It's Beach Time...

The temperatures have finally started warming up, the days are getting longer and I know pretty soon that hot summer sun will let us know it's beach time...and the one thing you can never forget at home is your

 jam packed full beach tote! 

Am I right?

It houses the towels, the sunscreen, the bug spray and of course if you have kids the ever important snacks, water supply and the masses of beach toys!

 We haven't had a trip to the beach lately as we've been experiencing days and days of rain here right now...but that didn't stop me from thinking about the beach when creating my newest creation for Heartfelt Creations featuring their spectacular Under the Sea Collection. 

I hadn't been sure about what type of altered art project I'd been wanting to create with this super fun collection until I spotted the designer paper that boasted nothing but the lovely hibiscus flowers.  

It reminded me of a beach tote!

So online I went and SVG Cuts did not let me down....I found a wonderful beach tote cutting file.

Here's how it turned out...

I just loved the tassel included in the cutting file...and there were other embellishments in the files to create some simple charm dangles...but I opted to use two of the tags from the paper collection instead.  I loved the look of the fish up there on the corner.  Of course if we're thinking tropical beach we need to include a hibiscus!  No other flower screams beach more!

Here's a closer look at the details...

Of course the pocket on the front of the tote gift bag just begged to have a note card added to it...so I obliged!  I made it super simple by creating just a smaller note card with some quick matting and a partial premade card panel that makes creating so fast and easy!  A fun sentiment stamped from the Under the Sea Collection stamped sideways and voila...it was done in just minutes!

Here's a closer peek...

I wanted to give you a quick visual of what the card will look like tucked into the pocket as well!

(Sorry, I know we're on the verge of calling this a picture heavy post!  LOL)

Well, I hope you feel like you've been able to soak up a little sun here today!

Remember to pop on over to the Heartfelt Creations blog to take a look around at the other projects the rest of the design team have created for your viewing pleasure.  And, if you haven't already seen next months release "The Botanic Orchid", be sure to take a tour of the preview!

Until next time...

Project Supplies and Instructions

HCDP1-266 Under the Sea Paper Collection
HCPC-3740 Heartfelt Wishes Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3736 Tropical Hibiscus Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-796 Tropical Hibiscus Die
HCST1-401 Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit
TSMP400 Memento Dye Ink Pad - Rose Bud
TSMP707 Memento Dye Ink Pad - Bamboo Leaves
ANC852 Bright Ideas Prills
159723 Designer Dries Clear Adhesive
352854 Metal Tip for Adhesive Bottles
273900 Zip Dry Paper Glue

Other Products Used:  Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine, SVG Cuts File - Luxury Handbags Beach Tote,  BigShot manual die cutting machine, VersaFine Black Ink, gold cord, scor tape, scissors, paper trimmer, 3"x 4.5" small blank white notecard  and matching envelope, Glitter Ritz Transparent Glitter, white tissue paper, eight blue brads, white card stock, sponge daubers, button

Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Re1-gaq1o for shaping tips and techniques on the hibiscus flowers.

Choose the patterned papers you wish to use for the various pieces of the beach tote SVG files.  Cut with electronic die cutting machine and assemble according to instructions included with file.  Before adhering the front pocket to the tote, ink all edges with a light bown ink, then adhere as shown.  Locate the full page in the paper collection with the "Remembering Beautiful Moments with You" image along with the swirling hibiscus image on the top of the page.  Fussy cut sentiment image as well as image on upper corner, ink all edges on both pieces using a light brown colored ink.  Adhere to tote as shown.  Cut two small tags from the paper collection and adhere to handle along with tassel.  Using black ink and white card stock stamp one inking of the hibiscus flower.  Color, die cut, shape and assemble a double blossom using a large flower and a smaller flower.  Add prills to center and adhere to beach tote as shown.  Choose a small premade card panel, along with a paper to use as a mat and cut down to fit small sized note card.  Ink all edges with a light brown color, stamp sentiment onto card front using black ink, assemble and adhere to card base.  Add a touch of glitter to card front as well as tags on tote.  Adhere button to tote pocket. 

A Father's Day Creation...

Hello Again! 

Nice to "see" you!

It's Wednesday, so you know what that means...it's another Heartfelt Creations project share!

This week I have a Father's Day card to share with you!  The holiday is quickly approaching here in Canada and the U.S. so here's a bit of an early heads up to prompt you to get your cards done early!

I decided to mix elements from the "Under the Sea" Collection and the "Everyday Heroes" Collection.  

Here's how the card turned out...

I love the sail boat image from the Everyday Heroes Collection and knew that I wanted to incorporate it into a creation with the Under the Sea Collection as soon as I saw the sunken porthole!
And of course I had to have that anchor sitting right beside it surrounded by all those lovely seashells and that adorable fish checking out the surroundings...

...and how about a closer look at that sunken porthole...

If you look very closely on the top of this photo you will also see that I've melted some embossing powder onto the card to give it an aged appearance and a little bit of texture.
When the card was assembled and completed I thought these two collections worked together very well to create a masculine card!
 So, I encourage you to merge Heartfelt Creations collections together for even more stunning creating opportunities!

For more inspiration and to continue your underwater sea adventures, be sure to check out the amazing cards, layouts and altered art pieces the rest of the uber talented design team members have created for you this week on the Heartfelt Creations blog!

Until next time...

Project Supplies and Instructions
HCDP1-266 Under the Sea Paper Collection
HCPC-3736 Tropical Hibiscus Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3738 Coral Reef Collage Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-796 Tropical Hibiscus Die
HCD1-798 Coral Reef Collage Die
HCPC-3740 Heartfelt Wishes Cling Stamp Set
HCDP1-253 Everyday Heroes Paper Collection
HCPC-3662 My Anchor Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-761 Everyday Heroes Die
HCST1-401 Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit
159723 Designer Dries Clear Adhesive
352854 Metal Tip for Adhesive Bottles

Other Products Used:  BigShot die cutting machine, VersaFine Black Ink, VersaColor Pine Cone Ink, Embossing Powder - Verdigris, heat tool, Viva Ferro Paint - Copper and Graphit, black card stock, pop dots, Spectrum Noir Markers - CR1, CR2 CR4, CR5, CR6, TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, DG1, DG2, DG3, BT5, GB1,GB7, IB1, IB2, IB3, BG3, BG4, BG5, CT1, CT2, BT2, BT3, BT4, OR1, OR2, OR3, water, spritz bottle, pop dots, black card stock, paper trimmer, gem flower center, washi tape, MISTI, white card stock, Spellbinders Standard Circle

Create a 6"x6" card base using black card stock.  Locate the 6"x6" background panel as shown from the Under the Sea Collection. Trim slightly smaller than card base and ink all edges with a brown colored ink.  Adhere to card base.  Locate main image panel as shown from within in the Everyday Heroes paper collection.  Ink all edges with a brown ink.  Mask off areas on the main panel where you do not want the image to overlap when stamped and then stamp ship image using black ink.  Stamp sentiment.  Adhere to a black mat that is slightly larger than image panel.  Roll opposite top and bottom corners slightly to give the corners a touch of a bend.  Adhere to card base using pop dots.  Using black ink, stamp porthole, hibiscus, shells and corner accent pieces onto white card stock. Color using alcohol markers.  Die cut all pieces using coordinating dies.  Shape hibiscus and leaf using a spritz of water and shaping tools. Add gem to flower center.  Adhere corner accent and hibiscus to card as shown.  Die cut center of porthole using Spellbinders Circle die.  Adhere center circle to card as shown, and add porthole to card using pop dots.  Add in anchor and sea shells around porthole.  Apply Ferros metals using fingertips to porthole and anchor.     

This card has been shared in the following challenges..
Creative Card Crew..."Masculine"
 Scrap Creations..."Father's Day/Masculine"
Pinspirational Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Through the Craft Room Door..."Anything Goes"
Di's Design Challenge Blog..."For the Boys"

Fintastic Life...

Welcome to another Heartfelt Creations Wednesday!

Today we're continuing our under the sea adventure!

For this weeks creation, I decided to go super simple.  A white card base, some Distress Ink, along with some detailed fish images and a fun sentiment made this a super quick and easy card.  

I usually struggle with a clean and simple card, but I think it turned out swimmingly...

I've flicked some water droplets onto the card before I adhered the fish embellishments and because Ranger Distress Ink reacts with water, you are able to remove some color by blotting it off with a tissue.  I thought it gave the card a beautiful water effect.  

Here's a bit of a closer look...

These beautiful fancy tailed fish have been colored with my Spectrum Noir colored markers and have then been adhered to the card with pop dots.  I've given them a hint of shimmer with some Diamond Stickles.  And of course, I could not resist using the fun sentiment with these two beauties!

I hope you've enjoyed today's post!  Be sure to head over to the Heartfelt Creations blog for more magical ocean themed creations!  

Until next time...

Project Supplies and Instructions
 HCPC-3739 Under the Sea Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-799 Under the Sea Die
HCPC-3740 Heartfelt Wishes Cling Stamp Set

Other Products Used: white textured card stock, smooth white card stock, foam tape, Stickles - Diamond, BigShot die cutting machine, VersaFine Black Ink, MISTI, water, blending tool, Ranger Distress Ink - Peacock Feathers, Mermaid Lagoon, and Salty Ocean, Spectrum Noir Markers - OR1, OR2, OR3, pop dots, paper towel

Create a 5"x7" card base using smooth white card stock.  Trim a piece of textured white card stock just slightly smaller than the card base front.  Using a blending tool, working in a circular motion, cover the portion of the textured card stock as shown using different blue colored inks until desired hue and look is achieved. Using finger tips, flick a few drops of water onto inked background and lightly dab off using a paper towel.  The ink will lighten and then leave water spots resembling bubbles.  Repeat until you achieve desired effect. Stamp fish images onto smooth white card stock using black ink.  Color using alcohol markers.  Apply fish to card front where desired and add sentiment using black ink. Adhere card front to base using foam tape. Add Stickles to fish for some shimmer.  

A Sweet Lullaby Baby Album...

Hi there!

I'm popping in today with a special project that I've had on the go for awhile...a special custom made baby album that took way to long to complete because so many life events got in the way! 

But, I'm happy to say it has been completed and delivered...all before the little one was ready for college!  LOL

It's not often that my hubby puts in a special request for a crafty item...so I was a little taken aback when he asked if I would put together a baby album for one of his friends who was having a little one!  I agreed and waited for a few back ordered products to arrive and then set to work!

I managed to snag a few paper packs from the retiring Sweet Lullaby line by Heartfelt Creations and of course used their 3D Flip Fold Album and Insert system.  I chose to use the white base and inserts for this project.  

Let me share a few photos with you...shall we begin with the front cover...

(My apologies as this may quickly become a picture heavy post...but I also have a video tour as well should you choose to skip straight to that!)

The adorable card panel made a simple front cover, along with the addition of a sentiment strip and a touch of elegant lace.

I chose to use the Botanical Rose Cling Stamp Set and coordinating Botanical Wings Die for the florals.  I shaped some larger full roses, a few smaller single and several rose buds.  I added just a hint of glitter to the petals and to the flowers on the card panel on the cover as well.  

Here's a closer look at the blossoms...

As you can see, I've chunked up the album with quite a few flip fold and pocket inserts...plenty of room for mom to journal those special moments and add in those treasured photos!

Moving along, let's take a quick tour through some of the inside pages...

...I tried to make it simple for mom by stamping in some areas where she could add in her photos...

I was super happy when she said the one thing she had not purchased yet was a baby album!

She was impressed and I am sure glad that she had not found one that she had fallen in love with already!  (I knew she really liked it when she asked if I would be willing to take orders!  LOL)

I've kept this baby album a little more minimalistic as it was for a baby boy.  A touch of delicate die cut edges here and there, and flowers only on the front cover as I did not want the creation to turn out looking too feminine!

Many different tuck spots for journaling and adding smaller pictures!

I've added just a touch of glitter throughout the entire album to give it some shimmer and shine...it doesn't really show up well in the pictures...but then again the idea was that it be subtle.

...and the simple finishing of the back cover...

Well, that's a picture sampling of the project.  I've included a video tour here for you as well should you be interested.  This music I chose for the video is a lullaby that I sang to both of my kids when they were babies...of course I changed the the words to "Mama's gonna buy you..."

I hope you enjoy!

Until next time... 

Under the Sea...

It's another exciting Wednesday, and I'm so happy you're here to share it with me!

Heartfelt Creations has released their new collection "Under the Sea" and it is divine!

Allow me to take you on a little journey where we will make magical underwater discoveries and leave our worries and stresses behind...

Take a walk along the edge of the deep blue sea, feel the warm sand between your toes and breathe in the salty air.  Balmy breezes tousle your hair and toy with the exotic hibiscus flower behind your ear as you stoop to snatch a lustrous seashell that has been swept onto the beach with the incoming tide. Cares and worries melt away because life really is better at the seaside.  The cool, crystal clear water lapping at the shoreline beckons you and you cannot resist the sudden urge to dive right in.  Before you know it you have been submerged into a magical underwater world where you find yourself settling on a jagged reef surrounded with burnished coral, glassy seashells and mystical sea creatures more beautiful than your imagination could ever conjure.  A peek behind the coral and waltzing seaweed finds you nose to nose with a school of fish gliding every so gently with their long, graceful flowing tails and glistening scales decorated with an abundance of shimmering and alluring colors.  Delicate sea horses and magnificent jelly fish dart and flit among the dancing aquatic plant life as to entertain you with a glorious underwater show being performed just for you.  Welcome to “Under the Sea”, the newest collection by Heartfelt Creations.  This water themed assembling of magnificent papers, stamps and dies will have you creating ravishing underwater scenes perfect for documenting your seaside vacations, ocean themed altered art pieces or salt water card creations.   The tranquil color palette of calming blues, greens and teals, paired with golden yellows, subtle shades of pinks, purples, corals and reds are sure to soothe your soul.  Creating projects with a tropical flair that will “make a splash” has been made simple with decorative papers boasting mesmerizing patterns of sea shells, florals, delicate swirls and alluring hibiscus blossoms.  The intricate, detailed stamp illustrations of underwater sea creatures, glistening seashells, and exotic hibiscus flowers are sublime for shaping and creating dimensional elements adding a realistic touch to any underwater themed paper craft design.  We invite you to take the plunge and come along with us on an underwater adventure as we explore Under the Sea!

Let's start off with a peek at my project boasting this new underwater adventure...I do wish the lighting had been better when taking this picture because the colors are much more vibrant and than they appear here...

The beautiful images in this collection really did make it hard to know where to start this time!  I opted to use the large seashell which can be shaped so exquisitely.  Paired with the gracefully flowering seaweed and divine sea horse I knew that I wanted to create somewhat of an underwater scene.  I chose one of the square premade card panels and decided to layer from there.  I found a smaller preprinted card panel that I thought would make a beautiful backdrop to the dimensional images I had chosen to work with.  I decided to use the Thank You sentiment stamp from the collection, and also added some dew drops to the side of the card to mimic air bubbles within the water.  

I've added some beautiful hibiscus flowers with some fun multicolored prills in the centers, and I think they add such a romantic and dreamy touch.  All of the stamped images have been colored using my Spectrum Noir markers...funny that I've used those because when I teach classes and people ask me if I usually color using markers, my answer is always no...but for this collection the colors seemed right being a tad bolder.  

Also, as you can see I've added tons of sparkle to this card.  There's something magical about pictures from Under the Sea don't you think...and I wanted this card to feel magical as well.  

Well, that's all for me today!  I hope you have enjoyed a little break in you day while you were here, and I hope you will stop by again!  To continue on your underwater adventures, be sure to swim on over to the Heartfelt Creations blog where there are many more dynamic designs for you to take in!

Until next time...

