The One with Color Theory by Wilna Furstenberg!

I'm excited to announce I'll be creating two layouts for the new COLOR THEORY class at Studio Calico taught by the oh so talented and inspiring Wilna Furstenberg!

ABOUT COLOR THEORY:

Let Wilna Furstenberg be your guide in learning how to use your Color Theory paints like a studio artist. In this class you'll explore amazing paint techniques and tricks for creating perfect color combinations on every project.

BY ENROLLING IN COLOR THEORY YOU'LL RECEIVE:

- 8 technique videos + new projects from Wilna, all featuring cool techniques you can do with Color Theory Paint.

- 24 projects from our contributors (Agniezska Malysek, Anna-Maria Wolniak, Ashli Oliver, Catherine Davis, Céline Navarro, Jessy Christopher, Janna Werner, Jill Sprott, Kim Stewart, Oyla Schmidt, Paige Evans, Stefanie Ried) sharing their take on the techniques. We'll be featuring layouts, cards, and Project Life® spreads.

- 8 PDFs sharing step outs and thoughts on the techniques from Wilna and her contributors.

- Access to a class message board and gallery where you can share and learn with your teacher and fellow students.

- Weekly challenges to inspire you to use what you've learned.

- Digital Die Cut files from I Heart Studio (shown above).

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- Acrylic Paint - we recommend our high quality Color Theory Paints

- Patterned paper & embellishments in your favorite colors

- Silkscreens - while supplies last, you'll get one with your bonus class kit, but we have Alphabet & - Let the Good Times Roll silk screen sets few more available in the shop & in our kits

- White cardstock for your layout bases

- Gel Medium

- A willingness to try something new, get a little messy, and see where these painting techniques take you!

CLASS SCHEDULE:

March 3rd: Primary Colors + Impasto Paint Technique

March 5th: Complementary Colors + Stamping into Acrylic Paint (I'll have a layout for this!)

March 10th: Warm Colors + Brushstrokes

March 12th: Cool Colors + Text Techniques

March 17th: Achromatic Colors + Stencils

March 19th: Tints & Shades + Glaze Medium Techniques

March 24th: Color Harmony + Glazing & Painting Flowers (and I'll have a layout for this!)

March 26th: Rainbow of Color + Embellishments & Acrylic Paint

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR COLOR THEORY:

SPECIAL OFFER:

Enrollment for COLOR THEORY is open now and will close on February 28th at 11:59pm EST. Hope to see you there because this is going to be an epically beautiful class :)

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The One with the Ali Edwards LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE Layout

Here is my newest Ali Edwards Digital Creative Team layout!

LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE by Paige Evans

Description: We go on a lot of adventures - trying to take advantage of our close proximity to so many European destinations as we possibly can during our 3 or 4 years here in Germany! So when I saw the "seek adventure" title in the Ali Edwards Follow Your Heart digital brushes I knew that was the set I wanted to work with.

Journaling says: No journaling, but the destinations are Krakow (Poland), Schloss Fantasie (Germany), and Carlsbad (or Karlovy Vary) Czech Republic.

How to: Trim 3/4" x 2" strips from the Nine & Co papers by Teresa Collins designs then lightly adhere them in a chevron pattern across the bottom 3/4 of a white cardstock background. Machine stitch over the chevrons using white thread. Drop dark gray spray mist over the layout. Punch three photos into 2" circles then adhere them along with clusters of embellishments (such as wood veneer banners, cork pieces, chipboard buttons, epoxy brads, die cut arrows, and wood veneer dots) over the chevrons. Place mini alphabet stickers around the curve of the photos telling the destination. Turn the "seek adventure" from the Follow Your Heart digital brushes into cut a file then die cut it from dark gray cardstock using a Silhouette CAMEO. Staple the "adventure" die cut title across the top edge of the chevrons and add a chipboard arrow on either side. Place a "Life" chipboard word above the title and write "is an" with a black pen.

Supplies: "Adventure" title: Follow Your Heart digital brushes by Ali Edwards; Cardstock (dark gray, white), adhesive, pen: American Crafts; Patterned paper, chipboard, wood veneer, stickers, die cuts, epoxy brads, cork: Nine & Co by Teresa Collins Designs; Spray mist: Studio Calico; Circle punch: EK Success; Sewing machine Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark; Die cut machine: Silhouette CAMEO

Off to work on my next Ali Edwards Digital Creative Team layout!

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The One with the Elle's Studio January 2015 Layout

My first step-by-step project with Elle's Studio is up! Here is the layout in full, but be sure to visit the Elle's Studio blog for all the juicy details.

LOVE by Paige Evans

I used the "love" from the January Digital Cut file and cut it with my Silhouette CAMEO.

Some watercoloring, hand stitching, and embellishing with the exclusive January 2015 kit items, and this layout was complete! 

Again, be sure to check out the Elle's Studio blog for photo tutorial of how this layout came together.
Until next month!

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The One with the BasicGrey January Guest Designer!

I've been a fan of BasicGrey for... YEARS! I remember hoarding their collections waaaaay back in 2003. Yeah. Long time ago. Well over a decade. And they're still just as hot and awesome as ever. I was super ecstatic to do a little guest design spot for them using the beautiful J'adore line. 

SWING AWAY by Paige Evans

Description: I'm often inspired by quilts for my layouts because the fabric pieces translate so perfectly to patterned papers!

Journaling says: You sure do have a lot of fun with your Uncle Jay - that's why we call him "Fun"cle Jay! I'm glad Jaylie came on this vacation :)

How to: Die cut three concentric rings from kraft cardstock using a Silhouette CAMEO then cover each ring with patterned paper pieces. Layer the rings on a kraft cardstock background and zigzag stitch here and there a little to add to the quilt look. Adhere a photo to the center and embellish with photo corner stickers and a chipboard heart. Journal with a black pen on one of the patterned paper bits. Place alphabet stickers and chipboard letters around the curves to make the title. Stamp the date with black ink next to the title. Decorate the page with brads, die cuts, chipboard pieces, and more.

Supplies: Patterned paper, stickers, chipboard, brads, die cuts: BasicGrey; Cardstock, pen, adhesive, roller date stamp: American Crafts; Ink: StazOn; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark; Die cut machine: Silhouette CAMEO

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THE SWEETEST THING by Paige Evans

Description: Since the J'adore collection is all about love I wanted to play up that theme and use a whole bunch of hearts on my layout.

Journaling says: Watching you two grow and play together and get along and pick then blow dandelions is the sweetest thing. 

How to: Die cut the heart background by Alaa' K (design ID #15615) using a Silhouette CAMEO from cream cardstock. Punch 1" squares from patterned papers (I punched from all the papers except the super dark ones for a lighter and airier layout) then adhere them across a scrap cardstock background. Machine stitch diagonally across the squares then adhere the heart die cut page on top using pop dots. Cluster embellishments such as a vellum envelope, gold foil heart, chipboard flowers, badge, die cuts, and more, along with a photo, off-center and journal with a black pen on a tag sticker. Stamp the date with black ink below the photo. Drop a few different colors of spray mist above and below the photo.

Supplies: Patterned paper, stickers, chipboard, brads, die cuts, badge, vellum envelope: BasicGrey; Cardstock, pen, adhesive, roller date stamp, square punch: American Crafts; Ink: StazOn; Spray mist: Studio Calico; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark; Die cut machine: Silhouette CAMEO; Cut file: Hearts Background by Alaa' K (design ID #15615)

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PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA by Paige Evans

Description: My Grandma just sent me a pillow with this quote by Audrey Hepburn screenprinted on it. That title fits perfectly with these photos of Fox and Jane in Paris.

Journaling says: Ain't none.

How to: Hand cut a title from patterned papers then stitch the letters across a dark blue patterned paper background (gasp! I used patterned paper instead of cardstock for the background!) leaving room for a pair of photos. Lightly adhere the photos in the empty space and embellish with stickers, a crocheted heart, die cuts, and more. Embellish a few of the letters with brads and chipboard arrows. Drop white paint around the photos and write the date with a black pen on a tab die cut.

