(Kelly) Sketchabilities #70

Good Morning, friends!! There is a new sketch up at Sketchabilities today, and it's (of course) another fun one!! Karan's sketches are gorgeous! Go check it out, and play along! (Keeping this short and sweet, cause once again, my post didn't auto post, and mysteriously ended up blank..?!?!?! ugh!)

My layout, isn't she the cutest?!

Oh, and guess what?!

Woo-hoo!!! :)

(Erin) C'est Magnifique Full May Kit Reveal!!

Hello! I am here to share with you my remaining 4 layouts created with the May 2012 kit over at C'est Magnifique. The full reveal of the kit was posted today on the blog here- definitely go check it out! As of today there were a few kits left, so if you're interested in getting your hands on one, head over to the store here to check on availability!

And here are my final layouts using this incredible kit featuring one-of-a-kind papers by 7 Dots Studio:

"Easter 2012"

The handsome young man in this photo is my oldest son Wyatt, taken on Easter Sunday. I knew when editing my photos that night that this picture would be the perfect choice for creating the layout I had in mind- making use of the large denim flower from the flower add-on, and to pull in the vibrant blue tones seen throughout the amazing 7 Dots Studio papers. I just love how this collection can allow me to create a grungy, textured, messy page that is beautiful at the same time :).

From the Flower Add-On:
Canvas Corp: Denim Flower
Prima: Lucerne: Nature Garden
Prima: Namazzi: Charcoal

From the Embellishment Add-On:
Prima: Petal Pins: Iced

From the 7 Dots Studio Add-On:
7 Dots Studio Alpha Stickers 6x12 Social Games Wonderland

From My Stash:
Gesso

"Honey Bunny"

Who can resist a baby with bunny ears on their first Easter? Not me! So of course I have a pile of photos like this one, of Aspen and her adorable little smile, a pair of fluffy white & pink bunny ears atop her head on Easter morning. I altered the photo using a "pencil sketch" option when editing in prep for this page so that the colors would perfectly coordinate with the papers and embellishments I had in mind. For my "brick work" to the left side and bottom right of my page, I simply cut squares of paper, distressed the edges, brushed on some gesso, and aligned them appropriately. I like how it draws your eye across the page- while adding delicious texture and a unique element to the piece.

From the Flower Add-On:
Prima: Lucerne: Nature Garden
Prima: Miss Godivas: Blush
Prima: Kennedy: Antique

From the 7 Dots Studio Add-On:
7 Dots Studio Stickers 12x12 Wonderland
7 Dots Studio Alpha Stickers 6x12 White Rabbit Wonderland

From My Stash:
Martha Stewart Punches: Optic Dot & Floral Lace Deep Edger Punch
Pink Cardstock
Tattered Angels Mardis Gras Glimmer Mist
Gesso

"One"

I created this layout for my adorable little nephew, River. He just recently celebrated his first birthday- and I just cannot resist a sweet cake face!
SO- I started out by layering some papers to create a distressed, textured background. Now, I definitely like to get the most out of my paper, so when I layer one paper on top of the other, I cut out the backs and use them either to create another smaller layer on top or as scrap bits elsewhere on the page. That is what I did here- even though it appears as if I've used several sheets of paper. To alter the chipboard birdcage and letters, I first painted them with gesso, then used my finger to add some of the Shimmerz paint included in the kit, followed by touching it up by brushing on some pink & sandy-colored ink. I also used the Shimmerz paint & some gesso to alter the large Teresa Collins flower, and even more gesso to dress up the additional flowers, chipboard pieces, and gems. In the end, I created a piece that has just as much "frosting" as the handsome little fellow in the photo :)

All materials are from the May 2012 Main Kit, except for a few things from my stash:
-Gesso
-Prima Chalk Fluid Edger Pad: Old Rose
-Prima Chalk Fluid Edger Pad: Dry Sand

"Joy!"

I've created another layout for my little girl, Aspen. She truly is such a joy- always smiling and laughing- I just couldn't help but get these series of photos down on a page.
I tried to stick to a black & pink color scheme, with variations of the two colors. I hand-cut all of the hearts using the elementary school method of folding my paper in half and cutting out a half-heart- remember doing that for Valentine's Day? Lol...I then rumpled them and inked them a bit. The little banners at the top of my page were cut from one of the journaling spots included in the 7 Dots Studio add-on, using the Prima stick pins to embellish them. Finally, I used the Prima mask to create my flourishes in the two corners of my layout, using some gesso with a touch of pink spray mist.

From the 7 Dots Embellishment Add-On:
7 Dots Studio Elements 12x12 Wonderland

From the Flower Add-On:
Prima: Namazzi: Charcoal
Prima: Miss Godivas: Blush
Prima: Kennedy: Antique
Prima: Lucerne: Nature Garden

From the Embellishment Add-On:
Prima: Petal Pins: Iced
Prima: Mask: Swirls
Want2Scrap: Pearl Swirls White

From My Stash:
Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
Prima Fluid Chalk Edger Pad: Old Rose
Prima Fluid Chalk Edger Pad: Old Road
Maya Road Charcoal Mist
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist: Pink Taffy
gesso

...and there you have it! I really had a great time creating with this kit- it literally took me no time at all to put all of my pages together- I just couldn't seem to put the stuff down!! I really hope you get the chance to try it out for yourself ;).

But I'm off to bed now. I'll be seeing you soon!! Stay tuned for a sneak peek for a fun upcoming event...do I see a giveaway in the near future?? ;)...

All the best,

xErin

(Kelly) "Goin' On 2"

Good morning! It really is a good morning, as I had a blissful 8 hour straight night of sleep last night!! I keep wondering when this is all going to end, this lovely baby sleeping through the night/most of the night thing. She slept from 10-6 last night. Normally I wouldn't let her go so long without eating, and if I had woken up, I would have woken her to feed at some point, but I guess we all needed the rest! Such a difference between Paisley, and Lilah, who used to get up every two hours to eat when she was a newborn...
Anyway..I have a really fun layout to share today. I was immediately inspired by the challenge over at Challenge Me Happy. The bright colors in the photo were absolutely perfect for these photos of Lilah, and the Amy Tangerine Sketchbook collection. I almost didn't buy this collection..at first I thought it just wasn't for me. I'm soooo glad I did!!! I'm in love with the super bright colors and fun patterns, this range is definitely very different from anything else out there right now.
On to my layout...ever since we brought Paisley home from the hospital, I've been amazed by how "big" my first baby is...she's going on 2, and seems to grow an inch taller each day!! She's so full of personality..extremely loud, hyper, outspoken, yet so sweet and loving. She is terrified and fascinated by bugs, is learning her letters, loves her books, and is such a cuddler...she's amazing. I love these fun photos...you can see so much of the above described personality.
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a look..I hope you all have had a wonderful weekend!!

Here's the inspiration photo:

(Erin) Sketchabilities #69, BITW "Look/See", & MORE!

**Post #2 for me! Scroll down to check out my C'est Magnifique May kit reveal!**

Hey there! I've got a few things to share with you today :). I've really gotten back into the creative spirit, despite struggling with being sick- but today I do feel *slightly* better than yesterday, so hopefully things are looking up!

First off, I have a layout I created using sketch #69 from Sketchabilities. I'm glad I was able to get the chance to show my support to Kelly (who just recently had her reveal there with this sketch), and to be able to use a really great sketch!! I also drew my inspiration from the "Look/See" challenge over at Bird is the Word, to use either the word "look" or "see" somewhere in your title or journaling.

I've used the gorgeous "For Mother" collection by Pion Design out of Sweden, which I purchased through the C'est Magnifique store here. I just love the soft, romantic colors and patterns...

I've used some beautiful Scrap FX chippies throughout my layout, dressed up with gesso and some sand-colored ink...

My hidden journaling (I love how you can see the leftover gesso on my thumbnail, lol!):

"Just look at you, sweet baby girl! You are just too cute for words! Here you are just a few days past your 7 month mark, celebrating your very 1st Easter. Check out those ears! Did there ever live a sweeter little bunny?

Your smile just lights up a room- and melts my heart every time. At times I wish you would stay just as you are now, when you give me that smile so effortlessly- whenever I want it- and often without even asking for it.

I love that.

I love you!

Stay sweet, baby girl.

Love, Mom xx "

Now, I have a couple more things to share with you, that I created "just for fun" (as I like to call it)- not that everything else I make isn't "fun"...just that I made them without a challenge or deadline in mind :)...just creating, exploring, learning...

Halfway through making my layout I put it aside, grabbed some more of the "For Mother" collection, and put together this tag for my mom for upcoming Mother's Day...

I cannot believe I've actually been slightly addicted to these little crafts lately. Before I started dabbling in cards & tags I truly didn't think they would be something I would enjoy. And now...well, I must admit I've been bitten by the bug! I really think it has to do with the amount of time they take as opposed to layouts- and that I can get my creative need sated in a fast little project like this, even with the kids running all around me! :)

Secondly, I have a card to show you. I actually didn't create this one with a specific event in mind, I was actually just sorting through my Webster's Pages scraps and was inspired by these particular scraps and wanted to get them all together on one piece- aren't the colors just beautiful? I'm sure this will be one for my husband one of these days...

Phew! I'm impressed you've made it this far in this extra-lengthy post...thanks for hanging in there! I'll let you go now though- thanks for taking the time to check these projects out, and for your continued support....AND for keeping up with the number of posts we've had lately!! I know Kelly's been on a creative spree too- she'll have something to share with you tomorrow, so check back in.

Have an amazing weekend and take care!!

xErin

(Erin) C'est Magnifique May Kit Reveal!!

Good morning :). I'm very happy to finally be able to show you what I've been doing this last month with the May kit from C'est Magnifique! I tell you what, this kit was A-MA-ZING to work with!! It features papers from 7 Dots Studio, and the pre-made texture and depth is nothing short of incredible- you definitely need to get your hands on some. I was told there are some kits available yet, see about how you can join here. 

So without further ado, here is my first layout with this kit:

"King"

This stalwart little fellow is my one and only rooster, Rusty. He is an Old English Game bantam, and he might be small but he's definitely king of the yard! His coloring is so beautiful and when I looked at this photo I recently took of him, I immediately knew which papers I wanted to use to scrap it.

 

Believe it or not, I only used two sheets of paper to create the multiple layers included in this layout. After cutting my main circle, I tore along the outline of the circle shape left in the paper from which I'd cut it, and layered it behind that main circle. After placing both circle shapes on top of another paper, I used what was left from the paper from which my circles came, and layered THAT behind my second sheet- if that makes any sense! Then lots of distressing and stitching add to the rustic feel I wanted to accomplish. 

I used the Prima mask included in the embellishment add-on, along with some paint, to create the white floral design along the lower half of my main circle- although, as happens quite often, much of it got covered up! I also used much of my most favorite medium- gesso- to play down some of the colors to create a cohesive arrangement with my flowers. Finally, my frames and tags were cut from the Prima journaling cards also included with the embellishment add-on.

  

From the Flower Add-On:
The Manor House: Kyeesha: Orange Flowers
The Manor House: Kyeesha: Yellow Flowers
Prima: Kennedy: Antique

From the Embellishment Add-On:
Prima: Nature's Garden: Journaling Notecards
Prima: Mask: Swirls

From My Stash:
Prima Aglow Black Magic Leaves
Prima Aglow Coffee Bean Leaves
Prima Fluid Chalk Edger Pad- Old Road
Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap Distress Ink
Gesso
Burlap Twine

 

 Here's a look at some of the May 2012 Kit:

"Wonderland" papers from 7 Dots Studio (Poland)

 

The gorgeous Flower Add-On, including flowers from Prima, Manor House, & Canvas Corp.

 

Embellishment Add-On #1

 

Embellishment Add-On #2, from 7 Dots Studio 

Yeah, I know what you're thinking...this kit is pretty darn amazing. And this isn't even all of it!! Can you believe that?! :)

I'll be sharing with you the remaining 4 projects over the next week, so be sure to check back in. And head on over to C'est Magnifique if you're itching to get your paws on this stuff, as these kits do sell out FAST. 

Be back a little later with some other scrappy stuff I've been working on...

Take care!!

xErin :)

(Kelly) "Tiny & New"

***This is my second post for today, please scroll down :)***


Good afternoon!!! Happy Friday, everyone, I hope you all have something fun in store for the weekend :) I plan on enjoying the remaining couple of days before Jeremy heads back to work, and I will be having to learn what day to day life with two little ones is really going to be like. It's been so nice having him home to help, and has really made this past week quite easy and enjoyable!!
Anyway, I have another layout to share that I made using the April sketch from My Creative Sketches. The sketch is full of beautiful layers, and I definitely could not pass this one up, it's gorgeous!!
I really enjoyed mixing all kinds of scraps on this one, I just dug in my scrap basket and pulled out all the pink I could find, and got to work!

Well, my mailman just arrived with a nice heavy box from A Cherry On Top...I'm off to work :) Thanks for stopping by!

