Creative Chaos

Speaking of Journals.......

I forgot about these journals I did a few years back.......

And a fancy tag.....

Ok.....off to try to get things done today.  Wish me luck!  Karin

 

 

I forgot how much I love art journaling........

I'm doing a round robin and I'm having so much fun working in a free form way.......

 

The gal who made this book used this heavy watercolor paper that is divine to work on.......

I can't explain it; but there's a difference.   I've also been playing around with my embossing.......

I've been experimenting with velum.  I love using velum but it can be tricky.......

Talk to you soon.......Karin 

Each day brings something new.......

So.....I finally recovered from "Vintage Wallpaper Anarchy of 2012," just in time for this........

 

"Dear Parents,

Recently one of the students in your child's classroom has had lice........

No......no......NO!  I looked at the piece of paper with the hate of a thousand suns and vowed revenge.  Revenge on whom I wasn't quite sure.  But someone was going to pay. I could not go through it again and again and again......

Luckily after thoroughly inspecting his hair, nothing was found.  I am now sending him to school in a haz mat suit to finish out the year.......just kidding......

Actually I'm not.  Uggggg.....

Anyway, in the meantime I present to you some randomness that is taking up space in my craft room right now.  The top photo is a little Melissa Francis mini book I'm working on with some of the new paper. 

That's it for now!  Talk to you soon!  Karin

 

Guest Tutorial by resident 7 year old.......

Step 1:  Wait until your mother is completely distracted on a phone call with best friend discussing how stupid new show "The River" is before asking if you can use the heart punch.

Step 2:  Ask if you can use some paper. When she nods yes and waves you away because she is totally engrossed in ridiculous story lines and underdeveloped characters, grab some of her favorite vintage wallpaper.

Step 3:  When she finally wanders back over to the kitchen droning on about "who in the world jumps in the Amazon river with stitches in her leg"  and finally spots what you are doing, completely ignore her, as well as her look of shock and disbelief over vintage wallpaper scattered about the kitchen floor. Keep punching hearts when she abruptly switches gears from idiotic tv shows to  blathering on about "vintage.....my good paper....and the taking down of mankind....."

Step 4:  Not understanding, nor frankly caring about the significance of vintage wallpaper, ask her to help you staple the hearts together.......

 

Step 5:  Draw a picture of Mommy's face upon entering kitchen.

Now you have your very own vintage wallper funny face heart book!  Kits will be available soon.....

 

Melissa Frances Monday.........

I almost forgot about about the little dog and cat mini album I did for Melissa Frances.......

When asked if I wanted to do the album, I....the owner of no dog....said sure!  I then had to make a flurry of phone calls to my dog owner friends, Michelle and Gail to beg them for pictures ASAP.  I left demanding messages on their voice mails "get me the pictures of Buddy and Mintie now or you'll never see your dogs again!"  click.

Of course they both lollygagged as if I didn't have an all important deadline to meet and I wasn't going to carry out my dognapping threat......

Finally, Gail pulled through with pictures of Buddy.  Of course, when Michelle saw the mini book displayed at CHA, She said it was "ok.....and Buddy is no Mintie" and then moved along.  I then turned to see this......

 

Hmmmmmm.......Anyway, I'll let them duke it out. In the meantime here are some more pictures of the new minibook......

 

Talk to you soon!  Karin
 

 

Inspiration via Pinterest......

czekoczyna

Source: flickr.com via Karin on Pinterest

 

Jenny Holiday

Source: flickr.com via Karin on Pinterest

 

bellepapier

Source: bellepapier.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com via Karin on Pinterest

 

Suzanne Duda

Source: suzanneduda.typepad.com via Karin on Pinterest

 

 

Judy Scott

Source: flickr.com via Karin on Pinterest

Two days of subbing 5th graders........

and a day of relaxing work at Paper Tales, makes for a late blog post.  Teaching 5th grade was fun and exhausting.  It was the first time teaching that grade.....I think I've got it down.   

Anyway, I have a few pictures of the little birthday cupcake boxes I created.  I made some kits for my Etsy.   In the meantime, I'm working on some classes for Paper Tales.  One of them is going to be a Hoarders Anonymous class where everyone will bring their own paper in and actually use it in a project/journal that I come up with.

