EMS Sketch Challenge 39 - Sweet Friend

Time for another sketch! I took the month off from Heart 2 Heart, but then I came up with this sketch I wanted to share, so here it is. For my layout, I was really challenged by the colors (I couldn't find anything in CTMH's current color palate that matched), so I pulled out my old Hydrangea ink pad and created some embellishments and accents using White Daisy cardstock and a stamp set. The Paper Secrets challenge to use the word "sweet" on your page fit nicely into this layout of me and my CTMH upline and friend Jenni at the CTMH Convention in 2011. The right hand page will include a Flip-Flap with hidden journaling about how wonderful it was to attend Convention with a friend with whom I have so much in common, and how we had so much fun together!

The sketch:

  My layout:

Recipe:
Field Trip Alphabet & Universal Backgrounds stamp sets
Sweetheart Level 2 papers
Black & White Daisy cardstock
Cotton Candy, Black  & Hydrangea ink
Purple sparkles
Dymo Labels

Zoo Layouts

Here is my last layout of 2011 and my first of 2012. I decided to post them together since they are on the same subject. I pre-designed both layouts using Studio J, and then used the papers I had to recreate the layouts. My hubby thought it was a lot of extra work, but it was worth it to be able to see what the layout would look like before I even cut a piece of paper!

Recipe:
Expedition Level 2 papers
Olive, Autumn Terracotta, Bamboo & Colonial White cardstock
Olive & Autumn Terracotta ink
Olive marker
Title cut out using my Wishblade
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge
Pattern: Sidebar - Original & Sampler - Nine Photo Quilt from Reflections

Recipe:
Field Trip Alphabet stamp set
Lucky Level 2 papers & Chipboard Assortment
Cocoa, Outdoor Denim, Desert Sand & Colonial White cardstock
Outdoor Denim & Versamark ink
Cocoa marker
White embossing powder
Olive brads
Pattern: Stars Above from Imagine

Week 30 Layout Linky - Sweet Fun

I just finished this fun layout that uses a pattern from Magic (the right hand page of Juggling Act) but with a twist: I added a 12" x 4" Flip-Flap panel to the layout. I included both views so you can get an idea of what it would look like closed and open. I added a word cloud (fun) that is only visible when the Flip-Flap is open.

Here it is with the Flip-Flap closed:


And here's what it looks like open:


Recipe:
Pennant Alphabet, Field Trip Alphabet, Hodgepodge Alphabet, Polka Dot Alphabet, Chocolate Alphabet Small & Alphabet Solo "F" stamp sets
Cherry-O Level 2 papers
Barn Red , Sweet Leaf & Colonial White cardstock
Barn Red, Chocolate, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue & Blush ink
Crystal Blue marker
Blush, Chocolate, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue & Colonial White craft buttons
Natural hemp
Barn Red Bigger Brads
Prisma Glitter
Liquid Glass

***If you are participating in the 52 Layouts Challenge, please use the link below to link your layout to this post. You have until Friday at 11:59PM PST to post your week 30 layout. The link will allow you to post a title and thumbnail that link to your site, where we can see the layout in all its glory! Note: please do not post from a password protected site that will require us to input a password before viewing.

Week 29 Linky - Sea World Layout

I learned so many cool thing at CTMH Convention, but one disappointing thing to me as a scrapper was to learn that CTMH will no longer be carrying all the colors of cardstock in bulk packs. At first, I was really upset since I use a lot of cardstock, but then I decided to see this as a challenge instead of a roadblock. This layout is a result of some creative thinking plus a technique I've used many times before: brayering. I created the background paper using White Daisy cardstock with Grey Flannel ink and touches of Lagoon ink brayered over it. The photo mat, paper strip, and all the bubbles were created using three layers of ink: Crystal Blue, then Lagoon, then touches of Pacifica. Don't you love how the brayering allows different layers of ink to show through, reflecting the shades of blue in the water? This is one layout that you will want to click on the image to enlarge so you can see the detail of the brayering!



Recipe:
Down By the Sea & Field Trip Alphabet stamp set
White Daisy cardstock
Crystal Blue, Lagoon, Pacifica, Greg Flannel, Black & Versamark ink
Clear embossing powder
Craft Color-Ready Borders
Blue Sparkles
3-D foam tape

***If you are participating in the 52 Layouts Challenge, please use the link below to link your layout to this post. You have until Friday at 11:59PM PST to post your week 29 layout. The link will allow you to post a title and thumbnail that link to your site, where we can see the layout in all its glory! Note: please do not post from a password protected site that will require us to input a password before viewing.

EMS Sketch Challenge 27 + LOAD #3 - Yum!

I haven't done a sketch challenge for a while so I thought I'd throw one in there. This sketch is pretty far out of my comfort zone, but it was really fun to do. There wasn't a lot of room for journaling, so I made one of the pictures into a pocket and there is a journaling tag that pulls out from behind it.

The Sketch:


My Layout:


Recipe:
Field Trip Alphabet & Save the Date stamp sets
Mistletoe Level 2 papers
White Daisy cardstock
Cocoa & Cranberry ink
Cocoa marker
White Daisy ricrac
Cocoa grosgrain ribbon
Forest grosgrain ribbon (Offray)
Xmas ribbon (Joannes)
White Daisy & Cranberry brads
Cranberry spiral clip
Topiary safety pin
White Daisy craft button
Cranberry embroidery floss

EMS Sketch Challenge 22 - 2nd Try Layout

It's Wednesday, and that means another sketch challenge. This one packs 5 photos onto a single page, but leaves open space around each one so that it (hopefully) doesn't look overcrowded. If I had it to do over, I probably would have chosen solid cardstock for my title strip in order to keep the layout from being so busy. I do love my new "A Timber" stamp set. The price can't be beat (only $7.95), and the images offer such versatility. On this layout, I used it for the tree and the scroll design under the title, but I'm already planning what other projects I can use it for! I also got to use my new colored sparkles. Love the touches of bling! Now, let me see what you can do with the sketch, and leave me a comment with a link to your layout. Happy scrapping.

The sketch:

My layout:

Recipe:

A Timber, Just for the Holidays, Holiday Hoopla & Field Trip Alphabet stamp sets

Mistletoe Level 2 papers

New England Ivy & Colonial White cardstock

New England Ivy & Cranberry ink

New England Ivy marker

Red sparkles

LOAD #1 - Baby Shower

As you read this, I am either driving up to the mountains or already there, scrapping away. Please post your links and I will post my pictures on Monday when I again have access to a computer!

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It’s Monday morning, and I’m back from a wonderful weekend of scrapping in the mountains. I got a lot done, so here is my first layout for the LOAD challenge. I didn’t have any B&T papers that matched the colors in my photos, so I used the Welcome Baby stamp set and Indian Corn Blue ink to create a background strip.



Recipe:
Welcome Baby, Field Trip Alphabet & Hodgepodge Alphabet stamp sets
Animal Cookies Creative Basics papers
Buttercup, Indian Corn Blue & Lilac Mist cardstock
Indian Corn Blue & Clover Meadow ink
Indian Corn Blue marker
CM heart punch

The Cat's Meow Card

Hi everyone. I am officially sad today because I am not at Close to My Heart's consultant convention. I've been checking out tweets, blogs, the consultant bulletin board, and the virtual convention in order to keep updated with all the fun activities and great products that are being showcased, so I'm really excited about our new idea book that will be released in September! The virtual convention includes on-line classes, and I just finished one about using alphabet stamps. Seems like a no-brainer, but I got a lot of cool ideas. I was inspired to create this little card. The outside features a cat made of alphabet stamps, plus the letters U and R (you are. . .), while the inside says "the cat's meow."



