Craft Warehouse - Pink Paislee, Daily Junque Gratitude Journal

GRINDER5.40, a photo by craftwarehouse on Flickr.

This mini book would be perfect for a gift or to use for yourself as a great way to store up your thoughts of thanksgiving. I removed the pages from the spiral binding and cut some pages short and printed a top ten list for each month as well as a gratitude quote. Each 2 page spread has been dedicated to a month (April-Dec 2011). This way, each week I can note a few things to be thankful for, include pictures, etc. There are hidden pockets throughout the book to tuck in special notes, journal entries, ticket stubs, lists, etc. One of my favorite techniques is to hide my journaling in pockets. I use a circle punch and punch out a half circle to reveal the hidden pocket. Half circles along the edge of a page works perfectly for holding twine in place too! I used clothespins on some of my hidden notes so they are easy to pull out. I also used parchment paper throughout the book.  I used Microsoft Word and set the page/paper size the same as the pages I cut down (I think the pages are 4.5 x 6). I was sure to set the margins to .3" and the left margin to .5" on the pages with the month/list so the numbers weren’t' t too close/hidden by the spiral.

Front page

April

I used some Smartphone pictures, edited them in Photoshop and had them printed as mini wallets at Costco. 

These little pictures are fun to work with in a mini album!

A hidden pocket on April's page. 

What happened to Jan-Mar?  I wanted my design team project to give people an idea for a great gift - a journal like this can be made anytime of the year!  Let the first page be the current month and either make the journal go through to the end of the year or maybe your book can go for 12 months.  Options are endless!

May

June

July

August

September

"Gratitude is riches.  Complaint is poverty." - Doris Day

October

November

December has lots of pockets to tuck notes and pictures!

The last 3 pages are left for some quotes and sayings. 

Craft Warehouse - Pink Paislee Hometown Summer & We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy #2

, a photo by dailygrinddesigns on Flickr.

I had so much fun with this layout...once I started.  These pictures worked perfectly with the bright bold reds and yellows and even though these pictures were taken last fall they remind me of the last few hot summer days left before the flowers disappear again until spring. 

One little trick I love to use on my pages is taking my small circle punch and punching a half circle on the edge to hold my twine in place.  I used to use this technique all of the time and had forgotten about it!  I love rediscovering these things that just add a bit to a page.

 I cut up some sticker borders to create this custom banner.

Craft Warehouse - Pink Paislee Hometown Summer & We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy

, a photo by dailygrinddesigns on Flickr.

Pink Paislee's Hometown Summer line is bright and cheerful.  I think the papers would be perfect for card making or for any scrapbook layout!  This layout was made to fit into a shadow box 12x12 frame.  I have been wanting to make mu own custom "photobooth" pictures and I used my SmartPhone to take these self portraits. 

 I took my time hand stitching the We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy Star Burst.  I watched a couple of episodes of NCIS Los Angeles and finished with a bit of BBC Top Gear.  The "Faith, *heart*, and Hope was printed out onto some Hometown Summer patterned paper using my computer and then hand stitched over top. I don't sew and  this trick helped hide the imperfect stitches with the black ink underneath!  It worked as a good guide/template too!

"Faith and love are inseparable housemates that offer hospitality to hope."  Beth Moore, Believing God

Life is Beautiful Card

Life is Beautiful 002, a photo by dailygrinddesigns on Flickr.

I have been working on some fun projects (pictures to come soon) and I am surprised I haven't updated my blog for awhile now.  There are days I just like to play with some new papers purchased or I'll just try a new technique.  Somethimes I see a color combo and it inspires me to create.  This was a card I made because the colors excited me.  The rich yellow and reds...and the vintage look!  Love!

I am really happy with how my pictures are turning out using my Sony NEX3.  I have to admit that I bounce from the special programed settings (it has the coolest Maro Setting) and Manual.  Then, Jen taught me how to use Lightroom and I am becoming more and more comfortable editing my own photographs.  Jen has posted some really good advice on "Taking Better Photos" on the Craft Warehouse forum.  She also taught a class at the Salem CW store and it was amazing!  I learned a lot!  Check it out!  It looks like she is going to post some advice every now and then!

http://www.craftwarehouse.com/index.php/component/kunena/2-stamp-scrap-and-paper-addicts-enter-here/21585-take-better-photographs