Album Retreat 2017

Close to My Heart hosted an Album Retreat (my fourth) in Scottsdale, Arizona, this weekend.  I met these wonderful ladies at my first Album Retreat when they were kind enough to welcome me into their circle.  We keep in touch throughout the year and try to visit with each other when we can, but we REALLY look forward to when we can all gather together.

In addition to spending time with great friends, we also get to make some beautiful layouts, often learning or at least practicing new techniques.

And of course there's always time for some photo ops!

Not-So-Spooky Boo

While I don't take many Halloween photos, I do like to decorate for Halloween.  I used our Cats & Bats Collection to create this cute Boo sign.

Supplies:

• Cats & Bats Paper Packet
• Cats & Bats Complements
• Adventure Ribbon Pack (Z3362)

Brave & Strong Photo Frame

After our family trip to Lake Tahoe, I wanted to display a photo of the kids.  Jack was the perfect collection to coordinate with the photo. 

Supplies:

• Jack Paper Packet
• Jack Coordinating Cardstock
• Jack Complements
• Black & White Dots (Z3314)

You Make My Heart Smile Magic Layout

For the 2017 Close to My Heart Convention, I entered the layout contest.  The theme for Convention was "Who Tells Your Story".  I used the Magician's Choice sketch from the Magic Scrapbooking Program to show photos of my furkids both happy and during a struggle each experienced, along with journaling my experiences with each of six dogs. 

This element on the top of the right page is held closed with a ribbon but opens out to an accordian "mini-album" full of hidden journaling and photos.

Supplies: 

• No Worries Paper Packet (X7220B)
• No Worries Complements (X7220C)
• No Worries Coordinating Cardstock (X7220D) 
• No Worries Sequins (Z3322)
• White Burlap Ribbon (Z3323)
• Magic Scrapbooking Program

Tokyo DisneySea Little Dreamer Magic Layout

Last December I had the (brief) opportunity to go to Tokyo DisneySea, which was celebrating its 15th (crystal) anniversary.  The color palette for Little Dreamers worked fabulously with my photos.  I used a Magic layout in order to maximize photos but also allow for journaling.  All of the photos lay flat

but two of the photos slide up to reveal journaling.

Close-ups of the sliding elements:

The Magic layouts can be used without the Magic elements, as shown here.

Supplies:

• Little Dreamer Paper Packet (X7219B)
• Little Dreamer Coordinating Cardstock (X7219D)
• Little Dreamer Complements (X7219C)
• Little Dreamer Glitter Gems (Z3321)
• White Shimmer Trim (Z3024)
• White Daisy Cardstock (1385)
• 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)
• Magic Scrapbooking Program

Always Be a Unicorn

The new catalog is LIVE!!!

At the Seasonal Expressions 2 Launch Event, we made two cards using the super-sweet Little Dreamer collection.  And unicorns are so very on-trend!

Supplies:

• Little Dreamer Paper Packet (X7219B)
• My Acrylix® Little Dreamer—Cardmaking Stamp Set (C1677)
• Little Dreamer Complements (X7219C)
• Little Dreamer Coordinating Cardstock (X7219D)
• White Daisy Cardstock (1385)
• Thistle Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2840)
• Lagoon Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2895)
• Blossom Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z2810)
• Black Exclusive Inks™ Stamp Pad (Z4189)
• Whisper Thick Twine (Z3095)
• Black & White Dots (Z3314)
• White Cards & Envelopes Value Pack (X254)
• 3-D Foam Tape (Z1151)

Sweet Pupcake Birthday Magic Layout

Scrapbooked my little pupcake's birthday celebration using the Sugar Rush collection and the Showtime sketch from the Magic Scrapbook Program.  The "Birthday Girl" photo on the upper left conceals flaps that open to allow for up to an additional eight (8) photos.

Supplies:

• Sugar Rush Paper Packet
• Sugar Rush Complements
• Magic Scrapbook Program

Welcome Home Wreath Kit

Put together the Welcome Home wreath kit with my mom for her craft area.  

We used the Clear Shimmer Brush on some of the flower petals for added texture.  Liquid Glass is a strong, quick-drying adhesive that's very effective in assembling dimensional flowers.

Supplies:

• Welcome Home Wreath Kit (CC1210)
• Clear Shimmer Brush (Z3293)
• Liquid Glass (Z679)