Polished to Perfection

JustRite Christmas Blog Hop

Welcome to the JustRite Christmas Blog Hop.  Today 33 designers are showcasing the New Christmas Releases from JustRite Stampers which are now available for purchase on the JustRite website.

Today I am sharing with you a Custom Christmas Card I designed for the JustRite catalog. 

 

I just love how you can combine JB 08780 1 5/8" A Merry Little Christmas Stamps with theJustRiteJB 08405 2" block with 15 point font and the New JB 08785 Holiday Demi Phrases to create your own stamp image.

 How fun is it that you can design Christmas Stamps with your familie's name on it!!  Here are just a few of the phrases that I have custom designed for this blog hop and future Christmas projects. 

When I played with the first 2" stamper prototype for the first time.  I loved how the 15 point font fit on the block, but I was amazed at how many 15 point letters it took to fill the rim of the block.  And I instantly knew that I needed to give you the tools to make writing on the outer rim of the 2" stamper a breeze.  So I developed 15 fun Holiday Demi Phrases --- I started the thought now you need to finish the demi phrase.

To read more about how you assemble all three JustRite Products to make these custom designs read my post today on the JustRite Blog.  JustRite also has some fabulous blog candy available for those of you who take the time to visit the entire Christmas Blog Hop.  Be sure to read all the details on the JustRite Blog.

To create my card I used Spellbinder's Fleur de Lis Pendant die which is my favorite set of dies from the new Spellbinder's Release.  I die cut turquoise mirrored paper for my first mat layer and a multi-toned green DP from Basic Grey cardstock for the back layer.  I love glitter and this card has tons.  The card itself is a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" Turqouise Glitter Card from Die Cuts with a View.  The fun beaded snowflakes are Jolies Stickers. After I stamped my image with I diecut  and embossed my image with the Spellbinder's Scalloped Circle Nestabilitie I chalked the embossed area with a copic markers then added Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and Ultrafine transparent Crystal glitter from the Art Glitter Institute to the edge of the diecut.  I also applied glue & glitter to the center of the snowflake image.For even more bling I added Kaiser Pearls and multiply shapes of rhinestones.

JustRite Stampers Blog
Becca Feeken
Sankari Wegman
Sharon Johnson
Kazan Clark
Sharon Harnist
Laura Davis
Debbie Olson
Michelle Woerner
Taylor Van Bruggen
Jenn Balcer
Michelle Wooderson
Lori Craig
Lauren Meader
Beate Johns
Barb Schram
Kimberly Crawford
Michele Kovack
Jami Bova
Kellie Fortin
Jennifer Buck
Heidi Blankenship
Angela Barkhouse
Lisa Somerville
Gerrie Johnnic
Kathy Jones
Debbie Seyer
Kim Sonksen
Terre Fry
Sheryl Dickinson
Bonnie Sharp
Mary Pfaff
Holly Simoni
Angela Robledo
Thanks for stopping by...be sure to check out all the fun projects from this fabulous group of designers!!

JustRite Release #2 Blog Hop

Welcome to the JustRite Release #2 Blog Hop!! For this card I used an image from the new 1 3/16" tiny words set   This paper pack "LA CREME stack"  from DCWV is one of my all time fav's. It has beautiful flocked papers and yummy designs.   It also comes wth gorgeous chipboard flocked embellishments as well.

For the glitter mat I used my SU Flower punch, for the 2nd mat I used my scallop nestabilites to die cut black glossy chromkote.  For the chipboard label I stamped the word girlfreind using trompe upper and lowercase font with my harmony rectangular stamper on creme paper and adhere it to the label chipboard embellishment.The label itself was too slick to stamp on.

To see all of the other great projects visit the rest of the JustRite Design team. Be sure to visit everyone as one design team member has JustRite Blog Candy.

• JustRite Stampers
• Barb Schram
• Becca Feeken
• Debbie Olson
• Heidi Blankenship
• Lauren Meader
• Lisa Somerville
• Kellie Fortin
• Michele Kovack
• Michelle Wooderson
• Sharon Harnist
• Sharon Johnson
• Taylor Van Bruggen 

Supplie List: JustRite Stamps -1 3/16" Tiny Words, Trompe Uppercase & Lowercase Font, Harmony Rectangular Stamper, Chipboard Flocked Stickers LA CREME- DCWV, 9x9 Paper stack "LA CREME"Stack-DCWV, Ribbon- Sabrina Trims- Making Memories.

