Dad's Day!

Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart & Globecraft Memories

Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday June 19th actually. With that in mind I thought I would share a project that I have been working on. I have been working with products from Globecraft Memories, their products consist of layered globe frames perfect for displaying treasures, artwork and photos. The quality of the product is superb and I have been having fun working on a variety of themes. This one shown here is in honor of all the Dad's out there, past, present & future! We love you and thank-you for all that you are and do! 
Two of the chipboard frames have been covered with beautiful papers from My Minds Eye and the middle frame has been painted with antique gold acrylic paint. I added a photo from years gone by along with a pocket watch treasure and metallic stickers to accent the corners. This is a perfect system to use when creating items to honor our loved ones or the different milestones in our lives. However, I am also going to use it to showcase some tea bag folding designs - no more dusting layers of papers and tiny fingers won't be able to change my design - perfect. I will be sure to post a photo when it is done.  Until next time ...
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Book Signing and Make & Take!

I am so excited! Please join me at Scrapbooker's Paradise south store, 9025 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta for a book signing and make and take creating a tea bag folded card. Actual samples from the books Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons and Iris Folding for Christmas will be on display. Hope to see you June 18th between 11 - 3 pm at Scrapbooker's Paradise (south store).

Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Be Inspired at CHA!

Be Inspired is a Canadian Designer Look & Learn event for Retailers being held July 18, 2011 from 3 - 5 pm (event #E506) during the CHA Conference in Chicago in July. There will be a presentation from the designers with regards to how they designed their projects. (Unfortunately, I have had to cancel my plans to attend but Tsukineko will present on my behalf - thankyou Tsukineko!) I was challenged along with 7 other designers to come up with a unique Mixed Media project using select products from Canvas Corp, DecoArt, Harmonie and Tsukineko. What a great group of products and companies to work with, there were so many choices! Here is my finished result, this home decor piece is created on a 10" stretched chunky canvas. For you card makers out there, this design could easily be recreated on a square card. Hope you like it!  



Project Design ©Sharon M. Reinhart, Canvas Corp, DecoArt,
Harmonie, Tsukineko & CHA

This event is perfect for those of you who have stores, not only will you learn how to create 8 different mixed media projects but you will also receive an inspiration kit with products valued at over $150 in order to recreate some of the projects in your store and a CD of all the project instructions to use when you teach classes with your customers. Let us inspire you ... to inspire sales! You must register to attend the CHA Summer Conference and Trade Show before you can register to attend this event. To register for the show and for further details go to http://www.chashow.org/. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
Creatively yours,
Sharon


Dimensional ideas for cards!



Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart June 2011

Sorry for my absence, life was just going in many directions all at one time. All is good though. I would much rather be busy than the alternative. In celebration of my newest book release Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons I am sharing a design which utilizes some beautiful papers from Yuemei® Eastern Arts Connection, Inc. I had the pleasure of visiting their booth at the winter CHA show in L.A., they have some very beautiful papers. The gold accents in this design are peel off stickers with a gold brad in the center of the medallion. Tea Bag Folding may look difficult but it really isn't, once you have the first fold completed you just repeat that 7 more times (in the case of this design) and then assemble. Keep posted as I am in the process of setting up a book signing and make and take at a local store. 

Did you get the latest release of the CardMaker Magazine newsletter? My newest edition went live on May 30th and it has inspiration on creating wedding and shower cards. This is a free newsletter that once you register it comes directly to your inbox. Kimber McGray and myself are the editors, I would encourage you take a look!  Until next time wishing you many creative adventures!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Recycled Card Crafting!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart May 2011

In honor of my most recent book release Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons, I thought it would be fitting to show several tea bag folded designs throughout the month of May. To also show how recycling can be incorporated into your card crafting I have used recycled security envelopes to create this card. The inside of these types of envelopes have a variety of different designs and colors. The recycled envelope is the blue paper in this design. The other wonderful thing about using the envelopes is that they are the perfect weight for creating crisp folds. This fold makes a wonderful medallion. The floral ribbon was one I found in one of those discount bins but I think the blues work perfectly with the recycled envelopes. The stamp is a Studio G stamp, the ink is Ranger distress ink stormy and the Lacey Oval die is from Spellbinder's. Hope you like this design and for further inspiration I encourage you to take a peek at my book.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Let's Hear it for Mom!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart May 2011

With Mother's day right around the corner I thought I would share one more card for those of you who are looking for inspiration. This card also has a bonus, it is fairly quick to create but at the same time shows that you put a little of your love into it. The focal image is an inchie stamp from Inkadinkado which has been stamped with chestnut roan chalk ink -- one of my favorite colors. For more info on inchies check out my most recent newsletter at CardMaker Magazine. Then add a little accent with stickles glitter glue. The frame was created with Spellbinder's labels one die set. I believe the ribbon is May Arts. The word mom is generated from a Magnetic Poetry stamp set. Stampers often bypass this set as on first look it resembles a kids set however I have used this word set over and over, I love that the words are framed. I rarely use the magnetic block but truly love all of the possibilities with the words. Now for the little found treasure, the little blossom, check out the hair tie section in your dollar stores, there are some wonderful little embellishments to be found. This one was on a hair elastic. Hope you all enjoy Mother's Day tomorrow, I know I will be spending time with our Moms and then I get to spend time with our two daughters - the gift of time is precious!
Onto a different subject, just a few minutes after my post yesterday. Guess what! My book arrived at my front door. Yipee! I love it and I hope you will as well. The team at DRG/CardMaker are the best team to work with. Big thanks to Tanya Fox and the many people that worked on this publication!  Also a big thanks to Spellbinder's for their generous product support - it is truly appreciated! Well, that's it for this post, must get back to work so that I can truly enjoy Mother's Day tomorrow.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Tea Bag Folding and Mom!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

In honor of my newest book release Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons and Mom's Day, I thought this creation would serve dual purpose. This card was created using a simple tea bag folding technique along with beautiful Chiyogami papers, Spellbinder's Standard Circles, Ovals, Lacey Ovals and Squares and alphabet stamps from Creative Imaginations. The official book release is scheduled for May 6th, 2011 but I did see it up on the Annie's Attic site along with the digital download version. If you are in Calgary, Red Deer or Lethbridge (Canada), Scrapbooker's Paradise will be stocking it as well. They presently carry one of my other books Iris Folding for Christmas. If you are in the Calgary area and interested in Tea Bag Folding classes or kits please leave me a message through the comment area. I hope you enjoy this card!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

A gift for Mom!

Sorry for the lack of the posts recently, life just got a little busy for awhile there -- all is good though.

As Mother's Day is just a week away I thought it would be a great time to share this Mom's stationary box.  It could also be used for little treasures or keepsakes.  The assembly is basically a collage of different papers and embellishments.  To create a bit more dimension some of the papers have been adhered to coaster board firstly and then onto the box.  The tag was created using a chipboard tag and then texture paste was added.  The miniature gold photo frames are little plastic frames purchased at a dollar store.  The gold face plate was simply removed from the plastic frame.  Now if you do not want to create a box possibly you could draw inspiration from this for a card.  On a different topic it is now May 1st and I am in countdown mode for the release of my newest book Tea Bag Folding Through the Seasons on May 6th - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Assembly Line Cards for Easter!

Card designs © Sharon M. Reinhart April 2011

If you find yourself running behind on your card making, the assembly line approach may make it a little easier to get the job done. That being said, assembly line does not have to all look the same.  Create your first card (which was displayed in my April 15 post) and then from there use the first card and the same supplies as inspiration for more cards. Vary the colors, placement and orientation in order to provide a subtle change. This grouping of four cards is a great example of this approach. It is also a great way to do your own personal card challenge, see how many different designs you can come up with using the same basic supplies. Hope this helps you to get hopping along!
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Easter Inspiration!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart April 2011

For those of you in the process of creating cards for Easter and looking for inspiration I thought I would share this Easter card that I created for one of my family members.
Simply layer printed paper onto your card base.  Stamp desired greeting and layer onto cardstock. The greeting stamp is from Penny Black and the ink used is the Vivid Taupe ink -- I love this color. I cut only a portion of the white paper doilie and applied the taupe ink lightly to the decorative edge. The butterflies were created using a Martha Stewart punch and then adhesive pearls from Kaisercraft. Add a little white flower trim at the top and the bottom. I used the Xyron sticker maker or X box as some refer to it, to apply the floral trim. Great method for applying adhesive when you are using ribbon or flat trim.  And the final piece, my favorite, is the flower. Create this flower by die cutting three scallop shapes of two different sizes. I used Spellbinders Big Scalloped Circles small, dies number 2 and 3 (1 being the smallest). Stack on top of one another, pierce a hole in the center and insert mini brad, folding back the prongs on the back. Lightly mist with water or even shimmer style mists. From there, simply scrunch up and inwards one layer at a time. Let the scrunched flower dry then gently open with fingers until you achieve your desired effect. Adhere onto card front. Voila! Hope you like it.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

A Spot of Tea!

A spot of Tea Bag folding that is. The only thing it has in common with tea is, when it was first created, tea bag envelopes were used to fold in order to create the medallions. In Europe the tea bag envelopes had printed designs on them. Well, you know what crafter's do when they do not have a certain supply, we improvise and start using other supplies that work well.

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart April 2011

Today's creation is a tea bag folded card which makes use of beautiful Chiyogami papers. As many of you have requested classes on tea bag folding, if you are in the Calgary area please check back regularly as I am in the process of setting up some classes as well as a book launch event for my most recent book. Or just leave me a comment if you would like further information on classes and/or class kits. Tea Bag Folding Through The Seasons is published by Annie's Attic and the official release date is May 6th however the digital version is available now.
Hope you enjoy this creation!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Beautiful Materials!



Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Have you ever noticed that card making becomes much easier when you have supplies that look beautiful and tools that also work beautifully. I am often inspired by the supplies themselves. This card was a cinch to make due to the supplies used. The printed paper is from Fab Scraps a company from Africa who were new exhibitor's at CHA in Los Angeles. I had the opportunity of visiting their booth, what a great group of people paired with a great product line. The leaves were generated using a Sizzix die from the flowers, branches & leaves set. The doilies - well doilies seem to be all the rage right now and I have in the past used the ones that you can purchase that are normally found in white, gold or red. The doily on this card is created from a die called a French Pastry Doily, so now we can easily create doilies in any color. This die can be found at Cheery Lynn Designs and they have many styles to choose from.  The flower is petals from a stem found at Michaels and the button is a found one from a bag of buttons.  Hope you enjoy this creation!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Bit of the Green!

Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Although I don't typically make cards specifically for this day, I do celebrate and honor this day with a bit of the green. This card would be perfect for a friend or loved one.  I had my daughter's in mind when I created this one. The base card is created using green linen card stock with an ivory pearl paper layered on top. The pearl paper was embossed using the square lattice textured impressions folder created for Stampin' Up by Sizzix. The next layer is a beautiful printed paper found in a 6 inch paper pad by Kaisercraft called the English Rose collection. The heart was die cut using a Spellbinder's Nestabilitie scallop die and then wrapped with beautiful thread from Wonderfil. The stamped words were generated using olive pastel Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink by Clearsnap and a Crafty Individuals stamp by Magenta. To finish it off, a sheer satin edge ribbon by Offray was used. I think it turned out quite nicely, hope you enjoy it!
Have a great day!
Sharon

Tea Bag Folding through the Seasons!

I am so excited! I can finally share this with you.  My new book Tea Bag Folding through the Seasons is set to be released.  The scheduled release date is May 6th.  I will be sure to keep you posted on the release dates and any launch celebrations such as signings, classes and demonstrations. If you would like to see some of the projects in this book head on over to Annies Attic (click on link).  It does state that it is back ordered, this is simply because it has not been released yet. 
I am very pleased with the cover and the quality of the photos that I have seen so far.  Looking forward to getting my copy so I can check out the inside!  What a great way to celebrate National Craft Month!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Iris Folding Inspiration

Many of you have asked where you can purchase my book Iris Folding for Christmas.  It is available for order online at Annie's Attic, Amazon, and a variety of other companies.  If you prefer, it is also available as an electronic download at Annie's Attic.  For those of you in Calgary, Lethbridge or Red Deer I am pleased to say that it is back in stock at Scrapbooker's Paradise.  If you are a retailer, check DRG Network for distributors or order through their wholesale division.  Scrapbook Eh! Wholesale is another company which may be able to assist you.


Card design ©Sharon M. Reinhart

 As you can see with this card (created for a friend who recently had a baby girl), Iris Folding is certainly not just for Christmas. The designs in this book are easily adaptable to any season or theme by simply switching up the papers. Hope you enjoy the card and the book!
Creatively yours - Sharon

Shades of Blue

Project design
©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Well I am not blue -- the card is. The temperature is almost tropical here today. Not really, but it is a great deal warmer. So I thought I would celebrate this warmth, National Craft Month and Fave Crafts by sharing a card created with the Spellbinders Sunflower Set #2, Nestabilities Ovals and one of my most favorite, Labels One.The printed paper is beautiful chiyogami papers from The Japanese Paper Place. The script is a Cuttlebug embossing folder lightly accented with blue ink. To get the dimension on the flower centers, simply use a couple of 3D Glue Dots underneath. It is a quick card to put together, hope you like it!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

National Craft Month!

Did you know that we actually have an entire month devoted to crafting - that's right, it is this month, March!
So what can we do to celebrate this special month?  There are many things, here are just a few:

1. Share your enthusiasm for crafting by volunteering to teach a class.  Possibly at schools, hospitals, senior centers, or boys & girls clubs.
2. Gather a group of friends together and celebrate with a Creative Night In, maybe one or more would like to design a project for everyone to create or choose a project together from one of your favorite magazines.
3. Create for charity - maybe knitted hats and mittens for the homeless, cards for the troops, cards for charitable organizations.  I know Cardmaker Magazine has a Readers Reach Out program that is perfect for cardmaker's wishing to donate cards.
4. Go on a road trip with friends and check out all the creative areas in your area from retailers to art galleries.
5. Send a card to a loved one or friend just because.

Lets all do something to celebrate the creativity in each of us!

For today's inspiration,check out my most recent issue of CardMaker Magazines free online newsletter, it went live today and its about finishing the insides of cards.  Hope you enjoy it!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Ten Minute Card!

Thought I would share this quick card that uses a die cut frame (Sizzix).  It can be put together in 10 minutes or less.  Firstly die cut the frame, then stamp an image onto the frame multiple times.  In order to get the color variation, ink the stamp and press image onto frame and then stamp a second time without re inking.  Sometimes referrd to as a second generation image.  Continue until frame is covered.  Adhere frame to card front.  Stamp an additional image and fussy cut around.  Adhere this image to bottom right with 3D foam tape, dimensionals (many products with a variety of names)  I personally like using the Scotch Foam Mounting tape by 3M, I find it isn't as thick as some of the others and often makes it easier to mail.  Stamp a greeting on a panel of card stock and apply ink to the edges.  Adhere this piece with 3D foam as well.  If you want to take this card to the next level (not a ten minute card)  pierce holes around the center of the flower and stitch beads on.  Alternatively, skip the piercing and glue the beads on if desired.  Hope you enjoy this simple yet attractive card.
Creatively Yours,
Sharon

Chocolate Inspiration

Well, hope each of you had a little chocolate, maybe flowers and a card, and of course lots of love on Valentine's Day!  I thought I would share this photo taken in Las Vegas several months ago.  At first glance I simply thought, what beautiful flowers.  Then dear hubby relayed to me that they were made of chocolate. Even more beautiful!  Possibly this could be inspiration for a card?  Quick post today, meeting some deadlines.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Happy Valentine's Day!



©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Wishing you all a day filled with love and of course creativity. As some of you may be putting the finishing touches on your cards I thought I would share one more creation.  This card uses a hero arts stamp to create the horizontal message at the bottom and believe it or not the greeting within the punched deckle square (McGill Inc.) is a sticker, I think it was from EK Success, not sure if they are still available but I thought this would be a good idea to share.  A simple sticker adhered to some coaster board, now the design is on the inside and the front of the card.  I am sure there are thousands of stickers that would work for this or even a few rubber stamp images.  Treat this one like a sketch, this is your starting point and see what you can create using the same design but other products. Have an absolutely wonderful day!
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Feeling just Lovely!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought I would share a card that was originally shared with viewers on Breakfast TV. It's an easy one to create and uses thread wrapping techniques on a Spellbinder's Nestabilities scallop heart die. Simply wrap the thread from the back to the front, alternating sides and coming through the center of the heart each time. Add some beautiful printed paper, a few mini heart brads for accents, a torn edge on Coredinations card stock and you have a lovely card for that special person in your life.
If you are looking for more thread wrapping techniques check out the archived newsletters at CardMaker Magazine. The newsletters are free and get delivered right to your inbox, all you have to do is sign up.  Wishing you the best with your Valentine's creations.  Enjoy the process.
Creatively yours,
Sharon

Back from CHA!

As many of you know CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) was held in L.A. this year, January 28th through February 1st.  Education began on the 28th with the trade show opening on the 29th.  As usual the creative inspiration and talent at this show was huge!!!  The booths were all decked out in their finest, and the talented designers were sharing their latest and greatest products and techniques.  When I say all decked out - I truly mean it.  Take a look at this dress which was part of a beautiful display of dresses all made of paper. This is only one of the beautiful dresses in the display at Die Cuts With a View.  Absolutely gorgeous, I cannot imagine how long it took to put this display together. CHA truly is a feast for the eyes, I wish I could just blink my eyes and bring it all back to share with you.  One definitely saw a trend with banners, mini and jumbo, flowers of every sort, and birds.  Creative home decor items were also very popular amongst the displays.  Bottle caps seem to be making a comeback and also mini bottle caps.  Bling is still popular in many forms, the Mark Richards booth had some beautiful flourishes with just the right delicate touch of bling and then there were the Nestablings - bling already in the shape of the many beautiful Nestabilitie shapes from Spellbinder's.  Over the next couple of posts I hope to share a little bit more of my CHA experience with you.  Until then ...

Creatively yours,

Sharon

CardMaker Newsletter



As seen in the Jan. 24, 2011 CardMaker Newsletter

Just a reminder that if you have not signed up for the free newsletter, head on over to CardMaker and check out my most recent newsletter which just came out today.  This issue is about the Serendipity technique and it includes a couple of cards made using this technique.  While you are there, sign up, and next time it will be delivered right to your inbox. Kimber and I are co-editors and alternate the writing of the newsletters.  Hope you enjoy!

Just a little peek for you, head on over to CardMaker to see more.  Hope you enjoy!
Creatively yours,

Sharon

The Creative Well

Frosty Iris Fold Decor
©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Thought I would share this iris folding project with you.  I am donating the framed decor piece along with a signed copy of Iris Folding for Christmas - my most recent book, to a CHA charity auction.  Although this book is filled with Christmas theme projects all you have to do is change up the papers and images and voila! an entirely new feel to the project.

