Niagara Falls

Well, what a neglected blog this is!!  I haven't posted in over two months...I've been a bit busy, I guess.

What's been going on here, you ask?  It'll take more than one blog post to catch up...but here's a start.

May was just so darn hectic!  We have three birthdays between April 22 and May 15, and Mother's Day was just four days before my birthday!  I really do like to celebrate my birthday all month long. For me, it isn't really a birth "day" -- it's more like a birthday "month." (Oh, my poor family!)  We had loads of dinners, presents and cake...and then just a week later...we went to Mexico!  A family-reunion-kind-of trip (more on that later)...which takes me right to June. 

June is just as busy!  We've got a one-year old!  Yessirree!

I did manage to squeeze in some cropping on National Scrapbook Day (5/3).  Spent the day with two of my dear scrapbook pals and managed to get 22 LO's completed.  I've got loads to share.

I am trying to go backwards and fill in some of the "holes" that are missing in my chronological scrapbooks. Our 2011 trip to Niagara Falls has a 100-page digital scrapbook, but it needed a traditional layout too! Celebrating our milestone anniversary was very special.  It needed to be memorialized, traditionally.  If you have not been to see the falls, I highly recommend you add it to your bucket list.

I based my layout on this sketch from Let's Scrap:

You will notice that the main photo of the sketch was designed to stretch across the two pages.  It could have easily been two, square photos, but I am totally fine with cutting my photo!  Panoramic photos are perfect for this technique!

 

The entire LO was made with the beautiful products from the Enchanted line by Creative Memories. So very sad to see this company go out of business.  I wish you could feel the raised embossing on the printed paper.  The ink splatters are printed on the paper, but it sure looks like I spent hours doing that...and no mess! I will be very stingy with the remaining product I still have in my stash.

Here is a closer look at the dimension and beauty of this line:

Thanks for dropping by...my next scrapbook LO I plan to share has been featured in a magazine!  Yes, that's right.  I've been published!  Woot!  Woot!  

Tiggerific

Thought I would share a fun layout I completed at my mountain retreat last month.  It's really fun to create a layout with such cute paper & stickers...and of course, the cute subject!

Gavin showed up one day wearing this cute Tigger sleep-n-play outfit and it wasn't even Halloween!  And, yes...he was little.  Only three months old at the time (you caught me...a little behind in my scrapbooking). But, I don't care.  I enjoy working with photos of him at any age (and he's only 8 1/2 months old now).  So, cool it.

Once again, I started with a sketch.  This one is from Let's Scrap:

A closer look:

 

I did have to manipulate the sketch a bit to fit the format of my photos.  The main photo is horizontal and I wanted to use 4" square photos on the left.  I searched for some cute Tigger quotes on the internet and added the orange text to my main photo in Photoshop.  I also changed up the right side a bit.  Instead of five square photos, I used three, two of which are 3" x 4" verticals.

The Tigger paper and the stickers are from Sandylion.  The stickers have a clear background (love that!), and I hope you can see the shimmer.

The chevrons were fussy cut from two different colored MME chevron papers.

The ribbon is from American Crafts (attached with my Tiny Attacher) and the cardstock is a mish/mash from my stash (hey, new rhyme theme there!).

The black stitching under the title is simply a black pen used to create movement across the page. This is a very old technique (from my beginner days).  Resurrected!

Absitively,

posolutely,

splendiferous!

Weekly Layouts

Darn it...I think I missed a week.  or two!

I've just returned from a 3-day scrapbooking retreat in the beautiful Colorado mountains with lots of finished projects.  So, this week I'm posting two:

The first is a trip to the pumpkin patch last fall:

Based on this sketch from Let's Scrap:

Here is a closer look at the detail:

  

All of the paper & embellishments are from a coordinated line from SEI.  This is a beautiful line of products.  I hope you can see the iridescent foil touches to the leaves.  The round medallion and the paisley are mounted on pop dots.

 

The title and the large background pumpkin were cut using the Silhouette Cameo (shapes are from the online store).

 

The second LO is the butchering masterful carving of the aforementioned pumpkins:

Based on this sketch from Let's Scrap:

Some close-up detail:

Source:

• Paper:  Fancy Pants
• Title and chevron pumpkin were cut using the Silhouette Cameo (shapes from the online store)
• Carving knives, pumpkin seeds and fuzzy felt pumpkin are Jolee's

Anyone else like Halloween as much as I do?  Only two more weeks to get out to the patch, get some pumpkins and make your own Jack-o-lanterns!  We're taking our grandson out on Sunday just for a photoshoot.  Hope the weather cooperates.

Weekly Layout

Hello Monday!

I have just one layout to share this week (although I did get a lot of pictures printed and put into TWO project life books over the weekend!).  I still have so many projects going on...

This is the current sketch @ Let's Scrap:

And, here is my take on it:

This is just one of several LO's I will preserve from watching the ball drop in New York City this past New Years Eve.  It was such a big event for me.  It will take many pages to give it the proper prominence and emphasis in the 'ole scrapbook!

Most of the pictures are iphone pics so they are a bit grainy.  And, with the confetti floating in the air, it was hard to get a good shot.  I have to just say to myself, THESE PHOTOS ARE GOOD ENOUGH! 

Here's a closer look at some of the detail:

I really wanted this LO to mimic the Nivea blue of our hats and the lively lights of Times  Square.  After all, the company throws lip balm to the crowd along with those famous hats! 

 

I don't know if you can tell, how shimmery the LO really is:

• The self-made title is cut using the Silhouette Cameo from blue glitter paper. 
• The bling comes in sheets and is sewn/woven together somehow.  I simply cut it into strips and adhered it with glue dots.
• The top two patterned papers are from the American Crafts Margarita line (loved that one!).  The white paper has a raised chevron print and the blue triangles are glittered as well.
• The street signs were made & printed from this website. I use it all the time!

Well, I feel a bit better about that trip.  At least two of the pages are done...

Weekly Layouts

Wahoo!  I finally got some cropping time this past Saturday with a dear friend.  We spent 10 hours together at our LSS.  I finished 13 layouts.  Well almost.  Several of them need a tweak or two.  I thought I'd share some of them here over the next few weeks.

Since my cropping time is suddenly non-existent (hello, new grandson), it is more important than ever than I use the time wisely.  I chose to use sketches on all but two of the layouts, and on that one I used a 12 x 12 die cut overlay, that I'll share later.

I think it's important to use WHATEVER tools you have available to get the job done.  I really do love sketches.  I love recipes, but I also love that I can venture off and add/subtract or switch it up if I need.

(Whenever I share photos on ye 'ole blog, just click on them to see them bigger.)

First up is a layout from the Well Heeled breast cancer luncheon I attended last year.  What a hoot that turned out to be!  I actually walked the catwalk, modeled my shoes, and won...er, the shoes did.  They shoes stole the show, actually.

I added the program to the area where the sketch called for journaling.  Easy.  I also included my name tag with some cute washi tape.  The big journal box was computer generated and cut with a Spellbinders Label One die.

 

Glitter paper just doesn't photograph well, but it really sparkles.  The title and the pink ribbon accents were cut with my Silhouette Cameo.  Yep, cut through the glitter paper just like butter!  Of course, I needed to add the rhinestones to the shoe!  And, I added one of the accents directly to the top of a photo!

Here's the Let's Scrap inspiration.

4-10-13 Sketch

The second layout is April's Baby shower and it will go into Gavin's Project Life book.  I only used the left side of the sketch.  Instead of just one large photo, I grouped six photos together in PSE using a template and printed them as one large photo.

I just have to give you a close up shot of my title!  It was a baby t-shirt shape from the Silhouette store.  I added the Baby Shower text to the top.  I embellished the finished shirt with the blue footprint washi tape and a gingham bow.

 

It was based on this Let's Scrap sketch:

7-31-13 Sketch

And, finally, Baby Love.  These are the pictures from the "gender reveal" photoshoot I had with the kids just after we found out that we were indeed having a boy.

Again, the embellishments were cut on my Silhouette Cameo.  I added the blue sparkly accents with a Gelly Roll pen.  And, yes, all of the picture props and ideas were mine.  I tweaked some of the photos to black and white, and left only the props blue for emphasis.

Based on this Let's Scrap sketch:  I loved this sketch.  So super simple and such clean, straight lines.  I like those!

8-14-13 Sketch

Well, there you have it...five finished pages.  Done & documented.

Sketch Winner (Repeat)!

Wa hoo!  My second time at designing scrapbook layouts has produced another winning entry at Let's Scrap.  You can read the official results here.

I find that I really do enjoy this side of scrapbooking.  I'm kind of a linear, straight, and balanced scrapbooker, hence that is what you will see in my designs.   

I'm not exactly sure which layout was the "winner" as I had entered three in the contest.  As soon as I know which one and when it will be featured, you'll hear it here.  I promise.  Of course, you'll also get to see the losers...

3-27-13 Sketch

Yes, I have another sketch over at Let's Scrap!  This is the last of the "non-winning" sketches from the design contest held last Fall.  I submitted three new sketches for the February contest, and am anxiously awaiting results.

This nine-photo sketch was designed for the very popular instagram photos that print square.  Due to it's grid-shaped design, this sketch could easily be adapted to hold an additional seven photos.  All of the square shapes are merely "holders" for any other object, be it a piece of patterned paper, more journaling space or room for lots more embellishments.

Here is my take on the sketch and it mimics the sketch exactly.

 

Happy Easter
2012

Noteworthy techniques:

• I used one of my very favorite Power Palettes from Creative Memories.  I absolutely love the bright happy colors!
• I'm sure everyone has run out of an alphabet letter a time or two.  I needed two E's for my title and only had one left.  I simply cut the letter outline from the packaging (still with the adhesive backside) and mounted it on a scrap of the matching green paper.  Then I cut around the entire shape leaving a white border.  
• I really loved the distressed edging of the paper and wanted it to be the background for the entire layout so I eliminated the extra layer of cardstock under the photos.
• The paper flowers all have a pop dot under each of them to give added dimension.
• The beautiful embossed tags come exactly as shown with layered textures and embossed flowers.
• The subtitle banner was made using a banner punch from paper scraps.

Take a closer look:

Products I used:

• Patterned Paper, embellished tags, stickers, journal box, and paper flowers:  Creative Memories "Simply Beautiful" Power Palette
• Pop Dots:  Creative Memories
• Alphas:  Creative Memories Swirly Monograms and mini Swirly ABC's
• Hologram Flower Centers:  Sticko
• Dot border: Doodlebug Paper Frills Cupcake

I hope you find something here that inspires your next layout.  Oh, and if you have not tried microwave "Peep S'mores" ...

 

what are you waiting for??????????  They are delish!

 

I wish you and your family a very blessed Easter Sunday.

1-23 Sketch @ Let's Scrap!

Once again, I'm honored to have one of my original layout designs published today @ Let's Scrap.  Do you remember the sketch contest? My very first attempts at scrapbook layout design not only produced a winner, I had several "non-winners" losers, and this is the second runner up.  (Pssst...there might be some more coming over the next few months.)

I created this sketch based on an older layout I did about a magical White Christmas morn not too long ago. 

Can't believe I'm sharing these photos.
Gosh, I'm a beauty on Christmas morn!

I wanted the focus of the layout to be the date, but equally as important is the White Christmas subtitle.  Even though we live in Colorado, it is very rare that we wake up to a Christmas snow storm and truly one of the most memorable of Christmas mornings past.

Technical notes:

• Paper & chipboard embellishments:  Little Yellow Bicycle
• Snowflake diecut paper: KI Memories
• White Shimmer Alpha:  Making Memories
• Cardstock:  Creative Memories White & American Crafts Red
• Title cut with the Cricut

Some close-up detail:

I hope you can see how awesome the glitter is on all of the white accent pieces, alphas, and embellishments.  It's frosty!

Thanks again to Let's Scrap for publishing my layout!

12/26 Sketch @ Let's Scrap

Happy Day After!!!!!!!!!!

I hope your Christmas was fabulous.  I hope you were able to focus on your family.  I hope you ate so much you are stuffed.  I hope you smiled so much your cheeks hurt.  I hope you took way too many pictures (like I did)!  I hope Santa was good to you, and I hope the mess is not TOO big!  (Santa was EXTRA good to me this year.  He always is, but I am really liking my BIG gift...more to come!)

I am so proud to announce that the weekly Wednesday sketch @ Let's Scrap is mine!  Do you remember the sketch contest?  My very first attempts at scrapbook layout design not only produced a winner, but I also had lots of runners-up; and this is the first of many more to come over the next few months.

