February 29, 2012

Organizing


Hi everyone, Nancy here....

As you may remember, I have been trying to get more organized this year...maybe put away that huge stack of layouts I had lying around.  lol  Another thing I am trying to do is organize my supplies.  So today I wanted to share with you how that was going.

A few weeks ago, I had Kristina order some supplies for me (if you need something like this, just shoot her an email, she can do a special order for you as well.)  And I have been busy putting them to good use.
When moving all my Distress Inks into the case, I realized that I don't even really know what half the colors are (other than the obvious...blue, brown, pink).  So, I decided to make myself a little swatch book.
I stamped with each color, inked one edge with a foam applicator and the bottom edge straight from the ink pad.  Then, if I had the crackle paint or stain I added a bit of that to the top.  A few colors I even had the Distress Stickles for so I added those as well.  Now I know exactly what colors I have and what they look like (and what colors I still need...hee hee).  In a few weeks, when I get my Distress Ink Pens, I will add a bit of writing on each of the tags as well.  I am really hoping this helps me not buy any more duplicates and reminds me to use all the colors I have.

Speaking of what I have, it looks like I am soon to have my Prima Winter 2012 CHA Grab Bag.  As per the YMH Facebook page....

"Great news! new CHA products are going to be arriving this week!!! I received shipping confirmation from Prima Marketing Flowers and they should be here as early as Thursday!! Those who pre-ordered, watch your emails for tracking numbers Thursday or Friday!"

If you haven't ordered a grab bag, it isn't too late.  Pop over today and grab one while they are still available.

Hugs.

Nancy

February 28, 2012

Sweet Retreat - Just 2 Months Away!

WOW! the Sweet Retreat is just  2 months away! I am so excited, the time is flying by!All the details are coming together and class kits are being finalized.
If you've already reserved your spot, you'll be glad you did because this is going to be an AMAZING event! And if you haven't made your reservation yet, there is still time! We will be taking reservations up till March 31, 2012 or until we sell out of spots. If you are using our monthly payment plan option, you will still have until April 26th to pay (one extra month) but we need to have your reservation by the March deadline.

Here is a peek at two of the classes being taught by our fabulous instructors:
 A layout class by Sharon Laakkonen using the BRAND NEW Almanac collection from Prima (as well as other awesome goodies)
A mini album by Cari Fennell featuring the BRAND NEW Nature Garden collection from Prima (and lots of other fabulous products)
Those are just 2 of the classes taking place at the Sweet Retreat. Don't forget that Friday evening will be our "Wearable Art" make and take classes with Prima products, including the Ruby Violet Cuffs,Necklaces, Head Bands and these adorable canvas clutches:
And Saturday night is our Altered Canvas Apron class - How you design it is up to you - but our incredibly talented instructors Cari and Sharon will be there to guide you with techniques and inspiration all along the way! 
These two are samples made by Donna Downey and Jamie Dougherty using the very same Prima canvas apron that you will be creating with! What will you do to yours?
I've even been working on the decor for this sweet and shabby chic relaxing retreat (did I just say relaxing? who can relax with the excitement of these classes and all that sugar?) 
Since my previous vocation was an interior designer/merchandiser I hope I can set the scene to meet my expectations of our exclusive first event (hopefully, if all goes well, we can make it an annual event!)

And I have a few more surprises up my sleeve too, but you'll have to be there to find out what they are ;) 

February 27, 2012

Easter card- YMH DT project

Wow! is it Monday already? Since it is, I get to share a project I created as my Design Team project for Your Memories Here..
Since its was nice and sunny outside all day Sunday, I decided to create a spring inspired card and thought since Easter is right around the corner I best make an Easter themed card..
cause if I don't start making those cards now, they won't get done..LOL

Here is my first Easter card of this year..


I started with light green and white cardstock, plus some of the papers from Prima Sparkling Spring collection.. Its a 6x6 stack, so the paper is amazing for cards and small projects.. 

The little bird is from the Prima Resist Canvas- Printery collection.. Lots of cute little canvas cuts in that collection... I inked it with distress ink  (you could also use glimmer mist) and then add drops of white liquid pearl around the bottom of it.. pop dotted it on the card using Zapdots.. 
The title (easter) I cut using my cricut Imagine and Happy is stamped on white cardstock..
I also added a few Prima E-line pearls to the bottom of the card..

The little pink roses are Prima Fairytale collection..
 I absolutely love these little flowers and best of all, Kristina at YMH carries them in different colors..


All right then fellow scrappers.. That's my Monday project for this week.. I hope I inspired you to start creating your spring themed cards and grabbing some Prima's goodies on the way..LOL
Hope everyone has a scrap-tastic week..
Hugs

February 26, 2012

Good Afternoon blogland!

I know I have been absent for a couple of weeks but it has been with good cause.  Last week I was in bed with a 3 day long migraine from hell...I could not muster the energy to drag myself to the craft room and sit under the blinding lights...so I do apologize for that.
This week I was all excited to create something for my brand new craft studio.  We have been busy finishing the basement and as little piece get done I am making the design choices for colours for my side of the basement. Rich warm colours, new cabinets and counter tops..track lighting..omgosh I can not wait!!  So I made myself a little project to hang in my space to help keep a few things organized..(who am I trying to kid?!?!) 

I had this bare wood mail tray in my stash, so I started by painting it a warm white and the rest sort of took shape from there.  I wanted warm burgundies,blacks and pinks for this project as the colourings of the basement will be burgundy and coffee...so this will fit nicely. I used some delicious Prima papers from their Moulin Rouge line. Actually everything on this project except the paint is Prima, and if you ask Kristina ever so nicely she can order it in specially for you :)   I cut the paper to fit the front and side of the 'buckets' and inked the edges using Distress Inks in Tattered Rose and Vintage Photo. I adhered everything using Helmar Decoupage Glue (I use this glue for everything that needs stuck down...as well as my trusty Dremel Hot Glue gun lol)

I rifled through my stash to get some Prima trim for the edging and stuck it down using my hot glue gun. Once it was all securely in place I moved on to cutting up the gorgeous Prima Crystal trims.  I then dug out some older Prima alphas and stuck them to the front of each bucket and grabbed the trusty hot glue gun once more to adhere some Prima Trim around the lip of each bucket to soften it a little more. I added a few Prima blooms to break the cream between the buckets as well as a couple of the frosted birds to each bucket. The overall effect is everything I wanted it to be and more...and now I need to hurry hubby up so we can finish the basement so I can put all my projects in their new home :)

For now that is all for me this week...Have a fabulous week and I will see you all next Sunday

February 24, 2012

Princess Petals Flower Tutorial


TGIF!  Dana here today sharing a quick tutorial on how to make your own Princess Petal flowers.  I love flowers and the Webster's Pages Princess Petals are some of my all time favorites.  The soft layers of fabric are so romantic and the flower centers have the perfect touch of bling with just a single pearl or rhinestone.  I've had a package of Webster's Pages Netting in my stash for some time and thought I'd try to make my own Princess Petals.

Here is a photo of my inspiration piece.


These flowers are quick and easy to create with some basic supplies.


Supplies:
Webster's Pages Netting
Tulle
Prima E-line Pearls and Crystals
Scissors
Needle and Thread
Lighter


Step 1: Cut several different sizes of circles from the netting and tulle.  Note: I used 10 circles for each flower.

Step 2: Using a lighter, carefully melt the edges of each circle.  Note: This step will help smooth any uneven edges and also seal the fabric to prevent it from fraying.  It is not necessary to touch the fabric to the flame to melt the edges of each petal.  Be careful not to burn the edges of the fabric or your fingers!

Step 3: Stack the layers of fabric from large to small and stitch the petals together using a needle and thread.

Step 4: Finish the flower by adding a rhinestone or pearl to the center.

I'll be using my new flowers soon!  You can stock up on lace, rhinestones and crystals by visiting the Your Memories Here Store.  Thanks for stopping by today and happy scrapping!

February 23, 2012

Art Journal with Prima and Tattered Angels

 I have only recently started to art journal and I really do love it. I have a book complete and this is my second! I love the freedom to just play and not have to show anyone. A personal place to try new things and techniques and who cares if it's ugly. I learned something from the ugly. Even if it's not to add wet colors of paint together cause you always get an icky brown. lol
The Prima canvas words are easily altered with paint and Tattered Angels glimmer mist. The "be you" is actually pink in it's original form. The possibilities are endless!

 The blue flower stamp is a Donna Downey foam stamp from Prima. It's huge and I love it. Really love it. The text is a Brave Girl quote. Which I love and truly believe.

 I  used another mask on the side of the paper from Tattered Angels and painted over it. The butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch.
This Tattered Angels butterfly mask is awesome. It's pretty big and you could do a hundred things with it. I hope you enjoyed my post. Don't be afraid to try something new!
Happy Crafting!
  Kimberly

February 22, 2012

Mojo


Did you ever have one of those days...you know...where you have stacks of photos, tons of lovely papers, time to play...and no desire to pick up a photo and do something with it?  Well, that was me the other day.  I really felt like creating, but not doing layouts.  I guess sometimes it just happens.  So, what do I do?

 I create little doo dads.

I am always in need of little boxes to hold miscellaneous supplies and left overs.  I have used this Sizzix die many times for just that, as well as for gift boxes.  This time I used a sheet of Romance Prima paper from the Annalee collection.
I embellished the box with lots of Prima Resist canvas that I colored with my Distress Stains.  I also used the stains to lightly color some mini roses to match.  I love having white flowers around as I can die them to match my projects.  I topped it all with a gorgeous Prima vine and a little birdhouse from my summer CHA Prima grab bag as well as some chipboard, tiles, and Prima Essentials flowers, also from the grab bag.   There are still a few small gift bags from Summer CHA, as well as the new gift bags from the winter release available in the store...so go check them out before it is too late.

Hugs.

Nancy

February 20, 2012

You are Sew Sweet- YMH DT project

Happy Monday fellow scrappers.. 
Today is the day I get to share a project with you that I've created as my design team project for Your Memories Here.. I had bought a Prima grab bag from Kristina few months back and I can't believe how much stuff I still have left over and I've been making a lot of projects with it.. loving it and I can't wait till I get my new grab bag, that will have the summer 2012 new releases in it..
I think I'm going to have to invest in more storage containers, I'm running out of room..LOL
So, I decided to use up an old wooden plaque that I had bought from a thrift store about a year ago for a dollar..  Its Amazing how adding some Prima goodies can make anything look good..LOL


sorry for the semi fuzzy photo, but its mid winter here in Finland and our inside lighting is just awful..

I started off by painting the wooden plaque black, letting it dry for a few hours.. then covered it in papers, Prima lace Prima Fairytale roses, Prima Florette roses and leaves.. I cut a dress form out of black cardstock, using my Cricut.. made the dress out of the Printery papers, adding some black lace to the bottom and finally adding drops of white liquid pearl..
The Buttons and the alphabet stickers also came in the grab bag and the measuring tape is cut from the Printery paper.. I distress inked everything with some Ranger distress inks and glued down my string of pearls with Helmars Gemstone glue..





Items from my own stash: twine, string of pearl, black paint, wooden plaque, pearl hat pins and white liquid pearl..

all righty then ladies.. 
That's my Monday project as my Design Team project for Your Memories Here.. 
stop by and check out the new Prima's coming out this spring.. I'm seriously biting my nails in anticipation till i get mine..LOL
Hope everyone has wonderfully creative and scrap-happy week..
hugs

February 17, 2012

Picture Perfect


Hi YMH fans!  I hope your weekend is off to a great start!  It's Dana here today, sharing a Webster's Pages layout.  I'm loving the new Clean & Simple Webster's Pages Collections.  I have not yet purchased any of the new Clean & Simple collections, but I achieved a similar look by using the B-sides of the Webster's Pages papers that I currently have in my stash.  I love the bright colors and fun patterns that are present on the B-sides of the Sweet Season Collection.  Another bonus of using the B-sides of the patterned paper is that they are less themed, perfect for capturing everyday memories.

I added a touch of shimmer to a cupcake with some Distress Stickles in Spun Sugar.


I used Helmar Zapdots to adhere the embellishments to my page, adding some dimension.

I hope I helped brighten your day!  Be sure to stop by the YMH Store and check out the Webster's Pages Section!  Happy Scrapping!

February 16, 2012

My Little Weirdo Layout

I hope you've all had a great week! I am ready for the weekend! I have scrap night with some friends Friday night and Grandpa is keeping the girls Saturday night. Yah me! This layout is of Allie my youngest daughter being her normal weirdo self. She is such a character. I was so glad I got these random shots of her being her.
 I'd say 95% of this layout is Prima. The flowers are so pretty and come with glitter glass already applied! I love that. To balance out that sparkle on the little flowers across the layout I added some Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam in Chandelier. It is my favorite so you'll probably see me use that one quite a bit. :)
 I love Prima bling. These pretty pink pearl swirls (say that 10 times fast! lol) are so easy to use and you could always add some glimmer glam or glimmer glaze to change the color to suite your needs.
 These little paper flowers are so cute left alone or here with the Chandelier added.So pretty!

I forgot this whole time to mention the Prima Mask I used to make the background paper! lol I love the masks and they come in all shapes and sizes. I used Tutti Frutti Pink Glimmer Mist too. Please go check out the store at yourmemorieshere.com! Great stuff and fabulous prices! :)
 Happy Crafting!
  Kimberly

February 15, 2012

Happy Wednesday

Hi everyone, Nancy here today to share a layout I made with more products from my Your Memories Here grab bag.  I purchased the large grab bag and have been scrapping up a storm with it for these last few months.  I still can't believe how many projects I have completed using the goodies that came in this box and while not all the yummy goodies came from the box....it really was the base of my project.
 I used a sketch I found by Melinda Spinks to complete this project.  I loved all the little blocks of color.
I used my Tim Holtz Distress Stains to color the birdcage, bird, and butterfly and then accented the bird with some Glimmer Glam.  I colored my seem binding in the same way.  I also used the Distress stain to color my canvas resist pieces.
Kristina has placed the Prima order, but there is still a few grab bags and complete collection kits left, if you would like to order one for yourself.

Hugs.

Nancy