Your Adventure is Here

The second line released last season by Scrap Within Reach is called "The District 406".  I decided to try my hand at making a masculine birthday card, something I do not do often enough. The elements you see on the card are all cut from the journaling card paper.  The shield was popped up with craft foam and I hand stitched black cross stitches to add some texture.

Supplies:  Paper (Scrap Within Reach), Cardstock (WorldWin), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Button & Twine

Don't forget to check back in on Monday for a blog hop full of Christmas projects to kick start the holiday season.
Have a wonderful weekend.

December Publications - Scrapbooking & Beyond

Page 23 - featuring "The Cottage" patterned paper by Scrap Within Reach and "Let it Snow" stamps by myStamp BOX

Page 25 - featuring "Paper Boy" & "Industrial Park" patterned paper by Scrap Within Reach and "CKU Giggles" stamp set by Unity Stamp Company

Pages 30-31 - featuring "Let it Snow" stamp set by myStamp BOX

Page 46 - featuring "Snapshot" stamp set by myStamp BOX

Page 74 - Daphne's first publication

Featuring "Urban Garden" patterned paper by Scrap Within Reach and "Bold Blocks" stamp set by myStamp BOX

Rain, Rain Don't Go Away

I took this photo a few weeks ago with this paper line in mind.  It's the new "Georgia Rain" line by Scrap Within Reach.  I love all the beautiful patterns and coordinating journaling cards.

The bus stop is half way down our street so it's an adventure getting there on time on a good day.  Add in a little drizzle and we have a full event.  The girls are actually excited to see the rain for that very reason.

Supplies:  Paper, Stickers, Kraft Mini Bag & Rub-Ons (Scrap Within Reach), Brads (Bazzill Basics), Epoxy (Epiphany Crafts)

To jazz up the border sticker, I decided to create matching epoxies using Epiphany Crafts' Shape Studio Round Tool.  What a quick and easy way to finish off a page.

I've got another fun use for the epoxy tool coming soon.  Check back here on Monday for a Christmas Blog Hop you won't want to miss.

EDITED TO ADD:

Look for this page in the Summer, 2011 issue of Scrapbooking & Beyond.

"5 GOLD-EN Rings" (sung in my best shower voice)

On the Scrap Within Reach blog we have been counting down the weeks before Christmas using the ever popular "12 Days of Christmas" as our theme song.  My turn is today and my line is "5 Golden Rings".  Awhile back I mentioned that toilet paper rolls keep finding their way into my craft room and today you are going to see my Christmas version of toilet paper roll napkin rings.  Who would have thought? The funny part is, it took me a few weeks to come up with something clever to make and I was so darn proud of myself to come up with such an original idea.  So I made my napkin rings a month before the deadline. I liked them so much I made a second set for fall and then decided to google handmade napkin rings so see what other people are doing.  Would you believe this is not a new idea at all??  People have been making napkin rings out of everything from beads to toilet paper rolls since forever.  Oh well.  I guess my design is original even if the medium isn't.  So here they are.

"Handmade Christmas Napkin Rings"

Supplies:  Paper (Scrap Within Reach), Ribbon & Pearls (Making Memories), Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels), Mod Podge

Now they aren't gold, but if you look carefully you will see some gold rings in the design.  I used the "Modern Minimal" sheet from the Urban Garden line to decorate the rings.

Instructions:
1.  Cut a toilet paper roll in half.
2.  Spray inside and out with Scarlet Glimmer Mist.  Allow to thoroughly dry.
3.  Fussy cut design from patterned paper and adhere around ring with Mod Podge. 
4.  Cover the entire outer surface in another coat of Mod Podge to seal. 
5.  Add trim and pearl details.

Aren't they cute?  I'm thinking one could make custom napkin rings for most any occasion.  There is certainly no shortage of toilet paper rolls around and spraying them with glimmer mist made short work of colouring them.  Make sure you let me know if you give this idea a try.  I'd love to see them.

Before I sign off for today, here is another little project I made using the same paper line: Urban Garden.

Be sure to check the Scrap Within Reach blog next week for another installment in our countdown to Christmas. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I Remember

Today's page showcases the lovely "Afternoon Tea" line by Scrap Within Reach.  Our theme this month is "I remember" so I chose to make a page about how quickly time has passed since my second girl was born.

Supplies:  Paper, Rub-Ons (Scrap Within Reach), Gems (Prima), Cameo (Websters Pages), Trims (Maya Roads), Lace (Dollarama), Letters (October Afternoon), Crochet Flower (Jolee)

The pink lace you see here is yet of another of my Dollarama finds.  Love that store!

I have all kinds of Fall and Halloween altered items that I am just itching to share with you, the first appearing on the 1st of October.  Be sure to check back then.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs Welcome

I really love "The Cog" die cut from the Industrial Park line by Scrap Within Reach but since I don't have any boys, I wasn't really sure I would get much use out of it.  Then the girls decided to take a mud bath one afternoon and my first cog die cut page was born.  After that, I figured that would probably be it until last night.  I was shuffling around some paper while working on my assignment and this page came to life.  I still can't believe how this die cut works so well with such a feminine page.  I guess this just goes to show that nothing really is as gender specific as one may think.

Supplies:  Paper, Journaling Card, Trim, Stickers & Rub-Ons (Scrap Within Reach), Letters (Prima, Jenni Bowlin), Flower & Pearl Flourishes (Prima), Border Punch (Fiskars), Acrylic Flourish (Magistical Memories), Ticket (Making Memories), Pearls (Kaisercraft)

If you look carefully, you will see an acrylic flourish that forms the base of the flower cluster below the photo.  This beautiful piece is by Magistical Memories and it is the first of their clear pieces that I have worked with.  I really love the intricate design and will definitely use these again.  You can get another view of it in the next shot.  As a side note, if you are interested in getting published they have a great publication compensation incentive.

This month, Scrap Within Reach is holding a sketch contest on the blog.  You have until the end of the month to submit an entry.  Make sure you cruise on over and check it out.  There is a great prize up for grabs that I would love to see one of my blog readers win.  Good luck and have a wonderful day!

Scrap Within Reach Cards

Our assignment this month was to work with Scrap Within Reach's adorable mini Kraft paper bags. Since you've all seen many pages with the bags, I thought I'd use them for some cards this month.

Supplies:  Paper, Kraft bags, Stickers (Scrap Within Reach), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Button (American Crafts)

Supplies:  Paper, Kraft Bag, Sticker (Scrap Within Reach), Button (American Crafts), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Trim (Dollarama)

I just realized that I have never posted this mini Kraft bag layout on my blog:

Supplies:  Paper, Kraft Mini Bags, Stickers (Scrap Within Reach), Trim (Prima), Brads (Upsy Daisy), Mini Letters (Websters Pages), Misc. Buttons, Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

For more Kraft mini bag projects, check out these pages:
-I am Cute
-This is Love
-Glamour Girl

Don't forget to get your name in the draw for the HUGE stamp giveaway on my blog.  Drawing will be later this week.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Monday!!

Thankful 4 You

Supplies:  Paper, Stickers, Journal Card (Scrap Within Reach), Flower & Bling (Prima), Button (American Crafts), Letters, Sparkle & Trims (Websters Pages), Gem Word (Making Memories)

This page is another of my July projects for Scrap Within Reach using the beautiful Urban Garden collection.

I layered up several different trims to build up to my canvas flower.

I added another swirl over the printed swirl on the paper for a subtle little extra in the corner.

That's all for today.  Hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.

Flying High

"Carnival Ride" is my all time favourite Scrap Within Reach paper line.  I remember seeing it for the first time at CHA last summer and being so thrilled to see a themed line I had never seen done before.  Fast forward to this summer and I have finally found the perfect photos for my carnival page.

All Supplies Scrap Within Reach except polka dot brad (Bazzill) and mini circle letters (Jenni Bowlin)

Believe it or not, I used three sheets of Sugarland paper to create the 3D carnival scene across the bottom of this page.  I used my trusty craft foam to mount the cut pieces, building up to three layers in some areas.  For added interest, I used a toothpick and more paper to create the flags.

I know I've said it before, but I LOVE banners. On this page you will find not one, but TWO mini banners.  In lieu of floss (because I didn't have any in brown), I doodled the strings instead.  Surprisingly enough, I really like this effect too. 

I hope you all get a chance to take in a carnival at some point this summer.  The Super Slide is still fun as an adult!  Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

EDITED TO ADD:

Look for this page in the Summer, 2011 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine.

Scrap Within Reach Mini Album

I have yet another mini album for you this month, this one with a Father's Day theme.  I used the Paper Boy line by Scrap Within Reach and one of their new chipboard albums. Instead of binding it with a binder ring, I dug out my trusty Bind it All and gave it some coils.

