Now it's time to be the memory-keeper...

Voltaire said, "With great power, comes great responsibility".  Well, I don't know if I have a lot of power, but I do know that I have a lot of responsibility.  And, one of those responsibilities is "memory-keeper".   Sometimes, I seem to feel that I'm creating scrapbooks for my children--to help them remember.  Other times, I'm creating scrapbooks for the pure joy.  Sometimes, I get overwhelmed by the sheer number of photos I have and I don't want to scrapbook.

I've taken a break from doing a lot of scrapping this winter because I did start to forget why I do it.  I've never wanted it to seem like a chore.  I've never wanted to let myself feel like I HAD to do this...that I HAD to scrap every event.  Taking a little break has made me miss it and realize it's time to go back.  So, as the school year comes to an end, I'm gearing up for some scrappy time for me again.  

Meanwhile, another month has flown by and that means it is time for a new challenge at Scrap It Girl.  This month it's all about the stitching/sewing.  I did a little bit of both--kind of.  I used a faux stitching stamp on the page above and below the title (it's from an old Close to My Heart set called "Stitched Together") and then used a star shape from that same set to be my template for some real stitching.

I stamped the star with red ink and then used a small spring-loaded eyelet setter to make my holes at each corner.  I took some red embroidery floss and back-stitched my way around.

I like that this stitching added just a little dimension on this page. There are a lot of bright colors on this page and I didn't want the stitching to be overwhelming.  And, it connects to my journaling. One of the items that we saw at the Smithsonian Museum of American History was the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner/National Anthem.

So, "SPRING" into action and join our challenge...it will be "SEW" much fun to see what you create.  Then, share it with us at Scrap It Girl.

~Kelly

Create with honesty...

What could be more honest, than a layout about 

George Washington?  

I used Tim Holtz Distress Stains (walnut for the tree, wild honey for the fence, and picket fence for the polaroid frame) to color these wood embellishments from Unique Laser Designs.  This method of coloring maintains the natural beauty of the wood without covering it up.  I added some red bling to complete my cherry tree, but then I really didn't feel like I needed to add anything else.  This was such a simple time in history, I didn't want to add too much.

The layout is very loosely based on one I saw in the most recent Close to My Heart catalog.  I added my own style with the wood embellishments and surprise---my version has a lot more photos!

~Kelly

Create for summer...

In my never-ending effort to have a year-ful of seasonal decorations (all hand-made by me), I am finally feeling like it is time to recognize summer.  My last day of school is tomorrow and I am THRILLED--ready for some relaxation and a whole lot of nothin'.

So, to celebrate...I used these banner shapes from Unique Laser Designs.  I covered them with patterned paper (from Close to My Heart) and added burlap letters, a vellum die-cut doily shape, and more wood summer shapes all from Unique Laser Designs.  

I colored the shapes (the cute bee, flowers, stars, ladybug, and watering can) with Copic markers.  I LOVE how the natural color of the wood softens the colors from the markers so that you get a subtle intensity.

For these daisies below, I covered them in white ink and then dipped them in UTEE a couple times to get an extra-thick shine.  I added clear buttons and white twine and I think they just scream SUMMER!

So, what are you screaming now that summer is finally arriving?
How about, "Can I have more crafty time please?!"

Don't forget, Unique Laser Designs is looking for their next design team---it could include YOU!
Check out the info HERE

~Kelly

Be secretive...

Let's play
"what's in my Linnie Blooms canvas flourish pocket"...
You can't probably guess from this first picture, but maybe this next one will give you a hint.

Did you guess secret journaling? Ding-Ding-Ding...you are right!

Earlier this month, on my blog, I discussed my new adventure into an art journal...you can check it out here. I have never done anything like this before, and I must admit, it is quite addicting (like I need another crafty addiction!).

The Linnie Blooms "mixed stitch canvas book" is what drew me in. I saw one in the "real" Linnie Blooms store when I was there this summer and I knew it was something I wanted to try. You can see it on the online store here.

So, I am creating an art journal inspired by songs I love. This page happens to be a "church song", but believe, me I will be covering all sorts of music by the time this book is done. This song, "You are Mine" has a very special place in my heart because it came to me during a very difficult time. The story is one that I don't want to share with everyone, so this Linnie Blooms canvas flourish pocket is a perfect "secret keeper".

To create the pages, I covered them sloppily, or should I say "creatively" in white and then metallic gold acrylic paint. I added some gold glitter gel, a pearl embellishment, some doilies die cuts (Sizzix decorative doily), lace, patterned paper, and fabric scraps. I attached and covered all of these additions with Mod Podge.

 

 

For the pocket, I used a stencil from Crafter's Workshop, and then spritzed my own mixture of gold metallic acrylic paint, Create a Shade Pearl Paint from Close to My Heart, and water to get the design. The color is subtle, but still has enough contrast to really stand out. I used Fireline, (which is really thin beading wire), to string on a few seed beads (clear, silver, and irridescent white) to embellish and create a border around the pocket. The pocket is attached to the journaling page with a delicate pearl pin from Maya Road.

So, what are you going to put in your secret pocket?

~Kelly

www.kellystarsallthingscrafty.blogspot.com

**Remember...just for my beloved followers, I have a SUPER discount code for you. If you want to place an order at Linnie Blooms online store, you can shop here... http://lindabarutha.com/shop/. Use the code LB2013KS and you will get 10% off your order. Enjoy!

Be hopeful...

 

 

Unfortunately I have had to send 2 sympathy cards in the last few weeks.  I have always loved this sentiment...

 

 "Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." 

 

It is a message of hope when it doesn't seem like there is a lot of hope around.

 

 

 

This week, over at the Linnie Blooms Blog, we are challenging everyone to use Distress Inks.  The Design Team is continuing to show the endless versatility of the Linnie Bloom canvas shapes. 

 

I applied Distress Stains (faded jeans, weathered wood, and tumbled glass colors) directly to the canvas overlapping the shades a bit.  I spritzed with a little water to facilitate them to bleed together and then spritzed with some Close to My Heart Pearl Paint (that I mixed with water and put in a spritz bottle).   

 

When it dried, I cut stars into the square using my Sizzix paddle punches (remember those?)  I like the way it caused the stars to fray (and I pulled a few more string to get them to look even more distressed).  I placed some silver glitter paper behind the canvas to make it look like the love in the stars was really shining. 

 

I loved the way this card turned out.  But I am hoping that I won't have to make anymore sympathy cards for awhile.

 

Hopeful.

 

~Kelly

Don't forget to show us how you use your Distress Inks over at the Linnie Blooms Blog.  The challenge ends August 31st.

 

Be a singer...

I am not a good singer (so my children often remind me).  You will not find me up on stage--EVER.  I do sing in church, in the car, and in the shower.  That is about the extent of my venues.  My sister in law has a lovely voice and so does her new husband.  Their wedding was filled with beautiful songs.  So, when it was time to make them a wedding card, I looked to the list of songs from the ceremony and used one of them as a sentiment on the card.  I do that often.  When I can't find the words inside of me, I look to music.  So many more musically inclined people than me have already found the words that I couldn't.  Makes creating a card (or a title for a scrapbook page) MUCH easier.

~Kelly

Be on time...

 

It's August 1st.  How many blogs will start today with, "where has the summer gone"?  I'm going to relish the fact that there is still a whole month (almost a whole month) before it's back to work and school.  Done talking about that non-sense. 

 

So, I showed you this project last week highlighting the Close to My Heart papers and stamps.  It's time for a second look, but this time we are focusing on something else!

 

It's time to focus on these FUN shapes!  I'm very excited to be part of the Linnie Blooms Design Team.  This is my first "official" project, and I used the sun/sunflower, leaves, and butterfly shapes as part of my August shadowbox.   (You can also see the project I posted yesterday that was from the class I took at the  Linnie Blooms store last week).

 

I used Distress Stains to color the butterfly, flower, and leaves; making a puddle of stain on my craft mat, spritzing the puddle with water, and then dipping, folding, and squishing the shapes in the puddle. 

 

I then outlined the shapes with Copic markers.  I love how the Linnie Bloom shapes don't absorb the color uniformly when you use this dip-dye method.  They are naturally inconsistent---just like from nature.

Now, Linnie Blooms has an August "I Spy" game going on.  Keep track of the number of shapes that I used (here is a hint--some of them are double layered--look closely).  And, keep track of the number of shapes you see on each of the Design Team projects at the Linnie Blooms Facebook page all month and you can win a wonderful Linnie Blooms prize package (more info here). 

And, here is me...designer of the week!

Can't wait to see if you win?  Want to get your own Linnie Blooms shapes right now?  SHOP HERE.

~Kelly

Be out of the ordinary...

Sometimes I like to think that I'm a little more "out of the ordinary" than I really am.  I like to think that I'm more creative and artsy than the "average Jo(sie)", but then I look out at the internet world of blogs, and Pinterest, and Facebook and I feel very ordinary.

Mixing and matching is about as "wacky" as I get.  This probably pleases my children immensely as they think the fewer times that I embarass them, the better.

So, who says monsters are just for boys?  I used the "Claire" paper from Close to My Heart to create these girly birthday cards--complete with monsters.

Did you know that the label of CTMH papers has a pattern on the other side?  It's perfect for borders and trims, like how I used it on these cards.

 

Another thank you to Lori Brown, Close to My Heart consultant, for sending those of us who design for Chicagoland Scrapbooker these wonderful papers to play with. 

You can visit Lori's website at http://loribrown.ctmh.com/

 

and Chicagoland Scrapbooker HERE

~Kelly

Be scrappy...

I mean "be scrappy" in the paper sense of the word.  I've never been scrappy in the "kick someone's butt" sense of the word.

One more card here highlighting Close to My Heart paper.  This paper is from the "Tommy" collection.  I punched a bunch of the scraps into circles and used both sides of this 2-sided paper to create a whole new look. This is always a great way to use up some scraps or to break up a busy pattern.  I added some CTMH Glitz Glitter Gel for some sparkle,  and the "Irresistable" brackets and celebration stamp are all from CTMH also.

Chicagoland Scrapbooker is having a give-away of CTMH items this week, generously donated by Close to My Heart consultant, Lori Brown.  Check it out!

Chicagoland Scrapbooker

Lori Brown~Close to My Heart

Go~ be scrappy.

~Kelly

Be open...

I've been trying to "be" a lot of different things this year on my blog.  And one thing that I wanted when I started this blog was for it to push me, expand me, "open" me.  To new ideas, new people, new techniques, and new projects.  It has done that and I want it to continue.  So, I am expanding into some mixed media projects.  I have decided to try and keep up with this home decor project for each month that I started last month (see July project here). 

 

Chevron background stamp=CTMH Who's Your Valentine

Bicycle, Sentiment, and Clock=CTMH Enjoy Life

Paper=For Always and Surfs Up

Canvas Flower=Linnie Blooms (http://lindabarutha.com/shop/)

 

 

Lori Brown, a Close to My Heart consultant, sent the Chicagoland Scrapbooker Design Team some papers to play with, and "oh my flowers" did I play! For this project I used papers from "For Always", "Buzz and Bumble", and "Surf''s Up".

 

 

Flowers=CTMH Just for You stamped on pages from an old book

August background=CTMH Cherish the Day stamp

Paper=For Always

Canvas Butterfly= Linnie Blooms (www.lindabarutha.com/shop)

 

 

 

 

 

You might have noticed those cute canvas shapes (flower and butterflies) that I used too. More focus on those coming soon, but you can check out those and more shapes at Linnie Blooms.

 

Hexagons=CTMH Honeycomb Flair, then cut with Fiskars Hexagon large squeeze punch

Paper=Buzz and Bumble

 

 

All this week, you can also see what the other Chicagoland Scrapbooker Design Team members did with all of the CTMH papers.  Check it out at the Chicagoland Scrapbooker blog (there is a CONTEST too).

And, a BIG "thank you" to Lori Brown for letting us play with these beautiful papers. Don't forget to visit her site too, right here.



By the way, just because I am posting an "August" project does not mean I am ready for August.  I'm going to hold onto July real tight for as long as I can.

~Kelly

Be a gift giver...

Gifts can come in many shapes and forms.  Most of us probably think of birthday, wedding, and Christmas presents when we think of gifts.  But as part of my "one little word" project,  I've been thoroughly contemplating what it means to be a gift giver.  I believe that all of us have many gifts.  Gifts that truly come from the heart.  Gifts that are not store-bought, but a part of our being. 

 

The little girl in this layout above has many gifts. She is a character, and she makes me laugh everyday. She blessed this wedding with her presence--as the  "older" flower girl she led her little partner with grace and guidance.  She doesn't even realize what a gift to me she is (even though I try to tell her everyday).

 

Sometimes, I think so hard about what would be the "perfect" gift for someone.  I rack my brain, I shop the stores, I search the web...and then I remember that this family or friend deserves a gift that simply shows how much they mean to me.  I'm trying really hard to make myself the gift that I give.  It's too easy to get caught up in being busy.  Yes, I have a job outside the house.  Yes, I have 4 children.  Yes, I have a husband. Yes, I have 2 dogs.  Yes, I have a house.  Yes, these things make me busy.  But I do have time.  It may not always be easy to find it, but I do have more gifts to give, and I'm going to try really hard to let the people in my life who have been a little neglected know how much I miss them and want to share "me" with them.

 

In this month of May, I am hosting the challenge at Scrap It Girl.  I have designed the sketch above and want you to be inspired by it.  Head over to Scrap It Girl where you can see how you can participate in the challenge and have a chance to win the prize pack below.  The layout at the top of this post was based on the sketch.

 

Prize pack includes..

• Fiskars NEW X-Large Hexagon squeeze punch
• Fiskars Diamond border punch
• Pebbles decorative tape, 2 pack (black/white patterns)
• Stampology clear stamps (journaling tags)
• American Crafts 6x6 paper pad (Hip Hip Hooray)
• Favorite Findings buttons, 2 packages (wooden and lace inspirations)

 

 

 

So, what gifts do you have to share with others?

Today is the day to think about it.

 

~Kelly