Printer Review: Which Photo Printer Is Right For You? (Plus, WIN a Canon!)

If there’s one thing I’m super passionate about, it’s printing your photos. Well… It’s near the top of my list! It’s why I taught my online course, From App to Archive, on CreativeLive (on sale right now for just $34! Woot!). Worse than the shoeboxes of yesteryear, images today are getting lost in cloudy devices and on social sites that don’t even belong to us. It’s tragic when you think about it. And it’s why I’m all for you investing in a home photo printer. It doesn’t have to be anything big and fancy. In fact, some of my favorite personal printers are bitty. And so cute! LOL

Not sure what to buy? I’m sharing a roundup today on my favorite TV show, Studio 5. You’ll find more details on each listed here. Take a look at their bells and whistles and decide which one is your perfect printer in crime.

PRINTER #1: The Epson PictureMate-400

WHY I LOVE IT: While this printer isn't technically a portable printer, it can easily be transported. It folds up nice and compact, is light weight, and works wirelessly with a wifi connection. Ink and photo paper are affordable, and the ink lasts a long time. 

Specifics

• Price: $200

• Best print quality of the options I have.

• Prints 4x6 and 5x7 images. 

• Requires ink refills. An ink cartridge costs around $30 and includes all colors, including black, in a single cartridge.

• Works best with Epson photo paper. A pack of 100 sheets can be as low as $5 on amazon. 

• Works wirelessly or with a connection. You can also insert a memory card directly in the printer.

• Can print directly from a smart device if both it and the device are connected to WiFi.

PRINTER #2: Fuji Instax Share

WHY I LOVE IT: This printer is my buddy. I've had it for YEARS (since 2010) and it's still going strong. I love its retro vibe and portable element. 

Specifics

• Price: $99-$140 (depending on package)

• Prints on Polaroid-inspired film--shake it like a Polaroid picture! ;) 

• Prints are washed out. Tip: Print darker images than you normally would.

• Newer model available. Print quality improved with the newer model, so don't be fooled by my oldie-but-goodie.

• Works on batteries or you can plug it in. Batteries are those short, fat, pricey fellas, so a plug-in is a cost-effective way to go.

• Requires no ink. Ink is in the film.

• Film averages about $0.50-$1 per print.

• Uses the same film as the well-known Instax Mini cameras. 

• Can buy white film or go with fun, colorful and patterned options. (speciality options tend to cost a bit more.)

• Fun to craft with because the print has the border at the base, which is great for stamping or adding washi tape to.

• To connect to your phone and print, the Instax will establish its own wifi connection, which you'll want to select in the settings on your device before printing. 

• Works with a free app that you add to your device. 

• App includes limited editing capability, including cropping and filters. 

PRINTER #3: Canon Ivy

WHY I LOVE IT: This is the newest printer to join my family. She's also the smallest/lightest weight. I love that this one comes in pink and teal options. I'm also a fan of the film, which is both a picture and a sticker!

Specifics

• Price: Starts at $99

• Uses ZINC (zero-ink) technology, meaning you don't have to buy ink refills. Instead, the ink is in the film.

• Film averages $25 for 50 sheets. 

• Film has a peel-and-stick back, giving you instant stickers (should you want them). 

• Doesn't print true to color, but the prints aren't bad quality.

• Works with a free app that you add to your device. 

• App includes limited editing capability, including cropping, frames, stickers, and filters. 

• Prints by establishing a bluetooth connection, so you'll want to make sure your bluetooth is enabled.

• Works via a plug or its rechargeable battery. Note: The battery doesn't hold its charge very long, so you’ll want to keep the charger near. 

• You can buy a carrying case for it and the film, which is a nice extra for crafting on the go. 

PRINTER #4: The LifePrint

WHY I LOVE IT: It’s like a magic trick! You print a pic with it and then hold your phone over the printed image using your smart device and the LifePrint app. Abbra cadabra! It shows you a movie of what was happening when the pic was taken. VERY COOL!

SPECIFICS

• Uses the same ZINC photo paper you use with the Ivy.

• Photos must be shot in LIVE mode to get the video component.

  GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Great news! I have a Canon Ivy to give away to one lucky person!! Check my instagram account for details and your chance to win. Contest closes at 8:00 AM MST on Monday, February 4, 2019.

Good luck!

3 Tips for Putting the Creative Fun in Fuctional Day Planners (plus! FREE downloads)

I was chatting with my friend Layle about today’s Studio 5 segment. She’s a fellow planner nerd, so we were discussing the television producer’s request for three tips one could apply to planning that would be considered my go-to ideas. There are so many things about planning that I do, so narrowing it down to three tips was a fun challenge. I shared my ideas with Layle, and she quickly came up with a common thread—my must-dos all add the fun to the functional. Yes! Love it! (Thanks, Layle!) These are ways you can put the creative fun into a functional planner!

FUN-ctional Planner Tip #1: Reinforce those holes

Planner pages get turned. It helps to have them reinforced with either hole reinforcement stickers or washi tape. Both can be fun. Even the little white reinforcement stickers can be dressed up with paint or stamping or doodling. And washi! Well, it doesn’t get much more fun than that.

FUN-ctional Planner Tip #2: Create a clip

Decorative clips serve as bookmarks, which is an honorable function, indeed. From a fun standpoint, you can create your own, giving your planner unique personality and charisma. A few of my favorite clips ideas include:

• A bow—either die cut a bow from felt or simply remove a store-bought hairbow from its clip and string it on. Either way, it’s a sweet way to doll up a planner page.

• A flower—I’ve had a longstanding love affair with the rolled rosette, and they sure look sweet atop a paper clip. Simply sandwich the clip between the rosette and a piece of felt for the backing.

• Shrink plastic—yup! We’re going old school with some Shrinky Dinks. Stamp a design, color it with Sharpies, and bake to shrink. Once done, you can use the fab e6000 glue to attach the plastic to your clip.

FUN-ctional Planner Tip #3: Add inserts

In my monthly planner classes, I often refer to these in a very technical fashion as “flippy things.” lol They’re pieces to put in between the pages of your paper planner’s calendar. They can be anything really. Some of my favorite flippy things include:

• photos

• journaling cards

• printed quotes (seen in the pic above)

• clear plastic page protectors

• notebook paper

• small treat bags

• memorabilia (party invites, school announcements, etc.)

• shipping tags

• mini calendar pages

INSERTING TIPS AND TIDBITS

An easy way to add flippy things is to use a punch designed to fit your specific planner. This ensures the holes will line up as they need to. Below, you’ll find a pic of the Carpe Diem planner punch in all its punch-y glory!

Of course, we don’t all have such equipment on hand. If you fall under this category, there’s a simply trick you can do to align your inserts. Simply remove a page from your planner and use its holes as a template. Place the page and your flippy together, trace the holes on your flippy, and use a single hole punch to make your mark.

I often add hole reinforcement stickers to my DIY flippies. I feel this gives them a more finished feel, and I appreciate the added oomph the stickers give. Hole reinforcement stickers are just white circle stickers that go around holes to… well… reinforce them. Go figure. ;) You can get them at office supply stores, in the office section of your big box hops (Target, Wal-mart, etc.), and even at the dollar store (on a good day).

FREE PRINTABLES

As part of today’s episode of Studio 5, I shared a few free printable downloads that you can use to enhance your planner and planning.

Printable #1: A clean and simple calendar by Dear Chrissy

Printed at full size, this calendar makes an awesome wall calendar for your family to use. Printed at a smaller percentage (I printed at 65%), it can be sized down to go in your planner as a place to track specifics of more mundane items that may not live in your planner permanently (doc appointments, library book returns, etc.). I use one to track my project due dates and blog post schedules for work. I also have a full-sized version hanging in our kitchen for family use. Thanks, Dear Chrissy!

Printable #2: Lifestyle trackers by Simply Stacie

These cute themed printables are great for getting your goals in motion. There are fitness trackers, home and organization trackers, and more. And the designs are so cute, which is an added bonus!

Printable #3: Inspirational messaging by Clementine Creative

I love to include uplifting messages in my planner. The help keep me inspired and focused. Printed at a smaller percentage (around 65%), and they’re the perfect size to be punched and added to your planner. Clementine Creative has many heartwarming and encouraging notes to choose from. Have fun finding your perfect pairing!

ABOUT PRINTING

To size your print down for your planner, you will adjust in the print preview just before you hit “print” on your computer. For my computer, it’s file/print/scale X%.

This is where you adjust to meet your needs. You should be giving a print preview in this same screen, so you can see how the size adjusts as you scale it up and down. If nothing else, print from page 1 to 1 on a multi page document to test the waters on a particular size before printing the entire file. Just in case you don’t love the size, this will keep you from wasting as much paper and ink until you find that Goldi Locks sweet spot. (You know, where it’s “just right.”)

AS SEEN ON TV

You can check out my Studio 5 segment detailing these tricks and ideas today at 11 AM MST on channel 5. Or you can view it online here.

TAKE A CLASS

If you love the idea of creatively tracking your life in a paper planner, I’d love for you to join our monthly planner workshops. They’re $50 for three hours of hands-on crafting and inspiration. The prince includes a class kit each month. I also have planners available for purchase, should you need one. We used to meet in a darling store, but it, sadly, closed its doors last year (sob!), so we now meet at a lovely student’s lovely home in Lehi, Utah. Class is typically the third Friday of the month, from 6:30-9:30

NEW THIS YEAR, the class will take more of a focus on bullet journaling. We will still discuss planners, but we’ll also learn about the creative ideas behind tracking life and goals in a creative journal. The two approaches to living are both fun and creative and work hand in hand to offer a more fulfilled and on-track life. For more info, please email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com.

Free 'Letter to Santa' Download

Ho ho ho! In an effort to land on Santa’s “Nice” list, I thought I’d share a free download. ;) It’s a letter to Jolly Old Elf.

You’ll find two choices—a bright white and an off white. I made both using my Rhonna Designs app on my phone.

To download, right click and save image. Enjoy!

If the file doesn’t save to 8x10, export it to a PDF and it should work fine.

I had such fun sharing my Santa Mail segment on today’s Studio 5.

A VERY special thanks to the awesome kids in my daughter’s first grade class for providing the adorable visuals!!

Santa Mail Sources

You can get bitty mail boxes at Dollar Tree (I just saw some there this AM). The stationery is available at Target and Storybook Nook in Gardner Village.

BULLET JOURNALING

If you have questions about anything or want more info on my 2019 Bullet Journaling classes, leave me a comment or email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com.

Cheers to you and yours this holiday season!
Megan

Advent Books: A Holiday Family Tradition

This is the story of how I proudly became a bag lady. It starts off as kind of a downer. You know, losing my job and all, but it has a happy ending. Promise. And it’s an ending I hope you’ll love enough to work into your own holiday celebrating.

THE STORY OF OUR ADVENT BOOKS TRADITION

Once upon a time, there was a mama who lost her job of 8+ years. This came just before the holidays, adding to the stress and sadness of it all. At home, she had a new(ish) one-year-old baby girl, making the Christmas season more magical than ever. Unfortunately, it also happened to make the layoff that much more stressful. How was Mama Meg going to make Christmas happen when her funds were just cut in a major way?

Okay, we’ll pause the fairytale right here to say I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, Mama Meg, your tiny tot couldn’t care less about presents beneath the tree. Hell, Santa could deliver her an empty cereal box and she’d be overjoyed. Yes, I now know this to be true. But, as a relatively new mom, I wanted everything to be perfect and naively thought that meant pretty presents beneath the tree. Soooo… you’ll have to go with me on this one. ;)

Phew! Glad we got that cleared up. Let’s continue.

Suddenly, Mama Meg was without the money to enjoy extra holiday outings and gifts and all of the things. “Whatever will I do for my little princess,” Mama Meg sighed.

Luckily, MM’s current predicament wasn't the worst thing in the world. You see, MM enjoys a challenge and an opportunity to use her creativity to problem solve, and that’s just what she set to do. She would make the holiday season merry and bright one way or another.

One day, while in ye olde Target shop, MM happened upon Christmas books that only cost $1. This was back in the magical days of the DOLLAR Spot, when all items were $1 in this part of the store. No, it’s true. This isn’t lore. Aww… the good old days! ;) Seeing the affordable book, MM had an idea. “I’ll give my princess the gift of books!” One Christmas book each night in December, to be exact. Just like that, the Advent Books tradition was born!

You might be wondering, did MM and Princess M live happily ever after? You bet! They even had a jr. princess join the castle chaos, making the Advent Book tradition all the more magical. Here’s what it’s all about:

ADVENT BOOK BAGS

You can either create bags from cute Christmas fabric or purchase bags. And that’s if you want bags at all. For the first couple of years, I used old shirt boxes and wrapping paper. I introduced the bags when I had the funds to do so, and I’m so glad I did. They can be used year after year, which makes this project so easy to set up (with far less waste!)

I did a combo of handmade bags and amazon-bought canvas bags. The fun thing about the handmade is you can make them in any color scheme you want. I went with pastel Christmas to complement the trees in my girls’ rooms.

To my bags, I added die cut numbers (actually the same numbers I used when I made my monthly onesies). I simply ironed the numbers on by first treating the back of them with a fusible iron-on webbing.

FINDING AFFORDABLE BOOKS

Books can be expensive. I get it if that’s the first concern to jump to mind when reading this. You’re absolutely right! But there are resources for affordable options. Some of my favorites include:

• Target. While the “Dollar Spot” may be a thing of the past, they still have the “One Spot,” which often includes $1 board books. These are especially good for younger babes, but even school-aged kids can appreciate them.

• Dollar Tree (or your version of a dollar store). They have an entire book and coloring book section. Many of our books came from here.

• FB area yard sale pages. Warning: These can become highly addictive. It’s so much fun finding a person looking to offload their old books. I scored some AWESOME vintage Christmas books this way.

• Traditional yard sales. These are harder to come by this time of year, at least in these parts, but if you live in warmer waters (lucky!), this is another great place to score stories.

• Library sales. Once a year, our city library has a massive book sale. They practically give their books away at these, making it a gold mine for this project.

• Schoolastic book orders. If you have school-age children, the little pamphlets that come home with your kiddos are a honey hole of bargain books. I updated our collection quite a bit when Maggie started kindergarten (and kindermusik).

Of course, you don’t have to rummage and scrounge as I did to make this fairytale a reality. That’s just the boat I found myself in when I set this tradition up. Anymore, I LOVE to visit local book stores and add a new book or two each year. It helps keep them age appropriate for Maggie, too. One of my favorite spots here in Salt Lake is Storybook Nook at Gardner Village. If you’ve seen You’ve Got Mail, it’s kind of like that. The owner loves books and brings in the cutest stories. There’s always a special seasonal assortment on display just as you enter the store.

A PLAN IN THE BOOKS

Now that you have your books, it’s time for a plan. Ask yourself if there are any other holiday traditions that could impact your book opening order. For example, I always give my girls an ornament on Dec. 1, which just happens to be Book Bag #1, so I put the smaller ornament bags in Book Bag #1.

Book Bag #1 also contains our Elf on the Shelf book. It’s something we get going at the first of the month, so it makes sense to have it first.

On Christmas Eve, we read The Night Before Christmas and open new jammies, so that book and the jams can be found in Book Bag #24.

Occasionally, I work other surprises into the bag, such as little coloring books or a holiday movie. I try to do this rarely so I don’t have to replenish my stock from year to year, but it is a nice change of pace on weekend nights.

WHERE WE READ

Each of my girls have their own small Christmas trees in their rooms, so we put the books ‘neath their trees. It makes it super easy to open one at bedtime and snuggle in for story time.

Now that I have two kiddos, I split the books. Half are under one tree and the other half are under the other. We just move from room to room to read. Perhaps I’ll eventually have enough for each kiddo to open a book each night, but I don’t think that’s necessary. Opening and reading together is fun. As Santa would say, sharing is caring!

THE HEALTHY (AND CHEAP!) ADVENT APPROACH

No chocolate or expensive trinkets here. Just books that we can read year after year. Seems like a win to me. Okay, so maybe I also sneak treats in the bags from time to time, but that’s totally optional, you know, if you have self control and all. ;)

I’ve wanted to blog about this tradition for years but never seemed to find the time. Do I have time today? No, not really. But it’s high time I share. I already have my cute neighbor now doing this with her kiddos. Want to join us? We’d love to have you in our Advent Books club. :)

What are your holiday traditions? I’m a sucka for the tradition and love reading about what others do. Drop me a line here or on IG or FB if you have something fun to share. Not fun? I’ll pass. (I kid. I kid. I’d love to read anything you do that makes the holiday feel like “the holidays” to you.)

Thanks for seeing this story to its end. I hope it leaves you feeling inspired.

Cheers!
Megan

It's a Tree Spree

It’s Studio 5 day. Hooray! And I had a special announcement with today’s TV segment. Introducing… my 2018 holiday crafting workshop, the Tree Spree Crafternoon!

For just $25, we’ll make five festive decorations. I’m SUPER excited to share my love of crafting bitty trees to be used in home decor. We’ll make a trio of felt trees and two unique mod cone trees. With a traditional and non-traditional option available, these projects can be customized to fit your holiday decorating style!

I hope to see you at the awesome Oakbridge Greenhouse on Saturday, December 1 at 11 AM to make seasons merry & bright.

If you’re seeking a tree crafting fix now, you’ve come to the right place. You can watch today’s TV segment here. Together with the fabulous Shara Parker, I discuss ways to make trees from felt, paper, yarn, and more. Fir reals! ;) If you’re looking to spruce up your decorating, these ideas should do the trick.

Cheers!

Make a Bitty Haunted House Decoration

Your full-size house isn’t the only one to decorate this season. Create a bitty shadowbox house to display your favorite Halloween photos. Heck! Why not make a house for every holiday? They’re fun and easy to do.

See how to make your own house shadowbox today at 11 AM on Studio 5. Watch live online.

Embrace the box’s depth by filling the little compartments with layers of detail. In this frame, I used Queen & Co’s Rectangle Shaker Kit to create an interactive shaking element.

This window pulls out to reveal an accordion-folded section, made with paper from Echo Park Paper Co. and embellishments from Simple Stories. So cute!

Surprise! Add journaling/written details behind a little flap. The paper clip helps indicate the lifting mechanism.

PRODUCT SWAP

If you’re here because you already watched the show and are interested in participating in my planner swap, check out this photo on my Instagram account to sign up. It’s a fun way to get new supplies and enjoy a little snail mail.

THEMED PHOTOS SHOOTS BY JENNIFER LYN LANCE

If you’re here because you want details on the AWESOME Freak Show/Circus photo shoot we participated in, you’ll want to check out Jennifer Lyn Lance on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Lyn Lance

She has new themed shoots all the time and also does gorgeous photos for your favorite occasions—newborn, cake smashing, holiday, and more!

Photo Credit: Jennifer Lyn Lance

No matter your reason for stopping by, I’m sure glad you did. Many thanks for giving me some of your e-time. XOXO

Cheers!

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!

It's Hip to Clip: new planner class & diy paper clips *as seen on TV

Creating decorative clips is a happy way to dress up paper projects. Today on Studio 5, I have just a few playful paper clip examples to get you whip together the clip. 

MAKE A CLIP: PLANNER CLASS INFO

We make at least one new clip each month in my creative planning class. If you want to join in on the fun, simply email me at meghoeppner@gmail.com. My next class is tomorrow night from 6:30-9:30 PM in Pleasant Grove. If that's too soon to plan for, message me about future class dates. I'd love to see you and help you get your plan on! 

PLACES TO INCORPORATE DECORATIVE PAPER CLIPS 

* Planners
* Traveler's Notebooks
* Bullet Journals
* Scrapbook Pages
* Cards
* Tags

PAPER CLIP PURPOSE 

I adore adding clips to my planner spreads each month. They look so cheerful lined up and peeking out the top. They also serve a great purpose in my books. In planners, they mark pages. In traveler's notebooks and bullet journals, they often work to both mark pages and hold pages open, which is so nice. 

PAPER CLIP PIECES

Creating clips is as simple as adding cute crafting supplies to clips. Favorite clip toppers include:

* Stickers
* Pre-made 3D accents
* Wood veneer shapes
* Patterned paper and cardstock
* Punched paper
* Washi tape
* Brads
* Buttons
* Ribbon
* Felt
* Die cut shapes
* Stamped images
* Pom poms
* Yarn/tassels
* Patches
* Sequins
* Shakers
* Old jewelry and hair bows
* And more!

The sky's the limit!

CLIP ATTACHING 

Take various approaches to adding your toppers to your clips. Hot glue it typically a safe bet across the board, but Glue Dots also work well. My planner pal Layle Koncar swears by e6000, which is a fast-drying, heavy duty liquid adhesive. It helps your clips hold up to the wear and tear of being in much used planners. Another liquid adhesive, Glossy Accents, can also work well. It dries clear and can actually incorporate into the design of the clip. It should sit overnight to dry completely. Sometimes, no adhesive is needed at all. Instead, you can simply thread the accents around the clip and it will sit in place, which is fast and fun! 

To get your wheels turning, let's take a look at a few different clip combos!