Love Your First Smile

I finished another challenge today - a scraplift challenge for The Lilypad. I just noticed that I must be in a "krafty" mood today since I used kraft background paper on this layout too, LOL! (Good thing it wasn't from the same kit!)

CREDITS

Papers: Grandma’s Dresser (Sahlin Studio)

Embellishments: Grandma’s Dresser and Sweet Storytelling (Sahlin Studio); After the Rain (Micheline Martin); I Think I'm Falling for You (Rachel Young); These Walls - Moving Day (One Little Bird);

Fonts: KG Seven Sixteen (Kimberly Geiswein); Sunshine in My Soul

Like Mother, Like Son

I got a chance to scrap a funny photo from last Saturday. I decided it would be great for the template challenge over at The Lilypad.

CREDITS 

Papers: TwentyFour Seven (Little Butterfly Wings); After the Rain (Micheline Martin); I HeartYou (Michelle Godin); Stitch Em Up (Jacque Larsen)

Embellishments: SweetStorytelling (Sahlin Studio); You Were My Wish (Lauren Grier); Sew Artsy: Just the Stitches and I Heart You (Michelle Godin); Open Polaroids 4x4 (Amy Martin); Apple Tree (Sara Gleason)

Fonts: Courier, Stampete

Template: Lilypad September2012 Template Challenge (Amy Martin)

Another Art Journaling Attempt

I refuse to say I can't do art journaling pages. I've attempted before, but haven't been too happy about the results. So, I'm trying - again! - from a different perspective.

This time, I decided to try to do an art journaling page using a quote that I saw recently on Facebook. I love what the quote has to say, so I figured, let's play with it. By using a quote, I didn't have to worry about my own thoughts. I could just write someone else's words and experiment with making the quote look pretty.  :)

Here's the end result:

Can I say that this page was one of the most fun to create in a long time??? It was just so much fun to start with a background, then throw all sorts of elements that I liked on top of it. So, I actually accomplished the quote itself - HAVING FUN! And that makes it even more appropriate for this art journaling attempt!

CREDITS

Papers: Dreams and Wishes and I Heart You (Michelle Godin)

Embellishments: AssortedMessy Stitches White No 6 (Katie Pertiet); I Heart You (Michelle Godin); Be My Valentine and Art in the Box (Paula Kesselring); This + Thats 2 (Tattered Pear); Mixed Bag Tape Strips (Splendid Fiins); Bunches of Buttons (Heidi Williams); Pocketful of PosiesTapes (Ardent Sparrow)

Masks: Tapes (Dunia Designs)

Alphabet: Sunshine Sticker Alpha (Sahlin Studio)

Fonts: For the One Hundredth Time, Traveling Typewriter

Having Fun

I finished my last challenge for Zig Zag Scrap's September challenges! This month, I left the template as the last layout, mainly because I couldn't decide what photos to use.

This past weekend, my nephew provided me miscellaneous photos of his daughter (my great-niece!) that were perfect for the template.

CREDITS

Papers: HereThere and Today (Studio 68); Summer Lovin (ZZS Designers); Handmade with Love (Studio 68 and Pink Reptile Designs)

Embellishments: Friends Will Be Friends and Noted (Pink Reptile Designs); Today (Studio 68)

Font: Baby Boston

Template: September 2012 Template (t for me)

Friends By Choice

I don't do a lot of double-page layouts these days. But Zig Zag Scrap has one for their September monthly challenges. And, since completing the monthly challenges is a new goal for me (I'm trying to push myself to do more pages in general), I went ahead and jumped in. However, it was a bit harder than I anticipated.

I know that I started this layout at least a week ago, but I had to step away from it several times because it just wasn't coming together easily for me. The photo meant a lot to me - a graduation photo taken back in Dec. 1998 with me and four of my classmates. Those four women were part of the reason I even made it through my graduate program. And we had quite a story, despite only being together for about 18 months.

A couple of notes on the challenge: a double-pager, with one page that had no photos. There had to be journaling on one of the pages. Other than that, anything goes. So here is my entry for that challenge...

The journaling reads:

   We were strangers brought together by a school assignment. Three of us were from outside of the U.S. The remaining two were from opposite U.S. coasts. We had all signed up for the same group in one of our advertising classes - the Adventure Sport Group, which would work to target consumers interested in “adventure sports,” sports like rock climbing, bungee jumping, skydiving, etc.

     Although we had differences in ages, experiences (work and personal), and backgrounds, we meshed very well together, becoming fast friends. Our group was known for “fun” presentations that entertained our classmates, as well as our professors and the sponsoring company for the project.

     Even after we finished our project, we all remained close friends, going shopping, having dinner, and studying together. Making it through our graduate program was quite an achievement for all of us, and we definitely had to capture the moment just before graduation ceremonies started since we were split up based on program specialty.

     This is one of my favorite photos of all of us and definitely the one with most meaning.

CREDITS

Papers: Noted (Pink Reptile Designs); Tranquility (Jeanelle Paige); Good Reads – Torn Papers (Aprilisa Designs);

Embellishments:  Noted (Pink Reptile Designs); Tombo (Ninigoesdigi); Here There and Today (Studio 68); Crisp Mornings – Add-On (Sherri Tierney); Summer Lovin frame (ZZS Designers)

Alphabet: Noted (Pink Reptile Designs)

Mask: Paper Tear Holes 2 (Jeanelle Paige)

Fonts: Turtle Club (title); Shelter Me (journaling, Kimberly Geswein)

Trio

I'm trying out some kits I haven't had time to work with. Also feeling a little blocked creatively - not sure why.

These photos are a few years old, but they were such fun times.  :)

CREDITS

Papers: Photo Booth Fun Kit (Gina Cabrera)

Embellishments: Photo Booth Fun Kit and Add-On (Gina Cabrera); Here There (Studio 68); Everyday Life Kit (Gina Cabrera)

Alphabet: Basic Black Alpha (Stolen Moments Designs)

Fonts: Janda Everyday Casual (journaling – Kimberly Geswein)

Template: Bunch of Templates Bundle #2-03 (Dunia)

Us

One great thing about scrapbooking - you can take one photo and use it so many ways, LOL! I was working on this week's 4 Play Challenge at Design House Digital and decided to use a photo taken almost 2 months ago. I just love this photo of me and the munchkin.

CREDITS

Papers: Simply Me (Mye de Leon); Woodgrain Kraft No. 2 (Agnes Biro)

Embellishments: Heart and Home (Audrey Neal)

Template: Design-365-Layered-Layouts-Vol. 4 (Deena Rutter)

Those jewels were my favorite embellishment. I want to use them on everything!  :D

Creating for Ninigoesdigi

Courtesy of Zig Zag Scraps

I haven't been able to post much of what I've been working on until today because the kits I've been using weren't released until today. :)

Today, it's official - I'm part of Ninigoesdigi's creative team! I was so excited to be asked, and Nini is such a sweetheart! There are two kits being released this week: My Life My Rhythm and a kit collaboration with t for me designs called Get Together. 

Here are some samples using My Life My Rhythm:

Photos of my pal Sally at Cannon Beach

Me and the munchkin when he was learning to walk

And now the Get Together kit collaboration! Here is the kit - perfect for coffee (and tea!) lovers!

Courtesy of Zig Zag Scraps

And my sample...

Memories of marathon training Saturdays!

I'll be posting more samples in the future, as new products are released. It's so exciting!

Visiting Roloff Farms

Even with a deadline, I managed to squeeze in one layout today and send in about three submissions. Yay me!  :D  Here's the layout I finished today. Love the photo mask - it was part of a challenge over at Gotta Pixel.

CREDITS

Papers: Colors ofAutumn (Aprilisa and Just Jaimee)

Embellishments: Colors of Autumn (Aprilisa and Just Jaimee)

Mask:  Gotta Pixel September Photo Mask Challenge (Indigo Designs)

Fonts: Sunshine in My Soul (“Visiting” - title); Sketch Block (title); KG Seven Sixteen (Kimberly Geswein)

Quiet Corner

This layout was a little out of my usual, but I liked the way it turned out. The elements of the Zig Zag Line August 2012 from Ninigoesdigi were perfect for my photos.

CREDITS

Papers: VintageOrigami and Paper Cuts Please (Ninigoesdigi)

Embellishments: HankoFun (Ninigoesdigi)

Fonts: Kunstler Script (title); Calibri (caption, date)

Template: Froggy Freebee Vol. 7 (Little Green Frog Designs)

Friday Fun

Yes, I have been MIA this week, between traveling and working on different projects, I haven't had enough time to do my usual thing. But, I do have things to share, such as some fun finds! 

Courtesy of SNF

Remember those "cootie catchers" you made out of paper as a kid? (I think they were also known as fortune tellers.) Well, SNF has a fun printable on their blog today - a Fortune Teller with fun fonts! Introduce this fortune teller to your kids and see what fun they have!

There are lots of new digi scrap releases this week too! I was doing a little speed reading through the newsletters this week and found a few things I would love to add to my digi collection...

Courtesy of ZigZag Scrap

Scraparazzi from ZigZag Scrap Designers

This looks like a super fun kit! It's made for all of us who have to pull out the camera and capture any little or big shot, every day or any day! There are 53 papers, 101 elements, and lots of other versatile bits and pieces to use on all your layouts!

Courtesy of The Lily Pad

Washi Tape Strips No. 3 from Sahlin Studio

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE washi tape! And Sahlin Studio released a new set of washi tapes today!

Courtesy of ScrapMatters

Blackbird by Stolen Moments

The colors of this kit are stunning! I can't decide why I really need it, but I love it!

Courtesy of The Lily Pad

3x4 Quote Cards from Designs by Lili

I love quotes, but I rarely use them on my layouts. This collection of quote cards would be great to include on layouts or even Project Life (especially since they are sized just right for Project Life)!

Courtesy of The Lily Pad

I Kraft, You Kraft from Studio Basic and Little Butterfly Wings

This collaboration is a definite must for me! There are so many pieces that I could use on various layouts, especially when clustering items!

Altered Junk - Travel from Polka Dot Creations

A cool artsy kit for art journaling, collage, or scrapbooking! I love it all!



That's all for now! I'll post some layouts later!

Bowling Night

It's so odd to scrap my "single" life, aka "Life Before the Munchkin," LOL! While those days weren't all that long ago, it feels like it was AGES ago!

Here I am, with the girls and guys (although they're not in this photo) for a night of bowling - guys vs. girls!

CREDITS
Papers: This Mini Kit (Sugar Kissed Designs)

Embellishments: Fresh Fall (part of Petal Picks Sampler Fall 2012) and This Mini Kit (Sugar Kissed Designs)

Template:  JM Designs

Fonts: Tahoma (title); Shelter Me (journaling, date)

You Make Me Smile

Do you ever have those days where you know something is missing from your layout, but you aren't quite sure what it is? Sometimes I just have to "walk" away from it and go back a few days later. That's what I did with this one. There was just something missing. Now, I think it's finally complete, lol.




CREDITS
Papers: Handmadewith Love (Pink Reptile Designs); Summer Lovin Collab (ZZS Designers)

Embellishments: Handmadewith Love (Studio 68 and Pink Reptile Designs); Here There (Studio 68); Quirky– Like Me (2am Designs); Summer Lovin Collab (ZZS Designers)

Overlay: GrungeOverlays (Sara Schmutz)

Fonts: Traveling Typewriter (date); Scrap Script (journaling)

Template: August 2011 Digi Do-Able Challenge Template (Sweet Cherry Designs)

New Technique Down!

I LOVE when I learn how to do something new in Photoshop! I had purchased some paper tear hole masks, but had no idea how to use them. There were instructions, but they were a little fuzzy to me, so I had to keep trying different things to figure out how to get the mask to do what I wanted. I had no idea how to "invert" a selection and cut, which is what the instructions said to do. Every time I tried to do it per the instructions, the paper and the tear hole would disappear! Finally, I got it, then was able to clip the paper to the inverted mask. And here are the results!

I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but I was so excited when I got the layout to look just like I wanted! And now, I can submit it to the scraplift challenge on Zig Zag Scrap - woo hoo!

CREDITS

Papers: Tombo (NiniGoesDigi)

Embellishments: Tombo (NiniGoesDigi)

Fonts: Century Gothic (title); Shelter Me (journaling, date)

Masks: Paper TearHoles (Jeanelle Paige)

Template: A Cherry On Top Newsletter Exclusive (Sweet Cherry Designs, Kristianne Swanson)

Flashback and Fries

There were a couple of digital scrapping items that caught my attention this weekend. They aren't necessarily new, but they are new to me and finally hit my radar.  :)

Courtesy of The Lilypad

Remember Atari? I'm talking about "classic" Atari. If you're in my age group (or generation), you'll think PacMan, Centipede, Asteroids, Super Breakout. That's the Atari that I'm talking about, with the super simple joystick. Well, if you have pictures featuring those classic Atari moments, there is a cool digi kit just for that: Way Rad from Micheline Martin & Laura Banasiak.

But there's more than just the Atari mementos. Think cassette tapes, boom boxes, Rubik's cube. Just looking at the goodies in this kit makes me wish I had more pictures of me in the late 70's-early 80's, when I spent my free time playing miniature golf, arcade games, and going to the movies with my friends. Unfortunately (and fortunately in some cases!), I don't think I have many photos of all those times. I'll have to go back into my photo archives.

Courtesy of Sweet Shoppe Designs

Now, about those fries... Fast food was another thing that started ramping up in the 1970s. First, it was just hamburgers and fries. Then pizza and fried chicken came along. Today, fast food has expanded into burritos, Chinese takeout, Thai, and sushi. So, to document those moments, pick up Fries With That?, a collaboration between Traci Reed and Jady Day Studio. There are even sub sandwiches and drinks/coffee that remind one of Starbucks - without actually having their logo. And I know there are lots of people out there who take photos of Starbucks goodies with their iPhones!

Enough reminiscing for now. Going off to create - and try to do some laundry, lol! Have a great Sunday!

Love My Happy Dude

I tried to do a speed scrap this evening at The Lilypad, after I saw the info posted on Facebook. I would have made it, if not for the constant interruptions of the phone. But, I still got a layout - and a memory! - documented, so I'm not lamenting that I didn't get to enter it. In fact, I really, really like how it turned out.

CREDITS

Papers: AppleTree (Sara Gleason); I Heart You (Michelle Godin); Grunge (Sahlin Studio); Funky School Papers (Amber Clegg)

Embellishments: HostaTapes (Sara Gleason); I Heart You (Michelle Godin); Sunshine Sticker Alpha (Sahlin Studio); Summer Bucket List Collab (Kaye Winiecki); Grunge (Sahlin Studio); This & Thats (Tattered Pear); This Is My Story (Little Butterfly Wings)

Overlay: Grunge Overlays (Sara Schmutz)

Font: Century Gothic

Template: Hoppy Birthday One (Sara Gleason)

Also, if you want to see the latest Real Life Scrapped Funday Friday picks, check out http://reallifescrapped.com/2012/09/07/funday-friday-september-7th/! I got to fill in for someone today, so I got to share my picks.  :)

Baby Days

The 4 Play Challenge at Design House Digital this week was interesting. The four kits that were selected included no embellishments - just template, paper, alpha, and an overlay. It was refreshing not to have to worry about embellishments, especially clustering and layering them. And the template was really fun - lots of blending. Here are my results. I love the simplicity of it!

CREDITS

Papers: Amalia (Celeste Knight)

Overlay: Grunge Overlays (Sara Schmutz)

Alphabet: Sunny Days Alpha (Karen Funk)

Template: Artisan Blend Template No. 6 (Tiffany Tillman)

Font: Baby Boston

DigiDare #290 - The Librarian

This week's DigiDare was pretty fun since it was something to add to my All About Me collection. The dare - scrap about what you wanted to be when you grew up.

I know lots of us had dreams that just didn't actually become reality. I took a completely different route from becoming a librarian. However, it was still fun to remember what I wanted to be when I was six years old.

CREDITS

Papers: Under  the Boardwalk Collaboration (One Story Down Designers)

Embellishments: Assorted Messy Stitches White No. 6 (Katie Pertiet); Dear Diary (Studio Basic); Co-Curricular (Audrey Neal); Old School Kit (Gina Cabrera); Pie Are Squared (Libby Prichett); Cut It Out – Stitched Frames (Robyn Meierotto); Memory Keeper (Mye De Leon); Paper Tear Holes (Jeanelle Paige); Hosta Tapes (Sara Gleason); Retrosweets Elements (Paula Kesselring)

Fonts: Miserably Lose (title); Kristin Cursive (journaling - Jeanelle Paige)

R-R-R-R-Ruffles!

Courtesy of Design House Digital

Are ruffles the new trend in scrapbooking? I just saw these new Ombre Ruffles: Vol. 2 from Audrey Neal, and it is all about ruffles! Even though I'm not a ruffle kind of girl (unless it's potato chips, lol), I think these are pretty cute! Audrey also has a ruffled paper pack - Ombre Ruffles Paper Pack - if you'd like to get your digital ruffles collection started.

I'll admit, I'm not sure how I would use these yet, but at a bargain price of $1 (until Thursday), I may just have to pick them up and try them out!

Chick Flick Junkie

I worked on an All About Me page last night. I'm not quite sure if I really want to enter it in the challenge I was thinking about, but it was still fun to capture this little part about me.  :)

CREDITS

Papers: Summer Lovin Collab (ZZS Designers); Quirky – Like Me (2am Designs); Here There (Studio 68); Ume (Nini Goes Digi); Handmade With Love (Studio 68)

Embellishments: Chicky Poo (Lettering Delights); Quirky – Like Me and That Unforgettable Moment (2am Designs); Ume (Nini Goes Digi); Summer Lovin Collab (ZZS Designers); Today (Studio 68)

Fonts: Announcement (Lettering Delights); KG Seven Sixteen (Kimberly Geswein)

Template: ZZS July 2012 Template Challenge

Happy Labor Day!

