Let It Snow

Well it seems that snow is the theme in many parts of the country this week.  In honor of the snow, I thought this photo of paper snowflakes would be perfect.  This was the store window at Kate's Paperie in New York when I visited in December 2009.  Tons of beautiful paper snowflakes!

I hope each of you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas or other celebration.  Mine was great - I was able to share the time with family and friends and reflect on how truly blessed we are.  Starting to get back into creativity mode and hope to share some inspiration in the next couple of days.  Until then stay warm!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Quick Christmas Card

Thought some of you may be in need of a quick card design.  This one simply uses some printed paper, card stock, Spellbinder's Lacey Square die (one of my absolute favorites) Stamp It rubber stamp, ink and a rhinestone.  Cut your printed paper to desired size, fold over about a 1/2 inch at the top and adhere over top edge of card.  This also is a quick way to get some of the decor on the inside of the card.  Stamp the greeting on a square of card stock.  Die cut decorative panel, adhere to card front, wrap ribbon around card, tie a knot at left.  Finish by layering greeting panel onto card sandwiching ribbon between. Voila!

If you are looking for gift-card holder inspiration, head over to CardMaker Magazines newsletter - my gift-card holder article just went out on December 13th.  It has some tips and technique and a few design ideas. Hope you enjoy it!

Well, I guess I better get back to my Christmas preparations - best of luck with all of yours!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Just For You!

I thought I would share this quick Christmas card with you.  Love the color combo here! This card is a design that goes together quickly and perfect for assembly line style. (for those of us who are just beginning to make our Christmas cards - I am in that group) Bo Bunny printed card stock, Fiskars border punch, Spellbinder's Create a Flake 1, Big Scallop Circles and Eyelet Circles were used. Just for You stamp is from Hero Arts and Merry Christmas is a Stamp It image.  Think I might add some glitter possibly the Martha Stewart tinsel glitter or the Diamond Dust from Flora Craft, just to give it that magical touch!

I had the pleasure of demonstrating a variety of techniques with a wonderful group of ladies at Paper Pastimes on November 18th & 20th. The topics covered ranged from tea bag and iris folding to a complete journey through die cutting and embossing using the Big Shot Machine, Spellbinder's dies and an assortment of embossing folders.Thanks Carole for hosting this event!

For more creative inspiration check out my most recent newsletter for CardMaker. It's all about creating with tags and my next one going out December 13 is about gift card holders, be sure to sign up, it's free!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Doing My Happy Dance!

I am doing my Happy Dance today even with all the snow that we are getting.  Why?  Because my book Iris Folding for Christmas is available again through DRG Network wholesale division.  It has also been relayed to me that an additional print run is coming in.  I am so pleased!!  So for all of you store owners who were trying to bring this publication in - you can!.  I am available for book signings, demonstrations and classes to promote this book.  If you need any assistance in getting this publication into your inventory please do not hesitate to contact me by posting a comment.  Heads up - keep an eye out for my newest release coming in May 2011!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Creative Inspiration!

Just wanted to invite you to join me at Paper Pastimes on November 18th & 20th for free demonstrations covering a variety of topics. Stay tuned for more info.
Hope to see you there!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Countdown Mode

©Sharon M. Reinhart 2010

Well, we are now into November and on countdown mode, 50 days and counting.  For those of you who create Christmas Cards and Tags, I thought I would provide a bit of inspiration with a tag that I created for the Nov. 1 issue of the CardMaker Magazine Newsletter where you will be able to find a brief description of techniques and materials.  I love to make tags for special gifts or sometimes the tags become a focal point in a card.  They are miniature surfaces that come together quite quickly.  A set would also make the perfect hostess gift, or token of appreciation for the people in your life that you are grateful for.

CardMaker Magazine Nov. 2010

On a different note, but still with a connection to Christmas.  The November 2010 issue of CardMaker Magazine has included me in their meet the designer feature.  I am thrilled to be included and even more so to be in the company of all the wonderful holiday creations. Thanks to all of you at CardMaker Magazine!

If you are looking for more ideas for Christmas cards and packaging be sure to check out my book Iris Folding for Christmas available through Annie's Attic.

Till next time - wishing you many wonderful creative adventures.

Creatively yours,

Sharon

Happy Thanksgiving!

Or Happy Columbus Day on Monday October 11th, depending on where you live.  In celebration of our Canadian Thanksgiving and for those of you who will be celebrating Thanksgiving in November, I wanted to share a gift set perfect for that special hostess.
It is created with decorative paper napkins, decoupage medium of your choice, acrylic paint, wooden box, and chipboard or wood squares.  Simply paint the box and coasters with acrylic paint, add suede paper to the back of coasters and inside the box.  Working with only one ply of the paper napkin,  apply decoupage medium to the surface of the box/coaster, apply paper napkin.  Follow manufacturer's instructions for the particular product you are using.  For a finishing touch, edge the coasters with a gold leafing pen or gold acrylic paint.
I will be counting my blessings this Thanksgiving and look forward to sharing good food and special moments with my family. (yes and catching up on some of my creative deadlines as well)  All the best to you and yours!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Cover projects

I am so pleased - I recently found out about a new special interest publication from CardMaker Magazine called Fun Folds.  Two of my projects are on the cover.  The magazine is full of many wonderful projects by a variety of talented designers.  I have seen it for sale at Michaels and it is also available through Annie's Attic.
If you haven't signed up for the free newsletter from CardMaker magazine head over now and sign up.  The next issue goes live on Monday September 20, 2010.  In this issue you can learn all about Iris Folding.  Kimber and I are co-editors for the newsletter, hope you enjoy it.
Hope to add some creative inspiration within the next couple weeks.
I have been asked recently if I will be involved with the Creatively Yours event this year and unfortunately due to other commitments I will not be involved with this event - wishing all the participants a great weekend!

Creative Inspiration

If you are looking for some creative inspiration check out the latest issue of CardMaker Magazine.  My article 'Spotlight on Card Making' covers different variations on the spotlight technique, there are also four supporting projects following the article - hope you enjoy it! 
Just finalized my latest CardMaker newsletter, its a free e-letter that comes right to your inbox.  Check out my last newsletter on thread wrapping techniques. Kimber McGray and myself are the co-editors of this newsletter so be sure to check out the archives for all the issues.  My latest issue will go live on August 9th, so go on over and sign up now. 
Creative regards,
Sharon

Christmas in July



Just a peek of some of the cards.

 Ho, Ho, Ho Merry Christmas! No I really haven't lost it - at least not yet. I have been getting into the Christmas Spirit teaching at two different Christmas in July events. The first was on the 14th at Paper Pastimes in the south and then this morning at Scrapbook Pantry in the north. It was a great group of ladies in both of the classes! Hope you all had a good time, were creatively inspired and possibly learned something new that you will be able to use in your own creative adventures.

The four cards we created at Paper Pastimes included stamping, tea bag folding, embossing with folders, using nestabities and we also used shimmer sheets with the embossing folders.

It looks like my next classes will be in September - will give you a heads up once they are designed. Until then check out the CardMaker Magazine free newsletters for more creative inspiration - my next one is set to go out on August 9th, its in the works now. Check out my last one That's a Wrap - thread wrappping techniques for your cards.

Creatively yours,

Sharon

May Flowers

April Showers bring May Flowers - that was the topic of my recent e-letter for CardMaker Magazine, it was all about flower creations for card crafting. If you haven't seen it check it out and sign up to get the newsletter - its free.

Thought I would share one of my recent creations for a class I did at Scrapbook Pantry. The spiral rose shown at the bottom right was created using the spiral rose technique, which I also share in the newsletter.

Just a quick post today with a bit of creative for you.

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Just when you thought I was gone...

I'm back. Life just doesn't slow down now does it. I remember when I was a teen and wanted things to speed up, now I wish it would slow down a bit. There's that saying, be careful what you wish for.


Anyway, I have been busy working on my first e-newsletter for CardMaker magazine, I am one of the editors along with Kimber McGray. It is a free newsletter, all you have to do is sign up for it at CardMaker magazine. My first issue goes out April 5th, hope you join us.

I partnered with Crystal Mann of Scrapbook Pantry to organize the first annual Creatively Yours & More - papercrafting weekend held in March. It was a wonderful weekend full of creativity, sharing, prizes, friendship, and yummy food. Watch for our next event coming to you in October.

Watch for my upcoming classes at Paper Pastimes March 27th and Scrapbook Pantry April 22nd.
I will be sure to include some creative inspiration in my next post.
Till then may you live the inspired life!

Creatively yours,
Sharon

CHA 2010 Anaheim

Well, here it is the end of January almost and I think I have already slipped on my resolutions - posting more often. Well, I do have a bit of an excuse. Preparation for CHA - one of the most if not the most exciting, creative fun trade shows on earth. I am back and can say that yes I am a CHA 2010 survivor. What a creative feast!!

Over the next few posts I will endeavour to relay some of the wonderful things and moments that I shared at CHA 2010.

I had not experienced the Super Show as I was not in attendance at Summer Show so this year I decided to fly in to see what it was all about. There were some wonderful products and demonstrations at the Super Show. Friday seemed a little quiet but then on Saturday, wow, there was a line up through the lobby and out the front doors of the Convention Center. It was good to see. I watched a demo by Cheryl from Ten Second Studios on metal embossing - wonderful work and a great person. Of course I had to make a few purchases here.

I also had the opportunity to meet Michael Strong http://www.strongstamps.com/ and see his demo and his great line of stamps - excellent quality and designs. Of course, there were some purchases here as well. His images are versatile, deeply etched red rubber and the designs are truly inspirational. His pre-embossed paper is a beautiful quality.

That was just a tidbit from the SuperShow - we haven't even got to the Trade Show yet. Keep watching.

Creatively Yours,

Sharon