:: his & hers :: Paper Issues New Issue Monday

It's new issue Monday over on the Paper Issues blog!  For this issue I got to work with one of my very favorite things -- flair from {aflairforbuttons}! Scroll down to see a couple of extra goodies for this issue…..

This layout started with the multicolored flair you see above. I saw it, and went with it. Lots of color. Lots of circles. Lots of fun do dads from past Swag Bags.

I found a simple circle cut file from the Silhouette store (here). I resized it so that the circles would be about an inch (this works for the flair and I can use my 1 inch circle punch for the fun stuff behind the circles).  I grabbed some current and past Swag Bags and a few other things from my stash and added color all over the place! I even grabbed a couple of gelatos and a water brush for two of the circles.

And then I got to layering under the photo.

This was fun and came together quickly!

So here are the details of the Hip to Be Square issue:

Suggested link up ideas: use 3x3, 4x4, 6x6/8x8/12x12 paper, photos and other square elements, use a grid design, use paper that has squares on it, favorite room in your house, quilt-like patterns, show off current scrapbooking trends (chevron, bokeh, woodgrain, arrows, etc.), square dancing, square root, baked goods because bars, brownies, etc. are cut into squares, city block, square brackets, square knot (scouting or boating), game boards like chess, checkers, Scrabble (and online variations), a square meal, use A Flair for Buttons products

I know when you look at my LO you may see circles, can you see my squares?  ;-)

So here is what you get!  If you link up you could win an assortment of flair from our sponsor, A Flair for Buttons!:

There is a free cut file in the store to go with this issue (awesome)!  AND, if you use the code IHAVEISSUES15 at check out, you will get 10% off at A Flair for Buttons etsy shop!

And finally, as always, pick up what you need from the Paper Issues store and get 20% off anything by using the code orangegearle at check out!

❃ have more firsts ❃

This background is created by me with papers, paints and stamps. The words are from Ali Edwards' kit club brushes.

My One Little Word this year is DO. I knew I really needed an action word this year. There are so many things that I need to accomplish! As I was searching for my word, I sat down with a pen and paper and made a list of things that I really wanted in my life, or to accomplish, and a list of things that I wanted to eliminate in my life. When I did this I had "DOs" and don'ts. Then it hit me…DO is the perfect word for this year.  That was in December.

Also in December I received my first Story Kit from Ali Edwards. The theme was "Firsts".  When I saw the stamp set, I knew that I really wanted to start a project. Instant inspiration to do. In fact, I almost changed my word to 'firsts'  when I saw it.  But I quickly realized that first is a great match with do. So, a project was born.

I have challenged myself to have more firsts this year.  This year, I will be intentional about creating opportunities to do something for the first time each month.  I anticipate that I will have firsts that are simple, easy, and risk free like going to a new restaurant for the first time.  But I am hopeful that I will also take some real risks, put myself out there, and create new experiences for myself, and maybe even a few new experiences with my family.

I've started my firsts and will be sharing them here soon and as the year progresses! So exciting!


If you want to know more about One Little Word, visit Ali Edwards site, here.  If you are interested in receiving her story kits and/or stamps, you can find that information here.

:: project life : week 3 ::

I'm on the Paper Issues blog today with a product spotlight.  For week 3 of my Project Life album, I used a kit that I purchased from the Paper Issues Store called the Becky Higgins Desktop Kit.  Here is a look at the left side of my two page spread.

And the right side looks like this:

That photo in the upper right flips up to reveal another photo and some journaling that I wanted to be a bit more private.

Here are the two pages together -- without the insert:

This was a birthday week for our nephew -- and he just happens to be Bea's best friend. Here is what it looks like with the insert (you can see the front)

Here are the two inserts (front & back):

And here is what it looks like when that insert page is turned:

I enjoyed working with this kit!  There are several PL kits available in the Paper Issues Store here.  Don't forget to use the code orangegearle at check out to get 20% off your entire order!

Thanks for stopping by! I will be back soon to share week four!