Life's Trivialities

Grace - SpiegelMom Scraps

Anybody else miss Basic Grey? I was a HUGE Basic Grey fan. I think I have just about every collection they released while I was scrapping. I would buy the collection pack and supplement with a lot of extras of the patterned papers. Persimmon was/is just about my favorite collection EVER; it has the perfect colors of my favorite season, it has Asian looking influence in the flowers... There is so much to love about this collection. So you know it's a special layout when I pull out my favorite collection of all time.

Yet another sketch inspired layout! The themes this month over at SpiegelMom Scraps is sketches and circles so it's only fitting that I have yet another sketch layout and that layout also happens to be laden with circles. Sequins are circles too so they compliment perfectly!

I used that journal card with the oval in place of one of the circles on the sketch and added an extra circle for balance on the page. I also used two 4x3 photos instead of the single square picture. These pictures are of Mia at Cotillion. It's tough being taller than the boys and really does take grace to gracefully accept the situation and make the most of it.

I used three different color sequins', each from a different sequins mix to get the colors that compliment this Basic Grey collection; I used the orange from Puppy Dog Tails, the aqua/blue form Road Trips & Sunshine and the wood grain is the Mahogany. The sequins really pop against the stark white background! I am still blown away that wood grain sequins are an option! If you haven't seen them, be sure to check out the store - https://spiegelmom-scraps.myshopify.com Use code SUZANNA15 for 15% while you are there!

It's difficult to tell but I machine stitched gold crosses through the center of each circle other than the orange one. The orange circle was an after thought for balance and I really ought to drag my lazy behind up the stairs to finish off the layout...

 

Do you watch the process videos I create? What do you think? If you have an opinion, I'd love to hear them! Change the music? Don't talk so fast? Have something you would like to see? I'd love constructive feedback.

Thanks for stopping in today! See you next time!

Home Sweet Home - Summer / Elle's Studio

Back in the Spring, I used a Cocoa Daisy kit to create a layout using the front of our house. I mentioned during the video that I thought it would be a neat idea to try and do the same for each season. Today, I'm sharing the summer edition of that "series"! I had just received the Elle's Studio "Family Fun" collection that I had ordered and was thrilled to find that there was a "Home Sweet Home" die cut that allowed me to carry over that tradition. Now I need for a manufacturer to create a fall and winter collection with the same sentiment for the next two layouts! Think you can make that happen for me?

I tried to copy as many elements as from the Spring layout as I could without forcing things. I was really lucky to find the top tag and sentiment that worked in a similar manner. The header and footers were easy enough to reproduce in a similar fashion as the original. A house subbed for the planter and I was able to easy create a tag for the summer layout.

It's easier to see the similarities and differences with each layout side by side. The toughest part of this wasn't the layout construction but rather, the picture. Matching roof colors and keeping the white balance was a challenge, one or the other had to be altered. You get the idea, more or less. I was able to preserve the proportions of the picture. That branch that comes down in the spring picture has been trimmed from the tree.

I changed the color scheme up to better enhance the colors of summer and reflect the difference in the seasons. I started with the blues and grey then added in the green. I liked the way the green tied in the lush greens of the picture.

The blue banner behind the top tag really popped the blue "sweet" in the title. I had to add a second strip below the black phrase in order to give more weight to the header and have this huge floating element on the page.

A little bit of white cardstock behind the phrase puffy sticker allowed me to use it without it getting lost on the page as that crisp, white edge gave a little pop and delineated the edges.

 

I hope you enjoy the process video! At the end of this video, I link you to the Spring edition in case you missed out on that! Thanks for popping in today! Stay tuned for the fall and winter editions!

Autumn Memories / Washi Technique

I have a fun technique to share with you today using a large digital cut file (or hand cut shape) and washi!

I used washi to fill in the backing of the leaves! I put strips of washi side by side on an angle on white cardstock then traced the shape of each side of each leaf and fussy cut the half. Each half was then glued to the back of the digital cut file and wham! A colorful fall leaf! Or apple, or Christmas tree or black bat for Halloween? How cool would that be?

This close up gives you a close look at the torn washi ends that add a fun organic feel to the layout. Even the distressed Core'dinations cardstock with the "veins" in it really add to the look, don't you think? And the wonderful Twinery twine!

Also adding to the organic, Fall feeling are mist splatters and some SpiegelMom Scraps sequins!! Love me my SMS sequins mixes! Jody makes the best mixes! Speaking of which, be sure to check out her November releases! There are a million new AWESOME mixes!! Can I just tell you; wood grain sequins!

I am not adverse to handwriting on a layout but I really wanted more of a camouflaged look for my journaling and something that stood out against all those leaves on that Simple Stories patterned paper. So many fun little embellies to add to the story I'm telling!

 

I think it's easier to see how the washi technique came together on my process video! Enjoy! Thanks for stopping in today! I hope you had a chance to subscribe to my YouTube, if not, join me! It's been a fun ride with lots of fun things to come in 2018! AND when I get to 1,500 subscribers, I am going to a a giveaway!!

 

Fall Fest / SpiegelMom Scraps

I have been really enjoying the arrival of Fall here in our neck of the woods and it has made for SO many wonderful memories! I have worked hard to preserve the story of those memories this season and thus, have another Fall themed layout to share with you.

I used yet another Paige Taylor Evans cut file (shocking, I know! LOL!) and used it as a mask to create a more organic background for the layout. Additionally, I flipped over the mask and fussy cut out a few of the leaves to use to embellish the layout thus tying in the background to the embellishment clusters. The fine spray of mist was supplemented with larger droplets to add additional color and more visual interest.

There is a mix of Fall embellishments from Cocoa Daisy, Simple Stories, Carta Bella, anything fall to build up the three clusters. The blue foam of the gold Thicker letters from 1Canoe2 worked perfectly with the bluey-green fleece Mia is wearing as well as the more teal hues in the sequins and patterned papers I chose to use.

Two of the leaves which I cut apart from the digital cut file were backed with vellum and stitched down the center vein to add an opaque look to the leaves. You can see in that close up the lovely simmer of the Puppy Dog Tails sequins mix from SpiegelMom Scraps. These sequins tie the bottom of the layout to the top as the colors are repeated top and bottom.

To add to the organic feel of the layout, the edges of each square have been "quilted" and distressed a little bit. You can see one of the two quilted shaker pockets I created using SpiegelMom Scraps sequins mixes. They add a fun element to the page and mimic the movement of falling leaves.

 

Sometimes it is easier to watch the process come together than it is read it, especially for those of you who are more visual! Enjoy the video!

Thanks for joining me today! Take care!

 

Create / Stuck?! Sketches

Today I have my bi-monthly Stuck?! Sketches layout to share with you! I has been such fun playing and designing with Laura's sketches! I hope you get a chance to play along this month as summer slowly winds down and it begins to feel more and more like fall (or autumn)!

There is a lot going on in that sketch this month! I love all the strips and the way that the ampersand is tucked into the title!

I have a small pencil holder type cup from Ikea that I store all of my branding strips in. I riffled through that and pull all the colors that coordinated with the multi-colored "V" strip from Fancy Pants; purpley blue, pink, peach and aqua. I also happened to have a washi collection from Recollections that coordinated. I then set about laying down strips of various lengths, heights and ends to create some visual interest and variety.

A tag was used, just as the sketch called for. The tag contains my journaling as, by expanding the size of my pictures, I had to expand the width of my strips and thus not leaving much room to journal directly on the layout. The journaling speaks to how I have been at my job for 10 years and how it has been a blessing to create my own happiness, balancing a job I love part time with the ability to be home with the kids.

My embellishment clusters aren't quite a trio, nor are they placed as they are in the sketch. Because the tag can be slid behind the photo, I didn't really have room for an embellishment cluster to the top, right of the picture. I did use mixed media behind the strips, though mostly covered up by the breadth of the strips. Enough pokes out from the edges for you to see.

The title for this layout was supposed to say "Create Your Own Happiness", as I referenced the content of my journaling to be about, however I ran out of room. The implication of that exists however.

Should you be so inspired, you can watch the above process video and see how this layout came together based on the Stuck?! Sketches sketch. We would love to have you play along! There are always prizes and the opportunity to be selected as a guest designer! Link us up!

Thanks for popping in today! Have a wonderful Labor weekend if you are here State side and celebrating! Be safe!

 

 

 

 

Embrace This Moment / SpiegelMom Scraps Blog Hop

Hey scrappy peeps!! Welcome to my blog if you are new and welcome back if you are a familiar with my scrappy antics! If you didn't come here from Sheryl's blog, be sure to go HERE to the SpiegelMom Scraps blog and work you way back here! Trust me when I hint (poke, prod) that you want to do this! The grand prize for this hop is a complete set of this month's sequins releases; they are stunning!

We are showcasing this month's new sequins releases so be sure to head over to the store and see what new treats Jody has! If you find that you put goodies (and they are amazing goodies!) in your shopping cart and want a coupon code, be sure to use SUZANNA15 and earn 15% off! Including the new goodies!

I used two of the new sequins collections for this layout; Peachy Keeny and Morning Glow. The peachy pink and bluey grey colored sequins from the Peachy Keeny mix were the color drivers of this layout with the softer hues in Morning Glow being a great compliment. Based on these sequins colors, I chose the papers and embellishments that would compliment the sequins. Not my usual started point!

The way the sequins cascade down the page from the flower in the upper, left corner and lead your eye to the picture against the gold studded vellum is beautiful. It makes me think of the sparkle on the water around the fort we were visiting.

If you know me, you know I'm a bit of a fussy cutting nut. The way these flowers from 1Canoe2 two tie the colors together as a uniting element make me happy. As does the PL card from Maggie Holmes poking out of the back of the top of the pictures!

 

Should you be of the process video watching ilk, you might enjoy watching the video come together!

And now for the prize!!! Best part of these hops along with all the inspiration! Jody is giving away all of the September releases to one lucky winner. Be sure to comment at each blog as you hop and let us know what you think of the new sequins mixes and each of the designers projects! We love reading your comments!

The blog hop is open through Saturday night and after that Jody will pick a random winner from the comments on the blogs.

Here is the hop order;

SpiegelMom Scraps blog (Jody)

Sara Scraps  with Raquel :)

Ali Scraps

Karla Yungwirth

Rachel Stewart

Khristina Sorge

Christy Harriman

Lisa Kingston

Christine Beuzit

Sarah King

Laura Rumble

Sheryl Banares Briker

Suzanna Lee <---- YOU ARE HERE

Hannah Lemieux   

Daisie Hanson 

Marie Friant

I hope you enjoyed my layout and process video! From here you are off to see what greatness Hannah has in store for you! Thanks for popping in today and be sure to come back and visit soon!

Smile Crabby / Cocoa Daisy

Smile Crabby! When you are devouring, albeit slowly thanks to the process inherently involved, a crab feast, it's easy to smile! Today's layout share is of my family and I, earlier this month, enjoying a large pan full of crab! It was created using the September Cocoa Daisy kits, "Early Sunset" which were released to subscribers yesterday and will be released to the general public on September 1st.

There is A LOT of fussy cutting on this layout; each of the wood slices and that little fox from a Cocoa Daisy exclusive patterned paper. The pictures were orginally square as well but looked much better circular, as the cascade of circles moved across the page.

By using a light grey pen with a very fine tip, I was able to add journaling to the page that wasn't over bearing or an interruption to the overall design. Sometimes I feel as thought journaling becomes an eye sore to the design. I struggle with the balance of storytelling and design. This was a good solution for me.

These Thickers from 1Canoe2 that accompany the collection have got to be one of my new favorites! The hint of blue from the foam that the gold is mounted on adds just a touch of color that is unexpected! And the exclusive sequins from SpiegelMom Scraps?! Swoon!! I love when Jody creates mixes for Cocoa Daisy!

There are exclusive stickers that come with both the memory keeping and DITL kits this month and they are sublime. That they are diverse and usable on almost anything is a great benefit!

 

Some of you like to see how layouts come together and enjoy process videos. While I was the biggest critique of process videos, I do have to admit, there are things about a creative process you would never know or bits of a design element that go undetected without the videos. They are definitely growing on me and winning me over. If you watch my videos, let me know what you would like to see more of, less of. I had music for a while but I haven't found tunage that isn't over bearing or sleepy... I'm still searching for "my" tune!

Thanks for stopping in today and every day! I hope to see you back here again soon!

Back To School / YouTube Collaborative Series / Download

I know, I know... I have failed miserably and putting my projects here as well... The intent is there, the time is sorely lacking. BUT I have had requests for downloads for a cut file from this layout I am sharing today so I will fulfill that promise.

My scrappy friend Christine Meyer invited me to participate in her Back To School collaborative series concluding tomorrow and the above layout is what I created. I have a million back to school pictures that I have yet to do something with... Sound familiar? If so, be sure to hop over to her YT channel HERE and find inspiration not only from Christine but some other creatives!

My kids aren't back to school yet so these are pictures from the just completed school year; my daughter on her way to 5th grade. Her final year of elementary school. I did write in on that Pebbles Inc clipboard; I wrote the grade, school and teacher. Short and sweet. That's all it needed!

