Robin's Nest: Scrap Out Loud

WELCOME to our newest LiL' PEANUT

2011-08-01T21:03:00.001-04:00

WOW! What a fabulous weekend we had. (warning: baby photo heavy post) Friday night my daughter in law was admitted as she was in labor! YAY!!! After several hours, at 4:30 AM Saturday 7/31/2011 we are proud to welcome our newest little peanut, Payton Leign.

She weighs 8 pounds 4 ounces and is an amazing 20 inches in length! I always love the very first pictures.

She met her big sister, too! I think Kenzie likes her! I asked Kenzie if she cries. She told me "No....I make her happy!" You have to love the thoughts of 5 year olds!

Aunt Britta was able to come and visit too!

We can't leave out Daddy. Whatever is he going to do with a household full of girls? LOL... I'm sure he will be wonderful.

I'm not too sure that Kenzie is excited about "her" daddy holding this new baby. LOL I think someone might be a wee bit jealous.

Look at those Beautiful eyes!!!!!

Do you see it? She has a hint of a smile already.

Today, Payton and mommy get to go home. Mommy and baby are both doing wonderful.
Thank you to Tabetha, Tom, Amber and Erin for sending these fabulous first moment photos.

I love you all and will see you in October!!

Have a blessed day!All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

pre school

2011-07-24T22:29:00.001-04:00

Hee Hee Heee....Haa haaa Haaa...Ho Ho Ho....LOL...really...I finally finished going through all of my "drafts" and have written a post for each of them. They are all truly "scheduled" correctly this time around.
Both of my granddaughter's are in preschool. And fortunately, both my DD and my DIL sent me photos.

This layout features Gaby's first day of pre school. Again, it was a cell phone photo which I changed to black and white to eliminate some of the distractions. That cute skirt she is wearing is really pink and black and I think it is too stinkin' cute.

Kenzie is in a montisorri school. She really excels and received this "key" award. I couldn't help but create this layout with the "smarty pants" embellishment I found in my stash!

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

birthday cards

2011-07-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

My Mother in law requested lots of birthday cards in her goodie basket. Here are my most recent creations. Don't you love that butterfly? Seriously this is one of my favorite spellbinder's dies. I think I will be using it lots and lots!

This was a simple card to create. I stamped a flower on yellow cardstock, fancy cut it out and then inked the edges with distress ink.

Another simple card. I stamped the dragonfly, fussy cut it and then drug out the chalks. I know...shocking....something I have had in my stash for years, but rarely use. Ha Ha Ha. Things are changing my friends...I'm digging deep in my stash...you will see some of the basic things coming out of storage...some of the old techniques revisited...It is back to basics for me!

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Z-Access 3 D Frames-- A review

2011-07-21T13:27:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone,
My friends at The Lewibelle Company have sent me the most wonderful little frame to review. It is a frame on a swivel which allows for any 2 D or 3 D object to be displayed. It is perfect for displaying smaller 3 D objects to protect them from dust, moisture and fingerprints.

I have to admit that I have had it for about 2 months. I knew exactly what I wanted to use it for; but, finding that object was another story. Hubby finally found it and I was able to assemble this display in about 15 minutes.

In 1991 when the new Comisky Park opened, my DH took the kids to a game. Lo and behold he actually caught a foul ball. For years it has been kept in a small plastic baggie to protect it from dust. It has also been stored in an cabinetry out of sight. Well, with this amazing frame, we are able to proudly display it out in public. Those small hands of our grandkids can pick up the frame and there is no risk of damage to the ball. COOL!!!!!

For this project, I wanted the Comisky Park emblem to show. I also wanted to be able to quickly identify the baseball team. I used my Blackletter Solutions cartridge to cut the word "SOX" out in black vinyl. I also found a baseball cap that I photographed and then sized to make the cute hat embellishment at the top.

PROS:

This frame inside of a frame is on a rotating base that can be displayed either horizontally or vertically depending on your project orientation
Easy to create a project in just a few minutes
Film insert protects 2 D or 3 D items from dust, moisture and fingerprints
Film insert can expand to an item size of 5" x 3" x 2.5"
6" x 4" frame can display items weighing up to 3 pounds
Film insert can be cleaned with a soft cloth or sponge and mild blend of dish soap and water
Available in 7 different colors
Replacement film inserts are available
Made in the USA

CONS:

Made of composite resin (plastic) (I personally would love to see one made of all wood)
Can not display items which may be damaged when compressed
Film insert may "yellow" with extended exposre to direct sunlight
Oils and residue on display objects may lead to discoloration of film inserts
Sharp, pointed items may cause punctures in the film
When placing a round object such as the baseball in it, the "emblem" may roll and therefore be off center.
Only available in 3 styles (one of which is a combination of wood and composite resin)
Frame size only available in 6" x 4" (I would like to see this in a larger size)
Price $20 to $38
Have only found it available at the website

You can find more ideas for use and product details at THE LEWIBELLE COMPANY website. Just click on the underlined words.

Overall, I liked the Z- Access 3D frame. I think that it has much potential, but still has a little ways to go. I can see this becoming a great success with a few changes or added features. On a scale 1 - 10 thumbs up, I give this product an 8 thumbs up!

Thanks for stopping today. I hope that you found this review to be useful.

Have a blessed day!All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

sassy meow

2011-07-19T22:30:00.001-04:00

Hello friends!!!! Life is craaaaaaazzzzzyyyyy!!!!! Soon we will be meeting our 7th grandchild. She should be joining us sometime the end of August, first part of September. I am so excited and just can not wait. I hope to get to visit her no later than October.

Today I wanted to share with you a layout I created for some halloween photos of my DGD. I wanted the papers to reflect the theme of the costume...and let me tell you I had to search high and low to find that awesome pink animal print paper.
My DGD was a "kitty cat"...I'm sure she told me a specific name, but for the life of me...I can not remember...ha ha ha.... Aren't those expressions on her face adorable? They make me smile every time I look at them. Matter of fact, I love the one with her mouth open so much it is one of my screensaver's at work.

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

last of mother's day cards

2011-07-17T10:36:00.000-04:00

Ha Ha Ha....You guessed it...I am still finding posts which I put in "draft" instead of scheduled. LOL.... Hopefully there won't be too many more like that, but who knows...my mind has been scattered of late.

This adorable card I created for my sweet friend, Julie for Mother's day. Each of the little birds represented one of her children. I just think that image is too stinking adorable. The stamp I have actually has 4 birds on it, but I cut one off. Again, I used my Stampin' Up water colors to colorize the image. I'm still learning the basics of shading, but think I am starting to get the hang of it.

I made this card for my DD. Simple, yet classic. I love that scored the top section and then sanded it to make the score lines pop!

What do you do to make your simple cards, pop? Is there a particular element or technique you like to use?

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

cards, cards and more cards

2011-07-14T10:42:00.000-04:00

My dear mother in law loves to send out cards of all kinds. Recently, she asked if I could make her some for her stash. Of course, I was more than happy to fill her request. (Insert big SMILE here). It sure made me feel good that she likes my creations.
I wanted to give her something unique. I found this awesome card design which features a buckle. I love it! I would be happy to share the instructions if anyone would like. Just drop me a line. If there are enough requests, I'll post them here.

This last card is a friendship card. I found in my stash some fabulous fabric paper. It is the green with polka dots. Then I punched a large scallop and stamped the Stampin' up image. I have to admit that coloring and shading is not one of my forte's. I used my prism color water colors and my Stampin' up water crayons to color this image.

So, give me your honest opinion. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions on where I can find tutorials about shading of images?

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

bday and mother's day cards

2011-07-11T10:33:00.001-04:00

Again??? Really????

I must be loosing my mind of late! LOL....no comments from the peanut gallery..LOL

I thought that I had posted these photos of birthday and mother's day cards already. Apparently, NOT! Ha Ha...actually I found several posts which were "Drafts" instead of scheduled. Guess that tells you where my mind has been of late...perhaps vacation.

Anyway, these are some cards that I created.

This adorable card with the castle was for my oldest DGD. I used the Once upon a Princess Cricut cartridge to create it.

The mother's day cards were created for the mother's in my life...I love that dragonfly stamp...and that flower is cut using the recent Tim Holtz floral die.

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

time bandit

2011-07-08T10:31:00.001-04:00

Hello my friends! I'm trying to get caught up on my blog posts featuring my latest scrapbook pages and cards.
Today, I am showing off another photo that my DD sent via her cell phone. You have got to love technology! I have to say that when I opened that attachment...I couldn't help but smile. That shirt just cracked me up. The photo is of my youngest DGS...looking all adorable... Don't you just love a baby smile with no teeth?

I used a few techniques on this page. I stamped the swirls in versa mark then went over them with perfect pearls to add dimension. I also did some punching for the hearts and the borders. Additionally, I distressed the edges of the punches with distress ink. (I have to say those distress inks are some of my favorite products). I wanted a vintage looking car, but don't have a cricut cartridge which contains one, so I hand drew and fussy cut the one you see here. Oh yes, there is also some stamping here too.

Do you have a favorite technique that you use over and over again? What techniques are you wanting to learn? Where do you find the best tutorials for techniques?

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

perfect storm

2011-07-05T10:29:00.003-04:00

How is everyone doing today? We have had extreme heat here in these parts. Our poor garden is looking wilted and parched even though we are watering it. Hopefully there will be some rain in our forecast this coming week.

Sometimes being cool is reflecting on past weather temperatures...you know what they say...it is all in the state of mind. Anyway, I was going through my pictures and found these from this past February. We had a wonderful snow storm here which is very uncommon. It pretty much incapacitated the area, but I loved seeing all of the beautiful snow.
Snow to me when it is undisturbed is one of the most refreshing, beautiful and peaceful things. I love to watch snow fall and accumulate. I love to see snow on the ground with no footprints..it makes the surrounding seem so serene.

Tell me...What do you like or dislike about snow? Are you the type that likes to get out and play or sit back and enjoy the beauty?

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

just a little adventure

2011-07-02T07:25:00.000-04:00

Good Morning everyone,
Hope all are having a fabulous long weekend with lots of fun in the sun with family and friends. I know we will be spending lots of time with friends poolside which will include plenty of good home cooking. I think today's menu includes a "low country boil". LOL...I'm not sure what all that entails, but I'll be sure to share my thoughts. Tomorrow we will be cooking a turkey on the grill...YUM!!!!

Today I would like to share a layout I created with photos my DD sent via cell phone. The quality wasn't the best so I turned them to black and white to disguise some of the imperfections.

I loved the series of photos of my DGS as he was trying his mamma's nerves by climbing on things and jumping off. Apparently, this box looked almost as fun as the couch and the bed! LOL...

I have been seriously considering selling my cards and pre made scrapbook pages. Does anyone else do this? What is the best method you have found to get the word out? Those that sell your cards etc...what is the best method, such as pre made or custom order and you just have samples? I would love any input that you have to share and appreciate all comments.

P.S....I have had a ton of "spam" comments of late; therefore, I have had to temporarily enable not only comment moderation but the dreaded "word verification". Hopefully, this will prevent some of the "spam" from making through my filters.

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

happiness

2011-06-24T13:55:00.000-04:00

Wow! I thought that I hit publish, but apparently I pushed save now Story of my life, always pushing the wrong buttons. LOL

Life has been crazy busy as usual. Work is .....well, work! We have had so many storms of late that we really can't enjoy evenings outside. The storms have left lots of damage to trees and surrounding areas. We are fortunate that nothing too drastic other than a few branches falling, has happened at our homestead.

Did I mention that DH and I now have I Phones? No? Seriously, why did we wait so long? I am loving it and I have only had it a few days. I am still trying to figure out how to get some additional "free" ringtones. Keyword being "FREE". I admit it, I am cheap! LOL

On with my scrappiness. DH and I went to Gatlinburg back in February. Our sweet friends, Doug and Cheryl joined us (Waving HEY!!!!!). We had a great time and a bonus was that we actually had a photo taken with both of us in it!

I have really been using up my stash of late. I've had that lace for at least 3 years now, probably longer. along with those brads that I bought from oriental trading company a gazillion years ago. Anyone else putting themselves on scrappy budgets? I'm hoping to stick to mine...shouldn't be too hard as my goal is to pay off some bills!
Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my scrappy world...

