Day 2: School is Cool Blog Hop - I'm a student!

Welcome back, Bloggy Buddies!

I showed this on Thursday, did you see it?

It's Day 2 of the "School is Cool" Blog Hop and guess what?! For the past two days, I've been in school -- I've been taking a class to become a certified user/instructor in using Copic Markers. 

On Friday, I took the Beginner's Class and on Saturday, I took the Intermediate Level instruction.  The classes were offered in Lyndhurst, NJ which is about an hour and a half's drive for me, each way. So I stayed at the hotel (Courtyard Marriott) where the class was offered on Friday, and spent the evening playing/crafting. (Truth be told, I'm prescheduling this post, so this is all what I plan to do this weekend! More on the classes on Monday!!)

So in anticipation of taking lots of notes and meeting new friends who may be able to give me tips on Copics in the future, I created this cute notebook to keep my lessons organized:

I found the image and Copic logo doing Google searches. I created the cover art using the Adobe Illustrator program and printed it out on cover stock.  I then adhered it to a premade sketch (unlined) book.

Inside, I've bound in the synopsis for each class, information about the two instructors (Lori Craig and Colleen Schaan), and directions to the facility. I've also included the Copic Marker color chart that I made:

Feel free to "lift" this chart and use it to keep track of your own Copic Marker collection!

NOW, FOR BLOG CANDY!!

We are so excited to have Scrapbook Stamp Society sponsoring this hop!  Make sure you follow all instructions so you do not miss your chance  at any blog candy offered.  To complete your entry for the Scrapbook Stamp Society you have to comment on all the blogs; to gain extra entries, each blog you "follow" will give you an extra entry. 

AND I HAVE MY OWN SURPRISE BLOG CANDY!
It's coming from my stash of really neat stuff.
To win it, be a CardMonkey follower and leave a comment for me here. In the comment, tell me What was your favorite grade or subject in school, and why?  Also, please leave me a way to contact you when you win!!
 
Your next stop along the way is LIZ

 Here is the full line up in case you get lost:

1. Jearise www.lorbysworld.blogspot.com
2. Lissa Marie www.somanycrafts.com
3. Ellen www.cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com
4. Liz - http://tryin2craft.blogspot.com
5. Lisa http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/
6. Anita http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com
7. Cicily - http://pinkdalmationscrapper.blogspot.com/
8. Katina Martinez www.twochicsandacricut.blogspot.com
9. Pam - http://mzlavr2.blogspot.com/
10. Jessi http://mylifeinartsncrafts.blogspot.com/
11. Pam Lavertu http://mzlavr2.blogspot.com/
12. Paula McLane Jennings http://preciouspagesbypaula.blogspot.com

DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

A Homespun Affair August Challenge: Colors, and the idea of a box

One of the newer digital online magazines is "A Homespun Affair," which is published monthly. You can get a free subscription by following this LINK.  

In the August 2012 edition, you'll see that I was honored when my Independence Day card was chosen as winner of the July challenge!  

For this month's challenge, there's a color challenge (blue, red and taupe) as well as a challenge to re-imagine one of the projects shown by the AHA design team in the August issue. This project I designed to answer the color challenge. It's also a prelude to projects that I will feature this weekend on the "School is Cool" Blog Hop.

 

Here are some of the details on how I made this project:

This month's AHA magazine also features a unique twist on an explosion box design by Tiffany Simmons, which I do want to try. It served as inspiration for the "box" but I wanted the gable design for the roof. 

I found this cute house box pattern on Silhouette America, and used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the file.  It was VERY quick and easy as you can see in the top left photo here. One piece, with scored fold lines, makes it easy to assemble.  I then set about making the project my own, by changing up the one side (to make a door instead of all windows) and embellishing with cut pieces and paper.

Stop back on Saturday and Sunday to see more companion pieces to this cute box!

 

DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,