The Ties That Bind: Zip It!

 Hello friends, Stacie here and I am on the Paper Issues blog today with the challenge The Ties That Bind.  When I thought of the challenge, the zipper cut file seemed to fit the connection of binding together! Check it out:

The zipper  Zip It cut file is free from the store and the pretty plaid paper is new Pretty Little Studio Christmas Cheer paper called Licorice. The cut file snowflakes I cut from several winter or snow-themed cut files free in the Paper Issues shop! I wanted to create the feeling that we could zip out the snow for a bit longer as this was a photo from Thanksgiving last year. 

Next up, Ranger Distress Oxides for a light color wash on each snowflake to have a bit more dimension on the page.  I popped up the top layer of the zipper pull with some foam dots to create dimension. I also placed foam squares under the plaid paper to scatter the snowflakes under the edges.

It was easy to cut away the center piece of the plaid paper to create a bit of space for the zipper and allowed for the Pink Paislee greenish-teal paper to peek through.   I also tucked the zipper into the rolled up distressed edges of the plaid PLS paper.  

I hope you are dreaming up what you might bind together with this zipper cut file! 

Fall leaves, flowers, snowflakes, or a rainbow?! So many fun ideas to explore!

Happy creating with the new November challenges.

 There is also 30 Days of Thankful happening this month at Paper Issues.

  I sure hope to see what creative ideas you have this month!

If you use this cut file tag #picutfile so we can find your pages!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

I have not been on here in almost a year...and what a year it's been!

As always, save 20% on everything in your Paper Issues cart!

Code: Stacie

Super Sundae Player of the Game

Hello! Stacie here with the new June challenge, Super Sundae!

 Go check out more details on the Paper Issues blog.  

I couldn't wait to use the beautiful, new June kit: Pontoon.

The May swag bag for added ephemera and layers. 

I was inspired to create the look of sprinkles on top of the sundae!

The PI free cut file baseball heart is from the set called  Homerun Heart. 

I backed the cut file baseball with vellum for a cool opague layer. 

It created a nice title grouping in the solid "dish" part of the sundae.  My son loves the team huddle after each game to hear the coach talk and award the Dairy Queen sundae player of the game! 

We all play for ice cream!

The photo mat layers are from the June kit or the PI  Swag Bag from May. I love the pops of color that are stacked and lead your eye into the sprinkle toppings (polka dot).  The cool Bella Blvd. red Florence alpha for the title was such a fun pop of color on the layered title. 

I hope you are inspired to try a new June challenge including Super Sundae in the Paper Issues Friends and Fans Facebook group.  All June challenges are open until July 1st.

Have you tried a Paper Issues monthly kit?  If not, go grab the scrapbook  kit or swag bag kit-you'll be so happy that you did!  They are seriously full of amazing products each month!

Don't forget to save 20% on your whole purchase at Paper Issues.  Code: Stacie

Happy Haunting!

Happy first Friday of November!!  Time is certainly flying by. Yes, Halloween has passed, but your spooktacular photos are still waiting to be scrapped! Bella Blvd has the cutest Halloween paper collection Sweet & Spooky and it was perfect for my pic of my littlest Ry Guy and I at school! 

  The PI cut file Happy Haunting was perfect to coordinate with this photo!  It's been awhile since I used a large cut file title and I love the little dangling spider!  The larger bat works great as a photo mat and helped to ground my photo.

 The Uma Thurman October scrapbook kit included Nuvo black, so of course I needed to add little dots throughout the design! Have you tried Nuvo crystal drops instead of enamel dots??  If not, you need to try them out!

The Bella Blvd Sweet & Spooky collection has so many cute ephemera and sticker pieces to tuck into layers and sprinkle throughout the design. Using a cut file title is an easy way to create a unique look and a major statement on your layout!

Messy stitching is a great addition to a spooky design or any border!  A few times stitching around the page provides more definition against a patterned background get this orange scallop "Smell My Feet" paper here!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!  Do you have plans to create some layouts this weekend? 

 If so, be sure to add your October challenges by November 4th 

or add your new challenges to the Paper Issues November Facebook album!

It's almost the PI Paper Issues crop, November 9th -11th!! 

Have you placed your Paper Issues order to stock up?

Use code: Stacie to save 20% off your entire order.

Take 5: The Boo Crew

Hi! Today I am up on the Paper Issues blog to showcase this month's Take 5 challenge!  

The list had lots of fun options, but I was drawn to using the

 free Paper Issues cut file  patchwork pumpkin and the word, Boo.  

Check out the rich autumn tones and patterns from the  Forever Fall line from Simple Stories. 

It is hitting my heart strings with the Elle's Studio wood grain paper in the background.  

Hello, Fall beauty!!

From the Take 5 October list, I selected:  Boo (cut file title), patchwork pumpkin cutfile, large title, stitching, border, and a tag

With cut files of this size that dominate the layout design, popping them up with foam adhesive adds a slight shadow and depth to add more interest against the rustic woodgrain background.  I adore when you can paper piece cut files and use up your favorite paper scraps as well!

This cut file and title was cut out of another Simple Stories collection tone on tone patterned paper.

  It adds subtle interest with the slight pattern and is a fun change from standard cardstock.

 I also splattered the cut file with gold mist drops before I added the paper backing pieces.

As for my photo, my crew of trick or treaters was unposed 

and unaware I was snapping their picture.  

Love when you can just capture a small moment in time!

The stitching added to the rustic look of the Elle's Studio background wood grain paper and the colors used in this Forever Fall collection.  It added a basic border around the layout and finished it off. The baker's twine secured the cute fox tag and was easy to add to the pumpkin stem!

Definitely grab this wood grain paper (it's in stock!!) and 

the Simple Stories Forever Fall collection for any kind

 of autumn celebration or photos of fall!  

It is beautiful and so very versatile even for Halloween!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.  

Get your October challenges submitted in the Facebook

 group anytime before November 4th!

I look forward to seeing your Take 5 challenge entry or

 any of the others that are waiting for you!

Tag us on social media when you use a Paper Issues

 cut file or play along with a challenge. 

 I look forward to gathering inspiration from you!

Get your SHOP on and stop by Paper Issues for all of the best!

Save 20% with my code: Stacie

Fall Crop is just a few weeks away...

be prepared and get some new items to inspire you!

Happy creating, friends!

Boys will be Boys: Real Life

Today I am up on the Paper Issues blog with a post for the Boys will be Boys challenge.

I paired Box of Crayons from Shimelle with the fun cut file A to Z from Paper Issues.

 I couldn't wait to document Ryan (my kindergartener's) school photos

 since we just wrapped up the school year.

  It is extra special to document these stories since

 I teach down the hall from him and I often come upon photo ops that make me laugh!

Box of Crayons has the perfect school vibe I was going for with this design.  My "Mr. Independent" Ryan insisted on wearing his brother's football jersey to school. He knew most shirts with words, "the words" go in the front, so of course his last name had to be front and center!

I added details to the story in the alphabet letters scattered throughout the page.

The black writing doesn't stick out lots unless you read it closely, 

but it helps add a subtle design connection with the pencils and crayons.

It ended up being the perfect match was Shimelle's Box of Crayons collection 

paired with the A to Z background cut file free from Paper Issues.  I scattered my alphabet connected journaling throughout the page design. 

I added some roller stamping and word strip stickers to the letters as well. 

My fave was NOPE for this epic fail of wearing his jersey backwards.  Here's the "nope"!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Do you have a "Boys will be Boys" story of your own to document? 

 I sure hope you will play along this month and post your 

entries in the June challenge album in the Paper Issues.

So many new products in stock at Paper Issues, stop by and stock up for 20% off!

Free File Free-For-All

I am over on the Paper Issues blog today because It's Free File Free-For-All!
It's Friday!! Annnnnnnd...it's Groundhog day....so in the spirit of seeing shadows, 

I created a fun black and white design using the heart wreath cut file today! 

 I love the Forever My Always collection from Pebbles. 

 These papers were so much fun to get creative with!  

Let's check out my take for February and Paper Issues Free File Free-For-All!

My why-

This guy--he is literally the sweetest.  

He will randomly say multiple times a day...."Mom?" 

 "Yes, Ryan?"

  "Mom, I love you."

  I mean my heart melts each and every time.

  He gives us all kisses.  

He makes sure we are happy.  

He just started opening my car door 

for me each morning before school...

and he waits outside so he can close my door, too.

Yes, so much love for this kid.  

I don't want to forget these moments. 

 We know they grow up in a blink!

Here are a few close ups:

Gesso and mixed media in the background. I used gelatos and the packaging technique for the color to bring color to the black and white background. I wanted the cut file heart wreath popped up with foam dots to create more of a shadow and depth from the bold text patterned paper.

  Still a fan of a touch of gold shimmer to a few of the embellishments scattered throughout.  Enamel dots and hearts are the perfect sprinkle!

See what I mean?!  All the Groundhog Day homage with the dark shadowy colors, black and white photo, and popped up layers!  The ephemera for Forever My Always, is just perfect for layering.

 I love the pink stitching against the dark backdrop.  Also, I just had to rough up the edges to curl back the patterned paper to show the soft pink and cute hearts.It ties in the colors of the cut file and the mixed media gelato colors that I layered.

So that's how I kicked off the new challenges at Paper Issues!  I sure hope you will join me and post your new creations using cut files or other PI free files in the February album!

Get your shop on at Paper Issues there are so many new things!

  As always- save 20% with code: Stacie

Free File Friday: Winter Wonderland or Winter Woes?

I am up on the PI blog today with a look at winter from a few perspectives!  I hope you are inspired to grab your cutting machines and download all of the free files that you need to get some memories documented this weekend!
I love this black text paper from American Crafts Sweater Weather and it was the perfect base for my wintery skiing pictures from last year!

Grab this winter title from the Very Merry Holiday file and the snowflakes from the Circles and Snowflakes cut file. Both in the Free File section in the Paper Issues store.

 I added stitching to all of the snowflakes scattered throughout the page as I love the white on white look! The added texture it brings the design is perfect.

I love adding mixed media to the background.  This is a mix of white acrylic paint and water to give a light transparent snowy look along with the more opaque drops for variation and depth.

Join us on Paper Issues Friends and Fans to share all of your latest creations.  

Enter your projects in the January Challenges for more chances to win the monthly gift card.

 I hope you'll play along with Paper Issues free files and add to our post full of projects. 

Tag us on social media so we can see your creative takes using free files!

Save 20% on all of your purchases at Paper Issues.

XOXO Swag Bag

Swag Bag kits for January "All the Hearts" are in the house!  Check out the blog today at Paper Issues to be inspired on how to use these awesome swag bag kits. As it was such a kit full of heart, I went with it and used a PI free cut file to cut hearts out of the kit papers!

I started by splattering the acrylic paints in a ring shape on the Simple Stories woodgrain paper.

I cut the heart grid background cut file multiple times to use up the paper included in the kit.  I trial and error messed around with placement in the circle before adding a small amount of adhesive and sewing each heart down the middle so they could be lifted for dimension on the page.  See my workspace and the additional swag bag items I didn't use on this project!  So much to still play with!!

Cassie includes so many amazing embellishments with each month's kit.

 I love the tassel heart and rosette heart.  I still have the washi tape roll,wood veneer, and several more paper cards, paper scraps, ephemera, and sequins to use!

I challenged myself to use a lot of this gorgeous January kit in this project and I was successful.  But, honestly there is still always so many beautiful kit pieces left to use on other projects!

I really do "heart" you!  Thanks for stopping by.

Grab this kit before it's gone.  Save 20% off with my code!

I la la love it!  You will never be disappointed these swag bag kits, 

they are packed full each month!

Pinspire Me: Pastel Winter

Today on the blog at Paper Issues it is time for a new Pinspired moodboard made by Mary-Ann! I call it Pastel Holidays! Winter is usually white and soft here in MN, so pastels are the perfect partner!

I was inspired by all of the trees.  I created a tree farm cut file to use with Crate Paper Snow & Cocoa.

I cut the background cut file from white cardstock and then cut a background pieces of patterned paper for behind the openings and then cut a patterned paper tree from the cut file to layer and stitch together.  I was able to lift the layers for instant dimension to the trees.

Up close details of the layers. Crate Paper Snow & Cocoa chipboard, word stickers, ephemera, 12x12 patterned paper scraps & 6x6 papers.

 Side view of the tree dimension. I love that I could include so many of the cute patterned papers in one design without being too crazy looking! Pink and black splatters to fit the moodboard vibes.

 A bit of white twine to string the ephemera tags together.

Play along with this beautiful board now through December 31. Be pinspired by all of the inspiration images.  Maybe try a cut file with your design--there are 100s of free files in the PI store for instant download!

Don't forget about the Paper Issues sale going on right now!!