Analog Paper

Analog Paper Has a New Home!

2014-07-23T14:43:00.000-04:00

I've moved! So excited about my new home and all the new adventures I'll be documenting there! The new website is www.analog-paper.com. I hope you love it as much as I do :)

Get Messy Art Journal | 002

2014-07-17T04:00:00.000-04:00

This is my second week of art journaling and this is what I've learned so far . . .

The creative process is totally different than what I'm used to. For my other projects, it's important to keep my message consistent. But with art journaling, the message is my mood and, of course, it's going to change from day to day. This week, I found myself starting a page in my journal and then moving in a completely direction when I went back to finish it.
I am super affected by the weather!

When I initially posted a sneak peek of my work for this week, I already knew the theme would be about getting started and the promise of a new adventure.

Then this day happened.

I like what I created, but when I look at the two pages below, I don't see sunshiny optimism. Even the quote I chose for my second page feels different to me now. When I first pinned the quote onto my Pinterest board, I loved the sense of wonder it conveyed. Now, within the context of my journal, it sounds like the words of a malcontent haha . . . especially because I didn't use any color and those little scribbles look a lot more manic than they do whimsical! Yup, I was definitely channeling my inner storm clouds.

So, I have to say this has been an interesting experience for me. I've never created this way and I'm glad to be experimenting with a different sort of process than I'm used to :)

Get Messy is an art journal challenge where a gang of crafty vixens are sharing art journal pages we have created to practise our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. We share our pages without restraint every week, and once a month we create around a prompt. Go check out these crazy talented ladies who are creating pages who each have a unique perspective and style. We will be sharing our work around social media so follow the hashtag #getmessyartjournal.

Get Messy Art Journal | 001

2014-07-10T04:00:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm so excited to share the first pages of my Get Messy Art Journal. Get Messy is an art journal challenge where a gang of crafty vixens share art journal pages we have created to practise our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. We share our pages without restraint every week, and once a month we create around a prompt. Go check out these crazy talented ladies who are creating pages who each have a unique perspective and style. We will be sharing our work around social media so follow the hashtag #getmessyartjournal.

This is actually the first art journal I've ever kept, so I thought a lot about what kind of book I wanted to use. In the end, I chose my Traveler's Notebook and I hand stitched my own small journal to slip inside.

Choosing the pattern was a lot of fun and I knew it would set the tone for all the content within . . . so, naturally polka dots . . . and pink binding. If the cover is any indication of what you'll find inside, expect glitter and sequins . . .

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek inside my journal! I'm really enjoying this creative process and already have more pages in the works for next week. If you have any questions about today's pages, feel free to drop me a line!

Mini Album with Pocket Pages // Celebrating Everyday Moments // Part One

2014-02-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

Mini Album with Pocket Pages // Part One // Cover

This week is definitely all about mini albums. I've already posted Part One and Two of my Valentine Mini Album and today I'll be sharing photos of my Mini Album with Pocket Pages. For an overview of my entire album, you can check out the Glitz Design blog this morning. Below are more photos and details about the supplies I used. In Part Two of this series, I will be outlining directions for the album construction and sharing photos of all the hidden journaling I included in the pockets!

Mini Album with Pocket Pages // Part One // Cover Closeup

Alphas by Heidi Swapp, Enamel Dots, Color Mist, Tim Holtz Mini Staples

Mini Album with Pocket Pages // Part One // Pages 1-2

The Pier Alphas by Crate Paper

Mini Album with Pocket Pages // Part One // Pages 3-4

Mini Album with Pocket Pages // Part One // Pages 5-6

Studio Calico Sequins, Studio Calico Heart & Arrows Wood Veneer

Mini Album with Pocket Pages // Part One // Back Cover

SUPPLIES

Digital:
Glitz Design "Black & White" paper pack #1
Glitz Design "Color Me Happy" element pack #1
Glitz Design "Color Me Happy" element pack #2
Glitz Design "Dapper Dan" element pack #1
Glitz Design "Dapper Dan" element pack #2
Glitz Design "Finnley" element pack #1
Glitz Design "Hello Friend" element pack #2
Glitz Design "Raven" element pack #1
Glitz Design "Sunshine in My Soul" element pack
Glitz Design "Uncharted Waters" element pack #2
Glitz Design "Wild & Free" element pack #1

A Valentine Mini Album // Part Two

2014-02-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 12-13

Today I'll be sharing more of my Valentine Mini Album. Check out Part One here and for an overview of the entire 37 page album, you can visit my post over on the Glitz Design blog. In this three part series, I go into more depth and you'll find additional images and details on my album construction below.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 14-15

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 16-17

I use a lot of white thread and wood veneer throughout my entire album because I love the added texture and their neutral base keep them from becoming a distraction. This cute little typewriter is from the Heyday Collection by Studio Calico.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 18-19

On these pages, I threw in some Arrow and Elongated Hexagon Wood Veneers by Studio Calico into the mix. The hexagons make a great base for work strips or other types of captions.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 20-21

I added another plastic pocket insert in between these two pages and left a blank photo mat in the middle to add a photo.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 20-21 Closeup

On the flip side of the insert, I added some embellishments, including word art using Studio Calico's Darling Dear Alphabet Wood Veneers. These might be the cutest wood veneers I've ever seen and they came with the Copper Mountain Studio Calico Project Life Kit (which was also the cutest ever btw).

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Page 20 Closeup

These are "cotton candy" colored sequins I found at the Studio Calico shop. I love the color and they seem to always pretty selection of hues in stock there.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 22-23

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 24-25

Here, I've added more of my own typography using Photoshop. I also used Tim Holtz Label Letters to spell out "I love you more than all the stars in the sky" and this pretty constellation patterned vellum to layer in between.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 26-27

I love this wood veneer heart by Freckled Fawn and paired it with word strips by Glitz Design.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 28-29

In between these two pages, I've sandwiched a plain velum insert, creating white space in an otherwise crowded spread.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 28-29 Closeup

I also added a plastic insert with lots of options for photos. In the corner, I slipped in "M" and "R" typewriter keys by Tim Holtz and embellished them with a bit of bakers twine.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 30-31

This is the last set of plastic pockets. It's filled with journal cards by Glitz Design still has room for a few photos.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 30-31 Closeup

Again, I've added interest to the flip side of the insert by adding word art and a couple embellishments.

Valentine Mini Album // Part Two // Pages 32-33 Closeup

This is the last set of pages I'll be sharing today. The little star accent is from confetti included in my Studio Calico Valley High Project Life Kit--definitely easy enough to make, but nice to have on hand. I've shared a link below along with all the other supplies from Part One of this series as well. Tune back in for Part Three at the end of the week!

A Valentine Mini Album // Part One

2014-02-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Album Cover

I'm so excited to be sharing my first mini album for 2014. To check out an overview of the entire album, hop on over to the Glitz Design Blog where I share some project details this morning. Here, on Analog Paper, I'll be going into the construction of my album in more depth. At 37 pages, it's a thick little album and I want to share some of the multi media techniques I used to add interest to all my pages. This is the first installment of a three part series.

We have a another snow storm hitting this afternoon so I have to run over to store and stock up on chocolate and other essentials. In the meantime, here are some closeups of my album and I'll be back a little later today with descriptions and supply lists for you!

I finally got to update my post! Check out all the details below . . .

The cover you see above is a simple chipboard construction that I embellished with Martha Stewart Metallic Finish Paint and the white paper heart is topped with cloth covered Thickers by American Crafts.

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Page 1

I kept the inside cover plain white and affixed handwritten typography from the Project Life Sunshine Collection. Using the digital kit, it was easy to modify the journal cards to suit my needs.

I used vellum to create a neutral base for the hand-cut triangle motif and underneath you can see my first foundation page. This page, along with the rest of album, was created using a range of Glitz Design Collections that I've listed at the end of this post.

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Pages 2-3

The patterned papers are printed on Epson Matte Presentation Paper. The price is amazing and I love the results. The paper itself though is quite thin, which works for my Project Life layouts, but not so much for a mini album. To make my construction more sturdy, I adhered all my foundation pages back to back using MT Washi Tape.

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Page 3 Closeup

Throughout the album, I added Studio Calico Sundrifter Shapes wood veneers and Glitz Design word strips. I also used kraft paper to add photo mats making each page ready to go--all I have to do is add photos.

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Pages 4-5

Though I love the look of mixed media art journals, I knew my paper was a bit too thin to accommodate the heavy weight Martha Stewart paint I have on hand. Instead, I used Photoshop to achieve the paint splattered effect you see throughout my album.

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Pages 6-7

I also used Photoshop to add some of my own typography to the pages before printing them out.

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Pages 8-9

In between these two pages, I've inserted "monogrammed" plastic pockets using The Pier plastic alphas by Crate Paper. I used these coin storage sleeves to make the plastic pockets and simply cut it down to size. As a finishing touch, I added the tiny acetate ampersand in the corner using the Carte Postale alphas by Basic Grey and a tiny Tim Holtz paperclip.

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Pages 10-11

Here you can see more of my own typography printed directly on the page along with word art from the Project Life Midnight Collection. The white thread underneath my photo mat is adhered using glue because I love the look of messy stitches, but I'm way too lazy to actually use a sewing machine :)

Valentine Mini Album // Part One // Pages 12-13

These are the last two pages I'll be sharing today. You'll notice a lot of hand cut elements, which is a departure for me. I usually use my Silhouette to make my mini albums and it was a lot fun taking a more free form approach with this one.

I'll be sharing the rest of my album in my next couple of posts, but in the meantime, here is a supply list for the materials you see above!

