I LOVE GRAPHIC 45 PAPER!

So as it goes here in the North East we have snow again. We have been very lucky and missed most of it. But last night it hit with a bang. As I was watching Pat out the window plowing, I turned to my left and there in my paper stacks was a pretty paper sticking out from Graphic 45. And oh the thoughts that went from one side of my snow filled brain to the other. Then it hit me, lets make a little wearable from this pretty paper and so I did. I went to my trusty stack of washers and pulled out the perfect size for the clock that I had my eye on in the center of the paper. It all was down hill from there. I punched, cut, burnished, glued, dried and finished off with a layer or two of Diamond Glaze. And there you go, this pretty paper will be around my neck or should I say around Morgans because she already has her eye on it.

So that is part of my paper mission this year. Add all of these beautiful papers into my everyday life. I love creating new and fun projects like this, don't you!

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WHOOOO LOVES YOU LIKE I DO CARD

Well Noah is home sick today so I finally got this cute little owl finished. I love owls but I didn't have a big enough one for this 6 x 6 card so I made my own from this and that. This was so easy. For instance, the feet, beak and ears are all made from a heart punch. The red scalloped area behind the main part of the body was made from two oval scalloped punches. The eyes are just various size layered punches and all edged with ink pad. For the white ruffle ares along bottom, that is a piece of crate paper(streamers) taped with double side tape and folded back and forth. The little frame stands out with foam dots and I think it all goes together pretty well.

So what do you think? I think you could change from these beautiful Cosmo Cricket papers to any other color line to make this card fit for so many occasions. Just change the wording and you are all set. A little layered paper can go a long way!

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Getting Ready for The Big Sweet 16 Is A Full Time Job!

Well the race is on. Morgan is having a big 16th Birthday Party here this spring. We are both so excited. She is my oldest and only girl so we need to make it so beautiful for her. I started these pinwheels. They are so easy to make and what a great way to pull all of the the colors together. And lets face it, I have plenty of paper to make 1000 of these puppy's. Now these start out as a 6 x 6 square of paper. I am also working on 12 x 12 to hang along the banner. Mo and I already have a enormous folder of ideas from food to decorations and it is oh so exciting!

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OWED TO THE QUEEN OF PINK...HEIDI SWAPP!

Well I was watching some of the awesome video's from CHA Winter 2010. I got to one with the new Heidi Swapp products. They showed a little set of three frames that she had used as the base for a project with her Tattered Angels. I thought, hey wait a minute, I just picked up a set of those frames myself a couple of weeks ago. So I made my own version of 3 for above my closet door. I started out with the Amy Butler line Specialty Papers from K & Co. I really liked the pink and brown with the black frames.

The background paper is under the glass while the rest is affixed to the glass with a little liquid glass. The background paper is matching in the two end ones with the same pattern in the center flower one just different color.

As far as the butterfly one, I wanted to make it look like they where migrating their way over the frame. I only glued them on the centers. The butterflies as well as the other papers are all highlighted with brown ink along the edges.

The bird was landing on a branch and then I remembered I had a fence die so I punched it out of chipboard and used Tim Holtz-Distress Crackle Paint to make it look like a old country fence. I added a little clear Stickles to give it a bit of bling. And finished off with a butterfly in the matching papers to the bottom flower from the center frame.

So....What do you think? I am so happy the way they turned out. Of course my husband looked at them and said he liked them but... I knew that but means...Why are they on the outside of the glass? I promptly said...Well if Heidi Swapp can do it, so can I!

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Birds of a Feather Celebrate Birthday's Together

So here is some inspiration for everyone today. I have been trying to build up some special cards for the upcoming birthdays of 2010. I can't stand when I am walking out the door and there is no handmade card in hand. See it is my own fault. I have been making cards along with many other projects for so long that people come to expect it and I think that I should live up to that expectation don't you.

This one is more for a adult. The picture doesn't totally show the shine to this card. On much of the black on the bird I layered the liquid glass to give some more dimension to it. I love the combo of colors. I make a bunch of bright happy colors for many of my birthday cards but it is nice sometimes to have a stronger more masculine set of colors. I also rolled the edges of the double sided paper flowers so they gave a pop out look. Also on the flowers, which you really can't tell in the picture, I used the liquid glass on the tan areas. It pulls the eye over the front of the card while leaving the bird the dominate feature. I hope you all enjoy it and make it a great Tuesday!