Recipe:
Building Block Alphabet, Field Trip Alphabet, Classmate Alphabet, Friendship Alphabet Small & Noted Backgrounds stamp sets
Silhouette Level 2 papers
Colonial White, Sweet Leaf & White Daisy cardstock
Desert Sand, Black & Bamboo ink
Black, Desert Sand & Topiary marker
Circle metal edged tags
Sweet Leaf Ribbon Rounds
Staples
Scalloped scissors (CM)

Hide & Seek Layout

I love the color Watermelon, but with 2 boys to scrapbook for, I don't get many chances to use it. These pictures of Adrian hiding and Elliot seeking Easter eggs just shouted out to me to use Watermelon in the color scheme, and I gladly gave in! When I was looking through my paper stash, I discovered that I don't actually have many patterned papers that feature Watermelon, so I fell back on this polka dot paper that was retired many moons ago, plus I created my own paper using markers. I also did some sponging on the bookplates to get that light shade of Dutch Blue, plus I embossed a bunny in white on the square piece of chipboard, and then sponged the piece in Dutch Blue so the bunny appeared. The pattern I used for the design is Three Part Harmony from Imagine.



Recipe:
Easter Eggs, Holiday Hoopla & Field Trip Alphabet stamp sets
Summer Celebration B&T Combo papers
Dutch Blue, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf & White Daisy cardstock
Dutch Blue, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf, Watermelon, Creme Brulee & Versamark ink
Dutch Blue, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf & Watermelon markers
Sweet Leaf Ribbon Rounds
White Daisy Mini Medley
Dimensional Elements Booksmart
White Daisy Embossing powder
Scalloped border punch (Fiskars)

Happy Hunting Layout

I have had a layout sitting on my desk for a week, and I could not finish it! Something about it just wasn't right. This afternoon, I finally decided to rip it apart and start over. I used a Becky Higgins' sketch to re-create the left page. I'm still not loving it, but at least it is done and ready to go in my scrapbook. It's been a bit disappointing not to have anything to scan, because I am so excited about the new scanner I got for Mother's Day. Since I did the LOAD challenge in January, I've been wanting a scanner that could scan a whole 12"x12" page in one pass, and my hubby found one that didn't cost the earth. Love that man! I was able to scan this double page spread in two passes, and then I simply stitched it together and it was ready to go. Cool, huh?



Recipe:
Field Trip Alphabet, Easter eggs, Eastertime & Picture Perfect stamp sets
Life Delights Level 2 papers
Lilac Mist, Chocolate & Colonial White cardstock
Sweet Leaf, Blush, Petal, Lilac Mist, Bamboo & Chocolate ink
Chocolate marker

LOAD #27 - Hands of Mercy

Here's the second layout for our Mexico trip. A team of 15 adults from our church, plus 3 people from an organization called Hands of Mercy, built a loft house in one day for a needy couple who were expecting their first child. It was hot, tiring work, but totally worth it to see the look on the faces of that young couple. The layout came together a lot easier than the loft house, and will evoke happy memories in years to come. It's pretty simple, but I included a Flip-Flap that holds an extra photo and my journaling.



Recipe:
Field Trip Alphabet & Tool Time stamp sets
Topstitch Level 2 papers
Heavenly Blue & Bamboo cardstock
Desert Sand ink
Chocolate Ribbon Rounds
White Daisy Mini Medley

Just a reminder, tomorrow is the New Product Blog Hop, starting at 7 pm MT. Feel free to join us. I'll have a list of participants. You can start at the top or just come here and follow the links until you arrive back here.

Just Hanging Out Layout

I love the Animal Cookie paper pack and My Stickease, especially this little hippo. Isn't she cute? Her mischievous look is adorable! This layout is the last of my vacation ones from November 2009. There are a few mistakes on it, but I will use them as teachable moments for all of you! I got the idea for threading the ribbon through the paper from a layout in Creating Keepsakes magazine. My word of advice? Be sure you calculate how many holes you need to punch so your ribbon ends are either both on top or both hidden under the layout. The top photo is done correctly, the bottom one is not. Another tip: when embossing, make sure the ink on items you don't want embossed is totally dry before stamping and embossing adjoining areas. Even non-pigment ink can stay slightly damp for a long time, and it will pick up stray bits of embossing powder even when you don't want it to!



Recipe:
Field Trip Alphabet & April Word Puzzle stamp sets
Animal Cookie Level 2 paper & My Stickease
Dutch Blue, Tulip & Sunflower cardstock
Dutch Blue, Sunflower & Versamark ink
Dutch Blue marker
White embossing powder
White gel pen (Sakura)
Natural hemp
Sunflower ribbon & metal charm

Summer Sliding Layout

I cannot figure out why I waited so long to get the Tinkering paper pack when it is such a perfect match for so many photos! I used it again for this layout of my boys on the Slip 'n Slide, and I am sure it will feature in many layouts to come. Thanks to CTMH consultant Aaron Brown for her idea to thread a tiny strip of cardstock through the button holes instead of ribbon or embroidery floss. I didn't have a matching shade of floss, but it was easy to cut matching cardstock. Threading it through the tiny holes was another matter, but at last it's done. Enjoy!



Recipe:
August Word Puzzle & Field Trip Alphabet stamp sets
Tinkering Level 2 papers
Clover Meadow and Twilight cardstock
Twilight, Sunflower, Sunny Yellow & Clover Meadow ink
Twilight marker
Clear buttons
Liquid Glass

Birthday Party Layout

Taking a break for the day from Hawaii layouts, so I can post this layout I created for fellow CTMH consultant Helen Onulak's weekly challenge using CTMH How-to book patterns. This week, she asked us to create a layout using the following Reflections patterns: Sidebar - Journaling (p.45) and Half & Half - Balanced (p. 89). I actually switched the order of the two pages, and rotated Sidebar 90 degrees so it would fit with my pictures. I didn't post it with photos because I forgot to go to Costco and pick up the photos that are supposed to be on this layout. Silly me! I plan to add the photos tomorrow, but I wanted to get this posted before the end of the challenge. I was so excited to get "It's Your Day," the monthly stamp from CTMH - love that birthday theme! It went perfectly with these pages celebrating the first birthday of a friend's little boy.




Recipe:
It's Your Day, Boutique Borders, Field Trip Alphabet & Classmate Alphabet
Animal Cookies Creative Basics papers
Dutch Blue, Sweet Leaf, Honey & White Daisy cardstock
Dutch Blue, Sweet Leaf, Honey & Tulip ink
White Daisy Ric-rac
Tulip Brads
Foam Squares

Blow Hole Layout

After completing a really simple layout last time, I decided to kick it up a notch and do something I usually try to avoid on my layouts: sewing! For this layout of the Blow Hole, I wanted to create a little flourish that looked like the sea water spraying up from the Blow Hole. I sketched my flourish in pencil, poked holes at even intervals along the lines, and used Colonial White embroidery floss to sew my flourish. My sewing is usually rather simple (straight lines only), so this was a new technique for me. Although I like the results, my fingers are a bit sore from pushing the needle through the paper, so I don't think I'll try it again really soon! I also sewed across the top of my sub-title (can it be a sub-title if it's over the title?) to keep it in place. I wanted to add buttons, but I didn't have any in Indian Corn Blue to match the cardstock, so I just chose an assortment of blues plus one green for an (almost) monochromatic look. This picture of my son is one of my favorites. I just love looking at his pudgy little arms and legs, and seeing the excitement on his little baby face. It brings back sweet memories of his toddler years, but it also makes me thankful that our family is past the diapers and car seats phase!




Recipe:
Field Trip Alphabet stamp set
Moon Doggie Level 2 paper pack
Indian Corn Blue, Desert Sand & Colonial White cardstock
Desert Sand ink
Indian Corn Blue marker
Outdoor Denim, Dutch Blue, Heavenly Blue, Crystal Blue & Sweet Leaf buttons
Colonial White embroidery floss