It's time for a Spring Soiree (May Blog Party!!!)

Happy May, friends! I hope this finds you safe, warm and well! Thanks for joining us for our monthly Blog Party - which runs May 1-7. This month we're celebrating SPRING SOIREE - our May kit, which is packed full of bright colors and fun patterns to bring your treasured memories to life!

This kit is super popular, and there are just 3 left in the store. Does one of them have your name on it? Better get shopping!

Be sure to share the great news about our awesome Blog Party special, which runs May 1-7...


Just in time to celebrate Mother's Day & National Scrapbook Month,
new annual subscriptions purchased during the Blog Party will only be
$25/month!

In addition to guaranteeing that you get your hands on the latest & greatest Lucky Girl Crafts kit each month, subscribers also receive a special bonus kit valued at $25 at the end of their one-year term.

What are you waiting for?! www.LuckyGirlCrafts.com
You can choose from the monthly or pre-paid billing options for this great deal - no code needed!
*International orders welcome, but please e-mail jasafras98@yahoo.com

********************

Check out the first three projects from this fun kit!

Natalie

Emily

Jessica

Be sure to invite your friends & check out more great kit inspiration by playing along in our blog party hop! Your next stop is STACY

****************

Now, who wants a chance at winning our grand prize, a $25 Lucky Bucks gift certificate to our store?

Earn 1 entry for "sharing" our Blog Party post via your blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Earn 1 entry for answering the question of the week: What's your favorite thing to celebrate in the spring?

Earn 10 entries for placing any order in our store between now and May 7.

Good luck!

Friday Fun Day -- Mini Note Holder

Hi Lucky Girls! Thanks for joining us for our April FRIDAY FUN DAY CHALLENGE!

Where imitation is the highest form of flattery!

To participate in the FFD challenge, you must create your own project inspired by any of the following from the April Friday Fun Day projects:

Overall Design

Color Combination
Title of the Project
Use of Embellies

for a chance to WIN our May kit, "Spring Soiree"

Be sure to post your project to InLinkz gallery at the end of this post no later than May 2nd! You can post any kind of project (layout, card, altered item, home decor, etc.) that has been inspired by any of the April Friday Fun Day Challenges. We love to know how you are being inspired by the Lucky Girls!

~ ~ ~

Happy Friday, everyone! It's Natalie here, bringing you the final Friday Fun Day project for April...

Each spring, there is a big physics conference that my husband attends. He's gone for about a week, and this year, I decided to make a little something to sneak into his suitcase to make him smile.

I made the little accordian note file from a single 12"x12" sheet of paper from the Lucky Girls April 2011 kit. Here's how I did it:

Cut...

• two 1.5" by11.5" strips
• one 4.25" by 11.5" strip
• one 4.25" by 5.5" rectangle
• one 4.25" by 3.25" rectangle

(this note holder is big enough to accommodate all but the largest journaling cards from the Crate Paper Accent Cuts sheet in the kit).

Score across each 11.5" strip 1.5" from one end and at 1" increments the rest of the length, then use the scoring to make accordian folds. I used a border punch along one (short) edge of the 4.25"x5.5" rectangle, then scored it at 3" and 3.25" from the straight side. This will be come the back and top flap. The other rectangle will be the front.

Tie a knot to form a long loop of elastic cording and use a star brad to attach it to the middle of the flap. I used a tiny drop of Glossy Accents (the strongest scrapbooking glue I know of) behind the brad+elastic to make sure that it won't move.

Using the flap as a guide, determine where the second brad should go on the front. I poked this second brad through a tiny foam adhesive square so that the brad has enough height to hold the elastic loop.

Now, to assemble the accordian folder, I used a strong adhesive on the 1.5" segment of each of the accordian folded strips and attached them to three sides of the back, making sure that the first fold on the strips lined up with the edges.

Do the same to attach the front: apply adhesive to the top segment of the accordian strips and press the front on top.

Write notes on the journaling cards and slip them into the "slots" of the accordian file. Add a label sticker to the front under the flap.

Use the elastic loop to secure the file closed...

And there you have it! A mini accordian note holder to send love notes to your sweetie :)

Lucky Girl supplies from the April 2011 kit "A Boy and His Toys":
papers: Echo Park Little Boy (Lava/Chocolate), Crate Paper Toy Box (Accent Cuts)
brads: Making Memories Animal Crackers (Jack velvet brads)
elastic: Making Memories Findings Trims (Cool)
label: Crate Paper Toy Box (6x12 Phrase Stickers)

other supplies:
border punch: Fiskars Apron Lace
double sided tape, Glossy Accents, foam adhesive

Mid-Week Mojo - Airplane Canvas

It's the middle of the week and Wednesday, so you know what that means, right? It's Mid-Week Mojo today here at Lucky Girl Crafts! 

All month long we have been sharing our projects with you using either this months kit, "A Boy & His Toys" or various other Lucky Girl kits to give you some mid-week inspiration! 

This week I have an altered canvas I created using "A Boy & His Toys" which I made for Austin's room. This was an idea that had been floating around in my head for quite some time, but I hadn't gotten around to creating it. I am always making things for Renny's room, but not really Austin's. I definitely have more girl stuff than boy stuff! But this kit is perfect for my little boy, which is why all of my projects were for him!  

This canvas was created using the papers and alphas from the kit as well as gesso, glimmer mist, my Dymo label maker, sandpaper and Mod Podge. 

A quick tutorial on how I created this: 

1. Cover canvas in white gesso to prime it. 

2. Adhere strips of patterned paper using Mod Podge to the outer edges of the canvas, framing it. 

3. Cut out clouds by hand (One large, one smaller)

4. Using sandpaper, distress the edges of the clouds so that some of the white shows through. It's ok if it peels a bit. 

5. Using a paper piecing pattern from Scrapbooks Etc. (HERE) Cut out pieces of plane from two different pattern papers.  

6. Distress edges of each plane piece with sandpaper. 

7. Piece plane together using Mod Podge before placing on canvas. 

8. Adhere clouds to canvas towards the top, overlapping one another. 

9. Adhere plane over clouds, angling it so it looks as though it is flying. 

10. Spray Glimmer Mist over entire canvas to give it some shimmer. 

11. Seal entire canvas with Mod Podge to protect it. 

12. Print quote using label maker and adhere to lower half of canvas. 

13. Place title, using alphas in upper right corner. 

14. Hang and enjoy! 

Below is a close up of the plane I pieced together. I added the propellers on the front myself, cutting them out freehand. The center of the propellers is a bing chip I flipped over and painted blue to match the papers. 

I hope that you have been inspired to create something if you already haven't had some mojo this week! Be sure to pop back in on Friday for our Friday Fun Day Challenge!!!! 

Have a fabulous day!!!

Look what's hit the shelves...

Spring Soiree has arrived!

Packed with Glitz Design, Pink Paislee & more, you'll get all the glitz and glam you need to celebrate all your special ocassions!

Get a kit of your very own at www.LuckyGirlCrafts.com

While you're there, be sure to check out the special savings on our past kits, as well!

Wanna crop?

Join us for a day to play!

Gather your pictures and projects in waiting! Get ready to soak up inspiration to get your pages done with no interruptions and no pressures from "real life" distractions.

Lucky Girl Crafts Nat'l Scrapbook Day Celebration

Saturday, May 7th

10:30-5:30 p.m.

#1 Lucky Girl Jessica's House - Glenwood Springs, CO

$20 includes:
* Goody bag valued at over $10
* Scrumptious lunch, desserts, snacks & beverages
* Chance to win one of several door prizes valued from $4-$10 (Each participant guaranteed a door prize)
* Page & product challenges
* Special discount on any items in the store

Crop fee & RSVP is due no later than April 28th. Space is limited, so hurry & register today! (Address to crop given in a private message at time of RSVP).


VIRTUAL PARTICPANTS ALSO WELCOME FOR JUST $15 + S/H

international shipping available

Virtual participants will receive:
* Goody bag valued at over $10
* Door prize
* Page & product challenges
* Project inspiration sheet
* Special discount on any store purchase

For more details, please message Lucky Girl Crafts on Facebook, e-mail jasafras98@yaoo.com or call (970) 319-6620.

Spread the word & invite your friends!

MidWeek Mojo -- photo-filled two-pager

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!

Yes. I am a geek. A nerd. And you know what? I'm not afraid to admit it!

In the summer of 2009, Husband and I traveled to Indianapolis for GenCon, a *huge* gaming convention. We had a fabulous time together, and I especially loved getting to hang out with Husband doing some of the things he loves best. A big part of GenCon is the exhibit hall, where vendors selling all sorts of games set up their booths and stalls. You can play-test all sorts of board games, buy every type of game accessory imaginable, and let me tell you, the people-watching is unsurpassed. I kept the lines in this layout very clean and simple because there is so much going on in the photos, and I really wanted them to stand out.

When I saw the game piece themed embellishments in the Lucky Girls April kit, "A Boy & His Toys", I instantly knew they would be perfect for this layout.

Around the time when I was working on this layout, I had been feeling like I was in a bit of a creative slump. I had recently been showing my mother my scrapbooking layouts (aren't moms great for things like that? it's so nice of her to ooh and ahh over my projects!) and while I was flipping through them, I started to take note of the attributes that make any given page one of my favorites. This page incorporates those main ideas-- my personal favorite layouts have

• strong horizontal lines
• lots of white space
• clusters of embellishments

So when I started to work on this and other layouts, I stuck to those basic principles, and I created projects that I absolutely love! Next time you feel like you're hitting a creative block, try looking through your favorite projects and take note of the attributes that appeal to you the most-- and incorporate them into your next project!

Lucky Girl supplies from the April 2011 kit "A Boy and His Toys":
paper: Crate Paper Toy Box (Build), Bazzill Grass Cloth (French Vanilla), My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose/Hattie (Happy Polka Dots), Echo Park Little Boy (Denim/Lizard)
alphas: American Crafts chipboard Thickers (Typ0 - black)
embellishments: Crate Paper Toy Box chipboard elements, Crate Paper Toy Box alpha labels, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Game Pieces, Making Memories Animal Crackers Jack velvet brads

other supplies:
1" circle punch: EK Success
foam adhesive: Therm O Web
black pen: Sharpie ultra fine point

Friday Fun Day Challenge - Getting your hands a little dirty is OK!

Hi Lucky Girls! Thanks for joining us for our April FRIDAY FUN DAY CHALLENGE!

Where imitation is the highest form of flattery!

To participate in the FFD challenge, you must create your own project inspired by any of the following from the April Friday Fun Day projects:

Overall Design

Color Combination

Title of the Project

Use of Embellies

for a chance to WIN our May kit, "Spring Soiree"

Be sure to post your project to InLinkz gallery at the end of this post no later than May 2nd! You can post any kind of project (layout, card, altered item, home decor, etc.) that has been inspired by any of the April Friday Fun Day Challenges

*******************

Jessica here with you today for a little tutorial in getting your hands dirty!

Supplies needed:

* Acrylic Paint

* Foam Paint Brush

* Alpha Stickers / Thickers

* Fine Tip Pen

* Straw

* Desired supplies for your project (patterned papers, stickers, pictures, punches, ribbon, chipboard, etc.)

I used the April Lucky Girl Kit - "A Boy & His Toys" for this layout. We've got a select few left in the store - be sure to get yours before they're gone!

To start, I laid out my Thickers in the desired pattern (mine happened to be inspired by a Target wall decor item I came across last week). I added a few paint spots to the page and blew them into dramatic shapes using the straw.

Once your pattern or title is laid out, paint over the section. I only added a little bit of paint to my brush, then did it back and forth both horizontally and vertically.

Once your paint is dry, trace your letters with a fine tip pen. It works better if you do this while the letters are still in place. Once that's complete, carefully peel the letters off the page.

From there, I completed my title with contrasting letter stickers and a hand-cut heart, then completed the rest of my layout. I must admit, it's pretty fun getting messy once in a while! I kind of revel in the perfect little imprefections of this kind of project.

Let's see what kind of mess you can create into a work of hear! Ready, set, GO!

Midweek Mojo - SSC Sketch Challenge - show your Lucky Girl!

Hi friends! Happy almost-end-of-the-week! We've been getting tons of dreary, rainy weather lately - the perfect kind for crafting! Did you know that our very own Senior Lucky Girl, Emily, is also a huge part of the Simply Scrapping Crafts group? With daily challenges, monthly contests, blogs, forums & more, it's a great place to go for everyday inspiration. Em wears several hats over there, including Sketch Challenge Director. Lucky Girl Crafts is sponsoring April's sketch contest, and here's my take on it:

I used TONS of the Crate Paper - Toy Box items from my April Lucky Girl Crafts kit, "A Boy & His Toys". The Toy Box line of stickers, chipboard, journaling cards and incredible papers were {naturally} a perfect choice to document my handsome little man.

I did a lot of layering of all the different elements and added dimensional glaze to a few pieces for a little extra visual interest.

I circled Andrew's age on the bingo card using the Making Memories teal elastic cording, and trimmed out the the letter "A" from the Toy Box - Build paper. You can really see the dimensional glaze on the letter - the shine is a lot of fun!

One of my favorite parts about the Toy Box - Playdate paper was the extra fun you had with the word search. What a unique way to add extra journaling to your layout!

Here I also hand-stitched the Making Memories bakers twine, which coordinated perfectly!

Pull out the journaling cards from behind the picture to get the full story.

Here's the sketch that I worked with:

Now, how about a few extra chances to win?

Head on over to Simply Scrapping Crafts and play along with one of this month's sketches for a chance to win $25 Lucky Bucks to our store. (For this, post your project to the appropriate challenge over at SSC.)

And/OR

Using this sketch and ONLY products you've received in any Lucky Girl Crafts kit, post a link to your project in the comments section below to win a scrappy inspiration pack valued at $10+. Inspiration kit will include one set of alphas and coordinating ribbon & embellies.

This is open to anyone who uses the above sketch as inspiration and 90% products received in a Lucky Girl Crafts kit!!! (Products can be combined from any past kits.)

For a chance to win the inspiration pack, projects must be posted no later than next Wednesday, April 19 by 11:59 p.m. MST

Lots of fabulous news!!!

Hi lovelies - Sorry it's been so long since I've visited. Sometimes real life just gets a little crazy, ya know?

Anyhow, I've got THREE winners to announce, plus some awesome news to share about two of the Lucky Girl DTs. Just to keep you on your toes, we'll start with that news first :)

First - Sabrina just got word that one of her projects from the April kit, "A Boy & His Toys" - featuring all sorts of scrumptious new Crate Paper, just got requested for an upcoming Crate Idea Book!!!! Woohoo, girl!!! (P.S. There's only a few left of these awesome kits in the store... does one of them have your name on it?)

Secondly, one of Natalie's projects from our November kit, "Family Traditions" - is in the running for the Creating Keepsakes Reader's Pick poll. Natalie's is the awesome double-paged spread on the bottom -share some love & go vote for her HERE. :) Way to go, Natalie!!!!

Now, how about some winners? First up, congrats to our March Friday Fun Day winner, Amy Lynne! Her beautiful layout was so eye catching, I just can't help but share:

Next up, two winners to announce from last week's blog party. Speaking of, how'd you guys like the changes? We loved getting to know more of you, so we liked it more! :)

Blog Party GRAND PRIZE Winner (from the store blog)

For $25 Lucky Bucks to use in our store goes to ...

CANDICE!

Candice said...

I love hops!! Great pages, I'm off to check out everyone's blog!

April 2, 2011 8:10 AM

Our Blog Party RANDOM DRAWING winner (from Natalie's blog)

Receives $7 Lucky Bucks to use in our store blog is....

VALERIE DURHAM!

on April 2, 2011 at 7:25 am Valerie Durham Wow! What a compliment for the hubby to say it is his favorite! Awesome two-pager! To our lovely Lucky Girl winners, please e-mail me at jasafras98@yahoo.com so I can send you your special codes. Congratulations!!!

Altered Tin - Mid-Week Mojo

Hi! It's Wednesday, and you know what that means? Mid-Week Mojo time here at the Lucky Girl Crafts Blog! This is Emily, with a project that I created using the latest Lucky Girl Crafts Kit, "A Boy & His Toys." 

I always make stuff for Renny's room it seems and my poor baby boy get's left behind. This kit is perfect for all of the boy projects I have needed to complete for Austin! He saw me open the kit  after getting it in the mail and said, "Now you HAVE to make me something Mom!! It's all for boys!" Ok, so he had a bit of a point... the kit is very boy friendly.... but it can also be used for other projects that aren't all about boys which you will see over the course of this month. 

I love this little lunch box tin. I can't remember where I purchased it, but I love it, and have been hoarding it until I had the perfect papers and embellishments to cover it. When I got "A Boy & His Toys" I knew it was time to pull out the tin. 

As you can see I covered the lid of the box with some of the Bo Bunny paper in the kit. Those aliens make me giggle whenever I see them. And the reverse side of the paper was used in the center where I spelled out Austin in the Crate Paper alpha stickers. 

The sides and bottom of the tin were covered in some of the Echo Park paper and I used some of the Making Memories trim around it as well. The blue and orange to well together. The car is one of the Crate Paper chipboard embellishments in this kit as well. 

More of my aliens were used on the back side as well as one of the Crate Paper stickers. The rocket and planet were in my stash and since they matched the theme, I used them! 

After I decorated the tin, I added some ribbons and trims from my own stash in the colors that I used on the tin. Mod Podge was used to adhere and seal all of my papers in this project. 

I hope you have enjoyed this weeks Mid-Week Mojo!! Be sure to come back Friday for our Friday Fun Day Challenge!!!! 

If you love this kit as much as I do, head over to the STORE to buy one before they are all gone!!!