I love, LOVE, all of the chalkboard designs and fonts that I have been seeing.  I really wanted to use that premise for a layout (LO).  The stark white fonts against the black or very center paper would be perfect for a back-to-school LO, Christmas program, or any school-age theme.  Only trouble on my end is that I don't have school-aged children any more, but I do have a furry toddler named Gracie Lou.  So here's my take on the sketch:

Gracie was such a good student!
She even Graduated and got her very own diploma!

And some close-up detail:

Technical notes:

• Patterned paper:  Echo Park Woof! collection.
• Large white Puppy title:  Doodlebug Design Sew Simple Cardstock Stickers
• Woof & Bark are fussy cut from the pattterned paper and mounted on pop dots
• Kindergarten title:  Cut on my Silhouette
• Yellow washi tape:  Queen & Co.
• Computer journaling:  Font KG Makes You Stronger (white type on black banners) and fussy cut
• Cardstock:  Creative Memories White & Black

So happy to be back with a layout for Let's Scrap...this will surely be my last LO for 2012.  I will be participating in the January LOAD challenge.  Join me!

I have completed a whopping 235 LO's in 2012!!  Oh my gosh, the photos, the stories, and the memories are all documented.

11-28-12 Sketch

This will be my last "professional" sketch for this Design Team @ Let's Scrap. 

My term is officially ending; and next Wednesday, you will see a whole new crop of designers @ Let's Scrap.  I have enjoyed my two back-to-back terms there immensely.  I can't wait to see new, fresh ideas.  I have loads of new cyber friends.  We have supported each other through many of life's blessings and tragedies these past eight months.  I will miss our daily dialog...but I will be lurking!  I just might be back sometime next year hopefully in a renewed DT capacity...but, in the meantime, look for several new sketches I designed for Let's Scrap to appear in the coming months. Jus' sayin.

Anywho...here is today's sketch:

And here is my take on it:


2011
Candlelight Dinner

Some close up detail:

Here are the technical notes for the layout:

• This entire LO evolved from the beautifully embellished blue menu that was on our table. 
• The sketch calls for a large vertical photo on the lh side.  Hmmm...I think that is the perfect place to include the menu!
• The LO also calls for three, 2" x 3" vertical photos.  I replaced two of those with a 3" x 4" horizontal photo.  All other photos are cropped as depicted in the sketch.
• The title is a custom design (from yours truly) and cut from white cardstock using my Silhouette machine.
• The LO called for several embellishments around the title.  I cut a 12" x 12" patterned paper just off center and used the snowflake/ornaments printed on the paper in place of the embellies.
• The two snowflakes on the lh side are punches.  They are "strung" with mini pearls, embellished with a jelly roll star pen with large center pearls.  They match the paper fabulously...if I do say so myself!
• All other paper, die cut ribbon, and layered embellies are from the new Creative Memories "Be Merry" collection.  "Pssst...there is a beautiful red album that matches the paper!"
• The journaling on the rh side is computer generated in coordinating colors...of course.

11-14-12 WINNING Sketch!

Remember the sketch contest over @ Let's Scrap? 

I'm so very proud to finally be able to announce my winning sketch!  It is featured this week for 4,200+ Let's Scrap members!  Woo hoo!

I can't tell you how exciting it is for me to get an original design recognized and published.  I am over the moon about it.  I cannot wait to see the layouts coming in this week!  P.S.  I've got more news to share about sketch design over @ Let's Scrap.  Stay tuned!

This was an entirely different excercise for me.  I have NEVER designed a sketch first.  I always start with some piece of a layout that I want to use, be it the photos, patterned paper or a really cute embellishment. 

So, after looking through oodles of photos, I settled on a layout about Gracie (no surprise there.  Are you tired of her yet?).



Gracie is part Golden Retriever; and boy,
does she like to retrieve and retrieve and retrieve!



Close-up detail:

I did deviate a bit from the sketch.  Instead of two title octagons and two journaling octagons, I added a few more photos 'cuz I don't ever get tired of looking at her!

Here are the technical notes:

• All of the octagons were hand cut @ 3"
• The octagons were distressed (inked) with brown ink
• The pawprint heart was cut on my Silhouette
• Additional journaling was added to the pawprint
• The title box and journal boxes are word "clouds" generated on wordle.net, printed on white cardstock, hand cut, and mounted on pop dots.  I cannot tell you how much I love this web based word generator!  I have used it for cards, holidays, blog art, etc.  Try it...you will love it!  DISCLAIMER: you may get hooked.