Friday Five

If you haven't noticed we've been shaking things up a bit recently and posting more inspirational items on the blog. We are still posting tutorials, but we're posting them on the message board instead. We post a new tutorial every Friday. You can check out the most recent post here.

Now for today I'm going to post 5 photos that inspire me.


This is such a cute shot. You could use this pose for so many things including documenting a child's love for a certain sport.

This one hits close to home. We have a little vacation home on a lake and we've got so many good memories at that lake. I would love to take a picture like this with my kiddos.

I love this summer shot and how the photographer decided to add the pops of color to the wand and the flowers.

This one is my favorite. Don't you wish the people who set up carnivals set the rides up with photographers in mind. I love everything about this picture!

This one reminds me that no matter what is going on find the joy in every situation.

Sketch of the Week 8/11/11

Sorry I'm a little late posting this. I saw this Pencil Lines sketch while browsing the web and thought I would share.



I love the white space and the little banner. I'm sure it won't be long before the banner phase phases out, but I still love them.

Quote of the Week 8/10/2011

I saw this quote on Pinterest.com and thought it would be such a cute title for a LO about a significant other, a pet, a child or just about anything else your little creative mind can come up with.

If you use this quote in a crafty way please leave a link in the comments so we can see.

Inspired by Nature 8/9/2011

Hey all you fabulous AMM fans. We're back from a little restructuring break. We have lots of inspiration lined up for you so make sure you check back every day.

Today I want to share this photo by Martin Cerny.




Isn't it gorgeous. I love the color combo too. There's so much inspiration that can be found in this photo from the colors, to the velvety texture of the moth wings. What inspires you most?

Fun Tip Friday with Jennifer Longenecker

Today I am going to show you a quick and easy way to alter a few mason jars to add a little touch of country to your home. First gather your supplies. You will need several mason jars, black and white photos, wood blocks, and sand.



Step 1: Fill the bottom of each jar with sand. You need about an inch or so of sand.

Step 2: Insert your photos into each jar pushing the photo into the sand.

Step 3: Add words to your wood blocks. I asked the kids to describe their favorite thing about summer using one word and this is what they came up with.

Step 4: Add the wooden block to each jar pushing the bottom into the sand. Paint the lids black and then tie some twine around the neck of the jar and your done. You can also add some christmas lights for a little more fun. Unfortunately I couldn't find any for this tutorial.

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Fun Tip Friday with Marie Ramirez

I am always looking for little containers and things to organize my scrap space. I love using mists but dont like having a big box just for that. I also didnt have one handy, ran to my kitchen and found a metal roaster pan.

It isnt lovely, but it works really well.




Place whatever it is you want misted in and spray your little heart out. The cool thing is that it doesnt absorb into the metal (like a box) sooo you can do all kinds of cool things with it!




Now I think I will have to try to find a old roasting pan, just cuz it looks prettier haha!



Have fun trying this technique!

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What's Up Wednesday with Jennifer Longenecker

This week we are going to focus on Blocking. Blocking is a form of scrapboooking where the Creator will design their LO around a group of pictures that are in a similar shape. For my LO I chose to use a hexagon shape.

Step 1: Start by cutting out several shapes, some smaller than the others, then lay the shapes out on your page and get an idea of where you want everything to go. This is a good time to mark where you want everything to go.

Step 2: Start placing some embellishments on and around your shapes.

Step 3: Once you have determined the placement of your elements take your pattern paper shapes and add texture with paint, ink, and distressed edges.

Step 4: Now take each shape and adhere it to your LO. Next treat each shape as its own LO and add embellishments. I used a little trim, some chipboard, and some rub-on's. I also added a little doodling on a few pieces.

Step 5: To finish off the LO outline a few of your shapes with some embroidery floss then add your title and journaling and your done.