Valerie Salmon's Blog

Owl Cupcake Picks

Aren't these little guys cute?  I loved creating these little owls.

Get my owl paper-piecing pattern: Download Valerie's SBEValentineOwl

Turn our owl paper piecing into a cute cupcake topper by adhering a toothpick to the back with nontoxic adhesive. Prefer cake? Serve up a bigger helping by enlarging our pattern on a photocopier and securing the owl to a crafts stick.

SOURCES  Cardstock: Prism Papers (pink, lime), Bazzill Basics Paper (all other). Font: Century Gothic. Flower: Prima Marketing, Inc. Gem: Making Memories. Cutting tool: Fiskars.

Find this and other adorable Valentine Treat Crafts by going to the Scrapbooks etc. website.

Valentine Treat Cards for Kids

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Moms like me have to think of treat ideas for their children's classmates.  Sure, it's always easy to get the store-bought Valentines, but if this is the year you want to do something different, you'll have to try this 3-D idea.  Although this personalized photo card idea is easy and inexpensive, your kids' Valentine cards will definitely be a standout in class.

If you have a camera, an X-acto knife, and have a bag of lollipops, you are set.  (For a non-candy treat, pencils are a great substitution.)

 Not crafty?  No problem!  This project is so simple -- You can even have the kids help out by sliding the lollipops into the photos.

In minimal time, you can have a set of cards that are as unique as your kids!

Here's how:

Step 1:  Take a photo of the child, arm outstretched, and their hand in a closed fist.  

Step 2:   Have the photos printed in a 4" x 6" size.  (Optional:  If you are handy in Photoshop or other image-editing program, overlay a Valentine sentiment on the digital image prior to printing.)

Step 3:   On each photo, carefully cut horizontal slits above and below the fist with an X-acto knife.

Step 4:  Insert a lollipop (or pencil) through the slits.  Secure it with a piece of tape on the back of the photo.

 

For other Valentine-related crafts, click here. 

Crazy about Crochet!

I have been in a crocheting frenzy since before the holidays -- I seriously think I haven't stopped.  After creating one cute project, I'm anxious to start another!  Many of you may not know, I've been crocheting since learning at the age of 12.  I've been doing it on and off for so many years, in between all my other crafty obsessions.  Perhaps it's the cold midwest weather, but I'm glad I've picked up the use of my crochet hooks once again.  So much fun!

 

'Been making these adorable hats lately.  Every close girlfriend and female family member of mine probably got one for Christmas -- lucky them!  :)  And I have been wearing them myself every chance I get!  It totally makes the outfit!  

I shared them on Facebook and got an insane amount of messages from friends who wanted to order.  At first, I was unsure that I wanted to go the route of selling them ... but I admit, they are too cute not to share.

So, I made a large bin of extras in a variety of colors.  They got snapped up too quick, before I could even announce them on my blog!  Unfortunately, I don't have any made at the moment, but don't you worry, I will be making more to order.

I had closed up my Boutique indefinitely because I just did not have the time to keep up with the handcrafted items I used to offer there.  So, I am reopening it, with my one and only (for now) product -- The Lauren hat.

If you want your very own, here is the page to check it out, the colors available, and ordering info.  You will love it!

The Lauren Hat

 

Another thing I wanted to share are these too-cute-for-words baby hats!  They are for my sister Liaa's baby Summer, who is arriving in early February.  I am expecting a photo shoot of Summer wearing these hats.  :D  

Hope you are all having a great week!

 

 

Valentine's Day Cards

Happy New Year!!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday celebration with your loved ones.   I sure did.

I wanted to share a couple of Valentine's cards with you.  Both are featured in the February 2012 issue of BHG Scrapbooks etc. magazine.

I'm proud to add that the card on the cover is one of mine.

Here's a closer look of the owl card:

The owl is made using a variety of punches, which are my favorite tools.  I could probably seriously create a whole zoo scenery with my punch collection.  Haha!

This next card is also among the projects featured within the issue's pages.  It's an easy design to produce in multiples!

There's a whole lot of eye candy in this magazine, so you must check it out.

Till the next post.

 

Holiday Wreath Card

It's always a bonus when you can find alternative uses for punches to create other shapes. Punching multiple shapes out of the Fiskars Evergreen punch and forming it in a circle, it creates a wreath large enough to be a focal point on a holiday card. The punched jingle bells are the perfect size to adorn the wreath. With the addition of a perfect bow, you can spread the holiday cheer.

Find the step-by-step instructions for this card by going to the Fiskars site.

Holiday Cards

I can't believe this year is almost over!  Christmas is just weeks away -- insane!  My "to do" list is a mile long and I don't even know where to start.  Which reminds me, I still have to order my annual Christmas cards.  You didn't think that I handmade my cards each year, did you?  I know, I know.  One day, I'll have time to do that, but not this year.  I'm trying to have a stress-free holiday season.  :)

'Thought I'd share some card ideas.  These were created for BHG Scrapbooks etc's December 2011 issue.

Enjoy all the holiday preparations and keep warm!!  

Travel-Themed Paper Piecings

It took me a little while to get these posted, I know.  But here is the complete set of travel paper-piecing designs I created for Scrapbooks etc. magazine's August '11 issue, also seen on my "Greece" layout.

Grab the patterns to these below!

You can download the patterns to these piecings by clicking on links below:

• "See Ya" (Car Leaving) Pattern
• Suitcase Pattern
• Luggage tag Pattern
• Sunset Scenery Pattern
• Camera Pattern
• Airplane Pattern

Greece Layout

What a fantastic trip that was, especially since I spent it with my Mom.  Got to tour the beautiful sights of Greece and a bit of Turkey.

