Floral Vines - Three Techniques to Try

Remember the images I was coloring by the pool? They were from the April Stamp of the Month from The Angel Company, Floral Vines. As a demonstrator, I'm able to order them ahead of time, so I can try out techniques that show how versatile the set is.

Here are three to try:

Quick and Easy Watercolor Pencils - You probably saw my You Tube video with this technique. It's so fast and fun, I used it on this swap card for the Angel gathering in Kansas.

Coloring with Bic Markers - If you're like me and haven't been able to spring for Copics, this is the technique for you. Bic's permanent markers have similar properties and can be blended together for great shading. (Even better: Target and Walmart have big sets for cheap!) On this gate fold card, I used Hot Aqua, Polynesian Purple and Lime Sorbet. The addition of a little shading with a Gray Tombow is the perfect finishing touch!

Magic Chalks - The combination of Versamagic Ink (I used Aloe Vera) and Jewel Tones Pearlescent chalks is magical! See how to achieve this soft effect by watching this quick video. (Click here if the video doesn't appear.)

So, are you sold on this set? It can be yours before April 30, 2009 for $9.75 with a $30 purchase. Better yet, have a show, where I'll demonstrate these or a whole new set of techniques and you could earn one of the Spring Into April sets FREE! If you're not in Denver, Email me to find out how you can have your own Party in a Box!

A Place for Great Ideas - Tabbed Composition Book

Great ideas come from everywhere, and if you're like me, they don't come exactly when you need them. I'm not very organized and can't remember great ideas unless I write them down.

This book is a great place to sketch out creative ideas, write business tips, even keep track of songs you want to download and internet passwords. The tabs keep the different types of info organized. I made the one I use last year and I cut the inside pages to allow a protected area for the tabs. On this one, I added chipboard that extends out from the inside back cover and covered it with paper. I used snaps to attach clear plastic to the front cover to protect the tabs and also to cover the metal letters. The plastic (which I saved from the packaging to my daughters toy doll) has a decorative edging, which I created using my cloud scissors and Big Bite. You can check out more details on the "Clever Closure" I made in this post. You can also click this photo to see it in larger detail.

Check out this page from my idea journal. In addition to the sketch for the idea journal, you can see my "Twisted Treat" idea. I had jotted it down after being reminded of the cute sour cream containers I had seen online, but I didn't have an immediate need for that project. When I was preparing for Escape in January and needed a swap idea for Club Med, I went to my journal and found that idea. I switched it up a little by punching the edges instead of crimping them and tied a little ribbon on the end. It's fun to see the ideas I have come to completion and having this little journal ensures I won't lose track of them!

By the way, this journal was my "Prop Swap" which goes to a surprise recipient during our gift exchange. It ended up going to Laura Arnold (Hi Laura!). I never found out if she liked it, but I hope it helps inspire her and keep track of all her great ideas! I received a very inspiring and treasured gift from my friend and first Angel recruit, Camille [That's us dressed in our wings at Seminar a couple of years back]. It's a darling little coaster memory box which reads on the front: "even broken roads lead to RAINBOWS". Isn't it sweet? I'm going to add photos of my kids playing in the rain and seeing a rainbow, in addition to some messages and inspiring quotes.

I hope you're inspired today and that you find a place to keep track of those great ideas!

Refreshed and Inspired

Last week I was squeezing in a little crafting while vacationing with my family. This past weekend was all about renewing my crafting spirit with some fellow Angel gals in Kansas.

I made these little refreshing goodies for the gals I road tripped with and we all got tons of inspiration as we made projects and swapped gifts.

Here's a little peek at some of the gifts from our Saturday night "Prop Swap" gift exchange. Later I'll post the gift I made. It's so refreshing to gather with ladies who share my love of paper crafts. If you live in Colorado, be sure to get on my mailing list (see the link in my sidebar at right) to find out about my events closer to home. I'd love for you to join me and be inspired!

Coloring by the Pool

Have you been wondering where I've been? Well, I'm crafting a little, but in different surroundings. My family and I have been on Spring Break in San Diego!

In between the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World and Legoland, I've been making a few swap cards for my next trip after this one: an Angels only weekend in Salina, Kansas.

After that creative escape, I'm sure to be back with a ton of inspiration. Until then, I'll just leave you with this sneak peek. The image is from the April Stamp of the Month from The Angel Company. Of course, I used the quick 'n easy watercolor pencil technique. Keep your eyes out for more ideas with this set soon. I've got a few other things cookin' . . .