Burford Designs

SIStv Décor

Happy with your home décor?  Need a change or want it to look like what you see in magazines?  Don’t think you have the money for a home or even a room makeover?  Well, then this post is for you…

 

Here’s another wonderful class being offered by SIStv with three fabulous instructors (they were three of the lovely ladies who taught some of the homemade holiday class I took part in this past Christmas). 

 

It’s a six week course designed to use your craft supplies and things you may already have in your home.  It all begins on Monday, April 13^th for $29.95 (that’s less then five bucks a week…you know, the price of one large designer coffee or a foot long sub sandwich!)

 

This is what SIS wrote to describe the class: “Are you addicted to home decor magazines? Yeah, us too. But who has the budget for magazine worthy home decor? This 6 week course will use the supplies you most likely already own + a little bit of craftiness to style your home. Join us as we learn how to re-upholster and re-finish furniture, update items we already own, and create stylish storage spaces using our craft supplies!”

 

I’m not sure how many actual projects there will be, but if this is anything like the other classes I’ve taken then I would say it’s worth it because I’ve always gotten more bang for my buck with these very knowledgeable and generous gals.

Get Crafty

Just a quick note; all day long Johnny Cash’s song “Get Rhythm” has been stuck in my head because of this title. 

 

For those that don’t know her already, I would like to introduce to you to Elise.  She is a super talented scrapper, mini album maker, creator… just look at her little books.  Anyhoot, she is having a “Get Crafty” workshop beginning Monday, April 13th and it will run weekdays for two weeks.

 

Here’s just a little snippet from Elise’s blog to let you know what’s going on:

“Over two weeks, this class will explore techniques on how to build your projects from the ground up. We will break away from the traditional scrapbooking products and design our own paper and embellishments. Each weekday, there will be a "lecture", a project, an idea to try to that day and an idea to save for future use.  In addition, there will be photos, journaling prompts and anything else I come up with.”

 

Here’s the link to sign-up for the workshop.  And here’s one for the original info and one where Elise answers some questions.

 

Both graphics are courtesy of Elise

 

It looks like a lot of fun and if someone walks away with some inspiration and some great journals, books, scrapbook pages then all the better.

 

So if you are looking for some creative stimulation then this just might be the answer.

 

Have a great weekend!!!

SIStv Photo Editing Class

As part of my 2009 resolutions/ goals I listed learning more about photography, my camera and photo editing and I have been able to do this these past several months.  I also plan on pursuing this more throughout this year and love being helped along with magnificent classes that the ladies of SIStv host.  One that starts on Monday and runs through Friday is devoted to photo editing…Photo Editing 101

 

Here’s what is on the class page regarding the class content:

“Tell me more: You can have magazine worthy photos even without the use of a fancy camera. You really can! That perfect skin and colors that pop? Those really cool photos that look vintage? It's all in the editing of the pictures! This 5 day class is complete with screen capture video so that you can follow along as we navigate the basics of photo editing. The course includes lessons on brightness, contrast, sizing, black and white conversions and creating color washes with and without the use of actions. You'll learn to give your photos an extra pop with bright color washes, cross processing, textures and more! We'll even teach you a few airbrushing secrets, like how to slim certain areas or um, enhance certain areas. Plus, the class comes with a bonus cross processing action created just for you by Ulmer Studios!

Class begins Monday, March 30! Class access will be emailed to students 24 hours prior to the start of class. This class is suitable for Photoshop Elements and higher. If you do not currently have Photoshop, you can download a free trial to use for the class at www.adobe.com

*due to the virtual nature of this material, classes are non-refundable”

You also get a bonus with the class…a free “Old Rockstar” action.  Just to reiterate, the class runs from Monday, March 30^th to Friday, April 3^rd and costs $19.95.

Homestead Heritage

My cousin Stacy lives in Texas (Hey Stacy!). For the past several months she has taken classes at Homestead Heritage.  The main place is located in Elm Mott, Texas, just outside of Waco. They have a School of Woodworking and a School of Homesteading.

I wish that I was down there to take some of these classes, even though I do know some of the skills they are teaching, it sounds like it would be a great learning experience and I’ve always had a fascination with homesteading, pioneering, and the frontier.

Homestead Heritage writes that they offer “a complete curriculum for gardening, crafts, homesteading and other essential self-sustaining skills”.

This is also from their website:

“People in our urban, techno-industrial world, are, in increasing numbers, reaching back to rediscover essential craft and agrarian homesteading skills. This is more than a bid for a bit of the peace and calm we associate with the past. There is a profound purpose and sense of accomplishment in rediscovering and mastering these skills. There is a sense, too, that these skills and the associated way of life bring families together and replenish values and integrity as well as hone manual and intellectual skills. Those who have chosen to learn and participate in these essential skills also find that the discipline these skills require develops such character traits as patience, endurance, attentiveness and perseverance. As many of our pioneering forefathers discovered, when people regain the ground of personal responsibility, rejecting the claim that the “good life” means freedom from such responsibility, they taste the fruit of fulfillment and accomplishment.”

When I was a child, Mommy was intrigued (alright semi-obsessed) with the Apocalypse and having grown up during the Cold War (her during the Cuban Missile Crisis era, me in the lovely 1980’s) she had this almost maddening doomsday survival readiness.  We had a closet filled with military MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) and these cans of dehydrated peanut butter mix (just add water…yum) and a bunch of other such items (oh the stories I could tell…).  During this time (late 70’s early 80’s) my parents (and subsequently us kids) lived by these preparedness books Mommy had.  This of course gave us all skills that most people, especially nowadays, don’t have.  They canned and juiced items from the garden, we had a humongous dehydrator in the patio that was utilized every summer (also by the elderly couple who lived next door) and homemade wheat bread was made from freshly ground wheat; to this day Daddy still has and uses the grinder.

Even with some of these skills I already know, I’d love to be able to take some of the courses they offer.  Here’s a taste, see their website for more.

Gardening             Weaving                Kitchen Skills

Baking Bread         Cheese making      Soap Making

Beekeeping           Basketry               Blacksmithing

Looking over the site it looks like a lot of work and a lot of fun to be had by all.

Happy Wednesday!!

Save Rachel and Elsie

I make lists.  I have to do list, to purchase lists, to watch lists, etc.  I also keep a couple of calendars…a yearly one in my handbag (broken down by week) and a large dry erase one in my room (it has room for five weeks).  It relaxes my mind (because it’s ALWAYS zooming) to sit and write things down (thus the post yesterday). 

I enjoy the process of writing on my dry erase calendar when it needs to be updated.  I use different colors (that’s the creative side coming out) for different activities and due dates and some things are in my own shorthand or code.  I usually change the color of the dates and the name of the month to coincide with what I feel is a good color for said month.  So January is an icy blue, February can be pink or red, March green, etc.  Then certain things are always the same color – like bill due dates, work obligations, etc.

On my monthly calendar I put my bill due dates, swap send out dates, any appointments, vacation/non-work days, and lately I’ve been putting says that different online class info should be posted.  The calendar I carry around has the same info as well as my daily work schedule, if I am owed mileage, etc.  And the blog title if I posted one that day.

For both of these calendars I end up using my shorthand after the first couple of times (I have to get used to what I’m writing).  So for one of Teresa’s classes it may just read “bella” or be specific to the theme so right now it is written down as “cottage”.  So on a to do list I may have “save cottage” written down.

That’s what leads me to the title of this post.  I am taking the spring online class from the darling RVA girls Rachel and Elsie that I wrote about here and here, so for my initial shorthand I wrote “Save Rachel & Elsie”.  At first I didn’t think anything of it until I looked at my open calendar one day and thought what someone else might think if they saw that.  I laughed and decided to test the theory…I left that page (with only “Save Rachel & Elsie” written on the calendar page) open on my desk. 

It was a short while and one of my co-workers stopped by to chat and glanced down, didn’t say anything, we continued chatting and then she looked down again and asked “Who are Rachel and Elsie?” 

I chuckled and explained who they were, but left it at that (without going into the entire “save” part).

She then looked at me quizzically and questioned “and what do they need to be saved from?”

Of course, I’m also a smart aleck so I replied “from awesomeness”.

She walked away at that point but returned later in the day and asked what did they really need to be saved from…I joked that it was similar to the “Heroes” motto “Save the cheerleader; Save the world”.  Then I told her what was really going on… I’m not that mean.

(photo from the spring class sign - altered by moi)

I still have to take some photos of some of my completed projects (and possible some works in progress).  Hopefully I’ll be able to post them later today, if not, then I will show you all sometime soon.

Happy Wednesday!

SIStv classes and Event

Here’s the 4-1-1 on the other classes and happenings on SIStv…most text and all pictures courtesy of SIStv.

