Good morning!  Remember the designer challenge for the month of May?  It's the use of the Vintage Ephemera Pack that is available through the Jillibean Soup Retail Store.  The Vintage Ephemera Pack is a package full of bingo cards, flash cards, playing cards, book pieces, game pieces, milk bottle lids, and more!  It is a fun way to enhance your projects!  Take a look at how some of the Design Team members used ephemera in their projects!

Flower Frame by Jenifer Harkin

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Smashed Garlic, Yellow Tomatoes, Minced Fresh Dill; Fresh Vegetable Soup/Baby Carrots; Irish Farm House Soup/Barley; Soup Staples II/Yellow Salt

Other:  Pieces from Jillibean Soup's Ephemera Pack, game pieces from Goodwill, 9 1/2 by 11 1/2 picture frame, Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive Glue, circle punches.

The First Look Layout by Kim Holmes

Supplies
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Peeled Cucumber, Yellow Tomatoes, Sherry Vinegar, Smashed Garlic, Bite Size Bits
Pea Pod Parts:  Chilled Cucumber Soup
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Chilled Cucumber Soup
Banner Bites:  Hello
Corrugated Shapes:  People
Bean Stalks:  Orange/Yellow Baker's Twine, Turquoise/Green Baker's Twine
Alphabeans:  Blueberry Teal

Other:  Prima ink, pieces from Jillibean Soup's Ephemera Pack.

Mama Card by Danni Reid

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Parsnip, Sea Salt
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Alphabeans:  Apple Green
Sugar Picks
Kraft Envelopes

Other:  Pieces from Jillibean Soup's Ephemera Pack, machine stitching.

Thanks everybody and have a fantastic day!

Happy Wednesday everyone!  Time for some soup - soup spotting that is!  It looks like everyone has managed to find some scrappy time in between all of their spring activities.  Take a look at what I found!

Hello There! Layout by Marielle LaForge-LeBlanc

Happy To Have You As Family Layout by Amy Bannon

Hello Card by Carolyn Wolff

Jar by Courtney Lee

Remember if you would like to be considered for Soup Spotting, you can simply email me with your Jillibean Soup projects to jen@jillibean-soup.com or load up your projects to our Facebook page (there's a link to the left to sign up). Have a great day!

Hi everyone!  I hope that you are enjoying our #trending Tuesday posts! 

Metallics are very popular lately, and I thought it would be fun to incorporate some shine into my project this week.  My favorite metallic "color" lately is gold - and I have found that it works perfectly with Jillibean Soup kraft!  What a simple easy way to spice up your kraft cardstock!

So, let's kick it up a notch and add some gold to Jillibean Soup kraft.  I started my page with some Jillibean Soup kraft cardstock.  I cut a design from my Silhouette Cameo (circles) and I laid it over my cardstock base.

I then used two different gold mists and misted away, darker the top of my page, and leaving my page plain kraft on the bottom:

I also added some gold stitching to the design once it was dry.  You can see the gold just adds to the kraft color and yet it stays fairly true to the neutrality of the kraft color.

Once my background was completely dry, I was ready to layer my paper, photo and embellishments on my page.  I found that the rich colors from Irish Farm House Soup went really well with the kraft/gold color that I had misted.  So, I added some Pea Pods over some neutral colored paper.

I found that the red really pops on the golden background!  I added a few vintage doiles, also misted in gold from the Jillibean Soup vintage store!

My page is now complete with some yellow Alphabeans and a teal cut title!

She's A Beautiful Soul Layout by Nicole Nowosad

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Cardstock
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Parsnip; Neopolitan Bean Bisque/Balsamic Vinegar; Soup Staples II/Turquoise Salt; Grandma's Lima Bean Soup/Leek Bulb
Paper Pad:  Sweet & Sour Soup
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Alphabeans:  Yam Yellow, Banana Yellow
Clear Stamps:  Irish Farm House Soup/Large Set

Other:  Pieces from Jillibean Soup Ephemera Pack, Hero Arts ink, Mister Huey's gold mist, Heidi Swapp Color Shine in gold, machine stitching, Tattered Angels glimmer glaze, Hemp twine.

I can just imagine all the possibilities of adding some sparkle to all the different kraft product that Jillibean Soup makes - placemats, paper, and journal sprouts just to name a few!

I hope that you will give this a try and share your pages with us on Facebook, and linking up to the comment section below.  You could be 'soup spotted' and your project shared on the blog!

If you have any ideas for what you would like to see in a #trendy Tuesday post, please share them with us!

Happy Monday morning!  What did you think about Happy Camper?  Isn't it inspiring?  And, not only in the papercrafting way.  It makes me want to grab my sleeping bag and head outdoors, just so I can take some photos:)  Today, the design team has some cards to share,that are inspiring as well!

Wishes Card by Cindy Lee

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Stewed Beef
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup

Other:  twine, Papertrey Ink cardstock.

Hello Friend Card by Danni Reid

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Parsnip, Sea Salt
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup

Other:  twine, machine stitching, hand stitching, Bazzill cardstock.

Mother Card by Leanne Allinson

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Yellow Tomatoes; Grandma's Lima Bean Soup/Dry Lima Beans; Coconut Lime Soup/Kaffir Lime Leaves
Pea Pod Parts:  Macho Nacho Soup
Coordinating Cardstock Stickers:  Grandma's Lima Bean Soup
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Chilled Cucumber Soup

Other:  cardstock.

Sending Hugs Card by Kim Holmes

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Card Base
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Yellow Tomatoes, Bite Size Bits; Fresh Vegetable Soup/Stalks of Celery
Pea Pod Parts:  Chilled Cucumber Soup, Fresh Vegetable Soup
Banner Bites:  Hello
Soup Labels:  Card Sentiments II
Bean Stalks:  Turquoise Baker's Twine

Other:  Prima ink.

You Are Awesome Card by Paula Gilarde

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Macho Nacho Soup/Pinch of Cool, 2 Parts Boy
Pea Pod Parts:  Macho Nacho Soup
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Chilled Cucumber Soup
Alphabeans:  Grilled Gray

Other:  Word Art by Ali Edwards.

Thanks and see you tomorrow for a #Trending Tuesday with Nicole Nowosad!

Happy Friday!  Sorry I missed last Friday - we were in Michigan working the Mega Meeters :).  Thank you to everyone that visited our booth and took my classes! 

I have something fun to share today!   It's Happy Camper - our upcoming mid-show release!  Check out a couple of projects from the girls...

Walk by Emily Pitts

How cute are those foxes???

Happy Trails to You Card by Sheir Feypel

Wanna see more?

 Here's another cute project from Design Team member Sheri Feypel...

Sweet Treat by Sheri Feypel

Smores, flamingos, cute campers - oh my!

As with any NEW Release...  WIN it before you can BUY it!!!  Leave a comment below if you would like to WIN this NEW Collection!!!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!  I'm off to Wisconsin to celebrate a very special friend's wedding!

Happy Thursday everyone!  The weeks are flying by!  Before you know it, school will be out and summer will be in full force!  Uggh!  There are always a million and one things to do, aren't there?  Keep calm and carry on, as I tell myself while I blissfully ignore my hungry children, barking dog, and ringing phone:)

Rainbows Layout by Kim Frantz

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Cardstock
Patterned Paper:  Fresh Vegetable Soup/Crushed Ginger; Chilled Cucumber Soup/Sherry Vinegar
Pea Pod Parts:  Chilled Cucumber Soup
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Fresh Vegetable Soup
Alphabeans:  Whipped White, Grilled Gray, Roma Red, Organic Orange, Yam Yellow, Gumbo Green, Tart Teal, Newberg Navy, Blended Black
Bean Stalks:  Gray/Light Pink Baker's Twine
Epoxy Chipboard Buttons:  Coconut Lime Soup

I Believe In Good Friends F'Ever Layout by Cindy Lee

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Sea Salt, Garlic, Beef Stock, Parsnip
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup, Chilled Cucumber Soup
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup, Chilled Cucumber Soup
Alphabeans:  Fig Brown
Cool Beans:  Etched Flower
Sugar Picks:  Sunshine

Other:  lace, washi tape, white paint, glimmer mist.

