Sophia layout

This layout uses the last of my papers from the retired paper pack "Sophia" from a few years ago. *Sniff!* I loved, loved, loved this paper pack! The colors were so bright, so girly and so vibrant! They worked with every picture I take of my rambunctious little girl!

I'm sad I used the last of it but I'm so glad I had some to use for these photos. My daughter got to meet her preschool teachers during the winter open house and she enjoyed playing with all the toys and puzzles in her classroom. Because the room doesn't have a window, they have it painted a very vibrant green and paired with her bright pink outfit (her choice by the way!) I knew these papers would have a punch! :)

CTMH Sophia scrapbooking layout by Stephanie Huber at LavendersageDesigns.blogspot.com

The right page is snapshots of the kiddos on my son's birthday. He's not much of a "make a fuss over me" kinda guy but he's learning to take photos like a champ (it's faster to cooperate, he says!). And of course, if mister has his photo taken, missy wants one too!

CMTH Charlotte layout

During my weekend crop a few weeks ago, I realized that a lot of my scrapbook pages tend to repeat. My albums are all done chronologically and (I feel) are the same from year to year. We're creatures of habit, we do the same things, at the same time, over and over again.

Which is great for teaching my kids traditions and habits but it makes a boring scrapbook. And who wants a boring scrapbook??

So I started to document my everyday life moments. I take pictures constantly - for Facebook & Instagram - my every day life is being recorded but (until now) I didn't  print those pictures.

This layout features a seemingly random assortment of photos but these are adorable, every day moments of the people that fill my days.

CTMH Charlotte scrapbook & Picture My Life layout by Stephanie Huber at LavendersageDesigns.blogspot.com

I used the new Charlotte papers to make these layouts super cute! The stickers and accessories that come with the Workshop Your Way (or can be purchased seperately) are adorable! The colors are a nice neutral with just a pop of color that seem to match all my photos.

See you next week with more photos of my scrapbook pages!

Bowling with Babycakes

February is a big holiday month for us. My neice has her birthday right after Valentine's Day! :)

This was a big year for her because she had her first "friends" party!  And since cousins are the bestest of friends, my littles were invited too. 

For this layout, I used Babycakes (retired) and Gray Wool (retired) cardstock as page bases. This was an easy layout with a B&T cut in half, two zip strips across the tops and 2 border Stickease across the bottom. The journal card was cut with Art Philosophy and inked in Desert Sand. 

CTMH Babycakes scrapbooking page by Stephanie Huber at LavendersageDesigns.blogpost.com

Actually, now that I'm typing this post up, I think I reworked this layout on my Team Crop this past weekend ... Hmm, I'll have to snap a photo of that one and post a before and after photo.

Did you ever rework a layout page after you finished with it? How did it turn out??

February Shenanigans

Continuing my walk through of my 2015 album, this is the layout I made showing our big cousin's weekend with my sister's kids.

I am blessed that my sister and I were able to have our children so close in age. They are the best of friends!! When I go away for my weekend crops, I'm lucky that I can drop my kids off at my sister's house until my hubby comes home on Saturday and since they love it too, I'm guilt free for some Mommy-only time! :)

CTMH scrapbooking layout using Chantilly (retired) paper pack and "Live Laugh Love" stamp set.

I had only small scraps from my Chantilly paper pack (retired) but I love how simple this layout turned out to be. I used negative space in the layout to provide "mats" for the photos on the left and since the base layer was White Daisy, I was able to journal directly on the page. A little stamping from the "Live Laugh Love" stamp set and done! I was hoping to be done with this paper pack but I have a few tiny scraps I can use to make some cards. A good problem to have I guess! :)

I'll continue my walk through next week, there are still lots of pages to share! I'm going to spend the weekend with my Close to My Heart team at a weekend retreat so I'll have even more to share! ;)

Happy crafting!
Stephanie

February Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Welcome to the February edition of the Joyful Stars Blog Hop!

