Sunday, August 31, 2014

The DigiScrap Geek Podcast: Episode 1, I Like to See the Colors


I like to talk about my scrapbooking. Especially when it's with other people who love scrapbooking as much as I do. This past week, I got to sit down with a lovely group of ladies to talk  about memory keeping. More specifically, we broached the topic of how we store our digital files. I had a great time sharing my method and learning from the other members of the panel. The show was a blast! 

You might be wondering why I chose to join in a podcast about digital scrapbooking. I do scrapbook with traditional paper supplies. However, I also print out a variety of the digital supplies to use on my layouts. Though I am not a digital scrapbooker, per se, there is a lot that can be learned from them. They are, after all fellow memory keepers. I hope you will take the time to listen in. This podcast is the first of many to come. You can find it over at the DigiScrap Geek website.




Sunday, August 24, 2014

Getting Organized with Deflecto Craft Solutions

I am overall pretty happy with the way my craft area is organized at the moment. It works, but even something that works could use a little tweaking. Perhaps even something that puts my own personal stamp on things. A few weeks ago, I was asked to become a Deflecto Ambassador. It seemed a perfect match for me. Their products speak to my need to add my own stamp to my creative space organization.

Today marks my very first post featuring Deflecto products. This month, it's all about frames and the creative ways in which we can use them in both our homes and creative spaces. I am starting off with one very special project today. However, I plan to share several more projects throughout the week. I guess you could say I am excited to be a part of the Deflecto Ambassador Design team.

My first project started off as a simple acrylic photo frame. I cut down a piece of cork tile to fill the space normally occupied by the photo. Zip dry glue ensured the cork would stay in place. I used washi tape, foam leters, and die cut flowers to decorate the board. Simple was really best. After all, I wanted to ensure I would have enough space to pin my notes.











Supply Options




























Thursday, August 21, 2014

JBS Mercantile- Mid Month Check in

Ok. So it's technically past the middle of the month. But here I am. You might be wondering why I haven't blogged in a while. It wasn't planned, but in part, I wanted to be present for my son earlier this month. He starts high school this week and I wanted to make sure the transition was a smooth one. Though we have had a few kinks, we are off and running. This means, I will have some more time to create now that he is once again occupied academically.

To start back into blogging, I figured I would start with sharing a layout I made with the August JBS Mercantile kits. Most of these have sold out, by the way. So if you want to grab one, hurry over.

This month, the kit is full of the anchor motif. I felt it was time to work on documenting more of our trips to the local beaches. Contrary to popular belief, not all of the Bahamian beaches are full of white sand. Many are quite rocky. Though they aren't what you would expect, these rocky beaches feature a treasure trove of gems.We have discovered sea shells, small fish, and star fish...just to name a few. Every trip reveals new discoveries.


If you like the anchor motif but are not sure how to use it, you will want to check out some recent posts over at the JBS Mercantile Inspiration blog. Betsy created a fantastic mini album using the anchor motif. I shared several layouts featuring anchors both literally and symbolically.

 Meanwhile, stay tuned.Hopefully, I am back to blogging regularly again.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Get It Scrapped: Template Fun

It's hot outside. No really. It's quite HOT outside. So I retreat to my creative space. Today, I have a quick layout I created using one of the Get It Scrapped templates.

Feathered PhotoShoot by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper Studio Calico, Life Love Paper, Basic Grey; Letters: Elle's Studio; Tag, Stamp,Buttons: Studio Calico; Tape: Amy Tangerine for American Crafts; Ink: Ranger: Punch: Jenni Bowlin for Fiskars; Stickers: October Afternoon; Gems: Queen and Co.; Based on a layout by Kim Watson for Get It Scrapped










Lately, I am finding that sketches not only allow me to experiment with my style. They also allow me to push the limits of my supplies. This particular design allowed me to play with patterned paper placement. I got to use several papers in a way that allowed them to be pleasing to the eye.  If you aren't sure about the contents of a kit, consider looking to a sketch to help you make the most of your patterns and colors. The sketch gives you clear and defined areas to place the papers. Since the design is laid out for you in a visually pleasing manner, you need only decide which papers and colors to place where.

Additional Resources


the sketch used for this layout is part of a collection of sketches and templates within the Get It Scrapped Membership

Click here to view more details














Monday, August 4, 2014

Welcome August!

As I write this, I find that summer is coming to an end. I am actually looking forward to it. Summer is quiet for us and spent mostly indoors hibernating with the AC unit. It's good for my papercrafting though. You might have noticed that I managed 30 posts last month. I am hoping to keep the momentum going. At least as long as this heat wave lasts.

I think I must not be the only one keeping myself cool while crafting. This month's main paper crafting kit at JBS Mercantile is already sold out. Other kits are going fast.I have to say that I was pretty happy to receive this month's kit. Pink Pasilee's Solstice collection had been on my wishlist and this month's kits feature a nice sampling of it. On the day I received my kits, I promptly made two layouts.

Layout number one didn't pass my personal design team quality inspection. I had a mishap with a bottle of mist. It spilled across the page, forcing me to reprint two of the photos and to try to trim away excess misted papers. While I did manage to mostly correct the issue, I realized that the paper was a bit wonky on the right side. It might not meet design team muster, but it is a layout done. Quite honestly, I like it despite the wonkiness and will be placing it proudly in my album.







Layout two gave my Silhouette Portrait a little bit of a workout. I loved this month's cut file and used it as the base for this layout. I added in a bit of Jenni's chevron tape and wood buttons. In this layout, I chose to use the anchor in a symbolic manner. These tiny kittens were orphaned and my son was one of the first people they ever saw when their eyes opened. He was around for their feedings and I think they must have thought he was a litter mate. In this photo, everyone is curled up on my husband for a cat nap.






Last month, I did mange to post quite a few times. Let's see how this month goes. I have a lot on my plate but I also have a will to use up the August kits. If you are interested in the August kits, you better act fast. They are selling quickly!