Jamie's Favorites

"Imagination is the beginning of creation. . . ."
--George Bernard Shaw

Isn't that a great thought? I hope that on this last day of 2010, you are reminiscing just a little about the past year as we have been doing this week at The Beary Scrap-- but, I hope you are also looking forward, imagining the year to come, dreaming up great possibilities of what you will create this year! I know that this past year working with these fabulous ladies on the DT has really been a great inspiration to me and has caused my imagination to take flight in new ways. It was so hard to choose just one of their awesome projects to share with you today (and believe, it's even harder being the last one to go, some of my first choices were already taken earlier in the week and I thought it would be better to pick different ones to show off!) And so, here's a look back at the past year at The Beary Scrap that I hope will actually jump start your imagination into the New Year!

First off, is my own creation (Jamie)-- I had so much fun creating this layout from one of our Beary Sweet sketches and stretching it into a 2 page layout. It was also really fun to read the comments from those of you out there who haven't been to Yellowstone National Park and were wowed by the animal pictures.



Next up is our fearless DT leader, Susan-- I had a really hard time choosing between her fantastic cards, I really went back and forth but in the end chose this vintage sewing card that I absolutely feel in love with the minute she posted it! I love Susan's vintage style and often when I see her cards and embellishments, I am hit with "Why didn't I think of that?" Her details are amazing and she is also tinkering with her creations, making them just a little bit better (as if they could get any better than they already are!)


For Patricia, I had to choose a Tear Bear creation, her bears and critters are so adorable and it is easy to see the love and work she puts into each little animal. I love America stuff and these 4th of July Bears were one of my all time favorites of hers this year! I love how she mixed the colors of mulberry paper and then added extra patriotic stickers like the hat and flag. So cute!



For Gini, I had to pick this box she made with the video tutorial to go along with it showing hot to use Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and Glimmer Screens. Her video and instructions were so great and I have since become a huge fan of Glimmer Mist. Everything Gini makes has those extra distressing details-- whether the edges are torn, ink is used or she has mixed up more Glimmer Mist-- it's all beautiful!

I also wanted to show off one of Elise's creations-- we miss her dearly and wish her the very best! I chose this card as my pick because she taught me how to make a round border using my border punches and her instructions for this card were fabulous! Elise's creations always have those tiny details-- stitching around the edges, Stickles in tiny spots-- that just make them wow! Having been the recepient of one her cards, I can testify that the pictures don't do justice and in person, I was just in awe!


And lastly, Kimm who is so busy but still finds time to make a thing or two-- she is my hero, I don't know how she gets everything done but she does and always with an upbeat, postive attitude too! I love the papers she chose for this card, they match the image perfectly of her beautifully colored image.


All of these ladies have been a great inspiration to me this year and so have all of YOU! I have loved reading your comments and visiting your blogs to view the great creations you have entered in our challenges. I hope you continue to share with us in the coming year, join in our challenges, leave comments and questions and we can all continue to inspire each other! It's a whole new year to create, let's see what we can IMAGINE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Patricia's Year in Review at The Beary Scrap

I just have to say that I can't believe that we will be in 2011 in just a few days. This has been such a fun year and I can't wait for the New Year. Some people know that my son was in Iraq all of 2010 and just came home December 1st and I can take a big breath that he is home safe. I know that there are lots of more Soliders over there and I hope they all come home safe. I am looking forward to getting to spend some much needed time with him now that he is home. 

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When we first said we were going to pick our favorites from each other I thought how easy! Wrong!! There are so many wonderful projects from all of my DT sisters that this was more harder to pick than I thought. 

First up is me, this card was so much fun to make I just love making all of Kimms Tear Critters. Her patterns make you look like a pro.

I can't even tell you how long this card sat on my desk I just love it.

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Susan has quite the flair for Magnolia all of her cards are so cute and she always has lots of layers on her cards. She has made me up my A game many times after seeing her cards. This card is an older card but I love all the layers and the nice spring colors.

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Gini's cards have a "Gini" style. Her cards are so cute and if you need any distressing inspiration just look at her cards. I still haven't mastered the distressing but Gini makes them look so easy. Gini is the Distressing Queen.

I just love the blue's in this card and all the layers.

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Jamie I think takes the most fun trips. If you just look at all her layouts they do so much as a family, I have even in the past asked her if I could be adopted. 

Now I didn't choose one of Jamie's layouts but this awesome project she made. This is one of those projects you look at and say why didn't I think of that. I just love this!!! When Jamie doesn't make a layout for the week she always has some kind of very creative project.

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Elise cards are so pretty. You can tell she puts so much into every card she makes. Now she is no longer with The Beary Scrap and you have to go stalk her blog to see all her pretty cards but I love this clear card she made and I still want to make one.

Elise's cards always have nice clean lines and lots and lots of flowers. I actually have one of her cards and they are so much more prettier in person than what the picture can show.

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Now Kimm being the store owner has only gotten to play with us a few times but when she has the time she has some pretty awesome cards.

I love all the layers of this card and the colors are so pretty. I hope now that moving the store to her home she will get to play with us some more in 2011 I would really love to see what other hidden talents she has up her sleeve.
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I just have to say that each one of my DT sisters all bring something different to The Beary Scrap and each has there own style. No matter what your style is one of us I'm sure has something you will like. There is lots of fun new challenges in 2011 and I hope you all get to play with us.

Thanks for looking.
~Patricia~

The Beary Scrap Year in Review

It has been such a fun year, here at the Beary Scrap! We have really loved sharing our creations with you and seeing your cards and layouts as well! I think we have all "grown" in our styles, and that has been inspiring to see the evolution of artists.

We decided to share our favorite project of the year - and our favorites from the other team members (such hard choices!)

When I began this DT, I was really a die-hard card maker. In the past several months, I have been having so much fun with layouts (Maybe because it's just a bigger canvas to work on!) I was really having a hard time deciding between two layouts - this one, and the one that Susan chose as her favorite yesterday - So I thought I would share this one with you today!




Now, the really tough part - narrowing down just one project from my DT Sisters! They are all so talented - I should just link to their blogs and say I love it all!

For Jamie, I chose this layout that she did for a color challenge.



Jamie always brings a sense of whimsy to her creations - They are always fun. I love seeing the pictures of her beautiful family on her layouts - and don't you think that Owen the Owl was just made for this paper? Jamie is so sweet and thoughtful and I have been so blessed to be on this team with her!

I was really torn on which project to pick for Patricia, but in the end I chose one of her Tear Bear Creations - because, let's just face it - she rocks those! Girl, some of your projects must take days and days to complete, but they are always well worth it - and I really enjoy seeing what you do with them!



And now Susan - I don't think you have ever made a project that I have'nt loved. Your vintage style, your attention to detail - it always makes for such stunning cards. You do such amazing things with Magnolia's - so I knew I would pick one of those.


To me, this best represents your vintage style. Your layering is superb and your coloring just makes me say, ahhhhh! The hidden tag on this one was one of those little surprises that you through in to see if we are paying attention (and yes, we are!).

Elise is no longer on TBS DT, but we all still love her and are always inspired by her work. There is always such an attention to detail and little extra surprises along the way!

Kimm, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful, little family! You are always so sweet and generous with us - and I am really blessed.

We are looking forward to what 2011 holds in store for us and look forward to you being a part of it with us.

hugs,
Gini

2010 Design Team Favorites

Hello dear friends! I hope your weekend was spectacular. For those celebrating Christmas - did Santa refresh your crafty stash? I hope so - he did good by me, that's for sure. :)

This week the design team decided to take a walk down memory lane and pick a favorite project by each team member as well as a favorite made by our own hands. I really enjoyed my walk through our first year and am amazed at all we've done! Personally, I know I've been challenged and stretched by my teammates and am a better crafter with each of them in my life. Thanks girls!

