Creativation 2019

February 7, 2019February 8, 2019Leave a comment

These are the moments that remind me how lucky I am to work in the Creative Industry.

Opening Day…waiting for the show to open

Last month, I got the opportunity to fly to Phoenix to work and attend the Creativation Show.

For those of you that don’t know what Creativation is, it is the annual trade show for everyone

involved in the Hobby and Creative Industry.

Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, Designers, Bloggers.

For me, as a designer, it’s also the opportunity to reconnect face to face with friends

that I only get to see once a year. (you know…”my tribe”)

Oh… and the chance to see what’s new and the latest and greatest in the industry.

Make and Takes in the Deflecto Booth

I always have great intentions of taking tons of pictures and possibly a video or two.

But in Reality…I also have to work. (or play)

Each day, I taught a different “make and take” in the Deflecto Booth.

Deflecto is one of the great companies I have the honor of working with.

Deflecto is known for their awesome craft storage.

The Great Wall of Deflecto Stack ‘N Go Caddy Wheel Base, Craft Organizers*

At Creativation we like to have a little fun.

Each day in the Deflecto Booth they host a Stack ‘N Go Caddy Challenge,

attendees compete to see who can fill and stack the caddies with the fastest time.

(The one with the best time each day wins a American Express Gift Card.)

It’s a big hit and can get quite competitive at times. At the end of the show, if you’ve got

your special postcard stamped, they give away all caddies used to build the great wall.

It’s a fun booth to work in.

Another company I have the privilege of working with is StyleTechCraft.

They have the best adhesive vinyl to work with. (and they treat me like a queen)

As you can see…I had a three hour demo on Saturday.

Graphic 45 Booth

I love all their new paper collections.

The Graphic 45 booth is always one of my favorites because their samples are always

so beautiful and inspiring.

Bloom where you are planted…(I need this collection)

Another one of my favorite booths is the Jillibean Soup booth.

Besides being know for their fun paper collections they also have a wonderful line called

Mixed the Media. I love everything about this collection.

I NEED these windows. (just saying)

I also took a little “me time” and did a make and take in the Jillibean booth.

This is from their Embroidery Hoop Art collection.

Simple Stories Booth

This is embarrassing. As much as I LOVE Simple Stories, this is is the only picture I took.

Sometimes…I get to talking too much (and drooling) to take pictures.

Tim Holtz ideal-olgy Booth

As a “vintage lover” this booth always stops me in my tracks.

*Disclaimer: This post uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Idea-ology Booth Make and Take

Look what I made. Isn’t he cute?

At Creativation there is a large variety of classes that attendees can take.

Business classes, workshops. This is from the Waffleflower class I took.

I got to use their new “Water Media Mat” that will be available next month.

I always wish I would have taken more pictures.

My pictures are only a super small sample of all the wonderful and creative things

to see and do at the Creativation Show.

If you’d like to see more…

Check out the Creativation Round Up on the Designer Craft Connection Blog.

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Snowman Banner with Kunin Felt

September 21, 2017September 21, 20176 Comments

Is it too early for a Snowman Banner?

I admit it’s a little early, but when I found this adorable Sizzix Snowman Die by Tim Holtz*

I really wanted to use it in this month’s Designer Craft Connection Blog Hop with Kunin Felt.

Seriously though…Who doesn’t love a snowman?

To see what the other designers made using their Kunin Felt make sure to click on the

Blog Hop link at the bottom of this post.

Here’s what I used to make my Snowman Banner. (*affiliate link)

- 9″ x 12″ craft cuts of Kunin Classicfelt: white, aqua, baby pink, candy pink, olive, smoke, peach chiffon
- Sizzix Bigz Die by Tim Holtz, 5.5 by 6-Inch, Assembly Snowman* (*affiliate link)
- Sizzix Big Shot Cutting/Embossing Machine*
- Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive*
- Iron On Embroidered Letters (Joy SA)
- Pom Pom Trim, Cotton String
- Sewing Machine
- Bamboo Skewer

- - I made a simple banner pattern out of white cardstock.
  - I traced 2 banners onto the felt.

I die-cut the felt into snowman pieces using the Sizzix Snowman Die* and my Sizzix Big Shot Machine*.

