A warm welcome...

Hi Bloggers!

Well Spring is around the corner and here at Posh Designs Scrapbook Store, you may have noticed new faces joining our community. Perhaps you are a current follower of their personal blogs and/or recognize their faces amongst the crafting community out there...

Recently their creations have graced our Gallery breathing in fresh talent, alternative creative perspectives all to inspire and help you in your process of papercrafting. Our Design Team is a group of women who have a wonderful range of crafting from cardmakers to scrapbookers and even including to provide the occasional gift giving idea (or two).

I am proud to introduce to you the new Design Team for Spring 2010. Let's give a warm PDSS welcome to...

Lynne Woolgar from Vero Beach, FL, USA

Amy Bender from Bethel, CT, USA

Michele Brooks from Valparaiso, FL, USA

Melina Borrero from Miami, FL, USA

Melissa Gzik from Coborug, ON, Canada

Tiffany Morgan from Escondido, CA, USA

Charlene Driggs from USA.

I am also very proud to have continue on the Design Team for Posh Designs Scrapbook Store the following Senior Design Team Members:

Dawn Baty from Alton, MO, USA

Racquel Brown  from Ontario, Canada

Michelle McNeil-Smith from Ontario, Canada.

Kim Lariviere  from Quebec, Canada

and myself founder of Posh Designs:

Nini from Quebec, Canada

Together you will see new columns, new projects, new ideas coming to you this Spring. Be sure to check out the Community Site daily for fun discussions, new gallery postings and even our Card Sketch Challenges (CSC) #10 will be starting very soon...

So join in on the fun, hope to see you soon...

KISS with Michelle - Layered Shape Cards

Hi everyone and welcome to KISS! No, not the band nor the action of but KISS - Keep It Simple Saturdays with me, Michelle!

These columns will still focus on keeping the design and techniques simple. It could be as basic as being monochromatic or using everyday shapes but I will show you how to build upon those basic principals.

My goal has always been to inspire and help you create beautiful, simple yet quick projects you'd be proud to give. It's kinda like my former Cricut Tuesdays column but without the Cricut this time. And as always I will try to give as many tips and tricks as I can so you can re-create these projects at home. So let's get started...

I created these two cards for friends of ours who just found out they are expecting their 2nd child and for my MIL who will be attending a baby shower this weekend (the mom is having a girl).

The principals of these cards are simple... Repetition of basic shapes, layered. The tools and materials you will need for this project are:

• Basic die cut shapes of your choice such as circles, squares, etc...
• 1 piece of 12x12 cardstock as your card base.
• Patterned papers and/or cardstock of your choice.
• Adhesive
• Sentiments, greetings and/or images for the front of your card in your choice of stamps, die-cuts and/or a combination of both.

Here are the instructions to re-create these cards:

1. Trim your 12 x12 piece of cardstock to 10 x 10 square. Cut in half. Then score each card in half again. Finished size: 5" square.

Tip: You will get 2 - 5 x 10 cards from 1 piece of 12x12 cardstock.

2. Cut 4 pieces of a chosen shape:

• for my circles the background piece is 2-1/2", inner circle is 2"
• for the squares the background piece is 2-1/4", inner square is 2-1/8"

Tip: It is best suggested to use a coordinated pack of papers from one manufacturer to speed up the creative process as well to ensure a perfect match.

3. Layer all the shapes together and adhere them to the cardfront ensuring equal spacing around the card.

Tip: Do not worry about the middle of the card as this will be covered up. It is suggested that you ensure equal spacing around the border of the cardfront instead.

4. Whatever shape you chose as your card background , choose the opposite shape for the middle of your card to serve as your focal point . This will serve two purposes: 1) Your mat for your sentiment, greeting and/or image and 2) An interesting juxtaposition adding interest to the card.

Tip: For the middle focal area of the card, repeat one of sets of papers/cardstock used in your card background. This will give a sense of continuity to your whole project.

5. Cut. layer and adhere together the pieces for middle of the card ensuring each layer is slightly smaller than its base. For example, the square base is measured at 2-3/4" square, the next layer was cut smaller and so on...

6. Stamp and/or or die-cut your images, sentiments/greeting as desired and arrange them in the most appealing way to you.

7. Embellish and/or use additional punches as desired.

8. Adhere the finished mat (aka. your focal point) to cardfront middle using adhesive dimensionals.

As simple as that, you are done! Try using other shapes such as stars or flowers. This concept will work with any bold chunky shape you can die-cut or stamp! Next week I will show you how to create a coordinating envelope using the Scor-Pal. It is so easy-peasy, I promise you. So until next time... Happy Crafting!

KISSes and Hugs ~ Michelle

PDSS Sketch Winner #8

Hey everyone! Thank you so much for playing along with us now here to our lucky winner for challenge #8:

 #9 Kim E

And here's her awesome take on the sketch, isn't it rockin' (mind the pun) :P

Congrats!!! From all of us at PDSS! :)

Please email Nini and she will get that prize to you as soon as possible. You need to make sure you get in touch with her by the Monday. Or you will forfeit the prize and another winner will be chosen. 

Thursdays with Kim - Fun with Alcohol Ink Part 2

Hi girls!

Here's another tutorial on using Alcohol Inka. Last week I've shown you how to use them on glossy paper and even on metal. This week I'll show how to use them on acetate/acrylic.

For this sproject you'll need:

• 3 colors of Alcohol Inks
• Mixative
• Blending Solution
• Alcohol Ink Applicator Tool & Fel
• An acetate/acrylic or clear overlay sheet
• Embelishments
• A brush
• Perfect Pearl
• StazOn Ink
• A Stamp
• Vellum Adhesive

I've cut an acetate sheet measuring 5x5 inches, this time I've taken pictures on a white cardstock so you could see better! Now you have to work really fast, add a drop of each three colors ( I used Aqua, Juniper, and Pool), add 2 drops of Pearl Mixative and 2 or 3 drops of Blending Solution.

Apply your mix onto the acetate.

When it's done take your brush, and shake it with some perfect pearl on it (Turquoise).

When it's totally dry, stamp your image on the other side. Affix onto card I use a white cardstock because I wanted a great sky look. I also used some Vellum adhesive. Lastly, Embelish as you want.

It's done! A last tutorial before closing the subject!

You'll need:

• 2 Contrasting Colors
• Blending Solution
• Alcohol Ink Applicator Tool & Felt
• Glossy Paper
• Compressed Air Can

Start with one color (I used citrus) and apply to entire paper.

When it's done take the second color (I used Raspberry) and sqeeze a few drops on your paper.


Next, add a few drops of Blending Solution. (My table has a crooked angle which explains the spread!)


I was thinking that It was too girly so I added a couple of Citrus drop. You can always layer with these ink!

The last step is really easy and fun! Take your Compressed Air Can and spray onto the ink. Spray until you like the result.

So here's the final result! It reminds me of Basic Grey's Phoebe & Perhaps collections, or even Crate Paper's Bliss line... This would make a great background for a card too!

The possibilities are endless with these products. You must give it a try! Hugs and kisses
Kim @ KLDezign

PDSS Bi-Wkly Card Sketch Challenge #9

Happy Tuesday!!!

Here's what you'll be working with for the next 2 weeks!

We had a blast looking at all the gorgeous entries on our last challenge, amazing work everyone!

We cannot wait to see your wonderful creations!

PDSS Sketch #9:

You can flip, rotate, resize or do whatever your crafty heart desires as long as we can still see the original sketch in your creation then you're good to go!

These challenges are on a bi-weekly basis, so that means you'll have two (2) weeks to get your creations completed, loaded and linked up!

For this challenge Posh Designs Scrapbook Store is giving away a 25$ Gift Certificate to one lucky winner! How awesome is that!

All you have to do is participate by creating anything with the sketch in mind. Submit your creation to Mr. Linky found below by typing your name and leaving a direct link to your project.

Here's some inspiration from our loverly DT to help you get started!

Kim

Michelle

Nini

Racquel

Dawn

Deadline: March 8th @ 11:59 PM EST. Please type in your name and place a direct link to your creation using Mr. Link below. Thanks & Happy Crafting!

Her Prince Layout

Well it's been a very long time since I created a layout. For this layout I used Fancy Pants Vintage Valentine Papers, twine, Prima Heather Flowers, Prima Pearl Swirl Bling, Magic Mesh, Bazzill Tiny Brads and American Crafts Thickers stickers. My photo's are the sizes of a 5 inch by 7 inch and the two (2) wallets with edges sanded for a distress look. Tools I used are a paper distresser, sewing machine and heavy duty needle.

Using the sewing machine I stitched by bigger photo down. Used the heavy duty needle and twine and added some more stitching. Paper distresser I used around the layout edges and around each piece of paper. To make this shape I used one of the Die Cut sheets that came in the paper package and traced it onto another sheet of paper in the package.

Happy Crafting!
♥Dawn♥

Thursday with Kim - Fun with Alcohol Ink

Hi girls!

This week I propose to show you various ways on using a product that is very much ignored or perhaps overwhelming for some of us crafters out there! If you've guessed Ranger's (Tim Holtz) Alcohol Ink, then you're absolutely correct!

Everyone knows, that I'm totally addicted to all things Tim Holtz! I buy all his products as they come available and they just vedge in my drawers for a while. (Compulsive buyer? Me?)