JustRite Baby Shower Favors

 

Now no baby shower whould be complete without shower favors.  These are so adorable and so easy to make.  All you need is your Justrite JB 08170 Baby Stamp Ensemble and the JB 08119 Harmony Classic Oval II stamper (wood block with grid). 

I love glitter. So I just couldn't resist using this Baby Boy Glitter Stripe cardstock from DieCut's with a View Nana's Nursery Collection.  You may remember this treat wrap from my Christmas Post. This is an Accucut Treat Wrap Die.  For this favor I chose the It's a Boy border and the designer center which says OH BOY!! Using Spellbinder's Classical Oval Nestabilites I diecut the stamped image and then matted the image using the Classic Scalloped Oval Nestabilites with Baby Boy Orange Plaid Cardstock.

 

For the Baby Girl's Version, I used Baby Girl Glitter Stripe Cardstock from Diecut's with a View- Nana's Nursery Collection.  For this favor I chose the it's agirl designer border from the Baby Stamp Ensemble and the Diapers, Bottles & Pacifiers...Oh My Designer Center.  This would be the perfect sentiment for a first time mom or dad to be. This are quick and easy and a little addictive when you start thinking about all the different kinds of favors you can make.  Don't be surprised to see a few more redentions in other themes.

The Baby Girl and Baby Boy candy I found at AcMoore.  You may also find these at your local party shop.

My blog candy #16 is still active go here to read the rules and leave your post.

JustRite Nursery Room Decor

 

I found these great nested boxes at the Christmas Tree Shop- they came as a set of 3 and were just perfect for altering.  What I love about this project is that it can be used as a gift box for a little gift but doubles as a trinket box and decor in the babies nursery. This is the largest box of the three.  if you haven't seen DieCuts with a views Nana's Nursery paper pack - baby girl and baby boy, you don't know what you are missing.  I am usually not a fan of paper packs. They are usually only a few papers in the pack that I love,  But this paper pack is the exception.  To decorate the box I used the  new JustRite -JB 08170 Baby Stamp Ensemble Set . It is so versatile - use it for a girl's baby shower or a boys baby shower.  Perfect for any project - cards, birth announcements, DIAPER CAKES, and home decor.

 Here is a view of the top of the box.

The Rhinestones are from Kaiser Krafts. The Floral Ribbon is from American Crafts.

Here are the designs available in the set.  Remember these are all interchangeable. These are the perfect shaped oval for the Spellbinders Oval Nestabilies.

 

Here is the medium Box:

   

Here is a game tin that I also decorated.  Inside are coasters with questions for the baby shower.

 

This would also be a great tin for a coaster albumn for the new arrival.

My blog candy is still active.To enter simply pick your favorite project from my blog and leave a comment on here - please tell me which project is your FAV and why.  There is still tons of  blog candy from Sharon's Bog iversary here is what is still active:

JustRite Blog Candy is alive and active- click here. (Huge Basket of JustRite Product)

Blog Candy #17 is alive and active — click here.  (JustRite Special Occasions Monogram Set)

Blog Candy #16 is alive and active — click here.  (2 prizes - JustRite Christmas Ensemble and Baking Ensemble)

Blog Candy #15 is alive and active — click here.  (Scor-It Mini with Tote)

Blog Candy #14 is alive and active — click here.  (Kitchen Sink New Release Stamp Set)

Blog Candy #13 is alive and active — click here.  (CB Folders, Die, Chalk and Brads)

Blog Candy #12 is alive and active — click here. (Flourishes Stamp Set plus paper and ribbon)

YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR EVERY BLOG CANDY, but please only sign up once at each Blog Candy post — thanks!

Flourishes Monogrammed Wedding Ensemble

Where does the time go??  I am sure many of you have been wondering where I disappeared to.  Don't worry I have not been ill, just very busy with my new job as the Market Development Manager for Justrite Stampers.Which means I have tons of exciting projects to share with you and soon you will be seeing some exciting new products from JustRite.  First I have been designing Wedding Ensembles for the JustRite Booth at the New York Stationery Show, now that the show is over I can share all the exciting projects I have been working on.  I just love planning a wedding, so I was thrilled when I had the chance to design three distinct wedding ensembles for the show.  Today I will be sharing with you the ensemble I designed using Flourishes Stamps and my JustRite Monogram Stamper.  Monogramming is back and you will find it on everything and JustRite has the most versatile monogram stamper on the market, since it has interchangeable parts which is perfect for designing multiple wedding projects. 

