Van Laar Designs

Paper Crafts Magazine Presents: Stamp It! 3 Ways Blog Hop

2012-01-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Welcome to the Stamp It! 3 Ways blog hop!

If you are a stamper this is a definite must have issue! It feutures 3 different takes on each stamp set featured, and it's so fun and inspiring to see the different ways each designer used their stamps.

Click HERE to pick up one for yourself.

I was lucky enough to get to work with a few different sets in this issue, Including the one I used ony my yellow ribbon card featured on the cover! Heeeeee! It was really fun trying to come up with out of the box ways to use each set.

For today's hop I decided to revisit the Nordic Holiday stamp set from Hero Arts for Basic Grey I used on my Welcome Home card featured on page 63. This is a holiday stamp set and for my card in the magazine I wanted to show that some stamp sets can be stretched beyond the season they were intended for. I decided to see if I could come up with another non-holiday use for the set and this is what I ended up with.

I took my inspiration from the label stamp. It reminded me of a name tag, you know, the kind that says "hello my name is..." With that in mind I found some alphabet rub-ons and added my sentiment.

To dress it up a bit I stamped the floral motif circle stamp in shades of blue and green and punched them out. the leaves were created by stamping the border in green and freehand cutting the leaf portion out.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (brown) Bazzill, (white woodgrain embossed) Gmund, Stamps: (label, floral circle, border from the Nordic Holiday set) Hero Arts for Basic Grey, Ink: ColorBox, Rub-ons: American Crafts, Twine: The Twinery, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Circle Punch: EK Success
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I was also really inspired by the folk art look of the stamps and thought that some woodgrain embossed cardstock would make a perfect background.

How would you like to win a copy of this fabulous issue yourself? For a chance all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by midnight MST Sunday, January 29th.

Want more chances? Try visiting these amazing designers also featured in Stamp It! 3 Ways

· Jaclyn Miller

· Julie Masse

· Laura Williams

· Heidi Van Laar ---that's me

· Karen Baker

Annnd it gets even better! Visit the Paper Crafts Connection blog for a chance to win this AMAZING prize package full of stamp sets from the issue!

Have fun and good luck!!
♥Heidi

January Paper Smooches DT blog hop!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches February stamp release with you! The three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on February 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new February stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, January 27th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, January 28th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post

2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop

4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

I made my card with the oh so cute "Spring Fling" set

♥♥♥!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white, green, blue, pink, yellow) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: Lily bee, Stamps: (flowers, leaves, sentiment from the Spring Fling set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Memento, Twine: Paper Smooches, Trim: Wrights, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I took a variety of flowers and leaves from the set, stamped them on various cardstocks, cut them out and clustered them on my card. I added a bit of eyelet trim and gingham background paper to up the country charm factor. The sentiment is also from the "Spring Fling" set and the bakers twine is from the Paper Smooches Store.

So, it is quite possible that at this very moment I'm on a plane to southern California for CHA! I am soooo excited! Hope I meet lots of you there!

♥Heidi

BTW we did finally get our power back yesterday...just in time for me to leave lol!

Surviving

2012-01-24T08:49:00.001-08:00

No power, 108 hours and counting.

Sorry the lack of, well anything from me lately. We were hit with one seriously nasty snow and ice storm on Thursday, lost power and still don't have it back. I'm hoping that it will be back on before I fly out on Thursday to visit family and head off to CHA.

Without going into all the grimy details I'll just say that we do not have any gas appliances, nor do we have an alternative heat source, so no power means, no hot water, no heat, no cooking. I have been wearing a snow suit in my house and can see my breath which, I don't have to tell you, really sucks. I finally made it down the hill today to find an internet connection, so I can draft a few posts and let people know I'm alive :)

Hope you are warm wherever you are!
♥Heidi

Honoka

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi again!

Thought I'd share another new collection with you, the Honoka collection from Anna Griffin.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co., Patterend Paper, Die Cuts, dimensional sticker: (Honoka Collection) Anna Griffin, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5"x5"

It's full of prints and motifs inspired by early 20th century Japanese design. Really different and beautiful! To make this card I layered several different prints and topped them with die cuts and a dimensional sentiment sticker.

Have a beautiful weekend!
♥Heidi

Valentine

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Just a quick little Valentine's share today.

I love making Valentine's card. They're so sweet and happy and full of...well, love, lol!

Supplies:
Cardstock, Patterned Papers, Embossed Stickers, Sparkle Brads: (Love Struck Collection) We R Memory Keepers, Baker's Twine, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Scallop Punch: Fiskars
Size: 5"x5"

I put his one together with the Love Struck collection from We R Memory Keepers. I love the notebook print. It reminds me of Valentine's Day when I was in grade school. Anyone else make those decorated "mailboxes" and hang them on the front of your desk for other kids to put Valentine's in? Too fun!

Have a beautiful day!
♥Heidi

Tried and True Friend

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have another GCD Studios Sneak peek card to share today. This is another new line that I am super excited about and it's called Splendor.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (ivory), Patterned Papers: (Heirloom, Navy Flora, Tiny Blossoms, Labels and Tags, from the Splendor Collection) GCD Studios, Chipboard Stickers: (Splendor Collection) GCD Studios, Ribbon: May Arts, Button: October Afternoon
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

It's full of soft colors and vintage inspired prints and motifs. L♥ve! You can see the entire line HERE on the GCD Studios Blog.

Speaking of CHA, I am getting so dang excited!! Just a little over a week until I leave to attend for my very first time :-D Hope I get to meet some of you there!

Have a beautiful day!
♥Heidi

Cool Tools Winner and some Paper Smooches too

2012-01-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

Ready to find out who won a copy of Paper Crafts Magazine's Cool Tools for Paper Crafters? Well, according to Random.org the winner is #15 Natka!!

Natka said...

Oh, Heidi, this ia a very beautiful card! Pretty colours and flowers - I am missing the spring...

Congratulations Natka!! Please contact me with your mailing information and your Magazine will sent right out to you.

Great big thank to everyone who played along!

Just one more thing before I go. I thought I'd share a card that I made with the new Helping Hands set from Paper Smooches.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (kraft, white) The Paper Co., (burgundy) DCWV, Patterned Paper: (Kraft Funday) My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (Small solid hand, large open hand, sentiment from the Helping Hands set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (Chestnut) ColorBox, Baker's Twine: (Sky) Paper Smooches, Button: from stash, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Pinking Shears: Fiskars
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

So apparently blogger is being weird this morning. I can't seem to get my photo to want to center. Ah well, blogger: it's a love hate sort of relationship.

Anyway, about the card, I used the small solid hand image from the Helping Hands set to create an all over background pattern and stamped the large hand onto craft and cut it out. The sentiment is also from the Helping Hands set. That delish baker's twine can also be found in the Paper Smooches shop.

Have a Happy Day!
♥Heidi

Paper Crafts Magazine Presents: Cool Tools Blog Hop

2012-01-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hi and welcome to the Cool Tools Blog Hop!

Have you seen the latest special issue from Paper Crafts Magazine? It's sooo good! Not only does it have tons of great inspiration, but it is chock full of great step by step tutorials on unique ways to use your crafting tools!

Pick up Your Copy HERE

I had the pleasure of getting to contribute a few projects to this issue and the thing I enjoyed most was also the hardest thing for me to do...think outside the box. This issue is all about using your tools in creative ways, and coming up with unique ideas was both fun and challenging.

For today's hop I created a card using one of my favorite tools of all time: punches.

I love that you can mimic both patterned papers and dimensional embellishment using just punches and that's just what I set out to do with my card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (green, aqua, yellow) Bazzill, (Pink) American Crafts, Punches: (Vine, Hydrangeas) Martha Stewart Crafts, Stamp: Hero Arts, Ink: Fresh Ink, Adhesive Pearls: Kaisercraft
5"x4.25"

I started off by creating an all over background pattern using a vine border punch, then I made my own floral embellishments by layering two of the same flower punch and adding a few pearls. Super easy and, after the initial investment in the punches, super inexpensive! Gotta love that :)

Wanna win a copy for yourself? All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment on this post.

And just wait till you see what the other designers created!

Be sure to visit and leave a comment on each blog for more chances to win a copy of Cool Tools!

But wait, there's more! Head on over to the Paper Crafts Connection blog and comment for a chance to win mondo prize package full of tools used in the issue.

All comments must be received by midnight (MDT) Sunday, January 15th.

Good luck and have fun!
♥Heidi

Enjoy Every Moment

2012-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

OK, so today I have kind of a fun share. It's a card I made with the soon to be released Oh Happy Day collection by Heidi Sonboul for GCD Studios.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white, yellow) The Paper Co., Patterned Papers: (all from the Oh Happy Day Collection) GCD Studios, Stamp: Hero Arts, Ink: ColorBox, Dies: (circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Border Punch: EK Success

No joke, I LOVE this collection! It's so me, with all those bright, happy colors and great basic patterns! ♥♥♥ I fussy cut some tiny roses to embellish the frame for my stamped sentiment and that striped paper was just perfect for making a paper bow.

You can seek a sneak peek of the entire Oh Happy Day collection HERE, and check out Heidi's blog for more great projects using it.

Have a happy day!
♥Heidi

HUGE Birthday Wishes

2012-01-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

Hi again!

I'm trying to get back into my routine. It's so dang hard after the holidays! Since today is Monday and I routinely show a Paper Smooche s card on Monday, here ya go :)

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (oranges) Bazzill, Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (Dino and sentiment from the Party Posse set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Foam tape: Scotch
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

The little dino (or in this case baby Godzilla) and the sentiment are from the super cute new Party Posse set. I could'nt resist having him stomping through a city scape, so I hand cut a few building and layered them with foam squares.

Allrighty then, that's it from me for today, but stay tuned. I have lots of fun stuff to share this week!

Have a beautiful day!
♥Heidi

A Couple cards for the Weekend

2012-01-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hey there!

I've been neglecting my Paper Smooches posts lately. Tsk, tsk! In an attempt to play a little catch up I thought I'd share a couple.

Fist up as CAS card that I made with the December release "Word Salad".

Supplies:
Cardstock: (blue) DCWV, (black, white) The Paper Co., Stamp: (sentiment from Word Salad set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) ColorBox, Floss: (DMC), Toos: Corner Punches: We R Memory Keepers, Piercer: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

Super simple, just pierced a hole above each letter in the sentiment and ran a different color of floss through each.

Next up a lil' somthin' I made with the brand new "Vogue Abode" set. I guess this one's CAS too :)

Supplies:
CardstocK: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Paper: (Farmhouse collection) October Afternoon, Stamps: (leaft, vase, sentiment from the Vogue Abode set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (blue, grey) ColorBox, Brads: Impression Obsession, Die: Spellbinders
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

Love the chic modern images in this set!

Have a great weekend everyone!
♥Heidi

Top 12 of 2011

2012-01-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

Last year I decided to post my favorite projects from 2010. It was kinda of fun to go back through what I had done throughout the year and really think about what work I was the most happy with, so I decided to do it again this year.

Here are the 12 projects I chose: (in no particular order)

Tissue paper peas. Truthfully, this was just one of those things that happend almost by accident and those usually make me the happiest.

I'm not sure what it is about this card. I think it might be the subtle colors...or maybe those quilled flowers :)

This was my favorite collection from GCD Studios this past year, Funhouse.

And this was my favorite Anna Griffin collection, Carmen. This is also a card that was published in Paper Crafts: Card Ideas for Paper Crafters and was based on my very own sketch.

2011 was the first year I started to think of myself as a stamper, thanks in large part to being lucky enough to become part of the Paper Smooches team.

I also introduced myself to the highly addictive world of Copic markers. This little monster was one of the first coloring jobs that I was really happy with.

One of the best things about Paper Smooches is the sense of humor Kim adds to them.

One last PS card. This one just came together perfectly for me and I LOVE these papers!

I had to make a couple layouts for We R Memory Keepers and discovered that I wasn't totally incompetent when it came to them.

I am trying out for the Spellbinders team (I made it to round two, fingers crossed for me!) and this card shows exactly why I am.

I did a guest spot for Technique Tuesday and as a thank you they sent me some stamps to play with. LOVE these swirly flowers by Ali Edwards.

This, this is probably my number one favorite card this year. I made it for my nieces wedding and every detail of it was with that in mind. The colors, the textures all inspired by her colors and venue. It turned out exactly how I wanted it to.

If you made it to the bottom, thanks for hangin' in there for such a looooong post!

Have a fabulous day!
♥Heidi

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

So do you make New Year's resolutions? I do...sort of. I make resolutions, but I never tell anyone one what they are. That way when I fail miserably at achieving them my shame isn't public :-D

I do have some things I'm excited about as the New Year starts though. One of them being that I finally get to attend my first CHA! YAY!!! I'll be spending most of my time there at the GCD Studios booth, so if you get a chance, stop by and say hi! The thing I'm most looking forward to at CHA is getting to meet some of my crafty online friends.