Supplies: All Supplies Scrap Within Reach except butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), Crystals (Prima), Felties (Sassafras Lass, Basic Grey, K&Co.), Misc. Letters (Making Memories, Rose Moka)

Notice the texture on the front cover.  I took advantage of the double sided paper and rolled one edge of my papers over towards the bicycle.  I also punched butterflies and layered them up for more dimension.

I love making projects that my girls can be a part of.  They like anything that has to do with paint, so this one was a real treat.

Journaling Reads: 

My Dad is FUN.  He lets me cover myself in muddy handprints.  And then he reminds Mommy that I am just a doing what little kids do. :)

My Dad is PATIENT.  And then he said..."Come with me and I will help you get cleaned up."

My Dad gives the BEST snuggles.

Our Daddy always makes time to PLAY.

Our Daddy is the BEST.

Priceless

Supplies: All Supplies Scrap Within Reach except Glitter Cut (Fancy Pants), Mini Letters (Jenni Bowlin), Border Punch (EK Success), Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels)

Some photos just beg to be scrapbooked and these are a prime example.  Scrap Within Reach makes some really fantastic masculine lines of paper that I am just thrilled to have used here.  I combined the new Cambridge line of paper with the die cut from the Industrial Park line.  Rub-ons and stickers from the Industrial Park and Urban Garden lines round out the page. 

Design Details:

To adhere the glitter cut, I decided to use staples in a criss cross pattern to mimic the x's seen on the background paper.

The letter stickers in the title were actually square.  To change the shape, I stuck them to scrap paper and used a circle punch to punch them out again. All I had to do was add some adhesive and a little ink to the edges.

Today's Tip:  DIY Banner

Cut out a series of triangles all in the same size.  Line them up and adhere to page.  Add a stitch between each triangle along the top to give the illusion of string holding the banner together.  Add bow details to each end.  Top the banner with letters or other embellishments.

Border Details:

Next to my trimmer, border punches are among my most used tools.  Though it isn't immeditately evident, I layered rows of punched paper in the same tone to give my page some texture.  Check out the detail shot below:

So there you have it.  An all girl page made with masculine themed paper.  It doesn't hurt that my girls can go from the princess dresses to the mud pile without even a second thought!

"I am Cute" - Scrap Within Reach

This is the first time I was actually brave enough to try and punch a border around the entire perimeter of a layout and you know what?  It worked a whole lot better than I anticipated. I like it when that happens. I only had to make one repair. It is barely noticeable. The trick is to turn the punch over when you get near the end so you can properly line up the border with the corner.  I used on of Martha Stewart's border and corner punch sets for this one.

Supplies: Paper, Kraft Mini Bags, Ribbon, Trim, Rub-ons, Letters (Scrap Within Reach), Lace Paper (Basic Grey), Flowers (Prima, Petaloo), Leaves, Bling (Prima), Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

I used Scrap Within Reach's Afternoon Tea Collection for this page.  There are so many wonderful extras that compliment this paper line.  What's also nice is that you can mix and match many of the Scrap Within Reach lines.  The small letter alphas you see here are actually from the Urban Garden line. 

Here is a close-up of the detail on the Kraft Mini Bag. 

And this butterfly is one of my most favourite Dollarama finds.  :)

I'll leave you with that and wish for a wonderful weekend.  Thanks for stopping by.

Guest Designer & Scrap Within Reach

When Chantal asked me if I'd like to be a guest deisgner and showcase Scrap Within Reach products on her blog, I didn't hesitate to say, "yes".   Here is a peek of one of the pages I made.  Scrap Within Reach released two new lines this season, Urban Garden and Cambridge, and Chantal carries them both in her store. 

This page features the beautiful Urban Garden line.  I know I've said it before, but this colour combination is not one I've ever seen done before and I just love it.

Supplies:  Paper (Scrap Within Reach), Shaped Paper (Crate Paper), Journaling Cards & Paper Bag (Scrap Within Reach), Letters (Scrap Within Reach & Websters Pages), Chipboard (Michaels), Buttons(Making Memories & Jenni Bowlin), Sequins (Rusty Pickle), Stamp (myStamp BOX), Tickets (Making Memories), Gems (Kaisercrafts), Border Punch (EK Success)

I love all the little extras that you can get to coordinate with this line.  The mini kraft bags are just adorable and the journaling cards are double sided.  The alphabet is actually square, but for this page I wanted a round letter so I used a mini circle punch to change the shape. It worked perfectly.  There are just so many possibilities with this line.

