Saturdays With LeAnn

Hello all my crafty friends, and welcome back to the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo blog.  You are just in time for today’s inspiration!  It is with great pleasure that I get to share some wonderful projects designed by some of the most creative people in our industry.  I know you are all so busy, but it is my hope that you will take some time for yourself this weekend and enjoy being creative and make some beautiful, treasured projects.  So sit back, relax, and enjoy today’s post.

Sweet Life By Nathalie DeSousa

This is the perfect spring/summer layout.  If you love Mixed Media then you are going to absolutely love this piece.  Have you ever tried using cut files to create your pages?  If not, this is one that you may want to give a try.  They are always such a perfect way to complement your colorful and artsy Mixed Media backgrounds.

There are so many possibilities when you combine Mixed Media and cut files together.  Nathalie used the Floral Sprig cut file to create her layout along with using art crayons.  Don’t you just love the soft look of the white cut file on top of the Mixed Media background?  I also love the way Nathalie nestled the picture at the end of the cut-out and added a few fun embellishments to match her color scheme.  Nathalie is such an incredibly talented lady and you will love all of the projects that she shares on her blog.  Click here and I will take you over to Living An Inspired Life where you can see all the fine details of her layout.  You will leave her blog so inspired by her talent.  Enjoy creating!

Faux Watercolored Birthday Balloons By Debby Hughes

Today you will learn how to create a watercolor look without actually watercoloring.  Debby covered the whole stamp with ink, then took a darker ink and gently rocked and rolled it around the edges of the balloon.  She stamped the balloon onto cold pressed watercolor cardstock, and took a damp brush and moved the color around, keeping the rich deeper tones towards the edges.  This card is absolutely the perfect way to put smiles on so many faces!

A great way to make life easier when stamping and watercoloring is to choose a stamp that has already done the hard work for you.  Watercoloring over heat embossing is a quick and straightforward way to get the beautiful look of watercolors without having to be too precise.  Debby is certainly one amazing lady with her fabulous ways of using distress inks.  You don’t want to miss this opportunity to visit her blog Lime Doodle Designs where you will always leave totally inspired to start your next project.  Have fun and let your imagination run free!

Love Canvas By Karan Gerber

Handmade decor is always so beautiful in a home.  DIY projects will make your home even that much more special.  This is definitely a one-of-a-kind decoration.  Mixed Media is so fun to create and is such a popular trend.  The beauty of working with Mixed Media on canvas is that you can change your mind and it is so easy to take things off and rearrange them.  The variety of materials you use add great detail and makes your canvas unique and truly a keepsake.

What is more perfect on this canvas than to add a beautiful photo that will help you remember the special memories of that day?  Karan did such an outstanding job creating this Mixed Media canvas decor.  Take a minute and hop on over to My Heart On Paper where you will see each step that she did to create this beautiful masterpiece.  Who doesn’t need a little extra touch in their home?  I hope you will be inspired to give this a try.  Remember that creativity involves breaking out of your traditional style.  Never hesitate to try something new!

Strawberry Rose Tarts By Elizabeth LaBau

These Strawberry Rose Tarts are a very elegant and classy dessert that you can serve in a single size serving.  With just one taste, you will forget just how pretty this is and let your fork destroy the creamy filling and shortbread crust.  A crunchy pistachio shortbread crust is filled with delicious strawberry-rose cream, and topped with sliced strawberries in the shape of a rose.  Who wouldn’t want to try one of these?

These tarts are the ideal dessert for your special occasions or summer entertaining.  They are perfect to serve at a bridal or baby shower as well.  Party guests will be so impressed that they will be talking about these tasty and pretty tarts for days!  Come with me and I will take you over to Sugar Hero where you will find every step to make these.  A big shout out to Elizabeth LaBau for sharing her wonderful recipe with us.  Enjoy!

As we approach summer, I hope you will take some time to enjoy the love between family and friends.  Life is always so busy so try to slow down and enjoy each day of this beautiful season.  Thank you for being such crafty friends and spending your precious time with me.  You are all so very talented and I appreciate every opportunity I get to share this day with you.

Hugs to you all,

LeAnn