Fabulous 4th!

This layout uses embossing powder and punches with a crinkled plastic wrap technique that adds a little extra sparkle to the design.  My inspiration for this layout is the K&Co. patterned paper in the lower right hand corner with foil stamping. The glittered titled stickers are also K& Co. This photo of my daughter and niece really is one of my favorites. I chose a 5 petal flower punch to compliment the stars associated with this holiday. I used a small star punch for the center accents. The type was computer typeset, trimmed out and attached to color tabs of patterned paper from Bo Bunny. Try some of these techniques and ideas to make your 4th of July layout sparkle.

Fourth of July - You're Invited!

Here is a fourth of July party invitation idea. The background paper is wheeled with So Swirly wheel and versamark ink, embossed with clear EP. I used crinkled plastic wrap and versamark to create the embossed clear texture on the red flower petal. The combination of ribbons, star punches and stamps and holiday colors add to the festive feel of this card. You can make one panel with invitation attached to back, or include it inside. Try using gold and clear embossing powders on your next project for some real “bang”! 

 Even if you're not celebrating the 4th, go ahead and try these color combinations, techniques and punches to create other striking cards.

Curious About How Much I LOVE Cosmo Cricket?

Curious to see what Cosmo Cricket™ inspires me to create? I am going to share with you some projects, published and otherwise (layouts, paper crafts and cards) inspired by Cosmo Cricket’s amazing products. You will then see why I love their products so much.

Their papers are so fun and never cease to inspire me. That is why I would love to be a member of their design team. This layout, above use the Get Happy Collection along with some stamps from Inque Boutique/Darice and some Curious George stamps. I had so much fun using these lively, fun papers...who wouldn't “be happy” working with bold colors and patterns like these?

And it never ceases to amaze me how I can use this same Cosmo Cricket™ collection for various times of year and come away with very different results. Here is a a no sew, “Sweet Treats” pocket holder created with the Get Happy Collection, perfect for Holiday Gift Giving or as an appreciative thank you gift.

Remember what I said about how Cosmo Cricket’s products inspire me to create? Here is a very different 2 page spread layout that shows the Get Happy collection in a different, funky way. To view larger images, check out my project gallery for a more detailed view...

With each new release, there is always one collection that grabs and inspires me to create things immediately. In the past, I have been inspired by the Gretel and Get Happy collections. I have shared with you a few Get Happy Collection creations. Here are a few layouts from the Gretel collection. Unlike the Get Happy collection, the colors aren't ones that I am normally drawn too, but one thing is always consistent...ever paper collection has been well thought out and always has cool alphabets or embellishments that coordinate and inspire great project ideas. I also love the mix and the variety in the scale of the patterns and designs. These features make for great layering, as shown on the “Bella” and “Angel Eyes” layouts below...

Most recently, the Snorkel collection has rocked my socks off! I was blown away by the bold bright colors and made it the focus of my Dive into Birthday Party Planning article I wrote for the September 2009 issue of Scrap & Stamp Arts featuring original project ideas, photos, instructions and my project templates. Here are some sneak previews of those projects you will find coming to print very soon!

Here is a fun summertime LO of my niece and daughters inspired by the fabulous and fun-loving Snorkel collection kit featuring coordinating ribbons, colored die-cut chipboard and more! The title of this layout is “Smile, It’s Summertime”. And, if I am lucky enough to get chosen for Cosmo Cricket’s DT, I know that I will have just as big a smile on my face, too! ;D

Sweet 16, oh, WOW!

When a momentous birthday rolls around, a special card is in order. For my DD's 16th birthday, it needed to be hip, fun with an added surprise. Some new In Colors from Stampin’ Up!® combined with fun diecuts, punches, and the cool new Circle Circus stamp set did the trick! Add in some pop-up floral elements on the inside, and I achieved the right mix to make Ashley feel special on her 16th birthday. I played off the dots in the ribbon to create the numeral 6 from the floral circle stamp, and I used the overlapping circles stamp to create the patterned background. This set rocks, especially when used with florals, but I will also post other ideas for using these great patterned circles. Order it now from the new SU 2009-2010 catalog. Go to my Stampin' Up website, click on the shop button to browse and order all your new favorites!