Supplies: Patterned paper, stickers, chipboard, brads, die cuts, crocheted heart: BasicGrey; Pen, adhesive: American Crafts; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark; Paint: Americana

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CUTIE @ CAFE RIO by Paige Evans

Description: This layout features a big paper strip heart on the background topped with lots of embellies and of course a photo - of cute Fox at 2.5 years old.

Journaling says: Darn, I forgot to write journaling again! But this was taken at Cafe Rio in Utah right after Jay and Haylie's wedding.

How to: Trim patterned paper strips and lightly adhere them down a robin's egg blue cardstock layout base in the shape of a heart. Stitch a couple times around the heart to keep everything in place and define the shape. Layer a photo, card, crocheted heart, doily die cut, heart jewel, stickers, and more, on the right side of the heart. Place mini alphabet stickers next to the photo for a title. Embellish the page with chipboard, stickers, die cuts, etc, as shown. Drop India ink over the top left and bottom right corners.

Supplies: Patterned paper, stickers, chipboard, brads, die cuts, heart jewels, crocheted heart: BasicGrey; Cardstock, adhesive: American Crafts; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark; India ink: ProArt

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LUV U CARD by Paige Evans

Description: Last but not least, a simple card using patterned paper chevrons!

How to: Punch 1" square from patterned papers, trim the squares in half, then adhere the triangles in a chevron pattern across a white cardstock card base. Sew using black thread over the chevrons. Drop black spray mist over the card. Add "luv u" mini alphabet stickers to finish.

Supplies: Patterned paper, mini alphabet stickers: BasicGrey; Cardstock: American Crafts; Spray mist: Studio Calico; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark

Thanks for letting me share this little slice of happy :)

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The One with Jane at 2.5

Jane is 2.5 years old today!

Can I please just let the photos speak for themselves?

There's a reason they call it the "terrible twos" and this girl is the definition :) She's a TWOnager! (Please also note the toys she's holding in some of the above photos: dinosaur, car, dinosaur...)

But in all seriousness, she is the world's best hugger and snuggler. She could still be rocked to sleep every night. She's a little social bug and loves everyone and playing with other kids.

She's a world traveler and has been to 18 countries in her short 2.5 year life. And she won't remember a single one of 'em... That's why I scrapbook folks!

When Fox was a baby I tried to get him to watch movies so I could work. He wouldn't have it. This girl? I have to unplug the TV cuz she would literally watch it all day long if I let her. Blessing and a curse. She loves to watch anything Halloween-themed (I kid you not) and currently has Mulan on repeat. She also loves the Lego Movie, Oscar's Oasis (they just call it "lizard"), Octonauts, and Dinosaur Train.

She lives on french fries, popcorn, and chocolate. This girl and chocolate!!! She spits out anything gummy but will devour chocolate by the bar. Chocolate muffin, chocopuff cereal, nutella toast, if only she were drinking chocolate milk she would be in choco heaven.

She's a good talker and is starting to speak in full sentences. She can count to 10 and sing the ABCs. She LOVES to sing and knows a lot of children's songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus, Popcorn Popping, Head Shoulder Knees and Toes, and lots of others.

She has killer hair.

She wishes she was Fox. Anything he does, she does. Anything he says, she says. Anything he eats, she eats. Anything he plays with, she plays with. Dolls and dresses and sparkly things? No way Jose. She's all about the dinosaurs, cars, bugs, lizards, and swords. The only thing she doesn't do that Fox does is go potty on the toilet. She hasn't shown any interest and that's fine. Fox was 3 when he was potty trained so we've still got a good 6 months before we'll start thinking about it.

After our trip to Rome we took away her pacifier except at night and nap time but has since gotten it back full time and now she has a super bad rash all around her mouth. Chris says this weekend while I'm gone he's going to end it once and for all... I bet him a million bucks he'll cave and give her back her "fire" as she calls it.

Oh Jane. We love you. We really do.

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The One with Studio Calico CIRQUE Layouts!

