WOYWW

Okay, it isn't exactly a peek at the mess on my desk, but it is in my scrap space, and I'm far more excited to share this with you than anything else right now.

I've been stalking the secondhand shops for several months, and last week my search was rewarded. I am now the proud owner of a Remington Quiet Riter, circa 1956. Why would I go hunting for a typewriter, you may ask? Besides the nostalgia factor, it serves a very practical purpose. I'll explain with a couple sneak peaks of upcoming Design Team layouts.......

First, my computer and printer are two floors up from my basement scrap room, so no more running back and forth just to produce some simple journaling strips. Being able to stay put in my scrap room helps keep the creative juices flowing.

Second, I can fit more words legibly in a smaller space than if I used my handwriting. I'm also doing less measuring, cutting, and fussing than when I rely on my computer. Third, I just like the way it looks. (trying to decide if I should let Phil fix the slightly elevated caps, or just let them be)


"What's On Your Workday Wednesday" is a weekly event where over one hundred crafters show and tell what's going on in their corners of the world. You can go to Julia's blog for more glimpses of our creative endeavors.

Summer Card Camp, Week 1

Yesterday was my first day of camp - Summer Card Camp, that is. Since my idea of roughing it is spending less than $100 on the hotel room, this kind of camp is right up my alley. Here is our color combo for the week, a bright and happy summertime palette. 

And the card I made using the color combo....

Supply List - Patterned Paper: Echo Park (Summer Days, Dots & Stripes: Candy Shoppe), My Mind's Eye (Lime Twist: Fly A Kite & Out of the Blue; Stella and Rose: Mabel); Stamp: Hero Arts; Brads: Doodlebug; Butterfly Punch: Fiskars; Ribbon: miscellaneous from my stash


I used 6x6 paper pads, which is part of the reason I'm taking the class. I have quite the stash of 6x6 paper pads! You can still sign up here through June 29th. Summer Card Camp runs for the next four weeks and includes color combos, card ideas, videos, sketches, a student gallery, online discounts and prizes. Quite a bang for the buck!

iPhones for Everyone

I love documenting the current technology in our lives. Maybe because I can remember life without a microwave, a computer, or a cell phone, these advances fascinate me. I didn't think to take photos of the cutting edge stuff back then, but I try to keep up now. A series of 3 similar photos tells the story of getting our iPhones.

Supply List -  Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: 7 Gypsies; Letters: American Crafts, October Afternoon, Bella Boulevard; Mini Paper Clips: Tim Holtz; Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin, Basic Grey, Glossy Accents
Design Inspiration - Sketch Support one-page sketch

I like to vary the size, color and dimension on longer titles to emphasize words and provide interest. Thickers + stickers = a winning combination!

My first attempt at using Glossy Accents. Guess I'm a little slow to try new techniques. The shine it gave to the sticker mimics the red shine on my title letters.

I also tried a bit of hand stitching to look like dotted journaling lines and help the paper strips stand out a bit. Not sure this was entirely successful, but it wasn't a total miss, either. Journaling reads: "Phil and I got up at 2:30 a.m. to order iPhones for all of us, and Andrew & Jennifer made a special trip to claim theirs. We spent the weekend sharing apps, downloading games and customizing our phones."


At the beginning of the year, I made this page about my iPod. But that's not the end of it. I've recently embraced a return to some old technology, which will be the subject of my Wednesday post. Hope you'll come back for that!

Friday Picks

Friday Picks is a regular blog feature, showcasing my best online finds related to scrapbooking for your surfing pleasure. This week features a cornucopia of scrapping goodness. Enjoy!

#1 Did someone declare June "Scrap a Big Photo Month" and not tell me? Seems that Karen, Shimelle, Jennifer and Humel all got the memo!

#2 Here are a few great tips on using color in your embellishments, courtesy of Ella Publishing.

#3 I'm a pushover for scrapping tools and always looking for new ways to use mine. Lain has tips for using your paper crimper and Tammy shows 5 Ways to Use Your Scallop Punch.

#4 Exciting stuff going on over at Sketch Support! New sketch books are ready for pre-order and Sketch Support: The Class begins soon. Sketch heaven!

#5 Are you Design Team-curious? Julie's 8-part series looks at the phenomena of creative design teams from all angles, as well as advice to make it applicable to blogging-life and even 'real'-life. Excellent!

Here is the June Challenge for Scrap Our Stash.

Here is the June Challenge for Scrapbookers Anonymous. 

Oh, I love summer! Morning walks, eating outside, watching birds, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits invade our backyard, rooting for the Tigers - this is just the best time of year. No work for me, plenty of time for scrapping. My summers used to be filled with our son's baseball games, which I do miss, but there's something to be said for the empty nest phase we're in right now. Wherever you are in life, I hope you are enjoying summer as much as I am right now!

A Square Deal, Part 2

After yesterday's 4-square layout, today I'm turning to the trusty 9-square grid to create a page about my husband's grandmother and a glimpse of life on the farm.

Supply List - Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye; Border Stickers: October Afternoon, Fancy Pants; Letters: American Crafts, Basic Grey; Embellishments: Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon; Punches: Tonic Studios

I love the fabric texture on these Thickers but don't care for my slightly crooked stamping. Is there a tool or technique to help me line up word stamps straighter?

I purchased a butterfly punch at Joann's, justified by reasoning that my Slice can't cut anything that small. I'm a big fan of embellishing in groups of 3; thus the flower, tag, and butterflies. And because the butterflies are so small, why not use 3 of them?

The journaling is Phil's list of memories of his grandmother's kitchen. He loved the noodles and lemonade, but left the room when they blanched chickens. The flowers were made from paper scraps and these punches by Tonic Studios, with a MME brad in the center. (here's a short YouTube video if you want to see the punches in action)


Just like yesterday's layout, these aren't the greatest photos, but using compartments of color results in a pleasing page. Do you have certain strategies you like to use when scrapping less-than-perfect pictures?

A Square Deal, Part 1

What do you do when you have one not-very-good picture of a cherished childhood pet? My solution: Crop the photo and employ the classic 4-square grid!

Supply List - Paper: My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose; Letters: American Crafts; Embellishments: Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon; Stamp: Technique Tuesday

We named our cat Splash because she looked like she had fallen in a mud puddle. She was with our family for 19 years; the mainstay pet in a continually revolving menagerie. This title collage was created by layering My Mind's Eye papers, Basic Grey embellishments and topping it off with (what else) Thickers.

I included three simple journaling strips with a few key memories. Splash had a litter of kittens in our basement and once brought a bird into my parents' bedroom. An October Afternoon journaling sticker and Technique Tuesday stamp draw the eye to the top of the page as part of my visual triangle.


I'll be back tomorrow with another grid layout using nine squares. I love being able to design in color compartments and then allow my title, journaling and embellishments to break out of the lines.

Friday Picks

Friday Picks is a regular blog feature, showcasing my best online finds related to scrapbooking for your surfing pleasure. This week you'll see layouts, cards, a mini album, and a class giveaway. Enjoy!

#1 Tammy is certainly in the summer mood! Check out her Summer Days Mini Album and Batter Up Baseball Scrapbook Layout if you need some warm weather inspiration.

#2 Looking for a summer class? Why not join me for Lain Ehmann's "The Mother LOAD" over at Big Picture Classes! Jennifer McGuire is giving away a free spot on her blog. (there's also a discount code in case you don't win)

#3 I'm seeing more paper weaving projects online lately. Here are two  cards: one using woven circles and the other created with measuring tape. Cute stuff!

#4 What makes you happy as you create? Could you come up with a short list like Melissa did in her post Refining My Style? Food for thought!

#5 If scrapbooking means more to you than paper, photos, and stickers you'll appreciate Paula's article on How Scrapbooking Made My Life Better. So true!

Here is the June Challenge for Scrap Our Stash.

Here is the June Challenge for Scrapbookers Anonymous. 

I finally finished teaching piano lessons for the school year. Not a moment too soon; I really need a break. The kids are just getting out of school this week, which seems way too late for all of us. Now to settle into a summer routine and try not to notice how fast the days go by. Happy crafting!

Journaling Prompt

A Father's Day theme is attached to Journaling Junkie Challenge #106. The prompt is: Dad's are usually do-ers. Celebrate all the things your Dad (or the Father of your childen) does for you. My dad did all kinds of things for us growing up, like work two jobs, but mostly I remember all the things he did with us. That's what I wanted to celebrate with this layout. I don't have any photos from back then, so I took what I had and came up with this.

Journaling reads: "When we were kids, Dad used to take us to the pool on hot summer days and sledding on cold winter days. He turned out the lights and played scary games with us before bedtime. He played catch with us in the backyard and basketball with us and our friends in the church gym. These more recent photos show Dad still likes to have fun. Maybe he is just a kid at heart!"

Supply List - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Life of the Party; Border Punch: Fiskars; Letters: American Crafts, Jillibean Soup; Embellishments: Basic Grey

How many layouts do you have about your parents, not as a couple, but as individuals? I love it when my mom and dad talk about their parents and what it was like when they were growing up. I'm looking forward to creating more layouts that will describe my parents to future generations.

June Challenge

In honor of the most popular month for weddings, the June Challenge over at Scrap Our Stash is Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue. It can be any or all of the combinations and does not have to be about a wedding!

My layout represents Something Old and Something Blue. The blue in the photos and on the page is obvious, while the barnstormer theme takes you back in time.

Here's what I read about barnstorming in Wikipedia: 

"Barnstorming was a popular form of entertainment in the 1920s in which stunt pilots would perform tricks with airplanes, either individually or in groups called a flying circus. Barnstorming was the first major form of civil aviation in the history of flight. The term barnstormer also applied to pilots who flew throughout the country selling airplane rides, usually operating from a farmer's field for a day or two before moving on."

The barnstormer we saw at the Air Show last summer was amazing, even in this day when air travel is commonplace and space travel possible. I can't imagine how thrilling this must have been 100 years ago. Now it's your turn to take the June Challenge. See all the details HERE! With this wide open theme, the sky's the limit! (pun intended)

Friday Picks

Friday Picks is a regular blog feature, showcasing my best online finds related to scrapbooking for your surfing pleasure. This week is very eclectic, from cards to travel, and many points in between. Enjoy!

#1 Kristina Werner and Jennifer McGuire are teaming up for an online class, Summer Card Camp: Focus On Color. Registration is now open and both ladies are giving away free spots on their blogs!

#2 Here is a link that will take you to many more as Debbie Hodge offers 6 Approaches and 50 Links on How To Find Scrapbook Page Ideas. Whew! Better bookmark this one!

#3 Amy is featuring a 5-part series on Scrapbooking and Travel. Here is Part 1 and Part 2. Very timely and informative!

#4 Christine Middlecamp sure has been busy lately. She's been working on A New Craft Cubby and this Decorative Embellishment Stand. Eye candy alert!

#5 Jennifer Larson shows what she likes to do with two horizontal 4x6 photos. Plenty of examples and a great explanation. Why reinvent the wheel when you already have a great design template? 

Here is the June Challenge for Scrap Our Stash.

Here is the June Challenge for Scrapbookers Anonymous. 

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of my blog! What an amazing journey this has been. I want to thank everyone who reads my blog. Those who leave comments and have become my online friends are a special blessing to me. Here's my very first post, which still rings true today. I love this online community of crafters and feel honored that I can contribute my little something. Happy weekend!

Journaling Prompt

Journaling Junkie Challenge #105: In What Ways Do You Notice the Passing of Time?
Since my husband and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this month, a page about being together for 30+ years seemed the obvious choice for this challenge. I found a picture from shortly before we were married and paired it with a recent photo. 

Good grief, we were young! Phil had the Amish beard thing going, but shaved it off before the wedding, much to my mother's relief.

In what ways do you notice the passing of time? Looking at old photos and seeing how much everyone has changed? Birthdays coming round and realizing the years are moving quickly? Here's an opportunity to pair an older photo with a newer one and tell your story! 

Friday Picks

Friday Picks is a regular blog feature, showcasing my best online finds related to scrapbooking for your surfing pleasure. This week is all about Summer, with inspiration, challenges and projects galore. Enjoy!

#1 They are celebrating summer and a 2-Year Anniversary over at Write.Click.Scrapbook. Check out the new June Gallery, We Aim to Inspire.

#2 Here is a quick peek at what they have in store for summer over at Ella Publishing. Some great series planned for these warmer months!

#3 The Summer-Long Challenge over at Counterfeit Kit centers around the popular Smash Book. Why not create one and take it on your summer vacation?

#4 Jenni Hufford is Transitioning to Summer with her inspiring cork board project. I bet there's a spot in your home for one of these!

#5 Check out this cool summer mini album by Scrappingmom73 made from the pants pockets of outgrown jeans! 

Here is the June Challenge for Scrap Our Stash.

Here is the June Challenge for Scrapbookers Anonymous. 

Loved the shorter work week, I could really get used to that! Another round of Graduation Open Houses this weekend, so we will be out and about, being social and getting plenty of pictures. Hope your weekend is great!