Rustic Trails Layout (2nd)

Lynn Maternowski contributed this layout. [[Thanks!]]

I LOVE how Lynn used the Rustic Trails gingham design paper on this layout. (The blue plaid on the left-hand side.) She cut it into (3) 12x1 strips and (7) 3x1 strips and wove them together. Addind a couple of brads here and there made a great compliment to the torn and distressed matting cardstocks that she used on this layout.

Rustic Trails Layout

This layout was contributed by Lynn Maternowski. [[Thanks!]]

Lynn used the Rustic Trails paper to highlight her photos and it workded perfectly! Don't lose your chance to get this great paper! It is retiring as of January 1!

She added brads and chocolate Waxy Flax over the title as light, manly touches to complete the look.

Life Delights Layouts

This double layout was contributed by Lisa Navarre. [[Thanks!]]

I LOVE how the design paper was used as the actual background paper instead of using cardstock. It isn't as thick, but since the pages go into page protectors, it works just great! Also, don't miss the Just Blooms "Pinks" that embellish this page. Lisa used one large white and one smaller pink flower. She cut each in half, stacked them, and put a sparkle as the center. This paper was just MADE for this type of layout!

Halloween Artwork

Special thanks to Juanelle Mendez for these great spooky cards and layouts. The layout is highlighted by the CTMH stamp set, "Creepy Cobwebs."

10-from-1 Cards

While this is a fun way to get kids involved in stamping, there really is a right way to do it in order to get a balanced, well-designed page. Star with the largest stamp you plan to use. Stamp them in triangles around the page. Look at the first picture. Notice how the maple leaves in the top right quadrant form a triangle? The bottom three form another triangle, but they aren't exactly the same. If you stamp them all just alike (with equa-distance and similar angles between them) you'll end up with a page that is TOO designed. It will look too patterned and not random enough. Make sure to stamp right off the edge of the paper as well (have scratch paper underneath) to give your paper a look of continuity.

Once you add your large items, fill in with smaller images and tighter triangles. Be sure to rotate your stamp when you make the impressions so they don't all look alike. If you don't have markedly large stamps, you can still get a great look with the smaller stamps. You can stop at this point, and have a loosely stamped page. Just make sure you have enough of the paper stamped so that every small section you will cut (not less than 1x1 inches) has at least part of 1 or 2 images. If you have too much blank space on the paper, it will not work for this project.

In my opinion, the more the merrier! I love the way the paper looks when I fill it entirely with different images. The less white paper that shows through, the better I like it. It also means I don't have to worry about how or where I cut my paper since all of it is designed.

Once I decorate my paper, I cut it along with 2 coordinating cardstocks to design the cards. I used the CTMH Originals Card Confidence program to design the cards and I change them everytime I make them. Often by the time I get to the 9th or 10th card, I have to get a little creative and adapt the design I want to whatever paper I have left. All of the blank places that you see on these cards were filled with sentiment stamps or artwork (mostly sentiments). I also added brads, ribbon, and some "Just Blooms" leaves to the final cards. Usually I use Cranberry, Autumn Terra Cotta, Garden Green, and Desert Sand with my Autumn cards, but I thought it might be fun to try them with some non-traditional colors. I like the way they turned out, but I do prefer the richer colors that I normally use.

Mid-week Makeover

It's funny, I've done more projects in the last month than I normally do, but just haven't had the time to post them. It's Wednesday, so I'll start with the Mid-week Makeover. This is where I take a card or other project that has been made with non-CTMH products and remake it using CTMH items.

This is 2-for-1 week! I found this card on Split-Coast Stampers which is primarily a Stampin' Up artwork site. This card was made by someone with the username Dejah_Cote1. Mabye one of you would have a better idea about the stamp set and paper, but it looks to me like the creater used a random stamping technique with a similar stamp set. It's hard to see that the leaves have been colored green with marker just like the red ribbon.

I made my first one using the Enchanted paper pack and I really fell in love with the Smokey Plum look to this card. The stamp set for the central figure on both cards is from the October Stamp of the Month - Annotations. The sentiment on this Autumn cards is from the "Say it with Style" Stamp of the Month from a while back, but you could use any number of small words or sentiments with this.

I decided I wanted to create a Christmas card with this design, too. I used the Evensong paper pack for this, only I wish I had used the Cranberry cardstock as my base instead of blush. I really like the darker look to the card. By the way, have you noticed how the new CTMH paper packs have print on both sides? I used the multicolored flowers for the bottom section of my artwork, but I used a full rectangle of the back of that paper (green on green of the same print) as the background. It worked perfectly, blending the print from the red with the color from the green! Gotta LOVE that!

Artwork Invitation!

Didn't have any takers on this Challenge. August is a TOUGH month. Hopefully September will be better! If you decided to use this sketch, I'd LOVE to see your artwork!

I was inspired by some one-picture layouts that I've seen in leading magazines. I have to admit, I don't do too many one-picture pages. (I have 4 children!) So I thought I would adjust my sketch a little and offer a few other options for pictures. Now my samples don't always "toe-the-line" when it comes to these sketches. I usually make the sketch and then do what you do - create my layout as close to the sketch as possible. I know my sample isn't exactly like the sketch, (My pics were a little too big.) so I adapted a little. Here is my take on the sketch!

Friday Flair

Gold brads are easy-to-use accents that will take a card from plain to PURTY! In this case, I'm using the new colors of Tulip and Sorbet for the "Gift of Love" stamp set and another new color, Juniper, in the "Perfect Day" paper pack. Using the 3D foam squares also makes an easy focal point.

It's easy to add the brads, but don't try to pop them through the paper by themselves. Even thin paper can keep the brad points from popping through and can ruin the "tails" of the brad. Use a paper piercing tool, and awl, or an embroidery needle to start your hole and THEN steer the brad through it.

To get the brad flush against your project, follow this tip. Go ahead and split the "tails," folding them on the back side of the project. Then turn it rightside up. Using the screw of a pair of scissors (the centermost part of the scissors) or a snap setter, firmly push on the top of the brad. This spreads out the "tails" and makes the brad right against the paper.

As for this project, I can't help but think this still needs something. I distressed the striped paper and edged it in gold ink, but it still feels unfinished. I'm just not sure what else to add to it. Maybe I'm just not used to torn and inked edges and this looks too bare compared to that.

Any suggestions you could offer would be most appreciative!

Try it Out Thursday

OHHHHH, CTMH just offered a brand new line! I told you we would have a LOT of opportunities to try new things after August 1! Well in THIS case, I'm so excited to use their new RUB-ONS! They have made 2 different designs and each one comes in 3 colors - black, brown, and white - and you get all three sheets in the one package.

Now I've used rub-ons before. I had to work a blister on my thumb when I was decorating my sister's baby shower gift (an album with pictures and letters from members of her family). It took forever to get the letters to come off of the sheet and some of them had trouble sticking on the album.

This was a totally different experience! I was able to get them on the page quick and easy - even the individual letters. Those individual letters, "GOOD," lined up REALLY well, another thing I thought I would have a problem with. And check out how well the words stand out in a varied background. CTMH hit a homerun with this one! All I can say is, "more, more, more!"

:-)

Mid-week Makeover

This mid-week makeover is a little different. I used one of the CTMH card designs to make a window card and then I recreated it to make a totally different. One of them was pretty expensive, mostly because I used textured cardstock, but I find I like the second one - which was considerably less expensive - better.

Here is the first. I used Desert Sand textured cardstock as the base and a bit of one of the newest CTMH B&Ts from the "Evensong" paper pack as the accent. I held back the folded edges with Cranberry brads (which you can get in bulk, now!) and hung a star from another new stamp set using hemp. The JOY was created using "The Works" stamp set in cranberry and distressed in Desert Sand.

The second is like the first in the design and template, but I used a B&T from the Creative Basic set. If you haven't heard of that set, CTMH puts one out in each book right now and it compliments one of the other paper packs. (In this case, "Evensong.") It offers 12 sheets in each of 2 designs and a roll of ribbon to match it and is especially for card-making.

I also added the darling little snowman from the "Winter Memories" stamp set. It is totally cute. I also added some torn paper on the bottom of the card and tied the green ribbon that came with the set in a knot in the top right corner.

Please send me pictures if you make some cards with this design. I would love to see and post your creations as well!

Tuesday Technique

This card is one of the ones I plan to offer at my card-making workshop in October. (See my plans here.) It uses one of my favorite techniques, although I don't know if there is an official name for it.

