New Crafter's Companion Release Sneak Peek!

Good morning! Do you know what today is? We're showcasing the newest stamps, scheduled to hit the Crafter's Companion store on 9/19, the Makey Bakey Mice! These are adorable, and two ranges are offered: Everyday and Christmas.

I chose to use the Festive Fun & Frolics stamp set as figure skating holds a special place in my heart. I miss my younger years, when Saturdays were spent at the skating rink getting ready for that one show per year!

Here's my card:

 Isn't it sooooo cute? I used Lily Bee Designs Christmas Cheer - North Pole and Studio Calico Wonderland - Tree Farm (woodgrain paper), which I used my distressing tool on to rough up the edges. A bling flourish, May Arts ribbon flower, Littly Yellow Bicycle stick pins, and some Frosted Lace Stickles showcase this skating cutie, colored with my Spectrum Noir pens (CR7, CR10, CR11, GB2, GB4, GB5, TN3, TN5, TN7, IG2, IG7, IG9). Both the mouse and the sentiment were adhered with foam squares.

I can't wait for the release of this range! Be sure to head to the Crafter's Companion shop to on 9/19 to pick up a set (or 6!) for yourself, and if you don't follow our Facebook or Twitter pages, you should do so to keep up with all of the new releases. Our designers are releasing lots of sneak peeks you won't want to miss!

xoxo
Khristen

Birthday Week At Crafter's Companion!

Birthday week is almost over...you didn't miss it, did you? Well, there's still time to cash in on some fabulous deals and receive free stamp sets with your purchase! Head over to Crafter's Companion to check out all of the fabulousness!

Here is one of the stamp sets up for grabs. I made a quick card with the freebie Stamp It Australia - The Snowflake being offered if you spend $50 (did i mention orders $50 or more receive free shipping?)

 You need this stamp! I am absolutely head over heels in love with it!! I chose to mist the stamped piece with Red Velvet and Key Lime Glimmer Mist, followed by Silver Mister Huey. I love the sparkle! The colors matched perfectly with this piece of EP Season's Greetings, and I mounted it all (after distressing, of course!) to a sheet of SC Wonderland woodgrain paper. I love this card (and that I'm getting a headstart for the holiday card season!)

Sparkle sparkle! Love it!!!!!

So what are you waiting for? You have until August 19th to take advantage of Crafter's Companion's birthday deals and take home one or both of the freebie stamp sets! Watch later this afternoon for the other, which I added to a layout.

Don't forget to check out the Crafter's Companion USA Facebook page and follow them on Twitter for even more inspiration. Our design team has been loving these freebie stamps!

xoxo

Khristen

Brambly Hedge Release Distressing Tutorial and a Giveaway!

Good afternoon!

Taking a quick break from work to post this fun project. I've included an easy tutorial (like, 2 picture easy!) on distressing without using a single, fancy distressing tool! All you need is your exacto knife or a box cutter.

To start, choose the patterned paper you wish to use. I distressed the mats behind the image and sentiment, so once I cut them to size, I got to work. Take your exacto knife or razor blade edge of any form and rub it lightly against the edge of the paper:

That's it! It's nice to use the blade at an angle in order to assure you don't tear into the paper, but sometimes I like this look. So here's what I came up with (and I'll bet you can see exactly where my blade slipped up! But I like it :) )

 Don't you think the little slip-ups add more character to the distressed feel of this card? I used October Afternoon - Farmhouse papers, crocheted ribbon, and Mon Ami Gabby pearls to complement this adorable image and sentiment from the Brambly Hedge - A Spring Story EZ Mount Stamp set.

 I used the following Spectrum Noir pens to color the image: TN1, TN2, TN3 (wagon); GB8, GB9, GB10 (mommy mouse); TN3, TN5, TN7 (baby mouse); TB1, TB2 (mom's dress); GB1, GB3 (hat); GB3 (apron); PP1, PP3 (flowers); IG2 (shadows on apron); JG1, JG2 (grass).

There you have it! See how easy it is to distress edges using the tools you already have on hand? Don't forget to head to Crafter's Companion to take advantage of their special: all four stamp sets for $59.95!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention...head over to 'like' the Crafter's Companion USA Facebook page if you haven't already. We have hit 4,000 followers, and to celebrate, we're giving away four $25 gift certificates to the Crafter's Companion store! Head on over and enter for your chance to win!

xoxo

Khristen