QQ January Challenge; Anything Goes!

Hey, hey, hey, it's Dorlene and I'm so excited for my first project as one of the newest Design Team members for Quick Quotes. This month's theme is Anything Goes. I hope you get a chance to play!

Oh my goodness, have you seen the Far and Away paper collection? It is absolutely gorgeous! I didn't have any vacation or travel photos to scrapbook but I did have this photo of my daughter and I in front of our local library. This is our kick off photo that we take every year before the start of our annual Summer Reading Marathon (19 years running).

I used the above quote as my inspiration for this layout. 

When I saw this collection, I fell in love with this floral paper (FW100) and had to use it. The flowers are gorgeous and all the fun marks give it a mixed media feel. It’s just perfect for the base of this layout.

I used three different patterned papers from the collection (FW105 and both sides of FW102) to mat the photo. Before I mounted them together, I inked the edges of the mats. I also added some ink splotches around the base page using Island Orange and Vanilla Cream chalk inks to add more color. I went through my Washi tape stash and added a few that I felt coordinated well with the color scheme. I also adhered one of the die cut quotes from the collection with a small piece of washi tape.

Even though this was a quick and simple layout to complete, the patterned paper I chose as the base gives it a real artistic look.

I hope my layout inspires you to look beyond the norm when it comes to themed paper collections. Normally you wouldn't use a photo like this with a travel themed collection, but it worked out perfectly!

Quick Quotes Products Used:
Far and Away Paper Pack
Island Orange, Deep Sea and Vanilla Cream Powder Puff Chalk Inks
Far and Away Quotes and Phrases

From My Stash:
Washi Tapes
Black Fine Point Journaling Pen
Gorgeous Grunge Stamps (SU!)
Gold Color Silk (FSJ)

Bonus Project:
After I create a layout, I like to make a card or two from the scraps. There wasn't much by way of scraps for this one, but there was enough to make one card.

This card is pretty basic, but the light blue strip was longer than the card and instead of cutting it to size (and creating another scrap), I folded it up like a ribbon before adhering to the card base. I LOVE how the wavy print plus the offset folds look like waves. So perfect for this boat! I added some splashes, enamel dots and word stickers to finish it.

QQ supplies:
Far and Away Collection Scraps
Deep Sea Powder Puff Chalk Ink

From My Stash:
The Open Sea Stamp - SU!
Epoxy Dots - Queen and Co.
Words - Tim Holtz Small Talk Pad
Sparkle Color Silk - Fun Stampers Journey

PS: I won last year's Summer Reading Marathon. I read 17 books and she read 16. We're always

neck to neck and this year we both lagged a little. Winner gets treated to Baskin Robbins!

Junk Journal Post #6

I'm not gonna say it...I'm not gonna say it...yes, I am...I love these junk journals!

Today I'm showing off the left side of the journal. The left side is the back side of a mailing envelope. I think I want to put a quote on there, but just not sure what yet.

I really need practice on these mandalas. I feel like I start strong but then just don't know how to finish them. LOL

When I saw this small canvas, I thought a corner mandala would look nice. I grabbed a black fine point sharpie and starting drawing each layer until I filled about half of the piece. So it was all in black/white (when technically not white since the background is yellow-ish but you know what I mean). I pulled out my watercolor paint tray and just started added colors. The white is actually watered down acrylic paint. I also added some silver accents.

I really, really like it now that it's colorful!

I'll show off the right side once I do something with it. Right now, it just has some clean off color from another project. Can't waste all that beautiful ink!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to make your own junk journals too? I swear you will not regret it and since you’re using “junk”, there is no expense!

TGIF; Thankful Friday #28

Another Friday and another week to be thankful!

This has been a weird week - nothing really notable, but just weird. It's cold and foggy outside and I just want to be home, but off to work we go!

I'm thankful this week for our first ETSY order!

Thankful for family and friends who are encouraging and inspiring and thankful I have the opportunity to "talk craft" with so many people.

Thanks for being in my inner circle and continuing to pump me up.

Now it's your turn...what are you thankful for? Leave a comment and let me know what you're thankful for this week.

Guest; Carly

I've been bugging my daughter to be a Guest on my blog and I finally convinced her to do it!

I emailed her some questions and asked her to answer them.

Read our Q & A below:

ME: Tell us a little about yourself.  Your creative style, interests and aspirations. Who/what are some of your favorite brands, designers, artists, blogs, etc.?

C:  Hi, I'm Carly and I love scrapbooking, pigs and vintage inspired clothing. I have curly hair which is usually in a ponytail or a bun. You can find me at home watching Bob's Burgers for the millionth time.

Some of my favorite brands/designers are Dear Lizzy, Amy Tangerine and Crate Paper.

ME:  Describe your scrapbooking process and tell us what makes it uniquely yours. For instance, do you always add a particular product, color or element that screams "this is my style"?

C:  I almost always start with white paper and then I'll add spray mist for the background. I like to handwrite my titles and sometimes I'll even doodle on my pages. Most of my pages will include dotted lines either around the picture or around the edge of the paper.

ME:  Show a few of your favorite layouts...why are they your favs?

My favorite things about this layout is the glittery swan (which is hard to tell in this picture). I also love the bird paper which is perfect for this Mary Poppins page. 

For this layout it's really the paper that makes this one of my favorites. I used Snow and Cocoa by Crate Paper which is one of my favorite paper pads. 

This one is just all around cute. The paper, the photo of my little Gracie and the embellishments. I just love everything about this layout.

There's a few things that I love about this page (other than the two girls in it). The paper that I've had for a long time and never thought I'd actually use. The small embellishments like the mini wooden spoon, the found ticket and a pink clothespin.

So I kind of have an addiction to school paper. I have no clue why but when I see school paper I have to get it. That's why for this layout I decided to use a piece from almost all of the school paper I own. 

ME:  Is there any style, product or process that you like but have never tried?

C:  I really like the cluster look which I haven't quite mastered yet.

Thanks Carly! I appreciate your time. I just love the youthful and artistic layouts you create.  Carly does not have a blog, but you can follow her on Instagram @carly_fries21

Junk Journal Post #5 & Happy Little Stampers

January mixed media challenge at Happy Little Stampers is Garden. I haven't participated in one of their challenges in awhile and I really wanted to this month. I pulled out my junk journal and selected a page to work on.

I didn't take step by step photos, but basically I added scrap paper, book paper & marks on the page, applied white gesso over the top and used a baby wipe to remove the gesso in certain spots.

I drew a funky scallop border on a book page and adhered it to the top left corner. I stamped the image on the page and then added some honey ink (CTMH) around the image to create a shadow. Then added three different washi tapes to create a base for her to stand on.

The Julie Nutting image "Kate", was paper pieced together using scraps and Tombow markers for shadows, details.

I came up with the quote - handwrote it on white cardstock and adhered to the final piece.

I absolutely LOVE how she turned out!

Click on over to the HLS site to see the DT inspiration and other linkers.

UPDATE!  I WON THE CHALLENGE ON HAPPY LITTLE STAMPERS FOR THIS MONTH!

Junk Journal Post #4

I'm probably going to say this every time, but I LOVE these junk journals! When I don't have a specific project to work on, I pulled out these little boogers and just start playing!

Here's what I did last night...

I've heard of the FOUND WORD pages so I thought I'd try it. My sister gave me a bunch of paperback books that she bought at a yard sale. So I grabbed one of them and just started pulling pages. Once I did that I browsed through to find some key words. This is not the most intelligent and well written sentence, but it worked for this journal.

Obviously started this page with a book page. I masked the words I wanted to use first then just started adding some FSJ acrylic paint. I actually used a dry paint brush to just spread color around. Then I used white acrylic paint and some bubble wrap and added white marks here and there. Once that was dry, I added black ink using some cardboard, bottle tops & toilet tissue roll. Once that was dry, I removed the masks, drew around the words with a black Stabilo pencil and used some water to smear the pencil marks.

I had a little half page on the journal that I glued the book page to - it fit perfectly.

Fun Stampers Journey Acrylic Paints:

Blue Lagoon

Cool Pool

Pineapple Smoothie

Sweet Berry

If you are interested in purchasing from Fun Stampers Journey and don't already have a Journey Coach, add my name as your coach before placing your order.  Thanks!

Etsy Shop Grand Opening!

I so excited to announce that I finally opened up an Etsy shop! I have been saying I was going to do it for quite a while now and with the help of my daughter and daughter-in-law, we finally did it!

The shop name is "ThreeSonsandAStar".

If you're looking for unique mixed media cards and/or paper bag albums, go check out my shop. I love the way the products look and I hope others will too.

Click on over to Etsy to see my fabulous creations!

2018 is going to be my most creative year yet, I just know it!

TGIF; Thankful Friday #27; Quick Quotes Introduction

TGIF; Thankful Friday - This week I'm thankful for my planner. It's great to have one place to look for past events, planning new ones, and just as a memory jogger. I know calendars have been out there since the beginning of time, but the whole planner craze sure has made it fun.

Today is also my introduction to the Quick Quotes Design Team on their Blog Click on over there to read all about me - as if you didn't know me already - HA HA!

I had my daughter take a new bio photo since my last one was over five years old. She only took the one photo and we both were happy with it. Which is funny since I can't take a good picture to save my life.

My first project post will be later this month since I just received my box of goodies.  So excited!

I hope you become a regular at the Quick Quotes blog. Honestly, I just started following & they have incredible projects and we already know they have great products!

Be sure to leave a comment on what you are thankful for this week. I'd love to read all about it!

Bible Journaling; Nehemiah 13:31

More bible journaling. I just did simple stamping on the bottom corner of the page with some CTMH ink and my newest Bloom Art Stamps. An afterthought, I should have used clear gesso first since the ink bled through, but that’s ok. I also added some washi tape and outline the portion of the verse that I like, “Remember me with favor, O God”.

Isn't that what we all want? I know I slip and God shakes his head every time, but I'm so thankful that he continues to give me second chances. 

Punched out a tag from some scrap paper and that’s it. Have a blessed day!

