I am so loving this month’s mini kit. I’m a brown, earthy girl … so this kit is right up my alley. It’s the prefect kit for transitioning into fall and cooler weather!
Check out the adorable (seriously adorable) layouts Kelly Hansen created with this kit. Love ‘em.
To see more photos of Kelly’s layouts, check out our Gallery.
Name tags
By Grace Tolman
So the September kit is a school themed one and this month is usually when all our kiddos go back to school so why not make something for the kids to use RIGHT NOW with your leftovers from the kit.
I made name tags for my kids with my scraps. I still can’t believe that both of them are in school. Yippee, more time to scrap for me. *wink*
Anyways, because I was using scraps, I didn’t make this too complicated for me. I started with a cardstock and then adhered those cute small report card blocks from the Crate pattern paper. I also added more stickers. I knew this needed to be functional so I didn’t make it too bulky or chunky. Also I knew my kids would love it to be a little different from each other. They are in the stage right now where they want their own identities so when I rounded the corners on one, I left the other squared.
And then on the back, I added some decorative border edges and the Scenic Route lined paper where I added their names with letter stickers and room (because I did this ahead of time, I don’t know their room numbers yet) and also a letter or number of their grade.
I wanted to somewhat waterproof it and I didn’t have my laminating roll in hand so I went the cheapy way and added some strips of tape. I know that looks bad but you can go with the “right” way. *wink*
Finished it off with a tie, in this case baker’s twine and viola- something to use up the hodge podge of products left from the kit and at the same time making something functional for the kids.
I’m in Rio right now. I had to stay over the weekend, which isn’t something I do often. Since I’ve been to Rio so many times there’s not a lot of new things for me to see and do. And, I’m feeling rather lazy. So instead of exploring a lot this weekend, I have been scrapping like a mad woman. I’ve done a bunch of all digital layouts (I’m taking one of Jessica Sprague’s digi classes) and I thought I’d share them with you.
I have to say … I think I might just be more of a digi scrapper than a paper scrapper. I never thought I’d say that and though I won’t EVER give up paper crafting … I’m loving the digital tools and being able to scrap while I’m away from home.
I’m think that my goal this week is going to be to take a few digi templates I’ve already used and tweak them in some way to make the different. I want to see just how much use I can get out of a single template!
“Being fully present is the best guarantee for a bright future.”
–Guy Finley
I read this quote last week and it has stuck with me. I actually can’t stop thinking about it, which is a sure sign that it was something I desperately needed to here. I really have a lot going on in my life. Probably too much. But there isn’t really anything I can take off my plate. In my quest for finding balance, enjoying my life and not feeling guilt … I have realized that I have have to be present. What does that mean for me? Well, I have started to compartmentalize my life. When I am working, I am working. I have been trying to block out very specific times where I dedicate myself completely to the work I have to get done. When I’m working, there is no play. There is no Facebooking. There is no distractions. I am fully present. This has been huge for me. I can accomplish so much more when I just ignore everything else in my life and work …. and I can do it in less time and with less heartache.
I’ve also applied this to my kids and family. When I’m done working I completely disconnect from work and turn all of my attention to my family. I have so enjoyed the time with my kids the last few weeks, as I’ve stopped checking email, blogging or doing anything that doesn’t have to do with them. I get on the floor. I roll around with my baby boy. I chase my big girl. I laugh. I feel so much less stress. I’m present and I enjoy it. And I’ve stopped feeling frustrated, because I’m not multi-tasking myself to death.
When I think about crafting, I think aout another area in my life that’s neglected and where I’m often not fully present. I had the awesome opportunity to attend Creative Escape last week with Jennifer, two of her cousins and another girlfriend from high school. We spent four days enjoying time together and being creative. I feel so recharged and ready to focus on doing things that make me happy and being present when I’m creating. I signed up for an online class fromJessica Sprague. Thanks to the class I took from Claudine Hellmuth Iknow know how I’m going to finish a painting I’ve been working on for months. I have already started on Christmas presents for my mom and my mother-in-law.
