Images

I have always been a girl who loves images. I love photography and have been fascinated with it since I can remember.  I think that is why I love Pinterest so much.  Yes, I love the content that is there, but more importantly, I am interested in how things were staged and then photographed! From food, clothing, animals, whatever the subject is.  I think it has helped improve my photography skills.  So I have been practicing on anything that doesn't fight back.  My poor pups are defenseless against the Nikon.  (And a yummy dog treat!)  

Flowers are another obvious choice. My son and I took a bike ride recently with camera in tow.  He was very patient as I took pictures from every possible angle.  

In 2014, this is what teens do when their moms are busy taking photos of flowers.  ;)

 

He usually hates his picture being taken, but a little bribery and I was able to get one shot!

And by the way, I would love to follow you on Pinterest, if I don't already! Please leave your link below so I can do that!  And in case you want to follow me, here is mine.... Michele Kovack at Pinterest. 

Have a great day my friends! Off to take Cortney for her school physical and shots today! Woo to the hoo! 

Day 4 of JustRite's August Release-Sympathy

Sympathy cards are not the cards you want to have to make, but we all know that they are necessary. I like to make them up ahead of time to have on hand.

I used JustRite's new set called, Sympathy Vintage Labels Eight and Nine. 

I colored directly on the stamp using Tim Holtz Distress markers. I softened it a bit by brushing each flower and leaf with a water brush. I added glittery Stickles to the center of each flower. 

I used Spellbinder's Labels Eight to cut out the image.  I inked the inside a bit while the die was still in place. I used the new Spellbinder's die, Vintage Flourish One, designed by Amy Tedder. I covered it with glossy accents and sprinkled it with glitter.  I stamped the sentiment in Hawaiian Shores by Papertrey Ink and cut it out using a Spellbinder's die.  I layered it all and added ribbon, posies, and string.  As a final touch I added coordinating rhinestones.

Oh! And I almost forgot to mention, see the pretty scalloped card?  This is also available through JustRite to cut with your Silhouette! It is called, Elegant Stationary Elements. The pretty edge just ties the whole card together!

JustRite Inspiration

Debbie Olson

Becca Feeken

Sheri Holt

Heidi Blankenship

Michele Kovack

Darsie Bruno

Kathy Jones

Kristi Schurr

Marisa Job

Angela Barkhouse

Eva Dobilas

Kazan Clark

We are just two weeks away from the Runway Loud event in Branson, MO....which means it is time to get Cort's hair cut and highlighted. So that's where we will be spending part of today.  I can't believe that we are so close to the date now! We are getting really excited!

JustRite's August Release-Celebrations Sentiments

I have another new set to show you today by JustRite! It is called, Celebrations Sentiments. One can never ever have enough sentiment stamps! I use them with my shaped cards, boxes, altered projects, or just a "regular" card. ;)

I used the rose from last month's release called, Rose Bouquet. It was embossed in white and given color with my Tim Holtz Distress Markers. Then I colored directly on the white embossing with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I wanted to add just a touch more color. 

I ripped the paper on an angle and tucked a bit of lace underneath it.  I added a bit of tulle, ribbon, flowers, and some coordinating string.  I stamped the sentiment in Hawaiian Shores by Papertrey Ink and hand cut it into a banner. 

The bottom of the card used a stencil and embossing paste.  It is difficult to see in the photo, but it adds a bit of interest and texture.  A few sequins were added as a final touch. 

Here are all the sentiments in this set! A total must have if you ask me!

There are several sets being released today, so be sure to check out what the rest of the ladies are up to!

JustRite Inspiration

Becca Feeken

Angela Barkhouse

Marisa Job

Heidi Blankenship

Darsie Bruno

Michele Kovak

Kathy Jones

Sheri Holt

Eva Dobilas

Kristi Schurr

Kazan Clark

Margie Higuchi

Today is day 2 of this math workshop.  Then I guess this gal is going to have to start lesson planning and finish getting my room ready.

School is definitely on the brain.

I've even had dreams about it at night.

Yep.

Dreams.

Guess that means I am ready? ;)

Vintage Fan and Sentiments

Good morning! Today is day 2 of JustRite's August release!

Today's set is called, Vintage Fan and Sentiments.

As you know, I am a huge fan of shaped cards, so I wanted to create and actual fan card.

I stamped the fan 5 times and colored it with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I added glitter to all of the colored parts. I cut each one out using the Spellbinder's vintage fan die. I folded a piece of card stock in half and adhered the fan to it starting at the fold.  I used my scalloped scissors to cut around the fan except a small area by the fold so that it opens. 

I added rhinestones, a bit of doily, flowers, and ribbon. 

Stop by the other designers' blogs for more inspiration!

JustRite Inspiration

Darsie Bruno

Amy Tedder

Michele Kovack

Debbie Olson

Heidi Blankenship

Eva Dobilas

Kristi Schurr

Marisa Job

Margie Higuchi

Kazan Clark

I am off to day one of a math workshop. 

School is definitely on the brain, and part of me is just a bit sad. 

The summer seemed to fly by!

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. 

:)

Have a great day my friends!

JustRite's August Release-Ironworks Background Stamp

Good morning friends!  Today is the start of JustRite's August Release!

There are a few sets being released today and I am highlighting the new background stamp called, Ironworks. I stamped my image with Versamark and sprinkled it with orange and pink Zing powder.  This set coordinates with Spellbinder's Labels Eight.  

I cut the frame out and gave it a generous dose of glossy accents and sprinkled it with orange glitter. I took Cortney's recent picture and placed it behind the frame.  I adhered all of it to the card.  I wanted a fun thank you to her donors for Runway Loud. (More info below) I added a satin peony (that I made), a few feathers, ribbon, and a scattering of sequins. 

Here is the background stamp that I used. 

As many of you know, Cortney is getting an amazing opportunity to "walk" the runway for a March of Dimes charity event on August 23rd.  It is being held in Branson, MO.  My girl and I have been looking for people to sponsor her.  And so far she is in 2nd place! :)  Any donation is welcomed and appreciated!  

If you would like to help support Cortney's dreams and help a great cause at the same time, you can click HERE to donate. 

Thank you so much my friends!

Be sure to visit the rest of the DT! They have gorgeous projects to share with you!

JustRite Inspiration

Debbie Olson

Heidi Blankenship

Michele Kovack

Eva Dobilas 

Sheri Holt 

Darsie Bruno

Marisa Job   

Kristi Schurr

Kathy Jones

Angela Barkhouse

Margie Higuchi

Have a fabulous day!

I am off to school to start getting my room ready for the upcoming school year! 

ACK! 

Almost Back To School! Crafty Secret's Design Team Challenge and Linky Party!

 Today is a busy, busy day! Not only is it the start of JustRite's August release, it is also Crafty Secret's design team challenge and linky party!  Our theme this month was fall/back to school.  Well being the teacher that I am, I couldn't pass up the back to school theme.  I found this adorable easel card from the Silhouette store.  It was designed by Lori Whitlock.  (Love her designs!) 

 I added this adorable Crafty Secret's image and sentiment.  I have a full tutorial below showing the steps I took to make it.  

The image and sentiment came from the Childhood Images and Journal Notes booklet.

I printed off coordinating paper to match the image.  When I print it is usually a 5x7 size.  I find this is perfect for cards! 

I cut the easel using my Silhouette. 

I wanted my banner to be several different colors so I cut it a few different times with different paper. 

Here are the banner pieces I decided I wanted to use. 

I thought I'd reinforce the back to school theme with some fun alphabet letters to embellish the center of my bow.  I was worried if I tried to glue them directly to the center of the bow that they wouldn't "sit" properly.  So instead, I punched a small circle for them to rest on. 

I added glossy accents and plopped my alphabet letters in the center. 

While that was drying I went ahead and glued my banner and bow into place. 

I wanted the back to have a bit of depth, so rather than gluing it on the back, flat, I used dimensional foam tape from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L.  You can tell I am really not very neat about placing it...the paper will hide it! ;)

I used one more bead for the center of the star and again applied glossy accents to it. 

And here is the card once more to see it all put together. 

Now it’s your turn! Visit each of the design team blogs listed below. Then create a NEW project of your choice featuring Crafty Secrets product and link it up to the blog (http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com/) no later than 11:59PT, Sunday, August 17thth. You do not need to follow this month’s theme to play along. If you do not have any Crafty Secrets goodies, check the FREE DOWNLOADS located in the sidebar of the Crafty Secrets blog. Be sure to link to the Crafty Secrets Blog in your post, and let us know what Crafty Secrets product you are using in your project. One lucky player will be randomly selected to win a $50 shopping spree in our online store. Each player who participates will receive a $6 credit to the online store. We’ll be popping by to leave you some lovely comments on your blog post, too. Thanks for playing along, and good luck!

Crafty Secrets Design Team
 Kathy Clement, DT Leader 
 Darlene Pavlick, 
Diane Hover
Elizabeth Lincoln
Gloria Stengel 
Melody Clement 
Michele Kovack
Shantaie Fowler, 
Sheila Rumney

A Little Bit About Me and Some Amazing Artists to Check Out!

I was nominated by Kathy Jones from Inspired to Stamp. (You can see her post HERE) I was asked to answer some questions and nominate 3 other bloggers that inspire me.  I thought this would be a great way to share the love a bit! 

1. What am I working on? I am usually a card maker, but at the moment I am working on a few altered Christmas projects. I know it seems early, but it will sneak up on us soon enough! ;)

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?  I tend to have a shabby chic style.  I also like to focus on the little details of a project.  I think the details are what make it special.   

3. Why do I write/create what I do?   Honestly, crafting started as a sort of therapy for me.  When my daughter Cortney was born, I was an emotional wreck.  Scrapbooking became my savior.  It was an escape and it allowed me to focus on the positive things my daughter was accomplishing.  Eventually this  hobby evolved into cards and altered projects. 

4. How does your writing/creating process work?  If I am doing a design team assignment then I generally start with the stamp and then pull papers I think will work with it.  If it is an image that needs to be colored, I will pull my Copics or Spectrum Noir colors that match.  Sometimes I just browse my Silhouette library and just select a cute cut that might work with the stamps I have.  I am a bit of a tornado in my craft room.  I often change my mind, and pull out a zillion things just to find the one thing that works. 

I am going to share 3 crafters who inspire me and have influenced my crafting.  And besides being talented they are also some of the sweetest ladies I know!


Inking Pink: Shantaie Fowler


I have known Shantaie for quite a few years now.  I have had the pleasure of working with her on several design teams.  The Cricut Circle, Northridge Publishing, and currently Crafty Secrets.  She has a shabby style with a fun whimsical touch! She is also my glitter partner in crime! I think she loves glitter as much as I do! She often makes projects that are really "out of the box" and I love that! Her talent inspires me every day!  She is a person I consider a friend too.  She has a great heart, an easy laugh, and a generous spirit.  Be sure to check out her blog, Inking Pink.  

Hand to Paper: Regina Easter

Regina is a gal that oozes talent!  I used to stalk follow her on the Cutting Cafe.(Her store for printable stamps and cutting files)  After following her site for quite awhile I was asked to be on the Cutting Cafe team.  I loved working with her! She has definitely influenced my love for shaped cards and the unadulterated love of ribbon! ;) I love the little dots she uses to define her edges too.  She is also a generous, kind person that I am so blessed to know!   To be inspired by her talent, be sure to check out her blog, Hand to Paper. 

Kathy by Design: Kathy Clement

I have been lucky enough to work with Kathy as she is our Crafty Secret's Design Team leader.  She has a beautiful vintage style to her projects.  She is the queen of layers and does it in such a beautiful way!  I love her attention to details. (A girl after my own heart!)  She is such a kind person and has the ability to cheer you on from the side lines. She is such a talented artist, so be sure to check out her blog, Kathy by Design.  

A big thank you to Kathy who nominated me as one of her 3 inspiring people, what a great excuse to share people I think are awesome in my blogworld!  
Be sure to check back a bit later for the start of JustRite's August release and Crafty Secret's Design team challenge and linky party! It's going to be a busy, busy Monday!!!