AWDML Design Team Blog

Inspiration Friday (A little late)

Ooops!  Sorry about this coming so late, folks.  This is Erica with your Inspiration Friday on Sunday night.  :::blushing:::

   
This weeks Inspiration Friday is about taking inspiration from your products. 

Anyone else have something that they keep meaning to scrap but gets pushed aside for other projects?  It could be wedding pics (me!) or a significant birthday or even that once in a lifetime vacation.

As I have only scrapbooked two layouts about my wedding, the Everafter line from Cosmo Cricket inspired me to get another one completed.

Products used~Cardstock-American Crafts, Patterned Paper-Cosmo Cricket, Chipboard-Cosmo Cricket, Border Punches-Ek Success & Fiskars

So, find a product line that has the same theme as that put off project and use it as a jumping board!

Thursday is Gettin' PUNCHY!!

Hi, All!  I wanted to share with you another FUN technique to do with your punches- better yet- your BORDER PUNCHES!  So many people think that border punches are just for straight lines.  Well, that myth goes right out the window today!  Check out this FUN technique to use your border punches to go around curved shapes on your scrappy projects!

Step 1: Punch a strip of paper with your border punch and then trim your paper on your trimmer so that it is about 1 1/2" wide.

Step 2: Run your adhesive along your strip of paper on the TOP side of the paper (the side that will be facing UP).  Then, with a small pair of sharp scissors, cut slits in the strip from the bottom of the strip all the way throug part of the punched pattern.  The paper needs to be able to move around the shape, so it needs to be cut as far as possible without cutting all the way through the strip.  Make these slits all the way across the strip of paper at each "notch" in the punch pattern.

Step 3: Begin working your strip around the underneath of your shaped paper.  Attach each tab indivudually.  Each tab wil overlap slightly.

Step 4:  Continue working your strips all the way around your shape.  Depending on the size of your shape, you may have to use more than one strip.

 
Now you can finish your project!

This technique is FUN to do with many different punches and many different shapes!  Have fun!
 

Supplies Used: Bo Bunny Peacock Lane Patterned Papers, American Crafts Cardstock, American Crafts Thickers, White Pen, Prima Flowers, Martha Stewart Punch

Thanks for stopping by!  Make it a great day!

~~Nicole~~

Inchies - Step by Step Tutorial

Hey artists, Kim here with you today!  I want to share with you my first attempt at making inchies!  If you are anything like me, inchies are a brand new idea and you may be asking yourself, "what is she talking about?" 

Inchies are small pieces of art approximately 1 inch square.  Quick and easy pieces to use on almost anything you create.  What I loved about making them, was the ability to create 7 different pieces of art in a short period of time.  I choose to make mine all coordinate, but the options are endless.  Inchies can be painted, scrapbooked, drawn -- virtually any form of art can be used.  Here is my process for the ones I made.

1. I gathered my supplies:

 

- water

-paintbrush

-chipboard pieces

-stamps

-adhesive canvas

-paints

-black ink

Your supplies could be anything you want.  Remember you are creating miniature pieces of art or miniature scrapbooks if you will.  The design elements are totally up to you!

2. I cut a strip of my canvas 1 inch wide and used my paintbrush to soak it with water:

 

3 - Using very small abouts of paint, I applied the colors to my strip.  I continued to add water as I went, dabbing the excess color with a paper towel until I was happy with the results:

4 - Using a heat gun, I dried my strip:

 

5 -  Using a black ink pad, I stamped my images on my strip, dried them with my heat gun, and added additional spots of color with my paintbrush:

6 - I cut apart the images, removed the adhesive backing, applied them to my chipboard square, and trimmed off the excess canvas.

7 - Using a black ink pad and ink applicator, I covered the edges with black ink:

 

8- To add shimmer, I spritzed with a glimmer paint:

 

9 - After drying, I had 7 miniature pieces of art:

 

I ended up using 3 of my pieces on a card, but you can do whatever you'd like with them!  My favorite idea is to start my own collection of inchie art!

Follow my links to gather your supplies in the store!

Adhesive Canvas - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=sticky-back&inc_subcat=0&sort=20a&alpha_filter_id=82

Acrylic Samps - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=acrylic

Adirondack Paint Dabbers - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=dabbers

Heat Gun - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=heat+gun

Memento Ink - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=memento

Ranger Distressed Ink Pads - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=ranger+distressed+pad

Ranger Applicator Tool - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=617_48_210&products_id=9827

 
 
  
 
 

Friday Inspiration!

Do you ever have a time when you make a layout, card or other project and then you step back to look at it and think, "Ho-Hum."  You stare at it trying to decide what it needs to make it really POP!  Well, I have a super-simple suggestion for you that will POP your socks off!  Grab your white pen and add some doodling.  Doodling can range from very intricate swirls and patterns to simple dots and faux stitching. 

