Practical Scrappers Blog Hop: Fall edition

Eeeeeek! I'm late! I'm so sorry to everyone who has stopped by already. I like to think I'm good at scrapbooking, but I'm terrible at actually sitting down to write the post. I have major procrastination issues. I'm the same with writing to pen pals. I'm working on it, I swear!
Moving on...
Anyway,  you should be arriving here from Lynn, who did an oh-so-cute mini album! Doodlebug Mini For Practical Scrappers. If you want to start from the beginning, here is the link to go to the beginning: Scrapping Our Stash: Fall/Halloween Blog Hop

I did my layout on the joys of fall. This year has been my first real autumn in about 2 years, so I was so excited for it to be here already. Chicago didn't have much of a summer, and I'm one of those people who never wants summer to end, but when you don't get much of a summer, you want something better to look forward to. And that people, is fall! I love the colorful change of the leaves, and how every tree looks so beautiful! So much so that my sister and I went to Michigan for the first time, to brace the freezing cold, and enjoy the leaves. It was so much fun, as we'd never been to Michigan before. I really recommend it, if you've never been.
About my layout, I wanted to include all of the reasons I love, love, love fall. For me, it's all of these things. Even down to the bonfires, that we often have at my aunt's house. And the air feels so good as it turns from summer to fall, that cool breeze that creeps in, every so slowly. I think my favorite thing on the list is---oh never mind. I can't choose just one! I guess it would be falling leaves, if I had to choose one.
On my layout, I used lace, and washi tape to frame the leaves. Though I'm not sure of the brands (this time), I really love how the title came out. As for the leaves on the page, I actually discovered this trick by accident. I had some map-paper leaves, and I didn't think they went with the page. I started to to add chalk to them, and there was a white paper underneath, while I did this. It was then that I picked up the paper, and realized that the chalk left a "background" on the paper. That's when I knew what to do! I use cotton balls to add my chalk, as you can rub them in circles, to get the desired effect, add color, and make it look however you want. I really think I'll use the technique of "leaving a shadow" of chalk, more often.

Here is next blog in the list: Practical Scrappers Scrap Your Stash Blog Hop: Fall/Halloween Edition
Jennifer did a really cool layout on a costume she wore! I'm not going to tell you what it is, but let's just say it's really "groovy, man". Haha!
I hope you enjoyed this post, and until next time, keep scrapping and have fun!

Kristy

Just Two Midwest Girls challenge!

Hello, hello!

Can I just start by saying its almost Friday?! Yipee!!!!!!

Okay. Moving on.

Here is my post for the Just Two Midwest Girls challenge.

I've had a rough couple of months, so I loved doing something inspirational. This layout made me feel so good to do.
The challenge was to make a layout about yourself, and who doesn't love doing that, right? :)

For this layout, I had recently printed a bunch of photos from Shutterfly. I always make sure to get in on their GIANT photo sales. So I have a bunch of photos of myself since I'm a 100% certified selfie-addict!

I had a lot of fun making this layout really girly, and adding dresses, hearts, glitter and lots and lots of pink. I really love the end result.

Here is the list of items I used:
Shutterfly: Photos
Glitz Design:
     Afternoon Muse
     Stripe AM2877
StudioG ink
Unity Stamps:
     You're the Ticket
     Share Your Smile
     Undeniably You
Bo Bunny: Olivia Dress Form (chipboard sticker)
Target dollar section: Heart Ribbon

I'll add more as needed, as I know I probably left some supplies out, but I really hope you like this layout and it inspires you to make a layout about yourself! I really think it inspires you to figure out who you are as a person and have a greater appreciation of yourself.

Happy Friday, happy weekend and happier crafting!

Kristy

Practical Scrappers Blog hop!

Hello from Chicago! Happy fall! It's getting a little chilly here, cool at night and hot during the day. Let's just say I am not looking forward to winter. Just like every year,  winter will have to drag me kicking and screaming, to be ready for it! Haha!

Anyway, assuming you're here for the blog hop, you should have arrived here from Ruth's blog, but if you'd like to start at the beginning,  here's the rundown.

Practical Scrappers http://practicalscrappers.blogspot.com

Wendi http://scrappydayinparadise.blogspot.com/2014/09/love-practical-scrappers-use-your-stash.html

Cathy http://alteredplayground.blogspot.com...

Christine http://scrappingwithchristine.blogspot.com/2014/09/scrapping-our-stash-blog-hop-september.html

Suzanna  http://lifestrivialities.typepad.com/

Bobbi http://vintagemusedesigns.blogspot.com/

Majken  http://chocoscrapaholic.blogspot.com/

Ruth http://paperandmusings.wordpress.com/

Kristy http://alwaysworldaway.blogspot.com (you are here and I thank you!)

Jennifer http://livethemoment-jen.blogspot.com

Cheryl http://patchesandscraps.blogspot.com

Sandy http://itsafamilyaffairwithscrappynana.blogspot.ca/

Laura http://scrapaddict4life.blogspot.com/

Alison http://alisondaydesigns

Now on to the fun! I will have a breakdown of all the products that I used in a little bit, as well as a better picture (and the finishing touches on my LO) but I just wanted to get my post up.
It's a family tradition for my dad, my sisters and I to go to garage sales on the weekend. My dad will be driving and say "I saw a 'garAAAGE sale' while I was out." He loves to joke around, and we kind of picked up on this phrase. Now we say it just like he does, in a sing-song voice. We love bargains, antiques, and finding that perfect--well, whatever we find, or whatever we happen to be looking for. We've seen some very cool things like old cars, old sewing machines, a speak n spell, and even some things that we were too young to know what they were (my sisters and me, at least). That's when my dad tells us a story of the one in his history. Like the old toy duck on wheels, pulled by a string. One time, we even bought two ladders for fifteen dollars! WHAT A STEAL! I think half the thrill is that we never know what we'll find and we see some very cool stuff along the way. It's always an adventure, full of surprises, personal stories, friendly people and bargains (lots and lots of bargains [enter evil laugh here]).
Anyway, this photo was taken in Franklin Park, Illinois during their city-wide garage sale! Imagine the possibilities! If you've never been to one, I suggest you definitely try it, though your money goes rather quickly. Haha! 

I added a clear pocket, and old button cards that can be pulled out to look at. Their backings were too cool to use adhesive on. The paper is part of a 12x12 newsprint that I cut out. You can see where I'll add the flag banner, and I'll probably add a journaling spot, in the bottom right corner.

**Update** I've posted a photo of the finished product. Here's the list of supplies I used (to the best of my knowledge).

Shutterfly photo

Garage sale: button tags, buttons, and bingo sheets

Unknown: light green brads, paper clips

Target (dollar bin) twine
Darice Big Bag of Rhinestones, multicolor (bling), and "sprocket" Cuttlebug embossing folder

Crate Paper Acorn Avenue (layout background paper)

October Afternooon Jawbreakers (radio paper)

Martha Stewart Requiem Font (clear alphabet stamps)

The next blog in the hop is Jennifer. She has a beautiful layout, perfect for fall and going back to school!

Hope you had fun and enjoy the hop

Kristy

And the winner is... (drumroll please!)

Hi, all!
First of all, I just want to say that participating in a blog hop was new to me, as it was my first time! I had so much fun and saw so much inspiration from all of the ladies.  I loved it so much, that I know I'll be participating in a Practical Scrappers blog hop again, for sure! I'm so glad that my sister, Kelsterjean encouraged me to participate!

With that said, it's that time.  As chosen by random.org, the winner is...Iris!!!! Thank you all so much for all of the comments, and I hope y'all come back for the next one.  :)

It's Friday! That can only mean 1 thing: A Blog Hop! (and a giveaway)

Well I guess if we're counting, it's two things. Anyway, Good morning, and Happy Friday!

If you're here for the blog hop, you shoul have arrived from my sister (yay!) Kelsterjean's blog (link here). If you just happened to find me on your own (Good for you!) and you'd like to start at the beginning, you can start here! Practical Scrappers Blog

For this month's blog hop, the theme is Christmas in July!
This is my first time ever participating in a blog hop, so I'm very excited to join in all the fun. 

For my card, I wanted to go with an "anti-Christmas" color theme. I'm in no way anti-Christmas. However, I am known for trying to stay away from the non-traditional and classic products, and instead trying anything artsy that I can get my hands on. Haha!

So here is my card:

The patterned yellow paper is from a stack by Recollections. The red scrap of paper was run through my Cuttlebug with a Cuttlebug numbers plate. I used a sanding block to give the numbers an edgier look. I needed something to make the card pop so I added the glitter ribbon strip (Brand name coming soon). The three tags are by Authentique. The red ribbon strip and the bow are two pieces.  What do you think?

I really had fun with this project,  because at first, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I guess that's the beauty of scrapbooking.  You can want things one way, and they might come out another, but no matter what, they come out beautiful,  in their own unique way. This card isn't something that everyone is used to (the non-traditional colors), but it's something that I recommend you try at least once. It's so much fun!

Even though it's my first time in a blog hop, I compiled some items for a prize! It includes a 12x12 K&Company scrap kit, several pages of Recollections number/letter punch sheets, a bottle of glitter glue, a small notebook, an envelope of bling, and two packages of Wrights vintage ribbon (they say 45 cents on them)!

To be entered,  leave a comment on this post.  I will choose a winner August 1st. International scrappers can enter, too!

The next person in the hop is Brenda! She has an absolutely BEAUTIFUL layout! So hop on over to Brenda's blog for the next post in the blog hop. Hope you enjoyed this post, and hope you have fun, and enjoy the hop!

Bye for now!

My first blog hop!!!!!

Hi, everyone! Long time, no see (which is completely my style due to my busy schedule: sorry)!

As you can see by the title of this post,  I'm going to participate in my first (ever) blog hop! I'm so excited!!! My sister kelsterjean asked if I wanted to be part of it, and after a little bit of thinking about it, I said yes. It will be done by Practical Scrappers, and I am working on getting a prize together, to give away.  The theme is Christmas in July, and I want to pull items that are Christmas and non-Christmas themed in my giveaway. I will post a photo of the prize in this post and the one with my blog hop entry. The blog hop will start Wednesday,  July 23rd, and I can't wait until y'all see what I've cooked up for the challenge!

Until next time,

Kristy

April Two Midwest Girls Challenge

For those of you who don't know, I'm very into EDM, or electronic dance music. My favorite group is Above and Beyond, and they write a lot of beautiful songs about love.

With that being said, this is my entry for my sister, Kelsterjean's Two Midwest Girls April Challenge.

The challenge is to use quotes on a layout. I used "Life is made of small moments like these," a saying that A&B use in their concerts. The photo, which is from Austin TX reminds me of one of their album covers.

Here's the link if you want to play along!

Two Midwest Girls April Challenge

Moxie Fab Happy for Hexagons Challenge

Two for the price of one! Get it while it lasts, and it won't last long!

I made a card for the Hexagons: Happy for Hexagons Challenge, on the Moxie Fab World Blog.  This one runs until midnight, March 7, 2014 so if you have some time, I encourage you to play.  Moxie Fab World Hexagons: Happy for Hexagons Challenge

So here it is:

I decided to get creative, by adding two different colored sets of strips, cutting them into twos, and placing them back to back to form more hexagons.  Those are the purple, orange, and light blue strips you see on the right. 

Hope you enjoyed this post! Until next time. :)

Two Midwest Girls Scrap Challenge

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a long time, but I thought I'd pop in and share a layout I did for my sister Kelly, and her friend Heather's challenge.

The challenge was use the colors above. It's hard to see, but the paper is red, and Wisconsin's Capital building has a beautiful light green color, at night.  I took this when I went up to Madison, for a concert.  One of my favorite hip hop groups, Atmosphere performed there.


Unfortunately, I was late in uploading this, but my sister will be having a challenge every month.  I've posted the link if you'd like to participate.   http://kelsterjean.blogspot.com/



I hope you enjoyed this post!