Month: October 2009

This was a layout in my very first Big Picture class. Aw, nostalgic feelings. My very first class was about scrapbooking with non-craft supplies. Ephemera. Memorabilia. Junk. Whatever you want to call it – I used it. I learned so much from doing that class, and each one since too.

 

I love looking at old pages to see things I’ve done, feelings, techniques & product I was into, just gazing at photos, and seeing how my personal style of scrapbooking has changed & evolved – as well as stayed the same. This page is SOOO 2006. (or early 07- can’t remember) Whenever it was – I’m looking forward to doing up new pages with new photos and memories when we get back from our upcoming San Diego trip with the girls. We love to stay at the Hacienda hotel (it’s a Best Western) when we’re in San Diego because we think Old Town = best spot to stay. Before the kids were born we went down there a bunch – haven’t been back in about 5 years. Time flies! 

Good times.

Have you ever purchased two of something on accident, then smacked yourself for it?

Have you ever done it on purpose so you could share with your beautiful blog readers?

I went wild, and totally did just for you. Thanks for dropping by – that’s what I say!!

I am in love with all three of these items. The Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses line, these Smooch inks, and Tim Holtz film strip ribbon are all things that rock my socks these days, and I want to celebrate with a give away. Just to be clear here – I bought them for myself, and a second set for a lucky one of you. Who’s ready to win??

Just leave a comment here – a winner will be drawn 10/23…

Damask patterned stuff continues to be my favorite everything. Still my grows for new discoveries. Here’s some recent examples…

American Crafts 12×12 album.

Offray ribbon

A Hero Arts stamp.

My love for Damask does not fade – in fact it’s growing stronger. There’s a new (to me) scrapbook company adding to my love called Lily Bee. Check these papers.

and…

wait for it…

oh man! They rock my socks. I’ll be sharing here soon as I can things I create with it. Uh, but it’ll be a bit before you see scrapbook layouts from me here because the carpet is still soaked (and needs time to dry) in here from the leakage due to a clogged drain… and I’m trying to steer clear + my supplies are all up on the bed or work space and inaccessible. DANG IT!

So look at some damask cardstock from American Crafts instead…

 

feel better? I know I do. Damask relaxes & makes the world a better place – at least for me.

Would you like to see another sneak peek at my new class starting at Big Picture November 5? Above you can see the class header. I got to view the test classroom and see the first two weeks of content – SO LOVING how BPS put it all together. Since it’s been a while since I’ve sneaked anything, and I don’t think I’ve shown you an actual whole page, I thought why not  today?

Jason has bad history with Chip & Dale (and Tigger) but his wee princesses love the guys so he plays nice. It’s especially fun looking at this page right now because we’re going back to Disneyland later this month and I can’t wait to see the differences in the girls both in the experience and when I get to view all the photos. So. Much. Fun.

The papers (and numbers) in this kit are a part of the digi kit that every student can download (in week #4) thanks to uber-talented Katie Pertiet of Designer Digitals. I’m so grateful that she put this together for everyone in class – and yes, I use it on paper pages. A lot of the time I use microsoft word to get it used too – or just print it straight out without editing. No fancy photoshop skills required, so if you’re a hard core paper scrapbooker I promise you’ll enjoy this part of class too. It’s fun.

back to the batcave for me now – I hope you have a wonderful day!

The key to success lies in how you pick yourself up from failure.

                                      – Helen Fielding from her novel Olivia Joules

I like to apply this to crafting, and to making sure I always remember that it’s the failures that I learn most from. That when wild experiments go awry it’s ok because I’m learning, growing, and ultimately improving myself. Plus – some of the most fun I ever have in here ends in disaster.

Example A:

Just last night I was trying to do some things with embossed cardstock. The results? NOT what I was going for. (rainy dark day – sorry for bad pics) I had a DUH moment when I realized spray was really not going to show up, then another as I repeatedly messed up my use of smooch ink. But I saw it through, finished the project, and added the page to E’s scrapbook. They can’t all be prize winners- that’s OK!

Example B:

I was testing some ideas out with this candle… and it wouldn’t work. I gave up & salvaged all I could. Now? Whoopsie candle burns & smells just as sweet here in my work space. Sometimes the great ideas in your head don’t work out in real life. It’s so alright!!

The last time I shared some “oh no” projects a reader e-mailed me and asked how could I do that. My response? How could I not? They’re just as much a part of my crafting as the ones that turn out better than I expect. I also think it’s important that I confess to messing up. A LOT. Often I can mask, fix, or repair… but sometimes it’s a runaway train of bad. That’s ok!!

Know what else is definitely ok? When it does work out. How great is it when a crazy idea turns out like you wanted? When you have that crafting success high? I like to take chances and I’m not afraid of mistakes or bad projects – and I find that tp be really rewarding. Recently I found some cures for unattractive fridge magnets, and I shared the idea with Ali Edwards.

Today all the magnets I’ve dreamed up (so far!) are up on her blog in a Tuesday Tutorial. http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/10/tuesday-tutorials-may-flaum.html

I hope you enjoy them! If you’ve got any questions or want to share your own creations I’d love to see!

~ May