Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Let the Party begin
We will start with weeks 1 **** ONLY theme, and for today
I choose STAMPING.
We all know that in "stamping" there are many MANY techniques and
we will go through them all, but not on 1 day. lol
Today we will just use some of the techniques,
and if there are any questions at all, THIS is the place to ask.
If you haven't the supplies that are being used for a specific technique,
*****Don't walk away!!*****
We are going to learn to think
*outside the box *

There will be a lot of TIPS & TRICKS along the way, so maybe you want to
scribble these down in an Art Journal.

We invite you to play along.  All the details can be found HERE

GET READY to be CREATIVE!!!!!
Monday, January 30, 2012


CHAW 2012 - DAY ONE REVIEW

Hello my lovelies!!! Well, here it is 1:30 (ish) in the morning, and it has been a VERY long couple of days here in S. CA so far! The 2012 CHA show is finally under way, and I have got a LOT to show you, so grab your cuppa Joe (or whatever it is that fills your mug) and follow along!

I got in to CA yesterday afternoon, and headed up to Chino to Prima Marketing's headquarters! WOW! You have never in your LIFE seen so much prima goodness! Floor to warehouse ceiling of brand new released Prima? *shudder*

Anyway - got off track there.... While visiting with the beauties at Prima (Pom, Shannette, Adam & Porfi) I had the rare and very special opportunity to meet with Miss Anna Dabrowska, better known in the scrapbook world as Finnabair. This woman is absolutely SUCH an incredible artist! Her clustering techniques are known all over the world, and I was fortunate enough to sit in on one of her classes!


Anna is such a kind and attentive instructor, always taking great care to ensure that each of her students receives her attention, and has a complete understanding of the technique at hand!

With Anna's expert guidance we were able to create a wonderfully fantastic grunge layout!


Sunday, January 29th - DAY ONE

Let's Go!




I always love to look at the new art pieces on display at CHA! I am always so inpsired after being in the company of such amazing artists as Donna Salazar - who's new Chipboard birdhouse is pictured below.




If you've ever had the pleasure of attending a CHA Show, you are aware of just how elaborate some of the displays can be! Well, for this show - DCWV did not disappoint. Below is a tree located in their booth. Beautifully appointed glass bowls adorned with beads and gemstones were lovingly hung from it's branches. This sucker was GORGEOUS! I MUST figure out where they purchased those bowls!




Also in the DCWV booth, were these equally impressive and GORGEOUS displays made from DCWV paper lines!


And here is one last display goodie for you. This beautiful dress was on display at the Connie Crystal booth. The entire ensemble was created from paper and crystals!




That's all I have time for right now guys - but I got my NIKON working (yay! no more cell phone pics) so I'll be scouring the show getting the good shots of the good stuff!

I'm off to DAY TWO!






