Where scrapbooking means business.
Now that my new creative space is finally completed and functional (photos coming soon), I’m able to create much more again! The first thing I whipped out in my new space was this layout, inspired by both the precious photo and the fabulous new Park Bench collection from Fancy Pants Designs. Also, I wanted to take my new Silhouette Portrait out for another run. I love my new toy!
This explosion of color will be sure to put a smile on any young girl’s face! Designer Kathy Martin used the brand new “My Girl” collection from My Mind’s Eye to craft a cheery greeting that is great for a multitude of occasions.
Kathy’s card shows how quickly and beautifully a design can come together with coordinated elements and pre-made embellishments. Since all her major elements are from the “My Girl” collection, they are guaranteed to work together perfectly. The layered stickers make for quick embellishing of the design, but their layers make them appear anything but simple.
Supplies | Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye “My Girl” (Genuine, Playful, Rainbow). Stickers: My Mind’s Eye (My Girl Layered). Baker’s Twine: Doodlebug Design (Beetle Black). Clothespin: Canvas Corp. Button: Fancy Pants (Mingled).
Designer: Kathy Martin
Kathy Martin resides in North Carolina with her husband Dan and her son Christopher. She’s been paper crafting since 2001, and is currently on design teams for Bella Blvd, Doodlebug Designs, Love My Tapes, and Pebbles. When she’s not playing with paper she enjoys reading, cooking, baking, antiquing, crochet and cat naps. Read more about Kathy on her blog, Card-Blanc.
Sometimes there are no words. Whether it be love, loss, or just a note, some cards convey a message even without a sentiment. This card is clearly an “I Love You” card but, because I’ve used so many familiar icons for Valentines and love (hearts, arrows, etc.) a sentiment is not necessary.
[Editor's Note: Britt used a lot of circles in this card - but can you find the visual triangle that she made in the middle of it?]
Supplies | Cardstock: DCWV (pink), American Crafts (red). Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants Designs (chevron, glitter, corrugated). Stamp: Jillibean Soup for Hampton Art (arrow). Ink: Clearsnap (Fireberry), Ranger Tim Holtz Distress (Antique Linen). Buttons: Forever In Time. Twine: Hemptique. Die Cutting: Silhouette Cameo (hearts), Spellbinders (circles).
My usual mojo escaped me for this card so I turned to a favorite (and often free!) tool that I’ve been using since I first started making cards: card sketches. I used the latest from one of my favorite challenge websites, Deconstructing Jen. Sketches are great for jump starting creativity and, if you often find your cards lack balance or flow, following sketches can help strengthen your design sense. I find that the more I see good design the more I use good design.
If you need some great resources for card sketches, try Mojo Monday, Pagemaps, and Cardabilities.
Also, I used a non-traditional color pallet for this Valentine because the craft-o-verse can get red and pink CRAZY this time of year. I like to make a few Valentines that a husband or boyfriend wouldn’t be embarrassed to open at work! These colors are pretty muted, so it’s important to give the layers some dimension so the card still feels dynamic and interesting.
Supplies | Patterned Paper, Cardstock Elements, Letters: Fancy Pants Designs (Country Boutique). Cardstock: The Paper Company (Black), DCWV (Cream). Washi Tape: Queen & Co. (Black and White Stripe), Martha Stewart (Gold). Die Cutting: Spellbinders (Grand Calibur, A2 Matting Basics A). Sketch: The Deconstructed Sketch (No.84).
Designer: Britt Bass
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