love us :: cut file saturday

There is a brand new, FREE cut file up on the Paper Issues blog today. I was so excited to see the design this month and to document a couple of my new favorite autumn photos.

A few weeks ago, my husband was working on and around local train tracks that are no longer in use. We met up with him for a few minutes so that the kids could see their Baba at work and managed to grab a couple of cute iPhone photos. Now I am certain this is where I want to have our family portraits taken next year!

I used mainly two fall collections for the layout, Pebbles Harvest and Photo Play Autumn Day, along with Swag Bag bits, of course, and the amazing Shimelle foam Thickers!

You can find all of these supplies and more - at 20% off! - with code JENBOOM in the Paper Issues shop.

rise and shine :: die cut saturday

Today is Die Cutting Saturday on the Paper Issues blog which means FREE cut files for you, along with inspiration from the creative team! Danielle de Konink designed the files this month and they are fantastic, set up ready to use as 3x4 cards.

I had originally planned on using them in just that way, then this mug arrived from my mom. It needed it's own page as an ode to coffee...my mommy fuel! So, I pulled two of the designs out of the card formats and combined them for the hot pink piece, reserving the positive cuts of the hearts to accent the white space.

I combined a number of lines for this layout: 7paper Amelia 6x6 Pad and black word stickers, Jen Hadfield Home + Made for Pebbles patterned paper, Bella Boulevard felt bow, Fancy Pants Office Suite die cuts, Pinkfresh Studio enamel stickers and wood veneer and, of course, Paper Issues Swag Bag bits!

The cut files are ready to download from the Paper Issues store, completely free! should you find yourself in need of some other supplies to match up with the file, use code JENBOOM for 20% off any order!

New Issue Monday: Say It Ain't Snow Cold Outside!

But it is. Cooooooold! A brand new Issue is up today on the Paper Issues blog and you have so many options to create or link up a new or existing project to win a great prize! I'll share all of the details below but, first, here is my layout:

Last Wednesday, my husband and I had arranged for babysitting so that he and I could attend G's school conference and then go out for a coffee date. As luck would have it, both G and Amalia woke up sick that morning. I ended up going to the conference alone and we all went to the pediatrician together right after. We tried our best to still make that coffee date happen...using the Starbucks drive thru. Best laid plans!

I used the Paper Issues January Cut Files in my design (the interlocking hearts and the title), some of the Project Life Desktop collection (chipboard stickers and 6x6 pad) and Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte stamps and dies.

I can't wait to see what YOU do with our new Issue! Here are all the details:

ISSUE: Say It Ain't Snow Cold Outside
Runs: 1/19 - 2/1
Projects to Link Up (HERE!!! http://paperissues.blogspot.com/2015/01/new-issue-say-it-aint-snow-cold-outside.html) can include: winter, snowflakes, snowmen, winter weather, snow, sledding, not feeling well/have a cold, outdoors, snow photos, polar bears, penguins, use frosty colors like blue, grey, tan, white, silver

cut file saturday: link and win!

Happy Saturday! Today on the Paper Issues blog the first monthly cut file is available as a free download. Each month a new cut file will be posted, and with it, a chance to win free product for using the cut in your own creative project. This month, play along, link up on the "Cut It Out" blog post link up and you'll be entered for a chance to win the November Paper Issues Swag Bag!

Here is my 12x12 layout using the cut file:

To create the layout I cut the full size Silhouette file from kraft paper then, chose several patterned Home + Made papers and cut those so that the circle would match up and pop right in the open spaces. Next, I printed several photos from our recent trip to the apple orchard at approximately 2" square. Using a 2" circle punch, I punched out each photo and added them in behind the cut file. The title is also a Silhouette cut created using a brush script font. The embellishments are a mix from my stash and the September PI Swag Bag, along with a piece of flair by Toni From Designs.

I hope this inspires you to scrap your own creation! Be sure to link back on the "Cut It Out" post for a chance to win.

wreath gone batty :: introducing toni from designs flair...

Last month, I shared a tutorial for just about the easiest possible DIY autumn wreath. As October is quickly approaching, Halloween decor and celebrations have been on my mind. When I saw the new Toni From Designs Trick or Treat flair, I knew that using them for a wreath banner would be the perfect addition to our entry decor! This project is also featured on Toni's blog today. I hope you'll pop over and check it out...

I wanted to make something with dimension so found a bat cut file in the Silhouette online store and cut ten shapes: five one size and five slightly smaller to layer on top. First, I strung all of the larger bats together using orange and white baker's twine to create the base of my banner.

Second, I used a bone folder to add creases to the front of each of the smaller bats. Lining up the tops of the heads, I attached the two sizes together with double sided adhesive and bent the wings of the front shapes up to add a three dimensional effect.

Selecting five of the Trick or Treat flair, I added each to the centers of the bats using double sided foam tape. The flair are flat back and super lightweight. Perfect for this project! I accented three of the bats with silver glitter stars for a bit of sparkle.

I love how this project came together! Our front door will welcome the trick or treaters in our new neighborhood in style!

Toni will be releasing a new awesome flair design in her Etsy shop every Monday and will reveal the designs on her blog, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

project life: week 9

My goal this week is to finish printing photos for the missing weeks in February and March and all of April so that I can just sit down to journal and bang out several weeks. My children, however, may have plans to derail this effort. We shall see!

For now, I'm sharing my completed Week 9. I love, love, love how this week turned out using the April Citrus Twist Kits. All of a sudden I am wanting to use more white and lighter colors. It must be the influence of spring! This week was my first completely on my own with all three of my littles. It seemed daunting at the time and I wanted to document that feeling prominently, as you can see in the top right card. As with most things, the kids and I all rose to the occasion and made it out alive ;)

Other highlights:Miss A was one month, Mr. Boom and I celebrated 5 years of marriage and we took our first road trip as a family of five.

Here are a few of my favorites bits from this week's layout:

dvdv

mrs. boom decorates: mantel decor series...

In the process of making this house a home, there is a lot of decorating to be done. We started with paint colors for walls and kitchen cabinets, added french doors to our office and had carpeting replaced. All big changes that have taken time and much effort. The paint, in fact, is an ongoing process that we will finish up as the warmer weather finally approaches (please?!).

One small area that we see nearly all day, everyday that I set out to decorate right away was our family room fireplace mantel. In fact, I put up the first seasonal decor before we had even moved in. I've always dreamed of having a fireplace of my own and have a Pinterest board full of inspiration for mantel decor. Our mantel has already seen Christmas, winter and St. Paddy's Day adornments. I have used mainly things that I already had on hand and added a bit recently to start a collection to have on hand.

Today, as I completed the Easter theme, I thought it would be fun to start a blog series here with my seasonal decor.

A closer look at the left side with jar fillers, mercury glass, seasonal picks, framed art and, of course, a B monogram.

The right side with more mercury glass, an owl, my favorite canvas and more Easter eggs.

A close up of the Peep bunting. My Instagram friend and fellow PL'er Barbara created this .studio cut file last year (click on the link to her blog to download it for yourself!). I simply added the holes in the ears and used my Silhouette to cut out several colors. They measure approximately 2x4" and are strung on pink twine. Simple.

SOURCES
Wreath, owl, green wicker jar fillers: Target
Glass vase: Ikea
Crystal Vase: Tiffany & Co.
White Birds, spring floral and egg picks: Michaels Craft Stores
Home print: free printable from eighteen25
Monogram: Hobby Lobby
Mercury glass vases and jar: Pottery Barn
Egg jar fillers: Walmart
Peep Banner: Silhouette cut file by Barbara at The Picinic Basket

You can also follow along on Instagram. I post under @jenboom and am using the hash tag #mrsboomdecorates to document my decorating progress.

week 35: october citrus twist kits...

Week 35. Hot pink, aqua, gray and FUN! For October I worked with the CTK Pocket Life kit, the {brand new!} Pocket Life Embellishment Add-on and the Stamp Add-on...

Monday of this week, the boys and I headed out of town for a few days away at my parents house; a mini getaway while Mr. Boom was doing some night work. I hit 17 weeks, we had a super fun spray park play date and George gave us another of his epic one-liners...

I took the boys to my old elementary school park and to my favorite ice cream place {Stewart's}, Pumpkin Spice Lattes returned to Starbucks menu and I had one in hand almost immediately and, when we returned from our getaway, we started packing up half of our belongings to get our condo ready to sell...

Here are some card close ups:

pocket life: week 30 with the september citrus twist kits...

Fully aware that it is now week 38 (eep!), I'm sharing my week 30 spread today. I loved the September PL and Embellishment kits this month. LOVED. Anyone familiar with my PL style knows that I do not go for flowery patterns or anything pink but, the tides seem to be turning a bit (hmmm...more on that one later...) and I embraced both this month. See?

I'll be back on Monday sharing my Week 31 which is very pink but, for now, here we go with the last week in July...

We had a wildlife experience in our front yard, celebrated potty training success, Face Timed with Mr. Boom at work, enjoyed bath time and celebrated the birth of a prince. That blue vellum iPhone (swoon!) was cut using my Silhouette from a 2peas cut file...

We went to the park, went to the zoo, napped, played and had a great weekend visit with my parents. Oh, look! I got myself in there too!

The "love" card here was made using a piece of the Hello Again 6x6 paper in the PL kit and cut with my Silhouette, backed with another piece of patterned paper from the same pad.

My date card this week was one of the textured 4x6 cards included in the PL kit, a piece of one of the exclusive 3x4 cards, stickers from the Hello Again sheet in the Embellishment kit and a couple of labels. Simple! I love that people paper chain border sticker...

Thanks for stopping by!

layout: hello silliness...

A few weeks ago, we had a picnic at the park. After eating our lunch, Mr. Boom and the boys played pee-a-boo with me from behind a tree, resulting is some of my favorite ever playful photos! They begged to be scrapped immediately...

The September Citrus Twist Kits are so fun and bright - perfect for my subject, don't you agree? I created the title section by layering a vellum silhouette cut over two pieces of patterned paper and adding some alphabet stickers and a snip of another fun pattern.

pocket life week 25: farewell to greece

Today I am posting on the Citrus Twist Kits blog and sharing details about my PL Week 25 using the August kits and wanted to post here as well:

Saying goodbye to Greece was so bittersweet. While we had a wonderful final week enjoying time with family, the beach and little day trips, it was also a difficult ending knowing we would not see some of our favorite people or our favorite place again for a year or more. So the photos are a little bit of all the good of those few days...

I combined the kits with some digital elements and Silhouette cuts. It's true to my style now and using the three together makes my pages feel more complete. I LOVED the exclusive 3x4 cards this month - especially the two I used on this page ("I love you to the moon" and, "This is where I want to be")...

 Greece, you were good to us!

project life: week 29

Moving along and catching up on my multi-week backlog! Just a quick share of my Week 29 today.
This week used a lot of the new Basic Grey Persimmon line, Silhouette cuts and hybrid cards.

{Week 29: July 15-21}

Yet another heat wave, our 7 year dating anniversary, water park fun, buying G's preschool uniforms and my morning coffee ritual (the mug is a cut from 2peas)...

Potty training, Mr. Boom and Jack's Greek name day and fun around the house...

hello, can you see me? back to blogging...

It's been a month. And a few days. Funny how an international vacation, followed closely by a local vacation kind of throws things off! I'm back and will try to get back to my at least weekly posting!

Greece was incredible. The boys were amazing travelers. The weather was near perfect our entire stay. The sea was crystal clear. The food was, well, come on, it was Greece ;) And on that note. A little glimpse into what we ate...Instagram collage style:

In order from top left: giant apples, giant donuts, amazing pizza, hand cut oregano fries. spaghetti, cucumber and tomato salad, beach frappes, frappes at home, bouyatsa, grilled octopus, fresh pastries, greek groceries and tiropita.

And, a layout using two of my very favorite photos of the boys from our trip. I stretched myself and shot in manual most of the time. I was thrilled with the results! What a difference a few settings make. This layout is using my July Citrus Twist Pocket Life kit, featuring my second exclusive stamp designs. The title was designed and cut with my Silhouette and attached with twine.

Be back very soon with two weeks of Project Life from our trip!

scrappy share: june citrus twist kits + cameo

This month I found the perfect scrapbooking marriage...Citrus Twist June kits and the Cameo! These Instagram photos are some of my favorites from the past month, taken during one of our evening walks along the river. I needed to find a way to add the colors and patterns of the 6x6 paper pack in this month's Project Life kit without overwhelming the softly edited photos. After seeing so many inspiration scrapbook layouts using Cameo cut backgrounds, it was on my list to try. Browsing through my cut library I saw a hexagon and though it would be a simple, classic design to pair with my square photos.

I set to work creating the repetitive design in opposite corners of the page and, after careful measuring, set to cut. Then it was time to choose the patterns. I loved the pink floral because it played off of the blooms in two of the photos, the yellow triangles added sunshine, wood grain for a natural element and the painted boards for the path/walkway. Adding in a few other favorites from the pack selection and I was ready to cut and piece them all together.

I cut each hexagon, adding it to a piece of scrap cardstock to be adhered behind the page. When they were all in the correct spaces and secured, I added just a few embellishments - chipboard arrows, puffy stickers and that fun metal clip!

This layout was more time intensive than my usual, with all of the piecing, but so worth the end result! Thanks for looking :)

project life: and this brings us up to date (!!!)

I've been on a creative mission this week. Finish all of my design assignments nearly a week early (check!) and then, get the rest of my album current (check!). This morning I was able to sneak in a few minutes to complete weeks 20 and 21 and get them photographed. And, I just finished printing off two photos from this week to stick in Week 22.

You see, we leave for an international vacation on Tuesday. That's four days from now. We'll be gone for nearly three weeks and, well, you know what the return from a scrapbooker's vacation entails, right? The number of photos will be obnoxious. Add to that the normal post-vacation unpacking, laundry and, oh yes, re-adjusting to EST. As soon as we get home, I'll be itching to get my photos downloaded and into my album but, I'll also need to do that since July's design assignments will be due. It's going to be a super fun whirlwind around here!

{Week 20: May 13-19}

Date night, George "supervising" remediation work at his grandparents' house, a $1 Starbucks lunch date, the end of The Office, a very exciting PL product arrival, an impromptu frozen custard stop and more, The Office TV card? Completely inspired by my friend and fellow PLer/blogger Barbara. Check her out!

George floored us with all of a sudden deciding he knew how to write (before ever being taught), Jack causing trouble, a visit with family and new haircuts.. The "Heart THIS" and "AMAZING" cards were cut with my Cameo directly on the PL 3x4 grid cards. LOVE.

 {Week 21: May 20-26}

Mr. Boom's birthday, a zoo trip, G helping me bake his Baba's cake and Jack's favorite play spot. 

This week's layout? Well, it's done. I'm not happy with how it came together. I rushed and it shows but, this project? not about perfection. The documentation is there and in 10, 20 or 30 years, no one will care that the color of that title card is just too peach. Right?

Lots and lots of park photos (it was a such a fun afternoon!), Mr. Boom's new business card and lots of books...

The two missing weeks? They are all done, photographed and will be up here on June 12th, after the June Citrus Twist Kits reveal!