Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 Favorites


I am really enjoying seeing the posts of other artist's favorite layouts, so I thought I would do one of my own. I don't think I could possible pick 10 favorites for the whole year, partially because I got a new computer and don't have many of the photos handy anymore! :) But here are a few of my all-time favorites, all created in 2009.

I like this one because it is elegant and the colors are muted, which is unusual for me. It took hours of shuffling things around, but I love the end result:

This one is on the list because not only is it fun and funky, but it is my favorite boy layout of the year. Since I like lots of detail, I have a harder time with the boy-themed pages.

This one is a favorite also for several reasons. The detail, the photo, and the fact that I scrapped a baby photo of my now 4-year-old. It was fun!
This one, I just think is gorgeous. I love Prima products, and I surprised myself with how well this one came together.
This is me, fun, funky, and lots of detail.
This one was one of my earlier favorites. I created this one in March, and it was the very first time I succeeded in adding all of the detail I wanted to see in a layout.
Happy New Year!
~Alyssa~

Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas is over...


Well, the big day is over, the lazy weekend has passed, and now it is back to work. Well, not totally for me, since I cleaned my house top to bottom yesterday and did all the laundry too! In a few hours the kiddos and I are heading to the library for a couple hours of play and fun, and then back home for an afternoon for working on my projects for the Couture Cardstock CHA booth.

Speaking of Couture Cardstock, here are a couple more projects that I did for them:

Using Vintage Christmas:


And using a Girl's Best Friend (All the papers are mirror or metallic, although it's hard to show in a photo:


Hope your Monday is wonderful!
~Alyssa~

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Your Scrapbook Stash DT!

I am so excited! I made the DT for Your Scrapbook Stash! I am so thrilled! YSS has been my favorite place to shop online for a long time now, so this is a great privilege to be able to design for them.

You can see the announcement HERE.

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On the Couture Cardstock Blog today, you can see projects from two of our newest designers, Kimberly and Vee. Check it out!

Thanks for coming by!

~Alyssa~

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Cozy Inspiration


I am still waiting for the announcement of my big, really good news from Thursday, so in the meantime...

Have you ever browsed the store at Anthropologie? Oh my goodness, such amazing clothing and shoes, and purses! I could order half the store (if I was very, very wealthy!). While waiting for the lottery ticket I didn't buy to come through for me (lol!) I thought I would use some of these amazing pieces as inspiration for upcoming layouts and projects. Here are a few of my favorites. I hope they inspire you too!




Hope you are having a great Sunday! We missed church due to colds and coughs, but I hope you were able to go and enjoy Christmas services with your family and friends.
~Alyssa~

Friday, December 18, 2009

Friday Laughs

This came in an email today and made me laugh!

DON'T WORRY if a fat guy comes up behind you and shoves you in a bag. I asked for a good friend for Christmas.

LOL! Just thought that was too funny! Ok, moving on... I got some REALLY good news in an email today!! But I have to wait a few days to share. :) So, in the meantime, here is sneak of something going up in the Couture Cardstock gallery soon:

Have a great weekend!
~Alyssa~

Monday, December 14, 2009

Prima Build-a-Page


I snuck in some time on Friday night at my monthly crop to create a layout for the Prima Build-a-Page. Build-a-Page (or BAP) is a monthly sketch contest that must be completed using Prima products. I had a great time creating this layout!
You can find all the details of the Prima BAP contest HERE.

Can't wait to see the winner!! :)

~Alyssa~

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Couture Cardstock Projects

It's now time that I can share one of my early Couture Cardstock projects. These projects are from October, the November projects are now in the Couture Gallery under Vintage Christmas, Working Man, and A Girl's Best Friend. :)

This is a layout I did with the Wool Scarf, Popcorn Ball, and Pumpkin Spice cardstocks. I layered die cut and border punched strips of Popcorn Ball to create the background, and made my own flower from the pumpkin spice. The photo is of my dad.