Trio of Iris Folded Cards
©Sharon M. Reinhart 2011

Here are some of the same designs using different papers, ribbons and embellishments.  Sometimes we get into a mode where the creative well seems to be dry, a quick way to fill the well is to look at previously created projects.  Keep the basic design and use different papers and embellishments that way half of the job - the design part is already done.  Take a look back at some of your holiday cards and see if you can create possibly some Valentine's using the same basic design and valentine theme papers and supplies.  It also relieves some of the pressure we put upon ourselves and before you know it the creative well is once again filled to the top.

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

Love is in the Air

Well, actually its snow in the cold, cold air.  I think that's why I gravitated to a Valentine theme card complete with pretty blooms.  This is a quick and easy card, trying to get my momentum going again, so my challenge was simply to create.  This card utilizes a simple thread wrapping technique using Wonderfil metallic threads on a Spellbinder's die-cut Nestabilities scallop heart.  The flourish is the Tim Holtz die by Sizzix, not only was the positve used but the negative piece was used as a stencil on the printed paper to apply Victorian Velvet Distress ink.  The pretty blooms were die cut with the Cricut from a card stock that has a nice sheen and accented with an adhesive pearl.  The pink blooms and the one adhesive pearl were colored pink with a Bic Mark It pen.  Quite an array of products!  It is simple but at the same time I think quite pretty.  Hope you enjoy!

A New Year and A New Feature



CardMaker Magazine January 2011



Wow!  We are almost at mid January and I am just now extending my wishes to each of you for a year filled with good health, happiness and opportunity. 

Speaking of January ... there is a new feature taking place at CardMaker Magazine, its called Card Making Around the House and the intro article as well as creative inspiration in the form of ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) is in the January 2011 issue. The basic idea is to use the different rooms found in our homes to provide supplies to work with or provide inspiration or both.  Be sure to check it out and watch for the first stop on the tour in the March issue.  Hope you enjoy it!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Well, I truly hope everyone had a Christmas Day filled with warm wonderful moments shared with family and friends. I cannot believe it is already December 29th, 2009 - where oh where does the time go? December was a whirlwind month with travel and different celebrations for birthdays and the holidays. I managed to get some creative activities into the mix but not as much as I had hoped to do. Oh well, maybe next year I will start in July. In the real world Christmas has passed and we are looking to a new year. In the world of publications I am truly blessed as some are now working on Christmas 2010 so I actually get a second chance at Christmas crafting. In the craft world many of us are also gearing up for the winter CHA show in Anaheim. Looks like I might have the opportunity to do a book signing for my newest book "Iris Folding for Christmas" quite exciting for me! Talking about books here is another book, a multi author book in which I have 10 projects in (I guess according to the new blogging rules I am supposed divulge if compensation was received if I am recommending something, and yes it was, however this is a multi author book and there are many great projects in it completed by other designers as well. Check it out. Available through Annie's Attic or try Scrapbook Pantry or Paper Pastimes in Calgary, Alberta. Check out the cover above.

Well time to wish you a Happy New Year may 2010 be filled with good health and happiness and of course creativity! One of my resolutions is to bring you more creative inspiration and learn more about blogging. All the best!

Creatively Yours,

Sharon

So sorry, it has been awhile for me. Have been teaching classes, designing for Cardmaker Magazine and you know how it goes - there is always something to be done. That's what makes life so interesting.

Taught a class recently at Scrapbook Pantry and the inspiration came from my new book 'Iris Folding for Christmas'. The ladies did three projects and they relayed that they enjoyed it and felt comfortable after completing the projects in using the techniques at home. It was nice as it was a process that allowed the ladies to have some conversation and relaxation.

Some have asked about my first book. Which the cover is pictured here. It is presently out of print however I do have a few copies available for sale. the techniques in this book used rubber stamps and a technique I call free style fibre or thread bead technique in which you use double sided tape sheets, metal thread, micro beads and embossing powder.

Also, check out the latest issue of Cardmaker Magazine I have three Christmas theme projects in the issue. Greeting Card, Gift Card Holder and a Bottle Tag. Well that's it for this one - hope to get some creative inspiration up for you this week. Have a great one!

Creatively Yours,
Sharon