Creating a Disney Scrapbook

seven months ago my family was having a blast on a week-long Disney vacation at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. you might have noticed that i haven't shared a single thing about that vacation.

why? well, the truth is......i'm overwhelmed with how exactly to record the magical-ness of it. (if magical-ness isn't a word, it is now.)

do you ever get that way with your photos and/or memories. frozen for fear of 'messing' it up? silly, isn't it?

i took thousands of photos on that trip. eeeps! we also took advantage of the Photopass system and purchased the CD of images which gave me another 600 or so photos.

gobs and gobs of photos.

this layout is the very first layout i've made that displays photos from our trip....i hope that there are many more to follow, like, real soon!

there are SO many stories to be told from this trip.so many. i can't wait to see them all unfold in the pages of my scrapbooks.

this layout in particular was created using some new products released at CHA from Little Yellow Bicycle's Just Because and Naturals collections. i've also used quite a few Fiskars tools in the mix too!

this layout also appears today on a few other blogs.  in one place i'm talking about tips for putting the layout together and in the other talking about recording vacation memories as a whole. click on over to the Little Yellow Bicycle blog and to the Fiskateers blog for more of the story.  there are also links to products and tools at the respective blogs. 

Easy Valentine Treats for the Classroom in SRM Tubes

I am so thrilled to be sharing an idea for you and your kiddos for their Valentine’s Day classroom exchange. You should know that I am totally one of those people that like to find ways to use products in ways other than their intended purpose and today’s inspiration will be no different.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, I decided to make things easy on myself and put some of the gorgeous pieces from the Little Yellow Bicycle: Just Because: Paper Crafting Kit to use to embellish a set of lightweight clear plastic tubes from SRM Press.

These tubes are BRILLIANT for packaging small candy treats and made the job of putting together sugary sweet Valentine’s for my daughter’s classmates super simple.

 What I love most about these tubes is that you can decorate them as simple or over the top as you wish and whichever way you choose they look absolutely adorable and like you fussed for hours over them. They are about 1” in diameter leaving you with tons of options for what treat to fill them with. I’ve seen yogurt covered raisins, cinnamon hearts, tart candies, chocolate coated candies, nuts, sunflower seeds, coins, messages in a bottle, rolled up stickers, etc.

To decorate them, I started simple by adding either a vellum tape strip or a pre-scored printed cardstock strip (from the Paper Crafting Kit) along the bottom of each tube. These add a visually substantial embellishment around the base of the tube and acts to ground whatever other embellishing you’re doing. Each vellum strip &/or pre-scored printed cardstock will wrap around three tubes, so you can really stretch the mileage from the set making them perfect when creating multiples!

When using the shapes from the Paper Crafting Kit, don’t feel limited by pieces that aren’t quite the right color because you can always use the reverse side that is white. Also, don’t overlook a piece that is pre-printed with a word or image that may not convey your feelings because it can also be layered with additional pieces to cover. I did exactly that using the light blue circle piece pre-printed with the word “happy”. You’ll also notice that the banner pieces are much narrower than they come in the kit. I simply cut ¼” to ½” strip off of each side so they would look more balance for the size of my tubes.

Some other tips:

• It’s a good idea to alternate the height at which you place your layered embellishments so they don’t all get tangled together at the top.
• Glue dots work best for adhering to the plastic tube. No worrying about glue drying or sticky fingers leaving marks on the tubes.
• If you like a little extra bulk to your layers add in the small flowers and hearts from the package of Chipboard Shapes.
• Use stickers from the Fresh Verse sticker sheet to add simple phrases. You can quickly turn them into a cute banner-like sticker by cutting a triangle-shaped notch in the right edge of the sticker.
• Dust the sticky portion of any stickers that overhang with baby powder so they don’t inadvertently stick to anything else.
• Consider using a tube of a different size for teachers and school administrators. Larger tubes work rather well for using the larger bows in the crafting kit.
• Don’t have a need for classroom Valentine’s? No worries. You can adapt this idea for any theme using a Paper Crafting Kit from any of the other Little Yellow Bicycle collections.
• Don’t want to use tubes? That’s okay, you can follow the same concept using glassine bags or cellophane bags too!

Happy Crafting!

Fiskars: Techniques for Altering A Canvas

stretching yourself creatively by trying new skills beyond your comfort zone of traditional paper crafting is good exercise and can be very liberating as you experiment in using some of your Fiskars tools beyond their typical scope.

that's exactly what i did with one of my latest project tutorials created for Fiskars.

i have to admit that it was super fun adding layer upon layer of paint and texture until i finally stepped back, admired my design, and called it complete.

if you've never altered a canvas before, you'll quickly learn that the beauty of altering a canvas is that once you start with the initial paint layers, you never really know quite how it will look in the end.

afterall, this canvas started out like this:

and then ended up like this:

to see the transformation and learn how to put your tools to work for you in a new way, visit my tutorial over on Fiskars.com: Spread Your Wings and Fly Altered Canvas by Tania Willis

Silhouette Wood Frame Advent Calendar Limited Edition 2012

i was so excited when the email came through my inbox from Silhouette asking me if i'd like to play with the Silhouette Limited Edition Advent Calendar for 2012. it took me 2 seconds flat to make that decision....i mean, come on. that's a no-brainer! you may remember the one i altered last year--it became quite the popular re-pin on Pinterest. :)

(edited to add: Silhouette has told me that if you enter the code: BLACK at checkout, you'll recieve a 40% discount on your own Wood Frame Advent Calendar. YAY Silhouette!  my readers thank you for that! )

funny enough, i reached for Cosmo Cricket's 2012 Christmas collection (Jolly Days), SRM Stickers, and my Fiskars punches yet again.  what can i say, those companies never disappoint and i really dig their style.

the Silhouette Limited Edition Wood Frame Advent Calendar is such a stylish countdown to Christmas. but, it doesn't only have to be for Christmas.  i can see this being used as a countdown to a trip to Disney, or a birthday or anniversary....or even just to display some of your favorite photos. can't you?

the solid wood frame comes already painted white with wires already attached. you also get a free download card loaded with 20 shapes to help you create your advent calendar. you have full creative control over what this calendar looks like! just use your Silhouette and your favorite paper to customize the calendar in your own style.

this is one of those frames that will be so very useable even after the holidays. i plan on packing the little envelopes away with my Christmas decorations, then repurposing the frame with everyday photos printed from instagram and having it hang in my home all year long.

 

anywho. i had such a fun time altering it. it's pretty well known that i have a love affair with SRM Stickers. if you didn't know, i used to design for them and they pretty much stocked me up for life with a very generous supply. but, even if i didn't have gobs of these things, i'd be adding them to my shopping basket any chance i could get, i love them that much!  they have stickers for every ocassion and they are clear so they look more like a rub-on. i'll take that over frustrating rub-ons anyday. thank.you.very.much. :)

of course, i also had to get some good use out of my Fiskars punches.  i *adore* the Christmas seasonal punches. i've used them on gobs of projects the last two weeks and i'll be sharing those over the next two weeks with you. my favorite is the snowflake punch on envelope 23. i used it on several envelopes and punched it from glittered cardstock, but the sparkle is hard to relay in photos.

the easiest way to complete one of these projects is to grab a single collection and pull a few sheets of coordinating cardstock and just START.  then treat each envelope individually.  if you look closely, there is nothing stellar about each envelope on it's own. it's the sum of them all together that give this project the wow factor. just repeat colors, repeat embellishments, a little sparkle dispersed randomly in the way of glittered cardstock and adhesive backed rhinestones, some mild distressing, and sticker sentiments.

all in all, this project came together, including time to cut the shapes, in just about 3 hours. and yes, that includes interruptions (always).  really, really, so simple, and makes quite a powerful statement. and what i love most about this year's version is that it only used 3 sheets of cardstock, but still, because of the substantial size of the frame (guessing 18" x 24") it still packs a powerful punch.  compared to last year's version that used 35+ sheets of cardstock. 

psssttt......if you don't already have a Silhouette Cameo, there is a GREAT cyber monday deal at Scrapbook.com.  enter the code: SCMN6 to get $70 off instantly! 

and here's clickable links to all the products i've used to create this calendar.

InLinkz.com

(full disclosure: while i was not paid to create this blog post, just simply provided with the wood frame calendar, this post does contain affiliate links.)

Black Friday Deals on the Fiskars Fuse Creativity System

enabler alert! enabler alert!

I've heard news from a reliable source that the Fiskars Fuse Creativity System and coordinating dies are going to be on sale during Black Friday (and into the weekend) at a couple of crafting retailers.

Alright, let’s be honest. We love our families, but sometimes, they just can’t take a hint. And for those of you who are planning on putting the Fuse on your holiday wish lists, it may take a little effort to get family members to remember.

So Fiskars has tried to make a little easier for you.

Take a moment to download this image (click HERE to download) , mark your 'wish i had this' items and then get creative!

Post it on the fridge, take a picture on their cell phone and save it as their background, tape it to their steering wheel so they see it as soon as they get in the car on Black Friday....whatever gets their attention! LOL.

Then tell them how they can get some killer deals on your list!

Like....this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Michaels Craft Stores will be offering a 40% discount on the Fiskars Fuse Starter Set and all dies, so hurry into your local store and check it out!

To find out if your local Michaels carries the Fuse, check our list: http://bit.ly/OFhgZg.

Black Friday, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores are offering a 40% discount on the Fiskars Fuse Start Set and all dies.

For those of you who don’t want to brave the Black Friday crowds, the Starter Set will be sold at $199.99 with 40% off all dies on Saturday and Sunday. So hurry into your local store, bring your wish list and check it out!

For those of you who haven’t heard of the Fiskars Fuse, it’s the only system on the market that can die-cut and letterpress all in one pass!

For more information, watch the instructional videos: http://bit.ly/O7L6UG.

Here's to hoping you all find the Fuse items from your wishlist wrapped up under your tree this year! :)

If you're interested in seeing the projects I've made with the Fuse, you can find them here.

never too early for making Christmas cards

yep. it's true! i'm that crazy person that is trying to be on the ball this year and already thinking Christmas and it's November 7th. getting things started early!  in fact, the mr. and i are going on a dinner date followed by some Christmas shopping this evening. :) can't wait!

anywho. those cards.....

Little Yellow Bicycle sent me a lovely supply of their current Christmas collection called Once Upon A Christmas to play around with, so that i did.

i hear many scrapbookers saying “I’m clueless when it comes to making cards.” so, today, i just want to share one idea on how you can get over that fear of how or where to start when attempting to make cards.

when i sit down to create cards, and am stuck for a starting point, i almost always find i’m happy with the result if i stick to groupings of like items, whether that be repeating colors, repeating shapes, or repeating a pattern. for example, on the green card base, i scanned my Once Upon a Christmas papers and embellishments and picked out my favorites that had lots of cream color shouting back at me. by grouping like colors together you instantly have a visually pleasing card.

once i had all those coordinating embellishments on my card base, i chose to use a small pop of color with the addition of the holly leaves and berries to help give some depth to the flat monochromatic color of the sticker embellishments. then, as a finishing touch, i added a small red rhinestone to the nose of the reindeer to bring in a small touch of playfulness.

for the other card, i chose to keep the silver foil embellishments the focus. it’s always visually pleasing to repeat elements, keeping in mind the scale as you arrange them. i’ve done that here with the larger chipboard frame, and the small and medium stickers with a similar shape. the small finishing details, like the rhinestones added to the stickers and chipboard pieces, are what bring this card to life.

also remember, any time you allow a sticky element to hang off the edge of your card, you need take the stickyness away by sprinkling baby powder over the exposed sticker.

Once Upon A Christmas Tags & String	Once Upon A Christmas Stick Pins	Once Upon A Christmas Favorite Pieces
Once Upon A Christmas Fresh Verse	Once Upon A Christmas Chipboard Shapes	Once Upon a Christmas 6x6 Paper Pad

InLinkz.com

Coloring Fiskars Fuse Letterpressed Die-Cuts with Watercolors

with a little extra attention given in making this handmade gift bag you’re sure to have the recipient remember just as much about the packaging as they will about the gift inside! and while it looks like you spent more time making the gift bag than shopping for the gift inside, be assured that this project comes together in less than 30 minutes, including drying time! ready to see how?

first you’ll need to purchase a plain kraft gift bag. these are easily found, usually in bundles of 3, at your local dollar store. the front of the bag is embellished with wide strips of three coordinating patterned papers. just measure the width of your bag to determine how long to cut each paper strip. leave a 2” space of kraft bag showing along the bottom edge for a later step.

next, you’ll insert your “One of A Kind” press plate into the Scalloped Oval die cut, and place into the orange carrier. ink the press plate with black ink. remove from the orange carrier and place a 4 ½” square of textured white cardstock onto the press plate, textured side down. top with the cutting plate and crank it through the Fuse.

remove the die-cut and allow ink to dry for a few minutes. then, color in the image using a basic set of watercolor paints. allow paint to dry approximately 10 minutes before continuing.

next, use your 1/8” hand circle punch to punch a hole at each black dot around the perimeter. starting at the bottom center of the oval, start lacing a double strand of red baker’s twine through each hole all the way around. be sure to leave a small tail at the beginning so you can tie the ends together into a bow.

(i'm sorry Blogger keeps rotating this image sideways...gah.)

continue embellishing the letter-pressed die-cut by creating a paper doily ruffle. to do this, snip into each doily, then cut out the middle using a pair of detail scissors. adhere one end to the back of the die-cut using glue dots. continue adhering the doily with glue dots by pleating along the way to create a ruffled look.

once the ruffle is complete, you can embellish the cupcakes a little further with tiny beads or jewel stickers just to add a little sparkle.

stamp a birthday candle, from the Fiskars Birthday Cheer – Simple Stick Repositionable Stamp Set, repeatedly in the open space across the bottom of the bag. allow ink to dry briefly, and then embellish each candle flame with iridescent glitter glue.

and lastly, fill the bag with your gift and finish it off with some super fun tissue paper.

Supplies:
Lily White Criss Cross Cardstock (Bazzill), Patterned Paper (Imaginisce), Baker’s Twine (The Twinery), Jewel Stickers (Little Yellow Bicycle), Stickles Iridescent Glitter Glue (Ranger), Watercolor Paints (Crayola), Paper Doilies, Kraft Gift Bag, Tissue Paper

Tools:
Fiskars Fuse Creativity System Starter Set, Medium Design Set 0083, Medium Design Set Expansion Pack 0083, Trimmer, Non-Stick Detail Scissors, 1/8” Hand Circle Punch, Birthday Cheer Simple Stick Repositionable Stamp Set