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Widowhood :: Big Girl Pants

This lil' album is still a work in progress, but let me tell ya, it's been a major source of therapy for me!! There is still so much about this widowhood journey that is all-consuming, including the complexities of dating. I think I'm getting better at grasping the size and scope of it, but that doesn't go to say that there aren't moments I'd rather forego the frogs and stay living in the palace all by my lonesome. Laugh. But, I'm not going to let a few "toads" get in the way of me meeting Mr.Right! Also, I don't desire to live in an empty palace the rest of my life. It's all about re-initiation and staying afloat - If there's anything to be had from this whole widowhood ordeal, it's that "big girl pants" are non-optional! I bought myself a new pair - they're toad resistant, too.

 

I've taken to hiding a portion of this page, but those details will never come to light here. Instead, because this album is of a more personal nature (autobiographical), I'm going to focus on the various elements and techniques that I think might be of interest to you. And there's quite a few that went into the two pages on display today.

The first encompasses a 4" x 6" (My Mind's Eye) transparency that is layered with a host of patterned papers and random embellishments. And because of it's transparent nature, I had to take into consideration the corresponding page beneath it. So, it was essential that I paid attention to both pages during the construction process. Each influence the other, and the overall design. 

 

I usually take on a detailed page like this in sections. On this particular page, I started in the upper right corner. I trimmed a rectangular section of neutral patterned paper (Studio Calico), and adhered it down. I covered the top portion of it with a small square cardstock frame (Quikutz Die) backed with a clear definition sticker (Making Memories). Before positioning the chipboard bookplate (American Crafts) with tiny pearl brads (My Mind's Eye), I applied a brown label sticker over the definition, and a label rub-on emphasizing the word "Joy" (Basic Grey). I distressed the chipboard bookplate with a nail file.

 

A netted pink flower (Prima) finds it's way onto two more that our both dotted and neutral (October Afternoon & Making Memories). Anytime you've a solid color flower to work with, for a quick easy boost, partner it with matching neutral color flowers. I use this technique frequently so as to emphasis the prettiest part of the flower and to avoid clashing colors and patterning. 

 

This is my favorite page from the album thus far - it's color palette is punchy and poignant. It also emphasizes the "strength" and depth of the moment documented - there's also another item from it that stands out...

I plan to bring about this subject via it's own post, but I've a very special friend out there that I've grown immensely close to the last six months. We talk nearly everyday - and I'm grateful for her company. Tara Anderson recently sent me a small box of her handmade flowers and embellishments. Some of you might be familiar with her popular Etsy store and have been lucky enough to purchase an item or two from her (sells out fast!). If the case, then you know how much work and time goes into the construction of her pieces. They're astonishingly lovely...I recommend regular visits to her blog to keep up with her latest Etsy releases.

I removed a flower from the box and added it to the page. I laid it on top a large doily rub-on (Basic Grey). Note the pretty stitching and beadwork. I must take to creating some of these :) If only I had Tara's knack for modern, fashion forward color combo's! 

 

As to some of the other items on this page, here's a quick run-down: Butterflies (Making Memories), Yellow Rhinestone Brad (Pink Paislee), Rose Sticker (October Afternoon), Epoxy Rose Sticker (Making Memories), Best of Luck & Better Soon (Papertrey Ink Stamps), Journal Card (October Afternoon).

 

A required American Crafts Chipboard Alpha Set, "Hardcover" - available in four different hues. If I see'em, I buy'em. 

 

Filling up! This altered album will be a constant work-in-progress.  I'll supplement it with new pages as needed - and if more space is required, I'll pair it with a partnering album. The best part about autobiographical journals is that they can be whatever you want - the ending doesn't have to be clearly defined and time is never an issue! It's also the perfect means for trying out new techniques and using up supplies you might of otherwise ignored. :)

For further album info, send me an email! Have a great day my friends!

A Return to Crafting & Real Life

This album feels perfect in every way. It radiates from a sincere place in my heart and each time I look at it, there's an intensity I can't quite overcome. I recently told a friend that often, my best work stems from "real life" - if I'm put to the challenge of both processing and dealing with something outwardly, what ends up coming about is a direct reflection of what's inside. This album speaks volumes as to my current standing, and if it had an actual voice, it'd tell you that I'm ready to move on, make peace, and continue with the search. And allow me to say, it feels tremendously good to craft, again. :) It's been far too long since my last run-in with an album of this size. 

A couple of you emailed me concerning the brand of the album used in this project - it's Bo Bunny! I purchased it from a local archivers, but I imagine it's probably available elsewhere (online?). The album includes canvas binding, and a petite binder ring set. It's of a convenient size as well - neither too big or small! It's easily paintable, but I prefer the look of "Kraft" instead. If you've questions about the album or have difficulty finding a resource in which to purchase one, I'd recommend getting in contact with Bo Bunny directly. I'm sure they'd be of great help in locating an appropriate retailer for you. 