Speaking of GCD Studios I have a little sneak peek at one of their new collections. It was designed by Heidi Sonboul and is soooooo good!!Have a Happy New Year Everyone!
♥Heidi

Paper Smooches Winner Announced!

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

And my winner for the December Paper Smooches Blog hop is #142

sharon g said...

I like your hearts, and the notebook paper. I'm a sucker for notebook paper. It holds such promise.....

December 30, 2011 6:53 PM

Congrats sharon g!!

Please contact me so we can get your new stamps sent right out to you.

Once again a great big thank you to everyone who hopped along with us this month. Hope to see you again in the New Year!

♥Heidi

December Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches January stamp release with you! The three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on January 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new January stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, December 30th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, December 31st to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post

2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop

4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

Here's what I made with the brand new Helping Hands set.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (red, lightest pink) Bazzill, (dk pink) American Crafts, (med pink) DCWV, (Cream) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: (Sweet and Sour Soup 6x6 pad) Jillibean Soup, Stamps: (hand, sentiment from the Helping Hands set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (grey) ColorBox, Colored Pencils: Prismacolor, Tiny Paper Clip: Creative Impressions, Baker's Twine: Paper Smooches, Border Punch: EK Success, Die: (Heart Nestabilities) Spellbinders
Size: 4.5"x4.75"

I stamped the hand image onto some notebook patterned paper and colored it in a little sloppy to make it look kinda like a notebook doodle. I then framed it with gradient heart die cuts. I gave the same doodly/sketchy treatment to the heart I colored for the sentiment. I finished off my card with a border punch, a tiny paper clip and some of the new twine you can find in the Paper Smooches store.

Have fun and good luck!

♥Heidi

I ♥ You

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I'm back (finally) with another post.

This time I have a super cute new Valentine's collection to share.

Supplies:
Cardstock (lt pink, dk pink, white) We R Memory Keepers, Patterned Papers: (Love Struck Collection) We R Memory Keepers, Doilies, Heart brads: (Love Struck Collection) We R Memory Keepers, Ribbon: Offray, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

This was created with the Love Struck collection from We R Memory Keepers. I love the bright, happy colors and the embellishments like those mini doilies and blingy heart brads are divine!

I hope everyone had a Merry and Blessed Christmas! We definitely did. I finally got my house including my dining room remodel all ready for company, which is a good thing since my entire family, all my siblings, their families and my mom were all at my house for Christmas this year. I LOVED having every one together...that being said, next time it's someone else's turn. lol!

♥Heidi

A Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

A little somethin' I made just to share with you.

Proving that product doesn't have to be brand new to be beautiful I used some Graphic 45 papers and Prima embellishments that I had in my stash for a looong time.

Some glass glitter, spellbinders dies and one of my paper bows to complete the look.

Wishing all you who celebrate this season
a very Merry Christmas
and the happiest New Year!

♥ Heidi

Bear Hugs

2011-12-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Aww man, I cannot believe it's whole week since I've posted! (hangs head in shame) I won't bore you with a bunch of lame excuses, how about instead I just show you a card :)

Yup, you guesses it more Paper Smooches!

The bear and sentiment are from the Chubby Chums Pals set. I paired them with some delish October Afternoon papers to create something bright and fun.

A quickie post today, I am off to finish up the dining room. Almost there!!

Have a stress free day!
♥Heidi

Lovebirds

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Monday again *sigh*. Weekends really aren't long enough are they.

At least I have something to share :) Yup, you guessed it more Paper Smooches!

Those sweet little birds and the heart bubble are from the new Smoocheroos set and the leaves are from the Fruitastic set.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (blue, green) American Crafts, (kraft) The Paper Co., Patterned Papers: (The Love Struck collection) We R Memory Keepers, Stamps: (Birds, heart bubble from the Smoocheroos set, Leaves from the Fruitastic set) Paper Smooches, ink: (black) Memento, (green) ColorBox, Markers: Copic, Ribbon: We R Memory Keepers, Corner rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

I colored and cut out my birds and added them to the branch that I hand cut. The patterned papers are from the We R Memory Keepers Love Struck collection.

That's it for me on the creative front. We're still battling the dining room makeover. I mentioned a while ago that the floor scared me...it turns out my fear was warranted. It's not pretty folks, not pretty at all. Beware old houses with carpeting!

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

GCD Studios December Inspiration

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! Want to see an amazing bit of inspiration?

The colors in this are so fabulous, and although not typical, I think they are perfect for Christmas! I have a couple of cards to share to show you what I mean.

I broke out my Chip Art tool and some Soul Food papers to create this bright Noel card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Paper: (Soulful, Lovely Green from the Soul Food Collection, Lanterns from the Great Outdoors collection, Kiss & makeup, Cougar from the Material Girls collection, Brad: (Homespun Chic collection), Chip Art Shapes: (Small Frames), Chip Art Tools: (Peacock Alphabet caps) Paint: Plaid
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

I hand cut the pink poinsettia from some solid colored b sides and added a jeweled brad from the Homespun Chic collection.

More solid colored B side papers from the Material Girls and Ava collections created the bow and wreath that are the focal pint of this card. And lets not forget that big beautiful Homespun Chic bling!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Paper: (Kiss & makeup, Girlie Girl from the Material Girls collection, Sparkle Lattice Light Green from the Scandia Jul collection, Pink Sparkle from the Homespun Chic collection, Pinas from the Smoothie Shoppe collection, Big Mod from the Ava collection) Brad: (Homespun Chic collection), Chip Art Shapes: (Medium Alphabet), Punches: (holly leaf, scalloped border) EK Success, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, glitter: Martha Stewart
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

Material Girl and Scandia Jul proved the the paper that make up the multi-toned green background and I covered some Chip Art letters in Material Girl paper and added some glitter for holiday sparkle to finish my "JOY"

Now if only I could convince my husband that pink is a Christmas color :)

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

A Card and WHAT?! Another LO!

2011-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Still shocking I know, but it's almost starting to become a trend. I feel like I'm starting to get better at it too.

Wanna see?

Supplies:
Cardstock: (We R Memory Keepers), Patterend Papers, Chipboard stickers, Brads, Stamps: (Good Day Sunshine Collection) We R Memory Keepers, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Ribbon: We R Memory Keepers, Tools: Sew Stamper: (cross and scallop stitch heads), Sew Ribbon Puch (Leaf design), Corner Chomper Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers

I used the new Sew Ribbon and Sew Stamper tools from We R Memory Keepers as well as a hot off the presses collection called Good Day Sunshine (it's so hot in fact that it won't ship until January). I absolutely LOVE this collection! It's full of all kinds of great patterns, including some fab florals, but the color scheme makes it totally usable for boy themed projects like mine.

I really don't consider myself a scrapbooker AT ALL, but I gotta admit I'm pretty proud of this LO. I even added an interactive element in my pull out journaling tag! (patting self on back)

I was having so much fun with this collection, that I decided to go ahead and make a card too.

I reached for the Sew Stamper tool again too and added a bit of faux stitching.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (We R Memory Keepers), Patterend Papers, Chipboard stickers, Brads: (Good Day Sunshine Collection) We R Memory Keepers, Floss: We R Memory Keepers, Tools: Sew Stamper: (cross and scallop stitch heads) We R Memory Keepers

Well, I'm off to prep the dining room walls for wallpaper. hopefully I'll be pleased enough with the whole dining room redo to share it when we're finished. Only time will tell though :) (the floor...scares me!)

Have a fabulous day!
♥Heidi

Love Always

2011-12-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

Sorry about the lull in posts, but man, December shows up and always kicks my butt! I'm going along all la-de-da in November, then December hits and I realize all the things I still need to do before Christmas comes, CHA work starts trickling in and to top it all off I (perhaps because I'm a little crazy) volunteered to have my entire family for Christmas and then decided to remodel the dining room before they come. CRA-zy!

I do have a Paper Smooches card to share today though!

This was made with the new Word Salad set from Paper Smooches. LOVE Kim's sentiment sets! I stamped the word "Love" first in red and colored it with Copics, then stamped "always" in black. The colors I used were inspired by the fabulous Basic Grey Picadilly collection that I paired it with.

I will put in a valiant effort to attend to my blog this week, but I know it's a busy one for me, so please forgive the posting if it happens to be a bit sparse :)

Have a beautiful day!
♥Heidi

Birthday Butterfly and a Winner!

2011-11-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hello out there!

Just a quick share and then onto that other business :)

Here's a CAS Birthday card that I made with a Spellbinders butterfly die cut that I embellished with embossing powder and bling.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (yellow) Bazzill, (white) Georgia-Pacific, Stamp: Hero Arts, Ink: (blue, yellow), ColorBox, Embossing Powder: Reminisce, Dies: (circle Nestabilities, Butterfly) Spellbinders, Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug, Heat Set Rhinestones: Sierra Pacific
Size: 5"x6.5"

LOVE that die cut!

Aaaand now onto the matter of the winner of my giveaway!

The Winner is #14

Blogger Ryann Salamon said...
Happy Birthday and congrats on the blog followers!!
November 21, 2011 11:43 AM

Yay Ryann!!

Shoot me an email with your mailing address and I'll get your box of goodies sent out to you.

Thanks so much to everyone who commented! I loved getting all birthday wishes and congrats from you guys!

Have a great day everyone!!
♥Heidi

I ♥ You!

2011-11-28T03:30:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

Another Monday, another Paper Smooches creation! I have another sneak peek at the December release for you today. Here's a little something I created with a set called Smoocheroos.

Can we talk about how stinkin' adorable that monkey is? LOVE!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Stamps: (monkey and balloons from the Smoocheroos set, Clouds from the Sunnyside Up set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Memento, (blue) ColorBox, Markers : Copic, Crochet Thread: Coats & Clark, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I decided that he needed a lift care of the I ♥ U balloons that also come in this set. I tied strings to them and made it appear as if they were in his grip. Everything is colored with Copics and cut out. I wanted to keep the background simple, so I stamped a sky with the clouds from the Sunny Side Up set and added that to a white, heart-embossed background.

That's all for now. I'm off to start dragging out the Christmas decor...anyone else?

♥Heidi

PS I'll be posting the winner of my giveaway in the next day or two, so stay tuned!

PPS I still haven't heard from my blog hop winner Carolyn Lontin where are you?!

Paper Smooches Winner Announced!

2011-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Time to announce the winner of a brand new Chubby Chums Pals stamp set from Paper Smooches!!

According to random.org the winner was #109

Carolyn Lontin said...

oh my - he is so stinkin' cute!

November 25, 2011 8:21 AM

Congrats Carolyn!! Please email me with your mailing address so we can get that sent right out to you! Thanks so much to everyone who hopped along with us, hope to see you next month!

♥Heidi

November Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

First of all I'd like to wish all my friends in the USA a hearty happy Thanksgiving!!

With that said, how about some new Paper Smooches stamps?

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches December stamp release with you! The three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on December 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new December stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, November 25th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, November 26th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:
1. Leave a comment on this blog post
2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop
3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop
4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

And here's what I made with the brand new Chubby Chums Pals set.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (blue) American Crafts, (white) Georgia-Pacific, (kraft) The Paper Co., Stamps: (Moose, Sentiment, Light from the Chubby chums Pals set; snow flakes from the Swanky Snowdudes set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (Rich cocoa, Tuxedo Black) Memento, (white) ColorBox, Markers: Coopic, Gel Pen: Sakura, Green Crochet thread: Coats & Clark, Die: (Circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders
Size: 4.25x5.5"

With Christmas right around the corner I decided to use this adorable moose from the Chubby Chums Pals set to create a punny little card. The lights, moose and sentiment are all from this new set and I added the snowflakes from the Swanky Snowdudes set to create the background.

Well, that's it for me!

Have fun and good luck!
♥Heidi

Harvest...Llama?

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I have a rather um.....unique fall decor project to share today, a harvest llama. How does one come up with the idea to make a harvest llama? Well let's just say that our fearless leader at GCD Studios, a certain Heidi Sonboul has quite the sense of humor :)

I'm not one to shy away from a challenge though and I went to work creating a harvest llama that I would be proud to display with my fall decor.

Here's how I made him.

1. Cut one left and one right facing llama from both lightweight chipboard and patterned paper.

2. Adhere the patterned paper llamas to the chipboard.

3. Cut a 2x7" strip of cardstock ( this will become the center piece that turns you llama into a box) Score 1/4" from each edge on the long sides and again 2" from each short side.

4. Fold all sides up like so.

5. Adhere to one side of llama.

6. Adhere second side of llama, making sure to line each side up.

7. Decorate and fill however you like!

Supplies:
Chipboard: (Colorbok), Patterned Paper: (8x8 Soul food Pad), Die Cut borders: (Soul Food), Floral Brads, Die cut doily) (Sweet Surrender) GCD Studios, corner rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Other: White Hemp Cord. Size: 6.5"x9.5"

I filled mine with wheat sprigs purchased at the craft store, but you could fill him with dried flowers, nuts, candies, etc., just about anything that won't destroy paper. He could be used as a centerpiece, but I'll probably add him to an autumn display I have on one of my bookcases.

I embellished him with rolled roses and one of my chrysanthemum type flowers (tutorial here) as well as a few flower brads and a die cut doily from the Sweet Surrender collection.

The patterned papers and die cut trim I used were from the Soul Food Collection.

If want to make one of these yourself, or maybe you're just a llama fan I thought I'd share the pattern I created.

Click to open, right click to save.

Hope you enjoyed my harvest llama, have a great day!

♥Heidi

Hey, Hey, How About a Giveaway!

2011-11-21T08:54:00.001-08:00

Because...

#1 I haven't done one in a while

#2 It's my birthday :-D

and #3 I just noticed that I have 500 followers! Woohoo! Kind of blown away by that one, thanks so much!

Let's see, what do we have?

An assortment of embellishments including: Two Hampton Arts Foot-longs embellishment packs, A Pink Paislee Soiree flag kit, Flora Doodles paper flowers and two assorted brad packs.

A few packs of clear stamps: Life in Pictures by Ali Edwards from Technique Tuesday, T for Transparent Sentiment stamps from Penny Black, 3 sheets of clear floral stamps from Anna Griffin.

But wait, there's more! A Beginnings Travel Word Album from SEI, an i-rock heat set tool with heat set rhinestones and satin floral hair clip from Imaginisce, and last but not least an Eyelet Circles Nestabilities die set from Spellbinders.

What do you have to do for a chance to win this bad boy? Comment on this post, that's it!
Who can win? Anyone!
How long do you have? Until next Sunday night, November 27th at 11:59 PM

Thanks again to all my followers! You guys are the best!

Good Luck!
♥Heidi

*****Giveaway is Closed*****

Doin' the Peppermint Twist

2011-11-18T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello!

since the holiday are lurking just around the corner, I thought I'd share a few project I made with the Peppermint Twist collection from We R memory Keepers.

I actually made these waaaaay back in July for Summer CHA, but I thought now was the fitting time to share them. These first two cards were made with papers, cardstock and layered chipboard stickers all from Peppermint Twist. I also broke out my Sew Easy tool and my Corner Chomper

Supplies:
Cardstock: (green, lt. green) , Patterned Papers, Layered Chipboard Stickers: (Peppermint Twist collection), Sew Easy Floss: (Greens, Yellows), Tools: Sew Easy tool: (Straight and Burst heads), Corner Chomper: (Corner Rounder) We R Memory Keepers
Size: 8"x4"

Supplies:
Cardstock: (red, lt. green) , Patterned Papers, Layered Chipboard Stickers, brads: (Peppermint Twist collection), Sew Easy Floss: (Greens), Tools: Sew Easy tool: (Straight and Scalloped heads), Corner Chomper: (Corner Rounder) We R Memory Keepers, Die: (circle Nestabilies) Spellbinders
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Other than my paper trimmer, the corner rounder Corner Chomper is probably my most used tool, I LOVE that thing!

Next up is an advent wreath I made by re-working the Peppermint Twist advent kit.

Supplies:
Advent Kit, Patterned Papers, Ribbon: (Peppermint Twist Collection) We R Memory Keepers, Paint: Plaid, Other: Wreath Base
Size: Approx. 24"x24"

I put together and decorated all the boxes from the kit, but instead of making them into the suggested tree shape, I adhered them to a wooden wreath base.

OK, now for something new. I always invite people to email me if they have any questions about the projects I post, but sometimes questions get asked in the comments too, which is totally fine. I can completely relate to that, but I'm not always sure how to address it. Occasionally an email address can be found on the profile and most of the time I will try to send out an email with an answer, but that's not always the case. SO, I think I've come up with a solution. Fridays I will do a little Q&A at the end of my normal post. Some weeks there might be a lot and some their might be just one or two or none at all. I just want to try and answer all the questions that you have...'cause it means so much to me that anyone is interested enough to visit in the first place! ♥

Whew, that went a bit long winded :)

Friday Q&A

Just a couple

1. Regarding THIS post with the quilled flowers
salma said...
I like your climbing leaves But how can you make these flowers ,please mention your method of the quelling the flowers in here....:):)

I used the Chrysanthemum Qulling kit from Cuttlebug. It comes with dies and a quilling tool to make your own quilled flowers. I love this by the way, it doesn't always cut super clean when using thicker papers or cardstock, but the end result is so worth having to run it through an extra time or two.

2. The other questions I had were about THIS card that I made for the Moxie Fab Work Tuseday Trigger Beads and Baubles. It wasn't a single question, just several people wondering about the weight.

It is VERY heavy! lol! If I end up giving it to someone I will either attach it to the front of a gift bag or make up a small box for it. It will most likely NOT go into the mail. But, I really kind of like it myself and was thinking of changing out the sentiment and framing it for my workspace. (is that selfish?)

Have a great weekend everyone!!
♥Heidi

Lovely Inspiration

2011-11-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

Hi there, ready for a beauuuutiful inspiration pic?

Isn't that dreamy? I just love the creamy greys and browns and that little pop of coral pink is just perfect!

I made a couple cards with this piece of inspiration, and the first is pretty literal. It's easy to see where I got the idea for the grey background, the layered papers, the clips, buttons and bit of ribbon. They all came right out of this photo.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (ivory, kraft) The Paper Co., Patterned Papers: (Trail Blazer from the Great Outdoors collection, Girlie girl from the Material Girls Collection, Soul Vine from the Soul Food collection) Lace cut Paper: (The Little Lovebirds from the Sweet Surrender collection) Embellishments: (Buttons from the Sweet Surrender collection, Rectangle Glass Paperclips from the Soul Food collection) GCD Studios, Seambinding: Scrappinkris on etsy, Twill: Paper Smooches Natural collection, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

I added the flowers from the Material Girl collection and lace from the Sweet Surrender collection to add just a touch more girlie to it it.

The clip from the Soul Food collection was the perfect way to add a sentiment.

Next I decided to use the colors from the inspiration to represent fall.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co., Patterned Papers: (Cougar, Kiss & Makeup from the Material Girls Collection; She Seeks, Soulfield from the Soul Food collection, Time for Tea from the Antiquities collection) Embellishments: (Buttons from the Sweet Surrender collection) GCD Studios, Stamp: ( Studios AE, Give Thanks by Ali Edwards) Technique Tuesday, Ink: ColorBox, Dies: (circle Nestabilities, Leaves Shapeabilities) Spellbinders, (Quilled Flower) Cuttlebug

Size: 5"x5"

Die cut leaves using papers from the Soul Food collection and flowers quilled from Material Girl papers do the job nicely.

A Good Egg

2011-11-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hi out there!

I'm a little late with this morning's post, but we just got back from our little extended weekend trip and I'm only slowly getting myself back up to the pace of regular life. Our trip was great. No big plans or activities, just a lot of good food, great company and a reprieve from our hectic schedule...just what I needed :)

Since today is Monday, I of course have a Paper Smooches creation to share.

I used the wake Up set from the November release to create this little guy. "come on, how fun are those bacon and egg stamps?

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (egg, bacon, sentiment from the "Wake Up" set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Dies: (Circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Other: Martha Stewart Scoring Board
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

To finish off my little breakfast scene I added a piece of gingham paper and placed it on a diagonal and created a plate with circle Nesties and some white cardstock.

that it from me today, but Kim has a really fun announcement at the Paper Smooches Blog, if you're a fan you should definitely check it out!

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Aqua and Orange

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

Aqua and orange together are so completely delightful to me. It's what compelled me to pick up these papers and made it impossible for me to put them away before I'd made something with them.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia Pacific, Patterned Papers: (Gathering collection) Authentique
Paper, Stamp: Technique Tuesday, Ink: (black) ColorBox, Ribbon: Offray, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers.
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Such an awesome combo! ♥

Have a wonderful weekend!!
♥Heidi

How Tweet of You

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello!

Just a quick post today. I'm cleaning and packing bags so we can take off tomorrow on a little extended weekend excursion. It's been soooooooooo long since we've gone anywhere and even though we're only driving 2 1/2 hours to stay at my brother and his families house, I'm still super excited!!

Now for the card.

This is a little something I came up with for Paper Smooches October release "My Peeps". It made it into the PS newsletter, but just in case you don't get it (and 'cause honestly I've had no time to make something new to share) here it is again.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (black) The Paper Co, Patterned Paper: (Indie bloom 6x6 pad) Basic Grey, Stamps: (bird, feather, sentiment from the "My Peeps" set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (tuxedo black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Dies: (Circle Inverted Scallop Circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders
Size: 4.5"x4.5"

The little bird body is separate from the peacock feather, so you can mix and match to customize your creation (one of my most favoritest features of Paper Smooches stamps). That dreamy paper is from Indie Bloom from Basic Grey. I matted it with black and die cut the center with a Inverted Scallop Circle Nestabilities. It's hard to tell from the pic, but I curled the scallops out slightly to give it more dimension.

Hmm, not such a quick post after all. lol!

Have a great day everyone!
♥Heidi

Sad News

2011-11-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Back in October I participated in the Swimming for Katie Blog Hop held to help raise funds for Katie Renz, who was suffering from inoperable gastric cancer, and her family. It is with a heavy heart that I am posting this to let you all know of Katie's passing.

I am sad to say that I never had a chance to know Katie personally, but I know she had many friends who loved her dearly and that in itself says what kind of person she was.

My heart goes out to her family.

The donation link is still live, as is the static page with the fundraising items for sale. All the information is HERE. So, if you feel so moved, you still have the opportunity to purchase or donate to her family.

Sympathy cards can be sent to:

The Renz Family
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Also, in case you're interested, the twins, Nate and Will, will be turning 6 on Nov. 19th and Hunter will be 12 on Dec. 1. It would be wonderful if we could shower them with cards for their special day, just like their mom would do.

Thanks so much,
Heidi

Beads and Baubles

2011-11-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

I know I don't typically post on Sunday, but I really wanted to play along with this weeks Tuesday Trigge r from Moxie Fab World.

First of all it's totally gorgeous, but second and more important I saw it a as great opportunity for me to unload some of my greatly hoarded resin and enameled metal flower embellishments. I was totally right.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia Pacific, (Textured white, pale grey) Wassau Paper, Metallic Gold: Stardream, Stamp: Technique Tuesday, Ink: ColorBox, Resin Flowers: Recollections, Prima, Making Memories, Metal Flowers: American Crafts, Sassafrass, Metal Flowers: Tim Holtz, Adhesive Pearls: Kaisercraft, Adhesive Rhinestones: Prima, Leaf Punches: (LG) Martha Stewart, (sm) EK Success, Other: Metal frame
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Thanks to this one single card the hoard has been visibly diminished! Almost all of the flowers I used were sold as scrapbook embellishments, the leaves were punched from metallic gold papers and the frame is a thrift store find (it was part of a really gaudy plaque thingy that I disassembled for it's parts) To fill in the gaps and represent the beads on the bracelet I added a few iridescent adhesive rhinestones and pearls.

OK that's about it for my Sunday post. Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!
♥Heidi

Tis the Season...

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

to start cranking out those Christmas cards!!

With that said and since I haven't shared any Anna cards recently, I thought I'd share a few cards I made with the new Anna Griffin Twinkle Bright collection.

Supplies: Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper, Dimensional Stickers (Twinkle Bright collection) Anna Griffin, Die Cut: (Oval Nestabilities) Spellbinders
Size: 5"x7"

I love the cheery vintage vibe of this collection. It reminds me of Christmas at my grandparents house. They always have fabulous vintage ornaments from the 50's on their tree and story books that belonged to my mom and aunt from the same era. So kitchy and fun!

Supplies: Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper, Die Cuts (Twinkle Bright collection) Anna Griffin, Border Punch: EK Success
Size: 4.5"x6.25"

I used papers, vellum quotes, border tape, die cuts and dimensional stickers all from Twinkle bright to make these.

Supplies: Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper, border Tape, Vellum Quote (Twinkle Bright collection) Anna griffin, Die Cut: (Circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders
Size: 4.5"x6.25"

Talk about retro, I LOVE that title!

OK, that's it from me today!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
♥Heidi

Have a Nice Day

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there!

I have more Paper Smooches to share today. Seems like all I've been sharing is Paper Smooches lately, but that's OK right? You can never have too much of a good thing :)

I used another November release called " Wake Up".

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white, yellow, kraft) The Paper Co., (green) Bazzill, Patterned paper:(Homemade Six Bean Soup, Apple Cheddar Soup collections) Jillibean Soup, Stamps: (rooster, sentiment from Wake Up set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (brown) Memento, Markers: Copic, Twine: Paper Smooches, Wood Buttons: Studio Calico, Dies: (Circle Netabilities) Spellbinders
Size: 4.25x5.5"

I think that sweet little rooster and sentiment are so perfect paired with the Jillibean Soup paper I used to create the background. I also used some twine from the Natural ribbon collection you can find at Paper Smooches, it goes great with the country theme of this card.

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Hope to See You Again

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy Halloween!

