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: "Infused" Pocket Letters

Make sure that you go over to the Authentique Paper blog and check out my versions (three in total!!) of Pocket Letters! I'll give you a couple of sneak peeks of my Pocket Letter that uses the fantastic newer line, Infused. I love the tea and sweets concept. It's just a perfect pair for the tea that I am sending to my lovely Pocket Letter pal!

Isn't that sticker just so perfect for this!?!?!

And sequins.... Always sequins to share!! Come visit and see the rest! Pin It

Sketchy Saturdays with Paper Issues (June 6th Edition)

Now that I've found some scrapbooking mojo to actually sit down create (and blog the many things I did make...) I have grabbed some of the fun sketches to get some memories jotted down. This fun layout was inspired from Paper Issues' Sketchy Saturday. I started with some fun Crate Paper patterned paper and October Afternoon die cuts that I had purchased from PI the month before, adding in some enamel dots and sequins that I snagged a couple of weeks back.

The title is actually from a Pebbles 12x12 paper that has 12 3x4 cards with gold foil. LOVE! Anyway, here's the great sketch inspired from Sasha Farina for October Afternoon. Some of the additional die cuts are from the Gossamer Blue kit printables.

 I also created a fun card using the Paper Issues Card sketch. 

I love using up those fun Sassafras Lass papers whenever I can. I also added a few Elle's Studio pieces and some Studio Calico sequins.

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Shop Your Stash (kind of...) June 2015 Edition

This Shop Your Stash was mainly inspired by a little online shopping spree at Paper Issues. I was having a gloomy day... Partially caused by the end of the school year blues (i.e. grades, grading, kids not quite ready for summer) and the rest caused by some family health stuff. The rainbow items were probably my subconscious trying to brighten my mood. I added to the patterned paper, enamel dots, Thickers, sequins and doilies with a bunch of stuff from my stash. I tried to choose some bright colors that would look great with black & white pictures.

I even snuck in a stamp in this kit!

Paper Top Row L-R:
Lemon & Ginger (True Stories) – Shimelle for American Crafts

Weekend Wonders (365) – Chickaniddy Crafts

Swim Lessons (Poolside) – Crate Paper

Pink Dot Kraft (Baxter) – Studio Calico

You're Invited (Birthday Wishes Eat Cake Celebrate) – Pebbles

Paper Bottom Row L-R:

Green Tea (True Stories) – Shimelle for American Crafts

Pool Time (Poolside) – Crate Paper

Mocha (True Stories) – Shimelle for American Crafts

Citrus (Citrus Bliss) – Pink Paislee

Partial Pieces

cardstock from Core'dinations
various Crate Paper pieces

Cardstock
white – American Crafts

leaf green - American Crafts

dark aqua - American Crafts

navy- American Crafts

Embellishments:

Rainbow Prismatic Thickers (Fun in the Sun) - Pebbles

Mini Paper Doilies 48 piece Sampler Pack - Doodlebug

Enamel Dots (Fun in the Sun) - Pebbles
Surprise Me Sequins Pack - Paper Issues
Color My World Clear Stamps - Lawn Fawn
Tidbits (Woodland Park) - October Afternoon
Stickers - Freckled Fawn
Resin Bobby Pins (Flea Market) - Crate Paper
Tiny Tags (Penelope) - Elle's Studio
Buttons - American Crafts Pin It

Finally Back to Creating... (MWM Tulip #9)

I lost my mojo for awhile. I kept on creating. Kind of. But there have been a couple of things that have gotten in the way of being able to spend time in my studio. I think my family and I have found a new groove, and we are on the path of getting there. So, here is my ScrapbookSteals.com's Mid-Week Mojo Tulip #9 sketch layout.

I used a bunch of stuff that I got earlier last week or so from Paper Issues. Kind of love them when I'm in a "don't want things to be from the same kit" kinda mood. I'll blog later this week (I promise!) about the kit that I created from the PI Store and a couple of things from my stash. It was a total rainbow theme.

If you want to play along, make sure that you check out the ScrapbookSteals MWM links!! Pin It

Randall Hall... (How I Miss Thee)

September and October always remind me of going back to school. I know this sounds funny since I actually am a teacher, but I don't mean September 1st "going back to school"... I mean college. Leaving when the leaves are just starting to turn as you cross Snoqualmie Pass on your way to Central Washington University (GO WILDCATS!).

