Irma Peredne

Cozumel, Mexico 2011 - a mini album

2012-01-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

A mini album of our family trip to Cozumel, Mexico

(Album measures 8" x 8")

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Cozumel, Meksika: 2011m Šeimos kelionė - mini albumas

(Matmenys: 20cm x 20cm)

Grab some tea or coffee and come back to see the insides of this album - it will take a while!...

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Galbūt pamenate kad kažkadaise buvo tokia Irma kuri dažnai skrebindavo? Po truputėlį skrebinau, bet nusiteikiau kad parodysiu kelionės albumą tik tada kada visą pabaigsiu.

Štai pagaliau (!) Po poros savaičių, ir atkaklaus darbo, turiu ką parodyti.

Taigi, užplikykite arbatos, ar kavos ir sugrįžkite pavartyti albumo vidinį turinį...pamatykite Meksika pro mano objektyvą....

The album cover is hand-made from cardboard, various fabric and cork material. I used my sewing machine to attach the journaling card & transparency, and various trims.

The coral pendant (off the rings) was brought back from the beach at Cozumel. There are many of them washed ashore. My hubby drilled a hole in the coral for me so that I may hang it.

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Albumo viršelis rankų gamybos. Vartojau kartoną, įvairius audinius, ir siuvimo mašiną gerokai pakankinau. Koralas autentiškas - paplūdimy atradau, o vyras pasiryžo netgi skylutę korale pragręžti kad būtų įmanoma jį pakabinti.

Saga ant viršelio neperseniausiai įsigyta...taip pat rankų darbo - drožinėta (tik ne mano rankų šį kartą ;)

(inside of front cover and p.1)

(viršelio vidus ir psl.1)

On the 1st page I attached a pocket to contain all the ephemera of the trip: Boarding passes, map of the resort, and the bracelets that the Iberostar resort has its guests wear.

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Pirmam puslapy randasi kišenukas į kurį sukišau visą kelionės 'šlamštelį': bilietus, rezorto žemėlapy, bei apyrankę kurią Iberostar rezortas mum įteikė dėvėti.

Kalendorius tai štampuotas - puikus būdas kaip aiškiai paženklinti kelionės datas.

(p.2-3)

The photo on p.2 is that of a mural of scuba diving locations around the island of Cozumel. My hubby took that shot for himself to remember which dives he went on, but I thought that a map is a perfect introduction and lends good context. I doubted whether the quality of the photo taken with a phone camera (iPhone 4S) will be good enough to blow up to a 8" x 8" print, but it looks great.

*** *** ***

Muralo nuotrauka (p.2) daryta vyro iPhone mobiliu. Jis fotografavo sau kad atsiminti vietoves kur nardė, bet pamačius šią foto, pamaniau kad labai tiktų salos žemėlapis kaip ir įžanga albumui. Abejojau ar kokybė bus normali padidinant nuotrauką 20cm x20cm, bet atrodo labai kokybiškai.

(p.4-5)

Our little family enjoying one of our most memorable vacations.

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Mūsų maža šeimynėlė. Nutrinama nakleika (p.4) teigia kad "laiminga šeima yra ankstesnis dangus". Manau tame daug tiesos.

(p.6-7)

Peacocks were everywhere at this resort: on top of our bungalows, by the pool, eating off our plates...I didn't mind - they add a lot to the exotic factor of the resort.

The bungalows were either a sunny yellow or a orange-red, and topped with palm-tree straw roofs.

*** *** ***

Povai su mumis atostogavo, ir buvo pastebimi už kiekvieno kampo: ant stogų, į valgyklą pro duris įsprukdami, baseine mūsų maistą tiesiai iš lėkščių kirsdami...nagloki paukščiai bet kadangi jie tokie egzotiški, labai puošė rezortą.

Nameliai buvo dviejų spalvų: geltoni arba oranžiniai-raudoni, su šiaudiniais stogais.

(p.8-9)

Large iguanas also dominated the landscape at this resort. Funny story was that one night we though about opening our first floor door to air out the room from the frigid air-conditioning, but the thought of one of these dragon-like creatures sneaking into our room at night scared me in keeping the door shut. Turns out that my hubby's reason for not opening the door was the same :)

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(p.8) Iguanų invazija...Ta baltai-juoda iguanų nuotrauka specialiai bespalvė gaminta kadangi man priminė Alfredo Hičkoko juodai-baltą siaubo filmą 'paukščiai'. Iberostar rezorte, šios drakoniškos iguanos laipiojo po medžius, ir netgi lankėsi arti mūsų kambario. Juokinga istorija...vieną vakarą atidariau mūsų kambario pirmo aukšto duris kad pravėdinti per šaltą kondicionierių, bet atidarius iškarto uždariau kadangi mintyse neužmirštu to iguanos vaizdo su atdara burna.

(p.10-11)

The resort restaurant and our 'li'l behaved diners.'

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Resorto restoranas ir mūsų 'paklusnūs valgytojai'. Taip pavadinau kadangi net 3 porelės paliaupsino mūsų berniukus kad jie tokie tylūs ir paklusnūs...sakė kad net nežinojo kad vaikai šalia valgo kol neatsisuko. Mano paslaptis? Grynas oras ir visa diena praleista baseine/jūroj vaikus iš klumpių nuvaro :)

(p.12-13)

I notice how colorful the local art is of any Caribbean location or tropical location. I think the sun makes people happier and want to paint with brighter colors. Or maybe bright tchotchkes attract tourist attention more? I thought all the color of this souvenir wagon-kiosk would make for a great photo.

*** *** ***

Pastebėjau kad šiltų kraštų žmonių menas visad būna atliktas ryškiom spalvom. Galima būtų pateikti išvadą kad saulėtuose kraštuose gyvenantys žmonės esa laimingesni (vitamino D daugiau gauna), ir todėl ryškiom spalvom dažo. Kitavertus, galimybė kad ryškūs siuvenyrai patraukia turistų dėmesį labiau ;) Kaip bebūtų, nesvarbu gal. Patiko man šio kadro dėmesį pagriebiantis spalvingumas, o tčiotčkėm nesidomiu ;)

(p.14-15)

(p.14) The maids surprised us with a new towel-folded creation each day. I was able to recreate our room's colors with the patterned paper selection. Also, the flower is cut from a sock to mimic the texture of towels.

(p.15) Pedro set up his art station on the resort's grounds every evening. It was intriguing to watch him work very swiftly and being able to produce his spray painting in under 7 min.

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(p.14) Rankšluoščių lankstymo menas; kiekviena akvarą surįžę atgal į kambarį rasdavome jį sutvarkytą ir naujai sulankstytą siurprizą. Labai pasisekė su raštuoto popieriaus spalvomis ir raštais kadangi visapusiškai atkartojau mūsų kambario interjero spalvas.

(p.15). Rezorto meninkas Pedro, kiekvieną vakarėlį poilsiautojam demonstruodavo savo purškiamų dažų meną. Pasimokiau iš jo šį tą ;)

(p.16-17)

The Iberostar pool and two fishes that willingly spent all day there.

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Resorto baseinas ir dvi žuvys kurių sužvejoti iš vandens nelabai pavykdavo (nebent skanėstų atnešdavau).

(p.18-19)

There are many photos one takes on a trip, and then there is that ONE photo among a few hundred that just makes your jaw drop. This is my one photo. I typed the sentiment with my vintage typewriter to say: "when all of my life's memories flash before my eyes, this will be one of them." I read somewhere in an art book that houses symbolize the spirit or the mind. I found it fitting to type my journaling on a house journaling card for this same reason.

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Kelionės nuotraukų būna keli šimtai, bet tikiesi kad bus ta viena nuotrauka kuri tau žadą atims. (p.18) man yra būtent tokia nuotrauka. Verta paminėti kad mano vaikai dažniausiai nelabai meilūs vienas kitam...šis momentas užtruko vos porą sekundžių, ir daugiau jie rankų nebelaikė.

Simbolizmas (p.19)...kažkur skaičiau kad namas simbolizuoja žmogaus dvasią ar minčių namus. Šį simbolizmą panaudojau atspausdinant šiuos mano žodžius ant namo formos kortelės: "Kada ateis man pabaiga ir visi gyvenimo vaizdai man prašvies prieš akis- šis bus vienas iš jų."

(p.20-21)

A beautiful sunset exploding in flames of orange. There's a bare tree on the beach upon which I noticed that many couples put their shell with their names or initials. So, monkey see - monkey do ;)

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Ugninis saulėlydis (p.20). ir....kriauklėm apkabintas medis. Pastebėjau kad dauguma kriauklių su inicialais ar vardais...puikią idėją man suteikė :)

(p.22-23)

Ocean treasures... Sea life creatures which we found with Omar while waiting for dad to finish kayaking with little Adam.

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Lobiai atrasti paplūdimy.

(p.24-25)

My hubby already signed up for an Ironman 2012 competition which will also take place at the same location. This layout is asking him: "are you ready?"

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Mano brangusis jau prisiregistravo 2012m. "geležies vyro" rungtynėse. Šis skrebukas užduoda klausimą: "Plauksi = 3,9km; Dviračiu = 180km; bėgsi = 42 km...be pertraukos....ar esi pasiruošęs?"

(p.26-27)

Self-portrait is what I'm comfortable with. I feel very dorky, and usually really dislike the photos that others have taken of me.

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Auto-portretas. Aprašymas....labai varžausi prieš objektyva jei kiti mane fotografuoja...ypač portetus iš arti. Geriausios nuotraukos (mano nuomone) gaunasi tai auto-portretai.

(p.28-29)

Every resort has photographers with exotic pets to perch on your shoulders. It's tradition that we get such a shot on every trip.

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Kiekviename rezorte atrasite fotografus su egzotiškais gyvūnais. Mūsų šeimos tradicija tapo nufotografuoti vaikus. Pavadinimas: "Aš turiu saulytę ir beždžionytę ant pečių".

(p.30-31)

I think the photo speaks for itself...to tell or not to tell?...better yet, take a photo!

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Įspėti ar ne?...ai, geriau nufotografuoti :):). Neaišku ar ši nuotrauka liks ilgam...jaučiu kad brangusis pareikalaus jog ištrinčiau.

(p.32-33)

Santa made it to Cozumel in his sleigh. The kids had a great event planned for them.

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Senis šaltis nepamiršo mūsų Meksikoj. Rezortas vaikam surengė labai smagią programą su Seniu Šalčiu.

(p.34 pocket and inside of back cover)

In this last page of the album, I placed another pocket where I placed a typed up summary of our week-long trip. I always take some of the hotel's letterhead stationary to use for documenting our trips.

Also, inside the pocket is another tag mini album...

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Paskutiniam puslapy, dar vienas kišenukas kuriame talpinau atspausdintą laišką apibudinantį visos savaitės įspūdžius. Taip pat pagaminau kvitelių 'tags' mini albumą...Kvitelio viršus pavaizduoja kiekvieno šeimos nario 'Favorite' kelionės momentą. Kitoj kvito pusėj štampuota teksto linijos bei įamžinta interviu.

The mini tag album consists of 4 tags - one for each family member, and a photo of ear of our trip favorite moment.

*** *** ***

Keturi kviteliai = keturi šeimos nariai... Susegti su lenciūgeliu kada bus sugražinti atgal į kišenę.

On the back of the tags I interviewed my family and asked for their favorite moment. I used a journaling box stamp, and wrote their answers. The tag book is connected with a ball-chain, and housed in the pocket of the last page.

*Thank you so much for taking an interest and for your comments!*

*Dėkoju kad mane aplankėte ir iš anksto dėkoju už komentarus; Jei kils klausimų, tikiuosi nesivaržysite

Yet another Scrapbook Trends publication for me :):):)

2012-01-21T18:34:00.000-08:00

I tell 'ya, the novelty of seeing your work in print never wears off - at least for me, it hasn't so far.

My layout 'Brothers and Sometimes Friends' is currently printed in the Scrapbook Trends February 2012 issue (page 107).

I was so happy they picked this page, because of the photos primarly. My boys rarely show this type of loving, snuggling behavior toward each other. Right now they more in a fight-for-their-mother's-attention stage. Hence the title, sometimes they DO love each other and are the best of friends.

*** *** ***

Norėjau pasidžiaugti kad mano skrebukas: "Broliai ir kartais draugai" buvo spausdinamas dabartiniam vasario mėn. 'Scrapbook Trends' žurnalo prenumerate.

Nors ne pirmą kartą mano skrebukai esa ten patekę, visvien niekad nepriprasiu ir nepabos matyti savo skrebiškus kūrinius žurnalų puslapiuose :)

Life is SWEET!...

2012-01-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

Life IS sweet....especially when you have a super talented friend who continues to surprise you with jaw- dropping, beautiful creations such as this layout by my dear friend Nadia Cannizzo.

I got this page and an equally beautiful hand-made card from Nadia quite some time ago, and it was so difficult to keep this a secret and not show it off until the launch date of the new challenge that she created for. But now I can share and gush and thank her for this amazing keepsake.

Nadia does a great job photographing her work, but let me tell you that to actually hold this in my hands feels like I'm entering another realm. It is so intricate, layered and mesmerizing as if one was to enter a secret garden.

Nadia, if you read this THANK YOU!

Irma

My very 1st publication with Creating Keepsakes

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

It surely is an unexpected and really welcome surprize, when snuggled up on a couch on a snowy day with a hot cup of tea and a new scrapbook idea book,

I turn the page - p.64 to be exact - and see my very first Creating Keepsakes published layout from 2009!

It first has made its debut in the February 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes, and reprinted for the new 2011 idea book: Creating Keepsakes: Scrapbooking Tips & Techniques, Book 2

This layout definitely brought back memories of the beginning of my scrapbooking obsession. Back then, I didn't have that many supplies compared to what I've accumulated now, but this layout is still one of my favorite ones - a classic to me (I'm a bit subjective in my opinion ;)

Looking at this page is a reminder of how fast kids grow up. That day we just brought back Adam from the hospital.

Thank you for your visit!

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Taigi, mielieji skaitytojai. Norėjau pasidžiaugti netikėtu atradimu.

Šiandieną varčiau naują skrebinimo idėjų knygą ir vertus puslapį - tiksliau psl.64 - atradau savo pirmąjį, 'Creating Keepsakes' (CK) redakcijos priglaustą bei spausdintą skrebuką. Jo debiutas buvo 2009m. CK žurnale, o šį kartą atspausdintas 2011m. skrebinimo idėjų knygoje (pavaizduota viršuj).

Maloni staigmena ištiesų! Šis skrebukas man asmeniškai vienas iš savo topinių...gal todėl kad tai įrodymas jog laikas greitai bėga. Nuotraukose įamžinta diena kada Adomą parsivežėm namo.

Iš anksto, dėkui už komentarus ir kad apsilankote...nors ir kad truputėlį rečiau įmetu naujų įrašų.

Darbuojuosi prie naujo Meksikos kelionės mini albumo kurį tikiuosi neužilgo parodyti.

Irma

Layout: 'If mama ain't happy..."

2011-12-31T22:04:00.000-08:00

Officially this is my last layout of 2011.
December 2011 has been a month of change for me. Instead of waiting for January 1st to begin my New Year resolutions, I have begun to implement some changes in my life. My main objective was to diversify my leisure activities beyond just scrapping. I've been reading nonstop, I've joined a gym and have been attending regularly, and also I've spent more time on getting pampered. I'm sure as many mothers of toddlers can attest to this, often times we as moms tend to first take care of our children's physical and emotional needs before tending to our own needs.
This double 8.5" x 11" layout is about a day of indulgence - my solo date. I got my hair done at the salon, then shopped, and finally saw a movie alone. I have to smile at how much my appreciation for 'alone time' changed after having children. When I was a teen I would have been embarrassed to go see a movie alone, too preoccupied with the assumptions that others would make about me being friendless rather than choosing to see a movie alone. One of the greatest aspects of being in my 30's is that I'm not really concerned about others' opinions of me, or following the status quo norm.
*** *** ***
My other objective for the new year is to eliminate shopping for scrapping supplies, use my stash and also make use of non-traditional scrapbooking supplies.
For this spread I've used a lot of non-typical items such as: office supplies (sticky notes), a page from a note pad, receipts of purchases (I think it'll be interesting in the far future to see how much a salon visit, a movie, and a gourmet tea shopping spree have cost me), and I even made use of a vellum page from an interior decor book.
*** *** ***
Mano paskutinis 2011m. dvigubas A4 formato skrebukas. Nu gal galėčiau priskaityti kaip ir trigubą skrebą, kadangi tekstas šį kartą netilpo ant mažos teksto kortelės, o reikalavo atskiro lapo.

Vienas iš mano tikslų 2012 metams tai rasti 'sveikesnę' pusiausvyrą atsižvelgiant į tai kaip aš leidžiu laiką. Gal pastebėjote kad mano skrebinimo tempai sulėtėjo, betgi skrebo visiškai neatsisakiau; Dabar ne tik skrebinu bet taip pat intensyviai skaitau, lankau sporto klubo klasėse, ir su vyro palaikymu daugiau laiko sau skyriu. Šio skrebuko tematika būtent apie tai - vienos dienos 'savęs lepinimo' istorija. Su vyru susitarėm kad jis prižiūrės ir užmigdys vaikus o aš praleisiu vakarėly shopping centre, gožio salone ir kino teatre. Manau mamom tai labai svarbu - prižiūrėti bei palepinti save, kadangi kaip teigiama kad: "Jei mama nelaiminga, tada visi kiti kenti."
Kada susilaukiau vaikų, tik tada atradau pozityvią žodžio 'viena' reikšmę - kad viena ir vieniša nėra sinonimiška. Nusijuokiau pagalvodama kad anksčiau būdama paaugle, niekad nebūčiau drįsus nueiti į kino teatrą viena - juk ką kiti apie mane pagalvos?...tikriausiai kad neturiu draugų ar esu asociali. Vienas privalumas būti 30-mete, tai man (pagaliau!) mažiau rūpi kitų nuomonės.

Dar antras tikslas naujiem metam tai nepirkti naujų skrebinimo priemonių. Džiugu kad šiuo skrebuku jau palaikau tikslą, kadangi vartojau nemažai netradicinių skrebinimo medžiagų - ofiso priemonių. Dar, veliumo popierius (2 psl.) iškritęs iš interjero dekoro knygos netikėtai rado sau vietą šiame skrebuky.
Jaučiu nemenką malonumą kūrti dokumentinius, reportažinius, kasdienybės skrebukus. Tai šis skrebukas gavosi lyg dienoraščio įrašas bet atliktas tradicinio skrebo stiliumi.

