Today's layout (which was posted to the FB page last night), started out like most of my other projects- with a sketch or layout I found online that I wanted to replicate. And once again, as per tradition over the last few days, I wound up taking my own route. Nothing was jiving!
I love how this layout turned out. I love the bright colors, I love the layering, which I'm coming to realize is my 'signature style'. A layout isn't a layout if I haven't layered a bunch of papers on top of each other. I have a very hard time not layering paper! Maybe its the depth that I crave so much? The other part of my 'signature style' is that I tend to use a lot of brights in my work. I love neutrals too, but I seem to gravitate towards bright colours quite often. What do you consider your 'signature style' to be? Do you have one?
For this particular layout, I wanted to pick up the colors in the photo, so chose to use yellow, green and blue. And, as I got going, pink somehow got intertwined into the design, and now it overpowers the entire layout! It looks as though it was meant to be the dominant color, but no!! It was supposed to be an accent. Meh, oh well, I think the design is eye catching anyways. I've read, somewhere along the way, that in order to help you create an appealing and 'balanced' layout, break your color scheme into parts- from lots of one color to very little of the last color. (I can't remember how they exactly explained it, so I'm going to paraphrase). So, the dominant color (or the color you use the most of on your project) would be (for example) 75%, the next 50% (so, a moderate amount of that particular color), and the last 25% (or the least amount of your last color) of your overall layout. That's probably pretty confusing, so take my layout, for example.
The pink wound up being the dominant color, and what I mean by that, is there is a lot of it. Proportionately, there's more pink in my layout than there is any other color. Its the largest piece of paper that I used on my photo mat, and it accounts for (I'd say) 75% of the colors I chose to use. Next most dominant color is blue. There's not as much blue as there is pink, yet there's still more blue found scattered around than there is yellow. I'd say that accounts for about 50% of the overall color scheme. Lastly, is yellow. As you can see, the yellow became more of an accent color than anything else. So did the green, but there's so little of that, it most definitely IS the accent color. The yellow would account for 25% of the overall color scheme.
Does any of that make sense? Is it as clear as mud? I'll try and find the link for you and share it in the very near future. It makes sense in my brain, but I'm not sure its translating well onto the computer screen.
Back to my layout. To beef up the scallop circle accent piece, I searched through all my Carta Bella and Jillibean (as well as the ancient CM and SU goodies I've got) for something, but came up dry. Nothing fit. Then, I turned to Pinterest. I looked up my Quotables board, and found a great little quote to suit the theme of my layout. The quote says, 'When it rains, look for rainbows. When its dark, look for stars'. Its perfect, because the subject in my layout kept up her spirits pretty well while she was out of commission with Mono. It can be pretty rough on a person- any time they get it- but I hear its even worse as an adult. It wasn't as bad for her as it could have been (thankfully!!), and she bounced back rather quickly.
One last quick little note--the two punched borders on the left-hand side are scraps that I'd cut down and made into my own borders. I'll post what I do with those in the near future, too!
Showing posts with label Color Scheme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Color Scheme. Show all posts
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Stumped
Stumped. That's the best way to describe the last layout I made, and the first of the two that I posted to my FB page today. For me, nothing seemed to jive. I hope I'm past this crop block, because I go through withdrawals when I can't play! Its utter torture.
There's nothing too fancy about my Blessings layout. I began with a sketch that I had printed out, but in the end, I just didn't feel it at all. I wound up going my own way, after much fussing and rearranging and not liking how things looked. Heh. Sometimes, we just have to go our own way. All the patterned papers on this particular layout are Jillibean Soup- from the Winter Tortellini and Country Pumpkin collections. The Blessings tag is also Jillibean (Country Pumpkin). The folder tag in the top right corner, along with the scallop circle embellishment are Carta Bella, and the rest is just miscellaneous stash that I used up.
