WRMK Albums Made Easy...PART I

Hi, Lekha here……..

Before I share my project today, let me announce the winners of the Sizzix Challenge. The winner is RISHITA THOMAS. She shared this elegant & classy white on white card. We absolutely loved the use of dies here.

                                                      

   Rishita's lovely entry

             

The runner up is VINITA JAIN. Here is her gorgeous circle card with some awesome details.

                                                   Vinita's gorgeous card

Congratulations ladies, please email {support17@itsybitsy.in} within a week to claim your Prize(only winner) and badges.

And now over to another huge project..Have u checked out WRMK 'albums made easy" range...they have huge collection with linen as well as leather album in some cool colors. If you like keeping photo "positives" for a memory, or creating scrapbook layouts than these are for you.

These are 12x12 inch D-ring albums with metal corner and spine accents. The album includes photo sleeves and page protectors (though you can get wide variety of WRMK LINEN ALBUMS.)

And whats more...these hold up to 100 pages..that is a lot of photos and some amazing memories.

So lets gets started...in my DT kit I got this lovely Butter colored Linen album..

And some very pretty papers from Mixed Company pattern paper and  Maggie Holmes pattern paper from Crate paper.

The packaging says 12x12 inch but believe me its 15x12 inch for the album cover (that is a huge space!!) 

You can design it in many ways..mix media, stamping, shabby chic layouts or simple scrapbook layouts..I chose to do a bright scrapbook layout. 

For the layout I decided on a layered look with distressed edges.

For the edges you can use a pair of scissors(blade side) to distress it and than ink it on the edges. Any inks can be used.

More layers are in the form of tags ..these are hand cut, used eyelet punch/setter and some satin ribbons.Notice the 'Dream' word that is from the latest stamp release at the store. Lovely designs..if you still haven't got them I recommend putting some in shopping cart.

If you are following our blog you would have read my post on wrmk Banner tool..(i created some huge banners there!) here is a cute little penant and flag banner with little gem alphabets. Stuck the banner with hemp twine.

The center of the cover houses space for 4x4 inch photo. I have cut the rectangle ornate chipboard piece at opposite ends and stuck in a way that it forms perfect space for a 4x4 inch photo.This is the focal point of this album cover.

These chipboard can be hand painted, heat embossed or used as it is...I am a big hoarder of these and love to paint or heat emboss them. Here I have painted them in gold.

And now the embellishing journey starts..I love these paper flowers ,you add them to any project and the looks just pops out!..

And yes before I forget since these are linen album they took so well to the stenciling.I used a script stencil( stencils are great for breaking the monotonous backgrounds and adding some depth).

Also have used a bit of  tiger tail near the bottom leaf.And some enamel dots finish the project.

Here is the complete layout for this album cover page.

Hope you liked the makeover ...Do leave some love in the comments.

Thanks

Happy crafting!!

Supplies used:

WRMK linen album
Maggie Holmes pattern paper
Mixed Company pattern paper
Eyelet setter
Eyelet
wrmk Banner tool
hemp twine
page protectors 
gem alphabets
paper flowers 
chipboard designs

silicon glue

stencil
tiger tail

Crafter In The Spotlight 8 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello friends!! Itsy Bitsy brings you "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT" – a unique way of encouraging and appreciating the talented crafters. We recognize talented crafters week after week, turn the spotlight on them & feature them in our "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT"! We love what you talented crafters create & are amazed at each of your unique creations every single day! We love the way you use Itsy Bitsy products & give life to those products.

We are delighted to announce this week’s “CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT” - July 2016 – MANISHA GUPTA! A Commerce graduate by academics, this extremely talented crafter got bitten by the Craft Bug when she first walked into an Itsy Bitsy store in Bangalore! :-) Card Making is her favourite craft & her creations are clean & elegant ! This young mother plans her crafting on Weekends & at nights & loves experimenting with various techniques!!

CONGRATULATIONS Manisha Gupta! Wishing you loads of success on your creative Journey!

Here are excerpts of my interview with Manisha:

Rashmi Closepet, MD, Itsy Bitsy: Tell us a bit about yourself, your background? Where are you originally from?