Sunday, January 29, 2012
~~~A New Beginning~~~


A new beginning is something we need once in awhile,
To make fresh start and wear a broad smile.
To forgive and forget is not quite the same,
As starting again with a mundane new name.

A change of the air, a place left unseen,
Perhaps a new face, not of a beauty queen.
A new house and a home, where no one cares,
Who I am or once was, or the name that I bear.

Just over that mountain and across the sea,
Is where I'll find a new beginning for me.
In a land far away, in a port left alone,
I'll set up my shop and have a new home.

Tho' birthdays and holidays may come to pass,
Forgotten I'll be, no one's calling at last.
I can sleep in peace, not a wink will be lost,
On pillows so sweet, downy and soft.

Let me find this place where beginnings begin,
And yesterday's sorrows aren't welcome within.
A place that's secret and sunny and fair,
Oh, how I wish I could always be there.

But tomorrow will come and my life's incomplete,
Without fans and cameras and pundits replete.
I guess I'll get dressed and head down the stairs,
To see what today awaits me there.

Beginnings will come and beginnings will go,
Today I'll dance, tomorrow I'll stroll.
And every morning I'll say a short prayer,
New beginnings and tomorrows will always be there.





Helena has done it again..She has worked magic with Swirlydoos product!! Helena explains that she doesn't scrap many photo's of herself, but this one is beautiful. Helena also explained that she
used the November kit for this page, she just added some extra Petaloo flowers and Dusty Attic chipboard. The chippies were all misted and painted after she put this page together, she then covered the photo and misted the whole page and then painted with white gesso on the title (alpha from DA) and a little bit here and a little bit there. Wow...Amazing what a little bit of misting and gesso will do for your pages!! Head on over to Helena's blog for much more inspiration.
CLICK HERE
Saturday, January 28, 2012


And plop down in to your favorite comfy chair....
and join me for awhile!!!

Hi PEEPS......Lynne here...coming to you with another
Technique Video....oh the fun we are going to have!

How about.....a bit of Canvas....some Beeswax......a Handmade template and some Petaloo Flowers!



This is the little ditty I created........and you can toooo!!!



ohhhhh......here is a handy dandy product list...
Melting Pot
Project Pan
Beeswax ~ I used white
Adirondack Color Wash ~ or any other spray
Distress Stain
Canvas Corp Canvas ~ or any canvas
something to make a stencil with
(you will have to watch to figure that out)
some flowers for dippin!
Iron
Heat tool
Newsprint or paper bag
Vintage Lace
Kraft Resit Paper ~ or whatever you would like to use for you card!

sooooo.....no more small talk....
LET THE CREATING BEGIN!!!



Friday, January 27, 2012
T-G-I-F!!!!!!!! 

Lots going on right now over on the boards!  First CHA.  WooHoo!!!  Our fearless leader, broken foot and all, are headed to CHA to gobble up as many of the latest and greatest goodies for our subscribers!  She has our wish list in hand!!  Good Luck Krissy!  Hope you post some photos!!

SWIRL-A-PALOOZA
Coming to you the weekend of February 18th!  The Design and Education Teams are busy making plans.  We are hoping to have a few fun challenges, maybe a Ustream class........  Anywho, please mark your calendars and plan on spending some quaility time with your favorite Swirly  Sistahs for the day!  Oh, and I should mention that we have 2 VERY SPECIAL PRIZES that are going to be awarded then.  I can't say anymore, otherwise I will blab everything and then, well, it won't be a pretty and glittery ending for me.  LOL

Our Education Team has been working on some future planning and supply lists so we can make sure to have everything in the store for you so you don't have to go hunting and fishing around all over to get what you need.  Speaking of the Education Team, there is another ULTRA fabulous video tutorial coming your way tomorrow...HERE, ON THE BLOG!  We also have some product reviews heading your way as well.

The DT is waiting for their February kits.  Hopefully they will have that super gorgeous box of inspiration in their hands in the coming week.  Make sure to check back here and on the forum for our Blog Hop date announcement.  You can subscribe to us by email, or just stop back frequently and check the list of events over on the right.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
In case you haven't heard, ALL 2011 main, add-on, and spotlight kits are now 50% off, and they are going FAST! Here are a few that are still available:

The Christmas Wishes main kit:
It's always nice to have MORE Christmas stuff- perfect for getting a hop on next year's cards! The vintage feel never goes out of style!

The clock project kit:

The paper in this kit is wonderful, but if it doesn't fit your home decor, you could save it and use paper that does! And, there are soooo many Maya Road clocks in there- all sizes! 

The Rendezvous flower add-on

These flowers went fabulous with the Rendezvous kit, but they are so versatile, they will go with nearly every project you make. And, for only $10!

Grab your 2011 kits at half off soon before they are gone!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
This month, like every month, we have such awesome entries for our challenges here at Swirlydoos! I'm always amazed at the level of talent on our boards, so I thought I would highlight what's been happening.

First off, January's Round Robin challenge is complete, so don't forget to vote! Thank you so much for hosting this month, Tracey!

The SGC (Swirly Girl Challenges) are wrapping up, so if you haven't got your entries in yet, DO IT!!



Look at what Jackie made for the "Moment 2012" challenge

What a great moment to capture! Lovely design too! 

And, I spotted this beauty by Linda. She made this for the "One Word" challenge!

Barbara did such a great job with the Mystical Winter Sketch Challenge. Just look at those leaves!


And, last but not least, I wanted to share Jeannie's fabulous layout for Ang's Butterfly Challenge:

So, keep those entries coming, ladies! 



Tuesday, January 24, 2012
To warm you guys up for our Card Adventure, which starts next Tuesday, January 31st, I created this card, Featuring ET member: Lynne's *Stenciling with Gesso* technique.

A step by step photo tutorial for this card, can be found HERE
I hope to see you all next week, when the Card Party is starting!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
I read within a poet’s book
A word that starred the page:
“Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage!”

Yes, that is true; and something more
You’ll find, where’er you roam,
That marble floors and gilded walls
Can never make a home.

But, every house where Love abides,
And Friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home-sweet-home:
For there the heart can rest.







