A Scrapper's Life

Scrapbookers Anonymous... A to Z is....

2012-01-15T13:29:00.002-05:00

the letter "F". I've been waiting patiently for this letter, because Fancy Pants is one of my all time Fave manufacturers. I remember loving the new kraft lines they started putting out and working hard on talking my LSS into stocking the paper. I needed a steady fix and was so thankful she hooked me up. =)

I was on a Christmas streak when I put this together and wanted to challenge myself to use 3 different FP Christmas lines on this layout. I used Happy Holidays, Christmas Magic, and Tradition. All the embellies are FP too except the black word stickers, which are Authentique.

Sorry for the bad picture. Could not get this to work out no matter how much altering I did in Photoshop.

Head over to Scrapbookers Anonymous and check out the inspiration from the DT.. it's good to be the Letter F...

I'll be back to share my Take12 photos... Have a fabulous Sunday!!!!

Toodles. =)

31 Thank You Cards, Card 2

2012-01-11T23:01:00.001-05:00

Hi. I'm back. I'm on a blog posting roll.. I'm trying to be more crafty on a regular basis. =)

I wanted to share my latest card from 31 Thank you Cards. This one makes me more happy than the last one I completed. Used a lot of old stash for this one. used the scraps from card 1 too. The idea was to use a grid. so I filled each grid with lots of odds n ends.

Card #2

On a side note, my friend Elise has started a blog called Sew Material. She is an awesome seamstress. Always tearing it up.. pun intended... lol.. =) She actually made the dress I got married in. She is so talented and I want to share her blog in case you need some sewing inspiration.

If you do stop by her blog, say hi and tell her I sent you over.. =)
I'll be back soon with the latest Scrapbookers Anonymous A to Z challenge. Don't forget the main challenge is up and running. come join in the fun.

Card 1 of ThirtyOne!!

2012-01-08T16:34:00.001-05:00

Hi,

Am I the only one who feels like there is so much inspiration out there for us crafters, that it is slightly overwhelming??? There are so many ideas, blogs, challenges, classes, tutorials, projects, programs.. you get the idea. I'm not complaining, because I love it, but I'm very compulsive and have a tendancy to want to try to do it all... which we all know isn't possible. I get paralyzed and then do nothing... So, I tried to select some projects for 2012 that would support my scrappy goals and get me out of my comfort zone...

I really want to ramp up my card making abilities, so to help me out with that, I downloaded an Ebook from Ella Publishing called 31 Thank You Cards. I did the first prompt and my card is below. Not very creative, boring really....I followed the guidelines pretty closely.. It was to create a card with a coordinating paper line. I used a MME 6x6 paper pad .. I decided to break out my Epiphany button tool and create a matching button too..

I don't know why I struggle with cards, but I do..

A couple other Ella Ebooks I downloaded were:

Take Twelve

List-It! Everyday Life(digi plus)

Scrapbooking the Everyday

What attracted me to these downloads were the work at your own pace aspect. No deadlines and pressure, which for me is a giant plus.

What has you inspired this year so far??? Lea has me inspired to try the prompts at Creative Jump Start as well.. see what I mean about trying to do it all... sigh... too much bling, bling pulling me in all sorta directions... lol.. =)

My OLW is still brewing btw...

See ya soon.
Toodles. =)

Resolutions, I have some...

2012-01-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

Hi there peeps... another year under way. =)

and yes, every year, I make resolutions... every year, I complete a few and fail on a lot. I look at it as opportunities and challenges. =)

here is what I would like to do in 2012.

loss weight
run a 5k
clean one room a day
save more money
spend less money
limit eating out to weekends and special events

As for scrapbooking goals, here is what I'm gonna work towards...it's gonna be the year of completing unfinished projects. =) who's with me on that one. you know you have some.. lol.

52 cards
52 layouts
5 upcycled projects
cut my scrapbook budget in half
complete my 2009 P365
complete my 2010 and 2011 December Daily albums
complete some art journal prompts from a class I took in 2010 and actually bind the journal when complete
and the hardest one, no new paper for the first 2 months of 2012

And I will be picking another One Little Word for 2012. I will post about that later as I'm still thinking about that. I hope to have my decision made within the week.

2011's OLW was 'renew'
2009's OLW was 'focus'

I didn't do a OLW for 2010, not sure why, but I love how it makes you reflect on the past and your future. We can all try improving some aspect of our lives, yes? and it doesn't hurt to have some inspiration along the way.

I have lots more thoughts and ideas on how I want to grow as a paper crafter.... more to come as January unfolds.

I'll leave you with a picture of some of the tags I made over Christmas..

I'll see you all soon.

and don't forget to check out this month's challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. =)

Toodles.

Starting 2012 off with a bang!!!

2012-01-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!!!!

Can you believe 2012 is here already???? Time is flying by so quickly.. lots of great things to be thankful for in 2011 and lots of new things to look forward to in 2012.. =)

what better way to start the first post of the year, but with a challenge layout for Scrapbookers Anonymous. You must check out what the DT did... always so inspiring!!!!!

This month's challenge is to use paint, mist, or ink and masking. I used a Crafter's Workshop snowflake template with white Mr. Huey mist. The paper is WeR and I used some vintage Heidi Swapp ghost snowflake that were hiding in my stash. Like how this turned out overall. I had trouble with the masking, but I went with it and learned a few things I would have done differently for next time.

Because I procrastinated in December, I was able to incorporate another challenge into my layout this month. I used the Bird is a Word prompt, 'wonder'. I was inspired to use it after seeing Lizzy's layout using it. The funny thing about that word is that it's exactly how I feel right now... i 'wonder' how it is I'm functioning after the fun night of shenanigans. I spent it with some of my fav peeps... I hope Lea is feeling better that I am. i can only hope... =) Johnny Vegas was really nice to me last night... today, not so much.. lol.

It's still gonna be a great day... lots of tv and relaxing with my hubby... . see you all again soon.

Toodles... =)

Happy New Year!!!!!!

2011-12-31T16:09:00.001-05:00

Hi.... just popping in to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I'm ready to kick it up a notch in 2012 and expand my crafty toolkit. Are you making resolutions??? I always have a few. I'll share those and some cool classes I signed up for in future posts.

I'll be spending tonight with lots of my favorite people... I hope you are ringing in the New Year with those you love.. or at least like a little. lol.. =)

See you in 2012!!!

Toodles!!!!

Scrapbookers Anonymous A to Z is....

2011-12-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

Happy December!!!!

Sorry I've been missing in action... just too much happening. I barely have time to scrapbook.... I will be back in action soon. Lea and I were chatting and I think next year we are going to take the month of December off.. take some pressure off... and we all need a little vacation now and again... right??? =)

Here is this month's letter.... it's EEEEEEEEEEEEEE... for Echo Park.

I used a fun Christmas line. My niece opening a gift and the sketch is from Once Upon a Sketch. I know I'm too late to submit it, but it was a great sketch and worked with my pictures. =)

Get on over to Scrapbookers Anonymous and see what's happening and what the DT did... don't forget, this month the challenge ends early due to the holiday.

See you soon...
Toodles. =)

December Scrapbookers Anonymous Challenge

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

Happy December folks!!!!!

if you celebrate Christmas, only 24 more sleeps.... =)

And it's time for the last Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge of 2011.. This month it's a double whammy. You need to create a holiday themed project using a TAG and some GLITTER. this was a fun one..
I used a snowflake stamp on a piece of kraft cardstock and heat embossed clear glitter powder..and the cute little Santa tag was from a Christmas Graphic 45 die cut sheet Lea gave me... was perfect for this page I thought... the rest of the paper was Basic Grey. Snowflakes are K and Co.

Family Christmas

And I just happened to have a second photo collage sheet that I wanted to get done, so basically used the same layout for this one... I misted the background. Used up some Martha Stewart tape, CC tiny types, K and Co die cuts and some flowers.. all from my stash...

My family.. brother, sil, mom, step dad, nephew, and nieces

Please visit the Scrapbookers Anonymous site and see what the DT created. lots of inspiration... =)

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed holiday season. I'm not sure how much I'll be around this month. busy work month and then the holiday..

Toodles.... =)

A commercial break... lol.. =)

2011-11-29T19:52:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends!!!!

Haven't really been blogging or crafting much, but I just have to share this because I LOVE it. I'm a music junkie... I think I went to every 80s hair band concert back in the decade of decadence... lol.. =) I've expanded my taste a bit and love all kinds of music..

The Black Keys

This is a great band that I found by chance listening to the Eclipse soundtrack. Their new album is coming out very soon, but they are giving you sneaks of 5 songs. They are awesome. Check it out.

I can't stop listening to Lonely Boy.. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.. i really love expanding my music collection.

If you have any great bands you love, share them in my comments. I'll definitely check them out.

Here is the YouTube video for Lonely Boy... it's awesome too.

ok... back to your regularly scheduled programing.... lol.. =0
Scrapbookers Anonymous December Challenge is on its way in 2 sleeps. See you then...

Toodles.

Scrapbookers Anonymous presents....

2011-11-15T09:00:00.003-05:00

the letter "D"

This month, we are back with a new A to Z challenge letter over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. "D" was a bit tougher than the others. Still a great challenge. I dug deep for some old Dream Street papers, along with some fun DCWV papers and a Doily. It all some how worked together. The sketch is from Bird is Word for their "adore" challenge..

On Saturday I spent the day at the LSS and was able to get another layout completed. This one was for a sketch challenge over at Cocoa Daisy during their crop this past weekend. I don't subscribe to their kits, but Lea does and they are fabulous. I've been buying their stamps and loving them...

The base sheet is Tim Holtz, some DCWV, Glitz, Maya rub-ons and ribbon, and random flowers from my stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm hoping to be sharing some layouts again soon.. cropping this coming Friday with a bunch of my peeps.

Have a fabulous week and please stop by Scrapbookers Anonymous to check out this month's challenges.

See you soon... Toodles. =)

Scrapbookers Anonymous November Challenge!!!

2011-11-01T09:01:00.002-04:00

Hi there!!!!!

How can it be November already???? less than 2 months till Christmas... yeah, I said it.. Christmas.. lol.. =) I've been shopping up a storm. Anyone ever see ThirtyOne purses? I had a book party last month.. bought a bunch of presents with my free hostess credits and a couple little goodies for me. love that they can be personalized. who doesn't love a gift with their name on it.

Ok. enough about me... let's move on to this month's Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge. It's a fun one. I love it. It's all about using RIBBON. the more the better, and of course, it needs to be from the depths of your stash.

I used a ton of Maya road ribbon i had laying around from a box sale and American Crafts ribbon in grey. I stitched them on and some how managed to keep them all straight. amazing really.. =)
The base sheet is Glitz, used some doilies, Smooch spritz, prima flowers and a few butterfly brads for good measure. oh, and used two stamps on this layout.. can you guess where they are?

my sweet little cousin playing with the water feature at my brother's house. she was mesmerized by it all..

So I hope you are inspired to play along with us this month. The prize is fantastic... you will want to dig into your stash and play for sure. =)

Thanks for stopping by and I will see you all again soon I hope...

Toodles. =)

"C" stands for Crate, Cosmo, and Core'dinations... oh my

2011-10-15T09:00:00.006-04:00

Hello.....
Good Morning!!!

It's that time of the month again and we are bringing you the latest Scrapbookers Anonymous A-Z challenge. We are on the letter "C". Oh the possibilities. =) It's all about digging into your stash for items that start with the letter "C".
cats maybe??? or clouds? i used a couple clouds and didn't even plan it that way. it just happened.. lol..

I've been digging into my paper stash for this challenge and had lots to choose from. I picked papers from Crate (Seasons Collection) and Core'dinations (Neutrals: Woodgrain).. and the rub ons are Cosmo Cricket (Honey Pie).

So, head over to the blog to see the inspiration from the design team. Fabulous as always.. =)

Not really been able to be crafty.. busy with work and every weekend has something going on. And I want to start exercising more which takes time away from crafting too...started a Couch Potato to 5k plan. I about died my first session.. lol. And tonight I'm headed to a wedding..should be fun. Maybe next weekend I'll be able to find some time to do other challenges and have some fun playing with paper... i can only hope..

See you again soon.
Toodles... =)

Random Crafty Ramblings

2011-10-09T19:36:00.001-04:00

Hi. Happy Sunday... just down in my craft dungeon cleaning and organizing. bought some storage items and trying to figure out what to do with everything.. organization of crafty items is just as important as the crafting.. don't you think?

I never have enough room and I'm always seeking out items that will make finding things easier... and I like to be portable, so traveling storage is a bonus.. I use to try to bring everything with me when I crop, but it's gotten to the point I just bring the essentials and a few kits. makes for lighter loads and I get more done when I'm not searching out a bazillion items.. lol.. anywhos. I'm just thinking of these thoughts out loud here.. =)

This weekend at Michaels I picked up this Recollections wire rack item that I thought would be cool. It's ok. maybe I'll like it once it's filled with items.. Ha!! It's a clip it up type item that fits in my Making Memories tool turnabout. wish I had a picture to share.

and I've recently begun collecting Twine. This really isn't a new thing.. but I'm buying it in BOLTS now.. lol.. 240 yds at a time. lots of sales sneaking up at Scrapbook Steals and Crafty Steals from The Twinery.. So.. with it comes another storage dilemma. What to do with them. I'm sure you've seen the cute sugar caddy holders, (click here to see a cute one from Divine Twine) but I need something cheap. I know.. you are thinking..you spend all this money on scrap stuff but want a cheap storage solution... well, the answer is yes.. lol.. I do have a frugal side and some things I just hate spending money on..

While on Pinterest the other night I saw these awesome ball jars that were colored and I'm thinking, shazam!!! i've got a ton of canning jars collecting dust right now so I'm gonna use those for twine.. and when I checked it out, the twine fit perfectly into Pint Jars. So, stinking excited.. here is what I've come up with.

I've used a spellbinders scallop die in my big shot and cut some cute fabric quarters I got for 99cents. Poked a hole in the top so I can pull out the twine and tada... What do you think??? i love it. and now, the mind is working on where I will put 13 jars of twine in my scrap space.. lol. solving one problem.. only to create another. sigh....

To follow me on Pinterest, click here

I'll be sure to follow you back. I'm addicted to this site. So much crafty inspiration and food... yes, food. lots of recipes too. yummm.

And I'll leave you all with a picture of some tomatoes I picked from my garden..i took the picture with Instagram. Another app you must have for your iPhone. Used the Nashville filter.

I better get back to cleaning and organizing so that I can make some space to scrap.. gotta work on some Scrapbookers Anonymous challenges.

Don't forget to cruise by and play with our latest challenge and win some Echo Park goodness.
See you all again soon.

Toodles..

October SA Challenge is up!!!!

2011-10-01T10:54:00.000-04:00

Hi!!!! I'm back!!!

Can you believe it is October 1st????? Pretty soon it will be Thanksgiving, then Christmas. yikes. But, let's enjoy fall a bit... I love Halloween.

Scrapbookers Anonymous has it's latest challenge up. This month, it's to use your die cut machine. Dust off the dust bunnies, and make it happen... =) I used my Silhouette for the first time for this challenge. I've had it for months and just figured out how to use it. Crazy. I do love it now that i know what I'm doing.

I love all the cute fonts and shapes that can be used. I cut my title out for this one...

This particular layout is of my cute great niece. We were having a fun family get together and I think she was bringing drinks to some people here in this photo. I thought the picture screamed my new AC Margarita line. The base paper is Jillibean Soup. loved the cute sayings on it and who doesn't love orange?? =)

I really struggled with this layout because I felt I had to force it all together. nothing was flowing, ya know.... so, here it is anyway. I covered my title in stickles thinking it needed a little something else. leaving it plain just bugged me.

So head on over to Scrapbookers Anonymous and play along with us. The prize is a fun one and we still have some good Mini Stash Challenges that are live till October 7th... prizes for those too...

See you soon.
Toodles. =)

Less than 2 days left in September.. how can it be????

2011-09-29T17:28:00.000-04:00

Hi friends...

I looked at the calendar and can not believe that we are almost to October. Crazy.. I have not crafted one bit in the last couple weeks. Ridiculous really. I've been out of town for work and this week too for a few days.. I just can't get ahead of myself. and add to it me being sick with a cold.. blah!!!
Gosh, I'm a whiner... lol.. =) What I wanted to remind you all of is the Birthday Celebrations over at Scrapbookers Anonymous.

We have prizes for both the Main and the A to Z challenge this month. Also, lots of mini challenges created by the DT that have prizes too... so much inspiration. So much to choose from. You will find something to inspire you, I'm sure of it. =)

Halloween!!!
Long Title
Bling, Bling
Stamping!!!
Tag Challenge
Tool Time!!!
Celebration Collage
Game Pieces
Journaling Stash

You have until October 7th at midnight to submit for the mini challenges.

The main and A to Z challenges end at the normal time on September 30th at 9am EST.
Come see what's going on and only 2 more days till we launch October's challenge.

See you again soon.... =)
Toodles.

Scrapbookers Anonymous presents... the letter "B"

2011-09-15T09:02:00.001-04:00

and what a wonderful letter it is.. =)

This month's A to Z challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous is to use the letter "B"...I was looking forward to this letter. I'm focusing on paper manufacturers using the letter "B", and I have so much Basic Grey and Bobunny and Bella, that I was itching to mix it up and make them all play together.. lol..

This picture is of my sweet little great niece. I used paper from the following:
Bella Blvd, sunny skies
BG, lemonade, green at heart
Bobunny, ad lib
I had to dig deep for the base sheet, it's a really old Bobunny sheet that looks like crinkled paper.
and I added a couple "bees" for good measure.. =)

And you don't have to focus on paper, you can root around in your stash for anything that starts with a "B". Butterflies, buttons, brads, so on, and so forth... so please come over and play along with us.

SA Mini Stash Journaling Challenge

2011-09-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

Hi!!! I'm back. =)
all month long we'll be having mini stash challenges to celebrate our birthday month over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. Today is my day on the blog..I created a challenge for you all about stash and no photos. you can not use any photos. I want you to dig into your stash, use some goodies you've been hoarding, and journal about some "thing", some "one", some "place". Reflect on a memory you have that perhaps you don't have a photo for, but want to remember. I love all the layouts I've created without photos. Here are a few for inspiration.

Come play along with me and have a chance to win a little goodie. Click HERE to see the details.. Also, the main chipboard challenge is still live until Sept. 30th at 9pm. You have until Saturday, October 7th at midnight to get your mini challenges completed for a chance at the extra prizes.

a few challenge layouts

2011-09-03T23:13:00.001-04:00

Good evening...

Just popping in quick to post a few layouts I did over the past couple days. It's the anniversary crop at my LSS and they were celebrating 5 years. Yesterday I was able to scrap with my mom again.. love that. and today was with my regular crop peeps, minus Lea. She is hanging out with her family this weekend.. =)

First up is my layout for "another freaking scrappy challenge". Anne is fabulous and her site is so much fun. Lots of inspiration and wonderful sketches. You should check it out if you haven't already. I've wanted to do many of her challenges, but time constraints didn't allow me until now.

The challenge this time is to scrap about the location and year of your birth, and it had to include some details. I used some fun Echo Park Happy Days, Amy Tangerine fabric paper, 'it takes two' stickers based on my birth year of 1970, and various other embellies... this was so much fun, really. =)
oh, and I used the sketch from Sketchy Thursdays 9.1.

And then I did a new challenge site, new to me but it's been around a while and it intrigues me. It's called White plus One. The color this time was pink and then you had to journal on your picture. this is my cousin and her sweet little girl. Used American Crafts, Hello Sunshine and various embellies.. =)
Used the August 30th sketch from Sketchabilities.

and then I did a layout based on the sketch from Once Upon a Sketch. You had use the year as your title and do two lines of journaling on why it was memorable. Used the new MME Lost and Found 2 line. A pic of me and all the ladies who cropped at the NSD crop in 2009.

Then, I wrapped up the last couple days with a few other random layouts. No challenges to submit for, but they were fun.

the pic isn't the best but it's of the lemonade stand at the festival I went to this summer. .LYB sweet summertime line.

my little great niece... used some new Harmony paper that my LSS owner gave me. it's so stinking cute. I love it!!! and I need more of this manufacturer. =) Julie T-W, I used the very last of that trim you sent me.. I loved using it and it was well loved. Thank you so much again. I think it was used on at least a half dozen layouts. =)

and last but not least a layout based on an older sketch from pencil lines. It's my hubby and my aunt during family reunion week. I'm not lovin this one for some reason.. seems to be missing something. ya ever get that feeling??? maybe I should have used mist.. lol.. =) Used my Studio Calico kit, Boardwalk.

So, that's about it for now.. I will be posting the first mini stash challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous for our birthday month on Sept. 5th. Lea and I changed days... so, come by and see what the main challenge is about.. lots of fun this month. =)

Toodles!!!

Scrapbookers Anonymous Sept Challenge!!!

2011-09-01T09:11:00.004-04:00

Hello!!!!! It's going to be a month long party....

and why, you may ask???? Scrapbookers Anonymous, the challenge blog my friend Lea and I created is turning 1 year old this month. We launched our first challenge Sept 2010. Can't believe it. It's been so much fun.

We have lots of fun things planned, but first up is the main monthly challenge... this month, it is all about CHIPBOARD.. that's right. Chipboard. any kind, shape, size.

I lovingly collected a stash of the Fancy Pants 12x12 chipboard so wanted to use some of that up. I wanted to make a scene and used pieces from the Dress Up collection. the cloud, entire house, sun, and heart are all chipboard. I misted the pieces to match my layout. Used lots of Maya Mist, Mr. Hueys, and Smooches.

The rest of the paper and embellies are from my Noel Mignon kit, Salt Water Taffy except the mini alphas and the ribbon.

you know you have some chipboard in your stash, come visit us at Scrapbookers Anonymous and join in the fun. =)

Toodles and Happy Scrapping!!!!

Busy, busy... checking in.

2011-08-28T10:41:00.001-04:00

Hi!!!! Happy Sunday.

The summer is slowly coming to an end. I can smell autumn in the air... really!!! =) The past week I've been on vacation. The hubby and I take our anniversary week off work every year. Been doing it for 12 yrs now. It's a tradition. =) This time around we had lots of plans. Goes against the grain of relaxing during vacation, but its fun to get out and about once in a while.

Spent a few days at my mom's early in the week. I got to scrapbook with my mom while my hubby played 27 holes of golf with my step dad. Here are the layouts I can show.. my DT layout for Sept will have to wait. =)

My cousins at Disneyland. Used up more of my Yankee Doodles We R line.

My cousins.. used a Studio Calico kit, Paper Moon. and used my iRock for the first time. sketch from August Pagemaps.

and after a fun couple days at my mom's, we headed home to regroup before heading down to KY, IN, and OH for 2 days. Met up with my cousin and his wife. The hotel we stayed at was about a half way point for both of us. They live in TN. The location we were at is very unique because you can cross into 3 states with only a couple miles to drive. So, we hit up the Hollywood Casino in Indiana, and caught a Cincinnati Reds game. And did I mention the casino???? ha! it's hard for me to forget since I lost a bit of money playing my favorite game... blackjack. I did learn something though. Never play a table with an automatic card shuffler and never play the sucker bets if the table adds them. I learn something new every time I play.

Here are a couple fun pictures... this weekend I used my Instagram iphone app. I was mixing it up. =)

my hubby on the left with my cousin. heading into the casino.

Hollywood on the Roof. it's a live band act each night at the casino. this particular night it was an Elvis impersonator and a Blues Brother duo. followed up by a Rod Stewart act. All were really good. If you look close, Elvis is in the red shirt. lol.. =)

Reds memorabilia... I didn't get sucked in.

The Cincinnati skyline. It was so cool looking. A great city to visit for sure.

Entering the ball park.

Sitting in our seats... =) It was perfect. Out of the sun and we had a good view of the field and the river in the background there.

So, I'm kinda back in action. I need to catch up, unpack, and get ready for the birthday celebration month over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. We are celebrating all month long for our 1 year birthday!!! yippie!!! I'll be back with my new September DT layout and the challenge details on the 1st.
See you soon.. =)

Toodles...

Scrapbookers Anonymous A to Z challenge...

2011-08-15T09:11:00.001-04:00

And we are kicking it off with the letter "A". that means you must create a layout using a manufacturer that begins with the letter "A" or use products or items that start with "A". it's wide open.. the idea is to dig into your stash and find things that are needing some love.

I have a ton of American Craft papers so stuck to digging into my stash of AC. love it all. the paper line I picked to use is call Backyard. I used some Remarks, tags from Hello Sunshine, and mist too. Everything is from AC except the mist and brads. =)

Please stop by and see what the DT created and have fun participating in one of our challenges this month.
Scrapbookers Anonymous.

Happy Monday!!!!

Sketchy Thursdays 8.11

2011-08-13T02:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday peeps!!!!

How are you all???? I've been busy. Summer is wrapping up and lots going on at work too. No crafty time at all, except tonight I made it mandatory.. I met up with a friend after work at my LSS and knocked out a few layouts. I was cheating on Lea... i hope she forgives me.. haha.. lol. =)

First up, Sketchy Thursdays 8.11. it called to me. I hadn't used my Echo Park Summer Days yet.. my little great niece.. we were headed to a festival and she is telling me her tummy hurts, I'm like noooooooo. i was worried. then we were passing by a 7-11 and she says, "I want a slurpee. grandma Grace said that slurpees make you feel better". so, I caved and prayed she wasn't gonna puke or something. ha! it did end up a great day.

and since I love EP and the LSS just got the new Happy Days. I had to play with that too. love that line. the colors are so fun.

My grandpa.. he passed away back in the early 90s. he loved to cook. he looks a little surprised here. I think he was doing dishes. =)

Hope you all are doing well. Scrapbookers Anonymous is having a mid month challenge start on August 15th... in addition, the main challenge is still live. come check it out.

I will be back with details on the SA challenge on Monday. stay tuned. =)

Toodles....

Scrapbookers Anonymous August Challenge

2011-08-01T09:02:00.005-04:00

Good Morning!!!!!

Hope you are all doing well this fine Monday morning.. =)

I'm really sleepy and can't wait to hit up my local 7-11 for some diet Mt. Dew. it's my nemesis..ha! love that golden drink.

I wanted to post this month's new challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous.. it's a great one. It's designed to help you use up those journaling spots we all have tons of.. try to incorporate them into your design.. i had fun with this one.

Used some old Creative Imaginations papers. one of my faves from them.. I still have lots of it left. The heart on the right and all those circles are journaling spots..

My nephew and niece.. the couple that makes the cute kids that I scrap all the time. love them all. =)

And the two cards I made using the heart shaped journaling pads that match the paper line..

I hope you get a chance to come play along with us this month. =)

Sketchy Thursdays 7.21 and LYB....

2011-07-23T01:17:00.001-04:00

Hello!!!!! I'm back from my mini staycation.....

actually, the hubby and I came home yesterday, but I needed a day of recuperation.. I always need a vacation from vacation... don't you??? so much running around and things to do. we spent a good portion of the last week at my mom's house with lots of family. time is so short... i wish it would slow down. i love spending time with my crazy, fun family. xoxox =)

I will post some pictures here and there when I get them off my iPhone...

in the mean time, here are a couple layouts I finished today.. had a chance to scrap with Lea. missed her. =)

First up, Sketchy Thursdays 7.2. this is a layout of my dog from last Halloween. Used the new Authentique paper from my LSS, Scrapbooks Galore. It's been a while since I did a page of my sweet baby. isn't she cute dressed as a pumpkin???? lol.. cracks me up.

And this one is the new Sweet Summertime from LYB. Another bunch of papers and embellies from my LSS. it's a picture of my mom, great niece, and little cousin.. the picture fit perfectly in that little clear frame.

I'm really behind on blogging... i promise to catch up first thing in the morning.. Have a fabulous weekend...

See you all again soon...
don't forget about the Scrapbookers Anonymous July challenge. it's still going and a great prize. what are you waiting for??? =)

A staycation...

2011-07-17T09:43:00.001-04:00

Hi there friends.

No scrappy projects, I i just wanted to pop in to say hello and share a few more pictures from my Hipstamatic Camera App from my iPhone.

We are having a family reunion this weekend and these are from the first night we got together at my brother's house. I will be busy the next week and on a mini staycation.. I will hopefully be scrapping next weekend if things work out as planned. =)

my brother and cousin..

my mom and my great niece, and little cousin...

These next two are from our golf outing yesterday... I didn't do too bad considering my first time playing this year.

teeing off... =)

my sil and niece. =)

I hope you all are having a great weekend. I will be back soon with some projects, in the mean time I'm busy making the memories so I can create more... =)
Toodles...

my fave collection

2011-07-10T19:53:00.000-04:00

Hi. Good Evening...

Popping in with a new layout... had the chance to get a layout or two done over the weekend. First up, is a layout for My Fave Things.. This prompt is to scrap about your favorite collection. When I was a kid, I use to collect salt and pepper shakers. vintage ones, cutesy type.. I remember having a set of cats that when you picked them up, they meowed. lol... but those are gone to new homes.....
and now, I hate dusting so I don't collect anything that needs to be dusted... =) I collect clothes, birkenstocks, and miche bag covers.. but my most favorite collection is my scrapbook items. I have lots of favorites. Particularly my stamp collection, my buttons, and my paper stash.. and if you look closely at picture 2, there is a punch in the background... i love those too... lol...

I took the pictures with my Hipstamatic App. prints are 2x2. I also submitted this for the ACOT red, white, and blue challenge which is to use red, white and blue in a non 4th of July layout...

And I'm helping my mom with putting together an album for my cousin who is getting married this fall. I did a couple layouts for that..
Here is one of them.. I think this was the quickest layout I ever did. I used an old Color Me Miki kit. It was my very first kit I ever bought.. it had a few fun Webster's papers left in it. I loved this line..

Don't forget, Scrapbookers Anonymous July challenge is up and you have till the end of the month to play. =)

My new toy...

2011-07-08T21:01:00.002-04:00

First, I want to say THANK YOU!!!! to all my friends who participated in the Birthday Hop for me over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. It made my day.. my birthday was last week, but I spent it alone in a hotel room due to some work commitments so I was suppose to crop today with some friends and well, that got canceled ... was feeling a bit Grinch like all week, but thanks to Lea being sneaky, my day perked up quite a bit... =) and I am scrapbooking tonight so it all worked out in the end.. it always does, doesn't it??? =)

sooooo, on to my new toy, or is it an addiction???? not sure, but I love it just the same. my new iPhone has me hooked.

Not only is it easy to use, but if you have any idea how much I love to shop, not just for scrappy items, but for clothes, birkies, philosophy, ebooks.. see, you get the idea.. lol.. my iPhone just makes it easier for me to shop on the go. no delayed gratification here.. =)

and there are games, social networking, and the camera.. and not just any camera.. my newest and most fav love is my Hipstamatic App. it is the best thing EVER!!!!! it was worth the couple bucks I paid for it. You can change out the lens, the film, and the flash.. and for those of you who love vintage, the colors and texture you get just make you feel like you are back in time.. I thought it would be fun to share some pics I've taken with it.

First up is some pictures I took at a carnival of my great niece. I took so many pictures this day I wore my battery down until it died right before we were leaving.

This was in the car while we were waiting for my friend to meet us. It is Kaimal Mark II lens, Blanko Film.
She says to me as we go by 7-11, Slurpees make everything better. She is such a character. Can't wait to scrap this one.

While we were waiting for the Berry Go Round. John S lens, Kodot Grizzled Film. this is my favorite combo to use.

The Ferris Wheel. I took this when we were waiting in line. It turned out great and is one of my favorite pictures. Again, John S lens, Kodot Grizzled Film.

A view from the top of the Ferris Wheel.. let's just say I was a little skeeerred up there. if there was a dislike button, I'd of used it.. lol.. =) John S lens, Kodot Grizzled Film.

This was of the Fresh Lemonade stand.. another fun combo. This was John S lens, AO DLX film

This is just a random picture of Dairy Queen. Looks so retro doesn't it? Pleasantly surprised by this combo. Buckhorst H1 Lens, and Kodot Grizzled Film.

I have lots more, but I will share them at a later time.. this app is really fun. I'm hooked.

Thanks again for stopping by and visiting my blog. I do have a few layouts to share and will be back soon.

View Blog

Scrapbookers Anonymous July Challenge.. finally

2011-07-02T11:53:00.000-04:00

Good Morning friends.

I was feeling a bit bad about missing out on the Scrapbookers Anonymous reveal and thought I'd whip up my uncompleted layout. I wasn't feeling the other one, so started from scratch. I had some recent pictures of my great niece from our trip to a local festival and the inspiration just hit. So... here is my contribution.. a day late, but it's better than never.. right?? =) Lea can take it out of my salary..lol.. ha ha!!!

I used orange as my most un-loved color, but I'd say that purple may rank right up there with it. I just started wading through my stash looking for orange paper that made me happy..I ended up with this SEI base sheet called Mango. fitting huh? Then the BG paper and some Bobunny up in the corner finished it off. lots of fun rubons and other embellies from my stash.

Please come visit the Scrapbookers Anonymous blog and see the July challenge and the fabulous Design Team layouts. They are the true artists. lots of fantastic inspiration over there... =)

Have a Happy 4th of July weekend!!! I need to go help my husband cut the lawn now....

love and hugs.
xoxo

My Random Sizzix Winner!!!

2011-07-01T18:53:00.001-04:00

Hi there,

Good evening and Happy July 1st. Just got done making dinner and sitting down to do a little blogging before the oven timer goes off. I just want to say really quick about how big of a SLACKER I've been lately with scrapping. I've been busy with work and when I get home from work, I don't feel like doing anything including scrapbooking. So, I don't even have a new Scrapbookers Anonymous layout to show you. I started it, but didn't get it done in time for the reveal. How lame is that??? so much for my come back.. lol. =)

One thing I did do today was use Random.org for my Sizzix drawing. So anyone that followed the instructions and was or became a follower was entered. The lucky winner is.......

KATEY

Congrats Katey. Send me your mailing address to chattyscrapper@gmail.com and I will send you the Sizzix die. Congrats. and Thanks to all my blog followers for stopping by and giving me some love... =)

Don't forget to see what the wonderful DT did for the latest Scrapbookers Anonymous reveal. This month's challenge is to do a layout based on your hard to use color. Come visit and play with us.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Toodles.... =)

I'mmmm backk... with a layout or two =)

2011-06-18T21:49:00.001-04:00

I've got a blog giveaway HERE. Check it out for a chance to win a cute Sizzix die. =)
Happy Saturday....

Well, I was on a really bad dry spell.. i think my crafty mojo made a brief reappearance last night. I tried to go to my LSS to crop after work, but they didn't have room for me on such short notice, so I stayed home in my scrap dungeon. probably was a good thing. I had all my tools and resources, which helps with the inspiration I think..=)
First up, is a layout of my cousin and her husband. The inspiration for this layout was from a sketch at Sketch Inspiration, #223.
I dug deep into my stash and used some older Kelly Panacci paper from a line called His and Hers as the base, PP tissue papers, maya mist, some Bobunny white chipboard that I Zingged with the color Butter, and a Glitz rubon and stickers. a little medley of goodies.

and then, since I was on a roll... lol.. I started on another layout with my latest scrappy purchase.. a kit from NOEL MIGNON called Bees Knees. it is so awesome. lots of fun papers and embellies.. this is my first kit from Noel and I love it!!!! =)

I used a sketch from Sassy Lil Sketches as inspiration... and the first sheet of paper I picked out of the kit was this beautiful piece from the new Sassafras line.. isn't it awesome?? I then dug into my Studio Calico stamps and used a "summer" stamp and my "cloud" stamp, which matches my cloud punches perfectly... I stamped the summer image with 4 different Jenni Bowlin inks. I think the colors worked perfect on the paper.. and the rest of the embellies were from the kit except the puffie, and the Making Memories popsicle stick adhered with the Lime Twist twine.
the picture is of my great niece at our family reunion last year when she was in charge of a game and had the whistle. let's just say that whistle was well loved. lol. =)

I hope I didn't use up my mojo... i have to get to work on some layouts for Scrapbookers Anonymous. Don't forget to hop over and check out June's challenge.
=)

Thanks for visiting and I will be back soon...

my first youtube video

2011-06-16T23:31:00.000-04:00

Hi,
I'm having a blog giveaway, please check out this post HERE to leave a comment for the fun Sizzix die I'm giving away to one lucky blogger.. =)

Ok.. I'm back. I may not be crafty lately, but call me dangerous when I'm on a mission to figure something out. I have a little sneak of my space for ya. I've used my new flip cam and played around with Windows Movie Maker. had some fun with it. I'll be adding music and editing things in no time... watch out.. lol.. I won this flip cam from work....so excited to have it. happy to find a use for it. =) I hope you enjoy my first attempt...

Happy almost Friday... See you all again soon. .

Toodles... =)

an update and a little goodie giveaway...

2011-06-15T17:48:00.000-04:00

Hi there peeps....

I thought I better get a post in again this month... the inspiration just isn't hitting me. I have not scrapped a thing in weeks. oh, but I keep buying things... why???? I know I'm not the only one with this illness...lol.. that is why I host a challenge blog for using your stash.. =) gotta find ways to use up my impulse buys.. my local friends that have seen my scrap area KNOW I should seek therapy... ack!!!! ok.. here is a little peak of what the east side of my area looks like... this was when the cubes were empty... *notice past tense here*.. =)

and this is my work area that faces the south side of the basement cave I have...

Perhaps I'll put a virtual tour together with my new flip cam. anyone interested in seeing all my stash???

So....I have nothing really crafty to share, but I do have a little random blog giveaway for one lucky follower. One of the things that happens occasionally when I'm on a spending spree, I buy something I already have.. well, this time I was at Joann's looking at Sizzix dies and came across a few on clearance... well, this butterfly one really caught my eye... the problem is, I liked it so much I bought it twice.. =) my error, your win...

You are now asking yourself what do I need to do to win this Sizzix die??? well, become a follower of my blog, and leave me a comment letting me know you visited and became a follower.. and if you are already a follower you are ahead of the plan, and just leave me a comment telling me your latest scrapbook purchase.. help me feel better about my shopping habits.. lol. =)

I'll leave this giveaway up through midnight EST June 29th since that is my Birthday and I will draw the winner on the 30th, and announce it on July 1. My gift to you...=)

Here is a picture of the die... It's called Butterfly and Dragonfly. It can be used in your Sizzix bigkick or bigshot. I can't vouch for using it in anything else.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank all my friends that have made my scrapbooking experience online that much better. I've truly meet some wonderful people online who I call my friends... I don't think unless you experience this first hand that others understand, but I know my blogging and Internet buddies totally relate.. even when we are separated by time zones.

love and hugs...
xoxo...

And just a little reminder, the Scrapbookers Anonymous June Challenge is going strong.. come by and play with us. lots of inspiration on the blog.. =)

Scrapbookers Anonymous June Challenge

2011-06-01T09:02:00.006-04:00

Hello and Happy June.

It's that time of the month again for the new challenge at Scrapbookers Anonymous. This month, we are encouraging you to use 3 sheets of paper from a paper pad, 6x6, 8x8, you know you have them sitting around. I have more than I can shake a stick at. =)
For my layout I opted to use the Fancy Pants Daily Grind pack. it is 8x8. I thought it would give me a chance to break out my edge punches too and do a little sewing. The picture is of my husband's band members. i struggled with this layout as I'm not really feeling the crafty mojo yet so it definitely isn't one of my favs. i think it's missing some mist.. ya know, it's naked.. haha.. lol. love mist.

So hop on over to the challenge site and see the wonderful inspiration the DT created. Such talent. =) The prize this month is some fun Echo Park paper and coordinating embellies..

And lastly, I did try my hand at the Sketchy Thursdays 5.26 sketch this week. another layout that I struggled with.. something seems missing.. and the hambly rubon I used was giving me trouble and I had to leave it on and adhere it with brads...or it would have ruined my paper. This is my great nieces from last summer eating ice cream. Used Nikki Sivils, Summer line. love that paper. =)

Hope you all are having a great week.. Hopefully my crafty mojo kicks in soon.. I will see you all again soon..

Toodles. =)

not really in the crafty mood lately

2011-05-24T20:14:00.000-04:00

... is this something that ever happens to you???

I don't know if its the change in weather or just me being lazy, or maybe just not having any pictures to really inspire me. I need to print some fun pictures to get me in the mood to play with some paper.

I did get a bit excited over using a Lawn Fawn stamp I bought, Plus One. I had to make a card for a baby shower I was going to.. it was fun coloring it in. Maybe I need to make some cards for a while to mix it up a little.. hmmm. so many fun stamps out these days. have you seen the new Lawn Fawn release???? so many must have stamp sets.

Don't forget that there is still some time to play along with us at Scrapbookers Anonymous this month. The May Challenge is all about Stamping... come play along with us. =)

Last couple NSD creations

2011-05-15T21:05:00.000-04:00

Hi there. Hope you all had a fantastic weekend. it was rainy, cold, and windy here in Michigan. yuk!!! i only left the house long enough to do a little scrappy shopping at A Cherry On Top's local warehouse sale on Saturday morning. it was a worthwhile trip.. got lots of little goodies cheap, but scored the best item of all... a new Silhouette SD for $50.. yes, $50..it works and all the items are with it. I know, I do NOT need another toy, but I've been on the fence since I sold my baby Cricut. I didn't know if I wanted an Expression or something different.. hanging out at the Studio Calico message boards got me all intrigued with this machine.. well, I took a gamble and hopefully it gets more use than my Cricut did. I have my mom's Cricut Create on loan so I still have that capability if I want. best of both worlds I guess...

Ok. on to my last two NSD layouts.

This is a picture of my dad back in I'd say the late 60's, maybe 70's. I miss him so... I only had twenty three short years with him... I made the picture into a polaroid with my software. This is Pink Paislee's Daily Junque paper and stamp.. I added some maya sheers, and K and Company little vintage ephemera.

and lastly, this is my brother. he was getting ready for a Shriner's event. I don't usually do many 4th of July layouts, but his shirt screamed using some themed paper.. and I stumbled upon this WeR paper at the LSS. I had fun with the theme, used some star punches too. Sketch was from Sassy Lil Sketches #48.

I sure hope the weather gets better. Spring has been really dreary here, lots of rain and little sun. at least it's not snowing.. gotta be thankful for that.. =)

Don't forget to stop by Scrapbookers Anonymous for this months challenge. The DT has some cards posted based on the challenge. Come play with us... =)

Toodles...

More NSD creations... =)

2011-05-10T19:25:00.001-04:00

Hi. I meant to post these yesterday but the week started off a bit busy for me. I want to share more of the layouts I finished during my 2 day crop. I'm not sure I have a style really, but I felt a few layouts I did over the weekend was a bit out of my element..i tried stepping outside my comfort zone on a few... i enjoyed the end result even though I labored over them more than normal... lol..

Let's start with Sketchy Thursdays 5.5. I love this week's sketch. I used an older line Basic Grey, June Bug. I love the colors in this line. this is my great niece and her dog.

Next up is the layout I did for These Are a Few of My Favorite Things... loved this challenge. The challenge is to create a layout regarding your favorite thing about Spring.. well, flowers of course..lol.. the picture on here is the flowers my mom and step dad bought me last spring when I graduated.. It was May 2010. the challenge gave me good reason to scrap it. The base paper is from a Tim Holtz paper pad, and the clear vellum sheet is from the Webster's Spring Market line. lots and lots of flowers, and fun little embellies. The silver doily and butterfly are from Ruby Rockit.

This one is my other great niece. She is showing off her Littlest Pet Shop.. used some fun papers. Base sheet is BG Life of the Party, and then some Bella Blvd.. love those little cards. Sketch is from Sketchabilites..

And the last one for today is this fun one of my SIL and my great niece.. they were volunteering at the animal shelter. I love the picture because they are holding hands. its so cute. I was channeling Lea for this layout. She so fabulously uses all different manufacturers with ease.. I use kits to make that happen.. she just whips it out and makes it look easy.. lol.. I used a Studio Calico rub on, some TPC and Prima Papers, and Glitz What nots and Peek a boos... and lots of flowers, both paper pieced and from my stash... There is another one of those Ruby Rockit metal embellies underneath the picture. i love those things. I need more..
Sketch is from Let's Capture These Sketches #81

I have a couple more layouts to share from last weekend.. i'll save those for another post...
Hope you are all having a fabulous week... Thanks so much for visiting my blog and leaving some love... =)

Don't forget the Scrapbookers Anonymous May Challenge. It's a fun one... it gives you an excuse to use some much loved stamps.
come visit us...

Toodles..

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

2011-05-08T08:34:00.012-04:00

Hi, me again..=)

Lots going on this weekend. National Scrapbook Day and Mother's Day. mix the two together and it's two of my favorites..lol.. love my mom!!!! =)

I spent Friday and Saturday cropping all day and thought it appropriate to get a layout of my mom done. I used some Bella Blva papers I won while playing Fav Things.. love the colors. A little misting, some brads, maya sheer, studio calico veneer, and tada.. i think this may have been my fav layout of the weekend. Used a sketch from Once Upon a Sketch...

I'm definitely tired.. and need to get to bed. it's midnight'ish.. I'm scheduling this post for tomorrow morning... it's been 2 long, fun days of cropping. I'm behind on blogging and will catch up on that as soon as I can... Hope all MOMs are having a great day! Happy Mother's Day. =)

I'll be back later in the week with more layouts I completed..
Toodles.. =)

Happy National Scrapbook Day!!!!

2011-05-07T08:25:00.001-04:00

Hello friends!!!! well, for all of us paper crafters, this is a major holiday.. lol.. =)

There are lots of events going on locally and on the Internet. I'm at my LSS today hanging with some of my favorite peeps. =) What are you doing???? anything scrappy related???

In addition to NSD, today is also the day my layout as Guest DT is featured over on the Scrap Our Stash blog. The challenge is May flowers... and so I raided my stash and used lots of them.

The layout is of my doggie, Sierra. I took this cute picture of the back of her head with my camera phone while we were laying in bed watching TV. She was curled up on me. She is soooooooo spoiled. =) The papers are Sass Ellie's Tale and the flowers are a mish mosh of what I had in my stash... a few prima, sass, and other random Michael's brand. The large yellow one is from Michael's $1 bin.

Hop on over the Scrap our Stash blog and play along. I know you have some flowers in your stash somewhere... =)

I hope to be back with lots of layouts to share. I printed off tons of challenges.

Toodles.. and Happy National Scrapbook Day!!!!!

Getting ready for a 2 day crop!!!!

2011-05-04T21:14:00.001-04:00

Hello.
I don't have anything crafty to share, but my topic is related. I'm sitting here thinking about all I should be doing to prepare for a 2 day crop at my LSS this Friday and Saturday. Instead I'm sitting here on the computer watching reruns of Cheers.. =) I'll be crafting it up with my friend Lea along with a few of my other regular peeps who have shared National Scrapbook Day with me for the past few years.

We started celebrating this holiday back in 2008. Who knew they would make a holiday just for us scrapbookers. I still don't think my husband believes it. lol... =) I wanted to share a few places that I will be visiting online over the weekend... the LSS has Internet access. I will be attempting some challenges. we will see what happens. I'm easily distracted.

A Cherry On Top

Studio Calico

I also wanted to share some of the pictures of past NSD days.... so much fun. I expect this year to be just as exciting as years past. We are always getting into some sort of shenanigans... =)

Me, Jill, Meg, Cari... 2008

Jill, Cari, Meg, Me... 2009.. we were a little loopy here. =)

Me and Lea... 2010.. you can see we are sporting our scrap tshirts. =)

The yearly photo of Me, Cari, Meg, and Jill... 2010

And Jill, Jan, and me... 2010. I met Jan online through ACOT and she has become part of our regular gang over the last couple years. =)

I hope to get some fun pictures from this years festivities... I hope you are able to find some time to crop this weekend... =) Please share what scrappy adventures you may have planned.. I'd love to hear about them..

Toodles...

Scrapbookers Anonymous May Challenge is live!!!

2011-05-01T09:13:00.004-04:00

Happy May!!!!
Was it April Showers bring May Flowers where you live???? it's been raining for days here. flooding every where. we stayed dry, but lots of closed streets.

Today is the first of the month and you know what that means... the new Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge is posted. It was a fun one. I love stamps.. collect them, hoard them..but, barely use them.. i want to use them. I think they are cute, and I love the look of them. I'm usually giddy when I'm using them. Are you a stamp collector too????

The challenge is to use stamps. Stamp a background sheet and make 3 embellies using stamps. I used a few of my new Lawn Fawn stamp sets, Teeny Tiny Backdrops, Say Cheese, and Say Cheese, too. so darn cute. such whimsy and fun. the picture is of my brother and sister in law. I used my Studio Calico April kit, Singin in the Rain.

and the sketch I used for this was from Sketchy Thursdays 4.21 .

Please come visit the May Design Team reveal at Scrapbookers Anonymous. As usual, the DT out did themselves. Such talent. See if you can tell what sheets are stamped or the embellies they made?

Thanks so much for visiting... have a fabulous weekend.. =)

Toodles...

so excited to be guest DT for Scrap Our Stash...

2011-04-30T13:23:00.000-04:00

Hi.... and Happy Saturday.

Just wanted to pop in to let you all know I'm one of the guest designers over at Scrap Our Stash for the month of May. A challenge blog right up my alley. =) I can't show my May challenge layout yet, but here is the layout I did for the March challenge, which required you to dig in your stash for something that was accumulating dust. I found the cutest die cut paper in my stash that is about 3 yrs old. I bought it at a LSS that closed a while back... RIP Memory Lane.. it pays to hoard things sometimes... lol..

I will be back tomorrow with the newest Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge. We just announced our newest additions to the DT over on the blog... a great group we have assembled.. =) Thanks for stopping by.... see you soon.

Toodles....

a perfect Angel...

2011-04-24T19:56:00.000-04:00

Hello... and Happy Easter!!!!

I had a chance to get a little scrappy this weekend. I did a DT page, which I can not show, but I do have one layout to share..

it's my great niece.. looking very peaceful, saying grace. if you knew her, you'd know the effort it must take. she can get very serious, but really is very chatty and inquisitive. loves to talk and always on the move.

I used the Bobunny line Petal Pushers. Lea was the one who suggested the paper line to go with her shirt. It did match perfectly. Used some Pink Fringe, and GCD/Glitz Alphas.

Used the sketch from Let's Capture These Sketches #79

I will be back soon with more to share...
the DT Call for Scrapbookers Anonymous ends tomorrow night and the April Challenge ends 9pm EST on the 30th..

Toodles...=)

The Happiest Place on Earth....

2011-04-16T20:35:00.005-04:00

literally.. being with my dad was always the best. =) this picture was taken in FL as we were heading into DisneyWorld, circa 1976. I actually had to edit this picture because there was someone in the picture on the left. The picture quality was already bad, but I managed to use some editing skills in AdobeElements to make it look decent...

I used my new American Crafts, hello Sunshine line..AC ribbon, and a sketch from April Pagemaps. twine is from the Twinery, used my Martha Stewart butterfly punch, and some mist...
Submitted for the ScrapFit, Back in the Day workout...

This picture just makes me happy... what is making you happy today?????

Don't forget about the Scrapbookers Anonymous DT call. We extended it till April 25th at midnight EST. and this month's April Eyelet Challenge.

My FaveTool.. and a few other layouts...

2011-04-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

Good Morning... how are you all doing on this wonderful Sunday????

I'm sorta recovering from a couple days hanging out with friends at the LSS...always a fun time. Carol, the LSS owner is so awesome and really encourages my over indulgence in all things scrappy. she's way too good to me.. =)

Ok.. on to my projects.. first up, I did the challenge over at These are a few of My Fave Things.
The challenge right now is to scrap your favorite tool.. How do you do this when they are all your fave???? so, i tried to narrow it down, i really did. I used a cute set of fabric swatches my friend Meg gave me.. they were perfect for this challenge. i love them. used Fancy Pants, it's the little things paper pack, buttons, BG hello luscious alpha and MME rubons, and a cute tim holtz clock. Sketch is from Inspired Blueprints.

Next up is a sketch from Once Upon a Sketch. Used my new Soiree paper kit from Pink Paislee. A pic of my husband and my cousin while at her graduation party last summer. The bottle cap is Maya Rd.

A pic of my great niece, Aleya. Used some MME, quite contrary. Prima butterfly and flower. Jillibean Soup stickers. I had a hard time photographing this for some reason.. and forgot to mist before putting the paper on. oh well. it feels naked without mist. =)

and last but not least.. a photo of my brother and nephew. they were golfing. This was the easiest and fastest layout all weekend. It was a Fancy Pants overlay from On A Whimsy. a few brads,stickers, and rubons later, and it's complete. i love using overlays.

Hope you are having a great weekend. Don't forget about the challenge over at Scrapbooker's Anonymous.. and there is a mini one for the blog hop too. And we have a DT Call as well. check it out..

See you again soon.
Toodles... =)

Sketchy Thursdays 4.7

2011-04-08T19:44:00.000-04:00

Hello!!!!

Trying to get in my groove over here... having fun with some peeps at my LSS. My DH is out of town for the weekend so that means A LOT of scrapping for me.. lol.. I started the weekend off with my favorite sketch site..Sketchy Thursdays.

Used the new Fancy Pants, it's the little things. The base page is from Echo Park. I used my new Epiphany Crafts tool to make the matching little epoxy hearts. Love these little tools. my favorite new punches.

my nephew with my cute great nieces.. love my family. =)

This one layout took me almost 7 hours. Too busy talking, eating, and shopping.. =)
Have a fantastic night. I will be back with more creations soon.

Toodles... xoxo

Happy No Housework Day!!!

2011-04-07T00:02:00.002-04:00

who knew, huh??? there is such a thing.
I think that gives us all reason to kick back and let the dishes pile up and forget the laundry and do a little scrapbooking.. right??? =)

Scrapbookers Anonymous is participating in a Blog Hop in celebration of this fun day. So, stop by and see what our mini challenge is(we are offering a prize) and visit the other blogs that are participating. To start at the beginning of the HOP, click the image below. It will take you to the If It's Groovy blog.

I hope you stop by. Also, scroll down the Scrapbookers Anonymous blog and check out our DT Call. We are looking for a few more scrapbookers to help us grow. I hope you consider applying. We are looking for all types of scrapbookers. Don't be shy. =)

DT CALL HERE!!!!

Thanks for stopping by. I plan on doing some major scrapbooking over the weekend.. and will share my creations when I can.

Toodles... =)

Sketchy Thursdays 3.31

2011-04-03T04:57:00.000-04:00

Hello!!!!

Happy Sunday... how is it April already???? time is flying past me. I was able to hang out with Lea Friday night and get a layout done. I wasn't really productive, but then again, that's ok. sometimes its just about hanging out and maybe eating a little ice cream. mmmmmmmmmmm.

I was able to play along with Sketchy Thursdays.. love this weeks sketch. so fun. I did a lot of sewing on this one. Used my Studio Calico Who's Who Kit. lots of Cosmo, Basic Grey, and custom paper from Studio Calico. I love the custom wood grain paper and the cute little cut off strips of fun patterns they tease us with... used some of my favorite fuzzy balls which are not part of the kit.... =)

silly.. my great niece and step dad.

Hope you have a fantastic day..... I have plans to do a bunch of nothing.. well, maybe some scrapping..but that is about it.
Happy Sunday!!!!

Toodles.... =)

Scrapbookers Anonymous April Challenge is live!!!

2011-04-01T09:23:00.001-04:00

Hi there friends...

yes, it's that time of the month... the new challenge is up at Scrapbookers Anonymous. I hope that you will go check out the DT work on this. It is soooooooo awesome.. they wow me each and every month. =) love them all..

The challenge is to use 23 eyelets... GasP!! I know, don't run away. I know you have some lurking around in your stash. lol. and no one said you have to use a setter with them. think outside the box on this one.

Here is what I did. I used them to highlight the design on this super cute DCWV Playtime paper. I'm not a big stack lover, but this one wowed me and I just had to have it. I shared it with my pal Lea so I would feel less guilty about it. =)

Please come visit us at Scrapbookers Anonymous... the prize this month is definitely worth brushing the dust bunnies off your eyelets. =)

I love me some Nikki Sivils....

2011-03-26T22:16:00.001-04:00

Hello!!!!

Just a quick post to share some Nikki Sivils layouts I did a while back with her Winter CHA releases. One of my layouts is over on the Nikki Sivils blog today. I really, really love what she has done with these lines.

So, please head over and check out the other wonderful projects and layouts made with her papers. Lots of inspiration. =)

Using the "summer" line..

You've seen this one, but I just love the photo so much and the cute little trees. Using "we are family".

Hope you are having a fabulous day! I woke up early and headed to the LSS garage sale with Lea, snatched up some super cute Fancy Pants trims and a stamp for really cheap.. and then had to buy the new LYB Elizabeth Park and the new Echo Park Playground lines. can't wait to use those. =)

Toodles....

2 weeks, 2 long... =)

2011-03-24T21:35:00.001-04:00

Hi there friends... it's been a while. I'm one day shy of 2 weeks since blogging. It's not to say I haven't been scrapping, I have.. but not as much as I'd like to be.. I think I've been shopping lately more so than creating. I'm working on my next Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge page. Next months challenge will be a challenge.. but oh so fun..check back on the 1st of April to see what's new. But, in the mean time, you can still play along with the March Challenge. It's to use a minimum of 7 premade flowers from your stash. I know you all have some of these collecting dust.. =)

Here are a few pages I did for the LSS, Scrapbooks Galore and More. The owner is so good to me. I get to design fun stuff using some of the newest goodies.

The first two pages are using the new Fancy Pants Beach Babe line.. this is such a versatile line. I did this page, and the cute one of my great niece. totally different color schemes. it's a must have. I did not use one FP embellie. Had to improvise from my stash.

this is me, circa 1981. crazy huh? i was only 11. Sketch is from March Pagemaps.

this is my great niece. this was posted before but I wanted to show the different colors in the line.

this is my mom and brother.. using the new My Little Shoebox Home Tweet Home line. I paper pieced most of the embellies by cutting them out. The flowers and ribbon are from Michael's and Joann's. I love collecting trims and flowers.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it. So glad tomorrow is Friday. Going to a fish fry.. should be fun. =)

Toodles.

The longest week on record....

2011-03-11T22:04:00.000-05:00

and I'm so happy it is Friday. My work has been hectic and just lots of things changing and going on. It drains me mentally...so, I'm sitting at home vegging in front of the TV watching Kenny Powers: East Bound and Down. Anyone watch that series? it's so wrong in so many ways. =)

I don't have the energy tonight to really get my crafty mojo working. I thought I would share the last of the layouts I did on my retreat.

My great neice looking the diva. Used Echo Park Sweet Summertime.
Used a sketch from The Scrappiest #109

My mom and great niece. Used the February Design Dollies sketch.
lots of lovely Dear Lizzy embellies with MME paper.

Some of my fav scrap peeps, literally. =)
Creative Imaginations peeps paper. I love Peeps and this paper. so fun. I've got other plans for the rest of the paper line and embellies. I had to have it all. I know, I know.. peeps are an acquired taste..

This was designed for my LSS. The new Fancy Pants, Beach Babe line. so many options in this line for color.
my great niece again. =)

This is the last from the retreat. I thought I had 15 layouts, but I must have missed one or forgot to take a picture of it.

I hope to get up early tomorrow morning and get a few sketch challenges completed. On my next post, I will share the scrappy award my friend Lea gave me.... she is way too good to me. =)

Have a fabulous weekend friends. I really appreciate you visiting and saying hello.

Toodles...

Sketchy Thursdays 3.03 and a few other goodies.. =)

2011-03-08T21:59:00.001-05:00

Hi!!!! still recovering from the retreat... actually fell asleep sitting up watching TV last night. eeK!!!

I wanted to post my Sketchy Thursdays layout before the deadline. It's been a while since I've been able to play along.. i miss it. I turned the sketch on its side. the paper is from Heidi Grace.

Here are a few more from my retreat..

Nikki Sivils paper, Max and Mollie. my great nieces..

My great niece, scrapbooking. Studio Calico Kit, Candy Shoppe

Using my new Echo Park, For the Record. SKetches in Thyme sketch... Julie, I love this fringe. I have just a scrap of it left. thank you so much for sharing..... =)

Used some Studio Calico exclusive stamps, pink paislee tape, and grunged this up. inspiration came from the SC DT gallery. The polaroid stamp is my fav. I just love it. =)

Hope everyone is having a great week. I will be back again soon. Thanks for visiting.. =)
Toodles..

scrappy retreat update

2011-03-06T18:59:00.003-05:00

Hello... taking a quick break to post some of my layouts from our scrap retreat.. been busy here. Lots of good times and good food. I think I gained 10lbs... I completed 15 layouts, plus one in progress.

Inspired Blueprints #67 and Kraft it Up March challenge... love kraft. =)

an2

Let's Capture These Sketches #71 me and the hubby... circa 1996.. teehee.

My great niece, no sketch site, but I did get inspiration from the Studio Calico gallery and dusted off an old die cut paper for the Scrap Your Stash March Challenge... this has been in my stash FOREVER!!!! =) that black border is flocked. Does anyone remember what line it is from???? i thought it may be Doodlebug or Reminisce. Thanks.

Sketch Inspiration #209 and for the challenge over at These are a Few of My Fav Things.

Sketchabilities #42

I will leave you with these 5... and will randomly post more of my creations from the retreat in the coming week. I officially have Scrappers Hangover and need to regroup and recharge the batteries..

See you soon.. thanks for stopping by.. =)

Scrapbookers Anonymous March Challenge is here!!!!

2011-03-01T07:32:00.004-05:00

Happy Wednesday!!!!

It's a new month and that means a new challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. You must go see what the DT did. They are so fabulous.. =) I really had fun with this one. I used some really, really beautiful Prima paper my pal Lea bought me on a trip she made to Archivers. It's so pretty...

This months challenge is to use at least 7 flowers on your layout. They have to be the already made kind, not homemade. You know you have them laying around.. those silk and paper flowers that have piled up in your stash... the rest of the paper and embellies are from my dear lizzy stash and the remains of a BluemoonScrapbooking kit. Isn't that Prima base paper awesome. I tried not to hide it.

two more days of work for me and then I get to spend the rest of the week/weekend with my peeps at a scrapbook retreat. I hope to have lots to share when I get back. can't wait. I will see you all next week..

Toodles.... =)

Nuts About Sketches #150

2011-02-28T06:04:00.003-05:00

Good morning.. well, it's a bittersweet day. This is my last layout for Nuts About Sketches. I really enjoyed myself and had fun playing with the sketches.

This is a picture of my extended family, my DH is in there. he's the one with the black shirt. some cousins, my Step dad, and my brother.. this was at my mom's house in 2009 after our family reunion.
I used a Studio Calico kit called Partly Sunny..it had some fun October Afternoon, Studio Calico exclusive papers(airplane and graph paper), and Pebbles.

Don't forget that the February Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge ends tonight Feb 28th at 9pm EST. There is still time.. hurry, hurry..
March 1st we will have a new challenge. I can't wait to show you what I created. I had so much fun with it. =)
See you all again tomorrow.....

Nuts About Sketches #149

2011-02-21T06:14:00.003-05:00

Happy, Happy Day!!!! It's Monday again.. and you know it, there is a new sketch for Nuts About Sketches.

Here is my take on it. I did a one page again... just haven't felt the 2 pager within me lately.
This is the right side. I used a Studio Calico kit, some old MME rub ons, Fancy Pants crochet flowers, and misc buttons.
this is my sister in law and my niece playing golf and having fun.. =)

I can't believe it, but my term is ending soon with Nuts About Sketches. Next Monday is my last one for the DT. I better make is a good one and go out with a bang.. =)

See you again soon. Toodles. =)

A tradition is born..........

2011-02-19T09:13:00.002-05:00

Good Morning Peeps!!!!

How are you all????? I'm happy, for a couple reasons. One, it's Saturday. love hanging out on the couch first thing in the morning.. channeling surfing. I usually end up watching QVC. Ha!!! my fav channel I think. =)
and............
Second and most importantly, I spent all day yesterday with friends celebrating Lea's birthday. Yes, you heard right. Lea's birthday.. heehee. I know she was probably keeping that a big secret but it's out of the bag now.. lol... and how did we celebrate you might ask?? well, with cropping of course... 13 hours of fun.

and here is the birthday girl. kinda fitting that she is holding a bottle of mist when this was taken. she couldn't even take her hand off her supplies while we sang Happy Birthday to her.. lol..

We had a great time. She really is a great friend and I hope we have lots more birthday celebrations like this.. =)
and Lea, ..this is a great pic.. so you can't blame me for sharing.... here is to next year and doing it again..love ya!!!

I got a lot of layouts done, some I can't share yet. But here is a Nikki Sivils Layout using one of her new lines, "we are family"... I will wait to share the rest..

this is my step dad and great niece.

Happy Saturday...

Toodles.................

Nuts About Sketches #148

2011-02-14T06:20:00.013-05:00

Hello..... Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

Another week is upon us. Kicking it off with my Nuts About Sketches. I love working with these Sketches. Always great inspiration to help kick start the creativity.

This layout is of Lea's son, Gavin. Last summer we went shopping with the kids. They were really good, but the day was just a bit much. Gavin fell asleep on the way home.. i felt so bad for him because he was slumped over in a very uncomfortable looking position. It's like he just passed out in the middle of playing with whatever was in his hand. I couldn't pass up getting a picture of him. =)

I used my Studio Calico On the Easel kit. Lots of lovely Crate, Sass, and October Afternoon and those custom Studio Calico papers that I can't get enough of...

Hope you all have a fabulous day with your special Valentine!!!!!!! It's crab legs for dinner and movies at home for us tonight. Perfect =) SWAK!!!!!!!!!!

Nuts About Sketches #147

2011-02-07T06:02:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!!!!!!

Hello, we meet again.... =) I have my latest Nuts About Sketches. It was a 2 pager this week, but i only did the left side. I wasn't feeling the mojo for a 2 pager...

I used some older My Minds Eye..3 different lines that some how all work together. There was a Signature line, Penny Lane, and Breaking Free. The "smile" and "banner" stamp are Studio Calico exclusives. they came with a kit.

my coworker got married Jan 28th. It was a beautiful wedding. I promised a handmade item during the planning process. =) and well, i had to follow through and deliver. She is on her honeymoon in Jamaica right now.. so I put together this book board. I wanted something she could keep in her office at work. I plan on having it waiting for her when she comes back to work this week. I hope she likes it.

I used the Passport line from Making Memories. I spritzed the board with Maya Mist Cream Metallic.

One week from today is Valentine's Day.. who's making projects or cards??? I made a card for the hubby..

Hope you all have a fantastic week. =)

Scrapbookers Anonymous February Challenge

2011-02-01T07:11:00.001-05:00

Hi there again.

Lots going on this week... I wanted to pop in and share the new challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. It's a fun one and appropriate for the month of LOVE..
It's to use as many X's from your stash as you can. You know you have them sitting there taking up space. The idea is to use lots. Use them for misting, design elements, words, or whatever your mind comes up with. The idea is to use what you have.

Here is what I did..
I dug around in my stash and found this older Carolee's Creations Tic Tac Toe Love paper. Perfect!!!! then, again, scrounging around in my stash I happen across these old Making Memories Chipboard XOXO letters. jackpot!!!! I tell ya, it was just meant to be. So, after a bit of misting and picture placement, everything else just sorta fell in place. You can't tell from the picture but I did use some Silver Plated Mist on the XOXO.

Please go take a look at the design team layouts. Again, a fabulous job by all. =)

Have a Happy Tuesday. We are getting lots of snow here.. so much for hoping for less snow this month..
Toodles..

Nuts About Sketches #146

2011-01-31T05:33:00.007-05:00

How do we always seem to end up back here??? at Monday that is??? =) Time flies by so quickly.

I do have another Nuts About Sketches for ya. This one came together for me quickly. I think it's because I love scrapping my great nieces. They are so darn cute.

I used some ECHO PARK Sweet Summertime, mist, some of my flower stash, and bling.

Today is the last day to get your submission in for Scrapbookers Anonymous. 9pm EST is the deadline. A lucky winner will be drawn tonight. And I've added more goodies to the prize pack so you will get more than what you see there. =) 17 buttons... it's easier than you think..

Have a great day friends.. =)
Toodles.......

Nuts About Sketches #145

2011-01-24T05:54:00.004-05:00

Hi and Good Monday morning........... =)

Hope everyone is having a great start to the week. Me? I'm don't much care for Mondays. Now, if I got to work from home on Mondays, they wouldn't seem so bad..=) Technically, I could do my job from home at times.

I want to share with you my latest NAS layout. For some reason I was struggling with this because the paper got a bit warped from the mists. That really bugs me. I couldn't get it to lay flat. It happens most when I use Tattered Angels, not so much with Maya Mists depending on the amount used.

These pictures are from our vacation to Munising, Michigan back in 2009. I'm still plugging away at them. I took a lot. I used Little Yellow Bicycle, Boardwalk line. I thought the colors went well. The lighthouse was visible from our glass boat tour. The shoreline in Lake Superior is just spectacular. If you have not had an opportunity to see it in person, you must. It truly is amazing. Pictured Rocks is fantastic. That is another whole tour by itself... and they get you pretty close up. I think it ranks up there with Mackinaw Island, maybe even better.

It's hard to believe that January is almost over.... time is already flying by. Here are a few more things I'm excited about with regards to CHA releases.

CRATE PAPERS - I know i have enough paper for 10 lifetimes, but I must have all of these lines. seriously love them all.

TIM HOLTZ - his dies are fabulous. I really, really want a few of these. I will save my pennies.. and that is not to mention his Core'dinations papers... swoon. love!!!!! =)

MAYA ROAD - I must have their wood buttons and those adorable sewing spools. Eek! think of the misting opportunities on those.. so exciting.

Well, those are my favs this week. I'm sure there are some others I'm missing. Sassafras Lass will be showcasing their new lines starting Monday and I'm sure there will be something I love. =) and don't forget
the Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge this month. it's a fun one. Use 17 or more buttons on a layout. You can do it!!! come play with us.

Toodles!!!! =)

Nuts About Sketches #144

2011-01-17T05:28:00.004-05:00

Hello friends and fellow bloggers.. =)

I'm baaaccckkkkkkk!!!!! 10 days between posts is too long... January has really been busy... eeek! I took a week off with my Nuts About Sketches, but I'm back and having fun trying to branch out creatively... i want to use my stamps more.

This particular layout was done with my Metropolitan kit, from Studio Calico. I threw in many pieces of the kit add on, Busy Sidewalks too. I scrapped about my 2011 One Little Word...

If you come by regularly, you all know I'm on a budget for my scrappy goodies. It's tough. so many things I want.. and with CHA right around the corner, I'm going to be tested for some time to come... Just wanted to share a few things that I'm keeping an eye on....

Inkssentials Craft Bucket

Crafters Workshop Templates.
No picture on their site with all of them yet, but BlueMoon Scrapbooking has a video on their blog. the misting opportunities will be endless.. gotta have many of them. the butterfly, the cute banner with clouds..LOVE!!!

and the new Core'dinations patterns..
will need them all I think... =) Go here to try to win some..

And.. it's half way through the month and we have lots of wonderful submissions to the Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge this month. it's a fun one. Use 17 or more buttons on a layout. You can do it!!! come play with us.. =)

Ok... my OLW and some 2011 resolutions

2011-01-05T20:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Wednesday friends.. =) How are you? Me??? I'm pretty darn great!!!

So, I was thinking a lot about this One Little Word that everyone seems to be doing. You can read more about it here on Ali Edwards blog. I did it back in 2009. My word that year was FOCUS!! I don't think I did really good at keeping "focused" on my word that year...lol.. =) I'm gonna try it again this year. I like the idea of having a word for the year. I was thinking about what I want out of life, and this word just came to me... RENEW!!!!! When I googled the meaning it felt like it was meant for me.. =)

Definition of RENEW

1: to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection

2: to make new spiritually : regenerate

3a : to restore to existence : revive

In reflection, last year was very stressful. I think I'm in a place right now where I really want to renew myself in so many ways. My family, my marriage, my friendships, my career, my health, my overall approach on life. I want to be a better version of me....reflect and instead of dwelling on what I should have done, stay positive and move forward on all the new opportunities and challenges that are in front of me for 2011. So, there it is. My word for 2011 is RENEW. I will be kickstarting a new me. a more happy me. a less critical me. a more thoughtful me.

And in starting a New Year, a lot of us look at making resolutions. I'm no different. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish this year. Here are my scrappy resolutions.

1. No paper buying, other than my kit club until after a crop retreat in March.

2. Complete 130 layouts

3. Complete 12 Book of Me pages

4. Make more cards and actually send them.. =)

5. Be more frugal in my spending. I'm cutting my scrappy budget in half. Ack! (this one will be hard, but I will do it)

Is anyone else making scrapbooking resolutions or picking a word????

I will leave you with a photo... it reminds me of one of my favorite times in 2010.. my 40th birthday crop and Twilight Eclipse with my friends. the flowers were the centerpiece at my crop table and are in the Eclipse popcorn bucket from the night prior. so much fun.. =)

Toodles....

Nuts About Sketches #142

2011-01-03T07:35:00.000-05:00

Hello 2011!!!! It's another New Year. Back to work and the daily grind. I'm looking forward to a great year. January is already a busy month.. every weekend something to do. I sure hope I can squeeze in some crafty time.

Here is the lastest Nuts About Sketches. Used the December Studio Calico kit, Metropolitan. Lots of fun colors. It's a picture of my cousins when they arrived at our yearly golf outing. They live in Tenn.

Also, here is the latest Sketchy Thursdays. It's a secret sketch posted only on their Facebook page. If you want to see the sketch and play, you have to Like them on FB. The deadline is the 5th. Used another Studio Calico Kit, Partly Sunny.

Hope you all have a wonderful week. Happy Monday!!!! =)

Happy New Year!!!!!

2011-01-01T03:46:00.000-05:00

Rang in the New Year here in MI with lots of good friends. Deep fried a Turkey and ate way too much... watched the countdown on TV, drank a little champagne, had a few rum and diet cokes, played 80s trivia, and ate some more.. did I say I ate too much??? =)

I just wanted to pop in and say hello and wish everyone a very Happy New Year!!!! 2011 is gonna be a great one, I can feel it. =)

See you all again soon.

Toodles...

Scrapbookers Anonymous December Challenge

2010-12-28T20:57:00.000-05:00

Hi, Just wanted to remind anyone who is interested.... the Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge ends on December 30th at 9pm EST.

There is still time to get your creation entered... =)

Nuts About Sketches #141

2010-12-27T06:29:00.006-05:00

Hi there friends... How are you??? Everyone recovered from the holiday festivities? The hubby is suffering with a flu bug, I'm hoping I can fight it off. Do not want to be ill.

Here is my latest Nuts About Sketches. I used some Imaginisce Scooter Vacation papers and embellies.
These are pictures from our vacation in 2009 to the Upper Peninsula. We visited the Shipwreck tour with the glass bottom boat. Very fun and interesting.

I had a hard time picking paper for these photos. Just nothing really was working well for me. The photos were tough to work with.

I have to share this cute toy my mother in law bought for my little dog. It is a steak sqeaky toy. It was packaged in what looked like a shrink wrapped steak package. I hated to open it.

and one last picture of my sweet little dog.

Have a great week. I hope I can squeeze in more crafty time.

Toodles.. =)

Merry Christmas!!!!

2010-12-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day with their loved ones. Getting ready to have dinner with my hubby and inlaws. Here is a picture of my little elf with her Christmas present....

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nuts About Sketches #140

2010-12-20T07:24:00.000-05:00

Wow, Happy Monday.. =)

where does the time go???? 5 days till Christmas. I hope you and your family are having a wonderful and joyous holiday season.

Just a quick pop in to share my latest NAS. this was a cute one. love circles. Used a Studio Calico kit, Joyland and some of the Add ons. This was my first kit. such fun colors. the photo is of my cousin and her sweet little daughter. aren't they cute??? =)

Have a wonderful week. =)

Sketchy Thursdays 12.16

2010-12-18T19:26:00.002-05:00

Happy Saturday!!!!!

How is everyone doing???? I've been busy getting ready for the holiday. Family party was today. Had a great time. it was so much fun. =)

I took a few hours yesterday to get a little crafty... was able to get a couple layouts done. I did this week's Sketchy Thursdays 12.16. this is a picture of my mom and step dad when we were in Minnesota last year. the photo itself isn't perfect. but I captured the snow flakes well. Used the Merry Christmas Echo Park kit my friend Lea bought me for Christmas.

I also finished Sketch 12.02. I started it and never had time to finish it. It's pictures of the Grand Hotel. I took them while riding on the ferry over to Mackinaw Island in 2009. a little trivia for ya on this.. the hotel was used as the location in the 1980's film Somewhere in Time.. love that movie and Christopher Reeve.. Used a Studio Calico kit, Continental. Love that kit.

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend... are you done with your Christmas shopping????? I am.. =)

Happy Friday!!!!

2010-12-10T23:44:00.001-05:00

Hi there friends...

so much for me getting on here every day for my December Daily. =( Been busy with various work related things, and shopping for Christmas...I didn't get one layout done this week. The only scrappy thing I've done is a Tim Holtz class at my LSS on Tuesday night. I signed up a while ago so was committed. it was fun and I'm glad I went. Learned some good techniques.

Here are the two tags I made in that class. they are so fun. I want to make more and put them on gifts.

And because I'm so inspired by Tim this holiday season with his 12 tags, I had to do today's tag, Day 10.. I had so much fun playing.. I'm addicted to buying all his dies and stamps. I want it all!!!!!!!!!! =) I'm kinda OCD like that. must have it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! heehee..

I'm not sure how often I can get on here in the next couple weeks. I'll see what I can manage.. I haven't been very good at blog visiting either. I will be back in action on a regular basis soon. miss you all and your wonderful creations.

Here is some holiday inspiration. I love Christmas and Holiday music. get's me in the spirit.

Have a fabulous weekend. =)

Nuts About Sketches #138

2010-12-06T05:51:00.000-05:00

Hi, Good Morning. Monday again... =)

There are only 4 more Mondays in the year. Crazy huh???? Hard to believe really. Lots of things lined up for the rest of the year. fun, family, and friends. Can't wait.

Here is this weeks Nuts About Sketches. I loved playing with this sketch. The photos were from our vacation last year. We were riding the ferry over to Mackinaw Island and noticed a Delorean parked on the little peninsula. Does everyone know the movie Back to the Future??? a very popular 80s flix. they used this car to get themselves back in time. Used my fav Studio Calico kit, Continental, again... this is now officially the most used kit in my collection and it seems i haven't even made a dent in it. There are 4 different manufacturers on this layout. Making Memories, MME, Pink Paislee, and Basic Grey. eek!!! i love how everything goes together. =)

Finally got the tree up. Can you believe it??? here is a little peak. =)

To help with my December Daily album, I think I'm going to blog something every day the rest of the month until Christmas... =) I need to journal anyway so I thought I'd share what I'm doing here. Hopefully I won't bore you all... heehee.. =)

Toodles my friends.....
xoxo

a little family time...means so much.

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

Hi there friends...

Feeling kinda nostalgic and missing my mom..Not much scrappy to share from me, but I just wanted to show you all something my mom made for me. My mom has always been crafty and very artistic...she even scrapbooks now... =) She has painted with some medium or another as long as I can remember.. She use to do fabulous oil paintings and worked with pastels. About 10 years ago she started working with watercolors. I currently have two of her creations in my home.. an oil in my living room and a watercolor in my dining room... they are both fab. well, last night, i had a chance to hang out with my mom at my sister in laws open house and she brought with her a fabulous watercolor for my office at work. I had a very hard time photographing it due to the glare.. i did not do it justice. It's a beautiful winter scene. The mat is a lovely shade of purple that matches the colors in the painting. I just love it!!!!!

My mom is the best, most awesome person I know. she is always so upbeat and has that special something that makes people gravitate to her. she's like a magnet, you want to be with her. she makes everyone around her feel good. i cherish the time i get to spend with her and wish we lived closer to each other. it's only 2 hours away, but it still seems so far....

Here is a layout I did of me and my mom a couple years ago. love you mom!!!!!!

I'm really looking forward to our family Christmas in 2 weeks so I get to see her again.
Thanks for reading....=)

Happy Sunday!!!!!

Nuts About Sketches #137

2010-12-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

Hi, Happy Saturday.

I forgot to post my layout for the latest Nuts about Sketches. This is me and my mother in law at my cousins graduation this past summer.

I used a Studio Calico kit, Joyland. This was my first kit ever. I love my kits... =)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I'm finally putting my Christmas tree up today. I was trying to do it all week and other stuff got in the way.

Toodles....

December's SA Challenge

2010-12-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends.

It's mid week and it's time for the latest challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. It's a fun one. The challenge is to use rub-ons on your layout, no patterned paper. The more rub-ons the better in my opinion. =) The layout I did for this was of my little doggie. I used some dog rub-ons, cardstock, and I doodled around the edge and added a final rub-on at the top. No other embellies for me even. this is actually white cardstock as the base. couldn't seem to get a good photo.

Please come play with us.. you have the chance to win a fabulous prize... =)

December Daily 2010

2010-11-28T14:14:00.001-05:00

Hi there. Happy Sunday.

I can't believe it's Sunday already. my 4 day weekend went by so fast. I woke up early today so I could finish my December Daily album. I created my album out of lunch bags. I used my Crop O Dile to make the holes for the rings. I then misted each bag with some of my Shimmerz mists. I used Baby's Breath and Barn Door. I also used some Tattered Angels Evergreen. The red is pretty subtle, but that is ok. I then decided to use some Basic Grey Figgy Pudding papers.

Cover: Basic Grey chipboard sprayed with TA Evergreen mist, various ribbons, bling, MM glitter alpha, and a cute snowman charm.

Inside Pages: I wanted to keep it simple. I didn't want to over think it all or I'd never get it done. =) I did use a transparency on the first day. It's a Creative Imaginations one. The rest of the pages I used strips of Figgy Pudding with numbers I printed out on the Cricut using Base Camp.

I only did my album till Christmas day.

Is anyone else going to try it??? I'll be carrying my camera around all month long and journaling as much as I can. this seems much more reasonable to complete compared to the P365 project I took on.

Please don't forget that the challenge for November over at Scrapbookers Anonymous is wrapping up. You only have till 9pm EST on the 30th to get your layout entered to win the fab prize.

I wandered across this quote. I really loved it.. =)

It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.
-- Author Unknown

See you all tomorrow morning......... =)

Toodles........

Scored some loot Black Friday shopping!!!!

2010-11-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

Ok. I must fess up right away.. typically, the idea is to shop on Black Friday for people on your gift list. well, I went out with my own agenda to get some Christmas presents for me... but some items landed in my cart for others so it wasn't all bad.. lol.... =) I only wanted to go to 3 places, all with crafty thoughts in mind. Joann's, Michael's, and my LSS Scrapbooks Galore and More.

I got up at 6:15am this morning to start my bargain hunting. My first stop was Joann's. If I could score one item, I wanted it to be the Sizzix holiday dies that were 75% off. I wasn't sure what dies they would be so you could imagine the excitement when I noticed they were the Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses dies and texture plates.. swoon. =) I was bad, got 4 Bigs and 4 texture plates. You know what is so awesome about it??? I got 4 for the price of 1.. you heard that right. I paid 29.99 for 4 Bigz dies and 15.99 for 4 texture plates. I was so happy.. the rest of the items I bought on sale were just bonus. I wouldn't have cared if they were out of everything else I wanted.

Here are some pictures of my Joann's loot.

Then after Joann's, I went to Michael's. I was disappointed in the deals. You couldn't use your 25% off coupon on hardly any of the good deals. I did end up getting a few spools of Christmas ribbon(70% off), and some Iris storage boxes. I should have gotten more of these, for less than $3.. overall though, Michael's was not that great for Black Friday deals.

and lastly, I went to my LSS. They were having Black Friday deals too. I ended up getting some cute MME papers, another Tim Holtz Holiday die, a cricut snowflake cartridge, and the stamp spinner I've been wanting. and some $1 deals too.

So, lots of new scrappy goodies to love. I plan on doing most of the rest of my Christmas shopping online. Makes life a lot easier that way. I've done a lot of shopping on Etsy lately. I love it there. So many cute homemade things.
Did anyone else go Black Friday shopping????

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2010-11-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

Hi there and Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends that are celebrating today. =)

I'm getting ready to head out to our family get together. Can't wait.
I just wanted to say I'm so very thankful for all the great and wonderful friends I've made through my love of scrapbooking. It amazes me all the time that I know people from all around the globe. =)

I wanted to also share my cards for the challenge at These are a Few of My Favorite Things. I used some left over papers from my Reminisce Autumn Forest collection.

Have a wonderful day friends!!! see you again soon.

Nuts About Sketches #136

2010-11-22T06:52:00.001-05:00

Hi, Happy Monday!!!! here were are again. starting off another week. This is going to be a great one because it's only a 3 day work week. yippie!!!!

here is my latest Nuts about Sketches..
this is my sweet little dog. Used some American Crafts City Park and random embellies.she is so spoiled. =)

And here are a few Art Journal pages I completed.
Mixed Emotions Class: Lesson, Joy
I used some Deb Mumm papers called Frog Frolic. misted the background with orange and blue mist. Aren't those frogs the best?? so cute.

And these last two are from Let it Loose class.still finishing a few assignments from that.
This one is Lesson 4.
You are to take a picture and use opposite colors.

and this is Lesson 6.
I used Gesso over chipboard shapes by Maya Rd. Then misted them with various colors.
I think this is one of my favs. it turned out better than expected.

Have a fantastic day!!!! Not much else going on here. Working on a few more Art Journal pages, and a couple challenges. perhaps another post before the Thanksgiving Holiday.
See you all soon. =)

Sketchy Thursdays Dec. Guest DT

2010-11-20T17:48:00.002-05:00

Hi, decided to give the Guest DT sketch a try over at Sketchy Thursdays. The sketch was definitely a challenge.

I used my latest Studio Calico kit, Back 40. some of the papers are exclusive to the kit, specifically that cute red paper. I wish I had more of it.
The requirements were to use at least 5 photos, and a bit of sparkle. I used MM glitter numbers for the 2010 and then added black stickles to the center circle that says Sept.

Here are a few more close ups.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.
Happy Saturday!!!! =)

Wacky Wednesday!!!

2010-11-17T21:38:00.001-05:00

Hello Hump Day.... this is always a good day, it's the day of the week that gets you more than half way to the weekend... it's a downward slide into the weekend now.. =) That always makes me happy.

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I was a cropping fool over the past weekend. Lots of layouts created. I'd like to share with you the rest of what I did.

This one here is a layout created for the LSS. The store owner loved this Kaiser Tis the Season paper and I found the perfect sketch to utilize the cute squares. The sketch is from ArtfulDelight's November Sketch challenge ASC 2. I used liquid glaze on the Christmas Times and splattered some green and red mist.

This layout is more Fancy Pants papers and rubons. These are some older lines. This is Lea, getting her cards read at the Renaissance Festival.. all in fun. I've had my astrology reading done last year, this year it was my cards read, and the next time will be the palm reader.

This is a layout I started months ago with one of my Studio Calico Kits, Continental. I don't know why it took me so long. I had to add the title and banner. better late than never I guess. It's pictures of some of my family members leaving my mom's house after a week of visiting.

And lastly, this layout is of Lea's kids. Aren't they cute??? they were being good while mom shopped at a self serve kiosk in the mall... I just had to snap this picture while they waited patiently. not an easy task for a 2 and 4 yr old.. =)

I think that's it for now.. My goal this week is to finish a few more art journal pages and upload the Sketchy Thursdays DT layout for December.

Oh.. and anyone out there doing the December Daily? I'm thinking of it. If you are, i'd love to see your book. link it up. =)

See you all soon. Toodles..

Nuts About Sketches #135

2010-11-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

Hi and Happy Monday.=)

I'm back with my latest Nuts About Sketches. This is a picture of my inlaws at my cousins graduation party. Used my Studio Calico Continental Kit. I love this kit. so versatile and I love the colors. MME, Cosmo, Basic Grey, and some Girls Paperie. It's still available if you are interested.

And I finally finished another Art Journal page for the Mixed Emotions class. This lesson was on Loneliness. I misted the background with blue and yellow, used gel medium to do the photo transfer, painted the title, and then used some Cloud 9 stickers that look like tear drops. I worked on this for what seemed like forever. i just picked at it until it all came together.

I have other art journal pages in varying stages of progress. I find that I can't really churn these out like I do scrapbook pages. I need to work them over a little more. Maybe some day I'll get to be a bit faster.

Have a great Monday folks. Hope you have a great week!!!!

Sketchy Thursdays 11.11

2010-11-13T20:04:00.001-05:00

Hi there again,

Finished another Sketchy Thursdays sketch. As i mentioned in my last post, I'm at a crop and brought all my Fancy Pants papers. I used Summer Soiree and Daily Grind on this one. oh.... and my new cloud punch, isn't it just the cutest thing ever!!!!! i love it!!!! =) and some button sneeze. I love buttons lately too...

My husband and Aunt at our cousins Graduation party this summer.

I did lots more so I will post them as I get time. Thanks everyone for the comments and encouragement you give me. I truly appreciate it and as you know... I LOVE to crop!!!! =)

Toodles.... xoxo

Weekend Crop

2010-11-12T22:02:00.001-05:00

Hi peeps!!!!

just a quick check in. cropping today and tomorrow at my LSS. There is a deer widows crop. It's for all the wives that get left home while all the husbands leave to go deer hunting. November 15th is opening day of rifle season. It's like a national holiday here in Michigan. If you live in the northern half of the state, it's near a requirement from birth... i jest, but it seems that way... =) My husband doesn't hunt, but I use most any reason to crop.. heehee. he is busy this weekend with his band, so that opens up some free time for me.

I just wanted to post a couple layouts I completed tonight. This first one is for the newest Design Dollies sketch. Used my brand new Studio Calico kit, Napa Valley. love the colors. so rich and vibrant. and I used some fringe that I was sent by the wonderful Julie Tucker-Wolek a while back when I first stumbled upon her blog. How nice is that????? Thanks Julie.. xo =)
The picture is of me and my friends at an anniversary crop at my LSS.

And I brought my entire collection of Fancy Pants papers with me and did a layout with the Dancing Girl line. A picture of my cute little cousin.

I have more to share, but I need to get back to work. I will post again tomorrow.

Happy Friday!!! =)

I'm baaaaaccccckkkkkkk!!!!!!

2010-11-09T19:28:00.001-05:00

Hi there, Happy Tuesday!!!!

Lots to share today. I spent a few days at my mom's last week. She lives about 2 hrs away. One of those days was spent cropping with her, my sister in law, and my great niece(she's 9). It was really nice. I had to pack light, so I took some of my Studio Calico kits and used those, along with a few other paper lines I had stashed in my bag.

I'll start with my Sketchy Thursday layout. I used a piece of Core'dinations paper as the base, then inked the edges in two colors of ink. Then I used some left over scraps from the American Crafts City Park line.

Then, I had stumbled upon Sketchabilities this week and I really liked the sketch so I did that one too. Used my Studio Calico Back 40 kit on this one. Lots of lovely Sass, Cosmo, and Basic Grey.

And, lastly, this is a layout I did for the ACOT crop challenge #2. You had to use this AD as your inspiration, use the numbers, and 3 photos. I used another Studio Calico Continental kit

I did finish a bunch of things that I can't share yet, and I still need to catch up on my Art Journaling lessons. I have like 5 of them in the works. =) I won't have time tonight to play, but tomorrow for sure.

And I want to share one last thing.. Nuts About Sketches has a sponsor this week. This is rare, so if you love doing 2 page layouts or want to try to adapt to a 1 page, I suggest checking out this week's sketch. The sponsor is from My Paper Treehouse.

Hope everyone is having a great week. I'm going to try to catch up on sharing the love and seeing what everyone has been up to. =)
Toodles...........

Back to your regularly scheduled programming...

2010-11-08T06:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!!! i think. =) I don't have my usual NAS layout today. I was visiting my mom for a few days and didn't get a picture of my layout taken. =( I will be back next Monday with my regular post. I have lots of layouts to share, but first I have to go to work and try to get back into the groove. for some reason this time change is not working for me yet. I hope I adjust soon. I haven't been able to visit and blog hop in the last 4 days too. I will be back.

Have a great day!!!!!

Nuts About Sketches #133 and SA Nov. challenge

2010-11-01T05:47:00.000-04:00

Good Monday Morning!!!!

Is everyone recovering from Trick or Treating??????????
I don't have kids so I went out to dinner with my husband in our fav little town of Frankenmuth having dinner at the Bavarian Inn. We have found eating out on Halloween is nice, really quiet and not many people out and about. Since I don't have children to dress up, I torture my sweet little dog. She is so darn cute. here is one of the pictures I took of her. caught her with her tongue out on this one. You'll probably see her in a layout or two soon. =)

Here is my weekly sketch for NAS. I loved this sketch when I first saw it, but once I got working on it, it was a little harder than I thought. It was fun though and I played up the dog theme. This was a restaurant in our Upper Peninsula. We had a nice vacation there last year.

And a quick reminder that the new Scrapbookers Anonymous challenge is live today. This is one of my favs. You need to use holiday paper in a non holiday layout. I had fun with it. Go check it out, the prize for November is awesome!!!!

I used an older Basic Grey Christmas line and some Tim Holtz grungeboard.

I will be back again soon. Hope you all have a fabulous Monday!!!! =)

Toodles!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!! and a few sketches. Boo!!!!!!

2010-10-31T12:28:00.000-04:00

Hi there.

Happy Halloween!!!!

I went cropping yesterday with my friends and my sil was with us. a few of us dressed up. I was a vampire of course. =) my sil and I were messing around and my friend Jill got a picture of me trying to take a bite out of my sil's neck. heehee. lol!!! I had taken my wig off by this point. It was hard to crop in, i kept sitting on it. it was really long.

In between all the shenanigan's I was able to get some cropping done. Tomorrow I will reveal my Scrapbookers Anonymous layout for November's challenge and my weekly NAS, but I do have a couple I can share now. This first one was the layout I finished last week but didn't upload.

This was a Design Dollies sketch from October 21st. Used some core'dinations paper as the base, misted it with yellow, then used the cute new American Crafts City Park papers.

This is another Design Dollies sketch from this week. October 28. Used some Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg paper and embellies.

And lastly, this is my new Sketchy Thursday page for Week, 10.28
This was a lot of fun. this was a picture from our pumpkin farm visit. I used the new MME, Blackbird line. and I used my new Martha Stewart pumpkin punch.

Whew, I'm tired just looking at all these layouts. I started one using the new Love Bird line from Fancy Pants. I'll post that when it's done along with a few Art Journaling pages later this week.

Tricks or Treats!!!!!! I think I'll take some treats.... =)

art journaling and a layout

2010-10-26T19:50:00.004-04:00

Hello again.

I've been getting really crafty lately. I want to share my first Art Journal page from the Mixed Emotions class. I found a sheet of paper with a saying I liked, tore out the saying, then ripped the rest of the paper up and pieced it back together with matte gel medium. I stamped the word, journaled, then added the little scraps of paper, and doodled at the bottom.
this was a lot of fun. =)

And here is another one of the layouts I completed Friday. This is a sketch from the Bobunny blog, but I didn't use any Bobunny paper. my little niece playing her Nintendo DS. Used my Studio Calico kit, Back 40 and some really old rub ons in my stash.

I still have one more layout to share from Friday. I'll be back again later this week.
Have a great day!!! Toodles..=)

Nuts About Sketches #132

2010-10-25T06:50:00.004-04:00

Good Monday Morning to you.

Here is my fav day again.. ack!!!!! This week at Nuts About Sketches it was a one pager.

I did a layout with some new paper Lea gave me. It's the Making Memories Vintage Findings line. I love it!!!!! isn't she the best??? always looking out for me. We look out for each other really. =)
This is a couple pics of my little cousin napping. so peaceful looking isn't she and adorable.
I turned the sketch on it's side so I could utilize these photos. And the Basic Grey bling and rub ons were given to me by Cari. lots of random acts of kindness on this page..=)

Have you created anything with sketches from NAS? If so, let me know. I'd love to see them.

Happy Monday.

On the Easel

2010-10-23T12:41:00.001-04:00

Hi, Happy Saturday. So, finally, some serious crop time last night. I was able to get away and go crop at the LSS. I vowed to be productive. I didn't take my computer, just my Studio Calico kits, a few other embellies and NO computer. You heard me. NO computer. Ack!!!!!!!!! it was tough. baby steps. I had a slight bit of anxiety as I pulled away, but I know the separation was good for both of us.. =)

What did I do? Well, I shopped, which is always good therapy. I picked up the new Tim Holtz Holiday paper pack and the matching sticker books. heaven I tell ya. vintage heaven. Oh, and the new Core'dinations Stacy Julian and Graphic 45 pads. they are fabulous. must haves. =)

And, I got 5 layouts done. I know, gasp, 5. That is a record for me on even the best of days. See what happens with no computer and limited stash to choose from. More production. =) I will test my theory again soon. I can't show all the layouts. one if for Nuts about Sketches. Here are two of the latest Sketchy Thursday creations. It's been a while.

Sketch Thursday Week 10.14. I didn't upload this because it wasn't done in time, but I had it started so had to finish it.
Used my new On the Easel kit from Studio Calico kit. with a few of my own embellies and alphas. This is my cousin and her sweet little baby girl.

Sketchy Thursday 10.21
this was a fun one. More Studio Calico On the Easel. Lots of MME alphabet soup, kraft paper, and Sass in this kit.
My brother with my two cute great nieces.

I will share the other two tomorrow. Need to pace myself. =)

Hope you are all having a great day!!!!!!
Toodles. xo

Mixed Emotions

2010-10-21T19:37:00.000-04:00

Well, we are in home stretch towards the weekend. I am so happy tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!! yippie. =)

lots of work related things happening tomorrow, but I may be cropping too, so that makes me happy. I hope it works out. I need to catch up on some crafty assignments.

What I wanted to share with you all is Marit's new class called MIXED EMOTIONS. It starts tomorrow. She is co-teaching it with Michelle.

If you have been tempted by Art Journaling, I invite you to come join us. Me and Lea are taking it together. I can't wait to see the lessons.

Marit is so sweet and she has serious creative skills. You will learn fun, new techniques to incorporate into your scrapbooking. fun, fun. =)

Nuts About Sketches #131

2010-10-18T06:28:00.005-04:00

Good morning my friends. =)

It's Monday again, and you all know what that means. It's my NAS post. yippie!!!! I will apologize right away for boring you all with more golf photos, but they needed to be done. My mom and step dad went to Hilton Head in North Carolina the first part of October. That means a few more golf pics of my favorite people, but I promise to mix it up. =)

this layout is of my mom, step dad, my uncle and cousin getting in some golf early in the season. real troopers. i like to play golf, but not when I'm cold, wet, or too hot. that doesn't leave much does it??? =) I'd rather be cropping. I used some old Dream Street papers. the colors matched perfect with the pictures...

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Happy Monday!!!!

a few of my shots from Picture Fall.

2010-10-16T22:51:00.000-04:00

Hi, I'm taking another class with Tracey Clark over at BPC. This month it's Picture Fall. I don't always get a picture a day depending on my schedule, but I do go back and try to catch up on the ones I missed. I'm doing way better on this one compared to Picture Summer. I do love the prompts. I'm trying to learn how to use my DSL camera so these classes stretch my imagination and make me look at things much more closely or different than I normally would.

This one was for Day 1. It was to take a picture of the one thing most of us think of when we think of fall, the leaf. I struggled with this a little because the leaves in my yard aren't all that exciting, no reds or yellows.

This was for Day 4, Morning Light. I thought this was a fun one. I took 2 pictures.
this first one was of the sunrise over the trees in the backyard.

this one was of the shadow my plants cast on the side of the house in the morning light.

all of these pictures were taken with my Olympus E-620 SLR camera using my 14-42 MM lens. I love it. i'm learning something new every day. I have more photos and will share them through out the month.

She is having another one called Picture the Holidays. I'll be there for that one too. =) Come join me.

Publish Post

Nuts About Sketches #130

2010-10-11T06:56:00.000-04:00

Hi, Happy Monday!!!!! I think Monday's are starting to become one of my favorite days of the week. =)

Here is my Nuts About Sketches layout for sketch #130. I used my new Studio Calico Back 40 kit to make this. this sketch was a perfect opportunity to use the Maya Rd chipboard frames that were in the kit.
Lots of Sass, Maya, and Cosmo goodness.

my great niece, such cutie. and she loves to scrapbook.

Hop on over to NAS and see all the other wonderful DT work. =)

Art Journal- Lesson #3

2010-10-09T22:34:00.002-04:00

Hello there... well, it's Saturday night and I'm sitting here in bed, watching QVC, and playing on the Internet. definitely a few of my fav things..=)

I also want to make it known that I'm missing my pal Lea... no texts, and no phone calls.. =( I know she is having fun though and I'll get over it. she will be home soon... and that means we will be deciding our new DT over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. did you apply? if not, you have till Monday at 9pm.

here is the art journal page I wanted to share. I'm trying to get caught up on my lessons. I'm a slow poke. If you are interested in Art Journaling, i suggest checking out Marit's site. She does amazing work and has a new class starting soon. I will be there. =)

the base is a piece of scrapbook paper. I used tissue paper that I misted with coordinating maya mist, then used gel medium to give the texture. the poem I found on the internet. I thought it fitting. this is a picture of me(second from the right) and friends I use to work with at the Olive Garden.. pic is from June 2, 1999. we were at Cedar Point. so much fun, good times.. i have fond memories of those times. sigh................

well, i think I'm gonna get off the computer soon and read some of my book. reading Kristan Higgans, The Next Best Thing.

hope you are enjoying your weekend. I'll see you all soon.
Toodles. =)

i love pumpkins........

2010-10-05T22:03:00.001-04:00

Hi, just wanted to stop by and say hello. i headed out to the Pumpkin farm after work with my friend Lea and her kids. I loved it there, probably more than the kids. =) i love pumpkins, cider, donuts, and all that jazz.

Since we were at a giant pumpkin farm, i thought it fitting to take a picture of a giant pumpkin. there was one over 500lbs too. crazy.

and lots of pumpkins in between....=)

and I thought I'd share a quick picture from my Picture Fall class that started Oct. 1. This was for Day 3 prompt, "the beauty challenge". it's about trying to find the beauty in the unexpected. So, I took a picture of a lonely soybean. they are quite beautiful close up. all fuzzy.

Used my Olympus SLR with my 14-42mm lens.

and lastly, a few more pictures from our visit.

always enjoy spending time with my peeps. =)

till next time. see you soon with some scrappy goodness.

Toodles. =)

Nuts About Sketches #129

2010-10-04T07:11:00.005-04:00

Hi.

It's Monday!!!!! We all know how excited I get about Monday's... =) Here is my Nuts About Sketches page using this weeks sketch.

I have a lot of golf pictures from our family reunion weekend back in 2009. I'm trying really hard to finish them up. This sketch helped me do that. I used some really cute Reminisce golf stickers and paper from Scrapping Sports.

I sound like a broken record, but would love to see layouts completed with the sketches from NAS.
Have a great day!!!! See you soon.

Toodles.

Nuts About Sketches #128

2010-09-27T05:59:00.003-04:00

Here we are again, another Monday. not too sure how I feel about that today, but one thing that does make me happy is working on my sketch assignments for NAS. This week was a two pager. I had no idea where I was going to take this sketch. Nothing was flowing, but after I pulled out one of my butterfly and border punches, things just started clicking. it was so much fun. I used some old Bobunny papers. I'm not even sure what line this is. it has to be at least 2yrs old.

If you use any of the NAS sketches, please let me know. I'd love to see what you've done. Have a great day. Toodles. =)