THANK YOU: Veterans Day + Giveaway

 

 

Today I wanted to take a minute and thank all veterans and their families who have served their country, especially my husband for his 22 years of service in the United States Air Force.

 

 

 

In honor of veterans everywhere, I am giving away a prize each day this week! You will have from 5:00 a.m. Eastern USA time until 11:59 p.m. Eastern USA time each day this week to answer a question in the comments below to be eligible to win. The question you need to answer will be at the end of each day's blog post.

 

 

Today's prize is an EK Success Large Tag Punch!

 




Click HERE to learn more about this punch!

 

 

 Layout Week

In other news, last week was Layout Week over on my USTREAM channel, so I thought I would post the photos of the layouts we created. We made one creepy Halloween layouts and one happy Halloween layout.

For the first layout, I used photos from the Asbury Park Zombie Walk that Zandra from Scraps to Beauty shared with me. I followed the sketch pretty closely.

For the next layout, I actually turned the sketch on its side and used it that way. This is a good way to stretch your favorite sketches and get multiple layouts from one sketch.

 

 

Both layouts were inspired by the same sketch:

 

This sketch is from Sassy Lil' Sketches: http://sassylilsketches.blogspot.com/p/sketches.html




Creepy

This layout uses My Mind's Eye "Happy Haunting" - click here to purchase: http://amzn.to/198ouYU

Love these glittered, layered stickers from My Mind's Eye - available here: http://amzn.to/198oTe0

These fancy brads make a great addition to a page: http://amzn.to/198p9tu

 

 

 

Happy Halloween!

Totally different look - just rotate 90 degrees!

These stickers came in the collection pack (http://amzn.to/198ouYU).
They look great "hanging" from the decorative brads (http://amzn.to/198p9tu)!

I used repeated circles floating up the side of the layout to soften all the sharp edges and add a festive air to the page!

Repeating the date helps reinforce the Halloween theme.

 

Giveaway

To be eligible to win the EK Success Large Tag Punch, answer the following question in the comments below before 11:59 p.m. Eastern USA time TONIGHT.

What is your favorite event, holiday or season to scrapbook?

 

 

Thanks for stopping by, and I'll see you tomorrow with another fun post and giveaway!

 

Kathryn :D

NEW VIDEO: "Bundled Up" Mini Album

I am super excited today because I have finished the instructional videos and manual for the Christmas Kit Class! That means that today I get to play around with pretty paper on USTREAM knowing that all my work is done - yay!

Click HERE to purchase the Christmas Album Class Kit - treat yourself to a class you can take in your PJs!

This self-paced Christmas Album Class + supply kit contains everything you need to make the exact same album as I did (aside from adhesives and basic tools). Included in the kit are my written instruction manual, private instructional videos and all the supplies!

The manual includes a supply list, step-by-step instructions and color photos illustrating the steps needed to complete the album. On the videos, you will see me follow the steps in the manual to construct and decorate my book.

Click HERE to purchase the Christmas Album Class Kit - you deserve to relax before te hustle and bustle of the holidays!

I uploaded a video with the finished album over on my YouTube channel. You can watch the video below or click the link to watch it over on YouTube.

Click HERE to watch on YouTube.

Today is Thursday, which means it's USTREAM day! Today we'll be making Halloween layouts during class on my USTREAM channel today from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA and then again from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time, so print out your Halloween photos, grab supplies and join me!

Click HERE for my USTREAM Channel

Click HERE to convert Eastern USA time to your time zone.

Kathryn :D

P.S. I am turning over a new leaf regarding social media, and created a new Facebook page to hold all my crafty stuff. Check it out here: Kathryn's NEW Facebook.

Zombies!

Happy Halloween!

As you probably already know, I love a good zombie movie. That's why I was so excited when my friend Zandra from Scraps to Beauty sent me photos from her visit to the Asbury Park Zombie Walk.

Click HERE to visit Zandra's website.

Here are a couple of the pictures she sent me from the day:

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep, and her sheep has lost his head!

The only thing creepier than this zombie girl would be a faceless version!

Click HERE for more pictures, or to read more about the Zombie Walk.

Even thought it is Halloween, we still have a class on my USTREAM channel today (and every Thursday) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA and then again from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time.

 

 

Click HERE for my USTREAM Channel

 

Click HERE to convert Eastern USA time to your time zone.

