This Is Gonna be the Best Day of My Life

I've been working away on upcoming assignments, but wanted to take a little time this weekend to play along with the 4/24/14 Sketch Thursday challenge at Elle's Studio.  The Sketch caught my eye, when I saw the large Chevron design pointing toward the photo area.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the Sketch, and so today, I'm stopping in to share my take on it!

I used my CAMEO to cut 3 different sized Chevron shapes from the Elle's Studio Love You More patterned papers.  After my Chevron pieces were cut, I started choosing different tags from the Everyday Moments collection to layer with my photo.  I used a mix of the Letters & Numbers to create my title on one of the Journaling Cards from the Everyday Moments collection.  I placed my photo and title in the center of the White cardstock and then I arranged the cut Chevron pieces to the left and right, but adhered them a little off center, to make things more fun!  I also cut the word "Hello" from White cardstock, using one of the Elle's Studio March Cut Files.  I really like the look of the tone on tone words on the background paper.

Thanks for stopping in for a visit today!  Do you have any fun plans this weekend for National Scrapbook Day?  I know of several sites, planning giveaways and challenges, so I can't wait to play along

Supplies:  Patterned Paper, Tags, Wood Veneers, Stamps, Letter Stickers, Cut File:  Elle's Studio; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Enamel Dots:  My  Mind's Eye; Tiny Attacher:  Tim Holtz; Die Cut Machine:  Silhouette CAMEO

Creative Scrappers Sketch 267 | Hello Sunshine & Blog Hop WInner!

Lots of Creative Scrappers news today!!  Thanks to everyone who stopped by for the Birthday Blog Hop!  All of the Design Team did an amazing job with their layouts, and I loved going through the Hop.  So today, I have the winner of my $20 Paper Issues Gift Certificate to announce, there is a new Sketch Reveal for Sketch 267, and there is a Creative Scrappers Design Team Call!!

First up, let's announce the Winner of the $20 Paper Issues Gift Certificate:  #47

CONGRATS AMY TSURUTA!!

Amy, please email at ashleyhorton010675@gmail.com, with your email address to be forwarded to Paper Issues for your shop code!!

There is a great new Sketch reveal today!  Sketch 267 is an awesome grid design sketch, designed by Kristine Davidson!

I used a mix of the new #Summer collection from American Crafts, Plus One from Amy Tan and Elle's Studio.  I wanted to create a more free-form look with the sketch and had a lot of fun putting this one together.  It's not my usual busy layering, but I really liked the final look.  I even did a little painting, believe it or not!!  I used my CAMEO Sketch Pens to draw the Chevron design for the border strip from the sketch, and then painted several of the Chevrons with a Cream colored acrylic paint.  I also painted over the Wood Veneer pieces from Elle's Studio, with a White acrylic paint.  I love the white-washed look it gave the pieces.

Now, it's your turn to play along with today's Sketch!  We have a Kit from our awesome Sponsor, My Creative Scrapbook!  You can visit their website HERE and like their Facebook page HERE!

 
And I have one more thing to share today, before you go...Creative Scrappers is having a Summer Design Team Call!  You can find all of the information for applying HERE on the Creative Scrappers Blog!!  Good luck to everyone who applies!

Supplies:  Patterned Paper, Thickers, Stitched Tag, Flair Badges:  American Crafts; Wood Veneers, Stamps & Tags:  Elle's Studio; Acrylic Stamp:  Chic Tags; Spray Mist & Mist Dropper:  Studio Calico; Puffy Sticker:  Evalicious; Enamel Dots:  My Mind's Eye & Chickaniddy Crafts; Sketch Pens & Die Cut Machine:  CAMEO

Creative Scrappers | Birthday Bash

Welcome to the Creative Scrappers Blog Hop! We are celebrating 6 years of Creating with Sketches. We’re so excited to share 12 new sketches for you today and some inspiring layouts as well.

 

We’ll be giving away a few prizes so be sure to play along and check back on Saturday night April 26th to see if you’re the lucky winner!

