Shimelle's Croping Weekend Challenge #2; TWELVE Family Stories

Shimelle Laine is hosting an on-line cropping weekend with several different challenges and on-line community discussions regarding several scrapbooking dilemnas!  I am having a blast!  Challenge #2 was to use 3+ paper collections on a single layout.  And of course, I wanted to scrap one of my topics from my TWELVE class at Big Picture Classes.  I chose "Family Stories" And I did it!

 I used K&Co. "Blue & Yellow" line from 2003 (? I think) Yes, that is the name on the back of the coordinating papers.  This is the blue square with alphabet letters on it. This is the NEVER ENDING paper collection.  I must have bought 5 sheets of each design, which had 25 paper designs, in the collection line. So, I thought is was very fitting that my oldest paper sits on top of my newest purchase of Heidi Swapp's No Limits pattern paper.  I used 2 sheets from this paper collection, the white lined background sheet and the orange paper with the circles.  Finally, I used a paper from Flair Design, family collection.  This green strip has the word "Father" written in different languages and/or forms of the word on it.  I do believe Flair Design is no longer in business.  I absolutely loved this company.  They put example layouts on the back of each paper.  I also used Love, Elsie big chunky letters complimented with Tiny Alphas by Cosmo Cricket.  I am absolutely thrilled to use up some of my oldest stash!  Thanks Shimelle!

The family story is one that reoccurs daily.  My husband will walk into the house filthy, exhausted, hot and hungry.  (Look at the picture of my husband in the top left.)  The first words out of my 9 year old son's mouth are, "Daddy! Daddy, will you play with me?".  And everyday, my husband and I chuckle wearily and everyday Daddy plays with his son.  They will go back outside into the hot sun to play catch, bow practice or come into my scrap room and sit on the steps, playing games on the iPOD or just have a tickle fight!  Daddy "hearts" You!

Double Take Week 2 Sketch 3 Grilled Cheese

I love these pictures of Walker making his first grilled cheese by his own hands!  I love his Mamarazzi faces in the middle pictures.  I am also submitting this layout for the first day of Informal LOAD.  Patterned Paper and stickers are from Flair Design.  I loved their themed papers and embellishments.  For a sketch girl, they were great because they had sketches on the back of their patterned paper of how to use their materials! 

Ella's Boot Camp Drill #10 Inspiration

Ella Publishing's Boot Camp Drill #10 was to create a layout based on a magazine ad.  I found this drill the MOST DIFFICULT!!!  But I trudged through and gave it a try.  Instead of focusing on trying to mimic the style of the ad, I focused on the colors + a few style elements.  First, I don 't look at too many magazines.  I happen to have this Southern Living magazine laying around; so, I chose this page for its COLORS.  Her turquoise dress against the brownish red brick, brown dress behind her and the dark green of the bushes and grass are what inspired me to chose photos and paper to coordinate.  I also like the puffy white letters of the title in the add.  I tried to mimic.  In addition, I added a blue green striped layer at the bottom to resemble the grass. Unfortunately, I ordered a clear pen vs a white pen; so, my journaling was done in white.  Not the best layout, nor do I think I will use this drill very often (my mind doesn't think this way). 

Ella's Boot Camp Drill #11 (Embossing/Resist) & Double Take Wk1 Sk3

First, I have to say, "I can't believe LOAD is completed!"  I am in shock; so it is a good thing I have a few Ella's Boot Camp Drills to complete and 4 FABULOUS weeks of Double Take with Nic Howard & May Flaum!  So excited.  Today I combined Drill #11 Embossing and Resist Technique and Double Take's Week 1 Sketch 3 into one layout.  It is about our 2 different snow days in 2011, specifically: 1/9/11 & 2/9/11.  Most of these pictures are from 1/9/11.  Embossing/Resist Technique.  The red embossed snowflake paper inspired me.  Unfortunately, I still need LOTS of practice.  I took a piece of white cardstock and stamped a snowflake image all over it.  I used Dazzle Versamark ink to create the embossed snowflake.  I used clear embossing powder (because that is all I have).  I do think white embossing powder would work better.  I embossed snowflakes on the white background cardstock and a strip of white cardstock to use for the title letters "Snow Daze".  (The title I owe a thanks to a fellow classmate in double take)  For the title letters, I inked them with vintage photo & red brick distress inks by Tim Holtz.  I sprayed Maya Roads, Maya Mist "white" spray paint on the edges of the white snowflake background cardstock.  Again, I think the snowflakes would have stood out better if I would have used white embossing powder rather than clear.  I used the leftover "handmade created" title paper for "accents".  I punched a double loop border, using Martha Stewarts' around the page punches.  I tucked in these accents primarily on the left page.  I was also SO HAPPY to use a Prima Silver Poinsettia on the right hand of the page!!  I have had these and never used them!  Also the paper is SEI "Alpine Forest".  I only used 3 sheets of PP, with several pieces left over.  The sketch used a lot more layering than I have been doing lately, which took me a bit longer to create.  But I LOVE how it turned out!  Double Take is taking me into that creative mode, trying new and old/unused techniques, such as embossing, inking, more embellishments, punching and layering!  I am truly happy to "jazz" up my pages a bit more since LOAD, even if this layout took me two days.  Off to another drill and another sketch!

LOAD: Day 26 Double Take Wk1 Sketch2

I can't believe it!  Today is the LAST DAY OF MOTHERLOAD!!!!!! Whoohoo!!! 26 layouts in 26 days!!!  A total of 43 layouts over the course of 13 weeks!  I am quite proud of myself.  I followed all but one prompt I do believe, even if the prompt was not followed until a few days later!  I will miss Laine Ehman's daily emails challenging me to try something new and different or old and forgotten!  The LAST LOAD prompt was to "SCRAP" whatever you wanted!  Just do it!  So, guilt free, I chose to use Week 1 Sketch 2 of Double Take!  Love this sketch!  It is certainly going to be one of my "go-to sketches"!!  These are the last pictures of Walker's Magic Show.  The picture in the lower left hand corner is of the actual magician's class Walker attended.  Here it is, the last LOAD page:

LOAD: Day 24 Lyrics; Double Take Wk1 Sketch 1

Not sure why I didn't post yesterday's  LOAD and Double Take class layout, but here it is.  The LOAD challenge for the day was to use a song title or lyrics as the title on a layout.  I was not inspired to use the prompt.  WHAT I really wanted to work on one of the four sketches for the first week of DOUBLE TAKE with Nic Howard and May Flaum at Big Picture Classes .  Therefore, I completed the first out of four sketches for the week as my daily LOAD challenge. Double Take class has TWO fantastic instructors, 4 sketches, 2 examples per sketch each week for 4 weeks!  It is not too late to join us!  Click on Big Picture Classes above to learn more about the class and register.  Go for it!

Only three more days left of LOAD!  The pictures of Walker on the layout are him performing his Magic show which he learned from Landon Stark's Magic class earlier that day.  He was very intent on performing the magic tricks "just so".   The journaling reads "Magician at Work"  "Walker attended a "magical workshop" taught by Landon Stark, a professional magician.  When we got home, he performed a show for us.  Mae Mae was his "assistant".  he was very enthusiastic about his performance - very unusual (for Walker).  Performing trick after trick - I clapped and snapped (photos) eagerly."

Ella's Boot Camp Drill #8 Urban Effect

Tonight's, Boot Camp, drill was to use the "urban effect" on a photo.  I applied it to the picture of Walker dressed up for spirit week's "Giddy UP" day.  I don't think I will use this effect to often.

Original

Urban Effect

Ella's Boot Camp Drill #5: Frustrated Independence

Ella Publishing's Boot Camp Drill #5 was to use connective journaling.  I am not even going to try to explain what connective journaling is because I am not sure if I got it.  However, I used some pictures of Walker at 3 1/2 trying to open a bottle of coke and becoming so frustrated doing while trying to accomplish his task. My connective journaling is "Walker is too much like me!"  Losing it when he can't accomplish something he thinks he should be able to perform by himself!  Frustrated Independence!

LOAD: Day 21 Cut a picture into a Shape

Today's LOAD challenge was to cut your picture into a shape.  So, I broke out the old Creative Memories shape cutters and cut a picture of Walker in his All Star baseball uniform into a "rounded" star.  This was never my favorite shape cutter, but it fit the theme of the layout!  I also participated in a Let's Scrap challenge to use 3 different pieces of chipboard and alter them.  I covered the upper right star with silver foil, painted the journal chipboard with khaki paint and stickled the arrow red.  I used up some old baseball themed paper and material.  I love these pictures of Walker and his team in the dug out focused on their fellow team mate up to bat!
      Here is my Day 21 Layout:  ALL STAR!

