Crate Paper

April CP Guest Designer :: Waleska Neris

 On top the list today is Crate Paper's April Guest Designer, Waleska Neris. She has a very special history with us as she once had been a member of Crate Paper's 2010 Design Team. We invited her back once again to incite spark and creativity via her recognizable, modish scrapbook style. It hinges on eclecticism, as well, a quality of hers we have always enjoyed and admired. Please welcome Waleska Neris... 

About Waleska...

I'm a mama to two sweet, silly boys and wife to a very patient guy. An accountant by day and scrapper by dawn. I love scrapping (of course), photography and shopping for shoes and jeans. 

Ten random facts about me...

I love bright colors
I'm very short
I'm a terrible cook
I love to run
Sometimes, I go days without drinking water
I've never owned a bicycle
I'm a morning person
I'm slightly addicted to Peanut M & M's
I'm loud
Growing up, I never had a pet 

 

My Story

I love the tags paper. I wanted to use lots of them, yet keep my design clean and simple. I added the oval frame and other chipboard shapes for some fun contrast.

 

Today

This page was inspired by a fabric I saw online. As soon as I saw the random triangle design I knew I wanted to try it with paper. I used a scalloped square punch with a variety of patterns and cut them in half to create the triangles. I then followed the fabric design very closely.

 

Thank You Card

One of my favorite things to do is duplicate designs in different forms. This card was inspired by a layout I did a little while ago using the same design. As you can see, I love adding different (bright) colors and patterns to my projects!

Waleska, it has been a pleasure to have you at the Crate Paper blog! Thank-you for being our very first guest designer to create with Story Teller & Pretty Party this season. As is always the case, your contributions are exquisite - sincerely, thank-you. 

~ 

This Week's Giveaway Winners

For those of you stopping by to find out who this week's giveaway winners are, we're happy to finally announce them on this fabulous Friday! The first is in regard to our "Frame" Fans from Wednesday's post. You've waited the longest, so you're officially first today! Congratulations to this "Frame" fan...

"love frames! Would love to do a page with each member of my family in their own frame." Posted by: Lynnsey | April 17, 2012 at 12:07 PM

The second winner is for the Elle's Studio April Kit!! A lot of you threw your name into the comment pool for this one - and spoke of your latest Spring Adventures! Not shockingly, the running ongoing theme was the weather! It's been a whirlwind of a Spring for nearly everyone this year. It's brought with it, plenty of adventures, don't you think? Congrats to this person...

 "Our latest spring adventure was my daughter's school carnival. It was a great turnout, and the school did great with fundraising...we even ran out of cotton candy and popcorn! Fun times, fun times. Looks like a FUN kit from Elle's - love these pages, and I'm a fan of their products! Thanks for the chance to win!" Posted by: Cynthia B. | April 18, 2012 at 05:36 PM

Send us your info ladies - cpblog@cratepaper.com. Include your last name and location within your email. Thank-you, Thank-you!! Congratulations to the both of you! 

Crate Paper Guest Designer :: Mandie Pierce

 

 

 

My name is Mandie Pierce. I'm a stay-at-home mama of three {Claire, 12; Noah, 7; Collin, 5}. I'm married to the boy I met right after high school. We've been together for fifteen years. We have been an Air Force family for the past ten years now, living in Texas, Alaska, Arkansas, and now, California! I have been a scrapbooker since 1999, when our daughter was a baby. But, I've always been a keeper of "stuff". I always had magnetic albums full of receipts, movie ticket stubs, cards, etc. I have had a number of layouts/projects published in Scrapbook Trends, Creating Keepsakes, Simply Handmade, and Cards. I'm currently on the Pebbles design team and the design team for a local crop in town. I love all things paper - not just scrapbooking, but also office supplies! However, I consider myself to be a scrapbooker first.

Thank-you so very much, Crate Paper, for asking me to be your guest! I can't even begin to describe how thrilled I am!

 

Ten Random Facts About Me....

I'm an instagram addict. I apologize to my friends who follow me on there. I know there are a TON of photos!

I love coffee and am immune to the effects of the caffeine - except for a headache I get if I don't have it. Maybe it's more of an addition. Ha!

I love to read, but prefer fiction.

My husband and I watch way too much tv. We have a whole weekly schedule. Eek!

I've used this one before - but at 33, my hair is almost entirely grey! I have to color it every four to five weeks. Thanks, Dad, for your genes!

When I was a teenager, I planned to go to college, join the Peace Corps and then go on to get a doctorate in psychology. It's funny how life has other plans for you!

I prefer savory snacks to sweet, but put some See's truffles in front of me, and I'm helpless!

Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love the colors, the flavors, the weather..I really wish we had more of one here!

I love to laugh. Funny blogs, books, comedy specials, TV shows. One of my favorite shows is "The Middle". I swear they are my family on steroids..and maybe a lot crazier...

I took German in high school and college, but it's been so long - I could probably carry on a very rudimentary conversation, and that's it!

 

Dear Santa Mini Book...

I recently took a class with Amy Tangerine where we used one of her mini books. I had so much fun making that book that I wanted to do another. So, I made this book in a similar style. It's a little book for the kid's Christmas Wish Lists.

I love everything about the Peppermint line. It was so perfect for this project, too. I used a sheet of cardstock cut down to 7" x 12", layered different sizes of pattern paper on the inside, and then sewed them down the middle to make the spine. I ended up reinforcing the spine with a Studio Calico "Fab Rip" because it bent a great deal as I worked on the inside, to the point at which it was beginning to tear. Once I had the book put together, I began working on the inside pages. Behind the front cover, I used a 6" x 6" sheet of the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" patterned paper. I absolutely love the print and wanted to be able to see the whole story from one page. (I actually framed the 12 x 12 version of the patterned paperand mixed it in with my Christmas decor!) When finished, I used the black twine from Random's ribbon pack to hold the lil' album closed. 

 

 

My Friend Card...

I made this quick little card using two patterns from Random's 6" x 6" paper pad and a couple of chipboard shapes. The card came together quickly, using just a couple of shapes.

 

Olivia Layout...

This was the first layout I made. I LOVE the Random collection! Love everything about it..The patterns and colors are so wonderful!

The beautiful baby on this layout belongs to a dear friend of mine. Every few months, I take Olivia's photos. I started out by using the 4" x 6" photo and a scrap of pattern paper left over from a prior layout. I though it would be fun to add punched circles into the openings of a scrap piece of paper. I then added the bottom strip of floral pattern paper. I thought it was lacking a little; so I then added a little strip of pink woodgrain paper and stiched it down. I layered a wallet sized photo on top one of Crate's "Accent Cuts". Around it, I positioned bits and pieces of smaller items. 

 

Me and You Layout...

I love this photo of my daughter and me. She's only 12.5 years of age and is already almost as tall as me! The Christmas tree farm we go to every year has a place to measure how tall the kids are. We though it would be fun for us to stand together under the measuring stick. 

I absolutely adore the herringbone pattern of the "Victorian" print. So much so, that I used it as a background, though I trimmed it into two pieces and put them onto 8.5" x 11" cardstock - stitching one side. 

This layout came together pretty quickly. I splashed a little white Mister Huey on the background to break up the pattern a bit. I then set to layering some pattern paper along with some pieces from the Accent Cuts. I punched some butterflies, added a few pearls, and a couple other additional elements - and finally, it was finished!

 

We love Silveyville Farm Layout...

This is another layout that came together pretty quickly. It's about the Christmas tree farm we visit each year. To make the layout, I used some instagram prints and a few left over bits and pieces from the mini book I'd constructed previously.  As a simple composition, I went with photos and pattern paper to create a grid-like format. I then layered some goodies on top...

Shall we quickly say "Amazing" and a huge "Thank-You" to Mandie for providing us with such beautiful loveliness to look at today as Crate Paper's guest designer? Of course, and to add to it, we'd love for you to leave her a sweet comment or two as well! Thank-You Mandie!!

 

Crate Paper Guest Designer :: Anabelle O'Malley

About Anabelle O'Malley...

My name is Anabelle O’Malley and I’m thrilled to be Guest Designing for Crate Paper. I have been a paper crafter for the past seven years. It’s truly my creative outlet! I’m an equal opportunity scrapper and love cards, layouts and mini-albums.

I live in Delaware with my husband and our 8 year old son, Ryan, who is usually the focus of my pages. I love making memories and preserving them for him. We also have a rambunctious kitty named Pulu who has been finding his way into my work, as well.

Currently, I am designing for Webster’s Pages and Emma’s Paperie. I was a Memory Maker’s Master and my work has also appeared in other magazines including Paper Crafts, Cards, Scrapbook Trends and Creating Keepsakes.

During the day, I work for the University of Delaware. I work with early childhood programs and help them improve the quality of their services. I love being in the classrooms with the little ones! Before Ryan was born, I taught elementary school for sixteen years.

When I’m not working, scrapping or running Ryan around to his many activities, I can usually be found hanging out with my family, cooking, visiting the gym, chatting on the phone with girlfriends or spending way too much time on Pinterest.

 

Ten Random Facts...

White tulips are my absolute favorite flowers.

Salt + Caramel = Pure Heaven (with Red Velvet following close behind)

On our first date, my husband asked me to go to Cancun with him.

I cook with quinoa at least once a week.

I HATE unloading the dishwasher.

A good margarita can cure all ills.

I believe in angels.

Maui is my favorite place on earth.

It drives me crazy when drawers and closet doors are left slightly opened, rather than shut all the way.

Being a mother has been the biggest joy of my life.

 

On Santa's Lap...

Each year my sister in law hosts a big Christmas Eve party. The highlight of the evening for the kids is Santa's arrival! Ryan is always a bit nervous, but usually gets over it once he opens his gift! I love using little bits and baubles of chipboard and added lots of it to this page. The hanging stockings are my favorites! Little bits of string are something else I love to add. I placed a piece on here. 

 

Local...

I've wanted to do a page about my local farmer's market for a while. The Farmhouse line was perfect for it! I used a lot of stickers here. I cut a border sticker in half and added it to the yellow mat behind my photos. I adhered a circle sticker to a pinwheel and created my title with this as the focus. Two layered journaling spots created a great cluster and great space for me to write about my trips to the farmer's market. And more border stickers add color to the bottom and top of my page. Finally, I punched a border on the right side to add even more to the design. 

 

Happy Campers...

I'm so in love with hexagons and chevrons right now. So, I decided to use both on this page. I recently bought a zig zag punch and it got a good work out as I created this layout. First, I punched strips from lots of my favorite Random papers. I adhered them to another piece of paper until I had a border that was about 4" inches thick. Using a hexagon pattern shape, I traced onto the zig zag border and cut them out. I matted them onto black cardstock to make the colors pop and stitched the edges. Since I wanted the hexagons to be the focus of the page, I adhered them to the center of the chevron paper (my absolute favorite from the line). Finally, I added some chipboard and stickers to finish things off.

 

Ho Ho Ho Card...

The little Santa chipboard piece from the Peppermint line is so cute. I decided to make him the star of the card! I created the little banner flags and added letter stickers to them. I adhered them with foam adhesive to give them some added dimension. Stickers and some jewels were also added to embellish the card.

 

Laugh Card...

I just adore the colors of the Random collection! This card highlights them all! I often turn to the journaling cards when making my cards and I used the butterfly one here. I added some chipboard, a pinwheel flower, trim and some stickers as embellishments. I love adding lots of layers to my cards. Often, people will ask how I mail my cards. What I usually do is place them into a padded mailing envelope and send them that way. Or, if they are being hand delivered, I sometimes wrap them in tissue paper and tie them with twine. 

 

Apple Orchard Tradition Mini Album...

Every year, since Ryan was born, my sister in law, Patty, and I have taken him to the local orchard during the Fall. It is definitely one of my favorite traditions of the year. We went on a beautiful, crisp, Autumn Saturday this year and I got tons of photos. I decided to create this mini album to showcase them. 

I love layering chipboard and stickers. I did this for the cover. I adore the multi-colored banner sticker and had to use it on here! I added it using foam adhesive to give it some texture. One that that I like to do when I create mini albums is to have pages that hold extra photos. In this book, I did so by cutting a large rectangle of paper and folding down one corner in the front. I adhered it with a brad and stitched along the bottom to create the pocket. Two pocket pages were added to my book and they hold all of my extra pictures. I alternated decorated photo pages with pages using the journaling cards so I could write about our special day. 

Anabelle, you've really gone above and beyond the call of duty with the submission of so many beautiful creations! Crate Paper would kindly like to thank-you for finding and displaying each of our collections through-out each one, and giving our readers an amazing presentation of projects to start off the week following the busy holiday weekend! It's truly an honor to have you with us! Thank-you again!

Crate Paper Guest Designer :: Maggie Holmes

About Maggie Holmes...

Maggie Holmes is a photographer, scrapbooker, workshop leader and devoted wife and mother of 5 children! She loves to be creative while at the same time, preserving her memories and the stories of her family. She has been on the Creating Keepsakes Magazine Dream Team for years and also, designs for Studio Calico. Currently, one of her main focuses is teaching online photography workshops to scrapbookers like her that want to take better photos and learn how to use their cameras. She loves seeing her students grow and progress so much in just a few short weeks!

She recently launched a brand new website that brings all of her passions together in one place. it includes galleries of her photography and latest scrapbooking projects along with links to tutorials and guest blog posts that she has been featured in. You can click here to go to her website...get comfy and browse around...there's lots to see and loads of inspiration!

 

Ten Random Facts...

I love Color.

I hate to sit through a movie without a drink and popcorn!

I'm obsessed with Instagram and Twitter! {Follow her at maggiedesign}

I LOVE to snuggle with my babies.

I hate folding laundry, but I LOVE to iron!

I like my drinks with a cup and straw - even at home!

I really wish that I could play the piano well.

I LOVE date nights with my hubby, even if we just walk around Target!

I'm constantly decorating and changing things up around my home.

People tell me that I'm always smiling. I guess that's because I'm truly happy...because I feel blessed to have such a wonderful family, and I get to play a role in this amazing industry - inspiring and teaching people through photography and scrapbooking!

 

Today is Worth Remembering...

This is just an everyday photo of me and Emily - my journaling talks about how everyday is worth remembering -- even if we aren't doing anything special. I created the banner pieces by using my label punch to make labels and then cutting one end of each label into a banner shape.

 

Beautiful Baby Girl...

Even though this photo is a little blurry, I still love it! I can't get enough of my Instagram pictures that I print through postalpix. First, I misted on the background with Mister Huey's Studio Calico mist and then, punched circles from all of my favorite papers to create the design!

 

Happy Memories...

I love the "happy" chipboard letters so much, and knew I had to use them on a layout! They're random and eclectic - mixed and matched - which is perfect for my random mixed up style! As you can tell, the Random collection is right up my alley! I can't get enough of it!

Crate Paper would like to send a special thank-you to Maggie for exhibiting her talents here on our blog! The colors and projects are just as we expected - alive and resoundingly beautiful! It's been an honor - we hope you'll join us again in the future, Maggie!

Crate Paper Guest Designer :: Keisha Campbell

About Keisha Campbell....

Hello, this hobby has been an amazing creative outlet for me; I started scrapping in 2003 after my youngest daughter was born. I was invited to a Creative Memories party and that was how it began for me! Not long after that party we bought our first home computer and I soon discovered online scrapbooking. For the past few years, I've been very fortunate and published in many scrapbook magazines. I've also been on a few great design teams - currently, I design for Making Memories, Jenni Bowlin, Whiskers, and Basic Grey.

I have been married to my childhood sweetheart, LaVaughn for 15 years and we have two daughters that I use as my muses - Amira & Mikiela...and our sweet dog, Lulu.

Keisha Campbell's Blog: www.abiteast.typepad.com

 

Ten Random Facts....

1. I'm pretty shy & quiet.

2. I hate for my food to touch and I'm a very picky eater. I just like simple foods - I love veggies & fruits.

3. I stopped eating fast food two years ago - EXCEPT Five Guys!! The last time I had McDonalds was over two years ago, and 3 of our 4 drinks had flies in them.

4. Every Friday, I buy a bag of Lindor milk chocolate truffles - and I'm not too fond about sharing them with my family. It's the only chocolate/candy I will eat.

5. I don't like to fly.

6. I tend to wear a lot of black.

7. Every other Thursday morning, I have to get my nails done.

8. I do love reality shows - but I hate the cheesy/tacky shows like "The Kardashians/Jersey Shore/Bachelorette". I love Guiliana & Bill, all the Real Housewives, Rachel Zoe-anything on Bravo!

9. I love murder mystery books.

10. I don't get into Twitter or Facebook (I do have accounts), nor Starbucks! If you think it's me on Facebook, wrong! It's Keila playing those games!

 

I love to make simple cards with tags & butterflies! You'll almost always find me using tags & a butterfly on my projects - it's a must in my book!

 

I recently became obsessed with the accordian flower craze - they're really fun & easy to make. On this page, I made the larger one, from vellum paper, I just love finding a new way to use vellum.

 

Who doesn't love a great banner on a page - and with some twine! I love black/white twine most of all, and adding it to a banner makes my heart race! I don't get to scrap my oldest daughter very much these days, due to her becoming a moody teen. Thank goodness she went to her first Homecoming this year and was super willing to post for photos.

 

I look for a reason to pull my Slice out to cut large flowers from pattern paper and top them off with colorful button centers. I have a huge stash of buttons; mother of pearl is one my favorite to collect. I've also started collecting glass buttons this year.

"Keisha, it's truly an honor to have you as a guest designer at Crate Paper. We want to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your beautiful contributions. We hope you'll visit us once again!"

Marcy Penner - A Crate Paper Guest Designer

About Marcy Penner...

I'm a pretty simple girl. I married my high school sweetheart and we have three kids (Molly-12, Jack-9, and Max-8). For the last eleven years, we've been living on the family farm and renovating a 120 year old farmhouse in Canada. Yes. Still renovating! I'm a major homebody, so country life is a great fit for me!

Back in the day, I earned my Bachelor of Education Degree, but an artistic life has always been calling my name (I come from a long line of artists). I'm always busy doing something creative...photography, scrapbooking, decorating...you name it! I love that scrapbooking combines so many of my hobbies into one! It's the perfect fit.

You can find me at my blog, Hello Forever, and hanging out on Twitter. I also design for October Afternoon, Elle's Studio and Write.Click.Scrapbook. I'm so very happy and honored to be here at Crate this month and have enjoyed playing with the new collections more than I even imagined!

 

Ten Random Facts...

I'm a fourth generation Artist.

I usually have a Supernatural DVD playing on my computer when I scrapbook.

I'm the useless fact queen. Seriously, I'd make a fabulous phone-a-friend.

I complain alot about my unfinished farmhouse, but I'd never live anywhere else.

I hate grocery shopping.

I love good TV

I married my high school sweetheart.

I hate cooking, but love eating.

I would love to a own a letterpress.

I still have a baby tooth.

 

December 16th

This layout was a happy accident! I sewed the banner first and had planned on spreading it across the entire length of my photos and journaling block, but it just didn't look right. So, I doubled it up (overlapping it) and loved it so much more! I stitched it in place and added some embellishments (including the "Aged to Perfection" sticker which I think goes perfectly with the birthday page). I think Peppermint may be my favorite Crate Summer Release!

 

He

I had a lot of fun stacking and layering this layout. I used things like tissue paper, a sheet from a business notepad, a glassine envelope, a piece of ledger paper that I cut a banner from, and more. All tied up with some of the baker's twine. Although I used mostly Random on this page I couldn't resist adding the green and blue pinwheel from Peppermint. It was just too perfect!

 

Paranoid

This layout is one of those pages that had been in my head a while. When Christine asked me to guest for Crate, I just knew that I wanted to use Random for this one and got to planning it out. (Well, after I stopped jumping up and down and got over the shock of it all). The original inspiration for it came from Pinterest!

I started by trimming random widths of patterned paper and arranged them on a slant. I had them all meet on a horizontal line and just trimmed them off there. I added some machine stitching to secure then curled up some of the edges. I used one of the border stickers on my page too, but using those would make this design even easier to create!

 

Trees Fields Fresh Air

I started out declaring my love for Peppermint..and I'm ending on my love for Random. I was amazed at just how versatile this line was! Nothing matches, but everything matches. It's quite remarkable.

I accented some photos from our yard with the chipboard butterfly, tucking him underneath one of them, and used little bits of Random to frame them all.

 

Farmgrown

My kids are at the age where the last thing in the world they want to do is have their picture taken. It takes a lot of "duds" to come back with one nice photo! This page is a little bit Random and a little bit Farmhouse...just like they are!

 

Little Book of Lists

This little book came about because I seem to have a million little notes and post it's and to-do lists scattered all over the house. I figured if my lists were all in one place, maybe it would help curb the chaos!

I started by cutting about 10 sheets of copy paper in half. I cut down a sheet of kraft paper as well, stack everything up and then used my long-arm stapler to staple the center. From there, I folded it, embellished it, and tied it shut. (And I can't get enough of that black and white zig zag paper!)

"Thank you so much for having me - I absolutely LOVE Crate and had a blast!"

Jen Jockish - A Crate Paper Guest Designer

Hi Everyone! I saw the new Crate Lines at CHA this Summer and was absolutely floored. It's really my favorite release in a very long time. I couldn't have been more thrilled when I was asked to guest design, and once I began working with the new lines, I found that not only are they gorgeous, they really lend themselves to fast and easy scrapbooking!

 

About Jen Jockish...

Jen lives in Central Illinois with her husband, Brad, and their two daughters, Ayla & Nora. She works full-time as a high school secretary, so finding time to scrapbook can be a challenge, but thankfully, she's a great husband who loves to spend quality time with his girls. Jen has been fortunate to have had some great opportunities in the scrapbooking industry. Her work has been published and featured in Creating Keepsakes, BHG Scrapbooks Etc., Scrapbook Trends and Ella E-Books, among others. She is a former member of the Creating Keepsakes Dream Team and is currently a Garden Girl at Two Peas in a Bucket and on the design team for Studio Calico. You can read more about her at http://www.gingergrace.typepad.com

 
Ten Random Facts...

 I'm a lefty. And very proud of it.

I drink a Mt. Dew Code Red every single morning. It's my coffee.

I read a lot. I usually finish one to two books a week, if not more. It's my late at night escape.

I love heavy metal music.

I also love musicals.

I'm obsessed with Bravo TV, especially the Real Housewives. Guilty pleasure.

My husband and I fell in love over the Harry Potter Books.

I think I can sing, but I'm probably mistaken.

I love to snuggle with my girls.

I'm blessed. 

 

My"Sisterhood" page is easily my favorite I made. I cut the heart background from my Silhouette and then adhered it with foam adhesive, leaving some of the hearts in place. I then just layered a bunch of papers, added in embellishments, a title, and that was it!

 

For the "Field" page, I again used my Silhouette to cut the heart outlines. I just kind of pieced together some patterned paper underneath and used my Exacto Knife to cut away any excess. I love the chipboard elements and thought they went great with this page.

 

"Adorable & Sweet" - again, with the hearts cut from the Silhouette, I layered a ton of chipboard pieces beneath them and used the B-Side of one of the negative hearts to create my journaling.

 

I'm not normally a fun of theme-y products, but this Crate Christmas line is the exception! I had a photo of my daughters and their cousins from Christmas last year that I'd been wanting to scrap, but it's not the greatest photo, so I knew I needed some great product to go with it. Lots of bits and pieces on this page, which is my favorite kind of scrapbooking. 

 

For "Happy Times", I punched some circles from patterned paper and then placed them on the edges of the page as a kind of frame. I added buttons to the gaps. Again, more paper layers..and lastly, I cut a thin strip of patterned paper and twirled it around a pencil before adhering it with foam adhesive to the page.

Thanks for having me!! "You're so welcome Jen!! It's been a honor!! Love your work, always!"

Crate Paper Guest Designer :: Gaelle Fauglas

 

About Gaelle...

My name is Gaëlle Fauglas, I live in France, with my beloved Husband and our 2 daughters. I discovered scrapbooking in 2006. I've been published in several magazines and books, and since 2008, I've been writing articles for Histoires de Pages, a popular french magazine. I also teach workshops all over France! My style is colorful and freestyle. I make 12x12 layouts, mainly, though I'm mostly addicted to making mini books. Love'em!

Ten Random Facts About Me...

I often switch my favorite color from time to time..today it's green.

I'm the youngest of six children, and at 30, they still call me "baby".

Circumstances forced us to move three times in one year and I actually found it to be fun!

I'm definitely not a materialistic type person. 

Although my two daughters have opposite personalities, they're both perfect.

I'm not a chatterbox..scrapbooking is the exception.

I love italian food.

I need a blue bicycle.

I love people who smile with their eyes.

I'm a countryside girl.

 Introductions

I totally fell in love with the new Crate Paper collections, especially the Emma’s Shoppe collection as it features many of the design qualities that I adore: brightness, fab colors, perfectly feminine, and very, very vintage-y.

I love including handmade freestyle sewing to my creations, making small knots with colored threads.

 

The unifying ongoing theme in the mini album is my choice and use of green thread. There's plenty throughout. Also in the album are convenient sized papers from the Emma's Shoppe "mini" paper pad. Love these! And lastly, the cover of the album was created with the help of my Big Shot machine, and was added along with the rest of the album pages using a Bind It All.

I've a quick tip to share concerning one of the techniques used in the construction of the album's cover: pretty paper flowers.

They're actually really easy to make:

Mini Flower Tutorial

Punch some round shapes from patterned paper {starbursts, doilies, circles, etc.}

 

Fold them in a similar fashion as shown in the picture.

 

Punch a 1" circle for the base of the flower. Adhere the folded shapes to the base and align them carefully along the way.

 

Add either a brad or button to the flower's center and you're done! Feel free to adapt this to any of your projects via punch shapes, sizing and color choices.

 Remaining Creations from Gaelle...

One last idea for you to take before leaving is my favorite misting technique... 

Punch a shape from a scrap piece of paper using either a large size punch or die-cut - think about what you'd like to see on your layout here. Then take the the punched paper and use it as a stencil with spray inks. 

This concludes Gaelle's formidably, intermixed project presentation - Gaelle, thank-you so much for joining us here at Crate Paper and bringing us halfway around the world for us to admire your intricate, free mannered scrapbook style. We've enjoyed your creations to the fullest!

CP April Guest Designer :: Dawn Mcvey

Already a brand new guest designer is with us today {can you believe April is already half-way over?!} and we'd love for you to meet her if you haven't already. Her name is Dawn Mcvey - she's a recognizable face from the likes of Papertrey Ink and her popular blog and stamp line, Raspberry Suite! We asked if she would guest design for Crate Paper this month and sure enough, she said, "Yes! I'd love to!" We're so very thankful to have her here and we simply can't wait for you guys to see what she's created as part of today's guest designer presentation. She's brought some gorgeous cards to share and a whole host of coinciding tips/techniques for you to borrow and enjoy....

 

A Short Bio

Hi there! My name is Dawn McVey and I've been stamping and paper crafting for five or six years now. When I first started making cards, family and friends began asking to purchase them from me. One card led to another and eventually, in the fall of 2007, I started submitting my work to magazines for publication. Over the years, I've been published in many card making/paper crafting magazines and have even had a few cards that made it to magazine covers.

In July of 2008, I accepted a position on the Design Team for Papertrey Ink and in February of 2009, I became a Stamp Designer for Papertrey as well, launching my Raspberry Suite product line. I'm throroughly enjoying working with such a creative and innovative company. Not only that, but seeing products that I dreamed up in my mind come to life, has been a tremendous joy! Now, I so enjoy seeing others use those products to make their own gorgeous creations too!

God has also blessed me with a wonderful husband who encourages me to follow my dreams. We love traveling and spending as much time together as we can. It's a wonderful life and I'm so, so thankful. 

 

Ten Random Facts About Me

1. Years ago, I recorded a couple commercials for radio and tv including a jingle I sang for a car dealership! HaHa.

2. On average, I read a book a week, by reading while on the elliptical and while I eat lunch each day. Yes, I multi-task while working out. It's the only way I can entertain myself long enough to get the workout accomplished!

3. I have now traveled to more countries outside the US than states within the US. My husband and I figure that we'll get the long-distance travel done now, while we're young, and then we can travel the US any time after that.

4. I love, love, love old musicals like The Sound of Music, Singin' in the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, My Fair Lady and Hello Dolly. Just to name a few. ;) In fact, I love The Sound of Music so much that when we were in Austria on two different trips, we made a point to visit most of the sights from the movie.

5. I love salty snacks.

6. I've been singing at church since I was about five when the choir director of the church we attended at the time, let me stand on a chair in the choir loft and sing with my parents in the (adult) choir! :)

7. I love old Disney classic (live action) movies like Swiss Family Robinson, Pollyanna and Parent Trap. They just make me smile.

8. I'm not a fan of any kind of sweet sauces or sweet salad dressings on  my foods...unless, of course, we're talking about dessert! Then, bring on the sweets!

9. Before my husband came along, I hated coffee. Hated it! When we started daating though, he would fix me coffee with probably more chocolate in it than coffee (lol!) and eventually, I came to love it! Now, I have a coffee just about every day!

10. My crafty endeavors over the years have included things like latch hook rugs, seed bead bracelets, ceramic dolls, sweatshirt art (haha!) and even painted Christmas Ornaments! Let's just say that I'm much better at paper crafts! *wink*

 

 Introductions

I can't tell you how excited I am to be sharing some Crate Paper projects with you today! These newest lines that Crate has come out with are some of my favorites EVER so when Christine asked me if I'd like to be the April Guest Designer, I have her a resounding YES! I couldn't wait to get started and the day the box full of Crate Paper goodness showed up on my doorstep was a very happy day indeed! I didn't waste any time whipping up some projects to share with you, and have been anxiously waiting for this day to arrive, so I could finally share these projects with you! Let's get started, shall we?

"Happy Birthday Patterns" card

On this first card, I had so much fun piling on the layers! Using the strips of Crate's scrumptious patterned papers as the base of the design was so much fun, plus, I couldn't resist die-cutting a bit of that gorgeous woodgrain patterned paper with an edger die to get that extra little detailing on the right side of the card. The "Happy Birthday" sentiment was stamped on one of the Emma's Shoppe border stickers. Then, I die cut a chocolate colored doily and piled on all sorts of Emma's Shoppe goodies -- a chipboard accent, phrase sticker, die cuts and a button.

 

"Happy Birthday Flower" card

Next up is a cheery little number filled with more Emma's Shoppe goodness! A bit of patterned paper (that I LOVE!) was tucked behind an Emma's Shoppe die cut frame. I love how it served as the perfect home for some die cut cherries and some chipboard sticker flowers. A simple sentiment was stamped on the strip of the Play House (woodgrain) patterned paper and adhered over the top of the woodgrain, a teensy strip of the Fabric patterned paper. Tucked behind it all is a border sticker that created darling scallops, by simply leaving off the little numbers that come in the centers of the border stickers, and covering up half of the sticker with the patterned paper.

 

"Thanks" card

Next up, how about some Portrait lovelies? Oh, how the green patterned paper (Bridesmaids) on this card makes me smile! I simply love it! On this one, I began with a kraft card base and added the Bridesmaids paper as well as a strip of the gray pattern. Topping those, are a couple of border stickers that are overlapping to create a bit more dimension. Don't be afraid to just use portions of your die cuts and stickers, or to use them as is and layer them like I did here! You'll be able to get so much more mileage out of your supplies, by thinking outside the box a bit when using them. Next came the really fun part...creating the focal point. I chose to tuck a bit of kraft card stock behind on of the photo frame die cuts to create a mat for the flower to rest on. Stamped in the box on the bottom of the die cut is a pretty "thanks" sentiment and to accent the sentiment, I added one of the lovely little Portrait art brads. Tucked behind the frame is another chipboard sticker and the chipboard flower sticker wrapped things up.

