Grateful for this moment | Elle's Studio

 I am back with another page in my Yosemite book. It is the last one, all I have left to do is the title page, and it was created with the October kit and extras from Elle's Studio.

Supplies: October 2021 kit, Grid journaling tags, Home Sweet Home cardstock stickers, Moss green cardstock label stickers, Autumn heart & star acetate stickers, Cool Solids Paper Stack, Sincere Sentiments Wonderful You Stamp

I was inspired by the Moss green label stickers and decided to type my journaling on several on them, placing them on the edge of the page. I also added some stamped with the Wonderful You stamp set. I just love the font of these stamps plus I am currently obsessed with green and black color combinations.

Since I wanted to include the park brochure/map in my album, I found a glassine bag in my stash, placed it on a sheet of solid cardstock from the Cool Solids Paper Stack and just added a bit of embellishments.

I always leave the title page for last because I find it to be the hardest. I have an idea of what I want to do but it will have to wait for another post!

If you would like to check out the October release from Elle's Studio, here is an affiliate link: Elle's Studio New items.

Thank you for stopping by today! 

Nice spot for a picnic (with Elle's Studio)

 Hello crafty friends, this post was written for the Elle's Studio blog but I wanted to share my project (and inspiration for it) here as well. It is a new spread in my ongoing Yosemite adventure notebook. 

I always find great ideas while looking back at design team projects and one in particular recently caught my eye, this fantastic layout created by Melissa Mann in September 2020:

I love its design, which was perfect for the two vertical photos I had, and I could imagine it adapted to a smaller scale to fit onto my notebook page. 

Supplies: September 2021 kit, September 2021 labels, Autumn Die Cuts, Halloween Cardstock Stickers, Jane Tile Alphabet Cardstock Stickers - Black, White Typewriter alphabet cardstock stickers, Autumn Puffy Hearts, Thankful paper stack, Home Sewn Stitches stamp

I recreated Melissa's central panel and mirrored strips of patterned papers on each side using the new Thankful paper stack.

I naturally placed my title where she placed hers and used leaf die-cuts from the Autumn pack on the diagonal where she had wood veneer hearts.
I was not going to skip the stitching details from my inspiration piece and that's when my brand new Home Sewn Stitches stamps came in handy! They are perfect when stitching is a bit trickier, like in a notebook, or when you are short on time. 

Admiring the many layers of Melissa's layout, I added several elements, journaling tag, label, die-cut and paper clip on the top portion of my page. 

Finally, I purposefully left the opposite page simple, light and clean. I love the resulting contrast between the two sides of this spread.

Thank you for stopping by!

Taft Point | with Elle's Studio

Hello friends, I am back with another spread in my Yosemite notebook. This one was created with the September release from Elle's Studio and features a page and a half.

Supply list: September 2021 kit, Autumn Die Cuts, Autumn Puffy Hearts, Thankful paper stack, Home Sewn Stitches stamp, Mini Dated Stamp

This was my first time folding a page over in half to create a flap. I like the little surprise when you go through the book. It was also a perfect spot for a bigger, longer photo. 

The opposite page is a more traditional grid, similar to ones used previously. My favorites in this release are the Autumn die-cuts, which are layered in three clusters around the spread, and that blue background paper from the Thankful paper stack (no surprise, the paper stacks are always must-haves for me!). 

Lastly, I used one of the new Home Sewn Stitches stamp to accent my journaling strips. 

As I am close to finishing this album about our trip to Yosemite last year, I am saddened by the news of the current wild fires ranging in nearby Sequoia National Park. These California parks (and giant sequoias) are treasures that I wish everyone the chance to visit at least once in their life! 

If you interested in shopping in the Elle's Studio shop, here is my affiliate link to the latest release:

Elle's Studio New arrivals. Thank you!🙏

El Capitan | with Elle'sStudio

This is my second project with the July kit and add-ons from Elle's Studio and yes, it is another spread in my Yosemite notebook. I am still having a lot of fun with this format and will have to figure out what I am going to do once it is finished!

Elle's Studio supplies:  July 2021 Kit, Cardstock Die Cut Tags, Adventure Chipboard Stickers, Navy Puffy Alphabet Stickers, Adventure 6 x 8.5 inch Paper Stack, Summertime Tabs Stamp

Other: Heidi Swaps Storyline Chapter Notebook

I really wanted to feature this perfect quote from Ansel Adams as it conveys very nicely the feeling you get in Yosemite Nat. Park. I also kept a light and monochromatic palette across the pages to leave the focus on my photos.

As I already shared in my previous post, the Adventure Chipboard stickers were my favorite this month. They add just the right touches of color and dimension while keeping your project "flat" (important in a notebook).

If you're interested, you can check out the entire July release through this affiliate link: Elle's Studio Shop. 

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Bastille Day to my fellow French citizens!

Elle's Studio July Reveal | Go See Do

 Hello friends! Another month, another reveal you say, but wait, this one is so darn fantastic that you might want to scroll down to the bottom to see the offerings! ;) This July kit and several add-ons from Elle's Studio were perfect for the Yosemite notebook I have been happily working on. Here is the first of three projects:

Supplies: July 2021 Kit, Cardstock Die Cut Tags, July Labels, Adventure Chipboard Stickers, Tiny Shapes and Dots Puffy Stickers - Neutrals, Adventure 6 x 8.5 inch Paper Stack, Nesting Tags Metal Die

If you have been to Yosemite National Park, I am sure you will agree that Half Dome is worth a full double page photo :) I layered my big 7.5x11inch print on top of two sheets of woodgrain paper from the new Adventure Paper Stack. Next, I created three focal points across the page using some cards and die-cuts from the kit, tags and chipboards from the Adventure pack.

All my favorite July add-ons are right here in this close-up. My top 3 must-haves this month are the Adventure Chipboard Stickers, the Adventure Paper Stack and finally the fabulous Nesting Tags Metal Die. I have been wanting a die of that little white thingy on the top of the tag FOREVER!

Let's take a quick look at the entire new release:

And here is an affiliate link to the shop: Elle's Studio latest release as well as a link to the blog where you'll see more creations by my fellow Design Team members: Elle's Studio blog

It's been a pleasure sharing this project and my favorites with you. Come back soon!

Yosemite Valley View | Elle's Studio

Hello friends! Today I would like to share with you a new project for my Heidi Swapp notebook created with the new June kit and add-ons from Elle's Studio. This one started with a 7.5x9in. layout featuring the famous Valley View in Yosemite National Park.

Supplies: June 2021 Kit, June Labels, Cork Labels, Patriotic Acrylic Stars, Celebrate Summer Stamp, Weekend Stamp, Good Times Paper Stack, Parker Alphabet Metal Die, My Star Metal Die, white Bazzill cardstock

It felt surprisingly good to create on a blank page in a more traditional layout style (but keeping it manageable with a smaller format).

Since I had a couple more photos I wanted to include from this location I decided to create another layout for the opposite page. I intentionally kept it simple as to not take away from my main photo. I went with a classic grid design and black and white prints.

I made sure that they were well coordinated and even created visual triangles across both pages: the acrylic stars, the grey patterned paper, the touches of green...

They are both on textured white cardstock, insuring cohesion, and I will glue them in my notebook afterward. That also allowed me to add machine stitching without worrying about the back side, something tricky when working in a notebook.

I hope you'll have some scrappy time this week! If you are interested in checking out this summery kit and add-ons, here is a link (affiliate) to the Elle's Studio shop: Latest release at Elle's Studio

Thank you for stopping by today!

Kill your kit | with Elle's Studio

Hello crafty friends!  I am back today to share how I have used some of my Elle's Studio May kit leftovers and a few extras to create a new spread in my Heidi Swapp notebook. 

Elle's Studio supplies: May 2021 Kit, May 2021 Labels, Jane Tile Alphabet Cardstock Stickers - Black, Black Typewriter Cardstock Alphabet Stickers, Puffy Banners and Border Stickers, Tiny Shapes and Dots Puffy Stickers - Warm Tones

Other supplies: Black and white cardstock

Since my goal was to give you ideas on how to kill your Elle's Studio kit, I decided to rely almost exclusively on my leftover 3x4 cards for this project. They didn't really work as-is for my design so instead I cut them up. Can you guess how many cards I used up?

I cut up six cards! These are the different ways I used them:

- color block accents next to my photos

- layers under my photos

- photo corner

- mat for photo

- photo captions

- date strip and

- title embellishment

To bring in texture and more details, I added a few matching puffy stickers (from the Puffy Banners and Border Stickers and the Tiny Shapes and Dots Puffy Stickers) along with a couple of die-cuts from the kit.

