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12.20.2010

SG Newsletter 12/20/10|Extra Chit Chat

It's Monday again! If you haven't already, check out the newsletter today. It's full of hybrid crafting ideas--perfect for these last FIVE (count 'em--1-2-3-4-5 *scream of panic*) days left until Christmas. They're all pretty fast and easy to complete. Here's the link to the newsletter: Monday, December 20, 2010 | Christmas Story Jar - Part 8. 

I had lots of ideas that I still haven't gotten around to yet; hence the earlier scream of panic. However, I did get this card done. I loved using Caroline Kaiser's I Heart You Collection Mini to create the card. I thought the hand drawn illustrations were so cute and I can't wait to use the Valentine's Day themed embellies in February. But now it's Christmas, so here's my hybrid creation--and it's hybrid in the strictest sense of hybrid. Originally, the card was made of pixels on my screen and then I printed it out so now it's on paper. Feel free to add traditional scrapbooking supplies to further dress up your hybrid creations but realize that it's still hybrid even if you don't.

Okay, I'm really going to show you the card now:
"Merry Christmas" Card | Supply List + Links below
Here's my blurb from the newsletter:
"When looking for items to use for Christmas-themed projects, don't be afraid to look at collections with other holiday themes besides Christmas. Here, I used papers from I Heart You Collection Mini which is a Valentine's Day-themed collection. But because the color palette is the traditional red and green often used for holidays, it works great for my project. After choosing the papers I wanted to use, I selected a few embellishments from other Christmas-themed collections to finish off the card."

I don't know if it's because of the holidays, but I don't have much extra to say. My brain is fried. Just remember that just because a product in your digi stash is themed for one holiday, doesn't mean you can't use it for not only everyday pages, but for a different holiday as well. Try to look at the elements of the kit with fresh eyes. For instance, I saw that the swirls on the red background paper would be nice to use here. It's really hearts surrounded by white swirls but I strategically cropped the paper so you wouldn't get that Valentine's/lovey dovey feel. Or the green paper with the red glitter streaks screamed "CHRISTMAS GARLAND" so it became a part of my Christmas tree.

Okay, so I had more to say than I thought...

Signing out for now. Until next time...

Happy Holidays to all of you!!


"Merry Christmas" Card Supply List
I Heart You Collection Mini by Caroline Kaiser
Main St. Holiday Collection by Trish Yochum
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Christmas Photo Collage by Syndee Nuckles
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Micro Glitter 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok
Available Commercial Use products:
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Christmas Photo Collage by Syndee Nuckles
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Micro Glitter 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok

12.15.2010

Behind the Layout(s)

Have you ever looked at a layout and wondered how did the creator think to pair this photo with these words and these papers and these embellishments? I know I certainly do. It also makes me think about how I go about putting together layouts. After paying attention to the process, I've found that I don't have one specific way of going about things but some things remain constant across all situations.

I'm going to share two layouts today and I'll discuss my thought process, a behind-the-layout, if you will.

Here's some backstory:
During the Christmas season at ScrapGirls, Valerie Randall creates a 12 day series of freebies. Last year, it was this: 12 Days of Christmas Angels Special Set . This year, it's a lovely set of Christmas flowers. I had the pleasure of working with the magenta rose in this series. I had to create a Christmas themed layout and a non-holiday themed layout with this rose.

So let's talk about the Christmas layout first.
Christ, Our Savior is Born|Supply List + Links below


For me, this was a challenge because the rose is a bright magenta which isn't really a traditional Christmas color to me. I was excited though because it's always fun to shake things up. I opened up PS and placed the rose onto a blank canvas. Then I started pulling papers that I wanted to use. Then, I got stuck. I didn't know where the layout was going. I realized that I didn't really know why the rose was even symbolic of Christmas so I did a little research. (Thanks Google!) It turns out that the King's Wise Men were not the only ones who wanted to bring gifts to the infant Christ. A little child wanted to bring something but despaired because the child was poor. The child began to cry and an angel turned those tears into roses--truly a gift from the heart. With this information in mind, I decided I wanted my layout to feature the newborn Jesus. I searched online for a free stock photo of a nativity scene and happened upon this lovely photo taken by Pam Roth that you see here. Once I found the "meaning" of the layout, things really moved quickly. It made it easier to choose embellishments, i.e. the "holy" button and the "crown" brad and the angel with the purple dress. Also, the rose now had a special meaning besides being a pretty design element on my page. It is laid at his feet just as I imagined the poor child would do.

