American Crafts Studio Blog

6x6 Mini Paper Pads Cards by Melissa Mann

Melissa Mann created this trio of cards, all using 6x6 mini paper pads!

OH HOW LOVELY by Melissa Mann

Supplies: Kraft (71464) - Cardstock, 6x6 Paper Pad (35696) - Sketchbook, Solid Runner Tape (61714) - This to That, Layered Tags (77289) - Bits, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That, Draft Stamps (59161) - Clear Stamps, Taffy (59522) - Pigment Ink

THANKS A BUNCH by Melissa Mann

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Grapefruit (71021) - Cardstock, 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Jar (59157) - Clear Stamps, Grapefruit (27135) - Zing!, Mustard (27137) - Zing!, Rouge (27123) - Zing!, Solid Tape Runner (61714) - This to That, Phrases & Accents (42232) - Remarks, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That

HELLO by Melissa Mann

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Kraft (71464) - Cardstock, Premium Ribbon (58805) - Ribbon, Hello Stamp (59150) - Clear Stamps, Taffy (59522) - Pigment Ink, Foam Dots (61709) - This to That, Solid Tape Runner (61714) - This to That, Pinwheel (78071) - Embellishments

Find the Sketchbook supplies HERE and the Neapolitan supplies HERE.

Be sure to enter the giveaway from this past Monday's post for a chance to win the Sketchbook and Neapolitan mini paper pads!

6x6 Mini Paper Pads Guest Designer: Angela Gutshall

Our guest designer showing off mini paper pads this week is Angela Gutshall!

Short bio: I’m a stay at home mom of four blessings: Faith 7, Ty 5, Noah 3, and Hannah 1. I live in James Creek, PA with my wonderful husband of 11 years, Brian. I have been scrapbooking for six years, since my first baby was born. I wanted to capture her memories and fell in love with scrapbooking then and I never want to stop. I enjoy capturing moments and preserving them in my own style of scrapbooking. I prefer traditional scrapbooking so I can use my hands, my own ideas, and create my own layouts. I feel I have more of a creative outlet this way. I like to hand stitch on layouts. Another favorite is playing with mist/paint on layouts. I prefer to handwrite my journaling so my kids can know how personal it is. I also enjoy making mixed media projects!

How did you get started scrapbooking? I first got started when my younger sister had a Creative Memories party eight years ago. I was pregnant with my first child and I thought this was a great way to capture her memories. And here I am still scrapping and love every minute of it!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? This is such a tough question because I think you need them all to make great pages! But if I had to pick one it would be the Thickers because they are great for titles which you need for a page.

WHERE IS YOUR... by Angela Gutshall

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Bits, Parakeet (42234) - Remarks, Fair Ribbons (78066) - Ribbon, Muse Woodgrain (53343) - Thickers, Vanilla (71041) - Cardstock, Glue Dot Runner (61713) - This to That

I had fun layering all the papers and elements for this layout. The embellishments work so well together that they are easy to stack and look great together!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY by Angela Gutshall

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Bits, Fair Ribbons (78066) - Ribbon, Muse Woodgrain (53343) - Thickers, Borders, Accents, and Phrase Stickers (42235) - Remarks, Robin's Egg (71063) - Cardstock, Glue Dot Runner (61713) - This to That

I really love that pink piece of paper and wanted it to be my main background. I then decided to make blocks and stack my embellishments.

WITH LOVE by Angela Gutshall

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Bits, Parakeet (42234) - Remarks, Ephemera (78065) - Elements, Muse Woodgrain (53343) - Thickers, Robin's Egg (71063) - Cardstock, Glue Dot Runner (61713) - This to That

I love that the 6x6 papers have the same patterns as the 12x12 papers but my favorite thing is the patterns are smaller. So when you use the flower paper it's not so busy because the print is smaller.

FISHING LESSON WITH DAD by Angela Gutshall

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35696) - Sketchbook, Splendid Black (53294) - Thickers, Parakeet (42234) - Remarks, Serendipity White (53291) - Thickers, Palette (42240) - Remarks Books, Doodle (42243) - Remarks, Printed Chipboard Shapes (77290) - Bits, Paint (42241) - Remarks, Kraft (71464) - Cardstock, Glue Dot Runner (61713) - This to That

For this layout I wanted to capture the sweet picture of my two boys fishing together. So I gathered some papers that made the picture stand out then layered some embellishments. I love white space, so the 6x6 papers are perfect for me.

