Archive for the ‘style & design’ Category
Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
If you follow my blog regularly, you’ve noticed that I occasionally spotlight a few bits of inspiration from a personal friend in my life. Some recents: Inside the homes of Lisa and Jen, my brother Kevin with his weight loss success story, and even my mom with a great tip for corn on the cob.
Today’s inspiration comes from my friend Tina. We met in Cleveland 10 years ago and she was my very best neighbor there. She was the first one to show up with cookies when we moved in, really motivated me to pick up running again between having babies, she’s just plain fun to be around, and yet – she is so far from being outwardly overzealous. Tina is genuinely kind, selfless, and humble. She is such a rock and probably has no idea just how much she is adored and admired.
 Not the greatest quality picture – and not even Tina’s best hair day – but this is us together just last month with another dear friend Sarah sandwiched in the middle. Our family was visiting their families in Colorado Springs.
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{ idea no. 1: giant photo wallpaper }
This is the first thing that catches your eye when you walk in Tina’s beautiful home. Um, hello picture lovers. Go ahead and pin this one. She used a favorite photo of their kids and had the mural made at MuralsYourWay.com. Talk about impact.
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{ idea no. 2: more photo displays }
She printed some favorites at Costco. Each square is a 12×12 size. The cheapest way to do this, according to Tina, is to put 3 images on a 12×36 canvas (in Photoshop), save that JPG, and print that size (which apparently they do now!). Then cut the 3 pictures apart. She dry-mounted each picture at Hobby Lobby and mounted them to the wall with my own personal favorite – Velcro.
She had these printed at PosterBurner.com and then had them dry-mounted at Hobby Lobby.
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{ idea no. 3: big-striped panels }
You might be inspired to take on this little DIY project. Tina picked up white canvas panels at WalMart, some red canvas from Hobby Lobby, and just cut out thick red strips of the red to sew onto the panels. So stinking cute.
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{ idea no. 4: healthy + delish }
Tina eats really well. In fact, their whole family eats really well. I about died watching their 10-year-old snacking on spinach. For real. Not Oreos or Peanut M&M’s. Noooo. Raw spinach. And don’t get me wrong – I love spinach. But my kids still balk at the idea.
So anyway – one of the things we ate during our visit was this. It’s a recipe she got from her ultra-healthy mother-in-law called Almond Pate (I think it’s spelled this way, and I think it’s pronounced pah-’tay but correct me if I’m wrong). Seriously, I love this and am working on making my first batch at home now. I’ll get it on the Recipes section soon. And I’ll get more recipes from her too.
Click here for the recipe PDF.
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{ idea no. 5: regular exercise }
 Tina, me, and David about to embark on a trail run in the mountains by her house. Incredibly refreshing to run through trees since we came from the desert.
Super dear friends Sarah, Katie, and Tina. That’s David and Sarah’s husband Eric too.
The Manitou Incline beckons me every time. This is my third time climbing one mile straight up, on crooked railroad ties. The altitude kicks my behind, my stamina is tested, and my time to the top is laughable – but oh man, how I love the challenge of hiking these stairs and completing the goal of making it without dying. Tina is kind to stay back with me.
Regular exercise is something we all should have in our lives. We know that. But like many of you, this is something that ebbs and flows in my world. Sometimes I’m really good and I’m making something happen on a regular basis. There are other times I could go months without so much as jogging around my neighborhood. This has become my reality of being a busy mom + business owner. Tina’s not my only friend who’s great about working exercise into her routine. But there is just something about being around her that motivates me to make it a priority, no matter what. I love her for that.
And I’ll let you know when that happens. ; )
Tags: friends, home decor, incline, tina
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | No Comments »
Thursday, June 14th, 2012
In case you don’t recognize this beauty, it’s Lisa Bearnson. She is the Founding Editor of Creating Keepsakes magazine, the premier publication dedicated to memory-keeping. I’ve known her for as long as I’ve been working in this industry – 15 years. She was the one that gave me my “big break” and took a leap of faith in hiring me way-back-when. We worked side-by-side on many projects, wrote a book together, traveled together, developed products together, and … more important than any of that, she is a dear friend to me. The Bearnsons are dear friends to our family.
Flash back: If you’re new-ish to my blog/brand, you might be interested in reading the blog post announcement from nearly 3 years ago when I announced that I was resigning from Creating Keepsakes. It’s a bit of a historical moment in my personal career, and of course Lisa has been an important part of the journey.
When our family was road-tripping a couple weeks ago, we were able to spend a little time with the Bearnsons. So thankful for that. While we were in their beautiful home, I snapped 3 pictures of 3 different home decor ideas that I wanted to share with you – and Lisa is happy to share a little insight on each of these.
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{ chairs }
I don’t know anyone else with chairs hanging on the wall. It’s quirky and original, but it’s more than that to Lisa’s family. She shares: “The chairs are a constant reminder of a talk a promiment leader (Ezra Taft Benson) of our church gave several years ago called “No Empty Chairs”. He said: God intended the family to be eternal. With all my soul, I testify to the truth of that declaration. May He bless us to strengthen our homes and lives of each family member so that in due time we can report to our Hevenly Father in His celestial home that we are all there – father, mother, sister, brother. Each chair is filled. We are all back home.“
The chairs hang high on a wall and can be seen from both floors of our home. They represent each member of our family and remind us of two things: 1) A righteous home is within a “whispering distance of heaven”. We all want to be together in the next life having a grand feast together. We want “no empty chairs”. And 2) Dinner starts promptly at 6:00 pm in the Bearnson home and we want “no empty chairs”. If the kids are late, they have to eat sitting on their chair on the wall! (Just kidding.)”
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{ clock }
This DIY project is so much fun, isn’t it!?The 12 frames are just old frames Lisa collected from around the house, but a thrift shop is another great way to collect some for a very small cost.
Lisa’s friend makes photo clocks and yes – she is willing to sell the hands to anyone interested. Why do I have the feeling a few of you are interested? It sounds like they’re hard to find. And yes, they work. Her company is ForAllTimeClocks.com and the hands are around 10″ – 17″ in length and come in cream, black, gold, dark brown, and white. Contact angie@foralltimeclocks.com for more information.
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{ photo crate }
Lisa found this antique mail holder at a local antique shop. It’s a fun way to showcase current photos and easy to rotate and update.
Many thanks to Lisa for letting me share a few snippets from her home with my readers. She continues to inspire.
Tags: chairs, clock, lisa bearnson, photo crate
Posted in DIY, home, style & design | 22 Comments »
Wednesday, June 6th, 2012
I consider one of my greatest blessings that of having amazing friends. Sure, I have just a few I would consider my besties – but I’m also fortunate to be surrounded by countless amazing people who aren’t necessarily my closest chums, but their examples really have an impact on my life. I’ll come back to that in a minute.
One of my dearest friends is Jen. Everyone needs a friend like Jen. She lights up the room. She’s hilarious. She’s genuine and as real as they come. She honors her role as wife and mother. Her heart is made of gold. And she’s rocking some new bangs.
So part of our road trip last week was spent with Jen and her family. There were a few things around her home that I wanted to share with you – because who doesn’t love fun ideas?
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{ idea no. 1: best flip flops }
I asked Jen what must-have flip flops I should check out for Summer. She’s my fashion-go-to friend. She recommended the Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops. I ordered these in orange, received them from Amazon this week, and I’m in love. For sure they’re the most comfortable flip flops I’ve ever had, next to my beat-up Reefs that I’ve been wearing for like 8 years and can’t find them in red online anymore. And by the way, they have these for guys too. David just ordered these for himself.
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{ idea no. 2: instagram memory display }
When Jen and I first met 10 years ago while our families lived near Cleveland, Ohio, Photoshop was becoming a huge part of our personal photography and documentation of life. Fast-forward to her most recent Photoshop project: This display of recent favorite instagram shots. She didn’t use any sort of template for this, but rather created a 16×20 canvas, reduced the size of each image to 2″ and manually placed each one on the digital canvas. She saved the final draft as a .jpg, uploaded to Costco.com and had the 16×20 printed for $6. The frame is from Hobby Lobby. I’ll also mention that Persnickity Prints is an awesome online photo printing service and if I ever get around to making a print like this again (I did a similar project a couple years ago – remember Doors of Tallinn?) – I would try Persnickety for sure.
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{ idea no. 3: lockers }
I have mud room envy. Okay – so I don’t really have envy because I don’t believe anyone should be envious of anyone or anything. Right? But – if I were to be envious of a mud room (we don’t have one and I just don’t understand why they’re not including these in most homes) – it would be Jen’s. Cubbies and lockers? Dreamy.
This is her system: Whenever she finds something that belongs to one of the kids (she has 5), she throws it in their locker. Every Saturday the kids are responsible to clean out their lockers and put stuff away. In case someone is sooo going to do this, I think some garage cabinet companies and closet companies offer them. Sometimes High Schools might even be getting rid of old lockers. You and Google can research that together. ; )
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{ idea no. 4: family photo grid }
You know I’m a sucker for grids. So between the grid format and the gorgeousness of these photos (taken by Collin Kartchner) and the fact that these are people that we adore … I could stare at this display all day long. Jen had them made at whcc.com and they’re called “stand-outs” or something like that.
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{ idea no. 5: counter top quote }
This little chalkboard is cool; Jen picked it up at One Kings Lane. So much fun potential for keeping a favorite quote, a note between family members, what’s for dinner, or whatever you want.
Plus – I firmly believe with what Oprah said. I don’t necessarily agree with everything she thinks and says – but she absolutely nailed this one on the head. Life is too short to spend precious time with those who bring you down. You are better than that. I attribute much of my happiness to being very intentional about who I spend my time with. I aim to surround myself with people who uplift, inspire, encourage, and set a positive example. I am so grateful for my dearest friends. I am also so grateful for awesome people in my larger circle, my community, and those that aren’t physically nearby but have a lasting impact on me and my family.
Part of cultivating a good life is surrounding yourself with people who are going to lift you higher. Thanks for that one, Oprah.
Tags: collin kartchner, flip flops, Instagram, jen, lockers, sanuk
Posted in home, style & design | 52 Comments »
Thursday, May 24th, 2012
{ slices of life }
Wondering what these 10 snapshots have in common? They’re all recent glimpses into my life at the moment. You can read my quick note/insight about each one in my Designer Spotlight on JessicaSprague.com right now.
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{ digital sale }
In celebration of this little spotlight they’re doing on me and my company, you can buy our Project Life digital elements at 10% off. That sale applies to ALL of the Project Life designs and elements. Check out the shop and you’ll see everything marked down for just this weekend. The sale goes through Sunday May 27.
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{ speed scrap }
Just to make things a little more fun, Kari from our team is hosting a Speed Scrap right now – this morning. Feel free to join in the fun! Not sure what that is? No worries. Everything is explained on that link.
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{ freebie for you }
One last thing to top it all off: We have a Project Life freebie to share! Maybe you won’t use this in a Project Life album – but perhaps you’d like it as a printable to put by your desk, on the fridge, or in a frame? We’ve got you covered. Click here for the free download. Kari designed these with our Project Life elements and it’s available in 5×7, 4×6, and rounded corner 3×4 filler cards for your Project Life album.
Many thanks to our friends – the team at JessicaSprague.com for spotlighting us today. So fun!
Tags: digital Project Life, jessicasprague.com
Posted in products, scrapbooking, style & design | 17 Comments »
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
As you know, Project Life is designed to simplify the memory-keeping process. Our Core Kits and Photo Pocket Pages are the basic components to go in an album and really, that’s all you need. While I firmly believe that you can complete an entire scrapbook with just these items …
… we totally recognize that many of you have that desire to get creative and do more than the beloved slip-the-photos-and-cards-in-and-be-done method. This is why we have additional products – to support your need to create, and help you keep it all looking good together.
So let’s talk about the Project Life Cardstock. You don’t have to have full 12×12 cardstock for a Project Life album, but you asked for it, we listened, and so of course we have it. We have a collection of designer paper to go with each of our Project Life Editions:
Many Project Lifers have put the 12×12 Project Life Cardstock to good use with a creative spin. Today I’m sharing 4 recently submitted ideas. Tomorrow I’ll share another 4 ideas. Each idea comes from readers/customers who submitted their own pictures. We’re grateful for their willingness to share so that you can be inspired.
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{ Idea #1: Manila Folders }
Pedita in Newcastle, NSW, Australia: I covered some manila folders to brighten up my desk. (Papers from the Amber Collection are shown.)
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{ Idea #2: Mini scrapbook pages on one scrapbook page }
Megan in Nashville, Tennessee: I use the cardstock with Design E Photo Pocket Pages to do 4 mini layouts for each of my sons each month. I highlight what they are doing that month. (Papers from the Cobalt Collection are shown.)
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{ Idea #3: Chore System }
Regan in Texas: I used the Cobalt cardstock to make a new chore system for my two daughters, ages nine and five. My girls helped me cut the papers into cards, then we added a chore to each front and a gold star to each back, and then laminated them and punched a hole in the top. We hung them on our fridge on hook magnets. When the girls complete the chore, they turn it over to the star side and put it on the hook below (we love that the papers have such fun patterns on both sides!). Each day I select the chores that need to be done that day (the extras live in an envelope at the top), and at the end of the day they receive a tally mark for the completed jobs (and they lose a tally mark for the ones they did not finish). They also have the option to select additional jobs for extra marks. They have both set a goal for their reward when they reach a certain number of tally marks. It is extremely flexible, and more importantly, extremely cute! The girls each chose which papers they wanted for their own jobs. So far, so good!
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{ Idea #4: Wrapped Boxes }
Carol in Washington state: I think these boxes are great sizes and yet I just send them to recycling. SO … I covered them with cardstock (papers from the Turquoise Collection are shown) and keep the things I am working on in them. Plus, they match my Project Life album. From baggie boxes, to supply boxes …
Tags: cardstock, Project Life
Posted in DIY, products, scrapbooking, style & design | 13 Comments »
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
I’m not much of a shopper. Just ask my friends. I don’t live to shop. I don’t enjoy rummaging. I for sure don’t love trying things on. I think most things are overpriced.
I know. Sounds like I’m super fun to shop with, right? Actually, shopping with girlfriends really is fun for me, and this usually happens about once a year. I love their opinions. In fact, I rely on their opinions. Tell me yes or tell me no. Just tell me.
Anyway – yesterday I was on a mission. As a family, we hit our local Nordstrom Rack with a specific list of who needed what. I need black dress shoes. There were no black dress shoes. But here’s what I did find.
No – I didn’t buy the polka dots or the boots. I’m far too practical for that, and not nearly fun enough with my everyday style. But the green shoes? Oh, for the love of Chartreuse. You know this is like my “life color” that I can’t seem to escape. In fact, I’ve actually tried to not like it. I’ve tried to paint my office a different color. But I am just drawn to it and that’s that.
So I got the green wedges. On sale, of course.
And since I tie everything back to memory-keeping … I will tell you that I loved being able to snap a few pictures during my little decision-making. Because even if you don’t shop much, and even though obviously you don’t buy everything you look at, it’s really fun to see different styles that you’re drawn to for different reasons.
The polka dots and the boots may not be in my closet, but it’s still part of who I am in some small way.
It’s all part of my story.
Next time you’re at Target or the mall or the flea market or wherever, consider snapping a few pictures of things and styles that you’re drawn to. Simply because personal style is part of who you are.
Tags: shoes, shopping
Posted in style & design | 18 Comments »
Monday, February 13th, 2012
Here we go – another big splash of inspiration from the Project Life Creative Team!
Here’s what I’m going to do to prevent this post from being ridiculously long and potentially overwhelming: I will simply share just one image from each Project Lifer. (Trust me, narrowing down is not easy with all the eye candy!) If you are drawn to her style, if you want to see more, if you need to know the details … click on her name … which links to her blog … which is where you will find much, much more on her Project Life pages.
As a reminder, the purpose of having a Creative Team is to share inspiration on documenting life in the Project Life format. Our products are designed to be ultra simple without any need for “extra” products. However, we celebrate creativity just as much as we celebrate simplicity. The Creative Team is … well, they’re very creative, each with her own unique style. We understand and appreciate the fact that many of you do like to add a little custom flair to your pages and the Creative Team is excellent for inspiring some ideas. Plus, they’re all just darn good photographers of everyday life.
For inspiration on the most simple approach to Project Life, be sure to check out our Getting Started slide show and be sure to check out this post if you missed it: Project Life in its Most Basic Form.
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Kelly Purkey
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Lindsay Teague Moreno (new + digital!)
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Jennifer Woodbury
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Deb Duty
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Ali Edwards
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Liz Tamanaha
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Marcy Penner
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Sheri Horton (new + digital!)
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Monica McNeill
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Michelle Wooderson
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MaryAnn Perry
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{ feedback friday: creative team edition }
Yep – that’s right! We love these special editions of Feedback Friday and we’re inviting you to ask our Creative Team your burning questions. What’s on your mind? Ask anything you want. It could be a general question that they could all answer … or you could ask specific questions for specific CT members. Include your question(s) right here in the comments.
Tags: creative team
Posted in scrapbooking, style & design | 62 Comments »
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Please join me in welcoming our two newest members of the Creative Team …
Lindsay Teague Moreno and Sheri Horton! (Click on their names to get to know them better.)
We will share their awesome Project Life pages next week with the next batch of inspiration from our Creative Team. The twist with Lindsay and Sheri? They are digital scrapbookers! We’ve seen and heard lots of requests for more digital examples … and we love what we have seen from both Lindsay and Sheri – their knack for documenting life, fantastic pictures, and great use of our digital Project Life elements.
We have incredible representation of both our physical products and our digital products. We would love to have some representation of our Project Life photo books on Shutterfly! If you are interested in sharing what you’re working on, email screen shots to submissions@beckyhiggins.com.
Tags: creative team
Posted in style & design | 5 Comments »
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
Displaying photographs – in our homes, or photo albums, or office cubicles, or anywhere … is a way to recognize our blessings.
This month, Texas-based photographer Kristen Duke is focused on this very topic every single day. She has a whole lineup of others who are sharing inspiration (check out the schedule) and today – it’s me! A special hello to those who are here on my site for the first time. Happy Browsing. : )
I do love having photos – specifically family photos – all around our home. This invokes a feeling of togetherness, reminds us of our commitment to each other, increases our children’s self-worth, helps us focus on our blessings, and of course brings back fond memories that we love to remember. Here are some of my favorite photo-focused spots in our home.
You have to see this picture a little closer – it’s one of my favorite shots of Claire, taken by Natalie Norton.
These family photos were taken by Kara Layne.
You may notice I’m fond of linear arrangements and grids. For step-by-step tips on hanging a grid of frames with precision, check out THIS blog post. I also share my secret weapon for hanging frames on walls, regardless of the arrangement.
You’ll also notice that I have a splash of older pictures here and there. A few faces from our family history of course, but also pictures of David and I as kiddos. I absolutely recommend to anyone to incorporate a couple pictures from your own childhood into your home. It’s a daily reminder of that innocent youth, and your own kids will remember that you were once in their shoes. You haven’t been an adult your whole life, even though in their young minds it seems like you have been. : )
Posted in DIY, family & children, home, photography, style & design | 37 Comments »
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