Saturday, November 29, 2014

The Awesome Ladies Project: Black Friday Edition




Once upon a time, a very long time ago, I worked in retail and had to work on Black Friday. I hope I don't ever have to do that again! I far prefer my current option: scrapbooking with friends in an online crop with the ladies over at Get It Scrapped. This is our second year of cropping on Black Friday and I hope it becomes a new tradition. It just so happens that this Friday was also the day for the Awesome Ladies Project. The goal of the project is to set aside two hours a month to work on something that makes you feel awesome. I definitely had no issues setting aside a few hours to work. I made two layouts while chatting with friends. I think though, that in the future, I might set this day aside specifically to art journal.

Ready to see what I created?

Catnip Bird by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper: Studio Calico, Amy Tangerine;Letters: American Crafts; Wood Veneer, Enamel Dots: Studio Calico; Flair: Fancy Pants; Stickers: Amy Tangerine; Die Cuts: Amy Tangerine, Chic Tags; Acrylic: We R Memory Keepers; Doily: Freckled Fawn; Linking up with Paper Issues Birds of a Feather Challenge









I found myself happily layering products in and around the photos. The photos are a bit yellow despite my editing in Totally Rad Labs. They were actually a lot more yellow and dark. I considered printing in black and white, but I felt like the photo of Jujubee streaking toward her new catnip bird didn't look quite right. So I stayed with the color photos. I used bright colors to compensate.

Explore Fragrance by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper, Rub-ons, Sequins: Studio Calico; Letters: October Afternoon; Metal: Bo Bunny, Studio Calico; Die Cuts: Chic Tags; Wood Veneer: Studio Calico,Prima, Jillibean Soup; Mist: Heidi Swapp; Brads: Basic Grey; Acrylic: Webster's Pages; Stencil: Jenni Bowlin; Embossing Paste: Studio 490; Other: Vellum








Each month, I try to complete at least one layout from the Scrapbook Coach classes at Get It Scrapped. This layout is based on a lesson for Product Play. I didn't exactly follow the steps to a tee. In fact, my layout might seem more of a lift rather than one that followed the instructions. However, I really enjoyed the design and the opportunity to create something a bit different from my normal fare.

My goal for 2015 is to play along with more challenges and especially with the Awesome Ladies Project. If you would like to play along, head on over to RuKristin.com for more details.

Additional Resources:


The Get It Scrapped membership:
Click here to view more details










I use Rad Labs for PSE to edit my photos. Learn more about it here.



Monday, November 24, 2014

Give Thanks: A Project for Deflecto Craft Solutions

My Thanksgiving and fall decor are rather sparse. This year, I set out to make a few projects to add some autumn cheer to my home. First, I made an autumn banner. This weekend, I made a Give Thanks sign for our thanksgiving table.

I have really been loving all the fabulous chalk board signs I have been seeing around Pinterest. I was thrilled to receive some chalkboard easels and chalk markers from Deflecto. Most of my autumn decor is simple. I wanted to maintain that with the sign. I used some ribbon, twine and a German Foil turkey to decorate the base of the sign. The tricky part for me was writing the chalkboard sentiment.I don't have the best penmanship. I was relieved that the chalk markers were very forgiving. A little water wiped away my mistakes. I then dried the board and tried again until I was happy with the results.Technically, I could erase the sign and make a new one each year. However, I think I like my sign just fine the way it is.









Looking for more holiday inspiration? Be sure to stop by the Deflecto Pinterest board or visit Deflecto on Facebook to see how the design team is using their chalkboard markers.

Supply Options


Stop by the web site to find a Deflecto retailer near you.









The German Foil Turkey was part of the JBS Mercantile November kits.










Sunday, November 23, 2014

The DigiScrapGeek Podcast: Episode 11- Holiday Wish List


I am pretty lucky, as gifts go. When I want something, within reason, I can usually get it at whatever time of the year. So when it comes to the holidays, my thoughts turn to gifts for my son rather than gifts for myself. When asked what I might like during Episode 11 of the DigiScrap Geek Podcast, I really had to think about it. New toy cameras and refurbished analog cameras are always on my wish list. Most scrapbooking supplies I acquire as I see sales throughout the year. Gift certificates are always fun for that reason. Then I don't necessarily have to budget the supplies in and can just cash in a gift card. Still, I didn't really have anything concrete on my list.

 Time after time, what kept recurring was the thought that I might like a new Jo Totes purse. These are camera bags that double as purses. They are fashionable but practical at the same time. I like that they are just the right size to carry my tablet while allowing me to carry a variety of cameras in my bag at the same time. Currently, I have to choose which camera will go in my bag. Right now, I am leaning toward the Somerset in red. Though I also fancy the Gracie in Magenta

Whether or not I get the purse, I find it fun to make wish lists and see what others are interested in. Episode 11 covers all of our wish list picks. Come have a listen and take a look at our panel's current wishlist. Don't forget to share your wishlist picks in the comments. We'd love to hear from you!

Related articles

Saturday, November 15, 2014

JBS Mercantile: Mid-month Check In

This month's kit was awesome! So much so that it's already sold out! I can see why. I made my design team layouts with ease this month. Though the kit is themed well for November, it also works well with other topics. I made a layout about my son and his first Jack O Lantern. Now surprisingly, I find myself scrapbooking about cats and birds.

