Papers & Pretty Things

Halloween Costume Beginnings

One might think that contemplating Halloween in July is a tad crazy. But I would disagree. That is, if you plan to put some thought into it. :) Which I do, thank you very much. By starting now, I give myself time to shop for sales and use coupons for the various components of what I want to do. Some things are "in season" during other times of the year than October.

That being said, I have indeed made my costume decision. I am going to go as Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla, daughter of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelias; also known as Lucilla, from the movie, Gladiator. Because this is a little more complex and involved than your average wrap-a-sheet-around-yourself-with-a-safety-pin toga, I will more than likely wear it for more than just one Halloween.

At this stage in the game, I've only started my research of the costume, but have made some significant strides. I will post my progress here, along with the final version, once completed.

Here are some internet-provided images, as well as another Lucilla costume research site, which was the most helpful online source. It was a good jumping off point to the rest of my research.

This other costume research site is here, with some screenshots/screencaps as well as promotional photos.

Photo: oncourse.iu.edu

Photo: romancoins.info

 

Photo: dianethegeek.com

I began with general artwork/statues from the Roman era - evidence of the drape-y outfits.

Followed by internet searches for proper terminology of the dress pieces.

Which in turn led to the library searches. Extensive amounts of books about Rome, only one so far has yielded any assistance, Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Costume & Decoration, Second Edition, by Mary G. Houston, published in 1931. It has illustrations as well as descriptions of what the various pieces of dress were. An excellent resource, highly recommended if you want to recreate an outfit from any of those time periods.

Next time I'll go over more images and some of my specific research findings.

Project Catwalk Finals Week 1

For the final four weeks, how the scoring works is that the top 10 will get points, but all 25 will move on to week 2.  Then, combined with week 2's scores, the new top 10 will move on to week 3.  The final top 5 from that week will then move on to the final round, week 4.  And from there a winner will be chosen.

So, here is what I entered for the first week of the final rounds.  We were given a materials list to choose from, with leeway of tool usage.

On a different note, this is where we were last night (I forgot to mention it earlier - how, I don't know.)

 
It was extremely awesome! We had the best seats I've ever had at a concert - row J.  10th row!  In the orchestra section.  On the floor!  So cool!  I'll post some pics later today or tomorrow, once I get a chance to look at them. (Oh and I love the promo poster - the graphics are pretty sweet.)

Project Catwalk (part 3)

SIStv has been running a project/contest for the last 10 weeks, corresponding with Project Runway.  Each week we would get a challenge/prompt to create something based on that week's fashion challenge.

The final 4 weeks worth of projects:

Week 7

Theme: Texture
Challenge: Create a 12x12 layout using texture in a unique way.

*I've already posted this layout, but I thought it would be nice to see them all in context.

Week 8

Theme: bigSIS
Challenge: Create anything as if you are designing something to fit in with the design aesthetic at SIStv.

Week 9


Theme: Avant Garde
Challenge: Create a 12x12 layout using something as it was not meant to be used.

*This layout was one of the four weekly winners!

Week 10

Theme: Scraplift
Challenge: Create something by scraplifting any of the previous Project Catwalk entries.

*Scraplifting is "lifting" either some part of or the entirety of a scrapbook page.

The 10-week regular season is over and I made the top 25 in scores!  Number 7 I think.  The top 25 contestants will be participating in the 4-week finals, starting next week.  (We get this week as a break.)  I'm so excited, this has been such a fun contest to be a part of!

In home-news, we chased a fat mouse out of the garage this afternoon, and currently, Pete is at the store picking up ant killer.  We discovered a nest outside by the living room, and they seem to have infiltrated the house.  So far it is just the living room.  I HATE ants.  They bite.  And are creepy/crawly.  And are tiny.  Ugh.  Stupid weather - never freezes and kills everything.

Project Catalk (part 2)

SIStv has been running a project/contest for the last 10 weeks, corresponding with Project Runway.  Each week we would get a challenge/prompt to create something based on that week's fashion challenge. 

