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