Today we'll be finishing the Steampunk Spells version of the Treasured Memories Album Trunk. That will give you the perfect place to store all your zombie photos from tonight!

Click HERE to purchase the Treasured Memories Album Manual.

The Treasured Memories Album Trunk holds TWO mini albums and can easily manage 48 or more 4"x6" photos. The manual sample was done with the Mother Goose collection from Graphic 45, and the USTREAM sample is being done with the Steampunk Spells collection by Graphic 45.

 

The full supply list for this project is included in the manual. Classes began on USTREAM on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern USA time.

Kathryn :D

P.S. I am turning over a new leaf regarding social media, and created a new Facebook page to hold all my crafty stuff. Check it out here: Kathryn's NEW Facebook.

Suggestion Box: Project Requests

 

 

I recently had a problem with my blog sidebar going all crazy and I had to delete it to get it to stop. I've been trying to rebuild it and one of the things I'm missing is my "Project Request List" where I'd been compiling your suggestions for what you'd like to see more of.

 

 

 

 

The winter CHA show is right around the corner and I'm starting to work on my schedule for 2014. I'd love to know what kind of projects you're dying to see here on my blog, on my YouTube channel or as USTREAM or other classes!

 

If there's something specific you've been hoping for from me, please let me know in the comments below. I'll try to get as many of them as possible on the calendar for next year so we have lots of fun and interesting projects to be excited about.

 

 

Kathryn :D

Cool Tool: WRMK Power Punch

 

 

I've been on the hunt for a 1/4" punch that capable of cleanly punching through extra heavy chipboard with minimal hand strength. I have an old hand injury that makes it difficult for me to perform a squeezing motion with any real degree of power.

 

My preferred eyelets are 3/16" in diameter, so they require a 1/4" hole. I have a few 1/4" hole punches, but I still hadn't found exactly what I wanted.

 

 

First, I found and really liked the 7 Gypsies Binderie.

 

 

 

The major drawback to the Binderie is that your can only punch on the edge of an album, and the edge has to be straight. That limits the number of projects it can be used on, since it won't work for shaped albums or binder-style albums.

 

 

Second, I found and really liked the EK Success 1/4" Heavy Duty Punch. 

 

 

Click HERE for more details on the Martha Stewart Heavy Duty Hole Punch.

 

Sure, it wasn't the comfiest thing in my hand but it got the job done. It was easy to see the hole, and line up the punch where I wanted it. On top of that, I loved that the chipboard didn't get stuck in the hole (like it does in my WRMK Crop-A-Dile).

 

Unfortunately, the punch has a major drawback that keeps it from being the most perfect 1/4" heavy duty punch. It has a really short reach into the page - shorter than even a standard office hole punch.

 

 

After mentioning on my USTREAM show that I'd prefer a longer handle, Melissa Robertson messaged me on Facebook about the We R Memory Keepers Power Punch.

 

Click HERE for more details on the We R Memory Keeper's Power Punch.

 

The WRMK Power Punch has a 2" reach, which is awesome! That makes it very handy for my projects. The reason I didn't initially purchase this punch is that it has a black plastic confetti catcher that blocks the view of the hole.

 

Melissa pointed out that the black plastic confetti catcher is easy to remove, so I grabbed the punch and she's right! Just open the plastic lid like you're going to empty the confetti. Then pull straight up on the plastic lid and the whole confetti catcher will just slide right out of the punch handle! You can see right where you need to punch.

 

 

What's a cool tool you've been loving lately? Is there a tool that you'd like my opinion of? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Kathryn :D

USTREAM TODAY: Steampunk Spells Chest

We have a class on my USTREAM channel today (and every Thursday) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA and then again from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time.

All classes and their recordings are available on my USTREAM channel!


Click HERE for my USTREAM Channel
 

Click HERE to convert Eastern USA time to your time zone.


Today we'll be continuing on with the Steampunk Spells version of the Treasured Memories Album Trunk.


Click HERE to purchase the Treasured Memories Album Manual.


The Treasured Memories Album Trunk holds TWO mini albums and can easily manage 48 or more 4"x6" photos. The manual sample was done with the Mother Goose collection from Graphic 45, and the USTREAM sample is being done with the Steampunk Spells collection by Graphic 45.
 

