Mist for a More Saturated Color

I enjoy trying different things to change up my typical scrapbooking style.  It can be anything from using different types of embellishments to trying a new technique or changing up my typical photo layout.

Here I decided to "change it up" by using beads and by misting my flower to more closely match the deep browns in the patterned paper and cardstock. If you look closely, it actually created several shades of brown and more defined creases on the petals.  I love the look. I then added a bead in the center of the button, atop the flower for an added unique touch.

Layout of me doing what I love to do, crafting!

Supplies used: Bazzill Cardstock, Basic Grey Patterned Papers, Thickers by American Crafts for title lettering, Paper Studio beads and pearls. Rub ons. 

Live creatively,

Creative Ideas for Your Layouts and Cards: Scrapbook PJ Party Recap

We had a great time last night at the Scrapbook Pajama Party and yes, I was on camera in my jammies!

I want to thank everyone that came out last night and for being patient when the service went out and for finding the new video feed.  You all ROCK.  I'll be sending a note to Spreecast to be sure that we can quickly fix the problem should this ever happen again.

Here I share the fast and fabulous layout we created last night and the card.  With great patterned papers and few embellishments you can still have great results!

Supplies used: Kraft cardstock, Adorn It Vintage Groove Collection Patterned Papers, Making Memories Velvet Alphas, Want 2 Scrap Pearls.

Ideas to note:  

• I cut a flower and fun quotes directly from the patterned papers to accent my layout and card. 
• Use leftovers to create a card immediately after creating a layout.
• Let the sketch also inspire your card.
• Alter items to suit your need, as I did by changing the word "you" to "my" on the title block. 
• Join me for the June 2013 Scrapbook Pajama Party on June 12, 2013, 8pm est.  Mark your calendar.  Details to follow.  Sign up here to get reminders!
• If you missed the fun last night, you can view the video in replay here: http://www.spreecast.com/events/scrapbook-pajama-party-may-2013 (note the service went out at about minute 19:00)  You can pick up the rest here: http://www.spreecast.com/events/pj-party-now
• If you were there, I'd love to see your layout and/or your card, please add your link below.  Add to your blog, then you would paste the URL to your direct post or gallery.

Questions and comments are cheered!!!

Live creatively,

Here's Your May Scrapbook Pajama Party Sketch

So excited.  This is our 2nd Scrapbook Pajama Party and it's going to be a blast!  Especially since you all will be joining me in your pajamas!  Yes, I will be live streaming tonight in my pajamas, starting at 8pm est.  Scrapbooking in real-time.  I hope that you are planning to join me.  There'll be crafting, laughter, chatting and fun!

If you are planing to join the party, here is what you will need:

• The sketch seen below is what I'll be using for inspiration.

• A page kit with 3 matching cardstocks, 3 4x6 photos, 3 coordinating patterned papers, a flower or other fun accent for the center piece, as well as several embellies and title lettering to accent your page. 

• You'll need to sign up for Spreecast here NOW.

• Log in and join the fun at 8pm est TONIGHT.
• Never miss a Scrapbook Pajama Party, sign up here for your monthly reminder. 

I hope to see you there!

Don't miss any of our crafty fun!  Sign up for the newsletter NOW and claim your FREE sketch ebook.

Are you crafting with me?

Creative ideas for your layouts, your cards and your life!

Creative Ideas for Your Layouts and Cards: Scrapbook Pajama Party May 2013

We had such a great time at the NSD Scrapbook Live,  that we decided it should be a monthly event! 

Next pajama party is: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 8pm est. 

Here is how it will work:

On Wednesday of the Scrapbook Pajama Party, I will post a sketch and list of basic supplies on the iclassygirl.com blog.

Before you log in to join the fun on Wednesday night: Grab the sketch and list of supplies at http://www.iclassygirl.com, put on your pj's and then log in to enjoy the LIVE Spreecast and chat.  Create with me and a bunch of your online scrappy pals! 

I'll be live-streaming from 8pm est. We'll make a layout and a card or two during each event.  You'll get to watch my creative process and have fun chatting LIVE...and I'll throw in some fun techniques too!

Won't you join me? You will need to create a Spreecast account here to join the fun!

Sign up NOW and RSVP to let me know you're coming! I will provide a link to each event, as it become available. 

Need reminders  to our monthly event?  SIGN UP HERE!

Going Digital?!

Supplies used: SP Promise Kit by Shabby Princess
This photo and sentiment is from this past weekend.  So true!  LOL!

Well, not really but I am dabbling.  I am enjoying this big creative flow.  I've been in the Classy Craft Studio every day for the past 3 weeks and I don't see my mojo letting up.

I've done cards, 12x12 layouts, ATC's, 6x12 pages, art journal pages and now a digi page.  Loving the diversity in creativity this wonderful hobby provides.  Not sure I could ever get bored.

There are so many choices.  When your "creative mojo" wanes, try something different.  Try something new.

Happy, Crafty Thursday!

Paint, splatter, spritz!

Continuing to play with paint, mists and stickles.  I painted the backgound in with a bit or red and green acrylic paint.  Added a spritz of mist and then a few dots with the stickles.  To finish my touch of mixed media, I stamped the heart lines.  Cute.

Supplies used: Kraft card stock, Glimmer Mist, Verve Stamps, Stickles, Making Memories Acrylic Paints

Happy Monday.  I hope you find time to craft!

Cute Idea to Jazz Up Your Ribbon!

It's another wedding memory! Welcome to the Toast!

Story behind the photos:  During this part of the ceremony, our wedding coordinator made it clear that had to keep drinking the champagne until it was gone. Thank goodness it was tasty. They teased, as I completed my glass first, saying, "Well, we know who will wear the pants in this family!"  LOL! Robert readily agreed.  Hahaha!

However, the most memorable part was when my mom toasted us, saying "To everlasting happiness and everlasting love."  It was simple, yet so sweet and completely heart felt.  I still feel such joy whenever I think of it.  It was her blessing and loving our union and only wishing the absolute best. I cannot forget to mention my little brother's giggly, "congratulations," as he was allowed to take a sip of champagne.

Supplies used:  Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey;  Ribbon: May Arts; Bling: Heidi Swapp; Rub ons: Making Memories; Charms

Great idea for using your ribbon: Add a strip of bling to otherwise plain ribbon to add sparkle. Years later I still love this effect. 

Check out last week's, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," for another, sweet wedding moment. 

Next, week...that yummy, incredible Cake!

Here is your sketch for today!

So excited and nervous at the same time.  Tonight, I'll be live-streaming on Spreecast from 8-9:30 pm.  Scrapbooking in real-time.  I hope that you are planning to join me.  If you are, here is what you will need:

• The sketch seen below is what I'll be using for inspiration.

• A page kit with 3 matching cardstocks, 3 4x6 photos, 3 coordinating patterned papers, 2 ribbons, as well as several embellies to accent your page. 

• You'll need to sign up for Spreecast here NOW.

• Log in and join the fun at 8pm est TONIGHT.

I hope to see you there!

Don't miss any of our crafty fun!  Sign up for the newsletter NOW and claim your FREE sketch ebook.

Are you crafting with me today?

Be cute. Be crafty.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

I'm yours!  For sure.

The signing away of our single days!  LOL!

Don't you just LOVE these photos.  Seeing the ocean in the background still soothes me.  You could hear the water gently rolling against the rocks.  It was such a serene, warm and wonderful time.

Whoa!  I cannot believe I'm married!  He's my husband...sounds sweet and strange all at the same time

I kept this pretty simple to allow the photos to be the highlight.

Supplies used:  Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Chatterbox; Metal Brad: Making Memories; Ribbon: May Arts;  Beautiful people: Tiare, Robert and Mom!

Next week: The "Toast"?  These pictures are FUN!

If you missed that special moment...you know the one...I now pronounce you man and wife.  You may now Kiss the Bride!  See it here. 

Don't forget to pick up your FREE copy of Sketch Inspired Layouts Sampler FREE!  Just sign up to receive our email updates here!

Have you scrapbooked your wedding?

Have a cute and crafty day,

Make this layout in 30 minutes or less!

Good Morning Beautiful!

Here is a bit of inspiration to start your week off right!


I created this wonderful layout based on the sketch.  I followed it pretty closely.  Sure makes my scrappin' easier, faster and still resulting in a beautiful page. Love how this turned out.  Was quite pleased to put it together in just under 30 minutes!  Woohoo!

Photos: My mom, niece and I, being silly in downtown Woodstock, GA. We were playing on the train.  Great time during their visit.

Supplies used: Patterned Paper: Chatterbox; Spare Parts: ribbon and brads; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Title Letters: Thickers and Making Memories Rub ons.

Need more inspiration?  Want to create more beautiful layouts in 30 minutes or less, check out A Sketch a Day, Volume 2 here.  Order now and you'll get The 52 Week Sketch Challenge and Card Attack FREE!

Don't forget I'm scrapbooking LIVE Friday!  I'll be live streaming and you can stop by grab the sketch and scrapbook with me.  Learn more here.

Get Sketch Inspired Layouts Sample FREE. Sign up for emails dates here!

Have a cute and crafty day!

Scrapbook with Me...LIVE!

Hello Beautiful,

National Scrapbook Day is quickly approaching and I thought it would be fun to scrapbook live with my crafty peeps in celebration!

So won't you join me for a wonderful scrappy event?

