Living an Inspired Life: September 2021

Sep 26, 2021

SIMPLE VINTAGE COUNTRY HARVEST Inspiration - Simple Stories

Hello Friends!

Nathalie with you today with a bit of inspiration featuring the new and gorgeous SIMPLE VINTAGE COUNTRY HARVEST collection. I cannot get over how beautiful this collection is. I love Fall, and this collection is just perfect to document all those glorious memories. I just love how easy it was to put the pages together, I have two layouts for you today...

My first page was all inspired on the chipboard frames of the collection ( they are always my favorite piece of the kits). Once I backed the frame with my photo, the rest of the page came together pretty quickly.

I trimmed the 4x4 element page to 10.5x10.5 inches, and messily hand stitch it to the SIMPLE VINTAGE Stone/Pearl paper. Once, I set the frame on the center of the page, it was all about embellishing the page.

I used pieces from the SIMPLE PAGES KIT - AUTUMN HARVEST to create a cascade of leaves on the page, as well as add some interest behind the frame. Then, I used one of the new Chipboard clusters ( that matched the detail in the frame) to add more interest and dimension to the page.

I continue adding a few more leaves so that they continue cascading down the page. I added a simple sticker at the bottom of the page as a title. Then added a few more details to the page.

I love how this came together so easily and with lovely results. Now, let me show you the other project I created for you today.

For my second page, I am using one of the Simple Pages kit -AUTUM HARVEST as the base for my layout. All I had to do was trim a strip from the JUST THANKFUL paper and stitch it on top of the page for the base of my page.

Once again, I reached for one of the chipboard frames, but this time I am using it as a layer behind my picture. Along with a few pieces from the SIMPLE CARDS CARD KIT- HARVEST WISHES.

I added more pieces behind the frame so that they emphasize the details in the frame. There are so many embellishments to chose from it was easy to create clusters.

For the title, I am repeating some of the elements behind the photo in a small cluster at the bottom right corner of the page. This balances the page nicely. I tied the page together by adding butterflies throughout the page. A few drops of white and gold ink complete the page. Just love how easy this came together!

I cannot wait to see what you create with the new SIMPLE VINTAGE COUNTRY HARVEST collection. This gorgeous collection is sure to become a favorite for all!

Sep 23, 2021

MAGICAL MEMORIES - Doodlebug Design

We all have those special memories from our visits to our favorite amusement parks. Well, the new FUN AT THE PARK collection is just the perfect reason to revisit those happy moments.

One of my most favorite papers has to be "Say Cheese"; the film strips are perfect spot to add lots of photos. This time, I cut a few of them, and lay them on my background. A bit of mixed media on the page, just adds that halo of color around the photos.

I matted my pictures with a paper from the 6x6 paper pad, and placed them atop the film strips. All the cute icons and sentiments layered seamlessly behind the photos.

Of course you all recognize that famous ride. Well, I pull some of the smaller teacup icons to help me document the story. The color palette of this collection is just so perfect, it makes it so easy to embellish your pages.

This is probably the cutest title work ever! and the easiest, too. I just mixed some Chit Chat, Bits and Pieces, and those adorable tea cups on one large cluster. Just love this!

I just love how this page came together in a a short period of time! The new FUN AT THE PARK is sure to help you document those fun filled memories!

Instagram | Blog | YouTube

SUPPLIES

Fun at the Park collection

Sprinkles

Sep 22, 2021

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

Hello there!

Welcome to ALTENEW PAINT-A-FLOWER: AFRICAN DAISY OUTLINE STAMP SET RELEAE BLOG HOP + GIVEAWAY. You are arriving from Michelle Short's blog , a list of all the participants is available at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

The new PAINT-A-FLOWER: AFRICAN DAISY Outline Stamp set is one you will want to add to your collection. The image is detailed, delicate, and easy to color, plus it is the perfect size for any crafting project.

I made a card! I just love the flower design, and wanted to showcase it in a card. I started by stamping the PAF: AFRICAN DAISY to heavy white cardstock, then coloring it with Artist Markers.

I fussy cut the colored PAF image from the cardstock, and started to work on the card panel. My idea was to have a card panel that was not centered instead, I wanted it to sit at an angle on the card front.

Once I had the card panel on the right angle, I used the PAF- AFRICAN DAISY to stamp a few of the outlines with Obsidian ink. Then added the sentiment to the top corner of the card. I am using a bit of foam adhesive to attach the fussy cut -colored image to the center of the card.

I love how this card came together. The new PAINT-A-FLOWER: AFRICAN DAISY is just perfect for all types of paper crafting. Remember you can always receive your PAF as part of a subscription program, Just click here to check more information on Altenew's Subscription plans.

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 09/27/2021 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 09/29/2021.

Good Luck everyone!

Now, it is time to continue checking today's inspiration, your next stop is Virginia Lu's blog. You can always start the hop at Altenew's card blog.. Here is a list of all the participants for your convenience.

Nathalie DeSousa <<< YOU ARE HERE

Thanks for stopping by!

Sep 17, 2021

Altenew Seasonal Textures Stand-alone Embossing Folder Collection Release Blog Hop + Giveaway ($300 in total prizes

Hi there!

Welcome to ALTENEW SEASONAL TEXTURES STAND-ALONE EMBOSSING FOLDER COLLECTION RELEASE BLOG HOP + GIVEAWAY. You are arriving from Emily Midgett's blog. A list of all the participants is available at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

Today, Altenew is releasing a set of Stand-Alone Embossing Folders that are beautiful, versatile, and just so easy to use in your projects, regardless of the style/format of papercrafting you create. Let me show you what I created with some of these goodies.

The new CLASSIC PINECONES 3D SLIMLINE EMBOSSING FOLDER is probably one you will see in my December Documenting ( as it fits my Life Crafted albums nicely). This time, I am using it to create an interactive pocket for one of my daily stories.

All I had to do was apply ink to the embossing folder before running it through the die cutting machine to create the nice color contrast on the page. Then, I created the pocket, and added my story in its place. Just love it!!

The new WINTER FOLIAGE EMBOSSING FOLDER is another one that will be in my desk for the upcoming season! I just love the possibilities of the products. This time, I used the folder to create an insert for my 2018 December Daily( I am yet to complete a few of my albums). I chose a large piece of gold cardstock for the base, then rubbed some gold ink on the embossed image. The last thing was adding the small label to the center of the heart.

Here is what I love the most of this folder, the b side creates the perfect spot for added embellishing!! This time, I was able to add the day number to the concave shape (inside) of the heart. Another winner and addition to my December Daily options!

There are so many designs to choose from, it was so easy to mix and match them in a card. I started with the LINKED OVALS 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER. I simply created an A2 card panel from white cardstock with this folder. The texture is so symmetrical that it looked like patterned paper, which gave me the idea to mix a more detailed image with it!

I used PINK PERFECTION CAMELIA 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER to create a panel from purple cardstock. I trimmed the panel to 4x3in panel, then used a bit of an emery board (nail file) to distress the embossed texture of the panel. I simply glued it on top of the Linked Ovals panel, then added a simple strip die cut element and a few pearls. Love how this turned out!

For my last card, I am using the new FRILLY PEONIES 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER to create the texture in this card front. I used a mini blending brush to apply ink to the flowers and leaves.

All I need to add was a simple strip sentiment die cut and small gems to complete the card! Just love how this turned out!

Well, it seems it is time for the fun part of the hop,GIVEAWAY!

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 09/25/2021.

Good Luck everyone!

Now, let's continue with more inspiration. You are off to visit Jen Colacicco's blog. YOu can always start the hop at Altenew. Here is a list of all the participants for your convenience:

Nathalie DeSousa <<< you are here

Thanks for stopping by!

Sep 12, 2021

Altenew Craft Your Life Project Kit: Hello Beautiful Release Blog Hop + Giveaway ($300 in total prizes)

Hello there!

Welcome to ALTENEW CRAFT YOUR LIFE PROJECT KIT: HELLO BEAUTIFUL RELEASE BLOG HOP + GIVEAWAY. You are arriving from Amanda's blog. A list of all the participants is available at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

This month's new CRAFT YOUR LIFE PROJECT KIT: HELLO BEAUTIFUL is, just like the name suggests, beautiful, versatile, and easy to layer. I just loved how easy it is to work with the coordinating pieces. Let me show you what I have created:

I love the new 3D embossing folder from the new CRAFT YOUR LIFE: HELLO BEAUTIFUL. The small flower branch is perfect for cards, but I always want to stretch my supplies, and used to create the title page of my third Gratitude Journal of this year.

I was careful when embossing the flower on shimmer gold cardstock. I used my large format die cutting machine to get the two edge border. Then rubbed white pigment ink to the raised image, so that details pop from the page.

For my next page, I am using the CRAFT YOUR LIFE PROJECT KIT: HELLO BEAUTIFUL stamp, die and layering stencil to create the flowers for this layout in my Gratitude journal.

I used the florals to frame my photo and journal in the notebook pages. Creating these flowers took no time using the stencil set.

Remember you can always sign up for the Craft Your Life Project Kit Subscription program, and secure the delivery of the new Project kit each month. Just click here for more information.

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 09/18/2021 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 09/20/2021.

Good Luck everyone!

Now, it is time to continue with the inspiration. You are off to visit Erin Thompson's blog. Remember you can always start the hop at Altenew Card blog. Here is a list of today's line up for your convenience:

Nathalie DeSousa <<< YOU ARE HERE