NSD American Crafts Giveaway

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Happy National Scrapbook Day friends!  I'm so pleased to offer this prize with American Crafts.

National Scrapbooking day means so much to me because this hobby has given me such a creative outlet, while documenting memories of family and friends.

For my prize pack I am giving away a lovely assortment from the Shimelle Starshine collection.

*** Giveaway is open till 10am Tuesday, May 10th, a winner will be announced shortly after on that day***


To enter, please leave a comment on my post answering this question: What are your plans for National Scrapbooking day??


Next on the hop is http://americancrafts.typepad.com/


Thanks, and good luck!

American Crafts | Circles Week

This is a personal blog.  All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of http://americancrafts.typepad.com/.  I do receive financial compensation and material product from American Crafts to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

How To: Cut out circular background with an electronic die cutting machine.  Place cut circle pieces onto a white background paper, adhere down.  Use a sewing machine with white thread to stitch pieces down. Sprinkle navy ink across the page.  Print a small black and white photo and adhere to the center of the layout.  Trim snapshot title from patterned paper and adhere to the left side of photo.  Embellish layout by adhering chipboard stickers to the page.  Adhere acrylic pieces and flair button to page.  Finish page by stamping word stamps onto layout.

Supplies: Shimelle Starshine (374022) - Gemini, Shimelle Starshine (374025) - Hubble, Shimelle Starshine (374026) - Horizon, Shimelle Starshine (374030) - Odyssey, Shimelle Starshine (374033) - Mercury, Shimelle Starshine (374034) - Mariner, Shimelle Starshine (374035) - Artemis, Shimelle Starshine (374039) - Apollo, Shimelle Starshine (374041) - Rosetta, Shimelle Starshine (374042) - Orion, Shimelle Starshine (374043) - Viking, Shimelle Starshine (374044) - Voyager, Shimelle Starshine (374052) - Chipboard Stickers 3/Sheets, Shimelle Starshine (374054) - Acrylic Shapes, Shimelle Starshine (374058) - Acrylic Stamps, Shimelle Starshine (374059) - Flair Plastic Buttons

American Crafts | Shimelle Starshine

This is a personal blog.  All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of http://americancrafts.typepad.com/.  I do receive financial compensation and material product from American Crafts to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

The new Shimelle Starshine collection by American Crafts is not just for boys.  There are many pieces that work well for the everyday as well as for girl projects.  I chose some of the floral pieces in the collection to help pretty up this page about my daughter.

Supplies: Shimelle Starshine (374057) - Acetate Ephemera, Shimelle Starshine (374054) - Acrylic Shapes, Shimelle Starshine (374061) - Epoxy Paper Clips, Shimelle Starshine (374059) - Flair Buttons, Shimelle Starshine (374039) - Apollo Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374035) - Artemis Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374021) - Astro Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374037) - Curiosity Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374038) - Galileo Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374026) - Horizon Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374025) - Hubble Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374031) - Juno Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374028) - Kepler Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374033) - Mercury Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374030) - Odyssey Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374040) - Phoenix Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374043) - Viking Patterned Paper, Shimelle Starshine (374055) - Phrase Stamp, Shimelle Starshine (374050) - Accent & Phrase Stickers, Shimelle Starshine (374051) - Accent & Phrase 6x12 2 Sheets, Shimelle Starshine (374052) - Chipboard

How To: Use a die cutting machine to cut out background from white cardstock paper.  Trim pieces of various patterned papers and place behind cut out background.  Use a paint brush to flick white paint across the page, set aside to dry.  Print a 6x4 black and white photo, adhere to center of page.  Adhere stickers behind and above photo.  Clip an epoxy paper clip onto the right side of photo.  Print out journaling, trim and adhere to page just below photo.  Use a sewing machine to stitch down journaling strips.  Adhere chipboard, acrylic and acetate stars to page.  Use a mini stapler to staple down a couple of the stars.  Place a floral chipboard sticker to left hand side of page just below photo.  Adhere acyrlic "Shine" sticker to bottom right hand side of page.  Place a small tag (from ephemera pack) to top right hand side of page.  Use a sewing machine to stitch down.  Place an acrylic star on top.  Stamp phrase stamp onto page using white dye based ink.  Finish page by using a sewing machine to add random stitching to page in a sporadic pattern.

The Cut Shoppe & CSI | Embrace Today

 I wanted to stop in today and share a layout, that I created for a Team Up with The Cut Shoppe and CSI: Color Stories Inspiration.  We are teaming up all month with CSI, and the designers are playing along with the Case Files, while the CSI Design Team is working with some of the cut files for The Cut Shoppe.  

Here's a peek at what I created for Case File 170.

Arrows With Attitude 12x12

There are five sponsors working with CSI for the month of July, so make sure you play along for the chance to win some great prizes!  The Cut Shoppe is offering a $20 Gift Certificate!  You can visit the CSI website for all of the details, and here is a look at Case File 170.

And The Cut Shoppe is also offering a 30% discount all this week, through July 11th!  Just make sure you check out with the Coupon Code CSITCS30!

Supplies: The Cut Shoppe: Arrows with Attitude 12x12 cut file; American Crafts: White Cardstock, Kraft Cardstock, Patterned Papers, Embellishments, Stickers, Enamel Dots

American Crafts | Focus On The Happy

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of http://americancrafts.typepad.com/.  I do receive financial compensation and material product from American Crafts to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

It's Circles Week on the American Crafts blog, here is a look at my layout I created using circles!

Circles are such a versatile shape.  I love using circles on layouts

because they are so pleasing to the eye, and help to draw the eye in.

Supplies: Shimelle True Stories (370703) - English Breakfast Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370704) - Grey Floral Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370704) - Espresso Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370708) - Green Tea Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370710) - Cappucino Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370711) - Decaf Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370712) - Salted Caramel Paper,Shimelle True Stories (370713) - Americano Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370714) - Darjeeling, Shimelle True Stories (370717) - Frappe Paper, Shimelle True Stories (37018) - Mocha Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370719) - Berry Infusion Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370721) - Orange Pekoe Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370722) Cinnamon Roll Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370723) - Croissant Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370724) Macchiato Paper, Shimelle True Stories (370741) - Wood Veneer Shapes, Shimelle True Stories (370745) - Wooden Buttons, Shimelle True Stories (370743) - Ephemera Shapes & Icons, Textured Cardstock (AM710-81) - White, Studio Calico Circles 12x12 cut file by Paige Evans

How To:  Cut background from White 12x12 Cardstock using the Silhouette Cameo.  Cut pieces of patterned paper to fit background using Shimelle True Stories collection.  Back White 12x12 background cut with a piece of white 12x12 white background paper.  Adhere cut pieces from Shimelle True Stories collection in negative pieces.  Adhere all pieces down.  Print a small photo measuring 4x2 and back with Shimelle True Stories sunray overlay.  Adhere to left hand side of page.  Adhere die cuts, wood veneer and cardstock stickers to page.  Finish by adding date stamp and cork sticker to page.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you enjoyed my layout!

American Crafts | So Happy Together

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of http://americancrafts.typepad.com/.  I do receive financial compensation and material product from American Crafts to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.



For a twist on a traditional grid, try scrapping it at an angle.  It's a unique way to scrap those Father's Day photos.

Supplies: Shimelle True Stories (370703) - English Breakfast, Shimelle True Stories (370704) - Grey Floral, Shimelle True Stories (370707) - Espresso, Shimelle True Stories (370710) - Cappuccino, Shimelle True Stories (370711) - Decaf, Shimelle True Stories (370713) - Americano, Shimelle True Stories (370714) - Darjeeling, Shimelle True Stories (370714) - Frappe, Shimelle True Stories (370719) - Berry Infusion, Shimelle True Stories (370722) - Cinnamon Roll, Shimelle True Stories (370723) - Croissant, Shimelle True Stories (370724) - Macchiato, Shimelle True Stories (370730) - Hipster/ Black Chipboard Thickers, Shimelle True Stories (370733) - Stickers Phrase & Alpha, Shimelle True Stories (370734) - Sticker Book Icons W/ Silver Foil, Shimelle True Stories (370735) - Cork Stickers Icons, Shimelle True Stories (370740) - Wooden Borders, Shimelle True Stories (370741) - Wood Veneer Shapes, Shimelle True Stories (370745) - Wooden Buttons

How to: Trim about 35 patterned paper squares with a paper trimmer, each measuring about 2.5". Using a ruler and a pencil, line them up on a white cardstock background in a grid design at an angle. Print three small photos each measuring 2.5" square and place them inside the grid in a few of the spaces. Trim a couple of squares at a diagonal angle and place within the grid design. Leave one grid space blank to allow for journaling. Adhere all pieces down. Using a sewing machine, sew a border around the whole design and stitch diagonal pieces down. Journal in the blank grid space with a pen. Flick drops of navy blue spray mist across the page. Using Hipster Black Chipboard Thickers spell out the title " So Happy Together" along the sides of the design. Finish by embellishing with stickers, wooden buttons, wood veneer, and a wooden border. 

Thanks for stopping by today!

The Cut Shoppe | Happy Together

Hi everyone!   I have a new layout to share with you today using the Tiny Triangles background from The Cut Shoppe.  Eye catching backgrounds are my groove.  I love pattern piecing and using lots of geometric shapes.  When I first saw the Tiny Triangles cut file, I fell in love!

When I started working on this layout, my original plan was to cut out the whole background from cardstock and then back the pieces with different pattern papers.  I accidentally had my cut settings on the wrong setting (I think I had it on patterned paper, when I really meant to have it on cardstock).  So, the Tiny Triangle design did not cut all the way through my cardstock.  I thought about starting over, but it was my last sheet of Navy cardstock.  So instead, I cut out individual triangles from various patterned papers and placed it on top of some of the background triangles.  It was a happy accident, I love that even though the background design did not cut all the way through, you can still see the design against the dark navy background.

Tiny Triangles 12x12 

Have you ever made a mistake on a layout and then turned it into a happy accident? If so, we would love for you to share it with The Cut Shoppe on their Facebook page!

The Cut Shoppe | Amazing

Hi everyone,

I'm sharing a layout that I made for The Cut Shoppe using their free NSD cut file.

Supplies: The Cut Shoppe: Etc. Etc. Etc. cut file; American Crafts: Shimelle True Stories Patterned Papers, wood veneer, stickers, die cuts, buttons, enamel dots; Bazzill: White cardstock; Studio Calico: Mister Huey's Inky Black spray mist

How To: Enlarge the amazing tag, included in the Etc. Etc. Etc. cut file.  Use the eraser tool in Silhouette studio to remove the outside lines of the tag.  Cut file out of white cardstock paper.  Back cut with a photo behind the large "A".  Back white cardstock cut file with another piece of white cardstock underneath.  Use a 1" square punch to punch squares out of different pieces of patterned papers.  Use scissors to cut each square diagonally.  Line up triangle pieces in three vertical lines on each side of page. Flick black spray mist across the page.  Use a sewing machine to stitch some of the pieces down.  Embellish with stickers, wood buttons, die cuts and wood veneer pieces.

thanks for stopping by!

American Crafts | Kids

The new True Stories collection from Shimelle is bright and cheerful and perfect for kids' pages.  I used a phrase from Dr. Seuss, along with playful letters to create a one of a kind title for my kid page.

supplies: Shimelle True Stories (370712) - Salted Caramel paper, Shimelle True Stories (370705) Lemon and Ginger paper, Shimelle True Stories (370743) - Ephemera, Shimelle True Stories (370742) - Photo Overlays, Shimelle True Stories (370733) - Phrase And Alpha Stickers, Shimelle True Stories (370735) - Cork Stickers, Shimelle True Stories (370736) - Enamel Dots, Shimelle True Stories (370729) - Chipboard Hipster Multicolor Thickers, Precision Pens (62311) - Black .03, Mister Huey's (331064) - Inky Black, This To

