Gecko Galz Christmas Tag Celebration

Welcome to all my friends visiting from the Gecko Galz blog. Today my tags are featured on the blog and you are likely here to find out how they were made.

I love the vintage metal look of these tags. It reminds me of an old Victorian Copper Ceiling. It's hard not to go all Victorian when Christmas come to the blog. Its everything I love, lavish laces, ornate decorations, fresh pine swags and bows, It is my favourite era this time of year.

Vintage Tag How To:

The tags were created using a cover weight white cardstock. I used the tag die from Heartfelt Creations Snow Kissed Flake and Tag.

Using the round Tim Holtz ink sponger I applied Faded Jeans, Ground Espresso and Forest Moss to the tag. I tried to colour a triangle shaped area of each colour.

Next  I lightly misted the tag with water to activate the ink. Use a damp paint brush to mix the ink to achieve your desired pattern.

While the tag is still damp, gently put it in your chosen embossing folder. I used the leaf flourish folder from Darice. To add interest to the piece I only put 2/3 of the tag inside the folder and turned it slightly to create an angled effect.

Once the tag dried I applied a tiny amount of Faber Castell Texture Lux. Be sure to barely get any on your finger as it goes a long long way. Gently rub the raised area of the tag. Be sure to be sporadic and don't cover the entire embossed pattern.

Using Kraft Cardstock I created a neutral base for the tag and glued it down.

Once the two pieces were dry I used my cropadile to punch a hole in the top of the tag, being sure to go through both layers for added stability.

Using the beautiful Gecko Galz images I fussy cut my focal image and popped it up using foam squares.

To finish the tags, I tied a pretty crimson ribbon to each.

I hope you enjoyed my tags and can't wait to create more projects for you in 2017.

Gecko Galz 6th Annual Blog Hop

Hello Everyone!

We want to welcome everyone to the

Gecko Galz 6th Annual Blog Hop

This is your Eleventh stop on a wonderfully Wicked Blog Hop! 

We have 16 AMAZING blogs for you to visit this weekend, each with some gorgeous projects created using the Gecko Galz collage sheets that we are giving you for FREE! Each blog you visit will have another free Gecko Galz Collage sheet for you to download, the one here is

"Winter Wonderland".

Also make sure you leave a message on each blog site you visit and on the last blog there will be a phrase that you will email to us to be entered in our drawing for a wonderful treat pack.  So sit back, relax, take your time and enjoy the hop!

We have FOUR amazing prizes up for grabs:

·        First is a Gecko Galz shopping spree for $100!

·        Second prize is a $50 Shopping spree with Gecko Galz.

·        Third prize is a $25 shopping spree!

·        And our Grand Prize ONE FULL YEAR of Gecko Galz PRODUCTS!!! This includes the 6 new collage sheets each quarter, a new stamp set each quarter, a new paper pack each quarter!

 This is a $100 value!

First of all, you will need to visit all 16 blogs and leave a comment on each blog :) **This is important so we know you have been to all the blogs **. Collect the phrase at the end of the hop on the Fripperies and Butterflies site there will be a link to email the phrase to Gecko Galz.

This enters you in the contest. On October 31st we will randomly draw the 4 winners and email each of you, then we will post the winning names on the Gecko Galz blog site.

For an extra chance to win make a purchase from the GECKO GALZ ETSY STORE between the 27th of October and the 30^th of October and your name goes in again for a better chance of winning (each purchase you make that weekend gives you another chance to win) 

Please enjoy this free Gecko Galz Collage sheet

“Winter Wonderland”

Now have fun visiting each Blog

Gecko Galz

Gerri Herbst

Barbara Bird

Nancy Smith

Lena Hermanson

Dana Tater

Michele Storms

Jackie Neal

Vicki Romaine

Margaret Ashby

Tracy Sagriff

Katie Lamb

Heather Hudson

Marilyn Hughes

Patti Fisher

Leanne Seed

If you did not start at the Gecko Galz Blog you might want to start there so you will not miss a thing!

September Free Stamp from Gecko Galz

September! Do you remember what September was like as a child. The freshly sharpened box of 24 new pencil crayons, the white eraser still wrapped snuggly in its protective cellophane and the brand spanking new pair of indoor running shoes that you tried on every couple of days just to feel how nice cushy they were. Good times. My children have a staggered start this year, they are each attending a different school this year. My oldest son started Tuesday, my wee munchkin will start next Monday and my daughter will head off the week after that. As you can imagine it has had me in a tailspin getting everyone organized. That left little time in the studio.

I decided to take the beautiful image contributed by Gecko Galz on the road with me, so to speak. I used my Samsung Galaxy tablet and Auto desk Sketchbook Pro to colour the digital image, creating a wonderful fall picture.

Be sure to grab your copy of the image and stop over to the Gecko Galz etsy shop for more adorable digital designs.

Gecko Galz Free Digital Stamp for August

Hello friends. Have you been enjoying your summer? I have been so busy shuttling kids to and from activities the time flew right by. I do have to apologise to you though. I messed up. In an effort to be the super efficient Mom that can juggle her blog while sitting with her kids at a splash pad.....well, I did not notice that the blogger app inverts the month/date for posts when it send them. So I am sitting in the shade under a lovely tree enjoying the breeze and watching the kiddies puddle under the spouts, feeling rather proud of having set my blog post to run on July 8th. Little did I know it was all messed up. So in case you were not able to get the July stamp due to my faux pas I thought I would post a link to it here and you can go back and grab it. In fact I feel so bad for the mix up that I will go back and put a link to each of the free stamps donated by the amazing Leanne Seed of Gecko Galz. Be sure to go check out all the other digital yummies in their Etsy shop. Gecko Galz Etsy Shop

First though, here is the adorable stamp for August.

I love this stamp. I have had it in my own collection for some time and was so happy when I received the email that it would be available to all of you this month. I had so much fun colouring in all the tiny details.

I had intended to make a bookmark for myself out of the image but my daughter fell in love with it and convinced me that she needed it more than me. I promised to colour another on for her, but to no avail....her power of persuasion was just to much. Colouring another one for myself will have to go on my project list. Though I am excited to have a reason to colour another one.

Here are the links to the past freebies:

July's Free Stamp
June's Free Stamp
May's Free Stamp
April's Free Stamp
March's Free Stamp
February Free Stamp
January's Free Stamp

Be sure to let your friends know that they can help themselves to these adorable images. In fact, feel free to share this post on your favourite social media. Just click the button and boom, you will be the most popular crafter in your group.

It's hard to believe my first year on the Gecko Galz design team is half over. I am still so excited about all the great things that are coming. Insider tip: expect a chance to bounce around in October as Gecko Galz hosts a super fun blog hop. I will keep you posted...no pun intended...of the dates and details.




Before I sign off I wanted to share my....ok my daughter's new bookmark. I think it turned out so cute. Sorry the pictures are off. I am trying to learn how to use a new camera.

Gecko Galz July Free Stamp

Whoosh...we are in July already. In case I did not glance at the calendar the temperature would have tipped me off anyway.

The cute image from Gecko Galz brings to mind all things beachy and summer. I had a blast using it on my summer themed art journal page.

Download your free copy and let the summer creativity begin.

Art Journaling

This is the first layout in my new art journal. It is my July submission for the Gecko Galz Design Team theme "Sun, Moon, Stars".

I had allot of fun playing with markets, stamps, stencils and texture paste.

Teacher Appreciation Gifts: Painted Canvas

When giving gifts for the end of the school year, be sure not to overlook the school's office staff. These folks are the ones dealing with sick kids, kids with attitude waiting for the principal, irate parents, injured sports stars and everything else.

This piece is for Mrs Ward. She works in the office at my children's school. I feel like she is one of my closest friends as I have spoken to her so often over the last few years its disturbing. Her sense of humour and calm demeanor has maneuvered our family through many mini crisis. We appreciate everything you do!

How To Make The Canvas:

1. I used a 5x7 white canvas as the base of this project.
2. Print off a silhouette image of your choosing. I used this cute bunny from a Gecko Galz digital stamp set.
3. Spray the entire image with Tattered Angels glimmer mist. I chose a dark blue as I was doing a night scene. Once it is dry apply mod podge lightly with a fine paint brush and sprinkle mica powder where you want to highlight the image. I used a sparkly teal and an opal colour to give it a shimmery moonlit look.
4. I covered the entire image with glossy accents and allowed it to dry.
5. Using a black alcohol marker I retraced the original image to make it pop from the background.
6. Carefully I removed the canvas from the wood base and placed it in an altered frame I had painted blue.

Teacher Appreciation Gifts: Fairy Garden Stone

This is one of my favourite fairy silhouettes. It's funny to have a favourite, but I do. I tend to collect fairy images. It reminds me to believe in magic. Not that I believe in fairies....but rather I want to believe in the wonder and what ifs of fairy lore. 

My daughter has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. She thinks of everyone that touches her life and wants to thank each and every one of them. It's an admirable quality I think, though it does force me to come up with more gift ideas. 

This garden stone is for Miss Pickstock. She is more than an EA. (Not that being an EA is not heroic enough), but this particular one has been there for my girl at every corner of her academic adventure. She dried many tears, covered many injuries and helped to mold my daughter into the beautiful young woman she has become.

How to make a fairy garden stone:

1. I used a digital image from Gecko Galz and printed it on white copy paper using my inkjet printer.
2. Using spray adhesive, I glued the image to a ceramic tile that I had covered in Gesso. 
3. I used multiple colours of glitter glue to fill in the separate areas of the image. 
4. Allow to dry fully and then cover the image with glossy accents.
5. Once the glossy accents dried, I used a black alcohol marker to trace all the lines in the original image. This made the black ink sit on top of the glue and give a very rich stained glass feel.
6. Flat Backed marbles were covered with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam and glued to the edge of the tile to create the border. 
7. After the glue dried and the marbles were stable I dripped more Glimmer Glam on top of them.

Voila...a sweet fairy accent for our wonderful Miss Pickstock.

Mixed Media Basics Lesson #2: Stencils

Teacher Appreciation Gifts: Mixed Media Subway Tile

This next gift is a bit messy to make but very fun. I wanted to create a unique piece for the special education teacher at my childrens' school. Over the years she has advocated for my children so many times. It almost makes me a bit remiss to be losing the amazing team member as my kids head of to high school and special autism programming.

Mixed Media Subway tile:

1.  The base of this project is a white subway tile from Lowe's. I picked up a case of these some years back and have never regretted the purchase. They were on sale for 19 cents each. Seriously. What can you buy for 19 cents these days. 
2. Apply a very thin coat of gesso to the tile. Be sure to keep from going over the same area multiple times as it will actually just take the gesso back off the tile. Let the first coat dry and add a second thin coat of gesso. Dry thoroughly.
3. Using your spray inks (I used my Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists) put a few splashes of colour on the tile. Be sure to make it random. Try using a couple of coordinating colours.
4. Once dry glue a ripped piece of corrugated cardboard down. Be sure to expose the cool wavy pattern. Carefully gesso over the piece. Allow to dry.
5. Glue your favourite metal embellishments to the tile. I used some pretty pieces made by fabscraps. Coat these pieces with gesso and allow to dry.
6. Spray the piece gently with your glimmer mists. Once this layer dried I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam to create some intense colour splatters. You can use alcohol inks, paints, glue...whatever you like to add interest to the background.
7. Using the same colours of Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam I painted the chipboard cut out "Heart and Soul" (Fabscraps). When it is dry go ahead and glue it on top of the tile. 

Tada. Great job!

A special thank you to the Amazing Ms. Hannah. Without your persistence and encouragement my children would not have been afforded the opportunities that they were. I will be forever grateful for the role you played in the lives of my children. God Bless. -Tracy

Mixed Media Basics Lesson #1: Gesso

This is the first in a series of mixed media tutorial that I will be doing to help creatives that want to jump in to creating mixed media masterpieces but are not sure where to start.

I think it is important to use the materials that you have on hand when you are first beginning as you may find that it is not for you, and there is nothing worse than spending your craft budget on materials that you won't use again.

A quick search on Pinterest or Youtube will yield a swathe of recipes for Gesso, texture paste, mod podge, paint sprays and more. Though sometimes it is actually cheaper to buy the product ready made rather than buying jugs of the ingredients, if you have everything on hand it makes sense to make your own pastes and sprays.

So let's begin on our mixed media exploration. Lesson 1: Gesso

When you are feeling comfortable be sure to create this project along with me.

You can get the free image from Gecko Galz here

June's Incredible Free Digital Image from Gecko Galz

My Grandma's Teacups Mixed Media Basics Lesson #1

This is the first in a series of videos introducing the basics of creating mixed media projects. Be sure to subscribe to the Youtube channel to be notified as soon as the next episode is posted.

