So by now, if you are a regular reader of our little Blog, you know that Spellbinders’s Die Templates cut, emboss and can be used as a stencil to embellish your die cuts.  You also know that the Wizard does a fabulous job of embossing Impressabilities as well as other textures.

That’s right, on this card I used the S4-129 Classic Scalloped Squares Small die template to emboss the yellow Core’dinations Cardstock then sanded it to enhance the texture.

Then I cut and embossed the brown Core’dinations Cardstock with S4-128 Classic Squares Small and S4-196 Large Classic Inverted Scalloped Squares to cut a frame.  I cut and embossed the S3-150 Ribbon Tags Trio and strung a piece of ribbon through it. I inked the edges with Clearsnap Colorbox chestnut Roan Chalk Ink and stamped the “just because…” sentiment from Hero Arts stamps.

I assembled as shown with 7Gypsies patterned paper and attached it to a card made from Core’dinations Cardstock.  It was fun and easy!

Becca Feeken used the square to emboss the center of her mat in this example.

Happy Embossing!
Beth

Hey everybody. One of the big buzzes right now is the economy. As crafter’s we often have a propensity to buy, buy, buy, but let’s look at a way to use up some pieces from your stash.

After seeing Beth’s post on Saturday about squares, I wanted to do another card inspired by that. I wanted to create as much depth, elegance and beauty that I could using very little paper. Conserving my stash and my cash.

So, in my version, I used two types of paper: Core’dinations blue cardstock and Chatterbox’s artsy.licious Fine Paper in Alabaster. The extra oomph in this card comes from embossing with Spellbindersâ„¢ Impressabilitiesâ„¢ Template. It essentially turned one paper into two. Here are the supplies (plus my Wizardâ„¢ and some adhesive):

Instructions:

• Cut/emboss four S4-129 Classic Scalloped Squares, Small from cream paper.
• Cut four straight edge S4-126 Classic Squares, Large and adhere them to the center of the scalloped squares.
• Cut largest die S4-129 scalloped square. Spray with a fine mist of water or other embossing agent such as Paper Glide. Emboss with Butterfly Impressabilitiesâ„¢ (or if you prefer, try Snowflakes, Flowers or Paisley).
• Sand the debossed side of the scalloped square to reveal the light color of the core. (See, now it looks like a totally different paper!!)
• Using cream paper again, cut another square scallop, one size larger than the original squares. Trim it to make 2 small squares and one larger rectangle.
• Stamp sentiment onto scalloped rectangle. I sanded the paper first to knock down some of the shine and it stamped better.
• Put it all together with your fave adhesive.

Now, imagine a couple of words that could go inside the squares, spelled out, such as G-R-A-D, L-0-V-E or B-A-B-Y…now I know the gears are turning.

And I hope they keep turning. Grab some squares and create to your heart’s content…

Eli

I admit it.  I can’t for the life of me cut a perfect square.  That makes Spellbinders’ Square die templates perfect for me!  Squares are so versatile in scrapbooking, card making and even multi-media, they’re something everyone should own.  Lets explore some artwork and see why its so hip to be Square!

Heidi Blankenship is hip!  She shows off not only the Classic squares, but the Inverted Scallops and how they look layered the the Classic Scallops.  Great Job, Heidi! She used S4-196 Large Classic Inverted Squares, S4-129 Small Classic Scallop Squares, and S4-191 Dahlia.

Heidi Blankenship

Becca Feeken is hip! She cut a frame from the Scalloped Circle  and layered her stamped image with squares.  I love it, Becca! She used S4-128 Classic Squares Small and S4-125 Classic Scalloped Circles Small.

Becca Feeken

Sherry Cheever is hip! She mounted artwork on the squares and matted with the larger scalloped square and made a beautiful focal point.

Sherry Cheever

When you open the card, you see that she also used a square to cut an opening in the front of the card. Great idea, Sherry! She used S4-126 Classic Squares, Large, and S4-127 Classic Scalloped Squares, Large.

Sherry Cheever

Debbie Olson is hip! Her square would make anyone smile. Fabulous, Debbie! She used S4-129 Classic Scalloped Squares, Small and S4-128 Classic Squares, Small

Debbie Olsen

I love hanging out with these hip ladies, don’t you?
Happy Savvy Saturday!
Beth

In honor of Earth Day or Earth Week or for those of us that reduce, reuse and recycle every day, I thought I would share some ideas that apply to crafting.

Reduce.

• Turn off the lights and computer when you are done.
• Do your work under compact florescent lighting, and dispose of them safely when burned out.
• Carry reusable shopping bags whenever you shop.
• Buy what you need, and avoid excessive packaging.
• Carpool to the crop.

Reuse

• Spellbinders’ Die templates are tools that are used over and over, and won’t wear out.
• Save your scraps, and use them on cards and scrapbook pages.
• I use magnets (with outdated calendars on the front of them) to store my die templates.
• Spellbinders’ clam shell packaging is useful for storing not only die templates, but paper scraps, embellishments, or other small items.
• Spellbinders’ clam shell packaging could be used as part of a project.  Cut it in half to use as a window.
• When looking for texture, instead of buying new items, think of things you already own that can be embossed.  That mesh bag the onions came in?  It makes a great texture, as do lace, coins, and charms.
• Too many supplies?  Arrange a trade with friends or donate those supplies to a school, scout group, or charity.

Recycle

• When you buy an item,  recycle the packaging.
• Of the things you dispose of, what can you use in your crafting?
• Soda cans can be cut and embossed in the Wizard with Spellbinder’s Die Templates.
• Chipboard used in cereal boxes and packaging can be cut and embossed.

2008 Design Team Member Jeni Calkins did a great job of using pages from an old book to make the flowers on this layout.  She used S4-109 Flower Creations 3, Nest-02 Nestabilities Classic Squares, S4-144 Long Classic Rectangles Scalloped Large, S4-145 Long Classic Rectangles Small, S7-001 Rose Borderability Grand.

If we all do our part, the Mother Earth will be a wonderful place for our children, their children, and so on.

Happy Crafting and Happy Earth!

Beth

I thought we’d take just a minute to give you the links to our new Designers Blogs.

Each designer that has a blog has her own style, shares her own inspiring projects and follows her own tempo of posting. So, why not check them out now and then…

But first, here they all are “in class” at our retreat!!

Christy Farneth-Kerr shares her fun and funky projects at Christy’s Creative Journey

Debbie Seyer’s sweetness shines through her projects at A Peek Into My Stamping Room

Heidi Blankenship’s amazing artwork can be found at Embellished Dreams

Holly Simoni shares art and inspiration at Holly Simoni

Janine Blackwelder shows off her delightful style at My S.T.A.M.P. Club

Jennifer Davis’ Preservation Arts is currently under construction but check back often and it’ll be live soon.

Julie Overby never misses a beat on her blog Mini Moments

Karen Hunsaker shares some art and some heart and soul at Karen’s Kreations

Karen Taylor’s spunky style shines at Creative Yearnings

Kazan Clark brings her personality and amazing creations to Nunu Toolies

Kimberly Crawford’s paper creations inspire us at For the Love of Paper

Lesa Rapp shares her amazing Paper Possibilities with projects galore

Terre Fry welcomes new friends and old to her blog Terre’s Scrap Therapy

Hey all,

Thanks for your patience in waiting for the Savvy Saturday as it is now Sunday. Our team arrived in Phoenix, AZ on Tax Day, April 15th. We had lots more fun gathering in PHX than the rest of the nation had dropping those envelopes in the mail. Not only ’cause of how much we loathe paying the IRS…but because this group of women is astonishingly creative, funny, caring and more. Here’s a little pic from our arrival at our “home base” for training…

Arrival of Design Team Members

For the next three fun-filled days, Stacey Caron, Kim Hupke, Cathy Chlebana and me, Eli, trained our 15 new Designers every currently invented way to cut, emboss and stencil with the Wizard and our die templates.

