American Crafts Studio Blog

Lots of Photos Guest Designer: Jennifer Larson

I'm excited to introduce our Lots of Photos Guest Designer: Jennifer Larson!

Short bio: I grew up in Maine and have lived in Minnesota since I went to college here. I met my husband at the Mall of America, and we married and made Minnesota home. Since then I've been teaching high school English and been a wife and a tired mother to two very active boys and a dog and cat. Every summer I look forward to gardening, running outdoors, and vacationing in National Parks. I've been a cardmaker since 1999 and a scrapbooker since 2002, published in magazines including Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbook & Cards Today, Scrapbook Trends, and Creating Keepsakes. When it comes to scrapbooking, I love bright colors, lots of photos, and adding fun little details to my pages.

How did you get started scrapbooking? I took a basic scrapbooking class at Archiver's when I was pregnant with my first son. I've been hooked ever since!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? It's a tie between Thickers and Zing embossing powder.

Blog: midwestscrapgarden.blogspot.com

Twitter: @Buffyfanlarson

Pinterest: pinterest.com/buffyfan

Instagram: @buffyfanlarson

LIKE MY DAD by Jennifer Larson

I had several photos I wanted to add to this one page, but they were too big, so I trimmed the individual photos into circles and overlapped them onto the main photo of all three of them together. It made for an interesting way to fit many photos onto one page.

Supplies: Yes, Please, Remember (35925) - Yes Please, Consistent (35931) - My Girl Sweet Sadie (42241) - My Girl, Marvelous Madeline (78069) - Lucky Charms, Doting Dots (35964) - Remarks, Stella (42360) - Yes, Please, Remarks, Organize (42364) - Yes Please, Remarks, Noteworthy (42367)

MY CREATIVE LIFE by Jennifer Larson

I have created several templates with Photoshop Elements that fit a small print (or two) on a 4x6 print. When I want to put lots of photos on a page, I use them to size my photos before I print them: in this case, 3x3 photos.

Supplies: My Girl, Sunny Savannah (35910) - Yes Please, Reflect (35938) - My Girl, Splendid Sophie (35909) - Delights, Hula Hoop (85619) - Yes Please, Remarks, Noteworthy (42367) - Thickers, Kitten, Parfait (53449) - Lucky Charm, Adhesive backed Flowers (85651) - Lucky Charm, Darling Dots (35964) - Thickers, Wish, Robin's Egg (53457) - Yes Please, Details, Simplify (85628)

ART AFTERNOON by Jennifer Larson

For a two-page layout that has lots of photos, I like to make one page all photos and the other page with fewer photos, on this page, one 5x7 print. I used my wallet-sized photo template for these prints.

Supplies: Yes Please, Details, Simplify (85628) - Thickers, Kitten, Parfait (53449) - Thickers, Wish, Robin's Egg (53457) - Yes Please, Remarks, Noteworthy (42367) - Lucky Charm, Dream Catcher (35980) - Lucky Charm, Float Away (35965) - Yes Please, Remarks, Organize (42364) - Yes Please, Roller Stamp (59175)

BLINDED WITH SCIENCE by Jennifer Larson

When I put a lot of photos on a layout, 12 here, I find that I don't need a lot of embellishments, especially when the background is so colorful and striking like it is with these papers. The Lucky Charm paper Doting Dots was perfect for journaling; I trimmed them and tucked them behind the circles photo mat, the perfect final touch!

Supplies: My Girl, Tender Tessa (35912) - Charming Caroline (35907) - Yes Please, Consistent (35931) - Lucky Charm, Starlight (35645) - Lucky Charm, Wishing Well (35961) - Lucky Charm, Doting Dots (35964) - Thickers, Kitten, Parfait (53449) - Thickers, Wish, Robin's Egg (53457)

ALL THE BOOKS by Jennifer Larson

This was another photo template page - a 5x7 photo with 6 photos. I cut it apart and tilted the photos to fit the whimsy of the colors and products on the page.

Supplies: My Girl, Silly Sarah (35915) - Dear Lizzy, Doting Dots (35964) - My Girl, Beautiful Bella (35908) - Yes Please, Noteworthy Remarks (42367) - Lucky Charm, Clips (85662) - My Girl, Sweet Sadie (42241) - Thickers, Wish, Robin's Egg (53457)

Thanks for all of your amazing work Jennifer - we love them all!

Flower Week Guest Designer: Tonya Dirk

The amazingly talented Guest Designer for Flower Week is Tonya Dirk!

Short bio: I am a SAHM of four, ages 7-14. Married to my high school sweetheart for what will be 20 years this summer. We live in the great city of Portland, Oregon. We also spend a lot of time in central Oregon where we do quite a bit of hiking and boating. Prior to my current "job" I was a registered nurse for 13 years. My other two passions are watercolor painting and tennis.

How did you get started scrapbooking? I was on a lunch break at work and someone had left a Creating Keepsakes magazine in the break room. I devoured from front to back and was immediately hooked. Finding the whole online world of scrapbooking is then what really sealed the deal for me!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? My current fave is the Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm collection. I found it super easy to work with and I was immediately drawn to the colors.

Blog: creativit-tonya.blogspot.com

Pinterest: pinterest.com/tonyadirk

Instagram: @TonyaDirk

BLOOM by Tonya Dirk

I love rolling paper just a little bit to expose the backside of double-sided paper, just as I did on these flower stems.

Supplies: Precious Penny Paper (35904)-My Girl, Adorable Abby Paper (35911)-My Girl, Heart  Paper (35940)-Yes Please, Charming Caroline Paper (35907)-My Girl, Sugar Matte Puffy Accents(42362)-Remarks, Treasure Glitter Chipboard Letter Stickers Thickers ((42386)-Dear Lizzy 

TODAY YOU SHINED by Tonya Dirk

If you have an electronic die cut machine use it to design a layout. I designed this layout using the shape tool, line tool, eraser tool, and a flower shape; made it all come together quickly!

Supplies: Little Trinket Paper (35983)-Lucky Charm, Share Paper (35930)-Yes Please, Priority Paper (35941)-Yes Please,  Sugar Matte Puffy Accents(42362)-Remarks, Adhesive Backed Flowers (85651)-Dear Lizzy, Bundle Paper (35927)- Yes Please, Opportunity Dimensional Embellishments (85625)-Details, Dreamcatcher Paper (35980)-Lucky Charm, Dream Mini Marks Rub-Ons (42369)-Yes Please, Brown Sugar Glitter Tape (96038)

TREASURE THESE MOMENTS by Tonya Dirk

Using circles on layouts has long been a favorite of mine. They can have such great visual impact.

Supplies: Novelty Paper (35974)-Lucky Charm, Sunny Day Paper (35977)-Lucky Charm, Blue Skies Paper (35979)- Lucky Charm, Lucky Coin Paper (35978)- Lucky Charm, Dreamcatcher Paper (35980)-Lucky Charm, Opportunity Dimensional Embellishments ((85625)-Details, Adhesive Backed Flowers (85651)-Dear Lizzy, Treasure Glitter Chipboard Letter Stickers Thickers ((42386)-Dear Lizzy

HELLO THERE CARD by Tonya Dirk 

The background of this card all came from one sheet of paper. I used both sides for the larger panels and the decorative cut off strip on the bottom for the arrow strip.

Supplies: Bits, Cardstock Die Cuts (85626)-Yes Please, Hopeful Paper (35946)-Yes Please, Sugar Matte Puffy Accents (42362)-Remarks

DECORATED CAN by Tonya Dirk

One of my favorite quick and easy gifts are decorated tin cans. Just cover them with paper, embellish with some paper flowers and fill up with some color coordinated candy!

Supplies: Sunny Day Paper (35977)-Lucky Charm, Rainbows Paper (35972)-Lucky Charm, Lucky Coin Paper (35978)-Lucky Charm, Treasure Glitter Chipboard Letter Stickers Thickers ((42386)-Dear Lizzy, Giggles Screen Printed Clothespins ((85664)-Whittles

Thanks for all your gorgeous work Tonya!

Moms Week Guest Designer: Mandy Koeppen

Our fabulous Guest Designer for Moms Week is former American Crafts Design Team Member, Mandy Koeppen!

Short bio: Mandy Koeppen is a 30 something mom of 3 who juggles many job titles in her everyday life from chauffeuring family accountant to zoo-keeping therapist. She lives a small town, country girl life in Michigan with her Mr. K, raising their three children Teagan, Mavrick, and Avery. When she has time, Mandy loves to get creative with paper, browse her local antique shops, raise autism awareness for sweet Mav, and have fun with family & friends. Mandy’s work has been published in Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbook Trends, Scrapbooks Etc, and Somerset Memories. Mandy currently designs for October Afternoon, Cocoa Daisy, and the Stringery.

How did you get started scrapbooking? I was given a pad of 12x12 paper at my first child's baby shower. I made a little mini album filled with Teagan's first photos and that was it. I picked scrapbooking up again after Mav was born but with two children under two I was way too busy so I gave it up again. Then in 2006 within months of Avery's birth Mav was diagnosed with Autism and I needed something for me, something to get those emotions out and be able to deal with all the things I was going through - a sort of therapy without having to go lay on some couch to talk to a total stranger. So I turned to scrapbooking again, this time a whole new spark was lit in me. Since then I have had this passion for documenting our lives and stories in this fun and creative way called scrapbooking!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? I love the Tags and Thickers (especially the Lullaby font).

Blog: mandykoeppen.blogspot.com

Twitter: @mandykoeppen

Instagram: @MandyKoeppen

Pinterest: pinterest.com/mandykoeppen 

#BOXERMOM by Mandy Koeppen

When most see the Mom theme they think you have to scrapbook the 2 legged kids but I took it a different route this time to scrap these photos of our Boxer twins and the story behind my instagram hashtag #boxermomma.

Supplies: This & That Paper (35960)-Lucky Charm, Pretty Painterly Paper (35973)-Lucky Charm, Perfect Paper(35932)-Yes Please, Consistent Paper (35931) -Yes Please, Stargazer Paper(35982)-Lucky Charm, Muse Woodgrain (53343)-Thickers, Mixed Buttons (85630)-Elements, Die Cuts(85655)-Bits, Cardstock Tags(85656)-Bits, Rub-on Transfers(42395)-Lucky Charm, Trinket(42391)-Thickers, Phrases & Icons(59162)-Roller Stamp

HELLO CARD by Mandy Koeppen

I used my leftover scraps to create this card. Lots of layers and love!

