Hey, what day is it? Oh right! It's Wednesday, or what we call at Paper Issues, Keep It Sketchy day!  Here is the first sketch of the month. It's a fun one and I'm sharing it on the Paper Issues blog today.

I took one look at this sketch and thought ,a cut file would be fun for this. It wasn't hard to find either. Have you seen the new Stacked Hexagons cut file?  It's such a great match for this sketch! 

Then the fun part. Paper. I had on my desk the new Bella Blvd To the Moon collection. On the fence about this one?Don't be. The best part of Bella Blvd is everything is primary colors and every paper has two sides. So you can do what I did which is use the non theme sides of the papers. The yellow paper is called Shoot for the Moon and has moons on the other side. I bought it for the yellow side! I'm telling you, don't let a theme stop you! There are plenty of stickers to use on the Doohickey Sticker sheet.  I mean, we all know stars are for every occasion! So are arrows and hearts!  So if you want awesome embellishments that go with everything, you will also need the Trinkets in all the colors. 

That's all I used to complete my page! Its a fun and easy sketch and even more fun when you have great paper to play with!

You can find all of the June Challenges in our Facebook Group. You have all month to join the fun and play along. your entries give you a chance to win a gift card to the Paper Issues shop! Speaking of shopping, use DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your next purchase! Thanks for stopping by today. See you next time!

Marvel-Us

Hello! I'm on the Paper Issues blog today. I have a project for the Stars and Stripes challenge. I figured since the 4th of July has already past, I wouldn’t do a patriotic page. But I wound up doing one anyway. Kind of...

My sister and I went to Disneyland last weekend. We took photos everywhere. Oh man, how I love Marvel movies. A photo in front of Captain America’s shield? Yes please. And so the red, white and blue page came to be.

I started with the Stitching Starburst cut file and Bella Blvd Fireworks and Freedom collection. Stars? Check. Stripes? Check. On to embellishing. I layered stickers and sequins around the stars and the photo. Oh it really is as simple as that! 

Thanks for taking a look at my creative view today. You know the month isn’t over yet! You still have until Aug 4 to get your challenge entries added to the July challenge album in our Facebook group. New items are added to the Paper Issues shop as we speak! Use DEVRA at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase! See you next time! 

Rock Star Parking

Well hello there! Its Scraplift Sunday at Paper Issues. Today we are lifting this lovely layout by Rachel Lowe

Oh I knew exactly what I was going do do when I saw this! I'd been staring at the Rock Star part of the Freestyle Skate cut file and now I had my chance to use it. I combined it with some Bella Blvd Alex from my stash and all the mobility related embellishments I could find. I finished it off with that cool silver thread that goes with the Stitch Happy sewing machine. 

 I choose  to look alternatively. We call this Rock Star Parking. And we say thank you to our son for being our Rock Star.

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Come back soon, I've always got something to share. Join the challenge and all the fun in the Paper Issues Facebook group. 

Supplies: CS, Thickers-AMerican Crafts, PP, die cuts, stickers-Bella Blvd, enamel pieces-Simple, Stories, Bella Blvd, mist-Heidi Swapp, WRMK Stitch Happy.

School's Out for Summer

I'm back! Did you miss me? I'm playing along with the Add It Up challenge today at Paper Issues. This is a great new challenge to help use up some of that stash!  

This month the challenge is to use at least 40 points in stickers. Challenge accepted. Challenge crushed. I have to say, being a part of this team inspires me. I think outside my box. Today I used the new Starburst background cut file , filling it with some Bella stickers from my stash. I so love that that colors are consistent collection to collection. The rest is a mash up of Bella Blvd products including Make Your Mark and Oh My Stars. I scored way more than 40 points, but did not continue counting after 100

This year we were all counting down the days until school ended. It seemed summer would never some. You know they are happy to be home when they LET you pose them for a photo!

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today! Come back again, I still have more to share. Join our challenges in our Facebook group for a chance to win monthly prizes. And always remember, when you shop, use my code DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase!

Beach Boys

Hello there! Yep, back again with a TGIF edition. well, more like a FFF edition. That would be Free File Friday at Paper Issues . 

Today is all about stars. Here are just a few star cut files you can find in the shop! 

Today I used the Starburst Bubbles cut file as a stencil. I sprayed 2 colors of mist over it. So, so easy! Layers are the key to adding pattern and interest so there are several Bella Blvd papers and die cuts. I love these colors. There is something about navy, turquoise, green and orange that appeals to me. It looked a bit plain and I didn't want to matte the white onto patterned paper. Enter my mew favorite toy, the Stitch Happy Sewing machine! I bought some yellow ombre thread and that's all it took to finish this off!

Going to the beach with these guys isn't alway easy, but this day we had a great time! One loved the water and the other loved the sand. Cant really beat that. 

Thanks again for popping by my creative view this week. Come back again soon! I have so much planned! If you have an electronic die cut machine, head over to he shop to see what we have. While you are there, pick up some things for yourself! use code DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase!

Supplies: CS & Alpha-American Crafts, PP, die cuts, enamel pieces, chipboard-Bella Blvd, mist-delusions, cut file -Paper Issues, Silhouette, Sewing machine-WRMK

Dr. J

Helo there! Im sharing a really fun page I created for today's Get It Scrapped blog article.  There are so many fantastic ways to use embellishments, But how about combining them to create something new!  I chose to use all kinds of embellishments arranged in the shape of a specific motif.

I die cut an oversized basketball and filled it with all the small orange embellishments I could find. It's filled with buttons, brads, sequins and even random chipboard letters. I chose to fill each segment with one embellishment so the shape of the ball could still be seen. By embelliishing the basketball, I have put emphasis on the ball, reinforcing the effort it takes my son to get the ball into the basket.

My son does not like to do his physical therapy 'exercises'. We disguised his exercises as a game of basketball.  Not only did he work hard, he did it without protesting and we all had fun playing together.

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. I always appreciate you being here. My creative team mates put together some really great pages for this article. Be sure to check them out.

Supplies: Cardstock: American Crafts, Patterned paper, stickers, washi tape, ephemera-Bella Blvd, Embellishments: making memories, SEI, Michaels Stores, Perler Beads, American Crafts Thickers, Studio Calico, Button Company, BoBunny, Freckled Fawn, My Minds Eye. 

500 Miles

Good morning! How is it April already? I think that is the real April fools joke! Anyway, I'm going to start the month off right, beginning with Sketchy Saturday, the first Paper Issues challenge of the month. You can find all the details and rules of participation on the Paper Issues blog. Hen join us in our Facebook group to share your projects! Here is our new sketch. It's a fun one to play with! 

Here is my page using the sketch. I saw a lot of different ways to play. But I was really inspired to take the design and use it as the foundation for the page. Bella Blvd Make Your Mark was still on my desk and I thought it would be a great collection to use for these photos. I cut the Paint Me Pretty and Daily Details, and Make Time papers to use as the base of the design. I placed my photos on top, added several different embellishments and called it finished. It's a bright colorful page, indicative of how I feel about it.

I was recently gifted this FirBit. Sometimes a random act of kindness strikes at a time when you need it most, and therefore truly means a lot. This is one of those times. So the best way I can think of to day thank you is to use it everyday, which I am. My goal it to get to those 500 miles by June and I am well on my way. I'll keep you posted. 

As always, thanks so much for being a part of my creative view. I am really happy I bought the Bella Blvd Make Your Mark collection and I think you  will be too. So please, throw some in your cart and use my code DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your order. Cant beat that!  

Supplies: CS-AC, PP, chipboard, stickers, alphas-Bella Blvd, enamel pieces-Bella Blvd,Freckled Fawn, MME, ColorCast Designs, Wood pieces-Pink Paislee, mist-Heidi Swapp

We Mermaid for Each Other

Hey there paper people! It's Wednesday and that means a new Product Spotlight at Paper Issues! Today's highlight is all the new Bella Blvd. There are several new collections available in the shop. There's really something for everyone this spring. 

I used a combination of Make Your Mark and Secrets of the Sea. My inspiration for this page actually started with an old photo and the FREE Mermaid cut file. The two really screamed to jibe used together. I'm a sucker for turquoise, green and blues, yes the Boy color Secrets of the Sea is what caught my attention. I had the Make Your Mark  on my table for another project when the Believe watercolor paper caught my eye. The colors are the same, so I backed only the word Mermaid with it, then used the rest of it to matte the page. Speaking of the Mermaid, I'm on a bit of a stitching binge lately. I wanted that word to stand out so it worked! 

This is us on our honeymoon. It's one of my favorite photos of us taken that week. We said to a waterfall, then climbed it and jumped in! It was a great day and so much fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. I love these new Bella Blvd collections. One of my favorite thing about Bella is the bright clear colors. That is right up my alley. So if you like bright colors too, I suggest you head over to the Paper Issues shop and get some for yourself!  Use my code DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your order!

Supplies: PP, die cuts-Bella Blvd, Enamel pieces-Bella Blvd, Freckled Fawn, My Minds Eye, mist-StudioCalico, Silhouette, 

#DITC

Hey there! I'm happy to be a part of the newer article on the Get It Scrapped blog. Once again, Debbie has taken us to new places for inspiration. Today, our pages and stories have not only been inspired by, but influenced by Humans of New York. 

Our assignment, was to journal in the style of HONY, from the subjects's perspective. This is not my story to tell, it's his. 

It seems, music plays a part in every generation. I am watching now as it has grabbed my teenage son's attention. He is always listening to music. He uses it to tune out noise, to calm him and to energize him. It has connected him to friends, both real and virtual.  He spends time seeking out new music, listening to many genres. 

Music has always played a part in our family, making this a subject in which we could have a lively discussion. I learned he hasn't fully grasped what music means to him yet. I also learned that in a literal sense, the difference between how his generation and mine source, listen and purchase music is digital and analogue. I enjoyed writing a story from someone else's point of view, but I scrapbook so my 'readers' understand the stories, feelings and memories from my perspective.

I loved having a paper collection with a theme that coincided with my photo and story. The music motif within the collection are current and relevant, therefore very fitting for my page.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Im gearing up for crafty weekend, so come back later this week for more!

Supplies: Card stock and alpha-American Crafts, Patterned paper, washi, stickers, tags, die cuts-Bella Blvd, enamel dots-peeler beads, brads-basic Grey Simple Stories, mist-Heidi Swapp, pen-EK Success

Fist Bump

Hey there! I broke out of my box, or umm, went outside the lines a little bit for today's Mix It Up challenge at Paper Issues.  This months challenge is to use embossing power on your project.

So, I dug out my stamps, pigment ink and embossing powder. I even grabbed a stencil too.  This is stuff I have, will never get rid of, but hardly ever use!  I placed the ink over the stencil randomly, in 3 places on the page, then embossed it. I also inked, stamped and embossed the cut file in the title. I cut around the embossed areas and slid the Bella Blvd Alex papers underneath. A few Tabbies and paper pieces and I was finished.  So now, I have to remember how fun to was to use my heat gun!

This photo is a few years old, but it was at a time when he was learning social greetings. High fives and fist bumps were a couple that we could get him to do. Not a big deal to many, but it was to us.

Thanks as always for being here with me and my creative view. You can get yourself some Bella Blvd Alex as well as some other new goodies in the Paper Issues shop. Please use my code DEVRA for 20% off your purchase.

Supplies: CS, alpha and Embossing powder-American Crafts, iml-ColorBox, Stencil-TCW, Cut File-Paper Issues, Silhouettte, PP-die cuts, stickers-Bella Blvd, 

We Survived 2016

Good morning to you! In Paper Issues world, we call today Cut It Up Saturday. That means there is a new free, that's right, FREE cut file available in the shop today! Isn't it fun?!?

Here is what I did with it. I had seen another cut file that said we survived and thought, "wow, I need to do something with that".  So I took the idea and used it here!  I did a bit of a 'year in review', with the Bella Blvd Oh My Stars. The layout is fairly simple and easy to put together. I matted each photo, layering it over one larger matte. I added the tabs and tags, and journaled a brief description of the photo. I layered a transparency under the center of the '0' to add a little more color to the top of the page, as well as making sure that part of the title popped.  A few bits and paint splats finished it off nicely.

2016 was not my favorite. Far from it.  I thought his was a good way to capture some highlights, and lowlights in a way that wasn't dark or sad. there are 3 'good' things, and 3 to so good things, but all 6 created many feelings and emotions. None of which were easy to handle. So yes indeed, we survived 2016. On to 2017, may it be a much better year for everyone!

Now it's your turn to join the challenge. Go get yourself this cut file , and while you are in the shop, pick yourself up a few treats, Use the code DEVRA for 20% off your order

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. Come back soon for more examples of my crazy life!

Supplies: CS-American Crafts, PP, tags, tabs, die cuts, stickers and washi-Bella Blvd, enamel dots-Doodlebug Design, Freckled Fawn, mist-Dylusions, cut file, silhouette

January 2017-Pinspire Me

Hello there! Yes! I'm back again! 4 days in a row sharing yet another new page!  Today the new  Pinspire Me challenge is up at Paper Issues. Isn't it beautiful?

This board spoke to me in so many ways. I had several ideas, and at the very last minute the "page 1 of 365" inspired the story of my page. The gold and black inspired the colors and products.  I grabbed some black and white prints from my Bella Blvd Stash to create the background and all the layers. I wanted a little bit of color, so I dug into the embellishments from the Oh My Stars collection choosing the turquoise pieces. I found some gold frames so I tucked those in there to for good measure. From there I just added some enamel and epoxy stars, a few brads and called it a day. I love the pop of color, but mostly I love the black and white. It's clean and fresh. 

My scrap space became the holiday dumping space during the month of Dec. I couldn't take it anymore. I snuck away to tidy it up. One of the items in the dump was my new WRMK silver album I chose for this years pages of memories. After I cleared out the boxes, picked up the stuff off the floor and cleaned off my desk, I set up the album and laid it on my nice clean desk. There. Now I am ready to start 2017. 

Thanks for joining me  and my creative view again today. Did I give you any ideas? Need some other inspiration? Head to the Paper Issues shop to pick up some new things for yourself and use my coupon code DEVRA for 20% off your order.

Supplies-Cardstock-American Crafts, PP, washi & yarn clip-Bella Blvd, Die Cuts-Pink Paislee, Bella Blvd, Flair-A Flair for Buttons, enamel pieces-Bella Blvd,  Freckled Fawn, Eyelet Outlet, mist-Heidi Swapp, 

Brat Pack -Take 5 Tuesday

Hey there! So, one of the things I love most about Paper Issues is there are so many challenges every month. That means I have an opportunity to create often!  Today is Take 5 Tuesday . I love that this is our take on a 'recipe' challenge. Basically, choose at least 5 items on this list to add to your project. It can be card, LO, planner, whatever inspires you. Here is this months list:

For my page I used cardstock, patterned paper, more than 1 photo, black, tags and layers.  I knew these bright papers from the Bella Blvd Alex collection would require a simple white background. I love the black contrasting with the bold papers, especially after I layered them up 😉. This collection also came with tags and die cuts. Score! Even easier to complete the page from the list! 

Every year when school starts, I never know if it's going to be a good experience for my son or not. Several years in a row, he had a new teacher and new staff, so we never had a chance to get used to anyone or get into any familiar routine. Finally, in middle school, he was placed with an aide who would work with him daily. He got into a routine, and enjoyed going to school. He liked school so much, that the first day of winter break, he went to closet, got his backpack, and wouldn't let it go. Wherever he went, it went too, even to bed. And so it went...

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Head over to Paper Issues today to see more Take 5 Tuesday  team projects. If you feel like doing a little shopping, you can get a 20% discount using my code DEVRA when you check out.

Supplies: Cardstock-American Crafts, PP, die cuts, tags, washi, enamel pieces- Bella Blvd , Stickers-Bella Blvd, Crate Paper, Wood piece-Crate Paper

Paper Issues

Let this be one of the first times I say Happy New Year! I'm starting the year off right with some fabulous news to share today.  I am returning to the Paper Issues Design Team! I'm thrilled to be back designing alongside some familiar faces and am excited to work along side a group of new faces as well. I'm looking to much creating and sharing over the next few months.

I'm jumping right in with my first layout as part of the team.  I created  this for our weekly Scraplift Sunday challenge. This week we are lifting this wonderful page by Mary Ann Jenkins

Here is my version. I love scrap lifting, especially when I'm not feeling the mojo. This was a great place for me to begin. I added a few extra paper strips and different size photos, but left the rest the same. The high energy colors and patterns were so right to highlight my son's crazy antics. Who he is motivated, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. In this case it was his latest obsession, gears.

Thanks for celebrating the new year and my new gig with me. I plan on making crafting a priority this year, so some back often to see what I've been creating.

Supplies: CS-American Crafts, PP, die cuts, stickers-Bella Blvd, Wood Piece-Crate paper. flair-Fancy Pants, Alphas-Bella Blvd, American Crafts, paint-Studio Calico, pen-EK Success

23 & Me

Hey there! Catching up on some much needed blogging! I had the chance to play along with one of my favorite sketch challenges, Stuck?! Sketches. Laura creates the most beautiful and useful sketches. As usual, I couldn't use it as it is, I had to change it a little. That's another bonus of these sketches, They are so easily adaptable to all styles of scrapbooking!

All I did is reverse the image. My photos seemed to be oriented this way and it worked! My favorite thing about this page? The only patterned paper I used is the background. Everything else are die cuts, stickers and chipboard. Easy peasy. I might have to use this one again!

As long as I can remember, I have been a Ryne Sandberg fan. I know it has to do with being able to watch Cubs games in the summer. They were always day games. I followed his career, watching him get better and better. I'm pretty sure the first time I saw him play, was against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.  I was 17.  Needless to say, moving to Chicago and seeing him play at Wrigley was a huge thrill. Even better was attending the game when the Cubs retired his number, also watching him being inducted into the Hall of Fame. After many years of asking I finally received the only jersey I've ever asked for.   So yes, 23 & Me, and one of my children too, whose middle name, just might be Ryne...

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. I know its been a while, too long in fact. Stay tuned, I have more to share.

Supplies: PP, die cuts, washi-Bella Blvd, chipboard-Freckled Fawn, stickers-Freckled Fawn, Bella Blvd, Flair-Accent Scrapbooking, A Flair for Buttons and Freckled Fawn, Wood piece-Gossamer Blue, Alphas-Thickers

Strong as an Ox

Good morning! I'll bet you've never thought about using a metaphor as inspiration for a scrapbook page. Well neither had I. Today's article on the Get It Scrapped blog shares several metaphors translated on to the scrapbook page. One of my favorite things about Debbie Hodge at Get It Scrapped is her continuous flow of new ideas to keep scrapbooking exciting.  

Recently, my son had major surgery on both legs. This page shows his recovery progression from learning how to go up the stairs with casts, to walking in the front door the day the casts came off.  I felt "As Strong as an Ox" was the most fitting metaphor to describe my son. 

The linear design, primary colors, tonal patterns, the gradual increase in height, and the weight lifters  all match the progression of recovery in each photo. All of this speaks to strength, both literally and metaphorically. By using the tonal patterns, I was able to keep the photos visible. As I was searching for ways to embellish, I came across the weightlifting cut files. I couldn't have asked for a better metaphorical choice.  They also appear to ground the photos, by lifting them up. The black also gives a nice contrast. 

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. Come back again soon, I always have something to share

Supplies: Cardstock-American Crafts, Patterned Paper-Bella Blvd, BoBunny, wood pieces-Crate Paper, Studio Calico, ink-ColorBox, Alphas-WRMK, Lilly Bee, Mist-Tattered Angels, Die Cuts-Silhouette, Pen & Adhesive-EK Success 

Caucus Day

Hey there! I know Ive been lacking on the blog posts lately. Eventually I'll get back up to speed. In the meantime, I have for you today the new sketch challenge at Stuck?! Sketches. 

This was a fun one for me. I generally use 4x6 photos and will adjust a sketch designed for smaller photos when I can. This sketch just didn't look right to me with larger photos.   It was a fun challenge to use smaller photos. I originally just had the larger rectangular paper instead of a circular element. i realized it was too angular and needed a soft edge. I chose a doily, sprayed some mist over it to get the shade of blue I wanted.  I really like the way this page turned out.   

I have never lived in a state that holds a Presidential caucus instead of a Presidential primary.  I didn't really know how it worked, but I wanted to participate in the 'voting' process. I found out that the caucus location, date and time all happened to magically align for me to attend, so I did! The process was interesting and I also learned how the political parties work in our state. The morning was educational, a new experience for me and fun because I bumped into a friend while there. 

Playing along gives you an opportunity to win prizes from our generous sponsors. Please read the rules on the Stuck?! Sketches blog.

$20 gift certificate

2 large pieces of chipboard

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. I have lots to share, and lots to say, so come back again soon.

Supplies: CS, alpha-American Crafts, PP, chipboard-BellaBlvd, sequins-Studio Calico, Michaels, mist-Studio Calico, Tattered Angels, Heidi Swap, Doily-BoBunny, glitter-Martha Stewart,  Stitch Template-Bazzill, thread-DMC, 

Remember

Hi There. Short and sweet today but I really wanted to get this written and posted. This page started with the Scrap Our Stash sketch + 3, then went sideways, before getting back on track. Why? Because I had it in my head that I was going to use one of those HAD to have scrappy items. The paper.

This is not the type of paper that I usually gravitate to. but I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I bought it. Only this time, I was determined to actually use it.  Paper first, then photo, then design. All backwards for me.  So I almost feel like the design gets lost a little on this paper. First, I went with a single photo. I was afraid more would make it too busy. Then I decided not to put the paper strips edge to edge.  Because of the flower clusters, I lowered the photo placements as well as simplifying the paper layers. I used a doily as the circular element, and moved it to the side. I used Jilibean Soup (butterflies), Kaiserkraft (black enamel pieces) and lined paper (background piece)

This is the last photo of my Nani and I. We were supposed to be out celebrating her birthday, but we settled for a visit in the hospital instead. She celebrated when she was home a few days later. There is no real title or journaling yet. I'm just not ready to write, but I sure love looking at the photo. For now, that's ok. 

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today and come back again soon. I'll be sharing slowly but surely over the next couple of weeks.

Supplies: PP, chipboard-Bella Blvd, enamel pieces-Kaiserkraft, MME, Chickaniddy Crafts, die cuts-Jillibean Soup, Amy Tangerine, doily-BoBunny, 

Gears on a String

Well, hello there! I had to take a short crafty break. I will be crafting intermittently over the next few weeks, but wont worry, I will be posting when I can. Like today! I snuck away for a bit and made this.

I have been wanting to play along with Paper Issues Pinspire Me all month. I saw a sketch I liked at ScrapMuch? and it all came together in about 30 minutes.

Something about this sketch made me think of these photos. Then the idea of scattering twine came to me and I was possessed with getting this page done. From the moment I saw the Pinspire Me board, I was attracted to the Stay Weird...so yep, done. 

Gears are his favorite toys. One day we were going somewhere so I put some on a string so they wouldn't get lost. Little sis I know I created a monster. Since then, not only do gears go on strings, but everything else too. This kiddo and his crazy ideas. 

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. Stop by again soon. I'll post when I can.

Supplies: CS-American Crafts, PP, Stickers, chipboard-Bella Blvd, chipboard-Bella Blvd, Crate Paper, enamel pieces-Chickaniddy crafts, twine-MME, Recollections, Doodlebug Design, mist-Dylusions, alphas-Freckled Fawn, Lilly Bee, pen-EK Success