tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26734298182929053022024-03-04T23:08:19.424-05:00michelleunMichelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-20168761014300479082014-07-20T17:01:00.000-04:002014-07-20T17:01:20.467-04:00I'M MOVING!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey y'all! I'M MOVING!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Websites, that is. From here on out, you can find me at <a href="http://michelleydesign.com/">michelleydesign.com</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make sure to update your blog subscription! There's a simple RSS button on the side of my new blog, and you can also <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">use these links to subscribe via </span><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12598345" href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12598345" style="background-color: white; color: #2777ae; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> and </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://feedly.com/#subscription%2Ffeed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.michelleydesign.com%2Fblog%3Fformat%3DRSS" href="http://feedly.com/#subscription%2Ffeed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.michelleydesign.com%2Fblog%3Fformat%3DRSS" style="background-color: white; color: #2777ae; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Feedly</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">. If you use a different program or application, please let me know what it is so I can add a link and make it easier for others!</span></span><br />
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Can't wait to see you at the new site!!<br />
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xx, Michelle<br />
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<br />Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-43744023663094765922014-07-02T10:46:00.000-04:002014-07-02T10:46:41.657-04:00DIY Journals + A July 4th GiveawayYay for a four-day week (For us Americans, as least, who celebrate July 4th)!! :D As a little celebration of the day off and also for the fact that I hit 200 Instagram followers recently (wee!!), I hosted a little giveaway on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/p6cq5SwXkR/?modal=true">my feed</a>. Feel free to throw your hat in the ring - it'll only take you a quick comment for a chance to win these goodies:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8LTmFyzrR2lhdl3yG43K_JsZw_raWxFw1WwgFJ2clAzCwF4yHMujGpN5GcCrFvKAgltbQW76ErDIK4fF-3QjfjulYJ65AiwpMVczy4QybOsTLqv-7nHcU_EVzuigGROB7BKCmlJRWck/s1600/july4+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8LTmFyzrR2lhdl3yG43K_JsZw_raWxFw1WwgFJ2clAzCwF4yHMujGpN5GcCrFvKAgltbQW76ErDIK4fF-3QjfjulYJ65AiwpMVczy4QybOsTLqv-7nHcU_EVzuigGROB7BKCmlJRWck/s1600/july4+giveaway.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, once you've done that, we're going to move on to the next order of business... DIY journals! I've gotta tell you, I just would NOT be able to function without my handy dandy journal/planner. Every single thing I think of gets written down in here, from to-do lists (though I rarely check off every item on the day it's supposed to be done by, whoops), to meal plans for the week, and even my Instagramming schedule (yeah, I'm a little crazy like that). I go through one of these at least two of these every year, and they're with me for so much of my day, so I make a point to differentiate them and make them fun to look at!<br />
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As you can see, some of my past notebooks have been really simply covered with some pieces of washi tape and stickers. Super simple, and I'm sure that's an easy idea that you don't need a tutorial for. But my most recent notebook is the one on the right, which I'm going to walk you through today!<br />
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This notebook is really unique because I made my own stencil with the exact phrase I wanted. I think "One day at a time" is so appropriate for a daily planner, and is a great reminder to myself not to worry so much, so that's what I went with. Of course, you can choose any phrase you want!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEbNgCrZqvHx-WylSOpbVOJ0KMhyphenhyphenCKZ-chXgAdoEGFpKnixT0dzP2UtWRK_5z-OQjEVdRfbea9Yg0RODHjUORhp7QH2gVpyRXGxwNNPVmquJG5fB7iLFzT0-ETXD-a7HNJJQDBFA1Ldw/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEbNgCrZqvHx-WylSOpbVOJ0KMhyphenhyphenCKZ-chXgAdoEGFpKnixT0dzP2UtWRK_5z-OQjEVdRfbea9Yg0RODHjUORhp7QH2gVpyRXGxwNNPVmquJG5fB7iLFzT0-ETXD-a7HNJJQDBFA1Ldw/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's the complete list of supplies you'll need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Custom stencil with phrase of your choice. I cut mine with my Silhouette out of cardstock.</li>
<li>Notebooks that are good for DIY covers. I use Moleskine Cahier notebooks, which come in packs of three (so they're a great deal!). I like the gridded pages, because they're good for making my own weekly calendars.</li>
<li>Modeling/embossing paste</li>
<li>Something to spread the modeling paste with.</li>
<li>Embossing powder. I'll be using Ranger Liquid Platinum, which I have to say is my new FAVORITE embossing powder. It melts sooo smooth and beautiful.</li>
<li>Heat gun (not pictured)</li>
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Once you have all your supplies, the first thing you'll want to do is to position your stencil where you want it on your notebook. I decided to have it read on the long edge, sideways. You can tape it down temporarily with washi tape if you want, but I actually covered the back of mine with spray adhesive so that all the little parts would stay in place better. </div>
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Once you have the positioning right, spread a smooth layer of modeling paste on top. Try not to make it too thick!</div>
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Here's how it should look once you take off your stencil - kind of like frosting, mmmm ;)</div>
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While it's still wet, shake on a whole lot of embossing powder...</div>
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...and shake off the excess.</div>
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Okay, now you want to let this dry completely. It'll take at least a few hours. When that's done, then you can heat set it and watch how beautiful the embossing powder becomes. And with the modeling paste under, there's tons of texture, and it won't crack!</div>
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Beautiful and shiny :)</div>
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Hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Enjoy your short week and the holiday weekend!! :D</div>
Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-17306028494894819102014-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:002014-06-24T09:00:05.479-04:00Step by Step: A Background of FramesHello there! Happy Tuesday :) Today I have a quick and easy step-by-step tutorial for you on how to make an interesting background using die cut frames.<br />
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To start with, choose a cut file or precut frames - I used these frames with pretty flourishes designed by Wilna Furstenberg for Two Peas in a Bucket. I love the feminine detail these frames have!<br />
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Next, choose some patterned papers that you'd like to fill the frames with. It helps to choose paper from a single collection here, so that it will all easily match. A 6x6 pad would be great, but I used this paper from Chickaniddy that has many different patterns that you can cut out. Since I don't do much pocket page scrapbooking anymore, this is a great way to use those cut aparts!<br />
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Matching each frame to a patterned paper, I cut a shape to go behind each frame and glued them down.<br />
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Then comes the assembling. I decided to do a partial background, but if you wanted to and had enough frames, I think this would be awesome covering a whole layout background.<br />
<b>Tip: </b>Make sure you have parts of your frame going under your photo and even off the page. This creates the illusion that the frames continue behind the object and off the page, like a true background would.<br />
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Then you can embellish each frame if you want. I left most of mine empty because I thought the patterned papers and flourishes on the frame were pretty enough :)<br />
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I also really love these apartment building motifs in this collection - perfect since this is a layout about my future roomies!!<br />
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There is no time other than college where I will be living with FIVE other girls, so I guess I should embrace it and definitely document it :)<br />
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Before I finish today, I also wanted to feature a very awesome lady. You might have seen my post a few weeks ago with a <a href="http://michelleun.blogspot.com/2014/06/easy-fathers-day-card-with-svg-file.html">tutorial for a Father's Day card</a> - well, <a href="http://instagram.com/angela.mcleod">Angela</a> saw it on Instagram and actually decided to try it out herself - and added her own little twist to it!<br />
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I just LOVE that she added gold to the design - gold just really makes everything better, and it turned out gorgeous! Thanks so much for trying out the card, Angela!! :)<br />
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Make sure to visit her on Instagram (@angela.mcleod) to check out more of her awesome work!<br />
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Until next time, happy crafting!<br />
xxMichelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-71277366088960029132014-06-17T09:43:00.000-04:002014-06-17T09:43:15.819-04:00Beep BoopI've been a very happy girl lately. It's amazing how much good weather can change your mood. I mean, 75 degrees and sunny in Boston? That doesn't happen often, so if you don't enjoy it when it does, you are missing out big time ;)<br />
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Recent and future adventures include:<br />
A picnic with my friend Sarah in front of the Museum of Fine Arts<br />
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Taking pictures on fire escapes<br />
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Seaside photo ops<br />
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Nighttime strolls in our beautiful neighborhood<br />
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Watching my plants grow :)<br />
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Hand lettering outside on campus<br />
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Lots of ice cream eating and more picnics to come!<br />
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Sorry, I got a little carried away there. I've clearly been taking LOTS of photos recently!!<br />
My <i>real</i> reason for this post is that I wanted to share a card with some SUPER cute new products!!<br />
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Just check out that little robot stamp (Lawn Fawn - Beep Boop Birthday) and those teeny tiny flower sequins (from Simon Says Stamp)!! They seriously are the cutest things I've gotten in the mail in a looong time!! I especially love the robot stamps because they would be great for cards for guys, but obviously I made it a little girlier here by adding the flower sequins.<br />
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I gave this card to Sarah during our picnic, and I think she really liked it ;) After all, a handmade card during a summer picnic? What's not to love??Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-85536391826120127312014-06-12T17:15:00.000-04:002014-06-12T17:17:10.828-04:00Easy Father's Day Card with SVG fileHi all! Father's Day is only three days away!! It's crazy how these holidays always sneak up on me - it feels like it was just Mother's Day yesterday, doesn't it? If you haven't created a card for your dad yet, follow along with me today as I make a really easy and FUN card! :)<br />
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So, the first thing I did was cut out a file that I created on my Silhouette Cameo from some plain white cardstock - you can <a href="https://app.box.com/s/i45bkywr1f1mucbwozld">download the SVG file here</a>. Then, simply write <i>(Best Dad Ever) </i>underneath so you have some personal handwriting on there!<br />
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Then, we're going to get started on our watercolor background that's going to go behind the negative space of the die cut.<br />
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<b>Very important tip: </b>When watercoloring, if you want to have maximum blending between colors (which is what I want for the ombre-like effect I'm trying to achieve), wet your paper FIRST before adding any color. The whole thing. Just slap it on generously. ;) You'll see a HUGE difference once you start putting on color - it will really start to blend itself. Just look at how easily the colors blend together when you do this!<br />
