Creativity and Inspiration...from www.shop.a2zScrapbookingSupplies.com

last post

2011-02-06T20:15:00.000-04:00

Hello

This blog will be taken down within the next week or two. If you would like to see the posts or projects that have been shown on here, please come over to my personal blog www.papertracer.blogspot.com where I will be adding them, as well as showing you my new work and continuing to blog personally.

My personal blog is in no way affiliated with any stores/sellers etc so please do not head over there with the expectation of links to where you can buy products etc as you have found here on this blog.

I hope to see many of you there as you've been so supportive and it's been a wonderful journey with you all.

From the a2z blog, for the last time,

Goodbye

Linda x

Urgent News

2011-01-13T20:48:00.004-04:00

Hello friends,

I have some urgent news to tell you and I'm sorry to have to do it via this blog.

The owner of a2z Scrapbooking Supplies has decided to close the store immediately.  
 

I am unaware whether the store will ever be reopened. 

Of course, this means that this blog will no longer be live. If the store is ever reopened and the owner/s decide to utilise this blog again, it will be run by someone other than me.

On a personal note I'd like to thank you all so much for your support and lovely comments over the past few months.

I'd also like to assure you that had there been any notice given about the store being closed, I would have given it to you, however I was unaware of this decision being made until today. 

If you would like to follow my personal blog www.papertracer.blogspot.com, I would love it dearly as you have all become friends to me. I will continue to show you tips, techniques etc as I have loved every minute of doing it here.

I'm so very sorry to have to say goodbye, but hope to see you on my blog again, and that this is perhaps a "See you soon" instead.

Linda

Guest Blogger Yenni!

2011-01-08T02:03:00.000-04:00

Hello!!

Today I'm SUPER excited to show you the work of another one of our gorgeous customers, Yenni!!

She has a fabulous blog http://scrapcollector.blogspot.com/ which I've personally been ~~stalking~~ *cough* visiting frequently for quite a while now. *wink*

She always has such lovely creations and is just an all around lovely lady so we asked her if she would make something especially for the blog and thankfully she said Yes!

Here's some info about Yenni, written by the lady herself!

Hi my name is Yenni Natalia aka scrapcollector. My name will be pretty strange for you but it is very common in my hometown in Indonesia.
Currently I stay in Singapore with my husband and a cutie Westi named Garlic. I started as a "fake" scrapbooker about 5 years ago. Why I called it fake? Because I hadn't even heard of the scrapbooker and didn't use the proper products (Such as those called acid free). I have just use all those 'every day' products- office (copy) paper, newspaper, kids paint/colour pencils,etc.
I was introduced to the real "scrapbook" world about 3 years ago. As a hobby, it goes on and off due to my busy schedule but that is where I start my adventure which has ended up with me as a card maker and I am hooked!!! I have been making cards from early 2010. My card making style features more of colouring images than die cuts, however this year I would love to venture into a new style--shabby chic..I hope I will be success on it :)

And here is the GORGEOUS *sing song voice* shadow box frame she made;

I mean W.O.W right?!

OK so let's get right to how she put it together, Yenni was kind enough to take photos EVERY step of the way--told you she was fabulous!

Supplies needed. (a full list will be at the bottom of the post as always)

This is a frame from the $1 shop and the GORGEOUS Bo Bunny Crush Paper Pad 6"X6"

Remove the cardboard from inside the frame and paste your chosen Bo Bunny patterned paper. Trim off the extra using a craft knife.

Tips :Use light colour background if you wish to put more embellishment in the end of the projects.

Cut white cardstock to size (mine was 11 cm x 11.5 cm or 4 5/8" x 4 1/2") Punch the longer edge of cardstock (width 11.5cm) using the Martha Stewart edger punch. Cut a piece of pattern paper of your choice from the paper pack with size : 11.5cm x 10 cm (This is the brown paper you see). Affix the pattern paper on top of the cardstock as shown on the photo.

Take 3 frames from the maya road chipboard Love Notes series lay them out to check they fit properly as you can see here.

Cover all the frames with pattern papers of your choice and trim it use craft knife follow the shape of the chipboards (shown below)

Once done distress the edges-use Frayed Burlap Distress Inks.

Time to fill each of the Maya Road frames :)

Glue the first small frame on the bottom right of the small pattern paper. "Fill" the frame with pink seam binding. Once done apply glue on top of the seam binding and sprinkle glitter on top of it.

Stamp a Tea Cup image onto pattern paper and colour it with copic markers to your taste. Cut out the image and affix it to the first frame. Do doodling and glitter to bring out the colour from the tea cup.
Cut about 4 cm (1 1/2")of pearl ribbon to create "steam" above the tea cup.

Stamp the sentiment "You're my cup of tea" on to scrap paper and cut as shown and distress the edges. Paste the cut sentiment next to the cup image.

Paste the other smaller frame on the top right of the (brown) patterned paper and fill the frame with buttons. Stamp "Be Mine" sentiment from Hero Arts "So Sweet" Clear Stamp set on to scrap paper using versafine ink-sepia. Punch the sentiment using a 3/4" dimension Circle punch from EK Success.

Distress the edges with distress ink.
Adhere the circle on to the buttons. (Glossy Accents would be perfect for this)

Trim a photo to fit the largest frame and adhere together. Paste the frame on the top left of the brown patterned paper.

Decorate the frames with glitters and flowers. Here I used pink roses to match the theme.

Apply white acrylic paint to the small chandellier stamp. Stamp it on to the transparency and quickly pour glitter on top of it.

Once it is dry cut out the image and leave it aside.

Tip: using acrylic paint on the stamp will give a weathered look.

Create a ruffle of seam binding on the bottom part from the frame like shown on the photo.

Affix heart shape felt on top of the ruffle seam binding.

The final step is to adhere the paint-stamped Chandelier to the outside of the frame.

This is the final product;

Supplies :

Frame (from dollar shop) there are several frames to choose from in our store HERE

Bo Bunny 6x6 paper pack Crazy Love collection. (We have Bo Bunny Crush 6x6 pad in store now)

Bazzill Cardstock White Canvas 12 x 12

Martha Stewart Pinking Scallop Edge Punch

Maya Road frames Love notes (a perfect substitute would be the Making Memories Pitter Patter Sophie Velvet Frames

Hero arts CL276 So Sweet **

Hero arts H 5327 Small chandelier **

dyed seam binding

buttons

flowers

maya road heart trinket **

Pearl ribbons

Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Frayed Burlap

Heart shape pearls (the Hero Arts Hearts Accent Pearls would be PERFECT!)

Martha stewart fine glitter

white acrylic paint.

Ranger Stickles- star dust

copic markers to colour the tea cup.

Transparency (Stampendous Thermo Acetate)

(products marked with ** will be in store within 1-2 days. Links will be provided when they arrive :))

I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to Yenni for making this for the blog and especially--for making it SO QUICKLY!! You're the best Yenni :)

OK, I can't type anymore, I have to head to the shop to buy what I need to recreate this :) *teehee*

Have a great day friends!

Take care

Linda x

Cricut Cartridge Presales!!

2011-01-02T19:11:00.000-04:00

Hello dears!

Just wanted to pop in to show you these truly GORGEOUS Cricut Cartridges that are now on presale for only $17.99!!! (what an unbelievable price!)


Spring Holiday Cards Mini Cartridge

this one has some SUPER cute images. Can't wait for it to arrive.

And how about this one?

Mother's Day Bouquet

So sweet!! Imagine the paper bouquet you could make mom with these beauties! They'd also make amazingly pretty diecuts for cards, layouts and just about every other project you want to make!

Finally, this sweet baby:

April Showers Mini Shape

Oh. My. Goodness!!! I can't WAIT to get this and I can forsee myself using this one a LOT. That little banner, the umbrella and cute graphic style tree?! THE SQUIRREL?!?! *squeal*

To order your cartridges now, click HERE.

Don't forget these are PRESALES and will be shipped to you when they arrive in store, which are scheduled to arrive in mid-late January. (That's not too far away really is it?!)

Ok, have to go order mine :)

talk to you soon lovelies!

Linda xx

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

From all of us at a2z Scrapbooking Supplies (both store and blog!) have a VERY

May your holidays be safe and full of festivities, may the year to come fulfill all your hopes, aspirations and plans--and may all your resolutions ones that you can stick to *wink*

I've decided not to do a resolution this year, I'm doing an "Intention". I like the connotation of that word better :) It will make me more likely to follow through too as I'm stubborn lol.

We have LOTS of exciting things planned for you all this coming year, so buckle up and get ready!

Soon to come will be how-to tutorial style updates, Valentine's Galore (YES! Valentine's Day is SUPER close!!), Easter and guest bloggers!! We can't wait to share it all with you!

As always, if you have a specific technique or product you'd like to know more about, please email me on lindatrace@a2zscrapbookingsupplies.com OR leave a comment below!!

Speak to you soon and once again, Happy 2011!!!

Linda xx

Christmas wishes

2010-12-24T11:06:00.001-04:00

Happy Christmas Eve!!

This is just a short post as I don't want to keep you from your loved ones at this special time of year, but we at a2z Scrapbooking Supplies wanted to wish you all a very safe, wonderful and Merry Christmas.

Even though I'm sure many of you are just waking up or are going about your busy mornings, I (here in Australia) am just about to head off to bed. Despite definitely NOT being a child any more, I still made my wish to Santa, I love the magic and possibilities that come with this special time of year. If you can't believe in something unbelievable, then when can you?! Just now as I'm typing this to you, I heard a bump noise on the roof and for an instant my heartbeat quickens and I think "Could it be...?!" I'd prefer to believe than not personally.

Whether this time for you is a religious one or simply a time in which to spend some precious hours with loved ones, I hope you enjoy and are able to be filled (and fill those around you) with the spirit of Christmas--in it's truest form. Not in the gift giving, but in the smiles of your loved ones, the laughter of children AND adults, the peace that can come if you truly seek it. I hope your Christmas day's are filled with whatever you hope for.

I only finished this picture a few days ago, it's using all Whiff of Joy Stamps and a few Distress Inks for the backgrounds (and of course, Copic Markers) but I love the sense of serenity it evokes; the joy, the hope. To be watching over any baby is precious and fills us with a 'something' most can't describe well, but to be watching over this baby--oh my.

I'm not (pardon the phrase) overly religious any more but I think that Christmas is a time to believe. No matter what it's a belief in. This picture (if I may say that of a stamped image) makes me feel belief. There is a relief, an outward sigh, a calmness I feel when I look at it. I had planned to give it away as a gift but I couldn't let go of the sensation of peace it brings me, so it's now sitting on the wall directly in front of my craft desk. Bringing me that which I wish for you all this Christmas--peace, joy and calm.
---ooOOoo--

We will be back before New Years but in case you don't check your emails or aren't near a computer for the next week or so (as I'm sure will be the case for many of you), please do stay safe over this holiday period and have a truly Happy New Years.

With all our best wishes to you all and your precious people--

Merry Christmas.

Linda and the a2z team xx

Barbi's Apple Praline Pie--Diabetic Friendly!

2010-12-22T09:14:00.000-04:00

Hello lovelies!!

How are you all faring in this sometimes-stressful season??

I hope you're all able to make even a little time for yourselves, whether that be slipping off to your crafty nook or even just taking a few minutes for a quiet cup of tea/hot chocolate (whatever your favourite is!)

It is RIDICULOUSLY hot here in Perth, it will be...(wait for it)...38 degrees on Christmas day...that's 38 degrees CELCIUS... that is 100.4 F... *don't all rush to buy me a plane ticket to the USA where I can sit in the snow and cool down!!*--actually, feel free to! lol.

Anyway, given that this is a time for family, friends, laughter, love and quite often, a bit of food (or more than a bit! *wink*), I thought I'd share with you the favorite recipe of our good friend Barbi! I got this recipe from her many MANY weeks ago and I'm sure she thought I forgot about it, but I didn't--I've been saving it!

As I'm sure you all know (but just in case you didn't), we at a2z Scrapbooking Supplies, donate towards Coeliac Disease and Behcet's Disease research--some of our volunteers suffer from, or have family members with these diseases too. So at this time of year when so many people are being indulgent with their food, people who have Coeliac or Behcet's Disease (which can often lead to diabetes due to the medications required), aren't able to just forgo their normal careful eating.

Therefore, this recipe is *happily* "diabetes friendly" and I'm sure delicious to boot. I haven't made it yet, but I will be attempting my FIRST apple pie for my dad in the next day or two :) (wish me luck!)

