Simple Stories = Simply Gorgeous!

Yes, I did just say that my album is gorgeous but what can I say... sweet photos of my children and fabulous papers from Simple Stories Mix & Match Collection as a base for my book and I'm in LOVE!

I used Kim Watson's great idea for using up little flags... use them to make banners- pure genius! I simply folded the flags over the twine and tied knots between each one. How cute is that?!

I love these stamps from Cocoa Daisy and knew I wanted to use them for these photos. First, I stamped with VersaMark, used Zing Embossing Powder (Color: Powder) and then heat set. Seriously, I can't stop looking at it - so pretty!

One of the best things about this Simple Stories collection, is that the pages are already gorgeous with any embellishment. With just a few touches, you can have Simply Gorgeous pages! ************************** Supplies: Simple Stories: Mix & Match Album, Studio Calico: Stamps, wood veneer birds, star stickers, Memoir Linen Paper, Cocoa Daisy: Stamps, Authentique: Diction word stickers, October Afternoon: Little Flyer, stickers Prima: Pearls Cavallini & Co.: Washi Tape Flora & Fauna Bella Blvd: washi tape Pink Paislee: Mistables, Basic Grey Picadilly letter stickers Thickers: Regards, Zing Embossing Powder (color:Powder)

Everything But The Kitchen Sink...

Is what's going into my newest mini album. :) So far, I've got Simple Stories, Studio Calico, Cocoa Daisy , Zing Embossing Powder, Authentique, Basic Grey, October Afternoon, Prima, Cavallini & Co., Bazzill, and My Mind's Eye! I just want to share a couple of pages with you. (Click on image to enlarge.)

I'm on a creative roll and making a huge mess! Here's the proof...

I hope to have it completed within a couple of days. I'd love for you to come back and see the finished project!

Antiquing Challenge

My last project for the Core' Crop is Char's Antiquing Challenge. Here are a few pics of the process. I started off with a sheet of Jenni Bowlin Core' Collection because I love the embossed script. I decided to use distress inks to highlight the script instead of sanding it.

Now comes the fun part... I took a piece of Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress collection and started crumpling the edges. It doesn't matter if you get a few tears, it adds more texture to it. I then sanded the edges and used my Basic Grey distressing tools to add more detail. *After I took this pic, I decided to switch from a brown background to an olive green.*

For finishing touches, I added some burlap, twine, and a wooden button. One great advantage to Core' cardstock, is that you can also use it as regular cardstock which I did on this layout for matting the photos.

Journaling Challenge

Okay, one last challenge for the day - I'm exhausted! lol Char's challenge was to use a tag and journal on it. I used Core for the background of my layout, matting the photos, and to make the tag. Here is my take...

The sun is finally shining, so I'm going to clean up my mess and go have some fun with my family!

Cardstock Challenge

This is my kind of challenge. It showcases the Core'dinations and works perfectly with my clean, simple style of scrapping!

I wanted to play off the beach idea, so I took some Core' and embossed the heart, initials, and date to mimic drawing in the sand. I also tore strips of Core to represent the water. I added some Ranger Holographic Embossing Powder to the torn edge of the Core' to show the light from the sun dancing on the water. The following are a few pics of my process and I have a few tips/trick to show you. If you want to make 3X3 photos from 4X6, just take a 3X3 clear stamping block to use as a frame to decide where to make your cuts.

Tip #2. To write letters/numbers backwards for embossing, just lay a set of stamps upside down and it's so easy to draw them!

A close up of the holographic embossing powder and the embossed and sanded initials.

Thanks for the challenge, Debbie! If you're inspired to join in on the crop, check it out here.

Christmas in July

Next up, Andrea's die cut challenge. I dusted off my Cricut, cut out the wreath (Core'dinations: Fern, Cartridge: Celebrate with Flourish), and embossed the wreath with my Sizzix folder. For the card, I used Whitewash (Grandpa's Attic) because I love the kraft color inside. I also left a little of the white showing on the bottom edge so that I could tear it to show the core color! Foam pop-up dots were used to add dimension and I finished it off with a natural twine bow. I love the simplicity of the design.

Scoring Challenge w/Core'dinations

I'm still playing along in the Core'dinations crop and the second challenge I completed is Cari's Scoring Challenge. The challenge requires three separate scoring elements. I started with Whitewash Collection (Butterchurn) and drew a sun and rays on the back with an embossing tool. I used a coaster to trace my circle and used a ruler to draw the lines.

Then, I took a piece of Vintage Collection (Lemon) and traced around the coaster to cut out my sun. I used a mason jar lid to score on the back side of the sun and drew some journaling lines. I then sanded the sun and the rays on the front side of the papers.

Here is my completed layout...

You have until Sunday, June 22nd, to complete the challenges. Come on over and join in on the fun!

Scrapping with Core'dinations

Core'dinations is hosting their first crop and I thought it would be fun to play along. The first challenge I've completed is Kristine's sketch challenge. Here is my take...

I started with a piece of Black Magic Core' Impressions (Basic Grey Whimsy) because I love the color on the b-side! I cut a piece from the Core', sanded the black side so the color would show through, flipped it over, and taped it on the back.

I stamped the journaling circle with VersaMark and got fancy with some Zing Embossing Powder and I LOVE how it turned out!

Just look at all the texture you can achieve with Core'. I happen to love this pattern because it's already embossed and makes sanding that much easier. If you've never tried Core'dinations Cardstock, give it a try - it's so much fun to create with it. Here is the Challenge list, check it out!

Scrappy, Crazy Socks

My daughter attends a camp every summer and each day has a different theme: crazy hat, crazy hair, crazy socks, etc. I somehow manage to forget about the "crazy days" until the week of the camp, which leaves me unprepared and scrambling for ideas. This year was no exception, I had been busy with house projects all day and my sweet daughter reminds me at bedtime that we have not worked on her "crazy socks". I almost didn't do it but I looked at her sad face and looked around my craft room and thought, "Surely, I can come up with something, after all, I could open a retail establishment in here!" My eyes landed on some big, colorful flowers and the inspiration hit me. We had so much fun gluing flowers and pom-poms to her soccer socks. I realized in that moment, that she was so happy, just creating with me. At that point she said, "Mommy, Even if I don't win tomorrow, I love my socks." The true joy for her was already there. ♥

When I picked her up from camp that day, she proudly announced she was co-winner of Crazy Socks Day! Finally, a champ! Of course I had to do a layout about the socks and along came a sketch on Studio Calico's blog and here is my take on the sketch.

When I look at this layout, I'm reminded of all the things I love about scrapbooking. Capturing life's special moments is what it's all about, to me (with an added bonus of playing with glue, pretty paper, and embellishments!) Products used: Studio Calico's June Kits (Elmwood Park & Monkey Bars)

Easy Instagram Printing

I took a week off from my blog to go on vacation. We had an amazing time but it's always good to get home. Of course, I took tons of photos, including some Instagram pics on my phone. I just discovered an easy way to print Instagram pics and I thought I would share it with you. This is for those that do not wish to print from home. 1. Transfer pics to computer from phone. 2. Go to your favorite printing site (I happen to use Walmart.) 3. Select collage (8x10) and select your photos. **I found that if I select 6 photos per collage, I get 3x3 photos. You can also add more photos but you'll get a mix of sizes.** 4. Choose your border size and color. Here is what they will look like... (Click on image to enlarge)

Now, all I need to do is trim them down. I decided to use a thick border so I have the option of having a white border. Of course, you can always use Prinstagram or print from home, but this is such an easy and quick way to get the pics from your phone to your scrapbook pages! I hope you found this to be a helpful tip.

Cocoa Daisy's July Sketch

Today, when I saw July's sketch, I was instantly inspired to create! How often does that happen? I've also had the urge lately to scrap a layout using a white background so I decided to combine the two into one layout. :) First, I took a Balzer Designs template and masked out the area I wanted to paint.

Rather than spray the Glimmer Mist, I decided to use a brush -- I feel it gives me more control.

Most of the products were from Cocoa Daisy's May kit. I threw in a few goodies from my stash as well. Check out the washi tape on the tag -- it has hydrangea printed on it (Flora & Fauna from Cavallini & Co.). Don't you love it when all the scrappy stars align? Thank you, once again, Cocoa Daisy for a fabulous sketch, kit, and the inspiration! ♥ If you'd like to join in on the sketch challenge, check it out here.