Sunday, October 30, 2016

It's Hip To Be Square...

OK - I couldn't resist the title but it is a nice segue into this week's challenge at Lasting Memories!  The theme for the month is shapes and this week you are asked to use squares on your layouts!  There are soo many options here and I choose to use a mosaic pattern.  I followed a pinwheel pattern and came up with this....


The idea behind the pinwheel pattern is to start with a large center photo.  From there, add the same size photos on each side of that center photo and work your way out.  Since I did not have a large number of photos, I added in square pieces of paper to fill in the page.  I ended up with a long rectangular section in my pattern.  Fortunately, I found chipboard words that fit perfectly.  However, one of those words did not fit my color scheme so I altered it a little with ink.  

One last note is my continuous and never ending battle with the alphabets I have on hand.  My mission to use those alphabets is working but the stash doesn't seem to budge much!  I have become somewhat an expert on altering letters to make them work.  I did not have any of the letters I needed for my title - even when I changed the title a thousand times.  (OK that is a little exaggeration but you get the point.)  I settled on the "Too Cool" title and went to work.  The "t" was originally and "f" - just trimmed the top.  The "o's" were the inside sections left over from other letters like "g" and such.  The "C" was a "Q" - again trimmed.  Finally, the "l" was a "k" - again trimmed.   I have learned that the letters look better if they are trimmed instead of trying to add a section to complete the letter needed.

In any case, squares are a great shape to use on your work.  How creative can you be?  I would love to see!  Links are due at the end of November!


Materials Used:  cardstock, scrap paper, brads, Scenic Route chipboard words & Redmond Stencil chipboard alphabet, and Creative Memories square punch.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Using the Stash

Ever since I reorganized by stash as recommended by Totally Tiffany (though I use binders instead of racks), I can find the embellishments that fit my page so easily.  I love it!  If you get a chance - check out the website.

I followed a simple sketch from Sketch N Scrap and in my opinion - it is wonderful!  Here is the sketch and my layout:



Forgive the poor lighting - taking pictures inside, at night is not an easy task for me!  I find a small sense of pleasure knowing that every piece of material used on this page is old - like almost a decade old!  Most notably, the ladybugs.  They are up-cycled from a t-shirt by daughter wore as a toddler!

I hope you can join me in the sketch challenge - it is great for beginners to the pros!  Links close on October 31st!


Materials Used: unfortunately - the manufacturers are completely unknown on all the products.... sorry.  The alphabet and flowers are acrylic.  The ladybugs are from a t-shirt.

Fall Celebrations

The new challenge at Lasting Memories is titled, "Fall Celebrations."  With so many celebrations in the fall - this should be an easy challenge to participate in (links due 10/28).  I choose to scrap my son going "Trick or Treating" - of course celebrating Halloween.


This was also an opportunity for me to use something new.  A full sheet transparency.  I thought the title on this transparency fitted this two young, gruesome creatures.  

The first trick was to find what to attach it to and how.  I decided to use white paper since the design on the transparency showed better.  Next, I strategically used glue dots under the black images.  This worked well for me since I later decided to add journaling, graphics, and a tag under the transparency.  On top, I added a spider and photos and that wraps it up!  I am sure I could have done more creative things with this sheet but baby steps - right!

I can't wait to see your work over at Lasting Memories!

Materials Used: K&Company/Halloween stack transparency, cardstock, plastic spider, Teresa Collins paper (graphics, tag, and journaling card).

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Stuck?!

If you haven't figured it out - I truly enjoy working with sketch challenges.  It takes all the guess work of putting a page together.  The sketch I used to put this page together was a really fun challenge at Stuck?!


I adjusted the sketch to accommodate three photos instead of four.  Here is my page:


I hope you can join me on this challenge, the link closes on October 29th.


Materials Used: Lillybee Design - Buttercup Blossom paper, cardstock, Teresa Collins - Memorabilia enamel dots, Cricut Font - Cricut Craft Room font, Echo Park - For the Record paper & tag, up-cycled clothing tag twine, and brads.

Dusting Off My Dies

I don't know about you, but for myself, I love to re-discover old tools and use those items that have been in my stash for more years than I can remember.  The current challenge at Scrap Our Stash, helped me do both!

The challenge is called Sketch + (3).  The idea is to follow the sketch and include one item from each list showcased.  Here is the board to help understand the challenge.


I followed the sketch and included the follow items: from list 1 - diecut (crayons), list 2 - envelope, and list 3 - flowers.  Here is my work:



This was a great way to use your stash - at least for me!  I dusted off my original Sizzix die and found an envelope that has been sitting around for at least 10 years (*gasp*).  Join me and scrap your stash!  Links are due October 29th.


Materials Used: Bazzill cardstock, scrap paper (bonus!), Cricut - Alphalicious font, Recollections flowers, My Mind's Eye - Collectible Tiny Word stickers, Sizzix Original Die - crayon, and a Sticko vellum envelope.

Pretty In Pink

Girls and pink... goes together like peanut butter and jelly!  Well - at least for our family.  There is no shortage of either in this layout.

I completed another page and had a little help from the sketch challenge at Let's Get Sketchy.  Here is the sketch for Week 2 and my work:



I knew this paper was perfect for these photos but I was concerned about the pattern being too busy.  With that in mind, I used gesso to reduce the "noise" a little.  

