My Forever Always - Layout

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Seriously, this man has been my "Forever Always" since the day I put my eyes on him in 1985.  He walked into my computer class in high school, and this shy sophomore was instantly swept away by this obnoxious fast talking senior.  Five years later, we were married and three years later we had our first child.  Here we are, after thirty years, still so much in love, and I can not imagine my life without him. He is literally my world!  OK enough mushy stuff. 

 

Well, this was the first year that we actually went out for New Year's Eve in decades!  Bonus was this was also the year that I fit into a SIZE 12!  YEP - confession last year I was in a size 18 so I wanted to step out on the town in my high heels looking HOT!  Irony - we were all caught up in the moment, NO ONE EVER SNAPPED A SHOT of my outfit except the one above. LOL, sometimes we just have to go with what we have, right! It is ok, I have the moment in my head, and at least I have a photo of that smile on my face!

 

For my layout today - I chose to use these awesome stamps from Yvonne Blair and Impression Obsession.  As Always, check with your local retailers first, but I've linked them up on the IO Stamps site for your convenience.

Will You Forever Be

French Script

 

I dug into my hoard vault and pulled out Teresa Collins' Tinsel & Co. Collection Stars Paper for my Layout base.  I used the Chipboard stars, and the stars from the Ephemera pack as well.  Then I used some of her boarder strips from the Memorabilia line since they were glittery. I encourage you to go into your hoard vault, and see if you have products that you have been storing up that could be used for some of your layout designs. We did after all purchase them for a reason, right!  The best way to hoard them is to use them for a project for ourselves.

When printing my photo, I left a bit of a border so I could cut it Polaroid style.  In the video below,  I will share with you how I stamped Yvonne's image onto washi  tape.  Allowed it to dry, then placed it directly onto my photo.  I love how clean this looks on my photo.   I will be using this technique again.   You do need to be careful when stamping since the washi has a slick surface and the stamp will slide if you press too hard.  Also, be sure to use a permanent ink like staz-on or archival by Ranger.

In the photo above, you can see how the French Script stamp was used to lightly add texture around the layout on the ephemera pieces and velum edges.  You can click the photo to enlarge them and see greater detail.  I also scattered a few rub-ons from the Tim Holtz botanical collection to add more visual interest to the vellum and create the illusion of printed paper. 

I started to use paint to create the gold effect, but I'm so glad I reached for the recycled gold tissue paper instead.  It was left over from packaging that I had received at Christmas, and I love how delicate it looks peek-a-booing out from around my vellum layers.  I'm glad I saved it.  Also, I love that the French Script stamp added life to the flat ephemera stars.  A little bit of platinum Stickles also gave a little life to those chipboard pieces, and a sprinkle of confetti stars add sparkle, as well, to this flat layout.  To finish it off, a few splatters of Heidi Swapp's Gold Color Shine was just what this layout needed to call it finished.

Here is a video showing my process

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

 

I wrote my journaling on the tag that is tucked into the left hand side and slipped it behind the photo.  It talks about our evening.  There was no need for it to be visible.  The title was one that I had hand drawn in a previous video, and was in my bucket of one hit wonders.  It seemed to fit my theme so I added it over the border flags.  I drew it with a brush pen.  The ink was not permanent so I didn't add splatters of gold to it. Here is a view of the finished layout.

This layout reminds me so much of the glitzy downtown streets of West Palm Beach where we spent New Year's Eve.  I had such a great time that night and it was fun to create this layout.  I guess I was holding on to this paper for just the perfect time, and I'm glad I finally found used it.  I love the richness that the monochromatic color pallet adds to this layout.  If you are hoarding a paper collection,  I encourage you to use my layout as inspiration to create something this week!  

 

Thanks for hanging out with me today.

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Wooden Ornaments for Yvonne Blair Designs

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Oh I love home crafted Christmas ornaments. Every year I try and make a few new ornaments for my tree. This has become a tradition that my family looks forward to each year. Today, I would like to share with you one of  this year's new designs using Yvonne's Compass stamp from Impression Obsession. 

Compass

You can also use several of Yvonne's other stamps, I give you some ideas in the video link below.

 

For the base of the ornament I'm using these wooden shapes I grabbed at a local craft shop. This bag was under $5 and as you can see we will be able to make lot of ornaments.