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This is for sure a girl holiday. The great day of love many refer to as Valentine's Day is truly just a excuse for us to use PINK. I love pink and all of the fun that goes along with it. Here is my daily dose of pink for this time of year. And here is how I made it....

• Start with a 5 x 5 base card(5x10 before folded)
• 4 Similar papers that are 2 1/4 x 2 1/4
• Edge them each with Metallic Gold and round one corner
• Layered nesting hearts on chipboard and more Metallic on edges
• Tape runner embellishment to card and add words

As far as the letters I used for love. They are foam stickers that where black but I wanted them to blend in a little more to the color scheme. So out came my trusty paints and everything matches beautifully!

Now as far as this little toss in. It was 2:00pm eastern time and the house was VERY, VERY FREE OF SOUND. This is not normal when all four of them are home from school. So I looked around downstairs and there was no one. I made my way up stairs and still no sounds. Until I opened our bedroom door and all of my little friends, along with their pillows, where watching a movie together. WOW this is the kind of stuff pictures are made of. So I grabbed the camera to mark this moment in history. And this is what I am thankful for today!

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WHAT'S NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR?

Oh how I LOVE PAPER! I know, I know, it is not real and I am not supposed to love it. But don't hate me but I do. So I am looking to bring these papers into every corner of my life and give you all ideas on how to do the same.

I made these for some of the gals in my life for Christmas. In fact once I started, I just couldn't stop. They are made with some of the vintage papers that I carry at Brambleberry Lane. I have many that are made and ready to be ordered. There is a fabulous one made from a vintage book that my daughter picked up for me at a antique store.

Then there is the music one that my parents ran into some old music sheets down south last winter.

Then there is the big bangle that I made out of some great 7 Gypsies paper I had in my stash of fun. They are all top coated so they can be worn for any fun and funky event. I will list the pictures of the ones I made for my sister and her girls once I get pictures. The black origami paper that I used for hers is FABULOUS.

Next are my many Fleur de Li's sticker sets in many fun and bright colors. I am chomping my way from one paper to another to find something for everyone!

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SCRATCH THAT............

OK, so I thought I ordered the little ones...but I was wrong. I got the big ones. So everyone of these little boxes on these TOTALLY AWESOME PRINTER TRAYS Measures 2 1/2 x 3 1/2. The total over all size is about 12 1/4 x 15 approx. That is with the handle on the top added in.

And how about this handle? What a great way to hang this printers tray. Now I am sure they could have just added one of those key whole cutouts on the back to hang it. But this really adds a lot to the look.

Now there are 12 rectangles in all for you to fill so isn't' that great. As you see I am playing with all of the fun things I can do. Playing with a Christmas theme right now. The great thing about my clear stamps, I can lay them out where I am thinking about using them before I even stamp with them. Plus I can try a bunch of different possibilities before I settle on what I would like to go with.

Now here are some quick ideas. There are 12 places so you could do a little calendar work. That would be so simple. Or you could change the theme with the seasons. Why not use poster putty to hold in your ATC's and little treasures instead of glue. That way you can use the same printers tray over and over to change when ever you feel like. Oh I know, here is a great one. How about hanging it in your home and filling it with your child's class picture and maybe a little memento every year. Or a graduation gift. So many things that you can do with this one. I am glad I messed up and ordered the big ones.

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HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PAPERS @ BRAMBLEBERRY LANE?

Hey there Mister Gingerbread Man! You could totally make a house (a gingerbread house) out of paper with this set. The fabulous papers from American Crafts featured in this set are all about the building of some great Christmas memories. I have a great little chipboard book and house that I am going to be working on over the next couple of weeks with this grouping. I am so excited about this set. And there are ***30*** sheets in the set!


WOW these are FABULOUS! This set is full of card stock, flocking and fun. Oh yes I did say flocking. The heads in the first picture are flocked. I know it is crazy but true. Not to mention all the other great papers in this set. You will totally love them!







Don't hate me because I love this paper. They are pretty and cute all at the same time. This set is full of whimsy. The colors are the perfect tones. The combination of traditional colors and the pinks never crosses that fine line of too much on one paper. Instead, they truly compliment each other. And yes there are ***24*** of them waiting for you @ Brambleberry Lane!

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DON'T YOU LOVE NEW PRODUCT?

Well here are some of the new products from 7 Gypsies that arrived here on the door step of Brambleberry Lane. Talk about instant inspiration. I have 4 new book cover sets. I have two shown here. They are a chipboard base so you can put holes in them and use with rings or you could always use ribbons or gaffer tape. The ideas will be endless. And talk about a beautiful start to a homemade Christmas gift. The covers are under $2.00 for a set. Now that is a great price!

How about the wonderful ATC punch that 7 Gypsies puts out. This is a must for anyone that creates ATC art for rounders. The perfect punch for them to hang just right.

And I think this great roll of gaffer tape speaks for it self. Plus the fact that the tape(sticky) is built right in. No adhesive is needed. Just cut and stick. You will love the red and cream combo. There are more of this one to come as well.

Then last but not least this great book cover set. I am loving this one so much. I am picturing the perfect little coffee table book of the families holiday season! Once again less them $2.00...wow!

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WITH PRODUCTS FROM BRAMBLEBERRY LANE!

First of Many Halloween Posts for October!

Hi all! So I am working on my fall rounder for my ATC's. Now I say fall because I want to fill it up with now to Turkey Day! I know you are wondering where the witch went that left her shoe. I added the liquid glass to the shoe. It gave a great patten leather look to the shoe. Then I added the great little pearl stickers to give the look of a real decorated shoe. Oh yeah, she is one stylin witchy woman!

You can really see the depth of the Liquid glass in this picture.

Well I hope this gives you a idea or two for the layering fun of ATC's/ACEO'S. You can not imagine how many things are out there that you can put together to make a fun little piece of art!

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THURSDAYS ATC/ACEO!

The snow is falling on this great little snow man. With the use of some great glass glitter and die cut snowflakes, you really get the feel for the upcoming season. It is all on a ATC/ACEO base card made from some lovely Amy Butler papers. I used some of my favorite bling sticker strips. The stars as the buttons are just cut apart stickers embellishments. The eyes, nose, mouth and stars on the brim of the hat are all sticker embellishments as well. And lets not forget the power of your computer for printing out words to add to your projects. If my stamps don't fit I often like to take advantage of the fonts from my computer. The arms(or should I say sticks) are just some random scraps of brown paper.

But I totally love the pearls dripping down from the top. They lend to the dimension and draw the eye down to the large snowflakes on the bottom. I love double duty for my creativity!

So get out your stash and start creating you scrapalious scrapbookers!

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WHO STOLE THE COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE JAR?

So these are the cookie holders I am making for the Christmas Season Cookie Swap. Any cookie will taste better in this container. What a simple project that make a big statement. And here is what you will need...

We Wish you a Merry Christmas paper set

A paint can unused or even a small box

Ribbon

Fibers

Trim w/ beads

This is so simple. Just cover the can with the paper. Take the ornament paper and cut out the shapes. Next assemble by layering them at different lengths of ribbon. After that I wrapped around the beaded ribbon and finished it off with a bit of white fibers to give it more of a dramatic look.

If you want to step it up you can add a crackle medium or some other time of Liquid glass to give it that old ornament feel. I added the Liquid glass to the dots and other areas and it turned out great.

This is another easy project that you don't have to spend a ton of money to create yet you are giving a really beautiful gift from the heart. Let me know how yours turns out!

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TRAVEL LOG FROM SUMMER STARTED

I have been working on a little travel log from our summer outings. Once a week a bunch of us got together and did fun things that the kids would enjoy. Well truth be told, we loved it as well. So many beautiful summer days spent in a park or on a beach. I love giving the kids these memories to build on. The base group was my mom, my sis and her girls and me and my 4. Then others came and went in out of the group as the weeks went on. I truly miss those fun gatherings of family but now we will have this mini album to look back upon it all.

I love these little spiral books with heavy ivory card stock on the inside to mount all of your fun memories to. Now I have been looking in other places and I have found some great sources for ribbon and binding. I love this green. It really goes with the Vintage look. I layered it with a clock and this lovely traveling lady. Between the compass and the letters it does have a old feeling.

Alright, I am back to work to fill the pages with fun and pretty pictures!

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HE MAY MELT IN THIS WEATHER!

