American Crafts Studio Blog

Summer Cards

Expert card maker Susan Weinroth shares a delightful pair of summer cards with you today:

Supplies: Large Diamond Brads (85549) - Elements, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair, Refreshing (42199) - Remarks, Paradise (42198) - Remarks, 4" x 6" Cards (64010) - JustWrite, Empanada Paper (35429) - Margarita, Cozumel Paper (35420) - Margarita, Merengue Paper (35438) - Margarita, Salsa Paper (35421) - Margarita

Susan says, "American Crafts' new Margarita line is absolutely PERFECT for summer-themed projects. I had so much fun playing with the vibrant, bright colors and patterns in this collection to create these two cards."

Guest Designer of the Week: Ronda Palazzari

Today we're excited to feature the summery creations of Ronda Palazzari!

We love the fun mix of products from different AC lines and collections she used to create a bunch of layouts, cards, and an awesome mini!

Supplies: Cedar River Trail Paper (35359) – Campy Trails, Glow Paper (35408) – Hello Sunshine, Sparkle Paper (35410) – Hello Sunshine, 1 1/2" Rose Butter (58231) – Ribbon, Gee Golly Phrases & Journaling (42192) – Remarks, Peachy Keen Corduroy Brads (85538) – Elements, Hello Sunshine Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits, Long Variety Tags (85553) – Bits, Margarita Journaling Cards (64010) – Just Write, Campy Trails Medium Brads (85537) – Elements, Ash (71078) - Cardstock

"When I saw the 'lovely snapshots' sticker, I knew that I wanted to do a layout about a trip to Mykonos, Greece. I had so many photos to fit on a page, I decided to shrink them down to 1.5 x 1 inch. I used the light grey for my background so the photos would pop. Using the pictures as inspiration, I started pulling accent pieces to coordinate with them. The black stitches ground everything and pull the layout together. I admit after 19 French knots my fingers were a bit sore!"

Supplies: Kraft (71464) – Cardstock, Neopolitan Nellie Paper (35327) – Confetti, Lucy Lemon Twist Paper (35331) – Confetti, Gee Golly Phrases & Journaling (42192) – Remarks

"I think we all could use some generic cards in our stash! I love this little phrase so much I built a card around it. The Neopolitan Paper was just so cute I had to have it for my background. I inked the edges and placed it on the neutral background the stitched around the edges. I made paper rosettes using the Lucy Lemon Twist paper. I placed the sticker sheet on the backside of the Neopolitan Paper to make it stand out a bit more. Easy peasy!"

Supplies: Wolf Creek Paper (35362) – Campy Trails, Twin Lakes Paper (35360) – Campy Trails, Sweetwater Cabin Paper (35367) – Campy Trails, Cedar River Trail Paper (35359) – Campy Trails, Dawn (58620) – Ribbon, Sun-Kissed (43391) Mini Marks, Honey Fellow (53174) – Thickers, White (71081) – Cardstock

"I love the woodsy yet calming feel of the Happy Trails line. It was just perfect for my photos of Ruby Beach in Washington State. I started with some light spray ink on the background. While waiting for it to dry, I accidentally spilled some old paint water on the top right corner of the white cardstock. After quickly wiping it up, I decided I actually liked what it added to the page so I took a paint brush and added in a few more spots. Simple strips on the left side add in that pop of color along with the flowers cut out from the Sweetwater Cabin paper. I used the dots from the Fellow Thickers for the center of the flowers. Lastly, I trimmed down the white cardstock at an angle and added the Twin Lakes paper to the background."

Supplies: Horchata Paper (35432) – Margarita, Tamale Paper (35434) – Margarita, Samba Paper (35442) – Margarita, Sangria Paper (35441) – Margarita, Margarita Decorative Tags (85553) – Bits, Journaling Cards (64010) – JustWrite, Hello Sunshine Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits, Honey Fellow (53174) – Thickers, White Macaw (53186) - Thickers, Smores (89396) – Ribbon

"There are so many good things to love about summertime, from sweet treats to fun sun filled vacations. Using mostly the Margarita line I filled this mini album with those things I love best about summer. On one side I used a photo to cover the whole page. On the opposite page I used patterned paper, tags, rub ons, and Thickers to accent each photo and tell of my loves."

