Paper Scrap/Crafting Club

Club info as follows:

3^rd Sunday of the month from 11 to 1 p.m. (subject to change)

First meeting Jan. 15^th

Gingham Button 2

5 Utility Drive #21

Palm Coast

Phone# 446-5825

Membership is free, but space is limited. Seating is limited to 12, who must place a reservation in advance each month…first come first serve.

A craft project will be taught for those interested. Some supplies such as Graphic 45 paper (I love) must be ordered at the store in advance, but substitutions can be made to members’ choice. You may choose to do your own layouts, cards, projects etc. or take the lesson given.

What I hope in the future is a rotation of members teaching or showing new techniques in paper crafting each month. Members can learn from others in the group and enjoy friendship with like minded individuals.

My plan for our first meeting is to teach a mini album using a set of 8 lunch bags, which can be bought in large packages at a dollar store or grocery (I like the AJM brand)

This album can be used for photos or as a recipe treasury. Examples are currently on display at the Gingham Buttons 2 store.

Suggested supply list for each type of album are as follows:

General supplies:

8 matching lunch bags (I like the AJM brand)

Red double sided super tape

T. Holtz Tiny Attacher or stapler

Glue runner or glider

Splat Mat

Pop dots

Paper Trimmer

Scissors

Chipboard cut for covers (cut by store owner)

Supplies to Make ABC Primer Photo Book:

Graphic 45 pages:

An ABC Primer

Happy Go Lucky

School Days

Building Blocks

Calico Kids

and

Red cardstock

Black cardstock

Suggested supplies used for Recipe Treasury:

Nana’s Kitchen

Nook & Pantry

From My Kitchen (Cricut Cartridge)

Recipe cards

Looking forward to seeing all of you!

Carla Brooke

Christmas thank you!

What a wonderful evening Sandy and I spent with our family and some new friends! We so enjoyed the gifts we received and watching our family open ours' given to them. Our grandchildren are our greatest family treasure!

Merry Christmas

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas! I am so thankful for all of you in our blogging community and those taking their creative journey and sharing with others!! I hope you have a peaceful, happy holiday with your family and friends!

"Curtain Call," Altered Canvas Holiday Gift

Well, no surprises, I love working with Graphic 45 paper. Their illustrations of the 20s and 30s are a treasured history of the era. Each page is so well done, making it so hard to take a scissor to them. Once I do, the pleasure is all mine, to work on.
"Curtain Call" is no exception. Here you see an altered canvas with pictures of my husband's parents. My husband followed in his father's footsteps becoming a cameraman and I know my husband will flip when he see this canvas...his holiday gift! "Yes," paste was used to adhere the paper to the canvas and 450 Quick Dry Adhesive was used to glue the Tim Holtz film and canister lid down.
Following this altered  canvas, I worked on a wonderful wood cigar box, which is a tribute to early film actress Clara Bow. For the first time I used Mod Podge to adhere the paper pieces to the wooden box. It worked nicely brushed on with a sponge brush. My husband drilled the hole for the Tim Holtz pull and I stained the wood balls (one side is flat) and glued these onto the box bottom with E-6000. I look forward to working with these and more Graphic 45 pages in the future.

"The Nutcracker"

Do you love the ballet? Are you looking for a wonderful holiday show experience? You need to see "The Nutcracker!" If the "Dance Alive" professional dance company comes to a venue near you, it's a must see show. This innovative company comes to town before the show and auditions local young dance talent to fill in spots within "The Nutcracker." Those chosen practice their dances within their dance studios coming together the day before the performance to be directed by the pros from "Dance Alive" in rehearsal. The day of the show is another rehearsal and then comes the evening performance. Each local talent takes their place and helps to put on a wonderful creative experience for all to watch and enjoy. My granddaughter loved the experience and my husband and I enjoyed watching her and the whole show! What a super early Christmas gift!

Last Night at the Club!

Ok, so I went to my usual karoake hang out to be with my friends last night. I brought some of my latest crafting work with me....I do love to show off! Well, I showed some really nice friends of mine my new altered vintage cigar box and matching cookbook and introduced it as a recipe treasury to be handed down in the family. The next thing I knew was, it was sold! A friend bought it for her mom, who was sitting next to her! Now, isn't that the coolest thing?

