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Showing posts with label Pixel Crafting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pixel Crafting. Show all posts

2.15.2011

Themed Thoughts: Girls’ Night Out

ThemedThoughts Article preview
Today, my first newsletter article popped up in the…well..newsletter. :) For weeks I searched through the Boutique for products that will help you whip up a fun & flirty layout all about those nights when you get dolled up and head out for a night of fun with your girlfriends. An event that probably happens more often for you than me because I’m pretty much housebound with a preschooler and toddler. So check out the newsletter today to see the article in its entirety. Today’s a good day to pick up some of the items I discovered among the Boutique aisles as it’s the last day of the Sweetheart Sale. And on top of the sale discount, there’s a 10% off coupon code too. Here’s a link to the newsletter: ScrapGirls News | Tuesday, February 15, 2011: A Letter to an Angel. Don’t be shy, click on it!
Until next time peeps!

2.14.2011

ScrapGirls Newsletter 2.14.11 | Extra Chit Chat

It’s another Monday, but this is an extra special Monday since it’s Valentine’s Day! I hope you’re all soaking up the love today. Sorry for the lack of extra chit chat the last few Mondays but such is life, it gets busy and the old blog gets neglected. :)

As usual, the newsletter is packed full of awesome layouts and great tips, some of which I’m going to try. Plus, Paula Wright completely reaffirmed my reason for scrapbooking in her “A Designer’s Life” column. Check out the newsletter in its entirety here: Monday, February 14, 2011: Then and Now.

Remember how I said this Monday is extra special? Well today marks 4 years of togetherness with my super sweet love dove. It truly has flown by and we’ve had our share of ups and downs as most couples do I’m sure. I look forward to having many more of them with him—well, the ups. Who looks forward to the downs? Anyway, all that was to say, that my layout in the newsletter this week is extra special because it’s all about the conversation that started it all.

ASO_SSTools_Resin_6401_Clear
AWI_SS_Paper_PaperTextures_Cardstock
BVA_BrushSet_GrungyText_Poetry
BVA_DynBrush_Bokeh1501_Heart
BVA_HandyDandyDoodles2_BrushSet_vine
BVA_SSEmb_Spackling-2
BVA_SSPapers_BokehBlur_Dots
HDI_SSActions_Clarify
LDE_Mother’s Typewriter
LDE_Scratchy Pen
MST_SSTools_Actions_PhotosThatPop
"Sweethearts" | Supply List + Links below

In the newsletter, I explain how I made the multicolored border around my layout. It was super duper easy so check out the newsletter for a mini-tutorial on that.

Those little conversation sweetheart candies were the inspiration for this layout. The colors, the journaling, and even the title were all a play on those cute little hearts with the short but sweet sayings on them. Because I had very specific colors in mind, I used ScrapSimple products. They are completely customizable so you get the best of both worlds—a product that has been designed for you and the ease of customizing it to fit the needs of your layout. The acrylic hearts are a combination of Brandie Valenzuela’s Dynamic Brush Set: Bokeh 1501 and Syndee Nuckles’ ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Resin 6401 Super Biggie. The same style has been applied to the flowers which are from Brandie’s Brush Set: Handy Dandy Doodles 2.

So, I hope you enjoyed the extra chit chat! Sooner or later, I’ll be updating the old blog with some new material. Look out for posts about the status of my Project 365/52, a couple exciting new products available at ScrapGirls, and in non-scrapbooking related news, an update on my natural hair journey and a frustrating transition for my youngest babe.

Until next time peeps!

"Sweethearts" Supply List
Brush Set: Grungy Text by Brandie Valenzuela
Brush Set: Handy Dandy Doodles 2 by Brandie Valenzuela
Dynamic Brush Set: Bokeh 1501 by Brandie Valenzuela
Lettering Delights Mother's Typewriter Font by Lettering Delights
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Spackling by Brandie Valenzuela
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Bokeh Blur by Brandie Valenzuela
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Paper Textures by Ariadna Wiczling
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Resin 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok
Available Commercial Use products
Brush Set: Grungy Text by Brandie Valenzuela
Brush Set: Handy Dandy Doodles 2 by Brandie Valenzuela
Dynamic Brush Set: Bokeh 1501 by Brandie Valenzuela
Lettering Delights Mother's Typewriter Font by Lettering Delights
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Spackling by Brandie Valenzuela
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Bokeh Blur by Brandie Valenzuela
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Paper Textures by Ariadna Wiczling
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Resin 6401 Super Biggie by Amanda Sok

1.21.2011

Dateline–not the TV show ;)

It’s the beginning of the year and across digiscrap land, heck, just scrapland in general, all you hear about is Project 365|52|12. Well, I started thinking about it around late November/December. Should I do it? If I do, how am I going to do it? etc etc. I decided I would but I needed to keep it really really really really simple. The key to that was to pick just one kit to use for the entire album. After much deliberation, I settled on Caroline Kaiser’s Document It Collection Biggie. I chose this kit because it has 16 different papers and a whole bunch of embellies and I absolutely fell in love with the alpha. It was created with P365/52/12 projects in mind so it was really a no-brainer. I couldn’t wait for the new year to arrive so I could start using it for my album.

Soooooo…..imagine my utter delight when Caroline asked me to do a layout to showcase a new product that expands upon the collection!!! Caroline created two embellishment template sets that gives you even more options for adding the date to your layouts: ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Dateline 1 & ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Document It Dateline 2. I love that it includes different font styles and because it’s a template, you can use it in so many different ways—let your mojo run wild!
So here’s my layout:
"Happy New Year" | See end of post for supplies
I was inspired by the product name here. Datelines made me think of headlines so I played on the “what’s black, white, and re(a)d all over” concept. I can’t wait to use these templates in other ways. This layout will be in my P365 album and so far….it’s the only layout I’ve done. Yep, I’m already behind. I forsee some power scrapping in my future!

Have you decided to tackle the behemoth that is Project 365/52? If so, how are you doing so far?

Until next time peeps!

“Happy New Year” Supply List
Document It Collection Biggie by Caroline Kaiser
Lettering Delights Scrap Casual Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Dateline 1 by Caroline Kaiser
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward
Available Commercial Use products:
Lettering Delights Scrap Casual Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Dateline 1 by Caroline Kaiser
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop 1801 Mini by Mandy Steward

1.10.2011

ScrapGirls Newsletter 01.10.11|Extra Chit Chat

Another Monday is here! That made me think of Office Space (do you have a case of the Mondays?) bwahahaha! Anyway, another Monday and so begins a new week of wonderful ScrapGirls newsletters. FYI: The newsletter is published SIX! days a week and each day there is a freebie. Also, on Tuesdays, there's a recap of the previous week in case you don't want to receive the daily installment. Here's the link for today's newsletter, just in case you haven't read it yet. Monday 01.10.11: It'll Be an Adventure And I do advise reading it. I learned so much today from all of the tips shared by the Layout Artist Team. I'm especially itching to try Charlene's method of dealing with tricky digital reflections. Also, Kerry Veale's designer spotlight was amazing. I'm in awe of how she has gracefully coped with a very difficult life change.

And without further ado, here's my layout featured in the newsletter today. All about crazy gingerbread houses. We had a normally sane house this year. Just didn't have the same spunk!

"Our Crazy Gingerbread House"|Supply List + Links below

Here's my blurb from the newsletter:
"I wanted the berry sprig to appear tucked behind my photo but on top of the green ribbon frame. However, the green ribbon frame was on top of the other layers and I didn’t want to have to rearrange a lot of layers. The solution: using a layer mask. First, I placed the berry sprig layer under the ribbon frame layer. Then, I added a layer mask to the ribbon frame layer (Layer>Layer Mask). Next, I made a direct selection (CTRL+click on berry thumbnail) of the berry sprig layer. This ensured that I would only brush away the part of the frame that covered the berries. Making a direct selection makes it easier and faster to use layer masks to extract finely detailed embellishments."
The main collection I used here is Paula Wright's To You From Me Collection Biggie. It's a lovely Christmas kit full of traditional colors & patterns. I really enjoyed scrapping with it. The only thing that didn't work from this collection for this particular layout was the alpha. Don't get me wrong, it is a lovely alpha but it was too traditional for the title work I wanted to do. I wanted the alpha to be a bit quirky, just like our crazy gingerbread house so I used the alpha from Trish Yochum's Main St. Holiday Collection. The letters 'C, R, Z, & Y" were a different color originally; I simply adjusted the color using Image>Adjust Hue/Saturation. This is one of the main advantages of digi-scrapping. Of course, if you're a paper scrapper, you can change the color of your alpha stickers by using paint or covering with patterned or solid paper. Not as easy as a click of the mouse, but not impossible either. 


Well, that's it for today! Hope you enjoyed! 
Until next time...


"Our Crazy Gingerbread House" Supply List
Comfort and Joy Collection Mini by Thao Cosgrove
Lettering Delights Monique Font by Lettering Delights
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
Main St. Holiday Collection by Trish Yochum
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Bow Borders by Paula Wright
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Corner Rounder 5001 Mini by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Mega Lift I - Squared Biggie by Brandy Murry
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Photo Borders 6501 by Sarah Batdorf
To You From Me Collection Biggie by Paula Wright
Available Commercial Use Products:
Lettering Delights Monique Font by Lettering Delights
Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Bow Borders by Paula Wright
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Corner Rounder 5001 Mini by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Mega Lift I - Squared Biggie by Brandy Murry
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Photo Borders 6501 by Sarah Batdorf



1.03.2011

ScrapGirls Newsletter 01.03.11|Extra Chit Chat

Happy Monday! Today I'm sharing my latest layout to appear in the ScrapGirls newsletter. You can find the newsletter here. As always, I encourage you to check out the entire newsletter. The layout artist team does a great job and there's also a freebie!

"2011 Resolutions"|Supply List + Links below

Here's my blurb in the newsletter:
"When creating a holiday layout, don’t feel confined to using holiday themed collections. I associate New Year’s with feelings of happiness, excitement, and fun so I used Sheri Johnson’s Cabana Paper Solids and SummerTime Collection. Although these supplies are geared towards summer themed layouts, they allowed me to create a bright and fun layout perfect for New Year’s."
I had a lot of fun playing with Sheri Johnson's Brush Set: Halftone Circles and Brush Set: Distressed Halftone Circles to create the background here. I simply brushed a few different layers with different brushes from the set and then clipped various papers from the Cabana Paper Solids pack, added a few styles and some New Year's themed embellies. I spent a lot of time playing with different blending modes and I used a new trick (well, new to me). Some of the blended areas of the background weren't as smooth as I'd liked so I merged all of my background layers and then ran a Lens Blur on that layer. I retained the original layers of the background so after running the Blur filter, I lowered the opacity of the "blurred" layer and that really helped the blending seem more organic.

Until next time!!

"2011 Resolutions" Supply List
Brush Set: Distressed Halftone Circles by Sheri Johnson
Brush Set: Halftone Circles by Sheri Johnson
Cabana Paper Solids by Sheri Johnson
Digital Stickers: New Year's Embellishments by Valerie Randall
Lettering Delights Scrap Casual Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Background Blenders II Biggie by Brandy Murry
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Corner Rounder 5001 Mini by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Blended 8201 Super Biggie by Ariadna Wiczling
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Greyscale 6401 by Amanda Sok
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Shiny Silver 11001 by Doris Castle
SummerTime Collection by Sheri Johnson
Commercial Use versions of these products are available:
Brush Set: Distressed Halftone Circles by Sheri Johnson
Brush Set: Halftone Circles by Sheri Johnson
Lettering Delights Scrap Casual Font by Lettering Delights
ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Background Blenders II Biggie by Brandy Murry
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Clarify 11301 Mini by Heidi Dillon
ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Corner Rounder 5001 Mini by Melissa Renfro
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Blended 8201 Super Biggie by Ariadna Wiczling
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Greyscale 6401 by Amanda Sok
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Shiny Silver 11001 by Doris Castle

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

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!