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!

December Album 2012

One of my favorite things about the holiday season, is preparing my December album. There are so many "December Daily" kits offered, that choosing can be a little overwhelming. This year, I chose Citrus Twist's December Daily kit along with Cocoa Daisy's Christmas add-on because they complimented each other perfectly.

I have to share the lovely presentation with you from Trina at Citrus Twist. Even the Grinch couldn't resist digging into this treasure! I'm sure that tag will make it's way into my album! Be sure to click on the photos so you can see it up close. :)

Check out this fabulous stamp set that came in the kit...

Once I touched the pretties in the package, I couldn't resist the urge to get started on my album. This year I decided I wanted to add lots of bright colors to my album cover, this adorable Crate Paper was the perfect starting point. I decided it would be fun to make the album cover look like a gift, so I wrapped the patterned paper with washi tape. With just a few more touches, I ended up with a simple and festive album cover.

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)

Summer Fresh = Summer Fun

I started scrapping July 4th, 2011 photos last year but never finished them. I just couldn't get into a groove, but it's all good because along came the Summer Fresh collection from Simple Stories along with Cocoa Daisy's June kit. ♥ This collection captures the essence of my photos with it's simple, fun designs with a homespun feel. The first two layouts are a mishmosh of My Mind's Eye, Jenni Bowlin, Studio Calico...

The following layout was created from the 6/24/12 Sunday Sketch at www.StudioCalico.com. I used a blank tag and embossed with a Cuttlebug folder. I then used Distress Ink to highlight the stars. I think it's my favorite thing on the layout!

I love using WRMK divided page protectors. It's a great way to add lots of photos with touches of scrappy products.

It was such a beautiful day -- we had just set up for lunch outside and a huge thunderstorm came rolling through (of course.) We opened up the barn and took the party inside. You may think the fireworks pics are from our local show but you would be mistaken -- yes, my dear husband is responsible for the pyrotechnic extravaganza! Here's to waiting a whole year to finish a group of photos. Thank you, Simple Stories, for coming to my rescue. Wishing you all a fun-filled summer!

Peeps & a Coonskin Cap

Easter morning I'm ready and waiting with my camera to capture my Daughter's first glimpse of her basket. I'm the one that got a big surprise... she came in with her coonskin cap from Pigeon Forge. I had to laugh because it was so cute and unexpected. Now comes the hard part -- how to scrap Easter pics and tie Coonie (her name for her cap) into the layout. Along comes Cocoa Daisy's June kit with My Minds' Eye (Miss Caroline), Pink Paislee's Prairie Hill and some Simple Stories thrown into the mix. This was the perfect paper combo to tie Peeps and a coonskin cap together. Here is the layout... I love when the unexpected challenge turns out to be a favorite layout. If you haven't had a chance, be sure to enter my giveaway (drawing is 6/22/12) here.