I'm always really glad when I can prove to my husband that I take a million photos for a reason, and this is one of those examples. Each year, Luke 'helps' Josh put the star on top of the tree and I have them hold the pose until I can snap a photo. I had forgotten about them until we put the tree up this year and then it clicked- I definitely needed to scrap them!

I don't have Luke's first Christmas because Josh was deployed- we spent the holidays with our extended family and didn't have our own tree. I love these photos, and it is so cool to see how much Luke has grown from year to year!

I used Simple Stories Handmade Holiday- the traditional color scheme works perfectly and it matches my tree decorations. =)
I have another page to share this week about my love of Starbucks, I just have to find some daylight to take photos!

Christmas Countdown

So I'm a little late getting this up here, like I am with most things lately, but here is a fun way to count down to Christmas using Simple Stories' Handmade Holiday.

I had a set of these wooden trees that I picked up at a Hobby Lobby three years ago. I had started this project then but with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I ended up not having time. I'm so glad I unearthed them again last month because I can always use more Christmas decorations!
I started by adhering patterned paper with gesso, then cutting around the edges with my craft knife. I wrapped the tree with some jute and then filled in the space with button stickers, ornament stickers, and gems.

The countdown portion was done using a journaling tag as a base, then I added my "title" with letter stickers from the same collection. That snowflake is from American Crafts' holiday collection from last year- it was originally silver. I just dipped it onto an embossing ink pad, then sprinkled the gold glitter embossing powder right on top. It worked perfectly!
The numbers are also stickers but I layered them on top of a sturdy piece of cardboard and then cut them out, that way I can be sure they last a long time.

By popping the ornament stickers up with dimensional adhesive, I was able to make them appear to hang on the jute. I love that little detail!

I also created a little box with my Silhouette to house the other numbers, and it looks like a cute little present sitting under the tree when not in use.
Hope you enjoyed my post today- I'll be back soon with some pages!

Reunited and it feeeeeels so goooooooood

Sorry friends. Blogging, apparently, is not my strong suit. But I'm back. And I've got some goods to share.

First up, my favorite scrapbook page to date. I love how bright and cheery it is and the cute kid on it isn't too shabby either. I used lots of SN@P here and if you don't have this collection yet- GO GET IT! It's on sale at Two Peas right now!!

This page was really quick and easy to pull together. I started with the photo strip and tilted it, then started filling in the right side.

I used a couple transparencies and decided they'd take the place of a typical alpha-based title. I really love how it pulls out the blue in the page and adds a fun, slick texture!

Next up, my SN@P album. Seriously, this was the easiest mini I've EVER done. It's not exactly finished, but I know that when I get a few minutes here and there I can easily add to it, no pressure. Because Simple Stories has created this awesomely coordinated, perfectly easy paper line that really does all of the work. I'm finding that I'm spending so much less time trying to find things that coordinate and more time making progress. And I promise, I'm not just saying that because I'm on the design team- I really feel like SS has created this completely original concept and have made the process of scrapbooking so accessible and easy. I LOVE working with everything they do!!

Here's my cover. I stamped asterisks in craft white ink (even though I almost had a heart attack while doing it- didn't want to ruin it), layered a few journaling cards and the dotted paper cut with my Silhouette, and then added some little bits and bobs.

I love how graphic it turned out- it is totally a "me" design.
This album is for my son- so he can flip through and remember different places we've been, family members we don't see often, and to be reminded how much he is loved. I kept everything pretty simple because of it, not wanting to layer too much or get too involved.

I included some "fun facts" about him right now- I love that this journaling card already had some great prompts.

And that's as far as I am so far but am hoping to get some more done this week. I can't wait to give it to Luke and help him read through it- I know he'll be excited that I actually let him touch an album for once! =)
Well that's it for today! Have a great week!

Catch Up!

Phew, time flies! Sorry about the major delay but I finally (after two long months) have internet at my house again!! I have a few projects that haven't made it to the blog yet so I'm taking this quick opportunity to get them up.

I gave a little sneak of this page in my last post, and here it is in full. I love these pictures of my son- it was his first experience ever with a kite. It was a little choppy- it seemed like every time we got the kite in the air the wind stopped, but he didn't care- he was out chasing it and trying to throw it back up. It was a fun day and a great memory. This was made with Simple Stories Summer Fresh.

