American Crafts | Flowers

Hi everyone,

This week on the American Crafts blog is Flowers week.  I had a card that was on the blog earlier this week featuring flowers, made with the Amy Tangerine Rise and Shine collection.

Create instant flowers for your projects using metal dies.  You can layer them together for a big impact.

Supplies: Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369224) - dies, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369220) - Watercolor Words,  Amy Tangerine Rise And Shine (370034) Epoxy Stickers, Amy Tangerine Rise And Shine (370044) - Paper Clips Gold, Amy Tangerine Rise And Shine (370025) - 6"x6" Paper Pad, Cardstock (AM710-81) - White

How To: Create a 5"x5" card base and fold in half.  Using the Dear Lizzy Serendipity dies, die cut flowers from different pieces of pattern paper included in the 6"x6" Paper Pad.  Curl up edges of flowers and layer them onto the card.  With a sewing machine add messy stitching to some of the flowers.  Flick black spray mist across the card.  Adhere "Hello" watercolor word to the center of card using liquid adhesive.  Finish by embellishing card with epoxy sticker and paper clip.

The Cut Shoppe | Epic

Hi everyone, I am here to share a layout that I made using the Stay Focused cut file set from The Cut Shoppe!  I love this set so much that I decided to use it twice this month.  To see the layout I created last week with this set, go here.

Supplies: The Cut Shoppe: Stay Focused cut file set; Scrapbook Circle: May Hello Sunshine kit: patterned papers, stickers, enamel dots, 

How To:  Enlarge the shutter image and cut out of white cardstock using the Silhouette Cameo.  Back pieces of the shutter with different pieces of patterned paper.  Adhere design to layout.  Brush watercolor paint around the image.  Flick splatters of black spray mist across the page.  Add photo and embellish with stickers, enamel dots, stamps and embellishments.

Stay Focused Cut File Set

Before you head over to the Shop to get some shopping done, make sure you get our Coupon Code!  You can save 50% off of your entire purchase today, as our Birthday gift to you!

Happy Birthday To The Cut Shoppe! And A Giveaway!

The Cut Shoppe  is ONE YEAR OLD today!!!  To celebrate there is a 50% OFF coupon code for today and tomorrow!!  You can't beat that for stocking up on some awesome cut files!  Use the code TCSBDAY1

I love  all of the cut files Ashley creates for the shop!  There is such a wide range of  designs in the store and I find them so inspiring! ! I've created TONS of layouts using The Cut Shoppe files over the past year, and here are a few of my favorites:

Ashley is generously letting each of us give away a cut file! I I've chosen to giveaway one of my favorites!  To keep with that theme, I chose the Rosey Posey cut file to give away! Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm on May 31st, and I'll announce the winner the next day!

American Crafts | Mix and Match

This week on the American Crafts blog is Mix and Match week.  You can effortlessly mix and match American Crafts collections, by picking pieces that match the same color scheme.

Supplies: Amy Tangerine Rise and Shine (RSDS-70011) - Lucy Paper, Amy Tangerine Rise and Shine (370034) -Epoxy Stickers, Amy Tangerine Rise and Shine (370038) - Shapes & Phrases W/ Foil Accents, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369184) - XOXO Paper, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369186) - Summer Breeze Paper, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369187) - One Fine Day Paper, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369191) - Good Vibes Paper, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369197) - Smitten Paper, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369210) - Gold Foil Mini Alpha, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369214) - Stickers Roll, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369215) - Enamel Dots, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369217) - Pleather Bows, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369220) - Watercolor Paper Die-Cuts Words, Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy (370069) - Make A Wish Paper, Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy (370065) - Shenanigans, Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy (370062) - Love Fest Paper, Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy (370073) - Bright Bows Paper, Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy (370082) - Gleeful Paper, Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy (370087) - Accents & Phrases/ Gold Foiled Chipboard, Shimelle (368170) - Roller Date Stamp, Cardstock (AM71-563) - Smooth Kraft, Cardstock (AM710-81) - White

How To: Use Silhouette Studio to cut design background from white cardstock.  Back white cardstock design with different pieces of patterned papers from the Serendipity, Fine And Dandy and Rise And Shine collections, leaving some spaces open.  Back patterned pieced design with kraft cardstock.  Flick black spray mist across the page.  Stamp date stamp on the bottom right hand side of page. Print a small photo and adhere to center of design.  Adhere chipboard "Beautiful Day" sticker directly under photo.  Trim ampersand from Serendipity "Smitten" paper.  Layer ampersand and pleather bow under right side of photo.  Tuck "Happy" sticker from sticker roll under bow.  Spell out the word day with Serendipity mini alpha and tuck under "Happy" sticker.  Adhere camera die-cut shape and Smile word to left hand side of photo.  Finish by adhering epoxy sticker and enamel dots.

