Hey Good Morning! It's time for a new Issue at Paper Issues. Today we have a fun one for you, a Chip off the Old Block,  sponsored by Paper Issues. If you play along, you have the chance to win a $20 gift certificate to the Paper Issues store.

Here are some ideas you can use: use chipboard, activities to keep kids from saying they're bored, being "on board" a ship, surf board, family traits (chip off the old block), use July, August or Chip Off the Old Block printables that will be in the store this morning.

If you are not familiar with Paper Issues, here are just a few places to look them up:

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For my page, I used one of the printable that Danielle created for this issue. I got so excited when I saw the large anchor. My sister and son went on a nautical adventure last summer and this gave me several ideas.  I grabbed the Fancy Pants Making Waves collection. I knew there was a deep navy and some anchors in there too. (By the way, anchors are something I didn't see my self being able to use. Glad I was able to change that.) I also grabbed a few die cuts from last years Fancy Pants Nautical Collection. The page name together quickly. I cut the title on the Silhouette and that was it.

Yes, these two had quite the adventure. They were treated to a day aboard the USS Spruance Naval Destroyer last summer during Navy Days. They toured the ship, learned it's history, and even ate with the sailors. That is something special to remember.

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. be sure to check out the other amazing design team  projects on the Paper Paper Issues Blog today for the Chip off the Old Block, Issue. Remember,m you can use ny discount code BEACHGAL to get 20% off your order in the Paper Issues Store 

Supplies: CS-Bazzill, PP, die cuts, flair, buttons, chipboard-Fancy Pants, cork-Crate Paper, Silhouette, mist-Tattered Angels, Printable-Paper Issues 

Life's a Beach

Good Saturday to you! I'm back for my 6th post this week! and I'm not done yet! Today I am sharing what I made using the July free cut file from Paper Issues. Her are this month's cuts.

I cut the "Beach Life' and added an 's' from one of the other cuts. Since all the 'a's were welded, I found a font close to this one and voila, "life's a beach'! I was playing around with photo filters when I took this photo a few years ago. Because it is washed out, I surrounded it with the bright saturated colors of the Fancy pants Making Waves collection, so it would stand out.  

This was the first time I had seen him reality relax and enjoy being at the beach. I think he was finally old enough to know its ok to chill out and enjoy the warn sand and cool surf. 

Design inspiration for this page comes from a great Let's Get Sketchy sketch, as well as Scrap Our Stash for their PHOTOS challenge this month. I used Polka dots, Heidi Swapp mist, orange, twine, October afternoon Flair and Silhouette.

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. I've still got more projects to share, so come back again soon. Like what you see here? Use my discount code BEACHGAL for 20% off your oder in the  Paper Issues shop

Supplies: PP-BoBunny, Fancy Pants, die cuts, buttons-Fancy Pants, twine-MME, flair-October Afternoon, Silhouette, 

Shine & Sparkle

Good day and thanks for coming back again. Today I have for you the third layouts I made as guest designer for Inside Out Visual Journaling, using the July Shine kit.

One of the things I’m learning is it’s ok to make fun of yourself, and to take a lighter approach to life. I wore a pink paper crown on my birthday. I wanted to look like I was feeling special. I was radiating happiness, both inside and out. When I began this page, I had a light hearted feeling in mind, and wanted to show that on the page 

I surrounded the photo with as many of the bright and happy pieces as I could. I used ones with sayings as puns, such as the Pineapple, to keep with the idea of making fun of myself and the day. I love that d the background paper looks like falling confetti. It also goes to the lightness of the page theme. I used the arrows to help guide the reader through the page. 

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. Be sure to check out the Inside Out Visual Journaling daily for more inspiration from their amazing design team.

Supplies: PP die cuts & enbellishments-Webter's Pages, Pink Paislee And Crate Paper, alphas-American Crafts, Webster's pages, mist-Heidi Swapp

July CREATE Magazine

Good morning. This week the new issue of CREATE magazine published by Scrapbook Generation was released.

I have 2 layouts published in this issue both based on the sketches provided. A single page and a 2 page layout.

The basis of the sketch were the circles. I used then as the foundation for my photos instead of a design element.  I love the modern vintage look of the Crate Paper Poolside collection to complement the photos of me as a child.

For this one, I used a single color matte across the 2 pages. I die cut the panels and used them as overlays. I used some of the negative cut pieces to create the sun. The Doodlebug Sunkissed collection caught my eye for these bright summer pool photos of my family. I love the fun and whimsy in this line.

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. Come back again tomorrow. I've got more to share

Supplies-Sun n Fun: CS-American Crafts, PP, ephemera, chipboard-Crate paper, title-American Crafts. mist-Heidi Swapp, electronic die cut-Silhouette

Supplies-Boyz n the Hood-CS-Bazzill, PP, stickers-Doodlebug Designs, brads-Echo Park, alphas-October Afternoon, American Crafts, mist-Dylusions

Oh Boy!

I'm 3 for 3 so far this week.  I'm back today sharing the latest challenge at Picture This.

blue&white +2 photos + frame + flowers

Well, when I was planning this in my head, the first 3 were not a problem. It was getting that flower in there that was throwing me. (Especially when I thought it was supposed to be a butterfly). Well, I grabbed my trusty Paper Issues June Swag Bag because I knew there were several blue&white pattern papers. in my stash I found a couple of stickers, including the title that were perfect to add some humor to the page. I used a wood frame, and a small paper flower.  The sequins and enamel dots are placed to give the page flow.

To most people, this would be considered mischief. To me, this is my son exploring. Truthfully, it was funny the first time. The second time, not so much. Here we thought we were clever by putting his dresser in the closet, hoping to avoid this exact situation. He quickly outsmarted us. 

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. There will be more to share tomorrow, so come back again.

Supplies: PP-Shimelle, Pink Paislee, October Afternoon, MME, stickers-BoBunny, Echo Park, die cuts-Crate paper, Shimelle, Pink Paislee, Frame & clip-Freckled Fawn, sequins-Studio Calico, Michaels, enamel dots -MME

Journey

Oh hello! Yes, It is a busy week. Today's project is featured in the newest Get It Scrapped article, Scrapbooking a challenging aspect of your life. I was surprised to have received this assignment, But, at the same time, I know  that it was given to me because I do this regularly. I don't gloss over the hard stuff. My scrapbooks aren't all happy-go-lucky. I treat our challenges as everyday occurrences. It is my normal. We don't shy away from activities because of these challenges, we we work around them, so our family can have wonderful experiences. I share my challenges in a way that is uplifting. I share the accomplishments, but also the struggles that occur to get there.  That is exactly what this photo represents.

This photo is the end result of all the planning it takes for our family to go on vacation. Specific flight times, Family friendly hotels, Wheelchair friendly activities. The extra effort makes it possible for these moments to happen.  We were all able enjoy the incredible beauty of the Grand Canyon.

I really wasn't sure if I wanted to use travel themed papers or something more generic where I could add embellishments to help with the story.  As I was looking through my supplies, I came across this travel line by Simple Stories. In particular, the 3x4 cards, especially ones with sentiments on them. The cards I chose all lean towards the challenging aspect of traveling,  and to how we feel when we travel. 

I decided on a simple design. The cards surrounding the photo help tell the story, as well as move the reader around the page. The large wood word 'Journey sealed the deal for me. I covered up the rest of the sentiment on that 3x4 card and used that instead. It not only becomes the title of the page, but a focal point grounding the photo.

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. My team mates created some wonderful projects for this article. Be sure to check them out as well.

Supplies: CS-Bazzill, PP, stickers, die cuts, brads-Simple Stories, wood piece-Heidi Swapp, Ink-VersaMagic, Pen & Adhesive-EK Success

Bottom's Up

Oh hello! Welcome to a busy week around here. That's ok, it means I had time to create! I'm starting off the week with the July Pinspire Me at Paper Issues.  

This is such a pretty board. It's vintage, bohemian, and earthy to me. 

I was inspired by the beverage pitcher on the table. Every summer, I make Sangria. I got the recipe about 20 years ago, from a friend of mine. It's the only recipe I make, and it is my most requested recipe to share.  This is the first glass I had this summer. I enjoyed my own happy hour outside on a hot afternoon.

To create this page, I used the new Simple Stories So Fancy papers and ephemera. I also wanted to use the new ColorCast Designs acrylic & wood pieces for the current Link party: Hey, Tech this Out!  Those additions help give the page some dimension. I also added tonal stitching along some of the pattern of the paper. The only thing I forgot to do? Add my little story I told above! I was excited to share my page.

I hope you will be excited by this Pinspire Me board as well. Please share it with us in our Paper Issues Friends and Fans Facebook Group. 

Thanks for taking a look at my creative view today. Come bak again tomorrow, I have something else to share!

Supplies: PP, ephemera- Simple Stories, enamel dots-MME, sequins-Studio Calico, Michaels, bling-Crate paper,  acrylic & wood pieces-ColorCast Designs, thread-DMC

Rise & Shine

Good morning. Today is my second reveal as guest designer at Inside Out Visual Journaling using the July SHINE kit. I took a lighter approach with this page

I’m not an exercise lover, but have learned to love my daily walks with my dog, even to look forward to them. The photo I chose isn’t really important. It’s what it represents. This page is about a change of heart. I feel really good after my walks. I feel alert. I feel awake. I feel energized, ready to shine and take on the day.

One of my favorite things I see while walking in the springtime is the sun coming up over the trees. I cut a sunburst out of the yellow paper to create the same feeling. It bumps against a pale grey paper, like the sun bursting through the grey clouds. The scatter of embellishments are also rising. The sequins shine like the sun, the butterfly and flowers are things I see on my walk.  A splatter  of ink ties the colors and embellishments together.

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. There is always something going on around here, so come back again soon.

Supplies: Inside out Visual journaling SHINE kit. CS-Bazzill, PP-Websers Pages, Pink Paislee, embellishments-Pink Paislee, Crate Paper, unknown, Sequins-Hazel & Ruby, Doodlebug Designs, Mist-Heidi Swapp, Marker-Faber Castell, Silhouette, Alphas-Aerican Crafts, Websters Pages

Bubbles & Giggles

Boom! Happy 4th of July, Independence Day and America's Birthday! I'm celebrating with family today, but that's not stopping me from sharing the latest sketch at Paper Issues for Sketchy Saturday. This month we created a sketch from a layout we came across on the Doodlebug Designs blog created by Stephanie Buice. For more information, you can check out her blog My Bits of Sunshine and her Instagram-@stephbuice.

Here is the sketch adapted from her layout

Here is what I made! I was so eager to break into the new Simple Stories Summer Vibes! oh, those colors. Its a bit vintage and so modern at he sam time! I kept the design as the foundation for my page, and use it as a matte for my photos. The photos are larger, so I split my title. I like the whimsy that the zig zag stitching brings to the page too!

You can always get a smile out of my son with a few bubbles. But bubbles are even better when you are sitting in a pool! I swear sometimes I can hear him giggling through these photos. I think the polka dot paper gives a feel of the bubbles blowing through the page too!

Thanks for stopping by today. I've got more stories to tell, and more pages to share, so come back again soon. 

You to can get some of this delicious Simple Stories Summer Vibes and so much more in the Paper Issues store. Please use my coupon code BEACHGAL for 20% off your order.

Supplies: PP, chipboard, brad, die cuts-Simple Stories , stitch template-Bazzill, thread-DMC, alpha-October Afternoon, pen-EK Success

Guest Designer

Hey there! I'm excited to share that I am Guest Designing this month at Inside Out Visual Journaling. I have admired this idea for a long time and have participated a few times.  I am honored to participate in this month's theme SHINE.

I like the idea of self reflective memory keeping. But, I, like most of us, have a hard time creating pages about myself on a more serious level. I feel that if I want to write seriously about myself, I may not want to share what I've written, and how I'm feeling. This was a great opportunity to test this out. So, here goes. My first of four pages created with this months SHINE kit.

I started by looking up the definition, synonyms and antonyms of Shine. The first word that stood out to me was darkness, an opposite. I figured here is my chance to get down on paper some honest thoughts about me. Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite songs. I love the lyrics and they particularly resonated with me. So I used the rainbow to help describe some wishes and wonders about my life if it were different. Is life different 'over the rainbow'?  It is ok to wonder and wish, but for me, that doesn't get me anywhere. As Dorothy realizes, her life is just fine as it is, so have I. 

I created a grey, rainy background using sketch pens in the Silhouette. I used the lemons, not as a sign of summer, but more towards the making lemonade sentiment. The pink papers are more as a backdrop for the rainbow. It seemed to stand out more against the bright colors. The simple sentiments were just right for how I was feeling as I worked on the page and are also a part of the story.

Thanks for taking a look at my creative view today. Come back again soon, there is always lots to share. Each Friday this month, I will be sharing another page created for Inside Out Visual Journaling.

Supplies: CS, Paper Accents, PP-Websters Pages, Pink Paislee, embellishments-Crate Paper, Pink Paislee, Alphas-Webster's Pages, pen-Sharpie, Silhouette.

First Mates

Hello there and happy July. Wow this year is flying by. Well, a new month means a new challenge at Picture This. the requirements for this challenge are:

1-2 photos + red, white, blue + stars

I know everyone immediately thinks American patriotic colors. I have just finished several patriotic colored pages and honestly don't have any more photos to scrap right now. But that just means I get to use these in a more creative way. 

I grabbed the October Afternoon Treasure Map for this page. I love the colors and the idea of this really being a great collection for boy pages. The theme of adventure shots the page well.  I sprinkled some red throughout the page, the blue and whit are obvious. I like using stars as a generic embellishment. 

It's the morning of the last day of school, the last day together before we move. These two know it and aren't sure how to act. Happy or sad. They met at age one and have been best buds ever since.

I'm also playing along with the current Paper Issues Seas the Day linky party, featuring and sponsored by October Afternoon. Thank you for stopping by on this July morning. Come back again, I've always something new to share.

If you are interested in October Afternoon Treasure Map or other scrappy goodies, check out the Paper Issues store. While you are there, use my coupon code BEACHGAL for 20% off your order.

Supplies: PP-October Afternoon, Basic Grey, Bella Blvd, wood pieces & mist-Studio Calico, stickers, flair, die cuts-October Afternoon, alpha-American Crafts