Manisha Gupta: Hello Rashmi. Thank you and the entire team of Itsy Bitsy for appreciating my work and giving this great platform to showcase the creations.I was born and brought up in Assam, completed my graduation in commerce from Kolkata and shifted to Bangalore in 2004, spent half my life in Bangalore and this city has become my Home now. I am working for HP as a Program Manager. I am blessed with 2 beautiful children (5 &1/2 yr n 7 months old)

RC: How did you get into crafting?

MG: I was always inclined towards arts and craft from the very childhood but it was ignored for few years till the time I walked into an ItsyBitsy store. I was thrilled to see the huge variety of supplies under one roof in Itsy-Bitsy. It just gave me the motivation to explore the world of crafts again. Since then I have always made birthday invitation/thank you gifts, favour bags on my son’s birthday every year. I am so happy that I started crafting, it’s a huge stress buster for me.

RC: What is your favourite type of craft?

MG: I love to learn and try new techniques, however I just love card making. I like sewing as well but don’t get much time to do that.

RC: What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

MG: If I could afford I would have bought the entire store, love all the products. To name a few I usually pick up Papers, ribbons, stamp sets, embossing folders, Inks, heat embossing supplies, embellishments and the list can go on & on.

RC: What products from Itsy Bitsy do you think are must have’s for a crafter?

MG: BIG SHOT machine is a must for any crafter.

RC: What product would you like to see at Itsy Bitsy?

MG: I would like to see more varieties and options of die-cut, stamp set, inks, ribbons

RC: What do you do to make your workplace inspiring?

MG: All my craft supplies are sorted and segregated in separate boxes which keep my Workstation neat and tidy. Apart from that I always keep a calendar which tells me the events for the year stuck on the soft board. Any occasion like birthdays, anniversary, baby arrival or festivals inspire me to create something new which can be gifted. It give me immense pleasure and so much satisfaction to gift a handcrafted item to the loved ones on their special day/occasion.

RC: What are your other interests?

MG: I enjoy spending my time with my little ones. Gardening is my second passion after crafting. I have a 2 beautiful terrace gardens with more than 100 pots and love to get my hands dirty whenever possible.

RC: If you had magic powers, what would you want to contribute to the Crafting world ?

MG: If I had magical powers I would want handicrafts to be a part of school curriculum for both Urban and Rural children. The traditional, diverse and rich handicrafts of india are dying, as it doesn’t fetch enough money for a decent living. Also the platform to showcase the art is limited. Given a chance I would like to design a curriculum for the Subject “Craft” which would give the platform for children to learn the rich & traditional handicrafts from all around the world. Also would like to revive some exquisite form of traditional art/craft which is gradually dying out in India.

RC: What is your most treasured possession in your craft stash?

MG: My Bigshot machine - I love to flaunt my BIGSHOT to the visitors who want to see my crafts & creations.

RC: How would you describe your style of crafting?

MG: Well my crafting style changes as per the project I am working on. There is no one particular style which I can call out. I love learning and exploring new techniques and styles which I implement in the projects.

RC: What do you do when you’re suffering a creative block?

MG: I take a break and go with the flow and don’t bother much.  However, with technology at our finger tips I always take help of online videos and blogs to channelize my creative thoughts. My 5 and half year son also helps me with amazing ideas. My husband is the biggest critic and that helps me to refine my creations.

RC: How do you organize your time for crafting?

MG: I am not a full time crafter, however very ambitious of become one someday. Most of the time I design the layout in my mind before starting the project, so that saves me from wasting time on experimenting different techniques and styles. I usually do all my crafting during weekends. During week days if I plan to finish any project, I prioritize my chores and save some time out for crafting at night post kids are off to sleep.

RC: Tips for people who want to craft?

MG: Crafting world is humongous. The more you explore, more you learn. The wide variety of craft supplies that is available today makes it easy to try and learn different techniques. All creations are unique and there is nothing right and wrong in Crafting. Just wear your creative hats and create wonders.

Here are a couple of Manisha’s awesome creations :

Many congrats Manisha for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT - ITSY BITSY :-) :-)

You will receive Rs 500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher :-) :-) & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog.

Also, visit our Youtube channel to view & to know more about this crafter – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M60mkBgwm7Y

Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!

Chipboard Mini album with Sew Stamper

Hello Friends,

I am Sharada Dilip here today , 

I am pretty excited to share something new I learnt , I love scrapbooks and Journals so here is a Mini album that lets you write your heart out .

I have played along single tone colours and WRMK Sew Stamper tool for the first time ! 

The Sew Stamper is the solution for the crafter who loves the “sewn” look but dislikes sewing, and loves stamping but can’t find the right designs! 

The Sew Stamper combines the best of both worlds – sewn designs with a self-inking rubber rolling stamp that will lasts for years! 7 interchangeable heads are currently available: straight, cross, zig zag, scallop, burst, blanket and hem.

I have used the Straight stitch head and put together this awesome Mini album . 

Let's get going to see how I put this album together

First I have cut out 10 pieces of size 4x4" chipboard to suit my requirements and covered them up with color coordinating pattern papers 

Then run along the Sew stamper tool over the pages of the album 

Please see that you practice using the tool first on an waste paper and then go ahead doing it on your creation ! I even used a scale to perfect the lines :)

 I have further decorated each page with Kraft stickers and 

Friendship Wordings Mini embellishments

Products used 

Sew Stamper Self inking Stamper Stitch 

Maggie Holmes 12x12 inch Stack Pack 

DIY Shop 12x12 inch Stack Pack

CHIP BOARD 1MM 

SILICON LIQUID GLUE

Kraft Stickers

Mini embellishments 

Premium Ribbon Doted Grosgrain 

Book ring 

This is all for today…. I love to hear from you & truly appreciate your feedback.

Mixed Media Layout by Dr. M.V. Pratyusha

Hello Crafty friends, today we have another guest designer at the Itsy Bitsy blog. She is the extremely talented and versatile Dr. M.V. Pratyusha! She is a well-known name in the crafting industry and we are delighted and happy to have her with us today. Quilling is her forte, however, today she has tried her hands on mixed media. Check out the blog to see this amazing creation & please show your love by leaving your valuable comments for our guest designer. 

Over to Pratyusha..

This is a mixed media layout.

Step by step guide by Pratyusha:

First I coated the 12x12 inch chipboard with 2 coats of gesso.

 Used Tim Holtz damask stencil and the crafters workshop Art is stencil to

add in some texture using texture paste. I randomly stamped tim holtz script

stamp using black stazon ink.

Then cut different laces- A white broad one, rhinestone chain and a pink

lower lace to create a cluster in one side of the layout. To make the focal

point I made a cluster using doilies and used a pattern paper which reads

‘our great adventure’ from Poolside ephemera collection. The frame

Chipboard elements and the flowers are also added in.

The whole of the layout is then coated with watered down gesso. To bring the layout to getter I used Viva décor inka gold paints to add in highlights of gold color, violet, purple and pink.

The butterfly used here is a metal embellishment which is coated with gesso and a layer of viva décor inka gold- gold paint is added and buffed.

I then used the alphabet stamps from my stash to write the names to customize the layout!!

Materials used : 

Gesso - http://itsybitsy.in/search/?q=gesso

Chipboard - http://itsybitsy.in/chipboard-shapes-ornate-round-frame-1pc

Doilies - http://itsybitsy.in/search/?dir=asc&order=price&q=doily#/page/2

Flowers - http://itsybitsy.in/phoebe-petals-french-carnival-6pcs

Chipboard for the base - http://itsybitsy.in/search/?fq%5Bcategories%5D=Chip+Board&q=chipboard

Double sided tape - http://itsybitsy.in/search/?q=double+sided+tape

Crafter In The Spotlight 7 - Itsy Bitsy

Hello friends!! Itsy Bitsy brings you "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT" – a unique way of encouraging and appreciating the talented crafters. We recognize talented crafters week after week, turn the spotlight on them & feature them in our "CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT"! We love what you talented crafters create & are amazed at each of your unique creations every single day! We love the way you use Itsy Bitsy products & give life to those products.

We are very excited to announce this week’s “CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT” - July 2016 – PRIYANKA JAIN ! We are very excited to announce this week’s “ CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT” - July 2016 – PRIYANKA JAIN ! Having graduated in Finance, this talented crafter has always loved crafting & in 2011 decided to make it her profession! :-) Art Journalling & Mixed Media are her favourites & her works are very vibrant, colourful & tastefully embellished with her treasured flowers! :-). 

