Welcome back! If you haven't been here in a while, neither have I! It's been a crazy, busy year. I was a Close to my Heart consultant/maker for almost 20 years, and last month, they closed their doors. I debated on what to do next. I have loved everything Close to my Heart for so long that I wasn't sure I wanted to invest in a different company. However, I love making cards, scrapbook pages, and mixed media items, and I'm always learning. I also love showing others how to do what I've learned! So, I took a leap of faith and signed up with Stampin' Up! I hope you stick with me during this transition and learn along with me!

While helping my grandson with an assignment, I came across an interesting thought: people often think others are more creative than they are. I thought about this and believe that every creative person had to learn along the way to get to that point! Creativity is in all of us, and I love helping others find their creative mindset.

I won't lie; I am terrible at keeping up with this blog, but I always try my best when I do get on here! I had some technical difficulties getting things going again, but I have some pictures and videos that I will share in my next post. For now, I'll leave you with the link to my new website with Stampin' Up! Check it out! My favorite items so far are the card kits! Usually, I have to drag out a lot of tools, follow a cutting guide, and try to keep track of all the pieces. Hours later, I end up with some of the cards done, and it gets frustrating. But not with these card kits! They come with everything you need to complete the cards. All you need is something to clean your stamps with (I recommend a scrubber and a stamp spray or a shammy and water). Here's my new website address: https://lauriesmith.stampinup.net/

Thank you for coming back to get caught up with me, or if you are new here, thank you for stopping by!

"Create something every single day, or as often as possible!"

 Every year I say that I am going to stay caught up on this blog.  I really do try, but life gets in the way.  I’m still scrapbooking and still making cards.  I’m learning new techniques and ideas all the time, but then never have the time to record myself making something to share with you.  

I also am still a Maker (consultant) for Close to my Heart.  I love their products so much!  If you are not familiar with this company, please check out my Maker website at https://lauriesmith.closetomyheart.com/ After you check out the website, let me know if you have any questions!  Definitely check out the VIP section!

Keep crafting!

Here’s a little ATC card I made using Distress Oxides and the Cape Cod stamp (item #Z4754) from Close to my Heart!

 

Ink Smooshing

Another fun technique to try is "Ink Smooshing"!  This one is so much fun and every card turns out just a little bit different!  I love the uniqueness this technique gives to my cards!!

Ink Swiping!

Here's another fun technique, Ink Swiping!  You are literally just "swiping" your stamp across your ink pad to create a fun look!  Thank you for watching!

Eclipse Card

I'm not sure why my last post would not allow me to just embed the video for monochromatic cards, but I was able to upload this one with no problems!  Here is my version of an eclipse card!  Thank you for watching!

Monochromatic Card

I go for months without posting anything on here and then several posts within days!  I'm just not a consistent person with all of the technology available to me.  Once I get into the habit of using a certain technology tool, I'm usually pretty good about staying caught up with it.  So I guess I should get into the habit of posting on here!  It has taken all day for the next videos to upload.  I have 2 more to work on tonight and then I will be caught up with the ones that I want to do.  I am in a card swap with a group that would meet once a month.  We were able to meet mid-March of this year and then everything in Iowa started closing so we have not been able to get together since.  I began doing Facebook Live crops for them in April and showing the card technique for the next month.  Since we were not being held accountable to have our cards ready each month, many of us fell behind, including me.  I had to try to remember which technique I taught each month so I could get them done and remind others.  I decided to make these videos as a tutorial for them to refer to, but I know I am often online looking for ideas and decided to share mine with others as well.  Please enjoy the videos.  Feel free to offer any constructive criticism along the way so I can get better in helping others learn these techniques!  Be sure to follow me on here and you can also follow me on Youtube!  Thank you for watching!

(Still having issues today with uploading videos!  Click on the link below and it will take you to the Youtube video I made on monochromatic cards.)

https://youtu.be/KbIrSmndpw4

Inking Up Embossing Folders

I've spent the morning working on 3 more videos to post.  It's' now almost 4:00 in the afternoon here and only one of my videos has uploaded!  This seems to be a very slow process for me.  I'm not sure if it is my internet uploading speed or if I am not following the correct path to get things uploaded.  Either way, I'm working on patience today 😊.  This video shows the theme that one of my card clubs was required to do for the month of February 2020.  It is inking up your embossing folder to create a textured background for your card.  In making these videos, I am learning to explain all steps, but need to condense some because I end up rambling or losing my train of thought in the middle.  I could go back and edit everything, but that is for another time.  Right now I need to focus on one skill at a time and this one is just learning how to record.  Of course, I also need to work on getting better at uploading and posting!  So, keep coming back to watch my progress improvement with videos and posting!  Be sure to follow me on here!!  Thank you for watching!