Learn to Stamp and Scrap with Lynn Larson

Adult Scrapbooking Night

 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to srapbook but wasn't sure where to start?  I hold all types of crafting classes including an adult scrapbooking class.

This is a little 6x6 layout that I created for my most recent adtult scrapbooking class that was held at the Wardsboro Public Library.

I also teach classes for kids, mommy and me, paper crafting, card making, etc.

If you would like to take one of my classes with a group of your friends, contact me today!
 

Thanks for stopping by today,

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

Scrapbooking the History of Wardsboro, VT

Last week I had the honor of instructing a group of elementary school kids in making a scrapbook of the history of our town.

This was a three day course for the kids.  They learned how to use a camera and take photos before going out and taking photos of the historic buildings in our town.  They interviewed some of the townspeople and did some research on the buildings before we worked on the scrapbooking.

On the third day, the kids were there with the printed out pictures and their notes.  I showed them some tips on scrapbooking and helped them create their layouts and do their journaling.

We actually finished up our scrapbook early and had some time leftover to make some mini albums for the kids to take home with them.  We used the photocopy machine at the school to make up some more prints of photos so the kids could cut them out and use them in their books.

 

We really had a fun day scrapbooking.  I was impressed by how much the boys enjoyed working on this project!

Thanks to Jill and Carol for helping out that day.  

Stay tuned for some photos of our adult scrapbooking night held at the Library.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com
 

Big Shot + Fabric = Fantastic Projects with Donna Griffith of Stampin' Up!

Donna Griffith from the Stampin' Up! Corporate offices in Salt Lake City, Utah was one of our presenters at Spring Fling this weekend.  She share some Sweet Treat Cup projects with us and also some Big Shot Fabric Projects that she has been working on.

This Spring banner is created using the Big Shot, Bigz Clear Circle Die, Bigz Scallop Circle Die, Stampin' Up! Library Clips and ribbon.  Donna showed us how to take ribbon and make it curly by wrapping it around a dowel, holding the ends on with clothespins, laying it on a cookie sheet, covering it with foil and then baking it in the oven at 300 degrees for 10 minutes.  Let the ribbon cool, unwrap it from the dowel and voila - curled fabric ribbon.  What a fabulous idea!

Donna shared some fabric circles that she made with fabric.  The one to the left has been washed and dried giving it that rag look with the frayed edges.  Very cool look to it and very popular!  The sample on the right was created and not washed yet.  I really like the look of denim on the projects.  That is another big trend right now.

This fabulous rag bag is another Donna Griffith creation that she designed especially for this event.  We were the first to see this creation before it it shared on the Stampin' Up! website.  How stinkin' cool is that?!

Donna brought a bunch of quilt square samples along to share as well.  She also had three different projects made using the sweet treat cups that she demonstrated at the event.  I won't be sharing all of her samples here on my blog.  You need to attend our events if you want to see and learn about all of these fabulous projects:))

I really loved Donna's projects and it was really wonderful meeting her in person.  It is awesome to have Stampin' Up! corporate people visiting our smaller venue events that groups of demonstrators put on around the country.  In February, I got to spend time with Pam Morgan in New Jersey.  This weekend it was Donna in Massachusetts.  I am truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful company and groups of demonstrators!

I hope you enjoyed today's post.  Be sure to stop by tomorrow to check out some fabulous gift boxes!

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

 
 

Rag Bags from Spring Fling

My friend, Donna Centamore sent me these photos this morning that were from Spring Fling yesterday.

In this picture is Donna Griffith from the Stampin' Up! corporate offices in Salt Lake City, Utah on the left, yours truly in the middle and Donna Centamore on the right.  I probably should have changed my name to "Donna" for the day so I wouldn't be the odd one in the middle with a different name:)) 

Anyway, we were all presenters at the event and received these awesome handmade rag bags that had handmade thank you cards inside as one of our gifts.  We all just loved them and squealed with joy when they were presented to us.  Donna C and I were being goofy modeling our bags for our little photo session.  We weren't on que though - this picture shows just her having a moment.

While this one shows my goofball moment...man, what a face:))

The bags are so stinkin' adorable, aren't they?  They were made using the Bigz Scallop Square Die and the Big Shot.  The handles on our bags were a woven handle instead of the typical fabric ones that you see around.  They are just fabulous.

I will share some photos from the presentations over the next couple of days.  I have to say the "two Donnas" did a fabulous job with their project ideas, presentation and samples that they brought to share.  I just love going to these events and leaving with new ideas and different twists on projects you have seen or done before.  It is just awesome!
 