I have an especially non-spooky share today. I just don't make that many Halloween cards. Don't get me wrong I love Halloween, not necessarily the spooky aspect but the fact that for one night you get to dress outrageously and pretend to be something your not and people don't assume you're nuts :) Halloween just isn't a holiday I send out cards for though, so pretty much everything I make ends up sitting around. So, Instead of something spooky or creepy I have something pretty and sweet to share...another sneak peek of Paper Smooches November release "Promenade"

This is such a sweet set and like so many of Kim's sets it has sooooo much versatility! The umbrella and table and chairs are two separate stamps, so you can customize however you like. The sentiment is also from this set. I also used some fabulous twill from the new ribbon collections from Paper Smooches.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Cream, gray, white) The Paper Co., (pink) American Crafts, Patterned papers: (Uncommon collection) Authentique, Stamps: (table and chairs, umbrella, sentiment from the Promenade set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Memento, colred Pencils: Prismacolor, Twill: Paper Smooches, Dies: (label Nestabilities, Edgeabilities) Spellbinders,
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Check that detail on the bottom. I use my new Spellbinders Edgeabilities to create it. So fun!

All righty then, that's about it for today. I'm off to make sure all my trick-or-treat prep is done.

Have a fabulous Halloween!
♥Heidi

Paper Smooches Winner Announced!

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to find out who won themselves a brand spankin' new "Promenade" stamp set from Paper Smooches? Well after a little trip to Random.org my winner is...

#108

Cathy Fong said...

i have shared this on my fb wall. thanks for a chance

Congratulations Cathy!! Please contact me with your mailing info so we can get your stamp set sent out to you.

Thanks to everyone who hopped along this month. Hope to see you again in November!

♥Heidi

October Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches November stamp release with you! The Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on November 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new November stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, October 28th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, October 29th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

Heidi Van Laar <------you are here

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post

2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop

4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

I used the "Promenade" set to created this simple card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (gray) Bazzill, (Yellow, pink) American Crafts, (white, black, blue) The Paper Co., Stamps: (bike, sentiment, tree from the Promenade set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Buckle: (Doohickies) Paper Smooches
Size: 4.25"x4.25"

The trees, sentiment and adorable bicycle are all from the "Promenade" set. I colored the hill, trees and bike with copics and pieced them onto a blue cardstock background.
I also used some of the new Silver Buckle Doohickies from Paper Smooches. these add such a great touch without adding too much bulk...love that!

Have fun and good luck!
♥Heidi

Hello Friend

2011-10-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

Just a quick share today.

I got some new goodies in the mail yesterday and just had to break them out right away. Gorgeous new October Afternoon papers and some fun Spellbinders dies.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Blue, yellow) American Crafts, (cream) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: (Sidewalks collection, Thrift Shop collection) October Afternoon, Stamps: Hero Arts, Ink: Clearsnap, Stickers: (October Afternoon), Pearls: Kaisercraft, Dies: (Spellbinders) Border Punch: Fiskars, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5"x5"

Aren't they just so happy?! ♥♥♥

Have a fabulous Wednesday everyone!
♥Heidi

A Rainbow of Thanks

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

I have a sweet and simple card to share that I created with the help of my Paper Smooches "Chit Chat" stamp set.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (black) The Paper Co., Stamp: (Thanks from Chit Chat set) Paper Smooches, Ink: 9black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Heart Stickers: Sticko, Ribbon: American Crafts, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers.

I chose the large "Thanks" sentiment from the set, stamped it in black and colored it with Copics in rainbow hues. I matted the stamped panel with black then tied a rainbow ribbon at the top. To finish up I added a couple puffy heart stickers that I colored to match with my Copics. Quick and easy peasy thanks to a great stamp!

That's it for me today, as always, you can find more inspiration on the Paper Smooches blog!

Have a most excellent Monday!
♥Heidi

CAS Thanksgiving

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there, happy Friday! Can I just say how glad I am that's its Friday, this week has just seemed to drag on forever. It's not like anything terrible happend, I've just had a real bad case of the blahs (and a slightly milder case of stomach flu...eeeewwwww). At any rate I'm just ready to take a little break and start fresh!

Enough whining onto the card!

I am so thrilled to have gotten to be Technique Tuesday's Studio AE guest for October. I don't own a lot of fall themed stamps so this set has been perfect for getting cards made to send out to family that I won't get to see.

I paired a sentiment from this month's Studio AE stamps set "Give Thanks by Ali Edwards" with the houndstooth from the Dream Big set. To me, nothing says fall like a good earthtoned houndstooth! I love the negative writing in the sentiment, I stamped and embossed it in white onto kraft.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (brown woodgrain) Gmund, (Orange) Bazzill, (kraft) The paper Co., Stamps: (Give Thanks by Ali Edwards) Studio AE from Technique Tuesday, (Dream Big) Technique Tuesday, Ink: (brown) Memento, (white) ColorBox, Embossing powder: American Crafts, Border Punch: (stitching) Fiskars, Other: Wood Rounds
Size: 5"x5"

I finished the card up with a faux ribbon I created by punching stitch lines into cardstock and topped it with some round wooden disks I found in the floral dept of the craft store. Just one of those weird items that caught my eye, so I thought I'd put it on a card.

All right, I've rambled on long enough.

Hope you have a fabulously non blah weekend!
♥Heidi

Masquerade

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there, I have kind of a fun project and tutorial to share today and just in time for Halloween too. This girlie mask.

1. Start out with an inexpensive plastic mask.

2. I wanted a slightly different shape, so I trimmed the nose portion and bent the sides back. you can do this or leave the mask as is.

3. Use the mask as a template to cut a piece of felt. Set it aside for now, but you'll need it later.

4. Then use the mask as a template to cut the paper that will cover the front. Draw about 1/4" away from the mask edge all the way around and then cut along the line.

5. After you cut the paper generously apply Modge Podge to both sides of the paper until it becomes flexible, but not soggy. I used a sheet of wax paper to protect my work surface.

6. Next, while the Modge Podge is still wet, cover the front of the mask with the paper, wrapping the edges around to the back.

7. Cut slits in the eye holes and gently wrap paper to the back, use more Modge Podge to secure it.

8. Start decorating the mask by adding an adhesive border strip to the top edge.

9. Then fussy cut some flowers from patterned paper and Modge Podge them down.

10. To add a ruffle adhere a strip of crepe paper to the back of the mask, make sure to keep it away from the eye holes.

11. Pull and stretch the top edge of the crepe paper to give it an even more ruffled appearance.

12. For a little dimension, fussy cut more flowers and layer them with dimensional adhesive on top the Modge Podged flowers.

13. Embellish as much as you like. I added some chipboard stars and candy dots as finishing touches.

14. Add ties by adhering about 18 inches of ribbon to each side of the mask, cover everything up with the felt piece you cut earlier.

All finished!

I love the way this turned out! It reminds me of those old paper mache masquerade masks. I don't have any girls, but I think I might just wear this myself :)

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: (Coney Island, Come One, Come All), Chipboard Shapes, Glitter candy Dots, Assorted Borders: all from the Funhouse Collection from GCD Studios, Crepe Paper: Mon Ami Gabby, Decoupage medium: Modge Podge, Ribbon: May Arts, Other: Mask, Craft Felt

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Warm Wishes

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have a Paper Smooches card to share today! this one uses a set that I am just in love with, "Hot Concoctions".

One of my favorite things about cooler weather is having my warm cup full of something all day long. Coffee, tea, cider or even cocoa, I love them all! It's just so satisfying to sip on a hot drink when the weather is gloomy. these stamps put me instantly in that state of mind.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Stamps: (Bean, Mug, Sentiment, flower, leave from the Hot Concoctions set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (dk brown) Memento, (green, lt brown) ColorBox, Markers: Copic,
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

For this card I masked off all bu one strip on the front of my card and then randomly stamped the coffee bean image to create a pattern. The mug and sentiment were stamped on the polka dot paper and them cut and adhere to the card with foam tape. I stamped two of the steam whispies and tucked them behind my mug and lastly I stamped and colored the flowers and leaves from the set to embellish my mug. The sentiment makes this the perfect card to tuck a gift card to one's favorite coffee place inside and give it as a gift.

As always be sure to check out the Paper Smooches blog for more October release inspiration!

Have a beautiful day!
♥Heidi

Happy Hoo-laween

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I had an alarming thought this morning. Halloween is approaching at a scary fast rate! How did it become nearly the middle of October already?!! I mean really, I feel like the next time I blink it's going to be Christmas or something!

With that in mind I thought I'd better put some of my new Halloween supplies to use before they become irrelevant.

Enter this super cute vintage-style owl stamp from Inkadinkadoo and one of my favorite Halloween collections this year, Mischievous by My Mind's Eye.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (orange, yellow, blue, green, grey) the Paper Co., Cardstock: (Mischievous collection) My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (owl) Inkadinkadoo, (Alphabet) JustRite, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Rhinestones: (black) Kaisercraft, Trinket Pin: Maya Road, Ribbon: May Arts
Size: 4.25x5.5"

Love the faded colors in this collection and I tried to match them in paper piecing the owl. I also stamped off the ink very lightly, so the black would be softer and have a more vintage feel.

That's it for now, have a great day!
♥Heidi

Swimming for Katie - Day 2

2011-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

(for the Technique Tuesday blog hop scroll down)

From October 10-12 some of the best stampers are joining together to support and encourage our fellow stamper, Katie Renz, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer. I don't personally know Katie, but my heart goes out to her and her family and I am honored to be able to help in any way I can. If you're not familiar with her, Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here. The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post here.

This is what I've created for Katie.

This exclusive stamp used in my sample, designed by Becky Oehlers is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digi or a SVG cut file. 100% of the profits go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family. Her husband Kevin and her three young children need our help and support. In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs both also donated digis that are for sale. Direct donations are also being accepted. Information central is HERE. This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button.

View and purchase all of Katie's images HERE or

I hope you will join me in supporting Katie through a purchase or donation.

The following is a list of everyone who has projects posted today.

Ashley Harris
Clare Buswell
Jessica Diedrich
Lisa Somerville
Charlene Merrick
Eva Dobilas
Judy Rozema
Sharon Doolittle
Tifany DeGough
Windy Robinson
Ashley Cannon Newell
Connie McCotter
Karen Maldonado
Heidi Van Laar <---you are here
Lori Craig
Melissa Phillips
Tosha Leyendekker
Amy Kolling
Angela Thomas
Angelica Suarez
Angie Blom
Becky Oehlers
Betty Wright
Bev Gerard
Brenda Weaver
Carolyn King
Chari Moss
Charlene Driggs
Claire Brennan
Corinna McGregor
Craft Critique
Karen Hunsaker (Rubbernecker Stamps Designer)
Keely Yowler
Kelly Schirmer
Keri Lee Sereika
Kim Hughes
Kimber McGray
Kittie Caracciolo
Kristin Eberline
Wendy Price

If you would like to send Katie a card, her mailing address is:

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Thank you so much,
Have a beautiful day!
♥Heidi

October Studio AE from Technique Tuesday Blog Hop

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to October's Studio AE blog hop!

I am so thrilled to be working alongside the amazing ladies from Technique Tuesday as this month's Guest designer. Today we are working with the new Studio AE stamp set from Technique Tuesday "Give Thanks by Ali Edwards".

It's a great set for your fall projects, loaded with all the appropriate titles and sentiments. I used one of the large titles to create my card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: (Mischievous 6x6 pad) My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (October Studio AE stamp set "Give Thanks by Ali Edwards") Technique Tuesday, Ink: Memento, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Other: floss, button
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

I stamped the title on ivory cardstock and then added some coloring to the distressed word to match the background I was going to use. I didn't try to be perfect with my coloring, but rather was intentionally messy to match the look of the word, leaving gaps and uneven spots.

I then rounded the top right and bottom left corners of my panel and added a stitched border. The panel was then adhered to a card base made from patterned paper that I had given the same treatment to. To finish up I added some leaves punched from patterned paper and a threaded, bow topped button.

Now for more inspiration! Be sure to stop by and visit each of the blogs participating in today's hop:

Heidi Van Laar (our Studio AE Guest for October) <---You are here.

Daniela

Nichol

Jaime

Sharyn

Laura

Teri

As a thank you for all the comments received during the hop on all eight blogs, as well as those left on Technique Tuesday's blog, there will be two stamp sets given away! One person will win the "Who What Where by Ali Edwards" stamp set, and one other lucky person will receive the "You Always Know by Ali Edwards" stamp set. You don't need to leave a comment on every blog to win, but the more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win!

All comments must be made before midnight PST October 12th. Tune into the Technique Tuesday blog on October 13th to see if you are one of the lucky winners!

Good Luck and have fun!
♥Heidi

Let the Good Times Roll

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I just have a quick share today, I was pretty busy this week and didn't manage to come up with anything new to post today, so I decided to share a card that was featured in the September Paper Smooches newsletter using the Perpetual Bliss set.

Supplies: Cardstock: (teal, white, black) American Crafts, Patterned Papers: (Happy Days collection) Echo Park, Stamps: (Juke Box, Coins, musical notes, sentiment from the Perpetual Bliss set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (Tuxe3do Black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Gel Pen: Sakura, Dies: (Circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Corner Punch: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

I'm still pretty new to the whole coloring with Copics thing, but I mast say I am rather proud of this coloring job. (Except for that bleed on the bottom left...don't look!) I think I even manged to (with the help of a white gel pen) make it look like shiny plastic *patting self on back*

I paired the image with some Happy Days Papers from Echo Park, they just seemed like they were made for each other.

K, just a short and sweet post for today.

Have a fantastic weekend!
♥Heidi

I'm Guest Designing for...

2011-10-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Technique Tuesday!! Woohoo!

I'm so, super excited to have been asked to be joining Technique Tuesday's team this month! I have been a huge fan of theirs for years and years. Way before I ever considered myself a stamper, theirs were some of the very first sets I purchased.

The October Studio AE stamp set called Give Thanks by Ali Edwards. is the featured set for the month, and I had so much fun working with it!

It's loaded with sentiments in Ali Edward fabulous handwriting that are just perfect for your Autumn themed cards. Here's one of the cards I created with my set.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (orange) Bazzill, (gray) The Paper Co., Patterned Papers: (Mischievious 6x6 pad) My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (words and pumpkins from Give Thanks by Ali Edwards) Technique Tuesday, Ink: (gray) ColorBox, (black) Versacolor, Dies: (circle, scalloped circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Border Punch: Fiskars, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Other: Black hemp twine
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I stamped the background words in light grey over patterned paper, and then stamped the word I wanted to use as my main sentiment in black on cardstock. The Pumpkins that I cut out and popped up are also from the set.

Be sure to check out the Technique Tuesday blog for a look at the set and links to their amazing design team. And...be sure to come back on Monday the 10th for the Technique Tuesday blog hop!

Have a fantastic day!
♥Heidi

Bold Colors for Fall

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there. I have a really fabulous color inspiration to share today! take a looksy..

Totally swoon worthy right? these colors together are just so luxe and vibrant! I tried to do them justice with a couple of cards.

this first one is inspired by not only the colors, but the actual picture itself, I mean really, how can you NOT be inspired by that dress?!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Papers, (8x8 Artsy Urban pad, Tying the Knot from the Sweet Surrender collection) GCD Studios, Metal Rimmed brad: (Soul Food collection) GCD Studios, Ribbon: Offray, Die: Sizzix, Border Punch Fiskars.
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I used a border die for the flowers and cut it twice, once from patterned paper and once from white cardstock.

I used papers from the Sweet Surrender and Artsy Urban collections and a brad from the Soul Food collection.

This being the month for all things creepy and spooky, I just had to do something for Halloween too.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Papers, (8x8 Artsy Urban pad, Something Borrowed from the Sweet Surrender collection) GCD Studios, Filigree Brads & Round Doilies:(Sweet Surrender collection) GCD Studios, Ribbon: Wrights, Circle Die: Spellbinders, Bat: handcut
Size: 5"x5"

Again, using paper from Artsy Urban and Sweet Surrender, but this time I used the colors in opposite proportions, a black, white and gray card with just a pop of yellow.

I used a die cut doily and a framed brad from the Sweet Surrender collection, but to make the brad work for my card I had to do a bit of easy altering. I removed the epoxy sticker that was originally in the center of the brad and replaced it with a piece of cardstock that I stamped a sentiment on.

Have a great day!

One Cool Chick

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again! Did any of you do anything special for world card making day? I managed to crank out a few Christmas cards, but then my mojo took a faceplant and I decided I was better off getting caught up on laundry instead of trying fruitlessly to create something. Doesn't that just figure.

Ah well, I do have some more Paper Smooches October release to share. The "My Peeps" set is full of all things cute and feathery, like this little sweetie.

Supplies: Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (blue) The Paper Co., Stamps: (penguin, sentiment from "my Peepes" set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (Tuxedo black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Glitter:(crystal fine) Martha Stewart, Embossing Folder: Sizzix, Ribbon: Offray, Size: 4.25x5.5"

I added a flower in her "hair" and a little blush on her cheeks (hey, it's cold at the south pole) and placed her on a snowy hill. It's hard to tell from the pic, but I dusted the hills with crystal glitter to glam it up a bit. A ribbon and tag stamped with a sentiment from the set finish it off.

To see more October release inspiration, be sure to check out the Paper Smooches blog too!

Have a better than meh Monday!!
♥Heidi

A Special Paper Smooches Blog Hop(e)

2011-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

So many of us know or have known someone who has battled this terrible disease; some have beat it and some have not. In honor of all of the brave women (and men) God Bless You all. May you find the love and peace you so deserve.

The goal of this hop is to spread awareness as far and wide as possible. Early detection is key. It is so important for both women and men to take initiative and get them squished! Your loved ones will also appreciate it.

We are here today to share a special set with you called HOPE.

Paper Smooches is donating 50% of each HOPE stamp set sold to The National Breast Cancer Foundation

This special stamp set will be available to purchase starting today and like all of our other stamps. it will not retire. You will find it HERE.

Please check all five design team blogs to see what they created with this timeless stamp set.

This card is in honor of my 2 Aunts, and Mother-in-law who all fought like girls and won! I wanted it to feel powerful and optimistic, so I gave it comic book style POW.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Paper: (double Dot) BoBunny, Stamps: (Boxing Glove, Ribbon, Sentiment from the "Hope" set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (Tuxedo Black) Memento, (pink) Clearsnap, Markers: Copic, Gel Pen: (white) Sakura
4.25"x5.5"

Don't forget to also head over the The Paper Smooches Blog for a Giveaway!!

Oh yeah, and Happy World Card Making day too! If you like, scroll down to see my earlier post.

Have a fabulous day!
♥Heidi

Happy World Card Making Day!

2011-10-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

And since World Card Making Day Officially starts off the holiday card making season for me, I thought I'd share a holiday card.

Cardstock: (black, ivory) The Paper Co, Patterned Paper: (Noel) Theresa Collins, Sticker: (Paper Smooches) EAD Designs, Die: (Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Border Punch: EK Success, Twine: May Arts
Size: 5.5"x4.25"

I used some of my favorite paper from last year and paired them with a Paper Smooches sticker from EAD Designs.

I don't like to make too many of the same card when I'm making my Christmas cards, I usually come up with 10 or so different designs and make five or six of each design. I'm making five of this particular design, and even though it has a lot of layers, it's pretty simple to put together. I can easily get all five of this design done in a single evening while watching TV and even I can find 10 evenings to sit down and crank out a group of cards between now and Thanksgiving...at least that's what I'm telling myself :)

I'll be back later with another post, so stay tuned!

Have a great day everyone!
Heidi

Thank You

2011-09-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

I have been spending a lot of time on the road lately. I have to drive quite a distance to take my 4 year old to preschool, a total of nearly 100 miles a day unless I want to hang out and wait for 6 hours.

My other boys went to preschool locally, but my youngest has a condition called apraxia which among other things causes a considerable delay in speech , for which he needs a lot of therapy and taking him to this school is the only way to get it for him...so, that's what I do. I'm not complaining about taking him, we a very blessed that he has such a great place to go but, oh man, all that driving KILLS my day!

I just don't have the time to craft just for me that I used to, but this morning when I got home from taking him I MADE the time. It's like therapy for me, sometimes I just need to make something, no body to give it to, no assignment, no challenge, just make something for the sake of doing it. So I broke out my new Technique Tuesday stamps.

Supplies:
Cardstock: ( white, yellow, orange, green, kraft) The Paper Co., (Aqua) Bazzill, Stamps: (flowers, leaves and sentiment from the Fabulous by Ali Edwards set) Technique Tuesday, Ink: (white) Clearsnap, Embossing powder: American Crafts, Die: (circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Embossing Folder: Provocraft, Crochet Thread: Coats & Clark
Size: 4.5"x4.5"

I feel better now :)

♥Heidi

Make mine a Venti

2011-09-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello it's Paper Smooches time again and I've got another October release peek to share today :)

This one is created with the Hot Concoctions set and it totally gets me in the mood for colder weather and hot steamy drinks!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (cream, white, blue, red, kraft) The Paper Co., (Yellow) Bazzill, Patterned Papers: (Modern Homemaker 8x8 pad) October Afternoon, Stamps: (Sentiment, To Go Cup, Heart from Hot Concoctions) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Twill: Wrights, Border Punch: Fiskars, Dies: Spellbinders
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Ha! I LOVE that sentiment! Kim always comes up with the best puns and as a girl who knows her way around a Starbuck's this one really speaks to me.

Don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches blog to catch more October release inspiration.

Have a most excellent day!
♥Heidi

Fall Flower arrangement and Tutorial

2011-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today I'd like to share a tutorial for dimensional flowers like these that can be used to create a floral centerpiece, wreath or just about anything else you can think of.

1. Start by cutting a 3"x12" piece of paper.

2. Fold it in half lengthwise.

3. Starting on the folded edge, cut slits about 1/8" to 1/4" apart along the entire length of the paper.

4. once the slits have been cut, glue the un-cut edges together.

5. Adhere one end of the paper strip to a support stick, like a skewer or thin dowel.

6. Begin rolling the strip around the stick.

7. When you have rolled the entire length of the paper onto the stick glue the loose end down.

8. Start opening up your paper flower by pulling the "petals" down one at a time starting from the outside and working toward the middle.

Your finished flower should be full, round and ready to go!

I decided to make a late summer/fall center piece for my table with my flowers and one of these carvable faux pumpkins from the craft store.

I simply cut an opening in the top and started filling it with flowers.

I created 9 flowers using papers from the Soul Food and Elementary My Dear collections from GCD Studios and used them along with some die cut leaves and one of my paper bows (Tutorial Here) to create the finished arrangement.

I even added a couple of butterflies using stickers from the Artsy Urban collection placed on wires.

I will definitely be doing more with these flowers, because I kind of love the way they turned out :) Hope you will give them a try too.

Have a fabulous day!
♥Heidi

Paper Smooches Winners Announced!

2011-09-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hi all, happy Saturday!

I have my winner from the Paper Smooches blog hop and according to Random.Org the winner of a brand new Chit Chat stamp set from Paper Smooches is #60

Sandi said...

Gorgeous card...I really love your style.

September 22, 2011 2:18 PM

Congratulations Sandi!! Please contact me with you mailing info so we can get your stamps sent right out to you!!

Thanks to everyone who hopped along this time, hope to see you next month!

♥Heidi

September Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop!

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches October stamp release with you! The Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on October 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new October stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, September 23rd to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, September 24th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

Heidi Van Laar <--------you are here
Heather Pulvirenti
Kryssi Ng
Laurie Schmidlin
Teri Anderson

To increase your chances of winning:

1. leave a comment on this blog post

2. tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. tell us that you Tweeted about our blog hop

4. tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

Here's what I made with the soon to be released Chit Chat set

This is another sentiment set, and I always love those! I made a little flag with a corsage pin and the sentiment stamped on cardstock inspired by THIS tutorial from card guru, fellow Paper Smooches DTer and all 'round cool chick Teri Anderson. Made more paper straw candles too...just because I love them :)

That's it for me, I hope you check out the sneaks from the rest of the DT too!

Have fun and good luck!

♥Heidi

Random Anna Griffin Goodness

2011-09-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

It's been a while since I've shared any Anna creations, so I thought I'd dig out some of my favorites from the last couple months. Most of the stuff I make for Anna Griffin is used for her HSN/QVC UK shows and so they get shipped off almost as fast I make them. I do try and snap a few quick picks before they go out the door though.

Here's one with some new fall themed papers from Anna.

The focus here was on some vintage ribbon and trim clear stamps and how could I NOT make one of my paper bows with stamped ribbon? :)

This to me is classic Anna Griffin, lots of layers and intricate cutting.

Mmmm, glitter! Even better when it's already been applied to the cardstock for you.

And last but not least, here's a little peek at Anna's new Christmas collection "Twinkle Bright"

If you happen to watch HSN, Anna Will be on this Monday the 26th at 10 am and 4 pm (Eastern). Most of the product I've shared will be available for purchase and if you do happen to watch, you just might see a few of these cards :) Call me silly, but I still think it's pretty cool that my cards get to be on TV. he hee!

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Cheer Up

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!

More Paper Smooches to share today, the Sunny Side Up set to be exact.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia Pacific, (textured white) American Crafts, Patterned Paper: (clouds) Imaginisce, (rainbow stripe) Echo Park, Stamps: (Sun, rays, face, clouds, sentiment from Sunny Side Up Set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (yellow, gray) ColorBox, (black) Versacolor, Markers: Copic, Twine: The Twinery, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Scalloped Scissors: Fiskars
Size: 5"x5"

I went for those swirly clouds again, can't help it, I just love 'em :) This time I paired them with the sun and some of the elements to create a face. I colored everything with Copics, cut them out and popped them up on my cloud paper background.

As always you can find more Paper Smooches inspiration on the blog. Stay tuned 'cause Pep Rally release week starts this Thursday with the DT Blog Hop! There will be prizes!

Have a great day
♥Heidi

Garden Glory at Moxie Fab World

2011-09-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Cath had a Tuesday Trigger on Moxie Fab World that I simply could NOT resist. The colors, the patterns, the flowers, everything about it just spoke to me and I knew I had to find time to play along.

This is what I came up with.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (cream) The Paper Co., (green) Die Cuts With a View, (light gray) Wassau, Stamp: (Studio Calico Hooray) Hero Arts, Ink: ColorBox, Embossing Powder: American Crafts, Dies: (labels, leaf) Spellbinders, (flowers) Sizzix, Acrylic Paint: Plaid, Twill: Wrights
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I knew what paper I wanted to use the second I laid eyes on that chair, it's from the Soul Food collection by GCD Studios and I think it's kind of perfect here! The dies are from spellbinders and again, I took my inspiration from that amazing chair. The next thing about the trigger that really jumped out at me was that floral pillow...gorgeous! I knew I wanted to use a big dimension flower, so I set out to find something in my stash. After far too much time spent digging though piles of flowers I just couldn't find anything I deemed special enough to represent that pillow, so I went to work making something myself.

I die cut some large and small daisy shapes from white cardstock, spritzed them with a mixture of acrylic paint and water manipulated the petals and let them dry. Then I glued them all together and inked the edges to add a bit more color variation. I think it turned out pretty cool, probably one of my favorite flowers that I've made myself. I should probably put together a proper tutorial to share with you sometime :)

K, I'm done now. He hee.

Have a great weekend!
♥Heidi

Boo!

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

Time for me to share some more from the Paper Smooches September release.

How about some Halloweenies?

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (black, grey, turquoise) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: (Lush 2) My Minds Eye, Stamps: (Spider , Web, Sentiment from the Halloweenies set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, (white) ColorBox, Colored Pencils: (orange, white) Prismacolor, Baker's Twine: Jillybean Soup, Pinking Shears: Fiskars
Size: 4.5"x4.5"

This set is really fun and full of so many great images, but I was drawn in particular to this teeny spider. He's really small, like 1/2", but he packs a lot of personality in that small space. Love his buggin' eyes, lol! The sentiment is from this set too, as well as the web which I extended out with white colored pencil.

I'm kind of tired of the same old colors for Halloween. Orange and black are classics, but I thought I might mix things up and pair them with bright turquoise rather than purple or green. What do you think? I'm kinda thinkin' I like it...just different enough to be fun.

For more Paper Smooches inspiration, don't forget to check the blog!

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Smile

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

I meant to have a new post up yesterday, but due to technical difficulties* I was without internet or phone access, and since I live in the sticks these things always seem to take waaaay too long to get fixed. I always feel so out of it without internet access. We don't subscribe to cable or satellite, but instead rely on the internet for all of our TV. I like to listen to internet radio too. Truth be told I rely HEAVILY on the internet. I'm a Google queen. I love the intant gratification of knowing the answer to any question that randomly pops in my head, and I don't hardly use cookbooks anymore, I just type in the dish I'm looking to cook. All this is great! I love it! But when it goes away I kind of freak out a little bit...it's not pretty. Thankfully, today I have my internet back, and all is once again well with the world :)

*by technical difficulties I mean the county worker who trims the brush along side the road with a giant weed whacker attached to a tractor apparently didn't see the phone and internet transfer box and shredded it.

OK ramble over. How 'bout I show you a card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: American Crafts, Patterned paper: (Love collection) American Crafts, Alphabet Stickers: (Thickers) American Crafts, Heart Sticker: Sticko, Crochet Thread: Coats & Clark, Die: Spellbinders, Border Punch: EK Success, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Time to use up last year's hoard of Valentine's paper. LOVED this line from American Crafts, so much so that I kind of hoarded it. *sigh* I hate when I do that. Not really the appropriate time of year for Valentine's cards, so I tried to tone down the love theme and make something more all occasion. It kind of worked.

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend!!
♥Heidi

Sneaky Peek

2011-09-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all, happy Wednesday!

I'm here to share the GCD Studios kit of the month and a couple of sneak peek of the projects I made with it.

Take a look:
Mmm, mmm! It's all cozy and warm, like some delicious cup of apple cider...perfect for fall. For details on how you can get this kit for yourself click HERE.

Here are a couple of peeks at projects I did with this kit.

A card...
The embellishments in this kit are soooo good and I love that even though the colors are fall appropriate, they are still bright and fun.

A teacher gift...

You can find full images of how this kit and a dollar bin metal pail make a fun gift basket, as well as my card in this month's GCD Studios News letter. Sign up to get yours by emailing Inthestudio@gcdstudios.com

Today is a happy day here in the Van Laar household...it's the first day of School :)

Hope yours is a happy day too!
♥Heidi

Let's Chat

2011-09-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello?

Hehee, sorry I couldn't resist :) Isn't that a fabulous image though? Love that old timey phone! It's from the Paper Smooches September release Perpetual Bliss.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (pink) American Crafts, Papers: (Victoria Garden collection) Echo Park, Stamps: (sentiment, phone from the Perpetual Bliss set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Markers: Copic, Ribbon: Michael's stores, Resin Flower: Maya Road, Die: Spellbinders
Size: 4.25x5.5"

I thought it went perfect with these Victoria Garden Papers from Echo Park. They are so preeeeeeetty. I colored the phone with my my Copics to match.

Don't for get to check the Paper Smooches blog for more DT inspiration!

Hope all my friends here in the US are having a fantastic Labor Day! We're not doing anything in particular, just being lazy and enjoying the last few moment of summer.

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Mr. and Mrs.

2011-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

So, my niece got married over the weekend. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony with an elegant take on and old farm theme. There was an ancient barn for the backdrop, an antique hay wagon for a gift table and guests were served ice water and lemonade in glass milk bottles with striped paper straws and given homemade huckleberry jam as wedding favors. It was really quite perfect, right down to her color scheme of yellow and grey with a pop of turquoise.

I, of course, had to make her a tailor made card. It was hard to live up to all that perfection, but I tried :)

I knew the venue with the old barn and that inspired the use of the fiercely hoarded Gmund woodgrain cardstock. The bridesmaids carried bouquets of yellow wild flowers and that's where the hero arts stamps came in. I added bits of gray in the border and leaves, but I was stumped with the turquoise. I knew I wanted something inn the middle of the flowers, but I didn't want to use bling, and buttons seem too informal. I decided on brads, but didn't have the right colors in all the different sizes I needed. My solution :) Spray paint those bad boys! I poked them into the bottom of a cardboard box, whipped out a can of spray paint in the appropriate color (I keep a small collection of spray paint in my favorite colors, cause you just never know when you might need it) and literally 2 minutes later I was done! They dried really fast too, 'cause it was a hot, dry day.

I love the result!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (grey, yellow) The Paper Co., (white woodgrain embossed) Gmund, Stamps: (Leaves Cling set, Flowers Cling set, Best Wishes Clear set) Hero Arts, Ink: (harvest) Fresh Ink, (white, Wild Hare) ColorBox, Embossing Powder: (white) American Crafts, Brads: (Bazzill, Karen Foster, American Crafts, Making Memories), Spray Paint: Krylon
Size: 5x7"

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
♥Heidi

Bonus Sketch Blog Hop Winner!!

2011-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello! Random.org has chosen a winner for me and it's #163!

Isha said...
Love love love this card. TFS
August 28, 2011 12:57 PM

Congrat's Isha! Contact me with your mailing information and we can get your hot off the presses copy of Card Ideas for Paper Crafters sent out to you!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the hop!

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Thanks for the Lift

2011-08-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello there. It's Monday again and time for a Paper Smooches card :)

I'm excited 'cause I get to share a peek at a September release set called Sunny Side Up. I love that Kim did a set like this...mostly because I have a real thing for clouds, don't know why, I just do. Cloud papers, cloud stickers, cloud rub ons, when ever I see them I just have to have them! And these swirly clouds from this set make me sooo happy!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia Pacific, (teal) American Crafts, Patterned papers: (from the Lime Twist Collection) My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (Sentiemnt, clouds, kite from the Sunny Side Up Set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, (teal) ColorBox, Crochet threads: Coats & Clark, Piercing tool & Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers

See! I love them. Love that sweet kite too and in my opinion it was just begging to be paper pieced. I finished the whole thing off with a tail made with different colored crochet threads and a sweet sentiment from the set.

For more September release sneak peeks check out the Paper Smooches blog...I'll bet Kryssi came up with something amazing!

Have a most excellent day!
♥Heidi

Paper Smooches Winner Announced!

2011-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

(said in my best game show host voice)

Aaaaaaaaaan the winner of a brand new Halloweenies stamp set from fabulous Paper Smooches iiiiis...

#47

Kris Chirhart said...
Love your card! That is the cutest pumpkin ever!!
August 25, 2011 10:50 AM

Congratulations Kris! Please contact me with your mailing info so we can get those sent out to you!

Thanks again to everyone who hopped, hope to see you next month!
♥ Heidi

PS. If your looking for the Paper Crafts Bonus Sketch Blog Hop please scroll down :)

Paper Crafts magazine Presents: Bonus Sketch Blog Hop

2011-08-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the bonus sketch blog hop!!

Have you seen this very special issue from Paper Crafts yet? It's actually the follow up issue to Go-to Sketches (my most favoritiest Paper Crafts issue...until now anyway) and is LOADED with tons of card sketches to help get your cards started.

Purchase your own copy of Card Ideas for Paper Crafters HERE

I absolutely loved getting to be a part of this issue! A good sketch is one of my favorite places to start when making my cards. I also really enjoy making sketches, so I'm doubly excited that not only do I have some cards published in this issue, but also some sketches!

For today's blog hop myself and the other designers were asked to create a card using one of the 12 bonus sketches, which can be found online HERE. Since 2 of the bonus sketches are my own I decided I'd give one of those a go.

I have a lot of fun with shaped cards, and when I came up with this sketch I had several ideas for what it could be, a stack of baby blocks, a pile of presents, a tiered cake, etc. When it came time for me to actually use it to make a card, I decided to throw all of those out and try something a little different (at least I thought it was different)

Supplies:
Cardstock: (reds) American Crafts, (white, black) the Paper Co., (Yellow glitter) Die Cuts With a View, Glitter: Martha Stewart, Dies: (circles) Spellbinders, (banner) Lifestyle Crafts, Rectangle Punch: ProvoCraft, Font: Japan
Size: 5.75"x6.25"

A cityscape! That's the great thing about a sketch, there are just so many different possibilities!

If you'd like to win your very own copy of Card Ideas for Paper Crafters all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Pretty sweet huh!

For more bonus sketch inspiration and chances to win be sure to visit all of this issues most published designers!

Aaaaaaand if that wasn't enough, you also have a chance to win a pretty fabulous prize package by leaving a comment on the Paper Crafts Connection blog!! Woohoo!

All comments on all blogs must be received by 12 midnight August 28th

Good Luck and have fun!!
♥Heidi

August Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop!

2011-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches September stamp release with you! The Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on September 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new September stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, August 26th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, August 27th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

We are joined this month by the very talented Karolyn Loncon. Heather has her hands full this month, so Karolyn is stepping in for her. Heather will be back for our next blog hop on Sept. 22.

Heidi Van Laar <--you are here.
Karolyn Loncon
Kryssi Ng
Laurie Schmidlin
Teri Anderson

To increase your chances of winning:
1. leave a comment on this blog post
2. tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop
3. tell us that you Tweeted about our blog hop
4. tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop
(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

So for today's hop I worked with the brand spankin' new Halloweenies set, which is of course, really dang cute :)

See, I told you! LOVE that little pumpkin guy! The sentiment, stars and pumpkin are all from the set, I stamped them in black and colored and popped the pumpkin.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co, (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Papers: (Lost and Found 2) My Mind's Eye, (5 & Dime) October Afternoon, Stamps: (Sentiment, Pumpkin, stars from the Halloweenies set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (Tuxedo Black) Memento, Markers: Copic, Ribbon from Scrappinkris etsy shop, Corner Punch and border punch: Fiskars, Adhesives from Glue Arts
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

OK that's it from me, off to your next stop on the hop!

Good Luck and have fun!
♥Heidi

Fly

2011-08-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!

Thought I'd share a quick card that I made with some GCD Studios Soul food papers and embellishments. I have to say I actually really love the colors in this line for late summer/fall, they kind of remind me of a field of sunflowers.

I dressed up the chipboard butterflies a bit by adding some of crochet thread for antennae. It's a simple thing, but I think it's kind of a fun little touch.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Papers, Glass Brads, Title Card, Chipboard Butterflies, (all from the Soul Food Collection) GCD Studios, Crochet Thread: Coats & Clark, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Well, that's it for today :)

Thanks for dropping by!
♥Heidi

Sweet!

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo again! I have another Paper Smooches card to share today :)

This card was made sweet with the apple and sentiment from the Fruitastic set. If you like Kim's Vegtastic set this one is a must have.

I decided that being a Washington state girl meant I needed to use that apple. (we're kind of big on apples up here) Don't you just love his cheesy grin?

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white, red, kraft) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: Crate Paper, Stamps: (apple, sentiment from the Fruitastic set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Markers: Copic, Thread: Coats & Clark, Die: (tags Sizzlits) Sizzix
4.25"x5.5"

I masked, and only stamped the outline on all the apples except one, then I colored cut and added them to a bushel basket that I paper pieced. The tag with the sentiment stamped on is is a suuuuuuuper old Sizzix die. I knew there was a reason that I held on to some of that stuff!

Don't forget to check the Paper Smooches blog for more inspiration, you might also like to take a peek at some of the challenges... the prizes are sooooo good! Oh yeah, and stay tuned for the Paper Smooches August blog hop happening later this week! there will be sneak of the September releases and chances to win sets for yourself!

Have a happy day!
♥Heidi

Enjoy the Journey

2011-08-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hiya! I've got another card from scraps to share today.

I got one of my 6x6 pads from My Mind's Eye out and was flipping through looking for a specific paper, in the mean time a few scraps that I had shoved back in for safe keeping fell out into a pile on my desk. I scooped them up to shove them back into the pad and in looking at them had an immediate idea for a card. I even had a discarded card base with a strip of orange cardstock already adhered to it sitting off to the side on my desk (made it for a DT assignment and then decided to go in another direction)

Here's what my discarded bits and scraps turned into.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (orange) Bazzill, (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Papers: (Lime Twist collection) My Mind's Eye, Stamp: Practicing Creativity, Ink: (Scarlet) VersaColor, Twine: My Min's Eye
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I fussy cut the clouds and balloons from the scraps and added some twine and a stamped sentiment. Love these quickie scrap cards!

Summer is almost over...WOW, it seemed to go by so fast! There were so many things I wanted to do at the start of the summer and before I get to make much of a dent in that list summer comes to an end, kind of sad. Although, fall has it's own list to look forward too :)

Have a great week everyone!
♥Heidi

Welcome Baby

2011-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Mondays mean Paper Smooches! Woohoo!!

So today I am sharing what has to be one of my very favoritest Paper Smooches stamps...and that's sayin' a LOT.

*Sigh*, oh my goodness. So cute it almost hurts!! Plus it reminds me of a movie scene that seriously NEVER fails to make me cry...if you've ever seen Disney's Dumbo you know the one I'm talking about. That dang scene, it doesn't matter how prepared I am for it, as soon as she starts singing "Baby Mine" the water works start.

So, about the card :)

I paper pieced the elephants, but I also added some shading and color with my Copics as well as some white gel pen.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (light grey, pink) The paper Co., (dark gray) Bazzill, Patterned Paper: (Animal Crackers Girl Collection) GCD Studios, Stamps: (sentiment and elephants fron a Little Lovin" set) paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Button: GCD Studios, (twine) My Mind's Eye, Ribbon: Offray, Scalloped Scissors: Fiskars, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 4.25x5.5"

The Papers are Animal Crackers Girl from GCD Studios and went pretty perfectly with the image.

don't forget to check the Paper Smooches Blog for more inspiration and check out all the challenges Kim has going on right now! If you love yourself some Paper Smooches stamps there are some great opportunities to win some for yourself.

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

Crafty with Craft Picks

2011-08-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

I've got something kind of different to share today...craft picks on a card. what are craft picks? They're those things you see in the wood crafts section of the craft store that sort of look like giant toothpicks. I had passed them by several times, but something about them just intrigued me. I knew if I bought a bag and took it home with me I could figure out a way to use them.

And so I did.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (teal, green) Bazzill, Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Stamp: Paper Smooches, Ink: ColorBox, buttons: Favorite Findings, Twine: The Twinery, corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers, Craft Picks: Loew Cornell
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Can you find the craft picks? The sign post is the obvious one and super easy. How about those flowers; trim off the rounded ends of some picks, paint them and top with a button. Grass too, This time trim and paint the pointed ends. I gotta say, I really had fun with theses picks! You just never know what can make a fun embellishment.

Have a great day!
♥Heidi

You Make Life Sweet

2011-08-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hello out there!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I sure did...a family visiting, birthday partying, fair going, weenie roasting, star gazing, pool swimming good time! Of course with all that going on there was no way I had any time to craft anything new to show you, so I thought I share this little guy.

I believe it appeared in the July Paper Smooches newsletter, but thought I'd go ahead and share it here on my blog too...ya know, just in case you don't get the newsletter :)

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (red) Bazzill, Patterned Paper: (Lily Bee Designs), Stamps: (sentiment, soda, cherry from the Sugar Rush set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, (red) ColorBox, Markers: Copic, Gel Pen: Sakura, Ribbon: Scrapinkris, button: Favorite Findings, Punch: (lace border) Martha Stewart, Decorative edge scissors: Fiskars, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 4.25x5.5"

I used the soda, cherry and sentiment stamps from the Sugar Rush set to create the focal point and did a bit of coloring with my Copics. The images were just so dang cute, they practically screamed " Put a bow on me" so I did :) I used some gorgeous crinckled seam binding in two different shades of blue from the Scrapinkris Etsy store and topped it off with a heart shaped button.

I really have a thing for that red, pale blue and white color combo, I'm not sure why, I just love it!

K, that's it for today!
♥Heidi

Finger Puppet Tutorial

2011-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

I have a fun tutorial to share today, that I think you might enjoy...or at least your kids/nieces, nephews will :)

Paper crafted finger puppets!

Aren't they cute? I gotta tell you I had to take pictures of these in a big old hurry because my boys could not wait to get their hands (or fingers) on them!

This tutorial is specifically for the lion, but you can easily convert it to make both the tiger and zebra.

1. Start out with a Chip Art chipboard button, you could probably use a small chipboard circle as well.

2. Decorate what will become the face with Chip Art tools, I used the diamond and heart from the mini shapes set.

3 Paint the face as desired.

4. Add a 50/50 brown paint and Modge Podge mix and wipe off the excess.

5. Adhere the face to a piece of patterned paper, sketch some ears and cut out.

6. You could use any number of things for the eyes, I chose to use glass seed beads, sinking them into the button holes and adhering with glue.

7. For the mane you need to start by cutting small strips of paper, approximately 1/4" by 1 1/2".

8. Fold the strip of paper in half loosely and adhere the ends together. (Please ignore my chipped nail polish grubby garden fingers, lol!)

9. Adhere around the lion's head.

10. Punch a circle shape from patterned paper and adhere to the back of the lion's head.

11. Using the template I've provided at the bottom of this post, cut a piece of patterned paper.

12. Roll into a cone and adhere the ends together.

13. Glue your cone, with the seam to the back to the back of the lion's head.

All done!

Stick with just the lion or make him a couple of friends like I did!

My 7 year old was more than willing to model these for me, they fit on his little fingers perfectly!

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial, I had so much fun making it!

GCD Studios Supplies:
Chip Art Mini Shapes set
Chip Art chipboard Shapes: Buttons & Buckles
Chip Art chipboard Shapes: Basic Shapes-Small
Patterned Paper:
She Seeks from the Soul Food Collection
Soul Petit-Orange from the Soul Food Collection
Soulfield from the Soul Food Collection
Soul Vine from the Soul Food Collection
Other Supplies:
Paints: Plaid
Beads: Westrim Crafts

Pattern

Shower of Yellow and Gray

2011-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday...woohooo!!

I'm excited 'cause I've got a pretty good weekend planned :) My brother and family are coming to visit, and I always love having them! Their kids are close in age to our and they all get along so well. We also have our small town local fair. It's kind of a throwback to old timey fairs with a little parade, baking contests, egg tosses and even a cow milking contest...good times. Last but not least we're celebrating My middle's 7th birthday! Aqua blue (his favorite color) shark theme. I even found an ice cube mold that looks like shark fins...can't to see how that works out!

Ahhh, but I suppose you came to see something crafty didn't you? Good thing I've got something to share.

So last weekend was my niece's bridal shower and of course I had to make her a card (because if your family knows you make cards there is just no way you can get away with giving something store bought). Her colors are yellow and grey, which I love, so I made her this.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white, grey) the Paper Co., (yellow) Bazzill, Stamp: Hero Arts, Ink: ColorBox, Font: (DB Garden Showers) Scrap-N-Fonts, Gel Pen: Sakura, Flowers: Prima, Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug, Border Punch: EK Success
Size: 5"x5"

I used a doodlebat from Scrap-n-Fonts to create a cutting file for my Pazzles to create the umbrella, the hearts are a Cuttlebug embossing folder, some of which I colored white with a gel pen, and the border punch is by EK Success. She's not an overly frou frou kind of girl, so I tried balancing something pretty and bridal with clean lines...I think it worked out pretty well :)

That's it for today...I will have something kind of different and fun to share tomorrow though.

Have a great weekend everyone!
♥Heidi

It's the Little Things

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello out there.

I have a scrap pile card to share today...

This came together while I was scooping up the scraps from another project. I had these three strips of patterned paper and a pile of white cardstock bits and I thought they looked kind of fabulous all together. So I scalloped the white cardstock and slapped it along with the strips of patterned paper onto a kraft base, added some twine, a rolled rose, tiny puffy heart stickers and a Hero Arts stamp to finish it up. This literally took me 20 minutes to put together...including the rose and the stamping! I love these accidental creations :)

Do you ever have that happen, where your left overs become almost better than the project you set out to create?

Have a great day everyone!
♥Heidi

Pucker Up!

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi out there, happy Monday!

I've got another Paper Smooches card to share today, this one created with the brand new Fruitastic set. Kim had a lot of requests to make a follow up set to Vegtastic, but with fruit, and I'm so glad she did because, just like everything else she does, it's so dang CUTE!

I chose to work with the lemon and the funny punny "Pucker Up" sentiment.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (lt pink, dk pink, green, white, yellow) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: (Emma's Shoppe collection) Crate Paper, Stamps: (sentiment, lemon, leaves from the Fruitastic set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Trim: (Emma's Shoppe collection) Crate Paper, Baker's Twine: The Twinery, Corner rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5.5x4.25"

I fell back to paper piecing again with this one and added leaves and flowers, so she looked like she was just plucked from her tree.

As always, you can find more August release inspiration on the Paper Smooches blog.

Oh, I haven't heard from my blog hop winner yet...Moosisk, don't miss out on your free stamps, contact me! :)

Have a great day everyone!
♥Heidi

Christmas in July

2011-07-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Just a quick little Saturday share today...a little something from CHA.

Supplies:
Cardstock: We R Memory Keepers, Patterned Papers: (Glad Tidings, Christmas Tree), Tag, Ribbon, Layered Chipboard Stickers (Peppermint Twist Collection) We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5x5"

Another We R Memory Keepers Peppermint Twist project, this time a card :) that I made for their booth. I L-O-V-E that red and white striped ribbon and the embossed die cut tag makes for a super easy focal point.

Making the LOs with this line was fun, but I'm only really in my comfort zone when making cards. It's my happy place :)

Told ya it was going to be a quick post!

Have an excellent weekend everyone!
♥Heidi

PS. Check HERE to see if you're the my winner from the Paper Smooches blog hop!

Paper Smooches Winners Announced!

2011-07-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Aaaaaand the winner of a brand new Paper Smooches Alphadot set iiiiiis...Moosisk!!

Moosisk said...

I LOVE your card! It shows how "Smooches" stamps don't always have to be cute or funny. Thanks for the inspiration. :D

Congratulations Moosisk!! Please email me with your mailing information so we can get your stamps right out to you!

Thanks so much to everyone who hopped, facebooked, tweeted or blogged. We hope to see you next month!

♥Heidi

July Paper smooches DT Blog Hop!!

2011-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the newest Paper Smooches August stamp release! The Three NEW clear stamp sets are available to purchase now. You will find them HERE

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new August stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, July 29th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, July 30th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

Heather Pulvirenti
Heidi Van Laar <--------you are here.
Kryssi Ng
Laurie Schmidlin
Teri Anderson

To increase your chances of winning:

1. leave a comment on this blog post

2. tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. tell us that you Tweeted about our blog hop

4. tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

Here is what I made with the Paper Smooches August release Alphadot set.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (blue, yellow) Bazzill, (green) American Crafts, Patterned Paper: Making Memories, Stamps: (letters, dots from the Alphadot set) Paper Smooches, ink: (Harvest) Fresh ink, (aqua) Clearsnap, Dies: (Circle, Large scalloped circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Punch: (leaves) EK Success
Size: 5x5"

I am SO glad Kim released an alphabet set!! I love her handwritten font and to have it in something as versatile as an alphabet set is just awesome! As if that wasn't enough, you also get a fun little grouping of different polka dots with this set. SWEET! I used the alphabet to create my sentiment, using the dies I used to cut out the circles as templates for placing the letters. I also used one of the groups of polka dots to stamp a long strip of dots that I turned into a bow.

Good Luck and enjoy the hop!
♥Heidi

We R Memory Keepers

2011-07-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am so happy, excited and honored to announce that I have been chosen to be part of the new We R Memory Keepers team!!

I have been in LOVE with their tools (Crop-A-Dile anyone?? or how about those Corner Chompers?) and their adorable paper lines forever, so this is pretty exciting for me!

I was asked right off the bat to work with their new Peppermint Twist line and I made...are you ready for this...layouts!!!! I know, I know suuuper shocking! If you've read my blog for any length of time you KNOW that LOs just aren't my thing. Seriously, the last LO I made was a year ago and that's only because it was an assignment. Buuut, even though they aren't my forte I decided to give it a go...be gentle, LOL!

This one is of my little Alex he my shy, cautious child. He was four years old here and this is the first time we managed to get him to sit with Santa

This is the second LO that I made and my favorite. I felt a little more like I was maybe getting the hang of it.

Are they my best work? They are as far as LOs go and I love that I finally scrapped some of my favorite Christmas pics.

As well as the Peppermint Twist collection I use the In Stitches tool. I LOVE adding stitching to paper projects, so this tool was so right up my alley!

I'll be back to share more creations with the new WRMK products and there will be cards...oh yeah baby!!

♥Heidi

all products: We R Memory Keepers

Pep Rally Week at Paper Smooches!!

2011-07-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all and happy Monday! Today just happens to be the first day of Pep Rally Week at Paper Smooches. Woohoo! Everyday this week you'll find a sneak peek of the August releases on the Paper Smooches blog.

I have a card to share today that I created with the new A Little Lovin' set. The images are just SO dang cuuuuuute! Check out that fat froggie, I love him and he's not even my favorite from this set!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (black, white) The Paper Co., (green) We R Memory Keepers, Patterned Papers: (Love Struck collection) We R Memory Keepers, Stamps: (frog, crown, sentiment from the Little Lovin' set) paper Smooches, Ink: (black) Clearsnap, Markers: Copic, Glitter: Martha Stewart, Ribbon: May Arts, Felt Heart: Favorite Findings, Die: Spellbinders, Pinking shears: Fiskars
Size: 4.25x5.5"

The frog, crown and sentiment are all from the set. I added the dash lines, 'cause I thought my frog prince needed to be jumping up and down enthusiastically in anticipation of his kiss :)

Be sure to check the PS blog today and all week for more sneak peeks!

Have a faaaaaabulous day!
♥Heidi

Paper Bow Tutorial

2011-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello out there!

I have a tutorial to share that I'm pretty excited about. I just love making paper bow embellishments and today I'm gonna show you all how I do it.

Were going to start out by making a template. True you don't HAVE to, but it really does make the whole process easier in the end, plus you can keep it and whip it out next time you want to make a paper bow :)

1. Start with a strip of cardstock. You want it to be as wide as you want you're bow to be and twice as long.

2. Fold the cardstock strip in half, then in half again.

3. Put two marks on the cut edge of the cardstock, dividing it into thirds.

4. draw straight lines in from your marks, about as long as they are from the edge of the paper. Then draw curved line to the edges, meeting the edge about 2/3 of the way to the fold.

5. Cut along the lines you've drawn through all the layers of cardstock.

6. Open to reveal your finished pattern.

7. To start making your bow, trace your pattern onto a piece of paper.

8. Cut it out.

9. Place a small piece of dimensional adhesive in the center, fold ends in and adhere.

Starting to look like a bow!!

10. Place another piece of dimensional adhesive on the front center, cut a small strip of matching paper wide enough to cover it and adhere.

Looking even more like a bow!

11. Now to make the tails. Trace the end of your bow pattern on a piece of paper that is as long as you would like your ribbon tails to be.

12. Trim and cut the end as desired. I've added a dovetail to mine, but you might prefer just a diagonal cut. Repeat for the second tail.

13. Adhere your tails to the back of your ribbon and voila! A perfect paper bow.

I made a couple cards to share how I like to use them.

First up a classically elegant wedding card.

I used papers and embellishment from the exquisite Sweet Surrender collection to compliment my bow. The flowers are brads and cabochons and the focal image is a letterpress sticker that I jazzed up with a little color courtesy of Copic.

Another card, this one falling more into the cute category.

For this one I broke out the Animal Crackers for Girls collection and made something I think works equally well as a baby or birthday card. How CUTE is that little lady bug rub on?

So what do you think? Is this something you would try?

Paper Smooches/EAD Designs Blog Hop!

2011-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

You may have heard that Paper Smooches has partnered up with EAD Designs to make fun rub-ons and stickerz. We thought that it would be fun to show just how well these products work together!

Heather Pulvirenti
Heidi Van Laar <------you are here
Kryssi Ng
Laurie Schmidlin
Teri Anderson

Here's a little Christmas in July for you...

Supplies:
Cardstock: (ivory) The Paper Co., (brown, red) American Crafts, Patterned Paper: Making Memories, Stamps: (Branch from Hang in There set, Bird from Santa Paws set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (brown) Memento, (green) Clearsnap, Markers: Copic, Rub Ons: EAD Designs, Ribbons: Offray, Twine: We R Memory Keepers, Button: Favorite Findings, Snowflake and poinsettia cabochons: Making Memories, Dies: Spellbinders, Corner rounder We R Memory Keepers
Size: 4.25x5.5"

I used stamps from the Paper Smooches Hang in There and Santa Paws sets for the focal point and the EAD rub on from the July release made a perfect sentiment. EAD Designs products are just a dream to work with, the rub ons are thick, do not tear and go on like buttah, and the stamps have a sheer background with a matte finish that is nearly invisible when applied to paper.

Blog Hops are more fun when a prize is involved, right? All comments received before midnight Pacific time on July 24th is eligible to win a prize pack of both EAD Designs and Paper Smooches stamps. Visit the Paper Smooches Blog on Monday, July 25th to see if you were the ONE winner chosen. You do not need to comment on all five design team blogs to qualify. Good luck!

THE PRIZE:

1 EAD black stickerz sheet (July release)

1 EAD black rub-ons (July release)

1 Paper Smooches stamp set of your choice

To increase your chances of winning, comment to tell us that you facebooked, tweeted or blog posted about our blog hop.

Thanks for stopping by!

♥Heidi

Weenie Dog Bearing Gifts!

2011-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

How's that for an attention getting post title :)

Well, it's Monday...again, but at least i get to share some Paper Smooches. Today I have a card that I created using the Santa Paws set, but it's no Christmas card.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white, kraft) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Stamps: (Dog, presents, stitching from Santa Paws set, Sentiment, hat from Birthday Buddies set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (white) Clearsnap, (black) Versafine, Brad: Queen & Co., Dies: (circles) Spellbinders, (Banner) Quickcutz, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 5x5"

The weenie dog, presents and stitching are all from the Santa Paws set, but since Paper Smooches stamps are so fun to mix and match I added in a sentiment and a party hat from the Birthday Buddies set.

Although I love my latest obsession; Copic markers, I went back to my paper piecing roots for this one. Love the patterned presents, and kraft seems to be the perfect weenie dog color.

Remember, for more Paper Smooches inspo, be sure to check out the blog!

Have a most excellent Monday!
♥Heidi

Thank Ewe

2011-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

I have yet another Paper Smooches card to share today, this one uses a sweet little lamb from the Fokal Points set. I think this one was in last month's PS newsletter, but I never got around to sharing it here, so...

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, Patterned Paper: Jillybean Soup, Stamps: (Fokal Points set), Paper Smooches, Letter Stickers: American Crafts, Corner rounder: We R Memory Keepers, thread: Coats & Clark
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

The faux stitching and first part of the sentiment are also from the set. I left off the "you" from the sentiment and added a "ewe" in Thickers, because honestly, I love a good (or a bad) pun :)

Have a happy Wednesday everyone!
♥Heidi

Hey Sugar

2011-07-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hi all, happy Monday! Time for a Paper Smooches Share :)

Here's a little somethin' I came up with using the Sugar Rush set.

I love those cute little candies and gumdrops so much I decided to fussy cut and piece them in to a wreath. What could be sweeter than that?

I even added glitter or glossy accents to each one. those gumdrops look almost good enough to eat.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (white) Georgia-Pacific, (yellow, blue, green, pink, red) Bazzill, Patterned paper: Doodlebug Designs, Stamps: (sentiment, candies from the Sugar Rush set) Paper smooches, Ink: (black) Versacolor, Ribbon: Offray, Corner Rounder: We R Memory Keepers
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

For more July release inspiration be sure to check out the Paper Smooches blog!

I feel like I've been saying this every post, but I am just so busy lately! Doing a few things for CHA and preparing for a visit from my mother. I don't know about you, but when I get busy with things like work and summer activities with the kids, my house work definitely suffers. Seriously, I would be so embarrassed to have someone over right now. I am behind on absolutely EVERYTHING in the housekeeping department. Add to that the fact that my mother is coming...yikes!! It's gonna be a busy week!

Hope yours is more relaxing!
♥Heidi

July Inspiration from GCD Studios

2011-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there, happy Friday everyone!

Today I'd like to share a couple cards I created using this gooooooorgeous inspiration pic.

Swoon. OK seriously, how much do you love this sweet little vintage kitchen? It's so perfect! Like some fabulous little 1950's doll house! Oh and just look at those colors...yum.

Obviously there are countless way to be inspired by that amazing kitchen. and I went in a couple different directions.

For this first card I took my inspiration from the colors and the overall fresh feel of the photo.

I made several different kinds of flowers, inspired by the vase of flowers in this room, in different colors to create a bright frame for my sentiment. The chandelier was a really fun element in this kitchen too and I added a Chip Art flourish painted green to mimic it's curves. I tried to capture a bit of the 50's vibe with the polka dots and houndstooth.

I used papers from a bunch of different collections to complete this card. Both the solid red and polka dots are from the Scandia Jul Collection. The blue is from the Material Girl collection, the green from Soul Food, and the yellow from Homespun Chic.

Here's where I really took the kitchen inspiration to heart. Though you can't see it in the picture, I just KNOW there is a sweet little teapot somewhere in that room, so I decided to make it.

I had a ton of FUN making this! Can't you just imagine this sitting on the counter somewhere just out of frame?

Again, I had a lot of fun mixing papers from different collections. To be honest, I was really impressed with how well papers from so many collections meshed. I even added a bit of gray stripe from Sweet Surrender.

My finishing touch was a computer generated sentiment, printed and cut into a tag shape.

All that inspiration from one little photo...love it!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
♥Heidi

Happiness and a GCD Studios Contest!

2011-07-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I have a little somethin' to share today that I made with some GCD Studios Funhouse papers and embellishments.

I Love that blue piece of paper. It's actually part of the sky from the ferris wheel paper that comes in this collection, such a great color and I love how it fades from dark to light.

The chipboard frame is from the Funhouse collection and the chipboard word is from the Soul Food collection, but I also had some fun creating a couple embellies of my own.

the rose I'm sure you recognize since everybody and their sister, aunt, grandma and crafty cousin have been making them for the last couple years (I still love them though), but the bow is something I've been doing a lot lately. not that I've been able to share all those projects with you...yet ;) If you think it's kinda cute, I am doing a tutorial later this month that will post here and on the GCD Studios blog.

Speaking of GCD Studios...I have something you might be interested in.

Have an awesome Wednesday!

♥Heidi

You're Swell

2011-07-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello, out there! I hope all my fellow American had a fabulous Fourth! Our whole holiday weekend was great, busy, but great. We had a lot of friends come into the area from out of town so there were a lot of gatherings, BBQs etc. All wrapping up with a big community fireworks show last night. Ahh...good times.

In my busyness, I neglected to put up my Monday Paper Smooches post, so I'm back today to share it.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (kraft, white) The Paper Co., Patterned Paper: Echo Park, Stamps: (Seagull, Pilings, Sentiment, Splash from the Surf & Turf set) Paper Smooches, Ink: (Grey, Brown) Clearsnap, (black) Versacolor, White string: Darcie
Size: 4.25"x5.5"

I used the July release Surf and Turf to create this simple little card. I grew up in a commercial fishing community, so this scene with the pilings and the seagull seams almost familiar. I added a little knot to really bring home the nautical theme.

Remember, you can check the Paper Smooches blog daily for new inspiration...their might be a contest or two to check out as well ;)

K, I'm off. Another busy day today...what every happened to the lazy days of summer?

♥Heidi

Paper Smooches Winner Announced!

2011-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

The winner of an oh so fun and super cuuuute new stamp set is...

Lisa Petrella said...

Haha--LOVIN' that sentiment!!! So stinkin' cute!

June 30, 2011 9:43 AM

Woo hoo Lisa! Contact me with your mailing so your stamps can find their way to you :)

Thanks so much to everyone who hopped along and left a comment. Don't forget to come back next month for another chance!

♥Heidi