Scrapbook Process: “You and Me”

January 4, 2016January 4, 20167 Comments

Hello friends! I am back with my first layout of 2016 using some goodies from my stash!

Last summer my family and I took a quick staycation to Austin, TX. I absolutely love Austin! This photo was taken at the Thinkery, a children’s science museum. I recently came across this selfie of me and my little munchkin girl, cuddling a bit while taking a break from our many adventures.

I scrapbook a lot about my relationship with my daughter for several reasons. She is an only child (we will not have any more children) and I want her to have a rich history of her childhood. And I might sound biased by saying this but…she is a super cool kid! Truly and honestly…she is a lovely little girl who has an infectious smile and a hardy sense of humor. She’s quite the cheeky little sprite with so much energy! As she gets older and matures, our relationship becomes that much stronger. I really hope that she will always know that I am her soft place to land…no judgements, only love and support.

I am going to stop now…my eyes are leaking!

Okay, on to the layout. I used the Amy Tangerine Finders Keepers Collection from American Crafts. I LOVE me some Amy and this collection is perfect for documenting summer memories. Amy has such a cool California vibe and it certainly shows her design aesthetic. Be sure to check her out (as if you haven’t already, duh!).

I wanted to keep this layout light and free flowing! I was inspired by the style and colors of this kit…as if I was walking along the beach in L.A., soaking in the sun! West Coast living is so relaxed and that really comes across in this collection.

I love how the photo is so crisp against the colors in the collection. I had no rhyme or reason for the placement of the embellishments and washi tape. I just went with the flow.

The collection includes an awesome pack of printed card stock and acetate pieces that are perfect embellishments. I used the various patterned washi tapes to add more interest to the layout. The coordinating Thickers fonts worked perfectly with my overall design and add the right finishing touch to this layout.

Materials Used:

Heave White Card Stock – The Paper Studio
Wood Veneer hearts and arrow – Do It Yourself by American Crafts
Printed Card Stock and Acetate Shapes – Amy Tangerine Finders Keepers
Washi Tape – Amy Tangerine Finders Keepers
Thickers “Today” – Amy Tangerine Finders Keepers
Thickers “Goodness” – Amy Tangerine Finders Keepers
Run On Transfers – Amy Tangerine Finders Keepers
Star Acetate Sheet – from my stash
Journaling – Zig Millennium Pen (0.01)

Check out the process video here!

Have a fantastic day and happy scrappin’!

December Daily 2015 – The Finale

January 3, 20162 Comments

I am so happy to announce that I have completed my December Daily album for 2015! In fact, I finished my album on December 26th. I love, love, love this project and I am looking forward to doing it again in 2016.

There is something about taking time to document your everyday activities, your everyday life. December is always very busy for me (as it is for everyone) so keeping up with this project proved to be challenging at times. But, I was committed to this project and I was determined to keep it simple.

This was my second year doing this project. My approach was a bit different. When I did this album in 2014 (finished the album in 2015), I didn’t take the time to really understand the process. I sort of did my own thing without much guidance or a plan. I did not complete layouts daily and I only wanted to document the special holiday moments that take place for my family in December. And that approach is fine. However, what I found is that I missed the point of the project.

I wanted to go back to basics in 2015. And that’s exactly what I did.

Before getting started, I took the Ali Edwards Storytelling with December Daily class. I highly recommend that you take this class! Ali shared her wisdoms, suggestions, and advice for tackling this project. Next, I purchased the Ali Edwards December Daily Kit. Ali has a very clean and simple style which I absolutely adore so her kit was perfect for me. I also purchased the Scraptastic Stocking Stuffer kit to supplement.

I spent two days prepping my album – this is such an important step! I am typically the type of scrapper who is a “game time” decision maker. I let pattern paper and embellishments guide me in most cases. However, since this project is mainly about storytelling, I didn’t want to get caught up in embellishing. Prepping the album in advance saved me so much time! There were days when I was able to knock out layouts with no problem. And then there were days when I would come home, dog tired, not really in the mood to tell a story. Having the embellishing done in advance allowed me to focus on the story and not feel forced to make design decisions when I just wasn’t feeling it!

