Nina's Art Spot is quite OUT THERE on social media. However, I don't necessarily offer it all on all platforms. So you maybe missing something you don't want to be missing. I thought you should know what I offer and where. This way you can make an informed decision on where you want to be getting Nina's Art Spot!
So as you know the Blog has the Full Article where as the Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest may have the brief version. The Blog will have any FREE Printables. Those will never be offered on the other forms of media. I generally show some samples of artwork in multiple places but again the Blog usually has the full article to accompany it. That full article may also have a FREE printable of the full workshop including cutting diagrams etc. that go with it!
but if that is all you are getting of Nina's Art Spot...this is what you are missing:
Highlights of a variety of whats happening on the Nina's Art Spot Instagram and Facebook Page
The Stores
I have two stores.
The first is the Close to my Heart store where I sell New and current Close to my Heart products. These are scrapbooking, cardmaking and all around crafting products. I choose to represent Close to my Heart because I can stand by their fine quality and choose to primarily use their products in my own fine artwork. There is a link directly from the blog home page to this store.
The second is the Etsy store where I sell Gently used and retired Close to my Heart products and handmade items. I also on my Etsy store sell my Mixed media pieces of custom artwork. There is a link directly from the blog home page to this store as well.
It's official, today is midway to Christmas and the first day you need to start thinking about those home-made, hand crafted, one of a kind, specially made from your heart kind of gifts. I'm a planner so everything I do I plan out to make sure it gets done...with as much ease as possible. I of course have a planner for this. You do not need a planner but a pad of paper is helpful.
I would start off with making a list of those people you would like to bless this year with a 💟 felt gift. Then to decide on what you are making for them. I generally go with one type of project for them all. That way its only one set up etc. For example. Let's say I'm going to make a mini album for those I'm blessing. I can cut the same size base pages out for all the albums at the same time. Even if all the pages are different types of paper its a lot faster if they are basically the same size/type item.
The next step is to create a project supply list. This is a full list for all the gifts. Once the needed supply list is created I would then start pulling out what I already have on hand and make a new list of those things I need to purchase.
The next step is fun. It is to purchase the items that still need to be purchased.
Then comes the hard part, calculating the remaining time left until Christmas with how long it will realistically take you to finish the project. Generally I usually break it up into sections. How long do I think it will take me to for example the mini albums, cut all my card-stock, design, correlate photos, cut photos, journal and actually bring it all together into the final pieces.
For the first 3 steps I would give yourself 1-2 weeks only. You can really get lost in the decision making if you let yourself.
Here are some ideas for making decision's on what to make:
Close to my Hearts Annual Inspirations (Catalog/Idea Book) is choked full of ideas
Make it from your HeartVol 1 & Vol 2 are very inexpensive ($7.95 ea) go to idea resources on gift ideas for home decor
Pinterest ~ Has a ton of ideas for craft projects and gift giving ideas.
YouTube ~ Although we only have one tutorial up now there will be more going up and there is so much out there now.
Periscope ~ Start following people who show tutorials.
Michaels/Hobby Lobby ~ Take a tour with your phone to get ideas. Take pictures of your ideas. Hobby Lobby usually has project cards you can take for Free!
If you are doing something using pictures here are my top three photo printing places:
Groovebook - It is a sign up app on your phone. It is $2.99 for shipping 100 4" x 6" pictures off your phone or tablet only. It is printed in a book format each month on a fairly thin glossy paper. However the date that each photo was taken is printed on the binding edge just prior to the perforation. Use Code FICKETT21 for your first book of 100 prints FREE. To Redeem: Download the Groovebook app, sign up, then enter the promo code.
Shutterfly - Is a good one as well although they are more expensive at $0.15 a print. However, sometimes they have additional coupons you can use. Their paper quality is a bit higher. They have both an app for android and you can upload photos from your computer. When I'm using photos for scrapbooks and other projects I still prefer the functionality of Groovebooks book style with the dates printed in them over the upgrade on the paper.
SnapFish - Has a Free 100 prints with sign up bonus. They also have both an app and you can upload photos from your computer. Cost of their 4" x 6" prints are $0.09 each. However, I have felt their quality vs functionality is the lowest of the three options I've listed here.
There are more out there like Free Prints (they give you 80 Free prints a month, but you pay a lot for shipping), Walgreens but their website is full of glitches and I spend too much time hassling with their website....and many more.
I will keep the count down coming with tips, tricks and check in's here on the blog and more frequently on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with the basic count down!
Its so fun to share with you the last of the three NEW Seasonal Expressions II 2016 paper packs.
I present Calypso!
X7210B Calypso Paper PacketThe paper pack comes with 12, 12" x 12" background and texture paper with zip strips. That's 2 each of 6 double sided designs. The sixth sheet being the Picture My Life cards that are also 2 sided and come in both horizontal and vertical. The Calypso paper pack is item # X7210B. The Calypso featured Colors: Black, Cotton Candy, Honey, Lagoon, Pear
The Compliments are 2, 6" x 6" Coordinating Sticker Sheets and Assorted vellum die-cuts. The Calypso Compliments are item # X7210C.
Z3215 Calypso Sequins
Z3219 Calypso Washi Pack
G1109 Workshops Your Way™ Calypso Scrapbooking Kit
The Calypso Workshop Your Way is incredible. I was able to put together 4, 2 page layouts and make 9 total cards (3 each of 3 designs) just by adding ink pads, a stamp set and a card and envelope value pack. Directions for the workshop is available to download directly off the website. Below are the samples of what I made using the Workshop Your Way.
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
Now, I didn't follow the directions exactly. I spiced it up a bit. It was lovely to get these pictures from 1998 scrapbooked. In 1998 my daughter was 2 years old and she's now 20 so I'm WAY behind to say the least! Harvey the Flamingo is stinkin' cute. Doesn't he look like a Harvey?
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
These next set of layouts are pictures taken from 1997 and are a skinny version of me. I worked so hard to loose my pregnancy weight and as a treat I went on a end of the summer trip to the beach in Rhoad Island. It was a quick trip but oh so wonderful.
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
and here are the three designs of cards that I was able to make from the Workshop Your Way. Now the workshop called for the stamp set One in a Melon C1650 but I used Tickled Pink C1651 because I fell in love with Harvey and had to use him in these cards. So I spiced things up a bit in true "Nina" fashion.
Created by: Nina of Nina's Art Spot
Created by Kendra Halverson
Supplies Used:
G1109 WYW Calypso
C1650 One in a Melon Stamp Set
Z1263 Bitty Sparkles
Z3167 Artistry Cricut Cartridge
Z2060 3D Foam Tape
X254 Card/Envelope Value Pack
Z2643 Canary Ink Pad
Z2197* Pear Ink Pad
Z2105 Black Ink Pad
*Retiring August 2016
Created by Jenny Johnson
Supply List:
X7210B Calypso Paper Pack
Z3215 Calypso Sequins
Z3167 Artistry Cricut Cartridge
Z3132 Watercolor Paints
Z3188 Paintbrush Set
Here are some other wonderful items made using Calypso. Please note all the creative artist.
I'm so excited to get a chance to share with you a sneak peek at the all NEW 2016-2017 Annual Inspirations and the 2016 Holiday Expressions Catalogs covers. However as we say hello to the new we have to say good-bye to some of the old. Come September I will get to share with you A LOT more of the NEW. For now lets review some of the items we need to say good bye to.
First off there are some Close To My Heart colors that will be retiring . Those colors are: Gypsy, Topiary, Pear, Honey, Sunset, Cotton Candy and Hollyhock. These are Ink, Paper, Fundamental and Re-Inker colors
Here is a PDF file of all the retiring items. The majority of these will be retiring August 31st, 2016 so you have a bit more time on these items if there are things on this list you MUST HAVE.
From the Notebook SET OF 24
$17.95 S1607 ~~~~> Use with Cricut Cartridge Artistry
Each month you can purchase a new D-size stamp set,
available for that month only, for just $5! When you
place an order of $50 or more in Close To My Heart
products, you qualify for this special Stamp of the
Month pricing.
Here are some samples using the July stamp of the Month ~ From the Notebook
Altering a composition book is quite easy and a big bang for your buck. I've done quite a few over the years. I've given them as gifts and included them in giveaways.
All you need is a handful of items to make one. Here is a list of supplies you will need to make yours.
SUPPLIES:
Composition Book
Paper Cutter
Corner Rounder
Scissors
Washi Tape
Cardstock
Background and Texture Paper/Cardstock
18" Long Ribbon (optional)
Picture My Life/Project Life Cards (optional)
Embellishments (optional)
Modge Podge (optional)
Scotch Liquid Fast Drying Adhesive (optional)
ATG or other tape adhesive (optional)
Once you have gathered all your supplies you need to make a design decision. Do you want your covers to butt-up to the black binding on the composition book or do you want it to overlap. When you overlap it I suggest you cover the binding with a layer of washi. If you choose this method I also suggest you to use Modge Podge to secure the binding edge. If you choose to use Modge Podge a handy TIP is to use liquid glue to adhere the covers you will be using it on. Simply use a very light thin layer. By doing this you minimize the buckling of the paper from the Modge Podge. Below is a sample.
I generally use regular cardstock for the inside covers and background & texture paper for the front and back covers. However, this isn't a must.
Let me set the scene. You've just completed an awesome scrapbook two page layout and you have your photo's of your child's Soccer final high school game from last week. Now to buckle down and add your journaling. Easy Peasy, right you already know the details. You just apply the basics. But what if you have a rockin' scrapbook layout and don't know what to display on it? or worse you want to scrapbook but have no idea what to scrapbook. This is where the awesome PROMPT comes in handy.
So you may ask...What is a journaling prompt? Let me clarify.
A journal prompt is a statement/question/suggestion designed to inspire you or suggest a direction to write or scrapbook. No matter how much you enjoy writing or have ideas for what to scrapbook about, the day will come when you are out of ideas. It is a good idea to have a source to pull prompts from. Journal prompts you have saved can be used to help get past a block or even to inspire you.
Now to review the basics of your journaling block.
Basics:
When ~ Date
Where ~ Location
Who ~ People involved
What ~ What were they doing
Why ~ Why were they doing it or there.
Here is an example, back to our child's soccer game example above:
When ~ Last week
Where ~ The High School
Who ~ You and your child...the team
What ~ Playing Soccer
Why ~ Last game in High School
Birdy my Journaling Planner
Journaling Prompt Binder
Whenever I come upon a good journaling prompt I tuck it away in my "Journaling Prompt" binder and then answer them in my A5 journaling planner. In my journaling planner (which I've named Birdy) I create a page that I date and indicate the original prompt and where I got it. Its my go to place when I'm stuck on what to write or even what to scrapbook.
Here are a few examples of how to use a journaling prompt.
Sample Journaling Prompts
My favorite movie is _________
My answer: My favorite movie is also my favorite book, To Kill A Mockingbird by
Harper Lee. I saw this movie for the first time in high school (psst...shhh...in 1980, not
to date myself).
So then based on this information I will do a brain dump regarding my answer to the prompt question. This will inspire what direction to go for the layout. A brain dump is a "dump" of words phrases ideas based off a specific subject from your brain to some other storage medium, such as paper, your computer or even a note on the App, Voxer.
Brain Dump: Scrapbook paper with text like from a book, movie film
journaling blocks, '80's memorabilia, Scout (a character from the book), a big
tree trunk with a space to hid things, Boo (another character from the book),
Front image of the book, Harper Lee the author, etc.
The Layout based off my brain dump: So based on my brain dump I could do multiple different things. I could create a base page with scrapbook paper that is pure text. I could do a 3 1/2" x 5" photo matte and instead of a photo I could put a picture of the front of the book. I could create a long strip of movie film and instead of film in the spaces I could add my text for the journaling. I could find a die cut of an old looking tree with gnarly looking knots in it to run up one side of the page. I could have a title topper My Favorite Movie.
The Journaling: In my 1980 English class with Ms. Benton we read Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird as part of the curriculum. Once we finished reading and analyzing the book we had a chance to watch the 1962 black and white movie with Gregory Peck, Robert Duvall and Mary Badham. The book and movie is about Atticus Finch, played by Gregory Peck who is a depression era lawyer in the south. The book follows the events as he defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice. At the time I saw this movie I was drawn in by the southern ways depicted from the time period. I was also pulled in by the relationship between Atticus and his daughter Scout. Scout reminded me of my inner self at that age, about 6-9. She was precocious and outspoken for her age. Harper Lee is an incredible author and To Kill A Mockingbird was her first novel. She won a Pulitzer prize for it.
Now you maybe wondering why you would want to scrapbook something like this. Something about yourself. A non-event so to speak. The answer is simple. Because your family wants to know things about you. Who you were when you were a kid and who you are now.
What scares you?...Why?
My answer: I am scared of rodents. I've never discovered why I'm afraid of them but when I see them in real life or on TV I loose all common sense. When I see them in a book or a still picture of them I get the chills and the creeps. Brain Dump:Beady eyes, tails.....well ok you get the idea...I'm getting the creepsjust thinking about it. Now we could go a few ways with this prompt: 1.) Do I already have pictures taken of me responding to a sighting? If so then I could scrapbook the basics of the event. (thankfully there are no pictures of me during a sighting!) or 2.) I could scrapbook about the fear itself or fears in general or a scrapbook page titled "Our Family's Fears" With the second possibility, "Our Family's Fears" I could get images that describe each persons fear and then list who it belongs to. I could take that a step further and even do a matching game on a scrapbook page. I could mount pictures of each family member on a matte with a blank back side and hinge mount it to the scrapbook page. The journaling is behind each photo, creating a flip. These photo/journaling mattes would be on one side of the layout and then the images depicting the fears on the other side. Using a brad I could attach a piece of bakers twine to each of the fear images and just an empty brad next to each of the family member photo mattes. I would then make a small hole in the page protector next to each brad with bakers twine. Now I would feed the bakers twine through the hole. Make a larger hole in the page protector for the empty brad on the other side. Now your creepy fears page is interactive. The scrapbook viewer now has to guess who's fear belongs to which family member. I could write a journaling block for each persons fears. Describing the fear and even putting into quotes what the family member said as their "Why" For example. The Journaling: Nina is afraid of rodents. She has had this fear for as long as she can remember. She doesn't understand her fear and why she gets so creeped out by them. She has no desire to overcome her fear. I hope this has helped you understand the advantage of stock piling and using journaling prompts. I encourage you to create your own way of filing or saving the journaling prompts you come across. To get you started below is a sign up for a FREE June Journaling Prompt Printable.
Like the Nina's Art Spot Facebook page and share your method of filing or saving Journaling Prompts by end of the day on June 30th, 2016 and you will be automatically entered to receive the July Journaling Prompt Printable.
