Helmar Creative Team

Welcome Baby!

Here's a card that I made for my friend that had a baby :) I used Helmar Adhesives' Quick-Fix Adhesive Runner, V2 Vellum Spray Adhesive and Liquid Scrap Dots, Dream Street Papers, World Win Papers Cardstock and Stampendous Stamps and Glitter. I am not a card maker and squirm at the thought of making a card - EEEK! So, I searched my good friend Robyn Weatherspoon's blog and found a great sketch along with a gorgeous card that she made here :) She is my card making hero!

Techniques:

After I stamped the flowers and cut them out I sprayed them with V2 Vellum Spray Adhesive, waited 5 minutes and smothered with Stampendous fine glitter. They look like candy coated flowers! Then I used Helmar's Liquid Scrap Dots to pop 2 of them up.

Scrap On!

Becky Teichmiller, Helmar USA Design Team Member

Christmas Countdown Sampler

I love GoodWill. You never know what you'll find or what will jump off the shelf just wanting to be altered.

Take this mini cutting board for example:

  It was just sitting on the shelf at Good Will just begging someone to take it home and give it a new life. And being such the caring soul that I am, I did just that.

First, I painted the entire board, French Blue (acrylic paint) and painted the 'trim' a white. I cut paper, from a book called Artsy Collage that I've had forever, to fit the front of the board.

I applied white liquid applique (sprinkled a little irrdescent ice embossing powder over it) to the tree and then heated it with the heat tool to puff it up. Stickles was added to the snowpeoples hat, coat trim. The "Let it Snow" paper, the snowpeople, tree, holly and mitten all come from the book and are attached to the paper with Helmar's Liquid Scrap Dots.

I dug through my misc supplies and found some counter samples that I had picked up at Lowes/Home Depot. I painted them with White Acrylic paint (both sides), used Spellbinders' Large Classic Inverted Scalloped Square on some of the paper from the snow section of the Artsy Collage book and attached them to the painted counter top samples with Helmar's Craft Glue.

For the numbers, I used DWVC The Christmas Stack, glued a piece onto a fruit snack box as i wanted 'chipboard' like numbers. Using a alphabet cuttlebug die set, I cutout the numbers and attached them using Helmar Premium Craft glue. The numbers are on both sides of the counter samples. Red Stickles was added to the holly berries.

I made a 3-D bow with some Christmas ribbon I had gotten on clearance after this past Christmas at Joanns. The button is one i've had around for a long time. All were attched with Helmar's Premium Craft Glue.

I found some nails and pounded them into the board for the count down numbers to hang on. And now the little brown cutting board that was sitting at Good Will now has a new life as a Christmas Countdown Calendar.

supply list:

Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots Helmar Premium Craft Glue Artsy Collage paper black cardstock

liquid applique stickles Inverted Scalloped Square Nestabilities ribbon button acrylic paint alphabet cuttlebug dies counter top samples

Amber Hillman, Helmar USA Desgin Team Member

Bits and Pieces

I admit it.  I am guilty.  Despite my best efforts to control the bits and pieces of leftover paper and embellishments from my projects, I have a hard time throwing away my scraps.  So lately, in an effort to shrink the mountain of scraps, I've been reaching into my "pile of potential" to begin my projects.  This set of projects began with two partial sheets of Dream Street paper I had originally cut into for a previous scrapbook page.

Since I originally only needed a strip of the green grid paper, I was careful to leave the large flower piece for another use.  I decided it would make a great enhancement for a plain white gift bag.  With the addition of a stripe of my leftover dotted paper, a scrap of green cardstock, and my favorite Helmar Premium Craft Glue, I had my base.  I created my flower embellishment using the "Bold Blossoms" set from Stampendous (cutting the smaller flowers from the same large stamped image) , "Moss Green" ink from Clearsnap, and my Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots.

I finished up the gift bag, was in a creative mood, and still had some paper left, so I made up a quick card using the same materials.  

Since I didn't have to put away my supplies and then get out new ones, I saved quite a bit of time.  I added a sentiment to my card using the same Clearsnap ink and another stamp from Stampendous.  The card stays closed by tucking the green cardstock stripe under the flower stamp attached using Liquid Scrap Dots.

Since I was on a roll and had a tiny bit of both time and paper left, I whipped up a quick bookmark for my daughter.  I added some spare bits of ribbon, also from the "pile of potential".

Note: The button brads on all three projects were a last-minute addition.  Since I didn't want to remove the stamped flowers to add the brads, I snipped off the brad prongs and attached the button fronts using Helmar Gemstone Glue.  It dries clear, so I didn't have to worry about it showing through the button holes.  Worked like a charm!

The next time you finish a project, see the potential in what is left over.  It's quick, easy, and economical!

Carla Schauer, Helmar USA Design Team

Helmar + Stampendous put you on the VIP Guest List!

My mom (who could give Martha Stewart a good run for her money) always arrives at gatherings with hostess gift in hand.  I believe it is a dying tradition that needs to be revived! I know I have always appreciated a small bouquet of fresh flowers or bottle of wine when I am hosting a dinner or party, and if someone brings a handmade item, well, they are on my preferred guest list forever!

 

Something handmade is always impressive, and you do not have to be a craft diva to create these fun dish towels for your fave hostess!  I wrap my dish towel around the neck of a bottle of wine for a fun presentation.

For my towels, I used the Stampendous “Wild Blossoms” set.  I applied rhinestones randomly using Helmar Gemstone Glue (this glue is washable, so is perfect for dish towels and other kitchen linens).

 

With Christmas coming up, a holiday themed set of dish towels sprinkled with rhinestones would be a great gift for a hostess or even an office gift exchange!

 

Supplies:

Flour sack dish towels from Wal-Mart, Target, etc. (come in a pack of 4 for a couple of bucks)

Fabric Paint

Rhinestones in varying sizes

Helmar Washable Gemstone Glue

Stampendous Perfectly Clear Stamps

 

This idea can be expanded for your own dinner table, make your own personalized dinner napkins, napkin holders and place cards.  It is a lot less expensive and a lot more “green” to use cloth napkins – personalizing them with a stamp and rhinestones – it’s so easy to be elegant!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Send handmade greetings today...

 

Send a greeting card to someone special.  In this high tech world, we communicate through e-mails, instant messaging and text messages.  Although these forms of communication are all great way to stay connected, a card is still an affordable way to communicate too!  I check my mail six days a week and find it a treat when I receive a card, letter and/or a package in the mail to be a special treat!  Take some time today; make a handmade greeting card for someone special.  Let them know you are thinking of them.

 

  

 

Supplies:

Helmar Acid Free Glue

Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots

Stampendous! Four Flower Squares Set (SSC171)

Ink – Memories

Jewels – K&Company

Paper & Envelope – DMD Paper Reflections

Ribbons by Offray, Memories & Michaels

 

Designer Instructions:

 

1.      For this card, I used a plain pre-folded card and envelope that was ready to embellish.

2.      Stamp the card using the Stampendous! Four Flowers Squares Set.

3.      Staple a piece of ribbon on the card, right below your stamped images.

4.      Stamp another piece of cardstock with a flower square and flowers.  Cut out these designs and color with markers. 

5.      For added dimension, adhere the square to the card using Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots. As for the flowers, place a jewel in the center of the flower and adhere to the card using Helmar Acid Free Glue.

6.      Allow the card to dry and send to a friend. 

 

Tish Treadaway, Helmar USA Design Team Member

There is a slight chill in the air

Do you feel it?  Fall is coming!  I love Fall - cooler weather, pumpkins, apple cider, football games, corn mazes.  There is so much to do and see in Autumn so take lots of pictures and document those memories!

I think that the perfect paper collection you could use for fall layouts and projects is the Sam collection by Dream Street Papers.  So cute!  Love the richness of the oranges and blues with just the right amount of browns. 

For me, of course, a layout wouldn't be complete without grabbing my Liquid Scrap Dots.  How can I scrap without it?  You can see on this layout I used the Liquid Scrap Dots to pop up the trees and give it dimension.  Have I mentioned before how much I love dimension? 

Enjoy the change in weather, get out there and take some photos!  And then scrap them!

Laura Achilles

Helmar USA Design Team

One layout, four preferred partners products...

Recently, some of my friends wanted to participate in a layout swap.  I was thrilled with the idea of having a special book that we all create together.  I didn’t have enough papers of any one particular product line to create ten identical layouts to swap.  My solution was to use one layout sketch and use my favorite product lines that I had in my stash.  With this in mind, I used Helmar Adhesives on all of my layouts.  I used pattern papers from a few of Helmar’s sponsors:  Cosmo Cricket, Dream Street Papers LLC., Pink Paislee and Scribble Scrabble.   

 

Materials:

Helmar Acid Free Glue

Helmar Quick-Fix Adhesive Runner

Cosmo Cricket Pattern Papers

Cosmo Cricket Chipboard

Dream Street Papers LLC. Amy Teets Designs

Pink Paislee Mistletoe and Co.

Scribble Scrabble Indigo Pattern Paper Collection

Scribble Scrabble Indigo ‘chippers’

Prima - Flowers

Ribbons – Making Memories

Ink – ColorBox

 

Cosmo Cricket Pattern Papers

Cosmo Cricket Chipboard

 

Dream Street Papers LLC. Amy Teets Designs

 

  Pink Paislee Mistletoe and Co.

 

Scribble Scrabble Indigo Pattern Paper Collection

Scribble Scrabble Indigo ‘chippers’

 

Designer Instructions:

1.      Sketch out a layout for your text, title and photo.

2.      Cut pattern papers to 8” x 8” or size determined by the swap group.

3.      Layout all of your pattern papers, chipboard, ink pads and ribbons.

4.      Print up all your text, titles and photos for your layouts.

5.      Then put your layouts together in an assembly line format.

6.      Swap your layouts with others and place in an album of your choice.

 

I hope this inspires you to participate in a swap with family and friends.  Get everyone involved on this project.  People do not have to be scrapbookers to jump in on this project.  Set the guidelines up front:  text, photo requirements and layout size.  It’s very important to set a date to exchange your layouts, to keep everyone on task.  This will be a book to treasure by all who participate!

 

Tish Treadaway, Helmar USA Design Team Member

 

For the little "Princess" in your life

Looking for a quick, easy project to add some fun and whimsy to your little "Princess's" room? How about making this great door hanger?

This is such an easy project, but it looks like you spent hours on it. All you need to complete this project is:

- Helmar Craft Glue Premium

- Helmar Gemstone Glue

- Helmar V2 Vellum Spray Adhesive

- Helmar Liquid Scrapdots

- Helmar Fray Stoppa

- Helmar Glue Spreader or some kind of thin application tool (like an old gift card)

- one 6x6 canvas panel from your local art supply store

- patterned paper of your choice. I used DreamStreet Papers "Lullabye" collection

- a set of Chipboard letters. I used "Foil trimmed alpha's" from Cloud 9.

- one large chipboard heart shape. I used Magistical Memories heart shaped album.

- one small chipboard crown by Maya Road 

- SIlver Glitter. I used the "Pixie Stix" by Pink Paislee in Silverberry

- 2 heart shaped brads and some red flocking. I used "Fun Flock" by Stampendous in Berry Pink 

- 1 heart shaped gemstone

- 1 yard of ribbon

- Glimmer Mist in Bubblegum Pink

- Stickles, because let's be honest, nothing is complete without Stickles ;)

Spray your canvas with the glimmer mist. Give it several coats to get good coverage. Cut a square of your patterned paper 5x5 inches. Apply the Helmar Premium glue to the paper with your spreader, then quickly adhere it to your canvas.

Cover the chipboard heart with a coordinating paper using the same method. Let it dry completely then outline the heart with stickles. Let those dry.

Attach your Princess's name with the chipboard letters using Helmar Craft Glue.

Spray your crown shape with the V2 Vellum Adhesive, then cover generously with the silver glitter. Use a clear acrylic stamping block to put some pressure on the glitter. Let dry. Attach your heart shaped gem using Helmar Gemstone Glue.

Attach the crown to the canvas using Helmar Liquid Scrapdots.

Cover your heart shaped brads with Helmar Premium Craft glue. then quickly cover with your fun flock. Set aside to dry.

Punch 4 holes in your canvas. 2 at the top to insert your ribbon for hanging, and 2 for inserting your flock covered brads. I placed my brads in the bottom left and upper right corners for balance.

Insert your ribbon through the holes, then tie off in a double knot. Cut the excess ribbon off, then use Helmar Fray Stoppa on the edges to prevent it from unravelling.

That's it! You're done. I completed this project in about an hour, including drying time. My daughter was so excited to come home from school and find a special craft handmade just for her.

Until next time,

Marci :)

V2 Vellum Adhesive.....don't let the name fool you - you need this product!

This product does so much more and is so easy to use! Besides vellum, this adhesive can be used on ribbon, acetate (think overlays!) and even cardstock.

No longer do you have to struggle trying to find a creative way to attach your clear embellishments or hide the points of adhesion.  A few quick sprays from the V2 Vellum Adhesive across the back of your embellishment, cardstock or specialty paper gives you complete coverage and dries completely clear.

I am not the only one touting the benefits of this product. The editors at Creating Keepsakes included the V2 Vellum Adhesive and the 450 Quick Dry Adhesive as 2 of the best adhesives in the October 2009 Top Ten issue (see Tracy's post here)!

I created the layout below about my 20 year smoking habit (I quit 4 1/2 years ago - YAY ME!) using both of these products.  I used the V2 Vellum Adhesive to attach my clear overlay, and the 450 Quick Dry  to attach my flower center which I made by stringing seed beads onto a piece of wire and twirling.  I like the 450 Quick Dry for this type of embellishment as it grips the piece right away and really does dry fast - so I am not standing over my layout for an hour, waiting for it to stick in the correct position!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Shelly K. Hein-Simmons

I've been framed!!!!

One of my favorite projects to alter is picture frames. I'm a frame junkie, I'll admit it. It's one of those things that you can never have too many of, and besides that they make excellent gifts for just about everyone.

I love the Canvas type frames the best, I always use the Maple Lane Press frames from EK Success. I have a drawer literally FULL of them.

I wanted to share this one with you because its one of my favorites. Thank you to DreamStreet Papers for this beautiful "Secret Garden" collection.

As always, I used only Helmar products to complete my project - Helmar Craft Glue Premium and Helmar Liquid Scrapdots. If I ONLY had those 2 adhesives for the rest of my life I'd get by just fine. ;)

other products used: Maya Road Velvet Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Glitz Crystals, Stickles and "Family" cardstock tag by Crafty Secrets.

Until next time,

Marci ;)