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?