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

may bday cards

2011-06-15T10:32:00.000-04:00

May starts a very busy birthday season for us. I felt so accomplished that I was able to get all of the cards made, even though some of them were late in arriving!

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

birthday surprises

2011-06-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

Let me start by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Daughter, Amber!!! She is 25...can you believe it? I feel so darned old! LOL..
This layout is of my youngest DGD on her 4th birthday. Her mom sent me these photos via cell phone and I knew I had to scrap them. Her mom surprised her at school with a cake. She said that Gaby sat there with a "Surprised smile" on her face while the whole class sang happy birthday to her, then she became embarrassed!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying my recent layouts and cards. Come back again soon!

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Noah's ark..

2011-06-11T10:28:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it. I did an entire album for my newest DGS and totally forgot to take photos of the pages before I gave it to my daughter. LOL...ohhh well.

This is one of the pages I did for my album. I love the tigers, giraffe and elephant. I used an "old" sketch that I had ripped out of a magazine for this page. Not sure that it works as well as they example, but I adore it regardless.
Thanks for stopping by.

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

face painting

2011-06-09T10:26:00.003-04:00

Face painting...kids love it...and some of us adults, too! My DGD, is just adorable with this freshly painted face...

I feel so blessed that my DIL posts these everyday pics for me to "steal" and scrap. With them being so far away, I miss all of the fun. But someday, perhaps she will enjoy looking through the journal of her life through my eyes....

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Tedious work...

2011-06-07T22:09:00.001-04:00

Tedious work. Let me tell you..that is what it is when I make cards. I really struggle with them. Sure, I can do ok with cards that I can mass produce, but when I try to make individual cards....aye aye aye...It takes me forever to design it, then pick out the papers...then stamp, cut, ink, pop dot.... Sometimes I wonder why I go to the trouble. But then I remember, these particular cards are going to my MIL...and I would do nothing to intentionally disappoint her.

2 more cards for her collection to send out. I hope she likes them. Since I am only using scraps to make the cards, it has become a real challenge to design them. Then of course, my card sentiments are in short supply. Where do you get your card sentiments for the inside? Do you print them on the card first before you design? Inquiring minds need to know.

I also wanted to share another Mother's day card that I made for my girlfriend. She loves lighthouses and as I have said, I try to personalize cards and gifts with the individual in mind.

So tell me, when you have a bulky card, how do you mail them? Do you send them in a regular envelope or do you use a bubble envelope? Just curious. I see so many beautiful cards out there and have always wondered if they are hand delivered or mailed out.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments. Come back again in a couple of days...hopefully there will be something new!
Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

I won!!!

2011-06-05T21:46:00.001-04:00

Gosh, I love my facebook! Because of it, I hardly ever visit messageboards anymore. LOL...Who needs them when the inspiration and friendships abound on facebook! I bet you are wondering what brought that proclamation about. Well, I received a facebook message that I won a prize! I know, I know...I was shocked...I must have missed the post..I was so unsure that I even checked the "Old" posts on the epiphany crafts facebook wall to verify. I mean, I never win..and here I am winning scrap goodies twice in a month! Life is awesome!

Isn't that awesome goodies? Epiphany crafts totally rocked my world. The papers are so cool...they are 24 x 36". The perfect size for wrapping gifts...And the foil paper is amazing. When I opened the one on the left, the papers reminded me of going to the circus...I can hardly wait to use it up! Thank you EPIPHANY CRAFTS! You are awesome.

While I was visiting my MIL, I gave her a card I made for Mother's day. She must have really liked it as she asked if I would make her some birthday cards that she can send out. Of course, I am happy to oblige her request..(Honestly, you could almost see my heart smiling when she asked...it just made me feel so good and important!). Here is what I have so far....

I love this card. Greens and yellows and blues...it just sings Summer to me. I hope she will like it, too.

I almost forgot. This is the Mother's day card that I made for her. I know how much she loves green and I wanted her to know that I remembered.

Come back again. I have enjoyed posting here again and have several more posts ready to go!

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Are you shocked and amazed?

2011-06-03T21:27:00.001-04:00

HaHaHa...really the sky is not falling! I promise. I know you are shocked and amazed as much as I that I have been posting on a fairly regular basis.

A couple of weeks ago, I was the proud winner of some awesome Graphic 45 papers. Let me tell you they are so awesome and beautiful...I almost don't want to cut into them..but I will...I have a few projects in mind.

Here is a glimpse at my winnings! Isn't that yummy?

Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike the month of May? no? Well, it is the beginning of the busiest months of the year for us. All of the birthdays, mother's day, father's day, memorial day, July 4th, vacations and things finally slow down, then...September comes and it starts all over again until after Christmas. Sometimes I feel like I'm on a merry go round and can't get off!

This is a card I made for a bridal shower. It seems kind of bland, but my girlfriend and her fiancee now hubby were both wearing all white! A couple of neighbor ladies and I went together to get them a flip video camera to take with them on their trip, but of course, I made a bunch of thank you cards for her, too.

Again, they are a simple design...but a great gift!

It seemed like May really snuck up on me more than usual. I was frantically trying to make all of my birthday and mother's day cards before we left on our vacation.

I have also been really trying to use up my scraps, so it seems that cards are the best option!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will again in the coming days!

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Super GIRL!!!

2011-06-01T09:22:00.001-04:00

Hope this finds you doing well, life is still crazy busy for me...
I want to share a layout that I completed at the recent crop I attended. Ok, maybe not so recent, but it was in the past 2-3 months.

I finally found some superman paper! LOL... This girl just tickles me to no end. When her mom took her to have the photos taken, she refused to pose in the manner that the photographer desired. She insisted to pose her way..and then proceeded to tell her mom..."I look tough, don't I mom!"

Come back in a couple of days. I have more to share! HaHa

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

long time no post!

2011-05-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

Seriously? Where is this year going? It seems like we just celebrated Christmas, had a huge snow storm and turn around and we are almost in June! WOW! Life sure does go by way too fast..especially as I get more mature...<Sigh>.

So many things have happened since my last post. We made a trip to Chicago! My daughter and her brood were able to join us. It was a very special trip for us as it was Mother's Day weekend, and we spent a week with my beloved MIL!

This is a photo of all of us that were there. It was the first time that I had seen the little one. I call him wiggles because, well, he wiggles constantly. LOL... I never realized how short I am compared to my husband!

In March I went to "Crop for a cure". I had a great time and was able to complete 4 pages. I realize that doesn't sound like much, but for someone that hasn't scrapped in a while it is quite an accomplishment.

I am so blessed that my DIL and daughter both keep me up to date with photos. They either post them on facebook or send them snail mail or email. Regardless, it helps me to see how they are growing.

This page is about my oldest DGD. I received this as a mms on my phone. LOL... Her mom had taken a photo and sent it and I responded back about how beautiful she is....of course, she wanted to send more...YAY!

Be sure to come back in the next few days as I will be showing the other layouts and cards that I have been working on.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Hopefully things will get back to normal and I can scrap a little more regularly.

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Happy Birthday, Annie

2011-03-19T17:30:00.026-04:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet Mother in law, Annie! I hope her day is blessed with lots of fun and surprises.

As is becoming my tradition, I am making all of my cards for celebrations, holidays and just for the heck of it! Again, I wanted a vintage card for my MIL. This time, I wanted it to be a bit frilly too and unique. I totally enjoyed making the step card and thought that this type of card might just fit the bill for her.

I had these awesome stamps from a See D's vintage stamp set. I stamped the woman and the tea set on glossy cardstock in archival black ink. You can't see it well, but I colored the flower pattern on the tea set with stampin' up write markers. I also used ranger distress ink around the edges in vintage photo.l Next I "misted or splattered" the tattered angels copper mist. The swirl is from a Martha Stewart clear stamp set that I found on sell for $5.
I used some vintage lace that I found at a garage sale, on each step as a background. I have the prima flowers on the last step with one of the prima swirls cut apart to make the centers. You can't see it very well in the photo, but I also added a black polka dot feather (we all know vintage hats have a feather). The Happy birthday sentiment I stamped on neon green cardstock and used a polka dot background stamp to embellish it a bit.
On the inside of the card, I added this sentiment from the nature's Element stamp set by Tim Holtz.
"Live in the moment and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering".

What do you think? I'm sure she will love the card no matter what, mainly because it is hand made.
I would really love to hear your opinion.

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Burthday, Birthday...who has a birthday

2011-03-15T16:25:00.001-04:00

Hello my friends! Hope everyone is doing well...We have been enjoying the spring weather here in South Carolina. The trees are blooming, grass is growing, birds are singing....and of course, that means lots of outdoor responsibilities. I'm very blessed to say that my DH prefers to take care of the "outdoor" tasks like mowing the grass and weed eating, but each of us share tasks equally in the flower beds and garden.

We will be starting our garden seeds in the next week. We have the cutest 3 tiered indoor greenhouse which will help us to start many of our garden plants. All of the seeds, pots and soil are purchased and ready for some attention from us. This year, I am trying something new, too. I saved a bunch of red, yellow and orange bell pepper seeds in hopes that they will grow. Only time will tell if the fruits of our labor will be successful.

Today, I would like to share another birthday card. Shocking! I know....This past Saturday, we celebrated a friend's birthday. Now, I realize he is much younger than I, but turning 40 should account for something and allow me to give such a momentous card!

Is that not the most awesome masculine card? I am quite proud of it if I do say so!
I had a vision of what I wanted to create. I knew I wanted something "vintage" to reflect growing "older". Well, of course, all I could find in my supplies was some feminine vintage stamps. Not a good choice for a man. LOL... I really wanted the vintage car stamp or die from Tim Holtz, but couldn't find it at any of the LSS or big box craft stores. I was desperate and decided to google some vintage car images. VOILA! I found an awesome image of 12 vintage cars. It had one large car and 11 smaller images.
I edited it in my picasa program with a little sepia and printed 4 copies of the 12 images at 3 1/2 x 5". That made the large image the perfect size for this card. I did a little fussy cutting and then inked the edges with vintage photo distress ink. As if that wasn't enough, I did some misting with tattered angels copper mist! LOVE IT!!!!
Next I needed to find a card base and kraft cardstock seemed to be the best choice. Since I am really trying to use up my scraps (Lord knows I have too many), I dug through them and found these perfect pieces from some We R memory keepers "MVP" collection! I cut the striped paper at 1 1/2" x 5 1/4" and the blue paper at 2 1/2" x 5 1/4". I glued the 2 pieces together, overlapping them slightly. I found some offray ribbed ribbon in beige and adhered that over the seam using Beacon fabri tac. (I love that glue for adhering ribbons to my projects)

This card was looking great, but it was still missing something. I dug through my stamps and found my Tim Holtz mini Nature's element clear stamps.

Do you see that stamp in the lower right corner? I used it repeatedly on the bottom stripe layer to simulate dirt. (I think it turned out awesome). Then the corner stamp in the left hand corner was begging for some attention. I stamped it on a piece of scrap paper first to see exactly what it would look like and wow, was I surprised that the long side resembled tire tracks! PERFECT! My car image needed to have some tire tracks behind the wheels. I masked off the area I didn't want to stamp and stamped the long edge under the tires.
The upper portion of the card seemed a bit bare after I did all of the distressing. I initially thought about adding some sort of cloud elements, but alas I didn't have any. So I sat and pondered. I looked at the corner stamp and noticed the smaller side might add an interesting element. I stamped it repeatedly across the top. I chose to do the distress stamping with walnut stain distress ink then inked the edges of the papers with vintage photo distress ink.
I next stamped the sentiment from the Tim Holtz mini nature's element in black soot distress ink. To this point, I still have not adhered the car. I decided to pop dot it so that it added another element to the card.
All that was needed now was a sentiment for the inside. Hmm....what to do??? I searched through my stamps and nothing seemed appropriate. I decided to create my own sentiment via my trusty word perfect program and the Harrington font!

Ha Ha Ha...I love it! Although the inside now looked a little "plain". I noticed that when I printed the vintage car images it also created a strip of 3/4" vintage cars. I cut that strip off and of course misted it with the tattered angels copper mist. I adhered that to a piece of the blue We R memory keepers paper from the MVP collection cut at 1" x 5 1/2". I next taped it in the middle of the entire sentiment! It fit perfect and I adore the outcome!
I love the way this card turned out. Masculine cards are very difficult for me, yet this one just seemed to come together in less than 1/2 hour. That in itself is amazing.

What I like:

love the vintage car image....Definitely going to do an image search in the future for my card/ scrapbook needs. You never know what you may run across.
love all of the distressing. Not my forte usually, but with the help of Tim Holtz supplies it made the task very easy!
Love the sentiment on the inside. I rarely use my computer for my cards/ scrapbooking, but I can see that I need to incorporate it more.

What do you think? Did you like the card? Do you use images from searches in your creations? Do you create your own sentiments withfonts on your computer? Where do you find your fonts? Do you buy them or do you have a site that offers them for free? What is one of your favorite fonts? Have you seen a distressed font?

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

A side step Card

2011-03-13T19:49:00.002-04:00

I would like to start by sending heartfelt prayers to those effected by the earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami.
Mother nature sure has a way of reminding us of how trivial our daily struggles really are in comparison to what they could become. Everyone has a cross to bear, some bigger and heavier than others, yet all of equal importance. Let's take a silent moment to reflect on how we can make a positive impact on those around us in hopes of relieving some of the weight of their cross.

Moving on!! It seems that I have become a card maker of late instead of a scrapbooker. Sad, but true. I still scrapbook, but not as much as I used to.

I hate to admit that I am still working on my youngest grandson's scrapbook. I hope to get it done at the crop that I am going to on March 19th. I don't know why I am struggling with it so much. Perhaps it is because my daughter chose the theme of "Noah's Ark". I have struggled to find papers and even ideas.

Today, I want to show the card I made for a friend. I wanted to do something new and unique for her, something that would brighten her day. I searched and searched through numerous tutorials from gatefold cards to waterfall cards. I decided to start with a step card. Are you familiar with these?

Here is my card:

What I did:

I started with an A2 card base in kraft cardstock, 8 1/2 x 5 1/2"
Put the 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" cardstock into the paper trimmer with the 5 1/2" side at the top.
Measure to 3 1/2".
start the cutting blade at the 1" mark on the vertical (up/ down ruler) and cut down to 6 3/8".
turn the cardstock so the 8 1/2" side is at the top.
Score down to the 3 1/2" cut at the 1", 2", 3 1/8" and 6 3/8" marks.
score all the way across the card at the 4 1/4" mark.
next fold at all of the score marks starting with mountains then valley's. At the 4 1/4" mark, 1/2 will be mountain and the widest part will be a valley.
I cut a piece of green patterned paper scrap to 2" x 4".
cut a piece of white cardstock to 1 7/8' x 3 7/". Stamp image and embellish as desired. Adhere to 2" x 4" piece of patterned paper.
Adhere to narrow side of kraft cardstock base.
cut 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 green patterned paper scrap to 2 1/2 x 2 1/2". Stamp sentiment or image and embellish.
adhere to right side of card, last mountain fold.
stamp simple sentiment on lower right side of card.
embellish remaining mountains as desired. I chose to embellish with flowers with i rock gems as centers and butterflies.

You can find better instructions at this location:
Stampin' with Paula
then click on download here.

Supplies:
Kraft Cardstock: Oriental trading company
prima flowers
Hero arts stamp: watercolor coneflower
Sentiment stamps: See D's "Garden of Friendship"
Butterfly stamp: Tim Holtz visual artistry stampers anonymous "Nature's elements"
Stampin' write marker: pretty in pink
Zig scroll & brush: pure orange, kiwi
Ranger distress ink: shaby shutters
Martha Stewart turquoise ink
Ranger Archival Ink: Jet Black

Scrappers floss: Karen Foster Designs: pink
I-rock tool: Imaginesce
I-rock gems: white and pink
Other:
White cardstock: unknown
scrap piece of green patterned paper: unknown

What do you think? Is this a type of card you would enjoy making or receiving? What other types of cards do you find fun to make? Would you mind sharing some links?

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

It's the beginning of birthday season!

2011-03-10T18:49:00.001-05:00

So much has happened since I posted way back in December. I'm not sure I want to go into too many details, but I will hit the highlights.
1) Found out we are going to be grandparents again! WOOOHOOOO! So exciting that Tom and Tabitha are expecting again the end of August. They are hoping for a boy. They will find out this week what their chances are of meeting that dream.
2) DH won firefighter of the year again in 2010. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments. Soon he will be taking an officer test. I wish him the best of luck.
3) We took a trip with the fire department explorer's to Gaitlinburg, Tn. They were in a competition there. All of the kids did an awesome job.
4) DS, Jim, has started back to college! I am so so proud of him for conquering this dream!

Moving back to current events! My DGD, Gaby turned 4 on March 6th. Can you believe it? It seems like just last week that I was making a mad dash to Texas to be there for her birth!
I wanted to share the card I made her. It was a bit tedious to make, but I absolutely adore the way it turned out.

I saw this idea in the cricut beyond birthday's cartridge book. I loved the card, but realized that I didn't have any of the papers that they utilized. Time for improvisation.

The first try, I cut the sentiment in the sizes listed in the manual; however, I found that it was much too large for my A2 card base. I tried reducing it by 1/2", but it was still too big. I kept playing around with the size until I found one which I felt was a good size.

INSTRUCTIONS:
A) I used the classic A2 card base in black.
B) Then cut a piece of pink cardstock to 4 x 5 1/4".
C) Cut a piece of white cardstock to 3 3/4" x 5".
C) Next, I cut individual strips of varying colored cardstock scraps in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" widths.
D) Randomly adhere the varying cardstock strips to the white cardstock. Be sure to alternate the heights. These will be your candles. I found it easiest to run a strip of adhesive along the bottom edge of the card and then about 2" up from the bottom. I then adhered the strips at varying heights and trimmed them off the bottom.
E) Cut a piece of black cardstock 1/2" x 4".
F) Adhere across the candles.
G) Cut Happy Birthday sentiment using the Beyond Birthday's cricut cartridge at 1 3/4" in yellow cardstock.
H) Using the same dial size of 1 3/4", cut the Happy Birthday sentiment in blackout from black cardstock.
I) Adhere the 2 birthday greetings together.
J) Adhere the birthday greeting to the black strip on the card base.
K) Using a black sharpie pen, outline each candle and create the 1/2 circle on top and the flame.
L) Fill in random flames with yellow color. You could use any medium you choose to color the flame such as stickles, water colors, paint, pens etc. I used theSakura souffle pen and Sakura Glaze pens. I also randomly left a few of them white.
M) Punch small daisies and adhere randomly to the card front.
N) using the I rock tool, adhere varying colors of gems to the center of the daisies.
O) Adhere the white cardstock to the pink cardstock and then the pink to the black card base.

What I love about this card:
*I love that it uses fun colors
*I love that I was able to use several pieces of scraps which justified my saving them!
* I love that it is easy to duplicate in the future!
* I love that by changing the colors of the "Candles" and the embellishments, you can make this a masculine card.
* I love that you don't need any artistic abilities to draw the flames. It is just a simple tear drop shape.

What I would do differently:
* I would reduce the size of the sentiment to 1 1/4" which would allow for a little more room to add embellishments.
* I would change the mat around the white cardstock to another fun color which is different from the candles so that it stands out more.
* Add some stickles to the candles and flames!

What do you think? What did you like or dislike about the card? What would you do differently?

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Birthday Card

2011-03-06T18:47:00.001-05:00

Holy Cow! I can't believe that I haven't posted anything in 2 months.... I knew that I was having problems with mojo, but wow...much worse than I imagined .Hopefully I still have a couple of people who read my blog.
Today, I would like to share a birthday card that I made for a friend. It is nothing too special, but I like it none the less.

Supplies:
Anna Griffin clear stamps: Flora Collection
Martha Stewart border punch
Miscellaneous manilla cardstock
Miscellaneous purple cardstock
I-rock silver gems
butterfly punch

Have a blessed day! All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 12

2010-12-12T17:42:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of cards! Can you believe that I made 12 different designs? Who wants a Christmas card from me? LOL...Now that I have had 2 commissioned card sales, I have started keeping 1 as a sample for future card sales. Does anyone else do that?
Here is a quick review of all 12 cards.

Which one is your favorite? How do you determine the design of your card? Do your friends and family appreciate the cards that you make?
Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 11

2010-12-11T17:41:00.000-05:00

Just a quick and simple card...lots of stamping and inking...
See you tomorrow for the last card reveal!
Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 10

2010-12-10T17:41:00.001-05:00

I'm posting this card in a hurry. Tonite we have our annual company Christmas party. I am excited to go this year as it will also be a celebration of my birthday! Of course, no one there will know that, but my DH knows and he will actually be wearing something besides jeans and a t-shirt! LOL
The cute buttons are die cut from cardstock using the sizzlet button die!

See you tomorrow for the next reveal!

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 9

2010-12-09T18:40:00.000-05:00

Ha Ha ha...I just realized that Card # 9 is posted on the 9th day of December! I couldn't have planned that any better...
This card is like all of the others, A2 in size. Each layer is edged with the Krylon gold pen to add a little dimension.

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 8

2010-12-08T18:39:00.007-05:00

Another simple card folks! I don't have much to say about it other than it is from the My Minds eye "O Christmas Tree" line. All of the edges of the patterned papers and the label are inked with cat eye chalk ink.

Come back tomorrow for another card. There are only 4 more to show and then I will have to find something else to show off!

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 7

2010-12-07T18:32:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends! I'm back again today with another simple card. Someone in my list of friends will be receiving this and I hope that they will appreciate the simplicity and beauty.

Do you remember the card I made yesterday which had the red background? I cut the Christmas tree portion out and had quite a large piece of the basic red which would coordinate with all of the remaining papers in the paper pad.
I chose another piece of pattern paper from the My Minds Eye "O Christmas Tree" line. Then I cut a piece of the red paper scrap that measures 1 1/2" x 5 1/2". I stamped the "JOY" sentiment added some Krylon gold paint around the edges, tied a bow and then adhered to the patterned paper.
Are you using any of these ideas in your holiday card making? I would love to see your creations too. Just leave me a comment with a link to your blog and I'll be sure to stop and check things out!

See you tomorrow!

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 6

2010-12-06T18:24:00.000-05:00

Christmas is right around the corner. Do you have all of your shopping complete? Do you have your cards in the mail? I would have to answer no to both. LOL...I know that I have been busy making cards, but now I need sit down and address them. LOL...I will...I will....I promise they will arrive before Christmas!

This card was easy peasy, even those with no card making or scrapbook abilities could achieve it without recreate it.
Again, I used the A2 card base from The paper studio kraft cardstock. I love that cardstock...Think I am going to need to get more! The patterned paper is from My Mind's eye "O Christmas tree" line. The trees and flourishes were already on the paper and all I had to do was cut them out. I did embellish the edge of the patterned paper with a Krylon gold paint pen. I adhered it to the card base, stamped a simple sentiment on the inside and VIOLA!! Card complete!
Those of you with no scrapbook or card making knowledge...Do you think you could recreate this? What do you like about it? I personally loved the simplicity.

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 5

2010-12-05T18:59:00.002-05:00

Day 5 of my Christmas card reveal already! Can you believe it? WOW...time is really flying.

This is a simple card which can be easily duplicated over and over again without too much thought or effort. Matter of fact, if you pre-cut the papers you make about 20 in an hours time.
Try to guess the size of the card! LOL...of course, it is an A2 card...one of my favorites to make and send. It is a great size to create on and postage remains at the normal rate..no extra postage required.
As I have done in the past, I used Kraft paper from The paper studio. I think that The paper studio products are a line only available at Hobby Lobby. I find their products to be of excellent quality and reasonably priced.
All of the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye "O Christmas Tree" line. Yes....I admit it...(Hanging head in shame)...I bought the whole paper pack...LOL. The top sheet of patterned paper is cut at 5 1/2" x 3". The bottom polka dot paper is cut at 1 1/4" x 5 1/2". Next I cut a piece of coordinating red cardstock to 3/4" x 5 1/2" and another pattern paper at 1/2" x 5 1/2" to use to cover the seam from the first 2 patterned papers. I used the "Merry Christmas" stamp from the Stamper's anonymous mini holiday set on a piece of kraft cardstock. I used a corner punch from Creative Memories on the label.

Are you enjoying all of the cards that I am showcasing? Are they inspiring you to create your own?

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 4

2010-12-04T19:44:00.000-05:00

Are you almost done making your Christmas cards? Do you have them all addressed and in the mail? Believe it or not, we received our first Christmas card the day after Thanksgiving. Now that is an organized person! I remember the days when I used to be like that...so many years ago!
Today, I am sharing with you the 4th Christmas card that I have created in my series.

This card is loosely based on the Tim Holtz 12 days of Christmas cards. Again, this is an A2 card base in white in which I have covered with patterned paper from Echo Park. I then used the back side of the paper which has the awesome musical score. Finally, I put the Santa tag on at an angle. I simple sentiment was stamped inside and Voila...card complete. Easy peasy if you have all of the cute stamps, stickles, distress inks etc.....
Supplies:
Echo Park paper: Christmas Carol from the Merry Christmas line
Santa head/ Chistmas carol and music stamp from Stampers Anonymous - mini holidays
Distress ink: Fired brick and peeled paint
Cut and dry foam: LOVE LOVE LOVE this to use for blending my distress inks.
archival ink in black
Red and green stickles

Have you tried to make any of the Tim Holtz Chistmas tags? Do you use the tags after you make them or do you put them on a ring as a reference for techniques?

Be sure to come back tomorrow to see my next card creation.
Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

lighthouse pencil drawing

2010-12-03T20:14:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had a dream that you have put on hold, but really want to pursue? Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to draw. Years ago...I entered a drawing contest from the TV guide...draw tippy the turtle or the pirate. Do you remember those ads??? Anyway, I found that I can draw just about anything that I can see...I just can't visualize things on my own.
To make a long story short, this past year I have decided to try my hand at drawing again. I am totally self taught. I have no sense of shading, proportion or any knowledge of drawing at all. Perhaps you remember last year when I drew the logo for our BBQ catering business?

Not too bad...the rest of the BBQ team like it enough to use it as our logo. LOL
So I decided to try my hand again at something a bit more challenging, something more life like and not cartoonish. I have a co-worker whose name I have drawn for secret sister. I want to give her a memorable and fabulous Christmas present. She loves lighthouses, but I just can't seem to find anything that is unique. I have a friend, Becky Thackston (HI BECKY!) that is a wonderful artist. She has recently shared a drawing she completed of a lighthouse. I decided to use it as my inspiration for my drawing. I realize it is very, very, very close to hers and I want to give her proper credit.

Here is my 1st attempt at a pencil sketch canvas. Since making this post, I have tweaked it quite a bit ...such as making the light shine from the correct part of the lighthout and revising the roofline of the cottage. I've also added a poem of encouragement.
What do you think? Is this something you would like to receive as a gift? or is it something you would say...."what was she thinking?" I don't want to embarrass myself by giving something that looks stupid and may end up in the trash. I want to give something that she will know came from my heart. That I truly had her in mind as I was drawing.
Now that I have this drawn...I have another problem. Should I add color or not? Again, I have no training in painting and don't want to ruin this project. I thought about simple water colors or color pencils. What are your thoughts? Then more questions...1) if I decide to leave it as a pencil sketch...how do I seal it so that it will not smear. 2) How should I frame it? With or without a mat? ....I don't know...I'm just so unsure of my abilities that I am even second guessing giving this as a gift. Aye eye eye... I really need cold, brutally honest...from the heart critiques. I promise my feelings won't be hurt...I would love any and all tips too.

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 3

2010-12-01T19:53:00.001-05:00

Hello my faithful bloggy friends!
I am so blessed that you continue to come and visit my lonesome blog and so grateful to those that take the time to make a comment. I'm sorry that I have temporary had to add comment moderation and that difficult word confirmation which verifies that you are not a robot! LOL....I kept getting spam comments...although some were original, they were still a big pain.

Today I would like to share with you another card which I was commissioned to make. This customer asked for something that was "old world" or "vintage". These 2 venues are my most difficult, but I thought what they heck...I'll give it my best shot.

This is an A2 card base made from The Paper Studio kraft cardstock. To me, kraft cardstock screams "old world" so it was a natural choice for the base. The cute little snowman I cut from a 12 x 12 sheet of "snowman" paper by The paper studio. The snowflake paper is also from The paper studio. I punched a heart from AC red cardstock. The snowflake I cut with my cricut. For the life of me, I can not remember the name of the cartridge (I know, I could just run upstairs and look it up, but....I'm just feeling a bit lazy today.) I had some red gingham ribbon laying around which I also added.
The "We wish you a merry Christmas" stamp is from daisy bucket. Ohhh Ohhh Ohh and do you see that awesome gem in the middle of the snowflake??? That is from my "New" I-Rock tool! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!! Holy cow....I don't know why I waited so long to get it. Even after adding that awesome gem, I thought the card needed just a wee bit more embellishing. I decided to keep it simple by adding some faux stitching using my white signo pen!

So, do you think that I achieved the customer request??? Is it "old world" or more country charm? Or, perhaps it is just plain eclectic, like me! Regardless, I will be delivering these to her this week and I will let you know her response!

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Card Day 2

2010-11-29T17:56:00.001-05:00

Welcome back!!! I've been away for so long that I doubt there are many that read my blog, but it's all good. I started this blog as a means to document my scrapping, but love the sharing factor that it promotes since I rarely visit message boards anymore. Between working, our catering business, household chores, design team work, and every day life...I just couldn't keep up with everything that happens, besides the drama on some boards is just WAAAAYYYY over the top!
Today I want to share another Christmas card. This one is one of the 11 designs that I created for my personal use. (I know, I know...but I can never decide what I want for a Christmas card until I create them...LOL.. Besides, DH has to approve them too!)
When I was sitting down to make my cards, my first thought was to make Z fold cards. How cool would that be?? They could easily sit on a mantle to be displayed that way! Now, I have to tell you that I have never made a Z fold card before, nor have I ever seen any instructions or examples of one. Z fold card may not even be the correct name for the style, but it is what the folding brings to mind.
Here is my first attempt:

Not too bad if I have to say so myself. I couldn't capture the middle panel for my photo, but it remains white with a sentiment and place for further personalization!

Z fold card tutorial:

I started with an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch piece of white cardstock.
Cut in 1/2 lengthwise. The dimensions should now be 4 1/4 inches by 11 inches
Score the card base at 4 1/2 inches and 7 1/4 inches. Next fold on the score lines in opposite directions, like a Z. You should have a medium sized panel, a small panel and a larger panel.
This fold will give you an A2 sized card to fit in a simple invitation envelope.

Did any of that make sense? LOL...Since this was the first time that I have made a card like this, it took me a while to decide how to design the panels. I needed something that would flow smoothly with the larger panel. I dug through my stash and found a single sheet of blue snowflake paper made by Provocraft (believe it or not, it was one of the very first scrappy papers that I ever bought 4 years ago. About time I used it, too!) Not thinking, I cut the snowflake paper to 4 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches and the second piece to 4 1/4 x 7 1/4". I inked all of the edges with distress ink- brushed denim. Then, I adhered it to the front panel and the back panel. This left the middle panel as basic white cardstock.
Next, I cut a strip of the 3 bugs in a Rug - Gingerbread line- Let it snow paper. Each of these strips measured 1 7/8" x 4 1/2 and 1 7/8" x 7 1/4". I adhered this to the bottom.
In the middle section I stamped a sentiment in the distress ink- brushed denim. The only sentiment that I had which would fit in the small space was a simple text which read: From our family to yours.
You can't tell from the above image, but the center of each snowflake has been generously covered with Diamond Stickles to add a bit of sparkle!

Lessons learned and a duh moment:

If you don't have a design in mind when you start this type of card it may require some added time to create since the "canvas" is expanding.
Creating this type of fold is time consuming and requires some patience to get the scores straight if you don't have a scoring tool. (I now own a Martha Stewart score pal!!!!)
don't cover the entire front panel base with the "Snowflake" paper (DUH!!!!) as it will be covered by the gingerbread house paper. What a waste! LOL
After making the ~~first~~ second card, I realized my error of covering the entire panel, but too late as now I would not have enough of the "Snowflake" paper to create more than 4 additional cards in this style!

Since learning these lessons and I knew that I had to make as many of these cards as possible, I changed the style up to a regular A2 card.

As you can tell by the example above, I used the same basic design. I only had 3/4 of a sheet of 12 x 12 inch snowflake paper left and I needed to maximize the use. I cut the snowflake paper in 2 1/2" x 4 1/4" strips, inked all of the edges and adhered to the top of the card near the fold. Next I adhered the gingerbread house paper so that it butted up against the snowflake paper.
By doing this, it left a large "white" space which looked rather boring. I had no idea what to do, but started perusing through my Christmas stamp collection to find a sentiment. The sentiment I used is from the Paper Studio Snowflake Collection clear stamps. I used the brushed denim distress ink and centered the sentiment under the gingerbread house.
Still, as I looked at the card it just seemed unfinished, as if something was missing. I could add some brads...ribbon....flourishes...hmmm..... EUREKA!!!! What if I added some scored lines?? I used my first card as the guinea pig and absolutely loved the final outcome! The raised score lines were the perfect embellishment...simple and not bulky! I scored the lines at 1/4" and 1 1/2" from the bottom of the front of the card. This left the perfect amount of space to stamp my sentiment!

What do you think? Do you have a favorite of the 2 cards? Mine is the Z fold. I really wish that I hadn't bumbled with the snowflake paper so that I could have made more than 2 of this style. I even .braved the Black Friday weekend shoppers to go to 2 LSS, Michaels and Hobby Lobby in search for more, but to no avail. :(
I do know that I will be trying the Z fold technique again. I will try to "remember" my lessons learned and plan ahead with more than 1 sheet of patterned paper if I plan to make more than 1 card! LOL...

Supplies:
Provocraft snowflake paper
3 Bugs in a Rug--gingerbread- let it snow paper
White cardstock
Scoring tool
Stickles Diamond glitter
Distress ink - brushed cordoroy
It's beginning to look like christmas stamp - Paper studio snowflake collection - clear stamp
Cut and dry foam
From our family to yours stamp - Clearly Wordsworth clear stamps

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Christmas Cards day 1

2010-11-27T19:21:00.000-05:00

I hope this finds everyone doing fabulously after such a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday! Like most, here in our household we ate too much, watched a bit of football and napped off and on throughout the day.
We even had a 1 minute conversation as to whether or not we should brave the crowds to do a bit of shopping on black Friday! Our decision came quick as both hubby and I dislike shopping on a good day and despise shopping when the crowds are out of control! Instead, hubby worked at the fire station so that one of the firemen could have the day off to spend with his family. I spent the day .....ok...honestly, I spent most of the day watching old movies and then decided that I had to get busy on making some Christmas cards.
I have completed about 1/2 of what I need. I finished 1 order and 1 more to complete by Monday. It's a small order so I don't think it will take long to whip out. So far I've made about 40 Christmas cards in 12 different designs. Hopefully over the coming days you will let me know which is your favorite.

I would like to feature my very first Christmas card that I have been contracted to make. The buyer had no idea what she wanted, but asked for some sparkle and a bow. Wow! Talk about a wide open field to play in...Woooo Hoooo!!!!

I was going through my stamps looking for something that could be Christmasy and wintery. I came across this stamp and knew it would be perfect for a card.
I made an A2 base card in white then stamped the barren tree images in Stampin' Up ink. The saying was stamped using the black cat eye chalk ink. You can see that it appeared a little boring so I added some stickles randomly on the trees and surrounding ground. Next I tied a bow. You probably can't tell but I scored 2 lines across the bottom of the card, one above and one below the sentiment. Viola!!!! Card complete and hopefully something that my first customer will appreciate!

Supplies:
White cardstock 80 lb (generic brand)
Ranger Diamond Stickles
Cat eye chalk ink
Tree Stamp - Inkadinkadoo stamp
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Stamp - Paper Studio Snowflake collection - clear stamps
Generic Blue ribbon

What do you think? Do you like it? Should I go back to the drawing board and start over? What would make it better?

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Friendship Tea and product review

2010-11-03T18:22:00.013-04:00

Hey everyone! It seems that my holiday season is starting off with a bang! I'm already starting to work on some crafty goodness as gifts, taking orders for Christmas Cards and shopping! Believe it or not, but I have finished shopping for my co-workers! I know, I know! Shocking....I'm always the one waiting to the last minute, but I actually had ideas this year! LOL
I also have a secret sister at work that I like to give a little something something whenever she feels a little blue. She doesn't know it yet, but she will be getting this sometime in the next 2 weeks...I actually had no idea what I was going to do, but God works in mysterious ways and somehow she and I were talking about how much we love teas. She mentioned one of her favorites is one called "Russian Tea" or "Friendship Tea". She said she never makes the mix as it makes way too much for just one person. (She obviously doesn't drink as much warm tea as I.) LOL
I made the tea mix and put it in a wide mouth mason jar. For some, just doing that would be enough, but noooooo ...not for me... I have to purty it up a bit! LOL.

Don't those colors on the label look fabulous with Friendship tea mix? OK, so they really look better in person.
This is the main portion of the jar.

FRIENDSHIP TEA RECIPE:
2 cups tang
3/4 cup lemon flavored instant tea
1/2 cup of instant tea
2 cups sugar
1 heaping teaspoon of ground cloves
1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

Mix all dry ingredients together. Store in an air tight container. To serve: 2 teaspoons of mix in 1 cup of hot water.

This is the top of the lid! Hey, any free space is good to decorate!

I have to admit that this is not quite finished...I still need to add some special ribbon around the collar to hide the gold lid, but I was afraid that when I did this I wouldn't be able to get a good photo.

I know you are waiting with baited breath for my product review! Ha Ha...I'm not a Tom Brocaw, but I think I can suffice for this assignment.

My friend Sara Quinn sent me the Scotch Adhesive Dot Roller to try. Here is the product description:

When you want to create great looking paper craft projects like scrapbooking and cardmaking, use the Scotch® Adhesive Dot Roller. The permanent dot adhesive applies precisely and smoothly to the end of the roll. Refilling is fast and easy with no threading! Precise application straight or curved. No stringing. Photo safe.

Permanent

Photo safe

No stringing

Neater than glue

Precise application, straight or curve

Easy refill cartridge with no threading

Those that know me, know that as a scrapper and crafter, my absolute favorite and number 1 go to adhesive is my Scotch ATG gun! They also know that it would take an act of Congress to get me to switch.

For the above project, I decided to try the Scotch adhesive dot roller. I used the adhesive on the 2 types of papers used to make the label. I also used it to adhere the leaf and prima flower. I have to admit that this product may be say "wow"! I LOVED the smooth glide of the adhesive, even as I rounded corners. The one I used was a permanent bond; however a repositionable style is avaialbable. I did notice that even before I burnished the adhesive that the project was stuck together. There was no possibility of repositioning should you accidentally misplace your papers. (ahem, like any crafter would have any such mishap!)

It has been 2 weeks since I adhered the label together. It appears that the bond is just as strong as the day that I put the papers together! There are no loose edges, wrinkles or warping of the paper.

PROS:

easy open packaging
protective cap over the adhesive tip
Smooth glide of dot roller adhesive
no breakage of the dot roller adhesive tape during application
easily portable and stowable when traveling
small footprint to fit even the smallest of hands
strong bond initially and after 2 weeks.
photo safe
repositionable dot roller adhesive available.
refillable

CONS:

small quantity of adhesive compared to quantity available for ATG gun. (not necessarily a con if you are using this at a crop or during travel when space is at a premium)

Overall, this is a product that I would certainly purchase again and again. With the small footprint, it allows this product to be carried easily in carry on luggage, purse or tote. The bond of adhesive has met and exceeded my expectations while remaining easy to use! I have not encountered any gumminess of the adhesive at the tip which would prevent ease of application.

you can find disclosure information here

Have you tried this product? What did you think? Is this a product that you would recommend for your crafty friends to use on their projects?

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Halloween treat bag toppers

2010-11-01T06:03:00.001-04:00

Helllloooooooo!!!!!!! I hope that everyone had a fabulously safe and spooky halloween. We actually had some early trick or treaters on Saturday, but all is good...they were all under 7 years of age...the true spirit of Halloween!
My grandchildren all live in Texas and I don't get to see them during the festivities of any holiday! Do not despair for me...My lovely daughter and Daughter in law keep me up to date with plenty of photos...

This SUPERGIRL is none other than the lovely Kenzie! Apparently while having these photos taken, she decided to do a few poses of her own! She also asked her mom, "I'm tough, right mom?" You gotta love the innocense of 4 year olds.
Of course, there are lovely photos from my dear daughter, too.

This sweet lil monkey is none other than our youngest grandson, Mason! I could just gobble him up because he looks so adorable! Almost reminds me of that scene in Lion King! LOL

Of course, our lil army guy can't go unnoticed.. This is our rough and tough Nate! You can almost hear him calling out "hup, two, three, four."

Meow! This sweet and adorable kitty kat is none other than Doodles, better known by the rest of the family as Gaby! I hardly recognize her with her face all made up....

I absolutely love love love Halloween and seeing all of the lil ghouls and goblins that come to our door!

This year I made special treat bags for some friends children. I hope that they liked them.

I don't have many Halloween stamps, but I think I did ok with what I had on hand.

Did you have a fabulous Halloween? Do you make special treat bags for special lil ghouls and gobblins???

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Birth announcements, a review and last few days to vote

2010-10-30T13:31:00.001-04:00

Long time no post! No excuses...I've just been lazy and really haven't had much motivation of late to do anything crafty.

First, I would like to remind everyone that there are only 2 more days to vote for my layout. Go Vote!! I would love to win...You can check out the post below this one for more details. Here is the link:
http://www.scrapbooksetc.com/app/voting/index.jsp?id=/templatedata/sbe/voting/data/1285188138411.xml

Some of you may remember that my grandson Mason was born back in August. I was so blessed that my daughter asked me to make the birth announcements. She wanted a "Noah's Ark" theme. WOW! No challenge there (insert sarcasm here). After much deliberation and multiple failed attempts, I think I came up with something she would like.
Here are the 2 types that I created. On the back side of each is the birth information.

They aren't exactly "Noah's Ark", but I think the use of 2 animals helped to lead recipients to understand the theme.

Just before I made these cards, Sara Quinn sent me some samples of Scotch brand adhesive products to review. I decided to use them on this project.
The first product I tried is the Scotch brand wrinkle free glue stick. The product literature states the following:

Scotch® Wrinkle-free Glue Sticks deliver a professional appearance because they do not clump or cause wrinkling of most types of paper like regular glue sticks. Acid free, non-toxic, and photo safe. Great for craft and scrapbooking projects for adults and children.

Eliminates clumping and wrinkling on most papers.

Photo safe and acid free.

Non-Toxic.

The first thing I noticed is the packaging was easily opened. That is a huge plus for someone that has problems with hand strength.
The glue sticks have a twist bottom which when turned should raise the glue stick up. On the first glue stick I turned the bottom for 10 minutes without any response in the elevation of the glue. I then gave up on this particular tube. The second glue stick immediately began elevating as soon as I twisted the bottom. YEAH!!!!
I have to admit that I am not a fan of glue sticks, but I wanted to give this product a fair chance. I chose my birth announcements as the perfect example to use for this adhesive medium. The glue stick went on smoothly and was extremely sticky. The initial stickiness was repositionable for about 10 seconds. I was quite pleased with the result in ease of use and initial adhering abilities.
I waited one month to re-evaluate the quality of adherance. I noticed on the 5 birth announcements that I reserved as my quality measure, that many of the elephants and giraffe's were loose and would fall off of the page if I slightly tilted it.
PRO's:

ease of use
strong bond initially
10 second repositionability

CONS:

one of the 2 glue sticks in the package was unuseable due to inability to raise the glue
poor adhesive bond after 1 month

Overall, I liked the ease of use, but was disappointed in the staying power. This would not be a product that I would use on a project which I wanted to last for an indefinite period of time.

you can find disclosure information here
Have you used this product? What type of results did you achieve? Were you satisfied?

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

WHOOOPPPPEEEEEE!!!!

2010-10-05T17:43:00.001-04:00

Ohhhh myyyy Gooooshhhhhh! I am so excited today as I received a email that one of my layouts is in the finals to win $1200 of scrappy goodies..!! OMG...just to be in the top 10 is amazing....
Today, I ask you my friends and readers to please go to the following link and vote for me:

http://www.scrapbooksetc.com/app/voting/index.jsp?id=/templatedata/sbe/voting/data/1285188138411.xml

Here is the layout you are looking for:

I hope you will take a minute to vote for me at least once...but you can vote daily....

Have a blessed day!

All comments or critiques are welcomed and read with enthusiasm. Thank you for taking the time to let me hear your opinion.

Grandson's are the joy of life

2010-08-28T11:49:00.000-04:00

We are so excited and blessed to welcome a new grandson to our family. Mason Joel was born this morning at 12:29 AM weighing in at 7 pounds 13 ounces. 20 inches.

His first few hours of life have been a struggle. During birth, he aspirated some fluids which decreased his breathing abilities. He had to be placed on oxygen. As of 11:30 AM, he has now been weaned off of the oxygen and has had his first feeding.
Mom is doing well. She has been very stressed over the past 11 hours, but has finally been allowed to hold him. YEAH!!!
I'll be sure to share more photos once I receive them. Thank you to my dear friends which have offered many prayers and support during this time.

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - Journaling

2010-08-24T04:00:00.001-04:00

Journaling is one of my biggest downfalls. I usually just write date and location if I know. This month's challenge at Sketches by Tamara was to journal about vacations...more than the who, what, where and when.... We were given the task to share our thoughts or funny event.
Well, that is tough for me as I haven't had a real vacation in years. You read that right, years. But, as I was flipping through my photos I realized that I had perfect photos to document my granddaughter's recent "vacation" to see Nana (me).

The photos are of my DGD as she was spending time with her new friend (and my dear friend) Julie. She was also having her first experience in a hot tub.
From there the journaling was actually easy.

"travel to Nana's house in SC...."
"make new friends ...Julie"
"Doing things we don't normally do....sit in a hot tub"
"laughing because the bubbles tickle"

Be sure to check out Sketches by Tamara for more inspiration....

Have a blessed day!

Round Robin

2010-08-22T11:16:00.000-04:00

Good Morning friends!!! Hope this finds everyone doing well on this find Sunday.

It's been a bit since I updated my blog and thought I would share a recent layout I created. I participated in a fabulous Round Robin scrapping event over at Tallyscrappers. If you are unfamiliar with round robin scrapping events, it is when a group of scrappers begin with an inspiration piece. The first scrapper creates a layout and that creation is passed on to the next one in line. The next scrapper creates her masterpiece and passes it to the next ...and so on until everyone has participated. The best part is you never know where everything started until the big reveal! I love to see the transformation from inspiration piece to the final layout...It is truly amazing.

Here is my layout.

The photos are from this past July 3rd when the grandkids came to visit. They surprised Pops at the firestation. Each of them were dressed in their fire gear... You should have seen the look on Pops face... Priceless!!!

Do you participate in Round Robin scrappy events? Are you always amazed at the outcome???

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - Card

2010-08-17T04:00:00.001-04:00

Today's inspiration comes from another awesome card sketch from Tamara.

My Interpretation isn't exactly like the sketch. Regardless, I love how it turned out.

I love the colors on this card. Who knew that peach goes so well with pink and green? I was blessed enough to be able to give this awesome card to a friend of mine. Of course, I can't tell any details about it because it is a secret sister. I know she enjoyed it....

Be sure to check out Sketches by Tamara for more awesome inspiration.

Have a blessed day!

2010-08-12T19:20:00.000-04:00

check out this awesome candy!

clipped from scrapwithstacy.blogspot.com

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara- Recipe Challenge

2010-08-10T04:00:00.001-04:00

3 things... just 3 simple ordinary scrapbook items that I had to incoporate into my layout. How hard can it be? Apparently, much more difficult than I originally assumed. This layout took me an hour and 1/2 to complete. Can you believe it?
What are the 3 things? I know you are curious.

green
banner
bling

See...Easy, simple things to use...and all 3 are things that I like to use. So tell me, what could have been the thing that caused me to have such a mental block for creating?

The photos are from my grandchildren's recent visit to SC. We were celebrating DH's 50th birthday and we were trying to keep the kids out of the pool. (After several hours in the pool, they were beginning to look like prunes! All shriveled up) Anyway, my dear friend Cheryl pulled out this dual sided chalkboard/ magnetic board easel and they were perfectly content creating for an hour.
I like how the layout turned out. The bling is the the word art which I did with stickles glue. The photo doesn't do the layout justice as it looks so much better.

Be sure to stop by Sketches by Tamara for more awesome inspiration from the DT.

Have a blessed day!

help????

2010-08-07T11:03:00.002-04:00

I've been revamping my blog so that it will load a little faster. As I have been browing the internet, I found a fabulous blog called Beth: A work in progress which featured and article on tweaking your blog. One of the tools she recommended is Pingdom Tools which tests your blog loading time and shows you which parts are taking the longest to load. Such an awesome feature.

Now I want to do some other things to my blog, but am totally perplexed as how to implement them. For instance, I want to be able to have additional posts to each of my pages. How do I do that??? Anyone know? I would love to have any advice from you experts.

I want a different type of comment form than what blogger offers. Does anyone know how I can change that up????

So many questions and so little experience in even attempting to make these changes. Perhaps some of my bloggy friends can offer some tips, advice or sources of inspiration...

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - August Sketch

2010-08-03T04:00:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it? It is August already! Holy Cow... Time really does fly when you are having fun. That also means it is my last month to be on the Sketches by Tamara design team. I say that with heavy heart as I have truly enjoyed every sketch and challenge that Tamara has provided. I hope that many of you have also enjoyed her sketches and challenges as a starting point for your inspiration.

This months sketch is totally awesome. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!

When my daughter was here visiting, she gave me this photo of her and the family. I just knew that it would be perfect to go with the sketch.

I really love how this layout turned out. The colors work so well together.
Be sure to stop by Sketches by Tamara for more inspiration!!

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers--Use at least 7 things

2010-07-29T04:00:00.000-04:00

Why is it when I am not challenged to do something that I can clutter a page up like there is no tomorrow? So when I saw the challenge for this week at practical scrappers which was to use at least 7 items on your page....I thought...NO PROBLEM.. HA! Who did I think I was kidding? When put to this type of challenge, I totally draw a blank.... my goodness, I am the queen of clutter. This should have been a simple process and challenge for me to complete.

So here it is. Nothing fancy....nothing to jump up and down about...but I think I like it. The photos are from the recent surprise party that I had for DH's 50th birthday. That is our oldest DD (Pam) and our youngest DGS (nate). They were playing the game BOP IT. Believe it or not, he was pretty good at it too.

Curious as to the 7 items I used?

white signo pen
patterned glitter cardstock
bazzill cardstock to matte the photos
glittered cardstock
bling
fancy pants transparent frame
lil Davis sticker letters
sharpie pen to write journaling on the transparency.

Yeah Yeah...I know...that is 8. Give me a break! LOL....I went to school in Ks and can't count. LOL

Be sure to check out Practical Scrappers for more inspiration and to enter your 7 items creation for a chance to win an RAK.

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - Journaling

2010-07-27T04:00:00.000-04:00

I know this is shocking, but I am almost out of some of my photos from last year. What do you suppose that means?

I've been a busy beaver creating
I didn't have enough pictures printed
I'm bored looking at the stacks of photos that I do have
I need more subject material?

I think it is all of the above. I think the main thing is I need more "new" photos to give me a kick in my pants.

For this layout, I resorted to one of the older photos sitting on my mantel. For goodness sakes, it's about time as this photo is 4 years old. I mean really...Do I really have to display every photo that I own of my grandbabies? LOL...typical grandmother.
Anyway, the prompt this week at Sketches by Tamara was to journal on a tag. Can you believe that I don'th ave any tags? What kind of scrapper am I?
Regardless, I made my own tag and I have to admit that I think it works perfectly. Be sure to check out sketches by Tamra for some more inspiration.

Have a blessed day!

50th birthday celebration

2010-07-26T22:25:00.000-04:00

WARNING: LENGTHY POST

The end of June, my DH turned 50. Let me tell you, I had so much fun planning his SURPRISE party.
For 2 months all 4 of our grown kids helped to keep a secret. They were all going to try to make it in for 4th of July weekend. That would be awesome in itself, as it has been 4 years since all of us have been together at the same time.
Sad to say that at the last minute our son and his family couldn't make it. However, Amber and the grandbabies, Pam and Jim all made it safe and sound. Thank you to each of them for all they did to make this an awesome birthday.
Then I begged a few of our good friends and neighbors to help with the party. My awesome friends Cheryl and Doug hosted it at their pool. Then Regina, Julie, April and so many others helped to pull together the big surprise by bringing in the food. Thank you dear friends....You are all so awesome and you will never know how much each of you mean to me....

Here is how it all went down. On July 2nd, my job was closed (oh darn)...and I used that day to run around getting last minute goodies for the party. DH was scheduled to work his full time job and also to work all night at the Firestation. At 4:00 PM, DD and the grandbabies pulled in to the neighborhood still unbeknownst to DH. Let me tell you I was so excited. Then at 6:00 PM, DD, grandbabies and I loaded up and went to surprise POPS at the station.

Are they not the cutest??? Both of them dressed in their authentic fire gear that POPS had gotten them at his last fire convention. DH was so surprised! His first words were "What are you doing here?" ... LOL... I suppose he really was surprised since they live in Texas.
We convinced DH to join us for dinner and when we returned.... Chief sent him home! (Thanks Chief...You are awesome.... !!!!! I can't believe we were able to keep this a secret so long) Yeah, the Chief was in on the surprise. He helped to make sure he was "ahem" working that night at least until the kiddos arrived.

On Saturday, we went to Doug and Cheryl's. We had convinced DH that we needed to cook BBQ for the weekend. <insert Snicker, giggle, WEG here>. Around 4:00 PM, our oldest son arrived with the biggest surprise and birthday present. DS told him he had to come out to his car...his present was in the back seat and it was too big to wrap, so he just covered it with a sheet. (mind you it is 95 degrees on that day). When DH opened the back door, out of the sheet jumped his DD, Pam. She had flown in from Chicago for a long weekend visit! (Thanks Pam for such an awesome surprise). DH was speechless!!

Before long, more and more of his friends and co-workers began to show up. He still had no idea that this was a party for him, until we brought out the cake!

Of course, what would a 50th birthday be without a few gag gifts....

I love the look on his face! LOL.. Thank you Dennis and Regina

and there has to be DEPENDS! LOL...Love it Julie....Thank you
All in all, it was a wonderful surprise..I can't believe we pulled it off. 2 months of planning, 4 kids that can't keep a secret, grandkids that keep saying we're coming to see you, a wife that is running around like a chicken with her head cut off, and friends and neighbors whispering secrets behind his back....All lead up to a PRICELESS event...

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers - Use your stash

2010-07-22T04:00:00.001-04:00

Stash...it's what I have more than my share of. I'm sure if you are a scrapper or card maker, you too share this same problem. It's all of those items we have purchased with the intent to use (someday).
Someday is here! The challenge over at practical scrappers this week is to use something you have had in your stash for more than one year! EASY PEASY for me...I have tons of stuff like that.

Do you see those patterned papers??? yes...I've had them for waaaayyyyy more than a year. I also dug out some of my tools that I have had and haven't (cough, cough) used. You have to love those sakura pens...they offer so many different types and add so much dimension to your layout.
Do you recognize that flower? It is the one that I did for the flower tutorial .
Creating a layout like this is definitely outside of my usual comfort zone. I love the look of free hand writing and doodling, but definitely stuggle with adding that "grunge" look to my work. The "word paper" is from love elsie line...(lord, don't ask me which one as I didn't save the strip.)
The photos are of DH and I on our wedding day in 2004. We went hiking at Chimney Rock and ran across this rest area that had all of this graffiti. The use of these papers just seemed to call out to these photos and thus a "non-Robin" type of layout was created.
What do you think? Should I step out of my comfort zone more often? or should I stick with my tried and true method of linear and flowery? LOL....

Be sure to stop by the Practical Scrappers blog and link up your creations!!!Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - Card

2010-07-20T04:00:00.000-04:00

Today's challenge at Sketches by Tamara was this awesome card sketch.

Let me ask you a question. When you see a sketch, do you print it out, save it, hand sketch it on another sheet or just let your creative juices go with your first impression? Generally, in most cases, I will hand sketch it in my sketch book and then trot off to my scrap room to create something. This time, when I saw the sketch, I broke my mold. I took one look and knew exactly what I wanted to do.
Before I show you, let me warn you that my interpretation doesn't even resemble the sketch. Sad, I know...but what I will show is truly what a sketch is for: my interpretation and my creative outlet.

This is my creation. It really doesn't even look like the sketch. When I received the sketch, I also needed a thank you card. This sketch made coming up with it so much easier.
Be sure to check out Sketches by Tamara for more awesome creations.
Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrapper - Embossing

2010-07-15T04:00:00.002-04:00

Woooo Weee....the challenges over at Practical Scrappers keep getting tougher and tougher. But that is a good thing as it forces me to use all of those tools and goodies that I have just lying around.
The challenge this week is embossing. That's it...no guidance if it is dry or wet embossing. Therefore, I went for the gusto and chose to do both!

Don't you just love that photo of my grandbabies? How cute are they??? I know, I know...I'm a whole lot prejudiced when it comes to them...but I love that my DD and DIL get together yearly and have a photo with all of them.
On this layout, I wanted it to look a little rough and ragged. I don't think that it turned out quite that way...but I am totally satisfied with it. I used a provo craft embossing folder and my Big Shot machine to create the dry embossing on the green cardstock. I inked and sanded it to make it pop a wee bit more.
Then I used a prima stamp and embossing powders to create the brick wall appearance.

Be sure to stop by the Practical Scrappers blog and link up your creations!!!

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - Recipe

2010-07-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a few days since I stopped in. Let me tell you all about everything that has been going on.
I had a surprise 50th birthday party for DH. I had all of the kids and grandbabies to come into town. Let me tell you that was no easy feat and a huge secret to keep for so long.
Anyway, I've been busy playing grandma and loving every minute of it. Once they leave, I'll be sharing more details and fun photos.
In the meantime, the newest challenge over at Sketches by Tamara is a recipe. We are to include:

Stars
rub-ons
staples

I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Especially with the 4th of July fast upon us. I decided to create a card.

I used my big shot sizzix star die to create the corrugated cardboard star. I also used some scraps of red, white and blue cardstock to create the base. I have no idea what company had that awesome ribbon, but I loved that it had adhesive on it which made it so simple to use.

Be sure to stop by Sketches by Tamara to see some more awesome creations.

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers- animation

2010-07-08T04:00:00.000-04:00

We all have them. Those cute stickers or papers that feature cartoons or animation. The question is: Do you use them or are they sitting in a drawer waiting to be placed on that perfect layout? I have to admit, I have them....lots of them. They unfortunately are sitting in a drawer waiting for me to capture that perfect photo.

The wait is no more!!! The prompt at Practical scrappers this week is to use those animation/ cartoon stickers or papers. Great challenge, Right?

One of my favorite muppet characters is Animal. Mainly, because he is wild and crazy and does what he wants, when he wants and how he wants. He doesn't worry about what others will think...He is carefree and full of spirit!
I have had this picture for several months of my DGS. He definitely did not want his picture taken at that particular moment and of course there was a bit of "temper tantrum" which occurred. Anyway, as I was digging through my drawer of animated stickers I came across "animal" and knew right away that this would fit my photo. YAY!!!!
I wanted the photo to look like it was popping out of the paper as if my DGS were busting loose. LOL... I don't think that I quite achieved that look...but I am satisfied with the outcome.

Be sure to stop by Practical scrappers and link up your layout!!!

Have a blessed day!

July Sketch by Tamara

2010-07-07T04:00:00.002-04:00

Helllllooooooooo There, friends. I am pleased to bring you the July Sketch by Tamara.

Such an adorable sketch and I have to tell you that you can take it in so many directions. I think that this will become one of my favorite all time go to sketch ever.

The photos are of my oldest DGD playing soccer. She was in her back yard and no silly boys were going to tell her that she couldn't play. GO GIRL POWER!!!!!

Be sure to stop by Sketches by Tamara for more inspiration.

July Have a blessed day!

Isn't it Nifty

2010-06-30T04:00:00.001-04:00

LOOK WHO IS 50!!!!

Yeah....he is so going to kill me for this! But what is a little fun when you are celebrating such a milestone as 1/2 a century!
Happy Birthday, TIM!!!!! Love you more today than yesterday and more tomorrow than today! I hope you have a fabulous birthday and psssstt..... I know a few secrets!!!!!
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I reveal the fun!!!

Have a blessed day!

Decorative Scissors

2010-06-29T20:55:00.001-04:00

When I first started scrapping, one of my first purchases was several pair of decorative scissors. I used them on a few layouts and quickly put them away as I learned that I can't cut a straight line to save my soul. LOL.
The challenge this week over at Practical Scrappers was to dust off those decorative scissors and get busy cutting.

So it wasn't as bad as I expected. I did have to draw a line first, but again, I couldn't cut a straight line with those scissors. LOL....
I used the scissors to cut the 1/2 circle and also the green and orange borders at the bottom of the photos. I think that for me, the jury is still out as to if I will continue to use these scissors. I'm not sure if it is the manufacturer, the scissors or most likely the user, but the decorative scissors are not my favorite tool.
Perhaps you have had better luck with a different brand. If so, I would love to hear about it...
Be sure to link your project up at Practical Scrappers so that I can check it out!!! If you leave me a little comment, I will also make sure that I head to your blog for inspiration.

Have a blessed day!

Flower tutorial for Practial Scrappers

2010-06-27T04:00:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to be asked to do this tutorial. I don't think that this is anything real exciting, but I hope that you can learn something.

Flower Rose
Supplies:

Scissors
Pencil
double sided patterned paper or cardstock
distress ink
glitter glue
favorite adhesive

Instructions:

Begin with a 3" circle. You can make it a smaller circle if you prefer. The smaller the circle, the smaller the flower.

Draw a spiral design on the back of your circle and cut out at this point if you would like or

for a distressed look, crumple your cardstock and ink with your favorite distress ink and then cut the spiral design.

appearance of circle after cutting along the spiral line

Next start wrapping and gluing the spiral. Start with the middle section.

Continue wrapping and gluing until you reach the end. It is important not to glue too close to the outside edges.

appearance of the flower after it has been wrapped and glued.

Next, begin bending some of the outside petals backwards. This will give some added dimension

You can then add some glitter glue to dress it up.

After letting the glitter glue dry, you are now ready to add this to your layout.

I hope this has photo tutorial has been helpful in creating hand made flowers.
Robin
Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers - flowers

2010-06-24T04:00:00.005-04:00

Good Morning everyone!!!! I hope this day finds you enjoying plenty of sunshine.
Today I am featuring my layout that I created for the Practical Scrappers challenge in which we were to use flowers. I know that many of have seen and even tried making the flowers that are the hot trend. In this layout, I tried my hand at making some of my own.

The blue ones are the ones I made.

I cut a 2 1/2 inch circle and then spiral cut it.
Next I wound it all up until I had the desired shape and glued it using Aileen's tacky glue.
Finally I bent and inked some of the edges to give them more dimensions.

I like how they turned out and I really like that I was able to use scraps to create them....Of course, there are other flowers there too....Be sure to stop by practical scrappers and use Mr. Linky to show us your works of art...

Products:

Joys Vintage papers by Hot off the Press
Bazzil cardstock
Scenic route flourish rub on
Prima flowers
Miscellaneous flowers- wedding collection
Coastal living ribbon ruban SKU # 452038
Dimensional letter stickers from Oriental Trading Co.
Signo white pen
Distress ink- peeled paint by Ranger
Colorbox petit point –Aurora ink
Stampin’ Up 1” circle punch

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - June Journaling Challenge

2010-06-22T04:00:00.001-04:00

Oye Oye Oye...what an awesome challenge...Journaling is one of my biggest weaknesses... I never know what to say, where to put it or sometimes I don't even know the reason for the photo. That is why I love the challenge over at Sketches by Tamara
The journaling prompt is:

Vary the wording in your journaling by highlighting certain words with a different color or font size or font type or all three.

I have to tell you that I had so much fun with this layout. Who knew that tearing paper would be so cathartic? The photo is of my DGS and DGD. They apparently were playing all too quietly in their room when mom snuck in and found them trying to hide in the dresser drawers. LOL... Lil Monsters, I tell you! Do you see those innocent faces peering out? I can just imagine them saying "WHAT"?

Let's see what you do with your journaling???

PS...can anyone give me instructions on how to blur something in a photo???
Have a blessed day!

Glitter Glitter who's got Glitter?

2010-06-16T04:00:00.000-04:00

If you are a scrapper or cardmaker then you know, we all have it... not just one color either. We have several. I am really fond of the doodlebug sugar coating. It comes in awesome colors and you can also get some cute little containers that will go such a long ways.
Without further ado, here is my layout in which I used loose glitter. Hope you like it.

I stamped several of this cute flower using a glue pad. Then I sprinkled several colors of the glitter over the image. I have to say, that I have had that glue pad for quite some time and have never tried it. I think me likey! LOL...
Be sure to head over to Practical Scrappers and link up your layouts using glitter.
Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - June card challenge

2010-06-15T17:16:00.001-04:00

Tamara over at Sketches by Tamara provided us with an awesome sketch this month....

and here is my interpretation...I know it is late to show, but my MIL loved it...

Have a blessed day!

Too cute for words

2010-06-13T08:17:00.000-04:00

I have to share this with my lovely readers.. It is just too stinkin' cute. I was talking to "this"

little peanut on the phone yesterday.

She was telling me the cutest story and this is what she said:
Grandma: K...how did you get so smart?
K: Grandma.... I drink Smart water

Grandma: well, Grandma better get some of that.
K: Grandma, I'm being very serious about this.
Grandma: I know. That is why grandma needs some.

K: Grandma, when are you coming to see me.
Grandma: When your daddy has his birthday. He will be old then.
K: Grandma, what is old?
Grandma: That is when your birthday numbers get big. (long pause)
K: I think I want to stay little numbers (LOL)
Grandma: what do you want to do when you grow up? (long pause)
K: I want to write with permanent markers and go on a "grown up" vacation... (LOL)
by now you know I was rolling on the floor, literally. That whole conversation was just way too cute. LOL.... Yes...I definitely will be scrapping that. and when grandma gets to go see her, I will be taking her a case of Smart water and permanent markers. LOL... I'm not sure my son will love the "permanent markers", but he deserves everything he gets! LOL.....I always told him that his torture of me when he was young would come back 3 fold!
I'm also thinking she should be a poster child for the "smart water" company!
Isn't it amazing what little peanuts see as important at such an impressionable age? I mean really??? How many 4 year olds want to write with permanent markers and go on a grown up vacation? That totally was not what I expected when I asked her that question. I thought maybe she would tell me she wanted to be a school teacher or something. LOL....

Have a blessed day!

Eyelets

2010-06-09T04:00:00.001-04:00

Holy COW!!!! Talk about a tough challenge. I have tons of eyelets, yet I rarely use them. Why??? Who knows. I suppose I'm really not a fan of them. I have all of the best tools to help set them, but it's all so cumbersome.
Anyway, the challenge at Practical Scrappers this week was to use eyelets.
Here is my interpretation.

I managed to use 2 different sizes of eyelets. I put several large ones around the circle which frames the photo and then I put a smaller one in each flower center. I have to tell you, as intimidated as I was to use them, this layout came together fairly quickly.

Be sure to stop by Practical Scrappers and link up your creativeness using eyelets.
Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - June Recipe Challenge

2010-06-08T04:00:00.002-04:00

I love a good challenge...it really gets the mojo rolling. Sketches by Tamara has the best recipe challenges that I have found. There aren't too many elements and usually the challenge is something that you already have. That makes things so much easier.
The challenge for June is to use:

distressing and inking
clear acrylic embellishment
and a ribbon bow

I know that I am not a purple fan, usually...but even I have to admit that this layout is adorable. My DIL sent me this fabulous photo of my oldest DGD. She just looks so precious and adorable.
As you can see, I tore the edges of the purple flowered paper (don't ask me the company as it came in one of those paper packs. You know the ones that you buy when you first start out...and then wonder what was I thihnking?) I also used my nifty tool edge distresser by Tim Holtz on the light purple paper around the photo. Love love love that tool. As for the inking I used the cat eye chalks. They are the easiest of inks for me to use when I distress ink the edges of something.
The clear acrylic embellishment is the big "M". I'm not sure what company made them, but I do know that I purchased it 2 years (yes, you read that right....2 years) ago when I went to the local scrapbook convention. There is also a cute little organza bow near the bottom of the flowers.

So let's see you get your scrap on! I'd love to see what you create with the 3 challenge elements...

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers Sketch for June 4th

2010-06-04T05:36:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I hope this day finds everyone doing fabulous!!! Today, I would like to show you the most awesome sketch for practical scrappers.

I have to say that I really love the sketch, but struggled with how to incorporate that awesome swirl.
Here is my interpretation.

I did a lot of distressing on this page. The red and blue strips were swiped with cream paint. I also stuck the blue strip in some sunlight to get some fading action. As for the swirl, it's a Tim Holtz grunge board swirl. I painted it with mahogany distress paint.
I hope you get some inspiration from it. I can't wait to see what you do. Be sure to stop by Practical Scrappers for all of the details.
Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers.....Vellum, transparencies and acrylic

2010-06-03T06:00:00.002-04:00

How many of you have tons of those little vellum quote books, but rarely use them? Can you see that I am raising my hand really really high? Yeah....This was a perfect challenge to force me to use those items that I have in my stash.

I have to tell you that this is absolutely one of my favorite layouts that I have ever done! I love the bright cheery colors with the pop of black.
I'm sure that you see that awesome vellum quote at the top. I used my spellbinders to cut the shape and then placed a small slit on each end so that I could thread the ribbon through it.

12" x 12" back ground cardstock (amplified g0-go by American Crafts)
10" x 7" patterned paper (unknown manufacturer)
9" x 6" solid cardstock (Bazzil)
8 3/4" x 5 3/4" patterned paper (unknown manufacturer)
3 1/2" x 5" photo
3 3/4" x 5 1/4" solid mat to go around the photo (Bazzil)
3' x 3 1/4" solid mat to go under journaling spot (Bazzil)
2 3/4" x 3" solid color for the journaling spot (I used the same color as the 9 x 6" solid Bazzil cardstock)
I cut the butterflies using my cuttlebug butterfly cut and emboss folder. I used the same paper (unknown manufacturer) as the 8 3/4" x 5 3/4" patterned paper .
Scrappers floss by Karen Foster to create the butterfly flight pattern

Additional Products:

Stickles Glitter Glue by Ranger
Clear Creations Cheeky collection by Making Memories
Vellum quote by Die Cuts With a View quote stack
Fancy Pants glitter cut -Love
Prima flowers
Miscellanous flowers -wedding collection
Rose microbeads by art accentz (24-6077)
Aileens paper glaze
Scotch ATG 714
3/8" ribbon offray sheer petit dot C5 #166927

Jump on over to practical scrappers and join the challenge. I can't wait to see your projects. Be sure to use the Mr. Linky to hook us up!

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - June Sketch

2010-06-01T04:00:00.004-04:00

Hello fellow crafters!!! Hope everyone is geared up for a fabulous day.
Here on the home front, we've been busy busy. But of course, not too busy for me to get a wee bit of scrappy time in.
Today, I am featuring my layout based on the June Sketches by Tamara

Isn't this the cutest sketch? I love it.
Here is my take.

I have to tell you that I have really been trying to use my scraps and stash up lately. It feels so good..This layout features some of those cute prima flowers and of course American Crafts thickers. I dug really deep into my stash and discovered some awesome rub on's and journaling spots too.

I would love to see your interpretation....Link it up and I'll check it out!

Have a blessed day!

Birthday's

2010-05-29T04:00:00.001-04:00

I admit it! I'm guilty... I did it again....It's not that I don't have the present or even that I haven't made the cards...but again...I am late getting things in the mail. Why is that??? It seems like one day I have 2 weeks before an event and the next thing I know, it's 2 weeks after! Crazy!
So of course, as per my usual...my birthday cards for my DGD and DIL were late. I hope that they will forgive me...I promise to try to be better...but I just struggle with getting things to the post office...

DGD turned 4 back on May 11th. I created this cute little card to help her celebrate her special day...I even enclosed a special little $4 something along with her gifts of course.

My favorite thing about May 11th is it is also my sweet DIL's birthday. Isn't that just the coolest thing? What better gift could a mother ask for than to have her child be born on the same day as her?

Again, I hope they forgive my tardiness in getting these to them... I also hope they know how much I love them both...

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers - Felt, fabric or tulle

2010-05-27T05:54:00.002-04:00

Admit it....you have tulle laying around in your craft room, but you just aren't sure what to do with it. I know...I know exactly how you feel. Thank goodness for this challenge at Practical Scrappers in which we were to use felt, fabric or tulle as our challenge item.

The photos are of DH with his buddies from the fire department. They were practicing water rescue.

I really wanted to highlight the rescue part and the fact that they were practicing in a pool.

I used tulle to create the safety rope that is below the photos. I created the buoys and the life saving ring using air dry clay. Have you ever played with that stuff? It is totally awesome. Anyway, I painted the stripes on the buoys to try to resemble the floats.

Do you like that border at the top??? I think it turned out totally cool. I had some "old" and by old...I mean way back in 2006 paper in my stash that I just knew I would never use. I punched out 1 1/2 inch circles. Then I folded opposing sides into the middle. Now, most of the time you will want a double sided paper, but I wanted it to be white so that the inking would really pop. When you are folding you will want to fold one circle to one color of the paper and then the next circle should be folded to the opposite side of the paper. Does that make sense? If not, let me know and I will try to create a visual tutorial.

Once you have all of your circles folded (I used about 15)...you want to place them every other one next to each other. Glue them down and you have an awesome border.

Have a blessed day!

Check out this mega blog candy offer

2010-05-25T20:22:00.000-04:00

Perhaps many of you know that I secretly stalk many crafty blogs. I rarely comment for some reason...I suppose it's mainly that I don't feel I have anything of importance to offer...but today...as I was reading my google reader...I came across this post from True re: her mega blog candy offer.
You have got to check it out. You can click on the extemely large image in the sidebar...

Have a blessed day!

WOW!!!!

2010-05-25T17:32:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I am so honored to come home and find that I am the featured blog over at "Bloom where you are planted"
.
What an awesome surprise.... Thank you Susan for choosing my blog. Be sure to stop and check her blog out too as she offers great inspiration and journaling prompts.
Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara - Journaling

2010-05-25T11:00:00.002-04:00

This ends my first month on the Sketches by Tamara DT. I hope that you have found some inspiration during your visits. Today, I will feature our journaling challenge. Our instructions were to journal around the outside edge of our layout.

The photos are of my DH during a practice fire.
Journaling:
You told me once that as a child you dreamed of being a fireman. Today, you have met the challenge head on. You even achieved an honor few will know. Our friends lovingly call you FOTY (Fireman of the year).

Have a blessed day!

Mother's day card...

2010-05-21T13:34:00.001-04:00

I wanted to post this earlier, but I was afraid that my mom would see it before she received it in the mail. (Sorry it was late, mom)

I love the colors on this. They are truly not something that I would normally use, but as I was digging through my stash I ran across these awesome die cuts. The rest of it came together quite easily.

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers - patterned paper challenge

2010-05-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

Using patterned papers together is definitely one of my biggest weaknesses. When I saw the challenge on Practical Scrappers..my initial thoughts were OHHHHH NOOOOO!!!!!

I used 4 different hot off the press patterned papers. First I cut a 2" strip off then cut each strip into 2" sections which created the 2" blocks. I adhered each one randomly on the white background paper. I dug out a bunch of "old" die cuts to finish the look. I also found that awesome ribbon which coordinated so well.

Let's see your use of patterned papers... Be sure to use the mr. linky on the practical scrappers website so we can all take a look..

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara --cards

2010-05-18T11:07:00.004-04:00

Welcome back!!! So glad to see you here...
Today I want to show you this awesome card sketch that Tamara has created for the DT to work with. As soon as I saw it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Of course, that never happens for me as cards are my biggest weakness.

I knew that I wanted to use that awesome curve and flowers. I also knew that I have been really trying to use different techniques for my scrapping layouts and cards.

Have you ever tried quilling? This card features quilling in it's simpliest form. It isn't too hard to learn, but I did find it hard to adhere to my card. Again, I dug deep into my scraps and my stamps in order to complete the card.
What do you think?

Have a blessed day!

The gift

2010-05-15T13:19:00.001-04:00

Have you ever saved those photos from Christmas cards? You know the ones. They show the family, pets, homes etc...This past Christmas, DH and I received a very special Christmas card from his Aunt J.
She made the card which included this lovely photo on the front. I have to tell you that 1) receiving a homemade card is truly awesome as it means someone truly thought you were very deserving 2) including a memorable event in the photo made me smile...and 3) she included a poem which relates why that photo is so important!

The photo is of a Christmas tree, but not just any tree. It was the tree that Uncle R planted in his front yard many years ago. Uncle R passed away 2 years ago...(Has it really been that long?) and Aunt J wanted to give a true gift of his love. She donated the tree to the village where she lives. It stood in all of it's glory, decorated full of bright lights and truly bringing the reason for the season into perspective.

Here is the poem...I hope you enjoy it..

This poem was so powerful, that I wanted the photo and it to remain as the focus of the page. I didn't add a lot of embellishment or fu fu. Though simple, I truly love how this page turned out.

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers...Use those punches

2010-05-12T06:00:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone...Hope this finds you doing well. I've been a busy little beaver working on all of my DT assignments. Let me tell you, that these DT assignments were just what I needed to jump start my mojo.

This week on Practical Scrappers the challenge is to use your punches.

I had so much fun with this challenge. Just look at all of the punches that I was able to use.

small fiskars heart punch
Large fiskars heart punch
Stampin' up spiral punch
Stampin' up round tab punch
3 miscellaneous sized circle punches.

The pink scallop border over the photo was created by punching out several small hearts then adhering them to the back of the paper so that only the top portion of the heart showed.
You can obviously see the heart punch, spiral punch and the round tab punch.
I created the flowers by punching out 3 different sizes of circles. Then I crumpled the circles and inked them with distress ink fire brick red. Next, I adhered them all together and began scrunching and crimping until I achieved the look I wanted. I personally think they turned out great.

Let's see your punches go to work. Be sure to check out Practical Scrappers and add your link.

Have a blessed day!

Sketches by Tamara DT ...Masking

2010-05-11T11:00:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone...I hope that you all have been having a fabulous past few days. I have another wonderful layout to share today which correlates with my DT assignment for Sketches by Tamara
For this challenge we were to use a recipe. We needed to include these items which spell out MAY.
Masking
Alphabet
Yellow

I am loving how this layout turned out. I used tattered angels masks and smooch spritzer to create the masked technique on the bottom of the layout. My alpha include these awesome thickers from American Crafts. Can I say that I can not get enough of those thickers... and of course, my yellow are those pinwheels.
The photos are of my DH and his fire safety partner as they were practicing water rescue this past summer.

Be sure to check out Sketches by Tamara for more inspiration from the DT. I know you won't be disappointed. If you use the recipe, be sure to let me know...I would love to check it out!

Have a blessed day!

Practical Scrappers -- Stickers

2010-05-05T20:10:00.000-04:00

Welcome everyone....!!! I hope you are enjoying your day.
Today I would like to show you a layout that I created for the Practical Scrappers DT. Our assignment was to use stickers. YIKES! I have to say, that using stickers are very difficult for me...but I think that I did ok with this layout.

For this layout, I used multiple stickers from several manufacturers. Unfortunately, the stickers were from several previously used and lost packaging. The butterflies, flowers, borders and the photo corners are all stickers.
Journaling:
Watching you dance and show off your new dress brings a smile to my face and heart.

Have a blessed day!

New arrival

2010-05-04T11:00:00.001-04:00

I received the most awesome mail a few weeks back. It was a little note from my Aunt Carol. Enclosed in the envelope were several photos that my grandmother had in her belongings. Grandma passed several years ago and my aunt has been gradually going through her belongings. She ran across these photos and thought that I would like to have them. She really had no idea how important they are to me as I don't even remember them being taken.
For this layout, I used this awesome sketch created by Tamara from Sketches by Tamara.
I love that I was able to incorporate these photos into my DT assignment. Be sure to stop by Tamara's blog and see all of the great inspiration created by the DT. I know you won't be disappointed.

The photos are of my son, Tom shortly after his birth. The photo on the left is great grandma. The photo on the right is great grandpa. The middle photo includes great grandma, tom, my dad, great grandpa, my dear Ex hubby, myself and my mom.

Have a blessed day!

Happy National Scrapbook day

2010-05-01T06:19:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone...happy NSD!!!! I hope everyone is getting lots of scrappy time today... During your travels be sure to check out Sketches by Tamara for some awesome challenges and new sketches created just for today.

Have a blessed day!

Photogenic

2010-04-21T22:47:00.000-04:00

It's been a crazy few weeks here, but I see an end in sight. I've been scrapping away and am finally starting to make a small dent in the photos from my last trip to see the grandchildren.

Of course, as you can tell, these are not photos that I took. My wonderful DIL sent these awesome photos for this past valentines day. I love love love them. My DGD's sweet and fun loving personality really shines through.
For this layout, I used lots of little pieces of scraps that I had sitting around. That presented quite the challenge, but I think that I did ok. I also incorporated some of the stamps that I haven't used in a while. I love making those awesome flowers. They are so quick and easy to do that I think I'll start using most of my scraps for them.

Ohhhh....I forgot to mention that I was recently selected for another DT on Practical Scrappers. Be sure to check them out and let them know that I sent you. It's a sweet messageboard that offers tons of inspiration and challenges for their members. Be sure to watch in the coming weeks for layouts designed especially for them.

Have a blessed day!

Skeeball wizard

2010-04-06T04:00:00.001-04:00

I only get to see my grandbabies once a year. It is so hard, too, especially when I have to put a years worth of fun in such a short visit. Last year, it rained my entire trip. It really was terrible as we had a hard time finding things to do. One day we went to a place that had all types of activities from bowling to video games.
What I learned on that trip, is Kenzie loves skeeball. Let me tell you, she is pretty good too. She won plenty of those tickets and was able to go in the little store and exchange them for cute little prizes.

What do you do with your loved ones when it is raining? How do you enrich those few precious moments to make them memorable?

Have a blessed day!

Revealing a secret

2010-04-04T08:11:00.000-04:00

WOOHOOOOO!!!!! I can finally reveal a secret which I have been keeping for the past few days......Let me tell you, it was very difficult too.
I made a design team! YEAH!!!!! Everyone that knows me knows how much I love to use sketches as my inspiration for my pages....and I am thrilled to announce that I made the "Sketches by Tamara" DT!!!!
I can hardly wait to start receiving my first assignments. Be on the look out starting in May for the reveals!!!!

Have a blessed day!

Lil Lady

2010-04-04T04:00:00.001-04:00

I've really been trying to scrap some of my older photos. I have so many that it is quite a daunting task. This is my niece when she was a year old....I can't believe that it has been 12 years ago....Wow! Time really does fly.

I found this oval piece of oval plastic in my stash and thought it would be an awesome tag. I searched and searched for some type of stamp that I could use that would reflect my thoughts on the photo. Finally I found this ohhh so cute lady bug. I used stazon black ink and then filled it in with copic marker. I only have the one color and I thought it turned out ok. I was a little concerned that the color would rub off, but so far so good. I also used some stickles on the tag to highlight the spots.
Do you ever go through your supplies and have an aha moment????

Have a blessed day!

Explore your world

2010-04-02T04:00:00.002-04:00

I found a photo that was taken many years ago. I believe it was 2005. It features my nieces, Mannie and her cousin Allie. I'm not sure what they were doing or where they were, but it sure looked like they were having fun.

Do you have photos that you aren't sure exactly what was going on? How do you scrap them and journal on them? Do you just look at the photo and try to imagine what was going on or do you try to research it and find out more?

Have a blessed day!

WOW....a blog award

2010-03-31T05:48:00.002-04:00

wow! This morning I received an email from printers ink dell that my little ole blog was featured on their site....How cool is that???? You can check it out here if you are interested.

Dell Printer Ink Cartridges

Have a blessed day!