Simply Cardstock

Scrapbook Playground's April sponsor was Simply Cardstock. I must admit, I thought it would be a breeze coming up with ideas for LOs. But then when I actually got to it, my mind went totally blank. I never realized how much I rely on patterned paper to get a LO going. So this time I had to dig out my stamps, ink, and decorative scissors. Once I got started I really loved how my LOs turned out, but I must admit I really had to practice with the stamps and ink beforehand. I was definitely rusty making backgrounds. I really loved using the Stampin' Up rollers I had on three of my LOs (spring, birthday and museum). For the Christmas Choo Choo I dug out some really old stash - A Creative Memories train die cut and then I just jazzed it up a bit by adding some black CS pieces. I also knew I had a train track die cut somewhere and I looked high and low for it, but never did find it. So I had to resort to making my own. I think it turned out wonderfully.

I also did another LO for an album I'm starting for my Mom. I included photos from when she was a teen and early 20's. I saw the idea on a Stampin' Up calender and knew it would be perfect for what I was trying to showcase. I hope she likes it. I used some Rhonna Farrer stamps and a white craft ink to create my background. And since my sewing machine isn't working I hand-stitched all of the edges. That was a lot of work, but well worth the final look.

So if you get a chance, get on over to Simply Cardstock to check them out. http://www.simplycardstock.com/