pages from the heart

Let's "Hang" Around with Debbie today!

2012-02-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

Today we'll be sharing Debbie's banner - which is perfect for Valentine's Day!

Materials Used:

WE R Memory Keepers "Love Struck" collection
Bazzill red, blue and green cardstock
pink/white twine
pink/white/fushia tulle
pink satin and green plaid ribbon
large daisy eyelets
12" heart hanger

The "My Valentine" sheet of We R Memory Keeper's new Valentine collection was the inspiration for my banner. I wanted to use the wrought iron heart hanger I had found online and the multiple borders on this single sheet of patterned paper provided enough designs for almost all the vertical hanging flags and embellishments.

I framed each panel with a scalloped border or a mat - or both. I hand-cut the banner and tag elements from the "My Valentine" sheet and popped them up with pop-dots. Origami hearts,fan-folded bejeweled circles, hand-cut love birds and a coordinating tag hang on twine from each flag. A bit of tulle tied with a ribbon and a hanging tag finish off the Valentine hanger.

Thanks so much, Debbie! This banner is super sweet - And I love how you can use 1 piece of paper to create an entire banner!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Andi

February's DT Projects

2012-02-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hello! Happy Monday!

This weeks starts our DT February Project reveals and the February Challenges. We have a little different schedule this month... we won't be sharing Michelle's project because (drum roll please!), Michelle's February project is going to be published in July's CREATE Magazine! Yay, Michelle!

February's assignment was to create a banner - any type of banner - and our team did not disappoint!

Today Becky will be sharing her banner - so take it away, Becky!

Supply List:
Doodlebug Classic Collection - Elegance Paper
Doodlebug Classic Collection - Cascading Floral Paper
Black and White Cardstock
Doodlebug Colorwheel Cardstock Stickers
Purple and Black Ribbon
Black Glitter
We R Memory Keepers Sew Ribbon Tool
Cricut "Sophisticated" Cartridge

Since the new year, I have seen several pictures of people's craft rooms, giving examples of how to organize just as Pages did last month. Amongst all of the great tips, I also noticed how nicely people had decorated their crafty space. So for my banner project I decided to make a "CREATE" banner to eventually hang above my scrap desk.

I started by cutting white 4 1/2" x 6" inch rectangles and 4 1/4" x 5 3/4" rectangles from the patterned paper. I then cut triangles from the bottom of the rectangles to form my flags. I used my Sew Ribbon to cut notches to be able to thread the flags together. Using my Cricut, I cut my title and circles to mat the letters. Usually I am not a fan of using glitter but I wanted an elegant, blingy look so I glittered my title with black glitter. I finished my banner by embellishing with the Doodlebug Cardstock Stickers, which provided the perfect pops of color!

Thanks, Becky! I love the way the black and white patterned paper looks clean while the embellishments really pop off the page!

We'll be back tomorrow with a banner from Debbie!
Andi

Iris Folding Cards

2012-02-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Iris Folding Cards - Iris Folding is a Dutch art, layering different colored folded paper strips by number in a a spiral pattern to create a design. This month's cards lean towards the masculine which are sometimes hard to find and will be a welcome addition to your "card stash"!

Teacher – Bessie Cost $28.00

Sunday, February 26th 12:30pm – 3:30pm

Taylor's Class

2012-01-31T13:30:00.000-08:00

Taylor's class this Friday is sold out! However, she will be bringing lots of goodies from her Taylored Expression store, so you can still stop by, shop and say "Hi"! I've heard that she will be bringing her "sweet little one, Madelyn" too!

Basic Grey Page Layout Kit Club

2012-01-27T16:15:00.001-08:00

BASIC GREY’S PAGE OF THE MONTH CLUB

We are taking sign ups for our fourth year of Basic Grey’s Page of the Month Club which will begin March 12^th.

The POTM class kit gives you enough products, so that you can create one double-page layout every month using the newest papers from Basic Grey paired with classic embellishments. They are very generous with their kits and we can guarantee that you will have leftovers to use on additional page layouts, cards, or any other paper project!

Every month’s project has a different theme to choose from, with different journaling prompts so you can scrap about whatever you want—and let your imagination and creativity soar. And only the newest Basic Grey papers and embellishments will be used in the kits. The Page of the Month kit includes the supplies needed plus…Layout sketches, and easy to follow color instructions. You can complete your kit at home or we have scheduled the 2nd Monday of every month beginning in March to work together. The cost is only $25 per month and requires a year’s commitment. This is perfect for beginners that aren’t sure where to begin, as well as seasoned scrappers that like to know that they will complete one layout a month!

You may sign up by calling the shop, 626 358 5334 or responding to this email.

Looking forward to another great year with Basic Grey!!

2 New Collections

2012-01-24T15:54:00.001-08:00

We just received two new collections from Authentique! You know how much we love their papers and these new collections don't disappoint!!

Design Team Crop

2012-01-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Tomorrow is our first ever Design Team Crop! There's still room for you to join us! It's a great opportunity to work on projects, meet the ladies on the team, talk about techniques and tips and eat yummy food!

{Becky}

{Debbie}

{Lauren}

{Michelle}

{Andi}

We'll all be there to answer questions, demonstrate our favorite techniques, talk about our favorite Design Team projects and share any crafting knowledge that we've acquired!

Here's some of the favorite DT projects...

{Becky's "Thankful" Topiary}

{Debbie's Christmas Banner}

{Lauren's Christmas Projects}

{Michelle's Amazing Suitcase Album}

{Andi's Authentique Carousel}

The DT Crop is this Saturday, January 21st from 1 pm - 9 pm and the cost is $15, which included dinner, snacks and desert! Call Page's to reserve your spot today!

Have a great Friday!

Andi

Upcoming Classes

2012-01-16T13:40:00.002-08:00

Valentine Banner - The "My Valentine" sheet of We R Memory Keeper's new Valentine collection was the inspiration for Debbie's banner featuring a 12" wrought iron heart hanger. Each panel is framed with a scalloped border or a mat - or both. Hand-cut banner and tag elements from the "My Valentine" sheet are popped up with pop-dots. Origami hearts, fan-folded bejeweled circles, hand-cut love birds and a coordinating tag hang on twine from each flag. A bit of tulle tied with a ribbon and a hanging tag finish off the Valentine hanger.

Teacher – Debbie Cost $28.00

Thursday, January 26^th 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Valentine Torn Paper Media - Elizabeth is back for some Valentine fun! This class is all about torn paper. Yes, you heard me right, torn paper. Elizabeth will be sharing with us her “love of layering” and you will create a spectacular 8 X 10 masterpiece made completely from torn paper, with a little “Modge Podge” thrown in. This class is totally “hands on” and with Elizabeth’s guidance you will go home with a finished project that will you will enjoy for years to come! Elizabeth will provide all paper and “modge podge” and you will dig through your junk drawer and trinket bags so you can add pieces of epherema to make your work of art totally yours! (The sample is on display in the shop)

Teacher – Elizabeth Cost $38.00

Wednesday, February 1^st 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Day 2 of the January Challenge

2012-01-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

Hello!

We're back this morning with the MORE organization tips and storage ideas!!

Today I'm sharing my "Craftopia", which my husband put together almost entirely from reused items!

The Craftopia sits in the playroom - I tried working exclusively in my office, but with a little guy, this wasn't possible. I constantly had a visitor who was getting into my stuff or begging me to go watch him play... so, I moved a folding table into the playroom was kept running into a mess, moving items from my office to the playroom...

My husband found 2 discarded wall mounting shelving units in a trash bin one day there were in perfectly good condition, just a little scratched and missing doors - they looked a little like this.

We didn't know what we were going to do with them, just that they were too good to pass up. We were playing with them one night, trying to decide where to put them in the house when my husband put them back to back and the Craftopia was born! He sanded them both down, filled in the holes where the hardware used to be and painted them white. We tried to antique them, but they ended up just looking dirty so we left them white. We put rolling casters on the bottom and a plywood sheet on the top for the table. To make it look a little nicer we put a thin strip of molding around the table top. I added a LARGE cutting mat (since I use it to papercraft and sew) to the table top which covers the majority of it.

On one side I house all of my commonly used papercrafting supplies in misc baskets and containers. I also have a bakers rack that stands behind the table that has more baskets for storage. The other side holds my sewing notions and fabric. It's a great way to reuse something and have a space of my own in Adam's playroom.

And last, I wanted to share an organization tip that I've used for a long time! It helps me create cards in the blink of an eye!

Whenever I've put together a page layout or a mini-album or even a card, I put all of the scraps together in a a large Ziploc bag and set it aside. When I need to make a quick card I grab a Ziploc bag full of scraps that I already know go together and throw a card together! Most of the scraps are different sized so I don't even have to do that much cutting!

That's it for the January Challenge this month! Remember, you can participate by emailing a picture and an explanation of your favorite or best storage/organization tip or technique! Email me at ayokleyjessup@gmail.com with "January Challenge" in the subject!

And don't forget about the Design Team Sponsored Crop on January 21st! Come down to Page's, eat yummy food and get to know the team! Call the store to reserve your spot today!

Andi

January Challenge!

2012-01-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I hope that you found some inspiration in the Design Team's projects from this month! There's nothing like starting the new year fresh and inspired to continue with or start papercrafts!

I don't know about you, but one of my "goals" - I don't do resolutions! - is to be more organized in 2012. I want to be able to find the "the little man that sits in the green tractor with the scoop and yellow letters" that my little boy asks for or my 7/8 circle punch along with my 1 1/4 circle punch that I NEED to use together on a project! So, to help keep you inspired with the New Year, we've decided to do a different type of Challenge this month!

Instead of our typical Challenge, we asked the Design Team to share any organizational tips or products that they feel might be helpful! We'll be sharing all of them this weekend in hopes that you'll feel inspired to organize your crafting space so you feel more productive and inspired!

Let's start off with a storage idea from Becky!

I will be completely honest here. When I saw that the upcoming challenge had to do with organization, I kind of panicked. My husband even laughed a little (he quickly covered it up) when I told him I had to give examples of how to organize the chaos that is my craft area. After a few weeks of, "What on Earth am I going to do?" I finally pulled it together. I decided to tackle some of my biggest problem areas for this challenge: ribbon, punches, and small embellishments.

The small embellishments and ribbons came together over a few evenings. A friend of mine was getting rid of some small fixtures and I asked if I could take a couple. I had purchased a package of small plastic bottles and the shelves were the perfect size for them. My best friend happened to be over as I was working on this and since she loves to organize, she got involved too. She brought me some baby food jars and I spray painted all of the lids silver. Then we got to sorting ALL of my small embellishments. I had no idea how much space all of that packaging was taking up! Then a different friend gave me some quart sized mason jars which were perfect for the ribbon!

Next were the punches. I had an old, over the door shoe rack that I wasn't using so I hung it over the back of a door close to my desk and put all of my punches in the slots. I had also been saving spaghetti sauce jars (poor husband didn't realize why we had been eating so much spaghetti lately) which were perfect, after I spray painted the lids, for holding flowers. I had originally wanted the jars for ribbon but the opening was too small.

Although it took a lot of work, I am so happy that my craft area is beginning to look somewhat organized. I'm hoping that if my stash is easily accessible and in sight that I will actually begin to use some of it. So thank you for making me get to work!

And now let's hear from Debbie on what she uses to organize her paper!

I like to buy patterned paper and coordinating cardstock at the same time, even if I don't have a specific project in mind. I store the "set" together in a 12x12 clear envelope that closes with a snap or button/string....or even the clear cellophane bag that Pages from the Heart uses for purchases.

The paper packs fit perfectly in ITSO storage cubes from Target. I turned the top two cubes on their sides and used a shelf as a divider so the packs would stand upright. The units also come in bright pink and black. You'll find them near the Rubbermaid/Sterlite storage bins at Target. The large cubes are $9.99 each and the fabric bins and shelf dividers are even less....they are often on sale.

And last, I wanted to share some of my office organization.

When we bought our home a few years I designed my office with a few goals in mind:
- to organize my office inexpensively
- to have my commonly used supplies easily accessible

So, I went to Ikea and found great storage solutions in their kitchen area! It was much less expensive than buying craft organizational items.

The trays I use for my adhesives, mists, Stickles and Re-inkers. The basket is for little items that can't really stand on their own - and I used binder clips to hang some of my QK dies that don't fit in the QK Storage Binders from the basket.

In another part of my office, my husband made a Die Cut Center for me. He made a half table and attached it to the wall and the built-ins. The table houses my large paper trimmer and Epic while the shelves immediately above the table have my dies and accessories.

We'll be back tomorrow with more great ideas and tips!

And here's how you can participate! Please email me at ayokleyjessup@gmail.com any tips or organization products that you use along with an explanation! That's it! The Challenge will end at midnight on Saturday, January 21! The winner will receive a goody bag full of product from Page's!

And, if you want to meet the Design Team, please join us at the first ever Design Team Crop taking place January 21 from 1-9! We'll have snacks, dinner and a great make-n-take for everyone that participates! We can't wait to meet everyone! Please call the store to make your reservation!

Thanks so much!
Andi

Our last project from Michelle!

2012-01-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today is the final day of January Design Team projects! Let's end with Michelle's beautiful, punch out card!

Authentique Congratulations Card

Supply List for Card

Featured Collection: Authentiques’s “Gathering” Collection
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Patterned Papers: Authentique
Stickers: Authentique
Ink: ColorBox Chalk
Pen: Pentel
Brads: Making Memories
Other: I hand cut out the hearts

This is a cute little card made from a base piece of 4 x 12" cardstock. I covered it with a strip of 2 x 12" piece of Authentique's patterned paper and a thin piece of coordinating cardstock. I decorated it with a sticker, a die cut and some brads. The fun part is how you fold this card.

Going from one edge to the other, I folded the card at 2", 4", 8" and 10" marks. I drew in half a heart along the 2" and 10" folds and cut it out, which opened into a whole heart because of the fold. You can try using a punch also.

This is a quick card to make and you can change it up for other occasions, for example Valentine's Day is coming up. You can also change the shape of the cut out, like into a square and make that a present for a birthday card. The possibilities are endless. I like trying out new shapes and folds for cards, so this was a fun departure from the norm.

I love this card and can't wait to try it for a birthday, maybe with a cake or cupcake?

Thank you so much, Michelle!

Please check back in this Saturday - we'll be sharing our January Challenge and asking you to play along!

Have a great remainder of the week!
Andi

Lets see Debbie's Layout!

2012-01-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today is Debbie's turn to share a layout that she created of pictures that were take of her daughter on a recent trip to the Botanical Gardens using tips from "Toddler's and Tiara's"... Let's take a look!
Paper Collection:
Authentique "Gathering" collection.

The base is the blue side of the Foundations bi-fold solid paper. I used the solid brown side for matting the picture and the layering at the bottom of the page.

I cut a 4"x12" piece of the "Grow" paper and mounted it with brown cardstock leaving an extra bit of border at the bottom - enough to frame a border of individual words from the "Diction" sheet. There are over 200 words on a single sheet of this product! I also added a scalloped border from the orange/blue side of the "Grow" paper and tied a piece of blue/white ribbon in an off-center bow.

The larger picture is triple-mounted in cream, orange/blue, and brown cardstock and then framed with 5 3/4" and 6" circles cut from the brown/blue and orange/blue patterned paper. A scalloped punchout from the Excerpts sheet and some folded paper petals accent the top of the circle. The petals are made by punching out a 3/4" circle, making an overlapping small fold and then working the edges into a cupped petal shape with your fingers.

The three smaller pictures were printed with larger white borders and cropped down to 3 1/2" squares. Another calendar, framed with the negative from the punchout sheet, has the date of the event highlighted with pearls.

Thanks, Debbie! What a beautiful layout, with a fun batch of pictures!

We'll see you back here tomorrow with a card from Michelle!

Andi

2012-01-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today we'll be sharing a card from Becky! It's using the Vintage T Collection that I used in my layout and that Lauren used in her card! Let's see what Becky does with the same collection!

You Rock Card Easel Card

Supply List
We r Memory Keepers Vintage T Collection - Distressed Jeans and Flannel Shirt paper
We r Memory Keepers Vintage T Collection - Embossed Stickers
We r Memory Keepers Vintage T Collection - Jumbo Brads
Coordinating Cardstock

Letter Stickers
Alphabet Stamps

To make this easel card I started with a piece of cardstock cut to 4" x 8" and scored at 2" and 4". I folded at the 4" score and folded the 2" score to create the easel. I attached a 3 3/4" x 3 3/4" square to create the top of the card. I used the brads and popped up the sentiment so that the card would have something to hold it up. You can also use buttons, ribbon, twine, or anything that will create an easel.
Thanks, Becky! A great Easel Card - especially since the inside of the card, which turns into the easel, is decorated! It is such a nice, finished card!

Well see you all back here tomorrow
Andi

It's my turn!

2012-01-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today I'll be sharing my layout, which was inspired by a timeline calendar idea. It is centered around my family's trip on the Metrolink to Olvera Street, where my little guy changed from a 3 year old to a soulful musician.

"Ticket to Ride" Layout
Supplies:
WeRMemoies Vintage T Paperline
Bazzill In'Stitchz Borders Template
White Embroidery Floss
Distress Ink: Brushed Cordury
WeR Stamp
WeR Embossed Cassette Tag
Misc. Buttons, Penny
Fiskars Star Punch
EK Success Circle Punch
Jillibean Luggage Tag
Brown Paper Bag

When I saw the Vintage T Paperline, I immediately thought to a recent Metrolink Train Trip that we'd taken into Olvera Street, LA. I also liked the idea of keeping with the idea of a train schedule, so I mapped out our schedule in the form a time line...

I decided to hand stitch (Bazzill In'Stitchz) my timeline instead of printing one from my computer. I used a brown paper bag to highlight the timeline, I felt that it was rough enough for a masculine page. I also stamped a serged seam from the WeR "You Rock" stamp along the bottom edge of the paper bag. I cut .5" strips of white cardstock and hand wrote my times and what we were doing.

I added punched shapes, buttons and a penny to complete a cluster around the bottom corner of the photos from the timeline. I also added the "You Rock" cassette tag to my cluster.

I used a Jillibean Kraft Travel Tag to back my title and the WeR stickers to spell out the main word on my title.

I put a half circle, a detail cut cassette and a strip of scraps onto the top left corner just to keep the eye moving in a triangle pattern.

That's it for me! I hope you like my calendar interpretation and feel inspired to try a timeline in one of your layouts! You could do it as a year in review, a month, a week... really anything!

We'll be back tomorrow with a card from Becky!
Andi

A great Boy Card from Lauren!

2012-01-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I hope that you're feeling inspired to get out your stash of papercrafting supplies and kick off the New Year with new projects galore!

I was excited to see Lauren's card because it's a BOY card! I love seeing great boyish cards because, for me, they're challenging. My usual tricks of adding bling, ribbons and cute stuff to the card just doesnt' quite work for a boy/guy card. Let's see what Lauren created.

Supplies & Tools

12 x 12 cream colored card stock
Vintage-T Argyle sweater designer paper by We R Memory Keepers
Legit Griffindor tag
Cream ribbon
Edge distresser
Happy birthday stamp
Black ink
Maroon, creamy brown and navy blue chalk ink
White pigment ink pen
Dimensionals
Glue
Paper cutter
Score buddy
Razor blade
Ruler

I think We R memory keepers Vintage-T line is great for that preteen to early teenage boy. Using their products, I created a gift card holder and birthday card to give to that growing boy. I wanted to do something nontraditional so I scored a 12 x 5.5 sheet of card stock so that there are two flaps to open and used a strip of paper and ribbon to keep the card closed.

The card has two slots on the inside to keep the gift card in place. The Griffindor/legit embellishment was a tag that I cut to add more dimension and design to the card. A lot can really be done with this type of design but as it is for a young boy, I wanted to keep it simple and boyish.

Thanks, Lauren!
This is a great boy-ish card with just enough to keep it interesting without making it overdone or girlish!
We'll see you all back here on Monday with another Layout idea!
Andi

Michelle's Calendar Layout

2012-01-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today we're sharing a calendar layout idea from Michelle - and it might make you a little jealous of where she spent her Holidays! Also, I want to point out that the paperline that Michelle used for her layout is the same that Debbie used for her card... they're so different, it really showcases the unlimited uses for this paper!

"Thanksgiving in Cabo" Layout

Featured Collection: Authentiques’s “Gathering” Collection

Supply List:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Patterned Papers: Authentique
Stickers: Authentique
Alphabet Stickers: Authentique
Ribbon: May Arts
Floss: DMC
Ink: ColorBox Chalk
Dimensional Glaze: Glossy Accents by Inkssentials
Border Punch: EK Success
Strong Liquid Adhesive: Fabri-Tac by Beacon Adhesives
Other: needle, paper piercer, souvenirs (coins, keychain)

Sketch: Allison Davis

This collection was scheduled to be a January release from Authentique but people wanted to use it for their fall and Thanksgiving photos, so they released it early. I also decided to use it for my Thanksgiving photos since the colors between the photos and collection matched perfectly.

A great way to make a summary layout, like for the entire year or in this case a vacation, is to use smaller photos in a grid pattern. I didn't think I'd have time to make a layout per activity for the whole vacation, so by doing this, at least I have something documented of the trip while it was still fresh in my mind. Instead of covering every box with photos, I broke up the grid pattern a bit by replacing some the squares with souvenirs from the trip, a die cut, the title and a journaling block. I hand stitched the grid lines, which did take quite a bit of time, so if you want to save time try machine stitching.

I wanted to balance out all those stitched lines so I stitched around each letter in the main word of my title. I also recreated the branches and berries from the patterned papers by stitching in some French knots and connecting them with a pen. This way, the stitching became incorporated into the design.

I love that Michelle used a "Thanksgiving" paperline for a Mexico Vacation - the colors are great with the blue and coral and she was even able to make the different embellishments and patterns work with her layout! The calendar grid is a great element that really helps to showcase her pictures!

Thanks so much, Michelle! Remember, you can see more of Michelle's work (and all of the Design Team) by clicking on their names on the right side of our blog!

We'll see you tomorrow!
Andi

A Card from Debbie

2012-01-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I hope you enjoyed Becky's layout from yesterday! Today we'll be reaching out to our card makers and sharing a card from Debbie! Let's take a look!

Authentique Birthday Card
Paperline: Authentique "Gathering" Collection

The base of this card is triple mounted in the brown/blue side of "Reminisce", solid blue, and the orange/blue side of "Grow". A fourth piece of the "Grow" ruler is the top layer and was cut smaller to allow room for the brown pleated ribbon at the bottom of the card. I folded a second piece of the ribbon and secured it with a small brad to form the bow. I covered the brad with a pearl.

The calendar was stamped in brown ink on cream cardstock and double-matted. I used one of the scalloped pieces from the Excerpts punch-outs to frame the upper corner of the calendar and pearl flourishes and folded paper petals to embellish the front of the card.

I used two tiny pearls to highlight the month and date of the recipient's birthday. This would be a great card to make in advance - just personalize the date before sending.

I LOVE the calendar idea on this card, it would be great to make a bunch of these in different paper/themes to get you through the year prepared!

We'll see you back here tomorrow with a layout from Michelle!
Andi

Let's Start 2012 with some Layout Inspiration!

2012-01-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Happy 2012!

When I was coming up with the Design Team Assignments, I was trying to think about how the members could help you, our readers, start the new year! So, I decided that we bring back the basics! I know that at the beginning of the year I HOPE to complete layouts in a timely manner, make a plethora of cards to have on hand and get organized... so... that's what the Design Team will be sharing this month!

Today we'll be sharing a layout from DT Member, Becky! The only stipulation that I included in the Layout assignment was that they had to use a calendar element... but the calendar element was entirely up to them! So, let's take a look at Becky's layout!

Year 1 with the Newlyweds Layout

Supply List:

We r Memory Keepers Vintage T Collection - Distressed Jeans and Flannel Shirt paper

We r Memory Keepers Vintage T Collection - Embossed Stickers

We r Memory Keepers Vintage T Collection - Jumbo Brads

Coordinating Cardstock

Letter Stickers

Alphabet Stamps
Making Memories - Month Rub-Ons

I had a couple ideas when I thought of using a calendar on a layout. I settled on making a calendar or timeline of our first year as a married couple. I printed my pictures in various sizes so that I could fit more in a single page layout. After I had created a grid I used these rub-ons I had in my stash (could easily have printed these on the computer, used small letter stickers or stamps) to label the months. On some pictures I put the rub-on directly on the picture to save space. Because the grid took up so much space I didn't have a lot of room to journal. I cut thin white strips and used it as a border after I had journaled on them.

This new line by We R Memory Keepers is great because it comes with machine stitching already on it. I continued the theme by adding some hand stitching. Finally, I made some of my own embellishments by punching circles from scraps and adding one of the jumbo brads from the collection.

Thanks, Becky! A great way to recap the year by month by month! This is a great idea for newlyweds or for a baby's first year! You could even chronicle a hobby the same way, like a monthly picture of your garden or your monthly DIY projects!

I hope this layout inspired some of you to take a look back at 2011 and create a layout with your highlights!
See you tomorrow!
Andi

Just In

2011-12-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

New arrivals at Pages include: Doodlebug - Sweet Cakes, We R - Love Struck, and Authentique - Miracle, Boy & Girl Kits.

On the Friday before Christmas Pages gives to you: 50% off all paper pads!!

A Great Gift Package Idea from Becky!

2011-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today we're sharing a project from Becky that is a great way to wrap a gift! Let's take a look and see what Becky has to say!

Cookie/Treat Canisters

Supply List

Pringles can
Canvas Corp Christmas paper
Starform stickers
Authentique Noteables Wonder
Green and red cardstock
Epiphany Crafts Round 25 epoxy and charm setting

My husband and I were eating some Pringles one day when suddenly I thought, "I can make this my gift wrap project!" Turns out other people have had this same idea because when I Googled it, some images came up. The most popular use for a recycled Pringles can was as a cookie holder but I think it would do for any baked treat.

I started by cleaning the cans out with a little bit of soap and water. The cardboard is sturdy enough that you can actually swirl the water around inside of it. I let them air dry overnight with the lids off just to be sure they were ready for paper. I covered them with my paper from the Canvas Corp. Christmas line. Then I embellished using the Starform stickers in red, Authentique Noteables from the Wonder collection, and of course, some Baker's Twine.

A funny story about the cans: I looked for a few days at several different stores to find the small, single serving Pringles can which I thought would be the perfect size for a cookie holder. I couldn't find one anywhere! Then when my husband and I went to Costa Rica, we found them in a small country mart so naturally, I brought one home with me (oh, what TSA must have thought while scanning my luggage). A week after we got home, I went into a 7-11 and there they were. Go figure! If you go into Pages From the Heart and lift the can up, you'll see the Costa Rican sticker on the bottom.

Thank you so much, Becky! It's always great when you can reuse something!

We hope you enjoyed the projects from our team this month! Remember to check back in January for lots of Page inspiration... hopefully 1 of your New Years Resolution will be to make layouts, cards... and to enjoy yourself with all of your papercrafting supplies!
Andi

Debbie's Sweet Treat Holders!

2011-12-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

We're back today with 2 great gift or treat containers from Debbie! Debbie really concentrated on giving you ideas for your Christmas packaging, I think you'll be super excited about her "sour cream" treat holders - I'm going to try some today! Let's hear from Debbie!

Party Favors

These cute little party favors are often called "sour cream containers" because they resemble the packaging Wendy's uses for sour cream.

I used a 12x12 sheet of Webster's paper and cut it into 4"x6" pieces so I got 6 containers from a single sheet. Run one end through a crimper, fill with candy - each container holds about 7 Hershey kisses. Then tape and crimp the other side folding in the opposite direction. I cut out a star, scored, folded and inked to give it dimension....then added a tiny shiny dot of bling for sparkle. Punch a hole and tie your star on with a coordinating piece of twine. Add an embellishment to a basket or wood box, display on your desk at work to hand out to co-workers or sit the box on your entrance way table at home to give out as take-home gifts to guests.

Here is a great tutorial using an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/sour_cream_container/

And Debbie also made this great gift bag using Webster's Christmas line...

Thanks so much, Debbie!
I hope that the team has been inspiring you with all of your Christmas crafting activies! We'll be back tomorrow with a project from Becky!
Andi

Let's Learn a thing or two with Lauren!

