tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55656427374525707412024-03-13T02:43:38.877-05:00Making Time to CreateLaura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-45298514418804772822013-02-24T09:28:00.001-06:002013-02-24T09:28:33.488-06:00Scripture Sunday: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13498969012253042687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-66177247601615512722013-02-23T07:28:00.000-06:002013-02-23T07:28:45.799-06:00It's OK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today I'm sharing a few random pages from my mini-moleskine journal that goes with me in my purse. It has no theme. The only rule I'm enforcing is that I'm making myself resist the urge to use it to jot down to-do lists and shopping lists. I do want it to be somewhat "artsy".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've always been a huge rule follower. And I tend to get frustrated and feel limited because I follow all these silly self imposed rules. I'm really trying to release my feelings of "I'm not doing it right" which is stupid because these are MY art journals. There is no journal police to arrive at my door with a warrant because I dared to use a Sharpie instead of a fancy art pen. Or because I only use one side of the page because of the bleed through. So I decided to give myself permission to do all those things. </span></div>
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Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13498969012253042687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-54278128791194008872013-02-10T12:07:00.001-06:002013-02-23T07:29:11.515-06:00Scripture Sunday: Psalm 27:5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0ps7hqozkeS2ByZw6Ym2RIHc4RFOoefjMdhI6MtCJfT4IWRYpg0A9mgqoztY2QXA5-jEYnPZRWIK5qIk2vA6dz1Er1zApGl8JlAUhlrJQsHeKMZu7-S6ZUbEYPowo3fNszdZqE5RKUg/s1600/2013-02-03+LMB+shelter+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0ps7hqozkeS2ByZw6Ym2RIHc4RFOoefjMdhI6MtCJfT4IWRYpg0A9mgqoztY2QXA5-jEYnPZRWIK5qIk2vA6dz1Er1zApGl8JlAUhlrJQsHeKMZu7-S6ZUbEYPowo3fNszdZqE5RKUg/s320/2013-02-03+LMB+shelter+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Quick little page in a 4x4 journal I found lying around. (Why yes, I do have about 7 journals in progress and I'm trying really really hard not to feel guilty about that). It has inspired me to make an art journal dedicated to my scripture verses that speak to me. I'm thinking I may use a prettier larger journal for that. Luckily I just bought a Hand*book journal 5.5" x 5.5" (bound and covered with blue linen) which I think just might be perfect for my Scripture Journal. </span>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13498969012253042687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-43059179918862658662013-02-10T11:55:00.000-06:002013-02-23T07:29:31.228-06:00Doodles on paper and fabric<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The last two weeks have been mentally exhausting, and I seem to use up all my brain power at work. I get home and suffer from "mashed potato brain". I'm still keeping up with the necessities, but not much else on the list is getting done. I've stolen a few moments here and there to create. I'm enjoying just letting go and creating. No deadlines. No rules. Not for anyone but ME. I need that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also stitched a little bit on a binding of a colorful quilted table runner. I hate that part of the process. When I get to the binding stage, I feel so close to being finished and the binding part just feels like work instead of play and I want to be done already. Hopefully this week I'll finally have it completed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Friday night, I doodled on fabric for a little while. I started this wall hanging about a year ago as a fun little geometric piece to hang in my cubicle at work. I worked on it at a quilt retreat and then put it away for a year and forgot about it. I'm eager to swap out the quilt I've got in my cube right now. I love it (a Ricky Tims convergence quilt with hand dyed fabrics) but am anxious for a change. Here the new one in progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I actually finished fusing all the shapes to the top and made myself go ahead and pin baste it and begin machine quilting. I always procrastinate on the basting process. But I love to machine quilt. It's like drawing with thread instead of a pen. Unfortunately my machine either needs alignment, or a different needle or thread, or it just plain doesn't like stitching through 5 layers of fused on fabric. It keeps skipping stitches which is highly annoying. So I'm troubleshooting that issue before I can finish. Sort of a bummer since I was rolling along nicely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is my helper. No he is not allowed on the ironing board. Or in the middle of my pile of fabrics. You try telling him that.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq4gRsVXkoqc786TBOipb3AwJdKj2WrnkwJRmYwQvyDCkWO7KRlM5ux_v46noDLADBRFgbP4wtLKcPldNE236ikQ9tuSxd-GZ_x7OLHjRz3WpEYK_1dhoAFj3FwM8ANC8YfNew3uKNPU/s1600/2013+Sheldon+ironing+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq4gRsVXkoqc786TBOipb3AwJdKj2WrnkwJRmYwQvyDCkWO7KRlM5ux_v46noDLADBRFgbP4wtLKcPldNE236ikQ9tuSxd-GZ_x7OLHjRz3WpEYK_1dhoAFj3FwM8ANC8YfNew3uKNPU/s320/2013+Sheldon+ironing+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIGrv4TeovGIbUdUrQ8Y4ATlZTpF4RJtlgqgiSkevWcoc7lEiQv-vSaWrWwDb4twP5-Ka3ttYR-WKjsigNZFDFoKKCyc1sucz_OGg_NWmj3cQi6vSVuvjz8ZhVOgviVJJVK0IF4IXpdo/s1600/2013-02-08+Sheldon+helps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIGrv4TeovGIbUdUrQ8Y4ATlZTpF4RJtlgqgiSkevWcoc7lEiQv-vSaWrWwDb4twP5-Ka3ttYR-WKjsigNZFDFoKKCyc1sucz_OGg_NWmj3cQi6vSVuvjz8ZhVOgviVJJVK0IF4IXpdo/s320/2013-02-08+Sheldon+helps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13498969012253042687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-16864041790153742122013-02-05T20:54:00.002-06:002013-02-23T07:29:41.159-06:00How a watercolor garden grows<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A little fun with my wonderful SU Watercolor crayons: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZjk3Oo_dEdTkxJry1Reutz-2bXm1aaLK612AX43reSV1ZUfQreiVMzQIaNn361BFqc3rn1WA3QCOqFwWeSHBd1r3wkaxTrX5QJUpqeJplfdKgItbgDI6NA79GM1yAaiXiT627sgg0v0p/s1600/2013-01-29+LMB+wc+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZjk3Oo_dEdTkxJry1Reutz-2bXm1aaLK612AX43reSV1ZUfQreiVMzQIaNn361BFqc3rn1WA3QCOqFwWeSHBd1r3wkaxTrX5QJUpqeJplfdKgItbgDI6NA79GM1yAaiXiT627sgg0v0p/s400/2013-01-29+LMB+wc+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I scribbled some shapes with various watercolor crayons and added water with the aquapainter brush. When it was dry, I outlined it and added some detail with a .05 multiliner pen.</span><br />