WOYWW #450

It's been awhile since I've posted on the Stamping Ground website for WOYWW. If you don't know what WOYWW is, read all about it HERE. Basically you link up to show off what's on your workdesk AND it's Wednesday.

Here's my desk today:

To the left is one of my junk journals. I had some paint on my hands so I smudged it on there - the journal just happened to be on my desk. To the right are some watercolor paper pads that I need to find a place for. I have been busy taking photos for the opening of my Etsy store and have not been creating for a few days. These things just happen to be on my desk.

I plan on working with those heart stamps tonight for a DT card in February.

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season!

Be sure to click on over to Stamping Ground site to link your own work desk or take a peek into ours.

Junk Journal Post #3

Remember that black skull in the junk journal I showed the other day? See below:

Well, I worked on it some more to make it a sugar skull and here's the final page:

Close up:

The white pen drawings were made using a white gel pen & a white Sharpie paint marker. The flowers are an older Stampin' Up stamp. The words are from Tim Holtz sticker quotes. I love this quote book! The quotes are awesome. I used some black Tattered Angels glitter mist and splattered a little here and there. Oh, and the base page was the backside of a postcard - I watercolor painted it in purple.

The skull is a die cut used in baby shower decorations for my Goddaughter. I know what you're thinking...baby shower!?! They had a "Rock 'n Roll" themed shower in teals & black. I guess skulls mean Rock 'n Roll. LOL You might recall the diaper cake I made for the centerpiece. Check it out HERE.

I also did this on the back of the postcard. The woman is original to it, but I mixed media'd on and around her.

Using My Stash & The Gelli Plate

Whew! I'm on a roll! I'm sure like many of you, I have too much good stuff! I tried to get rid of things, but it's hard when you love it all. I mean isn't that the reason I bought the stuff in the first place? So instead of giving stuff away or (God forbid) tossing. I grabbed my package of K & Company embellishments and added layers onto a gelli print base. Once I found layers that were pleasing to (my) the eye, I adhered and added some quotes using the Tim Holtz small talk pad. Have I told you how much I LOVE those quotes? Well I do.

I love how many of the die cuts have gold highlights. All four below and close ups of each:

Don't they have a updated vintage look? Wait...is that an oxymoron? LOL

Anyhow I love how they look and will be adding them to my "For Sale" card rack.

More Gelli Plate Fun & FSJ

I was on a roll with the gelli plate so I made a couple more cards.

They both started with a gelli plate background. I used the Vintage Sound stamp set from Fun Stampers Journey and some embellishments I have in my stash.

I knew I wanted to use these images, but was having a hard time actually liking the way they turned out. The guitar I loved right away - that was an easy one, but the box of vinyl records and record player were haunting me. I mean, I love the images, but the way I had colored them was not pretty. Basically brown with more brown. So, I restamped the images on white cardstock and decided to keep them just like that. Since I added gold accents to the card, that's when I went back and colored some random spots on the images. Now, I like it!

You can see on the guitar card that I added some ink marks to emulate a starburst. I basically took the ink pad and kept one side on the page and tapped & swept it along the card. I love how that turned out - very rockish, right?!

Added embellishments are:

Doiley

Washi tape

Gold & Silver Color Splash (FSJ)

Twine (FSJ)

Sentiments are from my stash

Reminder: gelli prints were made using FSJ Blue Lagoon, Cool Pool and Pineapple Smoothie. 

The bottom two prints were used in these cards. I added watered down paint by squishing it to the card base to the bottom left print.

If you are interested in ordering Fun Stampers Journey (FSJ) products, click on over to the website store and add me as your coach.

TGIF; Thankful Friday #26

This week DD, DIL and I got together to talk about uploading products into an ETSY store. Yup, we're gonna do it! I'm really excited because I've been debating doing this for a while now.

So this week, I'm thankful for my family and business opportunities via the internet. What a world we live in!

I'll post more regarding Etsy when we officially open shop!

Have a great weekend!

Now it's your turn...leave a comment on what you are thankful for this week.

Junk Journal Post #2

OH MY! I am so very happy that I made these junk journals (see post HERE)! I am having so much fun adding this and that and everything in between to these journals. It's never ending!

Here's the next completed page I finished.  To see my first completed journal page, click here CONTENT.

I started the blank sheet by adding my own stickers (I'll need to do a post on this, but basically I made copies of some gelli prints onto 2" circle labels).

Then I added some red watercolor paint around the circle stickers. I used a lot of water to delude the color so it's more of a pink.

Once dried, I added black Stabilo pencil marks around the stickers & used a wet brush to smear.

I added additional marks using my Bloom Art Stamps Elements stamps and an Ilustrated Faith stamp set using white acrylic paint, black & gold inks. I also used a regular pencil to add lines here and there.

Stamped a quote from Anne Frank (Unity Stamps) and completed the piece by splattering some homemade yellow paint spray.

Another view of the page & my desk.  See the cool piece I'm working on to the right of this page? I can't wait to finish it!

There is plenty of room on the top of this page if I do decide to add a photo.

Fun, right!?!