Fear of Scrapbooking

Dear Readers,

I admit it: I have a fear of scrapbooking.  I love seeing others' layouts and have had the desire to scrapbook (and doing many things to motivate me to scrapbook), but I find a 12 x 12 canvas, using photos and chronicling my life very intimidating.  I wonder if I am alone?  

In the last few of months I have done a whopping 3 layouts which is amazing considering this year was the end of a decade of not scrapping at all.

I have an ambivalent relationship with cameras.  As someone who abhors having their picture taken (this is actually a family thing as there will often be at least one person running and hiding when a camera is pulled out.  Personally, I like to dodge behind big objects or put myself behind taller people), they can make me nervous. Even being behind the camera is sort of uncomfortable as I feel I am consorting with the enemy and I usually limit what I photograph to dogs, things and places rather than people relating to my life.  On the other hand, give me odd pictures or discards which only touch my life peripherally or not at all and I am endlessly intrigued.

I made this layout about photos belonging to my grandparents and the story of how I obtained them and the questions arising from them was the story I chose to tell. Why do my grandparents have pictures of a "toga"/dress up party from the 1970's?  Who knew. The pictures are amusing and cool.

To make scrapbooking easier for a novice like myself, I used a defined color combination (aqua, coral and yellow), Flight Plan Mission 002 and the Glee Club kit by Studio Calico and a lot of stamping using paper wings productions stamps including Day Framer, Flourish Fun 1 and Happy Day sets (I first blogged about this layout HERE).   By limiting my choices, it took away some of the anxiety.

Truth be told I had fun making this layout.

Do you enjoy scrapbooking?  What inspires you?  How have you honed your skills?

Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives!

Shay.

Who Are You
Stamps: Day Framer, Flourish Fun 1 and Happy Days, paper wings productions
Ink: speckled egg, Jenni Bowlin for Ranger
Kit: Glee Club, Studio Calico
Other: Tiny Attacher, Tim Holtz; Precision Pen, American Crafts; calico cream Mister Huey's, Studio Calico; corner punch, Martha Stewart Crafts; stickers from 5 and Dime collection, October Afternoon

Flashy: April's ATC

Dear Reader,

Real life has gotten in the way of blogging.  I have been making art, but also indulging in other hobbies.  I recently read the Hunger Games trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed the books which I am still digesting (I can't wait until my sister finishes them up so we can fully discuss them).  When I picked up the trilogy I also bought a much desired copy of "The Muppets".  Everything about this movie brings me joy from the Muppets themselves, to the humor, to the human actors, and most especially the music (how I miss Flight of the Conchords!, but "Man or Muppet" is an amazing song and I sing it all the time).  Sometimes it is a blessing to be reminded of childhood loves.

Anyway, I thought I would share with you a picture of the ATC I made last night for today's trade.  If you happen to be trading with me look away!  The theme I chose to sign up for this month was sparkle.  This meant I found some glittered paper, got out my stickles, shine Mister Huey's by Studio Calico and some gems.  I of course wanted to also use paper wings productions stamps.  This time it was the Polaroid camera from Vintage Technology by handmade by Lissie girl along with the frame from Day Framer and the "smile" from Life Framer.

One last thing: how would you like a chance to win a stamp set of your choice from paper wings productions?  Enter by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. (central time) HERE. 

Happy creating,
Shay.

Sweet Cupcake

Dear Reader,

I recently made a couple of birthday cards using the sweet cupcakes from Hey Cupcake from paper wings productions from handmade by Lissie girl.  They use the main cupcake image, but seem pretty different.  I like how changing up the colors and papers used can create a new project even when using one stamp.  All the papers, but the black rose flocked paper (which is Anna Griffin) are from Crate Paper's Paper Hearts and Farmhouse 6x6 paper pads.

Elegant, but still whimsical.  I really love that this set also has that adorable cupcake stand:

This one is more eclectic and I decided to use the Life Framer to frame the cupcake along with the "party" stamped in the bottom right hand corner.

Inside I framed the "happy birthday" from Let's Eat Cake with the frame from Day Framer which was actually a suggestion by my sister.  The cute little candles are also from Let's Eat Cake:

I hope you are enjoying a delightful day!

Happy creating,
Shay.