Fancy Pants summer line

Fancy Pants has some great designs for holiday photos.

I love the statues on this paper.  There are chipboard statues as well.  They were perfect for the pictures of my sister and her two boys in front of these massive pillars at their resort in Mexico. And the massive bottle my nephew is hugging.  I bet his Dad set him up for that photo op.

This layout has been on my desk for a couple weeks. I've been putting bits on and taking bits off. I've decided it's finished.  Here are some closeups...

 The ruler is from Crate Paper's school line.  'My little one' is a My Minds Eye chipboard piece. The photo op tag is from an old Making Memories travel sheet. I love the big, turquoise, metal flowers.  They come two to a package and I used both on this layout.

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My nephews look tiny in this photo with the pillar tower above them.  To make sure they didn't get lost I clustered some embellishments beside them.  Prima flowers, a stick pin and October Afternoon washi tape. Last time I was in Unforgettable Memories there was loads of different designs of washi tape scattered all around the store. I picked up quite a few.  Not quite all of the designs, but most of them...

 

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 I haven't done too many layouts without banners on them lately.  This mini banner is made with 3 chipboard pieces and a length of jute.  Easy as 1 2 3.

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This October Afternoon washi tape I picked out has the days of the week on it.  I know it will be a popular one on future layouts.

Christmas Break!

Did December 26 or 27th feel strange to you? All of the sudden... there isn't anything pressing to do, as my friend Trina said. And what is a girl to do when she doesn't have so much to do? Well, scrapbook, of course. You would think I would have some Christmas layouts to share, but we scrapbookers know that we are "never caught up" (well, except for Crystal, but that's a whole different post altogether) :)
A few random bits to share with you:

A fun and quick one for this school year. The paper is library cards. I just took photos of all the boys on the first day, and got them all to sign their name for memories sake. LOVE the wood veneers from Studio Calico that Lynette has at the store. All kinds of shapes and designs.

I had this photo of my son that captures what he is like. This was a kit from Echo Park that I have completely used up, which I never do. A super quick way to get a layout done, using the stickers that came in the kit. A few embellishments and a story and you're done!

Using an 8 x 12 enlargement. It really shows how front-and-center Lego is in our house :)

And a Christmas layout, albeit from 2007. I'm not even kidding. Using the fun and fabulous washi tape that is trendy at the moment, and hard not to stick on every layout I do right now. Also got the heat gun out and did a bit of EMBOSSING. I'm not even kidding. Christmas just calls for sparkly silver or gold embossing, don't you think??

Tim Holtz Edge Distresser

 

Check out the texture!

Have you seen this tool in the store before, and not had a clue what it does?  This handy little tool gives you beautiful texture on the edges of your paper/photos.  I don't use it all the time, but I like to pull it out when my embellishments are flat because it helps to add some dimension.  You could, of course, use a serrated bread knife, but I don't recommend it.  (Trust me!)  The blades are hidden inside so even the smallest, most curious fingers can't cut themselves.  Make sure you are working over a garbage can, because it can get a little messy.   I do believe all 4 design team members have one, so you'll see a lot of inspiration around the store for this tool.  (Check out Heather's layouts especially).  If you are reading this from far away, or it's just plain too cold to go outside, here is a close up of a layout I just completed to show you the look.  This look is so subtle, it will work on pretty much any layout, card, or minibook. 

Stop by the store - you'll find this tool on the far wall with the scissors and other essentials!

Coffee time

Have you seen the wonderful coffee themed kraft papers in the store?  I cut the coffee banner directly from the paper, for my title.  I love the strip with the little coffee cups on it. One of our Whistler traditions is to walk down to Starbucks every morning at 7:3 gr frappacino. No sleeping in when we're on holidays with Grandma :)

The background is red bazzill sprayed with brown mists, splattered with black paint and dabbed with white dauber.

Here are some closeups...

The big Bazzill buttons are great for flower centers.  I use them a lot.
The  chipboard jar is wrapped with bakers twine and I added a butterfly just because.

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 I used some brown jute to hang my banner with Prima flowers at either end.

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The lightbulb strip is some washi tape.  Unforgettable Memories has a great selection of tape scattered throughout the store. I want one of each.

 

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Some more tape, chipboard and layered beneath it all is 7Gypsies tissue paper, cardstock and vellum.

 

My photos are all 2x3 size.    Unforgettable Memories developes in all sizes. Big and little.

CASE it!

Here are a couple more layouts from the Blueberry crop.  After scrapping Friday night and all day Saturday, by late Saturday I was running out of ideas.  My mojo was gone. So I picked up one of Crystal's magazines;  it was the latest Scrapbook & Cards, and flipped through it.
The layout I chose to CASE (copy and steal everything) is nothing like my usual style, but it caught my eye immediately.

