Thursday, May 31, 2012
Design Challenges - Wrapping Up
Only a week late, I finally have all the assignments from the Design Challenges Class completed.
Number Nine: Go Margin Free
(Supplies: Letter stickers and asterisks by American Crafts. All other supplies by Crate Paper.)
I love this photo. Yes, it is blurry, but that's part of what makes it special, the action, the motion, the energy of the memory, my Mom and I dancing. I didn't have room for journaling because of the size of the photo, but I'm doing a 6x12 companion page that will give me more room.
Number Ten: Use Photo Strips as a Design Element
(Supplies: Card stock by Bazzill. Number dies by QuicKutz. Gems by Sticko. Glitter by Stickles. All other supplies by Echo Park Paper.)
These photos were taken way back before I went digital. They were 3.5x5 inch prints, and most of the photos were dark, so a great solution was punching a square out of each one and putting those squares into strips. Although I tried to adhere the first strip straight on the page, it was a bit crooked, so I went with it and made the second strip crooked on purpose. Most of the supplies came from Echo Park Paper's Winter Park collection, but I was able to use a few bits and pieces from the previous winter-themed kit, Wintertime, which is one of my favorites of all time. I love getting to use up old supplies.
Number Eleven: Feature Type Both Big and Small
(Supplies: Card stock by Bazzill and Stampin' Up! Patterned paper by Glitz and Basic Grey. Stamps by The Stamps of Life. Inks by Colorbox, VersaMagic, and Tim Holtz Distress. Large letter stickers by Little Yellow Bicycle. Small letter stickers by Crate Paper. Brads by JoAnn, Etc. Based on a sketch by Shimelle Laine.)
For this layout, I used some patterned papers from Cocoa Daisy kits, and I put a stamp set I recently bought at Mega Meet to use. I so dig those stars! I like that I can create all kinds of embellishments, all different styles and tones, with one stamp set. Definitely check out The Stamps of Life. Lots of great options there, including a subscription program.
Number Twelve: Embrace Fine Lines
(Supplies: Letter stickers by Pebbles, Inc. Ink by VersaMagic and Stampin' Up! Stamp by Elise Blaha. Dimensional stickers by Jolee's. All other supplies by Doodlebug.)
That little darling is my niece, Olivia, on her 2nd Hallowe'en, and I have loved these photos of her since I first saw them. I wanted to go cute, rather than spooky, and I love this Doodelbug paper with its matching buttons and pearls. The little chick stickers from Jolee's were the perfect accompaniment.
One of the options for this challenge was to use a broken line, and that's what I did around the orange patterned paper, giving the whole page a homey feeling. I really enjoyed doing this layout, and I know it will make me smile for years to come.
So...better late than never, right? I want to thank Elizabeth Dillow, the instructor for this class at Big Picture. Twelve pages, twelve stories told, and I stretched my design capabilities, also.
Number Nine: Go Margin Free
I love this photo. Yes, it is blurry, but that's part of what makes it special, the action, the motion, the energy of the memory, my Mom and I dancing. I didn't have room for journaling because of the size of the photo, but I'm doing a 6x12 companion page that will give me more room.
Number Ten: Use Photo Strips as a Design Element
These photos were taken way back before I went digital. They were 3.5x5 inch prints, and most of the photos were dark, so a great solution was punching a square out of each one and putting those squares into strips. Although I tried to adhere the first strip straight on the page, it was a bit crooked, so I went with it and made the second strip crooked on purpose. Most of the supplies came from Echo Park Paper's Winter Park collection, but I was able to use a few bits and pieces from the previous winter-themed kit, Wintertime, which is one of my favorites of all time. I love getting to use up old supplies.
Number Eleven: Feature Type Both Big and Small
For this layout, I used some patterned papers from Cocoa Daisy kits, and I put a stamp set I recently bought at Mega Meet to use. I so dig those stars! I like that I can create all kinds of embellishments, all different styles and tones, with one stamp set. Definitely check out The Stamps of Life. Lots of great options there, including a subscription program.
Number Twelve: Embrace Fine Lines
That little darling is my niece, Olivia, on her 2nd Hallowe'en, and I have loved these photos of her since I first saw them. I wanted to go cute, rather than spooky, and I love this Doodelbug paper with its matching buttons and pearls. The little chick stickers from Jolee's were the perfect accompaniment.
One of the options for this challenge was to use a broken line, and that's what I did around the orange patterned paper, giving the whole page a homey feeling. I really enjoyed doing this layout, and I know it will make me smile for years to come.
So...better late than never, right? I want to thank Elizabeth Dillow, the instructor for this class at Big Picture. Twelve pages, twelve stories told, and I stretched my design capabilities, also.
30 in 30 Scrapbooking - Last Call
Tomorrow is June 1st, the beginning of 30 in 30 Scrapbooking, and you still have the chance to sign up for this challenge to complete 30 layouts in the 30 days of June.
You can read more about it here.
If you want to jump in and join us, just email me and let me know. I'll send you an invitation to our Yahoo group, and you'll be all set.
If you just want to cheer from the sidelines, that will be greatly appreciated, too. I'll be posting all my completed layouts here on this blog as I complete them. Keep in mind that I'm planning to offer 30 in 30 Scrapbooking again in September, so you'll have another chance to take part then.
You can read more about it here.
If you want to jump in and join us, just email me and let me know. I'll send you an invitation to our Yahoo group, and you'll be all set.
If you just want to cheer from the sidelines, that will be greatly appreciated, too. I'll be posting all my completed layouts here on this blog as I complete them. Keep in mind that I'm planning to offer 30 in 30 Scrapbooking again in September, so you'll have another chance to take part then.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Design Challenges - Eight
A little hiatus, there. Remember how Yoda said, "Always in motion is the future."? The present can be like that, too.
The Design Challenges class ended without my completion of the assignments, but I didn't want to ditch such great inspiration just because I missed the "deadline." I've got all but one completely done. I just haven't had the right light for good photos, Michigan going all cloudy today after several days of bright sunshine. :)
But here's number eight: we were challenged to "say it with a sign," and I die cut a sign with The Slice, using it to add a bit to the journaling. (Or I guess you could call it a subtitle.)
(Supplies: Patterned paper and brads by My Mind's Eye. Stickers by Crate Paper. Letter stickers by October Afternoon and American Crafts. Brown ink by Tim Holtz Distress. Star border stamp by The Stamps of Life. Black ink by Ranger. Spray ink by Glimmer Mist.)
My favorite part is the star border. I'm really enjoying putting my stamps to use right now. I'm also pretty fond of those brads.
I hope to have the rest of the Design Challenge layouts posted tomorrow. I'm clearing the decks for the arrival of June and the 30 in 30 Scrapbooking challenge. I'm so excited to get started. I've got a lot of my layouts already planned, and if I have some time tomorrow, I might get a few page kits put together. I also shopped a coupon sale at the local scrapbook store today and picked up some goodies to use in the coming month.
It's going to be awesome, and there's still time to sign up if you're interested. :)
The Design Challenges class ended without my completion of the assignments, but I didn't want to ditch such great inspiration just because I missed the "deadline." I've got all but one completely done. I just haven't had the right light for good photos, Michigan going all cloudy today after several days of bright sunshine. :)
But here's number eight: we were challenged to "say it with a sign," and I die cut a sign with The Slice, using it to add a bit to the journaling. (Or I guess you could call it a subtitle.)
(Supplies: Patterned paper and brads by My Mind's Eye. Stickers by Crate Paper. Letter stickers by October Afternoon and American Crafts. Brown ink by Tim Holtz Distress. Star border stamp by The Stamps of Life. Black ink by Ranger. Spray ink by Glimmer Mist.)
My favorite part is the star border. I'm really enjoying putting my stamps to use right now. I'm also pretty fond of those brads.
I hope to have the rest of the Design Challenge layouts posted tomorrow. I'm clearing the decks for the arrival of June and the 30 in 30 Scrapbooking challenge. I'm so excited to get started. I've got a lot of my layouts already planned, and if I have some time tomorrow, I might get a few page kits put together. I also shopped a coupon sale at the local scrapbook store today and picked up some goodies to use in the coming month.
It's going to be awesome, and there's still time to sign up if you're interested. :)
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Inspiration Sunday - May 27
Alright, scrappin' babes. I got quite a bit to share with you this fine Sunday, so let's get started.
First, Jen Lemen's blog, which I discovered this week, I don't remember how. I love the photos and the words, and the whole tone of it, too.
Posie Gets Cozy is another blog I discovered, so full of breathtaking images, I feel nourished just looking.
Vintage Street Market is a nifty site with lots of vintage treasures. Talk about inspiration! I’m inspired to break out the credit card.
First, Jen Lemen's blog, which I discovered this week, I don't remember how. I love the photos and the words, and the whole tone of it, too.
Posie Gets Cozy is another blog I discovered, so full of breathtaking images, I feel nourished just looking.
Vintage Street Market is a nifty site with lots of vintage treasures. Talk about inspiration! I’m inspired to break out the credit card.
This post at Van Laar Designs demonstrates a very cool technique for making watercolor paper flowers. I love the colors.
And here is a great tutorial on creating hand embroidered tags. So cute, and I have been thinking of making some of these myself.
I've also been inspiring myself with plans for 30 in 30 Scrapbooking, which is getting off the ground in just a few days. Starting on June 1st, it's going to be scrapbooking central at LaLa's house. I'm assembling photos, jotting some journaling, thinking about supplies I want to use. I feel the engines revving for a whole lot of creativity.
If you're looking for a great way to get lots of scrappin' done in the month of June, check out the details on this post and take the plunge with me.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
More in Bloom
It's been a long and busy week. I haven't had any spare time for paper-crafting, though I've acquired several new supplies which I will be putting to work during my 30 in 30 Scrapbooking project beginning in June. Just a few days before it starts, and I'm so excited!
So, I don't have any scrapbook pages or other projects to share. However, the plants around our house continue to bloom.
Looks like it's just about to burst open.
And this one, just starting to unfurl.
I admit irises aren't my favorite, but that's a lovely purple. Usually, the irises along our fence line bloom for about 30 seconds and tip over. They're usually a light cream color, too. I haven't seen the purple ones in a few years.
The woman who used to live in our house was a master gardener and did a lot of work to get these plants to bloom in succession so that there's always something interesting to look at, enjoy, and photograph. I so appreciate her efforts.
As I was browsing through my photos last night, I realized I haven't taken very many in May. I'm not sure why, but that is going to change in June, as there's a lot going on. I'll be doing another 12 Days album beginning on the summer solstice, for one thing. Projects like that always generate lots and lots of pictures.
Remember: 30 in 30 Scrapbooking begins June 1st. There's still time to jump in with me. I've had a few people agree to join in, and we're all excited. It's going to be a fun and challenging month!
So, I don't have any scrapbook pages or other projects to share. However, the plants around our house continue to bloom.
Looks like it's just about to burst open.
And this one, just starting to unfurl.
I admit irises aren't my favorite, but that's a lovely purple. Usually, the irises along our fence line bloom for about 30 seconds and tip over. They're usually a light cream color, too. I haven't seen the purple ones in a few years.
The woman who used to live in our house was a master gardener and did a lot of work to get these plants to bloom in succession so that there's always something interesting to look at, enjoy, and photograph. I so appreciate her efforts.
As I was browsing through my photos last night, I realized I haven't taken very many in May. I'm not sure why, but that is going to change in June, as there's a lot going on. I'll be doing another 12 Days album beginning on the summer solstice, for one thing. Projects like that always generate lots and lots of pictures.
Remember: 30 in 30 Scrapbooking begins June 1st. There's still time to jump in with me. I've had a few people agree to join in, and we're all excited. It's going to be a fun and challenging month!
Friday, May 25, 2012
New Desk
This arrived today:
I'm so excited!
Awhile back, Daniel and I were sitting together at a dining table that serves as a dual desk and docking stations for our computers. Amidst the chaos of clutter, I felt cramped and crowded, and we started talking about how to remedy the situation. Our front room had a fair amount of space that wasn't really being utilized, so we talked about using part of it for my office space.
Which meant I'd need a desk.
At first, we looked online at roll top desks, but then we went window shopping on one of our dates, checking out what Pottery Barn had to offer. I won't say that I fell in love with that desk at first sight, but I definitely liked the spaciousness of it, and I did fall in love with that chair pretty fast.
Still...I hesitated, uncertain it was what I wanted, reluctant to spend the money. But the more I thought about it, the more I really wanted that desk with its pretty wicker chair in a style I've always liked, to come live at my house.
And let me tell you, I am so glad we bought it. That simple piece of furniture is going to simplify my life and make some of the daily tasks I have to do so much easier. Not only that, it gives me space of my own, room to breathe, and a way to get organized, which will greatly reduce my stress in ways I probably don't even realize just yet.
I'm thrilled.
And so, so grateful to Daniel, my sweet husband, who wouldn't let me not get this desk once I knew I wanted it. He always finds ways, great and small, to make my life easier and sweeter.
I'm so excited!
Awhile back, Daniel and I were sitting together at a dining table that serves as a dual desk and docking stations for our computers. Amidst the chaos of clutter, I felt cramped and crowded, and we started talking about how to remedy the situation. Our front room had a fair amount of space that wasn't really being utilized, so we talked about using part of it for my office space.
Which meant I'd need a desk.
At first, we looked online at roll top desks, but then we went window shopping on one of our dates, checking out what Pottery Barn had to offer. I won't say that I fell in love with that desk at first sight, but I definitely liked the spaciousness of it, and I did fall in love with that chair pretty fast.
Still...I hesitated, uncertain it was what I wanted, reluctant to spend the money. But the more I thought about it, the more I really wanted that desk with its pretty wicker chair in a style I've always liked, to come live at my house.
And let me tell you, I am so glad we bought it. That simple piece of furniture is going to simplify my life and make some of the daily tasks I have to do so much easier. Not only that, it gives me space of my own, room to breathe, and a way to get organized, which will greatly reduce my stress in ways I probably don't even realize just yet.
I'm thrilled.
And so, so grateful to Daniel, my sweet husband, who wouldn't let me not get this desk once I knew I wanted it. He always finds ways, great and small, to make my life easier and sweeter.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Announcing 30 in 30 Scrapbooking
I'm very excited to announce a new month-long challenge I've created called 30 in 30 Scrapbooking.
In the past, I've participated in and completed several month-long challenges, some of them scrapbooking-related, that required a daily commitment. I've always been thrilled at how inspired I was, how the daily drumbeat, the 24-hour deadline, pushed me to stretch my creative muscles, sometimes to the breaking point, but always with results that both amazed and delighted me. When it came to scrapbooking challenges, I was so happy to have all those pages completed, all those memories preserved, all those photos featured in one month’s time.
But.
Those days were very different from the life I’m living now when I’ve got very real, very important time constraints. I still really love the idea of daily creativity practice, whether it’s writing or scrapbooking or art journaling. However, I know myself well, and I know that if I try to create a scrapbook page, take a photo of it and upload it to my blog or a gallery every single day, I’m not only setting myself up to fail, I’m going to be more stressed than challenged or inspired.
That's not good.
That's where 30 in 30 Scrapbooking comes in.
There's really only one rule, and it's a simple one: create 30 scrapbook layouts in 30 days, with no daily requirement. Create three layouts on 10 different days or two on 15 days. Or go on a coffee and chocolate infused scrappin' bender and crank out half of the required 30 layouts in one weekend, the other half on another. Whatever works for your schedule. The flexibility of doing those 30 layouts whenever I can make the time, rather than having to do one each day or fail, will still challenge me and keep me creating, but without too much of the pressure or stress that saps my creative inspiration.
Since June is the next month with thirty days, I'm ready to jump in for a test run and see how it goes, and I’m inviting you to jump in with me. During the next week, I'll share ideas to get ready for the month, and I'll post some prompts, perhaps some individual layout challenges, to jump start our creative motors throughout the month. I'll also be posting my layouts as I complete them.
If you want to play along, drop me a quick email, and I'll send you an invitation to the Yahoo group I've set up for this project. Also feel free to email me with any questions you have regarding this adventure.
So...who's in? :)
p.s. If all goes well, I'm planning to host a second installment of the 30 in 30 Scrapbooking Challenge in September!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Inspiration Sunday - May 20th
Just two things to share today.
Alexandra at Art, Scrap and More made adorable little flags with washi tape. I'm thinking cupcakes could be adorned with those, or even scrapbook pages. Neat idea!
Becky at One Scrappin' Mama created this lovely page, and hey, are those flags that could be made out of washi tape? ;)
***
In other news, stay tuned for an announcement of a fun project coming up in June. I'm pretty excited...
Alexandra at Art, Scrap and More made adorable little flags with washi tape. I'm thinking cupcakes could be adorned with those, or even scrapbook pages. Neat idea!