I feel like a whole new person. Isn’t it amazing what being fully present can do for you (or me in this case)? I challenge you to make a goal to be more present in your life. It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it.
I haven’t met a mini book I didn’t love. I love mini books. I love the size. I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish one. I love giving them as presents. In short, I love them.
This mini book, from Amber Zimmerman, is no exception. She took all the goodies from the August 2010 Main Kit and made the most adorable mini book ever. It’s so simple, but so sweet. Love it. Check it out:
To see more photos from Amber’s mini book, visit our Gallery.
The August Kits should have arrived to you by now and it’s time to get busy! Need some ideas on how to use your kit? Well, here’s a look at some layouts created by our design team.
First up? A little inspiration thanks to Miss Mara:
Now, here are some goodies from Katie Turner. I love, love Katie’s quirky style.
Check out more layouts from our design team the August Kits in our Gallery.
Making your own stencils or masks
By Kelly Hansen
I’ve always been one to try different techniques on my pages to make them interesting. One of the things I like using is scrapbooking mask by Tim Holtz,and Heidi Swapp. Unfortunately, some people are afraid to try them because they can be expensive.
This month I got creative. Using my Cricut machine (picture above) I cut my very own custom stencil. I cut out the days of the week just the way I wanted them displayed on my layout.
Using the negative space of the stencil, I taped down all 4 sides so It wouldn’t slide around when using my paint. I also glued down the negative space of the letters. Using the paint (you can also use glimmer mist, inks) I painted (picture above) over the days of the week.
This is what the finished product looks like (picture above). Making your own stencil/mask allows you to be creative in so many ways. This was a great way to accent my title without having to use big letters from a alphabet set. Here’s the finished layout:
It’s August. Wow! This summer has flown by. I’m sad to see it go, but I know that my daugther is excited to go back to school and it’ll be nice to get into our school-time routine.
I’m in Denmark right now, along with my husband. We have had some great adventures and have enjoyed our time as grown-ups without kiddos (though I always miss my babies when I am away from them). We have decided we need to make couple’s time a priority as it’s good for everyone if mom and dad are happy.
Since I’m in Denmark right now, I thought I’d share the four things I love best about Denmark.
1. The bread: I can seriously eat my weight in bread while in Denmark. Every day there are baskets and baskets of fresh bread. Bread with breakfast. Bread with lunch. Bread with dinner. I think I gain about 20 pounds each time I visit Denmark, but it’s so worth it.
2. Public transportation: It’s super easy to get around Denmark. Jump on a train. Hop on the bus. Hail a cab. No matter what you want to do, you can get there in no time with few, if any, complications.
3. The Hoptimist: In 1968, furniture designer Gustav Ehrenreich created the Hoptimists (above). In accordance with the trends of the time, his figures were characterized by their bright and positive colors and appealing shapes. These little fellows do nothing more than bring a smile to my face. The bounce around and look like they are giggling. I bought one for my husband my last trip to Denmark and it’s a favorite trinket on his work desk. No one can walk past without giving the Hoptimist a tap and then they always walk away with a smile.
4. The Ice Cream: Much like the bread in Denmark, the ice cream is freshly made each day and uses real ingredients (like real cream) to make some of the world’s yummiest ice cream. Even if it’s snowing you’ll finding me walking down the street with my daily ice cream cone. Love, love, love it. Interesting fact, you can get licorice ice cream in Denmark. They are serious about their licorice, it’s like their national flavor!
Is there a place you went this summer that you love? Tell us about it, we want to hear. Better yet, scrap about it and then send us some pictures of your finished pages to kimberly@crazydaisykits.com.
Every time I think my life might slow down, it doesn’t. It only seems to get crazier! But, as my husband reminded me last night, I have to find the good in it all and be thankful.
As I give thanks for the blessed life I live … I do daydream of a few thinks I want, but certainly don’t need. Come on, we all do this.
1. A quick trip to Malta.
A killer view off the coast of Malta
I have a trip to Europe planned for August. It’s a business trip, but my husband is coming along for the ride, so it mill be a bit more entertaining than normal. As we plan our trip we are trying to figure out if we can fit a short trip to Malta into our plans. Why Malta? Why not?
2. Hair extensions.
I cut my hair about 8 weeks ago. I chopped quite a bit off. I instantly had regret. Every picture I look out with my previously long, flowing hair … I’m sad. I don’t want to wait for my hair to grow out. I want long, long hair. Now. I’m dreaming of hair extensions, but they aren’t practical and are pretty much a waste of money in my mind. I mean, come on, should I really be spending $400 to $500 on hair extensions? That pretty much ends that daydream!
3. Fall mini kits
Vintage Old Maid cards purchased on Etsy
Normally, most of the kit designing for Crazy Daisy is done by Jennifer. She is the one who pulls everything together. I make suggestions and if we’re together (like at CHA) we make major decisions as a team. However, she really is the one who is repsonsible for making the kits happen. But, for the fall I’m working on some fun mini kits and I can’t stop thinging about all the faulous things I could put in them. For starters? I scoured Etsy and found some yummy vintage paper ephemra. I can’t wait to use it myself and I know you all will love it.
4. CHA Summer Show Releases
Have you seen some of the CHA goodies from this summer’s show? There are a few things I’m really excited about and I can share a few lines that will be making their way into kits this fall. My Mind’s Eye “Lost and Found” collection and Crate Paper’s “Restoration” line. Love ‘em. I’m also looking forward to getting my hands on some of the House of 3 goodies from Pink Paislee.
There’s lots to make me happy. I mean, it’s summer for Pete’s sake, how can you not be happy? But, if I were to narrow it down to four things I’d go with these things:
1. Our garden (and our huge harvest)
This monster-sized zucchini came from our garden. We have been taking great care of our garden. And we’ve started to reap the benefits. There are baby apples on one tree. Sweet basil that smells so good. Little cherry tomatoes starting to pop up. And zucchini … oh the zucchini. We harvest our very first zucchini this week and it was huge. Seriously. It was 3 pounds and half as tall as Cooper. How’s that for our first try at growing zucchini?
It’s important to note that we did nothing special with our garden. No fertilizer. No special tricks. Just water and sunshine. Shelby carried this sucker around the house like a baby until Daddy got home so she could show him our very fist zucchini.
2. Cooper’s curls
Does it get cuter than this? Cooper just hit 15 months and he’s so sweet and precious. I love his curls. I don’t think a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask me, “When are you going to cut his hair?” And every time some asks, I think, “Never!” But seriously, how long does he get to be a baby and have precious curls? Not longing enough, so for now I’ll just leave his curls. There is a very good chance I’ll cry when I end up cutting them off and giving him a “big” boy haircut.
3. Layouts.
I have producing about 4 layouts a week for the last month or so. Mostly thanks to the online class I’m taking with Shimelle. I feel more productive than I have in years. It’s actually quite therapeutic. I’ve been able to use a ton of photos and I feel like I am making a dent in my overflowing stack of photos! And, I’ve been learning all such of fun digi tricks, which makes my digi adventures so much easier.
4. Vacation.
Just before school starts again, I have a business trip to Europe planned. My hubby is going to come with me and we’re going to have one of our first “adults” only vacation in a very long time. Even though I have to work during part of the time, we’ll get to stay in a nice hotel, eat good food and hang out together. I’m looking forward to showing him all the things I do whenever I go to Denmark, since this will be his first trip there (with me). My daughter is going on a vacation of her own, all the way to Papa’s ranch in Idaho. She gets to fly on an airplane by herself for the very fist time and she is beyond thrilled. I’m sure both of us will have great stories at the end of our adventures.
What’s making you happy?
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