October Afternoon

Topic Tuesday: Feeling Lucky?

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

This week's Topic Tuesday prompt, appropriately, focuses on luck:  What is your view of luck? How do you define it? Based on this definition, do you consider yourself lucky? 

Roree and I used these questions as a springboard for our projects, working in some St. Patty's green along the way and mixing old and new October Afternoon collections. In thinking about the prompt, Roree was inspired to create this lovely card: 

Roree explains: 

""I view luck as a circumstance of chance. Sometimes your luck can be good, sometimes it can be bad. Either way, it is something that you have no real control over. I do feel like I have been lucky in my life, especially in love. I have been with my husband for almost 25 years, married for almost 22 those, and I am still madly and deeply in love with him. (And I think he still feels the same way about me too!)

This feeling of luck inspired me to create a love-themed, St. Patrick's Day-inspired card just for him. I used patterned papers from the Farm Girl (for the lucky die cut) and Witch Hazel (for the stripes and clover) collections, along with Milk Money Pop Drops and letter stickers from Daily Flash. It's the perfect sentiment to let him know just how much I love him."

The recipient of this card is most definitely one lucky guy! 

My thoughts on the prompt led me to create a layout that features a photo collage documenting the evidence of how lucky I am. 

...Or am I not lucky, but blessed? The journaling works through this question. 

Among the layers of this page, I incorporated a variety of colors and patterns, all of which pick up the colors in the photo collage. The backdrop for the layout is the B-side of an uncut "Journal Cards" sheet from the Saturday Mornings collection. I included some Miscellany, Wild Cards, and accents from various October Afternoon collections, such as Daily Flash, Road Map, Report Card, 9 to 5, Cakewalk, and Schoolhouse. As a finishing touch, I added a few stamped sentiments, using the "Everyday" Daily Flash roller stamp. 

So how about it? Feeling lucky? We'd love to see your take on this week's Topic Tuesday prompt! Link us up in the comments below and/or share your projects in the OA Flickr gallery. 

Thanks for visiting today! 

-- Jill 

Surf City | Old with the new!

Hello again, it's Nicole Nowosad here again for my last Guest DT post here on the October Afternoon blog!

I am mixing some older October Afternoon products with new on my project today.

I couldn't resist the urge to use several patterns from the Saturday Mornings collection, mixed together with some of my favorites from my stash like Daily Flash, Sidewalks, Girl Talk, Snapshots, Boarding Pass and 9 to 5! That is a lot of collections :)

It was easy to layer and mix the patterns from these collections by creating a simple grid and layering papers together. I stitched the layers together, added my photos and then some October Afternoon embellishments. I have always loved the fun buttons by October Afternoon and used some of those on this page.

I have been hoarding this pretty floral paper and fussy cut some out and added more stitching and buttons to finish off my page.

Thank you so much for joining me this month on the blog - I hope you enjoyed my projects! Thanks to October Afternoon for having me this month!

 

ETA: Thank you Nicole for sharing your time and your talent with October Afternoon and with our fans and followers here!

February's Guest Designer | Nicole Nowosad

Good morning! My name is Nicole Nowosad and I am very excited to be guest designing for October Afternoon this month!

 

I am a full-time working mom to two boys (12, and 9) and our princess who is almost 6!  I live a busy life, and that is just how I like it.

I have been scrapbooking in one way or another for about 15 years now. If I had to describe my personal style, it would involved a few words - color, pattern and stitching. I love using pieces of paper instead of whole sheet and yes, I keep even the smallest of scraps! I have am very fortunate to be on the Design Teams for Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine, Jillibean Soup, Silhouette, Bella Blvd and Hip Kit Club.

Q: Are you a layout person, a card person ... or both?

I mainly scrapbook layouts but do make cards also! I would say most of my creative time surrounds scrapbooking 12x12 layouts.

 Q. What is on your scrap desk right now?

 

I just switched desks, so right now there is actually nothing which is odd for me. I always have something on the go, whether it is just some Silhouette cut shapes for my next project or odd supplies that need to be tucked away.

 

Q. What is your favorite October Afternoon line or product?

 

This is acutally a tough question! I have been hoarding lots of October Afternoon, but I would say I still love Cherry Hill, Sidewalks and Snaphots the most. I love the October Afternoon floral patterns and fun B side patterned papers. I could scrap all day with just OA papers!

 

Q. What can you NOT scrapbook without?

 

Oops, I think I just answered that! Patterned paper, it is my go-to supply. I try to make everything and anything from it. Tool-wise, I would say my Silhouette Cameo. I would even give up my paper trimmer for that.

 

Q. What is your favorite source of inspiration?

 

Truthfully, I don't really look for inspo. unless I have absolutely no mojo. I don't often go into galleries, I do Pinterest though. If I am needing some mojo, I will search shapes or graphic art prints on their to peak my interest.

 

 

 

Q. What is your favorite movie or TV show?

 

Well, I am sad to admit that I have watched Days of Our Lives since I was about 12 years old... so maybe that??? But, I do LOVE Scandal!! It's my new fave. Love that Olivia Pope :)

 

Q. What is your favorite food?

 

Hands down - Pizza. I even worked in a major pizza chain for 18 years and you would think I would hate it. Nope.

 

Q. What is your fondest childhood memory?

 

Hmm, good question. When I think back to my childhood, I always recall the times my family spent camping at various places in Canada, so I will have to go with that! 

 

Q. If you were a superhero, what would your name be and what power would you possess?

 

Oh my. Hmm, Multi-Task Mama. I would possess the power to get multiple things done in a flash.

 

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

 

That's easy. My deceased grandparents. There is so much to ask them, and I never had the chance.

 

 

I look forwards to being with you every Friday in February!

 

You can follow me here:

 

Blog:  Nicole Nowosad

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/nicolenowosad Username: @nicolenowosad

Facebook:  Nicole Nowosad

Twitter: Nicole Nowosad

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/nicolenowosad/

Galleries:  http://www.scrapbook.com/galleries/469117.html

Happy New Year | 2015

2015 is here already!? How is that even possible?!

On behalf of October Afternoon I (Suz) would like to wish you a happy, healthy, properous and creatively productive new year! 

With that being said, I set to work today being creatively productive by playing with some newer and a few older OA lines. Here is a little card that fit the bill for celebrating today. 

 

 

The background paper is from Public Library and the woodgrain paper is Board Room from 9 to 5. I used Pop Drops from the Eggnog collection and the stamps from my December Story Add-on Kit (2015, Joy, and the crossed wreath image). The "Happy" alphas and the gold star patterned paper are from the December Story kit as well. The new year banner and sentiment are from a set I had on hand from an online kit club.

 

So what are you up to today? Any creating going on while watching parades and bowl games?! Whatever it is, make it a great FIRST day of 2015!! 

Happy New Year! Be sure to stop back in tomorrow to see who our JANUARY GUEST DESIGNER is!

 

Suz

Winter Wonderland Wednesday

Hi everyone! Roree here. Every Wednesday throughout the month of December, the design team will be sharing festive holiday-themed projects on the blog. Be on the lookout for layout, card, gift-wrap ideas and more, all using your favorite October Afternoon products.

Today, I have created a few quick and easy tags using the Daily Flash Eggnog collection.

These tags came together so easily and are perfect for adding to any holiday gift. All you need are Memory Cards, Double Take stickers, Snap Caps, Flash Blurbs, Pillow Puffs, Pop Drops, Holly Jolly Washi Tape, buttons, and some ribbon.

Here are each of the tags close up:

 

 

 

I popped most of the elements up with foam adhesive for added dimension and added Pop Drops or a button to embellish each one. Each tag was put together in minutes and with all of the bits and pieces in each of the embellishment packs, there is enough left over to make tons more.

Thank you for stopping by today and we hope you come back each Wednesday to see the other Winter Wonderland projects we have in store for you!

Thursday Sketch: Squares and Strips

Happy Thursday! This week's sketch offers up a simple design at first glance, but it ensures ample space for photos, journaling, and accents. 

As Shanna Noel and I discovered as we partnered for today's post, this basic sketch also leaves lots of room for interpretation. My layout features a fairly direct translation of the four-quadrant design, but I also made the sketch my own by building up the squares layer by layer, incorporating items from the Public Library and Daily Flash collections (with a little 9 to 5 thrown in). 

The strips are my favorite part of the sketch and of this layout. Their staggered placement adds a sense of movement to the page. I also like the effect of enjambment produced by the "run-on" lines and the resulting anticipation created through the transitions from line to line, strip to strip. 

Shanna's interpretation of the sketch had me unleashing a litany of "whoas" and "wows" at first sight. 

Here's what Shanna had to share about her page:

When I saw Jill's sketch I was immediately inspired! My mind went to all sorts of places, I saw the strips as little word strips at first, but then I saw them as a pattern, and that is what I ran with! I created a woven background for my layout, speaking to the little strips on Jill's photo. 

 

I have been going through my great-grandmother's old scrapbooks and having SO much fun hearing her stories. There were a couple duplicates, so I wanted to scrap this photo. I love the felt banners she had all over her book. I have no idea where they came from but they are ADORABLE! What I love about October Afternoon is how BEAUTIFULLY the collections work with modern and vintage/heritage photos. 

 

Thank you Jill for all the inspiration!

Shanna's layout is a reminder that sketches exist to inspire; they don't need to be regarded in terms of exactitude. Even if you just take a single element -- like the strips in this week's sketch -- and riff off of that, the sketch has done its work by sparking an idea. 

So has the sketch sparked any ideas in you?  Here's hoping that it has, and that you'll be willing to share the project that you create in the October Afternoon Flickr gallery!  

Thanks for visiting today! 

-- Jill 

New Designer Spotlight: Shanna Noel and Melanie Blackburn

Every Friday this month we will be introducing you to the new members of the October Afternoon Design Team! Today, we have the talented Shanna Noel and Melanie Blackburn.

Shanna Noel

Hiya! My name is Shanna Noel and I am super excited to be a part of the OA family! I live in Sonoma County California with the love of my life and our two wonderful daughters!!

Are you a layout person, card person, or both?

I like it all! I love to play with different techniques on different formats, it keeps me inspired! 

How would you describe your style? 

While I love white space and bright colors I am not sure I have a signature style, I love to try new techniques and am always inspired by the latest trends. 

From my Studio Calico September Gallery  

What is on your scrap desk right now?

I just finished working on a layout for later this month with the Public Library line, seriously how cute is that line!? 

What is a favorite tool or product you cannot scrapbook without?

My sewing machine!! I love adding that finishing touch and the texture it creates is just so much fun!!!

What is your favorite October Afternoon line?

YIKES! How in the world am I supposed to pick just one?! Since I used Public Library last, let's go with that.. the vintage school elements steal my heart EVERY time!!

What is your favorite source of inspiration?

You!! This community is such a source of inspiration, I am always amazed and honored that I get to be a part of it! 

 

From my Studio Calico September Gallery 

What is your favorite movie or book?

Serendipity (movie) have you seen it? I don't know why but I love it to pieces! 

What is your favorite food?

Living in Sonoma County I am lucky enough to be surrounded by some amazing food and I have to say I love it all, trying new things is my favorite! 

What is a favorite childhood memory? 

Building forts from the couch cushions with my little sister!

If you could have dinner with anyone living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Great question!!! I think my Grandpa, I was so young when he passed away I have a couple questions I am dying to ask him! 

Melanie Blackburn

Hello! I'm so excited to be here today and part of this inspiring team! I'm a mom of 3 girls, married to my high school sweetheart, life is busy but I try to be creative every day, even if it's simply organizing my scrap space or editing pictures. 

Are you a layout person, card person, or both?

I prefer making layouts, especially 8.5x11 but every once in a while I will make a card or a mini album. I love we have so many creative options. 

How would you describe your style? 

Layered!! I love adding layers, bits of papers to add as much depth as possible to a layout. I love playing with various techniques and mediums. I'm not afraid to experiement!

What is on your scrap desk right now?

Nothing! I just did a major clean up and my desk is ready to tackle an upcoming project for OA! I do have to clean between each project, I have a tiny work space so there is no room for things to pile up.

What is a favorite tool or product you cannot scrapbook without?

Like Shanna it's my sewing machine!! I have to add stitching to every single project, it just doesn't feel complete without it.

What is your favorite October Afternoon line?

One?! This is hard, but I do have a strong love for Public Library. We are a family the loves to read, my oldest is devouring the Harry Potter books, I just finished a series of books and my middle daughter is learning to read, so this collection is very appropriate for us right now.

What is your favorite source of inspiration?

Everything! From other scrappers to home decor inspiration to of course awesome products!! Inspiration is all around us and I really try to remember this. 

What is your favorite movie or book?

The Time Traveller's Wife, both the movie and the book. I read the book in my 20's and was delighted when the movie was released.  

What is your favorite food?

Pizza! I love a very good authentic pizza with fresh ingredients. My husband and I always joke that we could live off pizza alone.  

What is a favorite childhood memory? 

Picking raspberries at my grand-father's. We would visit and enjoy a swim in his pool and in between pool time to run to the garden to eat fresh raspberries. 

 

We can't wait to see what fun projects Shanna and Melanie create!!  Stay tuned next Friday to meet a couple more new members of our fabulous Design Team! 

Monday PINspiration Challenge

Hey everyone! Roree here with a Monday challenge for you.

I was searching around Pinterest recently and stumbled upon this pin:

I immediately fell in love with the colors, the patterns, the texture - really, everything! So here is my challenge to you: Use this pinned image as inspiration to create your next OA project.

I was inspired to create this card using the new Public Library collection:

As you can already tell, I was totally inspired by the stitching. I ran tons of stitched lines up and down a panel of the Children's Section patterned paper. It really didn't take too long to sew, and it helped that the look didn't call for neat and evenly spaced lines. Just zip, zip, zip! (And zip, zip, zip a few more times. ;) )

This pattern worked wonderfully for a quilted look, don't you think?

I finished off the card with some pieces from the Miscellany pack, the 12x12 Shape Stickers sheet, a Tidbit, a Word Sticker, a die cut flower using Biography and Due Date patterned papers, along with a button from 9 to 5, some baker's twine from Sasparilla, and a Pop Drop heart from Eggnog.

I hope you enjoyed my project and if you get a chance to play along with today's challenge, be sure to upload your project(s) to the OA Flickr group. I can't wait to see what you create!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Monday Challenge: Monochromatic Tags

Hey October Afternoon Fans! Mandy Koeppen here today with this week's Monday challenge.

This week I'm challenging you to pull out those tags and grab your pattern papers of the same color and create. You could add the tag to a card, your layouts, mini albums, gifts etc. I have 4 examples for you today. yellow, red, green, and blue. As I've said many times here on the blog past and present October Afternoon collection colors always seem to mesh well together so creating monochramatic tags should be no problem. 

Here is a shot of all four tags together on the cork board.

The yellow "Thanks A Bunch" tag was created with a mix from Sasparilla to the new Daily Flash Alphas. 

"Remember tag" was created with all blues. Instead of the simple horizontal layers like the yellow tag I chose a bit of a different look with a woodgrain background and layers of circles and the blue doily. I added pop dots to give the remember some dimension too. "Baby O" the red tag was one of the first tags I created for this project. I wasn't sure where I was going but once this tag was done I was on a roll and had lots of ideas flowing: Baby showers, Birthday, Wedding, Graduation, Thank You's, etc. 

Last but not least the green "Congrats" tag for the 2014 grad. Simple layers of pattern papers and the fun new Daily Flash stickers made this a great addition to the grads gift.

These tags were really simple and easy to create. I'm sure your friends and family would love to recieve a tag from you next time. This is a great way to use up those scraps too! 

I hope I've inspired you to create some monochromatic tags and if you do please share your creations in the October Afternoon Flickr Gallery!  I'd love to see them :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Mandy

Tuesday Tutorial: A Quick & Easy Stamped Background

Hey everyone! Roree here.

I have something to share with you all today. I am NOT a stamper. There... I said it. It is not some startling revelation I have made, just a fact. The problem with that statement is I love stamps. I collect them with full intentions of learning how to stamp, trying cool stamping techniques, but I just never follow through. I have so many of OA's wonderful stamp sets, but sadly I rarely ever use them. But today I am taking a step towards my dream of someday adding stamping to my list of crafting credits and I am creating a card with a quick and easy stamped background. Will you come along on my journey?

First, my supplies:

I started off with the Dude stamp set from the Daily Flash All Boy collection, an ink pad, and a panel of paper.

OA has put together a wonderful arrangement of stamps, so why mess things up? I inked the stamps directly in the package.

Then, I placed the stamp set on my paper panel:

And because I collect stamps but not all of the supplies needed to use them, I had to search through my supplies for something large and flat to press the stamps as evenly as possible. The spacer block from my Cricut Cuttlebug machine worked quite nicely!

After removing the spacer block and the stamps, here is what I was left with:

A beautiful stamped background! Now I know... some of the images aren't solid, but I wasn't expecting perfection. I am just happy I got all of the images on the paper. And I do like the way it turned out. It's just a practice panel anyway. Practice makes perfect, right?

After several more attempts, I put my practice to the test and added the stamped images to some patterned paper, added some fun embellishments, and came up with this fun card:

I just love the stamped images against the patterned background. The pattern helps take the eye away from any slight imperfections in my stamping. So does the stitching.

And the awesome embellishments from Daily Flash dress the card up and hide some of the spots in the middle where I didn't get an even pressure.

All in all, I say it was a success. And it was pretty easy too. I think you will all be seeing a little more stamping on my projects in the future. **fingers crossed that I keep it up**

Thanks so much for stopping by!