WE'RE OFF

WE'RE OFF - May 2, 2010 - South Padre Island, Texas

JOURNALING: Pinkie's outfit here was actually a dog's outfit.  Sandie surprised us one day!  Although we have really enjoyed our stay in South Padre Island, it is time to start the trek north.  We left early on May 2 and drove over 700 miles to overnight in a rest area just east of Van Horn, Texas. 

SUPPLIES USED:  Roam papers by K&Co, Cricut Expression, SCAL basic shapes, Flamingo svg file, Vellum letters for title, Journaling cards

TECHNIQUES TIPS:  For those of you who don't know me well, you may not know that besides my hubby and myself, we have a pink flamingo, Pinkie, that travels with us across North America.  I can't say enough how much I love my Cricut and use it at least once on almost 95% of my layouts.  I wanted this layout to showcase our silly travel companion and an even sillier outfit that a fellow camper dressed her in.  I did not have a flamingo embellishment so I set out to look for one on the internet for a svg file that I could create my own flamingo. 

FEELING FROSTY

FEELING FROSTY - July 14, 2010 - Fairbanks, Alaska

JOURNALING:  We visited the Ice Museum with its fantastic ice sculptures and watched a demonstration on how the ice is carved from huge chunks with power tools.  I could not convince Matt to take a nap in the ice house.

PHOTOGRAPHS:  Angela Shetzer of Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: BasicGrey Granola patterned paper, Kraft cardstock, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Faded Jeans, Stampabilities Black Ink, Doodlebug Designs Paper Frills in Lily White, EK Success Corner Rounder, Gel Writer, Sheer Shimmer Spritz in Frost, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Denim blue, Liquid Pearls in White Opal, Stickles in Star Dust, Diamond Glaze, Letter Stencils, Cricut Expression with MSSeasonal cartridge, SCAL with snowflake and journal tag svg shapes

TECHNIQUE NOTES:  I'm sure you are like me and have lots of those plastic letter templates laying around.  I decided that I wanted to use on this layout so I went about "building" my title of Feeling Frosty.  I started out by tracing the letters on my kraft background paper with a pencil.  I lightly erased the pencil marks so they would not show through on my final image.  Then I traced all the outlines of the letters with small dots using my Liquid Pearls.  Once that was dry, I filled the inside of the letters with my Star Dust Stickles.  After even more drying time, I filled in the letters with Diamond Glaze to give them so dimension and shine.  Perfect title with no alphabets or Cricut needed.

Double Page Layout

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ISLA GAIA

ISLA GAIA - May 1, 2010 - South Padre Island, Texas

JOURNALING: Isla Gaia, a female nesting Kemp's Ridley sea turtle was released with a satellite tracker attachment to monitor her movements.  We watched her release from Isla Blanca beach. 

SUPPLIES USED:  Roam papers by K&Co, Happy Trails borders by K&Company, corner rounder by EK Success,

TECHNIQUE TIP:  OK, so I broke my own rule about having white edges exposed on my photographs.  Here I actually decided to make the white edges stand out on my photos by taking a piece of sandpaper from my wonderful hubby's toolbox and sanding the edges of my photos to leave a nice textured white edge that helps them stand out from the beige background that I chose to mat them on.  This technique works well when you have mostly dark photos such as I have here to give an added separation from the background without adding paper and bulk with matting.

Double Page layout

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LARGE ANIMAL RESEARCH STATION

LARGE ANIMAL RESEARCH STATION (LARS) - July 10, 2010 - Fairbanks, Alaska

JOURNALING:  We walked around the L.A.R.S. to view all the animals

PHOTOGRAPHS:  Angela Shetzer of Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED:  Bazzill Black cardstock, DCWV World Traveler patterned paper, Bazzill stitch templates, Stampabilities Black Ink, Fiskars Threading water border punch, American Crafts precision pen in Black, Tsukineko Goose Bumps, Sketch by Template Tuesday on JessicaSprague.com, Magnets, Floss

TECHNIQUE NOTES:  I think stitching is a great addition to almost any page and its well worth the increased time it takes to do the layout.  For this layout, I started off with the Bazzill stitch template for the long stitched border on the right.  As much as I love the designs for the Bazzill templates, I always feel that they are a bit blocky and produce an uneven stitch.  To fix this, I start by punching the template onto my paper and then when all done with the template, I go back and punch a hole in the middle of two template holes.  The result is a much smaller stitch and smoother lines especially on curves. 

Don't be afraid to modify your templates and add your own personal touch to your pages.

Here is the original sketch that this layout is based off of.  Please visit JessicaSprague.com for more great templates and great challenges.

LETS GO FLY A KITE

LETS GO FLY A KITE - April 30, 2010 - South Padre Island, Texas

JOURNALING: Ted gets a kite flying lesson from Matt. 

