Showing posts with label Authentique. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Authentique. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Everyone needs a pep talk once in a while...

Two fabulous ladies of Crop Circles, Natasha Connolly and CoraLee Kilfoy, posted daily challenges for us members during the month of February. 
I'm going to show a few of my pages!
I didn't complete all the challenges (nor am I posting all I completed) as I was busy visiting with my sister and baby nephew. 
(Wait a minute! That coffee tag looks familiar! See it HERE).




The recipe for these are HERE.



Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Fall Family Photos #2

Today's glimpse into our Christmas Card Fall Photos is Missy B.
 
Oh My.
 
She's growing up super fast.
That's what babies do.
 

 
 
Enjoy!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

April Hopper Winner!

Hi Everyone!
 
I know I mentioned showcasing ATC from a recent swap for today's post, unfortunately my mailbox did not contain the remaining on Friday. That was the "if all goes well" part from last Wednesday's post. I will prep the post and have it ready to go and will show you as soon as I get the last ones.

The Grand Prize Winner from the April Crop Circles Blog Hop will be announced on the 14th on In The Cat Cave by Cathy (see sidebar). 

My comment winner is LyndaKay.
 
She will receive some fancy envelopes, an assortment of 6x6 papers by Authentique, Webster's Pages, and My Minds Eye, and a Little Yellow Bicycle Chipboard slider.
 
 
Please comment or email contact information.
 
Hope everyone is having a great weekend, I'm off to prep some garden beds.
Enjoy!






Friday, March 1, 2013

First Ever Crop Circles Blog Hop!


 
Hi Everyone! I'm Rhea, welcome to my page! If you are participating in the Crop Circles March blog hop you should have come from Kelly Klapstein’s blog. Don't worry,I have a list at the bottom of the post! Crop Circles is a group of women who share layouts, ideas, tips, and friendship. We challenge each other monthly to keep us on our toes. Cathy Caines is the ringleader for this one. The sketch for the hop comes from Sketchbook365 , with our varied styles this is bound to be fun. My non-blog partner for today is my friend Natasha Connolly.

Here's the sketch:
Initially I had different plans for the sketch as I make a lot of tags (and I may do that layout later still), my creativity took another route. If you’ve been following my blog you've seen that I've been scrapping our Fall family photos and wanted to keep up with that for this week’s posting. My Authentique stash was next to me (pilled on my lap, covering the couch, the cat, and Warren). I really wanted to include the large journaling sticker as “A unique blend of wishes and dreams come true” since it reminds me of my children. The base is from the “Splendid” line, the teal 6 x 6 sheets are “Free Bird”, the card stock label from “Genuine”, and the navy paper and stickers from “Original”.
To create the layout I inked the edges of the base paper with my Tim Holtz distress ink in Gathered Twigs, straight from the pad. I layered stickers on my Ranger non-stick mat or back them in card stock. I like to glue last, as many of you know, but I do glue page elements to each other just not to the base. The American crafts stickers I wanted to use were an 'e' short. I grabbed a color that nearly matched and smushed ink on top same as I did in Wednesday's post. Since my elements bring not attached to the base I could move them and add ink to the background. I used Tattered Angels mist to create droplets by simply unscrewing the sprayer and flicking the straw at the paper.  
 
 
I drew the hearts with the straw on the base paper and let it dry. Then I decided I didn't like them. Crap. How can I fix it? I thought “I know, I’ll trace it with my Picket Fence Distress marker”. I went outside the line. Double crap. Then I had to fix that by using the marker to highlight the elements of my layout. Then it looked weird. Whole darn litter box of crap. I wasn't about to give up, since by that time I had glued it all down. I stared at the TV for a bit, Richard Armitage was on MI-5/Spooks shirtless, showing off his character’s black line Russian prison tattoos. Inspired, I decided to grab my Black Soot Distress marker to contrast the highlights. It was much better. Lastly I added Glossy Accents to them really make them pop.


Supply List: Authentique patterned paper and stickers; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Inks, and Markers; Ranger Glossy Accents; Tattered Angels Mist; Paper Valise twine; unknown vintage trim and buttons; Bazzill Basics cardstock; American Crafts Thickers; Best Creation Foam.

I'd like to introduce my blog hop partner Natasha Connolly!
"Press F5: Refresh/Reload.
After having a falling out with my scrappy supplies, we decided that we both filed for separation. We have had a year of just being on quasi-talking terms and I am happy to say that we have reunited and are now relearning things about each other. We needed a reload! To start the process I first began redecorating the space that I share with the kids – they call it the play room, I call it the scrap room – either way - we both PLAY! We recycled some old furniture and wall art to make it more cohesive with the “PINK” theme and of course added some new items for good measure! While EVERYTHING isn’t ready for a reveal quite yet, I was super excited to get started on the sketch provided! I was further inspired by The Paperie’s Mojo Monday: Bash your Stash Challenge  – and after picking out some old papers and embellishments (some from 2004), I started creating. I remembered how much I love PAPER and that I really did miss it more than I even thought. 
Then, I saw it, the Glue Glider Pro, standing proudly in my tool carousel, just screaming to be used, still smelling of cellophane. Even though he was well over a year old, I only just removed him from his packaging when I was reorganizing my scrap space days earlier. To top it all off, he was PINK! If you know me at all, you KNOW… I LOVE PINK!
 Ironically, God blessed me with a house full of testosterone, a husband, two wonderful boys, and incidentally, all of our pets, including the fish, have been male. Alas, I digress. I completed the layout in record time (for me anyway) and Boo (the youngest-testosterone filled-youngest child – who has an uncanny resemblance to hubby and myself) also had fun creating. He, however, is much more into different mediums – he loves paint, clay, playdough, and markers. It was a success for all, Bubba (eldest testosterone laden child who, even with a quick glance at him, you would see myself and Hubby oozing out of him – looks and personality), Boo, AND myself had a FABULOUS time just being together and creating. What about Hubby? He LOVED that I was FINALLY using all that “scrap stuff” that was taking up space, and he even pretends to like the PINK curtains! That is REAL love huh? What else did I learn? I’m a “stand-up” scrapper – who knew?

I loved the sketch, the papers I selected, the photo, AND the people in it – talk about setting myself up for success! To take it one step further, I get to post on Rhea’s blog – she IS the ReAson I FINALLY scrapped! Thanks for being a friend, lending an ear, and helping me ReAlize that I NEEDED to scrap again! F5 - I'm Refreshed!"
Supply List:
Cardstock/Patterned Paper: Bazzil Red and Black, Unknown White, Bella Blvd: Making the Team
Mists/Inks/Stamps: Color Mist: Mister Huey's Calico White, Sprinklers: Holiday Style: Spruce Tree, The Crafter's Workshop: 12x12 Template: Chicken Wire, Ranger Archival Ink: Jet Black, Sharpie: Fine Black, DCWV: Black Rub-On Stitching, Autumn Leaves Stampology:Borders Celebration
Embellishments: Little Yellow Bicycle:Clear Cuts Journalling Pieces: Calendar, Wild Asparagus:My Mind's Eye: "Handsome" Tag, Scenic Route: Chipboard: Summer Collection: Arrows, Bella Blvd: Making the Team: Alpha & Bits.


Be sure to leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win the prize listed below, and on each blog in the hop to win the grand prize ($75 value).  The next stop is Catherine Stockley. The Hop is open from March 1 to March 3 to qualify to win a prize.
 

Enjoy!
Blog Hop List:
1. Cheryl Ashworth with guests Shar Strahan & Brande Strahan
*3.You are here* Rhea Skomorowski and Natasha Connolly
9.  Lori Smith and blog partner Elaine Lambe Beck
 10. Liz Davis
11. Cathy Caines and guest Rexene Lockyer

 

Shar Strahan & Brande Strahan - partner with Cheryl Ashworth
Kelly Klapstein-http://kellycreates.blogspot.com/
Rhea Skomorowski - http://www.rheaski.blogspot.ca/
Natasha Connolly (partner with Rhea)
Catherine Stockley- http://catherinelovesstamps.blogspot.ca/
Michelle Marks - http://michellesscrapbits.blogspot.ca/
Darlene Head Whalley http://cherrytat.blogspot.com/
Corina Mayo Thorne - http://craftycorina.blogspot.com/
Sara Case Strickland - http://wp.me/p280bG-FE
Lori Smith - http://itsabouttimeblogspot.wordpress.com/
Elaine Lambe Beck (partner with Lori Smith)
Liz Davis - http://piecesofmyeverydaylife.wordpress.com/
Rexene Lockyer (Send to Cathy Caines)
Cathy Caines - http://cathycaines.blogspot.ca/

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Here I am!


Here I am! I did have photos of myself; I was just saving them for today. Keeping with my Authentique week theme, I completed 2 more single page layouts from our Fall photo session. I Loved how the “Original” papers and sticker set matched with them and the words brought forward embracing the uniqueness of family and ourselves. It is important not to fall into the thought trap that being who you are is not good enough.

For the group photo I knew I wanted to use the birds “of a feather” sticker from Original, and the bird pocket from “Genuine” (I ended up cutting it out from its full sticker). My friend Cathy, from In the Cat Cave, has been doing a few layouts using the straw part of the misters to draw. I really like the look it gives, that I get messy, and Warren curses when I accidentally spray him. I now leave the cap on over the sprayer as I flick the straw. When I had my page nearly complete I struggled with a title. Then I didn’t want to get off the couch to find my other stash of letters. I did have a light blue pack of glittered American Crafts Thickers, but they weren’t the shade I wanted. I grabbed my ‘Salty Ocean’ Distress ink pad and went right over top of them.


They were close, but not 100% what I was looking for; I used the brush tip of my ‘Chipped Sapphire’ Distress marker to add a darker hue.
 
 
I needed to set the color in; my Glossy Accents was empty (WHAT! I’m sure there is another one hidden in the couch). With a spare brush I patted the ‘Clear Rock Candy’ Distress Stickles over top.
 
 
I didn’t want to use the built in brush since the colors would stain and leech into the product. I’m big on making things work, and knowing simple techniques that can stretch your stash.
 
 
Like most of us, I’m not always glad to be in front of the camera. I set up the shot using and hand the camera over to Warren, My Dad took the group shot for us. The photos turned out ok. The sweater was a thrift store find bought solely for the button. Inspiration for the page came from all you "Project Life"r’s. I like the idea and the look of the smaller sections, but not up for it right now. I love the sewing stickers in “Original” and my craftiness is a big part of who I am and how I fit in our family. I used them, even though it is not a sewing page. My belief is that themed products are not only applicable for the theme, but can be manipulated for a different purpose and Vice Versa. 


Don’t forget to check out the first ever Crop Circles Blog hop on Friday, there’s prizes on the line people!  You will see the last page with this photo session, more Authentique, as well as a guest on the blog. Spread the word!


Enjoy!

p.s. Guess who is in the Spring issue of Canadian Scrapbooker!
 
Supply Lists:
"Side by Side" - Authentique stickers and patterned paper; American Crafts Thickers; Bazzill Basics cardstock; Tim Holtz Distress Ink and markers; Memories Mist spray; Tattered Angels spray; unknown staples.
"Happy to be me" - Bazzill Basics cardstock; Authentique stickers and patterned paper; Paper Valise twine; Tim Holtz Distress ink and markers; unknown stickers; Best Creation foam stickers.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

I Heart Authentique!

Hubby and I watch TV or movie together just about every night. The kids are put to bed and then ‘date night’ starts. We watch our pre-recorded shows, Netflix, or whatever is on. Currently we are making our way through 10 seasons of the BBC’S MI-5.  Richard Armitage *drool*. Sometimes Warren watches with his eyes closed. I feel guilty though sitting down doing nothing; occasionally I'll knit or ink tags. I have scrap supplies all over the couch and two tray tables set up to work on in front of the TV. This past week and a half I have been sitting next to my Authentique paper stash. I’ve begun to sort patterned paper by manufacturer and even separate the scraps for my favorites into their own bags. If you know me you know what a fan of Authentique paper I am.  I love it so much I'm afraid to use it sometimes. The quality of this paper is incredible; thick felt cardstock with fabulous patterns. With my scrap book store nearly emptied out and ready to close I haven't ordered new supplies since late fall. One of the saddest parts is not having boxes full of Authentique kits auto-shipped when released. Not only is the paper great, the staff too! I now have more time to scrap with the kits I had hoarded kept for myself. All six layouts for this post feature primarily Authentique. See supply list for more details.