The first piece I designed is for the for the wedding chapel or the head table.  I used a very large vase and stuffed it with balls of green and white berries that I found at the Dollar Store.  I was looking for a unique filling for my vase something with texture and something that would pick up the green in my heart design.  The flowers I purchased at Joanne Fabrics.

I used the Damask Reversedclear stamp from Flourishes to create the my background paper using Rocket Red Brilliance ink.  I love this stamp and it's companion stamp the Damask.  This allows you to create any color of paper for a wedding ensemble.  I had my heart set on a pink and green theme- but on my multiply shopping trips I just couldn't't find the paper I was looking for - thanks to Flourishes I could design just what I had in my head for a design.   The interior heart was Flourishes Lace Heart Stampwhich fits perfect in the scalloped heart nestabilities from Spellbinders.  To create this paper I used a paper from the Luxury Stack   from Diecuts with a View (this is a beautiful paper pack and I used the paper in the pack for two different wedding ensembles with two extremely different themes).  This paper is a pearlized metallic- so I used brilliance rocket red inks to stamp on the surface - as brilliance inks are designed to dry on a glossy surface.

I used the scroll border from the C45 Monogram Stamper Set with the Special Occasions Fontwhich I  stamped with Memento's Pear Tart Dew Drop on an white Cardstock. This was the first time I used the new memento ink from Tsukineko and I love them!!

For the wedding party favors I found this great pre-embossed bag s. To change up the design a bit,           this time I used the Damask Stamp from Flourishes to create a paper with a more open Damask.  I used the same monogram for the front of the favor. The sheer ribbon with the scrolls is from Creative Impressions.  I  love this ribbon and is available in a ton of colors.

 

This is the centerpiece I created for the table.  Unfortunately I do not have a photo of the actual finished piece. I decided it needed more color and to be fuller,so en route to the show I stopped at Michael's and picked up some small pink and green flowers to make the centerpiece fuller and to pull the color of the monogram throughout the centerpiece.  The photos from this section of the booth did not come out.  So as soon as my samples return from the show - I will show you a before and after picture.  The centerpiece with the candle I purchased from Kmart and I just added my monogram and ribbon accents and it looked beautiful with the added flowers.

 

Here is the actual wedding invitation for the wedding.  I used the instructions for a Flap Card from Splitcoast Stampers to start my invitation, but along the way I altered the Flap card design and decided to use two hearts. The embossed paper is from Doodlebug.  For the Heart I used the Flourishes Lace Heart Stamp but this time I decided to ink the stamp with 2 colors, and to scuff the edges of the scalloped heart with green ink to accentuate the scallops.  I also added ink to the scalloped edges of the monogram.

Monogram Etiquette for a Wedding Invitation:

Now I must confess that I used the wrong monogram for a wedding invitation as it is not appropriate to use the married monogram until after the wedding. ( But since it was midnight and for a display - I winged it). The correct monogram before the wedding would be to use the Initial of the bride's maiden name especially if the bride's parents are paying for the wedding.  If the couple is paying for the wedding it is appropriate to use the first initial of the bride and an embellishment/or flourish and then the grooms first initial.  Who knew how many rules they were for monogram etiquette.  After the wedding it is appropriate to use the married monogram on everything.  The bride's first initial goes first than in a large font the couples married name and then the first initial of the groom.  What if the bride is keeping her maiden name??  Well that will have to be for another day of wedding etiquette lessons.

Here is the view of the inside of the invitation - see how different the heart looks when you use only one color to ink the image. Here I used Rocket Red Brilliance Ink to highlight the scalloped edges to play off the maroon paper. I scuffed the edge off the wedding invitation with the Memento Pear Tart Ink to pull green into this portion of the invitation.  The invitation started out as a traditional flap card, but I decided I liked the flap adhered to the inside of the invitation.  If you haven't made a flap card yet they are a ton of fun here is the link to the splitcoast tutorial for a flap card.   I have a ton more samples to post so stop back and see all the other projects I did for the NYC Stationery Show.

Create faux ceramic beads from scraps of paper

Everyone knows I love projects that use scraps of paper!! Can you believe that the white beads in this necklace with the black and grey daisies started out as scraps of paper???  For months now I have been trying to resist roaming into the bead aisle, but on my last research trip I ran into friends who had just made beads out of scraps of paper. And within moments I found myself in the bead aisle dreaming of creating necklaces with scraps of paper.  So here is my first necklace...I have been in a black & white mood all month, so it seemed fitting that my first creation would be black and white. 

To create your paper beads you will need:

1. Scraps of light weight paper with a very tiny print or scraps with multiply colors...I suggest playing with a variety of your scraps as you will be surprised which scraps will actually make the prettiest beads.  To create the longest beads I cut strips 3/4" x 6".   For the short beads the strips are 1/2" x 6".
2. Tiny bamboo skewers- to wrap your paper around
3. Scotch tacky Adhesive to adhere your paper as you roll it around the skewer
4. Versamark watermark pad and super fine clear embossing powder from Ranger to change your bead from paper to faux ceramic bead.

Begin making your bead by rolling the scrap of paper tightly around the skewer, next apply a tiny amount of glue on the backside of the paper and continue rolling the paper around the skewer, as you roll the paper the glue will extend further on the strip.  Keep applying glue as needed.  You will want to roll your bead as tight as possible.  When you get to the end of your scrap strip make sure that you adhere the edge completely.  Set aside bead to dry.  After you have made several beads, place a paper bead back on the skewer and roll the bead while on the skewer across a versamark watermark pad.

Sprinkle clear embossing powder or UTEE on a scrap of paper and roll the bead in the clear embossing powder.  Using a heat embossing tool, heat the embossing powder.  While the bead is still lukewarm roll the bead in the embossing powder again and heat set. I recommend 3 coats of clear embossing powder - you now have a paper bead that looks like a ceramic bead.

If you are a newbie to jewelry making like myself, I recommend purchasing a jewelry design board to layout your necklace design.

 

My beads were made with from Diecuts with a View.  I experimented with papers from my black and white 4.5 x 6.5 mat stack.  This was a great way to play with a wide variety of papers as I decided what I would like my paper beads to look like.  Have fun making your beads and I am not responsible for any addictive behavior developed as a result of reading my blog!! Don't you just hate enablers!!!

P.S.  I made 3 trips to the bead aisle before I completed my first necklace.  I suggest purchasing a few large seed beads and round beads which will sit nicely against your paper bead.  If the bead is too small it will get lost inside your paper bead. I would also recommend making your beads and bringing them to the bead aisle to decide what beads you need to purchase to complete your design.

Happy Valentine's Day - the Red & White Version

Here is one more design for this stamp in a more traditional Red, White and Black version. For this version I increased my card size from 5 1/2" square to a 6" square so that I could add one more layering of matting.  I thought it would be interesting for you to see the two versions of this card and how strikingly different the cards look from just making a few changes.  Here is a photo of both cards together:

For the red version I used my scalloped circle nestabilities to double cut my red mat.  To do this cut the largest circle and then place a smaller circle inside the original die cut ( you may use removeable tape to hold the die in place)  This creates a red scalloped circle frame which I placed over the large black scalloped circle. To simplify the card I colored the heart in this version with my R29 Copic Marker.

For the directions for the Black and White Card visit yesterday's post.  I can't decide which version I like best.  I would love to know which version you like better - just leave a comment on this post!!

Black & White Happy Valentine's Day

As I was designing Valentine's Day Projects this month, I realized that I didn't own a single stamp that simple said Happy Valentine's Day. So yesterday I found this beautiful stamp from Inkadinkadoo 97467-O and you all know how I love swirls and flourishes....so it kept calling my name from the store shelve. I decided that I wanted to make a simple black and white card.  I used a pre-embossed floral card from Die Cuts with a View which I cut the front embossed image off the card and lightly scuffed it with a graphite black brillance ink pad to highlight the dry embossing.  Then I went back and scuffed the edges of the card a second time with a little heavier hand to create a slightly darker edge for the embossed mat.  By darken the edges I added more dimension to the card. I then placed it on a new black 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" card.

