January 2013 Studio Calico kit - Block Party

I've enjoyed putting all of the layouts that I create from the current month's Studio Calico kit all in one post, so I'll continue this monthly feature in 2013.  I only post the layouts that I create from the time I get the kit until the next kit arrives at my door.  This challenges me to get as much done with the kit before I put it away.  I created four layouts and one card with the January kit.

This layout is probably my favorite of the month.  I love the photo of my kitty snoozing in the sun!

I did a lot of hand-stitching on this layout which was time consuming, but a lot of fun.

For this layout, I decided to try using circles.  I had cropped with Jennifer Larson in December and she said she loved using circles on her layout. I never really do, but was inspired to try.  I did some hand-stitching on this layout also.

This patterned paper was bright and fun - I thought it would be perfect for a birthday card.  I cut a circle out of the front of the card with my Silhouette.  The word "birthday" is layered over the empty space.  The word "happy" is actually on the inside of the card.

The last layout "Best Vacation Story Ever" was picked up by Scrapbook Trends to be published in the July 2013 issue, so I can't share it here yet!  

I was pretty pleased getting these five projects done with this kit.  It has been a few months since I got this much done.

How did you do with January's Studio Calico kit?

Have a great week everyone!

Cat Nap

Once in a while, a question will pop up on a scrapbooking message board asking if people create projects specifically to fit a particular call or if they just submit what they have already created.  It usually seems like it is looked upon negatively if you create pages specifically for calls - like somehow it is not as meaningful or something.

I do both - if I happen to have a layout that I have already created that fits the call, I'll submit it.  But lots of times, I'll read the call and it will spark an idea and I'll create a page specifically for that call - and I'm not afraid to admit it!  Some of my most favorite layouts have been created specifically for calls!

The latest call for Scrapbook Trends totally inspired this page.  The call reads:  

Real Life: I Love My Pet - Our pets become members of the family so create a layout to detail your pet's place in your home. Does he/she have a special place to sleep or eat? Any funny quirks? Get them down on paper!

The call made me think of my silly cat Sumner and how he loves sleeping in a sunny spot on the chaise lounge in our dining room.  He will keep moving closer to the edge to follow the sun as it moves and more than once has fallen off of the edge!

I used mostly the January Studio Calico kit on this page, but just a couple of bits from older kits such as the wood veneer "S."  Studio Calico recently stopped giving store credits for getting published in Scrapbook Trends using their kits, and I'll admit that it is kind of freeing!  Even though my main purpose  for getting published was never the SC credit, it was nice.  But now that it isn't an option, I have been finding myself digging through other supplies for something to add a perfect touch.

I put the journaling on a hidden journaling card - I loved the little Pebbles envelope that was included in the kit! 

I love this page to bits even though I created it specially for a call! (Wish me luck!)  So what do you think - is there anything wrong with creating a layout specifically for a call?  What do you usually do?  I'd love to know!

Have a great week everyone!

Very Americana

I was thinking about what to post this week and I realized that the last three projects that I made were somewhat similar, so I thought that I would include them all in this post.  These three projects all had a vary Americana feel - red, white, and blue; stars; and gingham!

The first project is a layout that I created about my chance meeting with Warren Kimble.  My husband and I spent a summer weekend at our condo in Vermont and went for a drive on Saturday morning to find a fun  spot to have lunch.  We ended up in Brandon, VT and took a walk around the town.  We passed a Warren Kimble studio and I saw an older gentleman in the store.  I said - Craig, could that be THE Warren Kimble?  Is he still alive?  We looked it up on Craig's phone and sure enough, it was him working in the studio.

We went in and were surrounded by original artwork of one of the most famous American folk artists.  He had unique items that he had collected - say maybe an antique chair - that he had painted on.  He had some really unique pieces that we asked about and he explained the process of creating them to us.  He was so nice!

I didn't get a photo (even though my camera was hanging around my neck), but I did grab some business cards.  I used the business cards and a photo from the internet for my layout.

My next project is a card that I made using some of the product from the January 2012 Studio Calico kit. I wasn't crazy about the Basicgrey banners from the kit, but they were perfect for a card.

And my last project was a layout about my nieces who spent time at the ocean for the first time on their visit to see us in Massachusetts.  It was such a hot day - over 100 degrees that day!  

I used the December Studio Calico kit for the most part, but added a few bits from the November kit.

Have a great week everyone!