That (AM617-13) - Adhesive 

How To: Fussy cut letters from Salted Caramel paper to create title. Use a sewing machine to add machine stitching to each letter, leave threads long to create interest.  Place title on layout (but do not adhere) to figure out letter placement.  Once you have decided where your title needs to go, remove letters and paint white paint across background using a wide foam brush.  Set aside to dry.  Adhere cork building sticker and flag (ephemera)

to the bottom left hand side of layout.  Adhere title to layout, use a journaling pen to journal in the letter "O".  Flick drops of black spray mist against background. Print a small photo and adhere to bottom right hand side along with photo overlay, ephemera and phrase sticker.  Finish by embellishing page with enamel dots, ephemera pieces, and stickers.

American Crafts | Going Places

It's Shimelle week on the American Crafts blog!  I had a layout up on Monday to help kick off the week!  

The new Shimelle True Stories collection is perfect for documenting everyday moments

and is perfect for the boys in your life.  I used this collection to capture a moment about

my son and try out a fabulous trend - string art!

Supplies: Shimelle True Stories (370723) - Croissant, Shimelle True Stories (370708) Green Tea, Shimelle True Stories (370711) - Decaf, Shimelle True Stories (370701) - Latte,Shimelle True Stories (370714) - Darjeeling, Shimelle True Stories (370721) - Orange Pekoe, Shimelle True Stories (370713) - Americano, Shimelle True Stories (370724) - Macchiato, Shimelle True Stories (370710) - Cappuccino, Shimelle True Stories (3707190) - Berry Infusion, Shimelle True Stories (370722) - Cinnamon Roll, Shimelle True Stories (370717) - Frappe,    Shimelle True Stories (370736) - Enamel Dots, Shimelle True Stories (370743) - Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Amy Tangerine Rise and Shine (370050) - Rotary Stamp, Bazzill (T7-783) - Admiral Cardstock

How To: Flick splatters of white paint across a navy blue cardstock background, set aside to dry.  Trace a large octagon shape onto cardstock background. Using a needle, embroidery thread and a ruler, poke a hole on each point of the shape and thread a line across to another point on the shape in a diagonal fashion.  For each point of the shape thread 3 lines, each going to another point.  When finished filling up the shape with threaded lines, thread the outside of the shape.  Print a small picture and trim to fit the middle shape of the design, adhere down.  Use scissors to trim various pieces of patterned papers and adhere down to different pieces inside the shape (I intentionally) left some of the pieces blank.  Use a white pen to add journaling.  Adhere cardstock die cut pieces down with 3d adhesive foam squares, place loose threads behind some of the pieces before adhering down.  Stamp a few words with white ink using Amy Tangerine word stamp.  Finish by adding button and enamel dot shapes.  

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you enjoyed my layout!

Hello Hello

Hi, I have a new layout to share with you today for The Cut Shoppe using The Love Club cut file.  I love using repeated patterns on my layouts.  I chose to use the "hello" word from this set to create a repeated pattern on my layout.

How To:  Flick white paint across a striped patterned paper background, set aside to dry.  Using Silhouette studio cut the "hello" word word five times from five different pieces of patterned paper.  Adhere notebook piece of paper to right side of a layout, use a tiny attacher to staple it down.  Print a small photo and adhere on top.  Trim a small strip from an overlay and adhere to right hand side of notebook paper.  Apply adhesive to wood veneer piece and adhere it to the bottom right hand side of layout just underneath the photo.  Adhere "focus on the happy" sticker on top.  Stamp the phrase "make it happen" in white ink across the page.  Adhere wood veneer clouds and die cut cloud to page.  Finish by adding machine stitching to a couple of the words.

