{guest post} custom pocket pages + minibook video tutorial at shimelle.com

Hello lovely friends! It's been a few weeks since I posted a scrapbook process video with you all, so today I'm excited to share I have not one but TWO videos over at Shimelle.com!!  A few of you had requested a "how to" on altering the pocket pocket pages from my gold leaf minibook tutorial on her site back in September.  Well, today if you pop on over to her site you'll find out my technique on customizing pocket pages to fit any size binder.  This really comes in handy if you don't have easy access to the pocket pages refills made just for your album, or maybe the size you'd like to use needs to be totally customized ; )

 

Also, I just have to mention that Shimelle's beautiful scrapbook product was PERFECT for making a Christmas/holiday themed project! Here's a sneak at the minibook I created.  Hope you enjoy, and Happy Holidays!!  XO

Products I used in my minibook:

 

{december daily} the photos | 9,10,11

I can't believer how time has flown by! Guys, It's only 12 days to Christmas!! Ryan and I have been busy prepping for baby girl to arrive while still enjoying this happy holiday season. I've been taking photos, notes and prepping pretty paper for my December Daily. There is a small stack of freshly printed photos waiting for me to pick them up at Costco, and I'm hoping to get caught up to the 11th by Sunday....finger's crossed ; )  Honestly, I wasn't sure how much holiday "making" I was going to get done because of my due date fast approaching, but surprisingly I'm still checking stuff off my list and it feels great!  Hope you all are finding a bit of that Christmas magic.  XO

Just a couple notes about my pics from the collage above:

1. No Christmas decorations this year.  I didn't want to have to put them away, so instead we purchased a small Christmas tree and had it flocked white with a little glitter.  I added simple white lights and called it done.
2. 36 weeks.
3. Blue sky before the storm.  After dark, it was SO WINDY our trash cans kept blowing around the yard, and the power even went out a couple times.
4. Ponyo in his new holiday sweater.  Perfect for rainy days so it's easier to clean him before coming back inside from the backyard.  Gatsby's didn't fit, so I ended up exchanging it the next day.
5. Finally purchased a wreath from Trader Joe's for our front door and it smells AMAZING.
6. Can't seem to get enough of gluten free french toast these days.  Ryan makes it best.

{scrapbook layout} cozy | using die-cut leaves

If you've been following my Week In The Life photos you might remember that a friend and I challenged ourselves to create a layout using die-cut leaves last Thursday.  Well, here's my finished layout : )

I cut my leaves using a Studio Calico cut file from October (sorry it's no longer available) out of THIS wood paper.  (Side Note:  Wilna Furstenberg also has some awesome die-cut leaves available right now ; )

I layered different colored solid papers behind the leaves with words to match my photo....
 

The positive of the words from the leaves I didn't end up using are scattered around the page to create movement....

My photo was printed on transparency so you could see the background paper (from Glitz Design) show through, and I dripped white spray paint under everything....

There are lots of puffy paint, glitter glue, and enamel dots spread around the photo to help blend the dots from the left side of the background paper....
 

As a final touch I also used some pink embroidery thread to make some french knots for added color and texture......

I just love the autumnal feel of this page!!  Thanks for taking a peek!  XO