Happy National Scrapbooking Day !!!

Thank you for blog hopping with the Scrapbook & Cards Today team today. For your chance to win a one year subscription to SCT from this blog, please leave a comment below. Be sure to visit the other SCT team member's blogs mentioned today on the SCT blog for more chances to win a one year subscription. You have eight chances total to win! Winners will be selected Monday at 6:00 PM.

The secret letter you are looking for is E. Be sure to visit all the other blogs and unscramble our newest advertising partner's name. Once you've got your answer email us at ideas@scrapbookandcards.com for a chance to win a great prize package from this company.

Check out the Becky Fleck Page Maps sketch we all tackled  this week ...

Here is my take on the sketch. Sketches are wonderful inspirational tools for scrapbookers. As you can see I made a few modifications to fit my style. I just can't seem to tilt photos to save my life.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock by Bazzill, Patterned Paper from Basic Grey/My Minds Eye/Sassafrass Lass, Sticker Border Sassafrass Lass, Label from October Afternoon, crochet flower from American Crafts, Buttons from Fancy Pants,  Chipboard accents from Cosmo Cricket, brads from Basic Grey, DMC yellow floss, alpha stickers from Heidi Grace, chipboard alphas from Cosmo Cricket and font Bohemian Typewriter downloaded from the internet)

And on another note I was recently asked to work with Creative Charms. I thought I'd put together a little card featuring a little of their product. You can check out the new team at the Creative Charms Blog.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock by Bazzill, Patterned Paper from Jillibean Soup, Cricut Plantin Cartridge, Fiskars Scissors, felt accents from Creative Charms and font Traveling Typewriter downloaded from the internet)  

Enjoy your day scrapbooking.

Introducing Summer Squash

Jillibean Soup has a mid season release just for you. This summer inspired line is sure to be tops on your wish list. Check it out ...

  

Now get yourself on over to the Jillibean Soup blog and leave a comment for your chance to win this collection.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow it's National Scrapbooking Day and I have a layout based on a Becky Fleck sketch and a some other fun stuff too.

 
 
 
 

Tueday Tips - Cell Phone Photos

Have you ever found yourself out and about without your camera. I can't always carry my big ole Canon about. I often think I should buy a point and shoot and throw it in my purse but let's face it I'd rather buy a new pair of shoes than another camera. Awhile backI noticed I had accumulated quite a few photos on my cell phone that I thought would be fun to scrapbook. The photo quality isn't great but scrapbooking is more than just beautiful photos on a layout it's about recording memories. And truthfully with photo editing software you can do a lot to make a bad photo look pretty good. So I downloaded a mass of photos from my phone and tweaked them in PSE 7.

I decided the photos from my phone would make a great summary page of our summer's activities. Check out the results of my handy work ...

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, kraft paper Jillibean Soup, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Ribbon Jillibean Soup, Corrugated Alphas Jillibean Soup, Flowers Jillibean Soup, Basic Grey chipboard alphas, Doodlebug white alpha stickers, pearl brads American Crafts, chipboard camera American Crafts, paint Making Memories and DMC Floss) 

Photo Tips: When working with lower resolution photos I recommend turning your photos black and white. While I didn't go this route with these photos I ran a light Vingette filter over them this give them a white washed summer distressed look. Filters/Actions can hide flaws,such as noise, distortions and blurriness in photos.  Also think small, the larger the photo the more you are apt to see it's flaw - playing with a smaller size will also allow for more photos per page.

Alright go download the photos from your cell phone and get scrappin'.

Happy Monday

It started out grey and now it's downright dreary but I am not going to let the rain bring me down. I do live in Oregon it's kind of a given right? It's that time of year where we are taunted with glimpses of beautifulness followed by a few days of cold wetness. It's mother nature's way of going "psych" fooled you made you wear flip flops.

In honor of the rain ...

(Supplies Used: Bazzill Cardstock, Patterned Paper bu Jillibean Soup, Chipboard from Fancy Pants, Corrugated alphsa from Jillibean Soup, Cricut Opposites Attract, misc brads, corner rounder and Sharpie) 

Now I get to brave the rain and go to swimming. Don't forget to stop by tomorrow  for my second installment of Tuesday Tips. I have something  fun planned.

Enjoy :)

If you give a mouse a cookie

Are you familiar with this popular children's book? It was a favorite of both of my kids when they were younger.