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Gini, you might be surprised to learn my favorite of yours is a layout. You've sprinkled them here and there during the year, and this one still makes my jaw drop. I get lost in the textures and color choices of this page. Most striking, though, is your darling nephew's close-up balanced with the two of you together. This is spectacular.

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Patricia: You have such a cool design sensibility, and while I love what you do with stamps and Copics, I am in awe of your tear critters. You've taken Kimm's patterns and turned them into incredible projects with a special Patricia flair. I'm absolutely *in love* with every owl one you've done - who knew I'd love the owl so much?

My favorite project of yours is this reversible door hanger for our dear Kimm's Beary Scrap work space. It combines your brilliant tear critter talent with the kindness I've come to know. You have such a great heart, and I feel quite fortunate to know you. This project is the coolest thing, and so incredibly thoughtful.

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Jamie, you rock the 3D. From the moment I met you through your design team application to your most recent post on last minute Christmas tags, your creativity makes my jaw drop regularly. Most of the time I can't get off my 5.5" x 5.5" greeting card canvas and I look longingly at your projects. Your imagination has no boundaries, and for that I am grateful.

My favorite project of yours is the shaped album chronicling your daughter Lindsey's 6-year old portraits. You definitely had me at the front page and pulled me in further and further as your photos turned the album pages. I love the scalloped shape, and you used the paper and the collection's embellishments masterfully. The whole album tells a joyous story!

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Elise, our DTeamie from May through August, makes beautiful cards with the lightest touch in coloring I've seen. I absolutely love what she created while on our team. As hard as it was to pick through her lush flower and ribbon embellishments, I do have a favorite. I love this gatefold card with all my heart and tried to win it on eBay. I can't get over how lightly you color your images, sweetie. I've tried to emulate the "Elise Way" without success. I will continue to admire your projects and hope to one day be able to learn from you!

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To round this out, I picked a favorite out of my own projects. To me, this card was a turning point with cards. I love the textures here - from glittery Stickles to crocheted flowers and lace to the cold metal of an antique key. It's one of the first to sport a dark card stock base, which makes a huge difference to me - I'll never go back to white!

Ladies, thank you SO MUCH for a fabulous 2010! I know we will continue to grow as a team and as friends and I look forward to every single moment!

Cheers,
Susan

Merry Christmas

From All of us at The Beary Scrap Family...

We wish you A Beary Merry Christmas!

With much love,

Kimm, Susan, Gini, Jamie, Patricia, and our Families.

Quick Gift Tags for those last Packages!

Merry Christmas to you all on this last day before Christmas Eve! I hope you are all ready for Christmas, your shopping is done, parties are planned, home is decorated and your presents are wrapped. For the most part, I am ready and so excited! I love the magic of Christmas and all of the fun activities it brings. However, underneath my tree right now are presents for my parents, my in-laws, for various cousins and siblings and some for my husband. What is missing are all the gifts for my kids! Those presents are still hidden deep in the confines of my walk-in closet and various corners of the storage room (my kids better not be reading this!)

I have had a VERY hard time wrapping those presents for kids-- we have all been so busy the last few weeks and when I'm home, they are right there! By the time they're in bed, I am ready to go to bed too or I've got some other projects to do. And so, my post today offers you a quick gift tag idea for those last gifts you haven't wrapped yet-- maybe some of you out there are like me and haven't managed to find a chance to pull out all those kids' gifts and get them wrapped. My plan for late tonight is to finish that wrapping and then use these gift tags for my kids presents:

I love using photo tags for my kids' presents-- it gets old writing "from Mom & Dad" on so many packages (they usually each get several from us under the tree, times that by the 3 of them). Plus, they love to look for their faces under the tree and know those surprises are for them.

I printed out some quick recent photos of my kids just on regular printed paper, as most likely these will just get lost and later thrown away in all the mess of unwrapping on Christmas morning. Then I punched a scalloped square tag from Echo Park's Wintertime papers to attach my pictures too. I love the colors in this paper line!

