Creatively Speaking

It’s cold here (for California), but not much rain this year. If it’s gonna be cold or cloudy, I’d rather have rain because we need it. It already feels like spring and we haven’t had winter. The birds in my backyard are VERY loud. My favorite season is summer, so this book makes me happy. I LOVE Cosmo Cricket and this paper line- Hello Sunshine is one of my favorites. This is the Maya Road Window Round Tab Chipboard Book. O.K. so most of my books are a lot of work, but this was more like a ton of work. Hahaha. I decided to use paper squares, since covering each full page with the different sized windows is not easy. I painted it white first, but shabby white, not completely covered. Then I cut out a ton of squares in 2 different sizes, so I could mat each one. Next comes the fun embellishments. Really this sky is the limit with this one. It has a great variation of embellishments. I am really into the small sticker alphas right now too. They are so easy to use and fit well on mini book pages. You can see the new Maya Road Vintage pin on the front cover butterfly. You can also see the new double stitched ribbon in yellow on the cover. MR also just realeased a very cute singleton stamp called “Build a Tree”. You can add as many leaves as you want to your tree. Notice the stamped trees on some of the pages. The birds that are included in the stamp set are just too cute as well. You can even add an owl or a pear.

I’ve got a fun little card tutorial up at the Maya Road Design Team Blog today. Take a peek if you get a chance. The whole design team is posting tips, techniques and tutorials a few times a week. I am always inspired by the other women on this team.  

Here is another CHA booth project.  This is the new Maya Road Suitcase chipboard coaster book.  We often go to Seaside, OR with family and rent a beachhouse for our summer vacation.  We have tried other locations, but it’s just not the same.  The drive is long and we must break it up, but it is worth it.  We are going again this July and we can’t wait.  The kids get unbelievably excited the closer it gets.  This book is from our trip there in 2005.  There was never a dull moment, but in a relaxing way.  This is the only vacation we have had so far, where Brad and I feel like it’s really a vacation.

BTW…thank goodness for autosave.  My whole laptop just crashed, but I didn’t lose this post.  Haha.

Wow! I think no matter what your political beliefs are-today is an historic day. I hope you had a chance to watch the inauguration too. I found it to be a sight to see and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Finally I get to post a Maya Road new release. James and Lauren are the apple of my eye, of course. I enjoyed making this little apple chipboard coaster book. You get a peek at the new mini blossoms, tag sheers, owl sheers and ribbon as well. The sheers also com in birdies. The flowers are so adorable. Maya Road is coming out with a lot of mini flowers and chipboard this release and they are just perfect for your smaller mini albums. The paper line is My Mind’s Eye. I cut out ovals and sewed around the outside edge then placed two of them on each page to mimic the inside of an apple. This apple coaster also has embossing on the front cover if you choose not to cover it with paper. I also used my Cuttlebug to emboss some of the chipboard. It comes out so crisp and clear.

Have a good Tuesday!

Make sure you check the Maya Road Company Blog.  Caroline is continuing to post sneak peeks of the new products.  What do you think of the new owl and bird sheers?  How about the bingo stamp or the mini flowers and vintage pins?  Those are all some of my favorites.  Speaking of cute…

is that not the cutest monkey EVER?  I love their new sticker for CHA.  It’s adorable.  For today I thought I would post my “Us” album.  The paper is Basic Grey.  I added machine sewing to every page.  Also lots of different texture on this one.  Some glitter, crackle paint from Ranger and inked chipboard covered with Glossy Accents-also by Ranger.  The scallop edge of the binder book is inked in variegated colors and covered with Glossy Accents for some shine and added protection.  Love the spring colors in this one.

Time to post another booth project. I love this little schoolhouse. It’s perfect to showcase those favorite school pictures. I sprayed the house and mini book with Maya Mist, then sewed patterned paper to cover the sides, front and back. The roof is covered in all Maya Road ribbon. I also used stamps, chipboard brackets, chipboard keychain, flower jewels, ribbon, rub-ons, velvet flowers, ribbon slides, sheer tickets, bracket chipboard, Trinkets flowers, and trim.

Maya Road has begun their CHA-W sneak peeks on the company blog.  Stop by and take a look for some yummy eye candy.  Caroline will be updating it daily.  Happy Tuesday.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope it is a happy one. I thought I would mention that for the 1st time, Maya Road is having a small Valentine release. You can read about it on the Maya Road Blog.  Caroline and Deb are also having a giveaway, so stop by and leave a comment before January 5th for a chance to win.