Bluebird Patrol

Each year as spring comes to Houston, my father in law carefully watches and maintains the bluebird houses on the Champions golf course.  Last year we took a wild golf cart ride to check out the many nests along the fairways.  This page is from last year when there were only eggs at the time we were in Houston.  Since we are in Houston now and planning another bluebird tour this afternoon, we hope to have babies that we can photograph.




Bluebird Patrol - March 29, 2010 - Houston, TX

JOURNALING: Our next stop was Houston to see Ted & Annie.  We enjoyed the tour of the bluebird houses at the golf course, although Ted does look like a thief here. 

SUPPLIES USED:  Complete Boy by My Minds Eye, Dotted Swiss by Bazzill,  Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge, Jasmine Cricut cartridge

Here are the closeups of each page.

FileKutz first Sketch Challenge with FREE SVG

I am excited to announce the first sketch challenge by FileKutz Design's.  Lisa Jane is offering this freebie file of a Swirl Background DOWNLOAD IT HERE {Password is: iagreetouswirl} and the only rule is you must use it, or part of it on your card, layout or project.

To play along, just post your sketch project to your blog or gallery, then include a link in the InLinkZ form at the bottom of the Design Team Blog. The winner will be chosen on May 9th, so you have just a little over two weeks to work on your idea!! The winner will win 5 free files of there choice from ANY of Filekutz Design's. You can see all of LisaJane's design's between these two places HERE and HERE. To qualify for the prize drawing, have your layout, card or project linked here by noon EST on Monday, May 9.

To be in with a chance of winning this awesome prize, here's this weeks sketch for you to use in your entries...

 

Here is a picture of the Cut File offered for this challenge:

How about some samples to jump-start your creativity? Here's what our fabulous Design Team have made this week!

These are the Moments

This is probably my favorite photo of my youngest brother, his wife and my adorable niece.  However, the conversion of the photos to Sepia was not an accident.  While the photos of the faces of all three were wonderful in both photos, the backgrounds were awful.  For example, in the one of my niece laughing, the background contained a purple cat house, not all that appealing.  I recolored the photos and blurred the backgounds to give more focus on the facial expressions that tell the story!!!

For more ideas on how to get rid of those square photo corners, check out my PHOTO CORNERS GALLERY HERE.  Here the rounded corners add just a hint of softness that helps convey the feelings captured in the photos.

These are the Moments - March 22, 2010 - Joplin, Missouri

JOURNALING: N/A- I decided not to journal on this layout because the clear epoxy quote sticker conveyed the perfect sentiment.

SUPPLIES USED: George & Basic Shapes Cricut Cartridge, Graphically Speaking Cricut Cartridge, Jasmine Cricut Cartridge, Mirabelle by The Paper Studio

Cherished Family Times

Since we don't have any children, I don't get to use pink and little girl colors very often.  So I always chase my adorable little nieces around with the camera and enjoy when I get to use pink on a layout.

For more layouts using pink as the primary color, visit my PINK GALLERY HERE.

Cherished Family Times - March 22 to 29, 2010 - Joplin, Missouri

JOURNALING: Our first stop on the trip was to visit with my family in MO. We stayed in the RV at Laura & Eric's house and enjoyed the time spent with everyone. What cuties! 780 miles traveled. We celebrated Easter early so Katelyn & Emma got to show off their dresses. Emma's eyes constantly followed Katelyn around. What adorable cousins!

SUPPLIES USED: Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge, Making Memories, Simply Delightful by My Minds Eye

Here are the closeups of the two individual pages making up this double page layout:

Road Trip

I mentioned a couple of days ago that we were traveling in our fifth wheel across North America, well this layout is the start of the whole trip.  We were leaving Colorado (our home) and just crossing into Kansas on I70 heading to my family in Missouri.  I snapped this photo of Matt driving the truck and fifth wheel in front of me.  I was driving my car to leave it at my sisters home in southwest Missouri.  Considering that the truck started with 6,923 miles when this photo was taken and now has over 32,000 miles on it, I think we've been on the go this past year. 

Road Trip - March 21, 2010 - Road Trip - Kansas

For more layouts featuring vellum as a supply, please visit my gallery.  On this layout, the travel quote was on vellum that I affixed over the inside punchout of the frame (around the photo).  No waisting supplies here.

JOURNALING: I70 on the Kansas border. We left Colorado to start our RV adventure. 6,923 miles on the truck's odometer.

SUPPLIES USED: K&Co - Road Trip patterned paper and embellishments

Gotta Scrap

I am always amazed at how much "stuff" that we scrapbookers accumulate.  Here, my sister and I have "stuff" spread out over two huge tables as we got together for a scrapping weekend.  Since we live in different states, we don't get to do this very often so its always very special memories when we do.

Gotta Scrap - January 20, 2010 - Silverthorne, Colorado

For more layout examples using transparencies, please visit my Gallery.  I loved being able to call attention to my beautiful sister using the cute white doodled transparency frame.

JOURNALING: Laura flew into Denver on Jan 20 for a scrapping weekend. We were joined by Monica & Britney at the condo.

PHOTOS: By Angela Shetzer of Shetzers Photography - Converted to black & white using Photoshop

SUPPLIES USED: Fiskars border punch, My Minds Eye - Complete Boy patterned papers, Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge, Transparency Photo Frame, Epoxy Stickers

SUNRISE FLIGHT

I wanted this layout to be very simple and to concentrate on the beautiful sunrise image. When I found LisaJane's Evergreen border, I knew that I had to use it to enhance this layout. I choose a single set of trees and cut them out in various colors and then placed them throughout the layout.

TECHNIQUE TIP:  Using the same embellishments three times in this layout creates a visual triangle that helps move the readers eyes through the layout and pulls it all together. The natural fiber paper provides a great base for the trees and definitely mimics the rugged Alaskan coastline where this photo was shot.

SUNRISE FLIGHT - November 24, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING: As the slow winter sun rises, this eagle and Matt were treated to a beautiful orange glow.

PHOTOS: Bald Eagle images by Matt Shetzer of Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: Evergreen Border SKU: LK00265 by LisaJane at Filekutz, Sketch by Becky Fleck Page Maps 2 book (page 60), The Paper Studio Affinity cardstock, The Paper Company Kraft cardstock, K&Company Julianne patterned paper and journal tag, Stampabilities Brown ink, Tim Holtz Spiced Marmalade distress ink, Font: My Own Topher, Handmade paper, Doodlebug Design Paper frills, JudiKins textile cube stamp

Here is a photo of the complete set of Evergreen Borders that is available for purchase at FileKutz. I used the third set in this layout.

Home away from home

For those who don't know me very well, you may not be aware that all my scrapping activities right now are taking place inside our 34 foot fifth wheel as we travel around North America.  The layout below showcases our "Home Away from Home" that will be our home for the next several years.

In this layout, I wanted a nice homey feel so I decided to use lots of stitching to mimic a quilted look.  Most of the photos were taken by the dealer when we were purchasing it as it is nowhere near this uncluttered now!!!

For more travel related scrapbook layout examples, please visit my gallery

Home Away From Home - January 3, 2010 - Colfax, California

JOURNALING: Matt left Colorado to beat bad weather on Jan 1. He was on his way to Colfax, CA to pick up the fifth wheel. After months of searching for this exact model, we finally found it. he would spend 32 hours to drive 2,274 miles round trip. He would have to tow through snow & mountains.

SUPPLIES USED: Font: AR Christy, The Paper Studio - Mirabelle

Here are the closeups of both pages:

Waiting for the Fight

I always struggle with journaling right on my layout but I took the plunge on this page and was quite happy with the results.  As I almost always finish my layout with my journaling, I guess I am afraid that I'll mess up an otherwise complete layout.  My Ah Ha moment was that if I mess it up or spell something wrong, then all I need to do is to put some type of journaling tag over it.  Problem solved!!!

For examples of more scrapbook layouts using ribbon and fibers, please visit my online gallery HERE.

WAITING FOR THE FIGHT - October 31, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING: A third Bald Eagle waits patiently as two others fight over the salmon on the Chilkat River in Haines, Alaksa.

PHOTOS: Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: BasicGrey Porcelain patterned paper, Kraft cardstock, Bazzill Just the Edges, Sketch by PageMaps2 page 29, JudiKins Textile Cube and Treasure Cube stamp, Ranger Distress Ink in Frayed Burlap and Fired Brick, Font Daisy Regular, EK Success punch, Making Memories Kraft words, Fiskars Scallop scissors

Attack

I've been lucky enough to find a great friend here in South Padre Island who shares my love of scrapping and card making.  We've been able to scrap at her home several times and its great fun as we each get to try out each others tools.  On this layout, she had a great corner punch that allowed me to create these wonderful shapes for this layout.

To see more examples of 1 photo scrapbook layouts, please visit my gallery HERE.


ATTACK - October 31, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING:  A pair of Bald Eagles battle for a left over salmon on the river.

PHOTOS:  Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED:  K&Company Julianne patterned paper and mats, Kraft cardstock, Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink (Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap, Weathered Wood), Judikins Treasure cube stamp, Inkadinkado Gem Stone Flowers stamp, K&Company borders (tickets), Creative Cafe Just Write stamp, Font is CK Leisurely, Sketch by PageMaps2 (page 39), Bazzill Basics Just the Edge

TECHNIQUE TIP:  I wanted to add to the vintage feel of this layout and using a plain white border strip just did not work.  I took the normal Bazzill Basics Just the Edge border strip and stamped it with the Judikins Treasure cube stamp to give it the appearance of old handwriting.  Using the weathered wood ink by Tim Holtz as the main inking accent on the page contributes to the softness and tone of the page.

New Book Available

Matt has been hard at work compiling a book with some of his favorite Bald Eagle images from last years trip to Haines, Alaska. Haines is one of our favorite photographic locations and we are looking forward to returning in November with our photography tour for some more great shots.

Click below to see a sampling of the book or to order your copy.

North American Bald Eagles of Haines, Alaska by A photographic journey by Matt Shetzer |

the CHALLENGE

For some reason, my husband says that this is one of his favorite pages. I love using kraft paper and the BasicGrey collection really coordinates well with it.

THE CHALLENGE - October 26, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING: A Bald Eagle challenges another for the salmon catch while another flies away with his.

PHOTOS: Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: BasicGrey Porcelain patterned paper, Kraft cardstock, Array parchment cardstock, Ranger Distress Ink in Fired Brick and Frayed Burlap, Making Memories Poppy paint, Font Tekton Pro Cond, Diamond Glaze, Ranger Stickles, JudiKins Treasure Cube Stamp, Jasmine Cricut cartridge, Sketch by PageMaps Page 117

TECHNIQUE TIP:  I wanted to vary my flowers a bit so I choose a multitude of centers for them.  I used my Diamond Glaze to adhere a cluster of small glass beads in two, I used some buttons (various types) on several and then I used my favorite Stickles (I'm a glitter junkie) in several.  Overall, with the variations of flower petals with various patterned paper and my centers, I think the flowers provide a nice accent to the wonderful photos that my husband took.  

Cuddly Couple

For some reason, I really struggled with scrapping these two photos of an eagle pair in a tree.  It took me several attempts to be able to finally come up with a design that I liked. 

CUDDLY COUPLE - October 11, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING: A pair of Bald Eagles nestle in a tree together near the Chilkoot river.

PHOTOS: Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: Little Yellow Bicycle Vita Bella patterned paper, DCWV Neutrals cardstock, Art Advantage paint in Hookers Green, Doodlebug Design Paper frills, Fonts are CK General Store and AR Julian, Sketch by PageMaps (page 16), Stampendous Pattern Trio Stamp, K&Company Brenda Walton patterned paper, Sharpie pen for journaling, Stampin Up Dot Dot Dot stamp, Versa color ink in Bamboo, Stampabilities Brown ink, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Olive Vine

TECHNIQUE TIP: I always have problems matching the mountains of flowers that I have with my layouts to get the perfect color. I did not have the perfect green for these flowers so I started out with some white flowers and then used my glimmer mist (olive vine color) to create some neat variations in color on the flowers. Once they were dry, I stamped them with my Stampin Up Dot Dot Dot stamp in brown to help give them some definition. I then cut one flower in half and adhered to the top and beneath my journaling tag. Easy perfectly matched flowers!!

Soaring

I noticed that all my Bald Eagle layouts were done with either natural colors or colors from the images (green, yellow, brown) and I thought that I needed a couple of patriotic pages to showcase our national bird. Below is the first of the layouts that I've done with a bit bolder colors.

SOARING - October 31, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING: A Bald Eagle soars into the trees on the Chilkat river in Haines, AK.

PHOTOS: Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: DCWV Nantucket patterned paper, Stampabilities Brown ink, Sketch by PageMaps (page 52), EK Success corner rounder, Stampin up corner rounder, Oriental Trading stitch template, Font: CK Carefree, The Paper Studio pearlized cardstock, Fiskars Secret Garden Foliage stamp, Versa Color ink in blue

TECHNIQUE TIP: I decided to buck the normal trends of matching my layout colors to my photograph and developed this patriotic color scheme to showcase our national bird. Since the colors were so powerful and the meaning they convey is clear, a few simple star embellishments and some stitched flourishes added to the patriotic mood.  This sketch was featured in Becky Fleck's Page Maps 1 book and if you look at the sketch (page 52), you will notice that it was for a 8 1/2 x 11 vertical layout.  Just another example of how to take inspiration from a sketch to create your layouts.

Look Out Below

I've been working feverishly to finish up my Bald Eagle scrapbook by the time we leave here in two weeks. It's been great fun, but I will be glad to get back to some different types of layouts and be able to start on our trip through Alaska last summer.  The Bald Eagle scrapbook will contain 28 layouts.

LOOK OUT BELOW - October 31, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALS: Bald Eagles battle for a salmon meal in the last run of the season.

PHOTOS: Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: K&Company Julianne patterned paper and mats, Kraft cardstock, Ranger Tim Holtz Distress ink (Antique Linen, Weathered Wood), Judikins Treasure Cube and Textiles Cube stamp, DCWV Neutrals cardstock, Bazzill Basics Just the Edge, Stampin Up Notes and Details and Dot Dot Dot stamps, Eagle cut file by FileKutz by LisaJane, Smooch pearlized ink, Sketch by PageMaps 2 (page 104), Font: Evie's hand

TECHNIQUE TIP: I used four different borders by Bazzill on this page. Two of them started out being off white so I used my stamps and inks to colorize them and add more texture to the layout. Another one started out to be off white and I decided that a pale blue would give a bit more separation to the zig zag border so I sponged some of the Tim Holtz weathered wood ink onto it to recolor it. The bluish textured flowers also started off in plain off white and with my stamps, I blended them in with the theme of the layout.

Here is a closeup of the wonderful cut file from LisaJane at FileKutz.  What a great way to finish off this layout.

To purchase this wonderful file, please click on the photo above to be taken to the website..

Hanging Out

So I bought these wonderful transparency frames quite some time ago (like over a year) and I have had a hard time using them because they are so large.  Now I've come up with a few ideas for them such as mounting them on cardstock to create a frame in the background but this is actually the first time I have used one directly over a photo.  Since I'm scrapping with such large photos for the Bald Eagle album, I thought they would be perfect and I must say, that I like the look they created below.  What a great way to frame your photos.

HANGING OUT - October 31, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING:  A pair of adult Bald Eagles relax on a cold winters morning in Haines AK.

PHOTOS:  Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED:  Little Yellow Bicycle Vita Bella patterned paper, DCWV Neutrals cardstock, Ranger Distress Ink in Frayed Burlap, Wild Honey and Faded Jeans, Sketch by PageMaps page 103, JudiKins Textile Cube stamp, Font Hey Gorgeous, Fiskars Remember This stamp, Colorbok overlay