Be Original

Well I hate when I wake up in the morning and realize that it was my turn to post on the blog...and I failed to ever make a note of my posting date!  Whoops!!  It's a good thing I have a fun project to share this morning...or else I'd be putting off everything to create...hey...that might not be a bad idea...

Today's project is one that I taught at Wholly Scrap Saturday morning.  It's a fun mini album and you can take the basics of this project and apply it to any album and with any paper.

I started by grabbing a Maya Road canvas covered mini album, few TCW stencils, Spring Fling and Chevron, and Lemon Zest Dylusions Ink Spray.  I used the Spring Fling stencil for the cover of the album and the Chevron on the canvas pockets, included with the album.

Once the ink was dry, I got to work on decorating the cover.  I used a collection kit from Authentique (the Original line) to complete this album.  I love using the sticker sheets included in the collection kits. 

To decorate the cover, I used a #5 manila tag (stamped and embossed with clear embossing powder and then inked with Vintage Photo Distress Ink...use that blending tool to cover!), a canvas butterfly that I covered with Faded Jeans Distress Ink, some of the stickers, trinket pins from Maya Road, and a hand made dictionary paper flower.  Just layer all those pieces on the front and you're ready to go!

I used the Chevron stencil for the inside pockets and, like the cover, used a script stamp to randomly stamp the image in the few places on the front and back of the pockets.  Then I just added some stickers, rhinestones, and a punched butterfly.

The insde pages of the album were covered with paper (cover all your pages before doing any additional decorating or adding of embellishment), and then I came back and added additional paper strips, stickers, rhinestones, and more trinket pins.  I love those little word stickers that were added to the back of the pockets...

 I created a lot of paper banners for this album as well...I love lots of overlapping paper banners...so much fun!  More stickers and other embellies.

This last page is a lot of fun as I cut out of of the jean pockets from the paper, popped it up with foam tape, and added three tags to the pocket!  Fun, right?!  I also added some word stickers to the pockets and another paper flower.

To create the paper flowers (this is a Donna Marie flower, you can see her video here!), use a punch to cut out at least six pages of dictionary paper.  Crumple each piece into a little ball, un-crumple (technical term) each paper, layer, and use a brad to attach all of the layers together.  Then scrunch up each layer of paper for more dimension.  You can even ink the edges of your flower. 

Using a collection kit or any collection of paper, stickers, and embellishments is a great way to put together a quick and simple project!

Enjoy!

Product Spotlight - The eClassroom

Have you visited the eClassroom lately?  It's getting stocked full of lots of great short videos and classes...and there is more coming in 2013! 

Last week, Donna-Marie shared a free class video on creating a sweet memory box using a tiny chipboard box from Maya Road.  In case you missed it, you can watch the video here.  This week we're excited to announce another FREE class and project, created and produced by Donna-Marie! 

Donna-Marie's new class demonstrates how to craft a one-of-a-kind boxed calendar set using the Graphic 45 Place in Time paper collection.  This calendar utilizes the 8x8 paper pad and is the perfect size for displaying on one's desk.  A great project for yourself or to give as a gift!

For this class we're offering....a class kit!!  The class kit includes everything you need, excluding the 8x8 paper pad, to create the boxed calendar.  You can read all about the class kit here and it's available for purchase for $24.99.  **Please note that the class kits are limited, once they're sold out, they're sold out so grab 'em before they're gone!**

Also, in the eClassroom this week, yours truly created a short photo video tutorial of my mini, mixed media JOY banner project.  This is a quick and fun project that I created using paper from October Afternoon, sticky back canvas, Claudine Hellmuth paints, and embossing paste from Wendy Vecchi.

Lastly, a reminder on our Peaceful book making class....This is an amazing class, produced by Donna-Marie, that features products from Authentique.  During this class, which costs only $9.99 (for over an hour of class time and two videos!), you'll learn how to make your own handmade book out of chipboard and paper.  This book includes special tags, pockets, and lots of opportunities for photos and journaling.  A class kit is available for the book making class as well!  This week you can save 15% on the Peaceful class kit!  Discount already noted in the store.

Enjoy all of this week's video classes and be sure to visit the eClassroom often as we continue to add to our class offering!

Product Spotlight - eClasses

Are you ready for this week's big announcement? We're now offering online video classes! WooHoo! Call me over the moon excited! This is a project that we've been working on for weeks and are so glad to finally announce our first class, the Peaceful Handmade Book class, which was created and produced by Donna-Marie Wheaton.

Donna-Marie is the newest member of our design team and she will be focused on producing our online classes. I've known Donna-Marie for a number of years, working with her at my local scrapbook store and having her teach at the Stamping Around events, and I am continually blown away by her creativity and attention to detail. I think of her as the MacGyver of crafting...Give her some ribbon, rhinestones, and a stack of paper and she'll produce a completely custom book with hidden pockets, tags, tabs, and more! I'm constantly amazed at what she produces and I know you're going to be thrilled with her classes!

For our online classes we will be offering the option to also purchase a class kit so that you can make exactly what is shown on the video. It is not necessary to purchase the kits, and the kits will be limited in supply, but having the kit will enable you to create the same project. If you do not purchase the kit, the materials needed will be explained during the video. You can then select your own paper and embellishments to make the album that works best for your style or occasion.

Our online classes are available for $9.99 and once purchased, are accessible for life. After purchasing, you will receive a welcome letter, which will contain instructions for logging on to our virtual classroom. Once you set up your account you will have access to this class and all future purchased classes. The Peaceful class kits are available for $14.99 and include all the supplies needed to create the project shown in the class. You can even watch a short commercial on the eClassroom page that shows the project in its entirety!

All online class offerings and kits can be found on our eClassroom page. Enjoy!!