Capture Life

This is the first layout I've ever created using only stickers as the bulk of my embellishments.

The Capture Life sticker sheet is packed full of colourful charming stickers.

Echo Park collections may not come with a lot of 3-dimensional elements but they sure make up with that with the number, and variation of stickers they include in their sticker sheets.

I used a lot of 3D adhesive to pop various stickers off the page, giving the page my usual layered style look.

I liked the look of that label maker sticker and decided to add a little more to it, using it as my journaling.

You can grab the Capture Life Collection for yourself here in the Paper Issues store. You may want to also check out the July Swag Bag, it's full of fun elements to add to your projects.  

If you use code:SHERRI at checkout you'll save yourself 20% on your entire order.

You can also check out our newest Issue right here.  Linking up could earn you a fabulous Echo Park prize pack.

Thanks for stopping by friends!

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May Sneaks Are Up

I have the May Scraptastic Sneaks to share with you today.

This Life Noted Kit

Daylight - Scrapbook Kit #1

The Story I Heard - Scrapbook Kit #2

And remember that the Scrapbook kits each have Add On kits filled with extra papers and embellies, as well as Add On Stamp Kits (all at an additional charge).  You'll want to keep your eyes peeled on the blog for the full reveals on May 1st.  If you've decided this is the month to jump in and subscribe you may do so here.

I'll leave you with a just for fun layout I completed recently using the February Feel Again kit.

The "I love you to the moon..." quote reminded me of what I say to the girls every night before bed.  A quick and easy layout using a lot of the stickers from the Echo Park sticker sheet.

Thanks for stopping by today friends!

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Creative Scrappers Reveal

Good morning friends,

It's that time again.  I was lucky to work with another fabulous sketch this week at Creative Scrappers.   I chose a photo of Darwin and I at our last Winnipeg Jets hockey game together.  Never in a million years, as a young adult would I have thought that I would love watching this sport as much as I do.  I can remember working with crazy Jets fans, die hard fans even during the many years the team was away in Phoenix.  And now, I'm proud to say I'm one of them.

Here is the layout I created for this week's reveal, using the new Echo Park Keeping Cozy collection.

Those white alphas are by BasicGrey, and I believe one of the oldest items in my stash.  It's one of the reasons I love playing with sketches so much, it allows me to use any product I choose.  It's a great way to use up your scrappy stash.  Sketches like this one are especially great for helping to use up scraps you've been saving too.

That awesome flair is from this set in the A Flair For Buttons Etsy shop.

The freebie snowflake file is from Daniela Dobson.

Since I didn't leave myself any room to journal inside the squares, I substituted the dotted lines in the sketch with some handwriting, and included some prima alphas to help the subject of my journaling stand out from the rest.

And this is the fab sketch Jenny created for us to work with.  

There are some really great takes on the sketch.  Be sure to hop over the the Creative Scrappers blog to see how the rest of the dt used it.  You'll also have until December 31, to link up a project using this sketch, and/or sketch #257, for your chance at awesome Twinery gift certificate.

On my blog, don't forget that you have a few more hours to get on my Scraptastic Giveaway.  You may still enter for a few more hours here.  Good luck to all.  

I also want to take this time to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and all the best for a wonderful holiday season.  I'll be back after the holidays with more scrahappiness to share.

Thank you for stopping by today! Pin It

Her Best Day Ever

Ever have an idea pop into your head for a layout design, and you just have to get it out asap?

I had the idea for this background on the way home from dropping the kids off at school on Thursday last week, and just had to come home and get it out.  Thanks to the lovely greyness of the skies here, and working Friday and Saturday, I was unable to get a photo of the layout until this afternoon when I got home from work.  I loved the Fall paper combinations, and colours in the November Scraptastic Home kit so much, I wanted to showcase them all at once on the same layout, and thought that something like this would be a great way to do it.

You can still see how completely thrilled she is to have opened her new 5c.

Pulled in some of the embellishments from the November This Life Noted kit, as well as the Add-On kit here also.  Really love the colours of the sequins this month.

 Took the smile sentiment and used 3D foam tape to pop it off the page.

The brown letters were from the This Life Noted kit also.  And I typed the "14th birthday surprise" onto a scrap piece of cardstock, and popped it off the page, layered over top of one of the cardstock stickers in the kit.

We celebrated Belle's 14th birthday last Wednesday.  Belle was shocked when she opened this iPhone.  If there is anything we've learned as parents it is to never say never.  As much as we thought we would never buy our kids a phone, we certainly changed our tune.  With the amount of time this one is at school late, or out with friends, or late at the Dance Studio, we found it would certainly be worth the extra few dollars a month to be able to get ahold of her whenever we need to, and vice-versa.  All that to say we caved, and she's one happy girl.

Thanks for stopping by today friends.  I sure appreciate it.

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eta: my friend Nicole just posted these gorgeous layouts on the Scraptastic Blog today.  Seeing them again today, I remembered that she shared them on FB awhile back, when she first completed them.  As much as I thought the stitched triangles were my genius idea, I think my sub-conscience might have remembered seeing them on her project.  Bummer, I thought they were my idea, but she obviously used the idea first so I want to give credit where credit is due.  You can see more of Nicole's gorgeous work on her blog here.

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Reveal Sunday

It's Reveal Sunday over at Creative Scrappers, our first week back, and I think we're all equally excited to be here and share with you our first reveal of this new chapter using sketch #251 created by Kristine Davidson.

First up is my take on the sketch.

Jounaling reads: It was the week of Dance Camp when Théa and Haley decided it was time for their puppies to meet.  A quick call to Tara and a date at the park was in order.  08/20/13

I used the new Hello Again collection by Kaitlin Sheafer, and simply freehand cut a bunch of circles in alternating sizes, stacked them together and stitched away to create all the circle elements.  A few Studio Calico Sequins, and wood veneer shapes and a few hearts, and brands from my stash, and voilà, done.  The photo is of my middle daughter and her friend with their puppies Wilson, and Jake.

Here are a couple detail shots.

See the super cute Maggie Holmes flair buttons?  I got them at CHA in July.  They are not actually flair buttons, but badges.  I simply removed the pin from the back and used Glue Dots to adhere them to may page. 

And those little banner strips are actually from the cover sheet in the collection.  I like the tiny patterns on them rather than the larger ones from the 12x12 sheets.  Talk about recycling heh?!

Here is Kristine's sketch.

You can see I stayed pretty true to the original idea, only substituted a few hearts for the starts, and changed my title and journal placement a little.  Sketches are a great way to get the mojo flowing when you don't feel inspired.  They're also an excellent way to break out of your shell.  I especially love playing with multi photo sketches since they are not my usual way of designing a page.

Our sponsor this month is Crazy Monday Kits.  To be eligible to win a scrapbook kit from CMSK, all you need to do is create a layout based on Sketch #251, and link it up to this post on the Creative Scrappers blog using the inlinkz widget at the end of the post.  A winner will be selected on October 1. You may enter as many times as you like using a new layout each time.  Good luck, hope to see you there!

Happy Sunday friends! Pin It

Library Pocket Cut File

I had this post up on the Chic Tags blog the other day, and wanted to share it with you too.

I downloaded this Freebie library pocket cut file from the the Chic Tags store to use on a layout.

Have you had trouble trying to figure out how to download freebie files for your own use?    I've created a little You Tube video to help walk you through the process. Click here to view the video if you'd like a little tutorial on Trace & Cut for the Silhouette Cameo.

I also created a video to show you how to add perforated lines to the library pocked for easier folding, like this.

You can check out that video here.

Here is how I used the cut file on a layout.

Stopped in a farmer's field on the way home from the lake the other day to grab a few photos of the girls against the giant hay bales.

Like that cute little star cut tag?  It's another Chic Tags freebie, you can grab it here

The colours of the new Echo Park Hello Again collection worked so well with Chic Tags products.

Lots of layering of the tags as usual.

I hope you've felt inspired today.  Lots of freebies to add to your collection, a couple of tips and tricks, and a little eye candy to boot.

Thanks so much for stopping in today friends.  Leave me a comment letting me know if there's anything you'd like to see covered in a Silhouette video and I'll try to make it happen for you.  

Have a great day!

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Out On The Town

That's the name of the July Kit I chose to work with this month at Scraptastic.  Here is my first layout created with the kit.

This photo is my dear Miss Maggie holding a nest we found in our tree this Spring as we were yard cleaning.  I just love the colours in it so much, I know that I'll scrap it again before summer is over.

Here are a few close ups for you:

That stitched looking stamp is definitely one of my favourites ever

Notice the stamp overlapped onto the photo?  No biggie for me.

Really love those coloured mini tags

So many stickers, embellishments, stamps to play with.  To read more about the product I used in the kit, please hop over to the Scraptastic Blog to read all about it.

I also wanted to invite you to our 3rd Birthday Celebration the first weekend in August.  Hope to see you there.

  Thanks a bunch for popping in today. Pin It

Cre8tive Cre8tions

Remember when I told you about Cre8tive Cre8tions?  It's a new scrapbook supply company out of Germany.  Andrea and her husband Thomas started their little company producing fun flair badges to start, and now only 2 months later offer patterned paper, stamps, and paper tags as well.  I am so happy they are getting their name out there, and thrilled that they have welcomed me on to design for them.

This layout of Théa and her friends Sabrina and Maya was created using several of the patterned papers available in the collection.  Along with a few of the flair pieces.

The title was made using October Afternoon mini market stickers and a free Heidi Swapp cut file.

The polar grid mask is one I made using the Silhouette also, it was super easy, and someday if I ever figure out how to offer files for free on my blog I will give it to you.  I sprayed over the mask with Hiedi Swapp Color Shine.  I did the same thing down in the bottom right corner.

You can check out the Cre8tive Cre8tions shop here.  And there's load of inspiration on her blog here.

Speaking of Color Shine, I had this layout up on the Cre8tive Cre8tions blog and Instagram last week,  where it caught the attention of the one and only Ms. Heidi Swapp and her team.

She even asked if she could re-post it.  Crazy right?!  

Oh and remember this About A Boy layout?  

It caught the attention of Echo Park, and was re-posted on their Instagram page.  It was also featured as a Gallery Highlight at scrapbookupdate.com.  Not bad for one layout, I thought.

That's it for me today.  I hope you're enjoying the day wherever you may find yourself today.  Thanks as always for stopping by! Pin It

About A Boy

I have this layout up at Chic Tags today.

I may not see him too often but my nephew Jayden manages to find his way onto my scrap pages every so often.  This kid is the most perfect bundle of sweet, funny, generous, kind, and loving all rolled up into one super handsome little man.

When I saw the new About A Boy collection by Echo Park, I just knew the papers would be a perfect match up for Chic Tags products and my little man here.

This page came together super quick.  The design made it easy to incorporate several chic tags perfectly.

Had fun using several different colours of Zing to colour up my Studio Calico wood veneers.  I cut the title using scraps, and my Silhouette Cameo.  The cloud is an old Fiskars punch on corrugated paper.

That number 3, is actually from the Christmas Set.  I just could it out to make it look like a die cut.

How about you do you use your holiday or seasonal tags on layouts during the rest of the year?  Talk about getting your money's worth, Veronica's designs and colour choices make it so easy to do.  Speaking of which, have you popped by the store lately.  Not only is the Road Trip collection now stocked and available to purchase, but it also has a fresh, fun new look to it.  Spring Cleaning all around here at Chic Tags.  Hop over here to see the entire new collection.

Tags used:
Autumn Days Triangles
25 Days Number Sets
Fall Note Circles
A Camping We Will Go Bunting Alphabet
Hello Months Pin It

Exciting News

Today I am finally able to let you in on my little secret.  

My work will be among many fabulous layouts all based on the sketches of the very talented Kristine Davidson for her brand new release Creating With Sketches 2.  I had a great sketch to work with, that I paired with Echo Park's Scoot papers.

You may recognize the photos from a previous layout.  I loved them so much I thought they'd be fun to work with again, and this sketch was perfect for them.  Journalling is hidden on the tag.

Sketches are a great way to get the mojo going when you just don't know where to start.  And this book has over 120 of of Kristine's trademark jump starters.

Kristine has very generously offered up a great deal for one of my lucky blog readers.  ONE FREE DIGITAL COPY.  Isn't she wonderful?  In order to get in on this amazing deal all you have to do is make sure you're a follower, and leave me a comment telling me you've done so.  You can increase your chances by sharing, or linking back to this post on any form of social media.  One extra entry per method shared.  Just leave me additional comments with your links.  I'll post my winner on this Friday morning.  Be sure to leave me your contact info so I can get a hold of you personally. 

If you are too anxious to wait on a draw, Kristine has also generously offered up a discount code for immediate use.  Use code CSW2Discount to save 2$ off your newly released digital copy of Creating With Sketches 2 today.  Coupon code will be valid until March 31 at 10pm EST.  If you prefer a paper copy, they are also available right here on Kristine's site.

Thanks for popping in today.

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Using an un-inked stamp

That is this week's challenge at Use It Tuesday.

This one was a little tricky for me as I don't own a ton of stamps and almost all of them are in fact inked.  My scrappy friend Tara, however, was a sweetheart to lend me a cute set I was drooling over a few weeks ago.  She's sweet like that, she just let me take them home to use whenever I got a chance.  This was the perfect opportunity.

Here are the hoarded supplies I used on this layout.  Only the stamps are borrowed.

Studio Calico: stamps & cardstock stickers, My Mind's Eye 6x6 paper pad, Pink Paislee mistable trim, not shown

And here is the layout I created, documenting my love for Mongos, a Mongolian barbecue restaurant near our home.

 My mouth is watering just looking at the photo.  

Journaling read "Also known as my birthday restaurant.  I love Mongo Mongolian bbq.  I create the same dish every single time.  It's guaranteed to satisfy."

I stamped directly onto the photo using Ranger Archival Ink.  It has a wonderfully rich tone, and transfers easily.  You need only be sure to hold the stamp very still when applying, otherwise you risk smudging the image.

Jillibean Soup, and My Mind's Eye label stickers.  Journal spot is Echo Park

Pop over here to see what the rest o the team created using an un-inked stamp.  You have until the end of the month to link up your own creation, and get a shot at being our Guest Designer in an upcoming challenge.

Thanks for popping in today! Pin It

Look At Us

Happy Monday friends!

I have more Let's Get Sketchy inspiration for you today.  I used these photos for Isabelle and the rest of the Hip Hop Small Group that performed at Triple Threat - Winnipeg back in November.  The dance to a medley of Justin Beiber tunes.  They were amazing, and earned a Judges Choice for the efforts.  We were so proud of all the girls, they worked super hard on this routine and were rewarded well for it.  Even better than the recognition was that they all had so much fun learning, practicing, and pushing themselves, together, as a group.

Here is Jenessa's sketch

A few detail shots

Once again the quality of these photos is sub-par, it's one of my least favourite things about the Winter season.  The lack of sunshine, makes is very difficult to obtain excellent quality photos.  If anyone has any tips to help me out here, I would be very grateful to hear them.

What I love best of about these photos is that Rob, their teacher made his way into them.  He's so talented, these girls are very fortunate to have such a passionate, inspiring, and nurturing teaching to learn from.  As parents we are thrilled that Kick It is full of just such teachers in every class.

Hop over here to see what the rest of the DT created with Bev's sketch, and link up your own creation.

And we have a birthday coming up on Friday.  Hope you'll join us.  There will be tons of inspo and prizes all weekend long.

I hope you're feeling inspired to create something beautiful soon. Pin It