June 2017 Blog Posts

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06.10.17
Hi everyone! Jana Eubank here. The kids are out of school and the iconic question that goes "Mooom, what are we going to do today?" has already begun in our household. Haha! I don't know about you, but even though I love summer, when it's especially hot outside I think I'd rather stay in with the air conditioning and play with my scrapbook supplies!
 
Today I have a couple of layouts to share with you featuring the bright and happy colors of summer. This first on uses the Emoji Love collection.
 
WOW! WHAT A FUN DAY
 
All of my four kids' birthdays are in the summer. My oldest daughter has taken it upon herself to start a new tradition with her siblings by taking each one of them out for a special outing to celebrate their birthdays. On this day she took her youngest sister to lunch and to do a little bit of shopping.
 
 
While they were out together they took lots of selfies of their adventure ... which, of course, always includes silly faces! These are the kind of shots that are perfect to use with this darling collection!
 
 
I used the two speech bubble die cuts, "Love" and "Yay!" above this photo ... my daughter had picked up a pack of Pokemon cards while they were at Target and had scored a very RARE card. This is the celebratory selfie shot from that moment. Haha!
 
 
I used the striped Be a Unicorn paper to mat the largest photo, and then used the solid color 3x4 cards from the 3x4 Journaling Card Elements paper to mat the two smaller photos. I placed the two smaller photos on either side of the larger main photo and then layered up lots of delicious patterned papers behind them: the Choose Happy Paper, Yay Paper, Ha Ha Paper, and Be a Unicorn Paper (script). I tilted each of the layers differently for a bit of fun.
 
In the upper right corner I added a winky face, a epoxy metal clip, a sticker from the 4x6 stickers and a few enamel dots.
 
 
I cut out the script "Wow!" word from one of the 4x6 cards from the SN@P! pack for the first part of my title. For the second part, I used the pink letter stickers from the 4x6 sticker pack. The nail polish bottle die cut to the left of the title is a nod to the shopping they did on this day.
 
 
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What kid doesn't spend many of their summer days riding their bike around the neighborhood with their friends?!  I gotta tell you ... every time I flip through the Summer Days collection I just get a smile on my face. I love this collection so much! I couldn't wait to play with it on this next layout!
 
 
First, I matted my photos with the diagonal stripe of the Sunny Days Paper and then adhered the them to the sweet yellow floral Hello Sunshine Paper. This floral has my heart. It was the perfect backdrop for these photos of my daughter on her bike.
 
I accented the top of the photos in the upper right corner with a bit of the striped Good Vibes Washi Tape and a couple of die cuts. The "Big Smiles" sticker is from the phrase stickers on the Combo Sticker Sheet.
 
 
I wanted to build a little scene in the bottom left corner of my photo strip. The sun looks like it is rising up over beach bus, beckoning you to come outside and play for the day!
 
 
I created my title on my electronic die cutting machine. I backed the openings of the letters with the pink chevron Summer Snapshots paper to tie it in with the same paper at the top of the page. A flamingo die cut and pinwheel stickers flank either side of the title ... and then a phrase sticker from the 4x6 stickers at the bottom of the title reminds you that it is definitely a beautiful day to get out and play in the sun!
 
 
I used a strip of the diagonal striped Sunny Days Paper to tie in with the photo mats at the top of the page and give the title and accents a place to rest.
 
 

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06.09.17

SOLD OUT!   Sorry if you missed out this year, the boxes sold out incredibly fast.  

Hello friends!  We're super excited to announce our 2nd annual Warehouse Box Sale!

Each Warehouse Sale Box contains $200 retail value of Simple Stories products including a 6x8 SN@P! Binder, 12x12 papers, 6x6 pads, stickers, 3x4 cards, 4x6 cards, SN@P! Pages, brads, chipboard and more from collections including Bloom & Grow, Enchanted, Fankie & Friends, I AM, Let's Party, Life Documented, Life in Color, Snow Patrol, Summer Vibes, Sunshine & Happiness, You Are Here, We Are Family & MORE!   

To purchase a Warehouse Sale Box, simply select a shipping/location option below and click BUY NOW!

Click HERE for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  

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06.09.17

Hello creative planners! It’s Leah, back on the blog today showing you a few ways to use 4x6 pocket pages to personalize your Carpe Diem planners! When I saw the Summer Days collection, I was immediately inspired to create some new decorative elements for my planner to dress it up for summer time. The tropical designs in the collection reminded me of my honeymoon to Hawaii that I have yet to scrapbook, so I had the idea to print out a few photos from the trip and incorporate them into my planner pages using a few 4x6 pocket pages.

I always keep photos in my planner that remind me of happy times or loved ones. My photos from Hawaii are a couple of years old now but they immediately make me feel happy when I look at them. Since I open my planner every day, I get to be reminded every day of those special memories.

The 4x6 pocket pages fit well into your Carpe Diem planner, you just have to add a few extra holes for the rings. The first pocket page I decorated has one 4x4in pocket and two 2x2in pockets. The 4x4 card inside is cut from this Summer Days 4x4 Elements Paper. I added a butterfly die cut to the outside of the pocket to add some dimension.  I made a small tag to fit in the bottom left pocket and added a sun die cut to the outside of the pocket so I didn’t have to trim it down. In the bottom right pocket, I measured and cut a 2x2 square from some patterned paper and added the rainbow tab. I printed a 2x2 photo of my husband and I, and then trimmed it down a bit so that you could still see the patterned paper behind.

On the back side of this pocket page, I printed a collage photo that I made using a mobile app called Pic Stitch. I printed the photo 3.8x3.8” in size. This allowed me to trim the photo down to fit in the top pocket but also let the paper underneath show which added a colorful frame. Instead of gluing the photo down, I used a gold clip to hold it in place. In the bottom pockets, I added a couple more die cuts from the Bits and Pieces pack and a few word label stickers.

For my next pocket page, I used a page with six 2x2in pockets. Using the same process as before, I cut a few patterned papers down to fit in the pockets and made another little tag. I added some sequins to one pocket and taped it shut with clear Scotch tape. I printed the photo in a 2x2in size.

On the back side of this page, I just printed another 2x2 photo and embellished the other sides of the patterned papers that were in the pockets.

Here are a couple of other fun ideas for how you can use 4x6 pocket pages in your planner:

·       The pockets on the page below are 3x4 in size. I cut out some of my favorite 3x4 journal cards from this 12x12 paper, then added some sequins and taped the pockets closed to create a super cute and super easy double-sided shaker pocket!

·       The pocket page below has one large 4x6 pocket, so I used the flamingo notecard from this 12x12 paper. Putting a journal card into a plastic pocket page is a quick way to create a dashboard that you can write on with a wet erase marker. You could create the same effect by laminating the card, but this process is way quicker and allows you to change out the journal card later if you want.

Now for a little bonus content on this blog post…

Check out my June monthly layout! The Summer Days collection is PERFECT to kick off my summer planner layouts! Hop on over to my Instagram to see the layout all filled in.

Here are a couple of close up photos!

I hope this post has given you all some inspiring ideas for how to use pocket pages in your Carpe Diem planner. For lots more beeeeautiful planner inspiration and peeks at all the new planner products rolling out this summer, check out the Carpe Diem Planners Instagram! I AM SO EXCITED! What products are you the most excited for?

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06.08.17

Jeanne here today with some inspirational cards featuring the Simple Stories Faith Collection.  This collection is a beautiful mix of florals and prints in bright colors with navy accents for lots of contrast. 

The collection is appropriately named “Faith” because religious sentiments are mixed throughout the different elements available in the collection like this bible verse that you can find in the Bits and Pieces die cut pack.  What a great way to encourage and inspire, or maybe just remind someone of how blessed they really are.

I thought these die cut plants were perfect with the sentiment – a reminder to have faith and trust in God. 

The butterfly to me represents “letting go” and letting Christ lead the way.  I added a strip of navy pattern paper under the pots to keep them grounded and added some yellow enamel dots for a sprinkle of extra color.

 

Sometimes we’re looking for answers, things happen in life that we don’t understand.  It’s important to have faith. 

 

This card started with pretty papers from the Faith Collection.  For my focal point I added a 3x4” SN@P! Journaling card and topped it with some circles I cut from the 6x8 Paper Pad.

I added lots of embellishments like a pretty chipboard flower.

 

An epoxy metal clip and some enamel dots shine like candy!

This little butterfly is from the Combo Sticker that is in the 12” Collection or sold separately.  I dusted it with baby powder to remove some of the tackiness before adhering it with adhesive foam tape for dimension.

 

All the different elements in this collection are beautifully coordinated  to complement each other, making your projects  a pleasure to create.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sometimes we’re looking for answers, things happen in life that we don’t understand.  It’s important to have faith. 

 

This card started with pretty papers from the Faith Collection.  For my focal point I added a 3x4” SN@P! Journaling card and topped it with some circles I cut from the 6x8 Paper Pad.

I added lots of embellishments like a pretty chipboard flower.

 

An epoxy metal clip and some enamel dots shine like candy!

This little butterfly is from the Combo Sticker that is in the 12” Collection or sold separately.  I dusted it with baby powder to remove some of the tackiness before adhering it with adhesive foam tape for dimension.

All the different elements in this collection are beautifully coordinated  to complement each other, making your projects  a pleasure to create.  The Faith Collection is a beautiful way celebrate and inspire the people who are blessings in your life!

