My Foray into Watercolors......

I really had been on the fence with the addition of watercolors in scrapbooking.  I certainly thought that they just looked beautiful, BUT I absolutely hated how they warp the cardstock.  Warped cardstock is a total pet peeve of mine.  I like my papers nice and flat thankyou!  

Finally though, I surprised myself and figured that a little warpiness did not matter because the watercolors looked like so much fun to play around with.  And I was right!  Here's my first, very ameteurish layout featuring watercolors.....

My result was absolutely imperfect--my mask moved too much despite being taped down, was really unsure of how to get just enough water-but I felt like a kid again!  

I recently read a thread over at the 2peas forum that was discussing trends that we all wished would go away and a few ladies mentioned that they very much disliked the more artsy/mixed media elements on a scrapbook page, proclaiming that it either ruined the page or that it took away from the photos or story.  And I could NOT disagree more.  For me, my number one priority is getting the story and photos down, however scrapping for me is a creative outlet.  And the fact that I get to play with paints and mists and glitter and paper WHILE documenting my little moment here on earth, is pure fun.  Mixed media is definitely not for everyone, but it sure makes me happy!

Wishing you a good week!

Michelle

 

You......

I am pretty sure I have previously mentioned that I have a small scrappy crush on Jen Jockish--her layouts are always so fun to look at and she is super great at layering.  So, when this past week's Sunday Sketch at Studio Calico was posted and it was based off of a Jen Jockish layout, I jumped at it!  You can see it here.   And this is what I came up with.....

Being me of course, I went for a more simple, layered take on the sketch.   (Really, I do try to amp up the layering, but I seem to have a low threshold for layering.)  The addition of the pink chevrons was a last minute call and I really liked how they contrasted with the rest of the colors.  Prior to this I just felt that the page was too monochromatic even with the blue pp behind the photo.  I thought the pops of pink really helped to cement the subject of my layout--my dd's fun and energetic personality. 

Before I leave to fold some laundry (yuck), I want to mention that yesterday I was the featured member on the Scraptastic Kit Club blog.  How fun is that?!

Michelle

Alternate Scrapping Personalities.....

Lately my scrap style has been alternating between super complicated and super simple.  I feel like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde sometimes.   See what I am talking about.....

Layers and layers.  Embossing, ink splatters, and machine stitching. Inspired by Jen Jockish's Pop Off the Page 2 class.  And this next one.... 

Simple.  Paper strips and a few sprays of mist.  Very different, yet both me.  LOL.  

Michelle :-)

Aquarium of the Pacific....

Good morning!  Here to share my take on last week's Sunday Sketch for the Citrus Twist blog.......

 

I stuck super close to the sketch only tweaking it by reducing the size of the main block of patterned paper to better reflect me.  Giant blocks of paper really freak me out, which is so funny because my style in the beginning was very reliant on giant pieces of patterned paper.  Now I almost always have to have some white space going on!

I also want to note that I used the May kit and add-ons from Citrus Twist.  I have been a subscriber since November and I love Trina's kits.  The kits are always eclectic, with a leaning towards the modern and I always get so much use out of them.  Love the shades of orange and teal in this kit with the contrast of the black.  Was so happy to get this box of goodies in the mail this week!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Michelle

 

You're A Wall Catcher.....

I usually have a really hard time finding colors to scrap my son's sports pictures, but not this time.  It seems to me that there are a lot more masculine products out right now, which made scrapping these next photos a breeze.

One of the positions my son plays is catcher and part of the hardest job is keeping the ball in front of him, one that he does pretty darn well, hence the phrase "You're a wall."  

I have to say that I LOVE watching my son play.  Some of my proudest moments of Hayden come when he is out on the field.  His sportsmanship, his leadership, and his athleticism never ceases to amaze me.  I try to tell him this all of the time, but apparently it is not cool to listen to your mom point out all these great things :-).  
 
Michelle

9 Years....

My husband and I have been together for 9 Valentines (Yes, I know V-Day has come and gone, but better late than never!)  and for each Valentines I have received a dozen roses.  So that is like 108 roses!  I am a very lucky girl :-).  

Crate Paper issued a challenge in April to create a project focusing on color and collage.  And even though I did not submit it (I am a chicken) I still wanted to share it.

 

I went with the color red and was able to pull out almost everything from Gossamer Blue's April kit--which is why I must remind myself to buy supplies sparingly because I ALWAYS get everything I want in my kits!

Wishing everyone a great day!

Michelle

Gossamer Blue Member Scraplift Challenge.......

Hi!  I recently participated in the April Member Scraplift Challenge at Gossamer Blue where I chose to lift Valerie Huang's Spring layout.  For March's Scraplift Challenge, I found myself more inspired by a particular element.  However this time, I was drawn to the overall design and started with that.  

Here's my take on Valerie's layout using Gossamer Blue's April Kit.....

I just absolutely LOVED the colors that I pulled from the kit for this.  There is just something about the whitewashed woodgrain paper in the background mixed with the soft colors, the bokah, and the gold glitter letters....the layout is almost....serene.  LOL.  

Michelle