American Crafts Studio Blog

Gardenia Projects by Heidi Sonboul

A big round of applause to the winner of the Gardenia line, chel:

Finishing up Gardena week is Heidi Sonboul with a layout and card:

Bubble Gum Mania by Heidi Sonboul

Supplies: Blossom Greenhouse Paper (35619) - Gardenia, Perennial Gardens Paper (35615) - Gardenia, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Sage (72026) - Delights, Camilla (42230) - Remarks Books, Powder (71064) - Cardstock, Grass (71053) - Cardstock, Peacock (71471) - Cardstock, White (71081) - Cardstock, Black .05 (62321) - Precision Pen, Bracket (63057) - KnockOuts

Thanks a Bunch Card by Heidi Sonboul

This collection is packed with bright colors and I knew I just had to make a card that was yellow and green. I added in a pop of orange and it made it look so summery.

Supplies: Sprout Greenhouse Paper (35614) - Gardenia, Greenery Atrium Paper (35618) - Gardenia, Large Assorted Decorative Tags (77264) - Bits, Juniper (42236) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Grass (71053) - Cardstock

Stay tuned for another week debuting another great line - Fresh Squeezed - starting on Monday!

Gardenia Cards by Piradee Talvanna

Piradee Talvanna made not one, not two, but THREE cute cards using the Gardenia line!

Hello There Card by Piradee Talvanna

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Sprout Greenhouse Paper (35614) - Gardenia, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Botanical Conservatory Paper (35620) - Gardenia, Annual Terrace Paper (35617) - Gardenia, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Sage Paper Flowers (72026) - Delights, Large Assorted Decorative Tags (77264) - Bits

Thanks a Bunch Card by Piradee Talvanna

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Sprout Greenhouse Paper (35614) - Gardenia, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Botanical Conservatory Paper (35620) - Gardenia, Annual Terrace Paper (35617) - Gardenia, Juniper Dimensional Stickers (42236) - Remarks

If Friends Were Flowers Card by Piradee Talvanna

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Annual Terrace Paper (35617) - Gardenia, Seedling Conservatory Paper (35616) - Gardenia, Juniper Dimensional Stickers (42236) - Remarks, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Sage Paper Flowers (72026) - Delights

Make sure to scroll down to Monday's post for a chance to win the entire Gardena line - winner to be annnounced tomorrow!

Gardenia Guest Designer: Mandy Starner

Sharing her fresh design style and lovely projects featuring the Gardenia line is the talented Mandy Starner!

 

Short bio: Hello there! My name is Mandy Starner, but most people call me Mandy Kay or just Mk. I live in a small-ish town in Maryland with my wonderful husband of almost 13 years, our 3 beautiful daughters, and 2 very yappy dogs. I work part-time at my daughters' elementary school and I am actively involved in the PTO. I love to spend my free time making pretty things with paper (although free time can be pretty hard to come by these days). It’s a good thing that I am a night owl because the wee hours of the morning are my most creative hours of the day. Scrapbooking and cardmaking have been quite and obsession of mine for about 9 years and I have been teaching on and off at my local scrapbook store for a couple years. I love to share my creations and ideas with others and I am so excited to have the chance to be a guest designer for American Crafts.

How did you get started scrapbooking? The Christmas before my daughter Reagan was born, my mother gifted me one of those 5,642 piece scrapbooking kits from a home shopping channel. It was very floral and a lovely shade of lavender. Haha. We all had to start somewhere, right? But I didn't really get into it until I discovered the massive online scrapbook community a few years later.

What is your favorite American Crafts product? Wow! There are so many to choose from! But if I had to choose just one American Crafts product that I could not live without it would be Thickers. They go with everything! My current favorite font is Maple. I may or may not have about 10 packs in that font...

Flower Basket by Mandy Starner

Armed with my stash of punches, my Silhouette, and the American Crafts Gardenia line, I was able to make a super cute decor item that would brighten anyone's day.

