Inspired...by InspireME

Iin my endless pursuit of scrapbooking blogs, I found InspireME a blog that is completely dedicated to creating with Webster's Pages.  They have some of the most beautiful pages, and I have to admit, some of the most amazing layouts I have ever seen!  They are just gorgeous.  Of course, I had to find a challenge, something to inspire me to create something beyond what I might ordinarily do.  This month they were urging us to SCRAPLIFT!  Now, how can it get any easier when someone says, please, scraplift my absolutely beautiful creation?  Right? Well, they made it even easier than that by giving you an easy, moderate and complex (aka - layer, layer, layer) versions to scraplift. 

Here's the inspiration I chose, "Little Miracle" by Karola. 

And here's what I created.  Family....You boys are my favorite escape!  I must say, it's a bit frustrating when you're trying to get the right lighting for the photo and the sun has gone down.  Alas, thanks to a broken light fixture, my bathroom is lit up like the sun these days, and so the pictures seemed reasonable enough to post.  I will probably update them if possible with some more naturally lit pics soon! 

Here's some close up of the details.  I used the tutorial I found on the site and found they were very easy - once you get the hang of them.  The other flowers are even simpler, courtesy of a tutorial from Sketch Inspirations.  I am thinking of going on a 'flower blog hop' soon, because I really just can't seem to get enough of all these crafty flower inspirations.  I just really adore them, however, I am finding that my scrapbook pages are far from fitting into any album these days.  If you have ideas for how to store these rather 'lumpy' pages, please do share!  A friend of mine has suggested I do up the entry walls like a school 'trophy display' and I can switch out my layouts as desired....what do you think?  My hall of scrapbooking fame?  Hahahaha. 

Enough chatter, and more teaching!  I've used the Webster's pages here, Seaside Retreat, and a generic sheet music page for the background.  I had the coordinating stickers, fabric ribbon and journaling notes, all of which I just love, to really complete my layout. 

I did have some K & Company, Sea Glass paper ribbon as well, that I used to frame out the sand dollar arch.  The little brown glass beads are clear pebbles that I rubbed with some brown Staz-On ink.  I just felt it needed something to make it stand out a bit. 

Wish me luck on this, my latest adventure in the scrapbooking challenges!  The boys come back tomorrow night, and we're off to meet the teachers.  So, it will likely be a few days before I get a chance to indulge again....until then, happy scrapping!

 I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

While the boys are away...Mom must SCRAP!

So, the boys have been down at their Grammy and Papa's all week!  So, you think Mike and I would have been snuggled up, or out on the town, right?  Nope!  We simply enjoyed the quiet solitude of being together, being at home and being us.  You forget what it's like to have no kids, no extra responsbilities, other than to eat (cereal) and maybe do a load of laundry (because that didn't go to Hampton Beach) and just you know, nothing! 

Mike did nothing to help my crazy scrapbooking saga either.  When I got home today he asked (before kissing me hello, mind you), "What's the project tonight?"  Does he know me or what?  Well, I tell you,  I received my GCD Studios newsletter today and was just dazzled by the chance to win the chipboard tools, and more - soooo cool!  I may have already shared with you that I was picked last Fall to be a "GCD Studios Spotlight Gal" and my month to be lit up is December.  Of course, that simply means I need to be gathering more GCD Studios papers, embellies and stickers...and yes, maybe even that Melody Ross Chip Art Kit! 

So, here's my entry - inspired by 'Hometown' or 'Home'.  The saying I chose was 'Love Grows Here'.  To me, that's what home is all about, the love that you share with your family.  It's about the safety and comfort that surrounds you there that gives you the confidence and stability to shine! 

If you are wondering about the gorgeous papers, they're GCD Studios Artsy Urban by Melody Ross. If I had to pick a line of papers to use forever and ever, these would be them.  There's just something about the colors, the patterns, the birds, and butterflies that make me happy.  And then there's that beautiful bird tag you see - isn't it just perfect?  That's from one of my Scarlet Lime kits and they are also where much of my Artsy Urban paper came from. 

The papers were torn at the edges, again, using the edge of my scissors (make sure you have a sharp pair for this, or it will tear more than shred).  I crumpled the paper up, several times to get this look, then glued it and pulled to get the puckers and wrinkles.  This paper is just perfect for this type of technique as the result is more like fabric. 

Lastly, the red rosettes, those are from Webster's Pages and is just one of my favorite ribbons right now! 

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Final Challenge - Sketch Inspirations

This one was so sweet, I just had to take the time to do it today!  It's called, Grammy's Eyes.  You can see why as my little Wyatt was just lost in his Grammy's eyes!  So sweet. Be sure to check out Sketch Inspiration if you haven't already! 

I want to share with you my favorite thing to do with chipboard!  I have some great emboss folders for my cuttlebug, and one of them has all kinds of little words.  You can see I used 'Precious' on the dragonfly.  You can emboss it dry or a little damp for a deeper emboss image.  This chipboard was already colored, courtesy of Wyatt's adventures in my scrapbooking room last week!  LOL.

Finally, I managed to use one of my little stamps again, and not having tried it before, decided to use my marker to ink it.  The results came out pretty good as you can see on the DATE image.  I actually colored the green leaves in post-stamping.  I just wanted them to pop out a bit more. 

In case you're wondering what this beautiful paper and embellishments are, they're Little Yellow Bicycle, Clothesline.  I just love them and what a great way to show off the pink in Grammy's shirt and Wyatt's little yellow jumper.  These are PRIMA flowers, as well as a Mind's Eye clear acrylic photo frame. 

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Sweet on You

The week is wrapping up.  It's been so much fun and I am definitely sad to see it end, but I've learned this much.  Life is too short to not do the things you want.  And so, I've decided to go for a new design team contest!  Maybe even two! I'll be wrapping up my entries this afternoon in hopes that I'll be selected to one or both of them. 

But first, my completed challenge for the day! This was inspired by the JUNO movie poster over at screen2scrap. I pulled this out of the photo archives, the one picture I have of my Owen with my big baby Wyatt belly.  I learned, the hard way, that there is nothing more precious then a photo of your child with your yet to be born baby.  This is the only photo I have like this!  I never scrapped it because it was a bit fuzzy, but I decided to take another look at it.  With the sepia, it seemed a bit better, and I was tired of storing it away.  I just love the sweet little look in Owen's eyes and the mystery that my belly had for him.  He'd call out in the house, "Quiet Wyatt, where are you?"  So cute and I enjoyed reliving the moments with this layout.  

The title, Sweet on You, was inspired by this PRIMA paper, Whisper, which included SWEET in script up the side.  I added a lot of sparkle to it with my sakura sparkle pen and thought it stood out enough to incorporate into the title.  All of the paper is from that PRIMA line, and I'd been hoarding it for 2 plus years now.  It was always just too beautiful to use, but thought it fit perfectly with my sentiments for this LO.  The journaling card is from WEBSTER's Pages, as is the brown floral ribbon.  The cards come in a great little plastic case and they're just perfect for journaling and embellishing further.  I did a lot of tearing on this page, using my scissors to rough up the edges and then sparkled all of the flowers I could see. 

Here are some other close ups. 

Other items I used included some great ribbon scraps I had, Mind's Eyes rub-ons that I added to the photo edges, and Thickers for the 'you' with a little sparkle courtesy of Stickles.  Lastly was the little copper plate that I had which I added the word 'on' to. 

Now - go out and try a few challenges of your own.  I can't wait to see what you create!

  I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Wrapping up my Vacation Week of Challenges!

This has been such a fun week!  I've travelled all over the web and found some really great sites, including this one, Creative Scrappers!  They have some super talented sketch designers.  I was really impressed and this one definitely caught my eye -Sketch 115.

I just loved the band of circles across the center of the page and when I found these 3 photos of Owen, I just knew exactly which of my papers and embellishments I'd use.  Sassafrass has the cutest lines!  The challenge however, was that I only had a little 6 x 6 pad of paper that coordinated with the embellishments, so I decided to improvise.  I cut each of the sheets and then layered them along the bottom half of the page.  I then took two six inch strips of the yellow to make the solid piece across the middle.  Don't worry about seams because there are so many stickers, embellishments and other fun ways to hide them.  The little felt airplane was the perfect size to hide my seam.  The title, CARS, was created using the coordinating chipboard letters.  I surrounded them with little red pompom ribbon.  It was so cute I thought. 

My finished layout!

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Swirlydoos Contest!

I am so excited for the chance to win a Swirlydoos Kit!  If you have never checked out their monthly scrapbook kit, please do - they are just filled with all kinds of beautiful embellishments, prima flowers, bling and papers that are just exquisite!  I was so inspired by the chance to win one of their kits! 

I created this, my ode to Swirlydoos, a la Owen!  Owen is 8 years old now, and the kids lives, sleeps and dreams baseball.  All he wants to do in life is be part of the Red Sox, and of course, pitch in the World Series.  He's a little dude with a big heart and I think this photo just captures his passion for the sport perfectly.  It's sepia tones, and all of the baseball cards I included are circa 1985ish, courtesy of his Dad.  Spike Owen played for the Red Sox and was a nickname given to him by his Great Uncle Fran.  Now that was a man who could play ball -- well into his 80's he was still umpiring slow pitch softball! Can you imagine?  I only wish Owen could have gotten to know him better. 

How can you get this vintage style on your scrapbook pages?  Well, I started with some walnut ink, spritzed the baseball cards and then smooshed them up, rubbed it in and basically turned my hands black!  But, it washes off and what you're left with is a worn and rubbed look.  I crumpled the book page and glued it to the background.  Now the red behind Owen is actually a paper that I cut and then stitched together to resemble a baseball.  I covered most of it up, but I still love it. 

Last but not least, was the swirly action I added to the top. Wish me luck and leave me a comment letting me know what you think. 

Thanks for following my daily adventures in Scrapbooking My Boys!

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my TiffanyScrapbooks etsy shop for more inspiration!

Rough Housin'....or do you really call it a massage???

So, time to post my latest challenge-inspired scrapbook page, and aren't I lucky to have my two little guys right here with me!  One is seated behind me 'massaging' my shoulders, while the other is staring - reading every word I type!  All this love and attention from two guys who just pinched and poked one another, and then just happened to push the other's face into a couch cushion.  Yes, 2 boys do live here!

Enough of that though because I was left alone with a little quiet time to complete my 4th / 5th challenge of this vacation week.  I ventured on over to Color Combos Galore and my new fun find, http://inspiredblueprints.ning.com/.  Taking the color inspiration and the sketch, I found myself looking back at Owen's first lost tooth!  Imagine my dismay when I receive a call right in the middle of a scrapbooking class, no less, and it's Owen telling me he finally lost that tooth! All of my fellow scrappers let out a big WOO WOO over the phone line and I was just filled with joy at what great women I was surrounded by. So, Bad Timin' on my part, but what a great weekend it was!

I hope you like the page.  I combined a bit of this, a bit of that on this one.  The papers are Mind's Eye and Pink Paislee, as is the little cork clock.  I created my own word search here, cutting and pasting together 'LOSTTOOTH', chalking the edges for some extra stand-out power! 

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Kraft-It-Up Baby!

Kraft paper - just what is it?  Well, it's very neutral, tan, and up to this point, somewhat boring in my opinion.  BUT, I found a new blog dedicated to KRAFT paper that has inspired me to give KRAFT paper another shot.  And here it goes - my first Kraft paper creation. See the paper background here with the falling leaves - that's KRAFT. 

I've had this paper hanging around my scrapbook room for well over 2 years, bought on impulse at one of those conventions where I left about $400 behind.  It's Scenic Route, which is a paper I don't tend to buy often, maybe because I don't see it everywhere?  I adore paper - more paper, the better, but as I'm learning, it's always better when it's used.  And so, now I can say, even my Kraft stock is getting some love!

This challenge, number 3 on my vacation week, was from http://kraftitup.blogspot.com/  and included the use of color -green, black and yellow.  I could not find my wonderful yellow paint to use, but this piece of yellow scrap was calling to me, so even better.  Love it when I use my scraps.  I have a ton of them, as I'm sure you do as well.  What do you do with your scraps?  Maybe that'll be my next challenge!   

Have fun!  Watch for #4 to be loaded shortly -- gotta have some family time, too, on this vacation otherwise what would the point be? 

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Two finished in one day!!

And here's my second completed Challenge - this one's from Pencil Lines.  I had a lot of fun making my way down memory lane, finally deciding on these photos.  This is Owen, when he was about 18 months old out in California.  He was just so cute all that summer in his little hat!  

This sketch had just 3 photos, and I cropped them to ensure they were all equal in size.  I then crumpled and sanded the Cosmo Cricket paper (Snorkel is the name of this line and it's just so cute!)The chipboard pieces here are all Cosmo Cricket as well.  I found myself wondering if there was too much space above the photos, but decided with a little chalk edging, it's be ok.  All in all, a quick and fun layout!  And there's 3 more photos that won't be laying around in a box anymore!  Yippee!!!

On to the next challenge...I hope you'll follow along on my adventure! 

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Vacation Week and CHALLENGE chaos....

This week we're on vacation.  Can't believe it's the middle of August already!  The boys have wrapped up Summer Camp and are now starting the countdown to Disney.  We head out the last week of September, but I don't want to start counting down yet because it will make the last precious weeks of summer go by too quickly.  I guess that end of summer dread hasn't really kicked in for them yet, but I feel it and so I've decided to focus on something else instead -- Scrapbooking and the many challenges you can find out on the web. 

First up, ARTastic Challenge Blog.  Now, I know, you might be wondering what is SHE doing there?  Well, once in a while, even I decide it's time to scrap myself.  Who else is going to do it?  And of course, first you must get someone to agree to take your picture.  After all, it's not always easy getting someone else to take up shop behind the family lens.  This photo was taken by my husband, Mike, as we were enjoying the sunset at my in-law's place down at Hampton Beach, NH.  It's beautiful there and it's funny how often we've gone to visit but never slowed down to enjoy the sunset. 

Now, the techniques I used here are not ones I'd recommend unless you are ready to get messy.  I first sanded away much of the finish on this paper, which by itself is beautiful, but I needed to get 'Monet'.  I then added inks with my cat's eye chalks, and then decided to just go for it with good old fashioned chalk.  Why not, I thought as I vigorously rubbed and brushed away?  Of course, I did not want all of that chalk making its way throughout my album, and so I decided to grab what little hairspray I had left and applied it vigorously to the page.  It was perfect.  Add some photos, over the white mulberry paper, some sparkley beads and leaves that I picked up on clearance at Joann's this morning, and there you have it.  Enjoy!!!

And now I'm off to the next challenge - but I leave you with this.  If you do not have a recent photo of yourself, take one.  We may not always love scrapbooking ourselves, but once in a while, it's nice to have one that you can completely cover in flowers, pearls, butterflies, and all the girly stuff you've been hoarding!  Have fun! 

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Check out this giveaway from Scrap the Boys!

Wouldn't this kit be fun???  All my favorite colors, chipboard and fun ribbons -- with a definite edgy boyish feel.  Check out their blog, I know I'm going to follow it!  Woo hoo!!!

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Skater Boy

Boys and their toys! 

This year, Wyatt decided to spend all his birthday money on a skateboard, pads and helmet.  So proud of him that he was up for spending his cash on protective gear!  I had no idea just how badly he'd need it, until I witnessed him 'riding his skateboard', which means starting nearly at the top of our driveway and jetting on down.  Do you think we can get him to try to skateboard on a flat surface?  Nope!  Just a daredevil, this guy!

Taking a clue from the photo, and how very weird, unique and just plain cute this little dude is, I decided to incorporate metal.  These are some recycled bike parts that a friend of mine gave me to use in my scrapart nearly 2 years ago now! (check out how she uses recycled bike parts in her art! http://mainebikeart.com/ )

I used the bicycle chain links to guide the ribbon on the left and right sides, overlapping the embossed metal sheet.  I then took a larger gear and used that to frame the 'O' in boy.  It's a bit lumpy for an album, but I'm thinking it's just perfect to store in a shadowbox on the wall in the playroom or Wyatt's bedroom.  It will always make me laugh to notice that his shirt is on backwards!  Yes, he insisted on wearing it that way (thus the 'weird' button).  Here's a few close-ups.

Don't be afraid to go beyond what you find at the craft store.  There is so much out there that you can incorpoate into your art, the story and what you find most interesting about the moment you are trying to record. 

Another challenge if you want one -- and this one worked out great, head on over to http://scrapyourcrap.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge  Challenge 56 is all about using tape - artisan tape, and well, any tape - like the 3 strips of colored masking tape I used here.  Have fun!

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration! http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

For the Love of the Game

So, you probably have sports pictures, right?  I can't tell you how many times I've found myself laying on the field, crouching in the grass, swatting at mosquitoes, hoping to take the perfect shot.  What I decided is that not every sports picture has to be one of action.  This one of Owen, holding his medal here, is just perfect to show how much he loves Soccer and how proud he was of the season he had.  I look at that little smile on his face and I just see happiness! 

Now, for the layout. I've had these papers for well over a year - they're MVP by WE R Memory Keepers.  I loved them when I picked them out, but like so many of my other 'finds', but had yet to really create with them.  So, I was super excited when I noticed that Owen's shirt had orange in it, even it is a little bright.  I should admit, that I am not after scrapbook perfection here, but I don't mind getting close!  This is one of those times, as the orange is a little brighter, but I look at the page and say - yippee!  I got it done! 

I need to of course credit to Trisha at Sketch Inspiration, Challenge 136.  This week's challenge really forced me to work with circles and so the soccer ball was just right. 

Now it's time for you to break out your school sports pictures!  I'd love to see them!

I hope I've inspired you to get started on your own creation! If not, check out my etsy shop for more inspiration -  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks

Looking Out!

I started this blog with the intention of helping others, like myself, who are hopelessly addicted to the beautiful scrapbooking ephemera and blessed with wonderful boys, and I what I'm learning is that I am really helping myself!  By adventuring out into the world of online scrapbook challenges, I'm just amazed with all of the beautiful ways people are including flowers, ribbons, bling, you name it!  

This week my layout was inspired by a new sketch site I found,  this scrapbook by using a sketch presented on Pencil Lines.  I guess I waas so inspired by the sketch and the layouts presented that I got carried away.....and so you find 'Looking Out'. 

Yes, that is a window curtain you see!  I always feel as though my son is looking out at the world, and my message here to him is of course to enjoy life!  

I used Little Yellow Bicycle Clothesline for this layout, and so loved the weight of the paper.  How can you do this?  First I stitched the ribbon directly to my paper along the bottom edge. Then I folded the paper, until I got the right feel for a 'curtain'.  A little glue, or even tape, can be useful in keeping the folds until you're ready to stitch.  Just make sure it's acid free.  Then I stitched straight across the top, creating the ruffle.  Lastly, as I wanted a bit more window dressing, I added a line of glue to the top, and then placed the ribbon, sort of pinchnig it to add to a scrunchy look.  What type of pictures do you have that could include a window curtain?  I'm sure you can think of something and it's fun! 

Lastly I will tell you about the little chipboard bird.  This is so much fun and anytime I can include some embossed chipboard, I do.  You take a plain piece of chipboard and just spritz or dampen with a bit of water.  This allows for it to take a really deep emboss.  Using my Cuttlebug, I embossed the love stamp.  Then I used the edges to get at the chipboard that fell beyond my emoboss template.  Finally, with a little Tattered Angels Glitter Mist it was complete!  Just lovely. 

Of course, what's more important to me then any of the beautiful embellishments is the journaling, or in this case, the message to my son.  Don't be afraid to tell your story!  After all, that's what probably got you started with scrapbooking to begin with. 

Hope you enjoy it! 

My new Etsy Shop!

It took me all day, but I finally decided on my 'header'. I figured, I better do something creative and it seemed silly to borrow someone else's artwork when I've taken so many beautiful photos of my garden and others. So, here it is!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiffanyScrapbooks