blog | - Part 24

Here’s the Deal With $1 Wednesdays

3 Comments / Digital Scrapbooking, Jessica Sprague / carina

So many of you know of and buy my digital products on JessicaSprague.com’s $1 Wednesdays. Some of you may be questioning the releases this week, and I thought I ought to offer an explanation. (Deep breath) So here it is:

This week, the new releases are items that have been released for $1 in the past. Why the re-do on the $1 kits? Because we have decided as a store that no new kits should be released on Wednesdays and that kits have to be at least 8 weeks old to hit the $1 Wednesday. However, I feel very committed to you folks who go out of your way to buy my new releases on Mondays. That’s part of the reason I put everything up for sale (25% off) on the day of the release and that’s also why I don’t release items on $1 Wednesday unless the product is AT LEAST 6 months old.

So if my Wednesdays look a little familiar for the next couple of months (or why I choose not to release anything at all), you’ll know why. Instead, I will choose to inundate you with fabulous digi products every Monday for 25% off! Oh ya, and we are starting a whole new round of Hybrid Projects for $1 on Fridays, so you can be looking for that!

And if you are wondering if these photos have anything to do with digital. I can tell you that indeed, they do not. This happened to be my project of the day (finally hanging some artwork in my bedroom). I even did a tiny sketch of a peony to add to the set. Now if only I could get around to sewing curtains…

Don’t forget to comment on the Love Nest post at a chance to win a little fabric!

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Love Nest Giveaway!

146 Comments / Fabric, Giveaways / carina

Well, these gorgeous bolts have been arriving at my house for the last couple of weeks, and I finally have a bit of time to sew! Hooray! To jump off all this sewing fun, I’m giving away a Love Nest™ fat quarter set. All 12 luscious fabrics mailed right to you…how’s that for fun? Leave me a comment in this post to get entered into the drawing. Winner will be announced in a week on January 17th.

Happy Sewing!

Carina

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Our New Year’s Eve

2 Comments / Family / carina

Josh had a work trip in Moab last week so the girls and I followed him down there for a little holiday. We were planning on sunny, warm weather—a get-away from the cold of Salt Lake. Unfortunately for us, a storm blew into Utah, and it was just as cold in Moab as Salt Lake. So it may not have been warmer, but it was certainly snowier.

Despite the storm, we decided to brave a snowy Arches National Park. It was worth it! I don’t know if I can say the same about our trip up to Dead Horse Point. I’m deathly afraid of heights, and seeing my 6’6″ husband holding my 3 year-old while looking over a cliff put ME over the edge!

While Josh worked, the girls and I spent all our time lounging in our room and playing in the hotel swimming pool. When you are 6-years-old, you can make friends with just about anybody in a swimming pool. I wonder what happens to us as adults?

This was probably one of the quietest New Year Eves we’ve ever had…and maybe one of the happiest. Our little family snuggled into a warm hotel on a fun little adventure.

I hope you had a wonderful start to your year too and that 2011 is a happy one!

XOXO-Carina

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The 2010 Carina Gardner Blog Summary

CRAFTS, Digital Scrapbooking, Fabric, Jessica Sprague, Scrapbooking, Sewing / carina

2010 zipped by, didn’t it? Looking back, it was such a big year for me: a little first grader, a brand new preschooler, my first fabric line, getting comfy in our new home…it was a fun year and to celebrate, here are some of my favorite blog moments from 2010. Enjoy!

1 – Iron-on graphics on T-shirts for Siri’s Birthday Party favors

2 – How to Create a Layout From a Quick Page or Album in Digital Scrapbooking. My first freebie video tutorial!

3 – I still love and use these cute canister labels!

4 – It was the Designer Blog Hop with a super fun free digital scrapbooking download for International Scrapbooking Day!

5 – My Chinese New Year Party revisited!

6 – My first free pattern download – the Felicity Fabric Flower

7 – My first Quilt Market! Back to Minneapolis!

8 – Sew Important – My mom gives my daughter a lesson in sewing.

9 – CHA in Chicago along with fun at Spraguefest! A boat tour of the city, sewing fun, and a trip to Navy Pier I’ll never forget!

10 – The first CG Newsletter is released! Eye candy for all!

11 – Download for the Halloween Banner for my paper line Haunted™. I’ve been asked if that piano is just for display, but the answer is “no.” I actually play that thing!

12 – My first downloadable quilt pattern using Coquette™. A great beginner quilt!

13 – My move to Jessica Sprague.com. A new Desktop Calendar Class, Hybrid Project Fridays and One Dollar Wednesdays!

14 – A quick ballet bag using Love Nest™.

15 – A Partridge Pattern

16 – A Merry Christmas to You!

The 2010 Carina Gardner Blog Summary Read More »

New Illustrator Class Preview Video!

