..:: right now this girl ::..

HI Friends! I am up on the Paper Issues blog today layout and process video for the February Sketch Challenge! Here is a look at my layout :

Here is the sketch : 

I followed the main idea of the sketch -- a wreath design with two overlapping photos and some embellishments in two clusters. I didn't follow it exactly, but I think you can tell I used this sketch as inspiration for sure. I also used my Silhouette Cameo software and a sketch pen to journal around the circle!

I cut the Heart Wreath free cut file out of white card stock, then I backed some of the hearts with papers from the 6x6 Doodlebug Love Notes paper pack.  Before putting it down on the page, I added some pink and read Vicki Boutin paint behind the cut file. 

I stitched some of the hearts using some yellow embroidery floss. I also added some to my photo, because the sketch indicates some embellishment on the photo. 

I used a couple of banners and speech bubbles from the Chit Chat Ephemera pack as embellishment along the wreath and also in the top left and bottom right of the page. 

For my title I cut "This Girl" free hand out of the same 6x6 papers I used to back the cut file. Each sentence in my journaling starts with the words, "Right now this girl", so that's what I used as my title.

I did make a video of my process if that's something that suits your fancy!

You can find this and all of our current challenges in the February Challenges album in our Facebook Group. You have plenty of time to participate. Play along until March 1, for a chance to win a gift card to the Paper Issues Store. Shop the store using the code OrangeGearle for 20% off your purchase. Thank you for stopping by!  See you again soon! XO o.g.

..:: nature: a love story ::..

Hello!  I am up on the Scrapbook Circle blog with this layout that I made using the 2017 May kit - Take Note. My assignment was to use the exclusive cork hearts in a unique way. I chose to use one of them as part of my title in this layout that documents my daughter's love of nature.

I used my Silhouette Cameo to poke holes in white card stock so that I could easily hand stitch the word "Nature". I set it up in the Silhouette Studio software using the Bebas font, keeping in mind exactly where I wanted it on the page.  Then after it cut the holes for me, I stitched using black embroidery floss. 

I used watercolors to paint inside the lines that I stitched. I grabbed color inspiration from the patterned papers and embellishments  that I chose from this month's kit.

I did a little fussy cutting of the flowers from the Webster's Pages patterned paper and added some bits from the Elle's Studio Live Laugh Love bits and pieces included in the kit. 

My title was completed with the "love" cork heart, and the acrylic word "story". I added just a little bit of journaling and this simple, but fun page, was complete!

Check out how Kelly used the cork hearts by visiting the Scrapbook Circle blog today!

Thanks for stopping by. See you soon!

..:: let's roll ::..

It's time for a bit of (P)Inspiration!  Here's my take on the August mood board at Paper Issues.

Here's a look at the gorgeous mood board. 

I took inspiration from the colors (specifically black, white, grey, with pops of pink and yellow) and the "transportation" theme of this beautiful board. The new Cute Girl collection by Crate Paper was perfect for this!

I treated each square like a little mini-layout. This one I used yellow acrylic paint by Dylusions as part of my base layer!  Here is a close-up look at the other sections.

Details of how to play along with us this month can be found here on the Paper Issues Blog. 

Crate Paper also has a Cool Kid collection that is perfect for more of a boy theme. Grab some of Crate Paper's latest collections at the Paper Issues store today and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your order. (PS, there are tons of other things in the store, and the code works for all of it)!

:: dream, imagine, & explore ::

This past weekend was the Paper Issues Fall Online Crop.  There is still time to play (if you click that link), but I thought I would share one of my favorite layouts that I made during the crop.

I made this layout for one of the challenges that encouraged the use of a BIG title.

The title tells much of the story, but this little bit of journaling tells the rest!

Most of the items I used were from the Maggie Holmes SHINE collection.

And I pretty much cannot make a layout these days without using a bit of flair from {a flair for buttons}.  The {a flair for buttons} shop was also one of our sponsors! Check out the flair Shelley made just for PI here.

See you soon!

:: sand angels ::

It's new issue Monday on the  Paper Issues Blog!  Our issue is sponsored by SugarPea Designs, and the winner will get a gift certificate to SugarPea Designs (with free shipping)!

Here is my layout for the issue:

The issue, Let's Get This Party Star-ted and Par-ty Heart-y has a long name (which really means there are many ways to interpret the challenge)!  Here are a few ideas (the items I used are in bold):

celebrations of all kinds, graduations, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, use hearts, golfing (par), stars, stamping, use May printable, use SugarPea Designs products



The SugarPea Designs product that I used is a clear stamp set called Build a Background - Basics (pictured to the right).  These stamps caught my eye because I thought they would be perfect for art journaling, mix media layouts, and to use in my planner! For the challenge, obviously, I chose to do a layout.  I used both of the chevron-looking stamps (top two) with paint and with ink!  I even got to use my small Geli Plate when working with the paint and stamps together! So. Fun.  Here are a few close ups, which include the story:

I started with white card stock and a bunch of washi tape! I stuck with mostly pink and oranges, but various patterns.  One of the washi tapes also had a little bit of blue -- and B.'s shirt is blue, so I went with it. :-)

 I used some orange, yellow and red gelatos to create a layer under the photo.  Then I added the stamping over that with orange StazOn ink.