I am very deadline driven so I set a goal to finish my December Daily on December 26th and I accomplished that! I felt so proud of myself! I think I deserve a happy face sticker!!!! Yay! The album is done and ready for all to enjoy.

Is my album perfect, no.

Is my album done, YES!

Did I tell a lot of really good stories, YES!

Did I tell some “not so great” stories, YES!

And it’s all good!

A few take aways:

Not all of your stories are going to be great. I suggest that you keep it real…tell it like it is. Sometimes the story will find you and other times you will find the story.
Do not focus on perfection. You will love some of your layouts and you will dislike others…that’s okay!
Don’t compare your December Daily albums to other December Daily albums! It’s okay to be inspired or to model other scrappers…but do what feels right for YOU! Make it yours!
Take the Storytelling with December Daily class! Just do it! Trust me…you will learn so much about Ali’s process and how to make it your own! If not Ali’s class…check out some of the tutorials on YouTube. Try to understand the process before you dive in.
Be flexible and make it your own! This project should be fun and NOT stressful! There will be some days when you do not want to work on your album or perhaps you work on some pages over the weekend. It’s okay!
Focus on the story FIRST!!!!! This is a documentation of your life for 25 or 31 days! How cool will it be to look back on these moments years from now!
Set a goal to finish your album! It doesn’t matter if you have 10 stories of 31 stories…just tell the story and get it done!
Truth: Some of your stories may not always be happy or joyful. It’s okay to document those “not so perfect” moments. Telling these stories shows that we are human and not all of our memories are going to be perfect.

Most of all…ENJOY THIS PROJECT! Have fun and do not stress!

Here’s a tour of my December Daily 2015 Album!

Here’s my December Daily 2015 – The Finale YouTube Video. Enjoy!!!!

Happy New Year lovelies!!!!

Happy New Year 2016!!!

January 3, 2016Leave a comment

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you are enjoying the beginning of what I think will be an awesome year!

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Bringing in the New Year with my little one! We made party hats!

First, I want to say THANK YOU to all of my blog subbies for hanging out with me. Admittedly, I have been a horrible blogger in 2015. I am the type of person who takes on a million things at once! I love and appreciate all of my subbies and group members and I promise to be a better blogger! Girl Scout honor!

So, what’s in store for Victoria Marie in 2016? Well, a lot of things. I am working on a secret project that is scheduled to premier in March (if things go well…fingers crossed). Also…

I will be posting regularly on this blog so don’t go away!
After much pleading from many of my subbies, you will be able to find me on Instagram! Yay! I will post a link once I’m up and running.
I will be posting more content on my YouTube channel to include Scrapbooking for Mortals Tutorials, Scraptastic Design Team process videos, themed scrapbooking series, and much more!

On the Victoria Marie Facebook Group, I introduced my 2016 Challenge Design Team…

From L-R: Yours Truly, Cacie Carillo-English, Elizabeth Pear, Heidi Cocca, Megan Blethen, Katty Miranda, Sarah Branch Swann, Christy Harriman

All of these ladies are super talented and will be designing fun scrapbooking challenges that will get your creative juices flowing! The team will post one themed challenge per week! If you are not currently a member, come check us out!

Okay, that is all for now! Thank you again for stopping by! I appreciate your support!

Happy New Year!

Keeping It Real…December Daily 2015

December 7, 20152 Comments

Many of you are in the process of creating and filling your December Daily albums. Honestly, I really love this project! Recording one memory everyday during the month of December appears to be a lofty task. We are all very busy people with scheduled lives, running here and there, navigating the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. December Daily forces us to slow down a bit, to enjoy the everyday moments that the season brings.

My bokeh tree photo!

So far I have been rather successful at managing this project. However, I will fully admit, there have been a few stressful points. Like when I don’t pay attention to what is going on during the day or when I get caught up the routine of family life when I get home from work. At times I overthink this process…I want to print and include ALL THE PICTURES when I just need a couple of photos to tell a story.

