Maybe?

This is a layout I need to re-create. I absolutely love it, but I feel like it needs more. It feels unfinished; too simple. And, I love the challenge of challenging myself to give it a go again! Ever feel that way about some of your projects? I do quite often, which is why I turn to sketches. But, I must be going through a sketch dry spell, because nothing is tickling my fancy. I've mentioned that a lot over the last couple of days. So, I'm venturing out on my own for a while. Maybe, just maybe, I'll turn my focus to cards for a bit, then come back to layouts. A change of scenery won't hurt!

Maren got a hold of the spray bottle, and commenced washing the floor for me. It was very sweet and helpful. I showed her a few spots on the floor that needed to be wiped up, and she set about cleaning them up. I love it when they take the initiative to help out. I wish it happened a little more frequently. I'm sure every mother wishes that!

What do you think of this layout? Where does your inspiration come from? Who or what inspires your layouts or projects? I'd love to hear!

Bulletin Board

Who else found the April sketchy challenge layout incredibly inspiring? There were two ways I immediately thought of doing to recreate the background- first was to use Washi Tape to mimic the look of a bulletin board, and the second idea was to cut squares of patterned paper, and rotate them on their side so they create the illusion of diamonds. I want to try that technique next, so I'm pretty sure that if I get scrappy time tonight, that's what I'll be doing next.

My mojo must have fled the scene, because I sure struggled with what to do after I got the background completed on this layout. I just didn't know what direction I wanted to take, or how to proceed. I knew that rather than using three small photos, I just wanted to use one. I didn't want any other pictures distracting from the beautiful flowers Kyle ordered for me before we got to the Melting Pot. I'd never been to an upscale restaurant that has the option of pre-ordering full bouquets of flowers for loved ones. What a lovely and unique idea, and it blew me away (hence the title). I thought they were a centre piece for the table we were sitting at.

After playing around with squares of patterned paper and re-arranging them multiple times, I came up with the idea of taking my postcard stamp (by Stampendous) to recreate a post card, and the twine and mini clothes pins add a unique twist to the traditional bulletin board. There's a small blue tag slipped behind the postcard and photo, which houses the journalling for this layout. All I really knew after I got the lines in the background adhered was that I wanted to recreate the look of a personal bulletin board any one of us would have at home. I think for the next one I do, I'll include some receipts and a little more stamping (which I had planned on doing on this one, and forgot!!); maybe some of the kids' artwork. I'll know when I actually get there!

I did begin working on another layout after this one last night, but I struggled even more with the layout I printed to scrap lift; I scrapped that idea, and am now trying to work it out on my own. I sat for 45 minutes moving things around and not liking any of what I saw, so I decided to leave it and sleep. I'll try it again when my head has cleared. I think I left it last night before bed is the way I want to keep it. Now its just a matter of figuring out the embellishing and where to add journalling and a title!

Oh, the challenges of scrapbooking (sometimes)!!!

Monday What's Up

Good morning! Happy April first! Its April Fools' Day. Has anyone pranked you yet?

Its a new day; its Monday, and that means today is Mojo Monday. For our inspiration today, I'll be using a card that I made, using my own design, to kick off our first ever monthly challenge! Instead of 24 hours to complete a project, you've got the entire month! You can create as many projects as you want, using the example I've provided (which, you'll find on our page at FB), until midnight on the 30th of April. After all your projects are submitted, we'll vote on our favorite and the winner will be inducted into the Everday Scrapbooker hall of fame. Doesn't that sound exciting? Maybe in the process, you'll inspire someone else. That'd be the biggest compliment of all!

There's a few What's Up items to share today:

A good friend of mine, Sharon, just shared on her blog today, that's she's been asked to be a contributing author on a blog called Ideas for Scrapbookers. Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker, or are just beginning in a new found hobby, you'll find a lot of great inspiration at this site. Sharon, I'm positive, will help jumpstart your mojo, too, with all her wonderful work and encouraging words. Go check it out! I'll be bookmarking it, for sure!

There are some breathtaking cards up on the Jillibean blog today, some of which are momentarily going to be pinned to my Pinterest. Oh.My.Word!!!

Looking for some inspiration? Need a new project to start, but don't know what to do? How about make a notebook-shaped storage box like this one?! Isn't it gorgeous?!

Lastly, there's a beautiful new sketch posted to the PaperHaus magazine blog. If you're looking for a great starting point for your next layout, you'll want to pin this one!

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I Just wanted to share a few really neat things I found browsing Pinterest tonight.

First I've been seeing wedding dress cards that are made out of doilies floating around the web. The link that I finally pinned includes a tutorial on how to make it. You'll find it here!

Don't know what to do with all those Christmas cards you got for Christmas, your kids' birthdays, your own birthday, or postcards from family that are on vacation or live too far away to see regularly? Punch holes in them and make them into mini card albums! You can tie them together any way you please- either with ribbon or twine, or if you really want to get fancy, use binder rings! I love this idea. No more cards hiding in boxes around the house- now they can be displayed in an uber cute and economical way! You're saving trees (though they could be recycled if you don't want to hang on to them); but if you do, this is such a fantabulous idea!!! I've JUST started doing it!

Lastly, Paper Crafts magazine has a little giveaway going on over at their blog in honor of April Fools Day. One lucky commenter could receive a variety of stamps from a variety of manufacturers. But hurry, your entry needs to be in by Wednesday. Don't delay!

CREATE- What's Up Sunday

What a wonderful Easter Sunday we had! As per tradition, we had waffles for breakfast (any time Kyle is home with us- which tends to be weekends- we have either pancakes or waffles), then the craziness started. LOL. I dived into making my homemade dinner rolls, the girls and I made pretty bracelets that the Easter bunny left for them, we picked at a small lunch, and had a giant supper filled with home made chicken cordon bleu, stuffing, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. THEN we splurged even further on a cake I made. Oi. I'm.So.Full. Pictures can be found on the FB page!

I've been trying to gather my thoughts most of the afternoon for this blog post. I'm still not sure I've got it together. There's a lot of things that I've got on my mind, and I think its all going to come out as one incoherent mess. I guess I'll just have to blunder ahead and see what happens.

I've been planning for some time now, an eventual layout about the penny being taken out of circulation, and the eventual dismissal of the nickel, as well. I've been waiting for an opportunity to snap a picture of the posters you'll see around in stores- IGA, Sobey's, the Dollar Store, etc. about the way cash purchases will be made, now that the penny is no longer. I finally had the opportunity yesterday when I brought the kids to the store for finger paints. I'm sure the cashier has never had a more strange request- and I'm so glad that I actually remembered to ask about taking a picture of the notice at her till- but I got it. Why is it so important to me to get a picture of something so inconsequential? Well, I'm flabbergasted and incredulous that the penny's been taken out of circulation. Is anyone else? And, I can't help but think to myself that in another 5 or 6 years, the girls are going to ask me what pennies are. They're going to ask because they won't know. They'll grow up in a penniless world. What an amazing opportunity to scrap about something they're eventually going to learn in Social in high school. I posted a Point to Ponder today on the FB page, and that's one of the things I was thinking of when I made that post.

The other inspiring topic to me is scrapbooking Ralph Klein's passing and the legacy he left behind in our beautiful province. He was hated by many and loved by equally as many; no one can argue he did tremendous things in our province- whether they agree with his strategy or not. The GST, his brainchild, took this province from a major deficit into the black, making it a very wealthy province. (Of course, among other factors that contributed to that, as well). Once again, its going to be something that the girls will only hear about in Social; it'll have no value or impact on their lives whatsoever. True, this happened in a completely different lifetime than theirs. I just hope that they come to understand that in the grand scheme of things, these changes weren't really all that long ago. It was something that eventually affected their mama's and daddy's lives, though at the time, we were little monsters ourselves.

Is any of this making sense, or am I just rambling? That's the way I feel...