 

"Three Flowers" card

This next card just goes to show that "simple" can be quite elegant and that you don't have to have a lot of products in order to create something beautiful. A few coordinated supplies can go a long way, to providing just what you need to whip up a card in no time! For this birthday card, I started out with another kraft card stock base and stamped a long birthday sentiment along the bottom of the card front. A bit of black patterned paper (June) was cut to the size I wanted, to serve as the anchor for the flowers, and the bottom left corner was rounded with a corner chomper. (Rounding corners now and then, is a simple way to add a bit more detail to your cards and scrapbook layouts without adding any more bulk to the project. It's all in the details, right?) Before I adhered the patterned paper to the card front, I added another of those pretty art brads to the paper. All that was left to do after adhering the patterned paper, was to add the delicious die cut flowers and the chipboard sticker flower! Easy peasy but still a bit elegant!

 

"Hey, Chickie" card

One more card for you today...another Emma's Shoppe treat because I just can't resist! For this one, I used more of that pretty pinky-red patterned paper that I love so much. Notice that I used that same rounded corners detailing on this one for added interest. A strip of Fabric patterned paper was added along the bottom of the card, leaving it sticking out on either side of the card front. A border sticker was added to the bottom of that and then I added a few other phrase stickers to the card, but not before I stamped a little "Hey, Chickie" sentiment to the little luggage tag. The pretty chipboard sticker was added as well as an Emma's Shoppe eclectic button that I threaded with a bit of twine.

I hope that you've enjoyed these cards today! Thank you so much for having me!! And of course, I'd like to say a huge "thank you" to the very generous folks at Crate Paper as well as to the super sweet Christine at Crate, for asking me to be this month's Guest Designer! It has been an absolute pleasure and I'm very much looking forward to sharing more Crate Projects with you soon! 

CP March Guest Designer :: Jing Jing Nickel

Because her amusing, reality-based scrapbook style is highly enjoyed by the scrapbook community at large, we thought it'd be fun to have Jing Jing join us this month as a guest designer! Most of you are probably well familiar with her work and know first hand that Jing Jing has a special knack for creating engaging titles and humorous journal entries and considering that Crate hasn't yet displayed it's "lighter" side, we nominated Jing Jing to bring it forth...and watch out, she's done just that + extras. 

Ten Random Facts About Me

1. My first collection from Crate Paper was Taylor.
2. My favorite museum is Musee Rodin in Paris.
3. I drink one pop/coke/soda a year.
4. My master degree thesis was Random Matrices and the Distributions of their Eigenvalues. (What on earth is an eigenvalue?! So random! lol)
5. I am a huge fan of NFL football and I bleed Purple (oh well).
6. My favorite vegetable is baby bok choy.
7. I house and feed my parents six months out of the year, in exchange, they drive me crazy. (Fine, they garden, cook and watch the kids a little bit, do you want them?)
8. I do not like chocolate, but I'm more than happy to eat chocolate cheesecake and chocolate ice cream.
9. I have never invented anything.
10. My favorite TV show right now is Fringe.

 

We just knew our polaroid frames would be a big hit amongst scrapbookers and Jing Jing reaffirms this for us with her "almost-wedding-day" layout. Backed with two separate patterned papers from the Portrait collection, they lend perfectly to the layout's overall scenery and Jing-Jing's "already wedded" photo. 

 

Our favorite of the bunch, "Proper Credit" is predictably "Jing-Jing" as she relates her daughter's "good looks" to "dad". Too sweet...and look what she's done with our doilies? The simple border along the left-hand side of the layout is cute beyond words!! She's also "recycled" our packaging! Look what's behind all that trim!! 

 

You might not of noticed, but our new alpha sets house a significant amount repeats, which means it's a lot easier for you to create the long titles seen here on Jing Jing's "Outside my Window, Inside my Fence" layout. They're also of a reasonable size, so they require very little space :) 

 

You're welcome Jing Jing!! And finally, a simple, carefully adorned card from our Emma's Shoppe - And we're loven' the antique stand too. 

 It's has been an immense amount of fun to have you with us Jing Jing! And we hope that you, our blog readers, have enjoyed her company..it's been an honor and a delight! We'll have two guest designers to present in April, so stay tuned!