I'm So Grateful for You Layout

Hello!

Today's post is a layout of my sweetie-pie step-son from about 10 years ago. He was a cutie then and he's gorgeous now...the girls are already lining up!

The title of this layout is a stamp that just says it all to me. I am so blessed to have a such a wonderful child in my life and thank God everyday for him.

The journal box is empty for the photo and, unfortunately, a bit fuzzy too. Sorry.

The final photo is a close up of the cool corrugated kraft mat for the photo and my color-coordinated PTI buttons. They matched the Core'dinations and 7 Gypsies papers beautifully.

I hope you enjoyed this layout - TGIF!

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Signature Greetings
Ink:True Black; Colorbox Chalk Charcoal
Paper: Core'dinations Black Magic Collection; 7 Gypsies Venice paper line; Ocean Tides, Kraft, True Black & Vintage Cream
Embellishments: Ocean Tides, Vintage Cream & True Black buttons, Linen Thread (SU)
Tools: Fiskars Corrugator

Let's Party

Hello!

Today's layout is a fun single page spread meant to highlight a family member's birthday. This was a fun, feminine layout with nice "girlie" colors that I don't get to use too much with my boys. Notice how I tried to use 3 different types of knots and such with the ribbon. I really enjoy the PTI grosgrain ribbon for layouts - the colors are so vibrant the the texture is lovely (as well as great at holding a knot).

The title was created by cutting letters from the October Afternoon paper that was also used in the bottom of the layout. I distressed the edges matted each letter and popped it up for fun.

The final picture shows off the yummy grosgrain ribbon in berry sorbet and summer sunrise. Those colors are just so cheerful that I couldn't resist the combination when I saw it.

I hope you enjoyed this one...the next post is another layout of my step-son from at least 10 years ago. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far.

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Journaling (misc)
Ink: Berry Sorbet and Chai
Paper: Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet and Ripe Avocado; Ducks in a Row line by October Afternoon (This Little Piggy, Lullaby & Splish Splash)
Embellishments: Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet and Ripe Avocado ribbon, Summer Sunrise button, DMC Floss #3827, Thickers Rockabye Alphabet by American Crafts
Tools: Cricut and Mini Monograms cartridge (Large square scallop cut at "fit to page" for pink & white polka-dot background); EK Success Punches (1/2", 5/8", 3/4" and 7/8")

Fly Away - Happy Birthday & Waltzingmouse Challenge #7

Hello!

Today's post is based on the following sketch challenge from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I only have one set of stamps from Waltzingmouse right now but that will change over time. So today I used my PTI stash to fill the void.

So here is my take on the sketch....

I went with a long card to be able to fit in all the elements of this card. I got a chance to play with a cute stamp set, color with my copics and play with felt.

Here is a close up of the plane and my copic coloring...I am getting more comfortable with my work. I have been practicing on my shading.

And the clouds...I love how they came out. I used them to create the 3 ribbon tails from the sketch above. I think their shape is so fun and I like how I carried them off the edge of the page. I hope you enjoyed the card. My next few posts will be some layouts I worked on this past weekend. Have a wonderful day!

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Fly Away
Ink: Chai, Chamomile, Memento - Black
Paper: Kraft, SS White, Spring Rain
Embellishments: Vintage Cream Felt
Tools: Copic Markers (110, R24, R27, R29, N4, T1, Y35, B24, B01, Colorless Blender), Small Cloud Die

Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge #14 - You Make Me Smile

Welcome everyone!

Today I am hosting the Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge (PPDC)...it is number 14 for the group. The challenge was two-fold: (1) use a color that you don't typically use and (2) use an old technique. I chose the color orange and embossing. I really love the finished project. If you are interested in joining in the fun please create your project and go the PPDC and post your creation.

I really like this color combination. I think the Hawaiian Shores really allows the Orange Zest to pop. And of course, who doesn't love chocolate right?!

This close up really shows the detail in the grosgrain ribbon and the shine from the embossing.

The final photo shows the embossed Orange Zest...have I mentioned how much fun it was to use Orange and try my hand at embossing again? I encourage everyone to play along with the challenge and post your creations. Remember, if you want to join in the fun go here.

Thanks for visiting and, as always, happy crafting everyone!

