Jot Magazine Issue 8

Jot Issue 8 2014

Issue 8 2014

documenting life. telling stories. taking pictures. paper crafting.

A

paper CRAFTING magazine

for the modern

day memory

keeper

Cover artwork by Kate Mason

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Scribble and Mix

art. prints. tutorials. classes www.etsy.com/au/shop/scribbleandmix

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Welcome to our Christmas edition of Jot. I am a last minute girl when it comes to Christmas. I’m not like my cousin who sends out her Christmas cards mid November. I’m not like my sister who has a Christmas Club account for which she reaps the rewards for her hard savings all year in November when her Christmas money arrives. I’m not like my close friend who has her Christmas tree up November 1 so they can enjoy it for longer.

It’s a well known fact that I don’t even think about Christmas until December.

But I always have great intentions.

I always intend to hand make my Christmas cards each year. I always intend to start my shopping well before the Christmas rush. I always intend to NOT be one of those midnight shoppers the day before Christmas. I always intend to make some photo books for my mum and sister. I always intend to be more organised.

This year I have my usual myriad of intentions but my main one is to document our December. I LOVE Ali Edward’s tradition of Daily December - documenting the 25 days of Christmas. Last year I even bought her kit. It looked so pretty. All packaged up and beautiful. I unwrapped it and took each piece out to admire. Then packed it all away for when I had a block of time to make a start.

And I did make a small start.. but I didn’t get very far. Again, I had great intentions.

This year though, I have determination and a FULL Christmas lot of activities that I really, really want to document. December is shaping up to be full of milestones, high school graduations and formals, sweet 16 birthday parties and plenty of family festivities. And I want to make sure I capture the stories as they happen.

As always, we love capturing stories around here and this issue is no different. Jot is not just about pretty pictures. Sian Fair is back with another Scrapbooking Bucket List for us. Her list helps you consider things from a different perspective and to perhaps stretch you out of your comfort zone and try something new or different. Check it out here on page 12.

We also meet Project Lifer Julia Schueler who opens up her Project Life album for us to have a peek inside here on page 95. The Jot Girls have been busy creating glorious samples and mini books for us and artist Kate Mason from Messy Miss Kate has designed an exclusive set of Christmas tags just for Jot readers. They are awesome!

So sit back and enjoy Issue 8. Oh and Merry Christmas Jot readers. Thank you for continuing to embrace and support us so much here at Jot.

Kim Archer | Publisher Jot Magazine 3

Connect with us.

editor/art director Kim Archer editorial assistant Lisa Pate writers Kim Archer Shari Brewer Sian Fair

Grab a

cuppa &

head to our blog for more Jot stories and inspiration.

Contact Us e: hello@jotmagazine.com

Published by Kim Archer ABN: 88 649 297 554

website:

www.jotmagazine.com

or follow us on social media.

2014 Jot Creative Team

Interested in submitting to Jot Magazine? We accept submissions of creative project tutorials or written articles that are in line with our paper crafting/modern memory keeping theme. We also put out certain gallery calls from time to time (check our site).

Yvette Adams Anna Allan Stephanie Bryan Sheree Forcier Amanda Hall Lauren Hender Kim Jeffress Sharmaine Kruijver Mel Nunn Lisa Pate Yana Smakula Kim Stewart Mardi Winen

Email submissions to: hello@jotmagazine.com

Meet our Jot team here on the website>>

submissions

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045

in this issue.

03 06 08 12 22 26 42 45 62 76 95 106 120 122 122 124

EDITOR’S LETTER QUICK LAYOUT CONFETTI with Lisa Pate BUCKET LIST Sian Fair

JOT SPOTTING 3 MINI ALBUMS - Christmas CHRISTMAS TAGS Kate Mason WHITE + ONE Gallery STORY TELLING - Christmas GOLD FOIL GALLERY PROJECT LIFE PROFILE PROJECT LIFE GALLERY SPOTTED - Anita Rodway PROJECT LIFE PROFILE DEAR DIARY - Shari Brewer INSTAGLAM - Beshka Kueser

106

Mini Albums

Jot Girls Anna Allan and Lauren Hender join designer Mary-Ann Maldonado to share with us three fun Christmas themed mini albums to make this festive season.

Check them out on page 26.

095

050

012

062 Jot Magazine 5

Scatter sequins, enamel dots and shapes to give a “shaker box” effect on your layout.

quick

layout

Lauren Hender

I thought I would have some fun with the ‘shaker box’ concept and create a Christmas fun layout using a beautiful product range by Teresa Collins. All you need to create a similar layout is two clear 12x12 pages, adhesive including small foam dots, washi tape, three tags, something for your title, two large embellishments, a few accenting stickers and of course some sequins.

Quick steps: • Adhere strips of washi tape in the centre of your clear paper.

• Adhere three tags in the centre and a large embellishment top and bottom of the tags.

• Attach your photo/s, title and accenting stickers.

• Sprinkle on your sequins (NOT adhering them in place).

• Now here is the important part: using your foam dots, adhere a few of your sequins randomly around your layout. This will give a slight amount of height to your project and create the ability for the layout to shake.

• To finish, lay the second clear paper over the top and sew around the edges.

Stitch a border around your layout using a bold thread colour.

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Use two 12x12” clear pages and some adhesive to create a giant “shaker box” style layout.

For journaling use a liquid paper runner and a fine felt black felt tip pen.

YOUR CHALLENGE: Ready to take the challenge? Create your own giant shaker box style layout using Lauren’s instructions and tips... Share your work on our facebook page here.

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confetti little bits + pieces from around the web. Curated by Kim Archer + Lisa Pate Today’s theme // Christmas decorations + packaging.

Tag Time Set of twelve sweet little Christmas tags from Melissa at The Paper Bird Cage. Check out all of Melissa’s festive designs in her etsy store here>

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Bauble Snow Towns We adore these gorgeous little snow village baubles. Check out the Make It Market: Tinsel & Tag kit from Papertrey Ink here on the Paper. Scissors. Superheroes blog.

Digital Greetings Digitally designed by Danielle Young, these Christmas cards are available as printables in Danielle’s etsy store. Visit Danielle Young Designs here>

Paper Baubles Anu from Nalle’s House shares her paper bauble DIY on the By Stephanie Lynn website. Check out the step by step tutorial here>

Pink + Gold Mix it up this year by delivering a pink and gold Christmas colour combo instead of the traditional red and green. This fringed pinata style tree is from New York etsy store, Blush Bazaar. Visit Blush Bazaar here>

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Trim the Tree Freutcake blogger, Leah Bergman shares four ways to create your own homemade Christmas garlands, including a gorgeous mini cookie garland.

Meet Leah here on her blog and check out her Christmas garland DIY here>

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CONFETTI

It’s Christmas time. Almost.

Dress up your Christmas gifts this year with these kraft tags from Brisbane Etsy store, Crafty Creations 2012. Shop here>

Patey Girl blogger Lisa Pate lives with her family by the lake on the central coast of NSW. She loves lots of colour, getting messy with paint, creating mixed media art, scrapbooking and thrift shopping

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STORY + PHOTOS | Sian Fair

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part two!

scrapbooking

bucketlist

Last issue I introduced the idea of a scrapbooking bucket list. Did you give it a go? The plan was simple: shake up your scrapbooking, challenge yourself to try scrapbooking in a way you’ve never tried before and give yourself a few fresh scrapping tricks while you’re at it.