I love cutting my cards to use them outside pockets and as you can imagine, the possibilities are endless when you think of them as paper scraps.
I will conclude with one last tip: for the sake of uniformity select two or three colors for your project and cut only those portions from all your leftover cards.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope to have inspired you to try finishing up one of your kits! It's sure to bring you satisfaction :)

Colors are... | Elle's Studio Stamp Week

Hello friends! Today, I am sharing a project showcasing some of the Title Builders stamp sets from Elle's Studio along with their April kit. It is "Stamp Week" over on their blog and I wrote this post for them.

Supplies: April 2021 Kit, April Labels, Smile Cardstock Die Cuts, Springtime Stickers, Navy Acetate Alphabet, Coral Puffy Alphabet Stickers, Celebrate Paper Stack, Title Builder Vol. 2 Stamp, Title Builder Vol. 4 Stamp

I am documenting our first visit to Yosemite National Park in a Heidi Swapp Storyline Chapters notebook and I am really enjoying this new-to-me format. This spread started with the idea to pair my dusk photo with a lovely quote I had found.

All the Title Builder Stamp sets are great. You get lots of words in different fonts and sizes that you can mix and match. I was happy to find several words and accent stamps in Volumes 2 and 4 which worked perfectly for my quote. I paired them with the Navy Acetate Alphabet and Coral Puffy Alphabet Stickers. 

I colored the "Colors" stamp from Volume 4 with three pencils to replicate the ombré in the photo and it is one of my favorite things on this spread! 

I used the same two stamp sets, Title Builder Vol. 2 and 4, to add accents on the opposite page. I "built" another sentence on an April label and found the perfect sun stamp to go with it.

I hope to have inspired you to play with your stamps on your next project. Once I commit to using them more, I always love the result!

Thank you for stopping by today 💙

"First Job" | Inspired by the Summer Issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine

 Hello friends! I am happy to be back to share a new project completely inspired by the Summer 2020 Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine Issue. I like to flip through the pages when I am looking for ideas and this time, I combined two ideas while creating a layout about my son's first summer job.

Supplies: Cardstock: Doodlebug Design; Printable: Good Stuff cards by Cathy Zielske (Summer 2020 Issue); Patterned paper, Journaling cards, Puffy stickers, Letter stickers, Acetate letters, Label, Wood veneer: Elle's Studio; Font: Remington Noiseless, Adhesive: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L

I first spotted Cathy Zielske's layout and free printable cards on page 58. I love a clean grid and the free printable looked awesome so I printed the 3x4 card to incorporate into a pocket page.

I placed it in the center, like Cathy did, and added a couple of puffy stickers to add dimension. Following Cathy's "even-steven" design tip, I used the same number of photos and journaling cards, alternating them in the pockets. The symmetry makes the grid "feel stable and calming". Emulating her clean style, I kept the embellishments to a minimum.

The idea to make a double page layout came from Jennifer Larson's project page 72. I love her combination of an extra large photo on a traditional layout with a grid design on the opposite page.

My page being 9x12inches, I printed my large photo to 9x6.5inches. I created a title with a mix of wood veneer, puffy stickers and acetate letters from Elle's Studio. The large size is eye-catching and the different textures add interest. To ensure a continuity between the two pages, you might notice how I have carried over the rainbow colors of the printable with a rainbow sticker and a piece of patterned paper. Placing them in a visual triangle, along with the same star embellishments, makes the eye go across the entire double page spread. 

Not only my skateboarder approved but I love to have his impressions on his first job documented! 

Cheers!

2017 Gossamer Blue Design Team!

I could not be more excited to join this group of super talented ladies (pinch me!) on the Gossamer Blue Design Team!!! 2017 starts off with a bang! 🎉

For links to everyone's galleries, check out this announcement on Instagram 

I am very much looking forward to this new creative adventure!

💝 Nathalie

You did it!

Happy weekend friends! Today I have a special project to share: a 12x12 layout! It's been months since I created a layout! And a 12x12! What prompted this burst of inspiration, you ask? First, my favorite stash of mini-flairs from Feed Your Craft, second some Pink Paislee Fancy Free goodies I have been hoarding for the right photos and finally, the right photos from my son's graduation day :)

I used mini flairs from three different sets: "The best" from the Faves Mini flair set, "You did it!" from the Exclamations set and "Yay!" (which seems to be out of stock).

Don't wait and take advantage of the sale going on today: use code WEVEMOVED at check out and get 15% off your entire order! (ends midnight September 17th) 

The rest of my supplies come from the Fancy Free Paige kit by Pink Paislee. I added texture by hand-stitching the die-cut heart and I love the result! I also added my own enamel dots and dark grey cardstock for the background. It makes the colors pop.

Those "mixed feelings" from my journaling? I still have them today... I am very proud of my eldest and wish him the best but so sad to be dropping him off to college tomorrow!!!  :((((( 

Instalove

Happy Monday! Did you know that June 29th is Social Media Day? It's also the theme on the Imaginisce blog this week. I decided to use that as a prompt to look into my online habits. The conclusion: I am seriously addicted to Instagram!!!
The layout I am sharing today (sorry I struggled with the light for the photos) was created mostly with the Sunny collection as well as a few items from my stash (see list of supplies below):

The design is based on a Pagemaps sketch from February 2016. 

I created a frame with strips of patterned paper and positioned my photo on one of the strips. The journaling sneaks out of one side and I made the title pop by placing white Thickers on top of hot pink cardstock.

Here are a couple of close-ups:

Here's one last look at the whole 8.5x11 page:

We are all on social media these days but they evolve and we do as well. As I wrote in my journaling above, I went from forums and blogs to mostly Instagram which I am sure will be replaced down the line by something else, hence the idea of recording it on a page! If you do decide to record your online habits, I recommend you include the "tool" you use as well because that will change even faster! Imagine seeing a page about the computer or phone your parents or grandparents were using ;)

As this is my last project for Imaginisce, I would like to thank Cari, our design team coordinator for selecting me to join the team! It has been fun, I have made new friends and I wish her and the other designers the best!

Supplies:

Imaginisce: patterned papers, American Crafts: fabric Thickers, cardstock, Simple Stories: die-cut, Studio Calico and Scraptastic Club: wood veneers, Scraptastic Club: flair button.

SaveSave

Remember

The Imaginisce blog is having a Memorial Day inspiration series and I shared the following projects yesterday. They are an example of how you can create a layout based on a card design:

I first created the card and I was happy to find the perfect papers in the Par-r-rty Me Hearty collection to make a card for a Navy veteran:

Most often, I will create a card after I am done with a layout but here, once I was done with my card, it gave me the inspiration to create an 8.5x11 page following the same design:

I created the same split background (different blue paper from the same collection) and used pretty much the same elements: vellum for the title as I did for the sentiment, a stitched frame, tags and enamel dots.

Here are a few details:

Funny how inspiration can manifest itself. 

I wish you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend if you are here in the US! And remember to thank a Veteran!

Supply List:

Card: Imaginisce patterned papers (Par-r-ty Me Hearty) and enamel dots, Paper Tales tag and charm; Scraptastic Club stamp, Georgia-Pacific cardstock

Layout: Imaginisce patterned papers, American Crafts Thickers (Par-r-rty Me Hearty); Georgia-Pacific cardstock; Studio Calico star sequins, Paper Tales tags, Feed Your Craft mini flair

Beach Fun

Hello! I am on the Imaginisce blog today sharing this new layout created with the fun and bright Sunny collection. This collection has totally inspired me to dig through last summer’s photos from our vacation at the beach:

One of my favorite things in the collection is the pack of ephemera and it was the starting point for this page. Once I had selected my photos I worked on the cluster at the bottom of the page. I love the mixture of die-cuts, acetate shapes and Sticker Stacker! I added a few stitches to ground the grouping a bit more.

The photos are layered on the B sides of "Fun in the Sun" and "Sweet Melon". The pretty "Hello Summer!" strip comes from the bottom of the "Sweet Melon" paper.

A few more pieces from the ephemera pack were added to the top part of the page, balancing the bottom heavy page. Isn't that sun the cutest?! 

A side note regarding the acetate shapes in the ephemera pack: it's hard to see but don't forget to peel off the plastic film on top. You will discover a much brighter and shinier embellishment once you do :)

My design was inspired by the current challenge at Stuck?! Sketches. I just adapted it to make an 8.5x11 page.

And here's one more look at the finished layout:

and now to dream of summer.... :)

Merci et A bientôt!