Monika Write--Guest Designer

I'm thrilled to announce the guest designer for September...Monika Wright.

Known for her amazing mini books, she created a beautiful one for WIP Kits, and I'd like to share it with you today...

In her words...

The chipboard word dream was the inspiration piece for this mini book. I knew as soon as I peeked into my goody box that I was finally going to make a project just for me, a place for me to document what I'm thinking, feeling and dreaming of. Now, I'm not a person to remember her dreams, but I have plenty of dreams in my waking hours, believe me! I embossed the circles and then misted the chipboard to really allow it to take center stage.

Now for the good part...all the pages in a variety of sizes, shapes and formats. You'll see that I envision filling this book with lots of goodness and used 1.25" o-wires to house what will become a chunky bit of what I'm thinking about. I'll be able to add on to this book over the next month, few months, years, however long it takes me to fill it up with my stories.

I like to add unexpected places to tell more private stories and that's what I'll do with this fold out page here. Oh, and see that camera page peeking out from beneath the fold out page? I added it after I had already bound my mini book. Let me show you how I made it a part the design and no one will ever know. Right? Right!

I used the border strip on the cardstock and incorporated it into my design. And on the back side, I added a border strip that comes with so many papers now. The red chevron strip has been adhered to the back side of this paper to cover up the manufacturer's info, allowing me to still use the patterned strip on the front!

What's not to love about this...it's already designed for us. Add a story and a photo and call us ahead of the game.

I circle punched and then pop dotted those circles to the cardstock and used that bright red as the next page to peek out and add even more interest. Nothing wrong with a little fun.

Told you I was a fan of layering. And you may have already guessed...I use up scraps. The chevron strip below the word art is a border strip that I fussy cut and the banner strip adhered with the washi tape was trimmed into the v and fussy cut around the circles. If you have it, use it, I always think. Why let those bits and pieces get lost and eventually thrown away?

Machine stitching with my Mom's vintage Singer sewing machine is also a neat way to add interest and texture. Here, I've made a little pocket folder for one of the journaling cards and the long narrow page has also been stitched adding in a border strip scrap. The flap will be a nice way to add yet another layer when the time comes.

I used the paper names, punched, as journaling prompts for this page. Nifty, eh?

Just because it's a mini album doesn't mean it has to be mini. My dream book, that I'll add to over time, is sized to 8x12 at the largest and has pages as small as a shipping tag. I hope you'll give mini books a try sometime.

Thanks so much for joining us, Monika!! 

For those of you who would like to check out her Etsy site, you can view her amazing mini books and creations here.

Enjoy your day!!

Mike & Mandy's Wedding-Part 1

I recently had the honor of photographing the wedding of a dear family friend. The following are photos of their special day. Being part of the experience was incredibly moving, and I am blessed to call Mike and Mandy friends. Here is a glimpse of their day...

 Watching Mandy get ready with her mom and older sister and two nieces left me with a lump in my throat.  I recall Mandy as a nine year old tomboy with an awesome rock collection back in the day...

 Their nieces had to take a special role in the wedding.  Both Grace and Riley did well, and going barefoot as flower girls really was perfect.

 

 

 There were special touches everywhere.  More on that tomorrow...

 Before walking down the aisle...

At Mandy's request, we shot some photos on train tracks.  They have a special meaning to her, as her father has been an employee of a company that manages and runs the railroad.

 

 

 

 

 Her amazing parents, Kathy and Gary.  I've known them for a little over 25 years now...

 I love them.  Mike is such a great man.  So very happy to see them wed...

 

 More pics tomorrow.  Thanks for allowing me to share!

 

Enjoy your day!

  

 

December Daily--a quick note...

I've received quite a few emails and messages about my December Daily Kit, and so I wanted to put out what info I DO know about the WIP version this year. Yes, I will be doing one. Yes, it will be a kit, and it will be larger than 4x6 (most likely, it will be 6x9 in size.) The kit will be very similar to those in the past 5 years--it will be cut and ready to go when shipped. I will be providing full embellishment items, along with a kit that does include an album. I've had questions about colors and the vibe of it--and to that I'll say it will be colorful but involve vintage elements.  Red will be a constant through the whole album.  It will be available in October, and also at the Fall Retreat at the Bertram Inn as a class (as it has been for the past 5 retreats!)  And the biggie--it will cost no more than $50 WITH shipping included.  Please feel free to ask any questions--I'll do my best to answer them.  And THANK YOU to those who have contacted me and are anxious to get one ordered.  It is my best selling kit each year, and hopefully it will be again this year!!

Enjoy your day!!  

Ready for Fall...

Every year, I look forward to Fall. This year is no different. This past week, I've slowly started taking all the summertime stuff down around our home. Gone are my maps and globes, the seashells and summer photos. Out are apples and pinecones and leaves and mums. And I'm welcoming all of it.

I'm inspired, as always, by Pinterest.  This past week, I've pinned more food pins than I have in the last 9 months combined.  I'm cooking and baking and creating--and it feels good.  On my to do list...

 

One Charming Party published these beautiful owl cupcakes, made with Oreos and m&m's.  How cute are they??

 

Brown Sugar Banana Jam is on my list of things to make.  TODAY. 

 

Have a great day!

 

 

Bertram Inn Update & Reminder

 

I've been fielding a bunch of emails about the balances due on the Fall Retreat at the Bertram Inn, so I just wanted to let you know the balance emails are going out today and tomorrow, along with the class list.  Currently, we have 2 openings left before it is officially sold out.  If you are interested in attending, please feel free to email me at Turay413@gmail.com, and I'll register you so you can join us!!  I can't WAIT to share some of the awesome classes this year.  Many involve altered items, along with the standard paper crafts.  For more information, be sure to check out the Classes page (click on the hyperlink above) for all the details.  I hope to see you there!!

 

Enjoy your day!!

 

Fall Photo Sessions

(click on the image to enlarge it.)

 

This is my third year of doing the Fall mini sessions, and I'm so looking forward to them again this year.  Several families return each year to do photos for their Christmas cards, but it can be whatever you want it to be.  I am always asked about clothing selection, and this article gives just about the best and most current information and advice possible in that regard.  Gone are the days of matching clothing (black and Khakis, white and jeans, or matching outfits perfectly).  The more trendy thing now is to make a statement with bold colors, and to stand out, yet be coordinated with other members of your family.  Showing personal style is also encouraged. 

 

To book an appointment, please contact Trish at Turay413@gmail.com.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Back to School Vase

Wanted to share this simple and affordable project with you all today. 

I simply hot glued unsharpened pencils around the outside of a large can.  This took just under 4 packs of pencils (purchased at the dollar store), and about 20 minutes of my time.  I tied a ribbon around the middle, and added flowers to finish it off, and that is IT.  Made an adorable centerpiece for the teacher's back to school breakfast!

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Erica's Shower

I recently helped out my cousin with a family bridal shower, so I wanted to share a few photos from the decor today...

All the decorations were either vintage, or made with scrapbooking materials.  It was so FUN to create using what I had--and I loved the challenge!!

 

The above train case was found in my cousin's closet, and dressed up to use as the card box.  The mirrored area was dressed up with a few lollies, and a mini banner.  A vintage doillie (made by my mom when she was younger) draped over the side added a special touch.

 

 The XL black foam core backdrops worked well against the tables.  They added a great touch.

 I recycled cans used from veggies and such in my kitchen, and used the containers to house pennants, lollies and photos.  I took a vintage frame and painted the glass of the frame with chalkboard paint, and put it on an easel for a little chalkboard.  Totally doing that craft again in the near future!

 

 Here, I added a few fabric (felt and burlap) flowers to a vintage chalkboard.  So fun, playing and using found objects around the house!! 

 

Can't wait for the wedding in a few weeks...

 

Enjoy your day!