 

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06.07.17
Hello friends! Jennifer here on the blog today to share some pages I created using the new Cabin Fever collection!  The weather is getting warmer here in the US so that means getting outdoors!  Where I live many people love to camp and I was excited to see this fabulous line!  Truth be told, I don't love to get out there and "rough it" but definitely enjoy being among nature!   Both of my kids have attended church camp during the summers just north of our city and Cabin Fever is perfect for their photos! 
 
 I used the new Geo Background (#19848) Simple Stories Silhouette Cut File as the base of my first layout "Explore".  I wanted to show off the many rich patterns and colors of Cabin Fever so using a background cut file is a perfect way to do so!  I honestly can't tell you which pattern is my favorite because I love them all!  
 
 
The 3x4 Journaling Card Elements are perfect to add journaling or layer small embellishments around your title! I did both using pieces from the Combo Sticker Sheet as well as one of the Decorative Brads! Using pop dots or foam tape with embellishments can add some depth to your page just as I did with the fire die cut.  I usually find this helps fill in space between  photos and/or journaling spots.  
 
 
If you don't do much pocket page scrapbooking and aren't sure what to do with the 4x6 Horizontal and Vertical Elements, they do make great layers under your photos!  I like to add at least two contrasting colors to help my photo "pop"!  I also have a habit of matting my picture onto white cardstock  as well!  What can I say? I love layers!  To break up the page, I used the tartan plaid border sticker from the Combo Sticker Sheet and the "Wild and Free" Die Cut from the Bits and Pieces pack. 
 
 
I love that the Decorative Brads have a multitude of sizes and shapes to choose from!  Here, I paired one of the smaller brads with a larger plaid.  Brads are a nice accent to bring you pages together!  
 

 
 
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For my second layout, "Camp 45", I started with kraft cardstock as my backround.  Again, using my Silhouette, I cut different size circles from a few select patterns (using both sides of the page).  I then layered my circles across the center of my layout and stitched through with my sewing machine.  I also added strips of favorite accent prints at the top and bottom of the page (and again stitching through...I sew on everything!).  
 
 
Camp 45 is the name of the camp my daughter attended that summer...it was for fourth and fifth graders and her first time being away from home for more than a night.  It's only 20 min away but I may have cried when I dropped her off!   Again, there is that 3x4 Journaling card! They are so nice to tuck next to your photo and add a title and a few embellishments!  I used the "CAMP" from the Camping on the 6x12 Chipboard along with cutting my "45" with my Silhouette and backing with yes another 3x4 Journaling Card! :)  
 
 
I punched two smaller holes at the top of my Journaling card to add brown baker's twine to the top!  I thought it gave the card a little bit of dimension!  
 
 
Using hand punches, I added smaller circles to the fringes of my photo as well as added die cuts and smaller Decorative Brads.  Also, you can spy at the top of my photo some of the lovely Nature Hike Washi Tape!
 
 
Here, I used the remainder of my tartan plaid scallop border sticker to break up the page...you can also spy a small section on the other side of my journaling card!  I love using repeating shapes on a page when you want to include lots of color and prints!  
 
 
Thank you for stopping by today!  I hope this inspires you to do some creating with Cabin Fever! You can check out the collection in its entirety by going to the Products Page!  Have a wonderful day! 

 

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06.06.17
Hello friends! Brenda Smith here with you today and I've got a Summer mini album in a 4x6 SN@P! binder to share with you today.
 
 
I used the 4x6 Sn@p album in teal and papers and embellishments from the new Summer Days collection. The chipboard "Summer" just begs to be used on mini album covers and I couldn't resist. I paired it with a label, stamps, and some additional sticker embellishments. 
 
 
 
 
 
I covered the insides of my album with the Lazy Days patterned paper. I usually like to choose a smaller pattern without too many colors for the covers and this worked perfectly. I trimmed down a 4x6 "bucket list" journal card and matted it on the Gotta Wear Shades patterned paper.  I created a sequin pocket and sealed it shut with the Good Vibes washi. I used a 4x6 card as a title cards of sorts, typing out the months documented and our names.
 
 
 
 
I knew I wanted to use the box stickers from the 4x6 stickers so I measured them and created a photo collage in Photoshop with photos the same size. I filled the blank spots of the collage with box stickers and embellished accordingly. I matted the collage with the Soak up the Sun paper. For the "bright" journal card, I used some more of the Gotta Wear Shades paper and glued a bit of it on the top of a 3x4 journal card. I then used some alpha stamps from my stash atop a label and added a few brads from the Decorative Brads. The "Hello Sunshine" is a stitched on die cut from the Bits and Pieces pack. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I outlined the letters and the heart on the "I <3 Summer" card and added a few extra embellishments. "The Good Life," the green patterned stickers underneath, and the label are all from the 4x6 stickers. I used a 4x4 insert pocket in between this spread and stamped some sentiments from the Emoji Love roller stamp. I put an extra wide border on my "Swim" photo and added some stickers from the 4x6 stickers set as well as the cloud decorative brad. 
 
 
 
 
I printed a 1.5" circular photo as well as 2x2 photo to fill the smaller pockets. I created a 4x4 journal card using a card from the cut-apart sheet and some paper from the Sn@p Basics 6x6. On the other side, I trimmed a corner from the Summer Snapshots paper and added a few embellishments including enamel dots from the Home collection. One of my favorite things about Simple Stories lines is that you can often easily combine collections. 
 
 
 
 
One of my favorite tricks is to print a photo at 3x3 and leave the blank white space at the bottom so the photo is a 3x4 but looks somewhat like a polaroid. Then I'll add a little patterned paper and embellishments to finish it off. This Ninja card was just the right amount of color paired with the black and white photo. The 4x6 journal card is pretty simple with just the "chill" added from the 12x12 sticker sheet. I outlined it with a black pen to make it stand out more. 
 
 
For this page, I again made a very wide border on a 4x6 photo and embellished. The "happy" is from the 12x12 sticker sheet and the stickers along the bottom are all from the 4x6 sticker set. I obviously still have a bunch more to go to adequately document our summer, but I'm happy with this as a stopping point. 
 
Have you begun to document your summer with Simple Stories? Be sure and tag us @simplestories_ when sharing on Instagram so we can come and take a look! 

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06.05.17

Thanks sooooo much for joining us for our 2017 Carpe Diem Spring Release Reveal, we hope you enjoyed seeing all of our new products!  If you missed them last week, you can catch them below or view the full catalog here - 

Bloom & Beautiful
Bliss & Good Vibes
NEW Carpe Diem & Planner Essentials

These new products will be shipping June-September, depending on the products; watch the blog & social media for updates as we start shipping!   

Now on to the fun stuff - congrats to our 15 random lucky winners!  Here goes - 

Day 1 – Bloom or Beautiful A5 or Personal Boxed Set
Blog – Peg Graham
Instagram Simple Stories – planningwithsophie
Instagram Carpe Diem - emilyac84
Pinterest – Peggy Clees
Facebook – Lori Singleton Cash

 

Day 2 – Bliss A5 Boxed Set or Aztec Traveler’s Notebook
Blog – Rachel V 
Instagram Simple Stories – kristenjo76
Instagram Carpe Diem - elliervine
Pinterest – Terri Mas Stolzenberg
Facebook – Gingera Lincoln Earley

 

Day 3  – Floral Dot or Black Speckle A5 Planner
Blog – Deborah Routledge
Instagram Simple Stories – midnight.wink
Instagram Carpe Diem – unicornglitter75
Pinterest – Jenn E
Facebook – ‪Susanne Staal‪ 

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06.05.17

Hello planner girls!  I finally set up a Home Planner that I am absolutely in love with! Carpe Diem had everything I needed to get the perfect set up done. From the planner to the amazing detailed inserts to the décor to personalize it.

For my home planner I am using the Marigold A5 Planner with the Domestic Bliss collection.  One of my most favorite thing to do is set up a planner! I love decorating the pockets, making new dividers, selecting where I want things to go and personalizing it to my taste.

I used some of the paper pad paper scraps, stickers, journaling cards, brads and paperclips to decorate my pockets.

One of the most amazing things Simple Stories offers is the ready to use dividers for their planners which you can just personalize with stickers or you can use their paper to chose the order and customize your dividers even more!

I used the Domestic Bliss paper pad and cut my dividers with my Silhouette Cameo however if you do not have a cutting machine you can hand cut your paper down to 5.8 in wide by 8.3 in height for a A5 planner.

With the paper pad I was also able to make a dashboard and a page marker. I cut the dashboard down to 5.8 in wide by 8.3 in height and the page marker is 3.0 in wide by 8.681 in height with the top tab. I was able to use the different journaling cards, die cuts, stickers and brads from the Domestic Bliss collection to make it to my liking and I absolute love how it all turned out.

Carpe Diem Home insert collection is astonishing! Everything you can think of needing for a home planner they have included. From Personal information, emergency information trackers, Password logs, contacts and budget. If your like me I forget these things often so being able to have it all in one place has been a life saver. They also have inserts to keep you well organized by having a daily schedule, menu planning, to do list and much more!

Along with all the amazing things you can create or get from the Domestic Bliss collection as a Planner Addict and user the variety and amount of stickers available is breath taking they truly suit every theme so well and are so versatile.

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