Hello There Twin Layout by Kim Holmes

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Cardstock
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Beef Stock, Bite Size Bits; Fresh Vegetable Soup/Stalks of Celery, Mushrooms, Crushed Ginger; Chilled Cucumber Soup/Yellow Tomatoes; Soup Staples II/Red Salt
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup, Fresh Vegetable Soup
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup, Fresh Vegetable Soup, Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup
Coordinating Cardstock Stickers:  Grandma's Lima Bean Soup
Alphabeans:  Blueberry Teal

Other:  Prima Ink.

Preschool Friends Layout by Nancy Damiano

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Bite Size Bits
Placemats:  Kraft Frames
Banner Bites:  Cherish
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Chilled Cucumber Soup
Wise Words:  Blue Happy
Corrugated Shapes:  People

For You Purse by Laurel Seabrook

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Peeled Cucumber, Sherry Vinegar
Wood Flag:  For You

Thanks and have a wonderful day!

This week I thought I would share my process for completing a Life Album spread.  I wish I could say that my process is fast, but I'm a slow scrapper.  So, it usually takes me 3 to 4 hours to complete a spread, which includes photo editing and printing.  After choosing and editing my pictures in PSE, I print them to various sizes:  4x6, 3x3, or 3x4.  Afterwards, the set up begins.  I usually take over the dining room table.  Needless to say, dinner on those nights takes place in the family room, which my girls think is the best thing ever!

Once I'm comfortably set up, I select my paper, embellishments, and start outlining the general design of the spreads.  This is only the first draft and the end result will most likely not look like this.  I try to spread out the pictures of the girls i.e. not all the pictures of my youngest together (except if they are the same theme such as a birthday).  I also try not to reuse the same pattern paper on a page.  As well, I try to separate 3x4 pictures in the middle with a journaling card or an accent.  I find that this creates a more appealing and cohesive design.  Finally, the date is always situated in the top corner of the left page.  Again, I find this contributes to a cohesive design throughout my album.

As I was working on this spread, I realized that didn't have enough pictures.  So, I went back to my trusty iPhone.  I noticed that I missed half the week in pictures.  So after selecting new pictures, I had to move things around to make it all fit.  I was much more happy with the new design.  Often, I use post it notes to indicate the location of missing pictures or journaling that needs to be typed.  These little reminders are very useful as I usually don't complete my spreads in one sitting.

Once I am satisfied with the design, it is time to embellish, add journaling and stitching.  Most of my journaling is either in pencil or with a typewriter.  As for sewing, I usually add it on a label or title work.  I love how a little stitching can add a lot of texture and detail to a card.  Embellishments are usually kept to a minimum, as I don't want a bulky album.  I'm hoping to make the year fit into two albums.

As I'm looking at this spread, I notice that I kept the journaling to a minimum.  I guess I didn't have much to say and that's ok with me.  I don't put pressure to include every single detail of our lives, which would be impossible.  Sometimes, I just let the pictures work.  I also noticed that the 9 month needs an 's.'  Oops, I'll make sure to add that!

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Beef Stock, Parsnip, Bite Size Bits
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Alphabeans:  Banana Yellow, Diced Denim
Wise Words:  Happy, Smile
Corrugated Shapes:  Words Kraft

Other:  flair button, Studio Calico white index cards, Tiny Attacher, Jillibean Soup Cameo Cuts, Silhouette America.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my process for creating my spreads.  It's nothing fancy, but it works for me.  Simplicity is sometimes best.

Welcome Jillibean Soup friends!  Today, I have a fabulous fun tutorial showing how to make a gift card bouquet.  As the resident crafty mom of my daughter's cheerleading squad, I volunteered to create this adorable project as our coach's gift this year.  Each family purchased a gift card of their choice to fill up the bouquet.  When finished, I couldn't help but think this would make a fabulous end of the year teacher gift.

Let's get started.  First, I purchased a few things from my local Micheals.  These items included:  a metal canister, burlap ribbon, one green Styrofoam block, wood filler and natural wire floral stems.  All of these items were found in the floral department.  Other supplies you will need for this project include:  your favorite Jillibean Soup patterned papers, cardstock, twine, and a hot glue gun.

The cut files for this project include a flower, 2 faux buttons, and a gift card holder.

Each blossom needs 2 flowers and 1 button center in each size.  In my final project, I didn't attach the gift card holders to every blossom.  I wanted my bouquet to look full and knew I would have a limited number of gift cards.  Cut the number of gift card envelopes based upon your needs.  I recommend using kraft paper.  It blends in nicely with the background of the bouquet, without taking away from the flowers.  To start, cut 2 flowers from your favorite Jillibean Soup patterned paper.  Then, using a pencil, gently curl the petals of the flowers.

Next, adhere together the 2 flowers, staggering the petals.

Next, grab your faux buttons and some twine.  Feed the twine through the holes and tie a bow.

Adhere the layered button center to the flower using a hot glue gun.

The natural wire stems that act as the stems for my project are 2 feet long.  I enlisted my husband to cut the wire stems in half.  Then, I hot glued the stems to the back of my blossom.

Fold the gift card holders along the fold lines and use your favorite adhesive to secure the envelope.

Then, hot glue the envelope to the back of the blossom.

Repeat until you have the desired number of flowers you want for the bouquet.  To add some variety to this project, try varying the patterns and sizes of your flowers.  Other ideas include using a clay pot as your base, using pencils as stems, or adding a few butterflies or a little something unexpected.

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Cardstock
Patterned Paper:  Soup Staples II/Yellow Salt, Turquoise Salt; Chilled Cucumber Soup/Peeled Cucumber, Minced Fresh Dill, Smashed Garlic; Irish Farm House Soup/Parsnip; Grandma's Lima Bean Soup/Vegetable Bouillon
Custom Silhouette Cutting Files

Other:  metal canister, green styrofoam, natural flower wire stem, wood filler, burlap ribbon, hot glue gun, twine, Silhouette Cutting System.

Thanks for joining me today for my latest Jillibean Soup tutorial!

Happy belated Mother's Day to all the mother's out there!  I hope that everyone took the chance to tell their mom how special they are.  Every year, I realize how much more special of a friend and hero my mom is.  I think it's one of those 'jobs' that you really don't appreciate until you can step back and take a look at it (especially when you're not doing the laundry or running them to all their sporting events or baking them three dozen cookies for treats).   Needless to say, I hope you enjoyed the day and took the time to enjoy your mother too!  Today, Kimber McGray has created another card sketch to share for the month of May.  Here's Kimber's card...

Happy Wishes Card by Kimber McGray

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Peeled Cucumber, Fresh Minced Dill, Croutons; Soup Staples II/Green Salt
Coordinating Shape Labels:  Chilled Cucumber Soup
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup
Wise Words:  Yellow Happy
Bean Stalks:  Olive/Mustard Baker's Twine

Other:  3L Scrapbook Adhesives and Xyron, cardstock.

And, here's the card sketch...

And, here's some of the Design Team members take on the card sketch...

You Are Priceless Card by Patty Folchert

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Card Base
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Sea Salt, Bite Size Bits, Turnip; Grandma's Lima Bean Soup/Small Onion
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Irish Farm House
Clear Stamps:  Irish Farm House/Large Set

Other:  Ranger Archival Ink (coffee), small metal star, Scrapbook Adhesives foam squares.

Hello Sunshine Card by Valerie Mangan

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Card Base
Patterned Paper:  Fresh Vegetable Soup/Chicken Base, Crushed Ginger, Stalks of Celery
Coordinating Shape Stickers:  Chilled Cucumber Soup
Pea Pod Parts:  Fresh Vegetable Soup
Wise Words:  White Smile
Epoxy Chipboard Buttons:  Coconut Lime Soup
Bean Stalks:  Turquoise/Green Baker's Twine

Happy Day Card by Leanne Allinson

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Homemade 6 Bean Soup/Barley Pearls; Fresh Vegetable Soup/Chicken Base, Grandma's Lima Bean Soup/Dry Lima Beans; Coconut Lime Soup/Kaffir Lime Leaves; Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup/Garlic Flakes; Country Pumpkin Chowder/Yellow Potatoes
Banner Bites:  Hello
Bean Stalks:  Pink Baker's Twine

Other:  cardstock, heart punch.

So Much To Be Thankful For Card by Nancy Damiano

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Stewed Beef, Barley; Fresh Vegetable Soup/Stalks of Celery
Coordinating Label Sticker:  Fresh Vegetable Soup, Chilled Cucumber Soup
Cool Beans:  Wood Butterfly
Soup Label:  Country Pumpkin Chowder

How You Bean? Card by Nicole Nowosad

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Yellow Tomatoes, Bite Size Bits
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Chilled Cucumber Soup, Irish Farm House Soup
Felt Blossoms:  Green
Corrugated Shapes:  Frames
Bean Stalks:  Mustard/Olive Green Baker's Twine

Other:  machine stitching, white paint.

Feel free to play along with the sketch to and share with us!  You can always email me with your Jillibean Soup projects to jen@jillibean-soup.com or load up your projects to our Facebook page (there's a link to the left to sign up). There's always a chance to be 'Soup Spotted!'  Have a great day!

Good morning!  For the month of May, the Big Bean challenged the Design Team to use some items out of a Vintage Ephemera Pack that is available through the Jillibean Soup Retail Store. 

Love, love, love this stuff!  Did I mention that I love this stuff?:)  It's a package chock full of bingo cards, flash cards, playing cards, book pieces, game pieces, milk bottle lids, and more!  Ephemera is a great way to enhance any paper crafting and add that special embellishment you've been looking for.  Take a look at how some of the Design Team members used ephemera in their projects!

Mother's Day Keepsake Box by Patty Folchert

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Grandma's Lima Bean Soup/Vegetable Bouillon, Small Onion; Soup Staples II/Navy Salt

Other:  wooden cigar box, vintage postcard, white vintage buttons, Modge Podge, Scrapbook Adhesives foam squares, pieces from Jillibean's Ephemera pack.

Thank You So, So Much! Card by Nancy Damiano

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Soup Staples II/Brown Salt; Grandma's Lima Bean Soup/Lean Ham, Bite Size Bits
Soup Labels:  Grandma's Lima Bean Soup
Clear Stamps:  Chilled Cucumber Soup/Small Set 1

Other:  pieces from Jillibean's Ephemera pack.

Note To Self Layout by Valerie Mangan

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Patterned Paper:  Irish Farm House Soup/Sea Salt, Bite Size Bits
Pea Pod Parts:  Irish Farm House Soup
Coordinating Label Stickers:  Irish Farm House Soup
Wise Words:  White Smile
Alphabeans:  Tomato Red, Fig Brown
Bean Stalks:  Red/Brown Baker's Twine
Sugar Picks:  Clear Butterflies

Other:  pieces from Jillibean's Ephemera pack.

Friends Layout By Paula Gilarde

Supplies:
Jillibean Soup
Kraft Cardstock
Patterned Paper:  Soup Staples II/Gray Salt, Turquoise Salt, Pink Salt, Green Salt
Soup Labels:  Grandma's Lima Bean Salt
Banner Bites:  Cherish
Wise Words:  Gray Happy
Kraft Tag:  Happy

Other:  Digital Frame by Katie Pertiet, pieces from Jillibean's Ephemera pack.

We'll share another day of designer challenge projects later this month.  In the meantime, thanks everybody and have a fantastic day!