2012 Scrapbook Trend #5: Chalkboard

Hi everybody! It's been a while since I posted one of my 2012 Scrapbook Trend projects. I kinda got stuck on this one, which is chalkboard. I was actually really excited to try it out, but then had a really hard time finding a way to fit it into a layout. I think this trend would be perfect for a back to school project, or labeling. Lots of fun uses for the new chalkboard paper. I wanted to show how it could be used in a layout, and that is where I got held up. Either way, I incorporated it into this layout of a photo taken at a surprise party we held for my mom's 60th birthday. She's a teacher, so the chalkboard did fit...kindof, lol! Here is the project:

I used this week's sketch over at SOUS for the layout design. The actual chalkboard paper is from DCWV- they actually have a whole line of chalkboard paper pads, so if you want to give it a shot I would recommend them. They have different size stacks, as well as different colors, and the paper was not too heavy- I easily cut out this blurb shape from Plantin Schoolbook with my Cricut. I tried writing on the chalkboard with an actual piece of chalk, and it worked fine, I just didn't like my handwriting with the chalk. So I rubbed the chalk dust onto the paper (so you could see it was a 'chalkboard') and then wrote the actual text with a white galaxy pen from American Crafts. It still looks like chalk, right?

I cut the rosettes from the Ribbons and Rosettes cartridge. I got this cart for Christmas, but have been sitting on it. I finally pulled it out a few projects ago and have used it 3 times since! I have been loving it! For the middles I cut balloons from Create a Critter. I used my Zig glue pen to adhere some trendy twine for the balloon string, and tied a bow.

I cut one more balloon to add next to the title. I wanted to make it clear that this was a birthday page, even though it might look like just a family photo :)

Make sure and stop by tomorrow for 2012 Scrapbook Trend #6- Doilies!

Supply List:
Cardstock: Colorbok
Patterned Paper: Pebbles
Chalkboard Paper: DCWV
Cartridges used: Simply Sweet (title) Ribbons and Rosettes (Rosettes) Create a Critter (Balloons) Plantin Schoolbook (blurb)
Bakers Twine: My Craft Spot
Brads: Basic Grey

Challenge Entered:
Stuck on you Sketches - Sketch

Penguin Christmas Tag

This was one of those projects where it should have been quick and easy, but everything I tried to do on it seemed to just not work out. I think I managed to salvage it for the most part, lol, and after spending so much time figured I had better post it.

(Just pretend you don't notice any mistakes, lol) The patterned paper is from SEI. I cut the tag from Plantin Schoolbook (I think- I had it leftover from a previous project) and the penguin and snowflakes are from Christmas Cheer. One thing I did try on this one that I really liked was my new 'snow maker' paint pen.  SO much fun! But you have to be careful, the paint can come out pretty fast at times, and then you have an overabundance of snow. ;) Here is a close-up of my penguin's snowy hat:

I added it to my sentiment, from Robin's Creative Cottage Snowman's Prayer collection. All you have to do is add some heat and it puffs right up and gives that really fun 'snow-y' texture. Definitely going to be using this some more!

Hope you enjoyed my project, I am also entering it in the following challenges:

Bitten by the Bug2- Christmas Tag
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog- add ribbon
The Paper Variety- Anything goes
Whimsical Designs- Tag
Frosted Designs- Ribbon

Thanks for coming by, hope you're all having a magical holiday season :)

Robin's Creative Cottage Stamp Release Day 2

Hi everybody and welcome back!! I hope you are enjoying all the great projects featuring the new stamp sets from Robin's Creative Cottage. Today I am featuring the Gingerbread Holiday set. These stamps have lots of cute phrases that would be perfect for holiday gift giving. I chose to make a little gift bag that you could fill with treats to give to a friend or neighbor:

The bag is cut from Plantin Schoolbook. I just pressed the 'fit to page' button and it cut it at 7 1/2". The tag is also cut from Plantin Schoolbook at 3". I then cut a wreath from Joys of the Season.  I used the 'flip' key so that I could use both sides of my patterned paper without having to flip it on my mat. The wreath was cut at 4".  I added some bling to the tag and tied it to my gift bag with some ribbon.  Here is a close-up of the stamp on the tag:

I added some glossy accents to make the sentiment really stand out.

I hope you have enjoyed my project, and make sure to check out all the projects from our talented design team on Robin's blog. And be sure to come back on Friday for our Stamp Release Celcbration Blog Hop for a chance to win one of these fun stamp sets!