Creative C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S.: S: Serendipity Shapes

For your challenge today, we're going back in time. If you have been scrapping for more than a few years, you probably remember serendipity squares. It's a very simple decoupage technique that adds a lot of texture to your project. We're going to revisit that technique with a bit of a twist. We're going to make "S"erendipity "S"hapes!




To begin, gather "s"craps of "s"even coordinating papers. I used a fairly monochromatic assortment, but a mixture of colors could work, too, depending on the embellishment you are making. You also need a piece of chipboard, grunge paper, or very heavy cardstock. The size depends on how large your embellishemnt will be.




Tear the scraps into small pieces. Mine were around one inch. Using Modge Podge or other adhesive, glue the scraps to the chipboard randomly, overlapping the edges. Allow to dry if you used a wet adhesive. At this point, I painted my piece with iridescent medium to give it a little shimmer. You could use Perfect Pearls, too, or just skip this step. Allow to dry. Next, I randomly stamped several swirl shapes on my piece and embossed with a white and glitter embossing powder. I totally forgot to take pictures during the process, but here is a picture of my leftover piece of "s"erendipity paper.




Now you simply cut your shape out of your paper and embellish as desired. I am absolutely terrible at drawing, so to make the pattern for my tree, I scanned an actual stamp and then enlarged it to the size I wanted! I cut my tree apart and then randomly traced the pieces on the back of my "s"erendipity paper. Cut out, reassemble, and embellish!






Have fun! For a few more "S" challenges, how about "s"ewing on your layout or using a "s"wirl? And then make a card from your "s"craps!

All projects are due at noon on December 22nd to be eligible for prizes.

Creative C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S.: I: Ink

Wooohooo....C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. brought to you by the letter 'I'!

Okay....wanted to find something different to do with the ol' inks, but yet at the same time super easy and I think I found it! WE WANT YOU TO USE SOME INK! At least 2 different colors...some way!

First...here is 2 projects I've done with this technique so far....

Close up....

Close up (not as good as I'd like)

I pulled out my Tim Holtz inks but any will do for this!!!

First, stamp your image (I stamped the birdhouse and the lamp FIRST). Then with your glossy accents (or any other product that will dry clear!) cover your image. It doesn't have to be 'perfect'. Thump out any 'bubbles' if you have any and then let it dry.

After it has dried pull out your other inks and play away. The glossy accents has created a 'resist'! I played and just created different 'smudges' with my inks. On the tag I added some rubons and inked right over those also! For the card I actually inked with lighter colors for the background and then found the background stamp with the words and stamped right on top of it all. I did use a wipe to wipe off any ink that got on the resist. I LOVE the effect this created!

For this challenge you do NOT have to do the technique but I do want you to use AT LEAST TWO (2) DIFFERENT color inks on your project! and HAVE FUN!

All projects are due at noon on December 22nd to be eligible for prizes.

Creative C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S: R: gaRland & Ribbon

I have wanted to make a garland to decorate my home for a while now, and what better time to decorate than the holiday season! Today's challenge for letter "R" is to make a g-AR-land to deck the halls of your home. And of course, what's a garland without some RIBBON, so be sure to tie one (or two!) on (it is the holidays after all!)

Here's a look at the one I made to hang in the empty space above our mantel:

And here's a little how-to on creating the paper baubles:

You can use more or less, but 7 seemed like a lucky little number 

 Easy enough; nothing special here.

Adhere all those mini paper tacos together being sure the folded edges are flush.

 Isn't that so pretty?!  Leaving the last edge unglued makes it easy to sandwich the thread in the center without actually having to thread it.

Then gather up all the supplies you want to include in your garland (and then some).  

I ended up not using the little snowflakes, and added in some crystal beads.

The letters to spell "Merry Christmas" were done up easily on the computer then layered on a circle, scallop circle, and jumbo snowflake punched from a grocery bag.

I used some thin twine for the base and began by threading all the crystal beads on.  Then it was easy enough to adhere the snowflake letters and paper baubles in place, and tie on some ribbon scraps. 

All projects are due at noon on December 22nd to be eligible for prizes.

Creative C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S.: H: Handful and Hidden Journaling

Today's challenge is brought to you by the letter H

Scrap a layout using either a HANDFUL of some embellishment (at least 20) or HIDDEN JOURNALING.

Here's my example. I used some of the December Elite kit -- just added some extra flowers and bling.


Here's my hidden journaling tag:

December's GDT

With the turn of the calendar page, we say goodbye to Heather as our November Guest Designer.  Heather, you did an amazing job helping is with our card crop last month.  You have a style all your own and always inspiring.  Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us!

And now we give a happy hello to Dana Phillips.  Dana has been a member of Scrapbook Heaven for well over a year.  Despite her busy life as a homeschooling mom, she still finds time to inspire us with her creations.  Welcome to the team, Dana!

Hi, I'm Dana and I'm excited to be the GDT this month!


I am a chemist turned SAHM. I really loved my job, but we felt it was important for me to be home with the kids. David and I have been married 17 years and we homeschool our two children, Danae (10) and Dawson (8). We currently live in Mississippi, but I have lived all over the US and spent most of my childhood in Belize.


I've been scrapping since the end of 2000 when I completed about 75 layouts in a little over a month. Crazy, I know! But when the bug bit, it bit hard. Needless to say, I'm not nearly that productive now that my style is a little more refined. I am definitely a clean and simple scrapper and I make as many double page layouts as single pagers. A few years ago, I discovered card making and I love making a card or two from the leftovers of a layout. Although I don't have as much time to devote to this wonderful hobby as I would like, I think I will be scrapping for the rest of my life.

Creative CHRISTMAS: C: Candy, Color, Cardstock and Cards.

I'm excited to start of The Creative C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S. with ALL of you. And what a better way to start of the holidays than with
Candy, Color, Cardstock and Cards.

For my challenge you will need to make a card using bright colors, cardstock and this sleigh, if you can add candy in there all the better.

Here is a printable pattern for you to use of the sleigh.

Have fun with this, as you can see I've given you some examples to work from, but I'd love to see what you can come up with.



I used metal, sewing, embossing for these cards.

December Kit Reveals

This month's Elite kit is packed with goodies to adorn your holiday party, traditions, and winter activity layouts.  Have a look at what the design team created with this fabulous kit:

 Carla's Reveal:

 Lee's Reveal: