The Profound Brunette

Cute Little Treat Box

2012-01-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Before I begin, I wanted to answer a question asked by JulieJ in the comments from my last post. She made an observation that I make lots of cards and wondered what I did with all of them. Well... They all end up in a box. LOL Actually, I submit a lot for publication and for ScrapStreet. I also like to bundle them up and give as gifts. My close friends always are welcome to come pick and choose from my cards too. I also store up an inventory for craft shows. That way I'm not cramming for cards in November. But I do have quite the box full of them right now. I'm seeing some donating and giving away coming soon. Which just adds to the joy of creating all the more. I love giving my cards away! :)

I've been playing with my Silhouette Cameo quite a bit since I got it. Love. This. Machine.
If you need to be enabled to purchase this machine, just ask. I will have no problem telling you all the reasons you need one. If you are trying to save money and don't need one.... you might want to steer clear of any blog posts pertaining to the Cameo. Ha!

I'm not one to typically send out Valentine's treats but I'm going to this year. How can you now when you can now make larger treat boxes with the Cameo???

How adorable is that little thing??? It will work perfect to stuff full of with some Hershey's Kisses.

Super easy to make too! One of the things that got a bit tricky was the actual folding part. I thought I would share how to fold the top lid. It's a two stepper. Also, if you choose to do this shape, you might want to choose a heavy patterned paper or cardstock due to the nature of the fold.

Here it is with the top open:

Fold the flap without the tab over first, pulling (gently) the heart handles through the slit:

Tada!

Fold the flap with the tab over, pull heart through (gently) and then stick tab into side slit:

Some tips I learned with this one: If you use a heavy paper like I did, pulling the heart through won't tear unless you really yank on it. Be gentle but don't be afraid to pull. When you are ready to tuck the tab in, you either need some finger nails or something to help open the slit a bit more. It tends to fold in when trying to slide the tab in. Otherwise... SUPER easy box to make!

Here are the shapes I used:
Box: 3d_heart_handled_box_C01720_17986
Border: 3_borders_C00786_20509

All papers are from Lily Bee Design.

Here is another box that I just used the reverse side of the same papers...

Thanks for swinging by!

Melissa

Busting out the stash

2012-01-23T23:14:00.000-08:00

The paper stash that is... ;)

Sometimes I want to get rid of all my scraps because I think they take up room and I just don't want to deal with them. But then days come by, like the one about a week ago, and I'm drawn to some old papers in my scrap folders. I fall in love all over again and want to create with them. It happens, all too often, that I get caught up in the need to always use the latest releases and ignore the papers from years past. While some of that is good for what I do, I also need to remember those poor, forgotten papers that I still enjoy creating with.

Such is the case with some American Crafts papers I found. Some of it is from the first Dear Lizzy collection (I think it was Spring??) and from the Dear Lizzy Enchanted collection and then just random A.C. scraps that I can't remember. After some dreary days and snow, it was fun to create with bright colors.

Supplies: Paper, Thickers, Pinwheel Flower: American Crafts, Alpha: Cosmo Cricket, Cardstock: The Paper Company, Border Punch: Fiskars

Supplies: Paper, Trim, Brad: American Crafts, Cardstock: The Paper Company, Flower: Creative Imaginations, Letter Stickers: Jenni Bowlin, Border Punch: Fiskars

Supplies: Paper, Flair, Journaling Spot: American Crafts, Cardstock: The Paper Company, Flowers: Kaisercraft, Leaves: Queen & Co., Sticker: SRM Press, Mist: Tattered Angels, Border Punch: Fiskars

So great to feel productive and to also use some scraps up!

Thanks for swinging by! The official count down for CHA is coming! I promise to take lots of photos. :)

~ Melissa

Tuesday Trigger and a Card Call

2012-01-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I am participating, for the first time, in the Tuesday Trigger challenge over at Moxie Fab World. I always love to check out the blog and see what marvelous finds Cath will post but I've never taken the time to actually participate. Silly me. But this time, the Trigger was a good one and I, immediately, had something in my head to do. Here's the photo of inspiration:

It's all about Winter Blossoms and those lovely pom pom looking balls of goodness. I had the perfect flower in my stash to use too! Yay! Here is the card I came up with based off the shapes of the blossoms above:

Supplies: Paper: Prima, My Minds Eye, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Flower, Canvas Alphabet: Prima, Purple Alpha: American Crafts, Pearls: EK Success, Leaves: unknown, Ribbon: Offray

Can you see the similarity?

I see more Tuesday Trigger challenges in my future. :) Come and play along!

--------------------------------------------
Have you always wanted to be published but not sure where to begin? Maybe a bit nervous? Don't be! If you are a card maker, I've got the Card Corner call for ScrapStreet magazine right here for you. Take a look, go out on a limb and SUBMIT! You can send your submissions directly to me melissa@scrapstreet.com. Please include some design notes with your submission and have a supply list ready just in case you get some happy mail. :)

Card Corner Call for Submissions - Spring 2012 issue (April)

Card Corner. We want to see any and all cards using the sentiments of Graduation, Mother's Day, Spring, Baby, Congrats and Happy Birthday. Take a look at the technique calls below and make sure to include one of the aforementioned sentiments with your submission:

KISSY KISSY:

DIE CUTS:

INTERACTIVE CARDS:

Deadline: February 18th

Good luck!
~ Melissa

My Profile

2012-01-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

When I was compiling ideas for creating layouts based on Individuality, I immediately though of my Facebook profile. I mean, what better place to go learn about yourself. Right? Ha! After realizing I hadn't updated it in quite awhile, I thought it included just about every little element of who I am.

Of course, had to document it in a layout! Who knows... it could change in a year and then it will be time for a new layout. :) By the way, this description of me is one I've had since I first set up a My Space page. Waaaaay back in the day. (Does My Space still exist?) It surprised how much of it I still find is truly me. I don't know why it surprised me. Perhaps because I've become use to, over the years, changing what I like and don't like. Maybe I've finally settled into who I am and have become comfortable with that.

Love the All About Me collection from Websters and that it is part of the Individuality kit at SFTIO. Way too perfect! I combined other elements of the kit with the papers too. Something that I love about the kits - everything just flows and goes together; creating the perfect symbolism.

Look at that gorgeous bling! It's from Mark Richards and called Jewelry Tattoo. It's a big flourish that I cut into pieces. The flower is covered in some Glimmer Glam paint. A girl can never have too much sparkle. :)

Close up of the journaling.

So are you on Facebook or any of those social networking sites? Ever thought about scrapping your profile? It's kind of fun! Try it! :) And, seriously, does My Space still exist? Off to check...

~ Melissa

Hello :)

2012-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

Man oh man... I am in awe this week by having a couple of cards accepted for publication. I don't think the emails will ever get old and I truly hope I will always have the giddy response each time. When I don't, then I think it will be time to stop because it is an honor. So... happy, happy, happy dance for getting cards picked up for the Card Creations 10 mag and July/August issue of Paper Crafts! Yahoo!

I did submit lots of cards and do have a few "rejects". Although, I hardly feel like they are rejects. They just didn't fit with the rest of the one's they wanted and that is just fine with me. Here is one that was submitted for a sketch. I am still in love with the Amy Tangerine collection. Loving these collections that have a little bit of everything for someone, like me, who isn't a "theme" scrapper.

Supplies: Paper, Die (the heart is part of a key die cut): Amy Tangerine collection from American Crafts, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Letter Stickers: Lily Bee Design, Bling: Kaisercraft, Die Cuts: Cuttlebug

This sketch was a bit of a challenge at first. But as I dug in with the layers of paper and went to town, it became lots of fun and I really like the negative space.

I used my scallop circle dies with my Cuttlebug to create the dimensional flower. Then, cut off the "keyhole" part of a key die cut from Amy Tangerine's collection.

I'm looking forward to seeing how others interpreted the sketch. I don't think I have the rights to post it on here but it will be in the July/August issue of Paper crafts (the sketch that is). Very unique and very fun. :)

Waving a HELLO from the frozen Pacific Northwest!

Melissa

P.S. In a little over a week I'll be heading to Winter CHA! Let me know if you'd like to see anything in particular and I'll have my camera ready. :)

SFTIO Layout: Finding My Identity

2012-01-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a little story that I think every single one of us can relate to. It's true that the jr. high and high school years are times when we are figuring out life. Learning more about who we are, confused but also secure, scared and yet still brave enough (perhaps even naive enough) to try new things, etc. Choices we made as youngins can make us flush or make us stand taller. Such a funny time of life as I sit here (halfway to 70) pondering such memories. (Did you chuckle at my age reference... I did...) ;)

But I think our stumbles through life continue way beyond high school. I don't think we ever stop figuring out life as our journey continues to change. I can think back to the age of 21 and thinking I had arrived but also had much confusion. I hadn't faced my demons from childhood. The things that happened to me were devastating enough to warrant some good, old fashioned therapy. But I didn't know how to get there. Instead, I played different roles and put on "face". While I regret, at times, the choices I made; I'm also so very thankful for them. They shaped who I am. Many might think I'm this modest, quiet, "don't cuss in front of me" kind of gal but trust me... nothing really shocks me. I'm not naive. (So if we ever meet in person, don't feel like you have to speak cautiously to me...)

While I'm secure who I am in Christ now... each day brings something new. Only now, it's a bit different traveling this journey when I'm not putting on a mask. :)

I love the contents of the Individuality kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Whether you have a quiet personality or consider yourself loud and proud, everyone needs a little sparkle. Be proud of you who are and embrace everything... even the quirks. :)

A little bit of fussy cutting and the soft textured elements collide with the sparkly and bold.

Love, love, LOVE the Pow paper from American Crafts. You can use it in electronic cutting machines like the Silhouette Cameo and it punches like butter. The glitter is embedded into the paper therefore, it doesn't flake everywhere. On this layout, I used it as symbolism - letting a little bit of sparkle show as I was on the brink of allowing my true self to shine brightly and face my past.

Close up of the journaling and some of the layering.

Come explore YOU at SFTIO! It's a fabulous community with beautiful kits packed full of the latest and greatest. If you haven't scrapped yourself or maybe this approach scares you a bit, just come commune with us! Dip your toes in our monthly challenges. We're a fun group of women all on similar journeys of self-discovery and exploring our inner worlds!

~ Melissa

Canvas Project

2012-01-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

So over the weekend I got inspired. After browsing blogs and galleries, the mojo flowed and out came project after project. I've got a lot to share with you over the next couple of weeks. Pretty excited to finish things up - both the assignment sort and just for fun projects. Yay!

The other day I was blog hopping and had to visit the Lily Bee blog. There I found the cutest little canvas project designed by Kay Rogers. Click here to see the post. She was inspired by a photo she found on Pinterest. I knew I wanted to try this myself and just tweak it a wee bit to fit with what I had. I used the Harvest Market collection of papers and put them on an 8x10 canvas.

I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out a flower shape for a mask. While I loved the heart idea, I wanted to do something less "seasonal". For my canvas, I wanted to incorporate my word for 2012 and the scripture it's based off.

I used Helmar Professional Acid Free Glue to adhere down the squares and then took some Glimmer Glam in Chandelier over the top of all of it. Love me some sparkle! Then, I used the mask and painted white paint that had some Glimmer Glam mixed into it and a few drops of water. After painting, I used some crumpled tissue paper to blot over it all.

I used a charcoal pencil to outline the flower and added a black pearl. Used a mix of Thickers and alpha from Lily Bee to create the verse.

I like a black frame around my canvas projects so I painted that around the edge. Before adding the Thickers and the pearl I went over the canvas with Mod Podge to seal it in.

The canvas is already hanging up on my wall. Love the reminder to Be STILL. :)

~ Melissa

A Cameo Project

2012-01-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

As stated in a previous post, I've been a bit distracted by my recent new toy - the Silhouette Cameo. Prior to this machine, I've been an avid user of the Silhouette SD. LOVED that machine like none other. Used and abused it and went through more mats than I probably should have. (The new mats are UH-mazing!)

I was so excited when I first saw with my own eyes that Silhouette had indeed created a 12" cutting machine. After lots of research, the Sil was the machine I wanted... even way back when, when it wasn't the 12". Sure Cricut is popular and all the rage but the deciding factor was the cartridges. The fact that I would be stuck with images I didn't necessarily like. And that they cost an arm and leg. I've already got limited storage so having to find a way to store those cartridges didn't appeal to me. Plus, I had seen some side by side comparisons (sorry no links!) and was sold on the Silhouette. Let's just say the Cameo is even better than the Sil. I'm so glad that this company took their time to create this machine. The cut is amazing and detailed. I love that I can cut a TRUE 12" sized shape and the new cutting mats are awesome. Wow. Sticky and they keep on sticking!

I've made several projects already using my lovely new toy. A few I can't show until February but I did make a few things to share immediately. Not only do I not want you to wait but *I* couldn't wait! LOL

So here is what I came up with....

A cute little mail box! This will become a fun little gift wrapping for someone. I plan to stuff it with candies and treats for Valentine's Day.

The mailbox shape is one large shape that you fold and glue together. I did the longest side at 11". I will say that securing the ends was a little bit difficult. I used Zip Dry but it didn't stick right away due to the odd folding and there are little tabs that hold it all together. I think next time I'll dry glue dots or some other dry adhesive.

I embellished with some other shapes cut out. I've been dying to try out these dimensional butterflies.

Here is the front.

And the other side.

Another butterfly close up.

Seriously loving this machine!

Silhouette Shapes Used: rickrack_set_C00069_31857, 3d_cutout_betterfly_2_C00744_21585, 3D_mailbox_C00385_18816

Supplies: Paper, Stickers: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Pearls: EK Success, Kaisercraft, Flowers: Kaisercraft, Raffia: unknown

Thanks for swinging by!

Melissa

New Jen Martakis: January Pea Soup

2012-01-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

Jen has a new release over at Two Peas in a Bucket that corresponds with the January Pea Soup collections. Don't know what that is? Well, each month a few digi designers release a common color palette with their own unique designs and special elements. This month it's a very subdued, neutral color group and I am loving it! So fun to add that POP of something to a bunch of neutrals. I came up with two hybrid cards utilizing the kit.

For this first card I was inspired by a photo I found on Pinterest this morning. You can see it here.

It ended up being a super simple card. Amazing how minimal embellishments can pack a punch. Love how the blue is in your face. I added the twine to give a bit more texture. Mostly for my own taste. I mean, I love clean and simple but I still a little oomph.

Card uses January Pea Soup Paper and Simple Starts Kit 1.

The next one was a fun one for sure. A little bit more paper and stuff going on. I opened up my Photoshop and layered one of the elements with the journal spot that includes the flower. Printed it and then trimmed around it so that it was centered as the front of the card. Then, I printed off another journal spot, cut the flower out and added some Stickles. The Stickles actually changed the color of the paper a bit! What was once a light tan now had a bit of a green hue to it. Cool! I used Picasa to create a collage of some select papers from the kit and printed those out. Love doing it this way as I can shrink the patterns for card making AND I can get multiple patterns on one piece of paper. Trimmed, punched and glued.

Card uses January Pea Soup Paper and Elements

The sentiment is stamped using an old, old, old set from Inkadinkado. I inked up the stamp, and stamped the sentiment on the bottom, then kept stamping up to the top. Love the movement it creates. Such a fun technique!

A close up of the flower and how green it looks with the Stickles.

Showing the layers and dimension.

And I would like to leave this post with a fabulous quote that my dear friend Stacey posted on Facebook today. It went a little something like this:

Do not spoil what you have

by desiring what you have not;

But remember that what you now have

was once among the things you only hoped for.

~ Epicurus (Greek Philosopher 341 B.C. - 270 B.C.)

*sigh*

Perfect timing to hear that quote! How about you? What little quotes and such have been speaking to you lately?

hugs,

Melissa

Thinking of You

2012-01-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

I love my negative space. I love having some place for my eyes to rest and not be overwhelmed with stuff. It's my style. Clean, simple, little touches of this and that. One thing I'm challenging myself on is using more pattern in the background. It's hard for me because I always feel like it's too much. Yet, I see so many designers get it right. They know just the right pattern to use. A nice, small, calm pattern that won't overwhelm but definitely gives their project that extra, perfect something. So I've been trying that out.

Negative space isn't just blank canvas. It can still be a pattern. A large chunk of it that isn't used. So that's what I've tried out with this card. A soft, subtle pattern in the background and the majority of it is still left uncovered. Negative space!

The flower is a simple handmade one that anyone can do. Three circles (any size you want), snipped with scissors around the edge; about half way to the center and then curl up the ends. Layer. And there you go.

What have you done to go out of your comfort zone? Were you surprised and loved it? Or are you quite content doing what you have always done?

Have a great Thursday!

Melissa

A little sidetracked

2012-01-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

This arrived yesterday...

Finally. It was to be my Christmas present but they were on back order from where I was able to order it and it ended up being a Birthday present too. Yay! While the wait was excruciatingly long, it was worth it! I couldn't rip open the box fast enough and begin to play. Of course, I got lost shopping in the library again but I did make my first cuts last night. I'm loving it more than the SD already. I feel bad because my SD was my "go to". Gotta say Silhouette did it right. This is the best 12" cutter ever! Projects created with this lovely will be coming soon. :)

In the meantime, I went to a fun craft and scrapbooking crop on my birthday and made several cards. Can't believe anything got finished in between the munching and the laughing. :)

Supplies: Paper, Stickers, Alpha Stickers: Jillibean Soup, Trim: Websters Pages, Brad: Creative Cafe, Bling: Kaisercraft, Border Punch: Fiskars, Flowers: unknown, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper

I'm not usually a love themed card maker but I'm trying to more. Especially since I had a few requests for "lovey" themed cards at the craft shows this past year.

Went the dimensional route for the word 'love'.

Are you a "lovey" card maker? Valentine's Day? It's hard for me as I don't have children and I don't have a significant other to give them to. So most of my love cards ends up in my card bin until craft shows roll around. But I do enjoy making them. :)

If you haven't already, I'd still love some input from you. Click here to be taken to Survey Monkey and just answer a few questions for me, if you don't mind. It shouldn't take very long. :) Thank you so much! I value any and all feedback.

Happy Wednesday!
Melissa

So Youer and a Survey

2012-01-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

:Source:

I love this quote. Dr. Seuss is a wise man!

This is a quote I used on a layout awhile back and I remember a specific comment from my friend Dora. She said something like "This is so youer!" I loved it. When the Individuality kit from SFTIO came to my door, I knew that I wanted to incorporate that fabulous phrase. It's unique. It's silly. And it's totally me!

I went the super clean and simple route with this layout because of all the patterns and colors already in the papers. A strip of paper here, a strip of paper there, some glam, journaling and there you have it. Love, love, LOVE the Indie Bloom collection from Basic Grey. They are usually pretty hit and miss with me but this collection is so colorful and fun. Loved the patterns and the chipboard shapes are pretty awesome. Love how the large chipboard florals help balance my page.

These Thickers are called E'clair and I can see why. They look pretty yummy. Like a sugar cookie!

Close up of the chipboard. I cut out the flower shapes from the patterned paper and adhered to the chipboard just for fun.

And here is my journaling...

Now to move onto something a little bit different...

I've created a little survey, if you all don't mind contributing to it. I've had some vision and inspiration come to me and I just want to make sure my dreams aren't too big... and I want to make sure that what I'm planning and scheming will be something others will actually take part in and find interesting and worthwhile. :) Thanks in advance for taking the survey! I appreciate your feedback. Click here and thanks in advance!

~ Melissa

Hey Girl

2012-01-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

It's so interesting to me how the highs and lows of emotion can happen so rapidly and dramatically. I chalk it up to being female. I can be riding on such a high, life is going great, nothing to complain about and then BAM! It can be something so stupid and trivial but it never fails - the negative seems to outweigh the positive. Note that I said seems to.

Because I know it doesn't.

What is that saying? You can hear so many positive affirmations or comments but that ONE puny, little negative one is the one that sticks with you and is the loudest. Why is that? It's so annoying! And while all of us need to hear words of affirmation, it is my number one "love language". So you can imagine the depths of dramatic despair I can reach. Yes... I'm quite dramatic. And loud about it. Those who know me in "real" life are laughing and giggling quite knowingly right now.

Alright... so why am I babbling about all this? Let's just say that 8 days into this brand new year I've already hit some valleys and peaks and it just caused me step back, dumbfounded, and laugh at my "femaleness". And I knew some of you can relate. Come on... it's okay... laugh with me. It's okay to laugh at ourselves.
And the other reason is that, after my dinner party last night with my girlfriends, it makes me even more thankful for them. Having that rock. That solid foundation, knowing that there are those in my life, who truly cheer for me, love me and will hold me accountable - in all things - both good and the bad. And I love them for it.

Of course, I made a card to give to that special friend in my life. Someone I can say "hey girl... I need a cocktail.. let's go!" Whenever I see the Trendsetter collection from Websters, I always think of the phrase "hey girlfriend!" So I finally made a card to go with that thought...

The card shape was made with the Silhouette. Sorry I didn't record the file name. Too lazy I guess.

I had to dress up the lady's skirt with some Liquid Pearls.

Hey and don't worry about me. I'm at a peak right now. Quite happy and blessed and feeling ever so thankful for where I am in life. Thankful for the people in my life and thankful for a God who loves and values me dearly. :)

~ Mel

Happy

2012-01-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

Many things are making me happy right now but I'll focus on one particular item - my friends. Tonight I was soaking it all in and feeling extremely blessed by the relationships in my life right now. I had a dinner party for my birthday at my favorite restaurant. As I gazed around the table I was floored by how incredibly blessed I am. That's the best word I can think of. Blessed. New and old friends. I went around the table thinking about how long I have known each woman sitting at that table - how we met, when did we truly connect, and floored by the fact we are still in touch. Pretty awesome concept! There were a couple of ladies missing from that table but, honestly, I think the ones who have made the biggest impact in my life lately, were all accounted for tonight.

Yep. I'm very happy. And what better way to express that sentiment than with a card!

Supplies: Paper: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Sticker: SRM Press, Pearls: Kaisercraft, Border punch and Circle punch: Fiskars

I tried something different with this card. Different for me anyway. Not sure if I actually saw it anywhere but I'm almost positive it's not a new technique by any means. But I thought I would punch some circles in the bottom of the cardstock then do some pieces of pattern paper on the inside to peek through. I kind of like it!
The pearls really finish this card off giving it just the right girly touch that I like.

Thanks for swinging by! Have a wonderful weekend. :)

Melissa

Happy Birthday to ME!

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places to visit for inspiration is Pinterest.

Why there and not just do a good ole fashioned Google Image search?

Because it is more organized. I like knowing the sites are reputable and that I am finding ideas from like minded individuals. Also? Google sometimes gives me sketchy images. Ha! And I love being able to repin the images for later use. Usually, I'll browse, pin and then go back.

I will also use Pinterest whenever I want to bookmark a site using the visual tool. That way, I'm saving it in my own boards but also sharing it with others. Can't keep the goodness to myself you know!

Today is my birthday... and I wanted to browse fun birthday ideas and inspiration to share with you. The source links will take you to the Pinterest page but you should be able to keep clicking to go to the actual web page the image is from. Hey... and happy pinning to you. :)

LOVED the cute idea for creating banners as the cake topper...

:Pinterest Source:

I'm always game for a cocktail and I LOVE this idea to put party sprinkles around the edge of the glass. How clever and fun!

:Pinterest Source:

Over the top? Maybe. But seeing this presentation, I am definitely thinking of some ways to replicate it in my own style. So lovely!

:Pinterest Source:

And what kind of post would this be if I didn't include a card! I am still loving this card made by Audrey Pettit that was in the July 2011 Card Corner Article for ScrapStreet.

:Source:

Speaking of which, make sure you check out the Card Corner article in our current issue. There are some pretty awesome techniques to be shared and beautiful cards to gaze at. Are you a card maker? Always dreamed of being published? Click here to view our current calls and submit! You never know. :)

hugs,
Melissa

Simple With Love

2012-01-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

I am all about "less is more". I admire anyone who can pack on media, color, texture and the like onto their projects and still have it turn out amazing. While I love to try techniques and step out of my comfort zone (how else can we grow???), I come back to how I truly create. Yep... I'm a clean and simple gal. I love the clean lines, simple patterns, handmade embellishments and negative space. I enjoy having a place to rest the eye but then attempting to create little areas of surprise. Not always a success but fun nonetheless!

Thought I would share a super, simple card I made with some scraps from Websters. It's from the All About Me collection (LOVE!). Want to know how easy this was? Ridiculously easy. Strip of paper, strip of cardstock, punch and glue. Piece of cake.

Those fabric tags from Websters are such a fun element. The texture looks really cool and there are lots of possibilities. You can ink them,cut them, fray the ends and enhance them like I did with the sentiment.

I ran the cardstock base through my Cuttlebug using the dotted swiss folder. Gives it a nice, soft and subtle texture.

Feeling the Love

2012-01-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

I've got a few cards to share with you today. I will preface this blog post with a simple confession. I'm addicted to Lily Bee papers. I can't help it. My patterned papers are organized by manufacturer and I store them in a 12x12 plastic drawer chest. Several drawers are doubled and even tripled up with a manu. Not my Lily Bee. It takes up one whole drawer. And it's the top drawer. Recently, I ordered the warehouse sale box and dove right into all the goodies that came with it. So. Much. Fun.

So why do I love Lily Bee so much? Well, I'd like to chalk it up to versatility. While each collection is focused on a season, you can use it for any time of the year and any sentiment. The other reason is I'm a fan of small patterns for my clean and simple style. And I'm a handmade embellishment fan too... so small patterns are perfect for that!

This first card is an example of both reasons why I love this manufacturer. I used Harvest Market for a card that could actually be given any time of the year. These papers were actually from the 6x6 pad so the patterns were even smaller. This made it perfect for using the small butterfly punch.

Notice the cardstock that is separate with the sentiment. I almost didn't share this card because of that. I'll share with you why it's like that - I wasn't sure how to space the alpha to ensure they would be centered. I really should have used a transparency or something that would have enabled me to lift the stickers off and put them directly onto the card base. Oh well. It actually looks kind of cool in person.

The next card was actually based off a layout sketch by Allison Davis. I loved how the background patterned paper was divided and off center for the layout and thought I would try it for a card. Seems like it works out great!

The brad is a felt one that I covered with the paper. I used Glossy Accents to adhere it all down. It is super simple to make your own brads without the fancy machines. Simply punch a circle (size depends on how big or small the brad is) cut about four or five slits, evenly spaced about a quarter into the circle. So not all the way to the center. Just enough to help fold it around the circle shape of the brad. Use a good, strong, sticky adhesive. I love using Glossy Accents for these little projects.

This last one is my favorite. I used Head over Heels for this card and actually used it for it's actual season - Valentine's Lovey Dovey Smoochy Woochy Day.

I have a heart punch and did a punch from each pattern that I would want to use. I'm such a kraft girl but wanted to use some white in order to draw the focus to the colors and patterns.

Here's a close up. You can see I added some pearls to create more texture and interest.

So there you go. I've confessed. Now it's your turn? Do you have a secret (or not so secret) obsession with a particular manufacturer? Don't worry... this is a safe place. You can share. ;)

hugs,
Melissa

ScrapStreet Winter Issue

2012-01-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of ScrapStreet is LIVE! Yay! Ever since we switched to a quarterly publication, I'm finding the wait until the next issue excruciatingly difficult. There is always so much wonderful work displayed in the mag and there is a little something for everyone when it comes to the articles.

:Click on the image to go to the magazine:

Some of my favorite articles to read this month are Connie's In With the Old article. She takes us back to all those manufacturers who have gone out of business and encourages us to still use those products in our stash. I also really enjoyed checking out all the layouts in the Graffiti article by Kelly. I love abstract art and it was cool to see all the different ways to use graffiti and doodling on projects. Always a favorite is Stacey's Open Road article. I am a journaling fan and am always looking forward to what approach she is writing about for the mag.

And, of course, there is my article - Card Corner! We've got several different techniques being showcased and some fabulous designers work too.

If you want to see what the current calls are for Cart Corner, check them out by clicking here. Can't wait to see what you send in. And, now, go grab your favorite beverage and enjoy browsing ScrapStreet!

Individuality

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty

[in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee]

I love the beginning of a new month. And, this time around we have a new YEAR to boot. Love it! At Scrapbooking from the Inside Out we are beginning 2012 with a most wonderful way to dig deep. What makes YOU tick. What characteristics, traits, quirks, dynamics, etc. set you apart? On the flip side of that, do you feel like you blend in with the crowd? Are you quite comfy not being noticed? Or perhaps you wish to be set apart but feel like you are stuck in a rut.

Well this month it's time to embrace who you truly are and record it. This month's kit is packed full of the perfect amount of product symbolism too. We have the All About Me collection from Webster's Pages, Indie Bloom from Basic Grey and Random from Crate along with some fantastic big bling, sparkly POW paper from A.C. and Glimmer Glam by Tattered Angels.

Sparkle! Shine! It's all about YOU whether you like it or not... so just embrace it, K? ;)

When I found out the month's topic at SFTIO, I was so excited to finally have this photo scrapped. I was waiting for the perfect emotion or theme for it and I knew it would have to be one all about my silly side. I'm a ham whenever a camera comes out. I like to make funny faces and smile and be cheesy. I'm comfortable in front of the camera, although, it hasn't always been that way.

Pretty elements from the Indie Bloom collection by Basic Grey. So many fun colors and patterns to play with as you express yourself.

Sparkle! Love me some bling you know. I'll be sharing on the SFTIO forum some fun ideas on how to use this paper on projects soon. Come join us now!

More sparkle! (The black alpha is not from the kit.)

The stickers from Cosmo Cricket were so perfect for Individuality! The great thing with these is that you can totally use them for your journaling or, as I did, to supplement your journaling.

What makes YOU, you??? Come share with us at SFTIO and heck... grab yourself a kit too. They go fast! :)

hugs,

Melissa

P.S. Our new design team debut's this month with their GORGEOUS layouts. This is going to be a fantastic term. I just know it!

Still

2012-01-01T01:06:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago I jumped on the "One Little Word" bandwagon. I'm not usually a bandwagon kind of person. Usually, whatever the crowds are doing, I like to resist as long as possible. Just ask my old roommates. *coughTwilightcough* But I went with this trend very easily because it appealed to me much more than making a resolution. Coming up with a word for the year seemed more doable and took the pressure off of me. In the past I would always dream up resolutions like "lose weight" or "make money" or "keep my room clean", etc. Sure those are great things to work towards but my expectations were never met. So I decided to approach it all in a simpler more broader way. I don't remember where I heard the "word for the year" thing first. I think there are several who claim to be the ones who started it but I have a feeling there is a population in the great, wide world out there that have been doing it even before us paper crafters.

Regardless....

My word for the year was one I waited patiently for. Everyone seemed to have theirs and I still was waiting. Nothing jumped out at me. I thought of words like Hope, Refresh, Renew, Begin, Pursue, etc. All great and relevant but none of them resonated deep with me. Then it happened. Psalm 46:10 came to my head. It's a favorite verse that I learnt as a child and it continues to be one I meditate on from time to time.

::Source::

When this verse came to my head, the word STILL kept repeating itself. Be still. Know I am God.

Okay.

Got it.

It made sense to me because I, for whatever reason, like to be busy. I feel like I'm being lazy if I don't have a million things going on. I feel like a sloth when I stop and am quiet. Which is NOT the way it should be. So I'm thinking for 2012, I'm making a choice to say be still. To quiet myself. Know that everything is in God's hands. He's got my back and I need to not worry or fret.

Easier said then done. But practice makes things a bit easier. Right? So that's what I'm aspiring to do this year. I think this word is going to be a great one. And challenging one.

Supplies: Paper, Flower: Webster's Pages, Cardstock: The Paper Company, Alphabet: American Crafts, Alpha Stickers: Cosmo Cricket, Butterfly Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts, Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD

I loved the colors and ethereal feel of the Winterfairy Tales collection by Webster's. Fit perfectly for the soft, calm and "still" layout I wanted to create. This is going to hang on my wall for the entire year as a reminder.

Silhouette Shapes Used: 5_banner_flag_set_C01417_20509 and 3_bands_C00963_20509

What about you? Did you come up with a word for the year?

Happy 2012!

Melissa

Top Ten of 2011 {Cards}

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Got to say it's a lot of fun to go back through all the photos of my cards this year. It was hard to pick out 10 but these, I truly believe, are my favorites from the year.