3 Comments / Illustrator, Jessica Sprague / carina

Happy Holidays! XO-Carina

New Illustrator Class Preview Video! Read More »

Merry Christmas

8 Comments / Digital Scrapbooking, Holiday Projects, Illustrator, Jessica Sprague / carina

This photo didn’t make it into the Dec- Jan newsletter, but I was looking through my hard drive to see what photos I had wisely put on it before my computer crashed a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully, I’m really only missing 6 months of photos. Unfortunately, (you know what I’m going to say scrappers!) I lost 6 months of photos. Ah well.

Enough of that sad tale, I dropped into my blog to say I haven’t forgotten about you…I’ve just got so many lovely things happening that are very secret right now and I have to keep myself from spilling! Some things you already know: an Illustrator class coming out in a month (images of the projects should be up in a couple of weeks), Love Nest™ has been slowly arriving at my house waiting to be quilted (4 bolts and counting!), and a new quilt freshly drawn up (I’ll have it up for download during the month of January-think flags!). Oh, and so many other wonderful things…

In the meantime, I am trying to get into the Christmas spirit (give me a couple more days when all the present shopping is completely finished), drink a little hot chocolate, and cuddle with my girls in front the “The Grinch.” Just hoping I can keep from becoming one myself this year.

Happy Holidays! Carina

(Advent calendar made from Santa’s Sleigh digital kits).

Merry Christmas Read More »

New Intermediate Illustrator Class!

Illustrator, Jessica Sprague / carina

I know some of you are sighing, “Finally!” Yes, it’s taken me a year to get around to putting together Illustrator 201. As always, I was concerned with what would help you the most, inspire you the most, and bring you the most practical knowledge at this level.

So what’s in this class? A little for the paper and digi designer, a little for the fabric designer, and a little for the graphic designer…yes, I did a lot of squeezing to make it all happen but I promise not to disappoint!

Lesson 1 is all about technical work with gradients, meshes, and drop shadows. We create a small brochure to help you see how to put it all together. Lesson 2 is all about the pathfinder tool (we work with logos), which will be essential to Lesson 3 and 4…creating patterns in Illustrator!

Want to see the entire course? Check it out here.

This course (and all my courses) are currently on sale and will go live on January 10, 2011. It is current 20% off during December for the JessicaSprague.com site-wide sale (normal price $150, sale price $120).

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Partridge Bird Pattern – Free Download

2 Comments / CRAFTS, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Sewing / carina

As promised, here is my cute partridge birdie pattern. I’ve got these little darlings sprinkled all over my Christmas tree this year, but I see a future for these birds in other rooms in my house. And not just in felt. Oh no. These birdies will be perfectly pretty in fabric…

Pattern and instructions can be downloaded below! Happy sewing!

XOXO-Carina

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It’s Beginning to Feel Alot Like Christmas

CRAFTS, Digital Scrapbooking, Holiday Projects, Scrapbooking / carina

It’s not even Thanksgiving… and my house and studio are buzzing with all sorts of Christmas fun. We are getting ready for our 4th quarter newsletter, which should be out sometime next week. We might even have a wicked little goodie for you…so be sure and sign up so that you can get access to the newsletter the moment it goes out.

Want to see what kind of fun you are missing out on? Check out our first issue (3rd quarter) here.

Also wanted to be sure and mention One Dollar Wednesday and Hybrid Project Friday at my digital scrapbooking shop. To be totally fair with everyone, you’ll notice that I release only new products on One Dollar Wednesday and New Release Monday. That way, if you buy it on Monday, you won’t suddenly see it on One Dollar Wednesday (ya, that would suck).

There is a 6-12 month lag period on all my products ever hitting a $1 day (and many will never hit the $1 day). So to help you all out, I’ve instituted 25% off on all my new releases on Mondays for the rest of, well, forever. You’ll see this start in January (you’ll want to check out the site-wide sale in December at Jessica Sprague).

As for my new releases in December, can we say Christmas please? I have a new line (featured in this week’s Hybrid Project 4), Santa’s Sleigh that will hit next week.

Now, to buckle down and finish a few projects before Thanksgiving weekend…

XOXO-Carina

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Reversible Ballet Bag Tutorial

6 Comments / Fabric, Family, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Tutorials / carina

I woke up this morning and ached for a bit of sewing. Just a little. I just wanted a quick little project that would brighten my two little girls’ day. Here’s what I came up with:

Using the samples I have from Love Nest™ (due out Jan 2011), I made both Siri and Flissa a reversible ballet bag. It was ever so easy and would also make the perfect church handbag, travel bag, goodie bag,… (you get the idea).

You don’t need much fabric (remember, all I have are tiny samples). It does help to have two fun coordinating fabrics so that you can flip the bag inside out for a little change-a-roo.

When I say “simple” I really mean it. You basically need 4 pieces of fabric (a piece for the outside, a piece for the inside, and two straps). My girls love it and I loved getting in a little project this morning.

Here are my little notes if you want to make this bag with a few extra pieces of fabric you have lying around your house:

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Here’s a picture of the birdie-brown bag reversed out (the blue flower calico print) and a peek into Flissa’s heart-circle baggie.

I think I counted 10 straight lines to sew to make this bag. In the words of Ina, “How easy was that?”

XOXO-Carina

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Gobble Gobble

Digital Scrapbooking, Holiday Projects / carina

Lots of little pumpkins at my house for this little place card that I plan on making for my little family’s Thanksgiving. He’s perfectly pumpkin-ie, isn’t he? He also goes up for sale as Hybrid Project 3: Turkey Placecard at Jessica Sprague for just $1 on Friday. He’s perfectly good way to add a little “gobble” to your Thanksgiving table!

And if you haven’t had a chance, make sure you check on my digital store on Mondays (new releases) and Wednesdays ($1 day!). Today you can grab an 18 paper pack and my lovely Border set from Daisy Jane for just $1. It’s a great deal that comes around only once on my products so be sure and check it out!

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A Chicken Thing

Family / carina

I’m so sad that the weather has turned. There isn’t going to be many days left to chase the neighbor’s chickens around. Well, I should re-phrase—for my children plus cousin to chase the chickens around.

I don’t dare pick them up.

But as this shining photo shows, Siri isn’t the least bit afraid. In fact, cousin Caroline and Siri have a wonderful time torturing these poor chickens that they have named things like “Old Angel”, “Sweet Tart”, and “Mrs. Tarts”. They let the chickens out for recess and then catch them again and put them back in the “school”. Charming, huh? (just not for the chickens).

Ahh, to be young again and have that kind of amazing imagination.

Well, there won’t be much more chicken chasing, but I am excited for the holidays to be here! I broke open the hot chocolate for the first time tonight.

I can’t tell what those poor chickens are thinking? Maybe I’d rather be chicken stew? Or why is this kid hugging me?

A Chicken Thing Read More »

A Quick Hello

2 Comments / Family / carina

Just taking a quick moment to say, “hello.” We’ve been busily switching around rooms in the house and I’ve been finishing up some great new projects (still hush-hush, I”m afraid. I’ll be sure and let you in on the news the moment I can!).

In the midst of the chaos, Josh and I managed a night out to watch Real Salt Lake play in the conference semi-finals. We bought tickets from scallopers and ended up in the supporter section. Don’t know what the supporter section is? Well, let me tell you, it’s quite the treat. Drums, crepe paper, trumpets, flags, half-naked cheerers and balloons. Josh was in heaven, and I admit that the constant cheering was contagious.

I’m going to let you in on my favorite secret pleasure: I spent most of the game scoping out the food situation. I may have made several trips to the concessions that had me toting back chicken tacos, churros, brats, root beer, icees… I’ll stop there. Ya, I know. Foodie. Total foodie.

One last thing before I get back to work: Stop by the Fat Quarterly Magazine’s blog when you get a chance to check out the interview I did for them a week ago.

Cheers! Carina

A Quick Hello Read More »

Digital Products at Jessica Sprague.com

2 Comments / Digital Scrapbooking, Jessica Sprague / carina

Today is the debut of three happy, little things. All good things come in three right? The first is the move of all my digital products to JessicaSprague.com. Yippee! You can now grab my classes and products all at one place. Easy peasy, don’t you think?

Speaking of classes, today there is a sneak peek of my Desktop Calendar Class. I’m so excited to finally announce this class since I have been working on it in hushed tones for the past several weeks! More on this class to come! Registration begins on November 8th.

Finally, it is Coquette™’s debut to digital scrapbooking today. Yes, that’s right! That lovely fabric line can now be purchased as digital paper and embellishments.

To make things even more fun, all of my November releases on Monday will be 25% off at Jessica Sprague (Hmmm, should I have said there were four, happy little things?). I think you’ll also like my new Hybrid Project Series that will begin this coming week on Fridays (Okay, make that 5 happy, little things!). The projects go on sale for only $1 on the Friday of their release. Check out my sneak peek above. Oh ya, and it comes with a png pillowbox template so you can make it with any paper you want (although the Coquette™ pillowboxes in the photo are also included as flattened jpgs).

Happy scrapping! XO-Carina

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Coquette Quilt-Free Pattern

3 Comments / Fabric, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Tutorials / carina

It’s taken me a little longer than I wanted it to, but here it is! Instructions for putting together the Coquette™ Quilt. It’s meant for the beginner to intermediate quilter. I love this quilt because it is very forgiving for us newbie quilters. None of the seams line up and all of the blocks are nice and big.

The final patchwork is very pretty and sweet without being pink. Not that there won’t be a lot of pink in the future….

I have to admit that this is the first big quilt I’ve made. I desperately have been wanting to make a queen-sized quilt for my own bed and have been waiting for Coquette™ to come along.

What a little flirt of a quilt! The two of us snuggle very happily now as I watch Glee or Project Runway (I’m so excited about tomorrow’s finale!)

Of course, you can mix and match fabrics (especially if you are having trouble finding Coquette™ at a local quilt shop near you). It’s a very easy patchwork with fairly large blocks.

Download the instructions for this quilt below. I hope you have as much fun with it as I did!

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Love Nest Samples

6 Comments / Fabric, Family / carina

It’s happy day when fabric arrives at my door. Today it was samples from my Love Nest™ Collection for Northcott™, which should hit quilting shops in January. You may recognize this collection from it’s Scrapbooking Glitter Pad debut at Hobby Lobby a year ago. Siri and I went through the samples trying to decide which would be for quilts, pillows, and outfits. It certainly gets me even more excited about the sewing patterns that we are developing right now (due out next spring!).

Siri and I are also figuring out fun ways to use up the scraps of Coquette™ hanging around. She’s been begging for Barbie dresses, but I like this alternative better. We got this with the kid’s meal at Burger King. I seem to remember having something like this when I was a little girl. The best part is just cutting out the square fabric swatches and letting her mix and match to her heart’s content.

BTW, if you missed the mailing for my first newsletter, just click on the newsletter here. Be sure and sign up for the newsletter here to get any future issues (BTW, this one has a digital scrapbooking freebie download! Check it out).

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Coquette Gag Reel

4 Comments / Fabric / carina

Here are some silly moments from the Coquette™ Photoshoot. Enjoy!

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Haunted Giveaway Announced and Freebie!

Digital Scrapbooking, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Giveaways / carina

I’m hopping on tonight to announce that the winner of the Haunted™ paper set is: #24 Amber Robbins. Email me at info@carinagardner.com, and I’ll send off that set! Congrats!

Two more things before I turn in for the night. First, Good Things Utah covered my Halloween line (Click on the picture on the right). Amber Packer has some awesome ideas when it comes to working with the line! Check them out on her blog here.

The second thing is that if you sign up for the newsletter, we are adding a digital scrapbooking freebie to the first issue (which will be sent out this weekend). Be sure and sign up for it here so you can get your free copy of my Little Princess Digi Kit. If you have never digi scrapbooked before, this is a great way to see the kinds of files and goodies you get in a kit. I’m also pretty partial to this kit because of my two little princesses.

I can’t tell you how excited I am about the newsletter. It’s almost done and my cup runneth over with happiness about how cute it is!

Haunted Giveaway Announced and Freebie! Read More »

Coquette Crazy

32 Comments / Fabric, Giveaways / carina

If you saw my studio, you’d know exactly what I mean. There is fabric everywhere! This morning I had a meeting with photographer Susan Haglund as we mapped out the photoshoot this weekend. Lot’s of stuff a-cookin’. This is my quick stop into my blog to say, “hello!” and let you know about a couple of things.

1- First, it’s the beginning of October and I have one more paper pack (and brads and stamps and vinyl) of Haunted™ in my studio. It’s up for grabs, just leave a comment in this post, and I’ll announce the winner next Monday.

2-We’re hyping up in the studio for our brand-spankin’-new quarterly newsletter. This isn’t your typical newsletter…I promise it won’t disappoint! Our very first one will be coming out in a couple of weeks with lots of eye candy. I’ll be sure to announce new classes coming up, new designs, and show you what we have been up to in the studio. Be sure and sign up!

3-You’ll notice that there is a new navigation bar up top! That’s because we have simplified the website in the hopes that you can find anything your heart desires very quickly. Be sure and refresh you blog page to make sure you get the most up-to-date links.

4-I’m anxiously waiting for my Coquette quilt to come back this weekend…I’ll keep you posted!

Hugs-Carina

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Haunted Paper in Action

1 Comment / Holiday Projects, My Minds Eye, Scrapbooking, Stuff I Love / carina

My neighbor Tausha does these incredible gift shows and she used my Haunted™ Paper Collection when putting together her goodies. It’s so cute, and I was totally inspired. If you are in Salt Lake, you can check out her booth at the Jenny Gochnur Autumn Art Show (At the Holladay City Building at 4580 S 2300 E), which starts tonight and goes until Friday (I believe 6pm-9pm Wed, 9am-9pm Thurs, and 9am-5pm Fri). Check out Tausha’s cute booth if you get a chance!

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A Sunday Drive

Family / carina

After church this morning, the girls and I headed up into the mountains for a Sunday drive. Our mission was to gather a few autumn leaves for art projects. There may have been much singing of Defying Gravity on said drive up the mountain. Yes, the three-year-old can belt it thanks to a certain episode of Glee.

