Eyes Wide Shut Layout Featuring Aidan B.

 

Introducing my son Aidan!! I've been inspired by all of the Project Life posts I have been seeing lately and decided to do one myself. Well, it doesn't have exactly the same look BUT it uses everyday pics I took with my iPhone that I would have never scrapped. Today I used a sketch provided by Sketchy Friday Challenge blog (see below). It was originally for a card but I used it to make this glorious page. My son (home sick today) cannot stop looking at it, making comments about it and smiling. My work is done!!

 

 

One challenge I am entering asked for a layout introducing one of the boys in my life. I though, "who better than my son?" I decided to introduce the most dominant aspects of his personality right now.

I worked to create a Polaroid type of feel by printing 2 pictures on one 4x6 piece of photo paper and then punching out my son's face with a square punch. After I affixed it to white cardstock, I cut the appropriate sized rectangle.

The bottom part of the Polaroid seemed the best place to add a little journaling with a personalized stamp and clear sticker. The remainder of my journaling is done with a glitter pen (Spica at You) but it wasn't showing the glitter. I had to retrace my words to get some sparkle going. I think it gives it a messy yet whimsical look (albeit by accident).

 

 One of the challenges called for Washi Tape so I created a double border with it and included a Washi Tape bow! It helps if you dust the tape with powder to remove the tackiness so the loops won't stick together if they collapse.

The title Eyes wide shut came to me because it seems like my son always wants to close his eyes or change up what he's doing as soon as I whip out the camera or video camera. The pictures focus on his eyes so it seemed to be a fitting title.

Yet another challenge called for lots of layers. I tried to bring that across subtly with the 5 layers of cardstock, layered pictures and Washi Tape while staying within the sketch provided.

 

Here's another view of my layout along with the original sketch. 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Kraft: Recollections, brown: Bazzill, striped: Darcie's Country Folk, blue patterned: from stash, gold foil cardstock: American Crafts, White: The Paper Cut
• Cricut carts: Batman , font, shift: Talk bubble cut at 11.59" (using fit to page function)
• Alphas: Thickers: Patterned Fabric Stickers
• Embellishments: Eyes: Jolee's Boutique, Smiley face: Recollections
• Stamp: Aidan stamp from Corry's Cool Stuff
• Ink: Colorbox Chalk ink: burnt sienna
• Washi tape: Brown: Tim Holtz, Circles: Queen and Co.
• Pen: Spica by You glitter pen (Copics)
• Punch: Marvy 3.5" square punch

Have you guessed? I'm on a roll with entering challenges. Some have a deadline of today, Feb. 28, 2013 and others on March 2nd. Please visit each challenge blog and consider joining me in the next challenges! It's a way to break through those moments of scrap block and to meet new crafty friends.

1. About A Boy Challenge Blog - Introducing!
2. The Paper Girls - Challenge #26 Washi Tape
3. Sketchy Friday - Challenge 8 and check out the cool Digis at SKdigis blog.

 

La-Vie

Dear Adrieeal 8x8 scrapbook page and love letter

 

 



Meet my Nephew Adrieeal!

 

Today I challenged myself to complete this 8x8 layout. I usually work in 12x12 only when it comes to scrapbooking, but I wanted to step out of my box and try something new. I am entering 3 challenges today (see links below) and each required different elements to be included as a part of the project. One challenge required the colors I used (3 shades of orange and 2 shades of green) and the word FRESH in the journaling, one required the subject I used (0-12 month old boy) and yet another asked for a heart as the main accent.

 

Crafty tip - the photo mat was too large to fit in the embossing folder so I folded it in half. If you look closely, you'll see that half is embossed and the other half is debosssed for an interesting look. You can see the fold but it adds to the overall design rather than taking from it. Try it, I bet you'll like it!

 

I decided to group a few items to create my own embellishment. This layout is my take on the collage zstyle of scrapbooking. It includes many different shapes, textures and ideas. Who says baby boy layouts cannot include bling, flowers and glitter? I used to be afraid of "going there" but today I threw all caution to the wind and I love the results! I hope I win some swanky prizes and bragging rights but if not, I have made a gorgeous love letter for my nephew that will last a lifetime. It's a win, win.

 

This is my first time using my Zig Photo signature pen to write on a picture. It was scary! I did it last and hoped I didn't mess the whole project up. Mission accomplished. My handwriting is not the best, but it's mine and a part of my Nephew's history forever. I love him so much. I'm going up North to see him the last week of March. I cannot wait! I was there for the delivery in January but haven't seen him sense. I love than new baby smell. It's so fresh and so clean - clean!  He's growing my leaps and bounds and I don't want to miss a thing!

 

Supplies:

• Cardstock: DCWV, green: Taj Mahal Stack
• Cricut carts - Cricut Essentials on E2 - Frame2 cut at 8" and Heart2 cut at 8"
• Embossing - Darice: Heart folder run through the Cuttlebug
• Alphas - Thickers: Stroll and Sparkling by Dear Lizzy and American Crafts
• Embellishments - Hairbows Unlimited.com: Lime green crochet flower petals
• Bling - orange flourish and bling: Jolee's All that Bling dimensional stickers
• Stash - orange butterfly sticker, green fabric leaves
• Pen - Zig Photo Signature Pen

 

Wish me luck! I am entering this layout into the following challenges. Deadline Feb. 28, 2013. Check out each challenge blog and join me in the next challenges! C'mon...it's super fun!

1. About A Boy Challenge Blog - Oh Baby!
2. Color Me Scrappy - Challenge #30
3. Scrap Africa - Challenge No. 14 - Hearts

La-Vie

Action Wobble Chocolate Easter Bunny Card

What? You've been waiting for another clip from the CLDU vault? Wait no longer... if you'd like to see the bunny wobble and hear my voice watch the quick ditty above.

Making projects for charity is a great stress reliever and it's an excellent way to try new techniques and whittle down your stash. I was able to off load some things that I never thought I could use and just couldn't throw away (can I get a witness?!). This card base was from a class. I never finished the card and now it has a new home and purpose!

The stamp is from Stampin' Up! in a set called Eat Chocolate. I thought it was so fitting for an Easter card with a chocolate bunny on the front. The ink is from Clear and Simple Stamps - Espresso Your style hybrid ink.

I was so hungry I took a bite out of this card LOL. Naw, this cut is available on Cricut Cartridge Easter 2010. I cut the bunny from DCWV or Bazzill brown cardstock (sue me...I can't remember). The red bow is American Crafts foil cardstock. The card based were cut from cardstock donated to me from a crafty friend. It's from a variety of name brands such as Basic Grey. There is a delicate border cut on the edge of each card using the Sophie Cricut cartridge. An action wobble is what makes the magic happen with you touch or flip the bunny. So much fun! Hope the troops and their familes love it as much as I do!

La-Vie

Easter Wishes Card for Troops

I am loving this little bib card (4.24" x 5.5") that I got as a kit from The Paper Cut (bib overlays kit festive variety). The bib can go on the outside of the card or the inside. I decided to use it on the outside (except for one where I made a little oopsy and have to go without...LOL). I thought it would be a great little whimsical card to send to children of the troops.

With the main message at the top of the card, there's plenty of space for a hand written message. That's also the reason I decided to place the little girl on her Easter egg hunt at the bottom right. This card style can be used for any event or occasion with stamps. embossing or die cut images.

Which one do you like best? I love the crispness of the embossing on the white bib the most.

Supplies:

• The Paper Cut - bib overlays kit festive variety
• DCWV Glitter cardstock - blue
• Bazzill Basic - White cardstock
• Stampin' Up! - Easter Wishes: All Holiday, Girl: Easter Blossoms
• Cuttlebug - Once Upon a Princess (set)
• Martha Stewart - Scalloped Circle Layering punch
• The Paper Studio - 1.25" Circle punch
• Clear & Simple Stamps - Espresso your style hybrid ink

La-Vie

Religious Easter Cards for the Troops

 

I'm back with two more card styles from the 52 I donated to Humble Hearts for Hope for the troops. These two cards were cut from one of my all-time fav Cricut Cartridges - Sophie. It was offered to members of the Cricut Circle last year. There are so many beautiful cards on this cart that I wanted to jump for joy!

 

The first card is smaller than A2. The front window is cut out so I created a base from DCWV white dotted cardstock. The stamp is from Michaels crafts for 25 cents!! Inside I used a stamp from Stampabilities. Ink: Espresso your style, Clear & Simple Stamps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For this second Sophie card, (A2 size) I decided to use the stampabilities card on the front. I hand cut the inside layer from beige cardstock from my stash. The inside was stamped with 2 different stamps. the cross with the swirls was another 25 cents stamp from Michaels crafts. The verse is from Stamp La Jolla.

 

 

CRAFTY TIP: paper that is not your style in its original form may look better die cut as a decorative card or embellishment. In this case, the cardstock I used for these cards was donated to me by a good crafty friend. It was 12x12 watercolored type cardstock with one huge flower on it. Although I wouldn't have had a use for it in it's original form, it really makes for a pretty card front and back. The flower and pattern covers the back of the card as well.

Stay tuned for more Easter cards....

I really appreciate all of the kind comments you leave me. It really warms my heart! Thank you.


La-Vie

Happy Easter Cards - Metallic Ink

 

Here are some more cards I made for the deployed troops from Forks Twp PA via Humble Hearts for Hope. I made these cards for those who are neither religious or into the whole Easter bunny hype. I love stamping on metallic cardstock with metallic ink. It's a whole new type of shimmer when glitter and gems are a no-no.

 

 

 

I used a pre-cut card from DCWV and cut a layer of white metallic cardstock from The Paper Cut. The ink is by Encore - Ultimate Metallic: Gold. All three stamps are from Stampin' Up! in a set called Easter Blossoms.

 

I decided to play and make a few other configurations of the same card.

 

 

Which do you like best?

Wish me luck! This card is entered into Creative Kuts: Easter Card or Layout Challenge


La-Vie

Easter Flip Card Using Tim Holtz Distressed Inks and Markers

One of my goals this year was to create and post videos. Here's my first one! I am looking for a video editing software that's easy to use, inexpensive... any ideas crafty friends?

Another goal I have for 2013 is to do more charity work. I donated 52 cards to Humble Hearts for Hope, a local non-profit that supports military families and troops deployed from our area. They needed Easter cards (secular and religious). I made them earlier in the week and wanted to share them right away! My first card is a flip card. The video shows the card in action.

I made several of these cards and used different colored eggs on each. However, I colored the chicks with their eggs exactly the same each time.

Supplies:

• swing card base and basic instructions - repeat impressions
• Easter stamp - Hampton arts
• Sending Springtime Smiles, Easter egg and happy Easter stamps - Stampin' Up! Easter Blossoms (used the masking technique to only stamp "happy")
• Black ink- Ranger Archival ink
• Colored ink - Tim Holtz Distressed Ink - spun sugar, wild honey, spiced marmalade, peeled paint, salty ocean, mustard seed
• Markers - Tim Holtz Distressed markers - spun sugar, tumbled glass, shabby shutters, tattered rose, mustard seed
• Pen - Sakura souffle pen - orange

I love knowing that this card will make someone's day and spread love across the world and back.

I decided to enter this card into a challenge! For more info and to enter check out Creative Kuts: Easter Card or Layout Challenge

La-Vie

Embossing Folder Storage -The Sequel

You may be familiar with my first post about embossing folder storage. This is the long-awaited sequel!! Since my original post, I have collected many more folders from several companies and a new cartridge that makes this storage solution SO much easier. I'm so excited I thought I'd share the info.

To store my embossing folders I create a tabbed file folder that I emboss with the folder's design. It allows me to see the design embossed and debossed as well as find specific folders at a glance. Using the Cricut cartridge Fabulous Finds, pg 131, blackout - there is a middle tab and using shift you can access the right tab.

As my collection grew, I didn't notice the differences in sizes for the embossing folders from one company to another. Here's the low down...

• Cuttlebug A2, The Paper Studio -  4.25" x 5.75"
• Darice - 4.5" x 6.25"
• Newer cuttlebug and Anna Griffin - 4.75" x 6"
• Indentz - 4.75" x 6.75"
• Sizzix (regular) and Tim Holtz - 4 7/8" x 6"
• Sizzix - 4 7/8" x 6.75"
• Cuttlebug - 5" x 7"
• Anna Griffin - 5.5" x 7.5"

4.25" x 5.75" and 4.5" x 6.25"

4.75" x 6"  and 4 7/8" x 6"



4.75" x 6.75" and 4 7/8" x 6.75"



5"x7"



5.5" x 7.5"

When making the folders keep these tips in mind. You can create a left tab by folding the (right tab) folder the opposite way. If your cardstock is patterned, be sure to place the patterned side face down on the mat to make a left tab and face up to make a right tab. Use cardstock heavy enough to hold the embossing (paper or linen cardstock won't work) but not too thick that it won't fold down neatly. I used beige cardstock for my A2 folders because I had a lot of it and barely use it. You can also use cardstock from your purge box or ones with designs you do not prefer. As long as one side is both smooth and one solid color. The cardstock shouldn't even have a subtle design in the paper or the embossing will not come out as well. Cut in the direction of the grain of the paper of you will experience a lot of cracking in the embossed design.

I used the E2 Cricut to cut the folders. REAL DIAL SIZE ON! Here's the sizes:

Cuttlebug A2, The Paper Studio, Darice  -  6.50

Newer cuttlebug, Anna Griffin, Sizzix (regular) and Tim Holtz - 6.75

Indentz, Sizzix - 7.00

Cuttlebug - 7.50

Newer cuttlebug, Anna Griffin - 7.75

When you cut the folders they come out with score marks. I hand fold mine anyway to save time but always flatten the fold with a bone folder. Use your embossing machine - I am using my Anna Griffin cuttlebug and the eBosser - to emboss the front of the folder only. Be sure to write the names/set with a sharpie somewhere on the folder as well as label the cardstock folder. When the set has a name but the individual folders do not, I called it "set name (1 of 4)." All my folders have the name of it written on the front with a sharpie. Here's a look at a completed folder.

 

Next, I sorted the folders into the 4-section organization system I learned from Tiffany Spaulding at The Scrap Rack.  Her free organization seminars run year round. It's the best hour I spent each week learning to get more use out of all these supplies I hoard. First step is admitting you have a problem (my hand is raised LOL!) The folders live in 2 photo storage boxes that are shoe box size. I am working on typing in the labels (return address labels) to include the folder name, code for the manufacturer and the section it belongs in.  For example, here's one of my labels:

Honeycomb (TH)(Backgrounds)

The folder name is honeycomb by Tim Holtz (TH) and it is supposed to be stored in Backgrounds. I am not yet done with all my folder making or labelling but it's a work in progress.

Hope this helped you get more organized!

If you'd like to see where I started and the things I learned along the way, check out:

paper - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/organization-free-classes-with-scraprack.html

embellishments - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/project-organization-continues.html

stamps - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/clingwood-mounted-stamp-organization.html

Punches - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/organizing-your-punches-with-scraprack.html

My Scrap Rack - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-scrap-rack.html

 

My scrap room - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-craft-room-organization-progress.html

Embossing Folders -http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/cricut-circle-magazine-march-spring.html

Ribbon storage - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/06/crafting-storage-my-ricracroller-is.html

La-Vie

My Scrap Rack

Here's my Scrap Rack. It has one expansion base and is full of Alpha stickers and embellishments split into the 4-section system created by Tiffany Spaulding at The Scrap Rack. Her free organization seminar have changed my ability to use what I have and organize as I buy with intention.

A couple of weeks ago on the seminar Tiffy shared what's in her Scrap Rack and I thought it would be interesting to show you what's in mine. Of course, I realized that it will take many photos. So I thought it would be easier to make a video. If you would like to see what's in each section, each page of my Scrap Rack, I will make a video. Please post in the comments section if that interests you. Majority wins!

I'm off to work on my new embossing folder storage post and stamp organization post! Stay tuned...

If you'd like to see where I started and the things I learned along the way, check out:

paper - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/organization-free-classes-with-scraprack.html

embellishments - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/project-organization-continues.html

stamps - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/clingwood-mounted-stamp-organization.html

Punches - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/organizing-your-punches-with-scraprack.html

My Scrap Rack - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-scrap-rack.html

Embossing Folders Revised - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/embossing-folder-storage-sequel.html

Embossing Folders -http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/cricut-circle-magazine-march-spring.html

Ribbon storage - http://cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/06/crafting-storage-my-ricracroller-is.html

La-Vie

Designer's Challenge: Aviator Bear Diaper Cake

 

Here's the diaper cake I made to match the aviator bear baby shower theme I recently was hired to create. I also made matching wooden letters. For more info on those and how I uniquely created the bear click here. 

 

It was a challenge to create a fun look for the diaper cake without all the bows, frills, flowers etc I usually use for girl themed diaper cakes. I was inspired by the Close to my Heart Burlap ribbon and thought it would bring a manly charm to this diaper cake.

 

Supplies:

Topper - print and cut with the Cricut Imagine - Nursery Tails

Clouds - cut from paper printed on my Cricut Imagine - Hopscotch

Stars - DCWV blue glitter cardstock cut from Cricut Essentials Cart in E2 machine

Bear - Teddy Bear Parade
Plane - Cricut Cartridge - Just a Note by Cosmo Cricket
Embellishments - (on plane) Queen and Company Twinkling goosebumps, Sequin stars Heidi Swapp, Ribbon - close to my heart burlap

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics, DCWV, Core'dinations

Adhesives - Zots, Scotch ATG for scrapbooking,

 

 More views...

 

 

La-Vie