February 2015 Studio Calico kits called CIRQUE (including the main CIRQUE kit and add ons: FLYING TRAPEZE, HIGH WIRE, RINGMASTER) are now available for subscribers at Studio Calico! It felt so good to be back for a month :)

I LOVE THIS GIRL by Paige Evans

DESCRIPTION: I usually start with an idea or bit of inspiration and for this layout that came from a heart cross stitch pattern in the Stitched collection by Amy Tangerine for American Crafts. But instead of using thread I used patterned papers bits trimmed into 'x's from the CIRQUE main scrapbook kit. I even used the barcode/tearaway strips at the bottom of each paper to get more color into the mix.

JOURNALING SAYS: It's true - I love you! You love to cuddle and sing songs and play with Fox's toys and you loooove to watch TV!

HOW TO: Trim patterned papers into 1cm wide strips then cut them into 1.5" pieces. Starting at the bottom of a light blue cardstock base, lightly adhere the papers in 'x's following the pattern. Once all the papers are in place, machine stitch horizontally and vertically over each row to secure everything in place permanently. Layer embellishments from the CIRQUE main scrapbook kit and a pair of photos on the bottom right corner. Stamp the date in black ink below journaling written with a black pen under the photos. Drop blue spray mist around the layout to finish.

SUPPLIES: Scrapbook kit: CIRQUE by Studio Calico; Cardstock, adhesive, roller date stamp: American Crafts; Ink: StazOn; Spray mist: Mister Huey's by Studio Calico; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark

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LOVE LOVE LOVE by Paige Evans

DESCRIPTION: I love making things BIG! Big shapes, big titles, big backgrounds! For this layout I traced the big black die cut letters in the CIRQUE main scrapbook kit and cut them out by hand to create this custom big title.

JOURNALING SAYS: This photo is so YOU! Fox being hilarious and Jane saying, "Uh oh" cuz she's always up to no good! Too funny. I sure do love you kiddos!

HOW TO: Use a thick black marker to trace "LOVE" letters onto patterned papers found in the CIRQUE main scrapbook kit then cut each letter out. Layer the letters with dimensional adhesive (replacing one of the "O"s with a photo) down a white cardstock layout base. Paint a couple of chipboard hearts using Color Theory paints to match the colors of the papers then adhere them on matching colored paper letters. Journal with a black pen inside the two "O"s. Stitch a bunch of circles around the photo. Adhere a sentiment strip on the right side and add pink alphabet stickers to a pink letter.

SUPPLIES: Scrapbook kit: CIRQUE by Studio Calico; White cardstock, adhesive, pen: American Crafts; Paint: Color Theory by Studio Calico; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread: Coats & Clark

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I LOVE YOUR SMILE by Paige Evans

DESCRIPTION: I got to design some more cut files for Studio Calico this month and thought hearts would be appropriate for the season. (Find the Cirque Background Cut File by clicking HERE).

JOURNALING SAYS: I love this super cheesy face you make when you smile! Reminds me of me which is fun because not much else does with your blonde hair and blue eyes!

HOW TO: Die cut the hearts background cut file from white cardstock using a Silhouette CAMEO then back each heart with patterned papers from the CIRQUE, FLYING TRAPEZE, and HIGH WIRE scrapbook kits. Watercolor around each heart, matching the color of paper inside. Back the top right and bottom left hearts with photos then adhere a wood veneer/gold foil sticker title and journaling written with a black pen below the photos. Embellish a few of the hearts with die cut hearts, chipboard hearts, and sequins to finish.

SUPPLIES: Scrapbook kits: CIRQUE, FLYING TRAPEZE, and HIGH WIRE by Studio Calico; Cardstock, adhesive, pen: American Crafts; Watercolors: Mister Huey's by Studio Calico; Hearts background cut file: Paige Evans for Studio Calico; Die cut machine: Silhouette CAMEO

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BE KIND... AND LOVE by Paige Evans

DESCRIPTION: I love how big and open the Noah alphabet stamp set is and it was just begging to be stamped onto lots of patterned papers!

JOURNALING SAYS: There isn't any journaling but the title says Be kind, work hard, stay humble, smile often, stay loyal, keep honest, travel & learn, be thankful, and love.