I made this next page with Pebbles Sunny Side collection. The assignment was to highlight some of our favorite trends. I went for the pie chart and speech bubble with negative title- I've been seeing these everywhere lately! I'm not usually one for small details or a lot of embellishments so this page has my usual, large, graphic pieces that really pack a big punch. I love this page and the limited color palette- it took a summery themed collection and turned it into a boy line!

On this page, I started with the background cut with my Silhouette. I backed the circles with some of my favorite papers from the Sunnyside collection from Pebbles and then just added a few pieces. It was a quick page to pull together but has a lot of fun color!

I've got lots more to share but for now, I need to catch up on homework!

My Sister

Hey everyone! Sorry for the radio silence lately- there's been a lot going on in the Stephens household- potty training, school, and an upcoming move so I haven't been scrapbooking as much as I'd like! I did find some time last week to squeeze in a page though and I'm very happy with how it came out.

I used my Studio Calico kit, 35mm, and the stamp set from Summer Stamp School. I don't usually even think to use stamps on my page (I usually remember once the page is done!) but I started this one with the stamps in mind.

I mainly just filled in space with some of my favorite bits of the set- the chevrons and arrows and stamped them in a light gray ink so they blended into the background a bit. I also added in some hand-stitching once my title was laid down.

I also used the Heidi Swapp color magic letters here but opted not to color them- I really like the subtle gloss effect on them.
I also have a summer-themed page up at Simple Stories today- here's a little peek:

I'll be back later in the week to share the full page, plus a little glimpse into my Instagram mini! See you then!

Simple Stories Sn@p!

If you haven't been to the Simple Stories blog recently, I highly suggest you take a look! They have a lot of great new releases for summer CHA, and the one I'm most excited about is Sn@p!
They've expanded their great Mix & Match albums (that are really the best size for mini albums, December Daily's, and Project Life) and added a lot of great journaling cards and phrases to fit 3x4 and 4x6 pockets!
Here are a few of my favorites:

Like I said yesterday, I'm a sucker for phrases!
And these journaling cards will make PL so much easier!

 And, they have coordinating album inserts- those polaroid frames are very trendy right now!

They also have coordinating pockets, stickers, and alphas- this line is going to be the most versatile you'll find! I'm so excited to play with this line!
To see the rest of their CHA releases, visit them here!

Trying something new

Here's a layout I did for the Pebbles blog this week. I decided to try a new format- 8.5x11" horizontal as it is a size I've never done before. I'm surprised at how well I like this way, I think everything fits a lot nicer and there is less negative space.

And the colors of these papers (Mostly Hip Hip Hooray) are so bright and fun! I cut the envelope with my silhouette and altered the dimensional piece on the left by cutting it into a heart shape. Nothing like stretching your embellishments!
By the way, have you seen the new releases that Pebbles has shown on their blog today? Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

SEEN & NOTED

Love tags and those envelopes are too cute!

I don't think you can ever have too many journaling cards or phrases- I'm so glad that Pebbles has added these to their repertoire. These are so great for cards and even Project Life!

WALNUT GROVE

I'm a sucker for banners and those dimensional stickers are SO cute. And more ABC stickers? Yes, please!

TRICKS AND TREATS

And, this Halloween line is so cute! I love that it comes in a 6x6 pad- I'm seeing a lot of Halloween cards in my near future!

Have you been following the Simple Stories blog? They've got three great new releases plus a BIG! announcement today so make sure you check it out! I'll be back tomorrow with a re-cap of my favorites from each of their lines!

Just a quick post

before I start packing my bags for vacation!! I'm soooo looking forward to our little getaway to England this week not only because I get to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, but because we have so many fun things planned and that means I get to take lots of pictures! I feel like I've been a little stagnant with scrapping lately because I don't have a lot of photos that have been jumping out to be scrapbooked, so hopefully this trip will set me up for a little while. =)
So first, I want to share a quick and easy page I made for Simple Stories. I cut up my favorite papers in large blocks and layered them. I love this technique as it is really fast and it allows you to use a lot of patterns together.

Then, I just layered a flash card on top with some dimensional adhesive and added in some cute cardstock stickers here and there. Really easy but it works!

This next page was to showcase Pebbles' Sunny Side collection- if you haven't ordered it yet YOU MUST! It's so cute!

I'm telling you, those corrugated alphas are to die for and the sentiment sheet? Swoon.
Anyway, that's all for now- I'll see you all back here week after next!

Catch up!

*To everyone who ordered some of my stamps- thanks so much! I'm so happy that they're going to get some use! If you already paid, your stamps are going out today so look out for them!
And, if you haven't ordered yet, you still can! Just shoot me an email to let me know which ones you'd like.*

This past week I've really been a slacker- I have two projects to share with you that I haven't posted here yet.
First, for Pebbles, I created this page using a mix of different lines but mostly used the color scheme from Hip Hip Hooray. I wanted to document the fact that I actually know how to use my camera now, thanks to a class required for my degree. I'm so excited about that!!

For the triangle shapes, I punched a square then trimmed around the inside edge, leaving the negative. Easy! I cut the camera and title with my Silhouette. I even inked! I never do that!
For this next project, I created a quick page made in under 30 minutes for Simple Stories.

That's the best part about Simple Stories really- all of the elements have such great detail that you don't really need to add a whole lot to get a great page.
Well that's all for me today, I have a lot of stamps that are waiting to get to their new homes!

HUGE DE-STASHING ROUND 3!

GUIDELINES
All of these items will be first come, first serve. I will handle all emails in the order in which I receive them and try my very best to let you know whether the items you requested are indeed available as quickly as possible. Please be patient though, I am anticipating a LOT of emails.

When sending me an email, be as descriptive as possible. If the photo is labeled, please include the photo label and the item number so I can reserve exactly what you wanted.

I will send you a total for your items after I check that everything is available. All payments must be sent via Paypal. I will include the proper email address in the email with your total.


I am going to use flat rate priority boxes for shipments whenever possible. If I can fit your items into a small envelope, I definitely will. I will let you know what your shipping total will be after you email me your items. I will ship international, but please be aware that your shipment will be delayed as I have no idea how to even estimate international shipping, so I will have to take your box to the post office, get the price, then request payment.

Again, I may be getting a lot of emails so please be patient with me as I sort through them.

Because of the way I stored my clear stamps, most of my Studio Calico and some other brand stamps do not have the original packaging. They will include the printed index label and most have the clear backing but some do not. Some have also been used with Staz-on ink and are stained but this will likely come off with a bit of TLC and Staz-on remover. If any of these things bother you, please let me know when requesting items and I will let you know the exact condition of them if it is not listed.

Also, I have priced these stamps based on how sad I am to see them go. I have not done ANY outside research to see how much these are going for elsewhere. If you think I've priced anything unreasonably, feel free to send me an offer, but keep in mind that if someone else agrees to buy at the price I have listed, they will get first dibs. 

Please email your order to ashley.stephens888 (at) gmail (dot) com. 


STUDIO CALICO STAMPS

 SC 1

1 - ABC Border $6

2 - Handmade with Love $5

3 - Thankful $6

4 - Doily Border $6

5 - Garden $5

6 - Small Frame $3

 SC 2

1 - Know This $4

2 - Pinwheel $4

3 - ATC Stamp $7

4 - Cherries $5

5 - Spirograph $4

6 - Buttons $6

7 - Story Time Frame $6

 SC 3
1 - Stars and Journaling $7

2 - Ferris Wheel and Frame $7

3 - Tag and Hearts $7
4 - Journal Lines $7

 SC 4

1 - Happy Home $7

2 - Past Due (NEVER BEEN INKED)$4

3 - Mini Ledger Circle $3

4 - Doily Set Large $10

SC 5

1 - You Are Here $4

2 - Moon $3

3 - Bubble Background $10

4 - Time Flies $10

SC 6

1 - Cuckoo Clock $4

2 - Dress Form (NEVER BEEN INKED) $4

3 - Banners (NEVER BEEN INKED) $6

4 - Bird Nest (NEVER BEEN INKED) $3

5 - Travel $10

SC 7 

1 - Ray Gun (NEVER BEEN INKED) $5

2 - Frame $5

3 - Number border (NEVER BEEN INKED) $7

4 - Star Border $6

5 - Tree Border $6

 SC 8

1 - Circle Frame $4

2 - Globe $3

3 - Mini Starburst $3

4 - Build a border $5

5 - Country (NEVER BEEN INKED) $5

6 - Let Love Grow $6

7 - Confetti Background $10

SC 9

1 - Ruler $7

2 - Bee $4

3 - Label $4

4 - Journey Circle $7

5 - Houses $5

6 - Doily Flower $4

 SC 10

1 - Wireframe Globe $4

2 - Pumpkins $4

3 - Tricycle $5

4 - The Sky is the Limit $6

5 - Labels $5

6 - Banner Border $7