Also, tomorrow I am back on the Couture Cardstock blog with a mini album featuring the metallic "A Girl's Best Friend" Collection. Check it out HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!
~Alyssa~

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Back Porch Memories Reveal


Today (or tomorrow, which starts in about 90 minutes!) is the reveal for the December Kits from Back Porch Memories. It has been so fun designing with them this month! I received the medley kit and the Solo paper add-on, and they are FULL of gorgeousness. Below are a couple of my projects. I made 3 layouts and a cards and I have tons of stuff left over to play with. Check out the kits and the rest of the DT's fabulous work at www.backporchmemories.com.



Also, there is a gallery full of new projects and inspiration now up at www.couturecardstock.com/gallery. Specifically, the projects with Vintage Christmas, Working Man, and A Girls Best Friend Collections are all new. There are 10 or so of my projects over there, so head on over to check it out. :)

~Alyssa~

Monday, December 7, 2009

I Am Thankful

Today I want to share a fun and funky layout that I created a few weeks ago. It was originally for a Freaky Friday Challenge at AC Bailey Designs, and the challenge was to create a layout about what you are thankful for without using fall colors. I love how this fun and funky layout turned out!
NOTE: This layout just ended up in a poll at Scrapbook.com! If you feel like voting, the link is:

(for those of you wondering, this is Crate Paper's Cottage Collection.)

Today we are announcing the new and very talented Design Team at Couture Cardstock. As Design Team Coordinator, I am excited to be working with these talented ladies. You can read all about them at www.couturecardstock.com/blog

~Alyssa~

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Decking the Halls

We finally put up the tree last night! After being out of town for Thanksgiving weekend, it took us a few days to get caught up and ready to tackle that project. The kids were over-the-top excited... bet you couldn't have guessed that! ;) Here are a few pics for you.

See the glee?
Posing for Mommy while waiting impatiently for "orn-ment time." Can you tell they both dressed themselves yesterday?


Catch me tomorrow on the Couture Cardstock blog talking about how to keep that glitter where you want it (no flaking tips!).

~Alyssa~

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Something new...

There is something new and fun on the Couture Cardstock website today. Totally unique, too.


How cool is that? Watch for more colors and styles to be added in the future. :)

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Guest Designer Spot!


I was thrilled to be asked to be the December Guest Designer for Back Porch Memories! BPM kits always rock, and I can't wait to get the December kit to create with! Here is the layout that won me the spot:
You can see the full details of my layout and checkout Back Porch Memories Kits at

~Alyssa~

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Today's Project

Completely unlike what I usually do (which is wait a week to take the photos!) I got a layout created, photographed, and uploaded today! I did this one for the Freaky Friday Challenge at AC Bailey.
Supplies:
Paper: Basic Grey
Cardstock: The Paper Studio
Paint: Craft Smart, Tulip
letters: Basic Grey, American Crafts
Bling: Kaisercraft
Lace: Vintage

Hope you like it! TFL!

~Alyssa~

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday Faves!

I haven't done Friday Faves in a while, so I figured it was time. Here are 5 things I am loving right now:

1. Giveaways. Who doesn't love them?! Check out this one:

2. My new leather jacket
I got this one, in brown:

3. My latest scrapbook layouts.
Here is a sneek peak of one of them:
(I'll be able to show you the whole thing soon.)

4. Coffee. Especially Starbucks, but I make a pretty mean cup at home too.


5. Facebook. I enjoy how easy it is to keep in touch with all my peeps.

See you around!
~Alyssa~

Sunday, November 8, 2009

New hair color, new clothes!

This was a super busy but fun weekend for me! I got clothes! And and new hair cut/color! I spent $150 and got 3 pairs of pants, 6 shirts, a sweater and some shoes. Not bad, huh?! :) i am happy, since I love all my clothes, AND I now don't have to shop any more until spring! (only 2 more Christmas presents to get and I will be done with those too!)

So, here's a shot of my new hair color. The styling isn't great here, since this was taken 7 hours after I fixed it, but the color doesn't change. :)

Thanks for coming by!

~Alyssa~

P.S.
I have a new layout up on the Couture Cardstock blog tomorrow morning (Monday!)
www.couturecardstock.com

Thursday, November 5, 2009

My favorite projects...

