Another Happy Birthday Card - I'm on a Roll

::danish::

I made this birthday card yesterday for my boyfriend's brother, David. He's like a brother to me, so even though I've been working like a mad-lady this week, I wanted to make him a card. He always comments on how great my cards and projects are, so I juuust couldnt bring myself to give him a store bought card for his birthday.

The skull is grungeboard covered in Crackle Paint, Walnut Distress Ink, and Crackle Accents. I threw in a lot of staples, one of Tim's journaling tickets, and whole lotta distressing to make it a little more manly.

He liked it. Mission Accomplished :)

Shabby Chic Birthday Card

In my spare time this week, I made this super cute (if I do say so myself) birthday card for my new boss. I added lots of hand stitching (because I am seriously lacking in the having a sewing machine department), gem stones, Enamel Accents, Tattered Rose Crackle Paint, aaand Rock Candy Distress Stickles. The butterfly base is Grunge Board.

I know 'Best Wishes' isn't the best birthday card greeting, but all of my Happy Birthday stamps were a little too...cheesy :) This was the first card that I've given to a non-family member, and actually received a sincere 'thank you' and acknowledgement that it was handmade. Best feeling evar :)

Also, on a side note...I received a huge tote full of new Tim Holtz product that will soon be out on the shelves at JoAnn - SO EXCITED!!!!

Happy Father's Day Dads

I made three Father's Day cards this year for the various men in my life (the third was too anxious to be mailed to be photographed). I had a hard time getting these to photograph correctly. The bronze rectangles and the two vehicles that are pop-dotted up are super shimmery and bronzey :)

I used some DCWV papers, mixed with cardstock that was painted bronze with acrylic paint and some old dictionary paper that I inked with Distress Inks.

I hope all of you dad's out there have a fantastic Father's Day!

Wedding Card for Dad

Tomorrow, my dad is getting remarried to his long time girlfriend. Given that I moved to Michigan, where he lives, a few months ago, I only have to drive a couple of hours to his wedding :)

Work at JoAnn has been absolutely taking over my life. We've had our yearly inventory, our yearly audit, and the loss of all of our managers (with the exception of myself and one other) in the last two weeks or so. It's been crazy, therefore, it seems that when I do have a spare hour or so to craft, I have NO creative juices flowing.

Looking through my Google Reader the other night in search of some inspiration to make a wedding card, I came upon a great card, here!

Sadly, I don't have any of the Tim Holtz Distress Stains that she used, so I improvised by stamping with my Distress Inks. I loved the rolled flower, so I found an SVG set that I liked over at 2peas.

 Congratulations to my dad and his new bride, and may they have a fantastic life together!

Core'dinations Tim Holtz Distress Collection

I finally did it!

I got my hands on the new Tim Holtz Distress Collection with Core'dinations! Sunday night, I was helping one of the members on my stocking crew to finish a HUGE cart of open stock scrapbooking paper, and as we were opening the packages of paper, Tim's signature (you know that one...) caught my eye. After freaking out a little that JoAnn was catching up with the times, and carrying some more of Tim's distress products, I went on to tell my team member my history with Tim's products. She opened a package of dark brown paper from the new line, and I said, "I bet that one is Walnut Stain." After turning the paper over and reading the label, I got "wow, you are good..." in response :)

JoAnn is having a big sale this week, and all of their open stock paper is 5 for $1, including the new Core'dinations Distress Collection. The large format stores are carrying 30 of the 36 colors that are available. I picked up one of each.

I actually have a day off tomorrow, so I can't wait to play with my new paper!

Shabby Chic Desk Cup - Tutorial

Working in receiving for a craft store, I get a lot of shipments that include random fillers to weigh down the boxes. I happened across a few of these tubes that are similar to those used in bulk sticker rolls, and had to take them home :)

I glued a chipboard circle (that I traced and cut out) to one end of the tube with Glossy Accents, and when that dried I painted the entire thing with acrylic paint. Don't forget the inside :)

While the paint dried, I trimmed a piece of patterned paper to the size of the tube, and stamped a collage of Tim Holtz stamps (of course).

I adhered the paper to the tube with Mod Podge. I Mod Podged (is that a word???) the inside also, to protect the inside from whatever pens or tools I decide to keep in it :)

Once all that was dry, I used my Tim Holtz paper piercing tool to pierce a hole through the side. I put a large jump ring through the hole, and attached a piece of chain (Tim Holtz...againz). 

Using a few smaller jump rings, attach assorted findings to the chain :)

Don't forget to use your Glossy Accents to attach a few rhinestones!

Do You Have Secrets?

I can't share exactly what I created today.

If you've never heard of Post Secret, you should check it out. Post Secret is a place where you can anonymously share any and every secret that you've ever had. Those secrets that weigh you down, or that excite you, yet you just can't share them with anyone.

Create a 4x6 post card. One one side - your secret, and on the other side - the address above.

Let your art become something intimate and personal - send a secret.

New Job Today!

I've been working as a part time employee for JoAnn Fabric since last October, and today I will be my first day at a new store as a manager. I am so nervous and excited all at the same time. Wish me luck, I know this job won't be easy, but I hope it will be worth it!

My First SVG Set

I've been searching and searching the internet for SVG files to use with my new SCAL program, and had a lot of trouble finding things that I thought I would use. So...I decided to be brave, and create my own. I've been dropping hints for a graphics tablet for my birthday next month :) For now, I just used my Macbook Pro and Illustrator to make some super cute wild life animals. I think they turned out great, but I need someone to try them out for me.

The first 10 people to email me at courtneyzavala(at)gmail(dot)com will get this set emailed to them for FREE!

The set will work with SCAL, MTC and any other 3rd party program you use that can import SVG files.

I really want to see what you can do with these cute little guys (and I hope to goodness that they work correctly!)

Oh the Possibilities!

I am the proud new owner of an amazing program that I'm sure many of you have heard of

As their website states, Sure Cuts A Lot (or SCAL)is an extremely easy program to allow you to cut your True Type fonts and various shapes on your Cricut Machine and other cutting machines. With the combination of using your Fonts. importing custom artwork and drawing your own shapes, the possibilities are endless! 

I'm looking forward to posting projects using my new program! I have a party coming up, so I'm planning on making some decorations.

If you're interested in expanding your crafting horizons, check out the Sure Cuts A Lot software! 

Also, check out Lettering Delights for some awesome graphics to use with SCAL or MTC.

My First Card Set

Last night, I was SO in the mood to make something and be at least slightly crafty (after a stressful week). I really didn't have a project in mind, but I really wanted to try out a few of my new stamps so I made these super simple cards.

There are 6 total cards, and they measure 3.5" x 3.5". The patterned paper is from the October Afternoon Fly A Kite paper stack. All of the stamps are from Inkadinkado :)

I'm not sure what I'll do with these yet (maybe give them out at work?), but I think they're pretty darn cute for a quick project.

It's Up!

After being slightly delayed due to some technical difficulties, the February issue of Scrapbook News and Review magazine is up and so are the layouts that I created! 

There's something for everyone! Scrapbooking, stamping, altered art, and much much more!

Here's a link to head on over!

Flashy Floral Watercolor Tag

I made this tag tonight and absolutely love it! I used one of my new stamp sets from Inkadinkado called Flashy Floral. Like the Inkadinkado website says, this set just begs to be colored!

I stamped the flowers with my VersaFine Black Onyx ink onto a plain manilla tag. I inked over the entire tag with Spun Sugar Distress Ink, Victorian Velvet Distress Ink, and Tea Dye Distress Ink.

I then stamped the same flowers onto a scrap piece of watercolor paper, used Victorian Velvet and Aged Mahogany Distress Inks with my Zig Brush2O to color them in.

I cut each flower out, and adhered them to their corresponding flower on the tag. 

After stamping some dots with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink and a Tim Holtz stamp, and added some white Enamel Accents from Ranger to the dots on the stamps.

The sentiment stamp came from the Hero Arts Thinking of You Messages set. 

Watercolor Card for Momma

Earlier this week, my poor momma down in Texas had a minor stroke. I couldn't afford to send flowers or a stuffed animal (because apparently prices for those things online are outrageous  now). My boyfriend took me shopping during my double discount day at work, and saw the stamps I used on the card. He remembered me saying that my mom loved dragonflies, and suggested that I buy them and make her a card, so I did!

I stamped on watercolor paper with my new VersaFine Onyx Black ink, and my new Inkadinkado Morphic Bugs stamps. I used my Zig Brush2O and my awesome Tim Holtz Distress Inks to color in the stamps!

The 'wishing you well' stamp was an old one I had lying around...I'm not sure what company it came from, but it made for a nice font to color in :)

I hope she likes it! Feel better momma!

Guess What!!!

Hi Everyone! I am SO excited! 

I just got news that two of my pages will be published in the next issue of the Scrapbook News and Review Magazine! This will be my very first time being published, and I can't wait to see my work in the magazine next to the work of other amazing scrapbookers!

Scrapbook News and Review is the largest online scrapbooking magazine, and has lots to offer! The magazine features cards, scrapbooking layouts, stamping, altered art, mixed media and more! There's also an awesome and active forum, and lots of other goodies to give your creative senses the tingle they long for. They began in April of 2008 and have been going strong ever since! Check them out, register, and come join the fun!

I'll be posting again on the 13th of February to remind everyone to go check it out!

Love Double Discounts!

Today was Double Discount day for JoAnn employees in my area, and I got some good stuff! They had most of their Inkadinkado stamp sets on clarence for only $2.97, the Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Fillable Pen for $1.97, ink pads for 40% off and storage for 50% off. All of those awesome sales, plus my employee discount made for a very impressive total :)

Distress Ink Watercolor: Practice

Ok bloggers...

I am absolutely even more in love with my Tim Holtz Distress Inks...now that I've invested in a Zig Brush2O!

Because the Distress Inks are specially formulated to react with water, they make for amazing water colors, especially for coloring in stamps! Simply press your ink pad onto a non stick surface, such as your craft sheet or an acrylic block, and use the water brush to pick up small amounts at a time. To clean of the brush after each color, simply swirl it around on your non stick surface or on a scratch piece of paper until its clear again! So easy!

Here's what I did...

This was my first attempt. I was using super cheap plain white paper and it warped like crazy due to all of the moisture. I couldn't believe how well I could detail with the water brush and Distress Inks. Notice the shading under the car - that was done by adding a small amount of Walnut Stain on top of the Tea Dye base. I also layered different blue Distress Inks to create the sky. This stamp is from Artistic Outpost.

This was the same thing. Just practice on regular ol' paper. I wanted to try my hand at coloring her hair and dress. I love the softness to this one, but I might give it another go :)

Today, I bought a package of watercolor paper after work, and cut a few pieces to 2.5"x3.5" (which is the correct size for ATCs). This particular image was actually a mistake. I was stamping...playing around, and really didn't like what I came up with, but I didn't want to waste my new paper, so I colored it in anyway. I at least like how the sky came out :) The water color paper is SO much better than regular cardstock, and didn't warp at all. It help the color better, and really helped the inks act more like watercolors!

This...this is my absolute favorite image so far. The stamp is, of course, a Tim Holtz stamp. Again, I used the water color ATCs that I cut, and was super pleased with the results! I was able to blend three different colors on tree alone, as well as color in the itty bitty leaves. To make the image pop a little more, I went over the lines (very carefully and painstakingly) with black Zig Millennium Markers in size 01 and 05.

Let me know what you think. I'm super excited about this!

Just Me

Hey there! This layout, Just Me, was so much fun to make! I'm applying to work for an amazing company/magazine, and this was part of the application process! Wish me luck :)

First, I paired a strip of My Mind's Eye Lost and Found paper with a larger piece of orange patterned paper from the My Mind's Eye Simply Delightful stack.

I really wanted to portray a LOT about myself in this layout, so I put a lot of thought into the design. There's the black and cream damask print, pretty ribbon with ruffles and pleats, and butterfly stamps to represent my feminine and girly side. I chose the bright orange accent color, wooden game piece, Grungeboard wings and the distressed stamping to represent my tomboy, distressed and bold personality.

Those Tim fans out there probably already noticed the stamped background. I used all of my favorite sayings stamps (mostly from Mr. Tim) to create a background. By stamping with Wild Honey Distress Ink on the orange paper, I was able to achieve a neat, and bold, watermark effect.

I think this layout really says a lot about me....Just Me.

You Make My World Happy

I'm not sure why I made this card, or who I'll end up giving it to, but I think it's super cute! 

I use my Cricut and the Give a Hoot cartridge to make the adorable squirrels, my Tim Holtz Wood Grain Texture Fade with Walnut Stain Distress Ink to create the background, and a few of my favorite Hero Arts stamps from the Woodland Creatures set to make the accents.

Oh yea...it's a little hard to notice in the photo, but the eyes of the little squirrels are shiny and raised. I used one of my new favorite products, Inkssentials Enamel Accents from Ranger, to give them a more realistic look.

Above Rubies Cricut Cutting Guide

Hey there bloggers!

I've been telling so many people about the Cricut Cutting Guide from Megan at Above Rubies Studio, so I thought I'd post a link to the guide for those of you who are having trouble finding it :)

Go here, and follow the directions to get the Cricut Cutting Guide. It won't disappoint!

My Man - First LO of the Year!

For Christmas, I was given 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges by Elizabeth Kartchner from my amazing boyfriend, and I absolutely LOVE it! When I first laid eyes on that book, I didn't pay it much attention because I assumed that it wouldn't really be geared towards my style, but after flipping through it a few times during my break at work, I knew it would be useful.


As many of you know, I don't make a lot of scrapbook pages, so I combined a few of the challenges to help me with this layout. I don't want to reveal too much from the book, so as to not spoil it for any one expecting to get it. I'll just say this - I combined black and white with color, made a list, and used some of my old supplies that were collecting dust!


At work tomorrow, I'll be demoing the Cricut and Gypsy once again, and I like to have samples with me to show off how amazing the Cricut can be. I think I'll take this layout with me :) I used the city border on the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to create the 11" border on the bottom, and then used clear embossing powder to emboss the entire surface.


Of course, no layout is complete without a touch of Tim, so I used Grungeboard elements, and a few of his stamps. The Grungeboard letters and accents were covered in either black or white Enamel Accents from Ranger. Love how they turned out...


I hope you like it! I must say this is my favorite layout so far this year, hehe :)

New Year and a New Look!

With the new year here, I thought it would be the perfect time to finally take the time to redo my blog. I've been wanting a new look for a while now - something clean and crisp - and I think I achieved just that!

I drew a lot of my inspiration from Nancy's blog is at Loves to Create - I love how bright and classy her blog is!

I'm sure that all of you Tim fans out there recognize the images in my header. With his permission, I used a few of the images from Tim's line of stamps. They're a few of my favorites :)

I hope you all like the changes! I'm sure that I'll be expanding the pages and features further, so keep an eye out!

Until next time!

One Little Word...

The past few years I've noticed so many of the bloggers that I follow taking part in One Little Word - if you aren't sure what OLW is, check it out here.

I've decided that I want to try my hand at it this year, and I've chosen my word very carefully. 

My One Little Word for 2011 is:

CHERISH

Things in my life have been changing so rapidly. I want to cherish every moment, every day, every event...every smile and every hug. I am making it my goal for 2011 to take absolutely nothing for granted.

Wish me luck and here's to a wonderful, happiness filled 2011!