if there's anything that you will learn about me, it's that I fall in love with something, and do it over and over until I totally overkill it. I guess these are the things that define my style...
 
I took these photos right after I got my studio all put together. The paint, stamps, drawers and bowl of thread were all elements... but the inspiration came from this little bouquet of flowers, and my lamp. For some reason, that was the feel that I wanted. That is why I chose to highlight that photo. This works as an alternative to cropping photos really small to get everything on.
I totally get a charge out of finding unexpected uses for regular things that are around you all the time. It pushes me creatively, and gives me a thrill. I want to clue you into two killer finds that are right under your nose. Foil stars and mailbox stickers. Both are easily found at office supply or even your grocery store. Check out how I used them ...by the way...you'll need a little sandpaper.
 
The mailbox stickers are such an "anything goes" type of look! Here they were perfect for a triathlon page. This was the first time Eric and I competed in one together, and my first ocean swim. Notice how I used the gold foil starts on the edges of the corners of the photos. I placed them haphazardly, even coming off the edges. I then went back and trimmed and lightly sanded them. Such a cool use of "regualr stuff".
 
This is an entry in my art journal. I love what happens in there! This one is about my theory on life...and I love how it turned out. Anyway, I used a big metal "s" as a mask for spray paint. The little card pocket is made from acetate that I put alphabet stickers on and spray-painted over, then machine stitched on. The dots on the black I did with glossy mod podge and a polk-a-dot template. The black part lifts, to reveal my "theory" written underneath. The handwriting turned out so cool on this one. Sometime, I'll have to tell you my theory. It's a good one!
 
My Cory is my INTENSE child; he intensely loved Spiderman. My girlfriend Jodi made this cake for his birthday (...a big hit!) You can see how perfect the row of foil stars and the mailbox letters are...I also used other "regular stuff". Playing card and notebook paper torn right out...for some reason, I like how that looks! notebook paper torn right out...
 

I believe anything can be translated into a scrapbook page idea. Here's how it happens...

Broaches: Shiny floral cool stuff... that can go with anything. These cute little flower shaped gems from "decorative details" look so cute on a walnut ink soaked chipboard letter.
 
I am creatively fed continually by the world around me - sometimes I see stuff that I am totally drawn to and I'm not really sure why... so I get it, and keep it with me, where I can see it all the time... and I just look and allow it to "talk to me"... until I hear what it's telling me... WOW... that sounds a little freakish! But it's totally true... here are some of the types of things I look for:

1. Cool books and magazines
2. Beautiful product labels
3. Great color combos
4. Interesting finds... cool items
 
Ok, I love to look through books and magazines...but I do not read. So I am looking for visual stimulation...then if something looks really cool...THEN I read it! Check out Compendium Publishing for some really inspiring stuff.
 
So my favorite types of labels are usually expensive bath products. Tiny design and typographical elements can always be found. I am a SUCKER for beautiful packaging. These are particulary fabulous.
 
I live to find unexpected and wonderful color combos. I look forward to the change in seasons to see what fashion has to mix things up with...here are some current faves! This changes all the time.
 
This category represents anything that I bought for no reason other than I liked it. These shoes are so fun. I always get tons of complements when I wear them. Who knew!