Yearbook – Showcase

Hello scrappers! It’s Victoria and I am back with a pocket layout I created using the gorgeous May 2017 Sorbet Kit. This kit features an amazing color story and stunning icons!  I could not wait to put it to good use!

I love pocket layouts for two main reasons: I can incorporate a ton of photos and I can tell a robust story. For this layout, I documented my daughter’s recent school showcase, which is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned during their unit of study. The students created projects based on the intersection of recycling (science), financial literacy (math), poetry (language arts/reading) and artistic careers. I love that I am able to see my daughter apply the concepts she is learning in class!

Front

Back

During the show case, I took a ton of photos. And honestly, there was not one photo I was willing to sacrifice. Ultimately, I paired down my collection to the main photos that told the story I wanted to document. For me, the photos and story always come first and typically serve as a starting point for my layouts. Using a pocket style layout is a great way to showcase multiple photos and to tell a robust story. I like to keep my pocket layouts clean and simple.

For this layout, I am using a Becky Higgins Project Life Pocket Protector (Design F) that features two 4×6 pockets and twenty 3×4 pockets (10 pockets on each side, front and back). I started by trimming some of the pattern papers down to 3×4 pocket cards and incorporating them with a few of the pocket cards that came in the kit. I created the title card using the gold chipboard font stickers by Thickers called “Brush” to spell out the word “Showcase”.  To the title I added a die cut camera and a puffy arrow by Pink Fresh Studio and a 3×4 photo of the front door of my daughter’s classroom.

The remaining cards were embellished using some of the May 2017 Sorbet printables that are available in the Clique Kits Monthly Downloads.  I used a variety of die cuts, most of which are popped up on foam squares for added dimension and a few of the puffy embellishments from the “Dream On” Studio Puffs Stickers by Pink Fresh Studio.

Creating pocket layouts is so much fun and a fantastic way to document a great story with lots of photos!

Thanks for stopping by the blog today and don’t forget to check out all of the new goodies now available in the Clique Kits Store!

Happy Scrappin’!

Mixed Media Monday On Youtube: Playing along with the April Challenge

Aloha My Scrappy Friends!! It’s Hannah with you today. I am using the April “Jelly Bean” Kit to make this Pocket Page Spread today.

This pocket Page Spread I made for the April Challenge using Latina Crafter Stamps. I had a small almost 3X4 size alpha stamp. It is the perfect size for Pocket Page cards or smaller titles. From the minute I saw the stamp I know this was how I would use it. Let me tell you, it was fun, I had a hard time not using this stamp on every card in my spread.

For my pocket page spread, I am doing it monthly. This means for me, I just think about filling pockets. I don’t worry about having two protectors per week. This means that some protectors have two or three days and some have more. This all depends on what is going on in my week. This time period I am documenting is March 1 and 2nd 2017. I am using Design A and then I add a 6X12 protector to go with the one side of the Design A. There was a lot going on at the beginning of the month and I also like to make sure I have enough journaling for my pictures.

I also like to really pretty cards in my pockets especially when I use a kit on my spreads. Using a kit helps keep my selections limited which I really need. I will way overdo it. This year I am really working on keeping it simple to make sure I focus on the stories and photos that happen throughout the month.

Even though I am using a kit, I still love to infuse me into the kit I am using. This April “Jelly Bean” Kit is so colorful it really inspired me to get creative. Mixed Media allows me to play and add to my kits and infuse me into my spreads. The amazing thing is you don’t have to do much with your mixed media to make it special to you.

I started off by printing off the exclusive printables from the April Kit. These printables are designed and coordinate perfectly with each kit.  I used this as my starting off point and what also inspired me.

I used white cardstock, cut into 3X4 size cards. I decided not to use Gesso to prime my cards, I knew I would try to stamp as well, I wanted my drying time to be shorter. I also wasn’t sure how this stamp would stamp on gesso, would it smudge? I didn’t want to take that chance. I knew I was going to keep my cards simple too. This often helps me decide whether priming the cards is necessary.

I chose to use watercolors. On one card I just spread the top with an orange color. I added small tiny flowers on both ends of the orange paint. These flowers were similar to the ones in the collection. When paint dried I used a black dye ink and stamped the word Joy in the middle.

I cut the card down and backed it on the Bella Blvd Daily Details Paper. With my journaling, a roller date stamped on and a puffy sticker, this card is so cute and matches my spread.

I also mixed the exclusive designed pocket page cards in my spread as well. I loved this card with the hearts at the top.  It had the right amount of space to journal about the Blog Hop we had on March 1st.  I added some Freckled Fawn Enamel Dots next to the hearts for a little extra something and left the card alone.

I have found with my pocket pages less is more.

For my other mixed media card I added half circles with watercolor on the bottom half of the card. I used the exclusive printable as inspiration. There was a similar card but I wanted to change up the colors and make them match more of what I had used. This is the cool thing about mixed media. You can tweak and alter your kit and make it work for you.

I Used Joy again with my Latina Crafter Stamp. I stamped once in full ink and then continue stamping until the ink was all gone. This ombre look looks really cool on the different color paint.

After I finished the card I outlined it with my black pen and added this card with an image of a text message I had with a friend. This is a fun way to add conversations and interactions with family and friends without having a major picture.

Throughout my spread I added lots of stamped words with my new Latina Crafter Stamp.  Seriously it was so much fun.  Added with this Freckled Fawn Foam word and some exclusive printables my coffee photo is really fun. It makes a simple photo and gives it some piazza.

I also used the Stamp on my Photo that I had a longer story/journaling on in my pocket page spread. This is why I used a 6X12 protector. It took a bit to figure out the arrangement on the page but it was fun designing on a different size layout. I printed my journaling from my laptop in a funky typewriter font. this allowed me to add more journaling than I could write out. I also was wanting to use journaling I had right from my FB acct, which is a simple copy and paste for journaling. I had already wrote the words earlier, sometimes there really is no need to re write the journaling.

I keep the 6X12 layout simple, with some epoxy sticker add ons and some printables.  

I hope you check out the april challenge blog post and see all the details and join along. Make sure you tag us so you can be entered into the drawing for the sponsor’s prize. We love to see all you in the Clique have made using your kits!!

Make sure you also check out my process video for this spread.

 

Can’t wait to see you around!! Have an Inspired Day!

The Devil is in the Details

Pocket pages are supposed to be simple; put a piece of paper in a plastic pocket with some photos and writing and you’re done.  While the overall project would get done and done quicker, would it get done so that I would like it in the end?

For me, the Devil is in the Details. The letter stickers, fussy cut heart from one of the 6 x 6 papers and ephemera flag work together to create a corner of happiness in this layout.

I used the packaging from the Elle’s Studio ephemera pack and turned up the corner on this card. A large print, small print and stripe are always a winning combination.

 

This card I decided to fringe this paper a bit thinking the pocket page could use a little texture. I know it would not be at it’s full potential since it will be placed in the pocket but it really will make a difference in the long run.

Using the cut aparts to journal on the picture, which is mounted on a ‘little moments” paper, is quick way to add a specific thought to a picture.  Attaching it with stamps adds another layer of love!

Honestly, I have never used completely clear acrylic die cuts. As for the ones from JellyBean Soup included in the kit,  I added a special touch to it to make them sparkle! (I’d love to spill the beans but I’ll show you how I did that on June 2nd!)

Finally adding something bold, like the family sticker to draw you eye to the picture below, is always a favorite trick of mine!  Now, try imagining this layout with 5 plain pieces of paper.  See?!

I totally appreciate you stopping by. Until next time….

xoxoxoxo

-Kim

Yearbook: Week 8 with Simple Stories

Hey there again!  Kim here to share a pocket page layout using some fun treats out of the April Clique Kit!

Week 9 was a big one in our family as we were moving into our home! I took way to many pictures (if that is even possible) so I’ve ended up with 4 double sided pocket pages in an assortment of sizes.  It was so easy to put together too because this kit has so many fun filler and journal cards!

I used the 4 x 4 card paper to snatch these two filler cards as well as the 3 x 4 card in the card on the main page.

Instead of cutting this diagonally designed filler card where it was intended,  I just left the endpaper on because it matched the card below and cut 1/2 inch below the top.

Seriously!?!?  This coffee cup with the heart!  Had to include that since no move is complete without donuts and coffee!

Don’t think I forgot about journaling!  I just took a fine tip sharpie and write on the “door”, then added the life strip die cut and a piece of wood grained paper and attached it with a stapler. Viola!  Instant journal card!

This kit is primed for many pocket page layouts. Enjoy it!

xoxoxoxo

-Kim

Yearbook: Easy Holiday Scrapbooking

Hello!  It’s Melissa here and I’m so happy to be back with you this month!  Today I’m sharing with you the easiest way I’ve found to scrapbook photos from a family holiday we took last year.  I don’t know about you, but I scrapbook so much and aside from all my albums, I have so many layouts piling up (literally!).  In the school holidays last year we went on a road trip to two different New Zealand cities – the first was only for one night for my husband to attend an appointment, and then we headed north to Christchurch where he attended a conference.  The kids and I were along for the ride!

I’m using the fabulous April kit “Origins”, which features gorgeous product by Simple Stories “Life in Color” and “Carpe Diem” collections.  Simple Stories always have amazing cut apart sheets, so perfect for pocket scrapbooking.  Here is a look at the kit:

Because we were in two cities, and road tripping, I organised my photos and then worked out what sized page protectors I’d use.  The first two photos were from our guesthouse in Dunedin, so I decided to used a 6×12 Becky Higgins page protector to start the telling of my story.  As always, when it comes to pocket scrapbooking, I kept my embellishment simple.

The second page captured one photo from our Moeraki Boulders stop (I’ve already made a mini album of these photos) and unpacking at the Christchurch holiday home we stayed in.  I used labels from the ephemera pack for my journalling.

For my next pages I moved on 12×12 WR Memory Keepers page protectors.  These photos were taken of our home for the week.  I made a conscious effort to take photos inside the house so we’d always remember.  And of course Sam had to photo bomb two photos!  The top journaling spot is an exclusive printable label.

The fourth page includes a photo of the joy that was across the road from our house – Coffee Culture!! Perfect for the coffee addict that I am!  I used the “everyday” exclusive die cut from last months kit.  We had an awesome time at Sumner Beach, and an adventure as you can read in my journalling!

On our final day we went to Orana Wildlife Park, which is New Zealand’s only open range zoo.  We had so much fun watching and looking for the animals.  The photos were very self explanatory, so only needed minimal journalling and embellishment.

The final page documents the kids playing at the park.  With young children we visit a lot of parks!  Because the photos were so busy I kept everything simple again.  The Simple Stories clear stickers were perfect for embellishment directly onto my photos.

I hope you enjoyed my process for documenting our holiday.  Making these spreads makes me realise how important it is that we as the scrapbooker get out from behind the camera, if I could turn back time I’d make sure I was in some of the photos too.

Have a blessed Easter.

How to Scrapbook Extra Photos

Hi everyone its Melissa here and I’m back today some pocket pages made with the gorgeous Hot Mess kit! But before I share my project, I would like to remind you that there’s still time to participate in Clique Kits and Bella Blvd’s hop. Be sure to leave a comment on the blogs so you don’t miss out on a chance of winning an XOXO kit of your own. Click here to participate in the hop! This time last year we went to the next Lake to the north called Wanaka for three day mini holiday.  We live in a very busy tourist alpine resort, and it was great to escape to a quieter lake.  I’ve scrapped lots of 12 x 12 traditional pages about this holiday, but still had several photos left over which weren’t special enough to justify their own page.

The Maggie Holmes Shine collection was perfect for scrapping these photos, especially the ones taken at the Transport and Toy Museum.This next page is the back of the first page, and the next two pages are about the museum.Our oldest son loves Star Wars and was so excited to see old toys!  The cut apart sheet sentiments and “Rad” flair badge explained his delight!I made my own journaling cards with white cardstock, Heidi Swapp Colour Shine, stamps by Honey Bee Stamps and some of the exclusive printable banners.  I love how they turned out!This exclusive card was a fantastic spot for more journaling.  I just added a heart sticker to cover the staple from attaching the acetate piece on the reverse.The vintage images in the Shine ephemera were perfect for documenting the now retro toys, and I used the shadow box for my little card.Its always a perfect day when you get to sit in a Starfighter!I hope you enjoyed a look into how I scrap my extra photos!  These pages will go into our family album, and our family will love to look back on them in the years to come.

Thanks so much for looking 🙂

Yearbook: Pocketpages for Event Scrapbooking

Hello it’s Melissa here with my first post as a Varsity Team member!  I’m so excited to share some inspiration with you today and I have to admit that I fell in love as soon as I saw the gorgeous November Tapestry kit!

I have a little secret to share with you today!  I’ve tried Project Life twice, done it for 6 months both times, and then stopped!  The first time I did it on a weekly basis, and the second time on a monthly basis.  I still pull out these albums and look at them, and I love the elements of our everyday life that I captured and recorded.  So although Project Life is not be for me right now, I absolutely love creating pocket pages, especially when I have extra photos of a special day, event or holiday (and I don’t want to make a mini album).  I also love the variation that different types of page protectors provide in my albums.

When my kit arrived I immediately pulled out some older 2012 Instagram photos I’d recently printed of our annual Autumn Festival.   Its an even we attend every year, and in 2012 both of my kids were in the festival parade.  The We R Memory Keepers Wildflower collection has the most beautiful rich colours, and the kit was perfect for the photos.  Here is a look at my spread:

Whenever I’m making pocket pages I love to take my favourite techniques from traditional scrabooking and apply them at a smaller scale.  So for this spread I’ve included gold colour shine splatters, layering and machine stitching. And of course I always have to journal!  I made my title card with a fussy cut flower, bow, letter stickers, Dear Lizzy Thickers and some gold splatters.  Machine stitching finished it off.

This card features a photo of my kids dressed for the festival parade (and yes my son is not happy with the “ever-present always taking photos for the scrapbooks” Mum!!).  The tag was perfect for my journalling, and I stapled on a small heart embellishment for some interest.  The twine from the kit and machine stitching were the final touch.

We don’t have foxes in New Zealand, but he was so super cute I had to include him!  I made this journalling card from a piece of the Pink Paislee Cedar Lane 6×6 paper pad (a kit add-on in the store), and the fox and “documented” tag were perfect to tell the story of the festival float parade.

This close up shows how I layered an exclusive printable tag with a sticker and a heart.  And how gorgeous is that red text paper!

My final close up is my favourite card of them all!  I started with the exclusive “I adore you” card and paired it with my favourite photo of my daughter.  I layered my embellishments and added texture with staples and machine stitching.  Running the embellishments off the edge is a technique I love too!  Some gold colour shine finished it off!

Thanks so much for looking!  I hope I’ve inspired you to mix up your traditional scrapbooking with some pocket pages.

See you again later in the month 🙂