Brenda Pinnick -news, ideas, events and more...

In my garden

Today's links:

Sizzix   http://www.sizzix.com/catalog#q=Brenda%20Pinnick

Carol Heppner   http://www.carolheppner.com/

Lisa Rojas   http://stampinqueencreations.blogspot.com/

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft   http://www.designmemorycraft.typepad.com/

I'm so inspired by nature and especially when it involves amazing color and pattern. Butterlies, bees, colorful flowers... it's mezmerizing, really. Do you know that viewing the patterns in nature actuallly helps us think creatively? Studies have found that the color green mixed with the patterns of leaves and other plants cause our brains to think creatively. How amazing is that? Next time you're stuck for ideas or inspiration, just get outside and be inspired. I know I am today! 

I'm busy making my projects to show on air next week on HSN. I hope you'll tune in via the web or television. I'm scheduled for 10:00 a.m. eastern time and will be showing my Sizzix Textured Impressions and also my stamp line. GREAT DEALS TO BE HAD!

Oh, and I get to be a BEACH ANGEL!!! Yes, I will be laying in the beautiful white sand and swimming in the ocean this Sunday!!! One of my favorite things in life...the ocean!

I just want to say...I'm so thankful for friends... I'm getting help from Carol Heppner and Lisa Rojas, two amazing designers I know from CHA. They created some amazing projects and I'm so grateful! I'm going to be featuring both here on my blog next week so please come back to learn more about their stories, how they became professional designers, see more of their work and be inspired!

AND, if that isn't enough, several designers from the Faber-Castell design team are also helping me out! I love their products and so appreciate their assistance! More about them later, also. 

I am truly blessed. 

 

 

Scoreboards picture frame

Hi all, I hope you're finding time to enjoy the holiday season and to do a little crafting or art making.

Below are a couple of last minute projects you can make up quickly and easily.

The first one is using Sizzix scoreboard die- picture frame- from Eileen Hull. You'll want to be sure to visit her blog and the other bloggers who are featuring this same die on Eileen's blog hop, all listed on her site.

One of the challenges I always face when starting a new project is clearing off my work table first. I'm really bad about letting it get knee deep with supplies, tools, glues, glitter, etc. - maybe it's because I usually have about a million projects all going on at once! Anyway, I decided it would be a fun and interesting challenge to use only what was already out and on my table! Here is what I ended up with...

 I started with the picture frame die and added one of my papers from my Sucerie collection. Next, I added beads and some ribbon to create texture, shine and dimension. I'm happy with the way this turned out and quite honestly, I never would have done this without the challenge of using only supplies which were already on my work table. The image is softly out of focus which I think is a nice look paired with this decorated frame.Tip; I'm a huge fan of Grafix products. Here I've sandwiched the image in between two pieces of Grafix craft film to create a protective cover. 

Another last minute holiday project made with my Sizzix dies;

 I just love glitz and glamour for the holidays and finding a fast, fun and inexpensive way to add more to my holiday decorating makes me feel almost smug – like I've found a secret! Well, I'm sharing it with you here today. When I say, "fast, easy, fun"...I mean it! 

Let's start with the dies -beautiful shaped dies are a must have for your crafting studio. They offer opportunities way beyond mini-books . I love this classic cartouche shape, the "Frame, ornate" die, paired with the "Frame Back, ornate" die, both from my collection of dies available from the Sizzix.com shopping site or from fine retailers. This is one of those dies you could find a million (or at least thousands!) of uses for, it's so  functional. 

I used these two dies ,http://www.sizzix.com/product/1981 , http://www.sizzix.com/product/1985 from my collection and paired them with some fabulous metallic card stock and sticky backed prismatic foils from the Grafix company - http://www.grafixarts.com/index.htm . I'm a huge fan of their products and they sent me some to experiment with. 

It's so very easy to make these "ornaments", which could also be used as tags for gifts, on the front of a holiday card or as place cards for your holiday table setting. I stamped on each one, using first a gold toned pigment ink and then white embossing powder. This gives the white a bit of a warm tone. These stamps are some of my own design, (available soon) but you can use any elegant stamp to recreate this look. These ornaments would be a wonderful way to display memories from past holidays by placing a picture in the frame instead of stamping a design. 

You'll notice I added a few crystals on top of the embossed design.

Here's a tip for placing the prismatic foil onto the base shape;

Start by peeling back 1/2" or so of the backing. Place the shape in it's proper position and press down the exposed section. Then, slowly and gently peel back the rest of the backing as you use your hand to press into place. No worries if you don't get exactly right the first time, it does lift off and can then be repositioned. None of mine are perfect...it simply proves it's handmade! 

