thinking*through*design

a thought on Burlap Texture...

Happy Crafting to our TTD friends!

This week is going to be fun!  Texture is H-O-T in scrapbooking and one of the most popular textures to hit the scrappy world (other than woodgrain) is BURLAP!  It is a true eye pleaser.  If you are scrapping a layout, making a card or altering your next masterpiece, check out some great thoughts on how to incorporate BURLAP...  now how about we get to it

a thought on BURLAP TEXTURE....

By: Steffanie Seiler and Joni Parker

Burlap is a woven cloth created from jute, hemp or flax fibers.  These plants are not known for their silky or cottony textures, so the result is a coarse fabric with a large weave pattern and natural beige coloring.  (information source: www.wisegeek.com)

Burlap has become very commonplace in the world of scrapbooking, probably in part due to the increased use of mixed media in paper crafting.  There are lots of reasons why it’s appealing.  There is the classic grid pattern.  There is the coarse texture providing tactile interest.  Then there is the natural color which is appealing on its own, but also lends itself to all kinds of possibilities.

Not sure how burlap can work on your layout?  Here are some ideas:

• layer a large piece behind photos or patterned paper
• use a strip of burlap as a border
• add interest by fraying the edges
• cut into shapes such as circles, flowers, stars, banners, etc.
• change the color with paints or mists
• use as a mask for mist or modeling paste
• use your stamps to create backgrounds or titles on burlap

 
This is the perfect season for finding burlap as it’s traditionally associated with Fall.  Usually sold by the yard at reasonable prices, you can find it at most local craft or fabric stores.  Many places even offer other colors besides natural, such as black, green, orange and white.   

 

image copyrighted craftionary.net

 

Let's see what those Thoughtful Girls have come up with!

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Layout by: Beth

Beth’s thought:  Several weeks ago I purchased a yard of burlap. I thought I'd try making some die cut or twisted flowers, like I'd seen in a magazine recently. Then I looked up my assignment for this week and  it was burlap. What a happy coincidence! After experimenting with several sizes of dies I determined the larger the better. The large weave of the burlap frays easily and the smaller flowers fell apart. Fray Check (a sewing aid that prevents fraying) would have probably solved the problem. The bleached burlap takes spray ink easily, and I was able to create two toned flowers. I love the texture and earthy feel the burlap brings to my layout! Don't be afraid to experiment with burlap yourself, it is very inexpensive.

 

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Layout by: Andrea

Andrea’s thought:  Burlap is so in style right now and I love the look of it on scrapbook pages! I wanted this page to have a vintage feel to it so I used very neutral colors and patterns to make the bright colors on the pictures pop. I used the burlap to matte my photo and add the frayed look around the photo. Burlap is so versatile that it would look good with almost any color!

 

 

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Layout by: Steffanie

Steffanie’s thought:  I have used burlap on layouts and projects before and love the look and texture that it provides.  Until now though, I had only cut circles or strips.  For this project I wanted to try something different.  I had an idea to combine burlap with another trend---pennant shaped banners.  I cut the triangles using a piece of chipboard for a pattern.  I found my biggest challenge to be keeping the triangles from unraveling as I worked with them.  I just had to be careful and not over handle them.  I chose these photos taken on a recent trip to a peach farm.  I thought the burlap played in very well to the farm theme since you can often find burlap there and the color of natural burlap fits in well with the outdoors because it looks like...well, dirt.  I also found that the burlap banner at the top provided good balance to the wood-grain paper running below my photos.  Overall, I love the texture and home-grown feel the burlap added to my layout about going to a peach farm!   

 

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Layout by: Amanda

Amanda’s thought: I had a *DUH* moment as I was working on this page.  I pulled out my burlap to find that it wasn’t burlap!  I had a nice stash of canvas, but no burlap.  Silly me.  And being as I procrastinated this post until late, I couldn’t simply run down and buy some burlap.  So my mind got to thinking....hmmm....how can I use burlap without burlap?  I then realized it would be a great opportunity to show that texture and layering can be achieved in a digital format as well as paper. (Great Tip Amanda!  When you are in need of the right texture or embellishment, search for digital elements and create a hybrid layout!)  For the burlap, I found a download of a burlap texture.  I used the cookie cutter shape and cut it into hearts.  I think it made a simply adorable accent with this digital Echo Park paper.  It’s easy to combine digital textures in your pages to create more interest.  And with a few basic skills in Photoshop Elements, a hybrid page can be easily achieved as well!  So don’t let being a digital scrapper scare you from some mediums.  If you have burlap lying around, you don’t even need to download a file, just snap a picture and use the digital picture!  You can use this same technique for any texture you want to photograph and incorporate into a digital or hybrid page.

