The HOP is over, but we have a new SKETCH challenge!

First of all, a BIG thank you to our Scrapettes who provided all the wonderful eye candy for a fantastic Blog Hop! We hope you enjoyed yourselves and left comments at every stop along the way, and there were SO many beautiful GIRLIE projects submitted for the challenge! It's a good thing we're letting our InLinkz friend do the drawing for us, because we wouldn't be able to choose favorites from such gorgeous creations!

Secondly, We'll be announcing our winners on Monday, so come back for the details, and an EXTRA-SPECIAL Monday spotlight to kick things off for May! :)

And third... to wrap up this fun-filled month, our final April challenge comes from our fabulous Senior Scrapette, Ann - everyone loves sketches, and this one was lots of fun and SO versatile! Here's your challenge:


One lucky winner will get this adorable Victoria Case rubber stamp, exclusive to The TownScrapper! This is "Evan in Dad's Clothes":


So in case you're not sure what to do with the sketch, here's some crafty goodness from our Scrapettes to get your mojo all revved up!

ANN (using "Zeke"):


JANET (another Zeke card - this is a great sketch for a masculine card!):


SHELLY (using the funky new "Rockstar Zeke" stamp!)


LEAH (using "Beary Sweet Sophie" - obviously a girlie card works for this sketch, too!):


KELLY (using the brand new "Lela" - doesn't she look like a clever little bookworm?):


KIM S. (using "Birthday Sophie"):


MARIA (who inked up the brand new "Rockstar Lola" - so cute for little girls who love to sing or do karaoke!):



So whaddya think, friends? Is this sketch up your alley? Well link up your NEWLY-CREATED creations below before Thursday, May 6th at midnight EST for your chance to win "Evan in Dad's Clothes", and be sure to link back to us in your blog post. We can't wait to see your take on this sketch! Have fun crafting, and happy Friday! :)

Tip Wednesday - MYO Paper

Happy Hump day Peeps!  Hope you are having a great week and that you're enjoying Week 2 of our HOP!  Scrapette Maria here to provide a very simple tip for you to try on those days you just can't find the 'perfect' designer paper for that oh so special project.

Well, haven't we all accumulated stamps that are collecting a bit of dust ~ let's just say umh a little sprinkling of dust ~ lol.  Well dust them off and start creating your own paper with them.  Kraft cardstock is perfect for this technique as is cardstock in an accent colour pulled from the colours in your main image.

The sky's the limit on your creativity. You could also create your own paper by embossing cardstock with your Cuttlebug or Sizzix folders and then embellishing certain textured features of the cardstock with pearls, bling, stickles or simply by highlighting certain areas by colouring them in with markers, pencils or chalk.

Well that's it for today's little tidbit.  Don't forget to join in this week's HOP.  You have 3 chances to win some fabulous prizes.  Check out the post HERE.

Go search out your magic creativity and have some fun.  

MORE PRIZES! Girlie Challenge Pt. 2 and the BLOG HOP CONTINUES!

***THE HOP IS NOW CLOSED! WINNERS ANNOUNCED MONDAY, MAY 3***


It's time for PART TWO of The TownScrapper's BLOG HOP!

For Part One, we shared some of our Scrapettes' fabulous creations using Victoria Case stamps EXCLUSIVE to The TownScrapper! We also gave you a GIRLIE challenge, and invited you to play along. Today, the rest of the Scrapettes have worked their magic, and you'll be hopping along to visit them and hopefully draw some inspiration from their STUNNING creations!

Before we begin the hop, some things to share... First of all, we'd like to congratulate the winner of PART ONE of the Girlie challenge... Lucky number 16, which belongs to GINI! She played along THREE TIMES, and the randomizer chose her first adorable entry:

(can you think of anything more girlie than pampering yourself with a nice bubble bath?!)

