Miss Fancy Pants Designs

Everyday Scrapbooking with Amy

Hi Fancy Pants Designs fans!  I am thrilled to be back to share one of my layouts with you.  This layout came about when we got a late snow storm this past year, and I grabbed my youngest two kiddos and headed out for some pics.  I love taking photos of everyday stuff like just hanging out and enjoying some winter weather.

I grabbed the Park Bench collection to create my layout. Even though it's a "spring themed line" the colors went perfectly with my pictures.  Here's what I came up with.

Park Bench Strips paper| Park Bench Lunch Date paper| Park Bench Pond Paper| Park Bench Lightpost| Park Bench Park Walk| Park Bench Blanket| Park Bench Bridge| Park Bench Banner Die Cuts| Park Bench Sticker Fundamentals| Park Bench Brag Pad| Park Bench Patterned Envelopes| Park Bench Decorative Tags| Park Bench Patterned Photo Frames| Park Bench Title Pieces| Park Bench Button Set| Etcetera Clips

Here's a closeup of the left side.

And the right side.

I love capturing everyday moments like this. When I look back on my pages, I feel like it's the everyday moments that really tell the story of our lives. Thanks so much for dropping by the FPD blog!

- Amy

Sketch Monday with Yuki

Happy Monday! It's Yuki here today with a new sketch for you!

Here is my layout using this sketch.

Trend Setter Paper Glamorous / Trend Setter Paper Star / Trend setter paper Haute / Trend Setter Paper Vogue / Trend Setter Paper Strips /Trend Setter Sticker Fundamentals / Trend Setter Decorative Tags / Trend Setter Brag Pad / Trend Setter Decorative Bags / Trend Setter Button Set / Trend Setter Clips / White Corrugate

I pulled out some Trend setter papers and embellishments for my layout. I think black and red color scheme in this collection is perfect for my photos.

I also made a simple card using the same sketch.

Trend Setter Paper Glamorous / Trend setter paper Haute / Trend Setter Paper Classy / Trend Setter Paper Price Tag /Trend Setter Banner Die Cuts / Trend Setter Sticker Fundamentals /  Trend Setter Button Set  

I hope you enjoyed my projects today. Feel free to use the sketch and then share your projects with us right here or on our Facebook page. I can’t wait to see your creations!!

- Yuki

Cardmaking with Greta

Who couldn't use a few extra all-occasion cards handy for those last minute needs?? Park Bench is a great generic line that can be used for all sorts of occasions. I've made up five cards to give you a few ideas!

Park Bench Paper Bridge / Park Bench Paper Light Post / Park Bench Paper Flower Garden /  Park Bench Paper Park Walk / Park Bench Strips / Park Bench Paper Bench / Park Bench Paper Conversation / Park Bench Brag Pad / Park Bench Banner Die Cuts / Park Bench Pennants / Park Bench Patterned Photo Frames / Park Bench Felt Flowers / Park Bench Sticker Fundamentals / Park Bench Label Stickers / Park Bench Tape Stickers / Park Bench Title Pieces / Park Bench Button Set

NOTE: all cards are 8.5" x 5.5" folded in half.

Card 1: This card starts with a base of "Conversation" paper. I then cut the title section from a page in the Brag Pad. Cut a half circle from Bridge as well as some rays to make the sun. Add the yellow polka dot button and the bracket sticker. Finally, add faux stitch marks with a brown pen and ruler.

 

Card 2: This card also starts with a base of Conversation paper. Trim a piece of Bridge to 4" x 5" and center on top. Add a piece of Strips (blue side up) to the back of the grey striped frame and then stitch around inside frame. Add to card. Use Tape Sticker along the left edge. Embellish with felt flower, pennant and tab stickers.

Card 3: This card is similar to Card 2. Make the base from Light Post. Add Flower Garden to the back of cream frame and the stitch around inside frame. Add to card. Use Tape Sticker along the left edge. Embellish with word stickers and buttons.

Card 4: Make the base for this card from Flower Garden. Trim a piece of Park Walk to 5" x 4" and center on top of card. Cut black polka dot strip from Strips paper. Trim flower title piece off of Brag Pad paper. Stitch around inside circle. Add to card and tuck two leaves cut from Strips paper. Add button with string and create faux stitch marks with brown pen and ruler.

Card 5: Make the base for this card from Flower Garden. Use blue polka dot paper from Brag Pad cut to 5" x 4", stitch around outside edge and center on top of card. Cut grey damask with flowers strip from Strips paper. Mat on top of Bench (black). Add to card. Embellish with die cut banner and black button as well as stars and tab sticker.

Thank you for stopping by!

- Greta

Photo Tips with Alexes

Hey there Fancy Pants lovers!! It’s me, Alexes! Ya know, from Dear Lexe Designs?!

Well I’m here today to show you a little tip that I use in my regular Lightroom editing routine. Have you guys ever seen those pictures that have a “matte” look to them? Well today I’m going to show you how to do that easily in Lightroom!

Allrightie, let’s get started! First I opened up Lightroom and selected the photo that I wanted to edit. This is a cute little picture of my nephew that I took at Easter time.

As you can tell, it’s a little overexposed so, the first thing I did was to bring the exposure down just a tad. To adjust the exposure, just find the exposure slider off on the right hand side of the screen. Here’s a close up.

 

Next I used a preset from the My Four Hens Imagination Collection which I LOVE and use all the time!  The preset I used is called Nola. I just browsed through all my presets and decided this one gave me the best color, (presets can be found on the far left panel, if you can’t find them, try pressing “D” on your keyboard to switch to the Develop Mode)

Okay now you’ll want to find, over in the far right panel, the heading that says Tone Curve. Your curve should look something like this image below. So the next step is to remove all of the anchor points that are already on the line and flatten the curve. To do this right click on the line and select “Flatten Curve”

 After your line has been flattened its time to add your own anchor points. It’s really easy to make an anchor too! All you do is click somewhere on the line! The first point you’re going to make should be just to the left of the very center of the grid.

 

Then you’re going to make another anchor just underneath the first point.

Then click on the point you just made (the second or lower point) and pull it down just a bit until it looks similar to this.

You’ll notice this will make the colors a bit brighter and add some contrast as well.

Next we’re going to use the point at the very bottom of the line. (I bet you didn’t notice that did you!) Take that point and bring it wayyy up. Below is a picture of where I wanted my point but remember that you can also make it higher or lower depending on your picture and your personal preference.

Now you have an awesome looking, well exposed and beautiful matte look to your photo!!

Here is a a quick project I made with photos that have that matte effect to them, check it out!!

Park Bench Blanket Paper / Park Bench Park Walk Paper / Park Bench Paddle Boat Paper / Park Bench Fountain Paper / Park Bench Conversation Paper / Park Bench Bridge Paper / Baby Mine Chipboard Alphas / It's The Little Things Chipboard Alphas 

 

thanks again for stopping by and happy crafting!

- Alexes

5 Designer Tips with Céline

Hello Fancy Pants Designs fans! Here I am today with 5 Designer Tips : in this column, you'll get 5 tips and ideas from a designer (me this week) to inspire you, help you scrapbook in a new way, get organized, make more photos and more!

This week, I would like to share this layout which is very dear to my heart! I participated in a Charity Auctions for children that can't have access to Education. Each Scrapbook Artists who participated in the Auctions had to use the photos that were sent by the organization that organized the auctions, and we had to make a layout that was sold. All the money from the different layouts went directly to the Charity organization :)

This is not the layout I made for the Auctions, but as I had several beautiful, touching, colorful photos, I had to print some more and make this one!

Park Bench Black Corrugated paper / Park Bench Pond paper / Park Bench Banner die Cuts / Park Bench Sticker Fundamentals / Park Bench Flair / Park Bench Button Set /Etcetera Label Stickers

#1 - Play with Multi-Photos

I love photography. All of your layouts deserve to show all of your memories, through your most favorite photographs. And the more photos, the more souvenirs from that moment captured through your lens!

I make all of my Photos collages with Photoshop. I either use a Template or simply copy and paste my photos on a new document.

If you aren't a Photoshop master, you can simply handcut your photos and make your own collage yourself.

#2 - Add VOLUME!

If you work on a rather flat surface, add voulme with buttons and flairs! It adds a fun effect and catch the look of the viewer!

#3 - Point to your title

Whether it is with an arrow or by adding your title in a white space of your layout, your title must be very important - it says it all at first sight, along with your photo.

Here, I used an Etcetera Label Sticker arrow to point to my title.

#4 - LAYER!

I layered these banners and pennants with old book pages - don't they look fun?! It adds a fun and vintage look to my tiny cute banners!

#5 - Mix b&w and color photos!

I always edit my photos in Photoshop and when I make multiphoto collage, I like to have a mix of black & white and color photos - it gives you the possibility to play with soft and bright colors at the same time on your layout, and adds so much interest and contrast to your layout!

I hope you liked my layout!

Take care!

- Céline

Home Decor Challenge with Izzy

Hi everyone!  Today I’m going to share a home décor project with you. One of my favorite paper crafting projects is to alter or repurpose a frame.

I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive shadowbox frames.  This one measures 7 x 9 inches on the inside and 8 x 10 inches on the outside.  The perfect size for a summer scene.

I started by choosing a variety of Fancy Pants Designs papers in various shades of blue for a soft, dreamy look.  I chose patterns from Down By The Shore, Park Bench and Trend Setter and cut them into squares.

 

I arranged the squares into a grid on a piece of cream cardstock (the B side of “Beachside” from Down By The Shore) and loosely tacked them down.

Once my grid was in place, I stitched across each row and down each column.

I started the scene by piecing together a sailboat using paper and embellishments from Down By The Shore.

Down By The Shore Beachside / Down By The Shore Whale / Down By The Shore Striped Towel / Down By The Shore Dock / Down By The Shore Ocean Life / Down By The Shore Pennants / Down By The Shore Flair / Down By The Shore Banner Die Cuts / Down By The Shore Rub-Ons / Down By The Shore Sticker Fundamentals / Park Bench Park Walk /Park Bench Flower Garden /Park Bench Blanket /Park Bench Button Set /Park Bench Felt Flowers / Trend Setter Runway / Swagger Button Set / Swagger Sticker Fundamentals

 

Next, I repurposed a felt flower from Park Bench as the sun, adding rays with patterned paper.  I finished the scene with a sentiment on a tag, using alphas from the Sticker Fundamentals from both Down by the Shore and Swagger.

Thanks so much for joining me today on the Fancy Pants Designs blog.  The challenge this week is to make a project that uses punches.  Please link your projects in the comments. We can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

- Izzy

Sketch Monday with Glenda

Hi!  Sketches are a great way to plan and start a creative scrapbook layout. Here’s the layout using the sketch with the sophisticated and stylish Swagger and Artist’s Edition product:   Swagger Paper Debonair / Swagger Paper Gentleman / Swagger Paper Gallant / Swagger Paper Humorous / Swagger Paper Strips / Swagger Tape Stickers / Swagger Label Stickers / Swagger Banner Die Cuts / Swagger Decorative Paper Clips / Swagger Rub-Ons / Swagger Ephmera Set / Swagger 6x6 Paper Pad / Artist’s Edition 3x8 Pattern Stencil Set   Use the Swagger Paper Debonair as the background. Place the Artist’s Edition 3x8 Pattern Stencil Set (zig-zag) on the background paper and ink using an ink blending tool over the stencil onto the background. Repeat this several times on the background paper. Adhere the inked stencil to the background.   Cut strips from Swagger Paper Strips. Create your own ‘washi tape’ with one of the strips. I used the black and grey chevron strip. Burnish 1 inch clear sellotape to the paper strip using a bone folder. Trim away excess clear tape. Immerse the strips into water and soak for a few seconds. Using your fingers, gently roll away paper backing – the pattern will transfer to the tape, leaving a transparent strip. Wipe away excess moisture and leave strips to dry. Trim three of the strips shorter and adhere to layout starting at about 3 inches from the bottom edge. Then add a strip from the Swagger Tape Stickers and a page from the Swagger 6x6 Paper Pad. Adhere a second page the Swagger 6x6 Paper Pad over the stencil and add elements from the Swagger Ephmera Set, raising a few elements with foam squares. Adhere inked zig-zag strips that were removed from the stencil to the layout.   Finish the layout with machine straight stitching and add a title, photos, Swagger Label Stickers, Swagger Decorative Paper Clips and a Swagger Rub-On.   This is the card that was created with the stylish Swagger product:   A page from the Swagger 6x6 Paper Pad that resembled the layout background is adhered on the right-hand side of the card. A strip of Swagger Paper Gentleman to fit on the left side, aligning with the fold. Machine stitch around the edge of the card. Adhere a strip of ‘washi tape’ made from a strip of Swagger Paper Strips (I used the hexagonal shape strip), down the left-hand side. Adhere Swagger Banner Die Cuts onto the orange side of Swagger Paper Humorous and trim to create a border. Stitch on the banners. Raise the large banner with foam squares. Embellish with a Swagger Decorative Paper Clip, a small Swagger Banner Die Cut (CARPE DIEM) and wording.   I’m looking forward to seeing what you create with the sketch and Fancy Pants Designs products. Have a stylish week filled with much Swagger! Glenda

5 Designer Tips with Julie

Today I am posting to share 5 tips I usually do when working on my Project Life pages.  I'll be honest, I tried Project Life in 2012, but was unsuccessful after just 2 weeks!! Trying to create a two-page spread every week was just too much for me personally.  Over the past year, I have taken some time to really reflect on how I could approach it differently in 2013.  In doing this I came up with my own "mission" of sorts for Project Life.

I know I want to preserve my memories, both everyday moments and special events.  I love scrapping my 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11 layouts.  The artistry involved in them, versus a Project Life spread, is something I really enjoy.  Unfortunately, I am a very slow scrapper and I find there are so many moments of my life that are undocumented.  My mother began scrapping just a few years ago.  With five children and a large extended family, it isn't always easy for her to remember "the stories" behind all those photos in the boxes.  I don't want to lose "the stories".  I want to remember my son's songwriting skills at age 6, the evening my family of four celebrated my husband finally leaving a thirteen year long job he disliked to open up a business he is genuinely passionate about, the speech struggles of my adorable 2-year-old . . . 

This "mission" doesn't mean I won't be scrapping my traditional pages.  It just means I am trying to find a balance between the "artistry" of scrapbooking which I love, and the  need to document the complete picture of my life.  I think a combination of the two will allow me to do this.  I plan on doing two double page Project Life spreads each month. Although a newbie to the Project Life process, I am excited to share my thoughts on it with you all!!

 

TIP #1:  ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTOS

All my photos are housed in iPhoto on my Mac by date, so it is easy for me to find any pictures I have uploaded for a specific two week period.  I also regularly upload my iPhone pictures onto iPhoto as well.  They show up by date as well.  

 

TIP #2:  SKETCH OUT YOUR DESIGN

Once I have decided which photos I want to use in my spread, I look through my page protector design styles to see what best suits the photos I am working with.  Then I make a quick sketch on paper and list where photos and journaling will go.  Here is a sample of one I created for the layout I will be sharing today.

TIP #3:  EDIT & PRINT YOUR PHOTOS

There are tons of photo editing programs out there.  Personally I use a program called Rad Lab by Totally Rad that is housed within my Photoshop software.  Once I quickly edit the photos I will be using, I print them out with my HP Photosmart Printer.  Printing from home is more expensive, but I like the ability to print custom size photos whenever I need them.  

 

TIP #4:  FILL IN THE EMPTY SPACES

Once I have placed my photos in their appropriate pockets, I fill in the blank spots with patterned paper and/or journaling cards.  

 

TIP #5:  EMBELLISH TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT

This is the fun part for me - I don't go to crazy, but I do enjoy finding bits & pieces to put here & there on my patterned paper, journaling cards, and photos.  I also make sure to add in journaling for my photos.  I try not to go too overboard with the embellishing :)  With Project Life, my main focus is on the photos and the stories behind them - so I keep that in mind as I embellish.  Here is a close-up on some of the little touches I added to the Project Life spread I will be sharing today.  A little sticker stitched down to a photo, a handmade journaling card with an adorable chipboard button accent, and a journaling file tab from the Brag Pad all work together to "dress up" and complete my pages.

After following through the above process, here is the Project Life spread I created using a mix of supplies from the Etcetera, Swagger, Trendsetter, and Park Bench Collections.

Etcetera 6 x 6 Paper Pad/Etcetera Brag Pad/Etcetera Label Stickers/Swagger Paper Debonair/Swagger Label Stickers/Swagger Sticker Fundamentals/Swagger Rub-Ons/Trendsetter Label Stickers/Trendsetter Ephemera Pack/Park Bench Paper Lunch Date/Park Bench Paper Bridge/Park Bench Paper Paddle Boat/Park Bench Banner Die-Cuts/Park Bench Label Stickers/Park Bench Sticker Fundamentals/Park Bench Tape Stickers/Park Bench Brag Pad/Park Bench Patterned Photo Frames/Park Bench Button Set

 

A better look at the details on the left side . . .

A better look at the details on the right side . . .

Thanks so much for joining me here to discuss Project Life today.  I hope today's post gave you some ideas to reflect on when creating your own Project Life Pages!!

- Julie

FOCUS ON : Fancy Pants Designs Corrugated papers with Angie

Hello!  I'm here today to focus on a fun way to use those corrugated papers that each of the collections carries.  These papers are very easy to use and lots of fun too!  I love making mixed media canvas so that is what I choose to make to share with you toady!  There is something about them that gets me feeling very artsy.  First I want to share my completed project with you and then I will explain my technique.

 

Trendsetter Paper Runway / Trendsetter Paper Haute / Trendsetter Paper Style Sheet / Trendsetter Sticker Fundamentals / Trendsetter Lable Stickers / Trendsetter Ephemera Pack / Trendsetter Button Set / Park Bench Corrugated Paper Turquoise / Park Bench Button Set / Park Bench Pennants / Park Bench Decorative Tags / Park Bench Flairs / Etcetera Decorative Bags / Etcetera Decorative Tags /Artist Edition Adventure Set Stencils / Swagger Paper Debonair / Swagger Paper Dependable

+++

So the idea for this canvas came from a pinterest post I saw of a teal tin wall.  I just feel in love with the colors and the amazing rustic feel it had. Isn't this painting gorgeous?!

Now for the details; I first used Mod Podge to put the corrugated paper on my canvas.  I then used a mix of white, brown, red, yellow, and orange paint to get the rusty look at the bottom.  And instead of a window I went with a fun saying from the Artist Edition line.  Here is a picture of how I made my title.  I used some molding past and scraped it over the title on a patterned paper from Trendsetter to get a thicker lettering.

Now for some close ups of the canvas.  I created the cherry blossoms using my Cameo and the papers are from the Trendsetter line.  I also cut the vine out on my Cameo using the brown paper from the Swagger line.  And you can see I used some cute Fancy Pants Designs flags and a chipboard piece.

I also included some buttons from several different Fancy Pants Designs lines as my flowers.  And you can see I love using the tags to add some fun to the canvas.

Next I layered a cute designer bag with some Ephemera from Trendsetter.  And I also added a cute flair from the Park Bench line.  Love layering!

 

I hope I have inspired you to try something new with your corrugated papers!

- Angie

Challenge with Céline

Hello everyone! Today I have a fun and colorful challenge for you! :)

I've been loving my Fancy Pants Designs Brag Pads lately. Whether I use them for my Project Life, my Scrapbook layouts, mini albums or cards, they so inspire me!

Today, I wanted to show you how you can easily alter them a tiny bit with Distress inks.

All you need is your favorite Fancy Pants Designs products, esp. Brag Pads, Distress inks and a piece of cut'n'dry foam.

Trendsetter Glamorous paper / Trendsetter Brag Pads / Trendsetter Coral Corrugated paper / Trendsetter Decorative Bags / Trendsetter Decorative Tags / Trendsetter button Set / Trendsetter Ephemera Pack

What I like about the Brag Pads is that the thickness and quality of the paper allows you to distress/alter them with inks or mists.

Here, I simply used a cut'n'dry foam and 3 different colors of Distress inks and added a few tones of colors to three Brag Pad cards. All three got glued on the right side of my layout, creating a geometric column where I added my photo and embellishments.

Be sure to color your cards on a kraft sheet, going in circles so that you don't have bright and unaesthetic ink marks.

You can also distress any Fancy Pants Designs tags with the same technique! The paper is even thicker which is even better!

All you have to do afterwards is build your layout and LAYER everything!

I glued the Brag Pad cards first, then my photo.

I then added my little decorative bag with a tag inside and sewed everything together.

Then I played with some Ephemera Pack die cuts and layered them together too.

Add a few buttons here and there and place your title (cut with my Cameo) and ta-da!

I would LOVE to see what you come up with! Show me your fantastic layouts! :)

Take care!

- Céline