The leaf gathering was successful despite the lack of red and purple leaves ( I have promised a follow up trip for that). We managed to collect a lot of yellow, brown, green, orange, and “rainbow” (anything with a mix of the above colors) leaves.

The art project even went well despite the Elmer’s glue Flissa managed to spread on her legs. She was trying to glue a rock to her paper. Typically, paper beats rock. Not so in craft projects. Rock wins. No contest.

A Sunday Drive Read More »

Coquette Giveaway Winner Announced

Fabric, Giveaways / carina

Hello all! I know you have been anticipating today’s post. I won’t delay it by telling you that I finally finish my Coquette™ quilt and was thoroughly amazed at how long it takes to get it machine quilted. So give me a few weeks and I’ll get the pattern, instruction, and photos up for you.

In the meantime, someone gets to enjoy some of this giveaway goodness. And that person is (according to random.org): Shelly Garcia

Shelly Garcia says:

September 18, 2010 at 11:35 am (Edit)

I love the Coquette fabric! I have the perfect pattern for them. Fall is probably my favorite season of the year but it can be dreary with the leaves falling off the trees and everything getting ready to sleep for the winter. I love this fabric because it will help brighten things up without looking out of place! Did I mention I love this fabric!

Congrats Shelly! email me at info@carinagardner.com and we’ll get you all set up!

Thank you to everyone that entered! There may be one more giveaway for an extra packet of Haunted™ I have lying around the office in the near future…

Coquette Giveaway Winner Announced Read More »

How to Make a LumJum Body Pillow-Free Download

5 Comments / Fabric, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables / carina

What IS a lumjum you might ask? Growing up with a Chinese mom meant that we had some pretty weird words for some of our favorite things. However, the most loved item that my mom made each of us was a lumjum, aka a cylinder body pillow.

Growing up, this was the lovie we all took on every vacation with us (skip the pillow, bring the lumjum). My siblings can attest. You didn’t leave home without your lumjum-it would mean a bad night of sleep.

Even today, I take my lumjum with me. When I don’t I have to have 5 pillows to take it’s place (ask Deena and Jen). Ya, more information than you wanted I’m sure.

Mine is a little extra long with super easy instructions. You use ever bit of fabric, and it is fun for movie night or a cuddle. You can tell we’ve had some serious sewing time during the last couple of days. Oh yes, all these projects are made with my brand new bolts of Coquette™. The project madness has just begun…

Also wanted to give a reminder that the giveaway for my debit fabric line ends on Friday (a couple of days away) so be sure to put in your comment in the Coquette™ Fat Quarter post soon!

Click on the image below for the downloadable instructions for this easy body pillow.

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photographs in this post by Susan Haglund

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Pillow Pet Party

Fabric, Jessica Sprague / carina

Last night, my girls went to a pillow pet party. It was a cousin event and involved (of course) all of their pillow pets. Siri reported that they decorated cupcakes and watched a movie with popcorn. I got there this morning as they had all changed into bathing suits and headed out for some water fun. They are smart to take advantage of the nice weather while they can!

Oh, did I mention the best part about this party? I didn’t host it. (Thank you Liz and Tim!).

If you are checking out the cool filter I have on the photo to the left, it’s an App on my iPhone called Hipstamatic. I wanted to make another ABC Book for myself (as I taught the class), but I have very little time these days. So I’m taking all my pics this time around on my iPhone and scrapping it that way. So far it’s working pretty well, and I love the old-timey feeling I get from these photos.

Finally, I wanted mention that my Butterfly Chandelier Tutorial has been featured on Odeedoh! Thank you everyone for checking this out (and letting me know about it!). It’s such a privileged!

Hope you are all having a good weekend and don’t forget about the giveaway in the post below! Be sure and add your comment for a chance to win my new fabric line!

Pillow Pet Party Read More »

A Big Ol’ Fabric and Paper Giveaway

153 Comments / Fabric, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Giveaways, Scrapbooking / carina

You can image how excited I was when Coquette™ came to my door today! It actually got dropped off at my old address and has been sitting there for 4 days! I’m so happy to have it at my house now, filling up my tiny studio. It’s amazing!

You can find Coquette™ by going to Northcott’s website and checking out were it is being sold (click on the sidebar for locations). If it’s not near you or you need an online resource, you can check out the Fat Quarter Shop or eQuilter.com.

I’m also giving you a chance to win it here! I have fat quarters (all 13 fabrics!) already cut and ready to be shipped! How’s that for fun! Coquette™ is 100% cotton and will happily be made into anything your heart desires!

What’s better than getting these juicy fabrics? How about a paper pack, epoxy brads, and acrylic stamps from my Haunted™ scrapbook line? I also have a pair of simulated diamond earrings from Diamond Earring.org (they sent me a pair too and they are very cute), and a Picture Keeper USB for you (have you tried one of these? It automatically downloads all your photos from your computer by just plugging it in!). I’m throwing all of it into a package and sending it to someone who leaves a comment on this thread. I’ll do a random drawing and announce the winner on Friday, September 24th. Be sure and comment for a chance at this!

Want to always learn about giveaways like this one? Be sure and sign up for my newsletter either in the post below or the side bar.

XOXO, Carina

A Big Ol’ Fabric and Paper Giveaway Read More »

How To Make a Halloween Banner-Free Download

74 Comments / Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Holiday Projects, Scrapbooking / carina

There have been spooky things happening at my house recently: Crows cawing, moss creeping, and mice scurrying along the old piano. It’s just enough to make you want to shout, “Happy Halloween!”

The spookiness has been so much fun that I made this banner using the Haunted™ Line. The instructions and pattern are below for you to download.

Another sweet creepy but easy Halloween project is just to tie pieces of Haunted™ paper with twine to dried branches. It’s cheap, easy, and chic all at once. Who knew Halloween could be chic?

Be sure and download the Halloween Banner tutorial below (all you will need is one pack of Haunted™, hot glue, black tissue paper, black ribbon, and black construction paper…it’s a whole lot of black:). I also have Illustrator files for those of you with a cutting machine. See below to download.

So what will I be working on next? My daughters have decided to be Sailor Moon (yes both of them) and I will be recreating a pair of red, white and blue outfits (hmmm, sounds patriotic). Let’s hope (for my sake) they don’t change their minds.

Illustrator File Downloads:

Halloween Flag Illustrator File

Halloween Pattern 1 Illustrator File

Halloween Pattern 2 Illustrator File

Download the Instructions:

You can also paste this link into your Internet Browser: https://carinagardner.com/2010/09/10/how-to-make-a-halloween-banner-free-download/

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How to Make a Halloween Countdown Calendar-Free Download

3 Comments / CRAFTS, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Holiday Projects, My Minds Eye, Scrapbooking, Tutorials / carina

It may seem a bit early, but Halloween has come to my house this last week. I’ve been happily crafting with my Haunted™ Paper Line. Lots of white pumpkins and scarecrows are visiting my living room (Photos coming soon!).

Here’s a fun project that you really need to do (and can easily do) in advanced. You will specifically need the Haunted™ Line because the reason it is so simple is because the journaling page in this line has this Halloween Countdown already to go! (simply cut it out!)

Once this fun little calendar is finished, all you’ll need to do is let your kids stamp a fun shape (The Haunted™ Acylic Stamps will be what we are using. I’m thinking we will be using white ink and that creepy, crawly spider.) or just draw a mark on each day as you countdown to a very spooky Halloween! It will be a fun way to start October 1st!

I have the tutorial for you to download below (seriously, this is a 20 minute project at best and the hardest part is making sure you have a photo of your family to add!) and you can certainly expect some more haunted crafting happening ’round here this week. Those cute, um, I mean spooky crows just love getting photographed!

How to Make a Halloween Countdown Calendar-Free Download Read More »

Breakfast Outing

1 Comment / Family / carina

We landed at the Blue Plate Diner this morning—our favorite breakfast spot. It seemed like a great way to start Labor Day.

We may have indulged (pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and, um, shakes) and will now be forced into food-induced comas for the rest of the morning. The girls will certainly take advantage of this and destroy the house. I think it will be worth it.

Breakfast Outing Read More »

Meet the New Team

2 Comments / Uncategorized / carina

This summer I had an epiphany. This said epiphany happened in the shower. Do all great ideas happen in the shower? I conclude yes—an emphatic “yes.”

The epiphany went like this (yes, I was talking to myself), “Carina, you are tired, your quality of life is bad, and it’s time to make a change.” I knew there was only two options: scale back or get help.

I chose to get help. It came in the form of a new Marketing Director and Studio Assistant. I’ve been anxious to introduce you and now I am finally getting around to it!

Welcome Jamie Whittier, my new Marketing Diva. Mother of a darling little two-year old and organizer extraordinaire. Jamie’s background in public relations and get-to-it attitude has been amazing! I’m so happy to have her here (especially when we have sewing projects galore!).

I also want to welcome Lindsey Morris. She’s my right-hand-lady aka the Studio Assistant. Lindsey’s time spent as a graphic designer for several companies has already been invaluable to me. Her technical skills has already taken a huge burden off me!

Even today, as I look around my office, the accumulating piles, and the half finished projects, all I can think is, “How did I ever do this by myself?” Sometimes, a time comes when you realize that you just can’t do it by yourself anymore. I’m just glad I was in tune enough to realize it.

Lindsey and Jamie are making so much more possible for me these days. You are going to notice it too. I have more time to craft (I spent an entire day playing with Haunted™ and making some awesome projects that will be up soon). I will have no less than 5 (maybe 6) fabric lines coming out in 2011). I have some great new classes coming out at Jessica Sprague (You will all see Jamie and Lindsey around TAing!). On top of that, we have some surprises as to where you will see my designs next year. Holdin’ my breath in anticipation!

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How to Make a Butterfly Chandelier-Free Download

31 Comments / Family, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Scrapbooking, Stuff I Love, Tutorials / carina

I made this fun little chandelier for my girls’ room a month ago using my Back to Basic’s digital line. It’s been a cute addition to their room, and it was pretty easy to make. Check out the tutorial below.

Want to cut it with your silhouette machine (or any other machine that cuts Illustrator files?). Download the ai file here (not for commercial use or resale).It’s already set up with 6 butterflies to a sheet.

ILLUSTRATOR FILE DOWNLOAD

If you want a pdf version of all six butterflies already setup for you (if you need to cut them out by hand), don’t worry! I’ve hooked you up too.

PDF FILE DOWNLOAD

Download the tutorial with instructions here:

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Jessica Sprague Highlighted on KSL’s Studio 5

2 Comments / Design Lessons, Digital Scrapbooking, Jessica Sprague / carina

I’ve been working on samples for my new ABC Class at Jessica Sprague. I sent off my ABC Books last week, and I was so happy when they arrived yesterday. The samples turned out really cute and now I’m off to see what else I can make out of these templates!

I am now going to hijack my own post. Yesterday, I went to the gym and so happened to see this video (below) on TV (KSL’s morning show at 11am). It is Utah’s Studio 5’s segment on Mom’s going back to school. Digital classes anyone?

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New Beginnings

1 Comment / Family, Jessica Sprague / carina

Ahhh, the first day of school. A little bit sad, but a whole lot of happy. Siri woke up this morning and started getting herself ready (a minor miracle) saying, “I don’t want to be late to my first day of school!”

We celebrated with Banbury Cross Donuts and (me) trying to walk it off by trotting to school with the neighborhood.

It has been quiet in the house today. Felicity has been coloring in my office while I’ve tried to do a little work. Felicity doesn’t start preschool until next week, but it will be lovely to have a couple of hours to work during the day (My goal is to discontinue to the 2 o’clock in the morning design spurts!).

It has officially been 4 years now since I haven’t bought text books and headed to school. Perhaps that is why I have been so gung-ho about my little ABC Class—a reminiscence to those old grad school days. I love the new school year, and I’m excited for the fall to come (this morning felt like fall-too bad it will hit 100 degrees tomorrow).

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Hybrid Card Tutorial

Design House Digital, Tutorials / carina

I’ve been meaning to post this awesome tutorial from CT Member Joyce. This is a fantastic tutorial showing off how easy it is to take digital products and turn them into cards. Take it away, Joyce!

1.Create your cardstock pieces with a program like Photoshop Elements. I created 4×4, 5×5, and 4×5 shapes and clipped the patterened papers to them. I flattened the image and printed it onto white cardstock.

2. Next I trimmed my patterned paper pieces and used my Quickutz Epic
to cut out the butterfly and label shapes from the patterned paper. I
gathered up a few more supplies like green cardstock, butterfly
ribbon, Maya Road stick pins, and some buttons.

3. I embellished my butterfly by adding 3 tiny buttons to the front,
foam tape to the back, and stick pins pushed into the foam tape for
antennae.

4. I cut my green cardstock to 5×10 inches, folded in half at the top,
and layered on my elements. Brown patterned paper trimmed to a 4.25″
square, then yellow patterned paper that was cut into a label diecut,
and butterfly in the corner. Another embellishment technique I used
was to add a butterfly flight trail with my punch tool and dot the “i”
of precious using a rhinestone.

Now I have the perfect unisex card for my next baby shower! The Basics
papers are so versatile you can create something for most any occasion!

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Happy Fabric Flowers-Just Add Velcro

3 Comments / Fabric, Sewing / carina

I was invited to a craft night with a whole lot of mid-western gals. Who knew there were so many Minnesotan’s in Utah (escaping the cold no doubt)? The theme was t-shirts so I brought T’s for the girls and myself with tons of fat quarters, lace, and buttons. Inspired by Whippy Cake’s headbands (introduced to me by Kari Holt at CHA), I decided to add velcro to all the shirts and make lots and lots of flowers so my little girly-girls and I would switch out depending on our mood. It was an instant hit with my kids, and Siri is sitting next to me learning to sew rosettes as I type. Thanks for inviting me Kelly!

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ABC Inspiration Class at Jessica Sprague

2 Comments / Jessica Sprague / carina

If you haven’t heard yet, I’m teaching an ABC Inspiration Class to get you (and me included!) documenting our daily lives! With two little girls growing up fast, I want to be sure and grab a snapshot of our lives right now. Siri starts 1st grade (full day-yikes!) and Felicity starts preschool.