Becky at One Scrappin' Mama created this lovely page, and hey, are those flags that could be made out of washi tape? ;)
***
In other news, stay tuned for an announcement of a fun project coming up in June. I'm pretty excited...
Friday, May 18, 2012
Hipstamatic Photo - Flowers
So I have the Hipstamatic app on my iPhone. In fact, it was one of the first apps I purchased because I dug the idea of brand new photos made to look all retro.
We got my sweet little Mommy bright yellow flowers for Mother's Day, and while I was taking a "regular" photo, I thought I'd grab a shot with the Hipsta.
Nifty, am I wrong? I so dig the effect.
I'd dig it even more if I could get these photos printed. They look even more nifty on scrapbook pages.
We got my sweet little Mommy bright yellow flowers for Mother's Day, and while I was taking a "regular" photo, I thought I'd grab a shot with the Hipsta.
Nifty, am I wrong? I so dig the effect.
I'd dig it even more if I could get these photos printed. They look even more nifty on scrapbook pages.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Design Challenges - Seven
For this challenge, we were assigned the task of creating a page with multiple photos on a bold background. I had photos of the nephew from his 8th birthday party, very colorful and fun, 3.5 x 5 in size. These were photos I took eleven years ago with a film camera, and they each had a bit of a halo of darkness around the edges, perfect for punching out the subject in the middle. I also knew immediately that I wanted to use some bold, colorful papers in my scrap basket from the Echo Park Paper Little Boy collection.
Here is how it all came together.
(Supplies: Patterned paper and stickers by Echo Park Paper. Numeral and brackets, glitter tape by American Crafts. Brads by Joann and Stampin' Up!)
I almost always struggle to get that many photos in a grid straight. This time, it just went a lot easier for some reason. The title was inspired by a layout my friend Suzanne recently posted on her blog, and I really like the simple but poignant journaling. Sometimes, it's so hard to know what to write on layouts about birthdays so many years ago, I really don't recall the details.
I really like the energy of this layout, the motion so reminiscent of an 8-year-old boy, especially on an exciting occasion like his birthday.
Here is how it all came together.
I almost always struggle to get that many photos in a grid straight. This time, it just went a lot easier for some reason. The title was inspired by a layout my friend Suzanne recently posted on her blog, and I really like the simple but poignant journaling. Sometimes, it's so hard to know what to write on layouts about birthdays so many years ago, I really don't recall the details.
I really like the energy of this layout, the motion so reminiscent of an 8-year-old boy, especially on an exciting occasion like his birthday.
Design Challenge - Six
Let me begin by saying I totally dug this challenge, which was to create a mostly monochromatic layout. Flipping through my book of scrapbook pages to create--and I REALLY need to do a post about my process soon!--I found a photo of my niece and nephew in the snow, a really adorable photo I wanted to highlight on a background of mostly white.
(Supplies: Card stock by Bazzill and The Paper Company. Letter stickers by American Crafts. Spray ink by Studio Calico, Mister Huey. Chalk ink by Colorbox. Snowflake punch by Tonic. Other punch by EK Success. Gems by Me and My Big Ideas, Queen and Company, and Sticko. Paint by Adirondack. Glitter by Stickles.)
I started with some embossed card stock by Bazzill. One is different sized dots, which echoes the idea of falling snow to me, and the other is snowflakes. I sprayed the snowflake card stock with Mister Huey in shine to add shimmer and a bit more texture.
I also sprayed the punched snowflakes with with Mister Huey, and I whisked pearl paint along the photo matte before adding some light blue ink and adhering the photo.
Glitter around the perimeter of the page, as well as swirls of glitter leading to some of the snowflakes were my finishing touches. I love how all that white really makes the photo stand out, but because of the details, the glitter and shine, the white maintains interest.
This one's my favorite challenge in the class so far. I love the idea of using one color, even white, in a lot of different ways on a page to add emphasis to a special photo like this one.
Next up, challenge seven!
I started with some embossed card stock by Bazzill. One is different sized dots, which echoes the idea of falling snow to me, and the other is snowflakes. I sprayed the snowflake card stock with Mister Huey in shine to add shimmer and a bit more texture.
I also sprayed the punched snowflakes with with Mister Huey, and I whisked pearl paint along the photo matte before adding some light blue ink and adhering the photo.
Glitter around the perimeter of the page, as well as swirls of glitter leading to some of the snowflakes were my finishing touches. I love how all that white really makes the photo stand out, but because of the details, the glitter and shine, the white maintains interest.
This one's my favorite challenge in the class so far. I love the idea of using one color, even white, in a lot of different ways on a page to add emphasis to a special photo like this one.
Next up, challenge seven!
Bug Hugs - A Layout
In a previous post, I mentioned I'd been pairing pieces of my Cocoa Daisy kits with photos I want to scrapbook, and here's another completed layout.
(Supplies: Patterned paper by Fancy Pants. Letter stickers by Basic Grey. Doily sticker by My Mind's Eye. Border stamp by Stamps of Life. Ink by Colorbox and Stampin' Up! Epoxy sticker by DCWV. Sentiment sticker by Little Yelow Bicycle. Buttons and twine from Cocoa Daisy kits, unknown manufacturer.)
I chose to use the three brown doilies in the patterned paper as visual triangle points, adding embellishments there. This is probably not patterned paper I would've selected in the store, but I like how it fits these photos and provides a great background for this story. That's one of the benefits of a kit club: it stretches my creativity and inspires me to try things I wouldn't otherwise have tried.
I chose to use the three brown doilies in the patterned paper as visual triangle points, adding embellishments there. This is probably not patterned paper I would've selected in the store, but I like how it fits these photos and provides a great background for this story. That's one of the benefits of a kit club: it stretches my creativity and inspires me to try things I wouldn't otherwise have tried.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
31 Things
Ever since I read about Ali Edwards' new class at Big Picture Classes, I've been going back and forth about whether or not to sign up.
Tonight, I went for it.
And it's a good decision. Not just because I admire and respect Ali so much, though I do. Not because of the inspiration, though that's always welcome. And not because I'll get to meet other scrapbookers, though I always enjoy getting to know people and their stories.
It's a good decision because it turns out 31 Things? It's a writing class.
Just what I need right now.
After I signed up tonight, I got started on the pre-class material. Watching the video presentation explaining what to expect of the class, I felt a happy little glow of anticipation.
I'm going to love this class. I just know it.
Tonight, I went for it.
And it's a good decision. Not just because I admire and respect Ali so much, though I do. Not because of the inspiration, though that's always welcome. And not because I'll get to meet other scrapbookers, though I always enjoy getting to know people and their stories.
It's a good decision because it turns out 31 Things? It's a writing class.
Just what I need right now.
After I signed up tonight, I got started on the pre-class material. Watching the video presentation explaining what to expect of the class, I felt a happy little glow of anticipation.
I'm going to love this class. I just know it.
Design Challenges - Five
Little bit of a hiatus from the design challenges, there, due to the hectic pace of daily life. But I'm back in the groove with challenge number five: use symbols as design elements.
Now, this one was a bit of a no-brainer for me, simply because I had a photo from St. Patrick's Day that I wanted to scrapbook. I used a club symbol as a shamrock, both as a single embellishment, and as a repeated pattern to create borders.
(Supplies: Patterned paper by Pink Paislee, Little Yellow Bicycle, Reminisce, and unknown manufacturers. Die cuts by American Crafts and Girls Paperie. Letter stickers by October Afternoon and American Crafts. Card stock by The Paper Company. Gems by Hero Arts and Queen and Company. Glitter tape by American Crafts. Stamp by Elise Blaha. Ink by Tim Holtz.)
The background patterned paper was part of a Cocoa Daisy kit, and the rest I dug out of my scrap basket. Just a touch of yellow to balance out all that green and echo the color on the bottle label in the photo. I am totally digging that glitter tape. So easy to use, and I haven't noticed the glitter flaking off. It comes in lots of luscious colors, too. I'm going to add more to my stash for certain.
On to challenge six!
Now, this one was a bit of a no-brainer for me, simply because I had a photo from St. Patrick's Day that I wanted to scrapbook. I used a club symbol as a shamrock, both as a single embellishment, and as a repeated pattern to create borders.
The background patterned paper was part of a Cocoa Daisy kit, and the rest I dug out of my scrap basket. Just a touch of yellow to balance out all that green and echo the color on the bottle label in the photo. I am totally digging that glitter tape. So easy to use, and I haven't noticed the glitter flaking off. It comes in lots of luscious colors, too. I'm going to add more to my stash for certain.
On to challenge six!
Happy Birthday, May!
Do you know May Flaum?
If not, you should. She is wicked cool with the inspiration, and she is one of the most conscientious, generous people I know. I've taken several of her classes at Big Picture, and I read her blog regularly.
What I love the most about May is that she is creatively brave and encourages the rest of us to dare ourselves. Some of my best scrapbook pages happened because May pushed me to scrap outside of my comfy creative box.
It's May's birthday today. Go check out her blog and give her some good wishes.
If not, you should. She is wicked cool with the inspiration, and she is one of the most conscientious, generous people I know. I've taken several of her classes at Big Picture, and I read her blog regularly.
What I love the most about May is that she is creatively brave and encourages the rest of us to dare ourselves. Some of my best scrapbook pages happened because May pushed me to scrap outside of my comfy creative box.
It's May's birthday today. Go check out her blog and give her some good wishes.
Layout - Coffee Break
A little over a week ago, I went through a couple of Cocoa Daisy kits I hadn't used yet, pairing the papers and embellishments with photos to create layouts. The first one started with a bold patterned paper with lots of rich color that somehow seemed to go well with photos of a new favorite coffee place in town.
(Supplies: Patterned paper by Crate Paper. Letter stickers by American Crafts. Rub-ons by Luxe. Die cuts by Girls Paperie. Stamps by TPC Studio and Elise Blaha. Ink by Autumn Leaves. Flowers by Prima. Brads by Making Memories.)
Normally, when I do a layout about coffee--and since I'm a coffee lover from way back, this happens fairly often--I go for brown as a basic foundation. This time, I went with black, just because it seemed to fit better. I also used plenty of older supplies, which I love to do. Cleaning out the stash so there's room for more new goodies!
Normally, when I do a layout about coffee--and since I'm a coffee lover from way back, this happens fairly often--I go for brown as a basic foundation. This time, I went with black, just because it seemed to fit better. I also used plenty of older supplies, which I love to do. Cleaning out the stash so there's room for more new goodies!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Inspiration Sunday - May 13
First on the list, this project by Elise Blaha. I love learning new techniques, and this one is way cool. I make mini books, so I could definitely do something similar, but I think it could work for a title block on a scrapbook page, or even for a greeting on a card.
Next, Shimelle Laine created this video for the National Scrapbooking Day event at Two Peas in a Bucket, and there's miles to go before the inspiration runs out. I'm thinking it might be fun to try what Shimelle did in the video, either gathering my own supplies from my stash into a kit, or using my next Cocoa Daisy kit and seeing how many pages/layouts I can create with just those supplies.
And last, I was infused with lots of inspiration attending the Mega Meet convention yesterday. My friend Hope finally got to go, and we had such a good time together, looking at all the wonderful things for sale on the show floor. People are so innovative, so creative, and it just makes my heart happy to walk around absorbing all that inspiring goodness. I bought three stamp sets from Stamps of Life and got to meet Stephanie Barnard and her husband. I scored a bunch of pearls and gems from the Queen and Co. booth, and in another booth, I grabbed a sampler pack of embossed paper that I can't wait to tear into and play with. Oh, the inking possibilities! (Of course, I'll be sure to share my projects in future posts.)
Next, Shimelle Laine created this video for the National Scrapbooking Day event at Two Peas in a Bucket, and there's miles to go before the inspiration runs out. I'm thinking it might be fun to try what Shimelle did in the video, either gathering my own supplies from my stash into a kit, or using my next Cocoa Daisy kit and seeing how many pages/layouts I can create with just those supplies.
And last, I was infused with lots of inspiration attending the Mega Meet convention yesterday. My friend Hope finally got to go, and we had such a good time together, looking at all the wonderful things for sale on the show floor. People are so innovative, so creative, and it just makes my heart happy to walk around absorbing all that inspiring goodness. I bought three stamp sets from Stamps of Life and got to meet Stephanie Barnard and her husband. I scored a bunch of pearls and gems from the Queen and Co. booth, and in another booth, I grabbed a sampler pack of embossed paper that I can't wait to tear into and play with. Oh, the inking possibilities! (Of course, I'll be sure to share my projects in future posts.)
Monday, May 7, 2012
Hydrangeas
The neighbors behind us have a hydrangea bush growing against the fence that divides our lots.
This year, the blooms are earlier and more profuse. Usually I can only see one poking through the fence.
But this year there's more than one.
Hydrangeas are my second favorite flower, and it's always such a simple delight when spring comes, and these beauties peek over and through the fence with their bright happy faces. It makes me happy.
This year, the blooms are earlier and more profuse. Usually I can only see one poking through the fence.
But this year there's more than one.
Hydrangeas are my second favorite flower, and it's always such a simple delight when spring comes, and these beauties peek over and through the fence with their bright happy faces. It makes me happy.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Inspiration Sunday - May 6
For National Scrapbooking Day, Two Peas in a Bucket posted some challenges to their blog that definitely inspire me. I just haven't had the chance to work on them just yet. Take a look right here. There are prizes to be had, and we've got a whole week to get our layouts posted. Thankfully!
Another thing inspiring me right now is Echo Park Paper. So many incredibly creative and versatile collections with so many yummy patterned papers. I've bought two collection packs within the past week or so. A Boy's Life is for photos of Daniel and the nephew, and Hello Summer is for so many different projects, perhaps even my 12 Days of Summer mini-book coming up in June. I'm still using the Country Drive collection, probably my favorite ever, and last week, I used that new summer collection, as well as the Victoria Gardens collection on pages. Almost every collection is right up my alley, and I've noticed that I have very few leftovers of any EP collection. I tend to use up every delicious bite.
Cocoa Daisy Kits have also been inspiring me lately. I spent some time yesterday matching up papers and embellishments from the March and April kits with photos I want to scrapbook. The May kit will be in my hot little hands soon, too. Check it out here. I can't wait to see what goodies will dazzle me in the June kit!
What's inspiring you?
Another thing inspiring me right now is Echo Park Paper. So many incredibly creative and versatile collections with so many yummy patterned papers. I've bought two collection packs within the past week or so. A Boy's Life is for photos of Daniel and the nephew, and Hello Summer is for so many different projects, perhaps even my 12 Days of Summer mini-book coming up in June. I'm still using the Country Drive collection, probably my favorite ever, and last week, I used that new summer collection, as well as the Victoria Gardens collection on pages. Almost every collection is right up my alley, and I've noticed that I have very few leftovers of any EP collection. I tend to use up every delicious bite.
Cocoa Daisy Kits have also been inspiring me lately. I spent some time yesterday matching up papers and embellishments from the March and April kits with photos I want to scrapbook. The May kit will be in my hot little hands soon, too. Check it out here. I can't wait to see what goodies will dazzle me in the June kit!
What's inspiring you?
Lily of the Valley
When Daniel and I bought our house, I had no idea of all the little garden surprises I'd meet as the year unfolded. Probably my favorite are the tiny little bell flowers called Lily of the Valley that grow along our fence. Each year--usually a little later, but this has been a weird year, as if Nature is about a month or so ahead of Herself--these delicate little white flowers start to hang their pretty shy heads. A few days ago, I got down on the driveway to capture some photos.
I wish there were a way to capture scent in photos because those tiny little blossoms, which I recently found out are also called muguet, give off the most delicious fragrance.
Summer is on the way...
I wish there were a way to capture scent in photos because those tiny little blossoms, which I recently found out are also called muguet, give off the most delicious fragrance.
Summer is on the way...
Saturday, May 5, 2012
InterNational Scrapbooking Day
In honor of International Scrapbooking Day, I browsed through my layouts and selected some favorites to share. Some are older and reflect my newbie style and lack of knowledge of design principles. Others are newer. All jumped out at me as I was scrolling through all the layout photos in my iPhoto scrapbooking album.
1. I Scrap Because...
As I recall, this layout was an 8x8 I did as a class assignment. I love the square design, each one containing another piece of the journaling, and I loved that collection by Basic Grey, Urban Prairie.
2. Delectable
This was one of the first scrapbook pages I ever did. I printed a map of France from the internet and traced it on the back of that patterned paper, then cut it out. I used a menu of the restaurant and pieces cut from a brochure as embellishments. Not great design, but I love this page because it does a fine job of illustrating a good memory.
3. YoHoHo and a Bottle of Rum!
For this layout about an awesome Hallowe'en party four years ago, I actually traced a bottle onto brown paper and cut that out to include on the page. Also, I used a lot of chalk ink in brown to distress and age the papers, making them look more pirate-y. (Yes, that's a word. I just made it up!)
4. South Bound, Destination Texas
This layout appeals to me because of the mix of a map paper and a cie cut paper, along with the line on the map from Michigan to Texas. Just a little different and eye-catching.
5. Little Dancer
That ballet slipper die cut was originally pink and came from a scrap pack I bought for $1.99 from Archivers. I embossed with purple and some glitter, and it worked like a charm. I love the purple, and I love the glitter border around the photo. I also liked using a clear die cut journaling block. I've always liked that effect.
6. Isis
Another layout that took a some creativity and innovative thinking. The title I created by printing it out on card stock, then cutting the letters out and painting them gold, then outlining them in glitter. The embellishments were created by scanning a piece of decor I have with those images on it. I then printed it out on card stock, cutting each image out. For the journaling, I used the papyrus font, the same I used for the title. The background was an Egypt paper from the travel section of the LSS and works perfectly.
7. Bringing Home Baby Brother
I like this layout simply because of the subject matter, my sweet little brother. :)
8. First Date (In a Long Time)
Mmmm...Country Drive by Echo Park Paper. So yummy!
9. Forever
I love this layout because of that photo of me and Daniel at our wedding. I love all those leaves. I love that it was the result of a challenge to do a layout using only card stock, no patterned paper. And I love that word: forever.
10. Good Friends
Great photos that make me smile, cool burlap flowers, a cool die cut and nifty patterned paper--what's not to like?
It's fun to look back at scrapbook pages, not only to indulge in happy memories and moments--which is really kind of the point of this memory-keeping business we're doing--but also to see how I've developed as a designer and artist, how my pages have changed, how my influences and inspiration have shifted.
What are your favorite pages you've done? If you feel like blogging about it, be sure to leave me a link so I can take a look.
Happy Scrapbooking Day!
1. I Scrap Because...
As I recall, this layout was an 8x8 I did as a class assignment. I love the square design, each one containing another piece of the journaling, and I loved that collection by Basic Grey, Urban Prairie.
2. Delectable
This was one of the first scrapbook pages I ever did. I printed a map of France from the internet and traced it on the back of that patterned paper, then cut it out. I used a menu of the restaurant and pieces cut from a brochure as embellishments. Not great design, but I love this page because it does a fine job of illustrating a good memory.
3. YoHoHo and a Bottle of Rum!
For this layout about an awesome Hallowe'en party four years ago, I actually traced a bottle onto brown paper and cut that out to include on the page. Also, I used a lot of chalk ink in brown to distress and age the papers, making them look more pirate-y. (Yes, that's a word. I just made it up!)
4. South Bound, Destination Texas
This layout appeals to me because of the mix of a map paper and a cie cut paper, along with the line on the map from Michigan to Texas. Just a little different and eye-catching.
5. Little Dancer
That ballet slipper die cut was originally pink and came from a scrap pack I bought for $1.99 from Archivers. I embossed with purple and some glitter, and it worked like a charm. I love the purple, and I love the glitter border around the photo. I also liked using a clear die cut journaling block. I've always liked that effect.
6. Isis
Another layout that took a some creativity and innovative thinking. The title I created by printing it out on card stock, then cutting the letters out and painting them gold, then outlining them in glitter. The embellishments were created by scanning a piece of decor I have with those images on it. I then printed it out on card stock, cutting each image out. For the journaling, I used the papyrus font, the same I used for the title. The background was an Egypt paper from the travel section of the LSS and works perfectly.
7. Bringing Home Baby Brother
I like this layout simply because of the subject matter, my sweet little brother. :)
8. First Date (In a Long Time)
Mmmm...Country Drive by Echo Park Paper. So yummy!
9. Forever
I love this layout because of that photo of me and Daniel at our wedding. I love all those leaves. I love that it was the result of a challenge to do a layout using only card stock, no patterned paper. And I love that word: forever.
10. Good Friends
Great photos that make me smile, cool burlap flowers, a cool die cut and nifty patterned paper--what's not to like?
It's fun to look back at scrapbook pages, not only to indulge in happy memories and moments--which is really kind of the point of this memory-keeping business we're doing--but also to see how I've developed as a designer and artist, how my pages have changed, how my influences and inspiration have shifted.
What are your favorite pages you've done? If you feel like blogging about it, be sure to leave me a link so I can take a look.
Happy Scrapbooking Day!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Design Challenges - Four
Challenge four asked us to use a vintage type, and the first thing that popped into my mind was Echo Park's Victoria Garden collection letter stickers. I had photos of my mother that I thought would go great with that style, and here is the page I created.
(Supplies: Patterned paper and stickers by Echo Park Paper. Stamp by Stampin' Up! Ink by Tim Holtz Distress. Small letter stickers and sketch by October Afternoon. Border punch by Martha Stewart. Pearls by K&Company, Queen and Co., and Hero Arts.)
To fit the photos where I wanted them, I cut around the rose in the background patterned paper with my craft knife, tucking the green patterned paper underneath so that the rose image would overlap. I used up quite a bit of my pearl stash, so time to go shopping! Fortunately, with tomorrow being National Scrapbooking Day, a lot of retail outlets will be having sales.
One thing I liked about this challenge is that many sources for fonts were provided in the handout. I'm going to check those out eventually, maybe even do some hybrid pages using cool fonts I find. For this page, though, I had an idea immediately and ran with it. I like the result.
To fit the photos where I wanted them, I cut around the rose in the background patterned paper with my craft knife, tucking the green patterned paper underneath so that the rose image would overlap. I used up quite a bit of my pearl stash, so time to go shopping! Fortunately, with tomorrow being National Scrapbooking Day, a lot of retail outlets will be having sales.
One thing I liked about this challenge is that many sources for fonts were provided in the handout. I'm going to check those out eventually, maybe even do some hybrid pages using cool fonts I find. For this page, though, I had an idea immediately and ran with it. I like the result.
Sharing the Love - Get It Scrapped
A few weeks ago, I signed up for a free 12 lesson e-course at Get It Scrapped. I then proceeded to forget all about it, but this morning, I started reading the lessons stacking up in my in-box.
Let me tell you, it's nifty.
So, head on over to Get It Scrapped, and in the top right corner of the screen, there's a link that says "Free 12 Lesson E-Course." Click on that to get started.
From what I can tell so far, you'll learn a lot and get inspired to make scrapbook pages!
Let me tell you, it's nifty.
So, head on over to Get It Scrapped, and in the top right corner of the screen, there's a link that says "Free 12 Lesson E-Course." Click on that to get started.
From what I can tell so far, you'll learn a lot and get inspired to make scrapbook pages!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Design Challenges - Three
Challenge number three was to design with orange, and I automatically turned to autumn themes, creating this layout of my niece Olivia as the cutest scarecrow EVER!
(Supplies: Card stock and brown marker by Stampin' Up! Patterned paper by American Crafts, Jilliebean Soup and Bella Blvd. Leaf punch by EK Success. Letter stickers by Pebbles and American Crafts. Buttons, unknown manufacturers.)
Here's a closer look at the first page, which I originally had as the second, but I changed it as I worked.
And here's a closer look at the second page.
I love the motion and energy of this layout. I love that I was able to use the scarecrow images from some pieces of the Bella Blvd. fall collection from at least a year ago. I love those photos and how well they show my niece's sweet and adorable personality.
Yeah...I love this layout, and orange was the perfect inspiration to create from.
Here's a closer look at the first page, which I originally had as the second, but I changed it as I worked.
And here's a closer look at the second page.
I love the motion and energy of this layout. I love that I was able to use the scarecrow images from some pieces of the Bella Blvd. fall collection from at least a year ago. I love those photos and how well they show my niece's sweet and adorable personality.
Yeah...I love this layout, and orange was the perfect inspiration to create from.
Design Challenges - Two
For our second challenge in Design Challenges, we were to make a photo our canvas. Normally, I create scrapbook pages that are either 8.5x11 or 12x12, but I don't have any photo enlargements bigger than 8x10, and I wanted the photo to be the whole page. So, I went with an 8x8 page, using a photo I've had for awhile of my niece during a visit a few years ago, embellishing with some stickers and patterned paper from the brand new Echo Park collection called Hello, Summer!
(Supplies: Letter stickers by Pink Paislee. Gems by K&Company. Patterned paper and stickers by Echo Park.)
I totally dig this effect, the photo serving as the entire page, and I'm thinking it would be stunning to use a 12x12 enlargement for a special page, like a wedding layout. I'll be giving that some thought...
I totally dig this effect, the photo serving as the entire page, and I'm thinking it would be stunning to use a 12x12 enlargement for a special page, like a wedding layout. I'll be giving that some thought...
Design Challenges - One
Over at Big Picture Classes, there's a class I'm taking, taught by Elizabeth Dillow, called Design Challenges. Our first challenge was to adapt a familiar form on a scrapbook page.
At first, I was stumped, but I gave it some percolation time and decided to do a simple page about our favorite store.
(Supplies: Card stock by The Paper Company and Archivers. Buttons, unknown manufacturer.)
I used my QuicKutz Revolution and Lifestyle Crafts circle dies for the Target logo and cut simple block letters with my Slice. The page is simple and clean, and that's the look I was going for, letting the title and the photos have center stage.
At first, I was stumped, but I gave it some percolation time and decided to do a simple page about our favorite store.
I used my QuicKutz Revolution and Lifestyle Crafts circle dies for the Target logo and cut simple block letters with my Slice. The page is simple and clean, and that's the look I was going for, letting the title and the photos have center stage.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
New Distress Ink - Squeezed Lemonade
The third of the new Distress Inks for spring is a lovely yellow called squeezed lemonade.
First, I created a couple of tags. For this one, I used the direct-to-paper technique, then embellished on top of it.
(Supplies: Card stock, greeting stamp and markers by Stampin' Up! Image stamps by Technique Tuesday. Gems by Me & My Big Ideas. Ink by Tim Holtz Distress and Ranger. Fibers, unknown manufacturer.)
Next, I embossed an image in white and inked over it for the resist effect.
(Supplies: Card stock and greeting stamp by Stampin' Up! Image stamp by Hero Arts. Flower by Archivers. Spray ink by Mister Hueys for American Crafts. Button, unknown manufacturer. Glitter by Stickles. Ink by Tim Holtz Distress.)
Yes, that's a bit of shaded lilac thrown into that tag. I couldn't resist. ;) Originally, I'd stamped a greeting directly onto the embossed image, but it faded, so I fixed it with a strip of card stock.
To my eye, that lemon yellow almost begs to be paired with red, so I created a card with an old stamp set I've always liked and some additional Distress inks.
(Supplies: Card stock by Recollections and Stampin' Up! Ink by Tim Holtz Distress. Stamps by Stampin' Up! Twine by My Mind's Eye. Lace trim by Hero Arts.)
A bright and happy card that makes me smile.
First, I created a couple of tags. For this one, I used the direct-to-paper technique, then embellished on top of it.
Next, I embossed an image in white and inked over it for the resist effect.
Yes, that's a bit of shaded lilac thrown into that tag. I couldn't resist. ;) Originally, I'd stamped a greeting directly onto the embossed image, but it faded, so I fixed it with a strip of card stock.
To my eye, that lemon yellow almost begs to be paired with red, so I created a card with an old stamp set I've always liked and some additional Distress inks.
A bright and happy card that makes me smile.
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