The May Challenge at Scrap Our Stash is a Patterned Paper Party!  Create a layout using THREE or more patterned papers from DIFFERENT collections.

Here is my layout:

Supplies used: EK Success Overton House Designs paper, Heidi Grace Designs paper, unknown stack paper, Making Memories Simply Stated Heidi Large White Alphabet Rubons, Stickabilities Alphabet Stickers, Prima Flowers, Michael’s rhinestones, and ribbon.  Sketch from Imagine by Close to My Heart.

At first I thought it was going to be difficult to mix patterned papers because I have switched to buying packs because they are so much easier to coordinate.  But what do you know…I have some really old paper!  This challenge was a good thing because these papers would normally be my last resort.  So single sheets here I come and this is what I came up with.  The best way for me to mix pattern papers is to choose one multi-colored paper as a starting point, then find mono-toned or less busy papers to go with it.  You can see this from my layout.  I have the striped paper and polka dot papers (mostly covered) as my busy, multi-colored sheets.  Then I added the pink flowered sheet, brown flowered sheet, green polka dots, and pink/green flowered sheet.  I have a large supply of Making Memories alphabet rubons making those the first that came to mind.  Even though I have a large stash, I do use them often.  They are good quality and make a quick way to add a title, similar to alphabet stickers but with more letters to use.

Now I will share the funny part of doing this layout.  I was as far as the pictures on the paper, just had to add a title and embellishments, when I realized that these are Christmas pictures – not birthday.  I certainly wasn’t going to start over at that point.  I decided that I did use pink and green so that’s close enough to Christmas colors.  I was just focused on how well the paper matched her outfit and I guess that’s what happens when your child has a birthday so close to Christmas.

What will you create? Go to Scrap Our Stash to submit your own layout.  You have until May 29th.

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Here’s my layout:

Supplies used: Close to My Heart Buzz & Bumble Paper Packet, Close to My Heart Color-Ready Cork Alphabet, Making Memories buttons and flowers, and other Close to My Heart misc. retired embellishments.

I had a little trouble with the circle on this one.  I used the outside of a bowl to place the buttons but next time I will draw a line with pencil and then place the buttons.  Because of the different sizes, they didn’t line up as nice as I wanted them to.  This is a very different layout for me because of the colors but they worked well with the photos and I’ve almost used up this paper packet now.

There is still time to submit your layout at Scrap Our Stash.  You have until April 29th.

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Here is my layout:

Supplies used: CTMH Life Delights paper (retired), DCWV Alphabet Stickers, 7 Gypsies Pink Posy Velvet Flowers, CTMH Opaques Pearl Flourishes, Hero Arts Pearls, K & Company Life’s Journey Clearly Yours Alphabet, and CTMH Dark Chocolate Striped Ribbon.

I wasn’t sure about the letters on this layout at first.  I left it and came back the next day.  Funny thing is that I liked it right away.  I dug deep in my stash for most everything on this layout.

There is still time to submit your layout at Scrap Our Stash.  You have until March 29th.

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Supplies used are all Close to My Heart unless noted: Clementine Paper Packet, Twilight Cardstock, Burlap Ribbon, Basic Brads (retired), and Michael’s Paper Flowers.

This was a layout I finished at the end of February. One of my goals for the month was to finish up the Clementine Paper Packet.  I’ve decided that I am going to continue with that as a monthly goal…to use up a paper pack (or at least to the point of a few scraps to go in my cardmaking scrap bag).

I used this sketch from Sketchabilities:

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Supplies are all CTMH unless otherwise noted: Clementine Paper Packet, Color-Ready Cork Alphabet, Burlap Ribbon, Milepost Shapes (retired), Juniper Marker, Dimensional Elements Awards, Brown Bag ink (retired), Brown Bag cardstock (retired), Basic Grey Pearls, and Prima flowers.  Challenges: Scrapbook.com – Page Maps Sketch Challenge

I used this Sketch Thursday sketch by rotating it and using one photo instead of two:

I am really happy with this layout.  Cork, burlap, and corrugated items are not what I typically use and these items are bound to end up buried in my stash.  So I am proud to have used them and I think I like it because I mixed them with other things that I do enjoy using, like flowers and pearls.  I used the new CTMH Alcohol Markers to color the cork letters.

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Supplies used: Making Memories Printed Blossoms, unknown papers, and Jest Charming Burlap Ribbon.

I really dug deep in my stash for this one!  I found these blossoms to start my layout, then I found the tag (from a swap years ago! Thanks Kessie Glass!).  The tag gave me a focal point and added detail to the layout.  It’s pretty simple but not bad for one I was struggling with.  I like the burlap ribbon on this layout….not sure if/how I would have used it otherwise.  Now that it’s finished, the only thing I wish I had done differently is sprayed the blossoms with some glitter mist.

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Supplies used are all Close to My Heart unless otherwise noted: Fancy Pants Baby Mine papers, Prima flowers, Just Blooms (CTMH flowers), Mocha Opaque Pearls, Love Life stamp set, Eclectic Edges stamp set, and Cocoa ink.  Layout idea from Scrapbook Generations.  Title idea from The Perfect Title.

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Supplies used are all CTMH: (retired) papers, Playful Flourishes stamp set (retired),  Chocolate cardstock, Chocolate ink, Baby Pink cardstock (retired), Just Blooms flower (retired), Solos 1 stamp set (retired), Chocolate grosgrain ribbon (retired), button (retired), and Colonial White Waxy Flax.

The October 2012 Scrap Our Stash Challenge is “Hot Chocolate”.  I just love to use a chocolate-color brown on my layouts and my favorite color combination is brown and pink.  For this layout I felt that the background layout was a bit plain so I random-stamped flourishes using chocolate ink on the chocolate cardstock.  This added a bit of pattern without making the layout too busy.  These 8×10 photos can be difficult to scrap but this was was a breeze.

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This stamp set coordinates with the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, which makes it so easy to cut and stamp.  What a perfect way to make tags for Christmas, birthdays, or any other occasion!  These were so quick and easy to make!  I stamped most of them with one color but you could use the rock n’ roll technique like I did on the pink/purple circle or add multiple colors with a sponge dauber.  You can add a small sentiment to the center, a to/from, or just the name of the person receiving the gift.  I used the Salutation Seals and Casual Expressions stamp sets.  You could also use these as embellishments on a page or other project.  You can rotate two of the frames for a total of 6 different looks.  Just stamp and leave as is or add pearls, sparkles, ribbon, and other accessories to add more details.

Some of the things I used to embellish:
Pearls
Sparkles
Glitter Glitz Gel
Durable Studs
Boutique Assortment
Mini-Medley Accents
Just Blooms

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D1195 The Works Alphabet $17.95

Supplies used: CTMH The Works Alphabet stamp set, Die Cuts With a View papers, CTMH Pacifica ink, Making Memories felt flowers, and American Crafts Elements Medium Glitter Brads.

This is a great size alphabet set for longer titles, subtitles, or when you only have a small space on your page.  I also love that it includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers and punctuation for just $17.95.

I have to admit that I started the title on this layout straight and for some reason couldn’t see the letter “o” correctly.  So I’m sharing a secret with you…even though the clear stamps are AWESOME for lining up exactly where you want them, sometimes that doesn’t work or we are plain lazy.  I love to move my letters around so they are intentionally not straight.  That way there is no messing up and look how cute and playful it looks on this layout!  It is also a good option if your title is a tight fit on the page because you can arrange the letters to take up less room.  Note that I stamped on textured cardstock and it stamped very clear, just make sure your ink pad is not dry so you get the good coverage.

This was actually a 4-page layout.  This is something I will do when I have a lot of pictures for a particular event.  I will scrapbook them in the same papers/embellishments so they are easily recognized as one event.  Here are the other pages:

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Supplies used: Unknown paper, Die Cuts With a View alphabet stickers, Color Me Ready flower, and unknown journaling box.

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Supplies used: We R Memory Keepers paper, Close to My Heart Sparkles & Sparkle Flourishes, and Petaloo (?) flowers.

I just love rhinestones and they are my secret weapon to a quick scrapbook page!

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WELCOME!  I’m so glad you are joining us for our “Use Your Stash Blog Hop”.  If you have already started, you should be coming from Debi Barber’sBlog.  If this is your first stop, continue through until you make your way back here.

This month we are pulling out some of our oldest Close to My Heart paper.

Supplies used: CTMH Between Friends Level 1, CTMH Opaque Mocha Adhesive Gems, CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, Petaloo Color Me Crazy Flowers, and Desert Sand ink.

This is among the oldest paper that I have.  I think I purchased it on clearance in my first days as a consultant.  Even though it’s old, the diecuts (not even stickers!) are going to work well for some teen girl pages.

Now hop on over to Michelle West’s Blog for more ideas on using up your stash.

If you get lost along the way you can see the entire list of hoppers on my previous post.

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C1440 Take a Picture

Supplies used are all CTMH unless noted: Take a Picture Stamp Set, Topstitch Paper Packet (retired), Heavenly Blue ink, Baby Pink ink, Chocolate ink, Cocoa Ribbon (retired), Basic Brads Assortment, Designer Pewter Brads, Brown Stazon ink,  and Petaloo Color Me Crazy Flowers.

I thought of this stamp set right away when I pulled out this picture!  It was the perfect match and lots of fun to use with many different options.  I used it for the title, journaling, corners, and embellishing.  My favorite part of this page is the stamping on the flower.  I used the small flourish in the set and it was the perfect touch to the plain flower.

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Supplies used: Unknown papers from my stash, Petaloo Flowers, CTMH Keepsake Alphabet, CTMH Cotton Candy ink, CTMH Cocoa ink, CTMH Twinkle Brads (retired).

I created the two-tone title by first inking the letter with Cotton Candy ink, then I used a sponge dauber to apply Cocoa ink to the bottom part of the letter, then stamped.

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E1016 Friendship Alphabet Large

C1401 Friendship Alphabet Small

Supplies used: Paper from my stash, Flora Doodles Fabric Flowers, CTMH Friendship Alphabet Large, CTMH Friendship Alphabet Small, Chocolate ink, and Cotton Candy ink.

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If I didn’t like paper scrapping so much, Studio J would definitely be my first choice for digital.  Or I would use it if I had a big project that involved multiple layouts or many that coordinated I would use it.  One of the changes lately in the Close to My Heart Idea Books is that the Level 1 layouts have changed from paper to Studio J.  This isn’t a bad thing because it is so easy to use.  As I look through the Idea Book, I find many of these Studio J layouts that I really like, however I have so many scrapbooking supplies that it makes sense to use these up.  I’ve decided to start taking these Studio J layouts that I love, just like any other layout I would find online or in a magazine, and use it to create my own paper layout.

Studio J layout:

My layout:

Supplies used: Making Memories Think Pink Slice paper, Close to My Heart White Daisy Cardstock, Close to My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Close to My Heart Flip Flaps, Prima Iced Got Flowers, Kaiser Paper Flowers, My Mind’s Eye Kaleido Grams Small “5″, Me & My Big Ideas Rhinestone Word, and Close to My Heart Clear Sparkles.

These are some of my favorite pictures of my daughter.  They replaced her school photos since at this age they no longer trade with their friends.  I figured if it’s just for me and family why not get some really nice photos so we took a trip to a flower garden and got these great shots!  I don’t have the flip flaps on yet because I wanted to take my picture without the glare of a page protector but I have a stack of 4×6 photos on the right page that will be attached to my completed page with a couple flip flaps.  I am very happy that I like the page as well as I do the photos!

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Supplies used: Crate Paper Prudence Collection Kit, CTMH Colonial White Ricrac, Martha Stewart border punch, Recollections floral embellishment, and chipboard hearts.  October 2011 Page Map sketch.

I don’t think this is a bad layout but I would agree with Christine “it’s not your best Mom”.  It was fun to pull out some different papers to use.  I made sure I used chipboard on the layout and the hearts turned out to be a nice (different for me) addition.

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WELCOME!  I’m so glad you are joining us for our “Use Your Stash Blog Hop”.  If you have already started, you should be coming from Tabbi Fritz’s Blog.  If this is your first stop, continue through until you make your way back here.

This month we are featuring buttons and flowers.

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Supplies used: Let’s Get Together Paper Packet, Colonial White Waxy Flax, Just Blooms Flowers (link to similar product), Red Assortment Buttons, Color Ready Alphabet – Hodge Podge (link to similar products), Irresistibles Eclectic Die-Cuts, Cranberry Ink, Hooray Bouquet stamp set, and Art Philosophy Cricut Collection.

This is one of my favorite paper packs from “back when”  When I looked at my stash of buttons I had a lot of red and thought of this paper.  I used a sketch from Page Maps March 2011.  I discovered that it is fun when I am able combine old supplies with new ones.  Most of the products I used are fairly old but then I used the Hooray Bouquet stamp set with my Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and those are both newer supplies.  I am learning that this is so easy to do with stamps!

I was also reminded with this layout why I love waxy flax so much.  It is so easy to thread buttons and stays in place.  I attached my buttons to the layout, poked holes with my Piercing Tool, and threaded the waxy flax through – no needle needed!

I am so pleased with how this title came out.  Again, I mixed old product with new.  I opened my package of Irresistible letters and used up more of my Color-Ready Alphabet.  It turned out to be a great combination!

Now hop on over to Ann Marie’s Blog for more ideas on using up your button and flower stash.

If you get lost along the way you can see the entire list of hoppers on my previous post.

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I was planning on showing you some more artwork using Stella today but I was busy making this instead.  It is a gift for my husband’s grandma who is recovering from surgery.  Shhh!  I haven’t delivered it yet!  I found the vase and pebbles at the Dollar Tree.  I used pearl-tipped pins from Michael’s and attached the flowers to a foam ball that sets on top of the vase.  I did go through more than one roll of glue dots (used to hold the flowers together).  I’d say if you don’t count the time it involves it’s equal to a vase of real flowers except this will last forever.  And it was more fun too.

The flowers are cut using the CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge.  I love the variety and am so glad I tried them all out.  This is a sample of 5 out of the 6 flowers you can cut from this cartridge.  I have one of those new (non-sticky) Cricut mats and the 6th flower just wasn’t cutting well.  I’m guessing the ball is about 4″, the vase is about 6″ tall, and I cut all the flowers at 3 inches.  There’s 60-70 flowers total.  I’ve got some left over and I’m thinking of making a card to go with it.  Maybe that can be tomorrow’s project.

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