On Friday, May 3, I'll post a sketch on the blog.  You grab the sketch and some scrappy supplies, log on to Spreecast HERE and scrapbook along with me or just watch!

I'll be live-streaming, Friday, May 3, from 8-9:30pm est.  We'll make a layout and a card or two.  You'll get to watch my creative process and have fun chatting LIVE.

Won't you join me?  You will need to create a Spreecast account here to join the fun!

Sign up NOW and RSVP to let me know you're coming!


Hope to see you there.

You may now kiss the bride!

And what a wonderful kiss it was!  Pronounced man and wife at 2:16pm on September 2, 1997!  What a beautiful, awesome, wonderful day!

Story behind the photos:  Well, I must say, I was pretty surprised by the very passionate kiss my husband planted on my lips.  It shocked my then 14 year old little brother, Kelvin.  LOL!

Idea to note: I love the simplicity of this page.  It allows the photo to take center stage.  I also
love the touch of white ink on the page edges.  Gives it a more finished look. 

Below we celebrate the moment with my mother and younger brother.  Such a joyous occasion.  I love how the papers and colors are so happy and sunny.  I love that my mom chose a yellow dress and had my younger brother in yellow and white, as well. The colors lent themselves to our special day quite nicely.

Our wonderful coordinator, shown below was super.  He made sure everything was perfect and was so reassuring when I was nervous about the possibility of the rain forcing us inside.  Although, he looked like he was only 18 years old, he was a man about the business!

He even coordinated our dinner.  When we walked in the restaurant, before even asking who we were they began playing, "Here Comes the Bride" on the piano.  Our table was up on a pedestal.  We felt very special and very happy.

Idea to note:  The papers are simply perfect for these photos.  This layout makes me
smile again and again.  Not only the beautiful, happy faces but the colors and patterns are simply fun and  happy too!  The help to tell the story and evoke feelings of joy!

Supplies used:  Bazzil Basics Cardstock, Chatterbox Patterned Papers,  Making Memories Bling Brads, Metal Phrases and Brads, Generation X Rub Ons. 

Did you miss last week's post, "With this Ring?"  Well, here it is.

Next, week Signed, Sealed, Delivered. 

I Do! Now and Forever!

Would you like to take a trip with me?  A trip to Jamaica.  A trip that began in September 1997.  A wedding trip.

I have only shared a few wedding photos and maybe a few layouts of my wedding.  I've decided that over the coming weeks, each week I'd share several layouts from my wedding, culminating in my completed album.  I thought it might be fun to do a weekly post about the special event and share the beautiful story, photos, pages and a few crafty tips with you.  Hopefully, you'll be inspired to try a technique, share some love or just simply get creative in your studio.

Although, I got married in 1997 it took over 10 years for me to finally decide I was ready to create my wedding album.  When I first started scrapbooking I did not think I could do this album justice.  It wasn't until I was completely happy with my scrapbooking style that I made the commitment.  It was a work in progress over a 2-3 year period.  Today, when I look at the pages, I feel just as happy as when I was creating each page.  It was well worth the wait and done at just the right time.

Idea to note:  I gathered a wide variety of blue, green and brown patterned papers before starting.  I did not want to use only 1 manufacturer for the entire album, as in 1 big kit.  However,  I did have a color scheme and wanted it to coordinate nicely.

Supplies used: Bazzil Basics Cardstock, Prima Flowers, Chatterbox Patterned Papers, Chipboard, May Arts Ribbon.

Idea to note:  I painted the chipboard brackets to coordinate with the album. 

Idea to note: Preprinted quotes/verses are the perfect touch for  wedding pages.   Notice the cute little page fold, bottom right...always a cool touch!

The officiant actually used this verse in our vows. So when I saw it, I had to buy it! 

Ideas to note: Buttons make great flower centers.  Flourish rub ons are great accents to any page.

Here's the story: We took our vows in a gazebo, on a cliff, overlooking the ocean.  It rained the day of our wedding.  I was afraid and I cried.  Afterall, the wedding was to take place outside.  The wedding coordinator assured me that it would be fine and we would simply move it inside.  To which I tearfully, replied, "but it's supposed to be outside."  His response, "No problem.  It rains in Jamaica all the time, during this time of year.  It'll probably stop.  It will be fine."  Just as we exited our room, the sky cleared up and the sun popped out.  It didn't get cloudy and begin to rain again until the last picture was snapped.  Ahhhh, such a blessed day!

Stay tuned, next week: With this Ring!

A Rare Treat! A 2 Page Layout!

I made this layout some time ago for Scrap n Art Magazine.  However, today it still remains one of my favorites.  The colors are rich and beautiful.  I love the look of the chalk I smeared on the black card stock but most of all I love the pictures of myself and my cousin, Tiffany.  We hadn't seen each other since I was 21 years old, just about 20 years ago.  Wow!

We met in Asheville, NC.  Spent a little time together the night before and we (my mom, niece and husband) met up with her again for breakfast.  Sweet!

It's a 2 Pager!  Something rare for me but sometimes your pictures demand it!

Click image for a larger view.

Supplies used: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Graphic 45; Flowers: Prima and unknown; Letters: American Crafts Thickers: Flourishes: Prima; Bling, Chalk.

One for the Girls!

I'm still participating, whenever I can in the Brutha/Sistah Blogger Challenge on SOC. 

In honor of March, National Women's History month, we are celebrating with cards, LOs, and projects representing relationships with our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, girlfriends, or connections made on SOC! 

I decided to kill two birds with one stone.  I am still working on, "My Black is Beautiful" album and decided this was a good opportunity to get another page done.  

This page represents traditions, one of which is our twice annual, "Sistah Retreat."  Myself and most of these ladies have been retreating together 2x a year, every year for the past 6 years.  We have formed wonderful friendships and I cannot imagine not spending time with them each year.  Our retreats together, are simply...priceless!

The page also showcases, a tradition I treasure with my husband, Christmas morning with just the two of us and a fun photo shoot.  I look forward to many years of continuing these traditions. 

Supplies used:  This album is a 5x7 altered mini album.  Kraft Cardstock throughout.  All patterned papers, embellies, ribbons My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose Collections, Thickers and Ink. 

My Crafty Closet!

So I've been busy cleaning, cleaning, cleaning....did I say...cleaning?

I've been doing my Spring Cleaning a bit early.  Mopping, dusting, in the corners, around and on the floorboards.  You know.  Well, I finished the 1st floor. Whew!  I was to move to the second floor and I planned to make the scrap room last.  However, the scrap room bug bit and it bit hard.  Gotta go with the flow.  I've been in there cleaning and purging for almost a week now and I'm finally feeling pretty good about it.  So good that I started crafting last night.  What?  I have not sat in my room and crafted for probably...a year.  It looks good and doesn't feel so overwhelming!  Ahhhhhhh!

Every piece of patterned paper is in a page kit.  All card stock is sorted by color.  All rub ons sorted by theme. All ribbon, buttons, brads, eyelets, paints, Thickers etc are sorted by color.  Bling and pearls where they should be.  All stamps and stamp pads in their proper place.

I try to keep as much as possible in the closet...but ummmmm....well....there isn't enough space!  LOL!  But it feels good that everything is organized and the work surfaces are clear!

Get ready...there's some crafty goodness coming your way!

Have a great weekend!  I'll be in the craft room all day today...so at least I am starting it off right!

Metal Mania! Break Out Your Stash and Create this FUN Layout!

Welcome to Week 28 of the... 

AnyTIME, AnyWHERE Scrapbook Experience  

aka The Sketch and Stash Challenge!

Week 28 - July 16, 2012

If you are hearing about this for the first time and would like to learn more, click here.

Stop by the iClassygirl.com Blog EVERY Monday for a new challenge!

Create beautiful layouts, quickly and easily every time! 

Today’s inspiration:

Grab 4 Photos and a page kit.  

Don’t know how to put together a page kit…watch the introductory video here.

I used a kit with several double sided patterned papers and some "old" metal stash.  
I am challenging myself to use more of my stash and mix the old with the new! 

Create your layout.

• Cut up your papers based on the measurements provided.
• Adhere papers and photos, as shown on inspiration piece.
• Add title, embellies and journaling, as shown or get creative and change it up a bit.  I did!

What I did:   Nothing unusual except use metal that has been in my stash for over 5 years!  
I also added balance to the page by making sure to add metal at opposite ends on top and bottom of the page.

Challenge: Keep making page kits.  Keep a good stock.  Your goal is to get to 
point where you ALWAYS have 10-15 complete page kits which include papers, embellie
s and photos, as well as a good stock of page kits that simply include the 
papers and embellies…making it easy to grab your photos, page kit,
 your Classy Sketch and get scrapping!  How many page kits have you created?  

Don’t know how to put together a page kit…watch the introductory video here.

Now it's your turn.  Share your creativity! Be sure to follow our rules:  
use this week's sketch and/or your metal to create a layout, add your 
link to your NEW layout or card below, add our challenge to your list and 
link back to iclassygirl.com be July 31, 2012.  Be sure to check back to 
see if you won!  Check out our Challenge Rules Here!


You may enter 2 layouts for this challenge!  Winner will receive 
a copy of A Sketch a Day Volume 2, as well as this great digi stamp by Classygirl!

I  ❤ IT WHEN YOU LEAVE COMMENTS!