Aleta's Art

I've been bad about updating

2011-05-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hey all - I've been horrible about updating my blog - with everyone on facebook these days - I made a page for my stuff - Sew Crafty Mama So head on over there and "like" my page to see what I've been up to

What we did today

2010-08-18T15:27:00.003-08:00

Well, today was a cold, rainy day… and the girls were driving me crazy. So this is what we did today! Only took a cardboard box, my bajillion paper scraps, and about an hour. Thanks goes to these blogs/shops for the inspiration for our Cardboard Doll House!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/53520049/eco-friendly-pdf-doll-house-pattern
http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/08/cardboard-dollhouse.html

It’s been awhile

2010-06-24T15:22:00.002-08:00

Hmmm…. let’s see… since my last post I have re-learned to knit, sewing diapers and outfits galore, and been doing lots of scrappy stuff – enjoy all the pictures!

Tutorials for the following projects are over at Back Porch Memories (under the newsletter tab)

Two down, one to go!

2010-02-26T15:13:00.002-09:00

I told the girls I would make them Molly Monkeys before Christmas. So I’ve gotten around to doing two of them… one more to go – that one is going to be a pirate monkey for Karis.
The original Molly Monkey for Sierra.

A Ballerina Molly for Ruby – I think she needs a bow on her head, so I’ll probably add one.

And I’m working on Karis’ flower girl dress and the fabric is heavier so I’m going to have to hand sew a basting stitch to gather… grrr!

Slowly working on my to-do list

2010-02-18T14:39:00.004-09:00

It is slowly dwindling… would be even faster if I quit seeing cute things online and deciding to make them! LOL!
This morning I found a blog (clicking from others that I read, really have no clue how I got there!)
Dolly Donations
So I called the girls over, and told them about it, and then we did 4 hours of ‘Family and Consumer Science’ studies today ;P
Here is what we ended up with:

Sierra and Ruby picked out the fabric and each stuffed an arm and a leg. They helped me stuff the body, and then Sierra helped with the shoes and bows. Karis and Sierra watched me paint the face, and of course, I did all the sewing! They are so proud – and now each of them want to make their own dollies. But this one is headed to Haiti!

*Update*
I just couldn't stop at one - they are too too adorable and I know they will be loved!

Busy creating

2010-01-31T01:47:00.002-09:00

Of course I have a mile long To-Do list… but what do I spend 2 hours on tonight? This…

I found the tute here and changed it up a teeny bit.

In scrappy-ness, I finished a ‘Cup of Comfort’ album for Back Porch Memories. Its made from a Maya road coffee cup album and has some cute recipes and such on it. Not sure if this one is for the store or if it will be listed online :)

Tomorrow I’m going to try to work on some actual LAYOUTS!!! <GASP>
I haven’t scrapped a real picture since December (I don’t count the two recipe albums I did!)
And then I really need to start on my mile-long To-Do list!

So busy…

2010-01-06T00:35:00.002-09:00

The countdown has begun for my hubby to return home! I am not getting much ‘me’ crafting in lately. I have some sewing and scrappy projects to finish for other people, and then I think I’m going to take a break and just focus on what I want to do.

Here is a little Accordion house home deco I did for Back Porch Memories – she has it for sale on her add-on page if you’re interested.

Here is a recipe album I did for my SIL for Christmas

For one of my sisters, I made her a rag-patch tote, much like this one that is for sale in my etsy shop.

Purses for the girls

Some dresses for a friend
And lots and lots of other Christmas presents that I forgot to take pictures of, of course!

Going to be making a Molly Monkey next (actually 3 of them!) and my sister wants a recipe album by the end of the month!
Then I have to work on 4 bridesmaid dresses for my other sister’s wedding – ugh – I have too many sisters!!! LOL!

My new favorite shop

2009-11-12T11:56:00.001-09:00

And *GASP* its not a scrapbook store!!

Hawthorne Threads

seriously, I've been sewing a bunch lately, getting ready to open an etsy shop - so stay tuned.

Halloween and Christmas!

2009-11-07T10:51:00.003-09:00

The owner of Back Porch Memories asked me to do a Halloween mini album kit for her store. I had a blast picking out all the goodies and playing for two whole days until I came up with this! FYI – the kits are sold out, but you can enjoy the eye candy here.

Two little tags stuck in a pocket with a spider tag hanging from it

Left page folds out, middle page is a 4x4 acrylic page and right page has a little bling spider on the web

Kraft envy on the left holds three tags to put pictures on. Right page is WRMK black lace on an 8x4 acrylic page.

Silly Faces page, unties and folds out to show two picture spots. Pumpkin is corrugated.

Tombstones are tags that come out of the grass to journal on. Moon has 3 hidden journal or picture spots that rotate out.

The last page, with a hanging tag that says ‘EEK’

I had a blast making it and couldn’t wait to share. I have some other projects too that I’m getting ready for Christmas – here’s a mitten and snowflake garland made from two Maya Road chipboard books. Pardon the horrible pictures – welcome to winter in Alaska and no good light!

Help Make This Little Boy's Early Christmas

2009-11-05T23:25:00.001-09:00

Five year-old Noah Biorkman is in hospice and we need your help to make this the best Christmas ever by sending him Christmas cards! His family will be celebrating Christmas this weekend.

Noah Biorkman
c/o 99.5 WYCD
2201 Woodward Heights Blvd.
Ferndale, MI 48220-1511

read more here

I have been creating!!!

2009-10-23T22:34:00.002-08:00

I just can’t post any of it because its either been for the store in town or its for Christmas gifts. But trust me, I’ve been scrapping and sewing up a storm! Here is a LO I did for a scraplift challenge last month that I can post now :D

My love for my husband

2009-09-26T22:23:00.002-08:00

is combined with my love for purses and my love for my sewing!!!

So I figure while hubby is deployed I can at least wear a reminder of him on my arm every day!

Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-09-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Um... yum - yet another purse to add to my list of wants!

Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Oh Look what I'm gonna make next!!

2009-09-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

How adorable is this!!!
http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/09/made-by-rae-jackpack-backpack-guest.html

I am so making one in the near future (but I went ahead and entered the giveaway too - maybe I'll get the pattern for free!)

Ad This was featured on ScrapStreet.com

2009-08-03T13:27:00.002-08:00

Check out this week’s ad over there and we were featured in a Scrapstreet article here! My take is on the second page… or you can just see it right here ;)

AD:

My take:

I had so much fun playing with my letters!

2009-07-27T15:17:00.001-08:00

The challenge this week over on AD THIS was to play with embellies and different fonts in your title. Here was the ad we had:

and here is my take:

A day late…

2009-07-21T15:15:00.002-08:00

There is a new ad up at the AD THIS blog!! Here is my take, swing on over there to check it out!

and here is my take:

A new week… a new ad!

2009-07-13T17:43:00.002-08:00

Head on over to the Ad This blog to see this weeks fab takes on this ad:

And here is my take:

Some LOs because I can’t sleep

2009-07-09T05:57:00.002-08:00

Here are some LOs I’ve done the past few weeks that I haven’t shown you – enjoy!

Ad This Weekly Challenge

2009-06-15T22:18:00.002-08:00

Yep, its that time again! Another weekly Ad inspiration from the Ad This blog!
Here is this weeks ad

And here is my take. The twist this week is to use five different mediums in your LO. I used paint, ink, paper, fabric and wallpaper(the textured brown behind the photo mat)

Don’t forget to head on over to post your take for a chance at the Guest Designer spot next week!

Ad This DT!!!

2009-06-07T22:20:00.002-08:00

Woohoo! I made the Summer DT for the Ad This blog! So ladies, head on over and post your takes on the ads!
This week’s ad:

and the twist is to use three different fonts on your LO.

Here is my take:

Be sure to check us out every week for a new ad!

UP-Cycling

2009-05-31T01:25:00.002-08:00

Have you heard of this… its taking old things and altering them so they can be used again! Well, my favorite type of Up-cyling is altering my girls clothes.
Sierra and Ruby now officially wear the same size, but it doesn’t matter, because both of them put holes in their jeans like nobody’s business. I just went through their winter clothes and basically none of the jeans are useable for Karis. The jeans still fit the older two now – but they don’t want to wear jeans (and of course, we have tons), they want shorts and skirts for the summer, and they most likely won’t fit next fall. Besides, there are holes and it gets awfully cold here!
So here is my solution…
Ordinary pair of jeans with holes in the knees:

So you’re probably thinking, cut them off for shorts – duh!!! But have you ever noticed that jeans fit tighter than shorts… and especially Ruby, whose thighs are more generous, its not comfortable to have just plain ole cutoffs.
And of course there are HOLES in the KNEES – so you can’t make them capris….
But you can make a skirt!!!! I convinced Sierra to keep this long (she wanted a mini skirt) and I wanted to put a ruffle on the edge, but she wanted it to fray – so I didn’t finish the edge – this is one of her favorite skirts now.

But – these ‘bermuda’ shorts I think are adorable. They are longer so you don’t have to worry about thunder thighs sticking out, but not quite capris. And I think the ruffles make them just a tad bit longer and feel more stylish than ‘my mom cut off my jeans and is making me wear them this summer instead of buying me shorts!’ LOL!

I have a few more pairs of holey jeans – I can’t wait to play. I’m going to make Ruby a skirt and put a ruffle on it, and of course, they each have a pair of plain cutoffs, but I need to use up my fabric scraps and I like to play!!
Speaking of scraps, I’m thinking of appliquéing some flowers, birds, and butterflies on some of the girls (and mine!) plain t-shirts… I’ll post pics if I like how it turns out.

Just some new LOs

2009-05-27T12:16:00.002-08:00

Here are a few LOs I’ve done for challenges and contests and such that I can show now.
This one was for a Guest DT spot at Back Porch Memories. I didn’t make it, but I still love the LO! The subject is pretty cute too!

This was for a telephone scraplift over at OSU. I doodled all over, even the flowers that I then cut them out to embellish the doodles.

This I did using an ad from Ad This
Another one done using an ad as inspiration from Ad This
Here is a scraplift challenge from BPM. Using the yummy May Scrap Attack Scrapbooking kit!

OOH! Look what blog I found!!

2009-05-18T18:25:00.002-08:00

My favorite type of challenges are Ad challenges. I love using the ads as inspiration, either as a sketch, taking the color combos, the patterns in the ad, and seeing the cool graphic designs! So I was totally psyched when I found this blog!
Ad This!
They post an ad every Monday and you have a week to get your LO linked for a chance to be a guest designer (and I think they occasionally give out prizes too!)
So here is my take on this weeks ad

And they are having a DT call, so of course I’m sending in some LOs for that too. Be sure to check them out!

Back Porch Memories Spring Fling Crop!

2009-04-25T12:51:00.002-08:00

I’ve been cropping for a week over at BPM for a chance to win a six months subscription to Paula’s awesome kits!!! Here are the challenges I completed. You get your name in a drawing for each challenge – wish me luck!!!

Color Therapy – color in a stamped image

Better than Hallmark (black and white card with a pop of color)

Leftovers Challenge (use leftovers from projects you completed during the crop – LOs below)

I see through you – make a card using a transparency

Heat Embossing

Paper Flowers – make your own paper flowers

Recipe Challenge: page layout – any size, word title, flowers or stars – any type, pictures – any size, handwritten journaling

Feeling Edgy: use two or more techniques on the edges of your paper (die cut, distressed, inked)

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Beautifully Rustic – I used cardboard with glitter, and inked up some bling

New Beginnings – scrap about something ‘new’ – think Maddie counts :D

Overkill Challenge – use lots of one type of embellishment

Font-tastic – use different types of fonts for your title

Ad Inspiration

Scraplift someone in the crop

WHEW!! That’s 28 entries – I so hope I win!!! I love BPM kits!!!

