Naughty

Someone's been a little naughty lately. I finally had a chance to scrap photos that were taken a few days ago. I can't believe he got into his Christmas presents! But, it was good scrapbooking material, lol! This is what a kid with a scrapparazzi mother gets...  ;)

Materials used (all digital):
- Background paper: Sugar Plums - Blitzen (Basic Grey)
- Photo frames: Proof Sheet Frames (Katie Pertiet, DesignerDigitals.com)
- Title: Aged Copper alphabet (LetteringDelights.com)
- Embellishments: Certificate of Naughty - Santa's Letters (LetteringDelights.com), Ledger Love Notes (Elle's Studio, JessicaSprague.com)
- Journaling font: Tekton

And I must point out - 2 layouts in 2 days! What a record for me - at least of late!

FOUND: Some Time to Create!

After completing a work deadline and getting some miscellaneous work done, I took advantage of a few free moments to try the Designer Digitals Weekly Challenge. Katie Pertiet posted a Word Art Inspiration Challenge on 12/17/11. I loved the design so much, I knew I had to make something this week. Thus...my digital layout posted below.

Our Story by cyranoscrap

All the digital elements are by Katie Pertiet and found at Designer Digitals.

I've been meaning to do more digital scrapping, especially since I don't have my usual scrapbook supplies with me. I've just had a challenge trying to find time, especially with the holidays!

Anyway, at least I've completed another layout this month - a small feat, but definitely one to tally!  :)

Boy Joy

Boy Joy by cyranoscrap

This picture was taken back on Halloween earlier this year, but I absolutely love it! I paired it with Echo Park's Little Boy line. The digital papers and elements can be found on JessicaSprague.com.

I am so glad that Echo Park has made some of their lines available digitally. It makes scrapping very easy and versatile!

Recycle and Reuse, But This?!?!

I'm all for being green, but I think this is going a little far.

Crafting with cat hair??? There's something a little wrong with this. I can't quite express it verbally, but it just seems wrong. You can read more about this book by clicking on the picture. 

I guess this definitely fits the bill for finding something for someone who has everything. LOL!

November Thoughts

Thanksgiving will be here in less than 3 weeks! How did that happen??? It always seems like the fall holidays just pass so quickly, then before you know it, it's the start of a new year - AAACCKKK!

Anyway, I've been thinking ahead (for once!) about Thanksgiving and created a project for the Basically Bare blog - a canvas to remind me to be thankful for the things in my life. (The details are all on the BB blog.)

Thankful by cyranoscrap

I guess I should also be thinking about Christmas, such as cards. Before I know it, Thanksgiving will be done and gone...yikes!

Hope you are having a great weekend! Be sure to catch the fall colors if you can. A little bit of rain has made it difficult to catch the changing leaves on the trees here.  ;)

Happy Halloween!

Raven card by cyranoscrap

I can't believe how fast this month has flown! Here it is, the last day of October - I have no idea what I've done this month, lol! But, I do have a couple of Halloween projects to share.

First up is a Halloween card created for the Basically Bare blog. I kept looking at the bird forms and thinking about Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven. Finally, I just looked up the poem and chose a particular passage I thought was appropriate for the card. I really like how the bird turned out. My favorite part of it - the eye I created using a dot of Stickles. It looks very cool in real life, trust me!

My Lil Punkin by cyranoscrap

The second project is a layout from a Halloween photo taken last year. The little guy was still in the hospital at the time, so there wasn't really any Halloween celebration for him. However, the nurses in the hospital were so nice. When I walked in that morning, there was a little Halloween tag hanging on his "bed."

Since I couldn't put a costume on him, the pumpkin hat given to me by a friend was perfect.

Enjoy your Halloween today and stay safe!  :)

New Card Projects

I haven't made cards in awhile, but for today's Basically Bare blog post, you'll find a couple of cards that aren't quite my usual style. Get the details on the BB blog!

Hello card by cyranoscrap

Tweet card by cyranoscrap

Year.o.graphy

Simple Stories has done it again! They've come out with another cute collection that I have to have! Introducing... Year.o.graphy!

Now you can document a whole year easily with this one collection! Normally, I've tried to stay away from easy-to-use collections like this because I wanted to be unique. Well, since I'm barely recording my life as it is, I think it's time to take advantage of whatever makes my life easier!

