Documenting Fall Memories with Scrapbook.com Exclusives!

Hello, friends! I’m so glad you joined me today! I just had a new project to share over at the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog, and I wanted to share it with you here, too! Fall is my favorite season, and I am in love with this new, seasonal traveler’s notebook spread that I created with the latest Scrapbook.com exclusive products. Take a look!

Supplies | Scrapbook.com: Cozy patterned paper 6×8 pad, Cozy Autumn Foliage shape dies, Cozy Autumn Sentiments & Critters stamp, Cozy Autumn rub-on transfers, Rose Quartz Misti, Magic Mat, ink blending tool, Deluxe adhesive roller, Mint tape – 1-inch roll, small precision scissors; Concord & 9th: Ink (Pebble, Nutmeg), Pebble cardstock; LDRS Creative: Rose Quartz Stampendable tool; Spellbinders: Platinum 6 die-cutting machine; American Crafts: Bungalow Lane embellishment die-cuts; WeR Makers: glass mat; Citrus Twist Kits: traveler’s notebook; Font: American Typewriter; Other: sewing machine, thread

This layout was so fun to create, not to mention easy, using the new, exclusive products from Scrapbook.com. From patterned paper to must-have rub-ons, these products made this spread come together in no time!

The left side of my spread is full of texture & interest with the column of leaves on the edge, created using the Cozy patterned paper 6×8 pad and Cozy Autumn Foliage shape dies. I loved the beautiful patterns and colors in the paper pad, which even includes solids! I also loved the special touch that the dies deboss the veins on the leaves and cut them at the same time!

The Cozy Autumn Sentiments & Critters stamp helped me create my title with the “hello” word and this sweet “love you” below. To finish my title, I paired this stamp with the Cozy Autumn rub-on transfers to add the sparkly “fall” word and a few small leaves and hearts around the spread.

On the right side of the spread, I had to use the beautiful plaid pattern from the Cozy patterned paper 6×8 pad, adding stitching around the edge for texture. I added two die cut leaves to the corner of my photo and was so happy to use two pieces from the American Crafts Bungalow Lane embellishment pack, which coordinated beautifully with the Scrapbook.com products. It feels great to use something from my stash at the same time as creating with new products!

Ready to see more of this project? Watch my process video, featured on the Scrapbook & Cards Today YouTube channel below!

I hope you enjoyed seeing this project come together as much as I did creating it! Be sure to follow me on Instagram so that you can see more projects using Scrapbook.com exclusives, and be sure to shop what I used to create this project at the affiliate links below and above in my supply list. Thanks so much for your support, and happy creating this fall!

How to Get Published in 2023!

Hey there, friends! It has been a while since I have stopped by this space of mine, and I think it is about time that we become reacquainted! I have missed blogging, and want to make it a goal to add updates here regularly in 2023.

Today I want to talk to you about being published! I know that as papercrafters, this is often a goal. I’m here to tell you that your goal is attainable and give you some tips for checking off that bucket-list item!

I was so fortunate to be published on the cover of the Scrapbook & Cards Today Winter 2022 issue! If you haven’t yet checked out this publication, I highly recommend you do, and it’s FREE!

Click HERE to download the Winter 2022 Issue today!

When I was assigned the task to create a cover layout, did I run out and purchase the latest collections to work with? Nope. I looked around my stash and grabbed what I had on hand. What makes a pub-worthy project? Good design! Let me break that down for you:

• Color matters: When I begin my layout, 95% of the time I choose a color scheme that ties into my photo. This will make your photo POP and helps it to become the focus of the page. On this layout, I chose the darkest color, navy, to frame my page, then filled in the background with the accent colors from the photo, pink and teal.

• Think contrast! Bold designs are what will draw your eye to the project on the pages of a magazine, so think about how you can use contrasting colors, shapes, textures, patterns and fonts.

• Titles are terrific! Layout titles are a great way to add contrast and interest and make your layout stand out. Use only 2-3 different fonts and colors and choose contrasting fonts like I did here!

• Don’t go overboard with embellishment. A clean design is often best on a magazine page, so when choosing your embellishment, select wisely. Be sure to think about contrast in shape and texture, and always take off one item before you call it done. Just like Coco Chanel said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Do the same with your layouts!

• Use lines. Last, but certainly not least, think about how lines play a role into how you look at your layout. Borders, frames and other implied lines created by embellishment or the way you cut patterned paper can all create interest and draw your eye to the photo on your page. Use lines to your advantage!

I hope you’ll use these tips when creating for a magazine submission, and great news: the Scrapbook & Cards Today Summer issue call is now available!

Click HERE to find the summer call and plan your submission today!

Find the current products that I used to create this layout by clicking the images below:

Two Ways with the Remember the Magic Collection from Echo Park Paper

Hello friends, and happy Friday! I recently had the pleasure of creating with the Echo Park Paper Remember the Magic collection for the winter 2020 issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine! Because Disneyland is just about my favorite place to be, this layout came pretty easily to me, using this very themed, beautiful collection to document Christmas Disney moments:

One thing I love about this collection? The addition of kraft as a neutral with the characteristic red, black, robin’s egg blue and golden yellow hues. The one piece of paper that made this layout “click” for me was this one:

This Tickets Please paper was just calling to be fussy-cut, and I created a fun column of tickets and ribbon from my stash (because who doesn’t love a good stash-bust!?) on the right side of my layout.

Lots of dimension and texture right there! I love everything about this layout—from the vertical design, to the images I chose, and the title I created from a mix of the Remember the Magic dies and stickers from Elle’s Studio and American Crafts.

FIND THIS LAYOUT IN THE WINTER ISSUE OF SCT MAGAZINE ON PAGE 43 AND 47!

Once I created the page, I put this collection away, expecting to create another Disney layout with it.

Then, I started thinking… why can’t I use this collection for something other than Disney memories? So, I challenged myself to do just that, on my first layout of 2021, created for the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog:

Does this layout scream, “Disney!” to you? Nope! How did I take such a themed collection and stretch my stash to create a non-themed layout? Here are 3 simple tips on how to do it:

1: “Neutral” patterns & “B” side bonanza:

I was inspired by Paige Evan’s cut file (download for free at the SCT blog post!) to add a lot of stars to my page, and although the Wish Upon A Star paper shown on the left of my page may have included the Disney-friendly hues from the collection, once you took the Disney photos away, no one could tell the difference! I call this a “neutral” pattern. It can be used for anything, and you often find these in themed collections, too. This paper was the starting point for my color scheme, based on the collection. You can also see that I used patterned paper to fill in my “2021 Goals” die cut. All of these patterns are on the B-side of the paper, often the less-noticed, more low-key prints. Stripes, dots, plaids and geometrics are my preferred patterns, and they worked perfectly at the top of my page.

2. Embellish Away the Theme!

Sure, this Remember the Magic collection has plenty of castles, big white gloves, and churros (mmmm…) in it, but I chose to ignore them. Instead, I searched the collections chipboard and sticker sheets for non-themed embellishments, like the “here we go” puffy arrow, “dreams admit one” puffy ticket and chipboard camera. Plus, there were plenty of chipboard stars to accent these larger embellishments. Every themed collection will have VERY themed embellishments, but ignore those and go for the ones that fit your page. The “dreams admit one” ticket was very notable on this layout about my goals for 2021, and the “here we go” arrow was perfect for documenting this at the very beginning of the year.

3. Mix and Match to Success!

Once I had the elements chosen from Remember the Magic, I shopped my stash for products from other manufacturers that would fit the design, hues and the story I wanted to tell. I grabbed that “crafty” chipboard piece from the Simple Stories Crafty Girl collection, as well as the amazing acetate stars from Elle’s Studio, which fit with the color scheme and the starry page I was going for! To finish off the page, I used the My Star Stamp from Elle’s Studio to add uplifting phrases around my embellishments. Starting with a themed collection to create a non-themed layout doesn’t mean you have to stick to those products only! Branch out and see what other items you may have on hand that would accent it!

I hope these tips have given you some thought as to how to bust your stash of themed collections for non-themed layouts! If you’re a Disney fanatic like me, be sure to check out the beautiful Remember the Magic collection for yourself, but don’t just use it for Disney layouts! Happy creating, friends, and have a beautiful weekend!

CLICK TO SHOP REMEMBER THE MAGIC NOW ON SALE AT SCRAPBOOK.COM!

Elle's Studio September 2020 Kit and Add-On Reveal!

Hello friends! I am so excited to introduce you to the September 2020 kit and add-ons* from Elle’s Studio today! First, let’s take a look at all of the new goodies in my unboxing video:

Beautiful, deeper hues, with grateful and family-oriented prompts in the September monthly kit bring autumn to your projects in a gorgeous way!

Take a look at the add-on embellishments that coordinate with the kit, too!

These beautiful products are perfect to kick off the transition into cooler temps, warmer clothes, comfort food and more. You'll love the rich color scheme found in the kit and the amazing add-ons, which range from a new paper stack to jewel-toned puffy rainbow stickers!

This month, I used these stunning new products to create a layout that is dear to my heart, recording the day that we brought my son home from the hospital.

I loved using the My Heart metal die to create a bunch of floating heart "balloons" on the right side of my layout. Watch my process video as I record a truly special memory while creating my first layout after having my second child. I hope it inspires you to document a memory that is near and dear to your heart, too!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see what else I create with the September kit and add-ons this month! You can find all of the products that I used to create this layout at the shoppable gallery below, and happy creating with your new Elle’s Studio goodies!

Elle's Studio July 2020 Reveal!

Hello, friends! I am so excited today to introduce you to the Elle’s Studio July 2020 kit and extras! Let’s start off with my unboxing video so that you can see each new product released today!

I hope you’re as excited about these beautiful, new products as I am! The July 2020 kit is filled with gorgeous colors, fun icons and tons of opportunities for getting your stories in your album! Take a look!

