Simple Stories, I Am collection... blitzing a kit!

I fell in love with Simple Stories new line "I Am" and just knew I had to have it. When it finally came in stock with Craftie Charlie I didn't waste time in purchasing all the bits I needed.

I opted for the collection kit which came with a 12x12 Alpha stickers sheet, 12x12 elements sticker sheet, and a mix of both patterned and cut-a-part sheets. I also purchased the 6x6 paper pad, Brads, ephemera pieces and enamel dots. 

I set about cutting all the cut-a-part sheets up, and cracking on with a few layouts. I eventually finished the kit leaving only a few scraps, and odd bits and pieces.

I made 6 12x12 layouts using the patterned papers...

                  

I then made 2 Project Life layouts....

 Hope you like the pages. Please leave any questions or comments below.

Much love,

Chelle Belle x

Spreading My 12x12 Wings...

I’m addicted to YouTube process videos, and looking at other peoples layouts on Instagram or Pinterest. I’ve always admired those who are able to produce such pretty “Traditional” 12x12 layouts using one or two picures, so I decided it was about time I joined the club.

Before I started Project Life I had made a few 12x12 layouts, but I was never happy with the finished look… This was probably down to the lack of stash I had at the time – clearly this is going to be less of a problem now.

More recently I’ve opted for buying a collection/range rather than the odd thing here and there, as I find it easier to produce my Project Life pages (and hopefully my 12x12 layouts too!) when everything coordinated. For example I have just placed my order for the new Simple Stories “I am” range… I have bought the collection kit which contains Alpha and Element Sticker sheets,along with a mix of 12x12 papers including some cut-a-part sheets which I can use in my Project Life pages. I also bought the coordinating Ephemera pack,Chipboard Stickers, Brads, 6x6 Paper Pad and Enamel dots.

I decided to finally tackle a layout, and opted for Dear Lizzy Serendipity range. I firstly chose my background paper;Dear Lizzy Serendipity Little Things Paper. I pulled sheets from the 6x6 PaperPad, and grabbed the coordinating ephemera kit and stickers.

Watching many process videos has been useful, as I had an idea of how I wanted my first page to look and I got lots of hits and tips. All the paper layers were edged using a black ink pad which makes them stand out from each other better, and I also added a few additional splatters using metallic mists.

I finished the layout with a few enamel dotsand sequins.

 

I’m very pleased with my first attempted, and I hope you like it too. I may even attempt to produce a Wedding Album!

Much Love,

Chelle Belle x

My Process to Project Life...

I've been asked on many occasions how I create my layouts, so I thought I would do a little post about my process. 

I do hope the following makes sense!

I have to be honest and say my process/style has developed from my love of watching YouTube Process Videos, and looking at other people’s layouts on Instagram and Pinterest. I love crafting, and my favourite part of my layouts has to be the embellishments. 

I know Becky Higgins produced Project Lifeas a quick and simple way to document daily life, but I love ephemera, stickers and alphas way too much to leave them off my pages. I never took to 12x12 scrapbooking, and I had far too many random life pictures clogging up my iPhone that I wanted to showcase in my album, so I decided to combine the two.

I've found the following process works well for me, and I can complete a layout in around an hour.

I always start with my pictures. My Instagram followers and those who know me through Facebook groups will know I print 90% of my pictures in a 2"x2" format - using the PicFrame App on my iPhone; I join 6 2"x2" pictures together to cover one6"x4" photo. 

I don't stick to any specific Page Protector design, but recently I do have a preference for Design F (one6"x4" and 10 4"x3" slots).

Once I have chosen my Page Protector I layout where I want to place my pictures. I often use the 6"x4" spacefor a Date/Month card - I don't stick to weekly/monthly pages, and just complete them as and when I have enough pictures. I will then decide on my colour scheme for the layout, this is usually based on whether I have a new kit/range that I want to use.

Here I have placed my pictures where I want them, and chosen my cards - including filler cards to balance the page. 

It's then time to raid my stash. I like to keep kits/ranges together, or at least find things that complement each other. For example this particular layout I pulled out my Simple Stories DIY Word and Embellishment Stickers, Simple Stories Homespun 12x12 Sticker Sheet, MAMBI Chipboard Stickers and a few Jillibean Soup ephemera pieces. I also picked out which enamel dots/gems would finish the layout, and keep them to oneside. 

I always use the same system where possible…Sticker sheets, cut-a-part pieces, matching ephemera pack, and coordinating enameldots/gems. I often use wood veneers or washi tape where possible

I go around to each card in turn and decide what I would like to use. I find cutting out pieces from sticker sheets or chipboard sheets, and resting them in the approximate place helps me envisagethe layout as a whole. 

Once I have done this I go back round toeach card and stick everything into place. I like to outline my cards in Black pen (or sometimes another colour depending on the layout), and back all pictures on either Black or White cardstock (again this depends on the layout). I find both of these techniques make the cards/pictures pop that little bit more from the page. 

I love using my typewriter to complete any journaling I may wish to add either directly onto cards or by using journaling tags, and I always finish my layouts using enamel dots, sequins or sparkly gems. 

Here is my finished layout.

Well I hope this helps you with your layouts,and maybe one day soon I’ll put together some process videos of my own!

If you have any questions, please commenton this post.

Much Love,

Chelle Belle x