Here is the group shot of everyone that helped make this event possible.  I made some new friends while there and took many pictures of all the awesome displays around the room that people brought in to share with us.

Stay tuned for more photos...

Happy Stampin'

Lynn Larson  www.learntostampandscrap.com
 

DEMO - Spring Fling, Holliston, MA

I am finishing up my packing for my demonstration at Spring Fling in Holliston, MA tomorrow.  I have TONS of fabulous fabric projects to share with the group as well as a demonstration on Needle Felting.  I cannot wait!  I did a similar presentation back in February at Winter Wonderlude in NJ.  When Barbara asked me to demo at Spring Fling, I just couldn't say no to her (hi, Barbara)..:))

This bookmark is one of the projects I will be sharing during my demonstration along with many, many other samples that I will be surprising everyone with.  I will also be bringing samples from a recent fabric swap from Stampin' Connection.  So much excitement packed into one day.  I hope you are ready!!:))

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

Countdown to Christmas - Week 2

Welcome to Week 2 of my Countdown to Christmas.  This week, it is time to start to do the following:

• Finish making your holiday cards if you haven't done so already
• Start writing out your holiday cards or at the very least, take your address books and envelopes with you during the day so that when you find yourself with a few extra minutes waiting for the kids or at a doctor appointment you can start addressing your envelopes. 
• Finish making up your Christmas gift lists.  Who do you have on your list to give to?  Who do you need to add that you might have forgotten?  How about your children's teacher, your co-workers, a neighbor or someone who you just want to do something special for?
• Begin your crafting of holiday decorations and gifts.  Would you like to make ornaments this year?  How about stockings for the kids or gift items for that special someone?  Begin thinking projects you would like to make, check out what supplies you might need and then start your creating!

I think that is enough to get you started this week.  I will see you back here next week with more Countdown to Christmas ideas and tips.

Thanks for stopping by!

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

Countdown to Christmas - Week 1

I am excited to announce my "Countdown to Christmas" program that I will be offering for the next 6 weeks.  This week, I am suggesting that you get started on the following:

• Update your holiday card mailing list
• Start your gift list (if you haven't already done so) - remember your service people on your list like your faithful UPS man, your newspaper delivery person, waitstaff in your favorite restaurant, postmaster, teachers, neighbors and hostesses whose houses you are going for that special holiday party.
• Start making some of your gifts for people on your list.  How nice would it be to receive a gift like this frame or this journal or even this treat holder (tutorial included) for example.
• Be on the lookout for early holiday sales.  They seem to be bigger and better this year and some of the Black Friday specials started early.  There is less pressure and it is easier to spread out your spending if you do a little shopping each week.
• Mark your calendars for my Holiday Sale and Open House scheduled for Saturday, December 12th from 10 am - 4 pm and again on Sunday, December 13th from 10 am - 3 pm.  I will have TONS of handmade and other gift items for sale as well as retired stamp sets, scrapbooking kits, Designers Series Paper and other crafting accessories.
• Start making your holiday cards.  You might be interested in a post like this one that features quick and easy card variations so you can whip those cards right out and still have them look elegant!

I hope you enjoyed Week 1 of my Countdown to Christmas.  i will be posting Week 2 on Monday so stay tuned!

Happy stampin'

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

Snow Buddies Christmas Card Sample

Sometimes it is fun to think out of the box and create a card using non-traditional colors for the holidays.  This Christmas Card uses the Snow Buddies stamp set which is a Level 2 Hostess Stamp Set shown in the Holiday Occasions Mini.

Since I was using Ballet Blue cardstock, I decided to check out the Color Wheel to find a different color than I would normally choose to create my card.  When it showed Pumpkin Pie as a complementary color, I knew that I wanted to use that color as my accent for this card.  It makes the focal point on the card just pop and shows off his carrot nose.

I used Frost White Shimmer Paint to paint a shadow on the left side of the snowman and also on the ground.  It is hard to see the shimmer in the paint in this photo, but it is there.  I also stamped a second top hat, colored it in and cut it out so I could add a Stampin' Dimensional and give some added dimension and interest to the card.

Here are the supplies used:

Stamp Sets:  Snow Buddies (Level 2 Hostess set) and Four the Holidays (both sets from the Mini Catalog)

Cardstock:  Ballet Blue, Whisper White and Pumpkin Pie

Ink:  Ballet Blue and Basic Black Classic Stamp Pads; Ballet Blue, Pumpkin Pie and Basic Black Stampin' Write Markers

Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals (behind entire layered center piece with snowman and also behind the second cut out hat on snowman's head)

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Be sure to stop by tomorrow when i start to share some fun gift ideas.  Don't forget to sign up for my Holiday Stamp-a-Stack Card Class on Tuesday, December 1st or one of my other classes found on my calendar.

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

 

Scenic Season - Holiday Card Variations

Here is another card that I have been doing at my workshops lately.  I have been focusing on simple, yet elegant, holiday cards that you would be proud to make and give to your family and friends during the holiday season.  The holidays can be a busy time of year and coming up with a simple holiday card design is really appreciate by many people.  So here is a simple holiday card using the Scenic Season stamp set that can be made in a variety of ways by using a package of Rich Regals Assorted Cardstock and some Whisper White Neutral Cardstock...

This first card started out to be a simple card for some beginning stampers that I had at a recent workshop.  I didn't want to overwhelm them with multiple layers, color inks, stamp sets and embellishments.  This is a great stamp set for both the beginner or for the seasoned stamper.  It has the tree image and the "Season's Greetings" wording all on one stamp set and also has a stamp to put inside your card that says "May the peace and joy of the season be with you throughout the new year."  It is simple, yet elegant using strips of contrasting cardstock to go across the card for a hint of color.  You could also add some faux stitching wiht a white gel pen for added detail if you desire, but certainly isn't necessary.

This next card is just a little step above the first card.  Instead of using strips of cardstock, I added some burgandy grosgrain ribbon, some Tombo Multi All-Purpose Glue and some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to the trees and to the snow mounds.

This variation uses Handsome Hunter ink and cardstock along with the burgandy grosgrain ribbon, Tombo multi purpose adhesive and Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  With a couple different ink pads and cardstock from the Rich Regals color assortment you could create a beautiful card in Night of Navy, Eggplant Envy or Brocade Blue (to name a few).

If you are interested in making some holiday cards, be sure to register for my Holiday Stamp-a-Stack on Tuesday, December 1st from 6-8:30 pm.  You can check out my calendar of events HERE!

I hope you enjoyed these Christmas card samples.  I will have another great card to share with you tomorrow using the Snow Buddies stamp set which is a Level 2 Hostess only set from the Holiday Occasions Mini Catalog.

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com

Punch Art Frame

Today I hosted a holiday party for my Stampin' Up! downline.  We have a pot luck dinner, a Yankee Swap and a small, individual gift that we make for each person attending.  Today I made a ham and the girls brought things like scalloped potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, brown and serve rolls along with pumpkin and apple pies for dessert.  De-lish!!

For our Yankee Swap, we each bring one handcrafted, wrapped gift (valued at approximately $10).  I assign each package a number and then we draw numbers from a basket to see which gift we are lucky enough to take home with us. 

I wanted to share the gift that I made for my Yankee Swap...

 

How cute is this punch art altered frame?  The frame is a pretty good size - approximately 7" square with the hole for the picture about 3.5" square and is made from wood.  The wood was unfinished so I painted it twice using white acrylic paint and let it dry before embellishing it.

The background uses Bashful Blue cardstock for the sky and Whisper White cardstock for the snow.  I tore strips of Whisper White cardstock to make the snow look uneven and like there were hills.  Sponging the edge of the torn cardstock in Bordering Blue ink added some dimension and depth to my "snow hills".

As you can see in the photo, I made the blue cardstock more modulated and uneven looking by sponging on and also spritzing on some Ballet Blue ink.  I also added a little blush to my little guy's cheeks by patting my finder into some Pretty in Pink ink and dabbing the ink onto his face.  

The snowflakes are from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set (my favorite snowflake stamp set of all time!) and white craft ink.  Once the snowflakes were stamped, I added some Winter White Embossing Powder and heated them up to make them stand out a little more.  Faux stitching done with white gel pen around the inside frame window and the outer border completed the look of my frame. 

Each of the elements on the frame were inspired by different projects I have seen.  The kid with the snowball was an idea that I got from Jackie T (I don't remember her last name....sorry!).  She also had the cool idea for the faux snow that is made from rolling up a scrap of white cardstock so it is thin like a pencil and then grating it on a cheese grater to create your own snow.  I added some glue to my project, sprinkled on the faux snow and then added a touch of Dazzling Diamonds glitter to finish it off.

If you are interested in attending a Punch Art Class, I have a "holiday" punch art class scheduled for November 29th and another Punch Art Class scheduled for December 29th.  You can check out my class schedule or contact me for more information. 

Happy stampin',

Lynn Larson - www.learntostampandscrap.com