She has been an active participant in Itsy Bitsy Crafters Café & we would love to see many more creations from her in the future! She will receive Rs 500 voucher from Itsy Bitsy & a " CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT" badge .
CONGRATULATIONS Priyanka Jain! Wishing you loads of success on your creative Journey.

Here are excerpts of my interview with Priyanka:

Rashmi Closepet, MD, Itsy Bitsy : Tell us a bit about yourself, your background? Where are you originally from?

Priyanka Jain : Hi. I am Priyanka Jain, have done my graduation in financial markets. I reside in Mumbai. Have my own gifting business. I love making SCRAPBOOKS cause I love capturing memories.

And as for now I am currently doing my wedding shopping. (lol- getting married in December.)

RC : How did you get into crafting?

PJ : Since a young age, art and craft has always been a hobby and a passion for me.

I had done various crafting classes in my childhood like quilling, origami, papier-mache, drawing, charcoal painting. And I used to make handmade gifts and scrapbooks for my near and dear ones. It was then in 2011, that I decided to take my interest in crafting to a next level and chose to be an entrepreneur with the support of my family.

RC : What is your favourite type of craft?

PJ : I like crafts in which there are no hard and fast rules and regulations. I have always wanted to do what I feel like. So my favorites would be mix media and art journaling. It always comes from your heart.

Just take your brushes and paints and start creating.

RC : What are your favourite products at Itsy Bitsy?

PJ : That’s a real difficult one. Whenever I go to the kurla shop at Mumbai, my fiancé has to literally drag me out of the shop. I love all the products but if I had to choose one it would be the handmade boutique flowers. I seriously hoard them.

RC : What products from Itsy Bitsy do you think are must have’s for a crafter?

PJ : The embellishments, flowers and the chipboards and the paper stack. And their currently added stencils, super favourite!

RC : What product would you like to see at Itsy Bitsy?

Since I love Itsy Bitsy flowers, I would love to see more handmade flowers.

PJ : I would also want to see more mix media products and more distress inks.

RC : What do you do to make your workplace inspiring?

PJ : Art journal quotes as they always inspire me to do a little more. My art journal pages depict who I am.

RC : What are your other interests?

PJ : I am a part time teacher, so I enjoy teaching kids. I also like reading and traveling.

 

RC : If you had magic powers, what would you want to contribute to the Crafting world?

PJ : I would use my magic powers to create more shops and boutiques in India like Michaels, where it would be more easy and accessible for crafters to get all the stuff they desire under one roof.

Or probably create a shop where you get free craft goodies. (lol.. because as we all know crafting is an expensive hobby.)

RC : What is your most treasured possession in your craft stash?

PJ : The Itsy Bitsy handmade boutique flowers. I can never get bored with them. Really my utter favourite. I think I have mentioned it a lot of times now. Lol. It really hurts when I have to part away with my flowers. 

RC : How would you describe your style of crafting?

PJ : I love vibrant colors. Anything that catches the eyes. I also like to form a cluster on my art work to create a focal point.

RC : What do you do when you’re suffering a creative block?

PJ : I would rather take a break, sip a coffee, go out, travel and start with a fresh mind, which surely helps. I would also watch more online videos that inspire me to overcome a creative block.

RC : How do you organize your time for crafting?

PJ : I always used to work post lunch. That’s the apt time for me, as mornings and evenings are a little busy.

But now since wedding is on the cards, I hardly get any time to get crafty. But I promise I will get back on track. Can’t do without crafting. After all, it’s my first love.

RC : Tips for people who want to craft?

PJ : Just follow your heart. Do whatever you like. Create your own signature patterns and style. Get inspired and keep inspiring others.

JUST KEEP SWIMMIMG sorry CRAFTING.

LOVE,

PRIYANKA JAIN.

MY FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/justforyoucreation/

Here are a couple of Priyanka’s awesome creations :

Many congrats Priyanka for being the CRAFTER IN THE SPOTLIGHT - ITSY BITSY :-) :-)

You will receive Rs 500/- Itsy Bitsy gift voucher :-) :-) & a Crafter in the Spotlight badge, which can be proudly displayed on the side bar of your blog.

Also, visit our Youtube channel to view & to know more about this crafter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZK6uA7bEiE&feature=youtu.be

Looking forward to many more creations, Happy Crafting!