Hey Hey I'm dancin' to a little Maroon Five, oops, I mean scrappin' to a little Maroon Jive  on the Paper Issues blogtoday! I was so afraid of this challenge. For Real. Maroon? What color even is that? Is it dark red? Well, let me show you what I did. 

The first thing I did was tear into the April Kit. I fussy cut a bunch of the mandalas from the 1Mandala paper, focusing on the ones with more reds and pinks in them. To get more maroon shades, I went to my inks, stencils and stamps. I mixed a couple of pink Distress Oxides for the foundation. then I used one of the pinks with the Vicki Boutin Chart stencil. To add more of the deeper red, I stamped some more dots using Vicki Boutin Hello Stamp set with PinkFresh Studio Inks. Aha! It even turned out the way I wanted it to!  I stamped the title with the Elle's Studio Medium Jane Alphas. There. I think I conquered my fear of Maroon! 

Thanks for stopping by today! Head over to our Facebook Group where you can find all of our April Challenges, and upcoming events. Shop the Paper Issues store for all new Vicki Boutin, kits and so much more. the best part is it's 20% off when you use DEVRA at checkout. See you next time!

Thankful for You

Hey there friends! I'm on the Paper Issues blog  today with a project for the Ties That Bind challenge. So this challenge was bit more difficult than I thought. Yes, yes I know I could have tied a knot or a bow and called it a day but really that is not much a of a challenge for me? 

Well, enter the November Kit! As soon as I opened it the ideas come flooding! It's filled with Simple Stories Cozy Days and, oh, where should I start? How about these awesome chipboard frames! I tied some twine around the pumpkins stems, then a bow around the top of the frame. 

Maybe I should back up a bit...because before I could even lay down any paper, I had to make my background!Yes, that's right, I jumped on the Distress Oxide train. I mixed some colors through an Altenew stencil . I think I am never going to use a solid background again. 

Anyway, I trimmed, layered, tucked and tore a few papers and ephemera, then reconnected the two sides by tying them back together with more twine. And come on, I think we need to talk about how these two young men are the ties that bind, to each other and to me!

Thanks for stopping by today. Head over to the shop fast to grab yourself a  November Kit, some Distress Oxides and anything else that catches you eye. Use DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Share what you make with us in our Facebook Group where you can find this and all of the   November Challenges. See you again soon!

 

Up One, Down Two,

Hello there! I'm on the Paper Issues blog this finest of Scraplift Sundays! Oh my do we have a LO to lift today! Stacie created a masterpiece. Man, I don't know if I can do it justice, but I sure tried!

I don't know what is more striking, the background stitching or the fact that it's on a chalked black background...It's genius. All of it. I wanted to recreate it, but in my own way. Well duh, that's why it's called scraplifting... anyway. I thought of using paint, creating streaks with ink, even layers of paper. Then I saw these photos and realized I had to stitch, but in a different way. At the same time, my August Paper Issues Kit and Swag Bag arrived giving me my colors. 

I have a whole bunch of old stitch templates. I used several of those to hand stitch the background, as well as the Pretty Little Studio Clear Stitch Stickers. Once I was done stitching, the rest was fairly simple. As in Stacies, the background speaks for itself! I layered several swag bag papers under the photos adding a few select pieces of PinkFresh Let's Stay Home ephemera and Chipboard flair.  Really, deciding on the background was the hardest part! ok, maybe teaching my son to sew as, but we won't tell him that!

Yep. I think the monotony and isolation of this never ending quarantine has finally gotten to him. He's like me and cant sit and do nothing. He asked me to teach him how to sew. He came home a few weeks ago to visit and that's what we did. He found it calming and relaxing. Mission accomplished. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! You can find Kits, PinkFresh Studio and so much more in the Paper Issues shop.  Don't miss out! Use DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Then make all the thinsgs and head over to our Facebook Group for all the fun, games and September Challenges. See you next time!

 

Walk With Me

Hey there and good morning!  I'm on the Paper Issues blog today sharing this project for the July This or That challenge . I always think oh, this is going to be so easy. Nope. That's why it's called a challenge.

So, This or That turned out to be not so bad! My secret this month? The Paper Issues Kit and Swag Bag. It had everything I needed (and didn't need!) to get this done.  I'll be honest, the hardest decision was red or blue! I had to start there. This kit was filled with red making that an easy decision, so red it is!. After that, the rest fell into place fairly easily. Polka Dots, Flair, Circle, Paper clip, Sequins and Stripes. 

I love when paper does the work for me. Starburst paper as a background is one of the best for that. It can stand alone, making design so easy! That's how I used it today.  Next, I used the Photoplay Stick Together cut apart paper for the polka dot strip and the clouds! Yep. I fussy cut them out of another strip! A Flair for Buttons is my favorite flair, so that was a no brainer. Sequins add some sparkle to the clouds. The circles and paperclips came from my stash. See? Easy.

