Makeup to mud in 3 seconds flat: January 2015

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January 2015

January 30, 2015

Skrap n' Chat online crop!

Hello all you Skrap n' Chatters! I am so very very excited to be a guest at your crop. So let's get some housekeeping under way. This is me-so you have an idea who you are chatting with if we have never met.

First off: If you are just dropping by my blog, A cool online community is hosting their 6th anniversary crop this weekend friday to sunday with a Sesame Street theme. AWESOME! So check them out.

Www.skrapnchat.com

Second: If you aren't sure who I am. My name is Leica Forrest, a crazy spelling name pronounced Lisa. I have been in the scrapbooking industry for almost 17 yrs now. I have worked with so many many different companies designing and really just loving this industry. My passion is and always will be in teaching classes. I have been married 15 yrs in July. We have 3 kids; Riley (boy-11) Jager (boy-9) and a little girl named Ireland (6.5). We are a very busy busy family. Sports here, sports there, running everywhere!

So my challenge is this:

Banners are a hot trend right now in the industry. They are a great decoration or place to put journaling. Sometimes when I don't have a lot to say about a photo, I will use them to just decorate the page. I love to mix and match banners of different sizes. You can make your own, or maybe you have punches, dies, pre made banners. Anything goes! I'd love to see how you use banners creatively. And since Valentine's Day is coming up, let's toss some hearts in on that layout as well.

Here is the layout I did for the challenge to motivate you guys!

Want to see a few of the steps I did to create this layout? First I used a Sizzix Banner set called Sizzix Bigz Die - Banners. It is one of my most used, and favourite dies!! I punched out quite a few, then I gave them haircuts. I kept some long, made some shorter.

This is totally optional. But I machine stitched the tops of the banners.

Then I adhere a journaling block of paper on the left side. To make the banners flare up and only adhere the tops of them to the page. And then curl the bottoms up between my fingers.

Place the photo on. You can see I left enough space for journaling and kind of grounded the banners by placing the photo lower on the page.

Add journaling and decorative hearts~!

Here's a closeup of the other side.

Ok, so I promised 3 prize packages. Here is how you can try to win or try for all. Your choice.

Prize #1: create a layout based on the challenge on Skrap n'Chat. Please post all your layouts there. A winner will be chosen from there.Since your crop celebration is all about Sesame Street, I tried to find a prize package that would be appropriate. Not too many Sesame Street Papers out there. But Imaginisce just released an entire Family Game night collection which they have sent as a prize. I partnered that with a few other items from fabulous companies to create this prize package!

Prize #2: Just comment on 3 different posts from my blog. I would love to hear from you. This challenge is intended just to help inspire those that may need it, or don't have time to participate. this one is a fun new CHA collection. Pretty pretty pretty! Of course, beefed up. :)

Prize #3: This one is COMPLETELY selfish for me. lol Please don't judge me too harshly.I just need a helping hand. I just finished going back to University for a post graduate degree in Inclusive Education. Apparently it is SUPER important to be on linkedin and have people endorse your skills. So if you are on linkedin, connect with me, and endorse my skills-that would be awesome! I will endorse you back for sure!!!! Thanks so much in my adventure to get a job in the school system. :)

Okay guys, let's have fun this weekend!!!!

Love you guys!

Thanks to amazing companies that support me with prizes!

American Crafts
Sizzix
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L
Clearsnap
Pebbles
Imaginisce

Totally appreciate it!

Leica

supplies used:

Sizzix Bigz Die - Banners

Posted at 03:06 PM in 2015 projects, sizzix | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)

January 19, 2015

Layouts- 3 ways.

I used the same silhouette cut file to make these layouts. Easy peasy. Grab your bucket of scraps and it will go by so very fast!

Here's a few closeups. For the jars, I did keep them looking like mason jars. vellum and sparkly lids, twine. I like that traditional look.

Small changes. Whipped out these layouts so fast~ Thanks for looking!

Leica

supplies used:

Core'dinations Colorcore Cardstock
Silhouette Cut files
Glitz Design teeny alphas, alphabet stickers, washi tape
American Crafts- thickers, slick writer
Kaisercraft-rhinestones
Echo Park pp
The Twinery- Baker's Twine
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L-E-Z Runner, Adhesive Sheets, 3D Foam Squares

Posted at 06:21 PM in 2015 projects, american crafts, Core'dinations, echo park, layouts, My Mind's Eye, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, the twinery | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

January 18, 2015

Layout #2: Girly Fun- so US

This weekend, I will be truthful. It was all about quantity, speed and accomplishment. I can definitely spend all day on a layout, I mean really? Who Can't? But I am on a mission to document the memories before we forget them!

So I broke out my silhouette, cut a few of the pre-made designs and just made them a little different for each kid.

So let's have a bit of show 'n tell this week.

This layout came together sooo fast. Like 15 inutes. Grab your scraps. The banners and lettering are all scraps glued to the backside of this layout. I added 2 brads and Baker's Twine, tied bows and added Thickers to complete the title. freehand journaling, faux stitching and it is done.

Here's another close up.

Check back tomorrow. I will show you how I take the same silhouette cut out and give it a little bit different look by changing the colours.

Thanks for looking.

supplies used:

American Crafts Thickers
Core'dinations Colorcore Cardstock
The Twinery-Baker's Twine
My Mind's Eye- brads, pp
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L- E-Z Runner
Kaisercraft Rhinestones

Posted at 07:21 PM in 2015 projects, american crafts, Core'dinations, layouts, My Mind's Eye, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, the twinery | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

January 15, 2015

Using a Die Cut "negative" in a neat way

You have cut out the die, now what? Do you always use it in the positive- the shape you cut out? Or have you ever tried using the negative in a neat way or as a stencil?

So let's get started. I cut out a tag first using this die. Sizzix Movers & Shapers L Die - Tag & Bookplates which is on sale for $14.99 at sizzix.com. Love this tag. It is a great one! I then cut a heart out using this die Sizzix Bigz Die - Hearts #4. This is a fun die- It has 3 different hearts on it. Lay down the heart on the tag (I am not adhering it, just setting it there.

Then I grabbed two different colours of pink and dabbed all around the heart with two different pencils (in different sizes)Layer over top of eachother, try to get all the area covered around the heart.

Once you feel you have covered the entire area, then lift your die out. I don't wait until the paint is dry, in case it starts to glue to the tag. So make sure you are crazy careful!

Here is what it will look like afterwards.

Now I have a tag that I can decorate for Valentine's Day if I would like. There are many many different things I could do with this. Any ideas?

Thanks for checking out this technique.

supplies used:

Sizzix Movers & Shapers L Die - Tag & Bookplates
Sizzix Bigz Die - Hearts #4
Maja Designs pp
Kaisercraft acrlic paint

Posted at 02:59 PM in 2015 projects, kaisercraft, sizzix, tags | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

January 14, 2015

French Bow Shimmer tag

Let's break down how to create this fun tag. First off, I took my white cardstock and cut out a tag.Sizzix Movers & Shapers Die - Tag & Tie By the way, this die is on sale for $11.99 on Sizzix.com. LOVE this die! Then I embossed it with Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders 2PK - Polka Dots & Starflowers Set. When using dies, in the Big Shot all you need is a pair of Standard Cutting Pads. Make a sandwich with your die and paper between the cutting pads and roll them through your Sizzix Big Shot machine.

Then I sprayed it with Glimer Mist-polka dot pink.

Now it is all shimmery!

I LOVE how it shimmers. pretty cool!

So I used this bow die: Sizzix Bigz Die - French Bow I cut all the layers that the die makes. I cut off the tails and then just formed the bow parts. I reattach the tails later.

But first you need to assemble both bows.

Then I layered them. By cutting off the tails, I also was able to layer them and curl them up and then reposition them.

Now put on a big heart. I love this one because it isn't perfect! Sizzix Bigz Die - Hearts #4. I really wanted it to pop off the tag, so I layered my 3D Foam Squares. Gave it huge depth.

Add the bow.

I added some Prima bling swirls. Tie some ribbon and voila!

supplies used:

Sizzix Bigz Die - French Bow
Sizzix Bigz Die - Hearts #4
Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders 2PK - Polka Dots & Starflowers Set
Sizzix Movers & Shapers Die - Tag & Tie
Core'dinations Colorcore Cardstock
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L- E-Z Runner, 3D Foam Squares
Prima-bling
Tattered Angels Chalkboard Mist
May Arts Ribbon
Inca Gold
scrap pp (gold & silver)

Posted at 11:56 PM in 2015 projects, Core'dinations, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, sizzix, Tattereda Angels | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Staying at home- always an adventure.

So I have been a working stay at home mom for 11 years. There has never been a time where I wasn't teaching classes all over Timbuktu. I only ever took off Christmas and summer, other than that, the rest of the year I was kitting and prepping classes to travel and teach. It was a great gig, it allowed me to attend all the kids field trips, events, volunteer in their classes. It was awesome!

I knew that when my kids were all in school, then I wanted to teach full time in schools. I wouldn't give up teaching art classes all over, I just would do less of it. I still love that aspect and the friends I made. So when I went back to University, I gave up all my design teams but Sizzix, just needed to focus on them. I wanted to complete this degree in 8 months. CRAZY. Do not recommend it to anyone. It is hard, intense, time consuming. Do it over a few years, enjoy the process.

All last week, I ran around selling textbooks, applying to graduate, requesting transcripts, etc. Now this week, I have been filling out application forms and resume building. Other than that, it is my first real week where I have actually not done some sort of "work". In all honesty, it has been the cleanest my house has been in 11 years as well-and stayed clean.

I cleaned like crazy. And it felt GREAT!~ and then since I didn't work, I did spot cleaning where it needed- and it still was clean. I baked, I did the sports mom thing, coffeed with friends, began crazy purging. This domestic gig is enjoyable. But I noticed the catch...

If you are going to be a stay at home mom and succeed at it- then that's the only role you can play. lol. I have been failing for 11 years and have felt overwhelmed. But then again, I like spending money, travelling, you know all the good things you need money for. So I worked as much as I could. Now again, I am trying to apply for a job. So I need to appreciate my house right now. Appreciate how beautiful it really is when it is functioning. :)

So I leave you with my epiphany. Off to blog more crafty fun stuff!

Thanks for stopping by.:)

Leica

Posted at 10:15 PM in 2015 life | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

January 05, 2015

Valentine's Day Chocolate Box

2015.

Can you believe it? Let's continue prepping for Valentine's. It's nice to be ahead of the game.

You will need the pizza box die- Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die - Box, Heart. I made a few of these boxes, so I am going to show you step by step using a few different boxes. Use a glue that is going to stick really quickly; such as glue gun, FabriTac, etc. The reason being is that when you curve around the heart shaped part, you need it to adhere without moving.

So here's a few tips I learned:

Tip #1: Make the lid as big as possible. That means glue it to the absolute edge.The lid is going to need to slide smoothly over top of the box part.

Tip #2: you can see how for the bottom box- I indented a pinch to make the box part smaller than the lid.

Here is how I put the glue on the bottom. I know you can barely see the glue, but it is there about 1/4" for sure in from the sides.

When you have the box totally assembled, you may have some weird crack lines. So I like to fill these in with Liquid Pearls or Stickles. It makes like a "weld".

I decorated this box with a ribbon. super simple. This die gives you the choice of 3 different bows. Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Bow-Tied another fave bow i LOVE to use is:Sizzix Bigz Die - French Bow

I used the glitter cardstock by Core'dinations Colorcore Cardstock. It is soo pretty.

finish it off with a button in the centre. I adhered the bow down with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L E-Z Runner. Works perfectly! I left the box like this-I didn't think it needed any more to complete it.

Thanks for looking! Now go fill it with chocolates or candy!

supplies used:

Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die - Box, Heart
Sizzix Bigz Die - French Bow
Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Bow-Tied
Core'dinations Colorcore Cardstock
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L- E-Z Runner
Bazzill buttons

Posted at 12:50 PM in 2015 projects, bazzill, Core'dinations, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, sizzix | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

January 04, 2015

1st layout of 2015-Wedgies

I had to scrap these goofballs. Ireland figured she just learned what the word "wedgie' meant- apparently she is getting nuggies and wedgies mixed up. Anyways, the boys humour her as she gives them "wedgies".

Start out by cutting a border out of white cardstock. I used a fiskars border scallop punch.

Next put on a 7x12 piece of pp. For me I used a scrap. It has a big chunk cut out but it will be fine because I am going to be covering that area anyways.

Start cutting out the shapes of this die: Sizzix Originals Die - RetroSign I chose colours I pulled from the pp.

This is how you layer them.

Then put on the last touches- guess I fogrgot to take a picture of that. But you will see it at the end.

Now cut a tag. I love using this huge one from Tim Holtz.Sizzix Movers & Shapers L Die - Tag & Bookplates The best adhesive to adhere vellum down are the Adhesive Sheets by Scrapbook adhesive by 3L. There is nothing better on the market than those. They are flawless.

I created a photo collage on white cardstock layered with pink cardstock.

Then I placed the retro sign in one corner of the photo collage.

I put a title of "wedgies" on the layout using a fun American Crafts "remarks" alphabet stickers.

I finished the layout off by journaling and adding some acrylic shapes.

Thanks for looking!

supplies used:

Posted at 11:10 PM in 2015 projects, Core'dinations, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, sizzix, the twinery | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

January 03, 2015

Pizza Boxes! They really make fantastic gift card holders.

I was making these cute little boxes for Valentine's Day on the sizzix blog. Then thought I would make a few more different -no Valentine's ones for this blog.

Isn't this cute? This pizza box is decorated with huge fabulous flowers from this die: Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Jumbo Tattered Florals

So here's another one stepped right out. Cut your pizza boxes using this die.Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Box, Mini Pizza

assemble. I use Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L- E-Z Runner.

Because I used Core'dinations Colorcore Cardstock- the edges sand beautifully to reveal the underneath colour.

I cut a banner- great die by the way- Sizzix Bigz Die - Banners I cut it out of vintage paper- aka Hambly. I think when a company is no longer around, vintage is a fabulous credit to give them.

cover it with flowers from this die Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Tattered Flower Garland

add some rhinestones. You are done!

Thanks for looking. Watch the Sizzix blog to see some Valentine's ones. I will try to post the link when I know the date. :)

supplies used:

Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Box, Mini Pizza
Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Jumbo Tattered Florals
Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Tattered Flower Garland
Sizzix Bigz Die - Banners
Core'dinations Colorcore Cardstock
Scrapbook Adhesive by 3L- E-Z Runner
Hambly pp
Kaisercraft Rhinestones
American Crafts brads
Stampin Up pp

Posted at 01:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

January 02, 2015

Does anyone else love reading these? these speak to me directly.

These funny sayings are awesome. I needed to put them into a blog post so I can read them and giggle. Some feel like they are describing me to a tee. lol

See this one actually is a real threat for me. lol brings back Halloween flashbascks of ER in 2012.