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.

Using Different Inks!

I pulled out all my inks today to play along with a challenge over at Sketches In Thyme (#218)!  The sketch looked like a lot of fun and a perfect excuse to use different techniques with inks!  Check out the sketch:

I started with a white cardstock and splattered ink from my Smooch Spritz by unscrewing the top and gently tapping the plastic spray mechanism.  Then I inked the edges of the cardstock and the patterned paper with an ink pad.  Next, I added stamping - using both first and second generation  techniques (one darker than the other).  Finally, I grabbed a cotton ball and saturated it with alcohol ink to make the swipes.  This is what I created: 

OOO one more thing - I was creative with my alphabet.  I have a ton of alphabets around but none of the letters spell what I want!  Here I turned "V's" upside down to make an "A."  Next, I did the same with the "W" to make an "M" and a "J" to make an "R."  Next, I used a "1" for an "I."  

I hope you can get messy with me and join me in this challenge!  The link closes on September 30th.

Materials Used:  cardstock, DCWV pattern paper, Thickers - Apartment alphabet, Smooch Spritz - Gold Glow, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Bundled Sage, Close to my Heart - Cocoa ink, Tim Holtz - Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Caramel, brads, Stampin' Up clasp, and Prima Marketing stamps.

Sketches In Thyme, #220

There is a unique sketch over at Sketches in Thyme (#220) -- lots of circles.   It was a fun sketch to work with!  I added gesso on the base paper and an extra photo but for the most part I stayed true to the sketch.  Here is the sketch:

This is what I created:

To join me in the challenge, be sure to link up your work by September 30th.

Materials Used:  Craft Smith - embossed paper, Liquitex gesso,  ek Success border punch, Thickers - Sunrise alphabet (getting creative with the letter "N"), Paper Trunk Carson alphabet, Ormolu - Montage Circle Tags, scrap paper, Creative Memories Circle punch & photo corner punch, Maya Road Organza Primrose - cream, and Recollections flowers (orange).

Combining Two...

It feels good to have my mojo back after a summer break!  I am looking forward to catching up with everyone's blogs soon!

Today,  I completed a layout for two challenges.  The first is over at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge Blog, where the challenge is to use red on your layout.  Easy enough! To participate in this challenge be sure to link up by September 30th.

The second challenge is a sketch challenge over at Sketches In Thyme.  I used Sketch #219, Week 2.  I flipped the sketch and made it a little more masculine for my boy page.

This is what I created:

I was not fond of the pattern paper but when I saw the colors and how they matched the boys clothes - it was simply perfect.  (I have to admit - that thought both scares and excites me.  Excites me since I was able to  finally find a use for that paper and scares me that - as a result of finally finding a use for that old pattern paper - I might become a hoarder and never throw anything away!  LOL! ) 

I found an interesting font on Cricut Design Space and thought it was perfect for the page (boys going to camp).  I then thought it would be cool to add brads to mimic nails in the letters.  However, the letter "e" was too small to accommodate 4 brads without looking cluttered.  So, I opted to leave them out.  Jury is still out on the look of the title.

To join me in this sketch challenge, be sure to link up your work by September 30th.

Materials Used: cardstock, DCWV pattern paper, Stampin' Up hemp cord, brads, button, Martha Stewart Road Sign Stickers, Basic Grey - Capture waterfall theme pack, and Cricut Design Space - Old West Board font.

Homemade Project Life Cards, 3 of 3

Completing the current challenges at Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style, I finished a third card/page.  This last card is from Challenge #43.  Here is the sketch:

This is what I created:

Again, with a great sketch - there was no need to make any adjustments!  I was able to complete all three pages within an hour!  Here is the completed page:

This challenge closes on September 30th, if you would like to join me.

Materials Used:  scrap paper, Paper Trunk Carson alphabet, gem, and two paper flowers/layered.

Homemade Project Life Cards 2 of 3

Since the first Project Life card project went so quickly this morning, I completed a second page.  Again, I followed the sketch (2nd week, challenge #42) offered at Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style.  Here is the sketch:

This is what I created:

I followed the sketch to the tee!  It was easy to follow and it produced a great card!  Here is the completed page:

This challenge closes on September 30th if you would like to join me!

Materials Used:  scrap paper (bonus!), jute ribbon, Paper Trunk Benny alphabet, and American Crafts flowers.

Homemade Project Life Cards, 1 of 3

I like to vary my pages in my photo albums.  I include different size photos, my children's artwork, and I even combine traditional scrapbook pages with pocket pages.  I think it makes the album that much more interesting.

I also think the pocket pages tend to come together a little faster than traditional albums - which helps when I am soon far behind in my work!

I found Sketches in Thyme Project Life Style blog and they offer a weekly sketch to create a homemade Project Life or pocket page cards.

Here is the first sketch challenge (#41) for September:

This is what I created:

I rotated the sketch, stitched some hemp cord, and combined two different alphabets for the title.  Here is the completed page:

I hope that you can join me in this challenge, the links are due on September 30th.

Materials Used:  scrap paper (bonus!), brads, hemp cord, Paper Trunk Carson alphabet, and Paper Trunk Benny alphabet.

Back At It!

Hello!  I am pleased to be scrapping again after my chaotic summer!  And I feel fortunate enough that the wonderful ladies at Lasting Memories kept me on the design team.  With that said, here is my work for the current challenge - All About Direction, "In."

I was looking at my current photos on hand and stumbled on these wonderful pictures from a hike during a Girl Scout camp weekend.  Then I had ah-ha moment - in the woods - works for the challenge!

It took me awhile to find my scrappy grove and I have to admit I am a little rusty but the page is done and now I am eager to move onto the next project!  This page was all about layering papers and using some stash that fit the theme - nothing too exciting.

Here is my second page.... I used a Project Life page to simply insert photos - easy.

I hope you can join us on this challenge, all links are due on September 30th.

Materials Used: cardstock, DCWV cardstock, We R Memory Keepers pattern paper, Prima Marketing trim, Lawn Fawn - Into The Woods/leaf sequins, brads, up cycled twine and charm from a clothing tag, and Basic Grey Small Details - Wander sticker (star).