Halloween Happiness (latest TV segment, WitchFest, and scrapbooking)

All month, I've been in a witchy way. I'm sure this has everything to do with the fact that I blog for Gardner Village and right now is their popular WitchFest event. If you live in Utah and haven't had a chance to visit, you definitely need to give it a go. That atmosphere is magical and there is so much to do!

Photographing witches for a living?! Doesn't get much more fun than this!

Witch Crafts

With the witch in mind, I had fun creating witchy crafts for my October Studio 5 TV segment. (Watch segment here.)

This witch banner came together thanks to a triangle chipboard banner set I purchased from Target's one spot for $1. I simply turned the triangles upside down and witch hats were practically made.

We witch shoe a merry Christmas... errr, happy Halloween!

From pointed hats to striped stockings. If you know me, you know I LOVE bubblegum. So when I was thinking of ways to add a colorful stripe to this to this "sock," gumballs popped into my head.

Double BUBBLE toil and trouble!

This sentiment would work with a bubble bath gift as well. You know, in case you're seeking a sweets-free option. :)

For the shoes, I used this free download, created by Needful Things. Isn't it fun? You can save it as an image by right clicking and then size it up and down to fit the needs of your project before you print it.

Magazine Time

The Fall issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine is now available. In it, I shared this Halloween layout I made about last year's fun with my sweet Snow and little Dopey.

WitchFest at Gardner Village

In between all this crafting, we've had fun at Gardner Village this month. Thanks for joining us, Izzy and Ashley!

I hope you have the happiest of Halloweens, boo!

Cheers!

Create & Celebrate! It's World Card Making Day 2016! (giveaway)

Hello and happy World Card Making Day! A creative holiday near and dear to my heart. Did you know I was part of the team who actually MADE this day? Yup! You can make nationally recognized - or internationally, in this case - holidays! When I first started working for Paper Crafts magazine in 2006, we put this holiday in motion. It's SO AWESOME to see how much it's grown over the years!

The original purpose behind WCMD was to kick off the holiday card-making season. Those who make their holiday cards know this is a giant task. As fun as it is, it's one you want to start on early. The first Saturday in October, to be exact. ;)

And the first Saturday in October, it is! So I'm here with a holiday gift card-holding card idea. It's a companion card to the one I created for Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine, where I now work as the editor-in-chief. You can see all of the BRILLIANT business going on there with a little click here. BUT, before you go, I hope you'll take a moment to check out this little number.

Do It To It: how to make this card

To create this card, I started with a gorgeous piece of patterned paper from My Mind's Eye's new Sugar Plum collection. LOVE! Here's how to turn the sheet into two cards:

1. Fold the pretty paper in half and remove an inch along the bottom using a trimmer.

2. Slice the folded sheet at a place that feels like a good cut-off point for creating two cards. Machine stitch (or glue with strong adhesive along the bottom ONLY) the one-inch strip to the back of the card to create a matchbook effect (a placethe front of the card can tuck into).

NOTE: For this card, I tucked a vellum treat bag between the card base and the strip before stitching to secure it in place.

3. Add a mellow pattern to the back, inside panel of the card, offering a place to add a sentiment or handwritten note.

4. Dress up a basic shipping tag with patterned paper and stitch a small strip of paper to the bottom to create a pocket that a gift card can be tucked behind.

We'll pretend this is a gift card to your very favorite shop instead of a poorly written note on the back of a business card. ;)

5. Pretend this is a gift card. ;) Add the card to the pocket on your tag and tuck it in the bitty bag.

6. Final step: Cut a small slit at the card's fold that you can then pull the twine of the tag through. This way, the card doubles as either a gift tag or a tree ornament. I just adore cards that can be used in various ways.

IDEA: Create this card, add an itunes card, and wrap up a cool set of headphones (if they even call them that anymore). Add this card as the tag on the gift for a little extra jam.

Card #2

To see how I created the second card in only 20 minutes, check out my specific post on the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog. There's a giveaway in it for ya. Woot!

WCMD Giveaway

Since World Card Making Day was originally thought up as a way to kick off the holiday card making season, how about I throw a giveaway into the mix? You know, in the spirit of the season and all? I'll select a winner to receive my 10 Festive Christmas Cards for the Busy Crafter class from Annie's Online Classes.

I'll also throw in a card stash goodie box, filled with fun things you can use to craft your own card cuties. I'm doing a major home purge at the moment, so the box promises to be full. I can't swear all items in it will be the latest releases or even holiday themed, but they'll be goodies. I can promise you that.

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment on this post or email me at meghoeppner @ gmail with WCMD16 in the subject line between now and next Saturday, Oct. 8. I'll randomly select a lucky lady or gent from the notes received.