Supplies: Coffee (71049) – Cardstock, Neopolitan Nellie Paper (35327) – Confetti, Lucy Lemon Twist Paper (35331) – Confetti, Dreamy Paper (35385) – Peachy Keen, Cheer Accents (53157) - Thickers

"I am always in need of birthday cards, especially gender neutral ones. Those puffy cupcake Thickers are too cute not to use! The border trims on the patterned papers are such an awesome little extra bit of usable paper and perfect for the sentiment of this card. I stacked some of the strips on top of each other and then added the dreamy paper as my background on the coffee cardstock. I stitched all around the patterned paper and added in that adorable cupcake."

Supplies: Good Golly (70068) – Flair, Nifty Paper (35386) – Peachy Keen, Glimmer Paper (35407) – Hello Sunshine, Heavens to Betsy Paper (35387) – Peachy Keen, Dreamy Paper (35385) – Peachy Keen, Gee Golly Phrases & Journaling (42192) – Remarks, Hello Sunshine Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits, White Macaw (53186) – Thickers, Fountain Sunset (53183) – Thickers, Baby Girl Buttons (85442) – Elements

"My husband and I have been living apart due to his job. He is a commercial airline pilot in another country. He was supposed to be able to come home every 2 – 3 months but do to some scheduling issues, we haven’t been able to see him for almost 6 months. I have found out just how much I love and miss him. I cannot wait to see him in August. The colors from the Gee Golly stickers were my inspiration for this layout. I pulled in some Peachy Keen papers to carry the colors throughout the layout. I kept looking at those numbers from the Macaw Thickers and thought they would really accent my story. Buttons and Flair completed this page"

We asked Ronda a few questions to get to know her better and here are her replies:

How did you get started scrapbooking? 
I fell in love with photos, copy (print), and layouts when I was on the newspaper staff in both middle and high school. After high school I did keep a scrapbook of sorts with articles and construction paper. In 1993 my daughter Lexi was born and shortly after that I really got into scrapbooking so I have been around since the time of triangles in the corner, sticker sneezes, and lots of circles on my pages. 

What would you say your scrapbooking “style” is?
I like to call my style “Uptown Antique Brie”— a little class, a little vintage, and a lot of good cheese! I love the new flashy stuff, but have an appreciation for vintage items. I love to push the envelope and use products in unconventional ways and I love using bold colors and combining colors in ways that surprise people. Most of my layouts — if not all — are cheesy; emotions and everyday moments are among my favorite subjects to scrap.

What is your favorite technique? 
Ohh I don’t know if I could name a favorite technique. I am a technique tart. I love bits of paints and mists on my pages. I like detail cutting out of large patterned papers. I like turning paper into something different. I am all about making the product work for me and seeing how far it can go. I love to discover new things and new techniques. I love to bring out “older” products and play around with them too. 

When do you find time to scrap? 
In the beginning, I would scrap maybe on the weekends once a month especially with friends. Then as my love grew for scrapbooking, so did the time I was willing to put towards it. A few stolen moments in the evening after the kids went to bed. Now it is a job for me, one I completely adore so you can find me scrapbooking most days of the week. And I still do crops about once a month with my friends.

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project? 
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 2.5 to 3 hours to sometimes days. It just depends on my mood and what I am working on (layout, card, altered item, mini album, canvas). I know that I am not the fastest scrapper but for me it is as much about the story telling as it is about the creative play time. 

What is your favorite thing about American Crafts?
The paper, no wait, the Flair, no wait, the Thickers, no wait, the ribbon, no wait the rub ons, no wait, the cardstock, no wait, the stickers, no wait... ok... let’s just say that I love the wide variety of products American Crafts produces in a variety of colors from sweet softs to really bold colors and patterns. AC stays true to who they are and you can find something fun and exciting in their product lines. 

Head on over to Ronda's blog to check out an unlimited supply of inspiration!

Boredum Buster Jar Tutorial

Today Jennifer Gallacher shows us how to take care of that dreaded phrase "Mooom, I'm booored!" with this fun (and tasty!) "Boredum Buster Jar." Check it out:

Supplies: San Juan Paper (35439) – Margarita, Calypso Paper (35433) – Margarita, Refreshing (42199) – Remarks, Pina Colada (72013) – Delights, Apricot (58573) - Ribbon; Other: Jar, mini candy bars

Jennifer explains, "I 'borrowed' this idea from my aunt who was telling me about a 'boredom jar' she created for kids one summer. Inside the jar she placed slips of paper with activities they could do to help break through the boredom. Some of them are fun activities and some of them are chores. To sweeten the deal a little bit, I’ve taped the slips of paper to the bottom of mini candy bars. They can pick one boredom buster a day. I think this will help to keep the 'I’m bored' comments at bay this summer! I’m so excited to see how it works out!"

Step 1: Cut the patterned paper into 1 ¼” strips.

Step 2: Attach one end of the strip to the bottom of the mini candy bar with a glue dot.  Step 3: Continue wrapping the paper strip around the candy bar and attach the other end with an additional glue dot.

Step 4: Print several activities on to white printer paper and cut them out.

Step 5: Tape paper strips to the bottom of each candy bar.

Step 6: Fill the jar with the candy bars.

Step 7: Decorate the jar with a sticker on the top.

Step 8: Wrap a strip of 3” wide patterned paper around the jar and attach with glue dots.

Step 9: Wrap orange ribbon around the jar and tie into a bow.

Step 10: Place a sticker on the jar.

All finished!

This activity is sure to be a hit this summer! Sit down with your kiddos and let them brainstorm a few activities they'd like to try out and even let them wrap the candies and type the "to-do's". Have a great summer filled with fun!

Another guest designer is featured tomorrow - see you then!

Summer Giveaway!

What better summertime product to give away than the new Margarita line?

To win the entire Margarita collection, let us know in a comment on this post by Friday morning July 1st 2011, what are your plans for the 4th of July? I'll randomly select one winner and announce them with the Friday post! Good luck!

Summer Week!

School is out. The sun is shining. Temperatures are rising. All sure signs of summer! This week the AC team will help you kick of this season with inspirational layouts, cards, and projects, starting with these creations by Poki Nobeno and Suzy Plantamura:

Supplies: Cozumel Paper (35420) - Margarita, Empanada Paper (35429) - Margarita, Acapulco Paper (35431) - Margarita, Tango Paper (35422) - Margarita, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair, Getaway (78050) - Details, Paradise (42197) - Remarks, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Patterned Buttons (85530) - Elements, Large Diamond Brads (85549) - Elements, Maria (59146) - Clear Stamps, Macaw White (53186) - Thickers, Emerald (59506) - Pigment Ink, Caramel (58510) - Ribbon, Stream (61733) - Mixtape, 12x12 Cardstock White (71081) - AC Cardstock

Poki asks, "Can you guess what is my favorite summer-like combination of colours? Blue and yellow! I like this colour combination very much. I designed colourful work by matching vivid colours on the white cardstock. I sprayed different colors of mist on the background and punched holes through to show the orange polka dot paper underneath. I punched a rainbow of butterflies from solid papers and sewed them vertically down the side of the page. I have now captured a fun summer memory by scrapping this layout of my son smiling at the beach."

Supplies: Guacamole Paper (35437) – Margarita, Tamale Paper (35434) – Margarita, Long Variety Tags (85553) – Bits, Flower Brads (85550) – Elements, Summertime (42198) – Remarks, Lively (89288) – Ribbon, 12x12 Cardstock White (71081) - AC Cardstock

"I expressed a feeling of 'I love summer' by making this card. I like this sticker because of the sparkle of the sequins."

Supplies: 12x12 Fountain Cardstock (75150) - AC Cardstock, Flamenco Paper (35419) - Margarita, Cha-Cha Paper (35428) - Margarita, Acapulco Paper (35431) - Margarita, Tamale Paper (35434), Mariachi Paper (35440) - Margarita, Samba Paper (35442) - Margarita, Mambo Paper (35424) - Margarita, Paradise (42197) - Remarks, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Long Decorative Tags (85553) - Bits, Flower Brads (85550) - Elements, Summertime (42198) - Remarks, Postcard (59145) - Clear Stamps, Aqua Zing (27143) - Embossing Powder

Suzy says, "I love that American Crafts patterned papers have the strips at the bottom now. I often use them with cardstock instead of using the actual papers. They are so colorful and the designs are just the right size to complement each other. I used several strips overlapping below the photos to 'ground' them (like an easel!). The butterfly paper has lots of glittery butterflies on it, so I cut some out and layered them for a dimensional look. I also embossed some additional butterflies the color of the background to keep them subtle. Last, I used the end of a Sharpie marker, dipped it in clear ink and embossed with different colors of embossing powder for dots around the page.  I realized after I made this layout that I forgot to put a title on it – how could I forget such a thing? But then I realized I liked it this way – it keeps it more simple. So the title is TRAVEL from the little tag (small, but useful!)."

Supplies: 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, Pina Colada (72013) - Delights, Iguana Azure (53192) - Thickers, Journaling Cards (64010) - JustWrite, Sunflower 1 Ribbon (58232) - Ribbon

"The JustWrite Journaling Cards are one of my favorite AC products. They fit perfectly on the front of a card and make it so simple to pull it together. I added some dimensional flowers to the top of it and the card was almost finished. Just a little ribbon along the bottom and a five minute card is born!"

Come back in a few hours for our weekly giveaway and then stop by in the morning for a fun tutorial that will get you and your kids up and off the couch!

Design Team Call 2011-2012

We’re thrilled to announce the call for the American Crafts 2011-2012 Design Team! We’re looking for talented and committed designers who love to create with AC products. To apply, please email stephanies@americancrafts.com with the following information:

1. A single paragraph telling us a little about yourself. When did you start scrapbooking? How would you define your style? What do you love about American Crafts products? Are you on any other design teams? Have you been published before? Be sure to include your name and hometown. Help us get a good sense of who you are and your paper crafting history. Please note that previous design team experience is not required.

2. A link to your online gallery and/or blog so that we may see samples of your various paper crafting projects. If you have a scrapbook resume we’d love to see that as well.

3. A scan or photo of 2 layouts, 1 card, and 1 other type of project that showcases your style. Please use at least 75% American Crafts products.

The deadline for all applications to be received is July 29th, 2011. The individuals chosen to join the team will be notified via email and the new team will be announced here on the blog in early August. New design team members will serve for 1 year beginning in September 2011 and will be required to submit 3 monthly assignments.

Further questions may be directed to stephanies@americancrafts.com. Good luck everyone! We’re excited to see your applications!

Flair Week Wrap Up!

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of all of our current packages of Flair, Laura who said:

Hope you all have some new and great ideas about what to do with Flair!

Wrapping up this week of fun with Flair is Maggie Holmes and Mahlin Wiggur! Check out their awesome layouts and cards:

Supplies: Parfait (71499) - Cardstock, Good Golly (70068) - Flair, Bow Tie (39398) - Ribbon, Corduroy Brads (85538) - Elements, Lovely Lady (78047) - Details, Twist (72008) - Delights, No Sweat Paper (35378) - Peachy Keen, Cool Cat Paper (35389) - Peachy Keen, Sunshine (72012) - Delights, 4" x 6" Cards (64010) - JustWrite, Large Diamond Brads (85549) - Elements, Decorative Tags (85553) - Bits, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair, Summertime (42197) - Remarks, Sangria Paper (35441) - Margarita, Flamenco Paper (35419) - Margarita, Mambo Paper (35424) - Margarita

Maggie says, "Flair is definitely a favorite product of mine! They are the perfect size for adding a little dimension and fun to a layout or card. I like that they are bigger than a brad but also not huge at the same time. I have had this idea to create a banner our of Flair for awhile and I love how it turned out! It was super easy and quick since the pieces are self adhesive. I simply placed my baker's twine on the page where I wanted the banner to be and then I used Flair to secure it in place. Then I added the large diamond brads on the ends of the banner and wrapped the twine around them before securing them so it looks like the banner is hanging from the brads! As you know, I always love to create a quick card with my scraps while I have everything out. Here I simply punched three circles and then layered a Delight on top of the largest circle. The message on the pinwheel didn't match the message of my card so I simply added a Flair embellishment to the middle and now it works perfectly!"

Supplies: Bliss Paper (35395) - Hello Sunshine, Cozumel Paper (35420) - Margarita, No Sweat Paper (35378) - Peachy Keen, Skyline Park Paper (35235) - City Park, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair, Good Golly (70068) – Flair, Duchess (89389) – Ribbon, Foreward (43389) - MiniMarks, Damsel (43387) - MiniMarks, Charming (82301) - Mementos, Plastic Rose Brads (85522) – Elements, Metal Rimmed Decorative Tags (85542) – Bits, Stream (61733) - Mixtape, Sunrise Black (53177) - Thickers, Fantastic Limeade (53109) - Thickers

Mahlin explains, "I worked with a lot of different layers and lines of paper for this layout. Even though Margarita, Hello Sunshine, and Peachy Keen might seem very different, the colors sill work amazingly well together. I sewed a grid pattern onto my layout to make the Flair badges and other embellishments stand out more. I added the photo onto a metal rimmed Bits tag."

Supplies: Blush (71014) - Cardstock, No Sweat Paper (35378) - Peachy Keen, Frolic Paper (35403) - Hello Sunshine, Flamenco Paper (35419) - Margarita, Happy Birthday to You (70065) - Flair, Bow Tie (89398) - Ribbon, Metal Rose Brads (85513) - Elements

"The large Flair badges are perfects as sentiments for cards. I cut out a circle in the middle of my card to fit the badge. Then I added some cut out butterflies, ribbon, and a metal rose brad. Perfect!"

Hope you've enjoyed seeing what you can do with Flair this week! You'll want to come back in a few hours for a BIG special announcement!

Bingo Game Flair Tutorial

In-House Scrapbooker Lindsey Hansen shows us how to create this fun Bingo game featuring Flair as the playing pieces:

Supplies: No Sweat Paper (35378) – Peachy Keen, Cool Cat Paper (35389) – Peachy Keen, Easy Peasy Paper (35382) – Peachy Keen, Audrey (42191) – Remarks, Sunset Fountain (53183) – Thickers, Good Golly (70068) – Flair, Other: Floss

Step 1: Cut the No Sweat paper to 9x10", the Easy Peasy paper to 8x8", and the Cool Cat paper to 7 ½ x 7 ½". Step 2: Round the corners of the Cool Cat paper and the top two corners of the No Sweat paper. Mat the Cool Cat paper to the Easy Peasy paper then mat that near the bottom of the No Sweat paper.

Step 3: Measure 1 ½" squares on the Cool Cat paper giving you a total of 25 squares. Poke holes all the way down where the white lines cross making it easy to keep a straight line.

Step 4: Straight stitch through the holes using gray floss.

Step 5: Use the Audrey Remarks stickers to make the numbers in each square leaving the middle one blank.

Step 6: Align each Thicker above each row spelling BINGO.

Step 7: Adhere one piece of Flair in the middle square to act as the free spot.

Step 8: Tear off the adhesive on the back of each flair to use as playing chips. Now you are all set to play!

Who wouldn't want to play BINGO for hours on end with such a cute foundation? Thanks for the tutorial Lindsey! Come back tomorrow for some final Flair projects, the giveaway winner, and a special BIG announcement in the afteroon (we've had a lot those lately huh?)!

Guest Designer of the Week: Melissa Mann

The guest designer of the week is Melissa Mann!  You're going to LOVE the things she did with Flair!

Supplies: Lagoon (71066) - Cardstock, White (71081) - Cardstock, Cozumel Paper (35420) - Margarita, Brilliance Paper (35415) - Hello Sunshine, Guacamole Paper (35437) - Margarita, 4" x 6" Cards (64010) - JustWrite, Salsa Paper (35421) - Margarita, Caramel Candle Paper (35337) - Confetti, Candles (87649) Ribbon, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Cabana (78051) - Details, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair, Iguana Melon (53193) - Thickers, Sunrise Limeade (53179) - Thickers

"This layout come together quickly using the Margarita line! The bright yellows, oranges, and blues worked perfectly with some photos I had taken at Pensacola Beach last year. I used two square pictures and one rectangular picture but still had plenty of room for the colorful Flair accents!"

Supplies: Ash (71078) - Cardstock, White (71081) - Cardstock, Suzie Strawberry Paper (35330) - Confetti, Holy Moly Paper (35391) - Peachy Keen, Brilliance Paper (35415) - Hello Sunshine, Happy Birthday to You (70065) - Flair, Candles (87649) - Ribbon, Fellow Fog (53175) - Thickers, Hooray (70064) - Flair, Large Corduroy Brads (85538) - Elements

"I used a variety of different horizontal lines on this layout from the patterned paper strips on the top and bottom, to the block of white cardstock in the middle, to the punched border lines and the other block of patterned paper across the middle. I also set my three pictures in a horizontal line as well as my title and journaling strips. I placed a couple of pieces of Flair and some matching brads and horizontal strips of adhesive yellow zig zag ribbon."

