Green Horned Unicorn

Project Life - April Wrap-up

I figured it was about time I got around to sharing the last few weeks of April from my Project Life album, being June is just around the corner. I've actually had the pages completed for sometime, but wasn't able to capture any photographs in decent lighting until this past weekend.

These two layouts represent mid-to-late April. Some of the highlights included:

• My hibiscus in bloom
• Dinner at Vito's
• A trip to my favorite spice store, Penzys
• Selling the Mazda CX-7 to Nate's sister
• The start of 100-degree temperatures in AZ (that photo was taken on April 20th - I saw 111 on my car temp gauge this week!)
• A work trip to Charlotte to participate in and present at the Airline Personelle Directors' Council meeting
• My fun April Guest Design spot at Echo Park

The final week of April was spent with my sister Molly, who was visiting from Nebraska. Highlights included stops at many of our favorite eateries:

• Evening drinks by the fire pit
• Dinner at Redendo's pizza (Nate and my favorite pizza spot)
• Pool time! Molly was the first one to brave the water this year. I jumped in for about one minute so we could snap a photo together (not shown here) and then hopped right back out! Too cold for me.
• Shopping at Scottsdale Quarters followed by sushi at RA
• Ice Cream Sundaes at Sweet Republic

So many more fun memories are now down in the books, thanks to the Project Life concept. I love it!

See more of my Project Life album here or read more about my approach to the project here.

Reigniting the Creative Spark

We've all had those moments where you feel the need to release some creative energy. You know, those moments when you want to do nothing else but sit in your studio and create? But, when you actually sit down to do so, you realize your creative edge is no where to be found. Yeah, those moments.

Recently, I came down with a bad bout of the flu. A high temperature, body aches and dizziness kept me in bed for days. When the fever finally broke, I had the urge to get out of bed and do something. I decided I would make something. I wandered to the studio and sat at my desk. And, there I sat. Then, I sat some more. Suddenly, I realized that although the life inside of me was slowly returning, my creativity was not. I needed something to reignite my creative spark.

I turned to my Sketchy board on Pinterest where I browsed the many wonderful sketches that I've pinned. I started to feel somewhat inspired, although not ready to commit to making a full layout.

So instead, I did something I've never done before. I began scrapping without reason. I didn't have a photo, I didn't have a story. What I did have was a bag full of lovely October Afternoon Sidewalks scraps (leftover from Project Life) and a Pinboard full of sketches. I started cutting and gluing like it was nobody's business.

By the time all was said and done, I had six layouts (four shown below) all ready for photographs, journaling and embellishments. I set them aside to be completed some other day.

That day arrived this past weekend when I was gathering supplies for a crafting night with my friends. I discovered that, aside from Project Life, I really didn't have a lot I wanted to work on. So, I grabbed my pre-created layouts and printed a few photos. At the crop, I added the photos, embellishments and journaling and had four completed pages in a snap! Below are the final products.

HARD AT WORK | I love this photograph of Baxter, napping away on my desk as I spent the day working from home. It's fun to have a furry friend as your sidekick to keep you company as you work away.

To complete the layout I added washi tape, Thickers, a label with journaling and some handstitched buttons. Layout inspired by this sketch.

ALL DRESSED UP | Although the photograph is overexposed, I really like the dreamy look it gives this image of Bugsy, all dolled up in my sister's wedding garter. Who knew garters made such cute collars?
To comlete this layout, I added a row of handstitched buttons, a lable with journaling, Thickers and an additional paper strip. So easy! Layout inspired by this sketch.

FEELING BLUE | Our dog, Shawna, has a very strong bond with Nate (he rescued her when she was three). Since he started working from home, the bond has grown even stronger. Recently, Nate had to spend seven days in Texas for work. Shawna spent those seven days looking like this.
To complete this layout I added machine stitching, handstitched buttons, ribbon and dimensional glitter stickers. Layout inspired by this sketch.

WHAT THE FLUFF? | A few weeks prior to Nate travelling for work, I had to spend three days in Charlotte for work. After I finished presenting one afternoon, I opened my phone to find this photo of Shawna, which Nate had taken. Apparently she slept and hung out like this for quite sometime. A very strange, yet comfy looking position.
To complete this layout, I added machine stitching, mist splatters, handstitched buttons, a chipboard arrow covered in pattern paper, Thickers and washi tape. Layout inspired by this sketch.

WHAT I LEARNED | Although I wasn't in search of any learning experince or lessons, this creative experience taught me a few things:

• Creating blank layouts (with no photos or topic in mind) is a really great way to kickstart my creativity, even when I'm not feeling 100%
• It's a great way to use extra papers in my stash that may otherwise go unused
• When it comes time to glue down some photos and journal, premade pages make the process quick and easy
• I'm certainly going to try this again when I find the need to reignite my creative spark!

What's your secret to reigniting the creative spark?

Project Life - Making it Mine

I thought it was time to share a little bit about my approach to Project Life. I've received quite a few questions from friends and readers about what exactly Project Life is and how I make it work for me. To read all about the Project Life concept, check out Becky Higgins' website here. Becky is the brilliant mastermind behind the whole Project Life phenomena. For my approach to the project, keep reading!

CAPTURING LIFE | For me, the most important part of the process is keeping it simple. No pressure, no stress. In order to do so, I've made a few decisions about how I'm going to make Project Life work for me.

I'm not setting unrealistic expectations to record something each day or even every other day, for that matter. Instead, I'm choosing to capture life as I see fit. If that means I have no images from one day and five from the next - I'm totally OK with that.

I'm also choosing to not force myself to fill a page (or two or any set number) for each week. If one week only takes up half a page and the next fills up two, so be it. Life is unpredictable; therefore, I should never expect the pieces of it to fit into some sort of project "mold" that I dream up. 

THE ALBUM & PAGES | Another choice I made to keep the album simple was to select just one page protector design and stick with it. If left with unlimited possibilites, my brain will run unlimited miles deciding just what do do with all the options. In order to give my poor brain the rest it deserves, I chose to use just the 10x12 Design G page protectors.

I like the unique size, which is slightly easier to handle than a standard 12x12. I also like the variety in the pocket size and pocket orientations (3x4, 4x6, portrait and landscape). No matter what photos or memorabilia I choose to incorporate each week, I know there will a pocket for it. I find irony in the fact that I enjoy using varying page sizes in my normal scrapbooks, but for this project opted to go with just one size and pocket design. But, like I said, it's all about simplicity.

GATHERING & ORGANIZING PHOTOS | Because much of our everyday life is captured in the moment, most of my Project Life photos come from my iPhone, as opposed to the DSLR. Each time I capture a photo on my phone that I think I may want to inclue in Project Life, I quickly email the image to myself and inclue a few notes about the photo and the memory surrounding it. This way, I can remember all the details while they're fresh on my mind.

I've created a folder within my Gmail where all the photos and notes are automatically filtered and stored until it's time to incorporate them into my album. So far, this process is working really well for me. It helps me record the details as they happen and ensures the memory, and the photo, will not be forgotten.

SKETCHING IT OUT | To keep myself organized, I designed template in Illustrator to mimic the design of the Design G page protectors. I print out blank copies of the template and, throughout the week, I jot down the photos and moments I want to include in the "Notes" section.

Before I start creating, I sketch out the layout, and sometimes the design, of each pocket. This method is working well so far in both keeping me organized and also ensuring that Project Life comes together quickly and efficiently each week. Here's a sample of what one looks like while in progress:

While it's certainly not pretty, it does get the job done. Here's the completed spread that was based upon the sketch above:

As you can see, I swapped a few things around but, for the most part, followed my plan. It makes it easy and I love that.

GOING WITH A THEME | Another decision I made to create cohesiveness in my album is selecting a paper line (or combination of papers) and sticking with the same theme throughout an entire month. This way, there is a natural "break" that can be seen from month-to-month and everything from a particular month all goes together. For March I chose the origninal Amy Tangerine line from American Crafts, for April, I chose the Sidewalks Collection by October Afternoon. May is yet to be determined :)

As this post is getting a little long and wordy, I'll save the other pieces of my process for another day. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments! Happy Monday :)

PS. .For even more insight on different approaches, check Project Life week at Write.Click.Scrapbook. 

April Creative Team Projects + a Winner

Although I'm a day late, as it is already May, I thought I'd pop in to share my last two April creative team projects for JessicaSprague.com. My other projects were part of my Echo Park Guest Designer feature and can be seen here.

First up, a layout titled, "Pounce":

PRODUCT CREDITS: Echo Park - Woof Mini Theme + In the Making Design, It's a Start 5 Template Collection. Click here for full product credits.

This photo was too cute to not be scrapped. I love how Shawna's front paws are both in the air! Journaling reads: 

Shawna caught mid-pounce as she ran to follow Nate inside. She isn’t a fan of the outdoors, unless there is a human around, so she usually scurries as to not be left outside alone. She’s such a sweet, little pup who wants nothing but to love her humans and for us to love her back. 4.3.12

PRODUCT CREDITS: Pink Paislee - Stella Collection + In the Making Design Foto Template Collection. Click here for full product credits.

These are a few photos from my Mom's visit back in March. Journaling reads:

A trip to Sas & lunchwith Nate at the SDL Airport were just a few stops on a busy day filled with shopping and crafting during Mom’s visit. 3.10.12

And now for the moment you've been waiting for - the winner of the Green Horned Unicorn giveaway from Diana's blogiversary hop is:

Patricia, please email me at greenhornedunicorn {at} gmail {dot} com with your address and choice of two embellishment kits listed in the GHU Shop. Congrats!

Echo Park GD Projects and a Freebie

As promised, I'm back today to share the projects that were featured on the Echo Park blog yesterday. 

First, are my two digital pages:

I'm not going to go into any detail on how I created these, since I know those who create digitally know how and my traditonal friends will just be bored :) If you really want to see the steps (along with the product credits), you can find them here. 

I will, however, share the details on my hybrid page.

Step 1:

While I love the look of a paper-pieced chevron border, I don’t like the time it takes to cut, align and glue each piece. My time-saving (and sanity-saving) solution was to create my own chevron pattern in Photoshop and use the This & That Graceful digital papers to create the same look, without all the hassle. Here are the steps I used:

• In Photoshop, open a 12x12 canvas.
• Use the shape tool to create a row of rectangles, aligning each new one just below the previous.
• Select all rectangles, group and use the rotate tool to rotate to your preferred angle.
• Use the rectangle marquee tool to select the group of rectangles and trim off the uneven ends.
• Duplicate the grouping, flip horizontally and align with the original grouping to create the beginning of the chevron pattern.
• Duplicate and repeat until your pattern is finished.
• Add a light grey or brown stroke around each shape (this will create division between the patterns).
• Add digital papers, using the shapes as clipping masks.
• Once the design is complete, cut a piece of 12x12 white cardstock down to 8.5x12 and print.
• Cut out the design and set aside to use on your layout.

Step 2:
Another digital element I created in Photoshop and printed to add to my layout is the framed photograph, which I used a journaling card to create. Here are the steps I used to create the framed photo:

• Open the Chevron Journaler card.
• Use the Magic Wand (tolerance set at 50) to delete the text lines from the card, leaving the top and bottom borders and the flower.
• Place the photograph on a new layer below the journaling card (because of the placement of the flower on the journaling card, I had to align the photograph slightly off center to the right to avoid placing the flower on Bugsy’s face).
• Print the framed photograph onto photo paper.  
• Trim off the left edge of the photograph (about ¼ inch or so), cutting carefully around to the flower.

Step 3:
To assemble the hybrid page:

• Use the traditional (paper) This & That Graceful Collection Kit to create a matted background.
• Adhere the digitally created chevrons to the background.
• Mat the framed photo and add chipboard or pop-dots for dimension and adhere to your layout.
• Cut the center from a journaling card to create a journaling spot and add journaling.
• Add alpha stickers, embellishment stickers, buttons, etc.
• Add baker’s twine, gluing as you go.
• Add paint splatters.

For those who may not want to spend time creating your own chevron pattern in Photoshop, I have a fun surprise for you! I'm offering the 12x12 PSD file as a freebie here on my blog. Click here to download the zip file: 

Download Chevron-AntoniaKrajicek-GHU.psd

I hope you enjoyed my projects and have a wonderful weekend!

Echo Park April Guest Designer

That's right, friends, you're looking at Echo Parks April Guest Designer! Imagine my surprise, one random Saturday morning in March, when I awoke to an email asking if I would be interested in guest designing for Echo Park. Interested? Me? I promptly replied, "YES! Sign me up, please!" Ok, maybe I worded it a just a little differently :)

Needless to say, I am delighted and honored to have been invited to guest design for such an amazing company! I had a blast working with their amazing products! I love both their traditional paper and digital products, which is reflected in the digital and hybrid projects I created. Here is a peek at one project: 

You can see the full hybrid layout, plus two others, on the Echo Park blog. Head on over and check out the post then, tomorrow, stop back here for a full post on the projects, which will include step-by-step details and a free template download, just for you! See you then :)

Project Life

Another couple weeks of life are in the books. I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it another 100 times, I love Project Life. It’s only been a month, but I’m so happy with the process. I'm even happier that both Nate and I have spent time flipping though the album.

I’ve had a few questions from friends and a few emails inquiring about my process. I’m working on a post, where I’ll share my approach and the processes I use. Look for that very soon! Until then, here is my latest spread, dating back to Easter:

And here are the close-ups of each side:

Some of the highlights and happenings from the weeks included:

• An Easter celebration at our home with Nate’s family. We enjoyed a delicious afternoon dinner, followed by cake balls for dessert (which happens to be the only photo I have from the day).
• The beginning of the Art of Digital Design at JessicaSprague.com. I’m already behind, but loving what I’m learning.
• Our furry house guest Herby, who coincidentally is here again this week.
• Starbucks Venti Iced Soy Chai Latte. It’s a bit of heaven in a cup!
• Pizza and baseball! Enough said.
• Receiving a check for publication for my first ever all-digital page (which will come out in June).
• A craft night with some of my favorite girls, which included a field trip to Etc. 
• Two different happy hours at two different Zipps. You can’t go wrong with good company, beer and burgers (veggie burger, in my case).
• Boys Night for Nate and his nephew, which included lots of video games, pizza, snacks and fun!
• And, as always, random photos of the pets doing what they do best – being adorable :)

I'll be making an appearance as a Guest Designer on April 26 somewhere pretty darn cool. Check back Thursday to find out where :) 

Celebration Time! Blog Hop and Giveaway

You have arrived at the fourth stop of Diana's Anniversary Blog Hop!

For those who may not already know, here are the details:

Diana Fisher is celebrating her 3 year blog anniversary by giving the anniversary gifts to YOU — the readers! Hop on through the Blog Hop to find prizes and inspiration along the way. 

Plus, there's a chance to play along with us! Use the sketch Diana made, link your entry back at her blog, and you could win a $30 shop credit to Scrapbook Circle. 

You have until April 30th to complete the hop and link up your sketch challenge entry to be eligible for the hop prizes! 

Sounds like fun, right? I'm so honored to be a part of the celebration. Not only is Diana giving away prizes, so are many of the stops along the hop!

Here is my interpretation of Diana's sketch (head on over to her blog to see the sketch and to enter the sketch contest):

Product Credits: Crate Storyteller Papers + Phrase stickers; Green Horned Unicorn Felt Bloom + Handmade Button

The page highlights a recent photograph of me and a list of descriptor words about who I am today - hence the title, "Who's That Girl?" It will be fun too look at this page ten years from now and see how much is still the same and how I've evolved and grown.

As part of the blog anniversary celebration, I have a prize package of my own to give away to one lucky winner. See those two cute flowers and handmade button on my layout? They're just a few pieces of the Tropics Embellishment Kit, which I sell in my recently relaunched Green Horned Unicorn Etsy Shop. 

One lucky winner will receive two Green Horned Unicorn Embellishment Kits of their choice. To enter, simply leave a comment that includes your name and location and your favorite Green Horned Unicorn Embellishment Kit from the GHU shop. A winner will be chosen on May 1 and announced on my blog.

Good luck and happy hopping!

The next stop on your hop is the talented Shannon Bogan! Should you get lost at any point along the way, here is the entire blog hop line-up:

• Heather Leopard {http://thespottedleopard.blogspot.com/}
• Corrie Jones {http://corejones.blogspot.com/}
• Audrey Yeager {http://audreysreflection.blogspot.com/}
• Antonia Krajicek {http://www.greenhornedunicorn.com/}
• Shannon Bogan {http://agirlcalledchicken.blogspot.com/}
• Lisa Swift {http://lisarukinswift.blogspot.com/}
• Julie Tucker-Wolek {http://thetuckerwolekclan.blogspot.com/}
• Jennifer Ingle {http://justjingle.blogspot.com/}
• Tessa Buys {http://precociouspaper.blogspot.com/}
• Ashley Horton {http://ashleyspaperdoll.blogspot.com/}
• Sara Zenger {http://sarazenger.blogspot.com/}
• Diana Fisher {http://www.designbydiana.blogspot.com/} 

Project Life and a Celebration

Almost a month into it, and I'm still loving Project Life. Admittedly at first, I didn't really "get" what all the hype about. To me, it seemed like another project to keep up on. But, I read about it and then read some more. I slowly started to get it and started to contemplate out how Project Life might work for me. 

Now that I'm actually doing Project Life, I totally get it. I love that I can put whatever I want into my album. Blurry photos, random things, everyday life, big events - they all have a place here. If I want to add something, great - if not, I'm not going to stress out about it. It's my project and my prerogative, which I love! I'm working on a post I'll share next week, which highlights my approach to Project Life and what works for me.

Until then, I have a few more weeks of PL to share. This spread higlights the last week of March and first week of April. Due to the lighting, I was only able to capture one good shot and don't have any close-ups to share. I'll add those into the next post, just in case anyone wants to see it a little more clearly.

Some highlights and happenings included:

• Breaking Bad marathon, a new Friday night tradition with Nate's sister.
• A new haircut for me!
• Poor Bugsy getting sick and needing meds.I might add that the 7 pound ball of fur you see in the bottom left photo is MUCH stronger than you would ever guess. We had to roll her in a towel into a towel, burrito style, and try to shove the pill down her throat. Even with two of us, and her wrapped like a "purrito", she still figured out how to spit out her pill. Oh and bite and claw. I still have the wounds to prove it. Geesh...
• My last Cactus League Spring Training game of the season, where I watched my two favorite teams compete. I couldn't decide who to support so I ended up wearing a Dbacks tshirt and a Cubs visor.
• Lots of meat-free homemade meals, including a spinach quiche and southwestern eggrolls. The eggrolls have quickly became one of our favorites.
• A yummy vegan meal at Green.
• Nate and I attending our first regular season Dbacks game of the season. We watched them beat the Giants. It's always fun to take down a division rival :)

I'm taking part in a special even this Saturday. Diana, is celebrating her blogiversary and you're invited! There will be an awesome sketch, tons of inspiration and prizes! Dont' miss out!

A Sentimental Journey and a Creative Team Call

Less than two years ago, I began my digital scrapbooking journey with this layout. As a long-time paper scrapper, I finally took to jump to blend my love of technology with my love of preserving memories.

It's funny to think back to those days and what a novice I was. I was just a girl who taught herself Photoshop and decided to make a page. A few more pages and a few months later, I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Creative Team Member at JessicaSprague.com. I was shocked when I saw my name on the roster. Um, me? Did they realize I had really no clue what I was doing and that I had just created my first page only months before?

But, I rose to the challenge and 1.5 years later am still learning something new about Photoshop each day. It's a never-ending process, which I love!

I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned as a Creative Team member - from the forums, from the classes and especially from my fellow CT members. It's a great community full of positive energy and massive amounts of creativity.

I'm sure you're wondering why I brought you along on that sentimental little journey. Well, if you know Photoshop and have an eye for design, YOU have the chance to try out for the JessicaSprague.com Creative Team!

With the number of new product designers, more CT members are needed to create both digital and hybrid projects. All the details can be found here. There are tons of great pages already popping up in the gallery!

The products, classes and community are wonderful and the perks are equally as great! What are you waiting for? Head on over and give it a shot!