Hellllooooo!

Hi all!! I only have a minute before I need to start getting ready but I thought I'd pop in and say hi!! I was supposed to be in Chicago all week this week but after Day 1 at CHA my presence was needed in Valley Forge for the CK show! I had a great time in Chicago and got to meet the fabulous Rae Barthel...

Rae and I became friends online about four years ago when I used to hang out on the PaperCrafts forum. Love her!!!

I also got to meet the lovely Michelle from Unity Stamps...

Michelle deals with retailers and handles all things {ippity}. She is a busy, busy girl but still manages to be amazing!!! The Unity peeps (guys included) are the most down to Earth and sincere people I've met!! And I LOVE their stamps too!! ;)

We still have a booth in Chicago at the SuperShow!! Stop by this weekend to meet Karen and Jenn from the Scrap-Mart design team! I am in Valley Forge so if you're attending that show I'd love to meet you!

Well, gotta run!! I'll be back later with more fun!

Katie

CHA Preview Review

Hello everyone! I'm here today to review some of the CHA previews that are available right now. There's been lots of buzz this week about all the fun new releases headed our way so I thought I'd take a moment to share some of my favs. I want to warn you this is kind of a LONG post...but it's worth the read!!

Spellbinders. Well, what else needs to be said?! I LOVE my Spellbinders and am always eager to see what they have in store for us. If you missed it, they did a week long blog frenzy where they revealed some of their new dies and collections. You can see their releases HERE on their blog. I will share ONE pic with you of my #1 favorite of their new release...

Isn't it beautiful??? Check out Becca Feeken's blog and see what she did with this set!!! It will blow you away! Be sure you scroll all the way down so you see everything she created!!!

Next on my list is the Teresa Collin's Stamp Maker machine. This thing is waaaaay cool and there's tons of hype surrounding this machine. Take a peek...

Uh huh, yeah. Is anyone else as excited about this as I am???? I will be at CHA and demoing this is TOP on my list!! Imagine the limitless possibilities!!! You can read more about this machine and watch some videos from Teresa HERE on her blog.

This next thing I am going to show you is something my friend, Eva, found. This is so fun...check it out...

Okay, these make me happy!! I was actually going to ask hubs for a Janome Sew Mini sewing machine for my birthday but I think I'll just get these instead!! Yes, I will have to hand stitch so it will take more time BUT think of the room I'll save on storage AND these things are waaaaay more portable!!! Yep, gotta have them.

Tim Holtz. Ah, Tim has teamed up with Sizzix and if you ask me, the pair make one amazing team. I am LOVIN' Tim's Alterations. I have some from the first release and really enjoy using them. Here's a few peeks I saw on Tim's blog. Again, these are my favs...

There's a ton more and you can see his sneak peeks on his blog HERE.

So there are a few of my favs so far. You can see other fun sneak peeks HERE on The Scrap Review blog. And leave me a comment with a link to your favorite releases so far!!! I'd love to see them!

I'm leaving on Sunday for Chicago for the WHOLE week!!! I'm so excited!! I will be attending CHA with Scrap-Mart then off to the Super Show to work in our booth. If you are coming to the Super Show I hope you stop by!! I love meeting my crafty friends! Follow me on Facebook (Katie Piotrowski) for fun CHA updates straight from the show floor! Or, catch my Tweets on Twitter (ScrapMartKatie).

Thanks so much for joining me for my CHA Preview Review. I'm taking Saturday and Sunday off to pack and spend time with my family before I travel. I will be blogging from CHA when I can but most of my updates you can find on the Scrap-Mart blog, Facebook or Twitter.

Katie

A good deal...

I was browsing through a Wal-Mart across town trying to burn some time a few weeks ago when I ran across a section of clearance craft stuff. I found a set of Martha Stewart bird stamps for only $1! A full set...like a 5x7 sheet. It only had 4 stamps but they are pretty large. Well, I couldn't pass up a set of stamps for a $1 so I grabbed them up. I had some free time the other night so I stamped one of the images and curled up on the couch with my Copics. Here's the result...

I decided to keep the card simple and let the image be the real focal point so I stuck with using solid cardstock and no patterned papers!! I know, totally different for me! But, I like the result. I used American Crafts cardstock and adhesive. The sentiment and ink are from SU!. I used my Tim Holtz Alterations Scallop On the Edge die to create my scallop bottom. It's hard to see in the photo but I used my SU! chalks all around the background of the image so there wasn't a big white space. Some satin ribbon and a button from my stash finished it off. I also decided to add a sentiment on the inside so here's a peek at that...

The stamp I used is from another SU! set I have and I cut it out using my Spellbinders Labels Eight Nestabilities. To create the larger red layer, I traced my die the cut it out by hand.

Thanks for stoppin' by today! I'll be back tomorrow and I hope you can join me!

Katie

Teacher Notes

Hi all! Happy Wednesday! Today I'm going to share with you another notepad I made. I am really enjoying making these things!! Here it is...

I started with some American Crafts Cardstock and layered up some Sassafras Lass Nerdy Bird papers and stickers. The image is Teacher Anya from The Greeting Farm and she was colored with Copics. After coloring the image, I cut it out using my Oval Nesties and layered it on a Scallop Oval. For added dimension, I used American Crafts Foam Tabs Squares under the image. To create the sentiment, I used my October Afternoon Mini Marker Ledger alpha stickers. Some crinkled ribbon and a paper flower finish it off.

Thankfully these came in a pack of 10 because I have a few more ideas for them! I'm thinking grocery list next!! ;) Thanks for stoppin' by today! I'll be back tomorrow with some more crafty fun and I hope you'll join me!

Katie

Ten Minute Masculine Card

I have a really hard time making cards in advance. I like to create my cards specifically for the person who will be receiving it. That sometimes leaves me in a bind, like this last weekend. Rocky came in the house and said his dad and his wife were on their way over. It was his dad's birthday and I hadn't made his card yet!! I was in the middle of making dinner...homemade tortillas and all! Sooo, when I got finished with dinner I headed to my table and went to work. Here's what I created for him...

Now that I have the Big Shot Pro I like to keep a few Scallop A6 card bases in neutral colors cut and handy for situations like this. I grabbed a white card base and an 8x8 collection pack from Making Memories. I got it at Target earlier this year. I cut a 4x5 1/4" piece of the striped patterned paper and adhered it to the card. The tag said something about being a boy so I covered it with the orange "news flash" label and adhered the metal embellishment to it. After adding the dark grey crinkled ribbon I adhered the tag using American Crafts Foam Tab Squares then added a few chipboard stars from the collection to finish the card off. It may have been a quick and impromtu card but I really like how it turned out.

Thanks for coming by today! I will be back again tomorrow and I hope you will join me. See you then!

Katie

Bella Digi Challenge #7 : Use a Girl or Fairy image

Hello and Happy Monday! Welcome back for another fun Bella Digi Studio Challenge. This week, Sue has challenged us to use any Bella Girl or Fairy image. How fun!!

If you remember, last Thursday I showed you my Gherkin I colored using that week's color scheme. Here's the final card I created using that colored image...

I used my Copics to color my image then cut her out using my Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities and mounted the image on a Scallop Oval. For the card base, I used a 4 x 5 1/2 card from American Crafts. I mixed papers from American Crafts (brown), Sassafras Lass (yellow) and October Afternoon (green). I tied it off with some of my fun Crinkled Ribbon I made and added a flower to the center of the bow. For the sentiment, I used my Making Memories Tiny Alphas and added them to layered tags I cut using my SU! punches.

Don't forget to visit the other blogs to see what the rest of the DT has created:

Bella Challenge Blog
Jana
Robyn
Tammylee
Lora
Sue
Shelly
Michelle
Scrappy
Katie {you are here}

If you'd like to play along in this week's challenge, please be sure to read the rules below. Thanks for stoppin' by today! I'll be back tomorrow with another fun project! Hope to see you then!

Katie

Here's How To Play: To participate in the Weekly Challenge, please create a *new* project using any Bella Digi image following the current week's theme. You must link to your project using the link tool at the bottom of the post on the main Bella Challenge Blog. A winner will be chosen via random.org and that person will receive a $10 gift certificate to the store. In addition, the DT will choose their favorite three projects from all participants and ONE winner will be chosen to be the following week's Guest Designer. To be considered for the top three, you must have purchased an image from the shop (unless otherwise noted)...however, you don't have to use the purchased image in that week's challenge.

Quick and Easy card...

Hi and Happy Saturday! Sorry I'm late (or later than normal) with my post. I kinda forgot I hadn't already scheduled it. hehehe

I am one who likes to create a card specifically for the person I'm giving it to. I don't usually make up birthday cards ahead of time and this sometimes leaves me in a bind. The card I'm going to share with you today is one that is fun yet quick and easy. So, next time you find yourself in my usual spot, you can whip the card out and be ready to go in no time! Take a peek...

I created a square cardbase using plain white cardstock then layered a strip of Scenic Route patterned paper on the top and a piece of pink cardstock that was embossed with the Cuttlebug Happy Birthday embossing folder on the bottom. I covered the seam with a strip of ribbon then added some puffy and metal embellishments from Making Memories. Topped it off with a bow and that was it! The embellishments could easily be switched out with tags and stickers leftover from packs you've already used. Versatility. That's what I like.

Well, thanks for stopping by today! I'll be back on Monday for the Bella Studio Digi Challenge with my card inspired from last week's color scheme. I hope you'll stop by!

Katie

American Idol encounter...

Last year when I was working at the BOK Center, one of the American Idol Groups came through for a group concert. They had a meet and greet outside at the arena so after I picked Seth up from school I stopped back by hoping he'd get close enough to actually "meet" the Idols. Boy did he!! I created this layout for him with the pics we took...

I started with some Kraft cardstock and added my pics along the right side. The guitar and wings were fussy cut from a piece of Making Memories Just Chilliin' Teen patterned paper. The paper was varnished so it has a cool sheen to it. I downloaded the true type font, Kaufmann Bold, and used my Gazelle to cut it. I added it to a piece of Making Memories Metallic Paper I cut using my Spellbinders Oval Nesties. For the journaling, I typed it up on my computer then cut it into strips and inked it using my Quick Quotes chalk inks. Seth had a great experience and LOVES his layout! Something fun he'll hopefully remember for quite some time.

Well, that's all I have for today. I'll be back tomorrow and I hope you can stop in.

Katie

Color Scheme Thursday

Hello everyone!!! It's almost the weekend, already! This week has flown by for me! It's Color Scheme Thursday on the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog and it's my turn again to share a color combo with you.

When I saw this month's releases in the Bella Digi Store, the Gherkin image really stood out to me. Fall is my FAVORITE time of year and when I saw her I was inspired. I printed her and here's what I ended up with...

If you look at Daphne's and mine there's really not much difference. I couldn't help it. Once I saw her the way Daphne drew and colored her, I couldn't see her any other way. I guess this is as true to "lifting" as it gets. LOL!

This brings to me the color scheme for today: RED, ORANGE, BROWN, GREEN AND YELLOW. I know you may be thinking it's Summer, how are we going to use Fall colors? Just let your imagination lead you. Surely you could work these colors into a Summer themed project. And try to get ALL the colors onto your surface. You may also add in neutrals such as white, kraft or black if you need to. You will see this image on my finished card for Monday's challenge!!

This is just for fun and not an official challenge but if you DO create something with these colors I'd love to see it. And don't forget to visit the Bella Challenge Blog tomorrow for Embellishment Friday.

Thanks for stoppin' by today! I'll be back again tomorrow with another fun project. I hope you stop by!

Katie

Just a Note

Just before the holiday, I made my first order at Paper Trey Ink and I must say I was very impressed. The quality of all the items is superb and you could tell the items were packaged with care. One of things I purchased was the 2 1/2" x 8" notepads. I couldn't wait to make a little notebook with them. Here's my first attempt...

I cut a piece of American Crafts cardstock to 5 1/2" x 8 1/4". I aligned it on my Scor-Pal (starting at the 1" mark) and scored at the 3.666" (the mark just past the 3 1/2" mark) then turned my paper 180 degrees, re-aligned and scored at the same spot. This made a small spine on the cover to account for the bulk of the notepad. There may be an easier way to do this but this is what came easy to me. Then I cut a piece of the Zebra print patterned paper to 2 3/8" x 7 7/8" and adhered it to the front panel. Then, to create the flower I added a strip of green Crinkled Ribbon that I bunched up as I adhered it and added two small pieces for leaves. I stamped the sentiment using my JustRite 1 5/8" Just a Note set then cut it out using my Circle Nesties and inked it with my Quick Quotes Chalk Ink. I then layered that on top of two more layers cut using my Circle and Scallop Circle Nesties. The flower was adhered to the stem using a foam dot for added dimension.

This came together really quickly and I plan to make some more. I got 10 of the little notepads in one package for only $6. I think that was very reasonable. I also ordered a fun stamp set that I can't wait to put to use. Hopefully you'll see something from it very soon!

Thanks for dropping by today. I will be back tomorrow with a short post as it is my turn for Color Scheme Thursday on the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog. Hope you can stop by!

Katie

Many Sweet Thanks

My Big Shot Pro is one of my favorite tools...one among many. Last month I snagged the Big Shot Pro Cupcake Pocket Card die and it is just too cute. Here's a thank you card I made using this die...

I used my current favorite paper and stickers from the Sassafras Lass Nerdy Bird collection. The new Flag Banners are really fun. I added a strip across the front of the pocket, tied if off with a ribbon that was topped off with a Prima Flower and American Crafts Glitter Button. A heart sticker was added to the bottom corner with a flower sticker popped up on top of that. Here's a peek at the cupcake out of the pocket...

For the actual cupcake, I cut it twice using papers from American Crafts Dear Lizzy collection then adhered them patterned side in so that only the plain side would show on the front and the back. The sentiment was created using Making Memories Tiny Alphas and Sassafras Lass Glitter Alphas. I used my Quick Quotes Chalk Inks on the tiny alphas and around the edge of the 'frosting'. A cute little flower sticker was added to the bottom of the cupcake and topped off with a Kaiser Pearl. After I assembled the cherry, I covered it with Diamond Glaze to make it shine.

I had alot of fun creating this fun, playful card. I also intend to use this as a journal block on a scrapbook page too. How fun would that be?!

Thanks for stopping by today! Join me again tomorrow to see a fun little notepad I created with some of my new PTI stuff. See you then!

Katie

Bella Challenge Monday #6 & *New Releases*

Hello and Happy Monday!!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. On Saturday, the kids and I went to the zoo with my best friend, Stacey. It was super humid but we had a great time! Sunday, I did some housework and caught up on some dt duties. What did you do?

It's Monday so that means it's time for another challenge from the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog. It's also the second Monday of the month which means it's time for *New Releases*!! This week's challenge was issued by Robyn and she wanted us to use distressing on our creation. I chose to work with the new stamp, My New Coat, which was also a *freebie* over the weekend!! Here's my card...

Isn't she cute??? I love her boots. Shelby has some pink polka dot Hello Kitty rain boots and that's what I thought of when I colored these. :) Of course, she was colored using Copics then I fussy cut around her. I used Smooch Ink on the cuffs of her coat and top of her boots. It shimmers beautifully in person. I used my go-to card base cut using my Big Shot Pro A6 Scallop Card die. *LOVE* this die!! Then, I dry embossed a piece of white Making Memories Slice Shimmer paper using the Quickutz Snowflake Embossing Folder. I added a few strips of Bo Bunny patterned paper then tied it off with some of my new Crinkled Ribbons I made. Using my Slice and the FaLaLa design card, I cut a snowflake from the shimmer paper and tucked it under the bow of the ribbon. The sentiment was hand written, cut out with the SU! Word Window punch and embellished with a Kaiser Pearl.

I know it's hard to think 'Warm Wishes' in the summertime but you could really take advantage of the time and get started on your holiday cards!!! Christmas in July?? haha, I know, I know.

If you'd like to play along with Robyn's challenge for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate for the Bella Digi store or a chance to be our guest designer be sure to read the rules below in red. And if you have any questions, feel free to email me at sethdsmom@yahoo.com.

Also, like the Bella Digi Studio on Facebook and NEVER miss a *freebie*!!

Here's How To Play: To participate in the Weekly Challenge, please create a *new* project using any Bella Digi image following the current week's theme. You must link to your project using the link tool at the bottom of the post on the main Bella Challenge Blog. A winner will be chosen via random.org and that person will receive a $10 gift certificate to the store. In addition, the DT will choose their favorite three projects from all participants and ONE winner will be chosen to be the following week's Guest Designer. To be considered for the top three, you must have purchased an image from the shop (unless otherwise noted)...however, you don't have to use the purchased image in that week's challenge.

If you started here on my blog, please visit the DT blogs below to see the rest of the creations...

Bella Studio Challenge Blog
Lora
Michelle
Sue
Jana
Tammylee
Shelly
Robyn
Katie {you are here}

Thanks for stoppin' by today! Join me again tomorrow for a *sweet* card I created. Hope to see you then!

Katie

Embellishment Friday...

Hello everyone! I am back with my fingers crossed that my computer issues have been solved. Today is Embellishment Friday over on the Bella Studio Digi Challenge Blog and I have a post up about how to create your own crepe paper ribbons for your projects. Pop on over and check it out!

I will be back on Monday for the Bella Weekly challenge and July Release Blog Hop! I hope you'll join me!

In other news, I'm preparing for my trip to CHA in Chicago! I'm so excited to be going to CHA again. And this time I get to meet the fabulous Eva and Karen from the Scrap-Mart design team. We will be in Chicago ALL WEEK! How fun is that?! I can't wait to see all the goodies released then head off for the consumer Super Show. Scrap-Mart will have a booth there so if you're going please stop by and say hi!

See ya Monday!
Katie

Computer issues...

Man, it seems that it is my month to have issues. LOL! I seem to have a computer virus. I can clean it then it returns. Sigh. I am working to remove it and if I can't correct it myself then I will have to take it to the shop tomorrow. Please bare with me while I work to resolve these issues. I'll be back as soon as I am back up and running.

Thanks!
Katie

Bella Digi Studio Challenge #5

Hello and Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! It's time for another Bella Digi Studio Challenge. This week we have a sponsor, Chalk-ah-Lot, which means you can win a great PRIZE to the winner of this week's challenge.

It is Tammylee's turn and she challenged us to create using chalks. I have had SU! chalks for a long time...probably over 2 years...and I rarely used them. I really enjoyed making my project and it really made me wonder why I don't use them more often. Anyway, here's my card...

I started by printing my image, Sad Bear, and coloring him in with chalks. Then, I cut him out using Spellbinders Labels Eight Nestabilities and chalked in some grass and blue sky. For my card base, I layered up some Sassafras Lass Apple Jack papers and cardstock stickers then topped it off with some SU! ribbon and Fancy Pants stick pins. To create the sentiment, I used my SU! ticket punch and Making Memories tiny alpha stickers. I added an eyelet to the tag and some jump rings and stuck one of the stick pins through to hold it.

Here's the links to the other blogs:

Bella Studio Challenge Blog
Lora
Michelle
Sue
Jana
Tammylee
Shelly
Robyn
Katie {you are here}

And don't forget, if you participate in the weekly challenge, be sure to link us to your blog post for a chance to win a Weekly Guest DT Spot or a $10 store credit OR the awesome PRIZE. The top three chosen will receive a special blinkie for their blogs! The rules on how to play are below.

Here's How To Play: To participate in the Weekly Challenge, please create a *new* project using any Bella Digi image following the current week's theme. You must link to your project using the link tool at the bottom of the post on the main Bella Challenge Blog. A winner will be chosen via random.org and that person will receive a $10 gift certificate to the store. In addition, the DT will choose their favorite three projects from all participants and ONE winner will be chosen to be the following week's Guest Designer. To be considered for the top three, you must have purchased an image from the shop (unless otherwise noted)...however, you don't have to use the purchased image in that week's challenge.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions! And don't forget to play along for a chance to win some awesome goodies!

Katie

Tile Coasters

I have wanted to make tile coasters for YEARS!! I tried a few times to make some little tile magnets and couldn't get anything to set right. I read the tutorials and thought I'd give it a shot. My friend, Eva, sent me the {ippity} Devoted stamp set that I'd been longing for. THANKS EVA!!! And I thought it would be perfect for the coasters. Sooo, here's my first one...

I stamped the sentiment first then the hearts using StazOn ink. After stamping it I let it set overnight to dry then colored it in with my SU! chalks and sponge daubers.

I figured this would be a perfect gift for my mom, who is coming to visit exactly ONE month from today! Yeah!

Thanks for stoppin' by today! I am taking tomorrow off in observance of our country's birthday but will be back on Monday with a fun challenge (and a chance to win more goodies) and a card for the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog. I hope you will stop by!

Katie

FWF and Slice Design card winner!

Helloooo and Happy Friday!! Only two days left 'til the 4th of July! Woohoo! Before I get to my FWF project, I'd like to announce the Slice Design Card Winner. Congrats to Denise (Mr. Smitherman) who said:

"Hi, I'm Denise (and signing in w/ my hubbies Google acct, Mr. Smitherman).I have the Slice and absolutely luuuuv it. Got it as a Christmas gift from my super husband. My favorite card is the Words & Expressions Design Card. Oh my! I could make so many greeting cards with this one. It entails every word or thought I'd ever need to create the perfect sentiment for my cards and put a lasting smile on someone's face (whether it's a b'day, anniversary, holiday or the need for some encouragement). The Words & Expressions design card has it all. :o)"

A big congrats to Denise and a big thank you to all who played! Denise, please email me your snail mail addy to sethdsmom@yahoo.com so I can get your package postal!

Now, onto Friends with Flair! I couldn't wait to get the May Unity Retailer KOTM. I snagged it up when I went to Arlington early last month and used the big circle grid on hubby's father's day card. Remember? Well, one of the flower images really reminded me of Texas Bluebonnets (native Texan, remember?) and I couldn't wait to play with it. Here's the card I made...

After creating the card base I embossed a kraft panel slightly smaller with the Quickutz Polka Dot embossing folder. For the image, it was stamped in Versamark then I added the color with my SU! chalks, which died in the proces of making this card. The scallop piece is Core'dinations cardstock that I cut using my Tim Holtz On the Edge Scallop Alterations die. I pieced it all together and covered the seam with some ribbon, topped off with a button. I know it doesn't look exactly like a Bluebonnet but that was my inspiration for the color. Be sure to stop by the main Unity Blog for the links to all the other wonderful creations!

Thanks for stoppin' by today! I'm sure you're gearing up for a big weekend, I know we are! Whatever you do please have TONS of fun but remember to be safe! I will be back tomorrow with an Ippity project I've been working on. I hope you can stop by.

Katie

Hello everyone! Today is Color Scheme Thursday on the Bella Digi Studio Challenge Blog and it was my turn to come up with a scheme. I think black and white is such a beautiful, classic look by itself but it comes to life when paired with a vibrant color that POPS! Here's the card I created...

I started this card with a black card base then printed out the DandyLion background digi stamp. Then I added a yellow scallop strip I cut using my Spellbinders Big Scallop Petite Borderabilities. To cover the seam, I added a piece of ribbon I tied off with a bow. The sentiment was printed from the Celebrations Sentiments Pack then cut using my Spellbinders Double End Tags. One end was tucked under the bow and the other was topped off with a yellow pearl. For added detail, I inked all the edges with my Quick Quotes Chalk Ink and added yellow pearls randomly to the flower centers.

This can be achieved with any color! For a fun, feminine touch you could add pink. Or you could do orange for a summery feel. There's no limitations when adding color POP to your basic black and white.

Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow is Friends with Flair and I hope you can join me! See you then!

Katie