The Stamp Spot

Stenciling with Photo Paper

I have discovered another use for my ever growing stack of Epson 4x6" glossy Photo Paper.

 

With all these discoveries I am pleased to report the stack is decreasing, and this surplus is providing the materials for experimenting with ways to use it up.

 

Glossy photo paper stencils like a dream!

 

Let me show you how I stencil on Epson Glossy photo paper -

1. Gather some supplies. My work mat of choice is the new Heidi Swapp Silicone Crafting mat, embossing paste, texture paste, stencils, photo paper and something to apply the paste with (I use scraps of cardboard boxes cut up to the size of a credit card, an old credit card, and I have been known to use cooking implements such as spatulas!)

 

 

2. Using 1 4x6 sheet of glossy photo paper, place stencils over top and secure to work surface - I choose to use washi tape as I have so much of it but painters tape and post it note paper works equally as efficient.

 

 

 

This next pic shows how I used a 12x12 stencil across 2 4x6 sheets of photo paper. First secure the photo papers to your work surface ensuring there is no gap between the 2 sheets. Then secure the stencil over top. Double lot of securing but 2 sheets stenciled in one go = win win and those 12x12 stencils in my stash get used even more now.

 

 

 

 

3. Get busy!

 

 

4. When happy with the coverage of paste I carefully remove the stencil.

 

 

Sometimes they turn out perfectly awesome, sometimes an epic fail. For the fails I use a round 1" or 2" punch depending on how much awesome I can find and punch out circles to use on projects.

I usually end up with 2 3x4" size cards perfect for slipping into my PL album or in the case of these gold and silver stenciled pieces, these will find their way into my December Daily albums (yes plural as I usually do 4 different/separate albums).

For those pieces that are otherwise awesome save for a smudge of paste - if you work quickly enough and lightly enough using a baby wipe those smudges can easily be removed - total plus of working with glossy photo paper! I utilise this time to clean up my work surface - dried embossing paste is really hard to remove, though much easier on this silicone based mat. I totally destroyed a Ranger Craft Mat due to embossing paste.

 

Ta-daaaah the smudged embossing paste is gone!

 

This cut down to a slightly smaller than 3x4 card and I will remedy that with backing it with coloured cardstock.

 

5. Admire end results and enjoy crafting with them.

 

We Are Family... why yes we are!

A recent trip to our local Strawberry Farm resulted in lots of photos.

I wanted to scrap a particular one, a very special one. I am holding my second borns' second born (and I am a second born and so is my Mother, we have a 4 generations of second borns' photo which was taken Christmas just past).

This page uses Echo Park Papers We are Family Collection.

 

 

My background sheet is an American Crafts 12x12 piece of textured cardstock called Moss.

 

The photo mat is the plain red from the We Are Family 6x6 paper pad - with the extra part of a 6x6 paper pad where the hole is happens to allow a 4x6 photo to be matted, you just need to place the 'hole part' somewhere where you know it will be covered/concealed with embellishments or other layers of papers. For this photo I ensured it was on the left side and up about one third from the bottom corner.

 

Here is the full page layout - the orientation of this page is on the right in my album, a divided page is before (and after). My grandsons identity has been deliberately concealed, just in case you were wondering.

 

 

Some close ups:

 

 

 

I had a hard time deciding the background paper, so many in the Collection pack would have been equally perfect. I went with the arrows as they will direct the eye to the divided page protector to the left.

 

The colours in this We Are Family by Echo Park Paper Company are perfect for our sunny winter days, especially those afternoons spent at the local Strawberry Farm. Generally speaking, I do not gravitate to Collections which include red unless they are Christmas type collections - the teal, navy and greens in this one were what swayed me.  So happy with my purchase. This is an easy collection to create with, definitely bright and cheery with solid graphics. Fantastic Value too....plus, I do believe any bits and pieces that may be left over will easily be used up in my December Daily albums - I am attempting 4 again this year.

 

What I did with those Ampersands

Recently I watercoloured a bunch of paper in blue and green hues - more or less an ombre effect.

I used these papers (dollar store bought watercolour paper and 4x6 Project Life Lined Journaling cards)  and a new die-namics die by My Favorite Things - Ampersands and die cut almost all that I had watercoloured.

 

I shared my process in this blogpost from about 2 weeks ago.

Here is what they looked like on white cardstock with the ampersands attached:

 

 

Here is what it looked like after I finished creating with it:

 

 

Some close ups:

 

 

Not one piece of patterned paper went into this layout! Not one!

This is a first for me... and one that wont be a last. I very much enjoyed the creative process, in fact when I started watercolouring the paper I didn't have a project in mind, I didn't even have the die set.  When I started die cutting the ampersands, again, I didn't have a project in mind.

Some time toward the end of diecutting, in my head I thought it would look effective to put them on white cardstock (I used American Crafts Textured Cardstock white) in the same ombre effect that I had painted in. Yellow green (bottom)to light green to blue/green to blue (top).

From the first paintbrush stroke to the last sequin (I used Studio Calico sequins in blue/aqua and greens) glued on, a span of a few weeks was involved.

Each step was enjoyed for what it was, nothing more nothing less.

Creativity for creativity's sake.

Highly recommend it.

Especially if you can only spare small pockets of time to dedicate to being creative.

This 12x12 layout now sits in my Project Life album with the facing page a divided pocket page  (Project Life Design J) filled with other special moments from this occasion.

One lonely ampersand was put to good use, as was the very small amount of watercoloured paper that was left over. I had enough to cut a 3x4 size piece (in the middle 3x4 pocket) which became backing for a vellum piece that I had stamped on.

The stamp used is this one by Technique Tuesday -

using this Black Licorice hybrid inkpad by My Favorite Things (my new fave so much so that I haven't touched any other black inkpad since it arrived!):

The 4x4 pocket with the lonely ampersand got changed after this photo was taken.

I decided to make a sequin shaker heart - will share this in an upcoming post with a mini tutorial on how to machine stitch shapes and create shaker pockets out of page protectors.

This has been a longer than intended post, if you are still reading this far a big thank you for your time. So much to read and be inspired by in Blogland and I am grateful for your company, Michelle.

 

10 year Anniversary : celebrate in Scrapping style

WARNING: PHOTO HEAVY.

Recently we celebrated our 10 Year Anniversary.

Wow double figures!

Highs, lows and a lot of somewhere in between's.

 

I wanted to mark this occasion and celebrate in a Scrapbooking kind of way. When I am in the midst of a layout I really do lose myself.

A lot of love, a lot of remembering, a few laughs and a few tears are present on these pages. 

And that's OK.

 

12x12 layout (appears on the right side of my Project Life album):

Divided 12x12 layout (appears on the left side of my Project Life album):

Close ups:

 

 

Teresa Collins Something Wonderful Collection was used throughout... so love this entire collection. I purchased the Collection Pack (12x12) and one 6x6 paper pad.

Years 1 through 9 are celebrated in the divided pocket page - snippets of memories are journaled secretly either behind the numbers, on the back of cards or inside the 3x4's ie some of them are folded 4x6 size. The numbers 3, 5 and 7 were cut on my Silhouette Cameo, following a tutorial included in Week 9 of Ali Edwards Hello Story online class via Big Picture Classes. The 2, 4, 8 and 9 and s i x (letters to spell the number) are from American Crafts Thickers - Patchwork Woodgrain.

Glassine bags (from a Studio Calico class kit), a white doily and stitching using white thread complete the products used.

Project Life catch up pics : Weeks 19 to 21

Here is a bunch of photos from my Project Life Album that will begin the catch up blogposts, life got crazy busy there for a while and my routine went out the window!

In amongst these weeks we celebrated Mothers Day, a birthday and our Anniversary!

 

I am still finding a new routine with the changes that life has ushered in.

However, I am wanting to clear some headspace of the worrying about being behind on my Project Life sharing... its not a necessity of work or life but it is something I am passionate about, and somewhat determined to continue doing throughout this year, the next and hopefully into the future.

Week 19 : May 5 - 11

 

Week 20 : May 12 - 18

 

Week 21 : May 19-25

Left side:

 

Right side:

 Within this week we celebrated our 10 year Anniversary. I received the THE most beautiful bunch of coral fading to apricot coloured roses. So so pretty that I took many photos. Just beautiful.

One photo in particular, a close up, I thought would make a great pic for a 12x12 layout on its own.

and the layout.....

 

 

I will share close ups and the facing page in the next blogpost - it's photo heavy and that needs to come with a warning!

 

 

Party Favours using Project Life Minikit Styleboard by Maggie Holmes

It's Thursday and once again the conversation in my head picks up where it left off probably last Thursday....  gosh its Thursday again, where did this week go, why does time feel like it's flying by?, hmmm another week of not getting everything crossed off my work TO DO list......

 

I have come to accept that this is life right now. It's the season I am living.

It is what it is.

 

 

I am reminded of time flying by as the following party favour idea was created earlier this year in late March - so that they were ready for my Birthday get together on Sunday 6 April.

I had planned a beautiful afternoon of a Wine Tasting Tour at a local Winery, followed by eats and drinks with a bunch of near and dear women. Here is where I admit how uncomfortable it was when I initially invited everyone, normally I organise get togethers and birthday type celebrations for others... never for myself. I decided it would be worth the uncomfortableness (best description I could think of) I was feeling. Some couldn't make it but it would go ahead ... of this I was determined.

I knew, though my guests did not, that I intended for it to be about all of us, not just about my birthday. Hence the party favours using Maggie Holmes Mini Kit - Styleboard.

So long ago (that's how it feels) that I have had to go back and look at all the process photos to remember what order I did everything in so that I can at least offer some guidance should you wish to create similar.