The full supply list for this project is included in the manual. Classes began on USTREAM on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern USA time.


Kathryn :D

P.S. I am turning over a new leaf regarding social media, and created a new Facebook page to hold all my crafty stuff. Check it out here: Kathryn's NEW Facebook.

NEW VIDEO: Steampunk Photo Shoot Behind the Scenes

First of all, a HUGE thank you to everyone who attended the Epic Paper Arts launch party - you made it such a fun evening and a tremendous success! So many of you commented on how well I looked both on the website and during the launch. I thought it would be fun to give you a little peek at how much work went into that whole look.

 

No Such Thing as Beauty Rest

 

On the morning of the photo shoot, I had to get up at 5:00 a.m. after going to bed well after midnight to get started on my day. My sister Liz (PR Maven/Unpaid Intern/Sadistic Task-Master) had scheduled my hair appointment for 7:30 a.m. Why? Because she is evil.

So we grabbed a quick coffee and some food at La Madeleine and headed over to Dry Bar in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Hair

My hair was styled by Kathy from Dry Bar in Bethesda, Maryland. Dry Bar specializes in blow-outs and up-dos, so it was perfect for our photo shoot. My sister and I are both really bad at doing hair, so it was a good choice for us to go to the professionals.

Bonus points to Dry Bar for having umbrellas handy to protect my hair. It had already started raining by the time we finished, and they kept me nice and dry.

Click HERE for more information on Dry Bar.

The Body Art

The next stop after hair was Michelle Heffner's place. Michelle is a Maryland Body Artist who gave me a wicked cool steampunk corset collar and embellished eye make-up for the photo shoot.

Michelle also did the awesome robot face paint you saw during the launch, as well as my amazing cyborg watch arm which you did not get to see (but I have pics below).

Click HERE for more information about the body artist.

The Photo Shoot

After we finished the body art, I got dressed (hooray for corsets) and then just as we were opening the door to get in the car, the sky opened and Tropical Storm Karen pummeled us with rain. So much for our outdoor photo shoot at beautiful Glenview Mansion in Rockville, MD.

Instead we headed over to the studio to see what we could do there.

You guys haven't had a chance to see this costume yet, although it is what I'm wearing for the head shots on the Epic Paper Arts website. I love this saucy little skirt, and I'll probably be sporting it during one of the parties at the Steampunk Soiree.

The Aftermath

We did finally get to shoot outside. It was still raining but just not as bad. By the time we got to the mansion I was looking a little bit like a wet kitten, but we did our best and got some lovely shots (like the one at the top of this page).

One thing we did learn was that the beautiful corset paint on the neck could not hold up to Tropical Storms and "glowing" caused by studio lights. That's why we chose a more elaborate face design and no neck paint for the launch itself. :)

The Video

Liz and I took video all day, which you can watch below or over on YouTube: Behind the Scenes. 

 

 

 

The Event

For more information about Steampunk Soiree 2014, or to join us on this epic adventure, please visit us on our website!

Click HERE to visit Epic Paper Arts.
 

  

 

 

Thank You!

 

Thank you again to everyone who participated in making the Epic Paper Arts launch party such a success - you're all AMAZING! I can't wait to see you all at Steampunk Soiree 2014 - it's going to be epic!

 

Kathryn :D

USTREAM TODAY: Steampunk Spells Chest

Okay, things have been kind of crazy around here the last week or so, but now we're back to our regular schedule!

We have a class on my USTREAM channel every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA and then again from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time.

All classes and their recordings are over on my USTREAM channel:
Click HERE for my USTREAM Channel
 

To convert Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: Time Zone Converter.


Today we'll be continuing on with the Steampunk Spells version of the Treasured Memories Album Trunk.
Click HERE to purchase the Treasured Memories Album Manual.


The Treasured Memories Album Trunk holds TWO mini albums and can easily manage 48 or more 4"x6" photos. The manual sample was done with the Mother Goose collection from Graphic 45, and the USTREAM sample is being done with the Steampunk Spells collection by Graphic 45.
 

The full supply list for this project is included in the manual. Classes began on USTREAM on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern USA time.


I'll be back soon with another post - the sheep have been up to some more tricks + I went to IKEA yesterday and got something CUTE!