Thanks for being a part of my World Card Making Day today. I actually made this card TODAY so I could create a card ON the actual holiday. It was an awesome way to celebrate. I hope you're having a great time, too.

Cheers!

Introducing: Planner Pointers, NEW Planner Products, and a $20 Taylored Expressions Giveaway! woot!

Let's cut to the chase, shall we? Get to the good stuff? Save the best for... first?! The fine folks at Taylored Expressions are celebrating the launch of their new Clearly Planned line of stamps, dies, planners, and accessories. WOOT! How exciting!

I used a Taylored Expressions bow die and their yummy felt to create my planner clip. The center is a sequin from Little Things from Lucy's Cards.

And they're generously offering you, my blog chums, a chance at $20 to spend in their shop! Interested? Go ahead. Take a peek. I'll wait...      Yeah, I thought so. ;) I mean look at how ca-utte this Sneak a Peek set is! Huzzah!

Do you see how the owl is peeking in from the side of my calendar? (I colored his belly with colored pencils.)

I had such fun stamping with this! As well as Time Will Tell...

And Chit Chat...

Isn't this new line divine? And there a bunch more where these came from. There is a stamp order in my future. If you can say the same, you'll want to enter the:

Taylored Expression $20 Shopping Spree Giveaway (open to all!)

To enter, please do any (or all) of the following:
1. Comment on this post. I always love a hello from you. Even if I have to bribe one out of you. ;) Please include an email with your comment if you choose option 1. Thanks!

2. Comment on my coordinating Instagram post (the one mentioning the giveaway, posted on 8/19).
3. Comment on my coordinating FaceBook post (the one mentioning the giveaway, posted on 8/19).
4. Shoot me a quick email at meghoeppner@gmail.com with "TE Planner Giveaway" in the subject line.

You have until Monday, August 22 to enter. Good luck!

Introducing: Planner Pointers

I've had this idea for a blog series rolling around the ol' noggin since before I launched my planner line in 2015. I guess I've just lacked the proper, ahem, planning to make it a reality. Until now! Once a month, I'm going to share a look inside my planner and a pointer (or pointers) of some sort. Tips and tricks I like to apply to my planner. With Taylored Expressions launching their awesome new Clearly Planned collection, it seems the prime time to get this party started.

August Planner Pointer #1: Include Photos

There are so many ways this can be done. I'll share several, I'm sure. But I'll focus on this cute framed approach today.

These bitty frames (opening measures 1 5/16" x 1 5/16" [bitty!]) were die cut using the new Taylored Expressions Little Bits Mini Frame 1 die, which is measured to fit in the Simple Stories A5 Carpe Diem calendar boxes perfectly!

My glittered frames were cut from adhesive-backed glitter paper by Cosmo Cricket. This approach is awesome, because the cuts are instantly stickers, so even if you don't use them right away, you can cut a bunch, stash 'em in your planner, and use 'em as needed. Nice!

If you don't have this die but want to give this look a try, you can try cutting a rectangle to the size of your space to fill and then punching a square opener from there. With this die only costing $6, I'm all for going the easy route, but I didn't want to exclude those who may not have access to a die cutting machine.

Photo Prep

These pics are bitty. To prepare them, I used the photo collage function in my Project Life App on my phone to create an August sampling of images. One thing I can't tell you is why it all looks evenly spaced in my app but always saves and prints as shown below (not even). If you have any advice in this department, I'm all ears (eyes?). Thanks!

I then printed and added the frames to a few, intentionally spacing them throughout the calendar spread (instead of framing several days in a row). I like the balance this offers.

Planner Pointer #2: Planner Stamping

Not gonna lie. The idea scared me a bit. I mean, there's no going back on a stamp. Well... that's sort of true. You can always cover the crap. But if you don't consider yourself a stamp champ, try this quick tip:

Cut a piece of cardstock to fit your planner space, stamp on it, and adhere it to your calendar. Do this a few times until you're more comfortable with your stamps, ink, and stamping in general. Or use cute sticky notes that you can then stick in, like the new Sticky Situation Taylored Expressions notes. There are currently four styles to choose from. I went with this cutie (#3)!

If you do stamp directly on your calendar and, boo!, an impression doesn't fully apply, try touching it up with a pen. That's what I did on my Aug. 21 hearts. Instant drop shadow (is that what that's called?)!

And with stamping, it's important to embrace imperfection. If they look too perfect, they lose their "stamped" charm. And that charm is a very on-trend look in planners.

Finally, if you're using a new ink or stamp in your planner for the first time, find a scrap to do a test stamp on first. IMPORTANT: The scrap should be planner paper (an old page, a page in the back, an area you know you'll cover anyway). Stamps stamp differently, depending on the surface. This includes different paper weights and finishes. That's what's going on below--test stamping in the back of my planner. Which lead me to realize I prefer the stamped off look for my numbers.

Stamping Off: Ink stamp, stamp on scrap, DO NOT re-ink, and stamp again on finished project. It creates a lighter look.

Why stamp?

So many reasons. My favorite: uniformity. My handwriting is all over the place. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I... don't! Stamps don't change games on you mid process. Look how many times I was able to fit in ONE bitty box without the box feeling cluttered or messy! There's no way it would look this uniform if I had scratched chicken all over it. ;)

Think Ink

The difference between a meh and oh yeah! with stamping often comes down to two things--the quality of the stamp (you typically get what you pay for) and the quality of your ink. I can't say enough good things about the Taylored Expressions ink The Oreo black hybrid ink I used stamped cleanly every time (unless I made a bonehead move beyond the ink's control--I mean, it's not superhero ink).

Yes, Taylored Expressions is kindly throwing $20 your way, but this is not why I say this about their ink. They did send me the stamps and ink to use, but the post is not financially sponsored in any way. I just dig this ink (and not just because it's named Oreo!) and am happy to share. Plus, they come in bitty pads that I'm able to easily pack and take with me when planning/stamping on the go. Get me a glass of milk, and this deal is sealed!

That's it for my first Planner Pointers post. What did you think? Helpful? Too long? Too detailed? Not detailed enough? Stick to one pointer each post? I'm all for suggestions. This is a brand new endeavor for me, and I want to make it a good one. To do that I'd love your help. I have so many ideas I'm excited to share, but I want to go about it the right way. Think a video would help? As much as I hate to admit this, I am a bit on the thinned-skin side, so if this is a big fat thumb's down for you all together, perhaps you spare me the comment. But constructive feedback is absolutely appreciated. Thanks, friends. And happy planning!!

Cheers!

 

Teepee Time with We R Memory Keepers (bonus project!)

One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant with both of my girls was start dreaming up ideas for their rooms. I LOVE decorating kid spaces (wouldn't that be a dream job?!) and couldn't wait to start personalizing special areas just for them. Of course, when I found out I was pregnant with Lulu, it meant twice the fun, as I was going to design her nursery AND update Maggie's nursery to a big girl room. So I set to pinning.

If you check my Pinterest Board - Maggie's Room Makeover ...
 

...you'll see much of two things monochrome (black and white) and teepees. For two years now, I've known I've wanted these two things to be focal points in her space. And I am thrilled that the addition of her new teepee makes the dream feel so complete. Isn't it an awesome feeling to finish a project?

Sources: Teepee, We R Memory Keepers; Large Frames and Rug, IKEA; Ceiling light, PB Teen; Star Marquee Light, Heidi Swapp; Cloud Marquee Light, Fromage la Rue; Quilt, Layers Beautiful Bedding; Blanket, Target; Floor Puff and Throw Pillow, Land of Nod; Chair, Amazon; Window Treatment, Z Gallary; Clock, Holly Brooke Jones.

Photos in Frames by (from left to right) Elisha Snow Photography and Maggie Holmes Design

I spent hours. And hours. AND hours on this teepee. But that's only because I couldn't stop myself. I would likely still be working on it if I didn't have a deadline to meet. But you certainly wouldn't HAVE to spend hours. The DIY Teepee Kit from We R Memory Keepers makes this project so easy, creative and fun!

The kit comes with foam stamps, decorative embellishments (banners, garlands, flags, beads, and more!), so you can simply add a few awesome handmade details and set it up, or you can completely customize. It's totally your call. I share 10 tips for customizing on We R's blog. Hop on over there for a look at how my teepee came together.

The look on Maggie's face when I called her up to see her birthday surprise! *love

But, before you go, here's a bonus project. It's a matching mini teepee for Maggie's little toys. She just LOVES to play with little characters and such, and she's always putting them under "tents" (tissues), so I knew I couldn't stop at a big tent for her when I could make a matching one for her friends.

To create this, I simply cut a triangle from a paper mache cone to make a door.

I then ironed on leftover fabric from her teepee project. But you could also decoupage paper or even just color the teepee with a marker.

Mags has already played and played with both teepees. Nice to know they pass the Kid Approval Test. ;)

This earned a high-five from MIss Mags. Excellent!

Oh, and Micks and Lulu approved, of course!

Thanks to We R for making me Super Mom today! This was a birthday surprise Maggie will remember forever.

And thank YOU for your interest. You'll find full details on my teepee here. If you end up posting one you've made, you'll have to let me know. I'd love to see how you make this cute kit your own!

Cheers!

Breast Cancer Campaign (Blogs for Boobies Auction)

"Breast cancer"--Two words that hit far too close to home for far too many. My mom is a breast cancer survivor, and witnessing her go through more than a year of care and treatments was one of the most difficult things I've experienced. I feel very blessed to be able to say "survivor" when telling her story. What I'd give to be able to say the same for a friend of mine. She lost her life to breast cancer earlier this year.

...She was a special person and is missed by many!

So when I was asked to participate in the Blogs 4 Boobies event with Skipping Stone Design again this year, I was happy to join in. I decided to make a card set that includes two cards, two envelopes, and a gift bag and tag.

I'm auctioning my cards off, which is kind of scary, but the goal is to bring in some money for the Susan G. Koman Foundation. 100% of the proceeds I raise will be donated! More on how to bid below.

How My Cards Came Together

To create the cards, I first painted the background using watercolor paint. I then added foil using the DecoFoil pen by Therm O web, which allowed me to hand-write "love" and the butterfly trail. Photographing foil is the pits. This is a shiny, pretty silver in real life. Wish it showed better. Sorry!

I used the Heartsong stamp set from Skipping Stones Design to stamp several butterflies.

I then cut out the butterflies and painted them a bit to better match my painted background.

I layered several butterflies together and sewed to create a popped up look. I purposefully left some of the thread to work as the antenna.

With a little wing fluffing, my cards were complete.

To top it all off, I made a little gift bag and thank-you tag to go with the set.

Free Stamps Included!

Here's a fun bonus! I'm going to include my stamp set with my cards. Yes, it was gently used to create these cards, but that's it. Otherwise, it's brand new (and so cute!). I thought it would be fun to give it to the winning bid so you can make more of this card style (if that's your kind of thang). But whether you win or not, you're going to want to do some shopping at Skipping Stones Designs. For every stamp set purchased between now and June 14, they're donating $2 to the Koman Foundation! Isn't that wonderful? You'll definitely want to check out their newest stamps, released today in honor of the celebration. They're amazing!

You'll definitely want to check out their newest stamps, released today in honor of the celebration. They're amazing! Here's a peek at one of the sets. So cute!

How to Bid on My Card Set (and stamp set)

I'd LOVE to send this set your way. If you feel so inclined to bid, this is a card auction (more on that below). I'll collect bids here. Skipping Stones Design is donating all money raised to the Susan G. Koman Foundation.

Hop On!

Here are the rest of the blogs participating in Part 1 of this fun hop today:

Connie Mercer

Ilina Crouse

Kelly Gettelfinger

Amy Sheffer

Deana Benson

Megan Hoeppner (so nice to have you here!)

Giovana Smith

Stephen Kropf

Jacquie Marie

Thanks, from my heart, for your support. Breast cancer, be gone!

Warmly,
Megan

More About Sparkle Watercolor Gel Crayons (and card opinions needed)

I had a very last-minute surprise this weekend. Sadly, it wasn't without its disappointment. My childhood friend was supposed to be in town for the SNAP Conference. Unfortunately, she couldn't make it at the last minute. On a bright side, she gifted me her ticket. Wasn't that the nicest?!

With only a day's notice, I didn't have much time to prepare, so I printed the made the finest business cards (ghe-he-ta-o!) the morning of and brushed a stroke of watercolor paint across my name using my yummy watercolor gel crayons from Lulu's Boutique in Gardner Village.

Where to Buy

There was such interest in these at the show. At least half of those who saw my card asked about the paint because it has such a pretty shimmer. With that in mind, I thought I'd offer a link to where they can be purchased online if you aren't a Utah resident and able to shop at the adorable Lulu's Boutique (LOVE that store!). Using my new marketing skillz, I'm listing an affiliate link in case you want to make a purchase and support my small business as well. If not, no worries. <3

Watercolor Card Thoughts Needed

In similar news, I created a few cards over the weekend and would love your thoughts. They're encouragement cards for a few friends who could use a little love and light right now. Trying to decide which design I like the best. Do you have a favorite? I'd love your input and help!

Option 1: Sun with sky

Option 2: Sun without sky

Option 3: Sun with bitty hearts

Option 4: Heart and sun

Option 5: Sun with rainbow

Is there one style that stands out to you?

Speaking of help, thanks SO much for all of your kind words in response to my last post. I was absolutely overwhelmed by your comments, FB note and messages, emails, phone calls, and texts. I feel beyond loved and know that will make the blue rhythms easier. Thank you from my heart.

I painted bitty hearts on the inside.

Cheers!