New Space - New Year - New Challenges

New Space

It's hard to believe that 2015 is here already. Seems like Christmas flew by.
If you follow The Little Blue House you may know that last year for me was all about selling our house (downsizing), buying a new house and getting settled in.  My craft room was one of the first that had to be packed and purged to make the house more "sellable". So that left me little time and space to create for the shear pleasure of creating other than a few projects for the Blue House. 

Everyone was so supportive during this process...I can't thank them enough.

But NOW...

Here's my NeW SpAcE!!

It's not completely done - Need some serious stuff on the wall over my desk but its a start.

I am going to try and change out the items on the shelves to match the season. 

The stained glass window in the picture is from the house where Dan's grandmother was born. 

The wire baskets were our dressers in the old house - this house has built in dressers in the master closet so I was able to use these for my craft space. The large drawers are 22" wide and then a 10" - Container Store has a 54" desk top that mounts perfectly on top. 108" of working space - YAY!!

  Here are some more pictures.

BIG BLANK WALLS NEED HELP!!

                   

This built in shelf was in closet - I added shelves to both ends of closet -so much stuff

I love the door to the outside lanai - it allows so much light in

New Year

Now that my space is ready to go I wanted to CHOOSE to do some creating just for me. I'll explain the all caps in just a second.  I wanted to make the Tim Holtz monthly tags. I wanted a way to display them so I decided to create my "All About Me Tree". Took an inexpensive vase and wrapped it in twine, found some branches and there you have it a great place to display the tags. 

New Challenges

This year I chose  "CHOOSE" as my One Little Word to focus my year around.  I was not completely familiar with Ali Edwards approach to this but decided to give it a try. My word "CHOOSE" - why? - Last year was about things that had to get done and this year I wanted to choose more of what I wanted to do.  Choose a healthy lifestyle (see the miniature fork on tag), Choose to create, Choose to have God more a part of my life, Choose to leave negativity behind. As you can see from my tag,"Choose" appears in the bottom left corner. 

Here are my January pages - I highly recommend you check out Ali's blog for more info

 

 

Coincidentally The Little Blue House hosedt an Illustrated Faith Journaling workshop. 

Shanna Noel was amazing and Faith Journaling tied in so well to
my "CHOOSINGS" for 2015. 

Here is the page I made at the workshop. Please check out The Little Blue House if you are interested in more information on Faith Journaling.

By the way there are stickles on the clear hearts and I used Wink of Stellas on my One Little Word journal pages.  Always have to stay true to my Glittery Side. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I would love to see comments if you are trying some new Challenges this year.
Elaine

Front Porch Kit - Game On

Here is an additional project I created for the new release Front Porch Kit - Game On.  It is a minibook that I created using the mini clipboard that is part of the kit. 

To create the bookcover I used the large playing card enclosed in the kit  The red was a little too bright for the look I wanted to have, so I lightly sanded it, used my scissors to distress the edges and then inked with a little Fired Brick Distress Ink. The scallop border is the black and white checkerboard paper that has been border punched. The "W" and the "H" are from the alphabet sticker sheet that is part of the kit and the "Well Played" title is from the edge of one of the pattern papers. You will also get an entire bag of Scrabble tiles in the kit. The flower is 7 scallop circles that I punched from the crossword puzzle paper that is in the kit. I sprayed them with water, smooshed them, unfolded them and then placed a brad in the center.  You then pull the circles up to the center and let dry.  Once they are dry- Ink the edges with Fired Brick Distress Ink.

Here is the interior of the book.  The kit has so many cute embellishments that are perfect for layouts and books.

So many great projects were created using the kit. 

Stop by the Little Blue House to see them.

Order your kit and see the project gallery at TheLittleBlueHouseOnline.

Have fun creating..

Elaine

GAME ON Front Porch Kit is Here!!

 

I had such a great time creating from this kit. Here is a photo of the design board so you can see all the great products for you to design with. My favorites are the clip board, journal cards and pattern paper and I loved the flexibility of the Scrabble tiles.

