Monday, July 26, 2010

Stampington and Co. Art Doll Quarterly



There's some amazing art in the current issue (Aug./Sept./Oct 2010) issue of Art Doll Quarterly! My art was selected in the Spring of 2010 and it sparked a challenge and the results are in this magazine. If you get to Barnes and Noble..check it out!
The Heavy Metal Band sparked the challenge and the other metal creations are in the current issue!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Nashville Wraps ribbon





I love the ribbon from Nashville Wraps that I used on this mini book! Some of it feels so soft and some of it has a raffia type feel to it. When I saw the animal striped ribbon, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I made a mini book from Prima packaging, added pictures from a trip to the Cleveland Zoo and then tied ribbons on the ring holding the pages together. The bright blue ribbon is so pretty and adds just the needed punch of color.
Check out Nashville Wraps for some great ribbon!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Use your Ribbons ~ Sponsored by Nashville Wraps

This month the DT were sponsored by the very generous Nashville Wraps. They make eco-friendly packaging which is beautiful and they supply everything from tissue paper to re-usable shopping bags, you really should check them out! I was given a lovely selection of ribbons, which are all made from sustainable and recycled materials. I was really impressed with the quality of them and the richness of the colours. With so much of it at my disposal I decided to have a play and see if I could come up with any new ways to use it.

Here are a couple of layouts I made featuring the ribbons and an explanation of the ways in which I used them.




Dress it up!

To give the ribbon a whole new look and tie it in with the colour scheme of the layout, I put a rub-on on the white ribbon seen here:



Rub-ons are easy to apply and the possibilities are endless, you could also try using words as well as patterns.

Add some bling! Here I've used some studs for a more masculine feel, but you could also use gems, eyelets and brads.


Use it as an embellishment

On the 'Love' layout, I've used the raffia to make a heart embellishment.

And here I've wound it in a circle and stuck a pin through it. So simple! I adhered it to my page using fabric glue.


Layer it!.

On the 'A Team' layout I've layered the kraft coloured recycled fibre ribbon on top of the green eco grossgrain, I like the combination of different textures and I think it adds more interest.

I also plaited the raffia ribbon combining all three colours, creating an unusual effect.


I hope I've given you a few ideas you haven't tried before! If you have any other tips for using ribbon, please share in the comments!

~Alexa~

Friday, June 18, 2010

Green layout using Nashville Wraps ribbon

I hope you have been enjoying our projects using Nashville Wraps amazing recycled ribbon!! They are our sponsor for the month of June -thanks again Nashville Wraps!!

The mesh at the bottom of the layout and both of the grosgrain are from them!! The grosgrain looks and feels just like regular grosgrain but is made from 100% post consumer recycled bottles- how cool is that!!

Today I have a layout to share:



 What's "green" about this is the tree :


Here is the back, before I attached it to the layout:




and here is the front- I inked, stamped and then added the leaves and the paper pieced (Unity stamp) owls:



And a close up of the ribbon:

.

Enjoy your weekend!!


Sunday, June 13, 2010

Vintage Tractor Layout

                                                               

~"Strong"~


This layout features Eco- friendly ribbon from Nashville Wraps, a fantastic company who  has sponsored Create it-GREEN! Check out the brown eco-grosgrain ribbon in the lower left corner - it was wonderful to work with, cut, and adhere. Apparently it was made from recycled water bottles!

 Isn't that amazing?

This LO is "GREEN" in several ways.

1-  Using up "stash"--  I used up a whole piece of patterned paper from 2002; Sandylion Design's "Tree Bark." Go on: dig through your paper stash- you WON'T regret it!

2- Creatively making use of scraps-- The floral medallion tucked uner the photos was a scrap. You'd never know I only had half a medallion, now, would you?!! *Grin*

3- Giving GREEN companies the business --  The medallion is from "Paper Trunk" paper, a GREEN manufacturer I love to use!

4- Trying new upcycled products!-- The  brown eco-grosgrain  ribbon used in lower left is made from recycled materials- in this case, WATER BOTTLES! GO Nashville Wraps!

5- Reducing waste-- I employed my CM Square punch to remove a very small portion of a photo that otherwise may have been discarded, then used it superimposed on my layout as a "focus" spot. The oxen are featured in that tiny photo.

6- Adapting older paper--  I was able to make use of the John Deere vintage  tractor motif from an older-style themed patterned paper from Creative Imaginations. I would never use the whole sheet but WILL use these motifs. To adapt the motif to my LO, I used my CM corner shaper  and ink to add some interest and create a more vintage-y look.  

I had fun being green and trying out the Nashville Wraps eco-grosgrain ribbon.

Thanks Nashville Wraps! 

Thanks for visiting  Create it-GREEN today! Come back soon!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Friendship Card using Nashville Wraps Ribbon



See the gorgeous loose weave brown ribbon? Nashville Wraps makes this ECO FRIENDLY ribbon in several colors!
The cardstock, stamps and image are Crafty Secrets!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Kitchen Witch With Ribbon

Hello everyone!
Looks like the lazy, hazy days of summer are coming quickly upon us.
Create It - Green will be taking a short break for the summer.
Please, continue to stop by every now and then, as you will find we are still here busy creating and sharing.

Ribbons!! As Crafters, there is something about ribbons that catch our eyes.
As you search the web and craft books for ideas, you will find that they can be used in so many different ways.

Create It-Green Blog has had the pleasure to be sponsored by a wonderful NEW Company " Nashville Wraps" that deals in Eco-Friendly ribbons.
Not only do they carry ribbons you will also find Gift Bags, Boxes, Tissue Paper, Basket Supplies and more!!

You can find out more about Nashville Wraps on YouTube.
They have a fantastic video showing us how Plastic Bags are recycled.

Keep up with the latest on Nashville Wraps Blog.

Here you will find an assortment of ideas created by customers using Nashville Wraps Products. Some fantastic Eye Candy here!!!

You can view their online catalogue or request a hard copy to be sent to your home for viewing at your leisure.

Nashville Wraps was very generous in sending the DT some of there Ribbon products to work with.

Keeping in the Country/ Primitive theme I have been working on for my kitchen.
I thought it would be fun to use the Ribbon to create a Kitchen Witch.

I found the Ribbon to be high Quality and easy to work with.
I have to say I really love the Raffia Ribbon used for her hat.
No struggle at all to unwrap soft as silk and very sturdy !

Tag for Kitchen Witch.

Thank you, Tanya for finding such a fantastic Eco- Friendly Company to Sponsor the DT and to Nashville Wraps for being so generous.

Thanks for stopping by CIG today and hope this has helped in your endeavor to find green products for your Crafty Creations.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Create It- GREEN ..taking a break for the summer

but from time to time we'll post about scrappy recyclable stuff!!! So don't go too far  :O)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

MAY 15th Design Team reveal and challenge!

Hi, sorry it's a bit late but I wanted to do a layout for this reveal! 
The challenge for the sketch teams this month was to  

use recycled materials for the squares on the sketches. You could use something such as cardboard, gift wrap, tissue paper...

LAYOUT TEAM
Sketch:
~ALEXA GILL
I used paint chips and corrugated cardboard on this one plus the cardstock is from the Greenfield paper company that sponsored us for the blog hop.
~JOAN LIDDLE
I used magazines, scraps and a piece of a dictionary page to make my squares.
~KANDI PHILLIPS

I used old flash cards my son had when he was a little guy, and part of his school work to complete my last day of school page.


and mine:
I was looking through a magazine one day and there was a FULL SHEET of VELLUM in there! There was some advertising on it, but I didn't care! I used the vellum for the squares in the background. I used an old business card to make the date tag.

CARD TEAM
Sketch:

~VICTORIA WARREN-MEARS
Repurposed sheet music and restaurant bill.

Jennifer joined us this time as well! Thanks Jennifer!


and mine:

I used some Prima packaging cardboard for the squares.

Here are the altered team creations!!!
~JEAN MARIE PENNINGTON
Shadow Box made from a cigar box. The material is from an outdated Upholstery sample book of fabrics

~ALI MacDONALD

The beads I used were from my Mom's sewing basket.The paint colour used on the canvas is a mixture of 2 shades of acrylic that I had on hand, rather than purchasing a "new" specific colour.Scrap of mini ric-rac came from my scrap ribbon-bin!

Thanks ladies!!!!! Great creations again this month!!!!

We would LOVE to see you try this challenge!!! Please let us know if you are inspired to create it GREEN!!!!! 

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

From Tag to Tag

Did you ever notice how many tags you get on one shirt?
I have been hoarding clothing tags for a while now waiting to decide what I wanted to create with them...here is the tag I used for this project:


I added some paper, pop dots, (Unity) stamps and ribbon... and this shirt tag has been transformed into a festive birthday tag:





Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Blog Hop Winners!!

Thanks again to everyone who joined us on our earth Day Blog Hop!! I put all of your names into a bowl and had my kids pull out the names of the eight winners...


Drum roll please...........


