Public Service Announcement

When will all this rain stop?  I mean, if I wanted all this rain, I'd live in Seattle.  Seriously, though, I want to remind everyone of the importance of turning on your headlights while driving in the rain.  Many people think that, because they have daytime running lights, that is enough.  Not true.  Daytime running lights do NOT include TAILLIGHTS.  Those are on only when you turn your lights on, or if your headlights come on automatically when it's dark out.  It is very difficult for the car in back of you to see you if it's pouring and your taillights aren't on.  So PLEASE remember to turn on your lights in the rain.

I'll get off my soapbox now.  Thank you!  :)

A Hippie Party

My daughter would have been a wonderful flower child, had she been born in the sixties instead of 2000, so it was no surprise when she told me that she wanted a "hippie/groovy" theme for her eleventh birthday party. Like any good mother, I took her to the party store and bought the themed paper goods:  plates, napkins, cups, table cloth, etc.  We also thought an enjoyable and theme-appropriate activity would be to tie-dye bandannas.  Off to the craft store we went, in search of plain white bandannas and tie-dye materials.  On the invitations, we told the children to come in sixties-themed clothing.The kids had a great time, and the tie-dyeing wasn't as messy as we had thought it would be.   The tie-dyed peace-sign cake that my niece made was also a big hit.   I took a lot of pictures, and I made the two-page layout below with some of them.

 

I decided to use black cardstock by American Crafts as my base.  I knew that I was going to use very bright, vibrant colors in my patterned paper, and I wanted the colors to stand out.  For the title, I used various acrylic paints to embellish chipboard letters like these from We R Memory Keepers.  I cut the embellishments from the party bags using my Cricut Expression. To make them shiny, I applied a coat of Diamond Glaze by JudiKins.  A decorative border, punched with a Martha Stewart border punch, completed the funky look that I was trying to create.Try adding some "groovy" touches to your child's next birthday party.  You don't have to make the theme a "hippie" style.  You can incorporate colorful products to make any party lively and fun. 

Some Sad News

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm no longer working at The Ink Pad.  I'm very upset about it, but I thought everyone should know that I won't be teaching there anymore either.  I do plan to teach at other stores, though, so I'll update my blog when I have the information.

Stamping 101 April 17 at The Ink Pad

Stamping 101:  You’ve just bought some cool stamps (at The Ink Pad, of course).  You’ve even bought an inkpad or two.  You saw some gorgeous samples in the store.  Now what?  What do you do with all that stuff?  How do you begin?  Join me as I show you the basics of stamping:  which inks to use with which papers; how to get a clear, crisp impression; how to use rubber and unmounted stamps; and more.   No experience or supplies necessary.

Call now to reserve your spot; space is limited!  (212) 463-9876

Scrapping Disney Characters

Hi there!  My newest article is up on Scrapjazz.  It's all about scrapbooking photos of all those Disney characters.  I hope you get a chance to check it out.  Thanks for stopping by!

New Classes at The Ink Pad!

I'll be teaching 2 classes at The Ink Pad in the coming months.  On Tuesday, March 20th (7:15-9:15 p.m.), I'll be teaching Scrapbook Layout Design.  Here is the class description:

Scrapbook Layout Design:  Have you ever wondered why certain colors go so well together, or why your eye is drawn to a particular page or design?  In this class, I will show you some of the building blocks of design, including color theory, balance, and the basic elements of a scrapbook page.  You will create a 1-page layout, so please bring three or four standard (4 x 6) photos with you.  You will also need:  double-sided adhesive/tape, a paper trimmer, a pencil, scissors, and a ruler.  This is a beginner class, but more advanced scrapbookers are also welcome. 

On Tuesday, April 17th (7:15-9:15 p.m.), I'll be teaching Stamping 101.  Here is the class description:

Stamping 101:  You’ve just bought some cool stamps (at The Ink Pad, of course).  You’ve even bought an inkpad or two.  You saw some gorgeous samples in the store.  Now what?  What do you do with all that stuff?  How do you begin?  Join me as I show you the basics of stamping:  which inks to use with which papers; how to get a clear, crisp impression; how to use rubber and unmounted stamps; and more.   No experience or supplies necessary.(I'll be posting the photo soon.)

Call now to reserve your spot; space is limited!  (212) 463-9876

One Little Word: February

For this month's layout, I used the word "little" in  a very literal way.  This layout is all about some very "little" clothes that I found in storage under my bed, and the memories that are tied to them.  In my journaling, I write about how both my children wore these clothes and how much they have changed.

I really like that I've decided that there are no rules for my OLW album.  It's very freeing, and it's time that I spend reflecting on me and my life.  Thanks for stopping by.