This was a great sketch to follow and I hope you can join me on this challenge.  Links are due October 30th.

Materials Used: Scrappy Cat LLC/Stamp Effects - Retro Mania paper, Doodlebug Design Inc - Petite Prints paper, Making Memories - Garden Party Flower shimmer stickers, K & Company Smash List Pad - Blank cards, Liquitex gesso, and unknown manufacturer of chipboard flowers.

Monday, October 17, 2016

In Search Of...

I enjoy doing Project Life Style pages - especially when I want to include lots of photos.  However, there are few Project Life Style challenges that I have found.  (And challenges keep me motivated to keep working on my albums.) So I am taking the liberty and getting a little creative.  I decided to use a card sketch from Sketch N Scrap for my title card on this Project Life Style page.  Here is the sketch and my work:




I hope the folks at Sketch N Scrap do not mind I did this - but I appreciate the motivation to get this done!  To join me in this challenge, be sure to link up by October  31st.

Materials Used: Becky Higgins pocket page and Tropical pocket cards, paper clips, brads, scrap paper, My Mind's Eye - The Sweetest Thing Tiny Word Stickers, and Doodlebug Design Inc - Love Letter alphabet.

Lovin' The Mojo!

I have not scrapped all summer.  Now, I am finding myself searching for an opportunity to scrap.  I honestly think scrapping is a great form of therapy - not sure if it is cheaper than actual therapy - but I digress.  In any case, I am tickled pink to be making progress on my albums.

I completed this Project Life page with the help of the friendly folks at Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style (#47).  They had a great sketch challenge and I used it for my main card/title slot.  Here is the sketch and my work:




I rotated the sketch to fit my pocket and then I coordinated the other cards.  I even had my daughter journal about the experience (though a four years later...).  

Join me in this super sketch challenge - the links close on October 31st.

Materials Used: Becky Higgins Project Life page, Recollections washi tape and wood veneer banner, Paper Trunk - Benny alphabet, cardstock, Me & My Big Idea pocket cards, Smash date stamp, and brads.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Favorite Fall Activity...

I have so many favorite fall activities -- it is hard to choose one.  Really.  However, for the new challenge at Lasting Memories I went to my "to scrap" pile to see what I had on hand.  I found a school paper where my then 8 year old was writing about our Thanksgiving traditions.  I truly enjoy seeing my kids school work and craft projects.  I particularly love reading about what they are thankful for.  So - I am declaring that my favorite fall activity - looking at my kids schoolwork (I never get as much stuff to look at in the spring - hmmmm).

Here is my example this week:


I have to mention that sometimes - you have to just stop and let it go.  What I mean is -- for some reason this piece of schoolwork would not let me punch the paper edge.  It kept getting caught and ripping.  I was determined to make it work and soon I realized that I was ruining the schoolwork!  ACCKK!  Obviously I can not replace it.  So, I just left it as it is as soon as I realized my error.  Hence the goofy edge.  Oh well.... what can I do?

I hope you can join us in this fun challenge - links are due October 28th.

Materials Used:  Simple Stories - Harvest Lane paper & alphabet, cardstock, Queen & Co. Felt Fusion - Leaves, Lawn Fawn/Lawn Ornaments - Into the Woods mixed sequins, Basic Grey - Woolies/felt stickers - Pyrus, and Krylon Make It Acid Free spray. 

Friday, October 14, 2016

Pink & Creepy...

Who would have thought that when doing a page of creepy, crawly things that make the hair on your arms stand straight up - would be designed in pretty pink papers, flowers, and a bow?  I wouldn't but I did.

If you are following me, you know that I am working on my Girl Scout's overnighter to the zoo.  Tons of pictures - perfect use of pocket pages.

I followed a pocket card sketch at Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style for this page (#46).  Here is the sketch:


Here is my card and the complete page:



Join in the fun - links are due October 31st.

Materials Used: Project Life pocket page, scrap paper, Thickers - Subway alphabet, ribbon, glitter brads, Stampin' Up paper ants from a very old collection, and Cricut - Cherry Limeade font.


Using Project Life A Little Differently

Most people that use Project Life (online or in person) use it as it is intended - to document a period of time - most often a week.  I am not that organized nor current enough to make that happen.  However, the concept is still brilliant.  I use my Project Life pages to quickly scrap an event that has a TON of photos that I just have to include for one reason or another.  One perfect example is a trip to the zoo with my Girl Scout troop.   To help me try to get a little creative with these pages - I use challenges.

One of my favorite places to check out first is Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style.  They post weekly sketch challenge.  Love it!  Here is the challenge for the first week of October:


This is what I created:


And the complete page:


Give Project Life/Pocket Pages and Sketches In Thyme Project Life Style a shot - you won't be disappointed.  Be sure to link your work by October 31st.

Materials Used: Project Life Pocket Page, scrap paper, glitter brads, unknown manufacturer of glitter do-dad & hearts (I do not know what to call that arrow looking thingy), Paper Trunk - Carson alphabet, and Me & My Big Ideas Pocket Pages themed cards.





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.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

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.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

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.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

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.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

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.