Monday, September 22, 2008

CHF Challenge - Paint Dabbers

I was lucky enough to have gone to CHA this last Summer.  It was my first and hopefully not my last experience.  While there, I had a chance to watch Tim Holtz demonstrate how to use the Adirondack Paint Dabbers in his creations.

One of the things I learned while watching the master at work was how he used the Paint Dabber to stamp.  Start by dabbing the paint onto the stamp first (to get the paint flowing onto the surface) and then to wipe with the dabber to evenly coat.  This helps the paint completely cover the surface and maintains the image you are trying to stamp.  Very cool tip!

This week, the CHF team has a challenge to use Paint Dabbers on our project.  The items are the Product Spotlight in the forum and are also on sale for the next two weeks in the store.

Mini Clipboard:


I've opted to follow Tim Holtz tips and "painted" my lily with Snow White Paint Dabber and stamping onto the Scrapblock layer.  To give a bit more prominence to this layer, I sponged over the paper with Weathered Wood Distress Ink.  The paint resisted the ink and really stands out.


For more inspiration, be sure to check out the rest of the team participating:

-Julia
-Kristine
-Kim
-Sherrie
-Joanne

Thanks for stopping by,
Lisa
-------------------------------------
Supplies:
-Modern Lily by CHF
-Everyday Petites (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF
-Weathered Wood Backgrounder by CHF

Ink:
-Weathered Wood Distress Ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Simply Smooth cardstock by Prism

Patterned Paper:
-Scrapblock layers by CHF

Other:
-Mini chip clipboard by Stampendous
-Snow White Acrylic Adirondack Paint Dabber by Ranger
-sewing machine and thread
-lace by Wright's from Hobby Lobby
-grey velvet ribbon by May Arts
-flowers by Prima Marketing
-Hardware by Tim Holtz
-corner rounder by EK Success

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

CHF Challenge - Blog Header Creations

Hello.  No... it's not Monday (at least I hope not!).  I had wanted to join the CHF weekly blog challenge, which we roll out on Mondays, but it was just not possible.  Our weekend was out of control... OK...I know...  which ones aren't?  LOL!

Even though it's not Monday, I was in for this challenge.  Our weekly challenges do not have a time limit, so if you are looking for a great creative jump start, head to the CHF Forums for some fun ideas.  I've used the out of the box Blogger templates for as long as I've had my blog and I really wanted to create my own Blog Header.  And it's really easy.  Honest!  I wouldn't lead you astray!

Here's what I did...

1. I cut a cardstock base of 3.75" x 9.75" and a black cardstock matte of 4" x 10".  I stamped and created the image I wanted, which is a Fall scene using the Primitive Beginnings set, from the Rummage Bin Collection.

2. Once I was happy with the base image, I took a picture.  You'd get perfectly straight results from scanning, but I couldn't get complete technical cooperation on this one... and well, it won't hurt if it's not exact (in my opinion).

3. I used Photoshop to edit the picture (shadows, etc.), just as I would my card creations.

4. Then, to add my blog name, I used the Text tool and a very cool font.

5. Resize according to the blog Header size.  The template I had called for the width to be 750 pixels, which I found specified when I opened the Header to edit (this wasn't something I knew inherently).

6. Upload the picture and Voila!  It's that easy.

Since I know many people use readers or other feeds, here's my new blog header:

So what do you think?

I just love this set... it's so sweet.  I used Fall colors and plan to change this out with the seasons now that I know how easy it is.  So, will you take the challenge to change with us?
The other fine ladies that participated in this challenge are:

Kristine
Jennifer
Lesley

Thanks and I hope you'll get the blog banner bug with us!  Post here and let me know if you do!  I'd love to see what you create.

Thanks for stopping by,
lise
------------------------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Primitive Beginnings (The Rummage Bin) by CHF


Ink:
-Scattered Straw, Peeled Paint, Broken China, Black Soot, Walnut Stain, Fired Brick, Dried Marigold Distress Inks by Ranger


Paper:
-Natural White Classic Crest cardstock by Neenah
-Black Prismatic cardstock by Prism Papers


Other:
-Glossy Accents by Ranger
-Copic Markers by Imagination International, Inc.
-Liquid Applique by Marvy
-Sponges
-Inspiration from Dawn Lusk (the master at scene creations - luv ya, Dawn!)

Thursday, September 11, 2008

We Remember..

The irony of today is that I'll be on a plane flying home this evening... and I can't help but remember September 11th for what it represents.  As I leave Newark Int'l airport, I'll fly over Manhattan Island and see the city of New York with it's altered skyline.  I actually see the change there as a badge of honor, to remember those that fought and lost... and those that didn't have a chance to fight.

We remember...

I think it's appropriate to share this card with you, created earlier in the year and not shared on my blog.

Land of the Free:
Thank you to all the men and women that keep us safe, either in the armed forces, national services, police or fire protection.  My hat's off to you...

Thanks for stopping by,
Lisa
-----------------------------------------------
Supplies Used:
Stamps:
-The Land of the Free (Thomas Kinkade series) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Hometown Pride (Thomas Kinkade series) by Cornish Heritage Farms


Ink:
-Espresso Adirondack dye by Ranger


Paper:
-Classic Crest Cream by Neenah from www.ellenhutson.com
-Twilight Dark, Blush Red Dark and Suede Brown Light cardstocks by Prism (CC01 - CHF Memorial Day Color Challenge), Black Prismatic by Prism
-Translucent Vellum by Prism


Other:
-Hardware (Vintage Brass) by We R Memory Keepers
-1-1/4" and 1-3/8" square punches by EK Success
-Brayer
-Copic Markers (see picture for list)
-Dimensional tape
-White gel pen by Ranger
-grosgrain ribbon by May Arts
-Heat gun (optional)

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Thomas Kinkade Series Paper Packs - Christmas Creations

I had a few minutes one evening and thought I'd dig into the gorgeous Thomas Kinkade Christmas Series paper pack from CHF.  The papers are 8"x8" and perfectly sized for scrapbooking and cardmaking...

Well, I was in a hurry and didn't think I'd get too far... BUT... I surprised myself by completing a few things.

Silent Night:


Lightpost Card:

I used pre-embossed cards by DCWV and added a bit of the patterned paper.  A little touch of glitter rounded out the simplicity of the design.  Voila!

I almost felt guilty in how quick these came together... until I remembered how many cards I send out each holiday.  It's nice to know I'll be able to complete a bunch of these in an evening and have one less thing to worry about when the holidays roll around this year.
Thanks for stopping by,
lise
-----------------------------------
Silent Night Card Supplies:
Stamps:
-"Silent Night" sentiment from Christmas Expressions stamp Set (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF


Ink:
-Tuxedo Black Memento Ink by Tsukineko


Paper:
-Mystic Light cardstock by Prism Papers
-DCWV pre-embossed cards (5.5" square)


Other:
-dimensional tape
-Rhinestone sticker by Michael's
-Atyou Spicca glitter pens
-----------------------------------
Lightpost Card Supplies:
Stamps:
-none (!!!!)


Ink:
-Vintage Photo Distress ink by Ranger


Paper:
-DCWV pre-embossed cards (5.25" square)


Patterned Paper:
-Thomas Kinkade Series Pack Christmas Paper


Other:
-Atyou Spicca glitter pens
-Dimensional tape

Monday, September 8, 2008

CHF Challenge - Adirondack Inks

It's Monday... and while that may seem like a bummer... it means that we have another weekly blog challenge at Cornish Heritage Farms.  We invite you to join us this week (and any week) with our challenges.  It's an amazing way to get crafting (as if we need an excuse - LOL)!  You can find details of our weekly challenges, color challenges and techniques in the forums (each phrase is a link to the location, if you are interested).

This week, our challenge is to use Adirondack inks.  I find that any of the Ranger inks are fantastic, but the Adirondack inks are now my go-to ink for any papercrafting.  I can't live without them!  The colors are rich and true, and with 48 different shades, I'm never lacking for a color.  To read more about the inks, check out Julia's post about the Product Spotlight HERE.

Camp Card Set:


My project for this week's challenge was fast and functional.  I needed 5 cards and I had about 30 minutes to create and write in them...

I sent these with my daughter, slipping them in her pack... one for each day of the week she'll be at camp.  I wrote a simple note to her so she'll have a little surprise.  My mom did the same thing.  If I know better, my daughter will get homesick about half-way through Tuesday evening, so these notes will be a big help.

The card base is Classic Crest Solar White cardstock by Neenah and has an embossed square on the front, made with my Nestabilities set.  Very, very simple, but all unique.

Check out the other members of the CHF team participating in the challenge:

-Julia
-Joanne
-Kristine
-Julie
-Carole
-Dawn
-Jen
-Kim
-Alli
-Michele
-Becky
-Val

Thanks for stopping by,
Lisa
------------------------------------------
Supplies:
-Fall Silhouettes and Tag! You're It! unmounted stamp sets (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Ink:
-Red Pepper, Ginger, Butterscotch, Terra Cotta, Meadow and Espresso Adirondack dye inks by Ranger

Paper:
-Classic Crest Solar White cardstock by Neenah

Other:
-Nestabilities by Spellbinder

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Two Crafts Collide


I spent a hectic week getting my daughter ready for camp.  Her grade school does an outdoor curriculum program for science.  They head to Cuivre River State park for a week of camping, hiking and nature studies.  I'm so excited for her... I had a similar opportunity as a 6th grader at Our Lady of Loretto school at Camp 40 Legends.  It really takes me back!  I still remember everything we did at camp.  It holds a special place in my heart and I'm really excited she has the chance to go too.

So, to prep her, one of the items I tried to find was a shower caddy, where it would hold all her supplies.  She will have timed showers (ROTFLMAO)!  I can just imagine kids lined up for showers and having only 3 minutes... juggling all their things.  And as I shopped, I couldn't find what I had in mind, so I decided to make it myself.

That's where the two crafts collide... stamping and sewing.  I'm not a strong sewer.  I can handle the basics and have always made my own curtains and things.  This was actually a fast and easy project and one I'm sure Rachel will use again in the future.

Shower Bag:

I bought clear plastic sheeting at the fabric store (on the large 54" bolts with the other plastic table-cloth-like materials). I stamped a length of clear sheeting with Cotton White Stazon and the Pin Dot Scrapblock. This was SO easy to cover, since the Scrapblock is 6"!!! Love this

I also stamped on a smaller length - Rachel's name from the Quirky Alphabet and some fun details with Jet Black Stazon.  I colored the images with my Copic Markers from the opposite side.  Copics are perfect for this as they are not water soluble.

After I finished stamping everything, I started sewing.  It's really basic, but will be perfect.
The small section is the pocket in front, perfect for her toothbrush and toothpaste.


The bag is designed to hang in the shower with her and has drain holes in the bottom, which I made with the Crop-o-dile.  And... there will be no mistaking her supplies from her friends.  Perfection.


Thanks for stopping by today.  I'll have another little project for camp to share tomorrow... fast and simple.
Lisa
--------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Pin Dot Scrapblock (TM) by CHF
-Quirky Alphabet and MochaChica stamp sets (The Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF


Ink:
-Cotton White and Jet Black Stazon by Tsukineko


Othr:
-Copic markers (used to color the images on the reverse side)
-Bias Tape by Wright's
-Sewing machine and Thread
-Clear plastic sheeting (Joanne's)
-Crop-o-dile by We R Memory Keepers

Monday, September 1, 2008

CHF Challenge - Sketch Fun

Happy Labor Day everyone!  I hope you are enjoying your Monday!

This week's challenge is a sketch created by Lisa Strahl, Art Director for Cornish Heritage Farms... oh and it's a great one!!!  I love a good sketch.  It's the perfect jump start to your creation and open for interpretation.

Sept 1st Sketch:
So, this is my creation...

Love Ya:

I used varying shapes in place of the circles down the side, framed the card base with random stitching and added a bit of lace and ribbon to tie it all together.  I really love how this completed...  Such a great sketch!

I hope you'll join us this week in our challenge.  For more information on the the weekly challenges, you can find the details here:

CHF Weekly Challenge Forum

A few of the girls are participating this week.  Check out their intrepretation of the design...

- Dawn
- Jen
- Julie
- Lori
- Kim
- Sherrie
- Michele

Thanks!
Lisa
----------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Pretty Birds, MochaChica, and Scripty Words (the Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Ink:
-Pitch Black Adirondack dye ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Baby Pink Light, Kiwi Light and Dark, Frosted Teal and Intense Teal by Prism Papers

Patterned Paper:
-Mintberry Crush (MochaChica Paper packs) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Other:
-empty copper tag ring by Making Memories
-sewing machine and thread
-Copic Marker
-Staples
-Ribbon by Offray
-Lace by Wrights
-1-1/4" circle punch by EK Success