Don’t forget about the add-ons that coordinate with the kit! We have not one, but two new puffy alphabet stickers, a new paper stack, chipboard stickers, labels, washi tape stickers, wood veneers AND an awesome new stamp set! Oh my goodness!

The digital files are pretty awesome this month, too! Did you know that if you’re a subscriber, you get them for free?? Yep! Just another perk of starting a subscription this month!

This month, I started off my projects with a layout that I created using the Wild at Heart printable and the new July products in a way that I love to use them—to create a layout background!

This photo was perfect for the blue, yellow, orange and lime green color scheme that I built on this layout from the new products. I loved adding the Summer tape stickers and brand new polka dot pattern to the background, and building that title with the Title Builder stamps! Take a look at how it all came together in my process video:

Be sure to grab all of the new July products while supplies last, and you can shop everything that I used to create this layout at the stoppable gallery below! Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy creating!

* Affiliate links used at no extra cost to you! Clicking to shop helps me pay for this blog and video feed. Thanks so much for your support!

Elle's Studio May 2020 Reveal!

Hello friends! I am so excited to introduce you to the brand new products now available in the Elle’s Studio shop! First, let’s take a look at the May 2020 kit and extras in my unboxing video!

Wow, what an amazing array of products this month, right? The May kit is full of the most beautiful color palette, of yellow, coral, lilac, light blue and navy! Take a look at each of the journaling tags and die cuts:

Don’t forget about the add-ons to embellish! These awesome products will help you to add that special touch to your project with a wide range of product types from stickers, chipboard, acrylic, wood veneer and stamps!

Don’t forget about the coordinating digital files, which include the Eat, Sleep, Repeat printables, May 2020 cut files, and May print and cut labels! These are perfect for adding to your digital library and print or cut out just when you need them.

But wait! One more product that I had a special part in has me SO excited this month! It’s the release of the new From Sketch to Finish Vol. 5 class and exclusive stamp! This amazing class is jam packed with 50 exclusive sketches and inspiration from 10 talented contributors (some of my favorite scrapbookers!) who are sharing tips and tricks for getting your layouts completed during the busy summer months ahead. Take a look at the class cover and amazing class stamp, which is only available with the class:

I know you all will love this class—not only did I coordinate and edit the class, I was also able to contribute to it! Take a look at this sneak from one of my projects, which you will only find in the class content:

Whew! What an awesome array of products to choose from this month! I used the new goodies to create an 8-1/2” x 11” layout that records a special day shared between my daughter and my husband:

This month’s products were perfect for putting this page together, including the amazing Eat, Sleep, Repeat printables that I used to begin my layout with that fun star patterned paper background! I simply resized the journaling tag to 8-1/2” x 11” to use as my layout background.

The “Thanks, Dad” journaling tag from the May 2020 kit inspired me to share this story, and I loved adding my title to the right of the journaling tag. That Story acrylic is just perfect for building a fun title!

The Crafty stickers, acrylic stars and Currently Icon stamp added my embellishment to make this page a truly special creation! I could not love it more, and it came together so easily using these new products. Take a look at my process video to see how:

Thank you so much for watching, and I hope I’ve given you some inspiration to use your new Elle’s Studio goodies to record your memories! Browse all of the products I used to create this layout in the gallery below, and happy creating, friends!

* Affiliate links used at no extra cost to you! Clicking to shop helps me pay for this blog and video feed. Thanks so much for your support!

Title Builder Vol. 4 Is HERE!

I am so excited to announce that the Elle’s Studio March kit and extras* are live, which includes the new Title Builder Vol. 4 series!

I created the Title Builder collection to make creating layout titles simple and easy for you, and we’re adding to this series with the new Title Builder VOl. 4! The 4th volume of this popular stamp series is all about spring, and with it, you’ll be able to create inspirational and uplifting titles for all of your papercrafting projects! Watch this introduction video to find out more about Title Builder Vol. 4:

Want to see this new bundle in action, along with the amazing, new March kit and extras from Elle’s Studio? Take a look at the layout process video that I created:

You can purchase the Title Builder Vol. 4 bundle, which includes the stamp and the puffy stickers, for 15% off the retail price, only while supplies last!

Also, to celebrate this new release, the three previous versions of Title Builder are in stock and ON SALE in the Elle’s Studio shop! I truly hope you love creating with them as much as I do!

Thanks so much for stopping by on this exciting day, and happy creating with Title Builder Vol. 4!

*Affiliate links used at no extra cost to you. Clicking through my links is a way to say, "Thanks for inspiring me," and helps to support this feed!

The Perfect Kits for Summer Creating + A Special Discount For My Readers!

Hello and thanks for coming by my blog today! SCT Magazine creates the best kits, and the summer SCT Delivered kits, which include the Summer Dreams scrapbook kit, Make a Wish card kit are now available in the shop! Not only do you receive a kit packed full of product from your favorite manufacturers, you will also receive an exclusive stamp, cut files and printables, as well as full-color instructions for each of the design team projects created using the kit! Buying this kit is a great way to get your layouts created quickly and beautifully!

I was able to work with the Summer Dreams scrapbook kit, and I’m excited to share my layouts and card with you today, as well as a special discount! First, let’s start with my double-page spread:

This fun page took its color scheme from the multi-colored stripe paper on the left and includes three 4” x 6” and two 4” x 4” photos. To keep your eye moving across the spread, I added the fun cardstock, patterned paper, die cut and tag circles, which add the fun!

My favorite part is this multi-product title that I created using the exclusive digital die cuts, exclusive stamp and small puffy alphabet stickers. To add more color, I stamped “ beach love” above in several colors.

The exclusive printables here: the painted yellow tag, “memories” tab, and sweet bikini tag created the perfect group of embellishments and journaling here at the top right corner. I loved creating this fun layout about an awesome day with family and friends at the beach!

How about a sweet and simple card? Layering patterned paper and stitching it together provided some texture on this card. Exclusives in the kit—the “sun” stamp and sparkly “shine” foam word, along with the pink “hello” die cut created the greeting. To amp up the cuteness factor, the bee die cut finished off the card! I love cards that can be used for any occasion, and this is certainly one of them!

My final layout, a 12” x 12” single page layout, started off with product: the cockatoo card! I knew I had a photo of my daughter in Hawaii holding a white cockatoo, so I printed two 3” x 4” photos and got to work! I decided to go for a BOLD, floral, tropical feel on this page, and I cut the colorful ray paper on the background, leaving only the colors I wanted to show on this page, and backed it with the dark blue pattern. From there, it was all about layering!

Layers of cardstock, patterned paper, printable tag, die cuts and fussy-cut flowers surround my photos, where the colorful rays draw your eye. I love the exclusive stamp so much, and I used it to stamp “vacation memories” on the rays at the bottom left corner, where I also added the date of our trip.

My title was fussy-cut with the “hello” patterned paper card, and the “sunshine” exclusive digital die cut word. I love the sweet memory that this page records, and especially when product helps me remember a memory that would have otherwise been forgotten.

Now for your special discount! Purchase either the Summer Dreams scrapbook kit or the Make a Wish card kit today and receive a 10% discount, using the code

Meghann10

Don’t miss out on these beautiful kits, available only while supplies last! Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy summer creating!

American Crafts Saturday Afternoon Collection: Live a Life You Love

Hey there! I’m here to share a brand new layout with you today, using the beautiful, latest collaboration between 1Canoe2 and American Crafts, Saturday Afternoon*. I grew up in the countryside of Kentucky, and this collection just feels like going home to me!

The beautiful naturalistic colors and images evoked the outdoors, and I decided to document my daughter’s first experience holding a turtle, that my brother had found while mowing. The excitement on her face said it all, and I wanted to include three different photos to capture the moment.

Printing these photos at 2” x 3” meant that I could fit a column of them on the left side, and accent with a triangle of embellishment around them. To add some color to my background, I used the amazing Vicki Boutin art crayons, which are still a staple in my mixed-media arsenal!

It doesn’t get much better than that Mason jar of sweet iced tea for me! These products just scream “summer in the south!” but the beautiful colors and hand-painted patterns can be used for any type of project! Check out the process video that I created here, to see how this layout came together:

Thanks so much for checking out my new layout and video! I hope you’ll subscribe to my feed so that you don’t miss any new videos from me. Happy creating!

*Clicking these links will take you to the Scrapbook.com shop, and when you purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale. It doesn't cost you any extra, so thanks so much for your support!

Gina K. Mega Wreath Builder Template: Wish Upon a Star

When I attended Creativation this year, I saw Gina K. Design’s Mega Wreath Builder* Template in action for the first time. Just like the Mini Wreath Builder template, which is perfect for creating a precise circle of stamped elements on cards, the Mega Wreath Builder does the same in a larger size! I immediately thought that it would be perfect for a scrapbook page, and I paired it up with Shimelle’s Head in the Clouds collection to create a new layout to share with you today.

Supplies | Gina K. Mega Wreath Builder template + Memory Misti or Mega Wreath Builder template (if you already have a Memory Misti), All Star stamp, Head in the Clouds Let’s Dream paper, Look to the Stars paper, Believe in Magic paper, Kiss a Frog paper, Head in the Clouds ephemera, Head in the Clouds cardstock stickers, Head in the Clouds chipboard stickers

Creating a wreath for my photo made it the perfect focal point for this layout that records a special moment at Disney World, and the “Wish Upon a Star” title was perfect for this magical page!

I took my color inspiration from the Head in the Clouds Look to the Stars paper. This colorful striped pattern was perfect for adding to my page background.

To add a diagonal line of embellishment on my page, the Head in the Clouds cardstock stickers, chipboard and ephemera added more magical touches, and spread those stars that I started with in my wreath, around the page.