I've had some feedback from some friends about having an eventual weekend crop away, and I'm ecstatic that there's some interest in it. I know that some of you have babies and are going to find it hard to commit to a weekend like this for a while. Its still sometimes hard to get away when your babies are toddlers! That's why I want to pose a small adjustment to this plan. I hadn't wanted to mention anything just yet, because I wasn't sure what sort of response I'd get, but I feel confident now that there will probably be interest further down the road, too. I've been thinking about planning a couple weekend crops per year; maybe early in the year, after Christmas and New Years is out of the way, and then again later on in the year, after Thanksgiving and before Christmas makes everyone nutso with all their planning and cooking. Having said that, I think I may plan an impromptu crop for sometime in the near future- either we'll do it here at my house, or if there's enough interest and enough people are able to attend, (and if its easier for people) I'll plan something for in the city, so those that have babies can still make it home at the end of the day. On the other hand, those mama's will have the freedom to decide when, during the day, they want to come out. Bring your littles with you. How does that sound? Feedback. Please!!

April is going to be a busy month for us, so it won't happen this month. Possibly sometime in May or June, I think will be best.

Are you curious to know what the secret tip is about sketches that I alluded to yesterday on the FB page ? I can finally share with you! I love this, because it helps break down, into steps, how to tackle creating a layout using a sketch that you find inspiring. Ready??

On page 80, in the most current (spring 2013) issue of Canadian Scrapbooker, is a 6 step method designed to help you figure out how to tackle that awesome sketch you want to scrap lift. It uses the letters of the word CREATE to guide your steps.

C- Choose your photos

Every person scrapbooks differently; some like to print out a bunch of photos using an online method of printing, such as Walmart, Snapfish, Costco, Apple, etc. Others (like me) prefer to print them at home. I personally like printing my photos because first, all my pictures are saved chronologically already on my computer (I have a Mac), so I don't need to worry about printing out a hundred at a time and finding a storage method to keep my photos. The older photos I have, pre-Mac, are saved in a Creative Memories accordion folder, which I'll one day get back to. Bah hah. Secondly, I like not having to wait for my pictures to either be mailed to me, or make a trip down to the store to pick them up. I can print them at will- also, I'll have already decided, as I'm looking through my pictures while I'm planning this layout, which ones I want to use and edit, and which ones I don't. It makes the process a little quicker, and there won't be as much planning ahead.

Another method I use to help keep my facts straight, and help me keep track of which pictures I want to scrapbook, and which are could be, but not necessary, is keeping a journal and jotting down what each picture that I want to scrap is about. I started doing this when I began Project 365 last year. Sometimes what I've written down is really vague, and I don't quite remember what it was I was getting at, so things change slightly, but that's ok.

You'll develop a method that works the best for you.

R- Review the Sketch

Look carefully at the sketch you're about to copy and ask yourself some basic questions before you plunge into creation mode. First, how many pictures are in the sketch? How many different patterned papers? Embellishments? There's a few things I've noticed myself asking when I look at a sketch: first, (like the step has just recommended) asking myself how many pictures are included in the sketch. If I have more pictures that I want to scrapbook than what's shown in the sketch, I try to find ways to make more space for those photos. Sometimes, its printing the photos smaller than what the sketch calls for; other times, its replacing some of the embellishments with a photo. Don't feel restricted to exactly what the sketch looks like. The sketch is only meant to be your starting line; its meant to be inspiration for you. You have the freedom to interpret it any which way you like. Always remember, there's no right or wrong way to scrapbook! Secondly, I ask myself if I really need the amount of embellishments that are shown in the sketch (or if there's a lack thereof, how many and where should they go?) If it feels too busy for me, but I still like the overall sketch, I put as many as suits my style. If there's none showing in the sketch, I still do the same thing.

You'll find that most of my layouts are based on a sketch I've seen or a layout I've admired. They are rarely exact replicas. Also, if you like a sketch so much, you decide to create another layout based on that sketch, you'll find that one will come out completely different from the other one you created using it. That's the beauty of using sketches.

E- Evaluate your color palette and paper choices

Just lately, I've gotten into this desire to create my layouts using color palettes I've found on Pinterest. Up until this point, I've been pulling colors from the pictures I'm scrapbooking to inspire my color palette. Sometimes, the pictures dictate best what colors are best. Whatever you find easiest, stick with. That means, I try and find card stock and patterned paper that are the same shades and tones, and I try to pair papers that coordinate and compliment each other. Sometimes that can be kind of hard, if you're using product from a bunch of different companies (which is something I do frequently). To simplify, try using papers and embellishments that come from the same manufacturer; more often than not, most of their lines will coordinate with one another, so you won't need to worry too much about matching.

A- Add embellishments

As I mentioned above, nothing is set in stone. Your copy of the sketch doesn't need to be an exact replica. So, when you're thinking about what embellishments you want to use, don't limit yourself to using flourishes or circles or diamonds because that's what you see in the sketch. Think about the theme of your layout, and try and embellish accordingly. Is your layout about halloween, like the one I just recently completed? Then, use skeletons, grave stones, haunted houses, cotton, the options are limitless.  If you don't have embellishments that fit that particular theme (like I did for halloween), then try to think creatively and outside the box. What can you do instead?

T- Try a Technique

There are so many different techniques out there to try, its hard to keep up with them all. Some you'll find really interesting, and you'll itch to try it out, and others just won't tickle your fancy at all. But, don't be afraid to try them. You might find you really like them! What are some of those techniques? Try acrylic paint, stencils, making your own flowers, crocheting directly onto your layout, stamping, distressing, aging, the list goes on. The texture and dimension it adds to your project will add yet another level of pride and interest.

E- Enjoy your layout, and SHARE!!! 

Don't ever feel like your layout isn't as good as someone elses'. We are all unique, we are all creative, and we all create in different ways. Our stories are different from everyone elses'. What's most important are the memories you've created, and the heritage you're creating for your children and their children. Be proud of who you are! Like I've mentioned before, the feedback you receive on the work you've created is addicting! Its part of the reason I've joined a forum at scrapbook.com. Its built up my confidence, believe it or not. So has creating using sketches. Sketches takes the guesswork out of where to put things and where to start. I find it an incredibly handy tool.

(I took the liberty of elaborating on the CREATE method using my own words; to find out how Kelly, the author of this article explained it, head to page 80 of the Spring 2013 issue of CS)

I know I had more news to share with you today, but since this post has wound up being quite the deep novel, I'm going to sign off for now, regroup, and share what I've forgotten or left out tomorrow.

I'm going to unwind now with some scrappy therapy! Enjoy your evening, friends, and thanks for dropping in! You mean the world to me!

OH- one last note- I find it incredibly interesting that both Mojo Monday and our new sketch challenge have fallen on the same day! How funky is that?! So, tomorrow, you'll find the card sketch I've made for our month long challenge, and the card I created using it posted to the timeline on FB.

Rules for our challenge:

Its pretty laid back. You can create whatever you want using this sketch. It can be a layout, smash book, journal page, card- whatever strikes your fancy. You have all month long to complete it. If more time allows, you may create and submit more than one project. At the end of the month, we'll vote for our most favorite project using that sketch, and the winner will be inducted into the Everyday Scrapbooker Hall of Fame. Easy Peasy! I hope you're able to play along!

What's Up Thursday

Wow, another day is here! After a rough night between the twins, morning came way too quickly for me! But, I'm making the best of it. I got the vacuuming done already, and will shortly tackle the laundry. Miss Maren has no clean jammies left. Yikes!

There's a few things I wanted to share with you for today's What's Up. First up, Rebecca, a talented scrapbooker friend of mine, has a beautiful project up on her blog using a new product from Globecraft and Piccolo. Its an embossing powder that makes your projects look like genuine rust! If you like the look of rusted out objects, you should definitely check out her blog post today. You'll find it here. Also, she has another project up on the Globecraft and Piccolo blog; you should see it, too. Both stunning projects! You'll find the link to Globecraft and Piccolo on Rebecca's blog.

Teresa is another talented scrapbooker friend of mine, but her style is completely different from Rebecca's. Teresa creates beautiful shabby chic and CAS (clean and simple) cards. I adore her style, and hope to one day have the ability to create projects as gorgeous as hers! There's a blog hop happening with Glitz designs today. You'll find all the info you need at her blog.

Jillibean Soup is one of my utmost favorite scrapbooking manufacturers. For a long time, I'd stalked the JBS products that were in the online store at scrapbook.com, deeply admiring the colors, the patterns and beauty of Jill's line. Then, I got my first gift card, and was able to purchase some of my dream product! Ever since then, I've continued to admire the products that Jill's design team produces, and I'm coming to like Jill as a person, too. She's got great energy and seems to be a relatable, down to earth individual. There's more projects up on the JBS blog today. Check them out!