The Love Club

Supplies: The Cut Shoppe: The Love Club cut file; American Crafts Shimelle True Stories: Patterned Papers, wood veneer pieces, overlay, die cut cardstock shapes, notebook pad, cardstock sticker, rotary stamp; Other: white paint, tiny attacher, sewing machine, thread

Designer Spotlight Post Continued

I had a spotlight on the new Scrapbook Expo blog called Weekly Scrapper yesterday and besides creating a new layout for the post, they also asked me to pick four of my favorite recent layouts.

All of my layouts lately have been all about watercolors!!  So here they are along with some questions that I answered for my spotlight post:

(these have all been previously published on my blog, but I still thought they would be fun to share!)

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE by Gina Lideros

To create this layout I used my Silhouette machine to draw the title using sketch pens, trimmed it out, and then applied watercolors. Super easy to do and makes a great background!

LIVE SIMPLY by Gina Lideros

This layout has two of my favorite things – watercolors and die cut letters. Simply apply watercolors to cardstock and then stitch down title using a sewing machine.

HOORAY by Gina Lideros

To document my New Year’s Eve photos I cut my photos and background papers into pennant shapes and then grouped them all together to make one large hanging pennant.

SHINE by Gina Lideros

Creating a sequin title for your page is easy to do and creates a big impact! I used a stencil as a guide and then adhered my sequins down using liquid adhesive.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started scrapbooking: Hi! My name is Gina Lideros and I am so excited to be here! I am a military wife of 16 years to my husband Frank. Together we have two children ages 15 and 13. We live in sunny California with our 3 fur babies (dogs). We love to enjoy the outdoors and like to go camping and biking. I began scrapbooking in 1997. I was introduced to it by a friend and have been hooked ever since! I have been fortunate to work with a lot of great companies and meet some awesome friends.

Favorite thing to scrap: My family and everyday moments. I also love to scrap my 3 dogs. They make great scrap subjects!

What do you love about scrapbooking? I love that it is a creative form of expressing art while also documenting family memories.

5 fun facts about yourself:
1. I can’t scrap in silence. I need to have on music, a tv show, or friends with me while I scrap.
2. My favorite sweet treat to indulge in is white chocolate covered pretzels.
3. I was born and raised in Las Vegas and met my husband there. We were married on the Las Vegas strip in true Vegas tradition!
4.  I’ve been a blonde my whole life. The biggest change I’ve ever done was getting highlights. I kind of think I’d like to try something different, but I’m a big chicken about changing it!
5. I’m going through a painting phase. I need to apply watercolors or acrylics to every project that I make.

Adventure with American Crafts

Hi everyone,

Last week was wood veneer week on the American Crafts blog, and I have a fun layout to share with you using wood veneer pieces.

I have a large collection of American Crafts wood veneer pieces.  They are so versatile, and make a great compliment to any project.

supplies: Cardstock (AM710-81) - White, Shimelle (368151) - Baxter, Shimelle (368145) - Herschel, Shimelle (368165) - Layered Chipboard Stickers, Shimelle (368175) - Wood Veneer, Shimelle (368173) - Ephemera Die Cut Pieces, Shimelle (368172) - Page Overlays, Brighton Pier (332233) - Gold Stars Vellum, Classic Calico 2 (CC2-WV3-31051) - Hearts & Arrows Wood Veneer Shapes, Classic Calico 2 (CC2-WV3-31052) - Tiny Stars, This To That (AM617-13) - Adhesive, Precision Pen (PP03-62311) - .03 Black

How to: Using watercolors and a water brush paint circles onto background paper.  Punch several pieces of pattern paper and vellum paper (various shapes and sizes) and adhere to background paper in a sporadic pattern.  Use a circle punch to cut out photo and adhere down to left side of layout.  Lay overlay on top of page and stitch down using a sewing machine and black thread.  Add Ephemera die cut pieces and stitch down.  Use sewing machine to stitch journal lines in bottom right hand corner.  Use precision pen to add journaling.  Finish layout by adhering wood veneer pieces and layered chipboard sticker.

I hope you enjoyed my layout using wood veneer pieces!  Thanks for stopping by today!