Monday, September 22, 2014

The Scrapbookers Blog Tour


The Scrapbooking Blog Tour is a little different than a Blog Hop, which usually connects all at the same time and runs for a limited time. This Blog Tour has postings weekly and connects blog sites to inspire and share our hobby. Hopefully, your list of blogs used for scrapping inspiration will be longer after touring! I was honored to be asked to join by Steffanie, so be sure to visit her blog!


1. What am I working on right now?

I am starting a mini album for a new relationship--my boyfriend Jeff and I. It's a 6x8 burlap album with a red chevron pattern by Simple Stories. He's official now that I'm scrapping him! LOL


 2. How long does it take me to create a project?
 
I can usually complete a 12x12 page in just over an hour. Picking out my pictures and paper takes the most time, but once I've decided, I use the stick-and-go approach. I try not to take to long in the placement process. I use my adhesive in the center of pictures and paper so I can add layers behind them if I decide to later on.
 
 3. What are my favorite things to create with at the moment?
 
Looking back at my latest layouts, the dominant product is stickers. I keep a stack of embellishments "to use" on my table. I have others organized in the room, but this is my "go to" pile and I think it helps and challenges my creative process to narrow my selection to this pile. 


 
4. How does my writing/creating process work?
 
My creative process has changed over the years. I used to be a chronological scrapper, and my process started with the pictures. I used the photo colors to guide me to the papers. Now, I enjoy the creative part more than chronological. I often start by touring blogs for challenges that include colors or sketches as a focus. Then, I find photos that fit the challenge. If I don't find a blog challenge, or I don't feel like I have the time to look at a bunch of blogs, I have been grabbing a kit class or a previously used sketch out of my stash to get started. 

Here are two layouts using a CK kit I purchased at the convention:



 
5. How do I become inspired and stay inspired?
 
I get inspired to scrap by my photos first--vacations, recent and random happy times, proud mommy moments, and love. In second place, I get inspired by new products and techniques. I think I stay inspired by challenging myself--either by using a "challenge" or creating my own.
 
I just rejoined Paper Wishes' scrapbooking membership. My kit included a template for Iris folding. I have never tried this technique. Luckily, they included an online tutorial!


I used the jar on the template with two papers: an embossed burnished gold and a rich brown paper that reminds me of chocolates! I used a chocolate chip print for the center. Here's the result of my folding:


 And the layout for my mini album:

 
6. What is my signature style?
 
This question is tough for me.  I am drawn to bright colors, a little bit of whimsy, curves, inking and misting, and some handwritten journaling (most of the time). I think it might be easier to eliminate styles--I'm not Graphic or Shabby Chic, but I use some of their elements. I'm not Freestyle/Artistic, but I like to try new methods. After googling for style articles, this one would describe me as American. I've also seen it described as Adaptive.
 
Here's a favorite from the Queen & Co class at the CK Convention:
 
I hope you enjoyed this stop on the blog tour! Circle back to Steffanie's blog and visit other stops on the tour! Thanks for visiting!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Happy, Happy Happy!

Hey, Friends! I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything on my blog. I took a break from completing challenges and assignments, and I've just been scrapping whenever I feel like it. I've been using some sketches and kits as my inspiration instead.

This weekend, I visited Paper Secrets' blog and there is a great sketch/recipe challenge using items for L.A.B.O.R.

Here's the sketch:




And my resulting layout using the sketch turned:
Items for L.A.B.O.R:
L: lined paper
A: Arrows
B: Banner
O: orange flowers
R: ruffle

Using supplies: papers: Authentique, Pebbles, crate paper. cardstock: Hot Off the Press. ruffle: Maya Road, ink: Quick Quotes, spray ink: Ranger, letters: heidi swapp, doodle bug. flowers: Queen & Co, sticker: Hot Off the Press. banner sticker: MME. pen: Bic.

Thanks for stopping by, and excuse my slightly crooked picture!