Sponsors include:  Creative Scrappers, Let's Capture Our Memories,  Paper Camellia, Creative Embellishments, My Scraps & More, Scrapbook & Cards Today, Simple Stories, Jillibean Soup, Pinkfresh Studio, Davida Stafford - CTMH, Paper Issues, My Creative Scrapbook

Here are the different ways you can play along –
 
1. Like Creative Scrappers on Facebook 
2. Comment on our Blog or Facebook page

I chose a fun sketch by Jenny Evans.  I loved the tilted design with the triangles and it was really easy to put together, using my Cameo.  I used Jenny's sketch as is, but changed up the rotation of the Triangles to fit the photo I wanted to go in the photo space.

Creative Scrappers has been my favorite Sketch Blog for several years.  I love the variety of Sketch designs and how easy they make it for putting together the perfect layout!  And it's always fun to play along with the challenges each month for the chance to win some great prizes.  If you haven't had a chance to play along or visit the Creative Scrappers Blog, make sure you put it on your scrappy to do list!!

GIVEAWAY

Along with the amazing giveaways from Creative Scrappers, I also have a $20 Gift Certificate to give away to the Paper Issues Shop!  Paper Issues always has an amazing selection of the newest products and fast shipping!  It's easy to win...if you are already a follower, just leave a comment and tell me one of your favorite products right now.  You can also become a new follower through GFC or Bloglovin' and leave a comment letting me know you did.  That's it!  I will announce a winner on Sunday, April 27th.

Now it's time to continue along the Hop, to Danielle's Blog!  Here is a list of the full Blog Hop order:

Amanda Johnson

Ashley Horton <---------  You are Here.

Danielle de Konink

Jenny Evans

Jody Rogers

Kathy Skou

Kristine Davidson

Michelle Whorwood

Missy Whidden

Sherri Funk

Stephanie Hart

Tara Elias

Creative Scrappers

While you are visiting the Creative Scrappers Blog, you can download our sketches from today's birthday bash blog hop!

Thank you for playing along today and check in with us on Sunday, April 27th, for more layouts using Sketch 267.

Thanks for visiting today and enjoy the Blog Hop!

Supplies:  Patterned Paper, Tags, Wood Veneers, Letter Stickers & Stamp:  Elle's Studio; Thickers:  American Crafts;  Wood Veneer Number & Cork Hearts:  Studio Calico; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Enamel Dots:  My Mind's Eye & Chickaniddy Crafts; Flair Button:  A Flair for Buttons; Die Cut Machine:  Cameo

Hip Kit Club | M. E. R.

It's time for a new layout and card for Hip Kit Club, using the April 2014 Hip Kit & Add-On Kits!  I based my layout on the new Mood Board challenge for April.  If you haven't played along yet, make sure you check out all of the info on the Hip Kit Blog for the chance to win an awesome Grab Bag!

When I sat down to create my layout, I used bits of inspiration from the board, instead of focusing on one element or photo. I loved the variety of colors, in the photos, from the Mood Board, so I used a mix of different color papers and embellishments from the April 2014 Hip Kit & Add-On Kits. There were two other fun elements that caught my eye...the stitched initials and the overlapping confetti. I cut each of the kids initials on my Cameo and then traced it onto my background paper. I used Black and light Green embroidery floss to stitch around the circles and initials. And I couldn't resist using some of the sequins from this month's kit, to recreate the fun confetti look!

And next up, I have a fun new card! I really loved the Studio Calico icon patterned paper from the Wanderlust collection, included in the April 2014 Hip Kit Main Kit and Paper Add-On Kit. I knew it would make a perfect background for a "chat" card. I spotted the cute rotary phone cut file in the Silhouette Store and cut it from the American Crafts Buddy patterned paper. The Maggie Holmes frames are great for layering, and I used a cork frame to match the American Crafts Scene Thickers, from the April 2014 Embellishment Kit.

The May 2014 Hip Kits are beginning to be revealed, and you can check out the May 2014 Main Kit and Paper Add-On Kit, HERE!

American Crafts April Gallery | Road Trippin'

I'm stopping in today, to share my second American Crafts April Gallery layout with you.  I wanted to work with the Plus One collection for this layout.  There are so many fun products with this collection...some of my favorites being the Brush Script fonts and the new Dies set!  We recently went on a weekend trip and it wasn't long before there were some sleepy passengers in the car.  I snapped a photo of our little guy snuggling with his Pup Pup and edited it with a Black & White filter.

