This is my happy place layout

Today I'm sharing another favorite layout. I'm loving cut files right now for several reasons. I can use so many colorful papers on one layout. I can simplify the process because I use my Cricut to cut the outline and the inner pieces. Finally, I can quickly finish a layout on a smaller canvas. For this page, I decided to cut the title with black cardstock. This paper is from Simple Stories, called Just Beachy, and it has a bold, happy color palette. I felt that the black would stand out more with the beach background paper.

I decided to replace the A's with photos. After tracing and hand cutting these pictures, I used liquid adhesive to assemble the cut file. As I've shared before, I love using a paint splatter stamp to make a distressed background. For me, it's controlled mess with a great end result. I used a teal ink to coordinate with the beachy color vibe.

I had just enough room for two smaller photos, matted with another patterned paper. I added journal blocks and tags to the top right of the layout. Then I had fun with die cuts and foam adhesive! I love our time at the beach every year, and I love this colorful layout that documents this special time.

Supplies Used:

My Happy Place Cut File

Simple Stories Just Beachy Collector's Essentials

Simple Stories Just Beachy Enamel Dots

Catherine Pooler All that Jazz Ink

Close to my Heart Stamp (discontinued)

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L

 

Let's Party Layout

 

I love using sketches as the starting point for my scrapbook layouts. This sketch was featured on the A Cherry On Top gallery, and it is a PageMaps sketch.

I was so excited to use the new Doodlebug Hey Pumpkin line for this page. Noelle dressed up as a cat a few years back, and the Doodlebug kitty is a perfect match. First, I chose my base color of pink. I also knew that I wanted to incorporate some of the tag tops from one of the patterned papers. Those helped determine the rest of my color palette. 

The citrus petite print is a good balance for all of the other vivid patterns that I chose. Once I had all of my papers, it was time to embellish! I used a mix of stickers and odds & ends, plus some enamel dots. For the finishing touch, I used my latest obsession--rub on stitching! I love the look of stitching on layouts, but I rarely have the time to dedicate to the project. Enter 49 & Market rub on stitches. They are amazing for faux stitches.

The colors on the finished layout just make me smile. This paper perfectly showcases the memory of Noelle's school party. This sketch could be used again and again for Halloween or other events.

Products Used:

Doodlebug Hey Pumpkin Collection

Doodlebug Hey Pumpkin Petite Prints

 Doodlebug Hey Pumpkin Odds & Ends

49 & Market stitches

Fussy Cutting Layout: Feeling Thankful Grateful and Blessed

 

What inspires you most when deciding what to create? The default answer should probably be photos, but for me it is always PAPER. I am inspired by the color, the pattern, the weight, the texture, even the smell! This is a very simple layout that I created because I needed to keep my hands busy while watching tv. Do you ever have one of those nights where you just want to munch? I was craving popcorn and M&Ms. Insert a better decision (at least for one night;)...I grabbed my fussy cutting scissors and started trimming flowers. I had a Garden Shoppe paper pad by Paige Evans for American Crafts. She has some of the best floral papers that are great for fussy cutting!

I ended up with a very nice pile of flower clusters. I left a small white border. Nothing is perfect, but it will look just fine on a layout. I also didn't worry about how many single flowers versus clusters of flowers. I even cut half flowers from the edges of the paper. Every flower can be trimmed again or hidden once I start adhering them to my layout.

I used a second sheet of paper that featured letter boards with fall sayings. As I was trimming, I had a photo in mind, so I focused on frames that were in shades of blue and green. The next day, I decided to do something with my pile of flowers and frames. I chose a background paper and printed my photos. Then I selected a few accent papers that would tie together all of my color choices, and add a photo block for the eye to be drawn to. I typed and printed my journaling through the project life app. The only embellishment that I added was enamel dots (my favorite accessory!) from my "yellow" drawer of random bits and pieces. I truly played with the flowers, moving them, tucking them, etc. until I got the layers right. I knew I wanted them to cover the majority of the layout. Some have foam adhesive; some are flat. After adhering everything, I fold some of the flower petals up to give added dimension.

It's important to remember that creating is therapy. I had fun cutting and playing with flowers. Is it my most favorite layout ever? Nope. But I'm happy with the end result, and it served its purpose, keeping my hands busy and my creative juices flowing. I find that Paige's collections and paper pads are perfect for keeping near the couch or in the pick up line at school. I can fussy cut and listen to music or television. I'll link products below. I hope you find some time to create today!

Paige Evans Garden Shoppe Paper Pad

My favorite scissors

Simple Stories Retreat Gifts

 A few weeks ago, I traveled to Utah for an amazing retreat hosted by Simple Stories. The team spoiled us with incredible classes and paper collections for three straight days. I came home with my luggage filled to the brim, and I had to ship an additional box to Colorado. The entire Simple Stories staff, plus some volunteers, were kind, helpful and gracious, no matter how demanding we got as attendees! Because I had gone to this event two years ago, I knew I wanted to take small gifts for a lot of people. Scrapbooking is about community, and I love it that my circle continues to grow. As I brainstormed gift ideas, I knew I needed to check three boxes: cute and personalized, relatively inexpensive, easy to replicate. I used a Lori Whitlock cut file to make a small sticky note "trapper keeper." I used the Crafty Things collection for both the paper and ephemera.

My Cricut did the majority of the heavy lifting. I could cut two folders at a time. I also had the scoring tool installed, but I felt that the lines weren't pronounced enough on the black patterned paper.

