For those of you who have been reading this blog for quite some time now might remember that I used to do monthly process videos for Two Peas In a Bucket a while ago. There have been comments and requests from some folks asking to see those types of videos again, so I made one. I also confessed something in the video.
Studio Calico - The Underground kits
Every month when I receive my latest Studio Calico kits, the first thing I do is smile. Then I open up the scrapbook kit. It's full of unique items that always inspire me to make pages right away. The wooden letters in this kit pair perfectly with the neutral patterned papers. Love how they pop with the white cardstock and a bit of black machine stitching! For the other main kit only layout, I decided to step out of my comfort zone a little bit and get messy. Mixing in random colors and using things I normally wouldn't have, it turned out to be a fun creative exercise. Instead of just staring at it, I used the make magic silk screen. Because I got excited when I read that you could use watercolors with it, I tried that first with a turquoise color. When I peeled it back, there were a lot of spots that were too light. So I did another layer with the 24 Karat paint from Piccadilly. I like the spotted effect that made me think I actually successfully made a little magic. I used my Fujifilm Instax Share to print out a couple photos from our first fair as a family.After making the 2 layouts using only the main kit, I dive right into all the add-ons. I loved Piccadilly & Notting Hill. Usually I print my photos with Persnickety Prints, but when I occasionally print at home, I use my Epson XP-950 Wireless Color Photo Printer. It's great for printing from my iPhone, or from my computer. I laid out the photos I wanted to print from our Palm Springs adventure onto an 8.5x11 background. After trimming them down, I challenged myself to not use any cardstock for this layout. And the final layout I made with The Underground kits is possibly my favorite. I envisioned a full page of frames (from Piccadilly) with not only photos inside, but stamped images, embellishments and patterned paper. Here's how the spread of our trips to Pittsburgh and Chicago came together using The Underground Project Life kit along with the 24 Karat paint from Piccadilly. I'm really glad I went out of my comfort zone to silkscreen on paper. Though now that I think about it, my hesitation around trying this out was probably due to the fact that I get easily hooked on cool new techniques, especially when it's easy. As you can see, it's really easy and the results are really neat. Considering how much I love incorporating bits of color into my projects, this Color Theory acrylic bundle will probably be making its' way into the studio soon.
You can shop for all The Underground kits here and see all my projects here.
Keep in mind that subscribers can shop the pre-sale each month at noon EST on the 27th. Others need to wait until the clock strikes midnight tonight. Become a subscriber and get in on all the benefits and rewards that Studio Calico has to offer!
2014!
Happy New Year! We spent the last day of 2013 with a bad case of food poisoning (wait, is there ever a good case of that?!). We think it was from some salmon we had the night before. Luckily, Jack was not affected and we're feeling more normal today.
This year I plan on documenting using Project Life once again. This time, like the past 2 years, I will try to do it on a weekly basis. Thinking I may actually try and fit in 2 weeks per spread, or maybe even move into some sort of monthly form. Who knows... one thing for sure, I will continue to make the process enjoyable and document the little things. I'll be using this album, in grey. Here's a little peek at part of my cover page. 
I used elements from Studio Calico kits and bits from my newest line, Plus One (which will be available in stores in a couple months). If you love the look of Kal Barteski's writing as much as I do, perhaps you'll join in for this awesome class - Life | Scripted. 
Bring creative play into your memory keeping with the art of brush script. This month renowned artist, Kal Barteski, brings her popular class on brush script to the Calico Classrooms. Learn the ins and outs of brushes and inks to take a variety of projects to the next level with your own handwriting. Our Creative Team members will join in to inspire you how to incorporate your new skills into your pages and projects for 2014.
Need supplies for this class? There's a special free shipping offer if you order by January 7th. See the class slideshow for more information.
I'm excited to be one of the contributors to this awesome workshop. Class enrolling now through January 31st. By enrolling, you'll have immediate access to the classroom and class message board. Class begins February 1, 2014.
Project Life CT 2013
It was an honor to be on the 2013 Project Life Creative Team. This year seemed to fly right on by. Though I skipped more than 10 weeks randomly throughout this year - my Australia & New Zealand trip is completely missing - I am grateful for this way of documenting. Kari posted this last batch of projects on Becky's blog. Here's one of my favorite spreads from this year.
I plan on continuing this style of memory keeping on a somewhat weekly basis for 2014. Some of these photos are from Persnickety Prints (they offer a Project Life size with optional rounded corners that fit perfectly into the pockets) and the others are printed at home from my Canon SELPHY CP900 Wireless Printer. Which actually reminds me, I need to order a few boxes of paper and ink.
from greeting card to PL card
My cousins gave me this adorable Hallmark card for the baby shower and I found the perfect way to save it for Project Life.
I simply used the 3x4 We R Memory Keepers punch (which was available at Studio Calico and Two Peas in a Bucket) - just click Notify Me to be alerted when back in stock. The punch is easy to use, but I must admit takes a bit of muscle. I like to put it on a solid table (preferably a low table - that isn't a high countertop) and push both my palms (and arms) into it.
I saved the inside of the card with the hand written message, but love that this part can live inside of one of my Project Life pockets.