Terre learns a new technique

We missed Beth who was doing her duty at a Distributor’s event in California.

As if that weren’t enough, our cadre of special guests included: Tobi Hall, VP of Marketing for Spellbindersâ„¢ who gave an amazing look into the world of Marketing. (Several of us wished she had been our college marketing professor…). Katherine “Kat” George presented an amazing session on Design Principal.

Tobi Hall, VP of Marketing and Katherine "Kat" George, Design Consultant

Heidi Blankenship, returning Design Team Member, taught a session on how to condition our new JustRite stamps, donated to the team by JustRite.  Last but not least, Marianne Walker from Copic Markers trained our design team in the lost art of “coloring.”

Marianne Walker, Queen of Copic Markers

As if THAT weren’t enough, we all got to bring home a pile of amazing products, some of Spellbindersâ„¢ faves. Our team got products from Copic Markers, Fancy Pants, My Mind’s Eye, Magic Mesh, 7 Gypsies, Taylored Expressions, JustRite Stampers, Glue Dots, 3L, oh gosh…there were more but I must get this post out before the day is over.

Kimberly Crawford shows off some of our Cross Promotional Products

We had a photo shoot with all the Designers and Christy Kerr, new DT member, who is a hair dresser EXTRAORDINAIRE! was our amazing stylist to make sure each member looked perfect.

Christy Kerr adds some final touches to Holly Simoni's "do" for her headshot.

During our free time, we all laughed together as we shared meals and a few moments of relaxation. We even had a swap among the team. Each designer brought something from home that shared a bit of themselves and their home town.

Design Team Swap "bootie"

When all was said and done…I think we would all agree that this week was a total blast, full of learning, sharing, growing and mostly being really thankful to the Carons (Jeff and Stacey) for creating such an amazing line of products and for choosing such a phenomenal group of women to share the next year producing art together…with the BEST product in the business…

Cheers to all…Eli

Hey Spellbindersâ„¢ Fans….

Just a quick update to say that we are training the 2009-2010 Design Team in Phoenix, Arizona, right now. Later, I’ll get some photos for you to see all the fun we’ve been having. This is a fabulous bunch of women and an amazing bunch of designers. So look for us SOON…

Thanks, Eli

Hey, that’s me!  Here’s a little interview I did with myself.

How did it all begin?
Gosh, it was 1995, I had a 6month old and 19 month old, and I was a consultant for a home business kitchen party company. My new consultant and I were participating in a home based business expo. I took a walk around and saw a scrapbook party consultant’s exhibit, with pictures cut up and stickers and flat die cuts. My first thought was “You’ve got to be kidding me! You people are out of your minds!” Shortly thereafter I was invited to a party to make a cute recruiting album. Then I found a local scrapbook store (LSS) nearby. I was hooked!

A little over 3 years ago I decided to start entering design team contests. My first entry was to Spellbinders! I was selected and have been with the company ever since. I transitioned from Lead Designer to Teacher, Blog Writer and Jack of Several Trades.

I don’t have formal art training, but took all the high school art classes I could, and still like to paint just about anything, but never caught on to sewing, much to my grandma’s dismay.

I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 19.5 years, with my 2 boys, now aged 15 and 14, along with our fur-baby Cindy.

My favorite die template has always been S3-004 Symbology, it was my first die template purchase when I got my Wizard 4 years ago. I love using inks, and you’ll find some kind of ink on everything I make. My latest favorite technique is airbrushing with Copic Markers.

I don’t work outside of the home. I tried that and my family didn’t like it when I wasn’t home to provide them with the full service they were used to. Now I work from home, getting most of my art done during the day. I get too tired and cranky at night! I usually craft alone. I like to socialize and I’m easily distracted at crops away from home.

I am learning digital, and I have a fine collection of digital kits. I will always keep my hands on paper and ink though. I think the process is just as important as the finished piece.

I like to shop. I shop locally, I am lucky to have several excellent LSS’s withing a decent driving distance, along with big box stores. I shop online when I need to find something unique or not yet available locally. I’m all about the immediate gratification of retail therapy!

I have taught locally and have traveled for Spellbinders and Copic, teaching consumers and retailers. Its been fun to see the light bulb moment for people with the Wizard!

You want know about my home workspace? Oh no, you don’t. Really? Ok, its a room in the basement that we set up with a sink, cabinets and countertop, and an awesome closet. I know where everything is. But if YOU went in there, you wouldn’t think so…I make a mess when I create. Don’t even ask about the dining room table right now.
I get inspiration from all over, I love architecture and magazine ads, and even digital scrapbook elements. The strangest thing I have used on a layout is underwear. It was new and clean! The letters are cut from it. Shhhhh, don’t tell my son I’m posting this!

Now I can dress him up, but I still can’t them out!  This layout uses S4-189 Labels 3, S4-114 Standard Circle Large, S4-116 Standard Circle Small, S4-130 Classic Rectangle Small, S4-169 Labels Small, S4-168 Labels Large , and S4-195 Small Classic Inverted Scalloped Circle.

I’m not a big stamper, but I have a fine collection of stamps.  This stamp reminds me of pictures of me as little girl. This card uses S4-189 Labels 3 and S4-192 Blossom.

I really enjoy making “altered” art and mini books. Star albums are fun, as well as theme books, its nice to have a beginning, middle and end to a project. I think the most fun I’ve had is in creating this cake to go along with a wedding theme. I like to think I took an item and used it for something other than the obvious. Here are the instructions for the cake.

You can read my bio , and read more about me on my personal blog, Cookies for Breakfast.

Thanks,

Beth

I’m with Beth!! I am tired of Old Man Winter, who, in Denver, stayed away most of the late winter and just arrived a couple of weeks ago with snow and cold.

I loved Beth’s idea for creating a fabulous, colorful card with some perky peonies (S4-193) on them. I decided to take the idea and use it for an altered project: pencils with peonies. A selection of green, blue and purple from my scraps bin filled the bill. I grabbed my Peony die template and got creating.

After some experimentation, I found the following instructions to work the best.

1. Cut the peony die templates #1, #2 and #4 (1 is the smallest with higher getting larger). I did not emboss. Distribute the colors and patterns for creating the flowers by placing them in stacks of graduated trios.



2. Place a stack of three die templates on your palm and press with a small dowel, flat end of a pencil or end of a paintbrush, giving the flowers dimension. Now they are ready to be stacked.



3. Using mini glue dots, attach the #2 to #4 and then #1 to #2. For me, layers kept their dimension better this way than going from smallest to largest.
4. Set aside in pairs.
5. Wrap 2 large Glue Dots around the end of the pencil just below the metal housing for the eraser.
6. Secure the pair of peonies to opposite sides of the pencil.



7. Sharpen pencils and give away to the delight of all.

This would be a fantastic favor for a bridal or a baby shower. Use colored pencils for even more fun. (and by the way…we don’t have many peonies here in Colorado…I’m jealous of those of you who do!)

Happy Spring! Eli

This was my yard Monday morning. WAHHHHH!

These are peonies I planted last year, and it looks like they survived the winter.  And like me, they’ve had it with the cold weather!

I can’t wait until they look like this:

If Mother Nature won’t give me pretty peonies yet, Spellbinders sure will!  I took the Spellbinders S4-193 Peony and S4-132 Classic Rectangle Large die templates, a pad of Fancy Pants Daily Grind paper, a stamp, Pop-Up Glue Dots and some scissors and made my own pretty peonies.

I started by cutting and embossing each of the S4-193 Peony die templates with a different pattern paper from the pad.

I played a bit with them, looking for a way to stack the different size flower die cuts while adding dimension to the project.  I decided to fold, cut and curl the edges just like this:

I folded, cut and curled each die cut, and stacked them using Pop-Up Glue Dots in between the layers.

I added a S4-132 Classic Rectangle Large with a stamped verse, and assembled as shown. Add some flowers to your projects and lets hope Mother Nature catches up with us!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Beth