NSD '13: Give Mixed Media a Try

Supplies: Patterned Paper: American Crafts, Heidi Swapp, October Afternoon; Embellishments: My Mind's Eye, Ormolu; Stickers: American Crafts: Stencils: Crafter's Workshop; Ink: Ranger: Colored Pencil; Prisma; Pen: Pilot Precise; Washi Tape: Target

This layout belongs in my total friggin' nightmare file.  I cannot get the hang of those 6X6 stencils.  The mixed media part of this layout seems to be the pox on the entire thing.  However - life goes on.  It is okay.  Deep breaths.  One more layout down and isn't my baby so cute?  Life is good.

BTW: Completed this layout for the Studio Calico challenge, Give Mixed Media a Try!

NSD' 13: When Life Happens

I think we can all agree that I had some lofty plans for this last week.  Unfortunately life had different plans, as it often does.  I had neither the will or ability to take on any crafty projects at the end of my work days.  I actually spent one day at home trying to get ahead of the pain that comes along with my chronic condition.  I was disappointed with myself - until I spoke to my sister.  She told me it was okay - sound familiar?  She reminded me that seven layouts was MY goal and it was okay not to feel well.  It was okay to take care of myself in other ways.  And I accepted it and waited until I could rest up and tackle another story.  So without further ado...my third layout for NSD '13.

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Studio Calico, American Crafts; Stickers: Basic Grey, American Crafts; Stamps: Cocoa Daisy, Jillibean Soup; Embellishments: My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey, Studio Calico, SEI; Other: Buttons, Labels; Ink: Ranger, October Afternoon

I'm entering this into two challenges; Challenge #6: Scrap This List at Two Peas in a Bucket and Shimelle's: The Power of Three.  I had a near freak out about the journaling and I might have used too much patterned paper - if there is such a thing.  The balance feels off and I'm not sure why. But you know what....being 36 has put me a little off balance.  Makes complete sense, right?  So there you have it, my third layout.  I hope to do 1-2 more tomorrow.  Maybe seven was a little ambitious considering I scrapped NINE layouts total in 2012.  Man, I need to be more gentle with myself.  One more thing finally hitting home at the tender age of thirty-effing-six.  I digress.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday.  I hope you're taking the time to rest, heal, and take care of yourself in whatever way you need.  I hope you're putting that self-critical voice in your head in it's place.  I hope you're taking the time to be gentle with yourself and remember "it is okay."  I hope...  Until then...

NSD '13: Scrapbooking Square Photos

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Crate Paper, American Crafts, Basic Grey; Flower: Prima Marketing; Stickers: American Crafts; Twine: My Mind's Eye; Ink: October Afternoon, Ranger Industries

The next scrappy layout challenge comes to us from Shimelle Laine.  I finished this layout in less than a hour.  It's amazing what limited time, a pretty good nap, and uneaten dinner will do to scrappy mojo.  Not much to say here.  I'm not sure if the flower fits perfectly, but I love it.  It weighs a ton!  I hope everyone has had a great Monday.  Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.  Until then...

NSD '13: Sew and Mist

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Crate Paper, American Crafts; Stickers: American Crafts; Embellishments: Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye, American Crafts, Wilton, Crate Paper; Template: American Crafts; Pen: Sharpie; Mist: Studio Calico, Ranger, October Afternoon; Other: Cardstock

My first NSD layout for this week.  This layout has been sitting on my table for a week in different stages of completion.  I finished it today and am pretty happy with the results.  I'm still having a problem with journaling on my nephew's pages.  I have the words - I've said them in my head a thousand times - and I still can't find the place to write.  I have a couple of options - I could add a 6X6 page protector on the side to write the words or attach the journaling to the back of each layout.  Not sure what to do - still trying to navigate this new crafty mindset/style.

BTW: This layout is for American Craft's mist and sew challenge.  I really liked how the flower came out although it's a little high.  It could have been lowered about an inch.  It's done now - I like the layout.  And I guess technically the title could move up but that's just a huge pain in the ass.  So...deep breath...it is okay.  So that's it for now.  I hope this Sunday has been a good one.  Until then...