Supplies: Grass (71053) - Cardstock, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Sprout Greenhouse Paper (35614) - Gardenia, Annual Terrace Paper (35617) - Gardenia, Botanical Conservatory Paper (35620)  -Gardenia, Flower Atrium Paper (35622) - Gardenia, Ivy Terrace Paper (35623) - Gardenia, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Sage (72026) - Delights Paper Flowers

Here Comes the Spring by Mandy Starner

I wanted to showcase my photos so I kept my design simple and linear. The Gardenia Bits shapes and Remarks dimensional stickers were exactly what I needed to embellish my page.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Parfait (71499) - Cardstock, Flora Nursery Paper (35612) - Gardenia, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Sprout Greenhouse Paper (35614) - Gardenia, Perennial Gardens Paper (35615) - Gardenia, Seedling Conservatory Paper (35616) - Gardenia, Thyme (42231)  -Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Fennel (77264) - Bits Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements

Thanks! Card by Mandy Starner

Layer up those leftover embellishments and paper scraps when you are done scrapping to make a quick and easy card. American Crafts Remarks and Bits make it so very easy!

Supplies: Parfait (71499) - Cardstock, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Greenery Atrium Paper (35618) - Gardenia, Vine Nursery Paper (35621) - Gardenia, Sage (72026) - Delights Paper Flowers, Fennel (77264) - Bits Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Juniper (42236) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Thyme (42231) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Fern Grass (53276) - Thickers

My Budding Artist by Mandy Starner

I live by the "rule of threes" so I added most of my products and my photo up in the top, right, third of the page. Then to balance the white space, I added my title and a cluster of embellishments to the bottom left.

Supplies: Butter (71040) - Cardstock, Thyme (42231) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Juniper (42236)  -Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Sage (72026) - Delights Paper Flowers, Flora Nursery Paper (35612) - Gardenia, Perennial Gardens Paper (35615) - Gardenia, Seedling Conservatory Paper (35616) - Gardenia, Vine Nursery Paper (35621) - Gardenia, Blossom Greenhouse Paper (35619) - Gardenia, Fennel (77264) - Bits Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Camilla (42230) - Remarks Alphabet Sticker Book

Sunset by Mandy Starner

I honestly can't get enough of scallops and banners so I couldn't help but combine the two on this layout. The bright colors of the Gardenia line matched my sunset picture perfectly and the paper flowers gave my page just the right amount of dimension.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Perennial Gardens Paper (35615) - Gardenia, Seedling Conservatory Paper (35616) - Gardenia, Annual Terrace Paper (35617)  -Gardenia, Sprout Greenhouse Paper (35614) - Gardenia, Blossom Greenhouse Paper (35618) - Gardenia, Greenery Atrium Paper (35618) - Gardenia, Fennel (77264) - Bits Die cut Cardstock Shapes, Sage (72026) - Delights Paper Flowers

Can't get enough of Mandy's fresh style? Check out her blog, visit her pinterest, or follow her on Twitter!

In House Graphic Designer Position

Have you ever wanted to design scrapbooking products all day? Are you a graphic designer? If so, American Crafts has two open positions we want to tell to you about!

- We are looking for two qualified people to work full time as graphic designers at our office in Orem, Utah.  Unfortunately telecommuting is not possible at this time ... we want to see your beautiful face each morning!

- A graphic design background is a must -- we only want to see applicants with a degree in design or with significant design experience. You need to be a pro at Adobe CS5 or higher. We're particularly interested in those who have strong illustration skills.

- While you technically don't have to be a scrapbooker to apply, it helps if you're crafty. Salary will be based on your degree and experience level. 

- You'll be working on designing products, marketing collateral, and packaging - concepting, prototyping, illustrating, innovating. Everyday is fresh and fun.

- This job includes wonderful benefits like an IRA match, health insurance, paid holidays, and personal days (plus all the free Diet Coke you can drink). The office enviroment is casual, creative, and often involves treats.  

To apply, please send a simple resume and a portfolio (or a link to your online portfolio) of your work to grantm@americancrafts.com.

Gardenia Mini Album Tutorial by Lilith Eeckels

Lilith Eeckels is here today to show you how to create a cute little mini album using the Gardenia line!

The Garden by Lilith Eeckels

Supplies: Powder (71064) – Cardstock, Grass (71053) – Cardstock, Butter (71040) - Cardstock, Apricot (71031) – Cardstock, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) – Gardenia, Sprout Greenhouse Paper (35614) – Gardenia, Botanical Conservatory Paper (35620) – Gardenia, Annual Terrace Paper (35617) – Gardenia, Thyme Dimensional Stickers (42231) – Remarks, Large Assorted Decorative Tags (77264) – Bits; Other: Cameo, Silhouette files (3d layered flower, file folder, library pocket, in the garden)

Step 1: Gather your supplies. I also cut out some library pockets and tags using a Cameo but you could create these using the template provided.

