It's Time to Relax!

It’s 6 p.m. on a Thursday, and you just got in from ball practice. You are cooking dinner, you are monitoring homework, trying to keep the toddler out of the China cabinet, the phone’s ringing, and you are at least an hour and a half from bedtime. The only thing keeping you going is that fact that Friday is the next day, and you will finally get a few minutes to relax. Sound familiar? Of course it does! We are mommies, wives, multi-taskers, chauffeurs, referees, and chefs all at the same time it seems. You deserve time to yourself…you deserve to relax. Friday finally gets here, and you do your normal running around, but you look forward to everyone being in bed so you can have a night of relaxation in your scrap space. Even though you are extremely grateful for your quiet time, who wants to spend 2 to 3 hours on 1 layout? It is totally fine if this is your idea of fun, but we are all working on getting our albums filled! At 2 to 3 hours once a week, you can expect to finish an album by the time your youngest is a sophomore in college!

Well never fear…this month’s Chic Street article is here to help! This month we are featuring layouts that can be done is a jiffy, and guess what? They are FABULOUS!! Take a look at Nicole Martel, Star Rork, and Nicole Nowasad’s interpretation of quick. These layouts are detailed, full of techniques, and pack a big punch!

You Make Being a Mom So Very Easy by Nicole Martel

Supplies: Paper, Die Cut, Transparency, Tags: My Mind's Eye, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Foam Dots: Creative Memories, Pen: Uni-ball (Signo), Tombo. Tools: Punches: Martha Stewart, Creative Memories.

Editor's Notes: Love how Nicole’s layout full of life and color, but is light on the embellishments. That would certainly make this layout quick.

Journaling: You make being a mom so easy! I am so very lucky to have you.

The Shirt by Star Rork

Supplies: Paper, Die Cuts: Bella Blvd., Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet Stickers: Fancy Pants, Rub-Ons: Imaginisce, Sketch: Sketch #87 (TheScrappiest.blogspot.com).

Design Notes: I love using sketches. It takes a lot of the guess work out of scrapbooking. I also used a scrapbooking kit. I love getting kits already picked for you. Both of these used together saves me a lot of time! Using simple clean lines also makes it easier. I printed my journaling and stuck it behind the photo. I had a lot to say and I didn't want it taking up a lot of room.

Journaling: You had to have this shirt when we went school shopping. I passed right by it and when you said you wanted it, I said no at first. I guess I thought it was too loud, not something I would've picked. Then I realized it's you, it's your personality. How could I not let you get it. After all you look so darn cute in it. I even seen it advertised in the Kohl's add afterward. I guess you have way better style than your momma! (All journaling is hidden behind photo.)

Bliss by Nicole Nowasad

Supplies: Paper: Crate Paper, American Crafts, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Chipboard, Stickers: American Crafts, Flowers: Prima Marketing, Tags: Maya Road, Journaling Spots: October Afternoon, Buttons: Foofala, Rain Dots: Cloud 9 Designs, Pearls: Kaisercraft, Brads: BasicGrey, Glitter Glue: Ranger, Ink: Stampin’ Up, Specialty Ink: Staz On, Sketch: Creative Scrappers, Other: sewing machine, twine. Tools: Stamps, Punches: Stampin’ Up!

Design Notes: To make the stitched circle quicker, I traced the circle with a plate, and then sewed with my sewing machine with no thread. I used the holes as guidelines for the hand sewing and sewed in every second hole with baker twine.

Journaling: Jul 2010.