My Mind's Eye Blog

September Sketch Challenge

Hello everyone.  It's Ronda here today bringing you the September Sketch Challenge.  We are going for the top on this month's sketch, the top of the page that is.  I love this sketch for it gives you ample opportunity to use your stash of My Mind's Eye patterned paper along with some fun decorative tape.  By placing the photo and embellishments down the left side, we keep the layout balanced.  The title & subtitles stretche across the page echoing the strips of patterned paper & decorative tapes.  Remember the photo can be multiple photos in a strip down that left side. 

Supplies:  Cut & Paste: Charm   - Sweet: 'Spin' Paper, 'Treat' Paper, Bits & Pieces Stickers;  Charm-Smile: Decorative Brads, Enamel Dots; Charm-Hey You: 'Trends' Paper; Charm- Carefree: 'Relaxed' Paper, Chipboard Sticker, Label Stickers; Charm- Decorative Tape; Decorative Tape: Mint & Grey; Misc: Maya Road Mists, Black Pen, Jillibean Soup Alphabeans.

Every time I visit my husband in Doha, I have to step out on the balcony and take in the view.  I just love taking my tea & breakfast out there to look at the downtown buildings and soak in city life.  On my layout I wanted the one photo as my focal point.  I split the top with patterned paper and decorative tape.  The torn edge gives added texture to the layout. 

I sprinkled mists on the background and let some of the yellow mist drip down the page.  I love layering the chipboard hearts, brad tags, and an arrow sticker around the photo.  The vellum clouds added the perfect touch to my photos.

I created a faux stitching along the patterned paper using a black pen.  The enamel dots add in pops of color all around the photo.  I snuggled the title & journaling right up against the photo. 

Supplies:  Cut & Paste: Charm   - Sweet: 'Spin' Paper; Charm-Hey You: 'Trends' Paper; Charm- Carefree: 'Relaxed' Paper, Charm- Decorative Tape; Flair - Snapshots: Decorative Stamps; Misc: Ranger Ink Archival Ink, Ranger Ink Distress Ink, Jillibean Soup Alphabeans.

The great thing about sketches is that they can be used for a multitude of projects including cards.  I used the same sketch and leftover paper to create this simply cute card.  The layers of patterned paper and decorative tape look great at the top with the stamped frame acting as the focal point. 

Now it's your turn to take on the sketch! 

A random winner will be chosen and shared with our next challenge on October 1st . You have until the end of the day on Monday, September 30 to share your project.

Please link your sketch via the InLinkz tool at the bottom of this post. Your layout must feature MME products. Only one entry per participant, please. The prize is any MME collection.

 

winners WINNERS!

 

Gossamer Blue main kit winner-

42 Sonia White said...Ohhh, thank you so much for the chance to win. I would love to be considered for the September Main Kit. I love all those papers and embellishments. Thanks again!

Reply September 03, 2013 at 07:21 PM

 

 

Gossamer Blue life pages winner-

 

21 Jingle said...I would love to win either of the two kits! Thank you so much!

Reply September 03, 2013 at 12:46 PM

 

Karen Grunberg for BPC winner-

141 Anna Bradshaw said...Whoops! I'm smiling because everyone but me is sleeping right now. Made three cards before coming to the blog for inspiration!

Reply September 08, 2013 at 06:43 PM

 

 

 

Way to go, ladies! Please send me an email at stephanie (AT)mymindseye(DOT)com!

Make sure to check back tomorrow morning when we announce our September Guest Designer!

Chalk it Up!

Hi!  Tina here today with another Chalk Studio layout. 

I must admit, when I first saw images of Chalk Studio I was very excited and couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  But, when I was able to sit down and start creating with it, I couldn't stop.  I had 3 Chalk Studio projects all going at one time.  I love the fresh look, and the timeless colors.  It's a great line and hopefully I will be able to share more projects with it.

One of my favorite things about Chalk Studio is the awesome designs 'built right into' the paper.  They make for great backgrounds and it's really fun incorporating them into a layout.  It makes for fool-proof projects.

For my layout, I cut down a 12x12 sheet of 'Beautiful Ride' to an 8.5x11, cutting the sheet so that I retained the 'Life is a Beautiful Ride' sentiment.  Using this as my background, the rest of the layout was super easy to put together. 

 

I wanted the focus to remain on my photo of the Wasatch Mountains, so I added similar color elements of chipboard pieces, layered stickers and twine.  I think it really turned out great!

 

I hope you get a chance to play with Chalk Studio.  It is definitely a collection that you will love.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have a wonderful day!

 

Freaky Friday- September Edition

I challenged two of our designers to switch styles for today's post. So basically today is our very own Freaky Friday. Style-wise at least. :)

Who will be taking the challenge today? Tina Walker and Tonya Dirk. When I think of Tina, I think of white space, mixed media influences, and clusters. When I think of Tonya, I think of color blocking and mixing and matching patterns.

Here's what they are sharing today.

First up...Tina's take on Tonya.

Supplies:Cut and Paste-Charm: Sweet Swim paper,6x6 paper pad,Sweet Tiny Word Stickers;5x7 Sticker Sheet,Enamel Dots,Carefree Label Stickers, 5x7 Bits & Pieces,Chipboard Pieces;Misc:Die Cut Machine:  Silhouette Cameo,Sewing Machine:  Brother,Thread:  Coates & Clark,Adhesive:  American Crafts (tape runner), Imaginese (foam tape)

Tina says:Freaky Friday is one of my favorite DT challenges and I always have fun with it when I get to participate in it.  Today, I am switching design styles with the uber Talented Tonya Dirk! To prepare myself for the challenge, I perused Tonya's blog and started to look for similar design elements and techniques.  This usually doesn't take too long as these elements are quickly identified. 

I noticed that Tonya likes to use large grids or square designs.  In addition to squares, she also loves geometric designs of all shapes and sizes!  {I like where she is going with this!}  Another element that Tonya uses frequently are digital cut patterns and embellishments.

Using these 3 design techniques as a jumping off point, I decided to use a large grid and digital elements for my layout.  I personally love grids (they are one of my go-to design techniques) and I love creating with my Silhouette, so this was going to be easy.  :)

In order to take her design style and incorporate some of my own style, I clustered my grid together and layered lots of goodness, in and around the grid.  I love this look!

So if you are in need of some inspiration and your mojo needs a kick, visit one of your favorite designer's blog and look for common design elements and techniques.  Try incorporating these elements into a layout, using your own style! 

And Tonya's take on Tina:

 

Supplies: Cut & Paste-Charm: Sweet "Spin" paper, Hey You "Trend" paper, Sweet "Treat" paper, Bliss 5x7 Sticker Sheet, Smile Decorative Brads, Smile Enamel Dots, Hey You Decorative Stamps, Hey You Decorative Buttons, Carefree Chipboard Stickers, Carefree Labels.

Tonya says:I was really hoping to be assigned to this blog post, and when I saw that I had been teamed up with Tina I admit that there might have been a little happy squeal! See, Tina is one of my favorites and I have been wanting to use her "ink dauber splatter" technique ever since I watched her video on it. So this provided me with the perfect opportunity!

When I look at Tina's work I see an edgy style that uses mixed media, white space, and layers. I also noticed that her dog is often the focus of her pages, so in order to keep it true to Tina I used a photo of my husband and my dog taking a little nap on the couch.

For my attempt at the mixed media part I cut some stars out of a 12x12 sheet of some awful colored card stock (this is a great way to use all of those colors that you really aren't fond of) and then used that as a mask to mist the stars on this layout. Next I dripped some ink splatters and stamped some clouds. Lastly, I used some light silver ink to for the splatters.

This was so fun. Challenge yourself to use another scrapbooker's style as inspiration. It's really a great way to create!

 

Double Page Layout Week- Tamara's Turn!

Hi, this is Tamara.  I think double page layouts are PERFECT for vacation photos. I always take tons of photos and a single scrapbook page just doesn't have enough room for all the pictures I want to include.

Supplies:Cut and Paste-Charm: Spin patterned paper, Jovial patterned paper, Smile patterned paper, Trend patterned paper, Mellow patterned paper, Relaxed patterned paper, journal card, title, enamel shapes, brads, chipboard, label stickers.

 I've had these photos sitting in my computer for 4 years - since our cruise to Mexico. (We celebrated our 15th anniversary with our 4 kids - our favorite anniversary gift!). When I saw the "beachy" colors of the new "Charm" Cut and Paste collection, I knew I had finally found the right papers for my photos.  They coordinated so well with the golden sand and beautiful blue ocean.

I printed a large 5x9 photo to "anchor" my layout.  It is also my FAVORITE picture of our whole trip and perfectly captured the picturesqe beauty we enjoyed.  I re-sized the other 10 photo to 2" x 3". I tucked the journal card under the large chevron patterned paper,zig zaged over the seam, and accented it with a large brad and layered circle. 

I like to use long horizontal lines on my 2 page layouts to draw the eye across the page and tie the two together. The title: "Footloose and Fancy Free - Carry Me Away" described our feelings as we played in the sand and the ocean waves.

I accented it with the awesome epoxy triangles and clustered two label stickers with them. I cut out the rust chevron pattern to mat my title.  The decorative brad and arrow chipboard added the finishing touch to my layout.

Thanks for coming by today to see my double page layout!

Thanks for hanging out with us for Double Page Layout Week. We had a BLAST!

Related articles

Valerie's Take on Double Page Layout Week

Welcome to Double Page Layout Week!

Shelly Takes on Double Page Layout Week!

Anatomy of a Double Page Layout - August's 4x6 Photo Love

Anatomy of a Double Page Layout-Finding Inspiration in a Single Page Sketch

Anatomy of a Double Page Layout- June

Valerie's Take on Double Page Layout Week

Hello! Valerie here with you today. Hope you are enjoying and finding inspiration in our double page layouts this week!

Back when I really got into this hobby, I actually did more two page layouts than single page layouts. I know this because I just rearranged and put some albums together a few weeks ago. When looking back at those older double pagers, I also noticed it's really hard for me to break away from a grid format.

Scrapping double pagers definitely is more of a challenge for me these days—there's more photos, more space, and a sometimes awkward line down the middle. The layout I'm sharing with you today is (surprise!) grid-style with not one, but TWELVE photos. Scrapping twelve photos at one time, now that's efficient!

Supplies: Cut & Paste Collection—Presh "Good Times" Treasures, "Right Now" Hashtag,  and "Beautiful" Delight patterned paper; Presh "Right Now" and Charm "Carefree" label stickers; Presh "Noted" decorative brads; Flair "Today" tiny word stickers; Charm "Carefree" 2x6 journal card; Adorbs and Mint & Grey decorative tape; Charm "Smile" and Presh "Noted" enamel dots. Find Your Wings and Fly Collection—chipboard elements. Other— Silhouette SD (Courier font), vintage typewriter, and navy cardstock.

These twelve photos are my absolute favorite from our trip to the fair last month. I do most of my photo printing at home—this allows me the most flexibility with picture size. In order to figure out photo size and composition when I'm using so many photos, I open all the photos for a particular layout in Photoshop. Then I create a new document in Photoshop that is the same size of the actual layout I will create with paper. So for this layout, I created a new document that is 24 inches wide and 12 inches tall. I drag my images onto this new document and resize and move around until I've got something I think will work. I print photos on letter size paper and then cut them down.

And now a closer look at the left side:

I created the title with my Silhouette and aligned a row of circles along the text to mimic the row of circles on the journal card. I really love how it creates some unity within the layout.

And the right side:

How many photos, on average, do you place on your two page layouts? And do you have trouble escaping the grid? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Shelly Takes on Double Page Layout Week!

Hello everyone; welcome back for another dose of double page inspiration this week! I can’t say how excited I was when Tina tossed the idea of having an entire week dedicated to double page inspiration here on the My Mind’s Eye blog. I can never get enough inspiration for “Doublers.”

Supplies: Collectable – Remarkable: “Handsome” Charming Paper, “Day” Dates Paper, “Day” Daily Paper, “Authentic Die-Cut Chipboard Stickers, “Handsome” Enamel Dots, “Smile” Label Stickers; Collectable – Notable: “Wonder” Dream Paper, “Cute” Petite Paper; Find Your Wings and Fly “Sky’s the Limit” 6x6 Designer Paper pad; Decorative Tape; Indie Chic Twine; Other: Date stamp, ink, alphabet stickers, eyelet, photo corners, notebook border punch.

Today, my layout features the bold colors of my beloved Collectable Collection. Don’t get me wrong, I love the new collections that are arriving in stores, but there is just something about Collectable that will always hold a special spot in my heart. I knew I needed to do one more layout featuring it.


You guys will recognize these pictures. I used them in my latest Anatomy of a Double Page Layout using 4x6 photos. Like I have said before, I like to keep separate albums for each of my children. I hope I am not the only crazy one out there that chooses to do this! This time, I switched up my sizes and went with 3.5x5 and 3x4 photos.

I kicked off my design by grouping the photos by category. I had pictures from the Fourth of July, the beach, and the playground.  To set each group off from one another, I went with a color block background to give each event its own platform to stand on.

The burst shapes from the Remarkable Chipboard Stickers were just too perfect to pass up as fireworks. I added some stitched swirls to draw the eye across the page and also tie the different color blocks together. enamel dots added that little extra something giving the fireworks added dimension, shape, and texture. 

For the title, I went super easy. The various journal card pattern papers are by far my favorite flat accessory to any of my pages. I dressed this one up with an eyelet and twine to create a tag. Using tiny alphabet stickers, I was able to pull off a custom title, “The Best Holiday Week Ever.”

So, there it is your second dose of Double Inspiration. I hope you have and will continue to be inspired by the My Mind’s Eye Team as we bring you this awesome week of inspiration. Thank you for stopping by today, and we will see you back here tomorrow!

Welcome to Double Page Layout Week!

Hi!  Tina here today and kicking us off with our Double Page Layout Week! 

To be honest, when I hear 'two-page layout', I get a little nervous.  I am NOT a two-page layout designer and when I am challenged with creating a two-page layout, I am not sure where to start. 

How will I fill TWO pages with photos, embellishments, and journaling?  I am typically a one photo designer, so how do I use more than 1 photo?  I how do I make both pages look cohesive and connected?  These are all questions I ask myself when confronted with the challenge of creating a two-page layout.

Let me share what I came up with and how I went about it.

Supplies:Happy Haunting:Labels paper, Chevron paper,Spooky paper,6x6 paper pad,Chipboard accessories,Sticker accessories, 8x10 Ready to Frame,Layered Stickers;Misc:Glitter:  Martha Stewart,Typewriter:  Vintage,Stickers:  Jillibean Soup,Ink:  Distress Ink,Adhesive:  American Crafts (tape runner), Imaginese (foam tape), Tombow (wet adhesive)

Here are a few of my tips on how I bridge the gap between creating a 1 page, 1 photo layout to  a 2 page, multi photo layout.

1.  12x12 seems TOO much for me, so I cut everything down to 8.5x11.  My brain can cope with two 8.5x11 pages, instead of two 12x12 pages.  With two 8.5x11 sheets, there is less 'real estate' that must be filled with photos, embellishments, and journaling. This makes the project much easier for me to do.

2.  How do I create a cohesive two page layout?  When creating, attach both sheets together with tape (on the backside).  Keep them attached until everything is in place.  Using this technique, I create my two page layout as ONE PAGE.  All of my photo's, embellishments and journaling will flow from one page to another.  Also, when you are ready to 'separate' the two pages, do NOT be afraid of cutting a photo or embellishment in half, so that a portion of it sits on one side or the other. 

3.  Since I am primarily a one photo designer, I will convert my photos to black & white (or sepia) when I want to use multiples.  Also, you can replicate the same photo for a multi photo layout.  I love the repetition and black and white look.

Did you notice another 'surprise' on my two page layout?  I used our newest Halloween collection, Happy Haunting.  Halloween is my favorite holiday and I couldn't wait till October to create some traditional Halloween projects, so I used it on my layout.  I love the colors of Halloween, and mixed with my black and white photos, they paired up quite nicely.

So I hope the next time you think about creating a two-page layout, you won't be so hesitant.  Please share your tips on how you create a two-page layout.  We would love to hear about them!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week!

Teacher Treats by Danni

Happy Saturday!

Danni here with you today to share a couple of fun, inexpensive, and useful teacher's gift ideas.  My hubby is an administrator at an elementary school and giving his staff little, fun gifts is one of his most favorite things.  He loves to share with them how much he respects them and the incredibly important job they are doing, and loves to do so with a little gift, whether for the start of the year, holidays, or the end of the year.  So, I was really excited to see this on the calendar this month.

When deciding what to create for the staff for the start of the school year, he shared that he'd love to be able to incorporate a little chocolate because of all the meetings in the beginning.  So, we decided on Nestle Crunch bars and Skittles (for those who don't care for chocolate....ack, I know, but just in case...smile).

Each cellophane goodie bag has a full size Nestle Crunch bar and full size bag of Skittles included.

Each gift tag reads:  here's to reading rainbows and crunching numbers

The Skittles represent the reading rainbow:  "Taste the Rainbow" and The Crunch bars represent the crunching of numbers all year.

It was so easy to create these fun tags using a Martha Stewart apple punch and some beautiful MME papers and brads.

The next idea I came up with was a Post It note holder (this would work for teacher's or secretaries)  I created the Post It note holder using a Silhouette Cut file by Lori Whitlock.  The gorgeous papers and enamel dots make creating these cut files so easy and colorful

Lastly, I thought it would be fun to play with some of these large paper clips that you can purchase at Target in an array of colors. 

And, it's so easy to "dress up" the cellophane bags with some of the gorgeous layered stickers. 

Simply tie with some fun twine, adhere a layered sticker and voila, an easy, quick, beautiful gift!

Thank you so much for joining us today!
Happy Creating♥

Altered School Supplies with Laurel

Hi everyone and TGIF!

Laurel here and I am so excited to be sharing my first project as a Design Team member for My Mind’s Eye!  As a teacher I love anything related to school so I couldn’t wait to create this first assignment – altered school supplies.

Every year I alter a notebook that I can use to jot down notes that come up through out the year and for this assignment I just had to use some of the Cut & Paste Flair collection as I just love it! 

This year I also decorated some clips to use as note/photo holders and as a little added bit, I used some of the coordinating decorative tape to flag some pencils.

I like to have some ‘magic’ pencils in my classroom which sometimes help reluctant writers/workers who say they can’t do it.  It is amazing the wonder of magic pencils!

To cover the notebook, I think of it in terms of a large card or small scrapbook page.  Most of my projects have layering and some stitching so I need to create the panel first then when it is complete I adhere it to the notebook. 

I like asymmetry on my projects and for things to look like they just sort of fell onto the page so I play around with different items before permanently adhering them.  Then I just add bits and pieces here and there (stickers, brads, staples) until I like the look.

 

To cover the clips I just trimmed the paper to size and added a sticker.  So easy.

 

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

Laurel