Showing posts with label Blog Hop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Hop. Show all posts

Saturday, April 19, 2014

A Flair For Buttons Scrapbook extraveganza!


Hello and welcome to the A Flair For Buttons Blog Hop!!


I'm so excited to be part of this team.
I genuinely love Shelley's flair- the color- the variety of designs and themes.

I love to add the word flair as part of a title or layering patterned ones to add pop to an otherwise flat page.
A Flair For Buttons Blog Hop page
A Flair For Buttons Script Words Flair - Bright and Funky Flair
I used American Crafts die cuts, wood veneer and enamel dots from Cocoa Daisy kits and
paper from Crate's "DYI"collection which I bought for 5 bucks at TJ Maxx.

Super simple. And no you can't have too many brads, buttons or flair on your page. #aflairforbuttons #preschool
I love this pre-school portrait photo. Not sure Lola's 12 year old self will agree but I still love it.
A Flair For Buttons flair- Chalkboard School Days flair, and one of my all time most favorite sets ever
Paper Airplane Flair.
I love that fox sweater from Gymboree! Only now do I realize the Fox and Owl flair would have been perfect for this!
It's been great being part of this team for the last 2 years. 
Thanks Shelley for being so supportive!

On to creations by the rest of the team!


Have a great weekend!

Michelle

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Inspiration Elevator- Scrapping those Selfies

Ah the maligned selfie.

I've dropped quite a few Instagram accounts because the content is almost all "selfie".
Not just selfie which can be totally fun
but exposed tatas selfie.
Or duck face selfie.
Neither says anything genuine- or rather it says entirely too much- all negative.

I think women should fully own their image.
As story tellers it's crucial, we wield the camera and write down the details.
If we don't make sure to turn that camera around once in a while we will be invisible in our own story.
Regardless how we currently feel about our physical state, our children enjoy seeing us smile and celebrating life.
It sets a good example to love ourselves as we are.
Even better- it measures how far we've come when we've decided to change something.

This month's Inspiration Elevator challenge is- take a selfie!

I like scrapping selfies because they make the creative process easier.
I can focus on my current feelings or on a story I want to tell- not on trying to find matching embellishments for a theme page.

The page below was all about my feelings on moving.
I had some really cool chipboard and a neon pink Jet Blue luggage tag but that's it.
I could have used some travel themed printed items but since my feelings were mixed up this seemed more appropriate.
neon scrapbook page
Scrap FX tags and chipboard. I used the PhotoBooth app to make a strip but since that's hard to print without
Photoshop and a home printer I made it into a 4x4 on Instagram and used my local Walgreen's for the print.

 What is Inspiration Elevator?

The purpose of the Inspiration Elevator challenge group is to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to mature as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow.

You can view all of the challenges at the Inspiration Elevator Blog. 

This month we are celebrating our anniversary with a BLOG HOP!

So be sure to hop from blog to blog below as some of our designers are offering prizes! We also welcome Katherine Sutton as a guest designer to Inspiration Elevator! Katharine has Guest Designed for us and her fabulous style will inspire you to take your scrapbooking to a new level!

Now for our Challenge:

It's a 2-part challenge since it's created by Christa and Ann!

The first part of the challenge is to use a selfie. We are all a part of social media to some extent, so selfies are everywhere. "Call it another trend in narcissism, or call it art, but the "selfie" has become a mainstay of our virtual identity." 
Here are a couple articles for taking a good selfie, if this makes you uncomfortable (as it does for me - A)
http://www.bustle.com/articles/7142-how-to-take-a-selfie-pro-photographers-give-us-all-their-best-self-portrait-secrets
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-tuttlesinger/six-tips-on-how-to-rock-a_b_3750316.html

The second part of the challenge is this: 
This month we'd like you to share something about scrapbooking. It could be why you scrapbook, what you love best, what you get out of it, your most amazing experience or, where you see your craft/hobby/art in the future. 


Remember to hop around to the other blogs and see what out designers have created and what prizes are up for grabs! (Be sure to read the instructions as each designer has her own requirements to win!)

I hope you feel inspired to play along with our challenge this month, and when you do, please share it using the linky tool on our Inspiration Elevator blog and/or our Inspiration Elevator Facebook page. We'd LOVE to see what you made!

self portrait
This is totally about my new haircut. Taken 2013.

Have a great week!
Michelle

Saturday, October 5, 2013

A Flair For Buttons and DCWV Blog Hop!!!!

Hello  Hello HELLO!

I am SO EXCITED to be sharing a couple of pages with you today.

DCWV was the first scrapbook brand I picked up back in 2009 when I started looking for pretty paper to make decorations for future Lola's room.

Off to Joann's I went and there it was- cue angels singing- The Mariposa Stack.
Suddenly I had a million ideas that only needed a pair of scissors to bring to life.

Since then I've had fun creating with their new Adhesive Fabric stack, The Colorful Life Stack, The Snapshot Stack and here's an oldie but still a favorite- Downtown Loft which is full of mod prints and Manhattan themed papers.

The lucky DT members of  A Flair For Buttons each got a stack to create with.
I got The Glam Rock stack.

I made this card:
DCWV Glam Rock stack card
Some pop dots, fussy cutting and 20 minutes later I had a party invite.
And this page:
DCWV A Flair For Buttons Blog Hop
I love paper strips so this page came together quickly after I cut the foiled silver "belts" out.
I used flair from the following packs:
Rock On Flair 1,
Arrows kraft and black 1,
and Dartboards flair- I will be ordering 20 more of those black and white striped beauties!
I did get a little stuck when I first opened my package because I have a 4 year old who's still listening to "Old McDonald" and "The Wheels on the Truck".
So I don't have a rocking out photo to use- yet.
Then I found that photo of Lola and her cousins and a page popped into my brain instantly.

That's what I love about DCWV packs- you can use the themed packs for almost anything- all you need is scissors, glue and a couple of hours.

Joining my today in this fun smash up are:
Me! :)
Please swing by each blog to check out how we used our packs- I sure there will be a delightful surprise in each blog.

Before I forget- here is the coupon code to get 10% off your next A Flair For Buttons order:

Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Scrap FX / Ruby Rock It scrap mash up blog hop!


Hello and welcome to the Scrap FX / Ruby Rocket 2 day blog hop!


Each day, there will be 11 - 12 blogs to visit using our gorgeous products!

Here are FRIDAY'S Day One's participating designers:

It wouldn't be a blog hop without some serious scrappy swag! 
Check it:


Here's how you can win: 
** Visit each participating designer's blog each day on the hop &  leave a comment.  
Please make sure you include your email address in your comment so we can contact you if you win.

For additional chances to win:  
Head over to Facebook and  *LIKE*  us and leave a message telling us you came from  the blog hop.  
The deadline to leave comments for prizes is 11:59pm EST, Monday, August 19th.

Winners will be announced on Ruby Rock-it and Scrap FX blogs on Tuesday, August 20th!


If you get lost along the way, you will be able to find a complete list of participating blogs each day here at Scrap FX and over at Ruby-Rock-it!

There will be new eyes reading here so let me introduce myself.
I'm a former Brooklynite with a love of chipboard, modern design and vellum.

I don't usually scrap themed pages so this post is a welcome change for me.

I made this page in anticipation of my daughter Lola entering pre-school in September.
Scrap FX / Ruby Rock It blog hop. Back to school page.
I used Scrap FX arrow boxes, funky stars and black tags in this project.
I LOVED working with Bella embossed with stickers!
I tend to think stickers are "for kids" but clustering, cutting apart
or layering rids them of their totally random design reputation.

The two black instant film frames on the top right are misfires from my Fuji Instax camera.
I plan to photograph the classroom and Lola with her teacher and place the photos there.

I had so much fun I made a second page on the same day (unheard of for me):

I used Scrap FX hexagon buttons and light bulb chipboard designs on this page.
HELLO AWESOME RED ALPHABET PAPER!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Since this is actually a page about a future event I used an old photo. When I get a good shot of Lola in her new classroom, I'll switch it out.

But wait!
There's more! (Lol)
I also made a camping mini book with the collection.
I had a hard time finding a good photo collage app for this project.
If you have one you like using please let me know int the comments!
I used Scrap FX Manilla book accessory pages,
Let the good times roll wordlet,
scribble circles, diamond buttons and mini trees chipboard.
The Bella Fundamentals camping collection also has great embossed stickers and
fun patterns. I was able to cut and assemble into this small book.