Dėkui už dėmesį bei komentarus!
(Apačioj vaizdai iš arčiau)
Irma

In regards to journaling, what works for me is leaving that as the last step in creating a layout. That way, after I have assessed the design of the page, and if I see that there's not enough space on the layout, I just type it up on cardstock, staple a 'pull' tab and place it behind the layout in the page protector.

To make the die cut letters stand out more, I outlined them with a Kuretake ZIG Millennium pen (05 tip), and glued them onto the vellum surface also with a Kuretake brand glue pen.

Thank you for your comments!

Supply list:

*Cardstock: American Crafts (white), Bazzill Basics Paper (red).

*Patterned paper: Martha Stewart Crafts (blue), Crate Peper (wood-grain), Die Cuts with a View (black dot).

*Tag: Martha Stewart Crafts (kraft).

*Die cutting tool: Sizix/Tim Holtz Vegtabond.

*Dies: Quickutz

*Paper clip and sticky note (small): K & Company Smash collection.

*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.

*Alphabet stickers: making Memories.

*Rub-on alpha and number: Fancy Pants Designs.

*Stamp: Cat's Life Press ('Pull')

*Paper punch: Mc Gill (tab)

*Stamping ink: Ranger Industries.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714, Kuretake ZIG glue pen.

*Staples, glassine envelope, sticky note ('today'), notepad paper (woodrgrain flower): Office supply.

*Other: Repurposed vellum book page

*Font: Cambria (MS Word).

January 1st 2012 Once Upon a Sketch new sketch!

2011-12-31T21:59:00.000-08:00

Our very first challenge for 2012 is here! Please see the OUAS blog post for the entire rules and awe-inspiring design team interpretations.

Regretably due to travel and general down time lately, I was not able to complete this challenge along with my team, but I urge you to take part in the fun and play along with us at OUAS! You must scroll down and see the amazing prizes up for grabs!

January 1st Challenge

Journalling Criteria/theme: New Years Eve!

Our theme this time is New year's Eve. We would like you to journal about your feelings around this time of year, or tell us about your most memorable New Year's Eve. Where were you? Who were you with? What did you do? Why is this one memorable? Note: the photo that you use for this challenge does not have to necessarily be from New Years Eve. For example, if you spent New Years Eve with your family you can have a photo of your family taken ANY time of the year.

Remember that you are allowed to also create a card or altered project based on this sketch and instead of the journalling criteria you need to use a quote.

You must combine our journalling criteria/theme with this sketch.

*** *** ***

Prizes

How would you like to be our Guest Designer for February? This is the challenge where you have the chance to win a spot on our design team for the whole upcoming month simply by winning this challenge. As well as being our Guest Designer, as chosen by our Design team, you will also receive.....

An in-stock stamp set from The Crafts Meow of the winners choice..

*example of stamp set the winner could choose.

We also have 2 prizes to give away to two randomly chosen entries.

Our first RANDOMLY chosen winner will win 2 paper collections from FeatureArt.

Our second RANDOMLY chosen winner will receive this Dusty Attic chipboard pack from Vicky Alberto's Etsy Shop

Things to consider when playing along...

**This is an international blog, so anyone can enter

**You are allowed to create a card, layout or off-the-page item based on the provided sketch and additional journalling criteria. If you are creating a card or altered item you only need to include a quote.

**You are also allowed to flip or rotate the sketch or alter it to suit your needs, but please make sure its still recognisable.

**Post your creation on your blog or an online gallery and link it on the right hand side of the OUAS blog using the Link tool. Please provide a direct link to your post, not your entire blog.If the link tool is down, please leave a comment on the comments section and link your layout there.

** The deadline for this challenge is midnight January14th, Australian Eastern Standard Time . The Design Team will vote and the winners and the Top 5 project will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.

**You may enter as many times as you like and combine this with other challenges.

**Also, please consider turning off word verification for comments on your blog.

A page for an album of hope...

2011-12-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm embarrassed to say that I have deserted my blog lately. I hope there still are some loyal followers.

Just a few hours ago we returned from Cozumel, Mexico so I was planning on sharing some memorable photos of our trip.

However, while checking in with my online friends, I noticed that my dear friend Nadia has decided to share an album page that I have created for her (along with an entire design team of Once Upon a Sketch).

This art journaling page is for a collaborative "Album of Hope" for Nadia (to view other contributors' pages to this project please click here).

My sweet friend has endured such a profound loss which would be a darkest nightmare for any mother - the loss of a child. She openly shared all the raw emotion of this life altering event on her blog, and I was even more amazed and in awe of her openness, sincerity and willingness to bare so much when majority would disconnect and disappear. Nadia is one amazing and strong lady!

This was truly a challenging project, because no words and no art - however well designed or executed - would ever take away the pain of a mother's loss...my friend's loss. Also, I wasn't sure on how my message would be perceived. It would be an understatement to say that this was a true challenge. But nevertheless, I persevered and created a page from my heart.

It is laden with symbolism, which I believe is apparent.

Title: Watching over you...

The journaling states: "I will greet you on the other side. But for now...Know that I am watching over you."

I will not go into the specifics of technique here, but if there's any questions, please DO leave a comment.

My youngest son Adam was adamant about adding hearts with the raindrops. He kepst saying: "Make it rain hearts! Make it rain hearts!" I let him punch a LOT of hearts so he would feel like he contributed. I hope that Nadia feels the rain of hearts!

Once Upon a Sketch December 15

2011-12-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

December 15th Challenge

*full post on OUAS site here...

Journalling Criteria/theme: Our Christmas traditions.

We would love to hear how everyone spends Christmas Day. Even if you do NOT celebrate Christmas, what do you do on Christmas Day?

Remember that you are allowed to also create a card or altered project based on this sketch and instead of the journalling criteria you need to use a quote...

Sponsors and Prizes

We welcome one more sponsor to our blog this month!

Les Papiers De Pandore

Les Papiers de Pandore is a small French manufacturer, born in early 2010.

Earth friendly, we try to respect our environment by using recycled papers, vegetable inks, and by printing locally in Provence.

Proud of its "French touch", the brand features classical designs in soft colors.

It is SUPER exciting to have you sponsor us this month!The winner of this challenge, as chosen by the Design Team will receive these 2 paper lines from Les Papiers De Pandore!

One more sponsor for our November 15th challenge is the amazing Australian chipboard company Imaginarium Designs . They have been so generous to sponsor us all year with their beautiful chipboard and you can purchase it through Seriously Scrpabooking. They are giving away this gorgeous chipboard collection to one randomly chosen winner.

***

Handmade By Suzanne

One lucky person, chosen randomly, will receive this prize from Handmade By Suzanne!

Tim Holtz Alterations Embossing Folder Set (Dot Matrix)

Thank you Les Papiers De Pandore, Imaginarium Designs and Handmade By Suzanne for sponsoring our challenges this month! We couldn't do this without you.

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Things to consider when playing along...

**This is an international blog, so anyone can enter

**You are also allowed to flip or rotate the sketch or alter it to suit your needs, but please make sure its still recognisable.

**Post your creation on your blog or an online gallery and link it on the sidebar of this blog using the Link tool. Please provide a direct link to your post, not your entire blog.If the link tool is down, please leave a comment on the comments section and link your layout there.

** The deadline for this challenge is midnight December 31st, Australian Eastern Standard Time . The Design Team will vote and the winners and the Top 5 project will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.

**You may enter as many times as you like and combine this with other challenges.

**Also, please consider turning off word verification for comments on your blog.

*enter your creation here...

OUAS Dec. 1st sketch, and a must try double embossing technique...

2011-11-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

Title: The Great X-mas Escape
Pavadinimas: Didysis Kalėdų pabėgimas

This layout is created for December 1st Once Upon a Sketch Challenge

Šis skrebukas yra sukūrtas OUAS gruodžio 1 eskizui:

Journaling reads...

Aprašymas (manau kad neįskaitomas net paspaudus ant nuotraukos)...

Being a bicultural, interfaith family made celebrating X-mas complicated. Your dad (not having grown up with X-mas) set up our faux tree and helped me decorate it, still it felt like we were going through the motions for you kids. Our solution was to get away during the holidays. This 'Great Escape' became our family tradition (Dominican Republic, December 23, 2008).

Kalėdos mūsų šeimai itin savotiškas laikotarpis. Vyrui Kalėdos esa svetima šventė, tad nors ir padeda papuošti eglutę, visvien ta Šv. Kalėdų dvasia nelabai jaučiama mūsų namuose. Apgailestauju, bet dažnai pasijuntu lyg Kalėdos mum tapo komercinė šventė vaikų labui. Vienais metais nusprendėme pabėgti nuo žiauraus šalčio bei viso Kalėdų šurmulio, ir pasidžiaugti saulute Karibu salose. Visiem labai patiko, tad kišenėm leidžiant kuo dažniau bandome palaikyti šią tradiciją.

***Here's the OUAS sketch for December 1st and journaling criteria:

The thing I look most forward to in December. Write at least 2 lines on what you look forward to in the next month. December is a festive month so your journaling could be about the Christmas season, the holidays, the presents or if you do not celebrate Christmas what does December bring for you that you look most forward to?

***Štai gruodžio 1-mos OUAS saito eskizas ir aprašymo tema:

Gruodžio mėnesį labiausiai laukiu...

Parašykite bent 2 sakinius apie šį švenčių mėnesį. Aprašymas gali būti apie Kalėdų sezoną, dovanas, arba jei nešvenčiat Kalėdų, kodėl šis mėnesis Jum ypatingas?

A really cool double embossing technique:
Notice the palm tree on the layout is stamped in two different colors: black and green. How is that done you ask? It's actually very simple!
I used an acrylic palm tree stamp by Tattered Angels, and stamped with Ranger embossing ink. After a dusting of black embossing powder and heat setting it, I wiped off the remaining embossing ink from the stamp trunk of the palm tree, and reinked ONLY the palm leaves portion of the stamp. Next, I restamped generally in the same place as I've stamped and embossed with the black powder, and then I dusted the area with 'peeled paint' green embossing powder (The distress embossing powder by Ranger is awesome because it has sand texture - perfect for a beach theme!)
Because acrylic stamps are clear you can see exactly where you are stamping. My second stamping was off by a few millimeters, but it came out even better this way, because a bit of the black embossing creates a shadow effect under the green palm leaves.

Siūlau Jum išmėginti labai cool dvigubo 'embosing'o techniką:
Gal pastebėjote kad palmė šiame skrebuke yra štampuota ir embosinta dviejom spalvom: juoda bei žalia. Kaip tai padariau? Pasirodo kad labai paprasta.
1. Vartojau silikoninį palmės antspaudą (Tattered Angels gamintojo). Štampavau su skaidriu embosinimo rašalu, ir po to pabėrus juodš miltelių embosinau karštu fenu.
2. Nuvaliau likusį rašalą nuo antspaudo palmės kamieno dalies, ir antrą kartą patapsnojau embosinimo rašalą tiktai ant palmės lapų.
3. Kadangi silikoniniai štampai skaidrūs, puikiai matysite kur štampuoti antrą kartą. Bandžiau taikyti maždaug ant pirmo (juodo) embosinimo, bet kelis milimetrus į šoną...tokiu būdų juoda spalva matosi po žalia ir suteikia lyg šešėlio vaizdą ;) Vartojau žalius 'peeled paint' spalvos Ranger Distress Embossing miltelius. Jie su smėlio grūdu tai manau puikiai pataikiau į pležo temą.

Supply list:

*Patterned paper: Heidi Swapp (brown); Making Memories (aqua/air mail).

*Specialty paper: Karen Foster Designs (cork).

*Spray mist, screen, stamp (palm tree): Tattered Angels.

*Stamps: Kaiser Crafts (hibiscus); PSX 'Alphabet Pixie'.

*Canvas alphabet: Making Memories.

*Badge, word strip, and label sticker: October Afternoon.

*Embossing ink and powder: Ranger Industries; Permanent ink: Tsukineko StazOn (black), Stamping ink: Colorbox Clearsnap (brown).

*Border punch: Fiskars.

*Metal frame: K & Company.

*Brads: My Mind's Eye (red).

*Buttons: JoAnn's stores (snowflakes).

*Twine: Whisker Graphics 'Divine Twine'.

*Pen (black 0.1 tip) and glue pen: Kuretake ZIG.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714, Therm-o-web glue dots.

*Other: postage stamps (vintage), staples (office supply).

Blog-hopping challenge with my lithuanian friends...

2011-11-25T15:18:00.000-08:00

Title: When Autumn Leaves are Falling...Dive in.

Pavadinimas: Kada rudens lapai krenta...Nardyk.

*This page is made for a lithuanian challenge Round-Robin gift exchange. The 1st assignment was to make a quilt-pieced motif for your layout. Instead of actually piecing paper or fabric, I made the impression of a cozy quilt using my sewing machine and tone-on-tone stiching (white thread on a white background), for a subtle effect that would not take attention away from the photos.

*** *** ***

Šis skrebukas sukurtas Dalios (dalijablog) užvestam 'Mainų Ratui Nr.1'.

Užduotis: Skiautinys.

Pirma mintis pradedant šį skrebuka buvo pasiūti skiautinių antklodę, bet pabandžius kelis variantus su raštuoto popieriaus atraižom paaiškėjo kad sukelia konkurenciją nuotraukom.

Taigi, kad nuotraukos pasiliktų centre dėmesio, nusprendžiau pagrindą palikti baltą.

Bet tik baltas pagrindas būtų neįdomu, ar ne?

Kadangi siekiau atkartoti antklodės motyvą (pavaizduoti kad lapai denge žemę lyg antklodė), pasiuvau baltą antklodę skiautinių raštu.

Iš pirmo žvilgsnio skrebukas atrodo labai minimalistinis, bet prisipažinsiu teisybę kad man labai labai ilgai užtruko pasiūti patį pagrindą--siuvimo mašiną gerokai pakankinau.

Vaizdelis iš arčiau...Pirmus kvadratus siuvau siuvimo mašina su baltais siūlais, o kitus kvadratus siūtus išstrižai, tai siuvau be siūlo - tik siuvimo mašinos adata subadžiau.

* Dar norėčiau padėkoti auksarankei už priziuką: nertą lapą ir medinę sagutę.

Dėkui kad apsilankėte!

Irma

GIVEAWAY @ Once Upon a Sketch

2011-11-18T16:14:00.000-08:00

Time for a giveaway at Once Upon A..Sketch, because we are feeling a little generous and just to thank you for your support...

You have a chance to win this gorgeous album kit featuring Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection...

"Limited Edition Melissa Frances" Kit Contents (kit by Scrap That! - Canada's best kit club)

Envelopes and Tags Book

5th Avenue 6 X 6 Paper Pad

5th Avenue Sticker Book

5th Avenue Diecuts

2 Mini Envelopes and Tags

Trinkets & Baubles

Diamond Chandelier Drops

“Mom” Expressive Transfer

Vintage Architectural Molding Appliques

Crepe Paper - Light Blue, Pale Pink, Cream, Pastel Green

4 ZVA Pink Transition Mini Roses

6 ZVA Cream Mini Roses

Vintage Seam Binding

***

All you need to do is:

1) Be or become a follower of our OUAS blog

2) post about this give away on your blog or Facebook page or wherever you like, together with this picture and a link back to us

3) Link your blog, or Facebook Page or wherever you posted about this giveaway on the bottom of this post using the Inlinkz button.

The details

* open worldwide

*you have 1 week from today - this giveaway will end on

midnight Friday November 25th ( Australian Eastern Standard Time)

Good luck!

**please provide a direct link to your post about this giveaway and PLEASE state your FULL NAME and your COUNTRY***

Click here to ENTER...

Kraft it up! November Challenge...

2011-11-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Title: Lucky Star

Pavadinimas: [Gimęs po] Laimės žvaigždute...

This page is made for Kraft it up! November challenge - my very first time participating at this site! The requirements are that one must use kraft card stock (or kraft patterned paper), and the theme for November is a focus on creative methods for journaling.

Journaling for me is one of those tasks that is left until the end, when my layout is almost or already complete. Not because I struggle with it, but the opposite - I usually have so much to say that a small journaling tag is never enough. I get to enjoy the design and creative aspects of scrapping, and in the end when it's time to journal, I see how much space is left on the layout. If there's not enough space to express all I wish to say, then I just type it up, and stick the letter to the back of the page...

My journaling card fits inside a pocket glued to the upper back side of the page. Because the page protectors open at the top, it is really easy to pull out the card by the tab and to return it when it has been read. My albums are full of these 'pull' tabs sticking up from the top of the albums.

In case anyone is wondering what this layout is about, here's the journaling:

August 24, 2011.
Dear Adam, It seems that you have been born under a lucky star! Lately baba and I have been joking that with your good luck, we should take you along to Las Vegas to the casinos. You see, we have been using the coin toss method to settle everything from what flavor milkshake I’ll make for you boys, to which toy or game you or your brother will get to choose first. No matter what you choose – heads or tails – you win more than a majority of the time. We even tried foreign currency, but with the same result – your pick is always the lucky one. I also joke that perhaps this is a message from a higher power to Omar. That is, to become a more gracious loser, because he hates losing and has a difficult time controlling his temper and whining.
But most importantly, I need you to know that YOU have undeniable charisma and star quality. Your infectious giggles, your dimples when you smile, your boundless energy, your cunning ways of: “Mama I love you...give me a kiss” when you’ve done something wrong, or you want to get something. People might hate you or love you, but no one will be indifferent to you. Your presence shines and commands attention. At times I am overwhelmed at how intense you are! There’s not a dull moment when you are around. Usually if there is a moment of silence, I know you are up to something and that is something not good.

Even when I’m punishing you, I have to bite my lip from laughing, because you try to make the negative feelings go away and just make everyone happy and smiling. May luck and your joy for life never abandon you!

The award ribbon is where I got carried away! I wish I could show you in person to see all the detail! Everything is hand-stitched and paper-pieced from various die cuts. The red star is die-cut from velvet paper; The brown ribbon flags are cut from leather paper, and the tassels are genuine deerskin leather. Another love I've developed is for embossed gold foil as seen in the golden horse shoe. The intricate embossed design is amazing on these german foil pieces!

My page is very country western inspired, and quite an odd choice as I do not like country western motifs. But again, looking at a photo of my son: leather sofa, bearskin throw, a young lad...it took on a cowboy theme on its own.

In the above photo I wanted to bring attention to the spray misted background. It is not obvious in any other straight-on photo of this layout (the background just looks brown in the other shots), but when the light strikes at an angle, the whole background sparkles with gold Glimmer Mist.

Thank you so much for taking the time to view my creation!

Irma

*** *** *** ***

Aprašymas:

*Šis skrebukas apie pagramduko Adomo laimę pagautą gimstant po laimės žvaigžde.

Kada vaikai nesutaria ar nepasidalina, visad metam monetą išrinkti laimingąjį nugalėtoją loterijos būdu. Nesvarbu ką pasirinks mažasis -"galvą ar uodegą" - beveik visad jis laimi. Juokaujam kad reikėtų su juo apsilankyti Las Vegase :)

*Skrebukas vienas iš tų kurį pilnai 'pamatyti' įmanoma tiktai realiai...fotografija niekaip nepateikia pilno vaizdo. Pavyz. atkreipkite dėmesį į paskutinės nuotraukos dažais purkštą foną. Kadruojant tiesiogiai jis atrodo rudas, o iš šono kada šviesa apšviečia, jis tiesiog spindi aukso spalva (efektas išgautas Glimmer Mist aukso spalvos purškiamais dažais).

*Skrebuke panaudojau mano naujos manijos požymį- vokišką 'Dresdeno aukso' sausai embosintą folijos detalę. Taip realiai ir kruopščiai išspaustas dizainas kad jei ne popieriaus svoris, apsigaučiau kad čia grynas auksas!

Neužilgo tikėkitės pamatyti ir kitų 'Dresdeno auksu' puoštų skrebukų (viena moteriškė ebėjuj labai patenkinta kad mane aprūpino gausiom atsargom :)

*Viskas siuvinėta rankom; Medalio raudona žvaigždė kirsta iš barchatinio popieriaus; Medalio rudos juostelės kirstos iš odos popieriaus....Gavosi labai berniukiškas 'country-western' stiliaus skrebukas. Keisčiausiai tai kad mane 'western' žanra mažiausiai domina, bet šiai temai pagal nuotrauką: Sūnelis ant odinės sofos, meškos kaily įsisukęs....rodos lyg savaime tokia tema susiklostė :)

Dėkoju kad apsilankėte ir nepagailėjote pakomentuoti!

Irma

Supply list:

*Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft).

*Patterned paper: 7 gypsies (striped); Daisy D's (red floral); October Afternoon (red plaid); Deja Views by C-Tru (kraft grape vine); Paper Pizazz (jean fabric and leather).

*Specialty paper: Hot off the Press (red velvet).

*Alphabet: Making Memories (jeans fabric); Nostalgiques by Rebecca Sower (typewriter keys).

*Sentiment/words sticker: Creative Imaginations - Creative Cafe.

*Gold embossed foil: eBay.

*Dies: Sizix/Tim Holtz Alterations (rosette); Spellbinders (star and ribbon flags); Quickutz (star border and large label).

*Die cutting system: Sizzix/Tim Holtz Vegabond.

*Punches: EK Success (corner rounder); McGill (tab).

*Stitching hole piercer: EK Success - Cutter Bee Bugs.

*Stamp: Cat's Life Press ('pull').

*Felt border: Inque Boutique.

*Floss: DMC.

*Leather lace: Silver Creek Leather Co.

*Spray mist: Tattered Angels.

*Stencil: The Crafter's Workshop.

*Ink: Ranger Distress.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714; Kuretake ZIG glue pen; Darice (adhesive foam).

*Staples: Office supply.

*Font: Rockwell

Once Upon a Sketch November 15 th challenge....

2011-11-15T05:26:00.000-08:00

November 15th Challenge:

(To be directed to Once Upon a Sketch November 15th challenge site, please click here).

Journaling criteria: This time the journalling criteria focuses on YOU as a woman OR ANY female in your life. What is the best thing about being a woman? Motherhood? Shopping? Make Up? Girls nights? Gossip? Your journaling can be as long as you wish and in any language, but you must journal at least 2 sentences on the best part of being a woman.

You must combine the journaling criteria with the above sketch...

Sponsors and Prizes

Our November 15th challenge sponsor is the amazing Australian chipboard company Imaginarium Designs which you can purchase through Seriously Scrpabooking and they are giving away this gorgeous chipboard collection to 1 randomlychosen winner.

Our Guest Designer, Leeann Pearce has a GORGEOUS etsy shop filled with her amazing and very UNIQUE handmade creations called The Chip Chop Shop which is giving away a stunning collection of goodies to the value of $25.00 to one randomly chosen winner.

Lastly, the winner of this challenge, as chosen by the Design Team, will receive this embellishment collection from BasicGrey's Jovial line. Just in time for Christmas...

This collection includes a 6x6 paper pad, and 1 packed each of stitches brads, glazed brads, epoxy stickers, pops stickers, ribbon doilies and clips.

Things to consider when playing along...
**This is an international blog, so anyone can enter
**You are allowed to create a card, layout or off-the-page item based on the provided sketch and additional journaling criteria. If you are creating a card or altered item you only need to include a quote.
**You are also allowed to flip or rotate the sketch or alter it to suit your needs, but please make sure its still recognisable.
**Post your creation on your blog or an online gallery and link it on the right hand side of OUAS blog using the Link tool. Please provide a direct link to your post, not your entire blog. If the link tool is down, please leave a comment on the comments section and link your layout there.
** The deadline for this challenge is midnight November 30th , Australian Eastern Standard Time. The Design Team will vote and the winners and the Top 5 project will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.
**You may enter as many times as you like and combine this with other challenges. We don't mind at all.
**Also, please consider turning off word verification for comments on your blog.

layout titled: 'my alter ego'

2011-11-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Title: Alter ego

This layout was done for scrapping.lt challenge to scrap a body part or a feature...

Šis skrebukas yra pagamintas Scrapping.lt konkursui: 'Kūno dalis'...

The photo used in this layout is a self-timer auto portrait. These shoes have a funny story to tell, and they perfectly illustrate an odd quirk of my personality.
You see, I love high heel shoes! I amassed quite a collection of high heel sandals, boots and pretty-to-look-at shoes, however, wearing them does not happen very often. My wide feet ache, I like to walk at a fast pace and heels slow me down, so I leave them in their new boxes for special occasions.
I'm more of a Crocks and flip-flops kind of girl.

*Nuotrauka skrebuky tai 'self-timer'io dėka auto-portretas.
Batukų pirkimas su labai linksma istorija, ir jau keli metai turiu šią nuotrauką, tad būtent šis scrapping.lt iššūkis suteikė man galimybę įamžinti viena iš mano keistųjų ydų.
Suprantate kad turiu sukaupus nemažą kolekciją aukštakulnių batų. Malonu jais pasigrožėti, ir gal labai retai juos užsidėti, bet man tiesiog nepatogu juos devėti: Gal todėl kad pėdas skauda, gal kad mėgstu greitokai bei dažnai vaiksčioti o aukštakulniai sulėtina mane. Keista pačiai kad nesusivaldau jų nepirkus - galbūt naktimis sapnuose kokia slapta agente dirbu :) Šiaip, mieliau deviu Crocks'us ir 'flip-flops' pležines basutes.

The shoes in the photo are no exception to this quirk. I was trying them on in a local DSW store when a couple of men watching me gave me their enthusiastic review: "Girrrrl! these shoes can turn a gay man straight!" After such an ovation, how can I say no? :):)

Sakiau kad bateliai nuotraukoj su linksma istorija. Buvo taip kad parduotuvėj kur juos užsimoviau ir pavaikščiojau išbandymui, susilaukiau labai entuziastiškų komentarų iš vyrukų porelės, tipo: "Mergaite! Šie aukštakulniai sugebėtų gėjų orientaciją pakeisti!" Po tokio įvertinimo, kaip jų nepirksi :)

I wanted to make this layout very feminine so my first plan was to use a cut out of a lady. And as it happens, lately I've been inspired my the silhouette spray painted women of the talented Amber and Dina.

My version went from bad to worse, to irreparable in minutes. I used white gouche to cover up some of the book pages pieced background. However, when I sprayed some red Glimmer Mist, it mixed with the gouache and gave me a Pepto Bismol pink color. I added red dots, but now it looked like she's mosquito bitten. This might be alright for a feminine hygiene product ad, but it is just horrendously bad for a scrapbook page.

My solution was to cut the page in half, and to use the salvaged half on a new card stock. I also cut off some of the sewed lace and used it on the new page.

I guess me and silhouette people are not friends just yet. But that is the best part about making art - you screw up, and just move along until you find a creative solution.

*** *** ***

O dabar apie mano kūrybines kančias (viršutinė nuotrauka). Originalus planas buvo panaudoti moters silueto formą - pageidavau kad skrebukas būtų itin moteriškas spalvom ir detalėm. Pastaruoju metu esu labai įkvėpta išmėginti šias purkštas formas kaip talentingų Amber ir Dina'os mene.

Padengus lapo pagrindą suplėšytom knygos lapų skiautelėm, toliau pagrindą padažiau guošu. Bet kada papurškiau raudonais Glimmer Mist purškiamais dažais, guošas susimaišė su raudona spalva ir rezultatas gavosi pykinančiai ružavas. Bandžiau ir raudonų taškų pripaišyti, bet tada ji atrodė lyg uodų sukandžiota...kuo toliau tuo baisiau gavosi. Pagaliau perkirpau lapą per pusę, ir panaudojau tik vieną nesugadintą pusę. Taip pat nukirpau raudoną nertinės juostelės gėlę nuo jau prisiųto pagrindo ir panaudojau naujam skrebukui.

Kuriame ir mokomės iš klaidų, ar ne?

*Apačioj dar keletą vaizdų iš arčiau...

Dėkoju kad apsilankėte,

Irma

*** *** ***

Below are some more close ups.

Thank you for your visit and comment!

Irma

Supply list:

*Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper.

*Lace cardstock: KI Memories.

*Journaling card: Jenni Bowlin Studio.

*Die cut labels: Graphic 45.

*Alphabet chipboard: Queen & Co.

*Alphabet stickers: Making Memories.

*Trim: American Crafts.

*Twine: Pink Paislee

*Brads: My Mind's Eye (pearl), Recollections by Michael's stores (stars).

*Stick pin: EK Success.

*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.

*Stamp: Stamper's Anonymous.

*Embossing ink and powder: Ranger Industries.

*Spray paint (black) and spray adhesive: Krylon

*Spray mist (red): Tattered Angels.

*Guoche (white): Winsor & Newton.

*Water-slouble pastels: Cran d'Ache.

*Lace: Craft supply.

*Floss: DMC.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714, Therm-o-web( glue dots); UHU stic.

*Other: Vintage book pages, gift wrap paper cut-out (rose).

*Font: Book Antiqua.

Once Upon a Sketch Nov 1st sketch has gone LIVE!

2011-10-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

Title: The Genesis of Love and Scrap

*For complete and detailed information on how to participate in this challenge, please visit the OUAS blog here.

*Šio konkurso reikalavimai išsamiau aprašyti čia.

*Journaling Criteria: This time you need to journal at least 2 SENTENCES on WHEN you started scrapping and WHY? You MUST combine our journaling criteria with this sketch.

*Aprašymo kriterijus: Yra būtina parašyti bent du sakinius tema: KADA pradėjote skrebinti ir KODĖL? Taip pat būtina panaudoti šį eskizą, bet interpretacijai vietos daug ;)

*The deadline for this challenge is midnight November 14th, Australian Eastern Standard Time . The Design Team will vote and the winners and the Top 5 project will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.

*Terminas: Lapkričio 14 (Australijos EST laiku).

Gold alphabets and a gold tone background did not show very well, so my solution was to create a shadow utilizing a hatching technique with my Kuretake ZIG Millennium pen (0.1 mm tip).

Aukso atspalvio raidės nelabai išsiskyrė nuo geltono pagrindo. Mano sprendimas buvo apvedžioti raides su plonu rašikliu kad suteikti lyg šešėlio vaizdą.

The above photo is a closer view of the one I scrapped on this layout. This plain album cover (album by KOLO), and my attempt to decorate it, was my first experience with scrapbooking. At the time I did not even know what scrapbooking is. I wanted to make two albums to show off at our wedding reception upon returning from our Hawaiian wedding: one album of the wedding, and the other of the honeymoon trip. The vines on this cover were painstalkingly assembled by twisting masking tape onto wire, and then painting all of it (along with lace leaves) with gold acrylic paint). I also made twisted wire branches with pearl seed beads. Everything was glued down with a hot glue gun.

*** *** ***

Viršuj pavaizduotas viršelis tai mano pirmas 'skrebiškas' bandymas tada kada dar net nežinojau kas tas 'scrapbooking'. Tiesiog sau uždaviau misiją sulipdyti du albumus kuriuos parodysime svečiams dalyvaujantiems mūsų povestuviniam baliuj sugrįžtant namo po vestuvių Havajuose.

Pirmas albumas (kurio viršelis viršuj pavaizduotas) Tai pačios vestuvių dienos akimirkų albumas; Antras albumas (raudonu viršeliu), tai kelionės įspūdžiai naršant dvi Havajų salas: Kauai ir Maui.

Pradėjau skrebinti tiesiog ekspromptu. Užduotis - abu albumus paruošti per vieną savaitgalį. Tad šiame procese nebuvo jokio meno, tiesiog iš eilės ėmiau nuotraukas, klijavau, aplink kai kurias nuotraukas papiešiau auksiniu rašalu/rašikliu, priklijavau lipdukų gėlių motyvais, aprašiau įspūdžius, išplėšiau ir priklijavau žemėlapių kur keliavome ir pan.

Jei ką domina pati technika kaip pagaminau albumo viršelio vijoklių gėles, tai pasidalinsiu. Paprastą vielą apsukau su 'masking tape'- popieriniu pleistru. Tokiu būdu paruoštas šakas bei tulio lapus nudažiau aukso atspalvio akriliniais dažais. Viską priklijavau su karštu klijų šautuvu.

This was my first attempt at scrapbooking when I didn't even know that it is a hobby.

Taigi, čia mano pats pirmas skrebinimo bandymas pasižymintis super minimalizmu, tada kada dar net nežinojau kad skrebinimas esa hobis. Palyginus su mano skrebinimo procesu dabar, žinau kad pats kūrybinis procesas džiugina mano širdį.

*** *** *** ***

Supply list:

*Patterned paper: Basic Grey (yellow); Me & My BIG Ideas (blue and red).
*Journaling card: Crafty Secrets (Heartwarming Vintage Collection).
*Transparency overlay: Basic Grey.
*Sticker: Heidi Swapp for Advantus (damask).
*Alphabet chipboard: American Crafts.
*Rub-ons: Imagination Project (alphabet), Jenni Bowlin Studio (gold border).
*Trim: The Shoppe at Somerset.
*Flowers: Bazzill Basics Paper( red); Pebbles (white metal).
*Rhinestones and heart brad: Creative Imaginations.
*Border punches: Martha Stewart Crafts.
*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium (.01).
*Ink: Colorbox Clearsnap.
*Button (cameo): Favorite Findings at JoAnn's stores.
*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714, and Therm-O-Web Zots.
*Other: Music note paper (recycled).

Now let's get to the good part:

Prizes

How would YOU like to be our Guest Designer for December? This is the challenge where you have the chance to win a spot on our design team for the whole upcoming month simply by winning this challenge. As well as being our Guest Designer, the first placed winner as chosen by the Design Team will win this prize..

The complete October kit from Swirlydoos kit club (featured above).

This kit is simply stunning. It includes the captivating Vintage Blue line from Glitz Designs, papers, flowers, wood flourishes and rub ons from Kaisercraft, Prima Resin Old Window, Maya Road wooden spools and pearl pins and much much more.

This time we also have 2 prizes to give away to RANDOMLY chosen people!

1). The first prize for one randomly chosen winner will receive a mixture of products from "the chip chop shop" to the value of $25.00 plus postage.

2). Our other randomly drawn winner will receive the gorgeous Webster's Pages paper collection Ladies and Gents which includes 1 sheet of alphas, 1 die cut paper, 1 vellum paper, and 6 sheets of patterned paper.

*Don't forget that 5 projects will be voted on by the Design Team to be our Top 5 featured projects. So that could be your name and your project on our winners banner at the top of this blog for a whole 2 weeks!

Hope you can play along with us over at Once Upon a Sketch!!!

Page Maps: Studio Purge Sketch Contest

2011-10-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Title: Word to the Wise

This page came together in lightning speed. Just a few hours ago, I was cruising challenge sites for some inspiration. I stumbled upon the above Page Maps sketch challenge, but...the kicker is that it ends in just a few hours. Will I have enough time to finish? I fed the kids dinner, put them to bed, ran into my scrapping room and got to work.

So what did I learn from scrapping when it's 'down to the wire'? I learned that the result is just as pleasing to me as the pages where I agonize for hours over the perfect, matching shade of a color; that it's better not to over think, but just to go with your gut instinct.

*** *** ***

My interpretation of the sketch:

It is a mirror image of the sketch. I already had these 3 photos printed, so I had to adjust the sketch to fit them. But as you see, the bare bones L-shaped design, the matting, the dots outline, the title placement are all borrowed from the sketch.

*** *** ***

So what's this page about???

Beyond the obvious, that this is a Halloween page, this layout is more about the hand-me-down turtle costume which Adam inherited this year from his older brother. Last year when Omar wore it, we agonized whether the implication of a turtle (being slow, not an action figure, etc.) would scar Omar's self-confidence (him being a sensitive child).

This year when it was Adam's turn to wear it, I was afraid he'll reject it. Adam being a turtle?! Ha! That's a definition of an oxymoron. But he wore it and became crazy, possessed turtle. Proof that the clothes (or costume in this case), don't make the man. Adam has that personality that just SHINES. You can put a paper bag on him, and people will still take notice of his antics!

Halloween scrapping with Kuretake...

2011-10-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Lethally cute

Pavadinimas: Mirtinai gražūs (bet tik ne baisūs :)

This year the Halloween festivities started a week early beginning with Cleveland Metroparks 'Boo at the zoo' event, continuing with school parties, and finally the upcoming actual Halloween night on the 31st. That's a total of 3 nights wearing the same costumes!

I must say, that I love the theatricality of Halloween: the costumes, the spooky decorations, the haunted houses and horror movies (not for the kids). It's becoming a favorite holiday of mine...oh, and the kids too!

For the above featured layout I used some of my favorite Kuretake ZIG pens:

To give the plain wooden fence some much needed orange-yellow color, I've used the Woodcraft Marker in Golden Yarrow (PWC-50).

In addition, the next marker that lately is becoming a regular on almost all of my layouts is Wink of Stella in Gl. Gold (MS-40-101). The photos don't do the marker justice, but it's a golden color with subtle glitter. I've colored in the pharmacist jars on the apothecary labels, and also outlined the sticker title 'lethally' (see photo below) with this marker.

For my journaling, I almost always reach for my Millennium Pure Black MS-01 pen. The tip is a fine 0.1mm point, and for someone like me who tries to cram in a lot of words in a small space, it writes a fine line.

Thank you for visiting!

Do you celebrate Halloween, and if so, what are some of your traditions?

Irma

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Šis skrebukas buvo specialiai sukurtas Kuretake ZIG gamintojui su jų flomasteriais.

Kol neturėjau vaikų niekad nekreipiau dėmesio į Helovyno šventę. Amerikiečiai mėgsta išpuošti helovyniškom dekoracijom ne tik namus bet net ir kiemą....aš nepuošdavau.

Pagaliau šiais metais 'suamerikonėjau' :) Gal todėl kad šiais metais buvome priversti švęsti Helovyną netgi tris kartus: pradedant nuo helovyniško vakarėlio vaikam zoologijos sode, toliau mokykloje baliukai abiem vaikam, ir pagaliau už poros dienų (spalio 31) pats Helovynas su pasivaikščiojimais po rajoną su saldainių krepšeliais.

Šiais metais papuošėm namus: ant durų pakabintas skeletas, oranžinės moliūgų lemputės blyksnoja, voratinkliai, bei juodi vorai kabo nuo lubų...Pakolkas mūsų namai tapo siaubo namais. Vaikam tai kažkas stebuklinga, o suaugusiem nemenkesnis džiaugsmas.

Ačiū kad apsilankėte!

Irma

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Supply list:

*Cardstock: Core'dinations

*Patterned paper: Scenic Route Paper Co. (diamond); Martha Stewart Crafts (spiders).

*Journaling tag: Jenni Bowlin Studio.

*Wooden detail: Kaiser Craft.

*Chipboard embellishments: Martha Stewart Crafts (cat and 'watch out').

*Chipboard alphabets: BoBunny ('u'); Target stores ('C' and 't'); Scenic Route Paper Co. ('e').

*Alphabet stickers: Making Memories.

*Felt sticker: Tinkering Ink.

*Epoxy dimensional sticker: EK Success Jolee's Boutique.

*Trim: JoAnn stores.

*Pens: Kuretake ZIG.

*Stamp: Stamper's Anonymous

*Embossing ink and powder: Ranger Industries.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714; Therm-o-web Zots; EK Success 3D-Dots.

Once Upon a Sketch Oct 15th challenge

2011-10-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Have you seen our October 15th Challenge at Once Upon a Sketch?
You still have about a week to enter and win yourself some gorgeous prizes (see below).

Journaling criteria: A most embarrassing/awkward/uncomfortable moment. Journal at least 2 SENTENCES on a moment that you will remember for all the wrong reasons. Examples: something you said/did, something your child said, something your pet did etc.

***You must combine our journalling criteria with this sketch.

Our Wonderful Sponsors

Imaginarium designs, is a new chipboard company founded in 2010. It is the combined collaboration of a Mother and Son team who both work in the paper craft industry.
Please visit the blog for inspiration and to see what the design team has been up to http://www.imaginariumdesigns.blogspot.com/ and you can purchase this amazing chipboard at Seriously Scrapbooking (they ship anywhere in the world at actual postage cost)

Bibbys One of a Kind was established in 2011 out of my passion to create. I am a SAHM and spend each day creating something new, I have a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bibbysoneofakind where I do a lot of my advertising and updates ,and a small blog page which I am trying to grow. I make embellishment packs, crochet items, party favors and invitations to name a few. New ideas are born regularly.

Prizes

The winner of this challenge, as chosen by the Design Team, will receive this from
Imaginarium Designs...

...a pack of their latest and most popular chipboard. The best thing about this, is that the pack will be different each month and will be customised to fit the winners needs. So if you have girls, you will be sent girly chipboard etc. And don't forget that they also sponsor our entire Design Team so please see the examples above for all the creative uses of this awesome chipboard.

One RANDOMLY chosen winner will receive this gorgeous embellishment pack from
Bibbys One Of A Kind

I am sending the winner of my prize two of my previous embellishment packs and a 3rd mystery pack with a theme of your choice. This pack will be a 'one off' handmade pack created especially for you! Good luck everyone, Bibby.

Thank you SO much to our lovely sponsors . We couldn't do this without your support!

Things to consider when playing along...

**This is an international blog, so anyone can enter
**You are allowed to create a card, layout or off-the-page item based on the provided sketch and additional journalling criteria. If you are creating a card or altered item you only need to include a quote.
**You are also allowed to flip or rotate the sketch or alter it to suit your needs, but please make sure its still recognisable.
**Post your creation on your blog or an online gallery and link it on the bottom of this post using the Link tool. Please provide a direct link to your post, not your entire blog.If the link tool is down, please leave a comment on the comments section and link your layout there.
** The deadline for this challenge is midnight October31st, Australian Eastern Standard Time . The Design Team will vote and the winners and the Top 5 project will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.
**You may enter as many times as you like and combine this with other challenges.

Look who has an Etsy shop (finally!)

2011-10-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Earrings 'Raspberry drops': AVAILABLE for purchase at my ElcecticFancies Etsy shop here...

These elegant, classy earrings are perfect for a special occasion such as a wedding, but are also versatile enough to be worn on a daily basis.

Due to various pastel blush tones of the pearls, crystal and gemstones, these earrings complement a variety of skin tones.

This item has been my #1 customer favorite for a long time, now available at my easy shop.

*Description: All wire and metal findings are genuine sterling silver ( NOT metal plated). Sterling silver wire crocheted and wire-wrapped with an assortment of fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals in pastel shades of mauve, pink, lavender, and grey.

*Length from ear wire to tip of dangle is 1 3/4 inch or 4.5 cm.

*Earring dangle is an iridescent labradorite with light blue Swarovski crystal.
Labradorite is a stone of power. It allows the wearer to see through illusions and determine the actual form of her dreams and goals. It is known to strengthen intuition.
*Over the ages the pearl has become a symbol of purity and innocence. It is sewn into bridal gowns, or worn as jewelry by the bride.

Follow up post about Art Journaling...(in lithuanian)

2011-10-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Introduction to art journaling

(from my own minimal hands-on experience, but vast literary base of knowledge).

***

Introdukcija: Meniniai dienoraščiai...

I feel rather odd advising about art journaling, since this was my 1st art journaling spread in an actual journal. However, I've read just about every book and magazine on the subject to make my head dizzy with ideas.

Due to an overwhelming interest on the topic of art journaling from the lithuanian online scrapping community, I will write this blog post in lithuanian. I do not wish to alienate my english-speaking readers, so if there's questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I am writing in lithuanian to save time and space ;)

Thank you,

Irma

***

Pradėsiu šį įrašą su apibudinimu kodėl meninių dienoraščių kūryba mane pačią ant tiek sudomino.

Skrebinu tradicinius skrebukus nuo 2004m. ir nors nepagydomai susirgau skreb-lige, visad jaučiau kad tradicinių skrebų gamyba manyje paliko nepasisotinimo tuščią vietą. Dažnai mano pačios skrebukai (ypač ankstesni) man vėliau atrodė kad bandžiau imituoti tai ką matau skrebinimo žurnaluose kurie propoguoja tik giedrus gyvenimo momentus ir linksmus vaikučius. Ne kartą man teko sutrumpinti skrebuko tekstą kad 'tiktų' dizaino atžvilgiu, o juk tada išsamiai nepapasakoju nuotraukoj įamžintą momentą.

Tradicinis skrebas turi rėmus: Skatinamas naujos produkcijos vartojimas, tobulas dizainas, aukšto lygio fotografija, ir dar begalybė taisyklių. Prireikė rasti mediumą pro kurį vaizdiškai bei raštiškai galėčiau išreikšti ir sunkesnius gyvenimo išgyvenimus - jei ne atvirai, tai bent vartojant man būdingą simbolizmą. Tai išbandžiau ant kelių tradicinių skrebo pagrindų, ir šie skrebukai tapo skirti "tik mano akimis". Patyriau terapeutišką šio proceso vertingumą ir siekiau sužinoti kuo daugiau apie šią man dar naują žanrą.

Toliau, iš savo valstijos bibliotekų užsakiau visas siūlomas knygas šia tema ir panėriau studijuoti, nagrinėti kitų darbus, skaityti žymių menininkų dienoraščius...tada man atsivėrė naujas pasaulis(!)

Labiausiai mane įtakojo garsi meninių dienoraščių menininkė, bei autorė:

Sabrina Ward Harrison

Jos žodžiai apibudinantys jos pačios meninių dienoraščių kūrybos tikslą man tiesiog 'kalbėjo':

"I don't aim for pretty. I aim for release". Išversiu kaip: "Aš nesiekiu tobulumo. Aš siekiu {jausmų}išsiliejimo."

Jos menas būtent toks...Iš pirmo žvilgsnio galbūt chaotiškas, laisvas, nesuvaržytas, bet panagrinėjus iš arčiau pastebi jos drąsą būti atvirai. Nebijojimas pasidalinti savais pergyvenimais, išgyvenimais, depresavimo etapais, gyvenimo banalumais. Skaitai ir sau kartoji: "Ir aš taip pat!" Vartydama jos knygas jauti kažkokią užbūriančią magiją išstudijuoti kiekvieną jos dienoraščių detalę.

Autorės darbai ir persona mane be galo sužavėjo ir įkvėpė užsiimti šia žanra.

Jei kam Lietuvoj prieinama, labai patariu visas tris Sabrinos knygas, bet pradėčiau nuo pirmos:

1) Spilling Open: The Art of Becoming Yourself

2) Brave on the Rocks: If You Don't Go, You Don't See

3) Messy Thrilling Life: The Art of Figuring Out How to Live

Galbūt jus sudomino meninių dienoraščių žanra? Patariama pirma sau atsakyti į šiuos tris klausimus:

1) Pats dienoraštis-koks jis?

*Ar sąsiuvinys kuriame piešite tik flomasteriais/pieštukais, ar žadate vartoti akvarelę ir "drėgnus mediumus" (varnish, gloss medium ir t.t)? Jei vartosite akvarelę yra būtina naudoti akvarelei skirtą, storesnį popierių kad lapai nesiraitytų.

*Galbūt žadate darbuotis ant atskirų lapų kuriuos vėliau susegsite?

*Jei firminiai eskizam-skirti sąsiuviniai jum neprieinami rinkoj, pasidomėkite kaip pasidaryti dienoraštį iš senos knygos. Jums reikės PVA klijų bei grunto (gesso). Patariama išpjauti kas vienodą puslapių kiekį (kadangi kitaip koliažinti lapai labai išsiskės ir knyga neužsivers). Likusius knygos puslapius suklijuoti po 2-3 kad suteiktų stangresnį pagrindą.

2) Kur užsiimsite meninių dienoraščių kūryba? Ar kavininėje? Gal gamtoje papaišysite peizažus? Keliaudami po tolimus kraštus? Namuose?

Atsakymas į šį klausimą nulems meninio dienoraščio duomenų pasirinkimą. Pavyz. jei Jūs planuojate kas dieną su savimi pasiimti dienoraštį, bus praktišiau kad jis būtų kuo mažesnis ir laisvai tilptų į rankinę.

Jei meninių dienoraščių kūryba vyks tik namuose (*aš priklausau šiai grupei), tada dienoraštis gali būti didokas. Man asmeniškai buvo lengviau pereiti prie didesnio lapo ploto, kadangi esu įpratus skrebinti 30 x 30 cm tradicinius skrebukus.

3) Kas bus talpinama į dienoraštį? Ar tai bus teminis dienoraštis: tam tikra kelionė, namų renovacijos projektas, juvelyrikos nauji dizainai, virtuvės/kulinarijos receptai ir pan. Ar tai bus mišrios tematikos dienoraštis nesekantis chronologijos o tiesiog lyg patikimas draugas Jūsų laukiantis tada kada Jum kils noras jį atverti?

Medžiagos vartojamos meninių dienoraščių kūryboje:

*Gruntas 'gesso':(suteikia, kaip amerikiečiai sako, 'dantį' bent kokiam pagrindui ant kurio tada laisvai dažysis dažai bei kiti mediumai. Verta paminėti kad gruntas ne tik baltas bet yra ir juodo bei skaidraus. Spalvotas (juodas ar baltas) gruntas taip pat puikus būdas kaip 'prigesinti' ryškų raštuotą pagrindą.

*UHU-glue klijai: pripažinti geriausios šios pieštukinės klijų rūšies klijai. Man asmeniškai jie labai patinka kadangi neatsilupa.

*Soft Gel Medium (Golden firmos labiausiai išgirtas tarp profų). Vartojamas koliažinti iškarpas, popierių skiauteles, ir pan. ***Svarbu: nevartokite Mod Podge padengti puslapius, kadangi šis mediumas visad lieka truputėlį lipnus. Kada užversite savo dienoraštį, didelė galimybė kad puslapiai sulips.

*Liejamos kreidelės: Pati vartoju Caran D'Ache: Neocolor II (kurios taip pat labiausiai išgirtos); Kreidelės labai sodrių spalvų, lengvai liejasi, labai 'riebios'. Taip pat jei pageidaujate ko nors ekonomiškiau, vartokite akvarelę.

*Plaukam skirtas fenas: kad skubiai galėtumėte ždiovinti drėgnus puslapius ir toliau darbuotis

*Rašikliai: Svarbu kad būtų ilgalaikiai, pažymėti su "permanent arba water-proof". Kitaip, jei vartosite dažus, akvarelę ar mediumus ant neilgalaikio rašiklio rašalo, jis pasilies taip pat.

*Jei žadate štampuoti dienorašty, patariu vartoti ilgalaikį StazOn rašalą kuris Jum nepasilies jei ant jo užtepsite mediumo ar vandens. Aišku kad juoda spalva dažniausiai vartojama ;)

*Popieriukai: Žurnalų iškarpos, atvirukai, etiketės, tapetai, servetėlės, žemėlapiai, senų knygų puslapiai... ir (jei turite) skrebui skirti raštuoti popieriai. Visai nesvarbu ar tai su rūgštim ar be ;) Pradėkite žvelgti į šiukšles su atvira nuomone :)

*Praverstų ir raidyno štampukai klasikiniu šriftu kaip 'Times New Roman' tipo.

Mano dienoraščio/sąsiuvinio duomenys:

* Firma: Bee Paper - Aquabee (www.beepaper.com): Viršelis pavaizduotas viršuj.

*Užrašas teigia kad tinka ir "sausiem ir šlapiem mediumams": Super Deluxe; Heavyweight Drawing Paper for use with Wet & Dry media.
*12in. x 9 in. (30.48 cm x 22.86 cm)
*93lb. or 150 gsm. popierius
* 60 lapų.

*Manau nesvarbu dienoraščio gamintojas...labiau dėmesio reikia skirti popieriaus svoriui. Maniškio puslapiai 150 gsm. nelabai raitėsi paliejant kreidutes vandeniu, bet abi puses iškart džiovinau fenu.
Nežadu padengti kievieno puslapio abi puses. Iš anksto nusprendžiau kad kūryba vyks tik ant vieno puslapio, o po to, abiejų lapų blogas puses suklijuosiu kartu. Nežadu vartoti labai atšokančių 3D detalių kaip įprasta skrebukuose, bet galbūt panaudosiu kelias kniedes, vinukus, ar pasiuvinėsiu. Man asmeniškai lengviau darbuotis jei neturiu pergyventi apie blogą lapo pusę. Tada tas 60 lapų taps 30, ir manau ne taip dienoraštis išsiskės. Jame juk reikės vietos kadangi ant lapų žadu ne tik piešti, bet taip pat koliažinti.

*Taip pat tarp kitų menininkų favorit'ų yra: Strathmore Visual Journal: 90 lb. Mixed Media Paper 9 x 12 inch.

*Viršelį apgaubsiu audiniu, ar rankų darbo popierium, ir labiau dekoruosiu tik tada kada visas dienoraštis bus užbaigtas. Kitaip, atviras dienoraštis negulės plokščiai ir komplikuos darbo eigą.

Dėmesio verti meninių dienoraštininkų blogai:
*Teesha Moore (kartu su vyru Tracy, abu esa šiuolaikinės 'art journaling' žanros pionieriai JAV).
*Roben Marie
*Traci Bunkers
*Julie Fei-Fan Balzer
*Dina Wakley
*L.K. Ludwig
*Natalie Malik
*Pam Carriker
*Pam Garrison
*Nancy Baumiller
*Corey Moortgat
*Amber Walker
(ir begalybė kitų menininkų...deja pakolkas visų nepamenu, mat rašau iš atminties ;)

Nuostabi Knyga: 1000 Menininkų dienoraščių puslapių (1000 Artist Journal Pages): labai verta dėmesio...joje begalybė įvairių tarptautinių 'art journal' stilių (be jokios darbo eigos ar technikos, čia tik gatavų darbų galerija).

Ir pagaliau...labai patariu pasižvalgyti YouTube video. Įveskite paiešką "Art journaling tutorials"...juk vaizdine medžiaga ši technika bus greičiau įsisavinama negu skaitymas technikos aprašymo ;)

Galbūt atsiras norinčių išmėginti meninių dienoraščių kūrybą? Jei kas neaišku drąsiai klauskite.
Lauksiu atsiliepimų,
Irma

Sharing my 1st Art Journal spread...

2011-10-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

page 1.

This is a step-by-step presentation of the creation of an art journal spread.

Press 'Read more' below to see more photos...

***

I have created 'art journal' style layouts before, however on traditional 12" x 12" scrapbook paper, NOT in an actual bound art journal/sketchbook. So when it came time to get to work in a sketchbook I faced the dreaded 'white page' - also known as 'freezing up' and not able to produce anything. To stall the art journaling start date, I bought a few different sketch books, and then returned them unused. Then I've taken out (and even read) every single book and magazine on the topic of art journaling; Then I've visited quite a few blogs of other art journaling artists - anything and everything to delay starting.

What gave me a good push to start is a current lithuanian scrapping challenge blog's assignment to make scrapbook paper from art or home supplies - basically to make your own patterned paper.

I figured that I'll just experiment in this sketchbook: Scribble a bit with the water soluble crayons, then spray some paint, then use a stencil and embossing powder. Unlike creating traditional scrapbook layouts where I plan everything ahead of time from the photos, theme, design, and details, this was a very stress-free method of creating of not being attached to the outcome. Interestingly enough, the result made me happy. Lesson learned is that you have to give yourself permission to play and experiment with your art supplies.

page 2

The finished double spread

Journal specifications:

Bee Paper - Aquabee (www.beepaper.com).
Super Deluxe; Heavyweight Drawing Paper for use with Wet & Dry media
12in. x 9 in. (30.48 cm x 22.86 cm)
93lb. or 150 gsm. paper

The title: Willing to go naked, should not be taken literally ;) It's a metaphor for my goal of revealing and being brave enough to share more of my vulnerabilities and daily struggles in my art journal.

Recently I was tremendously inspired by May Sarton's Journal of a Solitude. I've copied so many inspirational quotes from this book. The paragraph written in orange ink is one of them:

"... And at some point I believe one has to stop holding back for fear of alienating some imaginary reader or real relative or friend, and come out with personal truth. If we are to understand the human condition, and if we are to accept ourselves in all the complexity, self-doubt, extravagance of feeling, guilt, joy, the slow freeing of the self to its full capacity for action and creation, both as human being and as artist, we have to know all we can about each other, and we have to be willing to go naked."

Art journaling appeals to me on so many levels. I will not cease scrapping traditional scrapbook pages, yet I always felt that there's something lacking in that arena for me. Because I have an easy time writing (and actually enjoy it), I found that I frequently have to cut down my writing for design or space considerations on scrapbook pages. In an art journal, I feel more 'at home' to ramble on, vent, and experiment without any expectation of a 'perfect' end result. Also, I've always liked using visual symbolism in my work, thus in art journaling I'll get to incorporate more of my odd collection of stamps and images.

Thank you for reading about the creation of my 1st art journaling spread in a sketch book!

Irma

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Supply list:

*Pens: Kuretake ZIG Wink of Stella (Gl. Gold MS-40-101); ZIG MIllennium (Pure Orange MS-03 and Pure Black MS-01).

*Transparency: Die Cuts with a View.

*Journal die cut page: Making Memories.

*Stickers: Jenni Bowlin Studio (''know this'); Hambly Studios (birds).

*Stamp: Stamper's Anonymous (eye), JoAnn Scrap Essentials (date),

*Stencils: The Crafter's Workshop (TCW177 Cherry Blossoms and TCW203 Circle Grid).

*Rub-ons: Basic Grey (floral); American Crafts (alphabet), 7 gypsies (quote).

*Paper tape: Therm-o-web (sewing supply).

*Watersoluble wax pastels: Caran D'Ache: Neocolor II.

*Embossing ink: Ranger Industries.

*Embossing powder: Hampton Art.

*Stamping ink: ColorBox - Cat's Eye Chalk (red); Tsukineko StazOn (black).

*Paint: Plaid 'Folk Art' (color: 904 Lemonade).

*Spray mist: Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels.

*Adhesive: UHU Stic

*Other: Masking tape and vintage book page.

*Photo credit: Stock.xchng (gmarcelo).

Today is our 10 year anniversary!

2011-10-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Title: Memories of our Enchanted Paradise

Pavadinimas: Prisiminimai iš mūsų stebuklingojo rojaus

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Today it has been 10 years since we have exchanged our wedding vows on the breath-taking ocean shore of Kauai, Hawaii. The lush, undisturbed beauty of Kauai, the plumeria-scented air all culminated to an experience of heaven on earth. This layout is a feeble attempt to recreate at least a fraction of this paradise setting. The wedding was small - two of our closest friends and powerful waves crashing onto the shore served as our witnesses. The wedding and subsequent honeymoon on Kauai and Maui have become 'our place,' our memories of an idyllic beginning. These photos were taken by my friend using my Rebel SLR and black & white film, after the wedding photographers finished their obligatory 36 shots. These less formal shots have become my favorite, so I scanned their negatives to have a digital file of them.

I got quite carried away in decorating this two page spread with flowers. However, since I must have writing on my pages, I left it as a last step. I wrote a letter to my husband talking about our life so far. It became a long letter when typed which did not fit in the assigned space, so I kept resizing it to the smallest, but still readable 8pt. Probably not very readable online, but some things should stay private.

Below are some close-ups...

I included an orchid as a focal flower because my wedding bouquet consisted primarily of orchids.

The flower pot is a paper cutout backed with chipboard and elevated on foam dots. There's moss growing on top as in real orchid flower pots.

Thank you for visiting!
Irma
***
Ši diena pažymi mūsų 10 metų jubiliejų. Tada stovėjome Havajų Kauai salos pakrantėj ir pajutome rojų ant žemės.
Šį dvigubą skrebuką (30cm x 60cm) lipdžiau ultra-gėlėtą su tikslu atkartoti kuo realesnį, egzotišką Kauai salos gamtos grožį. Orchidėja pagrindinė gėlė ne tik skrebuke, bet ji valdė ir mano vestuvinėje puokštėje - tai čia kaip ir su antra prasme.
Nuotraukos darytos mano brangios draugės su mano veidrodiniu (Rebel SLR) aparatu ir baltai/juoda juosta. Ji pafotografavo mus kada profai fotografai pasitraukė atlikę savo būtinus, užsakytus bei pozuotus 36 kadrus. Man draugės nuotraukos tiksliau įamžino tą momentą, tad nepatingėjau juostą skrenuoti kad kelis kadrus išlaikyčiau skaitmena.
Toliau, kadangi aš nevertinu vienprasmiškų, dekoruotų skrebukų savuose albumuose, žinojau kad reikės rasti būdą kaip talpinti tekstą. Tai tapo paskutinis žingsnis, betgi kada pradėjau spausdinti tapo aišku kad netilps visa tai ką parašiau ant juodrasčio. Teko mažinti šrifto dydį iki dar įskaitomo 8pt.
Likau patenkinta šiuo skrebuku - juk tai tikriausiai vienintelis atvejis kada galėčiau paskandinti vyro nuotraukas gėlėse :)
Nežinau ar visiem viskas aišku...jei kils klausimų dėl technikos, ar šiaip, tikiuosi kad paklausite.

Dėkoju kad apsilankėte!
Irma
*** *** ***
Supply list:
*Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white and paper leaves), Die Cuts with a View(red).
*Patterned paper (blue; green is My Mind's Eye), transparency (large), flowers (yellow, green) and trim: Prima.
*Chipboard alphabet, journaling card and overlay, floral stickers: Basic Grey.
*Word stickers: Making Memories.
*Border strip: Doodlebug Design Inc.
*Bird stickers: Hambly Studios.
*Floral and label die cut and fabric brad: K & Company.
*Paper cut-out: Flower Soft (urn).
*Rhinestone brads: Recollections for Michael's stores.
*Resin embellishment: Melissa Frances.
*Border punch: Fiskars.
*Floss: DMC
*Pen: American Crafts Slick Writer.
*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714, EK Success foam dots; Therm-o-web (glue dots).
*Other: Moss, stem and vine (craft supply); Clear adhesive printing sheet (Avery).
*Font: Bahia Script.

Cast your Vote!

2011-10-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

***This contest has closed: by popular vote PUSKIS is the winner!***
***Šis konkursas užrakintas: Pagal balsų skaičių nugalėtojas: PUŠKIS!***

Presenting to you the opportunity to vote for your favorite of the two entries submitted for Random Inspiration Challenge #21: 'I'm a poet!"
The challenge requirements were to use a page from a book where hidden words would reveal themselves into a poem. With the poem we paired a photo to tell a full story.
Below are the two submissions. Please vote only for one favorite by leaving a comment under this post with name/title of your favorite. Anonymous votes will not be counted.
You have until 24:00 (EST).

1. Puskis (Crazy Love)

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2. Marika (Vaikai įkvėpia)

***

Nors labai pavėluotai (bet pagaliau!) pristatau Jums konkurso: Random Inspiration Nr. 21 dviejų dalyvių skrebukus. Iššūkis skatino dalyves surinkti eilėraščio eiles iš išplėšto knygos lapo.

Maloniai kviečiu Jus balsuoti. Prašome palikti savo balsą šio įrašo komentaruose. Anoniminiai balsai nebus skaitomi. Privalote pateikti savo 'favorite' iki spalio 7-tos.

Lauksime!

October 1st Once Upon a Sketch is gone LIVE!

2011-10-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Title: Our Little Man said..."I'll Never be too old to hold your hand"

Pavadinimas: Mūsų Mažasis Vyrukas pasakė..."Aš niekad nebūsiu per didelis laikyti tavo ranką"

This layout was created for the October 1st sketch at Once Upon a Sketch, and my hope is that in some small way, it might inspire you to play along with us ;)
The journaling criteria is to journal about two noteworthy events of the past week. The two recent events for our family is that our eldest son Omar started kindergarten, and we also started our daily walk to school. On this particular day, September 22 (Yep, I know there's a date typo on the layout....this tends to happen when I stay up late scrapping till the wee hours:), Omar and I had such a heartwarming conversation. I was telling him how soon he'll grow up and be too big and too cool to hold mom's hand, and he said just so matter-of-factly: I'll never be too old to hold your hand.
I tell 'ya, moments like these make being a mom worth all the heartache and struggles of raising children.
*** *** *** ***
Šis skrebukas yra sukurtas Spalio 1-mos Once Upon a Sketch eskizų iššukių saitui.
Užduotis yra interpretuoti eskizą ir būtinai aprašyti apie pastarosios savaitės du svarbius įvykius. Mano skrebuko tema yra apie tai kad mūsų sūnelis pradėjo naują pradinę 'elementary' mokyklą, ir tuom pat prasidėjo mūsų kasdieniniai pasivaikščiojimai į mokyklą. Jis visad laiko mano ranką, ir šią dieną - Rugsėjo 22 (nors aprašyme prikliurkinau datą...ženklas kad skrebinu naktinėdama per vėlai :), sūneliui pasakiau kad neužilgo jis taps didelis bachūras ir nebenorės laikyti mano ranką. Omar pagalvojo ir rimtai atsakė: "Aš niekad nebūsiu per didelis laikyti tavo ranką." Tokie momentai taip šildo širdį kad atima bent kokias buvusias vaikų išdaigas.
Kviečiu ir Jus sudalyvauti OUAS konkurse (reikalavimai bei prizai paskelbti apačioj šio įrašo).

***

Supply list:

*Patterned paper, brads (red and blue flower): Making Memories.

*Journaling card: K & Company.

*Journaling and border sticker (green): Hambly Studios.

*Chipboard: Imaginarium Designs (title), Heidi Grace Designs (heart).

*Alphabet rub-ons: American Crafts.

*Pens: Kuretake ZIG.

*Stick pins: Fancy Pants Designs.

*Adhesive rhinestones: TPC Studio.

*Button flower embellishment: Hand-made (unknown source).

*Embossing ink and powder: Ranger Industries.

*Paint: Liquitex.

*Bakers twine: Studio calico.

*Thread: Coats & Clark.

*Sewing machine: Singer.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714; Glue dots: Term-o-Web.

*** *** *** ***

October 1st challenge

Journaling Criteria: WRITE 2 noteworthy (to you anyway) events of the past week. Your journalling can be as long as you wish. There is NO limit to how much journalling you include but in order to qualify as a winner for this challenge, we must see AT LEAST 1 SENTENCE of journalling on WHY each event was noteworthy.

Sponsors

We are SO excited to announce the sponsors for this challenge!

Welcome to Once Upon A...Sketch..

Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker is a scrapbooking company specializing in premium papers and embellishments that will make you smile. From whimsical designs to cute, cuddly creatures, Nikki Sivils designs straight from her heart hoping to inspire creativity and expressions of love and life

Bibbys One of a Kind was established in 2011 out of my passion to create. I am a SAHM and spend each day creating something new, I have a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bibbysoneofakindwhere I do a lot of my advertising and updates ,and a small blog page which I am trying to grow. I make embellishment packs, crochet items, party favours and invitations to name a few. New ideas are born regularly.

Prizes

How would you like to be our Guest Designer for November? This is the challenge where you have the chance to win a spot on our design team for the whole upcoming month simply by winning this challenge. As well as being our Guest Designer, as chosen by our Design team, you will also receive.....

*This fabulous collection from the amazing Nikki Sivils

**Our second placed winner will receive these beautifully, handcrafted embellishments from
Bibby's One Of A Kind

I am sending the winner of my prize two of my previous embellishment packs and a 3rd mystery pack with a theme of your choice. This pack will be a 'one off' handmade pack created especially for you! Good luck everyone, Bibby.

**Since it is our 6 months anniversary, Nadia Cannizzo of Once Upon a Sketch would like to send out some prizes of her own to 3 luckyRANDOMLY DRAWN winners, but at this point she's keeping them a surprise.

Things to consider when playing along...

**This is an international blog, so anyone can enter
**You are allowed to create a card, layout or off-the-page item based on the provided sketch and additional journalling criteria. If you are creating a card or altered item you only need to include a quote.
**You are also allowed to flip or rotate the sketch or alter it to suit your needs, but please make sure its still recognisable.
**Post your creation on your blog or an online gallery and link it on the bottom of this post at OUAS using the Link tool. Please provide a direct link to your post, not your entire blog.If the link tool is down, please leave a comment on the comments section and link your layout there.
** The deadline for this challenge is midnight October 14th, Australian Eastern Standard Time . The Design Team will vote and the winners and the Top 5 project will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.
**You may enter as many times as you like and combine this with other challenges.
**Also, please consider turning off word verification for comments on your blog.

For a complete list of the rules please see the top of this page at Once Upon a Sketch.

Layout titled 'Happy'...

2011-09-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Title: Happy

Here's a list of some useful tips & techniques that went into the making of this layout:

The text was written with a white gel pen, however it proved to be too contrasting against the darker background, and it took away attention from the photos. My solution was to use yellow ink and a blending tool to color the white pen a soft yellow.
Dressing up embellishments: To make the die cut flowers more realistic, I simply applied glue with a sponge-tip applicator and pressed velvet flock on top of it.
A clever way to secure twine to your page is to punch holes through your banner stickers, thread the twine through the holes, and press down the banner stickers in a pleasing arrangement.
Foam dots is my new 'must' supply to add dimension and make elements pop off the page; Everything on this page from the ornate frame, to the chipboard and flowers have been elevated using foam dots.
When you have three similar photographs, think about tilting one of them to add emphasis and to infuse your layout with dynamic energy.

Thank you for visiting me and your kind words!

*** *** ***

Štai keletą techninių patarimų kurie buvo vartojami šio skrebuko kūryboje:

Tekstas apačioje pirma buvo užrašytas baltu rašikliu, betgi pasirodė kad labai kontrastinga balta spalva ant rudo pagrindo ir žiauriai konkuravo dėmesį nuo nuotraukų. Mano sprendimas buvo panaudoti 'Distress' geltoną rašalą ant kempinėlės ir tekstą ištrinti kad taptų blankesnis bei geltonesnis.
Detalių/iškirstų formelių papuošimas: Geltonos žolės buvo padengtos velveto pūkais; Pirma ištepiau galiukus klijais patapsnojus su kempinėle, ir toliau užbarsčiau pūko.
Dažnai iškyla klausimas kaip pritvirtinti virvutę ant skrebuko pagrindo? Šį kartą man pasisekė...kadangi vėliavėlės yra lipdukai, tai paprasčiausia pramušiau jose skylutes, pravėriau virvę, ir pagaliau prispaudžiau priklijuodama visą garliandą.
Lipnios pagalvėlės yra mano būtiniausia priemonė, kadangi skrebukui suteikia reikiamo realaus 3D efekto. Pradedant nuo dekoratyvinių rėmelių, toliau kartoninių/ chipboard detalių, ir pagaliau augalų, beveik visos detalės buvo priklijuojamos lipniomis pagalvėlėmis.
Kada skrebinu tris panašias nuotraukas, visad bandau vieną iš jų akcentuoti: ar pakreipdama nuotrauką, ar uždėjus rėmelį. Tokiu būdu skrebukas atrodys dinamiškesnis.

Dėkoju kad apsilankėte!

*** *** ***

Supply list:

*Cardstock: Wausau Paper (metallic), EK Success (yellow).

*Patterned paper (kraft and dark print), chipboard (bird), sticker (leaf), and brad: Basic Grey.

*Banner flags, alpha stickers (with exception of 'y': Making Memories), patterned paper (yellow print): Jenni Bowlin Studio.

*Chipboard: Crate Paper (round).

*Rub-on sentiment: Creative Imaginations.

*Velvet flock: Doodlebug Design Inc.

*Baker's twine: We R Memory Keepers.

*Border punches: Martha Stewart.

*Punches (flower and corner rounder), dimensional ornament, and glue pen: EK Success.

*Dies: Spellbinders (frame); Quickutz (flowers).

*Die cutting system: Sizzix/Tim Holtz Vegabond.

*Pens: Kuretake ZIG Wink of Stella (glitter gold), Uni-ball Signo (white).

*Mist: Tattered Angels (spray), October Afternoon (drips).

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714

Incorporating children's art into scrapbook pages...

2011-09-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

Title: Noted Bibliophile

Pavadinimas: Žinomas bibliofilas

Did I ever mention that my oldest son is a 'mini me' version? Of all the great, and even not-so-great qualities, one quality that I'm proud that he inherited is the love for books. We got him these two gigantic volumes of Children's Dictionary and Encyclopedia, and by now he has memorized every illustration on every page.

So I was not too surprised when he brought home a school assignment requiring him draw his favorite activity, that it was a picture of him reading a book.

***

Mano vyriausias sūnus esa pripažintas 'mini Irma' - pradedant nuo nelabai pageidautinų savybių iki geresnių. Esu be galo laiminga kad sūnelis paveldėjo mano meilę knygom.

Nuotraukose jis varto bei skaito du didelius tomus: Vaikų Žodynas ir Vaikų Enciklopedija, kurių iliustracijas jis jau atmintinai išmoko.

Tad visai nenustebau kad mokykloj atlikta užduotis - nupiešti mėgiamiausią užsiėmimą - buvo būtent knygų skaitymas.

I really wanted to preserve the authenticity of his drawing, however it was drawn on a quickly deteriorating and discoloring construction paper. My solution was to copy the design on a similar color manila cardstock paper, and to hand-stitch the drawing. Here's the process...

***

Labai panorau įamžinti sūnelio piešinio autentiškumą, bet panaudoti originalą nenorėjau kadangi tai yra piešta ant pigiausios rūšies, greitai gelstančio bei super trapaus mokyklinio popieriaus. Sprendimas buvo toks: Kopijuoti jo piešinuką ant skrebinimui skirto vienspalvio popieriaus 'cardstock' ir ji išsiuvinėti. Tokia darbo eiga...

This is the original drawing...

Čia Omar pieštas originalas...

I rubbed the back of the drawing with a soft graphite pencil, then placed the drawing down on my cardstock and traced over the drawing with a well-sharpened pencil. In doing so, the graphite pencil on the other side serves as a carbon paper and provides an outline. Further, I pierced the outline with a needle, and stitched the design with 3 strands of floss.

I like the way this page turned out. The sanding of the foundation text cardstock revealed some of text...very reminiscent of learning to read and how some words are clear, and some are still in darkness - unknown to the beginner reader.

This was supposed to be my layout for October 1st Once Upon a Sketch challenge site, however, I deviated so much from the sketch that I dare not submit it.

***

Blogoj piešinio pusėj papaišiau su minkštu 'graphite' pieštuku; Originalą uždėjau ant 'cardstock' popieriaus, ir tada pieštuku apvedžiojau piešinuko kontūrus (geroj pusėj). Tokiu būdų piešinys tampa kaip 'carbon' kopija ir lengvai persikelia ant kito popieriaus. Pagaliau subadžiau kontūrus ir išsiuvinėjau rankom.

Mielas man šis jo piešinukas ....:):):) Net nemokinau sūnelio kaip piešti skaitantį žmogų, tiesiog čia jis pats sugalvojo. Vaikų piešiniai labai daug ką pasako su detalių minimumu: Šypsena, išpūstos akys ir knyga.

Man panašiai, t.y. minimaliai gavosi su šiuo skrebuku. Nors ir kiek detalių norėjau dar pridėti, vis nuėmiau...įgudžiai sakė gad užtenka. Patinka man šio juodo pagrindo švitriniu popierium nutrinti žodžiai; Vietomis jie aiškūs, vietomis jie dar tamsumoj - kaip ir pradžioj besimokinant skaityti.

Ačiū kad apsilankėte ;)

Irma

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Supply list:

*Cardstock: Core'dinations- Jenni Bowlin Collection (embossed text); Archiver's (manila).

*Patterned paper and stickers: Basic Grey.

*Alphabet stickers: October Afternoon (yellow), Jillibean Soup (kraft).

*Paper tape: 7 gypsies

*Rub-ons: Creative Imaginations.

*Brad: Crate Paper

*Floss: DMC.

*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714.

Once Upon a Sketch Sept 15th with a twist!

2011-09-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

We at Once Upon a Sketch want to shake things up a bit in how we pick our winners, so here's a twist...

What's the twist?....

We thought it would be fun for you all out there to pick the winner! This challenge will end on the 29th of September, which is 2 weeks from today and you will all have a chance to vote for the winner and Top 5 projects for one whole day on the 30th of September before the new challenge is posted on the 1st of October.

The catch here is that everyone can only vote 1 time, but of course you can get everyone you know to vote for you! We just cannot wait to see who you will pick!

So here's the Sept. 15th Challenge!

Journaling Criteria: This time you need to journal 2 lines directly on your photo. You can write on your photo, you can print your writing on your photo, you can use journalling strips on your photo etc. There is no theme this time, just a journaling technique criteria.

Simply follow the journaling criteria and the sketch by Nadia,the lovely owner and creator, of OUAS challenge site.

The sketch

Fabulous sponsors:

3ndypapir is a tiny, Norwegian design company.

Owner and designer Gudrun Loennecken creates all the whimsy, vintage patterned papers. These papers are perfect for all paper lovers: cardmakers, scrapbooker and all papercrafters.
It is all designed and printed in Norway on heavy weight, high quality paper

Our second sponsor is the truly AMAZING...

Imaginarium Designs, is a new chipboard company founded in 2010. It is the combined collaboration of a Mother and Son team who both work in the paper craft industry.

Please visit the blog for inspiration and to see what the design team has been up to www.imaginariumdesigns.blogspot.com and you can purchase this amazing chipboard at Seriously Scrapbooking (they ship anywhere in the world at actual postage cost)

The winner of this challenge, as chosen by YOU, will receive from our fantastic sponsor Imaginarium Designs:

a pack of their latest and most popular chipboard. The best thing about this, is that the pack will be different each month and will be customised to fit the winners needs. So if you have girls, you will be sent girly chipboard etc. They also sponsor our entire Design Team so please see the examples from our team for all the creative uses of this awesome chipboard.

There will also be a prize for the second placed winner this time, as voted by you. They will receive a set of the brand new collection from 3ndypapir. Here is a sneak peek of the collection you will be receiving directly from this Norwegian company.

There will also be 2 randomly chosen winners this month.

One winner will receive the Count Me In collection from Sassafras Lass

Our second randomly drawn winner will receive the Mix and Mend collection from Sassafras Lass as well..

Another Hero Arts September challenge...

2011-09-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

Title: Autumn's Last Aria

Pavadinimas: Rudens paskutinė arija

This is yet another page done for the Hero Arts stamping challenge for the month of September. I chose to make another fall-inspired layout and used all 4 Hero Arts stamps (see the photo below for an up-close view on how I pieced and layered all of these 4 stamps to make a unique tree):
*CG196 Canvas Stripes
*CG250 Small Open Flower
*CG251 Small Solid Flower
*B4963 Night Owl

This is a more decorative layout about my boys. This was the most beautiful, golden autumn's day at a local orchard: The light was perfect, I was able to capture incredible shots of my kids (sans the monster/goofy faces). It was such a magical moment that it seemed that it ought to be set to music. I love these photos of my kids, and I have many more from this day that will get scrapped in the future. I'm really fond of using photos from the same photo shoot, but telling stories from different perspectives.

Techniques:

Let me begin by saying that I really enjoyed the challenge inherent in making this layout. Because it is on a hemp background, and therefore I could not effectively glue items on, I ended up using my sewing machine and hand-stitching for permanently attaching almost all the items on this page.

The red background on the fabric was achieved by spraying Glimmer Mist while the edges of the hemp were masked off.

Thank you for visiting me and for your kind words!

Irma

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Štai dar vienas skrebukas įamžinantis praeitų metų stebuklingą, nustabų, auksinį rudenį. Retai būna tokių dienų kada šviesa ideali, ir vaikai leidžiasi būti fotografuojami be monstriškų fizionomijų....Kaip ir štampuotas aprašymas puikiai apibudina: "Prisiminimuose viskas vyksta lyg pagal muziką." Nuo šios citatos gimė idėja pavadinimui: 'Rudens paskutinė arija', kadangi tai buvo paskutinė gražiausia rudens diena.

Apie techniką:

Kadangi pagrindas audinys, tai man tapo iššūkis kaip efektyviai viską pritvirtinti. Griebiau siuvimo mašiną (kuri šį kartą nesikapryzino net), ir dar kai kurias detales rankom priziuvau. Kad audinio pagrindas taptų stangrus, jis buvo pritvirtintas prie rudo 'kraft' spalvos popieriaus.

Viduj raudonas kvadratas pagamintas su Glimmer Mist purškiamais dažais (prieš purškiant uždengiau audinio kraštus atliekamo popieriaus ataižom).

Skrebukas gamintas Hero Arts antspaudų gamintojo konkursui tai apribojo man (geraja prasme) antspaudų pasirinkimą. Rezultatu esu patenkinta, galbūt ir Jum patiko?

Ačiū kad apsilankėte,

Irma

*** *** *** ***

Supply List:

*Hemp Fabric: Me & My BIG Ideas.

*Cork sheet: Darice.

*Cardstock: The Paper Company.

*Patterned paper, journaling spot, and tiny alpha stickers: Jenni Bowlin Studio.

*Chipboard shape: Maya Road.

*Stamps: Hero Arts (CG196 Canvas Stripes; CG250 Small Open Flower; CG251 Small Solid Flower; B4963 Night Owl), Fiskars (quote), JoAnn Scrap Essentials (date).

*Embossing ink and powder: Ranger Industries.

*Stamping ink: Close to My Heart (red), Tsukineko StazOn (black).

*Spray ink: Tattered Angels.

*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.

*Alpha Stickers (black) and brad: Making Memories.

*Flower: Target stores.

*Button: Buttons Galore.

*Trim: Basic Grey (yellow multi); The Trim Shop-JoAnn Stores (brown suede).

*Twine: Colorbok.

*Thread: Coats & Clark.

*Floss: DMC

*Sewing Machine: Singer.

*Die cutting tool: Sizzix/Tim Holtz Vegabong.

*Die: Quickutz.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG714, Therm-o-Web.

*Other: Musical note sheet (vintage).

A fun journaling technique to bring out the poet in you...

2011-09-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

Title: My Wish

Pavadinimas: Mano palinkėjimas

This layout was done for the Hero Arts stamp challenge for the month of September. The theme is:'Fall' and/or a fall-inspired color palette selected by Hero Arts.

For my page, I've used for the first time the S5477 Tree Trunks stamp by Hero Arts, which I stamped on mica with a permanent StazOn ink.

I just can't get enough of mica on my projects. Perhaps because it is a natural mineral found on earth, and some have interesting patterns (this piece has black splatters) that a man-made transparency just can't compete. I think that mica is perfect for nature-themed projects, and lends itself well for layering with other objects or stamping while maintaining its transparency.

I'm happy the way this page turned out. It was made with some old product (like the wooden heart for the title...Yikes! circa 2004), mixed in with some new.

As I've recently poured my heart out in the journaling of my previous layout '2011: A Year of Artistic Revelations', I've been going through some changes in my approach to scrapbooking. One of the major goals is to use my stash of accumulated product, and find creative uses for older items instead of frequently buying the new, trendy 'in' products. That is a real challenge - making the old and outdated look new or hip again.

I believe what matters most is the heart one puts into their artistic creations - not the product. And judging by the responses/comments I've received currently and in the distant past, it is the sentiment, the journaling, and the honest spilling of the heart that touches people the most - not the product used.

I've made a very drastic choice as it concerns scrapbooking supplies - a challenge of sorts for myself. More will be revealed in a future blog post.

Now forward to an art journaling technique I've used on this page....

(photo below)

Journaling for an average scrapbooker seems to be the most challenging aspect of scrapping. So writing poetry, one assumes, would be an even more daunting task (not to mention that there's a fair share of stereotyping and stigma attached to those who dare to call themselves poets).

So I dare you, try this journaling technique and DO call yourself a poet!

I am a poet, and here's my poem obtained from the recycled book page:

My dearest son,

With joy attack melancholy...

If it does not turn out well,

Do nothing but step to hope.

Your heart will allow you

To go anywhere around the world.

Here's the technique:

Tear out a page from a used book (my library sells used books for 25-50 cents).

--->No cheating allowed: Do not use a poetry book because the content is already poetically rich language. You may use novels, children's books, farmer's almanacs, biographies, etc. (my page came from the innards of a previous hollow book project. The book I used was a biography on Mozart).

Next, read through your page and look for the 'main' words that stand out to you, or have special meaning. Circle the words in pencil. Then when you have your 'main' words, look for 'filler' words to connect the main words, for example: a, the, that, in, etc.
Lastly, use watercolor, ink, gesso, or acrylic paint to pain around the words you have circled. You may completely obscure the unwanted background words with paint, or let some of the text show through, as my example does. The goal here is to create enough contrast that the blocked out text would not interfere with the readability of your main text - the circled words.
Some thoughts on this process: You may begin with a specific photo in mind, and search for words that support that photo, however, I found it easier to first obtain the poem, then find the photo that will illustrate the words. Since my poem began with: "My dearest son,..." I knew that that the photo will be of one of my sons. Then I remembered that I have a photo of my son walking away towards the sun - toward his future. This was my wish for him as he grows up. This poem is a perfect fit for this picture! We always speak of Adam as having 'a big heart'. He often infuriates us, raises our blood pressure with his stunts and antics, but when he hugs or gives kisses it is with a full heart and abandon.

I hope you give this journaling technique a try, and do let me know how it turned out!

I will be hosting this journaling technique as a challenge in the following blog post: Random Inspiration Challenge #22: "I'm a poet!"

Irma

*** *** *** *** ***

Norėjau pasidalinti 'Art journaling' (meninių dienoraščių) žanros technika. Vartojama knygos/žurnalo lapas, bet giežtai tik ne poezijos knygos lapas (esmė kad poezijos knygos jum eilėraštį 'pateiks ant padėklo' jau iškeptą ;) Išūkis tam kad rastumėte eilutes ne poemoje ;).

Šiam skrebukui aš panaudojau išpjautą knygos lapą iš praeito auksinės žuvelės 'tuščios knygos/dėžutės' projekto. Vartojama knyga - Mocerto biografija.

Žingsnis-po-žingsnio technika bei konkurso taisyklės:

Raskite ir išplėškite tinkamą knygos ar žurnalo puslapį (***kaip anksčiau minėjau, nevartojame poezijos knygos puslapių;)
Pirmą kartą perskaitykite ieškodami 'pagrindinių' įdomių, ar tokių žodžių kurie Jum kalba ar iššoka nuo puslapio. Apvedžiojame pagrindinius žodžius paprastu pieštuku.
Toliau, turint pagrindinius žodžius, ieškome atitinkamų 'jungiamųjų' žodžių, pavz: ir, su, kad...
Pagaliau kada apvedžiojame visas eilutes, visus atliekamus žodžius 'naikiname' dažais, akvarele, pieštukais ar pan. Gruntas 'gesso' ar akriliniai dažais uždažys taip kad nepageidautinas tekstas nesimatytų. Jei pageidaujate kad tekstas matytūsi, bet nemaišytų skaityti (kaip mano skrebuke), tada rinkites akvarelę, ar atskiestus su vandeniu akrilinius dažus ar atskiestą gruntą. Tikslas yra kontrastu atskirti apvedžiotus žodžius, t.y. Jūsų poeziją, nuo nepageidaujamų kitų žodžių.
Kada dažai išdžiūs, tada galite apvedžioti ir sujungti žodžius rašikliu kad akim būtų lengviau sekti ir skaityti.

Man gavosi taip:

My dearest son,

With joy attack melancholy...

If it does not turn out well,

Do nothing but step to hope.

Your heart will allow you

To go anywhere around the world.

***

Mano mielas sūnau,

Su džiaugsmu atakuok melancholiją...

Jei tau nesiseks,

Nieko nedaryk, bet žingsniuok link vilties.

Tavo širdelė tau leis

keliauti bent kur aplink pasaulį.

Mano darbo eiga buvo tokia:

Kadangi pirma atrasta eilutė: "Mano mielas sūnau..." nulemė man vieno iš sūnelių nuotraukos parinkimą, toliau ieškojau žodžių kurie labiau apibudins vieną labiau negu kitą sūnų. Kita eilutė:

Tavo širdelė tau leis

keliauti bent kur aplink pasaulį...

labiausiai apibudina mūsų pagramduką, kadangi visad apie jį sakome kad nors jis ir pašėlęs neklaužada, jo gera širdelė ir charizma pavergia žmones, ir beabejo jam atvers kelią keliaut aplink pasaulį.

Prisiminiau kad turiu jau atspausdintą nuotrauką kurioje Adomas žingsniuoja link saulėlydžio, lyg - eina link nepriklausomybės ir savos ateities. Šis eilėraštis tapo lyg palinkėjimas jam.

Atlikę šį technikos pratimą mielas skaitytojau, automatiškai tapsite poetu(!)

Bet tikriausiai net nesuvokiate, kad jau dabar esate poetas, tik Jum gėda save taip viešai pavadinti..."ką kiti pagalvos?...gal net ir pasijuoks?". Ši technika yra stress-free kaip sakoma. Jūs patys neištraukiate žodžius iš kūrybinių gelmių šaltinio kurio vandenį geria 'tikri' poetai, o paprasčiausiai atrenkate ir sujungiate knygoj atspausdintą tekstą. Tai yra daug lengviau (bei įdomiau) negu pačiam išmastyti ir rašyti skrebukam aprašymą.

Turiu priminti kad Jūsų eilėraštis neprivalo būti 'atvira knyga' visiem. Jei tema itin asmeniška, Jūsų eilėraštis gali būt suprantamas tik jum patiem.

Galite pradėti šį pratimą su parinkta nuotrauka, bet pagal mano patirtį, yra lengviau pirma parašyti eilėraštį, o paskui atrasti eilėraštį remiančią nuotrauką (...galbūt jūsų nuotrauka dar net nenufotografuota?).

Taigi pavadinkite save poetu, ir jungiamės prie sekančio iššūkio: 'Random Inspiration Challenge Nr. 22: aš esu poetas!' būtent šia 'art journaling' technika.

Irma

*** *** *** ***

Supply list:

*Cardstock: Bazzill Basics.

*Alphabet stickers: Jillibean Soup.

*Stamp: Hero Arts (S5477 Tree Trunks).

*Mask: The Crafter's Workshop.

*Spray mist: Tattered Angels (color: Sugar maple).

*Ink: Ranger industries (Distress Ink color: Wild honey); Tsukineko StazOn.

*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.

*Epoxy flower: Pressed Petals.

*Skeleton leaf: The Lacey Paper Company.

*Buttons: Jenni Bowlin Studio (orange); Favorite Findings-JoAnn Stores (wood heart and brown tiny button).

*Mica: Art Quest.

*Felt die cut: American Crafts.

*Trim and leather frame: JoAnn Stores.

*Corner rounder and wood heart embellishment: EK Success.

*Thread: Coats & Clark.

*Sewing machine: Singer.

*Twine: Darice.

*Brads: K & Company (initial); Making Memories (brown); Darice (rhinestone).

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714, Darice Aleen's Tacky glue.

Random Inspiration Challenge #21: I'm a poet!

2011-09-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

***This contest has closed: by popular vote PUSKIS is the winner!***
***Šis konkursas užrakintas: Pagal balsų skaičių nugalėtojas: PUŠKIS!***

For this challenge we will be using an art journaling technique where we'll find a poem buried in a non-poetry page of a book.
I've blogged in great detail about this technique in a separate post here.
Please link your submissions at the bottom of THIS post.

*The challenge runs until October 1st (midnight EST)
*Voting will be in the hands of our dear readers.
*** *** ***
Sveiki čia apsilankę!
*Tema: Štai naujas iššūkis vadinamas "Aš esu poetė!"
Apie šią techniką išsamiai papasakojau, bei aprašiau konkurso taisykles, apribojimus ir pan., kitame įraše čia.
O šiame įraše, prašau pasidalinkite savais skrebukais kuriuos mum nurodysite inlinkz prisegimo funkcija po šiuo įrašu.
*Konkurso terminas: Spalio 1.
*Balsavimas: konkurso nugalėtoją išrinks tinklalapio gerbėjai.

PRIZE (Prizas)

(2vt.) Scrappy Cat firmos silikoninių antspaudukų rinkiniai: 1). Raidynas 'Playful Classic', 2). Kringeliai 'Flourishes'.
Vintažinės knygos lapai (lapai iš tos pačios knygos iš kurios panaudojau puslapį šiam pavaizduotam skrebukui).
(2vt). Heidi Swapp gamintojo 'Damask' rašto ornamentai lipdukai.
(2vt). Heidi Swapp gamintojo 'rodyklės' motyvų lipdukai.
(12 vt) mėlynų rožyčių puokštė.
(4 vt.) nublukusios smėlio spalvos rožės.
(1 vt.) ruda pienių juosta.
(1vt.) Geltona/taškuota juostelė.
(2 vt.) skylėta juosta 'punchinella' (vartojama 'masking' technikai štampuojant arba su purškiamais dažais, arba tiesiogiai).
(2vt.) gelių motyvų servetėlės skrebinimui, dekupažui ir pan.

Announcing the WINNER of Random Inspiration Challenge #20: Inspired by Jason Travis 'Persona' series

2011-09-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

If you recall the recent Random Inspiration Challenge #20: Inspired by Jason Travis 'Persona series' photography, the time has come to pick a winner.
I received nine wonderfully creative submissions for this challenge, but there only can be one winner.
By way of a random number generator, the lucky lady to win the 60 sheets of various patterned papers
is...

5. Linutukas

'Random Inspiration Challenge #20': Įkvėpta fotografo Jason Travis 'Persona' serijos konkursas susilaukė netgi 9 nuostabių, kūrybingų skrebukų(!) Man neapsakomai buvo malonu matyti kad ši tema įkvėpė ne tik mane. Papildomai, tai buvo būdas su Jumis intymiau susipažinti. Manau ne tik man vienai smagu pasmalsauti ir apžiūrėti kitų rankines :)

Betgi nugalėtoja gali būti tiktai viena. Taigi, pasiteiravus pas Misterį 'random' generatorių, jis nusprendė apdovanoti Linutuką 60 lapų raštuoto popieriaus prizu.

(Linute, Sveikinu!!!! ir prašau patikslinti savo koordinates...turiu nuo seniau, gal nepasikeitė?).

Rašyk šiuo adresu: irma0408{eta}yahoo{taškas}com

September 1st OUAS has gone live!...

2011-09-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Title: 2011: A Year of Artistic Revelations

Pavadinimas: 2011: Meniškų atskleidimų metai

*Please visit the Once Upon a Sketch challenge blog here for more information on how you may participate in this sketch contest, and have a chance at winning many generous prizes (Too numerous to mention in this post), and you also have a chance to be our guest designer for October! You don't want to miss this!
Journaling Criteria: A memorable year - Your title must be a year, and you must journal at least 2 lines on why this year is memorable for you. Examples: the year you got married, the year you graduated, the year you moved to a new house/country, the year you started a new job, the year your child was born, the year you lost someone dear.

*** *** ***

Maloniai kviečiu visas skrebukes ir skrebukus sudalyvauti rugsėjo 1 'Once Upon a Sketch' konkurse (daugiau informacijos pateikta OUAS bloge čia).

*Konkurso tema ir reikalavimai: Jūsų pavadinimas privalo būti metai/data. Tai jum svarbi data kada galbūt susituokėt, gimė jūsų vaikiukas, ar galbūt praradote Jum svarbų žmogų. Aprašymas privalo būti minimum dvi eilutės teksto.

Linkiu Jum gero skrebinimo!

Irma

*** *** ***

Supply List:
*Cardstock: The Paper Company.
*Patterned paper and stickers: Amy Tangerine for American Crafts.
*Alpha stickers: Making Memories (cork), Jenni Bowlin (tiny).
*Proverb: K & Company.
*Measuring Tape: Therm-o-Web.
*Doily and rhinestone star: Darice
*Spray mist: Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.
*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.
*Die and die-cutting tool: Quickutz (film strip), Quickutz Epic 6.
*Thread: Coats & Clark.
*Sewing machine: Singer.
*Adhesive: Kuretake ZIG 2-way glue pen, and Scotch ATG 714.

Scrapping a wardrobe 'Trucker Fashion'....

2011-08-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Title: Trucker fashion

Pavadinimas: Sunkvežimininkų mados

This page is about my eldest son's obsession with collecting and wearing truck shirts for the past 3 years. He wears them year round (with undershirts and layers in the winter). When asked to dress-up for special occasions, Omar sighs and rolls his eyes as if subjected to some form of torture. Who knew that a 4-6 year old would have such definite wardrobe preferences!

Omar outgrew most of these shirts which have been passed on to his younger brother, so I really wanted to capture this first collection of truck shirts before we donate them.

Thank you for visiting and for your comments!

Irma

*** *** ***

Šis skrebukas yra apie mano vyriausio sūnelio 'truck' marškinėlių kolekciją. Pradėjome jam juos pirkti nuo 4 metukų, ir iki šiol jis kasdien juos dėvi nepaisant metų laiko (žiemą užsimeta marškinėlius ilgom rankovėm po šiais). Jei būna kokia spec. proga ir prašome kad pasipuoštų, sūnelis labai prieštarauja ir net akis pavarto.

Panorėjau įamžinti šią kolekciją kadangi jis beveik visus marškinėlius išaugo ir praleido jauniasniam broliukui. Beabejo, kada ir mažasis išaugs šiuos rūbelius, reikės viską priduoti labdarai. Svarbu buvo tai įamžinti kadangi nors tai tik marškinėliai, jie yra didelė dalis jo identiteto, ir neabejoju kad kada užaugs jis prisimins šį savo jaunystės etapą.

Apie techniką: Linksmiausia man buvo siuvimo mašina apsiuvinėti tą netvarkingą 'grunge' rėmelį aplink nuotraukas. Gal todėl kad mašinėlė tokia kapryzinga ir dažnai tiesiai nesigauna, o čia toks purvinas, netvarkingas efektas buvo net pageidaujamas.

*Žodis 'trucker' yra rudi lipdukai klijuoti ant raudono 'cardstock' vienspalvio lapo ir išpjauti peiliuku kaip vientisas žodis (pirma mintis buvo sluoksniuot šį žodį ir dėti ant žodžio 'fashion', bet taip pabandžius, mano akimis nelabai tiko).

*Juodas pagrindas po nuotrauka yra susai 'embosintas' reljefine Tim Holtz plokštele, ir po to švitriniu popierium patrinta kad matytūsi geltonas lapo vidus.

*Apačioj štampavau su vaikam pirktais sunkvežimių štampais...tylom nukniaukiau, bet prižadu kas sugražinsiu ;)

Dėkoju kad apsilankėte ir už komentarus,

Irma

I'm in Sept 2011 Scrapbook Trends...

2011-08-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my joy! Today I received my subscription issue of Sept 2011 Scrapbook Trends, and guess who's in it? Yep, it's yours truly. This is a page about Adam's 1st birthday, and it's featured on page 40.

I showed this magazine page to Adam who's 4 now, meanwhile his older brother was teasing him: "Look Adam! You are a BABY...baaaaby.... babyyyyyyy!!! {At this stage of their development, being called a baby is the worst insult}". Adam closed the magazine and replied: "I don't want to look at this baby!"

Hopefully he'll appreciate this page and want to look at it in the future.

*** *** ***

Norėjau pasidžiaugti man džiugiom naujienom. Šis skrebukas buvo publikuojamas rugsėjo 2011m 'Scrapbook Trends' prenumerate.

Šventėme Adomuko pirmą gimtadienį, - net nesitiki kad jam taip staigiai suėjo 4 metukai. Parodžiau žurnalo puslapį Adomukui...tuo tarpu jo vyresnis broliukas iš jo šaipėsi kad jis esa "baby" {4 ir 6 metų vaikaim tai yra aukščiausio laipsnio paniekinimas}. Adomukas staigiai užvertė žurnalą ir pasakė: "Nenoriu aš žiūrėtį į šį kūdykį!". Tikiuosi kad ateity jis įvertins šį skrebuką :)

Saving Ducky...

2011-08-22T04:12:00.000-07:00

Title: Saving Ducky

Pavadinimas: Ančiuko išgelbėjimas

The story of this layout reminds me of 'The Velveteen Rabbit' - when a boy loves his toy so much that it becomes real to him. This is a story about how Ducky became a part of our family, and inseparable from Adam. This wonderous time of a child's innocence is so brief, that I wanted to capture it before it slips by.

When we go shopping with the boys, I usually let them carry a toy which they have to return to the cashier (we have an understanding that buying toys are only for birthdays or special occasions). When I handed Ducky to the cashier, he threw it back into a bin, and Adam stood there frozen beginning to sob in such a heartfelt way (this was different than a spoiled-kid, 'I-want-a-toy-type-of-cry'). Later, Adam told me that he thought Ducky was thrown out in the trash bin and that made him really sad. So of course I stepped back to buy Ducky. To this day, Ducky and Adam are inseparable, and he won't sleep until we find Ducky. On many occasions we had to turn up the house in the evening looking for Ducky - they are truly best buddies.

Thank you for your visit!
Irma
*** *** ***
Man buvo labai svarbu įamžinti šią istoriją kadangi bent kada gali būti jos pabaiga -vaikystė juk tokia trumpa bei trapi. Ši istorija apie tai kaip Adomas išgelbėjo savo ančiuką.
Kad kovoti su žaislų infestacijos epidemija, turim supratimą su vaikais kad žaislus pirksime tik gimtadieniams. Parduotuvėse vaikam leidžiu panešioti vieną žaislą iki kasos kur jie privalo atsisveikinti su žaislu. 'Pridavėm' ančiuką kasininkui, o tas jį atbulom numetė į konteinery. Adomas taip graudžiai ir iš širdies pradėjo kukčioti. Vėliau paaiškėjo kad jis neteisingai suprato jog ančiuką išmetė į šiukšlių dėžę, ir jis panoro ančiuką išgelbėti. Aišku nupirkau jam šį ančiuką - jo ašaros šį kartą nebuvo 'lepūnelio vaikelio' ašaros, o tokios graudžios. Iki šiol Adomas su ančiuku esa neišskiriami, ir jau ne pirmą kartą vakare turėjome apversti namus aukštyn kojom ieškodami pamesto ančiuko, kadangi mažasis nesugeba užmigti be savo mylimo žaislo.
Ačiū kad apsilankėte ;)
Irma
*** *** ***
Supply List:
*Cardstock: Die Cuts with a View
*Patterned paper: Luxe Designs (black ledger), Basic Grey (kraft ledger), October Afternoon (ducks).
*Tag, word phrases, and canvas tag reinforcement: 7gypsies.
*Paper tape: K & Company.
*Die cut border strip: Doodlebug Designs Inc.
*Border punch: EK Success.
*Stamps: Autumn Leaves (alphabet), JoAnn Scrap essentials (date).
*Stamping Ink: Colorbox.
*Alphabet stickers: October Afternoon.
*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.
*Adhesive: Kretake ZIG 2 way glue, Scotch ATG 714,
*Thread: Coats & Clark.
*Sewing machine: Singer.
*Staples: Office supply.
*Digital photo frame: Carina Gardner.
*Photo editing software: Photoshop CS3.

a Lovely Giveaway...

2011-08-20T04:11:00.000-07:00

Debee Ruiz of Art is Life blog is having such a sweet giveaway. Head over to see it on her 'Inspired Lovely' FB page. I would love a chance to win this ;)

Hero Arts August Challenge

2011-08-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Title: Brothers and {sometimes} wonderful friends...

Pavadinimas: Broliai ir {kartais} nuostabūs draugai...

This page is done for Hero Arts August challenge which is to use the manufacturer's stamps with 'critters or creatures' motifs.

All the stamps I used are Hero Arts brand:

*E5388 Traditional Butterfly

*S5142 Flower Wood Background

*K5103 Woodgrain Circle

My woodland creatures - the Monarch butterflies, were achieved by stamping and heat embossing on orange cardstock, and finally adding white dots with a Uni-ball Signo white gel pen. I bent the wings up for more dimension.

The woodgrain circles were stamped on transparency with a permanent ink (StazOn brown), and cut out by hand. I love the transparent effect of stamping on transparency - much different than using rub-ons because the transparency won't flake or break off when crossing over dimesional items or layered paper.

For more photos and a full supply list, please see the bottom of this post by clicking 'Read more'.

Thank you for your visit and your comment - I really DO appreciate it!

Su šiuo skrebuku dalyvauju Hero Arts antspaudukų gamintojų konkurse. Konkurso užduotis yra panaudoti jų štampukus su 'miško gyventojų' motyvais. Visi vartojami antspaudai yra Hero Arts firmos.

Apie techniką:
*Drugeliai štampuoti ant oranžinio pagrindo ir 'embossing' technika lydyti juodais milteliais su fenu. Toliau, su baltu rašikliu (Uni-ball Signo), paspalvinau sparnelių kraštelius. Sparneliai užlenkti kad skrebukui suteiktų 3D efektą.
*Medienos štampai - apskritimai yra štampuoti su ilgalaikiu rašalu (StazOn ruda spalva), ir žirklėmis iškirpti. Šis metodas labai tinka tiem kuriems nepatinka nutrinami 'rub-ons' kadangi štampuojant ant plėvelės, ji netrūkinėja taip kaip rub-on'ai bandant juos nutrynti ant iškylų.
Jei kas neaišku drąsiai klauskite ;)
Irma
*** *** *** ***
Supply list:
*Cardstock: The Paper Company (white), EK Success (green), Die Cuts with a View (orange).
*Patterned paper and stickers: Basic Grey.
*Transparency: Die Cuts with a View.
*Proverb and word stickers: K & Company.
*Chipboard alphabet: Sassafras Lass.
*Alphabet rub-ons: Heidi Grace Designs.
*Stamps: Hero Arts
*Stamping ink: Tsukineko (StazOn brown).
*Embossing ink and powder: Ranger Industries.
*Pens: Kuretake ZIG Millennium (black), and Uni-ball Signo (white).
*Adhesive pearls: Queen & Co.
*Punches: Fiskars (vine border), EK Success (corner rounder).
*Brad: Making Memories.
*Photo corners: Canson.
*Adhesive: 3M Scotch ATG 714; Therm-o-Web Zots.

Marine/Nautical-theme layout and a misting tutorial...

2011-08-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

Title: The Baltic Sea - Always present within me...

Pavadinimas: Baltijos Jūra - visados gyvena manyje...

This is a layout I made for the scrapping.lt nautical-theme challenge to use blue, white, and red.

Šis skrebukas gamintas scrapping.lt konkursui Nr 15: Marinistinis skrebukas kurio pagrindinės spalvos privalo būti: Mėlyna, balta ir raudona....

toliau...

*The word 'sea' was die cut using a Quickutz 'Diesel' grand alpha dies from coarse grit sandpaper. I think it perfectly imitates the sand texture for beach-temed pages.

*Žodis 'sea' (jūra) yra iškirstas iš stambaus grūdo švitrinio popieriaus vartojant Quickutz firmos "diesel' šrifto kirtimo plokšteles. Manau tai puikiausiai imituoja smėlio faktūrą.

*** *** *** ***

Here's a step-by-step process of the misting technique:

Štai žingsnis-po-žingsnio pamokėlė kaip pasinaudojau 'masking' technika ir purškiamais dažais:

1. Use a Fiskars waves border punch to cut 5 strips of waves measuring 12" long.

2.Trim strips to your liking (I've arranged mine smaller on top, growing larger towards the bottom).

3. Adhere strips to watercolor paper using repositionable adhesive.

***

1. Vartojau Fiskars firmos skylamušą (bangų motyvas) su kuriu iškirtau 5-ias 30,5 cm. bangų juosteles.

2. Apkarpiau juosteles kad trumpiausia būtų viršuj, palaipsniui ilgėjant į apačią.

3. Priklijavau juosteles su laikinais sausais klijais (repositionable adhesive) and akvarelės popieriaus.

4. Place your page in a box and spray the first color. You'll notice that some strips will rise from the moisture, but it won't effect the pattern.

***

4. Lapą įdėjau į dėžę ir pirma purškiau šviesiausios spalvos purškiamais dažais. Juostelės vietomis raitysis, bet tai negadina užmaskuoto rašto kokybės.

5. Carefully pull off the wave strips and save them to use either on the current project or for a different one later.

I decided to use two more colors to provide the page with more depth. I sprayed over the white waves because it had too much contrast against the photos. I sprayed the darker colors more so on the bottom of the page to give it depth. Lastly, I glued back some of the wave strips for more dimension.

***

5. Atsargiai nulupau juosteles ir padėjau į šoną kad išdžiūtų. Jei nebūčiau vartojus šiam projektui, būtinai pasilikčiau būsimajam marinistinio stiliaus skrebukui.

Pridėjau nuotraukas ant bangų ir pasirodė kad baltos bangos konkuruoja dėmesį nuo nuotraukų. Taip pat bendras vaizdas buvo per šviesus - pagrindui reikėjo gilumos. Pagaliau nusprendžiau dar papurkšti dviem kitom skirtingom spalvom koncentruodama purškimą apatinėj pagrindo daly. Paskutinis sprendimas buvo užklijuoti kelias bangų juosteles kad išgauti pageidautiną 3D efektą.

Originalios (dabar jau užpurkštos) bangos matosi jūros tolumoj.

Ačiū kad apsilankėte ;)

Thank you for visiting me!

Irma

*** *** *** ***

Supply list:

*Watercolor paper: Arches.

*Cardstock: The Paper Company.

*Chipboard shape: Cosmo Cricket.

*Canvas label: 7gypsies.

*Brad: Making Memories.

*Alphabet stickers: Lily Bee Design (green), sassafras Lass (cream).

*Alphabet rub-ons: Unknown.

*Image rub-ons: Royal & Langnickel Brush Mfg., (seagulls and lighthouse).

*Stamp: Donna-Salazar.

*Stamping, embossing ink and powder: Ranger Industries.

*Spray mists: Tattered Angels (Colors: Sapphire and Blue Skies), October Afternoon (Color: Frequent Flyer/ Collection: Boarding Pass).

*Trim: Darice.

*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.

*Adhesive: Kuretake ZIG 2 way Glue Pen, Scotch ATG 714, and Judikins Diamond Glaze.

*Die cutting tool: Sizzix Sidekick.

*Dies: Quickutz (Grand Diesel font)

*Other: Amber and sandpaper.

*Digital frame: Andrea Rascaglia.

Scrapping cartoons...

2011-08-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Title: The Wash your Hands Song

Pavadinimas: Ta 'plauname rankas' dainelė

My eldest son is much like a self-conscious adult trapped in a child's body - very serious, and he does not like singing or being sung to.

This 'slice of the everyday life' layout is about a cartoon song that I'd sing to him while we wash our hands. While he watched his morning cartoons, a cooking show for kids would have its dog chef ZeFronk (complete with a chic french accent) prompt the kids to wash their hands. I would sing this song to my son, and he would plead for me to stop this nonsense.

I really wanted to capture this moment, because it says so much about his personality.

These photos have been waiting their turn for a few years, but I couldn't decide how to creatively scrap the TV (not to mention that on two occasions the photo lab returned the photos underexposed).

So tonight, I decided to make a retro paper-pieced TV set (Omar was quick to point out that it looks nothing like our TV set). I resized and printed the TV screen on a transparency, backed it with white cardstock and glued it to the back of a TV cutout (which I traced from clipart). The effect I was going for is very fun, bright, and cartoon-like.

*** *** *** ***

Vyriausias mano sūnelis esa toks rimtuolis - visad sakau kad lyg suaugęs kompleksuojantis žmogus įkalintas vaiko kūne; Nemėgstantis šokti ir ypač dainuoti . Taigi būtent apie tai ir šis skrebukas. Buvo laikotarpis kada rytais bežiūrint filmukus, rodydavo vaikam trumpą kulinarijos pamokėlę kurios žvaigždė - prancūzas šunelis ZeFronkas. Šunelis vaikam liepdavo nusiplauti rankas prieš gaminant maistą su trumpa dainele. Šią dainelę aš dainuodavau Mariukui kada plaudavom rankas, vėliau pakeičiau žodžius kad tiktų kada valom ir dantis. Sūnelį tai nervindavo ir prašydavo kad liaučiausi...taigi mano bandymai pakeisti jį į vaiką ir nepavyko. Bet ši istorija labai prašosi įamžinimo, kadangi tai labai taikliai atskleidžia sūnelio asmenybę.

Jau keli metai guli šios nuotraukos atidėtos. Pirmą kartą foto laboratorija atspausdino labai tamsiai, ir pagaliau man pasirodė visai neįdomu skrebinti stačiakampę TV nuotrauką. Kadangi tema tokia žaisminga bei spalvinga, pageidavau rasti sprendimą kuris pavaizduotų skrebuką lyg vaikišką filmuką.

Šį vakarą radau tinkamą sprendimą. TV ekrano nuotrauka buvo sumažinta ir spausdinta ant skaidrios plėvelės kuri priklijuota ant balto pagrindo (plėvelės efektas lyg stiklinis TV ekranas). Retro stiliaus medini TV atspausdinau iš interneto, iškirpau ir panaudojau kaip šabloną; Toliau pasendinau ir papaišiau kad išgauti tą 3D efektą. TV klijuotas ant pagalvėlių kad dar labiau atšoktų nuo pagrindo. Buvau priklijavus ir muzikos natų, bet pasirodė kad jau per daug ir jas nulupau.

Jei kas neaišku, drąsiai klauskite ;)

Irma

*** *** *** ***

Supply list:

*Cardstock: Bazzill (blue dot), Wausau Paper (metallic), The Paper Company (white).

*Patterned paper: Luxe Designs (green dot), Die Cuts with a View: Hippie Chic stack (orange), K & Company (woodgrain).

*Journaling card: Luxe Designs.

*Doily: Darice

*Chipboard alphabet: K & Company.

*Alphabet stickers: My Little Shoebox.

*Ink jet transparency: Die Cuts with a View.

*Brads: Creative Imaginations (red), Making Memories (brown).

*Eyelets: JoAnn Scrap Essentials.

*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.

*Ink: Close to My Heart.

*Thread: Coats & Clark

*Sewing machine: Singer.

*Floss: DMC (metallic).

*Twine: Pink Paislee.

*Label die: Quickutz.

*Die cutting tool: Sizzix/Tim Holtz Vegabond.

*Foam dots: EK Success.

*Adhesive: Scotch ATG 714.

Little scrappers...

2011-08-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today I gave my boys a trains, planes & automobiles stamp set and they were on cloud 9.

I'm starting a new generation of scrapbookers. We never got to have a daughter, so the next best thing are sons that scrapbook with me :)

Štai mano sūneliai - nauja skrebukų karta. Nesusilaukėme dukrytės, tai pratinu sūnus prie skrebinimo. Jiem nupirkau sunkvežimių/automobilių antspaudukų rinkinį tai abu buvo 9-tam danguj.

You could tell which one loves to pose for the camera and which one I have to beg to look my way.

Tikriausia nesunku atspėti kuris iš jų labai mėgsta maivytis jį fotografuojant, o kurį turiu maldauti kad bent į mano pusę pasižiūrėtų.

The finished pages - it is rather freestyle, don't you think? :)

It was fun for them and me.

Baigti skrebukai - šedevrai. Nutarėm kad tai 'free-style' laisvas stilius, ar ne panašu?

*** *** ***

Edited to add:

Darašyta...

When both were done with their 'layouts', Omar took scissors and snipped the corners off, explaining to me: "I'm rounding the corners to make it look nice, like you do." I guess kids' brains are like a sponge -they pick up everything!

Kada abu pabaigė skrebukus, Mariukas pasiėmė žirkles ir nukirpo kampus man paaiškinant: "Apvalinu kampus kad atrodytų dailiau, kaip ir tu darai." Pasirodo kad ištiesų vaikų smegenėlės kaip kempinės - viską girdi mato ir netgi atsimena bereikšmes detales :)

Random Inspiration Challenge #20: Inspired by Jason Travis' Persona Series...

2011-08-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

Random Inspiration Challenge #20 is inspired by the 'Persona Series' of Jason Travis. The premise of Travis' persona series is that the contents of one's purse, back pack, or wallet reveal quite a lot about the owner's personality. Travis has been doing just that - asking his friends and complete strangers on the streets to reveal the contents that they're toting around with them, and displaying both the the portrait of the individual and the contents of the purse in a diptych.

I've been following Jason's work for over a year now, and believe that the idea itself lends perfectly to a scrapbook page theme. So I bring to you this challenge where you're invited to make your own 'persona' layout. Just think how interesting it would be years from now to look at this 'slice of everyday life' and see what was in your bag at this precise moment in your life.

Do you dare share with us? I hope to so!

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'Random Inspiration Nr. 20' iššūkio tema: Įkvėpta fotografo Jason Travis 'Persona serijos'.

Fotografas teigia kad tie būtini daiktai kuriuos žmogus laiko bei nešioja su savimi, daug ką pasako apie individualo asmenybę. Travis'as užkabina ne tik savo draugus, bet taip pat ir nepažystamus gatvėse su prašymu kad jam atvertų savo rankinuko, kuprinės, ar piniginės turinį ir pasiduotų dvigubai fotosesijai: Asmens portreto ir daiktų. Abi nuotraukos esa įamžinamos diptike 'persona serijoj'.

Jau metus atidžiai seku šią Travis'o seriją su mintimi kad pati idėja verta kopijavimo bei pavertimo į skrebuką, bet niekaip nesugebėjau savęs prispirti įgyvendinti šį projektą. Vakar pajutau kad tai 'dabar ar niekad' situacija ir surengiau fotosesiją, redagavau nuotraukas, atsiėmiau foto laboratorijoj, ir suskrebinau vakare - viską atlikau per parą(!) Taigi, jei tik yra noro tikrai šis projektas įkandamas.

Ar išdrįsite pasidalinti su mumis? Tikiuosi kad sudalyvausite ir priimsite šį iššūkį.

The rules for this challenge:

*This is an international contest - anyone can participate!
*Any size photos and layout format IS accepted (standard 12x12" or A4 format).
*Your layout must consist of two photos: 1) Yourself/persona, and 2) contents of your purse.
*Add your submission via inlinkz button below this post.
*Winner will be chosen randomly.
*Prize: A collection of scrapbook papers, odds and ends from my own personal scrapbooking stash (photos below).

Hope you can play along with us!

Konkurso taisyklės:

*Tarptautinis konkursas - atviras visiem dalyviams.
*Gaminame bent kokio formato skrebuką (30cm x 30cm ar A4).
*Būtina: Dvi nuotraukos: 1) Savęs portretas 2) Rankinuko, kuprinės, ar piniginės turinys.
*Konkursinius talpiname 'inlinkz' nuorodos funkcija apačioj šio įrašo.
*Nugalėtoja(as) bus renkama 'random' loterija.
*Priziukas: Bus gretu metu nufotografuotas ir surenkamas iš mano asmeninio skrebinimo priemonių lobyno (pagrinde popieriai 30 x 30cm, juostelės ir įvairūs kiti skrebinimo niekučiai).

Tikiuosite rasite noro bei drąsos sudalyvauti!

Irma
*** *** ***
The prize up for grabs: If I was a better stylist, I would have arranged all the papers in one photo ;) Nevertheless, here's what's offered:
*60 cardstock-weight patterned papers (most double sided), from manufacturers such as: Making Memories, K & Company (and Amy Butler fabric prints for K & Company), We R Memory Keepers, Rouge de Garance (french), DCWV, Martha Strwart, MAMBI (Me & My BIG Ideas), and LUXE Designs. Quite a few papers are glittered, foiled (gold and silver), and/or flocked.
*2 sheets of labels, greetings and photo corners.

Prizas: 60 raštuoto popieriaus lapų: Pagrinde dvipusiai raštai, visi 30,5 x 30,5cm; Storo 'cardstock' kokybės popieriai, pagrinde iš šių gamintojų: Making Memories, K & Company, ir Amy Butler audinių raštai sukūrti K & Company), We R Memory Keepers, Rouge de Garance (prancūzų), DCWV, Martha Stewart, MAMBI (Me & My BIG Ideas), ir LUXE Designs.
*2 lapai iškirstų kortelių/sveikinimų, bei nuotraukom kampučiai.
Vienu žodžiu, viskas kas matosi nuotraukose bus apdovanojama šio konurso nugalėtojai (-ui).

Supply List (of my layout):

*Patterned paper: Crate Paper (woodgrain), Hambly (yellow dot).
*Transparency: Hambly.
*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium.
*Metal-rimmed canvas label: JoAnn Scrap Essentials.
*Sticker: October Afternoon ('date').
*Rub-on: Unknown (foreign).
*Adhesive pearls: Kaiser Craft.
*Felt button: Making Memories.
*Twine: Pink Paislee.
*Label maker: Dymo.
*Adhesive: 3M Scotch ATG 714, and Zots.

OUAS August 1st sketch is LIVE & my take on it...

2011-08-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

Nida: A Perfect Day to Remember...

Nida: Nuostabi diena prisimint...

Above is my design team assignment working with the August 1st sketch for Once Upon a Sketch blog (please see full directions on how to participate and win yourself some wonderful (and too numerous to name) prizes here.

Journalling Criteria: Finish this line "A PERFECT DAY IS....." . Your journalling has to be at least 2 lines long, and with the theme of a whatever a perfect day for you is or a perfect day that you have had already e.g. a birthday, a holiday, a childhood memory, a wedding day, graduation day etc. Your journalling can be ANY type : handwritten, typed, etc...

*You MUST combine our journalling criteria with this sketch...

About my layout: A perfect day for me was vacationing in Nida on a recent trip to Lithuania. I typed my journaling with a vintage Royal portable typewriter c1920's.
Journaling reads:

With good company; Surrounded by warmth; Feeling 'home in my homeland; Toes immersed in the soft sand of the Baltic Coast; Watching languid seagulls glide; Realizing that this perfect day will become truly perfect with time and retrospection. There is nowhere else I would rather be right now.

Nida, Lithuania: July 3, 2011.

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Grynas malonumas skrebinti šviežias nuotraukas tik sugrįžus iš Lietuvos. Štai jau ir antras skrebukas kelionės nuotraukom sukurtas Once Upon a Sketch saito konkursui (daugiau info kaip sudalyvauti randasi čia).

Technika: Spalvos 'trauktos' iš nuotraukų; Tekstas dešinėj pusėj tai skaidri plėvelė įsigyta kada pradėjau skrebinti (bandau vartoti ir labai seną produkciją tai maišant su naujesne); Aprašymas spausdintas su antikvarine 'Royal Portable c.1920 sapusdinimo mašinėle. ...Jei kas neaišku drąsiai klauskite ;)

Thanks for visiting me!

Ačiū kad apsilankėte!

Irma

*** *** ***

Supply List:

Patterned paper: Die Cuts with a View (The Rustic Stack).
Transparency: Creative Imaginations - Narratives by Karen Russell.
Tags: 7gypsies (green), Clarkson Potter Publishers, Random house Inc., (seaweed).
Postcard, clip and brad: Making Memories.
Stickers: Heidi Swapp (arrow), Cosmo Cricket (red border), October Afternoon (blue sentiment).
Alphabet stickers: Making Memories (cork), Basic Grey (red).
Rub-ons: Royal & Langnickel Brush Mfg., Inc. (sea gull).
Canvas flower: Recollections by Michael's Stores Inc.,
Stamp: Cloud 9 Design (sentiment).
Ink: Ranger Industries.
Typewriter: Vintage.
Other: Paint sample card, twine (packaging), postal stamp (ephemera), staples (office supply).
Adhesives: 3M Scotch ATG 714; Darice Aleen's tacky glue.

'Lovely friends': Meeting virtual scrapbooking friends in real life...

2011-07-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Title: Lovely Friends

Pavadinimas: Mielos draugės

Scrapbooking has unexpectedly enriched my life in so many ways. One of the most unforeseen benefits, is that I've met three wonderful women. This summer they transcended from virtual to real friends during my recent trip to Lithuania.

Skaitau kad gyvenime man labai pasisekė. Radau ne tik hobį - būdą save realizuoti, bet taip pat skrebinimo dėka susipažinau su 3 nuostabiom moterim. Šių metų liepos mėnesį, susipažinau su dviem iš šių moteriškių realiai (Aivą jau seniau buvau sutikus ;). Dažnai būna taip kad virtualios pažintys kada jos tampa realiom, labai nuvilsta, bet ši situacija tikrai išimtis. Per dažnus susirašinėjimus, ir šiaip komentarus virtualioj erdvėj, susidariau kiekvienos draugės bendrą asmenybės vaizdą. Realus susitikimas nenuvylė--kiekviena iš jų spindėjo savu šarmu ir unikalumu. Esu laiminga kad turiu galimybe jas vadinti draugėm :)

Thanks for visiting,
Ačiū kad apsilankėte,
Irma

Supply list:
*Patterned paper, flower, and tiny alpha stickers: Making Memories.
*Journaling card: October Afternoon.
*Dimensional word sticker: Me & My BIG Ideas ('friends' large).
*Stickers: October Afternoon ('friends' small), Echo Park ('note'), JoAnn Scrap Essentials ('3' epoxy).
*Pearl adhesive dots: Queen & Co.
*Die cut shapes: My Mind's Eye.
*Rub-on: Tinkering Ink.
*Pen: Kuretake ZIG Millennium (01 tip).
*Badge and photo turn: American Crafts.
*Brads: Basic Grey (orange flowers), Recollections by Michael's Stores (orange star).
*Trim: KI Memories.
*Gesso: Golden.
*Crochet doily: Hand-made.
*Adhesive: 3M Scotch ATG 714, and Darice Aleen's Tacky Glue.
*Digital frames: Andrea Rascaglia.

Irma Peredne

Cozumel, Mexico 2011 - a mini album

Yet another Scrapbook Trends publication for me :):):)

Life is SWEET!...

My very 1st publication with Creating Keepsakes

Layout: 'If mama ain't happy..."

January 1st 2012 Once Upon a Sketch new sketch!

A page for an album of hope...

Once Upon a Sketch December 15

OUAS Dec. 1st sketch, and a must try double embossing technique...

Blog-hopping challenge with my lithuanian friends...

*GIVEAWAY* @ Once Upon a Sketch

Kraft it up! November Challenge...

Once Upon a Sketch November 15 th challenge....

layout titled: 'my alter ego'

Once Upon a Sketch Nov 1st sketch has gone LIVE!

Page Maps: Studio Purge Sketch Contest

Halloween scrapping with Kuretake...

Once Upon a Sketch Oct 15th challenge

Look who has an Etsy shop (finally!)

Follow up post about Art Journaling...(in lithuanian)

Sharing my 1st Art Journal spread...

Today is our 10 year anniversary!

Cast your Vote!

October 1st Once Upon a Sketch is gone LIVE!

Layout titled 'Happy'...

Incorporating children's art into scrapbook pages...

Once Upon a Sketch Sept 15th with a twist!

Another Hero Arts September challenge...

A fun journaling technique to bring out the poet in you...

Random Inspiration Challenge #21: I'm a poet!

Announcing the WINNER of Random Inspiration Challenge #20: Inspired by Jason Travis 'Persona' series

September 1st OUAS has gone live!...

Scrapping a wardrobe 'Trucker Fashion'....

I'm in Sept 2011 Scrapbook Trends...

Saving Ducky...

a Lovely Giveaway...

Hero Arts August Challenge

Marine/Nautical-theme layout and a misting tutorial...

Scrapping cartoons...

Little scrappers...

Random Inspiration Challenge #20: Inspired by Jason Travis' Persona Series...

OUAS August 1st sketch is LIVE & my take on it...

'Lovely friends': Meeting virtual scrapbooking friends in real life...

GIVEAWAY @ Once Upon a Sketch