I used the Amy Tan collection Hustle and Heart for this layout (with the exception of that aforementioned Pebbles sticker). I love that the collection is so diverse yet I was able to find lots of bits perfectly suited to the Back to School theme. The "Back to School" title on my layout is a combination of a font I stretched in Silhouette Design Studio and a purchased cut file. I have to apologize as I don't know who the "school" file deserves credit for.

I did machine stitch on the very edge of that upper piece. It just added a touch of dimension to the layout that is otherwise rather clean. I did rip paper! Something I have noticed I'm doing increasingly.

Digital Download | Paperclip Background

I created this paper clip background in Design Studio for Silhouette and have converted to both a PNG and SVG file for you to download for FREE! Click on the above image title for the link. This digital file is available in SVG, PNG and Studio formats and you may download this digital cut file for FREE for your own personal use.

I hope you enjoy the video and I would love for you to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and of course feel free to leave any comments you have about the video. I'd love to hear your feedback!

Thanks for stopping in today! If you use my cut file and have a means of linking me up, I'd love to see what you do with it!

Take care scrappy peeps! And, as always, thanks for popping in!

 

Life Is An Adventure / Stuck?! Sketches

I told you I was going to blog so here I am again!

Today is reveal day over at Stuck?! Sketches. Every month Laura releases two sketches; one on the 1st and another on the 15th. I have been busting to share this layout with you! I created it almost a month again now, shared a sneak on IG, and have been sitting on it. Waiting! Waiting patiently until today! This has got to be one of my FAVORITE layouts I have created!

Above is the sketch that was the inspiration of this layout;

I knew as soon as I saw the sketch that I was going to fussy cut those flowers from 1Canoe2!! While I loved the tan cross patterned paper that coordinated with the flowers and is part of the collection, I really wanted something else, something more striking that really popped the flowers and the pictures. Both the diagonal stripes and the navy polka dot papers are from older Fancy Pants collections, Trendsetter and Happy Go Lucky.

The story being told is behind the pictures on the white tag there. I could have journaled on the navy patterned paper with a white pen but I really didn't want to detract from the design of the page.

There is a lot of dimension to this page with the loose leaves, wood veneers and the gold thread. I even bolstered the left hand picture by folding golden vellum behind the picture to lift it up a bit.

Not a very adventurous title but I really wanted to incorporate the "adventure" ephemera from the pack. Life with this child IS an adventure! I had intended to put "Life parenting you is an adventure" but the length of that was outside the realm of the space I wanted the title to occupy. So I settled for shorter and talked more to the point in my journaling.

 If you care to watch how this layout came together, process video #56 from my YouTube channel is my creative process as I created this layout;

Thanks for stopping in today and we would love to have you join us at Stuck?!. There is a design team call out too if you are interested!

Fly High / Cocoa Daisy

 

Hey there scrappy peeps! So I have had some interesting conversations about blogs and I have decided that, struggle as I may, I need to blog. If anything to provide a collective home for all my projects, a resume of sorts. If you find yourself here and enjoying my work, then it's an added bonus for the both of us! And, honestly, it is nice to see the close ups and enjoy them rather than have them flash by in 7 second increments, don't you think?

Today I am hosting the August Cocoa Daisy designers challenge. It is a Tic Tac Toe board, you can find the details over on the Cocoa Daisy blog HERE. Pick 3 in a row; horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Use those items on your project (card, layout, off the page, doesn't matter, just a paper craft project). Remember when you upload your project to note with row you picked please.

I used the top, horizontal row; a circular element, mixed media and stitching.

The circular element is obvious; that large digital cut file from Ashli Oliver, an ex design team member. The stitching is in random circles around and amongst the the cut file while the mixed media is just splashes of mist in navy blue for a hint of darker color and weight to the project, away from that heavily loaded bottom corner.

The picture is of Mia in her latest pair of glasses. I did journal about this tucked in behind the picture. I knew with the tone on tone white/cream background that I didn't want to disturb the balance of dark and white I had created and journal directly on the page.

Behind each of the birds is a "thread wad" or "thread bundle"; a bundle of wadded up sewing thread. There is something about that light blue swallow that makes me think of the dove with the olive branch in the Noah ark story... Some hidden symbolism perhaps?

As is the case lately, there is a process video that accompanies this, if you are interested;

 

Thanks for stopping in today and letting me share! Take care!