still me

candy!

we are a week out from Valentines day! i need to swing into action and sprinkle some love around my house! I have been so focused on other stuff! good stuff! but there is still time to enjoy Valentines goodness! i love Valentine's ... i can remember when i was little, we delivered little valentines' on our friends' doorstep, ring the doorbell and run! it was so much fuN! when did that stop? i think we need to bring it back this year... and we are bringing it back with these...

all you need is: transperancy film (avail at office supply), some super cute scrapbook paper... and since my cute "Sugar Chic" collection is not available until March, i suggest this cutie cute collection that Jessica Sprague and I created together "For the Love"... 

i printed a little message on the transperancy (it says Love This Candy) --which i do!  You will need a sewing machine to make this work... sew around the heart leaving about 2" open on one of the sides. Then fill it with candy. i stuck the hot lips in as far as i could, and that kept it open enough to fill with the M&M's. any candy would work...  once you have the candy in place, just sew up the 2" opening.

i had a couple feet of 'heidi swapp' ribbon from the show... (i LOVE having heidi ribbon!, i'll admit it!) so i cut it into small pieces, folded it over and stapled it in place just so it said 'heidi'... 

i used my little 6x6 patterns, which is fun cause the scale is smaller- i love that. these were fun to share!  

 

more from inside CHA!

it’s been a whirlwind since CHA… I had the amazing opportunity Friday and Saturday to attend an intense hands-on digital designer workshop with Carina Gardner. Carina teaches at www.jessicasprague.com, mostly she teaches illustrator classes and of course offers her amazingly gorgeous kits…it was a small group of us together in a room for 2 days, and it was amazing! I loved every minute of it! I learned SO much, and it was exciting to learn so much. Carina is an amazing teacher—so knowledgeable, and the information just flows from her.  The coolest thing was being in a room with women that were all willing to share, and teach one another. Eric actually arranged for me to go to the class, knowing that I would never take the time, even though I’d love to… I really appreciate that Eric is so supportive of my goals- taking classes, and learning new things is so empowering and energizing! (here is Carina's review of CHA...)

 

Today I caught up on some of the fun videos and feedback from the CHA show regarding some of my products:

 

I was lucky enough (and in good company) to be included in Stacy Julian’s top 10 picks from CHA… check this out!

 

 

today I also finally had a chance to listen to the CHA and 100^th episode of Paperclipping Round Table. It’s a podcast that is hosted by Noelle Hyman from Paperclipping.com, and well as a panel of contributors… this show was hosted by Noell, Ali Edwards, Stacy Julian, Nancy Nally and Angie Lucas.  I thought that the episode was particularly insightful… I certainly was thankful for the kind words that were spoken about myself, and my new release…I was so thrilled by the their comments and descriptions of the Memory File.  THANKS LADIES!!  It’s pretty interesting to hear about what these ladies think are the hot trends, and their favorite new and innovative products… as well as their perspective of the show.  It’s worth a listen for sure!  The mood is casual, and really makes you feel like you are there, hanging out and hearing all about it!  the podcasts are available on itunes… it’s a great way to stay in the loop!

 

and here is a look at my WHOLE array of "fabulous" as i like to call it! it's ALL the NEW EMBELLISHMENTS that are included in my CHA 2012 release...it's yummy! 

... until March 1!

my sweet, and talented friend Maridette Cachola took some absolutely GORGEOUS photos of my booth at CHA. i just can't thank her enough, as i only took 4 or 5 photos, and i was regretting that i didn't take more. but even if i did...they wouldn't be near this beautiful! thank you dette! you are so awesome! 

So, the collection will be shipping on March 1! that is LESS than one month away! it will be here before we know it, especailly since feb is such a shortie month! i'll be spending the rest of this month sharings ideas, and focusing on each of the different products in the line so you will be all ready, and inspired when they actually become available! (i can't wait!)

so this is me... my new BIZ card... i love it.

this was the window display on DAY 1... the show really did feel like a little party in the booth! and definately a celebration! it was so awesome to see it all come together so beautifully!

the second window was full of balloons, and that question i love to ask: what do you want to rember?

i have to say, that these huge, oversized versions of my new "STIX" were my favorite!

another fav in the booth are the COLOR MAGIC 'memory files'...

i was so excited when cute Noelle Hyman came by the booth to visit... you can see the video that she did to feature these here:

 

today on 'create to remember'...

if you have followed me for  very long, or even had a class w/ me, it won't be a surprise to you that i kinda wing it! i don't really like to measure stuff... i just kinda go for it, and then make little adjustments along the way... well, today's episode of 'create to remeber' is just that... a prime example of my impatience and much-too-easy-going approach! you will just have to laugh at me as you watch today...

the project concept is a great one- creating a fabric cover for a quick and easy mini. canvas and burlap are so hot right now, and when you mix them with the mists, and paitns and other mixed media options, the possibilities are endless!  this book shown above has been adorned with mistable scallop ribbons and flower from the 'Mistable' line by Pink Paislee.  i used several different colors of mist: Trunk Bay, Aquamairne, Dragon Fly and Mallard to create a very summery vibe on the front of this book! i show off a couple other ideas including a camoflauge camp book i made with the young women in my church as a summer camp journal. All the girls ages 12-18 were able to sew and stamp their own and they loved the creative process!

i also talk about my quick process for making the 'guts' of the book by cutting a variety of papers down to 6x12 and folding in 1/2 and sewing down the center--i love to mix in tags, page protectors and other bits and pieces for a really unique mini.

check it out... and you will know what i mean when i tell you that measuring is NEVER a waste of time! i wish i would take my own advice!!

For the love projects and kits...

i have been so focused on the show, i almost forgot that yesterday this GORGEOUS kit that i worked on with Jessica Sprague became available... it is almost february after all! (gasp!) and valentines day is just around the corner... as you know, i love love love valentines day, and i had so much fun playing with these gorgeous designs! i am SO into the colors- the kit is playful with a touch a vintage and a dash of modern... i know you will love it! so this kit is a little different than the others we did- there is one kit that has the papers, embellishments, all kinds of parts and pieces... that are just digi... but also included in the kit are all the printable hybrid components to make 3 fabulous-gorgeous projects... along with the pdf instructions with all the step by step photos AS WELL AS 7 video lessons to walk you through making all this stuff. it's SO cool! here is a look at the projects.. 

 

so... here is the kit preview:

ok, there is a TON OF STUFF in here... and it's delightfuL! the WHOLE BALL OF WAX is ONLY $22.99 you will be in love!! check it out! it's soo cute!

today...in the booth

couple more little details from the booth today- it was a good day!

 

 

i thouht i had a better photo of these windows- not sure what is up with that, but thought that i'd share anyway! i used the insatframes to hang in there- super cool!

 

these are the amazing ladies helping me in my booth...they have been awesome!

these cute ladies are from Germany- i enjoyed their shirts!

i am hoping to do better on the photos tomorrow. 

some samples...

maybe you have started to see some reviews etc from the show... i wanted to show some nice close up pics of this fab litte book i made using one of the files from the new 'memory file' folders... it's made from one of the color magic folders... i cut a folder in 1/2 and then sewed the two together at the spine... 

here on the front, you will see:

yellow disco heart

'love this' arrow  and 'adore' word & heart from the 'buzz words'

one little flag from the banner delights

 2 'file tab label stickers' & a yellow 'color label sticker'

and "Color Magic letterbox alphas'

'liked' sticker from the instaframes

this is page 2 and you can see: 

sugar chic stix (you can see both kinds of bows here)

banner delights...

sugar chic pennants: 'adore'

color labels 

'liked' stickers

color magic letterbox alphas

the "love" from the sentiment storage

on this page.. you see the:

zebra of the sugar chic stix

color instaframes

trimmings

you can see one of the stamps...

the trimmings are just totally fabulous!!

this was the make n take from today! i used the 'captions' which are like photo mats- this card pivots on the brads and swings out... it's so cute! --

this was yesterday's make n take using the adorable paper bows!

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i kinda can't believe it.

it's here. CHA 2012. i have been anticipating this for a long time. it's been a major 'thing' to make it happen, and i am so excited. i really love this show's release. it looks so good all up on the walls, together with everything- of course it's the first time i have seen it all together, all packaged-- and it's so amazing to see the pencil sketches, of everything from the products themselves, to the signage and displays all come to life. that is a delightful part of my job! so the CHA show starts tomorrow, and it's it's late- but i wanted to share a couple pics-- these are taken w/ my phone in crummy light, so hopefully i will get better ones tomorrow:

 

ok, that is all i have for now... but i will give you a little sneak of something...this is something that will be launching on monday, so check back and i'll fill you in! i'll be sharing more show pics etc. as well!  ok! wish me luck! 

and...i'm off!

ok, i'm packed!

getting in all in involved the master packing skills of mr. swapp! there has been a lot of preparation for this show... perhapse the MOST prep ever! the creative process has been easy--mostly because i have been able to see these products in my head for months...i have been imagining how i would use them. it's been so much fun to make those little dreams into realities! so cute. i banged out quite a few samples featuring the newness:

and this is the mess i made... it was epic!

and now...it's all clean. all my samples are wrapped up neatly and zipped up in my bags-along with these:

i love owning a button maker! it's just hours of fun! these are for the lovely ladies that will be taking orders in my booth for the show... along with these:

these flowers are much larger than they appear! so cute!

the show starts on sunday... between now and then we will be in booth set up zone and making it all look fabulous! i am so excited to see how it comes together...i have some fun surprizes up my sleeve...crazy good!  each day i'm making changes to the booth--as well as featuring a different make n take each day as well! so if you will be at the show ... please stop by!

hopefully you have been keeping up with the little sneaks! and one of my favorite part of this new line are the bows! you probably already know this about me... i love bows!

these are nothing short of fabulous! i love them!...well, i was discussing my obession with bows with my Aunt KJ, and she said to me, "i think i know where you get  your love of bows" and moments later i rec'd this image in my inbox:

this beautiful girl is my Great Grandma when she was 16.  i love this so much!

ok, need to get just a little sleep tonight!  i am going to TRY to keep my blog updated with insider show stuff...we'll see how it goes! night, night...zzzzzzzzzz

my jumpstart...

i hope that you have been following alongwith the creative jumpstarts each day! what an AMAZING month of daily inspiration right in my inbox. i have loved it so much! HUGE HUGS To Nathalie Kalbach for the  SIGNIICANT amount of work that she put into this endeavor!  TODAY is my day... and i have been laughing at myself since i re-watched the video -- i remembered how many problems i had with my video! 

i was experimenting with the idea of melting tissue into wax -- similar to the way that i have been melting tissue paper onto  candles to decorate: 

so... i got out one of these really cool chipboard binders from Bazzill.  it' s such a nice thick chipboard with a 3 ring binder inside- called "Totally Exposed".  I then designed a cute quote sheet and printed it onto tissue paper... turned out so cute!  you can grab it off of here if you want to play with it.

 

here's a little write up i did for the project:  

I find that creative PLAY is the most effective way for me to jumpstart my creativity! For this challenge, I decided to experiment with a technique I love on candles… and create a cover for an Art Journal.

By using a heat tool, and a piece of tissue paper, you can melt the tissue paper right onto the candle, thus adding color, art and design right onto the surface of the candle- Here’s how I created the cover using wax, tissue, a heat tool and photoshop.

1. design or type what you want to use as the art for your collage
2. print the art onto white tissue paper by cutting the tissue to 8x11 and taping it to a piece of cardstock to feed it through your printer.
3. Cover the surface of your book or chipboard with a bottom layer- I used old book paper
4. Paint the melted wax all over the surface, with 2-3 coats.
5. The surface with be rough, with brush strokes and varying thicknesses; using a heat tool, smooth out the surface so it’s nice and even
6. Begin to place your tissue pieces as you wish- you can layer them- they will be transparent layers.
7. To add glitter, heat to melt a portion of the wax, and sprinkle glitter on melted portion; allow to cool.

Once the surface has cooled completely, it will be similar to the surface of a candle. Keep it out of extreme heat!

 

this is the first layer, you want to put down a background and then really coat it with wax. -- when you brush on the wax (i used a melting pot and bees wax, but you could totally just melt chunks of candle.)  i then smoothed out all the wax by heating with an embssing gun. 

then you just layer on the wax- it's SO easy, and SO fun! i lOved the process so much!  i had more technical difficulties with the video for this than i EVER have! one of my lights bit the dust, so it was dark, and then the video was like 15 minutes long and i was annoying myself watching it... so then i really edited it down--and i decided that what i was doing spoke for itself, and added music to drown myself out-- LOL turns out, maybe people would want to hear what i had to say! IDK... SOOOO big apologies for the music, and hopefully the technique will speak for itself!! please forgive me!:)

i do want to express sincere gratitude to Nathalie for inviting me to participate- i needed that little jump! i knew that all the jumpstart artists would totally 'bring it' (which they so totally have), and so it really caused me to push myself, which i am SO glad i did! i have a goal (after cha) to do some art journaling, and i am thrilled to have so many fresh and interesting techniques to explore from these amazing women all over the world. it's humbling, and exhillerating. thanks to each one of you who have participated and shared- i feel like i got to spend time with you, in your creative space--and learn. THANKS!! 

with CHA coming SOON, i have been working, working-- lots to do! be sure to check my fb page, and follow me on twitter and instagram...i've been letting some sneaks trickle out a bit.  also, there will be a sneak peek email going out each day this week, if you aren't signed up to recieve them, head over to www.heidiswapp.com and sign up!