In fact, I didn't know how use Alcohol Inks, here my experimentation... Let me me start by introducing some of the basic stuff...


Left to right:

• StazOn Ink (or Archival Ink), really important because other inks won't work well with these products.
• Alcohol Ink Applicator Tool and Felt Refills, really useful! Remember to change the felt every time you change the color of the ink!
• Blending Solution, the blending solution is self-named, use to mix the color together or dilute one color.
• Alcohol Ink, offered in a large palette of colors, Earthtones, Brights and Lights.
• Mixative, offered in 4 colors, Pearl, Copper, Gold and Silver. It's a little bit thicker than the ink and gives your projects a great metalic look.
• Alcohol Fillable Ink Pen, you can fill the pen with you favorite color and use it like a copic marker. Personnaly I like to fill it with blending solution, this way you can erase the little mistake you've done.
• I always work with a Non-Stick Craft Sheet (Ranger) because ink always splatter everywhere. I also advise to wear an apron, after working with these inks your clothes will be recognizing!

So now, let's learn the basic!

Alcohol Inks work really well with non-porous surfaces. You can use on regular cardstock but it gives you amazing results on glass, peel-off, glossy paper, mirror, metal and etc...

You have to work really fast because these inks will dry on surfaces  in about 4 seconds flat. If you use a blending solution or mixative the drying time takes longer.

Let's begin a little project for Easter.

I cut a glossy cardstock in 4x6 inch piece. (Don't use photo paper, I've tried that and the results aren't great)

I used a combinaison of three ink. (Shell Pink, Aqua, and Willow) Take your applicator and press a 2 seconds drop of each color on the felt.

These 3 dots of ink can make a 12x12 background, so It's really economic.

Now trace vertical line on your paper.

Fill all your paper with these lines and when you're done turn your paper off 90 degrees and do the same thing over again. You'll get a pattern approximatly like this. (I'm sorry for the quality of the picture it isn't brown but apple green (Willow)).

I've trim the edge of the paper, I've stamped my favorite Easter image with StazOn ink. (Remember, StazOn ink take no time to dry!)

Then, I simply completed my card with some matching patterned papers and a bow.

Cute isn't it? You can also use Alcohol Inks to change the color of an element. I often buy things but I'm not satisfied of the color.

You can easily change the color of this boring butterfly, (you can see some paint chipping off)...

...into a pretty one like this :)

So that's it for this week! I hope you've enjoyed today post and I'll try to show you other exemples next week! :) Hugs and kisses

Kim @ KLDezign

Always Friends Card

Hi everyone!

Ouuufff with the start of my new blog I've been quite MIA on here, thankfully I'm blessed with such a fabulous Design Team, my girls are doing a fabulous job running things oh so very smoothly here on the Posh blog hihihi :)

Today, was a very hectic day as the Design Team call ended just days ago, I was happy to receive many wonderful applications in my inbox it definitely was challenging to select our newest team members! There's a lot of talent out there in this crafty world of ours and that's awesome!!!

I have picked 6 new gals, so whoever that applied be on the lookout you might get an email from me pretty soon!!!

Also, just a reminder that there's only 5 days left to submit your entries to our sketch challenge! Hurry on if you wanna win yourself some Pink Cat Studio stamps!

Here's a little something I made, it's a standard 4 1/5 x 5 1/2" card.

I used a floral outline stamp to create a background pattern on the Kraft cardstock, using the Silhouette machine I cut out a couple of die cut pieces. Notice the Turquoise die cut, well I took a Woodgrain stamp and stamped it with Ranger's Perfect Medium and then dusted it with Gold Perfect Pearl to give it some interest. Here's a close up so you could see better!

I then stamped my sentiment onto the "label" which was created using the Craft Robo software (it's just a rounded rectangle going inwards instead) easy peasy to make! I wanted it to fit perfectly onto the Yellow die cut frame! Lastly, I just embellished until desired! Hope you've enjoyed today's project! Thanks for stopping by!

Nini xoxo

Sending my Love Card

Here's another lovely Valentines card. The size for this card is 5 inches by 12 inches folded in half to create a 5 inch by 6 inch card. Use your border punch and punch the edge of only one side. This card opens at the bottom, the front edge is punched the back flap is left alone.

Using the brown ink, ink your edges. For this card I use three (3) different papers from the Fancy Pants Vintage Valentine Papers and trimmed out one of the cards that came with this paper package. Using the paper distresser I distressed all my paper edges. Adhered them like shown. Stapled some white tulle down one side, place my stick pins through one of the staples.

Paper Rose Totorial: I used two different size scalloped circles and punched out two of the same bigger circle and one smaller. Using my scissors and every two scalloped I cut in just so far all the way around. Do the same for the other scalloped circles. Punch a hole in the center of each circle. Roll the petals of each circle and layer them together like in photo. Using a brad to adhere to your card. Place the string of pearl or gems along the bottom of your card.

Happy Crafting!

♥Dawn♥

I ♥ You Mini Album

Happy Valentines Day to all!

Here's a very lovely mini album that I got to make, I used Bo Bunny 'Sweetie Pie' Paper & Cardstock Stickers.

First I worked with the letter "I" since it was the smallest letter and piece. I'm a person of distressing so added some Brown Ink to the edges. Then added 3 5mm Crystal Bling to the stem of the "I". Wrapped a piece of 5/8" Clover Double Dot ribbon below the Crystal Bling.

Second I worked on the ♥ piece. This piece for me was a little trickier. Added some Cardstock Stickers here and there did some touch up using Crystal Bling in the center of the flowers and inked the edges.

Third moved onto the letter "Y" adding some cardstock stickers, Crystal Bling to the center of the biggest flower on the back. Inked all the edges. Added 5/8" Pink Punch DD Ribbon by wrapping it around from top to bottom and tieing off.

In this step I altered the letter "O". Added some ribbon, Crystal Bling, cardstock stickers and did some inking.

Letter "U" was slightly harder. You had to cut around the swirls in the papers, tuck photo mats behind those swirls. Add some cardstock stickers, crystal bling and some inking. Used 3 Binder rings to hold my mini album together.

I totally had fun creating this little mini album. And I hope you grab yours today and have fun playing. I know I did.

HAPPY CRAFTING!

♥Dawn♥

PDSS Sketch #7 Winner

Happy Friday! Teeeee... I'm SO sorry, I know, I know I'm late on announcing the winner! Jeeez... I'm truly sorry to keep you in suspense... Ok drum roll please... Our random winner for challenge #7 is....

#12 Sheryl


Congrats!!! From all of us at PDSS! :)


Please email Nini and she will get that prize to you as soon as possible. You need to make sure you get in touch with her by the Monday. Or you will forfeit the prize and another winner will be chosen. So do hurry! :)

Thursdays with Kim - Another Brick on the Wall

Hi girls! Another fun tutorial for you! First, you'll need a 4" by 6" white cardstock. To make a soft background I used some Shimmerz Spritz Cotton Candy.

(For Shimmerz Spritz don't forget to shake it really well before use the glimmer is in the bottom of the bottle.)

I wasn't totally satisfied so I decided to "spoutch" another color; Ruby

Now stamp an image on your paper. Don't forget to stamp the same image on a scratch paper for keeps.

At every 0.5" trace a pale line with a pencil. Then turn your image at 90 degree and trace more lines (double) to create a brick effect, it should look like this:

Now cut out on the lines. Look at the disaster!

Now the fun began... Take out the second image you've stamp, remember the one on scratch paper I asked you to do earlier. (it'll make it easier to assemble)

Now cut a 4" by 6" rectangle which will be your background. (Don't use patterned paper because it will be really difficult to see your stamped image.

Begin to assemble with the pattern of your stamp. It will be more easy! it's like a big puzzle! Try to let a little space between the rectangles. Be precise. Try to keep some clear lines.

Fix your rectangle with glue or double sided tape like this.

For the rectangle who has no pattern on; try to place them in an aesthetic way. It's not necessary to put them all on your paper. Fix the paper on your card. Embelish and enjoy! Look how cool it looks!

I hope you'll try this at home! Hugs and kisses!

Kim @ KLDezign

PDSS Bi-Wkly Card Challenge Sketch #8

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!! 
OMG!!! Did you see all the gorgeous cards from our last challenge!!! Wow amazing work everyone, thank you so much for playing along with us!!! Now here's what you'll be working with for the next 2 weeks!
We cannot wait to see your wonderful creations!!!

PDSS Sketch #8:

You can flip, rotate, resize or do whatever your crafty spirit desires as long as we can see the original sketch in your creation it's all cool!

These challenges are on a bi-weekly basis. So that means you will have two (2) weeks to get your creations completed, loaded and linked up!


Now check out what's up for grabs! Posh Designs Scrapbook Store is giving this super cute Pink Cat Studio Easter Rubber Stamp Set a value of $15.00 CAD to one lucky winner.

All you have to do is participate by creating anything with the sketch in mind. Submit your creation to Mr. Linky found below by typing your name and leaving a direct link to your project. Remember to have fun. Happy Crafting! Here's some inspiration from our lovely DT :)

Michelle

Dawn

Kim

Nini

Deadline: February 22nd @ 11:59 pm EST. Please type in your name and place a direct to your creations using Mr. Linky below. Thanks!