Craft Critique: Button Cover Tutorial

I have an article posted on Craft Critique. It's a review and tutorial on using button covers.

I do like fabric covered brads and buttons. They bring a classy element to the craft world. I've come to like making my own too. Especially since I don't have a lot to work with in my current craft stash. And when you purchase button cover kits, the only other thing you need is the fabric. And I must admit that I sometimes grab some fabric swatches from Joann.

So, if you get a chance, check out the button cover review and tutorial on Craft Critique. I'm especially interested in what folks think about the video tutorial. I sort of like it.

Here's the scoop on the card that accompanies the article:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
ribbon: Offray
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
scalloped circle dies: Cuttlebug
twine: Darice
felt: unknown

Memories Scrapbooking Expo = A Bust

That title may seem harsh, but no ... that's gentle compared to how I really feel. It was nothing like the scrapbooking convention that I attended last year. Not to mention that I've been to others and this visit just did not stack up. I plan to share this very blog post w/them.

I recently attended the Memories Scrapbook Expo in Columbus, OH. I've been to it in the past, but I don't remember it being as crummy as it was this time around. My friend said it looked like stuff from someone's basement. Not good.

My experience was not pleasant:

• getting to the parking lot was hectic; there was no signage to point you to the expo facility
  
• parking was $5; I only had $6 ... paid for parking, but told to exit the lot; huh? After that slight detour, I eventually made it to the right building
  
• they would only accept cash for admission (that was not listed on the promo material)
  
• bank machine in the lobby had a $4 fee
• paid $8 to get in (had a $2 off coupon)

All that to find less than desirable goods on the floor. There was very little 'new' stuff. Scrap Happy had a nice booth with some Quickutz stuff and a few Basic Grey lines. I did not find any good 'deals'. Not even on the old, basement-y stuff.

Archivers had a booth and they were handing out literature and calendars of their upcoming events. Are you kidding me? They can do better to drive traffic to the store; they have in the past. Cord Camera was not there, which was disappointing since at least once in the past they had a booth and had really good coupons to use throughout the expo weekend.

NOTE: someone just mentioned in a craft forum that Archivers was giving out coupons for free cardstock and % off coupons. Maybe they were all out by the time I got there; it was after 2 p.m. on the last day.

There were some demos and some booths had make and takes, but ... it was just a let down. They should at least have given me a door prize for looking and feeling so woeful, right?

Whah, whah, whah ... I'm just pouty because I should have called my friend before I went to the expo. She went to the expo the day before. I forgot to call her and she forgot to call me. Now I'm down nearly $20 for a big hassle and headache and not much to show for it.

So the one good thing to come out of it was I bought a Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Components Collection stamp. I got the Tim Holtz Components Collection Ledger. Love that collection. I think that is where my next paycheck will go.

Crazy thing is I ended up going to Hobby Lobby and Michaels and spent another $40. So who's stimulating the economy ... ?

Cuttlebug Challenge :: 24 - Food Theme

This week's Be Inspired Cuttlebug Challenge is a food theme.

The Cuttlebug Challenge Design Team were provided with these cute little digital files. They're from The Cutting Cafe (and available for purchase).

I was going to do a bit more w/the card. For example, I think that it would look better w/brown ink as opposed to the black. But my printer is out of ink and I had to use my roommates printer. I almost did not use the ribbon because I did not want to cover up the embossing on the strip. I like the bow; it adds an elegant touch.

I wish I had time to use more of the cupcake digital files. They are awfully cute. I will probably use more in the future.

My apology for the glare on the image below. I will capture another image and replace it later in the week.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: Bazzill and craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and hearts
ribbon: Offray
bling: unknown
circle punches: EK Success

Be Inspired Cuttlebug Challenge :: 23 Unusual Die Cuts

This weeks Cuttlebug Challenge is to use punches in an unusual way. I've done this in the past and I like the results.

My project for today is quite basic. I do like the simplicity that comes with using the Swiss Dots embossing folders.

I started to use a sketch for this challenge. I will next time. I think sketches get me to do something different. I do like the basic, but it's not unusual. Maybe next time. Oh, but I did get excited because I used some new Basic Grey paper. I picked it up at Cord Camera a few weeks ago. It's from the Porcelain line - Dresden. I only got one sheet, but I really like it.

Anyway, check out the others. Also, you can get involved too.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: Basic Grey
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and 'Thank You' embossing folders
ribbon: Offray

WINNER :: Winterfest 09 Cuttlebug Challenge

I hosted a Cuttlebug Challenge on 2Peas for Winterfest 2009. It's an annual event hosted by the stamping board on 2Peas.

Here were the details of the challenge: you needed to stamp as well as use the Cuttlebug.

The winner is Kellsterstamps. Love this card. She wins a $10 gift certificate to the online store of her choice.

There so much to like on this card:

• Love the pastel colors
• awesome use of the Cuttlebug: she used three different embossing folders
• I like the cupcakes in the tree
• the big beautiful bow
• the large label die is quite nice
• the stitching adds some texture
  
• the sentiment is so cute

Thanks to everyone on 2Peas for entering. So much fun and lots of creativity.

Winterfest 2009 :: Cuttlebug Challenge

Winterfest 20o9 is not quite over and you still have a chance to get in on the fun.

Winterfest is a little more than a week stamping activities and challenges on 2Peas Stamping Board.

I've decided to host a Cuttlebug Challenge. I've hosted this during previous Stamping Board events like StamptoberFest.

You'll have until this Sunday, March 15th, to enter the contest. See the blog post (the link is below) @ 2Peas for all of the specifics. And yes, you will have to register on 2Peas to get involved.

• Winterfest 2009 :: Cuttlebug Challenge

Craft Critique's 2nd Anniversary

Craft Critique's 2nd Anniversary has rolled around. Since we keep giving them hits on their blog, they're going to give us something in return. Only I don't know what it is. I do know they have some freebies for some lucky folks.

So, if you get a chance and you can remember throughout the week, stop by and congratulate them for continuing to give us reviews of products before we spend our hard-earned money on them.

• Craft Critique