Watch how I created my star wreath using the Gina K. Mega Wreath Builder template + Memory Misti. This bundle is currently on sale at Gina K. Designs for only $99, the price of the Misti itself! In this video, you’ll see how I built my wreath of stars around my photo, adding different colors and mediums to really bring your eye to my photo on the page:

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today! I hope you loved seeing this page, as much as I loved creating it with the Mega Wreath Builder template! Happy creating!

*Clicking these links will take you to the Gina K. Designs shop, and when you purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale. It doesn't cost you any extra, so thanks so much for your support!

Altenew Live Your Dream Scrapbook Collection Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

I am so excited that the new Altenew scrapbook collection, Live Your Dream* is now live and in the Altenew shop! The Live Your Dream Scrapbook Collection is a bright and elegant line that you can use to document any occasion. From the little daily moments, you want to remember forever to bigger milestones like parties and birthdays.

All of the products in this collection are very versatile and you can use them for many different projects such as 12x12 layouts, pocket scrapbooking, cards, home decor, and much more.

This collection contains

• 16 sheets of 12x12 double-sided patterned papers (2 of each/16 different designs)

• 2 6"x12" sheets of puffy alphabet stickers (220 pieces)

• 2 6"x12" sheets of chipboard stickers (38 pieces)

• 2 6"x12" sheets of clear stickers (31 pieces)

• 1 pack of wood epoxy buttons (20 pieces)

• 1 pack of die-cut cardstock embellishments (32 pieces)   

I was so excited to document a momentous occasion with these new products, my 10 year wedding anniversary, and a fancy dinner out in London!

Supplies | Live Your Dream scrapbook collection, Mega Number Die #1, Mega Number Die #0, Mega Greetings 2 Stamp

To tie in the beautiful surroundings in the restaurant to my layout, I cut colorful diamonds out of the brightly watercolored patterned paper.

I also loved adding the big #10 using the Mega Dies!

Why not check out how I put this page together in my process video:

Giveaways: To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 6 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or Altenew Scrapbook Blog by 2/28/2019 for a chance to win. 6 winners will be announced on the Altenew blogs on 3/3/2019.

Head to the other creatives in the hop to see more inspiration using these fantastic new products:

Altenew Scrapbook Blog

Paige Evans

Enza Gudor

Kathleen Graumüller

Jen Schow

Zinia Redo

Bea Valint

Raquel Bowman

Sandra Dietrich

Amanda Baldwin

Maryam Perez

Svitlana Shayevich

Missy Whidden

Altenew Card Blog

Nathalie DeSousa

Kymona Tracey

Patricia Roebuck

Lydia Evans

Terhi Koskinen

Lilith Eeckels

Meghann Andrew (you are here)

Reiko Tsuchida

Flóra Mónika Farkas

Virginia Lu

Kim Jeffress

Elsie Robinson

Laurie Willison

Kelly Janes

Erum Tasneem

Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy creating with this beautiful, new collection!

*Clicking these links will take you to the Altenew shop, and when you purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale. It doesn't cost you any extra, so thanks so much for your support!

American Crafts & Shimelle's Sparkle City: A Delightful, Wonderful Day

I am so excited about my friend Shimelle’s latest collection for American Crafts: Sparkle City! This fun and energetic collection features everything from cityscapes to cotton candy, and a beautiful range of color and graphics. Today, I’m so happy to share my first project using this fabulous collection:

Supplies* | Sparkle City collection: Polka Dot Pansy paper (351357), Traffic Jam paper (351353), Stay Super paper (351325), Fairy Lights paper (351355), Perfect Day paper (351356), cardstock and lenticular shapes (351333), rub-ons (351364), chipboard stickers (351331), foil foam phrase stickers (351328), foam and cardstock letter stickers (351329), washi tape spools (351337), acrylic stamps (351336); Head in the Clouds collection: Fairy Tale photos paper (349480), chipboard stickers (349469), cardstock stickers (349467), journaling pad (349471), sticker book (349473)

This layout documents my daughter and Shimelle’s Wonder Boy enjoying a fabulous day together in London, and I had fun matching the energy and happiness in the photos with the elements in Sparkle City. I began with layers of patterned paper to create my layout background, then moved on to embellishment. The best part? Sparkle City coordinates beautifully with Shimelle’s last collection, Head in the Clouds, so I was able to combine both collections to create something wonderful!

My title, created with chipboard and foam Thickers, was housed on the yellow strip of patterned paper to help it to stand out below my photos. The happy strip of washi tape added below helps to add color and interest.

Guess what? Rub-ons are back, and this collection has a fabulous set of rub-ons that go on like butter! I added the “have fun” rub-on to the Head in the Clouds journaling pad paper, then flanked it with the “important” stamp and fussy cut camera. I also LOVED using the Sparkle City stamp set to add stamped black stars around my page.

This little corner is the perfect example of how perfectly Sparkle City coordinates with Head in the Clouds! Here I used the Head in the Clouds “everyday adventurers” chipboard and fussy-cut teal camera alongside the red camera and bird die cuts from Sparkle City. This little corner makes my heart so happy!

I’d love for you to watch how this layout came together in my process video:

Be sure to watch the Scrapbook.com* store’s incoming new items each week to find the Sparkle City collection added to the “new products” section of the shop, and click “notify me” so that you can be one of the first to create something beautiful with it! Thanks for watching, and happy creating!

*Clicking these links will take you to the Scrapbook.com shop, and when you purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale. It doesn't cost you any extra, so thanks so much for your support!

American Crafts Journal Studio Notebook: Lizzy 2018

I’m so excited to be sharing my first project using the Journal Studio Collection* from American Crafts! I’ve decided to document 2018 from my daughter’s perspective, creating two spreads for each month of her year. I want these spreads to focus on her interests, her activities and the highlights of her year. The Journal Studio Collection was perfect for this task, as everything coordinates perfectly and takes the guesswork out of creating!

Supplies | (If an item is not available, click “notify me when in stock” to grab it when it is back in the shop!) American Crafts Journal Studio Collection: Watercolor Stripe journal kit, Hello journal insert, Amy Tan sticker book, Amy Tan washi tape, Journal Studio sticker book, Journal Studio ephemera, Journal Studio mini puffy stickers, Journal Studio Dreams paper clips, Good Vibes Only gel pens; Sunshine and Good Times Collection: Rainbow Love paper, Shine Bright paper, Major Heart Eyes paper; Other: Dear Lizzy Lovely Day Thickers, Dear Lizzy clothespins (I like to keep my notebooks open with these when photographing)

I started off with a photograph from my daughter’s birthday in January, keeping the pages and layers super simple, and non-dimensional. Both the Amy Tan sticker book and Journal Studio sticker book have so many options for awesome embellishment, it was hard to choose what designs to select!

These alphabet stickers were included in the Journal Studio sticker book, and could not have been more perfect for adding a title in that speech bubble sticker!

This is my favorite spread from my creative session, and documents my daughter’s first experience with snow at our home in Texas. I just love the color scheme on this page—those sherbet colors are perfect for each month of the year!

The sweet heart stickers radiating out of the lovely die-cut house from the Journal Studio ephemera created the perfect embellishment for this spread.

I kept this rainbow paper for just such an occasion, and I love the way it tied both halves of my spread together here, on this layout that documents my daughter’s besties and a trip to the zoo.

Watch this process video, as I create these pages, and talk all about how I’m tackling this extra project at the end of the year:

Thanks so much for stopping by and watching my video! I’d love to hear what you think about traveler’s notebooks and the new Journal Studio collection. You can check out the products I used in the gallery below, available at Scrapbook.com! (If an item is not available, click “notify me when in stock” to grab it when it is back in the shop!)

*Clicking these links will take you to the Scrapbook.com shop, and when you purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale. It doesn't cost you any extra, so thanks so much for your support!

Close to My Heart Craft with Heart November Kit: Holly Jolly Snow Days

Living in Texas, we hardly ever get to experience snow, which I hate for my daughter. I always enjoyed the changing of the seasons, and the first snowfall of the year was always a magical day for me. On Boxing Day 2017, we woke to a beautiful, fresh morning of a few inches of snow, and I bundled my girl up and pushed her out the door to enjoy it. Today I’m documenting her excitement playing in the snow using the Close to My Heart Craft with Heart November Kit!

This kit could not have been more perfect to for these photos. The colors and the subject of what I needed to document seemed to be made for this layout! Once I had my photos placed, I tweaked the title a bit by adding the playful Erin’s Hand Alphabet Stamp to what would have been the journaling tag, to add the word “snow.” I love how it adds to the page, and that pink heart on top of the tag gave such a bright pop of color to the title!

I also loved adding some coordinating embellishments to this spread, like the gorgeous Oh What Fun felt shapes for added texture, the white pearls to bring that snowy pearlescence and the Sugarplum glitter gems for a bit of sparkle!

I stamped the “enjoying today” sentiment from the Boutique Scrapbooking: Day-to-Day set and added my journaling above and below my photos, with printed cardstock strips.

Check out how this layout came together quickly and easily in such a beautiful way, in the process video I’m sharing on my YouTube feed:

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube feed (you can find a link in the right sidebar >>> ) to see what I create with next month’s Craft with Heart kit! Until then, happy creating!

Documenting Change with American Crafts Field Notes Collection

I’ve had a really cool photo taken of myself in front of a mural wall for years, just sitting with my printed photos. Then the Field Notes collection* came to my desk, and the perfect product married with the photo to tell a story about change in my life, and I’m excited to share this new 8-1/2” x 11” layout with you today!

The colors in my photo could not have been more perfect with the bold and saturated colors in the Field Notes collection, and the phrases found in the Field Notes embellishments fit my subject perfectly: change in my life. This was a subject that I don’t think I could have journaled about when the photo was taken in 2015, but today, I’m embracing change, and pushing myself to be better in all aspects of my life.

While I was putting this layout together, I created a short process video all about the design decisions that I made! I’d love for you to grab a cuppa and watch how the product and my story came together on this fun page.

The Field Notes collection provided so many fun patterns and embellishments on this layout, and the best thing about it is that the colors and subjects in it are so varied that I could use it again and again with completely different results! Check out the gallery links to Scrapbook.com below where you can find all of the product I used to create this page. Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy creating this weekend!

*Clicking these links will take you to the Scrapbook.com shop, and when you purchase, I receive a small percentage of the sale. It doesn't cost you any extra, so thanks so much for your support!

U.S.S. Midway Layout + Pocket Page with Process Video

The April kit and extras* from Elle's Studio are so fabulous, I've created another project to share with you today, and this is my favorite type of project—a layout and pocket page combination! I created this project about a wonderful day that we spent on the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego, California.

(*All product links contained in this post are affiliate links. You don't pay any extra, but I get a small percentage of your sale! Thanks for your continued support of my YouTube feed and this blog!)

Supplies | April 2018 kit, April 2018 cut files, February Blank Label Stickers, Everyday Goodness stickers, Banner stickers, Currently wood veneer tabs, Adventure puffy stickers, Yellow puffy alphabet stickers, Puffy star stickers, Acrylic stars, Currently stamp, Mini Dated stamp, Noteworthy double-sided journaling tags, Noteworthy 6" x 6" paper stack, Noteworthy 12" x 12" paper collection

I love pairing layouts and pocket pages when I have a lot of photos to document without a lot of time. This day was certainly worth the multiple pages.

I loved creating this custom embellishment with the April 2018 cut files, Currently stamp and Adventure puffy stickers

The new Mini Dated stamp was perfect for adding the date to this die-cut from the April 2018 kit.

While creating, I filmed a video so that you could see my process! Grab a cuppa and have a look:

I also added to the pockets on the back side of this spread, and continued the star theme:

With such a fantastic choice of tags, die-cuts and embellishments this month, this spread was easy, and so fun to put together! Be sure to check out all of the new product in the Elle's Studio shop, including the Noteworthy collection! 

Elle's Studio March 2018 Reveal!

The March 2018 Elle's Studio kit and add-ons* are live, and full of color and spring themes for your paper crafting projects! I filmed an unboxing video, so that you can see each piece from the latest release here: 

(*All product links contained in this post are affiliate links. You don't pay any extra, but I get a small percentage of your sale! Thanks for your continued support of my YouTube feed and this blog!) 

The colors in the March 2018 kit are really amazing! From rainbow stripes to a bold kelly green and beautiful cerulean blue, this kit offers a wide palette to choose from:

Talk about color! These add-ons are full of color and possibilities for your paper crafting projects! From left to right, you can see: little acrylic hearts, Happy Moments stamp, March labels, puffy star stickers, Days of the Week chipboard stickers, rainbow acrylic, One of a Kind wood veneer, Big Moment phrase stickers, cerulean blue puffy alphabet stickers, vellum and wood veneer bunnies.

Finally, you can get more "bang for your buck" with these awesome Happy Day printables and March digital cut files:

With all of the gorgeous color in this month's kit, I was inspired to document a photo full of colorful balloons, from our most recent trip to Disneyland. 

One of a Kind Disney Moment by Meghann Andrew – supplies used | March 2018 Kit, March Labels, One of a Kind Wood Veneer, Cerulean Blue Puffy Alphabet Stickers, Puffy Star Stickers, Happy Moments Stamp, Family Fun 12" x 12" Paper Collection, Live Laugh Love 12" x 12" Paper Collection

Watch this process video to see how the page came together, and how I created that fun title from several of the add-ons this month!

I will be sharing my second layout created this month here later today, but until then, you can shop the items that I used in my One of a Kind Disney Moment layout here:

Dear Lizzy Stay Colorful: Treat YoSelf

Hello! The newest collections from American Crafts are my favorite from the recent Creativation show releases, and today I'm sharing a layout created with the Stay Colorful collection* from Dear Lizzy! I love that the color scheme on this collection is so wide. From deep blues and bright pinks, to warm fall-toned hues like I used below, you can document a wide range of memories with this collection. (*All product links contained in this post are affiliate links. You don't pay any extra, but I get a small percentage of your sale! Thanks for your continued support of my YouTube feed and this blog!)

This photo was taken after a REALLY hard "mom day." My husband saw that I needed a break, and took my daughter away, leaving me to re-charge my batteries over a cappuccino and macaron on a recent trip to Seattle. I snapped this photo after crying a bit, and calling my mom. (As you do in these kind of circumstances.) 

Even though this wasn't necessarily a happy moment, it deserved to be documented, and how better than with a pretty photo and beautiful product to match? I initially reached for the Stay Colorful collection because of the lovely "treat Yo self" tag in the ephemera pack, which matched the colors in my photo perfectly. 

On my white cardstock background, I wanted to add a bit of soft color. I almost reached for my watercolors, but then remembered the All the Good Things Art Crayons from Vicki Boutin. When rubbed on a piece of plastic and brushed with a stiff blender brush in a circular motion on the white cardstock, I created a beautiful glow to back my embellishment and frame my photo.

The "Groovy" patterned paper was perfect for fussy-cutting and adding these large florals to frame my photo. I also added a large feather die-cut from the All the Good Things ephemera pack to ground the flowers. Below, I stamped the word "relax" in dark yellow ink with the Stay Colorful clear acrylic alphabet stamps. (These are SUCH a great deal at only $3.49!)

These Stay Colorful foiled cardstock stickers are really beautiful, and I added this one at the top of my photo to bring some teal up to the top corner of my page. I also grabbed the "my happy place" banner from the All the Good Things finishing embellishments to layer over the floral. Stamping a few of the asterisks from the Stay Colorful clear acrylic alphabet stamps to add to the diagonal line of embellishment, which goes right through my photo, finished off my page. 

I loved creating this 8-1/2" x 11" layout! It came together so quickly by using these gorgeous products that had me so inspired! Be sure to check out all of the product I used today via this gallery, ON SALE now at Scrapbook.com! Thanks for stopping by!

SCT Winter Issue: For the Love of Travel

I was so excited when we received our assignments for the Scrapbook and Cards Today winter issue because we were to document something that we loved. Well, aside from my family, my next love is travel! I love going new places, eating new foods and taking in the culture wherever I go. It was only natural that this is what I decided to document for the issue. 

So, I sat down to create my layout, and made a single 12" x 12" layout. 

I loved my layout, and was so happy with how it turned out. It wasn't until I went to send it to the editor for review, when I saw that I had the assignment wrong... it was supposed to be a 12" x 12" double page spread! After my initial moment of panic wore off, I decided to take a deep breath and challenge myself to making this the right side of a double page spread, and what I created ended up being one of my favorite layouts from 2017, using the Escape the Ordinary collection from Pinkfresh Studio. (*All product links contained in this post are affiliate links. You don't pay any extra, but I get a small percentage of your sale! Thanks for your continued support of my YouTube feed and this blog!)

Supplies | Pinkfresh Studio Escape the Ordinary collection at Scrapbook.com: Explore Patterned Paper, Dare Patterned Paper, Wander Patterned Paper, Fabric Die Cut Pieces, Leatherette Alpha Stickers, Layered Tags, Clear Acrylic Stamp; at Simon Says Stamp: Puffy Stickers, Ephemera Die Cuts, Chipboard Stickers

My challenge, after I created a single-page layout that I loved, was to create a complementary page to that layout, and I feel like I did just that with the left side of the spread. You can see how I created my initial page, including how I used the print and cut method on my Silhouette Cameo to add a circular photo to my layout, as well as the decisions I made when I made this a double-page spread instead of a single page, on the following process video:

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope this video has shown you that there are no "accidents" in crafting—only opportunities for more creativity! Happy creating! 

Elle's Studio December 2017 Reveal!

We at Elle's Studio are so excited to finish of 2017 on a high note with a new exclusive kit and coordinating add-ons! Take a look at all of the new product on offer with this unboxing video! (*All product links contained in this post are affiliate links. You don't pay any extra, but I get a small percentage of your sale! Thanks for your continued support!) 

This month, there are so many products to get your December memories documented, as well as get ready for a new year to begin! Let's take a look at the December 2017 Kit:

What a great mix of 3" x 4", 4" x 6" and die-cuts to use on any project! To coordinate with the kit, we also have some great add-ons to add to your box this month.

From left to right, we have: Vellum Holiday Shapes, Time Stamp (which coordinates with the Dated Stamp!), Winter Wood Veneer Words, Twinkle Puffy Stickers, December Labels, Hello Winter Chipboard, 'Tis the Season Wood Veneer Labels, Gray Cardstock Alphabet Stickers, Monthly Puffy Stickers, First Things First Stamp

Also on offer this month: the great Winter Favorites Printables and December 2017 Digital Cut File to use over and over again on your projects!

I started out with the Christmas tree from the December 2017 Digital Cut File on my background when I created this layout about our kick-off to Christmas last year in Hawaii. 

Supplies | December 2017 Kit, December 2017 Digital Cut File, Twinkle Puffy Stickers, Hello Winter Chipboard, Red Puffy Alphabet Stickers, Green Puffy Alphabet Stickers, First Things First Stamp, Document December Stamp, Family Fun 6" x 6" Paper Stack

I was completely inspired by the Twinkle Puffy Stickers to create an oversized, colorfully decorated tree on my layout to document this colorful celebration of Christmas in Hawaii. 

I absolutely had to use the lyrics to one of my favorite Christmas songs by Bing Crosby, Mele Kalikimaka, for my title. You can see how this layout came together in the following process video!

You can find all of the product used on this layout in this easy-to-shop gallery:

Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy creating!