xoxo

My girls are growing up. When I talk to them, I don't shy away from topics like relationships and heartbreaks. I hope I'm able to prepare them for what is coming. Because we all know it will happen. Love is hard. Love is messy. Love is also worth it.

I'm doing just that on this layout, with a little bit of humor inserted because that's just me.

Yes, now the world knows. It was love at first sight for me. Haha! In my defense, we have been talking online for quite a while. I was brave eh? I've always been, will always be brave, I hope.

I love using Ali's Follow Your Heart brushes as parts of my journaling. I love using Ali's digital offerings. Period. That was why I applied to be on the team. (yes, I applied just like everyone else. No special treatment whatsoever. lol)

and oh, the part where I said 'don't fall in love until you'e at least 30' - I'm half kidding. Haha!
I'll see you soon!

xoxo

The Cure

GO BIG challenge is up on the October Afternoon blog. Head on over to see Patricia's beautiful layout.

Here's my take!

I was so excited when Patricia said the challenge is to 'Go Big'! I knew then what I wanted to do, well, because I have been wanting to do this for so long!

I've been missing the beach lately. It has been a while since we went for a beach vacation. I went though my collection of beach photos and printed it full page, yes that photo is 8.5 x 11. 

As big as it gets, eh? :)

I layered a 'speech' tag from Milk Money Flash Blubs pack on a somewhat empty spot on the photo. I went with the Old Oak chipboard alphabets this time because I think it's just so fitting for this page about nature.

I then typed out the quote on my super old typewriter and cut them apart into strips. Minimal embellishing with a couple of brads from Public Library collection and leaves stickers from Daily Flash Apple Cider and we're done.

 

This layout now sits in a frame, near my scrap area. Oh how I miss that beach. 

 

Thank you Patricia for this awesome challenge and for reminding me that I need to plan for a beach trip soon! :)

Play along, will you? :)

xoxo

Being Mommy

A new sketch is up on the October Afternoon blog. I hope you will find some time to play along :)

I blogged about this photo last year. Can't resist making a layout about it.

I followed the sketch quite closely but I switched the positions of most of my elements. The strips on the bottom right went to upper left and my photo + journaling labels were moved to the right hand side of the layout.I really, really love that flower bouquet sticker from our Public Library collection, and converted my photo to black and white so they don't compete with each other even when they're being placed side by side. 

I also printed my journaling onto two pieces of labels, stamped a yellow ampersand and some grey arrows straight onto the white cardstock and finished my layout with a couple of stars, pop drops and 'empty stitches' using my sewing machine. 

If you decide to use my sketch, I would love to see your layout! Tag me @sashafarina - that's the fastest way for me to see it! :) Have fun!

xoxo

I am enough

I hope you feel you are too.

Enough digital brushes from Ali Edwards.

Quite an 'emo' layout but I love it all the same. I believe we should take the time to document at least some of our feelings. You know, there is more to life than birthdays and road trips and vacations. There is absolutely more of everything in real life. I'd like to scrap at least a little percentage of them.

I chose to go as simple as I can on this layout. I wanted to focus on the words. At first I thought I would add some hand-stitching, but then I said to myself, this is enough. 

xoxo

Almost 15

I posted a sneak of this layout on Instagram with the caption 

"I have an almost 15yr old. How is that even possible? I feel 19!"

I'm in total denial mode here, people. Really. 

The photo was taken in December 2007. She was 7 then. It's like I blink and she's almost 15. As cliche as it may be, I have to say time flies when you're having fun :)

I created the journaling part in Photoshop, using brushes from Ali Edwards Prompts Digital and the new 2015 Date Stamps pack. Yes, you can totally modify the brushes and use them many times, not necessarily as a 'date stamp'. 

I find myself gravitating towards doing up part of my layout in photoshop because I think it's fun and besides enjoying the process, it's also a faster way to scrap, except when I do hand-stitching on the layouts like this one. :D What about you? Have you tried using digital brushes on your layouts? If you have, do you like it? If you haven't, well... why not? :)

xoxo

My Story

I have a challenge up on the October Afternoon blog today. Something very simple yet many of us always forget. Scrap yourself. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. :D

I know.. I know, I just used that photo on my last layout. But hey, this is a totally different story. And I love that photo of me, I think I look healthy here! Like, in the 'pink of health' if you know what I mean. :D

I kept it simple because really, underneath all that make-up, that's what I am. Took the journaling from my instagram post for this very same photo. 

If you look closely, I even used some Saturday Mornings here. I made the single, somewhat-oversized banner I used as my photo mat by cutting up Toast PP and covered the rest of the 'Shhhh...' Word Sticker so it's suitable for my layout. I love that 'the good life' tin pin because really, I'm wanting to be more aware of my blessings and yes, indeed I have 'the good life' :) And how cute is that vintage cameo brad from Public Library? I will never be able to carry that 'Downton Abbey~ish' style, but a girl can dream!

Play along will you? Tag me on Instagram if you do!

Mwah!! xoxo