2011-12-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Being so close to Christmas, I wanted to share Lauren's tutorial today! If you've ever been in a bind trying to find a box to fit a present, then this tutorial is perfect for you! Just grab {2} 12"x12" double sided printed papers and and follow along!

Gift Box with Bow and Ornament Tag

A great way to add to a thoughtful gift with extra thoughtfulness is to package it in a handmade box! I added a little ribbon & a paper bow to top it off. You can also attach an tag that can double as an ornament. Fun, right?

To create the box, you will need two pieces of square paper. One of the papers should be 1/4” smaller on all sides. For this box, I used 12 x 12” and 11.75 x 11.75” papers.

Starting with the 11.75 x 11.75” paper, fold all four corners into the center. To help, make small marks at the halfway point on the edges to make the folds even.

Next, fold one edge so it aligns with the center. Repeat with all of the sides.

Unfold one corner and its adjacent corner. You will make cuts along the fold as marked in the photo. Make this cut on each side of the corner and on the adjacent corner. Do not cut the other two corners.

Fold up the corners that were not cut and create two sides of the box. I used strips of tape to help hold them in place.

Fold the trimmed corners over. Use double sided tape to stick them in place and hold the box together.

Repeat with the 12 x 12” paper for the lid of the box. If you’re using designer paper, make sure the design you want is face down when you start folding.

Here are the two pieces completed! And what they look like put together.

Thanks, Lauren! What a great tutorial! These boxes are just as much of a present at the gift inside!

We'll see you back here tomorrow!
Andrea

Michelle "Lights" the way!

2011-12-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

This morning I'm sharing a great stamping tutorial from Michelle! Michelle actually created this as her December Challenge project but asked if she could include it in a tutorial form for a December project - after seeing it, I agreed immediately! I know that you'll all be running to the $1 Store or Ikea to grab some inexpensive candles and then stopping at Page's to pick up plenty of stamps and ink to create this fabulous project over and over again!

Title: Stamped Candle

Featured Collection: Imaginise's Snag'em Stamps
DT Member: Michelle McClure
Dedicated to: Gift Givers

Supply List for Candle:
Stamps: Ornaments - Imaginisce's Snag'em Stamps (Snowy Jo Collection),
Merry Christmas - We R Memory Keepers (Peppermint Twist Collection)
Glitter Pen: Gelly Roll
Ink: Delta (dye based ink)
Other: white or cream candle, white tissue paper, wax paper, heat embossing tool

1. Choose which stamps you'd like on your candle. You can use designs, sentiments or names. Stamp the images on a piece of tissue paper. I just dug a piece out from my gift wrapping box. You can use any color ink. I used green and red for Christmas. You can use black ink and then color in the images with markers or watercolor color pencils. I colored in my images with a silver glitter pen since it was just a small area. Tissue paper is very delicate so work carefully and stamp and color more than you need so you can choose the best image. The ink tends to bleed on the paper which is very absorbent.

2. Cut out the images that are to your liking and place them on the candle. I used a tiny bit of adhesive to place the pieces on the candle to make sure the spacing was even. Again, be careful as the tissue can easily rip when you move it around the candle.

3. Now comes the fun or painful part if not done correctly. Cover your images with a piece of wax paper. It is best if you cover the entire candle with wax paper and then hold the paper tightly in place from the opposite end on the excess wax paper. Use your heat embossing tool to heat the stamped images that are covered by the wax paper. You will see the white tissue paper disappear. That is when you know you are done. It only takes a few seconds per heated spot. The wax from the paper melts and covers up your image therefore, embedding it in wax. It gets really hot and can easily burn your fingers so that is why it is important to hold the paper 180 degrees from where you are heating it. Don't hold the paper in place with your fingers close to your image to save paper.

4. When you remove the wax paper, the image is coated in wax and looks and feels like part of the candle and is safe to burn. It is like you stamped onto the candle.

5. To make it more personalized, you can use alphabet stamps and put on the recipient's name.

6. To decorate the finished candle, I folded some origami puffy stars symbolic of friendship and granting wishes, and placed it in a ring around the candle. I also threaded two stars along with some glass beads on embroidery floss to tie around the packaging.

7. Here is the finished product gift wrapped. I made a tag copying the shape of one of the ornament stamps to tie everything together. You can see it in person at Pages.

This is a relatively easy and inexpensive gift. One year my sister and I made it for all our coworkers for Christmas and stamped on "The _____ Family" with their last names.

Thanks so much, Michelle! What a great tutorial, and there's even enough time before Christmas for all of you to try this and give as gifts to friends and family!

We'll see you back here tomorrow!
Have a great day!
Andi

Michelle's Secret Box!

2011-12-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

Hello!

We hope you had a great weekend! We're back today with a great project from Michelle... Let's hear from Michelle and take a look at her fun and secretive project!

Supply List for Secret Box

Featured Collection: Santa’s Workshop from Doodlebug Design Inc.
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Patterned Papers: Doodlebug Design Inc.
Stickers: Doodlebug Design
Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories
Ink: ColorBox Chalk
Glitter Glue: Stickles by Ranger
Punches: EK Success
Other: Buttons, Card Envelope

Tutorial: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/secretbox/

Here is the secret box in the foreground along with the envelope gift bags in the background.

You can open the box to reveal three trays that can house candies and other fun little gifts for the recipient.

The box opens up 180 degrees with both sections remaining attached to each other.

I decorated the four sides around the box with scalloped circle punches, stickers and patterned papers. I made a paper bow for the top.

There is a written tutorial and a video tutorial in the link under my supply list for Splitcoaststampers' site. I did find the construction of this to be a bit complex and time consuming in order to be precise so everything lines up and folds evenly. If you want something quick and easy, I'd suggest the mini gift bags. If you have more time and want something with more of a wow factor, then choose this project.

Thanks, Michelle! This is a great project, what a fun way to give a gift! The box is as much of a gift as what would be inside - I know my little boy would love keeping his toys in this box all year long!

We'll see you back here tomorrow for a great stamping tutorial from Michelle!
Andi

Becky has it in the bag! And a Tutorial!

2011-12-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today is Becky's turn to share a great way to turn an ordinary gift bag into something super fun, cute and special! Let's take a look!

Supply List:

Gift bag
Canvas Corp Christmas paper
Red and green twine
Red and green cardstock
Red ribbon
Authentique Noteables Wonder

Gift Bag

The first thought that came to mind when I learned of our gift wrap assignment for this month was to do a gift bag. I found a plain kraft colored bag because I thought it would work well with the Canvas Corp Christmas line. I covered the front of the bag and embellished with Authentique Notables from the Wonder collection, some very blingy red ribbon, and my twine peppermints. I turned the peppermints into ornaments by stitching a line on the paper (my first time sewing on paper! Yay!). The top flap is red cardstock cut into a 4 x 5 1/4 inches piece and folded in half. I used a craft knife to cut a slit big enough to go over the handles. The whole top part comes off by sliding it over the small bow and handles.

Tutorial

I was trying to think of something different to do with Baker's Twine and began thinking how much the red twine resembles peppermints. Looking through some of my old magazines, I saw a project with this idea and decided to run with it! I turned mine into ornaments because it worked with my project.

1. Punch a 1 1/2 inch circle. If you want something smaller, you can always cut the circle down once you have started twirling the twine. You want one side of the circle to be covered with adhesive. I ran mine through my Xyron but I'm sure double-sided tape would work nicely too.

2. Beginning in the center of the circle, start circling the twine around, making sure it is adhering to the circle. Keep going until it is the size you want and simply trim off the edges.

Thanks, Becky! I love the peppermint candy's! If you wanted to do a spin on these... you could also wrap them in cellophane, leaving a small amount of overhang on 2 sides and wrap with ribbon for a cute candy embellishment on a card or layout!

See everyone back here tomorrow!
Andi

Let's get "carried" away with Debra!

2011-12-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

Here's an adorable project from DT Member, Debra! I love the button swag, super cute! Let's see what she had to say about her project!

Supplies:

Webster's Pages "Waiting for Santa"

Bazzill smooth green, chili red, and black

red satin ribbon, red and white baker's twine, buttons, gold Viva Pearl Pen, gold spray paint

Directions:

Save a cardboard drink holder from your next trip to Sonic. Spray with gold paint.

Cut four black panels 4" x 8". Trim if necessary so that a thin gold edge shows all around. Layer red and plaid panels on top, cutting each 1/4" shorter and narrower.

Cut a scalloped circle approximately 4" in diameter. Cut a green circle slightly smaller. Embellish with gold Viva pen and set aside to dry.

Cut six holly leaves - I hand cut these but use a punch if you have one.

String buttons on the twine. Tie ends in bows and use pop dots to attach at top of container. Add holly leaves.

Attach the folded paper wreath with pop dots. Tie the twine through a red button and attach with a pop dot. Add holly leaves.

Thanks, Debra! This little holder is super fun and what a great way to use something that you can get for free! We all love that!

We'll be back tomorrow with another DT Member's project!
Andi

Lauren's banner was hung by the...

2011-12-15T05:53:00.000-08:00

Chimney with care with hopes that St. Nicholas sound would be there!

Today we'll be sharing a very cute banner that Lauren made... take a look and let's hear from Lauren!

Merry Banner

One of my favorite gifts to give is a personalized holiday banner. I made this small banner to fit perfect in a small area to decorate, like an office (or if you're like me, a cubical) or small apartment. Add chipboard letters to create a word, like MERRY, and then put it all together with some baker's twine to hang. Now you have a cute lil' banner.

Using die cut chipboard pieces, I traced the shape on to various patterns of paper (don't forget enough for the back), distressed the edges (as well as the edges of the chipboard pieces) and glued into place. Don't forget to punch the holes before gluing both sides down! What I do is: (1) punch the holes I need into the chipboard pieces; (2) glue one paper piece and punch the holes using the holes in the chipboard piece as a guide; and (3) glue the other paper piece and punch the holes using the other chipboard side as a guide.

I added embellishments - glitter, stitch marks, pearls, cut outs of cute designs and my baker's twine hollies! These are so simple! I made the holly leaves from an origami pattern, then using a glue dot, wrap baker's twine into a circle. I used some Stickles to help keep the twine together as well as add some bling.

Add chipboard letters to create a word, like MERRY, and then put it all together with some baker's twine to hang. Now you have a cute lil' banner.

Thanks, Lauren! Such a cute banner and a great way to use your patterned paper, coasters and Bakers Twine!!!!

See you back here tomorrow!
Andi

Yay! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas with the Design Team!

2011-12-14T05:20:00.000-08:00

Is everyone in the Christmas spirit? If you're still looking for ideas and inspiration, look no further! The Page's DT Members have been busy little elves, creating lots of projects to keep you busy and use your supplies!

We're going to start off with a great Mini Envelope Gift Bag from Michelle! Let's take a look!

Supply List for Mini Envelope Gift Bags
Featured Collection: Santa’s Workshop from Doodlebug Design Inc.
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Patterned Papers: Doodlebug Design Inc.

Stickers: Doodlebug Design

Stamps: We R Memory Keepers

Twine: The Twinery

Ink: ColorBox Chalk, Delta

Glitter Glue: Stickles by Ranger

Decorative Scissors: Fiskars

Other: Buttons, Card Envelopes

Tutorial: http://www.doodlebugblog.com/2011/10/tuesday-tutorial-wendys-treat-bags.html

These are little gift bags that can be used to hold small presents or in this case, gift cards. The main part of this is made from a regular sized (A2) card envelope. You can use any sized envelopes that you have lying around, especially if you don't have the card to match anymore. Basically you just seal the envelope, slice off one end, score and fold 3/4" along the other three sides and open them up to make the little baggies. Then just decorate to your heart's content. I also made a handle that I attached with glue dots and then tied some buttons and origami stars using baker's twine. Doodlebug's Santa's Workshop line has a lot of cute stickers and tags that are the perfect size for this project.

Here is a front and back view of my snowman gift bag. One component to our assignment this month was to use baker's twine. I glued some twine in a circular pattern using Fabri-Tac for the holly berries on the tag that I popped up with foam tape. The cardstock stickers already come pre-glittered and the border stickers really finish out the scene.

Here is the front and back view of my Santa gift bag. This is also made from the same sized envelope as the snowman one, the only difference is I cut the opening along the wider edge. So from the same sized envelope, you can get two different shapes, taller and narrower or shorter and wider bags.

Thanks, Michelle! What a great idea! And I love how quick they'd be to embellish since DoodleBug has such great stickers!

We'll see you back here tomorrow with a project from Lauren!
Andi

New Hero Arts

2011-12-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo!! We received a sampling of the new Stamp & Die-Cut sets as well as the Stamp & Emboss sets.

Hero Art's stamps match up with Sizzix' "Framelits" dies so that you get an exact cut of your image and the Stamp & Emboss sets pair a Sizzix embossing folder with a Hero Arts cling background stamp. So Cool.

We have Playful Flowers & Butterflies, Garden Flowers, Style is Eternal, Happy Birthday Cupcakes (very cute), and Ladies with Hats in the stamp/die-cut sets and Postage & Frame, Flowers & Vines and Stripes & Frame in the stamp/ embossing folder sets.

Their first collaboration was extremely successful, so make time to check these out. Remember, they are brand new, and are perfect for that hard to buy for/has everything crafter on your list!

Here Comes Santa Clause!

2011-12-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

Santa came by to see all the good little girls at Pages today! Be sure to visit us during this Christmas Season for some holiday fun!

We also have new goodies in from October Afternoon, Fab Scraps and more...

Taylor is Coming Back!

2011-11-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to report that Taylor from Taylored Expressions will be coming to California for CHA and will be teaching at Pages Friday, February 3rd! I'm thinking Valentines Day will be the theme. I've told her not to bother to show up unless she has precious Madelyn with her! So all you Taylor followers, mark your calendars and call us to save a spot! 626 358-5334

Black Friday Sale

2011-11-22T13:11:00.000-08:00

Black Friday sale beginning at 7:00am, 11/25. The earlier you come the bigger the discount!

Thankful Tree

2011-11-17T03:23:00.000-08:00

(Sorry! This was scheduled to post last Thursday but blogger had an issue! )

Hello!

I wanted to share a project that I made after I saw Becky's topiary and thankful notebook... It's a fun project that I was able to made with my little boy, and it's a constant reminder of everything in our life that we are thankful for!

I punched out a lot of different shapes from WeR's fall paper line and Adam and I talked about everything that he's thankful for. After our chat, we started writing everything that we'd thought of onto our punched shapes.

We distressed our shapes and I punched holes in them and used Bakers Twine to turn our shapes into hanging leaves.

Adam then hung all of our thankful leaves on a tree that my husband put together for me as part of my Anniversary present (it had other goodies on it then!). The tree is a Manzanita tree branch screwed into a wooden box base.

Here's what one of our thankful leaves looks like...

And here's the tree...

We keep extra shapes in a bowl near by so we can add more leaves to our tree as we think of more that we're blessed with in our life.

Have a great day! Maybe you can make your own version of a thankful tree... once you start thinking about what you have to be thankful for, it makes the days a lot brighter!
Andi

Flowers with Michelle

2011-11-16T04:32:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today we'll be sharing Michelle's last project, which are these amazing, folded flowers! Last week we looked at Michelle's pumpkins that she created and made into a centerpiece, but let's take a look at her flower candlestick addition!

Title: Candlestick Wreath

Featured Collection: We R Memory Keepers' Autumn Splendor

DT Member: Michelle McClure
Dedicated to: Flower Lovers

I wanted to think of another project to use the 6 x 6 pads and decided to fold some kusudama flowers. This is an ancient Japanese paper model translated as "medicine ball" traditionally used for incense, but are now decorative. Here are some examples.

I didn't want to make the ball, but liked the flowers so I researched how to fold the origami flowers. Here is the website I used: http://foldingtrees.com/2008/11/kusudama-tutorial-part-1/

There are five petals in one bloom. Each petal is made from one piece of 3 x 3 paper. So each sheet of 6 x 6 paper can be cut down to make 4 petals without any wasted material. After folding five petals, I hot glued them together to create one flower.

Some variations I made were:

*I chalked the edges of each mini-sheet of paper.

*I added some stamens to the centers of the flowers. These are purchased from the floral section of a craft store. I just hot glued them in the center prior to gluing on the final petal.

*I hot glued each finished flower onto a wired ribbon. This way, the flowers are not permanently attached to the candlestick but can be easily taken off if I still want to decorate the candlestick for another holiday, like Christmas.

*I tied the ribbon around the candlestick and curled the bottom of the bow.

Here it is with the pumpkin centerpiece.

Thank you, Michelle! This centerpiece is amazing! And remember that you can see all of our Design Team Member's projects in person at Page's From the Heart! We'll see you tomorrow with my interpretation of Becky's Thankful Journal!

Andi

A Great Goodie from Lauren!

2011-11-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today I'll be sharing more of Lauren's Holiday inspired projects! Let's take a look!

Christmas TreeSupplies:
Fancy Pants St. Nick Paperline
Chunky Glitter
Pearl Pens
Wooden Skewer
Glue Gun

A perfect way to decorate for the holidays is a fun Christmas tree! It will look great as a centerpiece on a dinner table, too. This tree is made up of folded, paper circles, chunky glitter to create a snow effect, and Pearl Pen spots to give it some bling! All you need is paper, an adjustable circle cutter (or cups/bowls to trace), a glue gun & a skewer. Oh, and all of the fun embellishments to make your tree shine!

Goodie Jar

Supplies:
Fancy Pants St. Nick Paper Collection
Stickers
Viva Pearl Pens
Bakers Twine
Ribbon
Misc. Jar

Every party needs some party favors! A great way to recycle jars is to give them away decorated as gifts! This jar was decorated with stickers, baker's twine, ribbon and paper folded into a rosette (with some Pearl Pen bling, of course) and can be filed with either candy, cookie ingredients and more.

Thanks Lauren! These jars would be great filled with flowers as a centerpiece, or filled with goodies to give to neighbors or family and friends!

We'll be sharing Michelle's last project tomorrow, so come back and visit us!
Andi

We're Back with Becky!

2011-11-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today I'll be sharing Becky's final project! This month we asked our team to create projects that would inspire you with your Holiday decor and parties!

Here's Becky!

Give Thanks Journal

Supply List
2 sheets from Fancy Pants Designs "Summer's End" collection
Brown and orange cardstock
Fancy Pants Designs "Summer's End" stickers
Viva Pearl Pen in dark brown
Ribbon
Composition book
Cricut Classic Font cartridge

It has always been my family's tradition (as it is in many homes I'm sure) to each share something we were thankful for that year before we devoured our dinner. Over the years, as family has moved away, it is still a tradition that we share whether in person or over the phone. I came across this idea of a journal for family to write what they are thankful for and I thought it would be a great addition for my family.

I covered a composition book with patterned paper from the Summer's End collection by Fancy Pants Designs and plain cardstock. I used the coordinating stickers to embellish the cover and added ribbon both on the cover and around the spine (Hint: I used Fray Check on the ribbon to stop it from fraying. LOVE this stuff!).

The words "Give Thanks" were cut from the Cricut Classic Font cartridge at 3/4 of an inch. I finished it all by using my Viva Pearl Pen in dark brown to add some details. It was my first time using this pen and I can see why people love them!

On the inside cover I added a personal inscription as well as a 2011 tab so that each year I can add a new tab and we can preserve these heartfelt memories.

I love this journal and think that it's a wonderful idea! I was inspired by Becky's journal and created a project to share what we're thankful for that I'll be sharing later this week.

Thanks, Becky! We'll be back tomorrow with a project from Lauren!
Andi

November Challenge!

2011-11-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Some of you might remember our Page's Challenges - we took a little hiatus from them, but they're back! I hope that you play along! Remember, the winner from the Challenge gets a fun goody bag full of paper crafting supplies from Pages!!

Since it's November and so close to Thanksgiving and Christmas, I was thinking of a good color combo that could be for both Holidays and so our November Challenge is a Color Challenge! Please create a project - any project - that has maroon, green and gold in it! Take a look at what our Design Team created with this color combo!

Becky created a Disney Christmas page with this color combo!

Debra created a great gift box that would be perfect as a hostess gift for Thanksgiving or with a gift card under the Christmas Tree!

And Lauren made a fun little card that could really be for any time, but the colors definitely make it fall-ish!

I hope that you play along with us and create a project using our color challenge! If you do, please take a picture of it and email it to me at ayokleyjessup@gmail.com with the subject "November Challenge". All entries must be received by midnight, November 27.

We can't wait to see every one's projects!
Andi

Fall Pumpkins with Michelle

2011-11-11T06:34:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I hope that you've enjoyed our week of projects from the DT! If you're just joining us, this month the team created projects that would inspire our readers and customers for their Holiday decor or parties!

Today we'll be taking a look at a project that Michelle created - which is perfect for fall or your Thanksgiving table centerpiece - let's take a look and hear from Michelle!

Title: Pumpkin Centerpiece

Featured Collection: We R Memory Keepers' Autumn Splendor

DT Member: Michelle McClure
Dedicated to: Pumpkin Lovers

Supply List for Pumpkins:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Patterned Papers: We R Memory Keepers (Autumn Splendor)
Paper Flowers & Brads Set: We R Memory Keepers
Brads: Making Memories
Twine: The Twinery
Ink: ColorBox Chalk
Other: Buttons, Glass Votive Holder, Flameless Votive

I was given the 6 x 6 paper pad from We R Memory Keepers to use. I usually only use the smaller paper pads for making cards, but wanted to see what else I could use them for. I cut the papers into half inch strips of varying lengths and created these pumpkins. The four smaller ones are made from this pad, and the largest one is made from one sheet of 12 x 12 paper from the same collection.

There are two different types of pumpkins. For one type, I hot glued some strips of paper on a glass votive holder, placed a flameless battery operated candle inside and decorated the outside.

For the second type, I punched holes at the top and bottom of the strips, secured it with a brad and spread out the strips into the shape of a sphere, and then decorated the outside with flowers, leaves, tendrils and a stem. These also had two layers of strips - shorter, solid cardstock inside and longer patterned strips for the outside.

Isn't this centerpiece amazing? I love these pumpkins, and was even thinking that it would a great project to do with a child! I was also thinking that hiding a treat inside the pumpkin would made a great hostess gift!

I hope that you enjoyed these pumpkins! Thanks, Michelle, for your awesome inspiration!
We'll be back Monday with more project from the DT! And remember, this weekend is Page's Holiday Cheer event, we hope to see you there!
Andi

You're "Invited" to Spend Some Time with Lauren!

2011-11-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Welcome back! Today we'll be sharing 2 projects created by Lauren that will help you with any Christmas gathering! First, we'll be sharing an invitation that will be sure to get your guests to your party and then we'll be sharing a napkin ring that will help to carry your Christmas party theme throughout!

Christmas Invitation
Supplies:
Fancy Pants St. Nick paperline
Cardstock
Diecuts
Ribbon

Get your guests to your Christmas party with a fun Christmas invitation! Using large images from designer paper is a really great way to save on time (especially when you're sending out a large number of invites).

What also saves time, but makes your card look extra special, is using a die cut to add your basic information, like "You're Invited" or the details about your party.

Luckily, Pages From the Heart has an AMAZING collection of die cut cartridges you can use at their store!

Napkin Ring
Supplies:
Fancy Pants St. Nick paperline
Die Cut
Viva Pearl Pen
Bakers Twine
Stickers

A fun way to decorate your party table this season is to add a personalized napkin ring. It adds personality to each guest's place seating while giving them a little goodie to go home with. This napkin ring was made up of stickers, baker's twine and some Pearl Pen bling.

Thanks, Lauren! Please check back in next week to see more of Lauren's projects!
We'll be back tomorrow with some great centerpiece ideas from Michelle!
Andi

Holiday Cheer Event at Pages!

2011-11-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

Let's "Hang" Out with Debra

2011-11-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hello!

We're back today with a project from Debra!

If you're just tuning into us, this months DT assignment was to create a project that could used as either a Holiday decor or a table setting or an invitation.

Debra had WeR's Peppermint Twist paper line and embellishments and decided to create a wonderful Christmas project with it! Let's hear from Debra!

Christmas Banner
Supplies:
WeR Peppermint Twist Paper and Embellishments
Cardstock
Viva Pearl Pens
Ribbon

Circles cut from festive WRMK Peppermint Twist collection are outlined with black to pop this banner against your fireplace, mirror, office door or wall. The circles are heavily layered with scalloped squares, matted paper elements, and black matted coordinating embossed stickers and finished with a touch of Viva pearls.

Miniature layered circles hang from both ends of the banner on green and white ribbons to continue the circular theme.

Debra had such a great response to her DT project that she is now teaching it as a class at Page's! Please contact Page's to sign up for this fun, whimsical banner!

Thank you, Debra!
We'll see you tomorrow with a project from our Guest Designer, Lauren!
Andi

Thankful with Becky

2011-11-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today is the first day that we'll be sharing our NEWEST Design Team members projects! Hooray!

The assignment for the team was to create a Holiday inspired decor or invitation to help inspire our readers with their Holiday festivities!

We'll be sharing 1 of Becky's projects today, which would look great as a table centerpiece, on your mantel or on your buffet table! Take it away, Becky!

Fall Topiary

Supply List
3-4 sheets from Fancy Pants Designs "Summer's End" collection
2-3 sheets of cardstock
Ribbon
Pot, moss, corsage pins, dowels, Styrofoam ball

Cricut Classic Font Cartridge

I had seen one of these topiary's featured on the cover of an issue of Scrapbooks Etc. and had been saving the idea in the back of my mind. I thought this would make a perfect table decoration for Thanksgiving!

I began by making these small rose bud flowers from 3 inch, 2 1/2 inch, and 2 inch squares of paper. I put a corsage pin (I found these in the wedding section of my local craft store) through the center and then pinned it into the Styrofoam ball. In all I made about 60 flowers. As I was in the beginning stages of this, my scrappy friend kept asking me, "Are you sure about this?" It was definitely labor-intensive but a lot of fun. I made a bunch of these flowers at one time while catching up on Project Runway and then attached them to the ball.

After that was done and I had attached the dowel, I layered newspaper and a foam block in the pot before inserting the Styrofoam ball and covered it all up with moss. I cut my title using the Cricut Classic Font Cartridge (both at 1 inch) and glued the word GIVE to small dowels. It was a lot of work but I think it will be well appreciated!

Thanks so much, Becky! I LOVE this tree and think that it would be amazing done in Christmas paper or used for a baby or wedding shower!

We'll be back tomorrow with more of our teams projects to share!
Have a great start to your week!
Andi

We're Celebrating 12 Years

2011-11-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Pages From the Heart

invites you to join us for our Anniversary Sale!

Receive 30% off your entire purchase!

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

November 4th, 5th & 6th

137 E Colorado Blvd

Monrovia, CA

626 358 5334

Taylored Expressions November Release

2011-11-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

For all you Taylored Expressions lovers, her November release is on it's way and should be arriving at Pages at the beginning of next week!

Couture Frame

2011-10-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Couture Frame - In this class we will be creating a condensed version of my collaged backgrounds using layers of paper scraps, paint and stamping onto a wood 8x8 frame. Girl will be made using a pattern from my original sketch. Finished piece will be embellished with ribbon and a metal number from the Ranger Ideology line. I promise you will want to make many more of these to make the perfect gift!

All materials will be supplied. Of course you may want your dress to be a different color so feel free to bring your own paper.

Tools needed; scissors, paint brushes and brayer

Teacher – Julie Nutting Cost $48.00

Wednesday, October 26th 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Our Last Design Team Member

2011-10-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today is my day to re-introduce myself to all of the Page's fans! My name is Andi and I'm your Page's Design Team Coordinator!

Sorry for the picture! It's the only one that I have without a my little boy! But, the good part is, that I decorated this hat using cardstock (the Chestshire Cat's eyes and smile), glimmer mist (to make the hat pink and purple instead of white), a pink boa and a tea cup! See, I use papercrafting supplies every chance I get!

I am a Stay-at-Home-Mom to a 3 year old boy named Adam who is the primary subject of all my page layouts. I just celebrated my 5 year wedding anniversary to my HS sweetheart and I live in Redlands. I met Kathy and became a HUGE fan of Page's from the Heart while I was an Ambassador for QuicKutz (now LifeStyle Crafts). I also run a handmade business from my home and have a shop on etsy. I started out as an avid scrapbooker while I was in my teens, but now love to try it all. I enjoy creating layouts, cards, party decor, projects, mini-albums... if it has to do with playing with paper and crafting supplies, sign me up! When I'm not as my craft island, I'm probably at my sewing machine, reading my NOOK, teaching a papercrafting class somewhere or on a trip to Disneyland with my son!

I am a very clean, linear papercrafter, you'll never see a picture askew on my layout! I love a lot of companies, but am inspired by paper more than anything! I enjoy October Afternoon, Cosmo Cricket, Graphic45,Jenni Bowline, Jillibean, Lillybee... and that's just a few!! I'm super excited to be the Design Team Coordinator for Page's and am excited for this next term!

I look forward to meeting all of our Page's fans at the Holiday Cheer Event on November 12th and 13th!

Have a great weekend!
Andi

Please Welcome Page's Guest Designer!

2011-10-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today I'd love to introduce you to Lauren Anderson, Page's Guest Designer! Lauren will be a HUGE asset for the Page's Design Team this term - Lauren and I will be alternating assignments! When I received Lauren's application I knew that she'd be inspiring for all of the Page's supporters! Let's hear from Lauren!

I’ve been an avid paper crafter since somewhere in and around 2008. My mother has always been crafty; she’s a seamstress, a painter and a paper crafter. When I was finishing up school with my Mechanical Engineering degree (Go Beach!), she invited me to be a part of her monthly, craft club. That’s where I was introduced to the world of paper crafting. I fell in LOVE with paper and especially making cards! There’s just something about putting your heart into a card, giving it to someone and seeing how much they appreciate the hard work and love put into it that brings me joy. With my knowledge increasing in the world of paper crafting, so has my desire to share and teach others. I’m so excited about what I will be able to share with and teach you!

Thanks, Lauren! Lauren will be teaching a great class at Page's Holiday Cheer event, so please stay tuned to see what she's going to be doing! I know you'll want to join her! You can keep up with Lauren by checking out her blog here!

We'll be back tomorrow with our final DT Member.

Andi

Welcome Back Michelle!

2011-10-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I hope that you're enjoying reading the new DT members bio's! Today we're welcoming back Michelle, who was with us for our first term and we're lucky enough to have her back for a second! Michelle was super helpful and inspiring through the first DT term and I know that we'll be delighted every time she finishes another project! Just in case you're new to the blog, let's have Michelle tell you a little about herself!

Hey Pages' fans! This is DT member, Michelle McClure, back for another term. I enjoyed creating projects and sharing them with you for the past six months, and am looking forward to thinking up more fun ideas for the next six months. I love all sorts of crafts, but mostly concentrate on scrapbooking. I like to integrate different elements into my projects, so look for hardware store finds in my October reveal. I live in Temple City with my hubby and two dogs. Besides crafts, I also enjoy volleyball, reading, travel and inspiring others to be creative. If you ever have questions about my projects, feel free to contact me via my blog: http://outofmybook.blogspot.com/ Thanks for reading!

Thanks, Michelle!

We'll be back tomorrow to introduce another Page's DT Member!

Andi

Please Welcome Becky!

2011-10-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today we're going to introduce Becky, who you may remember was a Guest Designer for 1 month last term and who was also a Page's Challenge Winner. Becky won us over last term with her adorable patriotic banner and utensil holder. We're very excited that she applied to be on this Page's term and we're sure that you'll be excited to see what she creates! Let's hear from Becky!

Hi everyone! My name is Becky and I am SOOOOO excited to be joining the Pages From the Heart Design Team! I have been paper crafting for about 8 years when I started scrapping pictures from my senior year of high school. I took a break and picked back up about four years ago and haven't stopped since! My favorite scrapbook subjects these days are pictures of my wedding last fall when I married my high school sweetheart and pictures of my orange tabby cat, Normandy. My style tends to be simple but pretty girly-lots of bling and ribbon. But I also love distressing. So I guess I am a distressed girly-girl?

Some of my favorite companies are Pebbles, My Little Shoebox, and Bo Bunny. And lately I cannot live with out my distressing inks or Epiphany punches! When I am not scrapbooking I enjoy reading, using my Disneyland pass, and catching up on my DVR (I love Project Runway and Castle!). But cropping with friends is when I am the happiest.

Thanks, Becky!
You can also keep up with Becky by checking our her blog here!

We'll see you back her tomorrow!
Andi

Meet the New Page's Design Team

2011-10-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today I'm going to introduce you to Debra Fabanish, one of our new Design Team Members! Debra is an avid supporter of Page's From the Heart, a Mom, works and finds time to papercraft! Wow! Debra really impressed us with her use of Graphic45 paper and embellishments. We also loved how she took papercrafting supplies and incorporated them into her every day life, like with goodie bags and home decor. I'll let Debra tell you a little about herself!

My name is Debbie Fabanish and I've loved crafts since I was a little girl....a very long time! I am employed as the retirement plan administrator at USC, and have two college-age children. I live in Monrovia and in addition to scrapbooking, card making and other paper crafts, I like to cook, read books on my new Kindle, play golf and am learning to knit.

I hope that everyone gives Debra a very warm welcome! Debra will also be teaching a class at the Page's Holiday Cheer Event in November! We hope that you'll want to come on down and meet her in person!

We'll see you tomorrow to introduce you to another Page's Design Team Member!
Andi

Let's Take a Ride and Introductions!

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Well, today is the reveal of my final project from Page's First Design Team! We'll also be introducing you to the new team and, next week, we'll be sharing all the details of our new members!

I was lucky enough to get Authentique's Glowing paper line, which is a great, spooky and elegant Halloween line! And for a girl who LOVES Halloween, it was great inspiration for a Designer's Choice project!

While coming up with my idea I looked at the paper line A LOT. I wanted to make an awesome project that would really showcase what you can do with this beautiful paper line and after looking at the different perforated Icons and patterned paper, I decided to create a Halloween Spooky Carousel.

I used the Icon's from Authentique as my Carousel "rides", along with Lifestyle Crafts dies. Both the ghost and the bat is from Lifestyle Crafts Be Spooked Collection.

I really wanted the top of the Carousel to look pretty since, depending on where it's displayed, it might be the first thing that you see! I cut a circle from paper and created a "cone" with it. I then glued strips of solid black cardstock to the top to create sections, added striped ribbon and a netting ribbon under a scallop circle and a black plastic spider.

On the sides of the top I used a large scallop circle punch (Marvy) and a small scallop circle punch (EK Success). On each scallop circle I either created a pinwheel with a blingy button...

or a QuicKutz Raven.

I punched (Martha Stewart) a spooky picket fence for the base of my Carousel that wrapped all the way around. I then added ribbon at the bottom of the fence to give it a clean look.

That's it for my project! If you'd like to see all of the little details, please check it out at Page's!

And now for the exciting announcement of the NEW Page's Design Team Members!
Please welcome...

Becky Medrano
Debra Fabanish
Returning DT Member, Michelle McClure
and
Guest Designer, Lauren Anderson

We'll be sharing our new members bios and the projects that won them their spots on the Page's Design Team next week!

See you then!
Andi

We're all "misty" over Christina's projects!

2011-10-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today we're sharing Christina's final DT projects on our blog! If you're a fan of Glimmer Mists, then you'll definitely love her projects!

Layout

This month I used Pink Paislee's Vintage Vogue line for my layout. This has a great combination of green, purple, pink, black and cream with a great ladylike feel without being "cutesy". There are papers that looks like it came out of a phone book and another that looks like a wordsearch...contrasted with papers of flowers and pink or purple patterns. We were asked to use a staining technique, so I did this with my title.

I die cut my title and stuck it to plain white cardstock with temporary adhesive. I sprayed over it with Glimmer Mists and dried it with a heat gun. I removed the die cut letters to leave the negative image on the paper...A great way to have white letters stand out! You can use premade sticker letters/words, and you can use an inkpad, paints, or even markers for this technique!

Gift Card Holder

I thought I'd make a card that is a gift card holder since so many of us give them away! I feel it's best to have a 3-fold card for these if you are using slits to hold the gift card in place so it doesn't show through the back. It also makes it more sturdy...but it's just my personal preference. A 4x12 piece of cardstock is the perfect size folded in thirds and taping the 3rd section down. Again, to use a staining technique, I simply chose 2 colors of Glimmer Mists and created a diagonal pattern using cardstock to mask the sections. I just alternated colors, spraying one section at a time. Then I used some paper from Pink Paislee's Vintage Vogue for the cover for decoration. The letters for the "enjoy" came from the paper that looks like a word search. Inside, I took a credit card to use as my measurement to cut the slits for a gift card to be inserted.

Thanks, Christina! You use of Glimmer Mist is great and a gift card holder is perfect for the upcoming Holidays!

We'll be back tomorrow and I'll be sharing my project along with announcing the NEW Design Team Members!
Andi

They're Here!!

2011-10-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Taylor's newest release is here and ready to go. Remember, (in case you have forgotten lol) Christmas is just around the corner and if you plan on making your own cards or tags it's time to start creating!

Debbie's Layouts!

2011-10-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hello!

We're going to be sharing Debbie Lacy's final Design Team projects today, which is a 2 page layout! Here's Debbie!

My project this month is another two-page layout. When I saw this paper line I fell in love with it and knew exactly which pictures I was going to be using. WeR Memory Keepers Autumn Splendor is probably one of my all-time favorite fall lines.

Be sure to pop into the store and pick some up, you will just love it! For my paint effect this month I used the Viva Decor Pearl Pen in Sunny Yellow and Kiwi. If you haven't given these a try yet, you will want to pop into store and pick some up.

And here's Debbie's layout!

Debbie was able to cut down one of the papers that she received in her kit for her title and for the Banner image She used the different tags as embellishments and the dimensional stickers.

Thanks, Debbie, for all of your hard work this term! You can always see what Debbie is up to by visiting her blog!

We'll see you tomorrow for a project from Christina!
Andi

Hop on Aboard and take a look at this cute card!

2011-10-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I'm back today to share another project from Michelle that she created using October Afternoon's Boarding Pass Paper Line.

Title: Miss You Card

Featured Collection: October Afternoon's Boarding Pass
DT Member: Michelle

There are some really cute flairs or "tin pins" with this collection. I also really liked the different time zone clocks and the blue and red stripes on the patterned paper, entitled, "Berlin". Each patterned paper in this collection is named after a different city from around the world.

I decided to play with a circular theme because of the pin and the clocks and created this card. I wanted to capture the motion of an airplane flying through space so I magically levitated the pin in the middle of the card.

I'm just kidding, I used a piece of transparency film.

I used Glossy Accents on the faces of the clocks to make it more glass like and on the little black airplane for emphasis. I printed a quote on a cardstock sticker for the sentiment. I wrapped some red and white twine to repeat the stripes' color and pattern. I attached a tiny envelope I cut off another sticker to the end of the twine.

This is the inside of the card just waiting for a handwritten note.

Thanks for looking!

Thanks, Michelle, for inspiring us all and sharing your fabulous card! I love it! Remember, you can see more of Michelle's work on her blog, here!

We'll see you all back here tomorrow when we'll be sharing Debbie Lacy's final project!
Andi

Final Projects to from our First Design Team

2011-10-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hello, Page's Friends!

I cannot believe that the first Design Team term has come to an end. It was a great experience for me, I was lucky enough to work with 4 very talented ladies! I'd like to extend a huge "Thank You" to Christina, Debbie, Michelle and, our Guest Designer, Francine.

Today I'll be sharing Michelle's final project which is absolutely amazing! You really should see it in person, it is adorable and perfect for a travel mini-album or to give as a gift! Here's Michelle!

Title: Steamer Trunk Mini-Album

Featured Collection: October Afternoon's Boarding Pass

DT Member: Michelle McClure

Dedicated to: All the SoCal Shop Hoppers

Hey, Pages fans. This month I worked with October Afternoon's Boarding Pass collection which has a masculine and vintage look with a travel theme.

This led me to think about last summer's Shop Hop's theme which was, "Papercrafting Around the World". I decided to make a mini-album in style of a steamer trunk because it matched the travel theme and it would also house all the 6 x 6 make and takes that I accumulated along with my bottle cap necklace. If I still had those items unassembled and lying around gathering dust, I was guessing there might be a few others out there with the same plight.

I took a discarded DCWV box that use to contain chipboard shapes and painted that brown. I cut out some printed sticker designs from a piece of Boarding Pass patterned paper and decoupaged it on the box. I decorated it with some ribbon and Imaginisce Glam Rocks. I drilled two holes at the top and screwed in a drawer pull.

Before I put in the screws, I attached some 6 x 6 page protectors inside the box, so they are fastened between the screws and the handle. I made this title page using elements of Boarding Pass and the Shop Hop logo and title.

Inside I placed all my make and takes with the photos from each store I visited. I attached a piece of ribbon to the bottom of each page to make it easier to turn the pages.

Since this was a box, there was room after all the pages, to place my bottle cap necklace. I wrapped it around a piece of cardstock to display it. So all my Shop Hop memories are stored in one handy dandy place.

Thanks, Michelle! Isn't this a great mini? You should really see all of the pages in the book, you'll be totally inspired!

We'll be back tomorrow to share Michelle's other project using her October Kit.
See you then!
Andi

Join Us!

2011-10-09T10:40:00.000-07:00

Autumn Daisies Mixed Media - This class is all about torn paper. Yes, that’s right, torn paper. Elizabeth will be sharing with us her “love of layering” and you will create a spectacular 5 X 7 masterpiece made completely from torn paper, with a little “Modge Podge” thrown in. This class is totally “hands on” and with Elizabeth’s guidance you will go home with a finished project that will amaze you! (The sample is on display in the shop) I’ve seen the framed product from some of the previous classes and they are awesome…totally unique and all “yours”!

Teacher - Elizabeth Butterfield Cost $28.00
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 6:30pm - 8:30pm

New Stamps From Taylored Expressions

2011-10-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

I just finished ordering all the stamps from Taylor's newest release. They should be here at the beginning of next week. Just in time for all those Christmas projects you plan on making. Check out Taylor's blog for the complete release with samples, tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com. I've ordered a limited quantity, so if you have favorites give me a call and I'll save them for you as soon as they arrive.

