Behind the Art with Jen

Hi Artsy friends!  Sharing this page is a pleasure.  I love this accidental photo I took one day with my youngest son on a walk while out Pumpkin picking.  We happened to be holding hands and I just snapped the photo on a whim.  I was so happy and surprised that it came out so well.

It's hard to be a mom somedays when there is so much going on but when moments like this come along and family time is precious, I value these little details.  Holding hands, walking and talking about our lives.  My sweet boy is growing so fast and becoming his own person and I hope that I have instilled kindness and positive choices in him.  

I used the vellum heart to frame our hands so we could still see it through the window.  I drew a heart to draw attention to it.

Lots of splatters from the Distress Marker (I colored on a non-stick mat and added water with a stiff bristle brush and flicked it to create the splatters.  I did the same with some gold and silver inks) and some Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Whipped Spackle through the stencil added some texture to the page.

I absolutely love sparkle and these adhesive sequins were perfect as accents!  Just gives such a shine to the page!

I cherish the times when he grabs my hands and wants to walk with me.  My heart soars with joy!  Love you little man!

Behind the Art with Melissa

Hi everyone!

Are you ready for Christmas? 

As of right now, I am in my hometown in the state of Washington, enjoying some lovely holiday time with friends and family. While I adore Chicago, I do miss and adore my home state as well. 

Speaking of friends... it seems fitting to share more about this layout I created using the December kit - TRUST.  Since moving to Chicago, it has been SO difficult to establish good friendships. I've come to the conclusion that there are several factors contributing to this:

- The older one gets the tougher it is to establish new friendships.

- I've got some deep friendships that I've developed over the years and it's hard to start over.

- I compare people to my friends. (not good.)

- It is hard to break into groups here. Just going to be honest! 

- I'm lazy about instigating coffee dates and get togethers. (not good.)

- Time is a whole new ball park living in a big city with no car.

So there are a few things on that list that I could be more intentional about. The others are things that, I think, will work out over time. I know I don't have to let go of friendships but it is nice to have friends close by to hang out with. You know... that one (or two) friend that is willing to meet up for a cocktail to hash out the day. 

Well... I had to create a layout, when it comes to TRUST, about these two ladies:

Created using the TRUST kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

These are my "girls night out" friends. The ones that I feel completely comfortable being myself. No holding back. No apologies. We are free to be. It's so refreshing and relaxing. I am so looking forward to being with them and laughing and hugging and talking. 

I used lots of elements from this kit to exude the feelings that bubble up when I think about these two. The heart, of course. 

Handwriting to make it personal. Florals to soften it up. Wood embellishments to exude the strength, just like a tree. 

Creating this layout leaves me feeling thankful. Even though I have some lonely moments here in the big city, I'm thankful for Skype. I'm thankful for planes. I'm thankful for technology and the ability to still stay in touch. I'm thankful that these friendships have primed me for new ones. And I'm thankful that I am left with a positive feeling! 

Behind the Art with Melissa

As I've worked with children over the years, I've been reminded of a lot of things.

First, children still don't know a lot about the world. We assume they should and even discipline as such but, the truth is, they only know as much as we've allowed them to see.

Second, children know more than we think. I've had a few chuckles as I've heard students chattering on about something that didn't make complete sense only to realize, they were interpreting a conversation they overheard from adults. 

Third, children trust us. We are the grown ups. We can convince them our way is the only way. We have a lot of power in shaping the minds of children in our care. 

I remember, growing up, how much trust I placed in the adults around me. Especially my parents. Many things, like going to church, when we ate dinner, holiday traditions... are things I thought everyone in the world did. 

Sometimes I miss having that trust in others. It's good to question and check out facts but, I think that my suspicions get the best of me now. Because I've hesitated, I've missed out on some cool moments.

How cute am I??? I was three years old in that photo. I loved having my picture taken. I was always looking for a reason to pose and I'm still a ham. ;) 

The TRUST kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out is so beautiful. I love that the symbolism and materials are already there and ready for me to put on my journaling page. 

I'm finding that I'm able to take a step back when my guard goes up. Sometimes it's necessary and sometimes it's not. I know I can't trust everyone but I can give people a chance. 

And... how awesome is that Encyclopedia collection behind me in that photo??? Yes... I was alive before Google. :) 

Behind the Art with Kiki

What an absolutely stunning kit to work with this month! December's Trust kit is the perfect blend of soft muted tones, feminine prints and symbolism.

When it came time to thinking about trust, and how I gave my trust, how I receive trust, how it impacts my life, I automatically think of my husband. Finding this quote about trust really nailed the concept down for me. It's easy to think externally when it comes to the word trust. We think of people we trust, but what did it say of me?

This quote really said a lot to me about what trust was, particularly when it comes from me. While I often thought externally when I thought of trust, that is, who I trusted, or what I trusted, I decided to think about what it said of me. What existed within me to give that trust? How did that trust impact my life? And the kit really helped me think about that, with its symbolic border sticker/patterned paper, the sentiments on the word art, all of it. Being alone with my husband I can trust myself to be myself, because our commitment to each other runs that deep. After all, that's who we fell in love with - the real him and the real me. Why would I feel a need to be different around him otherwise?

December's Trust kit from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out

Being together makes me truly happy, and maybe that's because I trust him so much. That trust removes any additional weight I may have had to bear at work, or in the public, when I might have to show professionalism, or be more patient than I would have liked. I might have had a hard day just being what I thought I needed to be in particular moments, rather than just being myself. 

Maybe that's why I decided to edge with black this month, because it's a reflection of what's being kept on the outside - the bad day, the bad feelings. And I realized that I don't give my trust easily, but when I do, it can be soft, beautiful and give me so much happiness.

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December Guest Designer: Andrea Ratcliff

We are so excited to have one of our Teen designers, Andrea Ratcliff, designing with the December kit TRUST. Here is more about Andrea and a couple of her layouts. 

Visit Andrea's blog HERE.

Here are a couple of layouts that Andrea created:

We love that Andrea shared these fun photos of herself. They go so perfectly with her journaling. And wouldn't you agree... trusting ourselves seems to leave us feeling unstoppable! 

I bet if we all thought about it, we have observed a wonderful expression of trust by someone in our life. Whether it was bestowed upon us or upon someone else. We love how Andrea is showing us how to include others in our lives and reflecting on how it makes us feel. 

We will share a couple more layouts by Andrea before the month is over. In the meantime, come join us on our Facebook page to stay up to date on all the happenings. We'll also be sharing more design team layouts over there soon. 

Using Vellum with Diana Brodeur

I was cleaning, or should I say reorganizing, my scrapbooking stash when I came across a couple sheets of vellum that I forgot I had. I kept them out so I could use them on some layouts. I decided to start printing my journaling on them. I love how it still allows you to see the patterned paper underneath and how clean and fresh it looks. Now I can't seem to get enough of vellum!

For this kit, I used vellum journaling on two of my layouts. This one....

And this one...

You should give it a try. I think you will love it too! 

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Here are some tips on adhering your vellum, as discussed on our SFTIO Forum:

1. You can use an adhesive specifically for vellum. There is spray, glue dots and tape runners.

2. Use a very small amount in the corners. It might still show through, though.

3. Use staples or brads.

4. Stitching! 

5. Or use a very thin line of glue around all the edges. It will give a cool "matte" look. 

Hand Cut with Mary Jo Rhoda

A common thread I noticed in all of my pages using this month's Release kit, is how I love to cut pieces from patterned paper!

For Set Them Free, I cut a sunburst style block from the "Chestnut Boutique" paper by Crate Paper. The line also has a fabulous piece of patterned paper with faux tape strips on it (Pistachio Market). I actually hand cut several of those pieces for a different layout as well! The white boxes for my journaling and title were cut from the American Crafts "Think Good Thoughts" paper. Very handy and easy!

I cut a large flower from the "Almond Grove" patterned paper by Crate Paper to accent my photo in this simple style layout. I loved the large floral paper, but found it hard to use in large portions. And now I have several smaller flower embellishments all cut from one single piece of paper.

More faux washi tape strips cut from the "Pistachio Market" paper by Crate Paper.

And finally, the big one! Lots of hexagon shapes cut from the "Tradition" patterned paper by Cosmo Cricket.

I just love using bits and pieces of my patterned papers to use as embellishments!
Have you tried hand cutting portions of your kit papers to use as embellishments?

December Guest Designer: Kristin Tweedale

Hi everyone!

We are so happy to introduce you to our Guest Designer for the month of December.

Kristin Tweedale

Here is a little bit more about Kristin in her own words:

I'm Kristin, I'm 26 years old and I live right outside of Manhattan in Northern NJ with my boyfriend Jeff and our stuffed pig, Piggy. I'm finishing up my undergraduate degree in Political Science & Women's and Gender Studies; I'm in the process of applying to post-graduate programs in hopes that I can one day teach at the University level.

I love playing with paper and documenting the stuff that happens in my everyday life. I love writing, taking photos, and design. I have a quirky style that is a mix of clean lines, color, and a bit of haphazardness. I do a lot of Project Life, & take lots of pictures with my iPhone. I'm also a tech dork and love social media. You can find me on twitter (rukristin), instagram (rukristin), & facebook (rukristin papercrafts).

I blog regularly at rukristin.blogspot.com; I love blogging and I think its an amazing outlet for communicating with other people. Thank you so much to SFTIO for having me guest design this month, its such an honor and super exciting!  

And here is one of the layouts by Kristin using the December kit RELEASE:

Love the use of the speech bubbles on the American Crafts paper.

She captured the emotion of RELEASE so well through her journaling.

I have asked Kristin to share some "Behind the Scenes" on one more layout we will share on the blog. If you want to see the rest of what she did with kit, do stop by our gallery! 

Many Facets of Release...

Click to Enlarge

When starting to explore a new topic, I find it's fun to look at synonyms of the main word.  Usually there are several that jump out and grab me.  While looking at them this time, the following snapped up my attention:

LIBERATE

CLEAR

DISENGAGE

FORGIVENESS

When looking within, I see so many pieces of me waiting to be liberated from the mental chains I use to keep them locked within me.  It's time to Release those pieces to fly and be free.

My mind is so often muddied with so many thoughts ... lists, things to do, remember, people to write, to see, wishes, hopes, dreams, disappointments.  It is time to clear my mind and Release all of that mental and emotional clutter and find some focus.

I'm also a clinger.  I tend to hold on to things way to long.  And I don't mean material items (although, my household clutter would demonstrate that this rings true as well); I am more emphasizing the emotions I hold on to.  It's time for me to disengage and Release that emotional baggage.  I need to not be so weighed down!

All around me, I see the need for forgiveness... within myself and externally.  It's time for me to forgive myself, forgive people in my past, in my present.  Feeling that Release will be uplifting, don't you think?

What synonyms speak loudly to you?  What kinds of layouts or journaling do you see being born from your Release?

Release With Us...

Tis the last month of 2012 and we are exploring Release, starting today.  Won't you join us? 

I, for one, am not only glad to be back here, blogging for you fantastic, creative people... but I am ready to release.  Bit by bit, I am ready to let go of 2012 and ready myself for a fresh new year.  I am ready to release old troubles.  I am ready to let loose and enjoy the holidays! 

I am ready.

How about you?

And We Have a Winner...

Last month we invited you to take part in our Iron Scrapper challenge.  Inspired by that reality TV show involving food, we provide you with a "secret ingredient" (scrappy related, not foodstuff). Those who accept the challenge incorporate that secret ingredient into a layout.  We teased you with a partial view of our secret ingredient last month, inviting you to visit our community for the full detail and to play along.  Here's what we teased you with:

Well, the full picture was a beautiful white peacock:

We had wonderful participation in this Iron Scrapper challenge, all with different perspectives and heart-felt designs inspired by the above photo.  Truly amazing, heartfelt layouts.  For the Peacock Iron Scrapper challenge, Miss Jaime was our winner.  Would you like to see her winning layout?  Of course you would!  Here it is:

Jaime's hidden journaling reads: 
The peacock is a symbol of renewal. Since joining SFTIO in April of this year, I have undergone a personal renewal. I hadn't been able to scrapbook for over a year. I found no joy in it. I couldn't bring myself to create anything. Grief had taken over my life. It took away my desire to do anything that brings me comfort. I knew I needed my creative outlet back. I happened upon SFTIO. I`m so glad I stayed! Being able to scrapbook about myself has renewed me and given me more clarity about myself. I have a better sense of who I am and what I am all about.
Jaime will be receiving some scrappy goodies for her fantastic layered layout.  We are so very glad to have her as part of our community and, if you're not already there, we would love for you to please come join us! 

Still UNCERTAIN?  Well, then this is the most opportune time to join us since that's the emotion we are exploring Right Now!  As always, inspiration is at your fingertips on our site.  Buy the Uncertainty kit and be even more inspired with the gorgeous papers and embellishments within. 

Need more incentive?  How about joining us for the next IRON SCRAPPER CHALLENGE?  It's already posted in our community boards.

See you there!

Ranger Liquid Pearls, A Student's Perspective

Yesterday, the wonderful Diana showed us her tutorial on liquid pearls and various techniques using them.  They were included in our Wonder kit this month and after learning from Diana, I cannot wait to use mine in the various ways she showed us!  Another one of our design team members was also inspired by Diana's tutorial.  Here's Shaina on what she did after viewing Diana's tips and tricks:

Ranger Liquid Pearls - A Student's Perspective

By Shaina Longstreet

Hi there.  Shaina here.  And let me be the first to tell you that opening my kit and seeing the liquid pearls put me way out of my comfort level.  But this month I thought, “Hey, why not embrace it?”  So that’s exactly what I did.  I turned to our resident ‘technique’ expert, Diana and using her tutorial, I braved the unfamiliar waters. 

Here is what and how I created with Liquid Pearls. 

Now, I love the Mother of Pearl effect that Diana got by combining her Liquid Pearls with a distressing ink.  I unfortunately don’t have any distressing inks.  But I thought that adding the paint directly to the textured cardstock would add a lot of dimension just on its own.  So that’s what I did. 

I applied the Liquid Pearls directly to the textured cardstock.  And I don’t mind getting messy while I’m creating, so I pushed the paint around with my fingers, leaving it heavy is some spots and transparent in others.  Once the paint was dry I built my layout right on top of the cardstock.  Doesn’t that little shimmer really bring out the unique textured cardstock??

Now, on this same layout I decided to try the heavy application on a piece of decorative chipboard.  And it really was just as easy as Diana made it look.  Apply directly from the bottle and use the tip to swirl it around to get full coverage.  Let it dry and voila!  I just love that purple color.

I was really looking forward to seeing what effects I could get by adding water to the Liquid Pearls.  I used a little bowl, about a tablespoon of water and a good blob or two of the pearls and mixed it with a stir-stick.  I gave the chipboard a base pinky color with some colorbox chalk and then using a paintbrush, applied the shimmer right onto the chipboard. 

The little bit of moisture made the top of the chipboard bubble a little bit, but I think it adds a lot of texture and angles for the shimmer paint to bounce off of.  Then on the top of these elements I used the Liquid Pearls in their most basic form to add little drops of dimension.  I like things in threes. 

So there you have it!  A double “teacher/student” tutorial all about the Liquid Pearls that are included in the gorgeous WONDER kit.  We hope that it helps you to try something new, and use your imagination in interpreting the tutorials.  We look forward to seeing what you create! 

I agree with Shaina... show us what you create by joining us over at SFTIO.  You'll find all kinds of inspiration and, once you've created your inspiration, upload your layouts to the gallery.  We'd love to see what you create!  Don't keep us wondering...

The Wonder of Liquid Pearls...

Wow!  I always wonder how Christmas can come and go so fast!  All holidays are like that, aren't they?  The anticipation of the arrival of the special day is always so intense.  You wait and wonder and hope and think about "that day" and all of a sudden it's here and it's wonderful and then it's so quickly gone and you then wonder where it went!

Well, here we are, embarking on our last week of Wonder... the last week of 2010.  I can't let you leave without some more great tips from our design team, so let me share with you the wonder of liquid pearls  with our very own wonderful Diana!

Techniques Using Ranger Liquid Pearls

by Diana Kennedy

Ranger Liquid Pearls are not just for making pearls on your layouts, but can be used in a few different ways.  Here in this technique tutorial I will show you how you can get the most out of your supplies.  Liquid Pearls are acrylic based paint with shimmery goodness!

Creating a Mother of Pearl Texture:

I used the packaging from the Prima stamp and crumpled it up to create a textured “stamp”.

I added some paint to the wrapper and applied it to the cardstock.  You can also use your fingers, or a sponge etc.

The result is an uneven texture on the cardstock.  Let the paint dry fully.

To give the paint some depth, I added some distress ink to the cardstock.  The dried liquid pearls will act as a resist to the ink.

I added in some different colours of ink as well to give the appearance of a mother of pearl look to the paper.

Direct Application:

You can create texture by applying the Liquid Pearls heavily on just about any surface.  Here I used the chipboard snowflake and spread the pearls on thick.  I used the tip to swirl it around and then set it aside to dry.  I enhanced the texture by adding some ink too.

Creating Shimmer:

You can dilute the Liquid Pearls with water and use it as shimmer paint to your paper and embellishments too!  Here I used it on some paper that will eventually become an embellishment on my layout.  I put a drop of paint on it, took a wet paintbrush to it and let dry.

The result is shown here, and of course, I used the Pearls for their more ‘traditional’ purpose on my embellishment.

I used the same shimmer technique on chipboard too.  I inked the chipboard first and then applied the diluted Liquid Pearls to the chipboard.  Let dry.

Embellishment:

Using Liquid pearls as its own embellishment?  Absolutely possible!  I wanted to create a frosty icicle appearance on my layout, so I just applied the pearls directly to my layout to create a dimensional effect to my layout.  I love this look!

So here are a few techniques to get you started in using your Liquid Pearls!  Tomorrow, check out Shaina’s tutorial from a student perspective using my technique tutorial as a springboard to creating with Liquid Pearls on her layouts!

I know that these techniques have me wondering what great things I can do to my layouts and cards.  If you're wondering what other great tutorials and ideas are available over at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, you have to stop by our Inspiration page.  While you're over there and browsing around, check our our kits and our community... great people with wonderful talent and ideas and sharing!  Join us!  We'll be wondering where you are until you do...