This last summer, we took the kiddos on a trip to Ellensburg and as I always do... I walked through Randall Hall just to reminisce. Room 117 was the room that I took most of my Art History courses in, and the top story includes the painting studios that I spent much of my time in college. It still smelled the same: a mix of oil paint, Gamsol and linseed oil. Seriously, some of my happiest memories are wrapped up in those smells. Hint, hint Scentsy!

Anyway... For this lovely layout, I had some inspiration, but I cannot figure out where from. Maybe the PageMaps 2 book? I'd totally give credit, but cannot for the life of me remember. I guess that's what I get for blogging something I made in August... Sigh. At least the My Mind's Eye Market Street papers are sure pretty... And I had to use some Heidi Swapp Gold Lame spray and random sequins. Pin It

Lawnscaping Challenge No. 88: Texture Anyone?

I really loved this challenge... I had made a similar card (Popping Up to Say Get Well Soon), but wanted to really change it up and incorporate the fun texture idea of this week's Lawnscaping Challenge No. 88: Texture Anyone?

I started by recreating the same folded card, that was then cut using the Stitched Party Banner Lawn Cuts. This time, I really wanted the banner holes cut, so didn't put anything between the two layers. I then inked up my Darice woodgrain embossing folder and then ran the card through my die cut machine. Stamped up the Fox from my LF Into the Woods set, and colored using Spectrum Noir pens. I fussy cut and then attached it to the stitched circle.

I then took some of the Into the Woods paper (Sycamore), and die cut the Scripty Hello Lawn Cut. I then used my Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker to attach it. I then sprinkled some Lawn Ornaments all over the card, and tied it together with twine.

See how running the ink pad over the embossing folder, then running the entire thing gave it some amazing texture and shine?!?!?! I cannot remember where I saw this technique, but I love it!! If I can remember where I found it... Probably Jennifer McGuire or Kristina Werner. I tend to watch their videos late at night before I fall asleep.

Supplies:
Lawn Fawn: Into the Woods Stamp set, paper and Lawn Ornaments, Lawn Cuts (Scripty Hello & Stitched Party Banners)
Other Supplies: Mohawk Via Vellum (kraft), AC cardstock, Neenah Solar White Cover, Spectrum Noir pens, Xyron 1.5" sticker maker & Adhesive Dots, ImagineCrafts Delicata Ink (Golden Glitz) Pin It

Happy Birthday from Authentique and Avery Elle!

Good afternoon! I just wanted to share with you a sweet birthday card that was up on the Authentique Blog last week. I didn't share it on the day it went live, so I'm sharing today!! I used the Avery Elle Cupcakes set and Authentique's Radiant Collection.
I'm especially proud of the fussy cutting! I'm not a huge fan of it, but I'm getting there... I just loved the Avery Elle Cupcakes set, as I am able to create SOOOO many combos for cupcakes! EEK! The sequins are a mix of random ones I have in my stash: Teresa Collins, Neat and Tangled, and some that are sewing sequins.

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Colorblock Thanks Card

Sometimes inspiration comes from many places. In the case of today's card, it came from a colorblock tank that I spotted in Target. I'd put a link, but I cannot find it online. Maybe I'll have to snag it soon... Anyway, this card was so easy, that I made four more!!

I started with a kraft base for the card, then layered blue and cream cardstocks. The "Thanks" sentiment is a fun Lawn Fawn die cut (Scripty Thanks) that I picked up at my local Artco Arts and Crafts store. I originally had them in the same kraft as the card base, but it needed something, so I used some of my ColorBox ink in Atlantic Blue to make them stand out from the cream cardstock. Lastly, I threw on some Studio Calico (Atlantic) sequins, because everything looks better with sequins. Pin It

AUTHENTIQUE PAPER: Authentique Paper & Pretty Pink Posh- Perfectly "Pretty" Shaker Cards

You know I LOVE sequins, and LOVE Authentique... So when asked to combine the two, of COURSE I had to have fun with them and make two shaker cards! Check them out on today's Authentique Blog Post with Pretty Pink Posh!!

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Shaker Card with Pretty Pink Posh!!!

 Okay... So this is a little about Pretty Pink Posh, and a little about my new Lawn Fawn. I couldn't resist trying my hand at a shaker card for the first time... LOTS! of learning curves to be had there. I'll go into that in just a moment. Paulina at Pretty Pink Posh is also having a fun blog hop with Shaker Cards, and I couldn't resist taking just a moment to join in the fun!

I used my Lawn Fawn Say Cheese die, along with the Hearts Lawn Cuts and some watercolored paper. The sentiment is from the Hello Friend Lawn Fawn sentiment set. To create the shaker, I layered some packaging from a box that I cut from the Say Cheese die, and used a piece of plastic from some embellisments.

