New paper pads arrived today . . .

6.5x6.5 paper pad from Kaisercraft -- THESE DAYS

6x6 paper pads from Echo Park
DOTS & STRIPES in FOUNTAIN and HOMEFRONT 

Dots and stripes are going to prove interesting. When I first saw these papers, I immediately wanted to paper weave with them. And they'll make interesting and fun flowers made from dies made by Spellbinders, Memory Box, Cheery Lynn and Marianne Designs.

Lucky for us that Els continues to busy herself with Shimmer Sheetz, Peel-Off's and Glitter for Elizabeth Craft Designs. Look at this . . .

by Judi Kauffman

Els comments that Judy's notebook making frenzy continues  . . .
"For this one, she double-embossed Shimmer Sheetz (Gemstones in Turquoise) using sides A and B of two Spellbinders Paper Arts M-Bossabilities folders (ES007 ad EL008). If you look closely you can see the details of the pairing and layering...It's a mix of large circle and shell motifs enhanced with small repeat patterns for added detail and dimension. Judi adhered two embossed pieces, set at an angle on a 5.5" x 8.5" piece of chipboard with rounded bottom corners (Be Creative Tape holds the pieces in place). Then she sanded the Shimmer Sheetz to bring out some of the silver core and create a burnished patina. She punched the covers and pages and added a teal binding coil. Last but not least, rows of Rhinestone Cluster stickers. The longest row of gems covers the seam where the two pieces of Shimmer Sheetz meet. (Judi is saving the Shimmer Sheetz scraps for other projects - nothing wasted)" -- Els

And then I've been ooh'ing and ahh'ing over this from Els . . . all these years we've been using peel-offs and thought you had to use those special markers to color them. Els tells me via FB . . .
"Debbie, you can use any permanent marker or ink to change the color of the Peel Offs!"


That tells me that if I have Shimmer Sheetz in colors I don't want to use, I can easily change them to the color(s) I want at the moment! Way cool!

"Making a colorful ''mess'' with alcohol inks on the Peel Off's and Shimmer Sheetz! Using the alcohol inks you can change the color of the Peel Off's and Shimmer Sheetz in any color you like." -- Els

I had to share this with you from Susan Holten with Tsukineko USA/Imagine Crafts . . . she posted this earlier today.

Her husband, Chuck, added it all started when he gave her a $25 gift certificate. I told him he was a very smart man! I'm sure we can ALL relate and have stories of our own.




From Graphic 45's blog (I'm loving these tags!) . . .

"We are so pleased that you are joining us for another day of tag inspiration here at Graphic 45! This is going to be such a fun day! Melanie Forbes and Nancy Wethington of our design team have created stunning tags with our brand new collections. We even have a fun video for you! If this week doesn't get you in the mood to create some tags then nothing will! Tags have so many uses! You can give them as gifts, use them as fancy bookmarks, use them as sweet home decor, adorn your mini albums with them, the possibilities are endless! So lets get the inspiration train running right now! Don't forget about this week's marvelous contest!  All you need to do is tag Graphic 45 (@Graphic45) on Facebook or Twitter. The more @Graphic 45 tags you do, the more chances you have to win a prize package valued at $60. And now it's tag time!

This first marvelous tag was created by Melanie Forbes. This tag features our new collection Olde Curiosity Shoppe and it's absolutely splendid! Melanie used recycled Graphic 45 Staples packaging to create the backing for this tag. This is a great technique that many of our design team members love to use when creating tags. Melanie also used the beautiful Graphic 45 Metal Hinge Staples to give this tag an authentic vintage look. Behold the beauty!"

Supplies:
Graphic 45
Olde Curiosity Shoppe – Mercurial Masterpiece, When pigs Fly, Apothecary, Olde Curiosity Shoppe
Staples – Metal hinges, Trim
Colourbox Decades Graphic 45 – Triumphant red, Antique Moss.
Colourbox Petal point Ocean Breeze – French Blue
3D Foam tape

"Next we have this awesome tag collection by Nancy Wethington. When you make a bunch of beautiful tags and then bind them together like this you technically have created a beautiful mini album! From tags to minis in a few easy steps! Nancy combined many Graphic 45 paper collections in this wonderful project. What really stands out is our gorgeous new Kraft Reflections collection that has been used on each tag. Check out the wonderful video that Nancy made. She takes you on an epic journey through the creation of this gorgeous craft creation! Check it out!"

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers:
Kraft Reflections: Feminine Heart; Tea for Two; Glimpse of Paris; Elusive Wings; Bed of Roses
Olde Curiosity Shoppe: When Pigs Fly; Butterfly Specifics
Tropical Travelogue: Tropical Travelogue; Rain Forest; Paradise Postage; Exotic Destinations; Chipboard Tags 1; Chipboard Tags 2
An ABC Primer: Alphabet Soup; Games and Playtime; Bedtime Stories
Le Cirque: Circus Parade; Le Cirque Borders; Le Cirque Tags; Dazzle and Delight; Wizards of Wonder
Domestic Goddess: Miss Manners; Farmers Market
Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Hinge Staples; Metal Button Staples; Flower Staples; Button Staples
Partner Products: Core'dinations cardstock; Fiskars edge punch; Fiskars Precision Scissors;
May Arts ribbon
Other supplies used:  Beacon 3-in-1 adhesive; miscellaneous blue crystals and brad; Pen-touch Gold Leaf pen

"We are so happy that you joined us for today's blog inspiration! We will be right back here tomorrow with more stunning tag creations! We will also be announcing our winner for this week's contest. It's going to be a great day and we hope you'll join us! Big thanks to Melanie Forbes and Nancy Wethington for their gorgeous work today. We hope you all have a magical Thursday!

Happy Papercrafting!"

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Oh my! After the priming, sanding and texturing, one more primer coat and they will start painting in a couple of days. We finished all of the color selections right down to the wire for ordering. The cabinets are almost finished and will be delivered to the house next Tuesday or Wednesday because they're taking up the entire space at the workshop.


Here's today's pics of my studio to-be . . .

as you walk into the studio
from inside the house

standing under the 3 small windows
shown in the first photo, looking
back to where I was standing  . . .
you enter from the right side, and the door
to the outside driveway is between the two windows;
on the right wall, there is a sink & cabinet and the
closet that will house yet-to-be identified stuff,
i.e., coats? supplies? paper? me?

from the same place, looking
at the
window line facing the street; we're thinking
that the desk and chair will go in the
corner or underneath the 3 windows.

below, this is the view from the street
to my studio

Tomorrow is here already . . . this is when I wish sleep wasn't so necessary!