Pirate Holiday Bazaar, December 3rd

Come to the Pirate Holiday Bazaar at Matanzas High School In Palm Coast, Fl., Dec. 3rd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I will be displaying my handcrafted decor and lovely greeting cards. My handmade Xmas cards are really nice this year. You can check out my art work at:
www.carlasgreetingcards.com
Carla's Greeting Cards in Flagler County, Fl.

Altered Lace Trimmed Cigar Box

I left Michaels recently in order to be more available to take care of my grandchildren. The year I spent working for Michaels, opened my eyes to new techniques, which I put to use each day that I spend in my art studio.
First I fell in love with doing altered canvases using scrap papers and trimmings. I was looking for more uses for my collection of scrapbook paper and discovered altered cigar boxes. These decorative boxes of wood or cardboard can be seen on a variety of online sites. So, I went out to the garage and there on the shelf was an old wooden cigar box, that I had brought from New York, 13 year ago when moving to Florida.

I cleaned the box up and took the hinges off. I painted the box first with light pink acrylic paint, followed by Tim Holtz Distress Crackle paint and followed that with white acrylic paint. Each layer had to dry before the next was applied. I put the hinges back when the box was dry. Then the fun began with paper, flowers, bling, glitz, lace and beads. My husband assisted me with adding the Tim Holtz knob to the box top for the pull.

Just a note here, the music note printed paper is from Recollections. Be sure to place patterns or words on the paper in the correct way "up" when looking at the project. Since it is a one sided paper, I glued two sheets together using "Yes" Paste by Gane Brothers, so that when I curled the paper the opposite side would be deorative. I also ink every edge of paper for a more professional finish.

I love how the old cream lace trim blends with the crackle paint and the old knob! The Tim Holtz feet were glued on with E6000 and make this box really special!

Vintage Photos on Altered Canvases

I am always on the look out for new projects and products. Some of the neatest projects I have discovered online recently use products and papers produced by Graphic 45. Well, unfortunately Michaels doesn't carry that brand and so I went on a hunt for these unusual paper stacks. I found a few at Hobby Lobby and since I couldn't decide which to buy, I bought two. After all I had two 40% coupons and my hubby was with me! I bought "Communique" and "Playtimes Past" home to play with. these have wonderful vintage color printed pages.

I began using "Communique" and paired it up with old family photos. I used some sheets as background and others I cut shapes from and combined with flowers, stickers and die cuts to glue in place on 12" x 12" canvases. The canvases were on clearance at Michaels!

Some supplies I used were Americana acrylic paint on the canvas, "Yes Paste" spread with a plastic knife on the back on the paper background, Tombow glue runner and Zig 2 Way glue.

I'm looking forward to collecting more paper stacks from Graphic 45 and turning them into Altered canvases and more!

Wreath Christmas Card

Earlier this year I bought my Cricut Gypsy and while setting it up downloading from Provo Craft, I received some free files. One of these was Christmas. I love designing this year's holiday cards using the many images on this wonderful free file. Today I'll show you how I designed a simple wreath card.

First cut a green wreath and a red bow. I took a green brush marker and added scalloped lines to represent holly leaves. 

 A hole punch is great for Christmas ornaments and red berries were added with a red fine point marker.

 

A while gelly roll medium tip marker works well to add snow to the wreath.

Place the finished wreath on foam dots for depth on a brick printed paper.

I added white card stock paper embossed with the divine swirl Cuttlebug folder as snow (rip the edge for snow detail) against the brick wall. 

 

Adhere to the front of a white card and you have a great looking holiday card! Have a creative day!

Family Altered Canvas

A few weeks ago I discovered wooden words, covered in colorful prints, in a dollar bin at Michaels. These are a good size and quality to be a focal point on a canvas. My daughter-in-law's mom loves the color green, so that was my choice, a plaid with some green. I got some 12"x12" canvases on sale and painted one navy blue. Two 5"x7" canvas boards were painted green.

I made a flower from Recollections "Floral Embellishments" and adhered each of my items to the navy canvaswith Glossy Accents a product by Inkssentials. My daughter-in-law's mom can adhere any pictures of the family on those two green panels and show off, what a wonderful family we have. I really enjoy finding new ways to use the many diffwerent size canvas that are available. Have fun!

Party Invitation

For years I have been seeing my friends on Sundays at a local restaurant, where people take turns performing karaoke. We celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, enjoying a celebration cake and get our sing on. Yes, I sing karaoke. No, I’m not good at it, but it’s fun!