I'll be back here in two weeks or so with another project idea for you to try. 

I hope your holidays are filled with love, laughter and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the meaningful part of this special time. 

 

More Scoreboard fun with Sizzix and Eileen Hull's dies

I'm participating in a blog hop to show off the many ways of using my friend Eileen Hull's new product line with Sizzix! It's called SCOREBOARDS ™ and they are a  ton of fun to use because of their versatility. This week's projects are created around her pocket notebook die. (Shown here, as the base piece.)This came in handy when designing my purse sized color reference minibook. 

Take a look-

 

  
 View this photo click here to download a full sized, printable jpeg file

I used the Sizzix/Eileen Hull's Scoreboard dies:

 Box with Flap die

Notebook Pocket die

Sizzix/Brenda Pinnick Album Cover and Page die

Brenda Pinnick Scrapper Keeper album (QVC.com) (now available only in the UK) papers and elements

I glued the smaller sized, Box with Flap onto the bigger Notebook die to create a place for stickynotes or other color reference. Here, I used a tag from my Scrapper Keeper kit and added some pretty ribbons.

I use these minibooks for color reference as I work. I build a color palette for each new collection of art and keep it filed with my print-offs, mock-ups, etc. You could use this for shopping, wardrobe building, crafting, designing...whatever you wish! 

I purchase paint fan books from different paint companies and cut them up to create my library of color swatches. I keep them sorted by color family, chroma and tints. It's so handy for experimenting with color and helps you get out of your color rut! (you know who you are...)  

Of course, I know you've already thought of a million more uses! So...get busy!

Learn more about Brenda PInnick Color U here.

Download November Color Palette series here.

Continue with the blog hop by following these fantastic people:

ennifer Ellefson
Candice Windham
Denise Clason
Ann Butler
Fabrizio Martellucci
Korie B
Barbara Matthiessen
Brenda Pinnick
Karen Burniston
Bonnie Bruns

Blog hopping...

Here's the free download I'm giving away, but you'll have to visit my other blog http://www.brendapinnick.com/blog/ to leave a comment to win one of my Greeting Card Kits seen and sold on QVC, and to see the instructions for making this project, (easy peasy, I promise!)

 View this photo (the project) just click to download a pre-designed jpeg project ready to print, cut and make.

Here's the finished project...

Enjoy!

This blog hop is with a bunch of talented artist friends (surface designers) who all license their art for use on products. There will be give-a-ways and some fun projects shown on each blog.

Can you believe the Holiday season is upon us already? I’m planning on really enjoying this year’s festivities and to take time each day to remember the true spirit of Christmas, to enjoy my family and live in the moment. I hope you do likewise.

This blog hop is different in that each artist is featured on a specific day: Be sure to check them all out, this is one talented and generous group of professional artists. I'm honored to be hanging out with them!

1.     Terri Conrad  http://www.terriconraddesigns.typepad.com/ (nov 14)

2.   me   http://www.brendapinnick.com/blog/ (nov 15) (my other blog, connected to my website)

3.   Tori Higa   http://www.torihiga.blogspot.com/ (nov 16)

4.   Joyce Shelton   http://www.joyceshelton.typepad.com/ (nov 17)

5.    Phyllis Dobbs  http://phyllisdobbs.info/ (nov 18)

6.    Cherish Fielder  http://somethingtocherish.com/archivepage (nov 19)

7.   Joy Hall   http://joyhall.typepad.com/ (nov 20)

8.  Barbara Johansen Newmanhttp://johansennewman.typepad.com/designrocket/ (nov 21)

9.    Sharyn Sowell  http://www.sharynsowellartblog.blogspot.com/ (nov 22)

Go visit the wonderful Tori Higa next!!!

menu table embellishment

I'm participating in a blog hop to show off the many ways of using my friend Eileen Hull's new product line with Sizzix! It's called SCOREBOARDS ™ and they are a  ton of fun to use because of their versatility. This week's projects are created around her check book cover die which, when I saw this, immediately my mind went in a million different directions.

I've recently discovered Plaid's chalk board paint and am having fun turning just about everything into a writable surface! My favorite is the red- there's just something so crisp and wonderful about red with white lettering!

I'm short on time lately due to the busy time of year, getting ready for the various trade shows so my goal was to design a project which is minimal in effort yet high in impact - I think this fits the bill ;

I painted the outside with Plaid's Chalkboard paint, red over orange board. It took two coats to get it the depth I wanted.

