TCC: Washi Tape with Leslie Shewring

I’m learning so much from the Blogging Your Way class!  Today I want to show you one of the classes I was able to attend at The Creative Connection in St. Paul, MN this past September.

There were lots of highlights at this 3 day event,  but this was my favorite class, taught by Leslie Shewring of a creative mint, who happens to be a teacher in the Blogging Your Way e-class along with Holly Becker of decor8.

:: Class Description ::

Come learn how to incorporate these enormously popular tapes into your crafting, scrapbooking, and card making projects. We will also make paper “quilts,” stunning book covers, and discuss tons of wrapping ideas—all with tape. You will also learn how to use these tapes to quickly decorate ordinary items for your entertaining needs, along with fresh ideas for collage and journaling. Of course we will have to get busy during our three short hours together and make some fun tape-inspired projects that you can take home! A kit will be provided at the start of the class that includes:

She gave us lots of project ideas too.  Wrap gifts with envelopes, washi tape, string and ribbons…

Create labels with style…

and greeting cards….

I’m ending with a couple of shots of the fun I had with washi tape – wrapping paper and gift tags styled with a few found items from around the house.  Thanks Leslie for sharing your joy of the handmade from simple everyday items.  I am also thrilled to use new ideas from the BYW class, like the photo collage at the top of the post with digital washi tape.  There really is no end to the fun you can create, so what are you waiting for?

Here is a brief supply list to get you started:  paper, twine, washi tape, paper cutter, decorative punchers, tag punchers, scissors, glue, pins, clips, metalic needlepoint thread, stickers, photos, ribbons, notebooks for storing your inspirational finds, drawings, and pencils.

Here are some projects to try:  Gift wrap, tags, cards, envelopes, glassine enveloped, disk wrappers, calenders, vases, bottles, gift bags, storage pockets, inspiration boards, journaling and coffee cozies.

Now go ahead and be creative, and have some fun!

{images: Laurie Ashbach}

Blogging Your Way Moodboard

I’m taking (for the second time) an e-class called Blogging Your Way by Holly Becker (of decor8) and Leslie Shewring (of a creative mint).   One of our first projects was to do a moodboard, which shares how you want your blog to look and feel.  Such a great exercise in defining yourself, your look and your feel.  All the items you gather, must be things you love and love to talk about.  They will show visually the inspiration behind what you want to convey on your blog.  Sounds simple doesn’t it?

For this moodboard I’ve pulled a collection of items which you would see on my blog in{side}out during the Fall season.  The feeling is natural with flowers, leaves, feathers and a gourd.  The board is filled with rich color hues and texture, with a handmade vibe that says, a person resides here and makes beautiful things I want to live with.   I’ve included my latest knitting project,  and a bronze angel from my web store, Vine & Branches Gallery.  See the initial L and the cross bracelet in 14K gold and sterling silver?  They are two pieces of my handmade jewelry which I sell under the name Arise Designs.  Also included is a Bible, a page of scripture  and a cornhusk rose we used on the Thanksgiving table last year.  Oh! I almost forgot, the little sterling suitcase is there to represent the wonders of travel and being inspired by other cultures.   The word ‘create’ is stamped in paint because I love to create and be with people who create.  There is a freshness, an energy and enthusiasm with ‘creatives’ that I find intoxicating.  They love to share and usually have something worthwhile to say.  So stay tuned as I gear up for another season of bringing creative work from talented people into your home.

And just so you know that this wasn’t easy for me, I’ve included a couple more trial and error photos that led up to the one above.  Enjoy!

More to come!  See you later.

The Creative Connection is in St. Paul

All you need to know can be found HERE!

Last year I missed it, but this year I’m there for three days of inspiration, learning, networking and making new friends.  The event has four  tracks to choose from: Blogher Handmade, Vogue Knitting, Maryjanesfarm and TCC Handmade.

I’m doing The Creative Connection Handmade track and am taking 2 classes from Leslie Shewring of a creative mint, and 2 photography classes.  Holly Becker of Decor8 will be one of the keynote speakers the first evening.  She is the woman behind Blogging Your Way, an e-course on blogging which I took last year and will again this year.  It’s coming up in October and runs for one month.

Can’t Wait!

Hope you’ll join me!

I’m taking my camera and will blog about this event after I regain my senses from 3 days of inspiration, so stay tuned.