PAPER GIRLS CHALLENGE BLOG: Challenge #170 - Now & Then

Today's challenge is to compare two different things. I chose to compare snowstorms five years apart. Snow is pretty rare in the Pacific Northwest, so it's kind of fun to look at the two very different snowstorms. 2014 was pretty tame, as it dumped between 12-14 inches at our house in the span of just a few days.

I used my Lindsey kit from Felicity Jane. I loved being able to use all of the great Valentine's style for a non-lovey project. I used a few Silhouette Online Store cut files (#104197-Felicity Jane, #220866-Paige Evans). The only thing that wasn't from the Lindsey kit from Felicity Jane was a single Thicker from YEARS ago. 

Supplies Used: Lindsey kit (Felicity Jane), Silhouette Online Store (#104197-Felicity Jane, #220866-Paige Evans), Thickers 

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AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Frosty Winter Projects

Sometimes a paper collection is so easy to use, that I can create an entire set of cards or projects easily with it. Frosty Winter for me was this collection. Once I started using the fantastic violets and blues, I was hooked. 

  

I started with a fun layout. I really wanted something simpler than complicated. The patterns were just too gorgeous to add anything else. I wanted each to shine on their own, so used primarily straight cuts and layers, instead of more complicated shapes. A black and white photo kept from competing with the amazing violets and blues.

 To make the patterns stand out from one another, I used vellum between some of the layers, and as the snowflakes around the image.

 

 My favorite part of this collection is easy the tiny sentiment stickers that come on the Details sticker sheet. I just loved adding those throughout the layout.

 The tab stickers are also amazing. I loved adding all of the tiny snowflakes to this fun layout. Once the layout was complete, I could stop myself from creating MANY cards with all of the leftover bits and pieces of Frosty Winter.

I started with this adorable printable from Jessica Feig. I had to color him to match the colors of Frosty Winter. I cannot wait to send him to someone just for a smile.

An embossing folder, some scraps, and a little Glossy Accents made this snowglobe card sparkle.

Mirroring the snowflake sentiment on the Details Sticker with a stitched snowflake and embossing folder elevates this tone-on-tone beauty. 

A really simple trick to tone down the colors or patterns of a patterned paper is to place it under some vellum. The vellum is still translucent. so the snowflakes just peek through.

A deep impression, a little twine, and some beautiful sentiments make this an easy card to share.

Thank you for looking. I hope that you found some inspiration to get your Frosty Winter projects started.

Authentique Supplies: Frosty Winter Collection Kit, 12x12 papers, Details Stickers Sheet

Other Supplies: Jessica Feig "Cuties" printables, steel dies (Lawn Fawn Stitched Snowflakes, Avery Elle Sweet Scallops) vellum, Neenah Solar White cardstock, embossing folders (snowflakes, woodgrain, snowfall), wood veneer stars, twine (The Twinery lilac baker's twine), Glossy Accents

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June 2016 Projects From the June Gossamer Blue Main Kit

I had to wait a few days to break into my June Main Kit from Gossamer Blue. Summer just started, and we are already having a blast at a our house. The girls and I crafted quite a bit today, and here is what I ended up with!

I loved this Pinkfresh paper. It went perfect with this lovely black and white photograph of the wonderful spot in the painting studio of my alma mater. The flair is from my stash, and the sequins are from an older GB Life Pages kit.

This photo sums up my littlest to a tee. She's funny, she's silly, and she's all mine. I added a little bit of black cardstock and a print and cut file by Simple Stories.

We have spent much of our Spring at some lovely T-Ball games. My little player is fierce, bold, and such a good team player.

I think I craft about this little monster every time I have a set of projects. The past month or so, he has put us through the ringer. A few issues and a few visits to the vet. Thank goodness that's over now. I love all of the pops of black, and the enamel dots.

And of course a few cards. I snagged an older GB Life Pages card, using some Glossy Accents on the balloons for a great birthday card. The other two use another print and cut, this one by Amy Tangerine.

I think I will try to figure out how many extra cards I can make with the little bits and pieces that are leftover from the June Main Kit. I'm guessing about eight more :)

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AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: 4th of July Fun with the Freedom Collection

I'm going to Throwback Thursday on this fun post from last year using the fantastic Freedom Collection by Authentique! The cut files are all from the Silhouette Online Store, and the "Fireworks" flair is from Panda Eight Designs.

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Playing with Whatever is Lovely

I have been in love with all of the Illustrated Faith products that have come out this last year. When Bella Blvd. came out with their "Whatever is Lovely" line, I snapped it up when I was able. Philippians 4:8 holds a special place in my heart, as it was the verse that I shared when my two babies were baptized. I wanted to pair the sweet black and white photo with the bright, bold patterns.

Once I put everything together, I had to take the Illustrated Faith Precision Pen and trace all of the beautifully patterned paper. The lovely alpha looks like it's handcut, which is just too fun.

With a few of the sentiment pieces from the 3x4s paper, I created a cute little card. I added a few more pieces of sentiment by snagging a couple of stickers from my Genesis kit, using some dimensional adhesive to stick them on. 

Supplies: 
Bella Blvd. / Illustrated Faith [Genesis Collection - Point It, Love It, Say It (Black & White), Wordfetti (White), .35 Precision Pen, Word Art washi], [Whatever is Lovely - Praiseworthy, Noble, Admirable, Lovely, 3x4s, Art Prints, Treaures & Text], Twinery twine [Pink Sorbet], enamel dots

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GOSSAMER BLUE: Delight in the Details Class and Class Kit!!!!

I am SUPER excited to share with you that I was asked earlier this summer to help contribute for a Gossamer Blue class. The fabulous Jill Keller put together this course, and chose all of the contributors: Monika Wright, Emily Spahn, Sabrina Alery and ME! It's called Delight in the Details.

From Gossamer Blue: Delight in the Details: a class focused on taking your layouts from good to gorgeous! Learn to layer and embellish while focusing on techniques for enhancing page backgrounds, clustering embellishments, creating dimension and all of the little things that will make your finished projects stand out and be noticed. Register now, as class begins September 28th!! And best part, if you register soon, you get a fantastic stamp set designed by One Little Bird.

There's also a class kit! And seriously... This class kit is AMAZING! I really loved all of the details, the embellishments, the sequins (oh, the sequins!!)...

I couldn't resist snagging you a little sneak of one of my four (4!!) projects that I created using this kit. Let me know if you join the class! I'd love to see what you come up with.

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Cambridge (The T)

When I grabbed a few things from the last huge Paper Issues sale in July, I snagged a few of the Kelly Purkey Basic Grey papers. I really liked their city-gritty vibe, and knew that it would pair well with a few of my Boston/Cambridge photos from my recent trip back East.

I really wanted to use the camera "card" from the Lake View paper, and even used Glossy Accents to push the glass effect. I used a few more of the cards to add some pops of color and text, and then created a title using my new Lawn Fawn Finley's ABC dies that I also snagged on sale. The background paper is the Roscoe Village paper, which almost looks like the train tracks running under Boston. It was just too perfect.

Supplies Used: Basic Grey (Kelly Purkey-Second City line), Glossy Accents, Lawn Fawn Lawn Cuts (Finley's ABCs) Pin It

Turning Advertisements into Layouts

Often advertisements in print magazines have some amazing graphic design work. This layout was actually inspired by a Behr Marquee paint advertisement.

I really loved that graphic painted wall, and had just purchased a few pieces of Crate Paper (Schedule, 3x5) and a few other items during a fantastic Paper Issues sale. I chose the triangular shaped papers to mimic the painted wall, and the gray chevron striped paper to mimic the flooring. The couch became the photograph, and the enamel dots and tags were inspired by the paint cans and the chandelier.

To make this inspiration a scrapbook layout, I created this sketch.

Supplies Used: Crate Paper patterned papers, enamel dots (My Mind's Eye & Freckled Fawn), Amy Tangerine Alphas, Martha Stewart Punch

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Just a Fun Layout

Just a fun layout showcasing some Maya Road products and some Fancy Pants papers. With a little Elle's Studio thrown in.

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May Sketchy Saturday Sketch (Paper Issues)

I've been seriously loving sketches. This one I created in May for the Paper Issues Sketchy Saturday using the Webster's Pages Collection Strawberry Fields. I loved using all of the soft colors for this layout.

Isn't this sketch just so fun?!? I loved the layout, but of course made it mine by changing it all into a circular shape.

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Hello Fall

Sometimes the most perfect picture... Just happens. This one, was just a quick picture of the sun falling behind the trees on my way out of the door at school. Love it!

This layout uses my November Shop Your Stash Kit. I loved those little Maya Road cameras. Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Down by the Sea(side)

Happy Friday! If you haven't already checked out Authentique's newest line Seaside, then you really must! The colors are beautiful (I LOVE that pop of red against the aqua and blues!!), and the patterns work well for tropical (coral and shells!) and non-tropical oceany-type images. I cannot wait to grab a minute and scrap away some of those wonderful beachy memories we made last year.

This is a super fun card that I cut using my Silhouette and their online store. I added some Core'dinations cardstock to create the mermaid. I purchased this cut so long ago, but was waiting for the right paper to show up. The Seaside Collection was the right paper!

I could resist creating a quick, fun layout using one of my favorite Seattle Instagram pictures! Those seagulls pop against the aquas. LOVE!

If you haven't checked out Seaside, check out this post on the Authentique Blog for some more pictures of the fun card. I even put together a really simple matching envelope! The link also has a complete product list.

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Let's Do This (October Shop Your Stash Kit)

Some layouts are just too darn fun to not create. This one used the October Shop Your Stash kit that I had made, plus a fun sheet of Teresa Collins paper (no clue what line... I looked, but couldn't find it). I couldn't resist adding it to my layout.

I mean, if you HAVE to get older and get glasses, you might as well scrap about it, right?!?!?

PS... I'm hitting 400 posts (WHAT?!?!?!) on Friday. Check back in for a Giveaway! I'm going to celebrate! Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Hello Spring! Easter Treasures with Authentique Paper & Petaloo!

On the Authentique Blog I am sharing this wonderfully Spring-filled layout featuring the Treasure Collection and Petaloo Products. Check out this week, as there are a ton of prizes to be had!

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Sunday Prepping! (ScrapbookSteals Sketch)

While the subject of this layout isn't exciting, or interesting, or even beautiful, it's what happens on a weekly basis. I try to keep organized. It's the thought that counts, right? I simplified this layout, layering all of the extra patterns, and made sure to pull colors that were located in the set of my favorite markers. All of the paper and embellishments are from my October Shop Your Stash kit that I created. 

I totally changed this sketch up, but I'm really pleased with the results. The sketch is the Gardenia #7 from ScrapbookSteals.com.

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Hooray For Sweaters, Boots & Pumpkins

There are some things that make me smile. My warm boots on a crisp fall day is one of these things. I really loved this Instagram picture of my Uggs and a couple of pumpkins that we carved for Halloween. I really loved how the orange pops against the grey of my house steps. I started with this wonderful stitched heart in the Silhouette Online Store. I stretched out the heart so that it would span the entire 12x12 space, and used a ton of bright and fabulous patterns paired with a simplistic background.

The wonderful title is actually the Happy Harvest Printable from Life Love Paper I also added a few alphas for some extra pop, and pulled in the orange in a wonderful triangle of interest. LOVE! Pin It

It Hurts... Photographing and Scrapbooking Unhappy Events

How do you photograph a situation that you really don't want to? Photograph a beautiful detail. One small, probably insignificant element that can sum up the entire story without oversharing. I really feel that this photo, with the journaling does just that. Papers and elements are from my October Shop Your Stash kit.

I altered the PageMaps November 2014 sketch HERE and changed up a few things. I really wanted to focus on the one photograph, print the journaling with my Silhouette, and then really play with a few Silhouette cuts.

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Return to Bloggerland...

I'll admit, I've been a horrible blogger. I haven't shared much since the year started. Sorry! Life has gotten in the way. I actually have been creating, but have been doing so in kind of a vacuum.  I just haven't been sharing. So, I've actually snapped pics of the ten (so far!) layouts that I have created since last November/December... And I'm going to share them about three or four a week. Once they are all shared, I'm going to go through my stash and do a giveaway. Just for fun. So, here's my return to sharing once again. For this first project, I used my November Shop Your Stash Kit (list of contents on the original post).

This was actually a really great sketch by my friend Brenda Smith for ScrapbookSteals' Mid-Week Mojo's. She's pretty fantastic. You should really check her out. I kind of love this picture. It's my classroom on the last day of school. I had actually vowed not to return until September started... And for once in my life, actually kept that vow. I really needed summer. So did my girls. Here's the sketch if you'd like. Enjoy!

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#NBCT Bound (AND I PASSED!!)

I've had this layout completed for the longest time. And just like the National Board for Teaching process, it sat. Waiting to be scored. Ready to be complete. Seriously, the endless hours, the countless moments poring over the same video, are all worth it once you see the words "Congratulations! You are a National Board Certified Teacher!"

I'm still reeling on this one.

Products: American Crafts (paper & alpha), Sassafras Lass (papers, flowers, alphas), Neat & Tangled (sequins), Tim Holtz Distress paint, ink Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE: A "Spirited" Two-Page Layout with Kiwi Lane Designs

Today I have a great two-page layout using Authentique's Spirited Collection and Kiwi Lane Templates. In this layout, I wanted to showcase quite a few photos from last year's pumpkin patch visit.

I started with two sheets of Twisted, then layered Oblique and Labyrinth papers that were cut using the Scallops Templates and Paisley Place Templates from Kiwi Lane. I then added large sections of both Conjure and Ominous as my photo "mats".

I then cut a cute bracket using Caution and the Kiwi Lane Tiny Bracket Templates.

Those pumpkins are actually balloons! I flipped the Kiwi Lane Tiny Celebrate Templates upside down, and then added a die cut stem. to make them more "pumpkin-y". Some of the pieces are popped up using some black craft foam and my Xyron 1.5" sticker maker. I love using foam that matches the colors I'm using in my layouts so that it doesn't stand out.

Then I added a lot of details using Authentique's Details 12x12 cardstock sticker, Components 6x12 paper die cut, Petite Diction mini word sticker, and the Stamp Blocks 4x12 paper die cuts. I also scattered a bunch of die cut sequins and stars around the layout.

I love how each page both works together, but can also work separately as well. The Kiwi Lane Templates make it easy to pull together.

Hope you have a few more ideas on how to make your own fun layouts using Authentique and Kiwi Lane.

 

Supplies Used:

Authentique's Spirited Collection: Labyrinth, Ominous, Twisted, Caution, Dancette, Conjure, Oblique, Foundation One distressed solid, Details 12x12 cardstock sticker, Components 6x12 paper die cut, Petite Diction mini word sticker, Stamp Blocks 4x12 paper die cuts, 6x6 Bundle

Kiwi Lane Templates: Kiwi Lane Scallops Templates, Kiwi Lane Paisley Place Templates, Kiwi Lane Tiny Bracket Templates, Kiwi Lane Tiny Celebrate Templates

Other Supplies: Distress Ink (Black Soot), Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker, Xyron Mega Runner, Xyron Double-Sided High Tack 1/2" Tape, craft foam, Spellbinders Orchard Harvest Tags & Accents (pumpkin leaves), Mama Elephant Creative Cuts (Confetti), Prima Collection (Flower), ZIG Wink of Stella pen

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