Next I stamped the Happy Valentine's Day image on Luster White Paper and using an exacto knife I cut out the stamped heart image and backed it with red.  I used my scalloped circle nestibilities to cut out the stamped image and then cut a larger scalloped circle from black and dry embossed it with the Cuttlebug A2 Textile Embossing Folder.   This was so simple yet so elegant...a perfect card for your Mom, Sister or Husband.

Create a Love Notes mailbox from paper

Angela found this great template on Splitcoast Stampers.  We have been searching everywhere to find out where everyone is getting the larger metal colored mailboxes, in the search Angela found this great template from Brenda Quintana (aka Qbee) on Splitcoast Stampers just click on the link. A special thanks to Brenda for sharing your template with everyone!!! Angela arrived with her mailbox started but asked me to jazz it up a bit so- I modified the mailbox by adding a chipboard layer to the flag and the front of the mailbox.  I used a cuttlebug A2 embossing folder to dry emboss both sides of the flag and the interior of the front of the mailbox.  The paper is from Diecuts with A Views Spring Pack 2007.  The pink and White Polka Dot Ribbon is from Creative Impressions and the Shimmer letters are from Making Memories...they were originally silver - I colored them pink with my Copic Sketch Markers. You won't believe how much money I have saved in gas, time and supplies through the miracle of Copic.  No more trips to the craft store to find the perfect color embellishment and I am really getting much more out of my supplies!! Thanks Angela for letting me play with your mailbox...hope you had fun playing with my Outlines Rubber Stamps.

When Angela arrived for a playdate with this mailbox - I was thrilled since I had just made my Cupid treat bags.  She asked me to Jazz it up...which I did and look how sweet it looks with the Cupid Corn Treat bags inside...With these 2 projects you could be the coolest mom on the block!!

Here's the interior view with the candy isn't it sweet!!

This is the kind of mail - I wish was in my real mailbox!!  I think I will try to make my mailbox with chipboard reinforcement in the box...I am not sure if there will be too much tension from the chipboard for the adhesive to hold it in place. I let you know!! Thanks for stoppin' by!!

A2Z Essentials Paper Pumpkins for your Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Now in the midst of designing my Forest - It occurred to me that months ago I had started a Thanksgiving Table Setting...but I didn't really have a centerpiece...I have napkins and place cards and gift bags, but still no centerpiece and as many of you know once the creative juices start flowing it's very hard to turn them off so you can sleep at night...it is always better to finish designing before you try to sleep ( at least that's what I keep trying to explain to my husband when I am in the midst of the creative process at 1 a.m.).  To make this mini Pumpkin I used 1/2" x 2" Strips of A2Z Essentials paper - Carefree Collection - Sunny Circles and a 3" ball. I shaved just a hair off the bottom of the ball so that it would sit flat.  When I approached the top of the pumpkin I switched to strips that were only 1 1/2'" long so that it would lay correctly at the top.  I made the stem by cutting a 1/2" strip of paper and I twirled it up the pencil slightly overlapping the paper each time around the pencil. Remove it slowly from the pencil and form it into a stem. To make the curly vines I cut 1/4" strips of shamrock green cardstock and curled it around my pencil and as I pulled it off the pencil I made it into a long curl. When I completed my first pumpkin ( Yes--there is a whole patch of pumpkins coming), I decided that the paper I had selected was to pale and of course my husband thought so too!!  And his suggestion was perfect - of course - airbrush it!!! (why didn't I think of that).  Here is what my pumpkin looked like before it was airbrushed:

Wow!! What a difference a little airbrushing can do!!  I used my Copic Airbrush System and YR 09 .  For my second pumpkin I decided to use my peach glitter cards from Die Cuts with a View.  I airbrushed this pumpkin as well.

And if you have been reading my blog over the past few months you know I LOVE GLITTER PAPER!!

Here is a top view of the glitter pumpkin:

Aren't they cute??  Stop in tomorrow to see my Pumpkin Patch grow!! And don't miss checking in on Saturday - you just won't believe how cool Saturday's post is!! (Remember - no one has been sleeping at my house).  And don't forget that you have until Saturday at Midnight to vote for your favorite tree and for a chance to win my Christmas Blog Candy!!  Place your vote in the comment section of my October 31st Post.  Thanks to everyone who has voted... See you tomorrow!