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<br />Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-81228895601354285742013-02-03T22:19:00.000-06:002013-02-10T12:14:36.406-06:00Scripture Sunday: Isaiah 58:11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VblSFIHrgg1XY-wZg4Pm3Aqg8Kx-R3KUWnzETC8CkHMTBHWK85iGUOK9L2-3WwLFQmOltWLTYpsnaiTcAsL7UqCeSMLQtzEQL3w0dSHTFz8DlMTHYRFceAkgpnlCYgoY1DbSvd5uLRSl/s1600/2013-02-01+LMB+copic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VblSFIHrgg1XY-wZg4Pm3Aqg8Kx-R3KUWnzETC8CkHMTBHWK85iGUOK9L2-3WwLFQmOltWLTYpsnaiTcAsL7UqCeSMLQtzEQL3w0dSHTFz8DlMTHYRFceAkgpnlCYgoY1DbSvd5uLRSl/s400/2013-02-01+LMB+copic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just a little doodle for a Sunday. Created with markers on 4x6 SU Whisper White cardstock. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm actually very excited today though because when I transferred my fonts over from my old laptop, I re-discovered the font I had created from my own handwriting. So cool to type my own handwriting on the screen :). Can you see it in my copyright signature? </span>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-36782870619552812892013-02-02T18:29:00.002-06:002013-02-23T07:30:18.427-06:00CREATE in 2013.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I stumbled across Stephanie Ackerman's blog: Homegrown Hospitality. I LOVE her work! She's really inspired me to just jump in and create. She chooses a "word of the year" every year to give focus to her artwork (and life). The word that immediately popped into my head is CREATE. I NEED to create more art. Creating art makes me happy and I want more happy in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On her blog, she has photos of an adorable little mini Moleskine journal. <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/mini-moleskin/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out</a>. Although I have a random art journal or two (or three) in progress, she inspired me to run immediately out to Target and pick up a mini Moleskine. (Actually it's a Moleskine volant series). It's soft cover w/ 80 lined thin ecru colored pages. 3.5 x 5.5". I like it because it's very very portable. I'm keeping it in my purse along with a fine point Sharpie and/or a .5 journalling pen. At lunch I'm doodling at my desk. Fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At least the mini moleskine is a bit more artsy than my usual office art medium: manilla folders. Although I gotta say that I just adore the way the sharpie absorbs into the folder :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-81264806082850269582013-01-20T15:03:00.002-06:002013-02-10T11:59:17.762-06:00Name Banner for EmilyTomorrow is a co-worker's birthday. I've been itching to papercraft and thought I'd make a little something personalized for her. For whatever reason, I'm enamored with banners. This one is using cardstock, but I also want to make some fabric ones eventually and do some for the different seasons. I think they'd look good hanging in my cube at work to dress it up a little. <br />
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I hope she likes the bright colors on this one (she's not a pink and sparkly sort of girl). I sure do.<br />
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Supplies: Cardstock colors: Riding Hood Red, Midnight Muse, Daffodil, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Gumball Green. Perfect Pennants Bigz Die, retired simple letters alphabet die, Circles #2 Bigz Die, various other punches, brads, and buttons from my SU stash.<br />
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The Perfect Pennants die is so easy and fun. In addition to the large pennants, there are layers and some fun doily type circles (like the green one under the y). <br />
<br />Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-74736550401640725382013-01-20T14:33:00.003-06:002013-02-10T11:58:23.373-06:00Survival ModeLife as a single working mom is certainly hectic. I need to stop living in survival mode and enjoy life a little bit more.<br />
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My goals for 2013:<br />
1. Spend more time with my girlfriends - this will involve more prior planning on my part. I'm thinking a girls night in pajama party with pizza, music, and crafting might be fun.<br />
2. Paint the kitchen.<br />
3. Heal my shoulder (My shoulder impingement has been painful for the last few months) and continue on my quest to get more fit and healthy.<br />
4. Take my vitamins more consistently.<br />
5. Plan a vacation with my wonderful kids.<br />
6. Do something with the backyard - won't be complete, but I need to just start. <br />
7. Do something with the 1/2 bathroom. <br />
8. MAKE more time to create - and update this blog with my projects.<br />
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Sheldon is a big naughty kitty now.</div>
Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-61406158334367002832010-06-04T17:49:00.006-05:002013-01-20T14:22:43.784-06:00Meet SheldonAbout 3 weeks ago, E came home from the park behind our house and told me that there was a lady there looking for a home for a kitten. Normally the knee-jerk mom reaction is NO! But since we lost our Shadow last summer and our Muncie girl in January (at age 18!) I had told the kids that we would be on the lookout for a new kitten. Here was our chance.<br />
So I went to check it out and instantly fell in love. The lady who had found him had been looking for a home for him for 2 weeks. We took him home about 10 minutes later.<br />