Gecko Galz June Theme: Man O Man

Can you believe it is June. Holy time flies. I only have a few more weeks before not one, but two of my little ones graduate and are off to high school. I feel like I just finished my Mother's Day projects and here we are quickly approaching Father's Day.

The theme therefore for the Gecko Galz Challenge is quite timely. "Man O Man". Post pictures of your masculine cards, layouts or otp projects to the challenge facebook group for your chance to win fabulous prizes from the Gecko Galz shop. Gecko Galz Challenge Group

Here is an example that I made using Gecko Galz Images.

It's That Time Of Year Again : Teacher Appreciation Gifts

I know, it's May....but really now is the time to decide on what you would like to give the teachers,EAs, bus drivers, and team coaches in your child's life. I have a huge list of people that support my children during the school year and that makes it really important to start early so that I have time to finish all the projects and don't end up running out last minute and buying gifts that are less meaningful and definately more expensive.

During the next couple of weeks I will be posting projects that I have been working on. I hope you find some inspiration to get your end of school year planning in gear.

My first project uses a plain canvas tote, a burlap flower, a lace table runner, a bit of bling and Tattered Angels glimmer mists.

You can watch the tutorial here:

Fill your day with Rainbows

Hey guys. Well, this collaboration turned out to be quite the undertaking. Why is it that just when you need the internet to be speedy it slows down to a painfully slow process.

It took me a whole weekend to get all this video uploaded. I was getting a bit worried that I was not going to be able to get all the links added on time. I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to visit all the other talented designers on our first collaboration video hop for Canvas Corp Brands Creative Crew. Our theme was "Rainbows".

Everyday Card Using Gecko Galz Ephemera

If you are like me you are constantly making cards and yet when an occasion
arrives it seems you have no card that fits.

I mean, I tend to create Sympathy, Congratulations, Christmas and Birthday cards in large numbers but I more often am sending a "thinking of you" or "thank you" card.

My new plan is to create a bundle of cards that can have a sentiment stamped as they are needed. Its my attempt at getting....gasp....organized.

This is the first card for my stash of ready when I need it cards.

Happy Mother's Day and a free digital stamp from Gecko Galz

Happy Mother's Day to all of your wonderful women out there. This post will be brief as it is in fact Mother's Day that I am writing it as I have had some issues getting my network to cooperate with me this week. It took just over 35 hours to upload a youtube video...bleh.

This is my Mother's Day layout. Enjoy!

Here is your free image from Gecko Galz:

Local King Rubber Stamps: You've got to be good to be King

From my very first trip to Scrapfest, way back when, I have always made sure that I stopped to watch the art in action at the Local King Rubber Stamp booth. Back then it was just stamps. I even remember that she was using crayola markers and her stamps to create breathtaking mini pieces of art. I could sit and watch her over and over as she dabbed the stamps in a nonchalant way with her markers, huffed on them and then applied the image to the paper. I was mesmerized.  I say "she" as I could never remember the name of the lady that did the stamping.

This year I was amazed at the change and advancement of the product line. Stamps, matching dies, background stamps, markers and acrylic blocks all of which are so on trend right now thanks to the popularity of the Heartfelt Creations and Sizzix stamp and die combos. This year there was a make and take. I admit I missed watching the artist at work, but creating my own image was enough to get me in the buying spirit.

The difference in Local King Rubber Stamps is that they are not line art. They are reversed. Much like the two step stamps that have become so popular, but without the ...well...2nd step. You literally use your water based marker directly on the stamp and once it's stamped onto the paper, it's done.

These were my purchases from the show:

Admiring the Diecuts from Southern Ridge Trading Company

One of my favourite finds from Scrapfest this year was the incredible diecuts from Southern Ridge Trading Company. I was amazed at the finite detail that Karen was able to obtain in her designs. 

I decided to start on the other side of the auditorium and by the time I made it to Karen's display there were already many empty boxes where customers had stocked up on the oh so cute embellishments.

These are the items that I bought and I am itching to get creating with them. In fact I fell so deeply in love with these designs I applied to become a design team member (fingers crossed) and I am going to stock some of the designs in my store. Feel free to get me to order in any you would like from Karen's site.

Still Catching My Breath From Scrapfest in Kitchener

I know these pictures are far overdue but I have literally not had a moment to sit at my computer and put a proper post together in weeks. I love these pictures of my partner in crime Juanette Fillery and I.

As I wrote in a post last year, I have been unable to attend Scrapfest for several years. It had become for me another huge hurdle that I just could not overcome. I was afraid returning to Scrapfest would hurt too much, make me remember how much I miss my friend Rebecca who used to attend with me every year.

I know that Rebecca was watching over us on April 9th as our bus load of fabulous ladies hit the road to Kitchener. I was so blessed that Rebecca's mother-in-law decided to come with me. I think it was good for both of us to make the return together.

A big shout out to Nicole at McCoy transportation who opted to upgrade our bus rather then take any risk with a bus with a minor issue. We loved the extra space (more room for our shopping treasures). Our bus driver was a hoot.




Lisa Sales-Furtney was a wonderful hostess, as always, and made each of us feel like VIPs. Her sense of humour kept us all in stitches. She even came as we were leaving and checked out the bus. We wanted to keep her but were promised that we will see her again soon.



There were so many beautiful displays this year. Everyone went all out to make the event a huge success.

Some of my favourite stops were Kraftin Kimmie Stamps, Southern Ridge Trading Co., Local Kings Rubber Stamps, Frog's Whiskers, Scrapping Turtle....there were so many this is just the short list.


I will be posting the goodies that I purchased while I was there throughout the week.

We are already planning our road trip to Kitchener for next year. Give me a call if you want to get in on the adventure.

One of the highlights of my day was grabbing a photo with Creative Scrapbooker Magazine's Publisher Katharina Doyle.

April Free Stamp From Gecko Galz.

I apologise. This week has been hectic with the final details of our bus trip to Scrapfest in Kitchener this weekend. I am so excited to have some of my absolute favourite papercrafters coming for the trip. A big shout out to Nicole at McCoy Bus line who did a fabulous job at getting our little adventure off the ground. Also, a huge thank you to my friend and Co-Hosts Cathy Dafoe and Angie McColeman for finding the fabulous ladies that are travelling with us. A special thank you to Lisa Sales Furtney the owner of Scrapfest for all her help in making this trip possible.

That being said, here is you beautiful free stamp. Enjoy!

Recycled Egg Carton Roses

A few weeks ago I told you that I was working on several projects that I would be finishing and posting as they were complete. This project was part of that job lot. Rather, the flowers were.  I have seen these lovely roses on Pinterest and wanted to give them a try. They were very easy to make. Unfortunately it took me this long to find a project big enough to use them on. 


This week I needed to have an entry for a homemade flower challenge being hosted at Girls, Giggles, Glitter and Glue  . I had intended to submit my cold porcelain roses that I used on my Spring Fairy House but at the last minute I found the perfect project to hold the egg carton roses.

I apologise that this post is up after Easter but it might give you an idea for an end of year/ happy summer vacation gift for your child's teachers or a beautiful Mother's Day gift.

All you need to make these roses is a cardboard egg carton and some spray ink or paint. 

How To:

1. Cut the cups out of the bottom of the egg carton. I rounded off any extra pieces to make them uniform.
2. Cut the cup into 5 petals. Try to get the cut all the way to the bottom of the cup as this will give you more room to roll the sides.
3. Spray the cartons will colour of your choice. Allow to dry until they are just barely moist to the touch.
4. Use a hot glue gun and overlap the edge of one petal onto the the next. Do this with the next cup but push the petals closer together. 
5. On a third cup roll the petals up starting at one side and rolling as tightly as possible. This makes the bulb of the flower. 
6. Glue the bud to the centre of the medium sized layer by adding a dollop of hot glue to the bottom only. 
7. Do the same with the final layer. 
8. Use your fingers, a pencil or tweezers to roll back the edges of your petals. 
9. Spray with additional colour and allow to dry completely.

We interrupt this the regularly scheduled blog post for yet another Snow Day

There was a PA day and a snow day just before the March break and then the kids went back for 3 whole days and now there is a snow day attached to the Easter break. I love having the kids home and the extra family time, but wow its hard to get my projects finished on time.

I am just going to post a little card I made for the March Gecko Galz Challenge where Hands are the focal point. They are not really the focal point, but she does have hands so I think that is close enough.

Enjoy!

Have a wonderful Easter with your family and I will be back to posting on Tuesday of next week.

God Bless!

Tracy