Sew Easy Aprons with Martha Bonneau $14.95

Features
In this 3 day class with Martha Bonneau you will learn how to make and embellish 3 different aprons. These are simple to make - no patterns are necessary! The end result looks anything but simple! Just like in Martha's scrapbook layouts, she uses layers of fabrics and trims when making her aprons. The class will feature videos which will introduce you to the tools necessary to complete the projects as well as tutorial videos and a Q/A session with the instructor. Martha will also share some of her favorite sources for fabrics and ideas on how to use your aprons when completed. Students will need to have access to a sewing machine but will only need to be familiar with a straight and zig-zag stitch to complete these projects so beginners are welcome! The class begins on Wednesday, March 11 runs through March 13. Class access and password will be emailed to students 48 hours prior to class (on or before March 9). Due to the virtual nature of this product, classes are non refundable.

How To Get Published: Information from Industry Insiders $19.95

Features
Do you ever flip through scrapbook magazines and wonder how they get all those incredible pages? Well the answer is, they get them from scrapbookers like you! If you've ever wanted to see your pages in print then we have the ultimate class for you. How To Get Published is a comprehensive guide pulled together by scrapbook industry experts. In it, you'll receive instructions on how to submit your pages to magazines, inside information on what editors are looking for, tips on creating magazine-worthy pages and more! Plus, we've included helpful hints on applying for design teams, writing submission emails, and insider secrets that will make the entire process easy and fun!

Together, the class instructors (Corinne Delis, Jen Jockish and Bernadette Henderson) have had hundreds of pages published in top scrapbooking magazines such as Creating Keepsakes, BHG Scrapbooks Etc., Legacy, Entre' Artists, and more! They've also worked with major manufacturer design teams such as American Crafts, Sassafras and Scrap In Style Tv to name a few.

This class is presented in an e-format. You will receive 5 separate email lessons from the How To Get Published class in your inbox. You can approach lessons at your own pace and there is only one piece of homework: applying what you learned! The class is broken up into 5 segments that will address every aspect of scrapbooking publication and design teams! At the end of the class, you'll be equipped to submit your pages with confidence!

Due to popular demand, this is a re-release of a previous class. No login necessary, your lessons will be emailed to you within 24 hours of purchase!

*due to the virtual nature of this material, classes are non-refundable

There are also a bunch of “Print at Home Classes” which usually consist of the pdf’s from the classes, well after the class has happened and some of them are 50% off the regular price.

And doesn’t this sound like a great time…

SISters, you're in for the time of your life! What would you say if I told you there was a where place you could go to crop, shop, eat, learn, get inspired, hang with your friends, and laugh until your sides hurt? Well, here I am saying it! Scrap In Style Live: SISiversary 2009 is just around the corner, and I guarantee you don't want to miss this weekend! Three days guaranteed to be filled with nothing but good times and great memories all for a budget friendly price.

Event dates are June 26-28, 2009. Registration is $175.

The Scrap In Style LIVE event is set up a la carte style so that you can create an experience that caters to your artistic tastes. Rather than being committed to several workshops, you can pick and choose which workshops appeal to you. This way you only pay for the workshops that you want and it gives you control over your total event cost. We worked hard to keep our workshops affordable, ranging in price from $10 to $25 so that if you choose, you can take every workshop offered for under $200.

Workshops will take place on Friday, June 26 so that you can complete your classes without missing any of the event!

Workshops will be available for purchase beginning on Monday, March 16. Workshop descriptions will be available soon!

SIStv also offers an “All Access” pass (under online classes in the sidebar) for the month at a discounted rate.  Here’s the logo for that.

 

Happy Creating!

SIStv

Scrap In Style tv (SIStv) just completed a three day online workshop titled “A Stitch In Time: Sewing 101 with Jo-Anne te Raa”.  As I’ve written (too many times to link to) I really enjoy their classes (and workshops and kits) and am thrilled to be a part of all the fun they think up.  There are so many talented ladies there and I have learned a lot with each class I take.  In reference to yesterday’s post, the classes I’ve taken with SIStv are actually ones where I have the most completed projects or I have used their techniques (a lot).

Photo courtesy of  SIStv

This was the description of the Sewing 101 class:

“A Stitch In Time: Sewing 101 with Jo-Anne te Raa - cost $14.95

Features
Do you glance longingly at your sewing machine and think to yourself "Self, I wish I could sew on my scrapbook layouts"? Does the thought of sewing a chipboard book or attaching a transparency with stitches get your heart all a flutter? Was the last time you embroidered in home economics class and would you love to stretch your creativity into other areas of crafting?

Well then this fun little class is for you!

With machining tips, cute ideas and some fun little projects we are going to get that machine of yours out of its dusty corner and learn a satin stitch from split stitch. Each day of the three day workshop you will learn the technical information you need to complete the day's creative project. Plus, you'll be able to chat with your instructor, have access to a special pattern and more! (Okay, we give. You'll learn to journal with your sewing machine. How cool is that?)”

And here’s their little caveat: “due to the virtual nature of this product classes are non-refundable.”

I’ll so a little research and let you all know about the other classes and happenings a little later today.

Happy Monday!

Cottage Bella

Teresa has another great class set up to begin on Monday, March 9^th, no worries there is still plenty of time to sign up here (just click the “click here to enter” sign the girl is holding then click on the ezines button at the top of the screen).

 

This class is set to have twelve cottage, shabby, and just plain springy projects to celebrate the season.  I know that it will be a lot of fun to see what she comes up with.  I’m looking forward to this class because I do love spring and I need some inspiration right about now…especially with the recent storm that layered several new inches of snow just today.

 

Leave it to Teresa to put a different twist on this class…in most of the online classes I have taken with Teresa, she has had anywhere from one to I believe three guest designers (some very talented ladies!!!)…well, this time she is holding a contest for a new guest designer.  Anyone who has signed up for the class can try out to be the guest designer.  Teresa writes “Subscribers can submit to a cottage, shabby style mixed media project to share in The Cottage Bella E-Zine! It's your chance to shine! I know how much talent is out there, and inside you, and I'd love to feature it! Entries must be submitted by March 19, 2009.”

 

How cool is that?

 

I’m not sure if I’m going to try for that or not simply because I don’t have a project in mind.  If I do think of something I’ll be sure to share.

Wilna (he)ART Class

My fourteen day class with Wilna from SIStv just ended (okay it ended on Valentine’s Day but I’ve been saving the information and watching the videos before the online classroom closed down so, for me, it JUST ended).

I have now taken three classes with SIStv one I wrote about here and the other was posted here.  I really enjoy their classes and highly recommend checking out their site (and signing up for some classes if you are so inclined).  Wilna is an awesome teacher and I love how she walks us through (a lot of) steps with her videos (along with the AWESOME background music).  She’s helped me progress with my Photoshop skills and got me into really trying watercolor.  Thanks Wilna!

Her class was entitled (he)ART and although it was set to happen around Valentine’s Day it wasn’t meant to only be for that time of year.  Here’s what was written for the class description:

 “This class is not only for Valentine's Day but an expression of love for any month or day to those who you hold dear to your heart: whether it be a husband, boyfriend, a child, a best friend or a parent.”

They are also starting up their Webisode Wednesdays so I can’t wait for that...March 9^th.  Check them out!

Rachel and Elsie’s Spring Class

The super cute duo of Rachel and Elsie from RedVelvetArt are combining their fabulously adorable crafting talents this season for an online spring class. 

 

For those not familiar with their work I’ve included links to each of their individual blogs above and one for their combined blog.  There's also the online shop here.  (For vintage goodies check out Rach's etsy store Pony Party.)

 

At the beginning of February they also opened up a new store at 200 E Commercial St in

Springfield

,

Missouri

and Elsie has shared some pictures on her blog here (her recent posts have been filled with pics from the shop, new items, and the grand opening party).  It really looks like one of her drawings and or paintings have come to life.

 

We’re already two projects and one chat into the class (there are about thirty projects planned to run over eight weeks).  I’ve been so busy that I haven’t started any projects nor have I gathered my supplies yet.  I did find my felt so that I can make Baby Boy some gifts but then I cleaned again and moved it to another room…I have to stop doing that, LOL.  The first projects (and a few others) require felt.  I’m also on the lookout for some lace doilies, old tablecloths, etc. I was looking for these before but they are also a part of this class so that puts me more on the hunt for them...hopefully I'll be able to find some soon.

 

I took an online class from Elsie this past Christmas and it was a ton of fun with loads of inspiration.  I love that Elsie takes and shows lots of pictures so I have high hopes for this one too.  Here are a few of projects that they are showing aside from the online class.  Of course all photos are courtesy of Elsie.

 

 

Holy Cute! is right.