I filled in the knots on the wood with Modeling paste so that I can get a smooth surface  for stamping.  You can leave these natural with  a white wash of gesso or you can paint them if you like.

In the video below, I will share with you two versions that I created, so that you can decide which technique you like best.   But both are gorgeous.

It was easier to add the foiling  on the chalkboard version because the paint helped to make the surface smooth.  But if natural look is what you like, I think it turned it nice as well. It is just harder to see the foiling.  If you decided to go with this technique, I suggest bold and heavy designs for your stamping. Thick and large fonts will show up better.

Here is the video sharing how I did the technique.

Watch on YouTube

Wasn't that fun?   I want to make a bunch these. They would be great to add to packages, and share with your friends and family.  Or create a set and give them as a gift.  Thank you so much for hanging out with me today. 

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Simple Poinsettia Watercolor turotorial

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Merry Christmas everyone!   I just love this time of year!  I've been getting my Christmas cards ready to be mailed.  Today I wanted to share with you a simple way to watercolor that takes very little time, but looks like you spent hours. The best part - these cards are flat, and can easily be mailed!

For today's focal point, I stamped this gorgeous stamp by Stampendous!   It comes with a mask/stencil which comes in handy for layering larger projects or painting negative spaces.   As you can see the stamp fills an A2 card nicely!  There is a coordinating die for this stamp set that is sold separately.

 

I recommend a heavy card stock if you plan to emboss your stamping like I did.  I would use a stock that is 80 - 110lb if possible.   Watercolor paper could be used, but the stamping may not be crisp.

 

Card dimensions:

The cardstock is cut at 4 1/4 inches  x 11 inches  then scored at 5 1/2 inches  so it is a top folding card

Interior Panels:   4inches x 5 inches

 

Here is a glimpse at my finished card:

For a super simple watercolor method where you don't have to be too persnickety about colors mixing, try heat embossing your stamped image. The enameled raised edges give boundaries for the water to pool and help keep your pigment trapped.  While you may experience a little wicking it will be minimal, and you won't have to be too fussy.  I really love the richness the gold embossing offers to the overall look of the card.

 

To watercolor my card I created a palette with an ice tray using this watercolor set. You can see how I did this in my September  Ustream!

  

 

Here is the video where I created the card:

 

 

 

Who wouldn't enjoy receiving a hand painted card.  These are just gorgeous!   Thank you so much for hanging out with me today!

 

Tonya

 

Supplies:

Stampendous Cling Create A Poinsettia CRS5081 Stamp

Inkadinkado 97342MM
Cardstock - 81/2 x 11  Red Cardstock
Solid white/ivory cardstock  80 - 110lb
Versa Ink
Ranger Ink - Queen's Gold Embossing Powder
Daler Rowney Watercolor Tubes
White Paint
Round 0 Watercolor Brush
Round 10 Watercolor Brush
Scotch ATG tape
 

 

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Christmas Card - Money or Gift Card Holder

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Hi everyone!  I hope you are getting into the Holiday spirit over here this week.  Today I would like to share with you a card tutorial for sharing a gift card, or money with that extra special someone. 

 

Today's card concept is intended for the mail.  I wanted a little more space than offered by the traditional A2 card size, so I decided on a standard #10.   The back panel of the card measures 7in x 8.5 in   scored and folded at 3.5 in x 8.5 in.   The front panels are then cut a quarter inch smaller to leave a bit of a border. The card will fit in a standard #10 (letter/business size)  envelope. As you can see from the photo above the card's design is still relatively flat, so you could easily mail this card.  However because of its weight, you may be required to add additional postage.

 

 

For today's project I chose the new Christmas Collection from Blue Fern Studios - Vintage Christmas - Noel 12x12 paper.  I trimmed the design from the front of the paper, and used the b-side as a background for the front and inside panels of my card.  Before cutting down your panels, be sure to fussy cut the pattern for the cover.

 

 

I also used the Merry Christmas title from the Greeting Cards Cut apart paper.

 

 

 

 

 

To add depth to the front, I chose the Coordinated Chipboard Frolic Mesh.  As you can see in the photo below. It made the perfect trellis for my flower cluster.   I wanted to keep it natural colored, so I added a bit of clear Holographic embossing powder from Ranger to it. This gives it a wet shimmer but maintains the look of wood.  I also added a bit of "fake" snow to some of the centers of the designs.  