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-04-11T00:52:00.002-08:00

My mom is currently up here visiting me, and helping with the girls while I try to rest and take care of the baby. So this birthday card is for her…
but the flower technique is for Stacy :D ENJOY!

Accordion flowers: Decide what size flower you want. I wanted a 3 inch flower, so I cut my paper strip to 3 inches wide. Then I normally double the width to cut the length. So for my 3 inch flower, I start with a 3x6 inch piece of PAPER (not cardstock!)
Score every 1/4 inch and fold accordion style

Now find the center of your paper (mine will be at 1.5 inches) and staple, tie, wrap with wire, etc. Find SOMETHING to make it look like this:
(I stapled the middle and then pushed the staple around the middle to make a ring)

Put sticky tape on both ends of the right side

Fold over and press flower together

Finish into a card!

Not scrappy stuff….

2009-03-30T11:27:00.002-08:00

but here are two things I did this week:

I saw these cute hats on Etsy.com but honestly, I’m cheap… so I decided to make one myself – only took an hour or so!

And then I finally finished my diaper bag! I used the Alexander Henry Kleo and Esprit Stripe fabric! I TOTALLY LOVE IT!!! And I’m happy with how my bag turned out for not using a pattern – LOL – I’m so lazy! Two large pockets in the front, ties on the side, and there are 3 large pockets and a cellphone pocket on the inside. Inside is the tan with the stripe pockets. I’d take a picture but its already filled with diapers and junk!

New Baby!

2009-03-21T19:20:00.001-08:00

YAY!!! I finally had the baby!

Madeline Grace Wills was born on March 20, 2009. 8lbs 11oz. You can see pics of her HERE

Some Sewing Projects

2009-03-09T15:51:00.002-08:00

I’ve been scrapping… a bit. But mostly I’ve been trying to get ready for the baby. Its hard to buy stuff when you don’t know what you’re having. I have been looking for a diaper bag that didn’t look like a diaper bag…. KWIM? Well, I found some on Etsy, but they were expensive… and fortunately I know how to sew!
So I went to Joann’s and got some remnants (for the girls and to practice) and picked out some cute fabric for the actual bag. While browsing Etsy, I saw a crayon tote that I wanted to make for the girls. Its perfect to take to church – holds 5 coloring books and a bunch of crayons. Oh, and the fabric was on sale for $1.63 – SCORE!

And then I decided to practice making a bag… I found some fabric at the thrift store for $3 total – and I still have tons left! I found this tutorial online and used it to make this bag:

I thought it was cute, but I wanted a bit bigger for my diaper bag, and I wanted to get cute and fancy. However, I didn’t factor in ‘bigger’ and ‘fancier’ into my fabric allowance :( The tutorial called for about 1/3 yard of fabric, so I got 1/2 yard of each… but it still wasn’t enough… Unfortunately, I STILL need to make a diaper bag… but fortunately, I think this bag is way cute!!! Its a chocolate brown with flowers and the lining is the stripes. :D

P.S. Thank you GRANDMA for teaching me to sew… total, for all the fabric, thread, fusing and snaps I spent $27 (Joann’s was having a sale :wink:) And I got 3 BAGS!!!! The ones I’ve seen on Etsy and in the store are about $50-70!!! EEK! Hmm…. maybe I should sell bags on Etsy – lol

Not quite a LOAD

2009-03-01T23:28:00.002-09:00

I was trying to do a LayOut A Day for February – but I didn’t quite make it – only 15 :( I wasn’t even CLOSE – lol!
But here are the rest that I haven’t already shown you:

And all 15 together - yes, I counted per page!!

Some Scrap Pages

2009-02-19T16:24:00.002-09:00

Wow – its been since December since I’ve uploaded some scrap pages. Enjoy!

And there are a few more that I have to wait until March to show you! But those are equally yummy!

I have such wonderful FRIENDS!!!

2009-01-28T15:08:00.001-09:00

Seriously, I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends... even though I may have not met most of them in real life, they are definitely counted as friends!

See this awesome lady (no, not the one on the right :wink wink:, the one on the left!)

This is my friend Betsie. We have 'known' each other for umm... about three years online, and last summer I got to meet her when I visited family in Phoenix!!!

Of course we went to the scrappy convention that they had in Mesa, and had lunch - it was so nice to finally meet her in person!

Not only is she a great friend, but an awesome scrapper too!!!!

Look what she made for me just because she's THAT awesome!

I had commented on her blog awhile back because she made one of these for her niece. My comment was something along the lines of 'you know how to spell my name, right -lol'

And didn't she do a marvelous job!!!! Spelled right and everything :wink wink:

Thank you so much Betsie - this is way better than the Mojo book I made you - lol!

ScrapGoods Friends

2009-01-21T16:30:00.002-09:00

This message is for anyone who was affiliated with ScrapGoods. We have started a new forum to keep connected and keep on swapping! Visit us over at Obsessed Scrappers Undivided to register for the board and gallery. We already have 70 members and counting, but we don't want any of our SG friends slipping through the cracks!

I have to embellish everything!!!

2009-01-09T00:34:00.002-09:00

Sierra's birthday is next Tuesday... and she is REALLY into monkey's! So I decided to make her a Sock Monkey for her present (well, one of them).
You remember Sock Monkey's don't you!