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So just keep going at it, using whatever colors you like. When you're all done with that, let it dry, or use a heat gun to speed up the process.<br />
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Now comes the even MORE fun part! We're going to add some more interest to this background, because the spaces under the "BDE" are quite large and we want to make it look cool behind. So we're going to do some watercolor paint splatters! :D Make sure to cover up your workspace under your card front if you care about mess. You can also practice splattering on a separate piece first if you want, but I mean, they're splatters, so they don't have to be perfect, haha.<br />
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<b>Tip: </b>When making paint splatters, a medium/large round tipped brush will create the best effects.<br />
So what you're going to do is take a generous amount of water on your round brush and mix it in with the color you want to splatter with.<br />
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Flick your brush onto your paper, or hold it horizontally with one hand while tapping from the top with your other hand. If the paint isn't coming off, you can quickly dip your brush into your water and try again...<br />
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..And just keep splattering away until you like the result!<br />
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Once that's all dry, we just have to assemble the card and we're done! I decided to pop up the front die cut on foam squares because it really makes the negative space pop out. You can just adhere it flat if you don't want to deal with the backings of 20+ foam squares. ;) Then I added some wood veneer little stars to act as periods for the abbreviation of "BDE" - you can use enamel dots, sequins, or even just leave it blank. And here's another look at the final result - those paint splatter just look awesome behind the negative of the die cut!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhjaBVk859DYuPA-vD7mUWdC8-AX2znjqVOwlNRlerhafDNBD4usGSA4dKAufY0wYY2DQ6pNGnj4lYOkthJJATHZRB0d5-Ptlmb6_f3rt0L6Z32FnTkUDRpLy-zPCp8cXwmLLC89xKLE/s1600/IMG_0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhjaBVk859DYuPA-vD7mUWdC8-AX2znjqVOwlNRlerhafDNBD4usGSA4dKAufY0wYY2DQ6pNGnj4lYOkthJJATHZRB0d5-Ptlmb6_f3rt0L6Z32FnTkUDRpLy-zPCp8cXwmLLC89xKLE/s1600/IMG_0128.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Bonus: </b>Go to <a href="http://instagram.com/michelleyuen_">Instagram</a> (@michelleyuen_) to see the step-by-step photos in stop-motion form!!! (You'll have to be on a phone to see the video, I believe)<br />
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If you decide to recreate this card, let me know how it turns out, and leave a link/photo so I can check it out! Have fun :)Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-19853293671110377672014-06-11T09:46:00.000-04:002014-06-11T09:47:09.077-04:00Best Envelopes for CardmakersIt seems like I've been on the hunt for envelopes that are perfect for those of us who make handmade cards. Since I don't use card blanks that come with matching envelopes, I'm always in need of envelopes. Usually, handmade cards have more dimension and require a sturdier envelope than the ones you usually get in bulk. And, after you've spent so much time and effort for a card, don't you want a nice home for it??<br />
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I used to handmake envelopes out of my own cardstock, using a stencil, tracing, cutting, and gluing... but it wasn't long before I got sick and tired of this tedious method. Then I bought a pack of envelopes from Amazon, but was very disappointed by the flimsy quality. It seemed that wherever I looked online, most envelopes were the same thickness as printer paper, OR I had to pay an extreme premium for higher quality envelopes. Then, finally, I came across the website that had the perfect solution for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcY0ZM_W9VZ1xdJnbijv_d_x1Q9ViSrcmg2NpU1aL9jllXCVtLIjrnk1EZsIwhBbpcxNfJ5tmTqeLNqVU3_6zTGSQBubQ-X6nQ1QnfkDKmoU24BrmaFYi7lfQ90e3B9ecY6d6HD_5YNc/s1600/envelopes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcY0ZM_W9VZ1xdJnbijv_d_x1Q9ViSrcmg2NpU1aL9jllXCVtLIjrnk1EZsIwhBbpcxNfJ5tmTqeLNqVU3_6zTGSQBubQ-X6nQ1QnfkDKmoU24BrmaFYi7lfQ90e3B9ecY6d6HD_5YNc/s1600/envelopes.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a comparison of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Columbian-CO198-Invitation-Envelopes-Inches/dp/B000083E4Z/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402493761&sr=8-1&keywords=a2+envelopes">envelopes off of Amazon</a> and those from <a href="http://www.cutcardstock.com/NeenahClassicCRESTA2envelopes.aspx">CutCardstock.com</a>. It's hard to show in photo, but you can see even from this picture that the top one looks much smoother and more opaque.<br />
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Oh, but I also must mention the BEST feature of this website - they send you THREE free samples of whatever you want!!! I tried three different envelopes and found that this one was my favorite, but you can sign up to try some others that look good to you! Isn't that awesome??? :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01YNWsFpGcX7abZd3ClCmGtc4vPeHEHkNyp6aQyrtMNW82e-5IClZAGWoTjTcrE7J2TuDe9OtWa80ON3uYYfe9yNPHD3-z-Mr2WdpYZAXiG8LJlJVE2FHMx0dxp63f51EiEBm-1Yo1mw/s1600/IMG_0087+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01YNWsFpGcX7abZd3ClCmGtc4vPeHEHkNyp6aQyrtMNW82e-5IClZAGWoTjTcrE7J2TuDe9OtWa80ON3uYYfe9yNPHD3-z-Mr2WdpYZAXiG8LJlJVE2FHMx0dxp63f51EiEBm-1Yo1mw/s1600/IMG_0087+copy.jpg" height="616" width="640" /></a></div>
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The opacity is especially important for me, because I stamp my website on the back of cards I sell, and it just looks bad when you can see the black ink through the envelope!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7wLY43rU1K3yf9OTCeJac7wO4sR4pfZ0FPdALTqcJ4A6TLVqAWwD_VcSme-eCIl_b8LG4GzlQwjkZPWgMPAm54tQIxbJo5MC9GTWm2n6-FYdgf7ksqoWaZvbX5TQO8DcWGGYhwHGpu4/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7wLY43rU1K3yf9OTCeJac7wO4sR4pfZ0FPdALTqcJ4A6TLVqAWwD_VcSme-eCIl_b8LG4GzlQwjkZPWgMPAm54tQIxbJo5MC9GTWm2n6-FYdgf7ksqoWaZvbX5TQO8DcWGGYhwHGpu4/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll be using these envelopes from now on for all my handmade cards, whether it be ones I sell or ones that have lots of dimension!<br />
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Is there a kind of envelope that you've found to be great for handmade cards? Please share in the comments below - I'd love to check them out and compare! And if you found this post useful, make sure to pin it on Pinterest for future reference! <i>(I know I <b>always</b> need to go back for exact links!)</i>Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-32905575089723925322014-06-04T20:09:00.000-04:002014-06-04T20:09:31.694-04:00Updates, updatesOne month since my last post? How did <i>that</i> happen!? Oh yeah, life happened. WHOOPS!<br />
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Safe to say, things have certainly not been a bore around here. Many, many things have been happening - both in real life and in my creative/blogosphere world. <i>Hint: This means some BIG things will be announced (hopefully soon), so you'll want to keep an eye out!!</i><br />
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I have to admit, I haven't been scrapbooking much - but I do have one layout I'd like to share with you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU76R-GECeh_Ct6ClxxEpdsJZZceSy3j0wJLIM_QNhVd7AcljQxtIP_V6kf7ATDQy3c8UhI2qCc_3v89Lb6ZhLB_bHnwdhhs9NkPTFnBMyg_DImHWgvUqEYZofaFGfGtgibjWer9_2yY/s1600/photo1+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU76R-GECeh_Ct6ClxxEpdsJZZceSy3j0wJLIM_QNhVd7AcljQxtIP_V6kf7ATDQy3c8UhI2qCc_3v89Lb6ZhLB_bHnwdhhs9NkPTFnBMyg_DImHWgvUqEYZofaFGfGtgibjWer9_2yY/s1600/photo1+(3).jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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A quick and fun layout with lots of layers. I decided to do some handwritten brushscript and cut it out by hand. Even though I have a Cameo, I love going back to the basics every so often - it's more unique, and also easier when I'm too lazy to design something on my laptop haha ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoXWhBdqT0EFymsEH8RzSuVq3J5FvKK_lQ1CqDr4vqjtw2F_AsUBxQP37K6UqX_3fBpREDNMMc7alwaFigDbkzXgzJ0WeQYhD4CE59dT9THeVTTV6_S8gAKB5d2IxdZGrPzsRiFEc53A/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoXWhBdqT0EFymsEH8RzSuVq3J5FvKK_lQ1CqDr4vqjtw2F_AsUBxQP37K6UqX_3fBpREDNMMc7alwaFigDbkzXgzJ0WeQYhD4CE59dT9THeVTTV6_S8gAKB5d2IxdZGrPzsRiFEc53A/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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But even though I haven't been scrapbooking much, my creative energies have been put to use in other areas. For example, hand lettering! Once upon a time, I took an intro online course on hand lettering... and never finished anything. But I just loooove the look of it, and this quote has really been on my mind because I'm always brimming with ideas of my future career. So, here's a simple hand lettered piece and hopefully I'll be making more in the future!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotjedU0FI_9Yg8VGa6bzlMEsrChdUYqpl5nlYjqCvJ00QaFOY0Nuf3y46SrLLfW0oY8Deoyu5oAN71xvLeDBaaP61mjzo0LqpUHUncJTezDwQHPX0uz3i-77RqRK-NYfPP5s02u4HAAg/s1600/handlettering6-4-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotjedU0FI_9Yg8VGa6bzlMEsrChdUYqpl5nlYjqCvJ00QaFOY0Nuf3y46SrLLfW0oY8Deoyu5oAN71xvLeDBaaP61mjzo0LqpUHUncJTezDwQHPX0uz3i-77RqRK-NYfPP5s02u4HAAg/s1600/handlettering6-4-14.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Other than that, I've been making lots of cards also, because I'm constantly inspired by <a href="http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/">Jennifer McGuire.</a> Make sure to follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/michelleyuen_">Instagram</a> for photos of those as well as any other creative endeavors I take on in my never ending adventure of all things crafty, haha!<br />
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Also, a quick photo from a gala I recently went to for work. Yes, a shameless mirror-in-the-hotel-room picture but... hey, I don't get to dress up much, and I bought that dress specifically for the event so, whatever - just humor me! Lol :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIFCTMK0mcHfzjzq-FC1ydqKhz6bzxPqI7FQFBA5wCI0mc4jf4UeMZg7vh6ymDm6biB0J_Lnd3xClIzyZyuHA2RrUrZ2lgMbwIn54a_Vi5dQ8PrtfcmvYAMGSGVR34glvJdXknHnSYM8/s1600/photo1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIFCTMK0mcHfzjzq-FC1ydqKhz6bzxPqI7FQFBA5wCI0mc4jf4UeMZg7vh6ymDm6biB0J_Lnd3xClIzyZyuHA2RrUrZ2lgMbwIn54a_Vi5dQ8PrtfcmvYAMGSGVR34glvJdXknHnSYM8/s1600/photo1+(1).jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, I will be working hard for some big projects for my blog. See you soon! :)Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-20654583010137574002014-05-05T12:19:00.003-04:002014-05-05T12:20:05.226-04:00NSD 2014 Recap | #nsd10kAhh, National Scrapbooking Day... is there any better time of the year?<br />
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Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating just a bit, but I <i>did </i>have a BLAST this weekend! I actually didn't make too many layouts - about 5 (and started some works-in-progress) - but I can honestly say I loved each and every one of them - both the process and the results. But the best part really had to be participating in the Instagram campaign to post 10,000 layouts with #nsd10k! I don't think we made it to 10,000 actually (haha, oh well), but I loved going through the hashtag gallery and looking at all the layouts that were created and just interacting with fellow scrapbookers :) And, my love for Instagram just grows because one of my layouts was even featured on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/njhjZ6ysao/">@silhouetteamerica's Instagram page!</a>!!<br />
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So I'm just gonna show you a quick recap of the layouts I made over the weekend:<br />
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For this first layout, I was inspired by the <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/member/106721-wilna/1991131-bright/">beautiful effect Wilna Furstenburg created</a> by folding patterned vellum. Since I didn't have patterned vellum, I used a floral die cut as a mask (which you'll see in the next layout) and spritz some Gold Color Shine through it. LOVE the effect of the vellum, and I will definitely be trying that again in the future!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvHsiigIsTya2zn4MqeEsQpY1wsdDSBPZMtu6aYNmeU3xyi98ovNUvmBlUKbx74jLLcOLD4M8yxdiNmmFQH1GIJOluwd7CHgN5mBqRfHSCJ1ICiBZ7OKDNS7a5NZ82sHYoxCPyBVq_CI/s1600/IMG_9961+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvHsiigIsTya2zn4MqeEsQpY1wsdDSBPZMtu6aYNmeU3xyi98ovNUvmBlUKbx74jLLcOLD4M8yxdiNmmFQH1GIJOluwd7CHgN5mBqRfHSCJ1ICiBZ7OKDNS7a5NZ82sHYoxCPyBVq_CI/s1600/IMG_9961+copy.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a></div>
