Where have the last 2+ months gone??

Wow, what a spring it’s been around here! Since my last post (yes, over 2 months ago) I have been sick with Bronchitis, my Hubby had a SEVERE case of Pneumonia, We traveled to New Hampshire for my daughter’s dance competition, I was in Truro, Nova Scotia teaching 3 classes for a crop there, Boys had a Karate tournament, Jaz had a weekend of dance shows, Birthdays, our anniversary…oh my word, the list goes on and on!!   It’s been a memorable spring… to say the least!

So, as we all know, when life goes like this, something gets left behind. And once again, my poor blog has been neglected…  Neglected? Yes, but never forgotten!

I know I have a contest to finish up, with the Let’s Get Creative with Dies series!! I will do one more video for you and then do my draw for the grand prize!! J I’ll give us a bit of time to get back into the swing of me actually updating my blog! LOL!

So… what is new since last time I blogged??

Well, I am no longer a member of Spellbinders Design Team! WHAT?? Oh yeah!! That’s right! I was offered a PROMOTION!! I am now a member of the Spellbinders Inspiration Team!! SUCH a huge honor! THANK you to Stacey, Kim, Cathy  and all the others at Spellbinders who believe in me so much!! It is SO humbling…   It still amazes me that I am a part of this amazing company!!  And while I am THRILLED with this promotion to Inspiration team, I am also sad to be leaving the actual Design team. I LOVED being a part of this team!! I guess change scares me a bit… but that is a normal part of life! So, here’s to embracing change!! Whoot!  Also congrats to Lesley Langdon and Windy Robinson who are also promoted of the Inspiration team with me!! So glad to be working with these 2 amazing designers again. And here is the entire team! What a group of incredible talent! Honored… to say the least!! Holly Simoni, Kazan Clark, Julie Overby, Windy Robinson, Lesley Langdon, Moi, AJ Otto and Josie Cirincione.

 

With this change, I will no longer be creating 4 projects per month for Spellbinders. I will now be creating 2 projects… complete with full video tutorials to go with them! SO excited about this change! So you should be seeing lots of video’s coming from me coming up! Hoping to get my studio set up with great lighting for easy video sessions! Big hopes that it all comes together as I’m hoping!

So now that this is my only creative responsibility, I have a couple of opportunities that I am seriously considering applying for. I’m in turmoil… do I take the summer and just enjoy the slower pace? Or do I jump at the opportunity to even APPLY for these AMAZING companies!  Decisions Decisions…  I LOVE the idea of trying something new. One of these opportunities I’ve been waiting for for a while!! I guess all a girl can do is apply and see what comes of it, right? If it’s meant to be, it will be…

What else is new?... I’ve begun a road to regain my health. Healthy eating and physical activity have become my focus. It’s bad when your 7 year old son says “Mom, you need to get active!”… and while it ticked me off and I thought it very rude, I also knew he was right. What kind of example was I setting for my children? What was I feeding them?... It was time for change!! And I’m happy to report that so far I am down almost 15 lbs!! J  No diet… just eating less crap and more nutritious food. And getting active. Feels SO great!!  My goal is 15.8 lbs more and I’m where I want to be!! I’m not looking for it to happen overnight… It took years to put it on. I want it slow and steady… real. So I’m willing to work for it!!  Half way there!!!

 

So that's what's new with me!! :)

Looking forward to doing some creating and being able to share it with you!

I am going to share with you soon one of the classes that I have been teaching! Complete with a Video to guide you thru it!

So, until then!

Stay Healthy!

Happy Creating!

((HUGS))

 

Nestie Bestie Blog Hop WINNER!!

Hi there!
A special THANK YOU to all of those who visited my blog and the blogs of my fellow Designers for the Nesties Besties blog hop! I LOVED reading all of your comments! I wish I had a reply button in my comments, because I want to thank each and every one of you for stopping by! :)
So... who's the winner of my BLOG CANDY???
Let's ask RANDOM.ORG!!

So the winner is....
Beverly Perdue said...

