Quick and Simple

I love embellishments - and it usually shows in my layouts.  I love mixing patterned papers and embellishments to create a unique look whenever I sit down to scrapbook.  But those layouts can take hours - or even days - to complete.  I keep moving the bits and pieces trying to get the perfect look.  And as my husband often reminds me, it is about the pictures, not the embellishments.

So I decided to try something simple with this week's Studio Calico sketch challenge.  I started with the card sketch.

 

I pulled out three sheets of patterned paper, a sheet of typed phrases from the Antiquary kits, some gold star rub-ons from Printshop, some Pink Paislee Color Wash Alphas, and a scrap of blush POW paper.  And I set a timer for 45 minutes.  Here's what I came up with.

And I have to admit that it is one of my recent favorites.  So maybe I don't always need all those embellishments (even if they are lots of fun to play with)>

Thanks for looking.  I hope you have a terrific Thursday!

Gratitude Documented

Shanna Noel introduced me to the Gratitude Documented project.  Each day in November you document something you are thankful for - big or little.  Since I'm struggling to find the positive in life lately, it seemed like the perfect project for me.  So this weekend I spent some time pulling together a kit.  (I have way too much pulled but editing to this point was tough enough)

I chose a Basic Grey Capture album for my project.  I want a feminine feel for my project.  And the decorative binding, dividers and pages are a perfect start.  I love the variety of pages and page protectors you get in a Capture album.

The dividers and pages provided a starting point for my album, but this sheet of patterned paper from Printshop served as my true inspiration piece as I picked the rest of my supplies.  I love the colors and soft feel to this paper - definitely feminine without being fussy.

Next I dug through my 6x6 paper to pull some sheets that might work.  And I might have a 6x6 pad from Printshop on its way here for this project too.

 
Next I pulled some Project Life style cards - most of them are from Studio Calico kits.

 

Then came my favorite part of any project - embellishments!  I started with washi tape and glitter tape because I thought it would be easy to choose. 

Then two of my favorites - wood veneer and enamel dot style embellishments.  Here's what I picked.

 

Next came stickers - I picked both dimensional stickers and traditional stickers and labels.  I also tried to mix different manufacturers and lines to get an eclectic look.

 

Then came tags, bags, envelopes and folders

And then there were some miscellaneous elements I just loved for this project - like the wood card from Studio Calico and the metal leaves from Freckled Fawn.  

And no project is complete without diecuts and transparent elements.  I picked a pack from Basic Grey's Mint Julep collection, Dear Lizzy Fifth and Frolic Chipboard and some chalkboard pieces from Studio Calico's Thataway collection.

And finally alphas - I tried for a variety of sizes, fonts and textures.

 

And if that wasn't enough, I know I'll be digging into my stash for inks, sequins and other bits and pieces - I'm just not good at limiting myself when it comes to supplies.  

I'm excited to get started with this project.  I think its going to be a fun project to put together and really good for my outlook on life.  Now, what to do with that album cover?  

Have a wonderful Wednesday!