I used the new "The Season Defined" stamp set that includes some larger words and also definitions of those words in smaller print. I stamped the definitions as the base on this card in twilight and then added the larger words (love this font!) in Outdoor Denim on top of the definitions.

BTW, the snowflake paper is from the new "Aspen" paper pack - my newest favorite!

I tried this technique last year as well, using the words from the "Christmas Scripts" stamp set as the background of the card. I stamped it in the same color as the paper to add a kind of watermark to the card and then added the artwork on top of it. I really liked the variety of fonts and sizes in that stamp set and every project looked totally different.

Monday Momentum

Had a great Open House tonight - and have a bit of artwork to show for it! I love the fact that we get Idea books 3 times a year. There is almost always a reason for a party.

This one was rather low-key. Had a LOT of activity getting ready and holding the retreat a couple of weeks ago and I just had trouble gearing up to make new things. I had the ideas, but my follow-through was a little on the rough side. It was also on a Monday because I just don't have anymore weekend times available. Well, I think I've learned that Monday night is probably not the best time. I had more visitors this weekend, who couldn't come tonight, than I did during the actual event, but I'm not complaining!

Sometimes low-key events provide important opportunities. This night was that type of night. I had some folks come that I'm just beginning to get to know. It was great talking with them and learning again why I love having my own business - the relationships I get to make with people I wouldn't have the opportunity to meet otherwise!

So I'm ready to start this season. Even though most of my customers don't know it, yet, I have 3 workshops planned along with my regular Scrappin' Happy workshops. I also added a second date onto all of the workshops so my customers can have choices. I've got a frame workshop, a talking-ornament workshop, and of course the yearly Christmas card workshop. I'm also thinking of doing a decorative clock workshop, but I haven't wrapped my brain around that one yet.

Monday Momentum

In the fall, moms are superwomen! School starts, sports kick in, and demands from scouts, ballet, church and other areas stretch every minute we have. If you are also in business, the fall is a primary sales time where people are already thinking about the holidays and need your services! Yikes!

I feel your pain! Right now, my business is demanding quite a bit of my time. My personal assistant job also has daily and weekly requirements, but my kids are my priority and school is my own responsibility. Add to that church commitments, volleyball season, football games, and senior activities. Oh, and mix in daily devotions and Bible study, house-cleaning, room painting, garage organizing, and yard work! Then, if there is a spare moment, I can actually find peace and quiet in my bathroom!

Balance is something we all struggle with. This summer, it was so easy to just throw myself into my business and work up project after project for this website, too. It can be fun, but it is unhealthy to be so single-sided. Especially as women, we thrive the best when we have variety.

Women have been multitasking since the dawn of time; we created the action! Have you ever seen a picture of a Native American man in the field or cooking with a papoose on his back??? No, it's the gal! I love how the movies of the 40s and 50s portrayed women and men. Some people think they are degrading to women, but I don't think so. They clearly show that the women is thoroughly capable of taking care of every aspect of life from the broad to the detail. Just because the man sits on the sofa smoking a cigar while she does it doesn't cheapen her image at all! But multitasking isn't a word that women made up! That term was what some man made up in proud success when he learned he could talk on the phone and type on the computer at the same time! For pity's sake, we do that while we're cooking dinner, as we clean out the fridge, and all with a toddler at our ankles and a baby on our hip! - - another good reason to have good balance! :)

It's also important that we take out some time for ourselves. Carve out a little even if it is just a 20-minute bath or arriving extra early for a school pick up and reading a new novel. (Find some shade and kick on the AC!) For me, it's Perry Mason. I know I've seen every one of them 1000 times, but they're simple, light, and don't require my attention. I set aside 1 hour every day for me to eat lunch while I watch Perry Mason. I don't always get to, and sometimes I miss who the murderer is, but with the time set aside - appointed - I can usually get SOME time to just veg.

So my encouragement for this week is to work on your balance. And with that note, I can tell you that I may not be posting quite as often for the next couple of weeks while I work on my own balance. I would be delighted to post some of your artwork or techniques if you are willing to share! Oh I would LOVE THAT! I hope to post at least a couple each week, but priorities being what they are, we'll just have to see!

Blessings on you! :-)

Midweek Makeover

This month, the sketch challenge is along the left-hand column. It is a different type of layout for me and as I said in the blurb, I was inspired by some other very popular, single-photo layouts. This is one of them. Please forgive me, though; I don't have the name of the designer to credit! I had saved this in a file just for my own inspiration, and inspire me it has! I wanted to show you what inspired this sketch and my own take on the layout. So if anyone knows from whence this layout came - the website or the designer - please let me know. I really want to always give credit where credit is due!

Now anyone who knows me, knows that I am a self-proclaimed CTMH snob! I have rarely used any other supplies in any of my artwork since I started my business in October of 2004. But for this layout, I ACTUALLY splurged and used some embellishments that my mom got me before my CTMH career started. The blue jean jacket, bandana, and pockets are from Joleyn's. The papers that I used were from a limited edition from last winter. I've had so many comments on the paper that I'm hoping desperately to see it or something like it become part of the regular line! I used paper strips and ribbons to criss-cross the background design. Outdoor Denim organdy, Colonial White, and Outdoor Denim striped ribbon were clipped and sanded to fray. All the paper was sanded and after looking at it, I'm thinking I should add some eyelets or brads in pewter.

Retreat Pictures

Oh, you need to see these wonderful ladies! And don't miss looking to the next post to see some samples of the scrapbookig pages these gals made!

We had our tables set in a U-shape with two 8-foot tables in the inside (mushpot).

The "bottom" of the U had Kym, Christy, and Adriane working.

This left leg had Chelsea, Sarah, and Angie. Brandy,
who is pictured below, was also sitting on this leg.

The right leg had Cindy, Julie, Brea, and Kevin creating.

There were 3 gals on the mushpot table. Alissa got excited about stamping and stenciling
in her album for the first time!

Maria worked on her wedding pictures.
Priscilla used the elements of the distressing kit!

We had plenty of room to work AND plenty of room for all our STUFF!

Angie finished her son's graduation album!

Kym used Imagine to make many layouts in her album.

Brandy got so tickled using the Sarsaparilla paper. She taught us all something new. She stamped with the "Legendary" stamp set in white daisy and then again on top of it, stamped again with Barn Red. It gave a real 3D effect.

Christy embellished the tar out of this great baseball layout.

Retreat Artwork

Julie's Art

Cindy's Artwork

Other artwork

Friday Flair

I've mentioned before about my Scrappin' Happy workshops, I think. I use the Cherish or Imagine books for the layout designs (sometimes I even come up with my own!). I compile the double page layouts, adjusting some of the papers and cuts, to fit a 1/2 paper pack.

When my customers come to the workshop, we spend about an hour or less cutting out all of the pieces for the layouts and then we spend another hour or so putting together all of layouts. When we are done with them, they are rather bare, but ready for pictures and the other elements of a scrapbook page.

These are the what the pages often look like when we're through with the workshop.


Now I've completed these pages with some pictures from a storm last spring - ripped part of the roof right off of our church! I've added titling, journaling, and all sorts of embellishments, but, well, the truth is, they are packed with the rest of my supplies for my retreat tomorrow!








Okay - Here are the finished layouts. I used

Dimensional Element Monogram Letters for the L, T, and A on the title. They start out white, but it is easy to ink them up or cover them with paper. I added conches on the top and bottom of the torn cardstock. I was having some trouble keeping it down with adhesive since I had sanded the cardstock. I also added 2 hinges to one side of a picture. To get the texture on the red cardstock, I sanded it thoroughly. Then I crumpled it up and sanded the folds again. On the title, I did all of it before I wrote the title. For the others, I did the crumpling afterward. I prefer the way it looks when I crumple and then write. I even went back and re-wrote some of the journaling. (Which is in the pocket of the large picture mat.) I used Outdoor Denim organdy ribbon across that mat, connected on one end with a picture holder and clipped on the other end with a spiral clip. I hooked the tag onto that clip.

The final thing I did was make a photo flip. I used 4x4 envelopes that I purchased from clearbags.com. First, I stacked them up and centered them on my base. I removed all of the flap tabs, revealing the adhesive and attached them to the base and to one another. I added a 1 1/2 x 4 1/4 strip of matching paper to the top of the envelopes to cover the adhesive. To make sure it stayed down, I added pewter eyelets to all four corners.