Write. Click. Scrapbook.

Funny Stories

Today I'm going to focus on scrapbooking funny stories. I'm not an expert in comedic writing by any stretch, but I'm going to try to suggest a few tips that will help bring your own humourous moments to life.

1. Create a story - Structure your journaling as though you are telling a story. 

2. Create a main character - This can be obvious if your story centres around one person. Include a few details relevant to the story to build your main character. 

3. Stay focused - If your purpose in your journalling is to tell a funny story, then only include details that are relevant to your angle. There may be other things you want to journal about a certain photo or event from which the story story happened, but if they are not part of the actual story, then try to include those details elsewhere on the layout.

4. Create tension in your writing. The uncertainty that is created by tension in a story helps add oomph to your punchline, and can be what makes a story so funny.

5. Include a surprise twist - a story is always funnier when you don't see the ending coming.

6. Be specific - The more specific you are in telling your story, funnier it will be. For example, in my story I described the meticulous removal of each individual brick in the wall, which is funnier than saying Jacob drilled a whole in the wall.

7. Channel Seinfeld - Seinfeld was all about telling funny stories about....nothing. I call this putting a funny spin on things, and later this week I will show layouts that do just that.

 

This layout by Erin Sweeny tells a very funny story:

Erin Sweeney

 

Aliza Deutsch shared a funny story about a road trip in her layout, "Shock":

Aliza Deutsch

 

Finally, I will end with a layout about my most favorite story of all time...The Story of Jacob and Douglas and the Miniature Room:

 

And now, the fun stuff.

That’s right, the fun stuff as in the products we use (or plan to use) in Project Life.

Thanks to recommendations from Christine and Deb, I’ve started using Oh Life. It’s perfect for me! I have it set to email me every night at 8pm. My kids are in bed, the day’s pretty much over, and I can sit down and write about anything memorable that occurred that day.

I love my Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher! I bought it shortly after starting Project Life last year and have used it often, both for PL and regular scrapbooking pages.

I often use My Mind’s Eye label stickers like these. They come in many colors and themes. I love Jillibean Soup's Alphabeans. The small font is the perfect size for PL and I would love to get them in almost every color – five down, four to go! And I can’t forget Ormolu and Martha Stewart file folder labels.

My week 18:

 

Deb recommends the Uni-ball Signo 207 gel pen. She loves them so much I had to try them for myself. And she’s right. They’re great. I picked up the micro and bold and should’ve gotten the medium while I was at it.  I mentioned Deb’s template yesterday, and here is a direct link to the template for you to download.

Deb’s weekly spreads using Studio Calico's Project Life kit:

 

Lisa likes Marcy Penner's weekday printables, the For the love of: conversation digital kit, and Crystal Wilkerson's color combo #4 card set. You can read more of Lisa’s post on her favorite products here.

Lisa’s last pages for PL 2012:

 

Celeste likes these cards by Deena Rutter and these date stamp brushes. You can see more of her favorite products and other tips as well here on her blog.

Celeste’s PL 2013 title page:

 

Christine’s weekly go-to products are BIC Mark-Its,ATG Tape Glider, and Tombow Mono Multi glue.

Christine’s week 23:

 

So we’ve had confessions, to-do plans, great products and inspiration. What more could you want but…more inspiration! Write.click.scrapbook. is on Pinterest. And I’m always adding to my Project Life board, as well. I’ll also be posting my weekly spreads on my blog.

If you’re new to Project Life, you can go here to learn more straight from the creator, Becky Higgins. And you can read more of write.click.scrapbook.’s posts on Project Life here.

If you’re participating in Project Life, we’d love for you to leave a comment with a link to your blog/gallery so we can check them out. I’m excited for Project Life 2013 and I hope you are too!

My plan for Project Life 2013, AKA I will complete this album!

Hey there! I'm back today with my plan for Project Life in 2013.  After I figured out what didn’t work in 2012, it was easy to figure out what would make Project Life work better for me in 2013.  Warning: some of these things are really obvious. They’re also things I should’ve done from the beginning with 2012’s album. But I didn’t so I’m making a point of them this year.

• Weekly title cards. I’ve decided I’m going to create one simple title card I like, then replicate it for each week of the year. It'll be easy to tweak each week's card to fit the color scheme.
• Journaling cards. As I mentioned yesterday, I got way caught up in downloading all these super cute journaling cards. I was left with a giant pile of cards I’d printed, plus the cards in the Clementine kit. When it came time to choose my cards it took way too long to pick the ones I wanted to use. This year, I’m going to use the Seafoam core kit (I can’t wait for it to go on sale!) and then supplement it with some carefully chosen journaling cards. There are some cards I printed last year I turned to time and again and between those and the core kit, I should be set.  No more searching for cards.
• The receipts. And notes. And artwork. This stuff was out of control. I keep everything. I was excited to include it in my PL album last year except that I didn’t. I just let it pile up. So this year I’m going to be more careful about what I keep and then instead of throwing it in the file in my kitchen, I’m going to bring it down to my scrapbook area and stick it that week’s page protector so it’s there when I work on that week.
• My handwriting. I haven’t solved this one yet. Hmm, search for a typewriter at garage sales this summer? Until then, I’ve gotten some new pens and I’m hoping they magically improve my penmanship.
• My plethora of pictures. There’s really nothing I can do about this. I take many, many pictures. I’m always going to want to include them all. That’s what inserts are for, right?
• Use stamps. I've got plenty. I need to use them on my journaling cards.
• Taking notes/writing down quotes/journaling. I didn’t do a great job of writing things down this year. Combine that with a lack of blogging and it was a disaster when going back and completing weeks. This year I’m carrying a notebook, leaving one out in the kitchen and in my bedroom as well as on my scrapbook desk. I’m also journaling about my day each night (more on that tomorrow). My memory is not great, and while most of the time I can see a picture and remember what we did, I’ve come across too many where I couldn’t and I don’t want that to happen in 2013. I plan to include my children and husband more, too.
• Keep it simple. Stop trying to make it someone else’s style. My kids don’t care, they just want to see stories + pictures. That’s all.
• Keep up with it. This one is obvious but it’s also obvious I failed at it. I need to make a point to sit down each Sunday and work on my album.

So that’s my plan for 2013. Nothing earth-shattering, but hopefully keeping it simple will work for me. We’ve got a few Project Lifers on the WCS team. I asked them to share a few tips about what has worked for them with Project Life.

 

Celeste

“1. Use stock photography when you don't have a photo. I used movie posters for each movie we went to see in 2012

2. I did PL digitally in 2012. I already started prefilling the weeks for 2013 making a title card and adding a journal card and some filler cards. So I'm at week five. I'd like to do a couple each week to stay ahead.

3. I could not live without Valorie Wibbens stitched pockets. Also, I hope Emily Merritt makes her highlight of the week cards again for 2013! I bought a lot of In A Creative Bubble cards last year too!”

I love how Celeste uses the movie posters!

You can check out more of Celeste’s Project Life pages here.

 

Deb

“1. Printing photos. I purchased an Epson Artisan 837 and started printing my photos at home. I like that when I work on my layouts I can choose the photos, print and keep going rather than having to wait a few days to get the pics back. Before I had the printer, I would order prints every two or three weeks. Once I knew which pics I was using I would write out my journaling so that by the time the prints arrived, I was done except for sliding in the photos.

2. Get your kids involved. I haven't done this too often, but I'm hoping I'll talk my boys into participating a little more.

3. Use a template.  I sometimes print it out and jot down notes about which photo will go where so I'll know how many to print, where they're going and what size I need. The boxes aren't to scale because I made it to fit on a letter size sheet of paper. “

(You can find Deb’s template here, just right-click and save it.)

