Twas the Night Before Christmas by Graphic 45 Changed My Life

Cards made with the “Twas the Night Before Christmas Collection

The Twas the Night Before Christmas Collection

The day was Saturday, September 20, 2014. I had just finished posting two stories on my personal blog, “Crabtree-Creations” using a new collection called” Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Graphic 45. Like most Graphic 45 paper collections, these beautiful Victorian images were perfect for making cards.

My first blog post featured the four cards you see above. The second post described the process by which I design cards...I took the reader through each step from first, selecting the paper to next, cutting out the images for embellishments and finally, designing and constructing the cards! My readership was good, and I really enjoyed blogging as well as teaching others how I made my cards. But little did I know that Twas the Night Before Christmas paper would lead me to a new adventure...

Twas the Night Before Christmas Cards

The Day Things Changed

One day I received a note from Cher Nicastro, owner of FotoBella.com. who asked me if she could post photos of those very cards I made using the Grapthic 45 Twas the Night Before Christmas paper. I said “of course!” and in the process of discussing this, I asked her if she needed someone to design for her company. Cher immediately said yes and it was as if in one moment I had gone from a card maker to a card designer!

Twas the Night Before Christmas Cards

What’s Old is New Again

Now, eight years later, Twas the Night Before Christmas is back! We have the Deluxe Collector’s Edition available in two products. You can purchase the 12 x 12 Paper Pack where each pack includes 2 each of twelve double-sided 12 x 12-Inch papers (24 total), 27 die-cut chipboard embellishments, 70 cover weight stickers on a 12 x 12-Inch sheet. You can also purchase the 8x8 Paper Pack.

Twas Amazing

The past eight years have been amazing! In addition to designing three projects a month, Cher took me to Creativation, the Craft and Hobby Association’s annual Trade Show. I learned so much and met so many talented designers! But the years also were difficult at times...I had to have several surgeries, and my physically disabled son was hospitalized numerous times which took me away from my designing. But the support from Cher and my design team manager, Jeri Vann never wavered.

This is what impressed me the most about designing for Fotobella.com. They cared about us! So as I say goodbye to this chapter in my life, I want to say thank you to Cher and Jeri for all you have done for me! I loved designing for FotoBella.com! And to my fellow design team members both past and present, thank you for your kindness and friendship! It will never be forgotten!

Before I go...

Before I go I wanted to share another Christmas card and a tag I made this year using the Northern Lights collection. I hope you like them ! If you want to see more of my cards and tutorials, hop over to my blog, Crabtree-Creations.

Love and hugs to all,

ReNae Allen

Design Team Farewell from Kristine - Live with Passion

Hi crafty friends. It’s Kristine and I’m here today to share my final post as a FotoBella design team member. It has been such a wonderful two years designing for the team. So, a big “thank you” to Cher for taking a chance on a new designer and giving me my first design team job! My art has evolved over these last two years, and I am so very appreciative of the opportunity you have given me.

Truly, it has been an honor to design alongside so many other talented ladies. First, a warm “thank you” to my fellow designer, Chris, for all of your positivity. It has been fun to work alongside you. To my friend, ReNae, “thank you” from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, constant encouragement, and understanding (and sharing) of my Graphic 45 obsession! A very special “thank you” to Jeri for your guidance, willingness to answer questions, as well as support and encouragement along the way. You make it such a joy to be a part of the FotoBella design team!

Final Project - Live with Passion Journal

As I reflect upon my last two years on the design team, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill my passion. Each month, I have the opportunity to create something wonderful and hopefully inspiring to our FotoBella followers. My final design team package features the Stamperia Passion collection, which is so fitting for what we do as designers.

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There were only four of the 8x8 papers leftover from my other projects. So, my challenge for this project is to create a small journal. My goal is for it to be beautiful and whimsical, but also somewhat functional. I hope I succeeded in this task. It was fun to make and the inspirational quotes throughout are so applicable to my paper crafting. Using just a few images from the Collectables papers gives my pages a bit of embellishment. Finally, the cover is made from cardstock covered with a sheet of rice paper.

A Final Farewell to the FotoBella Design Team

One last time, I want to thank the wonderful women involved with the FotoBella design team. However, I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to all of the FotoBella followers who read our posts and follow our work. If you would like to continue to follow my work, you can find me through my website, YouTube channel, Facebook page, Etsy shop, and blog. I hope you will continue to be inspired every day and nurture your own creativity! Always live with passion!

Happy crafting!

~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team

Festive Graphic 45 Greeting Card

Greetings! Today I am excited to share this Festive Graphic 45 Greeting Card I created using fotobella’s Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle! The colors and papers in this collection are stunning! reds, golds, black, and greens oh my! Add florals and little birdies and you have everything you need to create your winter cards!

Supplies needed

Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle

Kraft Card Base, red ink, Gold gems, gold Stickles

Start by stamping snowflakes from your Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle onto you Kraft card base front with red ink.