Lisa has created a beautiful LO of her sons family. The colors compliment the photo beautifully. Just about all of the embellies were hand crafted by Lisa. The flowers, the leaves and all of the distressing. There is stitching and layering. Then there are the little unexpected surprises like the butterfly peeking out of the peek a boo torn paper on the edge and the lace and trim tucked into here and there. Just beautiful in every was!!! Go visit Lisa's blog for closeups and details.
CLICK HERE
Saturday, January 21, 2012

It's me Tiffany. I had so much fun making this layout. I used the District Market canvas that is in the January technique kit. You can purchase the kits at Swirlydoos. In the video I use a tag i made using some techniques found in this video tutorial here.

Here is the finished layout.



If you missed any of the video tutorials from myself or Lynne you can find them here. Make sure you subscribe to the channel.




If you have any questions please feel free to ask. You can comment here or you can always find me on the swilrydoos forums here.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Happy Friday!!  In case you didn't know, we have changed how we reveal our monthly projects.  First, we have a really, really big blog hop and then our designers will reveal the rest of their projects little by little for the rest of the month!

We have, IMHO, the BEST International Design Team members around.  Today's blog post is dedicated to two, of our four, international DT's, Irene Tan and Karola Witczak.  I think you will agree with me when I say that these projects will leave you speechless.  If I could just crawl into their heads for just 5 minutes......*sigh* a girl can dream can't she?  LOL

Take a look, and try not to drool, at the amazing work Irene did with our January kit.



Take a look at that gorgeous ruffle around Irene's picture.  She gave me the instructions and I have posted them in the tutorial section!! Irene will be off teaching in Belgium and France in February!!  We wish you safe travels and can't wait till you are back and working with the March kit!!  In the meantime Irene is enjoying the Chinese New Year holiday with her family.  Happy New Year Irene!! XO

We're aren't done yet.  Take a look at all of the gorgeous projects that Karola created with our January kit!






I'm guessing that right about now you are full of inspiration and knocking people out of the way to get to your scrap room.  I'm right there with ya!!  For even more inspiration take a look in our gallery and come visit with us in the forum.

We have a brand new design team member!!!!  Personally, I am so excited to FINALLY be working with her.  We have stalked each others blogs and online galleries for quite some time. Please welcome our fourth International Designer, Vicky Alberto!!!!!!!!




Be sure to stop by Vicky's blog CLICK HERE
and her Scrapbook.com gallery HERE


Welcome to our crazy Swirly world Vicky!!!

Have a beautiful winter weekend!!
Thursday, January 19, 2012

New items are slowly but surely making their way into the store! This week, I want to share my favorite new product to hit the Swirly shelves: the Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob.

What a perfect piece of symbolism for so many inspirational projects!! This is a beauty! 
I found this gem made by Tracey (tgregory) hanging out in the gallery:

Thanks for sharing your art with Tracey! 

Go to the Swirlydoos store and get yours today before they are gone!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
We had some amazing entries in the December Challenge. It's always so hard to just pick two. These winners just took our breathe away!! Congrats girls!!

Peggy is our Swirly Siren this month. The DT loved Peggy's amazing ghost stamping. She followed Camilla's Mica Chipboard tutorial using Lindy's Magicals on the trees. Fabulous work Peggy!!!


Cheryl is our Betty Blue. How can the DT not pass up that sweet photo!! She used  Lisa G’s puffy poinsettia tutorial. Just look how gorgeous those flowers are!!                             



Thank you to all who played. There's still chances to win the Swirlyhues Badges. Just play along in this Months Swirlyhues Challenge. You can find all the info HERE
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The last weeks I told you that we are going to have some FUN changes, when it comes to our card section and making cards. You can read all about those changes (read schedule) right HERE 
We are having a Question and Answers thread now, which can/will be very helpful.
Also there will be a monthly Live Chat, where we can talk all about making cards.
Date's for the Chat will be posted HERE 
And for now (cause I think there is enough to read already) I'll leave you with this card:
tutorial can be found HERE
Monday, January 16, 2012
Oh My Word!!!  You hoppers are amazing!  Krissy and the members of the Design and Education teams were blown away.  You are all so sweet and made us all smile!  So, from the bottom of our scrappy little hearts, THANK YOU!!!!!

Now...on to the winners!  YOU HAVE 7 DAYS TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE!!!!  Please email Lisa@swirlydoos.com with your name and mailing address.  She will contact the manufacturer and have the prize sent to you.

Using Random.org to choose our winners.....here they are:

Swirlydoos Prize Pack Winner - 4Him

Crafter's Workshop Prize Pack - Scrappygal




 Petaloo Prize Pack - Scrapbookdoll



 Shimmerz Prize Pack - Jerzey Girl

Prima Prize Pack - Vintage Rose

Congratulations ladies!!!  Thanks again for spending time with us on the hop and we hope to see you around next month!!  Make sure to stop into the Swirlydoos forum and see what's going; challenges, chat, tutorials....tons of fun stuff.  We would love to have you. 
Sunday, January 15, 2012



Wow...All we can say is wow...Now this is a tag!! Well, actually it's a name tag!!
Kathi belongs to a local group called All Things Tim. One of our projects was to make a name tag..This is Kathi's. It is an ATC, all decked out with a pin on the back. The detail is amazing!! The embossing, the metal pieces, the wonderful inking. We just adore the way Kathi placed her name on the banner. This is not a LO, but it sure is a wonderful little piece of art, worthy of a spotlight this week. An inspiration for sure!! Beautiful tag Kathi. Lucky you to belong to such a wonderful group!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
 As I promised.....today is the reveal of my first Education Video using this months Technique Kit!! and ohhhhhh what a GLORIOUS kit it is!!
This kit and others are available at Swirlydoos!!

I am so honored (and nervous) to be apart of such a TALENTED group of ladies!!


My canvas was a part of the Swirlydoos' January Kit Reveal Blog Hop BLOCK PARTY if you missed this, there is still time to participate.....and you don't want to miss this, 
cause there is some A~MAZING inspiration to be had!!


so without further adieu......the tag and tutorial!!!


Enjoy......


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