Seize the Day (Echo Park Capture Life)

(Photo by Clix! Portrait Studios)

Alexa's tap routine this year was Seize the Day from the Newsies musical. Her teacher did an amazing job choreographing the number and putting together costumes from thrift store finds.

Alexa wasn't too sure at first about dressing like a boy, but she got over it quickly. I think she looks adorable, but of course I'm biased. :)

I used old-fashioned elements to go with the costume, like the typewriter, camera and finger pointing label, adding in some feminine touches like a clothing tag from one of Alexa's tops and doilies, my "go to" embellishment.

Echo Park's Capture Life collections (both the Black and White and Color versions) worked well with the photo. I added in bits and pieces from Paper Issues' June Swag Bag (embellishment kit) and odds and ends from my stash before I called it done.

The July Swag Bag is now available at Paper Issues. Using the code LISA20 will get you 20% off of the kit, plus anything else that catches your eye.

I'm going to be taking a bit of a blogging break. I'll be back the week of July 7th with new projects to share. Hope to see you then!

Linking to Crafty Creations No. 20 at The Memory Nest.

Paper Issues: In the Navy

A new linky party called In the Navy starts today at Paper Issues. It's a fun one, all about summer, the color blue and so much more. Echo Park Paper has provided a wonderful prize so be sure to join in.

Here's a list of some of the types of projects you can link up:

• Use shades of blue on your project. It could be a monochromatic project or just have touches of blue. It's up to you.
• Maybe you've used watercolors (or other mixed media) to create the sky and/or clouds. 
• Give thanks to servicemen and women by creating a military-themed layout.
• Use anchors as an embellishment or how about "Anchors Away" as a title?
• Have you visited an aquarium? What types of sea creatures did you see there?
• Did you ever swim with dolphins?
• Tell us about a visit to the ocean.
• Share a red, white and blue, July 4th, summer or patriotic page.
• Do you have a boat? Do you like to go sailing? Tell us about it!
• Use Echo Park products.

You can find all of the details about this link up, and the Echo Park prize, right here. Hope to see you there! :)

Card Share: Beautiful Day (Echo Park Walking on Sunshine)

Hi everyone! Time to share a fun summer card, especially since the "official" start of summer is only days away. Can you believe it?

I created this card with Echo Park's new Walking on Sunshine collection and some of the coordinating Designer Stamps (flip flops and "beautiful day" banner).

For more details about this card, please pop on over to the Echo Park blog today. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking to Crafty Creations at The Memory Nest.

Almost a Teen (Echo Park Capture Life)

In just a few short days, we will have a teenager in the house! I can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday I was holding a newborn Alexa in my arms. Okay, I'm going to stop now before I get too teary...

I put this page together with Echo Park's Capture Life collections (both the Color and Black and White versions) and a whole bunch of fabulous embellishments from Paper Issues Swag Bags embellishment kits (both the June kit and previous kits).

Thanks for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with a card share. See you then... 

Card Share: Tune In for a Great Father's Day (Echo Park Walking on Sunshine)

Today I'm sharing an Echo Park design team project. I was tasked with making a Father's Day card with the new Walking on Sunshine summer collection.

When I started to brainstorm ideas, I remembered that my husband has one of my Dad's antique radios (which you can see in the background of the photo). Well, one thing led to another (I love when the mojo flows, don't you?). I chose this radio paper, softened it with some vellum, and paired it with the sentiment, "Tune in for a Great Father's Day!"

I'm thinking my husband will enjoy the fresh, happy summer colors. It was fun to think outside of the box and use a summer collection for something other than its "intended" purpose.

To see this card in more detail, please visit the Echo Park blog today.

Thanks for visiting!

Paper Issues: Food for Thought

It's time for a new linky party at Paper Issues. This time the theme is Food for Thought. Our sponsor, Some Odd Girl Stamps, is giving away two sets of the cutest, newly released, food-themed stamps.

What can you link up? Well, anything having to do with food. We'd also love to see Father's Day projects and cards. Check out the Paper Issues blog for even more ideas.

Giveaway: Paper Issues Swag Bags and Doggie Bags

You've seen me post about Paper Issues Swag Bags before and you know how much this embellishment-crazed scrapper loves these kits, right? Well, how would YOU like a chance to win either a Doggie Bag or Swag Bag (the June kit is pictured above)?

Doggie Bags are smaller kits, like a one-time sampling of a Swag Bag, without the commitment to try the whole kit.

Paper Issues is giving away two (2) Doggie Bags to two lucky winners who comment on this giveaway post AND two (2) Swag Bags to two lucky winners who tag to win on their Facebook page.

Be sure to check these both out. I'd love to see at least one of my readers win!

Card Share: Dance Teacher Thank You

Simple Stories DIY Basic Card Foundations provided the perfect base for a set of dance teacher thank you cards. I started with 4 x 6" foundations (using a different color for each card) and printed the word "dance" in repeated text on the card itself.

A layer of vellum softens the text while still allowing the words to show through.

A leotard cut file from the Silhouette store is simply embellished with a sequin, then adhered atop a diecut kraft heart with a few other embellishments. Each card features a different dance-themed flair from Bossy Joscie (the other cards have words like "graceful", "tap" and "ballet") and is monogrammed with a Doodlebug alpha sticker.

We'll put some gift cards inside before Alexa hands these out to her dance teachers.

Linking to Crafty Creations No. 19 at The Memory Nest.

Free eBook: Simple Stories Good Day Sunshine Collection

Simple Stories has released an inspiring new eBook featuring 20 pages of projects using the newly released Good Day Sunshine collection.

This is a free download (PDF) so be sure to check it out. You'll even get to see one of my layouts and a card in there.

If you like what you see, you can order this collection from the Paper Issues store. Get your whole order for 20% off with the code LISA20. Happy shopping!

Card Share: You Have the Whole World Ahead of You (Echo Park)

Echo Park's globe cut file inspired me to think of a sentiment appropriate for a graduation card. I decided on "You Have the Whole World Ahead of You". I printed this sentiment as repeating text on vellum, using it to soften the design on the patterned paper beneath it.

I even worked one of my "signature" doilies into the design. :)

The continents are embellished with Simple Stories clear photo stickers and Pebbles Inc. rub ons. Fabulous sequins from the Paper Issues shop add a finishing touch. Now I'm ready to give this to the recipient. Once I get a gift to go with it, that is.