Life's Trivialities

Happy Day / My Mind's Eye

A week or so ago I shared with you a layout from My Mind's Eye and mentioned how I was waiting on additional goodies, do you remember that? Today I'm sharing with you another layout that was created that same weekend (I was at a 3 day retreat) and left me wanting for more too! I'm drafting posts and by the time this publishes, my goodies will have arrived! Wahoo!

The other collection I picked up at the retreat was this; My Story, from My Mind's Eye. It is just fabulous! Absolutely gorgeous! I love that is timeless. It has a vintage, shabby feel to it but it's also got that bright pop of mustard yellow and the hot pink. It is a collection that I can see myself still creating with a year or two from now and not really caring that it's not "the latest and greatest" because it will still be great! So great that more is on the way!

The background of the page is pre-embossed cardstock from Core'dinations. You might recall I designed for them for quite some time. I am still a fan! Once a Core fan, always a Core fan. The mustard yellow embossed cardstock is something I created with my Cut'N Boss and and Craftwell/Teresa Collins embossing folder. LOVE those big folders!

Another My Mind's Eye layout with an American Crafts/Dear Lizzy pocket scrapping card on it! LOL! In lieu of the My  Mind's Eye goodies I covet, this had to do. It works perfectly and I really can't complain. Of course the Little B blingy washi coordinated perfectly as well!

This layout is actually a lift of my own work. It doesn't look anything like the original layout. It's a layout that was possibly published by Northridge. But I'm not really sure... I don't even have a blogable picture of the layout to share with you. Just trust me when I say this is a lift of my own work that doesn't really look much like the original.

Do you ever look back over your own work and think, "huh! I made that! I like that!"? Have you ever scrap lifted your own work?

 

 

Scrappin' Our Stash June 2015 Blog Hop

Hey there! Welcome! Welcome to another fantastic month of stash busting projects! And, to my reappearance on my blog! LOL! I have taken a bit of an unintentional hiatus and what better way to return that with a blog hop?!

This month I am sharing with you a layout that I created using a Scrapbook Generations sketch and some Teresa Collins oldies but goodies!

The patterned papers used here are from a kit put together by Teresa and Craftwell to demo the eBosser and some folders from CHA 2014. Not being a mini book gal unless it has intended pictures, I decided I had other uses for the paper and created this layout. So not only have I busted my stash using an older collection but I've repurposed too!

I did use my Cut'NBoss for this project, the upgrade from the eBosser. How could I not? And of course, it had to Core'dinations cardstock. There is no better cardstock when it comes to embossing and texture!

Another of my signature "bits" on a layout; fussy cutting. The flowers from the patterned paper were screaming to be fussy cut so I obliged!

While these pictures were taken on her First Holy Communion day, I've already scrapped that (yet to come to a blog near you!). And really, these pictures are about Mia's relationship with her Daddy. You can see the love between father and daughter. She really is the apple of his eye!

Here is this month's hop order;

Cathy Harper

Majken Pullin

Sandy Ross

Suzanna Lee

Lyne Schnable-Blodgett

Jennifer Stella Haggerty

Wendy Bergeron Coffman

Lee-Anne Thornton

Next up you are heading HERE to Lyne's blog to see how she has busted her stash!

Thanks for stopping in today!

OH! And if you have a spare moment, be sure to check out the Bella Blvd-Craftwell-Tombow Instagram hop happening today!! I've never participated in one of these before - it's a really cool concept!

King Cake / Core'dinations

I can't believe Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday are a week away! Do you celebrate one, two or all of these events?

Last year we participated in and partook of our first ever Shrove Tuesday king cake. When we lived in Chicago, we always went down the street to Dinkel's bakery and bought Paczki's for Fat/Shrove Tuesday. Then when we moved out to the burbs, there was Country Donuts. Then we moved to Virginia, and we have been without a good substitute when it comes to paczki's.

Enter, the King Cake, purchased from Whole Foods! I can't say it's as good a paczki but it was fun. Definitely healthier. Drier... It's kind of like comparing an apple to an orange though...

This whole layout was created using Core'dinations goodies! Puffy dot paper, cardstock, Chalkboard cardstock, Core Couture and a Core tag! I love creating layouts from cardstock only and Core'dinations makes that SO easy to do!

Of course, having some great punches, cut files and embossing folders to sand and add more color depth makes it THAT much better! That fleurde-lis frame is sublime for this project! The finder of the baby had to be framed with that outstanding frame!

Have you seen the new puffy dot paper from Core'dinations? It's a nice way to add some shimmer and texture to your layouts. The puffy dots are raised, a bit like Spotted but they aren't dry embossed and dots are in a different color. The cardstock itself is actually shimmery too, there is a sheen to it. Unless, you get the kraft puffy dots.

Thanks for stopping in today!

Fancy Gift Box / Craftwell and Hazel & Ruby

Another day, another blog post! Crazy, I know! It's been a while since I've blogged two days in a row! It's probably been an incredibly long while in fact. 2015 has taken off break neck speed and I feel as though I'm running behind, trying desperately to catch up. I had all these grand delusions that 2015 would be the year of weekly Project Life spreads for me and the family... Yup, well, as we are almost half way through February and that would put me at ZERO spreads completed... Well, yeah...

Today I have another off the page project to share with you. You can pick the jaw up off the ground now! LOL! I know, I'm not a project gal but when you want to shake things up a bit, I would rather do a project than a card anyday! Today's project and more detailed how to's with an informal tutorial can be found on the Craftwell blog.

I don't think I'll actually use this as a Valentine's gift box for Mia as I have the door hanger that I posted yesterday. This is more of an "everyday", just because, kind of gift box. Just a little something inside to let her know we love her and how special she is to us.

If you are ever on the look out for gold vellum, be sure to check out Core'dinations' new vellum. This gold vellum is SUBLIME! It's subtle, you can see the shimmer in the butterfly but it's ever so subtle. It's the perfect compliment to all those awesome golds out there these days; like that in the Hazel & Ruby Wrap it Up lightweight paper which I used for the box wrap.

I love the texture of the embossed cardstock in the box too! Be sure to use your WRMK gift box punch board first, then run the pre-assembled box through your embossing folder. The completed project was too large so I folded two of the flaps before inserting into the embossing folder and you can't tell where the overlapped cardstock is!

Are you a fan of this gold trend or would you rather see this one end? I'm a fan, I have to admit! Though my jewelry and the decor in my house tends more to silver and platinum, gold for crafting is perfect!

Life is Wonderful / Craftwell

Last month we went to an Indiana state park called Pokagan where there is a toboggan run. It's the same state park that I went to with my family way, way back. Back before kids were even a consideration in our lives. It was a spontaneous trip. It was a memorable trip. This picture was taken on that first trip to Pokagon.

I just LOVE my Craftwell/Teresa Collins Cut N Boss for the ability to use large embossing folders. This Perky Peacock folder creates the most wonderful background when combined with Core'dinations cardstock. Sand it a tad for some variation in hues of grey and it's sublime!

For a touch of additional color, I used Core'dinations vellum and some Craftwell/Teresa Collins star dies of various sizes intermingled with the chipboard and sticker stars. They are almost like snowflakes flitting softly to the ground.

Glittery paper and metallics are so incredibly difficult to capture the glint of the shine in them... That "wonderful" tag looks much better in real life, the shimmer of the glitter mimics the glimmer of light off the snow.

Rumor has it that Craftwell and Teresa released new dies and embossing folders at winter CHA! I can't wait to see what these new releases are! If they're anything like the goodies we've been sent for this design team term, I know you are going to love them!

Suited Up / Pebbles Inc

Yesterday I shared a layout about the SEVA party, today I have a layout of the costume itself, in it's full glory. This child is not one for public appearances. He is my introvert. He hates attention from large crowds. He was happy to wear his costume but he would rather not have been parading around in it. So here is, in the hotel lobby feeling a little more comfortable!

There's been a whole lot of red, green, black and white on the blog lately! Today we have some Pebbles Inc, Home for Christmas. I just love that chalkboard background and filling the odd space here and there with a little unexpected surprise.

Did you spy that hat up there? Notice it wasn't an original part of the patterned paper?

Core'dinations Chalkboard cardstock is the perfect compliment. It probably would have complimented that much better had I sanded it a tad but I really just wanted it the way it was. My layout, my choice! :)

Another little sprinkle of background love and some die cuts for added decoration.

Tomorrow is Christmas eve! I can't believe it! I believe, but I can't believe that it's upon us already!

Christmas Town / Teresa Collins

Some of the goodies I got from SC&T when they returned my layout to me were from the Teresa Collins Candy Cane Lane collection. I already had a fair amount of the collection as I love it so it was the perfect compliment to what I had! I used the collection for this layout;

Talking about layers! Layers, layers and more layers on this layout! I just love the red, white, ecru and black against that green Core'dinations cardstock! Crabgrass green, my favorite! I own a fair amount of that particular shade!

I happened to use Teresa Collins on that snow layout I shared last post, that happened to be published in SC&T. That happened to have the snowflakes punched out for use on the layout. The remains of which happen to be on this layout. With additional embellies that happened to be sent to me by SC&T. And it comes full circle! LOL!

It's a very traditional color palate for Christmas but it really stands out on this layout. I can't figure out what it is about it. Perhaps it's not the traditional wreath or tree green but rather a tad on the olive side that contrast with the red that makes it so different?

It's a simple thing but the little Santa's and that "Joy" journaling spot just make me happy! :)

I think this collection will have to put in an appearance in my December Daily 2014!

Christmas Thank You Cards / Craftwell & Core'dinations

Need some thank you cards that are quick and easy to put together? Then I have the project for you! You can find more detailed instructions on how simple this is put together over on the Craftwell blog HERE.

All you need is some pre-cut/sized cards, an embossing folder or stamped sentiment, a die cutting machine (preferably Craftwell/Teresa Collins Cut N Boss) and scraps of paper. The only paper that wasn't scraps is the white cardstock.

Thanks to the multi cut of the one die, I got four trees from two passes through the machine! The puffy dot background is so effective in that it looks like snow, doesn't it?! I didn't do it thing, it came that way!!

No need to decorate the tree, the Core'dinations cardstock came pre-embossed. I told you, these are the simplest cards and they are done! Come December 26th, all we have to do is write our thank you's and get the cards in the mail! No delay!

 

 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year / Craftwell Cut N Boss

December?! December... That final month of the year! That final month of the year?!... Crazy... But here we are! I had a layout up on the Craftwell blog earlier this week and I'd like to share here with you in case you didn't catch it.

I mixed some Lawn Fawn, Core'dinations and other little goodies to create this layout of Belle, sitting under the Christmas tree. It's her absolute favorite place to sit. The minute we had the tree up on Saturday, she was right back underneath. She doesn't claw in it or climb or bother any of the ornaments, she just loves to sit under the branches at the back.

Teresa's pocket dies are fantastic to incorporate into your titles of your pages (or the sentiment of a card). I backed the cut out of 'wonderful' on the tag with green and mixed all kinds of stamped, die cut and sticker letters/fonts/words to create my title. Fun and eye catching, isn't it?!

Core'dinations Chalkboard cardstock is THE best! I just love the smooth texture of the color pop behind the black. You must, of course, emboss it and sand it in order to get that look. And what better folder to use than a Craftwell/Teresa Collins folder?!

I just LOVE the little holly sprigs that are scattered around this layout. Die cut Core'dinations cardstock for the holly leaves and my Imaginisce Hot Rocks for the berries! Bling!  Bling!

Be sure to check out the Craftwell blog to find out how I created the chevron using 6x6 pads!

Take care and thanks for stopping in today!

 

Make Your Own Glass Ornament / 17 Turtles and Core'dinations

Welcome to my blog if you're new here! My friend Juliana from 17 Turtles invited me to guest design for her with some of her amazing cut files today and you can see the layout I created with some Christmas files on her blog over HERE. I also shared a Christmas ornament that I made with those files and have instructions below on how you can create your own.

Amazing, right? And super simple to make! My daughter's best stroke in swimming is breaststroke so this will be for and later, my son who is a talented backstroke swimmer, will get a matching boy backstroke ornament.

Here's how you make them.

Materials;

Glass or Clear Plastic Christmas Bulbs

1 sheet of Transparency Film

1 cut file per Bulb you are making (Swimming Strokes Girl Digital Cut File by 17 Turtles)

Silhouette or other digital cutting machine

Core'dinations Sticky Backed Glitter Sheets

Snow (Stampendous Mica Fragments)

Sequins (American Crafts)

Ribbon (May Arts)

 

Directions;

1.            Using your Silhoutte cut your transparency film to be slightly smaller than the size of your ornament. My ornament is 3.5 inches wide so I cut my circle to be 3.25 inches wide.

I resized this file from Lori Whitlock available HERE.

 

2.            Again using your Silhouette (or other electronic cutting machine) cut the image that you want from Core'dinations Sticky Backed Glitter Sheets. I used Juliana Michaels' backstroke swimmer and sized it the width of my transparency.

 

3.            Peel back the backing of the Stickey Backed Glitter Sheet to reveal the sticky surface and adhere this to the center of your transparency sheet. Use a bone folder to burnish the back and ensure tight stick. Trim the overlapping edges with scissors.

 

4.            Roll up your transparency as such:

5.            Insert the tight roll into the opening of the ornament. It's kind of like putting a message in a bottle! Once inside, it will pop open and if necessary, use tweezers to center and position the insert where you want it.

 

6.            Looks great, right? But you want a little more pizzazz so here comes the messy part. Using a funnel, add some snow. I used Stampendous mica fragments but you can buy cheaper snow this time of year at the craft store. I wanted a little extra "umpf" so I added some snowflake and star sequins both in front of and behind the transparency.

7.            Snip off the top of the transparency so that you can insert the little silver (or gold) topper back on the ornament. Tie a pretty bow and if you have one of those nifty Imaginisce ribbon cutters, use it to seal off a nice "v" to the ends of your ribbon!

 

Voila! You are finished and now you have a wonderful swimmer to hang on your tree. Or gift to your swimming friend! Or swimming child!

 

 

Feel free to grab a PDF of my instructions Download Glass Ornament_SuzannaLee.

 

Be sure to check out Juliana's Etsy Store for fantastic cut files such as the ones used here and on her blog where I'm guesting today! These particular swimming files come in both boy and girl and with rectangle frames around them as well as "plain" though there's nothing plain about them!