DIY Teacher Gifts, Part 3 (and a freebie!)

Son #2 and his third grade teacher kinda bonded over their mutual love of coffee with French Vanilla creamer. It started the morning that I made new inserts for the kids' travel mugs so they could take coffee or cocoa on their chilly walk to school.  (His is the Dog Whisperer one...)

It was natural, then, that he wanted to give her something coffee-related as her appreciation gift.  So, when he spotted this on Pinterest, the search was over.  Click pictures to enlarge...

This packaging is a riot.  Just ask for a cup, lid and straw from the barista when you buy your gift card.  Easy peasy!  I had it all put together last night and was printing the tag when Hubs came home from a meeting and asked when I had gone out for coffee...it looks that *awesome*!

The inspiration instructions say to stuff the bottom with brown tissue paper.  Well, I didn't have any of that; but I have stacks of scrapbooking paper, including this *awesome* (that's #2's favorite word, after all) brown sheet with sort of a subtle mottled print.  Looks exactly like iced coffee!  I tinkered around a bit and finally came up with a template to cut out and insert into the cup.

I used a piece of scotch tape to keep it rolled just right.  Then, just pop in your gift card and top off with some white tissue paper and the lid.  This is a perfect chance to use some leftover tissue, because it looks *awesome* no matter how wrinkled it is.  Full disclosure: I think I used a piece that was packaging from #2's brand new tennis shoes!

I tied on the tag by running some embroidery floss right through the tag and straw with a needle. It seemed nicer than just taping it on somewhere...I'm a little silly like that.

He pretty much loved it ("That's *awesome*, Mom!").  And, to make it *awesome-r* yet, I've made printable templates for both the cup insert and the tag!  WOOT!

(That's *my* favorite word!)

        

 Just click the image to download!  Enjoy!

You may also like: DIY Teacher Gifts, Part 1 and Part 2!

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Pinterest-Inspired Sketch Freebie 4

Happy Monday!  I'm feeling sketchy ;).  How 'bout #4 in the Pinterest-inspired series?

The Inspiration (pinned here):

I turned this into a sketch within an hour of pinning it.  I love the frame over only part of the main subject, the flowing lines, small embellishments, and tiny supporting image in the lower right corner.  I'm drawn to the vintage quality of it, but the sketch itself has so many wonderful opportunities for modern interpretations, too!

The Sketch:

Enjoy!

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Pinterest-Inspired Sketch Freebie 3

As promised, here is the third addition to my collection of Pinterest-inspired scrapbooking sketches!  I'm beginning to be embarrassed by the number of times a day I say the word "Pinterest," but I've determined to work through it.  It's rather like when I opened my Facebook account and felt silly for having one as an adult...and, now, just a few years later, everyone has a page, including our parents...

So, I'll continue to be Pinspired, and you get to reap the sketchy benefits!

The Inspiration (pinned here):

I just *love* the minimalism here and how the bold color jumps off the neutral background.  I kept the sketch super-simple with lots of negative space, but still accommodated three 2x3 photos; you could just as effectively use one larger photo in the design, however.

The Sketch:

Happy scrapping!  Don't forget to link back here so I can see your fab pages!

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Pinterest-Inspired Sketch Freebie 2

The second installment of sketches inspired by randomness on Pinterest!  I can't believe what a treasure-trove that site has turned out to be!  I'm cooking from it, decorating from it and even scrapping from it!  Crazy...

So, this edition's inspiration piece...a burlap quilt square, pinned here:

This was a simple adaptation.  It's square; it practically *looks* like a layout already.  Easy photo placement, some fun contrasting stitching and a title or journaling spot.  This can go very sleek and minimalist, or, with some simple embellishments, become something special and versatile!

Have fun with the sketch!  I'd love to see what you do with it!

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Pinterest-Inspired Sketch Freebie

Like the rest of the world, it seems, I can spend hours lost on Pinterest.  Lately, I've been spotting lots of neat advertisements and other graphic items that really lend themselves to layout designs...so I've decided to use all these pins of mine to put together a series of freebie sketches!

The first inspiration (pinned here):

This caught my eye because of it's easy, grid design, straight lines and tape.  I love tape.  It's such a great foundation for a clean and modern, even minimal-style page...but that simplicity also makes it super for going nuts with layers and embellishments!

The sketch I've made for you is somewhere in between.  It's a snap to put together because, as a 12x12 page, it only takes two 4x6 photos and one (or two) 3.75 squares plus a few 3/4" paper strips.  Easy peasy.

Enjoy!  And please link back here so I can see your awesome work!

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Back Again...With Updates and Freebies!

Hello.  It's been a criminally long time since I've posted, but I'm happy to be back now with a greater measure of sleep, sanity and creative mojo!  Thanks for puttin' up with my absence!  Let me hit the highlights of the last few weeks...and then, on to the freebie! 

First, the October/Novemeber double issue of Scrapbook News and Review is available now, and you really shouldn't miss this one.  It's huge!  I have a fab article (if I do say so myself) in it about Seasonal Photo Opportunities, as well as about 18 other layouts and projects!  Get this...I'm starting to dabble a bit in digital inchies and ATC!  Crazy talk, I know, but it's a fun change of pace.  Here are a couple sneak peeks of what you'll see in the issue:

EPIC digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Blue and Orange Papers, Mask: Crazy Kit by SAS Designs; Grid Paper: Sea Wonders Kit by Isabel Mendez; Brush: Arrows by Lucaliverti; Brush: Dynamic Stitching Brushes by Amanda Sok; Sketch: Katherine Hansen; Font: Joyful Juliana

First Day of K digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Layered Paper: Freebie to You Are Collection by Angie Briggs; Notebook Paper: Naturalists Journal Collection by Angela Blanchard; Flowers: Freebie to Skippity Doo Dah Collection by Cherie Edwards; Butterfly: Freebie to Batik Collection by Valerie Randall; Tape: Jen's Designs; Template: October Template by Julie Enriquez for SNR; Fonts: Socially Awkward, You Are Loved

Thinking of You digital inchies by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Embellishments: Organic by Audacious Designs; Masking Tape: Jen's Designs; Stamp, Scribble: Blotches, Beads & Things by Chrissy W; Brush: Lined Paper by HecticHD; Font: Larger Mime

Knock digital ATC by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Paper: Following Love by SAS Designs; Overlay: Grunge Edge Overlays by The Scrappin Cop; Brushes:  Religious Brushes by Concentric Studios, Paris by Dakinigrl; Type Path: Valerie Randall; Font: Blackadder

Sweet, huh?  It gets even better, because I have a layout on the SNR Homepage right now, too!  And, to top it all off, the publication of the Holiday Sampler is quickly approaching on November 28.

Sarah at SAS Designs has been a busy lady, too, releasing a bunch of new kits, grab bags for October and November, and an exclusive kit for her spotlight month at Two Little Pixels.  Again, here are just a few examples of the great stuff she's been doing!  The credits are linked, so feel free to click through to her stores and pick up your own copies!

Shutterfly digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: Morning Dew (November PU Grab Bag) by SAS Designs; Camera, Kraft Paper: Snap Happy by SAS Designs; Photo Corners, Butterfly Trail:Doodle Doo by SAS Designs; Font: Auburn

Happily Blissfully digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: Burning Flame (November PU Grab Bag) by SAS Designs; String, Leaves and Butterfly: Beautiful Day by SAS Designs; Word Art: The Bliss Collection by Meredith Fenwick; Brush: Fancy Edges by Mels Brushes; Script: Scatter Things by Christy VanderWall; Sketch: PageMaps by Becky Fleck; Font: Trajan Pro

Birthday Train digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: Hip Hip Hooray (November PU Grab Bag) by SAS Designs; Stitching: Making the Days Count Freebie by SAS Designs; Sketch: Pamela Young; Font: Fontmoochers

Cartoons with Chino digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: Making the Days Count by SAS Designs; Font: Smiley Monster

And, finally...this week's SAS Designs release is "Cupcake Sweetie," a bright brithday-themed kit.  To celebrate it (and my triumphant return to blogging,) I've made a frame cluster freebie for you!  You get both the red-candle and blue-candle versions in the download.  Enjoy!

SAS_Cupcake Sweetie_Cluster Freebies.zip (4.7 KB)

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SAS Designs Release(s): "This Little Girl" and September PU Grab Bag

Sarah at SAS Designs has been a very busy little girl!  This week, she's releasing a new kit titled "This Little Girl," full of soft, feminine pinks and greens...perfect for girlies of all ages.  You won't find a sweeter baby kit (it's complete with tiny knitted shoes and a lamb stuffie), but there are also beautiful florals, ribbons and pearls that would suit a big girl, too!  Here's a page I did with the kit...

Chocolate and Butterflies digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: This Little Girl Kit by SAS Designs; Template: Edge to Edge Templates by Chrissy W; Fonts: My Nerd, Calisto MT

But that's not all!  In addition to the regular weekly kit, SAS Designs is also releasing a Personal Use Grab Bag for September.  I am particulary excited about this collection, because it includes five mini-kits!  That's more than three dozen papers and 80-something elements!  I was so inspired, as a matter of fact, that I decided to make you a QuickPage...for each kit!  Here they are!

Chillin' Mini-Kit by SAS Designs

SAS_Chillin QP (9.7MB)

Flora Mini-Kit by SAS Designs

SAS_Flora QP (13.5 MB)

Rocking Sea Mini-Kit by SAS Designs

SAS_Rocking Sea QP (10.6 MB)

Warming Blue Mini-Kit by SAS Designs

SAS_Warming Blue QP (22.7 MB)

Zesty Mini-Kit by SAS Designs

SAS_Zesty QP (12.7 MB)

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SAS Designs Kit Release: "Sounds of the Sea"

I love this new kit from SAS Designs!  I had been looking for just the right beach-themed collection, and "Sounds of the Sea" came through for me!  With sea-scaped papers and realistic elements, this kit can create lush fantasy pages as well as traditional coastal layouts.  The subtle shades and beautiful shells and pearls lend themselves perfectly to beautiful beach-wedding pages, as well!

Here's my layout:

Song of the Sea digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Sounds of the Sea Kit by SAS Designs; Template: June 10x12 Template by The Simple Scrapper; Font: Sandals

And I'm also offering TWO FREE QUICKPAGES!  Take your pick between a page to feature one gorgeous photo, or a variation framed and matted for three pictures!

SAS_Sounds of the Sea QP_single (11KB)

SAS_Sounds of the Sea QP_triple (12 KB)

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"Of Thee I Sing" Quick Pages!

Your response to the mini-kit has been so great that I thought you all deserved some free Quick Pages!  Happy Independence Day!

TIS_SING_QuickPages (46 MB)

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An Independence Freebie: "Of Thee I Sing" Mini-Kit!

I just couldn't resist the opportunity to put together a little holiday treat, so please enjoy "Of Thee I Sing," a mini-kit for Independence Day!  In it, you'll find three papers, two frames, a cluster of vintage-looking flags, three glitter fireworks, one ribbon, an overlay of the lyrics to "My Country 'Tis of Thee" (not pictured), and a set of nine brushes.  Have fun, and feel free to send me a link to your creations...I can't wait to see what you do with it!

TIS_SING_Kit (27.2 MB)

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SAS Designs Kit Release: "Yummy Berries"

Nothing says "summer" better than fresh-picked berries, and the newest kit from SAS Designs is a celebration of the season.  "Yummy Berries" is a mouth-watering collection of brightly colored papers, ripe fruits and bright flowers.  This is a kit that you'll use again and again this summer! 

SAS is also releasing "Layered Up 3 Templates," a set of templates that really have fun with papers. 

Here's how I used them together with the kit:

A Front Yard Picnic digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: Yummy Berries Kit by SAS Designs; Template: Layered Up 3 Templates by SAS Designs; Font: A Little Pot

I also have a little "Yummy Berries" Quick Page freebie!  Enjoy it, and please leave me a little love...I'm needy like that, you know! 

Have a great weekend!

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My Debut Kit Freebie: "Sweet Simple Things"

I'm thrilled to release my very first digi-scrapbooking kit, "Sweet Simple Things."  I never actually expected to dive into product design, but the bug bit me and I'm glad that it did!

"Sweet Simple Things" offers seven textured papers in neutral (and easy to recolor) tones; 26 elements that are a little vintage...a little country...and a little "elegant grunge;" 2 word arts; and a complete alpha.  Appropriate for chic feminine layouts, as well as refined masculine pages, this kit is full of multi-functional pieces that will blend nicely into your stash.

Here are some examples of the kit in action:

My Neena digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: Sweet Simple Things by The Instinctive Scrapper; Font: I Love Derwin

 

Gazing at Fish digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: Sweet Simple Things by The Instinctive Scrapper; Fonts: Just One More Picture, Traveling Typwriter

And then, this simply gorgeous page from my friend Christy VanderWall at SpeedScraps shows how wonderfully the kit can take color:

Sweet Simple Things digital scrapbooking layout by Christy VanderWall Credits Digital Kit: Sweet Simple Things Kit by The Instinctive Scrapper; Font: Century Gothic

Be sure to visit SpeedScraps to read Christy's feature "Anatomy of a Layout" and learn her process for putting together this page...but not before you download the kit!

SSThings_Alpha (5 MB)

SSThings_Elements (44.6 MB)

SSThings_Papers (34 MB)

Thanks for your support in my new design endeavour!  And, please, if you download the kit, leave me a little comment here or at 4Shared so I know someone's out there!  Have fun with it...feel free to share links to your creations!

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SAS Designs Kit Release: "All About Me"

SAS Designs releases a new kit today called "All About Me." It's an adorable collection of 14 papers and more than 50 elements, including word art! While it's obviously intended for scrapping pages about ourselves, the springtime colors are also perfect for everyday pages. Here's what I created with the kit:

Boy Stuff digital scrapbooking layout by Chanell Rigterink Credits Digital Kit: All About Me Kit by SAS Designs; Stamp and Tag: For You Kit by SAS Designs; Font: Carbon Type

I'm also offering a free Quick Page using elements from the kit! You can really see its versatility here... Click the image to download. Enjoy!

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