Christmas Album

It's the time of year to start thinking about my December album. Last year, I was so excited... I bought an 8x8 album, spent a lot of time getting the cover just right and then completely lost my mojo. I deconstructed that album and just did regular layouts. Looking back on it, I realized the problem was the size of the album. There is no way I can cram all my December pics into an 8x8 album.

This year, I purchased the Holiday kit from Cocoa Daisy and I'm using an 8 1/2 x 11 album. Today, I did my album cover and I'm really pleased with the results. Deciding on what to use for the cover is always the hardest part for me, but I knew I had to use the snowflake template from the kit.

Here is my kit with a few other pieces thrown in...

American Crafts 8 1/2x11 album

I adhered some Bazzill kraft cardstock to the album and coated with Mod Podge. (I used painter's tape to protect the binder fabric) I then used Glimmer Mist Sand to spray the template. I also outlined the template with a Gelly Roll glitter pen and did some embossing to the snowflakes.

I added a little ribbon along the edge of the fabric, some bling in the snowflakes, stamped the title and here is the final result...

There are so many wonderful ways to document the Holidays -- it doesn't matter which method you choose as long as you DO it! I'd love to see how you preserve your Holiday memories. Post a link in the comment section to share yours!

Our Thanksgiving

What a beautiful day we had yesterday -- gorgeous weather, yummy food, and the company of wonderful friends. I'm a blessed (and grateful) girl! Today, I'm just sharing a few pics from our fun day.

Today we'll be decorating for Christmas, but first, I must finish my coffee! Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Why attend an on-line crop?

When I told my husband that I would be "attending" a couple of on-line crops last weekend, he looked at me like I was crazy. I don't think he understands the power of the message boards. lol We no longer have a local scrap store, so rather than cut myself off completely from scrappy friends, I chose to jump in with both feet into some fabulous scrappy sites.
I recently discovered a wonderful site, Cocoa Daisy -- not only do they have wonderful kits, exclusive stamps, etc., they also have an amazing design team, sure to get you inspired

Here are the layouts I completed...

Not only was I inspired creatively, I also met some fun-loving ladies that know how to enjoy life. (p.s. Thanks for all the laughs!) If you're needing some inspiration, you should stop by here!
Have a fabulous weekend, thank you for stopping by!

Too big for trick or treating {almost}

This was the Halloween that I've been dreading since my dear Son was born. He announced that he was not going to dress up and go trick-or-treating. I'll admit, for one split second I thought to myself, "Yay, one less costume to deal with." But then, my heart got heavy and I realized we were coming to the end of an era and I wasn't prepared for it. I would ask him daily if he had changed his mind and he stood firm in his decision. Finally, on the 30th, I asked him one more time and informed him that I would not have time to run around on Halloween to pick up a costume for him. Without hesitation, he responded, "Yes, I want to go and I want to be a skeleton!" Would you believe we ran into our local drug store and the perfect costume was there, waiting for him to claim it (on sale, too!)

I decided that I needed to make a mini album of all the costumes the kids have worn over the years. Although this may have been the last year for him to participate (I hope it's not!), I now have an adorable mini album that I'll cherish always.

I used the adorable My Mind's Eye Mischievous line for this project. I think it's one of my all-time favorite Halloween collections. It's going to be a busy, scrappy week for me... I'm trying to get all my fall layouts completed and I'm also attending two crops this weekend!

Thanks for stopping by... enjoy these beautiful fall days while they last!

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!