I've been doing a lot of experimenting with page sizes and page combinations inside the album. I've also taken to evaluating the relationship between each of the given pages - my goal is to have them blend seamlessly and as an individual, cohesive unit. Whatever page you happen to be on, a slight sneak of the page beneath it is within view. This encourages "movement" and curiosity. It also serves as a great opportunity to build varying embellishment set-ups between multiple pages! 

* Note that I went digi, too! I've a sizable digi collection on my computer, but rarely find time to take advantage of it. Because of the eclectic nature of this album, I thought it an optimal moment to make use of a couple of digital frames and phrases. Super simple...

Here, I took an individual digital frame, duplicated it, and then partnered the two frames together on a canvas colored digital pattern paper background. As a final detail, a quick digital phrase was added about myself on top the bottom photo.

And the shabby chic paper clip serves a specific purpose...

Between the photos and it's corresponding transparency (situated via staples), is an open space for private journaling. I trimmed to size a journaling spot from Vanilla cardstock and tucked it inside the homemade pocket. To assist in keeping the journaling spot from escaping, I positioned a clip. When you pull the clip, the journaling spot follows. It's a nifty little trick, don't you think?! 

 

I've plans to add a photo to this area, but it's without for now. I guess you could say it's a page-in-progress. :)

It's the tiniest of details that make all the difference sometimes - and there are always ample embellishments available to cater to these kinds of set-ups. Consider some of the smaller stickers you might have on hand - how often do you look past them because of their size? When used alone, tiny items tend to get lost - but when used in partnership, they take on a whole new perspective! The key is organizing them and having them ready at any given moment - cups come in extra handy for storing tiny odd and ends - so do drawers!

 If you've any questions about the album or the supplies used, please leave me a comment. I'll try my hardest to provide an answer/response in a day or two. Have a lovely Wednesday!

 

Brand New :: Farmhouse Mini Album

Finally, the Farmhouse Mini Album from last week's five day scrapbooking marathon is complete and is readily available for viewing via the Crate Paper blog today. In addition to the album is a small, quick "mini tutorial" about the construction process used to create the album's underlying pages. I opted out of the "full tutorial" format because of space limitations, but there are still plenty of beautiful images to capture your fancy during your visit to the Crate Blog. You'll not be disappointed...I promise. Go take a look!  

-- Click Here --

Paper Swatches + Mini Album

Hello. Hello. I have a precious mini to share that came very last minute to me last night. I thought to create it after finding out of Crate Paper's latest pattern paper swatch contest that is planned specifically for designers who'll be attending CHA next week. Crate Paper routinely provides their retailers with itty bitty cute pattern paper samples during the event. This is their first time providing them to scrapbook designers as well! If you're a designer and are planning on attending the show, visit the Crate Paper booth and ask for one of their pattern paper swatch booklets. If you create something from the booklet, send an image of your creation to Crate Paper (info@cratepaper.com) for a chance to win one of the new collections (Your choice!). The project itself doesn't have to be entirely "Crate Paper"either - feel free to mix various manufacturers with CP's papers if you so feel like it. As long as the project contains a fair selection of CP's paper swatches, they'll be entirely happy with it and consider it a contender in the contest! Designer projects will also be showcased on the Crate Paper blog! How about that for good news this evening? I love the idea of playing with small pieces of paper..here's what I came up using bits and pieces of pattern paper from Crate's School Spirit collection:

 

 

This was so very simple to make. All I really did was hand trim a bunch of grade cards from CP's "Grade Card" pattern paper, layered them with pattern papers & labels and through them on a D-ring with some ribbon and chipboard accents. I didn't even bother with images as I wasn't interested in creating a traditional mini album per say. Ethan will be attending his first year of preschool this year and I thought it might be kind of fun for him to have an alpha album to look at while familiarizing himself with the alphabet. Each card displays a letter and word enclosed in either a circle or digital label. I was able to put together the album in a few short hours..if you're looking for a quick, alternative project to work on prior to the start of the school year, something like this is a great option! The kiddo's will love hanging on to this album..it's small, flimsy (in a fun natured way!)and so very basic..basic enough for any kid to carry with them no matter where they go! 

 

 

Not the best photo I know, but hey, a different angle never hurts?! Right? The lighting was coming from the wrong direction. Arg. 