Lets begin at the end:

Here is how I got there:

Gather supplies - I used generic brown paper bags, seam binding, twine,  inkpad (Avery Elle after trying a few others like Colorbox and Stazon - basically you just need a pigment ink not a chalk or dye ink), embossing folder (I used Maggie Holmes doily folder), Big Shot (or similar that will emboss), a Styleboard Project Life Mini Kit by Maggie Holmes (I did use the best part of this kit purely because I didnt think that I would use it for much else and because I made so many booklets), something to punch holes to tie the twine through (you could simply use washi tape to seal the bags shut), doilies (for prettiness), letter stamps to personalise (you could use letter stickers).

Begin by faux letterpress embossing the paper bags - swipe the inkpad across the embossing folder (I did one side only so that the back side was uninked, but you could easily do both sides).

Next place bag on top of inked side of folder and close the folder.

Run through your Big Shot (or machine of choice) following the guidelines for embossing.

Set bags aside to dry. Being a pigment ink it doesn't take that long - 20 mins on a warm clear day, allow extra for cooler temps, high humidity or rainy weather.

 

I then pulled out the contents of the mini kit - did a head count of guests plus one and divided that into the 3x4 cards. I used 8 3x4 cards and one 4x6 card (this acted as the cover) for each booklet.

Assemble in a pleasing to you order. Because there were duplicates of each design of 3x4 card I needed to shuffle a few around to ensure no 2 booklets were exactly the same. I also alternated picture cards with journaling cards.

Choose a cover for each from the 4x6 cards in the kit.

Wrap the 4x6 card around each mini stack of 3x4 cards.

Punch a hole through the whole lot in the top left corner.

Thread ribbon (I used seam binding) through the booklet.

 

I then set about journaling in each one to personalise each guests booklet.

Each journal card I wrote something that was relevant to each recipient. All those women (save 1) at the table I had known a very long time, some have known me my entire life, some I have known theirs. Fond memories, funny memories, quirky statements and a whole bunch of love went into those words. For the guest I haven't know very long I asked her mother in law (my Aunt) all the things she loves about her... and I wrote those. When I handed her her's I explained this.

Yes these women were there to help me celebrate my birthday, I received beautiful gifts and had a wonderful afternoon... but I planned for it to be a commemoration of gratitude that they are in my life.

To celebrate the contributions they have made toward who I am today.

To acknowledge our woven lives and to thank them.

even

To congratulate them for doing the good, the bad and the ugly with me as we journey through life together.

 

It was the THE most amazing feeling to watch each one unwrap their gift of a small, handmade minibook and read the words I wanted and needed to say to them, to record some memories, to remember, to laugh and yes.... to cry.

Money can't buy this kind of gift.

 

 I tear up even now just remembering this never to be forgotten afternoon.

 

Ok.. so back to the assembly steps ... I hand punched along the edge of each bag, I placed a booklet in each bag, folded a white doily over and then punched 2 holes in which to thread the twine through, then tied the twine in a bow. So that I knew which booklet belonged to whom I needed something on the outside - I stamped using Letter Stamps and Avery Elle Mint to Be ink their names along the inner circle of the doily.

And they were done.

 

So that I too could have some handwritten sentiments I made an extra booklet.

I invited each guest to write something in the minibook that I would keep to help commemorate the day.

I read these before our lovely afternoon came to an end...  more memories shared, more laughs and yes... a few more tears.

 

Priceless.

 

 

 

Project Life : Week 18

Week 18 : April 28 - May 4

 

What happened?

I had a crazy busy week - seems like they all are of late and simply all roll into each other in the blink of an eye.... I guess prepping for selling our home and all the initial work that goes into the purchase of a new one has pulled us in all sorts of directions... just to add to that my partner Glens business is moving (this move is in the forseeable future ie within a few weeks)

I had the absolute pleasure of accompanying my daughter and her children to a Playschool Concert - it was like having the characters jump out of your television screen right in front of you! The photo of my daughter and children has been blanked out with a quote card.

As a result of all this craziness I limited this weeks layout to one page... yes the left side page in my album only ... yes 1 12x12 spread of a MAMBI brand divided page protector.

 

The spread:

Close ups:

Wood veneer geotag from Studio Calico.

 

 

The background of 'Our Week' was painted with a new product I wanted to try - Luminarte Color Concentrate - I chose Coral Berry to try and I love it. It reminds me of the Tim Holtz Acrylic Paint Dabbers in that it has a foam top that you use to apply the colour.

I used photo paper (for the life of me in amongst the craziness I could not find one sheet of white cardstock from which to cut a 3x4 card). I first painted on the back side of glossy photo paper... I didn't like the look at all, very dull considering the vibrancy of the actual paint. I flipped it over and painted on the glossy side and loved it.

Clearly the gloss paper keeps the ink on top so to speak and the flipside allows the ink to be absorbed.

I stamped over the 'painted on the glossy side' with Stazon black ink and gosh I needed to be quick - it grabbed the inked stamp real fast and if not super quick it would have become stuck!

In hindsight, I should have used a juicier inkpad... something like Brilliance.

 

Blogging has taken a back seat whilst we get on schedule for listing our house for sale, I have been busy doing things like staining decks, trimming all the trees and shrubs in both front and back yards, rearranging furniture and decluttering.

Busy busy busy.

Every tree and shrub you can see in this photo was trimmed!

 

There is less overhanging the garden bed edges now.

 

and thats just snippets of the front yard!

Part way through the deck of our granny flat.

 

Busy busy busy.

Project Life : Week 17

Week 17 : April 21 - 27

 

What happened?

* We paid a deposit on our next home! (after pouring over plans and travelling what felt like all over the countryside)

* We did the rounds of visits from  local Real Estate Agents in order to list our current home for sale

* We spent several hours getting our property ship shape for inspections

* I underwent an MRI test

 

Left side:

 

Right side:

 

This weeks spread does not flow on from last weeks - I simply couldn't get the orientation of the pockets vs the photos to match... so I gave up and pulled out a page protector that did work and went with that. With all that is going on in life at the moment it just was not worth the time nor the stress of trying to make it work.

With our house on the market, I have taken a whole bunch of 'property' photos, shots of things I would like to remember - I plan to fill the pages in between with these photos.

 

Lots of digital elements this week, and not one added embellishment!

and yes I know I haven't stamped the 'Our Week' on the spread - I will do this later today and it will be on the top left card between hello and xoxo.

 

I am trialling this process for when we do move. We will be renting for a while and a lot of our stuff will go into storage, I want to see if I can master Project Life layouts whose pocket contents come out of my Picturemate photo printer.  So far so good, far easier and far quicker than I thought it would be.

 

 

This week I have some close up photos to share:

(not filled in yet as its the contents are most personal)

Most of the digital elements used are from the Studio Calico Sugar Rush or Camelot sets of 1. Project Life Kit Digital stamps and 2. stamp brushes (loving the digital stamp brushes designed by Suzy Plantamura), or from Ali Edwards (digital content from Hello Story online class currently in week 4 and from the checks I just made so as to link to it, it appears to be closed for registration) Here is the link to Big Picture Classes anyway.

 

My week finished on an absolute high with a phone call from my Specialist to say the MRI was all clear.... we are only dealing with stock standard (if it could possibly be called that) glaucoma of the right eye.

Project Life : Week 16

Week 16 : April 14 - 20

 

What happened?:

* Seems this entire week was about Easter and spending time with family

* A supercute 5 year olds (son of a cousin) birthday party

 

Left side:

 

Right side:

 

The sunset and water shots are from my in laws back yard - they live in a truly beautiful spot on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

There is an insert for the photos of the birthday boy and party, I am sharing just the one shot so as to protect the little party goers privacy. It was a shark themed party, the cake was awesome (my cousin used tic tacs as the teeth of the shark!), I missed a shot of the pinata before it exploded.

 

My stitching element was a bunny - I pierced the holes around a template that I cut using my Silhouette Cameo.  I used the Silhouette a bit during this week as I prepped for more embellishment kits that will be sold in my online store The Stamp Spot.

 

I hope you had a safe and very Happy Easter, the chocolate still abounds in our house!

Project Life : Week 15

Week 15 : April 7 - 13

 

What happened?

 

* Cyclone Ita tore through North Queensland (I live in SE Queensland, Australia), it was a constant on our television screens, so much devastation and my heart goes out to families and farmers who have lost so much

* It's school holidays so the pace at home is much slower, I have been catching up on Heidi Swapps crafting episodes on My Craft Channel, Create to Remember

* I have had some spare time to fall in love again with my Silhouette Cameo and have created a bunch of Easter images plus began some wall art for an upcoming little mans 5th birthday (bottom left pocket of left side is a work in progress shot)

* I have also been able to indulge in playing with digital elements for my Project Life album

 

Left side:

Right side:

Without a multitude of inserts this week I can share some close ups instead:

Above and below shows how I have included the miniature Heidi Swapp creations from a recent Create to Remember episode.

2 handsitched elements in this weeks spread, I realised after I put last weeks finishing touches on that I omitted any stitched elements. My goal/intention is to include at least one each week to honour my heritage - my mother (at 72 still is) a professional seamstress.

Still love this 'our week' stamp from the Celebrate Life stamp set - designed by Suzy Plantamura for My Favorite Things.

 

Here is a shot showing how those Heidi Swapp inspired miniature 3x4 elements work:

Phew... without inserts Project Life returns to being on track. It's something I simply must do otherwise a few weeks will easily slide into months for me - just my personal process.

 

Project Life : Week 14

Week 14 : March 31 - April 6

 

What happened?

 

What happened! what didn't happen!

The week started with meeting Becky Higgins and ended with my birthday celebration with a bunch of friends and family!

 

* Met the wonderful, completely generous and totally amazing Becky Higgins

* Was given the wonderful news that a friend had requested a signature from Heidi Swapp on my behalf (I missed being able to see her in Brisbane) and Heidi said YES! It arrived just in time for the weeks layout.

* A quieter work week was very much enjoyed - gave me a chance to craft some small booklets for the guests coming to my birthday afternoon celebration (my creative process is shared in an upcoming post)

* Went on a tour of Sirromet Winery which ended in a tasting of 8 different wines (I discovered 2 faves in the process). 8 of us enjoyed the lazy Sunday afternoon chatting, eating and drinking whilst avoiding the rain

 

Left side:

 

 

Right side:

 

 

In between the weeks spread is a double sided 12x12 featuring my birthday afternoon.

First side:

Second side:

Bottom right pocket holds my edition of the mini books I made, I passed it around the table over drinks and cheese platters for my guests to record a message for me.

Every. single. comment. made me cry, happy tears, deep emotional tears, every single woman (bar one) at this table has been a huge part of my life, some have known me from birth (2 aunts who are both my godmothers), cousins that have known me from birth or I have known them from birth, friends very longterm friends, one started as my sister-in-law and become my friend the other I have known since I was approx 12 years old.

The mini books I made for them (creative process shared soon) gave me the opportunity to thank them for being in my life, to share some favourite memories, bit of a trip down memory lane.

I am so very grateful they allowed me this indulgence.

Full heart.

 

In between the weeks spread as well, I have inserted a double sided 12x12 spread.

For a few weeks leading up to my birthday I worked on 47 things about me - 47 facts, thoughts and details that I carefully considered and was comfortable sharing (though some details are blanked out for privacy reasons). All papers used are from either Amy Tangerine Cut & Paste or Heidi Swapp Mixed Company collections, save the very last card which is a digital clipart heart printed as you would a photo.

 

First side:

 

Second side:

 

The 47th 'thing' about me is hidden (behind the heart with 4 and 7 wood veneer geotags).

Lots of Project Life Designer Page Dividers cut up as inserts, here is how this 47 spread looks in my album:

Completely still in love with see through design elements!

 

 

I met Becky Higgins .... crazy right? !!!

Not quite 2 weeks ago....

 

I

met

Becky

Higgins

!!!!!

 

Crazy right? !!!

 

 

A little over 2 hours wait, I spent my time chatting with David (Beckys husband), Bob and Sandra (from the company that brings Project Life to Australia for Spotlight). I met many fellow Project Lifers, like me many were 'not local to the store' (Ashmore)  crafters, some had travelled many hours. It was all quite exciting and to coin a much used description ... quite surreal.

 

My turn arrived and yes I was somewhat 'starstruck'. Thankfully the lady just before me in line took some photos for me before she had to dash off for school pick up.

 

After a little chit chat, I summoned the courage to mention to Becky that I was THAT person, you know THAT one on Instagram #thestampspot who cut up Project Life Designer Page Dividers to 3x4 and thought they made great inserts.

This is the photo that I posted to Instagram:

Here are more shots of the dividers that I have cut up since, every week I find myself reaching for at least one :

 

This is the image that appeared in Beckys instagram feed and on her blog:

(Still surreal! especially her comment that said "I was inspired by a post by #thestampspot)

They can be stamped on also:

First I stamp my image onto the cut up Project Life Designer Page Divider with the protective coating on  - just to be sure of the image placement.

Next I peel off the protective coating (every page divider has this clear film).

Finally I stamp the image.

The most awesome part of stamping on these dividers is if I muck up the final stamping its super easy to just clean off (with the stamp cleaner suitable for the ink used) and let dry and stamp again.

I have found THE best ink to use personally is Brilliance Archival.

 
Thankfully Becky thought it was a great idea to. Whilst chatting I said to her I figured it would either be received as a good idea or she would be insulted that I cut up her product!

To which Becky replied "it's so cool, just so cool, really... so cool".

The lady (sorry I dont know her name as we only met in line) captured that moment so beautifully.....

Can you guess what I got Becky to autograph for me ????

 

As we said our goodbyes Becky mentioned her daughter Claire just love love loves these cut up Designer Page Dividers - that they are like treasures to her. Full heart. Happy. 

An afternoon to remember, with words exchanged that are treasures to me.

Thank you Becky.

 

.... I also asked Becky if she could please sign 2 mini kits - I sell her products instore at The Stamp Spot and my reason for having them signed was so that I could give them away.

I mentioned that it would be awesome if the winners of these mini kits were Project Life memory keepers who couldn't make it to see her on this tour .... Becky wholeheartedly agreed.... and so it is with Beckys permission and blessing that these 2 mini kits are up for grabs - to enter simply comment on this blog post - please only enter if you did not get to see Becky on her recent tour.

You may like to mention your mini kit preference should you be a lucky winner, though I cannot guarantee you will receive your preference. Promise I will do my best.

.... there are 2 mini kits up for grabs... 2 signed by Becky Higgins mini kits up for grabs

1. Maggie Holmes styleboard and 2. Dear Lizzy Daydreamer

1. Maggie Holmes Styleboard

 

2. Dear Lizzy Daydreamer

 Open to Australian and New Zealand residents, this giveaway will close on April 28 (the longer timeframe has been selected so that any residents in far north Queensland affected by Cyclone Ita and who may be without internet service, have a chance to hear about it and enter - yes your friends may enter you on your behalf).

 

Hope your day is as awesome as you,

Michelle.

 

 

Thinking and Doing.

I have been thinking a lot lately.

 

I have been doing a lot lately.

 

THINKING:

The thinking pertains to goals.

Personal goals

Business goals.

Last year I took an online course via Big Picture Classes with Elise Blaha Cripe.... I Choose.

Goal setting is a major focus of this course. Elise shares her personal processes for setting and obtaining goals, I learnt a lot and it sure got the wheels spinning....

But...

something was just missing for me.

Not missing from the course but a few dots that I was trying to connect in my head were missing.

When do ideas become goals? How do ideas become goals?

My process was one of .... discover an idea, define it, explore and research it, decide on it, if yes add it to my goals list (which has only ever been in my head).

I emailed Elise to ask her more indepth questions about her processes. How do her ideas become goals?

Through our communications a lightbulb went on very brightly for me.

Write the ideas down. This is a potential goals list.

Research, explore, decide.

If no (which could be not now, even not ever) then cross it off.

If yes (which could be now, next month, next year, anytime between now... and then) then it stays and the list is a Goals List, a list of intended goals. They have moved on from being potential and are then in the process of becoming achieved goals.

A goals list is fluid. Goals can be achieved concurrently. This isn't a Step 1, Step 2 proceed to Step 3 kind of list.

Tomorrow I share my current goals list, this can change at any moment, mostly ideas being added. The list is fluid in that it is never empty, nor set in stone.

Yes, my thinking (goals) and doing (work) are absolutely related to my goals list.

 

 

DOING:

Doing pertains to work.

I have enjoyed this time so much I can hardly call it work.

Embellishment kits!

 

Super fun, and it would seem many are super excited about them - some kits have sold out already!

Compiled with the Project Life memory keeper in mind, these kits are made up of the flatter kind of embellishments. I enjoy added little personal but relevant touches to make pages. I like personalising them and adding pops of colour or sometimes lowering the brightness of some papers with neutral embellishments.

Not everyone has the means or the space to purchase whole packs of these types of embellishments. Whole sheets of cardstock, whole packs of wood veneers (especially the ones with less variety in them eg 36 boats), whole rolls of twine, whole rolls of many washi tapes etc., then there's the  punches, die cutting machines (Big Shot and Silhouette Cameo are the ones I have), the dies - the list is extensive. Awesome if you have these. Total bummer if you don't.

Number One advantage..... (based on customer feedback) is the time saving aspect.

Pull out your album, your photos, your card kit of choice and a pack of matching embellishments.

Add some adhesive and you are good to go.

Here are a few of the kits:

Jade with washi -

 

Midnight #1

 

Krafty Kapers -

Are you a PL'er that likes to add little touches, accents and pops of colour to personalise your album? Do you wish the basic Project Life process was a little more creative? Time poor?

Perhaps these Embellishment Kits are just your thing!

Seeing what sells is helping my hone and tweak the kits.

Never more than  four of each kit is made so they are as unique as your album will be.

More kits specific to the Project Life Core Kits will appear, they will be different. I know I get sick of using the same embellishments over and over.

My GOAL with this WORK project is zero wastage.

Come see what the hype is all about at The Stamp Spot.

Embossing Folders... lots of possibilities

 

Dear Lizzy embossing folder with pastel inks

 

 

 

Some new stock arrived this week, actually a LOT of stock arrived this week.

That's where I have been, behind said screen and keyboard entering stock into my online store ...

The Stamp Spot.

Amongst the many gorgeous products I kept picking up and looking at the new Project Life range Embossing Folders. One in each collection for Amy Tangerines Plus One (cameras) , Maggie Holmes Styleboard (doilies) and Dear Lizzy Daydreamer (banners).

                                                      

 

I do love a good embossing folder.

Cardstock/paper/vellum + Big Shot + Embossing Folder = awesome.

And whilst that often gives a lift to plain cardstock/paper/vellum, I was pondering the possibilities of how pastel inks plus embossing folders could help me out with a particular Unfinished Project I am keen to make some real progress with... and soon.

For this project I need pastel shades of cardstock, namely lemon, blue and green. I have lemon, powder blue and mint cardstock but they are all too solid to keep appearing in this project.

I considered purchasing paler shades of cardstock but I would prefer to utilise my stash.

I have a lot of American Crafts White textured cardstock......

I have these shades of ink.......

 

Let the experimenting begin!

Colorbox was my first choice of inkpad. White. White on dark cardstock should look good.

Wrong.

Wrong ink.

I tried Distress Inks, they worked but it wasn't quite the look I was going for. The inks dried blotchy (for want of a better word).

I then pulled out Memento Luxe, Brilliance and Avery Elle.

 

Bingo!

Pigment inks for the win!

My inkpad of choice on this occasion (if I could only choose one) would be Avery Elle. I am sure other inkpads would give a similar result but these are what I have in my stash to choose from.

Each side of the embossing folder has either a raised image or a recessed image (positive or negative/embossed or debossed). When cardstock is placed inside and sandwiched into a Big Shot (or similar) the cardstock or paper is pushed up or down to create the images.

Swiping ink on one of those sides .....

 

Then placing cardstock/paper/vellum over, closing the folder and running through the Big Shot....

 

 

made for some very interesting images and effects. The recessed (debossed) areas get inked leaving the raised (embossed) images plain cardstock. The possibilities are endless given the combinations of different coloured inks with different coloured cardstocks.

Top right orange/paprika coloured card is actually core'dinations cardstock. I have lightly sanded the raised (embossed) image to reveal the 'core' coloured cardstock. Top middle is vellum (coloured cardstock underneath to show) and bottom right (blue) are plain embossed.

The rest have been ink embossed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following was created by dry embossing first, then swiping the ink pad over the raised (embossed) images.

I am all for stretching my supplies, and there is more yet that can be done with embossing folders and cardstock. I shall share some other ideas in a later post.

 

Clearly the experimenting took on a life of its own. Different coloured cardstocks, different coloured inks .....  all cardstock featured in the above images were pulled from 'kits' I have designed for various Project Life albums I have in progress.

Most of them are in my Unfinished Projects posts shared previously. All inspiration to tackle these comes from Ali Edwards, Ali is tackling her own unfinished projects in 2014.

Perhaps they will be recognised when I share images in the future.




   

Project Life : Week 10

Week 10 : March 3 - 9

 

Very cliche but is this year flying by or what ?! ... double figures already!

 

What happened :

 

* Not a lot event or photo wise.

From Sunday through to Friday I had host server issues with my online store The Stamp Spot. Much time was spent messaging back and forth with my website designer and trying things to see if it had been corrected. So much time.

So. much. time. *sigh

I did use this time productively.

I rearranged products and categories instore.

I designed mini embellishment kits.

I ordered and chased up a whole bunch of products (I spent a lot of $ on said products ....yikes)

I added new stock to the website.

I planned blog posts.

I revisted my Unfinished Projects, I achieved a few steps towards finishing those Unfinished Projects (my attempting to finish these projects was totally inspired by Ali Edwards who has a bunch of her own - Ali is documenting her journey on her blog, you can read more here.)

You will see the progress I made in coming blogposts.

 

* The tiniest glimpse of Autumn peeked in to say hello mid week via cooler night temps. Sadly Autumn didn't stay long and  has done a runner and summer is still persisting (she really has overstayed her welcome... just today at 11am the temperature was 30 degrees celcius).

However, that tiny sneek peek prompted me to pull out every ball of wool that has been stored away since early Spring of last year.

Cooler temps = wool projects.

First I sorted into ply, then into co ordinating colours. I was quite surprised to see so much pink... not a pink lover (or hater) so not sure how that happened, or even when that happened.

 

 

Varying shades of pink wool

 

 

I also discovered a huge stash (as in 1000g of each) of coral and mint 8 ply wool - this was definitely the find of the day/week/month as these are my current colour obsessions. I have even created hashtags for instagram so that all my creations and materials captured by photo can easily be found #coralobsessioncontinues #coral #mint #mintcorallove

 

 

Coral and Mint wool = find of the day!

 

* We went to our very first Brisbane Roar soccer football game. I made a 'deal' with my uncle to introduce 2 things from  his life into mine, at least once .... his kind of football and Guiness. I can tick the football off the list, not in any hurry to get that Guiness ticked off! It was fun and I am so glad we went, he was pretty stoked to have us there (secretly I don't think he thought I would follow through and the smiles from him, the huge hug goodbye and the 'thanks for coming' sure topped off our afternoon). I do believe we will try to attend more games, though there are only 5 games left in this season.

 

Left side:

 

Project Life Week 10 left side

 

 Right side:

 

Close ups:

The stitched ampersand on cork is my stitched element for this weeks spread. I am honouring my Mothers profession of a seamstress by including at least one stitched element in every week of my Project Life 2014.

 

The 'currently obsessed' word sticker is from Amy Tangerine Cut & Paste collection - I have included a few others in this weeks spread.

 

A facebook friend shared this quote... it resonated with me especially this week with having my website not running properly. This speed bump/hiccough in my working life reinforced my love of what I do, it's my dream job in my dream environment and what I do day in day out ... well it sure doesn't feel like work. I do not take that for granted.

My mission statement - making as many Memory Keeping and papercrafting products available and affordable to as many as possible. I live and breathe that every day, this papercrafting/Memory Keeping thing we do... it's so much more than pretty paper and adhesive.

My own experiences and the messages I receive from customers also on this journey are the same - a sanity saver, an activity that promotes self esteem, a sense of self worth, of doing and achieving something important and valued, a legacy we will leave,  a happy place, me time, looking after the artist within.... this is how we have found an outlet, a process that satisfies so many needs.

And it's less about pretty paper and adhesive

..... and more about who I am

..... and who you are.

Project Life : Getting Started

So you have decided to give Project Life a go...

 

Project Life is a memory-keeping system created by Becky Higgins. Hundreds of thousands of women (and men) around the world are using this concept to document their everyday life.

And not just the everyday.

New arrivals, weddings, special birthdays, travel adventures, sporting achievements and then some.

 

 

An album, some page protectors, a pen, a core kit and your photos is touted as the most streamlined list of supplies you need (and will ever need). And if you like the rounded corner look then you can purchase and get started the second you get home.

 

But....

 

What if you are like me and really dont like the rounded corner look of the cards found in Becky Higgins Project Life kits?????

 

I have tried, really tried to work with, and to learn to like rounded corner cards.

 I DON'T

* I don't like the finished look

* I don't want to spend time rounding corners of photos

* I don't like the mixed look of rounded cards and squared photos

* I don't believe I will ever use an entire core kit - 616 cards is a lot of cards - on average I use 1-2 4x6 cards and 4-6 3x4 cards per double page spread. This equates to 50-100 weeks of 4x6 and 86-129 weeks of 3x4 cards per core kit. I know for certain I will be sick of the sight of a core kit by then.

NB: I appreciate that much can be done with Core Kit cards not just PL. These views are my own and apply to my personal style of Project Life Memory Keeping. Should a squared Core Kit ever be manufactured I may well be the first in line to purchase one.

 

I DO

* I do like the look of squared cards and squared photos

* I do like being able to pick and choose from thousands of papers available in the papercrafting world, the colours I prefer, the patterns I like, the colours I like to combine

* I do like the freedom this option brings me

* I do like that I don't get sick of the sight of anything

* I do like that I don't waste any cards whatsoever

* I do know that I could simply go digital, buy the BH PL digital files for a core kit and get started. However.... but... well....

I love paper too much. I love the creative process too much. I love diecutting and punching and stamping and embossing too much.

 

Occasionally I have totally loved the colour scheme and patterns of a core kit.

Like this BH PL Strawberry core kit:

 

My solution is to simply buy the 12x12 Designer Paper Packs and cut them up.

 

Any leftovers or any patterns I don't absolutely love get used for embellishing. I die cut them, I silhouette cut them, I punch shapes from them, I use strips to add to plain cardstock, I back photos with them. No wastage. Ever. Zip. Zero. Zilch.

 

It takes me about 30 minutes to cut a whole pack of Becky Higgins Project Life 12x12 papers.

 

 

Each 12x12 is cut at 4" and 8" (horizontally or vertically depending on the direction of patterns and/or words). Then one 4x12" strip is cut in half to create 2 4x6 cards. The remaining 2 strips of 4x12" are cut into quarters - each strip yielding 4 3x4" cards, 2 strips yield a total of 8.

 

Each Becky Higgins Designer Paper 12x12 pack has 24 double sided sheets.

A pack yields 48 - 4x6" cards (enough for 24 to 48 weeks)  and 192 - 3x4" cards. (enough for 32 to 48 weeks) . These are all patterned paper cards therefore they may possibly last longer.

 

I then add complimentary sheets (usually 6) of American Crafts Cardstock - again cutting them in the same configuration. These 6 sheets yield 12 - 4x6" cards and 48 - 3x4" cards.

 

 

 

I now have 60 - 4x6" cards and 240 - 3x4" cards in total.

Clearly this is more than 52 weeks supply in total. If I were using this kit for a year in our everyday life Project Life style I would reduce the total amount.

As this is for a Childhood Album spanning birth to most likely 18 perhaps 21, I am simply guessing at this stage what I will need. For now I feel comfortable ensuring I wont run short of cards.

 

THE LOWDOWN ON COSTINGS:

Average price of BH PL Core kits - $32.95

+ 1 pack of BH PL Matching cardstock 4x6 pack $8.95

+ BH PL Matching cardstock 3x4 pack $6.95

= $48.85 (most likely an excess supply of everything).

 

Approx price of Michelle Hunters kit (that's me) - $20.95 (Strawberry's current price instore)

+ 6 sheets AC cardstock $6.60  (listed in store soon under this category)

= $27.55

My handmade kits are smaller and therefore cheaper. When I factor in what I would waste in a BH PL Core Kit (either because there are too many cards in total, too many repeat cards or just plain got sick of the colour scheme/look) ....

I am more than happy to spend 30-40 minutes cutting up 12x12 papers and cardstock to get exactly what I want....

and probably more than I need as well.

 

My suggestion:

First decide what look you prefer/like/can live with - rounded vs non rounded vs mixed.

 

And go from there.

 

Here is the kit I have put together for my daughters childhood album, it is on my list of Unfinished Projects, see this post for details and some updates.

 

Bottom right is a pile of cut up 3x4" or 3x4.5" with the tab Designer Dividers.

Pop by again soon when I will share my process for cutting these up to make 3x4" inserts, including my preferred look of squared.

 

 

 

Unfinished Projects : The list is growing....

I have added another Project to my Unfinished Projects list.

 

My own childhood memories.

 

PL Style.

 Totally inspired by Ali Edwards. Ali is tackling Unfinished Projects in 2014 and has written a blog post on her plans.

Whilst sorting photos for my childrens albums I have been flicking over my own childhood photos to get to theirs.