 

Kathryn :D

P.S. I am turning over a new leaf regarding social media, and created a new Facebook page to hold all my crafty stuff. Check it out here: Kathryn's NEW Facebook.

EPA Presents: Steampunk Soiree 2014!

First of all, a HUGE thank you to everyone who attended the Epic Paper Arts launch party - you made it such a fun evening and a tremendous success! We're thrilled so many of you have already decided to join us on this epic adventure.

 

 

Epic Paper Arts

 

Last Thursday, I had the honor and pleasure of hosting the launch of a new event and retreat company: Epic Paper Arts.

 

Epic Paper Arts is dedicated to bringing you the highest quality retreats, classes and events celebrating paper crafting and memory keeping. We'll be partnering with the finest artists and educators, hosting at luxurious venues in world class cities and introducing creative products from innovative manufacturers to guide you on an epic adventure in memory keeping. Join us for our debut event: Steampunk Soiree promises to be a legendary weekend of artful crafting, community and lots, and lots of cake!

 

 

To see a recording of the epic launch party, click here or watch the video below: EPA Launch Party.

 

 

Here's a screenshot of the broadcast from ArteDar (Darlene Mariano) - thanks, Dar!

 

 

 

 

Steampunk Soiree

Join three amazing designers on a remarkable adventure from July 31, 2014 through August 3, 2014. Steampunk Soiree is three nights, three days and one epic adventure!

 

 

 

 

In this luxury event, Epic Paper Arts will ensure your every need is fulfilled. Join us at the Hyatt Dulles from 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2014 through 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2014. Generous crop space, gorgeous facilities and premium classes await you.

 

When you join Epic Paper Arts on an adventure, you can expect to pampered with:

Three nights in a premium hotel suite

Complimentary ground transportation to the hotel from Washington International Airport Dulles
Welcome reception Thursday with dessert bar
Steampunk cake designed by Charm City Cakes
Saturday night ice cream sundae bar
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon
24-hour beverage bar (water, iced tea and Pepsi products)
Three premium classes with VIP instructors
3'x6' of personal cropping space
24-hour cropping
Die-cutting station and computer+printer for journaling and titles
On-site scrapbook boutique
Steampunk costume party
Steampunk fashion show with cash prizes for best costumes
Body artist to add drama to your Steampunk costume
Photo booth
Complimentary Internet access in both your suite and the crop space
Access to a massage therapist (additional fee applies)
Commemorative apron
Swag bag

 

 

Meet the Instructors

Four classes are included in your ticket price from three premium designers and instructors. You will enjoy one class taught by all three of our instructors, as well as one break out session with each instructor. All your supplies are included - you just need to pack your tool bag!

 

 

 

Known as the "Paper Phenomenon" for her amazing projects and innovative paper-crafting techniques, Kathy Orta Files is a published author, experienced educator and creative inspiration. A love for paper crafting and home décor started her on a journey of creating unique scrapbooks and paper crafts that can be enjoyed in homes as decorative accents. With years of experience in the paper-crafting field, Kathy has created many 3-D projects, home décor pieces, custom mini albums and more than 100 educational classes.

Kathy has designed for Cricut, by Provo Craft, for shows and TV events, for Tim Holtz's various show booths at CHA, Annie's Online Classes and now Epic Paper Arts.

You can see Kathy's work on her website: Paper Phenomenon.

 

 

 

Full of Southern charm, Jim Hankins is truly a Gentleman Crafter!  He dazzles and entertains weekly on his live Takeout Tuesday web classes. Known for creating intricate 3-D art projects and his use of innovative mixed media techniques, Jim has designed projects for Graphic 45 and for Tim Holtz and Dyan Reaveley of Ranger Industries.

An avid blogger, YouTube instructor and educator at large, Jim loves traveling the country, teaching classes online and in person and reaching out to fellow crafters to share his love of techniques and album construction.

You can see Jim's work on his website: The Gentleman Crafter.

 

 

 

A professional scrapbooker, mixed media paper artist and brilliant educator, Kathryn Krieger creates unique works of art and practical tutorials to inspire paper crafters and memory keepers. Known for her fun and entertaining teaching style, her educational videos have been viewed millions of times by crafters all over the world.

Kathryn utilizes the resources of the Internet and modern technology to bring crafters together online for community building and education. She hosts regular live web broadcasts and maintains a lively message board where crafters can connect with each other and share their works of art.

You can see Kathryn's work on her website: Kathryn Scraps.

 

 

Registration

 

Ready to pack your bag and come to Steampunk Soiree 2014? Click here to visit our website and sign up for the event: Register.

 

There are two types of tickets available, and each type of ticket has two payment options.

 

 

Double Occupancy

 

Share a room with a friend from home, or make a new one! This price includes all amenities, classes, meals and lodging. After check-out, you'll be directed to a registration page where you can specify your roommate, if desired. If you will be unaccompanied, you will be assigned a roommate by the event coordinator. These rooms are likely to sell out fast, due to limited availability at the Hyatt.

 

Reserve your double occupancy room today with a single payment of $995.00, or with seven easy payments of just $143.00* a month. These prices are per attendee.

 

 

Single Occupancy

 

Relax at the end of a day of crafting and chatting in the comfort and quiet of your own room! This price includes all amenities, classes, meals and lodging. Select this option if you'd like to bring a husband or other family member to enjoy the Washington, DC area while you craft the day away.

 

Reserve your single occupancy room today with a single payment of $1195.00, or with seven easy payments of just $171.00* a month.

 

 

Thank You!

 

Thank you again to everyone who participated in making the Epic Paper Arts launch party such a success - you're all AMAZING! I can't wait to see you all at Steampunk Soiree 2014 - it's going to be epic!

 

Kathryn :D

 

*This price includes a small convenience charge.

Epic Paper Arts Launch Party Tonight!

 

 

 

 

Today is the BIG DAY! YAY!!! I know you guys are just as excited about the launch party as we are. Just a few more hours to wait and find out the BIG NEWS. :)

 

 

Launch Party

You're invited to join Kathy Orta Files, Jim Hankins and me on YouTube LIVE at 9:00 p.m. Eastern USA time TONIGHT for the launch of something truly epic:

Epic Paper Arts Launch Party.

 

This broadcast replaces my usual Thursday night Scrap Chat. Euro Chat is cancelled this week so you gals and guys overseas can take naps to rest up for the big reveal. :)

I will be your host for the evening, and you'll see me on camera in a way you've NEVER seen me before! I promise you will love everything we have in store for you, but to sweeten the deal there will also be some truly fabulous prizes.

 

So, please bookmark the event link and mark your calendars. You won't want to miss an exciting evening of news, chatting and prizes. :)  To convert 9:00 p.m. Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

 

For more details leading up to this event, please visit me on Facebook: Kathryn's Facebook.

 

 

You Tube Live

I have gotten some questions on how YouTube Live works.

 

YouTube Live is a video streaming platform that enables me to broadcast live in the same type of window as a pre-recorded YouTube video. The controls will be the same as you are used to from watching videos, and you will be able to leave comments as long as you have a YouTube or Google account.

 

Once the broadcast is over, the recording will be available on my YouTube Channel for you to watch again, should you desire.

 

For those of you who are familiar with my USTREAM shows, there are some key differences.

 

 

DVR

While the broadcast on YouTube Live is ongoing, you will be able to pause and rewind as you would a TV show with your cable company's DVR. This will ensure that you don't miss anything if you need to take a brief break. However, bear in mind that you will no longer be watching the broadcast live should you exercise this function so comments being made and questions being asked may be out of context for you.

 

 

Quality Control

With YouTube Live, you control the quality of the stream you receive. If you are having trouble watching the video seamlessly at the 1080p broadcast level, you can choose to select a lower quality (such as 720p) to eliminate issue like starting, stopping and buffering.

 

 

Comments

YouTube Live communication is done in a comments section, similar to social media sites like Facebook and Google+. These comments can be set to auto-update so you can keep up with what is going on during the broadcast. You can also "pop out" the comments section by right-clicking the "View All Comments" link at the top of the comment box and opening them in a new window.

 

 

Recording

This broadcast will be recorded and it will publish to my YouTube channel. I encourage you to attend live so you don't miss out on a minute of the fun, but the event will be there for you to enjoy again after we go off the air.

 

 

 Thanks so much for playing along with us this week on YouTube, our blogs and Facebook! I have been having a ball reading all your comments and guesses. You guys are geniuses!

 

 

See you TONIGHT!

 

Kathryn :D