Love, Joy, and Coffee

My darling daughter has developed a love for Starbucks and she loves nothing more than holding that special cup of Mocha Frappuccino in her hand. My favorite for the fall and winter season is a Salted-Caramel Mocha (skim milk/light whip, please!) Of course the icing on the cake is a selfie WITH the cup in your hand. This selfie and the "Let Me Espresso My Gratitude" prompt at Paper Issues is what inspired this layout.

I saved the (controversial) red cup because it was our first cup of the season. How lucky am I that her sweatshirt was the perfect shade to match it. Of course I wanted red cup to be on the layout, so I used it as a starting point and built the layout from there. I painted the wood veneer coffee cup with Gelatos and a water brush - such a fun detail! A mix of Thickers and My Mind's Eye chipboard were used to create the bold title. I truly adore this layout. It's one reason I love prompts and challenges and Paper Issues is chock-full of them; be sure to check it out!

Wishing you all love, joy, and coffee during this most wonderful time of the year! ♥

My New Favorite Layout

This layout was inspired by the fall Starbuck's cup and a cut file from Hip Kit Club (designed by Kim Watson). Instead of creating a cut file, I used a Faber-Castell Artist Pen in my Silhouette Cameo to sketch the layout. I then used Distress inks to paint the wreath; using colors inspired by the collage of fall photos. I love the light and airy look this created. The Starbuck's cozy is the perfect embellishment to finish off the layout.

Inspiration is all around us, we just need to take the time to notice it! For more information about this layout, be sure to check out my YouTube video here. As always, thank you for stopping by my blog!

Making Layouts from Lemons

Last week I was house-bound with bronchitis (the lemons) and Paper Issues was hosting an on-line crop at the same time. What's a girl to do that's hopped up on steroids but not well enough to get out? You guessed it... I scrapbooked for days and 11 challenges later, I can honestly say I made the best use of my time. :)

This layout was created for Danielle's Free Cut File challenge.

The cut files, photo, and the Pebbles frames (DIY Jen Hadfield) were the inspiration for the layout. To add dimension to the frames I cut into the photos and had part of the photo overlap the frame. It's a simple technique that adds fabulous detail. I loved all the challenges and will be uploading a layout share in the next couple of days on my YouTube channel.

Scrapping Issues...

I recently discovered Paper Issues, an online scrap store and FB community. There's so many fun things happening there with challenges, inspiration prompts, and lively conversations. Although I'm a newbie; I'm jumping in and having a blast.

This layout was inspired by the prompts to scrap something I'm a fanatic about or a guilty pleasure. I must admit, I do love to watch The Real Housewives (Love them all except D.C. and Miami), and of course I'm obsessed with scrapbooking. In this photo I'm wearing a Real Housewives t-shirt while attending a scrapbook convention. Obviously, this photos sums up the challenge perfectly. :)

I adore the Pink Paislee Cedar Lane (Town Square) patterned paper so I fussy-cut a few flowers to frame the photo. I used the adorable PI "I Have Issues" card as part of my layout; it's one of my favorite details. The boldness of the Dear Lizzy foam letters add such a fun pop to the page.

Today I tried the erase tool from PicMonkey and WOW, am I impressed! It may be my new favorite editing tool; check this out:

If you're looking for some fresh inspiration and have issues like I do, be sure to check out Paper Issues. I think you'll love it! Happy Scrapping!

Everyday Inspiration

Last week we were outside enjoying the most beautiful weather and my daughter started gathering colorful leaves. She created word art with the leaves and the end result was stunning! I was instantly inspired by it and knew I wanted to create a layout - not only to document the moment, but to replicate the look. Here is a photo of her leaf art:

I cut some leaves using my Silhouette Cameo and used watercolors to paint them (totally inspired by a Wed w/Wilna YouTube video).

I fussy-cut the title from a photo of the leaf art. A simple scattering of leaves, a few embellishments from Pink Paislee's Cedar Lane collection, and the layout was complete. I love this layout for many reasons, but capturing the spontaneous moment with my daughter and finding the beauty in it is something I'll always treasure. If you'd like to see more of the process, please check out my YouTube videos here. As always, thank you for stopping by my blog! It's another beautiful autumn day here, I plan to enjoy it! ♥

Listening to Your Scrappy Voice

Hello, friends! I know it's been a long time since I've posted on my blog. We have been consumed this summer with house projects and I haven't had much time to scrap. Last week (in the middle of total chaos during this project), I woke up with the urge to scrap. For a few minutes I squelched my scrappy voice and told myself to focus on the job at hand. I finally caved and entered my craft room and I knew I was a goner.

I started with the "Leaf It To Me" cut file from The Cut Shoppe and the weekly challenge from the Hip Kit Facebook group. Fall is my favorite time of year so the beautiful leaves instantly spoke to me. I had taken several Instagram photos of some of my favorite fall things and thought it would be fun to document them. Once the over-sized leaf was cut using my Silhouette Cameo, I grabbed some Webster's Pages (Family Traditions) from my stash and backed the cut file with an assortment of the papers. The Dear Lizzy wood-grain paper, from my Hip Kit, is the perfect backdrop for the leaf; the colors just pop off it. Part of the challenge was to use embellishments around a large cut-file, so I used various stickers, enamel dots, and wood veneer to surround the leaf. The title, "FALL" is also from the cut shop (The Tall Type Alpha).

This is definitely my new favorite layout; it may even crack the top ten ever! I'm so happy I stopped in the middle of a busy time and listened to my scrappy voice. Sometimes you just NEED to create! Autumn begins this week; take time to enjoy this beautiful, colorful season! ♥

Sweet Summertime

Hello, friends! My blog has been a little neglected because of house projects, vacation, etc., but now I'm back and ready to create! I enrolled in Gossamer Blue's Pretty Paper class because I fell in love with the kit being offered. The paper and stamps are AMAZING! As I was editing some vacation photos, I realized some of them were a perfect match for the kit, so I got busy creating. :)

I knew I wanted this layout to be clean and photo-focused, so I opted for a classic grid pattern. To make the patterned paper stretch, I cut strips instead of mounting the photos on it. To make the title pop, I used Zing embossing powder - I love how it gives subtle dimension and color contrast. I love this clean, fresh and beach-y layout, sometimes less is more and this is the perfect example. If you're interested in the process, I have a YouTube video of this layout here.

Now that camps and vacation are over, it's time to kick back and enjoy the dog days of summer! Thank you for stopping by my blog. xo

Officially Ready for Summer!

Wow, school has been out for a month and I still haven't relaxed much! I haven't been doing as much scrapping as I would like, but I have been busy with fun projects. First up are some rusty chairs that I spray-painted. It's amazing what a little paint can do! Check this out...

When our daughter was away at camp, I completely transformed her room. It was lots of hard work but so worth it, seeing the look of joy on her face when she walked into her room. The chandelier used to have pink flowers and green leaves, it was transformed with spray paint! I'm trying to figure out what else needs an update around here. lol

I have managed to squeeze in a little scrapping, too. Here are a few of my latest layouts.

Now that summer is officially here (tomorrow), it's time to kick back and enjoy. Thank you for stopping by my blog, wishing you a fun-filled summer!

NSD 2015 Recap

NSD 2015 has come and gone, but I must say it was AMAZING! Hip Kit Club hosted a three day extravaganza with fun chats and fabulous challenges. I actually completed 7 layouts! Today's post is just a quick recap of the challenges I completed.

I will admit that I had a scrappy hangover for a few days after the crop. :) Yesterday I received the May kits and I'm getting ready to open them - perfect for Mother's Day. Even if you missed out on the NSD celebration, you can always find inspiration on the Hip Kit Facebook forum. Happy Mother's Day and happy scrapping! xo

Masking Magic

A few weeks ago, I watched a Kristina Werner YouTube video with masking and stamping. I was instantly smitten with the design concept and knew I wanted to replicate the look on a layout. I gathered several botanical stamps and a few photos and got started. The concept is that you make a shaped mask (circle, square, etc.) and stamp along the edge of the shape. When you remove the mask, you are left with the most beautiful image. This photo is was taken after I removed the mask. This technique is so fabulous and the options are limitless.

Here is my completed layout. I have decided this is one of my all-time favorite layouts. I can't stop looking at it. :)

Even though this technique was geared for a card, I love that I can use it for scrapbooking. If you'd like to see my process video for this layout, click here. I encourage you to act on the things that inspire you, I'm sure you'll find the magic in the process. Thanks for stopping by, wishing you a blessed and creative day! xo

Squeezing in Some Creative Time

Spring is in the air and I'm loving it! We are getting into a crazy-busy time of year, with both kids in soccer and all of the end of school year madness. Thankfully, next school year, both kids will be on the same schedule! I'm still trying to squeeze in a little creative time in between all the craziness. Today I'll be sharing a few of my latest layouts.

In case you missed it, I now have a YouTube channel. Here is my latest process video, if you'd like to take a look! https://youtu.be/vSCVsmBCRrw Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! ♥

Random Layouts and Process Video

Now that I've started creating process videos on YouTube, I've been neglecting my blog. It's hard to find the time and energy to do it all. Today will be a quick post, sharing several of my latest layouts to prove to myself that I haven't been a total slacker. :) Most of the layouts were created for challenges on the Hip Kit Club Facebook forum.

I do have a process video for the first layout if you'd like to check it out. https://youtu.be/5YLtbDMYdzY

We are officially on Spring Break and Mother Nature is being a little obnoxious; we had a hard freeze last night. While I'm waiting for it to warm up today, I think I'll do a little scrapping! Happy Spring to you all! xo

My First Process Video

I'm so excited to be sharing my first process video with you! It took some time to work out the kinks, but it's finally here! A special thank you to my friend, Sheri, for some much needed information to get started. :)

New YouTube Channel!

I have some exciting news to share... I'm starting a new YouTube channel where I will share process videos, crafting, etc. I'd love for you to stop by and check it out (and subscribe, of course!)

Here is a link to my first video... Scrappy Inspiration with Hip Kit Club

I'm looking forward to creating and sharing with you all - thank you!

Snow/Ice Week = Scraptime!

This past week has been brutal weather-wise! A little snow, ice, and FRIGID temps have caused school to be cancelled all.week.long. Yay for sleeping in, boo to air so cold that you can't breathe. Of course I always look at forced down-time as a gift from the Scrap Gods. :) Today's post is just a few of my recent layouts using Hip Kit Club kits.

I must take a break from scrapping now and do some chores. We have another Winter Storm Warning in effect, starting late this afternoon, please pray for our sanity. :)