NEW MONTH. NEW RELEASE. NEW Projects from the Pit Crew!

It's the 30th of the Month 

and that means...

Another fabulous project share from the 

Pit Crew!  Today, they are sharing a project using the AUGUST KIT Zip-N-by to Say Hi!

Check out what the fabulous inspiration from the Pit Crew

Kimberly Crawford

Becky Oehlers

AJ Otto

Julia Stainton

Latisha Yoast

Don't forget to stop back on August 1st
for another project from the Pit Crew.
I just couldn't end the post without a little bit of inspiration to share with you from me using the new August set. What's your favorite image?

How fun is this little car! Check out the luggage on top and the puffy smoke at the back end of the car. The license plate image makes the perfect interactive embellishment. Simple. Clean. Easy to stamp and so super cute. The sentiments in the set fit perfectly in the license plate. And... so will FUTURE sentiments.  -Lisa

Today is AUGUST Reveal Day!

It's the 20th of the month...and that means REVEAL DAY!
Presenting August 2011: ZipnBy to Say Hi set. Subscribe NOW!
This set includes 17 images and 8 sentiments, 25 stamps total. 

Are you ready for a little inspiration/How the Avocado Arts design process works?

When I'm working on illustrating the sets for Avocado Arts, I spend a lot of time developing how the elements in the set will work together and how they will coordinate with future sets. Each set has elements that can work with the next, so not only are you purchasing a monthly set, you're purchasing a collection of images that are versatile and building on each other. I work on sets together in three to four month increments, so I can see how each image will work together over the coming months. All of the Avocado Arts sets through this DECEMBER are COMPLETE and WE CAN'T WAIT to share them with you. Especially through the upcoming holiday season!

While designing, I work each element together in black and white first, test image proportions with each other and then layer them together on a black and white "virtual" card space. If the design works in black and white, then I know for sure it will be a solid approach for stamping in multiple colors, paper piecing and/or coloring with a favorite medium. And because our sets are CLEAR, I make sure each element is in proportion to the next for perfect, easy stamping. Here are some examples of the process when I worked through the August Set. 

The globe image comes with the continents as a separate piece making it easy to use the elements as a globe or as the hot air balloon.

The paper airplane image wraps perfectly around the globe. There are bits and baubles in this set to create more visual interest, too.

There are six images in this example. The "road/line" background builder makes a perfect foundation for the car, or journaling. Look at the little puffs of smoke coming out of the car.

Did you see the fire element and the hot air balloon basket in the set? It's perfect for nesting right underneath the globe image to turn it into a hot air balloon. Versatility. One image (the globe) can become two.

This is my personal favorite. The license plate image is a separate element so that you can fit any/many of the words from all of our sets and FUTURE sets inside. I just love how the car is dragging it behind. Fun!

Again, layering all the different elements together to create a different look. The interstate road sign is a perfect match with the sentiments in this set and FUTURE sets.

Enjoy! -Lisa

August Kits Sneak Peek Day 3

So, what do you think of the August 2011: ZipnBy to Say Hi set so far? 

Join us on the 20th
for the FULL SET reveal AND some tips, tricks and techniques. This set includes 17 images and 8 sentiments. 25 stamps total.

The August 2011: ZipnBy to Say Hi! kit ships the 25th-30th

Subscribe TODAY!

August Kits Sneak Peek Day 2

Are you ready for ANOTHER 

Glimpse of Stampy Goodness!

Here's another sneak into the August 2011 stamp set release: ZipnBy to Say Hi! What do you think? 
If you're already a subscriber, you have seen the whole set! If you would like to subscribe, click HERE!

This set includes 17 images and 8 sentiments. 25 stamps total.

It's August Kit Sneak Peek Time! Day 1

Are you ready for some Glimpses of Stampy Goodness!

We are! Join us for the next three days of sneak peeks into the August 2011 stamp set release: ZipnBy to Say Hi! What do you think?

If you're a current subscriber, you've seen the WHOLE SET! Subscribe today and enjoy all the "extra" benefits members receive.
This set includes 17 images and 8 sentiments. 25 stamps total. 

We Challenge YOU!

Today begins our first SKETCH CHALLENGE.

Here's how to play. Below is the Avocado Arts July Sketch.  Simply create a project using the sketch below as your inspiration. Use one (or more) of our sets to create your project (any project) and upload it to our FLICKR group with the keywords: July 2011 SC

 On the 25th of the month we will post right here on the blog, 3 Sketch Challenge FLICKR FAVES chosen from the FLICKR group. AND... just for playing along, the FLICKR FAVE winners will receive a FREE Avocado Arts Printable Hybrid Project Sheet (first ever emailed right to the winners inbox). This month's project features a pre-designed "Thank You" card and a butterfly image color sheet (perfect for paper piecing or coloring with your favorite medium)  See example below!

Super simple to play. We challenge you!

And...Because we realized that the Color Challenge was right smack dab in the middle of summer holidays, we have extended that challenge as well.

Below is the July Color Challenge Color Palette. Simply create a project using the color inspiration below. Use one (or more) of our sets to create your project (any project) and upload it to our FLICKR group with the keywords: July 2011 CC

Hope you find inspiration in the challenge. Join us! -Lisa 

Pit Crew Inspiration TODAY!

It's the 15th of the Month 

and that means...