Seems crazy to just keep flicking them over.

I now have 5 designated 'spots' to accumulate the relevant photos, memorabilia etc.

1. My Dads (Dad passed away 15 years ago)

2. My own

3-5. Each of my 3 childrens.

 

I have the albums sorted, a bunch of page protectors, the 'kits' I am using - apart from my Dads which I settled on Kraft,  have all been put together by yours truly.

Knowing how much rounded corners bother me with square photos, I will probably change my Dads from a split kit of Kraft to a range that is similar but that I can cut up the papers etc.

 

Here is what I have decided on for my own album:

 

Date Night by Chickaniddy.

Chosen for the colour scheme - has my beloved Mint, with complimentary colours to the colours I noticed a lot in my childhood photos - navy and white - these were my Primary School uniform colours. Navy is not my go to colour, even if it is on trend at the moment.

This just works and is so easy on the eye.

 

All of this came from 1 yes 1! 6x6 paper pad. The papers are double sided which is an absolute bonus for maximum use of every sheet. There are cut apart sheets and there are words to cut apart also.

Chickaniddy sure nailed it!

To ensure I don't run out (though all I would need is one more 6x6 paper pad) I have added complimentary cardstock colours - all are American Crafts.

 

6 in total but I could easily add more and think that white will run out first. The lighter coloured cardstock sheets will be used for journaling, the darker for feature inserts and to back photos if need be.

It hasn't photographed that well but that very dark cardstock (looks black in the photo) is a dark navy.

L to R: Storm, Nickel, White, Shamrock, Apricot and Honeycomb.

Cantaloupe and Cricket were my next choices, I shall see how the other colours go and revisit this if I need to.

Some more shots of my kit:

 

I have a lot of Mint extras in my stash already as my Project Life 2014 colour scheme is Mint and Coral.

Items like ink pads - Mint Julep, Peach & Soft Cantaloupe (Hero Arts), Mint to be and Sapphire (Avery Elle), Morrocco and Toffee Crunch (Memento Luxe), White (Colorbox) also embossing powders, twine, buttons, embroidery floss - will all help to add personal touches.

And....

fill my ever increasing need to stitch something on every page - yes every album every page will probably get a stitching element.

I have mentioned in previous posts but for those who may not have read those, I am honouring my stitched/sewing/thread upbringing - my Mother a professional seamstress still sews to supplement her income at age 72.

Fabric and sewing machines and thread was the backdrop of my childhood.

 

I took for granted her incredible skills and ability - not just sewing which she does to perfection, but her vision for the finished garment, her pattern making skills, her organisation skills (which was reserved for sewing only lol our house was often untidy - more because of the time spent getting orders out) and her dedication to making things properly - no short cuts... ever.

Do it properly or don't do it at all.

I feel I have the time and space and environment to appreciate handmade.

In the form of handmade embellishments, additions or altered home decor.

Sewing of clothes has come in fits and fads throughout my life, my Mother has been a very hard act to follow in the world of sewing.

I have found my own expression.

Finally.

 

Project Life : Week 9

Week 9 : February 24 - March 2

 

What happened:

* My eldest son turned 25, though he is far away in Canada it was nice to exchange some text messages (total plus of facebook!). I know many Mums must say this.... Where did those 25 years go? Glad to be working on his birth onwards album - I took photos of photos and sent them to him and we both had a few laughs - totally loved current technology that day!

* Glen and I attended a funeral for an uncle of Glens. A beautiful service delivered with dignity and humour - Uncle Des was a real character and worked in the railways all his life. He was a train driver who saw steam, then diesel, then electric trains come and go/change and it was particularly fitting that his drivers whistle and the key to his drivers carriage played a part in his final departure. He was 2 weeks shy of his 82nd birthday.

* On the homefront decluttering and clearing out continues along with my love of adapting home decor to suit our home.

 

Left side:

Right side:

Close ups:

 

 The 2 and 5 were embossed using a Numbers set of Tim Holtz embossing folders.

 

 

This 2 inch Sticky barc circle was punched using an EK Success punch, then  stamped with Color Box white ink using an Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday stamp (see previous post about how to do this successfully).

 

 

Wood veneer house by Freckled Fawn. Punched hearts coming from the chimney were swiss dot embossed first then punched with a Martha Stewart punch.

 

 

I have decided to back track and add some element of stitching to each weeks spread.

 

 This is my way of honouring and acknowledging the livelihood (and love) of my mother, who at 72 still sews for a living. I grew up to the sound of industrial sewing machines, my mother will recount stories of my portacot and playpen being right beside her sewing machines. Cotton threads abound in my mothers home (and on herself), I can remember making beds and finding threads of cotton in the sheets!

Either machine stitched or handstitched elements will appear throughout my album. I find it relaxing and another form of being creative with minimal expense involved.

 

Project Life is fast becoming so much more than memory keeping to me.

It is becoming a much enjoyed creative project, I love how these bits and pieces add a personal touch and are also adding texture to my pages.

Project Life : Week 8

Week 8 : February 17 - 23

 

What happened:

* I tried my hand at creating a textured canvas, I have started small as a have a really large one in mind for our main bedroom but that size was just too daunting for a first attempt

* The dates for Becky Higgins and Heidi Swapps Spotlight tour were announced

* I  documented/blogged the results of another experiment - this time Page Protector brands (6) vs Project Life style card brands (10)

* We attended my cousins daughters 4th birthday celebration dinner with 22 other family members

* Our home gym (version 4 I think we are up to since building our home 8 years ago) got a makeover and some new additions

* I finally caught up with a cousin and her family - they moved back to our hometown in early January

 

 

Left side:

 

 

Right side:

 

Left side then right side as they look in the album:

 

Items of interest:

If you are going to use transparent elements - these could be divided page protectors cut up to make inserts, shaker/confetti pockets, stitched pockets etc some care and attention to detail makes a lot of difference for when you or anyone looks through your album.

The pocket directly under and over can be utilised to make that transparent pocket pop even more. After including an element such as this, I do not want the time and effort involved especially in hand stitching to get lost, not stand out.

Play with different cards in the pockets that 'sandwich' your 'feature' pocket.

In my experience a darker card with a repeating pattern works best for the pocket that is stitched. If I didn't have a suitable coloured patterned card I would choose a solid colour.

Detailed patterns, journaling cards and photos don't really work unless the stitching highlights the subject of the photo - eg hearts surrounding faces. In which case I would need to leave the pocket blank of stitching until the photograph going in the one under it was in place. Otherwise I would not know where to stitch.

IDEA: Think of how this weeks spread can complement and highlight last weeks or next weeks by using the selection of the pocket that will sit over or under it as your guide.

 

Right side of week 8 sitting on top of right side of week 9:

Page turned to week 9, left side of week 9 sitting on top of left side of week 8:

Unfinished Projects : Progress on 1. Eldest sons album

Progress!

 

Yes!

 

Thanks Ali!

(Ali Edwards posted recently about how she intends to tackle unfinished Projects and has inspired many crafters to brainstorm a plan to tackle their own, me included).

 

Number 1 on my list was my eldest sons childhood album. He will 25 on February 25th so it's been a long time unfinished project. In some ways I am super glad I didn't do this years ago as I believe I would want to redo that album Project Life style.

 

Whilst gathering photos and baby albums, the kind you slipped in the photo and had a few lines in the margin to write, I found 2.

Almost identical. Even in colour. That's them there in the photo - the blue ones.

The 2nd album was actually an album I gave to my parents. It covered in briefer detail, the first 15 months of Steven's  life.

 

Score!

 

Sad also. Sad that I should have it. My mother must have included it in a bunch of stuff she bought down last year that she no longer wanted/needed/had room for. Understandable in that her health is deteriorating and I envisage she will need to move from her 3 bedroom home to perhaps a unit of some sort in the next few years. I also believe it was her way of ensuring that I indeed ended up with lots of things including this album.

 

Hence.... lots of duplicates. That's where the SCORE! comes into play. I have enough, actually far more than enough photos to put together a mini album especially for my son, now.... without having to scan and reprint any photos at all of (at least) his first year of life.

 

Enter a Project Life mini album in Sunflower.

I chose Sunflower because a. I had it on hand and b. it matches the Azure kit (that I made up myself so I can have square cards not rounded) beautifully.

 

 

This was the logical place to begin as far less photos will go in this album and only a few photos of any occasion will make the album. Real estate in these albums is precious so only the most relevant and special will make the cut.

I set out both albums and went through photo by photo, page by page, to make my selections - only focusing on the mini album still. I tried to do both at the same time but it was just too confusing. Also I needed to be sure I jotted the details about each photo - ie how many days old? weight? context of the photo?

Thankfully, almost 25 years ago, I had the foresight to write in those margins!

As I had already made up my kit - Azure from 12x12 papers - see this post for the details - I started slipping photos into pockets and allocating either 3x4 or 4x6 papers.

Due to the size of the photos that were considered standard back then, I had to back each one with paper. I chose to keep each  row of each page the same papers - helped with being easier on the eye. In real life the album looks wider.

 

Here is a cross section of what I have achieved so far:

Photo selection, paper selection to match photos, adhering photos to papers and slotting in notes took a few hours. I thought it would take longer.

Project Life Azure is an easy kit to work with.

No baby themed papers here.

This is an album that a 25 year old guy will look through for the first time at 25+.

The + is because Steven is currently on a working holiday in Canada and isn't signalling a return home any time soon.

It will be awesome to see him after a few (then again it could be many) years, celebrate and hand him this album. Made with love. By his mother. For him.

 

This mini album has been a great place to start.

It has prompted many memories.

I have jotted them down as they came to mind. I will include these stories and memories in the full size Project Life album. Mine for now, Steven's one day.

 

So that I can maximise any available time that can be dedicated to Unfinished Projects, I have organised a spot (a square basket from IKEA that slots into furniture from IKEA - yes we are indeed an IKEA house!) where all the supplies can be kept together. Easily accessible too.

 

 

 

For now the very basics are in this basket - the Azure kit I cut myself - 3x4 & 4x6 cards from the Azure 12x12 Designer Paper pack, the albums, photos/old photo albums, adhesive, a notebook & pen. That's it.

I plan to journal using my typewriter.

I hope to have the odd available spare pocket page to add some handstitching - along these lines...

I recently handstitched these hearts directly onto the page protectors.

 

I am enjoying this process.

I am enjoying this progress.

A long way to go for sure, but if you enjoy the journey it doesn't seem so long.

Does it?
 

 

Project Life cards vs Page Protectors

Another experiment.

 

Another interesting set of results.

 

I hope... another useful reference.

 

This experiment was prompted by the previous - Albums vs Page Protectors.

Now I want to know what brand of cards are compatible with which brand of pocket page protectors.

Pocket Page Protectors used in this trial were all the same configuration - 4 4x6 horizontal, 4 3x4 vertical (widely recognised as Design A in the Becky Higgins Project Life system).

 

Brands of pocket page protectors trialled:

* Project Life

* We R Memory Keepers

* Snap

* American Crafts

* Kaisercraft

* Echo Park Photo Freedom

= 6 different pocket page protectors.

 

Brands of cards trialled -

* Project Life Azure Kit

* Project Life older journaling card - grid

* Project Life cardstock

* Project Life themed cards

* We R Memory Keepers

* Snap

* Mambi

* Kaisercraft

* Cut aparts (from a 12x12 sheet)

* Personally cut exact 3x4 & 4x6

= 10 different cards.

 

 

The very first thing I noticed was that all brands varied slightly in size.

They are called 3x4 and 4x6 inch cards but in reality not many are.

3" x 4" equates to 7.65 x 10.15cm

4" x 6" equates to 10.15 x1 5.25cm

Here is where I should advise that I switch between metric and imperial measurements depending on the relevance, with by far more measurements appearing in mm .

First up, 3 x 4 cards :

The most narrow card from the list was the Project Life older grid journaling cards - 7.2cm, the widest being the one I personally cut to exactly 7.65cm (3").

The shortest card was Kaisercraft at 9.9cm, the tallest Project Life cardstock cards at 10.2cm.

 

Not a huge difference however, when you combine that with the varying pocket size measurements it's relevance becomes important.

I found, with the exception of American Crafts and Project Life, the first pocket (closest to the spine once clipped into an album) was the largest. NO you weren't imagining things!

 

The widest measurement (from just inside seams on either side) for any page protector in the 3x4 pocket was 7.8cm, the narrowest 7.55cm, the tallest 10.5cm, the shortest 10.3cm.

 

Rather than list all the measurements of every pocket of every page protector I will skip to where I tested each card for fit into the pockets.

Some were a little tight but still went in with only a little effort - these have been included in the 'YES' section.

If a card could not go in at all or had to require the page protector being curved up to get it in, ie. significant effort - these went in the 'NO' section.

 

I will be listing them according to their brand. Feedback would suggest Project Life'rs either

a. stick to a brand they know/love/trust/use same brand page protector

b. only use one brand of page protector but would like to know what brands of cards fit

NB:  We can safely assume that the same brand of page protector and card are compatible (obvious yes I know but just wanted to get that out of the way)

 

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

1. Echo Park Paper - Photo Freedom 

YES:  Cut apart cards, WeRMK, Kaisercraft, Project Life Azure, Project Life Cardstock, Project Life older grid journaling card,  Mambi, Project Life Themed card = 8/10

NO: (middle 2 3x4 pockets smallest) Snap and personally cut 3x4= 2/10

 

2. WeRMK

YES: WeRMK, Mambi, Project Life cardstock, Project Life Azure,  Kaisercraft, Project Life older journaling card, Project Life Themed card, Project Life cardstock = 8/10

NO: (middle 2 3x4 pockets smallest) Snap and personally cut 3x4 = 2/10

 

3. Kaisercraft

YES: All cards listed fit all pockets = 10/10

 

4. Snap

YES: All cards listed fit all pockets =10/10

 

5. Project Life

YES: WeRMK, Pl older journaling card, Kaisercraft, Project Life Azure, Project Life Cardstock, Mambi, cut apart cards, Project Life themed card = 8/10

NO: (2nd pocket is smallest) Snap and personally cut 3x4 = 2/10

 

6. American Crafts Memology

YES: Project Life Azure, WeRMK, Project Life older journaling card = 3/10

NO: (first pocket smallest) cut apart cards, personally cut cards, Mambi, Project Life cardstock, Kaisercraft, Snap. Project Life themed card = 7/10

 

Next up, 4 x 6 cards:

 

The 4x6 cards are all within 1mm in size of each other, most are exactly the same.

Therefore the fit is easiest to illustrate via photographs rather than give measurements etc.

Below I have listed each Page Protector brand with a picture of 2 4x6 cards in the bottom 2 pockets. Behind the pockets is a colour card (so that I had a visual reminder of which brand was which - I could have labelled them but I only had to do 6 photos so I simply grabbed some different coloured cards to pop behind to highlight the 'gap'.

Each 4x6 has been pushed to the outer edges so that the maximum difference (gap) is visible in the centre - of course, in reality, the cards sit fairly central within the pockets, I simply wanted to illustrate consistently that gap.

The 4x6 cards used are ones that I have cut with a paper trimmer to exactly 4"x 6", 10.15cm x 15.25cm.

 

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

1. Project Life (all 4x6 cards tested from the list above are exactly the same measurement)

 

2. WeRMK

 

3. American Crafts (memology)

 

4. Snap

 

5. Echo Park Paper (Photo Freedom)

 

6. Kaisercraft

It is worth noting that the clearest Page Protector in the group is Becky Higgins Project Life, the least clearest (& thickest material) is Echo Park Paper Photo Freedom. The others were much of a muchness.

 I hope the information is helpful and not too complicated to digest. Feel free to bookmark/save to your favourites folder that you have a ready reference next time you see some page protectors on sale!

Just keep stitching .....

Two nights ago (laying awake in the middle of the night as one does!) it occurred to me that instead of stitching on cardstock 3x4 or 4x6 to personalise/embellish my Project Life spreads I could simply stitch the page protector pocket.

 

I am very much in love with the transparent look, especially after I discovered I could cut up the Project Life Designer Dividers into 3x4 inserts (and which Becky Higgins herself thought was a great idea!) and achieve a coloured and see through insert with one product.

In one simple cut at the 4" mark as they are already 3" wide.

I often include sequin pockets also. That's one there on the left next to the diy 3x4 designer divider insert.

 

Not able to get my idea of stitching pocket page protectors into action straight away turned out to be a good thing. The idea continued to percolate away as I attended to other tasks higher on my 'to do' list.

A few concerns came to mind fairly quickly.

1. Will the page protector tear when I stitch it?

SOLUTION: Be careful when piercing, use as sharp as possible piercer/needle and dont pierce the holes too close together

 

2. How do I get around the mirror reverse image - clearly this page is going to be turned for next weeks spread, what will it look like from the other side?

SOLUTION: Only stitch symmetrical images or letters. I formed a list in my head of possibilities - letters - A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X, Y upper case, i, l, m, o, t, u, v, w, x lower case with m and u not having the extra stroke. Images I thought of - umbrellas (doesn't matter which way the handle faces), houses, some animals depending on the image - a cat as typically drawn by a child is my best example, crosses, stars, sun, clouds, raindrops, baby onesies, some transport - planes, cars, toy wagon, hearts, xoxo, arrows (the direction of the arrows may need some thought for the next weeks spread possibly), again anything symmetrical or symmetrical with any extra components that you don't mind which way they face.

My mind jumped ahead to Christmas - trees, snowflakes, holly, bells etc and jumped backwards to Valentines Day - hearts, rows of xxxxx's and ooooo's.

 

I decided to go super simple as I tested out my theories and honed my skills.

I also wanted to try 2 options -

1. a dedicated page protector to be a stand alone feature - I chose a Project Life Design I page protector for this option. It has 3 4x4 vertical pockets.

2. a full 12x12 divided pocket page protector - I chose a 12x12 WeRMK divided page protector with 4 4x6 horizontal pockets and 4 3x4 vertical pockets (in the Project Life range it is known as Design A).

 

PROJECT ONE:

I went with I {heart} you with each component in its own pocket which would then be stitched enclosing sequins. This would be used as a special insert in a special album. One that is in my unfinished projects list. (Ali Edwards has inspired crafters everywhere with tackling those unfinished projects). 

As an aside, I am sharing all photos of my unfinished projects progress on instagram using hashtag unfinished projects #unfinishedprojects

Materials needed: page protector, darning style needle, embroidery thread (I used Sullivans brand in 2 shades of coral, no surprises there! DMC is readily available in Australia, I have purchased from Spotlight in the past), stitching template, piercing tool and piercing mat (these are included along with some thread/floss plus needle in any Amy Tangerine stencil kit).

USEFUL TIPS:  Your needle could double up as a piercer and your mouse pad from your desktop computer may work as a piercing mat.  A whole host of items can be used for a stitching template or perhaps you could freehand pierce. I have heard of crafters googling their image, printing it on their home computer and piercing right through the image to get the outline and any internal details.  There are any number of stencils and templates to choose from, stamped images could be utilised also. I'm sure there are other sources - let your imagination run wild and like me you will look at everything around you in a different light lol (and as a possible template!).

 

I needed to keep in mind when choosing an image that I have a relatively small space to worth within. Keeping a good space between the stitching and the seams of the divided page protectors is important, I didn't want to compromise the strength of the seams especially on the next example.

 

Once you have your supplies organised, simply line up the stencil, pierce and stitch.

 

This page protector needed some extra special touches.

It is after all going into a special album.

I decided on sequins, both white and slightly transparent and stitched them into the pockets using my sewing machine. I stitched 3 sides of the pocket leaving the tops open to add the sequins. I added the sequins and then stiched the top of the pocket closed.

USEFUL HINTS: Don't put all the sequins into each pocket then sew all 3 like I did.

I quickly worked out to sew the pockets from the 3rd one down on the bottom, then the middle then the top - I folded over the top two so that a. it would fit into my sewing machine and b. the sequins didn't come showering out.

Stuff and stitch one pocket at a time.

and a full view of the completed Design I page protector, now a personalised page insert!

To keep those ends/tails secure ... just keep stitching. In total I stitched each image what would equate to at least twice, I overstitched so that I could safely cut off the ends close to the project.

I didn't want knotted ends showing anywhere, therefore I did not knot the thread at any stage. I also put the tiniest dab of glossing accents at the trimmed ends so that a frayed look doesn't emerge sometime in the future.

To secure your machine stitching ... just keep stitching. Rather than go forwards and backwards at the start and end of your work ... just continue/keep stitching a little way further.

 

I most certainly attempted the most difficult handstitched page protector project first.

Upside: the next came together super fast and super easy.

I will definitely be doing this version often!

 

PROJECT TWO:

This time I wanted to attempt stitching a pocket of a 12x12 page protector. 

I chose one I use most often and have the most of - I figured if it didn't work out as well in reality as it did in my head then it was an acceptable loss/waste. In addition, I considered that I could utilise the rest of the page protector in other experiments/projects by cutting it up.

I decided on hearts.

I couldn't find a stitching template (ready to use type) in my stash in the sizes I wanted.

I do however own a whole bunch of punches.

I have a few heart ones.

I punched one large and 3 small hearts - only one would be needed as a template but I wanted to be sure I liked the look of my design and more importantly that it would fit within the confines of the pocket and still look good. Once happy with the placement, I pierced and stitched.

And this idea was bought to reality.

 

Hearts punched from cardstock and total 'picture' is assessed:

 

Holes are pierced:

 

 

Stitching begins:

I found it useful to hold the 'tail' with a piece of washi tape.

Remember to secure by  ... just keep stitching (past where you began). Trim tails. Adhere a dab of glossing accents if you have it.

And.... done.

 

USEFUL HINTS: Choose an outside or inside pocket. This would have been much easier to access if it were a pocket located either at the start or the end of the row ie the  1st or the 4th in the row pocket.

As a result of choosing a middle located pocket, the page protector did get bent a little - I have inserted cards into the vacant 4x6 pockets (they were the most crinkled/folded over during the sewing process) and the page looks fine using sturdy cardstock.

It wouldn't look fine if I wanted to use, for example, a vellum piece in one of those pockets.

 

I will share the significance of this large heart with 3 smaller hearts when I share the full spread - this is actually Week 8.

12x12 Album & Page Protector compatability findings

Today I conducted an experiment.

I have wanted to know for some time which albums and which page protectors are interchangeable.

I should know this as a retailer.

I now have a variety of albums and page protectors that most Project Life and Scrapbookers use. Special mention and gratitude to my Kaisercraft representative Christina for sending me a Kaisercraft album and variety of page protectors overnight so that they too could be included.

 

Before I reveal what I think are very interesting results a few things that this experiment is not:

It is not a comparison of quality.

It is not a comparison of price.

It is not a comparison of manufacturers.

It is not sponsored by any manufacturers products mentioned here, I was not asked nor compensated in any way.

It is not designed to influence which product customers should purchase.

 

A few things this experiment is:

As close to comparing apples and apples as I could manage

A result of my own curiousity

A result of my selling some, though not all (at the time of the experiment) of these products and not being able to advise my customers of interchangeability of page protectors.

Fun.

I hope conclusive and of use when purchasing page protectors and/or albums.

 

 

The albums:

Snap, Project Life, Wermk, Kaisercraft

 

The page protectors:

Snap, Project Life, Wermk, Kaisercraft, American Crafts (Memology), Echo Park Papers (Photo Freedom)

The results.

* Starting with the obvious - manufacturers albums and their page protectors match;

* All page protectors fit all albums with regard to lining up with the 3 rings within the binders/albums;

* The page protectors tested vary slightly in size (see below for measurements), however all do sit within the boundaries of each of  the albums (see below for measurements), some are closer to the edge depending on page protector brand (the most snug fit was American Crafts page protectors in a Wermk album for height and same protectors in a Kaisercraft album for length). No overhang occurred on any combination.

* The page protectors tested vary slightly as to where the holes (3) are punched, therefore vary slightly as to how they sit within the album.

* All but American Crafts had the centre round hole in the exact centre (halfway) of the page with the oval shaped outer holes punched the same distance from the centre hole.

* The American Crafts page protector centre hole was very slightly above halfway, the outer oval holes are punched at the same distance from the centre hole however this results in the bottom of the page being 5mm longer from the centre hole (if you folded the page at the centre hole). The centre hole is not in the exact middle of the page like the others. The only time I think this poses any kind of issue is when various brands of page protectors are combined in the one album, any album - the American Crafts page protector is significantly longer than the others and the placement of the punched holes means it would 'hang' lower in the album therefore I would expect it would be visible below other brands of page protectors.

 

Album Measurements: +/- 1mm

Kaisercraft     39.2L    32.6H    6.6S (spine width)

Snap                  38.5L    33.2 H   6.8S

Project Life    38.3L    33.2H    6.8S

Wermk             38.2L    32.9H    7.0S

 

Page Protector Measurements:  +/- 1mm

Kaisercraft            33.7L    32.0H    1.8W (width of section where holes are punched)

Project Life           33.4L    31.4H    1.5W

Wermk                    33.5L    31.9H     1.6W

Snap                         33.3L    31.7H     1.6W

Echo Park              33.2L    31.6H    1.6W

(Photo Freedom)

American Crafts  34.2l     31.4H   2.5W (be far the deepest)

(memology)

 

About the experiment:

 

Each measurement was recorded with the same tape measure for the albums, a ruler for the page protectors, by the same person (me) , at the same physical location on each product.

 

Length was taken at the top of the albums 1cm down and included where applicable the metal corner protectors. This is the maximum length the album would take up when placed upright on a shelf. This would translate to the depth needed to accomodate the album.

 

Height was taken 2cm in from the spine edge and also 2cm in from the open edge (where you would open the album). This is the maximum height the album would take up when placed upright on a shelf.

 

Spine width was taken on the outside of the album 2cm down from the top edge. This would translate to the width the album would take up when placed in an upright position on a shelf without being compressed by anything beside it.

 

All measurements were double checked. This is little variance between Snap, Project Life and Wermk - .3mm separates them in length and also in height. .2mm separates them in spine width.

 

The Kaisercraft album is the longest in length (shelf depth required is a little more) with the biggest difference being a full centimetre, and surprisingly it is the shortest album by up to .6mm difference and takes up .4mm less in spine width.

 

What surprised me:

12x12 single pocket page protectors are smaller in width than 12x12 divided page protectors.

This was a moment of - why did I need to physically compare them to work that out? !

!!!

The divisions/seams are the difference.

Here the divided page protector is on the bottom (with spot paper in a 4x6 section) with the 12x12 single pocket (with mint cardstock) on the top. I expect, when you have a mixture of traditional scrapbooking and Project Life spreads in the one album, you may notice a slight difference in the page protector sizes.

 

Possibly of interest (if you are combining differing brands of page protectors in the one album):

The section where the holes are punched have a different finish, either square or recessed -

Square finish - Kaisercraft, Project Life, Snap and American Crafts (Memology)

Recessed finish - Wermk and Echo Park (Photo Freedom)

 

Whats next? :

Cards vs Page Protectors - blogpost to follow.

I have a whole bunch of Project Life style cards instock or in my stash.

I will select one 3x4 and one 4x6 from each manufacturer and test the fit inside the pockets of the various brands of page protectors (same ones from todays experiment).

 

 

 

 

 

Project Life : Week 1

Week 1 : January 1 - 5

 

Here we go 2014!

 

What happened:

* A short week as the 1st was mid week - I PL from Monday through Sunday

* Family birthday dinner for youngest grandson (yes 2 days before his actual birthday was the only time we could all get together - as in both sides of the family)

* Australia wins the Ashes

* IKEA x 2 - storage supplies purchased that match the new colour scheme

* OLW (One Little Word 2014 with Ali Edwards begins - my word STAND)

* Extremely high temps - mid 40's most days

 

One page for this short week, on the right side. The left side is the back of my 2014 title page and is dedicated to personal journaling.

Project Life : Week 2

Week 2 : January 6 - 12

 

What happened:

* Youngest grandson turns one January 6

* My much loved friend of many years has Baz from Better Homes & Gardens renovating her home for 3 days! I hope it airs soon, the before & afters are amazing!

* Youngest grandsons first birthday party January 12

* School holidays continue

* Crafting party decorations - snowflakes and penguins and banners - A Pingu themed party (Pingu is a childrens show on the ABC for Kids Network) in black and white

 

Left side:

 

Right side:

 

Insert front side:

 

Insert reverse side:

Project Life : Week 3

Week 3 : January 13 - 19

 

What happened:

* Painting of walls continue (the dark red that I never liked is now antique white)

* School holidays continue - my 13 year old son joins me for some stamping fun

* My partner Glen and I visit friends and instal their new rainwater tank (Glens business)

* I attend PLAY an online even run by Big Picture Classes

* Crazy busy work week with a clearance sale beginning instore - The Stamp Spot

 

Left side:

 

Right side:

Project Life : Week 4

Week 4  :  January 20 -  26

 

What happened:

* School book order arrived (makes back to school real!)

* Australia Day (Jan 26)

* We finally got some rain

* Our local waterpark opened (yay!)

 

Left side:

Right side:

 

Elements of interest:

Use the patterns on the paper/card to add words related to the photos, then use an arrow to indicate the appropriate photo

 

 

 

Project Life : Week 7

 
Week 7 : February 10 - 16

 

What happened:

* I repurposed/updated some very (very as in 55-60 years) old photo and picture frames

* Lots of crafting particularly heat embossing on vellum (gosh how I love vellum!)