On this layout I had FUN adding tons of white dots around the edges of the papers and when I stepped back again, it looked to me like it had a lot more dimension and FUN to my page!

And, here's another one where the white circle of dots really completed the page and the white dots also helped to pop the journaling strips and heart out from the patterned paper background.

 
  So, grab your white pen and go to town on your pages!  You'll be amazed at the difference a little white dot can make!

AWDML Produts Used: Echo Park Sweet Summer Time Patterned Paper, American Crafts Cardstock, Prima Flocked Alpha Stickers, Imaginisce Lucy Bird Patterned Paper, Clearsnap Cat's Eye Ink, Prima Flowers, Bo Bunny Double Dot Naked Chipboard, WHITE PEN! 

Thanks for stopping by today!

--Nicole

WINNER...WINNER :)

So ladies...Thanks for all of your comments about Pebbles, and a HUGE thanks to Lynn & Pebbles for the great interview and give-a-way.  Here is the email from Lynn @ Pebbles with the winners name!!!

 

Okay so I had my boys pick a number between 1 - 18 and they picked 10 which means the winner is Jackie R. who posted on August 16th at 5:55PM.  If you want to post an update on the AWDML blog with the winner and ask her to send an email with her mailing address to [email protected] with the subject "AWDML Winner" that would be great! 

Thanks again for the feature!  I appreciate your support of Pebbles!

Lynn :)

Using your Punches to Create Fun Borders!

Happy Thursday everyone, Kim here!  Border strips are all the rage in scrapbooking these days.  Whether they be premade borders or homemade borders, they add instant interest and dimension to every layout! Sure, you can buy some fabulous border punches these days, but what about creating your own?  After all, we all have a stash of regular punches laying around collecting dust!  Why not put them to good use and create your own borders?   

Example #1:

 

Can you spot the three different punches used on this layout to create borders?  Well, let's take a close up look:

The stars are the easy one --- a basic star punch all lined up with one tip of the star overlapping -- pretty cute, huh?  What about that fun scallop border?  Any guesses on what shape I used?  It's an old Fiskar's heart punch that I have had laying around for years --- with the hearts upside down!

Here's another closeup:

This one is easy too - but one of my favorites to use - circles!  Circles make fun borders no matter what size they are.  Here is another example with a circle punch used to make borders:

No closeups necessary with this one -- but look how fun those circles are!  For these half circles, I placed my circle punch half way in on one edge of my paper and punched.  Of course, you can also achieve the same look by cutting them in half or tucking them under the edge of your paper.

Almost any shape can be used to create fun borders -- flowers would be fabulous, tickets would be terrific, scallops would be super --- well, you get the idea!  Just experiment with what you have in your stash!

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Products Used:

My Mind's Eye - Abbey Road Collection - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=62&sort=20a&filter_id=619&alpha_filter_id=0

Crate Paper School Spirit - on Pre-order in the store - http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/store/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=School+Spirit

Step by Step Circle Card

Happy Tuesday!  Today I am going to share with you step by step instructions to make an adorable circle shaped card using October Afternoon's Fly a Kite collection.

Here is the card we will be making:

Let's get started.

Step 1: Cut a 5" circle card base out of cardstock and a 4" circle out of patterned paper.  Using a border punch (I used the EK Success embossed scalloped one) create a couple strips of borders to go along the outside edge of the 4" circle.  You will need to create cuts in between each scallop in order for it to go around the edge.  Glue border around back of 4" circle.  Paper pierce each scallop then glue scalloped circle to card base.  Tip: to make paper piercing go a bit quicker, place a piece of foam under the areas you are piercing.

Step 2: Cut out a 3.5" circle from patterned paper.  Punch out 3 1.5" scalloped circles.  Pick out a 2" cardstock circle journal sticker.  Glue 3.5" circle to center of scalloped circle.  Stick journal sticker a bit off center and toward the top of 3.5" circle.  Arrange punched circle in a cluster along edge of journal sticker and use some dimensional adhesive to adhere. 1 scalloped circle will be glued down flat; the remaining 2 will be raised at slightly different heights.

Step 3: Gather Bo Bunny ribbon, creating pleats, and secure with Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.  Cut out 6 flowers from patterned paper.  Glue gathered ribbon around outside edge of 3.5" circle.  Glue 3 flowers at end of ribbon above arranged scalloped circles.  Place remaining 3 flowers in center of punched scalloped circles using dimensional adhesive.

Step 4: Add some cardstock word stickers and the letter U to the journal circle.  Add pearls to the centers of flowers.

There you have it, a cutie lil' circle card for that special friend in your life. 

