Nichol Spohr LLC

My Favorite Projects of 2011 *In Review*

Back on December 30th and 31st of last year I did my favorite layout & card reviews of the year and I thought it would be fun to continue this trend as we celebrate this final day in 2011!

• Favorite Layouts of 2010
• Favorite Cards of 2010

I think it's so fun to look back over the year and highlight those projects that were my personal favorites for the year. 

MY FAVORITE LAYOUTS OF 2011

 

I am a sucker for rainbow colored anything. And butterflies. And stamped resist. This layout has all three! This was a super simple layout to create and it just works. It's one that I would copy the design of over and over again.

@Three layout, details can be found HERE.

I love these calendar pages from KI Memories. They make perfect month-in-review layouts, which I love. So, so much!

December 2010 layout, details can be found HERE.

I love recording my travels in my scrapbooks and this was a great way to add memorabilia to my page without it overwhelming the design. A favorite photo too. ;)

Favorite Memories layout, details can be found HERE.

This was one of those layouts that showcased a technique that I hadn't tried before I went to create this for my 2Peas class and when I finished I couldn't wait to use it again. The embossed floral border and floral photo border work so well together.

Celebrate Everyday Beauty layout, details can be found HERE.

Some favorite photos of my little guy, a die cut sunshine and kraft paper spritzed with Studio Calico Mister Huey White = happiness. 

Here and Now layout, details can be found HERE.

I have always loved these photos of my daughter and I love the really, really girly theme and color theme of the page.

Precious Little Moments, details can be found HERE.

I really loved teaching the Scrapbook Stamping class at 2Peas this year. Some of my favorite all-time favorite layouts came as a result of this class. I love the black & white photos with the colorful, girly theme of this page.

Best Friends layout, details can be found HERE.

Here's an instance where copic coloring works for a layout. I love getting the most from my supplies and this copic colored flower is the perfect accent for this fun page. And who doesn't love Doodlebug buttons? Love the way they enhance the leaf border paper.

More Than You Know layout, details can be found HERE.

My favorite 2-page layout of the year. Love the off-set photo collages and how the journaling and title balance each other out.

San Francisco layout, details can be found HERE.

Romantic layout featuring some of my all-time favorite photos of my daughter and niece several years back. LOVE.

This Day layout, details can be found HERE.

Favorite photos, stamping and Doodlebug buttons: nothing better!

Every Little Thing You Do layout, details can be found HERE.

One of two of my favorite die cut layouts this year. I love eveything about this one: colors, die cuts, etc.

Fourth Grade, details can be found HERE.

Two of two of my favorite die cut layouts this year. I love eveything about this one: colors, die cuts, photos, etc.

Good Eats layout, details can be found HERE.

What can I say? I love scrapping our travels. This was a totally different layout design than I usually do and I love it!

Summer Vacation layout, details can be found HERE.

Another different layout for me, a departure from the norm but it totally worked. One that would look incredible framed.

Family Is Precious layout, details can be found HERE.

I find it hard to scrapbook Christmas photos for some reason but this layout makes me happy. Love it!

December 25 layout, details can be found HERE.

Favorite no photo layout of the year. 

Merry Christmas layout, details can be found HERE.

So I say I have trouble scrapping Christmas layouts but I think I scrapped more Christmas layotus this year than ever before! Flocked and glitter paper cut on the Cameo = happy!

Hello Santa layout, details can be found HERE.

Yet another layout from my Scrapbook Stamping class at 2Peas this year featuring Hero Arts stamps. I love stamping on layouts and this layout really showcases that, I think.

We Love Snow layout, details can be found HERE.

MY FAVORITE CARDS OF 2011

This was one of those cards that came together so quickly and easily and utilizes procuct from several manufacturers - my favorite kind of project. I love the softness of light blue and gray together. And that cute little hedgehog. 

Feel Better Soon Card, details can be found HERE.

This was another card that came together so easily (and also showcases the light blue/gray color scheme but with a touch of red thrown in for good measure!). It's a simple card but elegant.

