Learn and Know

I love learning about people. 

Their stories. 

Their history.

Their opinions on life and such.

I think learning about one another can only grow us. I know that, by asking people to share more about themselves with me, I've learned a lot over the years.  My outlook on life has changed, I've tried new things and assumptions have been laid to rest because what I had formed in my head, wasn't necessarily true. Whatever assumption that might be. 

Today I'm sharing a layout about this characteristic of mine using the May kit CURIOSITY from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. 

The photo of myself is cropped and processed a bit. It's fun to play around with photos and see what kind of look you can get. I thought it perfect to use this photo because I have some curious eyes. Don't you think? Haha...

Other symbolic elements I pulled from the kit include the tag with the glasses. Those were too perfect because the frames reminded me of the glasses frames from when I was younger. The women always looked like teachers to me. Firm and yet inquisitive. I liked the softer color pallet and subtle patterns from the Cosmo Cricket papers in this months kit. They looked amazing backed up with the blue cardstock. 

Because I go for the "clean and simple" look, I try to find ways to use elements and add texture and rhythm. Sometimes the simple look is just too flat. Even for me! But doing something as simple as framing a brad, like I did below, can add the perfect amount of dimension without taking away from the "clean and simple" look.

Layering also helps!  One tip I've learned and will share with you, is that you just have to play. Cut. Layer. Move around. And then commit. It's a lot of fun. :) 

Come check us out at SFTIO! Journaling prompts are up, a couple of kits are still available and we have a wonderful community. Hope to see you there!

This is Home

Yep.

Another post about Chicago.

Sorry.

Or am I? 

Well, this time I wanted to share about a really cool mural that is at my L stop. It's too perfect because this city is truly feeling like home. I missed it when I went back to my hometown for a visit. I haven't felt like that about a place for a very long time. 

Check out the photo that is on my layout today:

Isn't that cool???

Here is the hidden journaling:

While graffiti is definitely a problem, I've got to say that this city is covered in some beautiful artwork such as this. 

I used my Cameo to cut out the word home. Sometimes I still sneak in bits and pieces used with my beloved machine! 

Isn't that bingo marker adorable? I love them! They are from Maya Road and the 'today' phrase is from Studio Calico.

The collection I used for most of my layout is... you guessed it... Color & Composition from Websters Pages. My current obsession. Haha! We all have them from time to time. 

Which leads me to a question... what collection are you obsessing about lately??? I'd love to know!

Starting with Cards

Some people start with creating a bigger project and then moving to a smaller one with what's leftover.

I have to warm up before creating something larger - a.k.a. a layout!

So, for some of you who read this, my process might seem a little bit backward.

I begin with cards when I'm in a rut or just can't figure out how to dig into a layout. The following two cards were created on NSD when I was attempting to gear up for a couple of layouts.

Of course, creating with some of my favorite product always helps, too!

This first card is super simple. I'm all about simple. :) I chose some floral paper from Westers Pages (Color & Composition by Allison Kreft) for the base. I always like to use something colorful when creating a simple card. Sometimes those busy patterns, with lots of colors, overwhelm me so I save them for projects like this.

I absolutely adore the trim from Websters but, like some of you, always wonder how the heck to incorporate them on a simple project. I love just putting it on my project like pattern paper. The ruffle trim looks so great on the top of the floral paper. I like to think it looks "cozy". 

The "Oh Hello" sentiment is from the sticker sheet as part of the Color & Composition collection. I finished off the design by adding faux stitching around the pattern paper.

This next card is another clean and simple beauty. Still so in love with this collection! I love woodgrain and it makes such an interesting base for projects.

I went with a calmer pattern paper on top and it pops on that woodgrain. I love yellow! And there is that trim again. It adds just the right amount of texture, don't you think?

Also on the card are bling from Kaisercraft and my awesome "go-to" for card sentiments, a sticker from SRM Stickers. 

Have a lovely Monday and find some time to create today would ya?!