More than just a layout.....

Many people think that scrapbooking is all about doing this magnificent layout....well it can be just more than that.  One can do the albums or cards, but the newest thing is to make items that are unique and useful.  I've made 2 items shown below that are just as cool as a card or layout. 

I had come across this box which was just an unfinished brown box.  I began to think that maybe I could add some pizazz to it.  I painted the box brown and then put on some patterned paper to it.  To finish it off I used some Mod Podge to seal it all in.  Now I'm able to display it and take my Stickles with me anywhere I go.  They fit so perfectly in it!  What can you come up with to store your scrapbook supplies or hidden treasures?

I love shopping in scrapbooking stores (much to my husband's demise) and finding kits to make.  I found a kit to make a little item and this is what I made.

It took some time to put it all together and make sure that I stuck well.  I used Liquid Glass that I have from Close To My Heart.  It is a great adhesive for all things.....I've even glued cracked plates with it!!!!  Once I cut all the pieces of patterned paper out I once again used Mod Podge to adhese the paper to the wood.  Once that was all done and put together, then the true fun began.  I used some organdy ribbon and tied it around it.  As well I added a beautiful flower around it.  Plus, since I'm a Stickle addict I added some dots and trim around the edges and it was complete.  Now my only problem is what to do with it or who to give it to?????  Any takers??? 

Remember to always think outside the box and literally you can come up with some really great keepsakes or gifts.  Nothing is ever impossible just let your imagination soar!  

Be-jeweled

Sometimes, when you least expect it you find your latest scrapbooking fetish.  Well, this is exactly what has happened to me while strolling through a Dollarama Store.  I came across jewels.....I'm into the blingy thing lately.  There were 3 packs that I bought in various colors for a steal of a deal.....900 jewels for less than $5!!!!!  So this is what I came up with!!!!

This is a sample of what you can do with non-conventional scrapbooking items.  Hope you like it and it gives you something else to be on the lookout for!  Happy Shopping and Scrapbooking!!!!

Chalk It Up....

I just finished this layout and wanted to share it with you all.  It's a relatively simple and easy layout to have completed.  The part I want to take notice is the journaling part.  Sometimes we find that journaling isn't all that exciting and perhaps boring to do.  But, think about the benefits of down the road when perhaps you can't remember each and every detail.  Perhaps others will be able to understand what you were thinking and feeling either at the time the photo(s) were taken or while you scrapbooked the layout.  Here's a close up picture of what I did to the journaling:



I simply used a journaling safe marker and let it dry.  Then I took some chalk as it will still allow the pen mark to show through.  It gives it enough jump without taking away from the journaling and the rest of the layout. 

As you can see in the rest of the layout, I used all Close To My Heart cardstock and paper along with it's Stickers which are also tough and strong.  I am a self-proclaimed Stickle addict and try to use it on all my layouts.  I highlighted the flower and the arrows with it. 

So now I want you to go out and experiment with doing something to highlight your journaling!  Be creative and think outside the box!!!

3-D...

Celebrating anniversaries, birthdays or the holidays is something that so many of us I'm sure love to do. My aunt and uncle just recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. We had been invited over to their place and it was a wonderful meal and time to visit and share family time. I love making items to share whether it's a card or something like this. I found this kit to make this at my local scrapbook store (Gone Scrappin' In Bloom) and began immediately to make it for them. They are also going on an Alaskan Cruise so I thought that this would be very fitting for them to capture some highlights from their trip. They both loved it and seeing their expressions was priceless!!! I now can't wait to see what they will put for pictures inside!

The latest thing that we have taken a liking to at our house is 3D movies. My son Tim and I got the chance to see 2 of them this year with my sister's family! One was the most amazing Avatar. Unfortunately the true deeper meaning of the movie was hard for young kids to understand but I absolutely loved it. The second movie we went to see was How To Train Your Dragon!!! This was an absolute hit for the younger kids!

Just as 3D movies are amazing, so are making 3D items. The latest 2 that I have made were so much fun and I really got thinking at just how much I do enjoy making them. They are so quick to finish and sure can brighten up a plain ol' item. This first one was just a plain yellow velvety box and for a challenge on a scrapbook site we had to alter an item that you chose. This is the end result. The "Smooch Box" is not what you may be thinking...it has nothing to do with kissing but I am a huge fan of Smooch, either the paint or the spritz. So I needed a container for my Smooch paint. The picture is shown above.

So, no matter what occasion, you don't necessarily have to go out and buy a special gift, or buy some kind of storage container to decorate....you can take what you have at home or buy a kit and make a cherished gift! Doing something with your own two hands is something that feels so good inside and knowing that you made a difference to yourself or a loved one is something that money can never ever buy!

New beginnings...

It's hard to believe that it's the middle of September already. My goodness, time flies fast. My one and only child, Tim has started grade 2 and I'm back to being all alone during the time he's in school. I'm not quite sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing but it is what it is.

I've been feeling a bit rejuvenated about scrapbooking. My mind's feeling like I'm going about 200 mph!!! I want to try to do so many things and am sometimes not sure where to start.

A short while ago I tried out for the BoBunny Design Team. Unfortunately, I didn't make the cut. I did have a lot of fun and felt like I've spread out my wings. So in saying that, I've decided to give trying out for other ones and will be working on that in the short while.

In saying that, alot of the auditions require that you have a blog, so even though it's only September, I'm going to try and keep this up to date with scrapbooking related stuff. I'm working on uploading some of my all time favorite layouts, cards and 3 dimensional items that I've made in hopes to inspire you to do the same!

Well, back I go to organizing my phots and preparing to upload them for you all to enjoy! I would love to hear feedback, so please post and post often! Have a fantastic day!!!