Anything Goes...

I have another double page spread for a challenge at Srapping 4Fun Challenges.  This time - the challenge - super easy - anything goes (#76)!  This is what I created:

There is no excuse not to participate in this challenge - you even have time - links close) October 27th.

Materials Used: cardstock, Pink Paislee - Indigo Bleu papers, Recollections flowers, 7 Gypsies - Le Journal Petals rubs, Cricut - Making The Grade font, Stampin Up - Brilliant Blue ink, ribbon, and sequins.

Put A Little Nature In Your Work...

The new challenge at Lasting Memories is titled, "Elements of Nature."  This means use leaves, twigs, trees, etc. on your layouts.  This is my work:

I used a paper with leaves on it - so I guess I cheated a little.   I did stitch yarn - which is a challenge not to rip the paper - slow and easy was the secret.  I also painted chipboard - which for me is something new - believe it or not!  I'd love to see your creativity in this challenge!  Be sure to link up by October 28th.

Materials Used: Doodlebug Design Inc. - Happy Harvest papers, cardstock, DCWV corrugated paper, paper flowers, buttons, hemp cord, yarn, Kaiser Scrapbooking - Droplets, Bazzill In Stitch - In the Garden template (stitching), yarn, Liguitex gesso, Close To My Heart Cocoa ink, and Fab Scraps - Heaven On Earth chipboard.

Oh What To Do On A Rainy Day....

Scrapbook of course!

Today, I have completed yet another double page spread.  This time one half of the spread was done for two challenges.  The first is for a sketch challenge at Let's Get Sketchy (Week 1).  To participate in this challenge and be eligible for the random drawing at the end of the month, you have to participate in at least 3 of the 4 challenges throughout the month.  The link closes on October 30th.

The other challenge is by Bitten By The Bug 2 and you are to "Frame It Up" - using a frame cut from the Cricut collection.  To participate in this challenge - hurry the link closes on October 10th.

This is what I created:

Lots of layering on this layout as well as a few foam tabs.  There really isn't much to add regarding my work.  However, for the Bitten By The Bug 2 challenge, I need to mention that I used the "Creepy Critters" cartridge for the frame.

Materials Used:  cardstock, K& Company papers and layered embellishments, Cricut - Creepy Critters collection (frame) and Happy Hauntings collection (title), Smooch Spritz - black, brads, cord, wiggly eyes, and foam tabs.

Using Poor Quality Photos

Sometimes - you just have to do it.  You have to use a poor quality image just because it captures a moment.  This spread is no exception to that rule - catching my son just before he falls on the ice was well - priceless.  (OK I have to admit that sounded a bit cruel but hopefully you know what I mean.)

I followed the current sketch challenge over at My Creative Sketches.

Be sure to check out the design team work - it is impressive.  Not as impressive though is my work:

I have to admit the simplicity of this layout works with these photos.  The layout really makes one look at the pictures - the whole point of doing scrapbook pages - right?

In any case, this challenge closes on October 14th.  Hope you can join me!

Materials Used: DCWV - Athletic Stack, cardstock, scrap paper, paperclip (star), brads, Cricut - Craft Room font, foam tabs, and Me & My Big Ideas - Soft Spoken embellishments.

Some Adjustments Needed

As soon as I saw this sketch at Grand Diva's Creative Corner, I knew it was perfect for my son's hockey pictures since the logo on his shirt had triangles too.  I know, a bit crazy, but hey it works for me.

I got to work on putting my page together.  However, I couldn't reduce my pile of photos to just two.  I also worked ahead of myself and cut the triangles from paper I thought was perfect for my layout.  However, between the increased photos and my triangles already cut - the sketch was not working for me according to design (the triangles were getting lost behind my photos).  Not wanting to give up, I moved the triangles around a little and ta-da another completed page!

OOO - I was creative with my alphabet again - my stash is slowly dwindling down.  The "e" is the classic upside-down "3," the "a's" are cut "d's,", the "r" is an upside-down "j" - minus the dot, and the "o" is the inside/left-over center of the original "o's."  Whew.

Grand Diva's Creative Corner pairs up with Rochelle's This or That Challenge, which encourages you to use tickets or tags on your work.  I love how they pair up challenges together!  

The link for both challenges close on October 29th.

Materials Used: cardstock, scrap paper (bonus!), brads, Doodlebug Design, Inc. - Hopscotch  alphabet, Me & My Big Ideas - soft spoken embellishment.

On A Roll With Double-Page Spreads

I haven't done a true double-page spread for years and just this past weekend - I did TWO!  Crazy!

In any case, I have completed this layout for two challenges.  The first being a sketch challenge over at Sketch N Scrap:

The second challenge is for ARTastic Challenge Blog.  The challenge is to use pink on your work to help in the awareness of Breast Cancer.  Here is the inspiration photo posted on the blog:

 Introducing Chris Hobel with Rose Pink

I used the pinks and a little of the grey colors on my layout.

This is what I created:

Both challenges close on October 31st - so there is no excuse not to play along!

Materials Used: Pink Paislee - Cottage Farms papers and paper goods (die-cuts), ribbon, Prima Marketing - Shabby Chic Treasures/resin butterfly, brad, Cricut font - Baby Steps, and foam tabs (under hot air balloon).

It Is All Dreamy!

This month at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge it is all about the word "dream."  The challenge is to scrap where you dream of going, what you dream of becoming, a daydream, an old dream, or about literal dreams - nightmares, unusual ones, a photo of a child or adult sleeping.  You get the idea!

I chose to scrap about my daughter's dream coming true - she always wanted to take horse back riding lessons and four years later - she still does.  These photos are from one of her very first lessons.

It has been awhile since I created a true double page layout! 

Since this was my daughter's dream, I had her write a little note to include on the page.  Short and sweet!

I love to see what "dreams" mean to you (or your family) - join me and be sure to link up by the end of October!

Materials Used: Coredinations embossed cardstock, ribbon, We R Memory Keepers photo corner and patterned papers, Recollections flowers, die cut leaves, brads, vellum quote, Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet, and Chic Tags -Autumn Days Journaling Tags.

It Is Fall!

I love fall.  I love everything about this glorious season - all the vibrant colors, the scenery, sweaters, and comfort food.  Ahhh.  Fortunately for me, the challenge at Lasting Memories this week is all about fall colors - use burnt oranges, browns, and deep reds.

This is what I created:

I have to be honest and say that this layout came together very easily with the Harvest Lane collection from Simple Stories. With a little fussy cutting, the sticker embellishment sheet, brads, and twine - the layout was complete!

Grab your favorite fall beverage and join us at Lasting Memories! You have until the end of October to participate in this challenge.

Materials Used: Simple Stories Harvest Lane collection (papers, alphabet, and sticker embellishments), Close To My Heart Cocoa ink, brads, and twine.

Going Around in Circles!

This week's theme at Lasting Memories is "Anything Goes That Shows Direction" (or to use circles on the layout).  I found pictures of my Girl Scout Troop running around during a camp weekend and I thought this would be perfect for this challenge.  I also wanted to create a sense of movement in my page so I created two semi-circles and added stitching to emphasis my idea.  I am not sure it worked - i.e. creating a sense of movement on the page - but I am pleased with the outcome.

I added a Dr. Seuss quote around the edges: "You have BRAINS in your HEAD. You have FEET in your SHOES.  You can STEER yourself in andy DIRECTION you CHOOSE.  You're on your own. And you know what you know.  And you are the one who'll DECIDE where to go."  

I hope you can join us in the challenge, but hurry, the challenge closes on September 30th.

Materials Used: cardstock, DCWV pattern paper (green), ribbon, Prima Marketing flower - Avante/Berry, We R Memory Keepers - Retro Glam papers, Paper Trunk - Carson alphabet, and We R Memory Keepers - Sew Easy floss/Meadow & Sunrise.

Sketches In Thyme, #217

Here is the last challenge from Sketches In Thyme (#217) for September.  Below is the sketch and my work!

I have to admit the lopsided circle was a little tricky for me but I got it.  The trick is to move the center of the cutter off just a little bit from the first cut.  But you probably knew that!  This layout came together nicely since I had a complete collection to work with from Pink Paislee.  Why don't you give this challenge a shot?  Be sure to link up by September 30th!

Materials Used: Pink Paislee Cottage Farm Collection - papers and paper goods (die-cuts), brads, and Jellybean Soup - Country Pumpkin Chowder alphabet.