Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Summertime, DT Samples and Pinterest

Hello, Friends!

 I hope you all are having a good week. The summer is passing by so quickly.  Some kids here in North Carolina are already back in school.  It seems like the long, lazy days of summer are a thing of the past.  I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood summers: swimming in the pool, playing kickball with all the neighborhood kids, staying up late to catch lightning bugs and play hide and go seek....those were good times!  

Speaking of summertime, I want to remind you that Sandy has a fantastic offer going on in the Crafty Secrets online store.   With every order you place, you will receive a FREE download of our gorgeous Digital Summer Printable. There are 12 different vintage images printed in high resolution on this sheet along with several words and phrases that you can add to your cards, scrapbooking layouts and mixed media projects.  Here's a peek at what you get:



I used the beautiful phlox seed packet to make this vintage card:
http://www.kathybydesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/CS-Vintage-Phlox-card-01-1024x819.jpg 

DT member Sheila Rumney used our digital Radiant Papers to make this beautiful layout and has a wonderful tutorial on her blog explaining how she did it.
  
 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJC8QdeGCVnQ8jvV2scLPYP5jV0K8Toh7XjrN250ymqdl7GpymQ9qc4HTvsoRgLeqCUuEzyJtpu0Dmi6HOZ5YBM1tOZzn_QuF7iqulMyPrxxos3G0sLV36L7TxnFF7_o5VA-dEUsNBe-x/s1600/Slide1.JPG 

Know someone going on a cruise?  DT Member Darlene Pavlick created this fun travel themed card using our Travel Creative Scraps 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRFU1kZsAWIxF_qKY5OAIi63yrTGInE0utyC_-7RZCejlrMYApDc7kkj99s_pImmqa9Zg4WQ6K4c8LLSJAHqKuqgAqg8ZTB_QGKBFAzk19nKWVParHmmTXgrX-fYbscx_2Zm9twl4ZbPL/s1600/cards+to+upload+07-07-14+002.JPG

DT Member Michele Kovack broke out her watercolors to create a stunning shabby chic card using our Sing for Joy digital art stamps
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavMXcV3fqRKNM1C-qWQtTGfXQDwkOOP4_CrlcalD1Vod5WHgrX_kqF1TjF_p9W8c8ffIFbB8hhowBhf7289QwHHlEZHZwm92L2WQpKKHMR1C3hLqS8TcC8ED4MhvbI1abujoW4eLV/s1600/birds+vintage.jpg 

I also want to remind you that we have a fabulous Crafty Secrets page on Pinterest!  If you visit this page, you'll find dozens of samples, inspiration and tutorials galore!  Sandy even has a tutorial that explains how to use the FREE paint.net program to work with digital product.
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/39/89/3c/39893c1fdb62ff441050183e9a6a3e95.jpg 

You can while away the last few days of summer learning how to create with digital images and relax while getting great ideas to use in your craft room.

Don't forget that the August Linky party is just a few days away.  Hoping you'll be playing along with us this month.  A $50 prize goes a long way in our online store.

Thanks for stopping by!  
On behalf of Sandy Redburn, I wish you joy and creativity!

Kathy


See BIG SALE at CraftyVintageGirl.com 
Visit Our Facebook Page with 6800+ Fans!

This Blog: http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com
Our Website: http://www.craftysecrets.com
Toll Free Phone or Fax 1-888 597-8898
Local Phone 604 597-8817


Crafty Secrets Head Office
15430 78 A Ave.,
Surrey, BC V3S 8R4


USA Warehouse
250 H. Street, #436
Blaine,WA 98230

Friday, July 18, 2014

Spotlight on New DT Member Shantaie Fowler

Welcome, Friends!  

Have you been enjoying this week of the new Design Team Reveal?  So far, we've spotlighted the lovely Diane Hover, the vintage goodness of Gloria Stengel and the clean, elegant style of Melody Clement.  Well, today, you are in for a real treat!  We are putting the spotlight on the whimsy and artistry of Shantaie Fowler of Inking Pink.  

