My Very First Pocket Pages - Honestly!

I have played with pocket cards before and I have even mimic the design of pocket pages.  However, the following pages are my first ever, "real" pocket pages.  I was hoping by using pocket pages - I can quickly finish my vacation photos.  I still have vacation photos to scrap but the process for these pages was a bit faster.

In any case, I found a challenge just for pocket pages at Paper Issues.  They still have a blog but challenges links are on their Facebook page.   They offer several different types of challenges and I suggest you check them out!  I know I will be coming back for these great challenges!

The challenge for pocket pages is to one or any combination of the following:

• circles/dots
• Simple Stories or Fancy pants product(s)
• February or March 2016 page(s)

I choose to use circle/dots and I did use a Simple Stories product (paper).  Here is my work:

I have to admit photographing pocket pages is tricky.  This was the best I could do after many, many attempts.  Any tips are welcomed!

Here are the additional pages I completed at the same time:

Be sure to link up on Facebook before April 6th to join me in this challenge!

Materials Used: We R Memory Keepers pocket pages, Simple Stories - I (Heart) Summer paper and stickers, Recollection wood veneer, Recollections washi tape, scrap paper, Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet, Thickers - ampersand, unknown manufacturer of chipboard quote, and Me & My Big Ideas pocket cards.

Glitter On Boy Pages * GASP*

I am happy to reveal the new challenge at Lasting Memories.  Though I must admit, I am happier now that the page is done!  See, the challenge is to create a layout representing an award given while sticking with the glitter and glam theme of the month!  Seems easy enough until you realize that the only award photos to scrap is of a boy!  How to glam up a boy's page?  O - the stress!  (lol)

I decided to use the colors blue and gold (the colors of Cub Scouts) for my page and I pulled out some gold glitter paper to use as accent pieces.  I also found in my stash a gold, glitter ribbon that I thought worked with my layout.  Finally,  I add some metal (though not totally glamorous) to bring some shine to the page.

I hope you can join us in the last Glitter & Glam challenge!  Be sure to link up by April 1st.

Materials Used: Bazzill cardstock, DCWV cardstock, ribbon, brads, Favorite Findings button, K&Co Cub Scout sticker, Pocket Page journaling card, Stamping' Up chalk (journaling card), Cricut Design Space - Cricut Alphabet, and PageMaps - March 2016.

Spelling Bee!

I have stumbled on a new type of challenge - at least for me - at Scrapbook Challenges.  The challenge is to pick your lucky charm and use each element on the list that represents each letter of the word.  This was a tricky and fun challenge!   Here is my work and the list of letters and corresponding elements.

My lucky charm - a BOAR!  lol!  I do like piggies but I did not have any gold foil on hand!  So, I played with the alphabet to make the charm work.  I used:

• a Bow
• the color Orange
• an Acrylic flower (bottom right corner), and
• Rhinestones (the arrow)

What is your lucky charm?  

Oh - and here is my second page... it is hard to eliminate some of the pictures so I often use this grid pattern to include them without taking up too many pages in my albums.

Be sure to link up by March 31st!

Materials Used: Fancy Pants Design - Down By The Shore papers, My Mind's Eye - The Sweetest Thing word stickers, Basic Grey - Bling It! designer rhinestones (arrow), twine,  acrylic flower, and unknown manufacturer of chipboard title (reads: "full of sunshine").

Orange & Blue

The current challenge at Scrap Africa is a mood board that features primarily orange and blue colors. This is such a great color combination!  In addition, there were lots of patterns and just a hint of whimsy on the board.  So, I was sure to use 3 patterns (or more, depending on what you count) and for whimsy - I added a swirly background.  This is my layout I am entering for the challenge and the mood board follows:

This truly was a fun mood board to work with and I hope you can join me.  This challenge runs until March 31st!

Materials Used: DCWV - Hey Sailor paper, Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet, Liquitex lesson, scrap paper, recycled twine (from clothing tag), Cricut Design Space swirls.

Being Green Is Easy...

Our school colors are green and yellow - so it is easy to use green on layouts for me.  Therefore, when I saw the mood board challenge at Creating With Paper and More, I knew what I was going to do.  This is what I created:

It is a simple layout but the photo is so busy that I think it needed lots of "white" space.  Here is the challenge mood board I used:

I was inspired by the color and then I added buttons.  To join me on this challenge, be sure to link up by March 29th.

Materials Used: cardstock, Cricut Design Space, buttons, and twine.

Nature....

The challenge at Southern Girls Challenge is to include nature on your project!  It can be earthy colors or images with nature.  Since I am working on beach pictures, images with nature are easy!  I simply love being at the shore, I find it so soothing.  In addition, my daughter can't help herself and insists on picking up just about every shell on the beach.

This is what I created for the challenge:

It is so easy to be inspired by nature!  Let's see what you create!  Be sure to link up by March 22nd to be included in this challenge.

Materials Used: Bazzill Cardstock, Scenic Route alphabet, foam tabs, and Fancy Pants Designs - Down By The Shore papers.