Because you never know: if you try an entirely new way of making a page you might get to like it – just think how many new layouts that’s going to get you creating. And if it turns out it’s not for you? Slip the page into your album and move on to the next suggestion.

what’s on the list this time?

Sian’s blog

From High In The Sky blogger and Sunday Storytelling creator, Sian Fair lives in the UK with her husband, teenage son and daughter. “I was born in the city, brought up in the country and now I seek out the sea whenever I’m able,” Sian says. Her blog is filled with scrapbooking, sewing and her stories are sometimes nostalgic and usually light hearted.

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six things to try Remember, you won’t know if you like an idea until you try.

• Have more words on the page than anything else. Make the

journaling do all the talking!

• A page about the future: not a story about what you have

done, or a record of an event, but instead your thoughts about something you dream of for your future. A page of plans.

• A page without a title. Does it make you think differently about

the story? Did it take any pressure off? Would you do it again?

• A patterned paper background if you always use cardstock.

Or vice versa. If you are in the white cardstock groove right now – go dark!

• A layout which isn’t on a piece of cardstock or paper. Use

something else as a base – a big paper bag for example, or some corrugated cardboard. Is this outside your comfort zone?

Or did it get your creative brain whirring?

• An “in the moment” right now page. Pick one day, one

exact time, look around you, then pin it down on a layout.

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Today

By Sian Fair My layout is an “in the moment” page. I like the idea of being able to look back in five years, say, and seeing what was on my mind. I wonder what will have changed? To make the journaling easy I wrote a list.

SUPPLIES | Patterned Paper: Traci Reed for Gossamer Blue; Alphabet: American Crafts Chalkboard; Die cuts: Teresa Collins; Rub ons: Crate Paper Notes and Things; Flair: MME; Chalk Word Bubbles: Coffee Break Design; Enamel Stars: Chickaniddy Crafts, Wood Veneer: Gossamer Blue and Studio Calico.

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what the

jot girls

created Sian invited some of the Jot Girls to take up her Bucket List Scrapbooking Challenge and here’s what they came up with.

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enjoy the journey Anna Allan - The Jot Team

Anna chose Sian’s prompt of having more words on the page compared to anything else. And we think Anna’s managed to do that perfectly!

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Kraft 12x12” Patterned paper: MME Mint Julep Alphabet: AC Thickers, KaiserCraft mini letter stickers - white, Ali Edwards Story Stamp set - Prompts Other: archival ink, journal pen, Pebbles letter roller stamp.

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school days prep Kim Jeffress - The Jot Team

I chose the prompt: dreams for the future, but I changed it to be the dreams and hopes for my youngest son who is starting school this year.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: American Crafts. Paper: October Afternoon, Crate Paper, Heidi Swapp, Jillibean Soup, Embellishments: October Afternoon stickers, die cuts, puffy stickers, flair, washi tape. Heidi Swapp Stickers, Chipboard arrows, ColorShine, water colour star.

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mrs h

Sharmaine Kruijver - The Jot Team When I saw this piece of packaging I knew I had to reuse it.

I thought it would be fun to use the cardboard and create a wedding themed page using a photo of my gorgeous friend.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: American Crafts. Embellishments: American Crafts alpha stickers, D-lish paper doily, Heidi Swapp date stamp and puffy sticker, Jillibean Soup sticker, October Afternoon die cuts, Teresa Collins and Crate Paper rub ons, Cocoa Daisy ink. Other: Typewriter, cardboard packaging, pencil.

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my heart is full

Amanda Hall - The Jot Team

I went with using a patterned paper background. As soon as I saw this paper pack in Typo I grabbed it - this wood grain with florals sucked me right in. I soon found that it was so difficult to scrap with, without the whole page becoming too busy. It just didn’t appeal to my minimal, white space lovin’ self! I’m fairly certain I’m not going to convert to this style but it’s fun to push yourself out of the comfort zone now and then.

Cardstock: Bazzill. Paper: Typo, Studio Calico. Embellishments: Heidi Swapp ephemera, Maggie Holmes stickers, doily. Other: chevron punch, cotton thread.

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xo love

Lauren Hender - The Jot Team Using a patterned background can be tricky. I love this Heidi Swapp chevron paper. With this challenge I thought I would have to find the perfect photo.

When I saw this happy black and white photo of my sister in law and her adorable daughter I knew I had the one.

SUPPLIES | Heidi Swapp, American Crafts, Glitz Design, Crate Paper, Studio Calico,

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Jot SPOTTING

What have the Jot Girls been sharing on social media?

In our new regular feature, we get to know the Jot Girls a little better by taking a peek into their daily lives as they share some of their recent Instagram photos with us.

Mardi Winen

Who woulda thought that little old Mardi would ever have visited the Acropolis ... standing in front of the Parthenon... (Athens.. Greece) #mardi_jane

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Lauren Hender

#lauren_hender

Yvette Adams

Some afternoons after work, school, sport, homework, music practice, washing and the list goes on... it’s nice to sneak away with a glass of bubbles .. and pray you won’t be found for five minutes.

We had the sweetest little blackbird nest fall into our backyard.

#eeveeadams

Sharmaine Kruijver

Kim Jeffress A beautiful family day together at Dreamworld!

#kimjeffress

#4squirts

This past weekend we took part in the National “Garage Sale Trail”.

Lucy had some potted plants to sell. It took almost all day for her to make her first (and only) sale but her enthusiasm was infectious and the look on her face, as she made her sale, was priceless.

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Anna Allan Every Tuesday morning I take my little girl to Playgroup - it’s our last year as she heads off to Kindy next year!! I love snapping a picture of the crafty things the kids get up to every week. It’s fun watching my girl get creative and messy. And I know she absolutely LOVES it too!

#annamayde

Mel Nunn In August we added a new member to our family. A Border Collie X Kelpie named Dusty. This is his first outing to the beach.

He loves the water.

#melnunn

Yana Smakula The past few months have been crazy busy with lots of video and photo editing. It feels like I’ve been stuck to my desk either filming something or editing.

Nonetheless, I loved every minute of the process and I’m looking forward to new projects.

#letrodectus

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#apolkadotheart

Lisa Pate

Pretty sure hubby is going to just love the switch to more green in our linen featuring love hearts and Bambi when he gets home on Friday.

#patey_girl

Sheree Forcier With Christmas fast approaching I’ve been working on improving my deer hat design. My new fuzzy version is on the left and the old is on the right.

#shereeforcier

Amanda Hall

In September/October, our family had a great little holiday in Sydney. I was amazed at how huge and beautiful the bridge and the Opera House were. I couldn’t stop taking photos! This is one of my favourite images - my daughter Piper at Bondi Beach in her new life saver jumper - it was so cold that day!

Kim Archer Whipped these up for the shop for our very first Instagram giveaway. Was nice to use up some supplies cause I certainly haven’t made anything papery lately!

#kim__archer

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3

MINI

Christmas ALBUMS

There’s nothing like Christmas to send you into a mini book frenzy. They make perfect gifts for loved ones, are a fun way to document your festive season and will become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

Jot girls Anna and Lauren are joined by designer Mary-Ann Maldonado to share some Christmas themed mini book projects with us.

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1

Treasure book for Poppi PROJECT + PHOTOS | Anna Allan

Every year, the gifts for my Dad usually comprise of either a shirt, coffee beans, cashews, mugs or a gift voucher.

This year I wanted to include something a little different into his Christmas gift - something especially for Poppi from his grandgirls.

So I have created a little memory book filled with treasures. It’s easy to compile and makes a beautiful keepsake for someone special this festive season.

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I have created a little memory book filled with photos of my girls, drawings by the girls and other keepsakes for Poppi.

I’ve added in some ‘voucher’ tickets which say things like ‘Please take us for a walk and play in the park’ type things (which Poppi actually loves to do with them!). I’ve also included some little quotes from the girls about their favourite things about their Poppi. My dad is rather sentimental about these kind of things so I know he’ll get a real kick out of receiving this and he will treasure it always!

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These little tickets have the ‘requests’ written on the back and then are tucked into these pockets on the back of a couple of the tags.

I’ve also got the girls to add some personalised messages/pictures onto the back of the tags too - My six year old can write by herself but for my three year old, we inked on her thumb print and she drew Poppi. She thought this was brilliant! And then Miss 6 wanted to do it too so another tag came out and she created a whole scene around her thumb/ fingerprints.

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SUPPLIES | Shipping Tags (medium size), frame tags by Chic Tags, Heidi Swapp ‘September Skies’ ephemera, D-lish Scraps, washi tape, StudioFourteen40 flair, cotton, ink, journal pens, gems, KaiserCraft mini letter stickers, tiny attacher, album ring.

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SUPPLIES USED | Heidi Swapp, Teresa Collins, My Minds Eye, A Piece of Cake Designs, Project Life

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2

2013 December Daily mini book PROJECT + PHOTOS | Lauren Hender

Jot Girl Lauren Hender is a big fan of December Daily and shares some of her pages from her 2013 mini album. “I am still putting on some finishing touches, but I have to admit that working on my mini album little by little throughout the year has made me reflect on what a wonderful month December 2013 was for us as a family.

I look forward to starting my 2014 album and documenting wonderful December moments from this year.�

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ABOVE | Lauren has used products from Heidi Swapp’s “Believe” collection which gives her December Daily album a fun and festive look.

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ABOVE | Lauren has used a colour palette of green, red and bold black for her Christmas Daily December mini book which makes a striking impact.

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3

gift giving mini books PROJECT + PHOTOS | Mary-Ann Maldonado

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This Christmas mini album is a collection of my favorite photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that were not included in my December Daily album.

It will sit on my coffee table as Christmas decor and a conversation piece with friends who visit. It will contain more of Christmas Day than what I can include in an already jammed packed December Daily album.

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SUPPLIES | Mary-Ann has used a 7Gypsies mini album and also products from Queen & Co. Bubbles. Jillibean Soup - Holly Berry Borscht, May Arts red ribbon and twine and she’s added in some machine stitching.

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www.dawnfay.com.au Melbourne | Australia

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Š Copyright. Kate Mason 2014.

Have yourself some merry little Christmas tags Kate Mason rocks. Her work is stunning and I have been a long time fan of Kate’s whimsical illustration and mixed media collages. I am so excited to share an EXCLUSIVELY designed set of Christmas tags that Kate has designed for Jot readers. Perfect for adorning pretty Christmas gifts, adding to Project Life pages or your next paper project, Kate’s designs are delightful and fun!

**All artwork is copyright ©Kate Mason 2014 and are intended for personal use only. Please do not reproduce these images for commercial gain. Designs have been created by Kate exclusively for readers of Jot magazine.

Messy Miss Kate illustrator and artist Kate Mason is a busy mum of five from South Australia. Her whimsical mixed media painted collages can be found in her Etsy store here. Visit Kate’s website here and get to know her and her gorgeous family via her blog here.

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+ WHITE

plus

ONE

Let’s take a blank canvas -- fill it with whites -- think white toned papers, cardstock, embellishments, black and white photos AND THEN choose one other colour to toss into the mix.

By restricting our colour palette and only adding in one other colour, we may get a layout we wouldn’t normally create.

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everyday

Kim Jeffress - The Jot Team Ha, so it’s no surprise I chose yellow right!! Definitely my favourite colour!

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper - Heidi Swapp, Jillibean Soup. Embellishments - Heidi Swapp, Chic tag flair, cards, Freckled Fawn arrow paper clip.

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a child’s laughter

Sharmaine Kruijver - The Jot Team Making this page, of our daughter, I knew I had to use red. It’s her favourite. I used a photo from last year and a story from when she was little. Her laugh is the best laugh ever!

SUPPLIES | Patterned papers: Basic Grey. Cardstock: Bazzill. Embellishments: Project Life card, Basic Grey flair, Fancy Pants Designs button, Cocoa Daisy wood veneer and ink, D-lish heart pin, Kelly Noel file cut. Other: Typewriter, Silhouette Cameo, sewing machine, twine, red Sharpie pen, tissue paper, circle punch, date stamp.

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SUPPLIES | CARDSTOCK: Bazzill PATTERNED PAPER: ‘Just Sayin’

by Rhonna Farrer, ‘Close Knit’ by Crate Paper, ‘Petticoat’ by S.E.I., EMBELLISHMENTS: ‘Just Sayin’ by Rhonna Farrer ephemera, A Piece of Cake Designs flair, ‘Something Wonderful’ sticker by Teresa Collins, OTHER: gold colour spray ink (BoBunny), twine, tiny attacher, scissors, brown journal pen.

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just sayin’ Anna Allan - The Jot Team

I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use this photo on a page it’s one of my faves featuring my youngest with her little bestie. Although the photo is black and white - you can see the sun shining in to the left of the photo and I wanted to keep that light filled colouring.

This deep yellow/gold colour-way was perfect!

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love you

Amanda Hall - The Jot Team I suppose with three daughters it’s no surprise that I reached for the colour PINK for this assignment. I love how all the tones (yes even a reddish pink) look so soft together‌ although perhaps not the best choice for a determined, moody teenager!

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Bazzill. Embellishments: Scrap FX laser cut, Heidi Swapp ephemera and hearts, enamel dots, October Afternoon label stickers, Wilna cut file. Other: Typewriter, Silhouette Cameo, October Afternoon mist, gelatos, date stamp and ink.

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dream big

Lauren Hender - The Jot Team

What a fun challenge! I scratched my head a little with this one and I found myself trying to add a third colour. But I have to say that I love how it all came together.

SUPPLIES | Heidi Swapp, Teresa Collins and I Heart Studio

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love spending time with you Sheree Forcier - The Jot Team

Aqua has always been one of my favourite colours. It’s such a fun, fresh colour and I couldn’t resist scrapping these photos of Madi in her pretty aqua top!

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: La Carta. Patterned Paper: Crate Paper. Punches: Stampin’ Up, Martha Stewart. Dies: Provocraft, Sizzix Stampin’ Up, Papertrey Ink. Embossing Folder: Stampin’ Up. Other: Typo paperclip, sequins, paper doily, thread, white tag, vellum.

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remember this

Lisa Pate - The Jot Team

Working with just ONE colour plus white was such a challenge for me. I chose a vivid blue and kept within my usual messy arty style, and love the crisp look.

Supplies | white bazzill cardstock, washi tape,Technique Tuesday Stamps, Heidi Swapp ink, Prisma Pencils, epoxy dots, flutterby designs flair, paint, texture paste, stencil.

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belly dancers

Mardi Winen - The Jot Team These little blurry photos said it all..... they loved their Turkish belly dance costumes and jingled all over the house. It was so simple to just dive into my pink and white supplies and let the photos do the rest.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Bazzil. Patterned papers – American Crafts. Embellishments: Crate Paper, APOCD flair, American Crafts Amy Tangerine, Heidi Swapp, paper blossom, washi tape, Silhouette word (Suzie’s hand) , Heidi Swapp mist, Kaiser craft alpha, sequins from APOCD kit.

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we’re off to see the wizard..

Yvette Adams - The Jot Team

I love how classic black and white are together.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Bazzill. Patterned paper: Glitz Designs. Other: Hambly Transparency, Heidi Swapp transparency, book paper, doily, tissue paper, crochet flower, rub-ons, brads.

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‘tis the season

Janice’s blog

Janice Nicholls - South Australia It’s almost Christmas! A favourite time of the year for me! Here is my little girl all dressed up and ready for the fun and excitement of the Christmas street parade.

SUPPLIES | Patterned Paper: Kaisercraft, Making Memories, Basic Grey, Papermania’s glitter vellum Embellishments: 2Crafty Chipboard, Kaisercraft Blooms, Prima Flowers, Embroidery thread Others: Kaisercraft Stamp, Versa Colour Ink, Gesso, Mister Huey’s Colour Mist, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

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fabulous Moon’s blog

Moon Lee - Taiwan Here is the layout based on the idea of white and one more color. I love Heidi Swapp’s color shine not only to spray on the paper but also to use as ink to stamp. It works perfectly with all the papers and embellishments!

Supplies | Patterned paoer: Heidi Swapp. Embellishments: Color Shine: Heidi Swapp, clear word from Heidi Swapp. Stamps: Tattered Angels.

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Brenda’s blog

love

Brenda Smith I love this photo of my little girl from winter last year. We would snuggle every morning to get warm. That usually ended up in lots of tickling and giggles.

SUPPLIES | Maggie Holmes Open Book Ephemera, Heidi Swapp Chipboard stickers and Dream papers, Studio Calico Sequins, One Little Bird tag, Faber Castell Gelatos, fabric.

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Tarrah’s blog

love this

Tarrah McLean - Central Coast, NSW The softness of my photo decided the colours for my layout. I wanted to create a soft and feminine layout which proved perfect for my photo.

SUPPLIES | White cardstock. Patterned papers: Heidi Swapp. Embellishments: Heidi Swapp Mixed Company Banners, ephemera, rub-on sequins and Color Shine frame.

Other: Glassine bag, shipping tag and digital cut arrow.

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RIGHT: white handmade daisies from Craft Queen. Shop here>

5

<<LEFT: White doily paper set from Etsy store Verry Berry Sticker. Shop here>

whisper white

embellishments and trim for your next papery project.

ABOVE: Floral lace covered buttons from Retro Na Na store. Shop here>

ABOVE: Embossed gift card envelopes from Michelle Mach. Visit her Etsy store here>

RIGHT: white double ruffle ribbon from CuteZCrafts. Shop here>

By Kim Archer Jot Magazine 61

story telling.

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHRISTMAS TIME...

Welcome to our regular story telling gallery. This issue we showcase our Christmas stories -- from trimming the tree, our family traditions, Christmas Eve to Christmas morning and fun times with family. Merry Christmas everyone.

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waiting to see santa Sheree Forcier - The Jot Team

I love taking the kids to see Santa every year. They get excited and shy but love getting to talk to him and of course we get an official photo done too. This is them waiting very patiently for their turn to talk to Santa.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: La Carta. Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Echo Park. Alphabets: American Crafts, EK Success. Stickers: October Afternoon, Echo Park, Studio Calico. Die Cuts: Heidi Swapp. Chipboard Frame: Crate Paper. Punches: Stampinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Up. Other: button, thread, twine, white tag, vellum, staples.

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first christmas

Sharmaine Kruijver - The Jot Team Mr Harry Higgins joined our family in October last year. This page documents his first Christmas with us.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Bazzill. Alphabets: American Crafts. Embellishments: Crate paper die cut, Cocoa Daisy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Day in the Lifeâ&#x20AC;? card and ink, Piece of Cake Designs flair, Flutterby Designs wood veneer and stencil, Pebbles date stamp. Other: Labeller, texture paste, ink pencil, typewriter.

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& itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awesome

Yana Smakula- The Jot Team Every year I try to make our Christmas tree look a bit different by selecting a new color scheme. Last year we went to traditional red + green + white combo and I think I loved it the most! I wonder what color our tree is going to be this year?

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper: Heidi Swapp, Bella Blvd. Alphabets: Simple Stories.

Embellishments: Heidi Swapp acrylic words, Heidi Swapp word stickers, Heidi Swapp puffy stickers, Simple Stories brads, Simple Stories stickers, Jillibean Soup stickers, Studio Calico wood veneer stars, Scraptastic wood veneer, Studio Calico white Mr Hueyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mist.

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christmas at the chipperfields Yvette Adams - The Jot Team

I loved our big family Christmases when I was a child. Twelve of us staying in one house, with more family coming for the day!

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper: Heidi Swapp, Sweet William Prints kit. Letters: American Crafts, Making Memories, Jenni Bowlin, Chatterbox. Stickers: Heidi Swapp, Jenni Bowlin. Other: Sweet William Prints kit, Modcloth Christmas card, flower trim, feather, vintage packaging, Doodlebug paper trim, rub-on, stitching,

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tinsel

Anna Allan - The Jot Team

I really enjoy observing, capturing, and documenting the way my girls embrace the excitement, wonder and joy of Christmas.

Last year, my youngest was at the age where she was aware something big was happening and it was FUN! I loved watching her face as we pulled out the tree and decorations and how her face

lit up and she bounced up and down with excitement and anticipation. Just listening to their little kiddy chatter as they hung decorations all over the tree, dancing around, and then deciding that the tinsel looked just as good tied around themselves as it did draping the tree!

Their giggling and cheerful faces made my heart happy.

SUPPLIES | CARDSTOCK: Bazzil white ALPHABET: Glitter chipboard letters, Pebbles roller letter stamp. EMBELLISHMENTS: D-lish Scraps felt doilies, A Piece of Cake Designs flair, Heidi Swapp 12x12â&#x20AC;? heart stencil, Tim Holtz tag chevron stencil, tartan ribbon, gems, colour ink mist OTHER: texture paste, black archival ink, tiny attacher.

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Jot Magazine 68

joy to the world

Amanda Hall - The Jot Team

The kids often ask me questions about Christmas when I was growing upâ&#x20AC;Ś all those tiny details that seem insignificant but are actually important pieces of the puzzle that make up who we are.

I felt a bit emotional thinking about our silvery tinsel tree that our family had when I was little. I can remember Mum taking photos of my sister, brother and myself in front of this tree. What special memories to cherish - particularly as my parents are now divorced and my siblings live so far away.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: dark kraft. Embellishments: Heidi Swapp ephemera, Kaisercraft ephemera, Pink Paislee gold foil stars and label, Kaisercraft rubons Other: staples, thread.

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delight

Lauren Hender - The Jot Team Christmas is such a precious time of year for me. I love the magic and excitement my family creates and celebrates. Capturing moments on the day to remember is so important. This Christmas Katie finally understood and delighted in the magic of Christmas and what it was all about. These photos capture a little moment of her Christmas joy which is delightful.

SUPPLIES | Bo Bunny, K and Company, Crate Paper, Heidi Swapp, and Teresa Collins.

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christmas bakery

Steffi’s blog

Steffi Ried - Germany

The week before Christmas Eve is the time for our family Christmas bakery tradition. My daughter, my husband and I love this time. We listen to Christmas music, having so much fun together and the whole house smells like fresh cookies. In German we say “Plätzchen” for the cookies. And these are a present from our daughter for her grandparents. But for sure a few are for our own - yummy!!

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper: Dear Lizzy, Amy Tangerine, Echo Park, My Mind’s Eye. Embellishments: My Mind’s Eye, Crate Paper, Dear Lizzy, Studio Calico, Bo Bunny. Lettering: American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye. Mist: Heidi Swapp Ink: Versa Magic Miscellaneous: X-Press It Tape, Helmar 450 Glue, Magic Mount.

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merry & bright

Kim Jeffress - The Jot Team Each year my boys wait anxiously to find out if Santa will give them the “nod” for Christmas on the Portable North Pole app. Here they are watching it on my iPad!

SUPPLIES | Pink Paislee- pattern paper, stickers, glitter words, die cuts, tags.

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santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little helper

Tarrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

Tarrah McLean - NSW

Choosing a photo to scrap of an older Christmas memory, I wanted to keep my layout fun and meaningful. My son will hopefully look back on his scrapbooks one day and see that I have been memory keeping for a long time!

SUPPLIES | American Crafts cardstock, Heidi Swapp believe papers, Heidi Swapp ephemera and word stickers, D-Lish Scraps Journal Card, Greatest View Flair, Words or Whatever Wood Veneer, paper doily, bitty bag, mini staples.

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first christmas

Mary Joâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

Mary Jo Rhoda - St. Louis, Missouri, USA

I created this page using photos from my own first Christmas, since I felt it was definitely an important milestone that needed documenting.

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper - Heidi Swapp, October Afternoon. Stickers - American Crafts, October Afternoon, Heidi Swapp. Chipboard - Maya Road. Embellishments: doily, star sequins, flair - The Paper Bakery. Mediums: Stamp Ink - Brilliance; Stamping Up.

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gold FOIL

Go for gold!

Gold foil is big at the moment and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re celebrating all things gold. Think patterned papers, titles, embellishments and backgrounds.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look.

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you are loved

Sheree Forcier - The Jot Team I love how a little bit of gold foil can add that something special to your page and there are so many gorgeous gold foil embellishments and alphabets to choose from right now! I’ve used a mix of Heidi Swapp and Crate Paper gold foil goodies on my page.

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper: American Crafts. Project Life cards: Heidi Swapp, Crate Paper. Chipboard: Heidi Swapp, Crate Paper. Stickers: Crate Paper, My Mind’s Eye. Punches: Stampin’ Up. Wood Veneer: Studio Calico. Other: thread, button.

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darling girl

Anna Allan - The Jot Team I absolutely love all the gold foil products around - I am always attracted to papers with gold foil patterns embossed or printed onto them at the moment! They make a lovely shiny background :-)

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Kraft. Patterned paper: Basic Grey, Chictags. Alphabet: American Crafts, Kellie Stamps â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stamp set, AmyTangerine stamp set Embellishments: D-lish Scraps, Heidi Swapp. Other: black ink, colour mists, journal pen, tiny attacher.

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happy together

Kim Jeffress - The Jot Team I am totally in love with the new Heidi Swapp Project Life foil kits I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but use it on my project.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: American Crafts. Patterned paper: Heidi Swapp. Embellishments: Heidi Swapp - Gold Foil Project Life Value Kit, Glitter Word, Glitter sticker, washi tape, Ephemera, Wood Veneer, Roller Date stamp, Clear Stamp, Ink, Pink Paislee chipboard star, Color Shine.

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cupcakes and macarons Sharmaine Kruijver - The Jot Team

Teaching our kids good manners paid off for these two. We had been out for afternoon tea. We had sat outside and when we finished I asked the girls to take their plates and glasses back in, so the staff wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to do it. The owner was inside and gave the girls a macaron for being so helpful. Now I have to teach them that not every good deed gets rewarded.

SUPPLIES | Gold Foil: Fancy Pants Design. Alphabets: American Crafts.

Embellishments: Crate Paper journaling cards and sticker, Cocoa Daisy file cut, Cocoa Daisy and Tsukineko Co ink, Pebbles date stamp, Dylusions spray ink. Other: Pencil, typewriter.

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you are loved

Raquel Bowman - Victoria

Raquel has created this layered layout using lots of different gold foil embellishments including her title and labels plus a gold star added into the mix.

Raquelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Bazzil, plain vellum. Patterned paper: Crate Paper, My Minds Eye. Embellishments: Crate Paper stickers, Crate Paper Die Cuts, Crate Paper tags, Studio Calico stickers, D-lish Scraps peg, My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye enamel dots, doily, Pebbles bag. OTHER: Sewing machine, white thread, typewriter, foam tape, roller date stamp.

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Jot Girl Lauren has used a strong gold striped paper for her base and created this interactive layout by placing her mini book of memories onto her background patterned paper. The result is stunning.

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oh sweet child of mine Lauren Hender - The Jot Team

Just a little twist on the traditional. I have been asked in the past how I store my layouts that are interactive. With this layout I have used a craft knife and made an insert in the page protector.

This allows me to interact with the layout while at the same time protecting it.

SUPPLIES | Teresa Collins, Heidi Swapp, American Crafts, Crate Paper, Manor House, Flutterby Designs and Glitz Design.

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she leaves a sparkle Amanda Hall - The Jot Team

I am only new to loving gold but oh my gosh Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m out of control with it now. It gives the layout such a glamorous feel. For this page I made my own frilly background with tissue paper to give more dimension to the layout.

SUPPLIES | Cardstock: Bazzill. Patterned paper: unknown, Jen Hadfield homemade gold foil paper. Embellishments: Heidi Swapp ephemera and banner, Crate Paper stickers and chipboard, Pink Paislee gold stickers. Other: tissue paper, glue stick, feather cut file, gold filament thread.

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Jot Magazine 86

thank you for..

Yvette Adams - The Jot Team My baby sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband recently passed away suddenly.

They had such a wonderful, happy life together and at this heartbreaking time I wanted to acknowledge their wonderful life together and all the things Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful for.

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper: Pink Paislee. Letters: The Reject Shop.

Rub-on: Hambly Studios. Other: Heidi Swapp bunting, Heidi Swapp photo corner, music paper, doily, die cut paper, feather, wood heart and hash, stickers.

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my adorable Sabina Galfre - Italy

Soft colours, a big golden sun, many stitching, some golden die cuts and a good deal of sequins... these are the main ingredients for my layout dedicated to my young daughter.

SUPPLIES | American Crafts Dear Lizzy Daydreamer Collection, We R Memory Keepers’ Little One Collection, Paper Accents gold cup cardstock, Kesi’Art Adorable die, Lawn Fawn Spring Showers dies, Memory Box Beautiful Balloon Die, Studio Calico golden heart chipboards, Studio Calico golden enamel dots, Swirlcards sequins, Heidi Swapp Project Life Sheer stickers, American Crafts Shimelle Collection Word Stickers, Think Spring button badge.

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Sabina’s blog

I treasure you

Rachel Lowe - Perth, WA This photo of my daughter inspired me to create a vintage themed layout with the latest gold foil trend, soft pastels, flowers, butterflies with the subtle gold on a contrast of dark wood grain.

Rachelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

SUPPLIES | Crate Paper, Open Book papers and embellishments. Heidi Swapp colour spray in gold.

Silhouette butterfly and picture frame cut files.

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this is awesome

Tarrah McLean - NSW

I am loving the trend of gold foil at the moment...I love to team it with black for a striking effect.

Tarrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

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SUPPLIES | American Crafts Cardstock, Crate Paper/Maggie Holmes Papers, Maggie Holmes Frame, Heidi Swapp Ephemera, D-lish Scraps speech bubble, flair, gold washi tape, sequin bow, resin rose and wooden peg. Gold foil doily, shipping tag, sequins.

time flies

Tania Ballestrin - Nightcliff, NT I wanted to scrap this photo of my kids, taken six years ago. It’s a favourite of mine and they look so little and so cute - it seems like only yesterday. I’m glad we have these pictures to look back on. I couldn’t resist using the Project Life Gold Foil Kit designed by Heidi Swapp.

Tania’s blog

SUPPLIES | Patterned papers: Heidi swapp, American Crafts, Dear Lizzy. Cardstock: Kaszazz. Embellishments: Heidi Swapp Project Life card, Heidi Swapp gold foil embellishments, Echo Park, Ranger ice stickles, Paper Fields felt doily, Circle stencil - Kaszazz, washi tape, Ranger. Sketch courtesy of ‘D-Lish Scraps’

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hello

Chantalleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

Chantalle McDaniel - Queensland

Sometimes layouts donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need journaling. Gold adds a luxurious touch to this layout, capturing a special moment with my beautiful baby girl.

SUPPLIES | Patterned papers: Crate Paper, Studio Calico. Embellishments: American Crafts - Dear Lizzy ephemera, Evalicious flair and puffy sticker, Studio Calico rub-ons & gold foil leaves, Heidi Swapp rub-ons and mini stamps, American Crafts Zing embossing powders, Kaisercraft pearls, Bo Bunny floral stamp.

Other: Ranger embossing ink, StazOn ink, Artline Fineliner.

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a moment captured Sarah Bargo

This is a moment captured by Maggie Massey of me mopping the floor after hosting our first ever Daydream Event this year! I just remember being exhausted, yet floating on a cloud at the very same time. It was the most magical day! A real life dream come true. Everyone was saying, “mop the floor Cinderelly” Just a fun memory! I thought the new Maggie Holmes Open Book range was a perfect fit for it. The colors in the collection are so beautiful!

Sarah’s blog

SUPPLIES | Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper Open Book: 12x12 paper pad. Glitter bows. Stitched tags. Glitter word thickers. Gold doily. Chipboard Stickers. Gold foil stickers. Crate Paper Notes n Things chipboard frame. Crate Paper Styleboard chipboard frames. Misc: Vintage flashcards

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RIGHT: Gold chevron washi tape from Craft Queen. Find it here>

5

<<LEFT: Gold foil tags from Chic tags. We found ours at APOCD here>

shimmery gold foil products for your next papery project.

ABOVE: Gold foil digitally printed tags from Hanging Willow. Shop here>

ABOVE: Variety pack of gold foil vellum from Etsy store Jen Allyson here>

RIGHT: Heidi’s gold foil Project Life kit it’s awesome. Find it here> Jot Magazine 94

By Kim Archer

pocket SCRAPBOOKING pocket page

ideas

We love pocket scrapbooking around here and in this issue we have gathered together some fun and inspiring ideas.

CHECK IT OUT>> 96 MEET PROJECT LIFER - Julia Schueler 107 USING PROJECT LIFE FOR A SINGLE EVENT by Kim Jeffress 110 POCKET SCRAPBOOKING GALLERY

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JULIA SCHUELER

Profile of a Project Lifer

Julia Schueler lives in the Border Triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland together with her husband and three young children. She is an avid lover of Project life and shares her story with us here in this issue of Jot. How long have you been doing Project Life and how often do you work on your pages?

I started Project Life in June 2012. I work on my pages at least once a week because it is important to me to record our family stories. Since I don’t write a journal, except on vacation, I jot things down when they are still fresh in my memory. When one of my children says something funny or if something important happens, I try to write it down on a Project Life journaling card even if it’s on that same day.

What are your tips for staying organised and up to date?

One: Free yourself from the thought of a pre-formatted design, like album size or weekly/monthly system. Project Life is a pretty flexible system so choose your own style. I never have just the right number of pictures to fill a full page, that’s why I fill them continuously without breaks for a new week or month. Two: I keep a box of memorabilia, like tickets, letters, receipts, and pictures my children draw for me on my desk, so it is always close by. In the meantime I have primed my whole family to never throw away any type of memorabilia. It still makes my husband frown though.

And three: Keep your photos up to date. I use Adobe Lightroom to archive my photos and it keeps them in chronological order. That helps a lot.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since my start in 2012, I am using the 12 x 12â&#x20AC;? sized album. For a family of five this format is a really good size. My favorite page protector is Design A. I like to mix in some others in between, like for a special occasion or day. But Design A allows me to use my pictures in a landscape format and they fill a 4x6 pocket very nicely.â&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I use two cameras to take my pictures.

I have a small Sony DSC-RX100 Cybershot camera that fits in my jacket pocket and takes great photos indoors also at low light. Alternatively I use my Canon EOS 400D plus 18-220mm zoom lens which is fantastic for photos outdoors.â&#x20AC;?

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Do you have a dedicated Project Life space?

I have a special work space with my Project Life album open on a small table. Next to it I have a desk where I work on the individual pages.

Do you do any other scrapping?

Project Life is not my only scrapbooking. I design one or two layouts or other projects per week too, but only for really special photos or stories. I do Project Life for my family - to have a journal of our life. Layouts I make for my crafty self.

How long does it take to make a spread?

My system to approach Project Life is by filling in advance some spots in a double spread with paper and Project Life cards that work together.

And because of that step I always know what card to take to quickly write something down and then slip it back into place.

Incorporating drawings or written notes from my children broadens the number of contributors for our Project Life album. With my three kids... I like their handwriting and I love their view on things.

Photos usually get downloaded twice a week from my camera. I don’t use my phone because I don’t like the pictures it produces. I use Lightroom to save, select, and edit my pictures. By default it saves them chronologically filed by date and that saves me a lot of time when browsing through them.

Usually I have a ton of pictures and I plan what photos to use before I print them. But using every good photo would go beyond the scope of my Project Life. It is always a tough choice to make. My photos are only supposed to give an overview of what happened.

With that workflow .. Project Life cards and papers already chosen, photos already edited.. it takes me 30 minutes to print my photos on my Canon Selphy and to finish my double page.

Do you print your photos at home?

Working on my Project Life album is done in my scarce free time. Life with three children is busy and I work in between on my pages and in steps. I want my pictures available right then, so I print them “on-demand” at home.

Within Lightroom I created some templates for photos in different sizes to fit the different pocket types. For layouts I order photos online, because quality is more important.

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Do you work from a kit or just use whatever supplies you have on hand?

The Studio Calico Project Life kit and their printable labels are fantastic. Although the Project Life kits with Crate Paper designs are my favorite. The Midnight Edition is a very versatile collection because it fits every style and I am glad that a friend shared a kit with me. My favourite Project Life cards are the ones with a little sentiment already on them. There are also some beautiful printable kits available, such as cards from Peppermint Granberg alias â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Little Birdâ&#x20AC;?.

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What are your favourite embellishments to use?

I embellish my pages very little. To document the date or occasion I use printable labels.

Stickers, enamel dots and wood veneer are the most utilized and loved items I use. I absolutely like those ephemera packs available. My handwriting on labels is the fastest way of documenting. I also like small alphabet stickers or even Thickers on my spreads. And an important attribute on my pages is white space - even if it is not white but colorful and with a print. To leave a beautiful pattern or sentiment alone is a good thing to me. I try not to crowd my pages.

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Do you jot things down through the week or do you have any tips for keeping track of what you have done?

Journaling is not made for me, except on vacation, and even then it is pretty brief. I jot things down when they are still fresh in my memory. When one of my children says something funny I try to write it down on a Project Life card or post-it note on the same day.

How do you organise your supplies?

All my cards are in a divided box, organised by kit. Small stackable boxes for the printable labels and embellishments are standing on my desk.

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“The different parts of our family live far away from each other, so we meet mostly during school holidays. The yearly digital photo book is the preferred Christmas gift and I am making “normal” photo albums for my children since they were born. When a friend showed me her Project Life album and her layouts in 2012, I knew that this combination of storytelling and pictures was for me, because I realized that I was missing to document the most important part of our pictures – the story behind. The albums consisted of lots and lots of photos but the details of these unique moments were missing. I wasn’t writing enough and because of that I wasn’t really documenting our life. I am not a fan of journaling, so Project Life is a perfect mix of photos and stories.”

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What is the best thing about Project Life?

The best thing is its simplicity. Take a picture and write it down, even if you are not the journaling type like me. And if you like, you can use creativity to decorate it a little bit. The benefit is that you don’t have to worry about memorizing everything. If you write it down you can’t forget it.

My kids love looking through the albums and they ask for albums with photos of their grandparents or great grandparents (Yes, they still live). My daughter did recently an interview with her great grandmother about her childhood.

That will definitely get a special spot in the album.

What is the most challenging thing about Project Life?

The most challenging thing is for me not to get overwhelmed by this range of products and social media offering. I like to look at other Project Life pages, layouts or mini albums that inspire me. Unfortunately there are already one hundred years of scrappiness in my head. So sometimes it is worthwhile to only enjoy the own family and not to look around.

Also I do not like using my paper goods lavishly, so I always try to use the backside of a Project Life card. That doesn’t make it easy and I can’t recommend this, but I simply cannot waste a good backside of a card. To save me some stress, please produce one-sided Project Life cards!

So, your children love Project Life too?

My daughter started her own Project Life album a few weeks ago when I gave her some cards and a 6x8 inch album for her ninth birthday and she loves it.

Now my son (seven years old) wishes for the same gift (Hey Santa!). The next Project Life generation is on the way!

Visit Julia on her Instagram account here>

And see her work in her Studio Calico gallery here>

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pocket SCRAPBOOKING Showcasing Project Life/pocket style scrapbooking pages capturing our attention.

Jot Magazine 106

Kim Jeffress

The Jot Team - Queensland Pocket pages are perfect for documenting stories from the one event.

Here Kim has detailed her story of her trip to CHA in the US, two years ago and meeting the Heidi Swapp Media Team girls and Heidi Swapp for the very first time.

Kim has created a full 12x12â&#x20AC;? layout as a lead in to her double Project Life page showcased on the following page. She has included a 3x4â&#x20AC;? journaling card and lots of detail to create a fun page and lead in for her double page spread.

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Kim has used this journaling card for some hidden journaling which has allowed her extra space to add more of her story to her pages.

Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blog

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Not just for documenting a week or a month, Project Life pocket pages can be used for detailing a single event such as a wedding, birthday party or Christmas.

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Petra Corcoran Queensland I have been doing Project Life for a few years now. Always pockets, always angles. Sometimes, I deliberately like to challenge my thinking and before doing this layout wondered whether it is possible to fit a â&#x20AC;&#x153;circle into a squareâ&#x20AC;? in a Project Life layout and still have it all look right.

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Petraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

Using the Becky Higgins Midnight Core Kit as my base, because it already contained some circular elements, I played with Photoshop Elements to mask photos into circles and this was the result.

I added some Heidi Swapp words to add both a little tactile dimension and to break up all the circles, just a little.

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Jodie King

Sunshine Coast, Australia

This is my week 17 spread using Simple Stories - The Story of Us collection. Although this is a wedding themed collection, I loved pulling bits and pieces from it that suited my photos and theme for the week, which included lots of outdoor family activities.

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Jodieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog Jodieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used a black and gold colour palette to achieve a striking impact on her pages.

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Lauren Hender The Jot Team - NSW

To see my sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes when he saw this layout made every creative moment worth while. He stood studying each pocket and then ran over to show it to his sister and brother. I love this. A most enjoyable way to tell my children that I love them is to scrapbook and document the moments they love the most.

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Laurenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog

Products used: Teresa Collins, Heidi Swapp, American Crafts, Project Life.

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Leanne Allinson Queensland

Week 39 was the first week of our September school holidays in Queensland and as the weather warms up I get to document with bright and beautiful colours. Summer Squeeze, Family Forever and Sand ‘n’ Surf collections from Bella Blvd feature prominently.

Leanne’s blog

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I discovered quickly, that I had a high number of photos to include in my spread and no place to add my words. The most simple solution was to add hidden journaling with a flip pocket. This allowed me to add those extra photos as well as provide ample room to document our day to day happenings.

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Beshka Kueser Germany

I love to create spreads where what I use complements my photos. If I can find a cool color combo & a great mix of patterns for my photos then I am in pocket heaven!

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Beshkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog Beshka has added a white border to each of her photos for a crisp, clean look to her double page spread.

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spotted

Every issue we feature a layout or paper project that has caught our eye. This issue we share this layout from Anita Rodway, NSW. Visit Anita’s blog here>

Anita says, “ I love creating my own backgrounds! It brings so much movement to my layouts and complements my photos exactly the way I want it to. These photos are exactly why I scrapbook. The tiny moments that would otherwise be forgotten are captured forever”

SUPPLIES | Patterned paper: Heidi Swapp, Basic Grey. Mediums: Faber Castell Gelatos, gesso, gel medium, Stazon ink, Posca paint pens. Stamps: Kaszazz. Technique Tuesday, Denim Tampons, Prima, date stamp. Embellishments: Flutterby designs flair buttons, wood bits and page tabs, Studio Calico wood veneer, Memory Box stencil, washi tape, thread, enamel dots.

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hey mum,

are you busy?

Frazzled?

Need to offload?

Me too!

Grab a cuppa and join me. teenagesurvivalcoach.com.au

Jot Magazine 121

BY SHARI BREWER

dear diary.

I’m joining the masses of those also wondering how on earth its come to be almost Christmas time…. Again? I mean seriously, weren’t we just here? How’s it already the season for baubles, tinsel and Santa stockings?

Guess it’s true that time moves more quickly when you’re older. Right?

Already I can sense that Christmas 2014 is going to be a different barrel of biscuits around here and that brings mixed feelings.

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Shari’s still shaking her head as to how it can be Christmas time again already!

And she’s still deciding on what to tell Santa to bring her kids this year.

The boys are getting older and now they’re beyond the giddy excitement and energy of kiddy Christmas. Must admit I get a wee bit misty-eyed when I realize now they just want a pocket full of JB HiFi vouchers without lashes of wrapping paper or kisses on cheeks.

Luckily Gina, as an ever excitable four year old, will bless us with the joy and wonderment of a child’s view of Christmas.... indeed, she’ll keep us young and in debt to Santa for much longer yet.

But then along with this magic comes the pressure of scoffing at Santa privately and out of earshot!

Everything has its price.

With the days until Christmas quickly closing in, it must be time for me to consider the inevitable and begin my list. Sigh. Oh to have a PA! At times throughout the year past all three of my children have been naughty and nice and the overall result for each could probably be decided by tossing a coin. I know although their wants are great, their needs are actually few but because I’m a softie there will be some surprises under the tree.

Scott at 15 is a little easier to buy for, although Bionicles won’t be an option for him this Christmas either.

I’ve got a fair idea he’d be thrilled to unwrap a new drum kit, a Go-Pro or television for his room.

Actually, he’s probably hoping for all three but it’s just not happening.

Better get cracking on that list then.

It wouldn’t be as exciting, but I think he could benefit from joining his brother on the wet towel etc training session. Alternatively a weekday alarm clock with built in get-ready-for-school service is a very practical thought I’m having. I’m yet to shop for him but guess I’ll be on the hunt for a nifty compact Bluetooth speaker system for him.

I think I can sort this into what they probably want to receive, what they’d benefit most from and then what they’ll most likely get. Look, it’s a starting point anyway.

Now Gina has her wish list sorted. Anything and everything advertised on the Disney or Nick Jnr is something she’s desperate to have Santa deliver directly to her on Christmas morning.

Diary, I’ll begin with the oldest, Liam

Unluckily for her, I’m Santa’s household representative and am less than interested in any plastic-overloaded LaLaLoopsie paraphernalia.

She’d be much better off receiving a school bag for the start of her big education adventures in 2015 as well as a decent dose of patience, but I imagine her being less than impressed with either. Maybe she’ll be more excited by a Cabbage Patch doll and a Frozen costume. Hope so!

At 17 Lego is certainly off his list and that’s a bit of a bugger because as awkward as Bionicles are to giftwrap they were such a simple solution for so many years.

I’m thinking, like most teen lads his age he’d probably love his stocking to contain something like.... the keys to a sportscar; a never-expiring pizza voucher or a subwoofer for his Hyundai that could self-propel it.

As to what I think he’d most benefit from, top of the list would be a day-long personal training session on changing toilet rolls, picking up wet towels and communicating in multiple syllables.

To be truthful he’s been a good fellow this year and hopefully he’ll love the peronalised plates I’ve ordered for his car. Shhhhh, it’s a surprise!

There you go Diary, my very first-world problems around Christmas shopping when we already are blessed with so much. What’s a girl to do other than grin, bear it and say Ho Ho Ho while sipping bubbles. Happy Festive season my friend.

Till next time Shari xx

Shari Brewer lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland with her family and these diary entries may or may not be a truthful account of her day-to-day experiences.

She’s never been shy of a story, so it’s best you decide what’s fact or fiction.

A mother of three (two teens and a preschooler) Shari’s a part time high school teacher who keeps herself busy running a household as well as the parenting website Teenage Survival Coach. In her spare time she clatters on the keyboard and pimps her writing services as a freelancer.

Visit Shari here on her website, Teenage Survival Coach.

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Beshka Kueser Beshka, originally from Texas, lives in Germany with her husband Chad and two kids Riley and Logan.

#bckueser

Beshka says, “We have three years in Europe so we spend a lot of our time exploring this amazing part of the world (who knew there were so many castles!? Oh my!)! We love it so much here and it has been such a great experience for our kiddos, we are very thankful.”

Beshka’s Instagram feed is filled with photos of her family, their adventures and a glorious selection of Beshka’s paper crafting.

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INSTAGLAM

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Introducing our 2015 Jot Girls team The competition was fierce!

And I had a tough time assembling our team for 2015 but I am thrilled to bits with the team of lovely ladies I have chosen to represent Jot and help me realise the next series of goals/ plans/ideas I have for the Jot brand. Not only are they talented and creative and passionate about memory keeping but they’re just really nice girls! We have started to get to know each other in our private Jot Girls message boards as we start to plan and chat together and it’s going to be an awesome year with an awesome team.

So who is a Jot Girl for 2015? staying on for another term with me will be:

Yvette Adams Anna Allan Sheree Forcier Amanda Hall Lauren Hender Kim Jeffress Sharmaine Kruijver Lisa Pate Mardi Winen

Stay tuned -- the new Jot Girls are already creating wonderful things for us here at Jot.

Welcome our 2015 Jot Girls!

And joining them will be:

Meaghann Andrew Raquel Bowman Loredana Bucaria Aimee Dow Natalie Elphinstone Jamie Pate Janna Werner Jodie York

And due to their outstanding applications and a love for Project Life, I decided to add in three new Project Life Jot Girls. These girls all share a passion for pocket scrapbooking and will be helping build up that side of the Jot brand.

Leanne Allinson Petra Corcoran Beshka Kueser

I am sad to see some of my original Jot girls leave us. Issue 8 is their last issue as Jot Girls and endings are always sad — a huge THANK YOU to Mel Nunn, Yana Smakula, Kim Stewart and Stephanie Bryan who are leaving the fold .. we wish them all the very best and thank them for their support, beautiful projects and friendships.

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