Author: Genevieve Speegle

Full-time mom and crafter! My particular passions are paper crafting and cross-stitching, but I tend to pick up new interests each time I stroll through a craft store. :)
blog giveaway, card making, country, dreams, free scrapbook supplies, how to, how to photograph cards, las vegas, lighting, outdoor dining, photography, shabby chic, vintage images

Shabby Chic Dreams in a Neon Reality

Genevieve Speegle

Living in Las Vegas with a Vintage, Shabby Chic spirit can be challenging at times.  I dream of lovely overgrown acres where children run barefoot while dancing with fireflies.  Chipped white paint.  Antique tea cups with mis-matched place settings.  Dining outdoors under a chandelier suspended from an overgrown tree.  That’s not much to ask for right?

Well, these are the things I think of when photographing my crafts.  I want to inspire that sense of warmth and snugly appeal.  A few of my favorite tricks:

*Lightening up my photos*
Even when I take outdoor pictures (I almost always do them outside now), I still take the time to lighten them up a bit.  It makes everything look a little brighter and softer.

*Close shots with some “props” in the background*
I like to add to the style of card I’m working on.  On the pieces below, I wanted to use a little nature and some old books.  I’m so happy with the results!

These cards are available at my hubby’s, Just Write Blog, this month:

Now I can imagine a babbling brook in the background, instead of a topless boggle tournament billboard.  Much better…
Don’t forget to register for my Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!  Contest ends March 5!
2010, art, cards, easter, eggs, free scrapbook supplies, green, lent, mixed media, photography, purple, spring, sunny days. seasons, vintage images

Lent

Genevieve Speegle

The beginning of Lent is a reminder that Easter is not too far away!  I’m still trying to get used to writing 2010 (so many scratched out checks…)

Here we are ~ weather getting warmer, birds chirping, bees chasing me when I take product photos outside.  Awwwwwwwwwww, Springtime must be around the corner!

I love walking through the local craft stores and seeing all the happy decor! The background props in these photos is from a cute Vintage looking egg wreath. I think it really adds a little extra coziness to the cards. 🙂
bazzill, blog giveaway, butterflies, buttons, card making, contest, flowers, free scrapbook supplies, my mind's eye, prima, retro, scrapbook lots, spring, vintage images, websters pages

Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!

Genevieve Speegle

Welcome to my first blog giveaway!


This Spring inspired scrapbook lot has everything from card stock to flowers! Ribbon to butterflies!

In order to enter, simply add a link to my blog on any of your own websites (your blog, My Space, Facebook, etc) and then post a comment here as well.

You’ll receive goodies from LOTS of fabulous, as well as some Vintage Easter sticker collages by yours truly.  Here are just some of the name brands included in the lot:

My Mind’s Eye

Prima

Webster’s Pages

Queen and Company

Basic Grey

Cosmo Cricket

Making Memories

Bazzill


The lucky winner will be chosen by a random number generator on Friday, March 5th.  Thanks so much, and good luck!!

arrows, buttons, card making, cards, catalog, craft tips, crafting, glitter, green, handmade, my mind's eye, recycle, ribbon, saving money, scrapbooking, smile, tips, trees, upcycle

The Joy of Upcycling

Genevieve Speegle

As a scrapper, I like to find paper and trinkets that I can use on other crafts.  My eyes dart around hawk-like when my family is opening Christmas gifts ~ careful not to miss a fabulous, re-usable bow or tag.  I also scour the catalogs and advertisements that I get in the mail.  Maybe I can cut this or punch that…

I do love shopping for the newest scrapbook goodies, but nothing quite beats the feeling of being able to incorporate a “find” into one of my crafts.  It’s taking “scrap”-booking back to the roots of the art itself!

I was so excited with this card!  The background paper and the main collage image were upcycled from the new My Mind’s Eye catalog!  I had just received it in the mail last week and noticed how nice the cover pages of the magazine were!  Why throw it away?!  I also saw that the collage of die-cuts advertised made a perfect embellishment!  Together, with a little ribbon, glitter, buttons and other embellishments, I made a very cute and inexpensive card!

Uncategorized

Coming to Terms…

Genevieve Speegle

I’ve recently come to terms with actually using my favorite craft supplies.  Sounds fairly obvious, but it really is a big step. 

For years, I’ve horded all my favorite paper and embellishments.  I wouldn’t want to “waste” these on just any layout.

I’d periodically go through my stash to ooh and aww over my favorites; not daring to cut any of them.  Finally, it dawned on me that there is never any shortage of fabulous goodies out there.  I keep buying, but then never using them.  Sometimes I wouldn’t even open the package!

Although knowing in my head that it was silly, it was difficult for me to take the plunge and cut.  Tear open those glittery packages and glue it’s cheery contents to something! 

Even as early as last year, it would have been a challenge for me to cut into another perfectly good 12×12 sheet of $1.10 card stock just to give my layout a 3D effect.  Once I did it (on the star layout below), I was tickled at how much prettier and more alive it seemed to be.

It takes a lot to let go, but I’m so much happier with the results. 

birds, christmas, crafting, crafts, flowers, sign, springtime, sunny days. seasons

Springtime in the Kitchen

Genevieve Speegle
Please tell me that I am not the only person that looks forward to each and every season or holiday. In August, I start mentally preparing the Christmas decoration layout in our home. Now, I’m dreaming of SPRING! Ahhhhh, the sunny days, flowers and baby birds.
I’ve started creating with Spring themed goodies this week and am having so much fun with them!

65%, crafts, liquidation, sale, scrapbook, supplies

65% Off Liquidation Sale!!!

Genevieve Speegle

We’re cleaning out the pantry here at Gen’s Scrapbook Kitchen!

Gotta make room for BRAND NEW items!!!

65% off ALL INVENTORY

Now-Sunday (2/15/09)!!

Visit all the available goodies at: www.gensscrapbookkitchen.com

Enter discount code:

LIQUIDATION65

for this AMAZING sale!
-excludes eBay, handmade items & grab bags
-all orders must be PayPal purchases (you can still use a credit/debit card through PayPal, even without an account there)
-orders will ship in the order they are received. If I can ship them out for less than your shipping charge, I will do so and refund the excess charges.

I know many of you have considered resale options, so ~~~~
Spend at least $500 (after discount) and I’ll refund your shipping as well!!!(U.S. only)

Start your own business!
Hold a crop at your house for some extra $$$!
Share your goodies with friends!

GenevieveGen’s Scrapbook Kitchen
www.gensscrapbookkitchen.com