When I asked our exisiting DT for a few recommendations for leads on new designers, Michele Kovack immediately directed me to Shantaie's delightful blog where I found an amazing range of artistry and delightful design.  Shantaie makes the most wonderful 3-D designs and is great at working "off the page."  I think you are really going to love the sense of fun and celebration she adds to the team. So without further ado, let's put the spotlight on the delightful Shantaie Fowler.
I'm Shantaie Fowler a crafty DIY type who truly loves all things paper, fabric, and ink. Many years ago I began stamping as a hobby and a creative outlet, having no clue that it would change my life forever! Although its no longer a hobby,paper crafting has taken me on a journey I could never have imagined.

 I spend as much time with my family as I can, and enjoy life's adventures planned and unplanned alike! I try to live each day to the fullest, and if I'm not at work or off traveling you can find me in my craft room covered in glitter with ink stained fingers! 

 I am so thrilled to be a new member of the Crafty Secrets creative team, and look forward to all that lies ahead!


Don't you just love her already?  I know I do!  Here's the project Shantaie created using our Bird Notes Digital Art Stamps.   


There is so much yummy texture in this card, and I love the fresh colors she used to really make this card POP!  Take a look at the wonderful detail in her ribbon. 


It's so sweetly shabby!  I hope Shantaie doesn't mind, but I just had to share this adorable apron she featured on her blog recently.  I can't wait to see her "off the page" projects for Crafty Secrets!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnASe3F9MNjvwepXNWLGaDmMtPrDwv6FfWvI_veHeGbtAvU1wmuC9-JhyphenhyphenlEJhobPdPuHyqMnDiZG2figve6fGb_QYCkSPeOeQziD6hRZSMrPMVfo8zzRLbFgBswPx_D_ASfRB6Kyqdf4/s1600/Cricut+mag+April-Shantaie+018-001.JPG 

So, I have to tell you, I am pretty excited on my end of things.  We've added 4 incredible designers to the team, and each one brings her own special skills and point of view to Crafty Secrets.  I think we are in for some wonderful inspiration and fresh ideas, don't you?  

Be sure to visit Shantaie's blog, and give her a hearty welcome in the comment section below.  It's been such a great week here on the blog...and there is so much to look forward to.  
I hope you each have a wonderful weekend, and on behalf of Sandy Redburn, I wish you joy and creativity!

Kathy 


See  BIG SALE at CraftyVintageGirl.com 
Visit Our Facebook Page with 6800+ Fans!

This Blog:
http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com
Our Website: http://www.craftysecrets.com
Toll Free Phone or Fax 1-888 597-8898
Local Phone 604 597-8817

Crafty Secrets Head Office
15430 78 A Ave.,
Surrey, BC V3S 8R4

USA Warehouse
250 H. Street, #436
Blaine,WA 98230

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Spotlight on new DT Member Melody Brouthers Clement

Welcome, Friends!  

I hope you are having a wonderful week! I'm so glad you could join us as we spotlight another new Crafty Secrets Design team member here on the blog.  So far, we've met the lovely Diane Hover of Nellie's Nest, the very versatile Gloria Stengel of Scraps of Life and the  Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Blog.  

Today, the spotlight is on the clean and classic style of Melody Brouthers Clement of Paper Melody's.  (I'll go ahead and point out the obvious, which is the fact that Melody and I share the same last name.  This is because she married our youngest son about 2 years ago.) We wanted Melody on the team because her fresh, young take on vintage is sure to delight you and open your eyes to new ways of incorporating vintage images in your designs.  She's also very comfortable working with digital design. So, let's put the spotlight on Melody!