 

 

Sometimes I forget that even a simple mini scrapbook album design can still be bulky and intriguing from all angles. It's funny how a mini album manages to turn out this way..it may be true that each page alone is just that, alone...it's design isn't enough to gather the attention of a crowd, but when combined and paired as an album, the pages literally take on a life of their own! You can't help but peek inside the album..you never know what might be hiding behind all them beautiful pages :) 

 

 

Speaking of which, here's a small sampling of pages from the album..again, it's none to complicated. A few pieces of paper, alpha stickers and digital labels are all that is needed to recreate this album. Of course, you'll also want to consider picking up the School Spirit pattern paper collection as well. The ledger and alpha papers are quintessentially "school-like" and super kid friendly! 

The digital labels are still well available over at Two Peas and should be credited to Sande Krieger. The label collection is titled "Not to Self V.2" and is found here. 

 

I seem to be improved since the last post as my mood has evolved into a more manageable state of being the last couple of days. Grief is complex process that still often catches me by surprise, even after having dealt with it for the last twenty-nine months. It's one of those fickle, random things that always seems to hit me like a wall when I'm least expecting it. It's very nature is unsettling, but it's routinely intended as I always gain one or two life lessons from the experience. Grief rarely happens without explanation. I think this last round was about my mixed and invalidated interpretation of family and how it compares to society's current predominant traditional family unit. Due to the loss, we have undergone tremendous changes as a family. Each one has presented it own unique set of challenges that I routinely grow tired of dealing with as there's not always an easy, accessible solution to resolving them. One of the most obvious challenges has been defining our new small family within the context of today's larger society. Obviously, we're still very much a family, but not of the kind that is popular amongst American Culture. I'm struggling to figure out as to where we fit in and how it relates to the loss. I think the greatest difficulty for me is the constant reminder that our family is uniquely unordinary - it's not through obvious life experiences that the reminder prevails..it's just simply there. More often then not, my subconscious focuses in on the subject and attempts to make sense of it so that I'm better able to move forward with the loss. It's more underlying and I'm certain with time that it will work itself out. I simply need to think more about it...and when I do, I'll fill you in with an update. 

 Oh my goodness, I think this is it until I return home from CHA!! Yikes! I'd like to share one more update with you prior to my leaving, but I can't promise anything at this point. I'll definitely miss this place while I'm gone!! I promise to come back with lots of photos from the show!! I may just use Flickr again when I post the images..I don't want to bombard you with lagging load times when you visit this place late next week. I do appreciate you stopping by though :) We'll see you guys next Thursday or Friday! Have a wonderful week you guys!

Saying No to Jane + New Album + CP Girls!

 

Yep, after only a few days of wearing this beautifully packaged compact mineral make-up on my face, I gave up on it entirely. My face went into serious itch-mode and didn't stop until this morning. Unfortunately, the supposedly "good for your skin" motto this company so blatantly advertises doesn't live up to it's claim, though I've heard other's have had great success with their products. I'll willingly state that my skin is especially sensitive - minerals don't always agree with me. I thought that maybe Jane Iredale's formula would be different than those I"ve tried in the past as it was sold to me by my dermatologist..I should of just listened to Paula Begoun, cosmetic cop of the century, and not have purchased the powder! She has saved my skin numerous times in the past and to this day, I refuse to purchase cosmetics without her pre-approval...no matter how pretty the packaging may be. I ignored Paula this time around and I've paid a serious price for it! No more buying cosmetics without doing my homework first! Amen to that - live & learn. Moving on.... 

Now for some good news..I did carve out a few hours this week to start a new "extra mini" mini album. I haven't a title for it yet, but it sure is a cute one! Bright, bold and delightfully quirky, this album is my new fave! It'll have a special spot to rest after it's done as I'm contemplating alternate ideas for displaying my mini albums in my new scrapbook space. I'm tired of them sitting in a basket and being completely ignored. I'd love to hang them up on a wall or sit them nicely on a shelf or two. I'll be gaining extra display opportunities after transitioning my creative space to our old master bedroom, which sits empty right now because I removed everything from the room last week. I think the albums will find a lovely new home upstairs after the remodel - here's a peeksie of Miss Mini:

 

 

 

So watcha think of the new "extra mini" mini album? I realize it's only the start of this lil' ten pager, but imagine what it will look like when it's all done? Wowza! This album is packed with color, wouldn't you say?! After having focused much of my attention on neutrals and subtle tones of pink, turquoise, green, orange and yellow in creating the doily window box this last month, I was in a mad rush to experiment with bolder, brighter hues! This album is exactly what the doctor prescribed and I'm beyond blissful about it..now only eight more pages to go - hang of folks, it's going to be another longgg week! Laugh.

I thought it might be helpful to put together a small sampling of the items used to create Miss Mini. Find it below: 

Fabric

Anna Maria Horner {Drawing Room}, GCD {Melody Ross *Homespun Chic Textile Gift Tags"}

Pattern Papers

October Afternoon {Detours *Fruit Stand* & Report Card *Science Fair*}, Heidi Grace Designs {Sweetest Bug *Sweet Words*}, GCD {Morning Glory *Wallpaper*}, Basic Grey {Lemonade *Sunshine*}, Paper Salon {Sorbet *Cherry Posies*}, Graphic 45 {Fashionista *Fashionista*}

Stickers

Jenni Bowlin {Black Label Stickers}, Cosmo Cricket {Tiny Type *Pink*}, 7 Gypsies {Foldover Sticker Book *Classic Reef*}, K & Company {Brenda Walton Olivia Rose *Floral Grand Adhesions*}, Making Memories {Flutter Dimensional Stickers}, Making Memories {Sabrina Looking Glass Stickers}, KI Memories {Flourish Chip Accents}

Alphas

The Girls Paperie {Paper Girl Chipboard Alphabet}

Misc.

Martha Stewart EK Success {Heart and Flower Clear Stamps}, Doodlebug {Paper Frills *White*}, Pink Paislee {Queen Bee *Bella Brads*}, Creative Impressions {Bunches of Leaves *Celery Felt*}, Heidi Grace Designs {Decorative Pins}, American Crafts {Letterpress Chipboard Frames}

 

 

 

The dimensions of the album are quite small - I believe it's around 4.5" x 2.25"..even though it's itty bitty, it's not without a host of details both big and small. I tried immensely to keep the details at a minimum, but failed quite horribly. Could it be that I'm just addicted to benevolent, pretty things like fabric, flowers and rhinestones? Possibly..but who really cares?! Stuff is stuff and this girl can't get enough of it :)

Remember me mentioning photo frames in my last post? The ones from Paislee Press - "Gallery Frames"..well, I couldn't resist using them for the photos in this album. Below is a pick of my photos printed out with the added frames:

 

I hand trimmed them out with a fine pair of scissors and a steady hand. I didn't cut directly around the outline of the frame. Instead, I followed the design of the frame as shown at Oscraps and trimmed a .25" white border around the outlined area of the frame. The photos measure at about (with frame) 2" x 3.5"

 

 

To make my life a wee bit simpler, I chose not to decorate the backsides of my album pages. I'm usually a two-sided kind of gal, but I'm realizing that it's perfectly ok to refrain myself from scrapbooking the backsides of my album pages. To avoid going that extra mile, I went with a single layer of picketed pattern paper, which I further outlined with black pen and then carelessly painted with a sheer coat of white paint. I still distressed the edges of the pages with Ranger Distress Ink {Burlap}. 

The painting technique is super simple - apply a very tiny amount of white paint to a foam brush and in a very careless back and forth fashion, rub the brush along the width and height of the paper. Rub excess paint from paper using either your fingers or a dry paper towel. Also apply white paint to all four edges of the paper using the brush - though do so sparingly. 

 

 

Since this is the first time I've actually added fabric to one of my mini albums, I thought I'd share some square peeks of my inadequately located fabric collection (hidden quietly among dressers spread throughout the house - upstairs and downstairs!) Even though I'm not as acquainted with sewing as I once was, I still can't forego my fabric collection. It distressing to think that at one time I spent half a fortune collection fat quarters of every cotton fabric design imaginable. Another long gone obsession that I could easily fall back into if I'm not careful. Laugh. Fabric is just as delicious as paper! 

 

 

 

Look at these sneaky kitties (Amber & Casper)! Trying to escape the house while I desperately attempt to catch photos while the lighting conditions are still favorable. I have the door pried open and I'm hanging half-way out the door with camera in hand. The project display faces the door as it provides ample natural light for photography! If it weren't for my gigantic front glass door, my photos wouldn't be nearly as bright and crisp! It's one of my favorite spots in the house for catching great project photos! :)

 

 

Lookie here!! Crate Paper recently announced their new design team members and I'll be coordinated the new team over the next six months. Crate Paper is debuting three new collections at show and the new design team will have a chance to play with the new collections just prior to the show (end of July). Crate will debut some of the teams creations at the Crate Paper booth and also at Crate's blog when the new collections are revealed! When exactly will the new collections be revealed to the public? I can't say specifically, but rumor has it that Crate is going live with the new collections mid-July at the Crate Paper blog! Stay tuned for more info - the announcement above is a not-so-obvious sneak peek of one of the newest collections; "Restoration". More to come in the next week or so..promise.

I'm about done here..would LOVE to hear your mini album display ideas if you feel up to sharing some with me. Also, hope all of you are thoroughly enjoying the holiday weekend. We're spending time with fam both tomorrow and Sunday, so I won't be returning back to this place 'til Monday or Tuesday. Not sure I'll be able to squeeze in scrapbooking the next two days. Holidays are always filled with family commitments and lots and lots of food! I'm looken' forward to it! Safe and happy fourth everyone! Will return soon with a second mini album update and a summary of the weekend's festivities!