Then I went to work embellishing them with some gems and pearls (for our current challenge) and other embellishments such as lace and Prima flowers. I used letter stickers from the WinterPark kit to put their initial on each tag along with a few snowflake and border stickers from the same sticker sheet.

I think photo tags are a really fun way to personalize the gifts you are giving, here are a few other suggestions for types to make:

*For presents from your family, make a tag that includes a picture of all of you

*For presents from grandparents, make a tag that includes a picture of the grandparent when they were young, this way the tag becomes a keepsake as well (I did this several years ago when helping my grandmother with her shopping and wrapping, the tags were a huge hit among my aunts, uncles and cousins-- not many of them had pictures of my grandmother when she was young and they were delighted to get them)

*For any family presents, make tags that include pictures from Christmases past, then you can reminisce about previous holidays while celebrating the current one.

Now that I've got my pile of tags ready to go, I'll be up late tonight wrapping those kids' gifts and anxiously awaiting the light in their faces when they tear them open on Christmas morning. To all our Beary Scrap fans out there, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Pearls or Gems and Flower with a Big Thank You

Ugh Christmas is almost here and I'm only half way done shopping. I think someone put time into warp speed!! But it's also time to share some appreciation and I want to thank Kimm for accepting me to be on The Beary Scrap Design Team way back when it first started in February. This was the first design team that I had applied to and was accepted. Both a first! I have loved every minute of it and I can say that doing this weekly I have also grown as a crafter. We have an awesome group of ladies and many different styles of crafting and it's been fun getting to know all of them. Kimm is such a sweetie and so much fun, if I'm still up at 1am crafting I know that I can find Kimm up as well on facebook posting silly songs, gotta love the 80's!!

Now that Kimm has moved her store to an online store from home it has set up some new challenges!! Mom's home all the time now and for little ones that's hard to understand so I made this cute little sign for Kimm, now I'm not sure if this has made it to her yet, I'm patiently waiting for a message she got it in the mail before this post go's live or she's going to see it here first.
(Yes just as I hit publish button I got a message from Kimm she got this.)

This sign is reversible and here is the other side

Thank you Kimm for being such an awesome person and I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday.

Now for all the goodies in this:

All of the Tear Bear Patters The Beary Scrap Store sells except for the two newest one's that came out after I made this and the hippo in this was made with a Tear Bear Head, Sidneys Ears and Miko's Mouth.

Mulberry Papper (The best around!).

Paper from My Minds Eye The Fine and Dandy Line.

Pearls from Prima and Queen and Co, Mulberry Flowers and ribbon Flowers from my Stash.

Gold Flower Soft.

Spellbinders Beaded Circles (Brand New to the Store) and Regular Circles.

Stickles and Glimmer Mist

Thanks so much for looking. And remember you still have time to enter our Beary Sweet Challenge ---HERE---

Don't forget to find us on Facebook and Like us. You never know when Kimm will have a contest or give-a-way there.

~Patricia~

Last Minute Gifts

Hi, it's Gini - and I am realizing that I only have a few days left until Christmas - eeek! I'm not ready. So tonight, I combined my Beary Scrap Pearls/Gems project with some little presents for the ladies in my office. I made some "Reindeer Tea Mix" and made tags for each one using a reindeer stamp from Tim Holtz. My papers are from Echo Park's Merry Christmas line. I embossed the stamp with gold powder. I think it is really fun to use a little bling for the holly berries.

How about you? Are you ready for the big day?

Tilda Swirls with Gems

Well hello, there! It's Monday and the last Monday before Christmas. Er, not significant in general, but it just means I've been running around like a crazy person trying to find the "perfect gift" for my husband. We replaced a couple of kitchen appliances last month and that was going to be our Christmas. Of course, neither of us can go without presents under the tree. :) So, I'm scouring the antique stores for the perfect gift. No luck yet! *sigh*

So this week the Beary Scrap design team girls are showing examples of our current challenge theme - use pearls or gems. Here's my sample:

The paper is Echo Park's "Wintertime" line. EP is doing cool things with paper - they've reduced some of their designs to fit 4 different ones on a 12 x 12 sheet. The background paper here is actually a mini version of the "Flurry" design. The full size "Flurry" is used on the envelope box (see below). Check out the Wintertime line at TBS to see what I'm on about. This mini "Flurry" can be found on the back side of 12x12 "Damask". The middle panel is full-size "Snow", and the top layer - right behind Tilda - is on of the journaling cards enhanced with Stickles. All of the blue layers are "Blizzard Blue".

Darling Tilda is made up of a couple of layers, with loads of Stickles to accent. Her lantern is includes Glossy Accents in the "glass" panels, and her mittens and socks are covered in fuzzy white flock.

I edged the plain white flower with Distress Ink in Weathered Wood and Star Dust Stickles. All the flowers were spritzed with Pearl Glimmer Mist and dotted with the same Stickles.

Here's a view of the inside panel - I enhanced the swirl and snowflake design in the paper with Stickles... I can't stop with the sparkle!

And here's the whole kit and kaboodle. I used another journaling card for the name plate on the front, with a little Stickles on these snowflakes also.

Card Recipe

• Stamp - Magnolia
• Paper - Echo Park Wintertime; Bazzill Basics
• Medium - Memento Tuxedo Black ink for the Magnolia stamp; Copic for skin tone; Prismacolor pencils w/OMS; Glimmer Mist in Pearl; Stickles in Star Dust; Distress Ink in Weathered Wood; Colorbox Fluid Chalk in Chestnut Roan; Glossy Accents on the lantern; flock on socks and mittens
• Embellishments - Mulberry paper flowers; Prima rhinestone swirls
• Adhesive - Glue Dots; Scor-Tape

Thanks for visiting us today! There's still TONS of time to enter our current Beary Sweet Challenge #16 - Pearls or Gems. It doesn't close until 12/31, so I hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Susan

Jamie's Penguin and Gems

Please scroll down for our Beary Sweet Challenge #15 Winners!

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Just one week until the big day and hopefully you have already sent out your Christmas cards (ok, I admit it, I just picked up pictures for my cards today and so I will be dutifully addressing them this weekend so I can get them mailed by Monday!). But in case you are still looking for card ideas, I am so excited to share you with my card today.




I made my first Penny the Penguin and I think she turned out absolutely adorable!!!! I added a Santa Hat from JoLee's boutique and a little bow made out of Martha Stewart Candy Cane Baker's Twine.


For my card I used the brand new Wintertime collection from Echo Park. I am in love with these papers! They are perfect for Christmas or just for any wintertime pictures. I especially love the gray, as it's a non-traditional Christmas color but not too overwhelming. I stitched around the edges and added some Diamond Stickles for a little snowflake shimmer. I added a larger punched snowflake and used some red gems to decorate it.



Here is a peek at the inside of my card, I used a Martha Stewart Around the Edge punch to do snowflakes around my entire square and then saved some of the snowflakes and put them on the front with more red gems.

This is a great challenge to enter, just create a new project and include gems or pearls and link it to our challenge by midnight on Dec. 31st EST (you'll be up that night anyway, ringing in the New Year!) and you just might win a Beary Scrap voucher!

BSC #15 Winners!

Hello friends! We want to extend a huge "Thank You!" to everyone who played along with our sketch challenge! We absolutely loved visiting your blogs. Thanks so much for your support!

Our winner of the $20 gift voucher to The Beary Scrap is...

#5: Rene!

Congratulations, Rene! Please email Kimm and she'll set you up with a voucher to go shoppin'!

We would also like to congratulate our Beary Sweet Top 3:

#1 -Dorcas
#8 - Mary Lou
#4 -Mindy

Ladies - thank you so much for joining us! Here's a fun badge to display on your blogs:

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Don't forget! Our Beary Sweet Challenge #16 - Use Pearls or Gems - is going on now through December 31st. You could win a $20 gift voucher just like Rene!

Cheers,
Susan, Gini, Patricia, Jamie and Kimm