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When he met polka dot he was scared for all of about 10 minutes. Now Poor Pokey is like a tolerant Mama to him. He runs and leaps onto her back and bites her head and just happily torments her. She hisses to tell him when she's had enough, but he doesn't get the message.<br />
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I love his little Kitler mustache! and his grey eyes. And his soft as a bunny fur. When I'm down, he curls up and snuggles with me. In the morning he plays wild kingdom all over the bed. I really needed some kitten therapy in my life right now.<br />
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Mattman is a HUGE Big Bang Theory Fan and loves Sheldon on the show. He decared that when we got a kitten he would be named Sheldon. So our baby was pre-named. Mattman was at a boy scout function all day and didn't see him right away. The look on his face when he got home and saw our surprise was priceless. The first thing he said was "His name is SHELDON!" I said yep, we've been calling him that for hours now. He's certainly a happy distraction.<br />
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Kitchen update: Not much has happened. I sorta froze up trying to decide about the floor dilemma. Finally I just filled the cracks in with putty and decided not to think about it. The countertops should be installed any day now. I'm getting anxious to have my kitchen back, but am very proud of how well I'm doing cooking without one.Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-89049274719428348512009-11-01T16:36:00.003-06:002013-02-10T11:59:40.594-06:00Practicing what I preach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EI4zqLyP8vEU_D13yIBBLkRGKcuFPjvhyphenhyphene3tH0b7M7cETj0yD0IGG21Ii341W7OKKLPPYf1GgZ_t-zFA94UjYXF3EROXVEQ51u5O7JXuLcHTEH8_BCJceXZLmQ69KrS2ojGixL-GrCcI/s1600-h/012.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399270111883972114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EI4zqLyP8vEU_D13yIBBLkRGKcuFPjvhyphenhyphene3tH0b7M7cETj0yD0IGG21Ii341W7OKKLPPYf1GgZ_t-zFA94UjYXF3EROXVEQ51u5O7JXuLcHTEH8_BCJceXZLmQ69KrS2ojGixL-GrCcI/s320/012.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 302px;" /></a>I've been a bit distracted lately and haven't made much time to be creative. But I'm realizing that I NEED to be creating. It is who I am. It makes me happy.<br />
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So, yesterday I tackled cleaning the "scary quilt room" for a while and unearthed some of those Aunt Martha plain tea towels. Since I was in the mood to do something stitchy, I had to figure out what I was going to stitch on them. Those old-timey iron on transfer patterns just don't thrill me much. They are either too realistic or too cutesy. So I went googling for some images. I saw this on online at Sublime Stitches in a space themed set. I used it as a go-by and drew it myself on a piece of paper. I have no idea how big their original is, but I did mine pretty big. Then I used all six strands of embroidery floss to stitch it (I use a stem stitch). It's pretty bold and bright but I LOVE it. I think I'll give it to my SIL Karen who is a real rocket scientist for Christmas. I originally was going to color it in with crayons and do the stitching in black, but I went this route instead. Maybe I'll do the crayon thing for the next one. I started it yesterday afternoon and finished it this morning - just a few stitches here and there. FUN! and FAST! I love instant gratification. And that creative itch has both been scratched and triggered me to go create some more. <br />
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I have a stamp workshop on Tuesday so I'll probably do some papercrafting tonight. <br />
Ooooh and I'm playing with my Big Shot and the leaf die and felt in fall colors. Stay tuned for exciting developments there....<br />
Laura<br />
(p.s. - notice the cool new banner at the top? I made it with My Digital Studio. Digital Papercrafting (and scrapbooking) program. I'm having soooo much fun with it. Ask me if you want a demo!)Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-52213120681633003052009-09-11T09:55:00.002-05:002009-09-11T10:05:43.902-05:00Daytime ClassesHello friends - I've scheduled some daytime classes for the next few months. Sadly with Girl Scout events and football season and all my kids after school/evening activities, almost all my night and evenings are full for a while. I hope to have some evening/weekend classes in a month or so. Stay tuned here for more details.<br /><br />All you daytime folks, come join me on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">1st or 3rd Thursdays</span> of the month from <span style="font-weight: bold;">10am-noon(ish)</span>. We'll make <span style="font-weight: bold;">3-4 cards and/or projects</span>. I'm not sure yet what we'll be making - it'll be a surprise, but I promise it'll be cute stuff and seasonal.<br />Until November, these classes will be totally <span style="font-weight: bold;">FREE</span>. After that time, I'll require a small purchase of Stampin' Up! product to attend.<br /><br />In addition to taking home 3-4 great projects, you'll also get an <span style="font-weight: bold;">instruction card</span> if we do any special techniques or patterns. You can collect these as a great stamping resource. You'll have <span style="font-weight: bold;">fun</span> and get to enjoy some creative time with grown ups :).<br /><br />Please <span style="font-weight: bold;">RSVP (inklaura@sbcglobal.net)</span> to reserve your spot as my space is limited and I need to make sure I've got enough supplies for everyone. <br />WHEN: <span style="font-weight: bold;">9/17, 10/1, 10/15</span> 10am-noon. <br />Come to one or come to all. Hope to see you.Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-16106532395937563812009-09-11T09:40:00.003-05:002009-09-11T09:54:21.802-05:00Repurposed Candle Tin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfpPFAzZEqrnwsMMMsIw0lhEU_smXIuPUGtAFd93SjGD73KP1O8EkUuDHEJVNVXVj0hrDlyjTJ9bDmVRycHtqoiNHM4kUPmCpJyCOduMxu9PGFMtjmstBhjaK9iV6Mdif2-oPSZt7LZTh/s1600-h/LML+Aug09+CircleCircus+Tin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfpPFAzZEqrnwsMMMsIw0lhEU_smXIuPUGtAFd93SjGD73KP1O8EkUuDHEJVNVXVj0hrDlyjTJ9bDmVRycHtqoiNHM4kUPmCpJyCOduMxu9PGFMtjmstBhjaK9iV6Mdif2-oPSZt7LZTh/s320/LML+Aug09+CircleCircus+Tin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380220354593888978" border="0" /></a>I am a sucker for tins: any kind, any size, any shape. I just can't seem to throw one away. So when the candle inside this one had burned away, I washed it out and decided to decorate it.