Do You Include Yourself?

I find the one of the benefits of scrapbooking is that I can crop myself out of pictures! Well, no-can-do for the challenges at Challenge YOUrself!  The whole blog is dedicated to making sure that you are included in your photo albums.  I suppose that is a good idea even though I can be self-conscious of photos of myself.

The current challenge (#27) at Challenge YOUrself is to include yourself in the photos and use chevrons.  This is my entry:

These photos are of my daughter and I "crashing the waves." I am not sure who held on to the other tighter!  

To join me in this challenge, be sure to link up by April 4th!

Materials Used: Doodlebug Design - Lily White La-Di-Dot cardstock, DCWV papers, My Mind's Eye - Collectible/Tiny Word stickers, Maya Road - Organza Primrose, ribbon, and unknown vellum manufacturer.

Houndstooth.....

How often do we, as crafters, use houndstooth?  I have to admit that I do not.  So when I saw this challenge at Kraft + Plus, I knew I was in for just that - a challenge.  The challenge is to follow the sketch below, use kraft paper, AND houndstooth!  This is what I created:

I stayed pretty true to the sketch.  I did leave out the two little photos since they really cluttered the page since my center images were bigger than the sketch. 

Starting with kraft paper, I added gesso in a houndstooth pattern, stamped postcards on top, and eventually layered the paper pieces together!  This was a great sketch!

May I suggest that you join me on this challenge - especially if you have houndstooth laying around! Links are due March 30th.

Materials Used: Paper Trunk kraft paper; Authentique - Favorite Collection papers; Cricut Design Space doilies, banner, butterflies, and vines; Cricut - Cindy Loo alphabet; Martha Stewart houndstooth stencil; Liquitex gesso; Stampendous - Carte Postale stamp; and Heidi Swapp edge distresser.

What Is Your Favorite Actor/Movie Quote?

I am not sure I have a favorite quote but after researching famous actor/movie quotes - I realize I use them all the time.  For instance:

To Infinity And Beyond
I don't think we are in Kansas anymore.
May the force be with you.

and so on....

Well, the theme for this week's challenge at Lasting Memories (#285) is use a quote from an actor or movie! Meanwhile - still have some glitter and glam going on!

I decided to use a quote from Lenardo diCaprio's film "The Beach" (2000).  His character, Richard, is quoted, "Trust me, it's paradise."

How suiting for my beach layout!

To add the glitter and glam, I used a silver ribbon with a seashell charm.  I also used an old trick a friend taught me once and that is to use super sticky double sided tape and pile on microbeads.  In person, the glass of the microbeads reflect light very nicely and add a bit of pizazz!

I hope you can join us in this challenge - just be sure to link up your work by April 1st.

Materials Used: cardstock, ribbon, metal charm, microbeads, double sided super sticky tape, and Cricut/Font - Art Nouveau.

This Or That!

Rochelle Spears is currently running a "This Or That Challenge" on her blog.  The challenge is to use either polka dots or chevrons - but not both.  Very fun challenge indeed.  I choose to use polka dots.

I even added some enamel dots to stress the point!  I also have to add the fussy cutting the octopus was a little tricky!  I hope you can join me on this challenge.  Links are due March 29th.

Materials Used: Fancy Pants Design - Down By The Shore papers, DCWV cardstock, Basic Grey - Candy Buttons, and Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet.

Punches.....

Punches can make a layout look fabulous in minutes.  This layout is a perfect example of what I mean.

Using my hexagon punch, I was able to make an interesting background for this 8x10.  Why not pull out your punches and join me at Jade's Sparkling Butterfly (formerly known as: 2 Crafty Girls) for their current challenge (#15).  Links are due by March 30th.

Materials Used: cardstock, scrap paper, hexagon punch, and Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet.

Do You Like Your Handwriting?

I really do not like my handwriting.  However, I realize that it is important to add that personal touch on my scrapbook pages.  I look at cherished items I have saved from loved ones that have past away and I love looking at their handwriting.  Each one is so unique that it actually brings back memories for me.

The current challenge at LESSology (#56) is to use your handwriting on your project.  You must also include an up-cycled item.  I completed this two page layout of my family enjoying the pool on vacation.  I wrote my journaling off to the side and for my up-cycled item, I reused a clothing tag.  I think the word relax with the sailfish was perfect for these vacation photos!

I also found a use for some old vellum from my stash!  To me - that is a bonus!

This was a great challenge and if you would like to join in - please do - links are due April 3rd.

Materials Used: cardstock, DCWV paper, Basic Grey - Candy Buttons, Summer Memories - Beach Quotes, Vellum, Recollection flowers, canvas webbing tape, roc-rack, and up-cycled clothing tag.

March Equals Green

There are a number of challenges this month to use the color green.  Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge Blog is one example!  This is what I created!

The buttons served as my "green."  This was a fun layout to create!  I hope you can join me with this challenge, you have until the end of the month to join me!

Materials Used: cardstock, buttons, and Scenic Route alphabet.

Need To Find Your Mojo?

