Scrapbook Process: The Sweetest Thing from My Minds Eye

This week I am on a roll, finishing pages for my "heritage" album.  This album is not just old photos of my family, but also contains newer family portraits, so they are all together.

For the Make it Monday challenge this week at The Memory Nest, I used their sketch to finish another page for this album:

Here is my interpretation of the sketch:  (sorry for the lighting glare!)

From my stash, I used the collection "The Sweetest Thing" from My Minds Eye.  The title, journaling block and the parentheses chipboard pieces were the only things not from the collection, along with the cream paper for the background.  This layout is of my niece and her husband's wedding from just seven years ago, but it is a must addition for the family album.  I thought the soft blue, flowered paper was a perfect choice for wedding photos.  

You still have time to complete your own layout using this sketch from The Memory Nest!

Throwback Thursday - Using Authentique "Renew"

Time for another Throwback Thursday!

This week I used up a 6 x 6" paper pad by Authentique called "Renew" along with it's accompanying 12 x 12" sticker sheet.  This collection is probably over a year old, but I remember liking it so well because of the combination of the aqua and yellow:

This post is a little photo heavy, so if you want a quicker version, you can watch it here on YouTube.  Otherwise, keep on scrollin'! 

First, I'll show you the three layouts that I was able to complete. In my stash I had matching aqua cardstock, which I layered on black cardstock.  The only other items I used  from my stash were some old Prima flowers I needed to use up, brads and buttons:

With so much paper and stickers, I finished five cards as well!  Two "Get Well", two "Miss You" (those are going into the Operation Write Home box!) and one other encouragement card.  From my stash I added more Prima flowers, buttons, twine, brads and bling:

 

Time for you to "Dream Big" by digging out a 6 x 6" paper pad this week that you haven't used!  See what you can accomplish this week?

Scrapbook Process: More with the "Chairs" Color Kit!

Today I am sharing more layouts using the versatile "Chairs" Color Kit from The Memory Nest!

This color combination is yummy and I had a blast with it!

There were also papers that I could take from fun (above) to elegant:

The story behind this "Selfie" page will be on my "Kill the Kit" video on YouTube later this month.  

Want to try this kit?  It's on sale and you can get it HERE!

Scrapbook Process: Using the "Chairs" Color Kit!

This month for The Memory Nest, I am using Leslie's "Chairs" color kit, and it was such a fun kit to use!  It's palette of color allowed me to do different layout themes -- from the light and cheery to the more elegant.  

You can see my kit reveal and process of the first layout  here: 

My first layout from this kit:

For the background, I used paper from Basic Grey's "PB&J" collection, plus a Snap journaling card and little embellishments and washi from my stash.  

A second layout was using "The Good Life" papers from Little Yellow Bicycle that are in the kit:

The bird and little flowers were chipboard in the kit, and I added to the title with Snap letters.  

This paper is darling, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to play with it. 

Want to get this kit to play along too?  It's on sale, and you can get it HERE.

Throwback Thursday: More Reflections by Echo Park

During this month of May, I am scrapping with the Reflections kit by Echo Park, courtesy of The Memory Nest.  This kit has been a fabulous way to start scrapping some of my "heritage" photos!  Because the photos I used for my pages are "throwbacks," I decided that I would include these next two layouts from the kit to my Throwback Thursday Series!

For this first layout, I used an April PageMap -- it caught my eye because of the wood grain background paper and the use of an envelope for memorabilia:

This is what I came up with, after a lot of adjusting and changing:

The only items I used from my stash were gems, a button with twine and a paper clip.  Oh, and the background paper too.  Originally, I used a sheet from the kit with a wonderful wood grain effect to it (you can see it in my video HERE).  Unfortunately, I messed it up when I tried to add mist to it.  Ugh!  This paper in my stash (from Pink Paislee) worked just as well so that I could redo my page.  

There is a pocket to hold some special memories, and the photo (which is of my grandparents) is paper clipped to the pocket, since there isn't a copy of it yet.  I like the look -- I may just leave it that way!

When I started this layout, the paper in the kit was getting to an end.  From these patterned papers, I punched several squares and pieced them together for a quilt-like effect.  (The chipboard letters for the title are from the Basic Grey PB&J collection.)  Again, the gem and the button with twine were the only things pulled from my stash. If I would have had more patience with my sewing machine, I would have added stitching too.

I hope you picked up some ideas and inspiration for your own layouts!  If you are interested in this kit, head over to The Memory Nest.  All kits are 30% off right now!  Click the graphic below:

It's New to Me! Reflections kit from Echo Park

It's time to showcase another kit from The Memory Nest -- for May it is the Reflections kit by Lori Whitlock and Echo Park.

The vintage, early 20th century, European feel is what makes this kit so appealing.  To see what's included in the kit, the add-ons available and a tutorial on the first layout I completed, you can watch the YouTube video:



There were many stickers and chipboard left over --definitely enough for many layouts and/or cards!  I would definitely recommend purchasing coordinating solid color cardstock, and your kit will go even further!

This kit is 30% off right now at The Memory Nest!

Coming soon is another layout with this kit, in addition to some ideas for making masculine cards!

Scavenger Scrapbooking: Craft or Sewing Room Treasures

Welcome back, Scrappers for Day Five of Scavenger Scrapbooking! Yesterday's challenge was hard for me -- I was stumped with finding something.  If you found treasure from the workroom, don't forget to link up your project HERE.

There is an example I can show you of a layout completed a while ago with a found item: old luggage keys. (Remember the days when we could lock our luggage with these little things??)

 Today's search is in . . . . The Craft Room!

Yes, this may seem to be too obvious a place to look for hidden treasure, but let's take a relook, shall we?  While this may seem to be an obvious choice, we may have passed over some great goodies that can be additions to our scrapbooking stash. Ready for this challenge??

Don't forget to look through your crafts and sewing boxes for:

• sewing machine or old sewing patterns
• patches, fabric remnants
• embroidery thread
• feathers, fringe
• felt, yarn
• lace, elastic, rick rack, seam bias, zippers
• leather pieces
• foam craft pieces
• measuring tapes, pins
• gift bags and tags
• silk flowers
• beads

And if you are sure you won't find anything in your own craft room, maybe you can get permission to rummage through a family member's sewing or craft box. Not too long ago, my mom got rid of an old sewing machine table that she had around forever.  I had no place for it (I wish that I had!) but what I really wanted was to get inside those drawers before she threw everything out.  The button drawer was the grand prize; I was able to get a mason jar full of beloved buttons to use for scrapbooking and all sorts of projects!  

Or if you have the budget for it, allow yourself so much to spend at a local Thrift Shop or Goodwill Store. Look for some of the items above that you could find yourself tearing apart and using.  

Make sure you share what you find!

Lastly, if you would rather have a color challenge today, here is something fun:  Go get a favorite pillow in your home and put it by your scrap area.  Use the color and/or pattern from it as the inspiration for today's project!  

Use your item and/or inspiration to make a scrapbook or craft project.  Link up any of your projects for this series to THIS MAIN PAGE at any time so that future readers can become inspired by your project!  

Scavenger Scrapbooking: Workroom Wonders

Welcome to Day Four of Scavenger Scrapbooking!  Did you complete a search of the bedroom, bathroom or beyond from yesterday?  Was it like going to "infinity and beyond?"

I have to say, I didn't think I would have much luck in my own hunt yesterday, but I did come across a couple things that didn't get thrown out in my "cleansing" right after Christmas.

Yes, that is a ponytail holder that was stretched out and unusable, plus an earring with a long, lost mate.  So what do you come up with for this?

The filigree on the hair band reminded me of this Cricut embossing folder I haven't used in eons, and the earring was the inspirations for the colors.  I will probably still use the earring beads for another card. 

Don't forget to link any of your projects for this week HERE.  

Ready for the next challenge?  Today it is the WORKROOM.  

This could be quite an opportunity for some unique finds!

If this area is considered the "Man Cave" of your home and it is an area you would rather not attempt, I understand! (We have certain "man rules" at our house too!)  Try another room such as the Mud Room, Hall Closet, inside the family vehicles, or the area of your home that is considered the "Drop Spot."

Here are some items that may spark your creativity from the workroom, garage or other area:

• wire
• old keys
• picture hangers
• paint chips, flooring or laminate samples
• garden seed packets
• washers, bolts, grommets
• hinges or other small metal accents
• nails and screws*
• paint sticks
• sand paper
• cardboard
• old measuring tape or wooden ruler
• fast food wrappers, recycling

*Use a Dremel tool to cut off the top of nails or screws in order to use them on your page.

If this becomes difficult, try this:  While looking at this area of your home may not necessarily give you inspiration, you could find a texture for a project technique, a color from the family car or your gardening items, or the set-up of a work table for a sketch idea.  Oh yes -- we can really thinking outside the box. Or the garage, per se.

Use your item and/or inspiration to make a scrapbook or craft project.  Link up any of your projects for this series to THIS MAIN PAGE at any time so that future readers can become inspired by your project!  

Scavenger Scrapbooking: Bed, Bath and Beyond

Welcome to Day Three, Scavenger Scrapbooker!  Did you complete the hunt of the kitchen yesterday?  Did you remember to link up your project HERE?

After looking through my own kitchen, I discovered this stash that probably won't be used in it's original state anytime in the near future:

Yes, I have become one of those Coffee Addicts.  Tea is lovely, but I am usually finding something to wake me up more than to relax me!  After this find, I put together this quick pocket card:

This is an origami folded pocket card started from an 8" x 8" size sheet of paper. It is simply decorated with flowers, ribbon and a "digital sentiment."  (I created my own because I wanted a specific sentiment that I didn't have a stamp for)  Something great to give the Bestie for Valentine's Day.

Here is another idea using a coffee cup warmer:

This was an over sized Thank You card I made for my son's teacher last Spring, as a fun way to give her a Starbucks gift card.

Today's challenge: the Bedroom, Bathroom and Beyond
The "Beyond" can be another room in your house such as the laundry room.  I know that you're thinking that this search could be tricky, but you'll be surprised at what you can find!  As you start your hunt today, here are some items that may trigger creativity:

• safety pins, Band-aids
• emery boards, nail polish
• shoelaces, cording from old sweat jackets
• clothing tags or price tags from new clothing
• old or broken jewelry pieces (beads, bling, hooks)
• playing cards or miscellaneous game pieces, puzzle pieces, Legos
• items from clothing to be discarded:  buttons, beads, tags, pockets, lace
• greeting cards, old magazines or puzzle books
• box from a favorite cologne or cosmetics
• ribbon or twine from a cosmetic bag or pouch
• dryer sheets, cotton balls
• candy wrappers (come'on -- I know you have a stash like I do!)

Remember to hunt in your kids' rooms too!  THAT can be an interesting thing all in itself, right?

Would you rather have a Color Challenge?  Look at one of these rooms and find a color that could be the inspiration for today's project.

Use your item and/or inspiration to make a scrapbook or craft project.  Link up any of your projects for this series to THIS MAIN PAGE at any time so that future readers can become inspired by your project!  

Scavenger Scrapbooking: Kitchen Catch-all

Welcome to Day Two of Scavenger Scrapbooking!  Did you complete the hunt in the Home Office from my previous post?  Did you remember to link up your project HERE?

After taking a  look at our home office, this is what I found yesterday:

I totally forgot about this hole punch -- it has a hole that is bigger than the ones on my Crop-a-dile and a better size for standard tags.  Score!

From these random paperclips, I found some scraps of ribbon and looped them through the top to make my own embellishments.  Here is one:

Easy to make and much cheaper than buying them premade.  From the Proverbs magnet, I made a card, using the colors as inspiration:

This card doesn't have a sentiment, so I may just enclose the magnet when I send the card!  The other scripture card in my finds was also used as color inspiration:

For this layout, I used a birthday photo and then followed Crystal Schneider's sketch that is now live at The Memory Nest blog for the Monday Challenge!  This sketch was just perfect for scrapping this photo while using some My Mind's Eye "So Sophie" Royal paper. I added a little of the light aqua in order to break up the dark colors with a nice splash of fun.  

Did you find several items in your search but don't have time to make projects with all your treasures?  That's okay! Use a basket to keep your goodies together -- it will serve as inspiration for days to come!  (And of course, you may certainly end up using several of the items on one project!)

Don't forget to link up your project(s)!  I cannot WAIT to see what you've put together!!  

Now on for today's challenge:  The Kitchen.

Let's take a fresh look and see what we can find that will become a new element on our next page.  This room can be a catch-all for so many "intriguing" things, right?  Here are some more ideas to get your hunt started today:

• coffee filters, cupcake liners, doilies
• tea bag envelopes, canned food labels
• straws, wine corks, bottle caps
• junk mail, store receipts
• take-out menus
• old cookbooks or recipe cards
• cookie cutters
• paper lunch sacks
• mesh produce bags
• paper coffee cut holders
• aluminum foil
• string, bread bag tags
• popsicles, chopsticks, toothpicks

Don't forget to check the front of your refrigerator for artwork, notes, reminders and of course, photos.

Would you rather try a different challenge?  Look at your kitchen and/or dining room as a whole.  Is there an item or color that can be your inspiration for today's project?

Use your item and/or inspiration to make a scrapbook or craft project.  Link up any of your projects for this series to THIS MAIN PAGE at any time so that future readers can become inspired by your project!  

Scavenger Scrapbooking Series: Home Office

Welcome to Day One of this fun series!  We are going on a daily Scavenger Hunt of our homes this week in order to find items of inspiration for a new scrapbook project.

For the next five days, I will give you a challenge for finding something to use differently. For instance, could you use the found item as a:

1. Unique embellishment or ephemera? 
2. Overlooked tool? 
3. Something to turn into a trendy embellishment?
4. Color inspiration for a new project?
5. Subject of it's own scrapbook page?

Today's challenge: Home Office Review. 
Sometimes we forget about the handy items we could use from this room. As you start your scavenger hunt, open up your mind as you look for something that could have a new use.  Here are some items to get you started:

• printer labels
• old mail envelopes (look for cancelled stamps)
• binder clips and paper clips
• file folders and file tabs
• CDs (new or old)
• stationery with matching envelopes
• key fobs or rings
• receipt books, rolodex or index cards
• coin, CD or other specialty envelopes
• old books, dictionary, thesaurus
• brads, rubber bands
• hole punch, date stamps
• Post-It notes or similar
• packing tags, ticket rolls
• punched hole reinforcements

Grab an item that makes you go "Aha!"

Finally, look at the entire room.  Is there an object or color that could trigger some creativity?  

Use your item and/or inspiration to make a scrapbook or craft project.  Link up any of your projects for this series to THIS MAIN PAGE at any time so that future readers can become inspired by your project!  

Scrapbook Process: RSVP by Basic Grey!

If you find yourself behind in your Birthday layouts or cards, Basic Grey has once again made a versatile kit that is perfect for both. It's the RSVP paper line, and this week I am highlighting this lovely kit, courtesy of  Leslie at The Memory Nest Store and the Blog.

 

Papers included, Side A

Love these B sides!

Here is how I started my layout:  The left of this next photo shows previous 8-1/2 x 11" pages that I wanted to redo in 12 x 12 size, along with the reprints of the focal photos that I want to use this time around.  

I chose this combination of paper for the page:

Oh, and check out January's Pagemaps at pagemaps.com; their sketches this month are SO fitting for this paper kit!  This is the one that I selected:

Here is the start of the layout process incorporating three photos instead of just the one as shown on the original sketch:    

Normally I don't utilize stamps for layouts, however, I had a Hero Arts stamp set with a cupcake motif that was perfect for this particular page! It was time to practice with my Bic Mark-Its (plus a Copic blender pen). I am not a alcohol marker pro whatsoever, so in this case I stamped the image three times so that I could practice color combinations and choose the one that worked best. 

The complete layout:  This page also includes items from the RSVP Mixed Brads, available separately from the paper kit (but a must-have!):

Here are some closeups of the embellishment areas. Aren't the pinwheels cute? Oh, and notice what I did with the title - I was out of "E's" so I substituted with "3's" turned backward.  It fits the whimsical feel of the layout, don't you think?

This is a closeup of the finished cupcake, colored in with Bic Mark-It markers.  The Copic blender pen was used to soften the lines of the two-toned chocolate frosting. As a special touch, the frosting was highlighted with a Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll Pen.

Have you had a chance to use this paper kit yet?  If so, leave your blog page link in the comments below so that we can see your creations!

Come back tomorrow for a special announcement and on Saturday to see a super simple birthday card that was created from the RSVP kit!