The original layout had a narrow punched border across the page under the photo.  Lynette had this great big chipboard scallop in her stash and she let me have it.  I sprayed it with pink Glimmer Mist.  It really pops on the diamond patterned paper.

My title is a funky Thickers alpha and some tiny pink alphas.  I put some polkadot tape(Smash line) under the pink alphas to make them pop.

Love the chipboard camera. This page was really quick and easy once I found all the pieces I wanted to use with my photo.  And my mojo was back.

 

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All the Design Team got this photo and most of us has scrapped it in our own particular style. I used a BoBunny polkadot paper.  The colours are perfect with the photo.

I layered some coordinating patterned paper, vellum and word strips under and around my photo.  The green vines, yellow alpha and yellow flowers are Prima.  The peach flowers are BoBunny. Those adorable owls are Jolee's and are on a few of my layouts.  I've used almost the entire sticker sheet of owls.  Will have to pick up some more.  They are just too cute.

Two quick one page layouts. 
Sometimes it's fun to switch it up and do a one photo, one page layout instead of my normal multi photo, double page layout.

Back to School

I often find school themed collections to be a bit much.  But I do love to mix and match lines.  By mixing a couple of similar lines together creates layouts that are theme based but not too busy and that take away from the photos.

 

 I created the star in the layout above by cutting 5 triangles and then placing them behind the photo in star shape.  The triangles were actually some scraps that needed just a little tweeking. 

Fun with pattern

 

 Adayn is the Queen of Pattern and these layouts are rocking the pattern!  I am always looking for inspiration.  One day while walking I just happened to notice at how many different patterns Adalyn was wearing.  So I thought if she can pull it off in an outfit I should be able to do the same in a layout. Here is my take on using mixed patterns.  The  key when mixing patterns is to watch the weight of each pattern.  Usually I look for a strip, dot and then a large pattern of a different kind.  In this layout I used the strip, pink cheetah and the floral.  The cheetah would be my dot and the floral would be my larger pattern. 

Again to mix pattern in this layout, I used the small blue dot, the large floral and then the pink is slightly textured.  I try to keep all design elements such as pattern to groups of three or five. 

 

Banners Galore

The following layouts are created using the newest Fancy Pants line available at Unforgettable Memories Foto Source.  This line is called The Good Life.  The paper and embellishments are fun, bright and versatile. 

Holy banners, Batman!  I just realized that there are a lot of banners on these pages.  I guess I was really feeling the banners when looking for inspiration.  Another great sketch to use with instagram photos printed to 4x4.

Wow! That's a lot of banners!  I love the way the banners create movement and force the eye to look all across the page.  This was really fun to create. 

 

 This layout is simple but still fun.  The paper is so bright and summery. 

 

I love getting my photos scrapbooked!  One layout at a time.  I know most of you don't want to hear this but I just scrapbooked my last bunch of pictures for 2012!  I have my December Daily built and ready to go for all pictures in December.  I also created several layouts in advance for my Christmas pages.  Can't wait to start decorating and getting into the Christmas spirit!

Parent and Child Christmas Class

You asked and we shall deliver!  Many parents have been asking for a parent and child class.  Join us on Saturday, December 15th to create two of these cute trees.  These trees are a great addition to any Christmas decor.  This class is $20.00 and all product is included.  Parents are required to stay and do this class together with their child.  The class starts at 1pm and should not take much more than  hour.

Simple Design

Throughout the years I have randomly changed my design strategies.  Sometimes I follow trend.  For example over the years I have cut photos into cute shapes, layered flowers, misted, inked, used buttons, matted photos, ripped paper, layered paper...

Currently I am trying to mix old with new stash and just get the important photos scrapbooked.  Sometimes it feels like I have not done enough or the layout is incomplete.  But really I am just liking the look of clean lines, more negative space, fewer but most important photos and journaling. 

 

I like how the beach photos pop off the Cosmo Cricket background paper.  The big chipboard wave is from my stash. Sometimes these large chipboard peices are hard to use.  This layout was so simple it needed something.  I think this wave adds movement and some dimension to the design.

 

Jen Louie challenged me to use this peice of paper.  I tried several photos and thoughts out for this paper.  Nothing was right.  Then I picked up this photo and it just seemed to fit.  I love how the photo and design is simple but so effective when added to this great peice of paper. 

 



 

Some great photos of swimming at the outdoor pool in Hudsons Hope.  A simple 10x10 sheet of blue dot paper and a large scallop that I cut free hand, a journal spot, some word stickers.  Bam, done!

 

Keepin it simple and getting caught up one layout at a time!



Summer Layouts

 I created the following layouts using We R Memory Keepers paperline Down the Boardwalk.  I just love the paper stacks and coordinating layered chipboard that WRM Keepers make. 

 

 The paper in this line is already distressed.  They have distressed the paper by adding a misted and inked look to the paper.  Easy to use and takes the work out of doing it yourself!  However, if you like to add this look to paper yourself, it is easy.  Everything you need is available at Unforgettable Memories Foto Source.  You will need a chalk ink and some spray (there are several brands to choose from).  My favourite for adding bold color is Maya Mist.  Perfect Pearls is great for adding shimmer. 

 

On this layout I did my famous fussy cutting.  Fussy cutting is a term I use for when I pull out the sharp scissors, craft knife and cutting mat.  I love to fussy cut when the paper has a pretty pattern on it and I just can't bring myself to covering it.  With the right pictures it just makes sense to tuck them in behind a fussy cut pattern.  In this layout I cut out the wave and tucked the picture in.

 

I just love this picture of Adalyn licking up some sunshine!  I took the camera course offered at Unforgettable Memories Foto Source last Spring.  So worth it!  I have learned how to play with all those buttons on my Cannon Camera.  If you are wishing for a new camera for Christmas and Santa brings you one, I recommend taking a class to learn the ins and outs of your new camera.  Stay tuned for a camera class coming in 2013.

it's scrappin time!!

I am not a fan of winter, but one of the great things about it is all the scrapbooking that you a) have more time for and b) feel like doing because the days are short and the nights are long and dark and cold! I put these layouts together at the retreat that Unforgettable Memories hosted a few weekends ago. So much fun! So little sleep! 

Every time I go out to retreat i make tons of enlargements - my favorite is the 8 x 12 size. I trimmed this one down, but I often let them run across the whole page. They are a fun change in your album when you are flipping through, and it's nice to let the photos tell the story on their own.

Out of my box: i had a scrap sheet that i was using for misting overspray on other projects and I thought it would look cool as background paper for it's own layout. I had a hard time not lining that white piece up all nice and straight on the page. It's hard to do things differently than we normally would. Also used some really fun Studio Calico wood veneer shapes. The store is bringing in lots of different options and they are flying off the shelves.

8 x 12 again, and using a sweet metal flower accent by We R Memory Keepers. Inspired by vintage enamel pins, they are gorgeous embellishments - you could put a pin back on them and use them to dress up any of your gear!

Thanks for looking, have fun scrapping the winter away!

Instagram and Banner Fun!

 

Banners are a great way to fill empty space on a layout.  It also helps draw your eye across the page.  This layout uses My Minds Eye paper.  4x4 photos are easily printed at Unforgettable Memories Foto Source.  I printed these photos from my I Phone using the Instagram App.  Printing the photos 4x4 keeps the charm of an Instagram photo without losing the clarity of the image. 

 

Medallions

I have been on a scrapbooking frenzy!  After a very productive weekend away at the Unforgettable Memories Foto Source Fall Retreat in October I continued to feel motivated to get the pile of pictures scrapbooked.  The layout above is from Easter 2012.  I used bits and pieces of paper but best of all I love the medallion style flowers.  They are so easy to make. Cut paper to a 1 x12 inch strip.  Accordion fold the whole strip.  Use double sided tape to adhere the ends together creating a circle.  Attach to page using a large brad.  I also used glue dots to help hold the embellishment securely to the page.

Holiday Layouts

Okay, first off... I'm a little behind.  I know.  I was so happy when all the new Christmas papers started arriving in the store because I was able to finish off last year's Christmas.  This layout was so simple to do!  I used five 4x6 photos - I rarely use all 4x6 any more because I can't fit them all on a page.  I really liked this orientation though.  The paper and embellishments are Simple Stories Handmade Holiday.  I used two background sheets, six 2x12 strips (a whole sheet) of the green dots and a 1 1/2 strip.  I rounded the corners on the green pieces to soften the look a bit.  Three clusters of embellishments finished the page off.  This was super quick - I think about 30 minutes.  A good way to get things caught up!

I usually ink my pages.  My favourite ink to use is Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.  You can ink your pages by directly rubbing the pad against the paper, or, you can use a tool for a softer look.  The tool I prefer is Tim Holtz Blending Tool.  It's intended for Alcohol Inks, but you can buy foam pieces that allow you to ink with it.  The wooden block has velcro on it, so I have a rectangle of foam in all my ink colours.  It's really easy to switch out.  You have a lot of control and it creates a softer, blended look.  This tool is available at the store and is quite affordable.  The tool retails for $7.99 and the foam pieces are another $7.99.  Really reasonable for something you can use again and again.  Stop by the store to check out my layout on display in the Christmas section or to pick up the Tim Holtz tool and some ink!

December Daily Class

Join Crystal on Saturday, November 17 at 1pm to create the beginnings of your December Daily album. This project is $55 for members and $60 for non members. December Daily is an annual project documenting the 25 days from December 1 throu...

gh Christmas Day. This project is open and allows you to adjust and fit the page to your content as you go about documenting the month. Feel free to use this album to document all your holiday photos too. Sometimes we take so many pictures over the holidays it is just easier to create a mini album versus several layouts.

 

 

Advent Calendar Class

Don't forget to sign up for the cute Advent Calendar we will be making on Thursday, November 15th at 7pm. We have scheduled a second class to work on the advent calendar for Tuesday, November 20th. This class is $85.00 for non members and $80.00 for members. You can also create 5 scrapbook page layouts with the left over product and photo inspiration to do so.

 

Prima's November sketch.

Have you checked out the Prima blog lately?  The November sketch is up.  I am definitely going to be shopping at Unforgettable Memories for some Prima product this weekend so I can work on this sketch. 

 

Go to the Prima blog to see what their talented Design Team did with this sketch.  Amazing!

If you play along be sure to share your layout at Prima and also here...

Freestyle

These photos are from our Whistler vacation in August.  Many of my photos are 2 x 3 so I got two on a 4x6 sheet.  One went into the Smash journal I've been posting.  Because I've already scrapped these photos once I felt I could get a little artsy and try some new techniques on this layout.

 

I started with white cardstock and a piece of cheesecloth.  I scrunched the cheesecloth and glued it down across the bottom half of my pages.  I used my tree masks and went to town with the ink mists.  There are two shades of green and some brown ink mist.

I tried adding some white rubons, but they didn't want to stick to the inked paper.  I wonder if I would have had more success if I'd waited for it all to dry thoroughly.  Oh well, I don't mind the rustic look of the half stuck on rub ons :)

 The only patterned papers I used was the punched strip along the bottom and the wood grain under my left hand photo.  The matting under the photo beside 'hike' is packaging from some Prima flowers.

 

I love the chipboard circles.  You may recognized them from several other layouts I've done. I'm working on my second package.

The layout still needed something more so I added three big blue ink splotches and held up the paper so the ink would run down the page.  The big blue bling are Bazzill and the little blue bling are Kaiser jewels.

I had put my chipboard title on the page before spraying the background ~ going for a more monochromatic look.  The ladies around me thought I should paint the chipboard the blue of the splotches, so I did.  One of the great things about crops is all the input you get from other scrapbookers. Thanks Crystal, Lynette and Anna.  I love this page!

 

Echo Park and Bo Bunny boy layouts

 Who had a great time at the Blueberry scrapbook crop last weekend.  I sure did.  I managed to get five double page layouts and a couple of single page layouts completed.  That was my goal for the weekend so I was happy.  I also managed to eat way too much good food.  It is always delicious and this year was no exception. 

No distractions; just eat, sleep and scrapbook. 

 

Can't wait for the next one!

 

This first layout I completed is built on white cardstock.  I misted with green Mr. Hueys mist over a letter diecut. Then I randomly splattered some brown walnut ink and rubbed green ink around the edges of my page. 

 

The tan coloured cardstock was also plain until I stamped a text stamp all over it.  The great thing about scrapping with a big group is anything you forgot ~ like a text stamp ~ you can always borrow.  Scrapbookers are friendly people.

 

I used lots of stickers and chipboard on this layout.  I even used the negative from the chipboard sheet on the right hand side.  It made perfect little spaces for embellishments, names and dates.

 

The next time you are in Unforgettable Memories be sure to check out the latest Echo Park line. It's called For the Record 2 and it is perfect for boy pages. I used loads of papers, stickers and chipboard from the line, on these pages. Great colours and designs.

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A third boy layout from the weekend. I started with green cardstock and drew in brown lines to make it look a little rustic.  I didn't take a brown pen with me to the crop so I used the edge of my ink pad.  Love how it turned out.  Not as perfect and straight as it would be if I had used a pen.

I used my mask letters to create the title.  Green and brown ink were misted over the letters before they were removed.

 

 

The brown patterned paper is BoBunny 'apple cider' line.  I scrunched up a couple pieces of 7Gypsies tissue paper.  Used a couple of tags stamped with leaves and tied with brown jute. Layered some stickers and strips of paper along the left and right edges of my page.  There are lots of bits and pieces from my stash on this page. 

 

Now I need to scan the rest of my pages from the crop and get them down to the store. I can't wait to see what new product has come in over the last week.