I stamped the sentiment with Versamark and then embossed it with white embossing powder. To create the chalkboard effect, I used VersaMagic chalk ink. The sequins are all from Pretty Pink Posh in Marshmallow, Onyx and Pink Peonies. LOVE! I had to shake up the card and snap a pic. Couldn't resist! Thanks for looking!!

Supplies:

Pretty Pink Posh sequins, WRMK & Authentique papers, watercolor and watercolor paper, Lawn Fawn stamp and dies

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AUTHENTIQUE: Easy Peasy Easter Cards

Today I have a couple super quick cards using  Authentique's Promise Collection and the  Enhancements Cut Apart 12x12. Come see how truly easy peasy these gorgeous cards are today!

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Lawnscaping Winter Blog Hop!!!!!

Welcome to the Lawnscaping Winter Blog Hop!! I was SO excited to be ready and willing to share my love for Lawnscaping Challenges with you this morning. Some of you may know, that Lawn Fawn has become a new addiction to me. So have the Lawnscaping Challenges! Too often I don't get mine photographed in time, or life gets in the way to finish a thought, but this one I have been planning for a few weeks now and am SO excited to finally share it with you!

 

You should be coming here from Lenny. Her coloring is crazy-amazing!! I am super excited to see what she created this morning!! If you are just starting here, make sure that you head to the Lawnscaping Challenges Blog as there are a TON of prizes and sponsor information over there.  

Here is my project for the hop! I'm super excited about it. I chose to use two of my favorite stamp sets: Gnome Sweet Gnome and Into the Woods. I still cannot get over how cute that fox is, and had to "winterize" him for this card. I also had a blast playing with some of the Into the Woods papers and the Peace Joy Love Mixed Sequins.  

To start this card, I used a Silhouette cut that I altered to better suit what I was going to do with it. I cut off the side with the snowman. Then, I cut the front from Neenah Solar White paper, and the snowglobe itself from a sheet of Into the Woods paper. LOVE the woodgrain! The globe is actually packaging from a set of diecuts! Each of the sequins are stuck to the acetate using Xyron's 3/8" Adhesive Dots. They are perfect for sequins!! I also used my Xyron 9" Creative Station on both the snowglobe and the white and colored sections of the card. It made it SO much easier to piece all of the sections together. 

The background is a mix of Distress Inks in Tumbled Glass and Broken China, with a bit of Colorbox in Midnight. The snowbanks were cut using Kiwi Lane Templates in Paisley Place and a little bit of the Distress Ink makes them pop. The gnome, now Santa! and fox are both colored using Spectrum Noir markers. Although I did add a little bit of colored pencil on his face. The key was also colored using the markers.

I am SO glad that you were able to visit and hop along today!! Head on over to see the work by the amazing Christine Drogt now!!!

  
Supplies Used:
Lawn Fawn (Into the Woods stamps and paper, Gnome Sweet Gnome stamps, Peace Joy Love Mixed Sequins), Distress Inks (Broken China, Tumbled Glass), Spectrum Noir markers, Xyron Adhesive Dots, Xyron 9" Creative Station, Neenah coverstock (Solar White), Memento Ink (Tuxedo Black), American Crafts (dark kraft paper), Silhouette Cameo and Online Store, acetate Pin It

ScrapbookSteals My Mind's Eye Titles, Quotes & Die Cuts Mega Pack BLOG HOP!!! [Giveaway CLOSED]

Good Morning ScrapbookSteals Hoppers!! Heather here sharing with you my inspiration using the My Mind's Eye Titles, Quotes & Die Cuts Mega Pack from ScrapbookSteals.com. I hope that you got here from the fabulous Staci Jones, and if not... Make sure that you start at ScrapbookSteals' Blog to hit all of the stops along the way! There is a $20 Gift Card to ScrapbookSteals for one of the lucky hoppers!!

ScrapbookSteals

Kristina MacKeen

Charissa Miller 

Staci Jones 

Heather Conklin  (You're here!!)

Erin Shultz

I was so happy to spend time with my lovely ScrapbookSteals ladies last weekend, and really wanted to create some cards that I could just send to both the women that I was lucky to see, and those that were not able to make it this time. (If you get a card, just pretend you never saw it!)

The My Mind's Eye Titles, Quotes & Die Cuts Mega Pack was a bit of perfection, as I was able to start making easy cards for everyone by using the die cuts in the pack. If you are not a big layout person, or do not usually reach for your die cuts, you really need to. If it weren't for all those responsibilities, I would have busted out SO many more of these!

