Gelato detox...

Brace yourselves...no gelatos were used to make these layouts  ;-) I've been using so many different mediums on my backgrounds lately that it was beginning to get hard to convince myself that the page was done...without a drop of ink, gelato, paste or gesso (my four new best friends).  A good friend told me that it would be good for me to challenge myself to abstain from gelatos and the like.  Well, I never back down from a challenge.  But have to admit...I still feel twitchy.  ;-)

These layouts aren't for any design team work or challenge.  They're purely for fun and for capturing the little lady on some recent outings.  One thing I want to start doing more often is getting the funny little things she says down on paper.  That's what this first layout is all about.  Hope you enjoy!

Okay, so there's a eensy weensy amount of mist on this first one.  I misted a heart mask with some trusty HS mists and then ran the masked page through the typewriter to decorate the hearts.
(And yes, there was a snafu with a stamp.  Pretend you don't see it.  ;-)  )

I have another good friend to credit for the title of this second layout.  I had shared this photo and she captioned it perfectly.  Thanks for the title inspiration, girlfriend!

Case File #90...35.

It's my birthday this month...turning 3-5.  I know there's a couple ways I can look at this number, and part of me is none too impressed with getting another year older.  However, the last 2 years have been full of tough lessons and challenges so instead of dreading the big "35" I've decided to embrace it.  It's going to be an awesome year.

Here's this week's awesome CSI case file:

And here's my layout.  I can't get enough of these gelatos. :)

This and that

.I am so not a fan of Mondays...yet, here we are again.  The start of another work week.  Had a fabulous weekend full of relaxation, crafting, and good food with good friends.  Wish it could have lasted a little longer!  Hope you all enjoyed the weekend as well!

Posting a layout I did awhile ago, but never posted...I had a craft night with some friends who were new to scrapbooking, and gave them a color scheme and sketch to work from to create their first layouts.  This was my sample page using the sketch and colors (Unfortunately my color swatch and sketch are on another computer so I can't post them here.)  Also posting a fun "just because" card I made experimenting with gelatos, distressed inks and stamps on canvas.

(sorry about the bit of glare - had a hard time getting a good shot of this layout!)

And here's the card I made.  This was really fun to play around with.

Enjoy the week everyone!

BOAF DT Reveal #2 - September Kit!

Happy Sunday everyone!  Time for another reveal over at Birds of a Feather kit club!  This time, I tried out a couple of cards in addition to a layout.  I had forgotten how fun cards are to make...and how much easier they are because you don't have to coordinate with the colors in a photo! ;-)

Here is my layout and below it are a couple of cards.  The "thinking of you" card isn't really my style and I'm not super crazy about it, but it's been forever since I have embossed and I had a lot of fun revisiting my go-to techniques of yesteryear! Enjoy your day!

CSI Case File #89 - B is for Bright...

Man, I struggled with these pastels!!  Started with some gelatos and mists over gesso, then decided I didn't like the drippy look so gesso'd over that a bit, then decided the colors were too bold, so gesso'd over that too!  Holy moly.  How's that for an opening paragraph?  LOL

Anyway, this week's CSI Case File (which, as does every 2nd week of the month, featured a fabulous sketch by Em Stafrace) featured some muted pastels that I found incredibly challenging (ahem, see above...) but that is what I love about CSI.  The challenge to step outside your comfort zone, experiment with color combinations, but still get your journaling in so you preserve your family stories.  And despite the struggle of putting this one together, I am happy with the end result.  Afterall, how could I be anything less than happy with a smile that bright beaming up at me from the page?

Here's the case file and sketch:

And here's my layout and some close-ups:

Thanks for looking and TGIF!!!!  :-)