That bright blue chevron was made with paint.  I used my Geli Plate, spread some blue paint on it with a roller, and then I stamped directly onto the Geli Plate.  Once I made the pattern in the paint that I was looking for, I pulled a couple of prints (using plain white card stock).  I placed these behind the photo.  It was fun!  I absolutely loved working with these stamps from SugarPea Designs!

Check out the rest of the Design Team inspiration over at the blog.  While you are over there, stop in at the store, too!  There are so many new things popping up every day!  The Crate Paper is to die for!  Trust me! Oh and the Webster's Pages stuff (we even have a teal planner in)! OMG I totally forgot to mention the Maggie Holmes Confetti Collection.  Seriously.  So much yummy stuff! Don't forget to use the code orangegearle for 20% off your entire purchase!

Scrap Your Story :: Beatrice @ bat

UPDATE:  I'm linking this up to Paper Issues Feb. 7, 2015 Issue Hip to Be Square (I used square photos and some {aflairforbuttons} flair.

It's FRIDAY!  Scrap Your Story Challenge blog has a new challenge posted! This week we are all about childhood!

This week I was fortunate enough to be able to hang out with a friend and scrap & chat all afternoon! Love getting that time to catch up, and share some creative juices! I had the basic idea of this page (and even some of it created) before we met, but it was so awesome to be able to say, "What do you think of this....or this...or..."! I think we each created 2-3 pages that day -- we must do it again soon!

Most everything came from Jillibean Soup :: Irish Farm House Soup collection pack.  I added some wood veneers, washi and "today" flair from A Flair For Buttons.

For the painted stars in the background I made a stencil using my Silhouette Cameo.  Then I used Tim Holtz Distress paint (Antique White) to paint the stars on. Best part: I used blank stencil "paper" (did you know you can purchase that at Michael's?) to create the star stencil, so I can use it over and over again!

Fun!  We are off to a great adventure this weekend!  I am going to attempt my first "Smash" book to document the trip! I'll update you soon!

Scrap Your Story :: adventure is out there

It's FRIDAY!  There is a new challenge up at Scrap Your Story! Our theme this week is "A Journey". Here is my take on the theme:

Journaling reads: You have become so obsessed with Batman! Daddy bought you this fabulous t-shirt with an attached cape! I found the tutu and you added the boots.

My "journey" is really more about the adventure of raising an imaginative three-year-old! This is the ultimate journey; navigating parenting with my Soul Mate. What a lovely adventure! I used the quote (from the movie UP) "Adventure is out there" for my title, and aren't super heroes adventurous?! 

If you follow me on instagram, you may have seen that I purchased gelatos (not the food, the awesomeness from Faber-Castell). I have had so much fun playing.  I love getting a new toy -- it always makes me want to create and gives me a boost of inspiration.

I used a mix of gelatos and Tim Holtz Distress Paint  to make circles in a grid on white card stock. I blended the gelatos with a round, foam brush. Then I used a dropper and dropped some of the blue paint right onto the page in big blobs (that took forever to dry).

 I added some stamping (Ali Edwards) some wood veneer and some sequins for fun!

I also mixed the gelatos with water to make these orange splotches. I am in love with this product. I just know you will find gelatos showing up on my layouts more and more.

I am actually on a bit of a journey right now. I'm in St. Charles, MO for a PLC conference for work, but I brought a few scrapping supplies along with me, and I created my layout for this week's challenge in the hotel (first time doing that for me). This is the longest I have been away from My One True Love since 2007, and the longest away from my daughter EVER. I'm certainly glad that I had some scrappy supplies to keep me company (and more importantly, try to keep my mind off missing them)!

I hope to see your 'journey' layouts pop up on the Scrap Your Story challenge blog soon!

I scraplifted the basic design of this page. I saw this layout by qingmei on the Studio Calico blog and I knew I had to make my own version! 

Scrap Your Story Challenge :: pad-a-killars and butterflies

Welcome to my orange space! I have a new layout up at Scrap Your Story.  This week's challenge is to incorporate the theme of "animals" in some way.  I knew right away I wanted to scrap these photos from almost a year ago.

Fun with paint, papers and photographs!  Most of my papers are from the February Scrapbook Circle kit -- a complete list of supplies linked below.

These photos were taken last April.  B. had gotten a bug kit (net, magnifying glass and cage) for Easter and we took this lovely day to go outside and explore. The journaling (that is written in the circle of paint) reads, "You are so curious!  I love watching you learn about the world. We got lucky today and found a bunch of different kinds of critters.  You are quite the scientist.  The Easter Bunny brought you the perfect toys!" 

Here are a few closeups:

 I "popped" the title with pop dots.

 My journaling goes along the painted circle.

I also stamped a few items around the circle. Can you believe that I was an enamel dot virgin until this layout!?

I made a *real* sketch before making this layout. I've decided that when I like a basic design of a layout, I will share a sketch of it on my blog as well. I often, more literally, "sketch" out a LO before actually sitting down and putting it together. I have a notebook that I keep pretty close by most of the time and I use it for various things, including a quick sketch. This time, however, I sat down with Photoshop and made a *real* one to share with you!  Enjoy, pin, and use!  ;-)

Supplies Used :: 

October Afternoon :: Midway :: Ringtoss
Bazzill Basics :: African Daisy
Lily Bee Design :: Happily Lost :: Stroll
Pink Paislee :: Hometown Summer :: Summer Fun
American Crafts :: Everyday :: Rose Brad
My Mind's Eye :: The Sweetest Thing :: Enamel Dots
Crate paper :: Phrase Stickers
October Afternoon :: Sidewalks :: Word Stickers
Silhouette Cameo

StazOn Ink :: Jet Black

Xyron Tape Runner

Scrap Your Story Challenge #1

Welcome to my little orange space! If you are here for the One Little Word blog hop -- it can be found here!  But I would love it if you would check this challenge out too!  ;-)

On Monday I announced that I was selected to be part of the Design Team for the Scrap Your Story Challenge blog, and today is the first reveal!  Here is my layout for this challenge :

The challenge this week is to "use" just one photo.  Easy peasy!  I have done several "one photo" layouts recently (which is actually kind of unusual for me), but I wanted to add my own little challenge for myself into the mix. So, I decided to use one big photo.  I don't have a 12x12 printer, or easy access to that, so I just made it as big as I could (printed at home)!

Since B. is in the bathtub, I wanted to make something look "water-ish" (that's a word, right?)!  I took a strip of paper and some strips of vellum and cut them all wavy-like, then I stitched over them in waves as well.  FUN!  Another fun element is the "peek a boo"cutout.  I did this with my new Silhouette Cameo (and a little help from my iPad).  It's my own handwriting that I converted into a cut file.  If there is an interest, I could easily do a tutorial on how I made that happen.  Leave me a comment saying you'd like it, and I will!

Here are a few more close up shots:

I hope you all join in the challenge.  Look for all the details and how to link up, here.  Each week a "top three" will be chosen from the entries, and at the end of the month one lucky participant (chosen from all participants for the whole month - which means if you do all four challenges, your name will go in four times!) will will the following prize:

Whether this is your first visit to my blog or you've visited before, I would love to have you back! You can follow me by clicking "join this site" in the sidebar.  Comments always welcome!

Supplies Used :: 

pebbles :: seen and noted :: checklist

pebbles :: seen and noted :: take note

jillibean soup ::country pumpkin chowder :: cream style corn

technique tuesday :: studio AE stamps :: super fantastic

a flair for buttons :: my life words 2 :: fun

october afternoon :: midway :: designer brads

freckled fawn :: wide chevron washi :: aqua

freckled fawn :: chevron washi :: orange

freckled fawn :: wood chips :: speech bubbles

Claudine Hellmuth Studio Semi-Gloss Acrylic Paint -- classic teal

Studio Calico :: Mister Huey Spray :: pinstripe

lilybee design :: this and that :: cardstock alpha stickers

Tim Holtz :: Tiny Attacher

Martha Stewart :: 1.5 inch circle punch :: all over the page

Grafix Vellum Paper

StazOn Ink :: Jet Black

Xyron Tape Runner

Singer Tradition Sewing Machine

~ pink sand ~

I did this one for the June Color Challenge at Club CK!  As soon as I saw the challenge, I knew what photos I would use. Colors: Green, Pink and White -- perfect for a green turtle sandbox with pink sand!

B's favorite color has been pink since she could talk!  So when my mom saw the pink sand, she had to get it.  Gotta love Grandmas!

I used mostly the April Scrapbook Circle Kit :: Daydreamer.  Full list of supplies at the end of the post and I'll point out my "new stuff" (per my non-manifesto) as I go!

 {New stuff number 1: stitching in a circle}

 {New stuff number 2 & 3: using a mask, using spray mist}

I had so much fun making the little piece of the layout below!!  First I used my cricut to cut the letter B out (Plantin Schoolbook cartridge).  I used pink paint and painted the cut out B, but the leftover square was the fun part!  I used paint and alphastamps (linked below) and stamped uppercase and lowercase B's all over the square.  Then, I decided to mist that piece as well (it was just a bit too....boring without it).  FUN and unplanned, which is more fun.
{New stuff number 4: using paint on a layout}

Interesting fact: for the journaling block I actually used the piece of cardboard that the Amy Tan fabric stickers came on.  I loved the orange grid so I went with it! Speaking of Amy Tangerine, did you see her new release?  Delicious!

You may notice that I used quite a few buttons from my stash.  Well, this is what happens when you are focused on working, and not paying attention to your two-year-old play....

Those circles in the middle are the tops of the containers that the buttons were in, sorted by color.  Don't you bet she had fun?

Hope everyone has a fun, safe, 4th of July celebration!

..::non-manifesto progress::..

stamped on washi :: zig zag stitch in the middle of straight stitch :: circle stitch :: paint on a layout :: spray mist :: masking ::

Supplies: (also various buttons from my stash)