Open up your card and stamp greeting and additional snowflakes as shown.

Cut Red stripe papers from your Patterns and Solids pack in your Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle to 3 1/3 x 4 1/2. Adhere to the left side of your card. Selt a journaling card from your Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle and adhere to card.

Add gold stickles to your flower centers and gold gem stones to accent your journaling card!. I hope you enjoyed creating this Festive Graphic 45 Greeting Card and are inspired to get creative with your Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle!

Warm Wishes Christmas Card

Greetings! Today I am excited to share this Warm Wishes Christmas Card I created using the Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle. As with all Graphic 45 papers - the colors are stunning! Just look at these colors and images.

And this bundle has it all! Stamps, journaling cards, ephemera, the Patterns and Solids papers, Chipboard! Enough for all your Warm Wishes Christmas Cards.

Supplies needed

Graphic 45 Warm Wishes 12x12 I Want It All Bundle

Kraft Card Base, red ink Gold gems, red Stickles

Gather a Kraft card bases that are 5 x 6 1/2. Select the two (2) journaling cards. Cut the red stripe papers from your Patterns and Solids paper pack to 4 1/2 x 6 1/4 and 5 x 4

Matte your journaling cards onto the cut stripe papers as shown.

Open your card base and stamp poinsettia onto inside of card base as shown.

Adhere small matted journal card to the inside of your card.

Adhere large matted journal card to front of your card. Add red stickles and gold gems to accent the journaling card.

You can see the extra “wow” factor the stickles add to the card. I hope you enjoyed creating the Warm Wishes Christmas Card.

Tiny Dancer’s Journal with Stamperia’s Passion

Hi crafty friends. It’s Kristine and today I have one more project share for you using the Stamperia Passion collection. In this post, I will show you the adorable mini journal I made with items from the collection. With the ballet-theme throughout the Stamperia papers, my journal features ballerina journaling pages and ephemera. There’s plenty of space to write and lots of fun extras such as tags and journaling cards.

Here’s the basic supply list for my project:

• Stamperia Passion Collectables papers and 8x8 paper pad
• Stamperia mould and soft white clay
• Gold Glamour Paste and French Rose Nuvo Mousse

The Journal Cover

My cover base is made from a wooden cover I cut on my laser cutter. Then, I use the Stamperia 8x8 papers to cover it before adding the clay pieces. Both of my clay pieces are lightly dusted with gold Glamour Paste and highlighted with French Rose Nuvo Mousse.

The Pages

My pages are mostly printed from a ballet-theme digital journaling kit. It perfectly matches the colors of the Stamperia Passion collection and the images coordinate well. My embellishments consist mostly of small tags from the Passion collection and handmade journaling cards.

To soften the look and feel of the journal, I like to add touches of lace throughout the pages. Whether it is on the ends of pages or lining pockets or journaling cards, these bits of lace provide a whimsical feel to the journal.

As you can see, the images from the Stamperia Passion papers stand out on the pale pink and off white journal pages. I like the subtle color scheme and overall look to the journal. To see a detailed flip through of the entire journal, please watch my YouTube video below.

I really enjoy using the Stamperia collections in my journals. They are easy to add as full pages, but also perfect for making envelopes, tags, pockets, and other cute ephemera. And with so many different paper collections available, you can make a journal in just about any theme imaginable! Head over the the FotoBella online store and check out all of the lovely collections today. I hope you will join me in making a mini journal!

Until next time, happy crafting!

~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team

Mixed Media Canvas Featuring Stamperia Passion

Hi crafty friends. It’s Kristine and I’m here today with a mixed media canvas that I decorated with the Passion collection by Stamperia. With the musical theme running through the collection, the focus of my canvas will be on the violin. For my project, I cut a violin shape from wood using my laser cutter. However, if you have an electronic cutting machine, you can create your own shape using cardstock.

The basic supplies I use in my project include an 8x10 canvas board, Stamperia Passion Collectables papers and the 8x8 paper pad, and decorative chips. Also, I use a Stamperia texture mould from the Passion collection and soft white clay. Then, I will use several mixed-media supplies including gesso, gold Glamour Paste, French Rose Nuvo Mousse, blue ink, and gold Glamour Gel. Finally, I add texture to my canvas background with texture paste and a stencil.

Steps to Make Your Own Mixed Media Canvas

Begin by using the stencil and texture paste on the background of the canvas. Once dry, use the soft clay and texture mould to create some impressions for the mixed media canvas. Then, cover the entire surface of the canvas with a layer of gesso.

Use a paintbrush to add the gold Glamour Paste to the background. This will make the mixed media canvas shimmer. Then, use your finger to brush the French Rose Nuvo Mousse on the raised areas from the stencil. Next, add blue ink to the clay impressions from the texture moulds so they stand out from the pink background.

Creating the Violin

To make my violin stand out, I will add an offset to my violin image. The offset layer is covered in brown lace paper from the Collectables paper. Then, I will add the teal lace paper to the violin shape and use a craft knife to cut the shape. I will ink my edges with distress ink for added dimension.

Once the base is complete, I will add some strings to my violin using thin hemp cord. Next, I will begin decorating my violin using fussy cut pieces from the Collectables Papers. My flowers are shaped and sculpted to give some dimension to my mixed media canvas. A bit of gold Glamour Gel on the smaller pink flowers adds a bit of shimmer.

Now that my violin is ready, I will add it to my mixed media canvas. I wanted my violin to be off center because I want to use some of the decorative chips to add a title. Both the “Heart & Soul” title and the rose chip are inked and then lightly brushed with gold Glamour Gel.

Overall, this mixed media canvas was a quick and easy project to make. It’s so much fun to play with all of these mixed media supplies. I encourage you to give it a try! Don’t forget to check out the FotoBella online store for the Stamperia Passion collection, mixed media supplies, and all your other paper crafting needs!

Until next time, happy crafting!

~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team

Charmed Halloween Tag

Greetings! Chris here, and today I am excited to share this Charmed Halloween Tag I created with my Graphic 45 Charmed 12x12 I Want It All Bundle from FotoBella! This bundle is perfect for this project.

This bundle has everything you need to create this tag and many other projects. Just look at all this goodness! “Charm”ing Paper, Coordinating Patterned papers, Ephemera, Journaling Cards, Chipboard and more!

To create this Charmed Halloween Tag you will need a few extra supplies - a tag base, web embossing folder black jute/twine and a metal charm.

Let’s start by trimming your Patterns and Solids Purple paper to fit your tag. Just place it on top of the sheet, and trim around it with scissors.

Emboss the Purple “tag” with this super fun spider web design. You can place it however you’d like on the tag, but I place the larger web on the upper right of my tag. Let it dry.

Find this journal card from your bundle, trim it around the black edge. Mat it onto the black Patterns and Solid paper. I only left a slight mat edge, but you can make it thicker if you’d like. You can add more details by curling the edges of the printed top piece, so it looks more old and spooky.

You can now adhere your matted journal card to your Charmed Halloween Tag. I placed mine over lapping the edge, on the right side. It’s placed a bit lower that center, but feel free to place it as you prefer.

Add this cute little spider tag and “charmed” ephemera to your tag. Place them as image shows.

Add the final finishing touches to your tag with a metal charm and twine bow. Get creative and make this your own!

I hope you enjoyed this project and are inspired to try our this awesome Graphic 45 Charmed 12x12 I Want It All Bundle.

Head over to FotoBella.com and grab your supplies.

Don’t forget to enter our FotoBella Monthly Craft Contest for a change to win $50

https://promote.fotobella.com/fotobella-august-2022-best-end-of-summer-project/

Scrapbook Layout Featuring Stamperia’s Passion Collection

Hi crafty friends. It’s Kristine and I’m here today with my first post featuring the lovely Stamperia Passion collection. In this post, I’ll share a ballet themed scrapbook layout I made using some mixed media products from the collection. But first, let me tell you a bit about the collection. These papers are filled with images of ballet and music, with soft pinks and aquas. In this project, I’ll use some fussy cut pieces from the Collectables papers. Then, I’ll add some of the Stamperia decorative chips to add a delicate, lace-like look.

Additionally, I will show you how clay and moulds can make dimensional embellishments for a scrapbook layout. Stamperia’s collections typically feature several coordinating moulds, including shallower texture moulds and deeper soft moulds. The Stamperia soft white clay is ideal for use in these moulds. Also featured on my layout are other products including Stamperia Glamour Paste in gold and Nuvo Mousse in French Rose.

Passion Mixed Media Scrapbook Layout

To start my scrapbook layout, I first made my clay pieces using the moulds and left them to dry. Stamperia recommends at least 24 hours for the clay pieces to dry, and I think this is perfect for the texture moulds. However, for the soft moulds, I will leave my pieces to dry for 48 hours due to their thickness. Each of my clay pieces is brushed with the gold Glamour Paste first, and then I will use my finger to add the French Rose Nuvo Mousse to the raise areas for extra color.

As I wait for my clay pieces to dry, I will add the corner decorative chips, string of pearls, and white trim around the border of my page. Then, I will begin to choose my embellishments. There are so many gorgeous images to fussy cut from the Collectables papers. I will use one of the ballerina images, two of the ballet slippers, two of the tickets, and one of the hearts throughout my scrapbook layout.

To help my main photo to stand out, I will edge it with a delicate white lace. Then, I will add some of the lace decorative chips and fussy cut heart image to the top corner as an embellishment.

As you can see, this scrapbook layout is relatively simple, with plenty of white space. But, it allows the focus to be on the main photo as well as the clay pieces from the texture mould. I hope it gives you inspiration for using your own texture moulds in a scrapbook layout. Don’t forget to go to the FotoBella online store to pick up some texture moulds, clay, and the Stamperia Passion collection today.

Until next time, happy crafting!

~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team