Cut 'n Paste

Notes Journal

I know that these are not the best photos, but I wanted to share a handmade journal that I made with you. I used the same techniques that I teach in my "Start to Finish" workshop to make this book which uses vintage fabric and lace in combination with some modern fabric, hand stitching, an old tintype and a Tim Holtz frozen charlotte doll.

I have such an afinity for these handmade books and lately I have made several of them to give as gifts. They are nice to give, because the recipient does not have to be a scrapbooker to enjoy it. In fact, I have a few around the house that I don't even really use. They are more decorating elements in my house!

Frozen Charlotte Mini Album

Hi Friends, I hope you had a good weekend. We laid pretty low as I am recovering from what my doctor has told me is an asthma flare up, which has pretty much knocked me out for about a week. However, I had previously arranged for one of my girlfriends from back from my University days to come over as she was in town for a conference. So, she came to visit Rick and I Saturday and Sunday and it was SO good to catch up.

As I head into another week, I wanted to share with you another sample album I made to show the students in my "Start to Finish" mini album class that I taught in Spain a few weeks ago. This one is a small one, at 4x4, but it's pretty darling if I do say so myself.

I especially like the Melissa Frances Pink Pouf Ribbon that I used as an accent along the left front border. It is made of a tulle like fabric, so it is super light and delicate which really reenforced the vibe that I was going for.

Do you ever sit and stare at projects you have made and just revel in the fact that you have made something that you're so in love with? (Please don't tell me I"m the only loser who does this!) I have to admit, this little album holds a special place in my heart, and is a current favorite!

A good Life

After a wonderful week of touring Madrid during my down time, I will be heading to Valencia Spain today to teach some workshops there this weekend. I am looking forward to seeing a part of the country which is brand new to me,  meeting the students and seeing the brand new Bambola scrapbooking store which just opened.

The album I am sharing today is a sample which I made as an illustration for the "Start to Finish" Album workshop that I have been teaching here in Spain. It uses the same techniques as the class project, however instead of being made with current scrapbooking products, it is made using a combination of vintage and mass produced products. (I used a vintage embroidered hand towel, a Maya Arts trim, an antique  tintype, some mother of pearl buttons, and a Stampin' Up! cream frame which is filled with glossy accents to give the center printed title a durable finish.) I wanted to show the students how they can easily use the techniques they learned in the "Start to Finish" class to make all kinds of awesome albums - both scrapbookish (as in the class) and more mixed media (like this one). This particular album was a hit when I showed it in Madrid and I'm sure the girls in Valencia will like it as well.

To my family and Canadian friends, have a great Thanksgiving long weekend!

Check it out!

One of my favorite publishers, Stampington, have put together a special issue with some of their favorite projects. The best part is that it's a free online issue. Check it out here.

Fabric Journal

I love my stash of vintage fabrics, photos and mother of pearl buttons to the point of finding it painfully difficult to use them. I always have in the back of my mind that I should save them for the 'perfect' project. However, lately (probably after watching one too many episodes of hoarders!) I have been finding myself reaching for and using my vintage supplies.

I have been working on designing a workshop that focuses on making a fabric journal from start to finish. I love the class because it blurs the line between scrapbooking and bookbinding and can really be adapted to each student's personal sense of style. The journal pictured here, that I made several months ago, was the inspiration for developing the class and while the workshop's sample is different as we are not using as much vintage, the techniques are pretty much the same. 

Crafting up a storm!

A few years ago I read a quote in a novel about someone who found their "Contentment in Creativity". For whatever reason the sentiment of those three words really resonated with me, and I think about them often. This week, my contentment has been found working on concepts for upcoming workshops. I have a million ideas, but it's all about refining them and turing them into a project which students can complete during class time.

I am pleased to be sharing that I will be one of the instructors along with Terri Brush and Amy Hanna at Spring Art Camp April 11-15, 2013 hosted by Terri. I know that it's a long way off, but Terri's events usually sell out well in advance, so if you're interested, check it out!

The birthday boy tag

I hope you have been having a lovely week! Work has been keeping me hoppin' lately...good things are happening!

I've shared photo tag projects with you in the past, today I have a new one for you. This one was made for one of my Canadian Scrapbooker articles awhile back...but I still love it ☺. I hoard vintage photos, so using them on tags, like this one, is a great way for me to actually use my stash. Although I will admit, that sometimes I have a hard time using the originals...

I love my Gran

 
Last fall I was asked to make a collage for the Russian Scrapbooking magazine Scrap-Info based upon my Collage Workshop. I decided to make a collage with a special friend of mine in mind who has a great relationship with her Grandma. A few weeks ago, the published magazine arrived in my inbox, and I was thrilled to look through it. Those gals in Russia are a seriously creative bunch!

Here's another, closer look at my collage.
 

Shh...Baby Sleeping

 
I designed this project using the Backboard from one of the super cool Melissa Frances Ephemera Kits. I LOVE this product and had so much fun putting this project together.

Today Melissa and I are teaching two classes to our retailers at the CHA Show in Chicago. So excited to give them a sneak peek at our new product offerings before the actual show opens tomorrow. If you happen to be coming to the show, be sure to pop by our booth (#1414) to say 'hi'!.

Just a note...

This notebook was the project for a special 'secret' class I taught while in Norway last fall. I love the vintage photo, texture and bead-work on the cover. It was a really fun class to teach and the girls in class all said they had a blast too, which is always a bonus ☺

So do you have any special plans for the weekend? Once again, we will be glued to the Olympics. Just a few more days left...sigh...I don't want it to end. It's given our city such a magical and positive atmosphere. And to my fellow Canadians, all I can say is..."I BELIEVE"!

ps - I received a link to this last night and wanted to share it with you. I was crying so hard by the time I was done, yet there was happiness in those tears as well. I invite you to read an incredibly honest and raw story: Nella's Birthstory