I snapped this photo of Jujubee stalking a bird with my Samsung Galaxy Tablet. It's a little grainy but it's what was within reach at this particular moment. I am kind of hoarding the paper or should I say I am making the most of my supplies. Using small blocks of the patterns seemed to work perfectly. I like the design and now I have plenty of scraps to work with.







I have one more layout to share with you later this month. Guess what? It's bird themed too! Meanwhile, I have set a few of the papers aside to document our Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, if you need some inspiration, be sure to stop by the design team kit gallery.

Supply List
All of the supplies were originally part of the JBS Mercantile November 2014 kit. Sadly, the kits are sold out. Be sure to subscribe to reserve your December kit. There are some November Crafted kits still available while supplies last.












Friday, November 14, 2014

The DigiScrap Geek Podcast: Episode 10- Holiday Photography


I have come a long way in improving my photography skills over the years. However, I still have a long way to go. Holiday photos are, in many ways, the most difficult for me. It's the time of day when the light in our living room is the most harsh. Couple that with the frenzy of activity associated with opening gifts. I could definitely use the help. I was thrilled when Erin Manning joined us for the latest episode of the DigiScrap Geek Podcast. She answered so many questions for us. Whether you use a point and shoot, like I do, or have a DSLR, Erin has some great tips for you. Come have a listen...

Additional Resources

In My Camera Bag: A series of posts I have written about my photography endeavors



Thursday, November 13, 2014

Sometimes You Don't Make the Team

A lot of people ask me about being on a design team. Is it easy? Aren't you limited by the constraints of your assignments? Isn't it a lot of work? The truth is that I don't mind being on design teams at all. I find it fun. I like having a deadline. I regard the assignments the same way I regard the challenges on blogs and websites. I don't feel constrained at all.Getting to know the people you work with is another bonus. I have forged a lot of friendships with fellow team members. Design teams have helped me to grow and understand my memory keeping on a deeper level.

Sadly, good things do sometimes come to an end. Design teams often have a contracted term. When it's time to move on, it's bittersweet. I still have the friendships though and so, I move on. I always have my eye out for teams I might like to work with. Putting yourself out there can be hard. It's always a little difficult promoting yourself in those applications. Sometimes, applications call for specific samples. This means a little extra work on your part. So what happens when you don't make the team?

When I first started applying to teams, I would feel disheartened when I didn't make the cut. Now that I have been through it several times, I know that it's not a bad thing. In fact, just applying may help you make connections with other like minded people. Perhaps they ask you to be a guest. Other times, you might strike up a conversation and find you have made a new acquaintance. The nice thing is that there is nothing to stop you from applying again for a future DT call. Just remember that they often have tons of applicants to choose from. It's often very difficult for them to make a decision.

Sometimes, your style just doesn't quite fit what they are looking for. Don't run out and change your style. It's what defines your work. Rather, take the time to think about what you do and own it. At some point or another, that confidence may just be what helps you make a team.

Happy Birthday by Christy Strickler |Supplies Patterned Paper: Amy tangerine; Cork, Stickers, Wood Veneer, Acrylic, Flair,Tape: Freckled Fawn
















I know I have a few style markers that sometimes are a deterrent when it comes to design teams: 1. I often scrap a bit crooked. I have tried laser t-squares and a variety of rulers to no avail. I could be frustrated. However, I accept who I am and I work with my quirk as best I can. 2. Not all of my photos are high quality. Some are older and taken when I was new to photography (like the pictures in this layout). Others have been taken with my tablet. I make no apologies about this. I work with whatever photos best tell the story, regardless of their quality. I don't like staging photos. I have only done so on rare occasions when I had a prompt to inspire the photo.

Recently, I applied to Freckled Fawn and I didn't make the team.When I don't make the cut, I do look at the people who did. Sometimes I can see that a specific style memory keeper was desired for the team. Other times, I might ask myself if I sent the best samples. Was the photography of my work good enough? Either way, it's not worth beating yourself up over. What's important is that you have completed layouts telling your stories. After all, sharing memories is the main goal of our hobby. Don't be discouraged. If being a part of a design team is something you want to do, keep trying. They can't consider your work if you don't apply.

Supply Options










Friday, November 7, 2014

The DigiScrap Geek Podcast: Episode 9- I Like the "Like" Button



I started scrapbooking in 2001. It wasn't until 2010, when I joined Club Creating Keepsakes, that I would find a place to meet like minded memory keepers. The people there were friendly and made me instantly feel like part of the group. We had swaps and played along with challenges. We forged friendships and overall, we just had a good time. I might never have started blogging or participating in challenge sites if not for those ladies. We were all very sad when Club CK closed and Creating Keepsakes magazine were no longer published. I am happy to say that I am still in touch with many of the friends I made at Club CK.

Since the days of Club CK, the social aspect of  scrapbooking has a changed a bit. Social Media now takes the place of some of the online message boards ( though some message boards do still function and function well). We have blog feed readers and apps which allow us to view our favorite scrapbookers and friends. In some cases, we have taken the social aspect of scrapbooking back offline in the friendships we have forged making real life friends of our virtual ones. In this episode of the DigiScrap Geek Podcast, We are talking about the changes to social medial and how it has affected the social aspects of scrapbooking. Come have a listen...