Dance Layout- Sketches in Thyme

 Hello, I have a new layout to share! It is another dance layout for my daughter's album. I started with this sketch from Sketches in Thyme:

My second photo was a little larger and landscape, but I made it work with the sketch. Since the costumes in these photos are white, I was able to play with color a bit. I found the strip I used across the top and worked from there, finding some coordinating papers. I used my Cricut to cut the title and layered flowers. I found some spray inks in coordinating colors and splattered those over my background. To give the layered flowers some depth, I edged them with purple ink. I used the same ink and lightly rubbed it over the large white flowers to highlight the raised areas. I used some printed vellum as another layer for both of my clusters, leaving it as a large strip for the lower cluster and trimming it into a leaf for the upper one. I stamped and heat embossed the journaling spot. To finish off the layout, I used sequins for flower centers, found a couple more premade flowers and added some thread behind some of the flowers.

Dance Layouts Using Sketches

Hello! I have two new layouts I created this weekend using my daughter's dance photos. For my first layout, I used the November single page sketch from Stick It Down:

I started with a watercolor background paper and used the big corner scroll stamps to add some interest. I then used a couple of coordinating patterned papers to create some strips underneath the photo. I cut the title with my Cricut. To embellish the page, I used some die cut flowers and silver Nuvo Drops.

Next I scraplifted this fun layout from Paper Issues:

I love the distressed wedges of the circle, so I started by finding some patterned papers to create them. I then cut a half circle and folded it in half and then in half again to use as a template. I traced the template onto the papers and cut out the wedges. I used a distressing tool to rough up the edges and curled them up a bit by hand. I used my Cricut to cut some of the stars and punches to cut the other from the same papers. I also used the Cricut to draw and cut the letters. I then went to work layering the stars, popping some up with foam adhesive. I finished things off with sequins.

 

Christmas Layouts

Hello! I am sharing my last three layouts from the scrapbook retreat last weekend. I used papers from the Simple Stories Christmas warehouse box (from two years ago) for all of these layouts. 

First up is this layout for my second oldest. I started by finding a full sheet of patterned paper that I could run across both of my pages to draw them together. Then I found a few other sheets of patterned paper to add the other sections. I cut the title with my Cricut. I initially put it directly onto the patterned paper, but found it got a little lost, so I found some vellum to make it stand out a bit more. I embellished the page with die cuts, chipboard, metal rimmed enamel dots and sequins. I added my journaling to a tag and stapled a scrap of ric rac to the top.

My next layout was a page kit, so the patterns were all printed already on the background and there were directions on how to assemble the page, so this design is not mine. I did change a few things up, like the sizes of the photos in the large block and a few of the embellishments. This kit made this layout come together very quickly though!

I mentiong the sketch booklets by Creative Memories yesterday, and this layout was inspired by one of those sketches. This design is great for 6x6  or 6x8 (which is what I used) paper pads. I added brads to the top of the photos and cards across the top of the layout. I found a cute chipboard frame to go around the horizontal photo of my kids on the bottom. For the title, I used a die cut and a foam word sticker. I used some border punches to go across the center of the page. I embellished the page with some die cuts, stickers, and metal rimmed enamel embellishments. 

That wraps up the layouts from my scrapbook weekend. I was very happy to get so much accomplished and it was fun to scrapbook again after not having time for the last several months!

 

Two Layouts, One Design

Hello! I have a couple more layouts to share. Creative Memories has sketch booklets with several sketches and different levels of embellishment. I used a few of those sketches for layouts I created last weekend at the crop. These two layouts were inspired by one of those sketches.

I started by finding some coordinating patterned papers and punched the top edges and layered them up. I used a thin strip of patterned paper across the bottom of the page and then used a photo and a journaling card for the middle section. I had all of that adhered down when I decided I wanted to use my Cricut and a pen for the title, so I stuck the whole layout on the cutting mat and made sure the line up my drawing exactly. The Cricut did the outline and then I colored the letters and the outline of the banner in by hand. I stamped my daughters' friend's name in coordinating ink to finish off the title. At that point, I decided I needed something over the seam between the middle section and bottom patterned paper, so I punched the party had border. To embellish the page, I used some washi tape, stickers, and flair.

 Since I had the same photos for my other daughter's book, I made both of these layouts a once, just mixing up a few details.

Birthday Layouts

Hello! Today I'm sharing several birthday layouts I made for my girls. 

First up are the layouts I made of their birthday party (their birthdays are 6 weeks apart so we frequently celebrate them with family at the same time). This layout is very photo heavy, so, I just addes some patterned paper, a tag with the journaling, a cute die cut and and larger title at the bottom. The letters of the title I cut 3 times with my Cricut and layered them for dimension. For some added dimension on the stars, I used some light pink Nuvo Drops. A few enamel dots and a metal rimmed sticker finish off this layout.

I recieved a border "kit" at the crop last weekend, and I used it on this layout across the center. There were lots of Creative Memories border punches available, so I used a couple of those here. I cut the title with my Cricut. I matted the large star sticker and then layered the snowflake sticker over the top. I used the rest of the stickers as embellishments around my page. A few frosty colored sequins completed this layout.

Next up is a layout from my daughter's actual birthday. I used this sketch from Sketches In Thyme:

I started with a sheet of cardstock that had resist polka dots on it. I rubbed a Distress ink pad over the background. The ink pad is a little dry, so I spritzed the ink with a little water to help it blend a bit. I then layered some patterned papers over the background, matted my photos and stuck that all down. I cut the title and snowflake on my Cricut. I embellished the page with some die cuts, stickers and sequins.

My final layout also used a sketch from Sketches In Thyme:

My photos are much bigger than the ones in the sketch, but I made them work. I started by cutting the solid triangles of patterned paper. I then cut the triangle outlines with my Cricut, along with the title. I embellished the page with some stickers. I filled in the letters of "Birthday" with Liquid Pearls to make them stand out more and finished off the crown with some clear gems.

 

Hello Autumn

Hello! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I have a fall page to share today! I was inspired by the colors and fall images on this mood board from Paper Issues:

I also used this sketch from Scrap a Sketch:

This paper collection had the right colors and brought out some of the colors of the photos, so I went to work. First, I cut the triangles of patterned paper and adhered them to the background. I then arraged some patterned paper scraps as the mat to my photo collage. I wrote my journaling on a journaling card and tucked that behind my photos. To embellish the page I fussy cut the leaves and pumpkins from the cut aparts in the P13 Autumn Collection. I used a sticker from another collection for the title and matted it on coordinating patterned paper, adhering it with foam tape for dimension. I finished off the layout with a scattering of Dirty Bronze Nuvo Drops.

 

Outdoor Fun

Hello, I am back with a couple more layouts to share. The first one is a scraplift of this layout from Paper Issues:

I loved the stitching and fringes on the inspiration layout, but I didn't have my sewing machine with me and I wasn't going to cut the fringes with a regular scissors. I decided to tear strips of paper to give the distressed edge and layer up the strips. (FYI- 12 x12 paper set at an angle does not reach all the way across the page, so I cut each strip in half and covered the gap with my photos.) I found the words cut file when I was working on the layout below, but didn't end up using it on that one. I thought it worked well on this one so I cut it and glued it down the left side of my layout. I used some stickers, chipboard pieces and puffy stickers to complete the embellishment cluster. 

For my second layout, I started with the greenery patterned paper. I wanted some sort of pattern on the bottom of my layout, so I used a mask and ink to create the polka dots. I then used some punches to create the strips across the middle of the layout. I used my Cricut to cut the flowers on the top left and the title on the bottom right using coordinating cardstock and patterned paper. One of my strips of patterned paper wasn't quite long enough, so I cut the sun to cover the gap on the left end of my layout. For embellishment, I used some stickers from the collection and some sequins.

 

December Calendar Page

Welcome back! Today I am sharing my December calendar page. As usual, I started with the two page sketch from Stick It Down:

I busted out some of the supplies I received in a Christmas Warehouse box from Simple Stories two years ago. I hadn't used the stamps in the enclosed stamp set, so I decided to use the poinsettia stamp for the border around my page. I just alternated colors and rotated the stamp for each flower to keep it interesting. I divided the photo spots to display multiple photos. I added 4x6 mats behind the photos and just angled them so they peeked out from behind the photos. I used journaling strips and used the Cricut to cut out "December." The words "holly & jolly" were from a foam word sticker set. I then dug through the embellishment and layered them up in a couple of clusters. To finish things off, I added some large gold sequins.

 

Soccer Layouts

Hello! I went on a scrapbooking retreat this past weekend and got 20 pages done, so I will have lots to share over the next several days! First up, I made a layout inspired by this sketch from  Rochelle Spears:

I also incorporated Scrap With Stacy's Tic Tac Toe challenge:

I used the right column. I only used two photos, but since one of my photos was bigger, it still worked well with this sketch. I then found some fun patterned papers to go with the photos. I fussy cut the soccer balls from patterned paper and attached some directly to the background and some I adhered to some felt wedge stickers for some dimension. I used my Cricut to cut the word "Soccer" and some of the stars (a punch was used for the smaller stars. I found a journaling card in a coordinating color and added some info. To finish the title, I used some letter stickers. For added embellishment, I used some rub ons, enamel flair pieces, enamel letter stickers, puffy stickers, and silver brads.

I used the same papers and embellishments in a coordinating design for the facing page. I put my Cricut to work again to make the pennant. 

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to come back tomorrow to see more!

Cards and Challenges

Hello! I have a few cards to share from the last couple of months that were inspired by challenges.

First up, I was inspired by this sketch from Sketch Saturday:

I started by dry embossing a piece of whitewash Core-dinations cardstock and sanding the raised areas. I then layered a piece of patterned paper over it and found matching ink to ink the edges. For the tag, I used different blue Distress and Distress Oxide inks and used the smooshing technique, drying between colors. The sentiment and picture were cut from patterned paper and attached to the tag. I stapled a piece of blue ric rac to the top of the tag. To finish off the card, I added a puffy star sticker and some clear star sequins.

My next card was inspired by this sketch from Stick It Down:

I found a sheet of patterned paper that had been in my stash a long time. It had green leaves spread out over it. I ended up getting out my leaf stamps in a similar style and adding more leaves to the paper in different colors. Then I cut it into pieces and used it on my card front. I layered it over wood grain patterned paper. I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment and added some ink splatters to finish off the card.

Finally, I have a card inspired by this color challenge:

I used a set of masks and found inks that were close to the colors in the inspiration image to create the background. I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment on coordinating cardstock and drew stitches around the border of my card front. I used my Cricut to cut the cake. I used Nuvo drops for the flame and took a fine tip Sharpie to outlin the frosting to make it stand out a bit.

 

November Calendar Page

Hello! I am back with my November calendar page. I started with this sketch from Stick It Down:

I started by cutting leaves instead of hexagons for this fall page. I laid those out on my kraft cardstock background. Then I used my sewing machine to add some detail to the corners of my layout. I then laid out my photos. I went with 6- 4x6s and then divided those down further so I could include more photos. I typed and printed my journaling and cut it into strips which I added to my photos. I used chipboard letters and embellishments, along with a few pieces of washi tape to embellish the page. 

 

September Calendar Page

I was looking through my blog and I realized that I never posted my September calendar page! I used the Stick it Down double page sketch from August:

I adjusted this sketch to fit more photos as well- instead of just the one pair of photos on the left page, I added a second. For the background on the left hand page, I ink blended over a mask. Then I covered that and spraying with red ink. I added the circle around that with a yellow Distress Stain, which picked up some of the red, making in orange. I fussy cut a bunch of flowers from patterned paper, and cut circles from some solid water color patterned paper. I arranged those along the right edge of my layout and in a couple of clusters on the left hand page. I maded the "Polaroid" style frames by cutting mats larger than my photos. I hand wrote my journaling on white cardstock strips and the photo mats. The title was cut using the Cricut. I finished things off with some canvas flair and enamel dots.

 

October Calendar Page

Hello! I'm back today with my October calendar page! I started with the current double page sketch from Stick It Down:

I adjusted the photos a lot to work with the number of photos I had. I started by doing six smaller photos on the left page instead of 4 larger. I made the large photo on the right a square photo collage to maximize my photo space. I did the weaving for the background. This is a great design for scraps. There were several pieces that were not the full length that I cut and covered the gap with photos- this does require more concentration when it comes to the weaving. I cut the trees with my Cricut and added texture with colored pencils. I used my Cricut to cut the title as well. For my journaling, I found some coordinating brown strips of cardstock in my stash and hand wrote the captions. To finish things off, I added some chipboard and stickers.

 

Card Catch Up

Hello all! I have been so busy taking and editing photos that I haven't had a chance to post here in a while! I have a bunch of cards to share.

First up is a birthday card for my sister-in-law. I was inspired by the current challenge from The Card Concept:

I really liked the ring of flowers and the hat. I used kraft cardstock to emulate the hat. I stamped my flowers in a curve on my card front. To make the colors more vibrant, I stamped the first layer with white pigment ink and then stamped over the top of that. I used a couple of flower layering stamp sets. To give the effect that the flowers were overlapping each other, I used masks to cover the flowers I stamped first. I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment. At that point I felt the background needed some texture, so I took a background stamp and stamped it with Versamark over everything. I then blended some brown ink on the the edges. I then sprayed the whole thing with Perfect Pearls mixed with water and added a few splatters. Finally, I added some gold splatters as well.

Next is a card I made last month for one of my nephews. I started with a preprinted watercolor background. I stamped and watercolored the fish on white cardstock. I tore around each image and rubbed blue ink over the to torn edges. I then added sparkly dimensional paint over the dots on the the pieces on the fish and seahorse and brown Nuvo dots for the starfish to emulate sand. I attached the fish with regular adhesive and foam adhesive, stamped the sentiment, and added a scattering of sequins.

My next card used the current Stick It Down card sketch: 

I started with the craft cardstock and stamped and heat embossed the image and sentiment on it. I colored the image with colored pencils. I layered the panel over two strips of patterned paper ( a little tip if you have a long strip of paper instead of a wide piece). I cut the circles from patterned paper. I wanted to add some texture by pressing them in Versamark and sprinkling and heating clear embossing powder multiple times.

For my next card, I used the last Sketch Saturday sketch: 

I started with a preprinted watercolor background and used a mask to ink blend the circles, making a ombre across the panel. I used a corner rounder for the corners and then cut the panel, placing the pieces on the front of my card base. I used my Cricut to cut the sentiment and cut a thin strip of silver cardstock to run across the bottom of the card. I finished things off with some sequins.

Finally, I have an anniversary card. I bought a set of masks to create the flowers a while ago. I had blended them on a card front just to try them and then it sat until I needed a card. I stamped the word "Anniversary" using a coordinating ink color and cut the word "happy" with my Cricut. I added some sparkly ink splatters for some texture. My whole design was off centered, so I added the twine to make it look intentional.

 Whew! I will be sharing my October calendar page tomorrow and then I will probably MIA for a while again. I have a busy month coming up!

Recent Cards

Hello! I have several cards to share today. No challenges, just creating and playing with products.

First up is a birthday card for one of my nephews. I used a cut from my Cricut to make the boy. I used a number sticker to add his age to the flag. For the background, I used a new background stamp. I stamped the background in black and then added various blue ink splatters. I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment in a matching blue color.

Next is a card I made for our Goddaughter. She plays hockey and was recently in a community production of "Sponge Bob Square Pants: The Musical." I used both of these activities as inspiration for my card. The background paper is from a watercolor background pad that I recently purchased. I cut the hockey player and flowers using my Cricut. I adhered the flowers directly on the background and the hockey player with foam adhesive. I stamped the sentiment directly on the background.

Next is a card for my nephew who turns 16 today. I used a scrap from the background I created for the first card and a piece of the watercolor patterned paper from the pad. I cut the key and tag with my Cricut. I also used the Cricut to cut and write on the insert for th tag. I pressed the key onto my Versamark inkpad and then heated silver embossing powder in three layers. I used silver Nuvo drops to add dimension to the ring. I finished off the card with some sequins.

My last card is for my nephew who turned 10. For this card, I started by cutting the balloons from three different sheets of the watercolor patterned paper. For the background, I used a piece of kraft cardstock, ran in through an embossing folder and then rubbed a Distress Oxide inkpad over the raised areas to make them stand out. I edged the balloons with coordinating ink. I adhered the blue and red balloons directly to the card front and used foam adhesive for the green to add dimension. I used some colorful twine for the strings of the balloons. To finish off the card, I stamped, heat embossed and fussy cut the sentiment banner.