Katie Stories {Scrapbook + Crafting Blog}: August 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Summer Goldfish Yarn Wreath {Home Decor}

Happy Wednesday!

This summer, I really wanted to make a goldfish wreath. It was partly inspired by goldfish crackers, and part by my new fish doormat from Target (that I totally forgot to photograph and now its dark outside and the bugs are there...so I'll try to add one after work when its light out!)

I actually started it in May, but then life happened and I got sidetracked.

So while my mom was here and I was hanging out on the couch, we finished sewing the fishies and stuffing them with polyfil!

I used matching thread for two of the fish, and contrasting thread for the third one. I like how simple it is, but from far away (like when I'm driving up to the house after work), it looks like the fishies are swimming on my door! And it makes me smile :)

Do you dress up your door for summer?

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 25}

Ahhhhh! It feels so good to be back here, writing again.

After my internet break, I was overwhelmed about coming back to my blog. I felt guilty that I was behind on catching up with what was going on with all of my blog friends. I couldn't believe that I let so much time, and so many posts go by. And I couldn't imagine here again until I caught up, but was so overwhelmed I would just shut down at the idea of it.

And then I remembered the worst thing a scrapper could do - feel so behind and overwhelmed that they stopped scrapping. And this was exactly what I was doing with my other favorite hobby, blogging! And being honest, I wasn't scrapping or taking pictures, even cooking was a chore and not enjoyable!

So Saturday morning, I decided to chill out and just blog again. So here I am.

And it feels so wonderful to be back. And sharing a Project Life layout from before my break, which just makes me remember even more how much I missed this!

Week 25 | June 16 - June 22, 2014

This week was a big part of my summer scrapbook extravaganza! The left page shows some of my crafts from that week, including a moving box turned Fourth of July wreath, and working on my layouts in my scrapbookroom.

The right side shows a few other favorite moments from this summer. Including my favorite summer "uniform" of shorts + a sweatshirt (our house is cold, but the outside is hot!) + watching the World Cup at a local bar with some of AJ's friends.

And somewhat fittingly for this post about getting back to posting one of my favorite stamps "Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life."

Do you ever feel guilt or overwhelmed about falling behind, in blogging, crafting or anywhere in your life? How do you handle it?

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Getting to Know Your Creative Side {Blog Hop}

Happy Wednesday!

First, I wanted to say thank you to everyone for your lovely comments and thoughts and prayers last week. Everything went really well and I was back at work yesterday!

Last Monday, Tracy tagged me in this fun blog hop. I was supposed to post this Monday, but I got totally confused on my days. I was kind of out of it Saturday and Sunday and didn't have to work Monday, which just totally threw me off.

But anyway...Tracy does rock, and if you haven't checked out her blog, you should. She blogs every.single.day. And makes the most beautiful cards that feature her awesome Copic coloring skills.

And on to the hop...

First I talk about my blog:
I started my blog in 2010. No one I knew scrapbooked, and I wanted to share my layouts with other people who liked to scrap. And I ended up meeting the best group of ladies, I love reading their blogs and I look forward to talking to them through comments and email!

What do I create? What am I working on right now?
Right now, I'm working on lesson plans for the upcoming school year. Which isn't too fun or creative!

But mostly, I work on scrapbooking, everything from big moments and holidays...

to the every day.

A few years ago, I found Project Life and I love creating weekly layouts that way.

I also love creating home decor pieces, and made all of the decor for my October wedding.

Photo Credit: Ruby Star Photography

How does my work or style differ from others?

To be honest, I'm not sure! I know how my style has changed from when I started. I used to be all about the page layout, and letting my pictures do all the talking. Lately, I've been into bright colors and single page layouts.

How does my creative process work?
It really depends. Sometimes I see a paper that I love, other times I fall in love with a sticker sheet or a set of embellishments. But usually it revolves around the pictures or the things that I have from an event. This layout was all about showcasing my "Bride to Be" sash. I had my heart set on having a sash for my bachelorette party, so when my bridesmaids gave me this one, I knew I had to make a scrapbook layout around it.

Why do I write or create what I do?
Mostly I love the actual act of creating. Its fun and relaxing to play with my paper and scissors and adhesive. But I also love having all of these memories on documented for us and for our future family.

Here is where I tag others to play along...
I totally forgot to email everyone to see who wanted to play along. Seriously, those pain meds did a number on my memory (apparently as I was being wheeled out of surgery, I asked when they were going to start it!) So if you want to play along, let me know and I will tag you to play!

Well, I'm off to the second day of teacher prep...aka the day before the first day of school...where I'm going to be surrounded by lots and lots of paper, but nothing scrapbook related!

What are you up to lately?

Friday, August 1, 2014

Project Life 2014 {Week 24}

Hi guys!

Its Friday...which means its surgery day. So I might not be able to respond to comments and things until later this weekend. Unless I say stuff today that sounds all crazy. Then let's blame the anesthesia and pain medication!

Fortunately, my Project Life pages are way more fun that surgery (I hope!)

Week 24 | June 9 - June 15, 2014

Week 24 was our vacation week this year. We spent a week on Harbor Island, SC. Mostly, we ate and drank, watched the wildlife, sat on the beach and relaxed by the pool.

But we also went on a day trips that earned its own insert.

The first one was to Savannah, GA. We'd never been before, but the city was beautiful! We both said that if they had a "real" fall and winter, we would consider living there. But they don't, at least, not by our north east standards. And we both love fall too much to give it up for much longer (I'm talking about you and your not very fall-y fall weather Louisiana!)

On the back of the insert I included a few more pictures from Harbor Island, including me in my running gear - we ran on the beach a few times and AJ even got me in the gym working with some of the weights! And my favorite picture of this random wooded path on Hunting Island. We didn't go down that path, we went down a similar one...but it had snakes, and possibly an alligator, so we didn't get too far before we ran back to our car!

I wish I was on the beach this weekend. But I'll be relaxing on the couch instead. At least I will get to pick all of the movies and tv shows and dinners for the whole weekend! I'm thinking lots of When Harry Met Sally, Mad About You and any other romantic comedies I can think of!

What are you up to this weekend?