Monday, August 31, 2015

Simple Stories | Pin It & Create It!

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of ashleyhortondesigns.com. I do receive compensation and material product from Simple Stories to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

I was up on the Simple Stories Blog last week, with two new Pinterest inspired layouts.  Pinterest is such a great tool for us, as crafters.  I love to check through my feed and look for inspiring images...and they are not always necessarily craft related, but can trigger an inspiring idea that can be translated to paper crafting.  I decided to browse through Pinterest for some design ideas for the two layouts I'm sharing today, using the new We Are Family collection and Pumpkin Spice collection.  And here's what I came up with!

I started my first layout based on a fun hexagon graphic.  I loved the multi-colored look of the hexagons and the way they were arranged.  I cut 7 hexagon shapes on my Silhouette Cameo, from Cardstock and then cut the same sized hexagon from patterned papers included in the We Are Family collection.



http://issuu.com/ashleynyman/docs/portfolio

After the patterned paper hexagon shapes were cut, I hand cut each shape into six pieces.  Then I mixed the patterned papers and layered each piece back over the Cardstock hexagon shape, to create a patchwork look.  I added texture around each of the hexagons, with machine stitching.


I wanted to continue the hexagon theme with my photos, so I cut both of those into the shape, too!  Then I arranged all of the hexagons into the same pattern, shown on the graphic.  I love that the hexagons created perfect embellishment spots on the layout, and I used a mix of Bradz, Chipboard, wood veneers, stickers and enamel dots from the We Are Family collection.


I finished the layout with my title, and used a mix of letter stickers and die cut letters.  I wanted the title to stand out, so I placed it below the hexagon design.

Supplies:
#4702 - Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers
#4703 - Expressions Cardstock Stickers
#4705 - Perfect Together
#4706 - Dreaming Big
#4707 - Simply Us
#4709 - So Very Loved
#4714 - 2x2 & 6x8 Elements
#4715 - 2x12, 4x12, & 6x12 Elements
#4716 - Cream Calico/Linen
#4727 - Bradz
#4728 - Chipboard Stickers
#4729 - Bits & Pieces
#4731 - Enamel Dots
#4733 - Photo Stickers
#4741 - Wood Veneers

For the second layout, using the Pumpkin Spice collection, I found a gorgeous quilt image and knew it would be perfect with my photo and the theme of my layout.  The geometric design was really eye-catching and it gave me the opportunity to incorporate a lot of the patterned papers in the Pumpkin Spice collection.


http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2013/07/giant-indie-star-quilt.html

This technique may look difficult, but it's really easy.  I started out cutting the patterned papers into 2.5x2.5 inch squares.  Once I had the squares cut, I hand cut on a diagonal across each of the squares to create triangle shapes.  After all of the triangles were cut, I machine stitched around the outside edge of each one.  Then I began piecing the triangles back together on my background paper.
 


I wanted my photo to be the focus of the layout, so I cut around the edges leaving a White photo mat, to help it stand out from the colorful background and placed it in the center of the design.  I clustered a few Chipboard pieces and stickers around the photo to help draw your eye to the center of the page.





Once my photo was in place, I had to decide where to add the title and some other embellishments.  I didn't want to cover a lot of the geometric design, so I decided to add my title and embellishments in the empty spaces of the outside triangle shapes.  And to bring in some more patterned paper (because you can never have enough patterned paper on your layout!) I created a border around the edge of the layout, and then machine stitched with White thread.

It's really fun to think outside the box, when you're looking for a design for your layout!  Inspiration is all around, and can come from a color scheme, advertisement, quote, art piece...the possibilities are endless!  This could also be a great way to get out of a creative rut, if you're feeling stuck.  So challenge yourself to look for inspiration in unexpected places.  Write your ideas down, sketch them out or snap a quick photo on your phone to reference later, when you are creating!
Supplies:
#4602 - Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers
#4603 - Expressions Cardstock Stickers
#4604 - Autumn Splendor
#4605 - Fall Delight
#4606 - Harvest Memories
#4607 - Bushels of Fun
#4608 - Pick of the Patch
#4609 - Pumpkin Everything
#4616 - Crisp Air/Gingham
#4627 - Bradz
#4628 - Chipboard Stickers
#4629 - Bits & Pieces
#4631 - Enamel Dots

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Friday, August 28, 2015

American Crafts | This Makes My Heart Happy

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of ashleyhortondesigns.com. I do receive financial compensation and material product from American Crafts to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

This week on the American Crafts Blog, the Design Team shared projects using our favorite photos.  Sometimes I have a photo, that just needs to be scrapped more than once.  And that's one of the great things about scrapbooking...there are no rules when it comes to what's right or wrong.  This photo has been used on another layout, but I love that I could use it again and create a totally different design.




How to: Cut the word "Heart" into a heart shape in the center of white cardstock, or hand cut large letters from patterned paper. Trim your white cardstock to 11.5x11.5" and mat it on a piece of patterned paper. Stitch with embroidery floss around the outer edge of the heart-shaped word. Add your favorite photo above the heart. Use a mix of Thickers to create a long title above and below the heart shape. Embellish with stickers, enamel dots, and epoxy stickers. Cover your photo and add splatters of black spray mist.

Supplies: Fine & Dandy (370078) - Sweetest Soiree, Fine & Dandy (370074) - Stay Awesome, Fine & Dandy (370069) - Make a Wish, Fine & Dandy (370076) - Oh Joy, Fine & Dandy (370083) - Charming Charade, Fine & Dandy (370082) - Gleeful, Fine & Dandy (370067) - Celebrate, Fine & Dandy (370073) - Bright Bows, Fine & Dandy (370075) - Stay Wild, Fine & Dandy (370087) - Printed Cardstock Phrases & Accents, Fine & Dandy (370091) - Accent & Phrase Stickers, Serendipity (369209) - Royal Thickers, Serendipity (369215) - Enamel Dots, Rise & Shine (370035) - Alpha Stickers, Rise & Shine (370034) - Epoxy Stickers, Thickers (366187) - Cordial

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Hip Kit Club | Dream Big

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of ashleyhortondesigns.com. I do receive compensation and material product from Hip Kit Club to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

I’m back today to share a new layout with you, using the August 2015 Hip Kit & Add-On Kits.  I decided to go big on this layout with a large photo.  One of the “big” advantages to using a big photo, is the fact that it’s a big time saver!  :)  A large photo adds impact to your layout, but gives you the freedom to feel less pressure in filling up your layout with lots of other stuff.  My normal time span for creating a layout is anywhere from 1.5 hours to two hours.  This one took me 45 minutes!  A time saver like that, gives you more time to start working on a second layout (because honestly, who wants to do housework and laundry!!)!


I wanted to have something in the background of the layout, but I didn’t want to use a busy patterned paper.  I decided to go with the Gold Dot Vellum from the August Paper Add-On Kit.  I adhered it to a piece of White cardstock from the August Cardstock Add-On Kit, by stitching around all of the edges.  I placed my photo along the right edge of the layout, and started out by adding my title and some embellishments over the White space in the photo.  I used one of the Flair Buttons from the August Embellishment Kit and some of the Pinkfresh Studio puffy stickers from the August Main Kit.

 
I wanted to add a pop of color and define the edges of my photo, so I used several tags from the Crate Paper Wonder Bits & Pieces included in the Main Kit to add a long the top of the photo.  And I also mixed in some of the CP Bits & Pieces with one of the Pinkfresh Studio rubber charms to create an embellishment cluster at the bottom of the photo.  And I couldn’t resist playing with the Dylusions Paints included in the August Color Add-On Kit, so I used a large brush to paint the Bubble Gum Pink and Lemon Zest colors over the Gold Dot Vellum.


I love that there are endless possibilities to the designs you can create, using the monthly Hip Kits!  It’s always fun to see how everyone uses the same products in so many different ways.  I’ll be back next week to share another layout with you, using the August Kits and I can’t wait to get my hands on the new September Hip Kits that are coming soon!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

American Crafts | Fun in the Sun Cards

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of ashleyhortondesigns.com. I do receive financial compensation and material product from American Crafts to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

Even though the school year has started back for almost everyone, I'm sure we all have lots of Summer photos that need to be scrapbooked.  If you're busy creating Summer layouts, don't throw away your scrap pieces of paper.  You can whip up some fun and bright cards, like these two that I shared on the American Crafts Blog for Fun in the Sun week!



How to: Cut a white cardstock base at 5.5 x 11" and fold in half. Cut the #Sunglasses patterned paper to 5.25x5.25" and stitch it to the front of your card base. Select a mix of die cut cardstock shapes and place them across the card. Add a cork sticker. Create your sentiment with one of the stickers from the journaling and phrase sticker book then adhere it with pop dots to add dimension to your card.

Supplies: #Summer (366955) - #Sunglasses, #Summer (366971) - Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, #Summer (366965) - Cork Stickers, #Summer (366963) - Jouranling and Phrase Sticker Book


How to: Cut a white cardstock base to 4.25x11" and fold in half. Cover the bottom half of the card front with a piece of scrap patterned paper. Stitch around the outer edges of your card. Create a sentiment with a die cut cardstock shape. Embellish your card with stickers and wood veneers.

Supplies: #Summer (366985) - #Summer Paper Pad, #Summer (366971) - Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, #Summer (366972) - Screenprinted Clothespins, #Summer (366964) - Wood Veneers, #Summer (366963) - Journaling and Phrase Sticker Book

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Friday, August 21, 2015

Illustrated Faith | John 3:16

In my last post on the Illustrated Faith Blog, I created a layout using the Bella Blvd. Whatever Is Lovely collection, and talked about child like faith.  And that post kind of led me to what I wanted to do for today's post!  Almost all of us that attend Sunday School as a child, learn John 3:16.  And I think I sometimes think of that verse as a "children's verse", but when you focus on it, it's the whole foundation of what we as Christians believe and what we are continually told throughout the Bible.


I wanted to use some of the Whatever Is Lovely 3x4s, to create a little flip book at the beginning of my Bible.  I started with the True Love card, and added some of the Say It stickers to add John 3:16 to the first card.  I thought having something like this at the beginning of my Bible would be a fun idea.  I have a focus verse on the "cover" of my flip book and then I have a few blank cards and the backside of the cards, that can later hold other verses or notes.






The flip book would be great for any of the pages in your Bible, that have White space.  You could use it for notes, prayers, or just to add some of your favorite verses. 

Supplies:
Bella Blvd. Whatever Is Lovely
Say It Stickers
Books of the Bible Little Bits
One & Only Stamp Set
You Rule Bible Mat
Sweet Cherry Color Shine
Watercolors


https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Hip Kit Club | Hello Little One

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of ashleyhortondesigns.com. I do receive compensation and material product from Hip Kit Club to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

I LOVE it when collection Bits packs are included in our monthly Hip Kits...especially adorable ones like the Crate Paper Bits in the August 2015 Main Kit!  I decided to look through the pack and pick out the square and tag shaped pieces to create the main design for my layout.  I started out by adding a large die cut heart to the background, cut from the Simple Stories Yellow/Wood Grid patterned paper in the Main Kit and the August 2015 Paper Add-On Kit.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/201045127/the-notebook-doodles-cut-file-includes-3?ref=shop_home_active_16

After the heart was in place, I used the Bits pieces to create a loose grid design and included my photo in the center of the layout.  I used puffy stickers and wood veneers from Pinkfresh Studio, included in the Main Kit and the August 2015 Embellishment Kit, to embellish the tags around the layout.  And I also had to use that cute "Now" Flair Button from A Flair for Buttons, also included in the Embellishment Kit!



I really like the mix of soft colors in the Kit, and thought they would look great with a Black & White photo.  And the grid patterned paper made it so easy to create the grid design on my layout!

If you're like me...still working with your August Kit, but excited about what's coming up...then you're in luck!  The September 2015 Kit Reveal happened over the weekend, so make sure you head over to the Hip Kit Website to check out all of the amazingness coming your way next month!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

A Flair for Buttons | Triple D Eats

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of ashleyhortondesigns.com. I do receive compensation and material product from A Flair for Buttons and American Crafts to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

For today's layout, I'm combining two of my favorite things...scrapbooking and food!  My hubby and I are Triple D fanatics, and if you don't know what that is, it's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network.  :)  Anytime we take a road trip, our initial plans involve finding any restaurants that have appeared on Triple D, in that area.  And on our trip to Ohio back in May, we were lucky enough to find several yummy restaurants that had been featured on the show.


I love that Shelley always has the perfect Flair sets for any theme, in the A Flair for Buttons Shop!  I knew the Travel Phrases 2 Flair was the perfect match for my layout.  I cut the Scribble Scrabble cut file from The Cut Shoppe on my Silhouette Cameo and added three of the Flair Buttons from the set, to smaller circles around the large circle.



https://www.etsy.com/listing/243851277/the-scribble-scrabble-cut-file-includes?ref=shop_home_active_10

I also love to add clustering, so I used some of the embellishments from the new Finders Keepers collection from Amy Tangerine, to mix in with the Flair Buttons.  And I love that this Flair set is a Black & White set, which will coordinate with any product that you want to use on layout!

Il_570xN.465851445_o0ui
So if you're looking for just the right embellishments for your next travel layout, make sure you visit the A Flair for Buttons Shop to check out all of the great designs that are available!

Supplies:  Flair Buttons:  A Flair for Buttons; Patterned Paper, Rubber Embellishments, Thickers, Washi Tape, Flair & Stickers:  American Crafts; Scribble Scrabble cut file:  The Cut Shoppe; Color Shine:  Heidi Swapp; Die Cut Machine:  Silhouette Cameo


https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Monday, August 17, 2015

Bestamped Weekend Guest | So Many Reasons to Love You

Happy Monday...or maybe I should wait til the end of the day, before saying that!  Our first day of Home School starts today, so it might not be so happy once the day is over!  HA!  Over the weekend, I had a Weekend Guest spot on the talented Els Brige Blog and wanted to stop in and share it with you today.  Els has been a Guest Designer for The Cut Shoppe and she is also a fellow Team member on the A Flair for Buttons Design Team.  If you aren't familiar with Els work, make sure you head over to her Blog and check it out!  She is an amazing designer!  Here's a look at what I created for my Guest post!




https://www.etsy.com/listing/222789081/the-all-heart-cut-file-is-a-background?ref=shop_home_active_13

I was waiting on the gorgeous Wonder collection from Crate Paper, before I started my layout for the Guest spot, and I'm glad I did!  I LOVE IT!  I couldn't wait to use the cork numbers and wanted to make them a large design element on the page.  I also wanted a pop of color in the background, so I cut the All Heart cut file from The Cut Shoppe and layered the hearts over the background, before adding the numbers, photo and embellishments.

Thanks for stopping in today, and I've got more to come this week!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Hip Kit Club September 2015 Kit Reveal!

This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of ashleyhortondesigns.com. I do receive compensation and material product from Hip Kit Club to develop my craft posts, but all ideas and opinions are my own.

I LOVE being on Hip Kit Club and seeing the amazing reveal for each month's Kit!  September's Kits are packed with new Amy Tangerine, Dear Lizzy, Crate Paper, Elle's Studio and more!  If you're looking for an awesome Kit Club, then check out this month's reveal and then head over to the Hip Kit Website to check out all of the Subscription info.!
 
SEPTEMBER 2015 HIP KIT (MAIN KIT)
Main
Hip Kit Club Member Price:  $29.95 (requires a 3 month minimum subscription)
CLICK HERE to join!
Individual Kit Purchase Price:  $34.95
Products Included:
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Bright Eyes Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Expedition Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Seeker Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Bear Hug Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Hello Love Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Me & You Paper
  • 1 sheet – Elle’s Studio – Thankful – Fun Times Paper
  • 1 sheet – Elle’s Studio – Thankful – Sweater Paper
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Enamel Hearts
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Rub-Ons
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers –  Ephemera Die Cut Shapes
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Wood Slices
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Noted Cork Thickers
  • 1 package – October Afternoon – Daily Flash – Deep Sea Alphabet Stickers
  • 1 package – Crate Paper – Wonder – Die Cut Words

HIP KIT CLUB – SEPTEMBER 2015 EMBELLISHMENT ADD-ON KIT
Embellishment
Price:  $26.95* *Hip Kit Club members receive a 15% off on all Add-On Kit purchases
Products Included:
  • 1 booklet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Washi Tape
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Follow Chipboard Thickers
  • 4 assorted pieces – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Embroidered Tags
  • 4 – American Crafts – Gold Arrow Paper Clips
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Rubber Shapes & Words
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Painted Wood Buttons
  • 1 sheet – Elle’s Studio – Grey Mini Alphabet Stickers

HIP KIT CLUB – SEPTEMBER 2015 PROJECT LIFE ADD-ON KIT
Project Life
Price:  $29.95* *Hip Kit Club members receive a 15% off on all Add-On Kit purchases
Products Included:
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Momento Thickers
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Fine & Dandy – Sparkling Gold Heart Thickers
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Rub-Ons
  • 1 package – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Puffy Stickers
  • 1 package – Freckled Fawn – Wood Veneer Words
  • 24 Hip Kit Club Exclusive Project Life Cards designed by Kim Watson (NOT SHOWN)  Image to be updated to include the collection of Project Life Cards within the next few days!  Will definitely be worth the wait!

HIP KIT CLUB – SEPTEMBER 2015 COLOR ADD-ON KIT
Color
Price:  $28.95* *Hip Kit Club members receive a 15% off on all Add-On Kit purchases

Distress Markers are great for creating an awesome watercolor effect.
Just wait to see what our DT members do with them!!!
Products Included:
  • 1 Elle’s Studio – Jordan Clear Alphabet Stamp Set
  • 1 Ranger – Tim Holtz – Cracked Pistachio Distress Marker
  • 1 Ranger – Tim Holtz – Abandoned Coral Distress Marker
  • 1 Ranger – Tim Holtz – Blueprint Sketch Distress Marker
  • 1 Ranger – Time Holtz – Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

HIP KIT CLUB – SEPTEMBER 2015 PAPER ADD-ON KIT
Paper
Price:  $11.95* *Hip Kit Club members receive a 15% off on all Add-On Kit purchases
Products Included:
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Scout Die Cut Paper (not included in main kit)
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Bright Eyes Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Expedition Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Amy Tangerine – Finders Keepers – Seeker Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Bear Hug Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Hello Love Paper
  • 1 sheet – American Crafts – Dear Lizzy – Documentary – Me & You Paper
  • 1 sheet – Elle’s Studio – Thankful – Fun Times Paper
  • 1 sheet – Elle’s Studio – Thankful – Sweater Paper

HIP KIT CLUB – SEPTEMBER 2015 CARDSTOCK ADD-ON KIT
Cardstock
Price:  $10.95* *Hip Kit Club members receive a 15% off on all Add-On Kit purchases
Products Included:
  • 2 sheets – American Crafts – Grapefruit Cardstock
  • 2 sheets – American Crafts – White Cardstock
  • 2 sheets – American Crafts – Light Kraft Cardstock
  • 2 sheets – American Crafts – Slate Cardstock
  • 2 sheets – American Crafts – Geranium Cardstock
  • 2 sheets – American Crafts – Banana Cardstock
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCutShoppe