December Daily 2011 Part 2

December daily is finally under way (for me)! A little late, but it's happening nonetheless! I spent some time yesterday afternoon planning the outside cover of my album, and this is what I came up with. I really like it so far- I'm a very traditional Christmas kind-of girl, so of course it's red & green. As I said in my previous post here, I'm using the December Daily kit by Ali Edwards & Studio Calico and I'm loving it! I'm also using some things from last year's Christmas stash that I still have, after all, that's what scrapbooking is all about right, using up those "scraps"!

The numbers and title in the above pictures are not stuck down yet...I'm still deciding if I want the cover arranged this way, or slightly different. But the general look will remain the same- even if some of the placement changes. The background paper is already adhered to the album, so that part is permanent! BTW, I strongly suggest that if you are doing a December Daily, and you're on Pinterest, check out all the DD inspiration there, because there's A LOT! Good luck with your DD, and I'll be back soon to post more updates with mine. *wink*



Photos taken by: Wahkuna

Learning to celebrate the little things.

Well here I am, back again after a long hiatus from blogging. I do apologize for disappearing. Sometimes life just gets away from us, and before we know it, 6 months has gone by and we can't even say where the time has gone! 

So much has happened since my last post in February, too much to touch upon in just one post. However the main things are; we moved to a 2 bedroom apartment (about 10 mins. from our old place), where I now have a craft room (yeeaaaayyyyy!!) and the other is that I was recently laid off from my job (not so good). Losing your job is always tough and now so much more personal for me, but with the way the economy has been, it's really no big surprise. Sometimes you clearly just have to take the good with the bad, try to see the brighter side of things and realize that perhaps your situation may be a blessing in disguise. Maybe it's an opportunity to do something greater, to be happier, to pursue what it is you truly want to do. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and there's always experiences that we can learn from and then move on. 

Which leads me to the point of this post- no matter what happens, and no matter how bad things may seem, we always need to remember to celebrate the little things. It's the little things that make up our lives, and tell our stories. Life wouldn't exist otherwise. They are the things that make you- YOU and me- ME! So regardless of your next obstacle or challenge, never forget to celebrate the little things along the way. And here's my interpretation of that;

 

I came across this color palette on Pinterest via Piradee Talvanna from the Photo Card Boutique (and pinned it to my color palette inspiration board). So I thought it was perfect for creating a card about celebrating the little things in life. These colors are so happy and fun!

I recently joined Pinterest within the last few months and I think it was one of the best things I could have done! It's basically a website where you can store an endless amount of virtual inspiration or "pin" boards. You can "pin" any image that can be found on the web to your boards according to theme or category. It's awesome! The best part about it is, all of your inspiration can be found in one place and is easily accessible! Definitely check it out if you haven't!

On the right is my hand sketch of the card (which was inspired from a LO by Piradee Talvanna in the September issue of Creating Keepsakes entitled; Fall) . I've realized that planning out my projects ahead of time, definitely helps to cut down on time and makes the final product look more cohesive.

And here is the final product! This card is 5x7 and most of the products used came from the Studio Calico Lawn Party kit. I love it's vintage feel! I used a lot of layering and dimension to add interest. I also like how adding the ruffle gives a more finished look and the yarn with butterflies create movement.

Butterflies symbolize change and celebration, which is why I thought they were perfect for this card. With every change, no matter how big or small, we should celebrate.

Studio Calico- December 2010

Metropolitan is here!!!! And this my friends, is why I LOVE the beginning of every month! I always get SO excited when my new kits arrive and this month is NO exception! I'm already thinking of new ideas and looking at all the goodies makes me want to create aaaaall the time! (If only...*sigh*)

METROPOLITAN;

Coordinates with the following:

Mists: Lunch Tray, Applejack, Sunshine, Calico White, Calico Cream, Dark Calico, Warm Calico, Classic Calico
Inks & Paints: Lemon Drops, Malted Milk, Brown Sugar, Stick Candy


Complete kit contents:

Cardstock:
Kraft (Bazzill)
Hazel (Bazzill)
Lima Bean (Bazzill)
Cinder (Bazzill)
Vanilla (American Crafts)


Patterned Paper:

Exclusive Designs - 2 papers (Sassafras)
Digits (Studio Calico)
Swatch (Studio Calico)
Perfect Embossed (Pebbles)
Lagoon Calendar (KI Memories)
Metropolis (Basic Grey)
Pattern Dot (Making Memories)
Ledger (Making Memories)


Embellishments:

Tiny Type - Yellow (Cosmo Cricket)
Parisian Anthology Tickets (Pink Paislee) 5 tickets
Ledger Envelopes (Making Memories) 3 envelopes
Shimmer Alpha - Silver (Making Memories)
Entwined Blooms Turkish Turquoise (Sassafras)
Green Grid Mixtape (American Crafts)
Weekdays Black Scribbles (KI Memories)
Velvet Pleated Ribbon - Cream (Maya Road) 1/2 yd
Crystal Star Pin (Maya Road TK1411) 2 pieces
Globe Stamp (Studio Calico)

Birthday Wishes

Supplies: Textured Cardstock- Bazzil; Patterned Paper- Sassafrass; Ribbon- Making Memories;

Distress Ink- Ranger; Stamp/Button & Embroidery Thread-Other

home·spun

[hohm-spuhn]
–adjective
1. spun or made at home: homespun cloth.
2. plain; unpolished; unsophisticated; simple; rustic

Origin:

1580–90; home + spun


This birthday card I created a while back and thought I would share it with you today. I used the Studio Calico Back 40 kit. I really like the patterned papers that have the decorative scallop edge, they're perfect as a finishing touch! This patterned paper is from Sassafras and I love their papers, they always have a homespun feel, very vintage. The patterned paper is attached to the card using a zz stitch with a ribbon running across the center attached at the sides with zz.

The sentiment was created with a stamp on a piece of textured card stock that I shaped using a tag stencil. The border was made using a glitter gel pen and Tim Holtz's Ranger distress ink. The button is attached using ivory embroidery thread wrapped and tied into a bow.

Below is a color palette I've created inspired by this card. Maybe it will inspire your next project! Enjoy!

Good Quality Time

Happy Monday!


Hope everyone had a great weekend!


My weekend was pretty low key. The hubby and I decided to stay in on Friday night and make buffalo wings with homemade chunky blue cheese dressing, instead of going out to buy it! It ended up being a FAB idea because was saved money and the wings w/ blue cheese was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! That was the first time I've even attempted to make a salad dressing from scratch and we were pleasantly surprised with the outcome! I definitely recommend the recipes and will post them both soon! We were able to spend some quality time cooking together and enjoy the yummy results! Two thumbs up!!


On Saturday I tried to hit some thrift stores for some inspiration, but unfortunately the list of stores I found online, must have been really outdated. I guess I should have called the stores first to see if they were open, but of course I didn't and proceeded to drive to 2 stores that were no longer there and 1 that only had second hand clothes and jewelry. I was looking for more product and didn't find it. Hmmm...I'm going to have to research my next trip a lot better. Does anyone know of any great thrift stores in NY, there has to be tons!? Preferably within the 5 boroughs or LI??


I'm also happy that I was able to fit some creating time in this weekend and I was very happy with the results. Sometimes when I finish a project, I feel like it's not as great as it "could" be, but I guess that's just me being hard on myself. A trait I've always had since I can remember. Not good, but working on it. I need to learn to just create and be happy with the end result. One day...


I wanted to share a recent Friends card that I made using the Studio Calico kit- Granny's Cupboard from May. Take a look;

Supplies; Textured card stock- Bazzil; Patterned paper- C-thru Ruler Company & The Girl's Paperie;

 Transparency- Hambly; Title- Dymo Letratag; Flower stamp- Studio Calico; Ribbon- Other;

Rhinestones- Other; Decorative brads- Pink Paislee; Distressing ink- Ranger Tim Holtz

For this card, I inked the edges of patterned paper and then stamped a flower image onto it. I drew some stitch lines in the form of stems and leaves with a thin black marker pen and then glued rhinestones to the center of the flower stamps to create a floral bunch. I placed lace on the bottom edge of  the patterned paper as a decorative border. For the title I inked the edges of another square piece of patterned paper, placing it diagonally with decorative brads. Then I used a decorative transparency with textured card stock placed behind the transparency and typed the word "Friends" using my Dymo Letratag and placed it between the textured card stock and transparency. I then punched small holes along the top part of the patterned paper (about every 1/2") and threaded a twill ribbon through making knots on both ends to hold it in place. Finally I adhered the whole piece of patterned paper to the actual card to create a clean finish and no mess on the inside.

That's it for today, I'm on my way to work for an hour and then headed to Ohio on business until tomorrow night. Have a great Monday! Until next time-

Summer Camp is here!!

I have to share my excitement with you because my new Studio Calico scrapbooking kit- Summer Camp arrived this past Friday which means it was the BEST day of the week! I love when I get my new collection because it is sooo inspiring and gets me in the creative mood! It's colorful and full of fun goodies!! I love Studio Calico, they are so great at coordinating the whole collection to be cohesive yet fun and full of surprises! If you haven't experienced a Studio Calico kit, you definitely should, it's worth it!

I receive a new kit at the beginning of every month and have one whole draw from one of the organizers in my craft space dedicated to them. I usually take everything out of the package and admire it for a while, thinking of all the possibilities and creations, then I put the whole kit in a big zip loc bag and label the kit name and date. This helps me stay organized and keeps each kit together with all it's components so that I always know what I'm using for each project. These zip loc bags are so convenient and cheap! They are sold in the paper goods section of every store and measure 14 3/8"x 16" which is big enough to hold all of your 12x12 papers and embellishments. Hefty even has a diagram on the back of the box displaying the uses for these plastic bags, which includes protecting photo albums and to store crafts. What do you use to store your scrapbooking kits?

 

Love You Forever

Now this post is going to feel a little like fall, a little pumpkin spice, a little apple streusel, reminds me of all the things I love about the change of seasons.

This card is titled "I Promis to Love You Forever", the colors and design create elegance and sophistication. Accents of pearls give it just enough texture and pop. The solid cardstock mixed with a herringbone print is also a great touch to add interest and the stitching creats that homespun look. With the fall season just around the corner, this spicy color palette is sure to stir some delicious creations!

Supplies; Cardstock-Bazzill; Ribbon-Cosmo Cricket; Border Embellishment-Cosmo Cricket;

Patterned Paper-Studio Calico; Pearl Flourish-Want 2 Scrap; Pearl Embellishments- Recollections

Old Friends~ New Tradition

At the end of last week I received a surprise in the mail. It was a card from a very dear friend of mine. We've been friends since 2nd grade (about 20 years as she put it) and have gradually grown apart over time due to distance and separate life paths. But the good thing about always remaining friends and staying in touch from time to time is that you always stay connected some how, and although it's far and few between, when you get together it's almost like yesterday and no time has past at all. That is how I feel around her...she is my special long distance friend. The funny part is that I've been thinking about her lately and how we've been  needing to catch up, which was exactly when I received her card. Life is funny like that.

In response to her thoughtful card, I of course had to make one to send back. The sentiment is so fitting- I miss you. To create this card I used part of my July Studio Calico kit- Continental. I love Studio Calico coordinated kits, they are always so fun and have such great color combos/embellis! I also LOVE to incorporate stitching (whether by hand or on the sewing machine) and also some kind of fabric or ribbon. That must be due to my fashion/apparel background. I spend my days around clothing, fabric/swatches, ribbon, buttons and fasteners. It always spurs up some kind of creative ideas! Here is the outcome;

Supplies; Textured Cardstock- DCWV(matchmakers); Patterned Paper- Studio Calico;

Flower- Studio Calico; Textured Fabric- K&Company;

Distress Ink- Tim Holtz(pumice stone);

Rhinestones- Other; Sentiment Stamp- Other.

I love the color palette for this card. Its sweet yet sophisticated with a little bit of distressing to produce a worn look. For the flower design on the top left, I cut it out of a Studio Calico advertisement card that was patterned on the back side, and I couldn't resist using the pattern, it's so beautiful and adds a great focal point to this card! I definitely think my friend will enjoy receiving this in the mail. It's worth saving! I would like this card-giving to become a tradition, almost like a pen pal, a new way to stay in touch more. Since we live far apart, I'm hoping that we are able to constantly write to eachother to stay connected and keep our friendship strong, afterall...who has time to sit on the phone for hours anymore! And being a memory preserver, having everything in writing and documented makes it so much better for future keepsakes (which reminds me, I still have all of her letters from Middle School!!!) :-)

Excitement in the Air!

Today is the BIG day! It's the start of the Summer 2010 CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Trade Show!!!! I'm so excited, you would think that I was going to be there!! (Not quite, but wish I were, for sure!) I look forward to reading/seeing all the new products that are coming out from other bloggers that will be there. For now, I have to live vicariously through all of them, but hey, it's better than nothing!

There are many sites that have already been posting updates on the show for weeks, building our suspense even more! A couple in particular are; Studio Calico, Scrapbook Update and CHA's very own blog. Check into these sites for continuous updates throughout the duration of the show. This year its in Rosemont, IL at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, July 27th-July 29th.

Super Sunday!

Hello All!

Hope you all are enjoying your SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!! Today I heard something interesting on tv regarding this very special day...they said that today has become an unofficial holiday, which seems to be true, since millions of people throw parties which usually last all day & all night (all in the name of football). So maybe it should be a holiday...and everyone should get Monday off right!?! (Yeah only if it were that easy). So the big question is...who are you guys rooting for?? I was originally in favor of the Colts...(only because the Patriots aren't playing) but I started feeling like I should be more in favor of the under dogs, the Saints not to mention all that New Orleans has been going through the last few years. So my fingers are crossed...GO SAINTS!

Anyway, moving on...lately I've been feeling like I need to do more scrapping. I haven't been creating layouts much, I've been focusing on the scrapframes more (which I love) but I need to continue creating memories for myself and my family, most importantly. Here is a new layout I created using a lot of elements from some of my many Studio Calico kits. This layout features my grandmother with her 2 great grandsons.

I added a lot of personal doodling to this page, which I don't normally do, but I like how it adds a more personal touch. I also added stitching (using a black micron pen) to make the edge of the die cut background paper and the letter stickers stand out on the page. It definitely gives a crafty feeling. Take a look...

Supplies; Solid Textured Cardstock: Studio Calico; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon; Brads: Studio Calico; Letter Stickers: All About Alpha-Making Memories; Die Cut Background Paper: Melissa Frances; Lace & Buttons (suppliers unknown)

I'm also SUPER excited because today my husband and I went to Ikea to get a work table for me so that I don't have to constantly have my crafts spread across the kitchen table! I chose something that was very economical and works great for my space! I'm LOVING IT!!! I will post some pictures of my area soon, once everything is straight and organized! I feel like the little space I've created in our 1 bedroom apartment is slowly taking shape and becoming my little crafting oasis!! Its definitely become a motivational boost for me! Yeay!

Do you have a neat crafting area that you are proud and happy to work in?? If so, send me a comment with the link so that I can check it out! I love to see where others get creative! Maybe your craft rooms or spaces will give me some inspiration to help me finish mine! I look forward to checking them out! :-)

Have a goodnight!

Back in Town!

Can you believe it?!? I'm FINALLY BACK!! It seems like forever since I posted on here (well it's been 4 months...so forever sounds about right :-/)...but everything got so hectic in May once my "hubby" came back from the Marines (I still can't get used to referring to him as my husband...It makes me feel so old! haha.

So just a quick recap of all that happened while I was away...

Chris landed a job 3 days out of the Marine Corps (Hallelujah!)and we moved in together at the beginning of June. It was definitely exciting, but a bit of an adjustment, especially if you've never lived with the opposite sex before! Usually they just don't do things the way you're used to, but that's all part of life and what makes the whole experience so interesting and fun!

Anyway...back to the topic at hand, we had our wedding on August 1st and it was AMAZING!! We couldn't have wished for better weather, it was sunny and warm, but not humid, it was just right! All of our closest family and friends were there to help share the day with us and everything went off without a hitch! We are both so happy that everything worked out and we have so many wonderful memories to share forever! Also, our honeymoon in Costa Rica was sooo relaxing and beautiful!! I took TONS of pictures because I couldn't resist the beautiful scenery over there! I can't wait to share some pictures with all of you...but bare with me, because i'm a little slow getting back into the swing of things.

First on my "To Do List" is to try to catch up with all of my blogging, or lack there of! I miss sitting down and taking time to express my thoughts/feelings and I REALLY miss letting those creative juices flow!!! So like I said, bare with me...and I will get there. Also, on a very happy note...today I subscribed to the Studio Calico monthly scrapbooking kits and I can't WAIT until I get the first one!! I hope it gets here really really fast! Do any of you subscribe to Studio Calico already?? If so, what are your thoughts on them??

Well it feels good to be back and I look forward to posting a lot more and sharing all of my recent events with you soon, so check back often!