Thanks for stopping by today, hope you enjoyed my layout!

The Cut Shoppe | Smile

Hi everyone!  I'm excited to be back today and share this colorful layout for The Cut Shoppe using the Stay Focused cut file set.  I love color, and I love mixing and matching lots of patterned papers on my layouts.  Here's a look at what I created, using the Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy collection from American Crafts.

Supplies: The Cut Shoppe: Stay Focused cut file set; American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy Collection: pattern papers, chipboard stickers, metal rimmed tag, die cuts, masking tape roll, acrylic shapes, plastic bows, date stamp; Other: Black spray mist

This was an easy page to do, I simply cut the shutter image from the cut file set nine times out of white cardstock paper and then added different pieces of pattern papers behind them.  I purposely left some of the shutter pieces empty (with no pattern paper backing) to add some white balance to the page.  I added some ink, stamping, journaling and embellishments and voila, my page was done!

Stay Focused

Head over to The Cut Shoppe ETSY store to pick up this cut file set and see what other cut files might work for you.  Thank you for taking a look.

Scrapbook Circle Anniversary Blog Hop!!!

This month we are celebrating Scrapbook Circle's 9th Anniversary!  To celebrate, this week we are doing a blog hop around to our design team members' blogs to showcase some of the fun things we have created with the May Hello Sunshine Kit.  The hop starts at the Scrapbook Circle blog. 

Comment along your way while visiting our team members' blogs.  Each comment will be one entry in a random drawing where we will be giving away FIVE May Hello Sunshine Kits.

Here is the layout that I created for the hop using the May Hello Sunshine kit, Hello Love Add-on, Sweet Day Add-on's

Supplies: Scrapbook Circle May Hello Sunshine kit, Hello Love Add-on, Sweet Day Add-on; Other: black spray mist, date stamp

Next on the hop is the very talented Mona 

We hope you feel inspired today!

Comments close at midnight PST on May 21. We will post the winners on the Scrapbook Circle blog on May 22!  Good Luck!

American Crafts | Altered Clipboard Tutorial

This week on the American Crafts blog is all about Mom's.  I have a tutorial that went up yesterday that would be the perfect to celebrate Mom.

An altered clipboard picture frame makes a great gift for Mother's day.  

All you need is supplies on hand from the Serendipity collection to

create this one of a kind gift.

1. To make this Clipboard Picture Frame,  place a Dear Lizzy Serendipity plastic stencil over the clipboard and spray it with a white coat of spray mist.  

2. Print a small photo and mat it with a piece of pattern paper from the 6x6 Paper pad.  Embellish with Accents & Phrases Gold Foil Stickers and Thickers. 

3. Use the metal dies to cut flowers from various papers from the 6x6 Paper Pad.  Roll the pieces up and secure with adhesive to finish the flowers.

4. Finish clipboard by adding an addition flower sticker, and rolled flowers.  Create a bow out of ribbon and adhere to top of clipboard.  

 Your clipboard is finished and ready to gift to that special someone on Mother's Day!

Supplies: Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369228) - Stencil, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369206) - 6x6 Paper Pad, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369209) - Royal/Foil Thickers, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369211) - Accents & Phrases W/ Gold Foil, Dear Lizzy Serendipity (369224) - Dies, Studio Calico Mister Huey's (SC1-001) - Opaque White Misting Spray

Thanks for stopping by today!

Camera Giveaway Winner!!!

Hi everyone, 
The winner of the Bluebird Chic Camera Strap Giveaway was announced on Instagram tonight and the giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to everyone that played along!!

If you didn't win, don't worry!  Bluebird Chic is running a special discount right now.  Make sure that you stop by and check out their shop, and tell them I sent you. 

There is a wide selection of high quality scarf straps in their shop!  Besides the scarf straps, Bluebird Chic has other products too.  They have padded camera straps in an assortment of fun trendy patterns, neck scarf, key fobs, and this adorable rosette and woodgrain camera strap!  They also have other fun products in the works!! 

 They are running a special right now when you mention my name Code GINALIDEROS for 20% off purchase, shop link: http://bluebird-chic.myshopify.com/

The Cut Shoppe | Amazing

Hi everyone,

I'm sharing a layout that I made for The Cut Shoppe using their free NSD cut file.

