PaperArts Tarts - Melbourne Paperific Expo class bookings open

Melbourne Paperific Expo is just a couple of weeks away and boy it is going to be fun.  This event is going to be a little different with the opportunity to stay and crop all day as well as do classes (some by me - shared below) and shop shop shop!  All three wonderful things to do with our craft all under one roof and over 3 days!

The event is held at the Melbourne Showgrounds April 17-19.

I am going to be teaching two fun classed each day of the event.

Class One - Mixed Media with sprays:

I will take you through creating a beautiful and detailed background full of lots of fun techniques. Come and learn background layering techniques while using sprays, paints, stencils and stamps as well as other fun products for some fun and striking effects!  I will also cover lots of tips for mixed media projects, most importantly what mediums can be layered with others for the best results.  If you are wanting to learn more about mixed media come along!  And for the card makers out there I am going to show you how the same background technique and design can be adapted to create 3 beautiful cards.  

Class Two - Mixed Media Canvas/ Reversed Canvas  

I will be taking you though creating a front or reverse canvas, the choice is yours! I will share a simple technique for adding fun textured backgrounds for your altered projects/canvases/cards or scrapbook pages. Warning… you might get addicted to all things messy!

You can find all the details and book in HERE

I would also like to offer a big thank you to my sponsor for this event:

We will be having some fun giveaways with regard to Spellbinders dies used for the creations of the projects I will be teaching.

As always bookings are limited and classes sold out at the last event, so please get your bookings in to avoid disappointment.  Can't wait to see you all there!!

xxxBeck

Kraft plus and class share

I thought I would pop in and share my layout I created as a guest designer for Kraft Plus Challenges this month which I also taught some lovely ladies how to create over the weekend just past.

Kraft Plus has gone all glittery and sparkly this month so I enjoyed playing along as part of Tinby Designs sponsorship for the month.  And here is my page I created:

Products Used:

Kraft Cardstock

Bazzill Black cardstock

Bazzill Gold Foil cardstock

Tinby Designs Metallic Melts Gold Nugget, Patina and Carbon

Spellbinders Ric Rac Edgeabilities 

Spellbinders Labels thirty-nine
Spellbinders Chevron border

Spellbinders Grate works three texture plate

DecoArt Gesso

DecoArt Gloss Enamels paint - Red

Tsukineko VersaMark Refill

Studio Calico stars

Watercolours

Hero Arts stamp

Tim holtz texture stamp

The challenge was to use the sketch below along with something that glitters or shines to create a page.  

I loved how my page came and I was so excited to teach the ladies all the techniques behind creating it.  The class was so much fun and inspiring to see them re-create it - some with different colours, their own spin, or even just rotating the sketch.  Some even made it into double layouts!

If you haven't played along yet, you still have about half a day to get your entry in!  Or even just use the challenge as inspiration.

Hope you enjoyed my share today

xxxBeck

Ruby Rock-It off the page

Hi Everyone I'm here today to share with you a fun project using Bella's new Kraftastic collection!  I really enjoyed creating this fun little lollypop holder.. a perfect way to say a little thanks to someone.

Products Used:

Bella Fundamentals Kraftastic Glittered chevron paper
Bella Fundamentals Kraftastic Sticker KGS58
Ruby Rock-It blue twine

Bella Fundamentals 1459 Droplets

Partner Product:

Spellbinders Sweet treats die and stamp set

I couldn't stop there so decided to make a matching card to go with the lollypop holder.  Don't they look cute together!  The blue glitter really gives it a special lift.  

I'm still amazed how well the glitter goes with the kraft base - I think it looks fantastic!!  Let me know what you think by leaving a comment!

I hope you enjoyed my share today with a look at the new Kraftastic collection and a fun little project.

Happy Crafting!

xxxBeck

New work up on the Spellbinders gallery

I am so excited to share some projects up on the Spellbinders Gallery!  On the design team we work SO far ahead and don't get to share a great deal of what we do as lots goes into publications and adverts.  Also our work is sent over for the many events Spellbinders attends around the world.  Well I was super excited to see my two layouts that were recently shown on Create and Craft TV and here they are

They are both somewhat simpler than my usual designs but I love them all the same and I hope others are inspired by them as well!

For this first layout I used Spellbinders new 'Contemporary Diamond' die set.  I used it as a die cut and also as a stencil in the background with Deco Arts Modelling paste.

Spellbinders Products: 

Contemporary Diamonds

Grand Calibur Die Cutting & Embossing Machine

Preferred Partner Products: 

DecoArt®: Media™ Modeling Paste and Mister Carbon Black, Americana® Multi Surface SATIN™ (Canary)

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L®: 3D Foam Squares, Black

WorldWin Papers® ColorMates® Smooth Cardstock (White)

This next layout I used the new Spellbinders 'Up and Away' set - this one is SO cute!  I gently coloured the balloons for a soft feel.

Spellbinders Products: 

Up and Away

Grand Calibur Die Cutting & Embossing Machine

Preferred Partner Products: 

Kaisercraft: Cherry Blossom Collection

My Mind’s Eye™: On The Bright Side Collection

Stampendous®: A Spoonful of Snow Stamp Set

You can check out all my work in the gallery here  more will be added over time, but at least there is a few for you to enjoy!

You can check out all the divine project on the gallery here as all the designers produce the most amazing inspiration for everyone to enjoy! Check out the full gallery here

Hope you have enjoyed my shares today!!

Happy Crafting
xxxBeck BT

Scrap Around the World - PaperArts Tarts - Bella Carta Horsham

Hi Everyone!  I am so excited to share with you today a new layout I have created.  I have been very busy planning and designing upcoming classes (details on that below) and I really couldn't go past the inspiration of the Scrap Around the World challenge site for this month.  The mood board that I took inspiration from - Scrap Around the World - February Mood board - see challenge here

Here is my take on this month's mood board 

I love these challenges as it is a pretty open inspiration.

I took inspiration for my page from the

• Wood paneling 
• The colour tones in the board, 
• Curvy hair, 
• Floral accent in the hair
• The warmth of the board, 
• The feel of water and nature. 

These were translated into my page in the form of

• Wood paneling pattern paper used in the design, 
• Green and brown tones, 
• Beautiful decorative curves of the 'Mary Border strip' by Spellbinders, 
• Floral accent in the form of just a few flowers
• The gold elements for the warmth of the board
• Water affected background, 
• Birds and butterflies signifying nature

I am excited to announce that I will be teaching this class as part of the full day event (where I teach 3 classes in one day) coming up on March 14 in Horsham Victoria as well as at the upcoming PaperArts Tarts Event 17-19th April.  I can't wait to show all the fun techniques behind the page I have created with this beautiful inspiration!  For more details about events, head to my 'Upcoming Events page' here 

Thanks Scrap Around the World for another wonderfully inspiring mood board!

Happy Creating everyone!

xxxBeck BT

Get Hitched with Bella Fundamentals new wedding themed collection

How sweet is the new 'Get Hitched' collection!  Love at first sight this one was for me!  I created two layouts recently using this and adding to our Wedding album at the same time!

For this layout I teamed the beautiful papers with Spellbinders die cuts and The Crafter's Workshop stencilling in the background, the decorative patterns on both really help to finish off the page and tie the background paper in with the stunning patterns in the paper.

Products Used:

Bella Fundamentals Rustic Charm Collection Pattern Papers

1459 Droplets

1473 3D Sticker

Partner Product:

Spellbinders Labels 42 Decorative Accents

Other Products

The Crafters Workshop Quatrefoil stencil

white cord
DecoArt Media Modeling Paste

Products Used:

Bella Fundamentals Rustic Charm Collection Pattern Papers

1459 Droplets

1473 3D Sticker

1435 Die-Cut pack

1434 Clear Stamp

Partner Product:

Spellbinders Labels 42 Decorative Accents

Other Products

Pan Pastels Titanium White

Watermark ink pad

I would love to show you how I created the white chalkboard feel stamping into the background of the Together Forever layout.  It really is a simple technique but very effective!

I used these fun products teamed up with the divine Bella Fundamentals Rustic Charm collection

Products above:  Pan Pastels Titanium white and applicator tip, 1434 Clear Stamp, Watermark resist ink pad.

Using a watermark ink pad stamp the image from the 1434 Clear Stamp set onto your background numerous times.  It will just look a little wet in the stamped areas

Take the Titanium White Pan Pastels and applicator and gently rub over with the white colour.  You will see the stamped image come to life with a white cloud look.

To remove the white cloud created around the stamped image, gently rub a clean applicator over the area and it will take off the excess white leaving just a chalk dusting as thought it was written on a blackboard.

This looks so beautiful used on a card as well!  Where will you give it a go?

Happy Crafting!

xxxBeck

Australian Scrapbook Ideas Cover Girl

I am so excited to share with you the layouts I created for the current Issue of Australian Scrapbook Ideas of which one of those is featured on the cover!  I was SO thrilled when I got that happy news from the editor of the magazine that it was going to be on there.  I must say it is hard to get used to seeing your face on a cover of a magazine though... more happy to save that for my boys LOL

Having my eldest boy just start school I have been reflecting on his 5.5 years and boy have they flown... I'm still pinching myself that he is a little school boy!  After a week now it is starting to sink in as we get used to our new life with strict routines and new experiences.

As part of this reflecting I have been looking back on my journey with this wonderful craft and so thankful for the amazing opportunities I have had.  When I looked back at my time with Australian Scrapbook Ideas I realised that it was exactly 4 years ago that I had my very first commission with them published, which was a layout I did for the cover of the magazine celebrating the theme of weddings due to the marriage of Prince Williams and Kate Middleton.   It wasn't a photo of my wedding, but not surprisingly I cherish this cover so much.  I had not been scrapbooking for all that long when I joined the team (just over 2 years) so you can imagine my thrill in being trusted with this opportunity to fulfil the editors vision for the the given theme not to mention write an article! I can't believe I have been with them for over 4 years (as obviously it takes time before work goes to print and I had that very first exciting email the August before).

Here is my first cover - thought it would be nice to share before a little about my feature in the current issue.

My feature in the current issue is all about using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft's Mix and Match products.  They really do make experimenting with mixed media SO EASY and I hope my article helps those curious about how to use the products together to try something new.

My three layouts experiment with the products in a number of different ways, and here they are.

Be sure to order your copy of the magazine online here or visit your local stockist to pick one up.
Each project in the magazine has step by step instructions including some step pictures as well, it is amazing value for money with so many tutorials in one magazine!

I hope you enjoyed my share today!

Happy Crafting
xxxBeck

True Love - The only way to fall in love

Hi Everyone, I'm here to share with you some projects I recently created with the True Love Collection.  I was so inspired by the timeless and elegant feel this collection has.

I created this wedding favor from an inexpensive jar, filled it with some humbugs (not sure if they are called that internationally - aniseed flavored black and white candy) and then decorated it finishing off with some silver cord.

I created another version of a wedding favor in the noodle box.  They are probably my favorite off the page item to decorate.  The always look so sweet and fit lots of Chocolates in them!

This next project is a cake box, how sweet would it be to give each of your guests a piece of cake to take home in a beautiful crafted gift box

I also created this 'save the date' card perfectly matching the decorative elements for this 'True Love' wedding!

Lastly the next one is a ceremony booklet.  You don't need too much on these to have them looking stunning while handed out at the ceremony

And to finish off your wedding memories by capturing the day in the same paper used for your stationary!  Here I created a wedding Scrapbook Page using the same collection.

Product List:

Bella Fundamentals 'True Love collection papers

Bella Fundamentals 'True Love collection 3D Stickers

Bella Fundamentals 1435 Die Cut pack

Bella Fundamentals JA5226 Floral white

Bella Fundamentals JA0305 Floral white

Bella Fundamentals YRS098 Alpha Glitter

Other Products:

Silver Chord

I love how divine collections help projects come together so quickly and easily while looking so elegant.  Wedding or any celebration costs can easily be kept down creating some of the wedding stationary and party favors as well as other decorative elements yourself.

Being black and white they work in with any wedding colors (you could easily add a different colour cord to the projects to tie in a different color) and to top it off they are SO easy to work with - I fell in love.I hope I have inspired you today to get creative for your next celebration!

Happy Crafting!

xxxBeck

Guest Designing - Scrap Africa Challenge blog

I am so excited to share that I am the Guest Designer over at Scrap Africa this month!  I was so humbled to be asked as they have SO many talented designers and the guests are ALWAYS amazing.

They run two challenges a month and the one I am guest designing for is the Sketch challenge.  I really enjoyed the challenge of this sketch.  I don’t create that many pages of hubby and I, so it was nice to be pushed in that direction with the heart theme of the sketch – obviously this could be interpreted in SO many ways not just love for a partner.  Although February is the month of ‘Valentines’ I decided to use some more trendy and fun colours on my page.

 Products used:

Spellbinders Blooming Collection die set, Fabric Weave embossing folder & Classic Heart die set

The Crafters Workshop - 'Art Is' stencil

Beck BT's Tinby Designs Metallic Melts - Lagoon
DecoArt media - Modeling Paste

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft  - Gelatos Snow Cone & Peach

IndigoBlu - Ledger background rubber stamp

Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Tattered Rose

Prima Marketing - Flowers

Kaisercraft - Flowers, Rubons and XO collection Collectibles

Natural Twine

Watercolours

Sequins in black and clear

Silver bead trim

The Challenge

Here is the sketch the layout was based on and you can click on the picture to take you to the challenge site

I hope you have enjoyed my share today - head on over to Scrap Africa to play along!    There are some AWESOME prizes up on offer!! 

Happy Creating xxx

Beck BT

Scrap Around the World

Ok, so I secretly challenged myself to enter in a challenge a month this year as I really enjoy the challenge they set me and help me to get out of my comfort zone and try something new or take a new direction.  Well this month I have REALLY challenged myself with my first real Art Journal page!

I was so inspired by the challenge over at Scrap Around the world that I knew that this month that was the challenge I wanted to complete.  I guess not much goes to plan having one boy home the last two weeks on his own who LOVES to chat... I call him Sir Chat-a-lot.  I think I have REALLY taken for granted how well my boys play together and allow me time to get things done around the house and for my work.  There was a number of trips into the city also which didn't help for appointments and also a seminar I wanted to attend.  So I ran behind on some things this week.... ANYWAY... I digress!

So the challenge! I haven't played along with Scrap Around the World before - just always run out of time, but here I am today sharing my take on the challenge.

Products used:

The Crafter's Workshop Stencils - Tattered Lace, Albanbra and Coffee Splotch

Spellbinders Captivating Squares

Tinby Designs Metallic Melts - Lagoon

Manor House Flowers

DecoArt media Modeling Paste

Faber-Castell Gelatos in Champagne Gold and Pink

Distress ink - Tattered rose

White Cardstock

Kaisercraft pattern paper

chipboard border - can't remember the brand - had it a LONG time

Twiddleybitz Custom chipboard circle

Doiley

Mesh tape

Cotton

Pattern paper scraps

Watercolours

Prima - say it in pearls rhinestones

The challenge is to be inspired by the mood board in any way.  Here is the mood board and you can click on the picture to be taken to the challenge :)

I was inspired by a number of features in this board:

• The ornate frames
• The colour tones (although I added a little more blue in)
• The natural wood feel - the words actually came of paper with a wood background
• The roses/flowers
• And the clock being my inspiration for the words on my page and the circles.

I have to admit I have never really 'Art Journalled' as I experiment so much on my layout backgrounds so I never felt the need.... I have sure learnt from this experience in probably what is an important part of this process 'the words' and to take inspiration from them.  I will sure do this as it is these words I'm trying to build more into my everyday life.

You can check out  a tutorial of the stencilling on this page over at The Crafter's Workshop blog including the stencilling on the circle frame where I took lots of inspiration from the mood board for this... truth is I tinkered with it after that post as I felt it needed a little more, but it is only a slight change to the embellishments.  Check out the post here

I am going to leave you with some up close detail pictures of my page for you to enjoy!  

The challenges are fantastic for inspiration and there is SO much talent over at this site to inspire everyone.  Why not have a go!  

Now I'm off to have a look at all the diving entries!  Just under 200 of them!  Just shows you how popular this site is and all the inspiration over there!

Happy Crafting!

xxxBeck

Spellbinders Card share and upcoming class

Hey Everyone, I'm here today with a quick share a card I recently created over the holiday break for Spellbinders.  The card comes with a tutorial, so head on over to the blog via the link below to check out the 'How to' on it so you can add it to your DIY list!

The card was made using Spellbinders' 'Card Creator' System.  I just adore how easy this system makes putting a card together.  I also incorporated some stencilling with The Crafter's Workshop 'North Star 6 x 6" stencil with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Whipped Spackle.  I used Bazzill Card Shoppe Collection cardstock in my two favourite colours - Robin's Egg and Marshmallow, which shows up the most beautiful embossed edges for this card design.

You can find the full tutorial for this on the Spellbinders blog here

I also have a class coming up teaching a number of techniques using Dies... Spellbinders dies of course!  If in you are in Melbourne you might like to come along :)

Here are some details:

In this class we will create 4 stunning cards incorporating Metallic Melts and learn lots of different ways to use your Spellbinders dies to ge the most out of them. 
Class will be held at Little Bits in Keysborough on Saturday 7^th February

Call the store for more details and to book in (03) 9798 4122

I can also do kits for those interested (including die cuts) (you will need other share products – email me for details) that are interstate or can’t make it.

*** there will be a giveaway to a lucky person in the class of most likely metallic melts and/or a spellbinders die set***

Hope you enjoyed my quick share today!

xxxBeck BT