Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Bo Bunny Souvenir and Some Pages for a Friend!


Good morning! This month Two Scrapbook Friends asked me to work with Bo Bunny's Souvenir and I admit to loving the shabby, travel worn look to these papers. I asked my BFF Carey for some of her Jamaica holiday photos so I could help her capture these special moments for her family.

My favourite part of the Go Travel Jamaica design is the little bi of cardboard under the photo.
The layered chipboard and tags are awesome that come with this line, they really created flow along the edge of the photo and help tell the story.
I used some old Scrabble letter tiles and cork letters to flesh out my TRAVEL title from the Bo Bunny Line.
Some arrows and layered pennants finished it off nicely. I hope you'll be inspired by Bo Bunny's  Souvenir line to create some of your own travel pages!

Until next time, keep doing what you love!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Inspiration Elevator November 2014: Layer It On!

Our main purpose here at IE is to challenge ourselves, each other and YOU to take the creative process to the next level;  to inspire growth and change in our scrapbooking beyond the mundane.
You can see all of Inspiration Elevator's previous challenges at on Facebook .  This month's challenge is issued by the creative Katherine Sutton. Katharine has a fabulous, eclectic style where she showcases all kinds of mediums and keeps the focus on her great photos. This month she has a  seasonal challenge to warm up your creativity this month. Here it is in her own words:

" 'cos Autumn is all about layers of leaves and layers of jumpers (in the northern hemisphere) I would like to challenge you to add lots of layers to your page....this could be layers of paints, inks, stamps, papers, glassine paper, acetate....lots of lovely layers."


Here is my take on this month's challenge.  I liked this technique based challenge very much. I have been in a creative funk and found sticking to the techniques I love really boosted my "flow". This polka dot paper from DoodleBug caught my eye at a retreat recently. The colours in brown, purple and gold seemed such a novel combination and really pulled the colours from this selfie of Adriane. I love her little dimple and all that golden light.

 
 I began my layers with the gold patterned paper and a piece of white cardstock. I added purple random stitches around the perimeter to outline the focal area of the design. I then layered a template and some modelling paste in in a few corners and added some glass bead medium and golden watercolour paint too.

 I layered the polka dot paper and a sticker edged sticker strip to keep the foucs on my photo. I added purple watercolours to a crinkled doily and layered it under my photo too.
A strip of matching striped paper stitched to the bottom of the photo and layered some pennant pieces on top. The subtitle sticker is actually the start of the whole title idea! A few layered buttons and VOILA: it is all done.


Here's a complete list of this month's participating designers!  We encourage you to check out each designer's creation this month, then come on back and give the challenge a try yourself! We would love to see what you create on the IE Facebook page!
Christa Uttley
Michelle Hernandez 

Until next time, keep doing what you love!

Monday, November 3, 2014

November Sketch and Challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends!

Hello! It is my turn to host our monthly Sketch & Crafty challenge!  We hope you are finding time in the cooler fall months to warm up your creativity. Let's begin with the sketch.



I created a nice, simple design that I hope you have fun using!

For the Crafty portion of the challenge, here's the scoop: Use something OLD, something NEW, something BORROWED and something BLUE! (I was inspired by my nephew who got engaged very recently!)

Here's my inspiration layout, using both the Sketch and Crafty challenge, featuring my daughter, Adriane. Her friend took these 'modelling' shots for fun and they really made me smile. In fact, photos were the  BORROWED element as they came from her iPad.
My something OLD was the brad on the title frame. I've had those lying around for a few summers and this chevron brad was waiting for something special! My something NEW was the Simple Stories line "Good Day Sunshine"  that I picked up this summer and haven't had the chance to use. (much...)  My something BLUE is the matting colour and the bits of sky blue in the patterned paper.

So! Share your OLD, NEW, BORROWED and BLUE while working with the sketch! Be creative and you can be entered into a random draw to win a $25 gift certificate to TSF!!!!

Please remember, in order to qualify and be in with a chance of winning, you must use the SKETCH and the CRAFTY portion of the challenge. Also, this month we would like you to identify the OLD, NEW, BORROWED and BLUE elements of your design. Just add the description to your blog or gallery post.

Here are our few simple rules:
  • Enter as many times as you like with each new entry showing an interpretation of both the Sketch and Crafty element of this month's challenge.
  • Each creation will gain you one entry into the draw to win.  Please enter a double page as only one entry. 
  • Proects must be linked using the tool at the TSF blog here in order to be entered to win.
  • Entries must be linked no later than 11:59pm on November 30, 2014.

