Pie charts RULE!!!! A Studio Calico challenge page

So I've always had a "thing" for graphics, pie charts and other office related graphics meant to keep you awake during snoozefest meetings.
I just never thought to use them in a layout!
TOTAL lack of imagination!!!
Must correct ASAP!!
Here ya go:

So my LOVE of neon and washi is in full effect here. I used a while bunch of techniques I have learned from other crafters- SoapHouseMama and Miae to be specific. More on that below.
 Materials: Studio Calico Classic Calico paper, washi tape from Hambly, Smash and MT, vellum title from DCWV, Awesome word bubble from A Life Handmade on Big Cartel, Smash date stamp, gel pens from Sakura Martha Stewart multi butterfly punch and pin from American Crafts.

The layout is from a sketch by Vee Jennings for Studio Calico for their latest Sunday challenge which I encourage you to try!

My idea of a good scrappy time? Throw the paint on the page and watch it spread out or drip down, SHOVE the vellum into the sewing machine and hope a general circle shape emerges from my tugging and pulling.
My husband absolutely FREAKS when he sees me work.
He gets all itchy looking at the crooked lines, paint splatters all over the work table or the sewing machine wrestling (mostly because I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SEW.)

Some detail shots:

I bought this random travel themed DCWV pack at TJ Maxx
and I really like this vellum material. Some of the phrases
are a bit cheesy but this one has a great font and size.
Love that word bubble! I really wish I could afford a Silhouette!

Silver gel pen for the journaling. The butterfly was
colored using pastels I bought at the dime store. 

Ok so here is where I credit my scrappy friends.
SoaphouseMama (Ashli Oliver) gets credit for the stacked lines. I see this motif in her
work and I just like how it adds visual interest without distracting from the main design.
Miae of  Making Scrap Up gets credit for the wheels because I see her doodle these all
over the place!!!  Using the sewing machine was time consuming but I love the effect.
The hanging ends were something I saw  a french blogger do and it just made my jaw
drop.  I don't remember who it was (it was before I learned about Pinterest)
but if you recognize who I'm talking about lemme know ok?

I encourage you to let loose today.
Just slap some paper onto other paper, dash that paint on, take your favorite stamp and go hog wild- whatever.
If you hate the final result it's ok- go back to your regular work style!
But maybe you'll discover a new technique.

NEW PHOTO SEGMENT!!
What I learned from my two year old TODAY:
A fool and her washi are soon parted or
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH WASHI.

I used this page to get my engines ready for some design team assignments I really want to get right. So keep your eyes peeled over at Gauche And Scrap FX- you'll see iterations of things I learned making this page.

GRATUITOUS TODDLER SHOT!!!!!

Cute right? She pulled the ugliest 30 minute tantrum when it was time to go.
This is at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. GO! TODAY!
The Cherries are blooming!

MuChoS SmOoChEs!
Michelle

Sad scrappy news and a travel page

To get myself back into the "design" headspace after our looong vacation I used a Studio Calico sketch. The last time I went Full Monty on a page with no guidance post vacation it lead to hideous results as witnessed HERE. BLEH!!! Sorry Paper Issues! I PROMISE not to suck next time!

Wonder
MATERIALS: Studio Calico exclusive paper from "Mind The Gap" kit, Sassafras Lass  Sweetly Smitten paper and borders, Wonder card from October Afternoon, Crate and Studio Calico stickers, corrigated board from K and Company  Ephemera kit, buttons and ticket from Paper Issues on Etsy.

This page is cuter. Check it- I had no idea it was till I read what others thought. Isn't that pathetic? I thought it looked overly simple (not in a cool modern way) but I loved the papers and the sketch.

I actually cleaned out the "scrap" desk today- hubbs needs it back now that Architecture school is starting. I can't really move everything since the increased space lead to increased hoarding- he was right after all. I HATE it when I am predictable (irresponsible and annoyingly materialistic)! Thankfully NYC has very little pretty paper to tempt me further down this road of financial perdition.

