Scrapbooking School Photos (Part 1)

Good afternoon!  Earlier this year our oldest two kids had their annual school photos taken.  I though I'd do a series on how I scrap these photos, because I read in one of the Facebook Groups I'm in that people often find them hard to scrap. 

One of the reasons given was that school photos are often "awful".  This may be for a number of reasons, such as difficult colours of uniform or backdrop, bad poses, or just plain difficult photos.  I've found the opposite for school photos, and I think thats due to the uniform being navy, grey (for boys), blue and white - very easy colours for the scrapbooking Mum to embellish!  It also helps that our photos are taken outside.  (All credit of these photos goes to Des Ellery Photography).

For this photo of Azaria I used my March Hip Kit, and started with the beautiful Crate Paper (Craft Market I think) floral, which was begging to be watercoloured.  Being a beginner painter, I chose a small number of the flowers to paint with watercolours.  Of course I had to use my new notebook edge punch on the vellum, then layered another paper under my photo.

I kept my embellishment very simple and to a minimum to let the water colouring feature and let Azaria's photo shine.  The cluster below includes an exclusive flair badge, exclusive die cut ampersand and a cork heart.

I layered some paper under the "Beautiful" wood veneer to help it stand out.  The "^" shapes are made with a punch I've been neglecting.  

I absolutely love the Crate Paper Craft Market mini words - yes you heard me say that after I've been struggling with word stickers for months!

So the rules I've applied on this school photo layout are the following:

• Keep it simple.
• A non-themed selection of products works well for a non-themed scrapper like me.
• Use one main beautiful piece of paper to assist in keeping it simple.
• Keep embellishments to a minimum.
• Gold accents in three places help provide continuity.
• Vellum helps soften the paper layers, and assists in integrating the photo with the page.
• The notebook edge from the punch adds a "school" feel.
• The doily provides some relief from the very liner square cuts of paper and horizontal design.
• A kraft cardstock helps tie in the natural feel of the photo - being shot outside.

Thanks for looking, I'll be back again with another school photo layout soon!

A Recap, Favourite 10 Layouts of 2014, and Goals for 2015

Good morning!  Today I'm sharing my top 10 layouts of 2014.  Last year I did this post where I shared my favourite 13 layouts of 2013.  I've decided that this year and for the years to follow I'm going to keep it to 10 layouts, otherwise in 2030 I'll be sharing 30!!!

Before I get to my layouts, the following were my creative and blog goals for 2013:

• To create because I love it, not because I have to.
• To share more of myself and our life on my blog, because lets face it, this is as close to keeping a diary as I'll get.
• To put my layouts in albums and not let them stack up!
• To learn new techniques and keep exploring my scrapbooking style.
• To take better photos, both of our life and of my layouts.

I was able to achieve all of these goals, although it is incredibly difficult to source reasonably priced 12x12 D ring albums in this country.  Once Brielle was born and I felt better I was able to get my creative flow back.  There is nothing worse than trying to be creative when nauseous.  And of course having a new little baby to scrap was amazing!  Having a DSLR also helped me take better photos.

I dabbled in more mixed media than ever before, and joining the Hip Kit Club revived all of my layouts, and satisfied my urge to have new product.  I was lucky enough to be featured on the Hip Kit Facebook page!

So here are my favourite 10 layouts of 2014:

Made with my first Hip Kit (May).

  The title page for Brielle's album using older product from my stash. 

This one was made for Get Inspired Magazine when we featured Pink Paislee.    

I made this one with my Hip Kit, and I loved that Echo Park paper so much I was able to incorporate it into three layouts by cutting it up.

This one was based on a sketch for Lets Get Sketchy.  I just love that October Afternoon floral paper.

I loved that Crate Paper Notes & Things paper so much I kept it as a background paper.

My favourite layout made with Kaisercraft for Artfull Crafts.

I love this one so much because I'd just got my DSLR and was loving practicing and learning.

Another layout for Lets Get Sketchy, love the paper strips!

This layout was for a mood board challenge over at Mei Li Paperie, and I was blessed to win!

The saddest scrappy part of 2014 had to be the closing of Two Peas in a Bucket.  They were my home, and so special because they were such a huge part in discovering the online scrappy world.  Scrapstuffz 'Inspired By' Challenges (of which I was part of the original design team) also closed.

After the closure of 2Peas, I was so relived and grateful to Scrapbook.com who enabled us "Peas" to import our galleries to there.  But my real home was found on the NicoleJones911 Facebook page where there are so many supportive ladies.

I'm continuing to design for Lets Get Sketchy and Artfull Crafts, and I LOVE both teams.  Brenshevia and Liz are amazing bosses!  

