Breathe | Sketchy Thursdays Challenge

I'm back to share a page I made using a sketch from the Sketchy Thursdays blog. I'm really loving that I found this blog. The first time I participated, I was chosen as one of the design team favorites. I was thrilled! Totally made my day. I've enjoyed getting to know the team through their layouts and blogs. Such a nice group of women. Onto the sketch....

When I saw all the white space, the banner and the twine, I knew I'd participate. They are all favorites of mine. I used the sketch to the tee, except that I added journaling along the outside. I do this often on my pages. It's a great way to add words without disrupting the design too much. I wanted the photo to shine.

I used a black and white photo for the first time. How is that? Will definitely be using them more. I love how it looks. I actually made this one a bit sepia too and softened the edges. All just in iPhoto.

I used the Victoria Gardens collection from Echo Park. These papers are so pretty. I made a base for the photo with a few scraps of paper and then made different sized banners to peek out from underneath. I inked the edges of the paper to give them a bit more definition. I wrapped a few lengths of twine around the photo and added a few drops of Mr. Huey and called it done.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hello Monday

Here's hoping good news arrives today.

Happy Halloween! What is everyone up to? I'm going to my sister's to see my nieces all dressed up. Whatever you have planned, I hope it involves some sugary goodness.

I'll be back a bit later with another post! Making up for my absence last week.

10 Favorite Places

I made this page a couple of weeks ago, but just realized I haven't shared it here yet. This design is one I keep coming back to. It satisfies everything I like in a page; a sizable area for a title, pretty patterned paper and journaling. The best part: it's super simple to make. A couple of cuts, a few punches, inked edges and that's it.

This was a topic I've been wanting to scrap for awhile. I love looking back on pages like this. It's neat to see how the places change (some never leave the list) after I've been to and experienced new places.

I used the Memoir collection from Studio Calico and Amy Tangerine Thickers. The tags are from an office supply store.

The weather should be beautiful here this weekend. I hope to get out and enjoy it. I still need to buy a few pumpkins. I really need to get on that! I also have a few layouts on my mind. Maybe I'll crafty too. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Fall

Lately, I've seen a lot of people participating in Sketchy Thursdays. I was intrigued, so I checked it out. It's a blog that shares a new sketch challenge each week. They have a design team that shows how many different ways you can interpret the sketch. That's why I love sketches so much. There's no right answer. Just a great starting off point. An inspiration piece. This week, I decided to play along for the first time.

Here is the sketch.

I loved all the possibilities for the journaling along the side, so I started with that. I used the Sentiments stamp set from Studio Calico and stamped all along the right hand side. I got ink on the pad and then stamped it several times on the cardstock before adding more ink. I think the technical term is "stamping off," but I'm no expert! I really love how it turned out though. Will definitely be trying this again.

Then I just layered some Studio Calico patterned paper behind my photo. I added the very cute leaves from Amy Tangerine's line, which worked perfectly for my fall themed page. And of course, a couple of Elle's Studio tags. To make the page seem more grounded, I added a few strips of patterned paper on the top and bottom. I added a few drops of mist, my journaling and called it done.

I had a lot of fun with this sketch challenge. I look forward to playing again.

Very Thankful

I'm posting twice in one day! Too much to share, which is always a good thing. I'm back to share a layout I created using a sketch on the Elle's Studio blog. The sketch is based off of a layout by Laura Kurz. I'm a huge fan of her work, so I definitely wanted to play along.

I substituted a photo and some layering of patterned paper for the journaling card that Laura used. But I kept the tag clusters in the same place. I have been wanting to try out more layering and I'm pleased with how it turned out. After using a lot of mist lately, this page looks really bare without any on it!

The page is about how thankful I am for my parents. I've been thinking about this page for awhile, so I'm so glad to finally have it scrapped.

Journaling reads//My parents are my sounding board, my biggest fans, my compass. Their love and support have saved me countless times. I thank God for them every.single.day.

Ten on Tuesday

1| I love barns. I love taking pictures of barns. But I'm never near a barn, so that proves difficult. I figure I love barns because of my family's long history of living on farms. My grandparents on both sides owned farmland and all generations before that. It's in my blood. I just love the idea of a photo montage of different barns. Maybe one day.

2| I saw the Ides of March. Man, that movie left me in a foul mood. I was bothered mostly because it was a pretty realistic portrayal of politics these days. Which truly makes me sad. I have always been a strong believer in the power of politics to do good in the world. I've seen it. But, unfortunately, not lately. I was hoping for a feel good ending and it just wasn't to be. Good acting though.

3| When I read Elise's post about her love of brussels sprouts, it looked so tasty that I picked some up and am now hooked. I've been preparing them like Elise and eating them with everything. Pasta. Grilled cheese sandwich. Salads. Hmmm....good.

4| My brother is participating in National Novel Writing Month (his second year!) and is encouraging me to participate too. I have no ideas, but because I'm crazy, I'm leaning toward trying it out.

5| Every year at this time, I'm always shocked by the shorter days. The early darkness is hard to adjust to. Not a fan. I'm astonished that October is over half way done. Mornings are getting brisk. Heavier sweaters are at the ready.

6| I finished Bossypants. A very enjoyable read. I liked the behind the scenes peek into how the Sarah Palin impersonation came about and Tina's thoughts about it.

7| I'm excited about December Daily. Ali Edwards has teamed up with Studio Calico to offer a kit this year, which I think is so cool. I hope that it's affordable. But either way, I'll be participating. I love this project.

8| I was surprised by the news that American Crafts has acquired Studio Calico and Crate Paper. I'm happy if it means easier access to those products.

9| I watched a few episodes of Prime Suspect this weekend. I'm a fan.

10| I was thrilled when Amy Tan mentioned my North Shore mini album on her blog. Totally made my day. Thanks to all of you that stopped by through her blog. I hope you'll come back often.

You Rock

Today, I'm sharing a page I made for the weekly challenge over on the Studio Calico blog. They challenged us to make a misted background. When I attended Scrapfest this year, I stopped by the Studio Calico booth and saw Mr. Huey in action. I was sold. Now, I'm misting everything. I'm no expert, but I'm having a lot of fun!

I used a bubble template that I've had for years, but have never used. I didn't know how it would turn out, so I just placed it on the cardstock and misted like crazy. I love the look of masking. I added the photo on top of the mask. I liked the idea of the mask peeking out. Then, I added a couple of banners. I'm big into banners these days. The red ones I cut up myself. Super easy to do. Then you can customize banners for any project. The possibilities are endless. Love that.

The paper is from Studio Calico's Memoir collection. I'm a huge fan. I used Mr. Huey Plum Thumb, Heirloom Blue (a favorite) and Custard.

What about you? Do you mist and mask on your projects?

North Shore Mini

Today, I'm sharing the mini album I made from my trip to the North Shore. I made the base of the album at Amy Tan's class at Scrapfest. I love this album. I love that the pages are staggered, so you can see other pages peeking out. I love that fabric paper binds the album. I love all the great embellishments, tags, and stickers from this collection. It makes this album so much fun! And I had Amy sign the back. Very cool!

Here are all the pages.

I added a pocket to the back, so I could include some more journaling. I also included the receipts from the places we ate. I enjoy looking back on these.

I used primarily Amy's line, but also a bit of Elle's Studio, Basic Grey, Jillibean Soup, Smash and October Afternoon.

I hope you enjoyed seeing how my mini turned out. Enjoy your Wednesday!

Ten on Tuesday

1| I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday with my family. We had a picnic at the arboretum and then walked around the grounds. I requested two salads and pumpkin bars. All were super delicious. Even the leftovers were tasty. You can find the two salad recipes here and here.

2| I scrapped with a friend this weekend and finished up my North Shore mini-album. I'll be sharing tomorrow, so be sure to stop back.

3| I started reading Bossypants. I'm only a few pages in, but it is hilarious. Laughter is so good for the soul.

4| I'm looking forward to having lunch with a couple of friends this week. Friends are so good for the soul too.

5| I'm loving these pieces of art by Kal Barteski.

6| Every once in awhile, I get overwhelmed by all the paper and email that accumulates. Last night, I made a big dent in all of it. Feels good.

7| I got out my pumpkin scented candle, but I need to get some mini pumpkins and gourds. Oh, how I love October.

8| I'm checking out Stamping A to Z series at Two Peas. I'm not much of a stamper. Mostly on cards. Occasionally on a scrap page. I'm looking forward to some easy tips and tricks for bringing it into my projects more.

9| I asked for and received a set of 400 count sheets for my birthday. I can't wait to wash them up. There's nothing like brand new, freshly washed sheets. Simple pleasures.

10| "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Steve Jobs. Oh, man, I'm working really hard to make this a reality for myself.

Currently

wishing I was back on the North Shore.

loving that it's Friday.

hoping to squeeze in a matinee on Saturday.

enjoying the amazing golden light outside these days.

trying to embrace my new age.

thinking about how to motivate myself to get back into an exercise routine.

wearing a sweater even though it's in the 80s.

looking forward to a quieter week ahead.

wanting to spend my time differently.

wondering what's next?

39.59

Happy Thursday to you! I'm patiently waiting for this weekend. I am scrapping with friends, attending a chamber orchestra concert and celebrating my birthday. Can't wait!

But until then, here is a layout I created for the sketch challenge on the Authentique blog.

I stayed close to the sketch, just using two vertical 4x6 photos instead of two horizontal ones. I used primarily the Blissful collection. This is my favorite collection. I'm actually running out, so will need to remedy that right quick. It worked perfectly against the gray stitched paper from the Amy Tangerine collection too.

Supplies:
Authentique| Blissful (paper), Tabloids and Icons (cardstock elements)
American Crafts| Amy Tangerine (paper and Thickers)
Basic Grey | (buttons)


Thanks for stopping by!

Ten on Tuesday

1| I'm back from a couple of days on the North Shore. What a magical place. We spent a lot of time at Temperence State Park. We hiked the trails, skipped some rocks and strolled the shoreline while listening to the waves roll in. The colors on the leaves were amazing too. I dreaded leaving.

2| I'm healthy again! Thank goodness. Here's hoping that's the last time for a long time.

3| My birthday is tomorrow. I'm pretty much in denial. I usually love my birthday, but this year I'm not that excited. I usually create a list of things I'd like to do that year, but I'm not inspired to do that this year. I know, I'm Debbie Downer. I did ask for pumpkin bars with cream cheese as my "cake," and I'm definitely looking forward to that!

4| I ran the Twin Cities 5k on Saturday. We had a beautiful morning. While I didn't accomplish my goal of running the entire thing, I did finish with my best time yet. Go figure.

5| I "typed-talked" with my youngest niece. That's what she calls Skyping. Makes me smile every time I say it. It was really fun to talk with her and hear about what she's been up to. I wish we could do that more often.

6| So, Blockbuster went bankrupt. Now, I have no way to get movies. Thinking about getting Apple TV. Anyone else use it? Or how does everyone else watch movies?

7| I haven't been too impressed with the new TV season so far. The Good Wife and Parenthood haven't been as good as I think they can be. I thought last season, for both shows, was amazing. I am looking forward to Flashpoint coming to ion television. A channel I actually get.

8| I'm also looking forward to seeing Ides of March with George Clooney. Wow, the last three entries have been about movies and TV. I guess Fall is here. I'm ready to hibernate. Although, the weather is not cooperating. Today we were in the 80s. What?!

9| I treated myself to this bracelet. It was 40% off! Great deal! I never wear bracelets, but I'm loving this one. I love the jingle/jangle noise it makes. It's also so pretty, which makes me feel pretty too. Win, win!

10| I'm eager to get scrapping. I have tons of photos from my trip up north and from the 5k that I can't wait to use. Off I go...