Practical Scrappers Blog Hop: Fall edition

Eeeeeek! I'm late! I'm so sorry to everyone who has stopped by already. I like to think I'm good at scrapbooking, but I'm terrible at actually sitting down to write the post. I have major procrastination issues. I'm the same with writing to pen pals. I'm working on it, I swear!
Moving on...
Anyway,  you should be arriving here from Lynn, who did an oh-so-cute mini album! Doodlebug Mini For Practical Scrappers. If you want to start from the beginning, here is the link to go to the beginning: Scrapping Our Stash: Fall/Halloween Blog Hop

I did my layout on the joys of fall. This year has been my first real autumn in about 2 years, so I was so excited for it to be here already. Chicago didn't have much of a summer, and I'm one of those people who never wants summer to end, but when you don't get much of a summer, you want something better to look forward to. And that people, is fall! I love the colorful change of the leaves, and how every tree looks so beautiful! So much so that my sister and I went to Michigan for the first time, to brace the freezing cold, and enjoy the leaves. It was so much fun, as we'd never been to Michigan before. I really recommend it, if you've never been.
About my layout, I wanted to include all of the reasons I love, love, love fall. For me, it's all of these things. Even down to the bonfires, that we often have at my aunt's house. And the air feels so good as it turns from summer to fall, that cool breeze that creeps in, every so slowly. I think my favorite thing on the list is---oh never mind. I can't choose just one! I guess it would be falling leaves, if I had to choose one.
On my layout, I used lace, and washi tape to frame the leaves. Though I'm not sure of the brands (this time), I really love how the title came out. As for the leaves on the page, I actually discovered this trick by accident. I had some map-paper leaves, and I didn't think they went with the page. I started to to add chalk to them, and there was a white paper underneath, while I did this. It was then that I picked up the paper, and realized that the chalk left a "background" on the paper. That's when I knew what to do! I use cotton balls to add my chalk, as you can rub them in circles, to get the desired effect, add color, and make it look however you want. I really think I'll use the technique of "leaving a shadow" of chalk, more often.

Here is next blog in the list: Practical Scrappers Scrap Your Stash Blog Hop: Fall/Halloween Edition
Jennifer did a really cool layout on a costume she wore! I'm not going to tell you what it is, but let's just say it's really "groovy, man". Haha!
I hope you enjoyed this post, and until next time, keep scrapping and have fun!

Kristy

Just Two Midwest Girls challenge!

Hello, hello!

Can I just start by saying its almost Friday?! Yipee!!!!!!

Okay. Moving on.

Here is my post for the Just Two Midwest Girls challenge.

I've had a rough couple of months, so I loved doing something inspirational. This layout made me feel so good to do.
The challenge was to make a layout about yourself, and who doesn't love doing that, right? :)

For this layout, I had recently printed a bunch of photos from Shutterfly. I always make sure to get in on their GIANT photo sales. So I have a bunch of photos of myself since I'm a 100% certified selfie-addict!

I had a lot of fun making this layout really girly, and adding dresses, hearts, glitter and lots and lots of pink. I really love the end result.

Here is the list of items I used:
Shutterfly: Photos
Glitz Design:
     Afternoon Muse
     Stripe AM2877
StudioG ink
Unity Stamps:
     You're the Ticket
     Share Your Smile
     Undeniably You
Bo Bunny: Olivia Dress Form (chipboard sticker)
Target dollar section: Heart Ribbon

I'll add more as needed, as I know I probably left some supplies out, but I really hope you like this layout and it inspires you to make a layout about yourself! I really think it inspires you to figure out who you are as a person and have a greater appreciation of yourself.

Happy Friday, happy weekend and happier crafting!

Kristy

It's Friday! That can only mean 1 thing: A Blog Hop! (and a giveaway)

Well I guess if we're counting, it's two things. Anyway, Good morning, and Happy Friday!

If you're here for the blog hop, you shoul have arrived from my sister (yay!) Kelsterjean's blog (link here). If you just happened to find me on your own (Good for you!) and you'd like to start at the beginning, you can start here! Practical Scrappers Blog

For this month's blog hop, the theme is Christmas in July!
This is my first time ever participating in a blog hop, so I'm very excited to join in all the fun. 

For my card, I wanted to go with an "anti-Christmas" color theme. I'm in no way anti-Christmas. However, I am known for trying to stay away from the non-traditional and classic products, and instead trying anything artsy that I can get my hands on. Haha!

So here is my card:

The patterned yellow paper is from a stack by Recollections. The red scrap of paper was run through my Cuttlebug with a Cuttlebug numbers plate. I used a sanding block to give the numbers an edgier look. I needed something to make the card pop so I added the glitter ribbon strip (Brand name coming soon). The three tags are by Authentique. The red ribbon strip and the bow are two pieces.  What do you think?

I really had fun with this project,  because at first, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I guess that's the beauty of scrapbooking.  You can want things one way, and they might come out another, but no matter what, they come out beautiful,  in their own unique way. This card isn't something that everyone is used to (the non-traditional colors), but it's something that I recommend you try at least once. It's so much fun!

Even though it's my first time in a blog hop, I compiled some items for a prize! It includes a 12x12 K&Company scrap kit, several pages of Recollections number/letter punch sheets, a bottle of glitter glue, a small notebook, an envelope of bling, and two packages of Wrights vintage ribbon (they say 45 cents on them)!

To be entered,  leave a comment on this post.  I will choose a winner August 1st. International scrappers can enter, too!

The next person in the hop is Brenda! She has an absolutely BEAUTIFUL layout! So hop on over to Brenda's blog for the next post in the blog hop. Hope you enjoyed this post, and hope you have fun, and enjoy the hop!

Bye for now!