So I am working on somethings for up coming classes I will be teaching. I love to teach and share techniques with people that have never seen them before. There are so many things that you can do with the supplies you all ready have. Many of us that have worked with paper for a very long time have a huge stash of paper and products to create with. So next time you go shopping just pick up a couple of additions or as I like to call them "BASE PRODUCTS" and work from there. For instance, I grabbed some crackle paint from Ranger the other day while out and I have had a ball with it. I love making my projects look old and worn. The crackle and some layers of ink that you already own can give that effect in no time. Not to mention the inking of ribbon. At the last class I taught I inked the ribbon and I thought this woman was going to fall over. She realized with just a couple of ribbons she had multiplied her options. With some ribbons they are very bright, by rubbing a bit of ink on them they become dull and blend in so well.

One of the things I learned when I first started out was the great effect layering. If you take the time to layer even one thing on your project it will add to the interest. This is shown here with the snowflakes as well as the word.

So see what you can ink and layer today. You will be very happy with your results!

p.s. Here is one of the new papers I am carrying in my shop. They are fun and double sided. But they are a limited set, so if you like them you better grab them before they are gone!

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"NEW" Vintage Turkey Decoration

So last year I really was very behind come holiday time. I pushed things off, and the great ideas in my mind never came about. So this year I am working over time to get some things created. I have also done a lot of decorating around our home. So I would like to add a little home dec to my seasonal decorating that I don't currently own. So if I don't own it, I must CREATE IT! So create I have been. Now I know that it is humid outside here in the Northeast. But my heart and mind have already turned to the upcoming season of AUTUMN. And then I ran into this really great little Vintage Turkey and it was time to make something. I made these to hang off the metal tie backs on my glass doors, in the family room, to the back yard. When ever people come into our home they gravitate to those doors to see the view of the water. So I know that it is a perfect place to hang something that I created because it will not be missed. I love making things and having them in places like the half bath. You know that someone is going to see them there for sure. I think people like to find something unexpected. I really think people get how much you care about your home when they find a little something like that.
Now as far as MR. TURKEY is concerned, so easy to make. I started by layering some chipboard with paper to give it strength. Then I layered one of my bingo cards from Brambleberry Lane. Then I stamped on some of the vintage music paper from my store, the words. Next, I handstamped a leaf and used some stickles to give it a bump up. The turkey I printed off line and stickled him up as well. Now I distressed it "all" with some brown ink. I added some great screw head brads and a fab fiber and that was it. Totally looks like a old deoration that I found at a antique store. I hope you all like this as well!

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New Amy Butler Paper Has Arrived

Love, Love, Love these new Amy Butler papers that have come the way of Brambleberry Lane. As always they are double sided and the colors are the perfect combination of vibrant and laid back. She always adds a few less busy sheets to her line and that thrills me. Sometimes you just need a plain old background that compliments the bright and fun patterns. And Amy Butler delivers as always. I have a bunch of the 6 x 6 packs in this great card stock. And it looks like the old sticker queen is itching to turn some of these papers into a new group of stickers, so stay tuned for that!
You can also tune in this week for some great new sticker/ seals for the holiday season. Some of our favorite paper companies have sent me some GREAT papers and what else is a girl to do but turn them into stickers! Oh and I have been playing with the new ATC/ACEO Embellishment set. I have everything from tiny pointing fingers to buttons to base cards and I think your going to like it.
Alrighty, time to get to creative fun here at Brambleberry Lane and I will check in with you all again soon!

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THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE IS DONE!

This has been on my mind to show you all some quick and easy projects for the holidays that you will have for many years to come. I picked up these house shaped boxes a while ago. They have been bothering me on how I was going to decorate them. I really wanted to do a Halloween house but I kept coming back to a sketch I did for the Christmas season. So I will have to do a Halloween one next because here is the Christmas one. This started with the old sheet music I sell on my site. I can make a list for a month of Sundays on what I want to use this paper for. It already has the aged look that we all try so hard to recreate.

Next, with a 1" circle punch and brown ink, I created the roof. I love the layered look. The windows are just layered paper to make the look of shutters. And as far as the wreaths are concerned. The large on on the roof area, I cut a 2" circle. I then took a leaf punch and with just the tip of the punch made the lace look on the outside of the wreath. On the inside a used a whole punch and did a random pattern to once again give the look of greens. Then I added the ribbon and a brad for the front door. Add a little ink here and there and you have a cute little Christmas house to give a gift in or use for decoration this holiday season!

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