Amy Tangerine's Blog, page 8

Violeta's Stay Sweet Layout

Hello! This is Violeta Scrap and I want to show you how to create a new layout using Amy Tangerine’s collection Stay Sweet. It is a very fun and colorful collection so I hope you like this layout.

For this layout, I have used a picture with a white frame and a size of 6x4 inches in which I am with my colleagues. To make this layout I have used as a base a 12x12 inches white cardstock. Then I have placed the picture in the middle of the layout and at the bottom and the top of the picture, I have put some letters that are included in the sticker book of the collection Stay Sweet by Amy Tangerine. 

In addition, I have put some transparent stickers in different parts of the layout. Below the picture, I have put the title of the layout and more decorative elements. For the title of the layout, I have used different stickers and the alphabet from the Stay Sweet collection by Amy Tangerine. Moreover, I have put as decorative elements some blue heart enamel dots and above on the right I have placed some colorful letters and a blue sticker.

To add more color to the layout I have used the watercolor set from the Stay Sweet collection by Amy Tangerine. I have added some drops of blue watercolor in the entire project. Adding drops of watercolor to scrapbook projects give color to the projects.

I hope you liked the project that it is very easy to make, but if you have, any questions leave them in the comments section. I hope to be back soon with new projects to show.

Lots of love,

Violeta Scrap Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Supplies: Stay Sweet - Thickers - Be Kind (351206), Stay Sweet - Thickers - Roll With It (351207), Stay Sweet - Sticker Book (351208), Stay Sweet - Enamel Stickers (351212), Stay Sweet - Watercolor Set (351199)

Thanks so much for sharing this adorable layout, Violeta! Other Design Team member posts can be found here . Shop STAY SWEET now! Check your local retailer and online at Simon Says Stamp and Scrapbook.com

Showing Up for Others (and Yourself) with Emily McDowell

What do you say to a friend or family member that is hurting? Whether it be from illness, grief, miscarriage, infertility or any of the other ups and downs we can come across in life, there are moments when we just don’t quite have the words to say to comfort our loved ones. Today I am speaking with Emily McDowell, a writer, illustrator, speaker and teacher who after overcoming cancer and losing a friend to cancer a short time later, decided to bring a product to market that would help both the person on the giving and receiving end. Emily created stationery products that would help express what people are feeling but don’t know how to put into words. We talk about her business and why she merged with another company. She also shares what she does when she is in a creative rut and why she takes the time to focus on self-care. 

What’s in this episode:

Emily’s experience of going to a breath work camp

The main takeaways that Emily took from her experience

Recognizing that you’re not responsible for other people’s happiness

Listening to our bodies when they tell us to stop

Navigating through her illness and feeling disconnected from others

How cancer gave Emily a unique perspective of the world

Feeling like sympathy cards didn’t express what she wanted to say

Why she decided to get back into journaling

What Emily does when she’s stuck in a creative rut

Deciding to merge with another company

Being reactive rather than proactive in her business

Creating meaningful work 

Taking the time to focus on self-care

Emily’s advice on doing what you dream about 

Being mindful and keeping what makes life beautiful to her a priority

About Emily:

Emily McDowell is a writer, illustrator, speaker, teacher, and entrepreneur who is fiercely committed to not doing all of those things at the same time. After spending a decade working in advertising, she founded Emily McDowell Studio in January 2013. In January of 2019, Emily McDowell Studio officially changed names to Emily McDowell & Friends to reflect their expansion into partnerships with other artists and writers.

Emily’s work has been featured by The New York Times, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, BBC News, and NPR's All Things Considered, among many others, and in 2015, she was named one of Slate's 10 Designers Who Are Changing the World. Her first book, There Is No Good Card For This: What To Say and Do When Life Gets Scary, Awful, and Unfair To People You Love, co-authored with Dr. Kelsey Crowe, was released on January 2017.

Emily currently serves as an equity partner and SVP of strategy at the Who’s There Group, while remaining creative director/founder of Emily McDowell & Friends. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and various half-dead plants.

Connect with Emily:
Website | Personal Instagram | Business Instagram

Links:
Knock Knock
On Being Human: A Memoir of Waking Up, Living Real, and Listening Hard by Jennifer Pastiloff

I would love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or on my website. If you enjoyed this podcast and you haven’t already, I’d like to encourage you to subscribe that way you won’t miss a single update. Craft a Life You Love by taking a small step toward turning happiness and fulfillment by savoring this season no matter where you are in your life and in the world.

The fruits of our labor

Plans for the long weekend include this

Slice of Life is Here!

Pumpkin Spice, crisp crunchy leaves on the pavement, a hint of chill in the air – I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Autumn is right around the corner. My newest collection from American Crafts, Slice of Life, is all about celebrating the cool crisp vibes in the most colorful, vibrant way possible. I walk through the entire collection in a YouTube video item-by-item so you can see everything for yourself.  I hope you *fall* for it as hard as I did.

I wanted something to encapsulate the bright, warmth of fall, so this collection features a whimsical set of icons and images. Think of laid back, crisp Autumn days, cozy striped sweaters, comfort food and fall foliage. I’m going to give you a glimpse of each item in the collection. I can’t wait to see all the gorgeous things you all will create with Slice of Life. Hopefully, you have time to check out the video or even better yet– make a bee-line to your closest local crafts store and see the items for yourself. If not, I’m including three highlights from the collection here: 

Paperclips -  Unfortunately, I’m allergic to cats so these adorable bookmarks are the closest I can get to our feline furry friends, so I’ll just go ahead and say that these are just PURRRR fect, hahaha see what I did there?

Acrylic Stamps - Okay so stamping is a bit of an obsession of mine and now I want to share the love. This set of 13 acrylic stamps will help add ink and dimension to your pages – whether you need a tiny paw print, cluster of hearts, or a unique way to say hooray, these are sure to make a good impression. 

Mini puffy stickers - pastries, pets, and pretzels...What’s not to love about this cute sheet of mini puffy stickers? Tiny enough to fit anywhere you might need, this set is a colorful reminder to  look on the bright side, enjoy your tea, and embrace those autumn vibes. 

For the rest of the collection, be sure to watch the video and stay tuned for more projects using it on my Instagram. Be sure to let me know– what do you think about Slice of Life? Which items are you most excited to try out? Do you have a favorite pattern? I love hearing from you all and seeing the amazing things you create. 

Follow the Fun with Lauren Hom

Did you know that you’re sitting in the driver’s seat of your life and that you have control over exactly where you want to go? On today’s episode, I am joined by Lauren Hom, a designer and letterer based in Detroit. Lauren shares how she overcame her fears and put herself out there, what she’s done to grow her portfolio as a designer and letterer and the importance of doing something you love to fill your creative tank. She talks about the drawbacks of being a freelancer and how most people romanticize what they don’t have. We also discuss how she knew it was time to start building a team and learning to protect her time. 

What’s in this episode:

How Amy and Lauren met each other

Deciding to work in advertising

Starting a hand lettering blog 

Quitting her job and pursuing lettering full-time

Following your dreams rather than doing what’s practical

Lettering for lunch to grow her portfolio

Overcoming the fear of putting herself out there

Trying something new and ignoring the “what ifs”

Knowing that we don’t have to monetize everything

Doing something to fill your creative tank

The drawbacks of being a freelance creative

Her experience of traveling and working

Craving what you don’t have

Remembering that you’re in the driver’s seat of your life

Her weekly challenge design prompts

Her experience with building a team and asking for help in her business

Recognizing that you can’t do it all

Learning to protect her own time

Making sure that you’re having fun

Knowing that you have the power to get what you want in life 

About Lauren:

I’m a designer and letterer based in Detroit, schooled in New York, and raised in Los Angeles. Known for my bright color palettes, playful letterforms, and quirky copywriting, I’ve had the pleasure of creating work for clients like Starbucks, Google, AT&T, YouTube and TIME Magazine. My work has been recognized by Communication Arts, the Type Directors Club, and the Webby Awards. I’m also the author of the popular blog and book Daily Dishonesty.

I find that I’m happiest when creating, so when I’m not working, you can find me-HAHA, just kidding! When am I not kind of working on something? When I’m not creating clever things for clients, you can find me selling your ex-boyfriend's tears and putting bread on my head.

Connect with Lauren:
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Links:
Hom Sweet Hom Challenge
Skillshare Chalkboard Lettering - get 2 months of Premium for free when you sign up by Sep 1
Will Letter for Lunch

I would love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or on my website. If you enjoyed this podcast and you haven’t already, I’d like to encourage you to subscribe that way you won’t miss a single update. Hope you feel inspired to Craft a Life You Love by following your intuition and steering your life in whichever beautiful direction you want it to go in.

3 Tips for Memory Keeping Like a Pro

After a long (much needed) vacation, I’ve finally begun to upload videos to YouTube again and this first one is a Plan with Me update. The planner I work on is a part of my collaboration with The Happy Planner for their Be Happy Box. My intention was to share how I caught up on the blank spaces in my planner while we were out of town for 3 weeks. I really enjoyed making the video and hanging out with my family as I worked. Of course, you should go watch it and feel creative and inspired. If you can’t watch it immediately or you’re saving it for when you have some time to really sit down with your own planner and work while you watch, here are 3 takeaways from the video you can use right now!

Be a Maximalist. Don’t be afraid to fill up blank spaces. I used to feel discouraged when I’d look back over a week and see so many blank spaces in my planners and journals. To me, they represented failures to log my days “properly.” Now, I get excited when I see them because I realized they’re actually opportunities to add beautiful embellishments and flourishes. Those empty spaces are a blessing in disguise. If you want to be more “true” to the past, you can always journal a little about your experiences in colorful pens or markers to add your own personal touch.

Add dimension. Try out multiple media for a multi-dimensional look and feel. Don’t hold back. You can add stamps, watercolors, stickers, die cuts and washi tape in layers to create the perfect multi-layered masterpiece. The benefit to working through things in layers is that you can always cover up something you don’t like with a sticker or a die.  Just remember that if you’re stamping or using watercolors you need to allow everything to dry carefully before you move on to your next layer. While you wait, you can always work on another page or project. 

Time-saving supplies. Use tools that make it easy and exciting to try for the layout of your dreams. I was so excited to try out The Happy Planner’s box punch for this photo, I couldn’t resist sharing while I worked. If you didn’t see on my Instagram Stories, no worries, I included it in the video. It isn’t just using that specific box punch– although it really is great. Use supplies that get you excited. As a child, I loved going into craft supply stores and seeing all the amazing options. Whether it’s your favorite tape runner, a printer that connects wirelessly to your phone, or a pair of scissors sharp enough to cut cardstock in a single long satisfying swipe, use it! Those supplies can make all the difference in your creative practice. 

I share 5 awesome tips in the video, so be sure to watch on Youtube to see the final two. Whether you just had time for this blog post, or you were able to see the video as well, I hope you feel inspired to continue in your own creative pursuits. Be sure to reach out on social media. I know I’ve been talking about this for a while now, but if I do decide to schedule videos more regularly, what day should I upload? Let me know! I always love to hear back from you all. 

Sharing Your Story With Alisa Burke

As creatives, many of us are waiting for our “big break”. Today I am joined by Alisa Burke, a painter and mixed media artist who seeks to infuse creativity into every part of her life. Alisa shares why you should let go of the expectation of a “big break” and instead work toward the small steps that add up to greatness over time. We chat about using lists to tackle tasks our day to day lives, the importance of listening to your gut and what she does to build an authentic presence online. You’ll hear about how she became resilient, the empowerment that comes with sharing your story and how she keeps things simple in her creative business.

What’s in this episode:

Growing up in a creative environment

Working day jobs while hustling with her art on the side

Letting go of the expectation of a “big break”

Learning that the small steps add up the most over time

How Alisa handles the chaos

How creativity can be overwhelming in your business 

Using lists to tackle and accomplish things in her day

Her daily routine as a creative business owner

Having an idea about teaching art at an affordable price

Listening to her gut 

The differences between her classes and free videos

Keeping things simple in her business

Building an authentic online presence and community

Figuring out what you like rather than your mentors or teachers like

Incorporating children into creativity 

How her miscarriages have made her more resilient

Healing and working through her grief

The empowerment that comes through sharing your story

A mantra that helps Alisa through her journey

Understanding that good things take time

About Alisa:

Alisa Burke is a freelance painter and mixed media artist who studied fine art at Portland State University. With a background in painting and printmaking, a desire to explore and push materials, Alisa is always looking for new ways to break the rules and redefine art.  She draws inspiration from street art, graffiti, art history and fashion and it is not uncommon to find her digging through the trash in hopes of recycling something unique to use in her artwork.

If she’s not making art in her Oregon Coast studio, you can find painter and mixed media artist Alisa Burke blogging, teaching art workshops or creating her handmade accessories. Whether it's running her creative business, being a mom or adventuring outdoors, she is always looking for inspiration. From drawing, painting and even the way she raises her daughter, Alisa seeks to infuse creativity into every part of her life.

Connect with Alisa:

Website | Instagram

Links:
Creativation

I would love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or on my website. If you enjoyed this podcast and you haven’t already, I’d like to encourage you to subscribe that way you won’t miss a single update. Craft a Life You Love by taking a small step toward turning happiness and fulfillment by savoring this season no matter where you are in your life and in the world.

Forbes Feature! In-Person Events Are The Way To Go

Feels so good to be included. I was recently mentioned in an article in Forbes! It was such an incredible moment to see that happen– what a sweet surprise! The article centers on how many YouTubers and Instagramers are now opting for in-person meet-ups and mentioned my Crafternoons almost right away.

Four friends at the first ever Craft A Life You Love Retreat: Kara Elise (@bykaraelise), Kara Barefoot @peacelovedonutsnaplesfl, Alisha Cohen (@alishylishy), and yours truly!

One of the things I love most about my job is that it allows me to make incredible connections with amazing crafters and like-minded people from all over the world. Something super special happens, when you’re in a room of people who are all united in their desire to make beautiful things, keep memories, and spread positivity. One of the things I would like to do is make in-person events a little more frequent. For example, earlier this year, I was able to host my very first Craft A Life You Love Retreat– hopefully just one of many to come in the future. Alisha has a great recap of it on her blog and so does Kelsey of The Curated Life. I still haven’t been able to fully put the whole thing into words, but I am still working on the YouTube video to share soon. More recently, I released a Plan-With-Me YouTube video. While this isn’t technically an in-person event, it was nice to talk more casually as I worked through a project and shared as I went along. 

Let me know– would you want to attend an in-person event? If you are interested, stay in the loop! Sign up to receive my newsletter, Sweet Slice of Life, right here on the website. Did you see the Forbes piece? What are your thoughts about in-person events?

Learning to Let Go With Jessica N. Turner

Have you ever found yourself holding onto memories or things that no longer serve you? Today I brought Jessica N. Turner onto the podcast. Jessica is an author, award-winning marketing executive, founder of the popular lifestyle blog The Mom Creative. We discussed how you can find freedom in letting go. We talked about the joy you can get from getting rid of things that no longer serve you. She also shares her non-negotiables, her advice about recognizing where guilt is coming from and why you should learn to say “no”.

What’s in this episode:

Why Jessica started her blog

How she got started with scrapbooking 

Finding time for her passions and deciding to write a book about it

How Jessica ended up with a two-book contract

Jessica’s non-negotiables in her daily life

Being selfless by taking care of yourself

How Amy has dealt with mom guilt

Jessica’s advice about recognizing where guilt is coming from

How you can find freedom in letting go

The joy that comes out of getting rid of things that no longer serve you

How to have other’s help you with accountability

Avoiding excuses for reasons to keep things you no longer need

Surveying women for her book, Stretched Too Thin

Jessica’s daily routines and her thoughts on balance

Learning to say “no” more and staying away from social media

How Jessica handles negative feedback 

The books that Jessica has enjoyed reading recently

Quotes that she lives by

About Jessica:

Jessica N. Turner is the author of Stretched Too Thin and The Fringe Hours. She is also an award-winning marketing executive and the founder of the popular lifestyle blog The Mom Creative (www.themomcreative.com). Additionally, she is a writer for the Today Parenting Team and DaySpring's (in)courage, an advocate for World Vision, a regular speaker at events nationwide. She and her husband, Matthew live with their three children in Nashville, Tennessee.

Connect with Jessica:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Book Snobbery Instagram

Pre-order Stretched Too Thin and you’ll receive a free e-version of My Fringe Hours: Discovering a More Creative and Fulfilled Life and free access to the Stretched Too Thin online course.

Links:

The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You by Jessica N. Turner
Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter, and Thrive by Jessica N. Turner
My Fringe Hours: Discovering a More Creative and Fulfilled Life by Jessica N. Turner
City of Girls: A Novel by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

I would love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or on my website. If you enjoyed this podcast and you haven’t already, I’d like to encourage you to subscribe that way you won’t miss a single update. Craft a Life You Love by taking a small step toward turning happiness and fulfillment by taking the time you need for self-care and finding freedom in letting go.

Filling Your Life With Color With Stephanie Smokovich

If you feel like your life is weighed down by stress, then you will want to hear this episode. 

Today on the podcast, I am joined by Stephanie Smokovich, the founder of Bella BLVD, a scrapbooking company specializing in beautifully designed patterned papers and stickers. 

In January 2018, Stephanie was confronted with a brain cancer diagnosis. From this diagnosis, she was faced with the difficult task of reducing stress and work in her life. It was then that she made the difficult decision to let go of the business side of Bella BLVD to focus on the art and design portion she initially fell in love with. Stephanie partnered her business with Doodlebug and continues to work as the Creative Director. 

We discuss how her brain tumor changed her mindset and perspective on life, how she fills her life with color, and how she came up with the idea for her event, She Loves Color. We also chat about transitioning to working less, how to reduce stress in your life and the mantra that Stephanie lives by. 

What’s in this episode:

What is going on right now in Stephanie’s life

Discovering she had a brain tumor

How that diagnosis has changed her perspective and mindset

Filling her life with color 

What kind of scrapbooking Stephanie enjoys to do

What inspired Stephanie to start scrapbooking

How She Loves Color came about

Creating an environment where women could support each other

Showcasing other women in the creative industry

How Stephanie crafts a life that she loves

Transitioning to working from home and working less

What Stephanie recommends to help people reduce stress

The process of partnering with Doodlebug

The mantra that Stephanie lives by

From Stephanie:

The truth about me is that I have loved scrapbooking since the very first day I walked into a local store; I met the owner, and was hired the same day! Attending fine arts classes during the day, and teaching scrapbooking workshops at night became part of my daily college routine. After earning an expensive Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design I moved out of state to follow my love for art and design. After two years I returned home to Wisconsin with bigger dreams: Shortly thereafter, Bella Blvd was born (2008).

Fast forward to January of 2018: Life certainly changed for me when the doctors informed me that I have brain cancer-needless to say, it put a whole lot of things into perspective. The doctors recommend working much less and reducing stress in my life. While Bella Blvd brings me so much joy, it also comes with it's fair amount of stress. Therefore, I made a tough decision to choose life and to let go of all the business side of Bella Blvd. As of January 2019 Doodlebug will be maintaining all of the company's day-to-day operations. I will continue to be involved on the art and design levels and am so thankful to have found Cynthea and her team to partner with!

After attending the Inspired Retreat in Nashville in May of 2016, the She Loves Color Event was born. The mission is to inspire, connect and customize. We aim with the event to support each other and allow color to energize us. We've designed the event to allow women to do what they love, meet new friends and offer a manufacture focused event. As the owner of Bella Blvd it's important to me the we not only recognize the Educators, but also the companies that are behind the faces. 

Connect with Stephanie:

Instagram | Bella BLVD Instagram | She Loves Color Instagram | Bella BLVD Website

Links:

She Loves Color 2019: During online registration in the “other girlfriends in my group” section, mention me: Amy Tangerine and let them know I sent you!
Creativation
YouTube Video for She Loves Color
Craftcation

I would love to hear from you! Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or on my website. If you enjoyed this podcast and you haven’t already, I’d like to encourage you to subscribe that way you won’t miss a single update. Craft a Life You Love by taking a small step toward turning happiness and fulfillment by savoring this season no matter where you are in your life and in the world.