Stampin' Up! Artisan Blog Hop-Project Life

Hello! Welcome back to another Stampin Up! Artisan Design Team Blog Hop!

For this week's hop we are featuring the Moments Like These Project Life bundle! It comes with everything you need (the card collection, embellishment collection and the stamp set) to create some fabulous pocket scrapbook pages at a 15% discount!

I decided to use the bundle to create a vacation scrapbook of our trip to Oregon last summer, check out one of the layouts:

 Let's head over to Cindy's and see what she created with this fun bundle!

Happy National Scrapbook Day!

Happy National Scrapbook Day everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your day. . . and possibly doing some scrapbooking?! I wish I was spending my NSD scrapbooking away, but instead I am spending the entire day out in the yard doing spring cleanup. . .FINALLY! Yes, I have been putting it off, and yes I can be a bit of a procrastinator at times. Whaaa?! Me?! Yes.

Gage has been home from school the past three days with allergies/asthma. Poor little guy gets coughing so hard he gags himself and throws up. It has not been fun for either of us. I don't do barf well. We have been doing nebulizer treatments which has helped, but as soon as he gets outside, or too excited, he starts coughing/gagging again. On a positive note, I have also had the past couple of days off work! YAY! . . . until Monday when I have to get all caught up.

Yesterday I was able to squeeze in some crafting time, and was so excited to get a scrapbook page done! Except that I had creative block! I used to be a BIG time scrapbooker, like about 8 years ago before I had Gage, now I am lucky if I get one or two pages done a year! Horrible, I know! I have not been good at all about scrabooking this amazing little boy's life. I keep saying I will, but then I get busy doing other things. But, I am committed to getting some albums done. As I sat down and chose a photo I wanted to create a layout with, I had a very difficult time coming up with any ideas. It was as if I had forgotten how to scrapbook! Yikes! Luckily, dear sweet Mrs. Cathy Caines came to my rescue! She is an amazing scrapbooker, and she was so kind as to offer me some suggestions on my page. Actually, I won't lie, I basically had to start over because what I had was hideous! But after some much needed suggestions and changes, I was finally able to complete my project!

 

I have been obsessed lately with my new Heidi Swapp Minc foiling machine, and have been foiling everything! It was hard to get the light to show the shimmer and shine of these fun elements. . . I am also a horrible photographer. . . but they are so shiny and fun! I am like a deer in headlights looking at all the fun shiny things! The "awesome" is actually the negative of one of the phrases (from Stampin' Up!s Moments Ago digital download) that I foiled, but it was just so cool I couldn't bring myself to throw it away! So, I trimmed it and stuck it on my page!

The fun corrugated accents are from Stampin' Up!s Playground Accessory Kit (on sale now), and the journal quote is from the coordinating Playground Card Collection (also on sale). I matted the photo with some Confetti Celebration DSP (yes, also on sale)!!

And then of course, I upcycled a cardboard box by tearing off pieces and stapling them to the top and bottoms of my page. Sigh. . . one page done. 5000 more to do! I do plan on doing more pocket pages, as those seem to be MUCH quicker and easier for me. . . but I still want a few traditional pages, and could certainly use the practice as I have gotten quite rusty!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you all enjoy your day!

Don't forget to check out my BOGO sale! Earn FREE products with every $10 purchase! This week is the last week I am offering BOGO! Order {here} using hostess code: N6KRE3B9 then check out my freebies list {here} to select your FREE items! **click on the BOGO badge for more details on the sale. 

Stampin' Up! Artisan Blog Hop-Moonlight DSP

Hello! Welcome back to another Stampin' Up! Artisan Design Team Blog hop! Join us each week as artisans from around the world share our ideas using Stampin' Up! products with you!

This week we are focusing on DSP. Our choices were between the Gold Soiree DSP and the Moonlight DSP stack. I have already incorporated both of these fabulous papers into all of my projects so far this month, so I needed a way to decide which DSP to use for today's post. . .

hmmmm.. . both papers are on the retirement list and on sale for 50% off (*while supplies last) . . . both are super cute and have many possibilities. . . hmmmm. .  .

I do have an extra Moonlight DSP stack on hand. . . should I do a giveaway?!

Yes, yes I should!   But first. . .

I know the real purpose of Project Life is to quickly create scrapbook pages that document your life and photos, but I still LOVE the hands on experience of traditional scrapbooking. However, I also love the ease of pocket cards. My solution? Create my own pocket cards! Check out these fun pocket cards I created using the Moonlight DSP stack and the Birthday Surprise stamp set (also on sale for 20% off!).

I had so much fun creating these fun cards for my pocket page scrapbook that I made two sets!

. . . now. . . how about that giveaway?!

I have 1 brand new Birthday Surprise stamp set, 1 unopened package of Moonlight DSP stack, as well as my second set of handmade pocket page cards created by me to give away to one lucky person! You must follow or subscribe to my blog, and also choose to do one of the three following ways to enter, or all three for more chances to win!

1. Find the above photo on Instagram @scrapjunkiebeckycowley, #repost it, and tag a friend!
2. Pin the above photo on your favorite Pinterest board!
3. Like and follow my Facebook page, share the photo on your wall!

Then, leave me a comment below letting me know how you entered and I will put your name into the drawing! Be sure and check back May 8th to see if you are the winner!

Wow, giveaways are fun, aren't they?

Let's go check out what Cindy's been working on. . . .

Don't forget to check out my BOGO sale! Earn FREE products with every $10 purchase! Order {here} using hostess code: MMZRQPYA then check out my freebies list {here} to select your FREE items! **click on the BOGO badge for more details on the sale.

I am cutting more kits for this month's Stamps in the Mail, hurry and sign up before the Hello Darling set retires and is not longer available! Check out the sneak peaks for this month's projects below:

Artisan Design Team Blog Hop-PL Cards

Welcome back for another Stampin' Up! Artisan Design Team Blog Hop! This year is an international team, so be sure to travel around the world with us as as we share our creativity and ideas with you!

When it comes to Project Life, I have found that scrapbookers either love it, hate it, or have no clue what it is. . . and then there is me! I tend to fit into all of the above! Yes, I know what Project Life is intended to be (a quick way for scrapbookers to keep record of their everyday life on a weekly basis), but are there really people out there who are that on top of it?! I know I'm not! Sure, I can stick the cards into a pocket page easily enough. . . but when it comes to taking photos, printing them out, and journaling. . . well, let's just say I could do better in all of those areas! But for me scrapbooking isn't just about the photos, telling a story, and documenting my life. For me scrapbooking has been, and always will be, about expressing myself and my feelings through the process of creating a page that (along with the photos and journaling) tell more about me and my life.

So, though I think the idea of Project Life is great. . . I don't want it to completely take away from my creative documenting process. The solution I found that is working wonders for me? Create my own PL cards. Check these out:

Fun, eh?! Last month Gage came home from school and we had the sweetest conversation that would make any mamma proud. I quickly wrote down the story in my journal so that I wouldn't forget the details and could document it in his scrapbook when I had the time.

I am completely in LOVE with the You Plus Me and Snuggles and Smooches stamp sets and was so eager to use them for this page! What I love even more is the fact that these sets aren't just for Valentine's Day projects! These sets have so many fun images and sentiments that can be used for lots of fun projects all year round!

Now, if I can just get my photos printed and everything placed into pocket pages. . .

In the mean time, let's go check out what Cindy has to share with us, shall we?

 Just one week left to Register for this month's Stamps in the Mail! E-mail me today to sign up! If you are in Canada, you can still get the same kit, just contact Allison Okamitsu!

Supplies used: You Plus Me and Snuggles and Smooches stamp sets; Remember Rotary Stamp; Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Pistachio Pudding ink pads and ink refills; Stazon Jet Black ink pad; Whisper White, Pistachio Pudding, Calypso Coral, and So Saffron cardstock; Watercolor Paper; Project Life 4"x 3" Grid Cards; Aqua Painter; Hearts Collection Framelits Dies; Tangerine Tango Baker's Twine; Essentials Wooden Elements; Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers.

Merry Everything!

Registration is now open for the last round of Stamps in the Mail using the Merry Everything set! I hope you have been getting plenty of ideas on using this versatile set for much more than just tags. If you have been loving this round so far, you will LOVE this months' projects! This kit uses a very clever, non-traditional holiday color scheme that you are going to love! There's an added "spunk" to these fun projects! Take a peak. . .

Be sure and e-mail me and register today! Want more info on Stamps in the Mail and Project Life kits? Click on the sneak peaks for more info!

Project Life Kits from November are still available!

Project Life

Although I haven't shared many of my personal Project Life pages, I am a HUGE fan of Project Life® by Stampin' Up! By dividing a page into smaller (less intimidating) portions, providing instant layout ideas, and pre-made cards that you simply stick into a pocket, it means I can keep up with my scrapbooking in a snap! But. . . I am still somewhat old fashioned when it comes to my scrapbooking. Part of what I love so much about scrapbooking is the hands-on experience, and my passion for expressing creativity. Though I LOVE the pre-made cards, and use them quite frequently, I also like to venture out and create my own custom Project Life cards.

Check out these little sneak peaks of some custom Project Life cards I have created. . .

These cards were created using many of the supplies that have been in the current round of Stamps in the Mail kits. What does this mean? Well, it will be a bonus offered to current Stamps in the Mail subscribers as well as a kit that can be purchased even if you are not a SITM subscriber! Want the instructions and supply/cut list, but already have all the product on hand? You can also purchase the PDF document only which will include full pictures of the cards, a cut and supply list of everything needed, as well as embedded videos with step-by-step instructions on creating each card! If you would like more details, you can contact me, or, if you are ready to purchase, see the options below.

Complete Kit - $45
*includes all paper needed to create the cards pre-cut and scored, Merry Everything stamp set (clear-mount), Gold Sequin Trim, and Gold Stampin' Glitter, as well as PDF documents with full pictures of the cards, a cut and supply list of everything needed, as well as embedded videos with step-by-step instructions on creating each card.

Subscriber Add-On Kit - $10 *please note this option is ONLY for current SITM subscribers!
*includes all paper need to create the card pre-cut and scored as well as PDF documents with full pictures of the cards, a cut and supply list of everything needed, as well as embedded videos with step-by-step instructions on creating each card.

PDF document only - $25
*includes PDF documents with full pictures of the cards, a cut and supply list of everything needed, as well as embedded videos with step-by-step instructions on creating each card.

Don't forget to check out Stampin' Up!'s online extravaganza going on now! There are some AWESOME deals, and some items are up to 50% off this week only!

 

AWW-PL Cards

 Welcome back to another Artisan Wedensday WOW blog hop! This week we are sharing our Facebook projects. . .

I am totally digging the new Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ® products! Not a Project Life fan? Don't worry! You can still create traditional scrapbook pages, cards, tags, and so much more with all the fun new PL products!

Recognize the focal point on this card?

Yup! Totally the same as one I used on my scrapbook page last week. . . and, this card was CASEd by this card made by miss fancy pants Jane Lee. (She is my hero she is so fancy awesome!) I usually don't CASE, especially for a blog hop project, but her card was screaming out to me! I fell in love. . .

This card however, is an original Becky Cowley card: 

I am so digging this great weather we've been having! Now, let's head In The Cat Cave, shall we?

AWW-A Traditional Take. . .

Welcome back to another Artisan Wednesday WOW blog hop!

I am  seriously falling. . . deeply. . . in love. . . with Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ®

The simple thing is an adjustment in my crafting style that I have been trying to work on lately, but I like the quick "git'r'done" thought process behind Project Life.

I decided to whip out a traditional scrapbook page using the PL products. . . 

  

Yup! Git'r'done!

The photos were taken with my cell phone, and weren't the best quality to scrapbook with. . . but I could not pass on documenting this moment! Luckily PL makes it super easy to scrapbook everyday pictures that may not be the best in quality, but still share a fabulous moment in time!

Let's head In The Cat Cave and see what Cathy has to share!

Supplies used: Alphabet Rotary Stamp (*available June 1st); Everyday Adventure Project Life Card Collection; Everyday Adventure Project Life Accessory Pack; Bermuda Bay, Strawberry Slush, and Crushed Curry Cardstock; Bermuda Bay ink pad; Build a Banner Simply Created Kit (stencil); Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (*available June 1st); Project Life Corner Punch; Basic Black 3/4" Chevron Ribbon; Gold Sequin Trim; Linen Thread; Sponge Dauber; needle and thread.

Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ®

Welcome to this week's Artisan Wednesday WOW Blog Hop! Our super fun buttons for this month were created by my MDS super hero Jeanna Bohanon, aren't they bright and fun?! Wanna try your hand at creating digitally? Be sure to check out MyDigitalStudio.net for inspiration and get your FREE MDS 30-day trial today!

If you haven't heard, Stampin Up! has teamed up with Becky Higgins to offer new Project Life products in exclusive Stampin' Up! colors! I admit, I heard about PL a few years ago but wasn't sure how it would fit into my scrapbooking style. . . However, after giving Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ® a try, I am completely addicted! Project Life very well could replace my traditional scrapbooking style! Well, maybe not completely replace. . . but I LOVE the fact that I can get an entire page done in just 5 minutes! SERIOUSLY! This will be a HUGE time saver for me, as I usually take a minimum of 30 minutes to create a traditional page, not to mention the time consumed by trying to come up with an idea for a traditional layout! With PL the work is done for you! The pocket pages create the layout, so no time needed trying to come up with your own, and the per-printed journaling cards and embellishments take the time out of creating your own! With Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ®, I simply slide my photos in the pockets, slide in a few printed cards along with my journaling cards, maybe add a few embellishments, and Viola! PAGE DONE! Couldn't be easier, or quicker!

Want more tips on how to get started with Project Life? Check out this blog post by Stampin' Up! Concept Artist Arika Bauer, she'll blow you away with how easy, yet still amazing,  Project Life ® by Stampin' Up! ® is!

Be sure to continue on the hop to see what the other Artisans have created with this fun new product! Let's head In The Cat Cave and see what gorgeous creation Cathy has to share, she is seriously THE scrapbooking QUEEN, I can't wait to see what she has created with the new PL!

Supplies used: