Behind the Scenes with Lori : BELONGING

Hi there!! Lori here to give you a little "behind the scenes" info about my little mini book:

What prompted you to pick this take on BELONGING?

I discovered Brene' Brown in the last year and find her TED talks and her quotes to be sooo inspiring. She speaks so powerfully about vulnerability, authenticity, and the courage to be yourself and live wholeheartedly.

 How do you feel about the message of your layout?

I tried to focus on the concept of belonging and how much self-acceptance leads to the feeling of belonging. I need to remind myself of these things daily! Imperfection is NOT weakness....sharing that authenticity is BRAVE!

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

I loved the little cassette tapes on the stencil this month. I think of this whole mini book as a "mix tape"--all the best and favorites in one place! I also used the Polaroid images to help signify the idea of imperfection...there's no photoshopping or cropping polaroids! :)

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

I just loved these quotes...I need to remember this. I need to accept and love who I am, own my own story, and be authentic....this lets others do the same! I also like the reminder that self acceptance is courageous...I want to be brave!

Be sure to check out this month's GALLERY including our 

teen GUEST DESIGNER, Heather Adams!

Come visit and chat with us on the FORUM!

Like our FACEBOOK page for updates!

I hope you're feeling a real sense of BELONGING this month!

Behind the Scenes - A sense of belonging

Hi everyone! Kiki here to dish up my Behind the Scenes on the Belonging kit! What a gorgeous kit it was to work with. Fresh and new papers and embellishments. I adored this kit!

using the amazing Belonging kit!

What prompted you to pick this take on Belonging?
When I got into digital scrapbooking, then into mixed media, all my association with other creative people was over the internet. There isn't anything wrong with that but there was just something about the energy and joy that everyone was sharing at this particular crop that made me feel that it portrayed belonging. And to me when you feel like you belong you really have joy!

Why did you choose this photo?

I think that when I looked at pictures of me at a scrapbook crop, I immediately felt that they were perfect for this kit. And I feel like you can really tell that we were having a lot of fun together. It just felt like it was all about belonging.

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

The message of this layout is definitely about joy and laughter, about the effects of belonging to something bigger than myself. Everyone feels that need I think, whether it's spirituality, friendship, bonding. Everyone feels a need for that, and when you've found it, it lightens your spirit.

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

The dots, the circles, it all felt right when it comes to belonging. When people gather together into a group, and share their passion, their joy, their lust for life, it not only brings them joy, but also provides energy to those that might be lacking it. Belonging to me feels like a circle. When you've found your place, not only will you feel fulfilled, but you will feel like you are nourishing something too.The different sized circles represent how you can be part of many groups of different sizes, but still belong to each one all the same. They aren't mutually exclusive, which is why I layered two circles.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

It feels really good to have it down on a page about what scrapbooking has brought me. Not only do I express myself more freely scrapbooking and art journaling, but others can see what it means to me too.

Thanks for joining me on this great ride! Until next time!

http://kiki-halbert.blogspot.ca/

Behind the Scenes with Lori: Ambition

Hi there!! Lori here to give you a little "behind the scenes" info about this layout:

What prompted you to pick this take on AMBITION?

Whew! Isn't that the truth, though? How often do we let comparison steal our joy?

 How do you feel about the message of your layout?

This is such a reminder of how where I am is where I am....and I need to celebrate that, not compare it to anyone else! I may be at the beginning or middle or end of my journey, that shouldn't affect anyone else's journey or affect mine when I'm not on anyone's journey but my own!

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

I wanted to use the stencil in the AMBITION kit, but had used the pie chart on my other projects. So, for this one, and to show how to use it MY way, I used just the little dotted outline of the stencil. I also loved the rows of books to illustrate the "chapters". I loved that old fashioned alarm clock as a symbol of time and how we measure our own time.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

This turned out to be one of my favorites this month. I love the reminder of measuring my journey against my journey alone. Are you guilty of letting comparisons steal your joy?

You can get your AMBITION kit right here!

Check out our design team GALLERY and our GUEST DESIGNER, 
Stacey Michaud's fabulous layouts!

Come chat with us on the FORUM!

Make sure you like us on FACEBOOK!

Remember, your journey is yours alone! No comparing, okay? xo

Behind the Scenes with Lori : Enchantment

Hi there! Lori here, and this month I thought I'd share the

 behind the scenes of this layout:

Whew...ok, let's talk about boys. If you would have told me 20 years ago that I would be turning 40, still single, no kids and no potential mates in sight, 

I would have thought  you were crazy.

Yet, here I am...

This month at SFTIO, we're all about ENCHANTMENT. 

Sigh.

What prompted you to pick this take on Enchantment ?

Let's face it, I grew up on Disney and John Hughes films and there was no way 

I wasn't going to find my perfect mate! I mean, that's the way it went: you go to college, meet your spouse, get married, have kids and live happily ever after!? Right? Wrong!

I know there are others out there who feel this way, who are a bit disillusioned by the whole idea of romance, and whose expectations have been seemingly completely ignored.

Why did you choose this photo? 

This is my annoyed face. period. :P

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

I included some hidden journaling as I was thinking about this topic.

I can look back now and see the strength I've gained being on my own. I'm much more independent and comfortable with who I am. 

I can learn from other's mistakes without experiencing the heartache.

As a person of faith, my knowledge that God is at work even when it doesn't seem like it is prevalent. I KNOW His way and will are best and He has not failed me. The waiting is the hardest part. I'm trying to use the waiting to continue to learn and grow and trust. 

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

I loved this patterned paper and the romantic feel of the huge flowers and book pages. I added some stenciling to create a bit of chaos and add some geometric lines to the flowery background. I loved the little frame and wanted to add a little whimsy and humor with the silhouette and question mark.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

 This is a pretty personal page for me to share. I love the way it turned out and hope it speaks to some of you who are also in the "waiting place".

For me, I consider myself, " no, not hopeless, hopeFUL. I'm a hopeful romantic". --Romancing the Stone

The site is still being worked on, but you can get your own

August ENCHANTMENT kit from the blog HERE.

The message boards are up and running, as is the pinterest board.

Challenges have begun being posted on Facebook and here are some prompts to get you started!...we'd love you to play along and you don't need a kit to do so!

Make sure to check out the Design Team Gallery and our guest design team member, Jordan's gallery, too!

Hope you're finding some time to be enchanted this month!

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Behind the Scenes with Jordan Hebl

We are beginning to slowly wrap up the month here with Enchantment. This kit was truly magical and I hope that you have been inspired to record all things in enchanting with your personal life. You are so worth it!

I'm happy to have our wonderful August Guest Designer, Jordan Hebl, with us on the blog once again. She is back to give us some "Behind the Scenes" on one of her layouts.

Spread Your Wings And Fly by Jordan Hebl for Scrapbooking from the Inside Out

What prompted you to pick this take on Enchantment?

 

As I enter a new chapter in my life after high school, the thought of all the doors I will get to travel through fascinates me.  I look forward to forging a new path filled with enchantment and wonder.

 

Why did you choose this photo?

 

Every time I travel I am filled with a sense of magic and wonder.  I am captivated by the new things and people I get to see. I chose this photo because to me it encompasses enchantment; being dressed up like a princess, traveling, and feeling like you’re on top of the world as new doors open.

 

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

 

Graduating from high school a full year early was challenging and required a lot of motivation and determination.  What kept me focused was knowing that a new chapter was beginning for me and in that chapter I see myself traveling and working hard to get a degree so I can continue to do the things that enchant me.

 

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

 

The airplane is symbolic of traveling to different places as well as taking off in a new direction in life. 

 

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page. 

 

The layout is a constant reminder of my dreams and accomplishments.  Every time I look at this layout I am motivated to keep going in the direction of my dreams.  I want to live an enchanted life.

Please join us is thanking Jordan for joining us this month. We are very confident this will not be the last time you'll see her amazing, heart felt, deep layouts appear around here.

Want to see more of Jordan? Visit her blog here.

Behind the Scenes with Kiki - Enchanted

Hi everyone! Kiki here again with the Behind the Scenes using the Enchantment kit.

What prompted you to pick this take on Enchantment ?

Having just spent a week's vacation in Quebec City, it was very easy to think of using these photos with the Enchantment kit. The city is so old and full of history, as well as a gorgeous hotel, the Chateau Frontenac, and the old city is surrounded by ramparts. It's quite beautiful and easy to think of yourself living in a time where castles and princes on horses would live.

Why did you choose this photo?

These photos really do express the whole gamut of our vacation - a dream come true, but not without its wet, rainy moments. Just being there feels magical.

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

It's hard to do a layout and capture the feeling of an entire week, but I think this really did. It says that even when you are in the most wonderful setting, you may still have dark clouds, but you can't let them overtake how you feel in that wonderful moment in time.

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

The kit included some wonderful journal cards and the card I used was perfect for what I was trying to express. You can have rain, just don't let it crowd out the sunshine.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

After designing this layout I knew that I wanted to have something small and portable to keep with me, to get me through this year of work, looking forward to my next vacation. I decided that I'm going to do a similar mini album using badge card holders to remind me day-to-day of this trip. But this page is something that I can look at quickly and feel those emotions again, just with a few photos.

Hope to see your take on Enchantment in our gallery soon!

http://kiki-halbert.blogspot.com

Behind the Scenes with Kiki - He gives me confidence

Hi all! Kiki here with today's Behind the Scenes. I chose to do a layout of my husband when it came to confidence, and you'll learn why by reading on.

What prompted you to pick this take on confidence?
When I thought long and hard about the theme of confidence and what it means in my life, I kept reflecting on my husband. He brings me a lot of assurance, knowing that if things go sour, he'll be there to lift us up and carry on.

Why did you choose this photo?

It so represents how he's prepared for anything. We were out for a walk with the dog, but he brought a backpack with some water, tea and a little camp stove so that we could enjoy a break along the way. He's definitely into bushcrafting and survival techniques, and he's taught me a lot of basic skills.

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

I really enjoyed writing the journaling and reflecting on how my husband has given me more confidence. It's important to be self reliant and self assured, but it's also important to recognize those outside contributors to my own confidence. We'd like to think we can do it all ourselves sometimes, but sometimes we need help from others, and we should never view that as a weakness. I feel confident that if I needed help, if I asked my husband, he'd be there for me, and willing to help out. People need those kinds of relationships with others.

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

It was really funny how the kit just worked so well with his picture. The As seen on TV sticker that I turned into flare represents his favourite ways to learn bushcrafting, and that's his fave TV programs. And I used a letter H and turned it into flare for our last name.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

It felt wonderful showing my husband the layout, and reading the journaling to him that expresses how much I appreciate his strength and readiness to help in any situation. I think for a long time now, he's thought that I'm just putting up with this hobby of his, but after he read that he understood how much I love that he's learning all this to support, love and protect me.

Behind the Scenes with Lori

Hi Inside Out peeps!

This month, I wanted to share a little bit about this layout:

What prompted you to pick this take on CONFIDENCE?

I wanted this to feel a bit like a bulletin board, filled with little daily reminders and affirmations. My self-talk can be so negative, that it's nice to remind myself of these things.
 How do you feel about the message of your layout?

I love how this turned out, a little messy, but fun! I started by making little clusters of papers and embellishments...using up those scraps!

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

I think it did end up looking like a message board, with little reminders stuck on there. All of the little stickers and sentiments in the kit ended up being perfect for this. I also included the Bible verse from Philippians 1:6 on the little tag sprayed with the mist through some punchinella, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it...". Sometimes I need to be reminded that I'm not finished yet...He is still working on me!

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

 I think these are all good reminders to live life to the fullest. I want to appreciate the everyday and celebrate the little things. How about you?

Can you believe we are celebrating 5 YEARS? That means we have explored

60 different emotions! WOO! That's a lot!

You can get your CONFIDENCE kit right HERE and pick up some of our previous kits packed with goodness for just $25 each!!

Check out our design team GALLERY and our GUEST DESIGNER, Latrice Murphy's fabulous layouts!

Come chat with us on the FORUM!

Make sure you like us on FACEBOOK!

I'm CONFIDENT that you'll love being a part of our community!!:) xo

Behind the Scenes with Lori

Hi everybody! Lori here to share with you some info about this page:

 

What prompted you to pick this take on Transformation?
My process for deciding what I'm going to do each month always begins with Pinterest. :) I love finding quotes and/or images that speak to me in some way and that portray a specific interpretation of the month's theme. I love this quote because that is just how I feel about prayer. It is a need, and it changes ME instead of my circumstances, more often than not.

Why did you choose this photo?
I actually "staged" this photo (I know! GASP!) and wanted it to be an extreme close-up with just my face. I think prayer is where we meet God at our most vulnerable state, stripped bare, no hiding. I wanted that feel with my photo.
 

How do you feel about the message of your layout?
I liked the serenity of using watercolors behind the stencils and hope that peacefulness comes through.
 

What symbolism did you pull into your design?
I love this stencil and thought it looked a bit like church windows. I wanted both a hard and soft feel, as sometimes prayers are not sweet and pretty, sometimes we are desperate and angry and hurting. I used modeling paste and mixed it with the Dylusions spray in the kit, then used a palette knife to spread it through the stencil. I also sprayed the ink spray directly onto the page through the stencil, then dripped a bit of water on them, to create that melty look. I used the Glitz Uncharted Waters Waves paper with only the blues showing, again to create a feeling of serenity and peacefulness. I used the scrap of paper with the days of the week and the calendar as a reminder of the need for prayer all the time. I love the little photo overlays and thought they could symbolize "windows to the soul."
 

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page. 
This is a very personal page, as my faith is very important to me. I like that it reminds me of my need to stay connected to God, and that often when things are tough, it's my attitude and my perception that needs to change. 
Head over to our gallery to see all the design team's amazing creations!  

Behind the Scenes - Why, Kiki?

Hi everyone! I am happy to be here answering some behind the scenes questions for you about one of my layouts.

What prompted you to pick this take on curiosity ?

As a teacher of technical courses for a government department, the question "Why?" comes up very often during class. And that's a good thing. My job is really about answering the why, and making students curious so that they really learn. And when that's fun, that makes for a terrific class.

Why did you choose this photo?

This is quite often how I look when I'm teaching, and I felt that having a picture of me, in my office was rather appropriate for the subject matter.

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

I think it's important. So often adults take courses because they have to, or they themselves are looking for ways to teach their children. And getting adults curious about something is often a challenge due to pride. Parents often hate the "Why?" years of parenting, but look at it as a blessing. Your child wants to learn something from you! When we get older, our pride gets in the way, and sadly we sometimes forget that there are lessons to be learned every day.

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

The question marks vary in size and depth, and that was very purposeful. Some questions are more important than others, and some questions dig deeper than others.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

I think once people read a little about why instructors love to teach, they realize that they have a job to do, and the learning is a two-way street. People know that I love people-related activities at work. I'm a people person. But I doubt that many understand that I teach too because I'm curious myself and love to learn.

Visit my blog

Behind the Scenes with Lori

Hi everyone!

LORI here to give you a little insight into my

layout:

What prompted you to pick this take on FORTUNE?

I love this quote and am really focusing this year on being brave in my life.

Why did you choose this photo?

I consider this more of an art journal page and want to show the versatility of our kits. I find that sometimes not using a photo is a great way to draw the eye to the images and/or words I want to be the focus.

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

I think that painting the title shows boldness...just what I wanted.

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

I tried to find several ways to use imagery and symbols on this page. The jars, to me, show fortune or "wishes", I used the watercolor paint and the bright colors to reinforce boldness and the little envelope as kind of a reminder that I have that boldness and bravery inside. I just have to "let it out"...of the envelope...to open the jars and see what's inside, etc.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that 

you have "let it all out" on this page.

I want to be bold in my life...I think reminding myself through my art

and then sharing that art

is like making that promise to myself.

Make sure to check out our Design Team Gallery to

see all the different ways we interpreted "fortune"!

Celebrate Today!

Hi everyone! I'm so happy to be here on the Scrapbooking from the Inside Out blog! I can't tell you how much I've learned about journaling, and being purposeful in thinking about symbolism, meaning behind your scrapbooking.

Let me tell you a little about one of my latest art journal spreads, using the April Fortune kit. First off, it's so full of wonderfully patterned papers. I'm on a real chevron kick lately, and this kit gave me that in spades this month. So let me get to our Behind the Scenes questions and then I'll tell you more about my process, and what really drove me to create this spread.

What prompted you to pick this take on Fortune ?

It seems to me that what is typically thought of as fortune, that is, riches, is very fleeting these days. Countries like the United States and Canada have come through some very tough financial times lately, and my husband and I have felt the pinch, to be sure. But I didn't want to journal about money. To me fortune is about what you do have in your possession that you are grateful for, today. And so I created this art journal spread around that idea: Celebrating today and all that you have now.

Why did you choose this photo?
When I art journal I rarely use photographs at all. To me, the spread is not so much about the photo documentation, but rather the process. 

How do you feel about the message of your layout?

To me, the title of this layout says it all. But it's the journaling that gives you an insight as to what I was feeling at the time that I made the spread. I've been enduring a difficult time lately at work, and felt as if I was falling into a depression, or really down mental state. But something changed this past week... I took positive steps to change my situation by changing my outlook. And the sky was blue again. Nothing physically changed for me. I didn't get richer. I didn't get healthier. But I appreciated what I had more. I felt grateful for the help I received even if they were just words of encouragement. It made my life feel more rich.

What symbolism did you pull into your design?

In terms of symbolism, I found that it just felt more natural to have the chevrons facing up, like life was looking up. The hearts symbolized my gratitude and the running horse represented the freedom I felt. Freedom from feeling down, and overly concerned, worried, and fatigued. I felt exhilarated as I created this art journal spread. I felt positive and uplifted.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page.

This page holds a very special place in my heart now, because there is so much meaning behind it, and such a positive force in it. If I ever lose sight of how "rich" I am again, I will open my journal to this page, and read the journaling card that I wrote, and remember how much I have, and how to celebrate every day!

You can read the positive message that I tucked into the envelope here:

You will notice that I took quite a few strips of the papers and laid them down in a grid pattern. Sometimes I cover them up with gesso, and sometimes I leave them completely exposed. This combination provides lots of texture to the page. I also used one of the die cut word art pieces as a stencil. I painted through the stencil with the distress paint in pink and let that dry. Then once that is done, I layer down the paper.

I loved the words that were printed at the bottom of some of the patterned papers. Instead of just the name of the paper, it had cute sayings. They spoke to me, so I used them too. I cut out the strip of washi paper that had the word "today" repeated and used it in a few places. And then for a grungier look that I love, I stamped some texture onto the page (life isn't always nice and clean is it?), and sprayed some pink drips and light blue glitter paint (I always love to have a mixture of shine and grunge).

When I find that something is too bright or just doesn't "go" with the feel of the page, distress paint or gesso does a wonderful job of toning down the colour so that the focus of the spread stays where you want it.

I hope you enjoy the spread and take encouragement from it somehow. If you think you need more in your life to consider yourself fortunate, take another look. I'm betting that if you look around, you'll see just how rich you are.

You can find more of my design team work at my blog: http://kiki-halbert.blogspot.com