The most important thing to note about this layout is that the black folder that's slipped behind all the paper, is actually the print of the photo that the Melting Pot took while we were having dinner. I forgot all about it until I finished the layout! I didn't know how else to incorporate it at that point, other than just slipping it in somewhere. It also meant that I needed stronger adhesive so that my project wouldn't pull apart. So, I pulled out a new pack of glue dots, and re-adhered my main photo mat (all the paper that the photo and journalling tag are adhered to).
My next layout is a little more detailed. I picked up the colors that are already found in the program and postcard that the group of actors gave me for my birthday- which was red, black and blue. I immediately thought of my nautical stamp set for this layout. It fit the theme perfectly!
On the flip side of the postcard, I adhered a small piece of scrap punched card stock, just to add a bit of interest to an otherwise busy but boring layout. I also added a journalling tag that I punched using my CM tag punch, and included just a bit of journalling on it. I also included the date we saw NCIS, which was the date of my birthday- November 3.
I also included the ticket stub from our evening out at Jubilations. A really great way to hold onto memorabilia that you eventually want to scrapbook is throwing everything into a folder or page protector. Then, everything is in one place, and you can refer to it as you complete those projects. If you really want to get organized, you can create a folder for every event, or one of every month of the year, and throw things into the corresponding folder after the event happens. Just a little food for thought. I personally like using a page protector. I can see what's inside, and it isn't often that we enjoy things such as this, so for now, I don't need anything more. Maybe that'll evolve one day in the future, but for now, don't fix anything that's not broken!
There's nothing too fancy about my Blessings layout. I began with a sketch that I had printed out, but in the end, I just didn't feel it at all. I wound up going my own way, after much fussing and rearranging and not liking how things looked. Heh. Sometimes, we just have to go our own way. All the patterned papers on this particular layout are Jillibean Soup- from the Winter Tortellini and Country Pumpkin collections. The Blessings tag is also Jillibean (Country Pumpkin). The folder tag in the top right corner, along with the scallop circle embellishment are Carta Bella, and the rest is just miscellaneous stash that I used up.
The most important thing to note about this layout is that the black folder that's slipped behind all the paper, is actually the print of the photo that the Melting Pot took while we were having dinner. I forgot all about it until I finished the layout! I didn't know how else to incorporate it at that point, other than just slipping it in somewhere. It also meant that I needed stronger adhesive so that my project wouldn't pull apart. So, I pulled out a new pack of glue dots, and re-adhered my main photo mat (all the paper that the photo and journalling tag are adhered to).
My next layout is a little more detailed. I picked up the colors that are already found in the program and postcard that the group of actors gave me for my birthday- which was red, black and blue. I immediately thought of my nautical stamp set for this layout. It fit the theme perfectly!
On the flip side of the postcard, I adhered a small piece of scrap punched card stock, just to add a bit of interest to an otherwise busy but boring layout. I also added a journalling tag that I punched using my CM tag punch, and included just a bit of journalling on it. I also included the date we saw NCIS, which was the date of my birthday- November 3.
I also included the ticket stub from our evening out at Jubilations. A really great way to hold onto memorabilia that you eventually want to scrapbook is throwing everything into a folder or page protector. Then, everything is in one place, and you can refer to it as you complete those projects. If you really want to get organized, you can create a folder for every event, or one of every month of the year, and throw things into the corresponding folder after the event happens. Just a little food for thought. I personally like using a page protector. I can see what's inside, and it isn't often that we enjoy things such as this, so for now, I don't need anything more. Maybe that'll evolve one day in the future, but for now, don't fix anything that's not broken!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
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!
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!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Non Traditional
The past few weeks has been in a state of familial chaos the last few weeks with Kyle working such crazy hours. When spring break is finally here, I see him sleeping for a couple days solid to get his body back into a normal routine! Last night, he got up at 1 to head into work. He's got to go back tonight- but this time, he's got to be getting ready at midnight. He'll be heading to Valleyview, which is a good 4 hours form here. Oh, the life of an oilfield worker! (And their families!)
So, other than Thursday night, I've spent a considerable amount of time in my craft room. My mojo must have found me, because I churned out three entire layouts last night. Can you believe that?! I'm slightly flabbergasted! I wonder what tonight will bring?!
Our Easter plans are slightly on hold for the moment; I do plan on baking a cake today- with the girls' help, of course- but otherwise its going to be a normal, quiet weekend for us here. We are hoping to make next weekend our 'Easter' weekend; my parents will be back home (they are currently on vacation right now) and Kyle should be done work. If he isn't, at least it'll be his regular weekend off. He's going to need a break by then!
While I'm on the topic of Easter, as I was heading to bed last night, I wandered into the kitchen to grab a little shot of juice to whet the whistle, and two of my fridge magnets caught my eye. They struck a chord deep within me, but I couldn't say why exactly it was so profound to me. They are two birds- doves (I think. But, I affectionately call them chicks)- and they're facing each other. One is yellow, the other is white. The word "Easter" jumped out at me when I saw them.
Just one of those 'hmm' moments, I guess.
Kyle is big into drag racing. He has his own race truck, that he enjoys tinkering on and plans on (slowly) improving, as finances and time allows. We haven't raced much since moving back to Alberta, but we did occasionally attend the race track in Estevan when we lived in Saskatchewan. Some of you may know that already. He's joked, time and again, that his girls are going to grow up to be funny car race drivers. Yeah.Right. Not if I can help it! I don't mind if they drag race, and start out racing rails, but they are--WILL NOT--race funny cars. They're too fast and too dangerous. He also jokes that I should take up drag racing. I've got a better reaction time than he does (heh heh). It could possibly be on my bucket list.
The first layout I finished last night is a perfect example, in Kyle's defence, of why the kids should learn to drag race. They love speed, they love playing racing games on their daddy's iPhone, and they love pretending to 'race' around the house in a cardboard box. That's what Addison was doing in my 'Race Car' layout. Kyle would push the box up with his toes and make car sounds, pretending to race the kids around the world.
Up until the very last minute, the title for this layout was going to be 'Pretending'. Then, after I got the journalling done, I realized that the title didn't really explain what this layout is all about. Instead, it would have been confusing, and the whole point would have gotten lost in the shuffle. So, I gently peeled off the alphas, and edited the title to read 'Race Car'.
You're probably wondering where the journalling is. Its there, but its hidden! I'm on a flip book craze lately, and this layout is no exception. The layout I scrap lifted this one from (which means copied, basically) didn't include room for journalling, so I had to be creative and make room for it. I made the flip book to 1) save paper- so I wasn't throwing out any paper that could easily have been used up; and 2) I wanted lots of space to write in, since my writing is so big and fluffy. There. Killed two birds with one stone!
The main color scheme I wanted to follow on this layout was kraft (brown), red and blue. The yellow makes a terrific accent color, and actually steals the show. The blue and brown are so muted, while the red and yellow are so intense and dramatic, I love the contrast between them. They also provide a great contrast between Addisons' personality (which is quiet and laid back), while the bright, vivid colors helps highlight the intensity of race car driving.
Also, one last little note: the blue floral paper in the background was created using a Creative Memories paper tearing tool. Remember how I mentioned in a previous post that my paper trimmer is incredibly dull and tends to tear thin paper? Yeah- that's what happened with this patterned paper. To camouflage the torn edges, I embellished with the paper tearing tool. I love the look here!
One of the best things about having girls is that I can have make overs with them! I'm a girly girl. I like having my hair all pretty, some make up on, and pretty clothes. I like to feel good about myself, and getting dolled up and painting my nails (once in a while) helps me achieve that. The girls really enjoy it, too. So, one day, during play time, we sat down to have a little make over. They were all.over.it like a pig in mud. (And, I can hear the girls saying to me 'but, I don't want to be a pig'). We have yet to understand what that phrase means! Heh heh.
I scrap lifted a layout I had seen on the Jillibean Soup blog for this particular project. It works perfectly to frame and highlight the star of my layout: the picture of Addison. This picture is a personal favorite of mine! I'm in love with it! It isn't the best- her one eye is covered, but that's what makes it so great. My blush brush is perfect to highlight the theme of my layout. MAKE UP!!!! (That, and her sweetly, toddler-done smudged lipstick).
The last layout I created was using the newest sketch to be posted to the LCOM (Lets Capture Our Memories) blog. If you want to play along, you can find the sketch here. I'm pretty sure I'm going to submit this layout to their challenge. When I saw that my friend Melissa had posted it, I knew instantly that it would be perfect for this layout.
I am not a big fan of halloween decorations. I'm more of a harvest type of gal. That's what I'd rather decorate my house with, because I love the warm, inviting, deep colours this time of year boasts. Not that I have anything against halloween decorations, or anyone out there that enjoys decorating for the holiday. I just don't like the dark connotations of it. Does that make sense? Anyways, it just boils down to personal preference. So, when it came to creating this years' halloween layout, it wasn't about using traditional halloween colours; it was all about coordinating with the girls' costumes!
The girls dressed up as fairies for halloween. At first, we were going with butterflies (that's what they'd asked for), but since the weather was incredibly cold that weekend, I ran to the dollar store, found tiara's to wear over their toques, and little wands, and VOILA! they were fairies. Later on (after the pictures in the layout were taken), I put the girls in snow pants. It slowed them down quite a bit, but at least they were warmer!
I had a lot of fun creating the title cluster on the bottom left portion of my layout. I love the mixture of alphas and sticker phrases, journalling spot, buttons and tags. Its very eclectic and personally a lot of fun! IMHO. To help draw the eye around the page, I included the date in the upper right corner of my layout. A goal to always keep in mind when you're creating is to follow an invisible grid in your mind; divide your layout into threes and try to embellish where those lines interect, to create a design 'sweet spot'. Its effective, but a technique I sometimes find hard to do.
What do I love the most about this layout? The non traditional color scheme! The colors I used are everything opposite to halloween and fall, and I think its fantastic!!
So, other than Thursday night, I've spent a considerable amount of time in my craft room. My mojo must have found me, because I churned out three entire layouts last night. Can you believe that?! I'm slightly flabbergasted! I wonder what tonight will bring?!
Our Easter plans are slightly on hold for the moment; I do plan on baking a cake today- with the girls' help, of course- but otherwise its going to be a normal, quiet weekend for us here. We are hoping to make next weekend our 'Easter' weekend; my parents will be back home (they are currently on vacation right now) and Kyle should be done work. If he isn't, at least it'll be his regular weekend off. He's going to need a break by then!
While I'm on the topic of Easter, as I was heading to bed last night, I wandered into the kitchen to grab a little shot of juice to whet the whistle, and two of my fridge magnets caught my eye. They struck a chord deep within me, but I couldn't say why exactly it was so profound to me. They are two birds- doves (I think. But, I affectionately call them chicks)- and they're facing each other. One is yellow, the other is white. The word "Easter" jumped out at me when I saw them.
Just one of those 'hmm' moments, I guess.
Kyle is big into drag racing. He has his own race truck, that he enjoys tinkering on and plans on (slowly) improving, as finances and time allows. We haven't raced much since moving back to Alberta, but we did occasionally attend the race track in Estevan when we lived in Saskatchewan. Some of you may know that already. He's joked, time and again, that his girls are going to grow up to be funny car race drivers. Yeah.Right. Not if I can help it! I don't mind if they drag race, and start out racing rails, but they are--WILL NOT--race funny cars. They're too fast and too dangerous. He also jokes that I should take up drag racing. I've got a better reaction time than he does (heh heh). It could possibly be on my bucket list.
The first layout I finished last night is a perfect example, in Kyle's defence, of why the kids should learn to drag race. They love speed, they love playing racing games on their daddy's iPhone, and they love pretending to 'race' around the house in a cardboard box. That's what Addison was doing in my 'Race Car' layout. Kyle would push the box up with his toes and make car sounds, pretending to race the kids around the world.
Up until the very last minute, the title for this layout was going to be 'Pretending'. Then, after I got the journalling done, I realized that the title didn't really explain what this layout is all about. Instead, it would have been confusing, and the whole point would have gotten lost in the shuffle. So, I gently peeled off the alphas, and edited the title to read 'Race Car'.
You're probably wondering where the journalling is. Its there, but its hidden! I'm on a flip book craze lately, and this layout is no exception. The layout I scrap lifted this one from (which means copied, basically) didn't include room for journalling, so I had to be creative and make room for it. I made the flip book to 1) save paper- so I wasn't throwing out any paper that could easily have been used up; and 2) I wanted lots of space to write in, since my writing is so big and fluffy. There. Killed two birds with one stone!
The main color scheme I wanted to follow on this layout was kraft (brown), red and blue. The yellow makes a terrific accent color, and actually steals the show. The blue and brown are so muted, while the red and yellow are so intense and dramatic, I love the contrast between them. They also provide a great contrast between Addisons' personality (which is quiet and laid back), while the bright, vivid colors helps highlight the intensity of race car driving.
Also, one last little note: the blue floral paper in the background was created using a Creative Memories paper tearing tool. Remember how I mentioned in a previous post that my paper trimmer is incredibly dull and tends to tear thin paper? Yeah- that's what happened with this patterned paper. To camouflage the torn edges, I embellished with the paper tearing tool. I love the look here!
One of the best things about having girls is that I can have make overs with them! I'm a girly girl. I like having my hair all pretty, some make up on, and pretty clothes. I like to feel good about myself, and getting dolled up and painting my nails (once in a while) helps me achieve that. The girls really enjoy it, too. So, one day, during play time, we sat down to have a little make over. They were all.over.it like a pig in mud. (And, I can hear the girls saying to me 'but, I don't want to be a pig'). We have yet to understand what that phrase means! Heh heh.
I scrap lifted a layout I had seen on the Jillibean Soup blog for this particular project. It works perfectly to frame and highlight the star of my layout: the picture of Addison. This picture is a personal favorite of mine! I'm in love with it! It isn't the best- her one eye is covered, but that's what makes it so great. My blush brush is perfect to highlight the theme of my layout. MAKE UP!!!! (That, and her sweetly, toddler-done smudged lipstick).
The last layout I created was using the newest sketch to be posted to the LCOM (Lets Capture Our Memories) blog. If you want to play along, you can find the sketch here. I'm pretty sure I'm going to submit this layout to their challenge. When I saw that my friend Melissa had posted it, I knew instantly that it would be perfect for this layout.
I am not a big fan of halloween decorations. I'm more of a harvest type of gal. That's what I'd rather decorate my house with, because I love the warm, inviting, deep colours this time of year boasts. Not that I have anything against halloween decorations, or anyone out there that enjoys decorating for the holiday. I just don't like the dark connotations of it. Does that make sense? Anyways, it just boils down to personal preference. So, when it came to creating this years' halloween layout, it wasn't about using traditional halloween colours; it was all about coordinating with the girls' costumes!
The girls dressed up as fairies for halloween. At first, we were going with butterflies (that's what they'd asked for), but since the weather was incredibly cold that weekend, I ran to the dollar store, found tiara's to wear over their toques, and little wands, and VOILA! they were fairies. Later on (after the pictures in the layout were taken), I put the girls in snow pants. It slowed them down quite a bit, but at least they were warmer!
I had a lot of fun creating the title cluster on the bottom left portion of my layout. I love the mixture of alphas and sticker phrases, journalling spot, buttons and tags. Its very eclectic and personally a lot of fun! IMHO. To help draw the eye around the page, I included the date in the upper right corner of my layout. A goal to always keep in mind when you're creating is to follow an invisible grid in your mind; divide your layout into threes and try to embellish where those lines interect, to create a design 'sweet spot'. Its effective, but a technique I sometimes find hard to do.
What do I love the most about this layout? The non traditional color scheme! The colors I used are everything opposite to halloween and fall, and I think its fantastic!!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Lifestyle Photos
Good afternoon! How is your Thursday going? Its another beautiful day here- we're above 10 degrees again this afternoon. The windows are cracked a bit again today, letting some of that wonderful fresh air into the house to freshen things up again. I love it!! We waited until nearly noon for Kyle to come home--he was gone for a good 16 hours last night! Yikes. He says there's a possibility he could be going out again tonight; if not, he's got a rig move going on tomorrow. In a way, I hope he doesn't have to work until tomorrow. He's going to need the rest. Switching from day to nights to days again is going to wreak havoc on his internal clock. I don't envy him at this time of year at all!
To keep myself busy last night, I created another layout, and the finished product came about by chance. Sort of. I desperately need a new blade for my paper trimmer, but Walmart doesn't carry the replacement blades (yet they carry the paper trimmer, itself. Go figure). Grrr. (On a tangent, its like training pants. They have potty training underwear for the littles, but don't carry the plastic liners that a toddler wears over top of them. S.M.R.T. If you ask me.)
Cutting regular weight patterned paper is taking chance into your own hands- the cut could be crisp and clean, but more likely, its going to be ripped and torn and plain messy looking. Which, it was. So, I decided to roll with it. I broke out a piece of sand paper (which I haven't used in a coons age), and distressed the edges of all the paper in this layout, including the pictures. I was going for a shabby chic sort of look. I don't think I mastered it at all, but I do like the distressed look. Actually, I love the distressed look. I need to do it a little more often. I love the personality and character it adds.
I began with a plain piece of white card stock, and used a tooth brush (of all things) to paint on the background. I like the dry brushing look it lends. I tried the splattering technique first, but haven't quite gotten the hang of it. I scrapped that idea and just painted the old fashioned way (except for the tooth brush part). I cut the squares of patterned paper to the same size as the pictures, which is 2x3--which I find works incredibly well for an 8.5x11 size layout, if you want multiple photos--then embellished them a bit using stickers, a photo corner and what was left of the patterned paper I used behind the white card stock.
Lastly, the numbers of the date didn't match my color scheme (which I pulled inspiration from Pinterest for), so I painted them up, too. I used a small paint brush to add color, then took a dry paint brush and dry stroked them to help some of the color pop through, but not too much. It also adds a bit more texture to the layout, too. IRL it almost looks like wood grain.
The inspiration for my layout came from Pinterest (it originally came from the JBS blog, I do believe), but there was no way I was going to be able to stretch my title work across the top of the page. I split it up- part of it along the top of the spread, and the last half along the bottom of my spread. It helps carry your eye right to the bottom of the layout. I think, though, if I were to tweak it a little more, I'd add some more deep brown accents to my layout, as another way to help draw a persons eye around the page. I can't help but feel the eye gets stuck on the date.
Meh, oh well. Work place hazard :) I'm still in love with my layout!!
I may or may not attempt scrapping again tonight. It all depends on what my husband wants to do and how he feels. If he needs more sleep, I'll be back in here crafting up a storm. But, if he feels lively enough, I'm going to chillax with him, instead. I've missed him these last two days!
To keep myself busy last night, I created another layout, and the finished product came about by chance. Sort of. I desperately need a new blade for my paper trimmer, but Walmart doesn't carry the replacement blades (yet they carry the paper trimmer, itself. Go figure). Grrr. (On a tangent, its like training pants. They have potty training underwear for the littles, but don't carry the plastic liners that a toddler wears over top of them. S.M.R.T. If you ask me.)
Cutting regular weight patterned paper is taking chance into your own hands- the cut could be crisp and clean, but more likely, its going to be ripped and torn and plain messy looking. Which, it was. So, I decided to roll with it. I broke out a piece of sand paper (which I haven't used in a coons age), and distressed the edges of all the paper in this layout, including the pictures. I was going for a shabby chic sort of look. I don't think I mastered it at all, but I do like the distressed look. Actually, I love the distressed look. I need to do it a little more often. I love the personality and character it adds.
I began with a plain piece of white card stock, and used a tooth brush (of all things) to paint on the background. I like the dry brushing look it lends. I tried the splattering technique first, but haven't quite gotten the hang of it. I scrapped that idea and just painted the old fashioned way (except for the tooth brush part). I cut the squares of patterned paper to the same size as the pictures, which is 2x3--which I find works incredibly well for an 8.5x11 size layout, if you want multiple photos--then embellished them a bit using stickers, a photo corner and what was left of the patterned paper I used behind the white card stock.
Lastly, the numbers of the date didn't match my color scheme (which I pulled inspiration from Pinterest for), so I painted them up, too. I used a small paint brush to add color, then took a dry paint brush and dry stroked them to help some of the color pop through, but not too much. It also adds a bit more texture to the layout, too. IRL it almost looks like wood grain.
The inspiration for my layout came from Pinterest (it originally came from the JBS blog, I do believe), but there was no way I was going to be able to stretch my title work across the top of the page. I split it up- part of it along the top of the spread, and the last half along the bottom of my spread. It helps carry your eye right to the bottom of the layout. I think, though, if I were to tweak it a little more, I'd add some more deep brown accents to my layout, as another way to help draw a persons eye around the page. I can't help but feel the eye gets stuck on the date.
Meh, oh well. Work place hazard :) I'm still in love with my layout!!
I may or may not attempt scrapping again tonight. It all depends on what my husband wants to do and how he feels. If he needs more sleep, I'll be back in here crafting up a storm. But, if he feels lively enough, I'm going to chillax with him, instead. I've missed him these last two days!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday's What's Up
Daily What's Up:
Here's a few nifty things I've found this afternoon that you may find interesting, as well!-With Easter quickly approaching, how about downloading this uber cute bunny template? Find it here
-Are you working on a project, but are stumped on a color scheme? Try this on for size! I've also pinned this color scheme to my Pinterest, under Scrapbooking Color Schemes. If the color scheme isn't the problem, but where to start is, have a look at this beautiful sketch, instead.
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There's a few more goodies I've found!!
-One of the projects I enjoy making are cards, and I try and keep an eye out for simple sketches or cards others have made that I can easily replicate. Or, in cases like this, if a pattern is included, I just may have to try cards like these adorable chickens!!
-I know that Christmas is over, but its never too late to start thinking about things you'd like to make (or plan) for the next holiday. How about making a cute December Daily mini album like this one?
-Like the look of chevron paper, but don't have any? Create your own! Check out this tutorial! (I have also made a chevron type pattern before...I'll have to share that one again! Its uber easy!!!)
-Lastly, Maren thought these were really cool. I think so, too. The first thing I thought, of course, was how a person could work those into a layout?! Heh heh
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So, I'm thinking I don't like the bullet style list I've got happening here. I'm going to have to work on that! But for now, here's what I've found!! I'd love to know if you attempt any of these great projects!!!
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Last update of the day!!
Ursula is up tonight with a really neat layout showcasing Instagram photos. You should really check it out!!
And lastly, the next design team call is open for Lets Capture Our Memories. They are fantastic- I was on the design team early last year, and I had an absolute blast there! Everyone is friendly, the sketches are phenomenal, and it was a lot of fun being challenged to create something new twice a month. They are also a Canadian Company, and another online forum like Two Peas in a Bucket, Scrapbook.com, etc. If you're interested in joining a design team; if you've been dreaming of it like I had, then I urge you to apply! You never know, you might make it, and you'll definitely have a blast when you do!!
I would love to re-apply, but right now isn't the time for that. Maybe one day again in the future. Don't be shy. Check it out!!
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