We R Memory Keepers Cakes and Candles with Laura

Hi there!

Laura here, sharing my monthly reveal a day early so that their weekly sketch challenge doesn't get buried.

I was given some papers, wooden stickers and die cuts from the Cakes and Candles collection by We R Memory Keepers to play with. I love that while the colours are basically primary colours, they are more muted and not really so juvenile.  They are perfect to document birthdays for any age group!

I created a few birthday layouts and a card to share with you, though I am sure you will see more of this fun collection in future projects from me.

This first page celebrates my husband's 50th, which we did in Cuba, thus the Cuban band in the background.  They played several songs for him!

I couldn't resist sticking the party hat die cut to his head!

I added some twine from my stash to tie up these fun die cut balloons, as well as a few brads for a sprinkle of colour. The journal card was cut from one of the patterned papers.

I used the die cut numbers to create my simple title, and some floss from my stash to stitch a few circles - I love the texture they add.

More die cuts adorn the lower corner of my page, one is popped up for dimension.

This second page celebrates our puppy's second birthday (he will always be a puppy to me, I think). Timmy likes to buy the dogs special birthday treats and the boys had fun trying to get him to blow out the candle - Yes he totally did, in one big old Bulldogge snuff! Fun memory!

I used a mask to add distress ink and Gesso to the background, though I did this step almost last, just before adding the enamel dots. (Enamel dots were from my stash.)

I had fun adorning my opposing corners with die cuts and faux stitching !

Another trimmed journaling card and the number two to document Max's age.

The wooden stickers are so much fun, I jut love them!

My last page documents my middle son's 23rd birthday. I die cut a large open balloon shape with my silhouette in lieu of a circle, for some birthday fun!

The title was die cu, too and then grouped with die cuts from the collection and enamel dots to create a secondary focal area.

I flanked the photo with elements to draw the eye to my main focal area.

I used the centre of the die cut balloon from the layout above to create this LARGE card, adorning it with more die cuts and a large enamel piece from my stash.

You can see that I used small alpha stickers from my stash to change the phrase on the die cut so that I could use it for a birthday card.

Supply List: We R Memory Keepers: pattern paper, wood stickers, ephemera pack; American Crafts cardstock; misc. twine, floss and brads; My Mind's Eye enamel dots; Staedtler pen; Tim Holtz tiny attacher and distress inks; Smooch Spritz; Gesso; Crafter's Workshop stencil.

Thank you for visiting today!
Laura
xo

Modifying Album Inserts for a Different Album - Tutorial

Hi there!

I have a tutorial to share today, another one from my recent Simple Stories mini album.

When I created this mini album, the only one I had in my stash that was not slated for another project was this one.  It was plain white chipboard, I think it is from an older Teresa Collins line and measures 8.25 x 9.5 x 1.5", and came without inserts.

I did have some extra Simple Stories inserts in my stash, but as you can see the holes do not line up with the binder rings inside the album.

I figured I could fix that, and thought that I would share the process in case you are ever in the same position.  Note, this tip is not just for mini albums.

First, I measured the width of the hole punched edge of the inserts.

And then trimmed two pieces of paper at this measurement, in my case .5" wide, one for the front and one for the back of each page

I used my regular adhesive to adhere these paper strips to the edge of the inserts, effectively covering up the old holes, so that they would not be visible and ugly.

And trimmed them to length with scissors.

Next I created a template to punch new holes.

I used my big bite to add the holes to all of my album pages.

And now they fit this album just perfectly!

Thanks for joining me today!

Kit Club Tuesday with Elaine

Hi there!

We are sharing the final round of projects for this months Kit club contents, and we just know you are going to love these cards and door hangers created by Elaine!

Aren't these just gorgeous?

And with Father's Day about 1 1/2 months away this kit was just perfect for getting a jump start on your cards.

Here are a couple of close ups.

Thanks for visiting!

Welcome to our new Design Team members!

Hello all!

We would like to introduce our new design team members to you, but first, let us tell you who we are welcoming back for another term.....

Barbara Greenberg

Danie Ramirez- Diakun

Jayne Morgan - Team B Leader

Laureen Baskerville

Rebecca Daly

Sandy Ross - Team A Leader

Tiiu Jaanusson

It's great to have you ladies back, we look forward to another term of fabulous inspiration!

Now let's meet our new members!

Kimberly Bush