Alrighty! On to the next few entries.

Week 4


Theme: USA!
Challenge: Create a mini album, using the colors of red, white and blue, and incorporate four of the following words (perseverance, glory, strength, determination, honor, brave, friendship, team, solidarity, competition)

*This I made while we were traveling.  The table I photographed the album on is a wee table my grandpa made for me as a child, out of left-over formica counter-top material.  I may have to take all my photos out in the sunroom on the wee table!  I love the intensity of the colors (I didn't edit these for contrast at all!)

Week 5


Theme: Denim
Challenge: Create a wall hanging that is at least 4"x6" using denim as the primary product.

*Sadly, I missed the part about it being primary.  Oh well.  I still love it!

Week 6

Theme: Big Impact
Challenge: Create an 8.5x11 or 12x12 layout that will make a big impact, using minimal supplies.
*One of the comments I got on this layout is the funniest I've ever received, she thought I was talking about bosoms!  Haha!  I was in fact trying to draw attention to the MaryKay compacts we all had.

Tomorrow will be the last four weeks of projects.

Project Catwalk (part 1)

SIStv has been running a project/contest for the last 10 weeks, corresponding with Project Runway.  Each week we would get a challenge/prompt to create something based on that week's fashion challenge.  So, here are the first 3 weeks of my projects!

Week 1

Theme: Innovation
Challenge: Create a 8.5x11 layout using two of these items (coffee filters, garbage bags, balloons, bouncy ball, vinyl table cloth, shower curtain, vacuum bag, mop top, fly swatter, paper towel, cupboard liner)

Week 2

Theme: Green
Challenge: Create a card around the color green.  Use cellophane in part of your card and make a matching envelope using newspaper.

Week 3

Theme: Your Style
Challenge: Create a 12x12 layout inspired by one of the dresses made for the Runway, describing your scrapbooking style.

Check back to see the next few entries! :D

Ok... well..

Maybe I won't stay away. :)

I'll just stick to posting challenge layouts.

How's that?

Here's a recent layout I did for SIStv's Project Catwalk, using one of my wedding pictures and new techniques from a class I just took.

Yep, just challenges.  At least until new life stuff happens. :)

Elise Blaha's Craft Olympics

Elise Blaha is hosting a Craft Olympics with three categories:  Best Use of Pattern, Best Use of Text, and Best Use of Paint.

I have chosen to enter two of these, but I suppose one of my entries could be considered for either of two categories.  So, here they are.

First up, Use of Pattern.  (which could also be entered under use of paint.. but I chose pattern.)

I did not create this on the date listed, that's his birthday, I made this today, so it still falls into the time frame for the CO.  I used the foam stamps from Creating Keepsakes' Kit of the Month from December, and tried to find shapes that would lend themselves to repeats.  Hence the category, Use of Pattern. Which to me, is what repetition is. 

When I asked Pete what kind of dessert he wanted, he surprised me by requesting a chocolate-chocolate ice cream cake.  So, I headed to Coldstone Creamery and picked up the smallest chocolate cake they had.  The ganache was still pretty hard when I tried to put the candles in, so instead, he just held one to blow out.  :)

Secondly, Use of Text.  This also falls under the category of Blog Challenges (Scrapjacked - bettiescrapbookjack.) The song is by Coldplay, and for some reason I just really like this song; the background music, the way it's sung, maybe not ALL of the lyrics, but I still really like it.  It calms me sometimes.

I used some packaging plastic that just seemed too cool to get rid of, it was already crumpled and gave such a different texture.  As for my take on the bettiescrapbookjack, I loved how she printed the journaling on her photo, as well as the masking tape and the layers.  I didn't do that many layers, but I still love this LO.

Anyways, I'm off to fix dinner and watch the Closing Ceremonies, as we didn't get to see the Opening Ceremonies, just the march in.  Hopefully the weather is done being rumbly and the satellite won't kick out.

Have a blessed week!

Life Lesson #5

Life Lesson #5: Waiting before you have kids is an extremely good idea.  Rock solid marriages are the best thing for little ones.

(This one was observed, not lived.)

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Life Lessons are made up of stuff that I’ve done or haven’t done (that I wish I had … or hadn’t). I’ve also decided to include things I’ve observed other people do…or not do. (Not all of these lessons are things I went through myself…so don’t get too shocked.) The rest will be things that annoy me, anger me, sadden me, confuse me, or even make me happy.  Sometimes they'll be little tips I've picked up along the way.

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others. Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it.  My life's motto: Well, now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

Life Lesson #4

Ah, the internet.  Alas, it is not on my computer.  It is on my husband's computer.  We just backed up the data from my hard drive and will wait until we are around a technically inclined family member that does not charge us $150 to simply look at the dang thing.  We have to share a computer now.  Oh the injustice.  ;)  We really don't need two anyways.

On to a scrapbook layout, this week is Life Lesson #4, all about dieting.  Well.  Just a diet tip:  Don't subscribe to Food & Wine Magazine when you're on a diet.

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Life Lessons are made up of stuff that I’ve done or haven’t done (that I wish I had … or hadn’t). I’ve also decided to include things I’ve observed other people do…or not do. (Not all of these lessons are things I went through myself…so don’t get too shocked.) The rest will be things that annoy me, anger me, sadden me, confuse me, or even make me happy.  Sometimes they'll be little tips I've picked up along the way.

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others. Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it. My life’s motto: Well. Now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

Life Lesson #3

On the puppy front, I put in a call to the proper authorities, but nothing has changed as of yet.  There is a little ramp to keep him out of the mud, but that's about all that's changed.  I don't think anyone has come out yet.  Short of trespassing or stealing (which are obviously wrong and illegal), I've done all I can.  I'll just keep an eye on the little guy from afar.

Moving on to happier topics!

Life Lesson #3:

Double sinks in a master bathroom only fulfill their purpose if you get ready at the same time.  Or if you splash less than your spouse and you like your side of the mirror cleaner.

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Life Lessons are made up of stuff that I’ve done or haven’t done (that I wish I had … or hadn’t).  I’ve also decided to include things I’ve observed other people do…or not do.  (Not all of these lessons are things I went through myself…so don’t get too shocked.)  The rest will be things that annoy me, anger me, sadden me, confuse me, or even make me happy.

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others.  Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it.  My life’s motto:  Well.  Now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

Life Lesson #2

So today's LL is one that I'm starting to take more seriously.  And begin to put it into effect.  (Scrap Your Day is coming along quite swimmingly thus far! Yay!)

Life Lesson #2:  You don't need more than one tv.  You shouldn't be watching it that much anyways.

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Life Lessons are made up of stuff that I’ve done or haven’t done (that I wish I had … or hadn’t).  I’ve also decided to include things I’ve observed other people do…or not do.  (Not all of these lessons are things I went through myself…so don’t get too shocked.)  The rest will be things that annoy me, anger me, sadden me, confuse me, or even make me happy.

This effort is as much for my benefit as it is for helping others.  Hopefully, throughout this process, we’ll all take something away from it.  My life’s motto:  Well.  Now we know.

If you'd like to find out more about why I'm doing this series, you can read more about it here.

Sneak Peek

Just a little hint at something I'm working on!

Happy Daddy's Day/Weekend Creative - Love Book

I just wanted to tell my dad Happy Daddy's Day and that I love you!  Here are some of our first happy snaps together:

A few weeks ago, I made the Love Board Book weekend creative project as a gift for my parents.  I didn't want to show pictures as I had to mail it to them first.  Well, it's finally in their possession, so I am free to share!  They went to Saint Martin for my dad to receive an award from work and made a little vacation out of it.  The photos are beautiful, but not as bright as being there in person.  (So I'm informed.)  *Sorry about making you guys look a tad orange...my printer was being strange.

 

Sweet Baby

I've got another layout I did of two super cute photos from last summer.  My niece has the cutest little smile!  The letters and flowers are die cuts, the squares are all paper trimmer-ed... not square punched - which probably would have got a LOT faster.

Happiness In A Layout

This layout just makes me smile.  Bright and pink and floral-y.

In our pseudo-attempt to get to Sea World today, we ended up heading to the North side for lunch.  We tried a new (to us) cafe that we drive by every time we head up to church.  While the food was exceptionally good, it was a business casual type place and there we were dressed in tank top, tshirt, jeans and tennies (as we WERE going to go to Sea World).  I hate that awkward feeling.  But like I said, the food was fabulous.  Afterwords, we drove around, slightly lost to get to a gelato cafe, which was SO worth getting lost.  (Even though it was pretty much right across the highway.)

Lots of creativity on my mind right now.. so, we'll see what I can get done in the coming days.

Weave It

This is another layout I did for the store.  I've wanted to try a ribbon weave for awhile, and after I had put this LO together, I saw the idea in a magazine!

The journaling reads: for my 24th birthday, mom made me this quilt. it's perfect & so me.

After I did this, I realized I should have used ribbons in the colors of my quilt.  So I purchased some additional ribbon and will do another version of this layout in the future.  (On a side note, yes I know the photo is crooked.  It will get fixed later.)

Happy Mother's Day!

I just got back some of the layouts I did for the store I use to work at.  This one includes a school themed line that no one knew what to do with.  So, for the record, I wouldn't normally put these colors and papers together.  I'm planning on redoing this page with paper I like.  But, colors and designs aside, it's the story that I want to share.  I wrote a letter to my mom and dad, and they haven't seen it yet.  So, this is for both my parents, but I thought I'd post it for Mother's Day.

To see the journaling better, you can click on the photo to see it larger, or just read it here:

Dear Mom & Dad,

You always told me to do my best.  You never gave up on me.  You kept me going.  All because of what you taught me.  Your decision to homeschool me for 3 years was one of the best choices you could have made.  Angry at the world, resentful of teachers and hating school, you knew something must be done or who knows where I'd end up.  Labeled a problem child by the school, you knew better.  I just didn't lean the way they taught: Hurry up and put everything away, we're moving on to Math.  Now we're doing History.  C'mon hurry up.  We're done with that now.  No, you need to help this group of students because you already understand.  Not everyone gets it, we need to wait and spend more time on this.  (The movie Office Space comes to mind - "Now Milton, don't be greedy, pass it along until EVERYONE gets a piece."  Not that I had seen that movie..I don't think it was even out at age 10.)  By teaching me at home, you opened many doors for me; let me open a few myself even.  I re-learned that valuable thing called respect.  Any maybe how to learn and that it was cool and fun...and that I was really good at it..  If not for these 3 years, 6th, 7th & 8th grade would have done me in.  Because of you and the phrase, "Study Hard," I wanted to be a good student.  Top 15 in my graduating class, National Honor Society, and a long list of accomplishments.  That was because of you.  Marquette University.  Not possible without my college prep highschool learning to back me up.  3.2 GPA in 3.5 years at MU.  I've learned how to learn, how to study, how to think critically and creatively because of you two.  So, I guess what I'm trying to say, is thank you.  {heart} always, Jill 

A Save

When I flipped over my Autumn Leaves Designing With Daily Calender to today's page, the inspiration/subject was to decorate a multi-paned frame.  I thought to myself, "Hey, I've got one of those.."  It was in the pile of stuff to sell on eBay.  Yoink.  Saved out of the pile and onto my desk.

It is a little beat up along the edges, but that's OK.  There are four panes of glass, and is meant for 5x7's.  You can see the varying depths better when viewed in person.  I ordered a kit from the Dozen's Artist Kits the other day, and received it yesterday.  Some of the materials are from the kit, some from my stash o' stuff.  The wings, rub-ons and flowers are from my previous collection, while the epoxy stickers, buttons, paper and poufy bee are from the Dozen's kit. I'm really glad I made this, as it has reminded me to look at everything I have and see if I can re-purpose it in a way that makes it better or cuter.  Life is too short to not have cute things!