:: handmade journal ::

So.... a couple of weeks ago I participated in TWO days of classes, with many awesome instructors, all online.  Throughout True Scrap 5, and since then, I have been inspired to try a zillion new things, but cursed with little time to implement. However, I do have some fun to share today! One of the classes was taught by Heidi Swapp.  She made an awesome journal with scrapbook papers, a composition notebook, and her Cinch machine.  I loved it, so I tried it (did I mention that I bought a Cinch right after True Scrap 5?)!

Cover

I haven't decided how I'm going to "close" this.  I may do what Heidi did and add an embellishment on the front that the flap can go behind. Or I might just use some ribbon.  I'll have to think on that for a bit before I commit.  ;-)

I used a paper pad by Amy Tangerine for just about everything (the cover, inside pages, etc.).  I think that made it a bit easier because everything works together quite nicely!  The only other thing I added was a journal that I got from Michael's a while back. I knew I'd use it someday (I think it was just a buck)!  I'm not going to bother you with every page, but here are a few!

Cover Open

I made a couple of "pockets" and made tags to go inside the pockets.

Notice that paper on the left...it comes up later!

The front of the journal I purchased at Michael's

....and the inside of that journal

You guessed it, the back of the journal!

I added a few pocket protectors throughout the book

I used gelatos on the right page to create an ombre effect (it started B&W, see above)!

I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do with it.  It will likely be a journal of some sort, with photos...so maybe a mini book?  I dunno.  I'm sure I'll add a few little details as I work with it. Thanks for stopping by!

:: i want to remember ::

I want to remember that you insisted on wearing your finger lights to bed tonight.
I want to remember that you made Daddy turn off the lights so you could shine them on the ceiling.

I want to remember how excited you were yesterday to show us the pumpkin you got on your field trip, but that it was more exciting for you that you got to ride the bus.

Twice.

I want to remember that one of your famous sayings recently is "I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid.  I'm not afraid of anything." Especially when you are going to be in the dark.

I want to remember that you say those words like you are going on a lion hunt.

:: pumpkin picker ::

I was going for luscious fall layers to highlight the photos from B.'s pumpkin picking adventure in our front yard. The journaling is hidden in the tabbed pocket on the right.

Have I mentioned how much I love my Scrapbook Circle Kits?  Each month I so look forward to the arrival of that lovely pizza box full of goodies. Sometimes I devour it immediately, sometimes life requires me to wait, but I'm always inspired by the papers, embellishments and the ladies on the blog that provide such inspiration. Most of the items from this LO came from the June kit or the add-on kit that month. Many of the items were from the Basic Grey Hipster collection.

This LO was also inspired by this October sketch by Diana Fisher (also at Scrapbook Circle). You have until October 23rd to play!

I went a little crazy with the stitching on this one!  :-)  But, I liked it so much, I couldn't put the journaling over it!

Thanks for visiting!

:: super friends ::

In yesterday's post I promised another LO from the same October Scrapbook Circle kit -- but with a very different look.

 Did I deliver or what? ;-)  Check out all that color!  Nothing subdued about this one!

Did you notice the cool technique I used on the photos?  I recently attended True Scrap 5, produced by Lain Ehman. As in the past, this was so much fun!  It is two days of online classes, by many instructors (like 15, I think).  There is chatting and cropping and learning and inspiration....I could go on and on.  It left me so inspired to create! One of the techniques that I just had to try was ink on the photo to create a "Warhol" effect.  I printed the same photo four times, once in color, the others in b & w.  Next I used stamp pads directly on the b & w photos (just swipe the ink across -- several passes) to color them. Easy peasy, fun, and I like the look.  Funny that I used ink on the photos, but for the stamping in the background, I used gelatos (hadn't tried stamping with them yet and decided to go for it.  Worked like a charm)!

What technique have you been dying to try but haven't?  What's holding you back?!

:: hello brycen ::

Wow!  I have been so busy doing fun stuff!  Love that problem! Let's get to it! The most pressing and exciting news....

On October 3rd, my beautiful daughter had a beautiful son.

He is so loved.

I am loving the October kit from Scrapbook Circle. As usual, everything fits together beautifully, but you can also get very different looks from one kit! I added some kraft cardstock, but other than that, this layout came from that kit.  I went big and dramatic with the photo, but wanted the rest to be fairly subdued. Come back tomorrow and you will see a completely different look from the same kit!

Also, there are a couple of challenges up at the Scrapbook Circle blog! One is all about mixing up the alphas (this layout is inspired by that challenge). You have until October 23rd to link up!  The other is a sketch challenge.  I have a couple of ideas for that one, too!