Grab your jacket! A book jacket, that is!

The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you'll go. ~ Dr. Seuss

Books are great not only for learning, but for inspiration too! For the next issue of Scrapstreet, Graffiti is looking for your creations based on a book cover.

The cover of Dr. Seuss' book, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" was the motivation for this layout, both in color and shape. Using paper from October Afternoon (Schoolhouse) and patterned paper from Colorbok, I re-created the swirly patterns found on Dr. Seuss' book--which also happens to be a popular read around Graduation time--a perfect match!  One only gets to wear a graduation gown so many times in their life (unless you are my husband, he's worn one a few more times than the average).

Now it's your turn, "grab your jacket". A book jacket that is! I'm looking for your projects inspired by book cover art and there is a whole load of other submission calls for the next issue of Scrapstreet, just click right here to check them out. You, yes you (well, actually, your project) could be in the next issue coming out July 1st. Get going! Deadline for submission is May 19th.


~Kelly

7 Gypsies Photo Tray and Paper Niche Monthly Kit

Altered items make great gifts.   I made this photo tray for my niece, who is all grown up now.  I thought it would be nice for her to have a picture of her and her mom (my sister) when she was only 9 months old. 

I used the Paper Niche Monthly design team kit for January.  It is full of paper and embellishments.  The 7 Gypsies 4x6 Photo Tray was not included in the kit, but I’ve wanted to make a photo tray for a long time and thought it would make a great birthday gift for my niece.

Paper Niche January's kit features

Paper - October Afternoon, Jenni Bowlin, Prima, and Glitz

Embellishments - Prima flowers (2), Glitz tini alpha, Glitz stickers (Peekaboo and Paper Layers), Webster’s Pages sparklers, crepe paper, Maya Road chip board letters, Prima bling tiles and buttons, and yummy candy from the candy bar.

Ribbon - 5 yards ribbon from Maya Road, American Craft, and Prima

I used mostly the Glitz Girls “Vintage Blue” collection which was included in my kit as my back ground 4x6 matts.  Then I added the peek-a-boos transparencies to give my background an easy and pretty extra layer and pattern.  I then used the October Afternoon Farmhouse “clothesline” paper and cut out the flags, and added pretty ribbon to string along the front of the tray. 

The journaling card is from Prima and the background from Glitz Designs.  The flowers are prima also.  The key was given to me at CHA but can't remember what booth.

The poem on the upper right is from the Glitz Design peek-a-boo vintage blue collection. 

You should try making a photo tray; it was fast and I think makes a great gift.  One tip I can give you on the photo tray is to "pop" up your matted photos.  Happy Scrapping.

Live from CHA Summer 2011

Hi friends!

Dora, Stacey, Robyn and myself are here in HOT, HUMID and beautiful Chicago! It's CHA Summer 2011 and we are thrilled to be reunited and walking the floor together. There are so many beautiful new products this year to see and we want to share with you our Top 5!

Here they are in random order...

1. Crate Paper

Those photos are all from the collection Random. Beautiful isn't it? I'm slightly in love with that bicycle chipboard piece. And the buttons... ooooh how I love Crate Paper buttons!!

2. October Afternoon

More beautiful buttons and that travel collection is adorable.

#3 Amy Tangerine

These photos just don't do it justice. This line is freaking ADORABLE and so versatile! All of us knew we could use the product on multiple projects. Forever... and ever.... and ever....

4. Lily Bee Design

Again... I apologize for these photos not doing the product justice. And I admit that I'm the one who went completely gaga over Lily Bee.  I have loved every single one of the releases ever since Lily Bee began. It could be the small patterns or the color combos or all of it. Simply gorgeous!

5. Webster's Pages

Every year there is always one or more collections from Webster's that we swoon over. For me it was the All About Me and the Winterfairy Tales. I'm always a fan of the trims and to top it all off Brandin O'Neill, the owner of Webster's, is a DOLL. She listens to her consumers and is one of the sweetest, most genuine people we've gotten a chance to network with.

And to top it all off, our very own Stacey is on the design team. Because of her awesome eye for design, she had us all sold on every single paper and embellishment by Webster's.

Phew! We are a tired bunch here in Chicago but what a fun couple of days it's been. Tomorrow we head out into the city for some fun shopping and site-seeing.

Thanks for swinging by,
Melissa