Well, of course, they have much cuter socks these days! LOL! So I told Sierra to pick out a pair of socks for Mommy to make a present for her. She picked out some cute brown ones with polka dots, and then when I said, okay, Mommy is going to take these to make your present. She was like, wait... um, are they going to be socks?? I told her no, but it would be something she would like. Then she tried to give me a ratty old pair of plain pink socks!
I finally convinced her to trust me, and I promised to buy her another pair of socks and she let me have the cute ones.
So I set off to make her Sock Monkey. 2 Hours later I finished!!

BUT WAIT....
Even though the Monkey was brown with pink, purple, green, and blue polka dots... it still didn't look like a GIRL sock monkey.
So I busted out the SCRAPPY STUFF!!!
Some buttons for eyes, a fabric flower on her hat, and then I sewed a ribbon skirt!
Isn't she cute!

The colors are a little off, but the monkey is actually a dark brown! So even though I've been in a scrap rut, at least I'm still crafting!

Tagged

2009-01-04T00:32:00.001-09:00

In your 'My Pictures' find the sixth folder and post the sixth picture.

Here is Karis trying on her winter clothes - before it snowed! LOL!

Now I tag... ummm... whoever wants to do it - just post back here so I know!

Finally DONE!

2008-12-12T22:23:00.002-09:00

With my last ScrapGoods DT layouts - sniff sniff! And my Secret Sister's altered gift (well, one of them at least!) Here are the goodies I've been working on :D

My DT layouts - this first one is a hot pink and teal/blue color. But my camera doesn't like the light in my house, and we never have the sun up this time of year, so you'll have to deal with it! LOL!

Baby #4 profile pic - awwww.... I tried to make this gender neutral as they basically told us its either a boy or girl! LOL! Yep, really narrowed it down for us!

The girl's Santa picture this year a "Ho Ho's House"

And here are a few of the things for my Secret Sister. The SnowMan soup I totally copied from the owner of Back Porch Memories at her store in town.

And I saw these little houses on sale for 40 CENTS!!! at Michael's so of course I had to pick up a few! And figure out what to do with them!

Now I just have to work on the rest of my Christmas Cards and some gift card holders and get them out next week!!! EEK! Only 12 days til Christmas!!!

Holiday Goodies

2008-12-03T13:49:00.002-09:00

Okay, so I guess I'm doing good with posts once a month! LOL! I've been busy scrapping and altering and making cards for Christmas. I also found a LSS (the only one!) that has monthly crops and have made some new scrappy REAL LIFE friends! Don't worry, I still love my e-friends too! ;)

Here are some goodies I've made:

And a LO using the November SG kit! December is their last month... I'm hoarding the last kit ever from SG! This LO also uses a sketch from GETTIN SKETCHY!!! You have until Dec 25th to submit your LO to win an awesome kit from My Sweet Spuds!

I'm still alive!!

2008-11-11T21:40:00.002-09:00

And I've been scrapping some too! Mostly with kits here and there. I am getting together to make some Christmas Cards soon too with some friends. Can't wait. But here are the LOs I've done this last... month?

These LOs and card were done with the
My Sweet Spuds October Kit. The CT at Gettin' Sketchy got a little bit of the kit to play with! Isn't it awesome!

And speaking of Gettin' Sketchy, here is the LO I did for Thorunn's November sketch!! It was an awesome sketch! Head on over to check it out, you have until Nov. 25th to enter your take on the sketch.

And these were done for the ScrapGoods November kit. The technique this month was FELTING! Pretty cool and I love the turnout!

Felted the flower in the corner, the leaves are the stamp from the kit.

Hand-felted the swirls here.

Felted the large flower using the template SG provided and hand-felted the stem and smaller flower. I also used MM ready to glitter stickers and flocked them.

And this is for the SG Nov Telephone Scraplift... so if you are in my group - DON'T LOOK!!! I set eyelets all along the diecut felt piece... took me forever! Thank goodness for my crop-a-dile!

Whew - DONE!!!

2008-10-11T14:31:00.001-08:00

Wow! I'm finally done with my scrappy room! WOOHOO! I have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF! LOL! And I buy more every week! Hehehe - I guess why its called an addiction. So here are pics of my fabulous room, off to the right and behind me there is a lot more space, but it is currently filled with empty boxes and trash that we have to take to the dump - or find someone who's moving soon (which shouldn't be too hard in a military community!) Enjoy the pics, oh, and excuse the mess on my desk, it was all nice and clean, and then I had to go a scrap a LO!

And here is the LO I scrapped using the ScrapGoods October flower soft technique - its really pretty! The Flower soft is the stuff around the photo mat, on the brads in the top right and the swirl under the title.

Progress???

2008-10-07T15:57:00.001-08:00

I have been slowly trying to get my house done, so the scraproom has taken a backseat. I did a little bit for about an hour the other night, and then was down there for another hour today before my back hurt too much to do any more.

I think it looks messier now... it was all nice and neat in the boxes! LOL!

This picture is the empty boxes and trash!

I still want to rearrange the furniture and clean my desk. Three whole boxes of scrapbooks and photo books are on the floor. Other than that, I only have three more boxes to unpack!! My clip-it-up better be in one!!!! I'm still missing a few things that I am hoping in one of the boxes, otherwise I'm going to have to make some claims! GRRR! Like my cricut design studio... I have everything but the USB that plugs the cricut to the computer! ACK! That is sort of essential!

MOVING!

2008-10-03T09:12:00.003-08:00

Whew... okay, made it safe to Alaska... we've actually been here a month! WOW! It's been snowing, we have about 4 inches on the ground and its still snowing! LOL! The girls are excited... I give them another month or two before they're sick of it!!! But this is what my scrappy room looks like... hope to have it put together enough to scrap this weekend!!! WISH ME LUCK!

Random Tag

2008-09-22T19:15:00.002-08:00

Tagged from Ryann - 6 Random things about me:

1. I like to cook! And I like to think I'm a pretty good cook, at least my husband thinks so!

2. Some days I do not get out of my jamas and let the kids fend for themselves, eating and drinking what they can find (trust me, they do not starve). And the house doesn't even get looked at! Those are the days Dustin comes home and says "WHAT HAPPENED?" LOL!

3. I got my first mini-van at 22 years old!! And I can't live without one now!

4. I have anger issues

5. I am a homebody. I'd rather stay at home than do anything. I have books (as long as I go to the library) and internet at home - I am content :D

6. I have more online friends than real ones - and we get along better - LOL!

I'm still here!!!

2008-08-15T10:03:00.006-08:00

Just stressing out with the transition to Alaska. We are currently in Arizona for the month of August and will be headed to Alaska September 2nd. Oh, and I do have some news for my cyber buddies - I'm pregnant AGAIN!!!! DH had a vasectomy and we thought we were finished with three gorgeous little girls... but God has decided to bless us with another baby!!! WOW!! I just hope I can handle it (**crossing my fingers I don't lose my mind**)

Here are some LOs done for the DT with the August ScrapGoods kit. It really is an awesome kit!

2008-07-21T23:45:00.002-08:00

Okay, I know its July, but MBI is having a whole month of Christmas in July!! And Starting Sunday they kicked off the '12 Days of Christmas Projects.' See this neat little Advent Calendar? Wanna know how to make it? Well, head on over to MBI and get the instructions, along with everything else all the lovely ladies have planned over there!

Christmas in July Cyber Crop

2008-07-18T03:13:00.007-08:00

Memory Book Inspirations is hosting an entire month of Christmas in July! There are gift and card projects, altered items and much more!

This weekend kicks off the CIJ Crop and the 12 Days of Christmas! I have a sketch challenge for the crop today and then on July 22 I will be posting a tutorial for a clipboard Advent calendar! Be sure to join us over there for lots of fun! Signing up is free!

Here is my layout I did for the sketch challenge:

And a few more layouts I've done recently:

July ScrapGoods Layouts

2008-07-13T23:58:00.002-08:00

Oh my DH loves me so much. All my scrappy stuff is on its way to Alaska and I won't get it back until the middle to end of October! :( But I kept my printer and photo paper and some tools. And YAY!!! I got my July ScrapGoods kit in the mail!! So I've been wanting to play.... but my printer was out of ink. So DH went and bought me ink and I've done 4 layouts since Saturday!! WHEW! Got my scrapping fix in! LOL!
This month's kit is awesome. GORGEOUS MME papers and the COOLEST Coredination cardstock!!! Have you heard of this stuff??? If not, you should check it out! I've been scratching and distressing for two days! Oh, and everything I've used on these pages is from the kit!!! I have nothing else! LOL!
Jessy and Sierra. The border is all scratched out of the coredination cardstock. The design is from the template in the kit. The flourishes and bird were white vinyl clings that I inked with red stazon. I didn't mean to go monochromatic, but everything I added just didn't seem to 'go' unless it was red, KWIM? So it turned out mono.

The Heidelberg Castle. It SUCKS not having all my stuff with me, I had to make do hand cutting and paper piecing where I normally wouldn't have done that. But I think this turned out great. I paper pieced the butterfly and flower from the SG kit and then scratched with the tool included.

Ruby Roo riding a horsey. Simple LO that really just came together and I think its my favorite from this kit! I love the core cardstock!!! Did I say that already? Its really easy to distress. with the title, I handcut it and then scraped off the outer edge for some pop.

The three amigos! Dillon, Sierra, Ruby (and Karis) this summer during Dillon's visit. Scratched the title, the border around the star, and the squiggly lines between the pics.

July C2P Layouts

2008-07-01T00:18:00.002-08:00

I got my C2P kit last week. Are you ladies jealous? You should be! It is perfect for summer fun photos. Especially since we just visited Legoland. The colors were perfect! And I even got a nice castle LO from the kit too. I have more plans, but they will have to wait until October. My house gets packed up July 8th and I won't get it back until then :(
Enjoy the layouts!

ScrapGoods June Kit

2008-06-16T13:41:00.003-08:00

Okay, so I know that the month is almost over and everyone is jonesing for the new kit, but here are my DT layouts I did with June's 'mini' kit. First off, let me just say that this was no MINI anything!!! It was jam packed of goodies. And the technique was awesome!!! Making your own bling rubons!!! HOW COOL!
The lovely blue diecut paper was in the kit. And get this Amy and Jodi have graciously offered to die cut any of there 12x12 cardstock into this shape!!!
I made my own rubons from clip art in Microsoft Word using the graphix rubon sheets included in the kit. Also scrunched up the ribbon for my own challenge at SG! :D
And lots of bling on this one!! Don't you just love bling!! YUM!

Crop Til You Drop Contest!!!

2008-06-05T13:11:00.001-08:00

Crop Til You Drop Contest
Sponsored by ScrapGoods

You think you got what it takes to crop til you drop? Join ScrapGoods as we crop our hearts out for 7 WEEKS of challenges! This contest is open to our kit club members as well as non-members who are registered on the message board. Registration is free and requires no commitment to the club. You will be creating layouts based on challenges issued for a chance to win a FREE 2 Month Kit Subscription!!! So come on ladies! Let's Get Cropping!!

Head on over to SCRAPGOODS to register on the message board and get the first challenge!!

June C2P Layouts

2008-06-03T11:38:00.007-08:00

Alright everyone. I got my June Commit2Paper kit in the mail and have been busy playing with the gorgeous papers, chipboard, trim and buttons! Here are a few layouts and mini-book I did with the kit. Enjoy!

In my thoughts

2008-05-26T00:08:00.003-08:00

Just a cute card I made the other night. I made a bunch of cards and I challenged myself to use only cardstock!! It was hard!! But I got to play witha bunch of my background stamps :D

WOOHOO!!!

2008-05-24T01:13:00.008-08:00

Guess who's on the new ScrapGoods DT... yep, that would be me! YAY! I'm excited for this next year! Lots and LOTS of wonderful ladies tried out this year, and I want to congratulate all for submitting your LOs! Amy and Jodi must have been going google-eyed!! So here are the LOs I submitted - ENJOY!

For those of you who don't know, ScrapGoods is a monthly kit club that not only comes chocked full of papers and embellies, but they include a technique (and everything needed to DO the technique) too!

August 2007 kit - kajinker and edged templates. I used the stamp to stamp a semi circle that I traced with the template and cut out. Kajinker'd the gems, chipboard tags, and ribbon/trim on too! Pics are of me preggo with all three girls!
February 2007 - Writing with Fiber. I 'drew' the scallops and the word 'day' with the fiber writing pen and used the heart chipboard and glitter stickers and covered with pink glitter. Pictures are of my first birthday... back in 1981 :D
May 2008 - Making your own Bling designs. I used the kit papers and cut the zig-zag cardstock to make a border. Used the Prima blue swirls and made my own orange swirls by just tracing a flourish and placing bling down. Added a HS chip letter D and cut the title from orange bazzill bling on my cricut. Pics are of mine and Marinka's kiddos at the Dinosaur park.

DT Rejects

2008-05-14T04:55:00.008-08:00

These are the ScrapGoods DT rejects. I submitted the three I really liked (I love them all of course) and once the announcement is made, I will post the three submissions. I made myself stop doing any more LOs! Or I would never be able to choose! These first two where done with the May ScrapGoods kit - Make your own Bling Designs. I covered the title in bling, Ring around the journal block covered in bling, and bling ALL over. The bling placed in the scallop frame around the pic are actually colored 'butterscotch' with alcohol ink.FP About a boy transparency, prima swirls bling, Heidi Swapp plastic letters... more bling around the circle mat. Pictures are of us at the Dinosaur Park in the T-Rex head.
ScrapGoods Dec 07 Kit - Stitching. Everything is from the kit except the thickers and primas. Used blue embroidery floss to stitch the felt and flourishes around 'Cutie'
ScrapGoods Sept 07 kit - clear pages and transparencies. I didn't do a clear page, but there are lots of transparencies on this! Used a french curve ruler to cut the flower stem.
This one I actually put into the ScrapGoods 'History with Bling' contest. We were supposed to find a memorable day (Mr. Potato Head debuts) in May and do a LO on it with bling... here is Karis and her M. Patate Pirate!

LOL!

2008-05-12T14:33:00.003-08:00

I really thought I was scrapped out for a bit - but then ScrapGoods announced their DT search and a May Challenge... since Sunday I've done 7 pages!!! LOL! And I have two more planned! The DT application only calls for 3 LOs, so I figure I can just chooose the best three out of... however many I plan to do! I'll be sure to post the LOs I don't submit.. and those that I do, you'll just have to wait until next month (not too far away)

NSD Weekend Goodies!

2008-05-05T05:26:00.011-08:00

Okay, I think I'm scrapped out for a bit! Here are my layouts I finished this weekend - hope you all had a great National Scrapbook Day :D

Daddy's Little Guitar Heroes

This LO was done for a sketch challenge at MBI and ScrapGoods !

Chow Down
This LO is for a Telephone Scraplift Challenge at MBI.

Toes
Just a fun LO I did at the NSD crop I went to. My and Karis' toes when she was about 8 months old.

Wonderful 2
Another LO using the May C2P kit - Ruby at 2

Flower for my Pocket
Another LO from the May C2P kit. Karis has been picking flowers and putting them in ANYONE's pocket. We can't hold them, they have to go into a pocket! LOL!

American Splits
LO for Kylie's Challenge over at ScrapGoods. Used the Red piece from the Dec 07 SG kit.

Sour Pus!
This LO is based on the new sketch up at Gettin Sketchy! You have until May 25th to post your take! So check it out!

National Scrapbook Day

2008-05-02T04:25:00.004-08:00

Tomorrow is National Scrapbook Day! Woohoo! My friend is visiting from the Netherlands this weekend and we are planning on going to a crop at Ramstein tomorrow. Also, Memory Book Inspirations will be hosting an all-day cybercrop, full of challenges, prizes and Bert's Famous Bingo Game! Of course, we'll also be offering 25% off your ENTIRE PURCHASE at the Memory Book Inspirations Store! Hope to scrap with you soon!!! And while you're there, check out a MBI May kit... here are some layouts using the kit:

May Commit2Paper

2008-04-27T04:38:00.006-08:00

I got such a yummy kit in the mail on Saturday... the May Commit2Paper kit! Oh wow!! So gorgeous. Lovely pink, purples, teals. Yummy chipboard buttons and letter. Awesome vinyl thickers! And delicious rubons! But nobody posted that they wanted to see... well, except Amy. Maybe I'll just email them to her and let the rest of you wonder what you have in store when you get your kit in a couple weeks....

But back to the kit... I loved it so much, and it was so perfect for my gorgeous little girls! I did 4 - YES FOUR!!! Layouts with it... just yesterday! And I have another one in the making! Oh, and I'm thinking I might do a little mini tag book too. Its absolutely wonderful!!

**SIGH** I'm so unapreciated! I guess if there is nobody to tease I'll just post my layouts. LOL!

Guess What I got today!!!

2008-04-26T08:11:00.003-08:00

My May IS C2P kit!!!! Ooohhhh sooooo preeettttyyyy!!! I've already done two layouts with it!!! YUM! Off to play some more... and maybe if you're nice, I'll post some spoiler sneaks later!

New Stuff and Gettin' Sketchy

2008-04-22T02:41:00.007-08:00

Bee has asked me to be on her Creative Team for her and Thorunn's Gettin' Sketchy sketch site. So excited - I love her sketches. So head on over there and check out the April sketch... Sketches are posted the first of the month and due by the 25th! Make sure you check back there May 1st, I'll be posting the new sketch! And Dee from My Acrylic Album has generously provided a $10 Gift Certificate to her store for the winner!! Click the banner below to check out her store!

Here are some recent Layouts. This one was based on a sketch from Becky Fleck at PageMaps
This is another LO using the Commit2Paper kit. Joyce has a challenge on her blog using the kit! Check it out, you have until Sunday to get your LO linked to her!
My little Monkey!! Karis climbing on...well, everything!!! See that cute little journal tag... that's from Elle's! Check out her blog and Etsy shop, I love her tags!
And the LAST page in my Disney Album!!! WOOHOO!! FINALLY DONE!!! Used the MBI April kit for this LO! It came with a Crafter's Workshop template that I used to draw the flourishes and then cut out. Also for a challenge using progressive counting. 1 piece CS, 2 pieces PP, 3 photos, 4 flourishes, 5 flowers, 6 pieces ribbon, 7 letters, 8 buttons, 9 pieces of bling and 10 brads!

More April C2P stuff

2008-04-14T03:13:00.004-08:00

Some more stuff done with the yummy C2P April kit and textured Daisy Bucket papers!!! Did I mention how much I love these papers! Here is a cute little card. The 'paper ribbon' that came in the kit was able to be curled, and I so wanted to curl it!!! But I knew it wouldn't work on a LO, so here you go!! Isn't it neat! I tied some strands around the middle of the ribbon, split them down the middle and curled with my scissors. Scrap piece for the scalloped square and a Studio G sentiment.Absolutely Fabulous!!! Yep that's me!! LOL! Used all kit stuff except HS journal spot and stamps. Grunged up edges are a stamp from ScrapBook Takeout, and absolutely is part of a SU stamp. Used the velvet scallop box, cut in half, punched out the circles and added them to the top of the PP along the edge. The bigger circles were cut using a circle punch and I punched in between the flowers, etc on the velvet sheet, using the scraps. Journaling reads, Well, at least your kids and hubby think so. And I guess you do have your moments! :wink:

Thanks for looking... and I can't wait until next month! Rumor has it its gonna be GIRLY!!! YAY!!

Commit2Paper April Kit

2008-04-12T03:41:00.006-08:00

Here is a LO I did with the C2P April kit. You can see more layouts on Joyce and Amy's blog. The papers have SUCH a yummy texture... seriously, they're great. And one of my all time favorite colors is the lime-ish green that is featured in these papers! Paired with blue, it really makes it pop!! Thanks for looking!

All Scrapped Out!!!

2008-04-06T08:20:00.011-08:00

I think I am officially done with all I'm going to do for the MBI crop!! Whew! I'm pooped!! And I'm coming down with a flu bug on top of that! Here are the challenges I finished!

Faux Cloisonne Technique

2008-04-04T03:18:00.004-08:00

The Technique tutorial is up at MBI! Here are some of my examples:

Make sure you head on over to find the complete instructions! And don't forget about the Cyber Crop and awesome deals they have for this weekend!

MBI Cyber Crop

2008-04-03T14:02:00.001-08:00

Memory Book Inspirations is having a Cyber Crop this weekend, April 4-6th. There will be tons of Challenges, chances to win items on your Wishlist, and a 15% discount in the store that weekend!! And for all you newbies, you only have to have 25 posts to be eligible to win your wishlist!!!

So join us for some sketch challenges, card challenges, and I will be posting another Heat Embossing Tutorial featuring faux cloissone and embossed doodling.

KIT DEBUT'S

2008-04-01T12:11:00.004-08:00

Okay... thank goodness its payday!!! A bad thing about that is that its also kit debut day across the WWW!!! And I have been bad today... I bought 3 kits!!! Today only!!! Not including my SG sub - oops!! Oh well, its not like I won't use them! LOL!

So, you know you want to live vicariously through me and see what goodies I have coming in the mail!!!

MBI April kit- only $12.49!!! I couldn't pass that deal up!!! Kit includes: 1 package of Doodlebug Brads in Swimming Pool, 1 Mini Flourish Template from The Crafter's Workshop, 1 boxed set of Cool Me Down Ribbon from Daisy D's, 4 sheets of coordinated Daisy D's papers: Capri, Espresso, Loden and Striscia, and 6 assorted flowers*, also from the Cool Me Down line. *Flower sizes and colors will vary by kit.

Okay, onto Commit2Paper... Their kit was $25 and the pic is just a teaser, but I've been assured it is totally yummy! Kit includes: 2 sheets each of 6 different patterned papers by Daisy Bucket Designs, 2 sheets of 3 different coordinating cardstock papers, 1 specialty paper, 1 yard ribbon, embellishments, and 1 package of letters.

And last but CERTAINLY not least, ScrapBookTakeout!! This kit retails for $16 (and I added the stamp set for another $12) Kit includes: 1/2 sheet Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlays, 1 pack Imaginescence Steel Magnonias, 1 sheet Cosmos Cricket Tank Mix Die cuts alpha, 2 Foam brushes, 1/2 pack American Crafts Photo Turns-various colors, Heidi Swapp Bark Acrylic Paint, 1/2 pack Prima Fancies Flowers, 3 Basic Grey chipboard tags, 20 Heidi Swapp Mini Ghost Shapes-Variety Pack, 1 Prima Pencil Box, 10 Prima Esprit Blue Flowers, Prima Elsyee Velvet Ribbons 1 yd - colors will vary.

Stamp Set

YUM YUM YUM!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Purple Snurple!