Ella's Boot Camp Drill #4

Yes, I skipped Drill #3 of Ella Publishing's Boot Camp 2011.  It is coming soon.  I have not finished the LO.  Tonight's drill was a Photoshop Elements or photo editing drill!  Loved IT!  Immediately applied to the skating pictures of Walker, from classmate's birthday party.  The rink was dark, black light was in action!  So, my pictures were less than desirable.   PLUS, I was on skates!  The new photo editing techniques certainly improved the photo! I can actually see my child, in the blue shirt, skating towards me! 

After PSE

Before PSE

LOAD: Day 20 & Ella Boot Camp: Drill #2

Today's LOAD challenge was to scrap the "action" photo or any photo we took during basic training.  I am hoping to accomplish that today, too but this layout is based on Ella's Publishing Boot Camp's Day #1, Drill #2 (night drill): Use pattern paper.  I chose a bold pattern, a geometric pattern and solid. The funny thing is I really thought I was choosing a bold statement pattern and adding coordinating patters to complement it.  The drill was to focus on how to use pattern papers, how to mix and match pattern papers.  I also focused on one of last week's LOAD challenges, use a bad photo.  These photos were taken last year on my blackberry. The lighting was bad and the chef's movements were fast! Hence the not-so-good photos.  I also included one of the embossed accordian fold flowers from Jennifer McGuire's Inspiration class. Walker had a blast during his first trip to the Hibachi Grill!  I loved seeing his face light up when the chef gave us an extraordinary display of dexterity.  PLUS, I really liked using all these pink papers on this layout to capture the pink tint in the pictures. I don't normally get to use pink on LOs with Walker. The pictures are from summer 2010.


 

LOAD: Day 19 Scrap Out of Order & Ella's Boot Camp Drill #1

Today's LOAD challenge was to scrap out of chronological order.  It was also the first day of Ella's Boot Camp.  Boot Camp lesson was "no-grammar" journaling.  Document something in a pie chart, or comparison of two people on your LO.  I chose to document our daily schedule in a pie chart:  20% sleeping, 30% working or being educated, 15% sports, 15% either hunting (for the boys) or scrapbooking (for me), 10% fighting over homework, 5% watching Netflix streaming Hercules while playing with Daisy Dawg and 5% Deciding what to eat and then either going to get it or popping it in the microwave!  It was a fun challenge!  I also included some last week LOAD challenges, scrap a picture I have already used on a LO, stamp on your LO (row of flowers, title and flower embellishment), scrap something difficult (our daily routine).  I also used a new technique learned in Jennifer McGuire's Inspiration workshop; embossing and using distress inks on watercolor paper.  The embossed/watercolored flower (top left) is my attempt.  Here is our daily schedule layout!

LOAD: Day 18 Color Inpsiration

Today's LOAD challenge was to use the following color inspiration.

  


I think I somewhat accomplished the challenge, but more importantly I created a layout NOT from a "make and style" kit.  I did scraplift the topic and design layout from an American Crafts' designer team member, Revilie Schuit, who posted a similar layout on their blog hop! Click here to see her layout.  Revlie Schuit Thanks!  You inspired me to get my mojo on again!  Here is my layout.

LOAD: Day 16 & Day 17 Charming Boy

LOAD  Challenge was a "free day" today.     Pictures of Walker from church photos.

LOAD: Day 15 Family

Today's LOAD challenge was to scrap a challenging memory. Did that a couple of challenges ago; so you get this layout with a picture of our family, which we took at church.

LOAD: Day 11 Sketch: Walker BBall

LOAD challenge for 9.11.11 was to use a sketch. I made my layout into a 2 page LO vs. one page. I was able to scrap those baseball portraits, which is always challenging to me. The pictures are of Walker's last year in coach pitch. He played on the Gator's coach pitch team with Robby Howe, Amanda & Ralph Azlin as the coaches.  Glad its done!

LOAD: Day 9 Scraps

Today's LOAD challenge was to use scraps.  Well these "scraps" are from a school kit I have.  This LO is from 2nd grade, school pic, name 1st day of school in Walker's handwriting, class picture of last day of school and a picture of Walker presenting his Native American paper and project.  Easy peasy.  Got it done!

LOAD: Day 7 Turkey Gun

Today's LOAD challenge was "A Blast from the Past:  Use those VERY old supplies".  Deckled or brick and brack scissors, double mat, cut the photos into shapes, use "specialty pattern paper".  Although, I have several albums to attest to me utilization of these supplies and techniques, I couldn't go back that far!!   I double matted my 2009 pics and journaling spot!  I also used "scenic" paper.  The entire sheet is that of the turkeys in the field.  Do you see how the scene runs havoc on placing 2 double matted pics PLUS title and metal stickers on the page.  The pics have to overlap to accomodate all the other items.  Not my favorite page, but used circa (2005-2007) stash and captured Walker's very excited face as he opened his very first Turkey Gun!  And I made the LO in under 30 mintues! 

LOAD: Day 6 Me

      The LOAD challenge for today, Day 6, was to use the picture,  I took of myself during our 9 week training, on a layout.  I used two pictures taken during Mr. & Mrs. Gregg's Anniversary party last summer (June 2010).  Love this picture of me & Walker. I used Cricut's paper lace "hearts1" as the background for the first time!  I also used a scrap square piece of pattern paper used on the layouts I created of Mr. & Mrs. Gregg's anniversary party. Used some left over Adorn it! felt black embellishments. I like how it turned out!  Here it is!

LOAD: Day 5 & Shimelle's 4x6 Love Camp Tara Wildlife

Opening the pages; left is back of 8x12; right is 12x12

8x12 is closed on top of the 12x12

       Today's LOAD challenge was to throw out the "usual" techniques and/or minimum requirements we adhere to when we create a layout.  For example, if you always create a 12x12 layout; make an 8x8 or other size layout, use hand journaling if you always use computerized, etc.

     Well, in order to meet today's LOAD prompt, I decided to tackle Shimelle's/Two Peas in a Bucket 4x6 Love August challenge.   The 4x6 challenge is to use 8 pictures; four on a 12x12 layout and 4 (2 on each side) of an 8x12.  Then you will sew or adhere the two page protectors together to create "One page".

       I have never scrapped on an 8x12 page before, nor do I typically use transparency to create the title of a layout, nor do I use the front and back of one sheet of paper (at the same time) to create a layout (8x12), nor do I use computer generated journalling.  All of which I did on this 4x6 LOVE/LOAD layout.  Here is my take on both challenges.

     I will need to decide if the page should open left or right.  Once I decide exactly where this "combo" layout will go in my son's album, I will use "tacky" tape to adhere the 8x12 page protector to the 12x12 page protector.  This will create the look and feel of one layout made of 2 pages.

Front 8x12 page

Back of 8x12 page

It amazes me that I only used 2 sheets of patterned cardstock.  One side was blue dots and the other solid blue.  The paper is 3+ years old and is We R Memory Keepers "Sky".  The envelope is Maya Road and the journal block is Bo Bunny. I used Summer Days banner from Pink Paislee's Hometown Summer collection.  This layout certainly took some time to create, but it was fun.  I will keep the idea in reserve.  This paper is some that I "saved" because I needed just the "right layout" to use it.   Three years later, I do think I found the right layout.  I plan to use the back of the 12x12 side to "quickly" layout two picks I have of Walker in the car on the ride home from camp.

    Tara Wildlife Camp is a five star camp located in Vicksburg, MS.  John Luther (Walker's cousin) and Walker shared a room (joined that day) by a friend Jacob Bomgarten.  This room was air conditioned, two double beds, only 2 boys per room, had its own shower and toilet, laundry service and 3 hot meals a day for one week.  Both boys received their hunter's education certification after taking the state test.  The pictures directly to the right are of the last day of camp. 1st: John & Walker in front of the life size deer in the hall of the cabins.  2nd pic: "Smurf" and Walker in the TV room of the camp.  Smurf was a 16 year old boy in Walker's "team/group" for the week.  Walker like any young 9 year old attached himself to "smurf" for the week.  I asked Walker what the boy's name was and he kept repeating "Smurf". Walker has no idea what this young man's Christian name is. Smurf received his nickname from a t-shirt he wore throughout camp!  Walker thoroughly enjoyed camp! Hunting, fishing, archery, riflery, duck call lessons, alligator management...a young hunter's dream!  Walker is already gearing up for next year!