Of all the disruption COVID has brought to our lives, one welcome disruption for me is being able to walk my dog every day. I enjoy the time to get outside, clear my head and spend some time alone, well, with my dog anyway. 

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Head over to Instagram @thebeachygal to find more of my crafty projects. 

You can find this and all of our challenges in the July challenge album in our Facebook group . Shop Paper Issues using DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase. See you again soon!

Thankful

Hey there! I'm on the Paper Issues Blog today sharing this project using our incredible FREE cut files. Yep. It's a Free File Free for All!

I used two cut files today. The first is the Leaves and Laurels for the leaves under my photo. I cut them out of 3 different papers from the Paper Issues kits, then layered them. It kinda looks like the photo is sitting in a basket of leaves. I love it! I cut the title, Thankful out of the Gorgeous Ovals .

I've been pretty obsessed with the Paper Issues kits. Here's what I love most about them: 1) They are a great value. There is so much in each kit! 2) They blend well from one month to the next! and 3) The vary in each kit is amazing!  Anyway, can you guess what I used on this page? Yep. I  mixed the October and November kits. I layered several papers behind the photo and added a bunch of the stickers and Nuvo Vintage drops.

Between the cut files and the kits, this was east and fun to put together!

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. When I'm not here, you can find me on Instagram @thebeachygal. Can't wait to show you what's next. 

Good Things

Hey there! It's Scraplift Sunday at Paper Issues and I'm sharing my lift of Cassie W's page on the Paper Issues Blog today!   You can check out her layout below.

I am totally in love with the Paper Issues Monthly kits.  I couldn't wait to tear or umm, cut into it. They are pure heaven. Have you noticed that each month kind of mixes well with the previous month?!?! Genius!  

Anyway, I love that Cassie's LO is on an angle but I was not feeling that. Nope. I straightened out the design. Other than that. I pretty much lifted the entire thing. Well. ok, I made some changes because that's what I do! I moved the title to the bottom and journaled between the photos on one of the Pink Paislee Again & Again ephemera. I added some sequins from the November Swag Bag , and also lots of Again & Again stickers. Did you know pieces of the monthly kits are usually stocked individually in the shop? Well you do now!  Lastly, Nuvo drops. Always Nuvo drops.

I have a thing about cherries. I think it stems from a  poem my Grandma used to read to me. At one time I could recite it from memory. Since moving here, all I've ever wanted to do was go cherry picking. This year we finally did. The day was awesome from start to finish. We met up with one of my Paper Issues friends, picked many pounds of cherries, ate blueberry donuts, took some amazing photos, then went out for Mexican food for lunch. I can't wait to go back again next summer. 

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today.  You can also find me on Instagram @thebeachygal more often than not. Cant wait for you to come back here again soon. Check out the Paper Issues Monthly kitsand so much more in the Paper Issues shop. Use DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase. You'll be glad you did. 

We like Cake!

Hey there! I've got the last post of the month on the Paper Issues blog today. My project is for the Rolling with the Punches challenge.

You know what's funny. I get ideas for using my punches all the time. But when it came to using them for this challenge, I hit a wall. No ideas whatsoever.  So I stopped overthinking and just started creating. I figured they'd find a way on to the page somehow.

First, I grabbed the September Kit. There's got to be some ideas in there right? Yup. I mixed in some Amy Tangerine Slice of Life Thickers in there as well. I was just putting papers and stickers together but it wasn't coming together. Well, thank you border punches. I used the bunting border punch with the blue watercolor paper from the kit. I punched 3 different lengths, glued them in 3 places and now the whole things feels finished. I didn't reinvent the wheel with my punches, but it definitely made a difference.

I spent a few days with my sister over the summer celebrating her birthday. It was a special one, and deserved a special cake. We love cake! Being the cooking show nerds that we are, I ordered her a cake from Christina Tosi's bakery, Milk Bar. OMG, I'm so glad I did. 

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today.  It may be the last day of September, but all that means is a whole new month of challenges begins tomorrow. Better stock up for the amazing challenges coming your way! Use Devra at checkout in the Paper Issues shop for 20% off your purchase. Head over to the Paper Issues Friends and Fans Facebook group for the last week to enter your projects in the September album. 

Sunshine On My Mind

Hey there! I'm excited to share my first September project on the Paper Issues Blog today. I created this layout for the Pinspire Me challenge.

I know, I know. you are looking at this, looking back at the board and wondering where in the world did she come up with this? Well, let me tell you. See that top right square? I was inspired by the layers of dots.

I started but cutting a stencil out of the Spraying Water cut file. I used gelatos and art crayons to color through the stencil. Then the layers began! I used lots and lots of Nuvo drops, then threw on some sequins that were in my swag bags to create the layers on the dots.  I used the Paper Issues Kits for the rest of the page. I love the versatility of these kits!

One of my favorite things to do at my Dad's house it to lay on the blue raft in the pool. Just me, the sun and the water. Pure relaxation.

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Come back again soon, I have more to share. Catch me on Instagram too @thebeachygal

Picture Perfect

Hey there! I'm on the Paper Issues blog today with my project for the Let's Get Fussy Challenge. Let's talk fussy cutting for moment shall we? I've found you either love it or hate it. I'm on the I love to fussy cut team. I sure do enjoy a little time with my scissors and a piece of pretty patterned paper!

So, I was stalking my mailbox waiting for the August Paper Issues Kit. I had to cut apart the Love Always paper in the new Amy Tangerine collection, Slice of Life.   Oh those hearts!  Well, look at that. It's exactly what I did. After I cut them all out, I used both sides of the paper to create my design. I love the pop of yellow and the little bit of pattern it brings. Some are even raised with pop tape! I faced them towards each other, sandwiching the photos in between. So easy.

The hearts are everything on this page. It didn't need much embellishing. I just used the Truly Grateful ephemera and Phrase Thickers that are in the kit! Perfection.

These two are my world. But even though they are close in age, they are worlds apart. Walking in to find them like this made me cry. Bubba rarely goes in Big Bro's room. Climbing up on the bed is something I've never seen him do before. It's something I hope I see again. 

Thank for stopping by my creative view today. If you missed out on this months kit, never fear, Some of the pieces are available individually in the Paper Issues shop. Use DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase. We always want to see what you create. Share your projects in the August Challenges album in our   Facebook Group .  See you next time!

Go Litely

Hey there! I'm on the Paper Issues blog today featuring this page I made for the June Gloom challenge. 

Now see, I'm one of those people who scraps about everything. The good, bad and ugly. So I was not afraid of this challenge. But, when I do scrap about the not so fun or in this case, gloomy side of things, I always try to find a way to brighten the situation with color and always, always with humor. Take it from me, gloomy doesn't have to mean dark and blah!

Today I used the colorful June Pontoon Kit to tell a little story about a hospital adventure we had while attending my grandfather's funeral. Yep. That really happened. I won't tell you why we were there. Nobody wants to hear that part! If I was gonna scrap this, it was gonna be funny, and silly. Because it was not at the time.

I cut apart, then grouped by color a bunch of the hexagons. Why? Why not. I embellished some of them with a variety of Nuvo Drops. Each group them became the backdrop for the photos.  A few pieces of Shimelle Sparkle City ephemera and A Flair for Buttons finished this off.  Really. It was that easy. 

Thanks for stopping by my creative view. Ive got a few ideas brewing. Come back again to see how they shake out. 

I'm telling you. The Paper Issues kits are the way to go. They make everything so easy to put together. You can find them and so much more in the Paper Issues shop. Use DEVRA at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase. Join us in our Facebook Group  where you can find this and all of our      June Challenges.   See you next time!  

iPlay

Hey there and good morning! I'm on the Paper Issues blog today sharing this little number for the Take 5 Challenge!

I know this is one of everyone's favorite challenges! What's not to love? Choose your own design, photos, and products. Well, kind of right? Take a look at this month's list!

Today I started with the May Fishin' in the Dark Kit . Have you  tried our kits yet? Umm, hello? This one is right up my alley. Red, Blue and yellow. Yep. I can do anything with those colors!   I cut a bunch of the papers into strips, layered 'em up, then stitched 'em down. I mixed in a few ephemera pieces from the May Summer Camp Swag Bag to create layered embellie clusters. Whee! They coordinate! Brilliant! 

Anyway, the end result is this...  The color Red, The color Blue, Ephemera, Hand Journaling, and Layers and a bonus Metal brad, so its a Take 6 for me today! 

This is my view most days. Gears and his iPad by his side. Always. Sometimes he plays by himself for hours. Other days he only wants me to play with him. 

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. I'll be back again soon with more to share.

Hakuna Matata

Hey there and good morning to you. Wow. It's finally February. Was that the longest January ever or what? Anyway, I'm starting the month off right with a new project on the Paper Issues blog today for our February Keep It Sketchy challenge.

Here is this month's sketch. I love it. SO many possibilities, where do I begin!?!?

Well, first, I began by flipping it. I tried to use it the way it is, I really did, but the rebellious side of me took over again. So now the photos are on the bottom of the page. They looked better this way. Well, I think they do.  That meant I could make the title really, really big! Because that Sketch Alphabet cut file is really cool! 

What made this so fun to put together is the monthly kits. If you haven't jumped on board these kits you are missing out. It's such an awesomely unique mix of embellishments to complement patterned papers galore! So yes, I mixed a bunch of the papers together. Lots here, little bits there. I used frames behind the photos, even created one of my own. Needless to say, I love how there is so much to choose from that it works for any type of photos you're using or stories you are telling. 

Date night! This one was long overdue as we were celebrating our anniversary. The show was amazing and so was the night. I also think Hakuna Matata is a good motto to live by, don't you?

Check out these embellies! I covered a wood piece with Nuvo drops!

 Layers upon layers of ephemera, puffy stickers and more!

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Ive got a lot of ideas swirling in my head. Hope you'll come back again to see how they live on paper.   Its the beginning of the month so you have plenty of time to join the fun in our Facebook group where you can find this and all of our February Challenges. Shop the Paper Issues store for all of your paper needs using DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase. 

Celebrate 18

Hey there! It's been a bit of an unexpected crazy month so not a very crafty one! Boo. Anyway, I'm on the Paper Issues Blog today sharing this page I made for the Let's Party challenge. Did someone say party? Yes please. We had a big birthday to celebrate this year. I think this photo fits this challenge don't you?

I'm all about quick, easy and what makes you happy these days. You know what? That's why I'm so happy Paper Issues is offering monthly kits now!  I still love everything about the Blue Ain't Your Color kit. Yes, I know it's from August but who cares?!?! It's fantastic. I think this is the 4th project I've made with it and I still can make a few more.  Seriously, everything on this page is from this kit and the Sept  Swag Bag.

Well, back to my layout. This isn't any old birthday page. 18 is a BIG deal and I wanted it to be BIG on my page.  One of my favorite things to do with scrappy products is to use them in different ways. That's what I did with the Stitching 2018  cut file. I deleted part of it, using only the 18. It gave me the exact look I was going for. I also used the 4th of July cut file for the word celebrate.

This gave me a chance to cross this photo off my list. Celebrating birthdays is always a big deal in my family. 18 is a really big deal. I cant believe how quickly this happened. I feel like he was little just a few weeks ago. 

So when I said easy, I meant easy. I highly recommend trying either or both the monthly kits and Swag Bags.  They will simplify your paper crafting and make it so much fun!  Use DEVRA at checkout for 20% off your purchase. Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Come back again soon, I will have more to share. 

Who Let the Dogs Out?!?

Hello there! I'm up on the Paper Issues blog today with this layout for the Alphabet Soup challenge. This challenge has so many possibilities! Use alphas in a creative way? Yes please I'm in! 

I had so many ideas, but at the same time, I didn't have the foggiest idea what I wanted to do. Then I remembered the August Kit! While I was looking through it again, some of the brighter papers jumped out at me. Can I say that I love the variety in this months kit?!?!?  Anyway, those papers plus this photo and the ideas were rolling! 

The Dog Gone Cute cut file quickly became a colorful paw print. Little bits and pieces of papers and embellishments added even more color.  But wait. This is about the Alphabet! Oh right! I used 3 different black Thickers in 3 different fonts combined with the cut file in the title! Boom!

As you know SnapChat filters are all the rage right now. If you don't, well you should. It's not easy to get my son positioned right in front of the camera, but I got it right this time! This photo puts a smile on my face every time I look at it.

Thanks so much for stopping by my creative view today. Its been a crazy month for me. Stick around, I promise I have more to share!  Remember you can get 20% off your purchases in the Paper Issues shop using DEVRA at checkout.

The Best Family

Hey there and good morning! I'm up on the Paper Issues blog today with this layout created for the This or That  challenge. Have you played along with this one yet?  Shhhh... It's a secret fav of mine. I always look at the list and think, 'no problem'. But you know what happens when I get started? BAM. I always get stuck on something! First, let me show you the list and what I used:

Pink  or Red 

Circles  or Stars

Twine or Ribbon 

Brads or Flair

Cut File or punch

Stripes or Dots 

Scallops or Straight Edged Layers

Tab or tag

Want to know another secret? I've never thought of myself as someone who would be a kit person. But holy moly! The August Kit-Blue aint your color is fantastic! I got so many ideas just looking through my package when it arrived, I couldn't wait to get started! And boy, did this kit make this page super easy to complete!  

 This background paper was really talking to me. It said 'make me fancy'. So I did by layering some of the beautiful Vicki Boutin Ephemera pieces over flowers from the NSD 2017 cut file scattered over the page. Did you see those chipboard Thickers? I threw on several of the sentiments as well. I'm not done yet! There's more. I have another secret...I mixed pieces of the September Swag Bag in here too! They create those straight edged layers under my photo.   And you know how much I love flair right? A Flair for Buttons makes the best flair! I loved being able to used them for this challenge!

Like I said, this kit really is easy to work with. I may be a kit person after all! 

I really do have a great family. It's too bad we don't live closer to each other. It's always nice to be together, especially for happy occasions. 

Thanks for stopping by my creative view today. I have a lot going on this month, so come back again soon!