Weekly Crafting Tip

First of all . . . is that not the cutest thing you've ever seen? When he looks like that it can make me forget the time he chewed the drapes, vomited under my bed, ran away multiple, multiple times  . . . well no need to get worked up. At  three, Leo says he would never do anything so undignified (unless the lawn care guys leave the gate open again, then all bets are off).

What does the pooch have to do with paper crafting you might ask? Well, this week's tip is so simple that even a puppy knows it, but so profound it will set your crafting free (or at least give you a whole new source of crafting supplies). I used to be known for this saying by a few of my early customers, but I think it occasionally bears repeating, so here goes:

Paper has two sides. 
Think you didn't hear me correctly?
Let me repeat:
Paper has two sides.

Now, before you send me back to paper crafting preschool, hear me out. Sometimes we (myself included) get so caught up in doing things in such an exact manner or the "right" way that when we make what we perceive as a mistake we find it difficult to get past it to find a solution to our creative dilemma. Salvation could be as simple as turning your paper over and stamping a new image (the source of my loving, if slightly tongue-in-cheek reminder to someone that paper has two sides). Other solutions could include, but are in now way limited to:  a different color of ink or paper,  or covering your "oops" with a bow (sometimes a really, really big bow - LOL!).

Just don't be afraid to be open to inspiration. If your creation doesn't look exactly like someone else's (including the class instructor's wink! wink!). It's okay! Some of the most beautiful creations were born from "mistakes".

Get out there & get krafty!
Melissa

Less is More with Baroque Borders & It's Your Day

A dear friend and I used to always joke with one another that in design -- Less is more. It kind of became one of our paper crafting catch phrases. I, in particular really struggle with "thoughtfully editing" (Thank you Tim Gunn!) my designs and not over embellishing, over sponging (I really need to learn to tolerate white space) or just in general over thinking a design. Sometimes more is better (a post for another day), but simplicity is also beautiful.

So, in honor of my friend's birthday this month, I gave myself the challenge of designing some cards using one to three stamps, one color of ink and stamping on only a white background. I did give myself a little wiggle room with sentiments and embellishments, but otherwise I was pretty faithful at keeping with the plan.

Stamp sets featured are: the August Stamp of the Month Baroque Borders, the National Stamping Month Special It's Your Day, For Every Occasion and Card Word Puzzle.

How about you? When do you say less is more?

Avonlea Layout

I haven't posted any creations in a bit. Here is a layout I created with Avonlea paper, the August stamp of the month, Baroque Borders and Artiste.

Here is a close up:

Hope you are enjoying some crafting this weekend!

Melissa

Artiste Box

This is the make-and-take we did for the Idea Book Launch Open House this afternoon/evening. Didn't it turn out cute? I am still loving the Stella paper packet. All pieces are cut with the Cricut© Artiste Cartridge and the stamped sentiment is from one of the stamp sets included in the collection.

Thanks to everyone who came out. I enjoyed re-connecting with people I hadn't seen in a bit and meeting a few new people. Leo also enjoyed all the human attention! He is now sacked out in the corner. Being the social director is hard work you know ;-).

Until next time!

Melissa

Open House/Idea Book Launch

First of all, please forgive my schizophrenic blog designing. The yellow and black damask-like pattern was too much for me. I've decided clean and simple is much better. Hope you agree!

My Idea Book Launch Open House is Tuesday, August the 7th either between 1:30-4:00 or 6:30-9:00. Please drop by and see me and some new products. I will have a make and take, prizes and food (I'm even going to try a little gluten free baking for a special friend). Best of all, in appreciation I will be giving Idea Books to attendees FREE! (regularly $3.00 or free with an order of $25 or more).

Don't forget to comment on the August 2nd post below to win a free stamp set! So far I have had zero comments, so your chances to win are pretty good at this point ;-).

I am working furiously putting together kits and other goodies. Hope to see you Tuesday!

Melissa

P.S.: It has been brought to my attention that it is not immediately obvious that you need to open (click on the title) of a post to comment on it. Not sure if this is a setting I can change or not. If anyone knows -- let me know. Also, you can click on most pictures to make them larger. I try not to put the full size picture in the post so that if you don't have a lot of bandwidth (or whatever it may be called), I won't hog it. Hope that clears a few things up. Signed, The Blogger Who Knows Just Enough To Make Her Dangerous ;-)

It's Here! Comment & Win a Prize

The new Autumn & Winter Idea Book became live  -- in other words available to order from - yesterday. Have you taken a peek yet? If not go ahead click this link. Really, go ahead I'll wait. Isn't it fabulous? What's your favorite paper pack? Stamp set? New item? I hope you'll still come by my open house on August 7th and get your free copy and preview some new product and projects. Click here for details.

Comment on this post (or what you think of my blog, the cuteness of Leo, the Scrapdog, classes you'd like to see me offer, even your favorite Olympic moment) and get an entry to win a free stamp set from me. Receive an extra entry for every time you do the following:
*Sign up to follow the blog (see the left side of the blog for options from email to Google friends)
*Like my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MelissaHarrisCTMH (or you can click on the pennant at the top of the blog)
*Follow me on Pinterest (again see the button on the left hand side of the blog or pennant at the top of the blog)

Deadline is August 10th (because it's my dear mother's birthday -- love you Mom!). I'll draw before 10:00pm and post the winner (or winners if I have enough participation) here. One of the stamp sets I'll be giving away Life is Tweet:

Good Luck! Can't wait to hear your comments!

Melissa