Step 2: Trim four 3 x 8" sections from the four different coloured cardstocks as well as eight sheets of patterned paper measuring 3 x 4". Glue the patterned papers onto the cardstock, alternating top and bottom.

Step 3: Add borders to separate patterned paper and cardstock.

Step 4 : To keep the pages together I used some packaging I had kept and decorated it using a decorative tag, patterned paper cuts made with the Cameo, and a dimensional sticker.

Step 5: Decorate and add pictures to the pages of the mini book. I kept it really simple as I wanted to focus on the bright colours.




All I have to do is fill in the tags with all the information about my plants! Thanks for taking a look!

Gardenia Week!

Stop and smell the flowers of Gardenia. A rainbow of bold and muted colors mixed in a perfect harmony of everything a garden should be - butterflies, blossoms, clouds, and watering cans. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a green thumb with Gardenia's versatile fun-filled designs. Revlie Schuit and Michelle Clement each have a layout and card using the Gardenia line to start off the week!

This Picture Cracks Me Up by Revlie Schuit

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Annual Terrace Paper (35617) - Gardenia, Fern Parfait (53275) - Thickers, Thyme (42331) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Camilla (42230) - Remarks Journaling & Accents Stickers

Grow Love Card by Revlie Schuit

Supplies: Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Greenery Atrium Paper (35618) - Gardenia, Large Assorted Tags (77264) - Bits, Tarragon (86200) - Whittles, Thyme (42231) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Camilla (42230) - Remarks Journaling & Accents Stickers

In Maui by Michelle Clement

Supplies: Butter (71040) - Cardstock, Perennial Gardens Paper (35615) - Gardenia, Breezy Garden Paper (35613) - Gardenia, Greenery Atrium Paper (35618) - Gardenia, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Large Assorted Decorative Tags (77264) - Bits, Thyme (42231) - Remarks Decorative Stickers, Juniper (42236) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Camilla (42230) - Remarks Books

If Friends Were Flowers I'd Pick You Card by Michelle Clement

Patterned paper with a natural 'grid' pattern (such as the colorful square one I used here) is a great base to cluster embellishments on! They don't need to go directly into the squares though - let them overlap a little bit for some interest and dimension, but still an organized look.

Supplies: Greenery Atrium Paper (35618) - Gardenia, Vine Nursery Paper (35621) - Gardenia, Amazing Wood Buttons (85575) - Elements, Large Assorted Decorative Tags (77264) - Bits, Thyme (42231) - Remarks Decorative Stickers, Juniper (42236) - Remarks Decorative Stickers, Camilla (42230) - Remarks Books

For a chance to win the entire Gardenia line, let us know what kinds of things you like to grow and we'll randomly select one winner and announce them Friday morning. Good luck!

Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Projects by Melissa Mann

The randomly selected of the entire Dear Lizzy Neapolitan line is, Candice Elliott:

Congrats!

And congrats to the winner of the Scor-Pal blog hop, Tammy Lever:

Winners check your emails!

 

Finishing up the week with a layout and card is Melissa Mann:

Summer Days by Melissa Mann

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Silver Lining Paper (35635) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Fresh Blooms Paper (35630) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Hazy Horizon Paper (35639) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Happy Chance Pennant (35648) - Flutterbys, Large Tags (78069) - Dear Lizzy Bits, Splendid White (53296) - Thickers, Letter Stickers (42234) - Dear Lizzy Remarks, Fair Ribbons (78066) - Dear Lizzy Ribbon, Accents & Phrases (42232) - Dear Lizzy Remarks, Grapefruit (27135) - Zing!, Butter (27138) - Zing!, Aqua (27143) - Zing!, Roller Date Stamp (59160) - Dear Lizzy Stamps, Rouge (59521) - Pigment Ink, This to That (61713) - Adhesive

You're Sweet Card by Melissa Mann

The 6 x 6 pad of paper in the Dear Lizzy line is perfect for creating cards! The scaled down designs are super cute!