Gini, you win TWO Victoria Case stamps of your choice (go here to find them!) - please send your address and your stamp choices to Phebe at info@TownScrapper.com and she will send your prizes. Congratulations! :)

And we had two lucky commenters drawn from those who commented on every blog along the hop. You will each win one Victoria Case stamp of your choice... Our winners are Queen La Rubba and Wendy Colledge! Congrats, ladies! Have a look at the gorgeous Victoria Case images HERE, and send your selection with your mailing address to Phebe at info@TownScrapper.com - enjoy the goodies, winners! :)

Oh, and our fabulous Blog Manager, Maria, and lovely Senior Scrapette, Ann, have announced some winners on their blogs as well, so drop by to see if you've won!

Now, without further ado, welcome to PART TWO! :) We're wiping the slate clean and continuing with the GIRLIE CHALLENGE, but it's a shorter one, so link up your newly-created projects below by this THURSDAY, April 29th at midnight EST! Be sure to link back to us in your blog post, and HAVE FUN!

OH, and you're probably wondering about this big "GRAND PRIZE" of which we spoke last week, right? Well, one commenter (from this week or last week) will win ALL of these brand new Victoria Case rubber stamps -

• Too Cool Max
• Sweet Rose
  
• Sophie Birthday
• "Whatever", "Call me", and "Happy Birthday" sentiments
• Hockey Lola
• Hockey Evan
• "Go Team Go", "Puckin' Around", and "Shoots... Scores!" sentiments
• hockey stick, puck and ice skates
  

You have until midnight EST this THURSDAY, April 29th to leave your comments and/or link your projects on The TownScrapper Blog. Remember, your projects must be created NEW for this challenge, and you MUST link back to us in order to be eligible for the prizes. Week Two and GRAND PRIZE winners will be announced next Monday, May 3rd.

If you can't wait to see if you've won, and would like to buy some of these amazing new stamps for yourself, Phebe can be reached by phone at 519-882-0623 or via email at info@TownScrapper.com. She ships worldwide!

Here's your Hop order - HAPPY HOPPING, friends! (You're going to want to visit these, as there might be a surprise or two along the way!)

The TownScrapper

Katie

Kim S

Kylie

Lisa
Phebe
Shelly
Tricia
Zoe

We'll be back Friday with a brand new challenge, and your regularly scheduled programming. :D

*

Want to win new Victoria Case stamps? THREE CHANCES TO WIN!

The Blog Hop and GIRLIE CHALLENGE will end tomorrow, folks! Saturday, April 24th at midnight EST!

So far, only 10 participants in our GIRLIE CHALLENGE and only 8 comments for the Blog Hop - that means if you want to get on board now, your chances are VERY good! Two COMMENTERS will also win a stamp of their choice from the gorgeous new Victoria Case line, made EXCLUSIVELY for The TownScrapper! You have THREE chances to win, and the fun will start again on Monday!

Get in on the fun by clicking HERE, and we'll be back with our winners on Monday, plus part TWO of our Blog Hop. Happy Friday, and we'll see you then!

Still time for our GIRLIE challenge!

Hi, crafters! Just a reminder that there's still time to get in on our current GIRLIE challenge, for your choice to win some FABULOUS new Victoria Case rubber stamps (exclusive to The TownScrapper!)! Projects are due this SATURDAY, April 24th, by midnight EST.

There's also time to play along with The TownScrapper's Blog Hop, for random prizes and a big grand prize!

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE INFO, and happy craftin'! :)

Tip: Anti Static Bags

Happy Hump Day! Today's Tip/Trick Wednesday is brought to you by Scrapette Maria.

Have you ever been frustrated using glitter or embossing powder and trying to get the residue off of areas where you didn't want it to be on your project? Well I have a very simple tool suggestion for you that even makes clean-up a breeze.

My favourite tool to use when glittering or embossing is a small anti-static bag. It is ideal for a number of uses and all you have to do is wipe your project with it before you place your glue or embossing medium down. Then you pour on your glitter or embossing powder and voila it only sticks to your glue. No need to wipe off glitter or powder residue from the rest of your project because there is none.

Clean-up is also a breeze with the anti-static bag whether you're using a tidy tray or a folded piece of cardstock to collect your glitter or embossing powder. Simply wipe the tray or folded cs with the bag before using it to get most of the glitter and powder back in the pot.

Don't forget about Week 1 of our Blog HOP and our 'GIRLIE' challenge HERE. There are some wonderful prizes to be had and let's not forget about how much fun it is to create.

Have a great day,

Maria

Let's Hear it for the Girls Blog Hop

Good morning friends and fellow crafters and welcome to The Townscrapper's BLOG HOP. We are going to showcase some of the new and exclusive Victoria Case images. The HOP will run for 2 weeks and each week will feature the wonderful inspiring creations of half of the Scrapettes on The Townscrapper Design Team.

You will notice a recurring theme during the HOP because we've decided to combine the BLOG HOP with our weekly challenge so you can double your chances to win some Victoria Case images. We'd love for you to create something with a GIRLIE Theme. You have until midnight EST on Saturday, April 24, to link your creations on The Townscrapper Blog. Of course one random lucky challenge participant will win a Victoria Case image of their choice along with two HOP winners for Week 1 of our HOP. Week 1 challenge and BLOG HOP winners will be announced on Monday, April 26.

All the newly released images are in stock and available for purchase from Phebe. Phebe can be reached by phone at 519-882-0623 or via email at info@townscrapper.com. If you can't make it to the store in Petrolia, Ontario (Canada), remember that Phebe also ships worldwide.

Here's the list of hoppers to visit for this first BLOG HOP week and be sure to leave a comment on each blog when because two lucky random commenters will win one Victoria Case rubber stamp of their choice. Plus Plus Plus: There will be one grand prize winner at the end of the 2-week HOP but we're going to keep you in suspense and show you the grand prize next week ~ hehehe. So start hopping and have a great time.

THE TOWNSCRAPPER (you are here!)

ANN

JANET

KELLY

KRISTA

LEAH

MARIA

MELANIE

Happy hopping, happy crafting, and GOOD LUCK!

Puzzle challenge WINNER, and a BIG thank you!

Folks, what can we say, besides THANK YOU, for the kind words, the projects submitted, and the support for last week's Puzzle-themed Challenge. Each card linked meant $6 would be donated to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, to fund their programs for children living with Autism... We had 9 participants, plus the 15 Scrapettes' cards, which brings our subtotal to $144, which is fantastic! BUT another of our lovely Scrapettes, Janet, is making a donation, as is another friend, Susan, so the number is still climbing!

Since April is Autism Awareness Month, I will ask that anyone interested in donating for this wonderful cause PLEASE send me (Leah) an email at spazzicassi@yahoo.ca and I will be THRILLED to include your pledge as well. I will be contacting the Kennedy Krieger Institute sometime at the beginning of May with the final dollar amount and to arrange payment, so any pledges are welcomed up until the end of April. Thank you again for your generosity and for supporting our drive!

And we haven't forgotten about the CONTEST from the challenge, either! (Today's migraine, brought on by the approaching rainstorm, has hindered my ability to focus on the screen, so I do apologize for the delay!)

The projects submitted were WONDERFUL, and it was so great to see so many fun uses for puzzle pieces! A few of you even downloaded the free template - we hope you enjoy it! (It certainly brought about some fantastic creations!) Of our nine entries, congratulations goes out to number NINE, belonging to KimmyS! Kimmy gave us this little masterpiece:


ADORABLE! (and the inside of the card looks fantastic, too!)
Kimmy, please contact Phebe at info@townscrapper.com with your mailing information so she can send your Victoria Case "Lola and Zeke" stamps in the mail, and THANK YOU so much for playing! We're sure you'll love these little cuties as much as we Scrapettes do!

Okay, so we know it's Friday, and we know you're expecting a challenge, but there's a big BLOG HOP coming up this Monday, so we'll have a challenge and some surprises for you then! You'll have extra time to play along, so come back and visit Monday morning and we'll give you the low-down!

In the meantime, have a WONDERFUL weekend, and I'll be watching my email for any messages from people wishing to donate. Happy crafting, friends!

Faux Leather Tutorial

Happy Hump Day friends and fellow crafters! Today's tutorial on how to make faux leather is brought to you by our super talented Scrapette Kylie. It is super easy to make and she tells us after making one that you'll soon be addicted.  Wait til you see her gorgeous project at the end of this post ~ woohoo girlie, you rock!