And now for my creative goals for 2015:

• To use up more of my stash!
• To start making process videos and posting them to my Utube channel.
• To keep applying for design teams.
• To keep up with my Hip Kit subscription and not fall behind!
• To finish my 2013 December Daily (yes thats not a typo), and start my 2014 album.
• To complete the two mini albums I'm yet to finish...
• To complete my 2014 Project Life monthly album.
• To scrapbook because I love it, not because I have to.

My biggest issues with Project Life and not keeping up would have to be having a new born baby, and not having a decent photo printer at home.  I would love to get a Cannon Selphy.

Thanks for reading this far!

Killing a Kit (June Hip Kit)

Yes it does sound a bit scary, but killing a kit pretty much means using it all up until its all gone, and no more layouts can be made.  I've always been one for challenging myself to use up a kit, and once I start I like to use it until all I have left are scraps.  Normally I just make pages and share them as I make them, but with my June Hip Kit I decided to hold off sharing the majority of pages (with the exception of about 3 layouts I made for Design Team work).

First up, here is the Main kit for June, full of Elle's Studio, Echo Park and October Afternoon goodness!

I also got the Stamp Add on, mostly because I wanted the distress inks.

I made a total of 9 layouts, and I love that they are all different, yet all from the same kit!  I added in cardstock and doilies from my stash.

This first one is a mixed media one that I've already shared over at Lets Get Sketchy.  

This one documents the Brielle's birth when she was checked by the Paediatricians after she was born.  I did some water colouring on this.  When I first saw the October Afternoon clock paper I wasn't sure how I would use it, until I saw that it had Brielle's time of birth on it!  Of course I had to cut this out with my circle punch, and include the written time too!  So perfect!!

This is the first layout I made; I often find it hard to start as it means making the first cut!  I also made it at my monthly crop, and I'm so used to scrapping on my own that I find it hard to scrap in a group.  Love my crop though as I've become such good friends with the other girls that go.  I used the distress ink like watercolour paint.

This one was for a sketch challenge over at Stuck?! Sketches, and I just adored all the triangles. 

This one documents Brielle's first trip out after we got home from both hospitals.  We went to our favourite Cafe, and I enjoyed a real coffee!  Of course she slept the entire time!

I was in two minds of how to use the paper with the circle.  Part of me wanted to cut it out, but then I decided to keep it whole and really feature the circle.  I punched out the viewfinder hearts with my punch, and also added the circular wood veneer.  I added the gold resign flower from my stash as I felt that the layout needed something special as it is relatively simple.

This page is all about Azaria's new fringe, which she had to have before her first full day school visit. I used the washi tape, washi stamps, and distress inks on this one.  I added a doily from my stash.

This layout captures my Mother's Day this year, and although I'm not a materialistic person who is "all about the gifts", my kids were so very excited to give me the treats they had made (or gathered), and actually gave these to me two days before!  Of course I had to get a couple of photos!  I especially love the title on this one.

I've saved my favourite for last!  I adored that Echo Park paper, and managed to include it in 5 layouts by cutting it up. I adore this photo of my girls, and the clean and simple design allows the photo and paper to shine!  This photo was from my 2 month photo shoot for Brielle, and Azaria wanted to jump in too.

If you made it to the end of this post, then I truly appreciate you for reading this far!

I've been scrapping with my July Hip Kit, and my August one arrived late last week, so I have lots of product to use up!

Thanks for looking!

Creative Blog Tour

Hello and welcome to the Creative Blog Tour!  I was so honoured to be invited to this tour by Wendi, an amazingly talented scrapbooker who has become a lovely friend, through us both being on the Design Team over at Lets Get Sketchy.  Make sure you check out Wendi's blog, as she's a super talented card and layout designer.

Onto the questions:

1. What am I working on?

In April I joined the Hip Kit Club, with the one proviso that I kept up with the kits and didn't let them stockpile.  Shipping to New Zealand is expensive, and as the kits have the latest and greatest trendy product I want to get layouts made while the product is current.  So, I've nearly finished "killing" my June kit, which means making as many pages as I can.  I'm also working on a Wedding Blessing Album for a lovely couple in our church who just got married, and I a very special mini album that I'm making for a friend.  

Here are a couple of sneaks of my June Hip Kit Layouts:

I love that these kits are so versatile, and no two layouts have to look the same!

My two eldest kids are into Loom Bands, so I've been doing a little bit of that too!

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I guess my work differs because I refuse to change the fact that I always journal on my layouts, and although I dabble in trying new things that are trendy (like water colours, mixed media etc), I will always stay true to my style!  So when I apply for Design Teams I never get upset or disappointed because I figure my style is not fit for them.  

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

When I was a child I suffered from some trauma that affected me later as an adult, such that I can't remember many parts of my childhood.   Scrapbooking is one way that I can record memories for my children (aged 7, 5 and 15 weeks) so that when they're older they'll be able to look through their albums and our family albums and read the stories that I've recorded to accompany the photos.

In this layout I was inspired by Wilna Furstenburg who often journals to her children in the form of a letter on her layouts.

I also love the creative outlet that scrapbooking provides, and it satisfies my love of pretty paper!  This year I'm doing Project Life on a no stress monthly basis to get our family story recorded as this year was always going to be big: My husband started a new job, we had our third baby, and our eldest daughter started school.

4. How does my writing/creating process work?

I don't scrapbook chronologically, I'm either motivated to create with certain photos, or the product will inspire me so I'll find a photo to make work.  I'm on three design teams and have deadlines for projects, so that definitely gets my creative processing going.  My creativity ebbs and flows though, and sometimes when I struggle I play along with a challenge blog.  

Here is a layout I recently created which I haven't shared yet, its the last layout I made with my May Hip Kit, when I was literally down to the scraps.  

I used my star punch a lot!

Creative Bloggers

Here are the creative bloggers I have tagged.  They will be sharing more about themselves next Monday 4 August on their blogs.  They are all amazing and lovely, and I've met them online by being on the Lets Get Sketchy Design Team, so make sure you visit them!

Valerie Huang

I first noticed Valerie's work when she started playing along at LGS.  Then when we had our recent DT call she joined us.  I love her clean yet detailed style, and she has an amazing ability to rock every single layout she makes.  She is also heaps of fun!

Hi, my name is YuNing Huang, AKA Valerie.  I live in the Silicon Valley with my husband and our doe Shiao Meo Tan (Little Charcoal).  I love to travel, photography and enjoy good food.  I was introduced to scrapbooking back in 2005.  I was still new to this country, so I figured this is a good way for me to document my life and express my emotions.  I was hooked ever since.  I am blessed and grateful to know such a hobby, for me scrapbooking is therapeutic to me.

Nadine Carlier

Nadine is also one of our new DT members at LGS.  Nadine has an amazing way of working with mixed media and layering, and definitely has her own awesome style!  Nadine is also a super talented blog designer, and recently gave my blog a makeover.  If you need a blog or a blog makeover definitely consider employing Nadine.

Hello my name is Nadine, I am a stay at home mom of a 19 yr. old son (who is away at college right now) and an 8 yr. old daughter.  My husband, kids and I moved to Texas from Nevada about 4 years ago.  Before moving to Texas I owned my own business as a hairstylist and I was also a part owner to a local scrapbook store.  Since becoming a stay at home mom, I am really enjoying having more time to spend with my family and more time playing and being scrappy.  I have been scrapbooking for about 17 years now with 12 x 12 and cards being my favourite things to create.  I would say my scrappy style would best be described as eclectic with a touch of grunginess.  I made my 1st scrapbook when my son was a toddler because I wanted a way to document his first years of life.  I've been hooked ever since!

Brandi Matos

As well as being a talented scrapbooker, Brandi is also amazing at cards and off the page projects!  Brandi has gorgeous children that are often the subject of her pages, and I love her beautiful girly mixed media style!  

Hello there!! My name is Brandi Matos and I am just another obsessed scrapper in the world of paper crafting!  I live in Florida, also known as "The Sunshine State", with my two beautiful girls and amazing husband!  I literally stumbled across scrapbooking a little over two years ago and completely fell in love with it.  I enjoy doing layouts, cards and mostly off the page projects!  I love to get messy playing with different mediums to make something truly fabulous!  Please feel free to visit my work at luckyflutterbycreations.blogspot.com.

Thanks for visiting today, if you like my work please follow my blog!

Be blessed!

Project Life 2014!

Yes that's right, you read the title correctly!  I've re-joined the Project Life trend after a year and a half break.  Just by way of background, I started doing PL in 2012, and managed to keep up weekly pocket layouts for 6 months, from January to June.  I started doing PL to take the apparent "stress" out of my scrapbooking, as I felt I was never going to be caught up. However, doing weekly layouts was too stressful, and I got behind way too often, and to be honest just wanted to be scraping 12 x 12 pages.

So after a years break I decided to start again, but on a monthly basis. This year has several milestones in it: Shaun went back to primary teaching, we're welcoming a new baby in April, and Azaria is starting school in June, so what better year than to try again!

Here is my cover page:

I'm using the Dear Lizzy Polka Dot Party Edition kit by Becky Higgins, and Captured Moments Happy Days 3 x 4 Journal Cards by Kaisercraft as my base filler cards.  

My objective with this album is to get it done quickly. This means minimal embellishment, printing photos out at 4 x 6, using up older scraps of paper, and including memorabilia and my kid's art where possible. I want it to be a snapshot of our life at this time, so everyday-type photos.

My biggest issue at the moment is photographing these spreads, as the pockets make it difficult with glare etc, so any tips are much appreciated!  I'll be back soon with my January and February spreads.

Be blessed

Melissa x

Hello 2014!

It's Tuesday the 7th of January as I write this, and I've just had two days on my own as the kids have been staying at Grandma and Granddad's and Shaun went back to work yesterday.  I've had a lot of time to think, reflect on 2013 and think about what's to come, and what I'd like to see as goals for 2014.  Of course I've also had some creative time at my scrap table, have tidied the house, and have contemplated (delayed) putting the Christmas tree and decorations away!

Well the most exciting thing about what 2014 has in store is something I haven't shared on here yet, but it looked a little like this 5-6 weeks ago, and is arriving in April:

20 Weeks pregnant!!!

We are all very excited about baby number 3, especially me as pregnancy is a challenge!  I haven't shared much about this, but this pregnancy has been so hard as I've suffered from Hyperemesis gravidarum, which is essentially severe morning sickness, which required medication (to try and stop the vomiting), hospitalisation (4 times) and IV fluids for dehydration.  I had to take 8 weeks off from work, and our amazing church family provided evening meals for us for 7 weeks!  It was really hard on my kids, especially Azaria, and we had to tell them I was pregnant at 7 weeks.  My theme song for September became "Wake me up when September Ends"!!

Around 7 weeks pregnant, getting the IV for the first time.  This was just the beginning . . .

I'm a lot better now, thanks to prayer and time.  I'm not 100 percent better yet, and still have not so great days, but I'm 25 weeks tomorrow, and on the countdown.  I'm really grateful as its such a blessing to have been given a third child. And no we didn't find out what we are having!!!

Scrapbooking while sick was one of the hardest challenges in my creativity ever!  I think I missed two DT assignments, mostly due to being in hospital, but I made myself scrap through the lull.  I actually learnt how to create quickly, instead of spending hours (or days) on a layout.  

Last year my word for the year was Grace; for myself, and for other people.

So when it came to my word for 2014, after spending some time thinking about it, the word I kept coming back to was Joy, I think because last year was hard, but it reminded me to find joy in everything, everyday, even the hard stuff.  I'll be creating a layout for my word soon, and will share it here.

So my main creative and blog goals for this year are the following:

• To create because I love it, not because I have to.
• To share more of myself and our life on my blog, because lets face it, this is as close to keeping a diary as I'll get.
• To put my layouts in albums and not let them stack up!
• To learn new techniques and keep exploring my scrapbooking style.
• To take better photos, both of our life and of my layouts.

Now for some family photo shots that we took in the park in the weekend:

Melissa, Shaun, Sam & Azaria.

A selfie of me and my boy!

Photo taken by Sam, he totally directed this shot and told me to take off my hat!

Shaun and his princess!

Thanks for sticking with me and reading this far!  

Be blessed and full of joy!

Melissa x

Happy New Year and a Recap

Happy New Year!  Before I get into what the New Year has install for me, I thought I'd share my 13 favourite layouts for 2013.

Me & You - a finalist in Crate Paper's Creative Challenge Weekly, and the first layout I shared on my blog.

Park Fun - My layout for my DT application for Lets Get Sketchy

No School Today - Made for Lets Get Sketchy

 Oh So Lovely - Made for Lets Get Sketchy with yummy American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm, my favourite collection of 2013.

Blue Steel & Me - Made for American Crafts DT Submission, and then published in the first Lets Get Sketchy Magazine

#Photo Shoot - as above, and also pinned by Two Peas in a Bucket "The Peas are so Inspiring"

Home - I made this for a sketch challenge at The Paper Bakery

I Believe In Love & Coffee - Made for Use Your Words, using Dear Lizzy 5th & Frolic

Dream Big - Made for Artfull Crafts, experimenting with stamping on wet gesso

Escape to the Lake - A finalist in Crate Papers Creative Challenge Weekly

Hello You - Made with a Paper Bakery Kit for Glitter Girl's Scrapbook Survivor Class at 2Peas

 Hello Blue Eyes - My last layout for Lets Get Sketchy for 2013

Oh Snap - Playing around with monotones and watercolours

In 2013 I achieved some major scrappy goals:

• Started this blog.
• Made it onto a Design Team (actually made 4).
• Made a Design Team for a local shop.
• Joined a kit club that I love (Paper Bakery).
• Went to two retreats.
• Made new scrappy friends, both locally, within the region, and online.
• Scrapped more than ever before!

Thanks for looking, I'll share more of what's coming for 2014 soon.

Be blessed
Melissa x