SUPPLIES USED: Font: Lucida Calligraphy, Roam papers by K&Co, K&Company Handmade paper ribbon (buttons), File folder svg shape, Cricut Expression, Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) software

TECHNIQUE TIP:  Probably my most common comment on scrapbook page layout design is that I hate to see white edges on anything.  You will see that about 95% of the edges of my photos, embellishments and papers have been either inked or painted to give them some dimension and to get rid of those white edges.  In this layout I decided that I didn't want to mat my smaller photos, but a liberal coating of dark brown paint gave them a faux matting and also got rid of those dreadful white edges.  In this example I used a large foam paint brush and dabbed paint all around the edges to soften the hard lines of this linear layout and add some interesting texture.

Snowy Commute

I finally finished my Bald Eagle album from last year in Haines, Alaska.  This is the final page for the album.

SNOWY COMMUTE- November 24, 2010 - Haines, Alaska

JOURNALING: During a snow storm, this Bald Eagle takes flight.

PHOTOS: Bald Eagle images by Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED: Based on June 1 page sketch by SketchSupport.com, Patterned Papers from DCWV's Lodge pack, Diamond Glaze, EZ Dots adhesives, Stampabilities ink (Brown & Black), Brown ric rac ribbon, Dress It Up Tiny Wilderness button, Michaels Stud Embellishments, Epiphany Crafts Bubble Caps, Carolees Creations Tiny Worn retro Alpha, Hero Arts Circular Design Stamp, Studio G Snowflake stamp, Kaiser Craft Grid stamp, Tim Holtz Antique Linen distress ink

TECHNIQUE TIP: When I saw this beautiful paper from DCVW, I knew I had to use it on my last layout of the Haines Bald Eagles. The silver stampiing into the paper with the wing patterns matched the natural woodsy mood that I wanted for this layout. A minimum of embellishments helps both the paper and the wonderful photo stand out to showcase our national bird.

Alaska Pipeline

ALASKA PIPELINE - July 10, 2010 - Fairbanks, Alaska

JOURNALING:  We drove north of Fairbanks to visit an elevated section of pipeline.

PHOTOGRAPHS:  Matt & Angela Shetzer of Shetzers Photography {http://www.shetzers.com}

SUPPLIES USED:  Bazzill Black cardstock, DCWV World Traveler patterned paper, BasicGrey Basics white patterned paper, Cricut Expression with My World and Hey Dude cartridges, SCAL software with svg border cut, CK Deco Font, Recollections Boutique Fleur Gems, Black Diamond Stickles, Ranger Black Enamel, Doodlebug Designs Paper Frills in Black and Ladybug, Stampabilities Black ink

TECHNIQUE NOTES:  I'm not really an "industrial" look scrapper, but the hard cold steel of the pipeline in my photos just called out for that type of a layout.  I started out with a plain sheet of black cardstock for my background and added some grey patterned paper that I cut scalloped edges on to mimic the round pipeline.  I cut out pieces of an informational flyer that I had picked up and "saved" to add some interesting facts about the pipeline.  I then cut a few oil related pieces from some cricut cartridges and added some Black Diamond Stickles and Ranger's Black enamel as some imitation oil drops and I was all finished. 

Don't forget that not all photos have to be in a predetermined size such as 4 x 6.  My larger pipeline worked great as a panoramic as the sky and grass did not add much but a very long pipeline captured the feeling of the seemingly neverending pipeline.

Distant Shores

I have finally started on scrapping the Alaska portion of our trip that started a year ago July.

DISTANT SHORES - July 6, 2010 - Top of the World Highway, Alaska

JOURNALING:  We had no idea that our trip to Alaska would grow to be over 5 months long.  We stayed so long that the snow forced us to take the ferry out instead of driving.  July 6 to December 3, 2010

PHOTOGRAPHS:  Matt & Angela Shetzer of Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED:  PageMaps March, 2011 sketch; DCWV Natural cardstock; Array parchment cardstock; Gartner Airplane Voyage patterned paper; BasicGrey Manila Brief patterned paper; Kraft cardstock; Judikens Treasure cube rubber stamp; Stampin Up Sanded rubber stamp; Cricut Expression w/ 50 State cartridge; SCAL software; Britannic Bold & CK Letter Home fonts; Pennant and tag svg; Doodlebug Design Paper Frills in tangerine; Bazzill Just the Edge in Rio; American Crafts Precision Pen; Stampabilities Brown and Black ink; Tim Holtz distress ink in Antique Linen and Spiced Marmalade; Floss; Twine; Buttons; Alpha beads

TECHNIQUE NOTES:  In this layout, I really wanted to create a feeling that showed how long we explored, but really how little of the great state of Alaska that we actually saw.  I used the Cricut 50 states cartridge to cut out the shape of Alaska and then using Google Maps, I placed alpahbet beads to coordinate with everywhere that we spent at least one night.  I used the same alphabet beads to create a legend that gave all the important details of location name and dates.

When you are on vacation, don't forget to take photos of those road side signs.  What an easy way to make your photos do your journaling for you.

Double page layout

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SEA TURTLES

SEA TURTLES - April 30, 2010 - South Padre Island, Texas

JOURNALING: Ted visited us from April 29 to May 2.  We visited Sea Turtles, Inc who care for the Kemp's Ridley Sea turtle.  Pictured here is Gerry, a 30 year old Atlantic Green Sea turtle, who can weight up to 600 pounds. 

SUPPLIES USED:  Font: Lucida Calligraphy, Roam paper by K&Co, Wild Raspberry borders by K&Co, Cricut Expression, Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL), shell shape svg

TECHNIQUE TIP:  The font of Lucida Calligraphy is one of my favorites so I wanted to use it in larger size for the title of this layout.  As with many fonts, one of the issues is that it is quite skinny and my Cricut doesn't always handle it too well.  I decided to weld together the letter using my SCAL software and that made the letters stand up well to the cutting.  A little bit of black ink in places and I have the perfect title.

For more examples of layouts using borders such as these by K&Company, click HERE.

BIRD WATCHING

BIRD WATCHING - April 2010 - South Padre Island, Texas

JOURNALING: We watched in awe as this blue heron fished and then proceeded to swallow his catch whole.  South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center. 

SUPPLIES USED:  Plantin Schoolbook Cricut cartridge, Roam patterned paper by K&Co, K&Co paper ribbon, Fiskars border punches, Cricut Expression for title

TECHNIQUE TIP:  I have a huge collection of journaling tags and of course when I see more, I have to buy them.  And then of course because I love to "save" my supplies, I use them only sparingly.  Ugh...  Well on this layout, I used one to do my actual journaling and then because I wanted to "save" another one, I traced the outside of shape onto a piece of cardstock and added it to the bottom of my photos to have a complete shape on the layout. 

Don't forget that if you love the shape of an embellishment but it doesn't quite match the colors of your layout, you can always use it as a template and make your own.  Much cheaper to do this as well.

Double page layout

Page 1 Details

Page 2 Detail

For examples of more layouts using YELLOW as a main color, check out my other layouts HERE.

July Challenge at Filekutz - Free SVG

Its time for the July challenge with LisaJane at Filekutz.  Head on over to the Challenge Blog to take a look at this month's challenge and download this wonderful free svg cut file that LisaJane has generously allowed us to use for this challenge.

Here is a photo of the great flowery border that can be used in the challenge.  Its a great leaf boarder with multiple sizes of flowers that can be layered and embellished in anyway you choose.

This page set unfinished for about a year before I finally found the right embellishment to tie it all together with LisaJane's flower and leaf boarder.  It is amazing how one small piece of embellishment can help the eye travel through the layout and bind it all together.

Both pages together

Page 1 Detail

Page 2 Detail

HOT WHEELS - July 3, 2007 - Ancient Thira, Santorini island, Greece

JOURNALING:
We set off on the 4-wheeler for the ruins of Ancient Thira. We rode the 4-wheeler up a very steep road with about 20 switchbacks and were rewarded with spectacular views of the island

PHOTOGRAPHS:
Matt and Angela Shetzer of Shetzers Photography

SUPPLIES USED:
GCD Studios Planes & Trains patterned paper, DCWV Neutrals card stock, Bazzill Dotted Swiss card stock, Best Occasions Glitter card stock, Paper Pizazz Pastel vellum paper, K&Company flowers, VersaColor Royal Blue ink, Tim Holtz Distress Peeled Paint ink, American Crafts Precision Pen (black), Diamond Glaze, Little Yellow Bicycle Traveler Alphabet, My Little Shoebox Sprinkle Glaze Alphabet, Diamond Stickles, Bazzill Stitch Template, Flower and leaf border svg cut from Filekutz' July Monthly Challenge


For  more examples of layouts using Distressing as a technique, please visit my website here.

Photography Tips & Techniques

Starting this week, I will be sharing photo tips that can help everyone take better photos. If you have friends who would like these as well, please feel free to share.

 

GET LOW!!!

 

One of our common mistakes is to put the camera to your eye, line up the shot, and click away. To improve on your wildlife shots (or not so wild shots of Fluffy the cat, or that speedy toddler) get down on the ground and play around with your angles. Take some images of the subject at the subjects eye level, and then a bit lower, and a big higher. You will find that your images are much more engaging to the viewer and real low images offer a unique perspective.

 

Please feel free to share with us some of your “low” shots on our Facebook Page!

 

Happy Shooting – Angela.

Hunting Birdies

HUNTING BIRDIES - April 2010 - South Padre Island, Texas

JOURNALING: South Padre Island - Nature & Birding Center

SUPPLIES USED:  Stamped Cricut cartridge, Tahiti Beach Stack by DCWV

TECHNIQUE TIP:  I love the use of color blocking on a layout.  I love the simple lines and how my photos seem to pop off the page.  However, I don't always like how blocky and simple the layouts end up looking.  On this layout, I decided to soften it up a bit and round my corners and layer some border strips with softer lines.  the overall result is a great balance of photos and corresponding colors to enhance our wildlife shots.

Double page layout

Page 1 Detail

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