On Trend :: Sequins

 Good morning! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. The Practical Scrappers On Trend Team has another trend for you to consider: SEQUINS! 

I was a little skeptical of this trend when it first arrived on the paper crafting scene. I had first seen them in an A Muse Studio catalog and decided to give them a try, ordering them in pearl. After creating with them, I am hooked. You can see some ways I've used sequins in the past here, here, here, and here. It's just like using a brad, pearl, or rhinestone! 

For today's On Trend Post, I wanted to share this layout I recently created using sequins to add just a few metallic elements to the page. I added the sequins with ZIG 2-Way Glue, but any tacky glue or glue dot would work great! I've added them throughout the layout, anchoring most to embellishments that were already on the page. 

The elements from this layout are all scraps from around my craft space. In the pictures I'm wearing a colorful, floral dress and wanted those same bright colors and bold patterns to be present on the page. These friends are the craziest, funniest, wildest people that I know. The pictures captured a calm moment between us that I had to document. A typical picture has Nick in Matt's arms, Rachael kissing my cheek, me insulting Matt, and Nick eating something.  

The title was cut using the Bebas font {which can be downloaded here} and my Silhouette Cameo. After adhering the letters to the page, I used a ZIG Writer to add black doodling. The arrows and chevron cards were cut from the Cameo as well... Leftover pieces from a recent project. 

Don't forget to head over to the Practical Scrappers blog to find even more sequins inspired projects! You're going to love what my fellow On Trend teammates came up with. I dare you to get your hands on some sequins and add them to all your paper crafting projects! Thanks for stopping by :) 

My Weekend In Pictures

Happy Monday. It's time to round up the pictures on my phone and share them with you fine folks. Here's what I've been up to....

I put up my Christmas tree, spent 2 days moving around ornaments until I got it just right, and hung a kissing ball. Who wants to come over and be the first to try it out?

P.S. There's a box full of lights and other decor that still needs to be hung, as well as a wreath thats just leaning against my door. hahahaha oh my... Note to self: Purchase door hanger. 

I spent some night-time hours at work preparing for the week ahead. It was just me, some good tunes (a combo of Elvis Presley Christmas and Mumford & Sons Babel), and that gorgeous Vagabond. Yay Tim Holtz... thank you for making my life pretty and so much easier.

I had some fun wondering around downtown (just a few blocks from my humble abode) with my dear friend, Anna, and roommate, Rachael (wait... how'd they get out of the photographs?!) checking out the shop windows decorated for the holidays. Check out this awesome and extremely blurry photo of me attempting to fly:

We eventually settled into Chefusion, a wonderful bar and lounge where we indulged in cheese platters, creme brulee, and live jazz music:

Somehow we also packed in a improv comedy show that night as well. I was laughing far too hard to even think about taking a pictures... Good work players. 

Finished up the weekend with a metro ride, church, and a nap during the Packers half time show.

I'd say that's one full, delightful life. How was your weekend?

Halloween Reminiscing

Happy Halloween bloggers! Yesterday I shared a page on the Creations Galore blog using pictures from a past Halloween. Visit the post here to see details. I was having so much fun reminiscing this Halloween and couldn't help but share a few of my favorite photos with you:

Have a safe and fun-filled Halloween!

Weekend Update

Hello friends. I'm heading out of town for Memorial Day. The weekend will be full of fishing, family, grilling out, nature walks, and lots of ticks.. eek! But I can't wait. In fact, I'm taking a half day of work today, because we're all so excited to head up to our cabin. We have many military veterans in our family, and I'm positive stories will be shared this weekend as we take a brief moment to recognize the sacrifice of many. It's that sacrifice that has created the freedom and safety I have to enjoy weekends such as these. Here's a little flashback from Memorial Day Weekend a few years ago.

I may be out of town, but please stop by the blog tomorrow for the reveal of last week's Top 3 and the new sketch at Unscripted Sketches. I'll have some inspiration for you... take that extra day in your weekend and join in on the challenge!

Enjoy your holiday friends.

Golden

Earlier this week friends and family surprised me with a wonderful party celebrating my golden birthday. Gold accents, special people, and delicious food made the night perfect. Here are just a few of my favorite snapshots from the memorable evening..

I was conveniently wearing a GOLD chain! 

Even little A. had a great time, fascinated by all the balloons and fringe.

Mustache favors made for great photo ops. 

I've been blessed with some truly great people to surround me, encourage me, and beat me in Charades.

A Day Trip To Trinidad

My dear friend Ketson welcomed us to his humble abode over the weekend and treated us to an authentic Trinidadian lunch, full of (in my own American words) baked macaroni, rice, bbq chicken, potato salad and more... It was delicious and a great experience. We were able to hear more about his culture, family life, and customs. Not to mention pig out on some of the most flavorful dishes I have ever had! Here's a look into the unforgettable Sunday afternoon...

Those cucumbers were an appetizer and soaked in a hot pepper concoction. He explained that in Trinidad, while his mom prepares the food, they create chow, anything mixed with peppers. The hot peppers increase your appetite. That it did... along with a desire for liquid! It took two glasses of kool-aid to calm the fire. Have you eaten any new foods lately that shocked your system? 

Thanks for stopping by!

Reminiscing...

This past weekend was spent spring cleaning, and I found some great photos I had printed off to scrap. Of course, that scrap step never happened. I truly believe that it's never too late to get those memories documented! Here's one of the layouts I created:

You can see a close up of the layout and find out just how I created it over at the Creations Galore Blog. That sure was a fun day at Bay Beach, our local amusement park. The picture of my brother, almost too big for the swing, screaming in excitement, and hair blowing in the wind, makes me burst into laughter every time I see it! Three years have passed since then... He's married, along with my friend Alyssa pictured here too. She even has a little one! We may have grown up a bit, but rest assured, we'll all head to Bay Beach for a little fun this summer. 

SUPPLIES

Cardstock: Bazzill

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

White Sakura Gelly Roll Pen

Black ZIG Writer

Thriftin'

Three things you want to find at the thrift store:

A cute selection of knitting needles.

A sequenced garment, ready to be altered into a stylin' mini jacket.
(Thanks for modeling, Miss Rebekah)

An ideal husband for only 25 cents? Yes ma'am. I'll take 2.

And two things you don't: 

Sad, broken toys.

Santa hands decor. Well that's creepy. 

You never know what you'll find at the thrift store, but one thing is for certain: 

It's always an adventure.

What Super Bowl?

As a Green Bay Packer fan, I've understood that football has been over for a few weeks. Therefore, yesterday evening was spent drooling over Ryan Gosling's abs, indulging in Culver's custard, and playing the craziest game of dominos. Let's face it, any game in which you make up the rules as you play is sure to be a good time. 

While not blogging Part Two...

I took some time to celebrate the turning of a new year.