So, without further ado, here is Barbi's favorite Apple Praline Pie and her (super easy to follow) instructions:

APPLE PRALINE PIE (DIABETIC VERSION)

***crust***
1 box Pillsbury pie crusts

***filling***
6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
3/4 cup Splenda (regular, not the baking kind)
1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tbl Smart Balance Low Sodium Butter Spread

***topping***
1/4 cup Smart Balance Low Sodium Butter Spread
1/2 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend
2 Tbl Skim Milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350°F. Make pie crusts as directed on box for Two-Crust Pie, using 9-inch glass pie plate.

In large bowl, mix apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt; toss lightly. Spoon mixture into crust-lined pie plate. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Top with second crust; seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in top crust.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15 to 20 minutes of bake time to prevent excessive browning.

In 1-quart saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter; stir in brown sugar and half-and-half. Slowly heat to boiling; remove from heat. Stir in pecans; spread over top of pie. Place pie on cookie sheet.

Bake 5 minutes longer or until topping bubbles. Cool at least 1 hour before serving.

Here is a little bit about Barbi for you to read while the apple pie cools *if you can wait that long*

ABOUT ME:

My name is Barbi and I love to cook, unfortunately I love to eat too. Since being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes I have attempted to live a healthier lifestyle and a big part of that is food. My husband and I love to try new recipes. We love down home cooking and all the comfort foods you remember as a child. I started my blog to feature our attempts to make these recipes, whether they be my own tried and true ones or new ones we find along the way, healthier in some way. Though not every recipe on this blog is Diabetic friendly the majority of them are yet they can be easily adapted for those not looking for Diabetic related dishes.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE
I saw this recipe for Apple Praline Pie on the Pillsbury website and thought it looked so good but being Diabetic I really have to watch my sugar so I decided to try and make this as carb friendly as I could without losing its taste. Since my dear husband is the dessert maker in this house I asked him if he would make it for me but with a few substitutions which he was happy to do.

It came out delicious and was enjoyed by all even though I am the only one watching my sugar intake. If you want the full sugar version you can find it on the Pillsbury website.

---ooOOOoo---

Anyhoo, hope you enjoyed!! I thought it might be a nice addition to your Christmas dessert menu (or give you something to bake if you didn't have any ideas yet!!)

Talk to you soon sweets!! (we have a VERY exciting competition on the way too *cough* Copic Markers *Cough Cough*

Linda xx

We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy Demo & more!

2010-12-15T09:46:00.002-04:00

Hey!!!

So I know I promised more of the goodies from the Hero Arts 2011 Catalog the next time we 'spoke' but we've been dealing with some major technical difficulties due to some *EXTREME* weather in Indiana--which has been causing havoc with our Internet (and thus being able to get things loaded into the store!!)

However, we're VERY hopeful it will be rectified soon and everything will be up and running perfectly and we'll be able to get the rest of the goodies on the store site asap. For now there are a few VERY gorgeous items in the new 2011 Catalog category HERE. As soon as the rest of the catalog is available on the store, we will be hosting a VERY nice little contest...I can't wait to share it with you all.

Until then, I thought I'd show you something VERY cool that we now have in store!!

How amazing does this look?!

You can find the entire range HERE.

There is definitely one of each of these on my wishlist to Santa *wink*

Next I want to show you a sweet card that one of our gorgeous customers Nancy made and entered into a competition. Here is her darling card:

For the other cards that were entered into the competition, you can go HERE. (But of course, we know you'll help a fellow a2z Scrapbooker and crafter and vote for Nancy, just like we did :))

And how about this beauty made by the lovely Ioanna?!

Now apparently Ioanna is just new to Copic Coloring--but I'm thinking she's a bit of an artist at heart. How amazing is the coloring?!

Loving the dimension of this gorgeous card.

And look at the inside!! I can't decide which is prettier the inside or the outside!!

here is the list of what she used (get ready--it's a long one!)

Spellbinders Nestabilities - Blossom Two

Spellbinders Nestabilities - Blossom

Spellbinders Shapeabilities - Butterflies

Spellbinders Nestabilities - Beaded Ovals

Bazzill Basics Paper Bling - Strawberry Daiquiri

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Aged Mahogany

Martha Stewart - Quilted Edge

Martha Stewart - Quilted Corner Punch

Martha Stewart Deep Edger - Doily Lace

Martha Stewart - Punch & Stamp Butterfly

Martha Stewart - Flower Shower

Inkssentials - Glossy Accents

We R Memory Keepers - Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

*phew* That's a LOT of links!!

Anyhoo, if you've got a project you'd like to share with us, please do. We love seeing what you get up to with the products you buy from the store!

Talk to you again soon my lovelies--hope you're all staying warm!

Linda x

Hero Arts Catalog is here!!!!!!

2010-12-11T10:33:00.001-04:00

OH. MY. GOODNESS. I'm so excited!!! (so much so, in fact that I can't even bear to write my usual greeting to you all *teehee*)

The new 2011 Hero Arts Catalog has just gone live and we have BRAND SPANKIN' NEW PRODUCTS IN STORE NOW!!!!!!!! 
(can you tell I'm excited?!)

Over the next few days we'll be introducing you to more and more new products, but for today, let's start with these beauties:

Hero Arts Floral Memento Dual Tip Hues Markers

Hero Arts Blush Memento Dual Tip Hues Markers

Hero Arts Sunshine Memento Dual Tip Hues Markers

Hero Arts Foliage Memento Dual Tip Hues Markers

Hero Arts Sea Memento Dual Tip Hues Markers

Hero Arts Earth Memento Dual Tip Hues Markers

These are Memento Markers that are just so brilliant for making amazing things and producing awesome results. You can use them for 'standard' coloring (similar to Copics), they dont smear or smudge or bleed BUT...you can also color right onto the stamp itself for really detailed amazing coloring on your stamped images.

Look at this amazing card by Jennifer McGuire, Hero Arts Director of Education (and uber-talented stamping genius!)

*sigh* happy place :)

Like I said, this is just a quick post with picturey goodness, but there will be more products we'll be sharing with you VERY soon, so stay posted! (Or better yet, sign up for our updates to come straight into your email inbox!!)

Right--I'm off to place my order for some of these babies.

Talk to you soon darlings!

Take care

Linda x

Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas

2010-12-08T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hello dear friends!!

This will just be a short post, but a goodie!

You simply MUST check out Tim Holtz in all his genius with his 12 Tags of Christmas.

You can see his blog HERE.

Check these out:

Day 1

Day 2


Day 3


Day 4


Day 5

Day 6


Day 7

Day 8

He has made some truly amazing creations. SO INSPIRING!!

Of course, we've got everything you'll need in the store, so make sure after you've compiled your 'must-have' list of goodies, you click over to the store, or click HERE to go directly to our Tim Holtz selection.

*sigh*...I'm off to get inky :) 

Don't forget to share your creations on our flickr site!! We'd love to see what you make with all this inspiration floating around in your head!

PS The photo titles ('day1' for example) is a link to that day's blog update on Tim's site :)

Talk to you soon sweets!

Linda

Winners!!

2010-12-02T09:29:00.000-04:00

Hello!

Has everyone recovered from all that turkey and potatoes??

 I'm sure you burnt it all back of with all that fantastic bargain hunting in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend sales! I hope so :)

come on, admit it, this was you, stalking the a2z store site right!?

Today's post is a quickie and a goodie--it's the announcement of the winners of last weeks contests!!

The Sign up/Followers Contest

Thanks to randomgenerator.org (who wont let me copy and paste the little window into this blog update) but DID help me find a winner chose:

Number 4!! That's Barb!!! WOOHOO!! Congrats Barb!

You've won a Huge Hero Arts prize pack worth over $50!! 

You'll be receiving these stamp sets in the mail very soon:

WOW! What a loot!

The next contest was the Word Scramble. We only had 3 entries, but thank you ladies for taking the time to unscramble the words and email me your answers!! You were all correct and we'd love to give all of you a prize, but this time, we only have the 1 to give away (maybe next time though eh?!)

The winner is : PATTY YANG!!!  Congrats Patty!

Your prize is the Tim Holtx Snow Flurries Embossing Folder (a favorite of mine!)

There were 2 more contests running last week, but no-one purchased our mystery prize from the ribbon category (which we'll keep a secret in case we decide to have another contest in the future).

The other contest was a chance to win a Tim Holtz Townscape Die or Seasonal Stickers by spending $25 or more on any Tim Holtz products, but we're still finalising all the orders taken over that weekend-and week following it-and we'll get back to you VERY soon with the winner of that prize. (Please remember that our staff are all volunteer and some suffer from Behcet's Disease-which can be completely debilitating at times-this is a VERY busy time of year for us, but we are doing our best to have all orders processed and shipped as quickly as is possible. We know you understand and thank you for your patience :))

Congrats to the two winners announced today! Barb and Patty, if you can please email me at lindatrace@a2zScrapbookingSupplies.com with your address, we'll get your prizes out to you asap!

Thanks everyone!! Have a great week :)

Linda xx

Whiff of Joy

2010-11-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

Hi again dears!!

Today as I'm sure you all know is CYBER MONDAY!!! (Kinda sounds like robots are taking over the Earth dontcha think?! *wink). Anyhoo, apparently over there in the big ol' U.S of A, Cyber Monday is the day when everyone gets online and snags a bargain or two...or twenty  *lol* 

(actually I like the explanation that it's the day where everyone shops online instead of does their work lol!).

So lets get right to it shall we?! I'm going to show you some stamps that are new to our range at a2z, but we're SO very excited to have them in our store! I personally am a HUGE fan and I'm super-happy that I get to introduce them to you:

Whiff Of Joy

Whiff of Joy A Little Bit of Magic Might Help

 I just love this little elf girl image. Super super cute. I love that she would work perfectly for many times of year and many 'reasons' to send a card.  She'd also be ridiculously cute on a layout if you did one about a child having a (minor) illness like the measels or chicken pox.--or even a scratched knee.  My daughter has to have a bandaid put on EVERYTHING even if it's just a bumped finger lol!

Whiff of Joy Henry Celebrating Mouse Stamp

 Whiff of Joy has such an array of images that range from beautiful to cute. This one takes the cake *pardon the pun* for the cute ones! Just look at his huge ears! 

Whiff of Joy Ice-beary Greetings

 Perfect for Christmas cards!! Even a winter themed layout--what a gorgeous little bear!

Whiff of Joy Oakley Sitting

 This little Oakley Sitting image is one of my favorites.  Plain and simple. I love his shoes, his little pants, his cute messy hair. *love*

Whiff of Joy Fence Stamp

 Using Inkadinkadoo or Copic Masking paper, you can have Oakley sitting on this fence (or in front of it). 
All you have to do is stamp Oakley onto your cardstock/paper, then stamp him again onto masking paper, cut out the image (stay right on the line with your cutting, if you cut just outside the lines, you'll have a 'ghost-line' where your next stamped image wont quite sit properly).

Peel the backing off the masking paper stamped image, then 'stick' it onto the original image you stamped on your cardstock. Next, using your stamp-a-ma-jig (or just stamp freehand), stamp the Fence over the top of the masked image of Oakley.  When you peel up the masking paper, it will look like Oakley is sitting on top of or in front of (dependent on where you sit him) the fence!  (I'll do a tutorial on this in the next week or two if you like--let me know in the comments :))

Whiff of Joy Angel Delivering the Christmas Tree

 Just look how beautiful she is. Need I say more?

Whiff of Joy Baby Jesus Stamp

 Perfect for Christmas!!

Whiff of Joy Ben and Nora - New Year Couple Stamp

These are new to Whiff of Joy--and they are CUTE CUTE CUTE!!!  I can't wait to get my hands on this one :) 

Whiff of Joy Cheers to You

 Cute for tags, place cards, backgrounds...the list goes on and on!!

Whiff of Joy Willow with Toddler

I just got this beautiful beautiful stamp in the mail today *claps hands* I canNOT wait to use it.  It's so beautiful. I'l be using it on a layout about my daughter. It will come in handy when a friend of mine has her baby (she's due soon!)

To see the rest of our Whiff of Joy Range, click HERE.

Well loves, that's all from me today! hope you head over to the store and find yourself everything you need and want at fabulous prices!

Talk to you soon sweets!

Linda x

Just Rite, Hero Arts Stamping goodness at fabulous prices!!!

2010-11-28T10:17:00.000-04:00

Hi again!!

I'm going to cut straight to the chase now: Have you seen some of the fabulous prices we've got for all your favorite stamp companies?! 

Check them out:

JustRite Stamps and Supplies 

THESE are my favorites:


so perfect for so many things!! You could use these on place cards, christmas cards, as cute little tags!!

and how about these?

SO VERSATILE!!!

 These are fantastic too--so great that you can custom make your stamps JUST how you want them :)

Hero Arts Stamps and Supplies

Now, anyone who follows my personal blog or has been watching this blog for a while, would have figured out that I'm crazy for Hero Arts and with these beauties--who would blame me?! Take a look at my faves:

Hero Arts Canvas Stripes

 So versatile. It can be masculine, pretty, babyish or mature. I just love the possibilities with this one :)

Sunny Smiles Stamp Set

 So pretty!!! I can just see this as a card, on a letter set, in so many different colors, using many different techinques--I love stamps that give me a lot of choice as to how I use them :)

Now for some of my favorite Christmas ones... These are so cute. I'm using them a LOT.

Christmas Cookies

Hero Arts Christmas Trio

Hero Arts Decorated House Stamp

Hero Arts Happy Holiday Tags

Hero Arts Winter Butterfly Stamp

To see our entire range of Christmas and holiday themed Hero Arts stamps, click HERE

Make sure to check back later on for another post all about Whiff of Joy Stamps--so beautiful!!

Talk to you soon sweets!

Linda xx

Tim Holtz TIIIME!!! Games, Prizes, AWESOME PRICES!!!

2010-11-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

Happy Black Friday to everyone!!!

I hope it is filled with fabulous prices and excellent bargains! (Not to mention an easy day for those tummys that I'm sure are still full from yesterday's Thanksgiving Feasts!)

Here at the a2z Blog, Black Friday means Tim Holtz!!! *woohoo!!!*

Today's game: Tim Holtz Word Scramble!!!

The Prize is a fabulous Tim Holtz -- Snow Flurries Embossing Folder worth $15.99!!!

Tim Holtz Snow Flurries and Snowman Embossing folder

Solve the word scrambles below and send your answers via email to lindatrace@a2zscrapbookingsupplies.com and the winner will be chosen randomly from those who correctly unscramble all the words!
**Editors note, there were a couple of incorrect letters in the original post. THey have now been edited out and are correct-sorry for the mix-up! 

1. ganisnourcitfo

2.vracde mtnonsaer

3. msrstpae yosuonamn

4. dggronabuer

5. gdeaa ktsctei

6. ytin tcetahra

 *** these are ALL the names of Tim Holtz products.  HOWEVER some are not the entire name, for example Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fired Brick --would be too long, so it would just say "Fired Brick" (but scrambled).  If the scramble appears as two words (i.e. there is a space between), then the name is 2 words (like 'Fired Brick'). If it appears scrambled as one word, then it is a one word name such as 'Masks'.

NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT POST THE ANSWERS AS A COMMENT TO THIS BLOG POST!! (You'll give the answers away to everyone!!) email the answers (in the correct number order as seen here) to the above address, with your full name.  Please also put "Tim Holtz Scramble" in the subject line :)

Winners will be chosen at random from all correct entries. ALL words must be unscrambled correctly to be considered eligible for entry into prize draw.  If any words are unscrambled incorrectly, then no entry into the draw will occur.  You have until Monday 8pm EST.

GOOD LUCK!

 ---ooOOOoo---

How about another EASY way to win more Tim Holtz?!  

Simply make  a Tim Holtz Purchase of $25 or more this weekend and be entered in a  contest to win Tim Holtz Townscape Die  or Tim Holtz Seasonal Stickers!!!

And finally, what about a list of your favorite Tim Holtz products (and their links of course *wink*)  at RIDICULOUSLY LOW prices?!

Vagabond $199.99 and free shipping! Very Limited Supply! HURRY!
Sizzix Tim Holtz Merry Christmas and Vintage Holiday Embossing Folders $7.65!!! (msrp $10.99)
Sizzix Tim Holtz Townscape ,Iron Gate die $10.45 (msrp $15.99)
Tim Holtz Seasonal 12 x 12 Paper Stash $9.95 (msrp $14.99)
Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves Die $13.85 (msrp $19.99)
Tim Holtz Configurations ALL ON SALE!!! (price varies dependant on size)

PHEW!!! I don't know about you but I'm exhausted from all these bargains!! Maybe I'll have *JUST*  enough energy left to buy some of these for myself (teehee)

Talk to you soon lovelies!

Linda x

Happy Thanksgiving To you all!

2010-11-25T10:27:00.002-04:00

Hello sweet friends!

This will be a short post today because I want you to all get back to your families and loved ones on this special day. (Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for all the super prices we've got for you today and over the next few days *wink*)

We at a2z Scrapbooking Supplies would like to thank each and every one of you for your support, friendship, loyalty and all around loveliness.  It's been so wonderful to get to know you all over the past few years and months and we're so thankful for you all.

This is such a special day and how wonderful to have an entire day dedicated each year to doing nothing but give thanks. (And I believe, watch a certain parade on TV?!?)

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and THANK YOU for being you :)

The a2z team xx

Copic Copic Copic Crazy Prices :)

2010-11-24T09:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome back!!

Today is a shorter post than yesterdays, but that's only because once you see the prices of the Copics below, I think you may need medical attention--to help you recover from the fall from your chair *teehee*

Copic Ciao Marker 12 Set Basic Colors $29.95 (MSRP $51.48) What a fantastic price!!!

The Ciao is the perfect entry level marker. It has a great color selection and a lower price! Ciao markers feature a Super Brush nib on one end and a Medium Broad nib on the other. The alcohol based inks are permanent, non-toxic, low odor and acid free. Ciao markers have a 3 year shelf life and are guaranteed for color consistency. See HERE for my earlier blog post about Copics :)

Copic Marker Atyou Spica Glitter Pen Set A and Copic Marker Atyou Spica Glitter Pen Set B Only $20 each!!!

These fantastic glittery pens are water based pigment markers inspired by the star of Virgo; twinkling in the night sky. They are just the thing to bring that finishing *glittery* touch to your project--at this price, you can get both sets!!

Copic Ciao Markers (individual) $3.20 each

For all the other Copic Ciao Markers at SUCH a wonderful price, you can easily complete your collection in no time at all! What more do I need to say!? Click the link above to see the full range of colors for you to choose from!

Well that's all for me today lovelies!

I'll be back again tomorrow with even more :)

Take care and see you again soon

Linda x

Machines and tools to make your crafting easier...

2010-11-23T09:24:00.001-04:00

Hi there friends!

As I'm sure you're all VERY aware, this week is Thanksgiving and that means...BLACK FRIDAY!! Shopping at this time of year can definitely save you a HEAP of money, especially with all the great sale prices I'm sure you'll find all over the place.

At a2z Scrapbooking Supplies, we're no different!! This week we'll be highlighting some of the BEST prices you'll find anywhere.

Today we'll be focussing on the tools and machines that can help to make your crafting experience easier and lift a simple project to something really special.

Spellbinders Grand Calibur Cut and Emboss Machine

This machine is the cats pyjamas--SUCH a fantastic tool to have, it does practically everything for you! The Grand Calibur cuts and embosses up to 8 1/8″ wide! It accommodates 8 1/2" x 11″ paper without needing to trim it down and can cut OR emboss multiple shapes in a single pass! It’s compatible with all Spellbinders die templates so you'll have no need to waste money buying replacement dies--PERFECT!

At this price, you can afford to get one for yourself AND a close crafting buddy :)

Scrap-Ma-Bob Clamp-On-Holder For Cup and Bag

Now THIS is something I definitely need--I might even get one for my mum and she doesn't even craft! It's so perfect for every day 'non-craft' use, (not that I really understand that term...I don't think I do anything non-craft *wink*!!)

The durable steal holder attaches to the edge of most flat surfaces and is designed to hold a drink and reusable trash bag (included). Holds 32 ounce drinks.

The Gypsy Sit Upon

How about an item you can use to strengthen core muscles (which means a nicer tummy and better posture) as well as allows you to craft for longer, more comfortably?!

This is it! Place the softly inflated disc in your chair to prevent fatigue, reduce pressure on the tailbone and help to relieve lower back pain. Place the smooth side down on your chair. The texture allows air flow for cooler seating and promotes improved blood circulation. Air filled and will stay soft and comfortable.

This isn't just for your craft chair, it can be used in any area that you sit for extended periods of time!

Stampendous Pail Quart

The Stampendous Plastic Pail Quart is so cute and versatile!! It can be used for storage or decoration and can be purchased in various sizes to create a set. Each pail has a transparent side with a tin top and bottom. Use them as decorations that you can alter to fit any style or color-palette, or as great storage containers-- with the clear side you can easily see the contents and the snap on lid keeps items safely inside. Quart 4 X 5 inches.

Sizzix Big Shot Express

The same fabulous Big Shot machine we've all come to know and love for it's versatility, ease of use and outstanding results, but this has gone another step further into fabulousness--it's electric!! Say goodbye to the crank mechanism of the original and hello one-touch button die cutting and embossing!

The Big Shot accepts most dies-no matter the manufacturer, cuts paper, cardstock, fabric and much more, The Multi-Purpose Platform makes all Sizzix components compatible with the Big Shot and even works with other brand dies and embossing tool--not to mention has a fantastic easy-to-follow picture guide 'how to'. At this price, it's a steal!!

**This product is only compatible with power requirements found in the USA and Canada and as such, may not work in international electrical outlets.**

Zutter Bind-It-All Machine Version 2

This is my personal favorite binding tool. You can create one of a kind albums, calendars, journals and recipe books. Numbered register marks allow for punching accuracy for projects up to 12.5". Left and right hand application. Weighs under 3 lbs. So easy to use and perfect for all projects! This price is simply outstanding!

Please note that the sale prices for all the above items start November 24th and are valid until November 30th!

Well, I think I'm sure to have overloaded you (and your shopping list *wink*) with that lot of goodies, so I'll leave you for now. Be sure to check back again tomorrow for even more great products and awesome prices!

Take care sweet friends!

Linda x

GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-11-21T09:35:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!!

I have some VERY exciting news for you today!! *claps hands* As I'm sure you all know, Black Friday is coming....SOOON!!! We at a2z Scrapbooking Supplies have gone a little Black Friday Crazy!! So crazy in fact, that we thought, what better way to celebrate the coming of one of the busiest days of our calendar by having a GIVEAWAY!!!

All you have to do is sign up to be a follower of the blog (or in our way of putting it, join our "a2z Craft Club") before November 30th and you could win a huge Hero Arts Prize Pack worth more than $50!!!

ALL of the following stamps:

Hero Arts Happy Holiday Tags

Hero Arts Bold Pumpkin Stamp

Hero Arts Christmas Cookies Stamp

Hero Arts Decorated House Stamp


Hero Arts Winking Reindeer

AAAAAND as if all those stamps weren't enough...what about a pack of these:

Hero Arts Acetate Cards
NB: These cards are clear acetate. The picture used is only for illustration purposes

HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!

You'll have everything you need to get your cards made for the rest of the season! *yay!!!*

SO--to recap, all you need to do is sign up to be a follower of our blog (if you're already a follower, you have an entry already)

Want an extra chance to win?!?! Thought so *wink*

..if you get a friend (or two, or three...) to follow us too, put a comment at the bottom of this blog entry AFTER they've signed up, tell us the 'screen name' or username (the one they'll use) and YOU get an extra entry for each friend!!

NB: If you send us the name of your friend but they don't sign up, you'll only receive the entry for your own 'following'.

That's it!!

Happy "Following"!!! *wink*

PSSSST: Make sure to sign up for our emails on the right hand side of the blog (over --->>>there!) and check back regularly over the rest of this week (till November 30th), because we'll be hosting plenty of contests and games with PRIZES to be won!!!

Linda xx

Christmas cards to inspire Day 4: Distress Ink Swiping

2010-11-20T09:37:00.000-04:00

Hi there,

Welcome to day four of my Christmas Cards to Inspire!!

Hopefully I got the look of the snowy night correct, here in Perth, we literally NEVER have snow. I've seen snow a total of twice, once it was falling in the distant mountains when I was in Hiroshima, the other time it was on the ground, in Niseko (a small town in the North of Japan). I was in heaven and can't wait to see it/be in snow again. Till then, my little snowy christmas card will have to do! *wink*

Here is today's card;

This card is SO easy and perfect for mass production;

First I took the Hero Arts Starry Night stamp and wiped Black Soot Distress Ink from left to right. I then stamped it onto white cardstock. The 'wiping' created a look of a snowstorm/a windy snowy night around the trees. *LOVE*

Next I rubbed a tiny bit of Mustard Seed Distress Ink over the largest star in the top right corner, to give it a glow.

Then I added some Diamond Stickles to the ground and stars (a tiny bit to the tree branches would work too, but I left mine bare). I tied some red and white striped bakers twine around the image, tying it to a button.

Then I adhered the white stamped cardstock onto a slightly larger piece of black cardstock, to create a matte. Then I adhere both layers onto a piece of white textured cardstock that I had cut to size and scored in the centre to make the card.

On the inside (not pictured), I stamped a Christmas sentiment with Versamark ink and embossed with Stampendous Red Transparent Tinsel Embossing Powder.

That's it!! Like I said, super easy and perfect for mass production!

Hope you like it! Let me know what you thought :)

See you tomorrow with another card!

Take care lovelies

Linda xx

Christmas cards to inspire Day 3: Distress Resist

2010-11-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

Hello again my dears!!

How are you all today? I'm DYING of heat exhaustion here in Perth today. We're not even out of Spring yet and it was 36 degrees Centigrade here today. (That's 96.8 F) I was quite a bit like the Wicked Witch of the West this afternoon when I went out the front to get the mail...I'M MELTIIIIIIIIIIIIING *wink* (but without the socks and green skin haha!)

So anyhoo--welcome to Day three of my Christmas Card Inspiration Week! Let's get straight to the card--I'm pretty happy with this one :).

The techniques I used on this one are Heat embossing and a technique called "Resist".

Here's how I did it:

I cut a piece of Bazzill Kraft Classic Cardstock down to 5 1/2" long by 3" high.
Then I took my Versamark watermark inkpad and applied it to my Hero Arts Wreath of Leaves Stamp (I LOOOOOVE this image!)
I then stamped multiple times over the surface, going off the edge quite a bit on all of the images to give extra effect (I re-inked my stamp with Versamark each time).
I shook some Mustard colored embossing powder over the whole image and blew off the excess then I heat set it with my heat tool.
Taking my Ranger Inkssentials Blending tool, I then added a light layer of Peeled Paint Distress Ink and Walnut Stain Distress Ink to the cardstock, blending it in well.

The embossing will resist the distress ink you put over the top. Just make sure you wipe over your embossed areas to remove any excess distress ink that might be there and to really make your embossing powder's color shine through. (this is the technique called "Resist).

I lightly distressed the edges of the cardstock with my scissors (or you could use a Tim Holtz tonic distressing tool) and added some Black Soot Distress Ink to the edges, to sharpen up the colors.
Next I added some Red Hero Arts Ribbon, a little twine and a couple of buttons from my stash.
Then I stamped the 'Merry Christmas' sentiment from the Hero Arts Merry Christmas Trees Clear stamp set and in Versamark and used red embossing powder on that before heat setting it.
I attached my inked, embossed and 'ribboned' cardstock onto a folded card that I'd made out of kraft cardstock (which I cut to size and scored in half).
On the inside of the card, I used the 'Best wishes for the season' sentiment from the same Hero Arts Merry Christmas Trees Clear Stamp set in Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

I'm starting to really utilise the insides of my cards now. I love adding a little something extra wherever I can.

Anyhoo, that's it! Super easy and it would really be easy to make multiples of these! I'd just stamp the Wreath image all over a bigger piece of cardstock and emboss it all, then cut it down to size!

One more quick note--You can do the first few steps in the opposite order; the distress inks first and then add the embossing over the top. This will only work when you are using colored embossing powder, but if you're using clear powder (so that the color of the cardstock underneath will show through), you must do the embossing first, then go over with your distress inks second.
(Because if the embossing powder is clear--and on top of distress inking- the distress inks will show through and you wont see your embossed image, it will just blend in with the distress inks colors.)

**A tip!! If you do go the other way around (Distress ink first, then emboss over top), make sure the Distress Inks are completely dry before stamping the 'Versamarked' image (and most importantly, the embossing powder). If it's not dry, when you pour the embossing powder on, it will stick to the entire cardfront, not just the image you've stamped with the Versamark--very annoying...trust me *wink*

Have fun with this! It's a favourite technique of mine!

Talk to you tomorrow!

Linda xx

Christmas cards to inspire Day 2

2010-11-18T09:34:00.000-04:00

Hello!!

Welcome to day 2 of my Christmas Cards to Inspire week!

Yesterday I showed you the pretty effects if you use Distress Inks as Watercolor paints on standard Cardstock (When I say standard, I mean Copic Marker X-Press Blending Card--I use this for all my stamping).

Today I want to show you the difference when you use watercolor paper, which has much more texture and thus, a better ability to tolerate more liquid. It also leaves a pretty textured LOOK about the image, which I think is perfect for animals like...(you guessed it!! That cute little reindeer again) *wink*

Let's get straight to the card shall we?

This card has a really cute rustic feel about it, which I love. Sometimes I absolutely hate cards that--how can I put this the right way?!-- Take themselves too seriously. Does that make sense?! I love cards that are pretty or cute or even whimsical--but no matter what, I love them to have a hand-made look, which this one does I think.

I used two techniques to create this one.

The first is using the watercolor paper with Distress Inks. The second, is using my Acrylic Block to create that bluey-grey background.

To achieve this second technique (which was actually my first step), I dabbed some Tumbled Glass and Stormy Sky as well as Weathered Wood Distress Inks onto my acrylic block (Yes, I said ONTO the acrylic block---not the stamp). Then I spritzed the acrylic block with a good 6 or 7 spritzes of water using my Ranger Mini Mister and then 'stamped' it onto Hero Arts Bright White Watercolor Paper .

I then cut my cardstock a 1/4" larger than the square of ink my acrylic block created (to leave a border of white). Then I edged my paper with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

When the paper was dry, there was a really clear space in the color from the acrylic 'stamping', so I used that space to stamp my Hero Arts Fancy Reindeer in Black Stayzon Ink.

When the Reindeer image was dry, I used the same painting technique mentioned yesterday. I put the Frayed Burlap Distress Ink Pad upside down on my Ranger Inkssentials Craft Sheet to put the ink directly onto the craft mat, then spritzed with water. Using a fine-tipped paintbrush, I painted the reindeer. To give some shading, I waited for the ink to soak into the paper a little before putting a slight second 'coat' of ink down around the bottom of the reindeer's stomach and legs.

I used Fired Brick Distress Ink again for his scarf and nose (which I also popped a dot of Glossy Accents on).

Next I stamped the sentiment from Hero Arts Sprinkle Your Holidays with Black Stayz on Ink.

Then I adhered the watercolor paper 'layer' onto a Hero Arts Cerulean (sky blue) notecard which I had trimmed down to size. I edged the notecard in Walnut Stain Distress Ink after distressing the edges of the card.

Lastly I added some Hero Arts Small Accent Pearl (mine were white so I colored them with a Copic marker, but you can get some beautiful Light Blue ones that would be perfect)as well as some dots of Ranger Icicle Stickles to look like snowfall (and to add just a little bling *wink*).

I couldn't resisite popping a cute little blue and silver button from my stash in the corner, threading it with some red and white bakers twine for a final touch.

Hope you liked this one! I love the homey and textured look and feel of it! I hope my explanation of the steps makes sense to you all, if you have any questions, PLEASE feel free to email me or leave a comment!

Please leave comments to let me know what you think!

See you tomorrow!

Linda xx

Christmas Cards to Inspire :)

2010-11-17T09:48:00.000-04:00

Hello again dear friends!

This week I've got some super cute (if I may say so myself! *teehee*) Christmas cards for you!

These all took me only a few minutes each to make with a few simple techniques that can create a lovely effect.

Each day this week I'll be sharing with you some ways to use products like Distress Inks and stamps --that you might not have thought to try.

The first two (today's and tomorrow's cards) I used water coloring techniques but Distress Inks instead of Watercolour Paint. The difference between painting on watercolor paper versus 'normal' paper is pretty surprising. Watercolor paper has so much more texture and can allow much darker colors to be 'reached' (because you can put more ink/paint down due to the absorbent nature of the paper.)

Using water with distress inks is an excellent way to achieve a great look with your favourite Distress Ink colors. Because Distress Inks are alcohol based, they don't 'lose' their color (or intensity) when mixed with water.

Onto the card: today's card features my favorite little reindeer:

This card is SO simple to make it's almost criminal :) Perfect for making multiples.

Here's what I did:

Using Black Stayz On ink, I stamped the Hero Arts Small Fancy Reindeer.

Next I 'stamped' some Frayed Burlap Distress Ink on my Ranger Craft Mat and spritzed with water using my Ranger Mini-Mister.

Taking a fine 'tipped' paint brush, I dipped the brush into the ink (swirled it around to make sure it blended with the water on the mat) and began painting my Reindeer image.

No special technique for the painting is required.

Repeated steps 2 and 3 with Fired Brick Distress ink to color his nose and scarf --choose whichever ink colors appeal to you. (REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR BRUSH OUT BETWEEN COLORS!)

Using my 3" scalloped circle punch, I cut out the painted image. (The Scalloped Circle Nestabilities Die would work just as well)

I gently inked the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink and a Ranger Inkssentials Blending Tool.

I put a TINY dab of Glossy Accents on his eyes and Ranger Diamond Stickles on his nose for extra sparkle and interest :)

(I nearly painted his hooves, but then remembered Rudolf is a boy *wink*--my next Reindeer project will have to be a girl :) Pink or Red Hooves would be too cute! Teehee)
Using a 3 1/4" circle punch (Martha Stewart Circle cutter or Nestabilities Die would work perfectly too), cut out red cardstock.

Adhere the reindeer scalloped circle die-cut to the red circular die cut cardstock, using dimensional adhesive.

Take white cardstock, cut to size (mine is 4 1/8" wide x 4 1/8" high) round the corners with a Corner Chomper and stamp the "Merry Christmas" sentiment from 'Hero Arts Wishes Come True' Clear stamp set in red (I used Worn Lipstick as it worked better with my red cardstock and didn't blend in too much with the scarf-which I wanted to be the focus) and then again in Forest Moss Distress Ink.

** Try doing this last step with a smaller acrylic block if you can and have fun with it. Twist and turn your stamp around in all different directions. Leave spaces for the second color. Don't forget to stamp half off the page too, as this really makes a fun and easy (not to mention HAND MADE) background paper! The less neat and linear you make this part, the better the end result.**

I also edged my paper just lightly with Forest Moss Distress Ink using my Ranger Inkssentials Foam Blender tool, just to help make it stand out against the backing card.

Finally, cut some red cardstock to your desired size, score in the centre (I use Martha Stewart's scoreboard, but the Scorepal or Scorebuddy would also be just the ticket :))

Adhere the circular cardstock onto your 'background paper', adhere that onto the front of your card! Round your edges with a We are Memory Keepers Corner Chomper and you're done!

**Note, if you are going to cut out the image you're painting, then feel free to paint like a toddler-- messy and quickly. *wink* Don't worry about getting paint outside the lines, you'll be cutting the image out anyway, so you wont see the 'mess'. If you are going to use the image and some/all of the white space around it (like I did here), you need to be a bit more neat.

One option is to heat emboss the image first (use clear embossing powder if you've stamped in black already, or black embossing powder if you're only using Versamark ink) The heat embossing will give you a 'border' as such. Because heat embossing creates a raised area where the embossing powder has set, the 'paint' will stay in the lines more--especially if you only use a little at a time.

Hope you enjoyed this cute little reindeer card and try something like this for your Christmas cards! It's fast and easy, perfect for making enough cards for everyone!

See you tomorrow!

Linda x

Banner for a little girl's room

2010-11-09T21:33:00.000-04:00

Hi there!!

So sorry for the long time without anything new on here in our little piece of bloggy paradise! My eldest daughter who is 3, has been...well, let's say "being a challenge" these past few weeks and leaving me with absolutely NO time to do any crafting let alone time to write something to accompany such crafting! Please forgive the lapse in time :)

I wanted to make something for Isabella's (my 3 year old) room. I wanted it to be a bit more personal for her and pretty it up a bit (it used to be my nephew's room so it's a bit boy-ey with the blue walls :))

Plus, I'm crazy-mad in love with banners.

This is what I've been up to:


Here is Isabella's new banner :)

This is how I did it:

First I took some material that we call Calico but in the USA, Europe etc I'm not sure, it's what you'd use to put a Christmas pudding (which you probably don't have in the US either!) in or similar. (It's like a linen but not stiff)

I cut the calico into triangles with my pinking shears--2 layers of material per triangle for double thickness.

Next I stamped the triangles using Hero Arts Dots Cling Stamp, Hero Arts Flourish Background Stamp, Hero Arts Stripes Pattern Cling Stamp and Hero Arts Large Artsy Circles Stamp using Papertrey Ink Inkpads in Pure Poppy and Hawaaiin Shores. I left a border around the outside to highlight the stamping. Then I sewed the triangles together) the 2 layers of each triangle. But it would be easier to use Glue Glider Pro Fabric Bond (I've used mine all up!)

