Creative Chaos

Trying to recover......

creativechaos — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:30:00 -0800

from a cold that grabbed hold of me over a week ago. Ack....I have a few pictures of a "Paper Cake" class I'm teaching this Saturday at Paper Tales.......

I was so bummed I had to cancel my "Hoarders" class this last Saturday.......

I need to reschedule it for another evening. I suppose it could have been worse and I could have gotten the full blown flu that I have seen disarm many around here. For myself the last couple weeks have been a case of stuffed up head, sore throat and this past week losing my voice.

Oh...I want to show you a cute project Michelle did at Paper Tales. I stole the picture from the blog......

Talk to you soon! Karin

Valentine Tag Tutorial........

creativechaos — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 22:53:59 -0800

Hi everyone! I have a little tutorial for you using some Melissa Frances paper and embellishments.

Various Papers for the tag and
background of tag (I used Attic Treasures and 5^th Avenue)

Corrugated paper

Vintage book page

Melissa Frances crepe paper

MF Organza Pouf/Pink

MF pom pom trim

MF Resin Key

MF Pearl Embellishments

MF Crystal Drop

Tulle

Letter Stamps

Adhesive

Glue pen

I’m currently obsessed with both kraft and corrugated paper. So I decided to keep my obsession going with this quick and easy valentine tag. First thing I did was cut a tag using some kraft paper. Next I glued down some Melissa Frances Attic Treasures paper as a base and some 5^th Avenue torn up on the sides.

I like to use a wash of paint on my projects. So here I just dry brushed the sides of the tag with a cream acrylic paint.

Next, I cut a heart out of corrugated paper measuring just to the width of the tag. Because I like
the look of a “non-perfect” heart, I just folded the paper and cut to size.

I love painting on corrugated paper. I just adore the look. Because I was using the beige and blue paper for my base I decided to paint the heart pink with some cream accents. I didn’t layer the paint on too heavy because I wanted some of the paper to show through.

I still felt it needed a bit of something else. I was going to put some of my old stand by glitter on it when I spied my Glimmer Glam out of the corner of my eye…..perfect. Once the paint was dry, I just put a coat of that on top of the heart to give it just a bit of shimmer and gloss.

Now, for the all important glitter….. I used my glue pen to trace a thin line around the edge of the paper and then sprinkled the antique silver glitter on top.

I next made a little banner out of some vintage French book pages. I thought it looked romantic…. although I have no idea what the words said. I simply cut the paper into a banner shape and then gave it a quick coat of cream paint. I also traced the edges with my glue pen and sprinkled some glitter on it.

I glued some crepe paper that I ruffled with my sewing machine to the bottom back of the tag. I then
glued the Organza trim to the top of it. Since this was for Valentine’s Day I decided to keep the layers going by topping it off with some pom pom trim and a black and cream ribbon.

I then glued my heart in place on top of the tag. I placed the banner on a slight angle and then glued it along with the key into place. I embellished the ends of the banner with the pearls.

I kept toying with the phrase “you have the key to my heart.” But no matter how I maneuvered the words around there was no way it was going to work. So I finally decided on the simplicity of “Love.”

I then topped the tag off with a bow of tulle and a little crystal at the top. Now you are ready to
give to your favorite Valentine.

creativechaos — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:00:54 -0800

The new and improved cover of the "Hoarder's Anonymous" mini book at Paper Tales. It needed something in the middle and I just couldn't figure out what. I scoured Paper Tales for just the right object. I informed customers they were on their own and told Michelle to drop what she was doing and start searching for the perfect item that would catapult this book from being a so-so scrapbook into a standing room only class. And then there it was, with no help from Michelle, I spotted it.......

We just got in these little porcelain initial charms.....Perfect!

Here are a few more pages.......

I'll be back with a Valentine project with Melissa Frances.....Talk to you soon! Karin

A colorful hoarder......

creativechaos — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 09:32:11 -0800

At least when the crew of the tv show Hoarders comes knocking at my door, they will all have something pretty to look at. Even the 1-800-GOT-JUNK guys, who normally are leaning against the side of the truck counting the minutes until they can punch the clock and go home, would be duly impressed with my piles of paper.........

Last year, I created a "Hoarders Anonymous" at Paper Tales so we could all start using that paper we have stashed but never use. I even came up with a quiz to see if you fit the bill of an official paper hoarder. Anyway, last week, I did something I have been preaching all along. I cut into my one piece of all time favorite paper. Do you recognize which one?

It's the floral paper from the Basic Grey Lollipop Shoppe line. I have held onto this paper forever. I LOVE it. But I did what I have been preaching and cut it up to make this mini album......

And I'm so glad I did. It inspired me to pull out more paper that I love and create this book.......

We'll use it as a base for the class. Everyone will bring their own paper and use my book as the jumping off point. It's so much fun to see what everyone comes up with.

Ok.....gotta run! Talk to you soon! Karin

Cupcakes Anyone?

creativechaos — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:19:59 -0800

I finally got my new batch of cupcakes finished for my class at Paper Tales. Once again children proclaimed me mother of the year when they saw the baking pans come out. And, then in the same breath, proclaim that I'm the meanest mommy ever for making fake sweet treats in front of them.......

Oh well. Life is tough kids. Get used to it.

I purchased a new frosting tip that makes the bigger swirls.....

It's the little things that make me so happy......

My pictures aren't the best because of an uncooperative sun. But you get the idea.......

Talk to you soon! Karin

Time just gets away........

creativechaos — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:56:08 -0800

Making more cupcakes for a class at Paper Tales. Uggg.....the picture quality isn't very good. I was hoping to take some better pictures today but it's pretty cloudy. I also finally sent out two more of my round robin journals. Although it took me FOREVER to finish these up,I love how they turned out. I have one more to go and then the reveal of our journals......

I forgot to write down who wrote that quote....I love it though. It's so true. Talk to you soon! Karin

Melissa Frances......

creativechaos — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:21:12 -0800

Here's a look at the Melissa Frances booth along with Melissa, Carolyn and Michelle.....

Loving the big houses......

Chipboard baskets.....

New bird cages, clock faces and on the bottom shelf some file drawers....

As usual I didn't take nearly enough photos but here are some projects using the new line of paper. Click on the picture of the paper to see all the detail.....

Anne Kristine.......

Sherrie Siemens........

Rachel McAffee......

Emeline Seet.....

Melissa Phillips......

I'll be back with more! Karin

CHA stuff......

creativechaos — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:42:22 -0800

For anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time knows how much I love Martha Stewart products. I probably could have plopped myself down in front of this paint display for the three days I was there and been perfectly happy....especially since they had a free coffe stand right next to it......

So one of my favorite new items of the show was the MS silk screen stencils. They are adhesive backed and stick right to the item you are "silk screening." Once you put the paint on you are good to go. Loved the detail on the glass. I thought this would be great for make and takes at Paper Tales or something fun for parties........

Tomorrow....Melissa Frances

Still in Christmas mode.........

creativechaos — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:23:43 -0800

To say I was obsessed with the Melissa Frances miniature houses would be an understatement.......

I got this idea in my head to use the same spackle I use for my cupcakes as snow on the house and ground......

obsessed.....

Then I had to make a little snowman.......

and little snowballs......

I can't wait for next Christmas......

So much for my big blogging spree.......

creativechaos — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:29:49 -0800

I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. Between substitute teaching, Paper Tales. Christmas, the boys and then getting ready for CHA, I couldn't quite get myself to the computer to write all the compelling and brilliantly funny stories I had on the tip of my keyboard. Sigh..... Anyway, one of my New Year resolutions was to be more consistent with my blogging. Considering it's already the 15th, I cantell I'm in trouble. Anyway, here are couple pictures of some of my Melissa Frances projects.......

I'm so excited about this book. I planning on teaching a class as soon as the new paper ships. Talk to you soon! Karin

creativechaos — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:43:21 -0800

Here's a little tag that I made using some Melissa Frances paper and embellishments........

I just adore this tulle from Paper Tales. I'm working it in to all projects I do.

It's hard winding down the Christmas project momentum I've had going lately. I need to get this creative wind in July of next year in order to complete all the projects I have in my head. In an effort to use up every last moment Andres and I have taken over the kitchen table with last minute crafting projects and gifts. He also was in charge of illustrating this year's Christmas card........

Ok....off to bed....talk to you soon! Karin

Let's Make a Mini Christmas Book..........

creativechaos — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:21:29 -0800

Alrightly.....Here is what I used for this project:

Adhesive

Stickles in platinum

White pen

glassine/decorated bags (Paper Tales)

envelopes (Paper Tales)

Assorted ribbons and embellishments

The Melissa Frances label backdrop chipboard cut in half. I used four of them......

12 x 12 Countdown paper.........

Countdown to Christmas Tag Collection........

Chipboard.......

Various Countdown to Christmas 12 x 12 paper.......

Cover....

I also used this cute polka dot tulle from Paper Tales, soft green crystals from MF and Stickles glitter in platinum.

back of cover and a scalloped notecard with trim......

mini bag.....

resin star....

Melissa Frances pom pom trim.....

little glitter star....

I cut the words out of the 12 x 12 paper and added them to different pages.....

A little red envelope with some fun trim.....

I hope you liked it! Talk to you soon! karin

Melissa Frances Christmas Mini Book......

creativechaos — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:19:03 -0800

I finally took some pictures of the mini book I made using the Melissa France Christmas line.......

I'll be back tomorrow with pictures of all the pages so you can make one too!

Checking in........

creativechaos — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:47:26 -0800

I have been consumed with a long term 3rd grade sub job for the past month and have neglected my poor little blog. I did finally finish some of my Melissa Frances chipboard houses for a class at Paper Tales this coming weekend. I'm so addicted to making these little houses......

Speaking of Paper Tales....funny little story from the other day....Last week Andres was telling me that if you leave your shoe out on the front porch, St. Nikolaus (German Christmas tradition) would come to visit that night and leave treats in the shoe. Fun. So he eagarly, left his shoe out on the front porch and raced to bed ready to go to sleep. In the meantime, "St Nikolaus" waiting on the couch fighting sleep hoping to still be awake by the time a certain little boy fell into his slumber. Finally, snoring could be heard from down the hall.

Now here is the problem....my little crafting buddy knows every inch of my craft room and adjoining craft supplies. So I had to be very careful with what I used to wrap his little gift. Luckily, I had some little cloth bags that I had gotten from Paper Tales that were purchased with the intention to make adorable little Halloween decorations. Fotunately, they were buried under a bunch of other Halloween crafting material that was never used. Perfect. I'm such a genius. Seriously.

So the next morning comes and happy laughter could be heard the world arround....St Nikolaus had arrived! Fast forward to three days later.....

Excerpt of actual conversation.....

Andres : Mommy.....this is soooo weird.

Me: (laptop on lap, looking at cute kitten picture on facebook) Huh...what.

Andres: Look....this little bag that St. Nikolaus gave me....

Me: (glancing briefly from cute kitten picture) what......

Andres: He got it from Paper Tales....

Me: (immediately stop looking at cute kitten)

Andres: See this....it's the pricetag...the same price tag that Paper Tales uses....that's so weird....

Crap. So I then explained to him that Paper Tales was the official sponser of the St. Nikolaus gift giving year....it was quite the honor...blah, blah, blah.....thousand of entries.....blah, blah, blah.....He seemed to buy it. Then I immediatey distracted him with candy, cookies and chocolate milk.......Damn his attention to detail.....

Anyway, here are some pictures of the new expansion at Paper Tales......

Ok....gotta run......Talk to you soon! Karin

Christmas Crafting Madness.....

creativechaos — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 13:05:26 -0800

I think all that pent up non Halloween crafting has finally gotten to me. I'm afraid the boys will remember the Christmas tradition of "Mommy fills the kitchen table with crafts, glitter and paper and we have nowhere to eat" above all else. But it's always quickly followed up by "Yay! Hotdogs in front of the t.v. again! Mom's the best!" So it all balances out in the end......

I had so much fun working with these little Melissa Frances boxes. I grabbed a couple from Paper Tales and ran out the door yelling to Michelle something to the effect "so cute, glitter and possible class...." She yelled back "I'll believe it when I see it...." HA! Believe it lady....because here it is! As soon as I get a few moments I'm going to do a tutorial for it on my blog.....Hopefully I will find those moments soon because I'm subbing all next week. Although I love, love, love subbing, it's seriously cutting into my crafting and blogging schedule.....I wish I didn't require sleep. However, my body loves it and refuses to rise at the crack of dawn to get things done no matter how many times I tell it to do so the night before......

So I mangaged to slowly but surely finish a Christmas album for a Hoarders class at Paper Tales.......

The picture aren't the best. I was taking them in a lowlight at Ppaer Tales. I'll have more of the inside in a better light.

Ok...that's it for now. Talk to you soon! Karin