Chalk It Up!

I am excited to announce the arrival of the Paper Crafters Sampler February issue. This month features projects that are centered around one of  my favorite subjects... the chalkboard!

The PCS design team has put together some AMAZING projects for you this month. Inside you'll find some oh-so-clever ideas for using faux chalkboard with your artwork.  To coincide with this month's theme, your exclusive template of the month is a Chalkboard Washboard. 

Here is a sneak peek of what is in store...

Stop by the Paper Crafters Sampler today and get your own copy!

www.papercrafterssampler.blogspot.com

 

What Matters

I saw this quote today and it instantly inspired me. I've been working at my "swirly swoopy thingys" for a while, they're still off... but I'm keepin' at it!

From the Sketchbook

I didn't get any Stampin' Up! time over the weekend, but I did get a little chance to doodle in the sketchbook AND I even figured out how to use my scanner. Win! 

Happy Birthday ~ From the Herd

I always feel like we live on the Funny Farm. Between kids, the husband, chickens, donkeys and horses (plus the usual dogs and cats), I feel like I manage a zoo. When I saw this stamp set, I HAD to get my hands on it. How perfect is it for this crazy family?

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White, Calypso Coral

DSP ~ Stacked with Love

Ink ~ Black StazOn, White Stazon, Craft White, Calypso Coral, Cajun Craze, Baked Brown Sugar, Tangerine Tango, Smoky Slate, Hello Honey, Marina Mist

Stamp Set ~ From the Herd

Embellishments ~ Chevron Ribbon (Calypso Coral), Gold Sequin Trim

Just for You

I am totally luvin' this new chalkboard paper. At first, I wondered why it would be better than good ole' basic black with the chalkboard technique, but BOY is it better! The texture is amazing. Hey, it's kinda like a chalkboard...

This stamp set caught my eye instantly. Another chalkboard-inspired design. I just can't get enough of it! The paper {Confetti Celebration} is beyond fabulous and screams party, so I had to play around smash em' together.

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Bermuda Bay, Hello Honey, Melon Mambo

DSP ~ Confetti Celebration

Ink ~ StazOn White, Craft White, Melon Mambo

Stamp Sets ~ Birthday Bash

Accessories/Tools ~ chalkboard paper, paper snips, paper trimmer, rounded corner punch, dimensionals, liquid adhesive, sponge, banner punch

Embellishments ~ rhinestones, 1/2" seam binding ribbon in pear pizzazz

Do More of What Makes You Happy

I fell in love with this quote the moment I set eyes on it and I was beyond thrilled when Stampin' Up! came out with it. It totally fits me. In fact, now I use it as an excuse to my hubby when I want to slip away to my woman cave. Happy wife, happy life right?

I am also in LOVE with the new {Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack} from the 2015 Occasions catalog. The colors are so rich and gorgeous! Since my real job is Chalkboard design, I decided to combine two of my favorite things in one card.

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Basic Black

DSP ~ Stacked with Love DSP Stack

Specialty ~ Chalkboard Paper

Stamp Sets ~ Hello Life

Ink ~ Black StazOn, White StazOn

Tools/Accessories ~ Project Life Corner Punch, Banner Punch, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Adhesive, Glue Dots, Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen

Embellishments ~ 1/8" Mini Brads, Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, 1/8" Silver Ribbon

Chalkboard Christmas

I love chalkboard art, so I decided to incorporate it into my Christmas cards and gift tags this year!

Gift tags!!!

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration ~ Teacher Appreciation

I can't believe that this school year is almost over. Where has the time gone? My little ones are growing up way too fast! This fall I will have a Kindergartner and a 3rd Grader. What? 

As this year comes to an end, we wanted to celebrate our wonderful teachers. What comes to my mind when I think Teacher? Apples. I didn't want to wrap up just any apple, so I wrapped up a caramel apple. Perfect! Stampin' Up! What else do I think of? Chalkboards! So, I combined the two. This was a simple, quick project that I think their teachers will love.

Stop by Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration to check out some other wonderful Teacher Appreciation gifts!

*Chalkboard Technique

Using a sponge and Stampin' Up! Craft White ink, very lightly sponge the background in swirling motions till you're desired look is achieved. So simple!

Supplies

Cardstock ~ Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink ~ Craft White, White StazOn, Black StazOn, Cherry Cobbler

Stamp Sets ~ Chalk Talk

Tools ~ Chalk Talk Framelits, Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Sponges, Gusseted Cellophane Bag

Embellishments ~ Cherry Cobbler Chevron Ribbon, Doilies 

Oh Baby!

I have been wanting to make one of these for quite some time. I love doing the chalkboard technique and this is a super cute way to incorporate it. I think it would also be adorable for a teacher's card. But, since I don't have any baby cards in my stash I thought I should do this instead. 

The cardstock by itself is too thin to let the easel stand on its own, so I backed it with Vanilla Coaster Board.

Supplies:

Cardstock ~ Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Basic Black

DSP ~ Sweet Sorbet

Stamp Sets ~ You Are My Sunshine (retired), Itty Bitty Banners, Hardwood, Banner Blast

Ink ~ White StazOn, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party

Tools ~ Itty Bitty Banner Framelits, Boho Blossom punch, Banner punch, Vanilla Coaster Board, Dimensionals, paper trimmer, adhesives

Embellishments ~ Sweet Sorbet Accessories Pack, Mini Brads, Pearls Basic Jewels

Itty Bitty Banners Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$11.95

Boho Blossoms Punch

$16.95

Vanilla Coaster Board

$5.95

Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack

$0.00

Banner Blast Wood-Mount Stamp Set

$0.00

Banner Punch

$0.00

Silver Mini Brads

$5.50

Basic Pearls Jewel Accents

$4.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Hearts a Flutter

I'm seriously in love with this stamp set. I got it a while ago and just now had time to play with it. You'll find it in the Spring catalog on page 11. You can get it in a bundle with the matching Framelits Dies. GENIUS! I also used the new Chalkboard effect I've been seeing all over Pinterest. SO SIMPLE! A little white ink and a sponge dauber. Seriously easy. I used a white colored pencil to outline the edges, just to add a little more depth. I hate a flat card!