The five items I picked out for my pick 5 challenge are the Oakley Avenue die cuts from Pretty Little Studio, a background stamp of vines, some Studio Calico tiny phrase stickers, a set of tags from an old Colorbok set, and a My Mind's Eye 6x6 paper pad! Now, I must say that this may be one of my best stash bashing layouts yet. I won't spoil the surprise, so you'll have to watch the video below. I hope you enjoy this layout process and don't be afraid to challenge yourself.



Can you believe how many things I finished with this layout! Those Sassafras floral stickers are so old and I am glad that they are used up! Now, this layout starts off with a background of green chevron paper from the DCWV Mini Album paper stack. I adore the color scheme in this paper stack and decided to use this for my main paper pieces. I used two other pieces of paper from this stack including the polka dot green and the coral floral paper. To mat the photo however, I used a pick 5 item which was the  My Mind's Eye paper pad. Which is now completely empty! This is the second paper pad in the history of forever that I have ever finished up (besides smaller scraps). Both paper pads were actually completed the latter half of the year. Have any of you ever completed a paper pad?


The clusters on this layout make me oh so happy. There is a lot of variation of textures and elements that truly make the layout shine. The cluster to the left of the photo is mainly made up on Oakley Avenue die cut pieces. There are also some of the tag elements tucked in to the paper layers of the photo. I used a transparent button with a Freckled Fawn heart sticker on top of that. It's like a DIY embellishment that one of the big stores would charge you five dollars for!


I don't do a lot of stamping on my layouts, but on this one I really enjoyed it! This background stamp was sent to me in a RAK and I absolutely love it! I used some Colorbox Chestnut Roan ink. My title is made up of a die cut from Oakley Avenue and some Webster's Pages letters that spell out "adventuring". That may or may not be an actual word, but I liked it a lot.


For this baby cluster, I used an October Afternoon tab die cut from the Cakewalk collection. I used a Studio Calico word sticker from my pick 5 items on top of that. Although this is a smaller cluster, It still helps create a diagonal movement across the page with the repetition of the Sassafras flower stickers.


A small cluster in the opposite corner usually helps balance out the layout. This one features a word piece from the Oakley Avenue die cut set, some small tags from the Colorbok set. I made this into a small banner piece to make it feel more cohesive. If I'm being honest, I would've loved to stitch across this little cluster. It would've added so much detail to this layout. I used my Smashbook roller date stamp in Colorbox Chestnut Roan ink. This photo was taken while we were walking our pup in the backyard and the leaves were at their peak colors.


I'm beyond happy that 2016 brought me so many new followers, more inspiration and motivation that I could imagine, and so much time to actually do what I love. Although things will change in 2017, I still plan to carve out time for creativity every week. It's important to make time for what you love to do and I hope that all of you get to do the same. I wish you all the happiest of new years! Thanks for stopping by and always supporting my work!

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

K & Company Smash Roller Stamp

Similar: Lucky Dip Twine 32yds - Natural
from: Blitsy

Similar: Hemptique NATURAL Hemp Cord Twine 029256
from: Simon Says Stamp

Clearsnap ColorBox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan

Clearsnap ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink Pad - Chestnut Roan
from: Blitsy

Clearsnap Colorbox CHESTNUT ROAN Brown Chalk Ink Pad 710036
from: Simon Says Stamp

Heidi Swapp TEA Color Shine 369363
from: Simon Says Stamp

American Crafts Heidi Swapp Tea Color Shine

If you ever had the chance to meet my lovely cat, you would realize that he is not the most masculine cat. He is very skiddish and loves cuddles. In order to honor his personality, I decided to use these dimensional flower stickers from Michael's to give it a dainty feel. In this particular cluster, I incorporated an arrow die cut from Pretty Little Studio's Oakley Avenue collection. There's also a bundle of thread underneath the sticker element to add more texture. The tiny number stickers are from Tim Holtz.


Around the smaller photo, I did another floral sticker element. I built this cluster out a little bit more, since it was a smaller photo. I used another piece from the Oakley Avenue (leaf), a Michael's ticket die cut, a Project Life wood veneer, and a Tim Holtz label sticker. There's some more thread bundled underneath and some silver pearls.


To incorporate another pop of yellow, I snuck this tiny diagonal striped pocket under my photo. I couldn't leave it alone, so I grabbed an Elle's Studio sticker that says "I heart you" and a puffy cat sticker. I love these tiny cat stickers! I hope you are all inspired and that your spirits are a little more lifted! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

This layout starts with this fun gray and white chevron paper from DCWV's Mini Album Paper Pad. I took both photos of the tree line in our yard and decided to mount them on to white cardstock and then some orange cardstock. I find that mounting photos like this is a great way to use up that hoard of colored cardstock. To the left of the photos, I wanted to incorporate some banners to add more interest. I cut two papers from the DCWV Mint and Lace paper stack into banner shapes. Then, the smaller gray banner is from Joann's.


I tried to mimic the contrast in the photos between the silhouettes of the trees and the sky by incorporating black elements. This live sticker is a puffy sticker from Heidi Swapp. It is next to a satin bow from a kit I picked up. I used some of the gems you see here across the entire page and they are from Studio Calico.


Above that, I created another cluster. This "right now" piece is from Project Life the Kiwi Collection. I have had a really difficult time using this acetate pieces, but enjoy the challenge! I have a tiny word sticker from Carpe Diem that says "24/7".


I used another Heidi Swapp puffy sticker to add a geo tag to my title cluster. The teeny tiny alphabet stickers are from Teresa Collins and then the main title is made up of American Crafts Thickers. I love how the title goes in two directions as it adds a lot of interest to the page. Although, I do wish that my vertical title was a little more straight, haha.


To create a more balanced feel, I decided to put a tiny cluster in the top left corner. I used black polka dot washi tape to create a base. Then, pulled out these two phrase stickers. The black one is from Tim Holtz and the other is from Carpe Diem again. I included a puffy star sticker from Heidi Swapp andd more blue gems.


Lastly, I created a cluster in the bottom right corner. I used  three different washi tapes in the cluster. The light blue stripe and the blue polka dot are both Recollections winter washi tapes. I cut out the hearts from an Elle's Studio cut apart sheet. I tried again to incorporate different contrasts in this cluster. I hope you enjoyed this layout that doesn't feature people and I hope it encourages you to try something similar. Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

Products:

WPlus9 Stamps:
Pretty Patches: Pumpkin Stamp Set
Pick of the Litter Stamp Set
Holiday Hugs Stamp Set
Wishing You Sentiments Stamp Set

Hallmark Scrapbook:
Wink of Stella Clear Glitter
Darice Sequin Mix
Lawn Fawn - Cutie Pie Stamp Set
Lawn Fawn - Winter Sparrows Stamp Set

Freckled Fawn:
Yellow/Pink Resin Flowers
Rubber Banners
Wood Chips - Script Words
White Puffy Alphabet Stickers

My Sentiments Exactly:
Christmas Spirit Stamp Set
Feel Well Stamp Set
Graduate Stamp Set
Sympathy Stamp Set

Sweet Stamp Shop:
Christmas is Coming Stamp Set
Rambun Stamp Set

Elle's Studio:
Cienna Blank Labels
Cienna Journaling Tags
Let's Eat Bits & Pieces
Let's Eat Blank Labels
Let's Eat Jounaling Tags
Let's Eat Stickers
Joyful Bits & Pieces
Joyful Journaling Tags
Joyful Stickers
Thankful Cut Outs

iDiecut
Echo Park 50 Pack Freedom Page Protectors
Metropolitan Girl Enamel Dots
Fall is in the Air Enamel Dots
Snow Fun Enamel Dots

Gifted Items:
Lawn Fawn - Love You Tons Stamp Set
Lawn Fawn - Hedgehugs Stamp Set

Thank you all so much for watching! I hope you enjoyed! Thanks for stopping by!

All of the papers used on these two pages are from the My Mind's Eye Sleigh Bells collection. It is an older collection, but some beautiful papers! I cut them to the appropriate pocket sixes for each section. As for the photos, many of you know that I always use the classic 4x6 photo printing size. Then, I trim many of those 4x6 photos down to 3x4 as well so everything works with the pocket page sizing.


For the large portrait oriented filler card, I used a festive pocket to make a journaling spot using a tag. The pocket is from the same line of the papers. To incorporate a little more glitz, I slipped a gold doily under the pocket. I used some Tim Holtz Seasonal word stickers for some additional detail.


This reindeer/deer head paper is one of my favorites from this collection. On this filler card which doubles as a journaling spot too. I used a green label from Elle's Studio, another Tim Holtz tiny word sticker, a Recollection heart tag, and a Studio Calico "morning" phrase die cut. This cluster adds a lot to the layout with all of the layering.


This is one of my absolute favorite cards on this page because of this adorable mini envelope! There is a little note card in there too which is so cute! I used black thread to add more texture, a sticker from My Mind's Eye, and some gold gems.


The main title is on the matching page, but for this page I decided to put the year in some large stickers. The combo of red, green, and kraft is a perfect color combo for Christmas layouts. Let's hop on to the other side of the layout!


This is what I would consider the main page to the double page layout. To match the other layout I of course used the same paper line. I used a different style page protector to add more interest across the pages. I try to either have an even amount of photos to fillers to give a balance when possible.


This filler card uses the same type of tag on the other page along with a sticker from October Afternoon and a flair badge from My Mind's Eye. The sticker I wanted to point out is actually a gift tag sticker that says to and from on it. I incorporated this by flipping it around to hide that little bit! A great tip to use some not so perfect items as well.


I really enjoyed making this little filler card as well. I used one of my classic doilies to add texture and on top of that to add even more interest, I used a gold-dipped canvas tag. The large green circular sticker is from the coordinating sticker sheet from My Mind's Eye. I bought all of these goodies from them in a bundle deal.


This is my last official holiday themed post for this season and I'm sad to see it end, but happy for the new year! I hope you all enjoy everything that I have shared and have gotten some inspiration out of it. Thank you all so much for stopping by and happy holidays!

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

I used patterned paper around my photo from both DCWV and My Mind's Eye. I love how the gold and foiling add so much dimension to this layout. As you can see, I also did a bit of stenciling on this layout with two different stencils! Normally, I would only use one stencil, but decided to challenge myself even more. The triangular pattern is from Teresa Collins and used with Heidi Swapp Gold Modeling Paste. The polka dot stencil is from Heidi Swapp and uses Liquitex white modeling paste.


I used a black doily on this layout to provide some much needed contrast from the many white patterns. The one Christmas element I included on this layout was this dimensional tree sticker from Studio G. The color scheme was so perfect that I had to use it! I added a few of the gold Thicker elements around the photo cluster as well.


The title on this layout is probably my absolute favorite part of the entire thing! I love how the outline of it almost looks like a Christmas tree. It was one of those happy accident design things. I used two different sets of American Crafts Thickers to create this title. I am a huge fan of mixing fonts! To finish out the "tree" shape that I mentioned earlier, I added a puffy sticker heart from Heidi Swapp.


I wanted a tiny bit to balance the rest of the layout and added this word banner from Teresa Collins. That sums up this layout to a T! I hope you feel challenged to attempt to try a layout that does not use as many themed products as one would typically use. I hope you've enjoyed. Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

I hope you are enjoying the video tutorials! If you want to see more video tutorials or have suggestions, let me know in the comments down below! This card starts off with a piece of heavy weight white or watercolor cardstock that is cut to 4" x 5 1/4". We'll be doing all of our main stamping and watercoloring on this piece. Grab those stamps and your ink! I used three small stamps from Studio G and some Staz-on Jet Black ink to create my background pattern. I did a random pattern, but a repeating pattern would look good as well. I did some simple watercoloring on this card as well by just simple filling in the images. To add some sparkle, I used some Stickles on top of all of the stars that I stamped.


The sentiment I used is also from an old Studio G stamp set. Once stamped I cut it down to be a small rectangle. I layered the sentiment piece on to some patterned paper from Oriental Trading. I put little ribbon cuts on each end of the paper and folded it to create a banner shape. In order for the card to hold the shape of this sentiment banner, I had to use foam adhesive underneath it.

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue .5oz - Diamond
from: Blitsy

Ranger Stickles DIAMOND Glitter Glue SGG17028
from: Simon Says Stamp

Similar: Zig Kuretake Gansai Tambi 12 COLOR SET
from: Simon Says Stamp

Best Creation BIG SQUARES 3-D Foam Tape Adhesive FT004
from: Simon Says Stamp

Happy holidays! We're still chugging along with the Christmas spirit as well move on to some DIY presents here on the blog. Check out my entire DIY section for more fun gift ideas and more! Let's dive in to these fun and easy gift card holders!


I have created two examples for you all to see the flexibility these gift card holders have for decorations and themes. To start your gift card holder you'll want to cut a piece of heavyweight white cardstock down to 7.5" x 6". Next, you'll want to pull out your score board and get ready to write down these measurements!


When your longest side is against the top of your scoring board, you'll score at the 2 1/4" and 5 1/4". Turn your paper so that the short end of your paper is at the top of your scoring board and score it at the 1" and 5" marks. You'll see that this scoring pattern created four of the same sized rectangles - one in each corner.


You'll want to carefully cut each of these rectangles off of the main piece. Next, fold all of your score lines in to create the envelope type shape. The bottom flap of your current envelope may not fit properly. Fold it back down and trim a tiny bit off of the bottoms of each small rectangle on both sides. It should be a very thin triangle shape that runs from the bottom right corner of the small flaps to where the small flap meets the score line of the bottom pocket flap.


In the photo above, you'll notice that there are no flaps sticking out from the pocket area. I trimmed  my flaps down so they were not visible, however this is optional. Now it's time to decorate! I prefer to decorate before the pocket is formed, but that's another personal preference.


On both of these cards I used DCWV cardstock and DCWV's winter mat stack to create these cute gift card holders! I also created festive belly bands to keep the gift cad holders shut. My belly bands were 1" x 7 3/4".


 I used a set of Michael's washi tape to decorate on top of the cardstock inside of the holders. On the top flap I used some EK Success snowflake stickers to add a winter touch. I used some old stamps from Studio G to add simple sentiments on the inside as well.


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial for easy DIY gift card holders! Gift cards are always a big hit for presents and these take it up to the next level! If you want to see more DIY gift ideas let me know in the comments below. Do you give out gift cards often? Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

Neenah Heavyweight 110lb Cover Cardstock 8.5" x 11" - Solar White
from: Blitsy

Similar: DoCrafts SILVER SNOWFLAKES Outline Stickers Create Christmas Papermania 810922
from: Simon Says Stamp

The video tutorial will probably be the best method to try and understand my organization madness. Although I will try to explain it here, but the video is a great back up. Now, for this organization tutorial, I show you how I organize photos and memorabilia from a 3 day trip that I took in September. You will need photo holders, index cards or dividers, a pen, and your memorabilia. Additional supplies you may need include tabs, an extra envelope, and rubber bands. I hope you enjoy the process!


So, if you have your supplies ready and wants some step by step instructions we'll begin. The first step that I would suggest is to try and divide your photos up by date. Just put them in piles based by date, they do not have to be in chronological order quite yet, but if they are that's a plus! This method here is great for shorter trips, if you have a longer trip to organize, don't fear! I'll have a tutorial on that in 2017!


Once your photos are sorted into their designated piles according to date, you'll want to gather all of your memorabilia. Now, all of my memorabilia fit into only one date. If your memorabilia applies to multiple days or spans the whole trip put the piece of memorabilia in the pile that it first applies to. So, continue to sort out your memorabilia into your coordinating piles of photos.



To store all of my sets of photos I just used a photo envelopes that the printers delivered them in. There are many options when wanting to store these. You could use those clear hard photo boxes that stack nicely or you could use an expandable file folder. Whatever you think would work best for you is what you should do. As for putting them inside of these holders, I put two days in one and two days in another. If you want each set in a different container then by all means do so. If you'd like you can also label the outside of these containers with the date to be even more organized.  


I hope that this tutorial and video explanation will help you organize your photos from shorter trips! I cannot wait to dive into the memories of this trip and document them. I hope you enjoyed these organizational tips and if you would like more information or more posts like these let me know in the comments! Thanks for stopping by!

Jumping up to the top row, I made a filler card using another one of the cute wood veneer presents. This card in particular uses quite a few stickers. The two trees are from a sticker book that I picked up from Michael's. Then, as a base for those items to sit upon is a We R Memory Keepers Type Set label sticker. The background paper for this card is from DCWV again.


Now, hopping back to the bottom row, I created another filler card (surprise, surprise)! This one has some fun polka dot washi tape that has been in my stash forever. I used my scalloped circle punch to add a little bit of backing behind the wood veneer snowflake. I wanted to jazz up this card some more so I included a sticker from the Studio G set and a puffy white arrow sticker from Paper House. I'm really addicted to puffy stickers lately.


Every pocket page layout needs a place for journaling! This simple card was made by using a journaling spot stamp set by Autumn Leaves that is probably circa 2009. It's one of my oldest and most useful stamp sets. To dress up the journaling card I used a little raccoon sticker on top of some Target washi tape. I wanted to included this wood veneer word that says "peace" to give this card more substance. Of course this card needed sequins for a finishing touch and last minute I decided to include some star brads. Brads are a great alternative for enamel dots or other finishing bits.  


Oh look, another filler card! This one features the punch from the pick 5 out of some colored cardstock. I layered the punch out with a puffy sticker from the same Paper House set. These sit on top of some more diagonal washi tape and another We R Memory Keepers label. A simple filler card, but allows for additional journaling.

Supplies:
*Purchasing through these links is part of an affiliate program and I will receive a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you*
Shop through Blitsy! http://blitsy.com/ref/z3m57
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! http://i.refs.cc/H3vCMoVA 

Similar: Wood Veneer Snowflakes 10 pcs

Similar: Paper House Productions Puffy Stickers, White & Silver

Tim Holtz Chit Chat Seasonal Stickers

Tim Holtz Idea-ology SEASONAL CHITCHAT Stickers TH93050
from: Simon Says Stamp

Similar: DoCrafts LARGE CHRISTMAS ICONS Wooden Shapes Create Christmas Papermania 105949
from: Simon Says Stamp

Darice Gold Sequins 10mm

Darice 5MM GOLD Sequins 10043-22
from: Simon Says Stamp

Paper & Spool am/pm Flair Badge Set

Becky Higgins Project Life Page Protectors Big Pack 1

Tim Holtz Idea-ology LABEL LETTERS TH93072
from: Simon Says Stamp

Label Letters by Tim Holtz Idea-ology