{pr-AT-tle}

2009-09-08T21:39:00.001-06:00

For those of you who have followed my newbie blog - a BIG change is coming today! My sister Danielle and I are combining forces and creating a new blog, scrappybetties. We've added our posts from the individual blogs but as of today our individual blogs, everyday artist and prATle are not going to be updated and will soon disappear!

It's going to be all about what we do - a lot of paper crafting, digital scrapbooking and whatever new and fun art project flips our switch.

It will be filled with challenges (aka sibling rivalry) prizes (mine will be better of course!) and lots of super cool learning moments (for both of us and hopefully for you!). We also hope to have a mini-newsletter and PDF tutorials in place soon and will give you the low-down asap!

As with anything in life, the site is a work in progress so if you know of a cool widget, smart shortcut or cool project - share it with us. Please take a minute to visit our site today and subscribe, share on your FB pages and leave some love for us!

Who Likes the Simple Cards? Let me know!

2009-09-07T01:00:00.001-06:00

Another leftovers card. Who likes the simple cards best?
Leave a comment and let me know.

The sun is a one-of-a-kind, which means that I cut it out free-hand. Which means there are no two alike! I've been thinking of making some short video tutorials and such, I would love to show my good friends that come by and visit how I made the sun. It's easier than you think!

{prATle} is combining with everyday artist!

2009-09-04T11:31:00.002-06:00

Hip NOT to be Square, part Deux

2009-09-04T01:00:00.006-06:00

My second attempt at altering the standard sized card. I rounded the top and left a small connection to keep it hinged together.

Here's that cute little sun again, but remember, it's like a snowflake, not exactly like the last. I tried a little white embossing powder on the edges of the cloud. It seems to give it more of a "floaty" feeling. Again, there's that cute little cloud.

Hip NOT to be Square

2009-09-03T01:00:00.004-06:00

So I had this "brilliant" idea, let's play with cards that start-out standard size, but I alter them in some way. Here is my first effort. I actually think it is super cool. So did my 14 year old Meagan, she even smiled and giggled when she noticed it was slanted. I have achieved greatness in her eyes!!!! At least for now. The flower is it's own little piece of awesomeness, brought to my attention by my uber-talented sister Danielle Donaldson. a.k.a. CK 2005 Hall of Famer, Scrapbook Product Designer and currently a Super-Awesome Digi Product Designer. Check out her stuff on ScrapArtist.

I made several of these flowers for her, I will link you up when I see what she has done with them. Can't wait!

Your the Best Quicknote Set

2009-09-02T01:00:00.002-06:00

This little box was made up from scoring here and there, and slowly developed into what it is. I love making little boxes, they feel so perfect and complete. I think I really want a Score-It. If any of you have one or have used one, let me know if you think it is worth the $ and time.

Yes... there is that cloud template again. I wasn't kidding when I said I only use what is on my desk or right in front of me. That's why you will generally see at least one item/color/etc. from one project pull over into the next. I think I must be to lazy to get up and get different stuff. ;)

This little box stands all on its own, holding twelve 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" note cards and envelopes. The cards have a white space on the inside for writing, and are non-gender specific. It's just what I wanted.... I am exploring different applications for this new member of my personal creative family.

Four Layer Flower Card

2009-09-01T05:00:00.002-06:00

Here we are, September already. The colors of this Amy Butler paper reminds me of a late summer. Indian summer. I'm going to ease into Fall this year, I certainly hope it cooperates.

Again, I used my Cricut to cut 4 flowers, 2 each of 2 different sizes, then added a delightful metal detail from Stampin' UP!. Don't forget to curl the petals of the flowers, I like to use the barrel of a pen to keep them consistent, and to help me not to crease the paper.

Hot Pink, Black and White on Parade

2009-08-31T13:16:00.005-06:00

Three for one today. I stayed up way too late last night just playing with all these pieces that I had all over my desk. I wanted to make a simple card for the Caardvarks challenge this week. The only requirement - Hot pink, black and white. I can't say where the inspiration came for these, except that I ran across an old never-opened colluzzle template. The funny thing is that I like the "accidental" card, the card made of leftover pieces, the best. Which one do you think it is? I will draw a name from those of you who guess correctly and you will get your pick of these lovely lovelies sent to your own little mailbox. Leave a comment with your guess!