Supplies: Float Away Paper(35965)-Lucky Charm,This & That Paper (35960)-Lucky Charm, Pretty Painterly Paper (35973)-Lucky Charm, Perfect Paper(35932)-Yes Please, Consistent Paper (35931) -Yes Please, Stargazer Paper(35982)-Lucky Charm,Trinket(42391)-Thickers

REMEMBER TODAY IT WON'T LAST FOREVER by Mandy Koeppen

The journaling on this layout is all about the sometimes craziness of being a momma of 3. At times I have to stop and remind myself that this isn't going to last forever, someday they'll be grown up, and I'll miss all those things that tend to drive me crazy now.

Supplies: Perfect Paper(35932)-Yes Please, This & That Paper (35960)-Lucky Charm, Float Away Paper(35965)-Lucky Charm, Rub-on Transfers(42395)-Lucky Charm,Trinket(42391)-Thickers, Die Cuts(85655)-Bits, Screen Printed Clothespins(85662)-Lucky Charm, Kensie Robin's Egg(73218)-Thickers

MOM'S GONNA SNAP FRAMED ART by Mandy Koeppen

I giggle every time I see this saying pop up online so I thought it would be cool to use that camera die cut and Thickers for this piece. Simple and quick.

Supplies: Wishbone Paper(35969)-Yes Please, Cardstock Diecuts(85626)-Bits, Sketchbook Black(331343)-Thickers 

YOU MAKE MOMS HEART SING by Mandy Koeppen

I love big photos and the Lucky Charm line made this picture pop.

Supplies: Stargazer Paper(35982)-Lucky Charm, Pretty Painterly Paper (35973)-Lucky Charm,This & That Paper (35960)-Lucky Charm, Noteworthy Paper (35963)-Lucky Charm, Float Away Paper(35965)-Lucky Charm, Trinket(42391)-Thickers,Muse Woodgrain (53343)-Thickers,Cardstock Tags(85656)-Bits, Flag and Label Stickers(42393)-Lucky Charm

Thanks for all of your gorgeous work Mandy!

Stamping Week Guest Designer: Evgenia Petzer

Our talented stamping Guest Designer is Evgenia Petzer!

Short bio: My name is Evgenia Petzer, I am 28 years old and we live in South Africa, but I am from Russia initially. We moved to South Africa (which is a native country of my husband) about 2.5 years ago and I love it here so much. I have a son that is 4 years old. We are very lucky to live in our own house with a little Yorkie and a ginger cat. My layouts are mostly about my son, while my cards are mainly more feminine. Usually I make cards, but sometimes I just feel like making a layout or altering something. Almost everything that I create is using soft pastel colors, lots of layers, and elements. So I would call my style shabby-girly detailed :) I am lucky enough to design for some great brands and I am always grateful for those opportunities. Scrapbooking is definitely something bigger than a hobby for me, it's a large part of my life. My mom runs a Russian internet scrapshop and I do all the purchases for her. I just started giving retreats here in South Africa. I also give classes in the largest local scrap shop in my city.

How did you get started scrapbooking? When I was pregnant with my son I was browsing one of Russina maternity forums and saw a little thread on the forum dedicatd to scrapbooking. Two nights I was reading and the the third day I was already ordering some scrap stuff and I've been hooked since that!

LOVE YOU MORE CARD by Evgenia Petzer

Supplies: Remember Paper (35925) - Yes, Please, Truth Paper (35944) - Yes, Please, Hopeful Paper (35946) - Yes, Please, Sentiment Paper (35928) - Yes,Please,  Aadhesive Badges (85658) - Flair, Brads and Buttons Party Day (683135) - Elements, Hula Hoop Fair Ribbons (85619) - Details, Acrylic Stamps (59163) - Clear Stamps, Accent and Phrase Stickers (85657) - Remarks, Acrylic Stamps (59178) - Clear Stamps

HELLO, FRIEND CARD by Evgenia Petzer

Supplies: Brads and Buttons Party Day (683135) - Elements, Hey There (59224) - Clear Stamps, Acrylic Stamps (59178) - Clear Stamps, Standouts (683128) - Remarks, Happy Paper (680153) - Party Day, Birthday (680154) - Party Day, Favors (680158) - Party Day, Celebrate (680160) - Party Day

GOOD TIMES CARD by Evgenia Petzer

Supplies: Reflect Paper (35938) -Yes, Please, Currently Paper (35924) - Yes, Please, Dreamy Paper (35947) - Yes, Please, Share Paper (35930) - Yes, Please, Adhesive Badges (85658) - Flair, Aspire (59172) - Clear Stamps, Stickers (42368) - Remarks, Acrylic Stamps (59163) - Clear Stamps, Accent and Phrase Stickers (85657) - Remarks

LOVE YOU CARD by Evgenia Petzer

Supplies: Truth Paper (35944) - Yes, please, Hopeful Paper (35946) - Yes, Please, Dreamy Paper (35947) - Yes, Please, Hula Hoop Fair Ribbons (85619) - Details, Stickers (42368) - Remarks, Hey There (59224) - Clear Stamps, Acrylic Stamps (59163) - Clear Stamps, Accent and Phrase Stickers (85657) - Remarks, Acrylic Stamps (59178) - Clear Stamps

HELLO, FRIEND CARD by Evgenia Petzer

Supplies: Dreamy Paper (35947) - Yes, Please, Hopeful Paper (35946) - Yes, Please, Adhesive Badges (85658) - Flair, Brads and buttons Party Day (683135) - Elements, Hey There (59224) - Clear Stamps, Acrylic Stamps (85653) - Clear Stamps, Acrylic Stamps (59178) - Clear Stamps, Standouts (68128)- Remarks

Make sure to visit Evgenia's blog and see what inspires her on Pinterest! 