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This layout was the one that was featured on Silhouette's Instagram! :) Here you can see the floral die cut that I used as a stencil in the last layout. Since I had misted gold over it, it was ready to go just like that, and it was so simple to just layer some big die cuts from the Dear Lizzy Daydreamer collection. If you love huge embellishments, you might want to check that pack out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVWNVP_bhAPMO_lpYbaY00MhTOQWEGVFMUhyphenhyphennyy_8uA_pGXtMsVKZxA44mJTxjHygsKP-p2REITiTUHMeBwaAO33Pv0ZWGA2mHfc-vQRLnxEf8o988SDF8XCiMlQELOBjZNNM-00OgwM/s1600/IMG_9960+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVWNVP_bhAPMO_lpYbaY00MhTOQWEGVFMUhyphenhyphennyy_8uA_pGXtMsVKZxA44mJTxjHygsKP-p2REITiTUHMeBwaAO33Pv0ZWGA2mHfc-vQRLnxEf8o988SDF8XCiMlQELOBjZNNM-00OgwM/s1600/IMG_9960+copy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a fun 8.5x11 layout that really makes you stop and look at it because of that eye-catching title. I used the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product.aspx?id=120379">Flashy Letters alpha set from Mama Elephant</a>, which I have just been looooving recently - it's the perfect size for card sentiments as well as scrapbooking AND Project Life titles. If you're looking for a basic but also unique alpha set, this might be it (love that it has numbers and an ampersand as well)!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw-znzpBFPmoig-b5Q28To4ZZlQM1feZ3czyiijcz1tHY7MGeytRLSJGOagRFJR-V2ACxvEL8jU0fpjizSTsvS0RQady7mVN7esqWP7-6rkVCLCuvVQjKjM5qR-sPCFRDpRu5VLcz_wM/s1600/IMG_9962+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw-znzpBFPmoig-b5Q28To4ZZlQM1feZ3czyiijcz1tHY7MGeytRLSJGOagRFJR-V2ACxvEL8jU0fpjizSTsvS0RQady7mVN7esqWP7-6rkVCLCuvVQjKjM5qR-sPCFRDpRu5VLcz_wM/s1600/IMG_9962+copy.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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This next layout was really fun to make. I was inspired by lots of layouts I was seeing that had diagonal designs, so this was my own take on it. Tilting everything on an angle just makes it so interesting and dynamic - perfect since my layout is about driving! P.S. I have my driving test in about a month, so once that comes I'll definitely have to make a page about that, because I'll feel like a real adult, haha!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBnH6PXaZehhNR5BqZvIOqL4milxg86YA59e60qciP9rN1QVsLDdYWCJzgj0DBYyh8BHgfxkZjtOFXKli1Wuc74yknfIWV-EVtzAQ2n6m9nmN_Z9_3U6KXYecJ91oip4UzL2IGU3_8YU/s1600/IMG_9965+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBnH6PXaZehhNR5BqZvIOqL4milxg86YA59e60qciP9rN1QVsLDdYWCJzgj0DBYyh8BHgfxkZjtOFXKli1Wuc74yknfIWV-EVtzAQ2n6m9nmN_Z9_3U6KXYecJ91oip4UzL2IGU3_8YU/s1600/IMG_9965+copy.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally, one last layout, another 8.5x11. As you can see, I loved the diagonal design of my last layout so much that I included it again in this one. I had a lot of journaling since this layout is more about an internal story rather than an event and those stripes on the patterned paper were the perfect home for my thoughts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5HjK5MJlwFZKEHjhD6v9KCsy27DdP-afPcTWpc9u2BeAsgW060E6qxtN6Qc0JAHutBj0nOm03vOf8dIVtGpQmX11aZ18Lmf0nDliAr9X9rNy9FLyc8nxzILDR3HwvSfOoSqUyG8IheA/s1600/IMG_9968+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5HjK5MJlwFZKEHjhD6v9KCsy27DdP-afPcTWpc9u2BeAsgW060E6qxtN6Qc0JAHutBj0nOm03vOf8dIVtGpQmX11aZ18Lmf0nDliAr9X9rNy9FLyc8nxzILDR3HwvSfOoSqUyG8IheA/s1600/IMG_9968+copy.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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Well, thanks for taking a look at everything I created! Did you celebrate NSD? If so, how? Leave me a link to either your Instagram or your projects, because I'd love to take a look and leave you some love!!Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-61279780417953305062014-04-18T10:19:00.000-04:002014-04-18T10:19:59.990-04:00Golden Dreams | SVG FreebieI was recently inspired by <a href="http://www.wilnaf.com/2014/04/text-type-and-texture.html">an amazing video</a> from Wilna Furstenburg (always a major source of inspiration for scrapbooking for me). In the video, she made her own mask, put modeling paste through it, and then spray painted it. The effect was absolutely breathtaking, and I wanted to replicate the same look for the layout I'm going to show you today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl5LPLM4cF53DQ-nJs_yyAh99eMCGUXsGskHoMV6Vg4qJL9RXmlWRGvQLuLzr-CDXSd16HWdtVLIZNakERO82bvDz8YVmVBMtQHMxdfHz7qIe528NA50DfimS28PG0yWmnIUNxt9IErU/s1600/IMG_9966+blurred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl5LPLM4cF53DQ-nJs_yyAh99eMCGUXsGskHoMV6Vg4qJL9RXmlWRGvQLuLzr-CDXSd16HWdtVLIZNakERO82bvDz8YVmVBMtQHMxdfHz7qIe528NA50DfimS28PG0yWmnIUNxt9IErU/s1600/IMG_9966+blurred.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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Excuse the blurry photos, I just wanted to keep them a little more private ;)<br />
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So even though I loved the quote that Wilna chose, the song lyrics I chose are the basis of my whole story here, so I made my own cut file. I'll be the first to admit, my handwriting is not nearly as beautiful as Wilna's, but I did my best and I think it turned out alright, as the modeling paste is forgiving and doesn't cling to every little detail. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAr_IcqQpuMJOuB4m3tWr_D97KBjaCuM7YklOma3OgEwQ5FlYtVfulz-OwRiAj4QpW4UYQs_5ampMlXg4bT5BBWaKtVf4n0o236zexw-M-4RFiFm7FzXTECf69fppOifOKTc3H2PH1q0/s1600/IMG_9982+thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAr_IcqQpuMJOuB4m3tWr_D97KBjaCuM7YklOma3OgEwQ5FlYtVfulz-OwRiAj4QpW4UYQs_5ampMlXg4bT5BBWaKtVf4n0o236zexw-M-4RFiFm7FzXTECf69fppOifOKTc3H2PH1q0/s1600/IMG_9982+thumbnail.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></div>
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In Wilna's video, she sprayed gold spray paint over the modeling paste, and the effect was gorgeous. I don't have gold spray paint, though, so I recreated a similar look by pouring gold embossing powder over the wet paste and heating it up when the paste was dry. I also chose to only do this for part of the text rather than the whole thing so that it could double as my title.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9mlnY9RL9I1DjDfOSvVNOwNlWcFdruDaH2fff3_yVBV1xjx431Z8h1mkMl_SFkAw3JKhaaHcaAS1rss-BNu28g9Iuhc7TCS655tw_PRrxRrRZ5K_iKiXO39Zz5hqISTJaIIoKAQl-nk/s1600/IMG_9980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9mlnY9RL9I1DjDfOSvVNOwNlWcFdruDaH2fff3_yVBV1xjx431Z8h1mkMl_SFkAw3JKhaaHcaAS1rss-BNu28g9Iuhc7TCS655tw_PRrxRrRZ5K_iKiXO39Zz5hqISTJaIIoKAQl-nk/s1600/IMG_9980.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's another look at the gold embossing - so shiny. :D<br />
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Even the white on white is so pretty... I will definitely be trying that out on another layout.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T2sh84YRSvqmQZuXebsZehRn0hCHW_dM2syLbYG79UujPY3Nk08cw5fwlRFYhRotFgGvCN7HQDQCVOBaHQONZIO5kUBJ7o56jFQ8ER-YSuUFG8iIYZ0yAY2raie-fca-XvG0q12xGCM/s1600/IMG_9975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T2sh84YRSvqmQZuXebsZehRn0hCHW_dM2syLbYG79UujPY3Nk08cw5fwlRFYhRotFgGvCN7HQDQCVOBaHQONZIO5kUBJ7o56jFQ8ER-YSuUFG8iIYZ0yAY2raie-fca-XvG0q12xGCM/s1600/IMG_9975.JPG" height="277" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some pretty gold embellishments to bring in more of the gold accent, as well as enamel dots - both store bought <a href="http://michelleun.blogspot.com/2014/04/diy-enamel-dots-giveaway.html">and home made</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvXRzQHsBqfcqJdQvMZUX_i0X6b6nI3eWHd4RdbxXU8CuwhHcFRerkV7pUpCKk53Jd3_ZkufAd5btCsjWM_wNKyrAEI0BBwPKnETnEpMoqsqRFDYgVQ26Qf8zs8e2b2r2Y2wQW4BowMs/s1600/IMG_9970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvXRzQHsBqfcqJdQvMZUX_i0X6b6nI3eWHd4RdbxXU8CuwhHcFRerkV7pUpCKk53Jd3_ZkufAd5btCsjWM_wNKyrAEI0BBwPKnETnEpMoqsqRFDYgVQ26Qf8zs8e2b2r2Y2wQW4BowMs/s1600/IMG_9970.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lastly, in a true Wilna spirit, I dropped big droplets of gold mist and black ink. I might have gotten a little carried away ;)<br />
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Modeling paste is quickly becoming one of my favorite tools to use, both in scrapbooking and cardmaking! I love that I can pair it with my Silhouette Cameo to cut my own stencils and come up with a unique and affordable result! To spread some of this happy love, <b>I'm sharing <a href="https://app.box.com/s/lwdiaj81s6jjyhor9adg">the SVG file</a> I created for the lyrics in the background. </b>These lyrics really are great for any layout, especially a love-themed one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAZXID84oNBi5qWpZPLzdb8DP4lOgFy13sqe7ZpoAaJAh9gu9DRRv9hxnN8ACQ_3VxnR6w4ZxjkaZ4Xq9dHkyI-21nd1RervxZKcmlhEW80sJ4gmwR0r1crhaVU2yq-hKlh-t_XSBFFw/s1600/hills+and+valleys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAZXID84oNBi5qWpZPLzdb8DP4lOgFy13sqe7ZpoAaJAh9gu9DRRv9hxnN8ACQ_3VxnR6w4ZxjkaZ4Xq9dHkyI-21nd1RervxZKcmlhEW80sJ4gmwR0r1crhaVU2yq-hKlh-t_XSBFFw/s1600/hills+and+valleys.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let me know what you think, or share any projects you make with it. :) Have fun, and see you soon!Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-54976057378905637602014-04-08T12:00:00.000-04:002014-04-08T16:25:18.946-04:00Lobster Night & Giveaway Winner!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes, being a student sucks. It's right about finals seasons right now, which means that my life and energy are slowly getting sucked up by school. BUT there are definitely times that I love being a student. Like... when there's Lobster Night at the dining hall, for example. Yeah, I really love being a student at times like that..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pWq8luKVA9GpzMSDG6Q4NBA5kqHS1PgdXGAQQyuAwq2AUSJmK2F6zcJb43H-XB9g-nITrUykKUTvx13KMuyqZXCMBf7mtMtP2Btbtz4h41bJPP3FgbHu1YXf64fJALWJ41sPlVapcMU/s1600/IMG_9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pWq8luKVA9GpzMSDG6Q4NBA5kqHS1PgdXGAQQyuAwq2AUSJmK2F6zcJb43H-XB9g-nITrUykKUTvx13KMuyqZXCMBf7mtMtP2Btbtz4h41bJPP3FgbHu1YXf64fJALWJ41sPlVapcMU/s1600/IMG_9902.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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You might ask, "they have lobster at dining halls?" Well... they have lobster at THE BEST dining halls ;) <i>Sorry, is that too much obnoxious school pride?</i><br />
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Lobster Night was kind of like a party... an amazingly delicious food party. So I thought banners were appropriate - they make the page seem like a party, right? Hehe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionL5xDaSGaMnaa0_z11q1geVWA2gxbsV1RtSyW7ZGnlW9aSd0X6CBOKRk_f2bXIG7HC8vgiJUaAVjs_qrbTR807XHZEtpgLOWpMTV4JtPK_S7G5Kl002I0QiWm_jvuUcaVLSMEbSzEiw/s1600/IMG_9904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionL5xDaSGaMnaa0_z11q1geVWA2gxbsV1RtSyW7ZGnlW9aSd0X6CBOKRk_f2bXIG7HC8vgiJUaAVjs_qrbTR807XHZEtpgLOWpMTV4JtPK_S7G5Kl002I0QiWm_jvuUcaVLSMEbSzEiw/s1600/IMG_9904.JPG" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh, how I love lobster. And beautiful pennants. I used papers from Crate Paper's The Pier collection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy67Sv8R05n0bcXMgaXMuoTofeMFZ1hz_SyraIZ3C7P0Z0CmiuHc2r3tTg-bLREkGHB6qHJeHM1fFiGUYjBE2MZQTOSSqcRD6jRK3CDJeTPNgyFOvIEe_xPqh_XmLbZDYFyn6XYRY6YY/s1600/IMG_9906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy67Sv8R05n0bcXMgaXMuoTofeMFZ1hz_SyraIZ3C7P0Z0CmiuHc2r3tTg-bLREkGHB6qHJeHM1fFiGUYjBE2MZQTOSSqcRD6jRK3CDJeTPNgyFOvIEe_xPqh_XmLbZDYFyn6XYRY6YY/s1600/IMG_9906.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just look at all those fun layers! I popped some edges up with foam tape for more dimension.<br />
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So there it is, a quick layout about student life - which fits in perfectly with last week's Paperclipping Roundtable episode about "<a href="http://www.paperclipping.com/prt201-scrapbooking-uni/">Scrapbooking Uni</a>" :)</div>
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And last off today, let's announce the winner from <a href="http://michelleun.blogspot.com/2014/04/diy-enamel-dots-giveaway.html">last week's giveaway</a>!! I took a random number including both Instagram comments and blog comments, and got the number 32, which is:</div>
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<b>@hodgepodge200</b> !! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCb3sGha8phMP1LZ17kKogmZhZ7DByFlhQefLKmhqhnR6uFCou1TfcXfevQOWMBIn2QLcCp-kWZZkusRAe08-OXvlvsUKpQc5HAKLuQ1pfomWBzAsdGDtGHRBk2FckS3VzU2wJzaPaRY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-07+at+4.54.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCb3sGha8phMP1LZ17kKogmZhZ7DByFlhQefLKmhqhnR6uFCou1TfcXfevQOWMBIn2QLcCp-kWZZkusRAe08-OXvlvsUKpQc5HAKLuQ1pfomWBzAsdGDtGHRBk2FckS3VzU2wJzaPaRY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-07+at+4.54.52+PM.png" height="44" width="320" /></a></div>
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Congrats!! :) <i>I contacted you on Instagram so that you can send me your address.</i></div>
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Thanks to everyone who participated - this was my first [relatively successful] giveaway haha, and it was fun! I'll be sure to do more in the future so make sure to keep posted :)</div>
Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-54707760125306103212014-04-01T11:00:00.000-04:002014-04-01T11:10:49.822-04:00DIY Enamel Dots & A Giveaway!Finally - I've been planning this tutorial for a while, because it makes me so happy, but life has been hectic! But here we are, DIY enamel dots!! :) I'd been looking for a great way to make these pretty little things, because they are SO fun to use, but boy are they expensive! The best part about this tutorial is that I spent about $5 on the one thing you need - Perler beads - and I'm going to be able to make 1,000 of these at the same price as one pack normally is! I got a bag of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Perler-Beads-Pastel-Bead-Count/dp/B001O119HW/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1396316752&sr=8-27&keywords=perler+beads+1000">pastel colored beads off of Amazon</a>, but I bet a lot of you have these lying around at home anyway. <i>By the way, I have to give full credit to <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=3276205">this post on Two Peas In A Bucket</a>, which is where I got the idea for this in the first place!</i><br />
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Okay, so let's get started! First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Then, get out a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and line up your little beads, making sure that they're all standing up, like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH7AzCrVO-r9tNf6XlgHbY2fmoTzNIKGsbtRiM7kMhJpwBZ-fvA9e3i41v1W1FPYDPxqznShrGcygWRzAWX8zkj0a-UYSjg_WHdEwP5Drt3qHQl55um0KW2vZpHRfbdtEBt3FBzzGPG8/s1600/IMG_9842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH7AzCrVO-r9tNf6XlgHbY2fmoTzNIKGsbtRiM7kMhJpwBZ-fvA9e3i41v1W1FPYDPxqznShrGcygWRzAWX8zkj0a-UYSjg_WHdEwP5Drt3qHQl55um0KW2vZpHRfbdtEBt3FBzzGPG8/s1600/IMG_9842.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, you're going to bake those bad boys until they're all nice and melted, which should take 20-25 minutes. It'll differ based on your oven, but it should be easy to tell when they're done - just until they're all perfectly domed shaped and the dimple in the middle has disappeared. This is what they look like about halfway through:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwYxwp6-ASOg5bjOhU0mmaRBExTFN5vX15zF2FU5vgiBzefwbO-oUv64FSI0YHXO7TueLOPtbZ040-n8T3CuXsCQb4ID3ySb2FPGMqlT8zcXjVcWzcIgPl_H5kjFKWoMadg9KuP-LBrE/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwYxwp6-ASOg5bjOhU0mmaRBExTFN5vX15zF2FU5vgiBzefwbO-oUv64FSI0YHXO7TueLOPtbZ040-n8T3CuXsCQb4ID3ySb2FPGMqlT8zcXjVcWzcIgPl_H5kjFKWoMadg9KuP-LBrE/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you're worried about fumes and safety, not to worry - there should be absolutely NO smell or fumes from Perler beads, because they're specifically designed to be melted... maybe not quite like this, though hehe ;) Anyway, you'll end up with LOTS of cute little dots, all at once!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_Mu6oBH4qV_1CCLpdOvNoH5TdxaJ6_QYZY5nYk4GusW1JmuxxZdY-X0jgtg7Fd5BuMcs1L7bj2PZUZLxJGyk1c4b6OBiHrQXKgJ2rnJSZMat-SP19JRgHaUSiwkjJqYIdCMN8QReOtw/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_Mu6oBH4qV_1CCLpdOvNoH5TdxaJ6_QYZY5nYk4GusW1JmuxxZdY-X0jgtg7Fd5BuMcs1L7bj2PZUZLxJGyk1c4b6OBiHrQXKgJ2rnJSZMat-SP19JRgHaUSiwkjJqYIdCMN8QReOtw/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So it's THAT easy! And since it's so easy, why not try and experiment and come up with more ideas?? So next I tried making some bigger enamel dots. I like to have variety, ya know what I mean? Simple solution: stack two beads on top of each other, like so:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosTnVhhQeEX_7DNJBLwBjShDv3CtiFVRWWhM-BDZzag2sJw3Lw3ppgtiDhs5qBK3P3DdXt9UYgV9gnmb4nKS4pH_oa_VPcP9bJRj3vxIeGn9UExqhJoHmm1DhnxzgrxkOrBEE7osAfJY/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosTnVhhQeEX_7DNJBLwBjShDv3CtiFVRWWhM-BDZzag2sJw3Lw3ppgtiDhs5qBK3P3DdXt9UYgV9gnmb4nKS4pH_oa_VPcP9bJRj3vxIeGn9UExqhJoHmm1DhnxzgrxkOrBEE7osAfJY/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a little harder than the normal sized beads because the beads tend to move around or fall off. One idea (which I haven't tried yet, admittedly) is to put a tiny amount of water in between the two beads you stack, so that the cohesion will stick them together temporarily, but the moisture will also bake off. And you can see I got a little crazy and stacked some different colored ones on top, just to see what would happen... I'll show you the results later! Here's what these looked like half way through...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Uu0N9Vj5b32mFv3QO78OQIkRyCN7qQsA_6nNVwWUBw2cOR6YojdLBQr9plIHGfqZhaZQ6XGBzApSvhLUEWBXVZJThK3RkULYZT6PuLhXCHAniouLV2bP7LgRYG0n8FcoeWyVOAl34-A/s1600/IMG_9853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Uu0N9Vj5b32mFv3QO78OQIkRyCN7qQsA_6nNVwWUBw2cOR6YojdLBQr9plIHGfqZhaZQ6XGBzApSvhLUEWBXVZJThK3RkULYZT6PuLhXCHAniouLV2bP7LgRYG0n8FcoeWyVOAl34-A/s1600/IMG_9853.JPG" height="182" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some of them were too crooked and came out ovally, but they're definitely still usable unless you're a perfectionist ;)<br />
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Then, to have a THIRD option for sizes, I cut a few enamel dots in half (NOT through the hole - it should be like a cross-section, if that makes sense). I found the easiest way to do this was with an X-acto knife, applying pressure and not trying to move the blade back and forth with a knife. The beads are soft enough that it shouldn't be too hard.<br />
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So here are the different kinds of beads I came up with:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaaEU6A-Uy5k8EmpE96E7DNS1YeLW242F63e8LjF-H0Mg9ssS-8kOgeyUAjqMCK5aTpC9RWFnoSvxBB9SmX3B2HKMhKL5d8mYzL_Uzb5VhfBBGRH8IBsYas48tFpm_aVHb9jCcjuJHM4/s1600/enamel+dots+-different+sizes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaaEU6A-Uy5k8EmpE96E7DNS1YeLW242F63e8LjF-H0Mg9ssS-8kOgeyUAjqMCK5aTpC9RWFnoSvxBB9SmX3B2HKMhKL5d8mYzL_Uzb5VhfBBGRH8IBsYas48tFpm_aVHb9jCcjuJHM4/s1600/enamel+dots+-different+sizes.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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There's still lots more to experiment with, but I've already used these on a lot of recent projects. If you need some ideas for how to use them, here they are all lined up on a card as a nice design element...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev_TjffvLns7wsHs8GjgHVcVofRGIl0E3A4NvsU-tk3XKpThv74MO9chzyxBaFliV9K009Wi7kV0QZVJQ0ifzN4qWqmm5p9qgY2kPGUQd2MAsL7cOXeNU6jvtOWDXO0mbgZuPebvbzn4/s1600/IMG_9875+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev_TjffvLns7wsHs8GjgHVcVofRGIl0E3A4NvsU-tk3XKpThv74MO9chzyxBaFliV9K009Wi7kV0QZVJQ0ifzN4qWqmm5p9qgY2kPGUQd2MAsL7cOXeNU6jvtOWDXO0mbgZuPebvbzn4/s1600/IMG_9875+2.JPG" height="620" width="640" /></a></div>
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...Or you can have them scattered around like this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKHk_NS_B44d3FgWIvmV-Ve-ZvPlg_5bMQjhJlZZn7phEG5EfVVL5A9cX3IiTdjzXBQu_oylE3g5gPQpx4g47D3OB_5rjzeB68Z01Jr33garYfj8NbTaWgnjb5oLXg19AoG9fp2b5Xic/s1600/IMG_9885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKHk_NS_B44d3FgWIvmV-Ve-ZvPlg_5bMQjhJlZZn7phEG5EfVVL5A9cX3IiTdjzXBQu_oylE3g5gPQpx4g47D3OB_5rjzeB68Z01Jr33garYfj8NbTaWgnjb5oLXg19AoG9fp2b5Xic/s1600/IMG_9885.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
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... or use both methods, like I did on <a href="http://michelleun.blogspot.com/2014/03/raising-canes.html">a recent layout</a>!<br />
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Since these aren't self adhesive, I used a tiny glue dot on the back of each one, but a strong liquid adhesive like Glossy Accents would work wonderfully.<br />
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Okay, so let's end with something even more fun - a <b>GIVEAWAY! </b>I mean, I <i>did </i>buy a bag of 1,000 beads, so I'm in no shortage over here, ha! <span style="color: orange;">So to enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post, telling me how you like to use your enamel dots.</span> For a <b>BONUS</b> entry (or looots of bonus entries, depending on how many friends you tag), you can follow the rules on my <a href="http://instagram.com/michelleyuen93">Instagram</a> post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT922mCRNyGQ-7Ymmcje1egwkrazBIIYEzzKMFpg7Vjqw5r7Bqebd4AqrPstyrqJOMqgaT8ENL-EBwSse5cR_fKAWXi5wjByWr0EclzwhkCYoxs5KqBJRaMj89V2FF-T_X7TwOGxQ5Lec/s1600/giveaway+IG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT922mCRNyGQ-7Ymmcje1egwkrazBIIYEzzKMFpg7Vjqw5r7Bqebd4AqrPstyrqJOMqgaT8ENL-EBwSse5cR_fKAWXi5wjByWr0EclzwhkCYoxs5KqBJRaMj89V2FF-T_X7TwOGxQ5Lec/s1600/giveaway+IG.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll pick a winner on April 8, 2014 at 12PM EST! Good luck, and thanks for stopping by! :)Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-38893465030934880452014-03-26T10:00:00.000-04:002014-03-26T10:00:06.080-04:00Raising Cane'sAnyone who knows me at all knows I'm a bit of a health nut. Well... by college student standards, at least. Which you can imagine is not saying much. But honestly, most days, a pan of roasted veggies or a bowl of homemade soup sounds way better to me than fried food from a fast food restaurant. <i>Most </i>days. But sometimes, my willpower wavers because I have that thing you call a boyfriend - one who just so happens to love all that delicious and bad-for-you food.<br />
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And so came the day I finally took a visit to Raising Cane's, a much raved-about (mostly by Dan) fried chicken place. And I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed it. That was some GOOD fried chicken!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6gCym3gYT_t2kiVOAk0eBjcWYlKIfH_DIHiEGsu9kXPqybUpORLc_oqNiFjCI83xiaZ3m6oUEBg3X60Z29l8S0sNCTF6DU-BmNW0EWRLUOWvil4BMvUoZsm0rdSqFzhAuIi11iqLhK8/s1600/IMG_9878+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6gCym3gYT_t2kiVOAk0eBjcWYlKIfH_DIHiEGsu9kXPqybUpORLc_oqNiFjCI83xiaZ3m6oUEBg3X60Z29l8S0sNCTF6DU-BmNW0EWRLUOWvil4BMvUoZsm0rdSqFzhAuIi11iqLhK8/s1600/IMG_9878+copy.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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I really had fun making this layout about a simple event like trying out a new place to eat. I didn't think too much or plan anything. Honestly, I was planning on just making a layout for fun and not blogging about it - just to take a layer of expectations off, which I often subconsciously have for myself. But that freedom really allowed me to come up with something I ended up loving!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1Ug_DzGZYEVm-PXa9GxwWx86axFuEhlHPgfHBuhyphenhyphenOxKECovadCWaXY_IShinKRktLrPrEeDIQI7RYtImtKEDpvfAW_OL6hjj2ZirX2QMnz7rGF8SJj-kSU7-vRf_VEe6qQct6lk3lz4/s1600/IMG_9880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1Ug_DzGZYEVm-PXa9GxwWx86axFuEhlHPgfHBuhyphenhyphenOxKECovadCWaXY_IShinKRktLrPrEeDIQI7RYtImtKEDpvfAW_OL6hjj2ZirX2QMnz7rGF8SJj-kSU7-vRf_VEe6qQct6lk3lz4/s1600/IMG_9880.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see I really had fun playing with paint. I mixed some <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/heidi-swapp/132965-georgia-peach-color-shine-spritz-2-oz/">Color Shine mist</a> into the paint, too, so it has a beautiful shimmer!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v_6KJspdJJG0y50awChkrLbHkJmk6bCk0XxIhnFHyDsMjlwB_ADAQ5hBqsUbUsdE6K-u_Pr1bcD402sI9-b9vpnLnBoQNKtoKGbb8jx64AvSdTL1tT_wzEnPvfjzRq68CfTR1mqxJKg/s1600/IMG_9883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v_6KJspdJJG0y50awChkrLbHkJmk6bCk0XxIhnFHyDsMjlwB_ADAQ5hBqsUbUsdE6K-u_Pr1bcD402sI9-b9vpnLnBoQNKtoKGbb8jx64AvSdTL1tT_wzEnPvfjzRq68CfTR1mqxJKg/s1600/IMG_9883.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I love that rub-ons resist the paint, so I didn't have to worry about messing it up :)<br />
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Some more DIY enamel dots. Really using them a lot on recent projects - I promise I'll have the tutorial up for you next week!! :D</div>
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Mmm, good food and good friends really are a recipe for happiness. <3Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-107582539655615312014-03-19T09:30:00.000-04:002014-03-19T09:30:02.806-04:00Step by Step Tutorial: Dimensional border from punched circlesHello! Last week, I showed you <a href="http://michelleun.blogspot.com/2014/03/lifted-turning-point.html">a layout</a> with a fun use of my circle punch. Today I have a fun tutorial for you today - it's for a really fun, dimensional border that you only need the same ONE punch for (and a bunch of scraps). Here's a little look at what it will look like at the end:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF7AZDuwezlqJG4FGcJKk1miQqqWfHZBNpnZGDTrzktvKi4QpV_yHQbtBNWPcO4F1x03royT1bnZdkLiXIwwP8jcAQJABRg6m1TyxbtBEP3ywtlmT4SJDoL7qTlPncZygkZd8ja7R6ZA/s1600/IMG_9833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF7AZDuwezlqJG4FGcJKk1miQqqWfHZBNpnZGDTrzktvKi4QpV_yHQbtBNWPcO4F1x03royT1bnZdkLiXIwwP8jcAQJABRg6m1TyxbtBEP3ywtlmT4SJDoL7qTlPncZygkZd8ja7R6ZA/s1600/IMG_9833.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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First off, grab a circle punch - I used a 1" punch, but you can use any size up to about 2". Then, take a bunch of paper scraps. Make sure they are double sided, because a little of both sides will show up in the end. It might be a good idea to choose one 6x6 pad to do this with, just so that everything coordinates in the end. But really, it's up to you! Punch away until you have a nice sized pile that looks like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bdEqEy5aYb8WvubNuqTu1Ss_hGzKNmvcV1fDoCU8PcQ5qBmsfGLSZ61EBmJLfqB0brmObTjpTViod6ziWm_Ayt3sL4UrJOaVtL8U8uiiHdrkRbYE_8oRjiBXDhLJLvvyaeS7atYfuWQ/s1600/IMG_9775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bdEqEy5aYb8WvubNuqTu1Ss_hGzKNmvcV1fDoCU8PcQ5qBmsfGLSZ61EBmJLfqB0brmObTjpTViod6ziWm_Ayt3sL4UrJOaVtL8U8uiiHdrkRbYE_8oRjiBXDhLJLvvyaeS7atYfuWQ/s1600/IMG_9775.JPG" height="245" width="400" /></a></div>