I can't wait to see what you create! Happy crafting!

Monday, September 15, 2014

Go Big or Go Home

Our main purpose here at IE is to challenge ourselves, each other and YOU to take the creative process to the next level;  to inspire growth and change in our scrapbooking beyond the mundane.
You can see all of Inspiration Elevator's previous challenges at our blog and catch us on Facebook .
We are thrilled to welcome back as a guest designer with our team, the very talented Christine Meyer!
This month's challenge is issued by me!  Here is my challenge for you, in my own words:

GO BIG OR GO HOME: Scrapbookers as a rule use what photos they have on hand or if you are designing, whatever pictures allow you to best showcase your lines or express your paper lines. This month's challenge is to be very deliberate about your photo choice because we are going BIG! Bigger than 8x10 if you can do it. Recently, I saw a friend using a 12x12 she had printed at the local Costco and was stunned at the power this GIANT image had on her story telling. (If you'd rather not spend any extra on your photo then scrap those large baby pictures or a wedding shot you have lying around.) Think scenic vistas or think about all the details that go missing in your world and blow them up. Be brave!
Here are the MUST DO's: Must be at least 8x10 in size. We want this GIANT photo to take centre stage and tell the story in a big way.

I must say how disappointed I am that I could not get my layout completed.  I am working with a large picture of Adriane that my friend Laura Pastrik took at our final recital. It isn't your typical dance photo but shows her motion and it really speaks to her movement and dedication to long hard hours of practice to achieve this beautiful routine. I've shared it for you at the very least and plan to post the layout when I can.

Please stop by the other designers blogs and see what they have created with these large super-sized photos.

Until next time, keep doing what you love.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Inspiration Elevator August 2014: 30 minutes or less!



Our main purpose here at IE is to challenge ourselves, each other and YOU to take the creative process to the next level;  to inspire growth and change in our scrapbooking beyond the mundane.
You can see all of Inspiration Elevator's previous challenges at our blog and catch us on Facebook .
We are thrilled to welcome back as a guest designer with our team, the uber creative and wonderfully artsy Misty Russell!
This month's challenge is issued by the amazing Jayne Morgan. Jayne mixes classic styling with fun and funky embellishments and artistic mixed media touches. Here is her challenge for us, in her own words:
Time(d) to Change
It's no secret amongst my crafty friends that my biggest hang up when scrapbooking is procrastination. Being a perfectionist can certainly benefit the end result, but quite often, we worry so much about the outcome that we forget to enjoy the process! On a couple of occasions when I've had to complete a tight deadline for DT calls or assignments, I've been forced to throw caution aside and complete a page within an hour. This for me in itself is a miracle, but the most surprising part was that I not only thoroughly enjoyed the carefree process, but the end results have been some of my most favourite pages. Here's lies the inspiration for this months challenge - I'd like you to gather your photo's, papers and a collection of supplies you think you may need, hibernate to your creative space and take 30 minutes to create whatever you like.........not a minute more! Contrary to what you may think, the pressure is off here. Chances are the final result will not be your best ever project as the time constraint is a little extreme (!), but it's a well known saying that creativity flourishes when we are willing to take risks! Enjoy the process.

Whoa! This was a crazy ride! I tried to stay true to the challenge but really keeping an eye on the time. I admit to going over at 34 minutes but the phone rang and it sure is hard to keep focused while on the phone!  None the less..here it is!

 I had taken these photos on our Dance Photo night with Dolly\'s iPhone 5C and she has this great filtre on that blows my mind. I had Blacks photo print them in 4x4 square size. The papers from Simple Stories Good Day Sunshine line really inspired and the photo colouring worked out perfectly.

I didn't procrastinate at all just chose the wood grain piece with the title on to save time I usually spend on the Cameo cutting. Time constraints dictated a quick title which I loved! The wood veneer sun  is panted with water colour and I blew on it to haste dry time. I admit it is was still wet at photo time! (All wood veneer is by Studio Calico.)
The brads are from this line and added a few flair pieces from American Crafts #summer line.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this challenge. I find that Jayne is right: I do procrastinate and sometimes put things off because I feel I have to give SO MUCH to each page. My BFF Ann and I always joke that we "give birth" to each and every page. We love the end products but it can be a real labour of love. It's a terrible place to be when you truly love your craft. So, I vow that I will try to give a bit LESS to the process and a lot MORE to the enjoyment. Thanks Jayne.
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Here's a complete list of this month's participating designers!  We encourage you to check out each designer's creation this month, then come on back and give the challenge a try yourself!

