Thursday, May 22, 2014

Fabulous Find: My Minds Eye Chalk Studio

Chalkboard paraphernalia is one of the coolest trends now (in my opinion.)  Who doesn't love the look of striking white or gold or silver (and even other colours) on black? American Crafts has created the DIY Shop Permanent Chalk Markers for outlining, journaling and accenting. The pens fit comfortably in my hand; the ink flows smoothly and steadily and the look is gorgeous.

Another chalkboard themed line is by My Minds Eye. Their Chalk Studio line is completed with these awesome accents. There are enamel dots, decorative tapes, chipboard elements, decorative brads, decorative frames, papers and accessory pack, stickers, labels and tags - the complete set is available in the store.

The gorgeous layout below was created by Rosie showcasing the Chalk Studio line.


Supplies: patterned paper, enamel dots, stickers & washi tape MME "Chalk Studio II", Teresa Collins Modeling Paste, Tim Holtz stencil

What have you made with a chalkboard theme?

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Fabulous Fundamental: Mixing and Matching Elements

Sometimes I find myself stuck in my ways, thinking I should only use the items in a collection but then I ask myself "Why?" Why indeed? Half the fun of this wonderful hobby is the creative freedom it affords.

Take the layout below for example...here I have used predominantly Studio Calico's Print Shop line and its accessories but I love how easy it is to add elements from other manufacturers. For example, just a few wood icons from Prima here and there add so much to the layout. The cloud dies from Taylored Expressions are so versatile and are just the perfect accent to tie all your elements together.


Supplies:  Paper from Scrap Shotz monthly kit featuring Studio Calico's Print Shop, American Crafts (thickers). Studio Calico (cork punctuation, happiness wood phrase); Prima (wood icons); Spellbinders (circle dies);  Taylored Expressions (cloud die); Making Memories (mini alphas)

Tell me...do you mix and match from within a collection or do you use multiple manufacturers?

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Want to Play Tag?

Have you considered joining our forum? We have monthly Design Team challenges, swaps and tags, for both layouts and cards. Participating in tags is so inspirational and loaded with laughs and camaraderie.

Below is a layout I created as part of the Layout Tag using Bella Boulevard's Molly Collection kit.



Supplies:  Bazzill (cardstock); Bella Boulevard (pattern paper), Heidi Swapp (flowers); BasicGrey (alphas); Claudine Helmutt (acrylic paint); Prima (gems); Studio Calico (acrylic phrases)

I look forward to seeing you in the next tag!