* Becky Higgins saw my photo on instagram of cut down to 3x4 Designer Dividers and used as inserts....  and loved the idea.... and then ran with it. Becky kindly linked back to my ig feed and WHOA did life get busy on ig all of a sudden!   Her words of 'totally inspired' still gobsmack me days later!

* Valentines Day

 

Overview:

 

 

 

Left hand side.

 

 

Right hand side.

 

 

This week I used an insert - Design I ( 3-4x4 pockets)

Front side of insert.

 

Reverse side of insert.

 

 Tab on the side made by punching Wermk File Tab punch from white cardstock and adhered using the matching File Tab stickers.

Close up of the post on Instagram by Becky Higgins.

 

 

AWESOME. Right?!

 

Close up of where I have used a 'now famous' insert in this weeks spread.

 

Right next door to a confetti pocket - I punched hearts from various papers in my kit, added some vellum hearts and a sprinkle of glitter and sewed is shut using my sewing machine.

 

Elements of interest:

 

 

Journaling around a 4x6 card using my typewriter. Hearts punched and machine stitched on.

The 4x6 and punched hearts are from Teresa Collins You Are My Happy collection.

The significance of 9 hearts - this Valentines Day marked our 9th spent together as a couple.

 

Vellum tag - heat embossed image and details added via typewriter

 

Heat embossing on vellum - it really does need to be heavy weight ie 40lb. The one I used is by Bazzill and its awesome. I learnt a trick though to help achieve a great result - do most of the heat setting from behind/the reverse side then finish off on the front side. My paper didn't warp.

Also, to add colour to vellum that has been stamped or heat embossed - add the colour to the back. I have used copic markers to achieve the background colour.

 

And last but not least - here is the Love Letter I made for my sweetheart for Valentines Day - it slipped perfectly into the bottom right 4x6 pocket (funny that lol) - made entirely from Heidi Swapp products!

Project Life : Week 6

Week 6 : February 3 - 9.

 

What happened:

* My new typewriter arrived - Remington Monarch, she's types in script!

* I added to my elephant collection and photographed the babies (smallest ones)

*Attended an early dentist for my son - almost 14 and he still has one remaining baby tooth!

* Attended the first Parent Information Evening for my son - Year 9 this year

* Tent shopping

* Lots of crafting and baking.

 

Overview:

 

Left hand side.

 

Right hand side.

 

Elements of interest:

Wood veneer elephants inked, (elephants from Studio Calico Story Time collection); Heat embossing to make picture cards (THIS IS LIFE image from Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday, stamp set is called This is Life)

 

Using stamped images (in this case white heat embossed using Versamark ink and Hero Arts white embossing powder and a heat tool) to make my own journal cards - this reads

I love that our days are the best, with the 'I' and 'are' typed using a typewriter

 

My favourite 4x6 card so far (so fun to make simply using a heart punch)

some labels and wood veneer hearts were added and then the finishing touch of a Heidi Swapp buzz word 'adore'.

 

Project Life : Week 5

An odd place to begin perhaps but Week 5 is first up (I will blog weeks 1 through 4 over the next day or two) Weeks 6 & 7 are following this one.

 

Week 5 : January 27 - February 2

 

What happened:

* school shoe shopping - both sports and formal (left till just before school started due to growth of said school shoe wearer!)

* back to school

* visiting a family member to celebrate (belatedly) her birthday

* a busy working week.

 

I have selected a colour scheme of Mint, Coral, Cream, Black & White for my Project Life 2014. I have compiled my own 'kit' sourced from papers from various manufacturers including We are Memory Keepers, American Crafts, Heidi Swapp, My Minds Eye and Teresa Collins.

The reason I have compiled my own as a. I really wanted that colour scheme b. I couldn't find it in kits with non rounded cards.

 

I will be so very excited the day Project Life Core Kits are made with non rounded cards!

 

I have also put together a kit of embellishments that colour co ordinate with my chose colour scheme. These are sourced from Mixed Company Ephemera pack by Heidi Swapp, Label stickers by Cosmo Cricket, and a whole bunch of stamps mostly from Technique Tuesday.

 

Overview:

Left hand side.

 

 

Right hand side.

Elements of interest:

Wood veneer can be altered to match your projects/project life spreads. Here I have inked the 'hello' speech bubble by placing right side down on to an ink pad - in this case a Memento Luxe in Teal Zeal - these ink pads are super juicy and one of the best qualities I have tried recently, I have since increased my stash by 3 more - Rhubarb Stalk (dark red), Toffee Crunch (mid caramel brown) and Morocco (orange).

I liked the ink result but wondered if I could get some shine on it - I did by clear heat embossing it - with the ink still wet I poured on clear embossing powder and heat set it with a heat tool. Clear heat embossing intensifies the colour underneath. I have since tried embossing uninked wood veneer and its just gorgeous but incredibly hard to photograph. One of those discoveries that needs to be seen in real life to appreciate the difference.

Large pieces of wood veneer (with solid areas) looks great stamped too. I use a background type of stamp and usually black or dark brown in Stazon Ink. These creations will feature in later posts of my Project Life 2014.

Project Life... and so we begin another year ....

I have been Project Life'ing for a few years now, I dabbled for one, made a half hearted attempt for another, started one year strong and faded by April (that was last year - life dished up too many curveballs and PL took a back seat. Not just in a car either, on a bus or train, something where the back seat is a very long way back!).

2014 arrived and so did my resolve and sheer determination. I successfully completed not 1, not 2 but 4 December Daily albums. Compiling 4 albums, of which 3 were not mine therefore dependent on their owners emailing me their photos or sharing them on facebook and instagram and then giving me permission to copy them. That was epic. Fun. Crazy. Challenging for sure. But successful.

 

And I did it by doing something (sometimes lots sometimes little) every single day, if I wasn't editing and printing photos, I was making embellishments, planning the next day, knowing in advance what page protector I would most likely use then gearing everything around that.

 

Project Life is like (almost) a December Daily times twelve. DD = one month (or thereabouts) PL = 12 months. I took what I learnt, what worked, from December Daily and I transferred it to Project Life 2014. And its easy. One album. I am independent as far as content goes. I can fit in to my everyday something, something little, something big. And it works. It's working.

 

I am current. (I really dont like the term up to date or worse behind - one has arrogance and one has guilt attached to it in my thinking). This week I am not ahead. I have tried prepping the next week just as I did the next day in December Daily and it doesnt really work. And I don't need to be ahead. I am content with current.

 

 

I am running with a WeRMK Mint 12x12 album, a variety of WeRMK, Becky Higgins Project Life and MAMBI page protectors, WeRMK Chalkboard collection - I chose this as my base as it has all the colours that I decided on for my PL Album 2014 - Coral, Mint, White, Cream and Black. These are the stand out colours, the dominant colours and occasionally there will be other colours popping in and out depending on what looks best. Above all Coral and Mint are my 2014 colours. And not just in my PL Album. I will share some home decor projects featuring these colours once they are completed.

 

Since the initial kit I began with I have added some Heidi Swapp Mixed Company, some papers from the Project Life Coral Edition 12x12 Designer paper pack, also some Teresa Collins You Are My Happy Collection. I have increased my stash of products in coral and mint - inks, embossing powders, embossing paste. I have also increased stamp options, these are most often Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday stamps. Ali does Project Life and knows what we stamping PL'ers prefer/need/like/want/must have.

 

I have a confession to make.

 

I dont use Project Life Core Kits, Mini Kits or card sets. I am teaming the card set above by Wermk with Project Life Coral Edition 12x12 papers.

REASON: I dont like rounded corners.

 

I have tried to but I just don't. I discovered a few years back that there is very little on offer in the way of kits (back then zero) without rounded corners. Occasionally the rounded corner card will find its way in - but it has to be pretty exceptional to make the spread.

 

I decided I would use stamps a lot this year. Makes perfect sense. I own an online stamp supply business! (amongst many other products).

 

The Stamp Spot.

 

I discovered a stamp set that looked fun, the images look great on coloured cardstock, they can be coloured with copics, prismas and watercolour pencils and inks, and finally embossed.

Its called Celebrate Life by My Favorite Things and was designed by none other than Suzy Plantamura. Suzy has designed others and I have purchased (and sell instore) those too.

How's that for the win! I have tried all of the above and not only enjoyed the process but loved the results. The above pic is the preliminary of stamping on printed cards from WeRMK. Not my fave.

 

Stamping on patterned paper. Better but still not a huge fan.

 

I also decided I would use my typewriter (which has become plural with the arrival of a second one) to journal and to record the week and date. I will be using a 3x4 card to record this. I learnt in previous PL spreads that 4x6 is just too much real estate to dedicate to something that can fit on a 3x4. Also by a country mile, my photos are far more 4x6 landscapes and far less 3x4.

 

Please meet Olive. She's an Olivetti Lettera 25 and types beautifully. I love her.

 

 

Meet Monnie. Shes a 1967 Remington Monarch. And shes a script type typewriter! She types beautfully too though the type/font is significantly smaller than Olive.

 

Both typewriters were purchased from Charlie Foxtrot.

 

Each month I will be doing a Month in Review digitally using a 6x12 template by Ali Edwards and once printed it will sit in a 6x12 page protector. Januarys Month in Review will go at the end of January, Februarys will go on the flip side so it will appear at the beginning of the month. Of course the spot will remain blank/vacant until month end. In essence 2 months of Month in Review will sit back to back. I dont have a photo of Januarys to share as yet.

I also decided that with stamping more I will be colouring more, embossing more. More handmade, more handcrafted. 2014 shall be known as the year of making.

 

 

 

 

 

I have a significant PL stash established. I will happily add to it as collections are released, and as I hand make cards, always with the proviso that the colours are mint and coral predominantly.