Pretty Paper Party

The amazingly talented Shimelle Laine is hosting a Pretty Paper Party, so of course, I'm attending! (Thanks for the heads up, Becki!) :) The only requirement for participation is a collection of pretty papers and as most of you know, I've got that! lol

Our prompt yesterday, was to get a collection of papers (5 or so) and to cut them into assorted sizes. What's the big deal about that, you ask? We were not cutting with specific photos in mind! Seriously, that blew my mind; I have been scrapping for years and have NEVER approached a layout without considering the pics! I have to tell you, something happened when I starting cutting into that paper, it totally changed my perspective and how to approach a layout. I ended up with a stack of 10 different patterns, assorted sizes and just started playing with the shapes. It was so freeing... it opened up a creative side to a layout that I've never experienced until then.

I chose to use paper from a Studio Calico kit. I know that sounds like the easy way out, but truth be told, when I receive a kit, I always end up deconstructing it. I don't know why but perhaps I feel "fenced in" or like I'm being told what to use (p.s. I'm not a fan of being told what to do!)
So I decided to really challenge myself, not only to cut up the paper without pics, but also to actually use the kit!

Here are the papers...

Now here is the stack after it's been cut...

Here is the final layout (you may click on images to view larger)...

What a fun and challenging process, I really loved being pushed out of my comfort zone; thanks, Shimelle!

Another prompt we have is to use all patterned paper as our background. It can be one or as many patterns as we like. Here is my take...

Again, I used products from my Studio Calico kits. I have now learned to love working with "just" my kits and to scrap without pics driving the design. That's one thing I love about this hobby, there is always something new to learn!

If you struggle using up all those pretty papers or just need some fun and fresh inspiration, come over and join in on the fun here.

Thanks for visiting!

Scrappy Mojo

Scrappy mojo is a fickle friend, but when it's around, I've learned to run with it because it may not last long! These are a couple of my latest layouts created from challenges...

First up is a sketch challenge from Studio Calico. Here is the sketch

and here is my take...

I used a Studio Calico stamp set and went crazy with ink pads! I also stamped on photos and cut little strips of the pics to stick inside my stamped frames. I love the way this turned out and I would have never dreamed this up if I had not see the sketch!

Next up is a challenge from Norma Kennedy @ For the Luv of Art. The challenge was to make a 8 1/2 x 11 layout, use a paper ruffle, and use yellow for a pop of color. I took a strip of paper and use a Fiskars punch along the edge, I then scored and folded the paper and ran it through my sewing machine. Lots of steps, but so worth the effort.

The downside to hanging out with Scrappy Mojo is that everything else gets put on hold; so I'd better send her away for a little bit so that I can get caught up on other things like dinner, laundry, my son's Open House this evening... you get the idea!

Thanks for stopping by; be on the lookout for our little friend! ;)

My Pie Chart

We have an on-line crop going on at FTLOA and the first challenge I completed was a pie chart challenge. I thought it would be fun to show my personal computer pie chart... the good, bad, and the ugly! :)

No explanation needed on this one! lol I'll admit, I have a slight addiction to my little laptop. :)

The next layout is from our July 4th celebration. I used Sheri Twing's grid challenge for this and I'm really pleased with the results.

If you have time, come over and join in on the crop!

It's absolutely gorgeous here today (although a tad chilly!) We're off to a cross-country meet today and hopefully a little scrapping this afternoon. What weekend plans do you have? Whatever you do, enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!