Green Horned Unicorn

Sketch to Pixel to Paper

In an effort to find my long lost creative mojo, I took advantage of some of the fun challenges posted around the scrapping world for iNSD (International Scrapbooking Day) a few weekends ago. I was drawn to a sketch posted here by Studio Calico. 

Since I needed to dust off not only my paper crafting skills, but my digital skills as well, I decided to interpret the sketch both digitally and traditionally, primarily using Studio Calico products and kits. I eased my way in, creating my digital layout first. I wanted that safety net of CMD+Z (undo) before I dove into paper and glue. Here's what I came up with:

NIGHT GAME | This layout tells the story of a rare Spring Training night game, which Nate and I attended with his sister and her family. I created this layout primarily using the PNG files from the Studio Calico Atlantic Printables. I added a few odds and ends from other SC Printables and added paper from Paislee Press and Echo Park. As you can see, I didn't stray far from the original sketch. I liked it, so I went with it. It's a simple layout, but I'm still happy with the results.

PUPPY LOVE | This layout highlights favorite photo of Shawna and me. I was attempting to take a self-portrait of us and, as I told her to look at the camera, she instead turned and gave me kisses. It was so unexpected, that I actually captured a candid moment, instead of the posed shot I was trying for. Love it when things work out that way!

Along with using the sketch, I also decided to take part in the button challenge and use up some of my beloved button collection. I created the layout using leftover pieces of the SC Neverland kits, along with a few other items from past kits. I added some of the leftover pieces I had from past printables. I added in some gold and white Mr. Huey's and some stars and a title cut from gold "Pow" paper and I was done. I love the pallet on this one and the touch of whimsy the gold mist and stars add.

It was refreshing to complete both a digital layout AND a traditional layout. It's been so long since I attempted either! Thanks for stopping by :)

Reigniting the Creative Spark

We've all had those moments where you feel the need to release some creative energy. You know, those moments when you want to do nothing else but sit in your studio and create? But, when you actually sit down to do so, you realize your creative edge is no where to be found. Yeah, those moments.

Recently, I came down with a bad bout of the flu. A high temperature, body aches and dizziness kept me in bed for days. When the fever finally broke, I had the urge to get out of bed and do something. I decided I would make something. I wandered to the studio and sat at my desk. And, there I sat. Then, I sat some more. Suddenly, I realized that although the life inside of me was slowly returning, my creativity was not. I needed something to reignite my creative spark.

I turned to my Sketchy board on Pinterest where I browsed the many wonderful sketches that I've pinned. I started to feel somewhat inspired, although not ready to commit to making a full layout.

So instead, I did something I've never done before. I began scrapping without reason. I didn't have a photo, I didn't have a story. What I did have was a bag full of lovely October Afternoon Sidewalks scraps (leftover from Project Life) and a Pinboard full of sketches. I started cutting and gluing like it was nobody's business.

By the time all was said and done, I had six layouts (four shown below) all ready for photographs, journaling and embellishments. I set them aside to be completed some other day.

That day arrived this past weekend when I was gathering supplies for a crafting night with my friends. I discovered that, aside from Project Life, I really didn't have a lot I wanted to work on. So, I grabbed my pre-created layouts and printed a few photos. At the crop, I added the photos, embellishments and journaling and had four completed pages in a snap! Below are the final products.

HARD AT WORK | I love this photograph of Baxter, napping away on my desk as I spent the day working from home. It's fun to have a furry friend as your sidekick to keep you company as you work away.

To complete the layout I added washi tape, Thickers, a label with journaling and some handstitched buttons. Layout inspired by this sketch.

ALL DRESSED UP | Although the photograph is overexposed, I really like the dreamy look it gives this image of Bugsy, all dolled up in my sister's wedding garter. Who knew garters made such cute collars?
To comlete this layout, I added a row of handstitched buttons, a lable with journaling, Thickers and an additional paper strip. So easy! Layout inspired by this sketch.

FEELING BLUE | Our dog, Shawna, has a very strong bond with Nate (he rescued her when she was three). Since he started working from home, the bond has grown even stronger. Recently, Nate had to spend seven days in Texas for work. Shawna spent those seven days looking like this.
To complete this layout I added machine stitching, handstitched buttons, ribbon and dimensional glitter stickers. Layout inspired by this sketch.

WHAT THE FLUFF? | A few weeks prior to Nate travelling for work, I had to spend three days in Charlotte for work. After I finished presenting one afternoon, I opened my phone to find this photo of Shawna, which Nate had taken. Apparently she slept and hung out like this for quite sometime. A very strange, yet comfy looking position.
To complete this layout, I added machine stitching, mist splatters, handstitched buttons, a chipboard arrow covered in pattern paper, Thickers and washi tape. Layout inspired by this sketch.

WHAT I LEARNED | Although I wasn't in search of any learning experince or lessons, this creative experience taught me a few things:

• Creating blank layouts (with no photos or topic in mind) is a really great way to kickstart my creativity, even when I'm not feeling 100%
• It's a great way to use extra papers in my stash that may otherwise go unused
• When it comes time to glue down some photos and journal, premade pages make the process quick and easy
• I'm certainly going to try this again when I find the need to reignite my creative spark!

What's your secret to reigniting the creative spark?

Sunday Scrapbook Update

I've been on a role creatively, thus far into 2012. Aside from completing a number of DIY/craft projects, I've also created about 15 scrapbook layouts - both digital and traditional. Serioulsy...15! That has to be a record for me. Today, I will share three of these with you (many of the others have to wait for product releases or are being held for future posts here on the Green Horned Unicorn blog).

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | My first page is a traditional layout, highlighting a few photos of Caden sightseeing this summer at the Grand Canyon. For inspiration, I used the sketch from Celine Navarro's Sketch Wednesday, which can be found in this post.

As you can see, I put a lot of my typical touches on the layout, including machine stitching, stitched on buttons and misting. There is a ton of Amy Tangerine goodness too. I have so much leftover from a mini I made this past fall (which has been removed from my blog and shall remain unnamed because it is being published later this summer!). I love the title and how it's laid out on the page. However, each time I read it I'm suddenly humming a certain Christmas tune. I bet you are now too...sorry about that!

Product Credits: Patterned Papers & Sticker {American Crafts - Amy Tangerine} + Letter Stickers {Authentique & October Afternoon} + Mists {Ranger and Smooch}

PLANE SPOTTING | My next layout is a digital page, which was created for the latest installment Photoshop Fridays series at jessicaspague.com - Photoshop Friday 2012: Add Distressing to a Journal Block.  

This layout recaps a day spent plane spotting at the Casa Grande airshow last spring. I really love how this page turned out! I love the white space and how realistic all of the elements look.

The photos on the page were all taken using the Hipstamatic app on my iPhone. The vintage photo look is perfect for all the vintage aircraft we saw that day. You can click on the image to enlarge and read the journaling.

Click here for product credits. 

DOGGIE COUTURE | My last layout is another digital page and highlights a cute photo I took of Shawna, modeling her new dog sweater - which I created as part of my GHU52 project. The photo was also taken on my iPhone, this time using the Instagram app. You can click on the image to enlarge and read the journaling.

Click here for product credits. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! I've been basking in the sunny, breezy 75-degree weather we've been blessed with here in the desert. Coming from the Midwest, I never thought I'd say this, but I LOVE winter!

Check back this week for the next project in the GHU52 and for a new installment of Pixel to Paper!

New Blog Series: Pixel to Paper

I know many of you started following my blog back in my paper scrapping days when papery goodness was plastered all over these pages. Then, I found this fabulous thing called digital scrapping and it stole my heart. Shortly thereafter, I tried out for the JessicaSprague.com design team and was selected to be part of the team. My world suddenly became immersed in the wonderful world of digital. The rest is history. I love digital!

However, in the past month I’ve discovered something. I really miss paper scrapping. Like a LOT. One afternoon I pulled out my old stash and in just a few hours, had multiple pages going at once. And you know what? It made me happy.

You see, there are two sides to this scrapper - the digital girl who loves Photoshop, Illustrator and the portability of the digital medium and the paper girl who loves mists, paints and getting her hands messy. I realized that I really need to let both sides come out to play more often. You know, be more of an equal opportunity scrapbooker.

I began to think of ways I could intermix my two scrapping worlds a little more seamlessly and came up with an idea which I’m turning into a new blog new series – Pixel to Paper.

The concept is pretty much what the name implies. Each week, I will take a digital scrapbooking layout and recreate it using paper supplies. Some weeks I will do the opposite and recreate a paper layout digitally (Paper to Pixel). I think it will be a really fun way to mesh my digital and non-digital scrapping endeavors and encourage me to explore both mediums a little more evenly. Hopefully, it will also be a great way for you non-digital scrappers to find ways to use my digital creations as inspiration for your paper pages. It sounds like a win-win plan to me!

For the first month or so, I’ll be using my own pages as inspiration. However, as the series progresses, I plan on branching out and using inspiration from others as my springboard. So, without further ado, here is the first Pixel to Paper Installment!

FROM PIXEL | My first inspiration page is a digital layout I created over the summer for a Sketchy Thursdays Challenge (link to original sketch). I interpreted the original sketch to come up with this layout, which incidentally, is one of my favorite digital layouts from 2011!

TO PAPER | And here is my paper version of the digital layout.

As you can see, I didn’t change a lot of things from the digital layout. In fact, I pretty much just scraplifted the original which is ok! I really liked the overall design of the original page and loved the row of Instagram photos, so I figured, why fix it if it isn’t broke?

The topic of my page is a little offbeat – it’s a representation of many happy hours over the past year. The photos may lead you to think otherwise, but I really do not have a drinking problem. I just have a problem of taking photos of yummy drinks! I was actually surprised at how many of my iPhone photos from the past year were of drinks. And cats. Seriously, what does that say about me?!

When selecting products, I continued on with my use it or lose it mentality and used only the stash I have on hand - which was primarily Amy Tangerine product and a bit of thrifted lace.

Much like using a sketch, I found that using the digital layout worked great as a springboard for my paper layout. I’m quite happy with the results and can’t wait to get working on my next Pixel to Paper layout!

Here's where I ask you for your feedback...what do YOU think of the Pixel to Paper concept? Is it a keeper? If you have any feedback or suggestions for the new feature, please email me or leave a comment. Thanks!

Bidding Adieu to Sketchy Thursdays

It’s time for Sketchy Thursdays once again. Sadly, this will be the final Sketchy Thursdays challenge. After 2.5 years of providing fun and inspiration to scrappers around the globe, Diana, Heidi and Julie have decided to close shop at Sketchy Thursdays *insert whining and foot stomping*. While, the Facebook page will remain active, the blog and challenge will be no more.

I’m thankful for the years of inspiration the sketches have provided and I’m even more thankful for the friendships and connections I’ve made through my two Design Team tenures and as a player.

Here is the final Sketchy Thursdays Challenge sketch:

And here is my layout titled, "Merry Christmas":

Product links, including links to Cosmo Cricket's Dear Mr. Claus, found here.

I love this photo of Kylee and Caden, taken just before opening Christmas presents. They’re such silly and fun kids! I'll be sharing more photos and stories soon as I post the finished version of my Holiday Memories album (very soon!).

Even though this is the final challenge, be sure to head over and play along! Send Sketchy Thursdays out in style while having the chance to win this week's prize :)

ST 11.01 - Cutest Critters

 The latest and greatest is up on the Sketchy Thursdays blog! Here is this week's fun sketch:

As you can see, I did a pretty literal interpretation of the sketch and didn't change it up a lot. I think that's what makes sketches fun, you can copy them exactly when you're feeling uninspired, or use them as starting point and add your own little twist when you're in more of a creative mood.  

PRODUCT CREDIT: Three Paper Peonies - the Family Pet + Sahlin Studios - Alpha

CUTEST CRITTERS | I was inspired by the Family Pet kit to scrap a page about our critters. The journaling reads:

Our three, wonderful furkids - Bugsy, Shawna and Baxter. Each is fuzzy, adorable and amazingly unique. I love how their individual personalities shine through to always add happiness and entertainment to our lives. While I am most certainly biased, I do believe that these three furballs could certainly complete for the “cutest critter” title.

I will be back next week with a more "normal" blogging schedule, incuding a lot of updates and some additions to the change post I wrote a while back. Have a great week :)

ST 11.03 - Cat in a Lightbox

The Sketchy Thursdays 11.03 challenge is up! Here is this week's sketch:

Here's my digital interpretation of the sketch:

Product Credits: Paislee Press (Montage) + One Little Bird Designs (Delightful Alpha)

Pin It

CAT IN A LIGHTBOX | There is never a dull moment in our home with Baxter around. Journaling reads:

While it’s not uncommon to find a cat in a box, it is a little out of the ordinary to find a cat in a lightbox. I was in the middle of photographing products for the Green Horned Unicorn Etsy shop and turned away to grab the next item. When I turned back around, there was Baxter curled up and already napping away. He looked too cute and comfortable to disturb, so I postponed the shoot until he awoke. September 2011. 

If you missed my post ealier in the week, don't forget to check out my fun Duluth 2011 mini-album!

Have a great weekend :)

ST 10.13 - Just Be Happy

The latest challenge is up at Sketchy Thursdays! Here's this week's sketch: 

I moved a few things around, swapped the florish and journaling for paint splatters and confetti, and came up with this: 

JUST BE HAPPY | This layout uses one of the newer releases by In the Making Design called Be Happy. I love the yellow and greys, mixed with the purple and lavendars. I couldn't resist whipping up a page with it. I chose a photo of Nate and I from our trip to Duluth. The journaling reads:

"Here we are, living the life! The days we spend on the lake are some of the very best of the summer. how could you not be happy at a place like this?"

Head on over to Sketchy Thursdays to join in the fun and for a chance to win a prize from this week's sponsor! 

ST 10.6 - Isn't it Grand?

I'm very excited to share with you my first page as a returning Design Team member at Sketchy Thursdays! 

I'm slowly, but surely getting all of the photos from my sister's visit (back in August) scrapped. These particular photos were taken at the Grand Canyon, which I'm sure is evident by the title!

The layout was based upon this sketch:

As I was making the layout, it started to feel oddly familiar. So familiar, that it began to bother me. I went back to glance through my "Pages In Progress" folder and found this page I had started a few months back, but never completed. 

Ironically, it was based on a Sketchy Thursdays sketch AND used the same two kits I had selected for the page above (Three Paper Peonies + Kitty Designs). Since the unfinished page was still in need of photos and a title, I selected a few more from our Grand Canyon trip to make a companion page to the layout above. Sort of two for the price of one :)

Head on over to Sketchy Thursdays to play along in the challenge for a chance to win this week's prize!

Thursdays are fun once again!

In case you haven't seen this announcment, I'm beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the Sketchy Thursdays design team once again! Starting in October, I'll be rejoining the team as their dedicated Digital Designer, which means on most Thursdays, I'll be providing some fun digital eye candy based on the weeks sketch.

During my first term at Sketchy Thursdays I had the chance to meet and work with so many wonderful and talented ladies. I'm so excited to be part of the team again to have the opportunity to meet and network with even more fabulous scrappers!

I'm already working on my first assignment, which I will share with you on Thursday, October 6! Until then, here is a page I recently created, using some new products from One Little Bird.

Product Credits: La Belle Vie + Flight Plan 11 by One Little Bird

PATHETIC PUP (As journaled) | Oh Shawna! I love it when you play “pathetic puppy”. You lay on the kitchen rug, with your best sad puppy eyes, as you attempt to sucker your way into getting another treat. I honestly think you would lie there all day if I didn’t intervene. But, being the pushover I am, you usually triumph and get yourself a tasty Pupperoni or mini-frank. If I had those cute puppy dog eyes, I would certainly rule the world! August 2011.

Seriously, don't those eyes just melt your heart?! :)

PS. In case you missed it, you can see a sneak preview of my feature in the upcoming Somerset Memories by scrolling to the bottom of this post.