Apparently this is a big problem with many of us crafters.   We "buy" and then "hoard."  Somewhere along the way, we manage to eliminate "create something" from that equation.   It's ridiculous.  So one of my intentions in this New Year (which by the way is slowly moving from New Year to Mid Year) is to use my stash instead of just lovingly looking at it.  Who's with me ?!?!?  

 

Ok....I have to run...the boys have a day off of school and we are going to enjoy the sunshine!  Talk to you soon!  Karin

So many plans.......

so little time when your called to duty as a substitute teacher. I got a last minute call this morning to sub for 5th grade today.  So any and all plans went out the window for the day. Joining my plans were my motivation, energy and sanity when I retuurned home this afternoon.   I'm heading out the door bright and early tomorrow morning to teach the same class.   Thank goodness the day doesn't involve a Valentine candy exchange.  I think the kids had enough sugar this afternoon to last them a couple lifetimes.  So in the meantime, I'll just post some pictures of random stuff. 

I finally finished this gift tag using Lisa's stamps........

I'm having so much fun making washi tape.  I've been experimenting with some colors.  I'll have to show you.

 

Speaking of tags.........

I've been putting together some inspiration kits for Paper Tales so I thought I would do a few for my Etsy too. I'm trying to clear out some of the stuff I have in my craft room.   This one is a gift tag kit........

Inspiration kit.........

Talk to you soon! karin

"LOVE" Heart Tutorial......

I'm finally recovered from my week of subbing and all ready with my heart tutorial.   I've got the step by step instructions for you as well as some kits if you would like to make the one shown.  I only have eight of the chipboard hearts so the kit is limited.  If you would like one, I have it listed in my Etsy shop.   You will get everything (except glitter and glue) you need including the instructions in pdf. 

 Also, I realized that you would have some extra papers and crepe left over so I threw a tag and glitter heart in so that you could make something extra. 

Ok.....let's make a heart.........

Here's what I used:

• chipboard heart
• various vintage wallpapers or anything you have on hand
• ruffled crepe paper
• ruffled seambinding
• stamped "LOVE"
• sheet music or any paper for back of heart
• white/cream paint
• paint brush
• glitter
• glue

I start with an unassuming chipboard heart........

I punch two holes in the top.  The extra hole will be covered with paper.......

Gather a variety of papers for the collage.......

Start gluing down the papers in a random fashion.  I just tear the pieces but you can cut them if you like.....

Cut around the edges of the heart......

Don't overthink it.  Overthinking will always get you in trouble.....

 Cover the holes on the front of the heart.......

Punch the holes out using the back side as your guide.......

Pretend there are two holes in the finished heart below........

Trace the heart on the sheet music and then cut out and glue to the back......

Punch the holes in the sheet music.......

Grab some white paint and brush along the top edge of the heart ........



Then go along the edges of the paper on the top of the heart.  This will give it a mosaic look......

I like to use a pencil around the edges of the paper to give it some definition......

Take your ruffled crepe paper and glue to the back edge of the heart.  I start at the bottom and work my way around.  You can use either hot glue or 3 in 1.......

Just make sure you don't glue over the holes.  Keep the seam of the crepe above the hole.......

Next, take the ruffled seambinding and glue around the front edge of the heart......

Again, I start at the bottom and work my way around.....

Next up, the flower.  I put some glue (I uses aleenes quick dry tacky glue) on the flower......

and then put some glitter on it.......

You don't see it here but I put glitter on the leaves also......

 

Cut out each letter of the "LOVE" into squares.  I ink around the edges with a soft gold to give it some color.   I then use a glue pen to trace around part of the letters and put some silver glitter on it.  (I use Martha Stewart antique silver)

Glue the flower and letters into place.   Take some ribbon (I used seambinding) and place through the hole of the heart and tie a double knot.......

I tied the ends of the ribbon also.  I then put a dab of glue by the hole under the ribbon in order to position the ribbon so it doesn't fall on top of the letters.   

And there you go!   All ready to hang in your home.......

And then with the leftovers you can make a gift tag........

Be Mine......

And it can be yours......I'll be posting a tutorial for it!  The picture above isn't completely done yet.   It still needs the all important glitter.  I just got sidelined this week subbing for kinders and 1st graders.  And now,  I'm off to Paper Tales.  I'll be back Monday to show you the how to for this cute heart wall hanging.  Plus I'll have some kits available if you want to do one just like this. 

Talk to you soon!  Karin

Best laid plans......

So....I had all these grand plans this week for posting tutorials using Lisa's stamps, when I got a call Monday to do a presentation.  I, of course, immediately dropped everything, said yes and flew out the door.......

I arrived to my destination ready to show them what I had.  I walked into the room with a bit of trepidation.  I knew going in, this crowd was going to be tough. Quite possibly the toughest I've ever faced.  My eyes scanned the room looking at each and every one of them. They looked back at me with distrust and a bit of skepticism.   It was at that moment I realized that I woefully underestimated their power and tenacity.   I took a deep breath and stared back at them.  The whole group looked at me waiting to see what I was going to say.  I knew that whatever I said at that moment was going to set the entire tone of the meeting.  So, I mustered all the confidence I could, smiled and said.........

"It's so nice to meet you all.  My name is Ms. Aguirre and I'm going to be your substitute kindergarten teacher for the next three days....."

And from that moment on, it was nonstop action for three days straight.  When teaching kindergarten and 1st grade, it's all about crowd control.  Herding them from one activity to the next, you are ever mindful for any stray ones that seem to wander off course.  The day is punctuated by mystery ("Someone moved my backpack!"), intrigue ("And, I know it was Leona!!") and drama ("I did not!"...."yes you did"...."I did not"....."yes you did!"..."Don't LIE Leona!!!)

At one point at the end of the day on Monday while all the kids were doing their "jobs," I briefly left the "Stamper Stamper" to tend to an argument over who was going to get to use the coveted spray bottle to spray the tables.  Just to back up a bit......the "Stamper Stamper" is an essential part of the end of the day routine whereby he or she "stamps" each student's hand upon completion of his or her task.   I assumed that the teacher interviewed many children for this position and selected the most responsible child to handle the exacting task of a "Stamper Stamper."  Upon my return to the "Stamper Stamper" area after negotiating "use of spray bottle" terms and agreements, I was greeted by a variety of children adorned with stamps up and down their arms, on their legs, and in the case of two little girls.....on their cheeks.  Apparently, while I was gone the "Stamper Stamper" section had turned into wild night out on the town.  All I needed was one of them to put a lampshade on his head, and I would have thought I was at the tail  end of a frat party.

Sigh.....I miss them already.  I'm going back for more though.  After a day of relaxation working at Paper Tales on Thursday.  I'm hunkering down and heading to first grade on Friday.  

So the only thing I was able to get up on my blog a tag in progress using Lisa's stamps.  Here is a close up of the DIY washi tape........

I also loaded up the pictures for this tutorial.......

I'm going to throw some kits together for it if anyone is interested.  Ok...time for bed!  I'll talk to you soon....Karin

Well.......

I was planning on having this post up Monday morning; however, I got a wake up call to sub for kindergartners.  They may look sweet and innocent.....but let me tell you, they are a tough crowd.  And, I'm heading back tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

So first thing on the list of things to discuss........

As you know, Creative Chaos has always been on the cutting edge of the paper crafting industry for years.  And, this post is no exception. While wandering aimlessly down the aisles at CHA last week, I stumbled upon a make and take that involved embossing. Embossing had always been this big scary technique that involve things...and stuff....and heat...and guns.  It was all far too complicated for me.  However, as I stood at this booth watching a demonstration that transformed a chipboard butterfly into a glittery, glossy, embossed thing of beauty, I realized I was hooked.   Of course, I immediately tracked down Randi a few aisles away and told her about my discovery. I was hoping that maybe Paper Tales could be the first to be in on this up and coming trend.  Maybe the coveted Paper Tales parking spot was more than just a dream.

Me: " Randi!!  You have to see this booth where they do this really cool embossing.  You just stamp and pour and heat....it's amazing I tell you....Amazing!"

Randi:  "Um...." trying to figure out if I've been in a coma for the last ten years, "it's kinda been around since 1992...."

Me: "Oh. Well...there is this great embossing powder by Stampendous.  We have to get it!! It's Shabby....it's Chic...It's glittery. It's everything I could have asked for in a crafting supply. "

Randi: "We've had that at Paper Tales for the last six months,"  putting to rest any doubt she may have had about joining me on my one woman design team.

Whatever.  I'm just so far ahead of my time I actually travel back in time.  Anyway, as soon as I got back to Paper Tales, I immediately bought embossing powder and a heat gun.  As you can see from the results below I won't be asked to be on the Stampendous design team anytime soon......

But that's ok.....I'm just having some fun with it right now.....

So while I'm trying to put a new spin on embossing, here are some pictures of CHA.......

The best milkshake ever........Salted pretzel.......

Beth from Xyron......We did that infomercial together last year.  She is so much fun......not to mention a snappy dresser......

I got to finally meet Eileen Hull from Sizzix........

So wonderful.......

Crate.......

Cosmo Cricket

Alessandra, Cherie, Debby and Michelle

These amazing dress forms at the Ranger booth.  This one is Lisa Pace......

My best friend Gail, her daughter and me.....

Lisa, me and Laura.....

Anna Griffin...

Cathy Filian from Modge Podge Rocks.  She is amazing.....

Michelle....

October Afternoon.....

Julie Nutting artwork.....

Ok....I have to hit the sack.  I have a classroom of kindeergartners ready to eat me alive tomorrow morning.....Talk to you soon....Karin

Valentine Mini Book......

A couple weeks ago when we received the new Crate valentine paper at Paper Tales, I quickly threw together a store sample to show it off. As the founding and only member of the Paper Tales design team (Randi refuses to participate on the team with me citing unneccesary use of glitter and lack of knowledge of embossing techniques), I feel it's my duty to bring the newest and brightest paper to the forefront of the scrapbooking world. Of course, in my usual fashion, by the time I put it up all the paper was sold out.  Apparently my "quickly" was not quick enough. This is why Michelle gets very annoyed at my one person design team show. However, I live to annoy her.....  Anyway, you can essentially do it with any paper.  I also used Lily Bee and various trims we had on hand.

The white floral ribbon is Maya Road.....

On this page, I took some clear acrylic paper and edged it with some washi tape.  I pute the "love" chipboard on it and the little heart......

I was so busy patting myself on the back for doing such a cute overlay that it didn't occur to me that there is a backside.......

I just put some little squares on the back of the love tiles to cover the backside of the chipboard......

On top of the XOXO tag is another piece of acrylic overlay trimmed with washi tape......

So there you have it!   Talk to you soon!  Karin

Back from CHA.....

I'm back. But I'm heading out the door to Paper Tales right now so I wanted to give you some random shots of the Melissa Frances booth.........

The idea thet was stuck in my head and finally came to fruition.......

bigger houses....love......

New home product line....pillows....fabric totes......

decorative metal chandelier and hangers......

Projects in the booth by Melissa Phillips....... 

New resin.....

New product.....

Baby banner......

Debby Shue, Michelle, me and Melissa.......

Debby, Michelle and my best friend Gail.......

Wall hanging by Melissa Phillips.....

Ok....I have to run.  Talk to you soon!  Karin

Checking in from CHA.....

I'm ready to roll......Although, I was stopped in my tracks at the door to the exhibit hall when trying to deliver my Melissa Frances display samples. Evidently, during set up, only exhibitors are allowed on the floor. I of course assumed there would be an exception for me.....

"I need to get these to Melissa Frances!!' I exclaimed to the disintrested 18-year-old security guard manning the door. 

"I don't care."  he says, clearly not understanding the urgency, nor the life or death situation at hand.

"But, it's Melissa Frances!!" I once again say hoping that the name dropping will help me inch my way to the door.

"Go. Away."  he says, which indicates to me he has no real knowledge of the importance of glitter and paper in our 21st century world.

After realizing that I was shut down for good, I wandered around aimlessly hoping to find a hole in their top notch security system.  I briefly considered dressing as a maintence worker and riding one of the mini fork lifts onto the floor when I recognized someone standing at the door.  Oh my goodness it was Jodi from Fancy Pants.  I approach her as if I was asking her to buy me some beer from in front of the Stop & Go Liquor mart.  Thank goodness she recognized me and said she would go see if Melissa was there.

Phew.

I'll be back tomorrow with some more pictures and stories.  Talk to you soon!  Karin