Blisstree » Christine Gooding

Your Own Stamps At Work

Christine Gooding — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

When I scrapbook using stamps, I usually take out all the stamps, inkpads I will be using as well as my stamp cleaners and wipes. So you can say the whole shebang are on top of each other. I love my messy craft space, it keeps me “sane”.

Eversince my daughter discovered my little space at home, you’ll almost always find her crafting side by side with me, using my stuff, pretending to be a grown up by egging me to lend her my exacto knife and fine-tipped scissors. When she learned how to use my stamps… I went crazy. She’d pound my acrylic stamps on the inkpads (yes, plural!) in one go and instead of putting pressure on the stamp to make an image onto the paper, she would wipe it down. She was only two or three years old at the time. Horrors.

So what did I do? I made a homemade stamp out of potatoes. And although it worked at first, the extra moist that came out of the rootcrop proved to be messier than usual. And carving was a pain. That went on for a few years hoping that my daughter will not touch my precious stamps again.

So imagine my surprise to see this:

Image by: The Long Thread

Styrofoam stamps mounted on caps! And that’s an all original artwork by your kid. Interested? Visit The Long Thread blog.

Post from: Blisstree

Your Own Stamps At Work

Easy Handmade Background

Christine Gooding — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:00:47 +0000

Scrapbookers and general crafters of today are so lucky to have every possible design imaginable in the patterned papers available in the market today. Thematic products are being introduced twice a year through CHA (Crafts & Hobbies Association) exhibits, and countless manufacturers are really keeping up with the trends as dictated by the fashion scene. Sometimes, they [scrapbook manufacturers] are even quite advanced in introducing them to the market.

But sometimes, you have to acknowledge the fact that you want something different for your projects. When the art itch beckons, there are millions of ideas you want to churn out right away. Even in the still of the night, you think about making your own background paper design! C’mon, you must admit that this happens to you, too.

Image by: Kenner Road

Before, it looked like this:

Image by: Kenner Road

… and this

Image by: Kenner Road

The idea I present to you comes from the talented design team member of Kenner Road, Dina Wakley. Hop on over to see the step-by-step tutorial on the Kenner Road blog.

Post from: Blisstree

Easy Handmade Background

One More Pretty Wreath!

Christine Gooding — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:49 +0000

Ok, ok. I am officially under the “series bug” syndrome. I have been for 3 days in a row now, sending your way wreath ideas. I swear the wreaths did it for me. I was too inspired to share my discoveries with you, as well as itching to make one for myself and my family, too. I am even contemplating on making some for friends to give away as gifts. Why for? No particular reason. I just want to share the L-O-V-E.

If you have a lot of paper scraps, then look no further. Here’s an idea that is made from tons of it!

Image by: A Cherry On Top

Leah Fung created this whimsical wreath using the Spook Alley Collection by Making Memories. Leah literally shows us how to roll! The process is so much fun, so be careful not to get carried away. To get started on the party, click for the blog here.

Post from: Blisstree

One More Pretty Wreath!

All About Fleece

Christine Gooding — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:19 +0000

The fleece, according to the The Free Dictionary is “the coat of wool of a sheep or a similar animal”. We normally would wear a sweater made of fleece, or a spread to keep us warm during an early winter day. It is also a material that is considered to be luxurious enough to make a hit in the runway.

I never imagined the same material to serve another purpose such as a decorative item. Yep folks, it’s another wreath made our of fabric. Yesterday, I showed you the satin ribbon wreath which was absolutely adorable. This wreath that is made out of fleece is so jumpstarting me for Christmas! I know you eill agree with me.

Exhibit A:

Image by: Bella Blvd

Would you love to see how it is made? Jump on over the Bella Blvd blog to see the full on tutorial of this eyecandy. I think I am making my mother-in-law something in the peach color range. Nice!

Post from: Blisstree

All About Fleece

Make A Fancy Ribbon Wreath

Christine Gooding — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:52:19 +0000

It is very rare that I see an absolutely awesome craft that is so easy to make and yet with an impact so great, it just won’t let up! It is the kind of project that you just have to share to everyone who has a crafty bone in her/his body somewhere. This one is no exception at all.

Originally, it was made to use for a halloween project. But I digress. For even in its original color using black satin ribbons, it can also be used as a charming decor for yet another affair or event. A formal wedding, maybe?

Image by: The Long Thread

A fun blog, called The Long Thread shows us how it is done. It is amazing to see how a very simple project with an equally simple set of materials can turn out this way, huh? Use different colors of satin ribbons, a combination of several widths and styles can easily transform your own project into a loadful of whimsy. And if you are still at it, why not add some embellishments, too? Ah, craft-life is great.

Post from: Blisstree

Make A Fancy Ribbon Wreath

Spray Stencil Print Your Shirt

Christine Gooding — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:16:56 +0000

Now say that 5 times fast! Just kidding.

Here’s the lowdown: if you have grown tired of your plain white (or colored) t-shirts and would want an updated look without spending megabucks, why not try spray stencil printing? Yes, you can do it yourself, quick and easy! And it will be just like a breeze.

Image by: Craft Stylish

You don’t have to buy all those fancy materials used in actual t-shirt printing. You don’t need a silkscreen, squeegee or that intricately cut template to make it all happen. All you need is just a little creativity and some wrist action and before you know it, a 100% all-original t-shirt is born. Need some inspiration as to what to print using the spray paint technique? Above is a classic example of using just a doily pattern. Quite a clever one by Cal Patch of Craft Stylish.

There’s a full on tutorial here with additional pictures as well.

Post from: Blisstree

Spray Stencil Print Your Shirt

Awesome Colourwash Tags

Christine Gooding — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:58:59 +0000

I am always at awe seeing fantastic works of art that started rather very unassuming. From a humble piece of paper, some thoughtful technique here and there, coupled with more combo effects and voila! You wouldn’t even believe that, what started as just a plain idea can actually transform into something really awesome.

Misting, masking, stamping and homemade stenciling. These are techniques that I consider a totally different animal. I do these techniques at random and sparringly. But come to think of it, the super combination I mentioned, when done together makes for a project that will surely be the talk amongst your friends. Consider this end-product below by the talented Birgit Koopsen:

Image by: Pencil Lines Blog

The step-by-step tutorial can be found at the Pencil Lines Sketch blog. Some really awesome techniques coming right at ya!

P.S. : It can also double up as charming bookmark! Just make sure you add the book owner’s name somewhere.

Post from: Blisstree

Awesome Colourwash Tags

It’s my turn to talk!

Christine Gooding — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:03:22 +0000

The kids are bickering again. Their voices are rising as they begin to realize the other sibling doesn’t seem to hear them. Before you know it, they’re screaming “Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” at the same time. Now they’re talking at the same time, in high decibel levels, right in front of your face.

It’s time to play referee.

Image credit: www.sxc.hu

With a kitchen timer.

Sit the two camps down. Grab your kitchen timer and set it for three minutes. Ask Kid Number One to air his side of the story within those three minutes. There should be no interruptions from others, just straight talk from whoever’s got the airtime. When the timer goes DING!, let Kid Number Two do the same.

This is a fair way to let both camps air their side and more importantly, be heard. But it’s best that an older person, a parent or a guardian, facilitate the discussion lest the kids start pulling each other’s hair out while the timer’s still going on.

It teaches kids patience, listening skills, and respect for others’ opinions. And hopefully, it spares parents of pulling their kids apart when a verbal fight gets physical!

Post from: Blisstree

It’s my turn to talk!

The Good Grief Blog

Christine Gooding — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:30:59 +0000

There’s another trailblazer in the scrapbooking challenge arena. I really believe this type of subject should be a part of our passion to scrapbook and preserve our so-called memories. It’s a category all its own, albeit a subject that is not usually considered mainstream. A special layout inspiration that you have been searching for all along, but something you never thought will be presented via a blog - and in a good, and motivational way.

I am just glad it happened.

Image by: The Good Grief Blog

The birth of The Good Grief Blog is a kind of blog where the journey into one’s healing becomes translated to art. The inspiration prompts are quite easy to relate to, as it talks about loss in a general way. Anybody who has experienced ”loss” of any kind are encouraged to submit their layouts and the entirety of their jounaling. An excercise that is a good channel to begin the healing process.

Incidentally, The Good Grief Blog also have a message board. Feel free to join here.

Post from: Blisstree

The Good Grief Blog

New Scrapbook Releases: Christmas Line

Christine Gooding — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:00:59 +0000

October is almost over and November is just around the corner. Surely, December wouldn’t be that far away!

Some of us are already done with our halloween preparations, and it’s time to move on to Thanksgiving and Christmas days. We are now in that time of the year when preparing all the holiday stuff becomes the fun part. Cooking food to giveaway to family and friends, (hmm, a bundt cake with cherries on top, or a fruitcake again?), house decorating, shopping for presents, wrapping them myself, too. The latter is just the best, for I love a good back-breaking challenge once in a while. And when this time of the year slowly creeps in, I also begin to conceptualize cute Christmas photos and poses! And you bet, I watch the new scrapbook releases like a hawk.

Here are two newbies in the market that caught my attention. They have some really cute patterned paper designs and embellishments ready for the market:

Image by: Nikki Sivils

: Image by: Raspberry

To view the full Christmas line of both manufacturers, click for the Nikki Sivils site here, and for Raspberry’s site here.

Post from: Blisstree

New Scrapbook Releases: Christmas Line