You'll come to find that most of the blogs I follow are of people that I've met at scrapbook.com, and each one of them (or most), I've become online friends with. Izzy is no exception. Wow, you need to check out Izzy's projects, too! All these women I've met are extraordinary! The talent out there is incredible! Izzy has an uber cute Easter project up on her blog today.

Here's a little tidbit for you: another of my utmost favorite scrapbooking manufacturers is Carta Bella. I found out, after some snooping around the other day, that Carta Bella is a sister company of another scrapbooking manufacturer, Echo Park. Since I'm already having an affair with Carta Bella, I figured I'd probably love Echo Park equally as much. Yes, I do!!! I don't have any of their product yet, but I am stalking them on Pinterest and scrapbook.com AND on their blog. ANd, up on their blog today, are some delicious projects! More Easter goodies today! (Which, by the way, are you ready for it??!)

(Darn, the kids came back upstairs...that means I've got to make the rest of this quick!!)

Simple Stories is up with a gorgeous layout and an incredibly stunning card. I had to pin it to Pinterest! The colors are incredibly yummy! (A little secret--Simple Stories is another fave of mine!) The design team member used papers from their new collection, Urban Traveller. Glorious stuff!!

Personalizing a card is something I've personally never done, but its on my scrappy bucket list! The Go-To Gals over at Paper Crafts magazine has just the remedy for that!

If you're a Pinterest junkie like me, you may have seen a lot of chalkboard art around lately. Its a hot trend nowadays, and I love the way it looks. If I had the right tools, I'd love to replicate it. Check out what Laina Lamb has to say about it!

I came across this blog doing some snooping way back. These girls are Canadians and they have a new card challenge up. The theme is Easter! Check it out!

And lastly, but certainly not least, another Easter project (and a beautiful one, I might add!) can be found at the Scrapbook Memories and More blog. The colors are fantastic!

Our Easter is going to be a quiet one. I think my husband is working through the holiday, so we'll be staying home and celebrating with just the four of us. Having said that, though, we are coming into the city next weekend (the first weekend in April) to celebrate a late Easter with my sis and BIL and my parents. I'm looking forward to it! How do you spoil your little ones at Easter time? I don't want to give the kids candy (they don't need it- they still have a butt load of candy left from Halloween), so instead, I like them to show me what they're interested in and like when we're out shopping. I take notes (but, they're oblivious to it) and pay particularly close attention to them, and try and get a few things that really interest them. Its neat to see them showing a keen interest in art at such a young age. What drew them the last time we were out shopping? A bead kit to make your own bracelets and necklaces. I'm down with that! So, that's what they are getting for Easter!

Happy Easter, my friends!

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Its all quiet on the home front tonight, but I did come across news that there's a new scrapbooking magazine out there. Not entirely sure if its paperback or online; whatever it is, you'll find the link for it here!

Monday Inspiration

Monday is Mojo Monday over at my Facebook page.

Color is our inspiration today. Come and check it out- and while you're there, play along!!

Challenge!

Calling anyone and everyone that would be interested in a scrapbooking challenge for April!

That's right, I'm planning a scrapbook challenge- April will be a card sketch challenge- and each participant has the entire month to create one or as many cards using this sketch as you'd like!

Pretty easy, right?! I'm hoping so! I know its hard for new moms or moms with more than one child, and even mamas (or manly men!!) that hold down full-time jobs to get scrapbooking in, that's why I'm holding it for the entire month.

Here are the requirements:

-Head over to my Facebook page to find the card and sketch
-Like my page (I would appreciate it immensely!!) if you haven't already
-Create as many cards-- or layouts!!!-- as you'd like within the month of April
-Deadline for your projects will be midnight April 30th; the challenge will begin on the first of April
-Completed projects can be uploaded to my Facebook page, where we'll have a chance to vote for our most favorite project, upon which the winner will be announced Friday, May 3rd
-The winner of the challenge will be inducted into the hall of fame!

Doesn't that sound like fun?! I hope you decide to play along! If you do, please drop by and say hello, or leave a comment on the blog.

Be there or be square!