I have to be cognizant not to just “pick” a story just for the sake of having something in my album. Further, it’s okay that on Day 6 I tell a story from time gone by or record one of my million random thoughts that I have throughout the day…slap that on a layout, no picture needed.

Keep things simple sweetie. 🙂

Confession: I have the habit of comparing my December Daily layouts to other DD layouts. (Damnit Pinterest!) What a self-defeating exercise (Ali Edwards warns us about this). You don’t want to get so caught up in other people’s albums that you neglect or don’t appreciate your own.

Here’s my position…

I am not stressing over this project. I take it one day at a time. I force myself to slow down and tell just one story and one story ONLY! It doesn’t matter if I don’t have the perfect picture or just the “right” words to say. What is important is that I record my precious holiday memories.
I am not going to compare myself to others anymore. I appreciate my creativity and that of others. I have to march to my own tune.
Some days I will have the most magnificent pages it the world. Other days, not so much. And that’s okay. It’s not about the design, its about the memories and the stories.
There will be days where I am able to complete a layout and other days when I am not. And that’s okay…I am busy living my life!
Some days, I might not embellish my layout, but printing the photo and doing some preemptive journaling helps to organize my thoughts. I can complete those unfinished layouts when I have the time. Again, no worries.
I am having fun. I am taking just a few minutes out of my day to do something that brings me so much joy and pleasure.

Later this week I will post some photos of Day 2-6 so stay tuned for that. Remember, December Daily is journey…don’t rush it. 🙂

Enjoy!

December Daily 2015 – Day 1

December 2, 20156 Comments

The Story for Today:

My daughter and I headed to a home decor store called At Home (formerly Garden Ridge). I was in search of new Christmas pretties that I can use to deck the halls this holiday season. With my Mini Me in tow, we walked in, grabbed a cart, and started our shopping trip. Little One noticed a sales ad in the cart and insisted on reading the specials of the day:

“Mom! Can you believe it! The blankets are on sale for $19.99! And the flowers are on sale for $29.99! Amazing!”

She is saying all of this as she leans back in the cart, sales ad open! The girl is hilarious!

I love these moments. She gets so super excited about the holidays. In fact, as we were walking into the store she said, “Mom, I love this time of year.”

“Oh really, why?” I asked.

“Because, its so much FUN!”

We skipped along…hand in hand. This is what its all about! I would bottle her sense of wonder and sell it for a million bucks! Here’s to a great Christmas season!

The Layout – Day 1

The Process Video – Enjoy!

December Daily Eve 2015 – Let’s Go!

December 1, 20154 Comments

On the eve of my December Daily 2015 project, I am feeling incredibly excited and for the first time, I am READY in advance. As I mention in my December Daily 2015 Prep Video, I have learned a lot about this process since completing my 2014 album in October of this year.

Yes, I am a slacker!

My goal for my 2015 album is easy: Keep it simple. That’s all. That’s it.

Last year was my first time doing this project and I had no clue what I was doing! I used non-themed items with just a few themed items. I did not complete this process daily. In fact, I didn’t complete the project until this year. And while you are certainly free to create your December Daily album however you wish, I have found that since I veered away from the intent of the project, I flounder big time.

My didn’t capture the everyday moments that were so important to me.

But, 2015 is going to be different. I knew that if I was going to be successful, I needed a game plan. So here it is:

I took time to study Ali’s December Daily concept. I wanted to know how she created her albums, her project philosophy, and what she typically focused on through out the month of December. I was very intrigued by her simple and clean design. Remember, I am keeping things simple.
I pre-ordered the 2015 December Daily Kit, album, and stamps from http://www.aliedwards.com. Check it out!
I purchased Ali’s Storytelling with December Daily workshop. Now, I am not getting paid to endorse this class or any of Ali’s products. But I must be honest: TAKE THIS AWESOME WORKSHOP! It was so refreshing to hear about Ali’s project in her own words – from conception to present day. You can read more about this class at http://www.aliedwards.com.
Once my kit came in, I spent a couple of hours getting my goodies together. I started by purging my old December Daily stash. There were some things that I kept and some that I gave away. I wanted plenty of room for all of my scrappy goodies.