Yay! Time to share a few of my favorite projects that I have ever created. Once again, I feel as though I have jumped to a new level in my art. My ability to put onto paper what I "see" in my head when imagining a project is developing and expanding. I am also becoming more patient, and willing to leave everything unattached for days until I find the perfect arrangement, which may have more to do with the improved outcome then my skill or talent! :) Anyway, here are two new projects from this week.
Supplies: Paper: Pink Paislee; Cardstock: Couture Cardstock; Bling, felt: Junkitz, Prima; Alphabet: American Crafts: Mist: Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels "Walnut Gold"

Supplies: Paper: Craft Sassy, MAMBI; Alphabets: American Crafts; Bling: Kaisercraft; Rub-ons: Hambly Screen Prints, Creative Imaginations

Thanks for coming by!
~Alyssa~

PS- The November/December issue of Scrap n' Art is now available. Get it at www.scrapnart.com.

Monday, November 2, 2009

The Summer I Was Two...

It's Monday! Welcome to the week, everyone! :) It is sunny and chilly here in Indiana today, but I have a bright and fun Summer album to share today. I use a Bo Bunny chipboard album, and Sassafras Lass' "Amplify" collection to create this album. I decided to write all of the page titles as though my son was commenting on the activities happening in the photos. My title is "The Summer I Was Two."

Cover:
I learned to swing by myself. I learned to live with my mom constantly taking photos.
I saw a lot of water. I planted a garden.
I saw some really big stuff. I discovered corn on the cob.

I played with my buddy. I went to the zoo.

Thanks for coming by! See you soon!
~Alyssa~




Sunday, November 1, 2009

It's Here!

The launch of Couture Cardstock is officially here!! Woo-Hoo! I am very excited to be able to introduce you to this fantastic company. Be sure to check it out and keep an eye out for lots of Grand Opening giveaways.

See the new site and all the offerings here:


Enter the first big giveaway here:


And don't forget to enter the DT Call!

~Alyssa~

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

DT Call for Couture Cardstock!

So, you know that big news, the news about my new DT? Well, I am part of the new DT for Couture Cardstock, along with my good friend Heidi Kelley! We are so excited to be part of introducing this new company to you. I have been using Couture Cardstock for a while now for various projects, and it is fabulous stuff. There are a variety of textures and weights within each color family, so you get the right weight and texture for any project.

The launch of this new company is Sunday, November 1st. I will be back on Sunday with links to the new site! There will be a DT blog, contests, giveaways, and more.

Now, it's your opportunity to join the team! All the info is below.


Couture Cardstock Design Team Call

Couture Cardstock products are hand picked and tested by paper crafters. Our offering includes over 200 different colors and finishes. Couture Cardstock encourages crafters to use paper weighted specifically for the particular technique, project, or challenge at hand. Each of our papers are weighted (light, medium or heavy) and helpful project suggestions can be found in our item descriptions and design team member gallery. We have priced our inventory competitively and though you will feel like you are scouring the bargain bin, you will be enjoying our fashion forward cardstock from the comfort of your arm chair.

We are looking for 4 people to join our team: 1 layout designer, 1 card designer, 1 altered art designer, and 1 SVG/GSD file designer. You are welcome to apply for as many of these positions as you like, but you must submit a separate application for each position, and you may only be chosen for one position. Applications will be accepted immediately, and must be received by November 15th.

All applications will be reviewed carefully, and 3 finalists for each position will be chosen and notified by November 18th. At that time, each finalist will be shipped a paper pack, and have 1 week to complete 1 additional project in accordance with our guidelines and using our paper products. Publication and copyrights for this final project will remain with Couture Cardstock regardless of acceptance to the team. Final decisions will be made by December 5th, and the new team will be announced on December 7th.

Position Requirements:

  • 4-5 projects per month. Project load might vary from time to time due to tradeshows and company needs.
  • 2 blog posts per month
  • Willingness to submit to an editorial process.
  • Cheerful participation in all DT activities, promptness meeting deadlines, and strong communication skills.
  • Designers should own a digital craft cutter or die cut machine (Cricut, Silhouette, Big Shot, etc).

Compensation:

  • Design Team members will be compensated generously in products, both Couture Cardstock and partner manufacturer products.
  • Opportunities for incentives and promotion exist.

Please read the application requirements closely, as applications that are incomplete will not be considered.

Please provide the following info (all applicants):

  • Full contact info (name, address, phone, email)
  • Links to your galleries and personal blog
  • Please list past and current DT experience
  • Please tell us a little about yourself.
  • Why do you want to work for Couture Cardstock?

Scrapbooking Designers:

Please submit 3 layouts of your choice to amcgrew@couturecardstock.com. One of these may be a previously created layout (show us your favorite work). The two additional projects should be new and remain unpublished or posted until the new DT is announced. All of the projects submitted should show us skill in transforming paper products like cardstock, vellum, mirrored paper and chipboard into works of art.

Card Designers:

Please submit 3 cards of your choice to amcgrew@couturecardstock.com. One of these may be a previously created card (show us your favorite work). The two additional projects should be new and remain unpublished or posted until the new DT is announced. A focus in stamping and the use of Copic markers is a plus, but not mandatory. All of the projects submitted should show us skill in transforming paper products like cardstock, vellum, mirrored paper and chipboard into works of art.

Altered Artists:

Please submit 3 altered items of your choice to amcgrew@couturecardstock.com. One of these may be a previously created project (show us your favorite work). The two additional projects should be new and remain unpublished or posted until the new DT is announced. All of the projects submitted should show us skill in transforming paper products like cardstock, vellum, mirrored paper and chipboard into works of art.

File Designer:

File designers should have the ability to convert files into various formats for use with the variety of cutting machines on the market. Designers should submit 2 newly created files, as well as one layout or card using the created files. Please send both cutter files and photos of your completed project to amcgrew@couturecardstock.com.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Update, news, and an October Kit

So sorry I have been negligent about posting. :) I have spent the last two weeks with someone in the family being sick, and the last four days, being sick myself. I am finally feeling better today, and I hope that we can all be healthy for a while!

I have some exciting news that I can now share... I am part of the Design Team for a brand new company called Couture Cardstock. There are many, many exciting things in the works, and I will be keeping you up to date here on my blog as I am able. I am thrilled to be part of this team, and to be able to work with this awesome product. :)

The October ScrapDango kit is now reveal, and in my hands! Unfortunately, as so many of these awesome kits do, it sold out right away. :( If you are interested in one of these hot kits, this might be the perfect time to subscribe, so that you don't miss any more of these kits. Check out all the happening at www.scrapdango.net.

Hopefully, my next post will be soon! Thanks for stopping by!

~Alyssa~

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Submit your stuff!

Scrap n' Art is looking for the following for our January/February 2010 issue. Each project submitted will earn the submitter a raffle ticket in our drawing for a prize pack worth over $200, including products from Karen Foster, Nikki Sivils, Genuinely Jane, Hambly Screen Prints, and Prima! Submit as many projects as you'd like to all of the categories below:

January Jewels - Layouts/projects featuring lots of bling-a-ling!
Winter Blues - Layouts featuring the color blue
Slush happens - Layouts featuring snowy, icy, winter photos
Valentine Gifts, Layouts, and Cards
Love Notes - Layouts featuring notes written to others
Hybrid Layouts & Projects - combining both digital and paper
"New You" layouts - Scrapbook pages about your goals, resolutions, intentions
Before and After - Layouts/projects showing the beginning and end result of a project or journey. Examples: A weight loss journey, remodeling your kitchen, etc.
Masculine Layouts & Cards
Layouts featuring negative space
Layouts & Projects featuring your favorite tool techniques

Deadline - November 15th, 2009
Email submissions and questions to submissions@scrapnart.com

Monday, October 12, 2009

Fall Photos


Ok, somehow I lost a whole folder of photos from my computer. Thankfully, they were still on my camera and I was able to upload them again. But then I had to edit them all again, which is my least favorite task ever. I'd rather clean the bathroom, seriously. Anyway, I have some to share now. New fall photos of the kids:

Bobbing for apples:
Hanging out with friends:
Look at those baby blues!
Goofing off in the Chinese clothes from Aunt Judy:
Getting stuffed in a block party game:
My favorite fall shot to date:

Thursday, October 8, 2009

A few new designs!


Hello! Sorry I have been absent these last few weeks. I have been busy creating some work for an exciting new DT position... but I can't share about that just yet. :)

I do, however, have a few layouts to share. Tomorrow, new fall pics of the kids- I promise!
Thanks for stopping by!