Special Guest Designer Emily Hammann!

Today we're excited to welcome back Special Guest Designer Emily Hammann!
 

I’m a mixed media artist living in St. Louis, MO with my fiance, two children, two cats and bird. I started creating in 2008 with layouts after receiving a scrapbook for my birthday. Once I began making layouts, I never looked back. I moved on to tags, cards, altered items and finally mixed media. I prefer mixed media now, and am at my happiest when my hands are covered in paints and inks. I’m fortunate to have an extremely understanding fiance’ when it comes to my work. When I am not in my art studio or teaching at a LSS, I am with my family going for hikes, walks, or visiting local hot spots where I can always find inspiration. If not I will be curled up with a good book or watching one of my favorite shows. Currently I am on the Genuinely Jane Studios and Creative Inspirations Paint Design Teams. You can find me on my blog at www.emilyhammann.com.

I am so happy to share my layout with you! This time of year is full of so many things that bring comfort and joy to me, and one of those things is making sweet goodies to share with family and friends. The treats I especially love to make are buckeyes, which for those of you who aren't familiar are basically peanut butter cup like balls covered in chocolate and made to look like the real buckeyes that come from the trees. I had never had them until I got together with my fiance who is from Ohio, where they are pretty popular. :) 

I wanted to make the layout as luscious as the tag I received which is made by Marivic. There were so many layers and colors, I wanted those included in my layout.

 I mounted my layout to a piece of corrugated cardboard that came in a package. Using some Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gelatos in several blues, I colored the cardboard. To tone it down, I mixed in some Liquitex Gesso. I didn't want it completely covered so I just used the gesso lightly, here and there. (I highly recommend Liquitex's gesso, by the way.)

UHK Gallery papers are used for the background, ribbon at the base of the layout, photo mat and on the Genuinely Jane Studios ornament page. Because I couldn't go without adding texture, I HAD to use some Liquitex Light Modeling Paste with a stencil on my background UHK Gallery paper, as well as on the wood Ornament. I am a huge fan of texture! 

You can see the beautiful tag by Marivic which I have used for more layers on my ornament, over a doily and being used as a pocket for my journaling, which I put on a tag made with UHK Gallery paper.  I normally don't do so many layers, but the tag was so inspiring!! 

The journaling on the tag reads: One of the many things that brings me joy during the holiday season is the backed goods, cookies, and goodies that get made. Even more, I love sharing what I make with others. I get the kids involved and we make buckeyes together. Although, they eat at least half of what we make... Oh well! :) 

Once again, I have enjoyed being a Guest Designer and had a great time with the challenge. Have a Very Merry Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season, no matter where you are!! 

Here are all the challenge details: We have a two-part challenge this month. This time of year is perfect to reflect on the past and to look forward to what is yet to come. It's a season for being thankful, to surround yourself with loved ones and to enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer.

Many call this the "most joyous time of the year." With this in mind, the December challenge is simply: Joy. What brings you Joy? What always puts a smile on your face? Joy can be interpreted in many ways. Think about what person, place, activity, pet, hobby or simple pleasure gives you joy. This can be anything--that first warm cup of morning coffee, reading your favorite book, your family, your dog cuddling up next to you! Think outside of the box.

The second part of this challenge is that you must include journaling. Your journaling must be at least 3 sentences or more. Jotting down places and dates do not count. Document your thoughts and explain why the subject you chose to scrap brings you joy.

Here's the challenge board to bring you some inspiration.

Main Prize:

Liquitex Paint Marker Set

Choice of 3 13arts Chipboard/Stencil Designs

Random Prize:

The Random Winner will receive a Hot & Cold paper pack from UHK

Sponsors:  

 

Liquitex

Liquitex offers the widest spectrum of vibrant intense acrylic paints, acrylic mediums and art supplies that enable you to bring your creative vision to life. The possibilities to expand your creativity are endless with their innovative toolbox. Liquitex was the first water-based acrylic paint created in 1955 and since then has partnered with artists to ensure that they continually evolve and innovate – resulting in a long history of acrylic innovation. Today, Liquitex offers the largest array of vibrant acrylic paints, mediums and tools to enable acrylic artists to continually explore their art and take it to new and unprecedented boundaries. Their innovative drive, creative passion and intense desire to share the joys of artistic expression through unparalleled education and community outreach programs, has ensured that Liquitex will continue to be a strong partner in helping artists explore their art for decades to come.

13arts

13arts is a Polish scrapbooking paper and artistic media manufacturer.

A Polish paper company producing beautiful scrapbook and crafting papers.

A special thanks to UHK Gallery for sponsoring the Design Team this month!

Please note that if the winner(s) of this challenge are international they will be responsible for shipping costs.

Make sure you follow our CHALLENGE RULES.

Thank you and we hope to see your beautiful creations this month!

Ballet by Dana Tatar

Hi! Dana here today sharing my layout for the December Joy Challenge. I started with patterned papers from the gorgeous UHK Gallery Tropical Fruits Collection and Liquitex acrylic paints.