Sometimes my crafty mojo is missing.  One way I have found that stirs up my creativity is to do simple pages.  For some reason, I think working with 8x10 photos is easy.  Perhaps because there is not much room around the photo for extra stuff?  In any case, here are two easy layouts that I have completed in an effort to get my mojo going!

How do you get inspired to scrap?  I'd love to hear!

Materials Used: DCWV paper, cardstock, ric rack, canvas webbing tape, and Thickers - Elf alphabet.

Materials Used: Paper Trunk - 1974 Boogie Down paper, Doodlebug Design Inc. - Jack & Jill alphabet, Basic Grey Bling It!, Pebbles - Home Sweet Home Embellishments.

Clearing Out The Stash

I love the feeling I get when I use old materials!  I suppose that is the point of the challenge blog, Clearing Out The Stash!  The challenge is to use patterned paper that is more than a year old.  Well - that is pretty easy for me to do!  I was a member for a kit club for years and as a result I have (though dwindling) a lot of paper!  So, to make this challenge a little harder, I decided to pick a piece of patterned paper that was hard to use.  I like the design - just the color combination made it hard to use on a lot of my photos.  And with that said, my challenge began.

I decided to use one photo (to counteract the busy pattern) and instead of framing the photo with paper, I used mulberry paper that has been sitting my stash for more years than I like to count.

This layout will be part of my vacation album and so I do not believe a lot of description would be needed.  I just couldn't believe we were at the beach on a gorgeous day and these folks were on their devices.  It was a crime!

In any case, I hope you can join me on this challenge, links close on March 21.

Materials Used: Basic Grey - Fusion paper, Thickers - Sunrise alphabet, and mulberry paper.

Even My Photos Match My Monochromatic Theme

Seriously.....

I worked on this monochromatic layout for a challenge at Jade's Sparkling Butterflies (formerly known as - 2 Crafty Girls) and the color I picked was black!  My photos are pretty dark since they were taken on the beach at night.  So - everything - literally everything is black except the base cardstock!

The layout was a simple design and I am really pleased how this turned out! Sometimes, it is good to go with the less is more approach!

If you would like to join me on this challenge, hurry - the links close on 3/15!

Materials Used: Bazzill cardstock, doodling, and Thickers - Sunrise alphabet.

It Is A Black Tie Affair

The challenge at Lasting Memories (#284) is to showcase a Black Tie Affair or use black in your layout.  I can't remember the last time I was at a black tie affair so I had to go to plan B and use black on my layout!   This is what I created:

I thought since my daughter was a little fancy in her special dress (though she did insist on wearing a horse necklace that really did not suit the dress but hey - choose my battles right?), this was perfect for the challenge.

To keep the layout in the glitter and glam theme of the month - I used loose sequins and a sequin ribbon.  I also added punched circles from glitter paper.

Please join us - I can't wait to see your glamorous work!  Be sure to link up by April 1st.

Materials Used: DCWV papers, cardstock, sequins, sequin ribbon, Stampin' Up Melon Mambo ink, and Cricut Teardrop font.

OH MY.....

I decided to check out the number of layouts that I completed last year.  Sadly to say, I only completed 130 (compared to 235 the year before!).  AND this year is not off to a great start.  I suppose having a job will do that.  However, my aspirations have not disappeared.

I was able to get away with my friends to scrap in the mountains and we had a great time and we were even a little productive too!  I found most of my layouts to be on the simple side - but doing a simple layout is a great way to get the mojo going again!

I started off with my Christmas card pages.  I receive a lot of photographs at Christmas time and I really do enjoy keeping them.  I trim the photos and make a collage with the photos.  It is a great way to end the year/album - I think.  This year, I had nine of these pages!

Next, I had this one picture from vacation that was stunning.  I mean that it captured the pool at night so well and brought back memories from our trip.  I did not want to take away from the photo or that feeling - so I kept this page super simple.  Check it out.

Funny thing is that I probably spent more time thinking about this layout than actually putting it together!  This will be the last page of our vacation photos.  Ahhhh - to be there right now would be awesome!

Well, just like that I completed 10 pages!  I suppose my goal for this year to complete the same if not more pages than last year!  18 down - 112 to go!

Thanks for stopping by...

Subtle...but it is there!

I am referring to the inspiration on my layout.  The new challenge at Lasting Memories (#283) is to be inspired by the Oscars - especially with all that glitter and glam!

Since we really do not have many formal occasions around here.... I really had to think hard about this challenge!  As I was thinking about the Oscars - the image of the gold statue kept coming to mind.  AH- HA!  GOLD.... I used gold on my layout.  I must admit this isn't a sparkly kind of gold but none the less - gold!  To make sure I had some glitter and glam - I used glitter eyelets (remember eyelets...) and alphabets that were shiny!

I hope that you can join us in this challenge!  It would be fun to see how you are inspired by the Oscars!  Links are due April 1.

Materials Used: We R Memory Keepers - Autumn Splendor paper, Bazzill cardstock, Making Memories - Just Chillin' alphabet, and glitter eyelets.