My Craft Empties! What I use up making crafts.

 I made a sheetload of cards!!!! September 2023

Riley and Co: https://bit.ly/44i8G9I Visit my Amazon shop for my tried and true crafty supplies: https://www.amazon.com/shop/coolcakes... #SLCTSep2023 See what the COLLABORATION TEAM created YOUTUBE https://bit.ly/44p29JS INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/explore/tag... If YOU CREATE cards using this month’s SheetLoad, PLEASE USE the following hashtags: #SUYSSep2023 #ShowUsYourSheetLoad Find out how to GET YOUR FREE COPY of the September 2023 SheetLoad of Cards, here:    • A Super Special SheetLoad of Cards! S...  

Why card making? Why paper crafting?

Paper crafting is a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of activities that involve the use of paper. Some popular types of paper crafting include origami, papercraft models, and card making.

Paper crafting can be a fun and rewarding hobby for people of all ages. It is a great way to express creativity, learn new skills, and relax. Card making can also be a social activity, as it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

There are many different ways to get started with card making. There are many books and websites that offer instructions and patterns, called card maps or sketches, for card making projects. There are also many card making communities where people can share ideas and projects. YouTube is a great resource for getting started in exploring this art form and Facebook groups about card making are plentiful.

If you are interested in trying card making, there are a few things you will need to get started. You will need a variety of papers, including different colors, textures, and weights. You will also need some basic tools, such as scissors, glue or double-sided tape, rubber stamps and/or ephemera, and a ruler.

No matter what your skill level is, paper crafting is a great way to have fun and be creative.

Some benefits of paper crafting are:

•           It can help improve problem-solving skills.

Card making can improve problem solving skills because it's a cognitively stimulating activity. It can also help with critical thinking.

•           It can help improve creativity.

Writing greeting cards also requires writing and creative skills, which can foster learning motivation. The act of writing a thoughtful message can also be an opportunity to reflect on relationships.

Greeting cards can also create an emotional connection between the sender and recipient.

•           It can help improve concentration and reduce stress.

Card making can reduce stress by taking your mind off of things that are bothering you and promoting relaxation. The process of creating a card requires focus and attention, which can help divert the mind from stressors. The act of giving handmade cards to friends and family can also create a sense of joy and satisfaction, leading to a boost in mood and overall well-being.

•           It can be a fun and relaxing hobby.

Creating a finished card can boost a sense of fulfillment. Crafting has also been shown to improve mental agility, improve both gross and fine motor movements, and decrease cognitive decline.

 If you are looking for a new hobby that is both fun and rewarding, paper crafting is a great option. There are many different projects to choose from, so you are sure to find one that you enjoy.

Claim your free ticket! Master the art of holiday card creation with our FREE 4-day event - Register now!

I am overjoyed to announce that I'll be one of the honored speakers at the Card Maker Success Summit, Holiday Edition,, a sensational 4-day event dedicated exclusively to crafting heartfelt holiday cards. And guess what? You're warmly invited to be a part of this merry celebration!

From August 10-13, 2023, you'll have the fantastic opportunity to connect with a stellar lineup of speakers who are eager to guide you in creating stunning holiday cards that will fill your loved ones with joy. 

Imagine the satisfaction of having your cards done early, all while infusing them with your own personal touch of love and creativity!

But hold on, there's even more holiday magic in store for you! They've set up a vibrant Facebook group exclusively for our Card Maker Success Summit  participants. It's a cozy corner where you can mingle with kindred spirits, connect with fellow card makers, seek advice from our expert speakers, and who knows, perhaps discover a few extra surprises along the way!

Now, here's the thrilling part – you can attend this remarkable summit absolutely free! 

However, if you want to elevate your holiday crafting experience to new levels, they have a special treat for you. Introducing the VIP All-Access Pass, a ticket to holiday crafting bliss that will keep the yuletide spirit alive long after the summit concludes.

Here's what the VIP All-Access Pass has in store for you:

• Ongoing access to 25+ awe-inspiring presentations

• A comprehensive 275+ page digital workbook overflowing with festive inspiration

• Virtual Card Making Crop over Zoom, where you can revel in the joyful art of holiday card making alongside fellow enthusiasts

• Premium bonus content from our esteemed speakers, including SVG files, exclusive courses, free memberships, fabulous discounts, and more!

The VIP All-Access Pass is currently available at a special price for a limited time only. 

All you need to do is register for the free summit and you will get all of the info on how to get a screaming deal on the VIP All-Access Pass.

Can you feel the festive cheer building up? I certainly can! 

To learn more about this magical event and secure your free ticket,

 Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for additional details and updates.

The countdown to the grand holiday card making extravaganza has begun, and I am brimming with excitement to share this incredible journey with you!

Let's make this holiday season truly special by crafting heartfelt cards that will warm the hearts of your loved ones.

GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE!!

  

Design Teams, What Are They?

For the paper crafting industry, a design team is a group of creators and artists that are contracted to create projects using a crafting company’s products. Companies use design teams to help with the promotion and sales of their products. Products can be stamps, dies, design paper, ink, tools, embellishments, etc.

What are the advantages of being on a design team?

Many crafters would say getting free stuff is the best part of it as new products are usually provided gratis and far in advance of release so they have ample time to time to work on their projects.  In addition, design team members are also usually offered a sizable discount on the company’s products during their design team term. Some companies also offer monetary compensation and/or affiliate credit for sales generated.

I have been on several design teams and I love the challenge of working with products I didn’t choose! I always have ideas for the things I buy but being sent something I may or may not love challenges me to think outside of my own ideas and work on design and technique and I end up loving everything!

What are the responsibilities of being on a design team?

Responsibilities will vary by design team and should be outlined at the start. Typically, you will be asked to create projects using what is sent to you. The number of projects needed, how the project is to be presented, (mailed in, YouTube video, shares on social media, etc.) the due date, and what, if any, other brands/products you will be allowed to use with what was sent to you. For example, if you are creating for a paper company that doesn’t sell anything but paper then you should be able to use other company stamps and dies to complete your project. If you are using stamps from one company, you might only be able to use dies and other products from that same company. All of these details will be communicated to you by the company once you have been accepted by a design team.

Keep in mind that a design team term can vary from being open-ended to being 6 months or a year.

How do I get on a design team?

Design team calls are done throughout the year. You can check company websites or check for design team calls on Facebook. You can also reach out directly to express your interest. Be sure to have examples of your work ready to submit with any application or inquiry and consider why you want to be on that company’s design team. They will surely ask this in the application process.

Design Teams not affiliated with a company

The paper crafting community has created challenges to inspire one another. There are crafty challenge groups on Facebook and crafty challenge blogs, as well as challenges and collabs on YouTube and Instagram. I ran a crafty goals collab for about 4 years on YouTube and I have been on the Show Us Your Sheetload Collab YouTube team since 2020. There are blogs with design teams, as well. The responsibilities for each type of non-company affiliated team will vary but the perceived stress is less due to the fact that you are doing it for the fun and fellowship of crafters. Some companies do provide products to challenge blogs and their design teams but it is considered a more relaxed assignment than company-affiliated design work.

 

 

 

 

 My latest project uses masking techniques and watercolor pencils to color my images.

Back in the Saddle with Gumpaste Lavender

It's been a while since I posted anything cake related so I thought I would share what did for a party this weekend. 

I made 24 gumpaste lavender stems last week and baked some chocolate chip cupcakes for a family party. It was the first in at least 6 years that I have done anything at this level. Working with gumpaste is very different than working with icing in a piping bag. Some would say it is easier because it doesn't require the same skill set. If I didn't have that skill set, I would agree. Since I do know my way around a piping bag, I think piping these out onto the cupcakes would have been faster, and therefore easier. 

I don't know why I didn't pipe these on instead of making them in gumpaste. These definitely give off a fancy vibe and while it was a family gathering, I wanted them to be extra special for this occasion. 

Each flower and leaf was painstakingly made by hand and assembled. I was glad I did it. I confirmed for myself that I've still got it!

I had all the supplies that I needed, I just needed some fresh gumpaste. Literally, everything else was in my stash, plus, plus, plus!

I will share a video on how I made them on my YouTube channel soon, so stay tuned for that.