Happy Saturday friends! I am back with another process video! I must say that it feels great to finally get this project done. I loved making this project, but when I realized that the camera didn't capture even a third of my process, I became so upset. Some people may not know how much time and effort goes into creating, editing, and publishing YouTube content, but it's quite a lot. I put in about an hours worth of work of just creating the layout and most of that footage was gone. This is why I tried to salvage this layout by doing a live video for the remainder of it. I hope you enjoy and sorry for this odd set up!


This layout features a lot of papers from the Simple Stories Life in Color collection. I also use a variety of patterns from my 6x6 paper pads. This is a really great layout style for photos that show movement or tell a story. Mine are more fun photos, but whatever works! Enjoy this process/layout share video!


This layout came together rather quickly despite all of the layering. I wanted to create a nice montage of these photos since they were taken consecutively, I wanted to keep them in order. A linear line keeps the photos in order and the eye processes them in that order. I talk a little bit about this in the process video, but not too much, so I wanted to be sure to address it here as well!

My title brings out the teal color that is in the floral background paper. While the teal in the pattern is not an exact shade match, it is the same color family and why it works so well on this layout. I paired the title with some other splashes of color to using enamel dots in order to enhance the coordination with the patterned paper. I'd like to point out that my embellishments are not exact matches. I find a lot of creative satisfaction by mixing and matching embellishments and papers like this layout. If you have a particular question about a product please let me know and I'll be happy to tell you where it is from. I also have products that are available at the time of posting this linked down below.

Balance on a layout is key, but I even find it hard sometimes what to determine as balanced or unbalanced. I tend to use color as a parameter to help see if there is balance a layout. Some other determining factors can include embellishments, textures, and shapes. My clusters start by an inspiration of content or color. The cluster in the photo below started by noticing a need for more teal so I started by using a Studio Calico sticker. I then wanted texture and dimension, but also realizing the need for more color. The addition of the stickers, resin flowers, and enamel dots settled all of the color and texture needs (in my personal opinion).


With larger clusters like the one below, one large piece supported by varying sizes of smaller embellishments tends to be the best route. You don't want pieces within your cluster fighting for attention. The tag is my main component and the items like the flair, flowers, and stickers help support 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 at Blitsy!
Shop at Tupelo Designs LLC! 

American Crafts 237 Piece Amy Tan Finders Keepers Thickers Memento, Green

Similar: Glitter Sparkle Washi Tape for Christmas Gift Wrapping Adhesive Masking Decorative DIY Tape 10xRolls(1.5CMx5M)

Similar: Tonic Studios 778 Simplicity Pattern Punch Dottie Border

Similar: Housweety 10 Yards White Stretch Floral Scallop Lace Edge Trim 3-1/8" wide

First, I'd like to say that I am no expert...by any means. Just like many of you, I have cheated on spending freezes and of course, regretted it just a tiny bit a week later when I realized I really didn't need to go to the craft store. This January I decided to go into spending freeze mode. After all of the Black Friday sales, Christmas gifts, and other excess shopping, I know that I have enough stuff to complete at least 10 albums. Luckily enough, Sara Scraps and Khristina from Redefined Kreative are hosting another round of Rediscover Your Stash Spending Freeze Event the month of January! Check it out on Facebook if you're interested in playing along with challenges. Below I am sharing my tips on how you can stick to your spending freeze however long it may be.


Tip #1:
Unsubscribe from shop emails. Your email box can be lurking with several deals and coupons that you do not need to fall for! Sales happen year round, you can shop sales once your spending freeze is over. Plus, resubscribing may bring you more coupons or offers.

Tip #2:
Don't go in! Going in to anywhere that has scrapbooking supplies can be a danger zone. Even if you just need adhesive, you might just wander down the clearance aisle and buy $20 of things you don't need and possibly don't love. I would recommend sending someone else on this errand or doing a quick order off of Amazon for your essentials like adhesive.

