Belinda Langner Blog

All in the name of science

2013-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Both my husband and I are really just kids who never grew up. Invite us to a science museum and we are in - any day, any time! So when we had a chance to check out the Exploratorium in SF together, we jumped in. No hesitation.

Science is fun - and hard work...

And we're willing to be just a little crazy in the name of science. (Yes, because otherwise we're perfectly normal and don't do anything that's too cray cray ;-).

And science also confirmed that I am a speech goat. Not that I didn't know I was a goat, but the spectogram (a machine to show the spectrum of frequencies in sound in a visual way) made it all the more obvious to my husband why speech recognition software has a rough time with my voice.

Ah yes, science explains so many things.

Stitch Fix Review 3.14

2013-07-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Stitch Fix box! :) This time we're calling it box 3.14 (or pi) since it's my 4th box, Laurie's 3rd box and Coleen's first. What does that give you? Pi! Hardee har har! I crack myself up with my brilliance sometimes. (Prior boxes blogged here: Box 1, Box 2)

So let's take a look at the boxes because I know that's why you're here and what ya'll really want to see!

Laurie's Box

(1) Maxwell Ladder Stitch Silk Blouse from Daniel Rainn
We're apparently not fans of the flowy blouses. I think they look love one some people but we're not confident in them. The necklace I'm wearing actually comes from Coleen's box and works really well with this blouse.

(2) Bilson Silk Pleat Tab-Sleeve Blouse from 41Hawthorn
This one was even bigger and longer than the other one. I think the length didn't help it.

(3) Krietta Mix Striped Maxi Dress from Kensie
Maxi dresses are so comfy and this one has a fun touch at the bottom to make it unique. Super adorable!

(4) Art Deco Square Jeweled Necklace from Baublebar
Love this look!

(5) Johnny Skinny Jeans from Kensie Jeans
Too small for Laurie. Fit me but way too long - no one needs pics of that! :)

Coleen's Box

(1) Esten Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse from Collective Concepts
Super simple but quite a lovely color.

(2) Karenna Flutter Detail Dress from Lilla P
Definitely needed the belt and adding a cardi really makes the dress pop.

(3) Kristy Striped Fine Gauge Sweater from Renee C
This is sooo not the right color for me. But cute style.

(4) Sophia Skinny Jeans from Kensie Jeans
Way too long for the shorties in the group...

(5) Leaf Charms Long Necklace from 41Hawthron
I thought it was adorable! (See the first picture of this blog post where I'm wearing it) I don't normally wear long necklaces or I could have kept it myself. :)

My Box
I'm going to admit I was a little disappointed in my box this time. It really was outside my comfort level. The last two boxes were much more my style (even with the pieces I sent back).

(1) Kennedy Ikat Tunic Dress
Way too much pattern and it hits me really high up. You can tell on Coleen it hit at a much more appropriate spot. Laurie just wore it with a pair of leggings to keep this blog PG.

(2) Sheila Beaded Collar Detail Dress from Mystree
Love at first sight. Coleen and Laurie called this the "Belinda" dress.

(3) Shanna Draped Printed Dress
I don't have the boobs to pull this off -- damn genetics. It drapes a little funny on me. I loved how it looked on Coleen. I didn't think it was that bad on me until I saw it on her.

(4) Stacy Tabsleeve Floral Print Dress
I'll admit... I called this the "Grandma" dress. Perhaps the better description is "Prairie Girl" dress. The lace detail (the only part I liked) was on the back and not something you'd notice. In addition, I felt like you had to add a cardi or it wouldn't work (but that would hide the lace).

(5) Art Deco Tube Multi Beaded Necklace
Blech. Not my cup of tea.

So what did we keep?
Laurie: It's a surprise. Cos that's how she rolls.
Coleen: On the fence with the maxi dress. I also think she should keep the blue flutter detail dress but we'll see..
Belinda: Shelia Beaded Collar Dress

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix out, give it a shot! And finding 2 other friends to do it with you means triple the fun!

(Prior boxes blogged here: Box 1, Box 2)

Pinnacles National Park

2013-07-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

For me, the quintessential summer involves hiking and exploring the great outdoors. It brings back memories of stuffing into the car and just riding for miles on end. While I might not have appreciated it much as a child, today I appreciate those trips more than I can express. So when a friend asked if I wanted to check out Pinnacles National Park, the answer was an enthusiastic yes. The views were spectacular and I wouldn't mind staying there forever. Already making plans to go back Spring next year (if not sooner!)

StitchFix Box 2.5

2013-06-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, I've been using Stitch Fix to get my clothes. My stylist Margaret has given me some amazing pieces, things that I'd never try on in the store but I adore. (Box 1 blogged here)

This time my friend Laurie and I aligned our dates so that we'd get our Stitch Fix boxes at the same time. We're similar sizes and we thought it'd be fun trying on 10 pieces rather than 5. Because more is always better (at least according to the recent AT&T commercials). It was a blast -- so much so that we're going to make sure our next boxes arrive on the same date as well!

Laurie's Box

(1) Pink, blue and patterned from Fun2Fun
I think we were a bit torn on this at first. Although we all thought it looked cute once you added a cardi.

(2) Green and white cardi and (3) bib necklace

I thought this looked adorable and it's nice and light. Perfect for the office in the summer time. The bib necklace was much better out of the box (but then again, most things are). :)

(4) Ilean Crochet Detail Sleeveless Blouse from Collective Concepts

The color is stunning on this. I loved this the minute Laurie held it up and wanted to claim it right then and there. Hah.

(5) Jeans

My Box

(1) Mariah Lace Print Back Cut-out Tank from Fun2Fun

I thought it was a bit big on me. Laurie added a cardi and definitely helped it out a lot.

(2) Flower Dangle Bib Necklace from Baublebar

What a fun color!

(3) Josefin Stripped Ruffle Detail Blazer from Collective Concepts

Fit - amazing. Stripes - a bit too strong for me.

(4) Leisel Sheer Striped Knit Tank from Mystree

Super fun and summery. Light and casual.

(5) Yolanda Printed Shift Dress from Under Skies
When I tried this on, I felt it was boxy and Laurie happened to have an awesome black belt. Even better with some leggings.

And Micron definitely approves... at least approves of the box. ;-)

So what do you think we picked?

Me: The Leisel Sheer Striped Tank and Ilean Crochet Detail Sleeveless Blouse (from Laurie's Box)
Laurie: Yolanda Printed Shift Dress (from my box) and the green and white cardi (from her box)

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix out, give it a shot! And find a friend to try things on with you for double the fun!

Birthday Palooza

2013-06-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

No one would ever say that I have the memory of an elephant. In fact, I tend to forget things the week after it happens unless it's recorded somehow (either via pen, computer or camera). So in an attempt to remember the great moments, I've started what I like to call "Project Whatever the Heck I Feel Like". Shortened to Project Whatever because that's how I roll.

I love the small 6x8 albums that have been floating around. They're always really quick layouts and I've been doing a number of events from 2013. I haven't been sharing them, but there are some events that are too amazing not to share. That is a layout from what I like to call the crazy birthday palooza of 2013. Because it was a fricking good one. One filled with family, friends, and love. The way they always should be.

The little rosemary twig was actually on my plate so I incorporated the page. I love incorporating small little things like this into the page. It adds a little something something and helps me remember the tiny details. In general, I like to keep these relatively simple with little bulk but rules are made to be broken.

I love asking for the business cards from my favorite restaurants. They're great if you don't have a chance to take a photo of your group (or the tasty food). The one from Station One was way too pretty to not make a key part of the page and so I had some of the food photos .

Also been loving stamping on my photos. A little ink+ the heat gun make for some great little details on the photos. The nice thing is that usually if you mess up, you can wipe it off and start over again.

Loving that these spreads are so fun and easy. Have you given them a try? Share your links!

Supplies

Stamps: Limitless Labels (Papertrey Ink), Dear Lizzy Roller Stamp (American Crafts)
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, White Wood Paper (Kelly Purkey DD Kit)
Patterned Paper: Gold vellum, twinkle card (Kelly Purkey DD Kit), Dotted paper (Cosmo Cricket)
Accents: Staples (Tim Holtz Mini Stapler), Wood Veneer Stars (Studio Calico), Sticker (Cosmo Cricket)

Stitch Fix Review

2013-03-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

So this isn't my typical post but at the same time, I don't think I've crafted in awhile so I have a feeling this blog is going to diverge a bit - might even change my header if I'm feeling crazy. :)

I signed up for a service called Stitch Fix, which is a fun, personal styling service. Mainly because I wanted to try to bring a sense of style into my wardrobe. After you fill out a profile on your size and your style, they send you a fun box of goodies. You can schedule it to come every month (or manually set which dates you want them to come). Each item also comes with a little tag that tells you how to style it with things you might already have in your closet.

I'm normally not someone to buy clothes via mail but I realized that over the years, my closet has become dangerously filled with items from White House Black Market. Mainly because every time I go, one of the sales lady helps me pair outfits and I buy three times more than I intended (and three times more than what I buy at other stores). Also, being a Computer Scientist, the idea of using machine learning and data analysis to refine what is included in my box is fascinating to me.

Couple of reasons why I'm loving Stitch Fix so far:

A box of clothes landing on my front door without having to lift a finger. I've been crazy busy so this is a fun way to add a little retail therapy to my life once a month.
Trying on clothes in the comfort of home and getting my husband's opinion without dragging him into the mall.
Having someone tell me how to style things and pick out things I might not try myself
Using social networking to get my friend's thoughts (and have a few days to ponder). Follow me on Instagram for all the conversations. :)

As I'm a compulsively curious person who loves seeing what everyone else gets, I figured it was only right that I also post my Stitch Fix box. So here you go!

Item 1: Sunburst Multi Color Scarf

Verdict: Pass, maybe? Still on the fence...
While I love the pop of colors and the fact that it'd probably go with a lot of what I have already, I'm not convinced I'm a scarf gal. I'm glad I tried it and I'm definitely on the fence here. We'll see how I feel tomorrow after I prance around the house with it on some more. :)

Item 2: Catie Printed Tunic

Verdict: Pass
This was slightly large on me and looked a little funny near the bum area - although nothing a little altering couldn't fix. This actually hit me mid-thigh and as I already have stubby legs, I felt that a tunic that hit me mid-thigh only made me seem shorter. I wanted to like this so much when I saw it but unfortunately the fit didn't work for me. I think tunics need to hit me in the hip and not the thigh or maybe just needs the better fit? Not sure...

Item 3: Olle Sheer Back Cowl Neck Tank

Verdict: Pass
I was pretty close to keeping this but unfortunately a stitch was loose on the back. I plan to email Stitch Fix to see if there's something we can do about it (or at least so they're aware). My husband begged me to keep this as he loved it that much - basically because he said it was soft and he loved the sheer back. But I wasn't about to keep something that had a loose stitch so had to pass.

Item 4: Callie Denim Jacket

Verdict: Keep
My husband claimed that Jean coats are "so 1978". But I kindly pointed out that those fashion statements were making a comeback. (I then commented that I really wanted to buy a pair of leggings because they look so darn comfortable and I'm pretty sure his jaw dropped). What I liked about the jacket is that it worked with a number of skirts I have in my closet that have been collecting dust like the coral skirt I pulled out this weekend to pair with the jacket. And with the chilly summer nights in the Bay Area, this will be perfect. I had been eyeing jean jackets for awhile but I never thought I had enough skirts to pair with it until I took a look at my closet and started pulling out some oldies but goodies. Might also encourage me to finally try some colored pants (as I think that would be awesome with this as well).

Item 5: Betsey Open Back Sweater

Verdict: Pass
Darn my long torso! I had to keep pulling it down or you'd see my tummy in these photos. It's cute but I don't feel right showing my tummy so out this went. (Yes the tag is sticking out but the little information panel and the tag were attached to it so it was easier to keep the tag out)

Overall: This was loads of fun and I nearly bounded up the stairs after my business trip and threw these clothes on. :) I'll definitely be getting some more boxes after adjusting a few size preferences. If you haven't given Stitch Fix a try, I highly encourage it. In full transparency, there are also other services that I haven't tried myself (Cake Style, Tog and Porter, Keaton Row) but definitely read up on some reviews if you're interested and let me know what you think! I am thinking of giving Tog and Porter a try -- maybe for my upcoming birthday month.

*That link will give me Stitch Fix credit just so we're 100% clear. Feel free to sign up without my referral code as well if that's how you roll.

WMS December Release - Day 1 Previews

2012-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

The WMS December Release is almost upon us! Can you believe it's almost December?

Anya, Lynn and I didn't get our stamps in time to join the party so we'll be having our own party next week - a post-release party! Yay! So be sure to join us next week Monday - Wednesday for more inspiration!

In the meantime, check out these lovely ladies for some awesome eye candy!
Bonnie Sharp
Tosha Leyendekker
Kelly Schirmer
Sandie Dunne
Clare Buswell
Julia Aston
Jennifer Holmes
Claire Brennan

Waltzingmouse Release - Day 3

2012-11-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second day of the Waltzingmouse Stamps November Release previews! The DT and I will be sharing projects over the next several days featuring many new stamp sets that will be available for purchase at the Waltzingmouse online store starting November 2nd.

Today the team is sharing projects with Cabin Plaid, Half Pint Heroes Additions, and Sheriff.

I decided to do a little scrap of a recent side stop during our road trip.
I stamped the plaid background for the panel on the top left.
It's so easy to cover large areas and no lining up required. :)

I used the Sheriff set to add a fun embellishment to the page.
And then used stamps from Back in the Saddle to add

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check out the other DT's blogs
Anya Schrier
Becca Feeken
Bonnie Sharp
Clare Buswell
Jennifer Holmes
Julia Aston
Kelly Schirmer
Laurie Schmidlin
Lynn Mercurio
Sandie Dunne
Sarah Martina Parker
Tosha Leyendekker
Claire Brennan

WMS August Release Waltz

2012-08-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps August Release waltz! If you didn't come from Jennifer's site then be sure to go to Claire's blog to start from the beginning. There will be a prize of a stamp set of choice from a random drawing from comments left all the DT member blogs. You have until August 26th 11:59 PM, 5:5 9AM Central, 3:59 AM Pacific and 6:59 AM Eastern to leave comments. The winner will be posted on Claire’s blog on July 6th.

Let's start with a holiday card.
Because it's never too early for Christmas
At least in my house...

I always thought it'd be fun to hang the lantern from Festive Foliage.
The lantern is embossed and I tied a little ribbon on top.

For this next one, I opted to use the flower from Vintage Seed Packet set.
I stamped my favorite pattern from Pic-nic Patterns in white.
Very subtle but it gets the point across.
The sentiment comes from Say It Loud.

There's a little bit of perfect pearls but it's hard to tell in the photo.
Did you think I could leave out some of that stuff? ;-)

Next up is the very talented Mona!

WMS August Day 3

2012-08-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the third day of the Waltzingmouse Stamps August Release previews! The DT and I will be sharing projects over the next several days featuring NINE new stamp sets that will be available for purchase at the Waltzingmouse online store starting August 24.

Today we're featuring sets Little Lanterns, Bright Season and Light of the World Sentiments.

For this first card, I decided some misting was in order.
I like to buy mists.
Almost more than I like to eat.
And that's saying a lot. ;-)
But I tend to just look at the pretty colors...
So it was high time I used some on an actual project.

I created a fun little sunburst pattern with the help of a ruler and some temporary adhesive.
And then misted away in white.
After that, I removed my mask and misted the entire thing with some perfect pearls.
Lots of shine.
Lots of mist.

A little window die cut from the Opera tags set and a sentiment to tie the misting in with the rest of the card.

For this card, I stamped the leaf from Bright Season, which granted was intended as a holly leaf...
But I think it looks cute.
And once you change the color, no one knows anyways. ;-)
Added a sentiment from Vintage Seed Packet.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit the rest of the WMS team to see some awesome projects!

Anya Schrier
Becca Feeken
Bonnie Sharp
Clare Buswell
Julia Aston
Jennifer Holmes
Kelly Schirmer
Laurie Schmidlin
Lynn Mercurio
Mona Pendleton
Sandie Dunne
Sarah Martina Parker
Tosha Leyendekker
Claire Brennan (Owner)

WMS August Day 2

2012-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second day of the Waltzingmouse Stamps August Release previews! The DT and I will be sharing projects over the next several days featuring NINE new stamp sets that will be available for purchase at the Waltzingmouse online store starting August 24.

Today we're featuring projects around Camellia and Opera Tags.

For this first card, I stamped the backside of the stamp first in blue.
And then embossed detailed of the flower in white.
Easy peasy.
No coloring required.
I like easy.
Added a little vellum and dry embossing for texture.

For the second card, I used the flowers from Camellia and the tag from Opera Tags.
I love that you can change the look of a stamp by only stamping part of it.
Added a bit of stitching to ground everything.
And even used a bit of glitter to make the flower pretty.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to see what the other WMS ladies have up their sleeves!
Anya Schrier
Becca Feeken
Bonnie Sharp
Clare Buswell
Julia Aston
Jennifer Holmes
Kelly Schirmer
Laurie Schmidlin
Lynn Mercurio
Mona Pendleton
Sandie Dunne
Sarah Martina Parker
Tosha Leyendekker
Claire Brennan (Owner)

WMS August Blog Party

2012-08-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Blog party time!
Welcome to my little entry to the WMS blog party this month.
Where we're celebrating all things birthday.
A special day to celebrate

So I did a quick layout.
Super quick.
As quick as fox.

I have been all about layouts recently.
Partially because I've gotten obsessed with Instagram.
I take pictures of everything I eat.
Everything I wear.
Everything I see.
Just everything...
And that's probably why only I have 5 Instagram followers.
(The 5 friends I conned into following me.)

So this pic was taken on my birthday this year.
And I figured why not make a layout.
Because, really, when am I going to turn 29 again?
(Oh right, next year... and the year after that... and the year after that...)

The stars are stamped from Midnight Feast.
To some of the stars I added a touch of glitter and then on some, I added a little gem.
Can you really have too much sparkle?

And then for the star of the show...
I cut out those numbers lovingly (with a machine)
And then stamped and embossed the background with Heirloom Patterns.
And there you go...

Thanks for stopping by and do make sure to check out ALL the fabulous projects here!

B-B-Benny

2012-08-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

I attend baseball games when you feed me food.
Preferably nachos and garlic fries
There's something about that combination that's just magical for me.
And then if you add a great mascot...
Oh I'm so there.

I had this photo that Carrie sent me from our trip to go see the Durham Bulls - a minor league team in NC.
For some reason, I had it in my head that the Durham Bulls mascot's name was Benny.
Because in my mind it was always Benny and the Bulls.
Until my dear dear husband reminded me that I was thinking of the Chicago Bulls.
Whoops. Too late now.

This bull is actually named Wool E Bull.
Sorry to the Durham Bulls. Sorry to Wool E Bull.
This is what happens when you scrap a picture that's at least 4 years old.
It's also what happens when you only go to baseball games for garlic fries.
If only Carrie was still my cropping buddy- she would have corrected me. :)

For this layout, I was feeling like layering a bit.
I took some of the pennants from October Afternoon's 9 to 5 collection
And for a little creative liberty, used it as patterned strips.
Because why not?
Who says you need to use product the way it was intended to be used?
Not me...

But just because I'm not a complete rebel, I did use some of the pennants the way they should be used.
Or I'd be stuck with some extra wooden sticks and I'm not what I'd do with them.
Or so that was the logic. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies
Studio Calico Kit (June)
FISKARS MANUFACTURING FSK23537097 HAND PUNCHES 1/4 INCH STAR

Shutterbugs

2012-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

I learned at a young age that good photos take time.
We learned how to stand still and wait.
Wait for others to move out of the frame.
Wait for dad to position the shot just right.
And now I do the same thing to my friends and family.
Except some of them aren't so patient...

But this photo cracked me up when I saw it.
Mainly because this is what we did a lot during our vacation.
Compare photos.
And discuss light. And shutter speeds.
So how do you not make a layout from this pic?

And a little chevron pattern to make life more fun.
I cut out paper strips and then proceeded to line them up.
Then I stitched over the middle.
Hides some flaws and its just plain fun.
It's definitely not a perfect pattern.
But then again, I'm ok with not being perfect.

The title is misted onto Heidi Swapp's Color Magic letters.
I'm not sure how I feel about them still but it turned out pretty cool.

Isn't it fun creating your own patterns out of paper? Let me know if you have done it with other shapes before!

Thanks for stopping by!

Zoom zoom

2012-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I bike to work.
I aimed for most days.
Then I took a horrible fall.
A fall that I still have scars from.

So I took a little break.
And then I joined a sports league. One where the games are after work.
I'm not a fan of biking on the trail when there's no people around.
If I fall, I'd like someone to call 911 for me...

But I do like biking a measly three miles to work when I can.
It's freeing. Clears the mind.
And it's a mini workout.

Still playing with the more is more concept here.
I know... I could have added more.
But that's not my nature.
This, in my mind, is already more.

I tend to actually lightly adhere things to the page.
(More because I'm a clumsy oaf and knock my layouts off the table many a times)
And then rip things off and place things under them as I see fit.
It's probably a bad habit as I've harmed many papers in the process but hey, it works for me.

I also played a bit with the bike stamp.
I was going to emboss and then mist.
But I realized I wanted a bit more control here so I went with inking.
I like having some control.
Especially because I didn't own any other pieces of gray cardstock.
I take more risks when I have backups.
And then because I had the embossing gun out, I figured I'd emboss "Enjoy the ride" on one of the banners.

When I was doing this layout, I couldn't get the Mazda commercial out of my head
"zoom zoom"
And then I decided since I was so speedy, I'd add another zoom for good luck.
Hah.

I laugh because everyone passes me on the bike trail.
And I mean everyone.
But I'm totally ok with that.

Thanks for stopping by!

Yosemite

2012-08-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

I used to love summers because that means freedom.
Freedom from waking up at 6am to catch a bus.
Freedom from sitting in a classroom all day.
Freedom from tests and essays.

But now summers don't quite mean the same type of freedom.
Now it's a chance to get away from the computer.
A chance to go for a walk and breathe in some fresh air.

Yosemite Falls

A chance to stand in awe of the wonderful beauty this world has to offer.
A chance to realize that even though I'm approaching a dreaded age, that in the grand scheme of things, I'm quite young.

Glacier Point

A chance to see things from above.
To get a different view on life.

A chance to realize that there are other creatures on this earth
That we should be considerate of their habitat

And that is why I love my summers.

It's Tractor Time

2012-08-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

It's tractor time!

My team went to ride tractors.
Yes, you read that correctly. Tractors.
And oh boy, was I excited.
I skipped.
Yes, skipped as in "skipped to my Lou".
And I've never been so excited to scrap a photo.
Because honestly, that face -- epic.

For this layout, I went a bit scrappier.
A bit messier.
A bit crazier.
More layers.
I was feeling a bit crazy.
If I was really crazy, I would have misted.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find the right color mist in my collection.

I'm sure some of you are secretly sitting there laughing and thinking "girl, you have no idea what layering is all about"
And you would be right - But this is already a lot for me...
More than any other page I have.
So I'm quite proud.

I tend to take photos of my layouts and then set them aside.
Then I go back and edit my photos and think to myself - what was I thinking?
Usually my jaw drops in shock.
Once I get over myself, I go back and add something.
Or move something.
Or take something off the layout.
And repeat the process.
Usually this is a few tries before I'm content.
Sometimes this takes days... not kidding.

This time, I just kept adding.
And I'm ok with that.
But there's a few closeups that I forget to retake.
Go back to previous posts and you'll see what I mean.
Reading my posts is like playing the "What's Different" game in Highlights
(Is that magazine still around? Because I loved it as a child).

Thanks for stopping by! And for listening to my crazy processes. Please, for the love of cookies, let me know if you do anything crazy like that as well. Or perhaps it's not as crazy as I thought?

Road Trip Layout

2012-07-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

During our road trip, my husband stopped at every single state sign
We got honked at. We were stared at.
People thought we were cray cray.
Heck, there were times when even I thought we were losing our minds.

But at the end of the day, it was worth it. Honks, whistles, and all.
It was definitely fun to see all the different state signs lined up
And now that we had all these pics - what is a gal to do?
Ah yes... you make a layout.
Because it's going to be really hard to convince me to drive across 8 state lines again...

Each of the welcome signs was cut and trimmed.
And they were even organized in the order we crossed them.
Well sort of... We crossed into the Wyoming/Colorado state line twice...
(Long story)

When I started this layout, I figured I'd do a grid.
Grids are a great way to layout multiple photos.
Grids also make me happy.
And since all my photos were the same size and there wasn't really any one that was "more important" than the other, I figured a grid was perfect.

The photos in the grid are also adhered with dimensional adhesive.
Which makes it look cooler in person.
Yet another thing I can't get the camera to capture.

I stitched around the border.
Love the texture that this adds without any real bulk.
And because I think it adds a little interest to the edges as well for simpler layouts.
I also added few stars to the All-American feel of the layout.
Because really a few stars never hurt anyone.

And there you go - a simple layout for a crazy trip.
Is anyone else crazy enough to take these kinds of photos on a road trip?
Or any other photo traditions for trips that your family does?
We have more weird photo traditions... oh just you all wait!

Crate Paper 680047 Story Teller Collection Kit 12 in. x 12 in.
Studio Calico Story Hour Kit (March 2012)
Red and White Striped Baker's Twine

Love

2012-07-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Lovey dovey layout time
Because that's how we roll on this blog.
And because I'm still swimming in engagement and wedding photos.
Despite the fact that it's been years since our wedding.

I tend to scrap photos that are printed already. Since I haven't had a chance to print vacation photos yet, when I sat down to scrap recently, this is what came out.

To add a bit of layers and texture without the bulk, I just sent my texture plate through the Grand Calibur. Love the look and I'll be doing it again with my layouts. Just imagine adding a touch of mist or some color to the embossing.

I stamped the flourishes from WMS's Flourishes - Scallops and Dots set. Love the little touch swirls can add to layouts.

Thanks for stopping by!

Crate Paper 680047 Story Teller Collection Kit 12 in. x 12 in.
Waltzingmouse Stamps Flourishes - Scallops and Dots
Studio Calico City of Lights Kit (April 2012)

Seattle

2012-07-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

We were in Seattle recently for a wedding.
And of course, we took the time to wander the city a bit.
I adore Seattle.
Although I say that about every place we've visited...
So take my adoration with a grain of salt.

But this is a land filled with tasty doughnuts

A place where you can get a smoking drink

And see some blue trees

A place to get a view of the city at night (or during the day)

What's not to adore?

Blazing the Trail

2012-07-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

I know its been awhile since I've updated.
I keep telling myself I'll update.
And then life gets in the way.

Summer usually means weddings, vacations and talking walks outside.
Because really, what's better than enjoying life?
But I do have a layout to share
A layout that encompasses everything I love about summer.
From the fresh air to the bugs,
From the long car rides to the hikes until your feet hurt.
From the hot dogs to the granola bars.

I found this photo in my stash o photos.
Carrie had sent me a bunch awhile back
And I finally got a chance to use one.

And so of course we had to make a layout.
A layout with a few more layers than I usually use.
And more white than I prefer.
But that's half the fun. :)

I have lots of photos from the hikes we've done recently
And most of them are going to stay unedited
Until the weather stops being so wonderful.
Because that's how I roll.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're enjoying your summer!

WMS July Release - Waltz

2012-07-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps July Release waltz! If you didn't come from Jennifer's site then be sure to go to Claire's blog to start from the beginning. There will be a prize of a stamp set of choice from a random drawing from comments left all the DT member blogs. You have until July 4th 11:59 PM, 5:5 9AM Central, 3:59 AM Pacific and 6:59 AM Eastern to leave comments. The winner will be posted on Claire’s blog on July 6th.

Today I'm sharing a layout made with My Island. I stamped the tree image and also used the vacation sentiment. I'm not sure the photo makes it clear, but there's a sentiment with 'chillax' and I used it as part of my journaling. The clouds are colored with mist. One of them has a bit more mist than the other so that they appear to be slightly different colors.

Thanks for stopping by -- next up is the very talented Mona Pendleton!

WMS July Release - Day 3

2012-06-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the third day of the Waltzingmouse Stamps June Release previews! The DT and I will be sharing projects over the next several days featuring THREE new stamp sets that will be available for purchase at the Waltzingmouse online store starting May 8.

Today we're all sharing projects with My Island. It has lots of fun components to build a fun beach scene. And of course, there's some great summer sentiments! For this card, I stamped the palm tree in the bg. The sunset is stamped on vellum so the tree image does peek through a bit in real life.

Make sure to check out everyone else's fabulous creations!

Anya Schrier

Beeca Feekan
Clare Buswell

Bonnie Sharp

Julia Aston
Jennifer Holmes

Claire Brennan (owner)

WMS July Release - Day 1

2012-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first day of the Waltzingmouse Stamps June Release previews! The DT and I will be sharing projects over the next several days featuring THREE new stamp sets that will be available for purchase at the Waltzingmouse online store starting May 8.

This is a fun little project with the set Fairy Princess. A fun set that works with Half Pint Heroes and Half Pint Heroines. I used the little frogs to create a fun little card. Claire always packs in fun little accompanying stamps and you can create fun little cards with them.

Make sure to check out everyone else's fabulous creations! Here is the full list of previews...

Anya Stirrer

Belinda Chang Langner

Kelly Schirmer
Laurie Schmidlin

Claire Brennan (owner)

2012-05-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the May WMS release blog waltz. As usual, there will be a prize of a stamp set of choice from a random drawing from one of the Design Team member's blog. You have until March 3 11:59 PM, 5:5 9AM Central, 3:59 AM Pacific and 6:59 AM Eastern. You should have come from Jennifer's blog so if that's not the case, be sure to start at Claire's blog for the full list and all the great inspiration!

For the waltz, I made some tags to include for a child's sports events, a work event, or for a birthday. I stamped the sentiment in repeatedly on some paper and then punched out a circle. Added a punched star, a button, some twine and a bit of ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by. Next up is the very talented Mona. Enjoy the waltz!