Today on Studio 5, I’m sharing easy ideas for making your own travelers notebook. I also share my favorite store-bought options (Hello, Freckled Fawn!) and insert choices in case you love the idea but don’t want to invest in the DIY aspect. Either way, I hope you’ll tune in at 11 a.m. (online and on TV [channel 5]) to learn more about these sweet creative journals/scrapbooks/sketchbooks/happiness!

Thanks for having me, Studio 5. Love you guys!

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT UPCOMING CLASSES (including my DIY TN classes!)

I love getting out in the SLC and sharing some creativity with friends. I have some great classes in the works that will be happening soon, including classes on DIY travelers notebooks (creative journals and faux leather journal covers).

Be the First to Know

Simply email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com. Nothing fancy required—you can just say add me to your class list in the subject line and I’ll do it to it.

I know you’re busy and the last thing you want is another bunch of spam filling your inbox.I assure you, that won’t be the case. In fact, I’ve been building a list for years and have yet to send a single email (#epicbusinessfail), but I intend to change that and be better about sharing my classes. I’m asked about them often and don’t do enough to get the word out. So this is my public statement to be held accountable and take the next step. :) Thanks so much for your support and interest in what I love and do!

See you at 11. Cheers!

DIY Traveler's Notebook and Inserts

Hello! Thanks for makng this a stop on your web travels today. (See what I did there? ;) ) Let’s take a look at my latest paper obsession: DIY travler’s notebook covers.

I created this project for Echo Park Paper Co., using the very delightful new Summer Adventure collection.

You can read more about my process and tips for this project on the Echo Park blog.

You can also see a video of the action right here OR on my YouTube channel.

I was inspired to create this project by this video on YouTube by LiveLoveScrap.

DIY NOTEBOOK COVER

Step 1: Cut a piece of patterned paper to 9”x8.5” and gently fold that sheet in half (no hard creasing) so it measures 4.5”x8.5”. Open the paper back up so it's flat but with the center lightly creased/identified by your fold.

Step 2 (optional): Die cut words from your cover. (I used the Explore Outdoors Die Set by Echo Park Paper Co. to cut my outdoor phrases.)

Step 3: Pierce holes along your center fold, approximately 1/4” down from the top of the page and 1/4” up from the bottom, followed by two holes on either side of each of these holes, 1/4” over. Finally, pierce one hole approximately in the middle of the center fold line. (This should leave you with seven pierced holes (three on the top, three on the bottom, and one in the middle..)

Step 4: Score lines running parallel to your center fold, connecting your pierced holes. Fold your paper along those lines to give you your notebook shape.

Step 5: Flatten the cover back out and place it in a laminating sheet; laminate. "
NOTE: If you do not have a laminater, you can use self-laminating pouches for this step.

Step 6: Trim away any excess laminating film, re-fold your book along the scored lines to give you your cover shape, and re-pierce your holes.

Step 7: Thread elastic cording following the steps below.
NOTE: It helps to have a needle with a large eye for this, as elastic cording can be tricky to thread.

A. Starting on the lower right hole, coming from the front of the cover inside, thread elastic cording, leaving approximately 6” of a tail.
NOTE: Pull your cording fairly tight, leaving only enough room to tuck a notebook insert between it and your notebook cover.

B. Thread your cording through the hole directly above the hole you just threaded. (This should have your needle now back on the outside of your cover.)

C. Thread your cording through the center hole, just to the left of the hole you came out of. Thread your needle through the center hole on the bottom of the cover. (Your needle should now, again, be on the outside of your book.)

D. Thread back in, this time using the far left hole on the bottom, followed by the far left on the top. (You should now have three bands of elastic cording running along the inside spine of your notebook cover.)

E. Your needle should now be on the outside of your notebook, at the top. Thread it back through the top, center hole. Leave approximately a 6” tail and trim the rest of your cording away from the packaging. Remove your needle.