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This next step is really important, and gives the border its unique character, so pay attention! You will need a very sturdy piece of cardstock, or maybe even some thin chipboard. Trim a short strip that is the length of approximately half the width of your circles. In my case, it was 1/2 inch. Place this guide in the middle of a circle and then fold the sides over. Here's what it looks like in action:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKNRnM6nhmCjF_MkJabK6fVmWAFK__e7RINhVwxNicoEwad2I3Qzx1uXluYO6bHtt5ignGATaRHueM0Hg5MRu3XT1r3mKscLQkGUZXpDgkFTZWBTcayyxMm6TrjihRa2j1WNUtGyJSYo/s1600/IMG_9778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKNRnM6nhmCjF_MkJabK6fVmWAFK__e7RINhVwxNicoEwad2I3Qzx1uXluYO6bHtt5ignGATaRHueM0Hg5MRu3XT1r3mKscLQkGUZXpDgkFTZWBTcayyxMm6TrjihRa2j1WNUtGyJSYo/s1600/IMG_9778.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do this with all the circles. Make sure you alternate which pattern shows up as the base or the flaps if you have duplicate circles from the same piece of paper. Then the next step is to assemble!<br />
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Take a long scrap of paper that you will lay the pieces on. The fastest way to attach them all is to place long strips of adhesive along the edge of the paper, so you don't have to place adhesive on each piece one at a time. Hope that makes sense!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5goi7fklhlvobqmBY6uX_JvPtnC7u3ZAd5oBGClbwZRIrYtVIIjHSajgZlsb0SIRK4NaxiFpQVNC1L0SfHFEs7aRGWK7CjAEAo-aqt_gYU81g1yO8Ot4DxgwHuwu5wYce-Q-_03tpsdQ/s1600/IMG_9779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5goi7fklhlvobqmBY6uX_JvPtnC7u3ZAd5oBGClbwZRIrYtVIIjHSajgZlsb0SIRK4NaxiFpQVNC1L0SfHFEs7aRGWK7CjAEAo-aqt_gYU81g1yO8Ot4DxgwHuwu5wYce-Q-_03tpsdQ/s1600/IMG_9779.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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You simply have to place the circles side by side. However, when you get to the second row, you can alternate which circle overlaps the other for even more variation. You can add more rows if you want, but I just did two. Make the strip as long as you can until you run out of circles. You can always trim your finished strip into smaller pieces, which I did later on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YJowSBKMHQW9sGL0XhWx0k1BK9vgaMkji9zeiGESu5ShFyX8sZVRj6HX12N-31dRJ3Rl5II4bAqLhHbrp1HIForQgOLViXzQVmaKbMUAAZ0ixOytRjkttOJObwXCs1N3ZsClQ0CVnWY/s1600/IMG_9782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YJowSBKMHQW9sGL0XhWx0k1BK9vgaMkji9zeiGESu5ShFyX8sZVRj6HX12N-31dRJ3Rl5II4bAqLhHbrp1HIForQgOLViXzQVmaKbMUAAZ0ixOytRjkttOJObwXCs1N3ZsClQ0CVnWY/s1600/IMG_9782.JPG" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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Trim off the scrap paper from the bottom of your strip, and then it's ready to add to a layout!<br />
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I kept this layout pretty simple, because I think the circle border really adds a lot already.<br />
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So there you have it, a fun way to put a basic punch to use! I hope this inspires you to take out your simple circle punch and do something fun with it!!<br />
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P.S. I recently discovered an AMAZING way to make DIY enamel dots!!! I'm working on a tutorial for you all now, and will have it up soon! I'm thinking of doing a little giveaway of them, too - let me know your thoughts on this in the comments - would you like a giveaway, does DIY enamel dots sound interesting to you?? ;) Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-13485352409494376442014-03-10T17:08:00.000-04:002014-03-10T17:08:59.815-04:00Lifted - A Turning PointThe layout I'm going to share with you is really special to me, not just because I feel the end result is beautiful, but because the story behind it is beyond meaningful. I think I can say with relative certainty that this layout documents a point in my life that I will look back on and say, "Wow. That was when my life changed."<br />
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It all started with a Symphony Church retreat... I honestly didn't expect much of it. Sure, I knew I would learn a few things, and it would make me feel great for a weekend, just like all other retreats... but change my life? Nope, because I thought everything in my life was just jolly and nothing needed changing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGkIJ0vdA6wcVckOqva-iCGSKxjjVoPrTsZUaTkA8JfsNdg06Wa-tJ1bYNxwX3EsnimGIy8cqY4E8Ze0sKOPdExtjVgYKs-ojN8DUTD51jCCK8QTl2zGGgBL0WLPMJz8-91IjjRwJdoI/s1600/IMG_9754+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGkIJ0vdA6wcVckOqva-iCGSKxjjVoPrTsZUaTkA8JfsNdg06Wa-tJ1bYNxwX3EsnimGIy8cqY4E8Ze0sKOPdExtjVgYKs-ojN8DUTD51jCCK8QTl2zGGgBL0WLPMJz8-91IjjRwJdoI/s1600/IMG_9754+watermarked.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was <i>so wrong </i>and I probably would not have realized it, except for the fact that God spoke to me through other people that weekend and convicted me of things in my life that, deep down, I knew needed to change, but I simply did not want to. For those who don't believe in God, this might sound like craziness. It might seem ridiculous to change one's life based on some feelings you get at a secluded retreat. But let me tell you, there is nothing fake or "emotional" about someone you have never met speaking truth about your life as if they knew you... because God had told them all about you already. Something like that is so real and, at the same time, supernatural. Honestly, it freaked me out a bit. But it was also exactly what I needed - that push in the right direction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lrTDLVpu6ZBUXK-Ux1EzMrDXr42x-7tiTbqwAk2XgtXqQCpcf1dXFqrthikhDC8NtwH4uvPJZG2-6vcV_1UAutgegfZYkV8E9-kBBGCXMcjFy-zx8grV2nrXykm4uJUwLP4kp20jD40/s1600/IMG_9762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lrTDLVpu6ZBUXK-Ux1EzMrDXr42x-7tiTbqwAk2XgtXqQCpcf1dXFqrthikhDC8NtwH4uvPJZG2-6vcV_1UAutgegfZYkV8E9-kBBGCXMcjFy-zx8grV2nrXykm4uJUwLP4kp20jD40/s1600/IMG_9762.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So yeah, that was a bit of background about my story... now onto the scrapbooking! I used what I call the "punch and piece" method, inspired by the always-amazing <a href="http://www.paigeandchris.com/">Paige Evans</a>. All you have to do is punch a whole bunch of 1" circles from pretty papers (I used mostly the Maggie Holmes Flea Market 6x6 paper pad) and piece them together in whatever way you want! I tried something like <a href="http://michelleun.blogspot.com/2014/03/snow-mountains.html">my last layout</a>, where the photo is pushed off to the side (rather than in the center, like I usually do) - but it's still the highlight of the page because of the amazing border of circles around it! Just check out those wonderful layers...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbtkWgfvYTX3kF1KtqTLnDqfEjPUR9L5D1aCNgxv-zxZwNpgTft3Ja5Vahi56Uz4eSZrPxCSYNaIP0mTo7F9AoJ-yhEMxwd69vTpWu-5Nax3BHfGbioSY54jTvJuB00RVrzPr71VkLSU/s1600/IMG_9759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbtkWgfvYTX3kF1KtqTLnDqfEjPUR9L5D1aCNgxv-zxZwNpgTft3Ja5Vahi56Uz4eSZrPxCSYNaIP0mTo7F9AoJ-yhEMxwd69vTpWu-5Nax3BHfGbioSY54jTvJuB00RVrzPr71VkLSU/s1600/IMG_9759.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm just really having fun playing with this kind of format, because you have so much room to play on the rest of the page, while still letting that beautiful background paper show! There's also a lot of room for journaling, which of course I needed for my story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeSJ2z4WMcFjeIcSsVhG87whUpqZrAftYKMt4KmtjZkC2yo1O5-Tpf5ZTjtPCk5QLbH3m7LVmNSXrMf8VWLHdZTrxQM1vlWu0qYrkmOH39H9aghCvA6XvdVVWlGtt1wVDyf8edleVtrI/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeSJ2z4WMcFjeIcSsVhG87whUpqZrAftYKMt4KmtjZkC2yo1O5-Tpf5ZTjtPCk5QLbH3m7LVmNSXrMf8VWLHdZTrxQM1vlWu0qYrkmOH39H9aghCvA6XvdVVWlGtt1wVDyf8edleVtrI/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been getting a lot of use out of my circle punch lately, and I'll have a really cool tutorial up next week where I make a fun, dimensional border out of this one punch!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRnodrlXXQGdSvbU87qOS2FLlVDn_5Ioe5GfeIOQ01f10c1m5yl04atfLcArXQuDUuIUWPM9wg5D8gqqCC4Szi6zOyDxjNT45kCVjLIL-iD1ARflz6zK8gDsqhAv13ak_ZTFKBx6dTEc/s1600/IMG_9758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRnodrlXXQGdSvbU87qOS2FLlVDn_5Ioe5GfeIOQ01f10c1m5yl04atfLcArXQuDUuIUWPM9wg5D8gqqCC4Szi6zOyDxjNT45kCVjLIL-iD1ARflz6zK8gDsqhAv13ak_ZTFKBx6dTEc/s1600/IMG_9758.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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A turning point, captured.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and reading my story today! Hope you have a great week!! :)<br />
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xx MichelleMichelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-52021289726065083222014-03-04T10:39:00.000-05:002014-03-04T10:39:26.943-05:00Snow MountainsWOO, I'm on Spring Break!! Except... wait, it's 15 degrees outside. Hahah, so much for "Spring!" I'm not the only one just hoping and dreaming spring and summer will come faster, am I?? This winter has been brutal, and there has been just SO much snow. Enough to make snow mountains, literally.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk1b1N-97SiZLqPJ5g9qLZdG466GxxljdnrTvJbDm3qWXDWoTpP5cjknxdrcoy2jRvLqHDWz7vfqHRxD_jS2_Ztd7ZcW184ObczdMkYJwQK1mBCaQKTbPgj9Sva9DV8SuJUKktiXOlGM/s1600/IMG_9727+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk1b1N-97SiZLqPJ5g9qLZdG466GxxljdnrTvJbDm3qWXDWoTpP5cjknxdrcoy2jRvLqHDWz7vfqHRxD_jS2_Ztd7ZcW184ObczdMkYJwQK1mBCaQKTbPgj9Sva9DV8SuJUKktiXOlGM/s1600/IMG_9727+watermarked.jpg" height="636" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyone who knows me even a little bit knows that I am so NOT a fan of winter or the cold... which means I tend to not take as many pictures as in the summer, and therefore don't scrapbook winter very much. But I think this winter just had to be documented, to have some sort of record of how bad it was - that way, I can look back on it in the future and think, "Well if I got through that, I can get through any kind of weather, right?" Hehe :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0vU-AGBdgeEuEq1Sxq8oPQx32PgoAJsp17ITyWm71DnEYx42SRFzAXkLG68IUrkO0KZH_qQtujoGKLYolm6mHOSIRF9KBTWT588g7Tjw9ASczVza4GO5zot7pWGgJbuujkcAoHKUTBE/s1600/IMG_9732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0vU-AGBdgeEuEq1Sxq8oPQx32PgoAJsp17ITyWm71DnEYx42SRFzAXkLG68IUrkO0KZH_qQtujoGKLYolm6mHOSIRF9KBTWT588g7Tjw9ASczVza4GO5zot7pWGgJbuujkcAoHKUTBE/s1600/IMG_9732.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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This layout was kind of an adventure to make, because I used a very different layout that I normally use - the picture is in the corner and there are a bunch of elements around the edges, but not much in the middle. It's loosely based on <a href="http://gluestickgirl.typepad.com/moments/2013/12/copper-mountain-the-layouts.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Fmoments+%28the+moments+in+between%29">a layout by Lisa Truesdell (second layout down)</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit8ClcR2Rc2hiJ1EmmELA49nv1aXwRHGqPv34TPrNx64FbgLJ94115lOWnumZotdv1N1mviuqLbKzwh0NiSwqPrTHsm5DDd7XOJUU-RlOlydHk1qiV_uQmpzYXsU_dBBqQATBXdpStfI/s1600/IMG_9731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit8ClcR2Rc2hiJ1EmmELA49nv1aXwRHGqPv34TPrNx64FbgLJ94115lOWnumZotdv1N1mviuqLbKzwh0NiSwqPrTHsm5DDd7XOJUU-RlOlydHk1qiV_uQmpzYXsU_dBBqQATBXdpStfI/s1600/IMG_9731.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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This approach was a bit challenging at first, but after a bit, I really got into and love how it came out!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFiaHFaWKQq2BXTo4AVuWpZN0C-BU0lFDZBpNAqV4rY4AMkdi-8epHWTH6hLuYnEtX9FOjcwQxpE3kN0_hRnK3e5Zbb8zwCovit2ZFKb_PuxTsVNje0jP2TTmPPGhquXr8y4ijsKQCmA/s1600/IMG_9730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFiaHFaWKQq2BXTo4AVuWpZN0C-BU0lFDZBpNAqV4rY4AMkdi-8epHWTH6hLuYnEtX9FOjcwQxpE3kN0_hRnK3e5Zbb8zwCovit2ZFKb_PuxTsVNje0jP2TTmPPGhquXr8y4ijsKQCmA/s1600/IMG_9730.JPG" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
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It's also a great way to use up scraps of paper - always a good thing!</div>
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Don't you love when you try something new and different and it just turns out exactly how you wanted it to? Because let's be honest, sometimes it just utterly fails, haha! Next week I'll be sharing another layout with a similar approach, so stay tuned!! </div>
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Stay warm amidst the snow mountains ;)</div>
<br />Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-12614194715990792332014-02-26T11:00:00.000-05:002014-02-26T11:00:09.365-05:002 Souls, 1 LoveWith the busy schedule of school and homework (man, sometimes I sure miss working full-time!), it's been hard for me lately to create and scrapbook as much as I did two months ago. Even when there is time, school just really burns a girl out! So with those precious times that I do find myself at my desk - honestly, sometime I have to force myself, but after just ten minutes, I don't regret it - I don't stress about making sure I'm documenting every little moment of my life. Because if it starts giving you more stress, what's the fun in that, right?<br />
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For me, scrapbooking is just as much about being creative as it is about documenting memories. The layout I want to share with you today is just that - putting pretty products on a page with some nice photos. And throw in a sappy, corny title, because where else am I ever going to be able to do that??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2p1GgOafwv14LqroDYIEgIH5qKPfp0vU12vgf9ofg__W8kMGhacU8godJwaCCG5mPkgiJ6asakn2QECz72wwuMsHo6Ole-LhejaP5fms5x0O067ifnCKBEwr3voUze9zSNS1gJuhMRU/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2p1GgOafwv14LqroDYIEgIH5qKPfp0vU12vgf9ofg__W8kMGhacU8godJwaCCG5mPkgiJ6asakn2QECz72wwuMsHo6Ole-LhejaP5fms5x0O067ifnCKBEwr3voUze9zSNS1gJuhMRU/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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Two Souls, One Love. Our relationship is far from perfect, which is something that's really been resonating as something to work on recently, but this still rings true to me, 100%. We're not perfect, but we can get through anything together with the love we have for each other and by the grace of God.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2wcq_fxwZB9YthUIxLM_usQ7rBLqFiDFGXMS9fdVKC9Vvyk7wV9aSrCoSmpEKbmZri3EIoN38bTIAQ71TvtUg3DyB5uf-qk6J9jVx7y_UJQSoJR4cPdu927GkVkDHaNCICovzZ6XuJU/s1600/IMG_9596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2wcq_fxwZB9YthUIxLM_usQ7rBLqFiDFGXMS9fdVKC9Vvyk7wV9aSrCoSmpEKbmZri3EIoN38bTIAQ71TvtUg3DyB5uf-qk6J9jVx7y_UJQSoJR4cPdu927GkVkDHaNCICovzZ6XuJU/s1600/IMG_9596.JPG" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
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The layout is based on a loose grid, but to make it more interesting, I cut out some big, colorful flowers from an Elle's Studio paper, something that I've done previously <a href="http://michelleun.blogspot.com/2013/11/life-in-details-sponsor-free-printables.html">here</a> and have loved. Most of the other pieces in the grid are in the new collections at Elle's Studio.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kYdvflcsKrnTjQig-b6OQYJ8OfOUaMOqal5K8GEjzDbLwLWPWnTEho5PVDf_3PknVwBhtFi9NyqUCDAzfbv6F8ovy4wptKIiYRJzMes-gvjKNT-5GFRH68fxklbZJKSK0h3Oieg34LA/s1600/IMG_9595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kYdvflcsKrnTjQig-b6OQYJ8OfOUaMOqal5K8GEjzDbLwLWPWnTEho5PVDf_3PknVwBhtFi9NyqUCDAzfbv6F8ovy4wptKIiYRJzMes-gvjKNT-5GFRH68fxklbZJKSK0h3Oieg34LA/s1600/IMG_9595.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
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Similar to that layout, I added embroidery floss behind and around some of the flower cutouts and other elements. I also machine stitched around many parts of the layout. These two additions give both subtle and bold dimension and texture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDzskwzcc_0LPBoXRRhYIYP2k2kkK1IRQRKWsf3CBK0OaLPSurbmRlj4vOQtBFuyOdh3ci7FHig-iQn0qq4QT-j3SuOo-MeRg8fbvfbEvmkYV27laq5ugKA4hdkH1kcg24ms_UP8Puks/s1600/IMG_9594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDzskwzcc_0LPBoXRRhYIYP2k2kkK1IRQRKWsf3CBK0OaLPSurbmRlj4vOQtBFuyOdh3ci7FHig-iQn0qq4QT-j3SuOo-MeRg8fbvfbEvmkYV27laq5ugKA4hdkH1kcg24ms_UP8Puks/s1600/IMG_9594.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finished it off with a gold resin flower - because I love them, so why not? ;)<br />
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Thanks for stopping by to take a look!Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-53351562122568600502014-02-18T11:00:00.000-05:002014-02-18T11:00:00.232-05:002 YearsThis past January was the mark of our two year anniversary! It's amazing how fast the years have flown by, but also how much it has changed the both of us in this time.<br />
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I just want to share a quick layout with you today that I made to remember how we celebrated - with chocolate and good food, of course!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBECP9_GC1eicjZRJ7IAA2m-0d3DG_WJ33tLYlrUfGLhn-Y92BlVNDhmLvq5Pr219iwjMqWNKtaf1h4JItCKHRm9rkgpOkzdDe8ApK_SNF6FOYOaIvIcu3839gTXO81Vmo-HZWRrEVAW8/s1600/IMG_9706+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBECP9_GC1eicjZRJ7IAA2m-0d3DG_WJ33tLYlrUfGLhn-Y92BlVNDhmLvq5Pr219iwjMqWNKtaf1h4JItCKHRm9rkgpOkzdDe8ApK_SNF6FOYOaIvIcu3839gTXO81Vmo-HZWRrEVAW8/s1600/IMG_9706+watermarked.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I have issues with hoarding the beautiful products that seem almost TOO pretty to use, but I made sure not to do that on this page, since it is extra special and nothing is considered "wasted" on it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVtWRNA69Rk3q7Gs6R8sc6Sf_KMpvp6TrfnFMoKaYxYmjPWlOkgcY0W94Rqa61bTB9fi_ctTvvKbHzSFPyhbBKIpH_tqHQJbgK6N7WoS5fskrlg5kAVMqie53cuLflAupExC09rHNNVE/s1600/IMG_9709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVtWRNA69Rk3q7Gs6R8sc6Sf_KMpvp6TrfnFMoKaYxYmjPWlOkgcY0W94Rqa61bTB9fi_ctTvvKbHzSFPyhbBKIpH_tqHQJbgK6N7WoS5fskrlg5kAVMqie53cuLflAupExC09rHNNVE/s1600/IMG_9709.JPG" height="388" width="400" /></a></div>
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I especially love, love, LOVE that beautiful floral paper from the new Maggie Holmes collection, Style board.<br />
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I love this other paper, too, but it turned out to be a bit to busy for my taste for the background. My easy solution was to paint some thinned white acrylic paint, and that made it perfect for me!<br />
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I used a lot of embellishments from various manufacturers on this page, but the centerpiece was this die cut flourish that I cut on my Cameo, watercolored, and then added the title and some enamel dots - those things work for ANYthing!<br />
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So there's a really quick post today - thanks for stopping by and looking!<br />
<br />Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-59252394207582034212014-02-03T08:52:00.001-05:002014-02-03T08:52:08.299-05:00Silly Boy | Elle's Studio SketchI've been somewhat of a scrapbooking slump lately. Maybe it's the cold winter, which makes me just want to curl in bed under poofy blankets with a book. Or maybe being back in school just drains all the energy from me. But then I recently received <a href="http://instagram.com/p/jwwwLywXsq/">a small order from Elle's Studio</a> with some of their new, gorgeous collections, which really got me right out of this and got me creating again! Woohoo for new scrapbooking goodies!<br />
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I thought it appropriate to put all these new goodies to use <a href="http://ellesstudio.blogspot.com/2014/01/sketch-thursday_30.html">using a sketch, also from Elle's Studio</a>. Here's a look at what it looks like:<br />
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I followed the sketch pretty closely, except that I used an 8.5x11 format, which I am still experimenting with these days. I like the challenge of the smaller space, and it's just so comforting to know that these will be able to store.<br />
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I loved that I was able to use this huge chipboard piece from Crate Paper, which I was having trouble thinking of a use for. It had some really girly articles of clothing hanging on the clothesline, so I just covered them up using some of my new pennant tags and clip tags (which I trimmed the clips off of).<br />
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Some of you might know how I like to alter items to fit my needs and style. And I'm also really not a fan of pink. There were some tags I got that were a bright pink that I didn't like, but I like the design/sayings. So I just took a red Copic marker and carefully went over the pink parts to make it a red color that matched my layout! Here's a before and after shot of a piece I did this with (that I didn't end up using on this page):<br />
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The red version is much better for me!<br />
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So many fun tags!<br />
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Maybe if you're in a bit of a slump, you can treat yourself to some new scrapbooking goodies too!! You know, as long as you don't go overboard and will actually be inspired ;) I'm definitely on a kick with these new products, so I'll be sharing more projects soon using them!<br />
Until then, I hope you have a great start to your week :)Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-83582497375975755082014-01-30T09:21:00.001-05:002014-01-30T09:21:57.270-05:00How To: Big Hand-stitched element | Roots & BranchesHey everyone! I'm here to share a really cool tutorial today about a fun technique: hand stitching a big element! This is great for adding interest to a background (like I did for this project), but I think it would also be awesome to do the same thing to cut out and use as an awesome handmade embellishment. It takes a little time, but the effect is just stunning. Let's get started!<br />
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So the first thing I did for my layout was a bit of stamping with a border stamp from Paper Smooches. It adds a little texture to the background, but honestly I just really wanted to open up the brand new set of stamps I got and put them to use, hehe ;)<br />
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Then I sketched a big element - I used an ampersand, because it fits in with my title (Roots <b>& </b>Branches), but you can really choose any shape you want that isn't too intricate. Then I poked holes along the outlines about a centimeter apart - you don't have to be super accurate, because it will still look amazing!<br />
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The next step isn't too hard, but definitely takes time. Plop yourself in front of some nice scrapbooking process videos, or your favorite TV show until you come up with something like this:<br />
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So all I did here was go over the whole background of the shape with a simple backstitch. After that was done, I went back through random holes to make criss crosses inside the shape. This gives it such an interesting texture and dimension on the page! And notice how I left some gaps? Well, I already knew where I was going to put my photos, which were going to cover up a big part of the stitching. Since it is so time consuming, I didn't want to put too much work into a part that I knew would be covered up.<br />
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After that was done, I applied my title by cutting it out of cardstock on my Silhouette Cameo, and then using the negative as a stencil. I mixed some gesso with paint until I came up with a color I liked, and it looked like this:<br />
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You can see I also added a spritz of yellow spray mist to give a little home in the background for a die cut butterfly. I did this in three places on the layout.<br />
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After adding a bunch of stickers and die cuts, I finished my layout!<br />
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I mixed some spray mist with water to make those droplets across the page. I might have gotten carried away in some places, ha!<br />
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I love how these die cut butterflies look against the yellow mist. It really makes them stand out, since the background is white.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you give hand stitching a try on your next projects, because you really get some amazing effects with it!!</div>
Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-48989543773708239272014-01-17T09:08:00.001-05:002014-01-17T09:08:27.809-05:00South End forever?Dan and I recently celebrated <a href="http://instagram.com/p/jIY6eewXiV/">our two year anniversary</a> :) Our time together so far has been quite an adventure, and such a blessing. And we're getting to the point where we pretty much know that we're going to be spending the rest of our lives together (yeah, I'm only 20, and this is my first relationship, so some people might think I'm being naiive, but in my heart, I know that this is the truth). Which means talk of our medium-long term plans. Where will we be living? Where will we be working? Are we going to stay right where we are?<br />
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To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of the Northeast. I'm not a winter person at all. Plop me down in a place that never goes below 30 degrees and I don't think I'd need anything else in the world. Okay, not quite..... but you get what I'm saying, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5_Mq_mHKcLxkWkZWjPVFQD_h8-mcET21VkCu1nE6e8ATy7bKJVRp0mSEM8iKuY6uGEX1RKNHompdLbTJREsHaaEaXdCfOb8vbihQBqW-Lsrxwy__EezadWC49EygGw1pKJy6ozEQC5Y/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5_Mq_mHKcLxkWkZWjPVFQD_h8-mcET21VkCu1nE6e8ATy7bKJVRp0mSEM8iKuY6uGEX1RKNHompdLbTJREsHaaEaXdCfOb8vbihQBqW-Lsrxwy__EezadWC49EygGw1pKJy6ozEQC5Y/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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So the idea of staying in Boston for the foreseeable future doesn't sound so appealing to me. But there are other things to take into account - I DO still have 2.5 years of school left, so I have no choice in staying here anyway. Dan already has a job lined up here after he graduates from grad school. We have an amazing apartment that we own. We live in a great neighborhood with so many amazing restaurants (as well as guilty pleasures) within a few blocks of us... and though the winters are bad, the summers are so. so. wonderful.<br />
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<i>I die cut my title from my Cameo and stitched over it... I had some problems where the thread came out, but in the end, I like the texture of the holes that were left ;)</i></div>
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<i>These house stamps from Amy Tangerine were perfect for my layout about "home!"</i><br />
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To be honest, this layout was more of a pretty journal page, rather than a documentation of an event. But I think this is a really important stage of my/our lives, so I'm glad I got it scrapped :)<br />
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"...for now, South End is our home..."<br />
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Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you have a great [long] weekend!!<br />
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One more thing before I leave - just because I don't think I can contain it in me anymore, and want to shout it from the rooftops - I received an email last week, let me know that one of the cards i submitted IS GOING TO BE PUBLISHED in CARDS magazine!!!! I'll have to wait until May to see it in the June 2014 issue, but WOOHOO!!! This is my first publication so I am super stoked and honored. Whew. Okay, I got that out of my system now! :DMichelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-32442017419110329292014-01-07T21:48:00.002-05:002014-01-07T21:48:39.108-05:00The NutcrackerLast month, to celebrate the end of the semester, I went on a girl's night out with some friends to see the Nutcracker ballet. I wasn't sure how much I'd like it, with there being no talking and all, but it was really fun and quite a show! I was in awe of the dancers, especially since dancing is the one thing I wish most I could do and just can't.... at all, haha ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIGJGJ70uDa_PPzeJz9rgV_-c4m89qqz_sK9r3UY4LLX0lG37UlqypPeh32VFUn_scE9ldjCQKZhyC6xOvpFXKJzBSm9HfohhCrNkWf1vdZ0C0l_KTHNAZuXqxuSoiMlZAGt3dTS-XF0/s1600/IMG_0097+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIGJGJ70uDa_PPzeJz9rgV_-c4m89qqz_sK9r3UY4LLX0lG37UlqypPeh32VFUn_scE9ldjCQKZhyC6xOvpFXKJzBSm9HfohhCrNkWf1vdZ0C0l_KTHNAZuXqxuSoiMlZAGt3dTS-XF0/s1600/IMG_0097+watermarked.jpg" height="640" width="634" /></a></div>
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All it took was a <a href="http://www.shimelle.com/paper/1896/sketch-to-scrapbook-page-working-with-two-smaller-photos/">new sketch up at Shimelle.com</a> to get me inspired to scrap this awesome night! Here's a look at the sketch if you want to play along:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ8ojrpscvR6tzNEX0yZJO-JG24_GbzqMiTKhQEcCaanVOpsDISf37YImNepbdnq5rOfV4YwYZt_TaQhUB8GYRXhcdpOg_AtvdaLCirz6D1i-2ryabW-A2xmWi4alAypQMfpFnYU9o_g/s1600/4927.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ8ojrpscvR6tzNEX0yZJO-JG24_GbzqMiTKhQEcCaanVOpsDISf37YImNepbdnq5rOfV4YwYZt_TaQhUB8GYRXhcdpOg_AtvdaLCirz6D1i-2ryabW-A2xmWi4alAypQMfpFnYU9o_g/s1600/4927.png" height="400" width="383" /></a></div>
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As you can see, I rotated the sketch to fit with my photos, and also added a little strip at the bottom because it felt too empty for me.<br />
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I finally worked up the courage to cut into this <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/crate-paper/144362-printed-vellum-12x12-maggie-holmes-flea-market-paper/">beautiful Maggie Holmes vellum</a>. It's just so, so beautiful!! But that means it belongs on some pages instead of sitting in a box ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Tro2YtKin8OpPxR2wBSvW7A9LrDiGpLSaJ1zZoJOS0ke9YDPij6_fP6fshAUpiCHZ13Sz2mTRRjASvqXD5G3MwgUz3pz7G7S5q56nAb6meU6cI_kuUDgptwE61cLI34JZD9-yUt7Kk/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6Tro2YtKin8OpPxR2wBSvW7A9LrDiGpLSaJ1zZoJOS0ke9YDPij6_fP6fshAUpiCHZ13Sz2mTRRjASvqXD5G3MwgUz3pz7G7S5q56nAb6meU6cI_kuUDgptwE61cLI34JZD9-yUt7Kk/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the show, we grabbed dessert at Max Brenner's. If you have a Max Brenner's near you, and have never been, you MUST go. It was so heavenly and I dreamt of chocolate for the whole week after. And might tonight, too.... Mmmmm.<br />
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Note to self: Go on more awesome girls nights. Hehe :)<br />
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Things might be a bit quiet here for the next few months... the school semester just started two days ago for me, and it's already getting intense!! Wish me luck please <3<br />
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Hope you had a great start to your week, and thanks for stopping by!!Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-6488895909327203672014-01-02T10:12:00.000-05:002014-01-02T10:12:55.785-05:00Hello 2014 | My One Little WordIf you're unfamiliar with the One Little Word idea (created by Ali Edwards), basically you choose one word for the whole year that you want to focus on. The idea is really intriguing to me... enough that I decided to choose a word for myself this year... discovery.<br />
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I must confess that I cheated a little (but really, there's no such thing as cheating when you're scrapbooking and having fun, right?? ;) hehe) and had three other words to go along with my one big word...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM0cKIXTOosUYZNqxnbDxc5Tloi8O2BTkc1FXf5OvzOoTsipwKNDZzNbpegGXWuSgA-RhCmaJ1JmVncBfiJclmaSGP2Q2A0X5k1oDnyIGSemB04LLvHleDjhW_qE-9hT5wPhwksCajwU/s1600/limits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBM0cKIXTOosUYZNqxnbDxc5Tloi8O2BTkc1FXf5OvzOoTsipwKNDZzNbpegGXWuSgA-RhCmaJ1JmVncBfiJclmaSGP2Q2A0X5k1oDnyIGSemB04LLvHleDjhW_qE-9hT5wPhwksCajwU/s400/limits.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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For each sub-word, I made a simple pocket to hold my journaling on shipping tags.<br />
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<i>Limits</i> | I really want to push myself this year. My days seem to get busier and busier each day with all the things I have to and want to do. I start classes again next Monday, and the next few months after that will be a <b>busy</b> time, balancing classes, a possible internship, a part-time job, relationships, creative time, and the list goes on... I don't think I've truly pushed myself in the past to do as much and as much as I possibly can, so I want to discover that this year - my limits as to how much I can handle.<br />
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<i>Prayer </i>| It's been a while, if ever, that prayer is something that has guided my life. I've heard amazing stories about the power of prayer, but now I want the have my own stories about how it can change <b>my</b> life. I will try my best to stay faithful to this, and make sure to write in my prayer journal more often.<br />
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<i>Relationships </i>| My sophomore year was ... lacking when it came to relationships. I didn't try enough to start new ones, or take care of the ones I already had. I grew closer to Dan, but most other relationships in my life suffered. I know how detrimental this can be in all areas of my life, because I've already experience it. I don't want this to happen again. Friendships are one of the greatest blessings of this life, and I want to (re)discover the beauty in them.<br />
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I started my layout by die cutting a big "2014" and backing each letter with a colorful patterned paper (mostly from Carta Bella's Hello Again collection). I love the instant color and liveliness this adds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDGEHLfKFsl5Fc8SVS1TFMASHe03GpzfWjXyXEat3Kqjfob9qW6EEwfIR_bJxrWFf1i6AuZDre-7Ue05SoFevVv_cDAVfWObERwOMVjmZO2xS4JyYgj-AoNmqWixRg8VRFYZmXJYTQ60/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDGEHLfKFsl5Fc8SVS1TFMASHe03GpzfWjXyXEat3Kqjfob9qW6EEwfIR_bJxrWFf1i6AuZDre-7Ue05SoFevVv_cDAVfWObERwOMVjmZO2xS4JyYgj-AoNmqWixRg8VRFYZmXJYTQ60/s400/IMG_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For my one word, I chose <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/american-crafts/144291-gold-soire-glitter-foam-dear-lizzy-polka-dot-party-thickers/">this set of thickers</a> simply because I love it. I think it's part of the class to make something that has your word and hang it up in a place where it's visible to you each day so you can be reminded of it. So if you're going to be looking at something all year, make sure it's something you LOVE. I love the gold, shiny, glittery look of these thickers that just immediately grabs your attention. I overlapped them, both for space and to add interest.<br />
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I also made a fun circle of mist, just brushing it on with the spray applicator. To me, it fits the theme of "discovery" because it's an organic, freeing design.<br />
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Here's to 2014, (hopefully) a year of discovery! What's your one little word for 2014??<br />
<br />Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-70088206938049255152013-12-31T10:52:00.000-05:002013-12-31T10:52:06.175-05:00Freebies #6 | Everybody's working for the weekendIt's been a while since I've shared a printable freebie - and I found this sheet that I've designed a while ago, but haven't posted up here yet... so here we go!<br />
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I designed this a few months ago back when I was in the middle of my 6-month full-time internship. The quote was so, so appropriate because the 8 hour days were SO long to me and I wasn't used to it. I know most of you are probably on vacation right now, but I'm sure it'll be applicable in just a few weeks when work and school start up again!!</div>
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Here's a look at how I used these printables in my own Project Life:</div>
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Kept it simple here and added the filler quote card and left it as is.<br />
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The days of the week card is perfect for a quick recap of your week, and can even be used every week if you want!<br />
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One thing I love about printables is that I don't feel anything holding me back from altering them however I want. I find myself cutting a lot of circle pieces like I did above to make them work in certain spaces. It's all okay, because you can always just print another and you don't feel like you're "wasting" it!!!<br />
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If you like these printables, you can download them <b><a href="https://app.box.com/s/8x9a4fyw6c1ua7ca7iv4">here</a> </b>and be sure to leave a comment telling me what your favorite parts are! Even better, send me a link to a project you made using them - I'd love to see what you come up with!!<br />
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xxMichelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-79187310847347213192013-12-17T10:33:00.003-05:002013-12-17T10:34:09.031-05:00Holiday Prep | Thanksgiving Layouts (Austin)<style>
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It is getting
dangerously close to Christmas! I say dangerously because some of us (ahem)
might not be 100% prepared with presents, decorating, crafting, and all that
good stuff. During busy weeks like this one, I am so happy that I didn’t decide
to do a December project like December Daily. I just don’t think I ‘m cut out
for that long-term kind of planning and commitment, haha. For those of you who
are doing it though, I applaud you!! Have you been able to keep up with it?</div>
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I got to a good start last night with some present wrapping,
complete with handmade paper bows inspired by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.paigeandchris.com/2013/12/the-one-with-christmas-wrapping-with.html">Paige Evans’s tutorial</a></b>. Here’s a little peek that I <a href="http://instagram.com/p/iAjhmLwXhT/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">posted last night</b></a>:</div>
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Since I’m always seasonally out of fashion when it comes to
scrapbooking, I have a few Thanksgiving layouts to share with you today. I
really don’t stress about being a bit “behind” because that kind of just takes
