Behind the Scenes with Nicole

Today we have our resident clean and simple gal, Nicole Martel, on the blog; sharing a little more "behind the scenes" info about one of her layouts. It's our hope that these posts will help inspire you and give you a glimpse of the process and why we find this so valuable in our lives. Thanks for sharing Nicole!

What prompted you to pick this take on respect ?
I wanted to vent a little about how I am dis-respected on a regular basis. Working with the public is a tough job most days!

Why did you choose this photo?
I think the photo shows a little attitude to fit the mood of the layout.

How do you feel about the message of your layout?
I think that people need to be nicer and maybe more aware how their actions affect others… There’s so much negativity nowadays that it’s exhausting sometimes. Maybe people are so used to being the way they are that they don’t see it anymore…

What symbolism did you pull into your design?
I decided to use lots of layers to represent the amount of negativity I get on a daily basis. The layers represent the amount of dis-respect I receive every day from people I come in contact with.

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that you have "let it all out" on this page. 
I feel relieved that I got it out of my system. It feels good to get my frustrations out on paper, rather than go off on someone.

Paper Strips with Nicole

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share a layout that I created using the December "Release" kit. I loved this kit because it had lots of great things in it and the Crate Paper is to die for! I loved the different strips of pattern on the paper, so I decided to just cut them out and place them on my layout. I added a few stickers as well to add a bit more color to my layout. I've been wanting to create a layout using paper strips and the Crate Paper made it easy! The strips were already there in the paper, I just cut them out and adhered them to my layout. And as for the title, I just LOVE it. I hand-painted the title using a paint brush and the gold Ranger ink! I must admit, as I was painting the title on my layout, I had butterflies in my stomach... The layout was completely done... except for the title so I could have easily messed the entire layout up  But, sometimes, trying something new can be fun!

Behind the Scenes with Nicole

I had a blast creating this layout using this month's Escape kit. When I first saw these papers by Cosmo Cricket, I knew exactly what photos I wanted to use so I pulled out my two favorite photos from my trip to Costa Rica over 7 years ago. Costa Rica is one of my favorite places to visit and I can't wait to go back. I think that these papers helped make the photo shine. Don't we look like we belong in the Wild West?

To help add to the nature feel of this layout, I decided to use the feather screens and red mists. I think it was very effective and it really pulls the layout together. I also added a heart with some swirls to emphasize how much I loved this trip and the "once upon a time" sentiment that I cut from the paper is perfect because it helps let the readers know that this was a past experience; it was almost like a fairy tale trip. It truly was the best trip I ever had.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope I inspired you to try using some meaningful symbols by cutting up patterns  from your papers or from using embellishments in your kit to help add that special touch to your layouts and to make them more meaningful. 

Simple Butterflies by Nicole [and blog hop winner!]

First we need to announce our Blog Hop winner! Our apologies for the delay. If you are

Stacey from Alden, NY

Please email rachinla [at] aol [dot] com with your shipping information and CONGRATS!

Are you a simple scrapper? Do you like to learn quick and easy ways to create embellishments that give that perfect symbolic piece to complete your inside out layout? Come join Design Team member Nicole as she shares a fun idea to create your own butterfly embellishment using the March GRACE kit contents.

Hello! Today I would like to share a layout with you in which I created my very own embellishment using the March Kit by SFTIO! Since I'm a simple scrapper, I don't like spending more than 30-40 minutes on a layout. So I basically pull out the supplies that match up with the photos I'm working with and just run with it... I always use my photos to inspire me, not the product.
While I'm working on my layout, I like to find unique ways to use my embellies. I love making fun embellishments of my own to cut the cost of supplies... Having said this, I am going to share with you, how I created this fun butterfly embellishment on my layout.

1. First mist the butterflies and leaf with desired color of mist.

2. Once the mist is dry, staple one butterfly on top of the other. (I use my mini stapler by Tim Holtz. It's a must have!)

3. Adhere a piece of the hexagon chipboard to the center of the butterfly using a foam square.

4. Adhere a pearl to the center of the chipboard using a glue dot.

5. Decorate the butterfly with some bling from your stash.

Pretty easy don't you think? Want some more inspiration and ideas for your GRACE layouts? There is still time to come join us in our monthly challenges. From Refinement, Forgiveness, Beauty and Grace... come explore your innermost thoughts and feelings using your supplies! It can be one of the most therapeutic journeys for you yet. Click here to join our forum. It's a quick validation and you are IN! 

Behind the Scenes (and two Winners!)

EDITED TO ADD: 

Melinda (AKA Medialady), congrats, you're the winner of our Dream Kit guessing game prize, Tim Holtz' Wings and Crowns Metal Embellishments! Email us at rachinla@aol.com with your snail mail addy!)

And the lovely Hayley Edge is the random winner of our AUTHENTIQUE giveaway for starting a new subscription before 2-2-12. Hayley, a lovely pack of paper and more is coming your way!

For this Behind the Scenes post, we have design team member Nicole back to share a bit more about one of her layouts. I am loving getting this insight into what our team members go through when creating their gorgeous layouts.

Dream Joy

By Nicole Martel

What prompted you to pick this "take" on Dream? 
I think that for most people, it’s normal to have dreams that are unrealistic but sometimes we need to give ourselves some credit on the dreams that are possible… and this is why I decided to use “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it” by Arthur Ward.

Why did you choose this photo?
I like how mysterious the photo looks and thought it was perfect with the quote.

What symbolism did you try to bring through your design? 
I tried to keep the colors soft, almost dream-like to fit the theme of my layout.

How did you feel about the message of the layout?  I felt that I did the quote justice with the design and photo. The mood of the layout was almost too perfect… a dream come true!

Why did you choose to show (or hide) your journaling?  I always include journaling of some form and it is never hidden. I feel it is important to share our stories so others can relate!

Tell us a little bit about how you feel now that this layout is done. I am ready to pursue some things… things that I would never dream of doing. Things that make me happy!


Want more Nicole? Head on over to her blog!

Easy Painting Techniques

Easy Painting Techniques


By Design Team Member Nicole Martel










Some of you might be a little nervous about using paint on your layouts, but I'm here to show you that it doesn't have to be messy! For example, take a look at my layout below. It doesn't look too intimidating does it?

Some simple tips:

1. Slide your paint dabber across the edges of your paper.
2. Press the dabber directly onto your cardstock all over the place to create fun circles.
3. Paint your embellishments to make them work for you!

Here are a few close ups:

Want more Exclusive Content? Come on over to the forum! Our design team freely shares their creativity and is ready to inspire. 

And since you are on our blog right now, there must be content you enjoy and we would like to hear more. Please head to our Facebook page to partake in a quick poll. We hope to continue bringing you what YOU want to see. :)