Have a terrific day

Pages Design Team!

2011-10-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I am so excited! We had a great response on our Design Team Call - we had applicants from South Africa to Kentucky and it was great to see everyone's creativeness! I wish that we had a spot for everyone because all of the applicants were very talented ladies! We narrowed it down and selected our new Design Team Members, which took a lot of contemplation, and on Mary Jo and Kathy's part - some ice cream!

We have our first team meeting next Sunday where we'll be going over the next few months of projects and talking about a very exciting day at Page's that will be sure to make you "cheerful"... On Monday we'll start introducing the new team to you and we'll be alternating with the final projects from the last team.

I am so appreciative to the ladies from the first team, they stuck by us through a HUGE learning term and were great! I hope that you've found some inspiration or tried a new technique from Debbie, Christina or Michelle!

Check back with us next Monday to meet the new Page's team and see Amazing DT projects! And again, that you to all that applied, you're all exceptional!

Andi

We Still Have Space...

2011-10-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Haunts & Whooligans Mini Book - The witching hour will approach and you'll have already created a mini book to capture all of your haunted memories from the night! Featuring Authentique's "Glowing" Collection, this mini is filled with spooky yet quirky details and techniques. We'll use the Bind It All, Smooch Spritz, and mixed media goodies to create a delightfully frightful mini album from scratch.

Supplies: Scissors, Paper Trimmer, Adhesive (3D Foam Dots, Tape Runner, Strong Liquid), Bind It All if you have one, apron and gloves to protect clothes/hands.

Teacher – Jennifer Priest Cost $38

Saturday, October 8th 11:00am – 2:00pm

Call us today at 626 358 5334

Welcome to Michelle's Neighborhood...

2011-09-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

Michelle's tutorial is a little different than our usual tutorial. Instead of explaining something from her layout, Michelle is sharing a cute and fun project that she created along with her layout! I think you'll really enjoy this project and looking at paper in a different way than usual! Here's Michelle!

I really liked the little houses that are in Nikki Sivils' collection. But I ended up not using them in my layout because they were too small and the scale was off if I had used them as my embellishments. It was the perfect size for a card though, so I designed a card featuring the cute lil' houses.

1. I started by using part of a patterned paper that had a road and one group of trees and nothing else. I glimmered misted it in yellow to break up the large expanse of blue.

2. I fussy cut 4 houses, 2 of each design from another patterned paper that contained only houses.

3. I glued one house straight on the paper. I popped up the other one of the same house on top of the first one using foam adhesive. This gives kind of a shadow effect. On the windows I added some Glossy Accents to make it look reflective like glass. I added some Pearl Pen on the roof, doorknobs and nail heads to emphasize those aspects of the house and to make them appear 3-D.

4. Further down the road, I repeated the same process with the other 2 houses I cut out. I also cut out some trees to balance out the scene.

5. I connected the sentiment from one house to the other like a telephone line using a black pen. So with the addition of a sticker from the collection it reads, "Hello from our house to yours".

6. I finished off the scene by cutting out some kites and gluing it in the sky near the "Hello" sticker, so the sticker wouldn't look to be floating by itself.

If there isn't the perfect scene on a patterned paper, then just take the various components that a collection has to offer, and create your own. It will be the right size and scale to your project. It will also be much more interesting with the 3-D elements and any extra finishing touches you add to give it your own personal flair.

Isn't this card super cute? I LOVE it! I think it would also be great in a frame or even on a canvas for a hostess gift or new house gift...

Thanks, Michelle!

Well, that's it for the Design Team's September projects! We'll be back next month with fantastic new projects!

Andi

Michelle's Layout!

2011-09-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Hello!

It's Wednesday, so we're half-way through the week! Yay! Today we're sharing Michelle's layout, which is super cute. Michelle had Nikki Sivils "We Are Family" paper line to work with and she used a sketch from PageMaps, which you can find at http://www.pagemaps.com/. Sketches are super helpful, and Michelle is amazing at taking a sketch and twisting it to meet her needs.

Title: Who's Stabled in Grant's Farm?

DT Member: Michelle McClure

Featured Collection: Nikki Sivils' "We are Family"

I love Michelle's layout, my favorite detail is her stitching and the color contrast in the pictures! Here's Michelle with a few tips!

1. Feel free to change up a sketch according to your own preferences and style. I like having more photos in a layout so I added 2 inches to the length of the photo sections. This gave me the chance to add three more 2 x 2 photos and increase the size of two of the photos on the sketch.

2. To focus in on the solo photo, I machine stitched around the central characters several times and added some twine. I was also going for a lasso look to match my horse theme.

3. The new Pearl Pens were a quick and easy way to add some dimension and pearls to a page without using messy liquid adhesives or heat.

4. The paper collection had a family theme which didn’t necessarily match my photos, but the colors were perfect. So feel free to use a collection for the patterns or colors even if you aren’t using the theme.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, Bazzill Bling; Patterned Papers, Letter Stickers, Cardstock Stickers: Nikki Sivils “We are Family” collection; Dimensional Paint: Glossy Accents by Inkssentials, Pearl Pen by Viva Decor; Ink: ColorBox Chalk; Thread: Coats and Clark; Ribbon: Offray; Metal Accent: Imaginisce Glam Rocks; Heating Tool: Imaginisce I-Rock; Stick Pins: Joann Fabric; Pen: Pentel; Sketch: PageMaps by Becky Fleck; Font: Calibri; Other: sewing machine, twine, buttons

Thanks, Michelle! This layout is super cute, I love the fun little details and all of her photos! We'll be back tomorrow to share a fun, cute little tutorial and project from Michelle!

If you'd like to see more of Michelle's projects, please check out her blog here.

Andi

Tuesday Tutorial!

2011-09-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today Debbie is sharing how to create the sweet circular flower from her layout that was shared yesterday! It's a boxed flower tutorial, so here's Debbie!

These are the steps for making the box flowers:

1. I punched two circles each from two different papers.

2. Fold each circle in half. (You can also crumple the circles.)

3. Layer folded circles with alternating ends on top (like you're folding a box). Adhere.

4. Take top layer of each folded circle half and fold back on itself, halfway.

Thanks, Debbie, for this great flower tutorial!

Well see you all back here tomorrow when we'll be sharing an awesome layout from Michelle!
See you all then!
Andi

Christmas in September!

2011-09-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hello!

We're back today with a Christmas layout from Design Team member, Debbie! Let's hear what Debbie had to say about her project!

This month's project was such a fun layout because of the Authentique Christmas line. It is such a beautiful collection and I found it to be perfect for some pictures that I have been wanting to scrap and was waiting for the perfect paper. I used the Yearning, Expectation, Curiosity and Awe. I also used a sketch from Scrapbook Generations. My title was done using the Vixen die set from Quikutz. For my embellishments I made Box Flowers which I had seen in a Creating Keepsakes magazine.

Here's a close up of Debbie's Box Flower. We'll be sharing a tutorial on this technique tomorrow!

We see you tomorrow with the flower tutorial!

Have a great start to your week!
Andi

Page's Open Design Team Call!!

2011-09-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

· Are you fun? Are you innovative?

· Do you love paper crafting? Or all crafting?

· Are you blog savvy? If not, are you a quick learner?

· Do you like free product and sneak peaks of upcoming product and trends?

· Do you LOVE Pages from the Heart?

Seeking:

We are looking for individuals to represent Pages from the Heart! We are looking for people who are open to support our blog and support events and projects at the store.

The Jist:

You will be expected to create assigned projects each month to be posted on our blog and turn in samples to the store for display. Projects can range from Layout samples, to cards to 3-D projects! These samples will need to have easy to read instructions or descriptions that we can include in our blog posts; tips and tricks are also appreciated! We’re looking for ways for people to stay inspired to use the supplies that they have and the new supplies offered at Pages. In return for your projects, you will earn store credit from Pages.

The Deal:

· The term will be for 6 months starting October 7th with your 1st projects due November 1st.

· Applicants must be 18+ years old.

· Open to everyone but must be willing to attend occasional meetings or webinars, and special events at Pages from the Heart.

· Design Team experience is not a must, but doesn’t hurt either!

· You’ll be supplied monthly (or as needed) with store product. You’ll have to complete your assignments using the products in the time allotted – you’ll get to keep the leftovers AND earn credit to get more goodies! It’s a win-win!

- You will be asked to create tutorials of some of the assignments you create, you will know about tutorials ahead of time. You will also be required to write a brief "blurb" about each project that you create that can be included with pictures of your project on our blog.

- We post a "Challenge" every month and ask for your help, but it is not mandatory.

· New members will be contacted by October 7th.

How to Apply:

Please send pictures of:

· 1 double page layout or 2 single page layouts

· 2 cards

· 1 3-D project

To ayokleyjessup@gmail.com. Please keep file size small! You will not be judged on your photo skills, but to get a good idea of your work your photo will have to be clear and show good details. All samples must be original to you!!! If you are chosen for the Design Team, your samples will be displayed at Pages for 2 months and then returned to you.

Include a little about yourself, like…

· Name

· When did you start paper crafting?

· Are you on any other Design Teams or do you have any Design Team experience?

· What are your favorite company’s or products? Do you have a passion for Glimmer Mist? Stamps? Paper? What’s your vice?

· Do you have a blog? If so, please send me the link!

· Do you follow any blogs? If so, please let me know some of them!

· Have you even been published? Do you submit your designs?

· What style are you? Do you like clean, simple designs? Are you vintage? Or shabby? Or something totally unique, like vintage with classic lines?

· Anything else that you think is important about yourself. I don’t need your life story, but I would like a good idea of who you are and what drives your paper crafting passion! Crafting is part about expression, but then also about your story and connections to people!

Submissions open till Sept 30th, Midnight!

Thursday Tutorial with Christina!

2011-09-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! Here is a GREAT tutorial from Christina! You'll be running to get your embossing powder, pigment ink, stamp and any/all of your acrylic pieces to give it a shot!

This month I will show you how to add a dimensional layer onto a clear plastic embellishment! This gives a subtle, etched look on an otherwise plain, flat surface. First, you need a “Fragments” embellishment from Tim Holtz, which is simply a clear plastic charm.

Using a medium-grit sandpaper, sand only one side of the charm to give it a frosted look.

Take a stamp you’d like to use (I used one of mini dots for my project, but flourishes look really great!) and apply an embossing ink pad (I used a bottle of embossing liquid).

Press the design onto the sanded side of the charm (or press the charm onto the stamp!)

Add clear embossing powder until it is completely coated. Remove the excess (this may be poured back into the jar for re-use) by tapping on the opposite side several times.

Melt the embossing powder using a heat gun, careful to only heat it for only seconds at a time because the plastic charm will melt! So let it cool repeatedly before continuing, but keep applying heat until all the powder has melted. This is what created the clear design onto the scratched surface. Think of it as removing a design (your stamped image) from a frosted surface.

I simply added stickers and ribbon.... but you can do many things to it! Add a solid or patterned paper (stick to the embossed side) or color the charm’s embossed side with a stamp pad or a variety of other inks. NOTE: You can also use those frosted glass slides for this method and skip step 2 - this makes beautiful charms for jewelry!!)

That's it, thanks Christina! I hope that you give this a try, I think this is a great tutorial and out of the box - errr - plastic!

See you back here tomorrow!
Andi

Back to School with Christina!

2011-09-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Christina had Fancy Pant's new line, "Off to School", which has great colors, patterned papers and embellishments to choose from! Fancy Pants has even come out with actual chalk board stickers - isn't that the best? I think that's so cool! Take a look at some of their products.

Let's hear from Christina about her layout!

Most of you are getting your kids back into the rhythm of school days. So while they are in class, it’s time for you to start scrapping! What better way to kickstart the memories of a new school year than by documenting a child’s first days back? Fancy Pants has come out with an adorable line called “Off to School” that fits any grade level. I love the bold, muted versions of the “basic”colors you think of in elementary school, with really fun patterns like pencils, drawn stars, and grids. I think the best part is that it’s perfectly suited for boys, which can be hard to come by! I hope you enjoy creating with this line as much as I did!

I love Christina's use of white space and the clustered elements. The colors are great for all age groups and genders!

We'll be back tomorrow with a great tutorial using plastic pieces, embossing powder and a stamp!

See you then!
Andi

Flag Tutorial

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sure this might seem like an insanely easy tutorial, but I figure that a tip is a tip is a tip! If you've been paying attention to the crafting world, pennants and flags are super trendy right now - and I love it! There are a lot of lines that have started making flags to go along with their paper lines, October Afternoon and Pink Paislee are just a few! Well, I decided to create my own flag for my layout using Crate Paper's Farm House line!

Let's get started!

All you'll need to get started is a strip of patterned paper (mine was 1" x 3"), a toothpick or two, adhesive (I used Scrappy Glue - of course!) and scissors and ink if you want to distress your flag.

Start off by distressing all of the edges of your paper.

Turn your paper over and spread glue along half of your paper. Place your toothpick towards the center of your paper.

Fold your patterned paper over the toothpick, you'll want to really press it down so that it's tightly wrapped around the toothpick.

You can either stop her and leave your flag in a rectangle shape, or you can cut a triangle from the end of the flag to create more of a banner/pennant look, like I did. I also added some brown bakers twine around the toothpick at the base of the flag and a sticker.

Done. Super easy, very cute and you can use a ton of your scraps and make a lot of flags!

Well see you tomorrow with a project from Christina!
Andi

We're laying it all out for you!

2011-09-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

This months Design Team assignments were to work on a 2 page layout - our hope is to inspire you to scrap your summer memories!

I'll be sharing my layout with you today, I used the Farm House line from Crate Paper for a school layout and I love the way it turned out! Take a look!

I used the Farm House line for Adam's first day of preschool - which might not be an obvious choice but it turned out perfectly! Here's some close ups!

The little flash cards are hand cut from the Graphic45 ABC Collection line, which turned out so cute!

I used Glimmer Mists on the white space on the page, but instead of spraying it I took the sprayer out and just used the tube of the sprayer to drop the mist on the page. I also detail cut different labels from the paper for the top left corner, I choose the California label since that's where we live and the Apple label since it's a school layout. I used rub-on's from Foof-a-la, Pink Paislee and October Afternoon.

