One Little Word 2014

I realize that I may be a little bit late to the OLW party. I typically don't do journals or books for myself, like, at all. But, 2013 was a very difficult year for me personally and I decided that not only would I pick a word for 2014 but that I would keep a journal, or scrapbook type journal, or Smash book...whatever you want to call it.

Last year I purchased this Memory File Spiral Bound album by Heidi Swapp from Nicole Petersen Designs. I had no idea at the time what I was going to do with it, but I had to have it. ;) All of the pages are different sizes and media types. The first page is a little banner with a polaroid printed on it and the center is open. That made the perfect intro page for my OLW journal.

I wanted to make the window a pocket page and fill it will some Want2Scrap bling and sequins but I didn't have any vellum. So I grabbed the next best thing...wax paper. Yep, I did, and as you can see it worked! I cut a rectangle strip of the wax paper then folded it in half and filled it with Pink 72 Count Pearls and some sequin from American Crafts. Then I used some Washi Tape from my stash to seal the edges and adhered it to the back side of the frame. I really love how the pocket turned out too. And, as you can see my OLW for 2014 is me. Throughout the year I will share the stories of last year that led up to that choice. I used my trusty Thickers for the 'me' and added a cute little flair button from {a flair for buttons} to finish it off.

My friend, Mary-Ann, is on the design team for {a flair for buttons} and if you haven't seen Shelley's flair you MUST check it out. Super cute stuff. Anyway, after drooling over many of Mary-Ann's projects I HAD to buy some flair. Had to. I purchased a mix and was able to choose a number of designs from different sets so that I could make them fit in my book all year. You can, however, purchase coordinating sets as well.

Do you keep a journal or have a OLW each year?

I Ruff You

I never thought I would "love" a dog. I mean, don't get me wrong, I like dogs...especially little dogs. ;) I have always wanted a Yorkie and my hubby's aunt breeds them. He ran into her a while back and she graciously gave me a new little baby Yorkie from her latest littler. Now, I am one of "those" dog lovers. I just love him to pieces. So, naturally, I couldn't resist the new I Ruff You Overlay by Want2Scrap. :D

I used papers from the new Bo Bunny Happy Tails collection! I just adore this line. After placing my papers and photo mats where I wanted them, I went to work embellishing. First, I cut down Nestabling Pennants Black Rhinestones to fit the little printed banner on the lower left photo mat. Next, I added a Designer Embellies Corrugated ATC card to use as a mini photo mat. It just so happened that the Bo Bunny Happy Tails License paper has tags and names on it and I found my dog's name! So I fussy cut the tag and added it to the bottom of the ATC then added 2 large pearls from the 72 Count Black Pearls pack, one on either side of the tag.

Here are a few close up shots...

Unfortunately, before my new printer arrived, I had to ship this Overlay off to be used as a product sample. But, my new printer is here and when this Overlay returns, I will be adding pics of this adorable little guy to it...

See what I mean?! How could you NOT love this little guy?! :D

DIY Night Light

I know I have shared a night light or two I have created in the past. I just can't get enough of making these. They make PERFECT gifts and are soooooo easy! Here's one I recently made for Want2Scrap...

These little night lights also make great uses of your scrap papers!  I purchase my fringe trims at Hobby Lobby when they are on sale or in large cuts with my 40% off coupon.  Then I add extra trims, like the Hot Pink Rose Trim from Want2Scrap then embellish.  They come together quickly and are a nice, affordable personalized gift option.

For full details and supply list, please visit my post on the Want2Scrap blog.

 

DIY Valentine Decor with Want2Scrap

This April marks four years since we purchased our new home. Can you believe that as of January 1, 2014 I had yet to personalize the living room or even hang a single piece of decor on the walls? As a matter of fact, we didn't even have living room furniture. LOL! Just a couple of recliners and a futon. But, we found a great set of furniture that we LOVE and got a fabulous deal on it. That sparked something in me and I wanted to really make it look like home. So my friend, Lawrin, and I set out on a shopping adventure. I purchased a mirror, lamp, candle sticks, picture frames, a wall clock and shelf and more! After an hour or so, and a little...okay a LOT...of help from hubby, our living room became a warm and inviting space in our home. 

Since I had purchased a little shelf, I needed something to put ON the shelf. So I decided the shelf would make a perfect spot for seasonal decor and decided to create some Valentine decor.

I started out with the idea of the mini printers tray and banner.  But, as you can see, I ended up also making a mini altered canvas as well.  For full details and supply list, please visit the Want2Scrap blog.