Hello, my crafty friends and welcome back to Stamp & Scrapbook Expo’s blog! Since you’re here that must mean that you’re ready for today’s creative therapy, so grab your favorite drink and let’s get started.
Wedding Mini Album by Traci Penrod
This is what a mini album is all about! This album may be mini in size but it delivers such a huge, heartfelt message. Capturing those special memories is priceless. What an amazing gift this would be for an anniversary gift. I’m crying just looking at the pages and I wasn’t even at the wedding. 🙂
The Simple Stories collection that Traci used throughout the album is titled “Always & Forever.” Isn’t it perfect for those gorgeous wedding photos?
Big hugs to Traci for showing us how it’s done. I’ve been married 30 years (ouch!) and after seeing this sweet mini album I want to recreate my wedding album (with the proofs of course). 😉 What’s not to love about this must-have collection? It’s formal yet fun at the same time. I hope this beautiful album has inspired you to create a few of your own. Mini albums are the instant gratification of scrapbooking and as you can see they make a truly amazing gift.
You Are Wonderful by Anja Curvers
Anja had me at ink smooching and emboss resist background! I love a good inky background and the colors are so tranquil and inviting. Word dies are all the rage right now; try stacking several words on top of each other for some added visual interest. As you can see, the word “You” really pops against the gorgeous watercolored background.
I hope you’ve been inspired to break out the heat gun and your favorite inks and create some beautiful backgrounds. It’s very therapeutic and when you make several up at one time you’ll have them ready when you need a quick card. Remember to just have fun with your art, the only mistake you can make is fear.
Happiness by Daria Grushina
Since you most likely have your inks and heat gun out, I thought you might enjoy another piece of watercolor magic. This card instantly brings a smile to my face. Daria used one of my favorite color combinations of distress oxides – Peacock Feathers, Wilted Violet, and Broken China. Remember when blending with distress oxides that if you dry in between smooching you can layer your colors beautifully. The secret to success is to remember that wet on wet will blend, but wet on dry will allow you to layer.
In case you’re wondering, the cute Happiness die is a Danielle Walls design and is appropriately titled “Happiness.” Happiness is a 4×6 set filled with sentiments to express all sorts of happiness – love, friendship, encouragement, this set has it all! I hope you’ve been inspired to send out one of your handmade treasures and share some happiness.
How to make Calzones at home by Kitchn
I was having lunch with a friend last week and we decided to go Italian. I was in shock when she said she had never had a Calzone. She sampled my Italian sausage, spinach, and cheese calzone with an amazing marinara sauce and is now hooked. Growing up in New York, Calzones were a staple. Meat, pizza, and calzones were available at any reputable pizzeria. The things we take for granted! Calzones are pretty easy to make and you can fill them with anything you like. They are also a great way to use up leftovers and I hope you give them a try at home.
Well, you might not have a good New York Italian restaurant in your backyard but not to worry, with a little help from the culinary geniuses over on the Kitchn food blog you can make your own at home. Enjoy, my hungry friends!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderfully creative week ahead of you. See you next Sunday, or if you happen to be in the Milwaukee, WI area next weekend (May 4th & 5th) I’ll be at the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo and would love to meet you in person. I’ll meet you at the Creativity Center and we can create something beautiful together.
Hugs to all!
Lorraine
