Author Archives: Brae Montgomery

Single Layout Saturday!

For some the prospect of a single page layout can be scary. A bit of the unknown. Tonight (saturday) I want to help you embrace the single page layout and show it some love!

My first single page layout features my Grandma Kay and part of her family (she has not had all of her children at this point). I love the happy looks and comparing the kids in the picture to my Aunts now. To compliment the heritage photo I used the Memo fundamentals and pieces of the Rustic fundamentals. I then added some complements and ribbon with just a hint of colour. I have a bunch of family photos to finish scrapbooking and will continue this look for all of them.
grandma-kay-family-layout

Here is my other single page layout. My owl-dorable daughter in an owl hat my sister gave her. She was being so silly this day. Our Swan Lake paper paired perfectly with out Rustic Fundamentals (the barn board chevron) to create this layout. I added some Swan Lake complements and some of the Blue gems to finish this off.

owl-single-page-layout

Now I know when I place these in my album they will not likely match the layout they sit beside BUT sometimes the little moments or the older moments are just not something that can be shared in a two-page spread. Often in these smaller moments though you will find the most precious smile and the most precious memories. Be sure to capture and include those in your albums!

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Some creations… finally!

You know how sometimes life just wants to get in the way of all the good stuff?

I am glad to share that not only did I finally get some time for some new creations but life is starting to calm down a tad (being a Mom and full time Special Education teacher can really lead to some crazy times LOL). I had my weekend retreat a few weekends ago and got some of my scrapbooking done AND some workshop planning done! GO ME!

Here are two of those creations:

Christmas Cards 2010.

I love all the great photos I receive with my Christmas cards every year. I hold onto them so that I can work them into my albums and see how my friends and family grow and change year to year. As you can see from the year- I was a wee bit behind on this task! I love how this turned out though! My tree is made from zip strips and paper scraps from the City Sidewalks Paper pack. I added in some Kraft paper and Gold Shimmer trim with some circuit cuts and thin cuts (the Christmas word is from our seasonal thin cuts). I LOVE how it all came together!

christmas-card-layout

Silly Faces.

This one page layout is simple but mixes up some of our Fundamental paper patterns to highlight my silly kid (this should have been her first day of school photo but she would not give me a proper smile). I added some gold embellishments and another thin cut word- ‘hello’. This layout came together very quickly!

silly-faces

I have more to share so be sure to come back soon!

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Key 10 on the Flower Market Cricut Cartridge

Our Flower Market Cricut Cartridge is the new kid on the block and it is full of so many amazing things! Watch this fun video all about what you can create with only one KEY- one key people!!!

In this video you examine Key 10 and see how to create an adorable baby layout and card!

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Babies First Year Album

There is nothing more precious and magical then your babies first year. They are so cute and squishy at the beginning and by the end of that year they are walking and say a few words and have developed into little… humans! It is crazy AND it all goes by in a blink of an eye! Seriously- a blink! That is why you need to document those memories- preserve them or you will regret it – and those cute, squishy babies will make you regret it! I promise you. Don’t believe me. Then ask my youngest sister who STILL TO THIS DAY brings up her lack of a baby album to my poor mother.

So, to prevent this future calamity you have to sign up for my ‘Babies First Year’ album workshop. This is the only thing that will save you. No joke!

In this workshop you will create 12 single layouts. Each page will document a month in your sweet babies first year. Add a few photos, write a cute story about that time they peed in Daddy’s mouth…. you know the drill.

(And if you are wondering, yes, my son did that.)

Here are some photos that show the BLUE Version of this workshop. There is also a PINK version and I encourage you to pick the one that best works for you.

baby fundamental 3

My nephew will luck out and get this for Christmas. He is the youngest and I never did a full album for his older brother’s SO I am actually setting him up to have the BETTER book – ha!

baby fundamental baby fundamental 2

This workshop will be available online and in my home.

In home workshop is October 23 from 1-4 in the afternoon. Bring you adhesive, order your product (at least two weeks ahead of time) and feel free to bring your baby too!

Online workshop is FREE to those who purchase the materials though my SHOP .