 

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Layout by: Sally

Sally’s thought: Burlap is a wonderful way to add texture on any project!  When I think of burlap for some reason, I think of fall.  And maybe that's because the burlap colors I had were in orange and browns.  So I finally decided this challenge would be great to scrap these Harvest dance photos of my daughter.  I had considered making fall leaves out of the burlap but once I got it all out and started playing with it, I decided to make these fun circle elements and add buttons on them as well as to create a layered flower with them.  I then cut out some simple leaves, pulled out my green embroidery floss and created a few "veins" on my leaves.  I added the orange strip across the left side of the layouts as well as the little banner/pennant to the top right to create texture throughout the layout. Don't forget how much interest is added, especially on straight cuts, when you pull one or two of the strings off of each side, like you see on the orange strip, making it look frayed. I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and was thankful for the fun reminder to get this wonderful product out of the draw and use it!  ****************************************************************************************

 

 

Layout By: Heather

Heather’s thought: Burlap- what a cool texture to add to scrapbooking projects! I love the awesome "feel" that burlap adds to layouts. I originally thought of layering burlap with my patterned paper on this page, but then the idea popped into my head that I could use burlap for a background. I tacked the burlap on the page with a little help from my ATG (glue runner). A tip on that-- put your glue on the paper, NOT on the burlap. Burlap is very loosely woven so if you try putting a glue runner on the burlap, the burlap will stretch and look terrible. And you will be disappointed. So, after I lightly adhered the burlap to the paper, I stitched around the edges of the burlap a couple of times with my sewing machine, adding an "X" pattern through the center of the page to help secure the burlap. I really like this technique because it holds the burlap very well! After that I just built my page from there! One last thing- I thought the duck saying, "Dare Devil" was too funny. I have had this journaling card (from October Afternoon) for a while and never thought of a clever way to use it. Now I can say it is on a page!

 

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Layout By: Joni

Joni’s thought:  I love burlap’s natural neutral color and the awesome texture it can add to a page and it was perfect to maintain the “rustic nature” feel for this older photo of my son in a tree.   I also love that it can help “hide” a busier background paper.  So that is how I’ve used it on this layout.  I wanted to keep the “hint” of the pattern paper, but not have it overwhelm the layout, so the burlap is really nice to achieve that and also add some texture.  I also used some of the little strings that I pulled out of the frayed edges of the burlap to make a nice little embellishment border to ground the photo.  I also changed the color of the burlap in two ways, one by using a sponge tip and dipped it in ink to make border lines in the burlap around the photo and second by simply dripping on some red mist.

 

 

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Do you have some ideas of your own for using burlap?  We would love to see them.  Please share your work of he{art} with us and your thoughts on using burlap by using the link below.

a thought on adding dimension....

Hi T*T*D friends!

I am very excited that you made it to this weeks thought.  I hope you will find it as fun and informative as we do!  We have been working hard over  the last few months to bring you some great information.  We are always excited to HEAR FROM YOU!  please hop to our facebook page and share your thought with us. DO you have a technique or design principle you are interested in?  We want know about it.. you may even get a chance to be a guest TG! 

This week we have a great thought on adding dimension to your layouts...

By Laura Mooney and Erika Hayes

3-D movies have become very popular lately and for good reason.  They seem more real and they grab your attention and hold it.  They add a level of dimension that brings the movie to life in a way a “flat” movie can not.

 Let's begin by defining dimension.  Dimension is the depth that items appear on your layout. Layers are important because the tell the brain the level of  importance. Adding dimension to a layout, card, or other project can be a great way to bring life to your project.  Dimension brings visual  interest to your design, moves photos or embellishments to the forefront of the visual hierarchy, and helps it move from the flat plane to the 3-D plane and giving it a sense of reality that is missing in 2-D.

One of the easiest ways to add dimension is to elevate embellishments with pop dots or foam tape.  Elevating a piece of a cluster can be both interesting looking and powerful. One thing to keep in mind when using foam tape is that layering the elements will keep the dimension much more appealing.  

Other ways of adding visual interest by means of dimension is with bulky pre-made or hand-made embellishments.  From flowers to chipboard dimension is a great way to bring your layouts to life.

Dimension can be added with:

• Foam dots/tape which lifts your embellishment
• Chipboard elements
• Paper flowers
• Pre-made items such as brads, or layered stickers and die-cuts

This is a short list of dimensional items you are not limited to scrapbook supplies, dig though your office supplies for even more great dimentional items. We are excited to see what you come up with for this thought.

One of the best things about adding dimention is the fun you can have adding planes of interest.     

One fun tip for dimension if you have a flat object but don't want to add a pop dot becuase you want to maintain a flat surface, you can bring the illusion of depth by adding a shadow to your item by inking the edges or using a Copic marker.  It is a simple way to add the visual excitement you may need.  

 Here is what our TD's came up with

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Layout by Devra

Devra’s thought: I originally started this LO for another purpose.  As I continued to work on it, I realized I was altering it to add some dimension, and decided to use it for this *thought* instead.  I wanted to separate the rays to give them an 'above and below' feel.  First I sewed along the edge of all the cream rays.  Then I cut all the grey rays apart from the others, lifting them with pop dots.  I cut a few of the stars out of the rays and outlined them with Stickles, both above and below them.  In other places I used wood veneer stars that I covered in glitter.  I matted the photo on the same blue paper as the under piece so it would really pick up the cut out stars.  The glitter letters in the title, led my eye back to the glittered stars. The dimension is subtle, however, the effect above and below is present.                                 

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Layout by Colleen

Colleen’s thought: I know adding dimension is a key design element when working on scrapbooking pages, and adding pop-dots or dimensional glaze is easy.  However, for it to look really good, it has to be paired with layering, and well, layering is a skill I’m still developing.  When I saw the pictures of my daughter in the leaves for the first time, I knew I could handle layering a pile of leaves.  To add a bit more dimension, I folded up the edges on the leaves and popped the letter tiles up with dots.  I still would love to figure out how to do a layout with a lovely cluster with lots of layering, but for now, this works for me. 

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Layout by Jennifer

Jennifer’s thought: I like layering elements on top of each other. Sometimes it's easier to put them on pop dots to do the layering. On this page, I wanted to sneak some sequins under my photo; the sequins themselves had some dimension, so I mounted the photo on Dimensionals to make it easier to slide the sequins underneath, along with the tag and the patterned paper card. I also used Dimensionals to layer elements around my title--specifically, the hexagon die cut. I like the real-life "drop shadows" that the elements I layered with Dimensionals created!

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Layout by Carolyn

Carolyn’s thought: My thoughts: I have to admit that adding dimension to my layouts is fairly new to my scrapping.  When it first came out, I refused, thinking it would add to much bulk to my albums!  I didn't like chipboard or foam dots, they were just too thick!  I can say that I am happy that I decided to get "with it" and love it on my layouts, can't imagine doing a layout without adding dimension.  For this layout I started with the pleated paper below the photos, stitching it down with my sewing machine since it didn't seem to want to stay down....I also love stitching on my layouts.  For more dimension on the pleated pp, I added a premade MME layered sticker over three handmade pennants on the right and framed the MME "Happy Day" title to the left, using foam dots.  I made the banner in the upper right corner and added the names and ages of the children in the photo.  I chose not to add foam dots behind the journaling strips since I had already added dimension in this area by adding the twine between the two pink brads.  To finish the layout I used two different chipboard fonts and colors.  With encouragement from other scrappers over the last couple of years, I have tried several new ideas on my layouts.....so glad that I broke out of my comfort zone. 

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Layout by Laura

Laura’s thought: I love adding dimension to my layouts, to not, leaves them feeling flat to me.  For this layout I made sure my photos were matted, which I think adds dimension without a ton of bulk, and double matted my focal photo.  Then I added foam tape under the matted focal photo to give even more elevation for its importance.  Then I added dimension all around the layout by: cutting away on of the surfboards and sliding a photo underneath, using chipboard embellishments, using flat and raised letters for the title, adding the bottle caps, cutting out the starfish and raising some of them with foam tape, adding dimensional glaze to the raised stars and the cutout surfboard, adding string, raising the main body of my journaling.

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Card by Erika

Erika's thought: I think making cards is a hoot--hahaha-- OK seriously, I was working on this fun card for The Scrap Review and I realized it was perfect example of dimension used on a card. I tend to pull out my pop dots anytime I feel like my layout or card needs a little something to make it look complete. I create pretty simple designs so using dimension is a great way for me to maintain my clean graphic look and have fun layers of visual interest.  You can find the entire review of My Little Shoebox here.

 

 

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Well friends... show us what you have for us... We have a great new feature beginning here at t*t*d we will be choosing a featured layout/card/project and giving you a great blinkie for your blog or siggy line.  We also would like to welcome AMANDA onto the editoral staff here.  She will be heading up our highlighted projects!  Welcome Amanda.

Be sure to like us on facebook and share with your friends... remember we are here if you ever want to bounce ideas or if you just want to share YOUR thoughts!

Share your works of He{art} here and on facebook.. and remember thought are meant to shared!

A GREAT RESOURCE! CK's NEW special ISSUE - and I am giving it away

Better Digital Photos and Scrapbooking

CK's (Creating Keepsakes) has a new resource and it is AMAZING!  It is called Better Digital Photos and Scrapbooking . As soon as I flipped it open I learned 3 new things about taking better digital photos. I am super excited because I get to GIVE ONE AWAY! 

I am very excited because I think for scrapbookers or  any person that takes pictures this special issue is a MUST have! 

When I flipped open this little gem, I realized that it was not just for your digital camera that you hauld around but there are tips for using your other devices as well. It even give you idea on HOW to get started building a layout.. Oh here is a sneak peek inside...

If you are anything like me and you looked at that peek and said why wait... I need this resource TODAY!  here is a link to find it in the online store.... PAPER  and DIGITAL will be available in the future .

OH and did I mention that  not only has CK put together this great issue for you but they had so many great thing they had to put some of the extra online for you. You can also access the EXTRA ONLINE content right HERE!

Let me get down to the goooood stuff.. HOW do you win?  EASY leave a comment telling me the thing that MOST challenges you about digital photography and share this post on facebook. Easy right!

OH and please share a way to communicate with you if you are the winner. I will chose a winner on September 8th and if I have no way of getting word to you I will wait until the 10th. After the 10th I will choose a different winner.  

There are other ways to win!  You can hop over to any or all of these blogs for a chance too! 

 

1. Joey Manwarren 
2. Laina Lamb  
3. Adele Beck 
4. Jana Morton 
5. Mou Saha 
6. Gretchen McElveen 
7. Iris Uy 
8. Ashley Harris (The Scrap Review) 
9. Lain Ehmann 
10. Susan Mintmire  
11. Patty Cieri   
12. Ashley Horton 
13. Stacy Cohen  
14. Autumn Baldwin 

SO there are lots of chances to win. Be sure to share on facebook! Good luck friends!  Have a great week!

Blessings

e

SEPT/OCT Creating Keepsakes hits the Newsstands!

Sept/Oct 2012 Creating Keepsakes Magazine

OK friends you know I am a fan of Creating Keepsakes magazine and you know why... because it is always packed with great ideas and scrappy goodness. From the latest trends to classic scrapbooking information CK is my go to tool in scrapbooking. 

I have subscribed to CK since the very first issue was published! As a subscriber I am also entitled to the free digital issue -- SO I discovered that on the digi issue that if I wanted to print a page for my inspiration book I can!  HOW AWESOME is that? Pretty Awesome!  CK also has a TON of free down-loadable content for anyone you can find a plethora of scrappy goodness right here 

Every week, I post a challenge at Club CK, a free online community for all paper artist, called the ISSUE challenge, where I dig into the latest ISSUE and find little tidbits of goodness to challenge paper artist to 1. Use this most valuable resource (the magazine) to its fullest 2. Stretch and try new things and broaden the scope of their art.  3. To have fun and get scrapping!  Check it out if you are in need of great inspiration, the PEEP that play along are ALWAYS good for amazing ideas!  If you want to subscribe to CK  or just pick up the AWESOME ISSUE you can do it here

OH and I admit I really LOVE the "numbers" article be sure to check it out! ;)

SO the great news, I get to give away one of the latest ISSUES and all I need you to do is leave me a comment letting me know what you would LOVE to see as an article in CK!  it can be one that is already in the magazine or something you have always wanted CK to explore. 

I will chose a winner on Sunday, August 19, 2012 - you will have a week to respond with your address once I have chosen you as a winner!  

So leave a comment and come back to see if you won! 

Here is a link to last week's ISSUE challenge: Using hexagons

Hexagon Challenge for Club CK

Blessings friends

e

a thought on CHEVRON PATTERNS

Image by: Joss&Main

 By: Joni Parker & Steffanie Seiler

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A Chevron is a simple geometrical figure, an inverted V-shaped pattern that is generally repeated. Common places to find chevrons are on military and police uniforms and on coats of arms/insignia.  The pattern has become a staple for web design, home decor and fashion design, as it always leaves a powerful impression. It's an edgy choice, but with the right colors and tone it can be quite relaxing.

If you choose the right colors and placement for a chevron design, you can evoke that wavy, undulating, relaxed feeling that lies beneath this design.  Of course, you could also choose to go all out with creating a bold look using this pattern. You could pair the Chevron stripes with horizontal and vertical stripes for some serious texture and visual dimension on your project.

Image by: Dreaming of June

This look is certainly one that beckons you to play around!  If Chevrons seem scary, don't commit to incorporating it into your design completely; maybe try some of these thoughts.

• Matting a photo
• Cut out the V’s (along the stripe) and use as a border
• Use as a substitute for Ric-Rac
• Use as background and tone it down with inks/paints/sprays/mists
• Cut the V pattern (against the stripe) and use it as an arrow or directional element 

 Take some time and think about incorporating this trendy, fun and stylish pattern onto your next

work of her{art} and please be sure to share your finished project with us.

 

Joss&Main

 

 

 

 

Be sure to LIKE us on facebook.. share your thoughts and layout there too! We really want to hear from you and what you THINK is important to us!  PLEASE become a part of our facebook page!

Now let's see what the Thoughtful Girls came up with!

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Goofy Layout by: Sally --- click to see larger image

Sally’s thought:  I love the new trend of using chevrons whether in a fabric, home decor or even in scrapping!  When I see chevrons, I always associate them with fun and happiness.  They just make me happy!  Besides the "fun" factor, I have also found chevrons to be a great embellishment for boy layouts. I scrap a lot of masculine layouts and sometimes get stuck in a rut when it comes time to embellish. When I saw this "thought" I was thrilled!  I knew my layout needed to be about a fun day/time, and what is more fun than Disney?  Once the Disney decision was made, I chose several colors of paper using smaller prints to play off the colors associated with Goofy.  I created my own big chevrons I chose a black background so the brighter colors would pop more.  I staggered the chevrons a little bit to try to help keep the eye moving and to avoid having the bottom of the layout appear heavy.  I also created a smaller chevron to help create balance on this layout.  I topped it off with a few buttons and some misting to give my layout a finished look.

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Memory Layout by: Andrea --- click to see larger image

Andrea’s thought:  I love chevrons! I think they are a great addition to scrapbooking as well as in the fashion world. Often, I use patterned paper that has chevrons, or use a spray ink with a chevron mask. However, this time I wanted to create my own chevron out of patterned paper. It was time consuming for me, but the final product was totally worth it. I used the two handmade chevron strips to ground my photo on the top and bottom and to add some more pink into the layout. 

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Love this Photo of You Layout by: Heather --- click to see larger image

Heather’s thought: I love using chevrons in my scrapping, especially since they are one of the hot trends right now! I do not have a chevron die cut, so I decided to combine several chevron printed papers. I began by sketching my layout, and used the large circles as focal points. I used the lighter chevron print (yellow) for the large circle and the bolder pink chevron design for one of the smaller circles. I chose a line of paper that has a lot of doodles and bright colors. The paper inspired me to add many of my own doodles. After I finished the page, I thought the chevron design needed to be a little more prominent on the page and doodled some large chevron designs on the background and added some glitter to give some of the chevrons a nice finished appearance.

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time to ride Layout by: Amanda --- click to see larger image

Amanda’s thought:  Chevrons are incredibly trendy right now.  They communicate many different things, nearly all of which with a very strong emphasis.  I feel that I need to be careful in my use of chevrons because to me, the effect can be a little bit dizzying.  I also like to be a little cautious with chevrons because I do not want to look back at my albums and say “chevrons, that was so 2012”.  However, when I want to create a page that conveys movement, they are a great option!  In this page, I used a large but simple chevron pattern.  I kept it controlled by making it just a vertical border that my photos were mounted on.  The movement of the carnival ride felt very appropriate with the movement of the chevrons, as well as the excitement of my kiddos on the ride.  To communicate movement, excitement or business, few elements convey that with more strength than the chevron.  So embrace the chevron and what it can do for you.

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Happiness Layout by Beth --- click to see larger image

Beth’s thought: It took me a while to embrace the chevron trend. The bright graphic pattern was intimidating! After experimenting, I have discovered I like chevron patterns  in small doses. This multicolored chevron worked perfectly to create movement on my layout. It directs the eye upward and adds just the right amount of pattern and not overwhelm the layout. It also adds a graphic pop of color, which I love. So do not be afraid to try chevrons on your next layout!

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The Ramp by: Joni --- click to see larger image

Joni’s thought:  I love the chevron pattern since I have a very active little boy and the bold energetic pattern just fits his personality to a T (or maybe a V..lol!).  On this layout, I decided to use the big bold chevron with the kraft color as my background paper and then some smaller chevron with more color to emphasize my photo.  I love how the chevron pattern shows movement, energy and the “up and down” effect that matches my son going up and down on his ramp…on his bike & skateboard.  I also tilted my photos in a manner that further reinforces the V shape.  I’m not one to use a lot of embellishments, so having a strong pattern that has a big impact is a great asset to my scrappy style!!

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Rain or Shine by: Steffanie --- click to see larger image

Steffanie’s thought: When the chevron motif first came out, I cannot say that I was all too excited about it.  However, like many trends, I have gradually warmed up to it.  For my layout, I really wanted to use the chevron in a way that conveyed movement or direction. To do this, I turned the chevron on its side to capitalize on the imbedded arrows in the design.  The photo is of myself and my running partner and how we are a determined pair...not willing to let a little Oregon sunshine stand in the way of getting out for a run.  I further highlighted one row of chevrons pointing toward my photo (and right under the title) with a clear glaze pen.  The effect is subtle but reinforces the meaning I was trying to convey.  Movement and direction...running toward better health!   

 

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We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the chevron pattern... answer any questions you may have on our facebook page.. come on over and be sure to play along and post your work of He{art} here -- soon you will be able to have a blinkie and be highlighted at t*t*d --more on that later!  For now we are excited to see your work!

Blessings

e

Three more TG's to introduce

First up...Ms Carolyn

I am married to my high school sweetheart and have two grown daughters, one granddaughter, and a son-in-law.  I am a scrapper that scraps to not only preserve the photos that I take of our family and friends, but to preserve our family history through a creative medium.  I started scrapping for my daughters' and love scrapping for my DGD (darling granddaughter). 

I live in SW Kansas and have worked as a dental assistant for many years, hoping retirement is in the near future.  I also love to read, walk, and work in my flower beds. 

Next please meet... Andrea

Hi! My name is Andrea (many know me as Andrea Joy) and I am from Minnesota, near the Twin Cities. I am a registered nurse on a general medical/surgical floor and I love what I do. I live with my fiance Ryan in our beautiful house and we are currently busy planning a September 22, 2012 wedding. When I am not working or spending time with my family and friends, I love to be scrapbooking! I started scrapbooking when I was 13 years old and now twelve years later I love it even more! I am excited to begin this journey with these exceptional ladies and inspire others to grow in this wonderful hobby!

 

 

 

and Ms. Colleen...

I live in Nebraska with my wonderful husband of 8 years and our two rambunctious kiddos.  I am a special education teacher and enjoy playing in the bell choir at church, playing softball, cooking, reading, and of course, scrapping.  I began scrapping shortly after we got married, and I told my husband we couldn’t have kids until I finished our album. Thank goodness he didn’t listen, because it’s still not done.  I didn’t really like the design process; where to put the pictures on the pages was stressful for me.  But then our son was born, and I really wanted to scrap everything he was accomplishing.  I was determined to make it work. And it did finally work, when I discovered how to use sketches and other layouts for inspiration.  In the past two years (during which we had a daughter), scrapping has really taken off and I find myself thinking of scrapping and actually scrapping more now than ever before.  

Please meet Devra and Jennifer

Pleased to introduce Devra....

I'm Devra, (and I am a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest). I've been scrapbooking for about 15 years.  I like how the hobby has changed and grown through the years. The more artsy it is, the more creative I can be.  For me, scrapping is not just about the photos, memories, moments and stories. It's my therapy, my stress release, my creative outlet, my happy place.  The main topics in my scrapbooks are my family. My husband, our two boys and our dog, Snickers.  They give me more than enough material to keep me going.   When I'm not scrapping, I'm caring for my family, reading a good book, watching a baseball game, and always thinking about the beach.  (Oh, and when I retire, I want to be Snow White in the Disneyland Parade.) I'm excited to be a part of Thinking*Through*Design and looking forward to sharing our *thoughts* with you.

Visit Devra's Blog: My Creative View

 

and Jennifer...

Jennifer Larson is a high school English teacher, Maine native and current Minnesotan, wife to the biggest Star Wars fan in history, slightly tired mother to two boys (the second and third biggest Star Wars fans), and a fan of mysteries and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Jennifer started making cards in 1999 but became enamored with scrapbooking after attending a class at a local scrapbook store. She describes her style as linear but whimsical. Jennifer designs for Sketch Support. Her blog is Midwest Scrapgarden and she is on Twitter and Pinterest as Buffyfanlarson. 

Visit Jennifer's Blog: MidwestScrapGarden

Introducing Steffanie

Hi!  My name is Steffanie and I'm proud to be one of the editors here at thinking*through*design.  I started scrapbooking 13 years ago and quickly became obsessed.  I love this hobby and spend time each day either actively scrapbooking or thinking about scrapbooking!  I LOVE patterned paper---if I could only use it as fast as I seem to collect it!  I think of myself as a clean and simple scrapper with lots of depth, texture and dimension.  But it still needs to fit into a page protector!

My husband and I have been married for nearly 16 years.  We have 2 incredible boys who supply the bulk of my scrapbook inspiration.  I live in the beautiful Pacific NW where the beach and the mountains are easily within reach.  Summer is my favorite season.  My only complaint is that summers here are not long enough!  I like picnics, outdoor concerts, dark chocolate and a steaming cup of coffee in the mornings.  I enjoy running and hiking and am slightly addicted to several TV shows.  My primary job is SAHM but I also have a very part-time dream job of postpartum nurse.  I enjoy volunteering at school and just being available for my family when they need me. 

I'm looking forward to this journey at thinking*through*design and sharing my thoughts with all of you!

You can see more of my work by visiting my blog: Steffanies Blog

Meet Amanda

I am pleased to introduce Amanda a very caring and thoughtful woman that brings a lot to t*t*d.  I am so excited to have her a part of this group.

My name is Amanda.  More than likely, you’ll find me with either a cup of coffee, pretty piece of paper or camera in my hands (not necessarily in that order).  I’m a blessed SAHM with a list of creative projects longer than hours in the day, but there’s no better way to live!  Creating my way through a laughter filled, blessed life – with pretty projects to show for it!  I’m so thankful to be a part of a team that focuses on encouragement and the thought behind the actions!!  What an exciting journey – even better with a few buttons, bling and twine.

Check out some of Amanda's work at her blog  Love,Joy,Paper

Meet the girls!

I would like to take the next few days and meet some of the girls that are taking great care to share thoughts on design.  Without further adieu or in any particular order please meet

Laura

Hi, I'm Laura.  I live with my husband of 25 years.  We have two kids; the oldest, our daughter, is married and on her own and our son is still at home.  I have been scrapping pretty much since its birth.  I did not really like the sticker sneeze that existed then, so I made my own patterned paper using my stamps.  I had been a card maker even before I was a scrapper.  I really jumped, fully on board when I starting getting Creating Keepsakes magazine and have never looked back.  I love photography, love creating, love stamping and scrapping includes them all!

Please check out Laura's Blog here: Happiness = Creation

I want to share that I am so grateful to everyone that has given us support and I am thankful that you are all sharing with friends and family about this new concept. We are thankful for any and all suggestions on what you would like to see here at t*t*d. 

Stop by tomorrow to meet another Thoughtful Girl (TG)