FISHING MY WAY by Angela Gutshall

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Sketchbook, Printed Chipboard Shapes (77290) - Bits, Doodles (42243) - Remarks, Paint (42241) - Remarks, Splendid Black (53294) - Thickers, Scene Taffy (53342) - Thickers, Scene Cascade (53341) - Thickers, Smoke (71080) - Cardstock, Glue Dot Runner (61713) - This to That, Slick Writer Black (62001) - Pen

For this layout I wanted to play with all the fun embellishments so I created this cute banner using a little here and there. I then loved how the glitter Thickers made the page pop.

FAITH CANVAS by Angela Gutshall

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Sketchbook, Doodle (42243) - Remarks, Paint (42241) - Remarks, Value Pack (58817) - Premium Ribbon, Slick Writer Black (62001) - Pen, Stamp Garden (59150) - Clear Stamps; Other: Canvas

I love to create mixed media art and the 6x6 pads are prefect for that. I love the bold colors in the new Sketchbook line. And the Slick Writer pens are great for doodling!

Stop by Angela's blog to find out more about her and get a glimpse of her fun and unique style!

6x6 Mini Paper Pads Layout Tutorial by Michelle Clement

Michelle Clement is here today to show you how to create this amazing layered page:

NO DELICATE ROSE by Michelle Clement

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (35696) - Sketchbook, Palette (42240) - Remarks, Shaped Paper Clips (85566) - Embellishments, Buttons Tropicals (85437) - Elements, Fabric & Epoxy Brads (78074) - Elements, 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Parakeet (42234) - Remarks, Hello Kale (53248) - Thickers, Amy Tangerine Tags (77259) - Bits

Step 1: Grab a 6x6 paper pad (or two) and the photos you want to use on your page then tear a bunch of the sheets from the paper pads in colours that coordinate with your photos. I used Amy Tangerine Sketchbook and Dear Lizzy Neapolitan and found a ton of great colours and patterns that work together.

Step 2: We're going to build the background on a 12x12 page using all of these gorgeous small papers you just ripped out. Start laying them out in two rows, one on top of the other, to see how the colours work together. Decide their rough placement on a 12x12 space in preparation for the next step.

Step 3: Lay a neutral 12x12 cardstock down (I used white) and start working from left to right on top of it, placing the papers in the rough order/shape you decided on, above. Line up the first colour in the top left corner and start to layer a few more on top of it, going across the length of the page. Vary the space between them, and then start sticking the squares down (just slip a mounting square under the corners, quickly). You can get creative here and crumple the edges for more texture, or add some tape for visual interest. Continue layering the squares from left to right until you've filled up the whole row in pattern - and don't overthink it!

Step 4: Repeat with the bottom row, working from left to right (and lining the papers up with the bottom edge) until the whole page is full.

Step 5: If you want, now's the time to add some sewing to make it look like the layers took longer than they did, or for a bit of a quilted effect - just haphazardly run the page through your machine, following some of the straight paper edges.

Step 6: And, voila: a quick, multi-faceted, layered base! Now that your page 'collage' is done, embellish and add your photos as you please!

Find the Sketchbook mini paper pad HERE and the Neapolitan mini paper pad HERE so you can create one of these awesome layered pages!

6x6 Mini Paper Pads Week!

Two brand new products from American Crafts are the 6x6 Neapolitan Paper Pad and the 6x6 Amy Tangerine Sketchbook Paper Pad. Each containing dozens of papers from those lines, simply scaled down to smaller versions so you can use them in bits and pieces! This week our talented designers will show you some of the fun and creative ways you can use this new product - starting with a layout and card by Corrie Jones:

LOVELY GIRL by Corrie Jones

Supplies: Kraft (47146) - Cardstock, 6x6 Paper Pad (35658) - Neapolitan, Wood Buttons & Epoxy Accents (78073) - Embellishments, Designer Ribbon (58805) - Premium Ribbon, Printed Variety Tags (78069) - Bits, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42232) - Remarks Books, Rub-On Transfers (43395) - Minimarks, Parakeet (42234) - Remarks, Jar (59157) - Clear Stamps, Roller Date Stamp (59160) - Neapolitan, Phrase Garland (93625) - Garland, Muse White Woodgrain (53344) - Thickers, Value 24 Pack (58817) - Premium Ribbon

Click HERE to buy Dear Lizzy Neapolitan mini paper pad to re-create this page!

HELLO THERE by Corrie Jones

Supplies: Kraft (47146) - Cardstock, 6x6 Paper Pad (35696) - Sketchbook, Palette (42240) - Remarks, Paint (42242) - Remarks, Flat-Top Fabric Brads (85578) - Elements, Medium Jewel Brads (85287) - Elements, Value 24 Pack (58817) - Premium Ribbon, Scene Taffy (53342) - Thickers

Go HERE to buy the Amy Tangerine Sketchbook mini paper pad product to make this one-of-a-kind card!

This week we're picking THREE winners - each will receive one of both the Neapolitan and Sketchbook mini paper pads:

Leave a comment on this post by Friday May 18th telling us what you're favorite thing to create with mini papers is and we'll randomly select the winners and post them Friday morning. Good luck!

Spray Mist Projects by Corrie Jones

First, congrats to the winner of some Mr. Huey's spray mists, Marinette:

Finishing up spray mist week is Corrie Jones with a colorful layout and card:

BEACH DAY by Corrie Jones

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Twinkling Lights Paper (35629) - Neapolitan, Sparkling Smile Paper (35627) - Neapolitan, Dreamy Days Paper (35642) - Neapolitan, Apple Butter Paper (35660) - Fresh Squeezed, Printed Chipboard Shapes (77290) - Bits, Value 24 Pack (58817) - Premium Ribbon, Rub On Transfers (43395) - Minimarks, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Embellishments, Designer Ribbon (58805) - Premium Ribbon, Fabric & Epoxy Brads (78074) - Elements, Ballerina (42233) - Remarks, Sunrise Natural (53180) - Thickers

EVERYTHING'S WONDERFUL by Corrie Jones

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Gwyneth's Graph Paper (35694) - Sketchbook, Palette (42240) - Remarks, Draft (59161) - Clear Stamps, Medium Jewel Brads (85282) - Elements

Go HERE to buy Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, HERE to buy Amy Tangerine Sketchbook, and HERE to buy Fresh Squeezed!

Have a wonderful weekend everybody, thanks as always for stopping by!

Spray Mist Cards by Leslie Ashe

Check out these three cards Leslie Ashe made using spray mist techniques!

HEY CUTENESS by Leslie Ashe

For this card, I simply dripped spray mist on the base of my card. I also used the mist to make my chipboard letters the color I wanted for my card.

Supplies: Black Damask Cardstock (71168) – AC Cardstock, Gwyneth’s Graph Paper (35694) – Sketchbook, Sydney’s Snapshots Paper (35688) – Sketchbook, Paint (42242) – Remarks, Fabric Brads (85578) – Elements, Amy Tangerine Sketchbook Value Pack Ribbon (58817) – Premium Ribbon, Strip Glue Runner (61712) – This To That Adhesive

OH HOW LOVELY YOU ARE! by Leslie Ashe

I wanted a polka dot background, so I punched a spare sheet of cardstock with a small circle punch and used it as a mask for my spray mist.

Supplies: Taffy Cardstock (AM 710-22) – AC Cardstock, Paper Pad 6x6 (35696) – Sketchbook, Palette (42240) – Remarks, Cascade Scene (53341) – Thickers, Cucumber Éclair (53226) – Thickers, Strip Glue Runner (61712) – This To That Adhesive

SUNSHINE, SMILE! by Leslie Ashe

For this card, I wanted my sunshine to have a “shiny” effect. I created a “marble” texture by using two different mists (yellow and orange).

Supplies: Lemon Cardstock (AM710-39) – AC Cardstock, Cindy’s Sketch Paper (35680) – Sketchbook, Bailey’s Brush Paper (35675) – Sketchbook, Palette (42240) – Remarks, Cascade Scene (53341) – Thickers, Honey Paperback (53133) – Thickers, Strip Glue Runner (61712) – This To That Adhesive

Click HERE to buy Amy Tangerine Sketchbook supplies used on these adorable cards!

And don't forget to scroll down to Monday's post and enter to win a set of Mr. Huey's spray mists!

New American Crafts Website

We're excited to announce today that we have relaunched www.AmericanCrafts.com and it now includes an online store where you can shop for your favorite American Crafts products (and Pebbles Inc., Crate Paper and Studio Calico!) We have over 3,000 items to choose from, plus additional projects to inspire you, that you won't see on the blog.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the new look and possibilities at www.AmericanCrafts.com!

Spray Mist Projects by Jenny Chesnick

Jenny Chesnick has a lovely layout and card featuring spray mist to inspire you!

FRIENDS by Jenny Chesnick

Supplies: Ivory Impression Paper (35677) - Sketchbook, Viridian Vignette Paper (35676) - Sketchbook, Sadies Story Paper (35695) - Sketchbook, Doodle (42243) - Remarks, Pigment (42241) - Remarks, Paint (42242) - Remarks, White (75259) - AC Cardstock, Black (62011) - Slick Writer

OH HELLO by Jenny Chesnick

Supplies: White (75259) - AC Cardstock, Palatte (42240) - Remarks, Pigment (42241) - Remarks

Purchase Amy Tangerine Sketchbook products used on these projects HERE!

Spray Mist Tutorial by Leah Farquharson

Today Leah Farquharson is going to show you how to make this adorable altered canvas:

US by Leah Farquharson

Supplies: Silver Lining Velum Paper (35635) - Neapolitan, Wood Buttons and Epoxy Accents (78073) - Elements, Fabric and Epoxy Brads (78074) - Elements, Printed Variety Tags (78069) - Bits, Parakeet Serendipity (53293) - Thickers, Printed Chipboard Shapes (78070) - Bits, Accents and Phrases (42232) - Remarks Books, Ballerina Letter Stickers (42233) - Remarks, Parakeet Letter Stickers (42234) - Remarks, Borders, Accents and Phrase Stickers (42235) - Remarks, Rub-on Transfers (43395) - Minimarks, Mini Fair Ribbons (78066) - Embellishments, Pastel Pearl Brads (85581) - Elements; Other: Silhouette shapes: Doily, Heart, Banner by American Crafts, 10x10 artist canvas

I started by first priming my canvas with gesso and allowing it to dry. I like to seal canvas before working on it - it helps give me more control over the inks on the canvas. When the canvas is unsealed, the inks can seep in and spread out in a way that's not always very pleasing.

After my canvas was dry, I placed a die cut created with the Silhouette on the corner to create the background for my piece.

I gently spritzed my ink over the canvas, then removed the sprayer and flicked a few heavier drops onto the background. When I was finished, I removed my die cut.

I decided that I wanted to take the elements that were pre-cut and change their colors before layering them on the canvas, so I spritzed one of them red, another green, and the final element aqua.

I then just layered my elements onto the canvas just like I would create a layout - starting at the bottom with the rub ons, and layering more and more elements on top. I finished with the photo, and now I've got a fun canvas to hang in our home!

You can find the lovely rub on accents and phrases that Leah used in this project HERE!

Giveaway winners!

Hello and happy Monday! We have four winners to announce this morning from our New Releases giveaways from last week. So let's get to it!

Winner of our new Thickers is Kirsten B., who said:

The lucky lady who will be receiving our new Boxed Cards is Laura @ Laura's Crafty Life. She said:

The Wow! Glitter, Pop! Microbeads and Spark! Tinsel sets are soon to be in the hands of Ania. (We're positive this'll make you fall in love with glitter completely!) 

And finally, the winner of the entire Shoreline collection is Andrea Winbigler, who kept it short and sweet with her comment:

Congratulations, winners! Go ahead and email your mailing addresses to contest@americancrafts.com so we can send you your prizes!

Thanks for all the comments! We're so excited to be releasing these products and can feel your excitement as well! Have a great week!