This is my first 2012 resolution!

You & Me = Family

I finally used one of my favorite photos of me and the little guy in a layout for my Basically Bare blog post! We took the photo back in May, but I've been at odds on how to scrapbook it. Leave it to a deadline to bring out a little creativity, LOL. I always work better under deadline...

I went a little out-of-the-box (for me!) since I'm not used to clustering lots of little embellishments. But, I forged ahead, and I think I did okay on this one.  ;)

You & Me = Family by cyranoscrap

Along with the Basically Bare products, I also used cardstock stickers from the Life Documented collection from Simple Stories. The borders along the layout are from Garage Sale by Recollections. I just cut up the paper so I could use various pieces.

One of the biggest challenges was trying to figure out what paper to use with this photo. The photo background has shades of orange in it, which match what we're wearing, but it made for a very interesting selection as far as paper. Do you realize how many papers out there have orange and navy blue together? Not many! In fact, the patterned paper that is behind the acrylic hearts is from K & Company. I didn't even know I owned that piece of paper, but it was stashed away with the Garage Sale piece - score one for me for being even slightly organized for once, LOL!

Anyway, I actually had fun with this layout and managed to get it done in less than an hour - another amazing feat for me!

Before I forget - one fun project that I found at Archiver's: the Daily Junque Kit. I am a kit-a-holic, as known by my fetish for kit clubs and anything kit-tish, lol. They also have the Authentique Splendid Ready To Make Album. Love this mini album kit - may have to make my own version sometime soon. Must...stop...shopping...online...  ;)

Have a great weekend!

Paris Art - Defaced!

Defacing Paris mini album by cyranoscrap

For my new project on the Basically Bare blog, I decided to have a little bit of fun. I hadn't tried the Bare Basics Fleur De Lis or the Bare Basics Wings, so I used both with some pictures from Jen's trip to Paris last year. Introducing... the Paris pic folio! (The pic folio was created out of a paper CD holder that I used on a work project.) I just covered it with black cardstock on the outside and white cardstock on the inside.

I haven't used my stamps much in the last year, so I pulled out the never-used stamps I've been hoarding, along with my ink pads and started stamping up a storm. First, I decided to stamp the black background with a diamond pattern using white ink. The ink wasn't evenly distributed and the pattern is a bit crooked when you look at it carefully, but I think it just adds to the charm of the project.

Defacing Paris mini album by cyranoscrap

Next, I moved on to the inside of the pic folio. The background has a variety of artsy stamps, with one very obvious word - ARTIST - on the left page. Then, Venus di Milo and Mona Lisa got makeovers by receiving Bare Basics wings.

To make the wings look a bit more realistic (as realistic as you can be with wings, lol!), I carefully cut slits around the shoulders in the famed works of art so I could insert the wings behind them. Adhesive was placed on the back of the photo to secure the wings - I wanted them to be loose on the front so they had dimension, which is a bit hard to see in the photo.

I was trying to have fun and spread my wings (ha!) a little by going out of the box. I haven't experimented a lot with the grunge look, but this was the perfect project to do so. And, I have to admit it is so much more fun not being so precise on everything, such as the diamonds on the cover. The stamping isn't straight, but I like the effect. All in all, it worked for me!  :)

I also created a card, but I'll be saving that for a future blog post. Even though it was only a card, it took me longer to create since I really didn't have any idea what I was going to create. I've noticed that without some thought on a project, it takes me twice as long to create. Note to self: try to plan projects a little better, lol!

And to Amy: thank you for putting up with my erratic creative process. I appreciate you providing feedback and support, especially when I have no idea where I'm going!  :)

Tissue Paper Skirts

I found this idea for making tissue paper skirts on the 7Gypsies blog. I LOVE 7Gypsies. They're one of my top 5 favorite scrap supply companies.

Anyway, I thought this was the cutest idea, and I can't wait to try it once I'm back in my usual scrapping environment! I swear I have some weird thing about paper dolls, LOL. Even as an adult, I love them!

Going Pink, Orange & Green!

I'm on vacation, so I don't have my usual scrap supplies with me. But, I did get my blog post for Basically Bare completed late last night while my sister-in-law was watching the baby.

I worked with some products I picked up during my visit with Jen yesterday - I think that was the longest I've ever spent in Michaels, lol! However, I got out of my usual color palette and picked summery colors of bright pink, orange, and bright green. I even used bling, something I hardly ever do.  :)

The flowers, hearts, tabs (which are actually pennants), and cupcake are all from Basically Bare. For close up photos, check out the Basically Bare blog post.

More Vintage!

While I love reading other blogs from scrappers, altered artists, etc., it's also a dangerous thing for me. I end up finding other products, websites, blogs that inevitably lead me to products that I HAVE TO HAVE. :D

Case in point: Vintage Street Market. I don't remember how I found out about the site - probably from one of the Basically Bare team members, lol! In any case, I have to get this cool collection - the Family Fun Paper Kit! 

Amy and I were just talking about paper dolls the other night, when we spotted some in Walmart. I LOVED paper dolls as a child. Maybe that's why I'm infatuated with paper even as an adult, lol!

Must buy NOW...lol!   :D

Studio Pictures

I decided to use some pictures taken at a studio shoot for my Basically Bare blog post today.

The Paparazzi Embellie Set was so much fun to use. I had been stewing for months over what photos to use with it, and the pics taken back in May were perfect for it.

I'll have to try putting two of the filmstrips together so I can do a longer sequence of photos. Of course, that means I'll need to get more of them, lol!

Old is New

I love the vintage look in scrapbooking. It's odd since I was never that keen on vintage stuff when I was growing up. Now, I like going into antique stores and looking for vintage paraphanelia - mainly stuff I can use for scrapping!

With this in mind, I was introduced to a new site, Vintage Catnip by my friend Sally. Just the site name alone perks my interest, but once you get to the blog, vintage eye-candy galore! The Little Red Riding Hood illustration here is just one example.

Funny how old becomes new again. Guess that's why people hang onto old clothes, lol!

Creative - A New Definition

While perusing Amazon this evening, I came across a "suggestion" for me with an interesting title. The book is Creative Is a Verb: If You're Alive, You're Creative. What really caught my eye was this particular sentence in the product description: "Creative Is a Verb is equally a book for people who say, 'I’m not creative' or 'I’m just a dabbler' or 'I’m an artist.' "

So many times I have friends who say they wish they could create scrapbook pages or albums like I do. Personally, I don't think I have any outstanding talent - there are LOTS of other people out there who make these artistic creations that just astound me. I do, however, believe everyone has their own style, whether it is simple, elaborate, minimalist, grandiose... I believe we are all creative in our own ways. Even engineers are creative. The best example of watching an engineer be creative was in the movie Apollo 13, where the engineers had to figure out a way to fit a square piece to a round hole.

I haven't actually read this book, but the title alone intrigues me enough. For all of you who say you aren't creative...STOP thinking that and just do it. Find your inner creative self. All that matters is if the creation "speaks" to you or represents what you want. Capture the now!

Okay, enough inspirational talk for tonight! Hope you all have a great Wednesday!

Sweet Nothin's

I finally got a chance to use the Basically Bare cupcake embellies! 

This layout actually uses real cupcake liners - the ones featured in the photo. It was a bit of a messy process to "decorate" the cupcakes. The Mod Podge was very "gluey."  I suppose I could have used another type of adhesive, but it was what I was able to grab quickly. I even used the real sprinkles that were put on the cupcakes. The sprinkles were dissolving when handled too much, but for the most part, they stuck.

Here's a close-up of the decorated cupcakes...

I'll admit that they looked good enough to eat! I was very tempted to make cupcakes again, lol!

Rut

Sometimes I get into a creative rut because I'm tired or working too much. And when it comes time to create something, I just don't have any idea what to do.

Last night, I was having trouble sleeping, so I started thumbing through Journal Revolution by Linda Woods and Karen Dinino. I had purchased it awhile ago, but I hadn't picked it up in ages. This book is AMAZING!

As I turned page after page, I was suddenly inspired. True, it wasn't inspiration for my usual style, but at least it was something to get my creative juices flowing. So here's what I had time to create this morning.

This pretty much sums up my week, lol. Can't wait for the weekend...

