Celebrate!

Sharing another casualty of the editing process... LOL!

Supplies used:  Bazzill cardstock; Fancy Pants patterned paper; Crafter's Companion stamps (Popcorn Bear - Smile) and Ultra Smooth alcohol marker cardstock; Ranger Tim Holtz distress ink;  Spectrum Noir markers (see below for palette); Martha Stewart Crafts punch; Offray ribbons; Scrapbook Adhesives foam adhesive; Dodz; Ranger Stickles, Glossy Accents.

Spectrum Noir palette:
Popcorn Bear:  TN1, FS3, EB2
Blanket:  DR2, DR4, DR6, TN1, FS3
Balloons:  LG1, LG2, LG3, CT1, CT2, CT4, PP1, PP3, TB4, TB5, TB7

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  April 2013 (deadline:  Apr 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

GDT - Just Imagine Crafts

Today, my final project using the Kreaxions products.  You can see it on their blog here.

I used a Unity Stamp Co. stamp that I've had for a while now - just haven't had the opportunity to use it!  It's so funny:

Supplies used: HalCraft USA card base;  Bazzill cardstock, Kreaxions circle cutter; Crafter's Companion Ultra Smooth Premium White cardstock; Unity Stamp Co. stamp (Crappy Day); Spectrum Noir markers (palette below);  My Little ShoeBox patterned paper; Ranger Industries Glossy Accents; Maya Road ribbon; Scrapbooks Adhesives foam adhesive.

Spectrum Noir palette:

TP Roll:  IG1, IG2, Colourless blender

Hearts:  CR5, CR6, CR7, CT2, CT3, CT4, CG1, CT2, CT3

I used the Kreaxions circle cutter to cut a circle.  To be totally honest, it took me a few tries to get the hang of this tool.  But once I did, it was quite easy to use!  The only drawback, for me, is the tiny hole that is created by the tool, in the centre of your project.  Usually, you can flick your nail across the paper on the back and it covers the hole, but I can still see it on this project.   :(

I stamped the heart blocks and cut them out individually to create a border.  I popped one off to the side, and added some Glossy Accents to the heart, as well as the one on the TP roll.

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenge on my blog for a chance to win:

Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/13)
It's a Sketchy Challenge:  February 2013 (deadline:  Mar 14/13)

GDT - Just Imagine Crafts

Another project created for the Just Imagine/Kreaxions blog last week!  You can view it on their blog here.

Supplies used:  HalCraft USA card base;  Bazzill cardstock; Kreaxions 4-in-1 punch (902 – Daisy); Crafter's Companion Ultra Smooth Premium White cardstock and stamp (Rosie Ballerina); Spectrum Noir markers (palette below);  Fancy Pants patterned paper; Spellbinders Nestabilities die (scalloped circle); Offray ribbon.

Spectrum Noir palette:
Hair:  TN7, TN8
Lips:  PP2
Tutu, shoes, ribbons:  BT1, BT2, BT3
Basket:  TN5, TN6
Posey:  CT2, CT3, LG2
Floor:  EB1, EB2
Shadowing:  IG1

I'm not crazy about this card (I think the black base is too dark - maybe a kraft or turquoise would have been better?), but I love how the stamped image turned out!  I just received this stamp a week or so ago and was dying to colour it!  So cute - and it was quick and easy to colour, since most of it was left white with just a hint of colour!

Thanks for visiting!

52 Week Journal: Week 3

Another week of journaling - did you play along?

There's a link to Week 3 below, but I wanted to share my Week 2 journal page for my 52 Week Journal:

Supplies:  Crafters' Companion Ultra Smooth Premium White cardstock; Spectrum Noir markers; PaperMate Flair marker (LOVE this marker for doodling/journaling!)

(Sorry for the wonky, blurry photo - I snapped it quickly today with my iPhone in my studio so it's not the best, but you get the gist...)

Page #3 is downloaded and ready for journaling this week - You can download your copy here:

Journal Page #3 (scroll to the bottom for links to the blank or pre-coloured pages)

I will share my completed page next Saturday and hope you will share yours as well!  Happy Journaling!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
It's a Sketchy Challenge (deadline: Jan 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/12)

52 Week Journal: Week 2

So, did you have fun this week, recording random facts about your life?  I did - using my Spectrum Markers and adding my own designs to the blank journal page!

There's a link to Week 2 below, but I wanted to share my Week 1 journal page for my 52 Week Journal:

Supplies:  Crafters' Companion Ultra Smooth Premium White cardstock; Spectrum Noir markers; PaperMate Flair marker (LOVE this marker for doodling/journaling!)

I've printed Page 2 and am looking forward to completing it this week.  You can download your copy here:

Journal Page #2 (scroll to the bottom for links to the blank or pre-coloured pages)

I will share my completed page next Saturday and hope you will share yours as well!  Happy Journaling!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
It's a Sketchy Challenge (deadline: Jan 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/12)

Winter Wishes

I wanted to share another card that I created, using the Royal Christmas line by Websters' Pages, this adorable Popcorn the Bear stamp and my Spectrum Noir markers.

Supplies used:  Bazzill Basics and Crafter's Companion cardstock; Websters' Pages patterned paper and glitter ribbon; Crafter's Companion stamps (With Love and Winter Wishes); Spectrum Noir markers; Scrapbooks Adhesives dimensional adhesive;  Silhouette Cameo; Doily Circles 1 cutting file by Bird's Cards; Ranger Stickles.

Spectrum Noir palette:
Popcorn Bear: GB8, GB10, EB6
Blanket: EB1, TN1, FS3
Blanket stitching: EB7
Paws, patch: EB6, EB7, EB8
Leaves, stem: CG2, CG3, JG5
Flower:  BP2, BP3, BP5, JG5
Heart: BP6
Sentiment banner:  BP2

When I discovered that my white cardstock clashed with the patterned papers I was using, I simply used the broad tip of my marker to colour a section of cardstock, and stamped right over top for an instant match!  To glitz it up a bit, I added Stickles to the edge of the banner and the flower centre.

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
It's a Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Dec 31/12)
Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/13)

Inspiration Elevator: Challenge 8

You may recall from last month's challenge that the purpose of this challenge group was to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. You can view all of the challenges on my blog here.

Please join me in welcoming Michelle Hernandez as a guest designer this month! We are so fortunate to have her joining us as we explore our scrapbooking limits. Michelle uses a variety of techniques to take her pages to the next level. You can see her amazing creations at her blog My Analog Life.

This month, it was my turn to challenge my talented team members. Because I feel so strongly about it, I chose to share my Leave Your Legacy (LYL) challenge with them to see how they would interpret it. I shared my reasons for the LYL challenges with them and then shared this month's challenge:

I think it's important to document your fears as well as your happy times and accomplishments. Many times, things of which we are FEARFUL,  often characterize our personalities. It's also rewarding to be able to  look back, once you have overcome a fear, to realize how far you have come. On the heels of my husband's heart attack, this was an obvious choice for me, but it's difficult to put into words the FEAR that you feel when faced with the possible loss of your partner. I want to remember the fear that we both felt, so that it will help us to stick to our commitment of living a healthier, less stressful life.

So what is it that you FEAR the most?

 Not only do I want you to scrapbook about a FEARFUL topic, but I also want you to include at least ONE product that you have avoided using.   Maybe it's because you are hoarding it and are FEARFUL of using it all, or maybe you are intimidated by it. Whatever the reason, spread your wings and challenge yourself to use it.

I will share my layout here but have close-ups and details HERE when I posted the LYL challenge:

Supplies used:  Canadian Scrapbooker Super Stock; Bo Bunny patterned paper; Just Cre8 stamps (Love Gives You Wings); Ranger embossing powder; Spectrum Noir markers; K&Company, Recollections and unknown washi tape; American Craft letter stickers; Prima Marketing bling and flowers; The Twinery twine; miscellaneous buttons and flowers from my stash.

For the second part of my challenge, I used my washi tape!! I have been hording it something fierce because I love it so much!! But using so much of it on my layout really helped me to get over that fear - because if I use it, I get to buy more, right?  Right?!?!

Another note:  Since challenging my teammates, you may have noticed that my topic evolved.  Yes, the fear of living without my husband is debiliating for me, but on top of that, the fear of my children having to go through life at a young age without one or both their parents is what scared me more.

And until today, in light of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT, yesterday, it never occurred to me that I should also be fearful of losing my children. :(  My heart literally ACHES in my chest.  I can't even express how this makes me feel.  No parent should ever have to outlive their child.

To honour the memories of the 26 victims, 20 of which were children, please remember to hug your children a little tighter tonight and to remind them how much you love them.

And please stop by my teammates' blogs, as they share what they fear most, right now:

                                 Sue Sykes  ** you are here! **

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

                         Michelle Hernandez, Guest Designer

I appreciate and read every one of your comments but if you play along with us this month and scrap what you fear most, please be sure to ALSO link up your project on my LYL challenge for a chance to win this Cocoa Daisy monthly kit!

See below for a link to the challenge...

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

It's a Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Dec 31/12)

Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/13)

Tuesdays With The Team - With Love

Today, I'd like to share a card I made that was inspired by the December 2012 sketch for the It's a Sketchy challenge!  It's being featured on the Canadian Scrapbooker blog here for our Tuesdays with the Team feature.

For my card, I used the idea of the three panels and the circular elements from the sketch to create this Christmas card, using the adorable Popcorn Bear With Love stamp by Crafter's Companion and my Spectrum Noir markers.

Supplies used:  The Paper Company cardstock; Webster's Pages patterned paper; Crafter's Companion stamp (With Love); Spectrum Noir markers (details provided below); Stickles; Silhouette Cameo; Doily Circles 1 digital cutting file by Bird's Cards; Tim Holtz Distress ink; Scrapbook Adhesives foam adhesive.

Spectrum Noir palette:
Popcorn Bear:  EB1, TN1, EB2
Blanket, paws:  BG6, BG7, BG8
Blanket stitching:  EB2
Flower, patch:  GB1, GB4, GB6
Leaves, stem:  CG1, CG2, CG3
Heart:  GB6

The photos don't do this stamp any justice - nor do they give you a sense of scale!  This is a 15cm x 15cm (6"x6") card - the stamped image measures almost 14 cm (over 5.5") from the top of the flower to the bottom of the paw!

Love how soft the palette is on this card - this line of paper is gorgeous in person!  The Stickles on the ear and stamen add the perfect touch.

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
It's a Sketchy Challenge: December (deadline:  Dec 31/12)
Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/13)

Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (Winter 2013)

So excited to share my second Leave Your Legacy (LYL) article published in the Winter 2012/13 issue!  Well, you'll have to purchase the magazine to read the article, but I will share my layout and the challenge here!

With each issue, I will challenge our readers to participate.  (To learn more about the LYL articles and challenges, please visit my LYL page for more info)  Each quarter, I will share my layout and will invite you to link up your layouts completed for this challenge here to share with everyone.  I'm even going to throw in a prize for each challenge!

This month, I am giving away a sold out kit from Cocoa Daisy, Tea & Cupcakes:

Isn't it positively yummy?!  Click here for a list of contents.

For this issue, the topic is What You Fear Most.  This topic came about after Gary's heart attack, when I realized what I feared most.  Here's my layout:

Supplies used:  Canadian Scrapbooker Super Stock; Bo Bunny patterned paper; Just Cre8 stamps (Love Gives You Wings); Ranger embossing powder; Spectrum Noir markers; K&Company, Recollections and unknown washi tape; American Craft letter stickers; Prima Marketing bling and flowers; The Twinery twine; miscellaneous buttons and flowers from my stash.

Another photoless LYL layout for me (well, the last one had a photo, but it was just a stock photo).  I am thinking about this just now as I'm blogging and realize that because my focus is to tell the story more than leave an image, what you SEE when I create this layout is not as important as what you READ.

Journaling reads:
Afraid of spiders?  Sure, but when I really stop to think about it now, it's not so much a fear (come on, what can they actually DO to me?) but instead, a genuine dislike, they-give-me-the-heebie-jeebies sort of thing.
But fear?  Looking back,  I'd be hard pressed to name something that actually scared me when I was younger.  I was adventurous, a daredevil - I shudder to think of the things that we did when I was in university and college.
It wasn't until I had so much to lose that I actually became fearful.  Within weeks of dating Gary, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.  He's just that kind of guy.  I suddenly couldn't imagine life without him.
And once we had kids, it seemed even more important to have him around.  He is truly my better half - in every sense of the word.  A wonderful father, he's patient and kind and funny - and he is THE ultimate Tickle Monster!
So when Gary suffered a myocardial infarction (or heart attack, for those who have not been touched by this) at the young age of 42, it suddenly became clear what my REAL fear was... I was afraid of my kids having to grow up without the guidance and support of one or both of their parents.
It definitely motivated both of us to eat cleaner, move more and take better care of ourselves.  It was more important than ever now to instill healthy habits in the kids so that this is one fear about which they won't have to worry.

There is some distressing going on with this page - a tear in the corner to show some happy tape, peeping through (note the heart - a play on the cardiac theme, if you will...), as well as the edges of the journaling block and layout itself:

For maximum contrast, I matted the washi tape on Super Stock first, before adhering to the layout.  

I also taped a scrap piece of Super Stock, then stamped and embossed the open heart.

The wings and banner were stamped onto Super Stock and embossed as well.  I then used my Spectrum Noir markers to colour in the wings.  I love that the embossing keeps me within the lines! Makes colouring A LOT faster... :)

Spectrum Markers used:  BP3, BP4, BP7

Please share your LYL layout or project with us below for a chance to win (I will add mine just as an example) - I'd love to see what you create!  Challenge runs from now until Feb. 28th, 2013. Please feel free to email me at sue[AT]canadianscrapbooker[DOT]com, if you have any questions about linking your project.

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a last chance to win:
It's a Sketchy Challenge: Nov (deadline:  Nov 30/12)
Leave Your Legacy Fall 2012 issue: Amazing You (deadline:  Nov 30/12)

My First Attempt

with the Spectrum Noir markers from Canuck Crafts!

I have to admit, this little guy was CALLING my name last night and I couldn't stand to wait until the weekend.  Isn't this stamp set so cute?  Plus, after watching the Spectrum Noir instructional DVD, I was inspired!

If we're keeping things real here, and we are, I will tell you that I like the white background on the stamp card much better.  Truth be told, I messed up and got overzealous with the citrus green (CG2 from the Greens set) and coloured in the area between his head and the top of the wreath.  So I tried to correct by colouring in with a medium turquoise (BT4 from the Turquoises set) which looked funny.

So I ended up adding the green AND the blue all over.  Which is kinda splotchy and random and made him sort of disappear into the background.  So I thought I'd outline him in grey, which is one of the tips off the video (which is now I know why all of the images I see on the net coloured with alcohol markers have faint blue or grey outlines!  A-ha moment...)

Anyhow, because I'm still new to the colours, I chose one that I thought was good, but in actuality is far too dark for outlining ((IG4 from the Cool Greys set).

Ah, a comedy of errors, to be sure!

Still, all in all, for my first time, I wouldn't say my shadings is that terrible and I sorta like the colours on my bear better! ;)  Just wish I could remember what they are - I'm pretty sure that they are GB8, GB10 and EB5 from the Browns set, but don't hold me to it.

 I will say that the DVD was really helpful.  I attempted to colour with the markers the first night I received them and wasn't "feeling the love".  But the instructor on the DVD, Leanne Chivers, gave some great tips and walked me through all sorts of tutorials for skin, hair, fur, etc.  There's also a resource folder on the DVD where she has included .pdfs of various samples showing different skin tones, hair colours, etc and the colours she's used.  Invaluable to a newbie like me! :)

Can't wait to finish off some projects so I can begin playing with these!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog (deadlines in brackets):
It's a Sketchy Challenge (Sept 30/12)
Leave Your Legacy (Nov 30/12)

Oh, Happy Mail Day!

Are you drooling?!?

I cannot wait to start creating for Canuck Crafts!  Sadly, I have some other deadlines to tackle first so it will have to wait until the weekend... :(

On an unrelated note, I received an email today and while it didn't have the news I was hoping for, it brightened my day.  Don't you just love companies that take the time to respond to your questions/concerns and offer constructive feedback!!??

Cheers,

Spectrum Noir vs. Copics?

A few people have asked me about using Spectrum Noir to complement their Copic collection...  I don't have any Copics, nor have I received my Spectrum Noir sets yet, but I can share this:

[source]

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I don't know if that will help, but you can click on the [source] link and it will take you to a larger image in .pdf form.

Hope that helps!
Cheers,

So excited!

Have you seen Christy Riopel's post on the Canadian Scrapbooker blog, about the Spectrum Noir markers?

Ironically, without knowing of Christy's upcoming post, I had gone to the CS website, to check out my post for Tuesdays with the Team (yes, I still go to the main site and then click on the link to Jackie's blog because I can never remember the blog address!)  At any rate, while scrolling down through the ads, I noticed one for Canuck Crafts that featured the above markers.

Now, let me preface this by saying that I have been eyeing up the Copic markers for a few years now, but could never bring myself to pay $7 for one marker, despite its' rave reviews and refill-abilitity.  (Why yes, that IS the technical term.  Thanks for asking.)

But then I took Stephanie Ackerman's online self-paced class, A Whole New Doodle 2012.  And coveted the PrismaColor markers that she uses.  I searched high and low online to find the best deal and was still put off by the $130 price tag (set of 48) at Currys, even with free shipping.  Then I received an email from Michaels, advertising that they now carry PrismaColor markers!!  And there was a 40% off coupon to boot!

*choirs of angels sing*

Off I go, to Michaels, only to find that they are ridiculously overpriced at $299.99 (for the same set of 48)!  Even with the 40% off coupon, they would work out to over $200, taxes included - eek!!  Not as pricey as the Copics, but still over $4 a marker.

So I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to have to continue to hope and pray that the prices would drop a bit (or that I would win the lottery).  Gut instinct tells me that neither of these events are going to happen any time soon...

So when I saw the Canuck Crafts ad, I clicked and discovered that not only are the Spectrum Noir markers alcohol based, but they are also refillable and the nibs are replaceable too!  Best of all, they are a fraction of the price!!  I could order 72 markers for less than the set of 48 PrismaColor markers at Michaels!

So happy to find a Canadian company to support, I found them on Facebook and sent them a quick message.  And you know what...?

Sharon messaged me back and asked me to be a part of their design team!!

So excited!! Not only do they carry the markers, but they have some great stamps and cardstock designed to work with alcohol markers!  And their prices are so reasonable!

Here are some of my favourites:

Popcorn Bear - Smile

Stamp It Australia - Eiffel Tower

(wouldn't that look amazing on a canvas!?)

A Little Bit Scenic - French 50's cafe

Stamp It Australia - Destination

I could go on and on...!!  Have a peek for yourself here...

I can't wait to play!  She just emailed me yesterday and a package of goodies is on its' way!  Yay!

Cheers,