Cord Scrapbook Studio

Bella Blvd All-American Project Sheet

It's hard to believe it's nearly July! I don't know about you, but the year certainly has flown by so far for me! (Of course, having a 7 month old baby at home sure doesn't help!)

Helping you get a jump on your patriotic spirit is a FREE project sheet featuring Bella Blvd's All-American collection--available in stores now.

(click image to download & print your copy!)

New Project sheets like this one are available on the Bella Blvd blog each month and are a great way to discover new ways to mix and match your favorite Bella Blvd papers and accents like washi tape, buttons, flags and more! If you're like me, you've got plenty of goodies stashed just waiting for a inspiring idea to get the creative juices flowin'!

Now through Sunday (June 30th), simply mention this blog post in stores and you'll save 40% on the All-American collection of papers and coordinating embellishments while supplies last!

Happy Wednesday!

The Man of the Hour

With Father's Day coming up on Sunday, I figured it relatively apropos to celebrate the "man of the house" with one of the most popular masculine lines we've had in stores in a long time--Swagger, by Fancy Pants!

Whether the man in your house is your husband, father, son, grandfather or uncle, this collection is the perfect combination of manly patterns and guy-friendly colors--ready and waiting for all your masculine pages!

Sharing her "Man of the Hour" layout with us today is Vicki Harper, the scrapbooking manager at our Indianapolis (Nora) location!  She designed it using strips from the Swagger 6x6 paper pad collaged onto a 12x12 sheet of cardstock and embellished!

"Swagger" Layout by Vicki Harper

Supplies Used:
    Fancy Pants Swagger: 6x6 Paper Pad, Felt Pieces, Ephemera Pack
    Bazzill Cardstock: Whirlpool, Saltillo
    Doodlebug Washi Tape
    Jillibean Alpha Bean Cardstock Stickers
    Cat's Eye Chalk Ink: Chestnut Roan
    Dimensional Adhesive
    Border Punch

What a cute lil' guy--Jackson--with his glasses, faux walker and everything! And I'm a big fan of the mustache paper in this line... SUPER trendy, SUPER cute!

Have a wonderful Father's Day weekend!

Lawn Fawn's "Summertime" w/ Guest: Martha Dafnos

Those of you who frequent our Indianapolis (Nora) location have most likely seen the work of Martha Dafnos around the store. Martha's one of our Certified Copic Instructors, offering a variety of Copic-themed classes and workshops each month!

  

Martha's put together a special card-making treat for us using the above coordinating stamps and "Lawn Cuts" dies from Lawn Fawn's "Summertime Charm" collection! Items are making their way to the store now, so if you're inspired by what you see--just give the Nora gals a buzz and tell them to hold a set for you! Trust me--these will go fast!

 
"Thanks" Card by Martha Dafnos

Supplies Used:
    Lawn Fawn Summertime Charm Stamp Set & Cutting Dies
    Copic Markers: RV13, YR15, Y15, V04, B000, Spica Glitter - Clear
    Doodlebug Flower Box Paper: Tiny Tulips/Green Dots
    We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper
    Other: Pop Dots, Scallop Label Punch

From Martha:
"Lawn Fawn's Summertime Charm will easily become one of my favorite stamp sets! There are so many possibilities for cards, page layouts, labels and tags! Creating a jar full of blossoms is easy.

1. Stamp the jar image in the corner of a piece of X-Press It Copic Paper cut to 4.25" x 5.5".  Stamp flower blooms filling the jar, a few falling out and several on a smaller piece of paper to color, cut and pop dot on green paper cut to create grass.

2. Mount on a side-fold card measuring 4.5" x 5.75". Attach small blooms in various spots on the grass and coming out of the jar. Lightly color the background or mask the jar and flowers and fill with Copic Airbrush!

3. Stamp your sentiment and you're done!"

"You Brighten My Day" Card by Martha Dafnos

Supplies Used:
    Lawn Fawn Summertime Charm Stamp Set & Cutting Dies
    Copic Markers: B000, Y19, E84, T0, T3, Spica Glitter - Clear
    Authentique Renew 8x8 Bundle
    Other: Twine, Black Gems

From Martha:
"You brighten my day with fireflies... stars or hearts! Fill the jar with an image from the set, add a stamped border or banner strip and embellish with gems or tiny brads! Paper piece a background and accent with twine or ribbon--so quick and easy!