Supplies
All products are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Dot Spot, Signature Greetings
Paper: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Orange Zest and Hawaiian Shores
Ink Dark Chocolate, Chai and Versamark
Embellishments: Ranger Poly Sparkle embossing powder, Dark Chocolate ribbon
Tools: Heat Gun

Cute as a Button layout (PTI)

I finished this layout this past Saturday but I have been consumed with finishing some card designs I submitted for publication with Paper Crafts magazine (wish me luck) and a special card for the Leukemia Society through the Cricut Circle group to which I am a member that I forgot to post it. Tomorrow night I will be finalizing my Papertrey Paper Dolls challenge that will post on Thursday...here's a hint about my challenge...think of a technique....that's it! No more information until Thursday.

Here is a fun layout using mainly PTI products. I think I will save this layout for an assortment of cute pictures of Will when he was smaller.

Can you tell I am loving PTI buttons?! I really like this mix of colors...it is bright and cheery.

This photo highlights a fun alphabet stamp set I have from CTMH and shows off the overall color scheme: Orange Zest, Dark Chocolate, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse (paper/buttons) and Ripe Avocado (ink).

Each one of the photo mats has a different background stamp for some added interest.

The journaling box is large enough to use on a group of photos that are not related - this way I can describe each photo in detail and not feel like I am running out of space. The stamp set was an old journaling set that I have but for the life of me I have no recollection who designed it (sorry).

The final photo is a close up of my new favorite technique with ribbon on pages that have a masculine subject. I am not sure what the technical name or style is called but I call it ribbon rolling. I love the dark chocolate button on the hawaiian shores ribbon...it pops!

Have a wonderful evening/day everyone...and happy crafting!

Supplies (all supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Background Basics - Retro, Journaling (unknown manufacturer)
Paper: White cardstock (CTMH), Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, Orange Zest and Dark Chocolate
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Ripe Avocado, Orange Zest and Dark Chocolate
Embellishments: Buttons - Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse and Dark Chocolate, Ribbon - Hawaiian Shores, DMC Floss - white

Hello Card - October Afternoon

Here is the final card using the October Afternoon paper (Story Hour and Blue and White Motel). My favorite color is red and so I am loving this whole card.

Here is a side view...

Here is a closer shot of the flower, sentiment and alphabet trim.

The final photo is a close up of the flower I made. This flower is made using scallop punches (EK Success) in 2 different sizes. I crinkle them up and then distress them with ink and stack them up. After I ruffle them up a bit to add dimension I added a bright red button from PTI.

Distressed flowers that are homemade are all the rage right now. I learned this particular technique from Dawn McVey's blog...she is a favorite of mine. I like the way this card turned out. Sweet and simple. Thanks for looking at the blog. Have a wonderful day!

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Daily Design Sentiments
Ink: Charcoal (Colorbox Chalk), Black Noir (Pallette), Very Vanilla (SU), Black (Bazzill)
Cardstock: Blue & White Motel and Story Time (October Afternoon)
Embellishments: Pure Poppy button
Tools: Scallop Punches (EK Success), DMC floss

"You are a Classic" Layout

This layout was inspired by a card sketch from the Mojo Monday blog. Here is the picture of the challenge:

And here is what I created:

This is a layout that I am saving for my father-in-law. I think an assortment of photos would be perfect for this layout.

Here is a close up of the word "YOU" stamped with black ink, layered and popped up for dimension. I just love the look of this paper line don't you?

This close up shows the loop of the black grosgrain ribbon I like for masculine layouts. No bows allowed!

   
                             

The final photo is of the title. I used a different stamp set to enhance the title's meaning. I also have pictures on either side of the title that are actually cut from the Graphic 45 paper line. If you would like a better look at this wonderful paper line check out this link.

Come back tomorrow for another project. I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!

Supplies:

Paper: Graphic 45 (Communique & A Proper Gentleman), DCWV (Black & Beige)

Stamps: CTMH (TYpewriter Keys, Classic Caps)

Ink: Colorbox Chalk (Chalk), Pallete (Black Noir)

Embellishments: PTI Ribbon (True Black)

Graphic 45 Card

The card below was created in response to a challenge from 2 Sketches 4 You, specifically for Laura's Sketch 56. The unique thing about this card is that I created it using absolutely NO STAMPS...can you believe it? That may actually disqualify me for the challenge but the paper spoke to me and I ended up with this design...

Here is the main photo of the card...see, no stamping!

The side view highlights the dimensions in the card with the popped up elements and black half pearls both on the front and interior of the card.

Here is the close up of the quote I took from the Graphic 45 paper. I thought it was appropriate.

And finally, here is a close up of Lady Liberty on the phone. The pictures shows off the sheen of the black pearls.

I hoped you enjoyed this card...and if you like this card you should come back Saturday and check out a scrapbook layout I created that was inspired by this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge.

Supplies

Paper: Graphic 45 (Communique, A Proper Gentleman), DCWV (black textured cardstock)

Ink: Colorbox Chalk (Charcoal)

Embellishments: PTI ribbon (True Black), Queen & Co. (Black half pearls)

Student of the Week Layout

Today's post is a layout that I did using some fun October Afternoon paper. I used this on a challenge card earlier in the week and thought it reminded me of school so I created a layout for some future photos of my step-son from school.

I am working on allowing more open spaces in my layouts. I have most of my elements floating around and utilize two alphabet strips to anchor either side.

The title was cut with the Printing 101 cartridge at 1-1/2". Once it was distressed and matted I popped it up using a zillion little pieces of tape.

The apples were cut from the Making the Grade cartridge. One was cut at 2" and the other at 2-1/2" distressed, matted and used to accent the future journaling box and the upper left-hand corner near the photo box.

Saturday I am posting one final card using this cute October Afternoon paper. I have managed to convert 3 pieces of 12x12 paper into one 12x12 layout and 2 cards. Yay! I love it when I can stretch my supplies. Have a wonderful day.

SUPPLIES:
Ink: Colorbox Chalk (Chestnut Roan)
Cardstock: October Afternoon (Blue & White Motel and Story Hour), Bazzill (Brown)
Embellishments:
Tools: Cricut - Makin' the Grade and Printing 101

Thinking of You Card - Fillable Frames #2

Today's post is a card I created using scraps of Graphic 45 paper from my Bonjour Epcot layout. I love that paper so much that I hate to waste any of it when there is enough to create a card. This one is a simple "thinking of you" card.

I mix it up a bunch with this card in that I use a little Stampin' Up (SU), Close To My Heart (CTMH) and Papertry Ink (PTI). I really like the color combination of olive, red and yellow.

Here is a close up of the flower. The leaves are created with the Ripe Avocado ribbon and some strategically placed glue dots. The flowers were from a CTMH kit whose colors were a perfect match for this project.

The final photo is a close up of the Fillable Frame #2 die and sentiment. I used a scrap of So Saffron paper that happened to already have some stamping on it. The image was done with Versamark so it is faint but you should be able to see it.  I hope you enjoyed this card and are having a wonderful week so far!


All supplies are PTU unless otherwise note:
Stamps: Fillable Frame #2
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Chestnut Roan (Colorbox Chalk)
Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, So Saffron (SU), Graphic 45
Embellishments: Ripe Avocado button, Flowers (CTMH), Ripe Avocado grosgrain ribbon DMC Floss
Tools: Fillable Frame #2 die,

HEC #8 - Old Glory Challenge

Today's post is a response to a challenge from Ted at Happily Ever Crafter (as well as CPS Sketch 174) . The challenge required you to create a project using red, white and blue in honor of America's birthday. I chose to make a card. Here is the finished project:

The colors I chose are slight muted and give the card a vintage look. I used October Afternoon paper (a new favorite) and used a softer blue in Aqua Mist with brown ink distressing to give the shabby vintage look.

Here's a close up of the sentiment. I chose the word "celebrate" so I could use this card for any occassion. I really like the way this card turned out. Thanks for viewing and come back tomorrow for another great project. As always, happy crafting!

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Fillable Frames #5, Background Basics: Tex Style
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Colorbox Chalk - Chestnut Roan
Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, October Afternoon (Blue & White Motel, Story Hour)
Embellishments: Aqua Mist button, DMC Floss (3811)
Tools: Stampin Up Large Star Punch, Fillable Frame #5 die

Bonjour Epcot!

Today's post accomplishes a number of goals for me this week: (1) to make another French Manor layout, (2) to create an entry in a Scrapmaster's color challenge and (3) to start scrapping our recent vacation to Florida. What I ended up with was a 2 page layout called "Bonjour Epcot". I hope you like it.

For the title, I cut the word "Bonjour" at 3-1/2" in red cardstock and married it with the word "EPCOT" using black Thickers for a fun combination.

The journaling box was a happy accident. The red accent at the top was a label I cut by mistake at 1-1/2" (way too small). I cut the label in half and used it to frame the top of my journaling. I attached the buttons to mimic the buttons on the second page and I was done.

Page 2 of my layout actually shows a picture of me! That hardly ever happens. I was taking a photo of the fountain behind me (the picture all the way to the left in the layout) when a Walt Disney World photographer offered to take my picture using my camera - yeah! This page also highlights the yummy Graphic 45 paper I used for this layout.

Here is a close up of the Paris tag. The Tag and word "Paris" were both cut at 3". This particular tag has holes on either side which I covered with my Ripe Avocado buttons.

The final cut is the Eiffel Tower from the French Manor cartridge. The tower and swirly layer were cut at 6".

I hope you enjoyed this layout. My next project will be a card that I created for Ted's Old Glory Challenge which I will post tomorrow. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone and happy scrapping!

SUPPLIES
Ink: Colorbox Chalk (Charcoal)
Cardstock: Graphic 45 Times Nouveau Collection (Bee’s Knees, Hot Tomato & Lollapalooza), Bazzill (black, maraschino), PTI (Ripe Avocado), Stampin' Up (So Saffron)
Embellishments: PTI buttons (Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, Lemon Tart), American Crafts Thickers (Shoe Box Black)
Tools: Cricut - French Manor Cartridge

Birds of a Feather Layout - French Manor

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the delay. I finally got some scraping done after returning from vacation only to drop my laptop on the tile floor. After spending a day trying to bring it back to life I had to throw in the towel as it was cheaper to get a new one than repair the old one....lesson learned....get a warranty for your laptop!!!

Anyhoo, back to crafty business. Many know that I went ahead and spent the money to join the Cricut Circle. So I decided to show off something from the new French Manor cartridge I just got in the mail. Well, I have actually had the base of layout waiting for me to get a cartridge with a birdcage I liked. I was holding out for Serenade (see side note below about this cartridge) but it was difficult finding it. When the French Manor cart arrived I was tickled to see a beautiful birdcage that coordinated nicely with this paper.

I am saving this layout for a picture of me and my BFF (Sandy). I think it is fitting and with the title as it is really requires no journaling. Here are some close ups for everyone.

The birdcage was cut at 7". I used some soft antique white ribbon (Offray) to attach a bow and create the illusion of a chain holding the cage.

The flowers were also taken from the French Manor cartridge and were layered using cuts at 1.5", 1.75", 2" and 2.25". I distressed each flower and placed layered PTI buttons (Melon Berry & Terracotta Tile) in the center. The leaves were cut with PTI felt in Simply Chartreuse and veins were added with a #2 pencil. I rolled each of the edges to give the flowers some dimension. The final touch was some DMC Floss (3824).

 The last addition was the title which was actually created using the Songbird cartridge and was cut at 2.5". I think the colors and the cartridge cuts chosen work really well with the background paper which is Basic Grey, I believe, from the Porcelain Collection (Windermere). I hope you enjoyed this layout.

I hope to work on another project from French Manor this evening to post. I am trying to get back into the swing of things by trying to highlight a new cartridge each week. I also have a ton of vacation photos that are being developed and lots of layouts planned in my head using some of the new lite cartridges.

Serenade Note: So I have been looking for this cartridge and either it was unavailable or cost too much to justify the purchase before now. Well, earlier today I found it online at PapercraftingPro.com for under $20. I also found the Hannah Montana cartridge for under $18. Bonanza for me...woohoo!

Have a wonderful evening everyone and happy crafting!

Saturday, July 2nd...finally back on blog...

Hello Everyone,

I am back from a week in Florida on vacation with my family. We had a wonderful time but I have missed crafting! This weekend I am going to be back in business scrapping before I have to go to work on Tuesday. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!