I used either rub-on numbers or sticker numbers for each picture on the right page. I then journaled what was happening in each picture and matched them up with the numbers.

I used a lot of the sticker elements from the line, including this cute little flag, tag and "welcome" label.

That's it for me today! I hope you enjoyed my layouts and are inspired to use paper that might now be an obvious choice! Please check out my blog to see more of my projects!

I'll be back tomorrow to share a flag tutorial! Flags are super trendy right now and so easy to make!

See you tomorrow!

Andi

Cropping for a Cure

2011-09-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Join us for breast cancer awareness month and crop for a cure!

Friday & Saturday, October 14th & 15^th, 2011

Beginning at 5 pm

Cost: only $50 for both days

$25 for Friday only

$35 for Saturday only

Save $5 when you sign up for either day or $10 when you sign up for both and pay by October 1^st!

Included: Dinner on both days

Breakfast on Saturday

Drinks, Snacks, Prizes, Raffles

*PLUS*

MAKE A DONATION TO THE SUSAN G. KOMAN FUND AND RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE UP TO 40% OFF!

Example : donate $5 – receive a 5% discount

donate $20 – receive a 20% discount

2 Great Classes Available

2011-08-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Oh Happy Day! Banner - Join Andi and create this canvas banner that be used for many occassions - birthdays, spring, just because, valentines... if you can think of a reason to be happy, you can think of an occassion to use this banner! The canvas pennant are handmade by Andi, you'll be using the Authentique Splendid paper collection, you'll learn how to make yo-yos, we'll be use crochetted doilies and glass glitter, ribbons and pearls!

Teacher – Andi Cost $28.00

Saturday, September 10^th 11:00am – 1:00pm

Travelogue - Let's go on a journey with the new line of papers by Amy Tangerine for American Crafts! We'll create a custom book filled with found items like doilies and notecards as well as over 20 pages to fill with memories of your favorite vacations, places, and adventures. Kit includes a full set of layered, embellished Amy Tangerine stickers, a full set of Authentique alpha stickers, and loads of buttons and unique goodies Jennifer's classes have become known for.

Please bring: Bind It All if you have one, scissors, paper trimmer, 3D Foam Squares (3L Scrapbook Adhesives Brand), Strong Liquid glue or hot glue gun, black pen, glue dots, ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan (optional).

Teacher – Jennifer Priest Cost $38.00

Sunday, September 11^th 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Our last DT project for August!

2011-08-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yay! Today is our final DT reveal for August and I'm so happy to share Michelle's project!

Michelle made this great bottle neck tag - I love that it doesn't just lay flat, the fact that it's squared really gives it a nice, clean, stand-out look! This is a great hostess gift - if you were giving something like this as a teacher gift or as a hostess gift, you could substitute a picture of your child or family in place of the wording.

Michelle used the Doodle Bug paper line, along with twine, Stickles and plenty of pop-up dots to make this bottle neck card stand out!

Great job, Michelle! We'll see everyone in a few weeks for the September projects! If you've been looking for layout inspiration, you'll be very happy!

Remember, we're taking submissions for our Winter DT term, so please apply! We love to see new talent! Even if you've applied before, please apply again! Check out our post, here, to get more details on the DT Open Call!

More Design Team Projects

2011-08-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Happy Monday! Hopefully everyone had a great weekend, keeping cool in this heat wave! We have 2 more days of DT projects and then we'll be creating and working on September's projects! Let's take a look at Debbie's last card, which has another great, handmade embellishment on it!

Yo Yo Card Tutorial

For this card I used two tools to make my embellishments, I used the Sizzix Tim Holtz Rosette die to make the accordion flower. This flower can also be done with a scorer by cutting a strip of paper approximately 1" - 2" depending on the size that you want, then edging it with a scalloped edge and scoring at the peaks and valleys of your scallop. This is a fun flower to use on cards and layouts.

I also used my epiphany round to make the 3 buttons across the top of the card. This is such a fun tool to use because you can make a fun button from the paper that you are using so everything matches really well. You can find these Epiphany tools in the store and they are fun to use on lots of different projects.

Thanks, Debbie! Please stop into the store to see this sample up close! And you can also check out Becky's step by step tutorial from July for the yo-yo flower here!

See you back tomorrow for our last project with Michelle!
Andi

Page's Design Team Call

2011-08-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ruffled Flower Tutorial! Finally!

2011-08-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Tutorial Thursday! Yay! I know that many of you have been waiting for Debbie's Ruffled Flower tutorial and I'm so happy to say that we finally have it for you! Here you go!

For my handmade embellishment I decided that I wanted to do flower made from pleated/ruffled ribbon, however, I was at a crop and didn't have any ruffled ribbon with me. I decided that I could make my own.

I took some ribbon and used a needle with some thread and did a running stitch - and then gathered up the ribbon.

I then cut a circle from some Be Creative® Tape Sheets and started on the outside edge of the circle and wound the ribbon around until I reached the center.

I added a drop of glue at the center before pressing down the end of the ribbon to makesure that it took hold.

I hope that you enjoy it and will give it a try and make your own.

Thanks, Debbie! This is a great tutorial since ribbon and fabric flowers are super hot right now! Just think, you could use this embellishment on a page or card, or go outside the papercrafting box and create a brooch or hair accessory!

We'll be back tomorrow with the OPEN DESIGN TEAM CALL!!!!! So excited!
Andi

Wednesday "Wow" with Michelle!

2011-08-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday!

(NOTE - this post was scheduled for 6:02 this morning but didn't actually post! Grrr -Sorry for the delay!)

I hope everyone is getting over the middle of the week blues... only a few more days till the weekend! And then the weekend after that is a L-O-N-G weekend! I'm hoping to get some serious cutting, gluing and creating in! Anyways - back to the DT projects! Let's take a look at Michelle's seriously cute card!

Isn't that flower cute? And it's pretty easy to make! Here, take a closer look!

Michelle had Doodlebug paper, which had a birthday feel but I think that her card could be for any occasion!

Thanks, Michelle!

We'll see everyone back here tomorrow for another DT project and Friday I'll be posting the next term DT Call!!!
Andi

Let's welcome back Debbie!

2011-08-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today we're going to share another project that Debbie created! Debbie was a total over-achiever this month and created more than 1 handmade embellishment - let's take a look!

Debbie had American Craft's "Confetti" line. I love all of the different layers, and the mint green and orange combo!

And can you see Debbie's other handmade embellishment? Yep! The crocheted flowers! Aren't they adorable! I really wish I could crochet when I see cute projects like this!

Thanks Debbie!

We'll be back tomorrow with another project from Michelle!
See you then!
Andi

Monday with Michelle

2011-08-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello!

First off, I am so sorry about the delay in posts! I worked on Debbie's tutorial for the ribbon flowers last week but Blogger was not cooperative! Now I'm having problems getting the photos for the tutorial to load! I promise to get you the tutorial as soon as possible, but for now, thank you for your patience! I love and loathe technology! I love it when it's working properly (or when I know how to work it), and loathe it when it doesn't (or when I don't know how to use it!).

Okay, so let's take a look at one of the projects from Design Team member, Michelle!

Michelle designed a 12"x12" layout around her nephews birthday party - which this perfect for Doodle Bugs "Birthday Boy" paper line! Michelle used Sketch #159 from Creativescrappers.blogspot.com. Michelle emphasized the designs on the paper by hand cutting some of the balloons from the patterned paper, which she then tied with wired cord for the strings. I also really like how she used the wired cord and wrapped it around her brackets - they really "pop" with it the extra dimension!

I love how she cut out a party hat from the paper and popped it up on her nephews head! Super cute!

Thanks so much, Michelle!

We'll be back tomorrow with more DT inspiration - I PROMISE!
Andi

Debbie's Layout

2011-08-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Today we're going to be looking at a two-page layout that Debbie made for her Design Team project. She made a handmade embellishment for the layout that she'll be sharing a tutorial for tomorrow. Let's take a look!

Debbie had American Craft's birthday paper for her kits, aren't the vibrant colors great? I love the minty green/blue with the orange - they really pop together. Her pages are mirrored images of each other and I love how she wove the ribbon through her punched border at the bottom of her pages.

Did you guess what the tutorial will be on tomorrow? Yep, Debbie's going to share how she made this great ribbon flower! These are super popular right now, and the best part is that she didn't use ruffled ribbon, but a regular satin ribbon!

We'll see you tomorrow - have your needle, thread, ribbon and glue (or gluber) ready for some action!
Andi

Monday Morning Making's!

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I hope that everyone had a great weekend! Maybe you got some cardmaking done... or some pages... or a mini-album that showcases your fun times this summer... or did you get a chance to try any of the tutorial's that we've shared over the past few months? Well, what ever you did, I hope that you're ready for more inspiration - with Debbie!

Debbie went crazy with this months kit, she created so many different projects that we'll be "oohhhhing" and "aahhhing" for some time! Let's get started with a card that she created

This is a card that I made with my kit. It was fun to make a ruffle across the bottom. I used my scorer and starting scoring at 1", then 1/2", then 1" again and followed that pattern throughout. I then folded it and put glue dots at the top where it overlapped to hold it in place. I then cut a very narrow strip of paper and weaved it through a trim that I had and inked with holes in it to adhere across the top.

Thanks, Debbie!

We'll be back tomorrow with a great 2 page layout from Debbie!

Have a great Monday!
Andi

WE'RE SHOPPIN',HOPPIN' AND CROPPIN' - NEW YORK CITY STYLE

2011-08-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

We are in full croppin' mode here at Pages this weekend. We are winding down the Shop Hop with a 3-day Crop Extravaganza full of fun, food and friends - all New York style! New York City foods are being served too - deli sandwiches, bagels, hot dogs and more! Saturday night even includes a FREE (yep, I said "free") Spa treatment for those of you stopping in and/or attending the crop ( from 5:30pm to 10pm).

Christina's Flower Tutorial

2011-08-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that this didn't get posted yesterday, but I think it's a great way to end the week and an even better way to start the weekend! You'll definitely want to grab the supplies that Christina listed and make a few of these!

Here we go! Take a look at what we'll be learning about today! I just love these flowers!

And here's Christina!

So I'm sure by now you've all seen that there are so many ways to create a huge variety of paper flowers. Below, I will explain how to make my most favorite kind, which I love because it is three-dimensional and has a very real look to it! I called them 3-D Tattered Heart Flowers!

First, you need to cut out a bunch of hearts in 4 sizes. They can be all the same paper or a combination of different ones, but they should be double-sided cardstock to get the best looking results. I used paper from the Authentique "Uncommon" line. I cut 3 small, 4 medium, 5 large, and 6 extra-large hearts for each flower. Of course you can do it with a little less or more, but this amount gives a nice fullness without needing a longer brad which may be difficult to find. For those of you with a cricut, it is probably easy to get these all cut out quickly. I don't have one, but luckily I had an old Sizzix die that had 4 sizes on it.

Next, hole punch them all at the bottom and stack them all in size order, the smallest ones on top. Put a brad through the entire stack, which is pretty thick, so make sure you don't use one of the shorter brads.

Spread out all the hearts like a fan all the way around the brad. At this point, it already looks like a cute flower that can be used on a variety of projects! You can even curl each of the "petals" backwards with a pencil to give it dimension and use it that way. But if you want to create the tattered flowers I made, read on!

Spray the flower with water (a mini-mister is great for this!). This makes the cardstock more pliable and also helps it hold its shape once it dries. Then take each heart and "scrunch" it towards the center. Doing this gives it a distressed look.

Continue to curl up and scrunch each of the petals until it's all done. Continue to spray water on each layer as needed (don't make it dripping wet). Make sure to smush up each petal separately. At the end, don't be afraid to even take the entire thing and crumple it in your hand! The more wrinkles it has in the paper, the more fabulous it looks since you can shape it better.

Lastlly, mold each of the petals just how you want. That's the beauty of these 3-D flowers, you can manipulate the petals in just the right position! Then let them air dry or use a heat gun for quicker results. They are fairly sturdy if you use good cardstock. Add them to any papercrafting project - you can even use them as a broach or on a headband!! I hope you like these flowers as much as I do =)

Thank you so much, Christina! I'm definitely going to try these this weekend and show you guys what I create next week! I hope that you have fun giving these a whirl!

Have a great weekend and we'll be back next week with Debbie and Michelle's projects!
Andi

Christina's Turn

2011-08-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today is Christina's turn to show her project and her handmade embellishment! You're going to love it and the tutorial is great! I can't wait to give it a shot! Here, take a look!

Here's what Christina had to say.

I had the opportunity this month to create a project using the beautiful pink/cream/gray line called "Uncommon". It is from one of the newest paper companies - Authentique - that is headed up by someone you may recognize, Margie Romney-Aslett. This paper line is a nice thick, lightly textured two-sided cardstock that feels somewhat like water color paper. I used the paper called "Gifted" for the background, and "Distinct" for the matte. The paper stamps is from paper called "Rare" and the doodl-ish gray heart border of words is a sizzix die cut from the back of the "Gifted" paper. The pink strip behind the picture is from the "Foundations" set, which is two 12x12 papers connected together that are basically the solids of the line, though they have some faint print as well. Come see the Authentique line for yourself - there are several varieties and they have great embellishments! I'm sure you will fall in love with them all!

This layout is fantastic. I love the colors, the flowers, the stamps! Thanks, Christina!

Check back in tomorrow to see how Christina made those awesome flowers - you will be impressed and you'll totally want to grab your supplies and make a few yourself.

Have a great day!

Andi

Glitter Embellishment Tutorial!

2011-08-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Again!

I'm back today to share my tutorial on how to create a glitter covered embellishment that has NO drying time and NO glue! You don't believe me? Then take a look!

Here's the embellishment that I have on my DT sample.

You'll need a Xyron "X" (or any Xyron adhesive machine); you'll need the permanent adhesive cartridge for it. You'll also need a clear glitter, the finer you go the better you'll be able to see your image underneath. You'll need a die cut or a a saying (I used one from the Authentique Die Cut sheet) and a TidyTray (or paper plate).

Take your die cut image and put it in your Xyron "X", FACE DOWN!!!

Pull it through and tear it off. Then rub down on and around your die cut. If you let if sit for about 1 minute after rubbing it you'll get a better and cleaner adhesive.

