laying it out | sweet summer

So, I was looking forward to sitting outside, enjoying strawberries and rosé in the evening sun. Unfortunately the weather has been letting us down lately and we haven't had the greatest summer yet. But I'm not giving up, so I created this page to get me in the mood for coming summer nights in the garden.


Supplies: Declaration Paper Pack and Elements Pack, Stella Elements Pack by Pink Paislee, Happy Travels Kit by Glitz Design, It's a Start Templates 6 by In the Making Design

Let's hope I get to enjoy it soon!

class tip | portraiture 101

I recently revisited a class I took a few years ago since I am shooting my very first wedding in a couple of days (can you say nervous?), and I just wanted to share the love with you guys.

The class is called Photographing People: Portraiture 101 and is taught by Candice Stringham over at JessicaSprague.com.


(Click on the image to go directly to the class)

Candice is a professional photographer and this is just one of her classes over at Jessica's. She offers great insight and gives really good direction. In this class she teaches with filmed segments on site at shoots where she actually shows the tricks rather than just talk about them. Excellent! She also gives individual feedback to each student in the class, something that is very valuable.

Now, I just noticed that the class is running right now, but you can click the button Notify Me to get info when you can register for the next session.

If you want to learn how to take great portraits, then this is a great class to take!

party party

Oh you guys! Have you checked out the birthday celebrations over at JessicaSprague.com? Awesome they are!

Just to give you some incentive to run right over:
40% off digital kits (including all kits by me - yay!)
20% off classes
20% off Project Life
Birthday contest (with some mighty fantastic prizes)
5 speed scraps tomorrow starting at 9 am EDT
Aaaaand, to top it all off, a designer bloghop curtesy of 9 of the resident designers


(Click on the image to find out more details)

Wow, right? I just downloaded all the super amazing kits for the bloghop and I can promise you, you will love them! So go on, head on over to Jessica's blog to start the hop.

paper design | latest work sneak

So I have been hinting that I'm crazy busy with wedding prep. I have the honour of helping out with two weddings this summer. The first one is just a week and a half away, and I am super excited because we've worked in lots of beautiful details. I cannot wait to share them all with you!

The other wedding is in August. So far I have only finished the invites out of the stuff I am involved in, but I plan to get busy on the rest as soon as we enter July.

I thought I'd share just a little sneak of the invites for the second wedding. The couple asked for a traditional style, luxurious paper, red, and roses.



The back paper is a deep shimmery red, and the white is thick with a beautiful deep texture. Luscious!

it's time to partay!

Party time! JessicaSprague.com is turning five, and as always there is a big birthday bash to celebrate. Woohoo!


(Click on the image to find out more details)

I will definitely see you there!

laying it out | rich colours

If there was ever any doubt, judging from about 80% of my layouts, my favourite colours are brown and blue. Granted I mostly clad myself in black, but for most other things few colours can even compare. So why not go with what I know best, eh?

I shared with you the photos I took of my MIL's little fire cracker of a dog. I thought they would make an excellent base for a layout.

(Credits: Blossom in Aqua Paper Pack and Blossom Solids Paper Pack by Samantha Walker, Note to Self Full Collection and This & That Full Collection by Echo Park, Stella Elements Pack by Pink Paislee, Stiched in Wite by Anna Aspnes)

I shot a picture of my little nephew a while ago, and even though his face isn't in the shot, I really like it. I have been looking for an excuse to scrap it for weeks now.

(Credits: Knockout Wood For Reals and Baker's Twine by Splendid Fiins, Blossom Solids Paper Pack by Samantha Walker, Note to Self Full Collection by Echo Park, Marrone Paper Pack and Kickin' It Full Paper Pack by In the Making Design, Stiched in White by Anna Aspnes)

OK, so now, back to the salt mines, I still have about 25 paper roses to make! Hee!

p52 | playing catch up

We had a few things to leave off with my BIL the other week and when we got there we found my nephew jumping around in the pool. He indulged me long enough to snap a few pictures, and this one ended up my favourite.


Last week I took a walk in one of the parks in town and passed by this old bench. It's beat up and people have done their best to destroy it with grafitti. But I still think it's gorgeous. Very dramatic and also a little spooky.


This week I've been away with work, and on Wednesday we had dinner at a place in the woods with the most amazing view. I could have stayed there for hours, just gazing out over the landscape.

laying it out | twice made

Yes. I know. I suck. At least at succeding at posting with some kind of regularity right now. All I can say is I'm sorry. I am being eaten by weddings all over the place.

I kid of course. I love the fact that I have been given the honour to help two lovely brides couples with the preparations for their weddings this summer. Truly. But it does take up much of my time right now. Coupled with a reorganization at my work place, it means little time to photograph, scrap, and blog. I hope you guys understand.

I do have two layouts to share with you that I've made recently.


Supplies: Color Me Brush Set and Brownbagger Paper Pack by LivE Design, available at JessicaSprague.com


Supplies: Happy Travels Paper Pack and Elements Pack by Glitz Design, Storyteller Frames Bundle by LivE Design, Note To Self Full Collection  by Echo Park, all available at JessicaSprague.com

I hope everyone is having a great Sunday!
xoxo