- - Glue or Sew the felt shapes onto the banner.
  - Sew both pieces of the banner together leaving a small pocket on the top to insert a bamboo skewer or small wood rod for hanging.
  - Add pom pom trim to the top of the banner.
  - Iron on embroidered letters to spell “let it snow”

Did you know???

Kunin Felt recycles billions of water bottles every year that would otherwise be in the landfills and makes them into a product which becomes felt. 12 bottles equals 1 lb. of fabric.

For more fun projects with Kunin Felt click here.

Sizzix Bigz Die by Tim Holtz, 5.5 by 6-Inch, Assembly Snowman*

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My Creativation Adventure 2017

February 14, 2017January 27, 2023Leave a comment

It’s been a few weeks since the Creativation Trade Show in Phoenix…

and I’m finally getting around to sharing.

You might want to sit back and grab a cup of coffee. (it’s a long one)

The Creativation Show was a fast, busy few days.

Getting the opportunity to see old friends, meeting in person online friends you’ve known for years.

And the best part making new friends.

Creativation, for me, is more than seeing the latest and greatest in the Creative Industry

(although that’s great too)

it’s about the opportunity to meet and network with people from all over the world.

When you’re at a show like this, you sit by a stranger on the convention bus and talk the whole way.

You go to lunch by yourself and instead of looking for a empty table, you sit with a group or

a table of one and the conversations flow. That’s where we share ideas and inspiration.

We ask… “what did you see that excited you?”

During one of those conversations I heard someone say this is where our “tribe” is.

(The cactus in front of my hotel.)

This was my first trip to Phoenix and the first time this Midwest gal saw cactus this large.

Can you tell I was impressed?

I wish I would of been able to see more of Phoenix, it poured the first evening I was there

and the sun didn’t come out until the last day. Most of the time, it really didn’t matter as it was

dark outside when I left and it was dark when I got back to the hotel.

I didn’t even notice the mountains out my hotel window until the second day.

I left the hotel before 7:00 on Saturday morning to take a class before working all day

in the Deflecto booth. We made mini desk calendars using Deflecto’s 3″ x 4″ clear acrylic

frames, paper from Paper House Productions “One Big Happy Family” collection and cute

little calendars from Taylored Expressions.

Also in the booth was the “Caddy Challenge”. ↓

Each challenger was given two empty caddies and a variety of craft supplies.

Every caddy container had to have at least one craft item and put back into the caddy,

each layer had to be locked and put on the base.

The whole thing was timed and the timer stopped when the caddy was lifted.

It was so much fun watching how competitive it became. (there were Visa gift cards at stake)

Co-worker against co-worker, friend against friend, husband against wife.

SO…What’s NEW at Deflecto?

An interlocking wheel base for the craft caddy and the Interlocking Marker Organizer.

Right next to the Deflecto Booth were my good friends at

Canvas Corp Brands, 7Gypsies and Tattered Angels.

So many new things there. They introduced their new line called “Architextures”.

I can’t wait to get my hands on all that vintage inspired goodness.

Coming Soon from Canvas Corp Brands… Relics and Artifacts.

A lot of mixed media potential.

On Sunday afternoon, I got to hang out in the Paper House booth where I helped attendees make

the Discover USA travel mini book project. I’m so lucky to work in such a fun industry.

For full Discover USA project instructions click here.

Monday was the last day of the show and a half day for me.

After working in the booths all day on Saturday and Sunday,

I decided I needed to take some time to do something fun.

DecoArt, 3M and Pinspiration had a clear acrylic booth set up called the “Splatter Room”.

Dressed in a hazmat suit and goggles…

I went to town choosing paint and splattering onto a 12″ x 12″ canvas.

Oh, what a glorious mess. It was the highlight of my day.

After painting and splattering…

I walked the show floor, taking pictures and making connections.

I always wish that I would have taken more pictures and maybe even a video or two.

Time at these shows go fast and I needed to make the most of that time.

Below are a few of the booths that I remembered to take pictures of. (Enjoy!)

Probably one of the most photographed booths is the Tim Holtz Idea-ology booth.

For Vintage lovers this is serious eye-candy.

