Foiled!

The list is a long one. It's full of techniques to try and ideas to execute. I think it's a good thing to have such a long list. I rarely want for an idea, though I admit, sometimes inspiration eludes my grasp. The con to having a long list is that items from that list become neglected. One item surges to the top of the priority list while another moves toward the bottom. Using a foil kit was one of those ideas that fell off the priority list.

It's often a prompt for an assignment or a challenge from a friend which renews my interest in an item or a technique. When Michelle Houghton mentioned that she would be working with Gold Leaf, I remembered I had always wanted to experiment with the foil kit. It was now a matter of finding it. I always advocate using supplies right now and not holding on to them. I don't mean too, but sometimes specific supplies get lost in the shuffle. Out of sight, out of mind! Now that the foil kit was on my mind, it would take a little bit of reorganizing to bring it within my sight line. Organization is something I am always working on. I want the items to be put away but I also need to see them or know they are there so I can make good use of them.

Move some items here, donate some there, sort into new containers and, aha, there was the kit!

The kit is actually very easy to use. It comes with a set of themed glue shapes which you apply in a manner similar to a rub on. Peel off one side, stick it down, rub into place, pull off the top sheet then, simply lay the foil sheet over the glue shape and rub once again. The glue only removes the section of foil it comes into contact with. 

Waiting for Santa by Christy Strickler Supplies| Cardstock: Colorbok; Patterned Paper,Brads: October Afternoon; Letters: My Little Shoebox; Glitter Glue: Ranger; Foil: Making Memories; Adhesive Shapes: Colorbox;Die Cuts: Chic Tags; Flair: BlueBirdChic.com; Jewel: Hero Arts

The pack of glue shapes came with several sets of Christmas trees. This allowed me to fill a block within the layout. While I could have varied the style of tree( the kit had several to choose from), I preferred the uniform look of this particular style. Using the foil was a wonderful way to subtly add a bit of sparkle to the layout. I repeated the hot pink color inside the flair badge with the word color and a jewel.In addition to foil, the glue shapes also work with glitter and flock. 

I am glad I finally broke the foil kit out. It has literally been out of sight for almost two years! I am not going to buy more until I use these sheets up. However, I can say I have been tempted to get other foil colors. It's just so easy to use!

If you experiment with some gold leaf or foil, we'd love to see your projects in the Get It Scrapped Gallery!

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Tales of a Craft Class Junkie: Working on my Photography Skills

I am at a point in which I would say I am just a bit above the novice skill level when it comes to taking pictures. It's no secret that practice makes perfect. It's also no secret that I love on-line classes. I especially love on-line classes that are free! I recently became aware of two free on-line photography courses. I have signed up for both and I thought I would share them here, just in case you wanted to join me.

Now that I want to create more interesting/appealing product images for my blog, I am finding the need to improve my still life photography. Cheryl McCain is offering a free 8 week course that I am hoping will help me out. If you are interested in still life photography, you can learn more about the course at Cheryl McCain's website.

As a member of Scraphappy, I get unlimited access to the webinars that Lain Ehmann hosts each month. What many people don't realize is that they can get free access to the webinars during a short window of time, even if they are not a Scraphappy member. The free access is generally granted while the webinar is live and then for a few days afterward, you can see the replay. This month, the webinar will feature Katrina Kennedy and is entitled  "Oh, Shoot! Creating a Successful Daily Photography Project." Katrina is known for sharing daily photos tips from her blog.  Click here to view more details

Each year, I try to push my skills as a photographer to the next level. Starting 2014 off with a few courses that will help me do just that seems like a good plan. How about you? Is improving your photography skills something you want to do?


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Feeling like a Grinch?

It's easy to feel a little bit grouchy when so much needs to be done during the holiday season. Today, I am up on the JBS Mercantile blog. I shared a couple of layouts featuring the December kits and my story of how I like to keep in the Holiday Spirit.

I know many of us lament that we can not find the time to create during this hectic season. It is important to remember that a little self care can go a long way in helping us stay focused on the important things. For many of us, time in our creative space helps to clear our heads and relax us a bit.

Remember to:
-Schedule small blocks of time for you to create. Even if it's just for 10 minutes a day.
-If you feel grouchy over the current Holiday chores, take time to look back at some photos of Holidays past. It will help you to remember the end goal of your hard work.
-If you are short on time, don't set out to work with new techniques or to create a complex layout. Keep things simple and stick to your familiar creative process.

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