(As seen in Card Ideas for Paper Crafters, Paper Crafts Magazine, pg. 81)

So fun! Did you share a top ten on your blog? Let me know. I want to come see! :)

Top 10 of 2011 {Layouts}

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

This has become a tradition each year on my blog. It's fun to go back over the past year and think about those top ten things that stood out. So, for the next few days I'm going to share my Top Ten {Layouts} and Top Ten {Cards}. I hope you enjoy reminiscing with me and I'd love to come see yours if you share on your blog too! Just include the link in your comments and I'll travel memory lane with you. :)

Here are my favorite layouts from 2011 in no particular order:

After looking at all these I think 2011 was the year I really found my "style" and embraced my approach to scrapbooking. How fun!

Come back tomorrow as I share my top 10 cards! :)

Melissa

I have no doubt

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have had people come in and out of my life. I love people. I love meeting people and hearing their stories. Sometimes I have to stop myself because I want to get nosey and find out more information. Ha! One of the things I've struggled with over the years when it comes to people and relationships is figuring out where I stand. Sometimes I question if the other person considers me a friend or just someone they know. There have been times when I've hung out with folks, thought we were friends but then totally get the shaft when I wave hello or something. I go into a panic and wonder, "what did I do???" "Why don't they like me???" Sometimes it's nothing and other times it's just because they don't consider me someone they'd seek out and say hi to. Oh relationships. So necessary and yet so frustrating sometimes.

I am thankful for those friends that I am certain about. There is no doubt about where we stand and that is most comforting. While there will always be people in my life who are hot and cold, I am thankful for friends who are constant and truly are my friend. Like Danielle...

Close up of the pretty pinwheel flower. :)

The journaling...

All contents for this layout are using the December Uncertainty kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Lovely, calm colors with pops of just the right color and symbolism to boot.

Want a sneak peek for January? It's so perfect for beginning the new year. We call it INDIVIDUALITY and I cannot wait to share with you the full reveal and my layouts using this awesome kit!

Be Mine {Heart Tutorial}

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Day Eve, I settled into my crafty area and decided to do some creating and unwind from a very quiet day. Sounds funny doesn't it? Quiet days can be exhausting you know. ;) I decided to get cracking on some lovey dovey cards and what better paper collection to use then the Head over Heels collection from Lily Bee. Thanks to the warehouse sale, I've got lots of it now and want to play into the wee hours of the night. I would if I could!

I thought I would share with you the heart I made for this card...

Supplies: Paper, Sticker: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Stick pin: Jillibean Soup, Bling: Michaels, Doilies: Little Yellow Bicycle (I think...), Specialty Ink: Tattered Angels, Border Punch: Fiskars, Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD

So I'm pretty sure the doilies I used are from Little Yellow Bicycle. I could be wrong but I cited them as the manu because I know that I had several from them. At any rate, you can use any small to medium sized doilies. I cut out the center.

I used a mister bottle and put a little bit of Glimmer Glaze by Tattered Angels. The color I used is Paradise Pink. I spritzed the doily on top of a rag and then used the rag to blot and speed up the drying time.

I did this to two doilies.

Using the faux_stitches_-_heart_C00752_17986 Silhouette shape, I cut one heart using the patterned paper at 3.75" and then two more with black card stock. For the cardstock hearts, I ungrouped and took out the faux stitching cuts.

To create the ruffle, I adhered the doily to the back of one of the black hearts.

Turn it over and adhere the patterned heart on top. The reason I did it this way is because I wanted to the black to show through the faux stitching on the patterned heart. If I had adhered the doily directly to the patterned paper it would have shown through the holes.

The other black heart I cut was glued to the bottom. This helped with when it was time to adhere to the base of the card. It helped with keeping it even and will also reinforce the doily.

For the final embellishments, I cut the small doily shape from patterned paper and adhered with pop dots. The 'be MINE' sentiment is actually a whole sticker that I cut into strips and stuck on top. I used the stick pin from Jillibean Soup and stuck that into the pop dot as a fun little accent. To complete a balanced and interesting look, I added a strip of scalloped patterned paper to the bottom and a few pieces of bling. Because where there is pink and ruffles, there must be bling! :)

While I am beginning to shift focus on Valentine's and other wintery cards, I'm still enjoying Christmas. Our house will remain decorated until January 1st. I hate rushing holidays. :)

A Cooking Post

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

I don't do this often but wanted to share a recipe I created yesterday. It includes the ever elusive and questionable quinoa. (Pronounced Keen-wah). I call it elusive and questionable because it is a strange food item. Not many people have heard of it or cook with it on a regular basis and it doesn't look very appetizing. But it is oh so good for you! I'm trying to adjust my eating habits and am happy to have found that quinoa tastes really good when made a certain way. The one trick I found was to cook it with chicken broth. Otherwise, it's pretty gross cooked with plain old water.

So here is my recipe for what I have dubbed as Garlic-Peppercorn Chicken with Quinoa

You will need:
1/2 cup quinoa
1 can of chicken broth
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 Zucchini
1 medium shallot
2 - 3 cloves garlic (yep...)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Prep all the veggies and chicken. To prepare the garlic seasoning mix, drop in a bowl some EVOO. Probably about two tablespoons. Press three garlic cloves and grind in some peppercorn. Mash and stir it up in the bowl.

2. To cook the quinoa, I brought to a boil 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 of the quinoa. (Save the rest of the chicken broth for the chicken.) Once it comes to a boil, bring temp down to a simmer and cover. Leave covered to cook.

3. While the quinoa is cooking, add the remainder of the chicken broth in a saute pan, bring to boil and add chicken and garlic/peppercorn/olive oil mix.

Cover for a couple of minutes.

4. Add zucchini and shallots to the mixture. Stir it up so everything gets coated well. Cover and simmer until the quinoa is finished. I think it took about 5 minutes. Unfortunately, I didn't really time it but it was perfect timing.

5. This is what the quinoa should look like when it is finished. The little "seeds" are broke open and everything should separate nicely. No glumps! :)

6. Put a nice, heaping spoonful (or two) of the quinoa on a plate and top with the chicken mixture.

Using this recipe, there should be enough for two servings. You can always add or take away. I love zucchini and used a large one for this. So GOOD!

I love eating this recipes that are packed with flavor (thanks to the chicken broth, garlic and peppercorn) and are so healthy! Loved feeling GOOD after eating this for lunch today. And I've got another serving of it to heat up for the next day.

Enjoy! Let me know if you try this out.

Melissa

Merry Christmas Card

2011-12-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

One of the things that gets me every year is the need to make Christmas Cards. I refuse to buy them because I've got so much crap... I mean... beautiful things to make my own. The issue is getting my tush in gear and chaining myself to the crafty table and make them. You wouldn't think that would be a difficult thing. Considering how much I love paper crafting and making cards. But, for whatever reason, I always find other things to make or do around the house and then end up scrambling the week of Christmas. *sigh*

I decided to do one style of card this year. I've got my lovely Silhouette SD, so why not use it to it's full advantage? I can mass cut and mass produce! In my head I thought, "I'll just cut out a bunch of snowflakes, do a clean and simple card, and be good to go!" But once I got started, I thought of other things to do to the card. I wanted to add ribbon and bling and strips and on and on and on and on. STOP! Eek! Why didn't this mojo appear at the beginning of December??? Nonetheless, I did end up making several cards and thought I'd share with you what I did because I love them. They are SUPER simple cards. Seriously.

For the snowflake, I used the 1_snowflake_C00756_20509 shape from the Silhouette library. I cut them at about a 4" diameter.

After cutting, a bottle of pretty something caught my eye. Hmmm... Every snowflake needs sparkle don't you think?

Yep. I busted open that Glimmer Glam and painted some frosting on each snowflake. LOVE the sparkle it gave the Lily Bee paper.

Because I'm impatient, I used my heat gun to dry up the Glam paint. Worked like a charm. To create a design showcasing white space, I adhered the snowflake off center.

Used the rub-ons from the Christmas Town collection by Lily Bee (same collection as the patterned paper) and added the sentiment.

To complete the look, I added a little pearl to the center of each snowflake.

And wah lah... a super simple Christmas card.

And lots of them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS :)

Card for Sketch Support

2011-12-21T23:47:00.000-08:00

*sigh*

I'm kind of sad for this post so I think I might drag it out a bit.

Let's see.

How long can I do this for...

Until you get bored and leave?

Oh alright.

It's my last project as a CT member for Sketch Support and I just so sad. BUT, I will say it has been a most wonderful year working with Allison and the other creative members. I know I don't have to be on the team in order to play but it was kind of fun to get the sketches before everyone else. It was just time to let something go.

Anyway, let's get onto the sketch and project. It's Add On sketch week and it's a fun one! Don't I always say that though? And don't I always say, "don't I always say that?" I'm getting a bit too predictable I think. To view the sketch, which is an awesome layered tree template, you can click here. And here is what I came up with using a digital kit from Jen Martakis Designs...

To do this as a hybrid project was quite easy. If you have Picasa, creating a hybrid project can be a dream. How you say? Well, what I did was select all the papers I wanted to use for this project at one time. I stayed in the gallery portion of Picasa. Then, I created a collage using the template that puts each photo in a square. I printed on 8.5 x 11 cardstock and cut! Super easy and I love how it shrunk the papers so that the patterns were tiny. Perfect for cards!

Let me know if you'd like a visual of what I did. I completely forgot to do a Print Screen but it's so easy that I can certainly come back and do a tutorial.

Jen's papers from the Holiday Story collection were so perfect for using lots of calm patterns together. I love the traditional red and green with pops of the unexpected blue. For the sentiment, I simply printed the elements of the kit on cardstock and cut it out. Easy Peasy!

To complete the card, and follow the sketch, I used some jute to create the "garland". Love the natural look it brings to the tree. And instead of a star, like in the sketch, I topped the tree of with some big bling.

Thanks for swinging by today! Again, let me know if you'd like to see a tutorial on how I created the collage in Picasa. It truly is easy and makes hybrid creating so fun. Otherwise, I've got one more blog post to share before the holiday weekend. I'm making myself take a blog vacation over the holiday weekend. This will be hard but so necessary. I've got some super, clean and simple cards to share with you.

Hope you are catching up to all that needs to be done. I'm barely there. I have a feeling Friday will be FULL to the brim of all last minute things. Thank goodness I have it off!

hugs,
Melissa

I Made It

2011-12-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

I have gone back and forth many a time as to whether I would share a certain photo with the world. It's quite embarrassing. I've held onto it because it does represent a certain time of my life and honestly, we all have one. Please prove me wrong. Haha!

It's an old school photo showcasing a very bad perm and awful teeth. That's a story in and of itself but the photo was taken right before I got braces. I was just about to tuck the photo away forever when I found out what the December topic was for SFTIO - Uncertainty. Well crap. Now it fit perfectly. Because, as with most of us, the middle school years were filled to the brim with uncertainty. Who am I? Who are my friends? How do I even know how to figure any of this out???

I titled the layout "I Made It" because I did. I made it through that awkward and uncertain time in my life.

Love the Jenni Bowlin papers that are included in this months kit. Perfect for doing some fussy cutting and creating your own embellishments.

In this months kit are two bottles of Tattered Angels glimmer mist. I used some Basic Grey flowers to do a mask. While I'm not a full time mister, I am trying out some new things and taking some risks with it.

And a close up of the journaling.

So did you keep any of your childhood school photos? Be honest... do you have an awkward one that you cringe at everytime you find it???

hugs,
Melissa

Standing on my Soap Box

2011-12-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

So today's post is going to be a little bit different. There is something that has been bothering me the past couple of weeks and I think I just need to spew it all out. Don't worry. I have found a way to make this relate to paper crafting. ;) But just bear with me and understand that this is just a spew. I have no platform other than I need to get it out and if someone happens to read through this, I commend you.

Recently, I've been contemplating my friendships and what they mean to me. The people that are close to me in my life, know me and stick around. The ones who pursue me and spend time with me and the ones who are ready for a coffee date when I call. While I don't have any "best" friends, per say, I have gals in my life I consider my closest friends. My kindred spirits. My "go to girls". And here is why they are such the way they are in my life: They don't give me B.S.

What I mean by that is, while they definitely encourage me, love me and give me positive feedback, they also tell me like it is. If I need to be told I'm being snarky, rash, too stubborn, judgemental, sloppy, etc., etc. They tell me. I love that. I need that. I think a true friend is not going to always tell you "oh you are beautiful" or "you are the best at what you do! Go for it!" Sometimes I need to hear "get off your high horse Mel". Haha.. Okay. That might sound harsh but it's kind of true! I don't want to hear fluffy, nicey nice comments all the time. I need to hear the brutal truth. I know I'm not perfect. I know I'm not the best. I know I am not the most beautiful. And when I get a little inflated, I need to be reminded those things.

Let me clarify briefly: I'm not saying I want friends to put me down. Oh no no no. I want accountability. When I go to one of my gals for advice or just need to have a sounding board, I don't want some rainbows and fluffy clouds response. Unless, of course, my thoughts are perfect. *wink* I want good, honest, "makin me think" feed back from those I trust and love.

The interesting thing with this is that my "love language" is Words of Affirmation. I feel loved when I am affirmed. Isn't that funny? Here I am asking to be torn down and to feel like I'm loved I need to hear quite the opposite. Well, in an interesting and twisted way, hearing the accountability from my friends IS like being affirmed too. And it makes me trust them even more. My friends aren't going to let me do something stupid. They will warn me ahead of time. *laugh out loud*

Gosh I hope this all makes sense. I guess I just got tired of seeing all these lovey, overly positive quotes out and about. I'm all for being positive. I am all for encouraging and spurring one another on. I love that we encourage each other to see the beauty within us all. But when there is an honest need for accountability, bring it. Please. While we all should know we are beautiful and awesome women, we also need to know there are areas of our life that are messy and we just need to plug through it with the love and (again) accountability of our girlfriends.

And just because this is indeed my paper crafting blog, I thought I'd share a layout from the past that showcases two such friends of mine who make me loved by sharing the positive AND telling me like it is. So thankful for this women in my life.

::Supplies from October Achievement Kit at SFTIO::

So now that my rant is over and you made it through, bless your heart, do you have a friend (or friends) in your life you can count on the good and the accountability from? Are you like me where you appreciate the not so happy feedback with the gloriously uplifting words?

~ Melissa

That Toddling Town

2011-12-15T23:01:00.000-08:00

My very first trip to Chicago was in March of 2005. I went with my church young adult group on an inner city mission trip. I remember arriving and immediately sensing something familiar. Home. I didn't understand it all that well but voyaged on with the mission trip. We visited some pretty hard core parts of the city. Places that most would warn you to never go to because you wouldn't come out alive. Well, I did. Call me lucky. But I love that, that was my first taste of The Windy City. I saw the slums, the poverty stricken, the gangs and even hung out with some convicts at the Cook County Corrections facility.

My second trip would be a much different visit. It happened July of 2010 for my very first CHA experience with the gals at ScrapStreet. Again, I felt like I was returning home. Such a strange feeling when it has never been your home and really don't know anyone. On my first trip, I did get to know the streets pretty well. I knew where Michigan Street was and how to find it by following certain corners. I knew how the El worked and loved the whole vibe of walking with everyone and getting on and off. So on this trip back, I knew I would remember a lot. And I did!

However, with CHA, you spend most of your time at the convention center. Which was fine because I was in scrapbookers "disney land!" :) But we did take a day to go explore the city. As we walked the pavement to Navy Pier, I found myself breathing it all in. Loving the atmosphere, the people and even the smell. Yes. I love big city smell. Somehow my brain is able to block the exhaust and yucky smells. What I smell is the concrete meeting the food aroma's, the air blowing off the lake and the mix of perfume and cologne in the air. By the time it hits my nose, it's blended into this wonderful big city smell! And then, I'm jolted back to reality when a big bus drives by and blows a plume of exhaust in my face. Yes, I love the big city.

My third trip was this past July 2011 for my second CHA experience. Once again, I felt like I was home. We did the scrapbook trade show thing and then spent a day in the city. This time we took the El which was fantastic. It's so much easier as opposed to trying to find parking, paying for that parking AND paying for the gas. And I think it's a bit faster. No lights. No bumper to bumper traffic. And the stops in between are brief. At least it's more relaxing anyway.

This time we walked to Millenium Park and then took in the sites of the Magnificent Mile. Found my new favorite accessories store Charming Charlie (we have in Washington now!) and found an AMAZING new restaurant called China Grill. They have the best customer service in the whole wide world. Seriously. Treated like royalty there and the food is divine.

I am almost certain there will be a day when I will be living in Chicago. Don't know how long or what I will do there but I have a dream of something in the graphic design industry. I'd love to experience the city for an entire year. The brutally hot and humid Summer, the gorgeous Spring time, the bitter and frigid cold of Winter with heaps of snow. Bring it on! The uncertainty is when will it happen?

I used black and white photos to go along with the symbolism of this layout - the uncertainty. The Little Black Dress collection from Basic Grey helped me go along with this black and white theme. The blues from the alpha and mist help encourage the dream like, unknown vibe I wanted to convey with this layout.

I shared a close up of this flower because I cut it with the Silhouette SD. Afterwards, I used some Tattered Angels mist, found in the SFTIO December kit Uncertainty, and sprayed the paper like crazy before constructing it. You all should know by now I'm a sucker for paper flowers! And the shapes from the Silhouette store are perfect.

Speaking of SFTIO (Scrapbooking from the Inside Out), all contents used on this layout are from the December kit. I thought this topic of my favorite city and wondering when I'll ever get to live there went perfectly with the topic of Uncertainty.

Do you have a favorite place that you'd like to think you'll be living there someday? Even just temporarily? Maybe a place you'd just like to try on for size. See if it suits you. I'd love to know!

hugs,
Melissa

Happy and Joy {Some Cards}

2011-12-14T23:52:00.000-08:00

I pulled out the Winter Fairy Tales collection from Webster's the other day and couldn't help myself. I had to make some cards. At first, I thought I would definitely make a Christmas card. Perfect for the time of year and, of course, that is what the papers center around. But I also love how the colors and patterns are versatile enough for any other sentiment. I love when paper companies do this! As much as I love the traditional color palette for Christmas, I do appreciate versatility! Makes my stash go that much farther. And who wouldn't love working with these beautiful color palette?

Supplies: Paper, Bling, Fabric Tag: Webster's Pages, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Brad: Michael's, Ribbon: Offray

Supplies: Paper, Bling: Webster's Pages, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Flowers: Kaisercraft, Alphabet: American Crafts, Pen: Uniball Signo, Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD

I used one of my card template shapes from the Silhouette Library to make the shape of the card. Then, I took strips of the patterned paper, adhered to the inside of the flap and then just cut to the shape of the edge. I added faux stitching to the inside flap as well. Creates kind of a cool look when the card is closed and gives a defined area for writing a message on the inside.

Now onto some more card making! I just can't stop!

Pet Owners Will Understand

2011-12-12T13:33:00.001-08:00

I'm going to let my journaling do the talking with this blog post. Just click on the photo and it should enlarge enough for you to read.

Mistable flowers from Pink Paislee are perfect to work with and add your own color.

All supplies, except the alphabet, are from the December kit Uncertainty at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

It still saddens me when I see photos of Midge but I'm also finding that the sadness goes away a bit quicker now. I still long to see her walking around the condo but I also know she is in a better place and the past 15 years were such a precious gift to have her. This is when I'm so thankful for our approach to scrapbooking at SFTIO. To combine art and creating with the journaling process is extremely therapeutic for me.

Any other pet lovers out there? What have you done to give your little furball dedication?

hugs,

Melissa

It's a Card kind of Saturday

2011-12-10T12:52:00.001-08:00

So several weeks ago Lily Bee had a layout sketch challenge that I participated in. You can see my layout here. The sketch was such a cute one that I was inspired to also make a card recently. So it's definitely a stretch but I loved the idea of using strips of paper and the Memorandum collection and adapting it to a card. Where the photos would have been on a layout, I added the sentiment area and a paper flower.

Supplies: Paper, Alpha Stickers: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Button: Bo Bunny Press, Kraft Tag: Maya Road, Bling: Kaisercraft, Border Punch: Fiskars, Raffia: unknown, Die Cut Machine: Cuttlebug (Provo Craft)

Here's a close up of the flower. So easy to just cut it out on the Cuttlebug and layer. Using the papers from the collection gaurantees I'll have an element that will compliment the rest of the papers.

And because I'm such a clean and simple girl, I had to go minimalist too. But an added little element to the next card are the rolled pieces of patterned paper.

Paper, Blue Cardstock, Sticker: Lily Bee Design, Kraft Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Bling: Michaels, Pen: Uniball Signo.

The thought to roll the papers came immediately but I couldn't figure out the best design composition to utilize it. So I went the minimalist route and just let the colors do the talking. In person, it's a really fun texture and the colors just pop right off the card. The faux stitching helped to make it not too plain, I think.

Thanks for swinging by today! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I'm having an holiday open house at the parents home and catering to all our last minute Christmas shopping friends. It's been lots of fun so far!

hugs,

Melissa

My Brand

2011-12-08T19:29:00.001-08:00

The first challenge for the revived All About Me challenge blog is up and we're asking you to "brand" yourself! It's all about choosing symbolism, color and journaling to come up with something that represents you 100%. I like to think of it as labeling ourselves but in a positive light. The label we give has to be something that can be adjusted or conform to whatever path life brings us but holds true to who we are.

So how did I approach this? Well, I came at it from a business perspective. I thought about places like Target, Red Robin and Nike who have pretty clear logos and slogans. Because of that there is an expectation when we walk into those places or try their products. So I wanted to create a layout that gave others a clear indication of who I am. What I like. What I strive for and, with the design and composition, hopefully give out an idea of what I like design wise. I titled the layout with my name and came up with a slogan. I used my Silhouette SD to cut out a coffee cup (favorite tool and my symbolism) and did some creative journaling. Products I used were from Amy Tangerine which worked perfectly for what I wanted to communicate.

I went with my clean and simple and graphic style as well. This is one of my favorite compositions for layouts. Love doing the matted cardstock with the patterned paper and the blocks of paper with an embellishment cluster up top. Add bling, flowers and other fun embellishments and it's totally ME.

So if you had to "brand" yourself? How would you approach it? Come join us at AAM this month! We've got a wonderful prize too which will be announced this weekend. :)

Hugs,
Melissa

Sketch Support: Merry Christmas!

2011-12-05T19:01:00.001-08:00

It's card week at Sketch Support and the mood is festive! The sketches all have a fun holiday element to them and I love that for inspiration. Of course, you don't HAVE to do the holiday theme but I did for the card sketch. It's a tree and so cute! Here is what I came up with:

Supply list - Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Patterned Paper, Rub-Ons: Lily Bee Design; Pen: Zig Memory System; Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD; Star Brad: Unknown

Loving my Lily Bee! The mix of traditional and blues and blacks with this collection is perfection in my holiday card making book. :)

Head on over to Sketch Support to see the sketch and projects from the Creative Team all week!

hugs,
Melissa

What Path and a Winner

2011-12-03T22:58:00.001-08:00

This month at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out we are exploring the topic of Uncertainty. Life is full of mystery…some of it is unknown, and some is unknowable. How do you handle the ambiguity, confusion and unpredictability that is a natural part of the complicated lives we lead? I decided to come at this topic from multiple view points in my life.

We always have choices to make. I don't think there is ever a time in my life when I'm not standing in front of one of those sign posts that point in different directions with different choices. What job? Which purchase? What channel to watch? Regular or nonfat? Serious or silly - all these choices seem to matter in the heat of the moment. Most of the time, we really have no idea what the outcome is going to be. Sometimes we can guess but I find that I'm wrong most of the time. Or maybe my idea of what could happen is slightly skewed.

I used the journal pocket to hide my journal spot and also use it as an embellishment. It really does help to anchor down the design of my layout.

And what perfect symbolism, right? Love this chipboard sign post.

I hate that my knee jerk reaction is to hold back when I'm unsure of a choice. But I'm teaching myself that the times I "hold back" should be times to give serious thought before my choice is made. There's nothing wrong with that. Now, if I was so afraid to make a choice and never took any action, then we'd have a problem. Sometimes taking those risks are the best choices we could ever make!

---------------

Remember my giveaway from a couple weeks ago? I have a winner!

Michele's Scrapy Creations!

Congrats Michele! Will you please email me at melissa[at]theprofoundbrunette[dot]com with your shipping info? I'll get all these goodies sent out to you!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

hugs,

Melissa

New Month New Kit New Team!

2011-12-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

It's December 1st! I can officially listen to Christmas music without feeling obnoxious. (Note: I have been listening to Christmas music since the beginning of November.) ;) I absolutely love the first of the month. So much excitement as we begin with a new kit at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out! We are exploring the emotion and topic of Uncertainty. Come see what it's all about!

ALSO... I am so excited to announce the new Design Team at SFTIO for the January - June 2012 term:

You are going to love these ladies! I am so excited to work with them going into the next term.

Hope you find some time to come join us! Our community is so much more than just another kit club. I was drawn, initially, to this site because Rachel and I are kindred spirits when it comes to scrapbooking. I love utilizing this hobby as a catalyst for creative journaling my life. The good, the bad and the ugly. If this is something you want to explore, maybe are a bit nervous about or unsure, come check us out! We'll gladly welcome you, hold your hand, whatever you need to feel comfortable and valued.

hugs,

Melissa

A Random Post and GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-29T23:10:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

In honor of Wednesday - the middle of the week, the day that some look at as barren wasteland and others view as HUMP day because we can see over that hump to Friday - I have some fun cards to share along with a giveaway.

First, I will share with you the cards. I am absolutely loving the Random collection by Crate Paper. At Summer CHA I fell in love. Now that I've actually gotten to cut into it and play around, I love it even more. The patterns and colors go so well together and have the variety that I adore. Also, the buttons are divine! Crate Paper makes my favorite buttons. No doubt about it!

I love that the chipboard elements are identical to the die cuts. So I can choose to either use the dimension of the chipboard or I can use the flat die cuts. I decided to use the die cuts for the word happy and for the cupcake. And now I'm noticing how amazing the dimension is on that cupcake holder. In person, you can tell it's flat but in this photo, I feel like you can almost reach out and feel the texture of the folded ridges.

Check out that cute button! Love.

For this card I decided to use the chipboard female shape. It almost felt wrong to use it on top of the same type of pattern paper but I love how it turned out. Crate always includes cool border stickers to use and this collection was no exception.

Ooooooh another pretty button!

I'm still in love with this collection and can't wait to make more cards and other projects with it! I also altered a notebook that I'll have to take a photo of eventually.

Okay. So I have recently purged through a lot of my scrapbooking supplies. At first, I felt weird thinking about doing a giveaway because it's stuff I no longer want. But then I thought, one person's junk is another person's treasure! Right? Except it's not junk. No way. It's pretty stuff. And most of it is never been touched product. All of the items packaged have never been opened. The paper has never been cut. The stickers are completely in tact. And I've mixed some old with the new.

I've got a stack of pretty papers here. Some Basic Grey Basics, Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology and a few other sheets from random collections, some random Jillibean Soup papers and then one sheet each from the NEW Winterfairy Tales collection by Websters. I also threw in the alpha stickers from this collection. Mixed in with this fun little prize pack are two packages of Thickers, some stickers sheets from SRM, Scenic Route chipboard, Jenni Bowlin stickers, Making Memories holiday stickers, Jillibean Soup stickers, chipboard shapes, Flair and Details stickers from American Crafts, various ribbons and I think that's just about it.

Fun, right? Do you see anything that you like or makes you say "AUGH! I've wanted that!!!" ???

I'd love to pass this stuff onto someone who will enjoy it and create to their hearts content with it. Could it be you? I'm not advertising this giveaway. (Aka... not going around to sites to say "I have a giveaway on my blog!") My only motivation is to bless someone else with some super fun product and who reads my blog. So just leave me a comment and I'll choose a winner on December 2nd. I need to get it out of here quick so we'll have a quick turnaround. Merry Christmas! (P.S. I can only afford to ship this off to someone in the U.S. I'm so sorry but I just can't budget the shipping price beyond that!) :(

And that's it. Just a comment. You can just say "Hi." and you will be eligible to win. If you want to leave a comment about the Crate Paper collection but DON'T want to be eligible, just let me know in the comment.

Yay! I can't wait to send this off.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Melissa

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-11-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Aren't we cute?

Today is my dad's birthday and I'm so happy to celebrate a man who encourages the goofy part of my personality. That photo of us pretty much sums up our silliness and humor. It floors me that in this photo he is about the same age as me. Probably a year or two older and yet he still looks "older" to me.

So happy birthday dad! I know you always say you don't want or need anything so instead of a gift, I thought I'd celebrate you on my blog! :)

In honor of my daddy's special day I'm featuring a birthday card post over on ScrapStreet. To see some super cute cards especially for dads, head on over by clicking here.

In the meantime, I'll be having a fun giveaway beginning tomorrow on my blog and then... *gasp* it will be DECEMBER with a new reveal at SFTIO and so much more holiday fun! Can't wait!

hugs,

Melissa

Sneak Peek Time!

2011-11-26T13:01:00.001-08:00

A new month is right around the corner and that means it's time for a little sneak of the December kit at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. This one is probably one of favorites and most challenging. I love that!

Beautiful Basic Grey, My Minds Eye and Jenni Bowlin papers to round it out and get you thinking about Uncertainty. The unknown. The doubt. And what you know for sure. Can't wait to dive deeper with all of you with this topic in December!

Midnight Madness

2011-11-25T00:28:00.001-08:00

I have no photos to share.

I apologize for any typos but my fingers are still numb.

I can't feel my toes.

My nose is redder than rudolph.

My hair is flat from wearing my hat.

My eyes are dry from wearing my contacts for too long.

And I'm wound up.

This was my first experience going to line up for a midnight opening for Black Friday. I arrived at Kohl's about 10:30 p.m. Thursday night and the line was already around the building. Not too far though. Just around the corner and the front door of the building wasn't too far away. I'm glad I got there when I did because by the time the doors opened it was much, much, much, much, MUCH longer.

For an hour and a half I did things to keep myself busy since I came alone. I checked Facebook, played a game on my phone, checked my email, called my mom and chatted with the folks around me. Lots of Canadians. Several had come down and stayed at a hotel, which is pretty normal. Everyone was so friendly and happy. Some guys from a rugby team were walking around selling cookies and brownies for $1. Another group of folks from a parcel company were giving away coupons and free hand warmers. Even though I bundled up, my hands still froze so I gladly took some.

I got to learn that the group behind me was sharing a few bottles of beer and trying to down it before getting to the front of the line. Hmm... The gals in front of me were "midnight shopping virgins" like myself. So that was fun. Every once in awhile the line would move forward just a tad and everyone would cheer. Which then made us all laugh because, of course, the doors weren't open yet! But several of us found ourselves at the front wall which was nice because the wind was horrible on the side of the building... and COLD!

FINALLY it was midnight. Cheers erupted. Everyone was so excited to get in where it was warm. Some had to go to the bathroom and were sharing that with the world. And walking into the building was just like the movies and what you see on T.V. It was nuts. People were RUNNING in the store. Or speed walking. These shoppers (including myself) knew exactly what they wanted and made bee lines. It was hilarious.

I wanted the towels that were on sale. They were ridiculously cheap and while I knew that they would still have some in the A.M. I didn't want to take my chance. I wanted them fresh! So I grabbed and had my pile. Headed to the line and paid and was back out the door in five minutes. Seriously.

When I left, the line was still coming in. People were still arriving and giving me the thumbs up for my amazing shopping skills. Yes. I was quite pleased!

It was a fun night.... er... morning? I'm not sure what it is anymore.

Would I do it again?

Most definitely?

Why?

Because I actually liked and enjoyed the community. Everyone was excited and happy. People were letting others go ahead of themselves and cheering each other on. Besides all that, I saved a TON of money! So nice for my budget this year. :)

So now what am I going to do? Take a nap for a few hours and head back out for the next whirlwind.

Sears opens at 4 a.m. after all. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:06:00.001-08:00

I do try to ponder the things I'm thankful for each day through out the year but I am glad that there is a day where I am encouraged to turn everything off in order to truly think about everything I'm grateful for.
Of course, I'm thankful for my friends, family and the simple blessing of having a roof over my head, a job that I love, a car that gets me where I need to go, the means to get those little gifts for the people I cherish and since I'm here on my blog, I am thankful for YOU! I'm thankful for a hobby that has turned into a source of therapy, you might call it, and a wonderful industry that has provided me with some friendships that will last a lifetime. I am most certain! I am thankful for people who "get it" and can relate to all my "scrappy talk". Because, they are few here in my little hamlet. Without an LSS, I miss the interaction of those who love to talk "scrap".

So THANK YOU everyone who comes to read lil ole me.