Another fabulous project share from the 

Pit Crew!  Today, they are sharing a project using the current months kit (Hello Friend) and a sneak of the August kit (ZipnBy). 

If you're a current Avocado Arts subscriber, you will see the full reveal of the August kit via email TODAY!

Want a sneak peek of the August kit, ZipnBy? Go...Check out the Pit Crew's Projects

Kimberly Crawford

Becky Oehlers

AJ Otto

Julia Stainton

Latisha Yoast

Don't forget to stop back on the 

17th, 18th, 19th
for more Sneak peeks of the August kit.

Scrap-a-Mole Scrapbook Inspiration Day!

Ready for some scrapbook inspiration! 

Have you seen AvocadoType, Strike-a-Pose and Say It! Pennant Style?

Check out this little project I whipped up. I had a couple of cute pics of my kiddos on the last day of school and they were just being GOOFY. Sometimes, I don't want to create a full page layout, so I turn to creating a mini project instead. AvocadoType, Strike-a-Pose and Say It! Pennant Style are perfect for scrapping your favorite pics.

I started with one piece of kraft cardstock and two pieces of patterned paper. The whole project is stamped and paper pieced. EASY PEASY. I even sewed the to 6x6 pieces together to make a little booklet. The bits, baubles and journaling lines make it super easy to create embellishments and journal a few words to remember the event. The avocado type words provide the perfect journal starters. I made little tags that say HE SAID and SHE SAID documenting what they said that morning of the last day of school. AND...my favorite element...is the interactive film cell spinner. It is so easy to put pictures behind the openings and the Avocado Type words fit perfectly inside. 

Total time spent on this project 1 hour. 

Scrappin' in a snap! -Lisa

The Color Challenge is still in full swing. We'll post the Color Challenge FLICKR FAVES on the 16th. Simply create a project using the color inspiration below. Use one (or more) of our sets to create your project (any project) and upload it to our FLICKR group with the keywords: July 2011 CC

Flickr FAVES on the 5th

Wahoo for the 5th of the month!

Have you joined our Flickr group yet? It's FREE and on the 5th of the month, we like to share what our customers have created! We pull them right from Flickr, so be sure to post.

 

First up... A super cute card from Kim Bell (doodersmom9). Just love that little wellie. Kim makes such happy, happy cards. LOVE.

Thank you Kim for sharing your card with us in the Flickr Group.

 

Don't forget about our Color Challenge.

Here's how to play. Above is the July Color Challenge Color Palette. Simply create a project using the color inspiration provided. Use one (or more) of our sets to create your project (any project) and upload it to our FLICKR group with the keywords: July 2011 CC.

 

On the 11th of the month we will post 3 COLOR CHALLENGE FLICKR FAVES chosen right from the FLICKR group right here on the blog for everyone to be inspired. AND... just for playing along, the FLICKR FAVE winners will receive a FREE Avocado Arts Printable Hybrid Project Sheet (first ever emailed right  to the winners inbox). This month's project features a pre-designed "Thank You" card and a butterfly image color sheet (perfect for paper piecing or coloring with your favorite medium)  See example below!

 -Lisa

Announcing...

Our first EVER Challenge!

Are you ready?

Every month, we will host two challenges.

On the 2nd of the month:  

COLOR CHALLENGE

On the 16th of the month: 

SKETCH CHALLENGE

Simple. Easy to play along!

Today begins our first COLOR CHALLENGE.

Here's how to play. Below is the July Color Challenge Color Palette. Simply create a project using the color inspiration below. Use one (or more) of our sets to create your project (any project) and upload it to our FLICKR group with the keywords: July 2011 CC

 On the 11th of the month we will post 3 COLOR CHALLENGE FLICKR FAVES chosen right from the FLICKR group right here on the blog for everyone to be inspired. AND... just for playing along, the FLICKR FAVE winners will receive a FREE Avocado Arts Printable Hybrid Project Sheet (first ever emailed right  to the winners inbox). This month's project features a pre-designed "Thank You" card and a butterfly image color sheet (perfect for paper piecing or coloring with your favorite medium)  See example below!

Super simple to play. Color Inspiration to get the Creative MOJO going.

We'll post the SKETCH CHALLENGE on the 16th.
-Lisa

Hello Friend! New Set Release, New Pit Crew Projects

Here it is! The NEW July 2011: Hello Friend set. 

You can order this stamp set on the website HERE

Have you seen the PIT CREW projects using this new set?

Haven't joined in the fun, yet? Subscribe to our auto-delivery program today!

Benefits include: no membership fees, no commitments, you only pay for the kits you want to receive. Each set is 4x6, made of the highest quality clear photopolymer and delivered right to your door. We ship FAST. Need to skip a month. NO WORRIES. 

Signing up today and missed our June set. NO WORRIES. You can still receive the set. Our sets do NOT RETIRE. They will always be available.

Members get an exclusive tips, tricks and techniques inspiration sheet sent right to their email box the 1st of every month. 

How about a little inspiration to start us off...Make sure you check out the PIT CREW projects today

Kimberly Crawford

Becky Oehlers

AJ Otto

Julia Stainton

Latisha Yoast

 Here's a tip: Snip the lampshade from the base on the stamp and separate the two pieces. This will give you more versatility in use. And... you'll have two stamps instead of ONE.

-Lisa