(Kelly) "Just You & I.."

*Sigh* Silly Blogger...I had my whole post typed up, ready to go, and scheduled to auto post. This morning, I check the blog, no post! I go to make it post, and my post is blank, but for the title. AARrrrggghH!!! I am really not fond of the new blogger, this is the second time this has happened :(
Anyway...
I had a nice, long post typed up, and I think I'm just going to keep it short, the morning is busy around here.  I have my final layout as a Delightful Designer for Artful Delight to share!!! I want to say a big "thank you!!!!" to Leeanne for having me on her team, and for providing such amazing kits! I really will miss being a part of your wonderful design team!
The layout I made as my final project is quite a sentimental one. I made this one 5 days before Paisley was born...I was feeling a little bittersweet about the whole thing. I was feeling a little sad that Lilah will no longer be the only child, and was doing my best to just "soak up" our remaining time as a family of three.
I love how this layout turned out..the sepia photo worked so well with the colors of the Pink Paislee papers. I used sketch #203 from Creative Scrappers. 
Thanks so much for stopping by and having a look!

(Erin) "Bath Time" Stuck?! April 15th Sketch

Well, good morning! Long time no see! We made it back Monday night from our trip to visit my husband's family and my daughter and I returned with a case of strep throat, so I'm feeling quite miserable- thankfully she got on antibiotics on Sunday and seems to be improving. I, however, just got on some antibiotics yesterday (stupid me thought I could beat it without them!) and, 24 hours later, feel no better. So hoping that changes.

It was quite a feat for me to actually get a scrappy page done- I always stand when I scrap, but as sick as I am, I can't stand for very long. So I actually completed this page pretty quickly and honestly, I don't know how I feel about it. I really had something better in mind...but with as foggy a mind as I have right now, that picture just wasn't real clear to me anymore...

But alas, here we are. I based my layout on the April 15th sketch over at Stuck?! Sketches, and I'm so glad I was able to play along there this month. Being so busy with other things, I really have to pick and choose which challenges I want to do as my design team commitments take up the majority of my scrap time.

So here you have it:

 Based on this great sketch:

 Some closies (yep, I know it's not a word but I'm so sick of using the word "close-ups", lol...):

 I used the beautiful Prima "Almanac" line for this one, which I actually won in a RAK from Maiko, during the Once Upon A...Sketch blog hop! Thanks Maiko!!

 I wrote my hidden journaling on this tag behind my photo:

My journaling reads: 

"Yep, for now this is how we bathe the kids- in our shallow kitchen sink. In the summer we don't even have to heat the water because it's so hot out that the kids don't mind a luke-warm bath. And they really do love bath time- they grab some toys and get right in! - You can definitely tell we don't have running water by how excited they get! But before long, Wyatt won't be able to fit anymore :(- so we'll have to upgrade to a tub suppose- and maybe even get ourselves some running water! Wyatt, age 3 1/2, Summer 2011"

I'd better get going. It's about lunch time and the younger two will be waking up soon from their naps- time to put on the Mac & Cheese!! :)

See you soon,

xErin

(Kelly) "Baby Bits"

Good afternoon! I hope you all are doing great today :) And I hope that wherever you are, it's a little nicer than it is here..we have a gloomy, rainy, cold day..ugh. But, that gives me an excuse to sit around the house and scrapbook in my free moments!!
I have a layout to share that I made for the current Scrap The Girls challenge, they have a sketch up this month. It's been awhile since I've participated over there, glad to be back at it! The sketch was an 8.5x11, and of course I only do 12x12, so I tried to incorporate the 8.5x11 desing/"feeling" into my layout with my layers of paper for my background. I gotta say, I really love this layout. There are a few reasons, one being the precious photos, of course, who can resist little baby fingers and toes?? Another reason, I am loving all of the white space. I cant believe I'm saying that!! But I think in this case, it just "works" so  well!
Anyway, have a great day!!!

The sketch:

(Kelly) "Look of Love"

Good morning! I have another layout to share, that I somehow was able to start/finish last night, even with a fussy baby who wanted to be held pretty much the whole time! Needless to say, it took a little longer than usual but I got it done, so I'm happy! Paisley really is a good, quiet baby, and she still sleeps most of the time, so I'm able to accomplish more than expected..the house is clean, I'm bathed (lol), and I've made some scrappy time!
I once again am multi-tasking here, this layout is for 3 challenges. The first, is the current sketch from Let's Get Sketchy! (Another great sketch, btw, thank you!) The next, and this was a real challenge for me, was Workout #66 from ScrapFIT, which is a color challenge to use Mint, Cherry, and Sand. I found these colors really challenging to use, but I LOVE the result! That's what a challenge is all about, right?! Finally, I incorporated the word "Look" for the challenge at Bird Is The Word. It was perfect for this awesome photo of Jeremy and Paisley the day after she was born.
Thanks so much for all having a look!!

(Kelly) "Beautiful Beginning"

Good Morning, friends!! I hope everyone is enjoying their Monday..it's beautiful here, and I'm feeling wonderful due to a good night's sleep last night, I can't remember the last time I slept so good! Paisley was only up once in the night to eat, and that's because I woke her up. She sure is a sleepy little bugger..I can't remember Lilah ever being that way. I think I was up with her 3-4 times a night right from the get go. I know this probably wont last, so I'm enjoying it while I can!!
Thank you all so much for all of the well wishes and congrats, it means a lot to me to have so much support, you all are so wonderful!
Believe it or not, I was able to make some time to scrap yesterday, while both of the girls were napping. I multi-tasked with this one, using the sketch from Get Creative, the "Future" challenge from Bird Is The Word (I used future in my journaling), and the "White Space" challenge at Ce'st Magnifique.
I normally wouldn't do three challenges in one, but I don't know how much time to scrap I will have, and these three all came together so well for this layout!
The photo is of Lilah and Paisley meeting for the first time, such a beautiful moment :) my heart melts whenever I look at this photo. Having a sister certainly is one of the most amazing things in the world.
The journaling reads:
"Lilah and Paisley meet for the first time! I hope these two sisters will become best friends in the future."
Thanks for taking a look!!

(Erin) Creative Scrappers #205 Reveal!!

Good morning- and Happy Earth Day! This post is coming to you via Auto Post as I am out of town :). Just wanted to make sure I was able to share with you my DT work for Creative Scrappers, sketch #205 which is being unveiled today!

After capturing this photo of my middle child, Gunner, I just couldn't wait to get it scrapped. We were coloring eggs the night before Easter Sunday, and I was originally taking a group shot of my hubby and the two boys when I noticed Gunner giving up his "Cheese Face" (as I like to call it, lol). So I quick zoomed in on him and got some good ones- a rarity of late. It seems that he makes a run from the camera more now than ever- which is frustrating for a scrappy mom- I'm sure you can relate! So this was a treat for me :).

Here's what I came up with (I've really been having fun experimenting with my messy side, if you hadn't noticed):

 Based on this fabulous sketch:

 I've had this Bo Bunny "Ambrosia" collection since it was first released and have hardly touched it. But for some reason, I was just drawn to it for this layout. The bright colors, I felt, really helped portray my little guy's bold personality- and did well in supporting his spontaneous "holiday mood" :).

Of course I've got some close-ups for you...

 I used a mixture of gesso, glimmer mist, and glimmer glaze to create my funky background~

 The sequins and mini blooms were all individually placed and popped up with foam adhesive~

Supplies Used:

~Bo Bunny "Ambrosia" papers

~Prima Marketing, Kaiser Craft, Flying Unicorn, & Wild Orchid flowers

~Tattered Angels "Mardi Gras" & "Inchworm" Glimmer Mists

~Maya Road "Blue Hydrangea" mist

~Tattered Angels "Mermaid" Glimmer Glaze

~Other: ribbon, lace, sequins, doily, gesso, foam adhesive

So get yourself on over to Creative Scrappers and try this sketch out for yourself! It's very versatile- I definitely took this one in my own direction- but that's the beauty of sketches!!

Have a great day and I'll be around very soon- will be back Monday night and am hoping to get my "catching up" done then. 

Take care!!

xErin

(Kelly) Introducing Paisley Janae

Good morning, everyone!!! I just wanted to quickly update you all, and let you know that our little girl has arrived, and we just spent our first night home from the hospital. Paisley Janae arrived on April 19th, at 7:57pm. She's a big girl, weighing 9lbs, 14.5oz, and 22 inches long!! She's 2 ounces bigger than her big sister was at birth!! She is absolutely beautiful and healthy and wonderful, we are so blessed!! Thank you all for your support, here and on facebook, it really means a lot to me.
Now, on to the good stuff, here's a few photos!!

Thanks for stopping by :)