My Mind's Eye Blog

Blog Challenge #6: Paper Flowers

Paper Flowers are all the rage right now.  They are so cute and simple.  But sometimes it’s difficult to figure out how they’re made.

We’d like to see all the different types of paper flowers you can come up with!

Are you game?  Ready to play along?  Want to WIN three of your favorite My Mind’s Eye collections?

The Challenge:  is to create a layout (or other project, your choice) using My Mind’s Eye paper to create the flowers for this sketch from Anam Stubbington.You can change use it as-is, flip it, whatever you'd like as long as we can still recognize the sketch (We you know what to do with a sketch).

The rules: Use ANY My Mind’s Eye products (current or past) you’d like as long as your project has at least 80% My Mind’s Eye products.

The deadline: Email your project, first and last name as well as instructions on how to make the flowers to amber@mymindseye.com (with Blog Challenge 6 as your subject) or add a link in a comment on this post by Thursday, December 17, 2009 (midnight, MST).

(For tips on how to best photograph your entry, click here)

The PRIZE: Our lucky winner will be featured in a blog post and receive one of everything from three collections of their choice!  We will also award an honorable mention winner with one collection of their choice!

Everyone is a winner!  We are grateful to everyone who will participate in this challenge.  We will put every entry in a photo album here on the blog.  By submitting, you are giving My Mind’s Eye permission to include your entry.

We asked three of our talented designers, Wilna Furstenberg, Tiffani Smith and Trisha Ladouceur to give you a few ideas (along with instructions for the flowers) to help get your creative juices going.

Wilna Furstenberg:

Here are the instructions for my papers flower:

1. I used the MM Slice (Basic Elements design card) to cut 2 different flowers with 2 different patterned papers 4 inch big.

2. I also cut out two 6 inch circles from pink tulle. These two circles I overlapped and hand stitched in the middle to adhere them together. This is the basis of my flowers.

3. Next I stacked the die-cut flowers on top of the tulle and each other and with hot glue, adhered them. Yes, I did burn myself. Lucky for me my husband is a doctor. You might not be so fortunate so be very careful. This is a disclaimer so you can't sue me.

4. The top 2 flowers are die-cuts from the amazing Laundry line.

5. Adhere to page.

Tiffani Smith:

To make the flowers:

The larger flowers were made by first cutting 2 circles  the size I wanted to finished flower to be.  Next I cut 8 pie wedge shapes into each circle. Then I cut each wedge into a petal shape.  For the smaller flowers I used a punch to make the base flowers.  I inked the edges and pinched the centers of each petal to give them some dimension.  Then I simply attached two layers together in an offset pattern and added a punched center.  For the centers of the smaller flowers I cut down the same punch I used for the larger flower.

All pattern papers are from the Merry Days of Christmas Collection. I also used Prism Metallic Pearl for the scallops and flower centers.

Trisha Ladouceur:

As we all know, I love my projects to have plenty of lumps and bumps and this was no exception. To create these paper flowers, I used an assortment of punches. You could easily use flower die cuts or your Cricut/Silhouette machine too. By simply adding a touch of brown ink lightly with my ink applicating tool and then outlining each flower with my Sakura Micron pen I was instantly able to add detailing to add more visual interest to my flowers. However I needed to add dimension to really have them POP from the page. To do this simply grasp the flower in the center between your thumb and forefinger. With your other hand, grasp an individual petal and bend towards the center and then curl the tip of the petal down in the opposite direction. Continue this motion on each petal until you are finished the flower. You can mould and shape your flower as needed and before you know it, your flowers will have been given an entirely fresh look! Be sure to try crimping the petals or shaping them each differently to give each a unique look.  Layer multiple colours and styles to create a stunning flower cluster that is sure to compliment your paper project

A BIG thank you to Anam for designing such a wonderful sketch for us!

Okay, now.  Get ready, get set … Go!  We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Joy to the world

This is a fun and quick home deco project that could be used for children's Bedrooms, birth and wedding showers or anything that comes to mind by just changing up the papers.

 

It is really simple and uses only 2 sheets of paper and some punches - click here for the downloadable instructions.

 

Enjoy!

Deck the Walls!

This is a project that has been on my list of "crafty to-do's.  I often find myself doodling and this is based on something I drew a few months back.  I love paper piecing!   I simply blew up my drawing with a projector and I was all set to get cutting. This technique could easily be done using coloring pages or even children's drawings.

 

 I intended to use this cute canvas as a holiday decoration, but because I used these neutral papers from the Be Loved collection I think it can hang around here in my house long after the holidays are over. 

 
 
  Can I just say how much I love this collection, it is fast becoming one of my favorites!

 

Meet Wilna Furstenberg

My name is Wilna Furstenberg. Just give me a minute to scream into a towel - that's how excited I am to be the December guest designer for My Mind's Eye! Right, now that I have that out of my system, let me tell you some of my story.

I grew up in South Africa; in 1991 I met and married Jaco who is still my heartbeat.  When we got married, he was second year med school and shortly after that I decided to go to University too (he was having way too much fun) and we both graduated in 1996: he in medicine and me in fine arts.

In 1997 we had our first girl, Tia. Even today we wonder what we did to deserve such a sweet child. Of course I tell my husband she takes after me. His response to that remark was not very gentlemanly (which just proves my point). Anyway, in 1999 Kirstin was born. She is the organizer and fashionista in the house. Jana (from our names JAco and wilNA) is our last born. I think if I was not as strong willed as I am, Jana would have her own Credit card. Yes, I said no.

 

In 2005 we moved to Canada. I joked about our coming to Canada to all my friends saying: the only reason I am coming is to win the scrapbooking hall of fame". And, in 2006, I won Hall Of Fame! After that I have just been making pages and enjoying the journey. We live in Saskatchewan: it really gets very cold here (-40 degrees Celsius). Jana learned early on not to lick the fence when it's that cold. In April this year we got a Mini schnauzer. We all totally adore him and his name is Mac (just because I love Mac computers - very, very much). Just as much I love MME! In fact, when Amber asked me to pick my favorite line of papers, I had such a hard time!

 

A few more random facts about me: I homeschool our girls. It's one of the best things I ever decided to do...I love it! I love coffee and right now I am not having any because I read this book that told me how bad coffee is for you. I hate that book. I also love cookies... same thing... same book, now I even like the book less.  I am so happy that we don’t have to eat scrapbook papers! We can just enjoy it by being creative! Well, after all this rambling I am really happy to be here for the whole month and to make lots of fun stuff!

  

Much Love!

Wilna

Would you like to win a few of Wilna's Favorite My Mind's Eye Collections?  Leave a comment on this post and we will announce our winner next week.

My Mind's Eye Jewelry

It's now officially the Christmas Season.  If you are like me, you are still looking for great Christmas gifts.

I've thought for a while how beautiful our papers would look as jewelry. 

In fact, this summer I learned how to make epoxy jewelry using metal washers and scrapbook paper.  It's a simple, inexpensive and fun way to make jewelry.  And, as you can see, our pre-glittered Laundry Line papers are perfect for jewelry!

One day I ran across a company called Amate Studios.  They sell beautiful pendant trays (I didn't know that was what they are called) that can be made into rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets or cufflinks.  Anything you can imagine - what about hair clips or a key chain?

I had so much fun creating!  By combining My Mind's Eye products with Amate Studios, I came up with so many fun projects it was hard to stop!

Our papers come in so many different styles and colors - the possibilities are endless!

Abbey Road Lucky Me paper, chipboard, brads and ribbon all combined beautifully to create this fun pendant.

I used the new Be*Loved papers to create this earring, bracelet and necklace set.

Ooh La La for Him, my family pictures, Laundry Line ribbon and a square bracelet make a beautiful brag bracelet!

 

My favorite project?  The pièce de résistance?  I've really wanted one of those cute chunky pearl necklaces that have a fun fabric flower and are tied with ribbon.  You know the ones.  I decided I could make my own using Life Stories collection 2 and a circle bracelet!  I hope you like it as much as I do!

It's amazing how easy these beautiful jewelry pieces are!  And, to make it really simple, I've included instructions for the flower necklace.

Download Paper Flower Necklace

I found this great instructional video on You Tube (there is a part 2 also).  If you are nervous, this should help ease your fear.

Enjoy!

Be sure to join us tomorrow as we introduce our December Guest Designer.  You are going to love her!

Giving Thanks is good for your health!

Really! 

But, saying thank you once a year doesn't make us any more healthy than going to the gym once a year would (sorry)!  *wink*

The more you say thank you, the healthier your outlook on life is - the more you look for the good in people or situations.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day in the United States.  Those of us who live in the United States enjoyed a wonderful day full of good food and family.  We expressed our thanks for the bounteous blessings we have.

This weekend, think about the many things in your life you have to be thankful for and take the time to scrap it.

Our wonderful Design Team wanted to express their thanks for a few of the blessings in their lives.

Your friends at My Mind's Eye!

Designer: Amber Packer

Featured Collection: Life Stories, collection 2

I have so many things to be grateful for.  I've been given many opportunities in my life.  I think the first blessing I had was being born to the parents I have.  They are supportive, kind, loving (unconditionally) and extremely giving.  They have taught me to be faithful, stand up for myself, serve others and be the best me I can be.  They need to know I am grateful for what they have done and continue to do for me. 

Designer: Anam Stubbington

Featured Collection: Breaking Free

I am thankful for my friends.  They are the best medicine I could have had this year.

Designer: Tiffani Smith

Featured Collection: Be*Loved

I have been thinking about all the blessing I have been given and decided that I want to take the time to document some of them.  One thing that has been on my mind lately is how grateful I am to have the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom and the time I have to spend doing all of the ordinary everyday things with my little sidekick, Finley.  This is our last year being together all the time before she starts school.  I am going to miss her so much!  It's a good thing kindergarten is only a half day here. :)

Designer: Trisha Ladouceur

Featured Collection: Life Stories, collection 2

Even though it is not MY Thanksgiving, I like to still remember my many blessings in life. My husband and children are of course at the top of my list everyday. I am so blessed to have them in my life. They are my EVERYTHING... always. But then I also need to be grateful for the many other gifts I have in my world... my friends, my family, my health and the wonderful opportunities I have as a result of my job. I often say that I am the luckiest gal I know and I mean it each and every time! Without these blessings, life as I know it would not be the same. I think it is important to reflect regularly on the many gifts and never take them for granted.

Designer: Kim Hughes

Featured Collection: Ooh La La

I chose to create a page about my amazing kids.  We have faced quite a few challenges this year and when I stop to think how incredible they both have been through it all, it makes me smile.  I am truly blessed in so many ways, but my kids are my world.

Sheep River Scrapbook Co.

Sheep River Scrapbook Co. started in 2005, and since then MME has been a staple. Mostly because I am obsessed. In our small town we can't always guarantee the all the hottest new products, unless they are from MME! We just love the ease at which the pieces of each line come together. And there's so much potential for some real creativity & learning as new products appear with each line (you never get bored!). We ate up the 4x6 overlays when they made their way into the Bohemia line & have been impressed with all the great additions lately (we love love love the brads in the past couple lines!). My favourite line is Breaking Free. If you gave me that line & deserted me on an island with a stack of photos, I'd be a happy scrapbooker ;)

Sheep River Scrapbook Co. is located at:

102 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks, AB

Store phone is: (403) 938 2391

haleymarieross.blogspot.com

When MME started their blog, we got a little obsessed ... we were impressed with the talent we saw & thought we needed an injection of some of that here in our town. And with that, the Weekend To Unwind was born.

 

With Trisha Ladouceur on board it was easy to sell out our event & people felt secure knowing the classes would be rockin' the latest MME products. We kicked off our weekend long event with a Cocktail Party on Friday night. We throw about 4 parties a year. Each one has it's own twist. We've had a Vegas night, an Angel Card reader, a manicurist & even a temporary tattoo parlor one night!  It's a good chance for people to meet, talk scrapbooking, shop & laugh. There's no actual scrapbooking at the party (besides free Make&Takes), just good snacks (Designer cupcakes from Crave Cupcakes are always a hit!), great drinks, and lots of cute details. Our "theme" was MME. We've never featured just one company but with so much creative juice it was easy.  One of the games we featured was Pick-a-Stick. We used metal daily dose signs on the ends of skewers & stuck them into floral foam in a cute tin bucket. If the end of the stick was pink... you won a great MME prize! If not, well, you had an adorable little treat to stick in a plant or your pencil bucket at home.

Saturday we ran four great classes! Each one featured a different MME line & project. Trisha's projects were gorgeous & the paper flew off the shelves (Colorful Christmas was our biggest hit!). There were lots of prizes, lots of laughter & happy scrapbookers. And that's all we ask :)

 

Blog Challenge #5: November Sketch Winners!

It's a record!

Our jaws just DROPPED when we realized there were 110 entries!

The winner of Challenge #5: November Sketch is:

Annie Tsai

What an eye catching layout, Annie!  Did you notice the cute little snowflake accents that Annie cut from the paper?  We also love how Annie journaled just inside the stitching in the circle.

Our Honorable Mention winner is:

Rowena Barnard

Rowena loves to create cards.  We're glad she knew she could enter a card.  "For the layout I've used the sketch over at the MME blog because even though its more geared towards a scrapbooking layout there's no way I could resist having a shot at the fab prize they've got since I love MME so much!"

Wonderful job, ladies!

We need you both to email: amber@mymindseye.com with your mailing information and the collections you'd like to receive for your prize.  Annie, let Amber know your three favorite collections and Rowena, let Amber know your favorite collection.

Thanks again to all who participated.  Take a look in our Challenge 5: Ad Inspiration Photo Album to see every fabulous entry!

Getting a jumpstart on those holiday greeting cards....

I was out shopping last weekend and the store had a Holiday Countdown Calendar... do you realize there are now only 35 days left until Christmas! The next several weeks will be full of activities to celebrate and prepare so now is probably a great time to get started on the task of making your Christmas Cards. Fortunately for you, My Mind`s Eye has the fresh and funky Colorful Christmas Collection of papers and embellishments that will surely get those creative juices flowing so you can create your mini masterpieces!

Quite often when creating cards, I like to incorporate a Gift Card Enclosure of some sort. So many of us tend to give gift cards to those near and dear anyways, imagine the smile on the lucky recipients face when they open your card and find a special gift has been included! The above card is what I call a Card within a Card meaning there is a smaller card attached to the front and on the inside is a pockets perfectly sized to hold a gift card.

The Colorful Christmas Glittered Chipboard Elements add just the right amount of shimmer and dimension to your miniature creations. You will also notice there is a pocket on the front of this card, it can also act as as holder for a gift card too (rather than the tag shown here).

Use the Colorful Christmas Epoxy Brads to do double duty. Not only do they add a bit of eye candy to your project but they also function to secure the various embellishments together.

If you want to dress up your cards a little bit and take them one step further, break out your sewing machine to add some additional flair. Or if you are really ambitious, you can do some hand stitching. Most definitely, the person receiving your greeting card will be touched at just how much work you put into something for them and will treasure your card always.

 

 

Another handy dandy trick to keep in mind when you are creating is to cut apart the die cut border strip with the words to provide the means for your expressing the various sentiments.

With so many papers and die cuts in the Colorful Christmas Collection Pack, the design options are endless. You could easily design just one or two cards and create numerous variations by just swapping out the papers for the different patterns!

Another fabulous thing about this collection of papers and embellishments to keep in mind is that it is quite versatile. Not only can you use it for Christmas Cards, but they can be adapted to many different holidays celebrated my many others.

As the holidays approach, I wish you and your family and safe and happy holiday season and may all of your wishes come true in the New Year!

Happy Scrapping!

 

Life Stories galore!

Our Life Stories collection helps you dig deeper with journaling prompts.  You will learn to tell "the story behind the story"!

Life Stories is printed on Kraft paper in soft brown, blues, greens, reds and purples!  With 2 die cut accessory sheets, 24 patterned papers, and 30 mini journaling cards you are sure to find something for your every scrapbooking need.

Our Design Team members have been waiting for a chance to really play with Life Stories. 

As you can see, there are many different looks you can get with Life Stories.  It looks great with color, sepia or black and white photos ... whatever your heart desires.

We hope you enjoy what we've come up with!

Kim Hughes:

  

Tiffani Smith:

Trisha Ladouceur:

 

Anam Stubbington:

Download Mine Instructions

Download We Love You Desk Album Instructions

Amber Packer:

   

We hope you have a great time telling YOUR Life Stories!