Stitching Guest Designer: Ashley Horton

Our Stitching Week Guest Designer is Ashley Horton!

Short bio: I have been married to my husband Tyler for 14 years (this June) and we have two little girls and one little boy, ages 7, 5, and 3. I started Scrapbooking 7 years ago and I love creating pages about our everyday lives and the big events that happen throughout the year. I really love the creative process of choosing photos and then finding just the right title, papers, and embellishments to tell the story behind the photos. I have had the privilege of serving on several Design Teams over the last couple of years and I have been published in Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbook News & Review, and ScrapStreet Magazine. When I am not spending time with my family or creating, I also enjoy reading, cooking, and watching movies.

How did you get started scrapbooking? I was introduced to scrapbooking through a friend who invited me to attend a Creative Memories Crop. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but once I found out about all of the pretty paper and embellishments that were out there, I was immediately hooked!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? It is definitely a close race between all of the patterned papers and Thickers. Both of them are definitely must haves!

SUGAR & SPICE by Ashley Horton

Negatives are a great way to add a fun and interesting look to your pages/projects. Once you have your negative shapes cut, have fun "decorating" them with stitching and a mix of embellishments.

Supplies: Lucky You Paper (35967) - Lucky Charm, Charming Caroline Paper (35907) - My Girl, Float Away Paper (35965) Lucky Charm, Pretty Poppies Paper (35966) - Lucky Charm, Commitment Paper (35937) - Yes Please, Inspire Embroidery Stencil Kit (63069) - Yes Please, Bright Bauble Paper (35970) - Lucky Charm, Skit Ribbon Bows (85618) - Details, Soda Pop Fabric Stickers (42361) - Remarks, Swing Embellishments (85618)- Details, Sentiment Clothespins (85663) - Whittles, Boardwalk (53364) - Thickers, Remember Paper (35925) - Yes Please

THINKING OF YOU CARD by Ashley Horton

Try using multiple colors of embroidery floss when stitching over a large area. It adds a little bit of fun and whimsy to your project.

Supplies: Reflect Paper (35938) - Yes Please, Capture Embroidery Stencil Kit (63070) - Yes Please, Hello Paper (35942) - Yes Please, Clothespin (85663) - Whittles, Swing Layered Embellishments (85618) - Details

SEA SIDE VIEW by Ashley Horton

Find fun ways to use "found" items on your layouts. I used coffee stirring sticks on this layout to create the lolli pop embellishments.

Supplies: Starlight Paper (35981) - Lucky Charm, Printed Chipboard Shapes (85655) - Lucky Charm, Understand Paper (35939) - Yes Please, Pretty Poppies Paper (35966) - Lucky Charm, Float Away Paper (35965) - Lucky Charm, Charming Caroline Paper (35907) - My Girl, Hopeful Paper (35946) - Yes Please, Screen Printed Clothespins (85662) - Dear Lizzy, Opportunity (85625) - Details, Boardwalk (53361) - Thickers, Rub On Transfer Sheet (42395) - Dear Lizzy, Collector Paper (35975) - Lucky Charm, Inspire Embroidery Stencil Kit (63069) - Yes Please

GIFT BAGS by Ashley Horton

Create a confetti window by punching or cutting a circle in your gift bag with a die cut machine. Use a punch to create your confetti and place it in a clear plastic bag used for packaging and then tape it behind your open circle.

Supplies: Precious Penny Paper (35904) - My Girl, Currently Paper (35924) - Yes Please, Capture Embroidery Stencil Kit (63870) - Yes Please, Inspire Embroidery Stencil Kit (63069) - Yes Please, Details Swing (85618) - Yes Please, Splendid Sophie Paper (35909) - My Girl, Reflect Paper (35938) - Yes Please

PRETTY IN PINK by Ashley Horton

Use stitching to create a unique background for your layout. I repeated the flower from the Amy Tangerine Stitching Templates to create a themed paper to go along with my photo.

Supplies: Cute Chloe Paper (35905) - My Girl, Fulfill Paper (35936) - Yes Please, Heart Paper (35940) - Yes Please, Opportunity (85625) - Details, 6x6 Paper Pad (35990) - Lucky Charm, Commit Paper (35929) - Yes Please, Flair Adhesive Badge (85624) - Yes Please, Capture Embroidery Stencil Kit (63070) - Yes Please, Inspire Embroidery Stencil Kit (63069) - Yes Please, Rub On Transfer Sheets (42395) - Dear Lizzy

Stop by Ashley's blog and follow her on Twitter (@ashleymh1675), Pinterest, and Instagram (@ashleyhorton75)!

White Space Guest Designer: Maile Belles

I'm excited to introduct the White Space Guest Designer: Maile Belles!

Short bio: I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for 11 years. The two of us are blessed with an adorable son, who delights and challenges us every day. We live in sunny California, in a small mountain town that both my hubby and I grew up in. As a family we love to enjoy the outdoors; either by taking off-roading excursions in our family Jeep, by hitting the trails on our dirt bikes, camping, or hiking.

How did you get started scrapbooking? I am a cardmaker/stamper at heart and even though I very rarely scrapbook these days, I did get my start as one. After the birth of my now almost 6 year old son, I felt I needed something to occupy my time during naps. So I started scrapbooking, which quickly turned into a card making passion. I love the fact that creating a card is sort of like instant gratification.

What is your favorite American Crafts product? Any and all of their reletively flat elements... be it stickers, die cuts, chipboard, or fabric. The're just so much fun to layer in my own way, which adds an eye catching dimension to my projects. And even though I didn't end up using any on my projects today... glitter tape!

FAVORITE CARD by Maile Belles

Tip: Switch things up by incorporating your elements at an angle. Yet keep things nice and tidy by closely placing your pieces together like a puzzle.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Ready Set Go Accent & Phrase Stickers (42252) - Remarks, 3D Foam Dots (61709) - This to That

HELLO CARD by Maile Belles

Tip: Group images along one edge to create well balanced white space. For a clean edge, partially tuck elements under a raised cardstock panel.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Charmed Paper (35780) - Ready Set Go, Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85589) - Bits, Acrylic Stamps (59224) - Stamps, 3D Foam Dots (61709) - This to That

HELLO THERE CARD by Maile Belles

Tip: White space doesn't have to be white. Here's a prime example of incorporating white space into a project using colored paper. These grouped elements become the focus on this kraft colored card base.

Supplies: Kraft (71464) - Cardstock, Ready Set Go Die Cut Cardstock Shapes (85589) - Bits, Ready Set Go, Accent & Phrase Stickers (42252) - Remarks, Ready Set Go Fabric Stickers (42256) - Remarks, Ready Set Go Dimensional Embellishments (85591) - Details, 3D Foam Dots (61709) - This to That

HELLO TODAY CARD by Maile Belles

Tip: Add an unexpected detail by extending your elements slightly over the edge of a card base.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, 5th & Frolic Printed Chipboard Shapes (85601) - Bits, 5th & Frolic, Brads (85597) - Elements, 3D Foam Dots (61709) - This to That

I LOVE U CARD by Maile Belles

Tip: Divide the white space with a creative strip of elements across a card front.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, 5th & Frolic Accent & Phrase Stickers (42266) - Remarks, Dear Glitter Foam (53443) - Thickers, 3D Foam Dots (61709) - This to That

Great examples of white space cards! Visit Maile's blog, follow her on Twitter (@MKBelles) and Instagram (@mkbelles), and check out her Pinterest boards!

My Girl Guest Designer: Jennifer Chapin

The My Girl Guest Designer is the talented Jennifer Chapin!

Short bio: Hi! My name is Jennifer Chapin, and I am over the moon excited about the opportunity to guest for American Crafts! I am 29 years old; my husband Adam and I live in Eastern Iowa with our 2 children - Keira (3) and Connor (6 months). During the week I work as a nurse but after the kids are in bed you will probably find me scrapping. I have been scrapbooking since 2006 and have been fortunate to work with a lot of great companies and meet some awesome friends.

How did you get started scrapbooking? I was introduced to paper crafting through a stamping party. I wanted to create thank you notes for my wedding. After I found my local scrapbooking store, it was all over!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? Thickers! That is a given. I have collected over 100 packages through the years :)

VINTAGE LOVE by Jennifer Chapin

Sometimes it’s fun to scrap a page about one of your hobbies or passions – even if there are no people in the photos. It will give generations to come a more personal look at your life.

Supplies: Loveable Lily Paper (35906) – My Girl, Precious Penny Paper (35904) – My Girl, Beautiful Bella Paper (35908) – My Girl, Caroline Paper (35907) – My Girl, Tender Tessa Paper (35912) – My Girl, Remarks Stickers (42363) – My Girl, Details Dimensional (85618) – Swing, Adhesive Ribbon Bows (85621) – Details, Fabric Yo-Yo Paper Clips (85622) – Details, Wood Veneer Tags (85620) – Bits, Fair Ribbons (85619) – Delights, Kitten Black (53448) – Thickers, Fabric Yo-Yo Paper Clips (85622) – Details, Clothes Pins (85664) – Whittles, Layered Tags (85617) – Bits, Soda Pop Fabric Stickers (42361) – Remarks

LOVE YOU CARD by Jennifer Chapin

When creating cards, I love making bold sentiments using Thickers. I added a few elements – butterflies, stars and a flower to finish off this card.

Supplies: Honey (710730) – Cardstock, Tender Tessa Paper (35912) – My Girl, Precious Penny Paper (35904) – My Girl, Remarks Stickers (42363) – My Girl, Remarks Puffy Stickers (42362) – My Girl, Details Dimensional (85618) – Swing, Kitten Black (53448) – Thickers

HELLO BEAUTIFUL GIRL PRINTER'S TRAY by Jennifer Chapin

I started out with a plain white printer’s tray and used the My Girl line to embellish it for my daughter’s room. All of the dimensional elements made this a fairly quick project!

Supplies: Precious Penny Paper (35904) – My Girl, Cute Chloe Paper (35905) – My Girl, Charming Caroline Paper (35907) – My Girl, Sunny Savannah Paper (35910) – My Girl, Adorable Abby Paper (35911) – My Girl, Sweet Sadie Paper (35913) – My Girl, Marvelous Madeline Paper (35914) – My Girl, Silly Sarah Paper (35915) – My Girl, Remarks Puffy Stickers (42362) – My Girl, Remarks Stickers (42363) – My Girl, Details Dimensional (85618) – Swing, Adhesive Ribbon Bows (85621) – Details, Fabric Yo-Yo Paper Clips (85622) – Details, Wood Veneer Tags (85620) – Bits, Fair Ribbons (85619) – Delights

PROJECT LIFE SPREAD by Jennifer Chapin

The My Girl collection was perfect for this week of my project life album. We had Valentine’s Day as well as a weekend getaway and the colors worked really well!

Supplies: Beautiful Bella Paper (35908) – My Girl, Precious Penny Paper (35904) – My Girl, Cute Chloe Paper (35905) – My Girl, Charming Caroline Paper (35907) – My Girl, Sunny Savannah Paper (35910) – My Girl, Adorable Abby Paper (35911) – My Girl, Sweet Sadie Paper (35913) – My Girl, Marvelous Madeline Paper (35914) – My Girl, Silly Sarah Paper (35915) – My Girl, Remarks Puffy Stickers (42362) – My Girl, Remarks Stickers (42363) – My Girl, Kitten/Pool Foil (53451) – Thickers, Kitten Parfait (53449) – Thickers, Kitten Black (53448) – Thickers, Soda Pop Fabric Stickers (42361) – Remarks, Noteworthy Phrases & Icons (59170) – Clear Stamps

MOVIE NIGHT by Jennifer Chapin

I recently had these Instagram photos printed of my daughter and her friend watching a movie. The My Girl collection was perfect for this page and I even got messy with a bit of mist on my background.

Supplies: Nickel (710720) – Cardstock, Bubbles (710722) – Cardstock, Shrimp (710725) – Cardstock, Silly Sarah Paper (35915) – My Girl, Charming Caroline Paper (35907) – My Girl, Marvelous Madeline Paper (35914) – My Girl, Endearing Ella (35916) – Crepe Ruffle, Fair Ribbons (85619) – Delights, Kitten/Black (53448) – Thickers, Fabric Yo-Yo Paper Clips (85622) – Details, Soda Pop Fabric Stickers (42361) – Remarks, Sugar Mini Icons & Phrases (42362) – Remarks, Swing Dimensional Stickers (85618) – Details, Noteworthy Phrases & Icons (59170) – Clear Stamps

Make sure to stop by Jennifer's blog, follow her on Twitter (@chapinjen) and Instagram (@jenchapin), then visit her Pinterest boards!

Yes, Please Guest Designer: Laurie LaRiviere

I'm excited to introduce our Yes, Please Guest Designer: Laurie LaRiviere!

Short bio: I am a wife and mother to three children, Ben age 15, Analise age 13 and Zachary age 5. I have been scrapbooking and card making for about 14 years now. 

How did you get started scrapbooking? I was invited to a Stampin' Up! party when my oldest son was a year old. I had no idea that you could make your own cards, I just went to the party to get out of the house! By the end of the night, I had purchased some stamps, made a few cards, and was at our local Michaels store the next day buying more stuff. That's when I noticed all the product available for scrapbooking. Since I love to take photos, it seemed like a natural fit for me to be creating something beautiful with photos and I have been scrapping and card making ever since. The best part of this hobby are the friends that I have made online - the ladies who get it and love this art form as much as I do.

What is your favorite American Crafts product? I would have to say my favorite American Crafts products are the Thickers and the paper, always such fun patterns and bright colors, just what I love! 

A by Laurie LaRiviere

The little clothespins inspired the idea for this layout, I wanted the tags to look like they were hanging on a wall. I love how the mix of products go so well with the outfit my daughter is wearing in the photo.

Supplies: Play Paper (35926) - Yes, Please, Hello Paper (35942) - Yes, Please, Reflect Paper (35938) - Yes, Please, Sentiment Paper (35928) - Yes, Please, Goodness Woodgrain (53458) - Thickers, Yes, Please Ribbon (58869) - Ribbon, Discover (42366) - Remarks, Understand Paper (35939) - Yes, Please, Please Pow! Glitter Paper (35951) - Yes, Please, Clothespins (85663) Whittles, Hopeful Paper (35946) - Yes, Please, Commit Paper (35929) - Yes, Please, Dream Rub Ons (42369) - Remarks, Other: Mr Hueyes Calico, Bluegrass, Buttercup, and Piglet

ALTERED FRAME by Laurie LaRiviere

The corrugated paper gave my frame nice texture and the ribbon gave it some shine. I created the flower using my Cricut and put the "13" right in the center. I kept it simple to make sure the photo was the main focal point.

Supplies: Details Corrugated Paper (35950) - Yes, Please, Yes, Please Ribbon (58869) - Ribbon, Commit Paper (35929) - Yes, Please, Foam Tabs (61710) - This to That, Sincere Ash (53454) - Thickers, Personal (85630) - Elements, Sentiment Paper (35928) - Yes, Please

HELLO CARD by Laurie LaRiviere

I love all the dimension and texture on this card, the sparkle, wood buttons, the shiny Flair badge, and the corrugated paper. I created this flower with my Cricut and the leaves are hand cut.

Supplies: Life (42365) - Remarks, Heart Paper (35940) - Yes, Please, Buttons (85630) - Elements, Embrace (85624) - Flair, Glimmers Paper (35945) - Yes, Please, Details Corrugated Paper (35950) - Yes, Please, Understand Paper (35939) - Yes, Please, Fulfill Paper (35936) - Yes, Please

13 by Laurie LaRiviere

I love this photo of my daughter on her 13th birthday. I did a block design to highlight all the little things about her that she loves, flowers, taking photos, and her happy fun personality.

Supplies: Bundle Paper (35927) - Yes, Please, Create (85626) - Bits, Hopeful Paper (35946) - Yes, Please, Hello Paper (35942) - Yes, Please, Truth Paper (35944) - Yes, Please, Play Paper (35926) - Yes, Please, Currently Paper (35924) - Yes, Please, Aspire (59172) - Stamps, White (27124) - Zing!, Share Paper (35930) - Yes, Please, Understand Paper (35939) - Yes, Please, Simplify (85628) - Details, Confident Paper (35933) - Yes, Please,Genuine (42368) - Remarks, Personal (85630) - Elements, Wish Black (53455) - Thickers, Authentic (59175)  - Stamps, Foam Tabs (61710) - This to That

A&Z by Laurie LaRiviere

I used a slightly larger photo of my daughter and her little brother Zachary because I love this photo so much. I really love the glitter paper and the contrast with the soft ribbon, the sewing and the flower accents are perfect, and it makes for a lot of fun texture on this page.

Supplies: Dreamy Paper (35947) - Yes, Please, Play Paper (35926) - Yes, Please, Glimmers Paper (35945) - Yes, Please, Enjoy Pow! Glitter Paper (35951) - Yes, Please, Yes, Please Ribbon (58869) - Ribbon, Create (85626) - Bits, Discover (42366) - Remarks, Goodness Woodgrain (53459) - Thickers, Embrace (85624) - Flair, Foam Tabs (61710) - This to That

Make sure to stop by Laurie's blog and visit her Pinterest pages to see more of her incredible creations and what inspires her!

XOXO Guest Designer: Sarah Hill

Our XOXO Guest Designer is the talented Sarah Hill!

Short bio: Hello! I'm Sarah Hill and have been scrapbooking for about 12 years. My craftiness started when I decorated my notebooks in high school with magazine cutouts. I then went to a local craft store to make an entire sketchbook with magazine cutouts and pictures of me and my friend. I had no idea how that one trip would spiral me into the depths of the scrapbook industry! In the past two years I have started my own kit club The Paper Bakery, been published many times, been on many design teams, and I just keep learning more and more! I am getting more into projects and mixed media nowadays. I just love how the scrapbook industry keeps evolving with more fun goodies to play with!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? That is easy... THICKERS! I am a Thickers nut! And I love how American Crafts keeps developing new and fun designs.

I LIKE YOU, A LOT. CARD by Sarah Hill

Tip: Sewing on your cards gives them fun texture with the paper.

Supplies: Rouge (71024) - Cardstock, Love Note Paper (35898) - XOXO, Love is in the Air Paper (35900) - XOXO, Accents & Phrases Stickers (42358) - Remarks, Kiss Me Shapes (85616) - Bits, This to That (61709) - Foam Adhesive

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE. by Sarah Hill

Tip: Give your layout a large title next to the picture for a fun focal point.

Supplies: Sweetie Pie Paper (35891) - XOXO, Rouge (71024) - Cardstock, Kiss Me Shapes (85616) - Bits, Accents & Phrases Stickers (42358) - Remarks, Transparent Letter Stickers (42359) - Remarks, Dear Black (53442) - Thickers

OUR LOVE NOTES PROJECT BOOK by Sarah Hill

Tip: Altering cheap notebooks (I found this one for $1) gives you a fun way to express yourself and keep it with you every day!

Supplies: Funny Valentine Paper (35899) - XOXO, Kiss Me Shapes (85616) - Bits, This to That (61709) - Foam Adhesive, Accents & Phrases Stickers (42358) - Remarks, Transparent Letter Stickers (42359) - Remarks, Dear Robin's Egg (53443) - Thickers, Dear Black (53442) - Thickers

LOVE U by Sarah Hill

Tip: Try printing out smaller photos to put more photos on your layout while still keeping the white space.

Supplies: All My Heart Paper (35889) - XOXO, White (71081) - Cardstock, Love is in the Air Paper (35900)  -XOXO, Accents & Phrases Stickers (42358) - Remarks, Kiss Me Shapes (85616) - Bits, Dear Black (53442) - Thickers

 

OPERATION DECKHAND by Sarah Hill

Tip: Have fun with stamps and stamp right on your layout!

Supplies: Aqua (71058) - Cardstock, Hugs & Kisses Paper (35894) - XOXO, Adore Paper (35897) - XOXO, Kiss Paper (35896) - XOXO, Kiss Me Shapes (85616) - Bits, Accents & Phrases Stickers (42358) - Remarks, Dear Robin's Egg (53443) - Thickers, Transparent Letter Stickers (42359) - Remarks, Valentine (85614) - Clear Stamps

Visit Sarah's blog, her kit club, and Pinterest to see more of her lovely creations and what she finds inspiring!

And, BONUS, leave a comment on this post by Friday February 15th 2013 for yet another TWO chances to win an XOXO prize pack worth over $45!

PS - come back bright and early tomorrow morning for an American Crafts Design Team Valentine's Day Blog Hop!

Inspired by Ads Guest Designer: Tegan Skwiat

Our Inspired by Ads Guest Designer is none other than Tegan Skwiat!

Short bio: Hi! My name is Tegan Skwiat and I absolutely love scrapbooking and paper crafting. I can't imagine life without it now really! I live in Northwest Indiana with my sweet hubby and two fur kids. I enjoy creating everything from layouts, to mini albums, to cards, to altered projects, and beyond! When I am not scrapbooking, I enjoy searching for vintage treasures at antique stores and watching football with my husband. One of my favorite scrappy techniques right now is using embroidery floss on my projects. I have also been known to buy a collection first and THEN take the pictures to go with it. And I may have suggested for photos that my hubby wear a shirt that matches my scrapbook paper once or twice :)

How did you get started scrapbooking? About 12 years ago, my younger sister suggested that she and I try this thing called "scrapbooking" that her friend's mom was doing. She said it looked like fun and we might like it. We bought some things here and there for a few years, but we really got into it once we started going to scrapbook conventions about 6 years ago. Now I can't imagine life without scrapbooking! Who would have known what a huge part of my life this hobby would become?!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? Thickers - they add the perfect finishing touch. A girl can never have too many Thickers! ;)

SO HAPPY YOU'RE IN MY LIFE by Tegan Skwiat

I love the clean lines in this ad and wanted to use the block effect. Also notice that I used the twine to finish the border of my main page element.

Supplies: Globetrotter Paper (35772) - Ready Set Go, Lunch Break Paper (35771) - Ready Set Go, Around Town Paper (35767) - Ready Set Go, Get Cozy Paper (35774) - Ready Set Go, Dress Code Paper (35784) - Ready Set Go, Charmed Paper (35780) - Ready Set Go, Fabric Stickers (42256) - Ready Set Go Remarks, Dimensional Embellishments (85591) - Ready Set Go Details, Stamps (59224) - Ready Set Go, Paper Leaves (85592) - Ready Set Go House, Premium Ribbon (89429) - Soho Garden, Stickers (42358) - XOXO Remarks, Decorative Tags (85599) - 5th & Frolic Bits

I HEART YOU CARD by Tegan Skwiat

I love the repetition in this ad and so I decided to cut out a number of hearts using my Silhouette Cameo. Notice that the very middle heart says "heart"! I really wasn't trying to cut out any words at all. But what a fabulous surprise when I noticed that "heart" was perfectly readable!

Supplies: 6x6 Pad (35901) - XOXO, Fox White (53415) - Thickers, Stickers (42358) - XOXO

 

SIMPLE THINGS by Tegan Skwiat

 

On this layout, I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the circular rainbow element on my page. I cut a number of circles, increasing the diameter by 2 inches for each new color.

Supplies: Gramercy Park Paper (35829) - Soho Garden, Park Avenue Paper (35834) - Soho Garden, Tribeca Paper (35836) - Soho Garden, Canal Street Paper (35837) - Soho Garden, West Broadway Paper (35839) - Soho Garden, Good Morning Paper (35764) - Ready Set Go, Around Town Paper (35767) - Ready Set Go, Me & You Paper (35895) - XOXO, Funny Valentine Paper (35899) - XOXO, Decorative Layered Tags (85607) - Soho Garden, Layered Embellishments (85606) - Details, Premium Ribbon (89429) - Soho Garden, Boho Gold (53422) - Thickers, Fabric Stickers (42256) - Remarks, Flair (85590) - Ready Set Go, Dimensional Embellishments (85591) - Ready Set Go Details, Letter Stickers (42267) - Dear Lizzy, Gold Fox (53415) - Thickers

HUGS & KISSES by Tegan Skwiat

This ad reminded me of Tic Tac Toe and what better way to celebrate the upcoming Valentine's Day than with X's and O's (kisses and hugs)?!

Supplies: Kiss Paper (85396) - XOXO, Love Note Paper (35898) - XOXO, All My Heart Paper (35889) - XOXO, Hugs & Kisses Paper (35894) - XOXO, Dear Begonia (53444) - Thickers, Die Cut Shapes (85616) - XOXO Bits, Layered Embellishments (85612) - XOXO Details, Layered Embellishments (85606), Soho Garden Details, Leaf & Feather Details (85605) - 5th & Frolic, Fox White (53415) - Thickers, Stamps (59224) - Ready Set Go, Premium Ribbon (89429) - Soho Garden

DREAM by Tegan Skwiat

This project is inspired by the dreamy color palette of the ad. Here I decorated two large clothespins that I have had laying around waiting for the right project to come along and the DREAM banner was the prefect fit!

Supplies: Lunch Break Paper (35771) - Ready Set Go, Cartwheel Court Paper (35806) - 5th & Frolic, Lovely Lane Paper (35816) - 5th & Frolic, Around Town Paper (35767) - Ready Set Go, Little Moments Lane Paper (35808) - 5th & Frolic, Fox White (53415) - Thickers, Phrase Banners (85603) - 5th & Frolic, Leaf & Feather Details (85605) - 5th & Frolic, Decorative Tags (85599) - 5th & Frolic, Premium Ribbon (89429) - Soho Garden

Visit Tegan's blog and Pinterest boards to find out more about her and see what else she finds inspiring!