Creativation Adventure

I am home from Phoenix! I can hardly believe what a whirlwind the trip was.

My mind is jam packed with creative inspiration, new technical abilities and a bit of swoon over all the papercrafting super stars I met along the way.

We arrived in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon and got settled in at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel before heading to the Phoenix Convention Centre to get our badges for the event.

Friday my first event was the CHA Canadian Chapter Breakfast meeting. 7:30 is a bit early in the morning to be social but it was a great opportunity to meet fellow Canadians in the craft industry. Ironically Ecstasy Crafts was there which is funny because I live right around the corner from their store. Karen Beupre the Creative genius behind Southern Ridge Trading Company was there as well as Tiffany Bond from Craft and Create.

I had to cut the meeting short to get to my first class Mastering Affiliate Marketing where I had the chance to meet the ever flamboyant Melody Lane.

My second class was 4 ways to be published. Guess who one of the speakers were! None other than The Crafty Chica.

My third class was on the benefits of establishing a craft collective. I enjoyed their presentation immensely.  Guess who the speakers were: The Phoenix Freda's. If you have a chance find them on social media.

The day was very tiring so I thought about playing hookie from my next class but as you know I am a rule following Chickie who would never want to offend anyone. I was pleasantly surprised to be regaled by the story of how a older lady started her YouTube channel to make her Church groups crocheting lessons easier for her 12 members to see and keep up at their own pace. She has over 800,000 subscribers now and quit her fulltime job as a professor at Southern university.

By far my favourite class was with Shanna Noel the creator of Illustrated faith. Her story of her journey to find her connection to Jesus was inspiring as well as at times quite comedic . She has inspired my to include Bible Journaling in my craft repertoire.

Saturday was the main event. The tradeshow floor opened and I was overwhelmed with sheer volume of new products coming to market. I found new companies that I have not seen before that I am now obsessed with. I am eagerly awaiting their new releases. One such company is 49 & Market which just started out 9 months ago and already has Gabriella Pollaka desgning for them.

My favourite moments were meeting Heidi Swap, Sheena Douglas, Debbi Moore and Emmalou from Heartfelt creations.

Though my blistered toes will say otherwise, this was one of the most exciting events I have ever attended.  I find it hard to believe I was actually there. It's a perfect example of living your dreams. Now I have to decide on my next adventure.

Mixed Media Artist Pallet

Do you remember when Donna Dewberry made videos of her painting techniques? I remember she said in one of the videos that before you know it you will be looking at everything as a blank canvas. I think that is the stage I am currently at with mixed media. Everything I pick up I want to slap gesso, lace and flowers on. This is my latest creation. I picked this up at Dollarama and thought it would make an adorable piece for a bare spot on the wall in my studio. My husband said I should have used a picture where my face is less slowly but I think this one was appropriate as not all dreams and wishes are full filled with smiles and laughter, some require focus and thought to achieve.

Create Custom Canvas Bags with a Simple Image Transfer Technique

Create Custom Canvas Bags with a Simple Image Transfer Technique

Finding the perfect bag to match your personality can sometimes feel like a challenge. (Or is that just me?) That’s why I love the versatile canvas bags from Canvas Corp Brands. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering endless decorating possibilities. Imagine how delighted your mother, sister, teacher, or even your bus driver would be to receive a custom-made bag! With this simple technique, you can easily transfer any image or graphic directly onto a canvas bag.

Follow these steps to make your own personalized masterpiece:

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Materials Needed

A canvas bag from Canvas Corp Brands

Your chosen image (printed on regular copy paper with a Laserjet printer)

Medium or heavy gel medium

Warm water

Tattered Angels Spray Mist (optional, for added color)

Stencils, masks, and embellishments (optional, for decoration)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Bag and Image

Start by selecting a canvas bag that suits your needs. Print your favorite image on regular copy paper using a Laserjet printer. If your image includes text, make sure to reverse it before printing to ensure it transfers correctly.

2. Apply Gel Medium

Cover the colored side of your printed image with a thin, even layer of medium or heavy gel medium. Be sure to coat the entire surface, right up to the edges.

3. Transfer the Image

Place the gel-coated side of the paper face down onto the canvas bag. Use your hands to gently flatten it, ensuring there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. Allow the image to dry thoroughly for at least 12 hours.

4. Remove the Paper

Once the gel medium is completely dry, saturate the paper with warm water. Carefully rub away the paper fibers with your fingers until the image is clearly visible. Take your time to avoid damaging the transfer. After the bag dries, touch up any remaining white areas by gently removing additional paper fibers.

5. Add Color and Embellishments

Use Tattered Angels Spray Mist to color the rest of the bag, creating patterns with stencils or masks if desired. Finally, personalize your bag further by adding your favorite trim, buttons, or other embellishments.

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The Perfect Handmade Gift

This simple technique transforms an ordinary canvas bag into a unique and thoughtful gift. Whether for a special occasion or just because, a personalized bag is a creative way to show someone you care. Try it out and let your imagination run wild!

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Ready to Get Started?

Head over to Canvas Corp Brands to explore their wide selection of canvas bags and craft supplies. Start your next project today and create a one-of-a-kind gift that will leave a lasting impression!

Would you like more project ideas or tips for customizing gifts? Let me know!

CHA Sneak Peek from Spellbinders.

The time is flying past as we countdown to the Craft and Hobby Assosciation's main event Creativation in Phoenix. One week from now manufacturers, designers, bloggers and store owners from around the world will converge in Arizona to feet a glimpse at all the new products being released in 2017. I have been following all the sneak Peeks and I am so excited about what we will have access to this year.

Today I received a sneak peek from Spellbinders. I fell in love with their adorable new create a house die. It will make the cutest Valentine or Easter treat packaging.

Isn't it Adorable?

If you are interested in purchasing this die set please email me mygrandmasteacups@Gmail.com and I will put in a pre-order so that we will be at the top of the que when it begins shipping.

If you would like to see more of this die set check out this post on the Spellbinders blog. Spellbinders Blog