If you've come from Crystal's blog then you're on the right track. If you're starting here, just follow the links at each blog to "hop" along. If you get lost, visit Joyce's blog for a complete list.

 I was at a weekend crop in January (and another one this weekend - yea!!) and I'm currently sharing my work from the weekend. I shared my first layouts in the album on Monday. I'm skipping ahead a little bit to share with you the layout I used from the Charlotte Workshop Your Way.

Last year was a busy year for us. Within a few weeks of finishing a renovation on the new house we bought, we moved in and had two birthday parties and  two Easter celebrations (ignoring the 2 snowstorms that also occurred during that time...).

This page documents my daughter's birthday party. Having just moved in we were crammed around too small furniture and folding tables and chairs but that's the problem with going to a bigger house - you're furniture is now too small! ;) But it was such a blessing to be able to celebrate with our family in ONE room!

CTMH Scrapbook layout using Charlotte paper pack by Stephanie Huber

Using the embellishments that came with the kit made this layout super simple to do! PML cards cut from the workshop make it easy to add journaling and this layout came together in about 10 minutes!

Now you're off to Debi's blog to see her lovely creation!

(I'll be posting the rest of my layouts so check back again before next month.)

:) Stephanie

It's Crop & Share Time Again!

The only redeeming factor of winter, in my humble opinion, is its when I get to go on weekend crops. Specifically two each year. My husband, who is an on-the-road truck driver and thus not home more often then he is home, is forced to be home and play Mr. Mom. Don't misread this, he does a great job as their father but when I'm gone ... I really don't know if I'll ever know the truth of what happens, what they eat, or wear, or play with. I try not to think about it and just lavish all my creative energies into getting as much scrapbooking done as inhumanly possible because let's face it, this is the only dedicated time to scrap I get. Sure I have a wonderful creating space at home. But there are no doors and I have to share it with the kids' play space. Great for sneaking in some "me" time during playdates but not conducive to getting lots done on a regular basis. If they see mommy, they want mommy's attention.

Sigh ....

But when I go away ... well, scrap happens! :)

Over the next few weeks, I will share with you some layouts I've done this past weekend. I still have another weekend coming up so I'll add them in too.

This past weekend is a wonderful time away at a local retreat center. The accommodations are lovely, the food is wonderful (I gained 4+ pounds this weekend!), and I never have to leave the building so I get to stay in super comfy clothes (read: workout clothes all weekend and no judging!!). I actually was all packed up when I realized I had not seen my sneakers in three days and had to go looking for them. Thankfully, the cleaning staff found them under the bed and returned them to the front desk for check out. My goal this weekend was to get from January through August of last year because that was as far as I had sorted my photos. And I actually accomplished it! I am so proud of myself! Even better, I love all the layouts I did! Usually there are a bunch I just throw together just because. Crafting all weekend can be draining and there are just hours where my brain refuses to work. This time however, I rarely had that feeling and was able to power through and get 70 pages done (about 35 two page layouts). Since about half of them need some sort of Cricut cut to finish them completely, I'll only share the completely finished ones now. I'll add the others in later.

First one up ...

CTMH Scrapbook layout using PML page and Frosted (retired) paper pack by Stephanie Huber

The first page of the album I'm using as a title page, but I still need to add the numbers so this is the first full layout and features all the snows from last winter (one snow looks like the next one, right?). I'm learning how to use my DSLR to take the photos I want to use on mys scrapbook pages so I'm liking my pages better. Maybe that's why I didn't have any problems designing, I liked all my photos! Designing with a mix of traditional pages and PML (Picture My Life) pages took some thinking ahead but I'm really happy with the results. I tend to be photo heavy and I want to document *everything*. PML pages and Flip Flaps are my most used accessories!

CTMH Scrapbook layout using PML page and Frosted (retired) paper pack by Stephanie Huber

 This is the next page in the album and I continued using the Frosted papers since the pictures were mostly blue. The Stickease from the paper pack made it easy to decorate. Add in some gems and a Cricut cut as a journaling card and done!

