Creative play without judgment

The #1 best thing I can do for myself? Just creative play. Don’t think end game. Don’t ponder ‘good enough’ or ‘worthy’. Just play because I can and because it is fun.

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Whether this means a coloring book or inking a stamp in a new way, playing with some gold leaf just because or making notes in my art journal – it’s all good. I think it’s important to share with you that I do this 5 days a week at least.

Sometimes for hours. Sometimes mere moments. Sometimes when I have deadlines and really shouldn’t.

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It’s worthwhile though, you see… because in that creative freedom place where there are no rules or judgment is where all of my finest ideas come from! I share this with you because in one such session I dreamed up a place of creative play. Exercises. techniques. No “projects finished” or “goal” other than having fun.

and I turned it into a class.

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Info can be found here, and registration is now open for the discounted pre-registration price. The classroom is open with some getting started videos too!

Whether you join in class or just create for fun – I hope you give yourself some time to be a creative explorer today…

 

Traveler’s Notebook

I’ve been real worried guys! You see, for many years I’ve used mini books created by scrapbook companies for my scrapbooks “on the go” – but all my favorites are no longer being made! Oh, sometimes you can find one, but they’re not something still being produced/new ones made. What’s a girl to do?

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A few months back I received a notebook from Cocoa Daisy called a “Daisy Dori”. Each month they release a new one – full of beautifully decorated pages ready to rock a scrapbook on the go! I purchased a few more recently – but I also realized there’s a whole world of these “traveler’s notebooks” that I had no idea existed! Talk about exciting! Here’s a link to a YouTube video I created on the subject.

I mention my own personal rules for scrapbooking on the go – and I’ll recap them here:

  • Do a little bit of pre-embellishing if working with a plain
  • Severely limit what you bring. Just a pen and some tape will get it done, but a few stickers or washi tape strips might be nice to have along
  • Remember you can always add more when you’re back home

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I’ve been keeping journals for years! What do I do with them? Sometimes I use them as reference for remembering where we went and what we enjoyed. Sometimes I use them to recall details for scrapbooking. Sometimes we just enjoy reliving memories and notes written while traveling.

I don’t worry about looking photo worthy or fancy – the wrting and details is what matters in here. Everyone traveling is welcome to add their thoughts as well! These little books take up no room, and I’m excited about having a cover that I can insert new books as old ones get filled up. I can’t tell you how fun it is to read the details of our travels that I would never have remembered otherwise.

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Aside from the beautiful Cocoa Daisy “daisy dori” books (pictured above) the set-up I’m using is the official Midori Traveler’s Notebook. You could make these yourself, or purchase them ready to go! Below are some (affiliate) links to Amazon where I found mine.

leather cover
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kraft (no lines)
lined notebook
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And here’s a link to scrapbook.com where the supply folio I use is from.

28 Lilac Lane: Puppy Photo frame

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When preparing projects for CHA, one thing to keep in mind is that everything has to hang on the wall… so keeping things light as possible is a good thing! In an effort to make this frame light, I used a layered mat instead of a full frame! The same techniques apply, and since I had a wide flat surface I was able to add in cork letters too.

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My favorite piece of the Paws & Pets kit (used on this project) is definitely the heart paw charm. So cute! I used beads, pearls, and a few buttons from other bottles and kits as well to fill this project out. I know I have probably said it before – but the elements of this line work so very well together!

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I’m glad Ranger got to come along to CHA with me via photo frame, and hopefully there are just a few short weeks left before you’ll start seeing 28 Lilac Lane in your local shops!

Mixed media canvas with 28 Lilac Lane

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My French Quarter kit does of course have a Mardi Gras feel, so for my first project with this kit I decided to embrace that and create a mask! I’ve got a video tutorial for you as well – so you could take the idea and create something for yourself!

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Above you can see a look at the contents of the kit – so much fun! My only problem with the mask was how to get it to display well at the CHA show debut of this new line! My solution: A canvas base, one that has just a hint of texture and color to accent but not take away from the centerpiece aka the mask.

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You guys… this was SO much fun to make! Not only that, but it inspired me to think about other colors and themes and mask-y ideas for future.

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I love how the sequins and pearls look, and how it all came together so beautifully! Here is my YouTube full tutorial.

Here is the finished piece:

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28 Lilac Lane will begin shipping to stores so very soon – I can’t wait! I hope in the meantime you’ve enjoyed this video tutorial and project look at one of my favorite samples that was on display at the CHA trade show!

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CHA 2016: Lawn Fawn

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Merman ink: zoolander fans rejoice! (and those not fans of the movie – it’s still an awesome color!)

Lawn Fawn always manages the impossible with staying true to their cute style, while  bringing in fresh ideas and designs!

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My absolute favorite from them was the fairy set – so precious and so much fun! Love how they styled their table.

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Another fave? plaid papers! Love these great colors for spring.

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Below you can see more of the new stamp sets. Totally loving the kraken, and not pictured they do have a super cute planner set as well.

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Lawn Fawn always fills their booth with samples and inspiration – love that! DSC_2696 copy DSC_2685 copy

Looking forward to these new stamps, papers, inks, and more – look for them in stores towards the end of February.