Daily Grind Designs

Craft Warehouse - Pink Paislee, Daily Junque Gratitude Journal

2011-04-20T13:22:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-20T12:45:00.001-07:00

, 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

2011-04-20T12:44:00.001-07:00

, 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

2011-04-20T12:42:00.001-07:00

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

Friends, Love, & Faith Blog Hop

2011-02-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the fun being had this weekend during the Paper Tree House Studio's Friends, Love, & Faith Blog Hop.

Create Well Create Often is one stop along the way...

http://createoften.blogspot.com/2011/02/friends-love-and-faith-blog-hop.html

I want to share a few cards I completed in the past few weeks. I usually make cards in bulk in order to give them away as gifts (at least 3-6 the same). Although I enjoy making a bunch of cards and giving them away in pretty sets, I sure get bored. I picked up a few new stamps as gifts and on sale and I was itching to use them. I used my stash and just had a blast!

Craft Warehouse: Tim Holtz Configurations with K&Co

2011-02-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

I just can't get enough of K and Company's Flora Fauna! I have what I call a birds and nest fetish. My home is decorated here and there with them. This line is filled with things I adore. Vintage, eggs, birds, butterflies, newsprint, a natural botanical look...

Birds and Butterflies Shadow Box by Rebecca Grinder

Tim's configuration boxes come with endless possibilities. So, this challenge spurred my imagination in so many directions! I had to tame my ideas to a handful of techniques so the project wouldn't look wild! I painted my configuration black. Once dry I added Ranger's Rock Candy and then filled the cracks with some silver paint in spots.

The chipboard letters and elements are classy and the chipboard butterfly bent perfectly. I added a bit of Stickles for some shimmer and shine. I loved the typewriter key stickers. The one above says "Wonder".

I tied some broken twigs together with some twine and broke off one of K&Co's straight pins for the decorative tip. It was easy to use wire to help steady my bird exactly where I wanted him.

One of my favorite techniques I wanted to accomplish in my design was to create a variety of layers. Each of my configuration boxes has different depths. The above box is layers of chipboard and cardboard almost an inch thick. Using my craft knife, I created a shadow box. The plastic packaging from K&Co's chipboard letters worked perfectly for the acetate to hold my pinned butterfly and glitter. I had so many layers of cardboard, I needed a hammer to put my pins in place!

I separated a typewriter key epoxy sticker to set a picture of my husband and I, taken on our honeymoon, under the layers of the sticker.

I wanted the butterflies to look like they were in flight so I have each one attached to some coiled wire. I coated each sticker with some Glossy Accents so they would be easier to dust and stay clean.

I used packaging foam for some of my boxes and layers. I found the foam used for packaging brads worked the best. I coated the foam using an Embellishment Glue Stick and covered it with paper.

I wrapped some twine around a chipboard letter "H" and layered some buttons together with wire. I filled the boxes with some things around the house like a clothespin, thimble, a teabag, a paper measuring tape, buttons...

My favorite part of this challenge was creating a drawer using cardboard. I decoupaged pieces of a paper bag to the cardboard to help keep the drawer stay firm. Then, once dry and painted black, I covered the outside of the drawer with patterned paper. I let some K&Co fabric flowers flow out of the box along with a feather.

This project was one of my favorites and can be seen in person displayed at the Salem Craft Warehouse. Be sure to check out all of the Design Team's spin on this assignment by going to their galleries here! Check them out!

Plowing A Straight Line

2011-01-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

Usually, I am scrapbooking pages all of the time. Whether it is a project for Craft Warehouse or making cards for gifts, I am usually working on something. This past month, I have been distracted. I have always wanted to do some quilting and so I put my paper and pictures away for a bit to try my hand at it. While doing so, I learned a good lesson. Most things in life are learned best from a teacher. I often times try to do things on my own accord and pat myself on the back for how well I think it is going. But really, in the end, the result equals to crooked lines and uneven borders.

On Sunday, Pastor Erickson told a story about a farmer and his three sons. The farm was to be left to the son who could plow the straightest line. The eldest son kept looking over his shoulder at his brothers to check their progress and in doing so, his plow veered to the left and the right. The middle son’s plow started to rattle and his horse was showing signs of problems which caused him to look down and worry about his circumstances. His plow began to veer off course. The youngest son instead, looked straight ahead, keeping the view of his father (who was standing at the other end of the field) right in front of him. In keeping his focus on the Father, he plowed the straightest line and won the farm.

I think I can do it on my own but it’s often when I hit rock bottom I reach out and up. I have been listening to Matthew West's CD, The Story of Your Life and his song "Strong Enough" has really spoken some truth into my life. Link on over and check it out.

So here are some of my most recent paper projects...

Fancy by Rebecca Grinder

Made for CW Scrap Club

Loved using some lace I got from a dear friend.

I love to make card set for gifts. This was a card that was gifted back to me. I was so happy to get it for my birthday card last year. It was one of my favorite designs - one I never took a picture of. I thought I would add it to this page so it would stay safe in an album and it worked perfectly with this design. I added my title right on top of the card.

So In Love, Seattle You and Me by Rebecca Grinder

My favorite part of making this layout was eating the Hershey's Kiss for the wrapper.

Blog | Ella Publishing Co.

2011-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Loved Ella's segment on sketches this week. If you are new to scrapbooking or have been scrapbooking for years, sketches can help take the "work" out of creating a layout.
This week's segment shows many different layouts using just one sketch. Check it out!

Blog Ella Publishing Co.

2011-01-10T15:47:00.001-08:00

I have been distracted lately…haven’t scrapped for several weeks! Jen’s passion for anything artistic rubs off on me in a variety of ways. While shopping a few weeks ago, Sarah and I saw a magnet that read, “I Make Things”. If it wasn’t so expensive, I would have bought it for Jen. In response to looking at something she likes, I don’t think I have ever heard her say, “I can’t.” Instead, she tells herself, “Why not?” She is my biggest inspiration to trying new things. My other inspiration comes from my friend (and cousin by marriage) Laura. She researches and learns to do many things.

Why couldn’t I try and teach myself something I’ve always wanted to do? I have always wanted to learn to quilt. Jen recently started to make handbags, dresses, wallets, etc. All with my little sewing machine Josh bought me a few years ago (which has lived at Jen and Dave’s for over a year). When Jen got herself a new sewing machine for Christmas, mine came back home with me and I was determined it wasn’t going to collect dust. In my younger days, I tried new hobbies (including quilting) and failed many times but I have to admit that was before You-Tube. You can find tutorials galore on You-Tube. One obstacle, I have had with sewing, was I couldn’t thread a bobbin. Jen would have to thread it for me. A couple of weeks ago I taught myself using a “how to” video on You-Tube. Remembering some sewing shows my mom watched when we were kids, I found episodes online and I am NOW quilting! Ok…so I have a way to go to be a “quilter” but I am slowly learning… and seeing results.

Yet, my first love will always be paper crafting and I am getting the itch to pull out my papers and make some cards or a layout or two.

2010-11-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I posted any new projects...well, it has been awhile since I scrapbooked. I did finish this last night...

Your Smile by Rebecca Grinder

I did this one last month for the local Craft Warehouse monthly challenge.

Fancy Free by Rebecca Grinder

Craft Warehouse: Echo Park's Everybody Loves Christmas

2010-10-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

I have gone gaga over Echo Park’s Everybody Loves Christmas. A bright pallet of colors I love! I couldn’t wait to create a bounty of Christmas cards. Here is a sampling of my favorites and the others are posted on the slide show here.

Reindeer Christmas Gift Card Holder by Rebecca Grinder

Add some dimension to a sticker by using some wiggly eyes and Liquid Applique.

Snowflake Christmas Wreath Card by Rebecca Grinder

I love to make Christmas wreath cards – and finding punches and stamps to make the greenery. Green snowflake die-cuts work perfectly for the holly leaves. I added some Liquid Applique, Stickles, and red rhinestones for the holly berries.

Tree Ornament Tag by Rebecca Grinder

This tag was my favorite! I used a Pioneer Embellishment Glue Stick to hold together my upside down heart accordion ornament. I used the glue stick to coat the ornament with adhesive and then poured fine translucent glitter for a vintage sparkle! I sprayed a fine coat of clear acrylic for good measure (After uploading these pictures to my computer, I noticed the ornament separating in spots. To fix those problem areas, I used my Beacon's 3-IN-1 liquid glue and placed a bobby pin to hold the paper in place until the glue fully dried.)

Craft Warehouse: Basic Grey Pyrus & Wander

2010-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

When the Craft Warehouse Design Team got this month’s assignment we were all so excited over these two new lines from Basic Grey! The collections come with a variety of double sided papers with a vast variety of prints making them very versatile.