1) You will need:
· Card stock in chosen colour
· Co-ordinating inks
· Cuttlebug embossing folder in “Tiny Mosaic”
· Versamark ink
· Clear embossing powder
· Tidy Tray or folded piece of paper for catching powder
· Heat tool
· Old metal biscuit tray


2) Using your chosen piece of card stock, dry emboss using the Cuttlebug embossing folder Tiny Mosaic.



3) On a scrap piece of paper, place your dry embossed card stock face side up. Using a dye ink pad run the surface of the ink pad directly over the card stock. Don’t press too hard as you only want the embossed raised surface to catch most of the colour. The following ink colours have been used:
· Kraft card stock – sand, caramel
· Green card stock – sand, green
· Rust card stock – sand, caramel, chocolate
· Chocolate card stock – chocolate, burgundy
· White card stock – silver pigment ink





4) Once the coloured inks have dried, using a clean scrap of paper underneath your card stock so you don’t get coloured ink on your Versamark ink pad, dab the Versamark ink directly over the entire piece of embossed and inked card stock, ensuring the surface is covered in the Versamark.



5) While the Versamark is still wet, place your card stock in a Tidy Tray and sprinkle clear embossing powder over the entire piece of card stock. Shake off the excess. If you don’t have a Tidy tray, use a piece of scrap paper folded in half to make it easier to return the left over embossing powder to its original container.



6) Place your card stock on the metal tray and heat up your heat tool. Apply the heat directly over the card stock and melt the embossing powder so it goes glossy ensuring that the powder is melted entirely but don’t scorch your card stock!





Look at this beautiful sample of the finished project ~ just gorgeous and totally innovative.

Don't forget about our puzzle-themed challenge this week to support Autism.  Every card submitted for the challenge earns $6 and the money is donated to the  Kennedy Krieger Institute.  You don't need to use a Victoria Case image just something puzzle-themed but if you have a Victoria Case image, we'd love to see it.  Besides having the warm fuzzy feeling of having created for a special cause, one lucky winner will also win the Lola and Zeke stamps (see below images), exclusive Victoria Case designs for The Townscrapper.

Monday Showcase

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and got to enjoy some nice warm weather. It was such a beautiful Sunday here in SW Ontario.

Look at today's beautiful line-up of DT creations. All images are available from Phebe at The Townscrapper. Phebe will also be one of the exhibitors at this week's ScrapFest in Kitchener on April 16 and 17. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you are in the area and take a peek at all her crafty goodies. She'll have her whole line of exclusive Victoria Case images as well as new stamps from other fabulous companies plus loads of all the papercrafting necessities you'll need.

Katie

Kylie

Lisa

Zoe (Sneak Peek ~ Rubber stamp available April 23)

Don't forget to participate in our extra-special Puzzle-themed challenge this week. For every participant who submits a project, there will be a $6 donation to support the Kennedy Krieger Institute! So far we've raised $96 and we hope to raise more. So we appreciate you getting inky and spreading the word about our Drive for Autism. The more people who play, the more support for the Institute and their programs. Deadline is April 15 at midnight EST.

FABULOUS NEW FREEBIES, and a DRIVE FOR AUTISM!

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING! This week, we have something special planned - most of you are probably already aware that April is Autism Awareness Month, and we Scrapettes wanted to do something to honor the occasion.

So we're happy to bring you a puzzle-themed challenge, and you are welcome to interpret that any way you'd like! We just want to see something puzzle-related on your lovely creations.

but that's not all!

In addition to the challenge, Leah is going to donate $1 for every project submitted (including those from the Scrapettes), to the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Please help spread the word, so that we can make this a BIG donation!

And to make things even better, Scrapettes Katie, Zoe, Ann and Maria have generously offered to MATCH each dollar Leah donates! Your card equals FIVE DOLLARS! *edited to add: our Scrapette Kim S. has also offered to match the donation, so your cards are now worth $6 each for Autism!*

Here's a little bit about the Kennedy Krieger Institute, taken from their website:

WHO WE ARE

An internationally recognized institution, Kennedy Krieger provides research, treatment, education and community programs for more than 14,000 children annually. We believe that early identification, intervention, and treatment of disabilities are key to maximizing potential and preventing major problems throughout a child’s life. We are dedicated to understanding, unlocking, and overcoming the problems and injuries that affect a child’s developing brain and nervous system.

Unlike other institutions that concentrate on one specific area, ours is an interdisciplinary approach that brings together the expertise of a team of professionals from various fields and departments to create treatment plans tailored to the special needs of each child.

Visit Kennedy Krieger Institute's main website to learn more about our research, patient care, education, and community programs.

"The reason we give our time and money is because of what Kennedy Krieger has done for a beautiful little boy named Frankie." —Frank and Gayle Kelly

Take a look at what our Scrapettes have done...

KYLIE:


JANET:


ANN:


KELLY:


KRISTA:


LISA:


TRICIA (a fabulous Post-It note holder!):




KIM S:


SHELLY:


LEAH:




KATIE:


MELANIE:


ZOE:


PHEBE:


MARIA:


And our lovely Zoe has created a PUZZLE TEMPLATE available for you to use. Just right click and save and you can turn any image into a puzzle and create a gorgeous project like hers!

The prizes for this week's challenge (in addition to knowing you've done a good thing for a GREAT cause)... LOLA AND ZEKE! Brand new to rubber at The TownScrapper!


(as you know, the Scrapettes are LOVING these two and they are SO much fun to color!)

So link up your PUZZLE-THEMED projects below by next THURSDAY, April 15th at midnight EST for your chance to win this fabulously adorable couple from Victoria Case! Remember that your projects must be created NEW for this challenge, and you MUST link back to us in your blog post! We'd also be EXTREMELY grateful if you mentioned our Drive for Autism, to help spread the word and bring more participants!

And of course, you'll want to know who won last week's "Charmed" challenge, right? :) Again, we're so relieved that there is a feature on Inlinkz that will choose our winner for us randomly - the projects were BEAUTIFUL and so out of the box! Congratulations to Linda B! Here's the project she submitted:


Linda, please email Phebe at info@townscrapper.com with your mailing address and your choice of stamp from THIS POST. Congratulations, and enjoy your new Victoria Case stamp! :)

Have fun, crafters, and thank you all for your support. We're really hoping this will turn into a great challenge in support of the Kennedy Krieger Institute!

Quick tip - environmentally friendly and cost-effective!

Hello, friends and fellow crafters!

It's Wednesday, which means we have another little tip for you crafting fiends...

Many of us like to layer up our cards and scrapbook pages with lots of mats and blocks of papers. Why not cut back on your paper usage a bit?

No, I'm not talking about fewer layers or unmatted photos and images! I'm talking about using the space that won't be seen, and cutting out shapes and using your punches, to make your paper go just a little further! That space is hidden behind your pictures, so why not put that mat through your die-cutting machine and get a few circles or shapes out of it before adhering your image? Not only does this make for less waste, but it means your project won't be so heavy, and if you use punches, you'll have instant matching shapes for embellishments on your project or for future crafting! Concentric/nesting shapes (dies and punches) are perfect for this kind of thing, as it really helps maximize what you'll get from just one sheet of paper (and who wants to see all that gorgeous paper hidden or wasted, right?!). You can also do this the opposite way, and keep your die-cut negatives for matting or even fun embellishments!

Be good to the earth, and to your bank account! :D

Easter Monday Showcase

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Before we showcase the DT's creations, we have some great news: Krista and Kylie have agreed to stay on with the Scrapettes ~ woohoo & happy dance. We are so excited to have them stay and play with us.

Here's today's line-up of DT creations:

Ann (Victoria Case Image)

Janet (Magnolia - Jam Tilda)

Krista (NEW Victoria Case Image)

Maria(NEW Victoria Case Image)

Shelly (Victoria Case Image)

Have a great day and don't forget to play along with this week's Charm Challenge for a chance to win a Victoria Case image.