I grabbed my readers to give my eyes a boost and started scoring and folding each paper cut out. I added a small pocket inside the folder that would hold a vinyl sticker gift.

I printed my information on cardstock and added it to the back of every folder. Doing things in batches makes the process more efficient.

Next came the fun part! I went through the attendee roster and made a list of first initials of people I knew. I was able to personalize each folder with the letters from the Crafty Things collection. Can you guess which letter I needed the most of? As in, I had to open many, many packages to get enough of it? It's the letter J. A lot of crafty ladies have names that start with J. :)

For the finishing touch, I added a pink pencil and sticky note to each folder. The folder is held closed by a small Velcro dot. I ended up completing 50 of these total, and they were very well received. I love surprising people with gifts! I'll include all of the links below. I hope you are inspired to spoil a lucky crafter at the next retreat you attend.

Lori Whitlock Cut File

Simple Stories Crafty Things Collection

Pink Golf Pencils

Pink Sticky Notes

Small Velcro Tabs

Cricut Explore

Altenew Score Board

Adore-able Cut File and Layout

Today, I'm sharing a layout that utilizes a cut file from PearTree Cut Files. While I am known for my two page layouts, I love the impact that a cut file can have on a single page. Because I have a Cricut machine, I'm able to simplify the cutting process for a great end result. First, I cut the file on my machine. I chose to use black cardstock to make the outline really stand out. I wanted to ink behind the file, so I placed the cut file on my background paper and made small pencil marks, indicating where the file would be adhered. This made my ink placement easier. 

I used a variety of Catherine Pooler inks and my Gina K blending brushes. Is my background perfect? Not even close! But once the cut file goes in place, it really wont matter one bit. Next, I shifted back to the cut file to assemble it. I had cut the colorful insides of the letters on my Cricut. But I still needed to trace the heart shape onto my photos. I used the inner black cardstock piece as my template.

To adhere the cut file, I used Nuvo liquid adhesive. It tends to be forgiving as you are shifting things around. I also added the inner outlines for most letters, knowing that I may embellish over a few of them.

Now, it's time for the finishing touches! I added some coordinating Bella Blvd patterned paper along the left edge of my background paper. It helps tie all of the colors and embellishments together. I used foam adhesive for most of the die cuts, as well as some puffy hearts. I adore the end result almost as much as I adore our three guinea pigs.

Supplies Used in this Project:

Adore Cut File

Bella Besties Papers

Catherine Pooler Inks

Cricut Explore

Gina K Blending Brushes

Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

The Anatomy of a Card Kit

 Handmade cards are a special treat, especially if they are unexpected and arrive in the mail! I love both giving and receiving handmade cards. I create DIY card kits that are simple and quick to construct. I do the work, and you take the credit for a set of beautiful cards. I thought I'd share a sneak peek into just how I get from stacks of paper to assembled cards.

The process begins with batch cutting card fronts. These are the base that will attach to the blank card. I prefer to cut mine at 4"x 5.25", simply because I prefer a small margin of the card to show when assembled.

The next step is to get my Cricut involved. I cut a variety of basic shapes. Think circles, scallop circles, banners, brackets and ovals. These work especially well with colorful Doodlebug paper. After that, I begin laying out pieces. This part of the process take the longest. I try to make sure that each kit has a variety of colors, different sentiments and an assortment of embellishments. This photo actually shows six different card kits in progress.

After all of the sample cards have been assembled, it's time for photographs and instructions. Then the actual kitting begins. Card kits are a labor of love as far as the amount of time and work they take, but they are worth it! I love having friends over for card making nights. And I love the joy that each person has when they complete a card and have pride in their work. Happiness is a handmade card!

Products from this post:

Farmer's Market 1 Kit

Farmer's Market 3 Kit

Doodlebug paper and embellishments used: Farmer's Market collection

Creative Chaos Event in Rockford, IL

 A few weeks ago, I attended the Creative Chaos event in Rockford, IL, hosted by Erica Rose Creates. It was a weekend filled with laughter and crafting. I met many creative ladies, reconnected with old friends and enjoyed some amazing midwestern delicacies (like Portillo's chocolate cake). My favorite part of an in person event is being able to bring table gifts to my friends. I love the planning and brainstorming before the event. It helps me get excited for the upcoming weekend or retreat, looking forward to seeing the joy on the faces of the recipients. Keep reading for a peek at my Creative Juice Goodie Bag.

I love a good theme. I was shopping at Five Below with my girls when I stumbled upon this notepad and pen. I immediately thought the lemon looked like a Doodlebug icon. From there, my theme was chosen! I found these adorable bags on Amazon, a pin on Etsy, plus lemon chapstick and lemon mints (yes, they're real!). Finally, I created the juicebox card from a Lori Whitlock cut file, cutting it on my Cricut. I tweaked it a bit to make it into a personalized card.

I added the "creative juice" label to the side of the juicebox. I also cut the lemons as a print then cut file. They are popped up with foam adhesive. The inside of the card features a message from me. All of the papers are from Doodlebug, aside from the white cardstock.

I love the end result, and every recipient did too! Remember to make lemonade from lemons. And always let your creative juices flow!

Die Cut Juice Box File: Lori Whitlock

Die Cut Lemons: Lori Whitlock

Notepad: Five Below

Goodie Bags: Amazon