Life's Trivialities

Valentine's Layout / ThermOWeb

Happy New Year my scrappy friends, late as it may be! I hope the entry into 2019 has been a good one thus far. Have you done much scrapbooking? Did you start a December Daily? How far did you get? I began two different albums, both of which have one entry in them... Yea, done with that and all future attempts. It's just not something that is going to work for me, why keep bashing my head against the proverbial wall. After six or seven years of beginning and not finishing, I think it's high time I throw in the towel, don't you?!

Valentine's Day, AKA Saint Hallmark's Day around here... Having recently seen the statistics about money spent on roses, chocolates and candy, it's most definitely increasingly apparent how this is a holiday that businesses have taken and capitalized upon. Typically, we don't celebrate. HOWEVER, the bakery at Michael's office bakes some of the most delicious creations. And it's a great excuse to have to bring home a sweet treat! That's what this layout is about - Mia's LOVE-ly treats and a SnapChat filter. LOL!

I used my Silhouette and some super cool products from ThermOWeb to design this large title. There is a whole tutorial on my YouTube channel as well as a written tutorial over on the ThermOWeb blog. The effect of the gold foil for the letters and the red foil for the conversation heart is just stunning, don't you think? And SO incredibly easy to do!

She is going to kill me when she sees that I used that picture... We have entered into the era of "the hand"... It will be a while before you see recent pictures of this child.

If you are interested, there is an accompanying tutorial/process video. The first part of the video shows you have to foil the letters and emboss them while the later part of the video is how the layout comes together.

 

Thanks for stopping in today! If you are familiar with ThermOWeb products and have something in particular you would like to see, do leave me a comment and let me know what it is you would like to see!

Happy 4th of July / PhotoPlay / The Scraproom

I have had an interesting conversation with a friend lately about "influence" and how things do and don't influence you. We all stalk social media these days. Let's face it, you are either on social media or you are not, there's no middle ground. And if you are a papercrafter and on social media, you see all kinds of projects. And what you see influences you. You take elements of various projects you have seen and, if they were striking to you, you incorporate them into your projects. It's just the way the brain functions. I know this relative to movement, it's my job as a therapist. I remember hearing Shimelle say in a recent Friday Live that she had taken a social media break because she didn't want to be influenced by other projects as she was creating class content. I think that's smart. What are your thoughts? Do you think you are greatly, moderately or minimally influenced by social media?

I have such a wide and "mismatched" stream on IG between swimming, papercrafting and therapy that there isn't a huge overwhelming influence on my papercrafting. But something somebody posted on July 4th was definitely the influence for this background. I don't even know who posted it. It was not a project/page. It was a graphic wishing viewers a happy 4th. It was actually a line drawing I think. I morphed that fuzzy image recorded in my brain into acrylic and patterned paper,

A loosely interpreted American flag is the star of this layout. Red acrylic paint that is ages old for the stripes and PhotoPlay patterned paper for the stars. Do you remember when acrylic had a previous spotlight in scrapping and Making Memories had little bottles of paint? Yup, that's when this stuff is from! With a date of 2003 on it, I'm surprised it was revivable! LOL! I love the way the stripes fade on the right.

With such a central and large focal point, there wasn't much room or need for further "stuff" or "goodies" on the page. Just a few layers around the photo and a few embellishments and that's all that was necessary. There isn't any journaling visible as I really didn't want to muddy the view. I wanted the flag as the focal point, when there is writing, your eye is drawn to it. It's again, a brain function, you want to know what the writing says.

The SnapChat or FB Messanger photo embellishment the photo further so there really was even less need for embellishment beyond what I added. It's fun to use the filters sometimes and make your "real work" embellishing less.

 

You can see this come together in the process video. It was not labor intensive at all and easily reproducible. Quick, short video. With a little bit about myself. Kim recently asked where I was from so I answered her here!

Thanks for stopping in today! If you have something you would like to see in a future video, please drop me a comment and let me know! I have a double page spread coming up for another viewer. With a bonus sketch to accompany it!

 

Guest Designing for Pebbles

I have the honor of guest designing for Pebbles Inc today! I used to design for Pebbles and so when the call came out to apply for the design team, I thought, what do I have to lose?! I really love the fresh product and bright colored collections! I was offered the opportunity to guest design, which, honestly, is perfect for me right now. With the kids getting older, our schedules fill up too.

I'll share some close up here but be sure to check out the Pebbles Inc blog HERE or Instagram for the full layouts. I have two layouts to share today. The first process video is up on my YouTube channel and the second video will come next Tuesday.

 

Fitting given that Mothers Day is tomorrow, don't you think?

There is some stamping on this layout that is NOT a Pebbles Inc stamp. This layout was inspired by a graphic design piece that I saw on Pinterest and, of course, cannot find again, unfortunately.

Thanks for stopping in today!

 

Sing Loud, Sing Proud / Stamping a Colorful Border

This is it, my final blog post for 2017! A layout with stickers and stamps, a plethora of photos and just one little piece of patterned paper. I never thought I'd create a layout with such a minuscule amount of patterned paper. Never say never, my friends!

That stamped border just makes this layout, don't you think? I had created the center of the layout and really needed a border. I toyed with the usual 1/4 inch border but wasn't sure what paper to use. I also knew I wanted a patterned paper with all the colors that would tie everything together. Given all the product I used was Pretty Little Studio and they don't make 12x12 paper, that wasn't an option and I was going to have to come up with another solution. Cocoa Daisy stamps to the rescue!

Various colors stamped at various heights with varying degree of overlap. That simple! And a smaller stamp with thicker diagonals add a bit of interest to it, switching things up a bit! I will definitely repeat this technique again!

Using all these fun stickers and bits and pieces from Pretty Little Studio was a blast! While they aren't all from the same collection, they coordinated together so well! I also used stamps from Kerry Bradford (from ages ago...) to get the background for my title work and some "verbage" on the layout. The way all the color pops the black and white pictures just makes me happy.

I even journaled! Not a lot but enough to share the story. This was one of those nights were both kids had something going on so Michael and I had to divide and conquer. I'm so glad I was able to be at her chorus concert as she really sounded lovely!

 

My final blog post and video for 2017! I have some fun stuff lined up for 2018 so I do hope you will pop in and join me! January 1st is scheduled and ready to go! I can't wait to share more process videos and creative fun with you!

 

December Daily 2016 / Day 3

Welcome to day 3 of my 2016 December Daily! I almost have today finished too. It's been such fun to work on. The true test of my "sticking" ability will come during the week when I've working and shuttling kids around.

Day 3 is actually night 3. We went up to Doswell to see the Illuminate Light Show that is at Meadow Event Park. We have never been before so this was a lovely treat and a nice way to spend time together. It is definitely more impressive live and capturing the experience in a moving vehicle (no tripod and no stopping allowed) while driving down largely gravel road proved a challenge!

The left hand page of this spread is, you might recall, the back side of a chipboard tabbed divider. Ugh... The black of the photo really required me to push the picture to the edge and not trim it as I had on the front side. I also had to be mindful of bulky embellishments on the opposing page as there isn't a protective cover to the picture and I don't want the photo scrapped by anything. I toyed with typed journaling on the page but found it distracting and omitted it. This ends up being a very simple page leaving the emphasis on the picture.

The infamous square pockets a plenty that I both loathe and love! I love the idea of transparency and the peek into the day to come. Filling all those squares with purpose often proves challenging as you have to think of both sides. I think, having begun day 4, that I will end up filling one of those frames. Probably the red hounds tooth one. I don't have frames that I can back for the other side so the problem is really the backside. I quite like the striped pocket card you see from Day 4 through the gold frame, it adds to the color of day 3. The split in the day 4 divider behind the hounds tooth frame bothers me. I didn't realize how much until I took these pictures. I want something on the kraft tag in that center pocket, I just didn't have "the" thing and didn't want to spend a lot of time searching. So, it will stay as it is for now and perhaps once the month is complete I will go in and touch up.

If you haven't done this before or haven't succeeded it completing it, I cannot stress to you enough how much more manageable this project is with completed foundation pages. You don't HAVE to leave things where they are but the concept of a book makes this mammoth task so much more enjoyable and less complicated. Another thing I have found very useful in the working of my first few days is to have a basket/bucket/tub or some container of embellishments that compliment your color scheme and leave everything else be. If you contain yourself, you are less likely to get distracted by all the pretty things and focus on the task at hand.

December Daily 2016 / Cover, Day 1 and Day 2

Hey scrappy peeps! It's December which means that scrappy "landmark" (perhaps time mark would be more appropriate) of December Daily has arrived. I have five years of unfinished December Daily albums perched on shelves somewhere. A number that is rather alarming and disappointing to me. And while I have said it before, I AM GOING TO FINISH my album this year! I have never premade pages before or completed the foundation pages and think this was my downfall. This year, foundation pages are complete. All digital pieces that I created myself! I'm very proud of this. I borrowed free downloads from here and there and personalized them, adding my own spin in some way, shape or form. Today I have my cover, the calendar and days one and two to share with you.

I am using a Simple Stories SNAP album as my album along with the various size pocket protectors available for the SNAP albums. I chose the colors kraft, teal, white, black, grey and red as my foundation colors. I realy wanted a simple cover. A little white mist splattered here and there provided the perfect backdrop to a die cut snowflake and the year with a few bits and bobs to accent and add a hint of red. The bakers twine united the fabric and chipboard, tying the two together nicely.

Upon opening the album, there is a gold polka dot vellum that overlays this calendar. I'm not crazy about the look of the polka dots on the circles numbers for the dates so am going to have to go back to the drawing board on that one. I also want to put a little something on the inside cover of the album. The calendar is something I printed off the web, it was a free download. I really need to begin writing down where I got these things from so I can direct you in the right direction. I was in such a creative flurry getting the foundation flowing that my brain wasn't logically thinking. I personalized the calendar by changing the font color of "December" red and removing the numbers the creator had in the original. I used date stickers from Simple Stories to add some pizzaz. I wanted to be able to write each days activities somewhere for a cohesive overview of the month.

 

The back of that calendar is empty. I'm pondering what I want to do there. I think I want to write a why or do a dedication but I haven't put much thought into it and want to be pleased with the results and not rush the process. So, until I know what I want there, that space is empty.

The little "jingle jangle" tag flips to reveal the delicious details of the December party breakfast that Henry, the Elf on the Shelf, brought with him. For years now, Henry has arrived on December 1st and brought a welcome party with him. For the past few years the kids have independently enjoyed their share of the party and Nikolas is in middle school, a later start than Mia in her last year of Elementary school. The "Eat & Drink" card is one that I made on my own and added a few embellishments to. I also made the top, right card; there is a vellum overlay over the journaling.

A lot actually happened yesterday, December 2nd. I chose to focus on this annual shopping trip with a girlfriend of mine. Mia and I also went to Bethlehem Walk, an event I also want to document but think I might have to put somewhere later in the album. Or, just scrapbook it. I can't have everything in this album so I'll figure it out as the month proceeds.

Simple. Really simple. A glassine bag with a metallic "2" from the Pink Paislee number pack, 2 pictures and another pocket card that I created. I toyed with typewriter journaling but decided that I like my writing and it more meaningful in my own handwriting.

I in essence reproduced the emblem for this event. I scanned in the brochure in order to be able to trace and cut the bow with my Silhouette. I then back the opening with a metallic red and further decorated. This white foundation with stitched edges was then adhered to the tabbed chipboard that came in the Simple Stories album. The little tag hanging from the bow is such a simple touch yet is my absolute favorite part of this double page spread.

I am determined to keep this going and finish this year. I am hoping, the accountability of blogging will also aid in my push to cross the finish line so be sure and check back in help me finish this this year!

Celebrate / Elle's Studio / Large Photo Layout

To my fellow American's and semi-American's (such as myself), Happy Independence Day! I have a layout to share with you today as we celebrate the festivities of the long weekend. I have already begun documenting this years fun and frolicks. I find the sooner that I get these things documented, the more authentic the journaling.

I absolutely LOVE large photo layouts. And these goodies from Elle's Studio are just perfect to showcase Independence Day fireworks in the traditional red, white and blue. The 4th of July printable from Elle's Studio are free! You can find them HERE. I used scraps of the cards along the edge as well as for the journaling. I also used the color appropriate patterned papers and embellishments from the Sunny Days collection.

Stamps used (as seen above) are also from Elle's Studio from various past collections that I have gathered over the years. I just love that long vertical strip of strips and bits and pieces. It anchors the photo and mimics the bursts of fireworks.

I struggled with the white border around the photograph. Originally, my plan had been to create an 8.5x11 layout with the photo as the background paper. I printed the white border intentionally knowing that the matte paper I use would likely warp at the edges and my crisp black edges would be tainted. As layout construction continued, it just felt too crowded so I transitioned everything to a 12x12 format. The white border pops the picture from the background that mimics the night sky.

I hope your Independence Day celebrations have been fun and festive! We are planning on going to yet more fireworks tonight however our weather isn't looking great with the threat of thunderstorms. The evening should be okay but there is a high probably of storms in the afternoon. Whatever your plans, stay safe!

Scrappin' Our Stash Blog Hop Feb 2016 / Doodlebug

Hello and welcome to yet another edition of the monthly "Scrappin' Our Stash" blog hop! You should have made you way here on the hop via Monica's blog. If you didn't be sure to start at Katrina's blog and work you way here. As usual, there are some incredible projects to see along the way. You don't need to have the latest and greatest and you might find some fresh inspiration and life in those older collections that have gathered in your stash, overshadowed by the new arrivals.

Today I am sharing with you a primarily Doodlebug layout. I love St Paddy's day and while the size of my St Paddy's collection will never near that of my Christmas stash, it's still rather sizable. I was thrilled to have an opportunity to use some of my goodies amassed last year, possibly even the year before. Honestly, I don't even remember when this rainbow colored goodness joined my stash.

There is nothing like a solid, crisp black or white cardstock to make the colors of layouts pop. By using a digital cut file, you can spruce anything up and bring new life to it. This fantastic cut file is from Just Nick. The fun Pinwheel Background adds such movement to the page.

I didn't buy any embellishments, if there even were any, to go with this collection. Instead I was able to use basics from Doodlebug and cut apart bits of journal cards to create fun add ons.

That's it from me today. Do you have St Paddy's Day plans? Nothing big planned here. I miss being in Chicago for the parade and dying of the river green. I will never forget how yellow the stroller was from the dye flying up into the wind and dying us all a lovely electric yellow! 

From here you are heading on to the ever talented Christine's blog. I know she has some great inspiration for you! Thanks for stopping in, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

 

CNY 2016 Layout

Do you have cultural traditions that you keep in your family? While the kids are only a quarter Chinese, we try and educate them about that bit of their culture and celebrate the Chinese holiday's that I grew up with. Today's layout is one I created of an annual tradition; the lion dance. Our options here in Richmond as somewhat limited given the lack of Chinatown. Every year, Chinese New Year, there is at least one lion dance and Chinese New Year celebration available to us.

The two "main" background patterned papers are left overs from my recent Clique Kits sponsorship of Just Nick. The flowers on the bottom are hand colored with Peerless watercolors and create the perfect Asian look, like Chinese calligraphy. The dots remind me of confetti of a celebration.

I bought these cut files from the Silhouette store some time ago with Chinese New Year in mind. They remind me of the lanterns that hang during many Chinese high days and holidays. I hung the lanterns with some Twinery twine. And those gold letters, from my Chic Tags stash, love 'em!

I have had that Chinese paper cut "double happiness" for some time. Periodically I use them on a layout. I thought the clear acetate from My Minds Eye with the doilies worked nicely as a subtle background behind the pictures of the lion dance.

Just a quick share today. Hope you enjoy it! Have a wonderful day!

 

Love Letters / Cocoa Daisy

In need of some Valentine's Day inspiration? Be sure to stop over at the Cocoa Daisy blog today and check out the inspiration that a few of my fellow Daisy's and I are sharing. I created a layout using some of the fabulous pocket cards and stamps from the February Day in the Life kit and other supporting red and black elements in the main and add on kits as well as my modified digital cut file.

There is not a lick of patterned paper on this layout! Nope, not one. All of the bits and pieces you see between the pictures are 4x3 pocket cards from the Day in The Life February Cocoa Daisy kit. Even the big heart that says "Happy Valentine's Day" is a pocket card that I fussy cut.

See a few of the stamps from the Day in the Life kit at the bottom, left corner of the picture? Adorable!! I love that those hearts are whimsical and not the traditionally symmetrical shapes usually found. The "xoxo's" are my modification of a circle cut file that comes as a download with the kit. I used my magic wand in Photoshop to grab the innards of the xo and then stack them side by side to create a chain of hugs and kissed. I then imported the file into Design Studio and traced the image to create a cut file.

The little red heart on the bottom right corner of the picture is a mistake cover upper. I created this page and then used mist splatters and other mixed media on the white space around the diagonal strip across the page. It was NOT aesthetically pleasing. At all. In fact, it is the one time in my scrapping life that I have not been able to say, eh, so be it and leave it. I tore the whole page apart and reconstructed on a blank white canvas. I had stamped the xoxo banner you saw above but was worried that restamping would not be successful. Rather this have a random floating element, I covered it up. You would never know!

Those puffy letter stickers from Evalicious are a part of the Day in the Life kit as well. Aren't they just sublime?! Love them!!

Those pocket cards would be great on cards too if you were of the Valentine's Day card giving variety! I had thought of such projects to share with you but as I have amassed a vast quantity of cards created, never sent already, I really didn't want to add to that pile. I'm all about things useful these days, like layouts with memories.

Be sure so stop over at the Cocoa Daisy blog as see what other goodies the design team calls have to share with you! I'm sure there is a card or two for those of you seeking cards.

Thanks for stopping in today!