Saturday, October 27, 2012

Second Floor Challenge


Hi Everyone,


I just wanted to share a layout I created last night for the Second Floor Challenge at Balzer Designs hosted by Julie and Nathalie. The challenge was white cardstock. I started out with a 12x12 piece of cardstock. Gave it a good coating of Gesso and stamped an all over background. I adhered paper doilies, light modeling paste, white acrylic paint, Distress Ink and lots of embellies.  I had so much fun creating this layout--I actually lost track of time and my husband called me in my studio at 1:00 a.m. to see if I was okay! :-) Thank you Julie for this challenge & thank you for stopping by! :-)


Hugs,
Nicole

 
Here is the link to Julie's page:
 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Mixed Media Tag Tutorial

Hi Everyone!

Here is the photo tutorial showing the steps I took when creating my mixed media tags for Bona's swap at Keeponscrappin.  I don't have photos for every single step, but I think you will get the basic idea. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Nicole

First I sprayed my tags with homemade mists.


 Getting ready to add some texture with molding paste.


Here I have added the molding paste on three corners of the tag on top of the vegie bag.


After adding the molding paste, I sprayed more color to cover the star white color.  Then I stamped a chicken wire pattern with a white pigment ink.



I then stamped the butterflies and corners with archival ink, & sealed the whole tag with matte finish mod podge.  I then edged the whole tag and book page butterflies and banner with white acrylic paint.  


I used a fine tipped black permanent pen to outline the butterflies and banners too. 
Look at all of that great texture and color!!!  :-)



Here they are all finished & topped with some white vintage lace, 
 waiting to be packaged up and sent off to Bona! 
:-)

  








Wednesday, August 29, 2012

12x12 "Beautiful" Layout for CCL Sketch Challenge

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to share a 12x12 layout with you that I recently created for a sketch challenge at Creating the Crafty Life ning site.  The photo is of my late Grandmother who is, was, and always will be beautiful to me.  I really enjoyed creating this layout.  I used the My Mind's Eye Lost and Found paper stack from Hobby Lobby.  I have gotten a lot of use out of that paper lately--it has feminine and masculine papers included, so it's a good dollar value--180 sheets for $19.99.  The papers are a little on the thin side, so I backed this layout with chipboard.  Thanks so much for stopping by & Thanks again to Misty Busby for this fun challenge! 

Have a happy, scrappy day!!! 

Hugs,
Nicole

 
 
 
 


Monday, August 6, 2012

Christmas in July Challenge Card Video

Hi Everyone!

I just posted my video to my YT channel on how I made my cute snowman card for Mary's challenge over at Cardztv.  I hope you enjoy the video.  Have a wonderful summer day!

Hugs, Nicole



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Christmas in July Challenge

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to share a cute snowman card I made for a Christmas in July Challenge over at Cardztv.blogspot.com. Thanks so much to Mary for hosting this challenge! I had so much fun creating this card! I plan to post a video on my YT channel soon sharing the creative process of this card. Thanks so much for stopping by I hope you like this card, and thanks again to Mary for a chance to win one of your great stamp sets! :-)

Hugs,
Nicole




Monday, July 16, 2012

It's Been A While

Hi everyone! Wow I can't believe how long it's been since my last blog post!! If there were an award for "most neglected blog" I'm sure I would be nominated--LOL! But seriously, we were so busy with our boys activities this spring I just let my You Tube and Blog fall on the wayside. We are the den leaders, merit badge counselors, little league managers and team parents though, so it couldn't be helped. I was able to still create a few fun projects in between all of the hustle and bustle though so I've included a video of one of my recent projects below. I hope you enjoy the project share and are inspired. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by! :-) Hugs, Nicole

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Shabby Chic Birdhouse

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe how fast this month has gone by!!  I just wanted to share a photo of this shabby chic birdhouse I created for one of my DT projects for lizyjose for the month of March.  I had a blast creating this birdhouse, I just had to bring some Spring to my studio!!  If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to post them--I would love to hear from you!!!  I hope you are all enjoying Spring!!  Thanks so much for stopping by!!  ♥

Hugs,
Nicole 

Friday, March 2, 2012

Pink Poodle Layout

Hello Everyone,

Here are some pic's of my recent LO I featured on my You Tube channel.  It was a design team project for lizyjose for February.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!

Hugs, Nicole 

♥♥♥









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Monday, February 6, 2012

Shabby Chic Valentine Banner--DT Project

Hi Everyone! 

I just wanted to share some photos with you of my latest design team project, for lizyjose's Etsy shop.  Be sure to visit her shop to see the new yummies she has in stock now!  You can watch my video explaining how I made this banner on my You Tube channel.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Elizabeth's Etsy Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizyjose

Visit my You Tube channel here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/papernlace123?feature=mhum

Big Valentine Hugs,
Nicole











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Blitsy Online Store

Hi Everyone!  

I just wanted to share a link with you to Blitsy.  Blitsy a great online source for discounted scrapbooking supplies.  But once the product is gone, it's gone.  So if you see a deal you like, grab it!  If you use my link I will get a credit for you shopping with them.  Once you sign up with Blitsy you will also be given a custom link to share with friends, so you can accumulate credit as well.   I will be posting some pics of my latest DT project soon.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Here is the link:http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/10926/

Hugs, Nicole

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

February Design Team Project

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to show some pic's of my February design team project for lizyjose's Etsy shop.  I had a lot of fun decorating these boxes with such beautiful trims and laces!  These were made from paper boxes I purchased at the thrift shop, and first covered with paint and paper.  I think they turned out great!  If you would like to see a video share please be sure to visit my You Tube channel.  Be sure to visit Elizabeth's Etsy shop for some yummy goodies of your own.  Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs,
Nicole

My You Tube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/papernlace123?feature=mhum

Elizabeth's Etsy Shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizyjose









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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Exciting News!!!

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share some exciting news with you--I've been chosen to design for lizyjose's Etsy shop!  Here is a picture of my design team sign I created using some yummy goodies from her shop.  You can see a video of me sharing how I created this sign on my You Tube channel.  Thanks so much for stopping by & have a wonderful day!!! 
Hugs, Nicole

My You Tube Channel:

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Christmas in the Bay Area

Earlier this month I took a day trip with my mom to the Bay Area.  We met with an artist licensing group that she belongs to in Berkley, and afterwards we went to Emeryville to visit our friend Kim who owns a crepe cart on Bay Street.  We of course had to have lunch, so we split a savory Florentine crepe for lunch, and for our dessert crepe we splurged on the Bananas and Nuttella crepe.  Let me just say, they were both scrumptious!  I recommend you visit Crepes a la Carte on Bay Street if you are in the area, and be sure to bring your appetite!  Thanks Mom for a great girls' day out and thank you Kim for a delicious lunch! 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today, I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season!

Hugs,
Nicole

Gorgeous mailbox on Bay Street



                                                         
                                     


Great Carolers on Bay Street!


 Crepe Cart!


Yummy Bananas and Nuttela Crepe ;-)

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Blog Candy

Just wanted to let you know that  Crafty Kat is celebrating six months of blogging and giving away some yummy blog candy!  Be sure to visit her blog and check it out!  Congratulations Kat on six months of blogging, & thanks for the chance to win this yummy blog candy!

Hugs,
Nicole



http://craftykatdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/11/woohoo-blog-candy.html

Monday, October 10, 2011

Fall

Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year!  It's not too hot, and it's not too cold, it's just right!  We took the family up to Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe, CA last weekend for the annual Kokanee Salmon Festival.  Usually when we make the drive up the trees have all turned and it's very colorful.  But I noticed that wasn't the case this time.  It's still a beautiful drive up no matter what the season, I was just expecting to see more colors.  The salmon did not disappoint though.  Every year we try to go and witness this amazing act of survival of a species.  And every year I am sad to see the dead salmon who gave their lives so their young will survive the spring thaw.  This has got to be one of the most amazing examples of parents' dedication.  The male and female salmon literally stay with, and protect their eggs, until they die.  Speaking of parents, we couldn't help but notice the international families who attended this event this year.  One more reminder of how beautiful it is where we live and how amazing this event truly is.  I've been feeling so thankful lately, it's like Thanksgiving already for me!   I hope you are all enjoying your change of seasons no matter where you live and you are all thankful for each and every day.

Take care,
Nicole

Kokanee Salmon in Taylor Creek

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Blog Candy Winnings

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon a fun blog that belongs to a Close to My Heart independent consultant.  I started following her blog and left a few comments, including one on a "Freebie Friday" post and I was chosen as the lucky winner of a fun book called Reflections.  I realize it's not a new book, but it's new to me, and it's a welcome addition to my scrapbooking library!  I just wanted to say thanks so much again to Shannon Buck at http://stampinbuds.com/ for choosing me as the winner of her blog candy!  Please check out her blog and website: www.stampinbuds.myctmh.com  

Thanks as always to those of you who follow my blog--I hope you are all enjoying the change of seasons!  ;-)

Take care,
Nicole

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

What's on Your Desk?

I can't believe it's already been almost two weeks since my last blog post!  I have been so busy enjoying summer the days all blend into one.  I have been working on a mini album that I have wanted to make for about two years now.  Nothing like procrastinating.  We were fortunate enough to take our children to see the King Tut exhibit at the De Young Museum in San Francisco in January of 2010.  The exhibit was amazing!  I will never forget that "once in a lifetime" experience.  So, to remember our trip, I am working on a mini album to place photos and other memorabilia.  Here's what's on my desk!  What's on yours? 

Take care,
Nicole

This will be the front cover of my King Tut mini album.


Friday, August 5, 2011

It's Been a Busy Summer

I have been so busy since May that summer has flown past me.  I had outgrown my scrap space in the house and decided to move back out to my studio loft.  It's a room my husband had built above the garage when we first bought this house ten years ago.  It was originally intended to be my "creative space" but I just never made it out there.  The kids were really little at the time and I just wanted & needed to be inside with everyone else.  But now that the kids are older I am so happy to be back out there.  It's a quiet space without any distractions and I am having fun organizing and finding places for my supplies.  For the past few evenings I have been working on a project that I have wanted to make for a while now.  I completed it last night and still need to take pics and post a vid on my You Tube channel.  Until then have a happy scrappy time! 

;-)  Take care, Nicole

p.s. Thanks so much for following, I am going to try and pay more attention to my blog from now on! ;-)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

My Core'dinations Creative Frenzy

Hi everyone! 

I am so excited!  I just found out (a few days ago!) that Core'dinations is having a design team call!  So, I sent my sweet husband to the store to pick up a bunch of paper for me to work with, to make three fun new projects ( he is so supportive of my hobby!).  I made a 12x12 layout, a greeting card and altered a little wooden box from the craft store.  I have to say, having only just found out about this design team call a few days ago I felt rushed for time, and was immediately reminded of my college days, when I waited until the last minute to complete art projects for my final grade--LOL!  Anyway, I feel I work well under pressure, maybe even better, when I know there is a deadline to meet.  I had sooo much fun creating these projects for this challenge!  I used many techniques to achieve the end results, including: tearing, embossing, sanding, antiquing, outlining,and edge distressing.  I would so love the opportunity to be chosen as a design team member for Core'dinations as I have loved their products for years!  I almost forgot to mention that I used the Foundations paper as well--for all of the red flowers.  Well, wish me luck!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  (I will be posting a video of these projects at a later date on my You Tube channel.)

Take care,
Nicole

p.s. I am super excited to get my hands on the new paper stacks Core'dinations has made partnering up with Tim Holtz and Ranger--awesome!


This is the greeting card I created.  I used an embossing folder with a script pattern for the background, and then sanded the surface to bring out the pattern.  I used the Foundations paper to create the cabbage roses.  The greeting is stamped onto Core'dinations paper and embossed with a mixture of embossing powder and super-fine glitter.


Here is a close-up of the handmade roses using the Foundations paper.





I handmade my own memo pin from a really pretty copper wire. 




I had a lot of fun making this layout! It's titled: "Love Your Smile" I used so many different techniques here:  I used the antique method on the background paper.  I tore the border strip, and used the outline technique with the Tim Holtz Sprocket Gears.  I made the brown flowers with the Tim Holtz Tattered Floral die and antiqued the paper.  I stamped the title "Love" onto Core'dinations paper then fussy cut each letter out and inked the edges using Tim Holtz distress ink in Vintage Photo.  Then for the rest of the title (at the bottom of the page)  I cut a piece of Core'dinations paper to 5/16" and ran it through my Dymo label maker, and then sanded and distressed the edges.  The photo mats were created using Foundations paper. 



Stamped title on Core'dinations Whitewash paper.



Close-up of border strip using the Outline technique--FUN!



Close-up of the flower I made with Tim Holtz die.  I hand cut the leaves from the Whitewash collection.



Title strip I ran through my Dymo label maker.



More flowers!






Here is the little wooden box I altered.  I painted and ink distressed the edges, then covered the rest of the box with Core'dinations paper that I ran through an embossing folder, and sanded to show texture.  The roses were made with the Foundations paper and the title was ran through the label maker.



I distressed the edges of the Core'dinations paper.






Close-up of altered box top.  I tore the paper edges and also distressed them.


All three of my new Core'dinations projects together!