Create Your Own Wall Art by Stacey Michaud

I am in the middle of major renovations in my house.  The budget is tight, yet I have spaces to decorate.  What to do?  I decided to upcycle art I already had, but no longer fits my decor.

I am thrilled with the results.  The office in my house serves as a TV room, my scrap room and a homework spot.  I need wall decor that is versatile.  I used the Far ans Away collection because there are awesome map papers, putting the images right on trend.

To make my own prints, I started with some older prints that no longer works for me.  Here is the before.

I turned the print over and used the backside as a mat.  I decided to make my art on a mat that measures 10 X 12".  Before I placed down my patterned paper and decorations, I added washi tape to create a colorful border.

I then focused on the map papers in the collection.  I hand cut around the map images and glued them to some lined paper from Sports Edition II.  Doing so makes the map images pop and brings some white into my art.  I also added graphic die cuts and the chipboard word, EXPLORE.  Here are my "after" images, all framed up.

I hung the prints above my storage bookcase!  I love how they fill the space.  It really completes the room!

Put those scrappy products to good use and create your own home decor today!

Supplies:  Far And Away:  Maps, Pennants, Ephemera paper, Far and Away Chipboard; Now and Then Brads

Easter Party Decor by Stacey Michaud & winner from last week!

Hi everyone!  I love to create my own party decorations using my scrapbooking supplies.  It is an easy way to use up your stash and add creative, special touches to any event.

Today, I am sharing some Easter party decorations with you.  I love to set a pretty table and these goodies will help me achieve that while helping me stick to a budget.

To add a lovely touch to each plate, I made several paper cones.  I used a combination of collections, but focused mainly on Sweet Afternoon since the pastels really match my party.

I placed pink shredded paper in each cone and added some candy.  These cones were easily to make.  I started with a 6X6 square and turned it on a diagonal.  Then, holding onto the bottom cone, I rolled the right hand side in.  I added adhesive and then rolled the left hand side, adjusting until I had a cone.  Since the paper is heavy, I used dabs of liquid glue to secure it.

Each cone received different treatment.  I used brad, chipboard, die-cuts and buttons to decorate.  A little goes a long way!  I tied each one off with burlap trim from Tell Your Story as it adds a natural touch.

See the table centerpiece behind that cone?  It was super easy to achieve using washi tape, ribbon and a button.

I grabbed my metal container from Ikea and wrapped a piece of color coordinated washi tape (Tell Your Story) around the top.  I then tied the pretty cream ribbon around and placed a button in the center!

You can make these party decorations using any of Teresa's beautiful collections.  Imagine a bon voyage theme using Far and Away?  My daughter saw the cones and squealed!  Guess I will be making some for her April birthday party!

Happy decorating!

Congratulations to our WINNER from Last Week's Drawing : 

Celeste B.

Please email Sesil your information at sesil@teresacollinsdesigns.com.

Travel Guide by Stacey Michaud

Scrapping vacation photos can sometimes be tricky for me... I have a hard time connecting to sites and places.  The one thing I can do it relate to the small moments and personal stories that happen during special trips.  I used the new Far Away collection to record one of the cooler events that occurred on our recent trip to Washington, DC.  It is such a fun collection to work with...fun colors and very inspiring motifs.  It was perfect for telling my vacation story.

When we went on our trip to the capital, my son Nathan totally led the way.  He recognized sites, confirmed monuments and brought us in the right direction.  He also kept pulling out the map we had purchased from a little gift shop near the White House.  My husband and I were amazed at his knowledge.

The map papers and motifs were a fantastic compliment to the photo.  I decided to focus on the compass point because it really symbolizes the idea of him guiding us.  I love to cluster embellishments together to make more of an impact.  I layered the red die-cut button, You Are Here chipboard and Road Trip strip right next to the compass point and photo.  A strong cluster will tell the eye where to look first.  

