Layers of Color NEW RELEASE Blog HOP!

Hello everyone! - Welcome to the January 2011

 Layers of Color

New Release Blog Hop!

If you came from Jessica’s blog, you are in the right place.

If you have just stopped in, please start at the beginning, you won’t want to miss a thing!

You’re invited to join us in celebrating our BIG REVEAL!!

FREE ART STAMPS are being given away on the all Blog Hop designers blogs!

And we are offering a GRAND PRIZE drawing where you can WIN the ENTIRE NEW RELEASE!

We are excited today to be revealing gorgeous

NEW Layers of Color cling art stamps and . . .

Our very first sentiment sets

illustrated by the talented

Nina Brackett!

You can check out all the stamp sets on the Layers of Color Blog.  I have created 2 projects for the hop.  I fell in love with all of these stamps and have been stamping like crazy!

Stamps : Sent With Love art stamp set and Warbler cling art stamp by Layers of Color

Ink : Brilliance Pearlescent Brown Tsukineko

Patterned Paper : October Afternoon - Fly a Kite

Prima Tag/Notecards Flora Fairy

Fiber : local craft store

Buttons : Dress It Up (Hobby Lobby)

Die : Spellbinders Fancy Labels

Stamp image with brown ink on cream cardstock and cut out. Stamp sentiment on cream cardstock and cut out using one of the Spellbinders Fancy Labels. Ink edges.

Cut brown cardstock to 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" and adhere to front of card. Cut patterned paper 5x5" and ink edges. Adhere to brown cardstock and use faux or real stitching around edges. Adhere Prima notecard as shown. Adhere fiber / lace along top edge. Adhere Warbler and sentiment as shown. Embellish with buttons.

Stamps : Layers of Color - Backyard Birds art stamp set and Floweret cling art stamp.

Gable Box Gift Container - Creative Cuts and More
Ink : Momento Tuxedo Black and Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate by Tsukineko

Copic Markers

Patterned Paper : American Crafts Abode Lake Vie Court

Orange and Brown Cardstock : Bazzill

Spellbinders Nestibilities Standard Ovals and Scalloped Ovals.

Lace - Local craft store

Want to know how you can win FLOWERET ???

Simply comment here telling me your favorite Layers of Color New Release!  BY 10PM EST

Then check back here in the am to see if you are a winner !

Don't forget to leave comments on the other designers blogs as well to qualify for their drawings.

 Once you are finished hopping, Check out the Layers of Color Boutique to take advantage of the ONE DAY ONLY BLOG HOP SALE!!

All blog hop designer’s giveaways and Layers of Color Grand Prize drawing winners will be drawn at the end of the Blog Hop - you have only 24 hours to respond- what are you waiting for – get hopping NOW!!!

                                                                                                              

Blog Hop order ...

Layers of Color * Diana * Janice * Jennie * Jessica
* Linda * Nina* Layers of Color

Thanks for stopping by!

Countdown to GIVE-AWAY!

Hello Papercrafters!!  I am so very excited to share with you an upcoming event that will give you an opportunity to win free product!  Layers of Color is partnering with 2 Sketches 4 You!  On Monday November 8th LOC will be sponsoring the challenge over at 2S4U AND a very special Blog Hop that will allow our readers a chance to win something from each of our Design Team member Blogs!   That's alot of chances to WIN!!  Laura at LOC is so generous.  We would love to have you join us.

Today I'm sharing some fall projects.  This first card utilizes a couple of the leaf images from the "Flowering Gems".

Supplies : Spellbinders Die - Fancy Tags, Stick Pin - Maya Road.

I'm linking this project to

Cupcake Inspiration's Color Challenge. (you have to see this yummy fall cupcake!)

Tuesday Throwdown is looking for "Give Thanks" projects.

For Fun Challenges is looking for use of something you have never used before - the leaf stamp image. 

I created this "Hostess Gift Container" a few years back.  This project is perfect when you are having your Thanksgiving meal at someone else's house.  Give your hostess a little fall thank you gift for all her hard work in preparing this years Thanksgiving meal!

This altered large 30oz vegetable can makes a great and inexpensive gift container. I was totally inspired to try this when I seen the cover of Hand Crafted Vol 4 a few years back year.  Lisa Kaus's altered "tinnies" are beautiful, so I had to give it a try. Wouldn't these be fun for Christmas too! Lisa Kaus is a fabulous Mixed Media Artist and you can check out her blog HERE.  I would love to see what everyone else comes up with, so let me know if you decide to try it.

My "tinnie" was created using a 30oz Vegtable can.  Start by shaping the can.  Squeeze the top of the can together as shown.  I spray painted my can with a textured paint.  This spray paint leaves a brown textured finish and I think it was called "Make it Stone" by Krylon.  I got mine at a local craft store.  I sprayed it inside out.  Then on the outside, I rubbed some white paint over it to distress it more. 

The handle is brown wire twisted together.  I used my Crop-a-dile to punch holes in the sides.

I stamped a background script image on beige cardstock with brown ink and then distressed it more using brown ink and a stipple brush.  Tear the edges, then wrap it around the top and bottom of the can.

The title is stamped and punched.  Metal embellishements were attached to the ends for "handles".  Ribbon was tied to one end, wrapped around the can and then tied to the other end.

Leaves were stamped on beige cardstock and colored with warm orange and yellow inks.  I adhered along with the paper flowers on the front.

Stamps

The Angel Company : Script Background, Charcoal Leaves (retired), Autumn Swirls

If you need a TAC consultant?? You can order online from my friend BARB.

Her online store is HERE.  Her blog is HERE.

Embellishments

The Angel Company : Essential Elements Chipboard Oval, Pewter Press Metal Hardware ribbon loops

Inks

Tsukineko : Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate and Rust,  VersaMagic Thatched Straw and Red Brick

Palette : Burnt Umber

Tomorrow I will be posting a Fall Centerpiece.

See ya then!

The CCM HOLIDAY Blog Hop is here !!

Good Morning Papercrafters!  Today is the Creative Cuts and More HOLIDAY Blog Hop and I am so excited.  I know we will be seeing a wonderful variety of holiday projects to get us motivated and inspired!  Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner.

This is a circular blog hop, so if you arrived to my blog from the CCM Die Cut Diva Blog, then you are right on track.  If you didn't, then you will want to hop over to the Die Cut Diva Blog to begin the hop.  If there are any prized or discounts, they will be announced there.  I am posting early because I have to make sure my post is up before leaving for work. 

This blog hop does not start til 8am EST.

I couldn't do just one project.  I love both holidays.

My first idea has to do with gift giving.  In the past I have done ornament swaps with co-workers.  So I thought the "Cupcake Box Set" would make a perfect ornament holder / gift box because of the little insert that goes in the bottom.

Check out the little "Christmas Ornament die".  There are larger ones as well.  CCM has lots of "Christmas dies" you can use for your papercrafting projects this year!

I will list all the other supplies I used at the bottom of the post.

And of course I needed a matching card. 

I used one of the "CCM A2 Cards" for this one in this gorgeous shimmery Curious Metallic papers - Gold Leaf.  The stamp set is one of the new release

Cling Art Stamps by Layers of Color.  Layers of Color is a Spellbinders Preferred Stamp Company!  This one is called "Poinsettia Frame".  This particular image coordinates with Labels 16 !  I didn't use it here.  If I had there would have been a border.

I"ve been getting really busy with Fall projects the last couple of day as well.

I actually posted this one Monday.  But I knew I would have some new traffic with the blog hop so I'm showing it again!  I used the "Large Cake Slice Box" for my treat container and the "Small Filigree Square" (on the name plate and napkin ring).

 You can check out all the details for this ensemble HERE.

So this wraps it up for me today.  I will be posting lots more Fall and Christmas idea's in the upcoming weeks.  If you don't want to miss a thing, you can subscribe via the feedblitz tool and recieve email updates (see left column).

All of the designers now have a discount codes.  So when ordering your CCM products don't forget to use your favorite designers code.  I'm sure you will find it posted on their blog somewhere.

The next stop is

HOLLY

And don't worry, if a link is not working, you can check the Die Cut Diva Blog for a full list of all the designers.

Supply List :

Ornament Gift Box

"Cupcake Box Set" and  "Christmas Ornament die"

DP : Bo-Bunny Noel Rejoice

Christmas Chipboard embellishments : Bo-Bunny Noel Icandy

Red Ribbon : Stampin' Up

Lace : Offray

Pearls : The Paper Studio - Pearl, colored with copics

Border Punch : Fiskars

Killer White Tear-able Tacky Tape - 1/4"

Christmas Card

CCM A2 Cards

Stamp : "Poinsettia Frame" by Layers of Color

DP : Bo-Bunny Noel Rejoice

Red Cardstock

Lace : Offray

Border Punch Fiskars

Copic Markers

Stickles : Christmas Red, and Gold (CCM does sell some Stickles)

Pearls : Making Memories Mistletoe Collection brad combo

Glittered Bird Button : Joann's Craft Store Favorite Findings, I think

Rub-on sentiment : Making Memories Rub-on Book - Christmas (old, but I think I got it at Hobby Lobby)

Killer White Tear-able Tacky Tape - 1/4"

Check this post for all the supplies for the Fall Place Setting.

Fall is in the air!

Good Morning.  I'm wondering if everyone else is enjoying the cooler weather??  I have been opening up the windows in the early am.  And I just put up a bird feeder, right outside of my studio, so I'm hoping to have some winged visitors to enjoy soon.  The cats are going to have a ball watching!  I just have to make sure they don't get so enthusiastic that they don't push the screen out. 

Yesterday I decided it was time to start posting some fall projects.  So I'm starting out with a place setting ensemble using some really fun Creative Cuts and More dies.  I created a place card, napkin ring, and guest gift box.

Wouldn't a little peice of pie with a surprise inside be so much fun adorning your table this year???  The back side has a flap that opens up.  They come pre-cut and pre-scored, so all you have to do is fold, adhere and embellish!!  All you need is the Cake Slice Box die and some Killer White Tearable Tacky Tape (or adhesive of your choice).

I have never created an easel card before and recently a friend hooked me up with a tutorial (thanks Patti J).  So when brainstorming for my place setting, I thought the a mini easel card would make the perfect place card.  (link to easel card tutorials in the supply section at bottom of post) I used one of Creative Cuts and More  Filigree Square Label dies.

 

And to carry on the theme, decided to use it for the napkin holder as well. I love this shape.

see the complete supply list at the bottom of the post


I'm linking this project to the following challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday is challenging bloggers to create anything but a card.

Yummy, yummy, yummy is the theme over at Fab N Funky (my project is created for a yummy meal)

Truly Scrumptious wants to see "easel cards" (will an easel name plate do???)

Fall is the challenge theme over at Crazy 4 Challenges

Our Creative Corner wanted 3 or more embellishments (how about leaf buttons, ribbon, die's, glitter, and stamps)

and Paper Cutz says "anything goes"

I have to share my new coffee cup with you.  I LOVE it and it was inexpensive, $3, and so pretty.  I am enjoying sitting out on the patio with the pups, sipping my coffee in my new cup this am!  Temp 65!!  I'm lovin' it!

You can get this one at The Cracker Barrel.

Project Supply List

Last month I was out and about searching for fall/thanksgiving supplies to use and honestly was a little disappointed that there was very little in my local scrapbook stores and craft stores.  I feel like we go straight from halloween decor to Christmas decor.  So when I found Teresa Collins' Giving Thanks line, I got really excited!  I loved that the paper and images included flourishs and was so pretty.  No the only issue I had was that there was NO brown in it.  I LOVE brown!  But I knew this line would be a good starting point.  You can check out here products HERE and HERE.  For this project I used here stamp set and DP.

And I think this set is versatile as well!  Thank you Teresa Collins for creating such an elegant Fall line!!

The leaf stamp images are from a retired TAC set "Charcoal Leaves" and the little acorn is from Technique Tuesday.

Glitter - Martha Stewart "Brownstone"

Buttons local craft store.  They were plastic buttons and I cut the shank off the back and covered them with the glitter.

Beaded fiber - I have fallen in love with this.  I have it in green as well and I think I'm going to go back by Hobby Lobby and see if they have it more colors.  You can't beat the price, 24ft for 2.99! 

I'm sure all of you have made an easel card before (I'm always the last one trying a new thrend), but just in case HERE and HERE are tutorials.

Stay tuned for more fall idea's!!

Upcoming projects ... fall center peices, photo frames, altered hostess gift can, mini album, art canvas and I'll throw a few cards in there as well!

You are invited to join us on Wednesday for the

Creative Cuts and More Holiday Blog Hop!
It will be just the inspiration you need to get you started on your holiday projects!

Playdate Cafe Color Challenge

Good Morning.  This week Creative Cuts and More is sponsoring the Playdate Cafe Challenge.  So some of the DT have decided to play along.

The challenge was to use white, black, pink, gold.

Here's what you can win if you play along!

Christmas Card Kit

I used Creative Cuts and Mores Tuck and Close XL in one of the Curious Metallics - Gold Leaf.  I like this color because it's not a yellowish gold.  It has just a little sheen to it.

Patterned Paper - The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)

Border Punch - Martha Stewart

Ribbon - from recently purchased bedding

Gems - unknown

Metal embellishment - Making Memories

Tips and Techniques

I have a couple of tips for you with this project.

1.  The openings along the bottom from the border punch were not showing up against the gold bag.  So I used a Dove Blender Replacement tip to apply black ink.  It's tiny on the tip, so it fits in the holes perfectly.

2. I find it really difficult to cut the "v" shape in the end of the ribbon.  I did 2 things that made this easier.  First I created a template.

The template should be the length you want the end of the ribbon to be from the center knot x the width of the ribbon.  Mine is 2.5" x 2".   Now create the V.  I measured 1/2" from the end back toward the center knot and 1" from the sides (center of the ribbon).  This is where I placed a dot with my pencil.  Then cut from the outside ends to the dot in the center. 

Fraying can really be an issue, so before I cut the "v"s I lightly dabbed some white glue on the back along the area I was going to be cutting.  This stiffened it up, making it easier to cut, and helps prevent fraying.

I hope you learned something that can help you on your crafty projects.
Thanks for stopping by!

Back to School Teacher Gift Card and Gift Box

It's that time of year again.  This weekend is the tax free weekend for shopping since the kids here is Spring go back to school next week.  My DH ask if I was going to go out and do any shopping.  I quickly responded "have you lost your mind??".  teehee.  I do not like to shop in crowds and this weekend it going to be crazy with everyone getting ready for the start of new school year.  Instead I thought I would just stay home and create something with the Back to School theme.

Today I'm sharing with you these really cute apple window products from Creative Cuts and More.  It's important to start the school year off right by letting our teachers know how much we appreciate them.  This ensemble includes a card and gift box.  I created the sentiments using word boxes.  I sharing it over on the left column under "Word Art".  Click the link and you will be able to download it and print on an 8.5 x 11" cardstock sheet.  I don't have a way to seperate each sentiment, so you have to print the full sheet, sorry.  But, hey, it's free.  If you choose to download it, please leave me a comment.  I'm just wondering how many people would be interested.

This card comes with the apple window and scalloped border across the front.  I also used an Apple die cut as well.  It's actually attached to the inside of the card so you can see it through the window.  I lined the circle tag on the inside with the one on the outside, so that it can not be seen through the window.  CCM also sells Apple Window Mini Scrapbooks as well.  Check out all their "Apple" products HERE.

These gift boxes are so cute!!  They come with a variety of shaped windows.  It's called Apple Window Square Box 01.  And it comes with the acetate.

Tutorial

To get create a patterned paper panel for the front of the box or card:

Trim your pattern paper down to the size square or rectangle you would like on the front.  Slide the pattern paper inside the card in the position you would want it on the outside.  I secured the one for the box with 2 pieced of tape to keep it in place.  Then trace the window shape on the patterned paper.  Pull patterned paper out and lightly trace another pencil line around the edges of this one, approximately 1/8".  This will be your cut line and will give you a border.

Ink edges of patterned paper panel and along edges of inside of window.  Use a border punch to create a border.  The one I used is by EK Success.  It has this tiny little scalloped border.  Create sentiment tag and adhere.

Fold the edges along the score lines and use a bone folder over them to get a good crease.  Use your Killer Red Tacky Tape (also available at CCM) to adhere the flaps, creating the box top.  Do the same for the bottom portion of the box.  Adhere acetate on the inside of box.  Now that I'm done with mine, I realize that I could have adnered the acetate down on top of the apple window on the outside of the box before adhering my patterned paper.  This would have been neater.

I hope you were inspired today!!

I will add more "Word Art" over in the left column as I create them.  They are free, but I would appreciate a comment letting me know you downloaded, if you do.

I hope you are having a beautifully blessed weekend!!

hugs,

Melisa

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You can view more of my Back to School / Teacher Appreciation projects HERE.

You can view more of my Containers / Gift Boxes HERE.

You can view more of my Creative Cuts and More projects HERE.

Creative Cuts and More - Birthdays and Cupcakes

Good Morning!  August 1 begins my fun Guest Designer gig with Creative Cuts and More and my goal is to show you how awesome and easy these products are.

Creative Cuts and More sells pre-cut/pre-scored die cuts.  There products range from simple image die cuts to AWESOME 3-D templates to pre-cut mini albums, and much more!!  If you have ever wanted to create 3-D boxes or bags, this is the way to go.  All you have to do is fold along the scored lines and adhere.  She carries a HUGE list of colors for you to select from.   And why am I so excited?? Because I have always secretly admired all those cool boxes and bags over at SCS, but was to lazy to try it!

This project is a Cupcake Box.  Perfect to drop off on a co-workers desk or give to a friend.  It comes with this cool insert to hold the cupcake in place and an acetate window.   I put together my box and began embellishing.  I decided to cut panels in a lighter shade of pink and run them through the cuttlebug with an embossing folder.  And then I distressed with pink ink that matched the box.  Then I glued the pom-pom fiber around the edge of the lid.

Now another great option would have been to stamp the box, but keep in mind that you would have to do that before folding.

Here is a birthday card I created using the Circle Window A2 card and Cupcake #01 - Small  x 4 ( two pink and two white).  Scroll down for a detailed tutorial.

I'm linking this one to the July Caardvarks challenge to create a Birthday card.

These cards come with different shaped windows for you to choose from.  The pink glitter on the icing on the inside didn't really match, but you get the idea.  And as you can see, I lined up the cupcake on the inside so that it is not visible from the outside.

Tip / Tutorial

The Card Front

To create the embossed front of the card begin with a rectagular piece of cardstock that fits just inside the card  front, leaving a border.  Mine is 4 x 5 1/4.  Run it through the Big Shot using an embossing folder of you chose. 

Place this piece inside the card, lining it up directly in the center as shown below.  Close the card and with a pencil trace the circle on the embossed piece.  This becomes you guidelines for triming out a larger circle/ window. 

Select a Spellbinders circle die that is slightly larger than your guideline and line it up as shown below.  I use 2 small pieces of clear tape to secure the die in place.  Run it through the Big Shot creating a window larger than the one on the card.

Now your ready to get your fingers inky.  I used Regal Rose (SU) and lightly brushed it over the embossed panel.  With an eyeshadow applicator I brushed on a little Regal Rose aroung the edges as well.  Then I used an eyeshadow applicator to very lightly apply just a little black around the edges.  After it was dry I adhered it to the front of the card. 

The Cupcakes

I started with 2 pink and 2 white.  Cut the icing tops away from 1 of the white and 1 of the pink switch them up, layering the white icing over the pink die and vise versa.  Now your pink cupcake liner will have a white icing and vise versa.  DO NOT GLUE them down until you have stamped the liners.  Stamp both the liners with a decorative stamp.  I chose polka dots.  Ink edges black.  Color both candles black.  Cover the pink flame with white pigment ink.  Apply adhesive to both flames and sprinkle with glitter (Stampendous).  Now adhere the white cut out icing on the pink cupcake and vise versa.  I used Liquid Applque on my white icing but didn't like how it looked.  So I applied adhesive (Aleene's Tacky Glue) and sprinkled with glitter.  I did like that it was raised though. The dimension looks really cool.  I should have used my Puffy Paint (local craft store) instead of the Liquid Applique.  It would have been smoother and more like real icing.  Apply adhesive to the pink icing and sprinkle with glitter.  I used pink and it doesn't really match, I should have stuck with the white, because I think the pink would have still shown through the glitter and matched better. 

I used a piece of the lighter pink cardstock to create the label on the inside.  I placed it inside the card so I could plan the positioning of my sentiment.  I centered it up and helped to keep it in place by putting a small strip of tape runner on the back of it.  I was afraid I would mess up the sentiment, so that's why I waited to adhere it down.  Close the card.  Choose a birthday sentiment and slide your cupcake over the front to figure out the best position.  Stamp your sentiment.  If you got it right the first time, great (I had to do it twice).  Now you can adhere that inside label.  And adhere the cupcake to the outside.  Now you can slide the cupcake on the inside of the card until you get it directly under the one on the outside.  Glue it down  to the inside of the card.

Your done!!

Please stop back by this month to see all of my Creative Cuts and More projects.  If you miss one, go to the labels on my side bar and click on Creative Cuts and More.  This will bring up all my projects using their products.

You are invited to join the whole DT for a blog hop on August 12th.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a blessed day!

More Layers of Color to share!

Good Morning!  Today I have more Layers of Colors projects to share with you.  I am really enjoying creating with their stamps this month.  They are just gorgeous.  If you haven't ever seen them, then hop on over and check out the store.  And while you are there, check out the wonderful stencils too. 

The Background

I started with a panel of old book paper.  I stamped the same decorative element repeatedly to create the background pattern.  I used a T-Square to draw light pencil lines as I went along to help me line up the images.

The Frame

Here is another example of how to use a spellbinders die to build a frame.  I started by using a pencil to lightly trace around the die.  These guidelines help me to know where to stamp the rest of the frame.  Then I stamped the decorative image along the top and bottom.  After the ink was dry I layed the die back down and traced the outline again, but this time with my micron pen.  I erased any pencils lines that were visible.  Next you just cut out along the edges of your frame.  I used cuticle scissors along some of the edges.

Both of these decorative images are from the set "Touch of Elegance".

And this lovely bowl of blooms is from the "Vintage Roses" set.

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Gift Bag - T-Square Tutorial
The next project is a gift bag that I designed myself.  And I will share the pattern with you below.

I started by creating my little bag out of my DP.  But before folding and adhering all of it I stamped the background pattern.

I stamped over the DP with 2 swirlies, and heat embossed.  Looks way better in real life.  I used one swirly from "Nature Walk" and the other from "Old World Flourish" .  Then I stamped my bird (Royal Birds) and flowers (Merci Bouquet), and cut them out.  I adnered these over my Cuttlebug Label Die.

You can see from this post that so many of the Layers of Color stamp sets go beautifully together!

Here is the template.  I started with a 7" x 12" sheet of heavy DP.  I used a T-Square to lightly draw my pencil lines and keep everthing lined up.  I scored the lines with my Score- Pal and then trimmed where needed.  I used a decorative border punch along the top.  If you are not familiar with a T-Square here is a photo.

You can pick one up at a local office supply store.  Some of the craft stores carry them too.  They are found in the "drafting" department and only cost a couple of dollars.  I use mine all the time to line things up across my projects.

Basically you line the short side along the edge of your paper / card and the longer side provides a perfect perpendicular / horizontal guide for you.

Hope that is clear as mud!

Have a great day!