Tip #3:
The key to my success this month is based on wishlists. Wishlists can satisfy the need for shopping without actually purchasing. I do virtual shopping all of the time and just throw things on various wishlists. It satisfies my desire to shop and I didn't get new supplies or spend any money. I find a lot of inspiration that way as well, but it is still dangerous to go on these websites during a spending freeze!

Tip #4:
Shopping your stash can be equally satisfying. If you're feeling the need to see new supplies, dig deep in to your stash! You'll never what you might find. I did this the other day and found some absolutely adorable Valentine's Day supplies! Watch for some more videos featuring those items coming soon. You could put your supplies into new categories or organization too!

Tip #5:
Last, but not least you can rely on scrappy friends. Accountability is key. Telling your friends or family that you need support to stay on track isn't a bad thing. Some times, I will ask my family if they need gifts or cards made so I can have a task to work on. It keeps me creative, but it doesn't push me to shop.

A couple of more ideas. The ladies at the Rediscover Your Stash Group allow certain types of things including adhesive, white cardstock, and paper trimmer refills as items that you can purchase without breaking the freeze. It's important to know these things that you might need for your creativity to continue, but do not be too easy on yourself. Give yourself a cheat day! Like a good diet, cheats help keep you on track. Since you know your limits best, you should set them with what will work best for you.

I hope you guys enjoyed these couple of tricks and tips on sticking to your spending freeze! I'm looking forward to crafting a ton this month and focusing on using my stash. Especially the new items I received for Christmas. I wish you luck on however long your spending freeze lasts! Thanks for stopping by!

Hello my fellow crafty people! Can you believe that 2018 is right around the corner? If you haven't checked out my recap of my 2017 Crafty Goals be sure to do so! I've filmed a video sharing with you an overview of my 2018 crafty goals down below, but I will dive in to some of them a bit more here. I'm also sharing some tips and tricks on ways to help you set your crafty goals and how to stay on track with them.


How to Set Realistic Goals:

You want your goal to be challenging, but you also want it to be realistic. Attempting to complete 1000 layouts in 2018 when you only made 68 in 2017 is a tiny bit unrealistic. You know your habits and schedule better than anyone. Base your goals on your expectations and your wants. If you work a full time job, maybe you should designate three nights a week to scrapbook. Sometimes providing yourself time to get creative is much more important than output. If you are a stay at home parent, maybe you can take some time in the morning or at night to get crafty. Maybe you're in college and trying to capture all of your fun memories, so maybe you should focus on Travelers Notebooks. Everyone is different and everyone has different reasons why the create. Take these tips in to consideration when you go to make your goal(s)!

If you need someone to talk over your goals with please feel free to reach out to me via Instagram or in the comments on here or my YouTube channel! I think that it is important to set goals for yourself so you don't forget. I know that crafting for me is a creative outlet that I thrive at and enjoy. Make sure to make time for yourself creatively in the new year.

Some of My Crafty Goals: 

1. Complete 100 Layouts
2. Finish 1 Travel Album (ahem...Disney)
3. Create More and Spend Less
4. Participate in 10 Collabs
5. Make 50 Cards
6. Finish 1 12x12 Paper Pad and 3 6x6 Paper Pad
7. Reach 2000 YouTube Subscribers

The video I filmed below better explains my 2018 goals in some more details. I don't dive in to all of them, since some are goals for growing my social networks, but these are my top crafty goals. I'd love to hear your crafty goals as well! You might just inspire new ones for me! Please feel free to share some of them with me in the comments section.


How to Stay on Track:

A year long goal can be overwhelming. At the beginning of the year, you're probably full of enthusiasm to get started, but once the year picks up and things get busy, creativity tends to fall to the way side. To keep myself on track, I like to set monthly goals or plan out what I want to focus on per month. In November 2017, I was focused on finishing up a 6x8 Travel Album I had started earlier in the year. Since I was so focused, it was the only thing I worked on, but I had so much fun and now have a completed album! Obviously, not everyone is the same so your goals and tactics should be different. Outlining where I am on a monthly basis definitely help me evaluate where I was putting my creative time and maybe that my goals should change (yes, they can change!).

Do you have tactics you like to use to keep track of your goals? Let me know your plans in the comments! I hope you enjoyed this short look in to my thoughts about goal setting and crafty goal keeping. 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!
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! 

Kuretake Clean Color Real Brush Watercolour Brush Pens (Set Of 48 Colours)

I went for a smaller, more simple title on this layout. The orange block letters are from Studio Calico and the white foam letter stickers are the American Crafts Ivy font. I put this on a busier patterned paper, but it still pops just enough.


Like I mentioned earlier, I created small clusters all over this layout. The one pictured above features a Studio Calico wood button, a heart punch shaped made using a Paper Studio punch, an enamel dot from Freckled Fawn, and one sequin from Darice. A simple little scatter of embellishments adds a fun whimsical feel.


I purchased a lot of new flair from a shop called The Crafty Pocket in December. You can see everything I got in that haul by watching this video. The two flair featured on this layout are from her wonderful shop. She has the cutest designs! I made a cluster featuring this flair and paired it with some Wild Whisper sequins (linked at the bottom of the post) and a tiny banner sticker from A Beautiful Mess which is also from my Studio Calico Black Friday haul.

I created a larger floating cluster at the base of my photo. I used a Freckled Fawn chipboard word, paired with a Pretty Little Studio diecut to make this one pop. I love all of the different textures in this cluster from the translucent sequins, to the shiny enamel dot, to the typewriter feel of the chipboard phrase.


Lastly, I popped my photo on some foam to give it a boost. I think this brings more attention to it overall and lets the doily be extra dainty. I hope you enjoyed this process video. I hope to make a ton of content in 2018, so be sure to leave your input on what type of videos you would like to see! I have attempted to link all of the products used down below if they were still available. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2018! 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!
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! 
Shop Freckled Fawn!

Craft Smith Paper Pad Blue Blooms 12x12

Similar: 8 1/2 x 11 Cardstock - Pastel Gray (50 Qty.)

Carolina Moon Studio Calico Card Kit May 2015

Pebbles Homegrown Paper Pad 6x6

Similar: Eyelet Outlet Adhesive-Back Enamel Dot (60 Pack), Bright Yellow


Studio Calico 24-Piece Wanderlust Wooden Button Embellishments


Similar: 8" Square White Paper Doilies

Wild Whisper/Spiegel Mom Scraps Sequins - No Place Like Home 

Similar: EK Success HEART & STAR Punch Set Mini 54-10075
from: Simon Says Stamp

Similar: 4X3 APPOINTMENTS & REMINDERS TAB STICKERS

Similar: HOUSE STICKER SHEET BY LIFE.WANT TO CUDDLE.PAPER.

I started by building my base and background elements. The base of my card is made from 110 lb white cardstock cut to 4 1/4" x 8 1/2" and scored at 5 1/4". Next, I moved on to building my colorful background piece. I began by cutting a piece of regular white cardstock to 3" x 4". This allows it to not be too overwhelming and have a spacious white border.


This card design is a great way to bash some of your washi stash. Essentially, you take different colors and patterns of washi tape and line them all up. Super simple and it adds such a powerful pop of color! These washi tapes are from a variety of sources, but most of the pinks are by American Crafts, the bright blue is from Scotch, silver sparkle is from Recollections, and the light blue is from Jot. The key to mixing and matching washi tapes are colors. Luckily, I have had some sets that match so well like the pink ones seen here. I would include a maximum of three color choices (here I use two plus a neutral (silver)). This technique can be applied to other types of projects too! Click here if you'd like to see a layout using this washi layering technique.


After all of my washi was trimmed, I moved on to coloring my images. I stamped these two My Favorite Things images on a small piece of Canson watercolor paper. I used my Hampton Art Stamping Tool and Versamark Black ink for great impressions. I used a couple of different colored Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers including #28 Pale Pink, #21 Light Carmine, #26 Light Pink, #64 Oatmeal, and #36 Light Blue. These colors are amazingly vibrant and I simply filled in the images.


To add a little extra pizzazz, I put the cut out images on foam adhesive and added a tiny bit of Diamond Stickles on the gifts. To complete the outside of the card, I stamped an accompanying sentiment and added some Paper Studio sparkle enamel dots.


I created a fun little surprise on the inside of the card because let's face it, these bears are way too cute! I added another pop of color using another strip of washi tape. That's it for this super bright card! I hope you are all braving the cold weather this time of year and have some crafty time to look forward to soon. If you're looking for any specific supplies you've seen please let me know and I will gladly assist. I have some supplies listed down below for your convenience. 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!
Shop through Tupelo Designs LLC! 

Kuretake Clean Color Real Brush Watercolour Brush Pens (Set Of 48 Colours)

Hello friends and happy new year! Now that 2017 is officially over we can look on to some awesome new endeavors and adventures coming in 2018! I'm personally so excited for this year where I am trying new things for the blog and my YouTube channel. Before we hop completely to 2018, let's take one last look at 2017 with some of my favorites!


I guess I'll start with my favorite places to get inspiration in 2017. I was addicted to Instagram this year. I follow so many wonderful ladies including Kira Ness (@kira.gets.crafty), Susan (@littlethingbigdays), Tracey Fox (@scrappylikeafox), and Andrea Gray (@retrohipmama). If you're looking for some crafty inspiration I would highly recommend these ladies! I also get a lot of inspiration from YouTube with crafters like Inkie Quill, Daisies Scraps, and Hannah Lemieux. If you ever need more recommendations I have a bunch!

Now, let's move on to the products category! I absolutely loved using my fine line bottle applicator this year. It is now one of my most used tools. It is featured a ton in most of my videos. Another favorite product are my new studio lights! I haven't had them too long, but I cannot wait to use them every single day I can for filming and crafting and more! One of my favorite collections that I worked with this year is the Wild Whisper No Place Like Home Collection. Now that I've moved away from home, I plan on making a mini album for documenting my home town using that collection. As for some of my favorite types of embellishments for 2017 includes wood veneer, flair, and washi tapes.

Now for favorite techniques that I did this year! I am still experimenting with mixed media, but I loved stenciling and the packaging technique. Watercolor will always have my heart. I plan on continuing that trend in to 2018 especially with my cards. A video will be coming soon sharing my goals and plans for 2018 so get super excited!

I hope you all enjoyed this little 2017 recap. Let me know what some of your favorite crafters and products of 2017 in the comments. I would like to know some new items to try out in 2018. Thank you so much for stopping by!

I just want to say that your goals may change during the course of the year. Mine certainly should have this year as there were some huge unexpected changes that occurred. It's important to give yourself time to reassess what your goals should be. Sometimes making new memories is more important than documenting. Be sure to let yourself have those spans of time to regenerate your crafty mojo. Now let us hop in to the final evaluation of my goals!

I hope you all enjoyed this short video celebrating the end of the new year! I have had a wonderful 2017 and can't wait to see what 2018 brings crafty wise and throughout my life! Thank you all for being so supportive on my crafty journey! If you'd like links to any specific item, I would be happy to research that for you. Thanks for watching and happy new year!

As I mentioned in the video, feel free to ask any specific questions about these pages. I wanted to try and make this a quick video while still giving you enough detail about each page. Several of the pages already have process videos or blog posts listed on here. I eventually plan on sharing more of the individual pages with you in blog post format. If that is something you are interested in please let me know. I hope you enjoyed this flip through. Hopefully there are more flip throughs to come. Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! The holiday layout inspiration doesn't stop just because the holidays have! I am still sharing pages from my December Daily like album for last year's memories. Today's layout is actually capturing the pets and their holiday cheer.


These page protectors as I have mentioned previously are from Studio Calico. The left page is one of features one of my favorite cats! Our cat, Honey, thought it would be so nice of her to claim this gift box as her own. She fit so perfectly inside of it, I mean, it is so precious. I matted the photo on some plaid paper for a small border.


My title is so much fun! I used a wood veneer from Michaels to start it off. I then used a tiny chipboard sticker that says "Christmas" to add a little bit more length to my title. Lastly, I used these letter stickers from Target to finish it off. There a couple of snowflake embellishments sprinkled around as well.




This scene mostly consists of chipboard pieces from Echo Park. As you've probably seen in some of my other videos, I am addicted to using chipboard stickers! I used a piece of DCWV patterned paper for a snowflake background and used a white doily to help give it a nice base. This is an easy way to create a filler card and to use up stickers. I hope you enjoyed this project. Thanks for stopping by!

This cluster came together surprisingly easily. I started off by pulling some Elle's Studio cut apart pieces including the "merry & bright" label and the star border. I knew I wanted something under the Echo Park chipboard piece and decided to get a little creative. I took an Elle's Studio pocket page card and cut this beautiful floral wreath and trimmed it out of the center of the card. I love how this layered element came out!


On the left hand page I have two filler cards. The top one on the left is actually the title card and it is again from Elle's Studio. I decided to dress this card up a tiny bit by adding a strip of washi tape along the bottom from Recollections. To add dimension I sprinkled on a couple of my enamel dots from Echo Park.


The last card is my journaling card. This card again is from Elle's Studio (surprise, surprise). I put a couple of enamel dots on top of the presents for a little extra pop. I hope you guys enjoyed this project! Thanks for stopping by!

The top card is from Elle's Studio and it is so gorgeous! I love the floral pattern and the non-traditional color scheme. This 4x6 card for jazzed up with some extra washi tape. I used one gray and one silver both from Michaels (I think). It adds an extra bit of neutral to all of the bright colors. Plus, it is a perfect spot for my title to go.


The sparkly foam glitter letter stickers are from Heidi Swapp. I have a hard time using glitter stickers sometimes, but I finally used more of them. The beautiful light pink puffy sticker pieces are from Pinkfresh Studio. They were the perfect shade of pink and it is such an interesting title compared to "Christmas Dinner". I've been trying to think outside of the box for my titles. I hope you enjoyed this simple page. Thanks for stopping by!

I created two clusters on this page. One is the top left of the photo and then there's one along the bottom edge of the photo. The top left is made out of an Elle's Studio cut apart and a wood veneer. A small cluster, but cute still!


The bottom cluster is a plethora of things, but the main items are a chipboard gift from Carta Bella, a label diecut from Elle's Studio, a brad from Echo Park, and a sticker from Tim Holtz. Trying to balance of these colors is the key to making them all work together. Since my photo had red in it, a green background will help the red pop more.


The second page has two filler cards. The one on the bottom left is made with a piece of paper again from the giant DCWV stack you've been seeing in my videos lately. I paired an adorable tag from Echo Park as the main component. He's so jolly! I looped some red and white twine from my stash through the punched hole. I also added a couple more embellishments.




I hope you enjoyed this process video! Are you all doing December Daily this year? I'm so glad I am not with how busy I have been! Let me know how yours is going in the comments. Thanks for stopping by!

I'm featuring three different ways to dress up your plain old pinecones in unique ways! Some are more time consuming and messier than others, but all yield great results. These techniques all revolve around a snowy pinecone look. I hope you enjoy this video tutorial and if you have any questions please let me know!


If I had to pick my favorite technique for spicing up pinecones, it would have to be the one using fake snow! I think it adds a really fun texture and it captures the light beautifully. I also like the idea of filling a whole vase full of snow dusted pinecones. It would make a beautiful center piece! Plus, if you use the cinnamon scented ones you'll have an amazing smelling room.


Once all of my pinecones were decorated, I started to put together the center piece. There are so many different ways you could put these pinecones to use. I thought a center piece home decor item would be great for any room in the house. Any vase or container will work! Just add a bow to your container and pour in the pinecones! A very simple, yet effective way to spruce up any room.


I hope you've enjoyed this fun holiday DIY! I think it is a really fun way to do something special with pinecones for cheaper than trying to buy them. Custom is always better! 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 

Better Homes Cinnamon Scented Pinecones