crafts

Creating a Photo Album/Scrapbook

3:34 PM



No Rules
My best friend Keshia sent me a mini journaling kit last month and I finally had time to put it together. My favorite part about scrapbooking is that there really are no rules. In this blog, I'm going to be sharing things that I did to create my photo album scrapbook.


Photo Book
I originally planned for this to be a journal but remembered I had a bunch of photos that I wanted to make an album/scrapbook for. So, instead keeping them in a box in the back of a closet, I thought it would be more fun to make this a coffee table thing for friends and family to look at when they come over.


Pick and Commit
To prevent myself from overthinking, I pulled from my box of scrap paper from previous projects. I also grabbed some larger scrap stock paper and cut them down to size to match the width of my book, heights varied. When it comes to gluing, I had not real rhyme or reason, I just grabbed the color I liked and started pasting them down. The only think I will say is that I tried to not repeat the same colors on consecutive pages just to give a a little bit of a break.


Washi Tape
Anyone else a washi tape addict? I tried to match the watch tape to the color scheme on the opposite page (where I glued the paper scraps). My suggestion is here is to try different direction, lengths and overlapping at different angles. The great thing about washi tape is that it's easy to remove so if you change your mind, just lift and start over.


Adding Photos
For this part, I just start going through all the photos and find ones that have a similar color scheme as the tape and paper. The other option is pick complete contrasting colors (dark vs light). I also grouped photos that were taken at the same event or have the same groups of people or season of year.



Caption It
This part is optional but I feel like it leaves the personal touch. You can add names, dates, locations, quotes or even brief descriptions or summaries of that day. It's a beautiful way to "capture" the memories.



Now, when friends and family are finally able to visit, they can see the amazing art that you created and be inspired to create something similar! If you create a photo album or scrap book, tag me on Instagram at @labouroflovecrafts so I can see.

I hope you're finding ways to get through this time!


With so much love,
Linh

diy

My Favorite DIY YouTube Channels

8:09 AM


Since quarantine, I have been watching more and more DIY channels just looking for inspiration on things I can do around the house. Whether it be reorganizing, redecorating or just redoing the entire space, cleaning and organizing has given me a sense of calmness and has really helped me relax on my worst days. So, I wanted to share some of my favorite DIY YouTube accounts with you! Here they are, in no particular order whatsoever!


XO, MaCenna

MaCenna is a Texas native who moved to LA and is totally crushing it. She constantly inspires me with all her home makeovers, beautiful DIYs and incredible thrift flips. Also, she has one of the cutest dogs ever. I recently discovered her and am pretty sure I binge watched every video she's created in a weeks time!

 

Lone Fox

Drew it Yourself is his motto and if you watch his channel you’ll definitely be inspired to try some of the awesome yet easy DIYs yourself. He’s great at explaining things and breaks everything down so that it’s easy to understand. He has done amazing room transformations and is really great at capturing the owner’s taste. He just recently launched his website and sells home décor items as well.

 

The Sorry Girls

One of the first DIY channels I've ever followed 4 years ago and still watch til this day! Canada based DIY duo, Kelsey and Becky, show us amazing thrift flips to entire room transformations. They also have a Dollar Tree challenge series that I am obsessed with where they both buy random things from the Dollar Tree to see what they can DIY.

 

Living to DIY with Rachel Metz

She is a whole vibe. I love everything that she’s ever made or touched. She’s who I want to be when I grow up. She is a total badass who is not afraid of power tools or drills. She’s done small and large scale projects and I am always in awe of all of her transformations. Fun fact: pro skateboard Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod) gets to call this boss babe girlfriend.

 

The DIY Mommy

If I had could pick a DIY Mommy, it would be here. She is my Pinterest dream! She does a wonderful job at explaining everything and has tips for everything! She does entire room transformations but also includes cheap DIY ideas and décor inspo.

 

If you’re not afraid of power tools and woodcutters, these next two are for you. I love watching both of these channels but am not at the point where I want to invest in all of the power tools and machines. I still thoroughly enjoy watching what they create. It’s so amazing to see what people can create from scratch.

 

Mr. Build It

Modern Builds


If you have any channels you'd like to share, please comment them down below! Happy creating!



With love,

Linh

crafts

Quarantine Honeymoon - At Home "Drive In" Theater

10:00 AM

My husband Jonathan and I would have been on a plane heading to our honeymoon a few days ago but plans changed. Instead of being sad about it, I decided to surprise him with a super special a homeymoon (see what I did there). We absolutely love the drive in theater so I thought we'd bring the drive in indoors! Jonathan drives a truck so we usually just watch the movie from the truck bed. We bought a inflatable mattress for the sole purpose of using them at drive ins. So, for sentimental value, I did the same for our movie night.

Snacks galore! Put out some of our favorite treats to munch on during the movie.  My husband LOVES cotton candy so much (I even surprised him with a cotton candy cart at our wedding).


Had to take advantage of the fact that we were at home and S'mores was an option! Look at the ooey gooey goodness!

The Food
I would first suggest findings things in your pantry, no need to buy anything. Another option is to do a "picnic in the park" meal, like sandwiches or even fruits. If you're due for a grocery run, here's a Target shopping list for similar snack items.




The Movie
We watched Onward off of Disney+. I knew the backstory coming into it but did not expect to cry as much as I did! It was such a great movie and I absolutely recommend it. If there aren't any new movies that interest you and your loved one, why not watch one of your favorites?


In true drive in movie theatre fashion, you know I had to make a marquee sign using a letter board. Plus, it's always makes for a great photo.


Paper Lanterns
I got these beautiful paper lanterns from Dollar Tree. The solid colors come 2 in a pack are different sizes. I used battery operated twinkle lights I got from Amazon. The floral lantern is battery operated (requires 2 AA batteries, not included) and only comes in 1 size. They come with hooks on the top but I opted to bundling them at the end of the bed.


A little overview of how everything turned out. With being on quarantine, I just looked around the house for small things that could transform our the space. 

Quarantine Romance
It's so important to keep the romance alive during quarantine. We have been really good about giving each other personal space while still having quality time together. Being on quarantine together doesn't meant you have to spend every second together. It helps when you're both doing your own thing so you can treasure the time when are you together.

Let me know what you've been doing to keep the romance alive during quarantine. Happy homeymooning.


With love,
Linh

earth day

Earth Day 2020

6:34 PM

Happy Earth Day Mother Nature! Thank you for all the natural gifts you've given us: the waters, the skies, the dirt, the animals, life, beauty. So many of my favorite memories are when I'm in nature, surrounded by the tress around be and the skies above me. Keep this one short and sweet but full of photos from some of my favorite memories.
What has been your favorite outdoor memory? Share them with me in the comments.


With love,

Linh

decor

Cozy Quarantine Corner

4:49 PM


It’s so important to take care of your mental health. It took me about 3 weeks to mentally shake off the crippling stress and anxiety I had been feeling. I found myself diving into the dark places in my mind without being able to find a way out. My routine was wake up, eat breakfast, sit on the couch for hours, lunch, couch, dinner then bed. I wasn't in the mood to do anything AT ALL.


 I'm not ashamed to admit it because it was my reality. It was difficult and it was horrible but eventually, I was able to get myself out of it. I'm saying this to you now, praying that it will give you hope as well (if you happen to be in that dark place). It wasn't until this week that I truly began to feel like myself again. I started making small to do lists and started working on little projects to keep my mind busy. In the midst of it all, I realized I needed a positive place for me, where I could unwind and decompress. While organizing the office/craft room, I decided to dedicate a corner for this purpose alone. Hence, the birth of the cozy quarantine corner!

Now it's one of my favorite corners of the house and I come here whenever I need a little extra dose of happy. Here's what I added to mine:

Books
Currently reading the To All the Boys I’ve Loved series by Jenny Han! I told myself I wouldn’t let myself watch the 2nd movie until I finished the 2nd book.


Journal & Pen
In a time where we are being overloaded with bad news, it’s important to fill our souls with good news as well. I decided to start a gratitude journal to write down all the good things that were happening. One day when this is all over, I’d like to have something to look back on to remind myself that I got through it.


Scrapbooking
Being able to create something always puts me in a great mood. To make something beautiful out of random scraps of tape and paper is always so fulfilling to me. At the end of it all, you have something wonderful to look back and reflect on.


iPad & Pencil
I’m one of those people that can listen to music, podcasts, movies or TV shows when I’m doing anything else. I love listening to music from the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep. Music can change my mood in a second. Here are some of my favorite apps at the moment: Hulu, Podcasts, Procreate & Spotify.
  

Water & Refill
It's so important to stay hydrated. I remember numerous times where I’m so focused on a project that I forget to drink water. So having it within reach leaves little room for excuses. Stay happy, stay healthy.


Devotional/Everyday Worship
Faith has been helping me through this crazy time so much. Anytime I feel overwhelmed or I’m at the point where I’m about to hit a mental wall, I pray. I start my morning with a prayer, sprinkle a few more throughout the day and then end my night with another one. The book I’m reading now is Beholding and Becoming - The Art of Everyday Worship by Ruth Chou Simmons.


Nintendo 3DS XL
Or any game console of some sort. I know Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch Lite is super popular right now. While cleaning the office, I found the charger to my 3DS so I decided to save my money and not buy the Switch Lite (even though I really want to play with my friends lol.. must resist). I also made a promise to myself that I wouldn't even entertain the idea of seriously buying a Switch Lite until I beat Zelda: A Link Between Worlds on the 3DS.


Comfy Chair
Of course you’ll need a chair or small couch for seating. Another option is to place a blanket on the floor and add a lot of pillows for floor seats. No need to spend money, just find things around the house that you can repurpose and reuse.

Blanket/Shawl & Pillows
Add a soft blanket and some pillows too complete the cozy corner. Robes are fully welcomed in the cozy Q corner.


If you create a space like this for your home, please share it with me by tagging me on Instagram: @labouroflovecrafts using the hashtag #cozyQcorner.


I hope you and all your loved ones are staying safe and more importantly sane. Sending you so much love (from a distance). If you need anyone to talk to, please know that I'm here.

 

With love,
Linh
Disclaimer: I understand that being able to create this safe space in my home is a luxury and privilege. I know a lot of people around the world don't even feel safe in their own home due to being forced to stay in a home with an abuser or having to share a space with someone who may be ill. This post was not written with the intent to boast or brag, I just feel that mental health is so important having dealt with anxiety and depression myself. I know others are having a much more difficult time than me but I just wanted to share some ideas to hopefully spark some ideas for you as well. I wanted to provide alternative options to help combat anxiety and depression. Anyway, I really hope this helps someone.

digital

6 Multiplayer Game Apps to Download Right Now

8:45 AM


I know a lot of us are trying to find ways to keep busy and occupied during this time at home. If you’re looking for ways to connect with loved ones while still having some fun, check out some of these free games in the App Store.

Evil Apples - similar to Cards Against Humanity, you can play with friends or strangers.


Out of the Loop - requires at least 3 players but can go up to 9. Each player minus 1 gets to see the secret word. Everyone gets asked questions about the secret word and the point of the game is to guess who doesn't know the word. Whoever has the most points after 5 rounds wins


Houseparty - video chat with your friends while playing games like Heads Up, Trivia, Chips & Guac and Quick Draw. This app allows for a lot of fun but does require sign up. Once you do, it’s all fun from there! The screen always displays fun facts that you and your friends can talk about.


Words With Friends - just like Scrabble! You earn points by spelling words across the point board. Play with friends, as teams or with strangers.


Draw Something - think Pictionary but digitally. When it’s your turn to draw, you get to select from 3 words to decide which item you want to draw. It is your friend’s job to guess what you drew.


Fun Run 3 - a multiplayer racing game going through obstacles and rewards. Run with friends or join a clan and explore the game in fun fashion


If you download any of these apps and play these games, let me know what you think! Anyway, stay sane and stay safe!

With love,
Linh

 Pictured: @andrewdeleos @jonathan_deleos @ryan_deleos @theejohnv

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