Video Tutorial // My Print & Cut Workflow // How to Use My Photoshop Template and Action Set

2013-12-13T20:37:00.001-05:00

Hello! Back again with a video on how to use the Photoshop template and action set I shared earlier today. I hope they help out with your Holiday crafting this month!

Notes:
Great Tutorials for Silhouette Beginners Here and Here
My Favorite PS Scripts

Work Flow // Print and Cut on the Silhouette // My PS Action Set and Template Download

2013-12-13T11:16:00.001-05:00

Hey Guys! If you're here visiting from Glitz Designs then you know today I will be going over my Print & Cut workflow. I've created a Photoshop template and action set to stream line my process and later today, I'll be sharing a step by step video to use everything. Just a little gift from me to you ♥

In the meantime, here's my free download!

(And a little sneak peek of my video tutorial)

Giveaway // Finnley Collection

2013-11-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

December Daily 2013 // Album Cover // Using Finnley Collection by Glitz Design

Happy Thanksgiving! If you're joining me from the Finnley Blog Hop, then you probably already know Glitz Design is giving away the entire digital Finnley Collection as well as one full paper collection. To enter, just leave a comment below and you could be one of two winners! It's an amazing prize and I'm super excited to show you the project I worked on this week because I absolutely love this collection. In fact, I decided to use it as the jumping off point for my December Daily album.

This is my cover featuring one of my favorite Finnely graphics. I also began to shape some of my foundation pages using other die cuts from the collection. Below are more detailed photos of my progress so far. You can also see how I used Finnley's awesome color palette to recolor other elements from the Hello December collection in order to incorporate it into my album. I plan to do this with other collections as well--this is just one of the reasons I LOVE working digital collections!

December Daily 2013 // Foundation Pages // Using Finnley Collection by Glitz Design

Check back in for more updates on my album. I'll also be sharing my December Daily workflow, including my process for recoloring images and prepping my Print & Cut documents when I use my Silhouette.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit the rest of the blogs on the hop for more changes to win and gorgeous project inspiration ♥ ♥ ♥

Amanda DeJong - http://somethingsorta.blogspot.com/
Amanda Resende - http://amandaresendescraps.blogspot.com.br/
Barbara Sokee - http://sokeeb.wordpress.com/
Donna Espiritu - http://www.scrappydonna.blogspot.com/
Emma Poon - http://amazinglyscrapped.wordpress.com/
Fauve Van Maanen - http://www.fauvevanmaanen.blogspot.com/
Jaime Warren - http://jaimewarren.typepad.com/
Jocelyn Olson - http://redballooncards.blogspot.com/
Karine Cazenave - http://karinecazenave.typepad.com/
Kym Tsukamoto - http://busybostyn.blogspot.com/
Laura O'Donnell - http://itsallrosie.blogspot.com/
Lea Lawson - http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/
Lisa Andrews - http://lisaandrews.blogspot.com/
Magda Mizera - http://www.magdamizera.blogspot.com/
Maria Lacuesta - http://analogpaper.blogspot.com/ --------------> You are here ♥
Marie Ramirez - http://www.absosweetmarie.blogspot.com/
Mary Martinez - http://www.marnels.blogspot.com/
Miki Krueger - http://thecountryteacher.wordpress.com/
Mou Saha - http://collagecollagecollage.blogspot.com/
Nina Ostermann - http://ninasblog-scrapmama.blogspot.com/
Noel Culbertson - http://paperpassionpixels.blogspot.com/
Smitha Katti - http://www.smilingcolors.com/
Stephanie Bryan - http://www.stephaniemakes.blogspot.com/
Tiffany Wheeler - http://iffycreates.blogspot.com/
Glitz Design blog - http://glitzitnow.com/blog/

How To // Achieve a Chalk Effect Using Glitz Designs

2013-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Photoshop Tutorial // How to Acheive a Chalk Effect Using Glitz Designs

Today, I'll be sharing a tutorial on how to quickly create chalk ornaments using Glitz Designs. In the layout below, I used the French Kiss collection (included in this week's One Buck Wednesday sale over at Jessica Sprague).

Sisters // Scrapbook Layout // 12x12 // French Kiss by Glitz Design

This technique can actually be used with any image, but the French Kiss element pack has a bunch of really great ephemera that converts nicely into chalk ornaments. The chalk ornaments I created worked beautifully as a base for my dimensional clusters. They also contrasted really well against the black paper I chose from the French Kiss paper pack.

This effect was super easy and only took a couple of extra steps:

Photoshop Tutorial // Creating Chalk Effects // Clipart Courtesy Glitz Designs

Note:
Using a white color overlay over a dark background is all you really need to create a chalkboard effect, especially with the right kind of elements (like the ephemera in the French Kiss collection). To achieve a more distressed look though, you can experiment with the opacity and blending modes. If you want to skip these extra steps, download this awesome texture and PS style set by Star Sunflower Studio, absolutely free (yippee!). It's an amazing resource that does all the extra work for you ♥ ♥ ♥

Giveaway // Wild & Free Collection

2013-09-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

Enter to Win Wild & Free Collection // Glitz Design

I'm am so excited about today's give away! One lucky reader will be winning the entire Wild & Free collection, one of my personal favorites :) To enter, leave a comment at the end of this post and be sure to visit the rest of the blogs listed below. You can leave up to one comment on each blog for more chances to win!