CTMH Scrapbook layout using Frosted (retired) paper pack by Stephanie Huber

This was a quick layout of my daughter. She is so expression-full and I had to document it! I used a scrap piece of Frosted to highlight the sleeping photo and a chipboard border from the Chantilly (retired) Complements pack. I absolutely love how our colors work together so you can mix and match from each paper pack! The letters are from the Fundamental Sticker Packs - these are a new addition to our product line and I was so thrilled with it when it was announced at Convention.

I'll be back Wednesday with a new layout for the Joyful Stars Blog Hop.

:)

Stephanie

Zoe WOTG Layout

Last week I sat down to scrap for the first time in ages .... only to discover - - I had no photos to scrap!!! And here I thought I wasn't scrapbooking because I didn't have any time, silly me! ;)

So after getting prints from Snapfish, I was able to sit down today and scrap the photo I wanted to do last week.

CMTH Zoe WOTG Layout 1 by Stephanie Huber

I used the WOTG guide to create the whole layout but only put one photo on the left page and used the other photo box for journaling. Since I scrapbook chronologically and the next photos don't work well with the colors of Zoe, I will use another layout for those (hopefully, coming soon!). The title box/banner was supposed to span both pages but since they probably won't be next to each other in the album, I moved the whole thing to the right page. 

Here's a close up of the left page: 

CTMH Zoe WOTG Layout 1, page 1 by Stephanie Huber

I want to do a title on this page but I'm having trouble coming up with something. Any recommendations???

Here's a close up of the right page, for a future project:

CTMH Zoe WOTG Layout 1, page 2 by Stephanie Huber

I had a lot of fun using these pretty papers to get back into scrapping. I'm hoping to do some more now that I'm all set up with photos! :)

Leave me a comment with your title suggestions! See you soon!

Color Your World with Sangria

This paper pack is so fun and colorful it's the perfect paper for your fall celebrations!

This paper pack is perfectly sized for your fall scrapbooking pages. I love the jewel tones, aren't they pretty?

Want some more inspiration? Search #ctmhsangria on your favorite social media for fabulous ideas!
Ready to shop?

National Scrapbooking Month - and a Crop!

Hey all! Just popping in to wish you a happy National Scrapbooking Month!

Close to My Heart has an awesome special for you this month to celebrate -

"Free to Be Me" paper pack collection is an awesome deal! For only $5 with a $50 qualifying order you get exclusive B&T papers, UV coated patterned cardstock and printed VELLUM!!! I've seen this pack in person and I. Am. Excited!!!  This pack is very on trend and it's sized just right!

Join me for an all day crop on Saturday, May 24th from 10am - 10pm and you can get your own pack of "Free to Be Me". Your crop cost is free when you place a qualifying order and order the "Free to Be Me" paper pack. This purchase also gets you into the "Free to Be Me" workshop I'll be teaching at the crop. Lunch and snacks are also included. Please RSVP to me by 5/14 to save your spot. I'll be placing an order that night to make sure we all get our goodies in time for the crop. If you want to get your order sooner, use the "Free to Be Me" Crop order on my website (stephaniehuber.ctmh.com) for your chance to be the Mystery Hostess and earn the Hostess Credit.

You can also join us at the crop without the order: cost is $15 and includes lunch, snacks and crop space. I will have items on hand if you need something while you work. Email me by 5/14 to save your space.

But there's more! With your $50 order to qualify for the "Free to Be Me" paper pack, you also are eligible for the May Stamp of the Month: You've Got a Friend for $5. This is a great way to "double-dip" and save even more!



Just a reminder - I'm on Facebook now! Check out my Facebook page (facebook.com/scrapbookyourmemories) and Like it to see my posts in your news feed.

Building my community through social media

Over the years, some of you have asked if I'm on other social media platforms too (you know, because everyone else is!) but I haven't been too interested in sitting at my computer all day to maintain multiple social media sites - I'd rather be creating! After trying out a few other platforms (Pinterest, You Tube, Instagram) I'm breaking out of my shell and adding to what I"m going to call my "community". 

My community is going to consist of: Blogger, Facebook, Pinterest and You Tube, in that order. Here are all my links so you can check out what I've been up to --

Blog: lavendersagedesigns.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/scrapbookyourmemories
Pinterest: pinterest.com/l8ybugs/lavendersage-designs
Youtube: youtube.com/lavendersagedesigns

Here's a brief description on my plans with each new outlet:

My blog is going to be the prime place to check out my artwork. Think of it like a gallery, a simple show-and-tell. I will still participate in blog hops and link parties throughout each month. Comments are always appreciated!

On Facebook, my posts will promote my business through sales, specials, discussions and even some giveaways. Not sure yet how often I will post but it will most likely be twice a week. This is a great way for you to ask questions or to reach out for information on Close to My Heart products, classes or anything else you want to talk about. 

Pinterest is where I spend a lot of my time "researching" other people's artwork and sharing my own completed projects. You can follow my business board or all of my boards (to really see what I'm like outside of scrapbooking!!). Send me pins you think I'll like - I'm always up for inspiration!

I'm still trying to get the hang of You Tube but I hope to be posting more as time passes. There are a total of three videos there now - the last one is the best, imho! You can see my progression of learning the process. There's still some work to do (better lighting, a stable tripod for the camera, etc) but I do have some ideas on upcoming videos. Let me know what you'd like to see and I'll try it!

Go ahead and check out my other sites and let me know what you think! This is my community and communication is key - leave comments to let me know what you liked or didn't like (gracefully, please). As this community grows, it will evolve based on feedback from you. While I am doing all of this for myself and my own gratification, I want to include you too into my scrapbooking world. I hope to talk with you soon!

Joyful Stars New Product Blog Hop: Babycakes

Hello and welcome to the August Joyful Stars Blog Hop featuring new products from the new Idea Book. 

If you came here from Nickie's blog you're on the right track.  It's a circular hop, so if you're starting out here  you can keep going 'round till you come back again. There is a list of participants at the bottom of the post if you want to skip ahead. 

I've been working on this layout in my head for awhile because I started with the right page from the Idea Book but since it's from the Reflections How-To Program book and doesn't suggest a left side page design, I had to work on it myself. *sigh* I really like how CTMH does all the planning work for me, so having to design something myself is time consuming... but I suffered through and after about the third sit-down, I finally have something I like. 

I wanted to use the same pattern but vary the sizes of the squares to make it stand out but it wasn't until I decided to use an 8x10 photo mat did the layout come together.

I enjoyed using some of new Irristables Hexagon shapes, very easy to ink up and stick to the page.

The new cork shapes are fun to use, they come in lots of shapes and sizes and given that they already have adhesive makes it super easy. Just peel and stick!

I also tried a new-to-me technique - sewing! I finally got my sewing machine fixed (okay, the problem was really the user but I got that fixed but finding a good instructor!) and I've been playing! I am thrilled with how easy it is to add a little panache to the page with some stitches. I will be experimenting with some of our stitches stamping sets so stay tuned for some more on this topic!

The blank spot on the left side is where I will place the date of the photos when I finally decided which ones to use. For now, my scrapbooking style is to make the page then find photos to fit. I have so many photos to preserve from the last many years that I can't work in any order at this point. 

Now you're off to Hellen's blog!

Here is a list of participants  so you can pick up anywhere. These are direct links to their blog hop posts (unless noted) so if you're tuning in late, you'll be on track. Feel free to visit each blog and check out all that they have to offer!

Joyce Houck

Nancy Brown

Lori Meadows

Heather Flaherty (link to blog home)

Krista Hershberger

Nickie Hoffer

Stephanie Huber

Hellen Gullett

Elizabeth Mindemann

Betty Locco

Jean Murphy (link to blog home)

Cindy Leek

July's Joyful Stars Blog Hop

Hello and welcome back to the second month of the Joyful Stars Blog Hop!

If you came here from Crystal's blog you're on the right track. It's a circular hop, so if you're starting out here  you can keep going 'round till you come back again. I posted a list of participants at the bottom of the post so you can pick up anywhere but please note that these links take you directly to their blog not the blog post so if you're tuning in late, you'll have to hunt a bit (though I'm sure you'll enjoy the search!).

Since I've been busy with vacations, vendor shows and convention I haven't had much time to create anything I can show you (but come back next month and I'll have loads to share!) so I searched through my albums till I came to a layout I haven't shown you yet.

I used the Later Sk8r paper pack (only available till the end of the month, *sob*) and stickease to make this layout (it is part of the Workshop on the Go) and I used photos from June 2012 Transport for Christ Regional Truck Show in Lebanon PA. I love this paper pack because of the diamond-plating pattern is all over my photos anyway - this ties my photos to the paper very well! The stickease and WOTG stamp set were perfect to stock up on because this is one set I will use over, and over, and over again! There simply is no shortage of truck pictures in my albums!

Now you are off to Helen's blog. See you next month!


Joyce Houck             Joyce-joyfulcreations.blogspot.com

Nickie Hoffer            nickiehoffer.blogspot.com

Nancy Brown            creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com

Lori Meadows           CraftyMeadows.blogspot.com

Stephanie Brown       stephanielovesscrapbooking.blogspot.com

Heather Flaherty        papercrafteranonymous.com

Crystal Davis             craftingwithcrystal.blogspot.com

Stephanie Huber         lavendersagedesigns.blogspot.com

Hellen Gullett               byheleng.wordpress.com

Elizabeth Mindemann   ejoym.blogspot.com

Krista Hershberger     Kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com

Betty Locco                scrapbookgirl2.blogspot.com

Jean Murphy               stampandscrapjeanie.blogspot.com

Cindy Leek                 savingmemorieswithcindy.com

Meredith Hainsworth    craftyschemings.blogspot.com.

New Paper Pack: Lucy

With all the new paper packs that are in the new Spring Summer 2012 Idea Book, I have a really hard time choosing which one I like the best. I have a little boy so I love the Superhero and Victory paper packs and with a little girl on the way, I love that there are two paper packs (Stella and Lucy) I can use in her album but I'm going to have to pick Lucy as my favorite pack simply because I love how versatile it is: you can use it for a little girl's page, gardens or even for Mother's Day.

Here is a layout I am doing for my team's swap (**warning: spoiler alert**) using Lucy and the new stamp set: New Arrival. I was inspired by the layout featured on Jeanette Lynton's website on January 11, 2012. I simplified it a bit so I could make many copies. I used Gray Baker's Twine as the single embellishment on the right page so the photos really stand out.

 Here is a close up of the main embellishment I did with the Art Philosophy cartridge in Creme Brulee card stock. I used Sweet Leaf ink on Sweet Leaf card stock with the little stamps in the New Arrival stamp set.

 I used Sweet Leaf ribbon to make a banner to highlight the embellishment on the top left of the page. This image is also from the New Arrival stamp set.

Check back again in a couple of hours, I'll have some cards I made with the Victory paper pack and Family Love stamp set.

More Scrapbooking layouts

Here are three more layouts I added pictures to this past weekend at a day crop I went to.

The first layout is the Workshop on the Go layout from Winter Wonderland. I used some photos of my son in a blue snowsuit - I don't even remember him ever wearing it other than these pictures until I read the journaling notes on the back of them and remembered the story behind them. That's why we scrapbook, huh? To remember all those moments we would otherwise forget.

Scrapbooking pages

Now that the holiday rush is over, I have put away the last of the Christmas decorations and thrown away the last of the toy packaging. Now, it is time for me to scrapbook. I love the doldrums of January and February because, to me, it means I get to spend a lot of time in my craft room! It also means hunting will soon be over and when that happens, not only do I get my husband back, but I get to go to crops! I did a day crop this past weekend and finished up my son's first year album (it only took me 3 1/2 years to do) but I have a few more scheduled for the next few weeks.

If you are a customer of mine, check your January newsletter - I made some changes to my Crop in February. Payments are due to me to hold your spot and it is filling up quickly!

Now on to some of my scrapbook pages.

Here are two layouts I did this weekend to finish up my son's album. One of the ways I can get a lot done at these crops is that I use up my stash of layouts I make for workshops, classes and swaps I participate in so you'll see some old and new paper packs. I'll share some more layouts with you over the next few days. Enjoy!

My 2012 Class Schedule

I have just updated my Class Schedule for the new year. Check it out on the above tab! See you in 2012!

I have all the final details in place for my Winter Weekend Crop in February. Check out the "Upcoming Events" tab for more information or email me for an application.

Farm Show scrapbook page

Our town puts on the last farm show of the season in our county - and it is a really big deal for us. I married into this town and I have had a blast getting involved in the community since I've lived here. Celebrating my son's first farm show was a big deal and considering we live right down the road we were there every day, all day! This is one of my favorite photos of all time with my husband and son - when I close my eyes this is what I see when I think of them - and I had to preserve it in a beautiful layout. My sister consultant, Vicki Melhuish, is a very talented designer (she can do things with embellishments that just astound you) and this is her layout I was fortunate enough to get during a team swap.

Scrapbooking catch up

Having a second child on the way has increased the pressure to finish my firstborn's baby book. Currently, I am on the second album of his first year but only up to six months of age.... I think I have a problem brewing on my hands! I have started something I will have to continue for the next one, I can only hope that this one will be as cooperative in front of the camera as my son.

I am learning some things as I go along, one being that CTMH still has the photo storage pages that hold 12 photos in a 12" x 12" size page. They are available in either horizontal or vertical pockets. They are a great way to add a bunch of photos to your layout without Flip Flaps (that's another story for another time). This layout is from the Baby Parade I entered my son when he was 6 months old. My husband is a truck driver so I decorated the stroller to look like Daddy's truck, complete with the swan hood ornament! He won first place in his division and was invited to participate in the main parade a few days later but considering I would be the one to walk the whole thing while he slept (the parade would have been at his bedtime) I declined the offer but it was still an honor!

Upcoming Class Schedule

I have updated my September Class schedule to include a picture of the 2 scrapbooking layouts we'll be doing on Saturday, September 24th at 10am. I need to have your payment by 9/12 to hold your spot. If you can't join me that day but still want to do the project, let me know by 9/12 so I can mail your project with instructions to you.

You may recognize these layouts - they are on page 16 & 18 in the current Idea Book. I liked these so much better than the Workshop on the Go kits for this paper pack that I figured you might like them too! (Of course, if you like the WOTG kits better, please let me know so I can schedule something for you!)

I also wanted to apologize that I haven't posted anything new recently, I am working my designing butt into the ground for a Christmas Card Workshop I am teaching in a few weeks with a few other consultants. I can always whip up a pleasant looking card when I'm late for a birthday party or baby shower but when I'm asked to teach - whoa! My brain shuts down. I have designed at least six cards for this event and I'm not happy with any of them. I have to figure something out soon - the event has sold out and I need to start prepping the materials! It's a good problem to have, I guess but I will post the cards once I figure out which one I'm using. Until then, have a great day!

Christmas Layout using Sonoma

Here is the design I made for my team swap using Sonoma. I used the "Oh Holy Night" scrapbook page from the Idea Book (page 83) and matched it with the Quartet: Offset pattern from Reflections. It's kept me pretty busy to make so many but now I can concentrate on my Christmas Card Workshop and Scrapbook Workshop (using Typeset) in September. I am updating my Calendar with dates for the next few months so make sure you check your calendar too - I have lots of great papers and embellishments to show you!