Friday, January 18, 2013

Oh My Word Blog Hop


Welcome to the Oh My Word! Blog Hop with Two Scrapbook Friends! You should have arrived here from Jayne’s blog. If you didn’t, you might want to start at Two Scrapbook Friends, so you can read all about it and you won’t miss any of the great inspiration along the way!

My word for 2013 is right up there in the blog header. It's CHANGE. CHANGE can be a big, scary word for a lot of people, myself included. This year, however, I have decided to embrace it. About 8 months ago I embarked on making a physical CHANGE by adopting a healthier eating plan. I finally came to the realization that a big CHANGE had to be made and found a tool that helps me every day to make better choices. This word CHANGE is not just about outer appearance though, I want to apply this to all areas of my life. I want to CHANGE many things in this coming year.

For my project I did choose to focus on the physical CHANGE I have made. I have had many people comment on my weight loss and although I noticed my pants getting bigger I had a hard time seeing it in the mirror. Then, I came across the picture on the left, taken exactly one year before the one on the right. It was the night of my husband's work Christmas party. These are the pictures that really made me say "WOW, I have made a CHANGE"


I used a line called "Documented" from Simple Stories. The line is all about keeping track of everyday things and the neutral colours worked well with my photos.

There's that word again! I cut the big C out of the paper and used some alpha stickers to complete it. I also cut the little 'happy chart' out and added an eyelet to the box for delighted.

I layered banner pieces, popping random ones up for dimension. I added a few word stickers that really complimented my theme. Of course I had to add a bit of stitching and you can see the light misting I did here and there on the background paper.

Up above the picture on the right you may notice a little tag that says "100% True Story". I thought this was the perfect place to hide some handwritten journalling. I say HIDE, because I just can't handle my handwriting on my layouts!!!
Well there it is, BLECH!! LOL. It reads:
"These photos were taken exactly 1 year apart in Dec. I started using a fitness app in May and lost 55lbs. I finally made a change and will make more in 2013"
I plan to hang this layout on the wall right by my treadmill or maybe on the fridge! I want to be reminded of the commitment I have made to myself. Maybe this time next year the picture on the right will be the BEFORE pic!

So remember, in order to be entered to win:

1. Leave a comment on all the blogs as you go and then go back to the Two Scrapbook Friends blog and leave a final comment there.
2. To have a second chance to win, send YOUR special word that inspires you in 2013 in an email to 2friends@execulink.com. Put "Blog Contest" in your subject line.
3. Create your own design based on your special word and upload it to our Gallery and Forum before February 28 at 11:58 pm, and receive 10 Forum Buttons towards gift certificates in the store!
 4. Check back at the Two Scrapbook Friends Blog on January 22nd to see if you are the prize winner. (Winners will not be contacted personally.)

Be sure to stop by each of the following blogs and leave a comment! Enjoy the Hop :)

Monday, January 14, 2013

Wood has become a very hot trend in scrapbooking. Almost all manufactuers have released woodgrain papers and wooden embellishments have become very popular too. Studio Calico has released a ton of awesome little wooden embellies in everything from snowflakes to cameras to typewriters (and I have snatched them all up!). I find I use a lot of wood in my scrapbooking, more than I realized until I started looking through my layouts so this week let me see some wood on your layout or card. For this challenge woodgrain paper DOES NOT count. I want to see the real thing!

Here is my latest layout incorporating wood:
On this layout I used wooden alphas from Pink Paislee, Flags from Little Yellow Bicycle and the boats are from Studio Calico which gives you an example of how many companies have jumped on the 'wood'wagon!



Here are a few little snippets from other layouts I have used wood on:
Love these little clothespins and they are only .15 cents each at TSF!
 
 
Even something small, like a wood button, can add some texture to your projects.
 
I hope you will play along this week and if your stash is lacking in the wood dept I know where you can get some great embellishments ;)

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Sketchy Challenge

I am back. I have rejoined the Two Scrapbook Friends Design team and I am hopeful this will encourage my mojo to return.  First up I have the Sketchy Challenge which is definitely one of my favourite kind of challenges. It's always fun to see how people interpret the sketch.So, without further adieu, here is my first sketch of 2013....

You may recognize someone else from the design team in these pics! These were taken when Amanda and Carolyn made a surprise visit to our cottage this past summer. The little tag in the kraft envelope tells how Holden was having a hard time sharing his chips with Amanda. 

There is a lot going on in this layout; misting, stitching, washi tape, buttons, wood embellies and one of the cool title cards from Fancy Pants. I also used one of my favourites lately for backgrounds; woodgrain paper.

I hope you will take the time to play along and be sure to post your finished results in the TSF Gallery and then link it to our forum challenge section here.

Wishing everyone a Happy, Scrappy New Year!