Birthday Palooza

No one would ever say that I have the memory of an elephant. In fact, I tend to forget things the week after it happens unless it's recorded somehow (either via pen, computer or camera). So in an attempt to remember the great moments, I've started what I like to call "Project Whatever the Heck I Feel Like". Shortened to Project Whatever because that's how I roll.

I love the small 6x8 albums that have been floating around. They're always really quick layouts and I've been doing a number of events from 2013. I haven't been sharing them, but there are some events that are too amazing not to share. That  is a layout from what I like to call the crazy birthday palooza of 2013. Because it was a fricking good one. One filled with family, friends, and love. The way they always should be.

The little rosemary twig was actually on my plate so I incorporated the page. I love incorporating small little things like this into the page. It adds a little something something and helps me remember the tiny details. In general, I like to keep these relatively simple with little bulk but rules are made to be broken.

I love asking for the business cards from my favorite restaurants. They're great if you don't have a chance to take a photo of your group (or the tasty food). The one from Station One was way too pretty to not make a key part of the page and so I had some of the food photos .

Also been loving stamping on my photos. A little ink+ the heat gun make for some great little details on the photos. The nice thing is that usually if you mess up, you can wipe it off and start over again.

Loving that these spreads are so fun and easy. Have you given them a try? Share your links!

Supplies


Stamps: Limitless Labels (Papertrey Ink), Dear Lizzy Roller Stamp (American Crafts)
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, White Wood Paper (Kelly Purkey DD Kit)
Patterned Paper: Gold vellum, twinkle card (Kelly Purkey DD Kit), Dotted paper (Cosmo Cricket)
Accents: Staples (Tim Holtz Mini Stapler), Wood Veneer Stars (Studio Calico), Sticker (Cosmo Cricket)

B-B-Benny

I attend baseball games when you feed me food.
Preferably nachos and garlic fries
There's something about that combination that's just magical for me.
And then if you add a great mascot...
Oh I'm so there.

I had this photo that  Carrie sent me from our trip to go see the Durham Bulls - a minor league team in NC.
For some reason, I had it in my head that the Durham Bulls mascot's name was Benny.
Because in my mind it was always Benny and the Bulls.
Until my dear dear husband reminded me that I was thinking of the Chicago Bulls.
Whoops. Too late now.

This bull is actually named Wool E Bull.
Sorry to the Durham Bulls. Sorry to Wool E Bull.
This is what happens when you scrap a picture that's at least 4 years old.
It's also what happens when you only go to baseball games for garlic fries.
If only Carrie was still my cropping buddy- she would have corrected me. :)

For this layout, I was feeling like layering a bit.
I took some of the pennants from October Afternoon's 9 to 5 collection
And for a little creative liberty, used it as patterned strips.
Because why not?
Who says you need to use product the way it was intended to be used?
Not me...

But just because I'm not a complete rebel, I did use some of the pennants the way they should be used.
Or I'd be stuck with some extra wooden sticks and I'm not what I'd do with them.
Or so that was the logic. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Studio Calico Kit (June)
FISKARS MANUFACTURING FSK23537097 HAND PUNCHES 1/4 INCH STAR

Shutterbugs

I learned at a young age that good photos take time.
We learned how to stand still and wait.
Wait for others to move out of the frame.
Wait for dad to position the shot just right.
And now I do the same thing to my friends and family.
Except some of them aren't so patient...

But this photo cracked me up when I saw it.
Mainly because this is what we did a lot during our vacation.
Compare photos.
And discuss light. And shutter speeds.
So how do you not make a layout from this pic?

And a little chevron pattern to make life more fun.
I cut out paper strips and then proceeded to line them up.
Then I stitched over the middle.
Hides some flaws and its just plain fun.
It's definitely not a perfect pattern.
But then again, I'm ok with not being perfect.

The title is misted onto Heidi Swapp's Color Magic letters.
I'm not sure how I feel about them still but it turned out pretty cool.

Isn't it fun creating your own patterns out of paper? Let me know if you have done it with other shapes before!

Thanks for stopping by!