More Amy Butler, Thanks a Bunch Card

2009-08-31T05:00:00.001-06:00

some more Amy Butler Lucky Flowers goodness. Aren't the colors just scrumptious?

I cut the leaf on my Circut, planning to use it on another project.... well, this is where it landed.

2009-08-28T05:00:00.007-06:00

This patterned paper had me at "hello", well at least that's what it would have said if it could have talked. Isn't it just yummy! It came in a big, thick pad from Micheal's (totally used my coupon).

A little different concept applied to this card. I get on a 3 x 6 kick and that's all I can do for a while. This one is a tri-fold 3 x 6, just so I can show off the wonderful two sided paper. Amy Butler does most of the work for me, just add a saying and some ribbon ruffles and call it done.

Moxie Fab Challenge/Wednesday

2009-08-27T15:16:00.006-06:00

The Moxie Fab challenge for Wednesday was: CUTE. I guess "cute" is in the eye of the beholder, this is about as "cute" as I get. Seriously, who wouldn't smile at a Christmas tree made of hearts, really. My usual problem with focal points like this.... where to put the greeting. I like where it landed, notice the little trick with the corners of the "warmest wishes", I slightly rounded the corners with a sanding block. Super easy way to soften-up the piece (I did it to the green piece too).

Moxie Fab World Challenge/Thursday

2009-08-27T12:52:00.007-06:00

Here's another for Moxie Fab. The challenge called for classy and elegant, with a little bling. I was so star happy that I decided to make an ornament too, it's really just a bunch of stars(12 to be exact) with each point bent and glued to the next. I like these colors for Christmas: Kiwi, Pacific Point, black and white, feels clean and sharp. What are your favorite holiday colors right now? What do you think the big trend will be this year?

Yeah! Paper Crafts Goodness

2009-08-27T05:00:00.002-06:00

Check it out..... one of my projects made it online too! The photo isn't me, even though she is cute. Here's the link if you want to go there. Link.

Gorgeous Gifts with a Handmade Twist

August 25, 2009 in Uncategorized | Tags: Alicia Thelin

Jennifer Schaerer

Holiday Cards & More Week is a little slice of early holiday heaven for me.

I’m the one who keeps my Christmas playlist on my iPod all year long (I’ve also been overheard humming carols in May). I also just bought two new ornaments last weekend for our Christmas tree. And it’s only August, but I’m already working on a few ideas for neighborhood and teacher gifts for Christmas.

Seriously, I think there must be at least one branch of elf DNA in my family tree.

Alicia Thelin came up with the perfect combination of fun, cute and simple for my neighbor gifts this year:

Whip these up assembly-line style and you'll have neighbor gifts in no time at all!

For My Awsome Little Oliver

2009-08-26T05:00:00.004-06:00

Just for you my little bud!

Oliver loves trucks, big machines and such. This one is for him! I ran across this stamp set from Stampin' Up! that is so old, it's mounted on foam! How long has it been since they've done that? Super minimalist, but I wanted the bulldozer to stand out, that's all he'll care about anyway. Love you sweetie - Auntie Alicia

Tuesday Moxie Fab World Challenge

2009-08-25T14:43:00.007-06:00

Today's Moxie Fab Challenge is Vintage/Sabby Chic. Did I hit it on the mark? Kinda, I always struggle a little bit with this style, I haven't really found my "flavor". A little non-traditional with the colors, burgundy, baby pink, white, ivory and kraft. I used alot of layering and textures, I even sponged the edges of the paper! Now that's going ol' school.

Moxie Fab World Challenge

2009-08-25T11:36:00.006-06:00

Who's ready for Christmas time? Well, at least the craft stores are....yikes. Here's a little ditty (3"x6") for the Moxie Fab World Blog. The challenge was to create something graphical, clean, lots of white space. I maintained the white space, but opted to fill some of it with textures, the swiss dots on the card, and then the score lines to mimic the angles of the tree. The ribbon is angled in the same fashion as the tree for continuity. Simple, but well-worth making. Merry Christmas to one and all!!! ;) JK

And the card goes to......

2009-08-25T05:00:00.000-06:00

I didn't forget about who was going to get this little lovely. But just as proof, I took a photo of Maddie drawing the name and then I had her hold it up. There you go..... Danielle! WooHoo! If you all thought this was fun, let me know and I have so many cards that I would love to pass on to you all. Thanks for all the awesome comments! Keep 'em coming and I will continue putting my work out there in to cyberspace. I just hope that when you come here you feel a titch of inspiration. And yes, I just used the word "titch". ;)

Oh heck, I just googled "titch" and it is slang for, well, let's just say.... too many bad things. I don't think I'll be using that one again.

A Gift For You Card and Tag

2009-08-24T05:00:00.002-06:00

This card kinds fell together from a semblance of this and that.

1. The Red card stock was crooked, so I trimmed it.
2. The embossed white paper was a scrap on my desk.
3. I just had to use the new punch that I got.
4. Again... ribbon sitting on my desk, had to use it.
5. A recent fascination with puffy stickers.

Voila! Masterpiece! OK.... so it's no masterpiece, but I am liking it.

Then comes the tag. Don't you think it looks like a little handbag?
I thought that it would be cute tied to the gift package.

Welcome, Neighbor

2009-08-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

As I sit and appreciate the wonderful view and breeze pouring into my office my keen sense of perception (totally sarcastic) leads me to understand that the neighbors across the street have returned. They left for the summer... who know where, but no dogs barking at every car that comes by (yeah!). It's nice to see the house come back to life with a young family, cars in and out of the drive, tine kids on the back deck. I've lived here for a year plus and I still have no idea who they are. I should introduce myself. I think this card will do nicely. I figure that I'll include our name and number on the inside. I suppose I should make them treats! Oh, how about cinnamon rolls? mmmmmm.

Charmed, I'm Sure

2009-08-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

This button makes me happy, fitting for a simple canvas to show off how pretty it is. It came in a big bag of buttons that I got on sale at Oriental Trading when there was free shipping once. I haven't seen free shipping there since (unless you spend, like, $50.00).

I chose the words by color.... not necessarily thinking of their application. As an afterthought, I figure it can be a thank you for a party or get together. Any ideas from you?

Pearls & Woodgrain

2009-08-18T05:00:00.003-06:00

So I sat down to make a card without circles. Drat. Well, at least I didn't cut any circles out. I will try again. I suppose it's sorta like a diet, when you deprive yourself of something, you tend to gravitate to it. That's me and circles.

Kraft card stock just can't go wrong in my book. It is the perfect neutral. It's an interesting juxtaposition when you put pearls and rhinestones with wood grain and kraft. A little unexpected, I like that.

And the correct guess is.......

2009-08-17T21:12:00.003-06:00

Amy was the only one to peg it. The rub-on looks just like a Birth control pill(s) container. I simply cannot take this image seriously. I tried so hard! I guess I couldn't blame the artist who created them, she is young and not married, maybe she's never seen a pack of birth control pills. But I can't believe it got by every other eye in the place without the same comment! Those things go through crazy reviews, with tons of people looking at them.

Uber Cool Party Invite

2009-08-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

You see there is this image on some Stampin' Up! rub ons....... What does it make you think of? I will crack-up if any of you come up with the same conclusion as I did. I remember telling the artist who created it what I thought it was when she first presented it.

Again with the circles. But what a cool party invitation, huh? I would be stoked to go to a party after receiving this little bundle of paper goodness.

Friendly Friday Card

2009-08-14T05:00:00.001-06:00

Circle happy... that's what I have been lately. I think it's time to challenge myself to make something without a circle on it. Let's see if I have the ability to do it!

The flower with the wording on it fills in for the greeting on this little card. Just a note to let a friend know that I am thinking of them.

Post a comment to this entry and I will send it to you! (you can let me know if you want me to write in it or not ;).

Simple Texture

2009-08-13T05:00:00.005-06:00

A challenge in texture. I wanted to create a card that had so many details, but I wanted the viewer to be surprised by the subtlety of each of the elements. Did I accomplish my goal? I think so.

Stampin' Up! card stock, and a Heidi Swapp stamp.