New Equipment, New Ideas!

I just returned home from a weekend with my Mom and sister, Yvonne. There's never enough time to do all we want to do, and say all there is to say. We got my Mom into making cards last year, and now she is 'in the zone' as much as we are! I helped her learn how to use the Cuttlebug I got for her from a neighbor's sale. She hadn't done much with it yet, but I think she probably will now. We made a cool giraffe card with the Clears image, and did some embossing with the Swiss Dots folder, and some die cutting. She struggles a little with cranking the rollers, but is a pretty determined lady. Something she passed on to all her kids.

Yvonne and I tried out my new Cinch machine. I love it! I have so many ideas on how to use it. Its so easy! Yvonne has been making mini albums and they are awesome. She really inspires me to try different materials and techniques. I want to try making a sample album for the Clears. I hope I don't have to wait for my next life to do it!

We made flowers out of circles cut from polyester, silky fabric. We singe-d spelling?) the edges of the circles with a lighter. It made the fabric melt and curl, so the petals really looked real. I love the idea, and thank whoever it was that shared it on the internet.

Yvonne also showed me several samples of unique folds for cards. I'm planning on trying them in my classes. The flip card we made in the Safari class was so much fun. (that's the pic for this entry.) I don't have a picture of the inside/folded out card, but will be making another one soon for a class, and will make sure to scan both sides and show you.

Well, its off to my sketchbook! The baby robbin drawing won't wait!

Classes!

This week's class was so much fun. I really enjoy meeting my students and helping them create some beautiful cards with the Susan Louise Clears. The picture this week is from the class on Monday night at Scrapbook Memories in Janesville, WI.

This image is from the 'Guys Stuff 1' set of Clears. The image was drawn at our cabin when my husband came in and shed his muddy boots after a long afternoon's work in the woods. I drew them just as they landed (minus the mud!). I started thinking about all the guys out there who work just as hard - at their jobs, in their farms and yards, in their workshops and garages, basement remodeling , ... the list is endless. So this image is a tribute to all our men, and the wonderful work they do.

This Clear looks neat with a lot of different backgrounds. I could think of a dozen cards to make for as many occaisions with these workboots alone.

Next week's class is in Madison at the Scrapbook Superstore. We're making cards from the new 'Pond Set 1'. There will be a little something for everyone. There was such a response in anticipation of this class, that I was asked to do a second class with the same material on May 5th. There's still room for you in that one!

Check out the susanlouisearts.com site, under the classroom tab for class schedules.

If any of you are in Wisconsin Rapids area this weekend, stop by Lighthouse Books and Gifts. They have an amazing assortment of card making and scrapbooking supplies. They are celebrating their 20th anniversary, and have some great deals!



Now on to my spring cleaning ... ugh.

New Set Out!

The new Pond set of Clears is out. It's so much fun to work with! My favorite is the frog, but the dragonfly and turtle are also cool. I can't wait to start designing companion stamps for the Clears. There are so many good words to go with this set -- like 'Take your time ... enjoy' for the turtle; 'Hope you're back in the pond soon!' for the frog; or 'Enjoy the beauty of summer' for the dragonfly. I'm sure you can think of some too!

I have 2 classes coming up, and we'll be having some fun with this new set. I like to teach a variety of techniques with each class and show how the Clears can be used in different ways. We always have some good laughs, and make some beautiful cards.

I'm going to try to dress up this blog a bit. I'm not real computer savy, so you may see some interesting goofups on here. (hopefully nothing serious)

Here's my first attempt. I want to show you a card I made with the new frog image. Well, it showed up right on top -- I'll keep that in mind. This card is made using handmade paper behind the Clear to bring the image out, and background paper from KCompany. Keep checking the tutorials on the susanlouisearts.com website for specific instructions. Also see if there's a class you can come to.

I'll try to get more on the website, and here as life settles down. ???

Have a wonderful Easter!