Back to the Blog and a Society6 shop, too!

Hello, friends! It's been ages since I've blogged. Although my last post stated I was (mostly) done with traditional scrapbooking, I've decided to rethink my position on that. I'm working through all my albums and scrapping all the photos I had placed (chronologically) in my albums. I was truly surprised by the amount I still have left to do. I even had to order some scrappy supplies, believe it or not.

I've been busy creating art and loving every second of it. As I've been selling art pieces, several people have asked if they can purchase prints, so I opened a Society6 shop and will be adding items weekly. I love that you can order prints, pillows, canvases, and so much more. Here are the pieces I added today! Pillows are on sale today, too! Click here to visit my shop!

We had a taste of fall a couple of weeks ago and then summer came back with a vengeance. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the temps will drop in the next couple of days, as predicted. I have tons of fall pages to scrap and I need the weather to cooperate! Thanks for stopping by my neglected blog. I plan to get busy and share things more frequently. Until then, have a blessed day! xo

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!

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! ♥

Crop Mojo

There's nothing like a Cocoa Daisy crop to get my mojo running. The design team has 14 amazing challenges to choose from, the hardest part is deciding where to start! Yesterday I was able to complete three challenges and I'm planning to do more this week (in between a crazy-busy schedule, of course!). First up is Emily's stitching challenge. I machine-stitched the title to the page and used the gorgeous twine from CD's October kit to stitch the heart. This beautiful photo was taken by S. Hankins, how lucky am I that a professional photographer just happened to be trick-or-treating with us?

Next up is Stephanie's challenge to scrap about you. I don't do many layouts about me, so I took this opportunity to write a little note to myself and tucked it away in the glassine envelope.

My last project for the day was Alissa's Project Life style of scrapping. This was the most challenging to me because divided page protectors freak me out! lol This little two-pager took much more time and energy to create than I could have imagined. Hats off to all the PL style of scrappers, it's hard work!

The crop was so much fun (I finally won the Bingo game!!), the creative energy on the board is amazing. If you're still interested in completed the challenges, you have until Nov. 8th to get the uploaded at CD.

Fall Mini Album

When I received the October Cocoa Daisy kit, I had to create something right away. I thought I would be fun to make a fall mini album and just add snapshots throughout the season. I stated with a Simple Stories Snap album, stamps (Cocoa Daisy and Studio Calico), inks, and embossing powder.

I like for my title page to set the tone and feel of the album so I wanted to include all the gorgeous colors from the kit (and fall, of course!). I still had some items in my stash from last year's fall kit and it blends perfectly with the brand new product.

For the October divider page, I used a leaf stencil and several shades of Mister Huey's to capture all the gorgeous fall colors. I then used a Zig embossing pen to highlight the veins of the leaves and various shades of embossing powder. I LOVE how this page turned out.

Now all I have to do is kick back and enjoy my favorite season! There are lots of fun, fall activities coming up and I can't wait to experience and capture those moments. It's gorgeous, but cold, here this morning. When it warms up a bit, I plan to get out and enjoy the sound of crunchy leaves. Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely weekend!

Nesting for Fall

We've had a glorious Fall so far (a welcome change from our rainy summer!) and I've been doing little projects to welcome the season. Here is a simple centerpiece I made today and it makes me feel warm and cozy just looking at it.

Last week I found some fabulous, painted windows at a local craft fair and snatched them up instantly. I've been looking for something to hang on either side of a photo of our children and the windows were perfect. The panes already had clear photo holders attached! The hardest part was deciding which photos to print. I searched in my attic and found two gold buffet lamps and decided a little spray paint would give them a completely different vibe. Here is the before:

I still needed a couple of accessories, so I went to my favorite local shop (Sophie's) and found just what I needed. Click on this photo to see the completed project.

Every day when we walk by this, it's a gentle reminder to have a thankful heart. I think I'm almost done nesting for Fall. On tomorrow's agenda is our first bonfire and perhaps baking our first pumpkin pies of the season. Thanks for stopping by, wishing you a lovely fall, filled with your favorite people and things! ♥

Sketch Inspiration & Fall Layouts

A few months ago I created a Pinterest board for scrapbooking sketches. One sketch I pinned was by Cherie Averill via Sassy Sketches. I'm not sure this site is still in existence but thanks to the Internet and Pinterest, this sketch is still floating around the web.

Thanks to my friend Steve for taking these adorable photos at the pumpkin patch. I typically use a sketch as a starting point and end up doing my own thing. On this particular layout, I followed it exactly because I love the design. I did make a 2-page layout as you can see.

I was on a roll with fall photos and ended up with two more layouts. I used the banner stamps from Cocoa Daisy's Nov. kit Navy Pier to create this cute little banner.

How adorable are these little leaves created from Cocoa Daisy stamps and a Kaleidacolor stamp pad - so fun and cute! I also got crafty with my sewing machine and did a zig-zag stitch to frame the layout.

All of the layouts were created using Cocoa Daisy's October kits Aspen Grove and Switchback.

Feel free to share some of your favorite sketch sites, I'm always on the hunt for great inspiration! Thanks for visiting!

How can it be November already?!

When I turned my calendar this morning, I nearly flipped out. How can it be NOVEMBER already?! I know we've been busy with projects around the house, building a barn, landscaping, etc., but I feel like time is moving at the speed of light. As we now approach the crazy, busy, wonderful Holiday season, I need to remind myself to STOP and enjoy each little moment.

I've been doing a little scrapping and creating everyday and was so surpised that I finshed 20 layouts in the last 10 days! Just want to share a few of my favorites. TFL!