This month, the i {heart} papers designers were challenged to create something using a 12"x12" collection sent to us by Kate and the new Spectrum Noir alcohol ink markers IHP is carrying. I was sent the SN@P Life Collection Kit by Simple Stories, which looks like this...
I figured this was the perfect opportunity to dip my toe back into scrapbooking, as I've been meaning to get on the Project Life-type of scrapbooking for over a year now. I just want a simple way to preserve memories without getting bogged down in creating fancy pages; I'll save the artistry for my cards. Thus, what I've come up with isn't necessarily going to blow anyone's mind, but hopefully it will be a nice little reminder of what our lives looked like over the past week or so:
I started small, and here's the great news: printing out the photos is the hardest part! I have the 6"x8" Sn@p Teal Binder, and used one of the 3x4 divided pocket pages that came with the binder. I inserted a few photos embellished with number stickers from the collection kit, and then cut a piece of the patterned paper to fit and did a little journaling. Easy-peasy!
Though I was happy to have created my first scrapbook spread in well over a year (and it only took me a few minutes - yay!), it didn't give me the opportunity to try out the lovely new Spectrum Noir markers I now have in my possession. Thus, I needed to make something else to fulfill that part of the challenge. I've been missing my Paper Smooches stamps, so I took a look at the current Paper Smooches Cool Shades color challenge...
I got out a few PS sets and got to work. Here's what I came up with, using Karen G's current Sweet Sunday Sketch (#178)...
I love that sweet Matroska image from the FOLKal Points set. The sentiment is from PS's Word Salad set. For those of you aren't familiar with Spectrum Noir Markers, Kate did a great write up on the IHP blog a month or so ago detailing her reasons for deciding to phase out of Copic Markers and carry Spectrum Noir markers instead. Long story short: the Spectrum Noir markers are a much more affordable option for customers. The SN markers can be used in conjunction with Copics, and for those of you who've held back on investing in alcohol markers because they're so expensive, the Spectrum Noir markers are an amazing value at less than $2 per marker.
I colored Ms. Matroska with my SN markers and loved the results. The SN markers have a bullet tip on one end and a broad tip on the other end. I'm used to coloring with Copic's brush tip, but I like the way the bullet tip on the SNs allowed me to get into tight places like the flower barrette in Ms. M's hair:
All in all, I find the SNs very comparable to Copics, and if I were starting over again, it's a no-brainer which markers I'd choose. The less $$$ spent on markers = more to spend on stamps and paper, no? :)
Ready to see what my fellow IHP team mates have put together for your viewing pleasure this month? Me, too! Let's mosey on over to see these gals...
The i {heart} papers team:
- February's guest designer, Sankari Wegman
- Carole (you are here!)
- Deb
- Gretchen
- Judy
- Lori
- Taylor
- Tracy
- Kate
Supplies used:
From i {heart} papers: SN@P Life 12x12 collection kit; Sn@p Teal Binder; Spectrum Noir markers; FOLKal Points & Word Salad Stamp sets (Paper Smooches); Memento Inks; Copic X-Press Blending Cardstock; Dimensional Dots.
Other: Cardstock - Choice Buttercream (TE), Lollipop (Bazzill), Berrylicious (MFT); patterned paper: Hazel 6"x6" pad from MME's Stella and Rose collection; brown ruffled ribbon; Circle and scalloped Circle Nestabilities; Banner Stacklets 1 dies (TE).
So stinkin' cute!!!!!!!
Posted by: Taylor | February 19, 2013 at 05:16 AM
Fabulous, Carole!
Posted by: Dawn Easton | February 19, 2013 at 06:39 AM
LOVE!
Posted by: Deb | February 19, 2013 at 06:54 AM
So cute Carole!
Posted by: Tracy | February 19, 2013 at 11:29 AM
Cuteness! That Folkal set doesn't get a lot of love so I'm glad to see you using it! :)
Posted by: Kate - i {heart} papers | February 19, 2013 at 01:13 PM
Great projects! Love the mix of coloring and paper piecing on the stacking doll--and the little peek into a week at the Burrage home!
Posted by: Lori | February 19, 2013 at 09:59 PM
Such fab projects! Love your cute card with that Folkal set! Don't know if I have said how happy I am to be on a team with you~!
Posted by: Judy Rozema | February 20, 2013 at 11:49 AM
FAB projects shared today--LOVE your card! I have been wanting to paper piece that nesting doll/lady image for the LONGEST of time!! LOVE LOVE LOVE your papers you've used- perfectly done:) THANKS for joining in the fun and playing along with us over at the Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge-- I hope you join in the fun with this week's challenge {picture perfect}!!!
Posted by: Savannah O'Gwynn | February 26, 2013 at 08:07 AM