Once I was sufficiently prepared, I prepped my album. Each foundation page consists of a number, representing a day in December, and just a few embellishments. I left enough room for more embellishing later, a game time decision. For day 24 and 25, I added extra paper projectors since I know I will be telling a longer story and will have more photos for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I focused on a clean and simple design that allows the story to take center stage. I believe I accomplished that. 🙂

Here’s tour of my album.

Cover

Intro Page, Intentions Page, and Day #1

Day 2, 3, and 4

Day 5 – 11

Day 11 – 14

Day 15 – 23

Day 24 and 25

If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s my completed December Daily 2015 Prep video and Album Tour Video! I am so excited and cannot wait to get started! I am determined that this will be the year that I finish this project strong!

December Daily 2015 Prep Video:

December Daily 2015 Album Tour

Scraptastic Design Team Layout #2 – Halloween Baby!

October 17, 2015October 17, 20155 Comments

I am in the process of finishing my daughter’s baby book (five years later)! I recently received the This is Halloween kit from the Scraptastic Kit Club and and decided to skip ahead in her book and complete a layout that documents her first Halloween.

My baby was about 8 months old in this photo…she was so tiny and precious. We had a hard time picking out a costume for her. So, one of my friends offered to make a tulle tutu, which turned out super cute! I paired that with a onesie that said, “Daddy’s under my spell”, and there you go! My cute Halloween Baby!

Needless to say she struggled with the tutu a bit. It’s hard to crawl when you have layers of tulle surrounding you! She was completely frustrated! Finally she managed to get on her knees and began to crawl all over the kitchen…tulle tutu and all! I really enjoyed scrapbooking this memory…the older she gets, the harder it is to remember all of the little details of her baby years. I always recommend to new moms that they take a moment to capture those memories, even if its just writing them down on a piece of paper.

I wish I would have done that!

Of course I couldn’t tell this story with just one layout! I created a corresponding pocketed layout that extended the story of her first Halloween.

Scraptastic offers a separate pocketed scrapbooking kit called This Life Noted. I used some of the 3×4 cards that came with the kit along with a few embellishments to create the pocketed layout. Sometimes I need a bit more “real estate” to tell the full story. Plus, creating a pocketed layout allows me to add more photos.

This second page came together quickly – its so simple and clean.

Here’s what I used:

October 2015 This Life Noted 3×4 cards
White Textured Cardstock
Black and White stripe paper – “Magic” from the After Dark Collection by My Mind’s Eye
Pattern Paper (orange/dots) – Scraptastic Exclusive
Pattern Paper (blue/stratus clouds) – “Something Wicked” by My Mind’s Eye
Mist – “Black Velvet” by Heidi Swapp
Washi Tape – from my stash (purchased from Hobby Lobby)
Die Cut Stickers – “Moonlit” by Authentique
Spider web stamp – “This is Halloween” by Scraptastic Kit Club
Die Cuts – “Something Wicked” by My Mind’s Eye
Font /Shapes (Black) – “Spooky” by Thickers
Font (orange/glitter) – “Boo” by Thickers
Alpha stickers (orange) – Jillibean Soup Mini Alpha
Puffy Stickers – “Studio Puffs” by Pink Fresh Studio
Enamel Dots – “Something Wicked” by My Mind’s Eye
Phrase Stickers – “Petite Diction” by Authentique

Here’s the process video featuring the main layout (not the pocketed layout…that was an after thought)! Enjoy!

Scrapbook Process Video #51 – Me in Traffic

October 17, 2015October 17, 20154 Comments

I HATE traffic…HATE it!

Early this month, I was coming home from work and hit a wall of traffic. It took me 2 hours to get home…2 HOURS! My normal commute is only 30 minutes. As I sat in traffic, I took a few selfies and text them to my spouse. “See, see! Still in traffic!” I ranted.