For those who celebrate this holiday, I hope that you find it meaningful and relaxing and any family drama is just tossed to the curb - even just for one day so you can enjoy and be blessed. :)

I also thought I'd share some thank you cards made over the past year because what would a blog post be on my "scrappy blog" without some paper making goodness?

Have a wonderful weekend and I want to know... anyone else a crazy shopper like me and going out into the madness tomorrow? Hehe...

~ Melissa

We Connect

2011-11-22T08:17:00.001-08:00

Do you have a friend that anytime you get together you pick up right where you left off? It's that friend that months can go by when neither one of you calls or emails and then you get after yourself for not staying in contact. You both schedule the coffee date or walk at the park. When you get together you catch up, laugh and relate to each other like no time ever stood in between the last get together.

That's how it is for me and Megs. We were roommates for a little over a year and I loved every minute of it. Our relationship has continued. Both of us have lived abroad, moved around, gotten married (her), major life changes (her again - having babies) and just the usual "growing up" type changes that happen in life. But one thing has remained unshaken and that is our friendship. The core that holds us together and our mutual understanding that we are, indeed, life long friends. I love that.

All contents used are from the November kit Connection at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. I couldn't think of a better layout subject for this month's theme at SFTIO.
I also used the one page sketch being featured at Sketch Support this week. Head on over to see all the other ladies fabulous interpretations of the sketch.

Do you have that "kindred spirit" or "soul friend" with whom you can always pick up where you left off?

Have a great Tuesday!

hugs,
Melissa

It's the Hair

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish I had photos of my hair all the way back to high school. Sorting through all my photos I really don't. Which is a bummer. Because if I did I would totally do what those celeb magazines do and create a time line of all my hairdo's and colors. I do remember settling on auburn for awhile and keeping my hair shoulder length. Gotta admit it was fun being a red head. Then, I chopped it off, grew it out, chopped it off, grew it out, chopped it off, grew it out and ... well... you get the idea. Each chop was a slightly different take from the first and I usually got it colored at the same time. I was red, light brown, brunette with blonde highlights and at one point bright red with blonde highlights and brunette lowlights. It was AWESOME! Don't know if I could get away with it again though. Hmmm.... ;)

I dug into my photo stash from just the past couple of years and I still do change my hair quite frequently. Not as dramatic anymore but I definitely seem to have different hair every few months. I love playing with different styles. And while the coloring has slowed down quite a bit - I didn't color my hair for four years and just recently went a dark auburn brunette color - I still am brave enough to try something should my hair stylist want to experiment.

I created this layout using the Sketch Challenge #4 over at Lily Bee. I absolutely LOVE the Memorandum line. I can't stop creating with it and while I'm not a mister, there is something about Lily Bee papers that make me want to step out of my comfort zone. I like that!

So how about you? Do you like to try new things with your hair or do you keep with one consistent style? Do you like to try new things and go against the grain or do you listen to what your friends and family have to say?

Have a great Monday!

Melissa

Card Makin' Kind of Day

2011-11-19T14:29:00.001-08:00

I have projects with deadlines looming. I should be working on those but nothing quite gets my mojo going than making some cards. The perfect opportunity came up at 2peas as they are having an online crop this week. The challenges are fun and easy and I love that I can make cards for them too.

The first challenge was to lift a Garden Girl. I found another designer to stalk. Julie Campbell makes the most gorgeous cards. I'm a new fan. I found this card in the gallery and decided to lift it. Here is my card:

Supplies: Paper: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Twine, House: Jillibean Soup, Flower, brad: Creative Cafe, Stamp Ink: Versafine, Stamp: Fiskars, Corner Punch: EK Success

And here are some close ups...

I embossed the sentiment to help make it pop on the card.

The next challenge was to use a fun fall color combo. You can see it here. And here is my card:

Supplies: Paper, stickers, alphabet stickers: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Flowers: Prima Marketing, Bling: Kaisercraft, Spray Ink: (Smooch Spritz) Clearsnap, Border punch: Fiskars, Other: button, jute

I used the banner stickers as "leaves".

Now off to finish another challenge and then I might get on it with the other projects. I look forward to them now that the creative wheels are turning. :)

hugs,
Melissa

Feet on the Ground

2011-11-18T08:10:00.001-08:00

Life isn't easy. That's for sure. "Well duh, Melissa" you are probably saying. But I'm going to confess something. I forget when things are going well. As few and far between are the days when I don't feel like I'm being attacked or sick or bummed, I forget on those days that life can be challenging. When things are going well and everything is falling into place, I tend to get kind of full of myself. I find that I begin to think I'm a pretty big deal and that I'm amazing. Not in a good way either. And it's kind of contradictory to my faith which focuses on understanding that I can't do this on my own. It's reassuring and frustrating at the same time because I revert back to that inner two year old - "I can do it all by myself!" But I'm kind of glad that I can't. Because what a HUGE burden that would be to carry. I'm thankful for a God who gently (and at times not so gently LOL) reminds me that it's not all about me and lovingly deflates my ballooned head.

I never want to be a person who brags or get self-righteous. When that happens, I'll stop doing whatever it is - scrapbooking, teaching, singing, whatever. Because that's NOT my goal. I love that the Lord gives us gifts and "hobbies". But I don't want to do these things just to put myself on a pedestal. Sorry if this is getting all churchy but hopefully, if you read my blog often enough, you know my faith is part of me.

Shall we mosey onto the layout and all the yummy goodies?

All materials are from the November kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Seriously... this kit rocked my world!

Spools!!! I always wondered how one would use these on a layout. I'm sure there are much more creative ways but I like the simple texture and symbolism they can bring by being an element like this.

*Sigh* I love Thickers. These particular ones are not in the kit but when Michael's was having a 40% off sale on letter stickers I had to get these. I love the font. The glitter I'm not usually drawn to but I loved this set. And then had to mix in some of the Aunthentique word stickers.

So how do you stay grounded? Do you even think it's necessary to stay grounded? What does that mean to you?

hugs,
Melissa

P.S. I love seeing so many share their thoughts on my posts like this! I read every single one of them too. Thank you so much for sharing your hearts and visiting little ole me.

My Parents

2011-11-15T08:26:00.001-08:00

I've backspaced several times this morning typing up this post because I'm not really prepared to share certain things. One day I will. :) But for now I'm focusing on my parents and how entertaining it is to see where our similarities and differences are. What I love and what drives me nuts. I think I can speak for most women when I say that we kind of dread becoming our mothers. Although, my mom isn't so bad. She's funny, wise, smart and creative. I wouldn't mind those characteristics at all. My dad is silly, stubborn, out spoken and out going. I don't mind those characteristics either.

All three of us have our faults, our disagreements, our not so good characteristics but at the end of the day we are family and we love each other. I do enjoy the times we get to spend together and go on little excursions. It's just the three of us. While I do long for a larger family (we actually have a quite large extended family that doesn't get together anymore), it's kind of nice and cozy to have just the three of us.

For this month at SFTIO the kit theme is focused on Connection. It was therapeutic and healing, in a way, to do this layout focused on how I connect with my parents.

For this layout I used the papers from Crate. We are featuring Farmhouse in the kit this month.

Canvas tape! How fun is that? I decided to stamp on it for a little embellishment.

There is a fun typewriter stamp set from Maya Road in the kit. I used the Versafine ink (also included in the kit) and did some "kissing". Such a fun technique!

And the journaling.

Are you close with your parents? Is there a "parent"- like figure in your life that you connect with?

Let Go and Let's Go

2011-11-14T08:21:00.001-08:00

We all have a past. Things have occurred in our lives that we regret or wish hadn't happened. Sometimes those things have made us better and sometimes they weigh us down. We carry the burden because we think we have to. "It's part of who we are" we say. But honestly, I've come to a much more reasonable and healthier resolution. Those things from our past that weigh us down, that speak negatively to us in our heads, that make us feel unworthy - we don't have to keep them around. They don't have to define us. Thank goodness!

The past couple of years have been a very defining time for me as I come to realize this truth. So while the awful things that happened to me as a child have definitely molded me into who I am today (a lot of good things too!) I will say that I don't have to let it define who I am. I don't have to play the "victim card" and I don't have to feel less human. So it's all about letting go and getting on with life. Not stopping and wallowing, but celebrating who I truly am and not allowing the negative to define me.

That's what this layout is all about...

All materials are from the November kit - Connection - at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

Beautiful Amy Tangerine products are part of this kit including that gorgeous fabric paper. (A subscriber bonus for new subscribers.)

The word stickers from Authentique provided a fun opportunity to add some interest to my journaling.

So how does this layout relate to the theme of Connection? Well, I decided to take an opposite spin to it. I want to disconnect and move on and weave a new story. :)

How about you? Anything you'd like to sever ties to? I know that's a deep question but share if you want to!

hugs,
Melissa

What happens at craft night

2011-11-12T15:44:00.001-08:00

doesn't stay there. I have to come share here! :)

Recently I got the GORGEOUS new Head over Heels and Jingle collection from Lily Bee Design. Oh my gosh do I ever love this stuff! I love how that there is always that one manufacturer I can turn to when I need a good kick in the pants of mojo.

Last night I made these two cards using the papers and stickers.

Supplies: Paper, stickers: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet, trim: American Crafts, Flowers: Kaisercraft, Bling: Recollections, Border Punch: Fiskars

Each collection comes with a cute set of stickers that have sentiments and images. They also include banner stickers. I picked out all the banner stickers with the musical notes to include on the background which is 1/4" wide strips of the patterned paper.

Supplies: Paper, Letter Stickers: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Felt: Chatterbox, Bling: Recollections, Border Punch: EK Success, Circle Punches: Fiskars, Spray Ink: Clearsnap

A long time ago I did a post about finding my style and confessing a few things such as I am NOT a mister. Well... every once in awhile you gotta step out of your comfort zone right? I really do like the texture it brings to this card. How cute are those trees???

So what is your go to line? Do you have a company that's always giving you exactly what you need when you're at a loss creatively?

What has gotten into me?

2011-11-10T22:36:00.001-08:00

Perhaps it's the fact that I suddenly get to play with beautiful digital kits! I can see why digital scrapbooking is so appealing. No mess to clean up. Product I can use over and over. Portable. Yep. I can see why many switch. But I never will. I love the tactile feeling of traditional scrapbooking and art. So, I will do both I think because there is a time and place for both. Now I can say I do traditional, digital and hybrid. Ha! Plus, it's making me explore Photoshop a bit more and I've learned that I seriously need an upgrade.

Tonight I decided to play with Jen Martakis kits and a template.

:Click image for supply details:

The story that goes with this layout is truly a sweet one. I knew Jen's name in the scrapbooking world for the last year or so. One day I was browsing the Nikki Sivils blog and my mouth dropped open. I saw a photo of my friend Kirsten's baby Ewan. (You can click here for the Team Ewan blog if you are not familiar with the story.) I freaked out and emailed Nikki and then Jen emailed me to let me know that several of her friends created scrapbooks using Kirsten's photos to create a beautiful tribute to sweet Ewan. Wow. How cool is that? This is why I love scrapbooking and the people I have met along the way.

I got to see the scrapbooks in person and they are gorgeous. None of us had a dry eye by the time we were finished. Jen and her friends left spots for journaling so that Kirsten to record on the pages her thoughts. So when I found out that Jen was going to be at Summer CHA this past year, I knew I had to meet her! So happy I did and got to chat for a bit.

Seriously love this hobby and art form!

TOMORROW is the day!!!

2011-11-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Some F.A.Q.

Do you need to have an SFTIO kit(s) to participate?
Absolutely not!

Do I have to be online at a certain time?
Nope. We will have one chat night but you don't have to come. Everything is tailored so you can work on challenges at your own pace. To be eligible for prizes, you do need to upload your layouts by the dates given on the crop forum.

How much does this cost?
Nothing!

I've never visited SFTIO and I don't know where the forum is.
WELCOME! Now is as good a time as any to come on over and hang out with our awesome community. Do come check out our unique approach to scrapbooking our inner worlds. Just click the image above to be taken to the forum. Register. Wait for a quick validation. And then come play. :)

Beauty and the Online Crop

2011-11-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

It's only been the past three or four years that I've taken a conscientious thought to connecting my inner beauty with the outer beauty. I've had self-esteem issues forever when it comes to the outside. I've struggled with weight issues every since I was a kid. I've lost and gained and lost and gained. Been teased, taunted and accepted. I've been discriminated, insulted and encouraged. Notice that the negative words are more than the positive ones. That's because, as we all know, the negative sticks with us much more than the positive. You can hear 20 positive things about yourself but that ONE negative thing will put a huge bug in your head and taunt you. It's kind of silly... and annoying. Actually it's very irritating.

So, as hard as it is, I've been trying to connect the two. I know I've got issues. Can irritate people. Have a hard time with commitments. Am a scatter brain. Sensitive at times. Controlling. But I also know that people like me. My friends think I'm beautiful. Jesus thinks I'm beautiful. My closest friends have all kinds of wonderful things to affirm me with. So now it's just a matter of connecting the two. I know I can try harder to be healthy. I know instead of coming home and sitting at the computer, I could be walking or working out instead. I know when I reach for that soda, I could be getting water. There are lots of things I could be doing better. It's hard work! But for now, I'm going to keep encouraging myself to work on the outside and also accept that I'm beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

All supplies are from the November kit - Connection - from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Products on this layout are from Jillibean Soup, American Crafts, Sassafras, Prima and Maya Road. Love the mix of colors and the homespun feel.

Also at SFTIO, we are having an Online Crop! Click on the image below.

Note: If you are not registered on our forum, it does require validating the registration but we're making sure to get those done quickly. :)

Craft Show One of Two

2011-11-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

I only signed up to do two craft shows this year. I keep going back and forth with the feeling of regret and thankfulness. Haha! I do love this time of year and, call me crazy, but I do enjoy the frenzy of it all. I actually enjoy sitting and chatting to folks for 8 hours and selling my wares. It's kind of the ultimate test to see if all my hard work truly paid off. Plus, it gives me an excuse to create more for the next year. :)

I know many crafters like to know about craft fairs. Lots of questions I get are about what sells good, how do I price, how do I display, etc. So I thought I would share photos of my table for you and chat about what I am selling this year.

First my table display. I really found that simpler is better. No need for lots of decor. Otherwise the product gets hidden and overwhelmed. So I opted for a white table covering with a green accent. I love the way it looks!

A little closer you can see some of my inventory. Almost every card I've made over the past year is for sale. I kept all my favorites to give. Got to have my own stash. :) This year I had my usual altered composition books. These are always a hit. Actually, last year I didn't sell very many but the year before and today, the sold like hot cakes. I also had altered frappucino bottles filled with hot cocoa ingredients. Usually, these sell really well too but I only sold one today.

There are also some altered frames, canvas and a wooden tray. Let's step a bit closer...

My mom found these really cool plexi glass display holders. Not sure what the actual intention is for them but they work perfectly for my A2 sized cards. This year I also did some altered boxes (you can find them at Michaels), marble push pins, some magnet paperclips and I forgot to make marble magnets! Yikes! Thankfully, I had a few leftover from last year and they were gone within the first 10 minutes of the doors opening. Wish I had remembered to make more!

Here's a close up of the cocoa jars. Some jars had cocoa mix that already had marshmallows in it so I added some little candy canes. Other jars had cocoa mix and a bag of marshmallows. I had candy canes sitting on my table for kids to take but I also figured folks could take them with the cocoa jars.... IF they had sold! The price was $3. Super cheap I think!

My composition books were $6 each. To make these I simply paint on Mod Podge, stick on the paper and then embellish. I also cover the back and inside flaps. Target use to carry a manufacturer that left the inside covers blank but they switched last year and they all have those measurement things. I guess they aren't bad but for what I do with them, not everyone wants the conversion charts.

I was selling these little boxes for $1 each. Made them with my Silhouette. I've had them for the past two years and noone ever bought them. This year they disappeared. :)

Some mini composition books for $2.50 each. These are another item that haven't sold in the past. I usually end up keeping one and giving the rest away as gifts but this year I had two left. Woohoo!

Close up of Christmas Cards. I had two displays of regular cards and one display of Christmas cards.

Close up of my push pins.

So each year is very different. My very first year composition books flew. I latched onto that and decided that would be my "signature item" for craft shows. The second year they went like hot cakes again and maybe a few of my cards sold. I sold out of my cocoa jars and had to make more for the next craft show.
Last year, hardly any of my comp books sold but my cards went like crazy. I had empty spots in my display. It was nuts! I didn't do the cocoa jars but I do the magnets and push pins every year too which always sell out.

This year, composition books were popular, my cards were popular, half of my push pins sold, if I had remembered to do the magnets I know they would have sold, my mini comps sold, altered stuff sold... it was a VERY good day! So even though the cocoa jars didn't go, I still made out very well. This year I added all the altered frames and canvases. I might come down in price on those for the next show but I had lots of people look at them.

Craft shows are so much fun and they are a LOT of work! I'm always up until, at least, midnight a few nights before and leading up to the big day. As exhausting as it is I absolutely love it. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I've always loved the bustle... not necessarily the hustle... but I definitely love the movement, excited chatter, smiles and everyone seeking out ways to GIVE to those they love.

Exciting News!!!

2011-11-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

It has been so HARD to keep this is a secret but now I can finally share with the world. :) I am so excited and honored to be on Jen's Creative Team! Yahoo! I've always been a fan and I am totally looking forward to creating some hybrid projects using her kits and templates. I might even dip my toes in creating some more digital layouts. Ya never know. :)

For my first CT project I created this hybrid card using her Simple Starts kit and Fancy Frames kit.

Hybrid is easier than you think, if you are like I once was and thinking "how the heck do you create hybrid?"
When I think of hybrid I think of car or some type of mutated creature. Ha! But then, I was introduced to what hybrid means in the scrapbooking world. And I love it!

The best thing about creating this way is that you can just print off little blocks of the papers you want, resize your embellishments to how you want and you never run out. :)

Thank you so much Jen for the opportunity to be on your team! To meet the rest of the fabulous ladies I get to create with, just head on over to the blog. Eeeeekkk... so exciting!!!

hugs,
Melissa

Wish

2011-11-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

This week is card sketch week over at Sketch Support. Well, you know me I love a good card sketch! This one took me awhile to figure out what I wanted to do and then one day it all just fell into place. Love it when that happens! To see the sketch, click here to be taken to the Sketch Support site. While there, you can see all the fabulous work the Creative Team is doing with the sketch.

Here is my card...

As I dug in my stash I found these banner stickers from the Soiree collection by Pink Paislee. Perfect! So I just layered and then cut off the edge. When I got ready to do the center rectangle spot for the sentiment, I didn't like how the stark white cardstock looked against all the colors and patterns. So I picked the calmest pattern from the collection and matted it. I think it works.

I grabbed my cuttlebug and scalloped circle dies to create the layered flower.

Such a fun sketch! I'm thinking about another card (a Christmas one) that I want to make using it now!

Speaking of which... I'm a little behind on mine! Got a craft show this coming Saturday and I didn't realize how stark my collection was. Woopsy! How are you doing on your Christmas cards???

~ Melissa

Happy November!

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I think I really like November. While October brings beautiful fall weather here, I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween. Sure dressing up is fun but being around sugared up kids and scary stuff is not my fave. I prefer twinkle lights, Christmas music, baking and giving gifts! So you can probably guess what my favorite holiday is this time of year, right? November also marks the beginning of all the craft shows around here and I will be at two. One this coming Saturday and one the first weekend of December. Always look forward to them!

What else does this lovely start of a new month bring? A new kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out! Yay!

I am in loooooooooooove with this kit and topic. I could keep creating. In fact, I thought up two more things I want to scrap about in relation to Connection and using the rest of the kit contents. It's that awesome.

When I first got my kit I already had a plan in motion for my first layout. I knew I wanted to journal about letting go of letting my past (the negative parts) define who I am. While our past definitely is a connection of who we are, there are certain events in my life that I KNOW I do not have to keep around. The ties can be severed. I've already declared who I am and that those events can no longer hold me down but I haven't journaled about it yet. I haven't been able to creatively release that.

I love the bold and yet still soft colors of this kit. The stitching, the gorgeous Amy Tangerine products are so perfect for the message we want to convey with Connection.

Letting your tender heart explore and understand that we all have beauty within. Connection can be a beautiful thing and sometimes severing ties can also be beautiful. Because now, we are no longer tethered to those horrible things and begin to weave and create something new and wonderful!

When you think of the word Connection, what comes to mind? I'd love to hear!

In the meantime, head on over to SFTIO and check it out. We have the AMAZING Lisa Vanderveen as guest designer for the month. Oh happy of days. :)

hugs,
Melissa

My Memories

2011-10-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

I was contacted recently by My Memories to see if I would be interested in trying out their product and giving a review. I'm always one that is willing to try things out so I thought, why not? I'm dabbling in digital scrapbooking here and there and I like to explore all that is out there in digi land. So here is my review and a fun opportunity for YOU!

When I first downloaded the program, which was super easy - just needed a quick reboot of the ole computer, I was slightly overwhelmed. I usually am when I first open something new. It takes me a minute to get my barrings and figure out where the buttons are and what does what. But as I clicked around and explored, I realized I was in for a real treat!

The My Memories Suite 2 definitely caters to the digital scrapbooking world. There are templates for those who need something quick and easy and there are also scrapbook kits with papers and embellishments so you can create your own pages from scratch. Not only that, but you can make photo books, cards, cute little holiday photo cards, slideshows and movies with music... I was a bit blown away by all that you could do for the price they are asking for. Pretty cool!

There are lots of free images and embellishments available for you to use and there is an online shop to purchase more. What I love even more is that you can upload your own stuff! Woohoo! So while the opportunity to purchase new items is there, it's nice to know that you can use what you already have.

I decided to create a digital layout just to really get into the bones of the program. What I found is that it's really simple. Everything opens up in the same window (as opposed to Photoshop where you have multiple layers and have to drag things onto the one layer) and you can still edit each photo individually. For example, I had opened up what I wanted for my background paper and then opened up another paper to crop. I simply clicked on the paper to crop, did so and wah la! Done. I just moved it to where I wanted it to go. Pretty simple!

::Supplies: Watercolors kit by Jen Martakis::

For the title of my layout I wanted to see how the Word Art worked. Okay. So... I love it. That's all I can say. All your fonts you have loaded on your computer already will show up as choices to use. Then you choose a shadow, bevel, outline, italics, bold, etc., etc., etc. You can even change the shape. The wood texture that is on the word 'Captured' is part of the program.

The photo I used, I was able to matte it using the program too. There are a ton of colors to choose from and was happy to see one that closely resembled the kraft background.

Cons? Well, I did have one. It would be nice to upload multiple files at once. I can see the pros as far as maybe opening too much and deciding I don't need it but there were a couple of times I would have liked that. Maybe I can and I just need to dig around more with the program. We'll see!

All in all, this is definitely not my last time using My Memories Suite 2. I can tell there is a lot more to check out about it and I'm excited to do so.

How would you like to try this program out???

Well I've got a couple of awesome opportunities for my blog readers. The first is, because you come here, you get a $10 discount! Woohoo! That's right. :) You also will receive a $10 coupon for the My Memories shop. That's a pretty sweet deal!

To get this offer at anytime, simply use this code at check out: STMMMS37066

Now would you like another opportunity to try this program out?

I get to giveaway to one lucky reader the My Memories Suite 2! ($40 value) Woohoo!

All you need to do to be eligible is check out the My Memories shop and tell me your favorite kit. Here is the link. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday, November 1st and I'll draw a winner. Please make sure you leave me your email address! But I'd love for you to come back to my blog too because there will be much celebrating here. :)

More learning about me

2011-10-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

and my style.

Over the past couple of years as I've challenged myself more in my creating I've learned something new about my approach and style in scrapbooking. As I looked back through my gallery and tried to determine that "thing" I have... trying to see if there was something that when people look at a layout they say "oh yes... that is a Melissa layout" I found out that, when I am inspired, I'm a horizontal scrapper. Those horizontal designs usually end up being my favorites and the also the one's that seem to receive the most positive feedback.

That's kind of nice to know. While I like to branch out and try new techniques and designs, I think that this is something I'm going to be more aware of when I create my layouts.

For November, the kit at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out is probably the most inspiring kit I've worked with yet. It's almost a favorite but there was just something about our theme and the combination of elements that has left me wanting to create more! I love that. :)

Over the past few months I have to say that this layout is my favorite of all time...

You can see the horizontal feel to it and the dark matting around the edge helps to anchor the design. Most of all I can tell that with the combination of supplies (hello yummy Lily Bee!!!), mixing my title and using some goofy photos of myself, I was definitely feeling the mojo. I also used my Silhouette SD to create the rosettes. I always come back to this layout for inspiration because, while there might little things to nitpick about it, it's one that I sat back and said YES.

What have you learned about your style? Do you have a "thing"? Does it matter to you or do you just create and let it all flow?

Time for a Sneak!

2011-10-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek: CONNECTION

All about the crazy quilt that makes up your beautiful, complex and meaningful life. Who matters most, what are the ties that bind, what keeps you safe and attached, and what bonds have been broken?

Features Amy Tangerine for American Crafts, Crate Farmhouse, & Jillibean Soup...Sassafras, Authentique, Maya Road and more.

We'll be joined by fabulous Guest Designer Lisa VanderVeen!

AVAILABLE NOV 1!

If you'd like to reserve your kit, please email us:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR CONNECTION KIT

Come join us at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out!

Class of Ninety Five

2011-10-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

Call me young or call me old. I feel like both! Still a spring chicken but man, this next generation is making me feel OLD. Ha! I'm sure when I was 18 I was making mid-30 year old's feel the same way. Regardless, I cannot believe that it's pushing 20 years since I graduated. (Give or take 3 to 4 years!) ;)

As I think back to my high school years the regrets far outweigh the happy thoughts. The person I am now, the real me, wishes I could go back and tell my younger self to be brave and make wiser choices. But don't most of us feel that way? Or maybe some of us anyway? I wish that my high school years had happier memories. I wish that I could truly say I enjoyed school and made some of my closest friends there but I can't.

What I can say is that I learned a lot. All those lessons learned are what have shaped me today. And that's a good thing! So while those years aren't the happiest, they are certainly not the worse and there is plenty to giggle about. And, yes, there are some happy moments mingled in. I wasn't completely miserable. ;)

:All supplies used (except border punch and stitching) are from the October Achievement kit at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out:

Want to explore your inner world a little more? We've got some great challenges happening right now on the SFTIO forum that will help you create your own heartfelt, meaningful layouts - looking within. There is also a prize and wonderful community. Come join us!

She Inspires Me

2011-10-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile there comes a time when someone crosses our path and we feel completely inspired and in awe by their quality of life. How they approach adversity. How they embrace who they are and show integrity, passion and character. One such person is my friend Kirsten. She is the mama of Baby Ewan, which many of you have followed along with Ewan's story last year. I am impressed, specifically, with any woman who has lost her child. No matter how and no matter how old - I can't even imagine the grief, sorrow and loss that comes with that. I admire Kirsten for her boldness to share publicly how she is processing life and her experiences. I think more should do that and not be so afraid about the thought that it's private life. I think if we are honest, practical and do it with purpose, so many lives can be touched and influenced for the positive.

:As seen in the May 2011 issue of ScrapStreet

Supplies: Paper: October Afternoon, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Die Cuts With a View, Chipboard: BasicGrey, Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories, Title Card: GCD Studios, Bling: Zva Creative, Pearls: Kaisercraft, Doily: Little Yellow Bicycle, Specialty Ink: Tsukineko, Pen: Zig Memory System (Kuretake). Tools: Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD, Border Punches: EK Success, Fiskars, Martha Stewart Crafts.

Design Notes: I loved the delicate texture the doily brought to this layout. It fit perfect with the subject matter but the bright white was too much so I used some walnut ink spray to help it match the cardstock. I also made the title card work for me by adding two more words with the alpha stickers.

Journaling: When I think of someone influential in my life, it doesn't always have to be the obvious. There are many in my life that stand out as people who have affected my life for the better. One person in particular is Kirsten. She has taught me through her vulnerability that even though life isn't always nice, that there is an inner strength that comes from depths we can't begin to comprehend. And through that strength, we can continue and grow from all the difficulties life brings us.

Who has been influential in your life?

Defining Moments

2011-10-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

We all have them. Some of us have a lot and can pin point several times in our lives when something significant happened. I don't have a ton but I can tell you about three defining moments in my life without any hesitation. One was when I was baptized and chose to focus on my relationship with God. Second was when I decided to leave a very well paying, full time, with extraordinary benefits job (that I HATED) to go back to school. And the third was when I stepped out of my comfort zone and lived in a foreign land for a year.

This was quite huge for me because I had always been that person to say "Oh... not me... but YOU go and I'll pray for you and stay safe here." Well, little did I know that the Lord had a little surprise for me. In 2004 I took a short term trip (one week) with a college group down to Guatemala and my life, my thought process, my views on the world changed forever. And I couldn't get this little country off my mind. So in 2005 off I went on a trip I never thought would happen. I lived like a Guatemalan. Went to a Guatemalan church and taught two subjects, art and music, that I absolutely love but had no idea I could teach them.

I call this an achievement only because I made it the whole year. LOL I was so homesick many times and longed for simpler things like being able to drive alone, go out for a coffee with friends, certain foods and feeling safe. I wanted to be able to drink water straight from the faucet and not worry about parasites.

Funny thing happened when I came home though. I longed for gaurds in parking lots and neighborhoods, tinted windows on cars, roadside stands and slower pace of life. It's interesting how, when we are plucked out of our current world, we long for certain things that we were blinded to or took for granted at the time.

I learned so much about myself. I became more brave with a world view. A sensitivity to other cultures and understanding that just because something is different doesn't mean it is wrong. I tried new foods and my Spanish got so much better.

How about you? What unexpected "out of your comfort zone" achievement or defining moment stands out to you? I'd love to hear about it!

A couple of reminders before I go:

Don't forget there is a Design Team call happening at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out! Which is where the supplies and theme of my layout came from. I used October's Achievement kit. Click here to see the full kit!

Also, the Creative Team at All About Me has been announced and this week you'll get to know the ladies joining me better. So excited for this new chapter.

Hope you have a wonderful week and don't be afraid to take a risk. You never know the unexpected blessings and growth that can come from it.

hugs,
Melissa

It's Your Day!

2011-10-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Today is Simple Stories day on the Sketch Support blog. Using the Add-On sketch again, I created a fun little card using the beautiful Simple Stories product. Seriously love how easy it is to work with this product!

Supplies used - Paper, Stickers: Simple Stories; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Other: thread

I have four different sizes of circle punches so I decided this time I would use my three largest punches to create the balloons. Just another reason I love these Add-on sketches! You can look at it and use what you've got to make it work however you want it to.

And... remember how I told you I was reviving the All About Me challenge blog?

The new Creative Team has been announced! Woohoo! So excited to have these ladies on board with me as we take a look at ourselves when we scrap. Would love to have you come join us!

Happy Friday!
Melissa

Baby Canvas

2011-10-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

This week is Add On Sketch week at Sketch Support and it's a cute one. If you follow Sketch Support at all, you're use to these sketches. If you don't, you might be asking yourself, "what the heck is an 'add on' sketch?" Well, I'm glad you asked! I like to think of them as handmade embellishment inspiration. Usually, Allison has come up with some adorable image such as a cupcake or balloons (like this week) in a very creative way. She gives dimensions and ideas just like her other sketches and then the Creative Team comes up with their own ideas for added inspiration. I'll admit I was a little hesitant at first but when I started to use them on my projects, I realized how fun they are!

Take the balloon sketch for this week. You can find the sketch with original dimensions and such by clicking here. But what I did was added an inch to make them larger in order to work with my canvas. And this is a CANVAS not a card. LOL The reason I stress that is because I guess it kind of looks like a card in the photo. Nope... it's a canvas. :)

Supplies - Patterned Paper: Lily Bee Design; Cardstock: American Crafts, Core'dinations; Alpha Stickers: Basic Grey; Paint: Craft Smart; Spray Ink: Clearsnap; Glaze: Glossy Accents by Ranger Industries; Adhesive: Helmar; Pen: Uniball Signo; Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD; Canvas, Jute: Unknown

I kept the canvas clean and simple. After hanging it on my own wall to test it out, I realized that less is more with this one. I plan to sell it and personalize it anyway. So whoever purchases it can request having the name added and possibly a little framed photo up by the balloons.

Add On sketch week is happening all week so come on by Sketch Support and check it out!

hugs,
Melissa

P.S. We're looking for our new Design Team at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out! Could it be you? Have you checked out what we're all about? You can find the details for the call by clicking here. Good luck if you try out!

Some SEI for you

2011-10-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

I made these layouts a long time ago and completely forgot to share them! I used some SEI product that I had stashed away. Not my typical color scheme to grab but I loved the rainbows and clouds too much to not use.

Supplies: Paper, Cardstock, Buttons, Journal Spot, Brads, Alpha Stickers (brown): SEI, Alpha (blue): Pink Paislee, Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD (Shape used: cosmos_flower)

These ladies indeed inspire me! They inspire me with their talent, friendship and encouragement. July in Chicago is quickly becoming my favorite time of year!

Supplies: Paper, Cardstock, Brads, Journal Spot, Stickers: SEI, Cardstock (black and white): The Paper Company, Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD (Shapes used: chicago)

Oh Chicago how I love thee! Those little heart stickers were so appropriate for this layout and I love those big flowers. They have a fun shimmer to them as well which gives the layout some cool dimension.

Thanks for swinging by!

Melissa

My Success

2011-10-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

I spend way too much time thinking about the areas of my life where I fail. I compare myself to others and begin to feel like I don't measure up. If you are honest, you can admit to doing this too. What I'd like to challenge myself to do, instead, is remind myself of my successes. The areas of my life where I have conquered and stood victorious. The times when I saw my potential and went beyond it. Those moments when I was cozy in my safe bubble and dared to take that step out of it. If I did a side by side list, the successes far outweigh the failures. That's pretty cool.

I think it also takes some re-configuration of how I (we) view what our successes are. How do we measure it? By comparing with others or looking within ourselves? Human nature is a tricky beast it is! Well, I like to also think that all my successes were not by own strength or power. Sure it took MY decision making skills and MY desire to step forward, but that extra push came from Someone so much more powerful than myself and I am forever thankful.

All supplies are from the October kit Achievement at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

Love the colors and texture of the Oxford collection by Basic Grey!

I continue to experiment with mixing my titles. This layout uses my handwriting with alpha stickers. I used the star as a base to help it stand out and be balanced.

So how do you measure your successes? Want a chance to WIN our kit? Head on over to the Basic Grey blog today and share with us and you just might win! :)

Flashback Friday

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

October 3, 2010

Was the day a very special, courageous baby boy left this world.

Ewan it was an honor to meet you 12 months ago. Thank you for teaching me so much and leaving a legacy behind. We all can't wait to meet your baby sister. :)

ETA: I forget that not everyone has followed this story. Ewan is not mine but is the son of my good friends Kirsten and James.

Mid October Means This

2011-10-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Time for the mad dash to finish up Craft Fair projects! I'm actually feeling pretty good about this year. I've got lots of inventory and would like to have more but I can't believe the first one is only a few weeks away. My weekends to craft away are becoming fewer and fewer!

I was recently asked by a friend what sells good at a Craft Fair. Especially for a paper crafter. I've only been doing this for three years so can only speak to that but I will say every year is different. It's so hard to predict what shoppers will be looking for. By my third year, I had repeat customers who were looking for my little marble magnets and push pins and also my cards. My first year, I had altered a bunch of those composition books. You know, the ones with the black marble like pattern on the cover. They sold like hot cakes. No one was really interested in my cards, though. The following year I added altered Frappuccino jars filled with hot cocoa supplies. Those sold fast. About half my comp books went and people were a little more interested in my cards. This past year, I sold out of the jars again, hardly anyone touched the comp books and my cards flew out the window. So you see. It really just depends year to year. I don't know if it's because my cards got better but does that mean my comp books got worse? Ha! Don't think so but it truly depends on what people are wanting or needing that year.

So this year I'm still doing my comp books.

Here is one not quite finished but gives you an idea of what I do with them:

I sell this for $6 each.

Here is one of the many altered frap jars for this year. I'm going to have more than ever!

I use mod podge to adhere the paper around the jar. I fill it up with cocoa powder, a little baggy of marshmallows and I have a jar of mini candy canes sitting out for people to take a few. I usually sell these for about $3 - $5 after I get a feel for the clientele. You can usually tell what people are spending within the first hour.

And I'm adding something new this year. I got the idea from the fabulous Tracy at Helmar. I found some white boxes at Michael's. Super cheap and lots of fun to alter. I only bought three so I can see what folks think. Each one I've decorated differently. Here is one...

Not quite sure of the price I'll ask for yet. Thinking in the $5 range. Possibly a little more but we'll see.

I've got my usually selection of cards, some canvas projects and altered frame projects and my marble magnet and push pins. I might throw in some gift tags again too. Those always seem to fly out the window and it's a great way to get rid of stash and make a little money. :)

Do you do craft fairs? What have you learned over the years? Or year? ;)

hugs,
Melissa

Missed Goals

2011-10-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

The other day I decided to finally tackle a bookshelf that has become a dump since my last move. Within the piles of papers and books I came across a book I received when I was a senior in high school. It was one of those journal type books where I recorded my name, when and where I graduated, friends I had, etc. One section had me list where I saw myself 5 years down the road, 10 years and then 15 years. I had to laugh - quite hysterically - at what I saw. Then I cried. Because I realized that I hadn't reached any of those goals or ideals. Then I got depressed. But then contemplated on the path I chose and where I am at and realized how blessed I am. Sure I'm not an Interior Designer for the stars. I'm not married. I don't have four kids. Not a stay at home mom. Didn't get a Bachelors degree. Lots of things I haven't done.

I allowed myself to wallow a bit. It's healthy to have a good wallow. It's not always the most comfortable place to be but if I don't allow myself to go there, then it just gets worse. So after my wallow, I went back to feeling completely at peace and, contrary to the title of my layout below, I'm not calling the "Missed" Goals anymore. They are just goals yet to attain. Right?

All (except the flowers and jute) are from the October Achievement kit at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

I found these flowers in my stash and they went with the color scheme of this month's kit so well. I always have to have a flower of some sort on my layouts.

So I haven't met any of these goals when I wanted to. Doesn't mean I never will!

How about you? What goals are you still striving for?

hugs,
Melissa

I'm feeling challenged

2011-10-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

But not in a bad way. :)

I've got two fun cards to share today that were inspired by challenges. The first one is a card that is up at Sketch Support today. This month we are being sponsored by the lovely Simple Stories and the Creative Team got to play. I have to admit. I wasn't too sure if I was going to enjoy the papers because upon seeing them at CHA it all looked the same. I haven't really been into the "tea stain" type paper. Perhaps I was also a little overwhelmed by the time we got to their booth and nothing was really making me go WOW.

Let me tell you though - when I got the collection in the mail I fell in love. The colors, patterns, cute fonts and images are so FUN! It was absolutely easy to use and the mojo just flowed. I am a big Simple Stories fan, that is for sure!

Supplies: Paper, Die Cut, Stickers: Simple Stories, Cardstock: Core'dinations, Other: Button, jute, toothpicks

I grabbed some toothpicks and folded the banner stickers over so I could have some fun dimension. Have no idea how it will fit in an envelope but I've been known to shove quite a bit in before. Ha!

I've also got a card to share that was on the Create blog yesterday. We were challenged last week to make Halloween Invitations. Now, I'm not actually having a party but if I was, this is what I would send.

Supplies: Paper, Journal Spot and Monster cut-outs: Jillibean Soup, Cardstock: The Paper Company, Alphabet Stickers: Sassafras Lass, Ribbon: Michaels, Stamp Ink: Versafine, Stamps: Inkadinkado

Thank goodness for all these challenges to keep me motivated and creating for fun! I've needed it lately as I struggle to maintain a good level of inspiration. I feel so crummy when I lack any type of desire to create too.

What keeps you motivated?

- Melissa

Boo 2 U

2011-10-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

It's card sketch week over at Sketch Support and I couldn't help but participate with this one! When I saw the sketch, I immediately knew I had to use some more of my Monster Stew papers from Jillibean Soup. Those monsters are always asking me to fussy cut them and use them. They really do!

Here's a closer look at how I layered the monsters in the corner. The one on the front is adhered with pop dots.

For added detail, I took my embossing pen and colored around the edge; sprinkled some clear embossing powder and heat set it. It's such a subtle addition to the card but I love the little shine it adds. Then I hand stitched to help bring it all together.

I found some kraft colored paper by Core'dinations at JoAnn. I really liked the shade it came in! It's a little bit darker than Bazzill but not too "brown paper bag". I still love my Bazzill kraft, though and will probably interchange both depending on the color scheme.

To see more awesome cards using the sketch, head over to Sketch Support this week. You won't be disappointed!

Melissa

Seven Years

2011-10-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get envious of those who have maintained friendships since high school. Or even farther back. I'm not sure why that envy comes into play. Perhaps part of that is me feeling like I lack that consistency through out my life as I stumbled along, trying to figure things out. I know that I'm not the only one in this world who does not have any contact with old school friends but sometimes it feels that way.

Which leads me to thinking about my friendships through out the years. Who has stuck around? Who was a real, solid friend? And what kind of friend was/am I? Up until now, I have never had a friend - or friends for that matter - longer than a five year span. In the past, I'd let everyone get just so close and then I'd push them away. Thankfully, I have changed. Grown up. Worked through my issues and I can't believe that it's been SEVEN years that Danielle, Kaari and I have been friends.

It all started when we were in the same small group together and then, even after we all went our seperate ways and traveled, we still have returned and maintained our relationship. We try to keep our Girls Night Out tradition in place and always have a ton of fun! I'm so thankful for these two women who want to be around me. Still blows my mind!

I, of course, had to use my Silhouette and create my favorite flowers. Love the dimension they bring and layering you can do with this shape. (3d_square_flower)

All contents (except for jute and bling) are from the October ACHIEVEMENT kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Yes. I had to include this topic as I see as quite the achievement to have maintained these friendships for so long.

Absolutely LOVE the new kraft folders from Jillibean Soup. They provide the perfect opportunity to include some hidden journaling. Especially when you have a lot to say.

Come join us on our beautiful, new website at SFTIO! We've got a gallery full of beautiful design team creations and fabulous community on the forum. We'd love to have you come join us. :)

hugs,
Melissa

New is Good and WCMD Winners!

2011-10-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

I think the beginning of October has become my favorite month to start off. It includes World Card Making Day and kit reveals along with new magazines. Plus, it's the official kick off for Fall. In my mind anyway. The leaves really start to turn color here in the Pacific Northwest and you can just smell the wonderfulness that is Fall. Today I cooked up some Taco Soup which was perfect on this cool, crisp Fall day!So for October, we have the new Fall Issue of ScrapStreet up for your viewing pleasure. Have I mentioned how much I am loving the fact we've got quarterly? It sure seems like a long time in between issues but it makes me extra giddy to check out all the beautiful inspiration that is included. Make sure you check out my Card Corner article for some fun ways to use Alpha's on your cards! And do you want to be published? Check out our current calls! Card Corner is a bit different for our next issue. You can check out the call for that article here on my blog.

:click image:

We also have a brand new kit at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. It's called Achievement. But before you go check out the kit, you need to just go soak in the brand new GORGEOUS website. I've been known, over the past day, to just click and stare at it. I absolutely love the colors and graphics. Stunning! I'll begin sharing my layouts with you tomorrow using the kit. :)

Alright... are we ready for some winners???

Thanks so much to everyone for the sweet comments you left on yesterdays OWH WCMD Blog Hop post! It's amazing what a little bit of kraft paper can do, isn't it?

I decided to choose THREE digital kit winners. Woot! So...

You each have won the Classic Swank kit! Please email me at melissa[at]theprofoundbrunette[dot]com and I'll get the download link sent to you!

The winner of the blog make-over is....

Congrats Barb! You can begin claiming your prize by following this link and filling out the form. I'll get back to you within 24 hours or less with the next steps.

Congrats everyone! I'll need to hear back from all of you by Tuesday, October 4th in order to receive your prizes. Thanks all. :)

How are you spending the day after WCMD? I'm making more cards of course. :)

Melissa

Blog Hop with OWH!

2011-09-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

Happy World Card Making Day!

I love paper crafting and I love any reason to spend a day at my crafty table. While scrapbooking has definitely consumed my time, card making will always be numero uno. It was how I started and where I will always know my strengths are.

Welcome to my blog for the Operation Write Home blog hop! If you have just arrived at my blog today, head on over to the Stars and Stamps blog to see a complete list of participating blogs. They are trying something a bit different with the hopes of you all not having any broken links, etc. Hopefully it works out!

I'm sharing with you a Christmas card today. This is probably the busiest card making time for me. I love making Christmas cards to give away and to sell at craft shows. I'm usually drawn to the traditional colors. I know the pinks and blues can be cute too but they just come across too trendy for me. However, there are some manufacturers who dare to cross both lines like Lily Bee Design did last year with their Christmas Town collection. I love how I can still see my traditional red and green but then here comes some blue and black! Who knew! Black! But I absolutely love how it looks.

Supplies: Paper, Chipboard: Lily Bee Design, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Sticker: SRM Press, Other: Ribbon

When I thought about all the different sites hosting WCMD events, it was a no brainer for me to choose OWH. I am constantly touched by how much our service men and women enjoy receiving handmade cards to send to their loved ones. I also enjoy seeing the photos, comments and videos that are sent to OWH when boxes arrive overseas. Makes me want to create a batch load of cards to send!

Want to help out too? Click here to see things to think about before you begin creating and sending cards. There is a wealth of information and tips on the OWH website for you.

I have three prizes to giveaway to THREE awesome blog hoppers.

First up is my brand new digital kit Classic Swank. Two winners will each receive this kit. You can check it out here.

Second is a FREE blog makeover. Yay! To see some of the other blogs (besides my own) that I have worked on, click here.

When you leave a comment, just let me know which you'd like to be eligible for. You can make it easy by saying "I'm digi!" or "I so need a new blog!" I'll keep this open until Sunday 10/2 at 12:00 Noon (PST) and then I'll draw the winners. The winners will be announced with my next blog post at that time so make sure you come back!

Fruit Punch?

2011-09-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

No.... BORDER punch! Silly.

Although, some fruit punch with a little something extra in it might sound pretty good this evening! ;o)

This past week the challenge over on the Create blog was to make cards using three border punches. When I saw that I thought "EASY PEASY!" I've got lots of border punches and I love how they can add so much interest.

Here is the card I submitted to the gallery: (<- Click there to see the post!)

Supplies: Paper, Stickers: Simple Stories, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Ink: Versafine, Glitter Glue: Ranger Industries, Pen: Zig Memory System, Stamp: Inkadinkado

I definitely went with clean and simple on this card and let the border punched papers do the talking. I'm kind of kicking myself, though, because I added glitter to the stars and I thought this would be a fun card to send to OWH. Oh well! I'll be making plenty of those this weekend during the Blog Hop and World Card Making Day! Yay!

Are you making cards this weekend?

Melissa

Let Go

2011-09-28T08:28:00.001-07:00

So... want to know my brilliant move this morning? I published a blog post with nothing on it. If you happened to come by during those morning minutes and were confused, so sorry. I was confused too. LOL.

*Sigh*

Is it Wednesday? Yes. Yes it is. Which means we are at the peak of the week and fun of sliding into the weekend is right around the corner. I am adoring my new job but who doesn't love the weekend? And with World Card Making Day this weekend??? Hello! Can't wait to hunker down, see what's happening online and get to making some cards.

I thought I would also share with you my final layout using the Balance kit at SFTIO. This one is a bit special. As you know, I'm not shy to share my faith. It's the largest, most impacting thing in my life, so how can I not share? It seemed appropriate to journal about how I worship God. I remember long ago, one of our Pastor's used how a child is learning to walk, as an example of how we can worship. He talked about how a child, without any thought, throws there arms up to be caught if they lose their balance or want to be picked up, as they wobble along. So it is with our worship. I loved that picture of when I'm lifting up my hands, I'm trusting fully that the Lord will catch me. Sometimes it's in desperation and sometimes it's in complete content and trust.

This kit was so lovely. I loved the colors and patterns. The symbolism is rich (as always)! Complimentary and balancing colors, beautiful embellishments, the ledger transparency and amazing alpha!

I love mixing my titles and all the different letter stickers from Echo Park and the Thickers make it perfect!

And on another note, I'm so excited to share with you that Christa invited me to be a part of her Journaling article at Write. Click. Scrapbook. This is a great series and I strongly encourage you to go check out her posts this week!

Have a great Wednesday!

Melissa

Play and Work

2011-09-26T20:01:00.001-07:00

My dream is to work part time at the childcare center and then work full time doing graphic design and freelance designing. A girl can dream right? In the meantime, it's tricky to balance a job that, essentially, pays the bills and therapy. :) Also known as paper crafting and graphic designing. Someday it will happen. In the meantime, I'll just soak up every moment I have to dive into my creative journaling time.

Thanks to SFTIO, that won't be a problem. Ever.

Want to see some sneak peeks at next month's kit?

Of course I had to use my Silhouette. ;)

In other news, I am reviving the All About Me challenge blog. Slightly different twist. Brand new Creative Team. New look and everything. I'm so excited! The official launch will be December but we'll be doing some fun "pump you up" type stuff beginning this week. Yahoo!

Have a great week!

Melissa

Silhouette Congratulations

2011-09-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

All the silhouette images that are popping up in patterns and embellishments remind of back in the day when we would get those photos taken or sketched out of our side profiles. I remember going to a friends house and distinctly remembering her and her siblings silhouettes all framed and on the wall. What a funny trend to me. Why would you want to preserve a silhouette like that? Why not just do a regular photo so you can see the actual features of the face and such? Alas, like most things, it was a trend... a fad... it looked cool to have them hanging in your house. And, I admit, it was kind of fun to guess who was who.

I had to giggle when I first saw silhouettes appearing in the paper crafting world. I giggled with the mustache thing (still don't get that one) and I giggle again with this one. However... there are some really cool ideas and thoughts on how to use these, heritage (as I like to refer to them) type embellishments. For example, Hambly Studios has some beautiful silhouette rub-ons. When I first got them, I was a bit apprehensive because I went back into my time warp of early 80's and seeing them on the walls again. But I got some new eyes. I figured, these can be timeless! What's old is new! Right?

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Rub-ons: Hambly Studios, Bling: Kaisercraft, Stamp: Fiskars, Ink: Versafine, Other: tissue paper

For this card I decided to let the silhouette and fancy frame do the talking. I added a piece of tissue paper and bling to make a veil and stamped the sentiment. Super simple and yet elegant. That's what a silhouette can bring. A touch of elegance to any project!

I shared this layout before but thought I would show, again, how I used the silhouette on here...

Supplies: All from September Kit at SFTIO

It adds something so classic to the layout. Or should I say classy?

Have you dared to try using silhouettes on your projects? Did you grow up in the same generation I did when these were all the rage? And did you actually have one??? (I might have...) *giggle*

Walking the Line

2011-09-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

I have not been a very good blogger the past couple of weeks! I do have lots to share but it's always something that prevents me from getting on here. Either it's work or schedule or, most recently, catching a bad cold and not having any energy when I'm home. I came home early again and am staying home tomorrow to recoup... hopefully I can get over this because this is not a fun way to be... ever...

I always find it uncanny how each emotion shows up at the perfect time at SFTIO. It never fails that my life story at the moment matches up perfectly with what we process through with that month's kit. It continued to hold true with this months kit - Balance. After going through the change at work, I had to do create a layout telling the story about why and documenting when it happened. I was equally excited to have these photos to use.

I really like the blocked and/or quilted look with layouts lately. It's a great way to use all your scraps and combine lots of pattern and colors without being too overwhelming. I used this layout as an example for on Exclusive Content over on our forum. It talks about unique ways to frame photos using the kit.

I am absolutely in LOVE with the alpha stickers from Echo Park. Of course I had to mix up the words.

This month continues to be a balancing month as I figure out how to reshuffle my life. It's amazing how a few hours can make such a big difference. But I can tell you that, aside from being sick right now, I am loving it and excited to finally get a new routine going. With more energy and positive attitude! :)

Hope you are having a good week!

Melissa

A Rainbow Connection?

2011-09-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

Is it Monday already?

As we say it every time Monday rolls around, right?

I have a couple more cards to share with you that were submitted for pub but didn't make the cut. These are ones I'm not overly happy with but wanted to take up the challenge which was to use rainbow colors. I did some blocking and stamping for each of these cards.

The first one I found a bunch of colored cardstock scraps and cut them into small squares. I think they ended up being 3/4". While it's not quite a card that I love, I do enjoy the simplicity yet colorful look of the card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Core'dinations, Stamp Ink: Versafine, Tool: Stamps: Fiskars

For this next card I thought I would go with a gradient type rainbow color on a background stamp. It actually looks good in person. I could not, for the life of me, get a photo that really showcased the colors. Oh well!

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Flower, Bling: Kaisercraft, Stamp Ink: Colorbox, Clearsnap, Versafine, SEI, Tools: Stamps: (Sentiment) Fiskars, (Background) My Favorite Things

To ink up the stamp I dipped a cosmetic sponge into each color of ink (a separate sponge for each color) and then inked up the stamp. It was time consuming and the lighter colors didn't really stamp as well but it still gave a cool effect.

I also have some fun news to leave you with! On October 1 there is going to be a HUGE blog hop with Operation Write Home. It's World Card Making Day and I couldn't imagine any place else to hang out! Making cards is my passion and I love what OWH does with those cards. So come back (or come back sooner) for the fun blog hop! There will be prizes and giveaways galore. :)

hugs,
Melissa

Sketching some Cards

2011-09-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!

This past week was my first full week working the new schedule and new role at work. Gotta say I'm feeling great. To get a full nights sleep is so worth it! And trust me, I'm not taking it for granted anymore because I know life can change quickly. With the stress of supervising adults and large school gone, I'm finding my mojo slowly returning. I got really burned out creatively a couple of weeks ago and just couldn't think about creating. It was quite a bummer! You can relate I'm sure. :)

I did force myself to create a few cards for Paper Crafts recent calls. Alas, none of my cards were accepted but that means I still get to share them. Just a little bit sooner! Yay! The two following cards used one of the sketches. You know how much I love sketches!

Supplies: Paper, Button and Letters Stickers: Jillibean Soup, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Flowers, bling: Kaisercraft, Border Punch: Fiskars, Other: jute

While I don't (and probably couldn't share anyway) have the photo of the sketch, you can kind of see where elements were placed.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Brads: My Minds Eye, Stamp Ink: Versafine, Versamark, Embossing Powder: Stampin' Up!, Stamps: (Faux Stitching) Memory Box, (Sentiment) Inkadinkado

Also wanted to let you know that my latest digital kit - Classic Swank - is for sale in my shop! Yay!

Have a great weekend everyone. :)

Melissa

Classic Swank

2011-09-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for the CRAFT Blog Hop - click here.

Hi everyone!

Today is a fun day for a couple of reasons. First, it's my beloved Guatemala's Independence Day. While I may not be technically Guatemalan, I will always be a 'Chapina' at heart. Something stuck and clung to me when I lived there and it makes me so happy to celebrate that countries independence. I pray that as their current elections come to a close that they would continue to grow together as a country and that the corruption will continue to subside. And I'll be eating some refried black beans today in honor of today's festivities!

Another reason why it's a fun day is that I have a new digital kit that will officially be for sale this Saturday! I'm pretty excited about this kit. It's probably my favorite so far as I continue to learn more about Photoshop and putting together patterns and colors. I'm loving learning all this stuff and as I dive deeper into it, I know that this is exactly what I want to keep doing!

Ready to see the kit? It's Classy. It's a little Swanky.

Not everything is shown in the photo but I'd love to hear what you think!

I'd also love to get some feedback by those who digi scrap. What kinds of elements do you really look for in a kit? Are there certain embellishments that you always are looking for?

Leave me a comment and I'll draw a winner to receive this kit before it's on sale! I'll draw a winner tomorrow evening and then post it on my Saturday post giving you the link to go buy it.

I'll also have a couple of blog kits inspired by this kit.

Have a great Thursday!

Melissa

CRAFT Blog Hop and Giveaway!

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the CRAFT: CreatingReflective Art for Transformation Blog Hop! This event is brought to you byour team at Scrapbookingfrom the Inside Out, the premier source for inspiration to explore yourinner world. Six talented and well-known instructors will be leading creativeand meaningful workshops using our generous sponsors’ latest and greatestproducts at this intimate, boutique event right on the beach in beautiful Santa Monica, CA,November 11-13, 2011. You’ll spend a magical weekend focused on embracing whoyou truly are and gaining the skills, techniques and tools to use our craft tounderstand yourself more deeply on an ongoing basis.

Are you just beginningat this blog? Make sure you begin at the SFTIO blog soyou don't miss all sneaky peeks and your chance to win one of six kits! If youget lost, a list of all the stops on the hop is at the end of this post.

If you'll be joining us from out of town, we've got another treat in store for you...our official hotel, The Ambrose. Imagine the perfect mix of craftsman lines and zen energy...complete with a small garden and pond, a living room, and rooms designed with feng shui principles in mind. We've negotiated a special CRAFT room rate of $198 per night plus tax, so if you room with a friend (or we help you find a roomie) the cost is just $99 per night, which includes parking (if that applies to you), free wifi, and a daily organic continental breakfast from our event caterer, Urth Caffe. Transportation from the hotel to the Beach house is included in your registration, and airport transfers will be available for a nominal fee. Once at the hotel, you can utilize their cute london-style shuttle service to get you to shopping or anywhere else local you'd like to see!

CRAFT:

Three full days ofcrafting, creativity and camaraderie for only $450 (three consecutivemonthly payments of $150 each.)Spots are still available for this unique, pamperingand heart-expanding getaway.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 6 emotion-focused, technique-teaching personal workshops ~ All CRAFTers participatein every class. No need to choose ~ they're ALL yours in CRAFT’s ocean-view, beautifully styled, creative space

• 4 special Art & Soul experiences

• Scrumptious breakfasts & lunches from Hollywood hot spot Urth Caffe

~ Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Sweets, treats & beverages all day long

• Transportation from The Ambrose to and from the Annenberg Beach House for allworkshops and activities via the CRAFTy Cab

• Oodles of workshop supplies (you’ll just need tobring your basic tool kit – checklist to be provided later)

• A fabulous welcome gift, a CRAFTy tote filled with goodies, valuable giveawaysand fun prizes!

*Lots more details on girls’ night out dinners, airport transportation,location, hotel and event venue and more are available HERE.

For questions, comments and special requests, please email event coordinatorPaige Ramos at craftbeachretreat@gmail.com

The Dates: November11-13, 2011

The Times: Workshops from 9-5 each day, broken into two sessions.

SPONSORS:

WHY SHOULD YOU COMETO CRAFT?

What really sets CRAFT apart is unique missionof Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, kit club, inspiration source and onlinecommunity. Thousands of participants all over the world have used SFTIO’sresources to explore their deepest emotions. They’ve lifted themselves and eachother exploring Freedom, Gratitude, Anticipation and Wonder. They’ve faced theirinner doubts and fears delving into Regret, Yearning, Loss and Vulnerability.

SFTIO’s trademarked and industry-exclusive approach to artistic motivation is the heart and soul of what makes them unique. Their monthly inspiration page with hand-selected music, stock photography, quotations and deep journaling prompts elevates scrapbooking to an expressive art form where members are guided to truly explore their inner worlds. Click here for links to past Inspiration Pages to see more.

SFTIO raises the bar even more by providing challenges using the prompts that add a design twist, teaching members to use ‘visual journaling’ – powerful symbolism – to combine right and left brain expression. The result? Meaningful, rich, pages and projects that reflect all of who you are, Inside and Out.

CRAFT workshops will incorporate a variety of tested, proven multimedia inspiration tools combined with the special talents and techniques of a stellar teaching staff, supported by Art Therapist Rita Coufal, PhD and Artist/Therapist Joy Mauldin.

Growth is a journey…not a destination. And it’s a most personal one…only you know what you need out of this experience. In the intimate, supportive setting SFTIO has created for you, you’ll have the opportunity to practice being more and more yourself. Their take on scrapbooking and creativity isn’t about a quick fix, or a set of ‘positive thinking’ reminders. It’s about a deeper approach, telling your truth – pretty or not, looking at both sides of the coin, and leaving the weekend together with the creative skills and tools to be more fully expressed in your life.

THE INSTRUCTORS:

While you’ll be learning amazing techniques, styles, tips and techniques in every workshop, these are not cookie-cutter sessions – you’ll be challenged to dig deep, learn about yourself and tailor your project to reflect who you are and who you want to be.

Creating Keepsakes Dream Team 2011

Lily Bee Design Team

Jillibean Soup Design Team

Mixed Media Designer

Copic Certified Designer

Copy/Creative Editor for Northridge Publishing

American Crafts Blog Hostess/Design Team

Founder and President, Scrapbooking from the Inside Out

Creating Keepsakes Dream Team 2011

Prima Design Team

American Crafts Design Team and Product Designer

Hambly Screen Prints Design Team

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
REGISTER NOW.

And now for a giveaway! SFTIO is giving away FIVE kits to FIVE lucky readers…make sure to leave a comment (before Noon Pacific Time on 9-15) on each blog you visit in the hop to increase your chance of winning. Tell us please, in your comment, what emotion you’d love to explore in your scrapbooking! Winners will be chosen from all blog comment entries and will be announced on 9-16 on the SFTIO blog.

Your next stop on this hop is the Jillibean Soup Blog!

Good luck and we hope to see you at CRAFT!

And in case you get lost along the way, here is a complete list of all the blogs to visit in our hop:

SFTIO: http://scrapbookingfromtheinsideout.blogspot.com
Stacy Cohen: http://stacycohen.blogspot.com/
Linda Barber: http://milesofpaper.blogspot.com/
Paige Ramos: http://thebumpyride.blogspot.com
American Crafts: http://americancrafts.typepad.com/studio/
Amy Tan: http://amytangerine.blogspot.com/
Paige Evans: http://chrisandpaige.blogspot.com/
Tammy Onderdonk Klass: http://createdreamlive.blogspot.com/
Seven Gypsies: http://www.sevengypsies.blogspot.com/
Ly T. Le: http://www.lytlescrapper.com/
Melissa Elsner: http://theprofoundbrunette.blogspot.com
Jillibean Soup: http://www.jillibeansoup.typepad.com/
Rita Barakat: http://letsembellish.blogspot.com/
Maya Road: http://mayaroad.typepad.com/mayaroad/
Kai Baldwin: http://www.enjoytheridetoday.blogspot.com/
Tattered Angels: http://mytatteredangels.com/blog/
CRAFT Blog: http://craftbeachretreat.blogspot.com/

Win some Balance!

2011-09-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Would you like a chance to win this loveliness?

Head on over to the ScrapStreet Blog for your chance and to also see some lovely inspiration. Have a great weekend!

hugs,
Melissa

Big City Small Town Girl

2011-09-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have always been attracted to the big city way of life.It all started with Sesame Street. Yes, you read that right. As a child, I grew up in a small town. My grandparents lived in an even smaller farm town and our "big city" nearby had maybe about 50,000 people living in it. When I would watch Sesame Street I was always in awe over all the traffic and mix of ethnicity's and the big city vibe.

It is funny to me now remembering when we would come into the "big city" and I felt like I was in the city like that was in Sesame Street. Oh how wee and naive I was! But I LOVED it. I loved the sounds, the people, the heartbeat and the smells. Yes... I like the smell of a big city. Weird isn't it? I admit it but when you get past the sewer and exhaust smells there is this wonderful concrete smell mingled in with the food and people smell. Not sure I can really explain it but it's there and I like it.

I've visited several big cities in my life. I've been to Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle, of course. I've also been to New Orleans, Los Angeles, Portland and San Antonio. But Chicago is my favorite. Now, I haven't been to NYC or Atlanta or several other large cities but I almost don't think I need to. Chicago feels like home when I am there. I feel like I fit in. I could live there! And I might just move there someday soon. Just to experience it for a little while and then I'll come back to my "big city". (Which is now a little over 75,000 pop. LOL!)

All materials used on this layout are from the September BALANCE kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

The silhouette rub-ons are a fabulous and unique way to frame your photos. These are a subscriber bonus for all new kit subscribers!

Love, love, LOVE the For the Record collection by Echo Park. I have never played with their product before and finally got to with our current kit. So FUN!

I love mixing titles and there is plenty of opportunity to do that with our kit this month. Between the American Crafts thickers and the multiple alpha sheet from EP you can do each word a different font and color!

Did you see the pierced holes around that center patterned paper? That was a great mistake. My sewing machine got jammed and I didn't have the patience nor the time to fix it. So I continued around the page to do this "stitching". I love the way it looks!

Thanks for swinging by!

So.... do you consider yourself a small town or big city type of person?

hugs,
Melissa

P.S. Oh and I just want to thank those of you who commented on yesterday's post... Pamela, Christa and a few others. I take your words to heart. You are so kind and I appreciate your support and honest feedback. You rock!