Workshop includes:

Whimsy Fundamental Paper Pack

Whimsy Fundamental Complements (either Baby Boy or Baby Girl)

Seaglass glitter paper

White Daisy Cardstock

Capture This Stamp Set

Canary and Whisper Cardstock

PS. If you are a GREAT friend or grandparent or anyone who has a baby in their life- this makes a WONDERFUL gift for a new parent.

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Key 6: Flower Market Cricut Cartridge

Have you seen our newest circut cartridge? Flower Market is so much more than flowers (but the flowers are pretty amazing!). I will be sharing few videos a month that show just what you can do with this cartridge. Hang on to your hats ladies as this is going to be a very fun ride!

This video features Key 6 (I cannot believe how much you can create with just one key!)- watch how you can pull together a very feminine look for a layout. Perfect for a little girl page.

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Why I love making cards.

I know not everyone gets it. Especially if you devoted to another form of paper crafting- not everyone mixes them up. When I first started scrapbooking I saw little point to cards but now I LOVE making cards!

So, why the change?

I think it came out of a few different reasons but I am hoping one of these speaks to you. Try them- I bet you love them just as much as I do.

1. I can complete a card in much less time. With a full time job, a business and a busy family. This often fits my schedule better. I know I will complete something that feels great and get it fully done. I love my scrapbooking but if a layout sits half finished I often struggle to find the mojo to complete later on.

2. I can use them. Cards have an immediate use in all aspects of my life. I have a stack at work, some at home and some even ready to go in my purse. I am always ready to give a special little handmade card to someone and never miss a beat.

3. They mean a lot more. Cards have meaning- to some people more than others but there is meaning there. There is even more meaning behind a handmade card. Not only did the card giver remember an occasion but they also took the time to craft something unique for you. A little gift and a card in one.

4. They can be cheaper than those in stores. Obviously, they will never compete with dollar store cards (ugh- why purchase these??!! ) but you can make a handmade card for very little cost. My two watercolour cards are a good example of little product but they still look nice. If you scrapbook, cards can be an economical way of using us your leftover supplies.

5. Darn it all I just feel artistic. I can try different things, let my imagination soar and take risks. On a small project the risks do not seem as serious. If something doesn’t turn out it can be fixed much easier.

watercolour-cards cupcake-cards

So, what are you waiting for??  Give card making a try!

Stamp sets used:

Sweet Birthday B1532

Baby Bundle C1668

School Kids D1706

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Summer Camp Layout

It is a right of passage for many children- the time spent at overnight summer camp. My son left yesterday for a week at Camp Oki. He was nervous (and so was I) but I know that he will have an awesome time and come home with LOTS of stories to share. To commemorate the event and remind him of the fun he had last year I created this layout just before he left. Last year was his first experience at Summer camp and he was NOT happy that I was sending him. I went when I was a kid and really wanted him to experience all the fun I remember having. He did, of course, and came back telling us all about it.

His camp is also a special camp. Camp Oki runs for only one week of summer and is free to families who qualify- they call it a camp for kids with special hearts. Kids who attend Camp Oki are patients at Sick Kids hospital in Toronto and have a variety of cardiac issues. Austin was born with an aortic stenosis that required open heart surgery a few years ago. He was given a new aorta with ‘donor’ tissue (he tells his friends he is part zombie and will live forever LOL). This camp is his opportunity to just be a kid- he can be crazy, push the limits and try the activities that cause his heart to beat! It is safe at Camp Oki- they have nurses and a Cardiologist on site for the week. I am so grateful for every person that makes this week possible for Austin and hope he continues to attend.

For now, I miss him… I missed him within minutes of leaving him at camp. Only 5 more sleeps until I pick him up!

For now we can enjoy this layout! Created with Rustic fundamentals, peacock cardstock, 7-12 School compliments and the Flower Market cricut cartridge.
Austin camp layout

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Flower Market Cricut Cartridge is HERE!

You may have already heard the news… that we have released another cricut cartridge! Crazy right?! I mean, how do we continue to find 700 different images and stay on trend and make it useful to card makers and scrapbookers AND offer all kinds of fun stuff with it! Well, despite all that we did it- the Flower Market Cricut Cartridge has arrived and it is awesome!

This layout uses the cartridge for our flower circlet and the title. I added some shimmer to the flower’s with our new shimmer brush (this thing is uber-awesome and is literally flying off the warehouse shelf!). Nice, clean and simple layout.

Happy Place flower market

Flower market can be used for more than just flat flowers. The 3D flowers on it are also amazing  (if you have seen the cover of our new Annual book – the bouquet was made with this cartridge). Here are some flowers that I cut and assembled. They were quick and easy. I added some sponging to the edges for effect and on the one flower you can see more Shimmer pen… I told ya- amazing!

IMG_0068

Shimmer Pen magic up close… I just had too… it is likely the best thing in the new book and I cannot wait to show off some techniques with it!

IMG_0117

Now here is a sneak peek for you card ladies. How cute is this bicycle and basic! This image is on the flower market cartridge AND the stamped sentiment is from the one (of three) stamp sets that come with the cartridge (as well you will receive a full pack of cardstock to use in making all your pretty projects). Other items used on the bike are Whimsy fundamentals and Sea Glass Glitter paper.

bike flower market

So- have you fallen in love yet??

I sure have! You can get all this great stuff on your own Flower Market cartridge by visiting my SHOP. 

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


Create Kindness Card Workshop

UnknownCreate Kindness Card Workshop

This card workshop should not be missed! Join my at the Creative Bean Cafe in Barrie, ON from 1-3pm on September 17th for this fun mini card workshop! 
Create 24 cards with a Kindness theme- learn how to colour with markers, watercolour pencils and watercolour paints! Have a fun time out with friends! There will also be prizes as September 17th is National Stamping day! 

To RSVP to this workshop please send payment to braemontgomery@gmail.com
Full kit is 60.95 ($75.75 with tax and shipping- card bases and envelopes, 6 mini stamps, Mini stamp organizer, 2×2 block and a black mini ink)
Mini kit is $42.75 ($53.13 with tax and shipping- this one includes card bases and envelopes and all the mini stamps)
Petite kit is $12.75 ($15.84 with tax and shipping – only includes card bases and envelopes)

There are ONLY 7 spots so please RSVP early!
You can also order the kit through me during the month of September! We all need a reason to get out and have a good time with friends.Get a group of ladies together and run a small kindness event of your own!

Screen Shot 2016-08-17 at 10.01.15 AM

Holiday Expressions

If you have seen our amazing Annual Book then you likely were wondering where our holiday product is?? Surely, we have not produced a book with no gorgeous christmas stamps, thin cuts or other fun bits and pieces??
Come September 1st you will NOT be disappointed! Join me on Facebook for a LIVE release party on September 8th at 7:00 pm EST. I will be sharing new products, techniques and answering any questions you might have! This will be fun and I hope to see you there!
Find the event here >> https://www.facebook.com/events/281244652244356/
Feel free to share the event. 

Until we craft again, The Brae-er


The most Magical paper for layouts!

What is the most magical paper for layouts you ask?

Well, any paper that can help compliment your photos and tie together the story you are telling with your journaling. For the photos I had to work with, that paper was ‘Magical’.  During the summer you likely end up with a variety of events featuring photos with bright, primary colours in them- amusement parks, festivals, family trips and picnics… all of these events could fit.  The best paper we have to showcase those events is our Magical line (and if you have ever been lucky enough to vacation to Disney – parks, cruise or resorts- then this paper is a perfect match for those photos!).

My layout may seem familiar. I took a page that was showcased in our current Seasonal Expression and made it into a two page layout. I LOVED the circle (and it was very easy to create- cut circles on your cricut machine and then slice them like a pie. For mine I used both sides so that I could conserve paper). The colours in this line worked perfectly with the colours throughout the carnival we had for Canada Day last year. I was able to show my daughter having fun on all her favourite rides (and somehow even managed to get a photo with me in it!!!).

magical layout

Product used in this layout:

Magical Paper Pack

Magical Sequins

Magical Complements

All of these items are only available for another TWO WEEKS!!! You heard me right- two weeks. I am excited for the new stuff that will come BUT will be sad to see such great stuff leaving. Here is the worse part… some of the items in the current seasonal book have already sold out! So, be sure to visit my SHOP and get what you need before you are left without the most magical paper for your summer layouts.

Until we craft again, The Brae-er