Live Event: Scrapbooking Your Pets

If you're a pet owner, drop what you're doing and listen up. Do you scrapbook your pets? Would you like to take better photos of them? How about learn to scrapbook faster?

Did you say yes to at least one of the above?

Then you'll want to join me on Wednesday, May 20 at 1 p.m. EST for “Purrfect Pets: Scrapbooking Our Four-Legged Family Members."

When Lain Ehmann contacted me last fall and asked me to be a featured guest for one of her monthly scrapinars, I said sign me up! My topic, scrapbooking your pets. And I have plenty of experience with that!

There was Tabatha's Memorial Scrapbook:

Cat scrapbook pages:

A couple recent digital scrapbook layouts using PicsArt:

And so many more pet scrapbook pages!

I've taken hundreds of photos of my pets over the years and share the best ones on Instagram.

You'll learn my pet photography tips, watch how I scrapbook my four-legged friends in a fast, eco-friendly way, and more! Here are a few sneak peeks:

Click here to sign up for this FREE scrapinar and if you can't make it on May 20, there will be a replay available right after. Hope to see you there! ~Danielle

Related:

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages
A Very Recycled Scrapbook Page
A Build-A-Bear Doppelganger Says Boo!

EcoScrapbook's Top 10 Posts of 2014

Wow, 2014 has flown by! This has been such a crazy year! From losing Tabby and bringing home Bane to hubby's ankle injury, moving and everything in between, I'm looking forward to a calmer 2015 (fingers crossed).

For the first time since I started blogging in 2010, I actually took a blogcation over the summer and just started to get my groove back this month. To keep me even busier, I'm now Mama Meow at WherestheCat.com, a Toledo area events website and in the early stages of starting another blog for eco-conscious children.

In the mean time, let's have a look back at my crafty year in EcoScrapbook's top 10 posts of 2014:

1. A Very Recycled Scrapbook Page

2. Tutorial: No Sew T-Shirt Bag

3. Saying Goodbye: Pet Memorial Scrapbook Layout

4. Mini Eco-Friendly Scrapbooks

5. The Saddest Story I Ever Told

6. Digital Scrapbooking with the PicsArt App

7. Painting Roses With Celery

8. From Picture Frame to Dry Erase Board

9. Pet Memorial Scrapbook: It's Finished!

10. A Creative Blog Tour

Thanks for being part of my year! Wishing you the best in 2015! ~Danielle

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: It's Finished!

If you've followed along since the beginning of the year, you know I've been working on a pet memorial scrapbook for our German Shepherd, Tabatha. I'm happy to say it's finished and invite you to view it as you would any other scrapbook. Enjoy! ~Danielle

Click here to see the video of Tabatha's Scrapbook.

Related:

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages

Happy Pages From the Pet Memorial Scrapbook

Layout a Day is Over & I'm Still Scrapbooking

A Very Recycled Scrapbook Page

A Very Recycled Scrapbook Page

As I participated in Layout a Day last month and worked on my dog's tribute album, one of my favorite challenges was to use items not typically found in a scrapbook store. As the EcoScrapbooker, I definitely went overboard and turned trash to treasure!

Let's count the recycled items on this page...

1. Background Cardstock: It's made by Wausau and was purchased at an office supply store. The paper is recycled and FSC-certified.

2. Decorative Cardstock: BasicGrey is found in scrapbook stores, but it's one of my favorite companies to scrapbook with since their papers are FSC-certified and use soy based inks.

3. Journaling Bubble: This is the back of a Christmas gift tag and I added Pop Up Glue Dots to bring it up off the page a bit.

4. Page Title: A sweater I received for Christmas came with this "delicate and special" tag which I thought was perfect for a scrapbook page about bringing home a new baby and introducing her to the family dog.

5. Flower Petal: The white stamped flower petal was used during the baby shower for my daughter in 2002!

6. Earbuds: I've had a pair of broken earbuds and have been waiting to use them. I thought they'd work well with the serrated edges from a box of aluminum foil (close-up below).

7. "Love" Tag: This was a leftover tag from my birdseed ornaments. It's made from a toilet paper roll and paper scraps.

8. Aluminum Foil Cutter: Hmmm, what to do with the serrated edge of an aluminum foil box when it's time to recycle the box? You scrapbook with it! Be careful though and use Glue Dots Glue Lines to adhere it to the page.

9. Vintage Lace Ribbon: My husband's grandmother gave me a tin full of ribbon scraps, buttons and other do-dads. The vintage lace fit the theme of the page - "delicate and special."

10. Bread Clip: I started saving bread clips a while back and think they make interesting additions to scrapbook pages. Not convinced? Check out the colorful scrapbook layout I made for the ZISierra Blog.

11. Produce Mesh: A little knot around the bread clip added a pop of red to balance the red heart on the toilet paper roll tag.

12. Fabric Flower: My mother-in-law made custom curtains for our dining and living rooms and I kept the leftover fabric to make crafty things like this fabric flower topped with an old brown button. 

What's your favorite recycled item to scrapbook with? ~Danielle

Related:

Layout a Day is Over & I'm Still Scrapbooking

Happy Pages From the Pet Memorial Scrapbook

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages

Layout a Day is Over & I'm Still Scrapbooking

By the time Layout a Day is over, I'm usually done scrapbooking until the next round of daily challenges, but not this time! LOAD214 wrapped up last Friday and I didn't quite make my goal of finishing Tabatha's pet memorial scrapbook. There are still a few more layouts I need to work on, plus do something creative with the cover.

As I finish up the scrapbook, I'd like you to enjoy a few of my favorite layouts featuring our sweet Tabby girl:

"Peace"

Supplies: cardstock (Wausau, BasicGrey), BasicGrey stickers, twine. Inspired by this pin.

"Our Sweet Girl"

Supplies:  cardstock (BasicGrey, Wausau), stickers (Jillibean Soup, October Afternoon, Bella Blvd., BasicGrey), acrylic paint. Inspired by this pin.

"Dance"

Supplies: cardstock (Wausau, Basic Grey), CTMH brackets, Bella Blvd. stickers, acrylic paint. Inspired by this pin.

"Diva"

Supplies: cardstock (BasicGrey, Wausau, black), American Craft Thickers, girly stickers I've had for several years, punches, doilies, washi tape, Close To My Heart stamp, StazOn ink. Inspired by this pin.

"The Waiting Game"

Supplies: cardstock (Wausau & lots of BasicGrey scraps I've saved this month), twine, stickers (Echo Park, Sassafras, Bella Blvd), staples. Inspired by this pin.

Check out all the pet scrapbook layouts I made this month on Flickr! ~Danielle

Related:

Happy Pages From the Pet Memorial Scrapbook

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages

The Saddest Story I Ever Told

Happy Pages from the Pet Memorial Scrapbook

After last week's sob story, I wanted to lighten the mood and share five scrapbook layouts about the happier times with our pretty German Shepherd, Tabatha. Have a look:

"Happy"

Supplies: cardstock (black, Wausau, BasicGrey), envelope made from a book page (for journaling), fishing lure pieces (those orange strips), "Happy" flashcard (think it was Blue's Clues), assorted bling.

"Hair Storm"

Supplies: cardstock (black, Wausau, BasicGrey), stickers (Echo Park, American Craft Thickers).

"Pampered Pooch"

Supplies: cardstock (BasicGrey, Wausau), stickers (Echo Park, American Craft Thickers, Jillibean Soup, K&Company Smash), Pink Paislee twine, Studio Calico wood veneers.

"Road Trip"

Supplies: cardstock (black, Wausau, BasicGrey), Echo Park stickers, brads, map flowers I created a few years back, blue heart and butterfly made by my 5-year-old.

"Photobomb"

Supplies: cardstock (BasicGrey, Wausau), Close To My Heart corrugated cardboard arrows, stickers (Bella Blvd., October Afternoon), The Paper Studio chipboard letters, red acrylic paint.

For more pet scrapbook layouts featuring Tabatha, check out my Flickr page! ~Danielle

Related:

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages
Just a Little Scrapbook Therapy
Introduction to the Pet Tribute Album

The Saddest Story I Ever Told

I did it. I told the story about the day we said goodbye to Tabatha. I cried, but worked through it and created this two-page scrapbook layout:

I'm so thankful for the support from family and friends, especially those in the Layout a Day community, who have had to see my daily Tabby layouts. I'm not looking for sympathy. I just wanted to tell my story. Maybe it will help someone out there who has or is going through the same thing: the loss of a beloved pet.

I'm sharing the journaling below. Don't read it without tissues. Don't read it at all. It's up to you. No matter what you choose, thanks for taking a moment to say goodbye to Tabatha with me. ~Danielle

It was New Year’s Day. The girls were still at Nana & Papa’s house. Daddy & I slept in since we were up past midnight. When I woke up, you were lying in your usual spot next to the oven. Something wasn’t right. Your stomach was overly bloated & you weren’t moving. I got down on the floor next to you & you made eye contact with me. Your breathing was slow. There were mucousy vomit spots all around the kitchen floor. My poor baby. I’m sorry I didn’t wake up earlier. I wish I would have went downstairs to check on you when I woke up in the middle of the night. I ran to wake up your Daddy. “I think Tabby’s dying,” I cried. He screams out & rushes to check on you. I called your vet, but they were closed for the holiday.

I looked up the emergency vet’s phone number & called. I knew it was bloat & told the lady on the other end. I found out the location of the animal hospital & said we were on our way. We frantically hurried to get ready to take you. There were several inches of snow on the ground. Daddy carried you & put you in the back of the SUV. We rushed through slippery, snow-covered roads & made our way across town, hoping you were still okay & wondering if we’d bring you back home that day. I rushed through the front door & couldn’t even say anything. I just stood there & cried. They knew I was the one they just talked to on the phone. The nurses pushed a cart out, lifted you up & took you inside. We were directed to a waiting room. I filled out paperwork while Daddy & I cried.

A short time later, the vet walked in. I knew the way she was talking, it wasn’t good. She explained what has & was happening to you. Bloat. Shock. Stomach twisting. You were hooked up to an IV. Surgery was an option, but not guaranteed, especially at your age. We knew you would leave us one day & at 12 years old, you had lived longer than many other German Shepherds. We weren’t ready to say goodbye. The girls were over 100 miles away & couldn’t say goodbye. Daddy was so upset. I’ve never seen him like this. We asked to see you. You were in a cage, somewhat alert when we talked to you, raising your head at one point. We caressed you & hugged you, having such a hard time figuring out the best thing for you.

We went back & forth on whether or not to try the surgery, even having the paperwork in hand to apply for financing to help us pay the thousands of dollars for a surgery that may or may not work. When Daddy said he didn’t want you in pain anymore, we knew what we had to do. You were brought back to us on a table, covered with a blanket. We held onto you for a long time. Tears. Sadness. Your paws were cold. Eventually, the vet came in with medication that would put you to sleep forever. We were right by your side as you left us. It happened so fast. We made the decision for a private cremation with your ashes to be returned to us in a cherry wood box. We left with only your paw print. It was the saddest New Year’s Day. Our home was empty. No more dog. No more Tabby girl. You were gone.

Related:

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages
Just a Little Scrapbook Therapy
Introduction to the Pet Tribute Album

Pet Memorial Scrapbook: The First & Last Pages

Since February 1st, I've been concentrating on Tabatha's memorial scrapbook during Layout a Day. I'm enjoying the process so far, scrapbooking fun memories and putting off the harder, more emotional pages. It's been a little easier since I'm letting scrapbook layouts on Pinterest inspire me and giving less thought into the creation process. 

I've completed the first and last pages of the tribute album, with a few in between. Here's the introduction page where I used a paper bag for additional journaling:

Click here for the scrapbook layout that inspired the page (aka: my "pinspiration").

The final page has no photo, only the card sent to us from the emergency vet after Tabatha's passing and features the "Rainbow Bridge" poem I shared in my Saying Goodbye post:

Click here for the pinspiration layout.

Both of the scrapbook pages are a couple favorites of mine. I really love the colorful butterflies that flutter perfectly with the poem. See my completed pet tribute pages on Flickr and follow along on Twitter as I share them each day this month. ~Danielle

Related:

It's a Layout a Day Blog Hop! (Introduction to the Pet Tribute Album)
Just a Little Scrapbook Therapy
The Start of My 365 Grateful Project

It's a Layout A Day Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Pre-LOAD Blog Hop! If you're just joining in, the fun starts at Kelli's blog. We're getting ready to bust the myths of scrapbooking during February. Let's find out the many ways to prep for a month full of scrapbook layouts...

I'm about to start my 11th Layout a Day next month and prepped like no other LOAD. You see, I've never attempted to focus on one scrapbook album during these day-to-day challenges. I'm usually skipping around throughout the years and juggling several scrapbooks at once. 

This time, I have one stack of photos to scrapbook during February's Layout a Day and they all feature my recently deceased German Shepherd, Tabatha:

As I write this, there are no tears, but I certainly expect to go through a box of tissues next month. I plan to use scrapbooking as therapy and celebrate my dog's life in her pet memorial scrapbook (requested by the hubby). 

I've stocked up on adhesive and already started the journaling:

I will be using a 3-ring binder by Terracycle:

 I have FSC-certified cardstock ready to go:

And for the first time, will only stick to Basic Grey cardstock (also eco-friendly):

To top it all off, I'm finally going to scraplift some layouts from my scrapbooking board on Pinterest. I've already created my first pet memorial scrapbook layout to get things started.

So, fellow LOADsters (and fans from a far... there's still time to sign up for LOAD), prepare yourself for plenty of doggie scrapbook layouts in the coming weeks. I hope to complete the entire album by February 28! Follow my journey on Flickr! ~Danielle

P.S. Don't be surprised if this little guy makes his way onto a digiscrap page (for days when I'm short on time):

Bane: Our New Puppy

It's now time to continue the blog hop! Connie is up next!

Here's the list of participants:

 Kelli
Dani
Valerie
Karen
You're here--> Danielle
Connie
Sherrie
Cara
Heather
Kim
Christy
Lisa E
Lisa H

Saying Goodbye: Pet Memorial Scrapbook Layout

Rainbow Bridge
 

 Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.

When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful, lush meadows of green.

Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and the sick are made young once more; and the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by.

Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, someone they had to leave behind.

Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance... bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate. Happy tears and kisses are warm and plenty; your hands caress the face you missed. You look once more into the loving eyes of your pet and know you never really parted. You realize that out of sight, your love had been remembered.

And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

~M.A. Preston

Tears have filled my eyes daily since the morning of January 1, 2014. Our family had to say goodbye to Tabatha, the first and only dog my husband and I brought into our home. She was with us for over twelve years. We were so lucky to have such a sweet girl in our lives.

"Saying Goodbye" 8.5x11 Pet Memorial Scrapbook Layout

Next month, I will be partaking in my 11th Layout A Day (LOAD) and will focus on creating a pet memorial album for Tabatha. It will be an intense month of scrapbook therapy for me, but I'm ready to celebrate her life. 

You can follow along as I create dozens of scrapbook layouts and share them on Flickr. If you're scrapbooking alongside me, I can't wait to see you there. And if you haven't signed up for LOAD yet, there's still time. Find out more info here!  ~Danielle

Layout Supplies: FSC-Certified cardstock (Wausau paper, Basic Grey), stickers (October Afternoon, Jillibean Soup), wood veneers (Studio Calico), gems (CTMH). The layout above was my take on this pin.

Related:

Tabatha's Memorial Page on Facebook

Connie Hanks' Pet Tribute Blog Post (Thanks for sharing, Connie!)

It's Time For Another Layout A Day!