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

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

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

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

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

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.