Everything card, details can be found HERE.

This was my first attempt at using the Copic Air Brushing system and it's what hooked me. Nothing better than airbrushing clouds. Fun!

Just Because card, details can be found HERE.

I loved playing with Penny Black stamps for this card. I used some foam adhesive to pop up some of the elements and even though it was a bit more work to cut out everything it was so worth it.

Just Wanted to Say Hi card, details can be found HERE.

I ued the feathering technique with Copic Markers for the trees on this card and I love the more realistic look the feathering gives this cute woodsy scene!

Our Friendship is Forever, details can be found HERE.

Cream & White = super elegant. The addition of vellum, pearls and ribbon dress it up even more. My favorite wedding card I've ever made!

Wishing You a Happily Ever After, details can be found HERE.

Studio AE stamps make me happy. The greeting and the background were created with one stamp set. And I did it in rainbow color. 2011 was definately the year of rainbow-colored projects for me! 

Happy Birthday card, details can be found HERE.

My all-time favorite copic colored card this year. Coloring the kitty's fur with a feathering technique made a huge difference in the realistic look of this image. Instant texture.

Old Fashioned Hello card, details can be found HERE.

This card has everything I love: copic colored super cute image, a doily and lots of layers. 

Sweetest Things card, details can be found HERE.

A simple fun card. Who doesn't love balloons?

Enjoy the Ride card, details can be found HERE.

I'm a total sucker for Papertrey Ink's Friendship Jar series (girls who took my Spawn of True Scrap class can attest to this!). I love using these stamps for cards and layouts.

Happy Anniversary card, details can be found HERE.

Hero Arts makes the best backgrounds and paired with one of my favorite greetings from them, a felt flower and Distress Ink = love.

Thanks card, details can be found HERE.

Love felt flowers with copic colored and cut out leaves. Love all the green with the colorful felt flowers.

Happy Anniversary card, details can be found HERE.

My all-time favorite single layer card. And I made a bunch of them in like 30 minutes as a gift. Gotta love that!

Thank You, details can be found HERE.

Die cutting is for more than scrapbooking. I love how the Silhouette can handle tiny, tiny die cutting.

Thank You card, details can be found HERE.

Best boy card I have ever made. Boy cards are hard for me for some reason. I am always drawn to girly flowers and images but with these great Papertrey Ink stamps, creating boy cards was easy and fun!

Birthday Boy card, details can be found HERE.

More PTI Friendship Jar love.

Happy Thanksgiving Card, details can be found HERE.

Hero Arts makes some of the best stamps out there and these are 2 of my favorite cards of the year because of it!

Hero Arts cards, details can be found HERE.

Not a layout or card but a project I love, love, love!

Frame, details can be found HERE.

More projects that I love so very much.

Christmas projects, details can be found HERE.

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and creative 2012...

Happy New Year!

December Daily | Day 22, 23, 24 & 25

Finally I am getting around to sharing the rest of my December Daily pages for 2011.

Feels so good to wrap this up for another year! 

Day 22 before:

And after:

Had this little reindeer open from working on THIS tray so I cut it from some flocked paper and added it to my page for a whimsical touch. I strung some of the MME chipboard letters on twine for a cute banner to dress up the right side, too.

December Daily | Day 22 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 23 before:

And after:

Added some ribbon tabs with this adorable little Ormolu fabric tab. Love. If I had picked these tabs up sooner I think I would have used them thoughout my entire album. 

December Daily | Day 23 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 24 before:

And after:

Simple and quick today. Added a little tape to my journaling tag.

December Daily | Day 24 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 25 before:

And after:

Lots of tags today. Quick. Easy. Done. Happy, happy day.

December Daily | Day 25 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Fabric tag by Making Memories (old, old from my stash)

December Daily 2011 Supplies:

InLinkz.com

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a little year in review post...

Photography Secrets for Great Project Photos FREE Webinar

 

Go HERE to sign up to take part in this FREE webinar with myself and Lain Ehmann!

Classes, Discounts & Reminders

As we near year-end I just wanted to mention some special sales/promotions that are going on.

There are 4 shopping days left to take advantage of 2Peas special holiday sale! Love the FREE shipping for orders over $35!!!

• FREE SHIPPING through the end of the year when you cart totals $35 or more in non-digital/non-phaseout product domestically shipped. Starts at midnight CST on 12/17/11 runs through 12/31/2011 (11:59pm CST).
• GIFT CERTIFICATES or Christmas. Always in style. Available in any size.
• Select HOLIDAY PRODUCTS On Sale! Discounts good 11/17/2011 (12:00am CST) through 12/31/2011 (11:59pm CST).
• Two Peas in a Bucket is offering the opportunity to win a Special Edition signed TIM HOLZ VAGABOND! Every product review you submit through 12/31/11 (11:59pm CST) gives you an entry to win the Special Edition signed Tim Holtz Vagabond!

***************************

Ella Publishing is offering this coupon code HOLIDAY2011 to my blog readers. Save 25% on up to three products through December 31st! Click the banner below to start shopping! 

***************************

The Scrapbook Stamping Class I taught for The Spawn of True Scrap is now available for individual purchase for only $9.99!

You can purchase this class or any of the other incredible Spawn of True Scrap classes individually right HERE. This is an incredible deal as you can pick and choose which classes you'd like to purchase and view. And.... there is no limit to how many times you can view the class. Once you purchase the class and download it, you save it to your computer and can watch it over and over!

Here are some sneak peeks from the layouts included in this class:

My class focuses on stamping on your scrapbook page layouts, however all the ideas shared in the video can be adapted to cards as well. My theory on scrapbook stamping is simple: I love the creative freedom of customizing my layouts with stamping. I like to take simple elements, dress them up with some stamping and small embellishments (twine, brads, gems, buttons) and add them to my pages for creative, custom pieces that are unique and handmade and that accent my photos and the story I am telling.

*These are sneak peeks of the layouts shown in the 45 minute video class and will never be shared anywhere else online or other.*

Please note that if you buy my class video through THIS link, I will send you the complimentary PDF handout/supply list for easy reference. Email me at nicholmagouirk@gmail.com to get the handout (supply lists included).

***************************

I've had lots of requests wanting to know if I will offer the bonus class from The Spawn of True Scrap for individual purchase and I'm happy to announce that it's available NOW!

CONFESSIONS OF A "B" SIDED SCRAPPER

What exactly is a "B" side scrapper, you ask? Well, a "B" side scrapbooker is someone who almost always uses the "backside" of a 2-sided sheet of patterned paper. The "B" side is almost always a more understated, tone-on-tone or smaller design/pattern that the "A" side. This class will show you all the benefits of using the "B" side of your patterned papers plus give you lots of ideas on implementing them into not only your layouts but your card-making and other paper crafting crafts as well. 

This class includes: 

• Exclusive content (layouts/projects that will never be shared anywhere else)
• 4 Brand New, never seen before layouts
• 3 Brand New, never seen before cards
• 2 Brand New, never seen before holiday projects
• Instructional video
• pdf handout 
• BONUS Digital Die Cut Kit/Photo Template by Kerri Bradford made exclusively for this class (one layout showcases the components of this kit!)
• Because this class is not affiliated with True Scrap and is coming from me personally, please allow 24-48 hours to receive this class via email as I must be at home at my computer to send it manually. Thank you!

(Please be sure you pay with or include the email address you want the class emailed to! Thank you!)

How about a sneak peek of the Kerri's Bonus Kit?

 (kit includes digital die cut files, a photo collage and digital components).

 

 

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Sending blessings of peace, joy and love from my family to all of you this most special of days!

Merry Christmas!

I thought it would be fitting today to share my finished Vintage Christmas This & That tray featuring Kerri Bradford's designs. This would also make a fabulous gift (for any special occasion/holiday) when you assemble and create some or all of the This & That kits. They are easy to do and you can add your own personal touches like I did for my tray pieces.

I have acquired quite a colleciton of trinket pins and I love the handmade look these add to any home decor project. I use them all the time.

I replaced the Print & Cut piece from the kit with a vintage button from Tim Holtz. I really love how his buttons work with this project.

I added simple gemstones as ornaments to the die cut tree.

Studio Calico Shine Mister Huey added glitz to the peppermint while keeping with the vintage theme of the design.

And that reindeer needed a red gemstone nose, don't you think?!!!

I replaced the stripe Print & Cut design from the kit with decorative ribbon and twine from my stash. I love the tactile feel of ribbons/trims/buttons and more added to a project like this.

As for my paper choices, I used what I had on hand: American Crafts cardstock, AC Specialty cardstock and printed the Print & Cuts from the kit on Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper. I also popped up some of the elements with foam adhesive for more dimension.

SUPPLIES for Vintage Christmas Tray:

InLinkz.com

Look for my remaining December Daily posts/pages coming SOON...

KBS | Hello Santa Layout

***updated**** I got a few questions on how I cut the flocked glitter paper for this project which I answer (in red) throughout the post. Thanks!

Happy Friday friends!

Now that Christmas is all but upon us I thought I'd pop in here quickly and share a Christmas-y layout featuring Kerri Bradford Studio designs just in time for the big day!

I love creating embellishment collages like this for my pages. They offset the photo collage so nicely. To keep the eye moving from the top of the page to the bottom, I like to incorporate embellishments, journaling, etc. directly on top of the photo collage. This helps balance out all the activity going on at the top of the page.

I cut many of the pieces for the decorative border from glitter and flocked specialty papers using the Silhouette Cameo. I had tried cutting these specialty papers on the SD and was never successful but the Cameo seems to be able to handle certain manufacturer's specialty paper designs. I used glitter and flocked papers from Doodlebug and glitter paper from Making Memories. I did try a glitter paper from Creative Cafe and it was just way too thick so I think it depends of the manufacturer.

Q:  I see you have the new blade listed in your list of products used...I also see you have flocking and glitter...is it that the new blade cuts more mediums now than just CS? or did you cut and then embellish?

A: I used the new style blade in the SD and now on the Cameo and in my opinion it is far superior to the old style blade, more blade-depth cutting options. This blade will cut more mediums than the old one however, I can't speak to how it works with the SD since I didn't try cutting specialty paper with it before I sold it. I acutally cut the specialty paper (flocked, glittered) on the Cameo with no issues whatsoever. That said, I did try one other manufacturer's glitter paper and it did not cut but the Doodlebug and Making Memories specialty papers cut beautifully.

Q: When you put them through your Cameo, did you put them through right-side up or upside down? 

A: I put my papers right-side up. No issues whatsoever!

I think this sleigh looks stunning cut from flocked paper. Gives the die cut that added boost that makes it appear a store-bought embellishment. And the peppermints are perfection cut from glitter paper. I want to cut a whole bunch of these BIG to use as holiday decor for next year!

I know I've said it before, but it's worth repeating: cutting titles (and embellishments) from both the a patterned or specialty paper and matting them offset on a solid cardstock die cut piece really makes them POP off the page. It is a bit extra work but SO worth it!

Close up of my journaling:

For those of you who have been asking me, here is a look at what my die cut placement looks like in the Silhouette software before I ungroup anything to cut out of specific papers. I always start out this way so that I can figure out the best placement and size for my pieces.

You can see that I do end up moving some things around once they are all cut but I always like starting with a general idea of what I'm doing.

And for those of you counting, I used 10 pieces from 7 different Kerri Bradford Studio Kits! I absolutely love mixing and matching elements from all of Kerri's kits to create truly one-of-a-kind designs!

Kerri Bradford Studio Shapes Used (kit links below in supplies):

• Holly Jolly Christmas (tag)
• This & That: Christmas Past (sleigh, peppermint)
• Yuletide Greetings ("hello Santa.")
• This & That: Family (tag, spool)
• This & That: Christmas (presents, holly)
• This & That: Autumn (pear)
• Storyboard #1 (photo collage)

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Additional Supplies:

• Fabrip Border Stickers (American Crafts for Studio Calico from SC Brooklyn Flea Kit)
• Life Tiny Text (Cosmo Cricket from SC Brooklyn Flea Kit)
• Doodlebug Flocked and Glitter Papers (old collections from my stash)
• Making Memories Glitter Paper (old collections from my stash)
• Heart Punch (Stampin' Up)

 

December Daily | Day 18, 19, 20, 21

With today's post I am current and can post today's layout tomorrow. ;)

Plus, if you are ready for something a bit more colorful and not so distressed (and in a 12x12 format) I would stay tuned for a new layout from me tomorrow featuring Kerri Bradford kits in a Christmas layout that is bright and fun!

Lots going on here with last minute holiday programs at school (my kids go until Friday...can you believe that? So bummed!) but we are spending lots of time after school doing fun holiday projects and spending time together. It won't be long now!

Day 18 before:

And after:

One of my favorite days so far this month. Even though it was so close to Christmas I'm glad we went ahead and put up these beautiful lit houses. The kids love them and I gave them free reign to add the accessory pieces and people figures. They feel a real sense of ownership over the Christmas in the City decorations and were so proud of it!

December Daily | Day 18 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 19 before:

And after:

This page is really similar to several others throughout my album. I like the continuity it provides throughout the album without every page being exactly the same. :)

December Daily | Day 19 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 20 before:

And after:

December Daily | Day 20 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 21 before:

And after:

December Daily | Day 21 Extras:

InLinkz.com

December Daily 2011 Supplies:

InLinkz.com

My December Daily 2011 Links:

• December Daily Cover + Putting Together the Inside Pages
• Day One
• Day Two
• Day Three
• Day Four
• Day Five
• Day Six
• Day Seven
• Day Eight
• Day Nine
• Day Ten
• Day Eleven
• Day Twelve
• Day Thirteen
• Day Fourteen
• Day Fifteen
• Day Sixteen
• Day Seventeen

 

December Daily | Day 15, 16, 17 + Ella Coupon Code

Sharing a few more December Daily pages today + scroll down for a fabulous 25% coupon code to Ella Publishing!

Day 15 before:

And after:

Super simple. Full page photo with a few accents and I dressed up the left side of the page with a journaling strip and chipboard banner. 

December Daily | Day 15 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 16 before:

And after:

Today, I had to record my youngest two and their "punishment" for not getting along last Friday night. The photo kills me. Payton absolutely did not want to hold her brother's hand as per their punishment and Ethan was only too happy to hold her hand. It was hysterical. A good lesson learned.

I added some stamping from November & December's Studio AE Stamp sets to a kraft strip of cardstock and sewed it in place with some cream lace underneath. Punched stars and chipboard buttons with stickers finish the page.

December Daily | Day 16 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 17 before:

And after:

I've been collecting little bits here and there from packaging this year and thought it would be fun to include it on today's page. I also added an invitation Payton and I made for a little party we're having on Friday for her girlfriends. 

December Daily | Day 17 Extras:

InLinkz.com

December Daily 2011 Supplies:

InLinkz.com

My December Daily 2011 Links:

• December Daily Cover + Putting Together the Inside Pages
• Day One
• Day Two
• Day Three
• Day Four
• Day Five
• Day Six
• Day Seven
• Day Eight
• Day Nine
• Day Ten
• Day Eleven
• Day Twelve
• Day Thirteen
• Day Fourteen

Ella Publishing is offering this coupon code HOLIDAY2011 to my blog readers. Save 25% on up to three products through December 31st! Click the banner below to start shopping! 

December Daily | Day 11, 12, 13, 14

Over the next few days I will be posting my December Daily pages a few at a time. I got a bit behind when my printer decided it no longer wished to print my photos correctly. Joy. Ah well, such is life! We are enjoying the holiday season and that is what matters!

Day 11 before:

And after:

I kept it super simple. Full page photo with die cut overlays jazzed up with some vellum and a chipboard star. I used a digital brush to add the quote from an Ali Edwards' kit at Designer Digitals and printed my journaling on a tag and stapled a group of tags underneath the quote.

December Daily | Day 11 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Page 12 before:

And after:

A December Daily page about me. I rarely remember to include ME so I today I took the opportunity to do so!

I used a bunch of the brads that I removed from my Day 3 Page to embellish the snowflake die cut overlay. I added a chipboard poinsettia adorned with gems and twine as well to add color and interest to the playing card print and cut.

Close up of journaling. Tags both misted with Stucio Calico Mister Huey inks.

Additional little touches to spruce up the design.

December Daily | Day 12 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 13 before:

And after:

I ended up needing to switch around the photo layouts on days 13 & 14 to fit with my pictures/stories.

Super simple. More book reading sharing. I wanted to record the one and only new book we added to our Christmas book reading collection for 2011.

December Daily | Day 13 Extras:

InLinkz.com

Day 14 before:

And after:

I happned to have the envelope I made awhile back (click HERE) and I decided it would make the perfect compliment to today's page so I added it right next to my photo strip. Easy peasy.

Added a bit of stamping to the MME chipboard tag and a few embellishments in a cluster.

Printed a bit of journaling on an Elle's Studio tag and tucked it under the top of the envelope to finish this quick page.

December Daily | Day 14 Extras:

InLinkz.com

December Daily 2011:

InLinkz.com

My album is getting pretty full. Love seeing those memories filling my album up.

My December Daily 2011 Links:

• December Daily Cover + Putting Together the Inside Pages
• Day One
• Day Two
• Day Three
• Day Four
• Day Five
• Day Six
• Day Seven
• Day Eight
• Day Nine
• Day Ten

Be sure to check out Two Peas for some incredible deals and savings through the end of the year!

• FREE SHIPPING through the end of the year when you cart totals $35 or more in non-digital/non-phaseout product domestically shipped. Starts at midnight CST on 12/17/11 runs through 12/31/2011 (11:59pm CST).
• GIFT CERTIFICATES or Christmas. Always in style. Available in any size.
• Select HOLIDAY PRODUCTS On Sale! Discounts good 11/17/2011 (12:00am CST) through 12/31/2011 (11:59pm CST).
• Two Peas in a Bucket is offering the opportunity to win a Special Edition signed TIM HOLZ VAGABOND! Every product review you submit through 12/31/11 (11:59pm CST) gives you an entry to win the Special Edition signed Tim Holtz Vagabond!

Lawn Fawn + Glue Arts Blog Week (video)

Lawn Fawn and Glue Arts teamed up this week to share projects showcasing stamping + great adhesive!

Here is a fun reindeer card I created:

I wanted to create a vintage-y distressed looking card but with the fun whimsical look that Lawn Fawn is known for.

I created the 4.25" square card from cardstock, stamping the background with a Hero Arts background stamp and adding distressing with Distress Ink and spray mists.

I die cut this reindeer silhouette on my Cameo:

deer_jumping_card_overlay_C01237_19547 

I added a light layer of SC White Mister Huey and Shine to the reindeer so that it wasn't such a stark contrast to the card base.

I love the look of reindeer decorations with wreaths around their necks. I used the wreath from Lawn Fawn's Bows & Holly stamp set for my card. I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored the image in with Copics before cutting it out. I cut through the top of the wreath (hidden behind the reindeer) to easily cut the inside piece of the wreath out. I added gems for the holly berries and silk and twine with a colorful button for the bow.

HOW TO

 

SUPPLIES (click on photos for links):

InLinkz.com

Be sure to leave a comment HERE on the Lawn Fawn blog for a chance to win a prize package from Glue Arts including a Glue Glider Pro and a Lawn Fawn set of your choice!

Click HERE to see today's projects on the Lawn Fawn blog.

Don't forget to check out all the projects featuring Lawn Fawn and Glue Arts this week!