A Scraptastic Life

Be You- American Crafts

2012-02-16T10:46:00.002-05:00

It has been a crazy, busy few days around here. I am still trying to re-organize my craft room, the kids have baseball and boy scouts on top of school, and both of us have busy jobs. Plus, the hot water tank needs to be replaced ASAP

But, I finally stole some time to scrapbook last night - I'm way sleepy today but it was worth it to get to play :P

This LO served several purposes- using some older stuff that I still like, using newer AC chap, and playing with chipboard for Shimelle's Glitter Girl challenge at 2 Peas. Plus, I got these cute pics on a page of course :D I don't know why we buy kids toys - they are just as likely to play with plastic cups and baskets - at least in my house.

I re-colored the chipboard star (it was white with glitter dots) and covered the arrow in paper. I haven't added the date and journaling yet- need to look up the pics on my PC for that.

Supplies: American Crafts papers and Thickers, Scenic Route and October Afternoon labels. WRMK and unknown (really old) grommets, My Minds Eye rub-ons, Maya Road and Little Yellow Bicycle pins, Tattered Angels glimmer mist, Making Memories paint, colorbox ink, Bazzill CS, Pressed Petals adhesive chipboard, Deluxe designs chipboard arrow

Cuckoo For You

2012-02-13T17:18:00.002-05:00

I am not a big card maker but I do try to make cards for most occasions since I have all the supplies. My DH and I usually do little more than exchange cards for Valentine's Day so that is one of the cards I try to make so it is more "special".

Anyway, the Finally Friday card challenge this week at 2 Peas is for an interactive card and I have had this idea rattling around in my head ever since I saw Laura Craigie's video. Looking at it now, I see I must've been influenced by her Kraft CS and woodgrain background though I had forgotten what her card looked like :P. Anyway, I am not entirely happy with the WG stamping on this so I would have made the crad smaller if I had it to do over again but I was completely winging it and I am not about to start over :P I started with a 6x6 card base. I cut the bottom corners and then I cut the roof line from the top. Then I cut doors from the front, lined the bird's room and inside doors, and then glued the front down (the flaps are all that open now).

Supplies: Archivers CS, My Minds Eye papers (Love Me), bird sticker from Paper Bliss (Salon line), Making Memories chipboard clock, Hero Arts stamp, Ranger distress ink, Glitz letters, Sharpie pen

He Said, She Said and Basic Grey

2012-02-10T00:01:00.002-05:00

One of the recent challenges at 2 Peas (ended yesterday) was to use the journaling prompt "conversations". Well, I had been wanting to scrapbook this convo for a very long time so that got me off dead center

My friend and my son (who she calls her boyfriend - her husband doesn't mind) had the funniest conversation one night at my house. When she repeated it to me, I asked her to write it down. So, the journaling is basically what she wrote on the spot

Almost everything is BG Marjolaine (PP, die-cuts, stickers) with some Archivers CS, BG ribbon (older line), Karen Foster letters and MM brads thrown in.

I also used the 2/6/2012 sketch from the BG blog and I clustered both my photos and my hand-cut flowers for the latest Scrap Fit weekend workout

Echo Park - Opening presents

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I hope these are the last of my Christmas at out house LOs. I still have pics of xmas 2.0 at the grandparents house. I ended up using the same AC Thickers from a couple other recent LOs and more of this Christmas line from Echo Park (designed by Bella Road) Lots and lots of pictures so I tried to keep it pretty simple. The onyl other supplies were some old Joann's Craft Essentials embellies from my stash and the Bazzill CS

Echo Park - Merry Christmas

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe I cut out all those ornaments- but I did. I was going to actually string them on the twine but quickly figured out that was not going to work so I just glued the twine down to the page and then added the ornaments on top. It's a pretty simple LO but I like it :)

Supplies: EP papers, Bazzill Basics CS, October Afternoon sprinklers, My Minds Eye journaling card. Twinery twine

Echo Park - Favorites

2012-02-06T16:35:00.000-05:00

I hate taking photos of my layouts- it is so hard to get it looking right and straight on. I am taking a workshop ion the next couple months that will hopefully help me take my DSLR off manual and maybe that will help too :P

Anyway, this might look like it is a bad photo of a white background but actually it is on a silver grey CS (Bazzill Bling) The PP is all Echo Park by Bella Road. The Alpohas are AC Thickers (blue and green) and CI (red) Journaling and hand-drawn border were done with Zig and CM brown pens. The brown bracket border is Bazzill just the edge. It wasn't really the right brown so I colored it with corduroy distress ink.

I wanted to mimic the subway style in the PP border for the title - plus, it was a great way to help use up the 2 sets of thickers.

My kids were supposed to hold up their own favorite Christmas presents. Instead, they held up their favorite of each others presents - which I found out after I made the LO- but luckily before I added journaling. Silly boys *LOL*

American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan LO

2012-02-05T13:29:00.003-05:00

A friend and I went to Archivers last night and they had the new Dear Lizzy line in so I picked out a few things 'cause it is really cute in person and I had some camera phone pics of my boys from "ChickFilA night". We don't go weekly by any means, but every Tues they have discounted kids meals that come with ice cream instead of a toy and they love to go! It is always packed - esp with a balloon lady there too :P
I got the insane idea to use the pre-sewn banner and a gluber to make a starburst/flower embellie. Wasn't sure I liked it at first but I do now after I added the big brad in the center. I used 2 of the patterned paper (one is the green ombre b-side of a cute chevron, the other is cute motifs on one side and the brown stripe on the other) and the tear strip was an ice cream cone so I used that too. I added some older AC thickers, a brad, a MS border strip, and the OA sidewalks softies but everything else is DL stickers and alphas

Scrabble Tile Pendant and cheese box :)

2012-01-22T20:22:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine had a birthday last week and we celebrated with her Saturday night. I tried my hand at a scrabble tile pendant for her. There were several mistakes along the way but I like how this cam out. I cut out a seahorse motif from Webster's 6x6 papers (these were from late 2010 or early 2011 I think??) and mounted them on a square from the opposite side. Afetr gluing it to the tile, I inked the edges and used gelly roll stardust pens on both horses. Finished it off with diamond glaze and a bail- I purposely left in air bubbles to mimic underwater.

I was concerned with how much time the diamond glaze had had to cure and wanted a box to keep it from getting hit. I ate a cow swiss cheese and suddenly had the epiphany to use the box. A little MME paper and ink for all the circular areas and washi tapes (Dear Lizzy and Amy Tan) on the sides and I had a cute gift box :)

Echo Park - What's so Merry?

2012-01-16T15:52:00.000-05:00

This is the other LO I got done at Archivers last week. I wish I could remember what R was so annoyed about but he this face is so funny- esp since it was Christmas morning :D

Supplies: EP paper, Bazzill CS, CC Tiny Type, AC Thickers, Prima flower, Imaginisce brad, Jillybean labels. Long border strips unknown

MME Love Me

2012-01-12T17:59:00.002-05:00

I finally got to go to Archiver's last week and actually scrapbooked!! I did not get a lot done but had so much fun. I had reserved tables for 8 of us and then a few more friends had a table in the other room. It was also my birthday and I feel so spoiled and loved by my friends who brought me cake, balloons and flowers. What could be better than a scrapbooking birthday "party" with good girl friends?? :)

Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing with the MME Love Me line and an old, old pic of my husband and I from when we were newly engaged. The pic was taken by someone else and hung on my cubicle wall for a while so is not that great. But, I love it nonetheless and my friend scanned it for me so I can maybe tweak it later and re-print. The LO pic is not that great either but I have given up on ever seeing the sun again :P Damp, rainy, windy, and cold are the order of the week.