I also used one of Marivic's stunning handmade tags. The nutcracker on this tag was perfect for me because the ballet brings me so much joy, especially attending a performance of the Nutcracker. I found a beautiful printable image from the Gypsy Jingles Boutique to use as the focal point of my layout.

I built up a background of acrylic paint, molding paste and embossing powder.

I cut some delicate snowflakes from patterned paper that I topped with acrylic paint for a pop of color.

I wanted to add some sparkle to my page so I added a piece of jewelry from one of my Zeus and Zoe Kits.

I finished off the page with some handwritten journaling.

Here are all the challenge details:
We have a two-part challenge this month. This time of year is perfect to reflect on the past and to look forward to what is yet to come. It's a season for being thankful, to surround yourself with loved ones and to enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer.

Many call this the "most joyous time of the year." With this in mind, the December challenge is simply: Joy. What brings you Joy? What always puts a smile on your face? Joy can be interpreted in many ways. Think about what person, place, activity, pet, hobby or simple pleasure gives you joy. This can be anything--that first warm cup of morning coffee, reading your favorite book, your family, your dog cuddling up next to you! Think outside of the box.

The second part of this challenge is that you must include journaling. Your journaling must be at least 3 sentences or more. Jotting down places and dates do not count. Document your thoughts and explain why the subject you chose to scrap brings you joy.

Here's the challenge board to bring you some inspiration.

Main Prize:

Liquitex Paint Marker Set

Choice of 3 13arts Chipboard/Stencil Designs

Random Prize:

The Random Winner will receive a Hot & Cold paper pack from UHK

Sponsors:  

 

Liquitex

Liquitex offers the widest spectrum of vibrant intense acrylic paints, acrylic mediums and art supplies that enable you to bring your creative vision to life. The possibilities to expand your creativity are endless with their innovative toolbox. Liquitex was the first water-based acrylic paint created in 1955 and since then has partnered with artists to ensure that they continually evolve and innovate – resulting in a long history of acrylic innovation. Today, Liquitex offers the largest array of vibrant acrylic paints, mediums and tools to enable acrylic artists to continually explore their art and take it to new and unprecedented boundaries. Their innovative drive, creative passion and intense desire to share the joys of artistic expression through unparalleled education and community outreach programs, has ensured that Liquitex will continue to be a strong partner in helping artists explore their art for decades to come.

13arts

13arts is a Polish scrapbooking paper and artistic media manufacturer.

A Polish paper company producing beautiful scrapbook and crafting papers.

A special thanks to UHK Gallery for sponsoring the Design Team this month!

Please note that if the winner(s) of this challenge are international they will be responsible for shipping costs.

Make sure you follow our CHALLENGE RULES.

Thank you and we hope to see your beautiful creations this month!

December Challenge: Joy

Hello once again fellow crafters!  Kay here introducing the very last challenge for the year 2013!  Wow...where did this year go?  A blink of an eye and we're smack dab in the beginning of the Holiday season.  

We have a two-part challenge this month.  This time of year is to reflect on the past & to look forward on what is yet to come.  It's a season for being thankful, to surround yourself with loved ones & to enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer.  Many call this the 'most joyous time of year'.  

With this in mind the December challenge is simply: Joy.  What brings you Joy?  What always puts a smile on your face?  Joy can be interpreted in many ways.  Think about what person, place, activity, pet, hobby or simple pleasure gives you joy.  This can be anything--that first warm cup of morning coffee, reading your favorite book, your family, your dog cuddling up next to you!  Think outside of the box.

The second part of this challenge is that you must include journaling.  Your journaling must be at least 3 sentences or more.  Jotting down places & dates do not count.  I want you to document your thoughts & explain why the subject you chose to scrap brings you joy.

Here's the challenge board to bring you some inspiration.

Here's my interpretation of the challenge.  Of course my family is my number one joy--but I wanted to share a personal simple pleasure that also brings a big smile to my face.

If there's one activity that gives me personal self joy it is Zumba! I absolutely love it. It's my escape--a way to release stress--my escape from the everyday hectic life. I simply 'dance' all my troubles away!

Yes that's me in my Zumba pants. You'll recognize them because they have colorful tassels attached to the seat of the pants! So when you're shaking--those tassels add a bit more flair to your dance moves!

Here are some more close ups...

All papers used are by UHK Gallery - Hot & Cold collection.

Remember, part of the challenge is to include journaling.  Be creative on how you include your story.  I included my thoughts in this scroll.  I just printed out my journaling on a piece of paper, cut it out & rolled it into this scroll.  You can store journaling behind your page, in a little journaling booklet or if you like my idea--try storing your journaling in the form of a scroll.

Here's my scroll opened so you can see part of my journaling.

Now it's your turn!  Looking forward to seeing all of your creations.  Enjoy!

Main Prize:

Liquitex Paint Marker Set

Choice of 3 13arts Chipboard/Stencil Designs

Random Prize:

The Random Winner will receive a Hot & Cold paper pack from UHK.

Sponsors:  

 

Liquitex

Liquitex offers the widest spectrum of vibrant intense acrylic paints, acrylic mediums and art supplies that enable you to bring your creative vision to life. The possibilities to expand your creativity are endless with their innovative toolbox. Liquitex was the first water-based acrylic paint created in 1955 and since then has partnered with artists to ensure that they continually evolve and innovate – resulting in a long history of acrylic innovation. Today, Liquitex offers the largest array of vibrant acrylic paints, mediums and tools to enable acrylic artists to continually explore their art and take it to new and unprecedented boundaries. Their innovative drive, creative passion and intense desire to share the joys of artistic expression through unparalleled education and community outreach programs, has ensured that Liquitex will continue to be a strong partner in helping artists explore their art for decades to come.

13arts

13arts is a Polish scrapbooking paper and artistic media manufacturer.

A Polish paper company producing beautiful scrapbook and crafting papers.

A special thanks to UHK Gallery for sponsoring the Design Team this month!

Please note that if the winner(s) of this challenge are international they will be responsible for shipping costs.

Make sure you follow our CHALLENGE RULES.

Thank you and we hope to see your beautiful creations this month!

You Make Me Happy by Dana Tatar

Hello Berry71Bleu fans! Dana here with you again, sharing another layout that I created for the November "Change is Beautiful" Challenge. I used the gorgeous 7 Dots Studio Hopefully Collection for this page. I was also inspired by this Carl Sanburg quote: “Two bubbles found they had rainbows on their curves. They flickered out saying: 'It was worth being a bubble, just to have held that rainbow thirty seconds.'" Life is short, and precious moments are even more so. Like the bubbles, my daughter changes in the blink of an eye and I want to be there for every beautiful second of it!

 

I incorporated several colors from the mood board and the challenge theme of change into my design. I built up layers of vintage newspaper, trinkets and lace with items from my Zeus and Zoe Kit. 

I added both color and texture to the background of this page and all my chipboard pieces with Liquitex gesso and acrylic paints. To mimic the circle shape of the bubbles in my photo I added circles with the help of a stencil, circular pieces of patterned paper and splatters of paint.

I'm super excited about the sponsors for this month! A big thanks to Liquitex, Frog Dog Studio, Maja Design and 7 Dots Studio for their generous contributions! Play along with us this month for your chance to win one of these fantastic prize packages!

Main Prize:
Liquitex Prize Package

Acrylic Mediums

Adult Size Liquitex Apron

Random Prize:

Sponsors: 

 

Liquitex

Liquitex offers the widest spectrum of vibrant intense acrylic paints, acrylic mediums and art supplies that enable you to bring your creative vision to life. The possibilities to expand your creativity are endless with their innovative toolbox. Liquitex was the first water-based acrylic paint created in 1955 and since then has partnered with artists to ensure that they continually evolve and innovate – resulting in a long history of acrylic innovation. Today, Liquitex offers the largest array of vibrant acrylic paints, mediums and tools to enable acrylic artists to continually explore their art and take it to new and unprecedented boundaries. Their innovative drive, creative passion and intense desire to share the joys of artistic expression through unparalleled education and community outreach programs, has ensured that Liquitex will continue to be a strong partner in helping artists explore their art for decades to come.

Frog Dog Studio

Frog Dog Studio is a monthly Mixed Media kit club. We have a talented team of designers who will share video and photo tutorials on how to make kit projects and use kit supplies, in easy, fun, and creative ways. We pride ourselves on making the world Mixed Media friendly and want to share our excitement and passion for creating art with our subscribers. We believe that Mixed Media is the window to the soul, and embrace individualism, and self expression. Getting our hands messy with paint, ink, and glue is a natural part of our lives.

www.majadesign.nu

Maja Design Corp is based in Uddevalla, Sweden. We are dedicated to create unique and high quality vintage inspired patterned paper for scrapbooking and crafts. Maja Design was founded in November 2007, and since then, have grown to supply over 70 retailers in Sweden and 90 all over the world. Founder Marie Jansson says: "In the fall of 2004, a dear friend asked me to join her to a scrapbooking course. From that moment, I became totally amazed and thrilled by all the beautiful papers and decorations in the art of scrapbooking. After some time as a captivated scrapper, I got curious to create my own patterns. I have always had a devotion for color and form. I had access to great printing facility, as I worked at a printers office. Since 2007, I have been blessed to be able to work with my great passion - to design and create colored coordinated paper."

Our Design Team sponsor this month is 7 Dots Studio. We'll be sharing our work on the 7 Dots Studio Blog this month, so be sure to stop by for a visit!

We are a team of creative women who cannot image their world without paper, glue and the creative process. Scrapbooking is our passion and we love to share our passion with other scrapbookers. For this reason, 7 Dots Studio exists. The quality of our products is our top priority. Our collections are made from thick (250gsm), acid-free, lignin-free, archival scrapbooking paper. We also offer high quality cardstock stickers.

Please note that if the winner(s) of this challenge are international they will be responsible for shipping costs.

Make sure you follow the CHALLENGE RULES.

Thank you and we hope to see your beautiful creations this month!