Tuesday, September 1, 2015

EBL Designs at Tate Street Festival

EBL Designs will be at the Tate Street Festival on Saturday, September 26th from 1-7 pm. This annual event showcases the heart and soul of Greensboro. Presenting live music and performance, fine arts and craft, as well as celebrating community!

For more information about the event: https://www.facebook.com/tatestreetfestival

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Catch a Falling Star!

"Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away...." I love that song! And it was my inspiration for this card. You see, I was in Target (buying all those school supplies for the boys) when I found these glitter papers. It was on an end cap in the DYI section (which was by the school supplies). A pack of four was only $2 and I've been wanting to try them with my Cricut and die cutting. But before I impulse buy, I try to think what am I going to use this for and am I really going to use it? The pack that I picked up had both gold and black glitter sheets. I instantly thought of stars for the gold, which made me think of that song. Pockets...what if I made a pocket for the inside of the card for a gift card or cash? Wait, I have a friend moving soon - I can make the card for her! And so I spent $2 on a pack of glitter paper from Target.

Ok, some of you may be asking, "What song are you talking about???" Catch a Falling Star was originally sung by Perry Como in 1957. Click here, to hear the original song. I was introduced to the song from the movie, Never Been Kissed. Click here to here that version.

Original Cricut Design

Here's my original Cricut design. I didn't have the pack of glitter paper with me when designing - I thought it was gold and silver. I cut out the design using the Cricut and it was an epic fail. More likely from user error than design or machine. First, my mats aren't in the best of shape. One needs more sticky and the other I re-purposed the sticky using a DIY method, but it was too strong. When I tried (very carefully) not to rip every thing, it happened any way. When I used the other mat, the paper didn't stick and went every where. I was able to get the black card background with the gold writing done, but ended up having to use my paper cutter to clean up the edges. I probably need a new blade as well...

Finished card with envelope.

So I was able to savage a few of the small glitter stars, the pocket and the background. I have a set of star dies, so I cut a few of those out of the gold glitter paper. I made a basic black A2 side folding card to adhere the panels. I noticed the pocket that I cut wasn't big enough. So I cut a larger rectangle from the black glitter card. I assembled the card and added some gold glitter for the tail. I used the left over star dies to decorate the back of the card and envelope.

The card didn't go as planned, but I love how it turned out! Below are some images of the finished project - what do you think?

Front of card.

Inside of card - I love how the star is tucked into the pocket. You know, like you're putting it in your pocket!

Showing the functionality of the pocket.

Close up of inside of card. Use a gold glitter gel pen to write a note inside!

Back of card.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Get Well Soon

If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen this card that I've been working on for my nephew. He has had a series of unfortnate boo-boos over the summer and I wanted to send him a get well card and special treat.

I was inspired for the layout of the card with all it's angles from some other cards I've found on Pinterest. I love how it's not your usual card layout and it looks unique. I tried going back to my Pinterest board to find the example that inspire this card, but I couldn't find it. Go figure!

For this card I used the House Mouse: First Aid Stamp with
Ranger Black Archival Ink stamped onto white card stock. This card stock was originally cut into a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" rectangle. I then colored the image using Prismacolor Pencils. (These are a left over from college - I was an Interior Design minor).

For the card base, I cut a piece of 8 1/2" x 11" black card stock in half vertically and then score it at 5 1/2 inches for a "top opening" card base (it will be long and skinny). Fold and burnish for a completed card base of 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" or a standard A2 card (turned horizontally for a side opening card).

For the red card stock, again I started with a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" rectangle which I embossed using the We R Memory Keepers Star Embossing Folder. Then I trimmed the card down to 5 1/2" x 4" (carefully trim around stars to keep symmetrical). Adhere, with Tombow Mono Liquid Glue, the red card stock to the front of the black card (this is a side opening card) and allow an 1/8 in black board both on top and bottom.

For the mouse image, I trimmed the card stock down to 5"x 3 1/2" (again carefully trim to keep image centered) and adhered the image to the red card stock at a sloping angle. Play around before gluing to see how it will look the best. My corners of the image touch the sides of the red card stock.

Then, on a small strip of grey and white polka dot paper (this was from my stash - I don't know who makes it or where I got it), stamp the GET WELL WISHES (Papertrey Ink: Keep It Simple: Get Well Mini Stamp Set ) with the black ink. Trim down to "band-aid" size. Mine measured roughly 7/8" x 3". I also sketched into the center of the bandage, using pencil, what looks to be the line where the gauze pad would be. Then use a Foam Adhesive Square place on the center of the back of the bandage. Use a slight bit of glue around the edges and adhere to card front. I placed mine in the right corner at an angle.

