It Works!

Hello!  

 You may recall that I started a 3-ring binder project – one using only page protectors/photo sheets -- last December.  Unfortunately, I got sidetracked and didn’t finish it.  It’s still in its organization bag ready to go, but life got in the way big time.

Well, I got another box of photos in the mail from a recent trip to Barcelona (sidebar:  Go there!) and knew I’d never make it through all those pictures doing traditional 12x12 pages.  Besides, I really wanted to use ALL of my photos.  I thought back to the 3-ring binder system and decided I would use this to document the entire trip.  I was headed to a weekend scrapbook retreat, so I was ready for the challenge!

Did it work?  Yes!  It was everything I wanted and more.  I loved the flexibility of just sliding photos into the sleeves without too much effort and then, when I felt like I wanted to do a traditional page, I could do that, too!  I see why everyone is getting into this. 

These are a few of those pages.  The first one just shows how easily you can do a full-page layout and slip it right in.  

The next set of photos shows how I placed photos in the page protectors and embellished the strip on the end on the page.  

And, finally, there are infinite ways to embellish directly on the photo.  Here, I just used a velum sticker.  I’ve ordered some travel-related stamps and can’t wait to use those directly on the photos.  

This technique is simple, but so very effective! If you have a specific event or occasion, I think this would be ideal for that.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  Also, share any good tips you have for using such a system.  I’m hooked!

Happy crafting,

Moanica

One Last Trip

Hello, my crafting friends!

Today, I’m saying good-bye to 2014 with a layout about our last trip of the year.

My husband and I love to travel and we finished out the year with a long weekend in New Orleans.  December is our wedding anniversary and our (still!) beloved New Orleans Saints were playing at home against their arch rival, the Atlanta Falcons.  I’m still not ready to talk about that game, but we had a wonderful weekend nonetheless!

One of the best things about New Orleans is the history and the character of the architecture.  There was a Starbucks down the block from our hotel with amazing décor and charm.  Exposed beams, high ceilings and a chandelier made of old horns – loved it!

I snagged a few of the cards they had out on the counter describing some of the coffees and used those in my layout.  I also used one of my new favorite techniques – embellishing right on a photo.  I used some rub-ons that just seemed to fit the mood.  

NOLA Starbucks by Moanica Caston.  Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Crate Paper and Gossamer Blue; Wood veneer and flair: exclusives of Scraptastic Kit Club; Rub-ons: Maggie Holmes;  Letter alphas: American Crafts.

Here’s wishing you all the best in the coming new year! 

Happy 2015!

Moanica

DIY Monogram Luggage Tag

Finally, the summer weather is here!  For many, this means packing bags and heading on vacation.  Here is a quick project that may help your luggage stand out as you fight your way through baggage claim.  I used products that I had on hand to create this sparkly monogrammed luggage tag.  Enjoy!

Mapping It!

Today I'm sharing a layout I created from our recent trip to St. Lucia. I wanted to use some sort of map patterned paper but the travel papers I had didn't work for what I had in mind, so I made my own using a map image from the internet and a St. Lucia cut file from my Silhouette.

ST. LUCIA By Tena Ellison. Supplies - Corrugated Paper: Fancy Pants;  Flower: Prima; Punch: Martha Stewart; Twine: Pink Paislee;

Button: My Mind's Eye; Title Letters: Silhouette and Cricut; Transparency: 3M.

 



First I copied the online map image into a MS Word document to resize before printing, after getting the size I wanted I printed it onto a transparency.

Next I cut out the Silhouette map image using the cut file. I cut the image slightly larger than the map on the transparency. I then layered the transparency map over the Silhouette image. The butterfly and arrows were cut using the same map image printed on while cardstock.

This was my first time trying this and I have to say I'm pleased with the results. This technique can be used for any travel page or card, just find a free image or use an old Atlas if you can't find that perfect patterned paper.

Happy Scrapping!
Tena