Thanks for sharing these Lawn Fawn projects, Martha!

For information on Martha's upcoming Copic classes (including Airbrushing), please contact Cord Scrapbook Studio Nora or pick up a class calendar the next time you're in the store!

Happy Scrappin'!

Authentique Grace w/ Vicki Harper

Scrapbooking Coordinator and talented scrapper Vicki Harper has crafted a couple of new layouts for us to share with you today--both of them featuring Authentique Paper's "Grace" collection (available in stores now!)

With Mother's Day coming up soon, this is the perfect Spring-y collection for documenting those special Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend relationships!

"Mother" Layout by Vicki Harper, Scrapbook Studio - Nora

Supplies Used:
    Authentique "Grace" Paper: Poised, Humble, Foundations
    Authentique "Grace" Details Stickers
    Authentique "Grace" Components
    Authentique "Grace" Puzzle Pieces
    Other: Black Journaling Pen, Black Ink, Foam Adhesive

"My Girls" Layout by Vicki Harper, Scrapbook Studio - Nora

Supplies Used:
    Authentique "Grace" Paper: Beauty, Poised, Heart, Humble, Delicate
    Authentique "Grace" Components
    Authentique "Grace" Element Stickers
    Authentique "Grace" Details Stickers
    Other: May Arts Ribbon, Foam Adhesive, Black Journaling Pen, Black Ink

The "Grace" collection is just ONE of the many new collections we've received from Authentique Paper! In fact, new lines roll in each month! To preview the latest and greatest from Authentique and take in a little inspiration using their gorgeous paper lines, check out the Authentique Blog and/or Facebook page! 

Happy Scrappin'!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Whew... there's quite a few cobwebs here on the ol' blog, eh?

Thankfully, a quiet blog isn't a reflection of things quieting down all-around!! We've been busy these last couple of months placing orders for new product from CHA releases, planning events for the coming year and adjusting to some changes taking place behind the scenes (maternity leave, new team members, a new website, etc, etc.) It is our hope to return to regular blog posts, Facebook feeds, Pinterest content and more very SOON!

In the meantime, in celebration of this hobby we all LOVE as well as for this lovey-dovey Valentine's Day, we have a few cards to share with you from Design Team 2012 member Celeste Brodnik!  

These LOVEly cards were created using Authentique Paper's "Lovely" collection, available in stores now. In fact, if you happen to mention this blog post while shopping in stores through Sunday, February 17th, you'll SAVE 50% on the Lovely collection! Honest!

Thanks for stopping by the blog today, folks! We'll get a little Spring cleaning done in here, clear out these nasty cobwebs and be back with more design inspiration, new product updates, sketchy recipes, contests and challenges and MORE! All in good time...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Peaceful

Authentique's "Peaceful" winter collection has slowly evolved into one of my favorite paper lines this year. But, I may be a bit partial given that I had a wintery, December wedding with photos that have yet to be scrapped and when this paper line came along... well, I anxiously snatched up a pack!

Design Team Member Janet Zeppa has also done a little "playing" with this festive, wintery line... here's what she came up with!

"Freezin'" Layout by Janet Zeppa

Supplies Used:
    Authentique Peaceful Paper: Warmth, Cozy, Frost, Solitude
    Authentique Peaceful Details Cardstock Stickers
    Authentique Peaceful Elements Cardstock Stickers
    American Crafts Thickers
    Mister Huey's Mist
    Studio Calico Wood Veneer Shapes
    Distress Ink
    Other: Cardstock, Alphas, Punches

"A Little Birdie" Card by Janet Zeppa

Supplies Used:
    Authentique Peaceful Paper: Freeze, Cozy, Warmth
    Authentique Peaceful Details Cardstock Stickers
    Stickles
    Distress Ink
    Other: Cardstock, Brads, Ribbon

We're coming to the end of our Design Team submissions for the year... haven't these ladies done a WONDERFUL job?! They're the best...

Have a great weekend!

Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup

I woke up this morning to a bit of snow sprinkled on the rooftops in my neighborhood--finally! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And what better way to "celebrate" than with a warm & festive helping of hearty Jiilibean Soup and a little papercrafting, eh?

Design Team Members Mary Pat Siehl and Janet Zeppa have cooked up some pretty nifty projects using The Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup collection from Jillibean Soup--let's take a look, shall we?

Altered Canvas by Mary Pat Siehl

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Paper: Cheese Tortellini, Fresh Baby Spinach, 
            Garlic Flakes, Fresh Basil, Frozen Peas
    Jillibean Soup Epoxy Buttons
    Jillibean Soup Baker's Twine
    Other: Mist, Buttons

"Merry Christmas" Card by Mary Pat Siehl

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Paper: Frozen Peas, Fresh Basil
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Cardstock Stickers
    Jillibean Soup Staples II Paper
    Jillibean Soup Baker's Twine
    Other: Pearls

"Christmas Cookies for You Santa" Layout by Mary Pat Siehl

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Paper: Fresh Basil, Garlic Flakes, Italian
            Stewed Tomatoes
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Pea Pod Parts (Die-Cuts)
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Cardstock Stickers
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Labels Stickers
    Jillibean Soup Staples II Paper
    Jillibean Soup Wooden Flags (For You)
    Hero Arts Stamps & Ink
    Silhouette Cameo (Overlay)
    Other: Pearls, Sewing Machine

Doily Christmas Card by Mary Pat Siehl

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Paper: Frozen Peas, Garlic Flakes
            Cheese Tortellini
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Cardstock Stickers
    Other: Lace Doily, Border Punch

"Christmas Morning" Layout by Mary Pat Siehl

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Paper: Frozen Peas, Garlic Flakes, Cheese
            Tortellini, Fresh Basil, Bite Size Bits
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Pea Pod Parts (Die-Cuts)
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Cardstock Stickers
    Jillibean Soup Staples II Paper
    Jillibean Soup Alphabeans Cardstock Stickers: Navy
    Jillibean Soup Baker's Twine
    Mister Huey's Mist

Bingo Card by Janet Zeppa

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Paper: Fresh Basil, Fresh Baby Spinach
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Pea Pod Parts (Die-Cuts)
    Jillibean Soup Staples II Paper
    Jillibean Soup Sugar Picks
    Other: Cardstock, Pearls, Punches

"Holiday Memories" Layout by Janet Zeppa

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Paper: Garlic Flakes, Fresh Basil, Frozen Peas
            Bite Size Bits
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Pea Pod Parts (Die-Cuts)
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Labels Stickers
    Jillibean Soup Staples II Paper
    Jillibean Soup Hexies Stickers
    Jillibean Soup Sugar Picks
    Silhouette Cameo
    Cardstock

"Thinking of You" Card by Janet Zeppa

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Paper: Fresh Baby Spinach,
            Garlic Flakes
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Cardstock Stickers
    Jillibean Soup Wooden Flags
    Jillibean Soup Baker's Twine
    Copic Markers
    Other: Cardstock, Peals, Punches

"Santa Wish" Layout by Janet Zeppa

Supplies Used:
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup Paper: Fresh Baby Spinach, Frozen Peas,
            Stewed Tomatoes, Cheese Tortellini, Garlic Flakes, Fresh Basil,
            Bite Size Bits
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Pea Pod Parts (Die-Cuts)
    Winter Tortellini & Spinach Cardstock Stickers
    Jillibean Soup Baker's Twine
    Memento Ink
    Copic Markers
    Stickles
    Silhouette Cameo
    Other: Punches, Brads, Stamps, Sewing Machine

I'm pretty sure it won't be a white Christmas this year, but the snow-belter inside me can't help but wish it were so. There's just something about snow that makes the whole holiday season seem much more festive and real! Oh well... at least these DT projects leave me something to look forward to!

Happy Scrappin'

Once Upon a Christmas

I just finished wrapping up 25 different children's books for my daughter to read--one for each day leading up to Christmas and a special one for Christmas Day. I've been collecting them little by little over the years, just waiting for the first Christmas she'd be able to read most of them on her own. We're big readers at my house--nothing beats a good story.

Unfortunately, our family's best stories remain "stuck" inside boxes of half-finished layouts or layouts waiting to be placed into albums because admittedly, I haven't been so good about keeping my albums updated and on shelves for my family to open up and share. (I smell a New Year's Resolution... you?)

Anyhoo... I suppose none of that's really related to this post except that the title of today's featured collection reminded me of storytelling and how my job as the storyteller/scrapbooker of my family is an important one--one I cherish! Big moments, little moments--I just love that we have the ability to capture our most treasured memories with this craft!

So without further adieu (a.k.a. babbling), I bring you Little Yellow Bicycle's "Once Upon a Christmas" with a variety of projects from Design Team Member Mary Pat Siehl!

"Hello Christmas" Layout by Mary Pat Siehl

 
Paper Gift Boxes by Mary Pat Siehl

"Merry Christmas" Card by Mary Pat Siehl

There's nothing like fresh holiday inspiration and a roll of red and white "ho ho ho" wrapping paper to put one (read: me) in the Christmas spirit!

And as for what I was babbling about a minute ago... I hope that in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you too will embrace this valuable role in telling YOUR family's story--whether it's Christmas memories or otherwise!

Happy Scrappin'!

Apple Cider

Three days to Thanksgiving and I can already smell the pumpkin spice! MmMmMm... I can't wait! On the other hand, I can hardly believe its time has come! A lady at the grocery this morning wished me a Happy Thanksgiving and I was sort of taken aback--it's THIS week?! Really?! Whew!

Today I have some Autumn-inspired projects for you from Design Team Member Stephanie Matlack who's worked with this season's top-selling Bo Bunny Collection, "Apple Cider".

"Pumpkin Patch" Layout by Stephanie Matlack

Supplies Used:
    Bo Bunny Apple Cider Paper: Pumpkin Patch, Apple Cider
    Bo Bunny Apple Cider Layered Chipboard Stickers
    Bo Bunny Apple Cider "We Are Family" Cardstock Stickers
    Bazzill Cardstock
    Smooch Ink: Kiwi
    Floss

"Enjoy Life" Card by Stephanie Matlack

Supplies Used:
    Bo Bunny Apple Cider Paper: Orchard
    Bazzill Cardstock
    Pop Dots
    Color Box Chalk Ink
    Floss

Apple lover that I am, this collection just makes me want to gobble up a slice of apple pie and chase it down with a cup of mulled cider. YUM-O! Regardless of how quickly time flies by, I am definitely looking forward to Thursday's Turkey Day dinner--and dessert!

Happy Scrappin'!

Sketch of the Week: Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup

By the sound of this post title, you'd think we were cooking up a great big batch of warm-and-hearty soup for lunch! But really, it's Design Team Member Janet Zeppa who's done all the cooking, using the finest of ingredients from Jillibean Soup's Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup collection!

As you may know, Jillibean Soup offers a sketch challenge once a month, last month being no exception. They're little hearty little project recipes, if you will... YUM-O!

Here's last month's sketch (from sketch artist Nicole Nowosad)...

Janet actually altered the sketch to create a card instead of a layout. I LOVE it when our Design Team takes sketches and alters them to suit different project sizes! It just goes to show how versatile a tool sketches can be!

"From Our House to Yours" Card by Janet Zeppa

If you'd like to participate in the monthly challenges, it's simple! In fact, here's November's sketch--just to get those creative wheels a-turnin'!

To join in the fun, all you have to do is create a layout or card or project using the sketch and some Jillibean Soup product and share it on the Jillibean Soup Facebook Page.  They'll be reviewing submissions throughout the month and will share a few of their selections in an upcoming Soup Spotting post on their blog! At the end of the month(ish) they'll choose their favorite sketch interpretation and that person will win some FREE JILLIBEAN GOODIES!

Now... who wouldn't love a chance to win free stuff just for having FUN doing what it is you love to do already! Win-win!

So there you have it... today's sketch, plus a bonus sketch! Hopefully one or both will whet that creative whistle of yours as you head into the week!

Happy Scrappin'!