Now the bad news... (it's not happening to me but it makes me sad anyway)
With GREAT regret I note that another online scrap retailer seems to be going under. Scrap Attack are you really going away??? That totally blows (chunks)!!! The shipping was high but the selection was wonderful and so was the customer service. Head on over and stock up on old favorites at 30% off. Its getting scary folks- hold on to your hobby- it looks like it's heading the way of the newspaper industry.

I also got MORE bad news when I opened up my 30,000 emails and saw in the Studio Calico newsletter that Sasha Farina was stepping down from the SC DT. WHAAAT? She's the BEEZ KNEEZ! Da BUTTER! DA JAM! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I can't take it!!! No info on where she will be next but I'm keeping an eye on her bloggity blog and hoping to see more gorgeous pages and fun photos in the coming weeks.

My sister is a freaking riot!
Here she's playing the quintessential Puerto Rican (or Italian) housewife.

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
Michelle

Daily math

I have a very strange affection for long strings of sums and mathematical equations. I loved all the transparent boards with rows and rows of figures in a "A Beautiful Mind"- that was a beautifully art directed film.

I can't add fractions... or subtract, divide or add them for that matter. I DREAD the day Lola comes to me with her 4th grade math homework. I can literally feel my brain click off when the subject is broached- is it laziness or some kind of learning disorder? I don't know, but numbers and the signs that accompany them in algebra or trigonometry certainly look beautiful and they make me wish I could understand them beyond the surface.
Here's a page I did for a Studio Calico challenge right before I left for vacation:

Happy Homefront
MATERIALS: Studio Calico Homefront paper, Kaiser Craft kraft mini stickers, Sassafras Lass woodgrain alphas, Pink Paislee  Hometown Summer border, Maya Road corrugated board house, Smashbook date stamp and mini note.

This page is me talking to myself and telling that inner part of me that likes to FREAK OUT that everything will be ok- the financials will work out. Daily Math- ignore the actual numbers and work on the changing the equation.
Times may be dark but we must give ourselves gift of optimism. We can make it better- we have before and we can again. For me the true meaning of the "American Dream" is simple- it's not a bigger house or a newer car or a larger bank account but HOPE- an idea- a value- it's not exclusive to American citizens but it's priceless, unique and should be protected.
CHIN UP and strap those boots on people- the going is hard and the decisions tough but we WILL get though this.

A view off the Coast in Sorrento.

MuChoS SmOoChEs!
Michelle

It's TRAVEL TIME! (and a winning page- woot!)

A page of mine won the 7/3/11 Sunday Sketch Challenge over at Studio Calico. I love how I'm all questioning my ability and then I win something and I'm convinced I can take on the scrap universe.
Whatevs- here it is:

Summer Lovin'- Studio Calico Sunday Sketch 7/3/11 (winner)
Materials: Studio Calico Floorplan paper, Hambly washi tape, Sassafras Lass Turkish Blooms,  Studio Calico Countryside tag and photo matt, Fancy pants filter paper, Mister Huey in Sunshine, Tattered Angels in Patina

OMG- we fly out to Italy on saturday! I'm not packed! I have no idea how Lola will take an 8 hour flight followed by a 4 hour one. What do Italians feed their babies? Do they have Pampers???? It's not MARS Michelle! Get a hold of yourself woman!!!
I HATE traveling! I love seeing news things and meeting new people but the actual flying makes me a nervous wreck. My poor sister! She's going to deal with all my worries the entire time we are there. I'll back off during the actual wedding day but it's full on freak out mode till then.

Here's the crafty packing list:
-Black Smashbook
-2  washi tapes
-Instax camera and film (3 packs)
-My iTouch
-My Leica (hope we can recharge batteries- I don't think our generic European plug works)
-K & Co travel die cuts (and probably some SC ones too)
-20 random 6 by 6 papers that I will most likely choose from my Studio Calico stash
-Uni Ball pen black and white
-Watercolor pencil set (I can wet the pencil and get the look without the mess)
-Paper clips and a few brads (or maybe not - don't need a crazed TSA agent on my tail)
-American Crafts double sided tape
-Ribbon, Needle and embroidery floss
Am I missing anything??? Any suggestions?

What stays
-Scissors- I will rip shiz up or use hotel set
-Stamps, mists and ink- maybe I'll stamp stuff up before I leave and use those as die cuts
-fancy stickers or dimensional stuff- I will add those when I return home.
-Tiny Attacher- Aaack! I use it on EVERY page!
-My computer and internet connection- holy heck this is gonna be HARD!

So my sister gets married on the Amalfi Coast to a wonderful supportive man. We get to go to the beach everyday ('cause it's free) and ignore that we are seriously and pathetically broke for a little while (that's what planning ahead gets us!!). And everyone's happy. I'm telling you, it's a charmed life.

MuChoS SmOoChEs!
Michelle

My Girl Hugs!

Studio Calico Sketch challenge due April 18th.
Materials: Singing in the Rain kit and Tap Dance Add on. Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe papers and chipboard. Martha Stewart 3 in 1 butterfly and Monarch punches.

Lola has learned to hug. She's hugging her plush toys, her Aunts, her Daddy, her grandma and occasionally even me. Spontaneous baby hugs. 

Best medicine ever.

This really happened. 

Lola was playing with some bright colored blocks when this taller (but younger) kid pushed her down to take it away. I looked over at his caretaker but she's on the phone. 

I was ANNOYED.

Here was this kid pushing my lil' bit around! Lola is confused- she looks like she may cry! OOO I'm starting to get my Hulk on!! What should I do? I can't yell at a baby! He's not  my baby! 

Besides- he's a BABY!

Before I open my mouth to firmly tell him to share and not push, Lola gets up- goes towards him- looks him in the eye AND GIVES HIM A HUG. !!!!!!!!  

Whaaaa? 

Oh!

Wish I had the photo! 

That little boy ran away crying. He was tired and cranky and needed a nap. I don't know what Lola was thinking but she blithely skipped any of my expected reactions. I gleefully noted- she got revenge AND played nice. Not that she meant to. I'm the evil person who's glad she confused him right back. So Lola is 19 months and already a better person than her Mom.

My face, it's beaming.

Magnolia on a 80 degree day- I'm in heaven.

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
Michelle

2 Peas In A Bucket- LOVE YA BABE!

I just found out my "num, Num, NUUUM" page won the February My Little Shoebox Challenge over at 2 Peas. So excited! I love the caliber of the work in their galleries so winning is a big deal for me.

Anywhoo- here is a page I finished yesterday for their Studio Calico Challenge. Go on and make your own page and post it by March 31st.

First Birthday Outfit
Materials: Studio Calico Barn Swallow paper, Homefront Die Cuts, Wood veneer Buttons, Homefront Stickers, various exclusive kit club paper bits, Mister Huey in Schoolhouse, Collage Press alphas, Elle Studio "Remember This" tag. 

I had so much fun making this page! Cutting out the birds took about an hour. I am terrible with an Exacto knife but one of my scrap goals for 2011 is to improve technique so I took the plunge. This is meant to be one of my 2 sided projects but I'm wondering how to make the bird print work in a layout - it's going to take a while.

I can't bear to let go of my favorite prints- I just keep using the left overs till they are gone. I have a teetering stash of paper but if it's got woodgrain or grids on it, it gets used first.

I love those new SC die cuts- they are PERFECT- bright, funkily retro and modern at the same time. The actual design for this page came together in about 2 hours- I just dumped a whole bunch of leftover bits on the page and started moving them around.

I love those photos of Lola in her Alice tutu! They printed super dark so I don't think this page will win  but I wasn't about to chuck the photos out- printer cartridges for my crappy HP cost 50 bucks!

Fun times at mini golf party.

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
M.

How ART and Photo saved my life

Art and Photo saved my life! STUDIO CALICO Twitter Use Your SC Retail stash Challenge 2/15/11
MATERIALS: SC Window Seat paper, Elementary collection paper scraps, Blue camera rub-ons,
Anthology & Elementary stickers,  Home Front Odds & Ends paper, MS Monarch butterfly and 3 in 1
butterfly punches, Mister Hueys- white, red and yellow. UniBall gel pen

I wasn't in a gang risking my neck or trying out illegal drugs (once you meet my Mom you'll know why) but I was one shiftless, bored and lazy-assed teen! I cut school to stay home and watch "The Monkees" and eat Blimpy sammies. I skulked the school library to avoid teachers I owed homework to. I slept (or read an unrelated book!) in class. Avoided gym. Hung out in the stained glass art room all through Math 3 (Algebra), Chemistry and Physics....

That itty bitty clothes pin is THE BEEZ KNEEZ!!!

That's me 20 years ago...

Oh SC how do I LOVE THEE. Lemme count the ways...

But my English and History teachers LOVED me. I read the textbooks ahead of time and got into arguments on how devoid of meaning uncomfortable topics like slavery or "Indian relocation" were taught. I handed in long essays on feminism and English literature (late). I stayed behind and shared books I found (in the library... while skulking) with the teacher who would suggest them in class the next day. Schizoid teacher's pet!

I think this would make a really cool postcard...

But I NEVER missed a day of my after-school internship at The Educational Video Center. If you know a high school aged kid in NYC who is floundering in school or just REALLY loves media and film production- send 'em over. They will produce award winning documentaries and earn credits for their high school diploma. If they really get into it, they will leave with a job and a writer's portfolio in hand. Art and Photo saved my life- from being boring, shiftless and totally shallow.

Here's a larger view without interference from blinkies and stuff- TFL!

One last note- Stuff 2 Scrap is giving away some of really wonderful laser-cut chipboard to one lucky follower- click on the link above!! I stopped by their blog and lingered for quite a while- they have some kick ass DT talent there! And just LOOK at all that gorgeous chip goodness!!! WANT WANT WAAANT!

That's the word.
M.

Mexican folk art, Woodgrain and grid lines- these are a few of my faaavorite thiiings!

One of my longest obsessions (other than paper) has been Latin American folk art. I LOVE all aspects of it. Later in this column, I share my latest ATC effort- an Encouragement ATC made with Milagros- Mexican prayer charms.
But first...
Here is this week's Studio Calico challenge- post yours by Monday the 17th to win 5 bucks to their store. Here's a link: http://studiocalico.typepad.com/studio_calico
Oh and check out their 2011 collections- they are both SO GORGEOUS!!!

Me and My Shadow 1/12/2011
Materials used: SC "Basketful" paper (from Who's Who kit), Hambly Studio textures rub-ons- brown, Fiskars Cloud punches XL and L,  Jenni Bowlin buttons- yellow and chalkboard and reverse circle alphas- brown, EK heart scallop punch, SC doilies rub-ons, DCWV brown/yellow plaid paper, Making Memories butterflies- brown, Smooch spritz- yellow, Uni-ball white and black gel pens 

I changed the background paper color to brown (from the original pea green) using "replace color" under the adjustments palette in photoshop. I had to create a layer because the yellows kept changing color too. This is a HUGE step for me- I am SCARED of photoshop. When I showed this page to my husband he said "it looks empty". Perhaps I'm FINALLY learning to step away from the embellies box? Yet I fear this "original" page is really a lift. Do you recognize someone else's page here? If so please let me know- I am TRYING to be original and that's a huge struggle for me- when a page comes together quickly my memory becomes suspect....
Ok now the Milagros project....

