:: tick tick tick boom! ::

I am super excited to share that I am up on Shimelle Laine's blog today as a guest designer!  Here are a couple of closeups!

Each year we watch fireworks at my brother's house (it's all legal -- he's got a license) and they are better than any fireworks I've ever seen. He sets them to music, and "Tick Tick Tick Boom" by The Hives happens to be one of the songs he has used it a couple of times over the years. I thought it fit perfectly!

The look on my daughter's face -- all lit up by the fireworks --  just cracks me up every time I see it! I cannot believe I have never scrapped it! It's two years old.

I made a process video if videos are something that suits your fancy!

Thanks for stopping buy! Be sure to check out the full layout at Shimelle.com!

..:: Love Our View ::..

It's Product Spotlight time over at Paper Issues!  This week we are spotlighting Pink Paislee's Outfitters collection. Here's my take:

You just knew I was going to use that orange houndstooth paper, right? I love how it compliments these photos of a sunset that just keeps getting more intense. The colors in this collection are so rich, woodsy, and fabulous!  They would be perfect for capturing memories of camping, hiking, boating, or anything outdoorsy. These photos are from my own back yard!

I used the free cut file that I designed (available here) for some circles behind my photos (I previously used the same file as flowers, but who cares, right?). I also added some flair from {aflairforbuttons}.

Check out what the other members of the team created here and play along with us!

Need some Outfitters? Or just about anything else?  Grab what you need at the Paper Issues Store and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your order! 

Thanks for stopping by -- and another super exciting post is coming later today! Stay tuned....

..:: sparkle & shine ::..

I am super excited to be up on the Paper Issues Blog today as part of this months issue : Gleam Catchers. Here is my take on the theme:

I love this photo that my One True Love took of my daughter with her swimming goggles on! If you look closely you can see his reflection in the glasses and she looks SO. HAPPY. which makes me happy! :-)

I paired the photo with items mostly from Shimelle's Starshine collection. If you would like to play along with us this month you have until August 1st to join any of our challenges, which can be found here in the July Challenges Album.

There continues to be more and more new items posted in the Paper Issues Store. Check them out, fill your cart, and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

Thanks for stopping by and see you soon!

..:: for the love of summer ::.. Mix It Up Monday

It's one of my most favorite Monday's of the month -- Mix it Up Monday on the Paper Issues blog!

This month you need to grab your water colors (or your child's water colors) and use them on a project. Play along with us, won't you? Get all the details in the July Challenge Album and on the blog!

I started by designing a mosaic heart cut file (which you can grab for free here), and I also had my Silhouette Cameo "cut out" the word summer. Actually instead of having it cut out the word summer, but I designed it to poke holes so that I could use thread to stitch around the title. 

Here are a few close ups:

I made a process video if that's something that you fancy! I'd love it if you'd subscribe to my You Tube channel.

For this layout I used mostly items from the Sunshine & Happiness collection by Simple Stories.  Grab that or any of the other new stuff from the store, and don't forget to use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your entire purchase!

..:: wiggin' out school's out ::..

It's Sketchy Saturday on the Paper Issues Blog and I am playing along!  Here is my take on the sketch:

And now for the close ups:

This is the fantastic sketch that I based my layout on.

Check out this blogpost to see inspiration from other Design Team members and how you can play along!

..:: tragic s'mores mishap ::..

Woo hoo!  I'm back today with a layout inspired by Paper Issues July Pinspire Me challenge! Here's my layout all about an unfortunate, tragic, s'mores mishap. 

Sometimes, the marshmallow just jumps into your hair, right? Here are a few close ups.

I pulled my inspiration from this mood board. I was inspired by the s'mores and other tasty treats, and I loved the colors here!

Play along with this challenge, or any of the other July challenges in the Paper Issues {Friends and Fans} group! You have until August 1st to enter! Details are also on the Paper Issues Blog!

Grab some new yumminess from the Paper Issues Store, and don't forget to use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

..:: baby you're a firework! ::..

Hi!  Happy 5th of July! I'm participating in the July Take 5 Tuesday Challenge over on the Paper Issues Blog today.  I scrapped this photo from the 4th of July, 2013. 

I went all out theme-y for this one (which isn't usually my style, but I kinda like it anyway)! I pulled all of my patterned papers and stickers from Amy Tangerine's Better Together collection. I added some blue and red sequins from Jillibean Soup, and Mister Huey's for the paint splatters!

I created this fireworks cut file and it's available in the shop for free!  I backed the cut file with various papers from the Better Together Collection.

To participate in Take 5 Tuesday, you just need to pick 5 of the things from the list and use them! I used 8 (I've always been an over achiever)! Ha!  

Play along with this challenge, or any of the other July challenges in the Paper Issues {Friends and Fans} group! You have until August 1st to enter! Details are also on the Paper Issues Blog!

There are new items in the store (along with that free cut file). Grab 'em quick and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

Thanks for stopping by!