A Year In Review With May Arts and Core'dinations!

Hello!!  

This week, the ladies over at May Arts got to play with some amazing Core'dinations goodness.  We've each whipped up a little something to hopefully inspire you and we'll be sharing that with you all week---so, be sure to check back each day for more!

And there may just be a giveaway.

We're talkin' Core'dinations.

And May Arts.

Just sayin'.

Ok, now on with the show!

As we inch ever closer to 2015, I find myself looking back.  I love taking a peek at everything that's happened this year, and I LOVE seeing it captured in pictures---so, I found myself smack dab in the middle of my Instagram feed :-)

This mini book---inspired by my favorite insta-photo-sharing site---is filled with my top 20 moments from 2013.

I've layered May Arts wired burlap ribbon and Core'dinations cardstock in coordinating colors to create the camera cover.  A bit of sanding adds a more worn/vintage feel.

The rainbow stripes really help my title stand out.  Plus, who doesn't like a rainbow??

And finally, a hand full of sequins adds a bit of FLASH!  Hee hee.  Ya see what I did there?  Because cameras flash?!!?

May Arts supplies used:

4 inch Burlap/Wired ribbon - Light Natural and Brown

Other supplies used:

Core'dinations Distress cardstock

clear craft sequins

Bind-It-All coils - 1 inch

Aleene's tacky glue

Thickers

Recollections heart punch

Alrighty, then!!  I do hope you've found some inspiration here today.  And don't forget to stop back in all this week for more May Arts and Core'dinations goodness.

OH!  And tune back in tomorrow for a video sneaky peek of how this project came together and a look at the inside this sweet little book.

xx,

May Arts Hops With Authentique and Imagine Crafts!

Good Morning!!

Welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere as we jump headlong into day 4 of hoppin'.  Today, I get to share a sweet and summery project I've created with a combination of  goodies from three amazing companies---May Arts, Authentique and Imagine Crafts :-))  Kinda fitting to pay homage to a summertime adventure as we transition into cooler temps, no??

Ok, onto the goods!!

This mini was completely inspired by the summery color palette in the Radiant collection by Authentique.  It's packed full of bright colors and practically screams, 'Here Comes The Sun'!

I've covered some of the paper with May Arts 4 inch burlap wired ribbon in the Light Natural color to add a bit of fun texture to my cover.

A quick dip into Golden Glitz Delicata ink gave a lovely sparkle to UmWowStudio chippies.  I love how they add just a touch of shine.

Ok guys, be sure to check back in a bit for a peek at the inside of my book.  For now, hop on over and visit Mallika to see the rest of today's lineup, and don't forget to check out the inspiration from days 1-3 by hopping back to May Arts!  Remember to comment on each of the DT's posts for a chance to win one of THREE prizes!!

May Arts Products Used:

4 inch burlap wired ribbon - Light Natural

Other Products Used:

Authentique - Radiant 6 inch paper pad

Delicata Golden Glitz Metallic Pigment Ink

UmWowStudio Circle Confetti

clear sequins

white vellum

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

xx,

Sm;)e.

Hiya, Folks!!  Today, I'm sharing a little inspiration for the Viva Las VegaStamps! June Challenge!!

Here's a peek at the mood board...

Aaaaaannndd, here's what I've come up with...

This super bright journal is the perfect way to document my summer! 

 

These 3 Women in Tubes needed a bit of blue to float on, so I colored up some ribbon in a lovely ombre and stitched them their very own oasis :-)

And that sm;)e stamp??  Yeah.  It just makes me happy!

        I can't wait to start filling this little book with all my summertime memories and musings.  If you want                 more on how this little book was made, hop on over to the VLVS! blog and check it out HERE.

                                                       Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

                                                                                  xx,

The Hunt.

Hello!!  Today, I wanted to share a little something...

This tiny book was created with a few snapshots I took of my kiddos at the church's annual Easter egg hunt.  I wanted to scrap them in a quick way before they got buried under piles of other things on my 'to do' list.

In lieu of tearing into a new stack of paper, I decided to use up some of those neglected bits of paper in my stash.  This MME paper stack has been used and loved, but really needed a little somethin' extra to get my mojo runnin'.  

  A bit of rock-solid stamping can make those old papers new again :-)

I've done some Copic coloring around the images to really make them POP.  I really love the effect.

With this being such a small book, I knew that finding space for journaling would be difficult.  My solution??  

VELLUM!  It gives me tons of space for my thoughts and covers up none of my fun stamping.

SCORE.

How cool is it that you can see the clouds right through my journaling??  Best of both worlds, I tell ya!

Here's a peek at all the VLVS! goodness I've used...

I gotta say, I'm totally diggin' this mini mini!!

Supplies Used:

Viva Las VegaStamps! stamps - Medium Doily, Waybill/Invoice Background, Be Adorable, Bulls Eye Solid, Victorian Flourish, Lace Background, Whimsical Cloud 1 1/2 x 2 1/4, Whimsical Cloud 1 x 2 1/2

My Minds Eye 'Be Amazing' 6 inch paper, Copic Markers, UmWowStudio Chevron Confetti chipboard, thread, American Crafts black jute, craft sequins, vellum

Ok guys, that is that.  If you want to know more about how this book was put together, hop on over to the VLVS! blog and read all about it!!

Thanks so much for stoppin' by and I'll see ya next time ;-)

xx,

 

Book Of Hearts.

Hiya, Folks!!

Today, I come baring my heart...

Well, actually it's a whole book of them :-)  This month, as I was contemplating goals for myself in 2014,  I landed on the word 'heart'.  This little word can mean so many things!!

Sooooo, in honor of this years 'one little word', I've decided to art journal myself up a book of hearts to help keep my focus.

Keep these ideals in the forefront of my mind.

Keep my eyes on the prize!!!

Here's what I came up with...

It all started with a canvas base.  And lace...

Here's a peek at how I've created all that LOVELY lacey texture!!

Sweet, right?!??

I LOVE the amazing pop of color!!

That stitching makes me crazy happy :-)

And glitter.  DUDE!

I gotta say I'm pretty happy with my book of hearts.  I plan to create a page a month with a different take on the word 'heart'.  Hopefully, it'll help keep me on track and inspired to keep-on-movin' and shakin' towards my goals this year!

Thanks so much for joining me today!!  I'll see ya next time :-)

OH!!  And I'm playing along with the January Challenge over at Berry71Bleu.  It's all about one word.  Hop on over and play along!

xx,

When You Wish Upon A Star...

Hello!

 

Today, I have a little 'magic' for you.

 

A mini book that tells the tale of  my baby girl's love of Princesses.

 

 

A couple years ago, when our family took a trip to Disneyland, my daughter could have never imagined she was destined to actually meet real Princesses!! 

 

I knew then, as a scrapbookin' momma, that I had to document this event.

 

And when I saw this castle album from Clear Scraps??

 

DONE.

 

The title is my take on the classic Disney lyric, 'When you wish upon a star...'.  See the vellum and chippy stars??

 



 

And this set of princess flair rocks my world!!

 

YEP!!  We even did the whole face painting thing!  Here's my girl rockin' her very own 'cat beard' :-) 

 

I really LOVE how my Lindy's Starburst Spray pools on the chippies!  Little puddles of sparkly goodness.  And in my opinion, more glitter is always MORE!!

 

I'm so happy with the fun texture and amazing color on this album!!  If you wanna see how it all came together, check out my video HERE.

 

Here's a list of all the products I've used in my album:

 

Chipboard Sandcastle Album

 

6" Brick Wall Stencil

 

Authentique 6x6 Essentials Collection Cardstock

 

Caribbean Blue Flat Fabio Spray

 

Pink Ladies Pink Flat Fabio Spray

 

Pineapple Passion Flat Fabio Spray

 

Ramblin' Rose Pink Starburst Spray

 

Angel Wings Gold Embossing Powder

 

Our Princess Flair Set

 

Layered Stars

 

Star Confetti

 

Ok, that's it for for me today!!  Thanks so much for stoppin' by.

 

xx,

 

 

I'm linkin' this project up with UmWowStudio and Authentique Paper's Throwback Thursday November Challenge.

Mad Hatter Hop And A *Super* Mini Album.

Hello, Everyone!!

 

If this is your first time visiting me, welcome to my little corner of the world :-) 

 

If you're a regular reader, have I got some goodness for you!!

 

Today is the day.

 

The day the Lindy's Stamp Gang designers HOP.

 

Yep!  Today, we hop to showcase the amazingly lovely new Lindy's collection---

 

 

This collection features sprays, glitters, embossing powders, micas---YOU NAME IT!!

 

And I love it.

 

So, today WE HOP!!

 

YOU SHOULD HAVE COME TO MY BLOG VIA LYNNE'S BLOG.  If not, you should hop back to Helen's blog at the beginning, so you don't miss a thing!!

 

Here's a little project I've whipped up with this fun collection of color-y goodness...

 

 

This mini album is a project that's been brewing in my noggin' for a bit now.

 

My Joshua has always had a love of capes.

 

It's one of my favorite stories to tell!  I could never keep a pillow case on his pillow because he just had to pull it off and wear it---in full-on, cape-tastic style.

 

It frustrated me to no end, but how do you get mad at a kid for being *Super*??

 

As I was perusing old my stash for photos of Josh in all his 'caped glory', I noticed a trend...

 

He's a fan of a disguise!!

 

I guess that's par for the course...

 

If you're a Super Hero in training.

 

This page is my fave :-)

 

I'm not sure if that's because it's a current photo, or if it's the fact that my teenage son still loves the idea of flying...

 Someday, I know he'll figure it out!!

 

Or maybe it's all that Lindy's shine!!

 

And that's the whole shebang!  I'm so glad it's finally out of my head and onto paper. 

 

And Josh LOVED IT :-)

 

Here's a list of all the Mad Hatter products I've used:

Tea Pot Purple Starburst Spray

Tweedle Dee Denim Flat Fabio Spray, sportin' the Old Hairy dauber top

Curiouser Chartreuse Flat Fabio Spray, sportin' the Old Hairy dauber top

Down The Rabbit Hole Starburst Spray

Queen Of Hearts Red Flat Fabio Spray, sportin' the Old Hairy dauber top

Silver Moon Mistletoe Embossing Powder (So SPARKLY!  So SHIMMERY!)

I'm Late, I'm Late Slate Glitter

Queen Of Hearts Red Glitter 

Curiouser Chartreuse Glitter (Magically DELICIOUS!!)

 

 Ok, guys!!  That's it for my project!

 

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

Now, off you go to Cindy's blog :-)

 

xx,

 

CLICK.

Hello, Everyone!!  Today, I have a fun project to share---aaaand it all started with a challenge...A self-imposed challenge.

Yep---I TOTALLY threw down the gauntlet!! 

 

The Challenge:  Create something fabulous using the paper currently taking up residence in your scrap bin.

 

Ok, I won't let you think that I've got a mountain of paper scraps taking over my scrappy spot.  Honestly, I'm pretty good about only buying what I can and will use in a reasonable amount of time.  But, I do have a hard time throwing away good junk!!

 

So, in the interest of assuaging my inner thrift monster, I set out with scraps in hand to create one rockin' project that would use up those bits of leftover scrappy gold :-)

 

Here's what I came up with...

 

Since I rarely have enough time in the day to scrap all of my favorite photos, this fun little 4 by 6 inch, camera-shaped mini album is the PERFECT way to display photos from this year.  It's my answer to a full-fledged 'scrap-your-whole-year’ album.  Just print ‘em off and stick ‘em in!

 

 

Here's a few tips to help you pull those misfit papers together and make the wide range of colors and patterns you're bound to find in your scrap bin work for you... 

 

Tip #1 -- Use a color wash!!

 

A simple wash of color gives you a fresh start and will go far in making contrasting colors play nicely together.  Whether you use watered down paint or your favorite spray, you'll be amazed at how different printed papers react to your wash of choice. 

 

I've used a few of Lindy's Stamp Gang Flat Fabios (my fave!) in Danny Zuko's Denim and Caribbean Blue.

 

Tip #2 -- Add LOTS of texture!

 

Stencil, stitch, splat, stamp, doodle, embellish---YOU NAME IT!!  The more layers of love you pile onto your 'new' paper, the more it's gonna look like the crazy mix of pattern you've achieved was on purpose. 

 

I've used my sewing machine, a bit of doodling, dripped and splatted paint, the Lindy's Stamp Gang stamps Kidz Kapz Gang, some chippies from UmWowStudio, and Gauche Alchemy punchinella to stencil and embellish as well as bits and pieces of a few of their infamous mixed media color kits.

 

Now, that's how you texture, my friend.  

 

If you wanna see this project come together, check out my process video HERE.

 

Ok, Friends, that is THAT!!  Are you down??  How about a little kick in the pants to get you going ;-) 

 

Hop on over to Lindy's Stamp Gang and join in on their very first Color Inspiration Challenge...

 

 

...and stop by Gauche Alchemy to check out the festivities as the Alchemists join forces with  UmWowStudio for the week to inspire and give stuff away!!  Ya just can't beat that with a stick!

 

If you're a fan of Lindy's Stamp Gang like me, throw your hat in the ring for the current DT call they are running the rest of this month.  Find the deets HERE.

 

See ya THERE!!

 

xx,

 

Cold.

Hello!!  I hope you've had a lazy, Saturday morning :-) 

 

Personally, I'm snuggled in bed with my big blanket, window open listening to the rain outside.  It's lovely!!  We get so few of those here in the AZ, that I plan to take full advantage of every last drop.

 

Actually, this time of year in AZ is usually perfect, although a few weeks ago, it was downright chilly!  I've come to realize that when I say I'm a winter girl, what this actually means is that I like the weather to hover somewhere around the 70 degree mark.  Nice and cool---just enough to make it bearable to wear my long-sleeved shirts and cute little jackets.  So, when the weather dips down into the 30 degree mark or below?  BRRRRR!!! 

 

Props to those who live in the powdery cold!!  And Snuggies.  And extra sock---LOTS of extra socks!!



 

Buuut, I digress.  This latest cold snap got me thinkin' about some of my very own wintery photos, and after diggin' through the vault, I came up with Tahoe.

 

This particular trip was so very hard!  It was long and filled with scary stuff.  Stuff that I would rather bury, to be honest.  It left me feeling cold---and not just in the wintery sense of the word!  Which is kinda why I thought I should scrap 'em.  Scrap Therapy those big bad's away so that I can appreciate the beauty of the actual snapshots themselves...

 

Enter the shadow box.  This is the first phase of my plan to mold these photos into something that makes me smile :-)  It's totally nestled into the back of a nice thick book!  I'm seriously lovin' this little altered book so far.

 

 

This photo is probably my fave from that trip :-)  Notice my oldest son standing on the base of the bear's platform.  Yeah---totally about to climb it.  And then there's the look on my youngest son's face.  Apparently, this is the face you make when you've been eaten by the bear you're mom posed you in front of for a quick snapshot.  And finally, my baby girl is so bundled, that her arms are sticking straight out to the sides! 

 

Yep.  Phase one is complete and a total success :-)  If you wanna cut and paint up a book of your very own, check out the tutorial I've created for Gauche Alchemy HERE.

 

Catch ya on the flip side!

 

xx,