 

 

This time of year, there are all kinds of things you can find to add shimmer and fun to your holiday paper crafting projects.   I found this cluster of wired beads that also made the perfect "holly berries"  They look really great mixed in with my flowers.  For the Holly, I used some scrap pieces of Gelli Prints® that I had made over the summer and a Martha Stewart Holly Punch. 

 

 

 

I thought adding a sentiment to the card would take away from the word Noel that was already printed.  However, the printed Noel seemed lost among all the other elements.  So I decided to use a small Melissa Frances frame to call attention to the word.  I colored the frame with a gold Wink of Stella Glitter Pen and finished it off with Glossy Accents in the center.  Now my sentiment takes center stage!  

 

 

 

For the Inside pocket of the card, I needed to keep the design flat.  So I simply created a banner with a Marvy Pennant Punch and Jenny Bowlin Blue Ribbon Punch using scraps from the paper.   I also took a sentiment from the Greeting Cards paper from Blue Fern Studios to add the sentiment. 

 

 

 

Here is a quick process video showing how I created the card. 

You can see why I have fallen in love with these papers from Blue Fern Studios. The designs are so delish!  I just love vintage traditional Christmas patterns.   I hope I have inspired you to spend a little extra time on that special person in your life whom you plan to gift money or a gift card this Christmas.

Thanks for stopping in today.

Tonya

Supplies

• Blue Fern Studios - Vintage Christmas - Noel 12 x12 Paper
• Blue Fern Studios - Vintage Christmas - Greet Cards  12x12 Paper
• Blue Fern Studios - Coordinating Chipboard - Frolic Mesh
• Ranger Ink - Glossy Accents
• Melissa Francis - Resin Frames
• Martha Stewart - Holly Punch
• Fiskars - Jenni Bowlin - Blue Ribbon Punch
• Marvy - Pennant Punch
• Scotch - ATG adhesive
• Tombo Mono Adhesive
• My Favorite things - Doily Die
• Cheese Cloth
• Zig - Gold Wink of Stella Glitter Pen
• Home Accents - Red Glass Bead Spray
• Flowers
• Chipboard
• Red Cardstock
• Home Accents - Christmas Fake Snow

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Blessed Is the Nation Canvas

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Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans.  Today I wanted to bring you a little canvas that I created yesterday for the Gelli Arts® Stars and Stripes Challenge.

I've prepared a step out process of how I did the background image.

Step 1:  You want to use full bodied paints for this project, because they allow you more time to work since they dry slower. Start by braying on the red. Tape off your flag with masking tape. Don't forget to tape off the star section in the upper right hand side of the plate, so that when you pull the print the stars on the left.  I'm using a 110lb white cardstock for my print, and an 8x10 Gelli Arts® Gelli® Plate.

Step 2:  Create your star background.   I started by painting a 3x5 Gelli® plate with Ultramarine Blue Paint.  Then using the Crafter's Workshop Balzer Designs Mini Punchinella stencil,  I removed paint through the stencil with a baby wipe.   The stars only cover the bottom section of the plate, so I moved the stencil up and repeated this step for the top area.  I know there are more stars here than are needed for an American Flag.  But the general concept was here, and I felt it too overwhelming to count out 50 stars,  JUST go with it!  (LOL) .  Also note: It is not necessary to use the 3x5 plate for this project. You could use any size plate that you have, and easily use the taped area as a guide from the previous step.  But I had this plate so I decided to use it.   

Step 3:   The photo above is what the plates looks like after the stars are lifted.  Using the plate like a stamp, press it into the area on the print you pulled of the stripes. 

I just love how this flag is starting to look.    It is rough - but that is really what gives it character. 

Step 4:  To help the stars really stand out, I applied a coat of Texture Paste from Prima Marketing.  This paste must dry before going to the next step.   When it is dry, the paste crackles leaving my stars looking more distressed and yummy!  

Step 5:   Sorry there is no photo for this step -  but I added a thin coat of Matte Medium  to the entire paper. NOTE: Use Matte Medium, because it is looser than Gel, and you can get a really fine coat. Allowed it to dry before going to the next step.

Step 6:  Make sure your print is dry from step 5.   Then crumple it into a loose ball. Then flatten the paper out again, to see the texture.  Clean off the 8x10 Gelli® Plate.

Step 7: This step will create a stain for our flag.  Bray on some light brown paint with yellow ocher, and Golden Acrylic Glaze. Pull another print directly onto your flag. Be sure to press firmly so that the glaze gets past the crinkles in the paper.  Sorry I forgot to get a picture, because I had to work super fast and my hands were messy.  But I promise, this will look super scary.  The entire flag will be a horrible brown color.  Allow the glaze to sit for about 30 seconds, Then using baby wipes, begin to remove the brown color.  This glaze will stick to the cracks in the stars, and around the negative areas of the stars, and along the crinkles.  JUST LOVE THE LOOK!  

Step 8: Look at how beautiful my flag looks.  I trimmed it down to an 8x10  removing the boarder around the outside. To make your stripes white again, simply apply gesso with a cosmetic sponge.   Don't worry with the red or blue, because the off color helps the red and blue areas look antiqued. 

Step 9; I prepped an 8x10 canvas with Matte Medium, then  applied my flag to the top.  Squeegee it well with your fingers, and press hard to make sure there are no air bubbles.  I also applied the Matte Medium to the top of the flag. 

Then comes the OOPS!   That little opportunity for additional embellishment! 

Step 10:  Never fear!  This actually turned out to be a blessing.    I combined the Matte Medium with some of the Ranger Tim Holtz  Distress Stain in Vintage Photo and painted it into the areas where the paper had peeled back.  NOTE: Mixing the Matte Medium with the Distress creates a varnish and  seals the distress so it doesn't run when liquid is applied. Now my flag looks as if it were painted onto wood.  Once the entire Flag was completely dry! Then take an archival or permanent ink pad in brown in and lightly rub it over the surface of the flag to further enhance the texture.  

All that is left is to embellish the flag - unfortunately I did not have time to create a process video and do the editing.  So I do not have the step outs for that process.   But if you have followed me for a long time, you will know how I did everything in the embellishment clusters, as it is techniques that I use often. 

In this video -  I will talk you through the embellishment clusters and other details about the canvas. 

Here are some close up photos of the other sections of the canvas. 

I decided to use Psalm 33:12 for my chalkboard:  "Blessed Is The Nation Whose God Is The Lord."  I used chalkboard paint to paint a piece of foam board.   Several coats were needed.  Then I sketched my design with a pencil, and traced over it with a White Gel Pen from Marvy. Allow the ink to dry, then spray with a fixative. I used Clear Acrylic Spray Paint to add a fine mist to protect my drawing. 

The Hymnal I chose was "God Save America" by William G. Ballantine  The second verse really spoke to me, and I wanted to include it.  "God Save America!  Here may all races mingle together as children of God, Founding an empire on brotherly kindness, Equal in Liberty made of one blood! "

You can really see the texture in the stars.    I used a pair of old Jeans and the Tim Holtz Jumbo Tattered Floral's Die from Sizzix to cut out flowers for my embellishment cluster.  Then of course I added my mixture of  Finnabair - Clear Beads and Glass Glitter to Glossy Gel Medium to fill in and add a little sparkle.    

Thank you so much to the men and women who serve this country in the military, and to the loved ones whom lived without them while they served for our freedom.  Your selfless acts have given us our freedoms.   

To get more details about the Gelli Arts® Challenge, please visit their Facebook wall!  Thank you for visiting. 

Now I'm signing out to go celebrate the 4th!

Tonya

SUPPLIES: 

• Gelli Arts® - 8x10 Gelli® Plate
• Gelli Arts® - 3x5 Gelli® Plate
• Speedball - Brayer
• Daler Rowney - Acrylic Full Bodied Paints - Ultramarine Blue
• Daler Rowney - Acrylic Full Bodied Paints - Light Brown
• Daler Rowney - Acrylic Full Bodied Paints - Yellow Ochre
• Daler Rowney - Acrylic Full Bodied Paints - Scarlet
• Daler Rowney - Acrylic Full Bodied Paints - White
• Ranger Ink - Wendy Vecchi - Archival Ink - Potting Soil
• Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Stain - Fired Brick
• Ranger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Stain - Vintage Photo
• Prima Marketing - Finnabair - Art Ingredients - Glass Glitter
• Prima Marketing - Finnabair - Art Ingredients - Glass Beads
• Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft® - Textural Accents - Chalkboard Paint
• Liquitex - Surface Prep Gesso
• Liquitex - Matt Medium
• Liquitex - Glass Gel
• Golden - Acrylic Glazing
• Dusty Attic - Geometric Border
• 7 Gypsies - Metal Corner Embellishments
• 7 Gypsies - Metal Charms
• Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Gears
• Prima Marketing - Finnabair - Art Extravagance Texture Paste White Crackle
• GP 110lb Cardstock 8x10
• Sizzix - Tim Holtz - Alterations -
• Jumbo Tattered Florals
• Sizzix - Tim Holtz - Alterations - Tattered Florals
• Paper Studio - Gemstones
• Red Velvet Flowers - Company Unknown
• Applique flowers - Cut from Lace
• Prima Markting - Finnabar - Vintage Trinkets
• Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Grunge Numbers
• Marvy - Renaissance - White Gel Pen
• Foam Board
• Studio Calico - Wood Veneer Stars
• The Crafter's Workshop -  6x6 Mini Punchinella
• Wooden Tag Letters
• Black Wire
• Prima Marketing - Wood Veneer - Leaves
• Jenni Bowlin - Rooster Flare

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Fairy Bell Shabby Chic Mixed Media Mini Album

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I absolutely love Easter!   Spring is in the air, the weather is amazing, and all my cute little nieces and nephews are all dressed up and ready for fun! This year, I  decided to create a shabby chic mixed media album for my favorite Easter photos.  The concept for this mini was texture and lots of it!   I wanted it to stay soft and elegant, but tattered and frayed. 

 

 

My base album is the Prima Canvas album.   I selected the Prima Fairy Bell collection because it has lots of spring elements and maintains my Shabby Chic style. Nestled on each page, are a collection of Prima embellishments including flowers, canvas resist pieces, butterflies, trinkets, metal, and trims.  I also gathered some random supplies of misc.  lace, burlap, muslin, doilies, hymnal pages, and vintage book pages.   I kept everything in soft neutral tones, so that the colors of the Fairy Bell papers could become dominate.   

 

 

I used a Prima Vintage Trinket Closure across the side of the mini album to keep it secure.  I love how the bobbles dangle from the closure.  Look at all that yummy texture peek-a-booing from the edges of the pages.

 

 

Here are some photos of the inside of the album...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the last page, I decided to create a tag that was topped with a canvas resist key and a beautiful seam binding bow.   This tag is the "KEY" to the album.  

 

 

 

The cover of the tag is the title  and the back has a list of numbers which represent each page, then the name of the person featured on the page. 

 

 

 

I hope you like this cute mini and I've given you some ideas on how to create your own beautiful album. This would make a perfect Bridal or Baby gift as well! 

 

Thanks for stopping in today,

 

Tonya Gibbs

 

 

Supplies:

Prima Marketing - Jodie Lee Fairy Bell  12x12 Paper Collection

Prima Marketing - Doily Stencil #564247

Prima Marketing - Finnabair - 6x6 Damask Stencil  #960551

Prima Marketing - Canvas Mini Album

Prima Marketing - Flowers White Wildflowers Pillar

Prima Marketing - Flowers Serenade C

Prima Marketing - Canvas Resist Banners & Tickets

Prima Marketing - Canvas Resist Printery Collection

Prima Marketing - Canvas Resist Songbird

Prima Marketing - Shabby Chic Treasures Metal - Birdcage

Prima Marketing - Shabby Chic Treasures Resin - Fly Away

Prima Marketing - Shabby Chic Treasures Metal - #890865 (frame)

Prima Marketing - Shabby Chic Treasures Resin - La Coeur

Prima Marketing - Finnabair - Art Ingredients Glass Beads Crystal

Prima Marketing - Finnabair - Art Ingredients Glass Glitter Sterling

Prima Marketing - Butterflies Collection - Butterfly Embellishments - Fluture

Prima Marketing - Mini Roses

Prima Marketing - Leaves

Prima Marketing - Finnabair - Vintage Trinkets

Prima Marketing - Flowers Kennedy Collection

Prima Marketing - Bretton Vines Purity

Prima Marketing - Closure #930059

 

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