One Little Word, May

Finally caught up with my One Little Word assignment for May; Ali provided digital elements to use and the words she came up with were so appropriate for me, so I used them rather than my own (I think they would have turned out rather lame….). These cards are a great way to give me a pep talk when I need it and keep me focused on my word, STRIVE. I will strive to stick to these little words of wisdom.

I believe this should apply to everyone. Having a bad day? Feel free to come back and visit and really think about these words. I know it’s hard to think positive when you don’t feel positive, but the more you try, the more you will succeed. One happy little thought can lead to many more. Think about it. Happiness to you, and thanks for stopping by!

Jennifer

Jan 12

This year, it’s all about striving.

Happy New Year! Once again, I am enrolled in Ali Edwards’ class One Little Word at Big Picture Classes, and the word I have chosen this year is:

At first, I was going to go with the word LEARN, but that’s only part of what I would like to try to accomplish in 2013. I want to learn and grow; see and accomplish, and many more things that I will STRIVE to do more of. It would be unrealistic for me to expect myself to actually meet every goal I have, therefore I will do my best to strive to work on these goals. For January’s assignment, we are asked to stamp our word onto 12 cards, expand a bit on our chosen word, and put the cards into divided page protectors. I copied a lot of what Ali did with her cards because I like her style.

These are my hopes and intentions, what I strive for in 2013. Here’s to a great year, and thanks for stopping by!

Nov 9

December Daily prep.

I know it’s just the beginning of November, but I am already in the mood for the Christmas season! Why? December Daily madness! Ali Edwards started it a few years ago, and it has spread like wildfire, and now everyone seems to be doing one. If you’re not in the know, it’s a month-long documentation of Christmas activities, shopping, decorating, preparing, visiting and partying in the month of December. Each day of December seems to be about Christmas, or getting ready for it, no? This is a way to put your special activities into a sweet little scrapbook to remember this Christmas in the years to come when 2012 is long forgotten.

Ali Edwards has a special December Daily kit available through Studio Calico, but it’s pretty expensive, and they run out quickly. Her album, this year, is only going to be 6×4″, too small for me. The album I did last year is approximately 6×8″, which is a much better size, but mine got way too full, so this year I’m going to do another 6×8″ album with divided page protectors, thanks to Simple Stories Snap album.

I think it will cut down on the bulk, and make decorating much more fun. I got the idea when I signed up for Lisa Truesdell’s class “Divide and Conquer” at Two Peas In a Bucket. She uses this same album and shows how to have fun with all the pockets. “Why don’t I do this with my December Daily?’, I thought. Good idea!

After printing out the PDFs for this class and reading through them, I got online and shopped at Two Peas In a Bucket for some essential supplies.

Rather than spend an arm and a leg on a pre-made kit for my December Daily, I decided to make my own (after all, I’m going to need that arm and leg when I shop for Christmas gifts!). Even though the Simple Stories album was unavailable when I wanted to purchase it, it was only two days later that I received an email announcing its return to the shop, so I purchased it maybe three days ago, and it came in the mail today! Good service!

In her class hand-out, Lisa Truesdell explains that she only used a 6×6 paper pack for the album she created; the smaller size is perfect for this album, and all the papers will coordinate together to ensure a cohesiveness throughout the album. I decided on Basic Grey’s Aspen Frost line (I thought it to be the prettiest one), so I purchased the 6×6 pad (saving a lot of money!), a sheet of stickers, a package of mini envelopes, a stitched garland and some more Micro Mini Monogram letters. I wanted some pretty brads, and I loved the ones My Mind’s Eye has in its All Is Bright collection, so I got those as well. I shopped at Studio Calico, too, and had to have their wood veneer Christmas trees, and their Wonderland adhesive badges. I also got my washi tape at Two Peas In a Bucket, and I found sequins at Joann. I still had some left-overs from last year’s December Daily, so I don’t see anything wrong with using those supplies as well:

letter stickers (Basic Grey); baker’s twine (Martha Stewart); Christmas word-fetti (Glitz); bingo cards (Jenni Bowlin); badges (Evalicious); kraft tags (homemade)

[Correction: the word stickers are by Authentique, not Glitz.] I’ve also noticed some great ways to make tags on my own: look for free downloads from your favorite blog, or on Pinterest. I’ve found plenty on Pinterest and I got a free downloads from Ormolu,and Creating Keepsakes:

One of the front, title pages of my DD album.

This is called “subway art” from Creating Keepsakes; you can download it here. The Ormolu download is really nice, too:

You can also download this printable for free, here.

All I need now is for December to get here, and get my camera out and ready for some action! I promise to be back when things are under way to show my progress from time to time. I am really looking forward to it, and I hope you will share your December Daily ideas with me, too! Thanks for stopping by!

Oct 29

Boot camp is over, kids!

Yep, Big Picture Boot Camp is officially over. I just barely got my last drill posted yesterday; tomorrow there are drawings for some fabulous prizes for those who shared their projects in the classroom gallery. I want to win something! Okay, that’s not the only reason to get my projects uploaded, however, I didn’t want to be the last one to cross the finish line! The final boot camp section is about storytelling, and our drill sergeant is Ali Edwards. After documenting my observations of my daughter’s day, I added facts and feelings, a photo, and then created this layout about my daughter’s day, sort of like a time-capsule-turned-layout. This will be so nice to go back over and remember when she’s grown and gone. I loved Ali’s example layout; it’s very clean and simple, focusing on the story and the photo.

Now that boot camp is over, I have an itch to create and I feel so inspired by what I’ve been seeing on Pinterest. I worked the night shift at my job last night, and when it was quiet and I took my break, I watched some fun videos on YouTube by Janna Werner and Mercy Tiara. Both scrapbookers show in their videos the process they go through to create a layout from start to finish. I was mesmerized. I was also very inspired because they both made layouts not too unlike the beautiful ones I’ve been pinning onto my “Memory Keeping” board on Pinterest, and watching the videos showed me how I, too, can create something very different from what I’m used to (a much-needed stretch and work-out for the creative side of my little brain!). Once I got home this morning, I couldn’t wait to get started in my scrap studio.

I began with a photo I love that means a lot to me: an old photo of my 17-year-old grandmother that I had scanned into my computer. She just recently passed away, so I thought pulling this picture out and using it on a layout would be not only a really therapeutic way to deal with the loss, but also a chance to pay tribute to her in my scrapbook.

I started out by cleaning up the worn photo in Photoshop, then printing it out to a 3×4″ size. Next, I went through all my stash and looked for papers that would be neutral, muted, and soft, like Grandma. I then looked for any materials that could add texture to the layout. I grabbed a doily (from the bakery section at Michael’s), a piece of fabric (which came in an old Studio Calico kit from last year), a Maya Road envelope, some polka-dotted vellum (American Crafts–again from an old Studio Calico kit), thread, ribbon (a vintage piece of lacy ribbon from my other grandmother), a Tim Holtz paper clip and his Tiny Attacher and some Studio Calico wood veneer die-cut pieces (including the letters). I threw in some old bits and pieces from my stash that have been laying around way too long (for example, the monthly ledger journal card from 7 Gypsies)…this is a great way to use up old stash so you have an excuse to buy new! I basically created layers by stacking pieces on top of each other until I created a “base” I was happy with (almost like a photo mat with many layers). Before adhering to my background paper, I did some inking with Mr. Huey’s gold mist, glued down some confetti (left-overs from my hole punch) and stitched some hand-cut ‘arrows’ onto the page. Once the ‘mat’ was in place, I just started experimenting with embellishments until I was happy. A few pearl gems here and there, and I was finished. I wanted the photo to stand out from the rest of the page, and I didn’t want it to be bold or loud. I wanted subtle texture and soft colors to make one stop and think. In my opinion, my experiment was a success: I will no longer be afraid to step outside of my comfort zone, and a little messiness can be a good thing. I made lots of mistakes, but I never expected it to be perfect, and that, my friends is the secret! Make a mess. Tear something. Forget to cut the thread. Spill something. Be curious and unafraid: accidents and imperfection can lead to happy endings, after all. I think Grandma would agree.

Papers: My Mind’s Eye, vellum: American Crafts; envelope: Maya Road; tags & journaling spots: Lilly Bee, Studio Calico, Janet Hopkins, 7 Gypsies, Bananafish Studio; stamp: Inkadinkadoo; ink: Tsukineko; fabric: unk. (Studio Calico); doily: Michael’s; wood veneer die-cuts and alpha, paint mist: Studio Calico; tiny alpha stickers: Pink Paisley; brad: Basic Grey; paper clip, staples: Tim Holtz; pearl gems: Recollections; lace ribbon: vintage.

Thank you for stopping by!

Jun 30

Five!

Ali Edwards produces some terrific classes, and I try to take as many as I am able to. One of the classes offered a while back is called “Five”, and it is a class to create a book documenting five of the most important memories that you have at this moment. I loved the idea, and I am not ashamed to say that I love every class Ali puts on. I always learn something, and I just love her style. I purchased the class, but was unsure when I would be able to “take” the class, until a few days ago when I had a day off and decided I had waited long enough. Gathering the necessary supplies was not a problem; Ali usually does not require one to purchase a mint-load of supplies in order to take her classes, which is one of the things I so love about taking her classes. If you don’t have a specific item she happens to use, then use something you already have and it will be good enough. Love that. For my five special memories I want to remember, I thought about what is happening or I should say, what has been happening in my life lately, and I looked for the photos to back that up (by the way, I am trying as hard as I can to take a “Photo A Day”, for all of you who are doing the same). I am sure I could make more of these books, or I could have made a book named “10″, or “15″, etc. This is what I made.

I used a large woodgrain stamp on the number, and embossed it for a woodgrain effect on the paper.

I am not as happy with my numbers as I thought I would be. One of the ideas of creating the book is to use various techniques to create the numbers using wax (which I did not); embossing; spray ink; sewing patterns; and die cut overlays for texture. I tried to do those techniques to the best of my ability using what I have, but I am not really happy with any of the results except for number 2. For the other numbers, Ali suggested alternate techniques and using what you have and your imagination to create unique numbers for the book, but here I think I fell very short. I would love to hear what you think, and what you would have done different; I know I always learn from others and I always take others input as helpful suggestions. Thanks for stopping by!

Jun 16

The End of 31 Days.

Today was the 31st day in Ali Edwards‘ class “31 Things”, via Big Picture Classes. Each day we journaled in depth about the subject of the day, given to us each day in an email from Ali. It was difficult for me, with such little time, to write at such a level. This was not a superficial “That was the Christmas I went to Grandma’s house” on a tag, no, Ali kept saying, “Remember, go deeper.” So, I reached deep inside myself and pulled out memories and thoughts I had long forgotten, and subject matter I would rather keep to myself, and poured my heart and soul into each day’s journaling. I tried to take photos, but that was not easy either. I pretty much feel emotionally drained at this point, so I’m just going to show you some samples of my pages, and give you a link to the rest.

I cut the given words out onto kraft paper with my Silhouette SD and just stapled them on. For the rest of the entire album, go to my flickr website here. Just remember, please, that I have poured my heart out and talked, for the very first time here about some difficult subjects for me. Please have mercy, and thank you for coming by!

May 5

A creative slump…..today?

Today is National Scrapbook Day; a major holiday over here for me. But today, of all days, I am in a creative slump. A sort of ‘writer’s block’ for scrapbookers (what would you call that?). I had planned on participating in Big Picture Classes’ all-day Creative Crop…so this is a crisis! But- I talked with my mom and my husband who, being normal individuals (unlike this scrapaholic), informed me that “there are other days” in which I can scrap like a maniac and have my own little scrapbook marathon. Instead of winning prizes, I’ll win my own sense of productivity and accomplishment; instead of posting my endeavors on Big Picture Classes galleries, I’ll post them here. I believe that’s good enough for me! That being said, here are my attempts to meet two of the twelve challenges sponsored by Big Picture Classes:

Number 2 challenge: scrap two photos, each from two different eras, or time frames.

I did not try to do the first challenge, so I began here because Ali Edwards led the way with this one, and I liked her layout. This is an 8.5×11″ scraplifted version of hers using whatever products I happened to have.

Challenge number 5: use iPhone photos in a layout.

I have been using iPhone photos a lot lately with Project Life because it’s so darn convenient. I had this one my daughter took and gave to me; I just love it and had never used it in anything. I also have some new products from Elle’s Studio that I was dying to use, so I took advantage here. I am using some of the new kit “Everyday Moments” which I believe is still on sale here.

Both big disappointments as far as I am concerned, but really, I think what is important is that I participated to the best of my ability, I had a good time talking with my mom, I enjoyed looking at the BPC galleries at others’ work, and I got to scrapbook today, guilt-free. No more complaints, and tomorrow’s another day. Thanks for stopping by, and happy scrapping!

May 3

Project Life, so far

I haven’t said much lately about Project Life, but I have, indeed, been keeping up with this fun project. I thought I’d share a little bit of what I’ve been doing.

I’ve just finished the latest page:

One thing that has been a must for me is to keep it simple. Working full-time, being active in organizations and my roles as wife and mother do not make it easy to do this project; I cannot make fancy journaling cards or spots (I wish I could) because I just don’t have the time. I felt badly at first that my album is kind of plain, but for me, the importance of Project Life is to document my life. I try to take at least one photo a day (part of my participation in “Photo-A-Day”), and jot down some details and thoughts on something, even if it’s the photo itself. My album will not be featured any time soon on Ali Edwards’ blog as an example of creative beauty, but I’m just thrilled that I’m still at it, taking my photos, getting them printed and getting down the journaling to go along.

These are just a few examples. Now, as far as how to handle my recent trip to New York, I added one favorite photo for each day, and a journaling card with a quick run-down of where we went on those days:

I am making another Project Life-type album of my New York trip because I have so many photos that I want to use. Consequently, I came up with this idea for using the day stickers in order to document an entire week, then a few days later my mom saw something almost identical on Pinterest. Pretty cool!

So, don’t feel badly if your album isn’t turning out what you wanted it to be; just be sure to document as much as you can, and I either spend 10-15 minutes each day to do that day’s photo+words, or I do a week at a time, but never let myself get more behind than that, or I will never get caught up! Good luck with your Project Life, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on what works for you!

Mar 11

Today is the kind of day I absolutely love: I’m off work, I got to sleep in a little, I feel good, I have no specific plans and I have an itch to be creative! The only problem I have at this time is deciding what! I have so many projects hanging on the sideline waiting for a day like this, it’s difficult to choose…

Do I want to learn a new stitch and create a cute little notebook? [Get this kit here]

Kit from Erinzam on Etsy

Do I want to do Mou Saha’s self-paced class I purchased on Big Picture Classes? [Get this class here]

"Grateful Every Day", by Mou Saha (I even have Gelatos for the drawings)

Do I want to finally do that Valentine’s themed book?

Kits by Elle's Studio and Saturday AM Vintage (both no longer available, I'm sorry to say)

What about taking Ali Edwards’ Storyology Class?

…Or Ali’s Five Class?

No matter what I choose to do today, it won’t be a waste of time, and it will be lots of fun. So, daylight’s burning, and since it is Daylight Savings Time, I better get moving. I’ll be back later with whatever I come up with!

-But! I am caught up with Project Life so far for this month of March (except for today, of course):

Days 1-6

I just love adding in these notes we leave for each other!

Days 7-9

Yesterday, the 10th.

For those days I have more than one photo, or I have extra journaling, I use Cathy Zielske’s Tiny Templates, available at Designer Digitals. She has 4 different variations, and I highly recommend them!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jan 6

Serenity.

This is a good word for me this year, and that’s why I chose this to be my One Little Word in Ali Edwards’ Big Picture Class. Serenity is the perfect word for me because it is exactly what I need. I have decided that now is the time to do something in order to achieve a better balance in my life. More happiness and peace, less stress and anxiety. More exercising, less eating. More saving, less spending. Throw out what I don’t need, hold on to what’s important. I believe I can make things work better in my life if I have more inner calm and quietude: the serenity to just do and be the best me I can.

January's assignment for One Little Word.

GOD, grant me the serenity

to accept the things
I cannot change,
Courage to change the

things I can, and the
wisdom to know the difference.
Living ONE DAY AT A TIME;

Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardship as the
pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this

sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make

all things right if I
surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy

in this life, and supremely
happy with Him forever in
the next. Amen
Reinhold Neibuhr-1926