Life's Trivialities

St Paddy's Day Pocket Letter

Recently a group of ladies on the Cocoa Daisy forum and I have been swapping pocket letters. It's a new venture for me and one that, if honest, I really didn't enjoy at first. I believe that new things must be tried twice; the second time to confirm that you truly don't like it. I'm glad I did try it again, as, I think the pocket letter has grown on me. Now that I have the size down, it's easier to cut out the rectangles and fillers without having to measure all the time!

The theme of these pockets was St Patrick's Day. Originally I was going to do the whole pot of gold at the end of the rainbow thing. But then I decided that I really like the green and oranges together, they didn't overwhelm the way that all the rainbow colors on the page tended to do. Gold sprinkled in here and there worked nicely.

I saw the washi cat idea on Pinterest, can't claim originality of that idea. Great little way to house washi, don't you think? So adorable. There is no association between cats and St Paddy's day that I'm aware of. I wasn't sure how else to tie it into the theme so just went with the green and orange washi, I tried a leprechaun, it was more than I could handle with the little amount of space poking above the pocket.

Above is the back side of the pockets. Simpler. Less intricate than the front of the pockets but still fun all the same. Hopefully useful goodies for the recipient.

Because it's always fun to have a present to open! And because one can never have too many scrappy goodies to play with!

Have you had a hand in pocket letters yet? What do you think? I would love to know! If you would like to do an exchange with me, leave your name and address and let's share some scrappy goodies! If you don't feel comfortable leaving addy in the comments, message me or send an email. Or, join us on the Cocoa Daisy forum!

 

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!

 

Scrapbook Generation's CREATE layouts

Did you see that the latest and greatest issue of Scrapbook Generations' CREATE magazine is out? Did you happen to catch that is also the LAST issue of this superb FREE magazine?!... :( I fully support Debbie and her writing and just know she will write an outstanding story. I can't wait to read it!

If you are looking for the full magazine, here's the link; http://issuu.com/sgcreate/docs/create_-_issue_17_-_november_2015/205?e=10435885/31412839

I have projects on pages 20, 64, 98 and 108 of this issue. Two layouts, a card and a tag. You will find them below. There are also 4 inspirational sketches created by Allison and Debbie in the magazine that are worth downloading!

The above layout is about using mixed media on your layouts with quick mini tutorials on the "how's" of what each of us did. I smooshed Faber Castell gelatos on my an acrylic block, misted it up and smooshed the color onto cardstock. The new Elle's Studio winter/Christmas collection colors are perfectly suited to this picture of Mia shoving Belle's reindeer antlers on her...

The above pocket page filled the bill for the color challenge. Not your typical Christmas colors but sublime for these pictures of Nikolas and I before heading out to the Holly Ball for Cotillion. The yellow'ish color I interpreted more as a yellow gold.

When it comes to sketches, I'm either literally or rather liberal! This card and the tag to follow I went rather literal. Not much variation. I am not much of a card or tag maker so literal works for me. The "Pumpkin Spice" collection from Simple Stories that I used above is just about one of my favorite Thanksgiving/fall collections of all time!

Some more great Simple Stories used to interpret another great tag sketch! I cut the tag size down so as to be able to use it in a pocket scrapping project, possibly even my December Daily this year.

Those are my CREATE creations for the November issue! Be sure to swing by the Scrapbook Generation site and check out the other amazing projects from the talented design team. Thanks for stopping in today!

Gummy Layout

I am going to make up for my blogging delinquency by blogging every single day this week!

This picture just cracks me up!! Mia and her first ever piece of chewing gum. In her excitement to share this monumental moment with me, the gum plummeted to ground... Fortunately, there was plenty more and she was only too happy to have that fresh flavor!

LOVE these new SNAP pocket scrapping cards and coordinating die cuts from Simple Stories!!  The gold is sublime! I envision graduation layouts, heritage photos and all sorts of other fun life events that need scrapping. Like a "first gum" experience, you know, important events! LOL!

The background paper came as part of my very first Paper Issues order! I had originally thought it would be used for a lovey layout; either the cat or a picture of Michael and I. Funny how things turn out, instead a girl and her wad of gun! I love how the handstitching really brought the subtle heart a little more to the foreground. And that die from Memory Box! You can never go wrong with a Memory Box die! Ever!

A fun little collection of goodies at the bottom of the layout. I really wanted to leave the "white space" open and not fill it so the outer edges of the background paper became my little canvases to capture your attention.

Thanks for stopping in today!

I am Back! / Imaginisce

I had a bit an unintentional blogging hiatus... We went down to Clearwater, Florida for a week over spring break and I just kind of took a bit of a blogging break. There are plenty of projects to share with you! Fortunately, I still created and creativity is still plentiful! Blogging time is what I struggle with...

Imaginisce has a new collection!!! This new collection is called Heartland Farm. Before you think the same initial reaction I had, don't worry, it's not what the title claims. It is very earthy, country, garden and then there's the farm. There is SO much more to the collection than farm! Be sure to check it out!

