Card Swap

As an A Muse Studio consultant, I participate in swaps occasionally with my upline and her team.  Unfortunately I was under the weather when the swap was due and it took me some serious time to get caught up.  Oops!  Better late than never though!  I got this card out to the swap participants this week and am expecting my bundle of swaps from others in the mail soon.  Yay!

I wanted to use one of the new stamp sets in the 2014-2015 Catalog and I decided on the "Hipster Icons" set.  I actually got my inspiration from Pinterest...

I love the sequin-shiny look and the deer head image...in the words of Mugatu, they're "so hot right now"!  My original idea was to use gold glitter.  Hmmm...but how to make it stick.  Too much thinking on that one.  Decided to go with gold embossing powder instead.  Still shiny and gold and much easier to use!  For a bit of juxtaposition, I thought I'd incorporate a little floral patterned paper. You know, kind of outdoor chic.  :-)  I really like how it turned out.

Supply List (all A Muse Studio)

• Stamps - Deer Head (Hipster Icons) and Hello (Essential Sentiments Too)
• Inks - Versamark (for deer) and Navy (for saying)
• Gold Embossing Powder
• Paper - Blush (background), Navy (stripe), Floral (from Everything's Rosy 6x6), Grapefruit Petite Polka Dot (stripe), Navy Chevron (circle), and Berry (scallop circle)

Note: I used the small standard circles and small classic scallop circles Nestabilities set for die-cuts.

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I'm also super excited because I've finally got the motivation to clean up my scrapbook/stamping room.  I moved into my newest residence in late June.  The room has been functional (in a loose translation of the word) for a few months, but still hard to move around in and even harder to find what I need.  Yesterday I did quite the overhaul and it's looking much better!  I even have room now to leave my laptop and Silhouette machine out all the time.  Awesome!  I have to pat myself on the back for finally being able to let some items go that just weren't working.  One of these items was a storage spinner I got from Michaels.  I already have a holder for pens, scissors, etc. but I still thought I needed it.  (Story of my life.)  If anyone local is looking for one, I'd part with it for a good price - $15 (regularly $44.99).

Anyway, with it I purchased the cheap version of the "Clip-it-up" storage system.  And, yes, it functions like the cheap version too.  I almost threw it out.  I just didn't need it to hang sticker packs or supplies as the function suggested.  But then I realized that it would make a wonderful card display rack.  Sometimes I go to local craft shows to sell A Muse product along with handmade cards.  What a perfect way to display them!  And I could even organize them by theme too.  So last night I started stringing up my sample cards and I think it works fabulously.  

Thanks for taking a peek at my blog today!  Have a wonderful weekend and happy stamping!

Another Scrap Weekend

You'll probably notice that even though I have a craft room at home, I tend to get more done when I'm gone at a retreat for the weekend.  Yep, that's when I POWER SCRAPBOOK!  I was super excited this time because I actually had time to do "kits".  My kits save me a TON of design time (and frustration) at the retreat, plus I can pack WAY WAY less stuff...a bonus when it comes time to load and unload.  First, I go through my inspiration books or Pinterest and find a layout that works with the pictures I have. Next, I pack up the kit; contents include any patterned paper, cardstock, and embellishments I plan to use.  I usually over-stock the kit to ensure I have enough variety and choice (and in case I change direction once I start the page later).  I'll even pack up any tools or at least make a "do not forget to bring" list for inks, stamps, punches, etc.  I have some oversized 12x12 baggies I ordered from ClearBags that I pack up everything in and then stash my kits in some Iris storage boxes to make sure the contents stay secure and edges won't get bent.

If you live in the Midwest and want to visit a cozy scrapbook retreat, I'd recommend the place we stayed at, White's Wildwood Retreat.  They have two different retreat buildings set in Chippewa apple orchard country.  It's downright gorgeous in the fall!  The rates are reasonable too!

I got 14 pages (including some double page spreads...I can count each as TWO, right?!) done during the weekend.  Some ladies cranked out 20-30 pages, but I was pretty proud of the 14.  I tend to include a lot more detail than most so it takes me a bit longer.  Some of my pictures didn't turn out so hot, but you'll get the idea.  I'll try to take some better pictures when the sun cooperates...

One thing I was really proud of is that I finally used up some "old" products that I've had forever!  You know, those things you bought but never actually used.  I have too many of those!

"Ella Bean" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by Lisa Dickinson

"Eat" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by DesignerDigitals

"Squeaks" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by Diane Paine

"Ella bean" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by Gillian Nelson

"Chowder" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by Jennifer de Castro

"@ the movies" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by lifelovepaper

"Badgers" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by Jen Chapin

P.S. I designed the overlay background on the left side and then shrunk it down to fit inside a 4x4 square in my project life page protector on the right.  It's a Silhouette Studio design and I think it's pretty nifty!  If you're a Chippewa Valley resident and would like an overlay of your own, I'll sell one to you - $2.00 for the 12x12 sheet, just add your own pattern paper or cardstock behind.  

"enjoy Duluth MN" by Laura Nesvacil

Inspired by gluestickgirl (left side) and 

Ali Edwards (right side)

There were four other pages I finished, but didn't include here.  The photographs were just too blurry and didn't do the pages justice.  Watch for them to come later.

I'd love to hear what you think about my creations!  Is there something you love?  A product or technique you want to learn more about? Comment on the post or email me.  I'd love to hear from you!  As always, thanks for stopping and happy crafting!