Tag: video

Northern Lights Paintings Using Gouache

December 28, 2021

I tried my hands at using gouache and I’m liking it. I like how smooth it goes on and that it dries matte. What I’m not comfortable with (yet?) is that it takes getting used to. There were a couple times I wanted to give up because what I was trying to achieve just wasn’t happening, or so I thought. Somehow, the paintings turned out okay. Gouache tests my patience. I think one of these days I will definitely just destroy an unfinished piece.

These are the paintings I made using gouache. They were for birthday cards for family.

Here are close-ups.

I typically try to practice a smaller version before attempting on larger pieces to get the hang of things. I decided to record my process to share how I do it. Since I’m new to gouache, I wanted to also share a swatching of the gouache I used. It’s the Art Philosophy brand. I chose this brand because I heard a lot of good stuff about their gouache and it wasn’t expensive. I may one day try Holbein, Winsor & Newton, and other higher ends.

Hobonichi Techo Setup for 2022

December 22, 2021

As a writer, I need to be organized in my daily writing schedule, and because I also review books and craft (as a hobby), I need a calendar system that will not be too overwhelming, but be simple and easy to stay on top of things. I’ve been using the Hobonichi notebooks for a few years now and it’s really helped me stay productive. I basically use this notebook to track my daily to-dos and NaNoWriMo. I have other notebooks for more specific stuff, which I hope to cover more of on this blog…and YouTube.

Here is a video of my 2022 setup:

I still bujo! My bujo notebook has fallen behind, but goals are to keep up with it next year. I just ordered a B5 size and hope to share an unboxing of the A5 size I purchased a month ago. Maybe I’ll combine the two? We’ll see.

Unboxing Video: CS Folio Outlander Fergus B6

May 22, 2021

I always take forever to upload videos, mainly because I’m just never excited about talking in them, but I feel like if I do unboxings, I kind of have to say something. I finally found the courage to do a voice over for this unboxing even though it’s not my first time doing this.

This folio is of the same leather as the Outlander Fraser, in which I share a photo here. However, the style of notebook is different. Instead of strings, which can hold up to 6+ notebooks, the folio only holds one book at a time, just like the Huckleberry Creme B6 Folio.

What I love about the Fergus B6 Folio is the color, and that it’s a soft leather but not floppy. It’s slightly stiff but pliable. I went with the B6 because it’s the perfect size for notes and writing ideas down. I can carry it with me without it feeling too bulky. I love my A5’s, don’t get me wrong, but there’s just something special about the B6 size. And, between the Huckleberry Folio (which was a limited edition) and this one, I prefer this one. The folio style of this one is not limited edition, but I believe the leather is. I had actually wanted a Fergus strings notebook, but Chic Sparrow ran out of the leather and weren’t sure they’d get more in. One day, I went looking on their site and saw this limited edition Fergus and grabbed it like lightning.

Anyway, here is the video. Hope you enjoy!

Chic Sparrow B6 Slim Folio In Huckleberry

March 3, 2020

This pretty little thing came in the mail yesterday. It’s a Chic Sparrow B6 Slim Folio in the color Huckleberry. It is from the Crème line, which is a thick leather. The Huckleberry B6 Slim Folio is different from what I expected. I thought it was going to be thick but it’s been pressed very thin. At first look, I wasn’t sure what to think, but pretty quickly, I fell in love.

Here’s a comparison of the Crèmes I have.

Left to right: Deluxe Crème Brûlée Standard Traveler’s Notebook, Classic Crème Chocolate B6 Traveler’s Notebook, and Crème Huckleberry B6 Slim Folio.

I have quite a lot of traveler’s notebooks. It all started with the Midori Traveler’s Notebook which I found through the planner girls on Youtube and Instagram five years ago. What I love about the Chic Sparrow leathers is that they are super high quality. They only sell full grain leather and they have superb service. For instance, I specified smooth leather on the Brûlée and Huckleberry and they came through. I didn’t ask for anything on the Chocolate because I wanted to be surprised and what I got was gorgeous.

The Huckleberry smells devine, like walking into a leather shop.

A comparison of the Huckleberry to the Chocolate.

Wasn’t sure what I was going to use the Huckleberry for but I think I found something that I’ll enjoy doing. As a kid, I used to write down pieces of song lyrics that I loved. Back then, I simply used a notebook and markers, and that’s all I needed. Now, I like to embellish a bit.

The folio doesn’t come with notebooks or inserts. I purchased a Midori B6 Slim for this folio. It fits perfect. I’ve used an A5 Midori notebook before and liked it so it was an easy choice.

First decorated page.

I did make an unboxing video. I’m a lot new to making videos and am pretty nervous about my voice. I write better than I talk, but if you’d like to see it, here it is.

Scrapbook.com Haul

November 22, 2019

This isn’t the full haul. I was planning on splitting it into a few different ones but I’m finding that I don’t have a lot of time especially because it’s the holiday season. I’ve been doing NaNoWriMo and should be done here within the next few days. Then, I plan to work on December Daily.

Btw, my 21.5″ iMac died a couple of weeks ago. One afternoon, after a day at my daughter’s swim meet, I came home and turned on my computer and it wouldn’t turn on. Tried many times but it just wouldn’t turn on. A week later, I went and got a 27″ iMac. The screen is huge! I’m still trying to get used to it. The bad news is, with the new desktop, my Photoshop CS6 doesn’t work anymore. I contacted Adobe and they said CS6 is not compatible with Catalina (iOS). I cried a little. I’m still heart broken and have been having a very difficult time deciding if I want to get the CC. I am at 85%-ish in my decision to go forward with it. I’ve been researching other design/art software and just keep returning to Photoshop. It’s a hard decision. I’ll keep you all updated.

Anyway, enjoy this haul video.

The items listed are in order as they appear in the video.

  1. Prima Marketing – Apricot Honey – 12×12 Paper Pad with Foil Accents
  2. Prima Marketing – Apricot Honey – Chipboard Stickers
  3. Prima Marketing – Apricot Honey – Ephemera
  4. Kaiser Craft – Miss Betty Collection – 12×12 Single Sheet Pattern
  5. One Canoe Two – Golden Rod – Stickers
  6. Simple Stories – Simply Vintage Botanicals – Chipboard Stickers
  7. Tim Holtz Scribbles Layering Stencils (THS036)
  8. Tim Holtz Blossom Layering Stencils (THS031)
  9. Ranger Dylusions Border Stamp and Stencil **Item was purchased through A Cherry On Top.
  10. Jane Davenport Ultimate Waterproof Pen (free item)
  11. Scarpbook.com Double Sided Adhesive Roll 1/4”
  12. Simple Stories – Autumn Splendor – 6×8 Paper Pad
  13. Simple Stories – Autumn Splendor – 12×12 Combo Stickers
  14. Simple Stories – Autumn Splendor – Chipboard Stickers
  15. Simple Stories – Autumn Splendor – Mini Sticker Tablet
  16. Simple Stories – Autumn Splendor – Foliage Bits and Pieces
  17. Simple Stories – Autumn Splendor – Bits and Pieces

Repost I’m Back + Project Life Digital Book Completed!

August 8, 2014

Original date: 1.24.13

I am back! That was a well needed break from blogging.  I took the time to focus on my goals and to catch up on Project Life.  I am still designing and have some ideas in mind for a new kit.

Going forward, I will no longer be doing “Friday Freebies.”  I really enjoyed sharing free stuff once a week but I won’t have time for that anymore.  I will, from time to time, give out freebies but it won’t be a consistent thing.

This year, my biggest priority is getting Project Life done.  I slowly started in 2011 (followed Becky Higgins’ blog sometime in 2010).  Although I truly enjoy digital scrapbooking, I’ve always loved documenting and collecting memorabilia.  I love looking through old albums, reading old letters, and remembering things from the past, so I want to continue this trend.

All that aside, I’m thrilled to say, I’ve finished my first Project Life Digital book! The actual book is being printed and should be on it’s way to me soon. I can’t wait to see and touch it! Below is a digital view of it.

You’ll love Shutterfly’s award-winning photo books. Try it today.

I hope your new year is starting out great!