My Mind's Eye Blog

July Challenge #2- Halfway There

What: July Challenge

Due When: End of the day on July 31

Where: Upload through InLinkz at end of this post

Details: This one is super fun. Tina Walker came up with the idea. She suggested it to me and I thought it was *fabulous*. It's called Halfway There. Did you know that July is halfway through 2012? EEK! Can you believe it? So the challenge is this....document it. Document the actual day (day 183) halfway through the year, document the month...document it however you interpret it.

Rules:

1. You can submit a layout,card,album,altered item,etc.

2. The project must consist of mainly MME. It must "look" like a MME layout. :) It must fit the theme.

3. The project must be created new for this challenge.

4. Upload the layout to InLinkz at the end of this post by the end of the day on July 31.

5. A random winner will be chosen and announced with the first August challenge on August 1. The prize is any MME collection- the choice is yours.

Designer Examples:

Just Hanging Out by Tamara

 Supplies:Indie Chic-Nutmeg: Southwest patterned paper, Laurel Burst patterned paper, Zig Zag patterned paper, Rainbow patterned paper, Medallions patterned paper, Blooms patterned paper, Family journaling card, Hanging Out title, stamps, label stickers, brads, decorative stickers, layered stickers,Misc-yellow ink, black ink and pen, yellow and blue machine stitching 

Tamara says:I can’t believe how quickly half a year has flown by!  This layout was a great opportunity to reflect on our family’s experiences over the last six months.  I thought it would be fun for the kids to write about their experiences in their own handwriting. How fun it will be to see it in a few years!  And how lucky for me that there were layered stickers numbered for each of my four kids.

I have to admit that I actually shot this photo to coordinate with the fabulous Indie Chic Nutmeg collection – it just looks like summer!  The blues and yellows remind me of warm, sunny summer days and the titles were perfect for this layout. 

 

So what's your take on "Halfway There"? We cannot WAIT to see what you do, MME fans!

See you tomorrow!

 

 

Keri Part Two!

Today Keri Babbitt is back with us to share what she did with Nostalgia,On the Sunny Side,and Indie Chic.

Just wait until you see the mini album she came up with, it is an absolute delight!

You Make Life So Sweet card

Supplies: On The Sunny Side: Flutter patterned paper, 6x6 designer paper pad, layered stickers, accessories sheet, , brads; Nostalgia: Label patterned paper, layered stickers, chipboard; Indie Chic-Ginger: Pictures stamps; Other: popsicle sticks, ink, computer font

Keri Says:The idea for this shaped card came together when I combined the frozen treat accents from On The Sunny Side, with the “sweet” word accents from the Nostalgia collection.  The “so sweet” stamp from the Indie Chic stamp set added simple detail to the popsicle-stick card openers at the bottom. This card would be perfect tied onto a plastic beach pail filled with a bag of popsicles for a fun summer gift. 

Our Big Adventure mini album

Supplies:Indie Chic-Ginger: Adventure, Direction, Pictures, Relax, Travel patterned papers; 6x6 designer paper pad, border stickers, layered stickers, metal medallions, brads, mini garland, wood frame/label, twine, titles, layered chipboard, stamps, decorative tapes, pearl medallion, buttons, journaling card. Indie Chic-Saffron: Dreams patterned paper, border stickers, brads, layered chipboard, layered stickers, decorative tape, pearl medallion, label stickers, decorative stickers. Nostalgia: Label patterned paper, brads, layered stickers. On The Sunny Side: 6x6 designer paper pad, brads, layered stickers. Other: thread, ink, scallop punch, vellum, computer font, glossy accents.

Keri Says:When I saw the Indie Chic-Ginger collection, I knew the colors & theme would be awesome for our recent summer trip photos.  I chose 3-4 patterned papers to make the 5x7” album base pages.

For uniformity, I stitched a border around each page, and then went to town with my MME embellishments & tapes.

