Love, love love it. I can’t it enough. I love our December Main kit. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, don’t wait.
Here’s a little something from the amazing Ms. JJ Sobey using the December Main Kit.
“With one of the stamps in the kit, I used StazOn ink and stamped on a blank sheet of transparency. That allowed me to test where I wanted the stamp before using it on my layout. It also allows me to stamp across neighboring surfaces and still get a consistent image.”
Here’s a little look at what JJ Sobey did with the October Main Kit. I loved the flocked paper in this kit, and I especially love what JJ did with them. I love reading the stories behind each layout and how JJ captured her story. It’s amazing how well you can get to know someone though their layouts!
“The October kit from Crazy Daisy Kits included 2 beautiful flocked papers this month. One of them was the red paper you see on this layout. I just love how flocked paper picks up ink!
I just had to make some of my own flowers with the fabric in this kit. It was calling my name… (You can see a great tutorial on fabric yo-yo’s on Heather Bailey’s site). I used some of the jute twine from the 7 gypsies tag (from the mini album in the kit) through my buttons. I couldn’t resist – I love jute twine.
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“Papa’s Pretty Little Owl”
“The title of this layout translates roughly to “Papa’s pretty little Owl”. I know, it sounds funny in English, but trust me, it’s a sweet term of endearment in French. It’s what my husband always calls our baby girl. (He’s really quite smitten).
Now, something you need to understand about the French language, is that there are two words for ‘Owl’ – Chouette and Hibou. They are for two different types of owls. There are tons of great scrappy products with Hibou, but Chouette are truly rare to find in scrappy things, so I was tickled pink to get this Chouette stamp in this month’s kit – I think I squealed out loud!
The kit included a lovely chipboard frame, but I just couldn’t find a good spot for it on my layouts this time around (ha- you watch, next month I’ll be wishing I still had a frame, LOL!) I cut part of the frame to add to the top corner on my layout.
I found that I was having a hard time seeing the letters in the title against this busy background, so before they were stuck down for good, I removed them and painted a little bit of white acrylic, and then replaced the letters. So much easier to read.
The large flower was made a little differently. I cut a long strip using pinking shears, and then did a gathering stitch up one long edge and pulled it into a circle. One of the buttons from the kit, plus a couple of Fancy Pants stick pins made a fun center for the flower. I also made a stem and ‘leaf’ using the black trim and a swirl rub-on from the kit.”
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(Photo removed for publication)
“Trouble”
Here’s a simple (layout) this time – I kept trying to add to it, and DH stopped me and said “sometimes too much is not enough” LOL. Sometimes he’s right, I guess)
When I saw that funky damask was in the add-on kit, I immediately grabbed it from my own stash and had to scrap with it. I suddenly knew exactly which picture I wanted to us it with. I knew I wanted a really long title for this, so I did part of it in the computer – right on the photo.”
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“My boy – doing his best Corey Hart impersonation – wearing his sunglasses at night.
For my journaling spot, I used one of the Pink Paisley rub-ons. I cut out the quote from the middle of the box, and adhered the border to one of the 7 gypsies papers from the kit. I had fun with my ‘drippy goop’ border punch, to echo all of that ice cream dripping down Liam’s hands (and all over this clothes, ha!).
I felt the title wasn’t popping quite enough, so I added some white acrylic paint around the chipboard letters. I was rather sloppy with it – I felt it added to the drippy, messy ice cream theme.
I combined a couple of the quote rub-ons to make my own phrase. Don’t be afraid to cannibalize your rub-ons – you can really make them your own!”
It’s a layout extravaganza this week on the Crazy Daisy blog. I’m so loving all the different layouts from the Crazy Daisy girls and just how different each of their styles and perspectives are. Who knew you could do so many different things with all the same supplies? Today’s installment comes from the wonderful JJ Sobey.
“He Makes Her Laugh”
“I really wanted to try something different with the wonderful die cut paper from Crate, so I cut it in two, and arranged it as shown on the background paper. Then I stitched between the two pieces. I used the Pink Paisley chipboard shape for my title, and added some buttons and a couple flowers from my stash. I also used one of the phrase stickers as part of my title. I wanted to rough up the chipboard a little, so I sanded the edges and added StazOn ink.
I loved this suede flower from Maya Road. Such great texture. After I adhered it to my layout, I realized there wasn’t enough contrast, so I added some chocolate brown flowers around the edge. I added a few of the Pink Paisley rub-ons around the journaling, to draw a little more attention to the strips. I took this picture back in December. Even then, at only 4 months old, Rhys found Liam to be very funny. He still makes her laugh, and I love the sound!”
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“Bottoms Up”
“I love how well the Basic Grey and Pink Paisley lines coordinated in this kit. Like they were made for each other. I did a lot of layering and inking on this page. There was a title card from My Mind’s Eye in the kit, and I really liked how it looked behind part of the layers. I didn’t want to hide the entire card though, so I just cut off and used the ends. I traced around the felt letters with a marker to make them pop a little more. I also added a few items to the top corner, to balance the layout. I had the coordinating Pink Paisley journal spot in my stash, so I used it here. I distressed the edges to make it work better with the layout.”
When it comes to scrapbooking, there is nothing I like more than a mini book. This is one of the reasons we have a mini book in each of our kits. Jennifer and I love us some mini books. I feel so good when I finish one and I feel like I can tackle a mini book in a lot less time than a traditional album. I also love the idea of making themed mini books, like holiday ones or ones dedicated to a specific month or person.
Here’s a look at some of the mini books created using this month’s Crazy Daisy mini book, the Maya Road chipboard star album.
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“Little Treasures” mini book by JJ Sobey
“I decided to cover the little oval tag that was attached, and use that in the album as well. I also grabbed a couple of the Maya Road tickets included with the kit, and added them as dangles, too. This is a brag book for my husband to keep at work, so he has something to make him smile in the middle of the day. I used the Jenni Bowlin rub-on letters and more of the Crate Paper borders to make the title for the cover.
Since this book is for my husband, he got to chose the pictures, so you may have seen a few of them before. I used some of the border stickers from the Cosmo Cricket sticker sheet. They were easy to trim to the size I needed for the mini.
Most of the pages I covered with patterned paper, and sanded the edges. But the next one here, I tried out inking the chipboard, then covering it with the Prima rub-ons. I love the effect, but a note of caution. Make sure the ink is bone dry before trying this – other wise the rub-ons just make a mess instead of sticking (ask me how I found this out).
I also cut apart and used some of the cream daisy trim from the kit on the second page here. It’s nice and flat, and makes an easy embellishment that won’t catch on things. I loved using the Jenni Bowlin and Prima border rub-ons around the photos.”
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“America the Beautiful” minibook, by Grace Tolman
"America the Beautiful" mini book by Grace
“This one incorporated the Maya Road star minibook and the patriotic line from Cosmo Cricket. I think sticking to one paper line keeps a project from being too busy and it also makes everything easy and fast. The papers coordinated well and the stickers was a fun addition too. I even used some of the stickers as a key chain type of embellishment outside of the book. I adhered them to some pattern papers first then punched holes onto the edge and run it through the chain.”
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”July Journey” by Kim Whitten
Have you made a mini book with one of our kits? We’d love to see it and feature here on our blog. Email me and we can make you a Crazy Daisy Superstar!
Yesterday I was looking through various layouts our design team has created for the month of June. I noticed a cool flower on JJ’s layout that she created using some fabric from the June Main kit. You can see just how cute the flower is in the photo above.
I decided I wanted to make a similar flower and went searching for a tutorial. Kimberly Sherrod of the blog Calamity Kim was kind enough to allow us to reprint her direction on how to make folded flowers. The flowers that Calamity Kim makes are a little different than to one JJ has one her page … but they’re pretty close. Both are stinkin’ cute if you ask me.
Directions for Making Fold and Twist Fabric Roses
Step 1: Cut fabric in to 5″ squares and then fold 3 pleats towards yourself. Iron in place and pin on each side. This feels kind of awkward at first but keep practicing the fold so that it is even. Each pleat is about 1/2″ inch.
Step 2: Stitch with matching thread on each side using a 1/4″ seam. I sew them one right after the other, and then cut them apart.
Step 3: Fold 3 pleats in the other direction and iron and pin. You must iron each step down to help hold it and make sharp pleats.
Step 4: Sew each side down being careful not to let fold get caught in seam.
Step 5: This is the fun part- while holding the fabric in one hand, use your finger to push up and make a bubble or balloon. Fold under the squared off points on the bottom. Place the puff on the palm of one hand and gently pinch the top center and twist in a smooth motion (either direction) until you can’t twist any further and push down. Then quickly iron down with a hot iron to hold rose in shape.
The final product ... isn't it just so cute? (Photo courtesy of Kimberly Sherrod)
If you go to Kimberly’s blog, you can see photos of each step. It’s relatively easy and the results are super cute.You could use these flowers for all sorts of things … on scrapbook pages or to jazz up a plain tank top.
I’ll be making some of these tonight!
Jennifer and I talk just about every day. If we don’t talk on the phone, then we email or text each other. One of the reoccurring themes of our conversations lately is how impressed and inspired we are by the ladies who make up our design team.
I wanted to share a few things they’ve been working on using Crazy Daisy’s June Main kit.
A layout from JJ Sobey, using the June Main kit.
Let’s start with JJ Sobey. She created and amazing layout about being a mother. I can so relate to her title, “Both Arms Full,” now that I have two kids to fill my arms.
Here’s what JJ had to say about her layout:
“The lovely large flower in the kit was begging to be used as much as possible, so instead of using it whole, I cut it in half, so I could use it twice! I rolled it up, and put it on it’s side, so it would look more like a bud about to burst into full bloom. As a stem, I added a chipboard shape from kit, which I inked with ‘Peeled Paint’ Distress Ink, and coated with Diamond Glaze. That colour of Distress Ink is perfect with this kit.
I love to trace around my letter stickers with a marker, to get my title to pop just a little bit more. It’s easy, and adds a bit of definition. Of course, with my love of ink, I had to ink around all the other paper pieces, which also adds a little more definition.
The journaling reads: ‘My first Mother’s Day with both kids. My family is now complete, mar arms are full, and my heart is overflowing. This is what I was waiting for.’ “
Now for something inspiring from Kim Whitten. Here’s a layout I might very well (wink and smile). It’s just that good.
“The Big Hair is a 12×12 pretty simple & quick LO. I had used my ‘I’ cardboard monogram for the other LO so I got resourceful and used the ”L’ and ‘O’ thicker to make the ‘I’ in BIG. Also added some distressing to the edges and Tim Holtz tea dye distress ink. I cut down one of the ‘Brilliant Idea’ sheets for a journaling spot and added several other elements from the June kit”
Are there any layouts you’ve found surfing the Web that inspire you? Tell us, we want to know!
A layout by Kim Whitten using the June Main kit from Crazy Daisy
I am so in love with our Design team. They do awesome work. Seriously awesome work. Have you looked at their blogs? If not, I suggest you do. They are constantly posting all the cool things they are working on … and really, they are some talented ladies. Here are the links to our Crazy Daisy Girls.
A layout by Trace Geworsky with the June Main kit
One of my favorite things to do is surf craft blogs. When my hubby and kiddos are asleep, you’ll often find me sitting on my computer looking for inspiration. I love to read about what people are doing, how they’re doing it and come up with ways to incorporate their techniques into my crafting. There are so many talented people out there, which blogger do you find the most inspiring? Leave a comment and tell us who you’re checking out these days.
As we get to know our 2009 Crazy Daisy Design Team, we have another AWESOME chica to rave about.
A happy little layout by Design Team member JJ Sobey
Meet JJ Sobey! Here’s a little bit about JJ in her own words:
“Hi, my name is JJ, and I live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. For those who didn’t do any better in geography than I did in school, I’m about one hour north of Plattsburgh, New York. My husband and I were married in 2001, in a costumed, Renaissance wedding (there’s my weird fact for the day). We have a sweet little four year old boy, and a brand new baby girl (born in August). My kids are the reason that I started scrapbooking. I resisted the hobby for many years, because I knew it would be addicting. No surprise – now I’m firmly hooked!
I’ve been crafting in one form or another since I was big enough to hold a crayon. Sewing was my biggest obsession, and I go back and forth to that still, as the muses strike, but it’s kind of taken a backseat to the scrapbooking. And I’m OK with that. I mostly scrap 12×12, but I dabble in other formats. My style would best be described as ‘eclectic’ – some days I like clean and simple, other days – not so much. Lately my style has been trending towards more distressed and grungy.
As you may have already realized, besides Scrapbooking – some of my other addictions are Starbucks, Sushi and Styx (classic rock). But not all at the same time – Peppermint Mocha and Spicy Scallops just don’t mix. (Styx is, of course, perfect with either.)”
More from JJ
1. I can’t imagine my life without … my children. And caffeine. (some days in reverse order, LOL!)
2. My least favorite chore is … the dishes. I despise the dishes. The dishwasher is my friend.
3. I would love to win a shopping spree to … any great fabric store. ‘Cause if you thought scrappy supplies could add up, you haven’t shopped for fabric lately. 
4. My must have treat and music when scrapbooking is …sushi!! OK, I obviously don’t get to have that every time I scrap, but take-out sushi is a pretty regular thing on crop nights with the gals. Other than that, I don’t really snack and scrap at the same time. As for music, I love classic rock, and lately I’m really into alternative rock, like System of a Down, Apocalyptica & Seether.
5. When scrapbooking, I love to use … INK! I don’t think I can scrap a page without at least a little ink. After that, I love flowers, pearls and buttons.
6. My favorite creative project is …scrapbooking layouts about everyday things with my kids. The ‘events’ are fun too, but somehow, I get more satisfaction from the everyday things. The stuff I’ll forget in 6 months if I don’t get it down on paper. The cute things my 4-year-old says, the sweet expressions on my baby girl’s face. Those sort of things.
7. I thought I would never … move to Montreal (or anywhere that the predominant language is not English). But here I am!
8. My worst habit is … nail biting. Ugh.
9. If I were a superhero, my super-power would be … having eyes in the back of my head. I can just sense when the pre-schooler is up to something…
10. You would never guess it, but I … used to dress up as a Klingon for Star Trek fan events. Yes – really!
To learn more about JJ, check out her blog.
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