When I have lots of pictures, I either go with two page spreads or pocket scrapping. I decided upon pocket scrapping for these pictures of our strawberry picking adventures. The journaling spot cut aparts and a few of the die cuts are ideal for the route I chose!

The denim pocket that comes as a part of this collection has got to be one of my ALL TIME favorite elements! Imaginisce really is growing their collections! I just love the enamel dots and how perfect they are for the strawberry flower centers.

The bandana papers that accompany this collection are sublime! So very country and so very appropriate for our day at the patch! There are even fun die cuts that come in three different colors and sizes which coordinate.

I just saw that this collection is available for purchase at A Cherry on Top! You can find it HERE.

I also have another layout up on the Imaginisce blog if you haven't seen it already. Above is a sneak peek with the full layout available HERE.

See how it's so much more than just "farm"?!

Christmas Pics Pocket Layout / Bella Blvd

One of the things I have to give my family credit for is allowing me to take their picture(s) and cooperating for the various (9 million) pictures I want to take. The annual Christmas picture included! I cannot complain. I would like to think that they don't find it too painful either as I always allow and encourage the funny face, silly picture as well, it adds an element of fun to what could otherwise be a boring chore in isolation. And, the silly picture is always quite entertaining!

I used Bella Blvd's Christmas Cheer collection and a pocket page to create this layout using four of our pictures from a few years ago, silly picture included. I just love the mixing and mingling all the bits and pieces that Bella Blvd has to offer to create pocket pages, it's like I have 9 little complimentary canvas' all on one "layout".

There is so much that I love about this layout but I think the pom poms on Santa's beard and hat have to be my absolute favorite. The black stripe with the stars mimic a belt too, don't you think?

You can see from these pictures that I like to use the outsides of my pockets as well. The heart and feather "bit" are on the outside of the pocket and popped away from the page. As are the gifts with a bit of layering of them too. The chipboard elements tend to sit better on the outside of pocket pages. They don't leave the buckle in the back of the papers.

We haven't taken this years pictures yet... I try and do something different every year but we just haven't had time yet... Better get a move on if I want to have Christmas cards that go out on time, eh? Have you taken your family Christmas picture yet?

 

Fall Fest / PL Bella Blvd

This is one of those "layouts" that began as a traditional 12x12 layout and went all sorts of directions until it finally became a pocket page layout. Have you had one or some of those? Layouts that begin as one thing but result in something completely different? I like that roaming, rambling process sometimes. Sometimes. Not all the time. It's like the scrappers version of a writers' stream of thought!

Bella Blvd's Hello Autumn collection, again! As well as Mia and pumpkins, again! Both of my kids look striking in orange... That thought has only just occured to me as I type! Love, this collection! Love all things Bella Blvd. From the day I began scrapping. But you know that already!

That banner cut out remnant from my previous layout is the WHOLE reason this became a pocket layout. I really liked the look of it and wanted to incorporate it but it just didn't look right on a traditional 12x12 layout and there were too many pictures crowded together on an 8.5x11 layouts. Hence, the pocket page was the perfect solution. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is insight into the inner workings of my thought processes, scary, I know! Should have saved that for Halloween, perhaps.

Incorporating a little Core into this too. A little cut file and some typed journaling. I often go with my own handwriting but for some reason, the typed word felt like what this layout needed.

A bit of a throw back piece on there, in the picture above. Do you recognize what I'm referring to? Everything there is Bella Blvd Hello Autumn (except for my daugher and the twine)  except for one piece. Can you guess? The button! I have a small stash of "older" Bella goodies that I have saved and used sparingly on projects - projects that I love and are worthy.

Have you been to the pumpkin patch yet? I can't believe that Halloween is just a few weeks away...

 

S'mores Pocket Style / Imaginisce

I have had these pictures of a night around the fire cooking and enjoying S'mores since last summer waiting for the right paper and inspiration to scrap them. Given that I now have this years pictures as well, I figured it was high time I did something with them! While scrapping a design team project and working with an order collection, I was reminded of the S'more paper in the Outdoor Adventure collection and viola! The right paper was waiting all along!

The majority of what I have used here is from the Outdoor Adventures collection but there are bits and pieces from Welcome Spring and the "Sweet" is from My Baby. I was pleased with the way it all came together!

That was the first card I put together, "Happy Camper" and I think it's my favorite of the lot.

A little help from a Studio Calico stamp set for the date and it finishes the card of perfectly!

Not a Sweet baby but a Sweet treat here therefore the title die cut was trimmed down. Layered on top of the journaling card that came the collection made for quick work of this card.

Now to find a different way of scrapping last months' S'more pictures!

Back to School / Pocket Scrapping

Today is marks the beginning of the 2014-2015 school for my kidlets! And to celebrate, I have a current, yes, shock, I know!, layout to share with you of my youngest on "Meet the Teacher" day. This is a Project Life style layout as I have decided that I will create a pocket page for each year.

Inspired by Kerri Bradford and a recent post she had on her blog about using numbers, I created the Grade 3 cut file myself. There is a similar file for Nikolas for Grade 6. I actually intended to attach Grades K through 6 today for download but I have to figure out a better way of getting the files labeled and condensed.

