Scrapbook Supply Haul and New Layout

I'm a bit excited about my shopping trip a few days ago.  You see, here in Sugarloaf Key, Florida, there are literally no craft supply stores.  I have to purchase every single scrappy item online, which is no fun at all.  But, the other day, I popped into the local Bealls and found a few hidden gems.  

Can you believe it?  I know they aren't brand new collections or anything, but they are new to me!  

Here's what i found:

-Pebbles "Basics" 12x12 paper pad

-Crate Paper "Boys Rule" 12x12 paper pad

-MME Jubilee "Sherbet" 6x6 paper pad

-MME Jubilee "Tangerine" 6x6 paper pad

-We R Memory Keepers "Chalkboard" 6x6 paper pad

-MME Jubilee "Wonder" Chipboard Elements

-MME Jubilee "Sherbet" Chipboard Elements

-MME Jubilee "Tangerine" Chipboard Elements

-MME Niche "On Trend" Gold Chipboard Alpha Stickers

-Simple Stories "I Am" 4x6 Clear Sticker Sheets

Yay!

I was inspired by my new products and made a fun layout:

The photo is of me and my awesome stepmother.

I layered some patterned paper behind my photo and added a doily from my stash.

I added my title and a  few purple flower chipboard stickers and fell in love with the color combination.  I don't think I ever used these colors together on a layout, but i think they work well together

I added my journaling, date stamp, a mini gray clothespin and scattered a few purple sequins from my stash to finish my page.

Have you had a recent haul?  I would love to here about what you found.

Scrapbook Layout with a Grid Design

I'm not sure why, but I rarely use a grid design on my layouts, but always love how clean and neat they turn out.

For this layout, I used my Studio Calico February Kits.  First, I chose this photo of my son Cole from 2011.  He is always smiling and happy since he was a baby.  Next, I cut a piece of black & white striped patterned paper down to 6x12 and used this as the base for the grid design.  I went through the  cards in the Project Life Kit and found these 3 that i wanted in my layout.  One card for journaling, one for a sub-title/quote, and one with a heart that I could embellish even more.

I layered a few pieces of plain white card stock behind my photo to help it stand out from the patterned papers.  I found the Crate Paper "Poolside" woodgrain paper in my stash and adhered it behind the layered photo.  I then added my title using the gorgeous peach puffy alphas from the Scrapbook Kit.    

I wanted to layer up the heart Project Life card to make it pop.  I used a wood veneer conversation heart from the kit and glued it to a blue heart that I punched from my scraps.  Behind that, i hand cut a couple more hearts out of a glassine bag and adhered it with pop dots.  

 The gold chipboard heart arrow is from the Crate Paper "Hello Love" chipboard sticker sheet.  I stuck that to a piece of scrap paper before gluing it down.  

I added my journaling to the project life card and added a charcoal banner sticker from the Planner Kit.

I added the date to the quote card with a Studio Calico Roller Date Stamp using my favorite Studio Calico Color Theory "Mint Hint" ink pad.  

I then used the Hello Forever Stamp Set in the Kit on a piece of white card stock and cut it out and stuck it in the layers behind my photo.  I also used a few vellum heart stickers above my photo to add a bit more color.  

I scattered and few tiny wood veneer hearts, added a couple word stickers, and splattered some gray ink to complete my layout.  

I hope you enjoyed this layout and would love to here about your techniques when it comes to grid designs.  I think I'm going to try and use grids more often.  They come together so easily and turn out so great.  Have a great weekend!

Island Life and a new Scrapbook Process Video

I absolutely love living on a tropical island.  I'm originally from the Philadelphia area and my husband is from the mountains in North Carolina.  He and i moved to the Florida Keys about 6 years ago and knew it was our forever home.  We are lucky enough to wake up every morning and see water surrounding our tiny island.  We truly appreciate our surroundings.  This got me thinking........what does Cole think?