(I had the worst luck getting there:  got stuck in London for 9 hours because I missed my flight to Athens... then they lost my luggage for 2 days.  Thank goodness for having packed some necessities in my carry-on bag!)

Here is a layout made for BHG Scrapbooks, etc. magazine's August 2011 issue.  Piece Talk article.  I created several paper-pieced designs, which I will share very soon.  You can see two on this layout (plane/globe and camera).

Thanks for peeking!

A birthday card

You can find this pull-tab card in the August '11 issue of Scrapbooks etc. mag, along with the instructions on how to create the accordion card base.  (Pages 54-55)

... with the message pulled out

It's Back-to-School

My kids went back to school last Tuesday (already!).  

My eldest, Lauren, started Middle School so I made a magnetic 4-pocket organizer for her locker, along with an ID holder.  I thought I'd share them so that it can inspire any seamstresses out there.  I loved having everything coordinate.  :)

Cards Galore

You can see some of these cards in the June '11 issue of BHG Scrapbooks etc magazine.  Each design is sampled for other special occasions.  Fun!

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

Sketch-based projects

Each month, I create a special sketch post on the Scrapbooks Etc. blog.

Click on the links below to see other project examples from my crafty friends.  :)

May's Sketch

April's Sketch

June Craft-It-Forward Blog Hop

"Craft It Forward" is a movement designed to benefit local charities through craft projects.  You can make a difference in your community by doing something you love  - crafting!

Each month, Scrapbooks Etc. will feature a suggested project and charity recipients.  Help us Craft It Forward by creating the projects and donating them locally.  Click here to go to the suggested charities page.  They have listed some suggested charities for each month to get you started.

Inspired by this month's Craft it Forward project, Scrapbooks etc. is hosting a Blog Hop showcasing some interpretations from various designers.

Here is my card, just in time for Father's Day (June 19):

Check out the next project from Emily at the next "Hop Stop."

Click here for the Scrapbooks etc. Blog Hop post.

You can see all of the Craft it Forward projects from the previous months.

Grab your own Craft It Forward button:

Now available in Download Format!

Ultimate School Album 

Got Sketch goes Back to School with the introduction of the "Ultimate School Album!"  It's the “ultimate” because it covers Pre-K through 12th grade with lots of extras that can't be passed up.  

If you missed this popular 5-week workshop, here's your chance to get everything that was covered -- all in an instant download format.  

Hey sketch fans!  Whether it's the beginning or end of a school year, what better time to get busy working on a school album?  Get ahead of the class and complete your kids’ school albums now!  Just add the photos, report cards, and other memorabilia later as each grade is completed!  

We're not talking about just your average school-themed pages.  The goal is to have an entire school album completed, summarizing each school year from pre-school all the way up through 12th grade!    That's FOURTEEN sketch-based 12x12 double-page spreads (28 pages), plus printable pdfs galore of forms and templates to give the entire album a unified look.  Also, included are two additional single-page sketches for the album's title page and a graduation page to finalize the album.  This means 30 total scrapbook pages in this program alone!

Check out all the details by clicking here.

Wedding Cards

Since today is my 16th wedding anniversary, it's the perfect time to share some new wedding cards with you.

With flowers starting to bloom and the weather getting warmer, springtime is a popular season for weddings. If you know someone who is soon tying the knot, why not show your crafty side and create a special card for the happy couple?

You can find these cards and their how-to instructions by visiting the Fiskars website.

Here are three elegant styles to get you started.

An Easter layout

Just quickly sharing an Easter page, as seen in the April '11 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, Scrapbooks etc. magazine.

Easter Basket

Why settle for a regular store-bought Easter basket when you can create one that is as special as its recipient? These would also make for some festive springtime home decor. All you need is an inexpensive basket, some paper, and a hot glue gun!

Instructions:  Crafted Easter Basket

For more springtime projects, click here.

Have a Happy Easter!!!

Spring Card

It seems that I forget to share the projects I create for Joann's.  When I see the current flyer, that's when it reminds me to post them, but it slips my mind at times.  

Last weekend, I noticed that more projects are posted on the display headers above the Fiskars products.  I'll try to share those soon.

This card is on the store's current flyer:

Spring Tags

The weather in Indiana is just toying with the Hoosiers!  Yesterday, it was beautiful and in the 70's.  Then, today it's in the 30's!  I was so ready to store my sweaters and boots away, only to wear both again today.  :(

Here's to hoping the warmer weather will be back soon.  I'm really ready for spring!  

'Wanted to share a set of whimsical springtime tags that I created for the Fiskars website.

See them up close here.

Club Got Sketch is on!

Club Got Sketch started today! 

If you love our multi-photo sketches, want consistent inspiration to get yourself scrappin', join this challenge-driven, 8-week session and get your creativity kick-started one sketch at a time. 

Read all the details on the Club Got Sketch Information Page.  

 
I'm also excited to tell you that in Club Got Sketch, not only will you see my layout example with each sketch, but you will also get to view some interpretations from our talented Got Sketch contributors (as an extra)!!  Isn't this cool?  Now if that doesn't get you in the mood to scrap, I don't know what will!  Seeing examples immediately will surely get your mojo going!  So, what are you waiting for?

Just because it's started doesn't mean you can't still sign up.  You can sign up anytime during or even after the class ends on May 15.  The classroom will remain open until the end of June -- and all of the class content all be there when you are!

Hope you join us!  We're going to have a blast, for sure!