A Banner Layout || Clique Kits

Hey, everyone!  I hope you are having a nice and relaxing Sunday!

I wanted to quickly share a layout that I had up on the Clique Kits blog last Friday.  The February kit, Hot Mess, was just recently revealed and it is full of the awesome Shine collection created by Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper.  Another cool aspect of the kit this month is that we have some exclusive cut files designed by Nicole Nowosad of JustNick:

I really liked the little heart banner cut file and decided that I wanted to use that fie on my first layout.  I enlarged the file and tweaked the heart a bit so it was big enough for a picture to fit inside.  Then I made a banner design across the page, filling in with bits of paper and ephemera:

I actually kind of like it!  :)

Cardstock: Bazzill; Mist: Heidi Swapp; Cut Files: JustNick; Everything Else: Crate Paper

Scraplift Saturday || 1.23

Good morning, all!  Happy weekend!!  I am popping in with another installation of Scraplift Saturday.  I always pick one of my older layouts and try to update it a bit.  

For this week, I decided to scraplift this layout:

Here is my updated version, using the long-hoarded "I Am" collection from Simple Stories:

Do you scraplift yourself?  I'd love to see....leave a link in the comments!!

Cardstock: Bazzill; Mist: Heidi Swapp; Twine: My Mind's Eye; Sequins: SpiegelMom Scraps; Staples: Tim Holtz; Patterned Paper, Stickers, Die Cute: Simple Stories

Clique Kits' January Pep Rally

Hi, everyone!!  Welcome to the first Clique Kits' pep rally of 2016!  The Alegria kit has been an amazing way to start off the new year, don't you think?

For my layout, I went with a simple style that I really enjoy.  I use this vertical design a lot and modify it slightly to fit the photo and products I'm working with.  I think the vertical layout is a god way to highlight a photo and really make it the main focus of the layout:

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Here is the full line up for the hop:

Clique Kits 

Melissa Vining
Candace 

Kat Benjamin (you are here!)

Leigh Ann 

Aliza 

Elisabetta 

Donna 

Emma Pescott 

Sandy Gonzalez

Kim Allen 

Mariah Hechler 

Renee Aslette

Kate Blue

Megan Blethen 

Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper, Die Cuts, Stickers, Labels: Fancy Pants Designs; Cut Apart Labels: Charlie Fox Paper Co; Sequins: Pinkfresh Studio

PL 2016 || Title Page

So...last year I did not do so great with the Project Life.  I made it almost half-way through the year...then we moved and I over-committed myself with other scrappy projects...and more poor album was neglected.  I hope I can go back and finish it at some point, especially since I finished my 2013 and 2014 albums and they are some of my favorite projects!

This year I have decided to re-tackle the project with a much simpler approach...but more on that in a later post.

Today I just want to share my 2016 title page.  I made it with a variety of Pretty Little Studio and SpiegelMom Scraps products.  Even though I decided not to continue with the SMS team this year, that doesn't mean that Jody's shop doesn't rock - you'll still be seeing her products in most of my work!!

So, here is my page:

You may think that Holiday Love paper from PLS is a bit over-used by me.  You're probably right.  But one of the perks to being on the design team is that I can get as many copies of it as I want...so I did!  I think it's so versatile and fun...and not at all holiday-y.

I used my Fuse Tool to trap in my numbers and my sequins from SMS.

I kept the page simple...and I like it.  Hopefully, it's setting me up for simple success for the rest of the year!

Are you doing Project Life this year?  What is your approach for it?  I'd love to hear!

Page Protector: Becky Higgins (Design F); Wood Veneers: Studio Calico;  Staples: Tim Holtz; Mist: Heidi Swapp; Sequins: SpiegelMom Scraps; Everything Else: Pretty Little Studio

Another Alegria Layout || Clique Kits

Good morning, everyone!  I was able to find some time this past weekend to play with the Clique Kits Alegria kit again.  I really, REALLY love this kit.  The Happy Place collection from Fancy Pants is my jam ;o)

Since I love all the papers so much, I wanted to try to find a way to showcase as many of them as possible:

And that multi-colored plus-sign paper?  My FAVORITE!!  I really had to fight the urge to hoard it.  I wish I had a million pieces of it!

On a related note, make sure you join in the Clique Kits' challenge this month - you can create anything for it!  So easy!

Happy Hump Day!!

Supplies: Patterned Paper, Die Cuts,Stickers: Fancy Pants Designs; Journaling Card: Clique Kits (designed by Charlie Fox Paper Co); Twine: American Crafts

Pretty Little Studio || Vellum Tape

Good morning, everyone!  Welcome back to the work week!  Hope you're weekend was a good one and that you were able to get a lot of creative time in!

I wanted to share a layout that I had up on the Pretty Little Studio blog last week.  My assignment was to highlight their vellum tape - and I pretty much used a whole package in my layout:

I layered the vellum tape from the Let's Go collection with die cut arrows and note flags - I really love the end result!

Thanks for stopping in!

Supplies: Cardsotck: Bazzill, Mist: Heidi Swapp; Enamel Dots: My Mind's Eye; Everything Else: Pretty Little Studio

Scraplift Saturdays - Making a Comeback

About 2 years ago I used to do a series on my blog called "Scraplift Saturdays" where I would take one of my favorite personal layouts from the past year or so and try to put a new spin on it.  I figured it was time to try to bring it back.  

Today I chose to scraplift a layout I actually didn't like very much to see if I could make it better.

Here's the layout:

For the scraplift, I rotated the design, moved it off-center and made the squares smaller...and I actually really like the new layout:

That B-Side Collection from Basic Grey is one of my favorites!  I've been eyeing it for awhile and I got it for Christmas - and I LOVE it!!!

Happy weekend!

Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper, Alphas, Stickers: Basic Grey; Wooden Word, Mist: Heidi Swapp; Staples: Tim Holtz

Bella Blvd || Seriously Cute Kid

Hello, all!!  I wanted to pop in and quickly share a layout that I  had up on the Bella Blvd blog yesterday.  I used the fun Illustrated Faith collection, Whatever is Lovely.  The background paper is usually just black and white striped, but I used my gelatos to colors it in sporadically.  I also stitched down sown of the new Tiny Text alphas to create a sort of border along the background paper.

Isn't that kid seriously cute?!?!  Do you see his face in that first photo?  ADORABLE!!

Cardstock: Bazzill; Doily: SpiegelMom Scraps; Everything else: Bella Blvd

Clique Kits' Alegria

Good morning, everyone...well, sort of...it's back to reality for me today after a nice long break.  I'm not sad to be going back to work, just a little weary after having so much time off relaxing and enjoying my family.  I guess we'll all fall back into a normal routine soon.  :o)

I wanted to pop in and share one of my first layouts of the year with you.  I made this one with January's kit from Clique Kits.  The kit is called Alegria - and it's just that - happy.  I adore it.  It's chock full of the Fancy Pants' collection, Happy Place, and it's so bright and colorful.  Honestly, these kits keep getting better and better.  I feel so blessed to be on this team and experience all the scrappy goodness :o)

I kept this layout simple.  That background paper is so much fun and I used my gelatos to highlight a few key phrases.  I really love the effect.

Thanks for stopping in!!  Enjoy your Monday (if possible!).

Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper, Diecuts, Stickers, Labels: Fancy Pants Designs; Twine: American Crafts; Staples: Tim Holtz; Sequins: Pinkfresh Studio; Mist: Heidi Swapp

Bella Blvd New Releases!

Hi, everyone!  Happy, happy New Year!  With the new year, it means that CHA is just around the corner - which means tons of awesome new releases from all our favorite scrap companies!  This season, Bella Blvd is doing their biggest release yet and there are a ton of amazing collections and products coming.  Here's a look (follow the links to see full reveals on the Bella website):

Let's Go Collection

Cute Baby Boy and Sweet Baby Girl Collections

Illustrated Faith - She Blooms Collection (my personal fave)

Chip Scripts and Cute Clips

A ton of new Illustrated Faith essentials

The Zoo Crew collection

And they're not done yet!  Keep checking the Bella blog for more exciting releases!!

Top 10 in 2015

One of my favorite things to do at the end of every year is to look back on my work from the past year and pick some of my favorites.  It helps me discover what my style is, how its changed and what things I want to improve on in the new year.  This year I made a whopping 130 layouts!  I was lucky enough to serve n some amazing design teams.  2015 was definitely good to me, creatively, and I hope to continue my creative journey in 2016.  In order of when they were created, here are my 10 favorite layouts from the year:

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As you can see, I've got a lot of Bella Blvd layouts in here - and I haven't quite gotten over my proclivity for a clean white background :)  If you're interested in any of the products used in these layouts, just click on the source link under each photo and it will take you to the original post with the supply list.

Happy New Year everyone - hope it's a safe and happy time for you and your families!!

Jot Magazine, Issue 12

Hey, everyone!  I hope you had a safe and joyous Christmas!  We just hung around and did nothing - it was AWESOME :o)

I am stopping in this morning to share a layout that I had in the most recent issue of Jot Magazine.  It seems like I'm using all my Jot submissions to get my wedding album finished!  It's about time, I suppose!

I used a ton of Bella Blvd products on this layout.  The pinks and oranges in their lines coordinate perfectly with the pink and orange color scheme of our wedding.  I also used some pretty ampersand paper from Studio Calico's older line, Print Shop.  I love that pattern!

Thanks for popping in today - happy weekend!  

Layout: Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Studio Calico, Bella Blvd; Everything Else: Bella Blvd

Merry Christmas Eve

Good morning, everyone!  Merry Christmas Eve!!  I hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season!

I wanted to pop in and quickly share a few Christmas projects.

The first is some gift-wrapping that I did using some Bella Blvd products.  The Bella team did a Secret Santa gift exchange this year, so these were the gifts that I gave.  I had too much fun wrapping these:

The second is a layout I have up on the Pretty Little Studio blog this morning.  I love the fun colors of the Merry & Bright collection and I love this adorable photo of Moose Dog in front of our tree.  A perfect combination!

Thanks again for stopping by - Merry Christmas!!

Gifts: Base Paper: Target; Tags: SpiegelMom Scraps; Staples: Tim Holtz; Everything Else: Bella Blvd (Twine unknown)

Layout: Cardstock: Bazzill; Mist: Heidi Swapp Staples: Tim Holtz; Doily: SpiegelMom Scraps; Everything Else: Pretty Little Studio

Bring on the Sparkle Blog Hop

Good morning, everyone!  I've had lots of blog hops on here recently - and today I have another one for you.  This one is for SpiegelMom Scraps.  I had so much fun creating this fun little layout of my niece in the snow a few Winters ago:

Seriously, isn't she a cute kid?  :o)

For this layout, I broke out a lot of my favorite SpiegelMom Scraps supplies.  For me, it wouldn't be an SMS layout without at least one doily!  I also added in the cork chevrons and hearts, the black and white skinny chevron washi and some of the gorgeous Blizzard Mix Sequins.

Hop along for more more inspiration and your chance to win a fun prize!!

Here is the whole line-up:

Jody

Charity Feit

Amy Lee

Kat Benjamin (You are here!)

Sarah McClellan

Louise Forsyth

Thanks for stopping in!

Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee; Title, Mist: Heidi Swapp; Doily, Cork Embellishments, Washi Tape, Sequins: SpiegelMom Scraps

Clique Kits' December Pep Rally

Hi, everyone!  Welcome to the Clique Kits December Pep Rally!  I am so glad I was able to find time to participate this month.  I almost didn't make it - I've been sick and busy lately - not a good combo!  But I love this kit SO MUCH that I made it work (cue your best Tim Gunn voice).

The bright colors and fun embellishments of this month's kit, Girl Cave, are so much fun!  I decided to re-scrap some photos that I scrapped earlier in the year...honestly, the pictures were just too perfect for this kit and I couldn't resist:

I know I do that big heart thing a lot now, but it is my favorite way to use a really busy patterned paper that I love but am some what intimidated by :o)

Here is the whole blog order:

Clique Kits 
Maryam 
Carolina 
LeeAnn
Kim 
Justyna
Donna 
​Evie 
Sandy 
​Melissa
​Candace 
Kat  < -- You are here!
Kim 
​Hannah  

Thanks so much for stopping in!  Enjoy the hop!

Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee; Flair, Journaling Card: Clique Kits; Doilies: SpiegelMom Scraps; Alphas: Bella Blvd; Mist: Heidi Swapp; Wood Veneer: My Mind's Eye; Black Glasses: Maya Road; Stamp: Dear Lizzy

A Quick Layout || Pretty Little Studio

Good morning, everyone!!  Can you believe it's only 10 days to Christmas?!  WHAT?!?!  I still have way too much to do to get ready :)

I had a layout up on the Pretty Little Studio Blog last week.  I could make anything I wanted and since I'm totally in love with the Merry and Bright Collection at the moment, I decided to go that route and make another Christmas-y layout.

This layout did not take me long to make at all - maybe 20 minutes.  I always love when a project comes together quickly!

Thanks for popping in!

Background Paper: My Minds Eye; Everything Else: Pretty Little Studio

Gingerbread Houses || Bella Blvd

Good morning, everyone!  I hope your weekend has gone well.  I have unfortunately, been sick all weekend long, but I think I'm on the mend now (fingers crossed!).

I wanted to pop in and share a layout that I made for Bella Blvd.  We were told we could make anything we wanted...which is always so fun, but also a little overwhelming :)

I decided to make a Christmas layout and combined the Christmas Cheer collection with the Family Frenzy collection.  I fussy cut a bunch of words from the Christmas Cheer collection - it was really fun to do - kind of cathartic!

Thanks for popping in!

Cardstock: Bazzill; Mist: Heidi Swapp;; Everything Else: Bella Blvd

Clique Kits + Tombow Blog Hop!

Hi and Welcome to the Holiday Blog Hop with Tombow USA and Clique Kits! We have a great lineup of Holiday projects created with Tombow USA Adhesives and the Clique Cards Holiday Edition Kit! In addition to all this amazing inspiration we have two amazing super prizes!

I used the Clique Cards Holiday Edition kit and a lot of fun Tombow products to create this layout, including the Tombow Xtreme Permanent Adhesive to hold down my paper, the Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue to hold down my wood veneers and the Tombow Adhesive Dots to hold down my punched circles:

We have two awesome prizes for this hop!

The first prize is a Tombow USA Adhesive package: Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue, Tombow Foam Tape, Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue, Tombow Stamp Runner Dot Pattern Adhesive, Tombow Adhesive Dots,and Tombow Xtreme Permanent Adhesive.

The second is a Clique Cards Holiday Edition Kit!

Use the Rafflecopter to win one of these prizes! Giveaway ends December 20^th, 2015. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is the whole line-up:

Tombow USA

Jennie García

Marica Dehn-Nix

Beth Watson

Sandra Spitalery

Daniella Hayes

Kat Benjamin (ME!!)

Jennifer Priest

Sandra González

Amanda O'Banion

Latrice Murphy

Clique Kits

Enjoy the hop!!

Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: PhotoPlay; Wood Veneers: Cocoa Vanilla Studio; Mist: Heidi Swapp; Ribbon: May Arts; Alphas: Bella Blvd; Woodgrain Tab: Pretty Little Studio