HOW TO: Stamp the Noah alphabet in black ink onto patterned papers found in the CIRQUE, FLYING TRAPEZE, and HIGH WIRE scrapbooking kits then cut the letters out. Took about 2.5 hours to do that. Adhere the letters down the left side of a vanilla cardstock background. Print and trim out the February printables then layer some on the right edge along with a photo. Tuck die cuts and sentiments into the mix.

SUPPLIES: Scrapbook kits: CIRQUE, FLYING TRAPEZE, and HIGH WIRE by Studio Calico; Vanilla cardstock, adhesive: American Crafts; Ink: StazOn; Printables: Hello Forever for Studio Calico and In a Creative Bubble for Studio Calico; Label printables: Hello Forever for Studio Calico

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Hope to work with another Studio Calico kit soon! They're the BEST!

Studio Calico offers three types of monthly kits - Scrapbook, Card, & Project Life® - as well as add on kits and shop items to complement them. A new kit is revealed on the 27th of each month (at noon EST if you're a subscriber, at midnight EST if you aren't). For more information or to start your own subscription visit StudioCalico.com

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The One with Studio Calico CIRQUE Sneaks!

I've only skipped one month of contributing to the Studio Calico kits gallery, but it seemed like an eternity and I was having some SERIOUS withdrawals! Therefore I was super excited to be asked to contribute to the February 2015 CIRQUE kits. Got my fix, haha! That is until next time :) In addition to the main CIRQUE scrapbook kit there are a few add ons called FLYING TRAPEZE, HIGH WIRE, and RINGMASTER. Since February is the month of love it's only fitting that there's a lot of pink (yay!) but there are also plenty of blues and greens, oranges and yellows, so really you can pick and choose whatever colors fit your fancy to scrap your photos.

Here are sneaks of the four layouts I made!

I LOVE THIS GIRL - I was inspired by a heart cross stitch pattern, but instead of using thread I used patterned papers from the CIRQUE main kit only.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE - There are some jumbo black die cut letters by in the CIRQUE main scrapbook kit. Black is a tough color for me to use when scrapbooking for some reason. Note to self to figure that one out and overcome that challenge. So instead I traced the letters onto patterned papers and cut them out to make a custom background title.

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I LOVE YOUR SMILE - I had the opportunity to design some more exclusive cut files for Studio Calico including this heart background! I die cut the hearts using my Silhouette CAMEO and then backed them with papers from all of the kits: CIRQUE, FLYING TRAPEZE, HIGH WIRE, and RINGMASTER.

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BE KIND... AND LOVE - For this last layout I fell in love with the Noah alpha stamp and spent a couple hours stamping a long title onto patterned papers from all of the kits (CIRQUE, FLYING TRAPEZE, HIGH WIRE, and RINGMASTER) and cut them out by hand. I also had fun layering some of the printables for February.

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I'll post my layouts in full at noon EST tomorrow!

Studio Calico offers three types of monthly kits - Scrapbook, Card, & Project Life® - as well as add on kits and shop items to complement them. A new kit is revealed on the 27th of each month (at noon EST if you're a subscriber, at midnight EST if you aren't). For more information or to start your own subscription visit StudioCalico.com

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The One with Studio Calico Cut Files in Use #2

It is so fun and satisfying and gratifying and lots of other happy words, to see the cut files I design for Studio Calico put to use! Only the current month cut files are available for purchase, but, once in a blue moon Studio Calico will have a sale where they re-open retired cut files, so, bookmark your faves and check back or sign up to receive their emails with announcements and specials! Click on the cut file image or the links to be taken to the page where you can see who made each project. Thanks for inspiring me scrapbook community!

DIAMOND SHAPES from the Park Ave kits:

SOLID DIAMOND BACKGROUND from the Park Ave kits:

SNOWFLAKES from the Far Far Away kit:

CONSTELLATION BACKGROUND from the Far Far Away kits:

STITCHED DIAMOND BACKGROUND from the Walden kit:

FEATHERS from the Walden kit:

And guest what?! I've got more cut files coming in the Cirque kits, namely this HEARTS BACKGROUND:

And these SILHOUETTES: 

Can't wait to share how I used the hearts background and see how others use them too!

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