F. Thread your first 6” tail through the needle and bring that piece of cording back through the bottom center hole. You should now have two 6” pieces of cording on the inside of your notebook cover. Meet them in the middle, tie them in a double knot, and trim away any excess. This will leave you with a total of four elastic bands running along the inside of your notebook spine.

G. Trim a new piece of elastic cording that is long enough to wrap around the center of your book one and a half times. Fold that piece in half, thread the folded side through your needle, and thread that needle through the center hole of your notebook, coming from the inside of the cover out.
NOTE: Be careful not to pull the cording all the way through the hole.

H. Leave just enough cording to wrap around your notebook as a closure, and tie a double knot to prevent the rest of the cording from pulling through the hole. Trim away any excess cording. This will leave you with a center elastic closure that will hold your notebook shut.

With your notebook cover made, you can now add DIY paper inserts.

DIY NOTEBOOK INSERTS

Creating DIY notebooks to go inside your traveler’s notebook cover is easy and fun. Simply follow these quick steps:

Step 1: Bundle several sheets of patterned paper and fold them in half, making sure they’re cut to measure smaller than your notebook cover when folded.

Step 2: Keep your folded sheets bundled together and pierce three holes along the center fold.

Step 3: Thread a needle with baker’s twine or embroidery floss (roughly 48” in length); thread your needle through the center hole, going from the inside of the paper bundle, out.
NOTE: Leave a tail (approximately 4”) here.

Step 4: Thread your needle through the bottom hole, coming from the outside of the bundle in. Thread back through the center hole again, going from the inside out. Thread through the top hole (outside, in). Your needle should now, again, be on the inside of your paper bundle.

Step 5: Thread your needle under the lower binding loop that’s in place and tie then tie what’s left of your thread to the original 4” tail you left in place. Tie using a double knot. Trim away any excess twin you have. Your book should now be completely bound.

AGAIN, YOU CAN WATCH A FULL VIDEO OF THIS PROCESS HERE.

Don’t let my lengthy list of steps fool you. These techniques really are easy to do. I just wanted to break it down to make it easier to follow for those of you reading the instructions to complete your project (vs. watching the videos). I hope I haven’t left you confused at any point in the process. If so, leave me a comment or send me an email, and I will happily answer any questions you have.

I can say from my own experience and that of students I’ve taught this to—once you create these, you won’t want to stop. You’ll find yourself making books for your family and friends, too. It’s such a happy process and end results. I hope you enjoy this technique and idea.

Happy travels!

Llama Rama: Trend Spotting on Studio 5

Growing up, my pop always said he was going to buy us a llama and put it in the backyard. He never fulfilled his dream, but our family has always had a soft spot for llamas nonetheless.

This hottie is one of three alpacas currently at The Farm at Gardner Village, a lovely local animal rescue and petting zoo.

So when the trendy Steph Bryson, Studio 5 producer, asked me to report on this adorable trend on today’s show, you bet I replied with “alpaca my bags and see you soon!” ;)

The Llama Rama trend is definitely hitting its stride in the mainstream, with stores like Target and Layers and Old Navy carrying super cute llama delights.

Let’s take a look at how to add a little llama drama to your life!

1. Home Decor

1. Llama Planter: I picked up this handsome fella at Down to Earth at Gardner Village. He can be used for plants (go figure). Or, if you’re like me and have a black thumb, he also makes a great pen holder.

2. Llama Lamp: A gift from my sis-in-law (Thanks, G!). This llama light is part of Target’s Pillow Fort collection.

3. Llama Plush: Another cutie from Target. And he was only $14! Nice! He’d look great in a baby’s room, a kid’s room, or even your room. :)

4. Llama Wall Art: This paper-plate-turned-llama was a quick after school craft Maggie and I did together. If you follow me on Instagram, you know my child is a picky crafter. She simply doesn’t care much for papercrafting. However, she really enjoyed herself with this one.

I hope this seal of approval means the project will pass your kid craft test, too.