I love September because it is the start of fall, new changes, and new beginnings. I couldn’t think of a better way to document it than by using the alphabet as inspiration.

Starting September 13th, we are going to work our way through the alphabet to capture important memories in our daily lives. If you have been itching for a little challenge, this one is it! It is 26 days of easy (and fast!) scrapping (I’ll show you how)! All the templates are included along with some extra papers, ABC Quotes, Definitions, and inspirational lists. I love ABC Books (it doesn’t always have to be A is for apple…you’ll see…).

Here’s a peek at what we will be doing.

This four-week class goes on sale next week on August 16th for $35 (well worth the price when you consider there over 200 products to download along with the course, do a little happy dance!). Check out Jessica’s site next Monday when it goes on sale. I hope you’ll join me for this 26 day journey of scrap-a-licious fun!

Photography by Susan Haglund and Carina Gardner

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Craft and Hobby Association Tradeshow (CHA) Chicago 2010, Supershow, and Spraguefest Wrapup!

4 Comments / Jessica Sprague, My Minds Eye, Scrapbooking / carina

I had every intention of blogging while at CHA, but somehow I never got around to it. So here’s a quick review of the week in Chicago. I have oodles and oodles of photos, so this does not begin to cover the “happenings,” but as always, things are crazy around these parts so here’s my Friday-midnight report.

This photo was taken by Meg at Spraguefest by the Bean. Why I was wearing a sweater (even a short sleeved one) in that heat is a mystery to us all. Thankfully, I had a chance to jump around at Millennium Park.

1-Deena Rutter and I promoting our Halloween lines at CHA.

2-Haunted™ comes with acrylic stamps, epoxy brads, and flocked vinyl. Yum!

3. The fab My Mind’s Eye Booth. Seriously, it is so cute!

4-Crystal, Deena, and I headed to the city for a little Bandera, shopping, and sightseeing.

5-A sightseeing tour with the Spraguefest group had me happily sliding down the Picasso and racing Kelly and Crystal.

6-It looks like ice cream doesn’t it? It’s actually a caprese salad. Everyone thought I had ordered dessert first. I didn’t want to let them down, so for the next dinner I did (ummm, cannoli!).

7-Just to prove I was, in fact, in Chicago.

8-I’m caught doing a little sewing at the CHA Supershow. I tried out my flocked Haunted line on this sewing machine.

9-Crystal and I made matching bubble skirts! And this was Crystal’s very first time sewing. I make a motion for her to buy a sewing machine. Second?

10-Transformers 3 was being filmed. Unfortunately, you will have to ask Meg and Gary for their photos of Patrick Dempsey. I managed to miss that one.

11-My favorite night out!!!!! A few of us hopped over to Navy Pier for a little throw-up-inducing rides and ice cream (which was closed so I had to beg the manager to let all 8 of us in. Please, please, please?). BTW, don’t sit with Crystal on the swings. While you are clutching to the chain links for dear life, Crystal will be pretending to fly and wobble you all over the place. You will never get on the swings again.

12-The new Sprague booth at the CHA Supershow. It was PACKED the entire time. There’s lovely Jessica herself.

13-Kari from iKari. Also known to lose her voice from talking ALOT and clapping at everyone to show her support. This picture is proof.

14-A wonderful night of laughs with Crystal, Joan, Meg, and Gary. The waiter made it all the more fun. You can’t tell by this picture but the dessert was the size of my head. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. But not by much.

And that is my very-short review (aren’t you glad I didn’t give you the long version?).

Craft and Hobby Association Tradeshow (CHA) Chicago 2010, Supershow, and Spraguefest Wrapup! Read More »

And Sometimes I Am Even Fun…

8 Comments / Jessica Sprague / carina

I promised photos from CHA and Spraguefest but I have so many that I will have to sort and post later. For now, you will have to be satisfied with this:

And Sometimes I Am Even Fun… Read More »

Two Little Birdies

2 Comments / Fabric, Sewing / carina

Northcott™ sent me these fun pictures of Love Nest™. I was thrilled to see the first bolt of the line, which goes on sale in a week and will ship out January 2011. Please send the link of the brochure (on the side bar) to your local quilt store to carry this line!!!

Simply copy this link in an email: https://carinagardner.com/studio/freedownloads/lovenest_webbrochure.pdf (Be sure and click on the brochure so you can see the line yourself too:)

That lemony yellow is yummy!

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Soooooo Soft and Haunted

5 Comments / My Minds Eye, Scrapbooking / carina

I have yet to see my new Haunted line, but I’m excited to see it next week when I’m in Chicago for CHA. It will be so soft with all it’s lovely flock-ed-ness (is that a word?).

I happily discovered that Amber Packer on the MME blog had gotten her hands on some and made this darling layout. Yummy vinyl flocking…how I long to see you in person!

See it bigger by clicking on the image below:).

Soooooo Soft and Haunted Read More »