 
My scrappy online friends have been showing their takes on a sketch from the Scrapbook Steals blog. I've always been too lazy to do this before. Using a piece of scrap paper (6” x 12”) I scored lines, numbered them, and then cut along scored lines. I used it as a template to cut my scraps to make my Sunburst. Using scissors and Tim Holtz Distress Ink I distressed the edges. I adhered to pieces to my base page and added some strips of Harmonie paper in my color scheme. I found them sticking out of a pile on the couch. Layered Bella Blvd. tape, stickers, title, and love the result.

“Happy”

Missy B dressed up as Clawdeen Wolf from Monster High using Authentique’s “Enchanted”. The title was from a video Bella made dressed in costume the same day. This is one of the kits I was apprehensive about cutting. I feel the same way about new note books. Luckily it doesn’t last long and I go for it.
“Clawdeen Wolf”


 This next layout is my Canadian Scrapbooker Sketchy challenge entry. The “Fresh” line is one of my absolute favorite they have made so far. Living in Newfoundland, many water or ocean themed kits are too tropical for my needs. I mixed it with the blue wood grain from “Celebrate”. I added Close To My Heart laser cut wooden shapes and a cabochon from Paper Valise. Paper Valise is an online store with various findings and embellishments, never know what you may find there.
“Touch”


This Fall I took our family Christmas card photos in my parents’ backyard, the photos came out great despite the fuss it took to get B to cooperate. Domonik is incredibly photogenic. He can bust through the pose list in no time; we call him Zoolander. I’ve always been a double page scrapper, but lately I’ve shifted to a single page layout kind of girl, but I wanted to get more than one picture per page. As I have said in another post I like to set my page up and glue last, while I add layers I put my stickers in progress out on my Ranger non-stick mat.  The “Original”, “Genuine”, “Loyal”, and “Free-bird” series mix well together to give me the color scheme I wanted.
“Classic”
 

For the photo shoot I made sure we dressed similar hues so we matched each other, not the papers, but it worked out to be the same as the “Original” line anyway. The morning of the photo day it was a massive fuss to get B ready; she thinks the dress I had picked makes her look like a dog. When I first heard this I wondered if someone had said something and how she would think she was ugly, very upsetting. Then she explained it looks “like when a dog gets a haircut they put a thing on their neck”, she meant the collar on the dress looks like a handkerchief around a dogs neck. Relief hit me, but she still wouldn’t get dressed. We went so far as to cut the feet off her tights which she claimed were too uncomfortable to wear. Bella’s layout is a mix of “Original”, “Uncommon”, and “Delightful” with a scrap of “Genuine”. Don't you just love those Close To My Heart jeweled brads!

“You are special”
 
Oh Warren, what a character. One year while I was trying to get his picture, he bit a pine tree. No lie. “Like nothing else” is right! For this layout I attempted to glue as I went, but I think I like to glue last better. I added a thin border around (with foam under) my stickers and hand drew some details in black Tim Holtz distress marker to give a bit of contrast. I snipped strips from the “Free-bird” Chevron papers to give them a feather feel. It added great texture to a simple layout. I'm happy with the results but not sure if I'm entirely satisfied with this last one. I feel like something is missing, possibly the journaling.

“One & Only”


 Next week I have more from this photo shoot and Authentique. I'm also participating in a blog hop; which means I will be posting next week on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. See you then!

Enjoy!

Supply list:
“Happy” – Authentique patterned papers, stickers; Bazzill cardstock; Harmonie patterned paper; Dollarama gems; Bella Blvd. decorative tapes; American Crafts Thickers; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink.

“Clawdeen Wolf” - Authentique patterned papers, stickers; Bazzill cardstock; Harmonie patterned paper; Dollarama gems; Webster’s Pages trim and letter stickers; Memories Mist Copper Shimmer Mist; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink and markers.

“Touch” – Authentique patterned paper; Webster’s pages letter stickers; Imaginisce and unknown ribbon/trim; Dollarama gems; CTMH wooden cuts; Bella Blvd. decorative tapes; Paper Valise cabochon; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks and markers.

“Classic” – Authentique patterned paper and stickers; Bazzill cardstock; Tattered Angels mist; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks and markers.

“You are special” - Authentique patterned paper and stickers; CTMH jeweled brads; Clearsnap smooch spritz mist; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks and markers.

“One & Only” - Authentique patterned paper and stickers; Bazzill cardstock; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress inks and markers; Best Creation foam squares.