Supplies: Apricot (71031) Cardstock, Tango Paper (35422) - Margarita, 4" x 6" Cards (64010) - JustWrite, Iguana Melon (53193) - Thickers, Candles (87649) - Ribbon, Cabana (78051) - Details

"The JustWrite Margarita journaling cards were perfect for creating a greeting card! I folded the orange cardstock in half, placed a piece of patterned paper on top, then I added a Just Write card, and backed another Just Write card with a piece of Apricot cardstock and layered it on the first card. I used some Thickers and a felt Detail embellishment to complete it!"

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Cozumel Paper (35420) - Margarita, Caramel Candle Paper (35337) - Confetti, Brilliance Paper (35415) - Hello Sunshine, Mambo Paper (35424) - Margarita, Guacamole Paper (35437) - Margarita, Mariachi Paper (35440) - Margarita, Salsa Paper (35421) - Margarita, Tango Paper (35422) - Margarita, Decorative Tags (85552) -Bits, Sunrise Limeade (53179) - Thickers, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair

"I didn't want to overwhelm the simplicity of my photo that I took at the beach last summer so I decided to create a small grid of square blocks and then placed a circle on top of that. I stitched those down horizontally and vertically and then placed various embellishments in the middles of each of them: tags, Flair, and journaling strips. My title went on top of the grid block and my picture went right above the title."

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Rocky Road (71466) - Cardstock, Oak Point Paper (35364) - Campy Trails, Sweetwater Cabin Paper (35367) - Campy Trails, Good Morning (42194) - Remarks, Hunting (70066) - Flair, Forest Kale (53161) Thickers

"To make this card, I folded a piece of Rocky Road cardstock in half and then stitched down a piece of White cardstock on top. Another smaller block of patterned paper went on top of that and then I layered a piece of paper and a sticker as a tag for my title. The piece of Flair said “on the Up and Up” and that immediately made me think of somebody that has achieved an accomplishment. This card could be used for someone that has graduated or maybe someone that has moved up in a new job position."

Supplies: Rocky Point Paper (35365) - Campy Trails, Powder Point Camp Paper (35368) - Campy Trails, Double Devils Food Paper (35339) - Confetti, Tango Paper (35422) - Margarita, Guacamole Paper (35437) - Margarita, Hooray (70064) - Flair, Suzie Strawberry Paper (35330) - Confetti, White (71081) - Cardstock, Cabana (78051) - Details, Mambo Paper (35424) - Margarita, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair, Fishing (70067) - Flair, Shout (72009) - Delights, Mariachi Paper (35440) - Margarita, Candles (87649) - Ribbon, Cheer Accents (53157) - Thickers, Oak Point Paper (35364) - Campy Trails, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Large Corduroy Brads (85538) - Elements

"These little pinwheels are super easy to make and can be used for virtually any celebration! To create them, you will need a square piece of patterned paper that you cut into at each corner towards the middle. Use a strong glue to adhere down every other point to the middle of the pinwheel. Then you can add many different embellishments for the centers. I used Flair, Details, and Delights. Lastly, you will want to glue a stick of some sort on the back of the pinwheel. To decorate my glass bottles, I simply cut a strip of paper and punched a border on one edge. I wrapped that around the middle of the bottle and glued it down. I used a piece of adhesive yellow zig zag ribon around each one and then placed a small embellishment on the front. I cut out some narrow strips of paper and crushed them all together to create some 'confetti' that I placed in the bottom of each bottle – this provided some stability for the sticks that I placed in the bottle. You could use these as decorations for birthday parties, beach parties dinner table, or as a small DIY home décor project!"

Thanks for sharing your happy and fun summery projects featuring Flair Melissa! We asked her some questions to get to know her better and here are her responses:

How did you get started scrapbooking? 
I started scrapbooking in 2005. My husband and I had just moved back home to Florida from Maryland and I was looking through our wedding photos. Someone had given us a journal type book to include pictures and different things from our wedding planning. I started to glue in some pictures and the thought hit me that someone somewhere would probably have some wedding-themed stickers. From there, it's all history. I quickly discovered this HUGE hobby that included all the things I love: stickers, paper, stamps, etc.

What would you say your scrapbooking “style” is?
I never know how to answer this question. I love the simple styles and I love the detailed styles. I love the clean styles and the grungy styles. One thing that I always do include on my projects are pops of color and stitching from my sewing mchine.

What is your favorite technique? 
Definitely using my sewing machine. Stitching finds its way on usually each and every single one of my layouts and cards. It just gives it a finished look to me :-)

When do you find time to scrap? 
On my off days. My day job is as Team Lead for the Reservation Team at a condominium. We work four 10 hour days and that gives me three days off during the week. Usually at least one and a half of those days is spent scrapbooking!

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project? 
I would say that the average layout takes me about an hour to an hour and a half.

What is your favorite thing about American Crafts? 
The first would definitely be the quality of their product. It is always high quality and well made. Secondly would be the bright colors and themes of their lines! They have a line for everything! Thirdly, my favorite product would be the Thickers! I have piles of Thickers – I use them on almost every project!

Make sure to visit Melissa's blog to see all kinds of scrapbooking goodness!

Flair Badges and Cards

Here are a few more Flair projects made by me (Paige Evans) and Caroline Ikeji:

Supplies: Holly Hazelnut Paper (35323) - Confetti, Darbie Devil's Food Paper (35339) - Confetti, Ruby Raspberry Ripple Paper (35345) - Confetti, Buttercream Bobby Paper (35338) - Confetti, Long Decorative Tags (85533) - Bits, Happy Birthday To You (70065) - Flair, Party Favor (72007) - Delights, Smores (89396) - Ribbon, Hot Dog (89397) - Ribbon, Lively (89288) - Ribbon, 1/2” Pompoms - Leaf (58221), 3/8” Velvet with Scallops - Taffy (58362), 7/8” Woven Ricrac - Pool (58334), 1/2” Indie - Tegan 3 - Yellow Gathered Grosgrain (57615), 1” Indie - Cohen 6 - Brown Large Satin Picot (57636), 1 1/2” Satin Solid - Robin's Egg (58488), 3” Tulle- White (58594), 3/8” Blue Skies - Melon with White Dots (58153), 3/8” Gingham - Rocky Road (58505), 7/8” Grosgrain - Lipgloss (58303), 5/8” Grosgrain- Apricot (58292), 5/8” Indie - Halstead 2 - Green Felt Ricrac (57602), 3/4” Gathered Grosgrain - Aqua (58216), 3/8” Gingham - Lipgloss (58526), 3” Tulle - Bubblegum (58615), 3/8” Midtown - Brown with White Dots - Cream Back (57178) - Ribbon; Other: Scalloped circle punch, scalloped scissors, pinking sheers, scoring tool, hot glue, sewing needle, thread, pin or clip

To make these badges: Cut a piece of patterned paper to 2", trim one edge with decorative scissors, score every 1/4", accordion fold the stip, adhere the ends together, then press it flat and glue it onto a scrap piece of round paper. Punch a scalloped circle from coordinating paper and add a piece of large Flair on top. Accent the edge with a Delight sticker. Hot glue pieces of ribbon and Bits with notched ends behind the badge. Hand sew a straight stitch across the bottom edge of a 20" piece of tulle, pull the thread to gather it, press it flat, tie off the thread, and hot glue the badge to it. Slide a pin or clip through the back to make it wearable.

Little kids, and adults alike, will love sporting one of these handmade badges at their next birthday party or other celebration! You can also glue them to the tops of dowels as wands or stick them in a decorative vase for decor. What else can you think of to use these badges for?

Supplies: Salsa Paper (35421) - Margarita, Tamale Paper (35426) - Margarita, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Decorative Long Tags (85553) - Bits, Beach Bound (70070) - Flair, Pina Colada (72013) - Delights, Refreshing (42199) - Remarks

Supplies: Betty Bundt Paper (35324) - Confetti, Frankie Fudge Paper (35342) - Confetti, Cake (78042) - Details, Pin The Tail (42186) - Details, Hooray! (70064) - Flair, Party Favor (72007) - Delights

Caroline declares, "I love Flair! They are super fun and super cute and add a great touch to a layout or card! I love layering with them and that's what I did on these two cards. I layered the sentiment on the Details cupcake on the birthday card and I layered on top of a Delights flower and a Remarks sticker on the Wish You Were Here card."

Are you excited to see our Guest Designer tomorrow? You should be - her projects are amazing!