November 30, 2016

Counting Down the Snow + American Crafts

American Crafts Dear Lizzy Nancy Damiano

There's no denying it, snow season is here! This is not my favorite time of the year in the Northeast, but I go with it and can appreciate the beauty and quiet that snowstorms bring. I wanted to highlight that with this photo of my husband and son sledding behind our house. Notice that I'm taking the photo from my nice, cozy home!

American Crafts Dear Lizzy Nancy Damiano

The idea for this page came from these numbered Dear Lizzy chipboard tags. They are my favorite embellishment from the Saturday line and I wanted to highlight them. What better way to do that then to tell the story of all the blizzards we plowed through last season.



American Crafts Dear Lizzy Nancy Damiano

I love how versatile these are - you can use them to count down any theme. They also add a really nice splash of color to the crisp, white background.



American Crafts Dear Lizzy Nancy Damiano


This page design is clean and graphic. The black and white title gives it a nice clean look. By layering a script title from Dear Lizzy Hello and a smaller, plain Dear Lizzy Petals Thicker font, the title is bold and balanced. I love how the Dear Lizzy Petals Thickers look like "snow" is falling right in the letters. 

This story is a reminder to appreciate the little things that the coldest season of the year brings. Frostbite and all. 

SUPPLIES | click on the photos for more info:


American Crafts - All Wrapped Up Collection - Christmas - 3 Dimensional Stickers - Snowflakes - White American Crafts - Saturday Collection - Chipboard Tags American Crafts - Saturday Collection - Thickers - Hello - Multicolor     American Crafts - Saturday Collection - Thickers - Alpha - Petals - Black and White 

November 16, 2016

Process Video: Blended Ink Techniques + Felicity Jane


The minute I spotted the solid "now what?" stamp in the Emeline kit, I thought polka dots! And so that's exactly what I did. A beautiful burst of rainbow hues on a stark white background.

Take a look a the video to see how the blended ink technique is achieved. It's a lot simpler than it looks.



Creating custom backgrounds is a great way to use stamps. The colors and pattern possibilities are endless!



Supplies Used:  Emeline Kit  |  White Puffy Alphabet  |  Emeline Stamp Set


November 10, 2016

Elle's Studio Kit + Project Life


I held off until after Halloween, but it's time - Christmas is in the air! I used the November Elle's Studio Kit to document a Six Flag holiday celebration. 


This intricate snowflake acrylic piece is my favorite from the kit add-ons. Placing it on a bold stripe card with a sentiment and enamel dot compliments the photos without overshadowing them.


I like adding a lot of small shots to my project life spreads. The easiest way that I've found is to create this 6-picture collage using the PicMonkey app. I added the Christmas joy title right in the photo and the Love This puffy sticker to add some color and draw the eye down to the collage.


Here's a very different look achieved with the same November kit. It's light and airy and matches the crafty vibe in the photos. That's versatility!


This documents all of the making that I do in the Christmas season. I used shots of my video setup, December Daily and craft room tree to tell the story.


A little pocket full of acrylic  + veneer embellishments plus a dash of words. This is my favorite way to add movement and a special something to my project life album

Check out the monthly Elle's Studio kit. There are subscriptions available now so that you're sure not to miss out!



November 9, 2016

American Crafts + The Gratitude Season


I'm getting the house ready for the big gathering next week. I love the anticipation and prep of this time of year. It's when I really think about the things that I'm grateful for, drink pumpkin spice lattes and wear boots and soft sweaters for the first time. I drink in this season - the one before the dreaded freeze.



This layout celebrate all the things that I love about right now. Things I'm grateful for, the traditions of Fall! I used a mixture of American Crafts Dear Lizzy and Shimelle collections to create this cozy layout. 



I was going for warm and cozy with a splash of color. Using these fun wood clips from the Saturday collection adds a pop of color and texture to this Autumn themed photo. I love the whimsy of the bird icon.



The chipboard title is also from the Dear LIzzySaturday collection and features this bright yellow “I love right now”. The bright color and sentiment is a great nod to the heme. I love that scripty font. I used a steel die to cut out the leaves and I love how intricate they are and how easy it was to press them out of very thick cardstock.



Combining fall patterns, colors and embellishments is a great way to tell your story and create layouts that both meaningful and easy to make. Celebrate all the things you are grateful for this season.

SUPPLIES | Click on the photo for more info:


American Crafts - Go Now Go Collection - 12 x 12 Paper Pad   American Crafts - Go Now Go Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Park  American Crafts - Saturday Collection - Icon Clothespins     American Crafts - Saturday Collection - Thickers - Hello - MulticolorAmerican Crafts - Saturday Collection - Puffy Stickers - Mini IconsAmerican Crafts - Saturday Collection - Beaded StrandsAmerican Crafts - Oh Happy Life Collection - Cardstock Stickers - Accent and PhrasesAmerican Crafts - Go Now Go Collection - Enamel Dots - Hearts, Stars, Dots

November 8, 2016

Project Life + Elle's Studio




Every time I break open one of Elle's kits, I know that I'm going to I'm going to get a beautiful palette to work with. The October kit has a beautiful mix of rich greens, golden yellows and aqua with subtle fall prints that are versatile.

I used this month's kit for a camping trip we took last year. The rustic wood veneer and deep, rich colors complimented my story + photos.


The center cluster is what I call "little pockets of goodness". I like movement and see through elements in my project life albums and this is an easy way to achieve that. Just fill a pocket with all the leftover goods.

This leaf print is my favorite pattern in this kit. Here I used it for a camping theme, but it would be great for fall, pumpkin patch, harvest festivals and around the home. I love the nod to theme without being overwhelming. 


The intricate tree is a really old Jolee's Boutique sticker that I've had for ten or more years. I knew this day would arrive and I hoarded it for good reason! Notice how some of the photos are labeled with white Elle's Studio's stickers. In the Yogi photo, the cabin and across to the boys. This one element repeated ties all of those photos (and your eye) across the page. 

If you're looking for a versatile fall themed project life, take a look at Elle's Studio. And for the first time, they are offering subscriptions!






November 7, 2016

Process Video: Watercolor Transparency + Pinkfresh Studio Card

This summer I started making cards in between scrapbook projects. While watercoloring has been popular in scrapbooking for some time, I haven't really given it a try. The smaller canvas of a card isn't as intimating for me to try new techniques like this.


Watch the video to see my beginner self try out this new to me technique for easy watercoloring:

Here's the same technique on another card. I like to create several cards with the same supplies that are already out. That way I can practice the technique over and over in the same sitting.


If you've given the transparency watercoloring technique a try, drop me a comment and let me know how it went. I'm still in the learning stages and would love to share ideas.







SUPPLIES | Click on the photos for more info:


Pinkfresh Studio - Clear Acrylic Stamps - Late NightsRanger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Tumbled GlassRanger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Peacock FeathersRanger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Chipped SapphireRanger Ink - Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Salty OceanHero Arts - Embossing Powder - WhiteEK Success - Powder ToolMini MISTI - Most Incredible Stamp Tool InventedRanger Ink - Inkssentials - Mini Mister - Mini Spray Bottles - 3 Pack         Ranger Ink - Multi Medium - Matte - .5 Ounce

November 4, 2016

Documenting Disney: The Short and Sweet Version

Vacation mini books are one of my favorite projects to make. Sometimes the smaller the better. Little snapshots and details of a trip that bring all the memories back - I love them! I kept this one clean and simple like I tend to do. 

If you'd like to see a more detailed look, check out my Instagram account today and I will be posting a flip through video.



To create this cover I printed out a free Mickey Mouse head clip art image onto white paper. I used that to make a template and cut the shape out of the gold star transparency. I kept the colors to gold and white, keeping the embellishments to a minimum. I like this stark design with a subtle nod to the Disney theme. It keeps things simple.

Let's get started on connecting the dots of the story!

1. Take the Iconic Shot. Let's start the story out right with an iconic photo of the castle. Once we see that castle, we know our vacation has really started!  This page is monogrammed with my boy's initial in a gold and white Thicker and a gold heart flair. A date stamp and some simple sewing finish it off. 




2. Mark Time. I was standing around Main Street waiting for my family, drinking a latte and soaking up the magic. When I looked up I noticed that smack in front of me was this clock that I hadn't noticed before. Perfect for documenting the start of our day! In all of our trips to Disney, I don't think I've ever taken this shot. Remembering to mark time is a great way to start a mini!

Don't forget to add small details, even when you're creating a simple project. That little puffy heart in the center of the letter "o" gives this title a spark of special.



3. Sights, Sound, Smell.  There are certain sounds and smells that can bring you right back to this place and time. Focus on what that is for you and document it. Our family always visits the Confectionary on Main Street, oftentimes more than once. There is an overwhelmingly sweet, buttery baking goodness that just oozes out of this storefront.  My mouth waters just looking at the photo.

Intricate die cuts make a great spot for adhering photos to a mini album. They add so much detail and still give a peek at what's coming next.




4. Focus on the Details. Take a close up shot of an iconic shape that reminds you of the park. It can be anything from rows and rows of stuffed animals, a carousel of Mickey ears, or bunches of balloons. Zone in on that one image that speaks to you! Intricate die 





5. Ride it Again. Don't forget to highlight favorites - foods, attractions, shows. I remember a time when my son was so in love with the Peter Pan story that he actually thought he was the real Peter Pan. This attraction will be my favorite because of that special memory. There's always a crowd here, so I focused my shot on the sign and icons cutting out all of the visual clutter.

Use rotary stamps to add text to die cut shapes like this pretty feather. To add even more detail, use gold stickers for an accent.




6. Sweet Endings. End the story with a highlight or exactly how you began like I've done here. I remembered to go back to that exact spot we started and marked just how long and full that day was! Maybe it was dinner, a parade or fireworks for you - whatever the memory, remember to document and take a detail photo.



Capturing a Disney vacation can be a monumental task, almost a chore. Keep it short and sweet by creating a mini of highlights until you can really dig in and tell the full story. 


This is the type of project that keeps me motivated! Keeping the colors and embellishments to a minimum let those photos and memories shine. 

SUPPLIES | Click on the photos for more info:
American Crafts - DIY Shop 4 Collection - Puffy Stickers - Hearts - GoldAmerican Crafts - DIY Shop 4 Collection - 12 x 12 Paper - Gold Foil on Acetate 

Heidi Swapp - Puffy Stickers - Numbers - Gold American Crafts - DIY Shop 4 Collection - Flair Button Stickers with Foil Accents American Crafts - Amy Tangerine Collection - Oh Happy Life - Die Cut Tags American Crafts - DIY Shop 4 Collection - Thickers - Chipboard - Gold Foil - Follow American Crafts - Oh Happy Life Collection - Rotary Stamp - 12 Phrases