We're Cruisin! Paper Trail Blog Hop)

Welcome to this month's Paper Trail Blog Hop! If you're Cruisin' along (wink, wink) you've probably arrived here from Linda's blog. If this is your first stop, don't worry - this hop is circular. Either way we're glad you could join us! This month we are featuring the Cruisin' paper pack.

Here is the layout I created using this fun paper:

I chose to document a sad memory - the closing of one of my hubby's favorite hang outs.

I liked the subtle effect of the patterns just peeking out. (Although I really wanted to use the scrabble and map paper, they just didn't seem to work here.)

I left space for him to journal on the light pattern about what he liked about Clark's. (More likely, I will ask him questions and then record what he says.)


In addition to the Cruisin' papers, I used the coordinating Bottle Caps which were perfect in theme and sentiment for this layout.

I also created a stamped border on the background card stock using my new favorite stamps set - Super Powers.

This skyline stamp caught my eye when the idea book first came out, but I held off since I wasn't sure how often I would use it, or if I would use the other stamps in the set. I was so pleased with the effect on this layout that I think we will all be seeing more of this stamp!

I'm glad you stopped by! Please leave me a comment to let me know what you think before you cruise on along to Mary's blog to see what she created.

Favorite Place

What's your favorite place? My kids' is our local zoo. Anytime we have a family day, vacation day or Saturday with no plans they ask to go. Their favorite exhibit? The penguins! The water was perfect for this week's Paper Thrills challenge to Go Green!

Here are some details:

 

Since it is the kids' favorite place, we go to the zoo often. And I take pictures, often. I'm getting fatigued with the same old zoo pages so I decided to journal here about their frequent requests to visit the zoo rather than the trip to itself.

Head on over to Paper Thrills to see what the other designers have created. While you're there, why not play along?

Jump!

The Paper Thrills challenge this week is to create a layout that involves leaping. Last summer we camped with friends at a KOA with a bounce pillow. Kids and adults alike had fun jumping - as is evidenced by the photos:

I sat down to create my layout and then realized that I hadn't actually printed the photos yet. CTMH and Studio J to the rescue. Although I can't imagine giving up my paper and tape runners altogether, I loved how quickly this layout came together (less than an hour) and how easy it was to switch out papers, ink colors, etc. It is definitely a different way of scrapping with its own tricks, but I'm glad that I was reminded that I enjoy it too!

 

Interested in Studio J but haven't tried it yet? Let me know! I would be happy to help you get started!

Paper Thrills Recipe Challenge

I love recipe challenges, but this one may not be the kind you are imagining. This challenge (should be live soon) was to include a recipe on your layout. I created this one sharing my favorite brownie recipe and a bit of the story behind it.

 

My kids love to bake (and eat) these brownies. We had lots of fun on the day in question (and the few days afterward.)

I took my color inspiration for this layout from the now retired Cherry-O stickease (CTMH). I  used a smattering of other older CTMH products. Base cardstock is Sweet Leaf, photo mat is Chocolate. I selected the B&T papers because they featured either Sweet Leaf or Crystal Blue (both prominent in the Stickease.) The papers are all from retired collections: Wings, Twiterpated and Magic Moments.

 

The 'recipe card' is a journaling card from the Amore set (CTMH). It coordinates with the Chocolate cardstock and helps to tie in the Blush and Tulip accents.

Do you have a favorite recipe? Why not scrap it now!

Paper Thrills challenge 35 - Ad Challenge

The new challenge is up over at Paper Thrills. In honor of all of the shopping that has been advertised in the last week, it is an ad challenge. Normally I'm kind of intimidated by ad challenges. I have a hard time making my style, photos, products etc. work with the things I see in magazines and store circulars. This time, however, I went with an ad of a different sort and I love the way it turned out!

I found this ad in Ms. magazine last month:

I was totally inspired by the row of small photos near the top, and I set out to replicate it. Here is what I came up with:

I took some elements from the ad in addition to the row of small photos and their mat.
      I placed my title on the photo mat - although mine is on the right and only on the top.
      I included a larger element on the bottom left of the design - although mine is up a bit higher.
      I used text along the bottom of the design - although mine is focused on the right hand side.

I'm so glad I took this challenge. I'm not convinced it's going to change my mind about ad challenges in general, but I certainly like the way this one turned out.

Have you ever been inspired by an ad?You should take the challenge. If not, it isn't too late to start. Either way, head on over to Paper Thrills to check out the other design team members' work. While you're there, why not play along?

I can't wait to see what you create!

Paper Thrills challenge 34 - The Sweater

The new challenge is up over at Paper Thrills. This week the challenge is to use items you would find on a sweater. Here is my sweater layout about my little crafter:

This layout was fun to create. I dry embossed the light blue cardstock and then sanded to reveal the white core. The patterns said sweater to me as much as the buttons and fibers.

Head on over to Paper Thrills to check out what the other design team members created. While you're there, why not create a layout and play along? While you're there, check out the guest design team challenge!

Getting into home dec - Paper Thrills challenge #30

I have framed layouts before. I've even created framed pieces using my supplies that don't include photos, but still the current challenge at Paper Thrills - to create a fall wall-hanging - made me a bit nervous. I took my inspiration from Aly Dodsall who did a whole week about home decor at write.click.scrapbook last month and here is what I created:

I started with a Styrofoam wreath - a 12 inch one, I believe. I followed Aly's suggestion and cut some paper from the (retired) CTMH Olivia collection into 2X3 blocks (about 50 of them).When I started arranging the paper on the wreath, I found I liked tilting the blocks and creating the fun zig zag effect inside.

After the paper was on I was a bit stumped. I just couldn't decide where to go. My hubby suggested photos - after all Paper Thrills is a challenge blog for scrapbookers. That was the next burst of inspiration I needed. I used CTMH's new Foundry Pin Clips as my photo holders. The pin clips were perfect because in addition to fitting with the style of the project, I will be able to switch out the photos as I wish!  I found the ribbon and then added some Mocha Opaques from CTMH and voila, challenge complete!

Now head on over to Paper Thrills and check out what the rest of the design team created. While you're there, why not play along yourself? I can't wait to see what you create!