Finish the card by cutting and gluing a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of white card stock onto the inside of the card.

I used quite a bit of supplies from my craft room. I'm an addict, and I admit it. If you don't have all the supplies I have listed (and please don't run out and buy them just to make this one card), here are a few tips on how to make the card using basic supplies.

You will need: the House Mouse: First Aid Stamp, Ranger Black Archival Ink Pad, colored pencils (your kids Crayolas would do!), a ruler, scissors (but I would highly recommend the paper trimmer), red, black and white card stock (or stick with white and "color" a background for the red card stock), glue, a pencil and a black pen.

Follow the instructions above but use a ruler, pencil and scissors for cutting/measuring your paper. (Again, I highly recommend a paper trimmer. I promise you'll find multiple uses for it. Plus, use a 50% off coupon at your big box craft store and get one for about $10.)

For the sentiment and bandage, use the white card stock and hand write it in black pen. Want to make it look more like a band-aid? Use those colored pencils! You don't have to use a foam square adhesive - that's just for embellishment. The red card stock doesn't have to be embossed - it just adds a little something to the card.

Supplies:
House Mouse: First Aid Stamp
Papertrey Ink: Keep It Simple: Get Well Mini Stamp Set
Ranger Black Archival Ink Pad
Prismacolor Pencils
We R Memory Keepers Star Embossing Folder
Stamp mounting acryilic block
Tombow Mono Liquid Glue
Foam Adhesive Squares
Black Card Stock
White Card Stock
Red Card Stock
Gray and White polka dot paper
Paper trimer with scoring blade
We R Memory Keepers Evolution Advance Die Cutting/Embossing Machine

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

What a productive weekend!

Do you ever wonder why I'm not on Facebook during the weekend? Well, that's my prime time to spend with family, catch up with housework and of course to create! (Facebook can be a real time suck, I'm just saying).

So I've been working on creating something everyday (or at least playing). Friday I took a break after a long week and watched YouTube videos (another huge time suck). But I was inspired to try making cards with my scraps. More to come on that!

Saturday started with what was suppose to be a simple clean up of my craft studio. It turned into a whole day organizing fest. It still looks like a hot mess, but it's more organized! I think it would take me a full week to get that looking picture ready!

Sunday, I created the below card. I've made 9 of them, but have not completed the envelope or packaging yet. I love this design and have lots more creative designs to do!

Them came Monday. I'm off on Monday's during the summer. (Don't be too jealous, I work 10 hour days during the rest of the week for the privilege!) I spent the day with my mom creating. We share stamps and other supplies (it's a great way to save money and have more variety).

First I finished this packaging for this note card set. You know, the one that's a gift and I should have given over two weeks ago? Here's the finished product:

Speaking of gifts, I have another one that I'm working on for a friend. You know how I love color - right? (It's kind of my thing). I decided to create this card with "controlled" ink splatters (anyone who has ever working with ink splatters may continue to laugh...) on a watercolor paper background. Actually, the technique is called "smooshing". Once it was dried, I stamped the envelopes and sentiment. I love how it mimicked the front inside the card as well! I didn't bring my envelopes with me, so I need to finish those as well as the packaging. But I have until Friday...

And now onto some of my unfinished projects. The first is a set of watercolor backgrounds that I created using my Zig clean brush markers. I have an idea of where these are going, just didn't have everything I needed to finish creating them. Plus I ran out of time!

Next is a set for four leaf backgrounds that I made using my gelatos and some of my mom's stamps. The stamp of the mouse holding the leaf will be included in the design.

And finally, here's a bunch of stamped images that I plan on coloring (probably with watercolor). I stamped each about 9-11 times. These are also my mom's stamps. She loves the House of Mouse line!

For most of the images, I know how I'm going to design the cards. It's just getting to them! Want to see more of my finished projects? Follow me on Facebook!

Monday, July 20, 2015

Change is Coming!

Hello Everyone! I know it's been a while. Summer vacations, juggling the kids, etc... I also wanted to take some time to think about the direction I wanted to take my business. Sometimes you get stuck and can't go in a new directions for a various reasons. You may have noticed that I'm not doing many craft shows - I wanted to take time off from shows to work on developing new products. I can't always do that when I'm trying to crank out products for shows and to fill my inventory. With that being said, you're going to see some changes with EBL Designs!

The first change is my logo. I've worked really hard over the years to develop my brand for my business. It's not easy and it's not cheap to change it! That's why I've been working on it for a couple of months to get it just right! If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen some proto types. Thanks for the comments and feedback - they've really helped me tweak it! Here it is:

I will also be focusing more on my stationary line and introducing items that are more suitable for ready-to-give gifting. What does that mean? How about stationary that is bundled in matching packaging? Sets that will include pens and washi tape? How about small gift-able items that you can grab and stash like covered sticky notes?

Stationary set that includes set of 4 note cards, matching envelopes, pen and binder. Also has a small pocket to store your stamps. Ready to grab and go to write that quick note!

Covered sticky notes - perfect for your purse to jot down a quick note or list. Stock up on these for that quick gift for teacher or friend. These come in a variety of colors and are currently available at Eclectic Calico.

I haven't made these items available in my Etsy shop yet, but they will be soon! Contact me if you're interested in a set or click over to my Facebook page to find out more!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

New toy = lots of fun!

I've been watching a lot of bloggers lately making cards using Deco Foil and a heat laminator. You can use the Deco foil with the laminator using a couple of techniques, but the one that I jumped right in for my first project was printer toner on plain white card stock.

Basically, on my computer, I created a new Word document and added a large, black rectangle that took up almost all of the page. I printed the image several times using a laser printer. It's important to use a laser printer because it's the toner that works as the adhesive for the Deco foil when it's sent thought the laminator. Then I die cut several images using dies that I had on hand.

To apply the Deco foil, I placed the die cut images onto a piece of typing paper that I folded in half to create a folder to send through the laminator. Place a piece of Deco foil cut to size on top of the black print side of die cut with colored side of Deco foil facing up. Then I ran it through my laminator. Amazing results - love it!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Make Monday - Alcohol Inks

Last summer, I posted a how to make alcohol ink tiles. To see that post, click here. Last week, I was catching up on my YouTube subscriptions, when I came across a video by Jogglesdotcom. She used alcohol inks on Yapo paper and then doodled onto of the ink. To see that video, click here.

After watching the video (and I need to say it was about 10 pm on a week night), I had to go play. I pulled out my collection of alcohol inks and my Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Cardstock, 4-1/4-Inch by 5-1/2-Inch. I have a couple of packs of this paper in my stash, but didn't know how I was going to use it. Love it when I have everything I need on hand. I don't have any Yapo paper, but would like to give it a try one day. Another suggestion, go to the $1 store and pick up photo paper. I've also used vellum. Each paper has different properties and the ink may react differently. Just try what you have on hand - by it needs to be non-porous.

After playing with dropping inks onto a couple of sheets of paper, I let it dry over night. (Hey, it was really, really late). Then through out the day I doodled on the ink drops. I used a Sharpie fine tip white oil base paint pen and my Micron .03 pen in black. I haven't tried my white gel pen on this - I'm afraid it might smear.

Here's what I came up with!

I also had a couple of tiles that didn't quite turn out how I would like them. So, I'm using the same pens to doodle on them. These have already been sealed once. I'll seal them again with an acrylic clear spray once I'm done.

Then I tried the ink on vellum - both with just the ink and then with versamark ink and white embossing powder with stamps.

I hope I inspired you to play - happy crafting!

Supplies:
Alcohol Inks
Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Cardstock, 4-1/4-Inch by 5-1/2-Inch
White Sharpie extra fine tip oil based paint pen
Micron Black Ink Pen

Friday, May 8, 2015

EBL Designs will be at the East West Pop Up Shop!

EBL Designs will be at the East West Sunday Market on June 28th from 10 am - 4 pm. The market is located in Asheville, NC.

Enjoy some summer shopping at East West, the last Sunday of every month throughout the Summer. Come have a bite to eat, enjoy a mimosa, and shop around the curated marketplace.

For more info:
http://www.eastwestpopupshop.com/#about-us

Thursday, May 7, 2015

EBL Designs will be at the Greensboro Summer Solstice!

EBL Designs will be at the Greensboro Summer Solstice on June 20th!

Back by popular demand, the Greensboro Summer Solstice Festival will be held at the spectacular Greensboro Arboretum and Lindley Park on Saturday, June 20, 2015. This 11th annual event is family-friendly and brings joy and wonderment to all ages! This day of merriment brings over 7,000 Triad citizens together on the longest day of the year. Don your faerie wings and glitter and meander through this midsummer night’s dream with us. Suggested Donation: $2/Person.

Musical performances, face painting, hooping, drums and dancing will be showcased throughout the day, beginning at 2:00 pm. Don’t miss the Fire Finale beginning at 9:00 pm, where you will be surrounded by wide-eyed children clutching their light wands and you will be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring feats of our daring performers.

For more info:

http://www.greensborosummersolstice.org/

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

2 Shows to Shop this Weekend!

EBL Designs will be at two different shows this weekend! First up is the First Friday Indie Market in Downtown Greensboro! The Indie Market is a place where local artists and crafts people can come together for an Open Air Market of handmade and vintage goodness. We are located at the corner of South Elm & MLK in Downtown Greensboro. Each Market takes place on the first Friday of every month (April through December) from 4 pm - 9 pm.

Then on Sunday, May 3rd, EBL Designs will be at the Made 4 The Market Spring Arts, Crafts & Pottery Market. MADE 4 Market is the largest all local, NC made arts, crafts, & pottery show with a variety of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber art, fine art, wood, artisan foods gifts, and so much more! MADE 4 Market is a wonderful time to find that special gift for all spring occasions, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, weddings, and graduations. The market is located the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market - 501 Yancyville St, Greensboro, NC 27405 and will run from 11 am - 5 pm.

I'm offering a special at both these shows -or until I run out (I only have 17 of the packaging...)

It's a gift and a card all in one! For only $12, get your choice of occasion card (Mother's Day, Happy Birthday, Graduation, and (hopefully) Teacher Appreciation); 1 set of note cards, 1 gel pen of choice, one washi tape of choice, and tag. All will be packaged as shown in the picture above. What a fabulous gift! Remember, I only currently have 17 of the clear boxes, so once those go, the deal goes as well! (I have more boxes on order, just not for this weekend.) Contact me if you would like to pre-order, go to my Facebook page to see current examples of cards that will be available!.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Make It Monday: Birthday Wishes Window Shaker Card

This week I was inspired by a card that Jennifer McGuire of Jennifer McGuire Inks made. It was a window shaker card. I know, they've been done before and I've personally seen thousands (well, maybe not thousands) of videos on how to make this type of card. But it was something Jennifer said and used that finally made the process click for me and inspired me to give it a try. To watch Jennifer's video on how to make a window shaker card, click here.

So what finally made this card click for me? Not having to buy expensive acetate (clear sheets) to make the window of the cards. Thanks to Jennifer, I learned that I could use just about any clear packaging to make these cards. She even suggested using the clear envelopes that your stamps come in. What did I use? The clear plastic protective sleeves that I package my cards in to sell!

I hope Jennifer can inspire you and unlock some of the mysteries of card making. I love watching her videos to learn new techniques.

Birthday Wishes Window Shaker Card:

Supply List:

Life is Beautiful Die Collection (set of 2) – both small butterfly dies

Birthday Kisses & Butterfly Wishes Stamp

PapertreyInk - Birthday Trio Die Collection (set of 3) Die B (all caps)

Circle Die

Tim Holtz mini inkers in: Salty Ocean, Mustard Seed, and Brick

Ranger Inkssentials Mini Misters, 3-Pack

Ranger AIP-31468 Archival Inkpad, Jet Black

Sequins

Wink of Stella - Glitter Brush Pen Clear

Zig Glue Pen

Glue Runner

White Card Stock

Light Blue Card Stock

Watercolor Paper

Clear Plastic Envelope Bags

Friday, April 24, 2015

School Spirit Friday!

HPU Floral Die Cut Note Cards- Set of 4

Lately, I've been working on a new line of note cards that are University themed. First up, High Point University of course! My husband and I are both double alumni of the good old HPU (in case you don't know what that means, we got both our undergraduate and graduate degrees from there - go Panthers!)

HPU Lattice Die Cut Note Cards- Set of 4

These note cards make outstanding gifts for all those upcoming grads. They will need thank you notes (or should - you should always send a thank you note for a gift...jumping off the soap box now...)

Here are a couple of finished designs that are ready to sell and a look of my design concept. I am working on completing other schools, but my Cricut went down last week and I'm waiting on a replacement. I do have access to another machine if needed.

Orignal design concept.

As always, if you're interested in a custom design for your school or for that college grad, contact me by commenting below, Facebook or through my Etsy shop!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Sale - Just in time for Mother's Day

Hello everyone- just wanted to alert you to a couple of deals in my Etsy shop. First, I've been marking down some older inventory to make space for new items. Check out the 50 PERCENT OFF SALE section in my Etsy shop. Lots of deals on earrings and a few crochet wire necklaces!

Also, just in time for your Mother's Day shopping, get free domestic shipping off of orders of $10 or more with coupon code: MOMSDAY. Happy shopping!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

White of White Die Cards

It's a week of trying new things! I'm taking part of the Make It Monday #209: White on White Die Cuts With a Pop of Color Challenge this week. I have a lot of Papertrey Ink products and really enjoy using them. I hope taking part of these weekly challenges will help me to better utilize what I already have on hand and to keep the creative juices following.

For the challenge this week, I had to make a card using at least one Papertrey product and white on white die cuts with a pop of color.

Here's what I came up with!