A special thanks to Handmade Charlotte for inspiring our art with this darling idea!

image credit: Handmade Charlotte

2. Get Your Llama Craft On!

There are many ways to work this friendly fella into your crafting. Alpaca the puffy stickers, the felt, the poms, and the yarn. You paca the imagination! We have a date to make. :)

1. Llama Banner

This one combines all the awesome fa la la la llama texture—yarn, poms, and felt. I hand cut the critters, looking at my stickers as a guide. I then used hot glue to attach the decorative extras. Oh, and I embroidered the faces.

2. Llama Layout

The new Hooray line from Crate Paper is a llama lovers treasure trove. It has many party animals, including that lovable llama in a party hate. Use the pre-made cards for a quick project or start from scratching using their chipboard, die cut shapes, 3D stickers, patterned paper, and more!

I used the same line to make an accordion-folded birthday photo card. Pop may not have ever had his pet alpaca, but he can have pics of them in this greeting.

This was so easy to make. I simply cut a strip of 3x4 journaling cards from the Hooray patterned paper, not separating the cards. Instead, I scored along the lines between each design and then folded to make the accordion. I then adhered photos to two of the four cards. Using chipboard and die cut shapes, I dressed it up a bit more.

I added pom strips for added llama flair.

The back of the card is simply the back of the double-sided paper, but I did add another journaling card and a tag. The card now has lots of room for writing notes of love to our birthday guy.

If you’re sending a card across the miles, it will neatly fold down and fit inside an envelope.

3. Wear Your Llama Threads

Llama fashion is easy to come by. Just this week, I spotted this gray T at Old Navy, and the pink and orange llama top I’m wearing is at Target in the juniors section.

If only I were bitty. Kids llama gear is THE CUTEST! This shirt and the shoes are both from Old Navy. Technically, I think the sneaks are bunnies, but they can certainly pass for ‘pacas.

4. Llama Party Planning

If you’re ready to get your llama drama underway, a party is the way to go. I saw a lucious llama party set at Target (I swear I don’t work for them!). And, of course, the original piñata is… yup! A llama! Plus, check out this DARLING balloon idea by Babble.com!

That’s it for this llama love. But, before I go, I must give Brooke Walker some love. Today’s show was her last before she goes on maternity leave. Studio 5 is never the same without her. Congrats on the wonderful little babe headed your way, Brooke. She’s a lucky girl! We’ll miss you on set!

Llamaste, friends!

Hoppin' Around the Christmas Tree with Hero Arts

Hello, hoppers! I just love hopping around the Christmas tree... Wait! Christmas!? In August!? You betcha! If you’re a card maker, you know it’s never too early to be thinking about your next handmade design. 

When it comes to holiday cards, I ask the following questions:

1. Is the card bulk-friendly? Will the supplies stretch and are the techniques simple enough to be done in multiples? I typically make between 75-100 cards each Christmas, so my design must pass this test.

2. Does the card support an inclusion? It needs to have space for a family photos and a message of some sort.

Thanks to the awesome new dies, stamps, and ink from Hero Arts, the cards I’ve created for today’s hop pass my test. Let’s take a look!

CARD 1: WHITE CHRISTMAS (or, as I like to call it, ‘Hood ’n’ Wood)

White on white on white—it’s elegant and, despite its lack of color, can be quite interesting. The trick is texture. Where color lacks, various textures will add interest.

To create my textures, I used two new Hero Arts dies—the Woodgrain Texture Fancy Die and the Paper Layering Neighborhood Die. I die cut both from white cardstock and then stitched the ‘hood to the wood.

TIP: USE THOSE LEFTOVERS!
When it comes to die cutting, there is nearly always an extra piece (negative image) that can be put to work somewhere. For example, my sentiment actually comes from the Very Merry Tree Fancy Die. (More on that with my second card.)

The bitty snowflakes come from my third card. This gorgeous neighborhood scene made me think of a snow globe, so the flakes were a must.

HERO ARTS SUPPLIES USED
Woodgrain Texture Fancy Die
Paper Layering Neighborhood Die
Snowflake Confetti Fancy Die
Very Merry Tree Fancy Die

CARD 2: TREE IN THE WINDOW

I love placing our tree in the center of our front window. It stands out as a holiday focal point. Perhaps that’s why I had my eye on the Very Merry Tree Fancy Die--it creates a window card!

The window offers much creative potential. Have fun exploring options. Design backgrounds to place behind the tree. See what speaks to you.

Here it is with a Glimmer Metallic Ink background. Shiny!

Here's a softer, watercolor background. Soothing!

Or, one of my fav window card pairings, a photo!

Also, cut the tree from various paper types (patterned and solid) and see what stands out.

Ultimately, I decided to double up on the die, removing the sentiment from the white version and layering it over the sentiment-ed patterned version. (This is where I got my sentiment for card one.) 

TIP: MIX TO MAKE A MATCH
I decided to watercolor the front lightly. I wanted a color that matched my patterned cardstock, so I combined 3 squirts of the blue to 1 squirt of the green, making sure to also add plenty of water.

I then used the pretty Frost Shimmer Mist to add a little splatter texture.

TIP: TEST DRIVE FIRST!
Uh oh! I painted this animal using the Glimmer Metallic Inks and hated it. When working with a new project, it’s always wise to take a test drive before committing. Oh, how I wish I had done so here so I didn’t end up wasting a die cut piece and the paper to make it. D’oh!

TIP: FOLD A FLAP
I cut the back of the card base longer than the front and folded it up to create a pocket for a photo. The stitching along the sides ensures it stays in place, but you could also use staples or strong adhesive here.

AS SEEN ON TV
This window die offers SO MUCH potential. It’s why I included it on my latest Studio 5 TV segment—Five NEW Must Have Items.

HERO ARTS SUPPLIES USED
Very Merry Tree Fancy Die
Gold & Pewter Glimmer Metallic Inks
Green & Red Glimmer Metallic Inks
Frost Shimmer Mist

CARD 3: A SNOW SHOW

I wanted to create motion with this one, so I created a pull-out element.

First, I used the yummy Pewter Glimmer Metallic Ink to paint the insert. This ink can be used in its full capacity or watered down to a lighter shade by mixing water. I did a little of both to create the dip-dyed look.

Once dry (which happens in a jiff!), I cut the piece to a tag shape. You know I love me some tags!

I just adore the sparkle the Glimmer Metallic Ink adds. Plus, you can even stamp on top of the ink for added detail. I used the Color Layering Christmas Tree stamp set to add some detail.

I also stamped on the outside of the card for a little something extra.

To create the pocket, I used the Snowflake Confetti Fancy Die, stitching the flakes to a gray cardstock piece. I now have a place to put my jumbo tag. As the tag slides out, the snowflake action takes place!

Remember! Save those flakes. They can always work as confetti within the envelope, or, as we've seen, they make cute embellishments.

Now, as you pull the Glimmer tag out, you can see the shimmer in the flakes. I wish you could see it IRL. The glimmer is SO pretty!

On this card, a photo can be attached to the back of the tag. An easy way to do this that will make the photo detachable is to use photo corner stickers. With them, recipients can simply remove the photo from the card and keep it out long after the holidays are over.

HERO ARTS SUPPLIES USED
Snowflake Confetti Fancy Die
Pewter Glimmer Metallic Ink
Color Layering Christmas Tree stamp set
Intense Black Ink

JOIN ME IN A HOLIDAY CARD CLASS

If you want oodles of tips for creating holiday cards in bulk, my Annie's Online Class, 10 Festive Christmas Cards for the Busy Crafter, is just the ticket. Right now, it's only $7.99 to sign up, and you can watch from your computer or smart device as your schedule allows. It's never too early to start thinking holiday card making. I hope to see you there. <3

Sign up today for just $7.99.

BE A WINTER WINNER!

Hero Arts will be giving away two $50 shopping sprees, drawn from comments left across all blogs in the hop. Please comment by 11:59 PST on Sunday, August 26 and Hero Arts will announce the winner the following week.

**Hop On!**

Hey, kid. Rock and roll. Hop on!

* The Hero Arts Blog

* Yana Smakula

* Wanda Guess

* Nichol Spohr

* Michelle Short

* Megan Hoeppner That's me! :)

* May Sukyong Park

* Lydia Fiedler

* Libby Hickson

* Laurie Willison

* Kelly Latevola

* Jessica Frost-Ballas

* Jennifer McGuire

* Jenn Shurkus

* Janette Kausen

* Ilina Crouse

* Emily Midgett

* Clare Prezzia

* Amy Tsuruta

* Amy Kolling

10 Fab Finds: New Crafting Goodies

List my fav new releases coming to the paper crafting world? This was my latest Studio 5 assignment. Twist my arm, why don’t ya? ;) As a kid, I always loved Show & Tell. Clearly, some things never change. From too-cool tools to brilliant color mediums to pristine paper and accents, there are definitely fun things happening in the world of paper! 

The segment airs today on channel 5 at 11AM, or you can watch it streaming online. 

Top 10 New Crafting Goodies To Catch My Eye

Company: Altenew

Product: Watercolor Paint and Washi Tape

Cool Factor: The paint colors! Soooo pretty! And washi tape that’s large enough to cover an entire card front!? Talk about a time-saver! 

Company: Hero Arts

Product: Glimmer Metallic Ink and Christmas tree Fancy Die

Cool Factor: Hero knows ink, and Glimmer is no exception. It’s rich and shimmery! And a Christmas card made from this die is sure to be a favorite with its script font and window design.

Company: Cutter Pillar

Product: Glow LED Light Board and Crop Trimmer

Cool Factor: The blade on the trimmer self sharpens as it’s used, and it cuts with such precision.  It even has a light to mark where the cut will be, which is SO nice! The LED Light Board has a glass top option for cutting, it’s super thin, and it can even run on batter power for up to four hours at a time. Great for tracing, cutting, and even quilting. 

Company: We R Memory Keepers

Product: Emoji and Word Punch Boards

Cool Factor: Planner fans will love that you can use these to embellish planners using nothing more than cardstock. But they’re also great for card making, scrapbooking and other paper crafts. Plus, the font looks like a label maker, which is extra nifty! 

Company: Freckled Fawn

Product: Scrapbook Inserts

Cool Factor: It’s just a piece of plastic… or is it? Nope! This is 20-page protectors that fit perfectly in traveler’s notebooks. Now, you can keep the TN pages you create protected under high quality plastic sleeves. Awesome!

Company: Simple Stories

Product: Dream Big collection

Cool Factor: Talk about a cute collection! As a mom of two girls, I'm head-over-heels for the mermaids, unicorns, rainbows, and other whimsical motifs. 

Upcoming Planner Class: Try the Tools! 

Want to test drive these tools? That's what my planner classes are for. Even if you don't currently own a planner, you're more than welcome to attend. It's $50 without a planner or $70 and you'll get a new Heidi Swapp planner with your class kit. You're more than welcome to bring your own planner as well. We'll use many of these new supplies this month. Hope to see you there. 

DATE: Friday, August 24

TIME: 6:30-9:30 PM

WHERE: Lehi, UT

REGISTER: Email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com to sign up. I'll send an invoice via PayPal or Venmo. Please let me know what works best for you. I also take Apple Pay. 

Cheers!

Paper Crafting with Patches

"Sew it, stick it, do somethin' with it." That's the tagline on the packaging of one of the patches. Isn't it perfect?! There is so much you can do with these little textured treats. Whether you sew it on or use it as a sticker, you're sure enjoy working with this up and coming crafting trend. Think beyond clothing and backpacks to paper crafting. Patches are a quick and easy way to add texture without adding bulk. Use them on albums, scrapbook pages, cards, gift wrap, and home decor. 

About the Patch

Many are sticky-backed, some are iron-ons, and others are meant to be stitched on. 

Like the enamel pins, patches seem to be a throwback to the '80s. They're back in a big way! Of course, you can use them on your clothing. In fact, many clothes are currently designed with patch designs already in place, like this cute Cat & Jack pack that I picked up at Target (which Maggie promptly claimed as her own).

Where Are They?

Patches are available locally at stores such as Target, Michaels, and Hot Topic. You can also find them online. There are so many to choose from. You'll find something for everybody. Try searching "iron-on patches" or "embroidered patches." I have a Pinterest board with a few fun possibilities. Prepare to be '80s inspired! ;)

Paper Craft Using Patches

Pair patches with fabric bags to create fun gift wrap or even add them directly to the fabric liner of your planner. Both are fun iron-on options. The peel-and-stick variety stick very well, so proceed with caution but also know they'll stay put, even on textured surfaces like this awesome Jillibean Soup frame.

Of course, patches are a natural partner to pair with paper projects. They're flat, so they work well on scrapbook pages.

Maggie loved making a quick card and gift bag. You might say these are stickers with pizazz, making they quite kid friendly.

Some are small enough to make awesome planner extras. Taco Tuesday anyone?

As Seen On TV

I'll share even more ideas today at 11:00 AM on Studio 5 (Utah channel 5 if you're in the 'hood, otherwise, you can watch live streaming here).

Thanks to My Production Assistant

I have to give a special shoutout to my help. She made going to the show more fun (which I didn't know could be possible). Thanks, Mags!

Upcoming Classes

I'm so excited to have four local classes coming up. I'd love to see you at any or all of them. Space is extremely limited, but I'd be happy to give you dibs. To receive an e-mail when class sign-ups are posted, please email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com and I'll add you to my mailing list. I hope to see you there! :) The classes are:

1. Wreath Making

2. Creative Planning (November and December classes)

3. Creative Journaling Using a Bullet Journal

Cheers!

Lights, Camera, Action: A little fair flair!

Our state fair is a great state fair; it’s the greatest state fair in the state!…

Growing up, my mom would sing these lyrics every September. It’s a catchy little ditty. Funny thing is, I don’t even know what it’s from (a musical, I imagine), but these lyrics have stayed with me over the years. It must be because I LOVE me some State Fair. So when Stephanie, one of the rad producers at Studio 5, suggested I do a segment on the look of award ribbons, I was all for adding a little fair flair to my crafting.

The idea is simple, really. Just think of those beautiful prize ribbons you see pinned on gorgeous jars of jelly and plumped up piggies (well, maybe not ON piggies, but you get the gist). These pretty prizes have a round center, lots of layering, and some terrific tails. Have fun thinking of different ways to create such a combo. Here are a few possibilities to get you started:

DREAM BIG KIDS DECOR
Round Element: Embroidery hoop
Layered Bit: Fabric and stickers
Tail: Fabric strips, lace, felt (feather), yarn (handmade pom), and silk trim
Fair Flair: Make a unique 3D wall hanging to add to any gallery wall.

DONUT FEEL GOOD GIFT TAGS
Round Element: Paper-pieced donut (made from Queen & Co. paper)
Layered Bit: Two punched circles with a hole punched in the middle of them and a layer of dimensional glaze*
Tail: Layered paper, notched at the end—a great place to write your “To” and “From”
Fair Flair: Make gift giving more fun with a donut award. Have fun with the prize-ribbon concept and think outside of the… circle when coming up with motifs.

Dimensional glaze is a clear liquid that can be used as an adhesive or a top coat. It dries clear and glossy, making my paper look more like, well, a glazed donut! You can get such glaze here.

QUEEN PIN
Round Element: Doily
Layered Bit: Washi tape for the pleating, a punched-out paper circle, and a pretty chipboard 2 from Felicity Jane
Tail: Washi-covered cardstock
Fair Flair: Use this to award the birthday girl, add it to a scrapbook page, or simply send it to someone special to tell them they rock!

HAPPY DAY
Round Element: Cutout circle from cardstock (I traced a large jar lid)
Layered Bit: Pleated crepe paper, rolled paper strips, and adorable stickers
Tail: Crepe paper, lace trim, and accordion-folded paper strips
Fair Flair: I’m going to use this as a decor piece at my daughter’s birthday party and then hang it on the wall in her room. You can personalize the center of a such a piece in any way that’s relevant to your needs and surroundings. Put your address or “est. on” date in the center and add it to a gallery wall; write “happy birthday” and hang it on the birthday girl or boys bedroom door… Have fun. That’s the real prize, after all!

AWARD WINNING FOOD
Round Element: Punched paper sandwiched around a toothpick using strong adhesive to hold it all in place
Layered Bit: Pleated washi tape from Queen & Co., punched paper, and a sassy chipboard sticker from Crate Paper
Tail: Super simple: two slim strips of cardstock. TIP: Run the cardstock between your thumbnail and pointer finger to curl up the edges of the paper strips. (Think curling ribbon.)
Fair Flair: Bitty ribbons are the perfect finishing touch to any cupcake. This is an affordable way to up your party game using just paper scraps and minimal supplies you likely have on hand.

SHAKER RIBBON
Round Element: Isn’t round at all—it’s a heart! A heart shaker sticker from Jillibean Soup, to be exact.
Layered Bit: Fill the plastic heart cup with sequins and glitter and layer it over a chipboard heart sticker for a quick ribbon with some interactive action going on. The shaker cup is adhered to cardstock and then framed with pleated washi tape from My Mind’s Eye.
Tail: Two different paper strips—who says you have to be matchy-matchy?
Fair Flair: Shake things up and make this your awards season. Little paper crafts like this would brighten anyone’s day, whether you attach this to a card or simply send it as is. This would also make a happy scrapbook page accent.

BRING ON THE BANNER
Round Element: Cupcake liners that have been flattened and trimmed
Layered Bit: Two cupcake liners, topped with a darling photo.
Tail: Various trims, ribbon, and paper
Fair Flair: There’s nothing like a good banner to make decor delightful. My baby girl just turned two, so I filled this one with pics of her throughout her two years. I adore the personalized touch this adds to our home in celebration of her! Do this with pics of your entire family this fall and a fresh way to count those blessings and focus on what truly matters!

TIP: Use strong adhesive (cupcake liners are meant to be no-stick, after all) and adhere your liners to a punched cardstock circle for added structure. Before adhering, add a string between the liner and the paper to turn the accent into a banner element.

Boom! There you have it. State Fair-inspired flair and a regular crafting affair. (Sorry. I can’t help myself.) I hope at least one of these ideas is a prized one that will make your upcoming projects blue-ribbon (or pink!) good!

AS SEEN ON TV: Upcoming Crafting Classes in Lehi, UT!
I briefly mentioned in today’s Studio 5 TV segment that I have an upcoming class in Lehi. We took a break for the summer but are back at it now. My first Planner Play Workshop of the new season is on Sept. 22. at Paper Crush. The class kit rocks, and this three-hour crafting session with the kit is just $50!!! Everyone leaves with door prizes, decorative pages in their day planners, and happier having just had a good time with friends. I sure hope you’ll join us for the play. You’ll find more info here.

Cheers!

Fun news! I'm on my first design team!

I've worked in the paper crafting industry for 11 years, but I've never been on a design team... until now! I'm delighted to be on the Queen & Co. team as a card maker and scrapbooker! Queen & Co. has such fun goodies. It's a treat to be a part of their group. Since I'm the new kid on the block, I decided to start with a house warming card.

I saw the Pretty Presents Kit and immediately thought 'windows,' and this card began to take shape.

A little framing...

Some roofing...

And, of course, some landscaping and decorative finishing touches...

And the card's complete!

Welcome to the 'hood! ;)

Card 2: I Got You Something

For my second card, I went with a vibrant birthday greeting. My sweet girl turns five this week, so I knew it was the perfect time to celebrate in color with a cute card for her!

For more detail on how these cards came together, include step-out photography, check out the Queen & Co. Instagram feed. I am in very good company over there, with many talented designers. You'll definitely want to see what they're up to.

Cheers!

My June Planner Workshop at Paper Crush!

June Planner Play Workshop

Grab those day planners. We've got another Planner Play Workshop in the books. On Friday, June 23, I'm teaching the last workshop for a bit. (We're going to take July and possibly August off. So if this is something you've been interested, I hope you'll come on down. You won't be disappointed. We're ending this season with a bang! 

* BRAND NEW planner prizes

* A well stocked kit of must-have creative planner supplies

* Techniques to try

* Tasty treats to enjoy--YUM!

* New friends

* And more!

Learn more about creative planners, this workshop, and sign up here! 

Space is limited, so you'll want to sign up soon. Hope to see you there! <3

Setting a St. Patrick's Day Scene

Since having Maggie, I've looked for fun rainbow spots to snap quick St. Patrick's Day pics. The first year, I happened upon a little pot o' gold. A wall painted with a rainbow on it.

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We returned the next year.

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Poor Mags was sick on this visit, so we only snapped a couple of pics and then headed home.

This brings us to 2015. It dealt our rainbow work a double blow. 1. The wall had been painted a pathetic shade of everyday gray. Bummer! 2. I was pregnant and home with an IV much of the time. The combination of these two things put this year on hold.

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Last year, I had two kiddos in tow, which meant less energy and less desire to seek out the magic rainbow, so I decided to create my own with our sweet friends using balloons.

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This year, it was paper to the rescue. I had just received a box of goodies from Close To My Heart, including a gorgeous assortment of paper offering a full spectrum of color, so I set to making paper chains.

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Once complete, I threaded them on a yardstick, which I hung above my table. My paper rainbow makes a nice St. Patrick's Day decor element and also a fun photo backdrop for this year's pics.

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Since I was feeling lucky and had some pretty new Close To My Heart products on hand to play with, I continued to set the stage with some table fun.

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First, I covered my kitchen table in kraft packing paper. Then I set to decorating. I framed each spot at the table using the CTMH gold glitter tape and stamped our names using CTMH stamps.

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Wanting our decorated table to serve two purposes--fun and memory keeper--I drew rainbows across each taped "place mat" so we could write what we feel lucky to have. I loved helping Maggie make her list. What a doll she is!

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Time for the fun! I gave Mags some colored pencils and let her color her rainbow in.

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I used CTMH cardstock in three shades of green to create a little pop on my table. Fist, I cut cardstock hearts in small, medium, and large sizes, and folded the smaller two sizes in half to create a center crease.

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I then stitched along the crease to create the pieces of my clover. I pieced three heart stacks together to create a shamrock. A little stamping along the hand-drawn stem, and I was ready to welcome the luck o' the Irish.

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I used the Some Kinda Wonderful stamp set from Close To My Heart to create the #lucky tag.

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I love the end result. I will definitely snap pics to save it in my scrapbook.

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Since our sweet Lulu is too young to create a rainbow, she stamped a clover with her bitty thumb.

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Time to add our St. Patrick's Day treats to make the table time complete.

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Oh, and I've found another way to use the 3D clovers when our table is cleared. I'll send a little luck on to others. I used the same CTMH #lucky stamp, masking the outer frame around it.

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I stitched a vellum bag on the inside, creating a pocket for some chocolate coin.

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Speaking of gold coins, I created a few four leaf clover bowls from cardstock to hold my coins and other sweet treats.

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To create these, I first cut larger paper hearts, cut a slit, pulled the heart onto itself, and stapled it in place to create each clover petal.

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I then used a scrap of cardstock as a base and glued the petals in place.

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Once all four petals were in place, my clover dish was ready for it's pot o' gold!

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Maybe I should move this to the living room, where I made a rainbow garland, with gold on one end and happy cloud on the other. The rainbow is made from one of my favorite crafting supplies--felt beads!

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The "gold" was punched from Close To My Heart glitter cardstock. I then stitched the pieces together using my sewing machine.

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All in all, it was fun crafternoon, making rainbows in our home. I look forward to pulling these pieces out year after year to make March a little more fun for my girls.

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May the luck of the Irish be with YOU this spring.

Cheers!