Pyrus is warm and rich in color and texture. I love the greens and golds…lots of pears, flowers and trees. Very earthly.

The Perfect Pear by Rebecca Grinder

(click to enlarge)

Josh and I spent our last weekend of the summer on a little adventure. We took a country drive and ended our trip in the heart of Oregon Wine Country. Farm to Fork, a little restaurant at the Inn at Red Hills in Dundee Oregon, serves an amazing gourmet meal. After our meal, we took our coffee and dessert outside to the outdoor patio where we enjoyed staring at the blue sky and soaked in the peace and quiet.

I inked some of the Basic Grey Basics Accents journal blocks then layered, layered, layered.

Basic Grey’s Wander collection is bold in color and style. The line is obviously perfect for all of your travel, vacation, and big city pictures/layouts but I was impressed by this line’s masculine retro accent prints perfect for boy themes as well.

Together Sky's the Limit by Rebecca Grinder

(click to enlarge)

To make the skyline I cut buildings from patterned paper, included the chipboard stickers as well as some of Basic Grey's basics stickers. I used foam dots for a 3-D effect. Although this layout took me longer than I expected, I had a blast and was thrilled with the final result!

Craft Warehouse Salem Scrap Club

2010-10-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

There are those layouts you just enjoy the process even more than the end result. These layouts were so much fun to create. I got my hands dirty...literally stained my hands red. So much fun!

I used some of my favorite pictures from my Cannon Beach ladies retreat trip from last winter. I never get tired of looking at them... they remind me of a weekend of pure relaxation. They are a testament of God's grace. He taught me a lot that weekend and I don't want to forget a moment. I remember...the sunset, the peaceful sound of the waves hitting the shore, watching a dog play catch and chasing a ball in the waves, star gazing and seeing a shooting star with a couple of new friends, walking along the beach alone with my camera...I am glad I took so many pictures of Haystack Rock so I can often gaze upon the breathtaking scene.

Fa.la.la...I created these layouts for Craft Warehouse to use in the Salem Store. Although this layout is made with a new Christmas line of paper, the picture I used wasn't taken during Christmas time and has nothing to do with decking the halls. I just thought the picture's colors went so well with the paper. Ha!

This picture does have a great deal of meaning behind it... it was taken at a women's retreat in Monterey, CA and this was the weekend I knew Josh was "the one" God had prepared me for. This week, my husband and I are celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary! It feels like yesterday we said, "I will and I do" and then it feels like, as soul mates, we have always been together. This picture represents that moment in time - the crossroad - God's promise being full-filled. At age 27, He gave me the desire of my heart.

Salem Craft Warehouse: Sept Scrap Club

2010-09-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek at some techniques I'll be sharing at the Salem Scrap Club this month. For times and details check out Craft Warehouse's website here!

Craft Warehouse: Elegant Prima Card

2010-08-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Elegant Prima Card

(click to enlarge)

Prima flowers are so versatile and I enjoy taking them apart and layering and/or folding them to make my own look. Sewing the stems is an easy way to add a special little touch to any card.

Craft Warehouse: Sassafras Indie Girl

2010-08-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Day

(click to enlarge)

"All I want is a dress with puffy sleeves" — L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

I think Jen thought she didn’t play “princess” enough as a girl. She decided to make up for lost time and invited Sarah and me for a vintage dress-up photo shoot. The three of us haven’t laughed so hard! We dressed up in frills and bows and let Jen take pictures to her heart’s content. We had so much fun we want to plan another photo shoot soon!

I loved layering the border stickers and papers. They work so very well with each other.

Prima flowers worked perfectly with Indie Girl.

Sassafras Applejack sticker letters fit well on the banners.

I used an X-Acto knife to cut around the petals to create some dimension in the paper.

Craft Warehouse: Sassafras and Prima Projects

2010-08-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

Elephant Canvas

using Sassafras Applejack

(click images to enlarge)

I hand drew this little elephant. It was Josh's idea to stuff him with some cotton balls.

I stuck the stickers onto some chipboard and then cut them out to create this layered embellie.

Imagination

Featuring Prima Marketing Flowers

(click images to enlarge)

"Indulge your imagination in every possible flight." — Jane Austen

Sizzix's Tim Holtz Embossing Folders were used to give the paper some texture.

In the end I thought the layout looked like a large doily - perfect for this vintage style layout.

Together

2010-07-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

Together: National Scrapbook Day 2010

Papers mostly Basic Grey and My Mind's Eye

So this month's Craft Warehouse Scrap Club challenge was to use the papers above (most from the My Mind's Eye polka dot paper pad). Ummm...yikes! Do these papers even look like they belong together? This, by far, was the most difficult challenge yet - but I made it work and finished this layout in record time!

See the purple circle under the single green rhinestone - that is how I incorporated that purple paper that didn't match. Hey, I had to use everything in the kit - and I did!

Create Often

2010-07-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

My sister inspires me with her creativity. She uses the gifts God's given her in most everything she does. I wanted to do a layout that reminded meof this time in her life where she has been striving to Create Often!

Create Often by Rebecca Grinder

using papers from My Minds Eye, Cosmo Cricket, and Basic Grey

Letters from K & Co

I loved making this twist fabric flower. I picked up some 3 in 1 craft glue and love using it with my paper/fabric combo crafts. I think it works like a low heat glue gun minus the HEAT!

My Family

2010-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

My little family... my darling husband and sweet miniature pincher, Cocoa, are so precious to me.

I created this layout for the Craft Warehouse monthly Scrap Club challenge for June. I love this line by My Mind's Eye called So Sophie. There are so many fun masculine papers to choose from.

The Scrap Club kit came with a bunch of small squares of paper, which in order to get the most of, I cut them into strips and wove them together.

Create Often Giveaway...

2010-06-21T16:09:00.001-07:00

Gotta love a great giveaway! Plus, check out the page Jen did using an out-take picture of Josh, Cocoa Girl, and me... http://createoften.blogspot.com/2010/06/pencil-lines-giveaway.html

Craft Warehouse: Webster's Pages Layout

2010-06-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

When I saw this paper, I pulled my vintage umbrella out from inside my closet, drove over to my sister Jen's, and begged for a quick photo shoot.

The clouds were threatening rain again and with some quick snap shots and some amazing editing techniques we got some fun photos that work great with this paper line called Garden Gala.

Every Cloud
(Made For Craft Warehouse)

This page was all about the flowers. My "scrunchie" style flower was made using the floral fabric ribbon with a vintage sparkler in the center.

More pictures can be found here and thanks for stopping by to take a look!

Craft Warehouse: Webster's Pages Banner

2010-06-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

It was such a privilege to be working with Webster's Pages new paper collection Garden Gala as my first assigment for Craft Warehouse. The line of papers and beautiful embellishments remind me of an antique faire.

Here is a banner I made using the new line...

Live Laugh Love Banner

(Made For Craft Warehouse)

I love Ranger's new Rock Candy. Once dried, I added some Distress Ink with my blending tool to color in the cracks. Tim Holtz is an artistic genius!

Banners and garlands are all the rage. I had a blast making my very first banner and I am sure I'll make even more using this line from Webster's Pages! Not right away though... I figured I spent a good 30 plus hours on this project. A lot of scraps and a lot of glue. Many times, I had to wash my hands when I couldn't get the paper off my finger tips!

More pictures of my project can be found here, and if you want to see more project ideas, check out the other designers! They are amazing!

Craft Warehouse RAK Swap

2010-05-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

Wendy of the Craft Warehouse Design Team challenged me to use punches to create a patten in paper and then use the punched out pieces in my project too. I used the piece of hole punched paper she sent me (as an example) on this card and included a punched out Fiskars border to the card too!

On My Mind Card (using RAK doo-dads sent for the Design Team Technique Challenge Swap)

The inside sentiment - 24/7 along with punched out confetti from the border punch.

I love these mini button brads by Making Memories. They add the perfect touch.

Welcome Little One Card

Inside of the card also includes some of the punched out image from a Martha Stewart border punch.

I have always wanted a stamp company to make a onesie the perfect size to put something on the front like a punched out mini flower or embellishment. Studio G read my mind! Finally! An adorable stamp and it only cost me $1! Think of the possibilities!

You Are The Best Thing (My Mind's Eye Graceful Scrap Club Challenge)

Featuring My Mind's Eye Graceful and American Crafts Dear Lizzy papers.

I saw this adhesive fabric paper and thought, pinwheel!

I miss walks on the beaches, of the Central Coast of California, on clear days in December.

Sisters

2010-05-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a blessed Memorial Day weekend in honor of the men and women who have served this country for our freedom. I found this photography site that had the most precious photography to help honor those who have given their lives for us to truly live freely in the amazing United States of America.

I also wanted to share my newest layout, Sisters featuring the new patterned paper line by Basic Grey called Basics. The die-cut cardstock is by Momenta.

I love the colors of MME So Sophie die-cuts. I thought this title went perfect with the papers I had picked out. I also used Little Yellow Bicycle's doilies for the base of the flower. Also included was a wooden button, Jolee's Boutique ribbon border, One Bright Spot pin, along with a Prima Flower and bead center.

The golden border is by Jolee's Boutique and a Martha Stewart border punch punched through vellum then folded accordion style.

Another First

2010-05-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

I love my husband for having the patience to teach me things like "Camping" and everything tent camping entails. Growing up we didn't go camping (lets just say we had a bad experience) so when I go hiking or camping with my husband it's a new little adventure. Since meeting the love of my life, I am famous for saying, "Another First!"

As I flip through my scrapbooks, I see a pattern forming in my designs...geometric lines with a small grouping of collage. This layout's design was a challenge for me since I wanted to include all three pictures but the pictures with this pattern paper combo was just too busy for my eye on a single 12x12.

Another First

(click to enlarge photos)

This was a layout that sat in the bottom of my project box, incomplete, for a year now. I just couldn't find the right font for the title. I had even cut out some letters using my Silhouette; to no satisfaction. This was a project that kept getting buried and buried. Last weekend, when I came across the layout again, I was thrilled because I had found some Thickers to make this 2-page spread complete! Thickers' Salutations font works perfectly for this camping layout.

Using Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Paper Line, Prima Flower, some jewels, and Michael's Crafts Coaster

The chipboard was painted with Ranger's Tim Holtz Crackle Paint. I love the embossing on The Little Yellow Bicycle journal cards. That little touch adds a lot especially when inked.

I was so please with the final result!

Live * Laugh * Love...

2010-05-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

This layout was created for the Craft Warehouse Design Team RAK Technique Challenge. The challenge given to me: use journal blocks and hang charms from ribbon. Doesn't seem too hard of a challenge but since I tend to hide my journaling (or don't journal at all) it was harder then I first thought! ;)

This picture is one of my most favorite of my sister and I. It says so much of our personalities...

Live. Laugh. Love...twinkle in your eye, optimistic, joyful, good times.

Live Laugh Love

(click to enlarge images)

Photo by Evans Photography

PP Cosmo Cricket DeLovely & American Crafts

Journal blocks by Little Yellow Bicycle

American Crafts Thickers, mini letters Cosmo Cricket, Ribbon from challenge RAK Swap & Making Memories.

Journal block Little Yellow Bicycle, Jenni Bowlin vintage button, K and Co flower jewel & frame charm from years ago.

I am so thrilled CW has the new Jolee's Boutique Vintage Stickers. The little lace bow is just one of the many cute stickers now available! They are fabulous!

You Say Goodbye, While I Say Hello...

2010-05-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

When Josh and I drop visiting family off at the airport, I have such a hard time saying goodbye. Family means the world to me and being separated from them is the hardest part of living in Oregon.
I came across this set of pictures from a couple of years back. Sarah and I at the airport...saying goodbye. The precious thing is, since this picture was taken, my sister-in-law decided to make our home, her home, and now I can't imagine life in Oregon without her. She is so much a part of our lives, she is all over my scrapbook pages - and I am so glad she tolerates my hobby.

(Click to enlarge images)

MME Meadowlark papers

Measureless Love - Cannon Beach Ladies Retreat

2010-05-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Someone read my mind and told Jenni Bowlin how much I wanted someone to make banner stickers with matching letters. I placed the alpha sticker letters on clear buttons and made them 3-D w/pop-up dots.

Rub-on "Love" onto a flat no-hole button.

Acrylic Heidi Swapp heart put through the sewing machine, Starbucks gift certificate envelope, mulberry handmade paper, skeleton leaf, along with Making Memories and Jenni Bowlin doo-dads.

An article I wrote about Women's Retreat will be hidden behind this layout...

As a participant my church's Women’s Retreat: Measureless Love, I walked away in awe of all that God revealed to me over the short three-day getaway. I am still processing it and trying to wrap my mind around everything He taught me, however, like a blazing neon sign, one message was unmistakable: Remember.

Retreats are often “mountain top experiences” so even before it began I felt a nudging from the Holy Spirit to note carefully what would take place. He was telling me to take this weekend seriously so that I would not forget what He said to me when I went back to my day-to-day life. As my sister-in-law, Sarah, and I drove westward to Cannon Beach on Thursday, we listened to C.S. Lewis’ The Silver Chair on CD. In the second chapter, Aslan, the Great Lion, gave these instructions to Jill:

“…But, first, remember, remember, remember, the Signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the Signs. And secondly, I give you a warning. Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down in Narnia, the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the Signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances. Remember the Signs and believe the Signs. Nothing else matters…”

Yet even with the Holy Spirit’s preparation, I was still a little surprised to hear Beth Moore bring up a familiar topic: remembering the examples of God’s measureless love in our own life. When she said in her cute Texas drawl, “Do I believe in miracles? I AM ONE!” - my own past flooded back.

In 2005, at twenty-seven, my life was at a crossroads. I had gone through a period of healing and restoration, and was lovingly serving God. This in itself was a miracle. Yet just as I had finally found contentment in being single, He was preparing another miracle for the next chapter in my life. It was during this pivotal time that my mentor gave me my very first Beth Moore book, Believing God. As I read, the book’s theme took me on a heart-transforming adventure:

God is a BIG God.
God is who He says He is. (Ex 3:14)
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am. (Jer 29:11)
I can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
God’s Word is alive and active in me.

Wow! There is power in those words! These truths, found in scripture, left such an impression that I’ve never been the same. And just so I would never forget, God had my husband (yes, husband) design my wedding ring to be a visual reminder. In the center of the ring, the largest stone reminds me that God is a BIG God. He is who He says He is. On either side of the center diamond are smaller heart-shaped diamonds: a reminder that God is the One who brought our hearts together and He can do what He says He can do!

Now on the Oregon Coast in 2010, I was being reminded of those familiar truths. Had I forgotten the measureless power and love of God? No, not completely... yet, in my complacency I had allowed the daily things of this world to cloud my focus. In the words of Aslan, “the air had thickened” and I had not always seen the signs of His measureless love.

Mark Batterson sums this up perfectly in his book, Wild Goose Chase.
“Have you ever noticed how often people in the Old Testament built altars? It seems like they were building them all over the place, all the time. Why? Because we have a natural tendency to remember what we should forget, and forget what we should remember. Altars help us remember what God doesn’t want us to forget. They give us a sacred place to go back to. So why did we stop building altars? I honestly wonder if our lives seem more routine than they really are, simply because we don’t have any altars dotting the landscape. I wonder if many of us feel spiritually lost because we don’t have any milestones that help us find our way back to God. We need altars that renew our faith by reminding us of the faithfulness of God. And every once in a while, we need to go back to those sacred places to repent of our sin, renew our covenant with God, and celebrate what God has done.” – p. 48

Thank God, “We will never wake up on any single day of our lives that Jesus isn’t full of grace and truth!” (Beth Moore) I have no doubt of God’s grace, healing and truth. I have seen it over and over again in my life, and I need to be reminded of that. I need to remember.

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” I Samuel 7:12

At retreat, I was challenged to build an altar that would stand as a constant reminder to me of His measureless love and faithfulness. This photograph is my “Ebenezer.” I am going to have it framed and place it where I see it daily, to remember all my God has done.

Lucky To Have You

2010-05-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Not only do colors and textures motivate my scrapbook pages but most of all the pictures I work with move me to pull out textures, themes, and colors. Depending on the time available, I could be working on a layout for thirty minutes or several weeks and all the while, I am thinking and reflecting on the subject in the photograph. Lucky To Have You was a layout that took me several weeks to complete. It was a page that reminded me why I love to scrapbook – because I love my family and love to reflect and recollect those treasured moments with them.

(click to enlarge photos)

I adore the picture of Jen in this layout. It reminds me of how our mother often compared Jen’s personality to that of a wave or bubbling brook. She has a contagious smile, a twinkle in her eye, and she overflows with generosity and joy.

I don’t believe in Luck. I believe nothing happens by coincidence but that we all have a destiny…so, perhaps Lucky To Have You wasn’t the best title to pick out for this layout… but I know that nothing is left to luck – that God’s hand has been on my life all along. So, when I see Lucky To Have You – I really want to scream from the roof tops, “Thank you, God, for blessing me with two of the best sisters anyone could have!” They both have seen me through the joyful, as well as the tough times in life.

Jen has been my best friend since birth. Not too many people can say that about their best friend *smile*. She has prayed me through. Jen reminds me to look to God during turmoil when I am in need of refuge; God uses her to speak comfort and truth. Jen is an amazing mother and teacher. She has helped teach me to embrace life and see God in action in our everyday lives and in the daily way He demonstrates His love that are often overlooked. I am so grateful for her unconditional love and the way she makes me laugh.

I created a pocket to hold my tag journaling block. The papers are a combination of Pink Paislee, Little Yellow Bicycle, Basic Grey, and Bazzill Basics Cardstock.

Lucky To Have You sticker, grey border sticker, and folded 3-D paper flowers from K and Co. Also included are the new Jolee's Boutique Dimensional embellishment stickers, border tape by Pink Paislee, pink ribbon is an antique faire find, acrylic paint mixed w/water sprayed w/ Ranger's Mini Mister, and I made my own paper flower rose sitting on a silk flower blossom.

Lately, my layouts have been full of layers and fun borders. I added the white dots using Liquid Applique. The standard price tags (cut short) were from an office supply store.

Thanks for looking!

Another Storage Idea

2010-04-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

This topic has been a thread on the Craft Warehouse Forum... I like having clear storage for my stuff and the prettier the better. These Ikea glass jars are perfect for my $1 wooden stamps sets. They sit perfectly on floating shelves.

They look like mini candy jars so they can be stacked in a variety of ways. The rest of my jars get stacked in a larger clear glass cookie jar from Target.

These are perfect for holding decorative brads, mini brads, mini paper flowers, etc.

Favorites...

2010-04-28T21:41:00.000-07:00

U * Are Adored

Special Event

I loved using a hair clip asan embellishment.

I Miss Your Smile

Autumn

Perspective

I often hide my journaling in a pocket or attach an envelope on the back with a tab for easy pull out. On this layout, my jornaling is hidden on the distressed circle.

Reflections

2010-04-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

There are days when I look at my past projects and they remind me of how blessed I am to have the family I do. I made the card below for my sister Deborah. At the time, she was living overseas and I missed her so much. She had just picked up a bird to keep her company, to train and love. This was a little birdie card to say congrats.

I made a pocket to hold the tag with the scripture I had printed out onto cardstock from the computer.

On This Day... I wanted to remember Debs on the day we last saw each other. This picture was taken almost a year ago. She is such an inspiration and I love her dearly.

Simply Living For You... a reminder of how she lives every day for God.

I miss you, Sis and I hope we can see each other real soon!

The Craft Warehouse Design Team 2010!

2010-04-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

I was chosen to be on the 2010 Design Team! I am honored and thrilled to be among some amazing talent. Thanks to those who believed in me and pushed me to the water's edge to get my feet wet! You know who you are and it meant a lot!

Sisters

2010-04-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Pencil Lines Sketch 157 and most digital designs by Paislee Press Designs.

My Scrap Space

2010-04-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Our office is a place where my husband and I can be together yet, he can play his pc video games at his computer desk (not shown in photo) and I can scrap. I put 2 computer desks from Target together to make one large working space. I usually have another chair on the other side so if someone wants to come over and scrap they can. On the left side of the desks is a paper shelf my husband built. I like my vertical paper holders and the 12x12 paper holders sold at CW fit perfectly too.

My wood stamps are kept on this home decor shelf which can be found at Target or any local hardware store. I even think CW sells these at times. During Christmas, I take down my Spring and Summer stamps and put up the Winter stamps which are kept in a plastic shoe box in a closet the rest of the year.

I use the keyboard drawer in the desk as a place to stash my current project's papers and matching embellishments to come back to later.

CW sells glass decorative jars w/lids and I love to keep my paper/silk flowers in one, buttons in another, blank tags in another, and a stash of vintage buttons (still on the button cards) in another.

Again, this is the paper shelf my husband built me. 14x14 divided compartments are on the bottom. The shelf above was made to hold baskets for my supplies. I am a visual scrapper. I have tried storing my ribbon in so many ways. What works for me is by color, in a ziplock, in a basket. I keep my trendy special ribbon loose. I usually roll up the ribbon and tape it together to stay in place. I use a basket for my texture embossing folders.