This year’s going to be a bit different for my birthday in October. My friend wanted to have a party and since my special day is early in October, “It’s My Party!”

So, to help out, I decided to offer my skills to make the birthday invitations.

Here is the recipe:

White card

Green card stock

Beige card stock

Blue card stock

Cuttlebug fold “Allegro”

Cricut cartridge “Celebrations,” Page 125 in the manuel

“It’s a part” cut at 2 ½”, cut with a shadow of the same size

Archival ink

Stampendous stamp N159 Orchid invite

9/11/2001 - We Will Never Forget

No, we will not forget!
We moved to Florida in August of 1998 from New York. But New Yorkers we will always be! 
That morning I was sleeping late, but the phone rang. My friend Vickie called and said turn on the TV and I saw the second plane hit the building. I knew right away this wasn't an accident, we were under attack! But what do we do now? I had an appointment to work on the planning of the local art fest. I got up, dressed and got moving. At the appointed time the meeting was held, we weren't sure if the art fest should go along as planned. We called our contacts with the armed services bands that were to give concerts during the festival weekend event. They said to hold the fest as usual and go a head with the plans. It was only weeks away. 
We held the art fest, people arrived in good numbers, service bands played and throughout the fest grounds you could hear recorded patriotic music. My husband had loaned his Lee Greenwood tape and all day you could hear "God Bless the USA."

The story my husband made the online local paper. You can go to:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/reports/community/in-your-own-words/2011/09/10/sandy-brooke-palm-coast.html

Garden Fence Card

So sorry, I haven’t been around much lately. I’ve been getting ready for the 2 hours Open House tomorrow at Michaels from 1 to 3 p.m. I’ll be at the Palm Coast, Fl. Store, but all Michaels are hosting this event.

I really love my new Cricut Lite cartridge “Bloom” and decided to make some more flowery cards.

So how about your garden variety wooden garden gate? Here it is cut at 3” in wood grain with a brown shadow behind it. That shadow, the green flower stems and pink flowers were all cut at 3”. Next, I cut a pale blue paper at 5 ¾” x 4 ¼” for background. I glued the flowers and stems to the gate with Zig glue and the gate to the blue background with Tombow adhesive. The same adhesive was used to glue the gate and background to the front of the card. Lastly I cut the little butterfly at 2”. The butterfly is the first cut of the birdcage #3. After gluing all the parts to the butterfly, I used foam pop dots on the back and adhered it to the top of the fence. It’s perfect! You can add happy birthday or happy anniversary and the card would really make someone’s day!

Happy Crafting!

Go to Michales.com and get a coupon for $5 off $25 purchase!

The coupon is good only for today! Would you believe that soon after I printed that coupon, I went to my mail box and opened the mail to find a Michaels $20 gift card, which I won from the Redheaded Crafter, Amy! What a day for it to arrive!
Now that is so very way cool!:)
Carla

Cricut Lite Cartridge Clearance

 Yesterday, I stopped at Walmart on my way home. I went to check out the Cricut scrapbook section and boy was I surprised…no Cricut cartridges were in sight! Luckily a sales person was working in the isle and she told me, they were marked down and in the Clearance Department located in the Garden Department! I hurried over and found the cartridges marked down from $40 to $20. I was tempting to buy several, but one was just right…”Bloom” has it all, bird cages, butterflies, flowers and garden fences. I could already see the cuts used to make my 3D birthday card and rushed home to play in the art studio.

 I cut the birdcage and butterfly at 3” from my new “Bloom” cartridge and Happy Birthday was cut from the Classic Cricut Font cartridge at 2”. Ribbon and ribbon glowers add to the look on a 6”x6” canvas painted with pale blue acrylic paint. Foam dot dimensionals raise the butterfly and cage and Zip Dry Glue holds the flowers and ribbon on the canvas. Zig Two Way Glue was used for lettering. Check out your local Walmart and make a 3D card.

Wow another Award, My Goodness!

 I would like to thank Judy of www.craftyjar.blogspot.com for this award!

Butterfly Award Questions:

Q1) Name your favorite color? Pink

Q2) Name your favorite song? I love music and I love karoake, so any song I can sing on key is special to me!
Q3) Name your favorite dessert? Key Lime Pie
Q4) What wizzes you off at the moment? People who don’t listen!
Q5) Your favorite pet? Our dog Moose!

Q6) Black or White? Black
Q7) Your biggest fear? My children’s future in this economy!
Q8) Best feature? My family

Q9) Everyday attitude? Enjoy each day!
Q10) What is perfection? Half the time in the studio and the other half the time to spend with my 2 year old grandson!
Q11) Guilty pleasure? Chocolate
Q12) When you're upset you? Work in the studio!

I am so honored and inspired by this blogger community. It's always hard to pick who to send these awards on to.

Here is a list, more of course should be included:

Katie @ craftingwithkatie.com

Christie @ creationsbychristie.blogspot.com

Patty @ creativediva98.blogspot.com

Suzanne @ cricutcraftinggrammy.blogspot.com

Angela @ bingcrafter.blogspot.com

Thanks again so very much,

Carla
FYI
Michaels, Palm Coast, Fl. Event Update
Crop Night: Saturday, Sept. 3rd from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $5
OPEN HOUSE SEPT. 10! CLASSES CURRENTLY ON THE SCHEDULE WILL BE 50% OFF WITH PAID FEES THAT DAY!
Sure hope to see you there!

Check your local Michaels!

A Canvas Birthday Card

Since working for Michaels I have found a new love! Back-stapled artist canvases are just so cool! You don't need to just paint on these three dimensional surfaces, glue designs of all types.

I wanted to make something different for my lovely daughter-in-law's birthday. I painted green acrylic paint over a 6”x6” canvas and used “Distress Ink” by Tim Holtz around the edge over the dry paint, giving the project a vintage look. Next my photographer husband duplicated an antique birthday postcard, which I mounted on foam dimensional dots and adhered to the green canvas. Satin ribbon was applied next to the opposite side if the canvas using “Zip Dry” paper glue. Using the same glue, I adhered ribbon and paper flowers to the satin ribbon. Now instead of a same old, same old card my daughter-in-law is displaying canvas art work on her counter!
 Michaels Event Updates

Crop Nights: Sept. 3 and Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $5

Spotted Canary Basic scrapbook Classes $25
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 9/3, 10, 17 & 10/1
Paper Ed Classes $25
Paper Bag Mini album
Wed. 9/7 or Mon. 9/12
1 to 3 p.m.
Altered Canvas Trio
Wed. 9/14 or Mon. 9/19
1 to 3 p.m.
Operation Xmas Cards
Wed. 9/21
1 to 3 p.m.
Texture Wow!
Mon. 9/26
1 to 3 p.m.

Wow I got an Award!

The Versatile Blogger Award

I found an email today from Mel Dreams Often, nominated me for The Versatile Blogger Award. I am very honored to have received this Award  and I would like to thank meldreamsoften.com for nominating me.

After accepting the Versatile Blogger Award, the blogger must

1. Thank the person who gave the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs. 

Now I would like to share 7 things about myself with you.

1.My grandson just turned 2 years old and we enjoy every minute we spend with him.
2.My family is wonderful!
3.The 10 year old that spends time with me doing art projects, isn't really my granddaughter, but my wonderful daughter-in-laws younger sister, who we love dearly.
4.I think a lot of old TV shows are more interesting than some that are on TV now a days! 
5.If I could go back to do something differently, I would still want to be the best darn art teacher there is, but I would love to dance and sing really well!
6.My future granddaughter will always be dressed in pink and ruffles.
7.My granddaughter told me some of what to say!

I must nominate 10 bloggers for The Versatile Award.  I really enjoy these blogs, and I hope you take time to visit them. 

1. http://cardsandschoolprojects.blogspot.com/
2. http://cricut360.blogspot.com/
3. http://celebratetheoccasion.blogspot.com/
4. http://craftyjar.blogspot
5. http://www.kristaspapercafe.com/.com/
6. http://bingecrafter.blogspot.com/
7. http://funkycards.blogspot.com
8. http://bellascrapbookdesigns.blogspot.com/
9. http://pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com/
10. http://shesasassylady.blogspot.com/

Meet me at Michaels in Palm Coast, Fl.:
Crop Night August 20th from 2 to 8 p.m. $5.00
Paper Ed Classes $25 each:
Texture Wow!
Create unique art for display
Aug. 22 from 1-3 p.m.