Let's move on to the non-Christmas layout.
"True Love"|Supply List + Links below

Once I finished the Christmas layout with the rose, I found it a little difficult to switch gears. So, I once again placed the rose on a blank canvas. Ideas flitted through my mind but they were all somehow Christmas related. Finally, I started thinking about roses and what are some common places or times that you see roses. I thought of how one year Akeem gave me a lovely bouquet of roses for Valentine's day and voila! a concept was born! I knew then that I wanted to do a layout featuring Akeem and I as a couple. The problem is that we don't have a lot of photos of us together. Mainly because I'm usually taking the photos or he's taking the photos at my request. So, I decided to use two different photos of us. They were actually taken on the same day and actually, I'm in the picture of Akeem but I cropped myself out because I didn't quite like that picture of myself. *hee hee*
Once again, once I had a concept, the layout came together quickly. I played up the magenta of the rose by pairing it with lighter pinks, splashes of magenta and green. Being in love makes me radiate happiness so I used ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Op Art Rays for the burst effect. I placed the photos and the rose at the center of the rays because our love is the source of the burst of happiness. *sappy me LOL* I added the "True Love" word art and added our names and when we officially became a couple and called it done.

So, I've discovered that more often than not, my layouts are concept/story driven. Once I know what story I'm trying to tell, it's so much easier for me to decide what photos to use, what colors, what papers, what embellishments, etc. that I want to use. So I challenge you to think about your own creative process. Do you notice any patterns?

Oh, and the magenta rose I've used here? It's available at ScrapGirls as a freebie. However, it is only available for a limited time. Get it while you can by clicking here.

Thanks for bearing with me. This was a looooong post.

Until next time!!


"Christ, Our Savior is Born" Supply List
12 Days of Christmas Flora & Fauna Special 3 - Magenta Rose
12 Days of Christmas Angels Special Set by Valerie Randall
Assemble Your Own Zoom Pages: Inner View by Valerie Randall
Avalon Collection Biggie by Valerie Randall
Brush Set: Misty by Melissa Renfro
Dresden Blue Collection Biggie by Valerie Randall
Inner View Word Art by Valerie Randall
Lettering Delights Long Hand Font by Lettering Delights
Mon Ami Collection Mini by Valerie Randall
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Aged Photos 6301 by Syndee Nuckles
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Precious Metal 11201 by Ang Campbell
Available Commercial Use products:
Brush Set: Misty by Melissa Renfro
Lettering Delights Long Hand Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Aged Photos 6301 by Syndee Nuckles
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Precious Metal 11201 by Ang Campbell

"True Love" Supply List
12 Days of Christmas Flora & Fauna Special 3 - Magenta Rose
Assemble Your Own Zoom Pages: Inner View by Valerie Randall
Avalon Collection Biggie by Valerie Randall
Digital Stickers: Perennials Word Art by Valerie Randall
Lettering Delights Scrap Casual Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Edgy, THIN by Dinny Miller
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Op Art Rays by Valerie Randall
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Blended 8201 Super Biggie by Ariadna Wiczling
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Freehand Coloring 8201 Super Biggie by Ariadna Wiczling
Tulips, Too Paper Super Mini by Valerie Randall
Available Commercial Use products:
Lettering Delights Scrap Casual Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Edgy, THIN by Dinny Miller
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Op Art Rays by Valerie Randall
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Blended 8201 Super Biggie by Ariadna Wiczling
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Freehand Coloring 8201 Super Biggie by Ariadna Wiczling

12.14.2010

2010 ScrapGirls Holiday Cookie Card Exchange

Every year, Brandie Valenzuela at ScrapGirls hosts a virtual cookie card exchange. Simply create a 4x6 recipe card featuring a holiday cookie and in return, you get lots and lots of beautiful recipe cards and new holiday recipes from other members who have joined the swap.

I remember the first time I joined the exchange a few years back so it was fun to participate again. Everyone has made such lovely cards and my sweet tooth is aching to sink into a lot of these recipes. Check out the gallery at ScrapGirls to see the cards submitted this year.

Here's the card I submited:
"Sugar Cookie Trees"|Supply List + Links below
I got the recipe from www.pillsbury.com and I can't wait to make these with the girls for Santa on Christmas Eve. It's sweet and easy and for the baking challenged like myself, it's necessary to have a sweet & easy recipe to follow.

And that's pretty much it. Soon I'll be posting an update on my December Daily album in progress. Also hope to share a few more layouts soon too.

Until next time...

"Sugar Cookie Trees" Supply List
Recipe + photo found at www.pillsbury.com
Basic: White Paper Mini by Angie Briggs
December Days Collection by Amanda McGee
Lettering Delights Modern Print Font by Lettering Delights
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
Available Commercial Use products:
Lettering Delights Modern Print Font by Lettering Delights
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon

12.11.2010

A Tale of Two {Holiday} Layouts

*cue the sappy violin strings * December is one of my favorite months of the year. Not just because it's my birthday month (hello!!) but because it's the holiday season and you can just feel the change in the air. People still have problems and there are more than a few Scrooges out there but it seems that the majority of us are trying really hard to exude that splendid Christmas spirit of good cheer, peace and love to all that surround us. Since I have kids, I work extra hard on remaining in "good Christmas cheer" because I want them to have happy memories of the holidays and I want to establish traditions that they will be able to pass on to their families.  *end cue*

Well, with all the Christmas going-ons, it's easy to forget that there are other holidays just as special and full of important lessons that happen in December. One of which is Hanukkah. I don't presume to know much about it and since I'm not Jewish, I don't observe the holiday but I do appreciate the story of relying on God completely. To not stress about how you're going to light the rest of those candles because baby, God will provide. It's a tough lesson and I want to start emphasizing the holiday a little more around my house because it doesn't hurt to start learning early-referring to the kids. Plus, I want the kids to realize that Christianity isn't the only religion out there; it's not the only path to that Being that I like to call God.

So, what prompted all of these thoughts of Hanukkah? Good ol' scrapbooking. I had a chance to work with Erica Hite's latest iteration of Hanukkah themed kit, appropriately named Happy Hanukkah 2 Collection. The first in the series is equally as nice: Happy Hanukkah Collection Mini. To do the layout, I had to search the interwebz for more info about Hanukkah which is why I'll be including Hanukkah activities to my December holiday to-do list next year. I also had to find a photo because I don't have any of my own to work with. Thank God for stock photography. Many thanks to FourTwentyTwo for sharing such a nice photo for free! And without further ado, here's my first ever Hanukkah layout.

"Happy Hanukkah"|Supply list + Links below

Continuing with our tale, I had a chance to work with Thao Cosgrove's lovely holiday collections. I've always been a big fan of hers from the moment I found ScrapGirls. I used bits and pieces from a couple of her collections but mainly I used Radiant Collection Biggie. It's not as recent (came out in 2006) but it doesn't look dated at all. Some things are truly timeless and it's nice to go back and use older collections to see what was current in scrapbooking back then. Also, the digital scrapbooking world moves so fast, it's easy to get caught up in trying to acquire the latest and greatest kits but really, you can make it work with what you already have. Hi Pot, I'm Kettle.-says the lady who is about to check out another cart full of new goodies. Hey...I'm human and I can not resist a sale--seriously 21.5% off! Hypocrisy aside, here's my 2nd holiday layout:

"Christmas 2009"|Supply List + Links
So there you have it. Our tale is done. Two holidays, two layouts, violins & talking cookware. Hey, it worked for Disney. Hahaha ha haaaa...not funny? Okay, I'm out.
Until next time...

"Happy Hanukkah" Supply List
Happy Hanukkah 2 Collection by Erica Hite
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Mega Lift I - Squared Biggie by Brandy Murry
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Photo Borders 6501 by Sarah Batdorf
Available Commercial Use products:
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Mega Lift I - Squared Biggie by Brandy Murry
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Photo Borders 6501 by Sarah Batdorf

"Christmas 2009" Supply List
Basic: White Paper Mini by Angie Briggs
Brush Set: Bible Verses About Love Biggie by Thao Cosgrove
Comfort and Joy Collection Mini by Thao Cosgrove
Having Hope Collection Biggie by Thao Cosgrove
Lettering Delights Mother's Typewriter Font by Lettering Delights
Radiant Collection Biggie by Thao Cosgrove
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Curves by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Slim Tabs 5701 by Thao Cosgrove
Available Commercial Use products
Brush Set: Bible Verses About Love Biggie by Thao Cosgrove
Lettering Delights Mother's Typewriter Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Curves by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Slim Tabs 5701 by Thao Cosgrove

12.09.2010

SG Newsletter 12/6/10|Extra Chit Chat

So, it's been "cray cray" here in my real world. December is a whirlwind month for us because on top of Christmas, there are a million December babies in my family. We just celebrated the first birthday of the month: my baby girl turned 1 on the 5th! I will have photos, layouts, hybrid goodness that the event spawned showing up here on the blog soon one day. Even though I don't have that stuff post-ready yet, I'd like to give you a little bit of eye candy. I try to post my "Extra Chit Chat" series on Mondays when the newsletter comes out but it's not Monday anymore and I don't want to wait because this LO is one of my favorite ones to date. I had a blast playing with Melissa Renfro's Inspired Child Collection Biggie. Perfect for layouts about kids but I think it's versatile enough to be used for non-kid pages as well. So although it's not Monday, I thought I'd share with you all a new layout from me as seen in the Monday Dec. 6 edition of the ScrapGirls newsletter. Also, don't forget to check out the newsletter to see more fab layouts from the Layout Artist team.
"Kindergarten Star"|Supply list + links below
Newsletter blurb:
"I love to create layouts that look as realistic as possible so I use drop shadows on almost every element on my page. However, with so many layers, adding drop shadows can be time consuming. To streamline this process, I highlight all of my paper layers in the Layers Palette by pressing CTRL+CLICK. Once all of the layers are selected, I add a drop shadow by clicking on the fx symbol at the bottom of the Layers Palette. I repeat these steps for the next grouping of embellishments, such as flowers, and in no time, all of my page elements are appropriately shadowed."
It's true. I've been spending A LOT of time studying the "art of drop shadowing" and I am convinced it's an art. I used to be happy dropping a preset shadow style on my layers and called it good. And Sarah Batdorf's ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 is a good one. My layouts would go from flat to dimensional with it. But now, I've learned you can start off with a style preset but if you want your drop shadows to go from good to awesome, you're going to have to play around with them. Also, I actually don't use the 120 degree light source for my shadows anymore. For some reason, they seem to pop more for me when I use a 45 degree light source. Papers, especially those sitting right on the background, should have a thin, uniform, slightly dark shadow. Buttons will have a dark but small shadow. Ribbons, ah ribbons, you have to put the drop shadow on its own layer and start playing around with it because some parts of the shadow should be more crisp where other parts will be lighter and less defined.

So that's it for today. While it wasn't a full blown out tutorial on drop shadows, I hope I've given you a starting point. Open up your program and start scrapping!

Until next time everyone!

"Kindergarten Star" supply list:
Alpha Bit Blocks Alpha Biggie by Amanda Sok
Basic: White Paper Mini by Angie Briggs
Dynamic Brush Set: Doodle Borders 5404 Biggie by Erica Hite
Dynamic Brush Set: Stars 5001 by Melissa Renfro
Inspired Child Collection Biggie by Melissa Renfro
Lettering Delights Modern Print Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Flower Curls by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Corner Rounder 5001 Mini by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Spray Paint 5401 by Erica Hite
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Vintage PS 6502 Mini by Sarah Batdorf
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Painted Plastic 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok
Commercial Use products available
Dynamic Brush Set: Doodle Borders 5404 Biggie by Erica Hite
Dynamic Brush Set: Stars 5001 by Melissa Renfro
Inspired Child Collection Biggie by Melissa Renfro
Lettering Delights Modern Print Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Flower Curls by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Corner Rounder 5001 Mini by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Spray Paint 5401 by Erica Hite
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Vintage PS 6502 Mini by Sarah Batdorf
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Painted Plastic 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok

12.01.2010

Protective Style: Yarn Braids


If you're on a healthy hair journey, whether you're relaxed, texlaxed, or natural, then you know protective styling is a must if you want to meet your goals. Right now, I'm focusing on having healthy and long hair. Notice the emphasis on healthy; if hair is healthy and strong, then length will follow.
A good protective style is one that minimizes the need to manipulate the hair on a daily basis, especially combing, brushing, etc. It is also one that reduces exposure to the elements which is ultra important during harsh winter months in colder climates. I have a TWA so I don't have as many options as those with longer hair. I can't bun or anything like that but I do have enough length for finger coils (single strand twists) and two-strand twists but for maximum protection, I've decided to wear yarn braids for most of the winter.


Yarn braids are no different from any other type of braid extension; instead of using human hair or synthetic hair, regular 100% acrylic yarn is used. Wool yarn will lock up your hair so stay away from that unless locing is your goal. I wear yarn braids for 4-6 weeks, take them out, and let my hair breathe for 2 weeks, and repeat the cycle. I'll be doing this until early spring 2011.
Whenever you wear extensions of any kind, it's important to give your hair a break because you don't want to start seeing breakage or thinning from the braids. Also, build up will become unmanageable and you don't want to have to cut your hair to get rid of it. Another important thing to remember is that you still have to take care of your hair with the extensions just like you would if you didn't have them. You still need to regularly cleanse your scalp and moisturize your hair.

Here is my regimen when I'm in yarn braids:
Every 7-10 days, I shampoo my scalp with Creme of Nature Detangling Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo.
Then I condition with either Creme of Nature Chamomile & Comfrey Healing Conditioner or Herbal Essences Hello Hydration.
Sometimes I deep condition, maybe every 2 weeks or so with the same conditioners. I just put a plastic bag on my head and let it stay in my hair for awhile.
After that I saturate my hair with Aussie Hair Insurance Leave In Conditioner.
Then I *lightly* oil my scalp with a blend of jojoba, extra virgin olive oil, and extra virgin coconut oil.

Every day or every other day, I moisturize my hair by spritzing the Aussie Hair Insurance in my hair.
Then I spray some Care Free Curl Instant Activator in my hands and smooth that over my braids.
Then I use a very small amount of castor oil to seal. If you use too much oil, you may end up with too much build up. I'm not taking any chances.

That's pretty much it. Oh, and I sleep at night with a satin bonnet which is par for the course.

11.30.2010

Challenge|SG Emphasis on Embellishments

One of my favorite challenges at ScrapGirls is Emphasis on Embellishments. Angela (angelaNussbaum) & Janine (J9Buckles) come up with a list of embellishments for you to use on your layout. If you struggle with creating clusters or adding more than a few embs to your layouts, then this is the perfect challenge. In fact, I believe the challenge started because Angela was struggling with the very same thing. Anyway, today my mojo was in overdrive because I've decided I want to start experimenting with "minimalism" but that's a story for another time.

The challenge:
Create a layout using a color scheme that includes mostly pink [I had the perfect photo in mind from Halloween; Jenelle's costume was fuschia/hot pink]
One large photo [tried working with a large photo but my brain is in minimalist mode; decided to go small & created an out of bounds effect]
One frame [pink + white frame]
Two ribbons [one straight ribbon anchoring my cluster, one ribbon with a bow wrapping the frame]
Two alphas [I used one for the title and then I used the letter "J" from another kit as an emb]
Seven flowers [Counted them, I got 7]
Two tags/tabs/charms [100 % girl sticker, Sweet Little Girl button]
Some stitching - as much as you like [got it]
One ScrapSimple Paper [The subtle pink pattern is a paper template]
Some beads or lace [beads, no lace]
One heart [made it into a little corrugated cardboard emb using a style]
One pin [stuck into the bow]

The results:
"Wishing"
supply list + links below

Wanna see other interpretations of the same rules? Click here to visit the Emphasis on Embellishments gallery.
Wanna play along? Create a layout, post it in the gallery, and then link it up in the thread here.

Oh and I'm just going to toot my horn a little bit! 2 posts in 1 week!! Go me! lol!

Until next time!

"Wishing" Supply List
Assemble Your Own Zoom Pages: His and Hers by Angie Briggs
Assemble Your Own Zoom Pages: Inspired by Melissa Renfro
Brush Set: Graceful Grunge by Amanda Sok
Creased N Crinkled - Sassy Paper Biggie by Angie Briggs
Dress Up Paper Super Mini by Angie Briggs
Dress Up Word Art Mini by Angie Briggs
French Linen Collection Biggie by Brandy Murry
His and Hers Collection Biggie by Angie Briggs
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Bitty Pattern by Angie Briggs
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Stylish Hearts 5001 by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Cardboard 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok
Uptown Collection by Amanda Sok
There are Commercial Use versions available of these products:
Brush Set: Graceful Grunge by Amanda Sok
Creased N Crinkled - Sassy Paper Biggie by Angie Briggs
Dress Up Paper Super Mini by Angie Briggs
Dress Up Word Art Mini by Angie Briggs
His and Hers Collection Biggie by Angie Briggs
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Bitty Pattern by Angie Briggs
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Stylish Hearts 5001 by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Cardboard 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok

11.29.2010

ScrapGirls Newsletter|Extra Chit Chat

I'm a layout artist over at ScrapGirls. It's my first time being a part of a creative team and I am so enjoying it. The best thing about it is becoming so much more aware of my own creative process. Over the last few months, I've realized that I can't scrap unless I'm organized so my process demands that I spend some time keeping my digi files in order. There are other things too but perhaps that should be in a post of its own hmm?

So what's the point of this post? Well, as I said, I'm a layout artist and every Monday, the layout artists are featured in the newsletter that SG sends out 6 days a week. Each team member creates a layout and we also share a little tip or trick about the creation of that layout. I've decided to feature those layouts that appear in the newsletter here along with some elaboration on the tip I've shared in the newsletter. So without further ado, here's my layout that appeared last Monday.

[Also, if you'd like to see what my fellow layout artists have created (which I highly recommend, they're awesome) or if you want to see the newsletter (which I highly recommend, it's awesome) here's the link for you: ScrapGirls News: Monday, 11.22.10 Family Reunion]

"Giving Thanks for Family"
See Supply List w/links below
Here's my blurb from the newsletter:
"ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates can be a quick and easy way to add a special touch to your layout, but if you have more time, you can easily get even more creative with these tools. For this layout, I opened up three different PSD files from ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Heraldic Crest Clusters. Then I highlighted the layers I wanted to use on my layout and dragged them onto my blank 12x12-inch canvas. Then I arranged the various template layers on the canvas to my liking. Finally, I used clipping masks to add papers from Prairieland Collection to the template layers."
So basically, I was working with Angela Blanchard's lovely ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Heraldic Crest Clusters.This product includes 6 different templates and normally, I'd pull just one of them as use it the way the designer arranged them but this time, I wanted to stretch myself and use the templates differently. My idea was to deconstruct a template so I opened up a few of the different templates and chose different layers to work with and then I put them together in a completely different way on my layout. For example, the green lions on the edges of my layout were originally one crest but I split it in half using the "Layer via Cut" option in CS4. The large green triple dot circle was a part of another template that I enlarged. The burgundy swirls were part of yet another template. That's pretty much it. Then I clipped papers from Angela's Prairieland Collection to the various layers, added my title and a few embellies (i.e. the buttons) and I was done.


And elsewhere in my pixelated world:
It's almost December and I'm getting nervous about this December Daily thing because I was a total photography failure at Thanksgiving. I didn't get nearly any of the photos I wanted to get. I hope that snapping photos everyday will make photographing Christmas a lot easier because I have got to step up my game for holidays. Poor kids, they're going to think nothing happened during the holidays. Stay tuned....


Until next time y'all! (Yeah, I said y'all...I'm from the South *wink*)


"Giving Thanks for Family" Supply List
Art Journal Collection Biggie by Thao Cosgrove
Prairieland Collection by Angela Blanchard
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Heraldic Crest Clusters by Angela Blanchard
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: My Blessings by Shalae Tippetts
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Desaturate 5101 by Durin Eberhart
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
Simple Life Paper Super Mini by Thao Cosgrove

There are also Commercial Use versions available of the following products:
Prairieland Collection by Angela Blanchard
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Heraldic Crest Clusters by Angela Blanchard
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: My Blessings by Shalae Tippetts
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Desaturate 5101 by Durin Eberhart
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward




11.22.2010

Preparing to document December

Okay, so let's just try to ignore the fact that I haven't posted anything in over a month. I'm still trying to find my blogging groove but remember, no pressure, so I blog when I want to and/or when I can. Although I do want to post more regularly so...let's see shall we?


FYI: Pixel crafting is just my clever way of saying digital scrapbooking because digital scrapbooking is such a mouthful. I figured if paper crafters play with scissors and paper then the digital equivalent would have to be playing with pixels and there you have it: pixel crafting.

I've been, ahem, pixel crafting, for well over 4 years now but I have very little to show for it. I rarely print out layouts so most of the proof that I actually do something with the dollars I spend on digi supplies is always on my computer or online somewhere. It's a big part of my life but it seems hidden because I can't walk around with my computer all day. So I decided to make a bigger effort to go hybrid. In my opinion, hybrid scrapbooking is when the pixels become real so just printing out an all digi layout is hybrid to me but then again, I was never a paper scrapper so others may have a different definition. I have tons of ideas floating around my head just waiting for me to act on them. One is Project 365. I really like the idea of documenting the everyday especially because I have a big problem taking lots of photos during big events but I have a million "everyday" photos. Back in 2008, I started but I honestly only did one month--January. I made it way too complicated. Now I realize what my mistakes were and I hope to be able to actually complete the album for 2011. To get in the habit of taking photos every day and documenting them, I'm going to do a December Daily album a la Ali Edwards. This will be a great way for me to make sure I actually photograph some of the bigger moments of the season since I'll want to include them in the album.

So here's my plan:
I'm going to create a 4x6 album that will end up being displayed in an album similar to this one I found here at Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Umbra-Portofoto-4-Inch-6-Inch-Photo/dp/B0015AFVI0
I've created a simple template to use. I know from experience that not having to worry about design is a big time saver. One of my biggest hangups about using a template used to be feeling locked in to one scheme and not having enough variety. However, I got over that after taking "Who Am I?" a class by Anna Mansfield at ScrapGirls where you use templates to build an album all about you. (I never finished that either..hmmm...gotta work on that). So the template I created is pretty simple but I think I can still change it up as needed to create variety but the album as a whole will still feel unified. So on the days when I can only drop in a photo and jot down a few words, it will still look nice and when I have more time, I can easily add cute embellies and such to dress it up.

Front

Back
I plan to put the album on display next year during Christmas so we can look back and see how much has changed over the year. Since it will be hanging from binder rings, I want it to look nice from the front and back which is why I have 2 templates. I'm not sure if my album will be 2-up like the one pictured; I've only planned for 1-up. The front will be a photo from the day plus a smattering of journaling. The back will just be a holiday quote (I love quotes.) Another great thing about the 4x6 size is that after being on display for Christmas, it can go in a pretty little 4x6 album on its own.

Thanks to Amanda McGee, I've already found the perfect kit to use for my album. It's her December Days Collection. Isn't it lovely?!



Can't wait to get my hot little hands on that! So that's pretty much it. This album feels so much more doable since I've already chosen a design and a kit to use. All I have to do is take photos throughout the days which is something I already do. I'm going to set aside 15 minutes a day to actually drop my photos + papers/embs + journaling into the template. I'll share a few of my finished pages about mid December and of course when I get it printed out and assembled, I'll share that too.

That's it in a nutshell. Until next time..Happy Holidays!

10.18.2010

To Sleep. Perchance to Dream...

We put up Akira's crib a few months ago but she rarely slept in it on her own. Eventually, all little ones must learn to fall asleep on their own, without mommy & daddy within arm's reach. I'd have to wait until she was already deeply sleeping to put her in the crib only to have her wake up screaming, panicking that she was not with me. Mission terminated.

She was back in our bed and she was very happy indeed. I'd be happy too if I could just roll over, get a quick snack, and roll back over and go back to sleep. But, deep down, I knew that it was time to try again. The longer we wait, the harder it gets. So, Friday night, we tried again. This time, we put her in the crib while she was awake so she can learn to fall asleep on her own. All of the sleeping experts recommend creating a routine so we have bath + story + goodnight kiss = bedtime. Needless to say, she's not fond of this new math at all. The first night, she screamed for the full 30 minutes I allowed her to cry it out. Half an hour is all I can take of hearing her scream while resisting the overwhelming urge to respond to her, to make it all better, to say "Oh baby, you can sleep with mama until you're 25 if you'll stop screaming as if your poor little heart is breaking." I brought her back to my bed, cuddling her while she whimpered in her sleep. Started having thoughts like "Maybe I should wait until she's older to transition her to sleeping on her own." "She's too young." "I'll never get any sleep again if we have to keep this up."

Daddy wasn't having it though. He's tougher than I am. Even though it rocks him to the core to hear her screams of agony, he's more willing to be a sadist than I am.  He reassured me that it'll get better. According to his mother, it only took her 2 weeks to break him out of the family bed. So, we had to try again. Saturday night, we put her in the crib, kissed her goodnight, and left the room. She screamed--but it was different this time. She only screamed for 5 minutes and then it was silence. And then she'd scream again and then again...silence. Every time she got quiet, one of us would check to see if she'd gone to sleep and whenever she saw us, she'd scream again so the cycle continued until I got smart. I used my hand mirror to watch her from my room without her seeing me. Thank you to all of those action movies where they use this trick!

Soon, the mirror revealed the impossible. She started to fall asleep, sitting up. She'd rock forward, startle herself, whimper, fall asleep again. What's that bright light you say?! It's the light at the end of the tunnel that's what! A few minutes later, she face planted forward, exhausted. I moved her into a better sleeping position which disturbed her a little but I just rubbed her tummy until she gave into sleep again.

Cue the Dora the Explorer "Lo Hicimos" music! Hark the herald angels sing! My baby is sleeping all on her own! I should be happy right? I'm not. I'm actually kind of sad. I'm going to miss her wild romping around my bed in her attempt to fight sleep. I'm going to miss her soft, squishy baby body curled up next to me. I'm going to miss seeing her bright eyes staring at me when she wakes up in the morning. I'm going to miss co-sleeping. But that's the push + pull of parenting. Pride and joy commingle with nostalgia and bittersweet acceptance that slowly but surely, time is taking your sweet baby away from you.

Photo overlay: Brush Set: 4x6 Fancy Frames by Amanda Sok

10.09.2010

Never announce your intentions...


So I set up my blog, get it all nice & spiffy, got some post ideas bouncing around my head; and ALL hell breaks loose. Jenelle gets sick, passes it on to Akira, who required a trip to the ER due to  a fever of 103.8+ vomiting, then I get sick and yeah, no blogging happens. Things have calmed down now (and I hate to say this for fear of enduring another round of chaos), so I should be able to post a little bit more regularly. We'll see....

9.29.2010

About my blog


I have started several blogs, none of which have survived very long. Usually, the blogs were scrapbooking related which is very fine but my life is about more than scrapbooking. So then I started another blog that was supposed to be about my life but I couldn't keep up with both blogs. Now I have this blog. No witty title, just my name. I'm not promising anything, except that I'll post when I get a chance. I think keeping things low pressure will make this something I want to do rather than something to put off until later.

Generally, my posts will be about digital scrapbooking. I'm a Layout Artist at ScrapGirls.com (SG) so I'll share the LOs I create for SG along with my layouts done for personal pleasure.

Also, I post about my natural hair journey. I went natural in June 2010 and I've become very interested in all things hair related.

I'll also discuss the challenges + pleasures of raising children and being in a relationship. I'm not an expert in either of those things but I'll share what I know :)

And of course, I have my catch all category of "Life: In General" because maybe sometimes I don't want to talk about any of the above and I'll go off on a tangent on something completely random.

So that's it. Stay tuned for more.