Thanks for stopping by.

Next stop on the hop is: Linda Auclair

Have a GREAT week!

Michelle

Friday, August 9, 2013

Flair button love! A Flair For Buttons blog hop.

Good Friday morning folks!!

Welcome to the A Flair For Buttons blog hop!!!

Shelley's designs keep getting cooler!

Swing by the A Flair For Buttons Etsy shop to see the variety.

You can use the ILOVESUMMER13 coupon code to get 10% off your next order.

If you leave a comment on each blog you will also be entered to win a free pack of flair. 
I just completed the hop- the projects will make it worth your while- promise!

It's been a fun week for me.

I stayed up all Wednesday night reading a modern sequel to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" called "Mr. Darcy's Daughters" by Elizabeth Aston- it was a page turner.

Then last night I saw Erica Badu totally blow up her usual smooth jazz hits on stage and a long held regret of mine was finally put to rest.

Back in 2004 I had tickets to her show but bailed because "Who was Erica Badu?" Who indeed.
I kicked myself for the following 10 years or so.

But there you have it- proof.

Life is full of second chances.

In honor of a good lesson learned, I decided to give my paper stash a second chance.

I also finally let go of flair I was hoarding for my dead as a door nail Project Life album.

Here's my project for the hop:
I had a hard time with this concept! I wanted to play with layers. The page got remade several times before I decided this was the final. I love the idea of frames and paper strips so I may try this concept out a few more times.
I used the following flair for this page:
 My Life Words 3 pack (turquoise so you)
My Life Words 2 pack (turquoise today)
Phrases 2 pack (royal blue totally rad)
Some close ups:
I didn't bring my typewriter or sewing machine with me for the move and I've sorely missed both. Here I was just going back to basics- fussy cutting and bending the items so they gave depth to the page.

I wish I had gotten the yellow "today instead". Next time I'll just get that phrase in all colors-
it's so versatile. Charity race we walked (ha!) was named "Color Me Rad". This button was
perfect for the theme page.
Please take a few moments to swing by the all the blogs participating. 
The level of creativity and innovation exhibited by this team is truly inspiring.


I hope you have a fantastic creative weekend.

Get out there and kick regret's butt!
Kicking life's butt is a family affair.
Michelle

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Scrap FX chipboard Insights Blog Hop (and a give away!)



Hello welcome to the Scrap FX chipboard "Insights" blog hop!
If you are looking for the Inspiration Elevator May challenge "New Beginnings" click here.

The purpose of the Scrap FX hop is to get to know the new design team members and introduce the gorgeous May 2013 designs.

I hope you are enjoying each post so far.
Here's the roster:
Michelle H  You Are Here! YAY!

First up:
Michelle Logan: What is your scrapbook "kryptonite"? I can't seem to scrapbook if I'm feeling angry or overwhelmed. Last year Die Scrapperin Magazine (Germany) challenged me to make a page and write a tutorial featuring glitter. It really stumped me. I kept comparing my ideas to other's and I just couldn't come up with something I thought fabulous and original enough to publish. The resulting page was forced and rather strange- I'm better when allowed to improvise.

Klere: Do you snack or drink while scrapping? What?
I need to stop this habit- I've gained 15 pounds drinking tea and eating cookies the last couple of years. I also have a nasty habit of eating potato chips with oranges- I like to combine healthy stuff with my heart attack food.
I used the following Scrap FX chipboard designs:
 "Cherish" mini wordlet theme pack (model number 2013053),
City Life frame model number 2013095 (I cut the words out off the frame),
Magnolia branch chipboard embellishment model number 2013002
Adrienne: How do you jump start your creativity when you find that it is missing?
I chill. Even if it takes all week. If I'm on deadline I do the following: freak out. throw stuff. freak out. take a walk. freak out. drink wine. sit down. get up. sit down. get up. sit down. start a page. freak out. go to bed. ALWAYS in the morning- finish the page.


Michelle H. (me): What do you listen to or watch while your scrap and why?
I listen to National Public Radio- chiefly for their story telling shows like "This American Life" and "Snap Judgement". I also listen to "TED" Talks on science and creativity on Youtube. Learning is a huge part of my creative process and I don't just mean scrap videos- actually I find those really boring. I feel like my brain starts sparkling when I hear something really gnarly and I immediately go and start a page. Personal stories blow my mind on the regular- I consider those my primary form of learning.
This page started at a 12x12 but I got a little too enthusiastic
with the water color and the paper  warped so badly I decided to
cut it down to 8 x11- I like it a lot more this size.
Scarlett: What is your favorite technique(s) to use right now and why? What are some tried and true techniques you love to use?
I rarely use techniques. I've actually started a blog post series called "What I Learned This Week" which I post on Mondays so I can FORCE myself to try something new and technique based each week. Right now I'm really into stencils, spray paint, vellum, paper strips and tags.

Amy: At what time of day are you most creative, or do you prefer to create?
I prefer to work in the morning but I am forced to work at night since I have an inquisitive three year old who wants to either cut, glitter or spray what I'm working on at the moment.

I promise myself I'm going to tackle a new finishing technique
each time I start a new chipboard centric page.
Then I chicken out.
I love the pieces so much I'd rather just add them with no finish at all.
Cindy: What makes your heart race?
OO this is a GREAT question. I love buying new materials- going into a store gives me the best feeling of power and control. Which is why I've cut back on it almost entirely- that's a symptom of addiction. Great color combos get my heart racing, new ideas, great conversation, my husband, riding my bike, dancing.

Elisabeth: If you were to describe one emotion while scrapbooking, what would it be?
Depends on the day. If I have a good idea I feel like I'm in my element and riding a great big internal wave. Things I see or hear start to make connections with other things I heard or saw in the past. I feel in tune. I feel the flow. 
If I'm feeling crappy everything sucks- the idea of scrapbooking seems idiotic and I question my need to create. Then I tell myself to get over myself and that this is just one blip in a long continuum.
Alternate image for this page- I was shooting at around 7:30 pm
so ambient light was a beautiful gold. The shadows proved to be too big of
a distraction and I had to reshoot.
Misty: What are you afraid of?
I'm afraid that I will fail. That I will bore people or that they hate me. I'm afraid that I suck and that most people BUT me know this. I'm afraid that my daughter will get hurt or grow up disconnected from her family. I'm afraid for my Mom who's getting older. Fear has held me back a long time and just recently I started working on fighting it.

Maria: If you could choose a talent/gift what would it be?
I wish I was more of a "people person". Social situations that require chatting strangers up face to face tend to freeze me. I have the gift of gab once I know a person better. Online is much easier because I feel like I have a layer of protection between me and strangers.


Before I forget!
Here is the Scrap FX GRAND PRIZE.
To be eligible just leave a comment on the Scrap FX blog.


Also? I am giving away the following goodies to one lucky hopper. 

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what kinds of chipboard designs you'd like to see that you haven't seen before.


Thanks for swinging by!
The next person on the hop is Misty.

Michelle H.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Shimelle.com guestie and Blog Hop with A Flair For Buttons!

Happy Friday folks!

I have some fun updates today!

My guest post titled "5 Ways to finish raw chipboard" is up over at Shimelle.com.

Here's another sneaky peek:
For this title using Scrap FX "Lanky Alphas" (a personal favorite since they have huge
impact but take up very little space) I used Prima chalk ink in Teal, white gesso and
orange washi tape. 
Spray gesso and Liquitex Acrylic spray paint.
More techniques in Shimelle's blog.
Please jump over and leave a lovely comment telling me I'm either full of it because your favorite finishing technique is (fill in the blank) or flatter me whatever you wish.

ALSO:

The Flair For Buttons and Give A Girl A... team-up blog hop is happening right now.

There are prizes and 15% shop discounts involves so please head over to the Flair Buttons blog to join the fun.

You can use this code to get 15% at the 
Guess where I'm going after I finish this post? Not EVEN lying!
At Sea Flair- HELLO awesome blue anchor on stripes!
Vintage Travel- this ENTIRE pack- HOME! NOW!
I am SO excited to see Iron Man 3 today!
I am a total Robert Downey Jr. fangirl. 
Like wine, he gets more intoxicating with age.

Thank you for your continued support and scrappy love.
Michelle