Hello all my friends, and welcome back to another Saturday here at the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo blog.  It looks like there are many of you finding some “YOU” time, and that makes me so very happy.  I am grateful that you are doing the things that you love to do!  My goal is to impress you with new and fun projects, techniques, and creativity.  I hope you will enjoy every minute of the things I have to share with you in today’s post.  Sit back, relax, and take in all the inspiration!  Let’s get started!

Journaling Three Ways By Jess Forster

Does the thought of journaling on your layouts overwhelm you?  Are you afraid of leaving out details to make it easier to complete your page, but then miss important journaling?  We all need a little help being motivated to get the important details of our memories recorded.  I have always said that the most important part of scrapbooking is your journaling.  Years down the road when you leave your treasured scrapbooks to family or dear friends, they will want to know every person in those pictures, including the story and the dates.  I was left some beautiful scrapbooks from my mother that she had put together many, many years ago.  There was not one bit of journaling.  It’s sad for me that I can’t tell you who half of the people are in the pictures, let alone the story of where and what the occasion might have been.  It’s heartbreaking!  Can you imagine the fun my children, grandchildren, and I would have had reminiscing about my sweet mom?  Journaling might not be the fun part of scrapbooking for some, however, it is one of the most important parts.  Today I have the opportunity to share three different ways of journaling by Jess Foster.  She shares some creative and fun ways to make your heart turn to journaling.

Whether it be pocket pages or layouts, using journaling cards is a great way to jot down those activities, dates, and special people in the photos. Your life story or event may be something large or small, but make sure to record details so they won’t be lost in the years to come.  Simple sentences can be a great way to journal.  Not all journaling needs to be a written paragraph.  Click here and I will be happy to escort you on over to Elle’s Studio so you can take a few notes on the best way to journal.  Jess is a fabulous design team member for Elle’s Studio, and you will be so inspired by this fabulous lady!

Tropical By Anita Izendoorn

I had to share this darling card with you today.  Don’t you just love to explore new trends in the crafting industry?  Flamingos are really popular right now, and I have to say I love how they can be used for so many types of cards.  These cute little flamingos are two in a set and they are slightly different in size.  The flowers add so much dimension to the card.  I love Anita’s coloring and how the flamingos pop up from the frame.  Who wouldn’t love to receive this priceless and treasured creation?

You are going to love working with dies from Elizabeth Crafts Design.  These fabulous dies create beautiful projects and this is one of many.  I encourage you to take some time and explore some of the outstanding projects created by Anita.  You will become a big fan of hers.  She is a talented artist whose cards are amazing, elegant, and beautiful.  She shows you the perfect mix of die cuts and hand-colored elements that are evidence of her great skills as a designer.  Click here and I will take you over to Anita’s blog.  Have fun exploring!

Faux Etched Glass Mirror By Christy James

This beautiful Faux Etched Mirror would make a lovely decorative piece for your living room, kitchen, or even your bathroom.  Would you love the look of etched glass without actually needing to etch the glass?  This fabulous Faux Etched Mirror all started with a $4.00 frame that Christy found at a thrift store.  Who would have ever thought that something this old (and let’s just say it wasn’t very pretty) could turn into something so amazing?

Christy gives some great step-by-step instructions and she also includes a few affiliate links so you can find the products she used.  If you look very closely you will see the pattern in the background.  Believe it or not, that is tissue paper.  You will find this to be a very gratifying project and you’ll love the end results.  Let me take you over to Confessions Of A Serial Do-It-Yourselfer where you will find many more wonderful projects like this one.  Christy is one amazing gal with a very creative mind.  You will enjoy seeing many of her fabulous projects that are sure to get you inspired to try something new.

Rhubarb Custard Bars By Taste Of Home

I remember as a kid going out into our family garden, picking rhubarb, and sprinkling salt on it and eating it that way with my friends.  The best part was to see each other’s faces and who had the sourest look on it.  I would have never thought as a kid that there could be so many wonderful desserts made with rhubarb.  If you have an abundance of rhubarb, this is a recipe you must give a try.  It is that time of year for finding rhubarb in grocery stores if you don’t have a garden.  It’s a great time for another rhubarb recipe and you will love this one.

This is a delicious sweet bar with a tender shortbread crust topped with a rhubarb-studded custard and a fluffy cream cheese topping.  It’s a great dessert to complete a perfect meal.  I hope you have been inspired to give these Rhubarb Custard Bars a try.  These are a perfect picnic treat and I know you are going to love them.  I highly recommend subscribing to Taste Of Home so you will never miss out on their yummy recipes.  Both you and your family will be glad you did!

I hope your weekend will end on a creative high note!  It is quite warm in my neck of the woods, so with that said, it is always fun to take some time, get out of the heat, and head into a nice cool air-conditioned craft room.  Take some time to be creative – you deserve it.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I will see you back here again next Saturday!  Have a great week!

Sending hugs your way,

LeAnn