I kind of feel a little bit like the mouse. Funny how one project leads to another and then another and then you are  replacing the kitchen sink. Where did all that come from?

Since my paper crafting plate has finally cleared up a bit I am spending a few days organizing  around the house, doing a little spring cleaning and maybe tackling a few of those sewing  projects I wanted to try.

Have a great week!!!!

Help I've Fallen and I can't get up

Naaaaa just kidding. In all seriousness I am trapped under a foot of patterned paper and I have been neglecting you all week long. I apologize I wasn't ignoring you - deadlines were looming, projects were due, baseball games needed to be played. You get the picture right. It was just one of those weeks.

Anyhoo ... I have been in a card funk lately. I can't tell what my issue is but I find that sometimes I spend more time on my cards than my layouts and for those who who know me they are probably shaking their heads thinking ... man girl that's way too much time to spend on a card.

So I thought maybe I should post some of my favorite cards in hopes of inspiring myself.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Stickers Jillibean Soup, Brad Basic Grey, Pearls Kaizer Craft and misc corner rounder)

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Stamp Jillibean Soup, Ink Versafine, Corrugated number Jillibean Soup, Ribbon Jillibean Soup, Pen American Crafts, Doodlebug alphas stickers, misc. rhinestones, Stampin Up Scallop Punch and trims and a wooden skewer)

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Border Punch EK Success, Pearls from Kaizer Craft, hole punch, chipboard circle from Technique Tuesday and corner rounder)

I sometimes I over think my cards and try to do too much. Then I end up pushing paper around for hours. I need to remember my mantra - less is more. Another thing I was thinking I should do is try a few CPS sketches. Wish me luck.

Happy Saturday !!!

 
 
   

Tuesday Tips

I was thinking I would do a regular weekly post - so welcome to Tuesday Tips. OK no comments that it's almost Wednesday you get the idea.

Todays Tip is embossing your journaling block. This is another idea that involves the Cuttlebug from Provo Craft. Simply print (or handwrite) your journaling on cardstock and then run your journaling block through your favorite embossing template. Viola it's like you printed directly on to embossed paper. The embossing template I used on this layout is super simple but think of how neat your journaling will look when you try some of the more elaborate templates.

 

( Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Ribbon/Twine Jillibean Soup, Sticker Alphas from Doodlebug, Chipboard Alphas from Cosmo Cricket, felt flower from Jillibean Soup, Brads Basic Grey, misc. buttons, Cuttlebug dies/embossing templates, and misc punches)

It's been a few months since I did this layout and I am totally inspired to try this with some of my other embossing templates.

Happy Scrapping !!!!

Feeling a little Nostalgic

I kind of thought it would be fun to share the first layout I ever posted online.

This is what I find interesting about looking back on an older layout of mine. I was so insistent on doing a 2 page layout even when I only had 2 photos that I colorized the main photo and added artwork. I did title work by creating my own mask by hand cutting out my title with an Exacto blade. Funny how I see elements in this layout that I still do today - like scanning in the artwork. So many times I  look back on some of my old layouts and think "YUCK" I want to redo this ... but I still really love this layout all these years later. When I gave myself permission to let go of the 2 page layout my work really started to change. I remember on being so concerned about how a 1 page layout would look in an album. Now my layouts don't make it past the stacks in to the albums.

And OMG my son is now in the 7th grade.

Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me I hope you have a great day!

Flowers

So remember the coiled flowers I made on my "Got Peeps" layout and "Sunshine" gift bag well I put together a little tutorial on how to do them.

 
You can check out a tutorial on how to make these flowers at the Jillibean Soup blog. I know there are tons of variations of these little darlings this is just my take on them. No 2 flowers seem to come out the same so take time to experiment with your paper and glue I promise you will love the end results.

So speaking of Jillibean Soup. Here is another recent layout featuring the Easter line called Egg Drop Soup. I cut out the umbrella paper, mounted it on coordinating brown cardstock and then hit the sewing machine. I layered them on my layout with lots and lots of foam squares from Scrapbook Adhesives.

 

(Supplies Used: Cardstock by Bazzill, Patterned Paper from Jilibean Soup, Alphas from Jillibean Soup, Brads from Basic Grey, Scallop punch from Stampin Up, Paint from Making Memories and Stickles from Ranger)

I want thinking about sharing one of the first pages I posted on line at 2 Peas in a Bucket. What do you think about a little trip down memory lane? Check back tomorrow and I will post it with some random thoughts on where this journey of creativity has taken me over the years.