<br />It was a little sticky on the very bottom inside, so I just covered that with a circle of cardstock.<br /><br />I cut the circle for the lid and inside with the SU Circle Scissors Plus. It's big but very easy to use and you can cut or draw any circle from 1-6" in whatever increment you need.<br /><br />Other supplies used: Circle Circus Stamp set, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" circle punches, scallop circle punch, Night of Navy Grosgrain ribbon, Button, mini glue dots, sticky strip adhesive, Crushed Curry ink and Designer Series Paper (DSP).<br /><br />This is where I hide my super secret stash of Hershey's nuggets for those chocolate emergencies :). Shhhhh.Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-25031866485878007412009-09-02T18:46:00.005-05:002009-09-02T19:02:17.701-05:00Quilted DSP CardAs you may know, I am a quilter. Or at least I used to be before my life got so crazy. Right now the only thing I'm using my fancy schmancy sewing machine. for is sewing merit badges on a sash and flags for the band. I'm determined to get back to quilting soon though. In the meantime, I thought I'd quilt up some cards - the easy way.<br /><br />I got the following card as a swap at convention in August (convention was FABULOUS by the way, as usual.) It was made by a demonstrator named June Dunn from KY. Thanks June. We had to look really close and touch and feel the card to see if she really sewed all those little Xs. She didn't but it sure looks like it. She used the fine tip of the marker and just freehanded them. They really look sewn. And the really cool thing is that she used one of our new in-colors (Rich Razzleberry). In the past we didn't have markers for our trendy in colors but this year we do. WOOT!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShqRZDHj1EeLgZUY8yVcy9ZIvg2z4aDnzsGKd6mJarRxB7UdHw4qaGj5ZcPAGNOMNCI0NtzbZv4FsyB58t2jsJbD7WC6v1Qlgr5M-Tn86rtC65_yFJzscbZw100zf4joQEPnUkpxxkM-M/s1600-h/JuneDunn+RazzleberryLemonade.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShqRZDHj1EeLgZUY8yVcy9ZIvg2z4aDnzsGKd6mJarRxB7UdHw4qaGj5ZcPAGNOMNCI0NtzbZv4FsyB58t2jsJbD7WC6v1Qlgr5M-Tn86rtC65_yFJzscbZw100zf4joQEPnUkpxxkM-M/s320/JuneDunn+RazzleberryLemonade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377023728832381442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I played around with the idea and came up with my own quilted card. My daytime stamp club made it a few weeks ago. I used the Cottage Wall DSP (designer series paper). I used the new in-color polka dotted ribbon as an accent, but turned it so the back side is showing so it would be solid instead. The greeting is from Thoughts and Prayers set - punched with the large oval and popped up with dimensionals.<br />Card dimensions: DSP squares 1 1/4" x 1 1/4", inner layer 4"x5 1/4", card 4 1/4"x5 1/2".<br /><br />This is a fun way to use up all those little squares of DSP you have left over but can't bear to throw away.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4csCZ5RU6qxzIvW_3ubCatgdZwDefmMDQCU8KPgr1ZgO9iPH7hyphenhyphenT76FHTECslAFG25k71XQdj_A6-OfTsToXLnw7Wx6Aa4Oe5yYzclGD0dXRmFB5cTUEKseuRjDYx2amosbterKawNLI/s1600-h/LML+Aug09+CottageWallDSP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4csCZ5RU6qxzIvW_3ubCatgdZwDefmMDQCU8KPgr1ZgO9iPH7hyphenhyphenT76FHTECslAFG25k71XQdj_A6-OfTsToXLnw7Wx6Aa4Oe5yYzclGD0dXRmFB5cTUEKseuRjDYx2amosbterKawNLI/s320/LML+Aug09+CottageWallDSP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377023994265946754" border="0" /></a>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-47732233196790666502009-07-09T14:46:00.002-05:002009-07-09T14:55:31.247-05:00Falling LeavesNow I know these are NOT my colors, but I'm sort of a traditionalist. I have a hard time making leaves pink or blue or whatever. (And at the same time, those of you who know me know that I don't make flowers GREEN OR BROWN either). <br /><br />Anyway... I needed a new set for fall and this one fit the bill. It's called Falling leaves. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTrXWZvL-z5Sb65T3dE6fNvmDMvn5mkOS1LYLt-3eLP5BttEHHUrVUs3SdaTJQWSRus1GjdpykVp5lonpzz8PA1sZnTqYkDMX13MkrcjOZZr_ietbCmER2wlEwhF6FDsE4Jgcl9czZXti/s1600-h/LML+July09+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTrXWZvL-z5Sb65T3dE6fNvmDMvn5mkOS1LYLt-3eLP5BttEHHUrVUs3SdaTJQWSRus1GjdpykVp5lonpzz8PA1sZnTqYkDMX13MkrcjOZZr_ietbCmER2wlEwhF6FDsE4Jgcl9czZXti/s320/LML+July09+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549310944299106" border="0" /></a>It has 5 assorted leaves, 3 thanksgivingy sayings, and one cute little medallion thing with an acorn and happy thanksgiving surrounding it. I haven't used that one yet, but will soon. The set is $21.95 (p 27 of the new catalog).<br /><br />Card 1 uses Garden Green (my favorite green), More Mustard and Close to Cocoa. It's hard to see in this picture, but I've used the new texture Jumbo wheel on the Mustard. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new wheel. The circles are popped up with a dimensional. I like this card despite the fall colors - it's clean and simple. Just my style.<br /><br />The second card uses Old Olive (NOT my favorite color) with Creamy Caramel and Cocoa. I used the texture wheel on the Caramel and the Vanilla CS in this one. I just ordered the 5/8" brads. I really love them. How awesome would they be in the middle of a flower image? Not the brown brads of course. Except for maybe sunflowers. Otherwise, no brown in the flowers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7kuo9u9nzjMIgBY-Nvn6Cc31VBhEaM7oc1hLxl45dJcZ_FDrYQfCLUUAE8DB2h6aAPFg7fsT0xl22T1KDh8N-UkVR2JXST3sAygdRe6FfLG9SS_XidmsCHL4Strm8oyTZ-MIl5yhcP4A/s1600-h/LML+July09+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7kuo9u9nzjMIgBY-Nvn6Cc31VBhEaM7oc1hLxl45dJcZ_FDrYQfCLUUAE8DB2h6aAPFg7fsT0xl22T1KDh8N-UkVR2JXST3sAygdRe6FfLG9SS_XidmsCHL4Strm8oyTZ-MIl5yhcP4A/s320/LML+July09+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549299605764610" border="0" /></a>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-65955739210058313102009-07-08T10:40:00.007-05:002009-07-08T10:57:32.916-05:00The New catalog has arrived!