There is a the primary color paletes here as well as banners and Core'dinations! I really just used up scraps for this layout and random bits and pieces that I had laying around.

I did create two other digital files for this spread as well; the "handwriting" 4x3 card in which Mia wrote her name as well as the "all about me" card that you see most of on the right hand side of the picture above. Like the grade, I used these on Nikolas' page as well. I just haven't had a chance to edit the pics and insert them into his page.

The school bus pictures were a stroke of luck; we were walking into school and happened to be entering via the bus loop where this school bus sat to introduce Kindergartner's to the big yellow bus. I had Mia pose quickly beside it while little one's were touring the inside of the bus.

Download the 4x6 green topper "All About Me" file HERE

Download the 4x6 blue topper "All About Me" file HERE

Insert the 4x3 Handwriting card HERE

You will surely see more "back to school" pics of my two in future layouts. There are still pictures to be taken! Like those of the "actual" first day, the first day of school cake (which is cooling in the kitchen, awaiting icing), and first day of school homework.

Thanks for peeking in today! I hope you enjoy the PL cards I created! If you use them, please give credit where credit is due and be sure to share your projects! You could link up in the comments or on my FaceBook page! Be sure to come back soon for my free downloadable cut files!

Pocket Pages / Teresa Collins

I have a "thing" for pocket scrapping. I don't do Project Life in the traditional sense that scrappers refer to, ie I don't scrap week by week in the pocket page. I like pocket scrapping my layouts. One day or one event in pockets, lots of little canvas' to fill. It makes me happy. And happy is good! I love turning pocket page elements into something more. Like sketches, you need to personalize them and make them fit you and your style.

Today I have four pocket pages to share with you; two single page layouts and a double page spread.

Lots of technique above;

• embossing with a Teresa Collins stencil and black embossing paste for texture on the top right card
• Distress paint "splats" under the "family" card on the top left
• fussy cutting to open up the star and insert additional pocket cards and picture on the bottom right card
• hand coloring of "April" on the bottom left
• hand drawn stitching with addeded adorning of the ampersand on bottom middle pocket

I really wanted to make the blue patterned paper more visible and add some interest behind the picture. I love the overlay (more visible here) over the picture but it still needed something else to pop the picture from the blue. The black embossing paste was just the thing!

I really like to personalize the pocket elements. You recognize it, it comes from the Teresa Collins Archived collection but it's not as you find it when you pull it from the packaging. I made it mine with some sanded cardstock, a die cut element from another Teresa Collins collection, some ribbon and an enamel dot. Doesn't take much!

The base pocket cards are from the same Teresa Collins Archived collection, you wouldn't know it looking at this layout, eh? It's amazing how different things look with some personaly touches. I like to include bits and pieces of our travels, day, life in my pocket pages. Above you'll see examples of that; trolley tickets, entry wristband and game card. It's easy to incorporate into pocket pages.

Another thing I really like to do on my pocket pages is use digital brushes on my pictures. It's simple to do but makes a big impact. Another embellishment in a way. This pocket also has an interactive element with the clip being a subtle hint to flip the picture thus revealing additional (private) jounraling underneath.

Last but not least, the double page spread. This is about my daughter's day at her first Girl Scout Camp. We had a blast! There was so much to do and so many pictures that two pages of pockets is the perfect way to capture all of that excitement!

A close up of the left page. I love to use Twine and wood venner on my pocket pages, they pack a big punch those little elements. I prefer the wooden elements on the outside of the page, attached to the page. It doesn't leave a warp in the pockets. I am also a big fan of confetti pockets. I have several tutorials here on how to create various pockets; a Christmas confetti pocket, using Xyron double sided tape to close confetti pockets and creating a shaker box confetti pocket using fussy cut elements.

This confetti pocket has a cut photo overlay inside for a subtle background to the pocket. Sequins of coordinating colors and the paper remnants from the border punching on the opposite page are my confetti contents. I used some banner pennants on the outside for some contrasting interest.

Here is a close up of the right hand page. I intermingled pocket cards with patterned paper. Washi is another great way to dress up pocket scrapping. See the sequins sew onto the third card from the left, middle row? Subtle yet fun. The pops of gold intermingled amongst the color really brighten the page.

Here is an example of using smaller cards on larger pockets. Often times the directionality of a card doesn't suit the page type that you might have pulled out. No worries, cut it apart and make it work for you.

I also want to point out that not everything needs dressing up. I left three of the pictures full size with little to no adornment on them. There needs to be some "quiet" in your page that allows you to focus. I really liked the picture of the four girls walking away, it's a perfect moment captured. It didn't need anything else. The picture of the Friendship Circle has so many colors in it that the colored triangle washi was enough. On the top left of the left hand page, the picture of the girls in the cabin is also busy that a subtle photo overlay sufficed.

So there you have it; four pages using the same base pocket "Albums Made Easy" cards but three completely different looks thanks to techniques allowing for personalization, intermingling with various other collections and some ingenuity!