Assembly consisted of a simple yard's length of skinny ribbon, starting at the bottom and working my way up to the top, where I tied a bow on the inside of the menu. Start by threading the ribbon through the bottom holes and centering it. Create the x pattern on the outside or create a pattern of your choosing. Matboard accepts chalk pencil really well so if you don't wish to re-use your menus, you can just write on the board itself and skip the paint. I used a sharpened pastel pencil to write with, it works great! If you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year, this would be a good way to denote any food which was made to accommodate allergies or glutton intolerance. You could also use it to assign seats, sometimes a good strategy for a family get together! What if it were left blank on the inside, for your guests to write out what they are thankful for, then pass them around the table? Write their names on the cover and then they can take it home with them as a reminder.

You can follow this blog hop by visiting the following -

Eileen  Hull

Fabrizio Martellucci

Jennifer Ellefson

Ann Butler

Lorine Mason

Karen Burniston

Bonnie Bruns

Gabriela Delworth

Candice Windham

Paper fun with a message

http://www.whencreativityknocks.com/craft-and-hobby-episodes/for-the-love-of-paper/piperoids.html

I LOVE this! When Creativity Knocks, the growing and fun website of Ana Araujo and her daughter Megan, are interviewing and showing a fun and unique product they spotted at MakerFaire. 

I love the ingenuity of the Designer who made these little kits! Here is the direct website for a quick look. 

http://www.piperoids.com/piperoid/

Here is what they say about their new products: 

Cut, Fold, and Connect

PIPEROID is a paper craft robot designed and produced in Japan. The robot is made out of just paper pipes with pre-drilled holes and marks to cut, fold, and connect the pipes without the need of glue or tape. All you need is a pair of scissors, and with minimal assembly you can bring your own PIPEROID to life!   Expand Your Imagination When was the last time you made paper crafts that you can brag about? Many components of PIPEROID can either move or be swapped with other PIPEROID's body parts. Expand your imagination and make your own original PIPEROID! About the Designer Takashi Tsunoda With the motto "Teaching Values Through Handcrafts", Takashi Tsunoda designs toys that use your hands and stimulate your brains. His work, PIPEROID, aims to make people think about the world we live in through hand crafting. In our society full of pre-made goods, he wants us - especially adults - to think about being more responsible when developing products. Feel the deep message behind the cute designs he brings to the world.  -I really like it that you can swap out pieces and parts of the different kits to create your own unique robot. These are so much fun, I'm ordering some for my nephew who will love making these.  Be sure to watch the video of Ana and Megan as they cut and glue one of these little guys together.

http://www.piperoids.com/ - It's nice to see some paper crafting which will appeal to girls AND boys both!

What a fantastic Designer and his message is a wonderful one indeed! 

about a year ago...

a few weeks short of, actually...I took a trip to London and to Paris,  in that order. Paris was amazing! Even though it was cold, rainy  and off season, I enjoyed the holiday decorations, the company and the relaxation of it all. My trip was business, hosting my own show on QVC, which is always great fun but a bit intense. I took the bullet train down to Paris afterward and enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere that only Paris gives. While relaxing and exploring, I also had opportunity to just sit, be inspired and create.

Here is a little bit of mixed media I made, done at home, but inspired by my trip. 

I LOVE stitching on my pieces! And, adding in elements such as ribbon, lace, cut felt pieces and especially cut paper makes it so visually enticing. I love creating my own surface art to use in my mixed media pieces so that it maintains the "voice of the artist". 

I encourage you to design your own mixed media art and base it on a travel experience. The purple in this piece reflects the trend seen while in both London and Paris last year! EVERYWHERE- purple!!! 

...there's just something magical about Paris, no matter what the season!  Je ne sais quoi?

Terrorific Tuesday Finale!

It's the final week for this year's Terrorific Tuesday. Much thanks to Alexa Westerfield for host this- it's a lot of work! Enjoy!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2009

Terrorific Tuesday 2009 Week 4

Trick or Treat!
Frame and post it note holder dressed for Halloween

Costumed Kokeshi Dolls
Try out a Halloween idea for a traditional Japanese doll with Crafterella

Halloween Mask
Phyllis Dobbs created a fun and easy Halloween mask - great for adults and kids!

Fun Halloween Lanterns
Stephenie Hamen accessorizes plain paper lanterns with her paper punches.

Black Widow & Bloody Necklaces
Pattie Wack uses 3-D paint to create chokers that will creep out your party guests!

Tutu Cute Halloween Wreath
Vanessa creates an inspired wreath made of tulle!

Mad Scientist Party
Amy of Living Locurto shares a slew of fun ideas to host your own Mad Scientist Party.

Halloween Zombie Dolls
Crafty Chica shows how to add some zombie love to your decor!

Halloweenies!
Boopsie Daisy shares some of the wonderful Halloween dollies that she dreams up!

Crafty Chica's Ghost Story!
Kathy Cano-Murillo shares a haunted crafty tale!

Halloween Cone Witches
Make these cute little paper cone witches for Halloween!

Halloween Leftovers
Mel takes the leftovers from last week's project and makes a cool Goth choker!

Brenda Pinnick Halloween Owls
Seasonal Owls for Scaring or Delighting Trick or Treaters

The Impatient Crafter
Margot creates another spooktacular mixed media necklace with a bite.

Halloween Batty Windchime
Heidi Borchers creates a super cute windchime with personality!

Kitschy Kitschy BOO
Add some Halloween flair to your day with this cute kitschy bracelet and earring combo!

Simple Halloween Gift Tags
Studio Mama makes a strong impact with these quick and easy tags! 

Strands of Beads
Melissa once again gives some pretty flower beads a Gothic makeover with this simple earring design

Costume Fun
Sharron Westerfield shares her passion for costume-making and the joy it brings her grandchildren.

Return of the Birthday Zombie
Candace is cracking herself up with this ghoulish gift box idea

Doodle Pumpkin
Swelldesigner a.k.a. Alexa Westerfield shows you how to make a fun pumpkin on the fly!

More Owls!!!

Here's the link! http://brendapinnick.typepad.com/brenda_pinnick_news_ideas/2008/12/owl-pattern-freebie.html so  you can make your own festive owls for scarring or delighting  your trick or treaters or Thanksgiving guests!

You will be cutting two of the main owl shape and stitching or gluing the sides together. The back piece is simply folded in half vertically to create a "stand". You can use these owls as vase covers, too. I like the idea of some simple twigs or natural elements stuck in the vase. 

I used various papers from my many different kits sold via QVC over the last 3 years including Sucerie, Brenda Pinnick Signature, Initially Yours, Village Color. I encourage you to USE YOUR STASH! And if you need some color inspiration to get you going, dig into my Color U series and go at it! I've given some beautiful color palettes in my November series for you to craft with. If you are interested in scheduling a Color U workshop for your group, go here to take a look at the different offerings. http://www.brendapinnick.com/color-u/

If you appreciate my free patterns or techniques, I would appreciate you leaving a comment so I know you've stopped by and enjoyed what you found!

hugs, Brenda

Sizzix Project!

I've been playing around with Eileen Hull's  new Scoreboard Sizzix Dies and found a great combo project!

I've been making these little mini-books using my own Sizzix product, Die Number 656042-Album cover and page. The mini-books are perfect for creating portable color palettes to stick in  your purse or bag for quick and easy reference. Shopping for new items can be stressful, so having a small reference book can make matching or coordinating your projects or wardrobe easier. 

Here is what I used:

Sizzix #656137 Eileen Hull Box with Flap

 Sizzix #656235 Eileen Hull Notebook Pocket

 Sizzix #656042 Brenda Pinnick Album Cover and Page  ON SALE!!! WOW!!!

Brenda Pinnick Scrapper Keeper Album elements / QVC.com   ON SALE!!!! WOW!!! - read the reviews on this!

Download a jpeg of this project showing different views here-View this photo

Be sure to tune in tonight for Inspired at Home Blog Talk Radio with Tiffany Windsor! I'll be giving a short talk about color in  nature!

 

And tomorrow morning, 10:00 a.m est., Tiffany is hosting a very special LIVE program via FACEBOOK LIVE and I will also be guest on this very special show along with Eileen Hull!!! I'll be talking about color in nature again and will be showing some beautiful photographs from my walk down the road.

Please join us!!! 

And before I forget, here is this week's color palette from BrendaPinnickColorU- October week 4Download BP color U.v4

AND, if all that isn't enough to keep you off the streets and out of the pool halls -Be sure to check out WHEN CREATIVITY KNOCKS for this weeks Creative Journal and the latest episode! Fun stuff!!! I love Jenn Mason's suggestions for using up little bits and pieces of stuff! Very inspired, Jenn! Go here to see the very retro and oh so cool crochet project that Ana made by crocheting- it's halloween fun!