Monday, December 31, 2012

2012 Layouts: A Look Back at this Year's Scrapbook Evolution

It amazes me to look back and see how much I have changed over the past year. Over time, my layouts keep becoming more of me. I have tried a lot of new techniques. Some I want to revisit, yet, I find myself excited by the next new prospect. I will pause and take a short look backward before rushing onward to embrace the layouts to be in 2013.

January- I was inspired by the photo. The sheer happiness in it fills the whole layout.
















February- I had a lot of fun learning to make my own stencils.
















March- Once again, the photos are what make this layout so special to me. Such rare and gentle moments, captured forever.
















April- I finally started using more of my patterned paper as a canvas this year. I am happy to be using more of my supplies rather than hoarding them.













May- I adored the bright colors and patterns that I used here.








June- One of the first layouts I created for Get It Scrapped. I adore these photos of my son and husband goofing off together.
















July- I developed a love for instagram photos. This layout also shows off my love for recycling. I used an old belt for an embellishment.
















August- I love how I was able to combine so many busy pattern papers. I also hand lettered the title.
















September- I developed a love for electrical tape as a supply. It was perfect for this Batman layout.
















October- Halloween is my favorite holiday which made creating this layout all the more fun for me.
















November- I was beyond excited to be a guest for JBS mercantile this month. I loved all of the vintage ephemera.








December- Once again, the photo is what makes this special for me.

















It was VERY hard to choose just one favorite per month. 2012 has been an awesome year of scrappy time for me. You may recognize many of these layouts from my creative team endeavors. I have really stretched myself and found a whole new comfort zone from which I can creatively work.

I am hoping that 2013 will continue to bring new artistic endeavors. I hope each of you finds the time to create and do the things that make you happy!


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One Little Word: A Review and a Look Forward


just a few of the layouts I have completed this year.


I chose the word Endeavor for 2012. Trying new things sounded exciting and empowering. I took things much farther than I ever expected. When I originally chose my word, I was thinking about new scrapbook techniques. Thanks to my husband's support, I ended up applying for various design teams. I ended up creating for Scrapbook News and Review Magazine and Get It Scrapped. I learned more about myself, my creative process, and how far I can push my own limits. I have created my own sketches, polished my blog, and begun a newsletter.






Now it's time to choose a word for 2013. At first, I thought about choosing Metamorphosis. It's a gentle word and connotes graceful change. After a lot of thought, I have realized that I need something more radical. Something that will embody my journey ahead. My future holds a road that is full of excitement, adventure and quite possibly a few bumps. There are a lot of possible changes in my personal life, some of which involves self healing. It won't be easy but at the end of the year, I hope for some positive change. My word for 2013 is Revolution.

Here's to an awesome 2013 and BIG changes in the making.
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Happy New Year!

Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful new year filled with joy and good health!


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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Creative Jumpstart 2013


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I have a daily creative habit. Every day, even if only for 5-10 minutes, I strive to create something. I didn't always have a good creative habit. Some days, I confess, I do not get to create. I do my best though and I make the time. Being creative and scrapbooking are very important to me. It took time to develop my habit. It took practice to create small bits here and there in a short span of time. It took effort and takes a little effort on my part every day. It is worthwhile and I am better for it.




Last year, I participated in Creative Jumpstart. I had fun. I created a little every day and it set me on the path to my goal. My goal is to make time for me. Scrapbooking is  large part of that. If your goal is to be more creative, to be inspired, and to make time to create then check out Creative jumpstart 2013. It's beginning soon. I promise you, it's a lot of fun!


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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Supply Savvy: The Patchwork Trend

Being part of the Get it Scrapped Team has really made me more aware of trends. When someone says trend, it usually conjures images of new things. However, you don't have to go out and buy something new to be trendy, especially in the case of papercrafting.

One of my recent creative team assignments had me working with patchwork prints. I could have gone out and bought some new supplies. Instead, after observing the Get It Scrapped Pinterest board, I realized I could use papers from my older stash. I chose some scraps of plaid papers and mimicked the designs I saw.


Comfort by Christy Strickler Supplies| Patterned Paper: K and Company; Alphas,Button,Ribbon: Basic Grey; Flowers, Sheer Cat: Maya Road: Other: kraft cardstock, pearls, doily; For Get It Scrapped




Everything that was used to make this layout is at least 6 months old. The patterned paper has been in my supplies for so long that I can't remember how old it is. I think I have had it for over 5 years.

 Have you ever heard the phrase " everything old is new again?" Trends sometimes flow in cycles. Look through your older supplies and see how you can update them. Use inspiration like current trendy images to help you keep a fresh look. Pay attention to how patterns and colors are used in your inspiration images. It also helps to choose trends to fit the story you want to tell. The patchwork works for me here. It reminds me of a quilt which conjures images of comfort and snuggly warmth. The patchwork supports the story of my kitten finding comfort as he snuggles up to a stuffed animal.

Just because it's a trend doesn't mean you have to buy a whole new set of supplies. Shop your stash before you purchase. You will have the satisfaction of using older supplies while creating with them in a new way.

Need more inspiration? Check out my Patchwork pretties Pinterest board. Consider googling patchwork images and make a patchwork inspiration board of your own!



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Friday, December 28, 2012

Embracing a Little Wonkiness




Today, I have another sketch over at the Scrapbook News and Review blog. I based it on a layout I did for a JBS Mercantile challenge earlier this year. The challenge was all about creating grids. If you have read my blog before, you know I have a serious grid making problem. All of my grids tend to be a bit wonky. Neither rulers nor templates seem to help me. Regardless, I still choose to make grid based layouts some of the time.

Swing Down Memory Lane by Christy Strickler Supplies| Cardstock: Coredinations; Stick pens, Leaves: Little Yellow Bicycle; Stamp: JBS Mercantile; Other: patterned paper, buttons, alphas


Breaking our of your comfort zone from time to time is good for you. It adds a little variety and interest while allowing you to play with new skills. Even though I know this layout is a bit wonky, I still love it.I think the photos of my son are wonderful and I love the textured elements on the layout. It definitely has a homemade and fun feel.


In this case, the layout came first and the sketch came later. However, I often use a sketch when I am breaking from my comfort zone. Having a sketch takes out one part of the planning process. It allows you to focus on the skills that are new to you or that you don't use regularly. You might also want to choose to work from a kit. Having a set of supplies that coordinate helps reduce your decision making time, once again allowing you to spend more time experimenting outside your comfort zone.

Stepping outside your comfort zone can be as simple as choosing a design form that you don't do well. It can also involve trying new techniques. Whatever it involves, just have fun with it. Embrace any little imperfections and enjoy the process.





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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Teaser Thursday: JYC2012 Style

Ok, so this is not this year's tree. It's last year's. Not that much has changed. We have an eclectic tree composed of various ornaments, many of which each have a unique story. Some ornaments came from our childhood and were passed on to us. Others were bought on a limited budget, back in the days when my Husband and I were first together. Then there are those that were handmade. Some by the tiny toddler hands of my son. Each year, they got a little better as his motor skills improved. This is what I love about our tree. It's not just decorated for the holidays. It's part of our family story.

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Our Tree 2011 by Christy Strickler Supplies| Alphas, Chipboard, Patterned Paper, and Buttons: Jenni Bowlin Studios; Die Cuts: Jenni Bowlin Studios, Ocotber Afternoon; Paint: Ranger, Reeves; Other: flower, glass beads; created for Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, as seen in the Mixed Media Section tutorial " A Vintage Christmas Layout"











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