Hi Tina, thanks for all the wonderful ideas! The black and white card is so elegant and pretty. Love the spellbinders die and the butterfly.

Congratulations Beverly!! Please email me at  tinamcdonald(at)xplornet(dot)ca  with your mailing address and I will send your prize out to you!!
You have 48 hrs to reply... if I don't hear from you I will draw another winner!!

Don't forget to drop back thru the other blogs to see if you were a winner there! Here it is again...
* Angela Ploegman

Darsie Bruno

Debbie Seyer

Heidi Van Laar

Judy Hayes

Michelle Woerner

Teresa Horner

Theresa Momber

Tina McDonald

Yvonne van de Grijp

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time... Happy Creating!

 

 

Checking in with an UPDATE from Crop and Create

Good morning fabulous peoples! :) Hoping you all are having an amazing weekend!!
I'm dropping by this morning to let you know that I have NOT forgotten about Friday's Let's Get Creative with Dies video! No Way!!
I am delayed, but for GOOD reason!
I have been in Moncton NB at Scrapbook and Cards today magazine at CROP AND CREATE! If you're not familiar, let me fill you in! Scrapbook and Cards today is a FREE Publication that comes out of Canada! Yes, I said FREE!! WHOOT! And every year, Catherine and her amazing team travel across Canada hosting fabulous conventions! This weekend it was local!! AND the best part, is that Spellbinders ® was one of the invited guests, Along with Sean from My Minds Eye. Poor Sean was unable to come (understandably, with what I've heard!), But Kim Hupke, Spellbinders Education Director WAS able to!! And so I had the opportunity to help teach 2 Spellbinders classes here! WHAT an honor!!
One of the other things we did, was host a Make and Take! So I recorded Kim in action... creating our Make and Take!! And THAT is what I'm going to share with you all!! Isn't that exciting!?!? I think so! Along with some photo's and a rundown of this AMAZING event!!
So, it's time for me to finish packing up and get back home to my wonderful family!!! I will get my video edited and put together for you as soon as possible. It will be worth the wait, I promise!! :)

HUGE HELLO to all of those that I met at the event this weekend! I look SO forward to doing some classes and retreats with many of you! You guys were SO encouraging, SO sweet, and SO much fun!!! THANK YOU! Please be sure to follow my blog for your chance to be entered in this months giveaways! Yes, there are 2!!!
* Nesties Blog Hop!! This is a blog hop with some of the Spellbinders gals, that we put together ourselves. MANY of the girls are giving away blog candy! Be sure to visit all the blogs and comment for your chance to win!! Most will include SPELLBINDERS DIES!!
*Follow along with my Let's Get Creative with Dies Video Series taking place for the month of March! TONS of inspiring things being taught! And another chance to win some goodies at the end of the month!!

So be sure to stop back for all of that coming up soon!!
HUGE thank you to Catherine Tachdjian, Spellbinders and Kim Hupke for the amazing opportunity to be here!!! I am honored and had SUCH an amazing time!!!

For those interested in local class information, feel free to contact me thru Facebook, or by emailing me at the address on the right hand side. I will also post a schedule and some info in the next couple of days!
I will also have a post with a recap of the weekend!! I have lots of photo's that I'll be sharing of some of the amazing people that I met!
Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for reading!!
More to come soon!
Until then,
Happy Creating!

Nesties Bestie Blog Hop

Hi and welcome to the Nesties Bestie Blog hop!
What is that you ask?
You may or may not be aware of Spellbinders™  Idea Gallery! The Spellbinders designers create projects that are featured in the gallery to inspire YOU! We wanted to create an awareness of that gallery, so we came up with the idea of doing a blog hop! This is not a Spellbinders event, just a designer blog hop.
The Spellbinders Design Team is FULL of amazing talent! I want you to check some of that talent out! Not all of the Design Team were able to participate in today's hop due to previous commitments and hectic schedules. But I encourage you to visit all of the links on my sidebar to see the talent they bring! Also to check out the Spellbinders Idea Gallery on a regular basis! You'll be glad you did!!

So today I have 3 projects that I'd like to share with you, that were created for Spellbinders.

NINE

More information regarding this scrapbook page can be found here in the Idea Gallery.

Next I'm sharing a card with you...

Wishing You a Beautiful Day

Information for this card can be found in the idea gallery here.

 

For my final project... a piece of Jewelery!

Butterfly Necklace

 

More info regarding this can be found here.

 

And there you have it.. just a sample of what we do as Spellbinders Designers!!

 

And I have a little BLOG CANDY for you today!!! Here's how you can be entered to win!

*Leave a comment here in this post.

*Be a follower of my blog!

 

I am offering a set of Spellbinders dies, a set of stamps and a 6x6 MME paper pad! :)

I know many of the other designers on this hop are also offering up some blog candy, so be sure to stop by EVERY blog on the list!!

Also drop by the Spellbinders Gallery! It is updated on a regular basis, so be sure to drop by often! Here is a direct link to my personal gallery there...

 

Here's the blog list!

Angela Ploegman

Darsie Bruno

Debbie Seyer

Heidi Van Laar

Judy Hayes

Michelle Woerner 

Teresa Horner

Theresa Momber

Tina McDonald

Yvonne van de Grijp -will be posting late

 

Check back on Thues March 26 to find out the winners of the BLOG CANDY!

 

Until Next Time,

Happy Creating!

 

 

 



 

Let's Get Creative With Dies, Episode 3

Hi everyone!
Just stopping in quickly today. I've had a week of sick kids... STILL sick kids.
So for this week, I am going to have you view the Masking technique video that I created for my blog post for Julianna Hudgins Positively Me collection. I would like to expand on this technique for you, and I will... but it is just going to have to wait for a few days!
Life happens... and family comes first. Right?
Thanks for your understanding!
So here is the masking video once again... LOVE this technique and will be using it a lot more I think!
Enjoy!

 

So, until next time, when my kids are healthy...

Happy Creating! :)

Jewel Flowers and Flourishes Masking Tutorial

Hi! Thanks for dropping by!
Today is my day to post on Julianna's Positively Me Design Team Blog! I hope you will stop over and leave me a comment! That'd be fabulous!
Today I have another video for you! I am showing how to make this card...

I have explored 2 techniques... Masking using die templates and creating flower centers and accents using seed beads! It is SO much fun!

 

 

I hope you will check out the video and let me know what you think!

Until Next Time...

Happy Creating!

 

 

 

 



Wonderful Day card, and some classes announced!

Good morning! It's raining cats and dogs here!! :) But I'm cool with that... snow is disappearing and spring is on it's way! :)
Today I have a card to share with you that I did for Spellbinders™  Paper Arts. It is in their gallery now. See this page for full details.

WONDERFUL DAY

Spellbinders Supplies:

• S4-364 Spiral Blossom Four
• S5-086 Bitty Blossoms
• S5-146 Botanical Swirls and Accents
• S5-148 Decorative Labels Eight
• E8-001 Classic Scallop
• E8-004 Classic Ric Rac
• Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

Preferred Partner Products:

• Want2Scrap©, Baby Bling, Red Pearls
• Penny Black®.Inc, Stamp

Cross Promotional Partner Products:

• Graphic 45, An ABC Primer Collection, Calico Kids Patterned Paper
• WorldWin Paper®, Black, Ivory and Kraft Cardstock
• Royal & Langnickel®, Art Engraving Board, Copper Core
• Clearsnap®, Wicked Black Pigment Dye Ink
• Xyron®, 5" Creative Station Permanent Adhesive
• SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™, 3D Foam Squares

I am also excited to announce that I am getting back into teaching classes!! If you are interested in taking classes with me, (and are local of course) I would love to have you come by! Here is a link to my Facebook event page, where all 4 classes are listed, with details!

Tune in tomorrow for a blog project using Julianna Hudgin's Positively Me collection! And then on Friday, Episode 3 of my Let's Get Creative with Sketches video series!!

And remember, every comment made thru the month of March gets you another ballet in the draw!!
So until tomorrow,
Happy Creating!

Let's Get Creative with Dies: Episode 2-Impressive Impressabilities

Hi! Welcome back to my Let's Get Creative with Dies Video series!!  If you have not been following along from the start, feel free to jump back to THIS POST to get all the details! But here is a brief rundown...
Thru the month of MARCH I will be posting a video tutorial every Friday. These videos will be using Spellbinders™ Paper Arts die templates and other products. We will be trying fun things that will help us to make the most of our investment! There are SO many things that we can do with dies other than cut/emboss/stencil!! And although these things are AMAZING... there is even MORE!! :)

Blog Frenzy: Happiness Tutorial

Episode 1: Looking at Dies Differently

Episode 2: Impressive Impressabilities

At the end of the month, I will be drawing a name for a prize package! It's all a surprise, but I promise there will be a set of SPELLBINDERS DIES in the mix!!
Here's how you can be entered to win!
*For each post you comment on starting today thru the end of March, you will be eligible! (Blog Frenzy comments do not count, sorry!)
*If you are a follower of my blog, you are eligible for an extra chance to win!
*Each time you "SHARE" a post from my blog thru the contest dates (Now thru March 31) you are ALSO eligible for an extra chance to win! Just be sure to stop by here or my Facebook page and let me know you've shared! :)

I also have decided to add more chances!!
*Subscribe to my YOU TUBE channel.
*Comment on each video on my YOU TUBE channel.
Each of these will ALSO get you another chance to win!!

Alright, enough talk... let's get to the video!!
Today we are playing with Spellbinders Grand Impressabilities®! These are AWESOME for embossing and stenciling, and there are some gorgeous examples in the Spellbinders gallery! Today we are going to play with Molding paste and canvas, as well as Tattered Angels glimmer mists! Here's what I have created... I kept the design simple, since the background is the focus...

 

And here's the video!

 



 

If you have trouble viewing it here, please visit the direct link on YouTube... found here...

 

Thanks SO much for stopping by! I can't WAIT to see what YOU try using the Spellbinders Impressabilities!!! Here are a couple of other ideas...

*Try this same tecnhique on a sheet of canvas and use it on a card or layout?

*What about right on cardstock?

*We could use acrylic paints instead of sprays too?!

 

The possabilities are endless! GET CREATIVE!!

 

Now, I promised to send last weeks CARD to one lucky winner!!

And that is....

Marianne - Fiskateer #6701 said...

Well, Rufus, used to be your newest follower, now it is me! I love your videos and plan on tuning in each week! I would absolutely love to win the card you made! I loved having you show us just how you did it. No need to point out errors - like you said, there are no mistakes in art! We would have never noticed because the end result was wonderful!

 

So Marianne, congrats!! Please email me your mailing address! tinamcdonald(at)xplornet(dot)ca

 

Until Next time...

Happy Creating!

 

Dream Big for Spellbinders Paper Arts

Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping by! Today is FRIDAY! Know what that means? Episode 2 of LET'S GET CREATIVE WITH DIES video series! WOHOO!! It will be posted this evening, as I'm heading out to take my parents to the airport! It's March Break with the kids here and it's been a fun but busy week! So I'm a bit later than I'd like to be, but I will be posted by days end!

So for now, I have a scrapbook page to share with you while you wait! :) It was created for Spellbinders Paper Arts and more info can be found on the supplies and design HERE.

 

DREAM BIG

 

 

So, tune in tonight for Video #2 AND the winner of last weeks card!! Wohooo!!

Until then,

Happy Creating!!

Jewel Framed Sentiments gift wrap!

Today is my day to post on Julianna's Positively Me Design Team Blog! Stop by for details on this project!! :)
Until Next Time...
Happy Creating!
And don't forget about the Let's Get Creative with Dies video series!! :)

Let's Get Creative With Dies: Episode One

Hi everyone! Welcome back!

Today I am beginning my 5 week video series called

LET'S GET CREATIVE WITH DIES!!!

I am SO excited about it!
Today I am showing you episode one!
It's a bit more basic then the rest will be. It is a video tutorial of the card I created for the Blog Frenzy in the previous post.
Following this video, the remaining weeks will consist of watercolor, masking, spray inks and all sorts of other fun and messy things! 
So without further adu... here's today's project!

 

 

And here is our first video!! I warn you in advance... I had a few little issues... hopefully they don't show up too much! LOL! I'm such a geek sometimes! :) Enjoy!

 



 

If you are having trouble viewing this video on here, please visit my you-tube link here.

 

Also remember, with this video series, I will be doing a GIVEAWAY at the end of March!! Here's what you have to do to enter...

 

*For each post you comment on starting Feb 26th thru the end of March, you will be eligible! (Blog Frenzy comments do not count, sorry!)
*If you are a follower of my blog, you are eligible for an extra chance to win!
*Each time you "SHARE" a post from my blog thru the contest dates (Now thru March 31) you are ALSO eligible for an extra chance to win! Just be sure to stop by here or my Facebook page and let me know you've shared! :)

Tune in next Friday for Episode 2!! Can't wait to share some fun new things with you!

As a BONUS GIVEAWAY... I would love to send this card to YOU!! So I will draw a name NEXT FRIDAY when I post video #2! I will send this card to that person!! :)

Until then,
Happy Creating!!
 



Spellbinders EXPLORE BEYOND Blog Frenzy Day Three!!

Hi and thanks for stopping by my blog as part of Spellbiders EXPLORE BEYOND Blog Frenzy!!! I am so excited to be able to share with you two projects today using some of Spellbinders ™ brand new die templates that were just released at CHA!!   I will be featuring LF-019 Grand Stately Circles Grand Nestabilities as well as S5-169 Double Delight, which is a Cut/Fold/Tuck set.  These sets were SO much fun to play with and I just can’t wait to show you what I have created! So why wait!! Let’s get to it!!

For my first project, I have created a fun Mixed Media canvas!!

HAPPINESS CANVAS

 

Supply List:

·         LF-019 Grand Stately Circles

·         S5-169 Double Delight

·        S5-143 Jewel Flowers and Flourishes

·         Unity Stamp Co, Chevron background stamp, heart stamp

·         Just Rite® Papercraft; Family Garden

·         Tattered Angels: Chalk Board Glimmer Mist (Seven Seas)

·         Bazill Basics Paper Company®: cardstock: (ivory, Aqua)

·         Buttons Galore and More: Yellow Button

·         Xyron®: 1.5” Create-a-sticker, 9” Creative Station

·         KaiserCraft: Class of 87 collection (P620 Timeless Tables) patterned paper

·         Bo Bunny Press: Ribbon

·          Theresa Collins Patterned paper (quote)

·          Doodlebug Designs Inc; alpha stickers and hearts

·         Artists Loft: 9x10 Canvas, Watercolor paints

·         Liquitex: Gesso

·         Golden: Artists Collection, Light Modeling Paste

·         Bubble wrap

·         Paint brush, foam brush, twine,

I have created a video for you today showing the process in creating this canvas. So sit back and relax while I walk you thru it! It is a bit lengthy, but I wanted to make sure I showed you each step! Enjoy!!

 



 If you are having trouble viewing it here, please visit the direct video on You Tube found here.

Doesn’t that look FUN!?!? There is SO much more that can be done with Spellbinders dies than what meets the eye!! Grab your favorite set and a canvas and see what you come up with!!! You’ll be glad you did!   I am new to watercolor paints, Gesso AND Modeling Paste, so if I can do it, so can you!!  Just grab a canvas and start playing! Nothing is wrong… if you don’t like it… just keep adding more paint, stamps, layers… until you DO like it!!  Explore BEYOND!!

Here is a second project that I created using the SAME two die templates (Plus a couple of others)! I love how versatile they are!! Stop by tomorrow for a quick video showing you how to create this project as well!

Sending Prayers Card

 

Drop by again on Friday for info on how I created this card!! Also see this post for info on the video series I will be doing for March! SOO much fun!!!

For Official Contest Rules… Click HERE

To Enter Today’s Giveaway… Click HERE

Thank you SO much for stopping by today! I hope that I have inspired you to try something new! Don’t forget to follow along every day for your chance to win some of this fabulous new release!!

Please also visit the blog of the amazingly talented Darsie Bruno today! She has something fabulous to share with us I’m sure!!

Darsie Bruno

 

Questions contact customerservice@spellbinders.us   No entries will be accepted at this email address.

 

Let's Get Creative With Dies Video Series... and giveaway!

I think I hear an ECHO in here!!! echo echo echo!!!! ;)

Yep, it's been REALLY quiet in here lately! It's been a good, much needed break for me! But I'm READY to get back into the groove of INSPIRING you!!!

So, I have something FUN planned!! I'm going to be doing a 5 week video series! I'm calling it "Let's get Creative with Dies" and it is of COURSE going to feature my beloved Spellbinders dies!!! I have been experimenting with some really fun new techniques (new to ME anyway) and thought that the best way to share them with you is to do some little video's!! So, starting THIS Friday, and for every Friday thru March, I will be showing you a little something fun to try with your dies!!!
It actually begins TOMORROW, with the Spellbinders Explore Beyond Blog Frenzy!!! I have a video for you tomorrow using dies in a fun and different way! Can't WAIT to show you!

So... while I may have gone missing for a while, I'm excited to be back! So much fun in store!
And to top it off, I'm having a GIVEAWAY too!!!Yep!! Here's the details!
*For each post you comment on starting today thru the end of March, you will be eligible! (Blog Frenzy comments do not count, sorry!)
*If you are a follower of my blog, you are eligible for an extra chance to win!
*Each time you "SHARE" a post from my blog thru the contest dates (Now thru March 31) you are ALSO eligible for an extra chance to win! Just be sure to stop by here or my Facebook page and let me know you've shared! :)

So there are LOTS of chances to win!! Starting today! Yep, leave a comment on THIS post and your chances begin!
I'll try and post a picture of the prize sometime soon. It will include a set or 2 of Spellbinders dies, of course and some other yummy goodies!!
PLUS, you will be getting inspired thru the videos... at least that's what I'm hoping happens!
Sound good? Who's with me?!?!

I'm going to leave you with a little project that I created for Julianna's Positively Me blog a couple of weeks ago. Check out the link here for more info!

 

 

So... tune in tomorrow for Spellbinders EXPLORE BEYOND blog Frenzy and the beginning of my LETS GET CREATIVE WITH DIES series!!

Until then...

Happy Creating!!

All Good things must come to an end...

Happy Snowy morning to you!! It is snowing beautifully here... kids have a snow day... and I'm going to do some cooking soon! :)
But first,, I have a few things to share with you to inspire you in your Holiday creating!
However... before I do, I want to let you know that this will be my final post for Xyron. WHAAA!! My term is just about up, and I have PAINFULLY decided not to reapply for the next term.
I did NOT make this decision easily. I have ADORED everything about being a part of this team. The product, my fellow team members, the partners, the organization... ALL OF IT!! a HUGE thank you to Julie and Beth for this opportunity! I really do hope that when life settles down a bit and I have a bit more time that I will be able to apply once again.
There are only so many hours in a day. And I have a million things I should be doing. My kids need their mama... I need more time with Hubby... and yes... my housework is getting behind...(to say the least!). When creating becomes a chore... it's time to make a change. And now is that time. I LOVE what I do... and I want to keep it that way. I have loved my time with Xyron, and I WILL be back...!!!

So on that note... I have 2 ornaments to share with you and a Christmas card!!

3D Glitter Ornament

Supplies:

Xyron 5" Creative Station

Spellbinders ANGLE APPROACH cut/fold/tuck dies

Best Creation glitter cardstock

Want2Scrap gem



Gift Box Ornament

Supplies:

Xyron Mega Runner

Spellbinders Bracket Edge Box die templates

Kaisercraft patterned paper

Ranger Distress ink (Frayed burlap)

Unknown ribbon, lace and flower

 Spirit of Christmas card

Supplies:

Xyron "X" 1" machine

Bazill white cardstock

Quietfire designs stamp

Spellbinders die template

My Minds Eye patterned papers

ClearSnap black pigment ink

Want2Scrap red pearls

I hope you have been inspired by these creations!! If you are looking for more fabulous ideas, be sure to follow the Xyron facebook page, where there are TONS of amazing designs featured every week!

And I have a feeling there might be a Design Team call posted sometime in the coming months... so if you want to be apart of an AMAZING team... be sure to check it out!!
Thanks Again to Xyron!!! Love you!!! xoxo
Until next time...
Happy Creating!

Spellbinders Explore Beyond: Craft to Win! CONTEST

Spellbinders is pleased to announce the BIGGEST contest we've hosted to date! Spellbinders Explore Beyond Challenge: Craft to Win a $5,000 Grand Prize Package from Spellbinders and our cross promotional partners! We'll also be choosing a 2nd place winner to receive a $1,000 prize package and a $500 3rd place prize package! Did I mention that this is the BIGGEST contest we've ever hosted!!!?! A BIG thank you to WorldWin Papers, Want2Scrap, Xyron, KaiserCraft, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, Basic Grey, Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine, BoBunny, Fancy Pants Designs, Canadian Scrapbooker, Nikki Sivils, Elmer's, Bazzill Basics, Graphic 45, IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko and more!

How do you participate? It's easy!

Simply create an original project using at least two (2) Spellbinders dies. And get creative with it! Push your own creative boundaries...do something different. We'll be looking for those crafters and artists who have really taken on the challenge to truly "Explore Beyond".
Take photos of each step of your project. If chosen as a finalist... You'll be asked to submit these photos.
Submit a photo (of your finished project only!) to the appropriate Spellbinders Flickr Group.
Contest runs from November 26th, 2012 through December 26th, 2012 Midnight EST.

Categories:
Card Making
Home Decor
Scrapbook Layout
Jewelry Making
Fabric Arts
Mixed Media Art

Official Rules:
You may enter more than once in multiple categories. Projects entered must be original. A total of twelve (12) finalists will be chosen. There will be two (2) finalists from each category. Finalists will be announced on December 27, 2012. Finalists will be asked to submit photos of the steps of their projects to validate their originality. Finalists will be asked to mail in their final original project to the Spellbinders office. Original projects must be received by end of day, Friday, January 4, 2013.

A celebrity panel of judges will review the twelve (12) final submissions and narrow it down to three (3) winners. Winners will be announced on Friday, January 11, 2013. There will be one (1) Grand Prize winner of a $5,000 prize package and the project will be featured at the Spellbinders booth at the Craft and Hobby Association show on January 12, 2013. There will be one (1) 2nd prize winner of a $1,000 prize package and featured on the Spellbinders blog. There will be one (1) 3rd prize winner of a $500 prize package and featured on the Spellbinders blog.

Legal:
All federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winners. By acceptance of the prize, winners agree without limitation to the use of his/her name, photograph and/or likeness for publicity purposes without any additional compensation. Winners agree to be bound by these rules and the decisions of the Spellbinders panel, which are final and binding in all matters regarding this event. Winners agree that the event and its representatives affiliates, agents, directors, officers and employees have no liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind relating to or arising from this event or resulting from participation in this contest.Contest is not open to Spellbinders Employees, Various Team Members, or their immediate family members (Grandparents, Parents, Siblings, Spouses, Children).

Xyron and Basicly Bare

Hey everyone!
Are you getting ready for Christmas? I'm so behind this year for some reason!! However, I am just thrilled to have completed the project that I am going to share with you today! It makes me feel like I'm just a little bit ahead of the game... in one aspect anyway! :)
This week Xyron had the fabulous opportunity to partner with Basicly Bare! I was SO excited to get a totally cool package in the mail!! :) I created a December memory book with one of the pocket albums that I received! I know the December daily's are so popular, but I just don't have the time to do one and actually finish it! So, I decided to do an abreviated version. To highlight the main events of December!
Here's what I created!

I just LOVE how easy these albums are to decorate!! The possabilities are ENDLESS, as you have seen on the Xyron and Basicly Bare blog this week!

Instead of giving you step by step instructions on recreating my project, I'm going to give you tips for when you are creating your own album!!

• When adding layers to a page, cut small pieces, rather than use full sheets of paper. This will save you a lot of paper in the end!
• When inking the edges of your pages, always ink the inside edge before adhering to the chipboard, as it is not accessable once it is adhered. The other edges can be inked after they are adhered.
• Cut all pieces of paper for a page and then run thru your Xyron machine of choice all at once. This will save you a lot of adhesive!
• The beautiful Poinsietta on this page is a Spellbinders Paper Arts die template! Love it!! In my book I used a combination of premade diecuts (old ones that I had laying around) and some of my favorite Christmas sets from Spellbinders!
• If desired, you could also add ribbon or little dangles to the spine. I decided not to, as I loved the elegant look!

I love the fabulous pockets in this album, but I wanted more, so I created my own pockets on the solid pages.

• To create pockets, use your Xyron Mega Runner on 3 sides of your bottom piece of paper, keeping the top area adhesive-free.
• I added a black strip of cardstock to help the beautiful Spellbinders diecut stand out. (Frosty Forms)
• Spellbinders has some beautiful Label dies that are fabulous for creating tags! Here I used Labels Twenty-Five!

First pocket page in the album. Decorated simply.

• I love that I can add as many tags, photo's, cards or memorabilia to these pockets as I want!
• Try to keep the bulky embellies to a minimum, as this album is already thick and will not close well.

I LOVE this reindeer die from Spellbinders Frosty Forms die set!!!!!

• Keep some areas available for photo's, journaling etc.
• Lace... a fabulous addition to any page! I run it thru my Xyron 1.5" Create-a-sticker and it adhere's fabulously!!
• When adhering diecuts with fine detail, run thru your Xyron machine of choice and remove clear covering. BUT before removing backing, rub gently with your hand to remove all the extra adhesive that you don't want to show thru the detailed areas! Like this reindeer's horns... No extra adhesive to stick to the next page!

• Use up some of those precut stickers or diecuts by running thrm thru your favorite Xyron and layering them up! Add some pearls to add a touch of sparkle.
• Simple background on this insert, as it will be covered in photo's.

Keeping it simple!

• It's totally ok not to cover every area of the chipboard with paper! I love the look of the Kraft color coming thru!
• More premade diecuts! Ink those edges, add some pearls!
• This entire insert tag is ledger paper! Perfect for journaling on!

Great page for some photos!

• Another example of detailed dies. Rub adhesive off the front before removing backing!

•  More ribbon! Run it thru that "X!!

Some pages may seem pretty bare, but they certainly won't after the Christmas season is over!!! Tons of pictures, journaling and memories will fill every space available... and more!

Big thank you to Basicly Bare for the opportunity to participate in this blog hop!! I still have more goodies from them as well, so I'll be sharing those here on the blog whenever I use them!!

If you have not stopped by the Xyron blog, you might want to do so... there's a giveaway!!

Until next time...

Happy Creating!!

Supplies:

Xyron 9" Creative Station, 5" Creative Station, 1.5" Create-a-Sticker, Mega Runner

Basicly Bare: Pocket album

My Minds Eye Patterned papers and die cuts (numerous collections!!)

Bazill: Kraft and black Cardstock, patterned paper

Bo Bunny: Ribbon, charm

Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die Cutting Machine

Spellbinders Die templates

The Twinery: Twine

lace

Want2Scrap; pearls and jewels