Zoom zoom

I bike to work.
I aimed for most days.
Then I took a horrible fall.
A fall that I still have scars from.

So I took a little break.
And then I joined a sports league. One where the games are after work.
I'm not a fan of biking on the trail when there's no people around.
If I fall, I'd like someone to call 911 for me...

But I do like biking a measly three miles to work when I can.
It's freeing. Clears the mind.
And it's a mini workout.

Still playing with the more is more concept here.
I know... I could have added more.
 But that's not my nature.
This, in my mind, is already more.

I tend to actually lightly adhere things to the page.
(More because I'm a clumsy oaf and knock my layouts off the table many a times)
And then rip things off and place things under them as I see fit.
It's probably a bad habit as I've harmed many papers in the process but hey, it works for me.

I also played a bit with the bike stamp.
I was going to emboss and then mist.
But I realized I wanted a bit more control here so I went with inking.
I like having some control.
Especially because I didn't own any other pieces of gray cardstock.
I take more risks when I have backups.
And then because I had the embossing gun out, I figured I'd emboss "Enjoy the ride" on one of the banners.

When I was doing this layout, I couldn't get the Mazda commercial out of my head
"zoom zoom"
And then I decided since I was so speedy, I'd add another zoom for good luck.
Hah.

I laugh because everyone passes me on the bike trail.
And I mean everyone.
But I'm totally ok with that.

Thanks for stopping by!

It's Tractor Time

It's tractor time!

My team went to ride tractors.
Yes, you read that correctly.  Tractors.
And oh boy, was I excited.
I skipped.
Yes, skipped as in "skipped to my Lou".
And I've never been so excited to scrap a photo.
Because honestly, that face -- epic.

For this layout, I went a bit scrappier.
A bit messier.
A bit crazier.
More layers.
I was feeling a bit crazy.
If I was really crazy, I would have misted.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the right color mist in my collection.

I'm sure some of you are secretly sitting there laughing and thinking "girl, you have no idea what layering is all about"
And you would be right - But this is already a lot for me...
More than any other page I have.
So I'm quite proud.

I tend to take photos of my layouts and then set them aside.
Then I go back and edit my photos and think to myself - what was I thinking?
Usually my jaw drops in shock.
Once I get over myself, I go back and add something.
Or move something.
Or take something off the layout.
And repeat the process.
Usually this is a few tries before I'm content.
Sometimes this takes days... not kidding.

This time, I just kept adding.
And I'm ok with that.
But there's a few closeups that I forget to retake.
Go back to previous posts and you'll see what I mean.
Reading my posts is like playing the "What's Different" game in Highlights
(Is that magazine still around? Because I loved it as a child).

Thanks for stopping by! And for listening to my crazy processes. Please, for the love of cookies, let me know if you do anything crazy like that as well. Or perhaps it's not as crazy as I thought?

Road Trip Layout

During our road trip, my husband stopped at every single state sign
We got honked at. We were stared at.
People thought we were cray cray.
Heck, there were times when even I thought we were losing our minds.

But at the end of the day, it was worth it. Honks, whistles, and all.
It was definitely fun to see all the different state signs lined up
And now that we had all these pics - what is a gal to do?
Ah yes... you make a layout. 
Because it's going to be really hard to convince me to drive across 8 state lines again...

Each of the welcome signs was cut and trimmed.
And they were even organized in the order we crossed them.
Well sort of... We crossed into the Wyoming/Colorado state line twice... 
(Long story)

When I started this layout, I figured I'd do a grid.
Grids are a great way to layout multiple photos.
Grids also make me happy.
And since all my photos were the same size and there wasn't really any one that was "more important" than the other, I figured a grid was perfect.

The photos in the grid are also adhered with dimensional adhesive.
Which makes it look cooler in person.
Yet another thing I can't get the camera to capture.

I stitched around the border.
Love the texture that this adds without any real bulk.
And because I think it adds a little interest to the edges as well for simpler layouts.
I also added few stars to the All-American feel of the layout.
Because really a few stars never hurt anyone.