I always feel like a page needs those last finishing touches that are bold and eye-catching.  I decided to use different fonts to create my title.  The TRAVEL word is from the chipboard package in this collection.  I planned to place the word Guide underneath and decided last minute to use the tag to ground it.  I love the touch of red.  I also used some twine from the Christmas Cottage collection to make lines from the compass to the map.  It ties those elements together.

So many design options when using the collections.  How will you chose to translate your travel stories?

Okay... Make sure you "like" us on FB at www.facebook.com/tcdesigns to get the most current updates on what is going on with Teresa herself and the team.

Don't forget to leave a comment on today's blog post to enter to win the weekly prize pack. Please let me us know what type of projects you would like to see featured here on the DT blog.  LET US KNOW!!!  Ready set GO.... Leave a comment and "like" us on facebook. We will be announcing the winner on Monday.

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I Love My Girl layout by Stacey Michaud

Hi all!  Stacey here sharing a layout with the amazing He Said, She Said collection!  This line serves double duty...there are papers mainly for boys and some specifically for girls.  It is so fun!

I created a layout using the fresh colors in the She Said papers and embellishments.  I love the pinks, greens and yellows in this line.  It really makes me swoon!

Today, I will share some design tips for how to get the most out of your embellishments.  Here is my page:

I decided to work with the cool design in the arrows paper...it is on trend and has so much movement.  I made it a major element by placing it along the side of my page.  To help the pattern really pop, I added the black ruler strip.  Don't be afraid to use touches of black on a page...it sets off the other, softer colors.

I decided to ground my photo by layering different papers.  I chose to incorporate a few of the journaling cards because they have color without having too much pattern.  The Take Note and days of the week cards were put on top of the white patterned paper.  I added the medallion from the brads package because I like the boldness and the round shape.  Layer some chipboard and alphabet stickers to create a unique title.  To avoid all straight edges, I added the doilie that I hand cut.

I adhered the new garland along the top of my page to balance out the bottom...I am seriously in love with this embellishment.  Place a heavier piece along one side of the garland, like the dark brad on the left.  I put it there because it is on the same side as my photo.  I want the eye to move to the left first and then travel around the page.

If I were asked the "What would you bring to a deserted island if you could only chose five supplies?", I would bring this collection.

Funny Guy *New Collection - He Said, She Said* by Stacey Michaud

I am a mother of a boy, a sister to a brother, an aunt to nephews, and a wife with a husband who has many male friends.  I am always looking for a great masculine collection.  I am also a mother of a girl, an aunt to nieces and a female myself, so great feminine collections are always a must.

I found the perfect collection to suit all my needs. He Said, She Said.  This collection has my name written all over it!  Oranges, reds, grays, pinks, blues...it has charming colors and really fun motifs!

I created this layout about my special guy.  The theme was all inspired by the chipboard pieces and the die-cuts.  My guy is funny.  At age 8, he cracks us up constantly.

This was a fast and easy page to make.  I focused on a  few pieces of patterned paper and many different embellishments.

First, I kept the background neutral by using the graph paper.  Then I layered.  I started with that great diagonal paper.  I actually cut it along one of the diagonal lines to make it uneven on the right side.  Interesting edges give a page motion.  I tucked in the All the Details die-cut to bring the eye to the photo and handcut along the circles along the bottom to give some curve.

To finish off the side and work with the uneven lines, I placed many different embellishments in a random way.  When playing with embellishments, be sure to layer several in different clusters. See how I placed the circle with the ruler tucked under and the saying on top?  It gives it all weight.  Placing enamel dots on the stars also makes it all look finished.

I also used read accents all around the page, mainly to create a visual triangle.  They are all placed in order to make the eye go to the photo and then to the journaling and title.  Having so many fantastic embellishments makes it super simple to create a page with interest!

This collection is soo fabulous!  Perfect for the males and females in your life!

A Week in the Life by Stacey Michaud

I hope you have enjoyed our Week in the Life series...I am sharing one last project to celebrate the everyday!

I decided to create a multiphoto layout for my assignment.  It kept the idea manageable and suits my personal sense of design.  To make my layout, I printed out several Instagram photos taken over a week's period.

Notice how I only have six photos on this layout...truth be told, I missed a day.  But I decided that I wouldn't let that be a barrier.  I grouped my photos into two rows, keeping the design clean and linear.

Then I thought about the title.  Life is crazy...it is busy...but it is also wonderful.  I am blessed with so much and I won't take that for granted...

I grouped the Cherish This die-cut, number chipboard strip and the Sweet Memories ticket, placing my journaling around those elements.  I like the randomness of it.

 One of my favorite parts of this layout is the saying on the border strip.  It really rings true.  It is a sentiment I plan to hold onto because each day is a gift.

I am so glad I made this project.  I know that my family and I will enjoy looking back and remembering one week in life.

Let It Snow by Stacey Michaud

December is here and the holiday preparations are in full swing.  Oddly enough, it is 55 degrees in New England.  I am enjoying beautiful days, but I think I am ready for some snow.

We have had only one snowfall so far and my kiddos couldn't put their boots and snowpants on quick enough.

They love it and I love to scrap snow pictures.  Especially when there is a great collection that allows you to tell the story.

Christmas Cottage became that collection for me.  Yes, a Christmas collection that is also perfect for winter photos.

I grabbed all the snowflake papers, references or motifs I could find and got to work.  I created the cluster along the top to ground my title and add some detail.  I layered die-cuts and chipboard, finishing it off with some stickers.

I placed my photos on the rich green to make them pop.  They contain a lot of white due to the snow in the background.  Putting them against the green makes them stand out.  I made a little banner to the right.

See my snowflakes?  They are from a sheet of paper...I simply cut around the edges to make different sized flakes.  I added centers such as the buttons and faceted rhinestone pearls.  I love the dimension they give the layout.

Snow or not, this collection is awesome for creating festive winter layouts! 

Supplies:  Papers:  Red Damask, Doily Tree, Red Snowflakes, Snowflakes; Faceted Rhinestones, Buttons, Chipboard, Die-cuts, Stickers, Decorative Brads, Trim

Tis the Holiday Season

Many of us are out shopping today, celebrating Black Friday.  It means that Christmas is just around the corner!

To get us in the mood, let's share some easy to create Christmas cards.  While they might be easy to make, they are full of detail thanks to Teresa's lovely products.  I used the Christmas Cottage collection.

First up, a Christmas Cheer card!

1. Simply start with a 4.25 X 5.5" base. 

2. Add the green holly paper, sized at 3.8 X 5"

3.  Use the glitter Border Strip, cut to fit the width of the card.

4.  Add the Cheer die-cut to the center.

5.  Add the Merry Christmas, Joy & Delight and Good Times die-cuts. 

6.  Highlight each one with either a brad, faceted rhinestone, or chipboard circle. 

7. Wrap the burlap twine from the trim package around the Cheer card twice and tie in a bow.

Next, a Merry Christmas card.

1.  Start with the same size base as above, but place the card going horizontally.

2.  Layer the red polka dot from the 6X6 pads.  Size the rectangle at 3.25 X 5.5".

3.  Place the red glittered Border Strip about one inch from the top of the card.

4.  Tuck the green circular die-cut underneath. 

5.  Place the Merry Christmas Border Strip along the top after you trim it to fit the card.

6.  Use a small strip of the large polka dot to cover the smaller words under the Merry Christmas border.  It is about 3 X 1/4" in size.

7.  Place the Tis the Season chipboard saying, tilting it slightly.

8.  Layer the music paper circle and brad on top of the green circle.

9.  Wrap the red and white twine around the brad and tie a bow.

10.  Add the green button and the pearl faceted rhinestone.

11.  I placed a red faceted rhinestone in front of Merry Christmas saying.

Special holiday cards are simple to make when you have the right goodies to play with!  I am loving Christmas Cottage and I know you will too!

Every Day of the Year by Stacey Michaud

Why do I love Teresa Collin's products?  It could surely have something to do with the colors, patterns and variety.  It mostly has to do with the feelings behind her collections.  Yep, the words she choses to include, the sentiments she conveys on her stickers...they hit the nail on the head.

Every time...

The new Now and Then collection is amazing.  I love the feel of it...how it focuses on the everyday, yet captures the significance it the small moments.

I fell hard for the days of the week chipboard pieces.

I decided to use a full week of them on this layout.  It helps me to convey the love I feel for my family.  I went with the horizontal feel of the chipboard pieces by using strips of patterned paper and some die-cuts.  To keep the layout dynamic, I simply staggered the chipboard.  It adds a bit of curves to all the straight lines.

I also created that little cluster on the top.  See the new Enamel Dots on the ends of my banners.  I seriously love these!

Teresa helps me to tell my stories.  That is what scrapbooking is all about!

Together And Close Layout by Stacey Michaud

If someone asked me what scrappy supply I could never do without, I would say patterned paper.  I think it is so versatile.  You could use the sheet as is, make embellishments from the designs, or use it in smaller pieces.

I slightly altered the Titles paper from the Vintage Finds collection.  It has gorgeous curves, numerals, patterns and words.  I immediately saw the shape and knew I had to cut it to make a unique background.

I simply cut around the curves that were already there, trying to create symmetry.  The black and white background pops on the neutral, patterned yellow paper.  Since the Titles paper is detailed, I kept the rest of my layout simple.

I decided to emphasis the curves by placing three brads along the side of the title.  I think it draws the eye to that side of the paper.  I used a flashcard as a part of my titlework.

I grounded my photo with some borders and layered some chipboard and brads.  A small piece of ribbon from the collection adds a finishing touch!

Yep, I couldn't live without patterned paper.  Especially when it is this pretty!

Supplies:  Vintage Finds:  Paper:  Titles, Music, Border Strips, Brads, Chipboard Elements 2, Buttons, Trim, Faceted Rhinestones, Flashcards

Xyron and Teresa Collins Designs - Day 2

DAY 2 for the Teresa Collins and Xyron Blog hop.  

We would love to see any creations you have created with your Xyron and Teresa Collins products.  Please share your projects on Facebook.com/tcdesigns or post a link to your blog post in the comment section to show us your creation.  Are you ready to be inspired by Yvonne Blair and Stacey Michaud today?

First we have Yvonne Blair:

Hello everyone.  I have a really quick and easy card featuring Tell Your Story using the TC Sticker maker from Xyron!  The cute little paper ruffle was made by just finger pleating one of the border strips and running it through the sticker maker...made it so easy!  

Hope you have a great week!  Thanks for letting me share the fun I had with Xryon!

Don't forget about Fan Friday either...wouldn't you like to be featured here!

http://www.yvonneblair.com/

NEXT UP IS STACEY MICHAUD!!

I love creating 8.5 X 11 layouts for many reasons. One main reason is because it expands your journaling placement options.  Since an 8.5 X 11 piece of paper fits in the printer, your journaling strip can be the same width as your page.

That is where my Xyron came in super handy.  I created this layout below.

I knew I wanted multiple frames in random places. I knew I wanted the picture on the bottom. What I didn't think of was the placement of my journaling.  After surveying my options, I decided to add a strip along the top so it complimented my design, yet didn't distract from it. 

I was able to run the thin strip through my Xyron sticker maker and have it lay very flat on my page.

I also used my Xyron to adhere the die-cut tickets and the small hand-cut elements all around the page.  It really makes scrapbooking easy when you can create your own stickers!

http://staceymichaud.blogspot.com/

Thank you for joining us today. Make sure to head over to XYRON's BLOG HERE to see what they have done with Tell Your Story. Make sure to check back everyday this week for more inspiration with our blog hop with XYRON!