-photo edit done with ABM's Folk Collection. I love the beginning stages of a project. When ideas are collected from inspiring publications & a mind clearing walk. Your workspace is cluttered with notes & sketches accompanied by a mug of fresh coffee (or tea). It's that "golden hour" of an idea where everything is bathed in the most beautiful light.

This is the easy part.

It's when you hit that block, that bump in the road that stalls your idea. You may want to abandoned the project or you get frustrated and say a bunch of curse words at it. My advice? Walk away for bit. Better yet, change directions. Most of the time that's what an idea needs. Room to grow and evolve. It's all apart of the creative process and you have to accept the not so beautiful part. BECAUSE IT'S WORTH IT.

-Tina

LLP's new direction

The very first LLP paper pack of the New Year is sold out. Unlike last years paper pack, these will be done in smaller quantities BUT will be done more frequently. That means new stuff is right around the corner! So if you missed out on this paper pack, don't fret. Another one is in the making.

I will have some bits and pieces from the first pack in the shop later this week. I do still have the Worth It postcards available. That quote carried me through many, many moments in my life. The years of trying to have a baby was the most significant. And now that I'm switching gears with LLP, I can be assured that I am on the path to good things.

Something new to the shop are these 18x24 b&w prints of my own photographs. Photography was/is my first love. Before scrapbooking, before screen printing, before rubber-stamping, there was me and my camera.  I had shared my photographs a while back but now I've reintroduced them in a more modern, unique way that I absolutely love.

I'm including a complimentary mini print with each order. Hang it, cut it or share it. I love using these prints in my Project Life. I'll share more of my progress this week.

-tina

Office Hours Reveal

[vimeo 87821537 w=500 h=500] Studio calico office space reveal from Tina Aszmus on Vimeo.

Hey guys! I probably don't have to remind you it's reveal day over at Studio Calico. :) I wanted to show a quick tutorial on how I created the watercolor flowers on my Never Stop layout. I started with the flower stamp in the Office Hours main scrapbook kit and applied black watercolor paint directly over the stamp using my Niji waterbrush. Just stamp onto regular card stock or watercolor paper! I cut mine out and placed them onto my layout.

Have fun shopping tonight!

-Tina

basic grey + hero arts blog hop!

I've got some fun stuff to share with you all today!

Basic Grey + Hero Arts are hosting a HUGE giveaway along with a ton of inspiration. I had the pleasure of working with the Spice Market collection. It is SO PRETTY in person and the stamps are amazing.

I created this layout using the Best Time Ever stamp set. I chose to use the floral design using an easy watercolor technique. I inked up the stamped using several different Hero Arts mid-tone ink pads starting from lightest color to darkest, then misted water directly over the stamp.

This simple card was created the same way using the large Petal Spice Market background stamp.

Here's what I have to give away to TWO lucky readers.....

Just comment to this post by March 2 and be sure to hop along to all the blogs listed on the Basic Grey blog today.

Next stop! Miss Jennifer McGuire, stamper extodanaire.

-Tina

bg!

say hello to the new BG team! so happy to be apart of this wonderful family.

I've got a new layout up on the BG blog today. Take a gander when you get a chance...lot's great inspo!

Jamaica sent me a link to this web article by Danielle LaPorte. She knows all about my weaknesses and pitfalls when it comes to my own success. She is my personal creative coach and pushes me like no one else does. So when I clicked on the link and read the article, 3 words popped out at me. DEVOTE TO DONE. I immediatly wrote it down (and instagrammed it) because that should be my #1 personal goal. Read the article if you get a chance. It's a good one.

xot

btw. Happy belated Birthday to my lady friend, Jamaica. Thanks for always pushing me and making me laugh.

(insert sickly emoji)

My kid and his colds. They last maybe a day or 2 for him. Me? I get the full on body chills accompanied by all things that pair with a bad cold. Or flu. Who knows...I should Google it.Anyway. I'm sitting here waiting for the Nyquil to kick in and realized it's been awhile since my last post. Life has been up and down but it's mostly been a good 2014 so far. The newness of the year is starting to wear off and it's not a good feeling. I have to remind myself that my goals will not happen overnight. This is where I think successful people differ from people like...umm....me. They rise to challenges. They adapt to change. They keep going. These things are tough for people who get easily distracted and overwhelmed. So I'm adding another goal to the list. Learn to ask for help. I simply cannot do all the things I'm trying to do alone and that includes raising our son. It takes a village, right? Ha. I know this must all sound kind of odd. Like where the hell is she going with this? No where really. I'm just doing what I use to do when I started blogging. Random sh*t. You know.

xot

Life Scripted

Good morning! (afternoon for some) Just a reminder that there is only 3 days left to sign up for February's class, Life Scripted with Kal Barteski. Brush script is something I've wanted to learn for quite awhile now. I missed the chance to take Kal's first class through her own website and was SO BUMMED I waited. Now it's available on the Studio Calico website and will run through the month of February. Lot's of inspiration and lessons from Kal along with a few different versions and tips from my fellow CT ladies.

What I've learned so far from just practicing? To really slow down and just enjoy the process. It's SO RELAXING and has become quite the stress reducer for me. One thing you have to put aside is perfection and if you hate your handwriting (like I do) then you might be pleasantly surprised at how brush script transforms it.

Hope you'll decide to join us in February! xot

 

Enabler alert!

I received this beautiful tape to photograph for the Studio Calico shop over the weekend. It is really really cool. It's a wood veneer tape that has an adhesive backing, ready to adorn your layouts, PL's and cards. You may want to add it to your shopping carts with your other Sugar Rush goods.

I can't wait to add this tape to my January Handbook. It's available here. Get it while it's hot! Happy Reveal Day! xot

an honest rambling

Doing my own PL with a kit has been a positive addition to my workflow. Let me backtrack a little. I fretted about confining my PL to a kit which is weird considering I do this all the time with my full page layouts. Project Life or pocket documenting...whatever you want to call it....it's personal, right? It's pockets hold pieces of our hearts, things that are most meaningful to us. I think we put way more into our pockets than we do with our traditional layouts. This goes for me at least and I've noticed the same with other documenters. So when I joined the PL team at SC, I felt a hint of regret. I'm speaking honestly here because I think there's this misconception that creative team members have their heads so far up companies asses that we forget why we're really doing this. For some, it's the glory. For others it's a job. But for all, it's for heart. Scrapbooking, documenting, taking a crazy amount of random ass photos of what we ingested that day ...it takes a good amount of passion and heart. It's not easy. We all live very busy lives. But this is our art, our craft. It's what we choose to do when we have an hour to spare.

This is why I like working with kits. It's like going to Target except, Target is coming to me. All the things I went to Target for plus a few added surprises (hello....dollar spot!), that's what a kit is to me. It helps my workflow tremendously and inspires me like hell. I like the challenge for sure. There are items that I turn my nose to but it's about utilizing that item to suite your needs (most times) I still have a very hard time using bulky items in my PL.

Why am I spouting off about all of this? Because I want to make it very clear that I do this for love. Yes, I do get paid but there's no way I would do it without love & passion. I've managed to turn my craft into an income to help support my family. I am blessed to do be able to do this but it ain't easy and I'm surely not fanning out dollar bills in the air. I also don't think it commands the respect I would get if I worked a normal 9-5 job. Trying to explain to my family what it is I do exactly is pointless. They'll never get it.

Hopefully this post doesn't sound too much like a rant. It wasn't my intention. I'm just trying to give you an honest perspective of a person who chooses to be on design teams and craft for money.

On a lighter note (I love when newscasters do this) above is a little sneak of the Sugar Rush Project Life kit. Kind of loving sewing directly on photo. It adds that little bit of dimension and texture without the bulk (insert thumbs up emoji).

xot

Sugar Rush sneak

Did you catch the sneak last night? The colors are going to be fun to play with, especially in the dead of winter. I needed a punch of sweet, vibrant color. There are a lot of LLP designs for February. The little girl and boy combo in the Sugar Rush card kit is my total fave. What are you most excited for?

xot

 

Recipe | Smothered burritos

I intended to make enchiladas one night with some left over pot roast but was reminded of these delicious shredded beef burritos a coworker's mom use to make in huge batches. She would freeze some and give some away. I can honestly say they were the best burritos I have ever eaten. Ever. The beef was deliciously tender with little chunks of baked potato which is probably why I loved them so much. I still don't know to this day what spices she used but I came pretty close with this recipe.

Being a family of 3, we rarely finish a pot roast in one night. I love meals that I can transform for another nights dinner.

Smothered Beef Burritos

leftover pot roast (I use beef tip sirloin roast, season with s&p, brown in a fry pan, place into a crockpot with 1 med chopped onion, a few cloves of crushed garlic, 1 Knorr beef bouillon cube and a cup or so of water. cook on low for about 8 hours)

1-2 baked potatoes

flour tortiallas

green enchiladda sauce (large can, I use mild since Tyler's taste buds aren't ready for spicy foods)

shredded cheese (I used sharp becuase it's what I had on hand)

olives, green onions (optional)

pico de gallo

cilantro lime rice (cooked long grain rice, juice of 1 lime, chopped cilantro, salt. Search Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice on Pinterest. I didn't follow the exact recipe)

Place your left over pot roast (with juice, onions & garlic)  in a pot and heat over medium until the beef can easily be shredded with a fork. Make sure you keep the stock it was cooked in. That'll make your beef moist and tender. You don't want an excess amount of juices....skim some out if it appears too soupy. Add in about a half can of the green enchilada sauce. It all depends on how much beef you have left over. I had a fair amount so a half can was perfect. Mix and taste. If you need more, add more.

I threw a couple of small russet potatoes in the microwave until soft. Peel, then roughly chop into cubes. Toss into the beef mixture and stir.

Now it's time to assemble. I'm using medium sized tortilla skins. Add in about a half cup of the beef mixture. Fold into burritos and place into an oven safe dish.

Pour the remaining green enchilada sauce on top of the burritos. Add shredded cheese and some olives and chopped green onions. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for about 25-30 minutes.

Serve with cilintro lime rice and some fresh pico de gallo. Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

I've been working on my beginning pages for PL14 this past week. It's been nice to leave my book open and add in things here and there as I walk by my table. That's something I think I'll do differently this year, not put it away where it's out of site out of mind. Keeping with the managble size of the 6x8 Handbook makes this doable in my household. Still working on our dining room table. Should just call it what it is at this point.

End of week Currents// time: 6:20am weather: 27 degrees. Hubby says it's almost like summer. ha.ha. drinking: coffee, black. not on purpose...ran out of creamer. not bad though. eating: nibbling on these muffins I made last night. thinking: of the tasks that need to be done today wondering: if I can sneak in some thrifting today. loving: waking up to my son snuggled against my body. He's been sneaking into our bed a few hours before we wake up. loathing: constantly forgetting things like said creamer. I was just at the store!! enjoying: FRIDAY possiblities. making: week 1 of my PL, some script work for Kal's upcoming class, next LLP print pack

Happy Friday! xot

*the calendar page is by Jasmine Dowling. It's a FREE download. You can find it here

 

 

 

HNY

A few days late to post this but still feeling that really good positive New Years vibe. Let's pick up on a little Currents, shall we?

time: 9:18 pm location: couch (aka my nightime office) eating: had delicious szechuan beef stir fry (inspired by a Pinterest recipe but naturally I had none of the ingredints so I put my own concoction together.) drinking: this (only had regular milk. good but I think the almond milk would make it 10x's better) watching: on season 2 of American Horror Story. Oh the horror. listening: still loving Lana Del Ray + Lorde loving: my new parka that I purchased on clearance at Target. (funny how they clearance winter items in the middle of winter) loathing: those who think they can still go past the speed limit when the roads are crazy icy. (and end up in the snow bank a few seconds later) enjoying: having my feet warmed by my big ol' pound puppy (we knew her thick coat would come in handy in the winter) making: juggling a few memory keeping projects at the moment.

xot

LAST RUN!

I've got a handful of these packs left! I do plan on printing a few extra pieces to go into the packs. They will differ slightly than the image shown but not too much. Please note that these packs will ship Friday, December 27th. As I clean up my screen print inventory to make room for 2014 projects, I will add in a few extra things to your pack.

All digital downloads are now 25% off with code HAPPYMERRY.

The LLP shop will be closing December 24th and will reopen December 30th.

Thanks! xot

 

 

Paislee Press Press Plate #39

I'm a fan of these simple plates. Add a photo + a little clipping mask magic in PS and call it done. I've added several digital patterned papers from past Paislee Press kits. I plan to turn this more into a hybrid layout for my December Daily book. It'll be printed down to a 6x8 layout and I'll  add more dimensional items to some of the boxes.

You can see the rest of Liz's new items here. The TODAY cards will be sprinkled through my DD13. Love those.

xot

inspired by the weather.

I had been struggling with my December Daily kit since it arrived on my doorstep. Maybe it was that I had no desire to start thinking about Christmas or the fact that the red of the spine had me stumped on what to do with the cover. Whatever it was left in an instant once the snow fell yesterday. I've also been struck with some kind of (what I'm calling) the Walking Dead cough. I've tried every natural remedy and copius almounts of Vicks. I'm trying to avoid anything stronger but I'm at my wits end.

So imagine me, coughing up a lung, inspired as sh*t remembering that I just picked up a roll of the raddest Christmas paper not only because it's kraft but because it's covered in deer and I've fallen head over heels with the whole deer motif craze. LIGHT BULB. I covered my Handbook in lightening speed and grinned from ear to ear when I saw it finished.

I love that moment. When that spark hits you? It's a good feeling.

And now I'm all amped on Christmas with the help of my 3 year old son who can't stop mentioning Christmas + Santa.

In case you're wondering about the adhesive I used to cover said wrapping paper, I used my big ol' ancient Xyron machine. Easy peasy. The wrapping paper is by Paper Chase which I purchased at Target.

xot

I'm bringing cozy back.

New printables in the shop this morning and I'm clearancing out all stamps. They will no longer be availlable for purchase. Once they're gone, they're gone!

I also have a new fun freebie for your fall documenting or just to pin up on your board.

You can download it here.

I also cannot take credit for the "I'm bringing cozy back" art print. Of course it's a play on that song we all know but it was my husband that actually came up with the slogan. I was scrapping at my table completely bundled up in slipper socks, fleece pants and an oversized sweater last week. It gets chilly in our home ( I have become my father in that no one touches the thermostat ) Jeff took one look at my get up and said, "damn, you're bringing cozy back". Yep, that's my clever guy.

Enjoy and share! Tag me in IG, pin away....I would love to see how you use the LLP fall printables!

xot

December Daily 2013

Woah. Can you believe we're already planning for DD13?! Ali Edwards + Studio Calico have created a beautiful December Daily kit for 2013. Here are some drool worthy sneaks....

There will be a few LLP items in there as well (transparencies....yes!)

Here are the deets on making sure you get your DD13 kit. Kits are on PRESALE right now. All you need to do is put down a deposit of $25 and pay the remainder when kits are ready to ship. The total cost is $99. This kit has everything you need to create your DD13! Digital downloads will also be included! Hop over to the Studio Calico blog to see what the dt has planned for their own DD's.

I am SO looking forward to using some letterpressed items in my own DD. Sign ups are sill available! I can't wait to use these holiday plates to go along with my Christmas memeories. December is coming up quick. Don't wait!

xot

Must Haves

These are the tools + embellishments that are always near by when I'm working on my PL. They are especially helpful when you're playing catch up.

Currents cards (spruced up with a simple wash of watercolors ) Peerless waterpaper ( choice of watercolors right now ) Nigi waterbrush ( this tool went to school. holds water right in the handle of the brush ) stapler, washi tape, pencil, scissors ( no brainer ) Pebbles date stamp  Stayz On stamp pad my vintage Stampfransisco red ink pad (I've never found a red like this one) a couple of graph lined note pads ( I picked these up in Portland. so worth the investment ) blank ticket stubs labels from BananaFishStudio journal ( holds my jotted down daily notes ) various items collected from Studio Calico's Project Life kits 4x6 Grid cards Taylor cards wood veneer calendar cards Moments cards by Nicole Reaves Splendid Fiins Evidence labels Paislee Press Hey There Handsome digital kit

I'm finding that I like the mix of digital + paper elements. I wasn't too sure if it would look too out of sorts but this combo is me. Very imperfect.

xot