A SCRAPPY PRODUCT REVIEW

I have never been a huge fan of glitter, for the simple fact that it is incredibly messy.  I could never get glitter to properly stick to my projects.  It seemed to fall off, rub off or just not adhere in the 1st place.  I had all but given up on adding glitz to my projects until..........

I found Ranger's STICKLES GLITTER GLUE.

For those who have never heard of or used Stickles - pay attention!!  This product is incredibly easy to use and allows you to add glitz to a variety of surfaces.

The bottle comes with a fine tipped applicator and good news - NO SHAKING REQUIRED!!

Once you apply this glitter glue to your surface (paper, canvas, chipboard etc) and allow it to dry it WILL NOT COME OFF - you can't even rub it off.  You do have to let this product dry fully, probably overnight to ensure its permanence.

It is non-toxic, acid free, easy to clean up and inexpensive.  

I have Stickles in every colour possible and it is easily one of my favourite ways to embellish my scrap book layouts, cards and mixed media projects.  So, go out grab a bottle or two and experiment - you will LOVE IT!!

In the photo above you can see the different colours of Stickles used and how glittery they really do dry.

LADIES AFTERNOON CRAFT & TEA

PAPER MAKING FOR KIDS

A Scrappy Review From A Scrap Booking Diva

As a scrap booking diva, I feel compelled to offer a few product reviews here and there.  Hopefully, you will find them helpful and informative.  I can only offer you my opinion and experience.  Please note that this review is NOT sponsored.  So let us begin.

Product Being Reviewed

 Flower Punch Board by We R Memory Keepers

Description

Beautiful flowers can be created from 3" to 9" in diameter using any paper, in addition to creating leaves in multiple sizes.  The included petal curler allows you to make the paper flowers come to life with added dimension.  Your customized flowers are the perfect touch for any occasion such as baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, birthdays, holidays, parties and more!

Level of Difficulty

The punching and scoring is quite easy to do.  With the board you will get detailed instructions with pictures & if you lose that sheet the instructions and dimensions are noted right on the board.

Quality

This board is unsurprisingly of great quality as WeR promises.  With proper use and care this board should last a very long time.

Usefulness

This is just my opinion but I honestly feel like this board is highly useful.  I love throwing parties and putting great care and attention into occasions and holidays and this board will help me add some whimsical touches with beautifully made paper flowers.

Cost Effectiveness

At the price point of $23.99 CDN, this board is a STEAL!!

What I Liked

- I loved the quality, it delivers what it promises

- I loved the detailed instructions with pictures - made it incredibly easy for me to learn how to use

What I Disliked

- This is just my own quirk but I am not a fan of the colour pink and the board has pink, however, because it is AMAZING I can live with it.  

Examples

Note the board has detailed descriptions right on it.

Along with the board you get a scoring tool, petal curler and detailed instructions.

Follow the guidelines to create the flowers.

Quick flower I created - this literally took me 3 minutes to complete!!

SUMMER ART CAMPS FOR KIDS AT PAPER PASSION STUDIO

Curse of the Multitasking Mom

JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR

Sign up for classes/workshops today to reserve your spot!!

Mixed Media Layout - Colour Explosion!!

MIXED MEDIA SCRAP BOOK LAYOUT

SO I decided to take a photo of my daughter and one of my nieces and scrap book it.  I didn't want to do another "regular" layout so I thought I would combine my love of mixed media with my passion for scrap booking.  Voila!!  A mixed media layout that I have fallen in love with!!  This was so much fun to do.  I allowed myself the freedom to just play and see where my creativity would take me.  I don't usually go for using so much colour but I have to confess, I had a great time colouring outside my own lines!!  Sometimes we just have to play and create without any preconceived ideas of what we should do or use.

I used a piece of white Bazzill card stock.  Grabbed a few of my Tim Holtz Distress Inks and picked out a few stencils with different shapes and patterns.

Using a foam ink applicator I just layered the stencils with the distress ink.  No real rhyme or reason to how I did this or how it was placed.  I just placed the stencils down and ink!!

After I was satisfied with the inked stencil layers I just grabbed a few different background stamps.  Using my black Stazon ink pad I stamped the images wherever I wanted.

Next, I wanted to add a little texture to my background so I grabbed my tried and true product - white Gesso.  I chose another stencil, this one had varying sizes of polka dots which will be a nice contrast to the more linear stencils I inked on my page earlier.  Don't forget your little art spatula!!

Using spatula I spread gesso over the stencil, I made sure I put a good, thick layer on.  As you can see, even this little bit of gesso has added a texture and toned down the bright inks a little.