You can find more of Deb’s Project Life pages here.

 

Lisa

“One big thing I have taken away from this (my first PL year) is that this is my go to way to memory keep from now on. I will do layouts when I have a longer story that I want to record and whenever I just feel like it :) but the PL albums are the ones I will work in mainly in 2013. I am also pondering on just adding the layouts into the album also. “

Lisa wrote an awesome post about all the things she recorded in her PL album in 2012. If this doesn’t inspire you to do Project Life, I don’t know what will!  Check this out!

You can find more of Lisa’s Project Life pages here.

 

Christine

“My biggest learning from doing Project Life is to be flexible. I had all these rules that I made up in my mind and it made keeping up with Project Life really difficult. It doesn't have to be a 2-page spread every week. It doesn't have to be weekly. It doesn't have to be just pocket scrapbooking. I started integrating regular layouts right next to Project Life pockets. And also, do it your own way. I felt the pressure to get really scrappy, rather than try to keep it simple, when I saw what other people were doing. You should really just do it how you really like it, how it fits your style, rather than feel pressured to scrap how you see other people doing it. Because trying to do it other people's way is really hard for a whole year!”

You can find more of Christine’s Project Life pages here.

 

So there you go. A really long post chock full of tips and ideas for Project Life! Come back tomorrow for more weekly spreads from all of us as well as some of our favorite products to use in Project Life.

So how'd the whole Project Life thing go for ya?

For me, not so well. I love it. Oh, how I still love it. But boy did I stink at it last year. I think I was doomed from the start as I didn't begin until I got the page protectors, which I meant I started off 2 months behind. As I mentioned in my last post on Project Life, I just couldn't get going until I had them, even though I had the core kit. Once they arrived, I did the first two weeks of 2012 then skipped ahead to the current week. And then life happened. I got busy. I didn't scrapbook much at all whether regular pages or Project Life. Then I got so behind I'd say, "eh, why bother now." I started to think maybe it just wasn't meant for me. But as 2012 was nearing it's end, I was looking through the pages I had completed and I loved them.  I was disappointed I gave up and didn't complete the year because I truly enjoyed reliving the weeks that were done. I fell in love with the concept all over again. My passion for scrapbooking and documenting our life has come back. It apparently just needed a little vacation.

I'm now renewed. Refreshed. Ready to start 2013's Project Life album. I'm feeling confident this time around. I won't be behind from the get-go, which means I'm instantly ahead of last year. I've got a new plan for 2013, one I think will help me to actually complete the album without being overwhelmed. 

But first, what went wrong in 2012.

• Even without the the whole starting late and immediately being behind and then feeling like I needed to catch-up thing, I set myself up for failure. Anyone who knows me knows how indecisive I am. Like stare at two bookshelves in Target for a half hour because I can't decide which one I want. Only to leave without either because it's too much pressure to choose. So clearly, downloading every printable PL card I thought was cute was a bad move. This meant it took me a loooong time to pick out the cards for each week's spread. I should not have strayed so far from the core kit.
• And that whole indecisive thing also makes it hard to pare down my photos for the week. 
• I struggled with my handwriting. I totally need an old-school typewriter. But until that happens, I'll continue on with my ineligible handwriting. 
• Then there are the weekly title cards. I kept trying to make them different each week. While not terribly time-consuming, it's was time I didn't have to waste. 
• I had a file in my kitchen to collect the bits and pieces of life to use in my album. I'd then bring them down to my scrapbook area, dump them, and then not know what went where. I now have a nice collection of receipts, stubs, pictures, tags and more that I need to sort through.

So I know what went wrong, which means I know what needs to go right. And tomorrow, I'll share my plan for Project Life 2013.

Of course said plan includes completing 52 weeks, versus 2012's 15 weeks. Here are a few of them.

Week 13

Week 14 left, with insert. 

Week 14 right, with insert

Week 17

Week 36

Tomorrow, my plan for 2012 as well as some tips and thoughts on the process by my fellow Project Lifers. And Friday, I'll share pages from some of our WCS team members as well as our favorite products.

See you on Thursday,

Welcome, January!

Happy New Year!!

We hope that you all had a safe and a happy celebration as we watched the ball drop and the year change from 12 to 13. (Y2K seems like a distant memory as we move into the thirteenth year since we waited and paused wondering if our computers woul still turn on. While some of you won't remember the panic, for those that do, have you scrapbooked it? Hmm. Note to self: make a Y2K page.)

As we begin a new year, we want to tell you that we have some fun things in store for this next few months. Watch for some fun changes and additions! That's all we are saying for now... the excitement, the anticipation... (Note to self: write. click. scrapbook. is awesome!)

Did you all get signed up for Jessica Sprague's new Project Life class? If you haven't yet, click on over and check it out. It is a sure way to help you get off to a good start with your PL goals. (Note to self: take a moment and write out my 2013 goals.)

Are you excited for a new gallery? Goodness, it is a lovely one. Come see! (Note to self: get a sketchpad for jotting down ideas as inspiration strikes whilst looking through the gallery!)

 

This month, our theme is Note to Self. (Heehee! Did you see all the clues up above?) We were inspired by the Note To Self stamps we have been seeing and thought it would make a perfect theme for starting out our new year. We hope you enjoy our gallery filled with resolutions, understandings, and random thoughts. We hope you love it as much as we do!

As a reminder, if you would like to see the layouts in full size with the journaling provided, click over the photo album using the link in the column to the left! 

 

-ING Words | Francine Clouden

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Pink Paislee) + chipboard letters (American Crafts) + letter stickers (October Afternoon) + phrase stickers (Glitz Design) + journaling spots (Glitz Design) + die cuts (Anna Griffin) + vintage button + fabric yo-yo

A Note from Francine
This page was based on a blog post about all the action words at that particular time in my life. It's a great reminder to me all all that I do and enjoy.

 

Hey, You! | Aliza Deutsch

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon, Crate Paper) + embellishments (Elle’s Studio, Evalicious, Studio Calico, October Afternoon, Pebbles, Cocoa Daisy) + stickers (Lily Bee Design, American Crafts, Jillibean Soup)

A Note from Aliza
This layout is a bit more frenetic than I am used to making. I even used three exclamation points! My, goodness, that’s a lot. But it’s a fun and playful layout, so it feels right here. This really is an ongoing goal for me, though; getting over (or just owning up to) “looking bad” in pictures, but also being assertive enough to hand over the camera and to give instructions.

January Fun Fact
I do hope it snows around here sometime this winter. I detest feeling cold, but I love winter weather. I just wear lots and lots of clothes. (Really, absurd amounts of layers.)

 

Everyday Adventures | Francine Clouden

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12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, Crate Paper) + stickers (Authentique, Glitz Design) + chipboard stickers (Crate Paper) + acrylic stamp (Jenni Bowlin) + stamping ink (Ranger) + acrylic paint + ribbon

A Note from Francine
To make the painted background I used an expired gift card as a sort of palette knife to scrape acrylic paint on the page.

January Fun Fact
This year I do solemnly promise that I will get all my layouts into albums. Really!

 

read | Celeste Smith

12 x12 | materials stitching (Stitches and Pieces by The Doodle Queen ) + tape (Fabric Tape by Valorie Wibbens) + template (Transformers 14 by Lauren Reid at One Story Down) + kit (Mila's Spare Time by Peeps & Milo at One Story Down)

A Note from Celeste
This layout ,while not written like a note to myself, is a good reminder that once in awhile I need to just slow down and curl up with a good book!

January Fun Fact
Season 3 of Downton Abbey starts in a few days and I am beside myself with anticipation!

 

We Love Daddy | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper, elements (Echo Park) + frame (Crystal Wilkerson) + fonts (Century Gothic, Janda Silly Monkey, JB Cursive)

A Note from Marnie
I hit the jackpot on husbands. Truly. Oh, we have our troubles, please don't think me plastic, but I feel incredibly blessed to know what a wonderful father he is. This page is about my good fortune, as you never truly know how a young man will be as a father until he becomes one.

January Fun Fact
We have already had more snow that all of last year. This month, I am hoping to find a good sledding hill for my littles to learn the thrill of the whoosh!

 

quirk #47 | Celeste Smith

12 x 12 | materials Amy Jaz Jingle All the Way paper and elements at The Lilypad, Gina Miller Elf paper at The Lilypad, Amy Wolff Winter Washed paper at The Lilypad, Sahlin Studio Jolly Ole paper & elements, Sahlin Studio Trimming the Tree elements at The Lilypad, Little Butterfly Wings New Start elements at The Lilypad, Emily Merritt Big Number Week Cards at The Lilypad, Laurie Ann Reflecting Elements at The Lilypad

A Note from Celeste
This layout sprang out of one of the photos from my November 12 on the 12th photo collection. My lists are really my little notes to myself. I keep them everywhere and have no idea how I would function without them!

January Fun Fact
This year I'm resolving not to resolve!

 

Note to Self | Lisa Ottosson

A5 | materials patterned paper (Art Deco alpha with graph (here) +chevron printable/digital papers (here) + Peppermint Twist (here) + stickers (Pink Paislee) + accent (Printable Mason Jar here)

A Note from Lisa
This layout is going in my 2013 Project Life album as one of the start pages. I want to have it in there to remind me that I shouldn´t take anything for granted. After a year of losses (both my grandfather and grandmother) and other personal events, I need a reminder that life is fragile.

January Fun Fact
The A5 size is about half of a 8.5x11” paper and is my new size for the new year!

 

Joy Everyday | Katie Ehmann

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, KI Memories, Authentique) + embellishments (Simple Stories, Studio Calico, Darice, Inc) + stickers (Pebbles) + stamps (Studio Calico, American Crafts) + ink (Hero Arts) + die cutting machine (Silhouette Cameo)

A Note from Katie
This layout is all about me on 12/12/12. I took this photo at exactly 12:12pm and knew that I wanted to use it in my note to me layout. I love the touch of sparkle American Crafts POW papers and the sequins add, and it complemented my theme of joy.

January Fun Fact
I love snow for Christmas. But after Christmas, I’d be perfectly happy if it was 70 and sunny everyday. Too bad for me, though, because I live in the great white tundra that is Michigan, where winter lasts half the year!

 

Note to Self | Jennifer Larson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Echo Park, Basic Grey, Studio Calico, October Afternoon) + cardstock (Stampin’ Up!, Bazzill) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Basic Grey, Pink Paislee, Queen & Company) + stickers (Basic Grey, Jenni Bowlin, October Afternoon) + punches (EK Successs) + sandpaper (Basic Grey) + floss (DMC) + templates (Bazzill, Stampin’ Up!)

A Note from Jennifer
My mother recently gave me a box filled with photos of myself as a child. I scanned them, so now when I want to do a layout about my childhood, I edit and print one of those photos to use. Here I reflect more on my life since my childhood, reflecting on some of my insecurities when I was a child as well as some of the things I wish I’d done differently or known when I was younger.

January Fun Fact
I love the month of January, even though it’s super cold here in Minnesota. It’s my birthday month!

 

Sushi | Kathy Martin

12 x 12 | < b>materials patterned paper (October Afternoon) + alphabet stickers (American Crafts) + accents (Maya Road)

A Note from Kathy
Note to self, if you don’t like something the first time you try it, don’t wait 25 years to try it again!

January Fun Fact
Surprisingly, even the hubs, who doesn’t like cooked fish and seafood, likes sushi! Go figure?!?!

 

Remember | Deb Duty

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Studio Calico, Basic Grey) + embellishments (Studio Calico, American Crafts) + stickers (Pebbles) + alpha (Basic Grey, Studio Calico, Cosmo Cricket) + stamps (Studio Calico)

A Note from Deb
This layout is about a very recent photo of my boys. When I was thinking about the theme for this month, I thought about this photo that I captured with phone. When I took the photo I was thinking about how I wanted to remember how much fun they were having together playing basketball and joking around.

January Fun Fact
I'm very excited to be attending my first CHA show this month!

 

Thoughts From Today | Valerie O'Neall

8.5 x 11 | materials cardstock (Wausau) + patterned paper (Crate Paper, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon) + stamp (American Crafts) + flair (Ormolu) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + enamel dots (My Mind's Eye) + chalk ink (Prima) + pen (Copic Multiliner) + Silhouette SD (fonts: Matchbook & Novocento Wide)

A Note from Valerie
I planned this layout in Silhouette Studio, loaded an 8.5 x 11 sheet into my Silhouette SD to cut out the title and phrase and built the layout around those two elements. I threw around the idea of adding photos, but decided to leave them out this time and make the layout completely about the journaling.

January Fun Fact
I'm so proud of my mom. She lost almost 70 pounds last year! Way to go, mom!

 

You Will Be | Jennie McGarvey

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Glitz Designs, KI Memories, American Crafts) + cardstock (Bazzill and American Crafts) + glitter paper (American Crafts) + embellishments (American Crafts, Studio Calico and Cosmo Cricket) + Washi Tape (Glitz Design)

A Note from Jennie
This layout features a photo of me when I was 2 years old with my Grandpa. This photo sits on my dresser and I look at it daily, and have, for basically all of my life. I have done a bit of deeper journaling (not too much!) and have hidden it in the glassine bag.

January Fun Fact
I do not drink warm beverages. Very, very occasionally a hot latte or hot chocolate, but that is rare!

 

Note to Self | Amy Coose

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Echo Park, Basic Grey, Studio Calico) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Silhouette Cameo, Prima) + tags (Chic Tags) + stickers (Washi from Freckled Fawn) + twine (The Twinery)

A Note from Amy
This layout was built around our Christmas card picture from this year. Seeing us all together reminded me how important it is to enjoy each and every moment we have together.

January Fun Fact
We always set New Year resolutions as a family, and promptly forget about them by the next week. I am hoping that posting it here on the wcs blog will help hold me accountable this year. :)

 

I am Brave | Diane Payne

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, Glitz, My Mind's Eye) + embellishments (American Crafts, A Flair for Buttons, My Mind's Eye) + stickers (Glitz, American Crafts) + stamps (American Crafts)

A Note from Diane
I love quotes so I thought it would be fun to feature a favorite one for the theme this month. It is a quote that I try to remember when I'm faced with doing something that I resist, simply because I'm afraid of the unknown. The title was inspired by the quote.

January Fun Fact
January always puts me in the mood to purge! Purging and organizing the things that make the cut always makes me feel so good.

 

Know This | Emily Spahn

8.5 x 11 | materials Gossamer Blue January kit: cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon) + brads (My Mind’s Eye) + stickers (My Mind’s Eye) + chipboard (My Mind’s Eye, Studio Calico) + die cut (October Afternoon) + washi tape (My Mind’s Eye) + doily (Gossamer Blue)

A Note from Emily
It’s crazy to me that as of last month, it’s been 10 years since I graduated from college. Time has truly flown! I wanted to make a layout that included some things I’ve learned in the past ten years, as well as a bit of advice to my younger self!

January Fun Fact
We are the family that is busy, busy, busy every weekend from about June until December. We are constantly on the move. I LOVE January, because for the first time in ages, I can just relax on the weekends!

 

Remember This | Christine Newman

12 x 12 | materials "Happy Gram" digital kit (One Little Bird) + "Note To Self" digital kit (Echo Park) + fonts (Bebas, Lobster 2.0, Covered By Your Grace) + phone app (Incredibooth)

A Note from Christine
I love mixing things up with scrapbooking. I like doing all paper layouts, hybrid layouts, or all digital layouts. Since my last two gallery layouts were paper layouts, I decided to go with a digital one this time!

January Fun Fact
In January of 2011, I started a project called "New 52". I did at least one new thing each week and documented it on my blog. At the end of the year I had 52 blog posts of photos and stories of new adventures. It was fantastic!

 

Note to Self | Paula Gilarde

12 x 12 | materials LayerWorks No. 154 (Studio DD) +Alison kit (Maplebrook Studios) + Curled Journal Spots No. 6 (Katie Pertiet) + Readymade Journalers Note to Self (Studio DD) + Simple Collage Frames No. 1 (Katie Pertiet)

A Note from Paula
An emergency necessitating a call to the fire department resulted in me reverting back to my childhood - I called the number for emergency services in Ireland (999) instead of 911! I quickly discovered my mistake and dialed the correct number. The fire was out before the fire department got there.

January Fun Fact
I'm hoping to learn how to cross-country ski this year.

 

Eighteen Year Old Me | Christa Paustenbaugh

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (Studio Calico, Simple Stories, Scenic Route) + die cuts (Elle’s Studio, Ormolu, Simple Stories, Evalicious for Cocoa Daisy) + stickers (Pebbles, Simple Stories) + button (American Crafts) + twine (Ormolu) + flair (Ormolu) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + mist (Studio Calico)

A Note from Christa
As soon as I saw this month’s theme I knew exactly what I would do. Amazing how much you think you know at 18 when actually you know nothing! When I look at that photo from nearly 22 years ago I almost don’t remember her. Things definitely change and in my circumstance the change is good and a learning process too.

January Fun Fact
It’s a big month in our household – a Grandma is making the big journey across the Pacific to come visit us in Japan and while she’s here we get to celebrate my youngest daughter’s birthday. She rarely has anyone visit for her birthday since weather is so unpredictable so she is beside herself that grandma will be here!

 

Note to Self | Erin Sweeney

 8.5 x 11 materials patterned paper (Amy Tangerine/American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye) + embellishments (Ormolu) + stickers (American Crafts) + punch (EK Success) 

A Note from Erin
For me, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of day-to-day life: cleaning the house, running errands, making dinner, laundry, homework, activities and more before you know it bedtime is here and another day is gone. While those things are necessary, they’re not the important things, they can wait. The important thing is spending time with my family –p laying with my kids, being with my husband, all of us being together. And I know this. Yet it’s easy to forget it while doing all the aforementioned things. So my note to self is to remember what’s important, to put my family first, and to enjoy being with them.

 

Memories Shimmer | Amy Sorenson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey, Echo Park, My Mind's Eye) + alphabet stickers (Studio Calico) + alphabet stamps (Studio Calico) + stamping ink (ColorBox) + fonts (KG Ways to Say Goodbye, LD Remington Portable)

A Note from Amy
The idea for this layout's journaling came from a conversation I had with my mom last month, when I was feeling anxious about my Christmas-making efforts. By reminding me that it would all turn out OK, she helped me put things back into perspective and calmed my nerves. I hope I can do the same sort of things for my kids as they turn into adults---but now it's written down just in case!

January Fun Fact
Last January was fairly pathetic, snow-wise, around here. I am SO hoping for lots of snow this year!

 

Note | Kelly Jeppson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper, felt snowflake (Stampin' Up) + crepe paper + book page + felt embellishment (K&Company) + letter stickers (American Crafts)

A Note From Kelly
Sometimes I have to be more like my daughter, Josie, who always has something to celebrate. This is my little reminder that "There's always something to celebrate."

January Fun Fact
I got a new computer for Christmas! And a root canal. One of them is more fun than the other.

 

Note to Self | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials paper, notecards (Crystal Wilkerson) + fonts (TwoPeas Magic Marker, Jenna Sue, KG Ray of Sunshine)

A Note from Marnie
I'm so aghast that I have been missing from my photo albums. I used to teach CKCs and my biggest mantra was be in more photos. Be in more photos. And yet... Sheesh. The good news is that my 8 year old got a camera for Christmas so now there are two of us taking pictures!

January Fun Fact
Today we begin a new 52 books in 52 weeks! I began the effort two years ago, and haven't made it all the way there yet, so maybe this will be the year!

 

just remember | Lisa Ottosson

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts) + font (Blackout) + stickers (Panduro Hobby)

A Note from Lisa
This layout came to be the very last one I did 2012. My life forever changed just before Christmas and I felt like I needed to do another “Note to self” page. This time with a message that all will be ok, eventually.

I added a small journaling tag to the page with some hidden journaling behind the photo. I went looking for something to bling out the tag with and happened upon a pair of vintage earrings I thrifted a while ago. I simply attached it like I would a brad and cut of the stem on the back, preventing it from poking holes in my album.

January Fun Fact
I am so ready to start a new year!!!

 

Thank you for stopping by! Happy New Year!!

Countdown to 2013

Hey there. Can you believe it's almost 2013 already?   

My husband and I are homebodies, we like hanging around our house with our kids. And New Year's Eve is no different. If we're not hanging out at home or a friend's house, then we're doing a family-friendly activity. Tonight, we'll be doing just that, watching the children run around with their friends while the adults play some games. It's the perfect New Year's Eve for us. 

Last year, we went bowling and then to dinner. We started at 4pm and were home by 8. I'm not even sure we both made it to midnight to watch the ball drop!

 

Here's how Katie rang in 2012.

No matter where you're spending your evening - home watching one of the New Year's Eve shows or out on the town - take some pictures! I know it might seem like just one more thing to scrapbook on top of all the holiday pictures, but it's a great memory to record.

And to help you out, here's a sketch.

You may download it as a layered template here. Please enjoy!

 

Goodbye, 2012 and Welcome, 2013!

In Review

Hey everyone, I am thrilled to be posting the in review post for December.  Our theme for December was favorite photos, and it was really fun seeing each designer's take on the theme.

There were so many amazing photos!  Sit back and let's take a look at our amazing Favorite Photos Gallery!

Aliza's layout contains not only powerful pictures, but a powerful subject as well.  The photos really hit home along with her journaling as she shared her feelings about surviving Hurricane Sandy.

Did you see the precious photo on Vivian's layout?  She did an amazing job using the layout design to frame her photo, and went on to embellish it perfectly.

There was so much I loved about Christa's layout! First, the photo was amazing, she balanced her design with such fun embellishments across from the photo, and I loved the title placement!

I don't think it's possible for Celeste's boys to be any cuter!  I loved that she used a black and white photo which just pops with the gorgeous colors she picked for her layout.

Monika's layout was so soft and beautiful.  It was obvious that this photo is special, and all the details she included make for one amazing layout.

I love that Lisa picked her favorite recent photo, and she highlighted it perfectly.  I love the softness of the doily and the grounding of the fun patterned paper strips.

Diane's layout was just full of fun, special details.  I loved the layering, the twine, the flair, the wood stars, but I have to say that the photos were definitely my favorite part.

Jennie's favorite photo was one great shot!  The colors match the photo perfectly, and her handwriting...it's just WOW!

I adored Kathy's sweet photo!  Her layout was just so much fun, with great patterns and I really loved how she added the machine sewing.

I thought Francine's photo was just precious.  I loved the smile on her and her little one's face.  The black and white photo just pops against that gorgeous green background.

My layout is next, and I knew I wanted to use this picture of my husband and I as my favorite photo. We don't have many photos of us together, so it was an easy choice for me, and it turned out to be one of my favorite layouts I've ever made.

Talk about an amazing photo-Valerie's layout is perfect for this priceless photo.  I love how she covered her journaling with vellum creating softness, and she kept her embellishments to a minimum, which highlights the photo even more.

Sarah's layout was amazing, and her photo was gorgeous.  I couldn't get over how many amazing details she added, and the dreamy colors with pops of red made quite a spectacular layout!

I just love Katie's photos so much!  I love that she recreated such a great photo, and included them both on the layout. The title work and fun patterns she included really worked perfectly with the photos.

Christine used such a fun photo, and I loved the banner she created for her layout. Using the brown as her background really works well with the purples and blues in the photo and patterned paper she used.

Jenny's amazing layout design really draws me in to the fabulous photos of her boys.  I really like how she added her embellishments in a cluster above the photos, leaving the photos to shine on their own.

Amy's layout reminded me that what we do is important.  Taking photos capture special moments and memories, just like this photo of Amy with her mom and sister did.  I love the quote she added, and the gorgeous font she used for her journaling.

Deb's layout was so much fun, just like her photo!  I loved the subtle stamps, and the way she added the date to the flag at the bottom of the layout.

Paula's photo was so sweet.  The banner she used along the bottom of the photo was amazing, and putting the title on top of the star really made it pop.  What a fun, fun, layout!

Emily's photo of her sweet puppy was heart-wrenching. I thought it was a great tribute to her amazing family pet.  The layering, fun stamping, and wood chips really draw your eye to the photo, and you can tell Maddie was something special.

You can't help but to love Erin's photos!  She did a great job of making those photos pop by her choice of color, her design, and wonderful journaling.

Emily's layout is design perfection.  I was immediately drawn to the photo with that cool arrow, and I loved the way she added hand stitching to her journaling.

Marnie's layout was the perfect fit for all the personality in her favorite photo.  I love that she used such bold colors, but on a smaller scale so they don't overwhelm the photo.  

Walking through the gallery again, I realized that I really missed so many of the special details each designer included in their layout.  I hope you enjoyed our walk as much as I did!

 

Before I go, we have our monthly freebie to help you create a favorite photographs page as well. Here it is

You may download it here if you would like. Thank you, always for your kind comments and daily visits!

My December Daily 2012

Hi, Erin here. And there on the left, that's me and my friend Beth during a recent 5K. Yep, during the 5K. I truly do take a camera every where I go. And that picture is included in Day One of my 2012 December Daily.

My December Daily album is one of my favorite things I do each year. And as with most scrapbooking projects, I'm behind! But I don't mind. Once I start working on it, it seems to come together pretty quickly.

For this year's album, I'm using Crate Paper's Sleigh Ride collection. While I've gotten better at mixing and matching papers, patterns and lines over the last few years, when it comes to a project like this I love to use a coordinating line. For me, it makes the process easier and faster.

My album this year is roughly 6 x 8, with a few different size pages thrown in depending on the day and activity. My pages are actually 6 x 8.5 though, as I'm allowing room to bind it with my Zutter Bind-it-All once it's complete. Which explains why everything is a bit off center.

My Cover

Day One

Left:

Right:

Day 2

Day 4

Happy December Daily-ing!

Welcome, December!

It's December. Which means more good food, family gatherings, and a break from school for the kids. December also has a tendency to bring madness, and chaos, if you let it. Which we will not, right?? 

This month we return to December Dailies with each day a new author. We will have layouts, cards, home decor and more. All to help you through your holiday scrapbooking and preparation. It begins Monday with Celeste and a printable. You loved it last year, so don't miss it this year!! 

But for now, today is a new gallery! Did you see our new countdown banner? Do you love it? We do, too! And the countdown has ended which means it is time for you to see some new layouts!

This month, we are scrapbooking Our Favorite Photos. December can be very busy but those photos that we love seem to draw us in, no matter what the todo list, no? We hope you enjoy seeing some of our most favorite photos turned into favorite layouts!

As always, if you would like the see the layouts a bit bigger and to have the journaling to read, click over the photo album! Enjoy! And we always love your comments telling us how much you love us!

 

NYC After the Storm| Aliza Deutsch

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey, Studio Calico, Echo Park, Lawn Fawn) + embellishments (Crate Paper, Amy Tangerine, A Flair for Buttons, Paper Source, My Mind’s Eye ) + stickers (American Crafts)

A Note from Aliza
In the days following hurricane Sandy, while we went a few days without some basic amenities, I was overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude for all that we usually have. I knew the experience would find its way into some layouts. So, you know, I made sure to photograph it.

December Fun Fact
It’s my birthday this month! 

 

Cherish | Vivian Masket

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill Basics) + patterned paper (Crate Paper) + wood embellishments (Crate Paper) + ribbon (May Arts) + die cutting machine (Silhouette) + fonts (Pacifico, AL Uncle Charles)

A Note from Vivian
I really wanted to use this gorgeous baby-themed patterned paper with my photo but it didn’t match. A simple fix – I converted the photo to black and white, which enabled me to use these papers.

December Fun Fact
Is it wrong that I am already thinking about Christmas cookies when there’s still Halloween candy left?

 

A New Favorite I Christa Paustenbaugh

12 X 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (Crate Paper, Echo Park) + stickers (Jillibean Soup, October Afternoon, American Crafts) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + brads (Crate Paper, SEI) + die cuts (Maya Road, Banana Fish Studio) + chipboard (American Crafts) + flair (Ormolu) + buttons (Crate Paper) + tape (Bella Blvd.) + twine (The Twinery) + stamp (Banana Fish Studio) + embossing powder (American Crafts)

A Note from Christa
Since our move in May I have been making a conscious effort to put myself in front of the camera more often instead of hiding behind it. Even on those days that I don’t feel like I look pretty or have make up on or my hair done. My kids and family don’t care and just want to see me in those photos. This is one of my new favorites from a recent spur of the moment photo shoot. I treasure this photo!

December Fun Fact
Many people can’t imagine Christmas/the holidays without cold and/or snow. I’m luckily not one of those people! I’m looking forward to enjoying Christmas outside in my shorts and possibly a light sweater if I get cold. 

You're My Ocean & Stars | Celeste Smith

12 x 12 | materials digital kit (Ahoy Love by Audrey Neal, Retired) + tags (Toolbox Tags vol 1 by Gennifer Bursett, retired) + template edges (Beautiful Memories by Erica Coombs, retired)

A Note from Celeste
My favorite photos are typically staged photos that include both boys looking at the camera and smiling. It is rare to get the two of them in the same place, sitting still, and in a mood to cooperate! By converting my photo to black and white, I was able to make it work with the colors in this kit. My older son's orange shirt would have clashed terribly!

December Fun Fact
Christmas break is coming! 11 days to just veg out and re-read the entire Harry Potter series for the sixth time!

 

Joy | Monika Wright

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper, embellishments, stickers, twine (My Mind’s Eye) + paper doily (craft supply)

A Note from Monika
Even though I’ve scrapped this photo before, it just speaks to me. Even though we have tried to have more children since this photo was taken, this is our first official family photo as a family of five. My son is now taller than all of us and no longer lives at home, but we remain a family of five.

December Fun Fact
This photo was taken 6 weeks after our youngest was born and she just turned 7!

 

My Current Favorite | Lisa Ottosson

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Panduro Hobby) + embellishments (Dear Lizzy) + stickers (Websters pages, Pink Paislee)

A Note from Lisa
I went with my current favorite photo. First I thought that I might do a page about what I think are the most important photos, but I came to the conclusion that all my photos are important for different reasons. This one is important because it is my favorite right now.

December Fun Fact
I love photos! I do. I love taking them. I love looking at them. I love to play with them. I love finding them in thrift stores. I love photos!

 

Joy | Diane Payne

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico) + embellishments (Studio Calico) + stickers (Studio Calico)

A Note from Diane
I've scrapped this photo before with a series of other photos but I love it so much I wanted it to be the main focal point of a page. From a technical standpoint, this photo isn't fabulous but I captured the excitement of the moment in this candid shot and I smile every I look at it.

December Fun Fact
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I enjoy spending more time at home with my family and always put up the Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the lights and decorations for several weeks.

 

These Moments | Jennie McGarvey

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill), patterned paper (Lily Bee Designs, Echo Park) banners (Elle's Studio) stickers (American Crafts) stamps (Cocoa Daisy) Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

A Note from Jennie
I was holding onto this photo because I love it. It's not a masterpiece, as it was just taken with my iPhone, but it's the boys and I -- with true expressions in a lovely setting. I'm happy to have it and it's definitely a current favorite.

December Fun Fact
I am absolutely not a fan of the cold. Bad for a girl living in the midwest.

 

Oreo | Kathy Martin

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Pebbles) + alphabet stickers (American Crafts) + accents (Pebbles)

A Note from Kathy
My favorite kind of photo is the everyday kind that capture the little moments of our lives. While posed pictures are beautiful and there are so many great photographers today, I still prefer the shots we take at home. They aren’t always the best quality, but they are the real deal.

December Fun Fact
We currently have three cats, two parrots and two sugar gliders.

 

I've Grown | Francine Clouden

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Making Memories) + die cut butterflies (Making Memories) + glitter letter stickers (Making Memories) + journaling spots (Making Memories)

A Note from Francine
Since Kieran came along I take way less photos of myself. I know it's really important for me to be present on the scrapbook pages, so photos of the two of us are really special to me. I just need to try to take more like this!

December Fun Fact
I'm currently obsessed with Instagram. I know, I am late to this party, but better late than never right?

 

Love You | Amy Coose

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill) + patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon, Lawn Fawn) + embellishments (Simple Stories, October Afternoon, Kaiser Craft) + stickers (Simple Stories) + Silhouette Cameo

A Note from Amy 
I don't have many pictures of my hubby and I so when I get one, it's very special. We snapped this one before a party and it's one of my favorite photos that we have together.

December Fun Fact 
I am a homebody by nature, so winter is one of my favorite seasons. I love having an excuse to stay in my warm clothes, snuggled by a fire, drinking coffee all day.

 

So Tiny | Valerie O'Neall

8.5 x 11 | materials kit (Studio Calico Poodle Skirt) + patterned paper (American Crafts) + die cut shape (American Crafts) + alpha stickers (Pink Paislee) + stamp (Studio Calico + Hero Arts) + vellum (Office Depot) + ink (Staz On) + other (striped washi, sewing machine, thread) + font (St. Marie)

A Note from Valerie
So tiny! Look at that perfect tiny, little hand! I thought it would be cool to use vellum as my background, so I printed out my journaling on a sheet and went from there. Everything is from Studio Calico's Poodle Skirt kit except for the washi and the vellum.

December Fun Fact
We always get a real Christmas tree every year. I think it's such a great tradition, and it's one less thing we have to store the rest of the year.

 

Captured | Sarah Pendergrast

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, Studio Calico, Basic Grey) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Sodalicious, Basic Grey, American Crafts, My Minds Eye) + stickers (Jenni Bowlin, American Crafts)

A Note from Sarah
This month's theme was photos that matter. I chose this photo because I think it captured the love between these two in a natural unforced way.

 

 

30 Years Later | Katie Ehmann

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, Bazzill Basics, American Crafts) + embellishments (Studio Calico) + stickers (Studio Calico) + stamps (Studio Calico) + ink (Hero Arts)

A Note from Katie
This layout means a lot to me because last Christmas my sister, cousins and I re-created a photo that was taken 30 years ago. The idea that 30 years went by so quickly is both fascinating and frightening to me! I used my Silhouette Cameo for the title and backed it with POW paper to give it a little punch. All patterned papers and embellishments are from Studio Calico's Darling Dear line. I love how it works with the colors and vintage feel of my photo! I tucked some hidden journaling on the tag that says "pull".

December Fun Fact
I love December! Family traditions, holiday crafts, Christmas movies, Christmas presents, Christmas songs, Christmas cookies...you get the idea ;-)

 

You're My Favorite | Christine Newman

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (October Afternoon, BasicGrey, Studio Calico, American Crafts, Echo Park) + vellum paper (Strathmore) + embellishments (Freckled Fawn, BasicGrey, My Mind's Eye, American Crafts, October Afternoon, Studio Calico) + twine (The Twinery) + stamps (Studio Calico, American Crafts, Freshed Baked Paper Goods on Etsy) + ink (Momento, Prima) + digital graphics (Lauren Grier, Elle's Studio) + die-cut machine (Silhouette) + font (Blackout) + Photoshop Actions (Totally Rad)

A Note from Christine
This layout has one of my very favorite photos of my husband Todd. He just looks so handsome. Plus, he was standing in front of Ghirardelli chocolate store in San Francisco. Which makes two of my very favorites in the same photo! :) This also might be the first time I've used a dark background for a layout. I would love to do more of them.

December Fun Fact
I hate shopping in the crowded stores in December, so I do almost all my holiday gift shopping online, or I make handmade gifts.

 

Brickmasters | Jennifer Larson

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Stampin’ Up!) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, Simple Stories, Pebbles, Jillibean Soup) + embellishments (Simple Stories, American Crafts, October Afternoon, Lego Club, Stampin’ Up!) + punch (EK Success) + chipboard (American Crafts) + ink (Stampin’ Up!, Jenni Bowlin) + stamps (Studio Calico) + fonts (Gill Sans)

A Note from Jennifer
The journaling says it all: I’ve taken the boys to Lego Club for the past three years, but these two photos are my favorites. I took them on my iPhone with Instagram, and I love them because of how grown up they look. And for the first time ever, I’ve used one of their Lego Club stickers they get but never use. Stolen for a good cause!

December Fun Fact
I always make a Lego advent calendar for Christmas. I buy two small Lego sets, about 250 pieces each, one for each boy. I made a Karen Foster drawer calendar for this, and every day I insert a clue into the day’s drawer. (My boys trade off days: my older boy gets odd days because his birthday is odd, my younger boy gets evens because his birthday is even.) When the boys figure out the clue and go to where the clue leads them, that boy finds a few Lego pieces. That lasts until Christmas, and on Christmas morning each boy finds the directions for the Lego set he’s been collecting under the tree. It’s so much fun for them, though they’re getting better at figuring out which set they’re getting.

 

Beauty is a Light | Amy Sorensen

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey) + large alphabet stamp (Close to My Heart) + small alphabet stamp (Studio Calico) + ink (Close to My Heart) + Sunshine in my Soul font

A Note from Amy
I read a challenge somewhere on someone's blog recently to let your children hear you compliment yourself. This layout grew out of that challenge—it really is something I need to work on. The photo has me, my mom, and my younger sister Becky; my daughter Haley took it for us. It's a photo that matters for several reasons to me, but mostly because I don't have enough pictures with me and the people I love. I need to work on that too!

