My Mind's Eye Blog

Anatomy of a Double Page Layout | April 2014

Hello everyone! This is Shelly with a behind the scenes look at the makings of a double page layout.

Awe… SPRING! It is here… well, sort of. Being in the Midwest, I keep waiting for that next and last snowfall we seem to get in March/April. Maybe this year, we will get lucky though. A girl can dream, right!? With the birds chirping and the snowpiles gone for now, I was iching to play with some bright playful fun colors. I was inspired to get our spring memories documented from last year for my daughter’s album.

Supplies: Now & Then – Dorothy: “Lovely Day” Party Paper, “The Best” Happiness Paper, “Wild & Free” Spirited Paper, “Lovely Day” Play Paper, “Pretty” Label Stickers, “The Best” Accent Stickers, “Wild & Free” Enamel Dots, “Celebrate” Decorative Buttons, 6x6 Designer Paper Pad; Now & Then – Izzy: “Boys” Smart Paper; Cut & Paste Decorative Tapes; other: My Mind’s Eye twine, Thickers, string, bubble border punch.

 

Left Side:

 

Right Side:

After pulling my favorite pictures aside to scrapbook, I created a quick sketch in my notebook.  I had quite a few pictures, so I actually opted to go with an additional “insert” of a 6x12 divided pocket page. I would be able to slide in 4x6 pictures to document Easter and a Girl Scout outing that was important to my daughter

That way, I had the pictures in her album, but if I ever feel the creative desire to scrapbook those memories, I could easily go back and do that too! It’s a great way of feeling accomplished and get those memories documented.

Next up, laying it all out with an idea of colors! As you can see, my page ended up changing just a touch after some cutting and pasting. I put the focal picture on the left side of my page instead of the right like I had sketched it.

I went back and forth with it, but ultimately decided to switch up my initial plan. Looking at it now, it could still easily go on the right side… I can’t be the only one out there that always second guesses herself. Right? HA!


After laying out my papers, I started the embellishment process. I started with my big empty 6x8 spot. I had ideas of either a large title to fill the space or filling it with some journaling. I opted for both, sort of. I typed up my journaling to see how much I had to say.

I always make sure there is room for the story before I add any of the fun stuff, but why not include the story as part of the fun stuff? I cut the journaling block into a banner and then added a few fun patterned banners too. After having that in place, I went with a small title to fill in on one of the banners.

With the left side being very photo heavy, I went light on embellishment there. I added a few strips of decorative tapes and a phrase sticker.


Following the triangle rule of thumb with my embellishment groupings, I added a little something extra to the top left. A simple bubble border strip, a button, and a couple of enamel dots did the trick just like I had done on the other side of my page.

This is the finished product with the 6x12 divided pocket page to include some extra memories. I added a little tab on the side labeling each event. It is so simple and easy, and just like that the memories of spring 2013 are documented for my daughter.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope you have a wonderful day!

White Cardstock + Pops of Color

Hi there!  Stephanie here with you today to share layout using the new Now and Then Izzy collection.

I'm a big fan of a white background.  It's like a blank, empty canvas just waiting to be filled with color.  Sometimes my mood calls for soft and calming colors, and other times, I want bold pops on my page.  When I started planning this page, the colors from the Now and Then Izzy collection really drew in my attention.  The patterned papers are a little more subtle and the embellishments have that pop of color!  It's was perfect combination.

Supplies: Now and Then- Izzy: "Good Times" Range, "Boys" Dapper, "Happenings" Enamel Dots, "Good Time" 3x4 Journal Cards, "Dream Big" Chipboard and Buttons.

I started with my white background and layered a few of the softer patterned papers on my page.  I chose lighter colors and a few neutrals because I really wanted my embellishments to stand out on my page.  


After my papers and photos were layered, I grab a few of the journaling cards that coordinated with this collection and added them to my page.  The "today" card on the right hand side of my paper layers continued with the red-orange color on my page.


The navy block on the "remember this" journaling card gave the left side of my page a little more balance and color.  I added my journaling onto this card and created a hide-away pocket for the card.  I love adding interactive elements to my page.  It's like a little secret waiting to be discovered.  


I finished my page with a few embellishment clusters in the top right and bottom left of my page.  Including clusters on a diagonal continued with the overall balance of my layout.  

Patterned Paper as Inspiration

Hello there, everyone!  Missy here.  The project I’m sharing with you today was completely inspired by a single sheet of patterned paper. 

 

The Now & Then Mildred “Hello” Framed paper is just so gorgeous, and I knew immediately that I wanted to use all those little frames on it.  That is the only piece of 12x12 patterned paper I used on this page. 

 

I decided to print seven smaller photos of my daughter to add to seven of the little frames.  I used an exacto knife to cut the centers out of the frames and then adhered my photos behind them.  The rest is embellishments from the Mildred collection.

  Supplies:  Now &Then Mildred Collection—“Hello” Framed Paper, Chipboard Elements, Decorative Tapes, “Hello” Sticky Notes, “Girls” Label Stickers, “Today” Accent Stickers, “Hello” Enamel Shapes, “Oh Happy Day” Decorative Buttons, “With You” Enamel Dots, 6x6 paper pad; Other—Martha Steward Acrylic Glitter Paint, Liquitex Gesso, Crafter’s Workshop Template, Sharpie Black Pen, thread.

 

I love this large chipboard flower!  I wanted it to help the center photo be the focus, so that’s where I put it.  That little Hello piece is one of the Sticky Notes…just like little Post-It Notes!  So fun.  I added a few pop dots to the Little Lady Sticker to finish up my title.  I love when pre-made stickers create the perfect title.

 

I used more chipboard here, and I also fussy cut some flowers from the 6x6 paper pad.  They’re smaller, so they were perfect for framing the photo.  I added some gesso around the page to give a faded look to certain spots.

 

I’m sort of obsessed with gold these days…shiny gold, glittery gold…you name it.  For a few of the empty frames, I painted gold glitter paint over a small circle stencil.  It’s a fun and easy way to add some shimmer.  I LOVE these gold enamel hearts…oh my goodness!!  It doesn’t get any better than that!

 

 Here you can see the layers I created with a few chipboard pieces and pop dots.  I added in a little bit of gold thread for some extra shine.

 

I hope this inspires you to use a single piece of patterned paper on a layout.  This particular one made it easy because they design was already laid out.  I just needed to add the photos and embellishments. 

 

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

 

 

 

 

Peep-a-licious Gifts

I remember as a little girl getting my brother’s Peeps because none of them liked Peeps, but every year our Easter Bunny gave them to each of us. I would open the package, because a dried out peep is better, and savor them for months.

I know that not everyone likes Peeps like I do, but even if you don’t like to eat them, you have to admit, they are cute!

Have you had a chance to see the NEW My Mind’s Eye Market Street collection? It is GORGEOUS! Beautiful gold foiled papers and embellishments. Sigh! You need to check them out if you haven’t already.

For Thursday’s Good Things Utah project, I combined my love of peeps with my love of the new Market Street collection.

  

If you lightly roast the Peep Pop, the sugars will carmalize and you end up with…

Peeps brûlée!

   

A play off a summer time favorite: the S’more!

What do you get when you mix a Chocolate bunny, a marshmallow Peep and two graham crackers? A “Smeep”!

(I think it would be delicious with a Reese’s Peanut Butter bunny – Heaven!)

I thought you’d like to see the segment, we had a good time with this project!

 

Click here for instructions for these projects:

  Download 2014_04_10_Peep-a-licious gifts

 

Have a great time playing with these gorgeous new products!

What do you think? Peeps: yeah or nay? Let me know.

Tina & Jen

Hi!  Tina here today with a very special layout featuring one of My Mind’s Eye's very own, Jen Allyson.  I was so honored to have met Jen in person at winter CHA, and couldn’t wait to document this momentous occasion.

Supplies: Now and Then- Izzy: ‘Happenings’ Frolic Paper, ‘Good Times’ Range Paper, ‘Good Times’ Stickers, ‘Happenings’ Mixed Bag, ‘Happenings’ Enamel Dots, ‘Boys’ Brads, 12x12 Chipboard Sheet; Misc: Cardstock: American Crafts Foil Paper:  American Crafts Die Cut Machine:  Silhouette Cameo
Adhesive: Tombow (tape runner), Imaginese (foam tape)

Not only is Jen an amazing designer, (she’s the brilliant mind behind so many of our favorite My Mind’s Eye collections); she is a super sweet and wonderful person.

Using one of her latest collections, Now & Then, I documented that day.  Using my favorite MME product, chipboard pieces, I layered several in a cluster with a few enamel dots to accent the area.  This is always one of my go-to design techniques.

Since I used white cardstock as a base for my layout, I off-set the cluster of chipboard with a large triangle cut piece of patterned paper.  I love this look!

What Crafty Idol would you love to meet in person?  I have so many on my list.  I guess I better start visiting!!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day.

Collection Spotlight | Chalk Studio II

Hello! Valerie here with you today sharing a five photo layout featuring Chalk Studio 2 (& a little Now & Then). I decided to create a layout about what my son is into right now at age 4 1/2.

Since I used a variety photos that span a period of about two months, I chose to unify them all a bit by converting them to black and white. I like the way the black and white photos fit in with the chalkboard look of the paper. Using that background paper from Chalk Studio 2 was definitely a little out of my comfort zone. It was a good challenge for me to set aside the white cardstock I prefer to use as my base layer.

Supplies:  Chalk Studio 2 - “Smile” paper, chipboard elements, & enamel dots. Now & Then- Milo “Documented” chipboard elements, Dorothy “Lovely Day” enamel shapes, Izzy “Smile” flair, & Milo “Little Things” label stickers; Record It! Charmed enamel dots & Cupid’s Arrow enamel shapes. Other: turquoise cardstock, Silhouette Cameo, thread.

With my photos in hand, I took a few minutes to write down my journaling on a scrap piece of paper. I laid out the design of my page using the Silhouette Studio software. I measured and marked off the “smile” and camera areas on the virtual cutting mat and then typed in my journaling and title. I let my digital cutting tool do all the hard work for me by cutting out all those tiny letters.

I placed lots of enamel dots down on the page for a fun confetti effect and finished it off with some chipboard elements and a little stitching. It was fun to do something different with my journaling. The die-cut journaling adds some texture and depth to the page that handwritten journaling doesn’t. What have you created or what supply have you used lately that has been out of your comfort zone? Thanks for stopping by! 

Market Street + Necessities Winners!

Market Street.

195 Beverly Jordan said...Gorgeous collections, BOTH of them!! love Nob Hill's patterned papers and colors but love Ashbury Heights is so beautiful too with its Navy, Gold and Salmon!! Will be buying everything!! Great touches of gold throughout, too!

 

20 Saundra said... This collection is gorgeous!! I love all the patterns and the embellishments!! Beautiful!

 

Necessities.

320 Wendi R said... these are great!!!! WOW!!!! love love the woods!!! those are going to be fun!!!

 

Congratulations, ladies! Please email stephanie(AT)mymindseye(DOT)com  with your info!!!

Easter Home Decor

Hi!  Tina here today with a couple of cute and easy Easter decor ideas ...created with a couple of sheets of paper, a few embellishments, and my trusty Silhouette Die Cut machine.

Supplies: Now and Then- Milo: ‘Friends’ Follow Paper, ‘Friends’ Field Paper,  ‘Friends’ Stickers, ‘Little Things’ Decorative Brads, 'Inspired’ Mixed Bag, ‘Documented’ 12x12 Chipboard Sheet; Misc: Punch:  Martha Stewart, EK Success Die Cut: http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=40006 (Easter Baskets)
http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=27389 (Cone Basket) Die Cut Machine:  Silhouette Cameo
Adhesive: Tombow (tape runner and wet) Stickpin:  Tim Holtz

This winter has been a long, cold one, and I wanted to create a project to fill my house with color and life.  The color palette of the new Now & Then Milo range is the perfect collection for my project.

This was seriously one of the quickest Home Décor projects I’ve ever created, and I think it took longer for me to decide what candy would fill my baskets.

After a few quick cuts and attachments with adhesive and brads, both the baskets and cone were assembled.  I shredded a few sheets of vintage dictionary paper to fill my baskets, then added my yummy Easter treats.

 Just like that.  Done.

What are you creating this Easter?  Please share your My Mind’s Eye Easter projects with us on our Facebook page.  We’d love to check them out.

Thank you for stopping by!

Cards for Boys

Hi there!  Lea here today with a pair of cards to share with you that are perfect for that little man in your life! 

Boy cards aren't exactly the easiest thing for me to create...I always want to add doilies & rhinestones & girlie things to them.  But I love that My Mind's Eye is awesome about including colors, papers & accents that fit both girls & boys.

Both Now and Then "Izzy" & "Milo" had this 3x4 chart journal card in the respective colors of each collection.  I decided to use these cards & a similar design to create two cards that any little guy would just love to get!

Supplies: Now and Then "Izzy": 6x6 designer paper pad, alpha/word stickers, accent stickers, small flair pins, label stickers, decorative buttons, enamel dots, enamel shapes, 3x4 cards

While the journal cards are extremely similar in design, I love that the adjectives used on each one is completely different...in fact, the only word used twice on them is "remarkable".  It's a great way to convey how you feel about your boy without getting all mushy....because you know boys- there not much for mush. :)

 

Supplies: Now and Then "Milo": 6x6 designer paper pad, alpha/word stickers, accent stickers, decorative buttons, enamel dots, enamel shapes, 3x4 cards

While both cards could definitely be used for a birthday celebration, they are also perfect as a just because card.  They could easily be tucked into a backpack or lunchbox, or left in a special place to be found at just the perfect time! 

Thanks for checking out my cards today!  I hope that you've enjoyed them, and are inspired to pull out your favorite My Mind's Eye product & get to crafting!

Lea

Mix and Match with Karen | April 2013 Edition

Hi everyone,

This is Karen, back with another Mix and Match with Karen. As I continue on my journey of two-6x12 page layouts, I've been thinking about this new style and pondering how I feel about it. I've received some thoughts
and questions about this style and wanted to share some of what I think with you.

1. I love having the room to write longer journaling. When I switched to creating layouts with hand-journaling a few years ago, one of the things I missed was the ability to tell much longer stories. I know that, for me, handwriting my journaling means writing more randomly and naturally. But not always going as deep. I seem to be able to collect my thoughts better on the computer. So I love having this mechanism for telling my
longer stories. Making deeper connections on my layout.

2. I've been asked a few times, why I like the 2 6x12 over the 12x12. On a purely mechanical level, I don't have a large-sized printer and would not be able to print my journaling if I did a 12x12 page.  But, even more significantly, with this system when I sit to scrap, I am still designing a 6x12 page. I always put the two blank pages side by side but, with the exception of the photos, I don't think of any overlap until I've fully designed the right side. So my brain is thinking of a narrow rectangle (6x12) and not of a square (12x12) and different ideas come to me that wouldn't if I started with a square. This month's layout is a perfect example. I'd never have put an arrow in the middle of a square page, but with the split design, the arrow that splits across the  pages makes it visually interesting.

3. More than anything, I like the process of doing something different than I usually would. Doing the same thing over and over again can get you into a rut. It might put you on auto-pilot and fewer creative ideas bubble up. Changing your perspective, changing your fundamentals (like the size and shape of the paper you design on) can really shake things up and help you see new possibilities.

So if you've been doing the same thing for a while, I encourage you to try something new this month. You never know what surprises you might get.

With that, here's my page for April:


I noticed that my last few pages were really full so I challenged myself to keep the page more bare this time. One of the products I've been really enjoying from the new release is the cards in the Record It! line.

For this page, I cut up the little saying below from one of the cards in pretty things line and the hearts behind come from another card in the follow your heart line. The little hearts are from the awesome Cupid's Arrow.


You don't have to use the cards as 3x4s. You can cut them up, cut parts of them apart, etc. In the photo below, I used the other half of the hearts card and then I cut the big gold heart from the Record It!  Charmed line and then the "you have my whole heart" part comes from one  of the cards in the Record It! Follow Your Heart.

I just cut things apart and put them back together in a way that speaks to me. I added an enamel heart right on top of there, too. I can't get enough of those.


I then grabbed a bunch more cards that I liked and lined them up against the right edge and then cut what came off the page. I layered them with gold bits from the Lost and Found 3 line and an embellishment from Find Your Wings and Fly. Some of the wonderful word stickers from the Now & Then life and a few more heart enamels and I had a mini collage I liked.


Even though it was a bit challenging, I even cut the enamel embellishment to fit my needs.


I wanted to try something different to unify the two pages this time, so I put the enamel embellishment you see above on one side, and then did a cluster of  embellishments on the top left. I included gold just to match the gold heart and embellishments on the right side.


I then painted the edges with a happy yellow color and added some more painted hearts all over the page to unify. And finally stitched everything together to make it look even more coherent.

so here it is again:


You can read the whole journaling here.

Thank you for letting me share my page and I hope you choose to try something new this month, too. If you do, please come share so I can see it!