Do Over

I wasn't very motivated or inspired last week - but I got up yesterday, determined to make something.  It was really early when I got back from walking the dog (about 6) so I was really excited to see that Citrus Twist had already posted their weekly sketch challenge.

I really liked the sketch and the CT take on it was very cool.  But I really struggle with layouts that use lots of circles.  And my goal was to make something - not get frustrated - so in my head I turned those circles into squares.

I used my May Citrus Twist kits - they are gorgeous with lots of Pink Paislee Fancy Free, Maggie Holmes Bloom and other coordinating supplies.  And made this.

It was close to the sketch, I photographed it and posted it for the challenge.  An hour later I walked by my scrapbook table, looked at it and didn't like it at all.  Am I the only one who does that?

So I started to pull it apart - but took a breath and thought about what I didn't like - and, being me, I decided there wasn't enough layer or detail in the layout.  So I dug through my kit goodies and got to work.  And ended up with this.

Same layout but with more layers and more details.  And I am so much happier with it.  This is the only thing I made yesterday, but I learned two things.

• When I don't like a project, starting over isn't always the only solution.  Take time tot hink about how to improve the first attempt.  Small changes can make a big difference.
• It's important to know your style - and rely on those elements when you are stuck.  Stretching and trying new things is important and fun - but going back to what you know and love is the best way to find your mojo.         

I wish I could stay home and put those lessons to the test this morning.  But I'm off to work.  Have a marvelous Monday.

Keeping It Soft

Last week I decided to do the sketch challenge at Citrus Twist Kits.  I loved the design and how the designer's (Chantal Phillipes)  interpretation was so soft and pretty.

I was determined to create a soft and pretty layout too.  And I finally managed (but it took me a couple of tries over the course of several days.

This was really a different approach for me.  I rarely start with a "feel" for a layout.  Instead I pull papers and pictures and see where they take me.  But I have to admit that I really like my final product.

What is your starting point?  Do you start with a "feel" for your project?

Thanks for stopping by.

Scraplift Sunday

Paper Issues posts a scraplift challenge every Sunday.  And last week's layout included my two favorite things - layers and a grid.  So you know I was in. 

This is the inspiration layout by Heather Joyce.  It is totally amazing  with all those bits and pieces.  

My version is simpler - I focused on a large layered photo block with a grid underneath. 

I started with my September Citrus Twist goodies and added from my stash.

I used my new favorite trick and trimmed from the top of the page so I kept the detail in the branding strip.  And I have to tell you - those arrows from Pink Paislee might be my new favorite thing. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Switching Kits

Currently I am subscribing to kits from Studio Calico and Citrus Twist kits (while I try to decide what to do about my SC sub.  Last month I mixed the kits together as a way to use them both.  But I actually ended up feeling overwhelmed by the choices and realized it wasn't a good way to evaluate the kits that worked for me.  So this month I used SC for two week and now I'm breaking out the September Citrus Twist kits. 

The papers in the Citrus Twist kits are beautiful so I went for lots of layers on my first kit - that way I got to use lots of pretty paper.  I did add a piece of woodgrain paper to serve as the base and a couple craps to the layout. 

My favorite part of the box this month was all the die cuts!  We got a partial pack of those fun triangles from Pinkfresh Studio, a package from Crate Paper Wonder, and a package from WRMK Wildflower.  And I had a package from Pink Paislee Cedar Lane in my box.  So I dumped them all into containers in the top of my Raskog to use with the kits.  I love the Pinkfresh Studio wood veneer and little cork arrows too.  I think I managed to use all my favorites on this layout

I can't wait to make something else with this kit.  Thanks for stopping by.

Brimfield Is My Favorite

It's no secret - I haven't loved the Studio Calico kits lately.  Far Far Away (back in January I think) was really pretty though there were pieces I struggled with and I really enjoyed Lisse Street (maybe March or April), but the rest of the kits have been challenging for me to use or just totally not my thing.  But Brimfield is a home run!  (Yes I still think the kit should have some more stuff for the price, but it was beautiful and fun to use.) The papers are gorgeous - beautiful color and patterns that are classic and versatile.  It felt like the kits that inspired me to become a subscriber three years ago.

Which made me think - what really makes me love a kit - it's not the stamp (in fact I sold the stamp in this kit.)  I think it is versatility - I made five layouts with the goodies in my September box before I broke it up into my stash.  And I when I look at them they all look unique.

Four of the layouts were in prior blog posts - one is soft and romantic, one features a train and has a little bit of a vintage feel, one is super bright and fun, and the fourth one features soft colors and feels classic.  And the fifth one (at least to me) captures a sense of contentment, mixing bright colors with pastels.

inspired by sketch at Citrus Twist kits

So I'm putting away Brimfield after five layouts - but it was a good one!  (That star transparency is going to end up in a December Daily) In fact if it goes on sale down the road, I will be trying to nab another one.

Thanks for stopping by.

Make It Work

This is the first layout  I made with Brimfield and I think it might be my favorite.  The colors and patterns in the papers are timeless.  Those chipboard phrase strips are one of my all time favorite things.  And I love how the products in the SevenPaper baby collection (Clara) coordinate perfectly.  The die cuts and the vellum stars came from those extras that I added to my September box.

But we had a "make it work" moment.  I needed a tag that coordinated to fill in that top block of my grid.  Despite my collection of shipping tags, nothing was quite right.  So I went to those Clara die cuts to see if something would work.  There was a cute onesy with a gold star but it just wasn't right for this super girly picture.  So I turned it upside down, trimmed off the neckline and the sleeves and punched a whole in the center of the crotch.  Add some baker's twine and there it was - a super pretty tag that was perfect for my layout.

I'd love to hear about your "make it work" moments (I feel just like Tim Gunn).  Thanks for stopping buy.

Layered Labels

I have always loved labels.  They are pretty, fun and versatile.  But they don't always work for journaling.  Sometimes I have too much to say and sometimes I don't have much of anything to say.  So I either end up with tiny little writing crammed onto a layer so that you can hardly read it or awkward blank space where it looks like I forgot to write something.  And so my label stash grows and grows and .......you get the picture.

But layered labels are my new favorite thing.  I pull several labels in different shapes and sizes and stack 'em up.  Maybe I add a few stickers, enamel dots or other small embellishments. Foam squares and glue dots can add extra dimension.   Or those phrase stickers that are all the rage - they are perfect for this.  Then I end up with a dimensional embellishment using up some of my favorite things in my stash.  And I can customize it to fit both the story I'm telling and the space I have to fill.

A little washi can anchor your cluster and add extra dimesion and texture too.

design inspired by sketch at Citrus Twist kits

 So you probably knew all about layered labels.  It is such a great way to build a custom embellishment.  But just in case you didn't...........

Thanks for stopping by

Finding My Way Back

I haven't been creating much but I think I'm finding my way back - Yay!  The September kits from Studio Calico are beautiful and I have made three layouts so far with them.  I especially like that I have made some soft and pretty things and some bright, fun things. 

This layout was inspired the sketch at Stuck!  They posted a new sketch this week.  Since it featured lots of layers, it gave me a chance to use lots of the pretty papers in the Brimfield kits.

And here is my take on the layout

I tried using my cuttlebug and dies out of vellum for the circular elements.  I know I'm probably the last one to this party but I love the effect.  (The die is from a Pinkfresh Studio embellishment kit.)


I have some more Brimfield layouts to share so keep an eye out.  Thanks for stopping by.

Mixing Textures

I think a lot about mixing colors and patterns on my layouts.  But I don't think about texture very often at all.  But the truth is that texture is just as important.  And my July box from Citrus Twist Kits provided the inspiration to use texture as a focus in choosing elements for my newest layout.

I started with a great piece of woodgrain paper.  The main kit included a fun piece of fabric that I would never have thought to use on a layout.  But it served as the perfect base for my photo block.  It added depth and interest that paper just wouldn't have brought to the table.

Design inspired by sketch at Citrus Twist kits

The embellishment kit included denim stickers which sounded a little strange but I love.  And they added another textural element.  Shiny gold chipboard contrasted with the fabrics and woodgrain for added interest.  And it just so happens that I had added some cork stickers to my box that worked perfectly with my project. Enamel dots, wood buttons, flair and acrylic shapes all added more texture and interest.  And of course I don't seem to be able to finish a layout without ink splatters.  But this time I used navy colorshine instead of gold, white or black.

Hope you have a great weekend.  We are headed to my hometown.

Thanks for stopping by.