December Fun Fact
I think dark chocolate Lindt truffle balls are one of mankind's best creations!

 

Sock Monkey Joy | Deb Duty

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey) + stickers (Basic Grey) + stamps (Basic Grey, Technique Tuesday)

A Note from Deb
This layout is about one of my favorite photos from last Christmas. I love how Mason is smiling proudly with his sock monkey and Alec is still looking his over trying to decide whether or not he likes it.

December Fun Fact
I'll be finishing up my third year of Project Life soon. I'm excited to start again in January!

 

My Boys | Paula Gilarde

12 x 12 | materials Alison Solids (Maplebrook Studios) + Messy Stitched Borders Green No. 1 (Katie Pertiet) + Splatters No. 3 (Katie Pertiet) + Readymade Banners For Dad (Studio DD) + Essential Words No. 2 (Ali Edwards) + Wooden Alpha No. 5 (Katie Pertiet) + Doodle Do Frames No. 1 (Katie Pertiet) + Staple Its (Pattie Knox)

A Note from Paula
We had a photo shoot with a local photographer earlier in the year - this is one of my favorite shots, of my two boys.

December Fun Fact
I'm a big fan of advent calendars. One year we had 5 going at one time - I think that might have been a few too many though!

 

Every Single Day | Emily Spahn

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Pink Paislee) + chipboard alphabet (Basic Grey) + wood stars (Studio Calico) + stamps (Sodalicious, Becky Higgins) + pin (Maya Road) + tab (October Afternoon) + wash tape (MT) + sticker (Authentique) + mist (Studio Calico)

A Note from Emily
This is one of the hardest layouts I’ve ever made. This is my dog Maddie, who we lost this past January to Lymphoma. She was six years old. This photo was taken two days before she passed, exactly three months after she was diagnosed. She was suddenly so sick and weak. Her eyes were filled with sadness. It still breaks my heart to look at these photos, and this is the first time I have scrapbooked a layout about her since she’s been gone. She was so much more than a dog. She was our family…our baby. And, like the layout says, I miss her every single day.

December Fun Fact
December is a month of traditions! One of our favorite December traditions is going as a family downtown (Chicago), having breakfast, and visiting the Christkindlmarket. This year will be our sixth (or maybe seventh!!) year! I can’t wait!

 

Live Out Loud | Erin Sweeney

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey) + stickers (7 Gypsies) 

A Note from Erin
This layout is not new. In fact, it’s been posted here on wcs before. But I love it. And when I saw the theme was favorite photos I knew I had to use it again. I LOVE these pictures of my daughter Mackenzie. They are so her. They capture her spirit, her personality. And these pictures perfectly accompany the journaling, describing who Mackenzie was when these were taken. She’s five now, and still just as spunky!

December Fun Fact
Today I’m running a 5K with jingle bells on my shoes and reindeer antlers on my head. Merry Christmas!

 

Twenty Years | Emily Pitts

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon) + journaling card, stickers, green alphabet stickers (Simple Stories) + chipboard alphabet (American Crafts) stamp (Kelly Purkey for Cocoa Daisy, Cocoa Daisy) + washi tape (My Mind’s Eye) + adhesive (Glue Arts, Recollections) + embossing powder (American Crafts) + pen (EK Success) + floss (DMC)

A Note from Emily
I was going to scrap a very old photo, but then I took this one and it captures the relationship my husband and I have so well that I had to scrap it instead.

December Fun Fact
My scrap loft is finally clean! It only took me a year, but it’s all cleaned and organized in a huge IKEA cabinet. I got rid of about 50 pounds of stuff in the process, donating and recycling it. I’m a much happier person. Over Christmas break, we are going to pull the white carpet out and install hardwood. I’m so excited!

 

Happiness | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials banner (Michelle Underwood) + tape (Michelle Underwood) + ribbon (Michelle Underwood) + word strip (Lori Whitlock) + fonts (KG Ray of Sunshine, Letter Gothic)

A Note from Marnie
Favorite photos for me are often the last ones taken. I'm incredibly fickle that way. So when I went hunting for one that was more that just the most recent favorite, I remembered about this one. I love that it captures emotion. I realized as I was picking favorites that most are the ones that capture my kids just as I see them. A face, or a muted sound, or a look--just a little something that gets it right. I love that.

December Fun Fact
My kids have never ever ever wanted to sit on Santa's lap. Instead, we go to the mall with the second floor, and wave to him from upstairs. One year he waved back. They were five hundred and sixteen times more excited than I could have imagined. The write letters for the real Santa and feel no need to sit upon a strange impersonator's lap. Why sit when you can wave from afar? Silly mites.

In Review

I love write. click. scrapbook. Saturdays. I love taking time to look back through the galleries. I remember back when a Simple Scrapbooks magazine would arrive in my mailbox, how I would turn the pages as fast as I could to see all the layouts. Then I would go to sleep and dream of all that I saw. Then over the next few weeks, I would go back through and study it. I would look through the layouts and ear mark those that sang to me. Then I would study them to see how and why.

Now that everything has gone online, I sometimes feel like information and layouts come at us so fast and so furiously, that it is hard to slow down and do what we used to do. That's part of why I love gallery walking. It just lets us take time to look again. Slowly. Purposefully. Shall we begin?

 

Rather than make lists, this month we are going to go layout by layout and look at the colors of each layout. Color is a true starting place for many layouts. Let's look and see how our team put things together.

Francine's layout is lovely in yellow and grey. Current color trends certainly affect our pages. As you put together your wardrobe each season, look to see if the colors would translate well onto a page.

Aliza's page talks about her love of black clothes. Notice how she uses stark black elements to help support her journaling. The ink drips. The stitching. The small graphic papers. That she used them in such sparse measures, makes you notice them all the more.

We have learned how impactful repetition can be. Vivian's layout is a perfect example. She uses color families as repetitive elements. The lettering of her title, the photos, and then the painted veneer cameras. First, the repetition is visually soothing. Then the colors help you notice the vibrance color in the photos. And lastly, the contrast of the darkest brown provides a backdrop for the colors to shine. Perfect. 

Lisa's layout shows how much she loves color. Have you taken a moment to document the color in your life? As a side design note, Lisa's journaling inserted on the diagonal is wonderful! And the teeny heart on the photo is one of those Lisa elements that just help her pages to ooze likability.

Next, let's look at Katie's layout. She added her favorite colors in equal proportions. Equal? I know. The pink/red takes up the whole page. But the blue is so saturated, compared to the spritz of the pink. So really they are quite balanced. Your mind will gather up all those spritzy dots and combine them to look the same as the blue. Really. Pop back over and look and tell me which one you see in greater proportion. Neither, right?? I knew it! Katie is a genius. And you can be, too. Then next time you have two equally bold and bright colors that you want to include, add one through mist. The diffusion will be just what you need to keep things balanced without having to resort to actual balanced use.

Did you read through Deb's notes? There she tells us how she is drawn to soft blue. I love that when she made her layout she didn't drown us in it. In fact, when you first see Deb's layout, I would venture that you, like me, first noticed the bright, warm yellow. But do you know what sets that yellow off so well? You guessed it, the soft blue that she loves. When you love something, don't force it to be center stage. Sometimes it can play a more powerful role in the background. I guarantee that had she used a bright green in place of the soft blue that the beauty of the yellow would have been lost.

Diane and color are like bread and butter. They just go together! (Just because I am that way, I am curious about her home decor and how she incorporates her bright happiness throughout her living spaces!) For the color on Diane's layout, look to how she has muted brights rather than bright brights. If the colors were all saturated, it might have screamed too loudly. Rather, the yellow in the middle draws our eye right in and the dark red peeking out from behind the photo grounds it. Then the other four color stripes are fun and happy without overwhelming.

From bright to muted, let's next look to Celeste's layout. This is a terrific example of how color doesn't need to be vibrant to be impactful. And also how a neutral can help push a color forward into the spotlight. Celeste's use of greige (grey-beige) serves an important role in highlighting the star of the page and the story, orange. Before we go on, have you made a page documenting your favorite color yet?

When I first noticed Kathy's work, I must admit I was smitten by her ability to use bright colors and lots of patterns. I love how she didn't shy away from them and incorporated them with ease and delight. This month, Kathy's layout stayed true to her talent. Let's look. The first thing that catches the eye of course is the myriad colors. The next is that the patterns are all small, which makes them evenly weighted. Lastly, the white space on the right and from the kraft in the center offsets the bountiful color. Lending a hand to that is the black in the title as well. And see how Kathy didn't add the center to the middle of the letters? Those stark black circles do the same to Kathy's layout as Vivian's brown camera did on hers. Solid grounding. It is these touches that help keep everything so visually pleasing.

My layout is next. Usually when we think of color on a layout, we think of the paper and embellishments. But color can also be found in the tint that we put on our photos. We can change the mood of the photos by adding a filter to a photo. This one is muted and rosey with a filter from Willette Photography. I use it often. Probably too often. Rebecca Cooper and Marcy Penner are masters at putting an individual stamp on their photos by the tints they add. It's fun! You might want to try it!

Do you sometimes recognize layouts before you even read the name attached by the colors and hues? Alexandra is that, for me. It's not a particular color exactly, but that her pages and photos have a lovely vintage glow. Alexandra's layout this month is true to her style. As you study her layout, tell me if you could identify the date the photos were taken. I know I cannot! And I love that! She, more than anyone, finds patterned papers that support her aesthetic. In color, in texture, and in design. It's an art. And she is an artist, for certain.

When I read through Jenny's notes, I learned that she had to dig back into her summer photos to find some that fit her favorite colors. And it got me thinking, I wonder if there is a time of year that photos are easier for me as the colors better fit my favorites? And I think there is! How about for you?

As you look at Jenny's layout, do you see how there is a subtle pattern on her background yellow paper? This pattern helps to diffuse the yellow, which otherwise might be too much. Remember how we talked about the pink on Katie's layout being less saturated as it was spritzed? The same is true with Jenny's yellow having a lighter graphic design. So when you love a color that is a bright one, look for it on a b-side of a patterned paper. That's where companies like to hide their cool graphic subtle tone on tone patterns.

Erin's layout is an example of how well she incorporates the colors in her photos into her layouts. I usually reach for white to be my background paper. Erin grabs a color. And is do good at it. I am going to try harder to follow her lead!

Christa's layout shows how color families can make it easy to use color. If you find a similar color on several patterned papers you have a great start to selecting the papers. This lets you use various patterns without trouble. Then, once you have a handful of patterns with like colors, you can branch out to other differently colored papers with like patterns. A formula for certain success!

Jennie's layout isn't a favorite colors layout as much as a favorite color combination layout! And what a terrific combination it is: blue/aqua/turquoise and red. Have you a favorite combo? How did you stumble upon it? Has it always been? Did you find it in a patterned paper family? Once you find it, don't worry about reusing it often. If you vary the combination proportions, you can get miles and miles out of your favorite without it seeming repetitive. If you don't believe me, look through Jennie's blog. You will see her favorites and see how well she uses them. And never will you think, gosh, I'm tired of aqua and red! Promise.

Kelly's layout is a good reminder that it is okay to stray away from typical colors. Girls don't need pink. Boys can have it. It's okay! You can look to the photo, to your kids, or to your favorites. The colors on your layout should support your story, or at least not detract from it. Other than that, there are no rules. Just a million and one shades to choose between!

When I saw Amy's layout, I fell in love with the bits of red. In their varying shades, and proportions. In their saturated hues. In their patterns. And their subtleties. I love how the strings of the threads trickle across the pages. I love how the radiant sun in the top left of left photo moves the red into the yellows. And just like that I am moved from red to yellow and now see all the golden yellows. Do you ever get lost in the color of a layout? I do. And it moves me.

Celeste's layout is so lovely in its springy hues and peachy pinks. It's a sweet side of Celeste. I love how she layered, not just her patterns, but her colors. And mixed in a multi-colored paper which ties all of them together. Using flower centers in different colors also helps to tie them all together. If ever you are stuck for a color scheme, finding a digital kit is a terrific start. All of Celeste's elements are from one kit. It helps tie things together so nicely.  Digi kits are a bit more eclectic that a regular paper release. Even if you don't scrap digitally, there is terrific color inspiration to be found on a pretend shopping spree.

Christine's layout's color scheme is based upon the sun and ocean. And what is not to love about that? Looking outside for colors can be very helpful. It can provide the background to a photo that is cropped too closely to see. It can provide a mood. It can be a starting point for layout that is having trouble finding its place. And if that outside in color scheme means something to you, it can even spill over into your journaling. Just like it did Christine's!

Sarah's layout is filled with the color spectrum, in rainbow form. Not only does she use the colors in her patterned paper, but then Sarah adds a rainbow flair. And a spectral title. And adds in the colors missing from the balloons as embellishments in the lower left hand corner. I wonder if she even knew that red and yellow were missing from the balloons. Sometimes color is so intuitive it can be tricky to put into words.

The colors in Emily's layout are her favorites. And some of mine. Compare the yellow and blue to that on Christine's layout. Isn't it crazy the difference of hue can make? The colors here take center stage as they appear from the bottom. The idea of them being framed makes them so much more impactful. And surrounded by all that yummy white white space makes it even more so. Do you see how she has created color vignettes in the left upper and right lower corners? and on the photo? Having each color represented in the vignettes gives the layout a equal balance, top, middle, and bottom. If a color had been left off, then your eye would have kept moving to find it. But with each there, instead, then you are satisfied at each visual stop.

Amy's layout about black orange and purple being associated with Halloween reminds us how our holidays and festivities are tied to colors. Test time. Christmas colors? Hanukkah colors? Valentines? Easter? See? Why is this do you think? Have you thought about your emotional responses to color? and holiday color combinations? Or even wider, just general combinations. My high school was royal blue and white. My town's now is maroon and gold. And I have lived in three red/white college towns (though to be exact, OSU's colors are scarlet and grey. The names are very important!) Red and white makes me think of football. Just does. Have you refrained from putting two colors together on a layout because the combination made you think of something other than the subject of your layout?

Emily's layout uses a mist name Fig Magenta. Which is apparently her favorite even though she doesn't like purple or pink. Curious, no? Have you a non-favorite color that seems to make repeat performances on your pages?

When you know that Paula loves both green and blue and the in between teal, don't you love how she blends the green and the blue letters to make teal ones in the middle? I love that Paula's layout pays homage to her favorite colors without it being the subject of her layout. 

 

Thank you for walking through the gallery with me! I hope you enjoyed our stroll!

 

For our printable this week, we have an album cover for your gratitude album. I hope you had a terrific turkey day and that you had a chance to fill out your gratitude cards! Here is a link for your album cover.

Enjoy your day! and thank you for stopping. We are truly grateful for your time and loyalty!