Creative Scrappers Sketch 254 | Sweet Home Alabama

***Linked up at Paper Issues.***

I have so many Fall photos to use on layouts, that I may be scrapping them until after Christmas!  But I'm not complaining since Fall is my favorite time of year.  There are photo opportunities everywhere, and I love driving and seeing the fields in bloom with crops, the leaves changing, and the beautiful Blue skies.  I have an annual photo that is a must every year...a picture of the cotton fields.  They are so beautiful with the White cotton blooms against the line of Green trees and cloudless Blue skies.  Since I had just the single photo, I thought it would be perfect to use with the new Sketch 254 at Creative Scrappers, created by my friend Jenny Evans.  This Sketch is awesome and allows for a lot of layering, which is one of my favorite things to do on a layout.

  
I didn't do anything super fancy on this page, but I really love the way it turned out.  This was the first chance I had to use some of the new Happy Go Lucky and Collecting Moments collections from Fancy Pants, that I ordered from Paper Issues.  I really love manufacturers whose lines mix together so easily.  I pulled the floral paper first and then chose colors that went with the colors in this pattern and that had a Fall look to them.  I also mixed in some tags from Chic Tags, to add some extra layers.  I used my Cameo for part of the tile and to create some embellishments for my page.  That is one thing I love about the Cameo...you can make anything and everything you want, as you are working on a page.

I hope you are enjoying Fall wherever you are, too...although I know how temperatures vary and for some of us it probably still feels like Summer or is starting to feel like Winter!  And I hope you have a happy and safe Halloween tomorrow! 

Supplies:  Patterned Paper, Stickers, Resin Flower:  Fancy Pants; Tags:  Chic Tags; Wood Veneer Card:  The Paper Bakery; Thickers & Date Stamp:  American Crafts; Wood Veneers & Spray Mist:  Studio Calico; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Buttons;  October Afternoon

Pumpkin Latte at the Pumpkin Patch!

***Linked up at Paper Issues.***

I knew when we received the October Scrapbook Kit Pumpkin Latte from The Paper Bakery, that I would definitely have to use this kit on a Pumpkin Patch layout.  I used a mix of the Webster's Pages and Amy Tangerine goodies from the Kit and an awesome Flair Button from the Autumn Colors set.

How cute is the Yellow Apple Paper Clip from Webster's Pages??!!  I knew it would make a perfect embellishment on this page!!

The October Scrapbook Kit is Sold Out, but you can still pick up some of the extra goodies in the Shop...like the Autumn Colors Flair Set.  And there are some awesome Wood Veneers that you won't want to miss!  If you want to make sure you get a guaranteed Kit each month, then don't forget to sign up for a monthly Subscription!

You're Super

It's been a while, since I've had a chance to play along with the Sketch Thursday challenge at Elle's Studio, but the 10/24/13 Sketch was so cute, I just had to sit down and whip up a layout!  It's a fun and easy sketch and it didn't take a lot of time to finish my layout...other than the fact, that when I got ready to print my photo, one of my ink cartridges was out!!  UGH!  But I didn't let that stop me! I just cut a piece of paper to the size of my photo, and then designed my layout using the photo shaped paper.  Then when I got home from buying my cartridge, I just printed out my photo and stuck it right in it's spot!  :)

 

This was a perfect sketch for adding a lot of layers behind your photo.  And I had the Elle's October Kit ready and waiting to be used, so I added several of the tags to this page and mixed the October Kit with some of the new Penelope collection.  Vellum has become a renewed obsession on my pages and I layered a piece behind my photo, that I embossed with a wood grain pattern.  The ink splatters were created by dipping a paint brush into my Studio Calico Inky Black mist and then just pushing the brush down on my paper.  And, of course, I couldn't have a Bat Girl page without having a bat on the layout somewhere!  I used the cute Bat circle bookmark from the Silhouette store, and layered it over the Vellum

I do have to admit, that even though we don't really get into the whole scary aspect of Halloween or really decorate for the holiday, that for some reason I love creating Halloween layouts more than I do any other holiday!  HA!  I am just weird like that!!  :)  Maybe it's the color combo or something that draws me to them, since I am such a big fan of Yellow and Orange!

Hope you have a great week and a Happy Halloween!

Supplies:  Cardstock, Phrase Stickers, Star Stickers, Sequins:  American Crafts; Patterned Paper & Tags:  Elle's Studio; Washi Tape:  Freckled Fawn; Flair Button: The Paper Bakery; Spray Mist:  Studio Calico; Vellum:  Fynmark

Chic Tags Challenge Sunday: Grateful

***Linked up at Paper Issues.***

Today, we have a brand new Challenge Sunday up on the Chic Tags Blog.  This challenge will run for the month of November and we are asking you to show us what you're Grateful for.  You can play along and have the chance to win a fun Chic Tags Grab Bag!  Here is what I came up with for the challenge:

Since I am grateful for my family (even though they drive me a little crazy at times!!), I wanted to use this photo of us that we recently took at the Pumpkin Patch.  I used a mix of the amazing Happy Place collection and the October Exclusive Kit to create my layout.  I love the way the Kit blended with the Happy Place collection.  And I just had to use that Everyday Awesomeness clear tag!!  I LOVE THOSE!!  :)

We would love for you to come play along with us.  Make sure you stop by and visit the Chic Tags Blog for all of the details and to check out some more information from the Design Team.

Supplies:  Patterned Paper, Tags, Stamp & October Kit:  Chic Tags; Thickers:  American Crafts; Enamel Dots:  Freckled Fawn; Wood Veneers:  Studio Calico; 

Scrap & Music Guest Designer

***Linked up at Paper Issues.***

I was recently contacted by Ana Castro and invited to guest design with the Scrap & Music Design Team!  Scrap & Music is a fun challenge Blog, that combines a sketch with song lyrics.  I loved the Sketch that Ana sent and we had to choose lyrics from the song, "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction.  I wanted to use a photo of my hubby and me for this layout, but sadly we don't have a lot of photos of just the two of us together.  So I used a photo that I have scrapped before, but that's okay because it's one that I really like!

I kept the basic design of the Sketch, and added a lot of layers behind the photo.  One of my favorite things on this layout, is the vellum.  I cut a heart shape on my Cameo, from the vellum and then embossed it with a wood grain pattern.  I also used vellum for printing out my journaling strips and layered them over the vellum heart.

You can play along with the challenge, by visiting the Scrap & Music Blog for all of the details on linking up your layout.  The challenge is still open for 9 days, so there is plenty of time to play along.  Scrap & Music is also having a Design Team call, which you can check out here.

Supplies:  Patterned Paper:  Crate Paper; Polaroid Frame: Maggie Holmes; Tags:  Elle's Studio; Wood Veneers:  Studio Calico; Color Shine & Chipboard Arrows:  Heidi Swapp; Baker's Twine:  American Crafts; Sequins & Washi Tape;  The Paper Bakery; Vellum:  Fynmark

American Crafts November Gallery | Sweet Sadie

I am so excited to share today's layout, because it's one of my first AC layouts using the new Polka Dot Party collection from Dear Lizzy...and it's showcasing a photo of my adorable, new niece!!  I really love the colors in this collection and there are so many great embellishments...one of my favorites being the awesome set of Epoxy Stickers.  

 
The mix of Yellow, Blue and Pink were just so perfect for a baby layout and I loved the star patterned paper for the background.  I created a grid design using my photo, the butterfly image and the patterned paper.  I left the fourth spot as an open part of the grid and added my title, using some of the Thickers included in the Polka Dot Party collection.  For some added texture, I embossed on the Triangle shapes and stitched around the butterfly image.  I also altered the Wood Veneer Heart, by covering it with a mask and spraying over it with Spray Mist.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:  Warm Welcome (366160) - Polka Dot Party; Sparkling Stars (366161) - Polka Dot Party; Giddy Guest (366167) - Polka Dot Party; Luminous Lights (366175) - Polka Dot Party; 6x6 Paper Pad (366214) - Polka Dot Party; Printed Chipboard Shapes (366205) - Polka Dot Party; Accent & Phrase Stickers (366196) - Polka Dot Party; Epoxy Stickers (366198) - Polka Dot Party; Soiree (366184) - Thickers; RSVP (366191) - Thickers; Heart (366204) - Veneer Set; Tag (366206) - Large Tags; Frame (366199) - Die Cut Frames; Flower (366202) - Fabric Flowers; Flower (366203) - Adhesive Flowers

Creative Scrappers Sketch 253 | The Supers

**Linked up at Paper Issues.**

When I saw the reveal for Sketch 253 at Creative Scrappers, I immediately knew I was going to use it for a Halloween layout.  I didn't want to use any of the photos from last year, because I knew we were getting the kids costumes for this year and taking pictures soon.  So last Friday, they got all hero-ed up and I took candy for bribes, and we made it through a little Halloween costume photo session.  Sadly, I was not overly thrilled with the way most of the photos turned out.  We were planning to do the pictures around 5:30PM, but it was overcast and the light was already fading fast at 5PM.  And on top of that, I didn't get to take them at the exact location I was planning, because it's a neighborhood clubhouse that gets used for receptions, parties and weddings, and of course with it being a Friday night, they were already setting up for something.  :(  But since everyone was already dressed, we went ahead with the photos anyway.  I am debating a possible re-shoot sometime this week, to see if we have better luck, but I don't know if my nerves can handle it!!  :)

But, back to the layout and Sketch!  I managed to get at least one group shot that was useable for my layout, and I knew I wanted to use the new Thirty-One collection from Pebbles Inc. and I mixed it with some of the Halloween collection from American Crafts, that's exclusively available in Target stores.

