Themed Patterned Paper

I have a problem with themed patterned paper.  No matter how cute it is, I rarely end up using it.  Either my pictures end up clashing with it, or it is too theme-y for the layout, or it just doesn't work for some other reason.  And it ends up sitting in my pile of unused paper.  But there's hope for that unused themed paper!

This layout uses paper from Pink Paislee's 'Old School' line.  I wouldn't normally go for school-themed paper for a layout about a boy and his pet bunny, but the B-side worked perfectly.

From Flamingo Scraps: Pink Paislee patterned paper

Other: Bazzill cardstock, Scenic Route stickers, ColorBox ink

Check out the B-side of some of your unused patterned paper- you might find a way to use it that is much different than the intended theme!

October Cigar Box

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this month's cigar box swap's theme is "Pink It Up".

Last year, during Flamingo Scraps Anniversary month, I won the Pink Paislee Sweetness collection. I love the warm pinks, and clusters of flowers. It reminded me of a garden view outside window. I knew this paper was perfect for the top of the box.



I removed the glass from an ornate frame and add a wedding dress applique. This offered the perfect setting for the hand painted cameo. I created a lovely pink satin dress adorned with a blingy collar for the Tim Holtz sewing room dress form. I then added clusters of Prima roses, and lots of Prima Say It in Lace bling. I think this box screams I'm a woman!


I crackeled the side of the box in small areas and framed the top in layers of lace, ribbon and pearls.



I hope my box reminds my partner to always take care of her monthly checks, and to get her Mammograms regularly.

Thanks for stopping in today,

Stash Diet

A friend of mine on Youtube, Jan - Whatyoumakeit1, has started a challenge called the Stash Diet. I thought I would try it out. Here is how it works. You list 6 things that are in your stash. for example:

• Ribbon/Trim
• Vintage Flowers
• Purple Bling
• charms
• Beads
• Scrap Paper

Then make a project using at least 3 items from the list, but for every item you use on the list, you must replace that item with something new for the next project.

I managed to use all six items on this layout of my Niece Averie. Here is the project that I created:

From Flamingo Scraps: Prima: Daisies (vintage Prima), Say It in Pearls Purple, Paper "Talavera" from the Reflections Collection, Prima Baby blue Trim; Maya Road: Journal Spot (vintage product)

Other: Lace, Ribbon, Charm, Butterflies, Die Cut.

I used some vintage Prima Daisies, Purple/Pink Pearls from Prima, A Metal Charm, Pearls on a stick pin, Maya Road Journal card (hidden behind the photo), Patterened paper from Prima, and lace/trims that I have had for a while.

The object of this game is to use up product that is sitting around, and save your shopping money for new releases. It was so nice being able to remove items from my stash, and at the same time, produce a nice layout. I am going to try this for a month and see if my stash starts to shrink!

Thanks for stopping by today,

Upcycled Packaging

I think we have a huge responsibility to protect our environment as much as possible. When I first saw Marion Smith from Prima Marketing, Inc. use packaging in her mini albums and as journal spots on her layouts a few years ago, I began saving mine for the same purpose. I want to share with you today how I have been "upcycling" my packaging in scrappy projects.

In this example I made a mini album using 4x6 photo sleeves as sheet protectors and the Prima packaging was used for photo mats.



Here I used my Tim Holtz & Nestabilities dies to turn Prima's beautiful inserts into embelishments.



Here is a photo showing one of these cuts used on a card:

I also used the blister packaging from Tim Holtz embelishments as a shaker box card.

Watch video on how I made this card

I hope this gives you plenty of ideas on how to turn your trash into keepsakes.

Thanks for stopping by today,

Lucky 7

At any given time, I usually have 4 or 5 layouts in progress.  I go through phases where I am very inspired by certain aspects of scrapbooking and not others.  This doesn't bother me- I just set the partially completed layouts aside and come back to them when inspiration strikes.  A few days ago, I counted the growing pile of incomplete layouts- there were 18.  Yikes!  It was definitely time to finish some of them.

Here's my latest layout.  Steve and I celebrated our 7th anniversary with a stay in Benicia, CA at the wonderful Inn at Benicia Bay. 

From Flamingo Scraps: Prima & Fancy Pants patterned paper, grungeboard 7

Other: Bazzill cardstock, Cloud 9 letter stickers, Folk Art paint, ColorBox ink

I'm pleased that I managed to get 12 photos on there without it looking crowded, though I do have to admit that it bothered me a tiny bit to cover up part of three photos with the focal photo!  I don't think I've ever done that before.  I like the way it turned out though.