Bloom Where You Are Planted

When I saw Hip Kit Club's May kit, I was smitten and had to have it. Computer photos don't do it justice; it's absolutely gorgeous and I was instantly inspired to create with it. This year has been a year of learning to be still, learning how to handle things that are out of my control, and most importantly, learning how to thrive under those circumstances. It wasn't easy (at first), but once I "let go" my attitude shifted and I started focusing on things that bring me joy. This layout represents this little chapter in my life.

May's cut files (designed by Ashley H.) were the perfect starting point for my layout. I cut the bloom cut file from the She Blooms paper and also from Bazzill ombre' cardstock. For the background, I created a cut file with the phrase "Where you are planted", and used it as a stencil with Ranger Texture Paste. I love the light and airy look of it. I layered the bloom cut file with some of the die cuts from HKC's exclusives and some She Blooms chipboard. I really love the end result of this layout and I love the reminder, to myself, to focus on good things and something wonderful can happen.

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you've been inspired to bloom where you are planted! ♥

Mood Board Inspiration

Do you love mood board inspiration as much as I do? Today, at Paper Issues, the February mood board is up and it's gorgeous! When Mary-Ann first posted it, I gasped and was instantly inspired by the colorful, whimsical hearts on the bottom right.

Since I knew I was be adding several mixed media layers, I started with Strathmore Acrylic paper, 246 lb. To keep it from warping, I taped it down to a board and also added a layer of gesso to prep the paper. For color inspiration, I used a photo of my cat, sitting on my lap in my craft room. I grabbed several paints, stencils (The Crafter's Workshop & Heidi Swapp), rub-ons, waterproof pens, stamps, and started playing.

At one point, I couldn't decide if I loved or hated it, but I kept pressing on and I'm so glad I did. Since the background is so busy, I matted the photo with patterned paper (Shimelle) and used the glassine bag from my Paper Issues Swag Bag. The Amy Tangerine foam Thickers were perfect for the layout but too white and clean, so I got messy and altered them. For the finishing touches, I added the ribbon clip from the January Swag Bag and the wooden arrow/heart from Crate Paper's Hello, Love collection.

I had such a blast getting dirty with this mood board! Although my scrap style is typically clean and photo-focused, it's fun to let loose and mix it up from time to time. I hope you're as inspired by this beautiful board as I was. Be sure to add your creations to the Paper Issues {Friends & Fans} Facebook page - you may win a store gift certificate! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments. To see more Pinspire Me creations by the Paper Issues DT, click here. Wishing you a lovely, creative day!

Cut It Up Saturday with Paper Issues

I'm so excited to be sharing one of my first projects as a Paper Issues Creative Team member. I started with Danielle's gorgeous snowflake background cut file as my inspiration. Sadly we didn't have a white Christmas, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from using the cut file.

For this layout, I used Pinkfresh Studio's Christmas Wishes collection and some enamel dots from my stash. If you love this cut file as much as I do, please stop by the Paper Issues store to download... Did I mention that it's FREE?! To see more lovely inspiration with the cut files, be sure to stop by the Paper Issues blog here. If you decide to do some shopping at Paper Issues, be sure to use the discount code, Sherry20 to receive 20% off your order! Happy shopping and Happy New Year!

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! ♥

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

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! ♥

When Scrap Challenges Push Creativity, Magic Happens!

This week's challenge at Hip Kit Club was a doozy... Create a layout with a white background, paint embellishments white, and then (the biggie) cut the layout to fit into divided page protectors. I only have 2 types of divided page protectors 6x6 and 4x6, so my options were a bit limited. The photos I selected were from the most beautiful snowfall we had last year. I thought they would pair well with the white aspect of the challenge. I laid out the die cut words on the page protectors to see which direction this layout would take.

To create interest and dimension, I grabbed my favorite snow stencil (Simon Says Stamps Falling Snow),Faber-Castell Whipped Spackle, and white cardstock. The wonderful thing about Whipped Spackle is that it dries so quickly.

For the painted elements, I chose wood veneer snowflakes, acrylic letters (I painted them on the backside, and added dots to the front with a white pen), and did a white-wash over the kraft die-cut frame and the cork piece. To play off of the gorgeous, golden sun streaming through on the photos, I decided to use a few gold elements. I was thrilled to find out that the Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder was a perfect match to the Amy Tangerine Love die-cut, so I embossed the heart on the frame.

In the end, I removed it from the divided page protector and converted back to 12x12. I truly LOVE this layout and it's all because of a fun challenge. Hip Kit Club offers weekly challenges (usually on Friday), be sure to stop by and check them out here. Not only are they a great way to get inspiration, you may even win a gift certificate for participating.