Meantime, if you've wanted to participate as a guest designer with Inspiration Elevator, just contact team lead, Ann at annjobes@bell.net
Now it's your turn to get creating about what is in your bag, and share your blog link at the IE blog. We would love to see what you were inspired to make!

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

July Sketch and Crafty Challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends!

Happy Canada Day to all my scrappy friends!

It's my turn to inspire you with a sketch and a challenge for the month of July at Two Scrapbook Friends!

Here's PART ONE of this month's challenge; the SKETCH. It is very simple but should inspire you to add lots of personal touches and make it your own!
 PART TWO of the challenge is to use a nice BIG NUMBER on your design. Last year my hubby and I celebrated 19 years of marriage and my daughter thought of this title based on one of her favourite TV shows "19 Kids and Counting". 






 So, remember....you must use the sketch and the crafty part of the challenge to qualify.  

Please remember a few simple rules:

1.Enter as many times as you like as long as each NEW project shows an interpretation of both the Sketch and Crafty element.
2. Each creation will gain you one entry in the draw to win. (Please enter a double page layout as only one entry).
3. Projects must be linked up using the tool at the TSF blog in order to be entered to win.
4. Projects must be entered no later than July 31st, 2014 by 11:59pm.

Until next time, keep doing what you love!


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

There is Sunshine in My Heart

Good Morning scrappy pals!! What gorgeous summer weather we are having and it looks like the Canada Day weekend (etc) is going to be amazing! I admit that long weekends really help me get y mojo going rain, snow or shine! Something about that extra day free of life's rat race makes me feel freeeeeee! Truly! So even if the weather's good I open a window or head out to the deck and create a summery page! Here's one I created with Simple Stories Summer Paradise from Two Scrapbook Friends...see if you cans pot my piece de resistance!

Yep! It's that super weird (yet very characteristic picture of my Dolly) AND the sequin heart! The title from my Cameo really was the starting point. You know how that happens right? You have a cute picture but can't figue out what to call the layout and start paging through your online files and VOILA! Inspiration. The Blue and red are really dynamic. Take a closer look!
I sanded the title to to get  beachy weathered feel:
And it seemed apropos to add a Sunshine (duh!) and a cloud with rainbow sequins to round out my theme. The paper lent itself to a banner perfectly. Be sure to pop over to the store to see if you can get your hands on this line it's summer and fun all in one!

I hope you get your mojo flowing this week and enjoy the sunshine too. Until next time, keep doing what you love!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Remington Saving Grace



We got our sweet new puppy on February 14, 2014. I was in the middle of a severe case of pneumonia and couldn't really take the time to train our rambunctious new family member. Many of you know how heartbroken I have been over the sudden loss of BoBo our first Boston Terrier, so Remy really saved me. He made me smile and he was a soft warm fuzzy little body in my lap. We decided to call him Remington Saving Grace.  (not that my husband agreed AT ALL!)

So here is a layout I made using the Bo Bunny Happy Tails line for Two Scrapbook Friends.
I loved the background paper with the subtle stamped images and the title on the chipboard frame. I used a variety of letters and a chipboard phrase to create visual interest. The washi and the twine are fun too!
I also included the date of his birth in the same letters as his full name. This element of repetition leads the viewer to know see the important elements of my design.


I hope you are inspired to scrap you favourite furry friends! Until next time,  keep doing what you love to do!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

You Colour My World!

Good day, bloggeritas! Dance season has just finished up and we are returned from our summer vacation in Walt Disney World, so I wanted to share with you a few designs I created for Two Scrapbook Friends with SIMPLE STORIES Summer Paradise.

My first of a few designs features our newest family member, Remy. Many of you will recall my sadness over the loss of my Bo-Bo and Remy has done lots to help our family heal. He is a WILD doggy and I understand this is a sign of great intelligence! But whatever the reason behind it, he keeps me on my toes and fills my days with laughter. I had hoped this design would help me to remember this stage of his life where his exuberance often out weighs his commonsense!

The plain white background allows for contrast between the bright colour palette and the sharp black accents. The wavy part in the middle is actually set into the two white halves of the design and framed by the black/washi border.
I added the black afterwards..can you tell? and the journalling is on an old stamp. My kids tell me they truly appreciate my handwriting o their pages so I am trying to do more.
Finally, I really tried to draw attention to my witty (yes, I am awesome), title ad play on words. The colourful letters are cut from old scraps that closely matched the palette of the Summer Paradise line.

I hope you enjoyed this design and my selfie + dog photo! There may be more.....

Until next time, keep doing what you love!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Stuck Sketch and Remembering Love

It's time for another sketch at Stuck?! and a layout inspired by the wonderful relationship I have with my very bestest friend (my PERSON) Carey. It's a wonderful thing that our daughters have found that same friendship. I love this photo and wanted to give it the treatment it deserves.

My usual style asks for usually one larger photo and this sketch was easily adaptable. Although if I could have found three photos I liked I would have loved to challenge myself, but alas, to no avail!

I used some wood veneer here and sewed right over top. I couldn't believe that my sewing machine would take the beating and keep on ticking but it did! The contrasting thread in aqua is a great accent for the other shades of blue..

I hope you will play along and link up over at Stuck?! Blog so you can win! This month's prizes are donated by Creative Embellishments.

So get creative, and inspired by Laura's wonderful sketch. Until next time, keep doing what you love!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Home Sweet BoBo

Good morning! This is my second creation for Two Scrapbook Friends using the Bo Bunny Happy Tails line.

It features my beloved BoBo again and is one of my favourite photos.

I used the letters and the chipboard phrases to make my title:
I chose to write the journalling as if he was still with me, rather than as if he had passed on. It shares thoughts I want to remember for the years to come.

I hope you are inspired to scrapbook your beloved pets whether they are still warming your feet or just your memories. Until the next time, keep doing what you love.

Monday, May 5, 2014

TSF, Bow Wow WOW and Stuck Sketches

Good morning! Very recently I was asked by Two Scrapbook Friends to create with Bo Bunny's Happy Tails . I have a brand new puppy in my life and a few photos of my beloved BoBo to finish up too, so I was excited to get creating.

The first layout I designed features BoBo and one of his favourite toys! It was very cathartic to create this layout of BoBo and I admit to tears as I chose photos. But I adore the finished product.
I used Stuck's May 1 sketch:


I added some chipboard banner pieces and stitching with the date in lieu of lots of journalling.

I cut the first part of the title on the Silhouette and used the wire title clips from Freckled Fawn. I stitched by hand to hold it down.

I hope I've inspired you to find your creativity and check out these great products and the Sketch at Stuck!  If you use the sketch be sure to link up at the website and you could be entered to win a great prize from The Scrap Circle!

Until next, keep doing what you love.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Two Scrapbook Friends National Scrapbook Day Blog Hop



Hello friends!

Welcome to the Two Scrapbook Friends National Scrapbook Day Blog Hop! You should have arrived here from Carolyn’s blog. I am sure she gave you some great inspiration!
My letter is "P" and my technique/element is Patterned Paper. To meet this challenge you must use FOUR different patterns of paper in your design!

I chose these awesome papers from Fancy Pants to show off a favorite picture from my last Florida vacation: a tall glass of diet coke, a poolside lounger and a hot sunny day!
I chose this title so I could remember how I felt right at that time..enjoying the silence and a good book! A banner is a great way to incorporate different but coordinating patterns into your design. Mine runs along the side of my photo.


Now you should hop over to Shelby’s blog. And remember to leave a comment on each blog as you go (Before May 4 at 11:59 pm). This way you will qualify to be in a draw for a fabulous Blog Hop prize. Have fun hopping!

Here's a list of all the blogs, if you didn't start at the beginning or if you want to go back for a second look because something inspired you!
Tracey
Joanne
  Carolyn
Christa  (you are here!)
  Shelby

Until next time, keep doing what you love to do!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

May Crafty Challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends!

We've headed into a new month which means it's time for a brand new challenge here at TSF.

We received some fabulous entries last month and as it seems I'm hoping you will all have a chance to play along again this month!

Please remember that every entry linked needs to show your interpretation of both the Sketch and the Crafty element.

So, without further ado, here's this months Sketch:



For the 'Crafty' element of my challenge, I have chosen something that that is close to my heart: Multiple fonts in a title. This is a favourite technique I use to create visual interest and to help e tell my story. So use at least THREE different fonts in your title.


Here is my sample:

I chose letter stickers from TWO manufacturers and a rub-on to meet the challenge! Be creative; you never know where it will take you!

I do hope you'll get a chance to play along with us this month, as we look forward to seeing some fabulous creations.  As always, there is a Gift Certificate to the store up for grabs by one lucky winner!

Please remember a few simple rules:

1.Enter as many times as you like as long as each NEW project shows an interpretation of both the Sketch and Crafty element.

2. Each creation will gain you one entry in the draw to win. (Please enter a double page layout as only one entry).

3. Projects must be linked up using the tool below in order to be entered to win.

4. Projects must be entered no later than May 31 2014 by 11.59pm.

Until next time, keep doing what you love!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Happy Blog-aversary, Inspiration Elevator and a Giveaway!

You may recall that the purpose of the Inspiration Elevator challenge group is to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to mature as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. You can view all of the challenges at the Inspiration Elevator Blog. 

This month we are celebrating our anniversary with a BLOG HOP! So be sure to hop from blog to blog below as some of our designers are offering prizes! We also welcome Katherine Sutton as a guest designer to Inspiration Elevator! Katharine has Guest Designed for us and her fabulous style will inspire you to take your scrapbooking to a new level!

Now for our Challenge:

It's a 2-part challenge since it's created by Christa and Ann!

The first part of the challenge is to use a selfie. We are all a part of social media to some extent, so selfies are everywhere. "Call it another trend in narcissism, or call it art, but the "selfie" has become a mainstay of our virtual identity." 
Here are a couple articles for taking a good selfie, if this makes you uncomfortable (as it does for me - A)
http://www.bustle.com/articles/7142-how-to-take-a-selfie-pro-photographers-give-us-all-their-best-self-portrait-secrets
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-tuttlesinger/six-tips-on-how-to-rock-a_b_3750316.html

The second part of the challenge is this: 
Every month the reveal preamble begins with: 
"You may recall that the purpose of this challenge group is to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and extend ourselves."
So this month we'd like you to share something about scrapbooking. It could be why you scrapbook, what you love best, what you get out of it, your most amazing experience or, where you see your craft/hobby/art in the future. 


AS I was a part of creating this challenge I knew where I was going to go with the writing part of it first (for once!!!) but the selfie was a problem. Let's face it..who loves a selfie when you are forty-smething and just coming off an 8 week bout of life latering peumonia? Not me that's for sure! I tried several but I looked pale; more freckles and black under eye circles than there ought to be. I thought'd have to suck it up and be dissapointed in the finsihed product before I even started, but I was lucky to find a selfie from last summer. One I'd taken before the last six months kicked my bahookie! I looked tanned and relaxed and I remember the day exactly as I lay on the deck with my Bo-bo enjoying the warm summer sun for a few minutes during quiet time. It's a good memory.


The rest came surprisingly easily and I am pleased with the final result.

Here's my take on this challenge:



Watercolour splatters, painting and a piece of patterned paper from Echo Park began the base of the design.  I added a Silhouette cut title too in black to anchor the design and to balance the black washi and other black details.

I was inspired by one of the patterned pieces of paper from Echo Park and created the fun flowers. I also edged them in paint.


Finally, I added my hand journalling (pardon its sloppy appearance. I am not happy with my writing! Ugh!)
Now for the fun stuff: 
  1. If you follow comment here and tell me about why you love to scrapbook,
  2. Follow my blog and 
  3. Follow the Inspiration Elevator blog
 I will enter your name for a draw  (April 22) to win a $10 gift certificate to Big Picture Classes.  When we created Inspiration Elevator three years ago, Ann and I believed it's main purpose was to help us and others grow in this craft. Big Picture Classes has been helping Scrapbookers and Card makers do that for years!


Remember to hop around to the other blogs and see what out designers have created and what prizes are up for grabs! (Be sure to read the instructions as each designer has her own requirements to win!)

I hope you feel inspired to play along with our challenge this month, and when you do, please share it using the linky tool on our Inspiration Elevator blog and/or our Inspiration Elevator Facebook page. We'd LOVE to see what you made!

Until next time keep doing what you love!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

He's Trouble but he makes me so Happy!

I'm back to share this simple design I made for Boys Rule Kits.  It features a great, solid design choices from Echo Park, Fancy Pants, Adornit and FabScraps. I love that all these pieces were chosen with care and flexibility in mind.

I began by sponging white craft ink on the corners of the design and adding splotches of glimmer mist in bronze. I also added some blue stitches and a few scraps with a little round sticker in the upper corner.
There were also a few little tabs and a heart for colour and flow. The pops of red are great accents and all over this kit from Boys Rule.
Finally, I used the remaining glimmer mist and a paint brush onto the Fabscraps "Trouble|  and finished out the colour with distress ink from Tim Holtz. The rest of the title piece is from the sticker sheet included. The torn edge along the yellow mounted strip really adds texture too.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope that I have inspired you today! Until next time, keep doing what you love to do!