Vinyl Cutting Board

I have a fun new project to show you today! Ever since Mom and I went to the first All Things Silhouette Conference, we've been wanting to try cutting vinyl with our Silhouette Cameos. We've had our machines for 3 years but have only cut paper up to this point.

The cutting board is textured on the front, but smooth on the back. I mirrored my image and text and applied them to the back of the cutting board. I used Oracal 651 so the cutting board can be washed. I I gave it to my mother-in-law for Christmas. She loved it and is mostly going to use it as decoration in her kitchen!

Have you tried vinyl? I don't know why I waited so long!

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Christmas Pocket Letter

One of the Facebook groups I frequent had a little Pocket Letter swap. I used one of my favorite paper collections, Kringle and Co from American Crafts, to make these letters.

This is my favorite patterned paper from the collection!

I tucked embellishments, a note, and some tea behind the decorated inserts.

I used little words from an October Afternoon sticker sheet to make this pocket.

I'll be back soon to show you some non-Christmas themed gifts I made. I hope you and your family has a very Merry Christmas!!

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26 Books - November

1. A book you own but haven't read

2 - a book that was made into a movie

3 - a book you pick solely because of the cover

4 - a book your friend loves

5 - a book published this year

6 - a book by an author you've never read before

7 - a book by an author you love

8 - a book at the bottom of your "to be read" pile

9 - a book with a color in the title

10 - a book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit

11 - a book you started but never finished

12 - a book with a lion, a witch, or a wardrobe

13 - a book with a female heroine

14 - a book set in the summer

15 - a book of poems

16 - a book you learned about because of this challenge

17 - a book that will make you smarter

18 - a book with a blue cover

19 - a book you were supposed to read in school. But didn't.

20 - a book "Everyone" has read but you

21 - a book with a great first line

22 - a book with pictures

23 - a book from the library

24 - a book you loved... read it again!

25 - a book that is more than 10 years old

26 - a book based on a true story 

I'm getting close to my 26 book goal! It's been fun doing this challenge. I've done more reading than I have in years. Time is running out a little bit - hope I read the rest before the year is up, but we shall see. The holidays are so busy!

For book 20, a book "everyone" has read but you, I chose Yes Please by Amy Pohler. It was funny but I just couldn't get into it. It's a collection of short essays so it's something you can pick up and put down any time though.

I started Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It really doesn't fit into any of the categories... so I'm changing the criteria for book 19 to "a book that teaches you something". That works for me! This book is pretty neat - she discusses inspiration, finding your creative flow, how to be in the moment and recognize those moments of pure genius.

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Breathe Deeply yoga card

One of the girls from my yoga teacher training opened up her own studio! Obviously I had to make a card for her. First, I traced her logo in Silhouette Studio and cut it out in different colors for a layered look. Her studio logo is a pretty purple color and I matched it fairly well with this purple cardstock.

I found this "breathe deeply" cut file and knew it would be perfect! I printed it on Joe's laser printer in blank ink, then ran it through the Heidi Swapp Minc machine. SWOON. I must say, this is one of my most favorite projects ever!! 

Next time I will use smooth cardstock so I get a crisper foil application. I say the black ink showing through in spots just gives it texture! ;)

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All Things Silhouette conference

Mom and I went to the first All Things Silhouette conference in Peachtree City, Georgia recently. It was such a hit, they're already planning 2 more conferences next year! We bought our Cameos 3 years ago and have enjoyed using them so far... but were ready to take classes and expand our knowledge beyond paper. I'm ready to buy some vinyl now!!

I read about a scrapbook store called Impressive Ideas outside of Atlanta. We pulled up and walked in, only to find that their grand opening wasn't happening until Saturday. They were kind enough to let us shop anyway!! This store has a ton of stamps and mixed media. Fun place! Once we were done shopping, we headed to the hotel. This was a two night trip (not sure what all we brought! lol)

We registered and were given fun little canvas tote bags.

We attended classes on Saturday and Sunday. Our teachers included Melissa from Silhouette School, Lori Whitlock, Jeana Goodwin from Felicity Jane, and a former Silhouette America employee and scrapbooker named Cindy. We learned SO MANY tips and tricks. Our classes covered topics like designing in Silhouette Studio, what to do when your machine isn't cutting out your projects very well, adhesive vinyl 101, scrapbooking with your Silhouette, and tracing tips. There were also classes on glass etching, heat transfer vinyl, rhinestone application, planning parties, and making cards.

There was a vendor hall, a Silhouette America hospitality room (where we got to see the Curio and Mint machines in action), as well as meals and snacks throughout both days.

We made our own photo booth props for the photo booth contest (we didn't win, but still had fun). Mom thought of the Flinstones and I quickly traced some cartoon images of Wilma and Betty.

I cut them out of cardstock and we fastened them to skewers so we could hold the pieces up. 

Our photo booth entry:

Do you use your Silhouette for vinyl or paper? Most people at the conference seemed to use one kind or the other - not both!

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String Art

I've had string art on my To Do list ever since I saw it on Pinterest... but have never got around to it. I had grand plans of making a pattern on my Silhouette Cameo and then nailing the pattern onto a piece of wood but let's get real - that hasn't happened! (Although i do think Joe would do that for me). I saw a little kit at Joann's for 30% off and knew immediately that the kit was mine!

I didn't want to use the white thread that came with the kit, so I picked a pretty turquoise color of DMC floss. I love how it turned out!

Have you ever made string art?

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Journey

I picked up 2 new washi tapes at Hobby Lobby and was inspired to make this layout. I love how it turned out!! I finished my yoga teacher training in August. The journaling here is about our graduation ceremony and how much I love these people!

The new washi tapes are the feather one and the geometric one (bottom tape). Gold accents and my favorite color palette - they were made for me! The rest of the washi tapes were from my stash. I ended up reapplying the top 2 or 3 strips because they needed to go further across the page when I was making the layout.

I found just a few embellishments for this page.

The feathers are my favorite! Look at those gold flecks *swoon*.

This is part of a Dear Lizzy gold doily vellum sheet - one of my all time favorite papers!

Have you ever made a background using washi tape? I'd love to see it!

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26 Books - October

I read quite a bit in October. I love reading on my lunch break at work. It's a much better use of my time than wasting time on my phone and it actually gives me a sense of escaping for a few minutes.

1. A book you own but haven't read

2 - a book that was made into a movie

3 - a book you pick solely because of the cover

4 - a book your friend loves

5 - a book published this year

6 - a book by an author you've never read before

7 - a book by an author you love

8 - a book at the bottom of your "to be read" pile

9 - a book with a color in the title

10 - a book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit

11 - a book you started but never finished

12 - a book with a lion, a witch, or a wardrobe

13 - a book with a female heroine

14 - a book set in the summer

15 - a book of poems

16 - a book you learned about because of this challenge

17 - a book that will make you smarter

18 - a book with a blue cover

19 - a book you were supposed to read in school. But didn't.

20 - a book "Everyone" has read but you

21 - a book with a great first line

22 - a book with pictures

23 - a book from the library

24 - a book you loved... read it again!

25 - a book that is more than 10 years old

26 - a book based on a true story 

First, I read A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler. I'm using it for #9, a book with a color in the title. The books kind of rambles quite a bit but I liked it. I'll be looking at other books by this author for sure.

Next up was The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. I'm using it for #11 because I started reading it  while on a trip last year but didn't get very far before I got sidetracked. I enjoyed another book by this author back in June. This story also shocked me at the end! 

The third book was The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler. I'm using it for #22 because there are a few drawings in the book (of tarot cards). It's sort of a mysterious book like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It's about a family with roots in the circus industry. So good! I seem to be really into magic books this year!

When do you make time for reading?

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July Project Life

At long last, here are July's Project Life pages! Ya know that feeling when you just aren't in the mood to craft anything? But then once you start, so much comes out?! That's what's been happening at my house in the last week or two!

Full spread: I used a lot of the Plus One Project Life kit and a couple from High Five.

Left side: walking at Rooster Front Park, my nails, a rainbow at work, my new credenza in my craft room (seriously I should do a whole post on this credenza, I love it so much!), and I visited with a sick friend in the hospital.

Right side: Fun Fest, my first yoga class at a friend's house, new landscaping, and the world's largest pineapple display (random find at our local grocery store).

This third page page is on the left and the 12x12 of Joe is on the right in my album. This page is about a camping trip to Pigeon Forge, flowers, and how Joe writes notes to me on my coffee cups when we're traveling.

Have a great weekend!

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Share Handmade Kindness Challenge 1

Last week, I received a sweet note in the mail from a friend... Instead of sending her a message back on Facebook to thank her, I thought about sending a card instead. Then I read Jennifer McGuire's blog post about her November "Share Handmade Kindess" challenge and I knew I should make that card!

I got out my fall scrapbook supplies and saw this little owl on a piece of Bella Blvd paper from last year I immediately thought it would match Basic Grey's Persimmon collection (my favorite fall collection ever!). It did!

Have you considered joining the Share Handmade Kindness challenge? You can find out more information here. You can share your creations on social media using #sharehandmadekindness or link up week one here.

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Let's GO!

I wanted to do a 12x12 layout to document how Joe is always wanting to have an adventure. I dug out some Amy Tan papers and went to work! I did this layout in 2 chunks of time - I picked out the papers and went through the Ali Edwards "Go" Story Kit to pick out embellishments one day. I had to set them aside and come back another day to actually make the layout.

I used some pretty Thickers and the "go" is from an Ali Edwards Story Kit.

I thought this little mini flair worked since the page is about a summer event. I'm a bit too literal when it comes to embellishments... I'm trying to branch out. This flair is from one of my favorite Etsy shops, Feed Your Craft. I think the fireflies were a limited edition but no worries - everything Elise has is super cute! You'll find something you need. ;)

I used a 4x6 journaling card and a couple of chipboard embellishments from the Ali Edwards "GO" Story Kit as well. This page will be put in my 2015 album beside of a pocket page for July. I'm still loving that look!

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26 Books - September

1. A book you own but haven't read

2 - a book that was made into a movie

3 - a book you pick solely because of the cover

4 - a book your friend loves

5 - a book published this year

6 - a book by an author you've never read before

7 - a book by an author you love

8 - a book at the bottom of your "to be read" pile

9 - a book with a color in the title

10 - a book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit

11 - a book you started but never finished

12 - a book with a lion, a witch, or a wardrobe

13 - a book with a female heroine

14 - a book set in the summer

15 - a book of poems

16 - a book you learned about because of this challenge

17 - a book that will make you smarter

18 - a book with a blue cover

19 - a book you were supposed to read in school. But didn't.

20 - a book "Everyone" has read but you

21 - a book with a great first line

22 - a book with pictures

23 - a book from the library

24 - a book you loved... read it again!

25 - a book that is more than 10 years old

26 - a book based on a true story

I read Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani this month. The book isn't *technially* set in India, but the characters are from India and often reference memories from their childhood... so I'm counting it for #10, a book set somehwere you've always wanted to visit. I liked the book a lot, but it deals with heavy subjects (family secrets, abuse, death). I've always wanted to visit India... especially now that I'm into yoga. Hope to visit one day.

Do you have any books picked out to read this fall?

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Fall Camping

Have I mentioned that I love fall? It's my favorite season.

We took a little camping trip this past weekend. We went to Roan Mountain and it definitely felt like fall!! It was a bit rainy (mostly mist), the temperatures are cooler, and the leaves were gorgeous!

We went over to Boone on Saturday morning and saw signs for an Octoberfest at Sugar Mountain. We (obviously) had to buy matching hats to be festive.

Joe made me take a ride on the ski left (the heights freak me out!!) but it was worth it. This photo is one of my favorite photos I've ever taken... It got foggier and foggier as we went up the mountain. We were freezing on the ride down and could hardly see more than the chair in front of us!

We're nowhere near peak season down here, but it was (nearly?) peak at the top of the mountain. Check out this photo - no filter needed!!

And another selfie!!

 How are the leaves in your neck of the woods?

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Fall

I'm currently:

• trying green smoothies for the first time. Yup, spinach. Maybe kale. I got a NutriBullet at Walmart. I'm going to try the 30 day smoothie challenge over Simple Green Smoothies. It's free, so you should totally do it with me.   Got any recipes you want to share?

• figuring out my approach to decluttering... have you read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up? I want to KonMari my entire house. Joe can't wait, haha. I'll start with clothes. I want to GET REAL about what I'm wearing, what I don't like, and clean out that closet. I've pared down purses over the years but still have work to do there. I'm pretty sure there are 2-3 I kept that I haven't carried since the last purge. 

• using my Get to Work book to you know, plan my week. It's amazing how writing out my work schedule, appointments, current projects, and reminders helps keep me on track. I make notes when I have something coming up (like a coworkers birthday) and I need to bring something (cheese tray). Magic.

• awaiting the arrival of a passport sized Traveler's Notebook (got it on Etsy) to keep up with all the little lists and notebooks I have going on. I've recently fell in love with small moleskin size books and hope they will work in this TN. I have a little notebook for smoothie recipes, essential oils/combos that I'm trying, and plans for a couple more.

• ready to get caught up on Project Life. I've been a month or two behind all year, which is fine... but I have a couple of other projects I want to do and being caught up on PL will allow me to focus on other things. I've printed July's pictures. It always makes it easier for me when I have the pictures printed.

• listening to daily drone updates/lessons from Joe. He got a drone for his birthday and is having fun learning to fly it. It is pretty neat to see the pictures over our house and of the sunrise.

• watching for signs of fall. The temperatures are starting to get a bit cooler. A few leaves have started turning yellow, but no real reds yet. I think it's going to be a few more weeks.

How is fall looking for you right now?

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Myrtle Beach Project Life

We recently took our first camping trip to a beach. We had a great time! I thought Heidi Swapp's project Life kit was perfect for the beach so I used it for the whole layout. 

Full spread:

Left side: our drive to the beach, the first view we had of the ocean, my fun new tablecloth, and our camper.

Right side: me with a century plant, Joe doing the laundry, obligatory beach selfie, and the sign my mom made us.

The front of the insert has some journaling and pictures from our days at the beach.

The back of the insert has some food pictures and journaling.

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June Project Life

I did a 2-page spread for the month of June and created a second spread for our Myrtle Beach trip (I'll share it next week). I mixed and matched past Studio Calico kits with cards from my stash. Surprisingly, the 5th & Frolic core kit matched pretty well with some of my newer items.

Full spread:

Left side: Father's Day, a natural cosmetics workshop, Sally, Jurassic World, and doughnuts!

I love these chipboard circles from a past Studio Calico club.

I used these big alphas throughout the spread.

Right side: my karma yoga projects, books I read this month, the deer that kept visiting our backyard.

Found this chipboard circle in an Ali Edwards Story kit.

Here I used the same alphas in a different color.

I'm slowly but surely catching up with my Project Life. Very glad I decided to do monthly this year... and I'm hoping to include a 12x12 layout next month.

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