He's Got...Personality

Personality by cyranoscrap

I created this for Basically Bare, using their fun gears. I thought the gears were very appropriate, given that I can never tell what N's thinking, but by his expressions, I can tell that his little brain is working and processing. And, when you look at the expressions on his face, he is one little guy with personality!

A Few Things I Love About You Mini Album

I finished up a new project for Basically Bare that's posted on the blog today - a new mini album about the little guy!

I'm finding that I have to do short scrapbooking projects since that's all the time I get during his catnaps. I swear this kid does NOT sleep. Of course, friends who know me well would just say he's just like mom, LOL!

Anyway, I really had fun with the acrylic heart. The framing idea was a complete accident that happened while I was showing Amy ideas about where I should place it. I'll admit this wasn't my first idea, but it is waaay better than what I was going to do originally. :)

This mini book also gave me a chance to use a few of my favorite photos. I haven't had a whole lot of time to do many scrapping projects, so it's fun when I get to use a handful in one mini album - gotta love those mini albums! They've always been my favorite thing to work on.

For detailed pics of the project, visit the post on Basically Bare today!

Raisin Boat Stamps

Stamps from Raisin Boat, a stamping company that RENTS stamps! I love the cute company name, as well as their concept of renting stamps. You do have the option to buy them, but if you just want to try them, just rent. It's like Netflix for stampers!

Finally, stamps geared toward runners! This would have been great when I was training for the marathon a couple of years ago. But, better late than never, I suppose.

They have some other really cute stamps. I especially can't wait to try out Urban Botanicals...

I think it's the dandelion in this set that lured me in, lol!

Pink Saturday

Today I was out shopping with a couple of friends and got a couple of interesting photos with my cell phone. I wish I had one of my cameras, but a cell phone camera is better than nothing! Funny thing is that I didn't notice that both pics had pink in them until I posted. LOL!  :)

From the Croc store..

.

A jewelry shop with an interesting piece of art out front...

Put on Your Little Black Dress

Remember Little Black Dress? I got an email the other day reminding me that they have a Kit Club. I  had completely forgotten about the Little Black Dress Kit Club, so I wandered over to check out their offerings.

Once I got there, I realized why I didn't visit more often - too many tempting things to buy, lol! I love their style, love their kits... This month is the I'm Smitten Kit - and I have to say I AM smitten about the kit!

The one thing you don't have to purchase is the Ideas page! The Ideas page has lots of cool ideas that will get those creative juices flowing...ahhhhh... Oh, and don't forget to visit the blog - it's got tips and close-up pics of the details.

So if you're a kit fanatic like me, give them a look!

Basically Bare Goes Live!

A terrific new company called Basically Bare is open! They have cool, alterable items to use in scrapbooking or any sort of art creation. I got a chance to try out their products and created this canvas project with a picture of my grandmother:

Princess by cyranoscrap

The dress form and bird are from Basically Bare. I have other products of theirs to try out and can't wait to get scrapping with them - if the little guy will just sleep!  :)

FYI, Basically Bare is also on Facebook, so give them a "Like"!

Canvas Finally Done!

I finally finished the canvas I started a week ago. I got almost all of it put together in a few hours, but I spent a week trying to decide on the finishing touch - the hearts. 

I Am a Mother by cyranoscrap

The sayings are rub-ons from Daisy D - I've loved them, but never had a chance to use them. I'm happy about how it turned out - so much better than what I was thinking, lol!

First Easter!

We celebrated Easter by going to brunch at Brenda & David's. It was fun hanging out and visiting. Nicholas was sooo good and so patient. He fell asleep there, but was such a good sport about hanging out with a lot of adults. We brought along a fruit plate to share...I LOVE berries!!!

Simple Stories

I just discovered the blog for Simple Stories!

Back at the CK Convention in March, I picked up two of their collections: Life Documented and Destinations. I love these collections! Their other collection, Elementary, is cool too. And they have a new collection called 100 Days of Summer that is fun and colorful. Can you say I just love Simple Stories, lol?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Me and the little guy wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Be sure to wear your green so you don't get pinched!

My Little Valentine

It was hard picking just one photo for the Valentine's Day greeting, so I decided to do a quick layout with several of my favorites. I swear the little guy has a lot of personality and spunk!

Happy Valentine's Day 2011!

Happy Valentine's Day from me and the lil' guy!