Supplies: MME Love Me paper and Die-cuts, Archivers CS, Martha Stewart paper tape, AC Knock Out punch, Sakura Micron pen, OA Sprinklers, SC Mr Hueys, KI Memories tape, QQ Ink

Internet Implemented - Mercury Glass Ornaments

2012-01-03T11:53:00.001-05:00

This was another crafty something I did over the holidays. While looking at all the DIY glass ornament tutorials, I searched for some using alcohol inks because I don't have many regular reinkers but I have a gajillion alcohol inks from the days of making my own "skittles" (remember those??)

I found this Ranger tutorial that looked super easy. Turns out Mr Holtz just tends to make things look that way. I found it needed a little practice; but, the results are super pretty and it is quick and fun - not to mention inexpensive enough that I didn't mind experimenting :P All it takes is some plain glass ornaments, alcohol ink, metallic mixative, and compressed air (which we have 6 cans of for some odd reason). The end result is a multi-colored glass ornament with some opaqueness from the metallic mixative (which gives that mercury glass appearance). Lots of fun. I gave one to each couple in my family but did not keep one for myself (need to make another) so this is the only pic I have. If you clcik on the pic, you can actually see a second ornament that blogger is cutting off

Internet Implemented - Christmas Card Display

2012-01-02T18:52:00.001-05:00

So, my poor blog is dusty again. It's been that kind of year :P I have barely done anything scrappy in months- just my Christmas cards and 2 mini-books I made for my nieces that I didn't even photograph before the gifting occurred plus the 1 LO posted below. Oh well. New Year, new scrapping commitment I hope :) I am scheduled to go to Archiver's on Friday so that will hopefully help. But, I did want to post this slightly crafty project because it was a super-easy to make card Christmas card display that cost maybe $5 (if that) I had the ribbon and the angel ornament as well as a glue gun in my stash. I bought decorative ornament hooks on clearance last year at Target (but the hooks like those of the Clip-it-up would work) and the dowel was a buck or 2 at home depot and cut by my husband for just "thank yous"

Anyway, I just had him cut the dowels in incrementally smaller lengths (6,8, 10, 12 and 14") and hot glued them between a folded up length of ribbon. Added the angel and a hanger to the top and I was done. The one I saw on the internet last year (wish I could remember where so I could give credit) did a better job of arranging the cards to look more tree like but I still like how mine looked and I really enjoyed having all the cards visible instead of lumped in a basket together.

SPCS - Try it Thursday

2011-11-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

I did this LO for the SPCS Try it Thursday challenge which was to use patterned paper as your LO background. I ended up suing 4 6x6 papers and then I hand-sewed in-between them. Crazy talk for me :P

Anyway, this is the only pic I had from a rather memorable - and crappy - day a couple summers ago. So, despite the picture of my 2 friends being terrible, I decided to use it any way. The long story of my horrible day will go on a tag in the MR envelope. I also went out of my way to use some older stash items.

Supplies: Bazzill CS, Authentique PPs, Fancy Pants Rub-ons, Marcella by Kay epoxy letters, MM glitter alphas, Prima and Artsylicious flowers, Artsylicious and Recollections buttons, MR envelope, MM journaling note, Colorbox ink, Embroidery floss

SPCS: SEI Corinne

2011-11-06T12:21:00.002-05:00

I have not had an easy couple years. While I am blessed with an amazing family and we moved into a new house in that time-frame, I have dealt with several major illnesses in my immediate family, lost my grandfather, lost a job I loved (the company went under), etc. So, I know I have shared a whole lot of angst with my friends. As much as I try not to be a Debbie Downer, sometimes I've just needed a shoulder to cry on. Luckily, I am incredibly blessed in the friend department- including the one on this LO. She is always there for me and the title and journaling is about that.

I used the Sept SPCS Juicy kit. The papers were mostly SEI Corinne, Honestly, I didn't think I liked the line that much; but, they turned out to be way better in person. pics don't do justice. I fussy-cut the PP and really love the resulting LO

Supplies: SEI PP and Epoxy stickers; Prima letters; CC Tiny Type; AC Thickers & tape; MS punches; Hambly washi tape; bazzill CS, OA Sprinklers

Origins

2011-11-05T12:15:00.012-04:00

My much-talented friend Brie made a gorgeous quilt for my equally talented friend Erin for her new baby. Since we are all scrappy, Brie thoughtfully made it from BG Origins fabric. So, I just had to scrapbook this pic with the Origins line. I think I salvaged the LO but I really did not like how it was going at first. It's not my fav but I like it okay now and I love the girlfriends :)

Supplies: BG paper, rub-ons, woolies, take notes; AC Thickers; CC tiny type

Holiday Cards

2011-11-04T16:16:00.000-04:00

Feel free not to look if you get cards from me. I don't normally post cards before I send them but I just can't help myself cause I am so pleased with how they came out (for once - I'm not much of a card maker). Plus they are relatively simple to make en masse

The first one is a more generic holiday card. The stamp is from Hero Arts (new this year) and was embossed with Versamark and AC Zing blue embossing powder. I then colored in the bird and tree trunks with prisma-color watercolor pencils and a blender pen and put stickles on all the snowflakes (or stars) in the sky Sentiment is from a clear acrylic set from Making Memories (maybe Fa-La-La?). The card bases are pre-made/folded cards from DCWV. Ribbon is from Michaels.

The second card is also embossed - this time with Versamark and Gold embossing powder from Ranger. The stamp is from Stampendous and I love it!!!! Card bases are also DCWV pre-fabs. Sentiment on the inside is from Inkadinkadoo and says "Wise Men Still Seek Him". I am in the process of coloring in all the cards with Sakura Glaze pens. The pics do not do them justice- the glaze pens with the embossing looks like Cloisonne :) Obviously, the coloring on these is time consuming but they look beautitul just embossed wih gold and are much easier to make en masse that way :)

Bloom

2011-11-03T12:41:00.000-04:00

I did this LO at Archivers a while back. I had a gorgeous kit from Sweet Peach Crop shop (August) and I decided it would be fun to do a page with my boys with what is stereotypically a girl color- pink. I'm actually super happy with how it came out.

Supplies: TA glimmer mist, AC Thickers, Sassafras fold-it(?) flowers & die-cut sticker, Kaisercraft pearls, Authentique PP & die-cutss, Bazzill CS

SPCS - Include Something Handwritten/drawn

2011-10-05T20:44:00.000-04:00

This was made largely with the SPCS July sweet kit. I really like how it came out :)

SPCS Challenge- Make A Book Mark

2011-10-05T20:38:00.000-04:00

This is a really simple bookmark- but it works as one for sure and I ahev a huge box of these shipping tags :P

Supplies: Ranger distress inks, mat; Color Box chalk ink, stamp- unknown

SPCS - Back To School Crop | Office Supply Challenge

2011-10-05T20:35:00.000-04:00

Supplies: Amy Tangerine (AC) paper, stamp, Hambly tape, Recollections (Michaels) border, brad (unknown), BG bling, MM journaling page

This was made mostly with the SPCS September kits

SPCS - Back to School Crop: Lessons Learned Challenge

2011-10-04T20:25:00.000-04:00

This LO does not expressly spell out the lessons of the day- but they sure are implied: 1) that I always be here for my son and 2) that he should always strive to go beyond his limits- never to settle for the mediocre when he can fly :)

Supplies: Bazzill CS, Sassafrass sticker, AC thickers, Prima flowers, KI memories diecut CS, Homemade glitter mist, Chatterbox buttons, kaiser Craft pearls, K&Co brad, Autumn Leaves buttons, Jenni Bowlin paint dauber, chipboard- unknown

SPCS - Crop Challenge #2 – All about Numbers!

2011-10-04T20:12:00.000-04:00

Supplies: Jenni Bowlin tickets, AC Thickers, MME card, Color Box ink, mesh, tape (Michael's), Hambly washi tape, tapeswell package tape, MAya Road Bingo numbers, buttons (misc)

SPCS June Sweet Kit - another LO

2011-06-28T21:26:00.000-04:00

Here is another LO I did with the SP June Sweet kit. Love these bright, happy colors. They just scream sunshine and summer fun. That is my husband participating in the neighborhood cannonball contest :P

Materials used: BG PP, Bazzill CS and Edge border, BG stickers, AC embellies and Thickers, JB journaling spot, MM adhesive border

SPCS June Sweet Kit

2011-06-24T10:20:00.001-04:00

This is another LO I made at Archivers using the June Sweet kit and a couple items from my stash. We moved to a new neighborhood with 2 pools a while back and this was one of our first times hanging out at the main pool. They were having an adult cannonball contest and the kids were having a blast watching all the action - including their dad participate :P BTW, the pic of the LO is a little crooked- not the items on the LO :P

Materials Used: AC Thickers, AC and BG PP, Bazzill CS, MM border sticker, Creative Charms bling and flower, ribbon unknown, EK Success border punch

Sweet Peach Crop Shop June Sketch (and Kit)

2011-06-20T17:35:00.000-04:00

I made this LO during my scrapbooking retreat using both the SP June Juicy kit and their June Sketch. I had these supah cute pics of my kids in the adorable recliners that they got for Christmas complete with built-in cup holders :P Of course, someone had to hand them (unopened) Heineken for the pics. I really ended up liking this LO a lot though that bling circle keeps coming up - I need to glue it down better but oh well.

Materials Used: Lily Bee papers, Bazzill CS, OA spray mist, BG clip, MR bingo piece, AC Thickers, SC rub-ons, CC letters, MM brads, JB ticket, PP tape, embroidery thread, and HS bling that was cut apart and re-shaped for this

Sketchy Thursdays - 6.16 Challenge

2011-06-18T21:49:00.000-04:00

I did a little scrapbooking last night.... just one page but I really like how it came out. I used the latest sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. Pics were taken in the woods behind my parents' mountain house while my kids were busily "helping" clean up limbs and branches :P

Materials used: Bazzill CS, LYB (Twig) papers and embellies, BG (Marjolaine) papers and Bling It On, AC Thickers, MM buttons and brad, Chatterbox button, Spare Parts brad , Michael's ribbon, Copic Spica pen, Colorbox chalk ink, Joann's metal letter charm, Zig marker, CM punch

Sweet Peach Crop Shop April Juicy Kit

2011-06-17T17:37:00.001-04:00

Here is a LO I did at Archiver's. This was taken at Christmas-time of my 2 beautiful nieces but I decided to go for girly instead of Christmas- with 2 boys, I relish the opportunity to use pink :P The BG PP, measuring tape, pattern, bling, and BG Petals were all kit stuff. I added the Chatterbox buttons and felt flower, K&Co paper clip, MM Brads, pins (Jenni Bowlin and Jillibean), and acrylic letters from my stash. The letters are the girls' initials and I circled their ages on the tape- which works for the 6.17 challenge at ScrapFit . :)

Sketchy Thursdays - 6.9 Challenge and I'm baaack

2011-06-15T21:18:00.000-04:00

Wow! It has been almost 2 months since I've posted. In fact, I have hardly looked at blogs in those 2 months :( Life has been kind of insane: my grandfather was hospitalized in mid-March after a terrible bleed-out and passed away a month later. He fought hard but just could not come back He was released home under the care of hospice and died the next day. We had services for him 2 weeks later and, no sooner were we settling in back at home then my father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It's just been 3 weeks since his diagnosis and he is 3 days into radiation and chemo treatments. Crazy, huh? Anyway, with all the chaos of end of school, my job, my kids, and all the family stuff, I have not scrapbooked much lately. But, I finally had a girls' SB retreat this past weekend and a night at Archiver's (the week before). This is based on the ST sketch from this past Thursday. It uses Bazzil Bling CS, Heidi Grace Harvest Row (old but I love it), Thichers, Dress It Up buttons, and a couple other random embellies of unknown origin :P. Please pardon the flash - it is storming out and my time has been limited- nothing like the last minute huh?

Sweet Peach April Sweet and Anniversary Kits - mini book

2011-04-28T19:53:00.022-04:00

All the school/golden-book looking papers in the newest Crate lines (Emma's Shoppe and Toy Box) inspired me to create a school-themed mini-book for my son's teacher. She has been fabulous and oh-so-patient. I used a chipboard base from TLC that has been in my stash for forever. The book was white so I heavily inked/distressed it as well as the papers I decorated it with. I used the Studio Calico rub-ons and tags from the 2 kits ( as well as a few other embellies) and added primas, brads, May arts ribbon and MM buttons from my stash. I kept the pages pretty simple as I don't know what pics might go in here yet. I have asked the room mom for more pics but might end up giving it to Mrs R with a few empty picture-less pages. I really like how it came out and am pretty proud of it for my second ever mini-book (not including class projects)

Sweet Peach April Sweet Kit

2011-04-26T15:55:00.000-04:00

This is another LO I did with the SPCs Sweet April kit as well as the embellie add-on. I added a JB stick pin and a couple buttons and rhinestones from my stash (chatterbox and unknown) I did some faux stitching and inking. TFL

Sweet Peach April Sweet Kit and Anniversary Sketch #1

2011-04-24T19:42:00.002-04:00

This is a layout I did with the Sweet Peach Crop Shop Anniversary Sweet kit and the week #1 sketch for the month. I love all the Emma's Shoppe and Studio Calico papers in this kit but I have all boys so I had to dig out one of my too few pics of my favorite girls (my nieces). I also used packaging which was one of the anniversary month challenges :P Anyway, in addition to embellies and papers from the kit, I used 1 paper from LYB Twig, K&Co fabric brad and paper clip, Jilly Bean pin, random button, prima lace flower, the sticker from the kit's packaging, and mesh which I used as a stencil and then added to the page. I also did a bunch of distressing, inking and glimmer misting on this LO. It has a ton of texture in real life and I lurve it :)

Sketchy Thursdays - 4.7 Challenge

2011-04-11T14:34:00.006-04:00

I went to Archiver's Friday with a few girlfriends. I did not get more than a couple layouts done but I really like the 2 I did.

Here is my take on the Sketchy Thursdays challenge for this week. I used Sweet Peach Crop Shop's anniversary kit (Crate papers, SC wood veneers, tags and Petaloo heart) plus lots of embellies from my stash (Bazzill Boshers, MR pins and postage stamp brad, WRMK grommets, MM brad, YoYo from Joanns online, K& Co adhesive border). I hand cut the title from a coffee cup sleeve. I also used both glimmer mists and chalk inks to alter the petaloo heart, and all the corrugated embellies as well as the TH tiny attacher to attach the layered hearts.

You can click any pic to see it larger. TFL!!

Sweet Peach Crop Shop - Try It Thursday - 3 Ribbons

2011-04-06T20:01:00.001-04:00

This is my final carnival LO... thinking I should have done one LO and a mini-book :P Anyway, this LO had 3 ribbons on it as per the Try It challenge at SPCS. The ribbons are from Joann's, Michael's, and unknown from scrapbook Expo. CS is from Archives; papers are EP. Buttons and flowers are Sassafras and letters are CM alpha sticker, EP stickers, and Karen foster epoxy. Also used Making memories adhesive labels

Sketchy Thursdays - 3.31 Challenge

2011-04-04T12:39:00.002-04:00

Here is my take on Sketchy Thursday's latest sketch- albeit flipped and rotated :P I used EP papers & letter stickers, lots of EK Success and MS punches, Twinery twine, Sassafras flower buttons, buttons and hand-dyed "skittles" from my stash, home-made resin star also from my stash, Tim Holtz trinket pin, Queen and Co word dangle, and a alphabet button. Also used MM paint

Sketchy Thursdays - 3.17 Challenge

2011-03-22T21:39:00.000-04:00

Here is my take on Sketchy Thursday's 3.17 challenge. I haven't done ST in a couple weeks and am glad to have gotten a chance to finally join in again. I'd been trying to figure out what to do with these random pics of my husband and son sleeping and finally came up with this idea. The journaling talks about their similar personalities and their shared propensity for falling asleep at the drop of a hat *LOL*

For this I used a bunch of paper scraps: Kaiser Craft and some other unknown PP; Bazzill cardstock, cheap CS from HL, white uniball gel pen, Pine Needle Distress Ink (Ranger), McGill botanical bird punch, Sizzix (Tim Holtz) wood grain embossing folder, ColorBox chalk ink (chestnut roan), and AC Thickers

Echo Park Springtime

2011-03-21T13:03:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned loving Echo Park's lines? Probably- 'cause I do :P Anyway, this LO fits the bill for the design team April challenge at Cropchocolate.com (spring theme) and fit in with my typically chrono scrapping. I used Paper Company CS from Archivers, EP papers and journaling card, MM letters, MM flutter ribbon and random Easter/spring stickers that have been in my stash for ages and ages

Carnival- Walk in the Park - Again!!

2011-03-18T23:44:00.000-04:00

I can't seem to get past using Echo Park's Walk in the Park line with all our carnival photos- the colors just seem to work really well and I really love the papers. They are just so versatile and they seem so easy to use for mixing patterns- something I normally have trouble with. Anyway, I used a few papers from the line; the alphas , banners, and ticket are from the line's coordinating sticker sheets. I also used CS by Bazzill and my new twine from The Twinery

Cosmo Cricket Togetherness

2011-03-08T11:11:00.001-05:00

After J's cousin's wedding, we spent time visiting family. While we were inside with his aunt and uncle, the boys were outside with K, their second cousin of the flaming red hair. I used all CC Togetherness for this LO except the homemade paper flowers which were made with scraps of BG - maybe June Bug line? I did some fussy cutting - though not nearly as "fussy" as it could be - and used one of the handy-dandy word strips for a "title". I still need to journal of course. And I kind of feel like his one is missing something. It's not my fav LO ever but I am done trying to fix it- not every layout is gonna be my version of a personal masterpiece or even a favorite :P

Another SPCS Juicy layout - well sort of

2011-03-05T07:54:00.001-05:00

This is another layout from my cousin-in-law's wedding. I must admit that sometimes I wish I would forget the camera or wouldn't feel compelled to scrap so much of these things 'cause I get sick of the same event after a while :P The problems of being a chrono scrapper I know- but I am too OCD for anything else *LOL*

Anyway, this uses the negative of the Bazzill circle I used earlier, Jenni Bowlin paper and AC Thickers from the Sweet Peach February Juicy kit, and the flowers, tulle and ribbon from the wedding favors.

The pics are of my husband's aunt and her granddaughter who has the deepest red hair I have ever seen on a little girl. Cute, cute, cute.

Echo Park Carnival

2011-03-03T13:25:00.001-05:00

This is another layout I did last weekend of our "staycation" at the little parking lot carnival. Poor R was too little for this ride so he was on the caterpillars while Dad and A rode the dragon "rollercoaster". All the papers and stickers are again Echo Park Walk in the Park. Buttons are Button-Ups. Title is AC Thickers. I keep having the urge to change out the button in the pinwheel to maroon but I am still currently resisting :P Also used my handy-dandy zig marker for faux stitching and colorbox catseye ink to define the pinwheel "stick"

Family Matters - and a challenge

2011-03-02T21:11:00.000-05:00

Here is another layout from my cousin's (in-law) wedding. I used papers - Bazzill CS and Jenny Bowlin - and the JilliBean canvas stars from Sweet Peach's Feb Juicy kit. I added flowers, tulle and ribbon from the wedding decorations/favors as well as chatterbox artsylicious buttons and bling and homemade resin flowers. I have not yet added a title and journaling but it will be about how much Joe loves his cousins and how awesome it is to watch the relationships bloom between them and my kids - cause family matters :)

As for the challenge part, I got the wild hair to start my own challenge blog and - since my friend CJ thought it was a great idea - I shanghaied her into joining me :P. I am gonna post challenges here weekly and give out prizes for participants monthly at first and probably twice a month if participation grows. Heaven knows I have enough stash for prizes for a looooooong time. The first challenge will be homemade/DIY embellies - like the red flowers on this LO - and the first prize will be some of those resin embellies in colors of the winner's choice :)

Sketch Mania #30 - Sympathy Card

2011-02-24T23:27:00.000-05:00

A dear scrappy friend and her husband lost his father last week; so, I was in need of a sympathy card and made this while scrapbooking Friday night. I used Sketch Mania's #30 as a springboard for this design. Disclaimer: I am not a card-maker so my cards tend to be super-simple.
Anyway, this one layer card is on a DCWV card base and has a strip of brown CS lining the bottom border. Strips of SEI Poppy paper inked with Colorbox chalk ink are the focal point (I thought that esp appropriate since poppies are for remembrance). Sentiments on inside and out are written with a zig marker. The sentiment on the inside is Revelations 21:4 which is approx this (translations vary obviously): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

DIY Resin Embellishments - flowers, birds, stars oh my!

2011-02-24T09:00:00.016-05:00

I happen to love all the resin roses and mums that have been appearing in several manufacturers' collections; but, I don't always like the available colors or the price tags. So, I googled and found this video tutorial for making your own. Through the description, I found the link to Betsy Veldman's blog post about making these which led me to this etsy shop where I promptly ordered several molds. They arrived just a few days later and I finally made it to Michaels to buy Easy Cast clear casting resin. These are my initial sets.

They do take a long time to cure- probably 8-12 hours to be hard enough to pop out of the mold and up to 72 hours to reach "hard cure" status. I colored the first set (the hot pink mums and roses) with luminarte twinkling H2Os (had to add a little water first) but all others were colored with perfect pearls or perfect pearls and chalk mixes. They are so easy- and fun - to make. Not sure they are "frugal" given the initial investment but I like having more color/shape/size options and I already owned the items I am using to color the resin at least.

Sketchy Thursday - 2.17 Challenge

2011-02-23T08:17:00.005-05:00

This layout is doing double duty - I used the latest Sketchy Thursday sketch for it and it is for the latest "Chocolatier" challenge at cropchocolate.com which was to do a travel or vacation layout with CC product.

The base is Paper Company CS (Archiver's). All papers are "Walk in the Park" from Echo Park as are the smaller title letter stickers. Buttons, embroidery thread, and tickets are from my stash (tickets are from the actual carnival and another event). Chipboard letters are plain AC Thickers that were painted with a Jenni Bowlin dauber. I sanded the edges of the focal photo and popped it up and inked the edges of the other 2 photos (stazon). Other tools- fiskars decorative circle punch, CM corner rounder, fiskars threading water punch, fiskars creativeworks butterfly punch , sakura micron pen, smooch spritz.

Sweet Peach Crop Shop - February Sketch

2011-02-22T09:00:00.008-05:00

This Layout was done based on the February sketch over at Sweet Peach Crop Shop and was mostly done with their February Juicy kit which is now sold out. I can understand why because it was awesome- even for someone not big on Valentine's celebrations. These pics are of my cousin-in-law. The CS is bazzill dotted swiss, the ribbon from Hobby Lobby- both from my stash. The patterned papers are Jenny Bowlin and Cosmo Cricket; flowers Maya Road; rub-on title from Glitz Designs; red heart lace from the kit. I also used 2 label strips from the kit's MME papers as the borders directly under the photos (they put designs on half the strip)

Sketch Mania #32

2011-02-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

This is a photo of my niece when she was a baby. With 2 boys, I love the excuse to do a girl page once in a while- esp with girls I love as much as my 2 nieces :)

The paper is new K&Co (Thanks, J, for sharing a piece with me) and has beautiful foil accents on it. Mat is CS from archiver's; title is AC Thickers; flowers are prima with some stickles added; ribbon is May Arts.

I used to make LOs with tilted photos all the time and have not in quite a while so this fun sketch was a good catalyst to re-visit that technique :)

Updated: Since taking the original pic, I added a small adhesive border at the bottom of the ribbon and a foil accent to the top right corner of the photo (both from matching K&Co embellie packs). I am an adder sometimes- esp after a shopping trip to Joann's *LOL* So, here is a new picture of the layout

Sketch Mania #31

2011-02-20T12:47:00.004-05:00

Here is my take on Sketch Mania's sketch #31. The papers are from my stash- where they have resided for years and years *LOL* I wish a photo could capture it but the swirl is actually silver metallic cardstock that looks like a mirror. The reason it looks blue is because that was the colorof the sky when I took this photo (and you can see a branch reflected in the top and just the edge of my camera and hand in the right corner). The Title letters are AC Thickers and my hand-writing done with a black sharpie. The pictures are from the house of mirrors at a small parking lot carnival during the summer '09. The boys were totally fascinated by the whole experience :) TFL

The title is a paraphrase of the lyrics of "His Love Makes Me Beautiful" from "Funny Girl"

Sketch Mania #29

2011-02-19T16:46:00.003-05:00

I found a relatively new sketch site Sketch Mania while looking around the comments at cropchocolate.com last week. I printed out all 4 of this month's sketches to play with when I finally had time to scrapbook last night. Here is the first one. All product is WRMK Nonsense except the buttons from Hobby lobby, Colorbox cats eye ink and brown CS from Archiver's (Bazzill Basics) I inked the edges of all the matching embellies and popped them up for more dimension. I love this photo and really wanted papers that conveyed both joy and motion :)

Updated: I felt like the original LO was missing something and was not as balanced as I would like. So, I added the chipboard title on the left side and am much happier. Pardon the slight crookedness- After several photography attempts, I satisfied myself with crooked but well-lit :P

Sweet Peach Crop Shop - Try It Thursday

2011-02-17T08:48:00.007-05:00

This week's challenge over at Sweet Peach Crop shop was to make a monochromatic layout with just a pop of another color. Not sure how well this accomplished the task- seems like maybe more than a pop- but it was my attempt nonetheless. I also was wanting to try out all my MS border and around the page punches again- I have had them for ages and never really used them much. I think I might be in love. So, really simple page- just a fancy photo mat on top of another mat to make it show, lots of layered borders, a little tab sticker, and a chipboard piece. Everything is BG Marjolaine except the fancy photo mat which is Heidi Grace.

Sketchy Thursday - 2.10 Challenge

2011-02-16T16:22:00.004-05:00

Did another fun sketch challenge from Sketchy Thursdays this week. I did not think I would have time to try it; but, so glad I managed it because I really liked how it came out and enjoyed the process. The sketch and my LO are to the right.

For my LO, I used Paper Company white cardstock from Archiver's (house brand); KI Memories patterned papers (Probably Pop Culture line); AC Thickers in black foam; Martha Stewart corner and borer punches; My Creative Memories corner rounder; Sakura Micron black pen (I have had it for 10+ years and it still writes great); ColorBox black pigment cats eye; MM brads; black Stazon (swiped on edges of focal photo); ribbon from Michael's $1 bin.

I had to re-take my photo of the LO due to technical issues and lost the sun so you can't see the shadows as well- the main photo is popped up and the layered mats and borders give it a nice texture IRL. TFL :)

Tutorial: Using Picasa to create photo collages

2011-02-14T14:16:00.011-05:00

Today, I want to discuss one of my favorite features of Picasa- the free photo software from google. It can be downloaded here: http://picasa.google.com/ It walks you through the install pretty seamlessly and, when you open it, it will go find all your photos if you let it. The photo-editing is pretty feature rich and is, to me at least, a lot more intuitive than Photoshop which I have never had the energy to learn. And did I mention it's free? :P You can use Picasa for tagging, adding captions via meta-data, cataloging (via face recognition, physical location or tags), editing (of course), and even uploading to picasaweb albums to any number of photo printing sites like shutterfly. I love that last feature a lot just because it manages any transmittal failures and re-tries for me. I no longer come back to find errors on my shutterfly uploads and needing to re-send.

But, what I really want to talk about today is creating photo collages. I know I am not the only one who sometimes wants to print 2 (or even 4) photos on one 4x6 print. Or sometimes, I want to throw 10 photos on an 8x10. Lots of photo shopping sites will allow you to create collages but they then charge you way more for that print than a normal 4x6, 5x7, or 8x10 would cost. And sometimes we want to print immediately on our handy-dandy personal printers so being able to create a collage as one file ourselves would be oh so nice, right? So, here is how (assuming picasa has been installed and pictures have already been imported) BTW: Any SS below can be viewed larger by clicking on it or you can right-click and hit open in new tab/window

In this first SS, I am viewing one library (i.e. a folder on my computer) In the bottom toolbar, I have circled what looks like a push-pin. You can press that button to "hold" or select a photo while you scroll thru all the photos in your library. I used that push-pin to select 5 photos of my kids on the swingset.

Next, also in the bottom toolbar, is a button that says Collage. You can press that- or you can go to the top menu and hit Create -> Collage

At this point, the collage editing screen should open up with a starter collage. There are several options to be explored on the collage tab. The first, shown below, is the type of collage. You can choose a picture pile (kinda like 662 card pickup for photos); A grid format which works best with perfect square numbers of photos (i.e. 4, 9, 16, 25, etc) to avoid repeats; a grid surrounding one central photo; and the one I most commonly choose - Mosaic - which tries to simply fit your photos to the photo. I ind this one esp useful when using both portrait and landscape photos.
On the bottom, there is also a button to shuffle which will just keep regenerating the same mosaic with photos moved around within it.

Now that I have selected my collage type, you can see the other options on the collage sidebar. You can change the grid-spacing (as seen in the right pane). You can select another color (besides white) or even an image to fill in the background between the pics. You can select photo size/format (i.e. 4x6, 8x10, screen-saver, or cd cover). If you want to print on your own photo printer or upload to a photo-site for printing, you should definitely select a standard photo size. You can also change the orientation of the collage between landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical)

A view of the collage-size menu

And now my collage after changing to a portrait orientation

At this point, I decided that I wanted the picture in the bottom right corner to be bigger and in the bottom left spot. So, I simply clicked on the picture and dragged it the desired spot. The photo that was there got swapped to the smaller right-corner

You can also press the View and Edit button (or right click the photo and select that option) to edit that particular photo (maybe crop or lighten). When you save any changes, it will update the collage and bring you back to the collage screen. You can also remove a photo from the collage by right-clicking and selecting delete.

When you have the collage looking the way you want, simply save it and then you will be ready to upload and print!! I hope this helps; but, if you need clarification or help, feel free to comment and I will be happy to answer any questions :)

Sweet Peach Crop Shop - Family pic

2011-02-12T19:05:00.003-05:00

Here is another LO I did last weekend. I used SPCS's February kit (G45 Springtime papers, tag; lace ribbon) plus some die-cut butterflies (I think from a cuttlebug die?) that a friend gave me (K&Company papers) and some Kaiser Craft pearls.
I cut the center out of the base paper with a craft knife before attaching the green butterfly paper which I had torn and inked with Colorbox chalk cats eyes in both a brown and a mauve. Then I tore and inked the center piece I had saved. I matted our family photo on brown CS before matting it on the flower/butterfly mat and then the background. Then I added the tag and butterflies. I used the KC bling to add definition to the butterfly body and also inked the edges of the wings. Journaling was done with my oh-so-popular brown Zig pen
I haven't made it back into my craft cave in a few days- bummer - but hopefully can get in there soon :)

Sweet Peach Crop Shop: Try it Thursday - Quilting

2011-02-09T11:22:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to join in on the Try it Thursday fun over at Sweet Peach Crop shop's blog; but, I always lose track of the time. But, I finally did it this time! Now, this is not strictly quilted- there is no sewing here - not even faux. But, I think the squares of paper mixed with photos still manage that patchwork quilt look. I love all the bright and happy paper squares mixed with the fun photos which were taken at the same birthday party and playground as my LOs from last week.

Anyway, I used SEI Happy Birthday papers along with a couple of the matching die-cuts, AC Thickers, KI word tiles that have been in my stash for a looooooooong time, MM brad, eyelet outlet eyelet and Uniball Signo white gel pen as well as random CS from my stash (probably Archivers)

Sketchy Thursdays - Little Bunny Bunting

2011-02-09T09:52:00.006-05:00

I did this LO for the latest challenge at Sketchy Thursdays - which a good friend recently introduced me to. I don't normally print a lot of smaller photos and I was too time constrained (had nothing to do with lazy :P ) to find and print some. So, I dug deep and pulled out these 11 year old photos of my niece. And then I challenged myself to use something relatively ancient from my stash.

These Making Memories Garden Party papers and embellies are not as old as Nic but they are from a few years ago. I followed the sketch pretty closely this time. Papers, paper flowers, and dimensional glitter stickers are all MM. Canvas button is from Prima- love how it has a little bunny on it :) Title is AC Thickers. Tools used: CM corner rounder, Martha Stewart border punch, Zig Brown pen. Journaling talks about how I love the horrified expression on Nic's face in the first photo cause it was so funny.- but only because she cheered up pretty quickly.

Handsome - Inspired Blueprints sketch #65

2011-02-08T10:03:00.004-05:00

I barely started this LO Friday night while scrapbooking with a friend. Afterwards, I realized that I had subconsciously "chosen" the latest Sketch #65 from Inspired Blueprints (I only had photo and main transparency down on paper). Anyhow, last night I decided to work on the LO and this is how it came out. I decided to play with a monochromatic design to play up the pop of blue in the photo from my son's vest. I also wanted to play up the textures in my sons' vests so I mixed a lot of different kinds of flowers plus added the ruffled ribbon. I am pretty happy with the LO overall.

Materials: Bazzill bling CS, AC Thickers, Portofino ribbon, Prima flowers, Hambly transparencies, Creating Keepsakes brads, vintage buttons, embroidery thread (prob DMC). and sharpie amrker

Playground Fun

2011-02-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

This 2 page spread was also done with the SEI Birthday paper line (both PPs) as well as Bazzill Swiss Dot CS, Prima flowers, Deja Views brads, BG ribbon, and MM staples plus the oh so popular Thickers and Uniball signo white pen. The pics are from the same birthday party as the previous post's layout. The party was at JJ Biello park's Valley Playground which is the largest in the state and waaaaay cool. The kids were way more interested in the playground's offerings than party-related activities. So, I have way more "regular" than "birthday" photos :)

Birthday Fun

2011-02-02T21:49:00.004-05:00

Here is a layout I did pretty simply. I used an EK success border punch, SEI Happy Birthday paper (collection pack), Paper Company white CS (from Archivers), a brown Zig pen, and pop dots. That's it. Candles and cupcakes were cut from some of the SEI PPs and attached with pop dots. Simple but bright and fun with a lot of photos :)

ScrapNight part 2

2011-01-31T20:02:00.002-05:00

This is a sequel to yesterday's post... the second LO I did with my friend's pictures (of her and her sweet newborn daughter) and with the Echo Park 'Be Mine' collection.
Again, I cut/ripped and inked several patterns. I arranged the photos on the papers. I then punched some butterflies (Martha Stewart punch) out of scraps of the paper and added rhinestones to them after lightly inking their edges and folding their wings up for dimension. Love the built-in journaling lines on the background paper- helps me write straight :P

ScrapNight part 1

2011-01-30T21:31:00.005-05:00

My wonderful husband hosted a poker game here last night. Usually, I hide out in my office all night playing on the computer after getting the kiddos to bed. But, this time I got the bright idea to invite a couple friends to come scrapbook in my (rather small) basement craft room. That inspired me to do a bit of rearranging and reorganizing to make more usable space for tables. And I also nagged my husband to finally hang my MM magnet boards (discontinued ages ago but they still work for me :P )

Unfortunately, a few peeps had last minute issues; but, one friend did make it over and we had a great time. At some point, I decided I would much rather scrap her photos than my own so she gave me a few pics of her and her adorable newborn daughter. It was so fun to SB girl photos and I ended up with 2 layouts I really, really like.

This first LO was done with several papers from Echo Park's 'Be Mine' collection. I am not really into V-day that much and normally don't care about themed papers for the holiday; but I love this collection and I think a lot of the papers are very versatile. Plus, it was my chocolatier February challenge layout for CropChocolate.com (the theme was love)

I cut/ripped and inked several patterns (including using the manufacturer label edge from the bottom which has about 6 inches worth of the pattern) and then arranged the photo on the papers. I then punched a ticket shape (McGill punch) out of a scrap of the paper and layered one of the stickers on it. I de-stickied another ticket shaped sticker and then popped both up on pop dots in the upper corner of the photo. Finally, I added a few Prima roses (snagged from the same friend) to the bottom after first spraying them with pearl and sugar plum glimmer mists. The 2 random brown half circles on the very bottom are actually my easel :P

Anyway, this LO is now hanging on one of my magnet boards. I have decided to start rotating through some of my most recent LOs instead of immediately shoving them in an iris box to await getting put into an album. I have a couple 12x12 frames somewhere too and think I want to put those to the same use - should make for a fun way to "decorate" my scrap space :)

2011-01-28T17:54:00.004-05:00

This LO is all about letting the paper do all the work. I think it's CI - I found it in the clearance paper at archiver's and thought it would be great for pics of my boys and cars but even more fun for these pics. My friend parked her car on Friday and all was well; but, after rain on Saturday, we found it difficult to leave on Sunday. It was very reminiscent of the tire turning scene in My Cousin Vinny. Luckily, Alfred (and his dog) came to our rescue. Big letters are AC Thickers again; Bling is Heidi Swapp; rub-ons were MM. White Uniball Signo again (yes, it is my fav white pen too!) for the two hand-written words. Photos were taken by another friend there that weekend (thx, R!) and artfully arranged :P in Picasa. Love their collage feature- but I forgot to show a new friend how to use it last weekend- d'oh!

2011-01-26T21:06:00.004-05:00

This LO is one I did while at Archiver's mania a month or 2 ago. I love this paper which is from Making Memories - I am all about geometrics (i.e. circles in this case) and bright colors- so fun. I absolutely despise the photo of me on the LO; but decided I needed to just use it anyway. The pics are from celebrating my friend Rach's birthday at Melting Pot last summer. The company was outstanding and the food was yummy but I have to say the service was lacking- they just don't do largish groups well :P
Anyway, the paper is MM as I said. The ribbons are all American Crafts- I am totally loving the wall of $3 AC ribbons at A's- thought it makes it much too easy to buy a bunch *LOL* Both letter sets are AC Thickers (Have I mentioned I have a Thickers addiction?). Journaling card is MME and I used a Uniball white gel pen to write on it. LO is not nearly as crooked in person- my picture-taking was just lacking last month when I photographed the last batch for the blog.
I'm about out now so I'll have to start photographing the LOs I did at last weekend's retreat soon :)

2011-01-25T10:45:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the long absence- had a busy work week followed by a long weekend away- scrapbooking with some of my fav ladies :)

This LO is supah simple but I like it nonetheless. Papers (and borders) are Sassafras Indie Girl, letters are AC thickers, peach trim? can't remember- but all are from a SPCS kit (Sept I think?) Buttons are from a Hobby Lobby bag from my stash

Garden of Friends

2011-01-16T17:43:00.005-05:00

One of the best things that has come out of this wonderful hobby of mine is the opportunity to meet other women who share it. And I have been incredibly blessed to have made some truly wonderful friends that I cherish. The women in this picture are just a few of them. It is from a scrapbook weekend we took in Summer '09 - we had a blast!

I did this LO with SPCS' October "Pink" kit plus a couple tidbits from my own stash. The CS is bazzill. The papers are Echo Park ("Life is Good") Journaling spot is Jillibean Soup (I think). Bloom trim is AC. Teal ribbon was Leeza Gibbons from my stash. I wrote on the ribbon: "friends are flowers in the garden of life"

Thankful

2011-01-15T09:16:00.002-05:00

This is another LO I did at SPCS's winter crop last weekend. It was also done with their November Juicy kit (which I LOVE). Do check them out from my sidebar link. The CS is Bazzill, papers (and diecut) Teresa Collins. The flowers and bling are Prima. Chalk ink cat's eye by Colorbok. The pics? my awesome family :P

Sew What

2011-01-14T11:01:00.002-05:00

This is another "sketch" LO. Again, the sketch is from Page Maps 1 or 2 (can't remember). The papers and stickers are all Scenic Route Appleton. The ribbon is offray and the embroidery-esque thread is Making Memories. Yes, I sewed on a LO. Crazy, huh? I still need to add journaling but I'll get around to it eventually. Probably something about Alexander having been at SunBrooke since he was 12 weeks old and his teachers and directors knowing him his whole life.

As usual, every time I use my stash of SR papers, I am so sad theya re no longer designing/manufacturing product. Love their stuff and I am using it for the rest of his pre-K "graduation" photos

Sketch me if you can

2011-01-13T13:10:00.006-05:00

So, I am a scrapbooking magazine and book junkie. I love looking at all the LOs and reading about design. I have a bunch of sketch books (notably the books from both Becky Higgins and Becky Fleck) But, up until a few nights ago, I can count on one hand the number of times I have actively used a sketch. And those few were specifically for forum/blog challenges. But, I took the time to put all my pagemap cards on a book-ring along with the cards from the kit club I subscribe to. Then I had a convo with a friend who almost always uses sketches (as do many of my friends) and I decided to make myself use some sketches. I have to say, it really does simplify and speed up the process. My only concern is that it may turn into a crutch for me- and that I might tend to follow sketch examples too closely. I don't want to zap the teeny smidge of creativity I actually possess :P But, I think this is - overall- a good tool to have in the arsenal and I've done 3 LOs with a sketch and have picked out another 2pg sketch to work on next.

Anyway, the first layout is my attempt to fix the LO from the previous post. I changed the title to a blue and significantly smaller letter treatment and I like it way better. I think the yellow letters were just a tad too bright an also way too big. I am much happier with the LO now though I still don't think it's my fav page ever *LOL* I think I may go back and paint the last corrugated flower yellow too- maybe that is what I still am not loving even though it was a "design decision" to leave it kraft originally :P What do you think?

The bottom LO was sketch attempt number 2 - from Becky Fleck's PageMaps (2?). It was put together with Heidi Grace's Midnight Kisses papers, Bazzill cardstock, CM border scissors, AC Thickers, 7 Gypsies velvet flowers that were Glimmer Misted to modify the color, K&Co paper clips, a butterfly punch, and the unknown random white CS from Michaels I really like how this one came out.

Frugal Embellies?

2011-01-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

Well, maybe not. But they are re-purposed and recycled. I have to admit that one of my guilty indulgences is getting a latte at Starbucks. I esp love the pumpkin Spice seasonal latte so tend to go a little crazy from Sept 1 until it departs (in January this year - wahhh). But, this year, I got the bright idea to get something extra out of my expensive habit. I realized I could die-cut shapes from all those corrugated cardboard warmers instead of throwing them out and throwing more money on the cute corrugated embellies that have hit the stores. So, I can finally put that hand-held quickutz die-cutter and alphabet sets to good use. But, initially, I used some quickutz flower dies at archivers to cut out a bunch of flowers. The layout on the right was done there a few weeks ago and the flowers were colored with glimmer mist. I have absolutely no idea whose papers I used on it.

The LO on the left was finished last night. The c.c. flower on the left got stickled only- I wanted to pull some kraft color into that side. The ones on the right were colored with a Jenny Bowlin paint dabber and then stickled. The PP is was a scrap that someone gave me so I am not 100% sure who made it. The CS is Archivers. The little star embellies were from a clearance pack at Tues Morning from some unknown brand. The vellum start paper was bought so long ago that I have no earthly idea where I bought it much less who made it. The title is AC Thickers

BTW, I apologize for the pictures. Not only am I still trying to figure out the best way to take pics of layouts; but, the weather here is snowy, icy and overcast- making "natural light" photos impossible. After multiple attempts, I gave up on "good" photos and satisfied myself with "less bad" :P

Thanksgiving

2011-01-11T11:25:00.005-05:00

This is another LO from Saturday. (Click picture to see larger) I used the November Juicy kit from Sweet Peach Crop Shop (see sidebar link). The cardstock is Bazzill. The papers are SEI and Teresa Collins. Die-cut is also TC. Flowering vine is Prima with some copper Stickles added to it. Flower ribbon is Maya Road, brown ribbon is French Block. The pictures were printed together in a collage and are from a family Thanksgiving at Lake Logan Lodge in NC. I really like how this LO came out :)

Yum!

2011-01-10T11:21:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, I went to an all day crop held by Corrie of Sweet Peach Crop Shop (see link in sidebar). A bunch of ladies I love went plus I met several more great women. I had a wonderful time. I only completed a dozen layouts; but, I loved getting in "girl time" and just chatting :)

This is one of the LOs I did- the pics are from last fall's jaunt to Highlands with my parents (in honor of my son's birthday). Specifically, these are from a trip to the local ice cream shop. Letters are AC Thickers. papers are Ta-Da. The borders were made from strips of one pattern. I punched out the circles and popped them up over the spots I punched them from as well as on the photos' corners. Bling i.c. cone is from BG (found the bling at Big Lots for .50 a couple weeks ago) You can click the picture to see it larger

All About Me

2011-01-06T13:27:00.005-05:00

This LO is the Yin to yesterday's yang. These are the negatives from the layered die-cuts (WRMK and Kaiser paper) from the other LO layered on top of MME glittered paper and embellished with Portofino (Costco bundle) paper flowers, primas, Kaiser Craft bling, Creating Keepsakes rhinestone brads (yes, they used to have their own line), and an MME journaling card. The big flower on the bottom right was cut from the background paper. I don't really like photos of myself and I am usually the one manning the camera but I am trying to make an effort to occasionally scrap something about me

For the first time since I started working from home (almost a year ago!), I had lunch with my husband on a work day (he works 15 mins away). Funny how happy that makes me :P I think we should do this more often. Looking forward to a great weekend- my parents are baby-sitting so Joe and I can have a date night tmrw; I am going to an all-day crop with good friends on Saturday. And Sunday will hopefully involve lots of time spent with the boys as well as the drudgery of putting away all the xmas decorations. I am such a procrastinator - oh well

Maybe if it is pretty

2011-01-05T22:34:00.004-05:00

I will come post? I just gave my blog a cosmetic overhaul. Happiness, Bliss. I figured it out without too much trouble (you'd think a developer would be more clued-in) and it is so pretty :P Maybe I should ask the artist if she's consider making 12x12 formats so I could print and scrap with the background *LOL*

I did this LO at a retreat a while back. A lovely friend took timeout from scrapbooking to create layered diecut patterns on her Gypsy The cardstock is probably Bazzill, the papers are Kaiser Craft and WRMK, the letters are AC Thickers. Can't remember where the little "journaling" stickers came from (and you can barely see them on the LO) "my" was handwritten with a micro Sakura pen. Bling is Kaiser Craft as well

Dusting this of again...

2010-08-29T15:39:00.002-04:00

I love these photos of the boys and this LO was pretty simple to put together. I just matted the photos on Archiver's CS on DCWV paper (from their green line). I love the texture on the paper. Then I used these stickers matted on the same CS. I think the stickers are an EK success line but need to check later. I also cut a few leaves from the paper and layered them on the top right corner of the photo mat.

Using scraps

2010-04-16T13:26:00.003-04:00

So, this layout started out as an attempt to both use some scraps and to depart the super simple look I can hardly ever escape. Don't get me wrong, I gravitate to "clean lines" and grids and all that good stuff; but, I love the collage look so many designers are so good at and I would love to get more comfortable doing some of that on my own LOs. So, this LO was done with DCWV cardstock for the base; 2 scraps of Scenic Route paper; 1 scrap of provocraft paper (from a pad from Michaels) Flowers are from Prima; bling swirls are BG I think; Buttons are EK Success altered with a sharpie marker; Brads are HL's brand; and the YoYos (those cloth ruffled circles) were something I ordered from Joann's online- not sure the brand. Stamps are Hero Arts borders. Ink is Stazon and Colorbox cats eye. I'm pretty happy with the way it came out :)

Tuesday Morning Score!

2010-04-09T11:01:00.004-04:00

If you have a TM near you, check them out today! Their advertised sale includes Tim Holtz Grungeboard and his embossing powder case as well as Martha Stewart Punches. This is what I bought when I went:

1 Embossing powder case 7.99
2 Sets of grungeboard (2 pgs per set) 7.99 ea - I got one set of alphas and shapes and 1 set of plain sheets in 2 diff textures
1 roll Heidi Swapp white Damask stickers (on clear so I can't really color them or use as masks like I first thought- still nice though) 1.99
1 MS flower punch 2.99 (they had about 3 diff sm punches plus a snowflake border punch at my store)
1 box MM Whimsy embeliies 1.99 (they also had xmas)
1 set of MM seasons flowers in plastic jars $3.99

Not pictured: a set of 3 MM paints, brush, tray, and 2 small build-a-border stamps for $3.99

They also had a $30 pkg of misc Heidi Swapp Travel stuff for $10 and a HS calendar kit

BHG Life in Photos- a (long-winded) Review

2010-04-08T21:17:00.007-04:00

A while back, I was lucky enough to win a $50 credit to BHG Life in Photos on an awesome scrapbooking site PaperCrafter's Corner. I am the queen of procrastination so it took me a while to put the credit to good use. I was told it expired as of March 1, 2010. As luck (bad) would have it, I ended up going oot for a family funeral on the 27th and 28th so I was scrambling to design some projects and place an order on the 1st.

Edited: Removed post as realized my address was there - plus BHG life in Photos has been taken down so whole review is irrelevant

2010-04-07T13:32:00.002-04:00

I have been hoarding this paper from Paper Adventures for years. At the time I bought it, the whole line was clearanced at joann's but I have seen it back in the store since then *shrug* The paper is glittered and, with all the circles, seemed perfect for bubble-blowing pics. I just added my then-brand-new liquid pearls (thanks Heather!) and some buttons and I journaled along the edge of one of the circles. This is actually a 2 page spread but I only photographed the one

Pretty as a Picture

2010-04-05T20:45:00.003-04:00

This is a LO of 2 of my favorite girls...

Paper is MME Bohemia; Big flowers are Prima; Bling is BG; brads are HL (Paper Studio?); chipboard was MM colored with TA Glimmer Mist; smaller fabric flowers were Portofino from a Costco SB kit

Dusting off this ol' thing

2010-04-05T00:05:00.003-04:00

I have decided I would like to resurrect my blog and decided Easter would be an appropriate day ;P (I think I am 10 mins late but oh well)

Anyway, I am going to be posting a review in a day or 2 but decided to post a recent fav layout here tonight.

This layout was done with 2 Scenic Route papers (I'm so sad they are closing their doors) and the arrow is from one of their die-cut sheets. Chipboard letters and ornamental piece are Bo Bunny. Writing done with a Creative Memories pen. The LO is super simple but I really like how it came out.

No scrappin' here

2008-06-01T09:58:00.005-04:00

my whole house has been sick. Kids are finally better but I still have a cough and stuffy head. I hate summer colds.

So, here is a LO that I have had in my scrapfriends gallery for quite a while; but, I absolutely love it- it's one of my favs

I used BG Romani papers - cut all the flowers out of one sheet and layered them on pop dots, lined them with my Sakura stardust Gelly Roll & Tiara pens, and added rhinestones. The frame was stamped with Prima build-a-frame stamps and then colored over with the Tiara pens (which are the same as Stardust but they are from Sakura of "Japan). The tags are Romani, the ribbon is making memories

Some yummy blog candy

2008-05-26T12:43:00.001-04:00

can be found here

2008-05-26T01:03:00.000-04:00

I did this layout for the Monday Challenge at Sisterhood of Scrap (linked in sidebar). As their sister of the week, I got an early start :)
These were the next photos in my waiting pile so that was a lucky break.

The black cardstock is DCWV as are the white mats. I inked the edges of all papers with my Color Box chestnut roan cat's eye and the photos with Timber Brown Stazon. I took plain white paper (actually the inserts of page protector refills) and painted it with Making Memories scrapbook paint (Hampton collection & Pearl glaze) I also used some Brenda Walton baby handprint stamps.
I used part of my painted sheet as a background mat and ran part thru my Cricut to cut the main part of my title (George cartridge) I used a Sakura micron pen to write the smaller title part and cut out one of the handprints as an embellishment.

Silly Little Monkey

2008-05-24T21:33:00.000-04:00

The Sisterhood of Scrap blog (link in sidebar) issued a challenge 2 Mondays ago to scrap something Silly. As it happens, these 2 photos were in my next batch of photos to scrap. A was making monkey noises and arm movements when I took the second pic.

The paper is again from my immense stash. The 'monkey' are brown felt American Crafts Thickers- love the texture they add IRL. I wrote the 'Silly Little' and the journaling with my brown Zig marker. The monkey was stamped with an Autumn Leaves single that I think is also in the Mindy's Zoo set. The pics were matted on DCWV cardstock and edges inked with ColorBox Cat's Eye (chestnut brown).
The LO is pretty simple but I really like how it came out

LO for Scrap My Crap mystery envie

2008-05-18T22:08:00.000-04:00

I love how this layout turned out. Mystery envie challenge at Scrap Your Crap blog.
I can't remember who made the main PP- and am too lazy to go look. Mat is 8x8 stak from Marcella by Kay. Metal words are MM. Chalk ink from Colorbox. Doodlebug paper frill. Flower from my stash. Button is EK Success. Also highlighted several words of background paper with my stardust clear gelly roll pen

LO for "Scrap Your Crap" challenge

2008-05-18T22:02:00.001-04:00

Hard to see but all the embellies were pre-glittered up or have had stardust pens added to them in various colors. The dot trails have been dotted over with gold precious elements pen from CM. This also used some Marcella by Kay paper and embellies that I have had for quite a while- yay for using my stash!!

This was a challenge for the Scrap Your Crap blog

A new blog

2008-03-12T22:57:00.000-04:00

I used to have a livejournal blog but I have not posted in forever. SIo, I thought I might just go ahead and start a new one. I primarily want a place to post my scrapbooking crap. BTW, I am seriously obsessed wit scrapbooking. Love it lots. If I won the lottery, I would probably spend all day every day SBing. Unfortunately, I have to work for a living so I'll have to satisfy myself with SBing a couple nights a month instead :P