Hi everyone!  My name is Melody Clement and I’m joining you from Conway, South Carolina, where my husband of 2 years and I have just moved.  He is enjoying getting started in his new job, and I’m happy to be starting my new “job” as a member of the Crafty Secrets Design Team!
I've enjoyed various creative endeavors such as sewing, crocheting, and music since I was a little girl, and about 7 years ago I discovered the Wonderful World of Paper Crafts.  My first card was made with construction paper, glue stick, and markers...needless to say, both my skills and my hoard of paper crafting supplies have grown since then!  I started my blog, Paper Melody's, about a year and a half ago to share my "clean and classic" style with the world.  A few months after that, I opened my Etsy shop where I design custom handcrafted wedding stationery.  I enjoy playing along with various online challenges and have been pleased to be chosen as a favorite on several occasions.  I am thrilled to be one of the new members of the Crafty Secrets design team and look forward to sharing ideas and inspiration with all of you!

The card Melody prepared to share with us today uses our Bird Notes Clear acrylic stamp set and loads of digital papers. It is a wonderful example of the way she uses a pop of color in just the right spot to really make her clean, elegant designs sing.


Melody and I have been crafting buddies for several years now, and I'm always amazed at her design skills.  You can find information on all the different digital papers and techniques Melody used in  making this lovely card on her BLOG. I know you are going to enjoy getting to know her better.  Be sure to visit her blog, and leave her a little word of welcome below. 

I'll be back tomorrow to spotlight the next new member of our team, and I can tell you, you are in for a real treat!  Until then, on behalf of Sandy Redburn, I wish you joy and creativity!

Kathy



See  BIG SALE at CraftyVintageGirl.com 
Visit Our Facebook Page with 6800+ Fans!

This Blog:
http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com
Our Website: http://www.craftysecrets.com
Toll Free Phone or Fax 1-888 597-8898
Local Phone 604 597-8817

Crafty Secrets Head Office
15430 78 A Ave.,
Surrey, BC V3S 8R4

USA Warehouse
250 H. Street, #436
Blaine,WA 98230

 









Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Spotlight on DT Member, Gloria Stengel

Welcome, Friends!  

All this week, we are spotlighting the newest members of the Crafty Secrets Design team.  Yesterday, we welcomed the lovely Diane Hover of Nellie's Nest. I hope you were able to pop over and leave her a word of welcome.  

Today, we are putting the spotlight on Gloria Stengel of Scraps of Life and the brand new Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Blog.  Gloria's work is well known in paper crafting circles and it's hard to find a design team for whom she has NOT worked!  We're just thrilled to have her joining us here for the next 3 months, and hope she'll be able to stay with us for a very long time after.  So, without further ado, I turn the spotlight over to Gloria.

My name is Gloria Stengel and I have been hooked on paper crafts all of my life. I have always loved to color, play with paper dolls, and create "projects"! In 1990, I discovered rubber stamping and in 1996, I stumbled across "modern" scrapbooking. I love all aspects of paper crafting: card making, scrapbooking, mini albums, altered art, up-cycling, you name it! I am happiest when I am making a mess! It's the cleaning up part that I don't care for!
 I have been on a number of design teams over the past few years, including three terms with Graphic 45. I also accept various guest design spots and work with online stores from time to time. I have recently started my own challenge blog, Craft Hoarders Anonymous. I think the name says it all. 
 I have a blog, a Facebook Fan Page, and a YouTube channel in order to share my creative work. Please visit my blog, Scraps of Life: www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com for more inspiration. 
 Gloria has been a fan of the Crafty Secrets line for quite some time, so she has a few samples to share with us today. This first card is typical of Gloria's wonderful vintage style.  It is using our Material Girl  digital art stamp set.  I love all the layers and the wonderful shabby flower and trim.

Gloria also shines when it comes to retro designs. Her sense of fun and great ability to use color really shine in this great card that uses an image from our Vintage Girlfriends Journal Booklet.  These are still in stock, and even better, they are on sale!  I have also heard a rumor that Sandy is cooking up some new kitchen goodies. 

This card made with our Halloween Fun DAS is just so cute!

