Tuesday, February 1, 2011

home SWEET home...Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 1...

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Oh my goodness, 2011 is already in its second month and the year is off to a busy start. Today is the first of three sneaky peeks for Release Week at Taylored Expressions and I have a really fun project to share today. The TE Store will be carrying these darling acrylic die-cut frames, and I used one to showcase the soon-to-be released set, Cozy Cottages. This set is part of the TE Giving Tree program, with a portion of each sale of this set going to a favorite charity of mine, Habitat for Humanity! For the months of February, March and April, TE will donate $7 to Habitat for Humanity for each Cozy Cottages stamp set sold. Please note that the Giving Tree sets are the only TE sets that come in sheet form and will require trimming -- this makes for a larger amount to be donated to charity. Visit http://www.habitat.org/ for more information on this incredible organization.

the acrylic frame creates a "shadowbox" effect, allowing for multiple layers
a view without the acrylic frame
I was actually in need of a hostess gift for my mom-in-law, who just had us to stay for a visit. Her house always feels like "home" to us, so I created this little scene. Do you see the picket fence, the clouds, and the whimsical tree? -- ALL three are new Taylored Dies! It was hard to choose from among all the adorable houses in the set, but I finally settled on this pretty little farmhouse cottage, which I put on a bluff overlooking the sea. My mom-in-law loves birdhouses, so I included it, too, complete with sweet songbird. I applied some green flock to the hillside and some gravel that I had saved from our old backyard in Minnesota. All the elements were paper-pieced, and I think the sentiment was the perfect touch. The acrylic frame is wonderful, because it protects all the delicate pieces inside a crystal clear frame.

BEAN NOTES
  • Stamps: Cozy Cottages (Taylored Expressions)
  • Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko); Soft Suede Classic Dye (Stampin' Up!)
  • Patterned Paper: Peek-a-Boo (October Afternoon)
  • Cardstock: Textured (American Crafts); Soft Suede (SU!)
  • Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)
  • Fibers: Hawaiian Shores Saddle Stitch (PTI)
  • Tools: Dotted Wave Border Punch (EK Success)
  • Alterable: Acrylic Shadowbox House Large Frame (Darcie's)
HAPPY BEANS
  • Dies: Picket Fence, Whimsy Tree, and Cloud Duo Taylored Dies (TE)
  • Other: Gravel (my old backyard!)



Last month, Taylor debuted the Tiny Chefs line of items that are perfect for the kiddos. This month, she has a terrifically fun coloring book, which my little rugrat got to play with. He is three, and agreed to let me photograph him in exchange for a chocolate bribe! He had fun getting to to color in the "shoe house" and this is a great way to let the wee ones in on all the creative fun. The images match the adorable ones found on TE stamps, and we both had a great time. Here are a few shots of my guy in action:

I hope enjoyed my project today. Don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen for more sneaks into the new products debuting this week from Taylored Expressions! Hope you have a cozy day.



16 comments:

Ann Schach said...

This is just adorable. You are just so creative! The gravel is the perfect touch! I wish I had 1/10th of your talent! And the coloring book is a fab product! How cool!

Patti MacLeith said...

Looks like anohter artist in the family! Very adorable card, Regina.

Sankari W. said...

First of all, your little one is ADORABLE! I love his sweet smile and love the pic of him coloring!! AWWWWW!!! SOOO sweet!!! And secondly - Regina - you BLOW me away!! Gravel?? Who knew gravel could look SO good!!! Seriously?! I am still shaking my head in awe!!! You SO rock and your creation is simply awesome! SUch amazing details and so much love poured into it!!! You are amazing girl!
Big hugs,
Sankari :)

Taylor said...

This is beautiful, Regina! I can't believe all the special touches you added to this frame... the gravel drive!? Amazing! And John is simply adorable with his coloring page! He looks so proud...what a sweetie!

Unknown said...

Aww.. John is just adorable and I'm sure he liked the chocolate bribe! Your project is just over the top amazing and the whole frame is just perfection!! Love it!!

Donna Baker said...

what a cutie he is! LOVE your house acrylic frame with gravel walkway - genius!

Jodi Collins said...

He is SO gorgeous Regina!!! He looks so proud and his page is awesome!! Your frame is spectacular and I ADORE the gravel pathway!! STUNNING!!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Just gorgeous, Regina! What a fabulous little house frame! And your little guy is too cute! How sweet!

Jami said...

The little scene you created is just PERFECT! I love the flocking on the hills! Your MIL will love this!

Unknown said...

Simply love your design. The 3-D effect is awesome. Your little guy is a cutie. Looks like he had lots of fun. TYFS

Karen Giron said...

You son is adorable! What a fantastic job on his project, so cute! Your house is amazing! I love that you used gravel - seriously, gravel! So clever!!

Rose said...

Your MIL is going to love your gift, how thoughtful and adorable! You saved Minnesota gravel, hum and I thought I was a hoarder. Your son is adorable, an artist in training. Love it all.

Carla said...

Regina your little guy is so handsome. I'm gonna be able to say "I knew him when"... he has your talent lady! Your gift for your mil is totally amazing... the gravel is so awesome. I love that acrylic frame, you are always thinking outside the box. Hugs,

Jackie Pedro said...

Look at your little man!! He is DARLING, Regina!! And your frame? Thud......worthy......

Danielle L. said...

The scene you created in your house frame is AMAZING! Love all of the detail! And your tiny chefs are too cute!

Karen Motz said...

Your little guy is absolutely adorable and that frame...AH-mazing!!!!