Supplies: The Cut Shoppe: Etc. Etc. Etc. cut file; American Crafts: Shimelle True Stories Patterned Papers, wood veneer, stickers, die cuts, buttons, enamel dots; Bazzill: White cardstock; Studio Calico: Mister Huey's Inky Black spray mist

How To: Enlarge the amazing tag, included in the Etc. Etc. Etc. cut file.  Use the eraser tool in Silhouette studio to remove the outside lines of the tag.  Cut file out of white cardstock paper.  Back cut with a photo behind the large "A".  Back white cardstock cut file with another piece of white cardstock underneath.  Use a 1" square punch to punch squares out of different pieces of patterned papers.  Use scissors to cut each square diagonally.  Line up triangle pieces in three vertical lines on each side of page. Flick black spray mist across the page.  Use a sewing machine to stitch some of the pieces down.  Embellish with stickers, wood buttons, die cuts and wood veneer pieces.

thanks for stopping by!

American Crafts NSD Blog Hop Winner Revealed!!!

Thank you to everyone that played along with our National Scrapbook Day blog hop!!!


The winner of my NSD blog prize is:

cghundley please email me your address so that I can mail out your prize!

Thank you to everyone that took the time to leave a comment on my blog.  I truly appreciate it!  I have another giveaway going on right now for an awesome camera strap from Bluebird Chic.  Check out this post for the details!

Camera Strap Giveaway!!

A couple of weeks ago I received the waterfall scarf from Blue Bird Chic in the mail, right away I could not wait to get it out of the package and on to my camera.  I recently upgraded my Canon camera from a 7D to a 6D and I wanted to upgrade my strap as well!  When I am out all day shooting an event with my camera the Canon camera strap starts to feel really heavy in my neck and scratches, rubs and irritates.  I have long hair, so I sometimes put my hair down and put my camera strap over my neck and my hair kind of sort of works as a barrier to protect the Canon camera strap from making direct contact with my skin and scratching my neck.  I say kind of sort of because this only seems to work for about 10 minutes before I get too hot.  I always get hot while doing a photo shoot and it's even worse if the event is outside.

Do the Bluebird Chic camera straps really work?  In a one word answer - YES!!!  I took it out for a test run the day after receiving it and was amazed!!  The soft drape of 100 % cotton double gauze fabric hangs gently around your neck feels heavenly.  I was outside for a 3 hour photo shoot and noticed a huge difference in the way I felt. It felt super comfy the whole time, and it was so nice to wear something comfortable and fashionable that cut down on my fatigue level.  Not to mention that I got multiple compliments from strangers throughout the day admiring my new strap!! 

The waterfall  camera strap was so cute and comfortable that I kind of want (need) one in every color/pattern now, to match my outfits!

I was also pleasantly surprised at the amount of quality and workmanship that went into my camera strap order.  The owner Leah, takes several steps to make sure that each one is made with premium quality goods, by hand for you.  

Here's a bit more detail:

Each scarf camera strap is created with a 36" (86cm) premium quality 100% cotton fabric featuring exquisite weave and threadcount. Each end is finished with a hand cut, genuine leather tabs, burnished and sealed with a balsam made from an all natural blend of waxes to seal the leather edges. The 12" (30cm) length of 3/8" wide nylon webbing is both glued, and double stitched into the leather tabs for durability and security. Functional length when attached to camera is 48". Each tab is finished with a custom fabric button. Fits all standard dslr cameras.

The scarf camera straps are my favorite, and there is a wide selection of high quality scarf straps in their shop!  Besides the scarf straps, Bluebird Chic has other products too.  They have padded camera straps in an assortment of fun trendy patterns, neck scarf, key fobs, and this adorable rosette and woodgrain camera strap!  They also have other fun products in the works!!  Make sure that you stop by and check out their shop, and tell them I sent you. 

 They are running a special right now when you mention my name Code GINALIDEROS for 20% off purchase, shop link: http://bluebird-chic.myshopify.com/

Now for the fun part, it's giveaway time!!!

Would you love to win a fun camera strap like mine?  Well, here's your chance!  This giveaway is for one item of the winner's choice from Blue Bird Chic.  That's right you get to pick what you want!

Enter to win with these 4 required steps + bonus entries:

1. Follow me on Instagram @ginalideros and like the giveaway image on my IG feed
2. Follow Bluebirdchic on Instagram @bluebirdchicllc
3. Repost the giveaway image on your IG feed
4. Use the hashtag #bluebirdchic2015giveaway AND tag me @ginalideros (this is the only way to find you for the random drawing)

Bonus entries - for every 3 friends you tag on my giveaway post on Instagram, I'll give you a bonus entry. Tag 6 friends for 2 bonus entries, 9 friends for 3....the more the merrier!

I will announce the winner one week from today on my blog and instagram so make sure to check back in by end of day May 11th, 2015.

Make sure you follow Bluebird Chic on Facebook to get all the latest news, updates and deals!