The awesome Digi Shack $5.00 gift card goes to... Stef H (Glitterbabe)!!
Stef H (Glitterbabe) said...
jennifer! this is gorgeous and awesome! i absolutely love it!!!
and that blog announcement is fabulous too!
April 22, 2010 10:27 AM

Four adorable Meljen stamps will go to....Loretta!
Loretta said...
Wow you sure did a great job on all items especially using the mouse foam for letters
April 23, 2010 3:00 AM


Whimsy Haven's $15 gift certificate will be going to... Sian!
Sian said...

Wow, that's a really inspirational post Alexa. Lots of lovely ideas and beautiful layouts (I really love the bubble wrap one especially)
9:46 AM

Fred She Said Digital Designs wonderful $20 gift card goes to... craftymom205!
craftymom205 said...
Great projects. Your son did a great job with his.
April 22, 2010 9:45 AM

Digital Delights wonderful $10 gift card goes to...Rinne!
RiNNE said...

Beautiful cards with amazing recycled elements!
11:19 PM


KLM Designs' festive Carl the Clown stamp set is going to... Rachel !
Rachel said...

awesome projects, love your journal!!!
hugs,
Rachel
April 23, 2010 8:04 AM

Green Field Paper Company's generous sampling goes to... Dani!
Dani said-
I love this blog!! I love recycling things in my crafting anyways, and this blog really has given me some great ideas!

April 24, 2010 11:42 AM

And Nashville Wraps will send this beautiful sampling of ribbon, gift bags, tissue paper, gourmet boxes, Chinese take-out boxes, gift wrap, cello bags and organza bags to... Stephanie Zito!
Stephanie Zito said...
Oh my goodness!!! My jaw dropped as I saw all of your projects! Absolutely gorgeous work! Wow!!! Love the vintage and shabby chic feel to everything! Have a wonderful day!
April 22, 2010 5:13 PM


Congratulations to All!! Winners, please email voice@tanyamsmith.com so I can get your info to our sponsors and you can get your prizes!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Earth Day Blog Hop (Day Four)

Welcome to the last day of our Earth Day Blog Hop!!
Thanks so much for joining us!



Earth Day can be every day!
We would like to thank our sponsors for their support of this event: Thank you Green Field Paper Company, Nashville Wraps, The Digi Shack, Meljen Designs, Whimsy Haven , Fred She Said Digital Stamps, KLM Designs and Digital Delights. Please check out each of their websites and let them know you found out about them through Create It Green.


We hope that we have inspired you to re-think your crafting (and recycle in it). Remember that we have monthly challenges posted on the 15th of the month to give jump start. We would love for you to join us!!

Just in case you have not followed the hop, please start here. Remember to leave comments along your journey so you have a chance at winning one of our amazing prizes! Winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 27th.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Re-using paper bags

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are enjoying our blog hop! If you haven't already, scroll down to find out all the details of the hop & how you can win some fantastic prizes from our sponsors and get some freebies!

Today I wanted to share a few ideas on how to re-use your paper bags. Lot's of stores use paper instead of plastic now which is great!

First I made a little treat bag. I sprayed the bag with mist to add some colour and then added a simple journalling spot with an embellishment on. This is a great idea for a kids party, you could easily add the child's names to the tag or have colour coordinating bags for boys & girls. And it's so quick & simple! It would be great for Halloween too.


The monthly kit club I subscribe to comes in large paper bags. These are ideal for wrapping gifts, you could create your own patterned paper by stamping on to the bag directly.


Here I've re-used the bags to send items in the post. I've used decorative masking tape to mark off an area for the address (I've erased this out for confidentiality purposes) and to seal the package. Just make sure you add some bubble wrap and/or sturdy cardboard to the package if you are sending something that will bend or get easily damaged.

On this last bag I created some simple flowers using some journalling spots, pleating some decorative masking tape & adding buttons, which turns it into a gift bag. If you have a paper bag with a store logo on which covers most of the bag, then you can easily cover it using some patterned paper and adding some embellishments.




I hope this has left you inspired to try up-cycling your paper bags. If you haven't followed along the hop yet then my blog is your first stop. Have fun!

Alexa

Friday, April 23, 2010

Earth Day Blog Hop (Day 2) Another Freebie


Wendy of Digital Delights created this precious image for our Earth Day Blog Hop! She wanted us to share it with you. It is only available here at Create it-Green... so right click and enjoy!



Earth Day Blog Hop DAY 2

Welcome to Create it Green’s Earth Day Blog Hop ---- Day 2!! Thanks so much for stopping by!! Don't forget to leave a comment on each blog on the hop for the chance to win one of our amazing prizes from our super generous sponsors!!!

Faye Here! Hi all! I have what I think is an awesome tutorial for you all today. I am going to show you how to make really fun paper blossoms.


STEP 1: Find paper with fun images or patterns like from a magazine... my favorite are fashion magazines like such. This is from Aprils Glamour Magazine. I liked the pattern of the bottom bag.


STEP 2: Collect materials... tear out the images you like from your magazines, old books, really anything you want. Pick two or more that go together and grab some tulle that coordinates... oh and don't forget the brad.

STEP 3: Cut circles... these do not have to be perfect circles (personally I just wing it). With the magazine paper I cut with shape scissors to give the flower edge. Depending on how many paper images you are using for each flower the circles need to be different sizes. Once they are cut you should fold them and roll their edges between your fingers. This will help give the flowers dimension.

STEP 4: The tulle I cut multiple circles, usually 5-10 and the sizes can vary. Don't throw away the remnants of the tulle... we are going to use that too!

I have laid out almost every thing you need right here. STEP 5: Layer and layer... starting with the largest circle begin layering the materials. I usually put a tulle layer between each layer of paper again for dimension. When using the tulle, I like to off set the center slightly of each piece of tulle to mimic petals.

STEP 6: Putting it together... take the left over tulle scraps and roll them between the palms of your hands until you have a little poof ball. Take your brad (I make glitter brads by taking office supply gold brads dipping them in glue and then glitter) and push it through the center of your poof ball. The nice thing about tulle is that it already had holes and is easy to maneuver through.

Now you are going to push the brad through the center of the layered flower you created. Some of you may prefer punching a hole in the paper before this step and that is fine but if you are like me, you can just push the brad through the paper as you go. Secure the brad on the back and you have a flower!

STEP 7: Add flare... first think I do is bend up the paper around the brad to give shape and then I turn each layer of paper slightly to off set the paper bends. Again this adds that dimension. Adding the feathers or maybe even leaves would just be an extra kick to this fabulous flower

Now hopefully I did not make it sound harder than it really is. It is a great use of paper that you would otherwise get rid of. I actually made a paper flower out of a magazine article that featured a friend of mine. I didn't want to throw the article away but I had no other use for it. I was able to cut the paper just right that the center flower had her name featured and then I used that flower on a scrapbook page about her.

When you visit my blog later you might notice this exact flower is part of the blog hop prize I am giving out.

This blog hop will run from today, April 22nd until Sunday, April 26th, midnight PST. We will be drawing for winners on April 27.

Thanks for stopping by. You are now off to check out Alexa's blog! Have fun and see you soon!!!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Earth Day Blog Hop Freebie


Melissa of Meljen Designs created this adorable stamp for our Earth Day Blog Hop. She wanted us to share it with you so you can create with it too! Enjoy!!

 


Earth Day Blog Hop (day one)

Welcome to Create it Green’s Earth Day Blog Hop!!
Thanks so much for joining us!


Over the next four days we hope to inspire you to re-think your crafting to include some recycling. There will be new posts here over the next four days so be sure to follow us so you don't miss anything!!

We are pleased to introduce eight wonderful sponsors for this hop! Each has donated an amazing prize to help inspire you to join in the fun! All you have to do to be entered in the drawing is follow the hop and comment on each blog post. Be sure to comment here too!! Winners will be announced on April 27th!

After the Blog Hop, you might want to check out earthday.net. Their site has a pretty extensive listing of (global) Earth Day events. Right now, they are trying to generate a billion acts of green- you can scroll through and get ideas of changes you can make to be more "green". Little changes can make a big difference!

Check back later today for an adorable Earth Day freebie from Meljen Designs!

Your first stop for Earth Day Inspiration is the ever so creative Alexa!


A look at some prizes...

Our Earth Day Blog Hop has some amazing and generous sponsors!! Here are the prizes that you might win at the end of our Hop:


The Digi Shack will send one lucky winner a $5.00 gift card!



Meljen Designs will let another lucky winner choose four adorable stamps!



Whimsy Haven has generously donated a $15 gift certificate!


Fred She Said Digital Designs will be giving one happy winner a $20 gift card for their fabulous store!



Digital Delights will be giving another winner a $10 gift card!




KLM designs will send one lucky winner this adorable Carl the Clown stamp set:




Green Field Paper Company has generously offered to send a sampling of 5 sheets of Grow A Note plantable paper, 1 sketch book, 1 package of watercolor paper and a denim and junk mail note set to another lucky winner!


And Nashville Wraps will send this beautiful sampling of ribbon, gift bags, tissue paper, gourmet boxes, Chinese take-out boxes, gift wrap, cello bags and organza bags to one lucky winner. The best part is it comes with our fun new Hot Dots Reusable Tote Bag.This is a $200 value! Many are from our Green Way® brand of eco-friendly products.



But the only way you can win any of these amazing prizes is by commenting on each post on the Hop!!