Under the desk is where I hide fabric boxes. This box is where I store my clear stamps. The clear pink bags are cosmetic bags. I keep my smaller clear stamps (like the $1 stamps) in those. Another one of those pink bags holds my watercolor pencils, pens, and blending tools for stamping. My cling stamps are stored using the Unity Stamp 8.5x11 stamp holder.

I have one of these paper holders, purchased at CW on the floor of either side of my desk. I keep all of my white cardstock in a 14x14 clear zip-loc bag. I always need white and this way I can just pull the bag out quickly; plus the bag keeps the sheets clean.
I store my cardstock by color. I organize my pattern paper by brand and my mismatch patterned paper is by style (polka dots, stripes, black and white, and vintage ivories).

Also under my desk, easily accessible, is this wire cd holder. I look for organizers in home and bath departments, office supply stores, and even hardware stores. This was perfect for all of my stamp pads and containers of embossing powders and Stickles. Now, I can't buy anything else since nothing else will fit! ;)

I like my tier plate where I put some fun doo-dads to get me excited and inspire me in my space. I also like to keep my most recent idea magazine where I can see it on top of my desk.

My pen, stapler, and scissor holder for the quick and grab.

I display my most recent pages on the top shelf along with mini books and pictures. On the third shelf I keep a basket of my most recent pictures. I scrap the "now" so I need easy access of my most recent developed prints. On the bottom shelf is a 12x12 expandable paper organizer for my pattern paper (by brand). I also have plastic black magazine holders, one for my 8.5x11 cardstock, and two for past magazine inspiration. I also still use a 14x14 Cropper Hopper sticker binder from back in the days. I use that to hold my thicker alpha and embellishments. If I didn't have that, I would actually buy an American Crafts 12x12 album and use page protectors to hold those items.

2010-01-30T20:09:00.000-08:00

Together Live and Believe

Philippians 4:3

Supplies: PP - Making Memories and 7 Gypsies, October Afternoon. Doo-dads - Jenni Bowlin bingo card. Michael's Crafts believe. Making Memories XOXO, Ticket, letter stickers, and pin. Prima jewel swirl. Tools - Cuttlebug Emobossing Folder & sewing machine.

I love this picture of my sister Deborah and her husband Matthew. Such a sweet candid self-portrait.

He Loves Me, He Love Me Not...I Love You!

(Picture taken by Dave Evans)

This picture was taken while I was on vacation visiting Dave and Jen, the year Josh and I were courting. It holds so many memories of that time of my life. It was on that week long vacation, I knew for sure Josh was the one God had prepared me for.

The picture was taken on Cascade Head on the coast of Oregon.

Dream Come True

(click to enlarge)

Journaling: Out in the Jeep with Dad, Dec 2009

I love the new collage printing option at Costco. It worked perfectly for this layout!

I spray painted the Thicker Alpha Stickers brown.

A New Year and A New Blog

2010-01-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

If you have clicked over from Outside The Box, welcome! I have had a bit of time over the past few days to scrap with Jen. Whenever I go to my sister's house to "play" I come home inspired and excited. Some of my favorite pages get started over at her place. I usually, for lack of time, end up finishing them at home.

I love Jenni Bolen's papers and bingo cards with Making Memories' Valentine's Day embellies.

I love details... on this layout I created some splatters here and there of fluffed snow.

(click to enlarge)

Happiness...Home For Christmas 2009. My father-in-law took me out on a Jeep off-road experience. I love to find adventure in the simple pleasures of life. This afternoon spent with my Dad was a dream come true. I loved every minute of it!

This stamped wooden garden stake was given to me by Jen years ago - really! Years ago. I have had it sitting on my scrap desk, in my pencil holder, ever since. I've just been waiting to place it onto the perfect layout.

I hand stitched the swirl using a Bazzill chipboard as my guide.

The vintage glass buttons were also little treasures I had been holding onto.

Other fun techniques included:

Cuttlebug embossing folder on pattered paper as well as my chipboard title by Michael's Crafts (sweet $1 bargain). Spraying my Prima paper flower with multiple layers of Maya Road and Smooch paint sprays.

Adding a vintage silk leaf to the flower. Making Memories' Vintage line has the cutest plastic flowers which worked well along with clear beads. Recycled tissue from a Christmas present created the perfect border and so did some packaging for matting the photo.

Some news... I was so thrilled my card was chosen by Patter Cross to be featured in an article at Scrapbook.com. Please check it out!