And there you go - a simple layout for a crazy trip.
Is anyone else crazy enough to take these kinds of photos on a road trip?
Or any other photo traditions for trips that your family does?
We have more weird photo traditions... oh just you all wait!

Crate Paper 680047 Story Teller Collection Kit 12 in. x 12 in.
Studio Calico Story Hour Kit (March 2012)
Red and White Striped Baker's Twine

Love

Lovey dovey layout time
Because that's how we roll on this blog.
And because I'm still swimming in engagement and wedding photos.
Despite the fact that it's been years since our wedding.

I tend to scrap photos that are printed already. Since I haven't had a chance to print vacation photos yet, when I sat down to scrap recently, this is what came out.

To add a bit of layers and texture without the bulk, I just sent my texture plate through the Grand Calibur. Love the look and I'll be doing it again with my layouts. Just imagine adding a touch of mist or some color to the embossing.

I stamped the flourishes from WMS's Flourishes - Scallops and Dots set. Love the little touch swirls can add to layouts.

Thanks for stopping by!

Crate Paper 680047 Story Teller Collection Kit 12 in. x 12 in.
Waltzingmouse Stamps Flourishes - Scallops and Dots
Studio Calico City of Lights Kit (April 2012)

Blazing the Trail

I know its been awhile since I've updated. 
I keep telling myself I'll update. 
And then life gets in the way. 

Summer usually means weddings, vacations and talking walks outside. 
Because really, what's better than enjoying life?
But I do have a layout to share
A layout that encompasses everything I love about summer.
From the fresh air to the bugs,
From the long car rides to the hikes until your feet hurt.
From the hot dogs to the granola bars.

I found this photo in my stash o photos.
Carrie had sent me a bunch awhile back
And I finally got a chance to use one.

And so of course we had to make a layout.
A layout with a few more layers than I usually use.
And more white than I prefer.
But that's half the fun. :)

I have lots of photos from the hikes we've done recently
And most of them are going to stay unedited
Until the weather stops being so wonderful.
Because that's how I roll.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're enjoying your summer!

As Easy as Falling

So it's been a heck of a week.
It's raining here - yay!
We definitely need the rain...
And I, being a n00b in the rain, slipped during my morning commute.
(Or rather I was basically flung off my bike) 
Gravel Road: 1
Belinda: 0


Luckily its March Madness.
So that means I get a chance to sit
And do nothing but watch bball.
Go Green! :)

But I figured it's been awhile since I've blogged and I should share something.
Just a little layout.
A little die-cutting and a little paint splattering.

I love the Grand Calbur.
I love that I can just send 8.5 by 11 paper through with no worries.
Die cut those stars in and then backed it with some patterned paper and dimensional adhesive.
Oh and be sure to apply the mist before applying the patterned paper...
Or you'll be creating temporary masks and praying that ink doesn't seep through...
Easy peasy!
(As easy as falling off a bike)

Thanks for watching and it's back to watching bball. :)
Anyone else watching?

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

When we were little, we used to give us free tickets to see the Chicago White Sox when (1) we got straight A's or (2) we got perfect attendance.
(Actually not sure if this was a Chicago area incentive or if it was just my school district? My husband went to school in the Chicago area as well but he can't remember why he went to baseball games as a kid)

I won't claim straight A's. 
Ironically, I don't think I got straight A's until I got to college.
And I assure you, my Alma Marta will NEVER make the top list of party schools.

I always had perfect attendance.
My mom made me go to school with bronchitis.
I took one of my standardized tests with a fever.
I remember my mom waiting outside for me and popping in to give me medication in between the tests.
Yes, we were *that* family.

But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how we got the tickets.
I always looked forward to these games.
Not because I particularly understood baseball..
But more because it's fun to be with the crowd.
And eat a hot dog.
Heck fricking yeah!

My husband loves baseball.
When we go back to Chicago for the summer, we usually try to catch a game at Wrigley.
Although sadly, I didn't think about it this year...
Alas, we wouldn't have had time anyways. 

Normally we get bleacher seats at Wrigley cos my husband likes trying to catch the balls that get out there.
And I like the bleacher seats cos that's where the crowd is.

This layout is actually my first time in Wrigley with the hubs (well BF at the time).
The hubs felt that I'd understand the game more if I could see it from above.
He quickly learned I don't care.
I just agreed because he promised me a hot dog.
I will go to any sports event as long as you promise me a hot dog.
Or nachos. Or anything remotely fatty.
It brings me a lot of joy to watch people run around while I pig out.

And yes, I know the song says "Take me out to the ball game"
That's the only comment my husband had when I showed this to him.
But I couldn't get it to fit.
And so I took a creative liberty. 

Thanks for stopping by!


Most supplies from the May Studio Calico Kit

Hot DAWG!

I love a good Chicago Dog.
Give me an all-beef dog with my tomato wedges, mustard, chopped onion, pickle, peppers, relish and a dash of celery salt. And most importantly, no ketchup!
I could eat one every day.
I kid you not.

In fact, every year when I go visit the 'rents,
I pick myself up some fabulously neon green relish that I can only find in select stores in the Chicago area.
Yum!

And so when my small-handed friend informed me she had never had a Chicago Dog...
Well, we had to get one (or two)!
Normally I'd take a fresh face to Hot Dougs, but we were super close to Superdawgs...
(For those of you going to Summer CHA, Superdawgs isn't too far away.. and it's fabulous)

And so here's the layout depicting our trip.
Cased the layout from KP (will have to dig up the original)
I really would like to go back now...
Or make the husband go out and grill me a dog.

I actually really like all sorts of hot dogs...
Just ask my husband.
I asked to go on a date outside Home Depot once because there was a fabulous hot dog man there.
(With some fabby red onion sauce... Oh yum!)
For the record, my husband is not a handy guy who likes Home Depot...
Ah, for the love of hot dogs!

Thanks for stopping by!

From Up Top

I think I've said this before.
When I go on vacation,
I jam pack in everything.

Because in the short time I'm there,
I'm determined to see everything.
You just never know when you'll be back...

So in Europe, we climbed lots of church towers.
Lots and lots. And I loved them all.

The view from up top is just stunning.
This one happens to be Grossmunster in Zurich. 

A Europe layout means lacey vintage to me.
And another attempt at layering.

While I was at it, I partook in the BPC challenges.
One was issued by Suzy Plantamura to use banners.
I love me a good banner. And apparently Suzy loved mine a little too.
Thanks again Suzy! :-)

I also had some doilies that I managed to sneak onto the layout.
Almost as an afterthought though.
I just cut out the centers of the doilies and stuck them around my already glued down embellishments.
But shhhhh!

Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely week!

The Red-Haired Mermaid

I've never gotten it...
But my husband has explained to me the allure of red-haired women many times.
I just don't get it.

Maybe that's because I grew up thinking men wanted silky black haired women...
My mom always said "Eat more seaweed so your hair will be black to attract the men"
I ate lots of seaweed. Lots and lots. 
Heck, we have a huge pack of seaweed that my mom just gave me last time we went to visit her.
So red-haired, really???
Hah, blame my culture.

But being the nice wife that I am,
I gave my husband a red-haired woman.
The only red-haired woman he's going to get...
Well, if he wants to stay married to this silky black-haired girl...

This layout was my attempt to layer more.. yeah... I'm not convinced I layered more but I tried...
What can I say, I'm clean and simple. 

When I showed my husband the layout, he only had one comment.
A very guy comment.
My husband commented that his little red-haired girl wasn't wearing a top!
I argued that Cosmo is a nice family company but then I took a closer look...
I think I have to agree.

But I'll leave it up to you, dear reader, to make your own conclusion.
But only in this house can we argue for 30 minutes about a piece of chipboard.
Feel free to click on the closeup for a closer view of the topless red-haired woman.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!


(All supplies from Studio Calico March kit, Into the Woods)

April SOAP - Day 2 - Sunshine

You may remember that Waltzingmouse Stamps’ own Claire Brennan announced that WMS will be releasing new sets every other month. Well, that doesn’t mean that the WMS Design Team is going to leave you high and dry for the “off” months…no way! In the next few days, Waltzingmouse Stamps is having a Stamp of Approval Parade, or SOAP for short. In case you missed Day 1, be sure to go check out everyone's lovely creations!

We'll be highlighting last month’s new release sets for the next three days. We'll have a fun little post for you on the fourth day as well. And keep your eyes peeled for some fun chances to participate in the fun (and perhaps win a fun prize!)

It's snowing here in Pittsburgh. Yes snowing.
Earlier this week I was in the Northeast.
With fears of a Nor'easter.
(Oh boy did I change my flight so fast when I heard that)

Rain or shine, snow or sleet, I was not about to spend my weekend in New England.
Especially since I still have 2 SOAP projects to complete...
Ah, procrastination.

So I figured a little sun could cheer us all up today!.

Today I decided to showcase how you can use Bitty Banners to create a fabulous sun image that can be used on your cards or any paper crafting project of our choice. :)  I stamped two different banners in two different colors and glued them to a felt circle. I adhered some vellum behind it for a fun whimsical look.

Just in case you're wondering, I did manage to get out in time. :)
And I got to spend Friday watching the snow flurries fall from my window at work.
But "spring" will come soon, right?

Be sure to check out everyone's lovely creations!

• Anya Schrier
• Belinda Chang Langner  -- You're here right now! :-)
• Bonnie Sharp
• Claire Brennan
• Jennifer Holmes
• Julia Aston
• Laurie Schmidlin
• Lynn Mercurio
• Mona Pendleton
• Sandie Dunne
• Sarah Martina Parker

April SOAP - Day 1 - Yee Haw!

You may remember that Waltzingmouse Stamps’ own Claire Brennan announced that WMS will be releasing new sets every other month. Well, that doesn’t mean that the WMS Design Team is going to leave you high and dry for the “off” months…no way! In the next few days, Waltzingmouse Stamps is having a Stamp of Approval Parade, or SOAP for short.

(For the CS dorks, everytime I see SOAP, I think of web services, xml and all that fun stuff.. For the non-CS dorks, just be glad you have no idea what I'm talking about)

We'll be highlighting last month’s new release sets for the next three days. We'll have a fun little post for you on the fourth day as well. And keep your eyes peeled for some fun chances to participate in the fun (and perhaps win a fun prize!)

So let's get started shall we? What better way to kick off the April SOAP event than with a "Yee Haw" layout?

I've dug up a lot of old college photos.
I miss college. Lots.

I was going to say I don't miss the late nights.
But who am I kidding?
I've been up late every night this week and the week before that and the week before that...
(No such thing as learning through osmosis)

Maybe I should restate that as I miss my college friends. Lots.
But photos of them make me happy. :)

When I saw Back in the Saddle, I knew I was going to scrap this photo. Never thought you'd see a Western set on a pink layout, did ya? ;-)

I think I use almost all the sets on this little layout. Can you spot them all?
The woodgrain from Way Out West is embossed with clear EP on kraft.
Bitty Banners is used for the polka dot pattern.
And of course, I couldn't resist using the lovely Very Vintage Labels No 18.

Hanging out with my friends makes me happy.

Scrapping those events makes me go "yee haw"!
And these ladies have fabulous projects that will make you go "yee haw" as well. Be sure to stop by all the blogs!

• Anya Schrier
• Belinda Chang Langner  -- You're here right now! :-)
• Bonnie Sharp
• Claire Brennan
• Jennifer Holmes
• Julia Aston
• Laurie Schmidlin
• Lynn Mercurio
• Mona Pendleton
• Sandie Dunne
• Sarah Martina Parker

Stamps: (Back in the Saddle, Way Out West, Bitty Banners, Very Vintage Labels No 18) Waltzingmouse Stamps
Embossing Powder: Ranger
Ink: Versamark, Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Tools: (circle punches) EK Success, (scallop border) Fiskars, (Labels 18) Spellbinders

Just the Two of Us

I will admit it.
My biological clock isn't ticking yet.
At least not loud enough to annoy me.

I think newborns look like aliens.
Yes, I tell the mother that the kid is adorable.
(Secretly, I think newborns have a face only a mother could love.)

When the kid hits 6 months, they're pretty cute.
As long as they're not in the middle of code brown or even worse, code puke green
(Blech...)
And then they hit the toddler years...
and I'd prefer they keep their sticky, germy hands to themselves.

I apologize now to the two hopeful mothers I know that would like to become a grandmother.
And a super hopeful dad who has started to stock pile baby things in our basement...
Much to my surprise...

I actually have half an inkling to adopt.
But I know there are trials with adoption.
And I'm not sure my hubs is as willing to adopt as I am.

Who knows...

Maybe one day we'll feel compelled to have a little one add to the numbers.

But either way, I'm happy with just the hubs and me.

So this layout came together pretty quickly. Actually, I've had the layout done for awhile.
I just put the journaling off for awhile.

Steph recently asked me about mists.
That reminded me that I had this layout sitting around waiting to be completed.
I used my mists for the paint splatters and I misted my kraft clouds.

Love me some mists.
But I'm also very controlling about where things are allowed to be.
So mists are used in moderation and very very carefully in my house.

I'm also 1/2 scared I'm going to stain the carpet.
Which could be enough to make the "two of us" become just me.
And that would be very very bad.

They sell special mist boxes but that seems like a waste of money.

Money that could go towards my imaginary DSLR and lenses.

I mist inside a box that some scrap supplies came in.
I've also lined that box with some scrap packing paper.
Just in case...

Thanks for stopping by!



(Most supplies from Studio Calico Candy Shoppe Kit)

Stamps: (lines on cloud from Free Spirit) Waltzingmouse Stamps

Ink: (white snow) Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: (white) Bazzill, (kraft) Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: (orange hexagon, blue) Basic Grey, (rainbow) Crate Paper, (light blue) Little Yellow Bicycle
Stickers: (labels, sweetheart, red grid, scallop border) Crate Paper, (letters) American Crafts
Accents: (stick pins) JBS, (gems) My Mind's Eye
Tools: (cloud dies) Papertrey Ink

Close To You

I started to feel like all my layouts looked the same.
Not that it's bad.
It's not like when I look back on my layouts 10 years from now,
I'm gonna say "Self, that's the same darn layout with different papers."
No, I'll probably be like, "Self, why do I look so decrepit now?"

It's just fun to try something different.
And there was a challenge issued.
So I decided to stray from my "one photo with some paper piercing" layouts.

And then quickly realize that it was a bad bad idea
It's like the time I decided I wanted bangs.
Bad bad idea.
(Although I'm currently contemplating bangs again... Do I ever learn?)

I thought about just shuffling it into my album for just me to see.
But it's no fun if I don't share it.

I was going for the graphic look.
A modern look....

However...
I feel like it looks like a really bad 90's advertisement.

Just replace the text with "Buy your girl some bling!"

Maybe this is just my subconscious wanting more bling...

After consulting with Carrie, I decided maybe it was the swirly gems.
But it's too late to remove that.
So eh!

I had to use my bling though.
I always buy these swirly gems because they look so pretty in the package.
And yet when I bring them home, I have no idea what to do with it.

I also LOVE having someone who will give me feedback.
Sometimes when you think something is wrong, it helps to have someone tell you that you're on crack or tell you how to fix it.
I love when someone is brutally honest with me.

You can see that I did fiddle with a few things.
Which you can tell if you look carefully. I did not retake my closeup shots. :)
It's like playing the What's Different game in Highlights.
I loved that magazine as a kid.

I also weakened my center alignment a bit.
I felt like that gave me less of a "calculated" look and more of a "scrappy" look.

So this look is not me.
Whatever this "look" might be.
But you never know until you try.
And at the end of the day, it's all about the memories.

Thanks for stopping by!



Patterned Paper: Crate Paper, Papertrey Ink, My Mind's Eye
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Sticker: (SC Candy Shoppe Kit) Crate Paper, (letters) Sassafrass
Accents: (gem swirls) Zva, (gems) Hero Arts
Font: (Veteran Typewriter) DaFont