Have a good one!

 

Public Service Announcement

These are the world most softest jammies ever. I got them at the Gap when I was feeling sorry for myself after the spine doc said he wanted to slice and dice my back. That is a whole different story for another day. The good news is the jammies are the bestest and my Physical Therapist rocks so needless to say I am not feeling so sorry for myself anymore.

Gotta run ... have a great Wednesday :)

a perfect Banner every time

OK check it out ... I have a plethora of die cutting tools littering my office. I try to make sure I don't let anything go unused. I don't have much space so if I don't use it I don't hold on to it. I just don't have the time to spend digging through piles to find the perfect "whatever" for my next page. But I digress ... so everyone is on the banner bandwagon right ...yes including me. One morning it just comes to me ...

Can you see it ... I couldn't help but jump around my office. This Harlequin die made for the Cuttlebug from Provo Craft is the perfect banner and I have it in 3 sizes. No more measuring and trimming triangles. Once I cut my diamond images i simply folded them in half and sewed them directly on my layout.  I like the added dimension of folding the diamond in half plus you can always slip some ribbon or twin in the fold to further the banner look. Or you can simply cut the diamond in half. VIOLA ...  

(Supplies Used: Bazzill Cardstock, Little Yellow Bicycle Patterned Paper and stickers, Jenni Bowling butterflies and stick pins, Flair from American Crafts, brads from Basic Grey, Scallops from Fiskars and Stampin Up,  Corrugated alphas & stickers from Jillibean Soup and Core'dinations Cosmo Cricket Specialty Paper)

I also checked out my Slice and the basic disc has a wider triangle that would make a great flag for your next banner. So the lesson here kids is keep your eyes open and think of all the fun ways you can make your tools work for you.

Happy Monday :)

Good News

I am so excited I got my scanner working. Apparently one needs to restart one's computer after installing new drivers. DUH ...  Now that I got it working I can finally cross some more things off my to do list. Speaking of my list it's running about 2 1/2 pages right now so if I owe you an email, a project, or a phone call I swear it's next on my list.

All this list talking has given me a great project idea. My creative brain has been on overdrive lately - not only do I want to get crafty with paper but the emergence of my sewing machine has me itching to actually sew on fabric. Gasp ... shocking I know who knew one could sew on something other than paper. Right now my looming paper deadlines take center stage but once I make it through my stacks of photos and paper I plan on doing a little sewing. Stay tuned for lots of crafty goodness.

Good Night :)

Don't you just love my late night posts

I have come to terms with my blog and I just cannot get all wrapped up when I post. Let's be frank I am not a morning person I am a night owl. This is my time to shine.

About a month and a half ago I did a layout for Jillibean Soup funny thing about said layout is sometime between then and now I noticed a slight shift in my style. The catalyst of this shift is the combination of tons more scrapping, playing with product and the dusting off of my sewing machine. So here's the layout notice the lack machine stitching.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Stickers Jillibean Soup, Corrugated Alphas Jillibean Soup, misc buttons, decorative brads from Basic Grey, Pearl Brads MM, twine Jillibean Soup, misc punches and Paint MM)

I painted white corrugated alphas then sanded them once they were dry this gives the letters a white washed look. I layered punched circles,brads and buttons to create a border. Looking back this layout is what I would call a transition of style layout. The machine stiching has really added a lot to my layouts.

So remember my "to do" list from last week - I possibly need to add buying a new scanner to the list. I can't seem to get my old scanner installed. It's probably close to 10 years old and it cost 40$ so I am not heartbroken but I question do I really need to even replace the relic. I stopped scanning my layouts quite a while ago. But without a scanner I can't scan in artwork or old photos.

Whoopie .... thanks for stopping by :)  

 

Redesign

This blog needs a complete overhaul. My images are getting cut off so until I get a handle on redesigning this blog (in all my free time LOL) you might want to click on the photos to see everything.

Hey Lisa if you are reading this what can I bribe you with for some help with fixin' up this ole blog. Maybe I need to get me a copy of Typepad for dummies.

Coming soon to a blog near you ... a cool Jillibean Soup tutorial on the little flowers I made on my "Got Peeps" layout I posted the other day. I also have a great tip on making the trendy banners you keep seeing on layouts.

Be good today :)

Hey ...

... it's been over a month and I am still posting. It's cause for celebration isn't it? April tends to get crazy at my house but they say it takes 21 days to make a habit and I think I have made a habit of posting.

Let's have a little run down of my week so far ...  (and it's only Tuesday)

• opening day of baseball season in 38 degree wind and rain


• 2 doctors appointments down (for the week) at least 2 more


• 2 rained out baseball games since opening day


• a 5 hour power outage

But I know you really came by not to hear me whining about my busy life you would rather see a layout. I seem to be posting a lot of 2 page layouts lately I thought I would continue with the trend. This layout was featured in the December issue of Creating Keepsakes. I had a lot of fun with this layout. I traveled a lot last year and at one point I found myself going through the Houston airport 3 times  in 3 days LOL and you know I loved every moment of it. I had to sneek a photo of by friends Lisa, Vivian and Emily on this layout from CHA-W 2009.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup/October Afternoon, Corrugated Alphas, misc buttons, Creative Cafe red trim, button and twine Jillibean Soup, chipboard travel sign from Maya Road, travel sticker October Afternoon, brads Basic Grey and Stampin Up Scallop Punch) 

Alright kids since I have power tonight I have more work that needs to get done. Catch you later and thanks to everyone who has stopped by.

Baby it's cold outside

I know it's supposed to be spring but would someone mind telling mother nature that because it's 38 degrees, wet and rainy right now. It's the kind of cold that chills you to the bone. About this time every year I start having those fantasy visions in my head about living some place warm like Arizona.

I guess since I can't just up and move to Arizona I will snuggle up with a blanket and some tea in front of my fireplace while I blog. A few months back I did this layout for Jillibean Soup and all this talk of trying to warm up reminded me that I have yet to share said layout with you.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill/Jillibean Soup, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Corrugated Alphas Jillibean Soup, Ribbon Jillibean Soup, Chipboard Fancy Pants, Thickers American Crafts, Stick Pins MM, Button Jillibean Soup, Brads Basic Grey, crackle glaze from Ranger, paint from MM and misc corner rounder)  

Sorry the image is a little fuzzy my camera was off and I have since had it fixed. So let's get down to the layout details. I searched the web for a coffee cup image. This one came from a coloring book site. Then I imported the image to PSE and made a few changes, removed a line and slightly altered the shape of the cup. Then I inserted the journaling, formatting it to the space and VIOLA what you see is what you get.

Have a happy Monday!

Got Peeps?

As I promised just in time for Easter a layout dedicated to PEEPS: those sugary confections that make my stomach turn. I guess I am just not a marshmallow kind of girl but my daughter hasn't met a processed confection she didn't like.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Corrugated Alphas Jillibean Soup, Paint MM, Brads Basic Grey, Stick Pins Jenni Bowlin, tags Jillibean Soup, Canvas Flower Jillibean Soup, Fair American Crafts, Fiskars Punches border/circle and font Headline Two)

I have been on 2 page layout roll lately - I hope you like this one as much as I do. And the sewing machine is BACK I can't believe I stopped using my machine on my projects. It's like I have been reunited with an old friend. Just in case you were wondering I used the back sides of the Jillibean Shipping tags. If I hadn't the text would have been upside down and I am far to anal of a scrapbooker for that.

I hope you have a great Friday - I have a busy day on deck.  I am hoping to carve out some scrappy time this afternoon. Wish me luck.

Gift Bags

How about some gift bag projects. You may be wondering ... Summer why so many bags? Well, my LSS (Life's a Scrapbook - Sherwood, OR) sells these bags and when I make samples for the store I often use the scraps from my projects to decorate bags. I really like doing them they make me happy.  

The first bag was made from the scraps from the layout I posted just the other day titled: That 70's Skirt.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Reminisce,  Basic Grey Brads, Stickers Reminisce, Ribbon Jillibean Soup, Stick Pins Jenni Bowlin, Playing Card Quotes/journaling spots Reminisce)   

The 2nd bag is an Easter Inspired bag featuring Jillibean Soup.

(Supplies Used: Cardstock Bazzill, Patterned Paper Jillibean Soup, Stickers Jillibean Soup, Stamp Jillibean Soup, Ink VersaFine-black, Buttons from Jillibean Soup/Autumn Leaves, Jillibean Soup Ribbon/Twine, Misc Circle Punches and lots of Foam Squares)

Also check out the THANK YOU COACH bag I posted last month.

Thanks for stopping by - coming soon Easter layouts featuring yup you guessed it Jillibean Soup.