Add me to the list of following the KISS technique as of late!  So often, I feel the pressure for every single layout to be the ultimate in perfection.  Working under that influence puts so much pressure on the creative process rather than just allowing things to flow and you to relax while crafting...

Here's a layout that is a KISS layout that ended up being one that makes me happy!  It took all of 10minutes to do after the paint dried. All I used here was American Crafts cardstock, cut up AC paper (the "ribbons"), AC foam Thickers, a paper chip from the AC paper color wheel, a brad, some spray paint and the sewing machine...  oh, and my laptop for the journaling (my own handwriting is horrible, so I frequently rely on the computer to take care of that for me).

Try KISS out!  Sit back, relax, and don't overly worry about the finished product!  If you flow, chances are you will love where you end up!

I've discovered a new card size that I just love. It's 2 1/2 by 4 1/2. These little cards are the perfect thing to attach to a present or tuck into a gift bag. The best part is that I can make several of them using the same materials and have them on hand. I just punched a hole in the corner and added some string.

 

They are super quick and easy to make. So, the next time you have a few minutes to spare and some scraps, crank a few out. You'll be able to keep a stash of them and you'll never need a gift enclosure card again. :)

Thanks for stopping by. ~Anabelle

Not every layout you do has to be a masterpiece of artistic endeavor. I go back and forth between spending a lot of time on a layout and wanting to abide by the K-I-S-S rule (keep it simple stupid ;) ) I wanted to show that you can have a fun layout that conveys your thoughts and presents your photos without having to spend a lot of time on it. Sometimes I get caught up in the process of creating a layout and enjoy playing with lots of product, but I also like to challenge myself to use a few bits of paper, some of my less than stellar photos and just put something together quickly

So here is my challenge: give yourself a few minutes to grab a photo(s) a few scraps of paper and whatever embellishments you have close at hand and just go with the flow - keep it simple, and before you know it you will have a finished layout -a documented moment!

Have a great week everyone! Christine

Supplies: Patterned paper, Scenic Route, October Afternoon. Die cut journaling block, Making Memories. Letter stickers, Doodlebug. Snowflake mask, Heidi Swapp. Border punch, Fiskars. Ink, Stampin' Up. Lace cardstock, KI Memories. Other, snowflakes.

A great way to create a focal point on your layout is to make small gatherings or collages of embellishments. An easy method to achieve this look it to gather up several kinds of embellishments and just start adding, removing, and moving things around until you have a pleasing arrangement. Do not think too much...leave your mind free to just play.

For my digital layout below, I simply opened several files at once including buttons, clouds, and stitches. I pulled them all onto my layout and had fun coming up with this cute little collage of my nephew laughing with all of his might. Having elements on angles provides some energy and movement as well.



I love this technique so much that I often use it as my go-to technique when stuck for ideas. It is a fabulous look for greetings cards, too!
If you have not ventured into the wonderful world of collage, I hope you give it a try!
~Kim

(Digital Supplies:  Stitches by Tia Bennett, Bubblewrap Stamp by Erica Hernandez, Wood Grain Paper by Jennifer Pebbles, all other supplies by Pixel Canvas)

I love the new American Crafts goodies that just came out - the colors are so fresh and spring like!  I couldn't wait to use some of these awesome new papers so I whipped up two simple cards.  The products and coordinating embellishments make creating projects so simple!

The new Thickers embellishments are too cute!  I love the puffy stickers!!  They add just the right amount of dimension.  I used the Backyard papers for this card - the colors are just fantastic!  I also used the new American Crafts Jewel Brads to give just the right amount of sparkle!

Love the new Baby line of papers - so soft and sweet!  I combined the Baby line of papers with the new Peep Flair and Fieldhouse Foam Embellisments, so versatile!

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!!

Are there things in your life that when you come across them immediately trigger a memory?
There are several things that do it for me.
For example, certain smells (like foods or a men's cologne...ha!) trigger some memories for me.
There are locations and movies and songs that do it too!

Just the other day this happened to me.
I got the boxes of Thin Mints I had ordered from my favorite Girl Scout.
Every time I eat Thin Mints I think of my friend and old roommate Brooke.
One afternoon back in college we plowed through an entire box of these cookies in no time at all while just talking and laughing in our dorm room.
This is something I am reminded of whenever I eat Thin Mints.
And this time I decided I need to scrap that memory.
I pulled out my camera a snapped a quick picture of a box of the cookies.
Ideally I would love to have a picture of Brooke and I from that afternoon but I cannot go back in time!
At least now I have something to help me remember that fun day!

Supplies: Patterned paper (Little Yellow Bicycle), Brads (KI Memories & Little Yellow Bicycle), Buttons (Little Yellow Bicycle), Chipboard alphas (American Crafts), Flowers (Prima), Pen (American Crafts), Misc (kraft paper)

Journaling reads:
I remember one afternoon back at Samford
when Brooke & I sat in our dorm room
with a box of Thin Mints. We each took a
sleeve & within the hour all the cookies
were gone. We talked & laughed & ate a
whole box right then & there. This is the
good stuff that I love to remember.
Ten years later
I still buy a box or 2 {or 10}
to commemorate this occasion.

Are there certain memories you want to capture in your scrapbooks but maybe you don't have a specific picture for it?
Next time that memory is triggered, take a picture of whatever it is that triggered that memory and scrap it!

Have a great weekend!
gretchen

I know that some parts of the US have experienced a huge bit of whacky weather lately...  a foot of snow on the East US Coast - been a while since that has happened!  Here in Colorado, we've had unseasonably warm weather - it's been in the 70s!  All the tulips are starting to peek up, the trees are starting to put on buds and the grass is starting to turn from brown to slightly green.

In celebration of the approaching spring, here are some great, inspirational layouts from the MM user gallery to get you in the mood...

Beautiful Spring by Angela


A Rose by Sandy


Beauty, It Is by Christine


Bunnies & Butterflies by Debb


Don't forget about daylight savings time this weekend - spring ahead an hour!  That means you have to start your crafting an hour earlier, right?!  :)  Happy day.

I don't get to play with "girlie" colors very often so when my Friend Jennifer had a baby girl I was so excited to make a sweet little baby girl card! I created the circle text in my computer program and just punched it out using a scallop circle punch, layered it with some foam tape, a larger punched scallop and a stamped image of a baby onesie - easy peasy!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Supplies: Paper, Karen Neuberger. Punches, Marvy Uchida. Stamp, Savvy Stamps. Ink, Stampin' Up. Photo corners, 3L. Paper Frills, Doodlebug.

Don't put away your heart punches, dies, and-cut outs just yet. Combined in just the right way, they can make really cute shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day!



For this card, I used the Cuttlebug Heart Die and 2 kinds of patterned paper. Add a few pop-dots, ribbon, stickers and rub-ons...and you have a great card to send to a friend or family member.

Good luck with this technique!
~Kim

(Supplies: Patterned paper by Piggy Tales and Scenic Route, Cardstock by Prism, Ribbon by KI Memories, Rub-ons by Melissa Frances, Letter Stickers by Provo Craft, Cuttlebug Heart Die by Provo Craft, Button by Bazzill)