NSD Update: By the Numbers

I made my list. It has 17 items. Seventeen is my absolute favorite number. I think it's a sign of great things to come or just general all around goodness. Seventeen is the number of NSD challenges that piqued my interest. Seventeen that i actually took the time to write down. My plan is to narrow this list down to seven (another fave number on my list) and post a layout a day starting tomorrow until May 13th. I have exactly eight days to get it done (eight is another fave). The best part...the idea of this makes me very happy.

Why am I telling you this? Why did I take a picture of my list? It's pretty simple - I wanted to keep myself honest...to nurture some accountability. I have the photos. I have my stories. I'm ready to go. It's time to practice the butt in chair method. Not to mention, i wanted to try out the bokeh effects on my new photo app Picfx. I also used PicTapGo - an absolute must in my opinion. It works magic...seriously. Please wish me luck or just good will and happy thoughts on my scrappy pursuits over the next week. I have a feeling I'll need them. Until then...

Happy National Scrapbooking Day

Hello all! Today is a pretty fantastic day or week...it's International Scrapbooking Day. I sometimes forget the International part. I thought I'd give you a quick hello and list of crafty sites that've got me stoked for today. As a kiddo said this week - it's going to be epic!

• Two Peas in a Bucket - I'm digging the vibe here. There are a LOT of really cool challenges here. I'm all over the Pinterest challenge. I can hardly wait.


• Shimelle.com - Shimelle seems to have a mountain of posts and crafty ideas flowing on her sight today. It's a little slice of heaven - information, inspiration, and challenges. Yummy.


• Studio Calico - lots of great challenges on this site today. Each challenge is open for over a week and there's a pretty rocking chat schedule too...if that's your kind of thing. Excited to check these out further.


• American Crafts - this site is full of challenges and a very cool blog hop. Plus there's a chance to win one of their collections.

I really hope today finds you well and crafting. I'm currently in my local chain bookstore. I plan on taking a closer look at some of these challenges, making a list, and channeling my crafty inner self. Have lots of fun today. Embrace mistakes. Remember it is okay. And if all else fails...take pics of the gigantic disasters to scrap later. It's all good. Right? Until then...

It's All in the Process

In the past two or three months, my creative process has really evolved.

• I've started to embrace spray mist in my own small way.
• I keep pictures and papers on my "work" table the entire week and take five minutes here and there to move things around and get the creative juices flowing.
• I use my small bits of creative time during the week to jumpstart my larger blocks of creative time on the weekend.
• I'm doing my very best to embrace my mistakes.
• I stamp on my layouts.
• I try new things.
• I'm finally realizing it is okay.

So in the spirit of all things creative and process oriented.  I thought I'd show you the evolution of a layout.  Since I've started scrapping about my nephew - I often choose the photo prior to the story.  I'm finding that I don't always need words - which is a HUGE departure from my previous approach.   I still love my words - I'm just okay with them being minimal, and in some cases, non-existent.  I'm kind of loving that right now.  So without further ado....

First I chose the photos and products.  I played around with the photo placement.  I really loved the picture on the left and wanted it on top.  I went with the second option.  

Next, I chose my spray mist and paper colors based on the boys outfit.

Then I placed the pictures based (very loosely) on a sketch from the lovely Shimelle Laine.

Next up, title work - probably one of the hardest steps.  I always wish I had more letters in different styles.

Now the embellishing begins...

Finally - I added some sewing around the clouds and the hearts on the cameras.  Finished!

So, that's it for today.  Hope my process is interesting or helpful in some way.  I can't say enough about splatters and sewing.  I love it so much.  Hope everyone has a great Thursday.  Until then...

Product Love

Pic Tap Go is an amazing app with a lot of buzz right now. It's 1.99 at the Apple app store. It allows users to edit photos through a variety of sweet effects. It allows you to apply multiple filters and save your favorite "recipes.". My absolute favorite feature is its ability to interface with Instagram. I love to edit my photo and then put it in Instagram. I don't add any of those filters. I just make the photo square and frankly, I'm in love. Hope everyone has a great Monday. Until then...