Project Supplies and Instructions
 HCDP1-266 Under the Sea Paper Collection
HCPC-3736 Tropical Hibiscus Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3737 Under the Sea Coral Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3738 Coral Reef Collage Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3740 Heartfelt Wishes Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3739 Under the Sea Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-796 Tropical Hibiscus Die
HCD1-797 Under the Sea Coral Die
HCD1-798 Coral Reef Collage Die
HCD1-799 Under the Sea Die
HCST1-401 Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit
TSMP400 Memento Dye Ink Pad - Rose Bud
311070 Water Dew Drops
159723 Art Institute Glue – Dries Clear
352854 Metal Glue Tip – Art Institute
ANC851 Rock N' Roll Prills
196 Lions Mane Glitter

Other Products Used: BigShot manual die cutting machine, VersaFine Black Ink, Stickles - Diamond, Spectrum Noir Markers - CR1, CR2 CR4, CR5, CR6, TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, DG1, DG2, BT5, GB7, pop dots, white card stock, water, spritz bottle, VersaColor Pine Cone Ink, MISTI stamping tool

Begin by creating a 6"x6" card base from white card stock.  Locate the same sized background panel as shown on card.  Ink all edges with a bright colored pink ink.  Adhere to card base using pop dots.  Next locate the smaller premade card panel as shown.  Ink all edges with pink ink once again and using pop dots adhere to card front.  Locate the small  paper image where sentiment will be stamped.  Ink all edges with a pink ink and stamp sentiment and set aside to dry.  Cut a light colored piece of patterned paper just slightly larger and mat behind sentiment.  Ink all edges of sentiment mat.  Adhere sentiment to card using pop dots.  Stamp one image of the sea horse, floating hibiscus, large shell and also one stamping of the hibiscus flower cling stamp set onto white card stock using black ink.  Color using alcohol markers, and cut using coordinating craft dies.  Ink edges on all embellishment pieces with a light brown ink.   Next, using your Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit and a spritz of water, shape the shell and floating hibiscus flowers.  Slide the floral die cut through the shell slightly to bring some of the cut out image  in front of the shell.  Using pop dots adere to card front.  Next adhere sea horse to card as shown using pop dots.  Using your Deluxe Flower Shaping tool and a spritz of water, shape flowers.  Adhere mid and small sized flowers to card as shown.   Add dew drops to side of card where sentiment sits, starting from the bottom working up to the top to simulate bubbles.  Apply glitter to shell, flowers, and sea horse.  Lastly apply prills to flower centers and dots of Stickles randomly to background.    

Happy Mother's Day...

It's a very special day today that we are celebrating in Canada and the United States!

It's Mother's Day!

I am lucky enough to still have my mom around and I get to see her on a very regular basis!

She's always ready to lend me a hand with the kids when my schedule is hectic and my hubby is not around.  She always makes supper for me and the kids on Wednesdays because we have piano lessons right after school and then have to wait in town for our youngest's Taekwando night.  I really wouldn't be able to get everything done at times if it wasn't for my mom!  

She's a huge support, an encourager and is always willing to lend a hand!

So, I decided to design a one of a kind card just for her!

I wasn't sure which Heartfelt Creations collection I was going to use at first until I started browsing supplies in my craft room.  I came across the Enchanted Mum collection and thought it was perfect!

I also decided that I wanted to use a flip fold album insert as a card base for this special creation.  I opted to go with a craft colored insert!  To give the card a feminine touch, I decided to die cut into the base as well as to add a decorative die cut to the top. 

Here's how the creation came out...

I love how soft and feminine it turned out!

Here's a closer look at the sentiment portion I trimmed off of one the pages in the Enchanted Mum Collection...

...and here's a closer look at the top floral cluster...

Well, that's my quick share for today!

I hope you've enjoyed almost as much as my mom enjoyed receiving her card!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Until next time...

Planner Embellishments Tutorial...

Welcome, and Happy Friday!

Today I'm bringing you a fun tutorial which is for the ever growing and popular “Planner Community”.  Planners have made a real comeback in the last while with the twist of now decorating in them.  Some are used as actual planners for appointments, etc. and some people choose to use them for memory keeping.  “Planner kits” have also become all the rage and today’s tutorial is to show you how you can create your own kit embellishments with decorative papers and stamps that you already own.  So if you're one of the many planner girls out there, I hope I can inspire you to create some original embellies for your planner using bits and pieces from your stash!  Today I will be using the "Berry Cafe" Collection by Heartfelt Creations!

