Swim Everyday: A SCT Published Page

Happy Friday!  It's looking like a mostly gloomy and rainy weekend here, but that won't stop me from sharing a bright and summery page today.  I was fortunate to have this page published in the Reader's Gallery of the summer issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine. 

 

Supplies used: Pink Paislee - patterned paper; Die Cuts With a View - Cardstock; MAMBI - transparent arrow diecut; Kerri Bradford - stamps; Project Life - date stamp; Hero Arts - ink; Stampendous - embossing powder; Heidi Swapp - acrylic letters; Simple Stories- label sticker; Doodlebug Designs - sequins, enamel dots; Studio Calico - flair; Other: crochet thread, silhouette, foam adhesive, machine stitching, computer journaling.

 

The idea for this page, originated from this sunburst design you see on page one of the two page spread.  I loved all the gorgeous, summery prints in the Pink Paislee Hello Sunshine patterned paper pack.  The sunburst allowed me to include several designs on the page.  I trimmed various lengths and widths of the papers and arranged them to mimic sun rays.  Placing my photos at the rays intersection point, draws attention to them and keeps the pictures the focus of the page. 

I had several more photos from our lazy summer pool days, that couldn't be left out.  A collage of images was the obvious solution.  I used larger pieces of the same patterns and papers from the first page to tie the two together.  Layering the papers created a fun and organized backdrop for my photo heavy page.

I scattered bits of sequins, flair and enamel dots throughout the two page design.

The ledger style paper was the perfect neutral canvas for my lengthy journaling.  I turned my journaling on the vertical, to squeeze it into the design and not take any space away from my photo collage.

 

The weather themed tags were made from the chalkboard print paper in the Hello Sunshine paper pack, and Kerri Bradford's amazing stamps!  I just love how they fit in with the theme of the page, and they couldn't be cuter stamped and embossed in white!

 

The title is made up of a variety of mediums - transparent and diecut letters and a script silhouette cut. 

 

Want a closer look at this page and lots of other inspiring artwork?  You can download your own FREE copy of the summer SC&T issue right here or better yet, subscribe and receive your very own paper copy in the mail every quarter!  It is such a beautiful and well put together magazine and this issue in particular is full of inspiring projects and ideas.  I can assure you, you won't be disappointed!

My 2 Boys: A Scrapbook Page & FREE cut file

I was thrilled to receive an email awhile back from the one and only Nicole Nowosad.  If you love scrapbooking, you probably already know who Nicole is.  She is a rock star designer and can do magic with patterned paper and her silhouette machine! Nicole designs a monthly FREE cut file for Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine (among various other crafty accolades!). She always designs an amazing layout, showing the cut file in action on the SCT blog and this month she asked me to share my take on designing with that cut file too.  Here's a look at the file she designed...

 

Isn't it great?  There are so many different ways and mediums with which this design could be used.  Here is the page that I designed...

Supplies used: Cardstock, thickers & cork hearts - American Crafts; Patterned Paper - Simple Stories, Pebbles; Wood veneers - Studio Calico; Stamps - Ali Edwards; Ink - Stampin' Up, Hero Arts; Epoxy embellishments - Jillibean Soup; Transparent die cut - Basic Grey; Tools - Silhouette, sewing machine.

I loved the punched circle cut file so much that I super sized it to make up the background of my scrapbook page.  I had fun filling in all of the circles with photos, journaling, patterned paper, stamping and lots of decorative elements to document my story.  

A pint sized version of the file was a fun way to fill in a few of the background circles too.  Cutting the smaller version of the file from white cardstock and laying it over top of a white background creates more of a textural effect.  I also made sure to arrange the circle backed circles into a visual triangle to help guide and direct the flow of the page. 

 

I reserved one of the large circles to hold both my title and journaling.  I had fun mixing and matching some Ali Edwards stamps to create the perfect title, that begins to tell my journaled story.

 

If you want to see the gorgeous page that Nicole designed using this cut file and download a copy for yourself.  Head on over to this post on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog.

Happy Crafting!

Fall issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today

Hi blog friends!  Today is a happy day!  Nope, not just because it's Friday (that's a pretty valid reason too!), but mainly because the newest issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine is available!

Did you know you can view this magazine for free, in it's entirety?  Just click here to check it out.  If you're like me, though, and still like a hard copy version - don't fret because a subscription is an option too! 

I got my copy in the mail on Monday and it is truly awesome!  I don't know how they do it, but each issue keeps getting better and better!  The fall issue features a new article from Cathy Zielskie, and as always a really great read from Ali Edwards!

I, myself, might just have a little something featured in the reader's gallery!  Here's a little sneak.....

 

You'll have to pop on over to the free download to see the rest of it, though! ;)  This issue is sure to inspire some creativity in you this weekend!  I know I'll be scrapping!

Winter Issue of SCT Magazine

Hi blog readers!  Today is a great day.  Why, you wonder?  No, it's not just because today is Friday and the weekend is here (although that's a pretty valid reason to celebrate!).  And no, it's not even for the fact that we're having our first big snow of the season.  It is because, however, today is the official launch day of Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine's winter issue!!!  You can view the issue in it's entirety for FREE right HERE on the SCT site.

I just got my copy of the magazine in the mail yesterday, and I simply can't put it down -- so much great inspiration and eye candy!  It's always a quality magazine and such a pleasure to work with.

I was so very honored to be asked to contribute a design for the cover of this issue.  You can see my take on page 4 of the magazine. But before you click on over there, here's a little peek....

I also have a page in the Reader's Gallery this month.  It's a favorite!  I'll let you take a look at it to see why...

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have a great weekend and I'll be back with more to share very soon!

A Peek and a GIVEAWAY!

TGIF!  Is anyone else glad it's Friday? I'm looking forward to a fun family weekend, since my hubby will be off work.  I'm sure we'll spend some time in the water, as the temps are going to be soaring into the 90's, and if my kids get their way we'll also be heading to the theater to check out the new Monster's University flick.

Something else I'm really excited about is this...

 

Yep, that's right - I have a page published in the Summer issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine!!!  Here's a little peek of my page (which just so happens to be the 'staff favorite"!!!!)...

 

If you want to see the full reveal hop on over to the Scrapbook and Cards Today site where you can downloaded the entire issue for FREE, starting today!  I should also note that S&CT is celebrating in a big way with the launch of this, their 30th issue!  They are having all kinds of giveaways including a free year's subscription to this awesome magazine!

 

As always, S&CT was super generous to send me a box full of goodies and two copies of the magazine, with the return of my page. 

 

I would love to share the wealth and give my extra copy of the magazine to one of my blog readers!  Just leave a comment on this post and I'll pick and post a winner on Monday!

 

Have a crafty weekend, friends!

Sweet Blessings: A (Published!) Layout Share

Have you checked out the brand new spring issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today?  If not, you are in for a real treat!  It is filled with loads of wonderful and inspiring ideas, seasonal scrapbook pages, cards and a multitude of fun tips and techniques.  If you can't find this magazine locally, you can view it in its entirety online here, or find out details for becoming a subscriber here. 


I am honored to have my very first published page with S&CT magazine in this very issue!  When I received my complimentary copy in the mail early last week, I was surprised to find my page at the very front of the magazine, gracing the table of contents! Here's a look...

Supplies used: Patterned paper, buttons, felt flower, kraft diecut title - Jillibean Soup; Cardstock - American Crafts, The Paper Company; Pearls - Jenni Bowlin; Border punch - EK Success; Foam adhesive - American Crafts; Doilies - Wilton; Other - embroidery floss (DMC), machine stitching, computer font.

I have held onto these Jillibean papers for quite some time.  I think they found a nice home with these pictures taken on Easter last year. 

As you can see, there was a subtle pop of red on some of flower centers in the floral patterned paper.  I loved pulling out a bit more of that unexpected color to enhance my page and the bits of orange/red in my pictures.

I added more tiny accents of red with pretty pearls scattered about the page.

 

The patterned paper topped doilies add a nice softness to the overall feel of the layout.  This one in particular helped create a nice backdrop and also to draw focus to the page title.

 

I hope you'll stop over and check out this new issue!  It really is full of some wonderful designs and super talented designers!  Thanks for visiting me today!