I was completely over it!

And of course, I had to scrapbook these photos! I like to scrapbook everyday moments…my experiences as a working mom, my frustrations and struggles…almost slitting my wrists because I have to sit in traffic! The list goes on…

Aww, good times!

Using the September 2015 Skinny Love kit from the Scraptastic Kit Club, I created this fabulous layout of my traffic adventures.

What I used:

Pattern Papers – Scraptastic Exclusive
Font – “Noted” from the Dear Lizzy Collection by Thickers
Tiny Font – “Petite Type” by Authentique
Die Cuts – “Wonder” by Crate Paper
Puffy Stickers – by Evalicious
Cork Embellishment – Scraptastic Exclusive
Wood Veneer – Scraptastic Exclusive
Roller Date Stamp – Heidi Swapp
Washi – Seven Paper by Studio Calico

Check out the process video on the Victoria Marie YouTube channel! Enjoy!

Scraptastic Design Team – “Fall in a Cup” (Monday Pinterest)

October 5, 20154 Comments

I am so proud to share my first design team layout for the Scraptastic Kit Club! To be honest, the pressure was on. The entire Scraptastic design team is amazing!

I used the September 2015 Skinny Love kit which featured a ton of items from the new Crate Paper Wonder Collection. To say that I am in love with this collection is an understatement! The colors are perfect for a fall layout. For this first submission I worked Nathalie Leonelli, fellow design team member, in finding the perfect inspiration piece from Pinterest. Here’s what we chose:

And here’s my layout:

I love how the leaves are falling from the tree as depicted by the inspiration piece. There is a gentle flow that catches the eye. That’s what I wanted to emulated on my layout. Everything about the inspiration photo screams fall and cold weather!

This layout features a photo of my favorite fall coffee cup. Over the past couple of years fall as been one of my favorite holidays (I’m normally a spring kind of girl). During the fall, I indulge is tasty hot beverages, adorn my favorite scarves, bake delicious goodies, and snuggle under warm blankets. I believe fall is nature’s way of giving us a great big hug!

Here’s what I used:

My Colors Cardstock – Icicles
Pattern Paper: Sleep Tight by Kaitlin Sheaffer (Scraptastic Exclusive)
Branding Strip from “Wonder” by Crate Paper
Digital Die Cut – Silhouette “Leaves”
Font: “Noted” from the Dear Lizzy Collection by Thickers and “Petite Type” by Authentique
Stickers – “Blueberry Bits” by Bella Blvd
Embellishments: Cork, flare, label (yellow and white), felt heart Scraptastic Exclusives; die cuts from the “Wonder” Collection by Crate Paper, Ombre Fabric Tags “Happy Things” by Pinkfresh Studio; Puffy Stickers “Wonder” by Crate Paper
Stamp “Favorites” by Scraptastic This Life Noted Stamp (2015)

Check out the Scraptastic Blog for more product information and inspiration! Also find us on Pinterest!

Here’s the process video for this layout! Enjoy!

Special Announcement! I’m on the Team!

October 3, 20153 Comments

I’ve had a little secret I’ve been keeping in for a couple of weeks…now I can share it with all of you!

Ready!??

I have been extended an invitation to join the Scraptastic Kit Club Design Team!!!!

I have been scrapbooking for a better part of 8 years now and never imagined that I would be asked to join a design team! I am completely humbled by this opportunity! A big thank you to the folks at Scraptastic for selecting me. I have the pleasure of designing with a phenomenal team of scrappers who simply blow me away with all of their creative talent!

Look for product reviews and process videos to come!

A big thank you to all of my subbies and the Victoria Marie FB Group Members! You guys rock and I wouldn’t be here without you!

Now…want to see some delicious goodies? Check up the October kits from Scraptastic and be sure to visit our website and blog at http://www.scraptasticclub.com.

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October 2015 This Life Noted Kit (Pocketed Scrapbooking)

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October 2015 Riptide Kit

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October 2015 This is Halloween Kit

Don’t forget to check out the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel!