Inspirational and Colorful Layout Challenge New Year 2014

Hello fellow crafters! I'm very excited because I just took part in my first blog challenge. 

Being a newbie to the craft scene here online I recently stumbled across Creative Embellishments and quickly became a fan of their chipboard, wood veneers and stamps which have amazing detail. Check out this next link to see one of their products which is definitely on the list of my favorites Feathers.

So here it is! My first challenge layout and wow is it colorful!

I made this inspiration piece to represent my love for and dedication to crafting. I no longer work outside the home and my youngest is almost an adult. Now, I finally have time for ME. The small star rests and pushes down the C which represents crafts. The pulled back triangular pieces of black glitter paper that make a sun shape represent that I've broken out of my past routines and I'm now fully pursuing my dreams; a bright sunny future. "Reaching for the Stars" means to me that I will pursue my dreams uninhibited. I wanted the look of celebration because that's is truly how I feel. I'm doing something I love and it's good for my personal growth.

The challenge piece (below) is so colorful with so many details to work with. As my handmade inspiration for the rest of the year I wanted to capture the colors and glittery shine. I like things that sparkle. The black glitter card-stock that I used in my piece is absolutely gorgeous.

Creative Embellishments

January Challenge Inspiration Piece

The back of the glitter card-stock is white so I used Adirondack Alcohol Ink in Butterscotch, Stream and Wild Plum to make it colorful. To get the ink to spread I placed a drop on the paper and then blew on it through a straw. I placed some loosely quilled circles underneath the words.

For the scalloped edges I used a Martha Stewart border punch and then placed blue ribbon over it. To give the flowers a glittery center I cut circles out of foam Valentines Day hearts. Each triangular piece was glued down and then a bead was glued to it.

To give my layout a celebratory feel I used quilling paper to make the springy curls. The large star is chipboard covered with white textured card-stock and the small star is the leftover card-stock cut from the center of the large star.

Happy Crafting!

Essential Tools and Materials for Your Craft Room

     I do a lot of different crafts. In fact I tend to try a craft, do it for a little while and move on to the next one just because there are so many out there. Below is a list of the craft tools and materials I use the most for those of you who want to start crafting or just want to add some things to your craft closet.

Glue and Tape

• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
• Craft Glue
• E-6000 
• Masking Tape

I like to keep a few different types of glue on hand. On some projects I will just use one type of glue and on others I may choose to use two or three types. For paper crafts a glue stick, Elmer's Glue, Tacky Glue, Glue Running Bond and my Hot Glue Gun all work, but I have the E-6000 for heavier materials such as metal. If you are working with photos you will want a glue that is made specifically for them.

Extra: Glue Types

Writing Utensils and a Ruler

• Markers
• Pens
• Pencils 

Stamps, Stencils and Ink Pads

• Black Ink
• Brown Ink
• Gold Ink
• Silver Ink
• Distress Ink in Vintage Photo and Tea
• Color Inks
• Ink Stamps
• Ink Dauber
• I also have felt squares I cut for my ink dauber not shown in this photo

Clear Stamps and Stencils

Paper

• Card stock
• Scrapbook Paper
• Tissue Paper 
• Construction Paper
• Printing paper
• Wrapping Paper
• and any other kinds of paper I can get my hands on since paper can be used in so many projects

 Paper Punches

I only have a few paper punches. My favorite shapes are the ones pictured above since there are so many things you can make from them such as butterflies and numerous styles of flowers.

Cutting Tools

• Scissors
• X-Acto Knife with blades
• Hole Punch
• Craft Scissors that make shaped edges such as zig-zag and wavy
• I use a fabric-marking, rolling blade to help make clean folds in paper
• I like to use the tool on the far right that I found in the polymer clay section of a craft store  to poke small holes, get ahold of the edge of things that need repositioned or glued down and place small objects
• Paper Trimmer

Paint and Paint Brushes

I have no particular favorite brand of paint, although I think the Martha Stewart Pearl paints are absolutely beautiful. You'll find some paints have better coverage than others, but it really depends on your project what is best for you to use. I tend to grab paint as I find it on sale. You will also need a jar or can with some water in it to rinse your brushes and I like to keep a couple of bowls handy to squeeze a little paint into or to mix paint colors.

Helpful Tip: I save my milk bottle caps and use them to hold the paint I'm using. I will stick a little piece of tape on the underside of the cap to keep it in place. Once I'm done I can wash and reuse it or toss it out.


Ribbon

Glitter

Other Items I Like To Keep on Hand

• Stapler
• Mod Podge
• Gesso
• Modeling Paste
• Small spray bottles to make paint sprays
• Baby Wipes for quick cleanups and to place over areas of a project I want to protect from paint and glue
• Rubbing alcohol
• Roll of brown paper to keep my work surface cleaner
• Wax paper
• Mica Powders such as Pearl-Ex
• Beads
• Wood and/or foam letters
• Some scrapbook embellishments since they can be used on cards, tags, etc.
• Material