Courtesy of Design House Digital

Are you taking a break from your labor today? Hope so! It's funny how this unofficial end of summer crept up so quickly! Even I can't believe summer is close to being over! And for those of you who know me, I am not a fan of summer!

Anyway, if you're following Real Life Scrapped, I have an article today on washi tape called "The Woo of Washi." Read all about how I got into the washi craze. I also have a new fave in washi tapes - Pocketful of Posies Tapes from Rebecca Wagler! I didn't see this in time for the article, but I love the designs!

I also have a few new items I'd like to share for today...

Courtesy of Design House Digital

Rebecca Wagler (aka The Ardent Sparrow) Debuts at DHD
If you're a fan of The Ardent Sparrow, take note that she has closed up shop at One Story Down and moved to Design House Digital! And to celebrate her move, all her products are 30% off until Sept. 5. I love her stuff - so whimsical and colorful!

See the Sweet + Spicy Doilies I've posted here? They are $1 right now! Get them before the sale ends.

Courtesy of JessicaSprague.com

Play Date Collection by Jenni Bowlin
Today, Jenni Bowlin released this cute kit. It's on sale today only for 25% off.

Courtesy of Deviant Scrap

Outside the Box Design Studio Guests at Deviant Scrap
Are you into art journaling? Deviant Scrap has great resources for "out of the box" designs in general, but now Outside the Box Design Studio will be their guest. Take a look at the cool offerings, like Quirked!, which is pictured here.




That's all for today! See you all soon!

Scrap Goodness Saturday!

Wow! I cannot believe it is already September 1st! Labor Day weekend is always the send off to summer weekend for me. It means that the colorful days of fall will soon be upon us. I love fall - the colors, the weather, the clothes, lol! Anyway, I hope you are enjoying a long weekend doing something enjoyable!

Yesterday, I posted Funday Friday picks at Real Life Scrapped. But, I still had several other cool things that I found in the scrap world! Wanna see? (Incidentally, these are in no particular order.)

Courtesy of Two Peas in a Bucket

It's Elementary Vintage Alpha Cards from Baers Garten Designs

These are so quaint and cute! Now I wish I had TONS of old school pictures just so I could use these. Of course, they could just be used as part of clustered elements, too, on a vintage layout. In fact, check out Play All Day Elements, which are perfect to use with these cards!

Courtesy of Design House Digital

Be Cool, Be You Mini Kit from Mye De Leon

A cute mini kit from Mye De Leon! The best part? It's FREE right now at Design House Digital!

While you're there, be sure to check out the DHD House Party collaboration - wonderful colors!

Courtesy of One Story Down

I Love Rock & Roll from Little Butterfly Wings

This kit rocks! While I don't necessarily have a lot of rock & roll memories to scrap, I love the elements in this kit. (Hmmm...maybe I can use this kit to document my niece's love of rock?) And guess what? It's ON SALE today for 50% off! (I didn't realize One Story Down was having a sidewalk sale on select items!)

Courtesy of Sweet Shoppe Designs

I've Got Sunshine from Traci Reed

Traci had a sneak peek earlier this week on Facebook, but now it's unveiled. I LOVE the colors (maybe the influence of being the University of CA school system - haha!) and the positive messages of this kit! How can you not like this kit?  :D

Courtesy of Scrapflower

Enjoy Life from JM Designs

This is another "happy" kit with fun, subtle colors. There are some really fun elements and papers in this kit. Must buy soon, lol!

Courtesy of Design House Digital

Elemental - Kym's Washi from Gennifer Bursett

I love washi tape, and there are some really cool designs in this kit that you can use as borders or even backgrounds. Can't wait to add it to my collection!

Courtesy of Heidi Swapp

Words - Adjectives from Heidi Swapp

Did you know Heidi's digital shop is open temporarily? These are classic Heidi, just like the acrylic word stamps. The files include brushes and cutting files. There is also a freebie in her shop. And, for a limited time, use the coupon code HEIDI to get 25% off your purchase!

Courtesy of One Story Down

Speech from Paula Kesselring

A re-release from one of my favorites! I don't think I have this one, though, so I may have to scoop it up while it's on sale. This kit has a lot of "old" (or vintage) elements like a record player, cassette tape, and VHS tape. 

Courtesy of Oscraps

Modern Family from Maya de Groot

The quirkiness of this kit is what attracted me at first. But, once you look closely, there are updated elements that work perfectly with today.







Okay, that's all I have time to cover today - want to get out to take advantage of my weekend. Have a fun long holiday, and get creative if you can!  :)