Thank You.

Posted on January 27, 2012 by loricraig| 8 Comments

Can I even tell you how happy I am to be sketching again with the Taylored Expressions Sketch Crew? We took a much needed hiatus over Christmas, and I am glad to be getting back into the swing around here. This is my sample for TE Sketch 151, and you can see the sketch here. Hope you play along. We’ve got a prize!

I had ordered this Rosy Posey set when it was released. I loved that the roses had matching dies. Made it so easy. I knew immediately I was going to try a reinker technique that I had seen a while ago, Watercolor Bleed. You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

To color my roses, I embossed the rose images onto shimmery white cardstock (I use Curious Iridescent.) with VersaMark and clear embossing powder. Then I used an aquabrush with water and brushed over one petal in one of the rose images and then dab a bit of reinker onto the wet flower petals to add color. Because the cardstock is wet, the reinker shifts and spreads, giving you a lovely pattern. Before the extra water can soak into the cardstock, I dab with a paper towel to remove the excess moisture. I just keep repeating that process until I have the depth of color that I want. The reinkers I used here are Ranger Adirondack Summer Sunshine and Peach Bellini.

The card was put together with paper from the My Mind’s Eye – Lost and Found Sunshine. What a yummy collection of paper!

I hope you get a minute to visit the Sketch Crew…they have some super sweet samples to share this week. (I got a peek last night, so I know!) They are:

I’m under the gun to get my gear packed and head out for CHA. Very excited to be seeing my friends and co-working family! And, while getting out the door is a little stressful…I’m not to disappointed to be looking at this:

 

 

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Posted in Ranger Products, Taylored Expressions

Kansas Wheat

Posted on January 20, 2012 by loricraig| 9 Comments

I’ve got something paper crafty to show you, but it’s going to have to wait until tomorrow…My mail just came, and I am so excited about a special delivery.

Jenni Horne and I have been friends since the 90s when we lived in Georgia. We went to church together, and were part of a group of people that make up such a valuable part of my little family’s history…A lot of twenty-something couples (many so newly married that there were no kids, or plenty of kids on the way!) that laughed together, worshiped together, hung out together eating fried fish and wild hog and steaks and potluck dinner fare (in Georgia, that’s just about the best eating – honest!). We were a Sunday School class that loved Jesus, and we loved each other.

Jenni has been an artist all of her life. From the womb. Different mediums and different looks. Always so uniquely her. I have several pieces of her art and jewelry that I’ve collected over time.

So, when I was working on colors and art for my living room during a decorating spree a few months ago, I *knew* I wanted something special, something one of a kind and something that spoke to me. I called Jenni and asked her if she would be willing to create a painting for me. She does this amazing process with texture and paint. I’d been drooling over other creations on her blog and etsy shop for the last few years.  Today, this 30×30 masterpiece arrived.

I *love* it! I love the depth and the movement. The colors are perfect. I treasure that it was painted by someone I know.

Kansas Wheat speaks to me. I am a Kansas girl. I was born there, raised there for a period of time, graduated high school and college. Met my husband there. I’ve lived there multiple times throughout my entire life. When I say I’m going home, that’s where I go…Kansas.

Thanks for allowing me to process gush…and if you have a minute, take a peek at Jenni’s blog. You’ll be thoroughly entertained. She’s a teacher (both art education in her local community and Art & Soul Retreats), an artist, a business owner, a blogger, an interior decorator, a wife, a mom, a lover of Jesus.

She’s the real deal, and I love her.

 

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Posted in Random Stuff

Paper Smooches Winner & a photo tip

Posted on January 17, 2012 by loricraig| 2 Comments


WOW! Thanks for all of the sweet comments and thoughtful deeds to share with your friends who are under the weather. Some of you had great ideas, and I loved reading your comments!

I do have a winner for the Healthy Vibes stamp set from Paper Smooches. Congrats to Miss Jenny Peterson:

Oh Gosh- depends on what they’ve got;) If its contageous, I stay away til they are better and then a nice coffee date is in order;) I like to take a meal over if I can- I know as a busy mom, that is much appreciated! and cards are nice too!! Thanks for the chance to win!
p.s. as an RN, I love the little bear with the nurses cap!! Super cute card:)

I’m in the midst of purging and clearing out here in my office. I think tomorrow’s going to be a stampy kind of day, so I’ll see if I can have a card to share tomorrow or Thursday. I did, however, want to share an idea that I saw on .

I think of Pinterest as the magazine of inspiration that shows up on my computer every single morning. I’ve found some fabulous recipes and ideas for crafts to make, many I’ve tried in the last few months, like the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan Ever, delish, cheap and easy Slow Cooker Marinara and primitive nativity.

I’m always trying to improve my photography skills, and I’ve pinned lots of blog posts and tutorials in a Taking Pretty Pictures board. This post was one that I tried half-way, and it did help me get a cleaner picture of my Paper Smooches card. I’m going to keep pinning and keep reading, but I figure I’m not the only one who wants to learn more, and I thought I’d pass along the tip. I just maneuvered the box with the foil covering until it was reflecting light back into the shadows of my card before I snapped the picture.

Follow Me on Pinterest

See you soon!

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Posted in Paper Smooches

Love You Muchly

Posted on January 15, 2012 by loricraig| 6 Comments

I’m here with another sample for CPS Sketch week! The sponsor this week is Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps, so fun prize up for grabs from the sweet, sweet folks there!

I’ve got my craft room relatively clean after the Christmas crafting chaos, and finished a few projects for upcoming publications. I’m *so* happy to be moving on to Valentine’s Day with Build-a-Bingo from The Cat’s Pajamas. It’s fun, easy to use and it has tags for so many occasions in the set. Definitely versatile!

I’m looking forward to church and then a relaxing afternoon. I think we have NOTHING on the schedule…no deadlines, no birthday parties, no functions! Yippee!

I’ll see you tomorrow when I announce a winner for my Paper Smooches blog candy. You can read that post and enter HERE! (Comments on *this* post – while certainly appreciated – are NOT eligible for blog candy!)

I hope your Sunday is full of fabulous.

  • Stamps: Build-a-Bingo and Merry Wishes – The Cat’s Pajamas
  • Ink: Chocolate & Strawberry ColorBox dye ink pads – ClearSnap
  • Paper: Paper Heart 6×6 pad – Crate Paper
  • Misc Heart dies – Taylored Expressions & MFT Stamps

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Posted in Cat's Pajamas, CPS Sketches

Something Special and a Giveaway!

Posted on January 13, 2012 by loricraig| 161 Comments

On January 15th, Paper Smooches is releasing their newest set in the Kismet collection called ” Healthy Vibes” and I am here today to help promote this sweet set!  This is the third stamp set from their new “Kismet collection” and this is your first peek of the new images!

I have always loved working with Kim’s sets, and I adore the Kismet collection. I paired several of the elements of this set (the hat and sentiment) with the little bear from Chubby Chum Pals.  You’ll love the images and sentiments in this set for sweet, thinking-of-you-my-sick-friend cards!

Paper Smooches is so generous, I have a brand new “Healthy Vibes” stamp set to give away to one lucky person!  Just leave me a short comment and let me know what you do to cheer up special people in your life when they aren’t feeling 100%. You have until midnight on January 15th to leave me a comment, and I will post the winner here on Monday, January 16th.

For more chances to win…please visit the Paper Smooches Blog and my friend, Jennifer McGuire. Word is that they have Kismet Candy, too! <wink>

Happy Weekend!

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Posted in Copics, Paper Smooches

Copic News, Classes & the New Year Catch-Up!

Posted on January 12, 2012 by loricraig| 4 Comments

Happy New Year!

I sure enjoyed a little break over the holidays. Loved spending time with my girls and hanging out. I also created this card for this week’s CPS Sketch 250. It’s been so crazy with fall like weather around here, I couldn’t resist the color scheme. Of course, last night we got snow and 16 degrees. Go figure!

I love this set from Taylored Expressions, Love Grows Here. Just perfect for some fun coloring!

Speaking of fun coloring. These beauties (12 new Sketch colors) showed up just before Christmas. Oh my…Some beautiful parings to some of my favorite color combos – YR27, R56, G43…SWOON. They are available for pre-order from many Copic sellers. It won’t be long!

I’m looking forward to my first certification classes of the year. The classes have been re-worked based on consumer feedback over the last year or so, and we’ve got more coloring time and hands-on feedback than ever before packed into the standard certification class. I’ll be in San Diego the weekend after CHA. Thank you for sunny, SoCal in February. That’s what I always say. There are lots of locations posted right now for both standard and intermediate: Anaheim, Richmond VA and Columbus OH…We’ll be having standard only classes in San Diego, Miami and York, PA. We’ll also be opening St. Louis (standard and intermediate) in the next few days!

You can see our first quarter schedule and get class info HERE! Remember, there is a discounted re-take option for anyone who would like to hone their skills and refresh on different techniques.

It felt great to get back into my crafty office. I’ve got some more goodies to share with you tomorrow, and I’m working on Project Life this year, too. So, I hope to share my first week in the next few days. I worked on it early this morning. I love the PL concept. I think it’s going to work well for me!

So, I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Until then go color something and keep warm, ok?

 

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Posted in Copics, CPS Sketches, Taylored Expressions

Oh Happy Day…it can be!

Posted on December 16, 2011 by loricraig| 2 Comments


Oh Happy Friday! I really don’t have a stellar gift idea for one of my girls. I think my husband and I do a good job of focusing on time and togetherness and the birth of Christ during Advent, so I’m not terribly worried…but I’m a momma…I’m a little, teensie-bit worried. So, for just a few hours today, I’m doing a mental block on 12/25 and the freight train speed at which it’s coming towards me.

I’ve got a fun little number to share with you from Taylor‘s last release. I loved this affordable (as in you can stick it in your stocking and no one will be none-the-wiser!) little balloon set/die combo in her Petite-a-pa-looza this month, The Sky’s the Limit!  I’ve used the Fly Your Flag 2 die to accent my top left corner. Loved all 3 of those flag dies!

So, in an hour or two, I’ll go back to racking my brain about gift ideas for darling daughter…getting ready for a wonderful evening that lies ahead full of fellowship with friends, making cookies with my girls, participating in a Christmas cantata that blesses my heart,  visiting with a friend that’s just returned from being out of the country for 18 months, hosting some giggly little 9 year olds for a gingerbread party, wrapping gifts…Life is good.

There’s an extraordinary chance that life will be really happy this weekend. Oh So Posh Photography is giving away a Nikon D90 tomorrow. I’m sharing the link with you because I’d love for me or for someone I know to win! They have a beautiful site with wonderful photography and photo editing tips and actions. Just click on this link, and follow the instructions! Good luck!

Don’t forget to have a happy day this weekend!

 

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Posted in Taylored Expressions

May Your Holidays Sparkle

Posted on December 14, 2011 by loricraig| 7 Comments

Another quick and easy sketch from Card Positioning Systems this week. Just what the doctor ordered for the middle of December! This week’s challenge was sponsored by Flower Soft. So, you could win a prize just by stamping. Thank you, Flower Soft!!

I paired the sketch with Winter Wonderland set and coordinating dies from Taylored Expressions. Echo Park Holly Jolly paper. A little Ultrafine White FlowerSoft and glitter. Cue real snow for front porch photo shoot. Done.

I’m just about ready to start wrapping the gifts. My goal is cards and gifts wrapped and ready by 12/17. I’m going to make it (for the most part – LOL).

Hope your holidays are sparkling…

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Posted in CPS Sketches, Taylored Expressions

Santa’s Helper & new year classes

Posted on December 10, 2011 by loricraig| 2 Comments

Verve Stamps had a sweet little release a few weeks ago, and I was smitten with this guy, Santa’s Helper. So sweet! I used him for this week’s Card Positioning Systems’ sketch.

He’s colored with Copic Marker and layered with Holly Jolly paper from Echo Park. I used a few sticker elements from the Holly Jolly pack, as well as some pretty Divine Twine.

We had our first snow the morning that I was photographing – how poignant!

I’m going to run an ad in the paper for a Santa’s helper this year. It’s not that I’m running behind, but I’m a little short on ideas. Hopefully, inspiration will strike pretty soon. :)

As soon as the new year is here, the Copic team will be hitting the ground running with new standard and intermediate classes and great updates to the Certification program. There are several classes open now for registration (Memphis, TN, Anaheim, CA and San Diego, CA). We have a great year planned for classes (hopefully) near you. You can find all of the upcoming class info HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Posted in Copics, CPS Sketches, Verve Stamps

Release Day: Make it FANTASTICAL

Posted on December 1, 2011 by loricraig| 8 Comments

December Release At a Glance

  • It’s Petite-a-Palooza as we’ve introduce A DOZEN new Petite stamp sets, plus one new A la Carte, from every stamp collection available at Taylored Expressions.
  • All of the new products are available for purchase today. Thursday, You’ll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department at the Taylored Expressions Store.

My favorite set from the new release is cuppie and the unicorn from Simply Magical! I Immediately wanted to make my 9 year old a card kit. She’s been busy cutting and coloring and making lots of cards recently, so I know she’ll love this.

I started with a 8 1/2″ square wooden box that I got at JoAnn for $2.50. I covered the front with a cute piece of scrap paper from American Crafts.

My unicorn is colored with Copic Marker and accented with Viva Decor Pearl Pen – Cream. Since clouds are wispy, I didn’t need a smooth finish on my liquid pearly accent, just the pearl – so I sped the drying process with my heat gun. I wouldn’t recommend that on accent dots because the liquid does tend to bubble a bit as it’s drying with direct heat. :) The piece is layered with Echo Park Dots and Stripes paper.

Here are the things I put inside the kit for my daughter to use:

  • card bases and envelopes in white
  • prestamped images on white Classic Rectangle die shapes
  • prestamped sentiments on Favor Frame cut tags
  • strips of pattered polka dot and striped paper in 3″ x6″ strips
  • Cloud Die Duo cut pieces and heart punches
  • buttons and rhinestones
  • colored pencils

All of the little pieces fit into a little clear recycled container that I had in my stash, and this is what it looks like all tucked into the box.

Here’s my finished box ready to wrap and roll under the tree. My 9 year old will love this! Thanks to Taylor and artist, Jessie Olsen for making the cutest little set. Almost everything here came from my stash of crafting supplies, and at only $7.95 for the set, I can afford to let my daughter get messy with Simply Magical and have a great time!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the release week chatter and ideas. I’m off to check out the other girls creations (see links just below) and do a little shopping! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!

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Posted in Copics, Taylored Expressions