After the monstrous haul of last week, this post is going to be very brief. I put myself on a crafting supply ban until June. I have a miles long wish list for the new Stampin' Up catalog. I know I won't buy all the things on my list, but I do intend on putting in a larger order for June to get some build my cardstock supply and snap up a few new stamp sets. This week's acquisitions were two FB PL Swap and Shop buys. I grabbed 1/3 pack of WRMK Bloom. The combination of gray, saffron, and pink makes me happy. I'm glad a got a small pack to sprinkle into my spreads.
Fan Fair Thank You Cards
Another fun sketch from Pinterest. After looking through my stack of retired DSP, I pulled the Fan Fair pack because of the softer colors. I've been gravitating to the bright bold colors lately, but wanted to change it up for this card.
My Interpretation: Lots and lots of patterns to play with here. I started punching out the circles and quickly realized that I wouldn't be able to fit five circles across the card. So, I decided to modify the design just a bit to fit five circles.
Supplies
- Stamps: Fiskars Simple Stick Thank You set
- Inks: Riding Hood Red (retired)
- Cardstock: Fan Fair DSP (retired)
Project Life 2014 W17-18
Week 17
A simple week of documenting Arthur's new found mobility. I have a ton of pictures of him crawling everywhere, especially where he shouldn't (i.e. hallway).
I pulled out my partial Kiwi kit and fell in love with the bright colors. I decided to pick a few colors to focus on instead of a mish-mash of cards. I ended up pulling black, pink, and blue cards. I added a few journal tags to fill some of the pictures. I also added a random button flair that has been hanging out in the bottom of my PL box. In the end, I felt that the week card was too plain. Thankfully I had some silver glitter tape and a cute sentiment stamp. Lastly, I added the "Currently" card as an afterthought. I have a few of her cards and a "currently" stamp to make my own. Figured I should start using them sometimes.
Supplies:
- PL Kiwi
- Chic Tags Speech Bubbles
- Heidi Swapp stams
- "Currently" Card from rukristin Papercrafts
- Michael's stamp
- Glitter Tape (Target One Spot)
Week 18
I ended up having too many pictures to fill a regular spread. Try as I might, I couldn't par it down to a regular spread. So, I added two separate inserts (design G and H) to highlight two big events of the week: Arthur's photo shoot and Lynn's Sprinkle.
Again, I relied on Kiwi to fill my spots. Each page highlights one color from the Kiwi kit. I chose yellow/orange for the first page to pull out the oranges and the sunlight from the pictures. The last page has a lone pink card, but it pulls nicely from the red check blanket. The photo shoot insert is all blue. The green of the sprinkle insert highlights the green grass from the park. As for embellishments, I added some alphas, stamps, and journaling tags, but left most of the photographs alone. My favorite part of this week's spread is my little "addition" to the picture on the second page, top right. See it? I can't believe I got the placement just right. And it's the right size. Love it!
Supplies:
- PL Kiwi
- Colorbok alphas
- Chic Tags Journaling Tags
- Recolletctions stamps
New Discoveries #2: SU's Paper Pumpkin Kits
I'll admit it: I was not a fan of the paper pumpkin kits when SU debuted them last year. I thought "Why would I want such a limiting kit?" But since then, I have realized their value in the paper crafting world. Some people want all-in-one kits. Some people have only a few minutes to craft and would like to spend it on crafting instead of searching for supplies. Some people doubt their ability to think up their own designs (even though they are probably highly creative people). Paper Pumpkin kits are a great way to move behind these issues and get to crafting. Everything you need comes in the box. You have the option of following the example or striking out on your own. The choice is yours. This is a stress-free crafting kit.
I received a sample kit with my demonstrator starter order. I thought I would share it with you today.
Everything comes in this handy little box. Great for keeping your supplies together. And I can think of a million things to use it for afterwards.
Here's the inside:
This kit featured a bicycle themed greeting card kit. Each month varies in terms of the type of project. I've seen some 3D projects in past kits, but they seem to be overwhelmingly greeting cards.
Breakdown of supplies included (adhesive is not included):
- 4 Whisper White Envelopes
- 4 Precut and Prescored polka dotted card bases
- 2 Sheets of yellow honeycomb stickers
- 9 Triangle stickers
- 1 Bicycle Stamp
- 1 "Thank You" banner stamp
- 1 Bermuda Bay Stampin' Spot
- 1 Baked Brown Sugar Stampin' Spot
- Instruction sheet (below)
My completed projects
Card #1: I followed the example card exactly. Clean and simple.
Card #2: I decided to flip the card on the horizontal, but one bike seemed too plain. So I added a second bike and got creative with the "flags."
Card #3: Back to the vertical orientation. And I decided to play with repeating patterns. I made sure to stamp my bicycles off the card to give it a continuous look.
Card #4: Finally, I was left with three stripes of yellow stickers and two flags to use. This is what came out.
Highlights:
- Simple, easy to follow example designs and simple instruction sheets
- Everything is included -- Although my kit did not come with a clear block, SU is now including a special thinner clear block in your first kit.
- Only $19.95 a month plus tax (shipping is included)
- SU now offers prepaid 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions -- Perfect for gifts!
- Can skip a month or cancel anytime, no penalities
How to Order:
- Learn more at http://mypaperpumpkin.com
- Order a one month, three month, six month, or twelve month prepaid subscription here
- Be sure to use me, Tobe Buffenbarger, as your demonstrator
- Enjoy!
Essential Products #1: Cardstock
I'm starting a new feature on The Craft Sea today: highlighting essential products. Everyone who crafts has their go-to items. The essential supplies that I buy over and over again (or sometimes once if it is a tool). I certainly have my own essential products. I thought it would be a good idea to share those with readers. I'll talk about the products, why I love them, and how to use them. I might even do a bit of comparison with other products or brands other than what I use. So, let's dive in today with a huge essential product: Cardstock!
We all need paper, so let's discuss the different types and what I love to use. For this post, we are only going to talk about solid colored cardstock and not printed or patterned cardstock.
Product Description: Paper of course. Specifically, I'm talking about solid paper used for paper crafting (scrapbooking, greeting cards, 3D projects, etc).
Choices:
- Sizes -- Most paper stacks come in 12 x 12" or 8.5 x 11" options. You can also buy select stacks in 8 x 8", 6 x 6", and 4.5 x 6.5" options. I buy a variety of sizes for different products. 12 x 12" paper is great for traditional scrapbooking. 8.5 x 11" paper is perfect for cutting in half to use as greeting card bases. Other sizes can be used as great layering options or as traditional backgrounds for different size scrapbooks.
- Texture options -- Most regular cardstock out there is sold in a smooth state. This is perfect for stamping or writing. You can find cardstock with various textures. Some will have a combination with one side smooth and one side textured. This paper is nice as the textured side can be great for layering or accents, while the smooth side is perfect for stamping and writing.
- Core options -- You have two option when it comes to core. The paper can have a white core or the ink can be saturated throughout. White core paper is great for sanding techniques. If you want to create a jagged tear, solid core paper is probably your best bet.
- Weights -- Regular computer paper is usually 20lb weight. It's flimsy and not great for paper crafting. Recollections brand (sold at Michael's and other places) is mostly 65lb weight. They also do have select solid cardstock in 80lb weight. 65lb paper is great for stamping and layering. On it's own, 65lb weight paper won't stand up well. For card bases, I prefer to buy 80lb weight paper. Stampin' Up's basic cardstock is 80lb. You can find heavier cardstock in 100 and 110lb weights, but those tend to bulk up projects once you start layering.
- Color -- Each brand of cardstock will have it's own distinct color choices. I love using Stampin' Up's line as everything they make coordinates. I have found Recollections paper to have similar colors as SU, but there is a difference.
My Choice Brand(s): I mainly buy my paper from one of two sources. Specifically, I buy paper for different uses from these two sources.
- Stampin' Up -- Their basic cardstock is 80lb weight. Perfect for standing up on its own. You can feel the heft to this paper. I love their paper for consistent color between batches and heavy weight. I use SU paper for card bases and if I want to color coordinate my project.
- Recollections -- Most of their basic cardstock is 65lb weight. And it's much cheaper per package than SU. However, the lower weight does limit this paper to layering pieces. And it can be hard to color coordinate with my SU inks and markers.
Where to Buy:
- Stampin' Up -- SU paper can only be bought from SU through a demonstrator. You must choose a demonstrator (if you don't already have one) to complete an order. There is an option to not be contacted if you desire. If you are going to place an order, please use my name as a demonstrator: Tobe Buffenbarger Sunnyvale, CA
- Michael's -- You can now order online or continue to frequent their brick and mortar stores.
- Hobby Lobby
- Joann's
- Other craft stores
Floral District Pattern Play Banners
In attempting to find another easy design to make another twelve card from, I stumbled upon this great little sketch from Studio Calico. After debating a bit, I pulled out some more retired DSP, Floral District this time, and went to town cutting banners.
My card isn't exactly the sketch, but it is very similar. I simply cut banners 3 3/4", 3 1/2", 3 1/4", and 3" and started layering. The paper was too busy to put the sentiment on one of the banners so I opted to fill the empty space at the bottom of the card.
All told, I made twelve cards using three entire DSP sheets. I love the varying but coordinating colors. I think the complete set looks really nice together. Very fun and bright!
Supplies
- Stamps: Random Congrats stamp from Michaels
- Ink: Baja Breeze (retired)
- Cardstock: Floral District DSP (retired)
Sunday Haul #1
Warning: This post is incredibly long and picture heavy. I may have a bit of a crafting supply addiction...Every Sunday I will be highlighting the crafting products that I bought/received from the previous week. This first haul encompasses the craft purchases from the month of April and the first part of May.
Obligatory Michael's visit. I run in to get snail, and look at all the stuff I bought! (Not shown: Door prizes for my crafting open house a few weeks back). I grabbed a cute desktop organizer that fits some of my PL cards, snail, pack of Amy Tangerine designed cardstock (really good weight), and the Inspirational PL Theme Pack.
I also received two RAKs in the mail. I'm especially loving the alphabet stickers. Can never have too many of those.
I received my PL Rain partial that I ordered from the FB group. So pretty! Finally I have some cards with purple in them. And I finally picked up a partial Midnight kit.
This past month I became a Stampin' Up demonstrator. That also means that I had to order my starter kit. $125 worth of product for $99! I got my total down to having $0.25 left. I'd say that I spent my money wisely.
- Island Indigo Ink Pad -- How do I not own this ink pad yet? I have the marker and adore the color.
- Glue dots -- I use these a ton.
- Glue sticks -- Bought for classes and workshops.
- Embossing Buddy -- I have no idea where mine disappeared to...
- Polka Dot 8" x 8" Album -- Thinking about making this my Daily December album for this coming year.
- Green Dot 6" x 6" Album -- Not sure what to do with this one yet, but it was on clearance for a great price.
- Letters to Santa DSP -- Clearance and retired, but such a cute pattern that I couldn't resist.
- Epic Day This and That Stickers -- To go with the journal. I already own the washi tape.
- Blender Pens -- Been wanting these for awhile. Figured I should finally buy them.
- Basic Black Ink Pad -- My black ink pad is one of the old designs. I know they've reformulated the ink, so I thought it was time for a new one.
- 2013-2015 In Color DSP -- I really need to highlight these gorgeous colors more.
I also put in my April club order to snap up some retiring items. All the items from my April club order are retiring and all but the markers are now completely gone.
- 2012-2014 In Color 12x12 Cardstock
- 2012-2014 In Color 8.5x11 Cardstock
- 2012-2014 In Color Markers
- Primrose Petals Reinker
- Gumball Green Reinker
- Summer Starfruit Reinker
- Midnight Muse Reinker
I made another $150 order to get my 30% off in the first 45 days.
- Birthday Cake Stamp (Retired)
- Rich Razzleberry Ink
- Calypso Coral Ink
- Mosaic Madness Stamps
- Mosaic Punch
- Dimensionals
- Daydream Medallions Stamps
- Subtles 8.5x11 Cardstock (2 packs)
- Project Life Card Collection -- not pictured
- Project Life Accessory Pack -- not pictured
- Project Life Stamps (both sets) -- not pictured
i stopped in at Big Lots randomly one day and snapped up some glue runner and paper packs. My total for three paper packs and glue runner was $10. Very cheap!
I took advantage of the tail end of SU's free shipping event to place my May club order early.
- 2013-2015 In Color Core'dinations 12x12 cardstock
- Retro Fresh This and That Stickers
- Basic Pearls
- Chalk Marker
- Silver Glimmer Paper
I won a RAK of 5th and Frolic cards from one of my FB groups. They finally came in the mail this weekend.
And I took advantage of RUKrisitin's Mother's Day Sale to snap up this box of goodness:
Getting to Know You...
Did anyone else sing that title of this blog post? I know I do everytime I read it. The King and I isn't even one of my favorite musicals. Rent, Wicked, Phantom, Joseph, and Aida are my favorite musicals. And that's the first little random fact about me that I'm sharing today...
- Name: Tobe Frances
- Current Location: Sunnyvale, CA
- Birthday: March 5th
- Single or Taken: Taken
- Piercings or Tattoos: 4 Tattoos (ankh, triple Goddess, Pisces sign, the twins' initials), I'm working on on for Arthur
- Right Handed or Left Handed: Left handed
- Fave Color: Purple
- Fave Holiday: Christmas, I love the entire Christmas season
- Fave Pizza Toppings: Black olives and mushrooms
- Fictional Crush: Captain Wentworth from Jane Austen's Persuasion
- Fave Article of Clothing: Olive green cargo capris... so comfy!
- Fave Song to Rock Out When Driving: Anything by The Offspring
- Last Concert Attended: The Killers, M83, Grouplove, Tegan and Sara
- Last Book Purchased: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
- Dream Job: Teaching, without all the politics
- Guilty Pleasure TV Show: Reign, I know so ridiculous, but I love it
- Fave Store to Shop: Target, I'm there at least once a week
- Biggest Pet Peeve: People interrupting me
- Last Impulse Buy: Matching striped tank top and shorts for Arthur
- Name Five Things Nearest to You: Pop can, cell phone, lotion, baby bottle, pen
- Fave Food: Chocolate chip cookies
- Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate all the way
- Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi
- Singing in the Shower: Love it!
- Chore You Hate: Cleaning the bathrooms
- Morning or Night Person: Night person, but find myself always awake in the wee mornings because of the baby
- Ninjas or Pirates: Pirates
Tea Themed Thinking of You Cards
Another case of me trying to use my retired SU DSP in some fun and easy way. While the pictures makes it look like I just made three cards, I actually made twelve cards (three of each color). I used two entire sheets of DSP and about a 1/3 of four other sheets. I added these twelve cards to my other OSW sets even though it isn't actually a OSW. They are still cute and easy cards.
Supplies:
- Stamps: Random thinking of you stamp
- Cardstock: Tea for Two DSP (retired); Pretty in Pink (retired
- Accessories: Silver jewels
Project Life 2014 W15-16
Week 15 This week was huge! We flew back from Indiana and had our mom's group's Easter social. We had so many great pictures that I had to include an insert page (design H).
In terms of my design, I went simple yet colorful. I pulled out a ton of spring themed cards from the Seasons Mini Kit to accent our colorful pictures. I grabbed the kit on clearance thinking I would like a few cards. I found that I love the entire kit. A great investment. The embellishments stayed on the cards. I didn't want to alter the pictures. My favorite added feature is the plane and heart stamp on the first page. I've used that stamp at least 5 times already and love love love it! Overall, this spread is a great example of my style: clean and simple.
Supplies:
- PL Seasons Mini Kit
- PL Days of the Week stickers
- SU Travel Themed Stamp Set (retired)
- Stickabilitiies alphas
- Recollections stamp set
- My Mind's Eye die cuts
- Michael's camera stamp
- WRMK Dreamy Kit
Week 16
Week 16 is all about Arthur turning 6 months old and fun Easter pics. We didn't do much, but I still managed to get some pics from our week.
I went with a yellow, blue, and gray color scheme for the week. Seafoam was the first kit I purchased and yet it gets pushed to the side in favor of others. I need to remind myself to use it more often. I do like the simple geometric card design. I accented the pictures with a few stickers. Another clean and simple layout.
Supplies:
- PL Seafoam Kit
- PL Days of the Week Stickers
- Studio Calico Alphas
- Basic Grey Enamel dots
- Heidi Swapp stickers
- PL Baby Neutral Kit
- Recollections I Love You stickers