Let us begin with the creating of your very own sticky note pads.  These cute and highly sought after items are easily created with stamps and dies that you will already have in your craft room!

Begin by stamping the image that you would like to use for your sticky notes in a light colored ink onto a good quality copy paper.  I’ve used a light grey ink on this adorable ice cream themed version.  (Don’t ink with a heavy hand as you still want to be able to write some notes over the image!)

 

Proceed to color your images ever so lightly using colored pencils. 

Next you will want to die cut all of these images.  Using a little washi tape, adhere the die to the image and die cut using your manual die cutting machine.  

 

For our next step, let’s give our sticky notes a little elegance by adding some glitter to the whipped topping on the cold treat!

 

 Moving along to our next step, once the glitter has dried adhere some repositionable adhesive to the top of the back side of the image and then stick the image with adhesive to the top of one of the other images.

 

Continue layering the images in this manner until you have a nice little pad of sticky notes!

Of course a planner would not be complete without a dashboard on which to place the sticky notes so they are  readily accessible…as well as some cute paper clips!

For your dashboard, select a piece of double sided decorative paper that has the images you would like to use for both the front and the back and measure your planner to find the size you want to make your dashboard.  I cut mine slightly smaller than the pages in my Happy Planner.  The great part is that you get to design your dashboard any size you want.

  In this first image, I have chosen the paper with the fun strawberry filled pocket because the reverse side had a subtle pattern that worked for the second side beautifully.  I’ve added a sentiment strip along the side for some additional visual appeal.  Be careful not to layer too much onto your dashboards as it does become difficult to laminate.  Another thing to keep in mind when decorating your dashboard  is where the addition of  holes will be placed for adding to your planner!

 
 

 …and here’s the opposite side!  I have fussy cut a decorative piece from another decorative paper and added a sentiment strip to this side as well.

 

(We’ll finish off the dashboard lamination further on in this tutorial along with the paper clip lamination.)

To begin preparation for the paper clips, die cut three images from the paper collection that coordinate with the dies in the collection.  Then choose a lightly patterned paper and die cut a second piece to match the images you’ve chosen.  Collect some paper clips.  (I love to use gold colored paper clips because I think they provide such an elegant look!)

 

 Next, grab your dashboard and all of the paper pieces for your clips and slip them into a laminating pouch and laminate.  (I just have a cheap laminator from Walmart and it works great!)

 

Once you’ve run them through the hot laminator and let them cool a bit, it’s time to grab a pair of scissors and start trimming.  I follow the outline of the lamination lines close to the items.

 

(You can also punch the holes into your dashboard at this time!)

Now it’s time to break out the hot glue gun.

Place glue where you want to adhere the paper clip to the laminated image.  Check the front once you’ve positioned the clip to make sure that it appears straight and looks the way you want it to.  Then adhere the second plain die cut to the back of the paper clip image so you have a clean look from the back as well.  This simple step is what will keep your pages in your planner from getting damaged.  

Now don’t you just love those adorable clips?  (If you find that these images are too large for your planner, you can always fussy cut from the paper collection as well!)  

Lastly here’s a picture of all these fun embellishments being put to use in my memory keeping Happy Planner!

I hope you've enjoyed this little tutorial!  If you're a planner girl I hope I've encouraged you to try creating some of your own embellishments from paper crafting stash that you already have tucked away in your craft room!  If you missed the planner spread earlier this week that I created to coordinate with this tutorial, be sure to check that post out here.  (You'll find the instructions in the previous post to create the planner pocket page shown here on the right!)

 Until next time...

Project Supplies
HCDP1-265 Berry Café Paper Collection

HCPC-3733 Berry Delicious Cling Stamp Set

HCD1-794 Berry Café Die

HCD1-795 Sweet As Honey Die

159723 Art Institute Glue Dries Clear

352854 Metal Glue Tip Art Institute

85-glitter Crystal Ultrafine TransparentGlitter

 Other Products Used:  higher quality copy paper,  Derwent colored pencils, Staples Arc hole punch, Staples repositionable adhesive, scor tape, scissors, paper trimmer, BigShot die cutting machine, laminator, gold paper clips, MAMBI Happy Planner