I wasn't quite down with playing with colour yet.  So I turned to my Dylusions Ink Sprays in Postbox Red and Squeezed Orange.  I lightly spritzed my page.  I am an ink junkie!!  It is true but I just looove these sprays.  They are so vivid and a little goes a long way.  

While my background was drying I needed to layer my photo.  I started with placing my photo on another piece of white card stock and trim it fairly close to the picture.  Then I chose different pattern papers, a doily, a piece of cut burlap, a tag, a circle die cut and a white photo frame.  I also layered on some heart stickers.  You don't want to go too crazy with the embellishments.  You want your photo to remain the focal point of the layout.  Just play around with what you've got and always check placement before adhering anything to your page.  As soon as you are satisfied with your design adhere all the layers together and to your page.

The final touches were to add a small alpha title above my photo and the journaling to the left.  I never write too much journaling on my layouts.  I usually just remark about when and where the photo was taken and something about the subject or a little something about how I feel about the photo.  You can add as much or as little writing as you like.  I know some don't journal at all on their layouts.  It's just personal preference.

I hope you can try out a mixed media layout sometime soon.  It is fun and creative.  This layout makes me smile.  I love the colours and I love the subject.  It just makes me happy!!

Until next time.....Keep Creating!!!

Things That Made Me Go Hmmmmmmmm?!/!......................

So this weekend, Paper Passion Studio had the pleasure of running a booth at the 12th Annual Women's Lifestyle Show.  This fabulous show took place at The Convention Centre here in London, Ontario.  From the time we opened the doors Saturday morning to the time we tore down our displays Sunday afternoon, the mood was ELECTRIC!!  Women. Shopping. Food. Wine. Fashion Show.  Demonstrations.  It was a veritable buffet for the senses.  I met so many people from all walks of life, age and circumstance.  It was a wonderful experience.

If my pondering ended there this post would be rather short and sweet.  I may be sweet but I am not short.

If I had to offer up one negative about this weekend I would have to say it was the enormous sense of frustration I felt every time I heard someone say "I'm not creative", or "I could never do this".  I wanted to grab these ladies by the shoulders and scream....."YES you are and YES you can!!!".  We are all creative in one sense or another.  I firmly believe this.  We all have the capability of unleashing  this creativity from within ourselves.  Some may need a little more guidance than others but that's okay.  Some of us are more comfortable with our artistic sides than others.  Some of us understand the value that exists in indulging this side of ourselves.  Some of us need a little push and some of us readily jump.

You can be creative.  You can be artistic.  You don't have to be Picasso, Pollack or Kahlo.  You don't have to be Martha Stewart with a glue gun.  You just have to be open to the possibilities.  If you have tried this and found arts and/or crafts is just not your cup of tea, that's okay.  There is also value in being self aware.  But if you are counting yourself out before you've even tried - I beg of you to put any preconceived notions you have about yourself aside and just give it a try.  Take a class.  Learn from a friend. Or try something at home by yourself when no one is around and you won't feel judged.  Just be open, willing and relaxed.  I know you can surprise yourself.  I am surprised every time I learn something new or master a new technique.  But I continue to push myself and I refuse to put limits on what I can do.  YES,  WE CAN ALL BE CREATIVE & YES,  WE CAN!!!!!

Party Party Party!!

I don't know about you but Spring and Summer proves to be the busiest time for us, party wise.  We have birthday parties, anniversaries, and many celebrations.  I love throwing a good party and it is my belief that the love is in the details.  And details are my specialty.

From handmade invitations, to decorations and party favours, I leave no stone unturned.  Planning the party is almost more fun for me than the actual party itself!!  I have thrown many different types of parties, but the ones that stand out in my mind are:

My daughter's Alice In Wonderland Themed Birthday
Our Annual Halloween Parties
My Youngest Son's Circus Themed Birthday
&
My Best Friend's Baby Shower

To throw a successful party I have learned a few tricks that I would like to share with you now.

1.  When planning a party make sure you give plenty of notice - these days schedules are so busy and I have found it's best to give an early heads up to ensure the biggest turnout possible

2.  Handmade invitations can make a lasting impression and are so fun to create but I also send out emails and/or Facebook messages to cover all my bases

3.  Make sure to ask for RSVPs so that you are able to plan how much food, drinks and favours you will require, I also like to ask guests to indicate if there are any food allergies so I can best plan the menu

4.  Always have a little extra on hand for those surprise guests that can pop up.  I always make a little more food than needed and I always have extra favours on hand just in case - it is better to be over prepared I always say

5.  If you are throwing a child's party make sure you have plenty of activities incorporated into your theme.  There is nothing worse than having a group of "bored" kids complaining during what should be a fun day

6.  Be sure to have someone take pictures for you.  I am always so busy fulfilling my hostess duties that I don't have time to snap photos so I always delegate this job to a family member or good friend

7.  Never be afraid or too proud to ask for help.  I still struggle with this but I am trying to get better at it.  There is no reason to stress yourself out.  Parties are supposed to be fun and bring people together.  Letting go of a little control and asking for help will make your day run smoother

8.  And most importantly, ENJOY YOURSELF, HAVE FUN....you deserve it too!!

IT'S A DOG'S LIFE

I must confess, I do not particularly care for cats.  I do, however, LOVE dogs and always have.  Perhaps my parents created this bias in me since all we had growing up were dogs....some really awesome dogs!!  Dogs that quickly became apart of our family.  It's only natural, I believe, that once I had a family of my own I would see to it that my children would also get the opportunity to grow up with a furry, adopted family member.  So, yes we have a dog.  His name is Cash.  He may cause a little trouble here and there.  He is quite a little sprinter and given the chance he will bolt out of the house and take a spin around the neighbourhood.  He may from time to time impolitely grab food out of my youngest son's hands......but my son is so close to the ground, I think Cash believes this makes all food that low fair game.  Despite his little eccentricities, Cash is a loving, tender little pup adapted to the crazy ways of my children and he is a member of our family.

I realized just recently, that I have NEVER scrapped a layout with any photos of our pup.  This is something I wanted to address.  My children will grow up and Cash will inevitably pass away (later than sooner I hope) and I want there to be some photos of him in our albums to remind Ryley, Dylan and Cole of their little childhood buddy.  So, when I came upon the new HAPPY TAILS Collection by Bo Bunny I knew my ship had come in.  Finally, I found a cute paper that conveys the spirit of our Cash.  Pictured here is just a little preview of a quick layout I completed using this collection.  I hope you enjoy the photos of my pup and I hope you remember to catch some photos of your own family pet and preserve them in your albums for generations to gaze and smile upon!!

Until next time.......Keep Creating!!

MARCH BREAK KIDS WORKSHOPS @ Paper Passion Studio - Printmaking

12th WOMEN'S LIFESTYLE SHOW - London, ON

Yes, it is true!!  Paper Passion Studio will be an exhibitor at this year's Women's Lifestyle Show at the The Convention Centre in London, ON.


Check out the website at www.lifestyle.ca and purchase your tickets for this wonderful weekend of swag, information, workshops and inspiring women!!!  

40th Birthday Random Acts of Kindness Project

As I am turning 40 this year I have decided to embark on a personal journey to mark the occasion.  So I am going to complete 40 Random Acts of Kindness before my birthday in May.  I am going to record this journey every step of the way and remark on how it affects me.  I have so many blessings in my life and I want to pay my good fortune forward.  

My Uncontrollable Clutter

When I talk about my "clutter", I am not only referring to the physical mess that I have accumulated in my crafting area but also the creative mess I have accumulated in my head.

If you are anything like me, you sometimes find it very difficult to turn your brain off.  This seems to happen to me at the most inopportune moments such as when it is time to turn in for the night.  Instead, many nights you will find me burning the midnight oil trying to make all the ideas I have swirling around in my head come to fruition.  The problem is my ideas are ENDLESS!!  I think about scrap book layouts, cards I want to make, jewelry pieces I want to design, party favours that I need to create for all the upcoming birthdays I have on the books and I not only think about my own stuff, I think about all the cool and wonderful things I can create for others.

There are never enough hours in the day for me to accomplish everything.  Then I take a glance at my crafting area and realize I have this huge physical pile of clutter that I desperately need to organize and clean up.  But does this mess on my desk represent what is going on in my head??  Well.....yes there probably is a connection.  

So what can one do?  Well, personally I do not want to clear out the mess in my head - I like it, I thrive on it and I am who I am because of it.  So I will just have to take care of what is on my desk for now and try to clear a spot for me to begin my next project.

What Happens At A Crop....Stays At A Crop!!

Keeping Your Creative Flame Burning

Do you ever feel so completely uninspired that you just cannot seem to "create" anything - good, bad or in between?  These dry spells can hit anyone, anywhere and at anytime.  There are days I sit down at my workspace and I just cannot muster up an ounce of inspiration.  I liken this feeling to that of writer's block.  I've had my share of that too, but that's another blog.

I have had to experiment with different methods to overcome these momentary stalls in my creative pursuits.  I have found the key is to never give into the feelings of self doubt or frustration. I know, I know, that is so much easier said than done but please believe me when I say our thoughts have such a huge impact on every facet of our being, including our "work".  If you start believing that you are not a creative person, or not good enough, or not smart enough, or your ideas suck - over time these thoughts will most definitely manifest themselves into reality.  

The key is to push through all those negative thoughts and feelings and find your way back to your artist within.  The things I have found that help me the most are as follows:

1.   I play my favourite music really loud.  I will sing along and even dance around.  It is almost impossible to remain stuck in a funk when you do this.  Music can unlock so much creativity inside of you.  I defy anyone not to feel good or motivated after jumping around to some good music!!

2.   If I find music not doing the trick (which isn't very often, but it can happen) I will pick up my journal and just start writing down whatever pops in my head.  And I mean WHATEVER.  Even if it is completely absurd or incoherent, I will just write it down.  Soon I will find myself working through all the noise in my head and I will find the clarity that I've been craving.  Journals are such a wonderful tool and something that I could not live without.  Just try it for one week!!  When you are having any strong feelings, whether they be positive or negative, just grab a pen and a journal and write until you are spent.  I promise this is an exercise you won't regret!!

3.   Okay, so I've listened to the music, wrote a few things in my journal but I am still just a little hung up and not feeling quite ready to sit down and create - this is when I need some visual stimuli.  This is when I know I need to take some time and look at the work of other's.  Whether they be famous, well known artists and designers or just someone posting their work on the web.  I have so much appreciation for the bounty of talent that is at our fingertips to admire and study.  I have a few books that I love looking through time and time again because I am just blown away by the artistry they portray.  I have a few bookmarked websites of artists that I am in complete awe of and just looking at their works can spark a fire inside me.  I love to study.  I love finding new works and new talent to learn about.  We are all students.  We never cease learning.  So find something to look at, something that blows you away, something that makes you want to be better.  

If you try these 3 steps and you still find yourself feeling uninspired.  Take a break.  Walk away for a bit.  Relax.  Breathe.  Your creative spark will ignite again.  You may just need a moment to recharge.  I like to have a cup of tea and read a book, chat with my hubby or laugh with my kids.  I know I will be back at my workspace in no time and when I am, you better stand back cause you may just get burned by my flames!!!

Yes, I Am A Scrap Addict!

Are you seduced by the texture of card stock?  Does the sight of a new tape roller get your blood pumping?  Do you hide your craft store receipts?  If you answered YES to any of these questions then join the club girl - you are a scrap addict!!!!!

I can freely admit here and now that I do indeed suffer from scrap-itis.  This affliction turns seemingly sane women into ravenous,  insatiable crafters who cannot control their need for more and more supplies.

Over the years I have accumulated an almost embarrassing amount of crafting supplies.  I just cannot seem to get enough.  There is always something new being released or something I just don't have that I just can't live without.  I am fortunate to be married to a man who knows I have this problem and yet he still loves and accepts me.  He may not understand my explanations for all my purchases but he doesn't stand in my way - mostly out of fear of what I could be capable of should he get between me and that new punch.

I suppose there are worse things I could be obsessive about and much worse things I could invest my money in so for those reasons I have learned to live with my addiction.  I honour it and give it its proper due.  Being a scrap-addict is something I now fully embrace and refuse to be ashamed of.  It makes me happy and feeds my soul.  

So do not fret friends if you find yourself in a long checkout line with your arms full and your mouth foaming with excitement - for you have just joined a prestigious group of fellow crafters.

Hope you find inspiration and time for creation every single day!!!

Until next time.............

A New Year , A Fresh Start

A NEW YEAR, A FRESH START!!

So here we are already well into January 2014.  How are your resolutions holding up?  I am going to be brutally honest....I have already dropped the ball on mine.  However, I am not a quitter and I am just going to pick up that ball and get back into the game.  Do not let your frustrations or disappointments take control.  We are all human.  Yes, we are capable of amazing things, and incredible change but sometimes we stumble or lose our footing along our journeys.  That is OK!!  I will say again, it's OK!!  It's those stumbles and falls that allow us to learn invaluable lessons.  They can make us resilient and more determined.  And that my friends is exactly what I intend to take away from missteps - resiliency and determination.  This year I am actively dedicating myself to being mindful and learning everything I can about that.  I am going to be more forgiving of myself and take the time to pursue ALL my passions.

I just attended a wonderful Women In Business conference here in London, ON and I walked away from that event with my heart and mind FULL of inspiration, and new found knowledge. I met and listened to amazing mentors and I have to say that I was completely in the moment that day.  I wasn't thinking about the unfinished laundry, the unattended mounds of paperwork waiting for me or what I needed to pick up at the grocery store - for 8 hours I was "the moment" and I have to say it felt wonderful!!  I hope this year you can find yourselves present and mindful in your moments.  I hope you can take the time to explore your passions and exercise your creativity.  This feeds your soul.  This can also change your life.