I took some inspiration from Missy Whidden and Shannon Morgan, with the fun, big ink splatters, but I still don't think mine turned out as cool as theirs!!  :)  I will have to keep practicing!  The circle behind the photo on the Sketch, was a perfect spot for adding a die cut Spider Web, using my Cameo.  Once I got the design put together, the layers behind the photo and the Spider Web kind of reminded me of a bat shape!  I also incorporated some of the Tags from the October Exclusive Kit from Chic Tags!!  You can pick up a Kit HERE, in the store.

Supplies:  Patterned Paper & Letter Stickers:  Pebbles Inc., Clothespin, Star Stickers, Phrase Stickers & Sequins:  American Crafts; Large Sequins & Flair Button:  The Paper Bakery; Spray Mist;  Studio Calico; Tags:  Chic Tags October Exclusive Kit; Star Paper Clip:  Two Peas in a Bucket; Fonts:  Anime Ace & Pacifico    

It's in the Bag

Today, I am stopping in to share two layouts using the October Scrapbook Kit, Pumpkin Latte from The Paper Bakery.  We also have our new Sketch for Challenge #15 that was posted on Sunday!  Let's check it out!

I based my first layout on Sketch #15, and both of my layouts are using one of my favorite items in this month's Kit...the decorative bags!

I rotated the Sketch, to accommodate my portrait photos, but kept everything else pretty much the same.  I added in some of the awesome Wood Veneers that are available in the Shop.  The Documented frame is too cute and I love those stars that are included in the Hipster Wood Veneers.  And I used one of the decorative bags behind my photo, to place my journaling.  Sometimes your journaling just doesn't fit into the design of your page, or maybe you would like for it to stay private, or maybe you have more to say than there is room for on your page.  These decorative bags are the perfect solution to all of these situations.  They are fun, functional and fabulous!!

You can play along with the Sketch, by creating a layout and linking it up on the sidebar of The Paper Bakery Blog for Sketch Challenge #15.  We love to see how you use the sketches!  You have two weeks to play along and then a random winner will be announced, to win some Paper Bakery goodies!

My second layout, uses the other decorative bag included in this month's Kit and I added in a tag with my  journaling.

I thought the wood grain on this bag and the quote, worked perfectly with the cowgirl theme of my photo.  I also mixed in one of the Printables for this month.  I used the Polaroid frame, but cut out the little phrase and placed it above my photo, instead of using the whole frame.

If you are thinking about subscribing to one or more of our Kits, make sure you stop by The Paper Bakery shop to check out all of the different kits that are available!!

Chic Tags Challenge Sunday Sketch & Scrap & Music Guest Designer

It's time for a new Challenge Sunday: Sketch It Out at Chic Tags, and there's a great Sketch this week!  Make sure you play along with us, for the chance to win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Chic Tags store.  You have two weeks to play along and can leave a link to your layout in the comments section on the Chic Tags Blog on today's post.  Also, make sure you stop by the CT Blog to check out some awesome inspiration form the Design Team using this week's Sketch!!

I had a lot of fun with this Sketch, and I worked with the Chic Tags Schoolhouse collection and the October Exclusive Kit.  The Fall-ish colors in the Schoolhouse collection were perfect for the theme of my page and I added the Polaroid frame, flair button, This is Autumn tag, and Real Life stamp from the October Kit.  And I stepped out of my comfort zone and added a little watercolor to this one.  I just diluted some of the Mustard Color Shine with a little bit of water for my watercolor effect.  I was happy with the way it turned out and really liked the look of it behind the traced chevron and my title.  The hidden journaling talks about how it's impossible to get a perfect photo of the three kids together...someone is usually crying, looking the opposite direction, closing their eyes, talking, fighting...pretty much any and everything other than posing, smiling and looking at the camera all at the same time!  :)  But that's what makes it real life, and I don't need perfect photos to document our memories!!

Supplies:  Patterned Paper, Tags, Flair Button, Stamp, October Exclusive Kit:  Chic Tags; Thickers:  American Crafts:  Wood Veneers & Chevron Mask:  Studio Calico; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Paper Clip Arrow:  Two Peas in a Bucket; Enamel Dots:  Freckled Fawn & My Mind's Eye; Vellum:  Fynmark

And, before I go, I wanted to share that I am Guest Designing today for the Scrap & Music challenge Blog.  Ana Castro heads up the Team and invited me to join them for today's Sketch.  The Scrap & Music challenges consist of a Sketch and using song lyrics from the selected song as a part of your layout title.  Ana sent a great Sketch and the song choice was "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction.  You can stop by the Scrap & Music Blog to see my full reveal, along with the layouts created by the Design Team.  I will share my layout here on the Blog, later this week, but here are a couple of sneaks:

 
While you are visiting the Scrap & Music Blog, make sure you check out their Design Team call and all of the information for playing along with today's Sketch!!