 

As you can see there is so much in this jam packed box - not only will you be able to do the great BluePrint Projects but you can also use the products for your own creations.

Don't have a CLUE what to do  -

Make sure you check out the gallery and see the projects created by the design team.

When you purchase your kit you will also receive a BluePrint Guide. This Guide will include step-by-step instructions on how to create some unique projects from your kit.

Stop by the LBH to see the Design Board, BluePrint Projects, and a multitude of Inspiration Projects on August 13th...They will all on display for your enjoyment. You can pre-order a Front Porch Kit at the LBH or online at www.thelittlebluehouseonline.com

Here is the double layout I created.  My son Jonathan and his girlfriend Tesa are headed to Las Vegas to meet friends from college. 

 Talk about luck...I even told them what orientation I needed the pictures to be!!

The flower is created from the pack of cards that is included in the kit.  The petals are the back of the card and the center is from one of the face cards - I really liked the vibrant colors of the face card.

Here is a close up

Check out the other designers blogs and make sure you leave a comment so you will have a chance to yell "BINGO!!! - I won a Front Porch Kit".

Get Ready to Play!!!

Elaine

 

Front Porch Kit - Game On- Reveal #2

You don't want to be SORRY you missed the new Front Porch Kit from the Little Blue House.  This kit is appropriately called Game On - There is no AGGRaVaTION with our kits - no contracts - if you love it you just place your order - Ordering starts August 13th.  Opening the box is like arriving in CANDYLAND - it is filled with wonderful papers, cardstock and great ribbon and embellishments.  We will also have a beautiful gallery filled with inspiration for you to create.  And most importantly don't forget about the Blueprint projects - Detailed instructions for you to work with. 

Now for a few more sneak peeks..

Make sure you check out the other designers blogs and leave a comment on one of them for your chance to win a Front Porch Kit.

Stop by tomorrow for some more peeks.

Elaine



It's time to PLAY!! - "Game On" Front Porch Kit Sneak Peek #1

The "Game ON" Front Porch Kit is finally here.  It is filled with fun papers, embellishments and a surprise or two.  I created layouts, a minibook and a cute frame that I think you will enjoy recreating.  Sorry I can't show you the full reveal but here is SNEAK #1.

 

 

Check in to see the other designers blogs...They will be posting sneaks of their "Game On" projects. Trust me I didn't have a MONOPOLY on creating with this kit.  It will definitely be worth the RISK. OK I will stop...

Sneak Photo #1

Would YOU like to WIN a FREE "Game On" Kit?!?!

Simply become a follower of the LBH blog and post your comments on any of our Sneak Peek posts. All commenters will be placed in a drawing to WIN! We will announce the WINNER on Tuesday 8/13!

Stay tuned for more peeks...

Elaine

Say Cheese Front Porch Friday

 

Say Cheese ...and How Did She Get That Color??!!

I had such a great time creating from this kit. Here is a photo of the design board so you can see all the great products for you to design with. My favorites are the grunge camera, word balloon and pattern paper and I loved how the letter thickers looked smashed into the SnowTex.

Ohhh and the FABRICS!!

For the post today I thought I would share a funny story about the camera on the front of

"A Day in the Life of Me" minibook.

I am not sure what the issue is with me and FPK's and multiple layers of product...

My original inspiration was this flower from theTim Holtz blog

I thought it would be really cool to have a funky camera.  I started off with paint dabbers of various colors.  It just seemed too bright - so I added some Vintage Photo Disress ink - now it just looked dirty.  Decided to change course - I painted over the camera with some Expresso Metallic paint - too flat.  Next sanded that hoping for a varigated look - that didn't look right so I added some Distress ink .Still not the look I wanted.  Nope - hated it. I thought maybe I should just start over - but I didn't have the die at home and my project was due the next day.

Hmmm....

Clean it all off - Ok lets try Windex.  Yep grabbed a towel and scrubbed away. There was some paint that stayed on which was fine. Boy Grunge Board can really take a beating.  I finally decided on Verday paint.  If you are not familar this a product from Ten Second Studios.  You apply the paint and then spray with an activator that starts the patina process.  Check the Little Blue House website for classes on how to use this product. Sanded it an then used some Vintage Photo and Black Soot Distress ink.

I finally like it!!!

So the next time you see a project and wonder how they got that color....

you can smile knowing there might be more to the story!!

I hope you enjoyed my paint story. There a few Front Porch Kits available.  Check out the online gallery for some creative inspiration.
To purchase call the Little Blue House at 817-431-7930 or shop online
Also check out the other designers blogs.
Here is a list

Kristy Fey

 Valerie Bishop

Susan Tidwell

Robyn Schaub

Tracy Pounds
Leslie Ashe
Lynette Chiles
Rhonda Merry
I hope you have a Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Have fun when you are creating - remember what appears initially to be a disaster could turn out to be creative genius in the long run!!
Elaine

 

 

 

Front Porch Kit - Say Cheese!! BIG REVEAL

After so many sneaks you finally get to see the entire Front Porch Kit. You will be smiling from ear to ear once you see the contents of this great kit and the amazing designs created by the design team.

Here's the design board that shows all of the contents -

The picture does not do it justice.  The papers are bright and colorful and if you like the Simple Stories concept you will be oh so happy.  There is a great page of word balloons that makes creating layouts and minibooks a breeze.

Today I will show you the projects I created and tomorrow I will give you a little more detail and insight into each creation.

First is my layout "Life is Good" featuring the black and white alpha stickers.  They worked great on my layout about our recent trip to Stowe, Vermont. 

Yes, there are  pictures of that great lobster grilled cheese sandwich and Godiva Liquor hot chocolate.

Next is a recipe book I created using the pocket folders.  The cover features some of the fabrics from the kit and the interior is the bright polka dots. The recipe cards were downloaded from a free sight.  I loved that the colors coordinated with the kit papers.

And finally my favorite project is a minibook entitled

"A Day in the Life of Me"

I had such a great time creating this project and there was even a non planned page about coffee and cookies.  You'll have to check in later to hear about that  It seems when it comes to the Front Porch Kit I have a story about the design process.  Let me just say this for today - Grunge board can really take a beating, scrubbing, painting, removing and repeating and still hold up incredibly well.  The papers and embellishments were perfect for this ecclectic type of minibook.  I hope it inspires you to create a book about what you enjoy doing each day.  I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love so much and also to have family and friends who make each day in my life a blessing.

To purchase you can call or come by The Little Blue House

817-431-7930

118 West Olive

Keller, Texas 76248

Online at TheLittleBlueHouseOnline

Check out the gallery for the BluePrint projects and the other inspiration projects

Make sure you visit the Little Blue House blog and leave a comment.

Happy Crafting

Elaine

 



 

Front Porch Kit

Say Cheese! Sneak Peak #2

Here are a few more pctures of the kit. 

The first one shows some of the kit contents.

And this one shows a snippet of another one of my projects.

The kit is great for creating layouts, cards and home decor projects.  The palette is playful and the possibilities are endless.

Kits can be pre-ordered now and they go on sale March 5th

Call 817-431-7930

Online at TheLittleBlueHouseOnline

Make sure you visit the Little Blue House blog and leave a comment.

You might be the lucky winner of a kit.
Check back tomorrow for some more sneaks

Happy Crafting

Elaine

 

Front Porch Kit - Say Cheese!! Sneak Peaks

 

Sneak Peak #1 Before the BIG Reveal

It's hard to believe the big release is just around the corner. This will be my first sneak before the "Say Cheese!" Front Porch Kit is revealed Tuesday. You will be thrilled to see all the beautiful papers, ribbons and fibers, fabrics, buttons, and fun new surfaces to create and play with.    

The design team has created so many amazing projects to inspire you.  We revealed our projects to each other this morning and we all said we needed to buy another kit so we could make each other's projects.

This photo shows a portion of one of my projects.

You will have so many great items to create layouts, cards, and home decor projects.

One hint if you love word balloons you will be in heaven.

OK ....another hint...grunge paper is truly indestructable..check back for a funny story on how many layers of paint I put on and prompyly removed.

Don't  Miss Out ... It's available March 5th

To purchase

In person at The Little Blue House 817-431-7930

Online - The Little Blue House Online

Make sure to leave a comment on the LBH blog for your chance to win.

 Happy Creating
Elaine

The Little Blue House Twelve Days of Ornaments: Day 6

Welcome back - We are half way through the twelve days. I hope you have been creating along with us. This ornament will look great on your tree or you could also use as a tag on a gift. The ornament is a ticket with a clear window with a beautiful reindeer and tree.

Here are the supplies you will need.

1 sheet of chipboard
Printed paper for back of ticket
6"x 6" double sided printed papr for tree
Several shades of green cardstock and dark brown cardstock
2 small jingle bells
4 5/8" x 3 1/8" piece of acrylic
Script Stamp
Gold Halo Glitter
White and Bleached Sand acrylic pint
Glossy Accents
Diamond and Rock Candy Stickles
Cristal Craft Twinkle Glaze
Pinecone and Twig Distress Ink and blending tool
6" piece of ribbon for hanger
36" piece of gold thread & 2" piece of gold trim
Mini 8 Craft Punch
Tim Holtz Reindeer Flight Die and Pinecone Die
Embossing Folder & Cuttlebug
Pop Dots
Bronze & Brass Distress Stain

First cut a 3 1/2"ticket from chipboard - I used Fabulous Finds Cricut cartridge. Also cut a 1 1/4" star. You will also need to cut printed paper for the back of the ticket. Die cut reindeer from chip board.

Paint star, reindeer and ticket with Bleached Sand Paint.

After paint is dry apply metallic stains. Gold to the Star and ticket and Bronze to the reindeer.

Apply Glossy accents to the star and coat with glitter. Put a light coat of paint on the stamp and stamp on the reindeer. Let Dry.

Using the Mini 8 Punch from WR Memory Keepers punch the 6x6 paper into a circle. You can also use any 6" decorative circle. Ink the paper on both sides - I used Peeled Paint and Pine Needle. Also ink over the stamp on the reindeer and the edges of the ticket. You can see how the ink transforms the paper.

Cut the circle in half. The first fold is abot a third of the way up the straight edge.

Now fold that piece back to straight edge to form a cone shape.

Fold the large piece back so straight edges match up and you have a tree shape.

Paint the Cristal Twinkle Glaze onto the front of the tree.

Add the glitter star to the top of the tree. Apply trim to the reindeer neck. Make bow from gold thread. Thread jingle bells onto piece of thread and tie around center of bow.

Die cut 2 pinecones and 5 pieces of greenery from die. Also cut out 3 holly leaves. You can use a die , Cricut or free hand these. Ink Greenery with Pine Needle ink and a little Twig ink. Form pinecones. If you have not used this die there is a video on the Tim Holtz blog or YouTube that tells you how to make them. Apply a little white paint to the edges to look like snow.

Emboss the acrylic and attach to the back of the chip board ticket. Place the printed paper ticket over the top of the acrylic. Apply Diamond stickes to the embossed area.

Glue the ribbon hanger to the top center of ticket.
Attach reindeer with pop dot. Glue tree in place. Glue greenery and pinecones in place

Here is another picture of the finished tag.

I hope you enjoyed making this ornament. Make sure to leave a comment because we are going to be giving one away. Question of the day- are you a neat crafter or a messy crafter? Here is what my counter looked like as I was making this ornament - you can tell how I would answer the question.

Stop by the Little Blue House and see all the pretty ornamentson on the tree.

You can purchase most of the supplies from the LBH.

I will be headed to Arkansas for Thanksgiving week so I want to wish you all

Happy Thanksgiving

Keep Creating

Elaine