Aren't these just too much fun? Super easy too. Grab a 6x6, your My Mind's Eye Titles, Quotes & Die Cuts Mega Pack, your Mega Runner, and go for it!!

Make sure that you comment, I have a 6x6 pad of Christmas papers waiting upstairs for one lucky person!! 

Supplies Used: 
My Mind's Eye Titles, Quotes & Die Cuts Mega Pack, Coredinations Gemstones, MyMindsEye Twine, MyMind'sEye Life of the Party 6x6, Echo Park 6x6 Dots and Stripes, Signo white pen, Teresa Collins washi & sequins, Fancy Pants cork pieces, Xyron Mega Runner Pin It

My Project Life Basket: How I Organize My Weekly Scrapbooking Part 1

I figured out the cause of my lack of mojo. An unclean room (since tidied!) and the lingering thought that I haven't really started my summer of Project Life... I like the idea of capturing what goes on during the week, however during the school year it's just not feasible. Not because I cannot keep up, more because life is a lot more monotonous, scheduled, the same each week.

And since I have a studio to work in, I really cannot drag all of my stuff downstairs, or other places. So I created a PL basket. Just enough stuff to create at least a month's of pages without having to have anything additional. I also kind of enjoy not being attached to my Silhouette (blasphemy, I know!!) for everything. I could just go buy the kits, but that's no fun!! I have the page holders, but really just want to use my stash for the filler cards.

Here's my basket!! It seriously has everything I need! I already made a month's worth of pages. In 24 hours. Seriously! Even my cute Xyron 1½" Create-A-Sticker Machine!!

And the other side.

I have quite a few pre-cut 4x6 and 3x4 cards that I made a couple of Silhouette magazine holders for (4x6, 3x4). Include a 6x6 pad of cardstock, and at least one of patterned paper, or the leftovers of one of my Gossamer Blue kits... And the month is set.  

A handful of various letter sets, used up (almost) and brand new. All small and rather thin. This way, I can put them on pics, pages, etc.

Random assortment of enamel dots, flair, Elle's Studio pieces, etc. Anything small and fun.

A date stamp and some sequins. In those little bags that come with sweaters.

Scissors, a ruler, corner chomper, Signo pen, at least one color of journaling pen (but who's counting... I have six on the other side).

Small cutter and 8.5"x11" cutting board.

Mini stapler and a sketch pad.

And here's the beginning of my pages. I'll have to show more this week. I'm super excited to start getting somewhat caught up!!

Tomorrow, I am going to share my tricks for organizing my weeks and my photos. I have a few Apps that I LOVE that make this whole process SO much easier. Especially when I don't have a great photo printer in my house.

And just because... My newly organized buttons and brads! I took out all of the tiny ones... Love the color, NEVER used them.

Don't they look all pretty now?!?!?! Although, I realized I really need more yellow buttons. That one is looking a little lonely.

***Project Life is a system of memory keeping created by Becky Higgins.  You can learn more here***


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Two Summery Sketches (Paper Bakery & ScrapbookSteals)

I love sketches. I know I've said it before, but I do. They let me not overthink projects, which for me and Summer... Totally a good thing.

My first project is using the Paper Bakery Sketch Challenge #6. I used some of my Echo Park Everyday Eclectic products. I got the entire set last summer... And then never did much with it. My bad. Those darn new babies ;)  I really loved using it this summer, as the colors are just perfect with bright pictures.

I did snag a little bit of fun from the new Paper Bakery Sketch Challenge 7. DOODLES!! I loved how they were used on Juliana's version, so snagged the idea for myself. 

My second project for your enjoyment today is using Melodee's sketch over at ScrapbookSteals.com. I love this page. There is a second sketch for the entire two pager, but I used pics of Miss I's birthday with her friends. I'll save that for my own album.

It's not completely noticeable, but there is a hint of vellum underneath the photos. I just loved how subtle this was. I used one of the "life cards", and just blew it up as large as I could. Again though... The Cameo just doesn't like the vellum. I think I just need a stickier mat. Oh well... I'll restick it this week. And the Crate Paper The Pier from the June Gossamer Blue kit... Swoon!! I just loved all of the bits and pieces.

This week is supposed to be a scorcher. In the 80's. Don't laugh... It usually rains (no joke!) in the Pacific Northwest over the Fourth of July weekend. Thank goodness for the heat pump! I'll be prepping for CHA and Authentique over this week as well. Maybe I'll post a few sneaky peeks.... Just maybe... Pin It