The wood accents and mini garlands were especially useful for the mini album format.

I love the results…I don’t think I’ve ever actually COMPLETED a mini so soon after a trip before, and it feels great!

 

To say we love this album would be a massive understatement. Keri will actually be back next week sharing one more layout and a sketch. We are so thrilled with what she came up with...we had to ask her back again!

Hope your Tuesday is wonderful!

Introducing Our July Guest Designer!

Please join MME in welcoming the amazing Keri Babbitt!

Hi there, I'm Keri Babbitt.  I'm a mom of two, who’s been happily crafting since high school.
I love capturing life’s moments and expressing myself artistically through scrapbooking. I'm obsessed with anything vintage and love trying new techniques, as well as finding creative ways to make my supplies stretch.

I love to experiment with any and every scrapping style, from minimalist to shabby chic. I am often a grid-based, multi-photo scrapper, and enjoy finding well-designed ways to include lots of photos.
 

I enjoy contributing layouts to Creating Keepsakes, and have had the pleasure of designing for several kit clubs, sketch sites, & a few manufacturers.  Other than crafting, I enjoy: curling up with a good book, dancing, junking, and being in the outdoors or watching Mythbusters with my family.

I’m a messy scrapper who loves to turn on the music & craft late into the night. Thanks so much for letting me join in on all the fun as guest designer this month…it’s such an honor!

Read more about Keri on her blog.

Q: What did you have the most fun working with?

A:I had so much fun using accents to create the mini album…all the fabulous textures & types of embellishments (wood, twine, tape, metal…love them all!) really brought the whole album together for me.

Q: What is your favorite MME line and why?

A:I love so much about each collection I worked with, but I think I’d have to say my heart belongs to the Nostalgia collection this time around.  I adore each detail of this collection…from the retro pastels & vintage fonts, to the gorgeous, subtle patterns.

Our Life in Pictures layout:

Supplies:Indie Chic-Ginger: Direction patterned paper, brads, title, decorative tape, paper strips from bottom of each paper sheet; Indie Chic-Saffron: Dreams patterned paper; On The Sunny Side: brads; Nostalgia: brads; Other: ink, computer font.

Keri says:Something I love about MME papers is the bottom strip that has a little patterned section you can cut off and use on a project.  I combined several of the thicker ones here, to add a fun vertical element to this otherwise simple-and-straightforward photo-collage layout.

The “Our Life in Pictures” title accent was perfect for documenting the first half of 2012 for our family.  A scattering of gorgeous MME brads completes this quick page.

 

Spark of Life gift set

Supplies:Nostalgia: layered stickers, chipboard; Indie Chic-Ginger: Pictures stamps, twine, decorative tapes; Other: white ink, cellophane bags, sparklers, snaps, sparkling lemonade, container

Keri says:Taking my inspiration from the “You Are Such a Happy Spark of Life” layered sticker from the Nostalgia collection, I put together this “sparkling” gift basket filled with sparklers, snaps, and sparkling lemonade.

Stamp technique: Clear stamps work wonderfully on curved surfaces…simply ink the stamp evenly, using an acrylic block…then remove the stamp and use your palm to wrap & press the stamp onto the curved surface.

Holy smokes, Keri...you blew it out of the water! I am SO glad you could join us this month, I am in love with all of your projects, they are incredible!

Y'all make sure to come back tomorrow, we will have two more creatively stunning projects from Keri!

New Collection Reveal-The Sweetest Thing (Part 2-Lavender and Honey)

Wow, this week really flew by. I have to say that I'm a little sad it's over! Revealing these new collections to you has been so much fun, I don't want it to end!

Well...if I have to end it,then let's go out with a bang. :)

Here are the last two color schemes from Jen Allyson's new line, The Sweetest Thing.

Just as yesterday, both of these schemes contain nine 12x12 double-sided patterned papers, 6x6 pads, and all sorts of amazing embellishments (including brand NEW crocheted doilies,enamel dots,and your favorite-decorative tape)!!!

Here we go!

Up first is Lavender. This color scheme is fresh,delicate,lovely,and timeless. It has the sweetest patterns you can imagine.

For those of you who are still mourning the loss of our Stella and Rose Gertie stamps...we think you will see something here that will make you VERY happy! Jen has created some luscious doily stamps for you. :)

So Many Reasons Why by Amber Packer

 

Cutie Pie by Suzanne Sergi

And the very last color scheme we have to share is honey.

Honey is SASSY! Vibrant,fun,sassy,and bold...this one will knock your socks off. Check out these colors!

 

 

by Suzanne Sergi

2 of a Kind by Tamara Jensen

Well...sigh. I guess that's it. I wish I could make this week last forever. I have had so much fun sharing everything with all of you. But as much as I enjoy showing you...I can't wait for you to show US what all of YOU make with these products. That's when the fun really,truly begins.

Are you in love with lavender and honey? Would you like to win one of these color schemes? If you are interested, leave a comment here (telling me what looks delicious to you). We will draw one lucky winner on Friday, July 21.

Good luck, guys! Hope you have a beautiful,blessed,and creative weekend!

New Collection Reveal-The Sweetest Thing (Part 1-Bluebell and Tangerine)

Welcome back MME fans! Today is the beginning of something HUGE. Part one of two...a collection that is so big and so amazing,we've decided to split it up over two days.

Let us introduce you to The Sweetest Thing by the fabulous Jen Allyson!!!

To say we are excited to share this with you is an understatement. :) We really,truly do think that it is the absolute Sweetest Thing we've ever seen.

 The first color scheme we are sharing today is Tangerine. Oh, is this scheme ever playful,happy,and bubbly. From the colors to the patterns...from the NEW crocheted doilies to the NEW enamel dots to decorative tape to all of your favorite standard MME embellishments..this is a tangerine dream. :)

Tangerine contains 10 double-sided 12x12 patterned papers,die cuts, doilies,brads,stickers,chipboard,tape,enamel dots,buttons,stamps, and a 6x6 paper pad.

So dreamy!

Content by Stephanie Howell

Wonderful by Jana Eubank

 
The second color scheme we are sharing is Bluebell. This scheme is fresh,happy,and fun. We dare you not to smile! Blues and yellows combine beautifully in classic yet timely prints. Happy,happy happy!

Bluebell contains 10 double-sided 12x12 patterned papers,die cuts, brads,crocheted doilies, stickers,chipboard,tape,enamel dots,buttons,stamps, and a 6x6 paper pad.

 Be Happy by Tina Walker

 

Shine by Tina Walker

So what do you think? Do you love The Sweetest Thing as much as we do? Can you even BEGIN to choose a "sweetest thing" from today? Leave a comment here (telling us what jumps out and catches your eye) if you are interested in winning one of these two color schemes. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday, July 21.

Tomorrow is our last reveal/sneak peek. We will share the last two color schemes from the Sweetest Thing and (of course) have one more prize package.

Happy Thursday!

New Collection Reveal-Lost and Found Halloween

Welcome to day 3 of Reveal Week here on the MME blog. Today we are feeling extra spooooooooky and creepy.

Introducing Lost&Found Halloween (click on link to see collection in its entirety)!

Skulls,birds,pumpkins and creepy crawly creatures are coupled with vintage ephemera. The color scheme is classic Halloween...cream,oranges,and blacks. And the texture...oh the texture! You can also find classic patterns in this collection. Damask,stripes,dots,zig zags and a lovely harlequin pattern. We think this is simply our best Halloween collection yet.

Lost and Found Halloween consists of nine double sided 12x12 patterned papers. This collection also has decorative chipboard,die cuts,decorative brads, stamps,layered stickers,and a 6x6 pad.

Young Indiana Jones by Tamara Jensen

So what do you think? Would you like a shot at winning this entire collection? Leave a comment here (telling us what caught your eye) if you are interested in winning Lost and Found Halloween. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday, July 21.

Come back tomorrow for something SWEET!

New Collection Reveal- Winter Wonderland+Six by Six 2

Today we have two new collections to share with you!

First up is Winter Wonderland (click on link to see everything in this collection).

Filled with reds,greens,and blues...Winter Wonderland is both classic and playful. You will love the fun patterns and color combinations.

This collection includes 9 12x12 double-sided papers, and all sorts of gorgeous embellishments (including the brand new addition this release- the accesories pad!).

We have brought back the popular addition of designer tapes and of course there is an accompanying 6x6 paper pad.

Peace and Joy by Jana Eubank:

 

Merry and Bright by Suzanne Sergi:

And up next...Six By Six 2!!! You all LOVED Six By Six, so we have released a second edition. Six By Six 2 is made up of 12 new 6x6 paper pads. They are perfect for both card makers and layout enthusiasts alike!

There is something for everyone here. From fun and funky to classic and demure.

Payette Lake by Jana Eubank (featuring Gnome Sweet Gnome pad):

Wow- that is a LOT of goodness today. What do you think? Are either of these releases catching your eye? Why? What do you specifically love and what has you wanting to see more?

Would you like a shot at winning the entire collection of your choice? Leave a comment here if you are interested in winning Winter Wonderland or Six By Six 2. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday, July 21.

Good luck and see you tomorrow!

New Collection Reveal-All Is Bright

Welcome to the very first day of our CHA Summer 2012 Reveal Week!

Every day this week we are sharing new collections,new projects,and best of all...GIVEAWAYS!

Drumroll please...

Our first new collection is ALL IS BRIGHT by the incredible Rhonna Farrer! You all adored Follow Your Heart, and we new that we had to have Rhonna treat us to more of her fabulous designs.

And All Is Bright was born!

This collection consists of neutrals with pops of red,blue,and green. Touches of ephemera and days gone by are coupled with currrent trends. And they blend beautifully.

All is Bright includes nine 12x12 double-sided papers, a 6x6 paper pad, chipboard accessories, brads,rhinestones,buttons,twine,layered stickers,designer tape,stamps..and a brand new accessories pad!

You can see (and savor) every single piece of All Is Bright RIGHT HERE.

And here are some projects featuring All Is Bright.

Merry and Bright by Tina Walker:

Christmas by Amber Packer:

All is Bright by Tina Walker:

Beautiful,beautiful,beautiful, Miss Rhonna!

We are SO excited to finally share this with all of you!

So what do you think? Would you like a shot at winning this entire collection? Leave a comment here (telling us what your favorite piece is) if you are interested in winning All Is Bright. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday, July 21.

Good luck! And don't you dare forget to come back tomorrow for another collection reveal!

Pinspiration Friday

Can't.Stop.Pinning.

Really! We can't stop pinning here at MME. Are you following us on Pinterest? You should be! :) There are so many amazing MME projects out there...we simply can't keep up!

But we are looking,searching,and pinning daily. And once a month we put all of those pins to use by challenging our designers to choose a pin off of our "inspiring layouts and cards" board and lift it.

This month Tina and Danni are playing along. Here's what they came up with.

Designer:Tina Walker

Pin Chosen:Delightful by Lady Grace Belarmino

Tina's Version:

Supplies: Indie Chic-Saffron:label stickers,layered stickers,tape;Indie Chic-Ginger:stamps;Follow Your Heart:stamps;Lost and Found Two:stamps;Misc-cardstock,ink,spray mist,adhesive,sewing machine

Tina says:When we were asked to pick a project that was pinned to the MME 'Inspiring Pages and Cards' board, I wasn't sure where to start.  It was a hard choice because there are SO MANY amazing projects, but I kept going back to this layout by the awesome Lady Grace Belarmino.  I really love how she created a vertical mask along the center of her page and created dimension and texture with stamps, paint, and spray mist.  I don't know about you, but I love stamping and misting, and have more bottles of mist than I would ever admit.  ;)

For my layout, I created a square mask with my die-cut machine.  Using 3 coordinating colors of spray mist, I spritzed and splattered in and over the square.  Next, I stamped in the square, stamping over the edge of the mask to create a 1/2 stamped look.

To finish the layout, I added several layered and label stickers and stitched around the outside of the square.  Instead of stitching the entire edge of the square, I stopped stitching at random sections.  I thought this created a new and different look.

I really enjoyed this technique and had a lot of fun with this artsy style.  I WILL be using it more in the future.  Thank you Lady Grace for such an amazing inspiration layout.

Designer: Danni Reid

Pin Chosen: Thank You card  by Laurel Seabrook

Danni's Version:

Supplies: Indie Chic-Ginger:6x6 pad;Indie Chic-Nutmeg:buttons;Misc-sewing machine and thread,ink,punch,stamp,twine,adhesive

Danni says:I am so inspired by this card by Laurel Seabrook in our Pinterest gallery.  I love the composition, the softness, the different hexagons, the doily, the big focal sentiment, it all just makes me swoon.  I decided to choose 3 elements to inspire my card so as to not just “lift” her amazing card.  I chose to use the hexagons, the doily and the focal sentiment as my main inspiration for my card.

I kept the same design-concept, and decided to use a more gradient color scheme behind my hexagons, cut with my Cameo,  so as to draw attention to the sentiment at the bottom of the card.

I also loved how the doily added a softness to her card, so I cut a doily in half and adhered it to both sides and then layered my sentiment mat over the top.  To draw attention to the sentiment mat, I stamped a butterfly onto the mat and then stamped a large, cursive “thank you”sentiment in black.

I used the MME Ginger line and love that the hexagons feel like citrus fruit, fresh and summery.  Thank you for the amazing inspiration Laurel.

 

Happy Friday MME fans! Have a beautiful and blessed weekend. And remember...check back Monday for our CHA Summer Reveal Week. We will be revealing a new collection each day, sharing projects made with each collection, AND we will give away an entire collection each day! See you Monday!!!

Collage with Karen

Hello everyone! Karen here. Lately I have really enjoyed collage and art journaling, so today I thought I'd share some of my pages with you. MME products work perfectly on my pages.

You Already Are What You Hope to Be collage

Supplies:Follow Your Heart-Be Happy:layered stickers,twine,stamps,brads;Miss Caroline-Howdy Doody-stickers,rhinestone swirl,layered stickers;Miss Caroline-Dilly Dally:stickers

I've always tried to learn new things and grow. One of the things I've been working on this year is to try my hand at collage. I've been creating a new spread each week and when I got my package with Follow Your Heart and Miss Caroline, I couldn't help but sit and create immediately.

I covered my background with brown tissue paper and then layered to my heart's content. I sort of created it like it was a layout but I didn't have any photos and didn't worry about matching anything. I just let myself enjoy the beautiful product and played and played.

If you haven't just sat down to play recently, I recommend you give it a shot. It can be profoundly rewarding sometimes.

Nature collage

Supplies:Indie Chic-decorative tape;Laundry Line-rubons

I have had these Laundry Line rubons forever and just kept holding on to them because I loved them so much. When I got my Indie Chic washi tape, I decided I wanted to use it immediately.

I loved every single pattern and color...so I used them all on this page and then I wanted to offset all that color, so the neutral colors of the rubons were absolutely perfect to "quiet down" my page. I was amazed that after all this time, the rubons were still in perfect condition and rubbed off on my page without effort.

After I was done, I decided the word "nature" was too quiet so I added some watercolor pencils and made it stand out more.

Do you have some products you've been saving for a long time? Maybe today's the day to couple them with something new and use them all!