Living an Inspired Life: May 2021

May 26, 2021

TOGETHER - Simple Stories

Hello there!

today, I want to share a new layout using the gorgeous Simple Vintage Farmhouse collection. This collection is just beautiful, and so versatile.

My starting point was the one of the chipboard frames (these are probably one of my favorite embellishments of the collections). I love the small detail in the frame, and decided to build upon it to make it pop.

What better way to showcase all the beautiful designs that to work with paper layers. I started with the Basic Cantaloupe as the background for my page. Then added layers of paper from the 6x8 paper pad, and also the 12x12 patterned papers.

Usually my titles are the last addition in the page; however, this time I found the perfect spot for the chipboard sticker, "Together", at the bottom of the paper layer.

To finish my page, I build up the clusters of ephemera on the page, so that they form a diagonal design on the page. The florals in this collection are amazing, and there are so many embellishments to choose from, it was easy to put this together.

I love how this turned out, and how easy it came together using the papers and embellishments in the SIMPLE VINTAGE FARMHOUSE collection. Be sure to check it out, you will love it all!

May 22, 2021

Altenew Paint-A-Flower: Lotus Outline Stamp Set Release Blog Hop + Giveaway ($200 in Total Prizes)

Hi there!
Welcome to ALTENEW PAINT-A-FLOWER: LOTUS OUTLINE STAMP SET RELEASE BLOG HOP + GIVEAWAY. You are arriving from Erum's blog ( her work is always amazing!). A list of all the participants is available at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

Today, Altenew is releasing this month's new PAINT-A-FLOWER: LOTUS, and I love this new stamp set. The amazing detail in the design ( there is an underwater view of the flower!!!) is just perfect for your choice of coloring method. Let me show you what I created... and I made a card!

I stamped the image on two white heavy cardstock panels with Obsidian ink. I trimmed both panels to about 5x7", and chose to glue one to a blue-gray pre made card base.

The other PAF LOTUS stamped panel, I colored using Altenew Artists Watercolor pan set, and the round Watercolor Brush set. I just took my time relaxing and coloring away. While color dried, I used the stamp set to create my sentiment, and trimmed it to a small strip.

I used a stitched rectangle die to cut the colored panel, and attached it with Altenew's Instant Dimensional. I made sure that the images matched so you can see the dimension and change in coloration. Then added the small sentiment strip atop the colored image.

I added small clear drops at the bottom of the colored card as a finishing touch. Just love how this turned out, and how relaxing it was to color the new Paint-A-Flower: LOTUS.

Remember that you can use our monthly subscription plan for our Paint-A-Flower. When signed up, you are guaranteed a spot in our monthly Paint-A-Flower releases and will receive a set each month - at a specially discounted price! ($15.99 →$12.99). Just click here!

Of course we are celebrating the release with a GIVEAWAY!!!

Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 05/30/2021.

Good Luck everyone!

Now it is time to continue with the blog hop, your next stop is Terri Koszler's blog. You can always return to Altenew Card Blog to start the hop from there. Here is a list of all the participants for your convenience:

Nathalie DeSousa << You are here

Thank you for stopping by, and have fun hopping!

May 19, 2021

FAIRY GARDEN - Garden Dreamer Layout | Nathalie D.

We all have picked up a new hobby while in lockdown. Well, my little one (my Goddaughter) started a small window garden as a school project, but actually cared for it enough to harvest a handful of vegetables from it. Of course, I have to document it, and what better way than with the FAIRY GARDEN Collection.

I wanted something simple for the page. So, I used a stitched circle die to cut the pictures and a few of the patterned papers for the page.

In order to have all the paper circles shine on the page, I chose a Petite Print for the background of the page. I created a zig zag along the center of the page with the paper circles and photos (I even transformed my wide horizontal photo into two small circles that together form the picture).

I used the small circle Chit Chat pieces ( circular shapes) to embellish the layout, adding a few sprinkles along the way.

This might be one of the simplest titles, I have created. It just came together so easily by mixing Chi Chat, with Icons, and a few Doodle pops.

I love the result, and cannot wait to see what you all create with the Fairy Garden Collection.

Instagram | Blog | YouTube

SUPPLIES

FAIRY GARDEN collection

HELLO SUNSHINE Petite Print

DOODLE POPS - Little Garden

SPRINKLES - Garden Shapes, Birds and Bugs Shapes

VELLUM -Sprinkles

May 18, 2021

Altenew Classic Imagery Collection Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hi there!

Welcom to ALTENEW CLASSIC IMAGERY COLLECTION RELEASE BLOG HOP+GIVEAWAY. You are arriving from Altenew Card blog. A list of all the participants is available at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

Today, Altenew is releasing a gorgeous collection of Stencils and 3D Embossing folders that are just perfect for all sorts of paper crafting. Let me show you what I have created with some of the new products:

The new DREAMY TILES 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER has a soft design that reminded me of home. So, I decided to use to document a few memories from around the house. I simply run color cardstock in the folder, then added a soft coat of green and gold ink to the embossed impression.

To make sure it fits into my pocket page spread, I cut the card panel into individual rows of tile and used them to anchor the layout. Love how it turned out!

I used the new LACY TILES BACKGROUND STENCIL to create this layout. I simply embossed a large tag using the stencil, then added a soft hint of color to the embossed impression, and cut it apart to fit into my pockets.

I masked the stencil and just carefully added the impression of just one of the LACY TILES STENCIL details to the top of the picture (as it reminded me of snowflakes) with embossing paste. The soft embossed impression the stencil creates in this page is lovely!

For my next project, I combined two of the new stencils into an interactive layout for my journal. I used the new TERRAZZO TILE BUILDER STENCIL to create the front of my pocket . The soft tones of blue are a perfect way to make the florals pop.

I created a large cluster of florals at the front of the pocket using the new GREENWOOD FLOWERS LAYERING 3 in 1 SET. I added extra details with some Woodless color pencils, and then proceeded to build my page. Just love how it turned out!

In this layout, I combined the new FINE TULLE STENCIL with the two sets of inks to create the soft ombre effect on the title page.

I wanted to add texture to the page. For this, I used the DECK PLANKS 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER to create an embossed white card panel. Then, used the Bold Alphabet Die set to cut the letters out of the embossed panel. The soft texture on the letters creates the texture this page needed.

Now, onto cardmaking...

The new ARECA PALM LEAVES 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER creates the soft leaves impression on the panel. I run a bit of Frayed Leaf ink to make the impression of the leave prominent. The panel was trimmed and attached to green cardstock. A simple sentiment ( Fancy Thanks Die) completes the CAS card.

For my last project, I used the new DAISY BED 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER to create the card panel. I run a bit of ink through the embossed images to bring them to live. I trimmed it to create the soft angle. I used a bit of washi tape to copy the angle onto the card panel, then use the Mini Poppy Stamp set to add the sentiment.

I hope these all have inspired you to check the new release. I am sure you will find a new favorite in the group. Of course we are celebrating the release with a GIVEAWAY:

$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $25 gift certificate to 8 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 05/24/2021 for a chance to win.

Altenew will draw 10 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 05/26/2021.

Good Luck everyone!

Now it is time to continue checking all the gorgeous inspiration. You are off to visit Terri Koszler's blog and check her beautiful cards. Remember you can always return to Altenew Card Blog to start the hop. Here is a list of all the participants for your convenience:

Altenew Blog

Nathalie DeSousa << YOU ARE HERE

Thanks for visiting!

May 7, 2021

Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Buttercup Layering Die Set Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hello there!

Welcome to ALTENEW CRAFT-A-FLOWER: BUTTERCUP LAYERING DIE SET RELEASE BLOG HOP + GIVEAWAY. You are arriving from Linda Westfall's blog. A list of all the participants is available at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

It is time for the newest CRAFT-A-FLOWER Die set; welcome CRAFT-A-FLOWER: BUTTERCUP! this new die set is beautiful, and the movement on the flower design is perfect for all sorts of paper crafting. Let me show you what I have created:

I love the movement of the CAF: BUTTERCUP flower, and decided to use it to create one of my daily journal entries.

I used a few shades of yellow cardstock to create the flower, this helps to add variety to the page. In addition, I used a few colors of green cardstock to create the leaves.

I used one of the Terrific Tags dies to create the tag, and added a sentiment from the Better Together stamp set for the title. The flower die cuts softly zigzag through the spread, bringing color to the page.

I love this new CAF: BUTTERCUP die set, and I am sure that it will become a favorite for you, too. Remember to take advantage of the CRAFT-A-FLOWER Subscription program to secure the monthly die at your doorstep.

Of course we are celebrating the release with a giveaway:

$200 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $20 gift certificate to 5 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 05/13/2021 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 05/15/2021.

Good Luck everyone!

Now, it is time to continue the inspiration. Your next stop is Teresa Litchfield's blog. Remember you can always visit Altenew Card Blog to start the hop. Here is a list of today's participants for your convenience: