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Hello Sunshine – A Cozy Start to October

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment
Hello Sunshine

A Little Sunshine Goes a Long Way

As we settle into October, I’m reminded how even small touches of brightness can warm a season of change. The air may be crisper, the nights a little longer, but creativity always offers us a cozy glow.

Today’s project, the Hello Sunshine Card, is all about bringing that glow to someone’s day. Sunshine doesn’t just come from the sky—it comes from our words, our gestures, and the connections we nurture.

Cozy Connections: Warm Welcomes

This week’s affirmation is:

“I welcome comfort and connection into my life with open arms.”

Welcomes don’t always have to be big or grand. Sometimes it’s saying hello in the simplest way—just like this card. A cheerful “hello” can be a warm welcome, an open door, or even a reminder that we are not alone.

Creative Inspiration

For this card, I leaned into the Boho Vibes Suite for warm, earthy tones balanced with a splash of brightness. It feels like a cozy autumn morning where the sun peeks through the window and lights up the room.

Try this for your own cozy creations:

  • Pair warm yellows with soft teals for balance.
  • Emboss or layer textures to create a snug, tactile feeling.
  • Use a “hello” sentiment as a welcoming anchor.

Reflection Prompt

Take a moment today to ask yourself:

  • Who could use a little sunshine in their day?
  • How might you send a warm welcome their way—through a card, a text, or even a smile?

Write down one name and consider creating something small but meaningful for them this week.

Join My Team – October Special

This season, I’d also love to extend a warm welcome to YOU.

Stampin’ Up! has made October the best time to join, with two incredible Starter Kit offers. Beyond the savings and early access, you’ll be stepping into a community that shines light and joy every single day. Creativity is brighter when shared, and there’s always room for more sunshine in our circle.

Coming Up Next

  • Oct 3: Cozy Double Layout (YouTube & FB)
  • Oct 5: Warm Welcomes Week Recap Blog

✨ Until then, keep crafting sunshine and remember: your creativity is a light that welcomes connection.

5 ways to capture new beginnings Ways to Capture New Beginnings in Your Scrapbooking Practice
scrapbook

Ways to Capture New Beginnings in Your Scrapbooking Practice

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a sense of renewal and fresh possibilities. Whether you’re celebrating a new season, a life milestone, or a personal transformation, capturing these new beginnings through scrapbooking can be both meaningful and therapeutic.

In today’s post, I’m sharing five creative ways to symbolize fresh starts in your scrapbook layouts using techniques that highlight growth, change, and the beauty of blooming into something new.

🌱 1. Use Symbolic Colors to Reflect Growth

Color is a powerful way to evoke emotion and meaning in your layouts. For new beginnings, try using:

  • Soft greens for renewal and growth.
  • Pinks and purples for transformation and blossoming.
  • Blues for calm and peace during change.
Subtles Collection

Tip: Incorporate Stampin’ Up!’s Subtles Collection to create scrapbook layouts that reflect the emotional journey of embracing change.

🌸 2. Incorporate Butterfly and Floral Motifs

Butterflies symbolize transformation, while flowers represent blooming and new life. Adding these elements to your layouts can visually narrate your journey of renewal.

✅ Try using the Hues of Happiness Suite for vibrant floral patterns.
✅ Die-cut butterfly embellishments add texture and symbolism to meaningful scrapbook layouts.

happiness

📚 3. Create a “Journey Spread” to Reflect Progress

Document the path from where you’ve been to where you are now.

  • Use arrows to symbolize forward movement.
  • Add pockets with journaling cards to capture thoughts along the way.

Idea: Incorporate hidden journaling for a more personal and meaningful storytelling experience.

💖 4. Layer Meaningful Quotes and Sentiments

Words can deepen the emotional connection to your layouts. Choose quotes, affirmations, or favorite phrases that capture the essence of the new chapter you’re embracing.

✅ Use Stampin’ Up!’s sentiment stamps to add powerful words to your pages and enhance creative storytelling.

🎨 5. Create a “Bloom Board” as a Vision for Your Future

A “Bloom Board” is like a vision board but focused on celebrating where you’re blooming. Include:

  • Photos that represent goals and dreams.
  • Inspirational quotes and affirmations.
  • Visual symbols of growth.

Capturing new beginnings in your scrapbook layouts adds layers of meaning to your creative journey. Whether you’re starting fresh after a challenging season or celebrating the beauty of growth, these ideas will help you tell your story with intention.

🌷 What’s one new beginning you’d love to document in your next layout? Share in the comments or tag me in your creations using #GemsPaperScissors!