I have so much to share with you all but somehow life keeps interupting my blogging. Dang it! I need to find a better system or schedule, I know. It's an ongoing struggle to find the right balance in this crazy life. And I know I am not alone. As women, we wear so many hats and take on so much that at times it can all be a bit overwhelming.
First, I want to tell you guys that I will be posting my "FOR SALE" items on Saturday morning. Anything purchased over the weekend will ship Monday. I meant to get this up last week, however I simply ran out of time. I spent a long weekend out of town with girlfriends celebrating a good, good friend's 40th birthday by going to a Bon Jovi concert and dancing until three in the morning! This mama doesn't do that anymore... okay.... ever! Ha. We had a fabulous time, though, and it was good to escape real life for a couple of days. :)
Next, I have a new layout share over at Kerri Bradford's website showcasing some of her new designs from her latest kit, Bloom as well as some other favorites from past kits. This page was started before last weekend and finished up Monday morning. It was one of those that came together really quickly. The idea took shape in my head and once I had cut out all the elements and printed the photos it just came together. I love that. Repeition of elements really helps to create a cohesive page design.
I have the hardest time scrapbooking seasons, holidays and celebrations. Not because I don't like to create those pages, because I do, but because it can be so hard to get good, really good, photos of my kids on those days! Ugh! I'm always so bummed that the photos aren't as good as I wanted but years later (these photos were taken in 2008) I realize I don't care that they aren't perfect, I'm just thrilled that I took photos and have those memories no matter how bad the color, how blurry or how much the child in the photo(s) doesn't cooperate for the camera!
One of my favorite die-cutting techniques is to use multiple shapes on one page to create maximum effect. I die cut 11 file folders from different patterned papers and then embellished each almost as an individual "page" and then adhered them to my page background. I intentionally left one space "empty" and instead added a grouping of a cute die cut chick, thought bubble and words for the title. The stamped sub-title really finishes off the title thought bubble and the gems used as eyes on the chick add dimension and interest to this otherwise flat embellishment.
I used lots of little bits and pieces from my supply stash for this page: buttons, brads, washi tape, clips, die cuts and stickers. I love mixing and matching supplies for a one-of-a-kind page design.
Journaling... and there's a typo. I hate when that happens! Especially afte I stitched it in place. Darn it all. Oh well.... it is what it is and it doesn't bother me enough to re-do it. ;)
I did pop up several elements with foam adhesive just to give dimension, especially to layered stickers and to draw your eye to the title die cut accent.
LINKED SUPPLIES:
OTHER SUPPLIES:
- Crate Paper Paper Heart 6x6 Paper Pad
- Pebbles Sunny Side 6x6 Paper Pad
- October Afternoon Farmhouse Little Flyers
- Hello Forever for Studio Calico "Neat Things" Stamp Set
- yellow ruler washi tape
- green arrow washi tape
- tabs, vellum arrows, tag (Studio Calico kits)
You will want to be sure to check back in tomorrow for a Simon Says Stamp Blog Hop and as always SSS is offering an amazing and generous giveaway prize at each blog participating in the hop giving you several chances to win! And I will have a video for you as well showcasing one of my favorite cards I've created in some time. :)
We'll see you tomorrow!