It Works!

Hello!  

 You may recall that I started a 3-ring binder project – one using only page protectors/photo sheets -- last December.  Unfortunately, I got sidetracked and didn’t finish it.  It’s still in its organization bag ready to go, but life got in the way big time.

Well, I got another box of photos in the mail from a recent trip to Barcelona (sidebar:  Go there!) and knew I’d never make it through all those pictures doing traditional 12x12 pages.  Besides, I really wanted to use ALL of my photos.  I thought back to the 3-ring binder system and decided I would use this to document the entire trip.  I was headed to a weekend scrapbook retreat, so I was ready for the challenge!

Did it work?  Yes!  It was everything I wanted and more.  I loved the flexibility of just sliding photos into the sleeves without too much effort and then, when I felt like I wanted to do a traditional page, I could do that, too!  I see why everyone is getting into this. 

These are a few of those pages.  The first one just shows how easily you can do a full-page layout and slip it right in.  

The next set of photos shows how I placed photos in the page protectors and embellished the strip on the end on the page.  

And, finally, there are infinite ways to embellish directly on the photo.  Here, I just used a velum sticker.  I’ve ordered some travel-related stamps and can’t wait to use those directly on the photos.  

This technique is simple, but so very effective! If you have a specific event or occasion, I think this would be ideal for that.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  Also, share any good tips you have for using such a system.  I’m hooked!

Happy crafting,

Moanica

A 4th of July Tribute

Once again, it’s July and I am asking myself “Where did the time go?”  It means summer is here and we’re hitting the road to visit family for the 4^th.  This year, we’re headed to see my side of the family and celebrate my nephew’s 4^th of July birthday at an indoor trampoline park.  I’m scared! 

But, last year we went to California to visit my in-laws.  They were really in the swing of things and we checked all the boxes:  red, white and blue clothes?  Check.  BBQ? Check.  My mother-in-law had even decorated the patio with patriotic wind catchers and other fun items. 

So, in honor of them and the upcoming holiday, I’m sharing a layout that’s all about them and our time together.  I took a cue from my mother-in-law's decorations and used as many embellishments as I could on the page.  I love how it turned out!

Celebrate by Moanica Caston.  Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper, 3-D stickers: Pebbles, Inc.; Star Gems: Favorite Findings; Ribbon: unknown; Letter alphas: American Crafts Thickers.

Be safe and I hope you enjoy the holiday and get to spend some time with your families!

Happy 4^th of July!

Moanica

Ephemera

I remember the first time I heard the word “ephemera.”  I had to look it up.  It was on a scrapbooking website where a reader was asking for tips and ideas for all of the things you tend to collect on a vacation.  I’m still trying to figure this out! 

But one thing I have learned is to not bring home too many 3-D things.  I try to focus on flat things – business cards, takeout menus, matchbooks (not too many of those any more, but I still check), and paper placements.  I love incorporating these into my layouts.

For this month’s layout, I had some wonderful photos from a food tour in Napa Valley.  I couldn’t remember everything, but because I kept the handout from our guide and had grabbed takeout menus from several of the restaurants, I was in great shape.

Gourmet Walk by Moanica Caston.  Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Bella Blvd; Journaling card: My Mind’s Eye; Letter alphas: American Crafts Thickers.

The journaling card is a list of all the restaurants we visited and I cut out the description of the taco we sampled and put that right across the photo.  I’m so glad I kept those items and they came in pretty handy to help with my journaling.   

So, after you’ve enjoyed a meal or visited a pretty shop, look for a business card or some other way to help capture the memory.  Safe travels and…

Happy crafting,

Moanica

Two Sides of the Same Coin

It’s almost May and with the better (warmer!) weather, I’m in the mood to scrap! 

Today, I’m sharing something I don’t think I’ve ever done.  I used two pieces of the same paper – one placed on top of the other – to create my background for my layout.   

The top piece has circle cut-outs to highlight the paper underneath – which is a second sheet showing the reverse side of the piece on top.   

Maybe some pictures will make that a little clearer --- LOL!

Love your life, love your latte by Moanica Caston.  Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Prima, Crate Paper; Wood veneer pieces, 3-d sticker, jewels: Prima; Yellow pearl sunburst: My Mind’s Eye; Letter alphas: American Crafts, Studio Calico, PDQ

The 3-D sticker was my inspiration for the title and the jewels placed around the page just make me smile.  And the best part of my over-buying?  I still have a third sheet of this paper left for another project -- I need shopping therapy!

Happy crafting,

Moanica