Lovely Mixed Media from Rebekah Meier Designs.

Somehow my camera setting got changed and I didn’t get a lot of sharable pictures of the Sizzix booth.

And the always impressive Graphic 45 Booth. ↓

Of all the wonderful things I saw, do you want to know what impressed me the most?

Let me start by saying, I’ve been a stamper for 20 years and it takes a lot to impress me…

the clear animated stamps from Uchis Design did just that. (it’s the simple things)

Below is the business card they gave me.

I hoped you enjoyed my adventure to Creativation.

I just want to say…

I am very thankful that I have the opportunity to work with all the wonderful and talented people

and companies in the Creative Industry. I am one lucky girl.

A Joyful Village

December 19, 2016August 6, 2021Leave a comment

As the Christmas Season gets closer…

I wanted to share this simple little wood project that I made for the “Creating with Joy” blog.

Being Joyful, is my goal not only at Christmas but throughout the entire year.

For my “Joyful Village”…

I started with some wood trim scrap pieces cut into simple whimsical house shapes.

My pieces measure 4″ x 2″, 3″ x 2 3/4″ and 3 1/2″ x 2 1/4″.

I painted the house with a couple coats of Americana Decor Satin Enamels 8oz-Grey Taupe*. (*Amazon affiliate link)

After painting the houses… (*Amazon Affiliate Links)

- - I created a roof using Black Corrugated Paper*.
  - I added color to my white iron-on embroidered letters by dampening them and rubbing color directly onto the letters using my Distress Mini Ink Pad-Fired Brick*.
  - After the letters are dry, glue the letters onto the houses using a craft glue.
  - I created a mini wreath and mini pine swags using Pine Craft Stems*.
  - I created small number charms by printing the numbers onto white cardstock and punching with a small circle punch. I added the numbers inside Metal Type Charms by Tim Holtz Idea-ology*.
  - I tied the charms onto the wreath and swags with thin twine and glued them onto the front of the houses along with a little tiny bow.

The village wouldn’t be complete without a cute little red truck.

I picked up the tiny red truck at the Elkhorn Flea Market in Wisconsin and I glued three little

bottle brush trees to the back of the truck. I rubbed the trees with clear glitter glue

for added sparkle.

This project was sponsored by Joy SA and DecoArts.

Shop Amazon Scrapbooking Supplies*

Painting on Acrylic Frames

August 3, 2015February 9, 2023Leave a comment

With all this new Home Décor chalk paint out on the market…

with it’s claims of being able to paint on most anything. I decided to give it a test.

I’ve used it on wood, old frames, stuff like that.

Acrylic frames? It was worth a try.

I created a mask using blue painters tape and applied it onto the front of a

Mini 3″ x 4″ Sign Holder* (*affiliate link) from Deflecto Craft Solutions.

Make sure to burnish the edges of the tape.

I painted the surface of the frame with:

FolkArt Home Decor Chalk Furniture & Craft Paint in Imperial*

I used 3 coats of paint. Make sure to allow good drying time in between coats.

After allowing plenty of time for the red paint to dry and cure.

I gave the frame an aged look by applying a layer of Tattered Angels Decor and DIY Paint*

I wiped it off with a damp paper towel. Leaving bits of the black streaks.

I stamped around the edges of the frame with a crackle background stamp

and Tsukineko StazOn Ink Pad, Jet Black*

Carefully remove the blue painter’s tape mask.

At this point, I stopped and admired my frame for almost a month.

Just waiting for inspiration….

Meet Rachael Cunningham Parr.

I found Rachel, a tin type, years ago while hunting for treasures.

If Rachael is your relative, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t really a gypsy.

(She really is a beautiful woman.)

I embellished the frame with some vintage rickrack, key, and a tiny flower.

“R is for Racheal” was made with Metal Type Charms by Tim Holtz*

Once inspired… I created a couple more frames.

The frames uses charms and hardware from Canvas Corps Brands

and Chitchat Word Stickers by Tim Holtz*.

Now to try this on a bigger frame!

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Deflecto Design Team I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas, views and opinions.”

*Disclaimer: This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

My trip to CHA Paper Arts in Chicago

July 27, 20156 Comments

Last week, I got the opportunity to attend CHA Paper Arts in Schaumburg, IL.

I hadn’t been able to attend a CHA Show (Craft Hobby Association) since the last time

it was in Chicago a few years ago.

As you can imagine I was excited to go. (any excuse for a get-a-way)

I knew going in that it was going to be a small show.

But…by being a small show, it gave me the opportunity to mix, mingle and really get to know people.

I got to meet, in person, a few online friends, was able to make a few more and make some really

great connections. All in all I was satisfied.

Back in it’s hey day, when I had my store, I remember spending three days walking the show

and still not being able to see everything. (those were the days…)

On the first day of the two day show, I did remember to take a few pictures.

I wish I had taken more. Enjoy!

First off in the Sizzix Booth was dies from Stephanie Ackerman.

I’ve been following Stephanie’s blog, Homegrown Hospitality, for years.

She’s a real Superstar in my books.

New House Dies from Tim Holtz and Sizzix

I love the little house dies from the always popular Tim Holtz.

Tim Holtz Holiday Canvas

Ken Oliver of Ken Oliver Crafts

Ken’s another one of my Favorite Superstars. Here I am with Ken and The Paper Forest girls.

They had just taken a picture with Ken and was rubbing it in my face.

So… I made them take another.

I finally got the opportunity to play with Ken’s Color Bursts.

It only took a few minutes to create this masterpiece.

Eileen Hull’s Vintage Camper, Scotty on The Paper Trail at CHA.

Such a cute little camper. You can read about Eileen and Scotty’s Adventure here.

Eileen Hull’s Samples made using Sizzix Dies.

More samples from Eileen.

I met Eileen a few years back and she’s such a sweet and personable lady.

You can’t help but love her. And her dies… they are just too cute.

If I had her camper, I just might enjoy camping. (well maybe)

Another picture with The Paper Forest girls at the Graphic 45 booth.

Graphic 45 World’s Fair

Graphic 45 Mon Amour

Kaisercraft

Ready for Christmas Crafting? I am!

More Kaisercraft Christmas…

Kaisercraft

Little B LLC Christmas

I fell in love with Little B’s New Christmas Washi Tape.

This is another one of those booths where I got talking and forgot to take more pictures.

As a reward for all my work (aka…having fun).

I ended my adventure with a trip to my favorite Big Blue Store, IKEA.

Embossed Bunny Easter Greetings

April 4, 2015April 20, 2015Leave a comment

Sunshine, Spring Flowers, Easter Baskets, Chocolate Bunnies, Family, Easter Sunday.

I hope your day is filling with fun and loving memories.

Have a Wonderful Easter!

FYI:

The Bunny was cut using the Sizzix Bigz Die – Easter Elements by Tim Holtz and tan embossed felt from

Kunin Felt. The background paper is from the “Easter Parade” collection from Doodlebug Design.

Vintage Inspired Hearts

January 19, 2015January 29, 20213 Comments

When we think Valentine’s Day we think hearts, right?

These DIY vintage hearts would also make a sweet gift for a special friend

or they could be used as a decoration in a vintage inspired wedding centerpiece.

Hearts are not just for Valentine’s Day.

How to make Vintage Inspired Hearts (*affiliate link)

Foam Hearts*
Newsprint Paper (mine was a paper sack)
Glue Stick, Craft Glue
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad, Vintage Photo* and Fired Brick*
Ink Blending Tool*
Mod Podge*
Cream Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush, scissors
Chitchat Word Stickers by Tim Holtz*
Twine

*Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Directions:

Cover Smoothfoam Heart with Newsprint paper using glue stick.
Apply a thin coat of cream acrylic paint over heart. Wipe off excess.
Add Fired Brick Ink to heart using the ink applicator. Accent the edges of the heart with the Vintage Photo Ink.
Stick small word stickers onto center of heart.
Apply mod podge over heart for added shine.

To make the heart an ornament:

Poke a small hole into the top of the heart.
Fold a 6″ piece of twine in half, thread bead onto twine. Knot on both sides of the bead to keep in place.
Add small dab of craft glue into hole and insert loose ends of twine.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Smoothfoam Design Team, I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.