Supplies: Lollipop (71500) - Cardstock, Paper Pad (35658) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, White (71081) - Cardstock, Kraft (71464) - Cardstock, Phrases & Accents (42232) - Dear Lizzy Remarks, Premium Ribbon (58805) - Dear Lizzy Ribbon, This to That (61709) - Adhesive, This to That (61713) - Adhesive, Serendipity Parakeet (53293) - Thickers, Pinwheel (78071) - Dear Lizzy Embellishments.

Next week we'll feature another one of our latest and greatest lines: Gardenia! Have a wonderful weekend!

Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Cards by Suzy Plantamura

This trio of stunning Dear Lizzy Neapolitan cards were made by Suzy Plantamura:

Pure Sunshine Card by Suzy Plantamura

I cut three jars out of the Twinkling Lights paper and attached them side by side on kraft cardstock. I folded the cardstock over along the top side of the jars to form a card. I then cut around the edges of the jars leaving the top edges intact. I cut two strips of the Sunkist Lace paper and layered them on top of each other on the inside of the card and stitched them in place.

Supplies: Twinkling Lights Paper (35629) - Neapolitan, Sunkist Lace Paper (35647) - Neapolitan, Accent and Phrase Stickers (42232) - Remarks Books, Mini Flair Ribbons (78066) - Embellishments, Carded Ribbon (58805) - Premium Ribbon, Kraft 12x12 (71464) - AC Cardstock


For You Card by Suzy Plantamura

I used my Cameo to cut out the doily design. I layered several sticker banners and chipboard banners under the Ephemera Flower over the doily. I used a border punch on the underside of the card and then used zig zag stitching along the edge to finish it off.

Supplies: Warm Memories Paper (35633) - Neapolitan, Pretty Please Paper (35637) - Neapolitan, Delightful Bouquet Paper (35644) - Neapolitan, Accent and Phrase Stickers (42232) - Remarks Books, Ephemera Flowers (78065) - Embellishments, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Embellishments


Thanks Card by Suzy Plantamura

I made the card base with pink cardstock and then covered the top of the card with the Sparkling Smile vellum. I used the Flutterbys pennants as a banner, but cut some pieces off and added stickers below them.

Supplies: Peony 12x12 (71015) - AC Cardstock, Sparkling Smile Vellum (35627) - Neapolitan, 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Mini Flair Ribbons (78066) - Embellishments, Happy Chance Pennant (35648) - Flutterbys; Borders, Accents, and Phrases Sticker Sheet (42235) - Remarks

Make sure to scroll down to Monday's post and enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire Neapolitan line! The winner will be announced tomorrow morning and we'll wrap up the week with a final pair of projects.

Guest Designer: Valerie Bishop

Our Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Guest Designer is Valerie Bishop - I'm sure you're going to LOVE her fabulous layouts, card, and home decor project!

Short bio: My name is Valerie Bishop and I'm a SAHM right now. I live in central Arkansas with my high school sweetheart who's now been my husband for 28 years. We have 3 children ranging in ages from 16-26, 4 cats, and 2 dogs - it's crazy around our house sometimes!

How did you get started scrapbooking? I've been a crafter all my life, but I was introduced to scrapbooking in 2006 after helping my youngest daughter at her scrap-night at her Girl Scout Troop meeting. I've been hooked ever since!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? I've always loved the ease of use of the Thickers, as well as their versatility, but I'm a paper loving girl and I just LOVE the designs of AC patterned papers.

Snapshot of Yesteryear by Valerie Bishop

I just love the colors of the Dear Lizzy Neapolitan line - they have a really vintage, dreamy feel to them, so I wanted to use vintage photos of myself for this layout. I love the fact that the Flutterbys butterflies are attached - it makes it so easy to make cute patterns on your page and have the look of sewing - without actually having to drag your sewing machine out!

Supplies: Delightful Bouquet Paper (35644) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Hazy Horizon Paper (35639) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Butterflies (35649) - Flutterbys, Endless Summer Stitched Ruffle Paper (35646) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42235) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Fair Ribbons (78066) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Ribbon, Pinwheel Paper (78071) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Letter Stickers (42234) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Splendid Smoke (53295) - Thickers, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan House

Love Us! by Valerie Bishop

I love to quilt, but have absolutely no patience to actually finish one, so quilting on a layout is the next best thing - and oh so much quicker!! I'm always searching Pinterest for quilt patterns and this pattern really caught my eye! I just had to punch out several squares, cut them in half, and then start placing the pieces.

Supplies: Sunny Skip Paper (35636) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, At First Sight Paper (35641) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Sweet Sundress Paper (35643) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Lucky Laugh Paper (35640) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Endless Summer Stitched Ruffle Paper (35646) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Ephemera Flowers (78065) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan House, Phrase Garland (93625) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42235) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Accent & Phrase Stickers Booklet (42232) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Splendid Black (53296) - Thickers, Jar Acrylic Stamps (59157) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Stamps, Charcoal (59501) - Pigment Ink

Thanks a Bunch Card by Valerie Bishop

Once again I used the ruffle paper, but this time I cut it apart and layered some of the Tulle ribbon in between the layers. Some of the sequins fell off the ribbon when I cut it, so I decided to use them around the jar too!

Supplies: Robin's Egg (71063) - Cardstock, Endless Summer Stitched Ruffle Paper (35646) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Pinwheel (78071) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Embellishments, Jar Acrylic Stamps (59157) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Stamps, Accent & Phrase Stickers Booklet (42232) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Ephemera Flowers (78065) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Embellishments, Ribbon (58805) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Ribbon, Charcoal (59501) - Pigment Ink

So Happy Together by Valerie Bishop

After punching out lots of squares for my quilted layout I had several filmstrip type leftover pieces of paper that I hated to throw away. So I used one of the strips on this layout to house some stamped hearts and some of the ruffled paper. I love that ruffled paper and I used it on every project that I made - I even made a layered flower with it on this layout!!

Supplies: Smoke (71080) - Cardstock, Cheerful Notes Paper (35626) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Simple Romance Paper (35645) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Lucky Laugh Paper (35640) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Pretty Please Paper (35637) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Silver Lining Vellum (35635) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Endless Summer Stitched Ruffle Paper (35646) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Ephemera Flowers (78065) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Embellishments, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan House, Fair Ribbons (78066) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Ribbon, Letter Stickers (42234) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Accent & Phrase Stickers Booklet (42232) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Remarks, Splendid Black (53296) - Thickers, Jar Acrylic Stamps (59157) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Stamps

Altered Window Frame by Valerie Bishop

I found this window frame at a local antique store and have wanted to alter it for awhile. I think that the Dear Lizzy Neapolitan line has the perfect shabby chic look to compliment the frame! The Flutterbys were perfect to used as a kind of hanger for all the photos and ephemera.

Supplies: Dreamy Days Paper (35642) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Sea Breeze Paper (35643) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Hazy Horizon Paper (35639) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Lucky Laugh Paper (35640) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan House, Endless Summer Stitched Ruffle Paper (35646) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Pinwheel (78071) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Embellishments, Ephemera Flowers (78065) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Embellishments, Fair Ribbons (78066) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Ribbon, Butterflies (35649) - Flutterbys, Pennants (35648) - Flutterbys, Splendid Black (53296) - Thickers, Sparkling Smile Vellum (35627) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Pretty Please Paper (35637) - Dear Lizzy Neapolitan

Stop by Valerie's blog to check out all of her amazing creations and visit her Pinterest to find out what inspires her!

Mason Jars Party Favor Tutorial by Jenny Chesnick

Today Jenny Chesnick is going to share a step-by-step photo tutorial of how to re-create these ultra cute Mason jar party favors:

Mason Jar Party Favors by Jenny Chesnick

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Dear Lizzy Neopolitan, Jar (59157) - Clear Stamp, Dates Phrases & Icons (59160) - Roller Date Stamp, Apricot (27136) ZING! Powder, Frost (27114) - ZING! Powder, Heat Tool (90502) - ZAP!, Chesnut (59512) - Pigment Ink, Dimensional Tabs (61710) - This to That, Strip Glue Runner (61712) - This to That

I started by embossing the Mason jar stamp onto my paper. To emboss, simply ink your stamp with watermark ink and stamp your image onto your paper. Then sprinkle on your ZING! embossing powder and heat with your ZAP! heat gun until it sets.

Next I cut a Mason jar and banner shape with my Cameo to layer my embossed Mason jar on. Using the roller stamp I stamped the date of my party on the banner.

Using This to That squares, I layered the backside of the Mason jar so I could easily slip my straw through.

Once I had the Mason jar attached I applied the banners to the front of the favor.

That’s it! 

These are definitely easy enough to mass produce for your next get together. You could also use the same concept for cupcake toppers!