Next I took some Ranger Studio Sticky Back Canvas and using my Westminster/Sizzix Big Shot Cutting Machine cut it out with a Spellbinders Classic Scallop Oval Large Nestabilities. (It needed a tiny bit of extra cutting with scissors but if you ran it through your diecutter with an extra piece of cardstock or similar to make a 'shim', it would cut through clean.)

Next I layed the die-cut ovals out on my Ranger Inkssentials Craft Sheet and using repositional adhesive in my Glue Glider Pro, I stuck some letters on top (These were just old cheap chipboard letters that I've had lying around forever. If I did this project again, I'd use paper/cardstock as the chipboard sat up a bit high and created a ridge.)

Next I painted around the letters to make a mask/negative of the letter using some Kaisercraft paint I had in my stash.

Then I used Tim Holtz Vintage Photo and Walnut stain distress ink around the edges to give it my usual vintagey look. (Plus the edging makes the colour and letters stand out more)

see how there's a tiny smudge around the outside of the letter? Using thinner cardstock would prevent this (instead of chipboard)

Next step was to peel the back of the canvas and adhere onto the triangles (I used alternating colours, blue letter canvas on pink banner triangle)

I felt as though it needed something, so I used a very slim paint brush and painted a thin line around the outside of the stamped area on the triangles (still leaving a plain border). I also used my We are Memory Keepers Crop-a-dile and set eyelets in the top to thread through string/ribbon.

Here is the finished banner (In two photos so you can see closer up.)

Hope you like it!! I"m really happy with how it came out :) Isabella loves it too "Where did you get that mummy?!" was what she shrieked lol. She knows the first letter ('I') is for her name so she's happy haha. Beyond that, she just thinks it's pretty!! That's ok with me though!

Stay tuned because in the next few days I'll be posting a tutorial on how to use the Imaginisce I-top!! (One of my favourite tools!!)

Talk to you soon lovelies!!

Linda

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T10:50:00.001-04:00

Hello sweet friends!!

Happy Halloween to you all!! I hope you enjoy the festivities and aren't frightened by too many ghouls and goblins showing up at your door--nor in your stomachs after all that Halloween Candy!

Halloween passed VERY uneventfully here as usual, but I'm a bit sad about the fact that we miss such a big season of tradition, fun and celebrations. Oh well. When my daughters get older we'll definitely have to bring Halloween into our yearly calendar :)

Despite that we didn't celebrate Halloween here, I've been feeling an itch to make a card for the 'season', so here it is:

Here's a little Halloween girl for you, I was going to make her a witches hat but she was just too cute, so rather than go "all-out" I kept it simple and just tried to give a feel of spooky darkness (it's much darker in life than this photo shows due to the camera flash).

Here's what I did:

Stamp the girl image on white cardstock using Memento ink
Stamp the same image onto Inkadinkadoo Masking Paper, cut out and (temporarily) adhere over original image.
Cover a small rounded section of the base of white cardstock (to form the ground)--(I just cut a piece of scrap paper into the right shape as I didn't want to use the Masking paper, because this was particular size and shape for this card.)
Ink up the Cloud Background stamp with Stormy Sky ink and stamp. (**NB The masking paper protects the little girl image and makes it look like she's standing in FRONT of the clouds)
Ink the Silhouette Grass Stamp with Scattered Straw ink, stamp.
Using my blending tool, add some Walnut stain ink to the base of the card to create the ground/dirt she is standing on.
Remove the masking paper, color the girl image with copics
Stamp Hello Flags stamps onto scrap paper in desired colors.
Adhere flags onto cardfront and either draw a black line between to create the banner's "rope" (or cut a thin strip of cardstock and adhere to cardfront underneath pennants)
Distress edge of card with scissors or distressing tool
Mount onto Black cardstock!

DONE!! It looks like a lot of steps but they're all VERY easy.

Here's what I used:

Hero Arts Clouds Rubber Stamp

Hero Arts Silhouette Grass Stamp

Hero Arts Sweet Wonderful You Stamp

Hero Arts Hello Flags Stamp

Foam Blending Tool

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Walnut Stain

Memento Tuxedo black ink

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Stormy Sky

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Pumice Stone

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Clear For Embossing (on inside of card)

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Scattered Straw

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Weathered Wood

Copic Marker X-Press Blending Card

Copic Sketch Markers

Inkadinkado Stamping Mask Paper 12/Pkg

Bazzill Cardstock Black OP 12 x 12

Have a FRIGHTULLY wonderful Halloween dear friends!

Till next time--

Linda x

Joy's final week tear

2010-10-28T08:07:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends!

I'm back with the final (for now *wink*) creation from our dear friend Joy Taylor. The four weeks that Joy has been guest blogging with us has gone by so quickly but we've loved every minute of it and of course, her gorgeous cards! Joy, we will miss having your beautiful cards grace our blog every week, but we thank you so much for all the effort you've put into them and hope you come back to join us as guest blogger in the New Year. *HUGS* to you.

Today's effort from Joy is nothing short of astonishingly beautiful--here they are:

are you all as blown away as I was?!

Take your time to ogle them--they deserve it :)

Here's the how to:

Take 6 or more tags, (you can buy either from your office supply store if you don't have the below die to cut your own.
Ink over the top of the tags using Antique Linen.
Once inked, take the Vintage Christmas stamps and stamp images over the tags using black ink.
Next, using a different color distress ink for each tag, blend around the edges with the different colours, adding touches of Walnut Stain (to all of the tags) to give it a more vintage feel.
Lastly, add twine and ribbon through the tops of the tags.

A very quick and fun way to produce tags to put on your Christmas presents or even add onto a card!

Here's what you'll need!

Crafty Secrets Vintage Christmas Stamp Set

Memento Tuxedo black ink

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Antique linen

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Barn Door

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Walnut Stain

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Peeled Paint

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Broken China

Ranger Inkssentials Foam Blending Tool

Sizzix Tim Holtz Tag and Bookplates Die and Copic Marker X-Press Blending Card (or Manila Shipping tags)

Twine

Ribbon

Now go get to it! I know you'll be inspired to try your own, I was! (I'll post them in a day or two).

Have fun and don't forget to leave a comment!

Take care--
Linda

Christmas diary/to do book

2010-10-26T10:25:00.000-04:00

Hello again sweet friends!!

There are only a few weeks left until Christmas (8 actually...*gasp*!!) so it's time to get organised and today I have a special Christmas album I made using THIS gorgeous Christmas paper collection from Little Yellow Bicycle to help with that organising!

The paper colors and patterns are very traditional and muted--truly lovely. I wanted to make something other than a traditional album to work with these very traditional papers, so I made a Christmas diary or to-do/reminder book for you to carry around with you during the Silly season. At home, here in Australia we have Christmas in the heat so I'm sure our to do list might be slightly different but I'm in charge of the decorations, so I ALWAYS have a list of what I need to buy or make and what I need to do.

(Sorry about the photos, I was having real trouble with my photo editing software today, so apologies for the dark background!!)

So here it is:


here is the cover. .

The closure is a Tim Holtz Clear Charm fragment that's been stamped with Stayz on and THIS Hero Arts stamp then used Alcohol Inks to color the back of the fragment to make it look like a bauble.

The cover paper was cut with the EK Success Scalloped border punch.

this is a calendar page I downloaded off the Internet and cut with Labels 4 Spellbinders Nestabilities die.

Using the Hero Arts Ledger stamp I made a To Do list.

Christmas Card list with a twist! I made a 'waterfall card' effect.

excuse my hand but here you can see the pull down tab in action--it extends down about 3 inches and the small squares (with the writing on them) flip backwards--super cute!

Here is a little section for some Christmas cards and stamps to be put in--I always find when I'm out and about, that I run into someone who's Christmas card I've forgotten to write. So I thought it would be helpful to have some extras stashed away in this diary so you could write a quick card on the spot if you need to.

This is a little section to keep old family recipes that you like to use each year. I just printed some out on various forms of paper and cardstock and aged them to help them look like they'd been passed down by family members or friends.

And finally here is a little hand-made notepad. I ALWAYS need a notepad! I simply printed out a 3 column word document with the lines on it, cut the pages to size and then using my crop-a-dile, cut holes and tied string to bind the pages together. Using Pumice Stone Distress ink and the Hero Arts Wishes Come True clear set (also used to make the bauble on the front cover closure), I stamped the little snowflake randomly over the pages to give a Christmassy feel. I backed the pages onto a heavy cardstock and threaded the backing cardstock behind a 'belt' made of cardstock, to keep it in the diary, but allow it to be removed when it runs out!

I also used a tonic perforating tool across the top of each page so you can tear them out as they're used.

Here's the back page--super simple and one-dimensional, which is the best thing for a back cover!

I simply then bound the whole album and edged the pages with a tiny smear of white paint to give a distressed look that didn't darken the overall coloring.

As a final note, all these pages are using Tim Holtz Grungepaper, so that the album is slightly flexible but sturdy--important for anything that is going into your handbag. Everything used to make this album, apart from ink and the binding are from the Hero Arts Wishes Come True clear set and the Little Yellow Bicycle collection (which includes papers, rub-ons and stickers).

This really only took me a few hours to make in total, so you have plenty of time to order your papers now and get these made for yourself or even as a gift for a friend who likes to be organised (or maybe a friend who needs to be *wink*)

Hope you liked and as always, I'd love to hear what you think!

Linda xx

Joy Taylor Week 3!!

2010-10-21T00:38:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!!

We're back with another gorgeous card from our dear guest blogger Joy Taylor!

Here it is:

Beautiful isn't it?!

Here are the steps Joy took to make it--

Cut white card stock to form the card, using another piece of white card stock cut slightly smaller then the card front and using the Hero Arts, Branch and Flourish Tree inked with Versamark, stamp onto the white card stock and emboss with white embossing powder.

Next, taking the Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and Foam Blending tool, cover the entire card stock by blending the ink over, making an emboss resist finish. Once happy with the look, take the Hero Arts, Magical Background stamp inked with more Tumbled Glass and stamp directly over the image, giving it a tone on tone effect.

Add more Stormy Sky Distress Ink around the edges of the image, wipe excess ink off over the embossed area using a baby wipe to make it stand out more.

Add Liquid Pearls, Silver Pearl to the tree and leave to dry.

Taking more white card stock, tear along one edge to form snow peaks, add touches of Stormy Sky to the torn edges and adhere under the embossed tree.

Lastly, add a sentiment the bottom of the snow peaks, adding rhinestones either side of the sentiment and adhere the image to the front of the card using foam dimensionals.

This is a great way to use different techniques to create a fun card!

Here are the tools she used to create it:

Copic Marker X-Press Blending Card
Stampendous Stamp N Stuff Embossing Powder White Opaque
Hero Arts Magical Background Stamp
Hero Arts Branch and Flourish Tree
Hero Arts Sending Holiday Cheer Stamp
Memento Tuxedo black ink
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Tumbled Glass
Inkssentials Foam Blending Tool
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Stormy Sky
Ranger Silver Pearl Liquid Pearls Glue
Tsukineko Versamark Watermark Ink
Hero Arts Clear Gemstones
Glue Arts Mounting Adhesive Squares Well did you love it as much as us?! Till next time Dear Friends-- Take care and Happy Crafting! Linda

Bibs and bobs...

2010-10-16T09:47:00.001-04:00

Hello dears!!

Just a bit of a strange post today, a few bits and pieces and a bit of a favor to ask of you!

As those of you who frequent our little piece of bloggy heaven will no doubt have noticed, there is a small 'questionnaire' of sorts over to the left-hand side, asking what you'd like to see here on the blog. A few people have responded and a resounding 100% of you asked for tutorials. What I would like to know then, is what tutorials you would like??

tell me what you want...I'm all ears *wink*

LOL--sorry, I couldn't help myself with that one...

I've been given a message from (the other much more attractive :)) Linda that a few people have been mentioning to her a tutorial on the Copic Blender pen would be helpful, so that will be coming up shortly. But what else?! Is there anything in specific? Do you have a particular stamp that you've purchased from us and now it's home in your hot little hands, your mind is drawing a blank??

If you have something (or a few somethings! *wink*) that you would like to know more about, see put into a video tutorial (or a blog based picture tutorial if my video decides not to play fair!), or just more information--then PLEASE let me know!!! You can feel free to email me on lindatrace@a2zscrapbookingsupplies.com and I'll do my best to make sure to get a tutorial up for you! Otherwise, of course, you can feel free to leave a comment below.

Onto other things--the new Scor-buddy mini-mats are here!! The scor-buddy is so cute I just want to squeak and now you can get the mat to complete the set!

We're also SUUUUUUUUUUUUUPER excited to be bringing you the gorgeous Whiff of Joy stamps!!! I'm a HUGE fan of Whiff of Joy and fell in love as soon as I saw their images. We will be starting with a select few of their best stamps and be increasing our stock as you request it! So! If you see a WOJ Stamp you'd like us to get in, please feel free to contact us and let us know!

This card that I shared with you last week is completely Whiff of Joy images:

Lastly--we're very proud to be part of the Blog Candy being offered by the gorgeous Cammy and her team of Ainsley's Angels. They are fundraising for Juvenile Diabetes--see their cute badge over -->>>that side. If you click on the badge it will take you to their site where you can find out more information on the fantastic efforts! If you have ANY chance to, please donate to this hugely worthy cause and let's find a cure!!

Anyhoo--I'm off to work on a layout that I'll be sharing with you all in the next few days!!

Take care and have a fabulous weekend!

Linda x

Joy is back with a gorgeous card!

2010-10-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hello dear friends!!

I'm back again with another gorgeous card from our lovely guest blogger Joy Taylor! It's Christmas time in Joy's card, so let's get right to it!

This is how she did it:

Stamp the holly onto white card stock and colour with Copics
Stamp the Magical Background stamp that is inked with Antique Linen over the top
Add Antique Linen to the sides of the card stock along with Vintage Photo.
On the cream card stamp the Large Plaid Background stamp also inked with Antique Linen
Adhere the holly image to the card using foam dimensionals,
Dust lightly around the edge with more Antique Linen and a light touch of Black Soot.
Lastly, add a sentiment to the bottom of the card using Sending Holiday Cheer, rhinestones either side of the sentiment and add some Glossy Accents to the berries.

Don't you just love it?! It's such a beautiful card and so easy to make!

Here are the tools Joy used:

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Black soot

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Antique linen

3L 3D Permanent Foam Squares
Bazzill Ivory Simply Smooth Cardstock
Copic Marker X-Press Blending Card
Copics - G09, G07, G05, G03, R39
Distress Ink Vintage Photo
Glossy Accents
Hero Arts Classic Holly
Hero Arts Graph Background Stamp
Hero Arts Magical Background Stamp
Hero Arts Swirl Christmas
Memento Tuxedo black ink
Ranger Inkssentials Foam Blending Tool

Now it's time for you to make your own version! We hope you'll share with us what you make :)

Well, until next time friends--take care!

Linda

Copic Markers=LOOVE!!

2010-10-10T03:35:00.000-04:00

**Warning--this is a bit of a long post--there is a LOT to say about Copics. So, get comfy, a cup of tea or whatever your choice of beverage and if you have a partner or children tell them to shh--or better yet, go out for a while *teehee*!!! You've got an important ~~work email~~ blog post to read :)**

Hi there!

Ok, so I'm just going to come out and start this post by saying something truly truly shocking...I am so in love with Copic markers, that it's borderline inappropriate!! LOL. I mean honestly, a desk covered (or surrounded neatly-depending on how you work :)) by Copic markers?!


this is my happy place ahhhh

I'm fairly new to Copics, but I've had a few images I've colored come out super-nicely and the rest are all really good, despite my terribly low skill level :). The markers just seem to make everything look good, no matter what you do. I love that even if you're not happy with how something looks, you can just keep going over and over until you get what you need or want.

This was maybe the first card I made with my Copics;

I spent some time on her hair and was very happy with the results; the dress and flowers however, I kept simple. Can you see how up-close, her hair is obviously made from at least 2 colors? (in the previous card it looks much more natural from a 'normal' distance)

this is one of my earlier cards. Only the second time I'd used my Copics.

see how up close the shading on her dress is nice but not quite blended enough? Her hair however, I'm proud to say looks good.

When I first heard about Copics I thought, what's the big deal? Aren't markers just markers? Well in short--NO!! Copic's are just astonishingly good to work with. Being alcohol based means that they blend beautifully AND (a big plus for me) the paper won't 'pill up' (when the weave of the paper starts to break down and you get little tiny balls of paper start to show up) if you go over your coloring more than once. (I hate it when my paper pills up). I thought the standard price of $7 or $8 each was pretty decent given that they're given such a great guarantee AND you can get refills...but then I went on to the a2z site and I nearly choked on my ~~Distress ink~~ water, when I saw how cheap they are there!!

Now to start with, you HAVE to have great paper to color on. This really does make a difference. Not only will the ink 'stay true' better, but it wont soak through as much and this gives you more freedom. The Copic Marker X-Press Blending Card is A-MA-ZING.

MUST-HAVE!!!

There are probably a whole range of stats and specs and information-based tid-bits that I could give you on how the paper is made, why it's better, what the difference is, but really...does it matter? Long story short, it makes everything look incredible. Even if your coloring is more "interesting" than that of a 1st grader.Get Some...Now...No, not NOW now, when you're finished reading this now :)

Before I get into the sets, a couple of things to know about Copics (just the basics).

There are about 5 kinds of marker (shape-wise). The most popular, the Ciao and the Sketch are in store HERE.
The difference between the Ciao and the Sketch: Ciao has a round body, Sketch has an oval body (thus, doesn't roll off your work surface).
Sketch can be used with the Copic Air Compressor Ciao can't.
The Ciao's are slightly cheaper and there are less colors available.
You CAN combine the two when coloring. (The BG10 color in sketch is identical to BG10 in Ciao)
Both styles have the same nibs. One end is a brush style, the other is a wedge for coloring larger surface area. (Personally, I've never used the wedge as I've only colored small, intricate images, but that doesnt' mean I wont ever use it.)
When you're coloring, you can create a magnificent blended look using 2 or more markers. You start with the paler colour, add a little of the darker, then go back over the entire area with the paler--and the two will blend together.
To make this 'blended' effect, you need to choose 2 or 3 markers with close numbering.
This is some info about the numbering on the ends of the markers, taken from the Copic website FAQ page

"Q: What do the letters on my marker mean?
The Letters on your marker tell you what color family they belong to: [B- Blue] [BG- Blue Green] [BV- Blue Violet] [G- Green] [YG- Yellow Green] (etc)
Q: What do the numbers mean?
The numbers explain the qualities of light, dark, and gray colors in that marker.
The first number stands for the Saturation, or how vibrant the color is. 0’s will be very vibrant, while 9’s will be more dull or gray.
The last digit tells you how light the marker is within that saturation group.
For example, a BG01 will be light and make a nice bright highlight color. BG05 is a vibrant mid-tone, or middle color. BG09 would be a strong shadow that matches that color group"

Here is an example:


This is BV 04.


This is BV 08

See how they're equally bright but the second is a "darker" shade?

How about this one:

This is R27

This is R20

This is R59

Can you see how the first two, which are both in the R2 family have a similar quality of light (despite being very different colors) but the second, R20 has MUCH less saturation (it has less red in it), which make them similar colors, but very different shades.

The last, R59, has a totally different look. The R5 group has much more grey in it than the R2's, but because it's R59, its bolder and darker in shade (or tone if you prefer.)

Ok, onto the sets. There are a few around to choose from:


Copic Marker Sketch Stamp Set 12 Soft Pastels

Copic Ciao Marker 72 Set A

The sets of 12 also come in; Brights, Basics and Earthy Elements.

The sets of 36 don't have 'names' (other than set A, B or C) but of course, contain many more markers. Same thing for the sets of 72.

If you're new to Copics, there are 2 streams of thought. #1, the sets are a great way for you to be able to play with them, learn how they work, create some lovely images. #2. the sets are NOT the way to go, choosing your own from the singularly available ones is a better idea as you can do the blending techniques Copics are famous for.


Here you can see much smoother blending. If I'd gone back over the image (especially her coat) again, it would be even smoother. Her hair and hat (and the fox) look very smooth, even up close.

I have done a little of both. If you just want to use Copics to colour in images simply, then get the sets (or a set to start with). If you're interested in the blending technique, buy them singularly (or a set plus a few singles).

The price for both the singles and the sets in the a2z store are so ridiculously low, you could easily get a few things and have plenty to start playing with :)

I really do recommend Copic markers, I've bought a few myself and had heaps of fun playing with them and making beautiful images. If you enjoy coloring, then these are for you! The easy 'do-over' ability of them, because they're Alcohol-based is great not only for pedantic perfectionists like me, but also people with not much know-how.

With just a few tries, I'm sure you'll be producing fantastic results in no time! Look at this (I'm very proud :))

As always, we'd love to see what you create, so feel free to either email me pictures or even better-join our Flickr group and share with everyone! It's a great forum to make friends, learn new things and get inspired.

See you again on Wednesday with Joy's second card for the month!

Linda x

Guest Blogger Joy Taylor!!!

2010-10-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hello friends!!

I'm super excited today because we have a good friend of mine as a guest blogger- Joy Taylor!


excited!!

(Sorry, I couldn't resist it when I did a google image search of "excited" and saw it was a crocodile!)

Joy will be with us every Wednesday throughout October, sharing her beautiful creations and if we're lucky, she might even let us in on some handy techniques and hints *wink*.

This is the lovely Joy

Now, if any of you frequent the Hero Arts group over on flickr, you'll know exactly who I'm talking about. Joy is not only one of the nicest ladies around (and a fellow Australian :)), she makes EXQUISITE cards that are very simple but super elegant and eye-catching. She's also a current Hero Arts Hostess! *impressed applause*

Given that a lot of you are beginner card-makers, we thought it would be great for you to see that with just a little technique know-how and some simple steps, you too can make a glorious card.

So now, it's over to Joy...

Hi everyone!

I live in a small town, in Southern New South Wales with my partner Darryl and our furbaby, Roly. I currently work part time, but like all us crafters would love to see my passion for the craft to turn into my daily job…oh to dream!

I have been crafting especially stamping on and off for about 16 years now and absolutely love it, although I love all crafts, stamping is my passion, I love to create and have fun with the craft, learning new techniques as I go along.

Just recently my partner allowed me to take ownership of one of the spare rooms that we have in our house and he has built all of my craft furniture custom made for my passion for crafting. I love that I have everything at my finger tips and come and go as I please, it really is my little haven and I adore my space.

I currently design for a company in New York and just recently, have been asked if I would like to try out designing for Jay Gee’s Nook, and I have to say that I am thrilled and honoured to be asked, I am excited and looking forward venture ahead.

I have met the most amazing people through the love of this craft and ones like the lovely Linda who asked me to do a bit of Guest Blogging for this amazing company that supports Celiac and Behcet's Disease. I have a family member who has Celiac Disease and felt I wanted to give back a little and well this is my way.

My hope is that I inspire you to create and have fun crafting as much as I do!

Here is my card;

Here's a step by step of what I did:

Cut white card stock to size.
Blend Black Soot Distress Ink over the entire front of the card.
Stamp the Hero Arts Canvas Stripe Background stamp using Memento Tuxedo Black ink over the top.
Using a Spellbinders, Label 8 die cut a second piece of cardstock and stamp the images (from the Hero Arts What’s Perking stamp set.)
Colour them in with the Copics.
Use Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks and blend over the top of the die cut to give a more aged look.
Adhere the die cut to the front of the card, adding white string to the bottom to finish the card.

And here are the tools I used to create it;

Copic Marker X-Press Blending Card

Spellbinders Label 8 Die
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Ranger Distress Inks - Black Soot, Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy

Stamps- Hero Arts Canvas Stripe and Hero Arts What's Perking
Copics - B97,B95,B93 and YG25, YG23,YG21
Others:

Sanford Signio White Uni-ball Pen

Twine,

3L 3D Permanent Foam Squares

Ranger Inkssential Foam Blending Tool

--ooOOoo--

So how did you like Joy's card?! We'd love to hear comments, thoughts etc. Joy will be back next Wednesday with another gorgeous creation!

Till next time lovelies, take care!!

Linda x

Giveaway Winner!!

2010-10-02T22:40:00.001-04:00

*editors note: Sorry! Slight error in my typing (that's what happens when I try to blog while my 3 year old sits on my lap! The winner is Message Keeper-apologies for the typo!!

Hello lovelies!

We have a winner!!! I exported all the WONDERFUL people who clicked that pretty little 'follow' button by September 30 and plugged the details into Random Generator and the winner is....*drum roll please*

MESSAGE KEEPER!!!

yay for Memory Keeper!!

If you could please email me at lindatrace@a2zscrapbookingsupplies.com with your full name and address, we'll get your prize out to you!

Congrats and thanks to everyone who joined up to our a2z Crafting Club!!! We're so excited to have you along for this bloggy adventure :)

Speak to you all soon! Stay tuned for an exciting week on the blog :)

Linda x

Spellbinders Shapes Spectacular!!

2010-09-30T02:26:00.000-04:00

Hello to you all on this strangely cold Spring day here in Perth!!

I've heard that Fall has really 'fallen' (pardon the pun!) in the U.S and everyone is starting to feel the change in temperature, pull blankets out of closets and bring their jackets with them when they go outside. LOVELY!!

Today I'm SOOOOO Super-excited (Yes, Super with a capital S) to be sharing some of the new Spellbinders Shapes dies that we have in store--goodness me they're enough to make my head spin with possibilities!! Please be sure to sit down when you read this...and let someone else in the house know what you're doing--preferably to listen out for a *thud* when you fall over from how pretty these are *heehee*

Spellbinders Beaded Circles

Gah!! That's all I can say...GAH! So pretty. SO many options!!! (I should point out that I stopped typing to clap a little bit in excitement! *wink*)

Spellbinders Lacey Squares Nestabilities

Spellbinders Classic Diamonds

HELLO?!?!?! Are you still sitting upright?! How gorgeous are these! They're sooo simple but so elegant! I'm really excited to play with these two, I think they might be my favorites...

Spellbinders Labels 14 Nestabilities

What's another word for "Gah"?!?! How about *sigh*. Yup...*Sigh* works :) I love love LOOOVE this one! It looks like pink clouds to me--and that's a double bonus, because I love clouds and I'm most definitely a pink girl. I think I want to do this one with elephants on a card...I'm not sure why elephants?? But cute elephants and pink clouds is what immediately pops into my mind when I look at these--is that weird?! lol

These as labels, or even as pages in a pretty mini-album?! Yes please!!

Spellbinders Beaded Circles

Doilies, frames for photos, unusual journalling tags--the possibilities are endless with this one...and how about;

Spellbinders Crowned Circles

These make me think of suns for layouts about summertime, or frames for photos--imagine putting a gem or some bling in each little edging point? These are even great for a masculine project.

Spellbinders Labels 17

Confession time: I have an UNHEALTHY addiction to labels. I can't get enough of them. I want to use them on layouts (cut in half and put on either side of photos or as journalling tags), on cards for a frame around a nice Copic-colored image...nice nice nice nice. What do you use them for? *smiles*

Spellbinders Beaded Ovals Nestabilities

Mirror Mirror on the wall...these are gorgeous aren't they?! (You are nodding aren't you?!) Just perfect for so many things. A photo, on a card front, an unusually shaped journalling tag, softly inked as a background...many many options.

Then there are these funky little numbers;

Spellbinders Wonky Squares

I don't even know what to say besides FUN.

Are you still with me?! Don't worry, that's all for today. The bruising from falling off your chair with all of these will hopefully subside quickly *heehee*

To order ~~ALL~~ *cough* some of these, head straight to HERE, or to have a bit more of a browse around the entire store, click HERE.

One last thing--a reminder that our fantastic Bo Bunny Learning Curve contest is almost over! Only another day to sign up as an "a2z Craft Club" (follower) here on the blog, so make sure you head over <<----there on the left hand side of the page and click 'follow'!! It's a gorgeous pack and we're so excited to have you joing us!

Well folks, that's all for today--thanks so much for stopping by and I'll be back again in a day or two with some fun Copic coloring!!

Take care till then--

Linda x

Hannukah and Jewish Holiday Supplies.

2010-09-27T00:00:00.017-04:00

**editors note: My apologies for getting my timing mixed up and having the earlier version of this blog post suggest that Hannukah is now!! I was typing too fast and forgot to stop and realise I'm working a couple of months in advance with products!!

Hello again!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was spent with family (as always!) enjoying the lovely Spring weather that has well and truly landed here in Australia--there was no lead-up this year, just one minute Winter, the next, SPRING!!!

Spring is always full of flowers and blue skies, birds and sunshine isn't it?! You know what they make me want to do?! Make things!!! Create, just as nature is doing before our very eyes.

For you who live in the U.S, as Autumn settles over everything, you can still see the creation all around you can't you?! The changing of the leaves; golds, yellows, browns and reds slowly painting the world. It's as if everything is getting ready for Winter. I always feel like Spring and Autumn are transitional seasons. Getting prepared for the 'Big Ones' of Winter and Summer. I love how it seems as though the Earth is reminding us that no matter what we do, each season will still come-renewing and replenishing the world with a fresh mindset, feeling and even color-scheme!

Despite being in Spring myself, I'm very much in the mindset of Autumn, because of my involvement in the crafting community. As most stamping, crafting and scrapbooking manufacturers are based mostly in the USA, I find myself sitting (quite happily might I add) in the middle of the two seasons.

I love how refreshing a new season is--no matter which season. I always feel refreshed and my senses more awakened by the change and most especially, renewed!

It is soon coming to the time of year when people of Jewish faith celebrate an important time--Hannukah (or Channukah.) Very little is mentioned in Australia of this wonderful tradition, despite a fairly sizeable Jewish community throughout the country. Perhaps this is partly because so much of Hannukah is celebrated within the home.

For those who don't know, Channukah is an 8 day festival that commemorates the rededication to Judaism of the Holy Temple in 2BC. When celebrating the 'return' of this Temple, it was discovered that there was only enough consecrated oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil. Thus, the 8 days of Channukah.

The Hanukkiyah

What a perfect occasion to document as a keepsake, a learning tool for future generations or simply a reminder of what we hold dear and celebrate. The reclamation of a sacred temple many centuries ago has now turned into a beloved holiday for so many people and at a2zScrapbookingSupplies.com, we have a selection of stickers and embellishments to compliment your albums, layouts and more. You can find them all HERE, but scroll down to see a select few.

Jolee's By You Dreidal Dimensional Embellishments

K and Company Hanukkah Dimensional Stickers

Crafty Secrets Jewish Celebrations Stickers

Even for those of you who aren't of the Jewish faith, why not take this time to reflect on the miracles in your life that you are happy for? Whether it be a newborn baby, an unexpeccted surprise, a moment of true faith or something as 'small' as the changing of the leaves, remember that miracles can be both noticable and spectacular, or quiet and comforting.

As for me? I'm thankful for the miracle of my 2 daughters and the friends I've made in this crafty, card-making, scrapbooking, stamping community. They are supportive and caring and kind beyond words. Despite the fact that it might not seem like a 'miracle' in the traditional sense of the word, I consider it to be one, because as a stay at home mum who was starting to feel as thought my own self was being overshadowed by my motherhood, these friends have truly made me feel alive again. So for you, dear friends, thank you for being my miracles.

Till next time!

Linda

Fighting against the 'matchy-match'

2010-09-24T09:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday to you all!!

Did you all enjoy Virginia's GORGEOUS Halloween cards?! I know I did. In fact, after I finished giggling at that kooky little owl on his tree branch, I decided to have another look over at Virginia's blog. Once again I was left feeling inspired and more than a little envious!

I have a confession (of sorts) to make. I'm a matchy-matchy type of girl. I like colors to either be in the same tone or shade, or be completely identical. My shoes almost always match my handbag (which yes, equates to a lot of both--not that I've used either since becoming a mummy!) and if they don't match my handbag, they match my top/shirt. I can't stand it when it doesnt' match--more specifically, it doesn't occur to me NOT to match things.

It's the same on my cards and projects. If I can't find the EXACT right shade of cardstock for a background or matte, then I'll change the image or add another color in so I can match that one. Yes, I'm a matchy-match girl. I've said it. Now you all know my big secret.

shhh. don't tell anyone!

So tonight, I set myself a challenge. To FIGHT the matchy-match tendencies within me. And I think I won. Sort of.

Here is my card:

terrible photo--but it's the best I could do :) *sorry!*

See the ribbon?! It's BLUE!!!!! There is no other blue in the card, but the ribbon. I'm quite proud of myself :) You wanna know the best part? I kinda like it!! It only took me 20 minutes to choose the ribbon too! (Which is why the card took me about 30 minutes to make lol!) So now, although exhausted at the effort I expended going through EVERY spool of ribbon in my stash, I'm proud I broke the pattern.

ex-hau-sted.

Hope you liked :)

Here's what I used:

Spellbinders Nestabilities Deckled Edge Classic Ovals LG
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Walnut Stain
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Milled Lavender
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Victorian Velvet
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad Spun Sugar
Hero Arts Time to Stamp Cling
Hero Arts Old Letter Writing Woodblock Stamp
Hero Arts Tall Flower Stamp
Ranger Diamond Stickles

Tsukineko Versamark Watermark Ink

Memento Tuxedo black ink

extras from my stash: Purple Button, Blue ribbon, Twine.

Has my attempt at breaking the habit worked out for the better? Or should I stick to matchy-matchy?! As always, I love to hear what you think!

Till next time,

Linda

Guest Blogger Virginia Lu and a Challenge!

2010-09-22T05:50:00.001-04:00

Hi there friends!! Happy Wednesday!!!

Today I'm SO excited, because we have a special friend of ours visiting, Virginia!

this was me when Virginia agreed to be a guest blogger :)

Virginia's blog HERE is just fantastic and her creations are even more so. She's not only funny as all get-out and sweet, thoughtful and just all-around lovely, she's SUPER-creative!!

I check in on Virginia's blog daily (even though I'm signed up for the alerts when a new post comes up, I can never wait!) and I'm consistantly amazed and impressed with not only how versatile Virginia's style is, but what comes out of her inspiration!

I'm a very "literal translation" kind of girl (maybe it comes from learning languages?!) so when I see an inspiration photo, my 'translation' into a card is usually quite similar to the original.

Here's an example: I recently participated in the etsy inspired challenge, this was my inspiration photo:

which is from the amazing Becky Kazana's etsy shop (HERE).

and here's what I made:

See what I mean?! LITERAL. I saw flowers, I made flowers, I saw yellow, I made yellow. lol! (You can see the full details of this card HERE)

But Virginia?! Nuh-uh. She's AMAZINGLY creative and participates in challenges constantly, which has made her a truly innovative cardmaker.

SO, when she agreed to be a special guest on the a2z blog, we were so excited!! Virginia's cards are rarely super-extravagant, they're almost never highly embellished. They're clean and simple, they're sweet and fun and kooky (just like Virginia I think!!). Hopefully seeing some of her creations will inspire those of you who lack experience (or are just a bit low on mojo). I know I've used her creations as inspiration MANY times.

Therefore, without further ado, I give you Virginia's first specially designed for a2zScrapbookingSupplies blog Halloween Card "Boo!";

See what I mean?! Simple, effective, funny, kooky--FABULOUS!!

Here are some step-by-step instructions straight from Virginia:

1. Stamp house in Versamark and emboss in white on black card stock
2. Cut the house and set it aside
3: Distress the pumpkin color card stock with Antique Linen
4: Run the bottom throught Cuttlbug with Bubbles folder
5: Use hard surfaced sponge and lightly colored the pop-up bubbles
6. Stamp the ghost images in black and cut them out.
7. Plaace all pieces and plan out for space to sentiment
8: Stamp BOO with the Alphabet set and trim and layer them in squares.
9: Apply Glossy Accent on the eyes of ghosts and the letter BOO

and how about this one "

SO CUTE!!! This is my favorite of the two, only because a) I giggled when I saw that little guy sitting in the tree and imagined his crazy high-pitched voice saying YOO HOO!!! and b) that's pretty much what I look like when I wake up in the morning :)

Again, here are some instructions:

1. Stamp house in Versamark and emboss in pink on grey card stock
2. Cut the house and set it aside
3. Distress the grey color card stock with Weathered Jeans
4. Stamp the pumkins in black card stock and cut out.
5. Stamp the pumpkins in green using masking technique
6. Adhere the pumkins with pop dots
7. Emboss the little owl in white and stamp the branches (using makers or small cubes of ink)
8. Attach raffia at the bottom, place the houses with pop dots
9. Apply Stickles in background for the starry sky

--ooOOoo--

NOW--usually, we give you a list of links for the exact products you'll need to recreate a card or project. But this time I want to do things a little differently. You will still get a list of products, but the main Hero Arts Stamps that I've listed are slightly different than those Virginia used.

I've done this, because rather than having you all go out and copy Virginia's gorgeous cards down to the letter, I thought--this blog is called "Creativity and Inspiration". So that's your Challenge--be inspired to make your OWN version! Change things up, make the house different or the tree or the owl a little different, anything!

Use these cards as INSPIRATION for your own creation to come out, not a carbon copy of Virginia's. Trust me, you'll feel better about it if it's truly yours.

THEN, we'd love it if you either emailed us with photos of what you make, or uploaded them to our flickr gallery! (Just search on flickr for a2zscrapbookingsupplies)--of course, we'd also love it if you'd join our flickr group!

Show us how someone as amazing and inspiring as Virginia, has inspired you! (I know she'd love to see it too!)

So here are the links:

Stampendous Stamp N Stuff Embossing Powder White Opaque

Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink

Tsukineko VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad

Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Antique Linen)

Cuttlebug Swiss dots Embossing Folder

Hero Arts Country Pumpkin Stamp
Hero Arts Two Houses Stamp
Hero Arts Owl-oween Stamp
Tsukineko Tuxedo Black ink

Copic Markers

Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents

Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Faded Jeans)
Ranger Frosted Lace Stickles

umm, how perfect is this?!

Now: do like the poster says!! GET EXCITED AND MAKE THINGS!!!

A huge thank you to Virginia for these gorgeous creations.

Talk to you soon lovelies--can't wait to see what you make!

Linda xx

Bo Bunny Learning Curve Album

2010-09-20T00:06:00.001-04:00

Hello again friends!

I hope you have all had a fantastic weekend!

Let's jump right into the crafting shall we!? Today I'm here to share with you an album I made using the gorgeous new Bo Bunny Learning Curve collection. Given our fantastic giveaway we have running right now, I thought it appropriate!

My children are still much too young to be at school (let alone "Back to School") so I was feeling a bit left out of the current seasonal celebrations and stamp sets. (boohoo!) HOWEVER!! I had a brain wave and decided to turn the usual "Back to School" style on it's head! WE'VE all been to school, so why not use these collections and stamps in a Reunion or a Memory Lane style?!

Why not indeed!! Now I've never been to a reunion but I do have some old photos of myself at school that I thought would fit perfectly--although, before you all go wild with the thought of getting to see embarrassing photos of me with my giant hair and teeth in braces, I must tell you that my computer was on the fritz (playing up) this week and had to be shipped off to be repaired. This means that my super duper special printer (which is set up on aforementioned laptop) that prints pictures is a no-go zone. Sorry to disappoint you!! lol

I also thought leaving this album free of pictures and jounalling so that you can imagine your own versions would be better.

On to the photos!! (There are 16 photos in total so you can see the whole album, with a short description or explanation below each)
**a quick side note: most people make their albums and then bind them. I do it backwards. I choose all the papers I wanted on each page, cut them to size and adhered them to chipboard and then used my Cinch to cut the binding holes and put the 'rings' through. I find this easier then to ensure I don't put stickers/chipboard elements etc where the binding will go.


The apple is covered with Glossy Accents for some added interest! I made the 'file tabs' by hand with some of the Learning Curve paper but using THIS Tim Holtz edge die wouldve been much easier!! (Where is the mailman with mine?!)

I thought this piece of 'notebook paper' would be perfect to do an introduction about your schooling years/name of the schools or even your friends names. I used THIS EK Success punch for the edge and Antique Linen Distress Ink to make the page, before stamping it with Hero Arts Quotes Background Stamp.


The banner is handmade. I just inked up some paper and stamped on them using various Hero Arts stamps, cut out the triangles to make pennants and used Glossy Accents to adhere to some twine. The letter 'discs' are from the Chipboard sticker page from the collection. I used THIS Ek Success edger punch on the edge of the tag.

This is the tag which was being held up by the "paperclips". On it is a list of names of a few of my teachers and the grades they taught me. I used Mustard Seed Distress Ink to colour the page to replicate legal pad paper. (The apple is stamped in Fired Brick Distress Ink)

A very simple page based on 'the library'. I used the Hero Arts Just a Note clear stamp set to make the notepage and paperclip.

Here you can see the two tags that were inside the small envelope. The 'date due' tag is from the collection but the dates stamped on were using an old fashioned date stamp to replicate those used in libraries when I was young. The other tag is supposed to look like a bookmark made by a child (for his/her reading books from the library)

This is the back side of the bookmark. I used Hero Arts Printer's Type Lowercase Alphabet to stamp the wording and a Papertrey Ink stamp for the writing lines. I then used my left hand to write my name (I'm right handed), so it looked like a young child's writing.

Using the Hero Arts Printer's Type Alphabet Stamps I stamped the numbers on paper I'd inked yellow with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Mustard Seed. I then used a 1/2" circle punch to punch out the numbers and adhered them to string/twine using Glossy Accents. I stamped the paperclips from Hero Arts Just a Note clear set and heat embossed with Stampendous Sterling Silver Embossing Powder (to make them look like real paperclips.)

Then I used Stayz-on white ink to stamp "Today is May 1st" and a Signio White Gel Pen to write the messages from the teacher and the math equations on the blackboard.

I left this page very simple. The paper background is just a section of the 12 x12. The addition tiles and the little girl image are both chipboard stickers and the little '123' sticker is also part of the collection, as are the brads.

This is another relatively simple page just made to look complex. I used my Crop-a-dile to punch 4 holes and set 4 brass-colored eyelets, then I strung twine through the four to create a 'belt' of sorts. I then used Bo Bunny stickers and chipboard pieces to decorate the page and the two tags I handcut. I've only removed half of the adhesive paper backing on the chipboard swirls so that the tag will sit behind them without getting stuck.

These are two tags I hand cut out. One uses the ruler stamp from the Hero Arts Just a Note stamp set, the other I ran through my Big Shot using the Cuttlebug numbers embossing folder THIS Tim Holtz Collage die would be perfect.

I gently ran a foam blending tool over the top to make the embossed image stand out more.

SUCH an easy page to recreate--everything here is from the Learning Curve Collection. The math sum and date due card are both from the chipboard sticker set, as is the little crossword in the corner (I cut it up and wrote words in the grid to give it extra interest). The apple punch on the background is from the Learning Curve Stamp set. I tried to recreate an old-style worksheet look by adding the dashed line and scissors image on the edge of the page. (Oops!! The scissors are from Hero Arts Just a Note stamp set--I lied, just that one thing wasn't from the Learning Curve Series!!)

This was a VERY easy page to make. I used three chipboard stickers from the Learning Curve Chipboard and created my own Bus Pass using Hero Arts Graph Background Stamp, Peeled Paint and Black Soot Distress Inks, Hero Arts Printer's Type Alphabet Stamps and Papertrey Ink "School Time" and "It's Official" sets.

To make it look as though this Bus Pass had been thrown into backpacks and stuffed in pockets, I folded it several times, spritzed it with water to soften it, distressed the edges and smudged ink over it. I also ripped small sections and used a stapler or sticky tape to put it back together again (as I think a child would have!)

The other side of the Bus Pass-perfect for journalling. This is one of the cut outs from the Learning Curve set. As you can see, I made it look REALLY abused with folding, ink and sticky-tape (cellotape).

This back page is SO simple but I think it's probably one of my favourites. This paper collection is really vintagey, so I thought it would be cute to make it look as though the books were being held together by a belt or string, as was common "back in the day" :)

The tag was hand cut, with the "This Book Belongs to" from the Learning Curve Stamp Set. I used an old Dymo labler to make the name sticker.

Well that's it!! I hope you liked it. I had so much fun working on this album. It's amazing how easily everything comes together when you have coordinating papers and embellishments to work with!!

As always, please feel free to leave comments-I'd love to hear what you think!

I'll be back on Wednesday with a special Guest Blogger-Virginia Lu!! I'm so excited to have her here on the blog with some truly GORGEOUS cards to show you :)

Talk to you soon lovelies!!

Linda

The temperature is falling...but the products are warming up!

2010-09-18T11:59:00.001-04:00

A Happy Hello to you all!!

Thanks again for joining me!! As I mentioned last time, Fall isn't very much of an event here in Australia. This plus the fact that it's just crawling into Spring (here) right now, I thought it would be difficult to get into the mindset of Fall. Turns out, all I needed was a good dose of Hero Arts.


Hero Arts Felt Leaves

You really can't get more Autumn than leaves in muted greens, browns, reds and oranges can you? So beautiful. They would look gorgeous just hanging by some fishing wire from a mobile, floating in the breeze. I may have to make some layouts and mini-albums using these though. They are just too pretty.


Hero Arts Scattered Leaves Stamp

These? They just make me sigh. I love how real they look. Imagine them stamped on a simple rectangle of acetate with a tassel through the top--what a perfect bookmark! They are so versatile! My mind is running wild with options. Stamped repeatedly with Hero Arts Shadow Inks or even Versamark to give a really soft background or watermark look. Beautiful.

I know I've shown you these before but I couldn't help it--they're SO perfect for Fall;

Hero Arts Real Leaves Stamp

You all saw the fantastic tutorial video Jennifer McGuire did that we showed on our first blog post right?! Well if not, click HERE when you're done reading this entry--it's a must see. I can't wait to try this technique.

This is another beauty;

Hero Arts Maple Leaf

*sigh*, I can't wait to get my hands on these. They're just lovely. They make me want to wrap up in a nice wool jumper (Australian-speak for 'sweater' :)) and drink hot tea. But then I remember that it's Spring here and I'd swelter!!

Well friends, I'll let you go so you can click right on over to the store to grab some of these lovely goodies while they're still in stock!

I'll be back very soon with a special-edition post from a good friend our ours as well as one from me with a GORGEOUS album using some of the fabulous Bo Bunny Learning Curve set that is currently up for grabs!!!

lots of Fall-y hugs

Linda

You're so special--card

2010-09-15T19:00:00.005-04:00

Hello again!!

I thought we could take a break from all the fabulous new Halloween and Fall products I've been showing you--not that they're not fantastic--and show you a card.

This card caused me some trouble. Well, the background did anyway. I've had the backing piece for several months now, maybe even 2 or 3 and I just never got the right inspiration to finish it off. Nothing felt quite right--I have one or two of these lying around on my craft table. I hide them away in a little basket I have and bring them out every so often to see if staring at them for a few moments will spark some creative inclinations in me, or if they'll just still be unfinished. We all have those moments I'm sure.

I made the background section (the green with the white embossed fern print) on it when I had only just started my cardmaking. It was a fairly simple series of techniques to get to the finished piece, but to incorporate it into a card?! Well, as I said, it caused me trouble.

I'm not going to go into detail on the "how to's" as I think most of it is pretty self explanatory but here is a quick point form of what I did--as always, feel free to email me/leave a comment if you have any questions.

The backing card
Here are the products I used;
Hero Arts Fern Silhouette woodblock stamp, Hero Arts Friends Definition cling stamp
Tim Holtz Distress inks in Walnut Stain , Forest Moss, Peeled Paint (just a little)

White embossing powder

Versamark ink

How I did it:
* I stamped the Friends Definition cling stamp onto cardstock and waited for it to dry.
* I distress inked the background in mostly greens, with a bit of brown around the edges.
* I distressed the edge of the card and added Walnut Stain ink
* Using Versamark, the Fern Silhouette woodblock stamp and White embossing powder, I created the fern image (note how I sat the fern in different positions on the cardstock so you could see various areas of it. I didn't want the repeated image to be identical but merely uniform--or complimentary)

The Front section/embellishments
The central label;
I hand-cut the label after tracing around one from a tag on something I got in the mail the other day but it's a spellbinders Labels #9.
Distress ink in Antique Linen, Wild Honey, Black soot
Hero Arts Graph background woodblock stamp (it's very pale but shows up more in real life)
Hero Arts Great Flourishes Messages Clear Stamp set(sentiment)
Memento tuxedo black ink
Perfect Pearls in Kiwi
Glossy Accents (around edge of the label for extra shine)

extra items--gold ribbon, , 4" paper doily, black cardstock, Prima say it with pearls flourish (discontinued)--you could easily replicate this with Kaisercraft bling.

This label section was very easy, just lots of simple little steps to create a lovely finish.
*First I cut out the label and inked the whole label with Antique Linen
*Next I stamped the Graph background with Antique Linen (this gives a really nice finishing touch and added interest)
*I stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black ink
*I inked the label with distress inks (Wild Honey--I'm so in love with this color)
*With Black Soot distress ink I edged the label
*I dusted perfect pearls over the entire label
*I added a fine line of Glossy Accents around the entire edge of the label and tied the ribbon around it.
*Using Antique Linen & Wild Honey distress inks, I coloured the doily.

Then I just adhered everything to the backing card (the label is on dimensional tape) and added some bling, which I cut apart to my liking!

I love how elegant it turned out.

Here's a close up look so you can see the shimmer of the perfect pearls--gorgeous right?!

Hope you like it!! Please feel free to comment or contact me if you have any questions!

~~~thanks so much for looking!!

Linda
x

Blog and Creative Team Coordinator
www.a2zScrapbookingSupplies.blogspot.com

Creativity and Inspiration...from www.shop.a2zScrapbookingSupplies.com

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