Make sure you hop on over to the Scrapbooking Gone Wild blog for more Scrap Within Reach pages.

THANKS again, Chantal, for the opportunity to share my love of Scrap Within Reach products with your customers.

Rescued from Sewing, AGAIN!!

This is the closest I'll ever come to making a dress.  You might remember it from a post last week.  It's this little, bitty dress I made for a chipboard shape.  What's even better about this dress is that I didn't have to sew it.  The fringe was made effortlessly, and in record time, with Helmar Premium Craft Glue.  Don't get me wrong. I love the look of sewing on my pages, but sometimes it just takes a whole lot more time than I'd like. 

Fast forward to this week.  I'm into the trims and fringes again.  This time, I decided to top my trim with a string of mini red pearls.  I got out the needle and thread and started painstakingly attaching the pearls to my trim trying to hide the stitches in the fold of ribbon as I went.  Guess how long that lasted?  About 5 minutes and one inch attached of the 18 inches I had to sew.  That was when I decided to just go for it and use the Craft Glue again.  I must admit, I was a little nervous thinking it would look like a puddle of glue with pearls stuck in it.  I'm happy to tell you I was wrong and in less than two minutes, I had the whole string of pearls attached with no ugly puddles of glue.  

 

The page is another of my Scrap Within Reach projects using the new release, Urban Garden.  I really like this paper line because the color combination is so unique.  I can't think of another line that has paired salmon, camel, grey and baby blue together. 

I will be showcasing more of this beautiful line early next month with Scrapbooking Gone Wild and on Friday, I am blogging on the myStamp BOX blog with a page about me.  Be sure to check back then.
Cheers,
Tracey

Check out that Hair!!

I bet you thought I was going to talk about Daphne's hair, didn't you??? 

While this do is certainly worthy of a page by that name, I'm talking about someone, rather something, else's hair.

 

Do you have any guesses??

There's no way you'll guess this one.

I'm talking about a snowman. 

YES, a SNOWMAN. 

Have you ever seen a snowman sporting a cool do?? 

Well neither had I until this winter.

This photo was actually taken the day Daphne was born.  The day before, the girls made a snowman with their father while I was out to dinner with a few friends.  Well, they couldn't wait for me to see their creation the next day.  Let me tell you, I cracked up when I saw this guy.  Not only did he have a full head of "hair", he was enormous. I'm talking 6 feet tall before you factor in the hair.  I quickly took a few photos that afternoon, fully intending to take some more photos later with the girls standing beside him, but that wasn't to be.  I ended up giving birth to a beautiful baby girl with a cool do of her own that night. 

So here's my page.  It's part of my April assignment for Scrap Within Reach. I used a combination of two paper lines:  Paper Boy and Industrial Park.  I really love yellow and navy paired together.

Supplies:  All Supplies by Scrap Within Reach except bling (Kaiser Craft), Stamp (Unity Stamp Company), Chipboard (Maya Roads, Everlasting Keepsakes), Adhesive (Helmar)

I used my trusty Helmar Craft Glue to adhere this trim.  The glue I was using prior to Helmar did a fabulous job of sticking trim and ribbon in place but soaked through the ribbon and made unsightly "water" marks that never went away.  Not Helmar.  YAY!

And a close up of the story behind the page.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Stay tuned for more Scrap Within Reach pages in the near future.  I have a page started using Urban Garden that I simply adore.

Cheers!

Wife, Mother, Friend

I don't know what it is with fuschia, but it seems to be THE color of the season.  Or at least it is in my world.  I just bought an Old Navy hoodie in fuschia and an outfit for my oldest daughter in the same color.  Then my sister showed up with an outfit for the baby, also in fuschia.  Now I am making cards in the same color. I guess it's safe to say I have finally embraced pink and it only took 35 years and three daughters to get there! 

Supplies:  Paper (Scrap Within Reach), Alphabet Stamps (myStamp BOX), Lace (Rusty Pickle), Ribbon (Scrap Within Reach), Chipboard (Maya Roads), Cardstock (Bazzill), Adhesive (Helmar)

This card was inspired by a challenge at Caardvarks - to use lace on a card.  I decided to make a dress out of lace.  I used Helmar's Craft Glue to attach the lace.  I simply put a line of glue at the top where I gathered the lace and pleated it as I went.  It sure beats sewing!  Next I topped the gathers with a piece of ribbon and then the chipboard heart.  I really like how it turned out and I cannot say enough about how wonderful this glue is.

Thanks for stopping by.