..:: outside love ::..

Hi friends! I am up on the {a flair for buttons} blog with a layout using several flair buttons and a bunch of Shimmerz Paints!  Here's my layout:

This is one of those times that I started with the flair. I knew they matched these pictures perfectly, so I grabbed them and printed off my photos.

You may recognize that gorgeous Flutterby cut file! If you remember, I had cut them too small the first time, but I saved them because I knew I would use them. There were sitting there on my desk so I just had to use them!

I actually started by creating a background paper using several Shimmerz Vibez mists that matched my flair. Then I used that background paper to cut butterfly shapes to go behind the cut file. Finally, I stitched with gold thread down the center. I absolutely love how these butterflies turned out! Here are the paints I used:

The flair I used are from this fair set:

I made a video of my process if that suits your fancy!

Don't forget, if you are purchasing any Shimmerz products, put my name (orange gearle) in the comments and you will get a little something extra in your order!

Thanks for stopping by and see you again soon!

..:: gimmie some knucks ::..

I am up on the Scrapbook Circle blog today with a new layout using the May Scrapbook Circle Kit and Printable.

I used the Pinkfresh Studio alpha for "gimmie some" and then cut the word "knocks" freehand from patterned paper. Then to help "Knucks" stand out better I added some hand stitching around the letters.

I used the printable card that says "I love you because..." behind my photo as a layer. I was also inspired by the words for my journaling.

I also added some machine stitching for a final touch to this monochromatic layout about my daughter's silliness.

I made a process video if that suits your fancy!

Thanks for stopping by, see you again soon!

..:: just chillaxin' ::..

Here's another layout that I did during Paper Issues online crop this weekend!  This was for the stitching challenge. I used both hand and machine stitching (two of my faves)!

For this layout I used items from Shimelle's most recent collection Little by Little.  I fussy cut those circles out -- and stitched them down with my machine. But before that I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut stitching holes for my title!  So fun!   Here are a few close ups!

This crop was so much fun! It's been great seeing all of the different takes on each challenge!

..:: birthday selfies ::..

It's Mix It Up Monday on the Paper Issues Blog and here's my take on the challenge this month!

This photo was taken on my birthday while we were out to eat celebrating together as a family. B. is always ready for the camera!

I used lots of bits and pieces from several collections this month -- it alls started with Simple Stories New Year's collection which I did use a bit of, but mostly the colors grabbed me!  So, I got the black and white started and then I grabbed the colors that I wanted to pop off the page from multiple lines. 

Check out the other inspiration from our Design Team here, and make sure you play along!

..:: 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)!

:: buggin' out ::

There's a product spotlight post on the Paper Issues Blog today.  This week we are highlighting the Illustrated Faith: She Blooms collection.  I got to play along with these great photos of my daughter, "buggin' out."

I stitched a circle with white thread, and then went around a couple more times with that hot pink color. I added some chipboard flowers from the 12x12 chipboard elements.

Here are a few close-ups.

I added several layers of patterned paper from the collection under my photos -- and as usual some watercolors and thread.

I added enamel hearts from the collection as well as some stickers and words from the cut apart pieces included in the patterned papers. I put them all around the stitched circle to further emphasize the stitched circle. 

This was a fun collection to work with! There are so many different things in the Paper Issues Store right now!  Check them out, buy a few, and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

:: remember the moments ::

Hi friends! This weekend is the Paper Issues Spring Crop! Woo hoo!  I thought I would share this layout with out that I made during our last crop. I'm using some Maggie Holmes Shine and Ali Edwards stamps.

I started with white card stock and stamped "little moments' over and over to create my background.  Then I used some papers from the Shine collection to create layers behind my photo and add some circles.  Stitching, of course, journaling, and some fun embellishments. Done!

If you haven't joined the Paper Issues {Friends & Fans} Facebook group yet, do that here! You'll get the most up to date info on new items to the store, the fun challenges that we have every month, and, of course, the Spring Crop!

Join us for the Spring Crop!  There are Gift Cards up for grabs (like $250 bucks worth) and there is a whole bunch of new yummies in the shop!  Check it out and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

..:: mix it up monday ::.. press pause

Hi! Happy Mix it Up Monday!  I'm on the Paper Issues Blog today with a new layout and process video.

I machine stitched throughout the layout, because it's what I do, yo.

I LOVE THIS AMPERSAND! 

I got messy with spray mists, gelatos, and a mask. Here's how it looks all put together.

I also put together a process video if that something that suits your fancy.

Play with us this month and share your page in the February Challenge Album on the Paper Issues {Friends & Fans} Facebook group!  You have until March 6 to play and there are prizes to be had! 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there are all kinds of new goodies in the Paper Issues Store right now!  Check them out, grab a few (or more) and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

:: 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!

:: hello sunshine ::

Hello summer, hello June, hello sunshine! I have a feeling I'm going to use up all of Crate Paper's Poolside collection, just sayin'!

There's a product spotlight over on the Paper Issues blog today -- check out what other DT members have done with this awesome collection!

Inspired?  Want to purchase some of this collection (or anything else)?  Stop by the Paper Issues Store and use the code orangegearle for 20% off your entire purchase!

:: you are my sunshine ::

I am up on the Paper Issues Blog today with a layout using Pinkfresh Studio's Up in the Clouds collection.

I've had this photo printed out and ready to scrap for several years. When I saw this awesome watercolor paper, I knew it would be perfect for this photo and this story.  Look how little she is!  YIKES!  Time flies, doesn't it??

I loved the "rain" look of this paper so I decided to go with that -- and enhance it a bit.  I stitched with my machine at various lengths, and added an enamel dot to the end of each stitched line.  I really love how it turned out!  I've also been waiting for just-that-right layout to use those awesome hearts!

It may be difficult to tell in the photos, but there is pink tulle behind the cut out title.

I am linking this up to Paper Issues current issue: Enamored with Enamel sponsored by Paper Camellia.

Here are some ideas for what could you link up to Enamored with Enamel:

• Use enamel embellishments, like enamel dots, hearts, chevrons, words, etc.
• Do you love stars? Let them take a starring role on your project.
• Are polka dots your thing? Go ahead, go dotty with dots.
• Get things pointed in the right direction by using arrows, geotags, globes, etc.
• Is punctuation your thing? Add punctuation symbols to your project.
• Share the love by using hearts.
• Show us something you absolutely love, whether it be a person, flower, food, thing, place, movie, song, etc.
• Use Paper Camellia's kits.

Here's what you need to do to be eligible to win Paper Camellia's March Main Kit:

1. Link up as many projects as you'd like. They can be new OR old.

2. LINK BACK to Paper Issues between now and March 22nd.

Enabler Alert: There are new goodies coming into the Paper Issues Store so often that it's difficult to keep up (I am not complaining, let me tell ya).  Check out the store and don't forget to use the code orangegearle to get 20% off your entire purchase!

:: sewing with dad ::

Hi ! I'm up on the Paper Issues blog today with a layout that I created using Dear Lizzy's Serendipity collection and the January Sketch by Jen Chapin. 

I love the aqua, navy and pinks in this collection! If you limit the pink and add a bit of the yellow included in the collection you can get a more masculine feel to your layout, too. I love the versatility of this collection!

I also used the free cut file from the shop that is based on Jen's sketch -- which made this come together quickly.

Pop dots and stitching to add interest and texture. I also added a few things from my stash (most of which were actually from past Swag Bags).

I love these alphas!  Gah!  I may need to purchase some more!

And finally, it's all about the story. I used my new-to-me typewriter with some vellum to document the story that goes with these photos. I added the vellum over the patterned paper and sewed it in to place. The vellum helps tone down the paper a bit so that the text is more visible.

You can link your layout based on Jen's sketch to the Paper Issues blog, too. You could win a gift card to the Paper Issues store.  While you're there, you can use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your entire purchase.

Thanks for stopping by!  See you again soon!