the fun out of things, don’t you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23z2AnUJSgUjaUtfCQEqRqqb_TO772lqrSjRFncyhLxeiNlVDPgVJ1rUDGZ9HhoAyl5n6EQIsJD2so8XjinEWfftOhv38oRS6gDKac8CWmM1w5VZH-On7_XpUyJCWS3JkVs_DvQlW_qE/s1600/IMG_0032+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23z2AnUJSgUjaUtfCQEqRqqb_TO772lqrSjRFncyhLxeiNlVDPgVJ1rUDGZ9HhoAyl5n6EQIsJD2so8XjinEWfftOhv38oRS6gDKac8CWmM1w5VZH-On7_XpUyJCWS3JkVs_DvQlW_qE/s640/IMG_0032+watermarked.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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For my first layout, I used my absolute favorite picture
from my time in Austin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1w3hcp4QRcN9oeNuiWdhp8NqoIK4_8rEcxgBayiwnj0YjOinbebyHgomW1oP_vYmGjJxfLi9_IEW25hp6wVgT7Uy5oZ3sudN57v9mUyWwb6Mw_soiFSPqH6fsnaJ82XqPbqQFJyu_Qc/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1w3hcp4QRcN9oeNuiWdhp8NqoIK4_8rEcxgBayiwnj0YjOinbebyHgomW1oP_vYmGjJxfLi9_IEW25hp6wVgT7Uy5oZ3sudN57v9mUyWwb6Mw_soiFSPqH6fsnaJ82XqPbqQFJyu_Qc/s400/IMG_0035.JPG" width="332" /></a></div>
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The story behind it is pretty funny – we went out for a walk
and to take pictures, but I didn’t have a tripod and I wanted a picture with
the both of us… so I ended up putting my phone in one of my shoes and that’s
why I’m only standing on one foot in the picture ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7jJR_amWfuognzZfuC889ABtI5G51Qi9yeaf7Evvlk0-vrPzDQfOhmOu7ykhBneZo8l6XJN-NQSNWFJMiHqEjGxw2rlB2PFd7-s5ckwY2a7gekLVQdiJgKVG9Hif7x4QMeTSAdRypsg/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7jJR_amWfuognzZfuC889ABtI5G51Qi9yeaf7Evvlk0-vrPzDQfOhmOu7ykhBneZo8l6XJN-NQSNWFJMiHqEjGxw2rlB2PFd7-s5ckwY2a7gekLVQdiJgKVG9Hif7x4QMeTSAdRypsg/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For my embellishments, I used Dear Lizzy stickers but also
used twine, inspired by a recent <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/projects/videos/1965493-glitter-girl-adventure-099-read-between-the-twine/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GlitterGirl video</b></a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_owlw_7Hrhxc2RJYrLRA9F_uIbYwN_WwFyMcFeU66B1Z70yIO3CaeABL59irvrb1cc-PBRYumsGyJDjQgLOLazA-Lz9uwQkhaIXq_L_hbpu8yOnKsbJu4uy3JqI8SrYt5pTkgIul6Po/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_owlw_7Hrhxc2RJYrLRA9F_uIbYwN_WwFyMcFeU66B1Z70yIO3CaeABL59irvrb1cc-PBRYumsGyJDjQgLOLazA-Lz9uwQkhaIXq_L_hbpu8yOnKsbJu4uy3JqI8SrYt5pTkgIul6Po/s400/IMG_0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Love these big, but still light and subtle, alphas from
Glitz Design. They fit perfectly under my photo!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaJMP3AiHoZ94OdXR5OH6P3RmBBUamG9GtfeEDv4BQ0DGW4psivP4x0ilEYZnbVjV0aLtbsapCm-rnD0JUo06tEUQu6Nj3npiBpunu3LHegKdahIcHRDS0mrHLJBUP_mLs-baF1l6rHw/s1600/IMG_0026+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaJMP3AiHoZ94OdXR5OH6P3RmBBUamG9GtfeEDv4BQ0DGW4psivP4x0ilEYZnbVjV0aLtbsapCm-rnD0JUo06tEUQu6Nj3npiBpunu3LHegKdahIcHRDS0mrHLJBUP_mLs-baF1l6rHw/s640/IMG_0026+watermarked.jpg" width="491" /></a></div>
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For my second layout, I selected a few pictures that I took
in a beautiful garden we visited. It was hard to narrow it down to two because
it was such a beautiful place and I took tons of pictures… but I will
definitely by scrapping more photos from the garden another time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWs6wLk6QfGRGDmF78avMx3LgqHGfKy4DkYtpd3u_usAKJdCfegvAcMQXTUstteX0ULej3rcfKAn9nWp_yxc0MdR71k5dwy4ssEvF64rqU3FGVjY5lWVs1amZ4XmAdBtxqkMIBnH4xFU/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWs6wLk6QfGRGDmF78avMx3LgqHGfKy4DkYtpd3u_usAKJdCfegvAcMQXTUstteX0ULej3rcfKAn9nWp_yxc0MdR71k5dwy4ssEvF64rqU3FGVjY5lWVs1amZ4XmAdBtxqkMIBnH4xFU/s400/IMG_0029.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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I stitched around my photos to give them a subtle frame, and
then punched some butterflies, which was appropriate since the garden had a
butterfly trail! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhudrlr8cE5QKcg268UVN3XB-yYmRca5ySnlbLKy193ctUvQvPYRf0klC_7eGlYMaExvxwIU8fAdNpUbFvmGUbMRVD4VNZRPsz21MQuoA7zj8TNxHuiCU5gG49MHVfGVhsEnLiPZ-ykVc/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhudrlr8cE5QKcg268UVN3XB-yYmRca5ySnlbLKy193ctUvQvPYRf0klC_7eGlYMaExvxwIU8fAdNpUbFvmGUbMRVD4VNZRPsz21MQuoA7zj8TNxHuiCU5gG49MHVfGVhsEnLiPZ-ykVc/s400/IMG_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This layout was really quick and easy, with the simple grid
style I’ve been using a lot lately.</div>
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Have you been scrapping any holiday events? If you have any
tips for doing so, please share with me in the comments!!</div>
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One last thing before I leave – going back to getting things
done in time, if you’re still in need of some Christmas/holiday cards, I have a
bunch in stock at <a href="http://michelleun.etsy.com/"><b>my Etsy store</b></a> – they’ll only be available until the end of
the week, as I’ll be going home next week. And for my special blog readers… I’m
offering a promo code to get 10% off your order!! Just use<b> HOLIDAY13</b> on any
order this week!! It’s one less thing to worry about completing, and you’ll
still have special, 100% handmade cards for friends and family!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7KJ2BsB_xii1pANPN1TkkuiS4qy89ng89e6Tsx8R8IBnyA2tEqyJUXS-B975taA7aQHvupkgs92CngZ_-AYywc0yoztUn-QHfW9wWH9pudd9BOhyphenhyphenBV6feRaJZa6U-EsR2KiUiePUTU0/s1600/holiday13+promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7KJ2BsB_xii1pANPN1TkkuiS4qy89ng89e6Tsx8R8IBnyA2tEqyJUXS-B975taA7aQHvupkgs92CngZ_-AYywc0yoztUn-QHfW9wWH9pudd9BOhyphenhyphenBV6feRaJZa6U-EsR2KiUiePUTU0/s400/holiday13+promo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2673429818292905302.post-20932855429869269832013-12-12T09:36:00.000-05:002014-02-11T11:45:45.732-05:00Autumn Love | SVG Freebie<style>
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It is getting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">frigid </i>and
really starting to feel like winter! Which of course means it’s the perfect
time to scrapbook those autumn photos, right? ;) Why does it always feel like
I’m a season behind? Oh wait, maybe because I am…</div>
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Anyway, I’m going to share TWO autumn layouts with you
today! I really like how both of them came out, especially since I really love
the photos!!</div>
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For the first one, I was inspired by <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/projects/videos/1962985-scrap-your-stash-thanksgiving-day-walk-leaves/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paige Evan’s page</b></a> (by the way, she is having <a href="http://www.paigeandchris.com/2013/12/the-one-with-1700th-post-giveaway.html">an amazing giveaway</a> right now<b> </b>that you might want to check out) using lots of leaves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhj2msB1cy8U_79RUI-vNbuGHgf_-dzvo0If5sfnJt5-luZgVxfQVsZqE-uikhrD9J7q2O3YUAvTJIGWu3IQ_LaLXl9Q_ODqGP03Fd1yeP5ZV__K_P9969L6qgh20ATUQodQByKgNJ7s/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhj2msB1cy8U_79RUI-vNbuGHgf_-dzvo0If5sfnJt5-luZgVxfQVsZqE-uikhrD9J7q2O3YUAvTJIGWu3IQ_LaLXl9Q_ODqGP03Fd1yeP5ZV__K_P9969L6qgh20ATUQodQByKgNJ7s/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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I used sheets from the Maggie Holmes Flea Market 6x6 paper
pad and cut a bunch of leaves with my Silhouette. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUYTHy9kI48e6G9-n8O_RuoMsAfV6ANNeXJITTAImYAk7tdbwjYFITKhm4XxAZnkDVbwClXAp9YK-NM5EChXHrcCW-oKyERV0rKKntol1kaLxf7vJbiFOTkCOAkwZZoVHwGP5uXYMrLw/s1600/autumn+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUYTHy9kI48e6G9-n8O_RuoMsAfV6ANNeXJITTAImYAk7tdbwjYFITKhm4XxAZnkDVbwClXAp9YK-NM5EChXHrcCW-oKyERV0rKKntol1kaLxf7vJbiFOTkCOAkwZZoVHwGP5uXYMrLw/s200/autumn+leaves.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
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You can download the SVG that
I made and used <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/othwgdc4prry81oq10zc">here</a>! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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After they were all cut out, I positioned them around my
page, making sure to spread out the leaves that had similar patterns and
colors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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Then I cut out a title with my Silhouette and watercolored
it to make it stand out more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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To my delight, the Freckled Fawn wood veneer frames I got in
my <a href="http://instagram.com/p/hdosYawXjG/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Black Friday grab bag</b></a> fit
PERFECTLY around my photos – AND the words were so appropriate. Now that’s
serendipity! I decided to paint them with white acrylic paint, and then also
did a light wash of watercolors to make them match the title. The effect is
just so subtle and beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R8YjILNxUfDca0-n7XX6ho7gmDhyphenhyphenyQYPUw9ac42thKtk9JOg6VsDiYapHqudahqZw4VKdfqL6LF2TvVOh5gv6q1qLnWrQVOBCEguVgHs0rX-moNnY7yjDiw6s-vqiLWmIrIUrq-hiXw/s1600/out+for+publication.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
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I did the same for these LOVE wood veneer penants from Crate
Paper, and dressed them up further with little chipboard stickers and more wood
veneer.</div>
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After all of this, I didn’t have a good space for
journaling, so I took a piece of vellum and journaled a frame around the
pictures.</div>
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This ended up being one of my recent favorite layouts – I
hope you like it too! :)</div>
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I used another picture from this photoshoot for my next
layout, but I did a more "showcase" one, using one 4x6.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPmUQacDrz7glqNeodpc6yiWlw_9Tn-8bz9SKI-8B7u5h21EsWqPex8TQ-BoFjbbsQX8T-e3noCwrAhk6VqblPwz8m652MZKxxgWv2fV5i64yX2gmb7klkzkSUwiXM3hg-N5C-LG1tMY/s1600/IMG_0007+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPmUQacDrz7glqNeodpc6yiWlw_9Tn-8bz9SKI-8B7u5h21EsWqPex8TQ-BoFjbbsQX8T-e3noCwrAhk6VqblPwz8m652MZKxxgWv2fV5i64yX2gmb7klkzkSUwiXM3hg-N5C-LG1tMY/s640/IMG_0007+watermarked.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mainly wanted to try a really cool watercolor technique
that Wilna shows in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Art Class 1</b>, and
I really love the beautiful, artsy, free effect you end up with!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmykDUSYmBbA8SqKtQV_TcUpOIJh7E3Fl2w8kFPYHVTPfL3v6IYfz0C-LWXuR89QjP8z5nNX0gNvQlkT7ba-Rw9LkU6x5utgU1XhN9cfcQlAuE9uyI75i11DNwAf3rVIF_XkFS_PWTqt4/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmykDUSYmBbA8SqKtQV_TcUpOIJh7E3Fl2w8kFPYHVTPfL3v6IYfz0C-LWXuR89QjP8z5nNX0gNvQlkT7ba-Rw9LkU6x5utgU1XhN9cfcQlAuE9uyI75i11DNwAf3rVIF_XkFS_PWTqt4/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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With such a beautiful and colorful thing to look at, I didn’t
add much else to my page, and I still really like how it came out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWdtzOJ_5oPwbrKWBvfbc614vE_72bZvca-KXbDoLeIXVho1D2cpfhPmtTPeiBXhGckueVmQmm_BvHTpLnZzz4blr6OJo7EcWJsWXjS2VU4xORr2uUYiS__tJuh_88z1JhRBy3L6VAMQ/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWdtzOJ_5oPwbrKWBvfbc614vE_72bZvca-KXbDoLeIXVho1D2cpfhPmtTPeiBXhGckueVmQmm_BvHTpLnZzz4blr6OJo7EcWJsWXjS2VU4xORr2uUYiS__tJuh_88z1JhRBy3L6VAMQ/s400/IMG_0010.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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You might have noticed from my last few layouts that I am loving these resin flowers recently (I've almost finished with the package and need to get some more in my next Two Peas order!). Except there's a hot pink one in the package and I'm not really a fan of hot pink... but I didn't want to let such a pretty embellishment go to waste! I simply covered the flower in white acrylic paint, and while the paint was still kind of wet, i painted over it with red/pink watercolors. It's not perfect and smooth, but I definitely like it a lot better than the hot pink! Don't be afraid to alter your items to make them work for you!! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-zClGXIE5JTmY0tMauiNZmfU8q5QuhLYVmgfhjOWp6U_96l3Ru3f8X9KxhyphenhyphenxPJW79MnuXuqpKRaGF56o2rsHB32FOj5tKHbuU6-cUKaVHqtEp4ahuwM6cggqJDfKjVqxWTVxScIcfWM/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-zClGXIE5JTmY0tMauiNZmfU8q5QuhLYVmgfhjOWp6U_96l3Ru3f8X9KxhyphenhyphenxPJW79MnuXuqpKRaGF56o2rsHB32FOj5tKHbuU6-cUKaVHqtEp4ahuwM6cggqJDfKjVqxWTVxScIcfWM/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope these two layouts gave you some inspiration to scrap
autumn photos, if you’re like me and hadn’t done so yet! Let me know if you try
out any of these techniques!<br />
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Hope you have a great day :) xx </div>
Michelle Yhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633272734950737289noreply@blogger.com5