Leftovers Layout

As soon as I saw the leftovers from this kit, I already started designing a scrapbook layout (in my head) to create with some of the pieces.  I had extra DSP squares and I had extra circles (already stitched together!) from the banner kit.  I added some extra punched pieces (made from scraps) that I will later use for stamping and/or journaling.  I've left this one simple, until I zoom in on which photos I'll put on it.

Here's my layout:

Design Talk:
I kind of worked backwards on this one.  I usually start with photos, plan my colors, work out my design and then let the creative process carry me along.  This time, I started with the pieces and worked without any photos in mind.

The reason:  
Sometimes, you 'see' a design in your head for a layout, much like a card design inspiration, and you just have to make it.

My plan:  
The bright colors will easily go with lots of photos... OR... I'll print my photos in black and white and they will totally go with the design.  Fun!

My advice:
When you 'see' a design for a layout in your head, go ahead and make it --- so you won't lose the idea.  You can always add to it and/or tweak it later.  You don't want to lose the idea.
OR ---
If you started that inspiration journal I keep advising you to do, you can sketch your design inspiration into your journal and keep your idea there until you're ready to sit down and create it.

With bright, bold colors and fun designs like these, I'll probably use this layout for something like kids playing in the park... or maybe a party theme.  I just know it will be fun.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Sweet Sorbet Layout

During Sale-A-Bration, one of the free products you can usually earn is DSP.  This year's papers are filled with soft,, beautiful colors of Spring, along with some stronger hints of color --- a perfect recipe for creative fun.  I used the softer colors to create today's layout,

My color story:
Sweet Sorbet DSP
Crisp Cantaloupe
Pistachio Pudding
Pool Party
Sahara Sand
Summer Starfruit

With the help of the butterfly punches and some simple stamping, I finished fairly quickly and was pleased with the results.  This layout will probably be for use with photos of my sweet Olive Jane or perhaps catching up on some older baby pictures.  The 2 sizes of butterflies are layered, to lend more dimension to the layout.

Here's my layout:

I love the little accent touches of the tiny pearls and the In Color (Boutique Details) buttons.  It's a simple layout, with some added elegance from the layering, random stamping and the embellishment accents.  Done!  We'll be making this layout, down the road, in one of my Scraps and Prayers classes.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blog world.  

Click here to learn about my Stampin' Tokens program.

Have a great day and go stamp something beautiful. 

Click here to learn more about upcoming classes.

Another Layout with Ribbons

Here's the layout we made at our Scraps and Prayers class for the October pages in our album.  I kept it simple, leaving room for the photos to be the star of the page.  When you have a large mat in the center, like in this layout, you have the option of using a very large photo or overlapping several smaller photos.

Once again, coordinating ribbons make it easy to complete your color story.  The images are from a recently retired Hostess stamp set. 

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

A Blue and Purple Layout

This was our layout for our September pages for my Scraps and Prayers class.  I decided to use a non-traditional layout rather than the usual back to school type themes, to be more versatile for everyone.  We needed a lot of flowers, so I chose a stamp set that has a coordinating punch.

It's so easy to plan a project when you have ribbons that coordinate with your color story.  These are now retired, but you can check the Clearance Rack for a lot of new items and great bargains.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Guessing Games and my Chalkboard Technique Layout

Have you put in your guesses yet?  So far, no one has guessed my favorite new stamp set but two people have guessed my favorite new color.  That's all I'm saying about that right now:)

Place your orders using the hostess code listed below (on or before July 1!!!) to be included in all the fun.  Is my favorite new color Smoky Slate or is it one of the new In Colors shown here?  Place your guess!  You may win a prize.

Don't you love the new buttons that go with our new In Colors?  The ruffled ribbons are stretchy!

Before I go, here's a layout I made just for fun, using the chalkboard technique.

These papers and many other items are now retired.  You can check the Clearance Rack to see what's still available and find some real bargains.  They just added a lot of new items. 

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

A Watermelon Layout

Watermelons make a good background for a summer layout.  My Scraps and Prayers group were up to the pages for July and August at our last class.  This is our layout for August.

I used the same template idea that I designed for our patriotic/July layout.  

The watermelon slices were created entirely with punches.  I had to call an old punch out of retirement to make the seeds for the watermelon slices.  It was one of our triple punches.  A scallop punch helps to create the 'bites' out of the slices.

This stamp set is retiring soon, so be sure to order it now if it's something that you'd like to have in your stamping closet.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

A Patriotic Layout

This is the layout we made at our last Scraps and Prayers class.  We are making a scrapbook for a year and this is our July layout.  The boots are a fun touch for the patriotic theme.

In one of my next posts, I'll share the August layout with you.  I designed and used the same template idea for both of the layouts.

I have lots of news to tell you, so you may want to print this out to save or carefully note the dates on your calendar.  I hope you'll find some events that will be just right for you!

SPECIAL NOTE:
Beginning June 1, all of my retiring Stampin' Up! goodies that I can bear to part with at this time will be available.  Here's how I am doing it:  Place an order from the new catalog and, for whatever amount you spend, (before tax and shipping) you will receive that amount in credit to use for the retiring items as well as any other merchandise from my garage sale.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

A Pinwheels Layout

This is our second layout we made at our Scraps and Prayers Class.  I used the same template as with the bottle caps layout here.

I've used a larger circle punch to create a scalloped edging.  I added a couple of strips of DSP with a ruffled ribbon over them, for layered interest.  The little pinwheel sizzlit makes a really cute pinwheel for embellishment.

Remember, when you're working on several layouts, or stuck on a design, try using the same layout as with another project and changing it up some to create a whole new look, like I did here.  It's really fun and does stimulate your creativity.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Layouts Using Brights Collection

Today, I thought I'd post some layouts I made using the Brights Collection.  These are especially great for birthday layouts.  They all have some of the 'Celebrations' DSP included in the design.  Besides using several of our birthday stamps, I made use of the Big Shot for trim pieces.  My favorite is the second layout, using the Bugs & Kisses stamp set.  Enjoy, and Happy Easter, everyone!