Products Used:

October Afternoon patterned papers (Fly a Kite) and cardstock stickers

Bo Bunny Double Dot ribbon

EK Success border punch (embossed scallop circle)

Marvy Circle punch

Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher

Product Review: Pebbles Inc.

Hello everyone and happy Monday to you.  Stacy here with your product review.  We are going to take a look at a FABULOUS company Pebbles, and all of the cute products they offer.  Pay attention there might be some goodies involved!!!!

So I have been playing with Pebbles products for a little while now, and let me tell you i'm loving them.  So many cute embellies and fun stuff to go with every line. 

So let's talk papers...The quality of these papers totally rock!  The designs and color combinations will hook you.  If that doesn't do it....how about the little stripe across the bottom of the page.  You know the one ladies that you have to cut off with all of the manufacturer information on it!!!  Well not this line...the make the cutest little decorations on one side of that strip of paper so you can use the entire sheet.  Simply fabulous!!!!  So how about a peak of a few of the paper lines over at the AWDML Store right now.

Pebbles Downtown Line:

 
Pebbles Linnie Belle Line:

Pebbles So Tweet Line:

Now that's just a couple of the lines.  Keep your eyes on the AWDML Store for the new lines Girl & Boy and also Cats & Dogs.

So super cute paper huh?  Ok lets take a look at some fun embellies.  One of my favorite things to play with are the Pebbles Dots.  They remind me of the candy dots I use to eat when I was younger.  They add a little sparkle to your layouts and your cards and are perfect for those spots that just need a little something else.  With the huge variety of colors why not grab them all?!?!?! 

Another fun embellies are the Glitter Chips.  Perfect to use with your pop dots and give a little dimension to your projects.

 
There are many more fabulous Pebbles products to pick from so warm up those fingers and go shopping here.

I have to say a HUGE thank you toLynn Ghahary, who is the DT Coordinator at Pebbles for doing an interview with me.  See all of Lynn's fabulous answers below. 

INTERVIEW :

When and how was Pebbles formed?

 

Pebbles Inc was founded in 2001 as the manufacturing arm of the Pebbles in My Pocket retail stores of Utah. The Pebbles brand was sold to American Crafts in 2009 although it continues to operate under its own name.

How long have you been with the company?

 

I joined Pebbles Inc in July 2009 as a design team member.  In February 2010 I became the design team coordinator and blog hostess for Pebbles and continue in that role today.

Who designs all of the fabulous products?

 

Lindsay Bowerman and Josh Mackey are the

 talented designers behind all of Pebbles fabulous products.

What has been your favorite line so far to create with and why?

 

Tough question - I love to create with all of the Pebbles collections!  If I had to choose one I would probably pick Tree House.  I love the bright colors and fun mix of patterns.  Plus the little birdies used throughout the collection are just too cute!

What fun things can we expect from the company in the future?

 

Pebbles has expanded its line of embellishments with both their Winter 2010 and Summer 2010 releases to include such goodies as coordinating Chips, Rub Ons, Epoxy and Metal brads and more recently Felt Embellishments, Dimensional Stickers, and Coordinating Buttons just to name a few.  I am certain you will continue to see even more new embellishments with future Pebbles releases.   

Anything else you want to share with us?

How about some Pebbles goodies!  On behalf of Pebbles I'd love to share some of my favorite Pebbles products with one of you.  All you have to do to enter is become a Pebbles blog follower and leave a message on this post letting me know that you are now following the Pebbles blog.  I'll choose a random winner to receive a Pebbles prize package.  You have until Wednesday 8/18 at 11:59pm EST to enter.

WOOHOO!!!!!  Did you read that ladies?!?!?!?!  Your chance for some Pebbles goodies.  Make sure you follow the Pebbles blog and leave a comment here letting Lynn know you are a follower and you have a chance at some goodies!!!

Again...thanks a bunch for taking the time to answer some questions Lynn and for the Pebbles give-a-way!!!  

Well good luck ladies and make sure you upload your Pebbles Projects for us to see over at the AWDML Gallery and come chat with us in the Forum.

Until next time....Happy Scrapping.

~~Stacy~~

Inspiration Friday!

Hello there, Kim here and I'm sharing some inspiration with you today!  I love the new feature, Inspiration Fridays, such a great start to the weekend!  Today my inspiration comes in the form of layouts created with one of my favorite lines, Quite Contrary, by My Mind's Eye! 

It is impossible to go wrong with My Mind's Eye, especially with all their matching embellishments, journaling cards and alphabets!  Everything coordinates and looks so great together - the ultimate in Mix & Match lines!

You can find the whole line in the store here !  I can't wait to see your creations in the gallery!   

  

It's All About Layers!

Hi There Everybody, Happy Thursday!  It's Scarlett here today to share with you some ideas and a technique for layering with your punches. 

First up, a technique for covering up shapes with border punches.  I think the first time I ever saw this done was by our very own Nicole.  I fell in love with the LO she created using this technique and stored it away in my brain for later use. Let's get started!

Step 1: Prepare Your Paper

To begin this technique, you are going to need the shape you would like to cover and enough punched border strips to cover it.  You will also need to create a strip with both edges punched.  I created mine a bit wider than the rest of the strips I was using.  For this project, I used a 3.5" circle, which took 12 strips to cover, not counting the center strip.

Step 2: Cover Up Your Shape

You'll have to forgive me because I got so engrossed in creating I forgot to take a picture of this step and recreated it.  In this step, you are going to cover up your circle with the border strips.  Place a strip at the bottom and glue, then place a strip at the top and glue.  Continue until your strips meet in the middle.  I worked alternately at the top and bottom, to ensure I would meet in the middle evenly.  Then place your double punched strip across the middle.  Trim off excess strips from the sides.

Step 3: Embellish Your Circle

I chose to add a punched scalloped edge around the outside to give my circle the appearance of a flower.  Then I topped it off with a punched circle and butterfly.

Step 4: Finished Project

This technique does take a bit of time with all the punching involved, but it sure is worth it.  I think it creates such a pretty background.

Here are some other ideas for layering up your projects using punches:

Layer Your Shapes (in my case circles)

Create dimensional layers with your punches and then add a punched edge around to finish off.

Use your punches in combination with other supplies in your stash and patterns cut from your paper to create embellishments on your pages.

Layer borders to create depth and interest on your LOs

Using a couple different border punches along with straight edged paper makes for delightful layers.

I hope I have been able to kick start your mojo thinking layers.  So, the next time you are working on a project bust out those punches and layer them on up!

Happy Scrappin'!!

Products Used in Creations:

Pucnhes - Fiskars Apron Lace

EK Success Double Crochet Lace

EK Success Martha Stewart Scallop Dot

Fiskars Upper Crest

Marvy Circle Punches

Patterned Papers - October Afternoon Fly A Kite

Studio Calico Documentary & Anthology

Letters - Studio Calico

Embellishments - October Afternoon

Cosmo Cricket

Stamps - Unity Stamp Co.

Distressing with the blending foam

Hey there everyone Stacy here.  Ok so who doesn't love Ranger Tim Holtz distress inks????  I totally love this stuff and trying out fun looking things.

Today i'm going to show you how to completely transform your ordinary tag to something fabulous!!!  What you will need is some distress inks.  On this tag I used dusty concord, peeled paint, and faded jeans.  Grab yourblending tool and some blending foam and you will be all set.

So this blending tool is simply fabulous.  It allows you to blend the inks so easily and keeps your hands pretty clean at the same time.  This tool allows you to add just a touch of ink, or a little heavier in spots if you want.

Step 1:  Place your tag on top of some scrap paper to keep your area clean.  Start by dabbing your tool with the foam on the end on it onto the ink pad. I just start rubbing the tool in a circular motion on the the tag in a couple of different spots.  No need to worry what it looks like because it will all blend together nicely.

Step 2:  You want to do this with all of the colors you are going to use on your tag.

Step 3:  Now that you have your base colors down...well this is where the blending comes in.  Start using a little of your colors here and there on your tag and blend them together.  You can do this by just moving the blending tool in circles making sure to mix the colors together on the tag. This will take some time so be patient but you will soon see results.  It will give your tag a very pretty look.

Step 4:  Embellish your tag.  You can add anything and everything you want to your tag.  On this tag I just stamped on it when I was finished.  You can add bling, flowers , ribbon... the possibilities are endless.

Here is my finished tag.

Ok ladies...hope on over to the AWDML Store and grab all the goodies you need to create one rockin' tag!

Until next time....Happy scrapping.

~~Stacy~~

Made You Look Monday: DeLovely is Here!!!

Hi all, it's Erica again!

The New Products section of the store is rocking right now!  Lisa's started getting in some of the new goodies from CHA and it's just drool worthy over there!

Now, the line I'm focusing on today isn't new this CHA but it's new to the store and one of my favorite releases ever!  It's Cosmo Cricket's DeLovely!

Aren't the colors gorgeous?  They are soft and bright at the same time, I just adore them!

The chipboard designs are just fantastic with a great style range from whimsical to vintage. 

There are also three coordinating colors of Tiny Type available in the store.  Turquoise and pinkand new this CHA release...yellow!!!

I've saved the best part of DeLovely for last.  It's included in Lisa's awesome CHAClearance sale and is 15% off right now!  So, head on over and check out DeLovely, you won't be disappointed!