Everyday Life - I Heart Faces photo challenge

Well, if you have a little one at home you know that part of everyday life includes a few tears.  I find that those sad baby faces are just as adorable as the smiley ones and just as worthy of documenting.  So, here is my entry into the iheartfaces.com Everyday Life Photo Contest

A Brother is... (Crate Paper layout)

My three boys are super close and are the most amazing brothers to one another.  When I saw this typography print on Etsy, I knew I had to create a layout using it because it is the exact definition of brother that I hope my boys will always be for one another.  So, when Crate Paper issued the Boys' Rule challenge earlier this month, it was just the inspiration I needed to get this brother photo scrapbooked.

 

For this layout I used products from Crate Paper's The Pier, Fourteen, Snow Day, and (an old one) Seasons collections.  Hexagons have been all the rage for awhile but I decided to cut them up a bit to create more of an arrow shape.  Then I popped every other one up on foam squares to add dimension.  The BROTHER letters are actually transparent but I backed them with patterned paper so that they would stand out more from the background paper.  Then I punched little holes in the upper corners of each letter and strung them on the turquoise string.

 

The brads are from My Mind's Eye Collectable collection.

I already have this quote and photo up in my house in a larger scale but I love that now I have captured it in this layout so that my boys' will have it to look at 40 years from now.

Have a wonderful day!

Make a Wish - Fun Fringe Frame

When I first saw BoBunny's Surprise collection, I knew I had to have it.  It is such a fun birthday collection and was absolutely perfect for scrapbooking my youngest son turning one. 

I absolutely LOVE this paper because it is already decorated so well...I just needed a big photo and a few accents to really make this page shine.  I embellished the paper with some sequins and die cuts (BoBunny Surprise Noteworthy) which I popped up on foam squares for added dimension.

However, my favorite part of this page is the frame I made for the photo. 

I simply took three pieces of red tissue paper, folded them together multiple times, and cut a rectangle slightly larger than my photo (make sure to cut your rectangle so there are no folded sides being used as an edge).  Then cut little slits all around the edges...be careful around the corners.  Finally, separate and fluff up the layers a bit and adhere the photo into the frame.

Let me know if you give this a try...I'd love to see your project too!

Hello Summer - Fusion Card Challenge #6

The sun was out earlier this week and we took every moment possible to get outside and enjoy it.  I'm glad we did because the rain has now returned.  However, when I decided to create a card for this week's Fusion Challenge, I thought I'd make my own bit of sunshine.  :)  When I saw the Fusion sketch I knew immediately that I wanted to use one of Crate Paper's slide frames and create a little scene. 

I used Crate Paper's The Pier collection...I just love that floral paper and the cute clothesline (which I trimmed down to work for my card).  The 'hello summer' sentiment was actually one piece but I cut it into two little banners and inked up the edges and curled them up a bit to create a little separation from the background. 

For the yellow polka dot (My Mind's Eye) and pink watercolor (American Crafts) paper, I actually got out my distresser and sanded all around the edges as well as scuffing up the paper a bit to soften and coordinate a bit better with The Pier collection.

I'm hoping for more sunny days soon!  :)

My Favorite Photo Layout - Chic Tags Sketch Challenge

 



I got a chance to do a little crafting this week and was inspired by the Chic Tags February Sketch It Out Challenge to create this layout.

 

I so rarely get out from behind the camera, so any photo of me with my boys is definitely one to scrapbook!  I love this great patterned paper from Crate Paper's Love Notes collection...I am now wishing I bought more than just the one sheet!  :)  I took the photo of this layout before I added my journaling.  I often like the clean look of layouts a little better without all the words, however, the words are SO important in remembering the story behind the photo.  Here is what I said:

"I am so glad that I stepped out from behind the camera to get this picture.  It captures the joy you bring me each and every day.  You are my last little man and I so cherish our time together...just the two of us.  We have lots of snuggles and laughs and I can never get enough of your sweet smile."

Here are a few close ups:

Love the triangle tags from Chic Tags!  And those gold hearts are from Studio Calico.

My Baby Love

I have a ton of Valentine products but don't tend to make a lot of Valentines.  However, Valentine products are perfect for all kinds of LOVE projects.  Here is a layout I created recently...

I am not a big mixed media gal but I decided to stretch out of my comfort zone a little and break out the paint.  I splattered it on my background paper and really love the texture it added.  Then I played around a bit with the heart garland (going for a bit of a messy/less structured look) and created a frame for my photos.  I finished off the layout with some handmade banners, a little flair, tags, and a few extra touches.

I love the touches of aqua in the American Crafts XOXO collection.  And I found a few embellishments that coordinated perfectly from Chic Tags, AC Dear Lizzy, and My Mind's Eye.

So, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone sometimes...you might just discover a new love!  :)

Have a wonderful weekend!  My boys are lucky enough to have both Monday and Tuesday off so we will be having some nice family time.  And later this month we are planning to all go try skiing for the first time...should be quite the adventure! :)

Happy Valentine's Day - You're Cute!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you all have a LOVELY day!  I will be enjoying time with all my boys...my special little Valentines!  :)  Here is a card I created using American Crafts XOXO collection. 

Cutting each row of arrows on the patterned paper at different lengths adds visual interest and movement.  I altered the layered chipboard frames to my liking.  Don't be afraid to rip apart layered embellishments and add your own touches.

Enjoy your day!

Gift Guide - Creative DIY Edition

If you are anything like me, you love to give others the gift of creativity.  There are so many unique, creative gifts for adults and children out there to choose from but here are a few of my personal favorites.

Bear Creek Design on Etsy has some adorable needle felting kits that would make for a wonderful introduction into this craft. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/87501408/diy-craft-kit-needle-felted-snowman?ref=shop_home_feat


There are lots of jewelry making kits out there but I thought that these two below were very unique (which I love) and I think they would make a great gift for a teen or adult.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/130090283/diy-kit-knit-bangle-personalize-and?ref=favs_view_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/156670016/diy-kit-miniature-embroidery-hoop-with?ref=favs_view_5


Sewing is a useful skill and these craft kits make learning to sew fun!  I mean, really, who wouldn't want to make this adorable pig?!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125043489/make-your-own-piglet-craft-kit-sewing?ref=listing-shop-header-1

And with the woodland animal trend and that oh so popular fox song (yes, you know the one), I think this adorable DIY pillow kit would be a huge hit this year.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125043489/make-your-own-piglet-craft-kit-sewing?ref=listing-shop-header-1


Goose Grease offers these great paint-your-own peg doll kits.  This one below is a family set which would be fun to do as a family but they also have couple and ornament kits too.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/114415098/diy-wooden-peg-doll-craft-kit-make-it?ref=shop_home_active

For the urban farmer, I think this DIY cheese kit would be a fabulous gift!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117406903/mini-diy-farmers-cheese-kit-3-batches?ref=favs_view_1

How about a unique guy gift...a beer making kit!
http://gifts.redenvelope.com/gifts/brooklyn-beer-making-kit-30118910?ref=HomeNoRef&q=kit&viewpos=5&trackingpgroup=productsearch

And for the tree lover or gardener...a bonsai kit.
http://gifts.redenvelope.com/gifts/bonsai-growing-kit-30111209?ref=HomeNoRef&q=bonsai&viewpos=2&trackingpgroup=productsearch

Now, how about a little gift for all you scrapbookers out there like me!  :)  Amazon has some great deals on one of my favorite albums, We R Memory Keepers.
http://www.amazon.com/We-Memory-Keepers-11-Inch-Leather/dp/B003W0TJDY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386649057&sr=8-1&keywords=we+r+memory+keepers+8+1+2+x+11

And you can score some amazing deals on scrapbooking goodies over at All Scrapbook Steals.com
Right now they have Crate Paper's Bundled Up and American Craft's Peppermint Express on sale for 40% off!  Plus you can get an extra 10% off your order by using the code TRYUS

If you (or someone you know) is interested in photography, I highly recommend the courses over at Creative Live which are currently all on sale.  They also have some business, music, and even Project Life courses too.  A few of my favorites that I have seen bits of when they were live are with photographers Ana Brandt, Sandy Puc, Kelly Brown, Lori Nordstrom, Jasmine Star, and Tamara Lackey. 

If you are looking for more unique gift ideas, you can check out my Etsy Gift Guide HERE.

30 Days 30 Prizes

Crate and Barrel is having a countdown to Christmas giveaway...30 Days 30 Prizes.  It has already begun but each day you can visit this link http://www.crateandbarrel.com/Giveaway and enter to win the prize for the day!

Be sure to check out my Etsy Gift Guide for some great holiday gift ideas too!  :)

Great Gift Ideas - Etsy Edition

Today I wanted to share some great gift ideas that I have seen while browsing Etsy.  I just love finding unique gifts for the special people in my life and Etsy is a great place to do that.  Although, sometimes I end up finding more for myself! :)  Hope you find a few items to add to your wish list!  (*Just a note*- I am just sharing these purely for the joy of sharing.  I have no affiliations with these shops...the items shown are just things I have discovered and wanted to share with my readers.)

I have fallen in love with these mini terrariums.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/162152910/tear-drop-terrarium-kit-duo-collection?ref=favs_view_3   I am thinking that a group of three would look great hanging in my kitchen or office.  (LOVE that you can hang them so they don't take up counter/shelf space!)  I am partial to these teardrop shapes but the globes are great too and I think they would make a great gift for just about anyone.

These fun pencils from Earmark would be especially great for the teachers/writers in your life.  And you can stick with your favorite phrase or choose a variety of sayings...such a great way to personalize this little gift!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/62417609/pick-a-pencil-12-pack-makes-a-great-gift?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Here are a few gifts that would be great for a host/hostess:

The mustache trend is still going strong and these fun glasses would be perfect for a guy or girl and likely to bring about some lively conversation and laughter.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/84328113/mustache-drinking-glass-fun-drinking?ref=br_feed_37&br_feed_tlp=home-garden

 

How about this sweet, engraved butter knife... http://www.etsy.com/listing/88623484/spread-the-love-custom-hand-stamped?ref=listing-shop-header-0

 

And even though it is a butter knife, you could probably use it for soft cheeses along with this stunning, slate cheese board (which you can even write on...great for a party and selection of cheeses).  http://www.etsy.com/listing/116085440/slate-cheese-board-16-x-8-with-soapstone?ref=shop_home_feat

And these tea towels are just too lovely to ignore...such beautiful color and design.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/86364623/set-of-original-illustration-tea-towels?ref=listing-shop-header-2

For the ladies, who wouldn't enjoy a relaxing (and pretty) spa set.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/169441962/spa-gift-set-boxed-gift-set-bath-set?ref=listing-shop-header-2

There are a ton of wonderful photographers on Etsy and while art can be a very personal preference, if you know someone well enough you can probably find a piece that they will love.  This has been a favorite of mine for awhile now.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/86883979/30-off-sale-nature-decor-flower?ref=shop_home_active

 

 This little coin purse is so dainty and feminine...it reminds me of my grandma.  Perfect for women of all ages and something that she is not likely to already have.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/90772539/holliday-gift-under-30-lace-and-yellow?ref=shop_home_active

How about some ideas just for the special kids in your life...

I think this iceberg stacking toy would be lots of fun to add to any child's set of building blocks.  And you can pretty much guarantee that they will be the only one on the block who has it!  :)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/62727169/iceberg-stacking-toy-natural-wooden-toy?ref=favs_view_7

I have seen this next item, by Manzanita Kids, in person and kids ages 1-50 were getting down on the ground to play with it!  These sets are beautifully made and the building/playing possibilities are endless.  I think the castle would be a great gift for the knight lover!  And they even have a treehouse...so fun!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/106789966/building-toys-castle-towers-and-modular?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

Do you have a child who loves to dress up?  These masks would be a great addition to any dress up box.  I got my son the fox one for Halloween and he has played with a lot since then.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/73310320/wolf-mask?ref=favs_view_11

Can't forget the guys!
This keychain would be great for any dad, but especially perfect for the new dad.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/114405675/dad-keychain-in-copper-custom-hand?ref=tre-2725326806-4

If you have a guy who loves beer, these beer soaps make a unique gift. 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/115517392/beer-soap-set-of-3-gift-set-extra-dark?ref=tre-2725326518-13

And I have to end this post with a few, fun packaging ideas!

I love the chalkboard trend and these cards immediately caught my eye...such lovely design and sentiments.
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/167233539/assorted-boxed-set-of-8-christmas-cards?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=boxed%2Bset

 

This feather wrapping paper is simply beautiful.   

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/162180372/2-sheets-design-wrapping-paper-mint-with?ref=br_feed_23&br_feed_tlp=holidays

 

How fun is this personalized bag direct from the North Pole!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/167611242/personalised-christmas-stocking?ref=favs_view_3

 

 I bought these bags below last year, stamped in red, and found them to be great for packaging smaller gifts.  And I love that the recipient can reuse it...yeah for eco-friendly!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/85105654/christmas-gift-bags-cotton-drawstring?ref=shop_home_active

Do you shop Etsy?  I hope I have inspired you to take a look at some of these shops.  I will be posting more gift guides over the next week or two so stay tuned!

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season!