I know you are going to enjoy getting to know Gloria better.  She and I have developed a wonderful friendship, so I can tell you that she's a very genuine, generous and hilarious person.  I'm so glad that she's decided to join us here on the Crafty Secrets team.  Be sure to visit her blog and leave her some love below to make her feel welcome! 
I'll be back tomorrow to put the spotlight on our next new DT member!  Until then, on behalf of Sandy Redburn, I wish you joy and creativity!

Kathy




See  BIG SALE at CraftyVintageGirl.com 
Visit Our Facebook Page with 6800+ Fans!

This Blog:
http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com
Our Website: http://www.craftysecrets.com
Toll Free Phone or Fax 1-888 597-8898
Local Phone 604 597-8817

Crafty Secrets Head Office
15430 78 A Ave.,
Surrey, BC V3S 8R4

USA Warehouse
250 H. Street, #436
Blaine,WA 98230



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Crafty Secrets Welcomes Diane Hover to the Design Team

Hello, Friends!    

Welcome to our new Design Team Spotlight Week!   We have 4 fresh faces on the Crafty Secrets Design Team and we are so excited to introduce you to them.  Today's spotlight is on the lovely Diane Hover.  Her shabby chic/vintage style will be right at home here on the Crafty Secrets team.  Let's meet Diane!


I have 2 grown sons and 1 daughter and 2 step-sons...all which live in the area.  I have 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren...and yes, I am way too young for all that!  LOL  I love them all!  We live in a log home on a creek in the country, and besides paper crafting (which is my passion) I also love gardening and sewing!!  I like to tell people that when I was born and the doctor inked my footprint, I was destined to get inky and crafty!
 My blog was named after my dog "Nellie"...Nellie is the most wonderful dog-child ever!!  She is a Goldendoodle and ever so smart...I just can't even think about life without her!

My hubby and I have lived in our log cabin for about 19 years...it sits by a woods along a creek...we have named our place here "Cabin On The Creek"...its old...its cold in the winter, buggy in the summer, but we love it.  I have major flower gardens that I work in daily "in season".  I have many interests...so many, that its a bit overwhelming at times....I love to papercraft~sew~garage sale~go to auctions~and refurbish old items!

You might see me "write" about our lake home...we have a newer home (oh how I love new homes) on Lake Huron...about 30 miles SE of the Mackinac Bridge...we go there whenever we can...we call that house "Summer Wind", since my hubby is a big fan of Frank Sinatra.....it sets very close to the lake, love the sound of the waves....we kayak in the summer months...kind of scarey on that big lake, but we are careful!

Visiting Diane's blog, Nellie's Nest, is a real treat!  This crafty gal makes the most beautiful paper flowers and dimensional cards.  I was so impressed with the many different ways that Diane uses paper in her artwork.  It seems she can do anything from clean and simple cards to ornate shabby chic.  She stitches, layers, colors, die cuts and creates dimensional art.  Diane is a wonderful artist with a great sense of humor and a warm personality.  Her blog  also features photos from her beautiful home in the countryside. We are so happy to have you on the Crafty Secrets Design team.

Look at this beautiful box Diane created for her Crafty Secrets debut:


This darling altered box features papers and images from our Digital Garden Papers.  I just love the delicate flowers and butterfly embellishments. 

I know you will want to join me in welcoming Diane to the Crafty Secrets team in your comments below.  We can't wait to get to know her even better!

I'll see you tomorrow with another new designer spotlight.  Until then, I wish you joy and creativity!

Kathy

 

See BIG SALE at CraftyVintageGirl.com 
Visit Our Facebook Page with 6780+ Fans!

This Blog: http://heartwarmingvintage.blogspot.com
 

Toll Free Phone or Fax 1-888 597-8898
Local Phone 604 597-8817


Crafty Secrets Head Office
15430 78 A Ave.,
Surrey, BC V3S 8R4


USA Warehouse
250 H. Street, #436
Blaine,WA 98230