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav5Bs2P7kk7SLSFfDvQtzc-SAYmVhsvb3HQ2Vikh3riMXp27zVTjkpMPLWfVSNGxkNyXW36vZ4pM61Ajw7CmDan9hn83Wv6lWQyKaJX58eV_-z1DJpcZKqUDrSbJZQHbD60s8hURsdpxn/s1600-h/LML+July09+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav5Bs2P7kk7SLSFfDvQtzc-SAYmVhsvb3HQ2Vikh3riMXp27zVTjkpMPLWfVSNGxkNyXW36vZ4pM61Ajw7CmDan9hn83Wv6lWQyKaJX58eV_-z1DJpcZKqUDrSbJZQHbD60s8hURsdpxn/s320/LML+July09+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356116668516460866" border="0" /></a>Well, I'm back from my Colorado trip just in time to play with my new Stampin' Up! goodies. I'm trying to schedule my New Catalog Kick-off party, so stay tuned for that (possibly the weekend of the 17th/18th). If you can't wait till then to see your new catalog, you can view it online here: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/inklaura and click the SHOP NOW button.<br /><br />One of my favorite new sets from the new catalog is the big Medallion (think background stamp sized). It's so beautiful. The first sample is one I adapted from a card by Jackie Bolhuis. I used one of the NEW In-Colors, Rich Razzleberry. It's such a deep and delicious. I'll try to feature a card in a new in-color in each post (and I hope to post more often). This card also uses a new greeting set, Teeny Tiny Wishes and a new punch!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayWJl8HGjlghYSb7gZZ_303Enpa9nb-psMh2rKhCSs5vFwBCKE5DkgiZmm_a6_31act5DSsYs8GOYmMWpOY-fXL5Hdk4zJBa86Qx3XBW630oAmRSaxLj9-g5uZKN06tkgUX1Za8rTab2E/s1600-h/LML+July09+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayWJl8HGjlghYSb7gZZ_303Enpa9nb-psMh2rKhCSs5vFwBCKE5DkgiZmm_a6_31act5DSsYs8GOYmMWpOY-fXL5Hdk4zJBa86Qx3XBW630oAmRSaxLj9-g5uZKN06tkgUX1Za8rTab2E/s320/LML+July09+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356118088682488610" border="0" /></a><br />The next 2 cards are my own creations. I stamped the gorgeous medallion in versamark ink on Whisper White CS. Then I dug out my old friends - my stampin' pastels. I haven't used them in ages. Using a cotton swab (the cheapo ones seem to work better than real Q-tips), I added color to the versamark ink. This technique is called Poppin Pastels. <br /><br />In the first one I used: Eggplant and Apricot. In the second one (my favorite one!) I used: Taken with teal, turquoise, grey, and a bit of green galore. So simple and FUN to do.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidysWWi5Asx1kA25aAtTqnnqlW1EkwA3E8LNexMosQ_CywRsCpi_Ndbu22LUl1fm-dcY2KDcpJAOhDiwKaeib76xfKMJrkOajBjM9M61TqMLMl40Tf4eeMgQ9wcRdkd2tFQ2qXwkGBKIYc/s1600-h/LML+July09+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidysWWi5Asx1kA25aAtTqnnqlW1EkwA3E8LNexMosQ_CywRsCpi_Ndbu22LUl1fm-dcY2KDcpJAOhDiwKaeib76xfKMJrkOajBjM9M61TqMLMl40Tf4eeMgQ9wcRdkd2tFQ2qXwkGBKIYc/s320/LML+July09+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356116779049173186" border="0" /></a>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-30349299373920953702009-06-05T13:11:00.006-05:002009-06-05T13:18:10.362-05:00Simple Lawnmower card<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeblUQjAbVYWOkrLp31241xlDwpPWYFYOacsqdr8omoYCAR-dPiuXMG0dAHtlB1InX5vjgNCJePKiDaflMiVf67hkZCMeAO77_j6kYq8B5EcqgV1JTV-5-0iuSIKv1AmxFyZ58_fl_Bm1/s1600-h/ManyMower+blue.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeblUQjAbVYWOkrLp31241xlDwpPWYFYOacsqdr8omoYCAR-dPiuXMG0dAHtlB1InX5vjgNCJePKiDaflMiVf67hkZCMeAO77_j6kYq8B5EcqgV1JTV-5-0iuSIKv1AmxFyZ58_fl_Bm1/s320/ManyMower+blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343909063013851394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's a simple masculine card - you take a normal card front and fold the edge back to the center to make an interesting card. Remember to only use adhesive on half of the lawnmower image or you'll glue your card closed.<br />Colors: Bashful Blue & Pacific Point<br />Set: And Many Mower (great for Father's day or masculine birthdays)Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-79713309281810457742009-04-08T21:12:00.004-05:002009-04-08T21:42:43.089-05:00Occasions Mini is now outNow that April is here, the Occasions mini-catalog items are finally available. You can see it on my official SU website. I've been dying to show everyone the new little matchboxes. I love them! It is one of the big dies for the Big Shot die cutting machine. It cuts out the box, the lid, and some cool little tags all in one pass. All you have to do is fold it up and decorate it. What could be easier?<br /><br />Here are two that I've made so far. The top one is uses some items from the Sell-A-Bration sale. You can get 4 nuggets into these boxes (it's tight, but they fit).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5H183QhCN6TNqlaK5jzgEB5ge4NEvbnwUgjHnAQh08CXjMqi5-8e50qK1WLFB78UlieeHR84Hq2ghePJvI6b_y-lOTPRvfJStQ1TIpP_ltJccikGc129USD_NUbe-liELfxa4Ggz0jP4/s1600-h/LML+Matchbox+SAB.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5H183QhCN6TNqlaK5jzgEB5ge4NEvbnwUgjHnAQh08CXjMqi5-8e50qK1WLFB78UlieeHR84Hq2ghePJvI6b_y-lOTPRvfJStQ1TIpP_ltJccikGc129USD_NUbe-liELfxa4Ggz0jP4/s320/LML+Matchbox+SAB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322515266668376610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This one uses Close to Cocoa cardstock that was stamped with the Sanded bacground stamp. The Regal Rose fancy shape is one of the tags from the matchbox die. I think it really dresses it up. The mini-catalog also features some great sets that are made to coordinate with this die. They are on my wish list for sure.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJp7zhaei19-9TXwzX-YnDGgZLNuqbCnCZ35UA0N7vzPA01juU6XzfL_05kDtOhsrn9FB15Li83ub5vC3vC7Ji_E8dzFS3J7SMwVQBdrNgv04RKjjjDlA7yKqm0r_XpHN5cAobtFpZrBg/s1600-h/LML+Matchbox+cocoa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJp7zhaei19-9TXwzX-YnDGgZLNuqbCnCZ35UA0N7vzPA01juU6XzfL_05kDtOhsrn9FB15Li83ub5vC3vC7Ji_E8dzFS3J7SMwVQBdrNgv04RKjjjDlA7yKqm0r_XpHN5cAobtFpZrBg/s320/LML+Matchbox+cocoa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322515273138314754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For the next few days, I'll be stamping some little photo album covers to give as thank you gifts for some Girl Scout volunteers. I'm using the retired Girl Power set and some Girl Scout papers I've had stashed away for a rainy day. I'll try to upload a picture soon.Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-54735707055627070752009-04-07T12:33:00.003-05:002009-04-07T12:46:36.389-05:00Easter Cuteness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1q3m2mNbdCSQVUG5407wtW52lQWYxb9mtm2J4bGNz6fqFoblY9BRjT4LEilj5nkVuSbQt8ZaqxwfZuaXv5UPdi6MGtrlp4pc8j5G92jJIsFhgAtzFUkeTlyeTy3FUVpB7GuFvZCJGSEq/s1600-h/09Mar+LML+029.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1q3m2mNbdCSQVUG5407wtW52lQWYxb9mtm2J4bGNz6fqFoblY9BRjT4LEilj5nkVuSbQt8ZaqxwfZuaXv5UPdi6MGtrlp4pc8j5G92jJIsFhgAtzFUkeTlyeTy3FUVpB7GuFvZCJGSEq/s320/09Mar+LML+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322004450610174242" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXSmK0445u4l9FD2fwxzGl1T5GYQtpa0zvFZjES9OpXSk0IOQK9RYWxiJLSnBDrpJsl1jpKAOkXhk8uP79iXT1rNCesDoW6PU-cZjOk0fWIeCFxgW5Rj_4LyLgGqc7UKD5lMgVgCwTwAa/s1600-h/09Mar+LML+028.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXSmK0445u4l9FD2fwxzGl1T5GYQtpa0zvFZjES9OpXSk0IOQK9RYWxiJLSnBDrpJsl1jpKAOkXhk8uP79iXT1rNCesDoW6PU-cZjOk0fWIeCFxgW5Rj_4LyLgGqc7UKD5lMgVgCwTwAa/s320/09Mar+LML+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322004448448499298" border="0" /></a><br />Are these not the cutest things ever? I can't take credit for the idea as I copied it from a stamper on splitcoaststampers. It was so fun and easy to make.<br />I used a piece of cardstock - 1 1/2" x 5". Score it at 2" and 3". Then decorate as desired. For this bunny I used the 2 sizes of oval punches for his ears and the 3/4" circle punch for the feet (punch and cut in half). For the nose, I used the 3/4" punch on the edge of a scrap of Pretty in Pink Cardstock. The pink behind the nose was made with a sponge dauber. The eyes, smile, and toes were just drawn on with a chocolate chip marker. The whiskers are skinny strips of cardstock attached with a few glue dots. Since I'm a GS leader, I've always got random crafty supplies lying around and the little white pompom was a fun touch to make his backside as adorable as the frontside.<br /><br />The hershey nugget fits inside nicely (stick it down with a bit of double stick tape or a glue dot).<br />Don't have all these punches? Give me a call. Or just improvise. Use your imagination and see what else you can come up with. <br /><br />Ready for more cuteness? Look at these! They are a wee bit addictive. Can't you just see these as table favors for a kid's animal birthday party. At least the parents could appreciate them before the kids dig into the chocolatey goodness. The kids might even have to fight with mom for it. My favorites are the racoon (I used the crimper on him) and the siamese cat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyLGCdKYwzZKhn1XVm_TpOVy1IznUq_JCfB7knMioNf23JkwhkrokjT-aD7APtK0yZe3OmBK_mC4rqEFx-vsg2TjhCDkN395ppOoi-lYu6weMl-xXsmBPFMGAqPOLRE71QPZfkoXB8kB1/s1600-h/09Mar+LML+023.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyLGCdKYwzZKhn1XVm_TpOVy1IznUq_JCfB7knMioNf23JkwhkrokjT-aD7APtK0yZe3OmBK_mC4rqEFx-vsg2TjhCDkN395ppOoi-lYu6weMl-xXsmBPFMGAqPOLRE71QPZfkoXB8kB1/s320/09Mar+LML+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322006553617160690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenpaV_TQnhIgkSbjRxncgPIFvewFWu8jBdC2L30mjCgIEylvHq7tLDDawlO-VdJB6SJHgXm58uMUPJd9HHSiFsA-3N_RB3oTsoc0sjAPCz2v0vz4TiKmSGH-mm828axHitioJUoXDUaIx/s1600-h/09Mar+LML+024.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenpaV_TQnhIgkSbjRxncgPIFvewFWu8jBdC2L30mjCgIEylvHq7tLDDawlO-VdJB6SJHgXm58uMUPJd9HHSiFsA-3N_RB3oTsoc0sjAPCz2v0vz4TiKmSGH-mm828axHitioJUoXDUaIx/s320/09Mar+LML+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322006559060923234" border="0" /></a>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-65808684032251424162009-03-24T16:36:00.002-06:002009-03-24T16:43:07.562-06:00A Little Blue Breezy Birdie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dq2Yl7ODsPRC9EshXayh7z-kEIphiITfOUwxoY-8SyY9Pxh5AIW-gCOE6c2qgx-qtkXW8-gESZkinwFeEiGe9v5UZ3O2ZAZvDgXLbuqFGMCLgREQawGuzd3hBS6B_i_14DHSwzHQyLzQ/s1600-h/LML+09+SU.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316887278117273922" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 236px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dq2Yl7ODsPRC9EshXayh7z-kEIphiITfOUwxoY-8SyY9Pxh5AIW-gCOE6c2qgx-qtkXW8-gESZkinwFeEiGe9v5UZ3O2ZAZvDgXLbuqFGMCLgREQawGuzd3hBS6B_i_14DHSwzHQyLzQ/s320/LML+09+SU.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of the cards I demo'd at my mom's workhsop on Sunday. It's fairly simple but the colors are quite peaceful.<br />Stamp Set: A Little Birdie told me (very versatile set)<br />CS: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, whisper white, Baja Breeze prints DSP<br />ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray<br />scallop edge punch, basic gray taffetta ribbon, blender pen, sponge dauber.<br />The image was colored with ink from the stamp pad and a blender pen. I punched a post it note with the small oval punch and used that to make the 'stencil' for the shadow under the bird.<br />The bird image is popped up with dimensionals.<br /><br />I'll post more Little Birdie samples in the next few days.Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-81615614839702727452009-03-23T15:08:00.004-06:002009-03-23T15:19:50.875-06:00Triangle BoxesNow that I've demo'd these at my March workshops I will post them here. (Didn't want to ruin the surprise). I love these boxes because they are SO simple. <div> </div><div>Directions: Cut your cardstock or DSP (Designer Series Paper) to 4 1/4" x 8 1/2". </div><div>Score along the center line at 4 1/4".</div><div>Make a small mark on the short ends at 2 1/8"</div><div>Score from that mark to the center fold line (as shown).</div><div>Fold box into finished shape - open up one side at a time and punch a 1/8" hole through both layers (to thread ribbon through).</div><div>Add ribbon and accent to front - no glue needed! How fabulous is that!</div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSltrIh1sXj66xPgx3vpAOmCxqbcdwCNRKMkQUDJFwjUYiVXK0MnYiXHAlZxtnvMhA4QpEzO6MjCwsQ9VHfVj-sa1MXpmsPMqEGGc98ESnvJzNhspm0nYzKTEewoGfXWB3BUifD8BSbEX7/s1600-h/09Feb+LML+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316493844557948578" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSltrIh1sXj66xPgx3vpAOmCxqbcdwCNRKMkQUDJFwjUYiVXK0MnYiXHAlZxtnvMhA4QpEzO6MjCwsQ9VHfVj-sa1MXpmsPMqEGGc98ESnvJzNhspm0nYzKTEewoGfXWB3BUifD8BSbEX7/s320/09Feb+LML+008.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQpVUcCgHmabbaNpukgLR02ePhFRxsJFxCjJ0Y2FZogPapwpCG1nvAa8O_yrhDaZmRyJCJvD1TOmEinnlMJ6fvbyXGIpjPZmiYxMo3KC2QxLRub2OFrb5xPWMrxgNjRggF7L2JhDYNa6W/s1600-h/09Feb+LML+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316493845272257154" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQpVUcCgHmabbaNpukgLR02ePhFRxsJFxCjJ0Y2FZogPapwpCG1nvAa8O_yrhDaZmRyJCJvD1TOmEinnlMJ6fvbyXGIpjPZmiYxMo3KC2QxLRub2OFrb5xPWMrxgNjRggF7L2JhDYNa6W/s320/09Feb+LML+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ybEx86LPfLic4lnX_mIezPhV5x1coCp-x7ETbY9lzPXNajiOwr7BNtNezqZzrp-PPmBcaqHT87xwetc2fBGpAanwU4PtS4op62-qw1SdSQib6CB_cOObdSDEcfqCZgXEH0ZRzCDrZbPK/s1600-h/09Feb+LML+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316493855842710354" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ybEx86LPfLic4lnX_mIezPhV5x1coCp-x7ETbY9lzPXNajiOwr7BNtNezqZzrp-PPmBcaqHT87xwetc2fBGpAanwU4PtS4op62-qw1SdSQib6CB_cOObdSDEcfqCZgXEH0ZRzCDrZbPK/s320/09Feb+LML+006.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Look at the little medallions I used on the saffron and Bashful blue boxes. Don't you love them? I'm sort of addicted to making them and have been using them on everything lately. It's so much fun combining punches in different variations and figuring new ways to use them. And the Polka Dot punches Sell-A-Bration set has 4 images that are all perfectly sized to use with the SU punches. Gotta love that.</div><div> </div><div>Wouldn't these boxes be perfect filled with jellybeans? or hershey kisses? or Cadbury chocolate eggs? mmmm. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQpVUcCgHmabbaNpukgLR02ePhFRxsJFxCjJ0Y2FZogPapwpCG1nvAa8O_yrhDaZmRyJCJvD1TOmEinnlMJ6fvbyXGIpjPZmiYxMo3KC2QxLRub2OFrb5xPWMrxgNjRggF7L2JhDYNa6W/s1600-h/09Feb+LML+007.jpg"></a></div>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-58300979452339938872009-03-16T21:55:00.007-06:002009-03-16T22:05:18.181-06:00Sell-A-BrationNow that Spring Break is here, I've had some time to get some stamping done. It feels good to be creative. I hope to share some Sell-A-Bration samples with you. As you probably already know, in February and March, for each $50 you spend on Stampin' Up! merchandise, you get to select a free item from a special mini-catalog. This year the SAB items included some really cute sets and some great paper and even ribbon!<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>And as you also know. I LOVE my Big Shot die cutting machine. </div><br /><div>Here's a pillow box made with the SAB designer series paper selection and my new favorite set.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTFyPlL3Ooz5h7rAw-X8m5lub4ktcsNMtw3k1nKR6JiL2cANSP94RhyOfJW0HKR21uoup5lCqUQY1ZKSs_BDuManfaPBmEndeZVmo0Uo93BuCVgT7jT4RVX820rCbBy3JJBeRjZZ1FWtO/s1600-h/09Feb+LML+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314001589945350642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTFyPlL3Ooz5h7rAw-X8m5lub4ktcsNMtw3k1nKR6JiL2cANSP94RhyOfJW0HKR21uoup5lCqUQY1ZKSs_BDuManfaPBmEndeZVmo0Uo93BuCVgT7jT4RVX820rCbBy3JJBeRjZZ1FWtO/s320/09Feb+LML+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOvgVUPSELyRspr00B4HjNHDdPHka6Xt74SjKEvS9Io9pKaKEjVMs6hTF_z5tAIp8CxHPU3rBUK-ozTyfB-FMvnUEoCSqwlGswTgLZDiYNRBrPrmlp_WVANlDsW-nEQtBVXJsXl5IqRhD/s1600-h/09Feb+LML+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314001940253906322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOvgVUPSELyRspr00B4HjNHDdPHka6Xt74SjKEvS9Io9pKaKEjVMs6hTF_z5tAIp8CxHPU3rBUK-ozTyfB-FMvnUEoCSqwlGswTgLZDiYNRBrPrmlp_WVANlDsW-nEQtBVXJsXl5IqRhD/s320/09Feb+LML+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Like many of the cards I stamp these days, this one was copied from a source on the internet (sadly I have forgotten where) and modified a bit. </div><div>You can't see it very well in my horrible photo, but the saffron piece is dry embossed with small dots using our new Texturz plates. I LOVE them. </div><div> </div><div>Isn't this paper fabulous? So soft and springy. I am having such a great time punching out and layering all the shapes in this set.</div><div> </div><div>More samples to come soon.</div></div>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-29514548550881476372009-02-06T15:43:00.004-06:002009-02-06T15:53:55.938-06:00S'more SamplesHere's a little sample I made up to show off one of my favorite catalog sets: Under the Stars. Also known as "the camping set" :).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kFAwekwq8yUTbfVn8FXHcmjfAnLesH20RbelwhahmgH0BobzObzvHZznOx3gZ-zlWnkvNs71d_-CBHTFMs4dbBKHcv_U8OyKi8iYOIQeClPiWtzd9qshyJqEH12PA4OB3dK34G_uplGN/s1600-h/09+Jan17+Laura+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299805035808018018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kFAwekwq8yUTbfVn8FXHcmjfAnLesH20RbelwhahmgH0BobzObzvHZznOx3gZ-zlWnkvNs71d_-CBHTFMs4dbBKHcv_U8OyKi8iYOIQeClPiWtzd9qshyJqEH12PA4OB3dK34G_uplGN/s320/09+Jan17+Laura+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />As most of you know, I am an active Girl Scout Volunteer - on the troop, service unit, and council level and S'mores and Girl Scouting go hand-in-hand.<br /><br />How cute is this little treat wrapper? Hungry for S'mores?<br /><br />It uses the small size cello bags.<br />I didn't really use a pattern. I took a scrap of Close to Cocoa cardstock and folded it into thirds. Then cut down a small way and angled it. Criss crossed it over the cello bag and glued it down.<br /><br /><br />I've been requested to also show a valentine one and hopefully I'll whip something together soon.Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-68525708601583969132009-01-24T13:21:00.013-06:002009-02-06T15:43:24.002-06:00Who doesn't love chocolate?Hello friends - I've been out of the blogging groove. I got busy and it was one of the things that had to go for a little while, but I'm back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9S-vCTnWT6tnJzUrediOJU-izB-6V_5aRuCr-hHgdVptTzoDrCkrOg30s_jqlZ7H1FHAg85DwXqv_aIao3r0adCLbb46Ivft_sqDSPKVme2zvirxMAUYAsQ90YKjBAVSjCeLfWJ10DeG/s1600-h/Chocolate+box+Scallops+RMD+set.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294972582808897602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9S-vCTnWT6tnJzUrediOJU-izB-6V_5aRuCr-hHgdVptTzoDrCkrOg30s_jqlZ7H1FHAg85DwXqv_aIao3r0adCLbb46Ivft_sqDSPKVme2zvirxMAUYAsQ90YKjBAVSjCeLfWJ10DeG/s320/Chocolate+box+Scallops+RMD+set.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div>At a workshop last night (thanks Nancy!) I demonstrated how to make these adorable little boxes that hold squares of Ghirardelli chocolate. They are easy to make once you know the measurements. I lifted the idea off of a talented stamper on splitcoaststampers. I'm not sure who had the idea originally, but it's a great one. I modified it somewhat so that both sides of the box were even.</div><br /><div>The picture shows one that hasn't been assembled yet. The red stuff is sticky strip - it's a double sided tape like adhesive. It's my favorite adhesive to use when you need a STRONG hold for boxes or ribbons and such.</div><br /><p>After you cut and score the cardstock, you trim away the outside corner pieces to form the box shape (with a flap). I used a circle punch crescent on the inside portion - so you can see the chocolate and have an easier time grabbing it to get it out. </p><div>The flap on the front doesn't want to lie down flat so I used a belly band to keep it closed. It's a good way to add a decorative accent to the box. The recipient just slides it down and off to be able to open the flap.</div><br /><p>The images in the above photo come from the set Say it with Scallops. This set is special because it's the annual Ronald McDonald House set. $2 from the purchase of each set goes to support the RMD house charity. There are 4 images in the set that all coordinate with our scallop square punch - too cute.</p><p>Here are more little chocolate boxes:</p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKeYroegWUiu12rYVPx7vhb_-o4vaA4TtbEZM-CnHU_vrhiYqG-0jF3Zp3WOzFr3tpbhhi1feyCJ8PHo0SV5ZBAeVHwq86CJCHvsyXKKFylpUa-ohcE4GxEwuW4nfQGcBWJVprkQpq7z5/s1600-h/09+Jan17+Laura+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294969598709420162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKeYroegWUiu12rYVPx7vhb_-o4vaA4TtbEZM-CnHU_vrhiYqG-0jF3Zp3WOzFr3tpbhhi1feyCJ8PHo0SV5ZBAeVHwq86CJCHvsyXKKFylpUa-ohcE4GxEwuW4nfQGcBWJVprkQpq7z5/s320/09+Jan17+Laura+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU8V1GkJ76nnRapFmhTglU1qPSjAdpNHzOHlbQFh_QR9LpSJj36VvtpGV7Sw5UQJSnZTR3bpBq3M6GCVQ8cnVh0XFEgzGg_uE3NJZ_-M7mkylBO3CPI6mNs4i1ZfDK9tchMr0u02pgdCg/s1600-h/09+Jan17+Laura+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294969599201596690" style="WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 233px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU8V1GkJ76nnRapFmhTglU1qPSjAdpNHzOHlbQFh_QR9LpSJj36VvtpGV7Sw5UQJSnZTR3bpBq3M6GCVQ8cnVh0XFEgzGg_uE3NJZ_-M7mkylBO3CPI6mNs4i1ZfDK9tchMr0u02pgdCg/s320/09+Jan17+Laura+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here's one that I modified to hold 3 pieces of chocolate. I thought these would make a fun treat for Emma's teachers, and they deserve more than one piece of chocolate for sure!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-1iAanVIgx5XF5dyQcGn7uPFyN1H58VSJCzPCgi5KjLy07DKCjFd8ijCD2ORzYjBk6oIYn8f0l74s32McLf8l9PRynXX5zcuWZTQwekVT6IzxQkV1rIJxMpSwV8g1FwuqRDGhU755O6q/s1600-h/09+Jan17+Laura+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294969604758486546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-1iAanVIgx5XF5dyQcGn7uPFyN1H58VSJCzPCgi5KjLy07DKCjFd8ijCD2ORzYjBk6oIYn8f0l74s32McLf8l9PRynXX5zcuWZTQwekVT6IzxQkV1rIJxMpSwV8g1FwuqRDGhU755O6q/s320/09+Jan17+Laura+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Directions:</div><div></div><br /><div>1 PIECE BOX -- cut cardstock 4 1/4" x 7 1/2"</div><div>score the short side at 3/8" and 3/4" from both edges</div><div>score the long side at 2 1/4" and 2 5/8" from both edges</div><div>See the square in the center - mark a dot at each one of it's 4 corners.</div><div>Now cut away the 4 corner sections up to the dot - you should be left with a + shape.</div><div>The two sides fold in and attach to the front of the box. </div><div>If you want to punch a crescent shape - do it before assembling the box.</div><br /><div></div><div>3 PIECE BOX - cut cardstock 5 1/2" x 9 1/2"</div><div>score the short side at 3/8" and <span style="font-family:arial;">3/4"</span> from both edges --- <span style="color:#ff0000;">UPDATE:</span></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">CORRECTION SCORE SHORT SIDE AT 3/8" AND 1 3/8" (not 3/4")</span></div><div>score the long side at 2 1/2" and 3 1/2" from both edges.</div><div>Assemble as described above. </div></div></div></div>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5565642737452570741.post-1219229961244388612008-09-24T19:44:00.004-05:002008-09-24T19:57:32.884-05:00Scallop envelope box #1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVTmKw1LVz6g6vYi8GwCkDZbtJbjysBFurj67TOnooGUeiogIrt56wxhkO3V3eTSt2LOPuyYeB8N97yGez9NW-x1PxxwcUeapHQZ1dzRz-dH3ajVfOBqfD6MgL-9S3VEjbGfBdGdfcp1F/s1600-h/LML+SU+SkiSlope+box1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249756259350345314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVTmKw1LVz6g6vYi8GwCkDZbtJbjysBFurj67TOnooGUeiogIrt56wxhkO3V3eTSt2LOPuyYeB8N97yGez9NW-x1PxxwcUeapHQZ1dzRz-dH3ajVfOBqfD6MgL-9S3VEjbGfBdGdfcp1F/s320/LML+SU+SkiSlope+box1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As I'm sure I've already mentioned, I LOVE my Big Shot Die Cut machine!</div><br /><div>Using this clever tutorial I found on <a href="http://stampingwithsheryl.typepad.com/stamping_with_sheryl/2008/09/scallop-envelope-box-tutorial.html">THIS blog,</a> I used the scalloped envelope die to make the sides of this box lid.</div><br /><div></div><div>Her tutorial tells you to use four pieces that were a bit smaller: 2.5" x 3.5" and it was stil enough to cover the scallopy flap portion. I didn't want to waste one tiny bit of that yummy Baja breeze cardstock.</div><div> </div><div>I even used my new circle brads. I LOVE them and I'm really really fighting the urge to just hoard them and gaze lovingly at them. </div><div>I also used that lovely new Riding Hood Red tafetta ribbon. I am hooked on that too!</div><div> </div><div>Another box coming tomorrow.</div>Laura Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106046699224289510noreply@blogger.com0