Antietam Battlefield - 12x12 Layout Process // Summer of Stories 2019 - Episode A

Hello, there and welcome to the first episode of Summer of Stories 2019! If you haven't watched the Summer of Stories announcement video yet, that will help you get in the loop! As for today, we are premiering the first episode which just so happens to be the 'A' episode. While this is the 'A' episode and the title happens to start with an A, just remember the topic has to be 'A' related, not necessarily the title!

This layout is one I've been putting off. I needed to get down to business and get this layout completed, even though I thought I would struggle with designing it. Luckily, I came across a perfect paper to help me along!

This beautiful landscape paper from One Canoe Two reminds me so much of the moments of exploring the Antietam Battlefield. I struggled to keep this layout somber in nature but also feeling adventurous for discovering new places.

I kept the embellishments super simple so that the photos and paper could tell the story. My journaling will help explain how the paper from One Canoe Two perfectly resembles the rolling hills of the battlefield and how vast this historical landmark was.

The main cluster at the top left is made from some old tag-shaped stickers and paired with a One Canoe Two Goldenrod ephemera tag. I added some gold plus signs and a wood veneer camera.

I hope you enjoyed the process video! I promise that there will be some longer processes coming too! If you're interested in seeing real-time process videos throughout the Summer of Stories, check out my Patreon where you can get even more content!

Now that you enjoyed my version of an 'A' inspired layout, it's your turn! Create a layout using one of the 'A' themes found in the printable (or your own) and #SummerOfStories2019 so we can see it!

Download The 'A' Stories List Printable Here!

Products Featured on Today's Project*:

Goldenrod 6x6 Paper Pad: https://amzn.to/2JUCtQn

Goldenrod 6x12 Sticker Sheet: https://amzn.to/2KoyHy9

Goldenrod Thickers: https://amzn.to/2JWvjLs

Goldenrod Ephemera Pack: https://amzn.to/2JXno0n

Jen Hadfield Gold Foil Washi Strips: https://amzn.to/2JU0JSX

Jen Hadfield Simple Life Washi Strips: https://amzn.to/2WHoOlI

*Affiliate links used to promote products used in projects. If purchased through these links, I'll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

I hope you enjoyed the first episode and the first download! Let me know what you think and what you'll be adding to your special story list! Don't forget to hashtag your pages with #SummerOfStories2019 so we can all see your beautiful work!

Tuesday Morning Shopping Hacks! - How to Make Sure You're Getting a Good Deal!

As crafters, we love a good deal on cute paper, stickers, or even tools! We hunt high and low to get the best discount and the best value. Tuesday Morning happens to be one of those stores that has everything at a discount! While each store is unique with small or larger sections of craft supplies, there are ways to make sure you're getting the best deal. As a disclaimer, this is just my opinion and this is not in affiliation with Tuesday Morning (I just like saving money and want to share my tips with everyone). Every store is different and some don't even have a craft section, but here are some tips that might help you get the most out of your local store.

You can check out my latest Tuesday Morning Shop With Me + Haul video here!

1. Amazon Price Check

If you have the Amazon App you can click on the camera icon on the homepage near the search bar. This will open up a barcode scanner. Scan the UPC code on the back of the product (not the Tuesday Morning price sticker) to see what the product retails for on Amazon. This ensures a slightly more accurate "real" savings for the Tuesday Morning price! Be aware that not all Amazon products are at a reasonable price either, but this might help you gauge if a new-to-you tool or product is a good deal!

2. Know your store's restocking schedule

Since each store is different, the restocking schedule might be different. I have heard it vary from Tuesdays to Thursdays, so ask the staff at your location to get in the know. Also, remember that there's a difference between when the new shipment comes and when they put it out on the shelves. Sometimes knowing both schedules can be helpful! If you aren't able to visit your store very often, giving them a call to ask about the schedule might be a great way to ensure the next time you do go that they'll have some fresh items.

3. Know your store's clearance schedule

This is a little bit harder to figure out, but can be very useful in your hunt for the best deal! You can ask the sales associates at the store if they'll let you in on the little secret! There are also various online blogs that claim the color of the tag has something to do with when it will be marked down. You'll notice that some of the initial price tags have a green strip, while others have no color. But it's just easier to ask as each store has unique policies. While the clearance schedule might indicate one certain day of the week, be sure to check out clearance every time to see if random items have been marked down recently!

4. SKU Code Search

Have you ever watched a Tuesday Morning haul and saw a product you just HAD to have?! Well if you know the SKU number for the product now you can see if it is carried at a local store near you! Give their number a call and have the SKU number ready to dial in! Call them at 1-800-901-0881 to use their search system. If they do have a product you want, you may be able to call your local store and ask them to hold the item for you. Each store has different policies on this, but it could come in handy for those highly coveted items!

Those are my top tips for ensuring you're getting the best deals while shopping at Tuesday Morning! Do you have any additional tips? Let everyone know in the comments down below!

Thanks for stopping by!

Simple Pet Sympathy Card Design - Furever Friends by Newton Nook Designs

Hello, crafty people. More recently I have been crafting off camera. It's been extremely hot in my craft room due to the combination of no air conditioning and the mid-afternoon-sunset light beaming in, oh and not to mention the 80 degree weather. Luckily, we are moving towards cooler weather now. This was a card I needed to create in a pinch since it was such a sudden loss. Let's dive into the details.

My cardstock base is made out of 110 lb kraft cardstock and is cut to an A2 sized card. The next layer is Neenah Crest Solar White 80 lb cardstock. I cut this layer to be 4" x 5 1/4". This allows a small border on the outside edge.

On the front of the card, I used my mini milled lavender distress ink to create a small circle. I did some whispy strokes on the outside of the circle to give it a soft look. Once that was completed, I used the sitting dog silhouette and the halo to stamp inside the purple circle. I picked the sentiment, "forever would not have been long enough" for beneath my colored circle. I stamped all of those in my Versafine Black ink. 

I continued the design to the inside of the card. I used the milled lavender ink to stamp the paw heart and then the same black ink for the inside sentiment. Since I had used a kraft card base, I included a small white cardstock layer on the inside, so that the colors would pop.

I hope you enjoyed this card. I think its simplicity helps the sentiments shine. I hope this brought some warmth to the recipient. Thank you for stopping by!