He was born here and this is all he knows.  This is his normal everyday life.  I wonder if he will appreciate it when he's older.   

I made this page for my new Youtube Series: STUDIO CALICO DAY.  Every week I will use my current Studio Calico Kits and take inspiration from the Studio Calico Blog.

This week, I used a Sunday Sketch, a Weekly Challenge, and a Tutorial.

Here's the Sketch:

The Weekly Challenge was to use a bold, floating title.   I was very inspired by a Tutorial by Marcy Penner.  She made a Confetti pocket along the bottom of her scrapbook page.  She is awesome.  

I made a video that you can check out here:

Do you shop at thrift stores?  My mother loves them.  I remember as a child, hunting through shelves of nicknacks to find a beautiful treasure to call my own, well after a good cleaning.  Even as an adult, I love rummaging threw piles of books, racks of clothing, and bins of previously- loved goodies.  I'm not a huge shopper, but at second stores I can go a little crazy and not feel guilty of spending too much money.  

In my new THRIFT STORE JUNKIE Episode, I share my DIYScrapbook Embellishments.  I'm surprised at how well they turned out.

Stay tuned for my first scrapbook process video using my thrifty finds and DIY embellishments.

Have you ever used thrift store treasures on your pages? I would love to know.

Scrapbooking from the Thrift Store with VIDEO.

My name is Andrea,  and I'm a THRIFT STORE JUNKIE.  It's taken a long time to admit this out loud.  The truth is, the thrift store calls my name.  It says ( in a spooky voice) , "Andrea, come to me.  I have beautiful, unique treasures that you can hoard in your home.  Some are sparkly, and some are dingy, but you NEED them.  You NEEEEEEED THEM!"

Seriously......whats wrong with me?  Actually, do you know what?  I don't care whats wrong with me, thrift stores are AWESOME-SAUCE!

I rarely find scrapbooking items from my local thrift store. But when I do, I add it to my stash and forget that I bought it.  A fews days ago I hit the Jackpot.   I found like 100 sheets of 12x12 scrapbook paper.  I had to pinch myself.  I mean it wasn't designer paper or anything (Im also a designer paper junkie) but I liked most of the patterns, so I bought all of it for $1!   What?

On my drive home, when I do most of my important thinking, I was brainstorming how I could use my thrift store finds to create a Youtube series. It suddenly came to me.....

Introducing:
"THRIFT STORE JUNKIE"

In my new Youtube Series,  I make scrapbook layouts from my Thrift Store Kit.  My kit is limited to only items from the Thrift Store.  What I think is cool about this is that it will really push the limits of my creativity.  I'm kind of in a slump and I need to light my creative flame again.

Here's my THRIFT STORE KIT Share:

Next up on "THRIFT STORE JUNKIE"- My DIY THRIFT STORE EMBELLISHMENTS.

Do you use thrift store items in your crafting?

New Scrapbook Process Video: "Gettin' Sketchy Wit It" (new YouTube series)

I'm having some fun with my YouTube Channel.  Of course I'm completely obsessing about it too, wanting to do a new video every day of the week.  But it's so cool!  I have so much to learn and I'm challenged in the technical department, but so far its a fun ride.  

" Gettin' Sketchy Wit It" is a series with a new episode every Tuesday (hopefully).  Each week I will pick a different sketch to use as inspiration.  I'll share my creative thought process on creating a layout and manipulating the sketch without losing my personal scrappy style.  Or whatever that means.  

Here's the layout:

That's not a beer gut, I was pregnant.  But, honestly, I look thinner then than I do now.  However, I'm not at all willing to stop eating ice cream.  And I accept it.  Moving on.........

I joined in on Hip Kit Club's Facebook Forum Challenge that ended June 11.

Here's Episode 1 of "Gettin' Sketchy Wit It" (cue Will Smith):

If you have a sketch that you'd like me to feature on a future episode, let me know.  Leave a comment  on this YouTube Video or send me a message.  I'd love to hear from you.  Thanks for visiting today!  Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and never miss an episode!

New CSI Challenge & Sketch #166

I love being on the CSI Design Team.  Their challenges are so much fun and make me push my creativity.  Here's the newest Layout I made:

This is a photo of me when I was 2 years old, playing in my Grandmother's kitchen drawer.  I was even a weirdo at 2.

This is what CSI's Challenge #166 looks like:

Here's how I completed the challenge:

THE SCHEME:  Used all 5 colors.

EVIDENCE:  Used stripes, scallops, numbers, flowers, and paint.

TESTIMONY:  I journaled about a favorite childhood memory, I wrote my journaling on my background, and I used the Inspo word: play.

Have a fabulous day!

Lasting Memories Challenge #245 & Process Video Update.

Good Morning Beautiful People!  Well, it's the 1st day of summer break and my son is already bored. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I'll figure out something.

Lasting Memories has their Challenge #245 Posted:

Create a layout based on this quote/happiness.  

This quote is so true to me.  I feel, as a mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter, etc, that my happiness needs to come first.  Because if I'm unhappy I'm not useful to those around me.  But if I'm happy it makes me a better person, mom and wife.  So where do I find my happiness?  Doing things for others, spending time with family, and paper crafting.

Here's my layout based on the challenge:

My husband and I went on a little "Lovers Escape"  to a local Resort in Key West.  We only spent one night and it rekindled our romance.  It was awesome!

Process Video Update:

I made my very first scrapbook process video last week.  It was so much fun.  Check it out if you'd like:

I'm working on Video #2 right now and should be up in the next couple days.  Editing these videos is harder than I thought!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Lasting Memories Challenge #242 - Scrap Theme

Hello to my beautiful scrap-happy friends.  This month's theme at Lasting Memories is "Life's Affirmations".  This week the challenge is to scrap anything about this month's theme.   This got me thinking about a time in my life when I was working on myself.  In 2006, I woke up one morning and disliked almost everything about myself.  I didn't like the person I had become and made a decision to go on an intense journey to change everything about my life.  I met the most amazing and inspirational people in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and they forever changed my life.  It has been a continuous journey to make the positive changes necessary to life a full and happy existence.  One of the most important lessons I've learned is to "Live in the Moment".  

You see, my brain is never naturally living in the moment.  I sometimes have to close my eyes and try to completely empty all thoughts.  When my brain is finally quiet, I listen to the noises that are going on around me, then the smells, then open my eyes and see..  I love this moment right now.

CSI Case #165

CSI has an awesome Case File filled with fun inspiration with a soft and beautiful color palette.   Here's how I cracked the case:

Here's the original Case File #165:

You can find more details at met CSI Photo Gallery.

Lasting Memories Challenge #242 "Strength"

Hello Sassy Sunday Scrappers!  I know...I know.  I've been a little absent from the Bloggers World.  No excuses, just pure old-fashioned laziness.  Awesome-sauce.

For the month of May, the theme over at Lasting Memories is "Life Affirmations".  This week, for the challenge,  we are focusing on "Strength".

I used MME's Now and Then "Izzy" Collection.  I really love these colors with photos of my son.  They really bring out his personality.

He has a very "strong" and unique little personality.  

He's always happy, affectionate and caring, and loves to explore new things.  He truly is the sunshine in my life.

Head on over to Lasting Memories and have fun with this challenge.  We would love to see your beautiful Creation.

New Month New Theme at Lasting Memories

Hey y'all.  Sorry I've been a little slower with the ole blog this past week.  I recently took on a new and amazing job in my local town.  I can't wait to share it with you in a later post.

Lasting Memories has a yummy theme going on this month, "Food for Thought".  And ladies, I LOVE FOOD!  This week's challenge is #227 "Favorite Recipe or Food".  I knew exactly what I would scrap about:

CUPCAKES!

It took a few years to find the "perfect buttercream frosting" and the "amazing cupcake batter" recipes, and together they made  "The Perfectly Piped Cupcake" for any occasion.

The buttercream frosting is sweet and creamy and melts in your mouth with every bite.  The batter bakes to perfection and tastes like a soft sugar cookie.  It's an amazing experience.  

My son and I made this batch for his class Halloween party.  They were a hit!

What is your favorite recipe or food?  Share with us over at Lasting Memories and join in on this fun challenge.  

What would you call your Scrap Style?

Lately,  I've been applying for a few different design teams.  And usually, on of the questions in the application is, "what is your style?".  At first I struggled with this question because I've only been scrapbooking for a few years. I learned from youtube process video, particularly Shimelle Laine.  From there I started scrap lifting layout I found online so I could practice different styles and techniques.  About a year ago, I developed my own style.  

One word that comes to mind when describing my style: Layered.

I do love tons of white space on my layouts.  To me, it draws more attention to the photo.

I created this layout for the CSI Case File #153:

What would you call your scrappy style?

SBC Scrapbook Challenges Design Team = Awesome

Is it true?  Did Scrapbook Challenges (aka-SBC) really pick me to be on their Design Team?  Heck yes they did and I'm so excited to be a part of their awesomeness.  They have weekly challenges to inspire your creativity.  

This week's sketch is #424: 

Isn't that an awesome sketch?  Their is so much you can do with it. Here's what I did:

I altered the sketch quite a bit.  I kept the basic design of the sketch, but moved stuff around.  For instance:  I used one photo instead of two, tightened up the layers, moved the embellishment clusters, and made it my own. 

To me, a sketch is a basic idea for me to make my own.  Sometimes my creations look exactly like the sketch, and sometimes totally different, but I always get some sort of inspiration in the process.

Do you use sketches?  If so, does your finished project resemble the sketch?

A Scrapbook Page Inspired by a Song

Good morning fabulous people! (sung in my best opera voice)

Is your morning as beautiful as mine?  

I found this awesome challenge blog and just had to tell y'all about it.  It's called Scrap it with a Song and it blows my mind.  Every month they post a challenge involving a Pop Song and a Rock song.  The idea is to create a paper project using inspiration from one of the songs.  Inspiration can come from the lyrics, the title, the theme, or  whatever inspiration strikes while listening to the song.  I think this whole concept is genius.  I mean, music can alter my mood on any given day, so why not look to it for creative inspiration?

This month's Pop Challenge Song is Katy Perry's ROAR.

Here is my creation:

I was inspired by the title of the song. "roar".  Sometimes when my son, Cole, is not getting his own way, he lets out this ridiculous roar.  He is a total actor and does anything in public to get what he wants.  He's so cute though.  

 I also usedStudio Calico's Sunday Sketch for inspiration.  Here's a peek at their layout sketch:

Thanks for reading.  Do you get creative inspiration from music?  

A Very Layered Grid Design and a Life Lesson

Top of the morning to you!  This month's theme at Lasting Memories Blog is Life's Moments.  As a scrapper, I love filling my albums with my perfect little family doing perfect little things.  All of us with smiling faces and eyes full of love.  Well ladies and gentlemen, NOT TODAY!

This week's challenge is Life's Lessons.  I scrapped a photo of my son on a fishing trip.  He learned about the role of a "bait fish"(a fish used as bait to catch a larger fish).  He figured out, in his innocent little mind, that the bait fish would die.  It saddened his sweet little heart, and broke mine.  

I don't know why I don't do grid designs more often.  They are fun and easy.  I used to think they were boring and not my style because the elements were separated and uniform.  But I figured out how to make it more "me".  I layered the photo and the cards with copy paper.  Then stuck in little die cuts and other bits in-between the layers, added the mist and called it finished.

Do you only scrap happy moments?  Share your thoughts.