True Love by Stacey Michaud

I have true love for each of Teresa's summer releases!  My two favorite collections are Family Stories and Memorabilia because there is so much versatility.  Today, I am sharing a page that usesMemorabilia.  I am drawn to the chalkboard backgrounds.  

 

I used vibrant photos up against the black background.  They really pop off the page.  I wanted to make that gorgeous chipboard artisan border a star on this page.  It is really one long piece, but I cut it along the curve using heavy duty scissors. Don't be afraid to cut your chipboard to suit your needs. I layered the two pieces of the border one on top of the other, staggering the two.  I love how it is really feminine and regal...like my daughter in these photos.

 

 

 

I also layered a die-cut and button right under the photo.  The pretty pin is adhered to the bottom of the button with a foam square. 

I kept the rest of the design simple so that my photo and the border stood out.  Simply placing a border along the top and then repeating the white and yellow combination under it balances the rest of the layout without making it too busy.

This chalkboard paper is enhanced by the touches of yellow and blue.  It is very charming.  Check it out...I know you will feel the same!

Silly Girls by Stacey Michaud

Hi everyone!  Today I am bringing you a new layout that shows the girly side of the Family Stories collection!  The reason I adore this line is because it is so versatile.  The colors included pink and navy, good for boys and girls!

I decided to use the papers and embellishments to make a soft, feminine page celebrating my daughter and niece.

I immediately pulled out this pretty, light blue chipboard flower and the pink stripe paper.  I knew I wanted those two elements to be my starting point.  After I placed some key elements down, I knew I wanted a unique feature.

I saw those pretty flowers on one of the journaling cards so I grabbed my scissors and started to cut.  When hand cutting an element, you can either cut directly along the line or add in a bit of a border color.  When I cut flower clusters, I don't worry about being too exact.  I tucked the flowers behind the photo and let it hang over other elements.  It add a bit of freedom to the page.

I added in one more cluster to the top photo.  I did this because it is my focal point.  I simply placed to brads together, one big and one banner brad.  I like to work in groups of three so I added a sequin to the cluster.

I did add in some navy and black because the page needed to be anchored.  Having those strong colors gives balance to the page.

Have some fun and make a gender specific page using the Family Stories collection!  There are so many options!

Building Theme Based Layouts by Stacey Michaud

Hello everyone!  I am here today to share a layout using the awesome Family Stories collection.  I consider myself to be a theme-based scrapper and will be sharing some tips for how to integrate a theme into your next page.

I had two great photos of my kids that I wanted to use on a layout.  I started with a neutral base, this fabulous woodgrain paper.  Then I started looking for elements that would support my photos.

I was instantly drawn to the Right Now layered sticker because of the girl and boy figures.  I was inspired to scrap about what makes my two children special right now.  The Today chipboard piece was chosen based on the Right Now sentiment.  I decided to use the & stamp to tie those two elements together.  My first cluster was developed. 

I knew that I wanted to incorporate that fabulous paper with all the different numbers.  It went along with my theme as my kids have numerous strengths.  When I cut the paper to place it along the side, I noticed something.  The Two was at the top, left hand side.  I wanted to use it as a part of my title.  It just so happened that the S was just below the Two.  I decided to use it as the first letter of the word shine.  A title was born.  To ground the title and draw attention to it, I used the OBSERVATIONS card.  I knew it would also give me a place to journal.  I layered in dimensional objects like the brad and enamel dots.  Those little details finished off my second cluster.

When I looked at the page, it didn't seemed done.  The idea to add the rays of light came at the very end, after my title was developed.   I cut the chevrons strips and simply placed them under the photo cluster.  The sequins were added to give a bit of sparkle.

When scrapping with a theme, look for different papers and elements to support your main idea.  Be sure to gather a hard element like chipboard or an enamel dot.  Incorporate at least one piece of metal such as a brad or sequin.  Finally, collect several stickers or die-cuts that contain relevant icons or matching phrases.  Doing this can help you to create fantastic and unique clusters.

At 7 Layout by Stacey Michaud

The new Memorabilia collection is perfect for recording everyday moments and big celebrations!  Today, I am going to show you how to add small layers and bits & pieces to build a clean, simple AND interesting layout.

When you have so many options to create with, it is important to choose one or two strong elements as the focal point.  This element should ground the layout and draw the eye in.  Make this element be the boldest pattern, the largest element or something with a pop of color. I tried to accomplish grounding on this page using the chalkboard flag banner going almost all the way across.

I started with the great ledger paper as my base, which is white on the left and the tan on the right.  The black along the top ties both colors together and allows the photos and other random embellishments that are placed horizontally to still be connected, without actually touching.

This sheet of paper called Recorded became a major player on my page.

I used only the top by hand cutting around the banner.  Hand cutting is a great technique for making your pages really original.  Since the banner hangs mostly on the left hand side of the page, it seemed off-balanced.  I added this The Best Day Ever layered sticker to the top right and that problem was solved.  The flag banner under the circle points directly at the photo.

 

I really love the ledger paper and didn't want to add too many other patterns.  I kept the rest of my papers small or skinny.  I incorporated the gray geometric pattern from the B side of Recorded along the side, where white meets tan. I cut around the circles, creating my own scalloped border.

 

 

Since I had two elements that were very long both horizontally and vertically, I went with much shorter pieces on the rest of the layout.  I anchored my photo with the diagonal stripe, gold banner, Favorite die-cut and brad.  Build clusters near your photo to make them stand out.

 

I used die-cuts layered with chipboard around the page, placing them where they felt balanced.  The black Hello sticker was purposefully put directly across from the photo because it is gives balance and makes you look right back at the pictures.  The Notes die-cuts is the perfect way to draw attention to the journaling.

 

So many possibilities to create fantastic designs when using Teresa's collections!  What will you choose to showcase today?

 

This Man is Our Anchor by Stacey Michaud

I am officially in love.  I have the biggest crush!  What has my heart beating so hard?  The new Family Stories collection in all of its colorful glory!  When I opened the package, it had me at hello.  The navy, orange, pink and tan are an awesome combination! 

My eye immediately went to the anchors in this collection!  Nautical themes are so hot right now.  Anchors brought me to thinking about my dad, which brought me to this photo.  I went with the anchor theme in several places around my page.

I adore the new layered stickers.  I added the banner pieces to the bottom of the anchor sticker because it reminded me of a blue ribbon!  I also added some texture to the page by using the orange enamel dots on the orange polka dots.  These little guys continue to be a favorite embellishment. 

I continue to love the brads and the chipboard pieces.  Little touches like this really finish off a page.

If I were stranded on a dessert island and could only bring a few scrapbooking collections, this would absolutely be one of them!  Happy, happy, joy, joy!

You & Me by Stacey Michaud using Stationery Noted

Typically, I am drawn to layouts with bold pops of color.  But every now and again I like to try a more monochromatic color scheme.  I see it in decor and it continues to be a trend in scrapbooking.  White on white pages can be simple and stunning.  Here is my take on this trend.

The Stationery Noted collection is perfect for white on white.  There is enough blue and red in the collection to add small touches of color while still maintaining that calm and even tone.  I just adore all the typography and elements that are about love.  I knew that I wanted to document my feelings about my husband using this collection. I cut out the I Love You Polariod from a sheet of the paper and placed my photo through the frame.  

When creating a page with little color, texture is important. I used the white enamel dots under the hot air balloon to add texture without adding color.

I also think adding movement and softness is important.  Putting stitching onto the layout would have worked.  However, I don't sew.  I was still able to accomplish the look and feel by using the garland across the top of the page.  The soft string gave it the perfect touch.  

Finally, I grouped together a cluster in the middle that used elements of all different sizes.  I placed foam squares under some elements to give it all dimension.

The layout is sweet and soft in person.  It perfectly conveys my love for my life!

Create Your Own Journaling Pocket by Stacey Michaud

Hello all!  Today, I am going to show you how to make your own journaling pocket that also serves as a decorative element on your layout.  We are working with 12 X 12 today using the Stationery Noted collection.

I love to journal, but finding the just right spot can sometimes be difficult.  I decided to turn one of the File Folders as a pocket.  It just took a little trimming, gluing and fastening!

Here is the completed layout.

The journaling pocket sits to the right side of the photo and gives it a place to rest. I decorated it with the garland banner, die cut and brad!

To make the pocket, grab the folded file.  We are only using half of it.  Cut it down the middle.

Grab the right side with the banner on it.  You will need to glue down the pocket on the left, but leave the right pocket with the flag banner as is!  You don't want to adhere it closed as your journaling insert will need to go inside.  Take the Love This die cut from the sheet!  It will serve as your journaling note.  Write a message.

After you place your photo down and embellish the pocket, you need to secure the open side so the note stays put.  I decided to use a brad to hold down the side.  

Add your note to the inside.

I also created a fun cluster at the top of my page!  It is so easy to make clusters when you combine chipboard, diecuts, stickers and brads!

Think outside of the box when working with products...the file folders can be used for so many different projects!

Making Arrows by Stacey Michaud

Are you looking to add embellishments to your page?  I have some tips for you today that might make the process easier to manage.  Arrows are a hot trend right now in the scrapbooking world.  I will show you how to create your very own version of arrows, using patterned paper as inspiration.

I am in love with the particular sheet of paper called Arrows from the He Said, She Said line.

I decided to cut out my favorite colors and layer up the arrows to create a one-of-a-kind border.  Here is my page.

I layered each arrow, placing foam dots under some of them.  It give dimension and depth.  I topped some of the arrows with enamel dots to give it interest and movement..  Hand cutting elements allows you to make embellishments that fit your page and your scale.  

I added other fun, hand cut designs to the page like the honeycomb.  Using small pieces of journaling cards and the patterned papers allows for layering.   For example, I grabbed the green and white journaling card, placed the jagged edge die-cut circle in the middle and topped it with a piece of chipboard the reads "You are So Beautiful".  I tied off a button to give it the final touch.  Scissors and your imagination go a long way!

Supplies:  He Said, She Said (Paper:  Arrows, Postcard, Dots, Borders, Buttons, Die-cuts, Stickers, Enamel Dots, Brads)

Creating Lovely Layers by Stacey Michaud

I may be a white space scrapper, but I also love layers.  Today, I will share some tips and suggestions for how to add some dimension and pattern to your page...without overpowering it!

I am so loving the new Summer Stories line...the glittery gold paired with blues makes me swoon.  I decided to use this collection to scrap about one of my daughter's favorite past times...talking!

I started my page with a neutral base.  I decided to make this page top heavy and wanted a punch of color so I added the numbers paper.  I then started to add in subtle layers in all different shapes and sizes.  I placed the Bingo border along the top and then placed down a journaling card.  I just kept adding little layers until it felt right.

I also used layers under my photo.  I matted it with a journaling card and then used just the curved portion of a second card.  I placed a chipboard banner to the right and put on a die-cut and brad.  Have fun with your chipboard by adding lots of elements right on top!

Even with all that layering, the page felt a bit flat to me.  I knew I needed another element.  I decided to add my punched hearts using the same paper as the background.  This is an easy technique for adding some dimension without adding a whole new pattern.  I love the interest it provides.

Teresa's collections come with so many elements and tidbits.  Be sure to use them in clusters and to create lovely layers!

Supplies: Summer Stories (Flashcards, Dots, Bingo, Stripes and Cards Paper; Brads; Borders; Chipboard; Stickers; Die Cuts Sheet)

Double Your Pleasure by Stacey Michaud

There are times when I want to work in a format bigger than 12 X 12.  I might have several photos of the same event and really want to showcase them with just the right amount of embellishments!  Times like those call for a double pager.

I work in 12 X 12, but many times I love creating with double 8.5 X 11 pages.  It allows for a bit more room, yet keeps pages manageable!

Here is a page I created.

When making double page layouts, I always like to have a main focal point.  I make it bold enough to draw the eye in.  For this page, it was the sun.  It highlights my favorite picture on the page.  The large tag on the other side has enough weight to bring the eye over.  I often like to use the same backgrounds on both sides so the whole page is grounded. 

To make the sun, I cute the diagonal strips from the Stripes paper from He Said, She Said.  I then laid them out like rays and added some enamel dots for dimension.

Supplies:  He Said, She Said:  Arrows, Strips and Flowers Paper, Borders, Brads, Enamel Dots; Far & Away:  Chipboard

Double page layouts come in many shapes and sizes...try one today!

Simple Decor Tricks by Stacey Michaud

If you are anything like me, then your house is full of little vignettes.  I have them everywhere...bookcases, coffee tables and shelves.  I love combining collected antiques with finds from Target.  I also love to shop my own house and determine how I can use what I already own.

For today's home decor project, I am showing you simple, clean and classic ways to use your scrappy goodies to give your ready-made home decor items an upgrade.

I have two shelves in my newly renovation bathroom that were dying to be dressed in simple flowers, towels and candles.  Some things I owned worked okay but after I gave them small enhancements, they were perfect.  Here is my finished project!

See the artwork?  I could not find anything small enough or with the right colors to fit this room.  So I made my own.  I used two of my favorite images from the Now and Then collection to cut 4X4 squares.  The frame was only $14.00 and I had the paper...not bad!

I decided to dress up my glass jar and planter!  I took burlap twine from the Tell Your Story line and simply wrapped it around the neck of a glass bottle.  You could continue this look around wood letters, tin cans or glass jars of your own.  I also covered the top of the planter in washi tape to add a touch of gray. Now the planter fits more with my decor.

Finally, I made an already pretty candle even better!  I simply wrapped a music note border around the tin.  I added a beautiful Teresa gem to the center to hide the seam and to add some sparkle.

In the world of home decor, a little bit can go a long way to helping you create personalized items of your own!