I was originally planning to use a light colored paper for my background, but as I looked through my paper pack, the Duo patterned paper stood out.  Once I started putting the layout together, I really loved the look of the darker background with the pops of bright color.  The Die set has a cute Geotag die and I cut several from different colored patterned papers to create a border under my photo grid.  And I haven't had a chance to use the fun binder clips that are a part of the Plus One collection, but while I was looking at the cute epoxy designs, I decided to remove two of them from the clip and use them to embellish my layout!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:  Duo (366823) - Plus One, Ensemble (366827) - Plus One, Buddy (366812) - Plus One, Counterpart (366807) - Plus One, Combo (366804) - Plus One, Bits (366849) - Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Associate (366860) - Dies, Kal Barteski (366831) - Thickers, Twins (366837) - Thickers, Us (366842) - Remarks, Flair (366906) - Adhesive Badges, Addition ( 366851) - Details 

American Crafts Card Trio

Last week, I had three cards on the American Crafts Blog for Stamping week.  I worked with the Dear Lizzy Daydreamer collection and had fun finding different ways to incorporate the stamps into my card designs!

I stamped a random pattern on my first card, with the feather stamp, over vellum and then stitched it to my card base.  

Supplies: 6x6 Paper Pad (366767) - Daydreamer, Acrylic Stamps (366797) - Daydreamer, Enamel Dots (366785) - Daydreamer, Printed Chipboard Shapes (366789) - Daydreamer, Accent & Phrase Stickers (366778) - Daydreamer, Treasure Hunt (366752) - Daydreamer

For the second card, I stamped the same image in three different colors and fussy cut each one to attach to the card.  
 

Four Square (366742) - Daydreamer, Acrylic Stamps (366797) - Daydreamer,
Accent & Phrase Stickers (366778) - Daydreamer, Enamel Dots (366785) - Daydreamer 

And on the last card, I stamped the camera image with an Embossing Ink Pad and heat embossed with American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder. 

6x6 Paper Pad (366767) - Daydreamer, Acrylic Stamps (366797) - Daydreamer,
Pockets with Inserts (366791) - Daydreamer, Lemon Drop (366770) - Thickers, Enamel Dots (366785) - Daydreamer, Printed Chipboard Shapes (366789) - Daydreamer, Matte Puffy Accents (366777) - Daydreamer, Duplicate (366741) - Embossing Folder

Hip Kit Club | Today & Always

It's an exciting day today, because it's time to share my first projects using the April 2014 Hip Kit & Add-On Kits from Hip Kit Club!! I love opening up my kit each month, and looking at all of the papers and embellishments and thinking about how to use them throughout the month.  The April Kits are great, and I have created 3 layouts and 3 cards so far, and I love that each one is so different, even though all of the product is from the same kit.  There is a great mix of Studio Calico, American Crafts, Jillibean Soup, and Maggie Holmes in the April Kits.  You definitely won't be disappointed!

 
When I heard that the Pantone color for 2014 was Orchid, I was a little worried, because I am not a Purple fan. But I was happily surprised to see how Studio Calico used the color in their Lemon Lush collection. The April 2014 Hip Kit Main Kit, includes one of my favorite patterns from the collection, "In a Hurry". I knew I had to use it for my background paper on my first layout, with the kit. The paper gives you a great starting point for the design of your layout, with the diagonal text. I placed my photo, embellishments and title on the diagonal to flow with the text. There are so many fun embellishments to use in the Main Kit and Add-On Kits. I layered some items from the Jillibean Soup Mini Placements, Maggie Holmes Vellum Shapes, Maggie Holmes Frames and Studio Calico Die Cuts Ephemera. And I definitely wanted to use the pack of American Crafts Mistable Thickers for part of my title. The Heidi Swapp Citron Color Shine in the Color Add-On Kit, gave the Thickers just the right color for my layout.

After I finished working on my "Today & Always" layout, I thought it would be a good idea to use the same design concept on a card. I created a butterfly background cut file, which you can find and download on the Hip Kit Club Facebook page. I used one of the Maggie Holmes frames and added the large butterfly from the Studio Calico ephemera pack to the center of the frame. And I wanted to add some sparkle, so I used one of the Studio Calico Word Banners and the Maggie Holmes phrase stickers, for my sentiment.

Don't miss out on any of this month's Kits!  They are still available on the Hip Kit Club website!

Create Magazine April Issue

Each month Scrapbook Generation publishes Create Magazine, filled with amazing Sketches and a ton of inspiration from talented crafters.  The Echo Park team was invited to create for this month's issue using layout, card and tag sketches.  I worked with one of Allison Davis' One Page Sketches and created this layout, using the Splendid Sunshine collection from Echo Park.

 
I also have a card in the April Issue, using the Getaway collection from Echo Park.  You will definitely want to check out the variety of Sketches in this month's issue and see what the other Echo Park Design Team members created.  The issue has over 200 pages and it's FREE to view!  The Create Design Team shares inspiration, as well as many other talented, fellow crafters!

To view the April Issue click HERE.  You can also visit the Scrapbook Generation Blog to keep up with news and info.!

Supplies:  Echo Park Splendid Sunshine collection - Journaling Cards, Pretty Pinwheels, Terrific Triangles, Flitter Flutter, Border Strips, Alpha StickersDie Cut Files:  Nicole Nowosad & Gaelle Fauglas, Thickers & Heart Sticker:  American Crafts, Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp, Wood Veneers:  Studio Calico, Enamel Dots:  My Mind's Eye, Heart Punch:  Anna Griffin, Die Cut Machine:  Silhouette CAMEO

Get It Scrapped! | Channeling Doris Sander

It is easy to get stuck in a creative rut or fall short with a lack of mojo.  When this happens, I always like to take a look around Blogs and Galleries for inspiration.  I might find a technique or design style that inspires me to try something different on my layout, and it's a great kick start to getting the creative juices flowing.  If you are feeling this way right now or you're just looking for some fresh inspiration, make sure you visit the Get It Scrapped! Blog today, for the newest article on Channeling Doris Sander.  The Creative Team will be sharing ideas on how to use composition, pattern choices and titlework from a designer who you find inspiring.

I like to take photos of the kids annually on Valentine's Day, and I wanted to use the photo from last year and this year to create a comparison layout.  There were several aspects that I noticed when looking at Doris Sander's work:  solid color cardstock backgrounds, layering of multiple patterned papers, grid designs, minimal embellishments and using her handwriting for journaling.  I used a similar grid design for my layout and layered multiple papers behind my photos.  I limited my embellishments to wood veneers and enamel dots, and added my own handwriting for the journaling on my layout.

I hope today's article gives you new ideas for "channeling" another designer's work.  It's fun to incorporate their ideas onto your pages for a new perspective and push the limits of your creativity!

Supplies:  Cardstock & Thickers:  American Crafts; Patterned Paper, Tags, & Wood Veneers:  Elle's Studio; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Enamel Dots:  My Mind's Eye; Tiny Attacher:  Tim Holtz; Die Cut Machine:  Silhouette CAMEO

Creative Scrappers Sketch 266 | XOXO

Welcome to a new reveal at Creative Scrappers!  Today, the team is sharing inspiration based on Sketch 266, created by Jenny Evans!  This sketch has a lot of White space, which is perfect for creating your own unique take on the sketch.

Believe it or not, I kept my White space...White!  I liked the clean design that Jenny created on the Sketch, and the White cardstock background really makes the colors from the Everyday Moments collection from Elle's Studio, really pop!  I decided to use negative circles cut on my Cameo, and then embellished each one with stitching, tags and heart shapes.

We would love for you to play along with Sketch 266, and you could win from our Sponsor, Scraptastic Kit Club!!

Just link up your layout on the Creative Scrappers Blog by April 30th!

Supplies:  Patterned Paper, Wood Veneers, Stamps & Tags:  Elle's Studio; Thickers:  American Crafts; Tin Pin:  October Afternoon; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Enamel Hearts:  Chickaniddy Crafts

Hip Kit Club | Late Nite Love

I've had a blast creating with the March 2014 Hip Kit & Add-On Kits!  Today is my last layout and card, using the March Kits, and next week, I will start sharing projects from the April 2014 Hip Kit & Add-On Kits!  Can't wait!!

Most of my layouts are about everyday moments, and sometimes I think I take photos of food, as much as I do my family!!  :)  That's one of the great things about preserving our memories for years to come and for future family members to see glimpses into our lives. We recently attended one of the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans and by the time we left, Waffle House was the only place left open to eat dinner! But that waffle and bacon were definitely pretty yummy, so I snapped a quick photo on my phone. All of the bits and pieces from the March 2014 Hip Kit & Add-On Kits, worked together to give my layout, what I call a fun, diner kind of feel. I used the DIY Shop Chalkboard Labels to ground my title and some of the embellishments. Then I hand stitched a double circle around the photo and elements to connect everything together.

Creating a sequin pocket can be a great way to add a fun touch to your cards. I used one of the die cut pieces from the Dear Lizzy Bits pack as my base. Then I cut a circle from the Vellum included in the March 2014 Cardstock Add-On, to fit over the die cut piece. I placed my sequins over the die cut sentiment, then added a small amount of adhesive around the vellum circle and attached it to the die cut. Once the adhesive dried, I hand stitched around the perimeter of the circle to create the pocket for the sequins.

The April Kits are available for purchase on the Hip Kit Club website.  The Main Kit and Add-On Kits include a mix of American Crafts, Studio Calico, Maggie Holmes and Jillibean Soup.  Here's a look at the Main Kit and you can visit the website to order and view all of the April Add-On Kits!

 

Thanks for stopping in today!

Pinkfresh Studio Guest Designer

I was very excited to be invited by Kinnari, owner of Pinkfresh Studio, to Guest Design with some of her newest products.  Pinkfresh carries a fun variety of Color block Wood Veneers, Washi Tapes, Enamel products, and one of my most favorites...Foil Alphas!  If you are looking for some awesome new embellishments to use, when creating your projects, make sure you check out what's in the Pinkfresh Shop!!

I created 3 projects using the embellishments Kinnari sent, and I wanted to share them with you today!

I love mixing product, and for this layout, I mixed the Pinkfresh products with several items from other collections.  The variety of colors on the Pinkfresh embellishments and Washi Tapes, can easily be blended in with the collections you already have in your stash.  I used some of the Ocean & Gold Foil Alphas over a card from Elle's Studio to create my title, and also embellished the card with some of the fun Wood Veneer Color block Navajo Arrows.  And the cute Wood Veneer Color block Hearts were a perfect accent to the heart card on the right hand side of my photo.  I also added a touch of sparkle to my layout with the Glitter Washi Tape.

Supplies:  Color block Venners, Washi Tape & Foil Alphas:  Pinkfresh Studio; Patterned Paper, Tags, Wood Veneers:  Elle's Studio; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Flair Button:  October Afternoon; Die Cuts/Shapes:  American Crafts & Two Peas in a Bucket

 
When I decided on a title for this layout, I knew I wanted it to be prominent on my page.  The Mint & Gold foil alphas were perfect for creating a large, bold title.  I arranged the alphas beside my photo, and once they were adhered, I stitched through each of the words with Black embroidery floss, for a little extra emphasis.  And I can't resist embellishing, so I added the Ombre Airmail Peach & Mint Washi Tape, with several of the Color block Veneers.  The Fresh Drops Insta Frame was also perfect for adding emphasis to the photo on my layout.

Supplies:  Washi Tape, Color block Veneers, Foil Alphas & Fresh Drops Insta Frame:  Pinkfresh Studio; Cardstock & Phrase Stamp:  American Crafts; Flair Button:  A Flair for Buttons; Mist, Mist Dropper & Wood Veneer Stars:  Studio Calico; Tags & Wood Veneers:  Elle's Studio; Enamel Dots: October Afternoon; Shape & Sketch Pens:  Silhouette

 

It's always fun to use negative shapes on your projects!  I used my Cameo to cut a heart front for my card, and then adhered the Pink & Mint Ombre Washi Tape to a piece of cardstock and placed it behind the negative cut hearts.  I love the multi-colored effect it creates on the front of the card.  I used the Blush & Gold Foil Alphas for the sentiment on my card, and added the adorable Wood Veneer Color block Envelopes and Wood Veneer Color block Arrows.

Supplies:  Washi Tape, Color block Veneers & Foil Alphas:  Pinkfresh Studio; Cardstock:  American Crafts; Die Cut Machine:  Cameo