Friday, May 25, 2012

Two more washi layouts...

I made this layout and used washi here and there for a pop of color.  I also placed a blue strip of it underneath the title letters, so the word would pop.

For the next layout, I wanted to made my own die cuts using washi.

I free-handed a few cloud shapes on white cardstock.  Next, I placed blue tape across the whole area.  I could still see my original line, so I cut on that line to give me embellished clouds.

I also used it to embellish this printable.  The different colors of yellow and orange really make it fun...


Enjoy your weekend!!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

More Washi Tape Inspiration

You didn't think I was finished talking about washi tape, did you??? Here are a few more awesome ideas involving washi...

Using a cutlery drawer for washi organization.  Perfection!!

Washi Tape Treat Stick Tutorial
Washi added to your desk calendar.  Colorful way to jazz things up!
Washi tape added to labels for scrapbooking or organization.
Washi tape to cheer up painted bottles.  SO doing this...
And last but not least, GARLANDS.  Oh, the possibilties are endless!!

 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Grease Disposal

I tried yet another idea from Pinterest. (What did I do before they came along???) When frying up hamburger, simply pour the leftover grease into a bowl that is lined with foil. Stick the liquid grease into the frig, and let it become a solid. Then remove the lining and grease, and toss the whole thing away in the trash!! No more grease down the drain!!

Kinda gross, eh?
It totally works!!

Enjoy your day!!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Book of Aunts

I got a special request to share my Book of Aunts. So here goes!

The book goes together quite easily.  I can't wait to add my photos.  To say that I'm behind is a gross understatement.  But I'll get to it...


Above:  The inside cover.  Love Dear Lizzy's stuff. 

The entire book is hindged on a binder clip that is attached to the right side of the hard cover.

I plan on using the fronts AND backs to create more space for photos and journaling.
The elements in the kit are really girly and feminine, and I love that.  Perfect for female photos (or your aunts!)
Please leave any questions, I promise to answer them!

Enjoy your day!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Sharing a few layouts...

Wanted to share a few layouts I finished up over the weekend. I'll be sharing a few more before the week is out...

I used the Echo Park This and That collection from a past WIP Kit for the above layout.  I included pieces/parts from leftover scraps, Dymo label tape, and washi tape. 

Used bits and pieces from the past February WIP kit for this one.  The photo is a collage made using my iPhone, and printed out on a 8x8 square photo.  Quick and easy!
And last but not least, a layout using a printable I found on Pinterest.  I added a favorite pic of our three kiddos, and embellished the rest of the page with washi tape and punches.  Done!

Enjoy your day!

Friday, May 18, 2012

What's in my camera bag?

Once in a while, I field questions on cameras and lenses. For some reason, I've been asked a lot lately (maybe it has something to do with Spring sports? Not sure.) Today, I wanted to share what was in my camera bag (in no particular order...)
Canon 85mm f/1.8.  This is my newest lens, and I have to say, I love it.  Great for portraits that are taken from a bit of a distance.  I'm shooting a few weddings this year, and I think this will be used a lot on those days where you want to catch a moment, but not be right on top of someone.  This lens has also been fun on a few non-action type sports photos, without interrupting the game.

Canon 50mm f/1.4.  This is my tried and true favorite lens.  I use it for about 80% of all my shots, and I know it well.  I like a prime lens (opposed to a zoom), and this one is wonderful for portraits.  Using the AV (apeture priority setting) on the camera, I'm able to control a lot of the focus and light, and that kind of manipulation puts a spring in my step.  If you are looking to upgrade and only buy one lens, this is the one I'd recommend.

Canon 55-250 Zoom Lens--This is the lens I use to shoot sports for our children.  I love the zoom capabilities so I can get close up shots, and also get those far away shots, too. 

Feel free to ask any questions, and I'll do my best to answer!  Enjoy your day!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Washi Swap


I may or may not have a Washi tape addiction.  I can neither confirm nor deny it.

What I can share is that I'm not alone.  Far from it, in fact.  Above, you'll see these tiny wooden dowls that were purchased by my friend, Amy. 

On Saturday, she and I swapped a ton of our Washi.  She thought to use these wooden dowls, and to wrap a good strand of tape around the pegs.  This way, we'd have our own little taste of the mini spools, and make our dollars stretch.  I have to say, it worked out perfectly.  I hope you try it with one of your obsessive/compulsive friends, too!  :)  One can never have too much Washi, right?

Enjoy your day!!


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

June 2012 WIP Kits

June Main WIP Kit--$30 ($28 for subscribers)
Contents of this kit inlcude:  9 Papers (1 My Mind's Eye, 2 7Gypsies, 3 cardstock, 3 Simple Stories), American Crafts Amy Tangerine foam thickers, Pink Paislee colored label stickers, Pink Paislee mini alphas--tan and grey, My Mind's Eye border stickers, My Mind's Eye Label stickers, My Mind's Eye cut, 26 mini posters, and 60+ die cuts.

Here is a closer photo of the highly requested Project Life Elements for June that are in the Main Kit:
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June Add-On Kit--Father's Day Mini--$20
Contents of this kit include:  4 12x12 papers (gold correguated, 1 Lilybee, 1 Bo Bunny, and 1 cardstock), 12 6x6 7Gypsies papers, 2 library tags, 10 7Gypsies tags, 5 tags, 3 cork stickers, 3 die cuts, 1 mini album chipboard set w/2 jump rings,1 chipboard bracket, one Karen Foster metal plate, and Heidi Swapp black/white poleroid insta frames--full package..
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June Project Kit--$25
Contents of this kit include:  4 sheets cardstock (1 textured), 12 gray business envelopes, Teresa Collins cardstock stickers, Jenni Bowlin cardstock date stickers, Jenni Bowlin rub on alphas, Jenni Bowlin rub on ledgers, 3 cardstock scalloped rectangles, Jillibean Soup grey chipboard alphas, 6 long yellow tags, 1 yard velvet scalloped ribbon, 3 crocheted flowers, 3 XL shipping tags, 3 cork stickers, one silver doilie, two chipboard coasters, 1 chipboard ledger, 3 grey cardstock mini pages, and 2 mini ledger papers.


Monday, May 14, 2012

App of the Week--What the Font

While cropping with girlfriends this weekend, I learned of a new app, and had to share...

What the Font is a FREE app for iPhone (and I believe it is available for Droid as well), and it is AWESOME.  Simply take a photo of any font, and it will identify the font that is used.  I tried it out on the above photo, and it totally worked!!  Try it out!!

Enjoy your day!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

He...


...giggles all the time, and whenever I hear his laugh, something in my heart sings.
...is only a few inches shorter than his brother.
...is quiet and tender-hearted, and tears up if he thinks we're upset with him.
...has a thing for math and numbers.  He knows some multiplication and he isn't out of kindergarten yet.
...is completely spoiled by pretty much everyone in this household.
...doesn't like going upstairs at night by himself.
...sings or hums the, "I'm a Gummy Bear" song all. day. long.
...has the worst temper.  We work on that a lot.
...is the youngest boy on his soccer team, and has no problem holding his own.
...is a rule follower.
...eats, sleeps and breathes basketball.  He can hold his own in a conversation with adults involving the NBA.  And he astonishes me with this knowledge daily.
...loves Nerf and Legos, when he isn't playing b-ball.
...is about to lose his second baby tooth.
...loves to read books about animals.
...always responds, "NO!" when I ask if I can have a bite of his leg because it resembles a piece of chicken.
...enjoys playing Super Hero Squad and Lego Batman on the Wii.
...isn't big on trying new foods, but is better than he used to be...
...wears anything Superman, Batman, Captain America, Hulk, Thing or Wolverine.
...is losing that baby face look.  And it's killing me.
...can't hardly stand to wait to give me my Mother's Day present he made at school last week.  He's been talking about it non-stop for 3 days.
...grinds his teeth loudly when he sleeps.
...has my heart.

To all of the Mom's out there, Happy Mother's DayEnjoy your weekend.