A New Library!

We love the library!  It’s one of the things we will miss the most when we move overseas.  We recently moved to a new, short term rental for our last 3 months in the USA.  It’s in a new town, thus a new library to explore!  I took these photos on our first visit there.

Fitting for a library page, this layout features a mix of old and new product, mostly from Cosmo Cricket.  Social Club really is a versatile collection with amazing colors.  Love it!

Thanks for taking a peek!

~Alyssa~

Superhero Coolness

I have a new post up at Want2Scrap today!  You can see and read all about my son’s moment of Superhero Coolness HERE.  TFL!

~Alyssa~

My Favorite Layouts of 2011

I did this Top 10 post last year, and I loved the opportunity to look back and see what I had created over the course of the year.  I can’t believe it’s that time again!  But it is, so today’s post will feature layouts, while tomorrows post will be top 10 other (non layout) projects.











Ok, that’s 11… but I couldn’t decide which one to take out, so there you have it.  What surprises me most about this list is how many boy layouts I did!  I guess I am officially out of my girly-layout rut!  I’ll be back tomorrow with my top picks for “other-then-layouts!” 
See you around!
~Alyssa~

Ahhh… Coffee.

It was a Saturday morning, and the kids were begging to try some coffee.  So I let them (just once, mind you).  They both liked it… and Daddy was dismayed.  lol  Now they’re asking for it again, and I told them… maybe for Christmas. 

I used up the last little bits of my Circa 1934 collection from Cosmo Cricket… it’s sad.  I will miss that collection, but I am glad I was able to put it to good use.

Thanks for coming over!

~Alyssa~

Surprise!

 Surprise!  Apparently, there are boy layouts to be had in the Cosmo Cricket Clementine Collection.  Who know, right?  I layered several of the "B" Side patterns to create the background, and used my ink pads to create a dark vignette around the whole page.  The embellies are bits and pieces from Clementine, Upcycle, and a few random things from around my desk.  The "Boy" letters were created from chipboard letters with some inking, stamping, and crackle medium.

Thanks for coming by!  And remember that sometimes, boy layouts are hiding in girly collections too!
~Alyssa~

Welcome to the Family

A few days ago, I introduced my new niece, Grace, to you via some photos of my children and their cousin.  Today, I bring you the layout.  I used Cosmo Cricket's Clementine Collection for this layout.  When I first saw the colors of this collection, I thought it was an interesting palette that might prove to be a challenge for me to use.  After being sent this collection by Your Scrapbook Stash, I can tell you that a) I was right about the colors being a challenge and 2) it's an interesting palette.

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I am a color freak.  Papers, and patterns, are liked or disliked by yours truly primarily based on the color combinations. While working with Clementine, I found that I kind of like this palette after all.  Is it easy to use?  Not for me.  But this collection has been producing some really fun layouts that feel fresh and fun, so I've decided that even though it'll never be a personal favorite, it's definitely something I'm glad I tried.  Everyone's gotta break out of the box sometimes, right?

What do you think of these colors?  What have you tried recently that you weren't sure you'd like but ended up producing happy results?  I'd love to hear about it!

~Alyssa~

A Layout? What?

I made a layout!  What?!?  I know, it's a real shocker lately anytime I find opportunity to create.  But I had to made time to create with my latest box from Your Scrapbook Stash!  I received the Upcycle collection from Cosmo Cricket, and I love the colors in this collection!  I used letters from October Afternoon with it.

The photos are of my children helping my clip coupons for a grocery shopping trip.  They love grocery shopping, so I am trying to teach them right from the beginning. :)

While I am here, I want to share this list of sneak peeks at upcoming classes for Miss Art's Papercrafting School.  I have a class of my own coming in October, but I can't tell you much about that yet.  So, you'll have to settle for these peeks for now:


- A review of mists from 9 different companies.  Learn how each brand works on white, black, acrylic, and more!
- Basics of using misting products on your projects
- Basic Sewing skills (think fabric gift bags!)
- Handmade clay embellishments
- A mini album class
- Making patterned paper from your photos
- Creating your own silhouette stickers from your childrens photos
- 3 Christmas classes (cards, gift albums, and more!)
- A Jewelry Class (and tips for using jewelry on layouts!)


Lots to look forward too!  I hope to meet you in a class of live chat soon.  Have a great weekend.
~Alyssa~

YSS Blog Hop Time!

It's time for another Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop, and you know what that means: Lots of giveaways!  Today through Friday, each DT member will be hosting giveaways, and we'll also have more to give away on the store blog and the YSS Facebook Page.

Here is the order for the hop:

Store blog 

Erica Weinstock

Alyssa McGrew (you are here)

Jennie McGarvey
Kristin Powell
Shellye McDaniel
Sharm Nidyanandan
Jessy Christopher
Yvonne Yam

For your chance to win on my blog today, keep reading to the bottom of this post. :)

I have a project to share with you today.  It's made with Cosmo Cricket's Upcycle (the background), Kaisercraft's Chapter One, and Shimmerz Pearlz, all of which are in the YSS store.  The crocheted flowers were handmade by Stacy Cohen, and are available in the Miss Art's store.

Now, for your chance to win today, leave me a comment and tell me if you do altered art, and if so, which types of projects are your favorite.  I'll draw all winners on Friday.

Thanks for coming by!
~Alyssa~