This Wild & Free project won't be the last one I'll be sharing. I love how easy the digital downloads make hybrid projects and I definitely see an awesome mini album in the near future! There are also a bunch of really cute journal cards I would love to include in my Project Life album.

Enter to Win Wild & Free Collection // Glitz Design

In today's layout, I used some of the journal cards on a 12x12 canvas. I thought it would be fun to scrap one of my Instax photos from a road trip Ray and I took to Charleston. Inspired by map pins and string diagrams, I used a brad template to create the flairs and add some depth. To insert my photo, I scanned it and quickly removed the background, leaving just the photo and frame. For directions on how to extract images for your scrapbook layouts, check out the tutorial I put together with some Photoshop pen tool basics.

Photoshop Tutorial // Pen Tool Basics

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to leave a comment below! The winner will be announced this Sunday on the Glitz Design Blog ♥

Currently // Wild & Free // Mobile Ready // Celebrating

2013-09-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Glitz Design Team Blog Hop // Valerie Wibbens New Release // Vinnie Pearce Design Studio Anniversary Celebration

Happy Friday!! September began with all sorts of amazing news and I'm excited to finally be sharing everything! First, I was invited to join the digital design team for Glitz Design. Needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled ♥ Later this morning, is our first blog hop! We'll be sharing projects from Wild & Free (one of my super faves!) and giving away the entire collection to one lucky reader :)

I was also SUPER excited to join the creative team for Valorie Wibbens. I'm addicted to her designs and today, she is releasing another fantastic collection, Ramblings. It's part of The Lilypad's new Mobile Ready collection. If you liked the tutorial I put together for creating custom photo overlays on your iPhone, then you should definitely keep your eye on these new products. Here's how I'm using Ramblings in my Project Life album:

Project Life // Week 37 // Right Side // Ramblings by Valorie Wibbens

Lastly, I had the honor of working with the incredibly talented Vinnie Pearce this month. September marks her 5th year anniversary and she's celebrating with a huge sale (yippee!). I was lucky enough to play with her new collections and they're STUNNING. As if all this weren't enough, Vinnie is releasing a gorgeous lookbook to get your creative juices flowing. It will be available as a free download and I've included a little sneak peek below ♥ ♥ ♥

Weekend // Scrapbook Layouts // New Releases // No. 13

2013-09-07T20:34:00.000-04:00

New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // Sweet Shoppe Designs // 12X12

Checking in with SDD new releases late today, but there's still a few hours left to get them on sale. Check out the pretties below &hearts &hearts ♥

Buddy in a Bucket with a Rubber Chicken // 12x12 // My Guy by Shawna Clingerman + Zoe Pearn

Wish // 12x12 // Woman in the Mirror by Juliana Kneipp

When It Is All Finished // 12x12 // Autumn Splendor by Juliana Kneipp + Melissa Bennett

If I Only Had One Friend // 12x12 // Mixed Media Mashups No. 8 by Krystal Hartley

Trainspotting // 12x12 // Mixed Media Mashups No. 7 by Krystal Hartley

These Are the Days // 12x12 // Beauty in Everything by Meg Mullens

This Week: Lovely // 12x12 // Days of the Week: Saturday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie

Retro // 12x12 // Captured: Giggle by Julie Billingsly

Fall // 12x12 // Splendiferous by Jenn Barrette + Studio Basic

SUPPLIES
Buddy in a Bucket with a Rubber Chicken
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann
My Guy by Shawna Clingerman + Zoe Pearn

Wish
The Woman in the MIrror by Juliana Kneipp

When It Is All Finished
A Bit Worn No. 4 by Valorie Wibbens
Autumn Splendor by Juliana Kneipp + Melissa Bennett

If I Only Had One Friend
All the Time by Juliana Kneipp + Vinnie Pearce
Mixed Media Mashups No. 8 by Krystal Hartley

Trainspotting
Mixed Media Mashups No. 7 by Krystal Hartley
Once Upon an Imagination by Allison Pennington + Jenn Barrette

These Are the Days
Beauty In Everything by Meghan Mullens
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

This Week: Lovely
Days of the Week: Saturday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

Retro
Captured: Giggle by Julie Billingsly
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

Fall
Splendiferous by Jenn Barrette + Studio Basic

Weekend // Scrapbook Layouts // New Releases // No. 12

2013-08-24T12:42:00.000-04:00

New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // Sweet Shoppe Designs // 12x12

This week's scrapbook layouts feature everyday photos--my favorite images to document. I also reached into the archives and pulled out an old image from last fall. Sometimes I wish I was better at scrapping chronologically, but I jump around as I get inspired. With time flying by so quickly and Fall just around the corner, I definitely have the urge to pull out old photos and get nostalgic.

As usual, full size photos and a supply list are included below ♥

Eggs // 12x12 // Cook.Eat.Love {kit} by Studio Basic

Fun Day // 12x12 // Cindy's Layered Templates: Trio Pack 10 - Just for Journaling 8 by Cindy Schneider

Today // 12x12 // Background Noise: Watercolors by Jenn Barrette // EZ Edges v.4 by Erica Zane // Mixed Papers #2 by Juliana Kneipp

Roots // 12x12 // Days of the Week: Thursday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie

SUPPLIES
Eggs
Cook.Eat.Love {kit} by Studio Basic
EZ Edges v.4 by Erica Zane
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

Fun Day
Cindy's Layered Templates: Trio Pack 10 - Just for Journaling 8 by Cindy Schneider
Once Upon a Summer: 4. Daytripping by Kristin Cronin-Barrow
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

Today
Background Noise: Watercolors by Jenn Barrette
EZ Edges v.4 by Erica Zane
Mixed Papers #2 by Juliana Kneipp

Roots
A Bit Worn No. 3 by Valorie Wibbens
A Bit Worn No. 4 by Valorie Wibbens
Days of the Week: Thursday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

Free Download // Analog Paper Doodles No. 1: Beach Trip

2013-08-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Free Download // Analog Paper Doodles No. 1: Beach Trip

Happy Wednesday! As promised, here's a little download to get you through the weekday hump.

Included are some of my pencil doodles converted into a Photoshop brush. I've also added individual png files that you can use as photo overlays. If you want to see them in action, check out my post from yesterday ♥

DOWNLOAD

Download Preview // Analog Paper Doodles No. 1: Beach Trip

2013-08-20T16:12:00.000-04:00

Summer // Scrapbook Layout // 12X12 // Hand Drawn Pencil Doodles

I'm so terrible. I know promised to share a bunch of downloads over the weekend and I can barely believe it's already Tuesday!

The first download I plan to share is a set of hand drawn pencil doodles I used in the layout above. I'm just about done making the Photoshop brush and photo overlays for you guys, but in the meantime, I wanted to show you the doodles in action . . . be back tomorrow with the download ♥ ♥ ♥

SUPPLIES
Not Fade Away by Libby Pritchett

Weekend // New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // No.11

2013-08-17T11:35:00.000-04:00

New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // Sweet Shoppe Designs // 12X12

So many scrapbook layouts this week! I have a bunch of free downloads to share as well, but I'll post them later this weekend ♥ ♥ ♥

Days of the Week: Wednesday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie

You Make Me Smile // 12x12 // I Like Robots by Zoe Pearn

Oh So Very Lovely // 12x12 // Something Wonderful by Mari Koegelenbery + Wishing Well Creations

OMGs // 12x12 // Kitteh Love by Lauren Grier

Spotted // 12x12 // Block Party Vol. 2 Templates by Nettio Designs

Back to Basics // 12x12 // Bright Kid by Jenn Barrette + Lauren Grier

Light Reading // 12x12 // Chasing Fireflies by Erica Zane

One in a Million // 12x12 // One in a Million {Collection} by Shawna Clingerman + Studo Basic

Let's Get Messy // 12x12 // Virtuoso by Juliana Kneipp + Traci Reed

SUPPLIES
This Week
Days of the Week: Wednesday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie

You Make Me Smile
I Like Robots by Zoe Pearn
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

Oh So Very Lovely
Something Wonderful by Wishing Well Creations

OMGs
Kitteh Love by Lauren Grier

Spotted
Block Party Vol. 2 Templates by Nettio Designs
Once Upon an Imagination by Allison Pennington + Jenn Barrette

Back to Basics
Bright Kid by Jenn Barrette + Lauren Grier

Light Reading
Chasing Fireflies by Erica Zane
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

One in a Million
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann
One in a Million {Collection} by Shawna Clingerman + Studio Basic

Let's Get Messy
Virtuoso by Juliana Kneipp + Traci Reed

iPhonography // Custom Overlays // Tutorial

2013-08-12T00:23:00.002-04:00

iPhonography // Custom Overlays Using iZip and Phonto // Tutorial

Happy Monday! Today, I have a post going live at the SSD blog about my travel photo flow. Such a large part of my process involves my phone, so I thought I'd share a tutorial on creating impromptu custom overlays for your photos using iZip and Phonto, both free apps (yay!).

Phonto has a great in app tutorial for quickly installing a large number of fonts from your computer. But what if you're out and about when inspiration strikes? Below are directions for tackling zip files and installing fonts using only your iPhone.

Weekend // New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // No. 10

2013-08-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // Sweet Shoppe Designs // 12X12

This is a long one guys . . . I had way too much fun with the new releases this week! As usual, full images and supply list are included below ♥ ♥ ♥

Buddy Boo Lacuesta // 12x12 // London Baby! by Libby Pritchett

It's Your Birthday // 12x12 // Celebrate Today by Erica Zane

No Makeup // 12x12 // Be Kind by Jenn Barrette

Let Your Dreams Fly // 12x12 // Made to Fly by Juliana Kneipp

First Day of School // 12x12 // School Daze by Amber Shaw + Melissa Bennett

Travel, Adventure, Yum! // 12x12 // Summer Nights by Melissa Bennett + Wendy Page

This Week: Doughnut Research // 12x12 // Days of the Week: Tuesday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie

Create Something Everyday // 12x12 // Di's Doodling - Frames #1by Studio Basic

Happy // 12x12 // Sixlet #4 - Carefee & Happy As Can Be by Jenn, Shawna, Heather, Kristin, Erica & Studio Basic

SUPPLIES
Buddy Boo Lacuesta
London, Baby! by Libby Pritchett
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

It's Your Birthday
Celebrate Today by Erica Zane

No Makeup
Be Kind by Jenn Barrette
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann

Let Your Dreams Fly
Made to Fly by Juliana Kneipp

First Day of School
School Daze by Amber Shaw + Melissa Bennett

Travel, Adventure, Yum!
Summer Nights by Melissa Bennett + Wendy Page

This Week: Doughnut Research
Days of the Week: Tuesday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie

Create Something Everyday
Di's Doodling - Frames #1 by Studio Basic
Create Something Beautiful by Jenn Barrette + Studio Basic

Happy
Sixlet #4 - Carefee & Happy As Can Be by Jenn, Shawna, Heather, Kristin, Erica & Studio Basic
A Bit Worn No. 2 by Valorie Wibbens
A Bit Worn by Valorie Wibbens

Weekend // New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // No. 9

2013-08-03T16:30:00.000-04:00

New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // Sweet Shoppe Designs // 12X12

I like to try and post New Releases in the morning, but I've been in bed sick . . . I hope everyone else is having a better weekend! As usual, full size images and supply list below ♥

Believe in Yourself // 12x12 // Be.You.Tiful by Juliana Kneipp + Studio Basic

This Week: Perfect // 12x12 // Days of the Week: Monday by Mari Koegelenberg + Sugarplum Paperie

86 // 12x12 // A Very Happy Birthday by Zoe Pearn

SUPPLIES
A Very Happy Birthday by Zoe Pearn
Be.You.Tiful by Juliana Kneipp + Studio Basic
Days of the Week: Monday by Mari Koegelenberg and Sugarplum Paperie

DIY // Snail Mail // Create an Impromptu Craft Kit // No. 2

2013-08-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is snail mail I created last month for the Sweet Mail Exchange. I got a couple of questions about where to start, so I put together a snail mail tutorial. Today, I want to show you how I adapted the same basic methods to create this package for my pen pal, Mari.

|1| Anchors Away by Mari Koegelenberg |2| Traveler's Notebook Airlines Roll Stickers by Midori |3| Atlantic Sequins Pack by Studio Calico

I like to start with a theme and this month, I knew I really wanted to send Mari some paper Sashimi. I decided to go with a "care package" concept. Inside the main envelope you see above, I included smaller packages filled with "essentials" Mari could grab when she had to WORK, PLAY, or EAT.

But, before I go into more detail, I want to talk about this wax paper envelope for a moment. I construct my packages in layers and this is a great way to ensure everything stays in order when the contents are taken out. I used these envelope templates throughout Mari's package and resized them to fit different types of embellishments.

|5| Black Stripe Wide Washi Tape by Freckled Fawn |4| Cutting Files: Envelopes by Mari Koegelenberg |6| Traveler's Notebook Greetings Roll Stickers by Midori

So, here is the WORK and PLAY part of my theme. Again, you'll notice the wax paper! I use it all over the place for a couple reasons: 1) I like that it's sheer enough to preview what's underneath, but it also has enough opacity to hide distracting elements (in this case, the two envelopes tucked underneath) 2) It's a non-destructive way to include a lot of stickers and embellishments, enabling a pretty package to also serve as a craft resource.

The Washi tape gem you see is actually on the flip side, layered on top of a 3x4 die cut. I do this a lot--try to add layers and embellishments in unexpected places. I also like to include my favorite papers in dimensions that can be repurposed. For this die cut, I used pretty patterned paper from the Dear Lizzy 5th & Frolic Collection ♥

All of the crafty "essentials" are still hidden. I tucked them away into the smaller envelopes (so they wouldn't fly about when Mari opened her package). For reference, I also labeled them: Craft for PLAY and Desk for WORK.

|7| Confetti Triangle Wide Washi Tape by Freckled Fawn |8| 365Unscripted: Diecut Cards 3 by Traci Reed |9| Japanese Washi Tape THIN GRID Blue Green Brown Grid 18mm by Craft Log |10| Ombre Aqua Sundrifter Printed Chipboard Thickers by Studio Calico + Ombre Green Sundrifter Printed Chipboard Thickers by Studio Calico |11| Sundrifter 12X12 Collection Pack by Studio Calico |12| D-Clip Paper Clips - Pet Series - Squirrel by Midori |13| D-Clip Paper Clips - Pet Series - Squirrel by Midori |14| Mini Market Alpha Stickers by October Afternoon |15| Small Craft Envelope by Muji

I filled the Craft envelope with strips of washi tape plus an assortment of patterns to fashion pretty paper flowers. These flower die cuts were super easy to resize and fit into the envelope.

|16| Love Letter Japanese Masking Tape 15mm Designer Series by by Seki Mihoko |17| Japanese Masking Tape Pack of 20 (7mm) by MT |18| Cutting Files: Paper Flowers by Mari Koegelenberg + Dear Lizzy Fifth & Frolic Collection Pack by American Crafts + Classic Calico 3 6X6 Paper Pad by Studio Calico |19| Basic Stripe Washi Tape by Freckled Fawn

Inside the Desk envelope I tucked in a small pad of sticky notes I created using paper by one of my favorite stationers, Korean based company Paperways. Each sheet in the pad (48 total) is a different subtle grid pattern and I included even more washi tape that I thought looked cute with everything.

|20| Numbers Decorative Paper Tape, 5 Assorted Rolls by Cavallini & Co. |21| Art Post It Notes Boxed Set by Paperways |22| Cherry Bakers Twine by Divine Twine

Now I get to show you my favorite part . . . the paper sashimi! You can kind of see a bit peeking through the wax paper envelopes. The other die cut you see is a doodle frame I made using Paper 53. The doodle works great as a photo overlay too, so I'll make sure to create a download of the cutting file and .png for you guys!

|23| D-Clip Paper Clips - Garden Series - Strawberry by Midori |24| White Shoebox Glitter Chipboard Thickers by American Crafts |25| Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Collection - 12 x 12 Stitched Ruffled Crepe Paper - Sun Kissed by American Crafts |26| Elephant D-Clip Paper Clips by Midori |27| Doodle Frame by Analog Paper

This was one of the first cutting files I ever bought for my Silhouette and I'm so pumped I got to used here . . . I admit, I rarely have the need for paper Sashimi, but I think it came in pretty handy for Mari's package!

|28| Modern Black and White Japanese Washi Tape ReMix - Stripe Dots Piano Set of 4 by MT |29| Sushi Set by Samantha Walker

And here is the last envelope containing "dessert." Inside I put die cut cupcake and frosting pieces to mix and match . . . but, I almost forgot! The tag you see above is actually the last envelope . . . a little itty bitty one I tied up with bakers twine. I wanted to make sure the smaller pieces for frosting didn't get lost in the shuffle and so, of course, I grabbed more wax paper and washi tape :)

I stopped here mainly because I couldn't fit anything else in the envelope! As you can see, everything I did was super easy and that's why I think I have so much fun with snail mail because I keep it pretty simple, but still do things I find relaxing . . . wrap packages and curate pretty paper ♥ ♥ ♥

|30| 4x6 Polka Dot Cards by Loni Stevens |31| MT Wide Washi Japanese Tape - C - Lime Green Diagonal Stripe by MT |32| Vintage Market Place Paper Tape by Bazzill |33| 3 Cupcakes by Lori Whitlock

Project // Blog Redesign // Mood Board

2013-07-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Analog Paper // Signature Redesign

Over the weekend, I created this signature to use in forums and what not. Then I realized I still hadn't updated my sidebar to include a link to my SSD gallery. Soon I had embarked on a blog redesign. Don't get me wrong--I still love how it looks in it's current state, but it was just too much fun to stop.

Below is a mood board I put together for this project and I'll be sharing the finished style guide soon ♥

Analog Paper // Blog Redesign // Mood Board

Weekend // New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // No. 8

2013-07-27T09:22:00.000-04:00

New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // Sweet Shoppe Designs // 12X12

I didn't start the 30 day selfie challenge, but I did consent to a few photos of me . . . little steps. These are some new releases at Sweet Shoppe Designs today ♥ ♥ ♥

Forever and Ever // 12x12 // Keep on Shinin' by Libby Pritchett + Studio Basic

Rediscover My City // 12x12 // Layered Up in You: Maps1-USA by Lauren Grier

Everyday is Filled with Awesome // 12x12 // Everyday is Filled with Awesom by Juliana Kneipp

Through Your Eyes // 12x12 // Dreamweaver by Allison Pennington + Studio Basic

SUPPLIES
Forever and Ever
Keep On Shinin' by Libby Pritchett + Studio Basic

Rediscover My City
Go Wild by Julie Billingsley
Layered up in You: Maps1- USA by Lauren Reid

Everyday is Filled with Awesome
Everyday is filled with awesome by Juliana Kneipp

Through Your Eyes
Dreamweaver by Studio Basic + Allison Pennington

Create A Layered Paper Layout With a Digital Template // Part 2 // Silhouette Tips & Tricks

2013-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hybrid Project // Create a Layered Paper Layout Using a Digital Template // Part 2 // Silhouette Tips & Tricks

I hope everyone is having a great week! Today I want to share a paper layout I recently put together . . . the first paper layout I've ever created!

I've always loved paper crafting and I'm a huge fan of Project Life, but traditional scrapbooking has always been more of a challenge for me. When I discovered digital scrapbooking, I fell in love and, had it not been for the amazing Silhouette machine Ray gave me, my paper crafting may have permanently taken a backseat to Photoshop.

Well, I'm happy to say I was finally able to jump over that last scrapbooking hurdle. I've realized an important step in my scrapbooking work flow is creating a mock up before actually touching any paper. Here is the digital layout I made and I included my paper layout right underneath for comparison.

Hybrid Tutorial // This Tastes Like I Don't Even Like It // Digital Layout

Hybrid Tutorial // This Tastes Like I Don't Even Like It // Paper Layout

Hybrid Tutorial // This Tastes Like I Don't Even Like It // Paper Layout // Close Ups

I am so happy with how it turned out and I put together a tutorial that outlines my process from start to finish. It is going live today on the Sweet Shoppe Designs tutorial blog: Creating a Layered Paper Layout using a Digital Template.

I'm sharing Part 2 of my tutorial right here and will discuss more specific techniques I used to create my layout including:

1. My Print & Cut Workflow
⁃ Using Photoshop with the Silhouette Software
⁃ Free Time Saving Template
2. How to Translate Digital Stamps onto Large Format Paper
⁃ Using the Silhouette Sketch Pen Feature

For a more general overview of my entire process, check out Part 1 over at SSD. Otherwise, let's get down to the nitty gritty!

My Print & Cut Workflow

The Print & Cut feature on the Silhouette machine is truly the great equalizer of all craft tools. My clumsy fingers, so deft at Photoshop, never fail to disappointment once they get a pair of scissors in their grasp. Now, I craft with impunity and feel as empowered as any DIYer out there.

This is a great Print & Cut tutorial with step by step instructions on how to use this amazing feature. Right now, I will be focusing specifically on one step of the process--merging files using the Silhouette software. To save time, I avoid merging files individually. Instead, I use the template below to arrange all my files in Photoshop first. Then, I can save a group of images as a single file.

Print & Cut Tutorial // Silhouette Tips & Tricks // Download // Free Template

So, for this particular project, instead of opening up 34 individual files manually, I only had to open 5 files to create 5 Print & Cut documents. Feel free to download this template below and save your elbow (or wrist) grease for the paper crafting :).

Download Here

How to Translate Digital Stamps onto Large Format Paper

Most people do not have access to a large format printer, so how do you create hybrid layouts using large 12" scrapbooking paper? One great tool is the Silhouette Sketch Pen. I used it to draw the doodles and other elements onto a large sheet of card stock. Using the Sketch Pen was another first for me and I thought it would be helpful for other newbies to take a look at the various settings I used to achieve my final result.

I decided to trace and sketch my layers in separate Silhouette documents because I wanted to use different settings for each one. Below are specifics for all the settings I used. For more general information, the Silhouette blog has a great tutorial.

Digital Stamps // Yep A Doodle Collection by Darcy Baldwin + Brook Macgee

FAVE-O-RITES Templates by Nettio Designs

Next, I combined all three layers into one document so I could sketch everything at once. To add a finishing touch , I went back and filled in all of the doodles by hand. I could have added a fill to the shapes when I was configuring the sketch lines, but I preferred this look instead.

Sketch Pen Tutorial // Silhouette Tips & Tricks // Closeup

And that's it! I can't get over how easy it was to put everything together and I'm looking forward to the creation of many more pages in the future. I hope these tips are helpful to others who struggle with the same scrapping block and I'd love to hear any advice from more experienced paper crafters!

Weekend // Scrapbook Layouts // New Releases // No. 7

2013-07-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

New Releases // Scrapbook Layouts // Sweet Shoppe Designs // 12X12

My layouts this week are all about those simple joys (ice cream, evening walks, time with family) that are the stuff of awesome, lazy summers. . . I hope everyone else is enjoying their's too ♥

Yum // 12x12 // Berry Sweet by Erica Zane // Watercolor Styles by Misty Cato

Ice Cream // 12x12 // Here's the Scoop by Lauren Grier + Libby Pritchett

Drive. Hike. Repeat. // 12x12 // Adventurous by Penny Springmann

SUPPLIES
Yum
Berry Happy by Erica Zane
Watercolor PS Styles by Misty Cato

Ice Cream
Here's The Scoop by Lauren Grier + Libby Pritchett

Drive. Hike. Repeat.
Adventurous by Penny Springmann
Picture Play - Lighting Effects by Penny Springmann