Remove both the clear sheet and then remove the die cut from the wax coated sheet.

Place your die cut onto your Tidy Tray and sprinkle with glitter. Press down on glitter and rub so that the excess comes off your die cut. Rub your fingers around the edges so that your die cut is clean. Now enjoy your glittery, clean and dry glittered embellishment!

That's it for me today! I'll be back tomorrow to share a project from Christina!

See you then! And don't forget to submit your challenge project! Remember, bragging rights and a goody bag! You can't go wrong with that!!!
Andi

It's that time already! More Design Team projects!!!

2011-08-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hello hello!

It's Design Team reveal time again! Can you believe it? Can you believe that it's also August? That's a shocker for me, I feel like summer just started and I'm already thinking about fall projects that I want to make with the fun new paper that is arriving at Page's daily from CHA!

Okay, onto today's reveal! I'm going to start off this week with my project, which is made from the new and beautiful Authentique paper!

(Splendid)

(Uncommon)

(Blissful)

I had Splendid to work with, I love the vintage, shabby chic feel of the paper. It's a heavy weight cardstock, which is so nice because it made my project feel really sturdy without using chipboard for my pages. Let's take a look at what I created!

I created this pretty little desk album that I adore! It's so pretty, so girly... and it was so much fun to create! Using the Authentique paper was like having permission to make the prettiest project that I could think of! Take a look at some of the details from the book.

Please stop into Page's to take a good look at the book and see all the different pages.

This month we'll be sharing our projects that have handmade embellishments and, along with our projects, we'll be sharing tutorials on how you can create the same embellishments. I'll be back tomorrow to share a tutorial on how to make the crystal/glitter coated embellishments (pictured above).

Remember to check out the Page's Challenge - you'll be glad that you did!

See you tomorrow!
Andi

Make a change with Lifestyle!

2011-08-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

LIFESTYLE CRAFTS(formerly known as Quickutz), is coming to our store on Friday, August 5th to show us some of the latest and greatest products and to do a FREE make n' take. Join us from 6 to 8 pm to participate! (Remember to come a little early because parking may be limited with the Friday night Street Fair.) There will be some prizes too!

Page's Challenge

2011-08-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I hope that everyone has started hopping from shop to shop and is finding all sorts of great inspiration! I'm sure Page's will have you singing "New York, New York" for the next few weeks after you get your picture taken with the Statue of Liberty crown and the fantastic backdrop!

Okay, now let's get onto the Page's Challenge! I think that it's a totally appropriate and even (gasp) easy challenge... which is... well, take a look at some of our projects and see if you can figure it out for yourself!

Here are 2 single page layouts from... wait for it... Mary Jo! Yes, I asked Mary Jo and Kathy to participate in this months Design Team Challenge Samples.

I love the titles, I believe that MJ cut them out using the Cricut. The signs and the RV are great and really add some pop to the pages!

Here's an envelope mini-album that I created after a trip to the beach that I took after a morning of Shop Hopping!

I used 9"x6" Manila envelopes and a few tags, I wanted an option to store journaling or extra pictures in the envelope. I used mostly paper with some twine (shocker, I know) and buttons. I really wanted the pictures to stand out and the paper just helped give me the fun feelings that we had that afternoon.

I created 4 pages for the August Page Maps class that happened to coincide with the challenge theme. I used WeR's Travellite paper line which is super cool and retro and a whole lot of fun.

Here's one page that I created the fun paper and a luggage tag and a stamp from the collection.

Here's my double layout that is my favorite - I love the luggage tags, I couldn't use them enough! I also used Glimmer mist to help give the blue paper a more vintage feel and it turned out exactly how I imagined it would.

Here's a close up of another page with more luggage tags, except I used the luggage tags instead of paper to keep the flow of the page. All of these pages have picture of my son's first train trip, which was perfect for the paper line! But don't feel limited with this paper line, they're all about every type of transportation - planes, trains and automobiles!

So that's out inspiration! If you haven't figured it out, the theme is travel/vacation! Please create any style of project with a travel/vacation theme and email me a picture of it and any relevant information about your project to me by midnight, August 9th. We really really really want to see what you, our readers, create so please show us what you can do! We are so excited about all of our challenges and hope to inspire you to work on your own projects and have a chance to win some goodies from Pages and notoriety! There's no bad side to the challenges!

Please email Andi with your projects at ayokleyjessup@gmail.com.

Thanks so much! Hope you all have fun unpacking your supplies and creating!
Andi

SRM IS COMING TO OUR STORE!!!

2011-07-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

A very special event is about to take place this Friday,July 29th! BE ONE OF THE FIRST 50 CUSTOMERS to stop by from 7pm to 9pm and receive the opportunity to make a special project provided by SRM Press for absolutely FREE! (hint: you may be making a totally "tubular goodie" or just having a "WAND-erful" time). Don't miss this kick-off to Shop Hop 2011. Bring your friends( just for grown-ups this time).

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL CUSTOMERS!

Tutorial Tuesday

2011-07-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Well, we're back today with the baker's twine God's Eye tutorial! You don't need a whole lot, just a piece of cardstock, a scallop circle punch, tape or glue and bakers twine! That's it!

I use a 2 inch, scallop circle punch from Fiskars. You can use a scallop (Flower) die as well.

Punch out 1 scallop circle from your cardstock.

Ink the edges and cut about 2 yards of bakers twine for a 2 inch circle. You'll need more or less bakers twine depending on the size of your circle.

Tape 1 end of your baker's twine to the backside of your circle. I use Scotch Tape.

Start wrapping your twine in the "valleys" of each scallop. I typically skip 3-4 valleys before I wrap the twine into the next valley.

You'll continue this process, going from 1 valley to the next.

Make sure not to skip any, otherwise you'll get to the end and have to go back.

Do this on the whole circle. You'll know you're done when you start to overlap previous valleys.

Here it is! Simple simple! You can add a smaller circle of patterned paper in the center or a button...

You can add some dimension by popping it up too.

See how easy this was? And you can do all different sizes - as long as you have a scalloped circle or scalloped square, you can get totally wrapped up in this project!

Hope you have fun giving this fun technique a try!

Well, that's it for our Design Team projects! A big thank you for all of our DT members!

Remember to check back in later this week for the the next Page's Peeps Challenge!
Andi

I "baked" this tree up!

2011-07-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

Well, the tree isn't really baked up but I sure used my fair share of bakers twine to decorate the tree! If you remember the table banner that I created, then you'll probably remember all of the baker's twine/God's Eye's that I used! Well, I took the same idea/theme and made a little party centerpiece from a tree that I found in a $1 bin! Here's the end result!

There are 8 "God's Eyes" total on the tree. I also rolled flowers from the same paper and glued those to the branches as well.

The pot that holds the tree was a boring green so I cut strips of paper from WeR's Fiesta line and covered it, strip.by.strip. That was a little tedious but I love the way it looks. I also took an "Ole" sticker from WeR's sticker sheet, backed it in cream and popped it up on the side of the pot. A little bit of bakers twine finished it off!

Here's a few more close-ups

I punched the scallop circle punch from cream solid then wrapped the bakers twine around it using the "valleys". I then punched a smaller circle from different Fiesta paper and popped it up in the center. Each one of these are double sided, so I made two of the baker's twine God's eyes and then used pop-up take to adhere them together, back-to-back, and used a little piece of baker's twine to add a hanger to these could hang from the tree.

And that's that! I'll be back tomorrow with a tutorial on exactly how to make the baker's twine God's eyes! They're so simple, you'll be running out to Page's to buy 50 yards of twine in every color (and they have some seriously fun colors!).

I hope that you all had a great weekend!
Andi

MORE CLASSES

2011-07-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are 3 more great classes coming up at Pages!

A Slice of Summer - Summer has finally arrived! Here at Pages, I took our blog challenge handed out by our Design Team Leader, Andi, and put together a little class featuring a "grid". This two-page layout features plenty of space for those "hot" pictures and room to show off some summer time fun.
This is a morning AND evening class! (Limited to 12 people)

Teacher – MaryJo Cost $22.00
Thursday, July 28th 10:30am – 12:30am & 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Iris Folding Cards - Iris Folding is a Dutch Art layering colored folded paper strips by number onto a spiral pattern to create a design. The finished result resembles the iris of an eye or an old style camera. When you have completed the 4 cards, i.e. a commercial kite, custom ice cream, custom cupcake, and commercial pinwheel, you will definitely have the WOW factor at what you created.
Teacher – Bessie Cost $25.00
Sunday, July 31st 12:30pm – 3:30pm

All That Glitters 7 – Ming is back with more glittery goodness tonight. I’m sure there will be new techniques and new product to share. Her classes are extremely popular so don’t miss out!!
Teacher – Ming Cost $38.00
Tuesday, August 2nd 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Upcoming Classes

2011-07-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

We have some really terrific classes coming up in August! Here are just a few!!

Magic of Oz Mini-Album - Click your heels and head on over to Page's to create a fun mini-album using Graphic45's latest line - "The Magic of Oz". We'll transport you to the Emerald City where you'll meet your favorite characters, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow... and we can't forget Dorothy! We'll be using punches, stickles, the Bind-it-All, stamps and it will all be sandwiched in a REAL book!

Teacher – Andi Cost $35.00
Sunday, August 7th 1:00pm – 3:30pmish

Bask in the Sun - Cruising in the Bahamas, basking in the sun on white sand beaches by turquoise water, enjoying traveling during the warm summer months..that's what this 6x12 mini book featuring “Authentique” papers is all about! This mini is filled with all kinds of details -- you'll receive two die cut cardstock sheets from “Authentique” PLUS a full word sticker sheet to create custom journaling in the book. Plus all the buttons, trims, and inks Jennifer Priest is known to include in her classes. We'll also create a custom gate fold style binding using the Bind It All machine in class--start with a pile of chipboard, tags, file folders, and paper and leave with a completed book.

Teacher – Jennifer Priest Cost $38
Saturday, August 20th 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Random Creative - Time to PREPARE FOR A BIG creative wonderful mess with Stephanie Ackerman
Class description - Join me in a my RANDOM CREATIVE: Tags & Stamps workshop where we will make a big creative mess by taking a little time to create “Affirmation & Inspiration” large 4” x 8” manila tags. Be ready to get your fingers messy with paint & Mod Podge then create little paper masterpieces with canvas, felt, paper and stamps. We will finish them off by adding our favorite quotes and affirmations..oh, and…learn a little doodling at the same time! p.s…did I mention Chocolate Chip Cookies?? I look forward to seeing you soon!

Teacher – Stephanie Ackerman Cost $38.00
Sunday, August 21st 10:30am – 1:00pm

August is jam-packed with awesome classes. Stop back tomorrow and I'll show you a few more!!

1st Place for Michelle!

2011-07-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope that everyone has loads of papercrafts on their "To-Do" list this weekend! I know I do, Sunday I'm hoping to get my workspace super organized so that I CAN create! If you're in need of new paper for your papercrafts, Page's has Authentique - the newest, hottest paper line that you cannot find anywhere else! - so go on into the store and see how much you love it!

Okay, so let's finish off this week with a great banner that will be sure to put you in 1st place with whomever you make it for! Take a look!

•Blue Ribbon Birthday Banner - I’ve seen a lot of triangular pendant banners of late and wanted to try a banner in a different shape.

I saw a blue ribbon project on Crate Paper’s blog, which I’ve listed under Websites. I decided to use that shape as the individual flags. Instead of spelling out Happy Birthday or the child’s name, I put a picture of each year of the child’s life so it documented their growth.

This has a layer of folded strips which is the bow, an accordion rosette, a top layer of photos and embellishment and a bottom layer of ribbons.

Thanks, Michelle! This is such a great and creative way to use paper and create a completely original banner that is special to the person that you're celebrating! This would be great in a sports or activities theme too!

That's it for us this week, check back next week, it's my last project that I'm sharing and a tutorial to boot! Then, next weekend we'll be announcing the next Page's Blog Challenge - we hope that you'll share your work with us and possibly be a winner of a great goodie bag from Page's!

Hope your weekend is fantastic!
Andi

Tutorial Thursday!

2011-07-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

The weekends getting close... I think you'll want to read Christina's tutorial on making "Spinners" so that you can create tons of projects with them! They're really cool and once you start thinking about it, I'm sure you'll come up with a ton of projects to use them with!

Here's the spinner again.

And here's Christina!

You can't have your guests go home empty handed, so I created a party favor that is a small box of jelly bellies! The box was simple - it was a Sizzix Bigz die called "Box, Shaker" that is one piece already scored for you. The only thing you need is to adhere a small piece of acetate to the opening so whatever you decide to fill it with doesn't fall out. Decorate as you like, just don't forget to fill the box before you completely put it together!

I thought I would create my own embellishment to add to the box top with a few fun phrases. I'm not sure of the actual term for it, but I call it a spinner window LOL! I created it in a very basic manner as described here:

I happened to have a 2 3/4 inch circle punch which fit the box top perfectly. (Of course you can use any size circle you want.) You need to cut out 2 circles for the embellishment. One circle will be the "top" one with the window and the other will be the backing with the things that will show through the window.

I cut out a 3rd circle and labeled it "template". For my embellishment, I wanted it to show 4 different phrases so I folded the template into fourths, like pie slices (you can do as many as you want, but they must be equal size). Then I roughly drew the window just a little smaller than one of the pie-shaped quadrants. DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY TO THE CENTER because it will not stay together!

I cut out that window from my template and used that to cut out the window from the brown circle that I wanted for my spinner. You also need to punch a small hole right in the center of your window and your backing piece.

On my backing piece, I lightly marked where it would be divided in fourths. (Thought it is not shown here, I used my folded template for this.) Then I laid my window piece on top of it and wrote my phrases in. Since it was a party favor, I wrote "Great seeing you", "Thanks for coming", "Hope you had fun", and "Let's do it again"

Lastly, put a brad or even an eyelet through the center and you're done. Decorate as you like. Adhere it to a party favor, a card, or a gift and take it for a spin! You can even use it to show several pictures or details to a party (i.e. What, When, Where, RSVP).

Thanks, Christina for this fun and great idea!

We'll see everyone back here tomorrow for one of Michelle's projects!!!
Andi