Encouragement ATC

Materials: Brown tissue paper, Matte glue, Milagros from Alamo2003 on Etsy,  EK scallop heart punch,  Liquitex Resin Sand additive, Ranger  Glossy Accents,  Martha Stewart micro beads, Smooch pearlized accent ink- Gold Lame

A Milagro is a Mexican prayer charm/amulet used to focus your prayers. Let's say your leg hurts. You get one of these in the shape of a leg (for realz!!), go to your local Catholic church, attach it to the robe or altar of your Saint of choice and pray that your leg is healed. I don't practice this myself but I LOVE the idea of a visual interpretation of prayer. How beautiful.

You Too Herny page by MOJO DAWN

My friend Dawn sent along another box full of gorgeous papers (this time it's K and Co's Que Sera Sera line which I adore). She also designed a couple of pages using crazed images of me. PLEEEEASE got check her site and leave love- her work is a million times better than mine:
http://mojomayhem.blogspot.com/2011/01/insert-sheepish-smile-here-hi-herneeeey.html
and
http://mojomayhem.blogspot.com/2011/01/yeah-i-went-there-again-more-fun-stuff.html
See what I mean? She's so awesome....
Wait- I meant that her work in general is fabulous- not the pages featuring me- how obnoxious of me to imply that...
ANYway, I want to thank her and her wonderful generous spirit as well as let her know I got her back if she needs it. :) Also- I have a box I've been meaning to post since OCTOBER coming your way Ms Dawny- sorry I'm such a lazy mail bum....

I tried some new techniques on this card. One was using brown tissue paper which ended up looking WHACK so I covered it up with a couple of heart punches. Then I tried adding some resin sand for texture but that looked amateurish so I used the MS gold micro beads which I've had for over a year and have been too scared to use. It's ok for a first time effort. I keep saying I need art classes so I can learn to use my stash but my Mom is like- "WOMAN just USE that stuff and LEARN!"- and as always- she's right.

So ya thought you could turn yer back... did ya?
Well I am an artist too- HA HAA!

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
M.

Nephews are AWESOME!

HOW did I make it to December 30th 2010 without doing making page about my precious, amazing, incredibly gorgeous nephews? Did I really work busily away for an entire YEAR without making one measly page on my babies?
Aaah the inhumanity... the self centered belly button gazing of it all!
I needed to right this injustice with the quickness!!!!

Unfortunately I didn't have good recent photos of them. Luckily my brother, Guarionex- AKA Pito, AKA Pete- for those who can't pronounce Pito- visited us on Thanksgiving.

Looks like they had tons of fun right?

On Black Friday they literally "did" Manhattan like tourist pros; Central Park's Children's Zoo, a Puppet show, The Apple Store, Toys R US on Times Square then the King Tut Exhibit. I didn't go- Lola would NOT have stood for it. My bro had his trusty iPhone and took these shots.

iPhone shots cropped to square size- love how grainy and
funkily colored they are!

CUTE!!!!

I'm seriously considering getting an iPhone just for the photo apps. I wouldn't bother with the phone service as I don't want to pay an 10 extra dollars for the same AWFUL AT&T service I get now. Ooooo! BURN AT&T!!!
This page is also for the Studio Calico weekly page challenge.

Materials: 

• Fiskars Star punches, medium & XL.
• Studio Calico Home Front "Odds & Ends" 
• Studio Calico Elementary "Atmosphere" 
• Basic Grey Kraft Basics "Tally"
• Cosmo Cricket "Ginger" 
• Sassafras Lass Dress Pattern Alphas
• Making Memories Sienne Reverie Alphas- Paper Reverie Collection
• Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type in yellow and clear/brown 
• American Crafts textured Foil Paper in turquoise
• New York City map (small paper strips)
• American Crafts chestnut paper
• Maya Road Banners chipboard (tiny heart)
• Brown star bling from Michael's
• Tasmanian Devil Band Aids from Lola's last doctor's office visit (I know- SICK).

This particular shot deserves it's own page- it's SO RAD!!!!

 WHAT is up with that painted seagull looking like it's about to dive bomb my bro? AWESOME!!!!
MuChOs SmOoChEs!!
M.