Chasing the Clouds Away...

I was SO excited about this week's CSI "Case" (Case #58), especially since this was the monthly challenge with the sketch from Page Drafts tied to it and the colors were totally geared to earth tones.  But, when I actually got started, I really struggled!! I ended up adding a LOT of pink which is REALLY not like me!!

Anyway, how could I lose with these shots of Olivia! ;O)  I found a tutorial online at tipsquirrel.com by Photo Gavin and was able to make my own film strip...complete with texture, color of my choice, and a drop shadow...not to shabby eh? ;O)  This layout really came down to the wire for the CSI deadline, so, it got rushed.  But, I actually really like it even though I'd probably have done some things differently given some extra time.

Evidence Used:  Clouds, wood (heart button), and jewels

Testimony:  Document a Getaway or take inspiration from the word "escape" (whichever you think is applicable...as in Olivia let's you "escape" or "getaway" from reality with the way she makes you laugh even when she's sick...I really pushed it this week with my Testimony, not sure it qualifies!!)

Cardstock: CTMH Baby Pink, Cocoa, Juniper, and Grey Flannel

Paper: My Little Shoebox Sky's the Limit (clouds), Three Bugs in a Rug Happy Bird-Day (both polk-a-dot papers), CTMH Let's Get Together (yellow stripe), and CTMH Chantilly (pink)

Ink: Buttercup (around journal strips) 

Other: Fiskars Border punch, CTMH Bitty Sparkles with Copic marker to color, Cricut Elegant Edges and Paper Lace 2 cartridges, Recollections Button, and Zig Pen

Stole Our Hearts...

I can't believe it!  I was mentioned under "On the Watch List" at CSI for my "Baby Face" layout, so incredibly honored!! ;O) Lots of talent over there, can't believe mine was even noticed!

Thought I'd share the other layout I managed to finish over the past couple of weeks and since it was fitting for Valentine's Day...I've literally had this sitting on my scrap table since last June.  Usually, when something sits there that long, I end up getting so sick of looking at it, I just throw some things on it to get it done.  But, I love how this one turned out and didn't really agonize over it like normal.  I used Case File #24 posted on 6/24 at the CSI blog for this one.  Evidence used are jewels and silver accents and my Testimony was to add jewels to the journaling spot.

Cardstock: CTMH Grey Wool, Baby Pink, and Tulip
Paper: Kaiser Craft Tiger Lily Collection and Echo Park Yours Truly
Stamps:
Ink: Tsukineko Tuxedo Black
Other:  CTMH crocheted flower and metal embellishment,  Cricut Elegant Edges, Designer Calendars, and Gypsy Fomt Cartridges, Recollections adhesive rhinestones, American Crafts TradeMarks (rubons), Inkadinkado Mini Stamps, KaiserKrafts Paper Flower, Stampendous Embossing Powder, Stickles, Making Memories Embroidery Floss, and CSI Coordinates

I'm so sad to say that this was my first and apparently last challenge with the Scrap Fit Blog as they have decided to end their challenges.  I didn't realize they'd decided to end the blog until today when I went to find "Workout #69", the sketch I had used from way back on June 1st to do the layout below.  I'm so disappointed.  Obviously, I didn't get to participate much after finding the blog, but, I did really enjoy the variety of challenges they had each week and found it very inspirational.  For example, I also incorporated "Workout #70" posted on June 15th to "Develop your Own Polarods"into this layout.  I found the free polaroid picture frames online somewhere, but, it's been so long, I wouldn't be able to tell you where to give them credit.  I think I also used a grunge frame from one of Jessica Sprague's online courses to give the photos more depth. 

Anyway, hope you are all enjoying what's left of your Valentine's Day!  Dave, Owen, and I all have tomorrow off which would have been great, but, Owen's come up with a nasty flu bug!  We'll be watching him and his sister very closely the next couple of days!!

  

Baby Face...

I FINALLY have had time to sit and scrap a little bit again over the past couple weeks and have not one, but, two layouts to share.  I should be working, it's reporting season and the company I contract to acquired another oil company's assets here in Alaska on the first.  But, I'm already burnt out!!!  Not a good sign for year-end reporting! ;O) 

The lighting is weird today, very green, I apologize for the photo.  I hate to tell you how many pictures I took and in how many different areas of the house!  Its overcast today and in the 40s...we've gone from one extreme to the other all winter, I'm SO over it!

Anyway, have you heard?  Inspired Blueprints is back!!  I'm so excited and used their Sketch #81 for my layout.  I also used Case File 57 at the CSI blog.  I just LOVE their site, it's so inspirational.

Evidence Used:  Hearts, Flowers, Leaves/Vines, Birds, Solid background, Die Cuts, and Punches

Testimony:  Heart shaped journaling spot

     

Paper: CTMH Floral Tapestry Paper

Cardstock:  CTMH Baby Pink, Twighlight, Sweet Leaf, and Tulip
Ink:  CTMH Baby Pink and Tulip
Embellishments:  CTMH Twinkle Brads, Kaiser Craft flowers (pink), CTMH Just Blooms Flowers (white), Martha Stewart Border Punch and leaves, EKSuccess Border Punch, Cricut die cuts, and CSI Embellishments