest

Registration opens on Monday January 23, 2012

Have you ever been told you should sell your crafts? Are you looking to make extra money or even support yourself with an income from your crafting? Do you already have an etsy shop but are looking for ways to make it more successful? If so, then this class is for you!

During this 5 week course we will cover everything from choosing a shop name to having a grand opening. We will cover the material in a straight-forward way to help you take focused action to get your shop on the road to success. Similar courses online cost hundreds of dollars and require months of instruction. I have streamlined the process and distilled it down to what I have found to be most important and beneficial during my experience.

I have been successfully selling on etsy since 2007, doubling revenue each year since I started. I will share my story with you, tips and tricks I have learned along the way, and how to stay motivated through tough times. By the end of the course, you should be open for business and ready to make your first sale!

Syllabus

Week One: What Do You Love to Make? Choose a Name, a Theme for the shop, create a graphic for the shop.

Week Two: Setting Up Shop. Set policies, add the headers, set up shipping profiles, link to Paypal. Managing the Business Side - Taxes, Business Licenses, keeping track of money, customer service, how to use etsy's billing system.

Week Three: Creating items, photographs, figuring out what to charge, how to package items, where to get shipping supplies.

Week Four: Marketing - where, when, how, and why?

Week Five: Go "live" and get your first sale -- this week will include a blog hop or cross promo activity with all of the students who choose to participate.

Start Date: February 21, 2012
Course Fee: $50

A Little Bird Perched on My Finger + A Giveaway

2012-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be demoing two projects I designed at the CHA Trade Show in Anaheim at the end of this month.

A group of 12 CHA Designer Members were asked to create projects using selected products from a group of craft supply manufacturers and I am so honored to be one of the Designers chosen!

I created a card and an ornament, each of which I will be demoing twice during the show at 12:30pm Sunday January 29, 2012 and 12:30 pm Wednesday February 1, 2012.

The card features a stamped "seal" which we will create using ColorBox ink, stamps by JustRite Stampers, Smooch Accent Ink, and Makin's Clay:

The ornament was fashioned from a frame kit by Globecraft Memories and adorned with ink by ColorBox, Smooch Accent Ink, Dew Drops by The Robin's Nest, adhesive by ScraPerfect, and more.

I hung a bead and chandelier style crystal from the base of the globe to complete the ornament.

Just come on by Booth 968 to see what the other Designers and I are demoing. Hope to see you there!!

Also, I have an unclaimed prize from THIS blog post on Jan 2. So that means there is one Medium Priority Flat Rate Box FULL of kits, over $200 worth to be exact, that is up for grabs!! *US only please because it is a Priority Flat Rate Box

To be entered to win, please share a link to my blog on Facebook, Twitter, your own blog, LinkedIn, Google+, or on Pinterest (by pinning an image) and post a comment about what you did on this blog post. You can use the buttons just above the comments to share really easily.

I will choose one winner from all the comments to win the box on February 2, 2012, when I return from CHA. That means there is ALOT of time to share :) Good luck!

A Scrap Room Tour - BLOG HOP!

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the

Show Me Your Scrap Room

BLOG HOP!!!

Misses Crafty got a bunch of crafters together on Facebook to show you our rooms :)

We hope to inspire you with new ideas for your own craftroom/space.

This is a no obligation hop, so if you would like to just browse through the spaces, that is totally ok! This hop will be open all weekend long! So no rush!

However, for those of you who like freebies there will be "blog candy" if you follow and comment on each posting and leave a comment with "your best organizational tip" your name will entered in a random drawing to win a $25.00 gift card from Michaels!!! Winner will be announced on Tuesday 1/24/12 by Misses Crafty.

To sweeten the Hop, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all US orders over the weekend using the code SHOWME at hydrangeahippo.etsy.com.

Ready, Set, Go!

Here is the line up~

LLuvia- http://sweetbirdmemories.blogspot.com

Brenda- http://brendafrerichs.blogspot.com

CallyAnn- http://callyanncraftycreations.blogspot.com

Kari- http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/

Jenny- http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

Claire- http://scrapmyway.blogspot.com

Linda- http://thefruitofmyhands.blogspot.com

Mindy- http://papercreationsbymindyblog.blogspot.com/

Zenita- http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com

Liz- http://www.scrapiliciousLife.blogspot.com

Doris- http://mybugandmecreate.blogspot.com

Haidee- http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/

Sam- http://scrappingwithpirkie.blogspot.com/

Lisa-http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Perlilla- http://www.perlillapets.blogspot.com/

Vicki- http://mawmawsthoughts.blogspot.com

Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com

Chrys- http://scrapbookingkampstyle.blogspot.com

Melinda- http://thepaperthumb.blogspot.com/

Julie- http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/

Angela- http://Prettifyyourlife.blogspot

Dana- http://Papermemories4u.blogspot.com

Amy Jo- http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com
Jennifer - http://hydrangeahippo.blogspot.com ----- You are here

Here is my scrap room, after 2 months of work!!

Thrifty Thursdays: Birdbath and Bird Feeder

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was recently challenged with showing an out of the box craft idea I made. Something functional.

You mean, not a scrapbook?

I really took this challenge head on and decided I would create something without paper. Wayyyyy back when I started crafting seriously, I would say around 9 years old, I crafted. I did not "papercraft". I did jewelry, anything you could glue with a hot glue gun, painting, building structures in our backyard to play in, beading, drawing, photography, cross stitch, floral wreaths, embroidery, sewing, clay, shrinky dinks...I did not start "papercrafting" until over 10 years later.

Somewhere I seemed to forget about all my other crafts/hobbies and identified myself solely as a papercrafter. It was as if there were some invisible fences keeping me from straying from the straight and narrow path of "papercrafts".

The last year or two the waters have muddied in the craft industry. Everyone is using the term "mixed media", mixing genres and materials in crafting, working across the whole spectrum of techniques and tools! Embracing that, breaking the invisible fences that were holding us in, is just so exciting to me.

So in the spirit of that, I wanted to create something outside of my norm. I like things that are useful and look as if they could have been purchased in a store. The fact that it is handmade and for under $15 is just a bonus for me!

We have lots of birds that come to my yard but they have nowhere to bathe, nowhere to perch. I have been wanting a bird bath for some time but there was no way I was going to pay $50-$100 for one at the garden shop. I wanted an elegant looking spindle type base but knew wood would be expensive and not survive the elements. But plastic....plastic COULD work!
First, we set off to the thrift store. In the same trip I got the knives for my mirror that I posted two weeks ago HERE, I also picked up two stainless steel ornate trays for about $3 each. They were perfectly shallow to hold bird seed and water and yet ornate enough to seem "fancy".

Next we hit up the 99 Cent Only Store and Dollar Tree in search of plastic stuff. I looked at the shapes of bowls, cups, spray bottles and anything plastic and began stacking items to see what would created the turned wood look I was after. Once I gathered all of the items, I glued them together with epoxy, placing the silver trays on top.

You can use hot glue or epoxy to glue the pieces together. I recommend epoxy if you plan to actually USE these :) Next, start stacking the elements until you like the way they look and then glue them in place.

Once everything is in place, start spray painting. You'll need a paint that will work on plastic and metal and is good for outdoor use. I like Rust-Oleum. Use a box or tarp to protect your work area from overspray and wind, if any.

Make sure to get the underside of the trays:

I cut the tops of off spray bottles using a hack saw so that they could be worked into the project. I then spray painted the pieces with a hammered finish metallic spray paint to give them a uniform, metallic look. The whole project took just a few hours to complete!

Hope this inspires you to think outside of the usual "box" we craft in. Try to use materials you never use and see what happens. You may be surprised!!

Happy Creating :)
--Jennifer

Alter it Yourself!

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Last year (funny to say that since it was only 2 weeks ago that it was 2011) I altered a globe I got on clearance at Target and posted about it on my blog HERE.

Well, I was in Target on Friday and they have a similar globe, just in a different color scheme, on sale. It is ~~full price, $24.99~~, on sale this week for $20 versus the clearance price I got of $6.24, but you'd be hard pressed to find as cute of a globe for any less that $25 anywhere else. I know because I have been looking for more of them to alter since I did the first one!

So get them while you can :) I only saw 2 on the shelf at this Target so it doesn't look like they have too many available. If you do get a globe and alter it, I would love love love to see pics!! Please share the link on my Facebook Page so I can pin your project!

And, I have a winner! On Sunday I posted a giveaway for a ticket to the LIVE from CHA event with Charity Wings. The lucky winner is..............................

Kaneka Chhim

Cool page. I like that you keep it so active. Thanks for the chance to win the Live from CHA event.

Please email your contact information to hydrangeahippo@yahoo.com to claim your ticket!!

If you did not win, there are still tickets available for this 2 days event for $39!
This how you can get in on the action of CHA without the hassles of travel, trying to get a membership ($155), getting a ticket to the show, parking, and so on! What are you waiting for?!?! Register HERE.

Happy Creating :)

---Jennifer

Craftcation Here We Come!

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am soooooo excited to be presenting at the first annual Craftcation Conference!!!

I'll be teaching Social Marketing for Crafters, a seminar all about identifying where you should be with your social marketing and how to do it yourself without becoming a full-on expert. You CAN do this!!

Craftcation: Indie Business & DIY Craft Conference is three days of 50+ lectures on small business and hands-on DIY craft, food & sewing workshops with 30+ industry professionals like JENNY HART, CRAFTY CHICA, CATHY CALLAHAN, AIDA MOLLENKAMP and THE URBAN CRAFT CENTER. March 22-25th 2012, Ventura, Ca. For info go to www.craftcationconference.com or find us on facebook here. Register by Feb 15th for discounts on tickets & hotel

See you there :)
--Jennifer