2008-03-31T23:58:00.005-08:00

{Caardvarks} micro challenge is to make a card using purple!! Well, here are some of my purple cards (shhh... marroon counts! LOL!)

Lotsa Pretties!!!

2008-03-31T05:42:00.020-08:00

Okay, bear with me, I've been a busy bee, but there are lotsa pretties in this post!! Well, at least I think so!! LOL!

My favorite project I did this week was a gift for someone. And stupid me, I forgot to take a picture of it!! So, to whom it may concern, when you get the clipboard, please snap a pic and email it to me :D

This layout was done with the March ScrapGoods kit and for the scraplift challenge on their message board. We got whole sheets of uncut grungeboard, so I cut a corner and the title from it, painted it white and inked it with pumpkin pie spice SU pad. I also cut the felt corners apart to get the scrolls.

This LO was done for the Savvy Scrappers Club over at MBI. You get $1 store credit for every challenge completed and $3 for every quarterly challenge. This was the Daisy D quarterly challenge. The PP and ric rac are from the MBI store, rest of stuff from my stash.
Another SG March kit LO. The technique was mitering frames, so I put some frames on this page. Also used Elle's journal tags. Story is courtesy my nephew! LOL! He had Sierra busting up with his ' YOU ATE POOP!' joke.
This LO was for a sketch challenge at Itty Bitty Scrap Shack. The girls in their Mouse Ears!
These next ones were all done for the ScrapBook Takeout National Craft Month Crop this weekend.

This was a 'Go Green' challenge. We were supposed to repurpose something that you would normally throw away. I plan on using this as an ice cream money container when the ice cream man starts coming by.
Another SBTO challenge - make a home decor with pics that is NOT a frame or LO. Used 6x6 acyrlic sheets to hang these adorable pics!
SBTO challenge, make three cards that have the first letter in common. P: pink,punches and paint. G: green, glitter and gamsol. L:lilac, layers and lace. The purple one is also based on a sketch from Tonya at MBI.
SBTO Challenge: use something in your stash +1 year old. These CC papers are about 1.5 years old, also based my LO on the Shackin' Up with the DT contest at Itty Bitty Scrapshack. I lifted Sara's LO, which coincidentally was based on a sketch by Valerie Salmon.
SBTO Challenge: use a stamp you've never used before. The "P is for Princess" stamp on the scallop circle in the bottom right. Also MBI SSC Week 11 challenge Glitter and Paint. Painted scrolls and glittered the title.
SBTO Challenge: letter to your younger self. I wrote a letter to my 17yo old self about my future husband
SBTO Challenge: stitch on your layout - I used a Bazzill in Stitchez template to embroider the scroll
SBTO Challenge: monochromatic embellies. Ribbon, brads, buttons, felt shapes and flowers are all pink!
SBTO AD Challenge: did this LO based on this ad
SBTO Challenge: take a 1page LO and make it a 2 page LO. I used a sketch from PageMaps and adjusted the pics to make it a 2page LO.

SBTO Challenge: use a slang word or phrase from the decade you grew up in. I used PSYCH! from the 80s LOL!! I remember saying this ALL the time. LO reads: How my parents used to punish me... PSYCH! Gotta love being a child of the 80s! :D

Whew!! Thanks for taking the time to look at all my stuff... if you made it this far!!! LOL!

Easter Layouts

2008-03-18T01:23:00.011-08:00

These layouts are for Kim over at MBI. She wanted to see our past Easter Layouts for some inspirations. So here you go!!! ;)

This layout was actually done at my Baby Shower. Guests each did a 'Baby's First' layout for me to add pictures to. Sierra 2003Sierra 2004

Easter 2005 for Sierra's book

Easter 2005 for Ruby's book

Easter 2006 for Sierra's book

Easter 2006 for Ruby's Book

Easter 2007 for the Family Album

LOL! I think its funny to see how my style has changed in the layouts just from the past 5 years.

Paris Acrylic Album

2008-03-17T05:26:00.012-08:00

I have been hoarding a few acrylic albums and pieces since when they first came out (um, okay, maybe a bit more than just a few -lol) Anyway, I decided to do a mini album on our trip to Paris and I wanted to use one of my Acrylic Albums. This is the very first one that came out from PageFrames! I used mostly just primas, some cardstock journaling strips, bling and stamps with brown stazon. Oh, and I had bought a Paris chipboard pack, so of course I had to break those out!

Oh, and the pictures suck. One, because its really hard to photograph something clear, and I realized when I uploaded they looked blurry. So I looked at my camera and there was a tiny fingerprint right over the lense!! AGGHH! Oh well, I'm too lazy to take the pics again, so this is what you get. Be sure to click on the picture to get a larger pic to see the detail. Thanks for looking!

Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-16T00:45:00.001-08:00

I almost forgot!!! The tutorial for the Easter Card and Jelly Bean Box is up over at MBI! Enjoy!

You can also find Beate's Milk Carton tutorial here.

New Kit to Check Out

2008-03-14T09:48:00.002-08:00

A friend from ScrapGoods has started her own kit club. Commit2Paper looks yummy - I know I got my order in for the first kit!! Go check her out!

Some New Layouts

2008-03-13T01:00:00.004-08:00

It seems these days that I only do layouts for challenges! LOL! Sometimes I have so many challenges 'due' that I combine them when I can! I'm not complaining, challenges spark creativity in me, but the other day I sat down to do a layout and was totally uninspired. I think I'm going to make a challenge jar up for myself and just pick a challenge when I need a starting point!!

This one was done for a sketch challenge and a 'around tuit' challenge over at Memory Book Inspirations. We were supposed to pick something to do that we've had on our 'to do' list and never got 'around tuit.' I stuck pretty much to the sketch. Pics are of Ruby-Roo! And I added hambly rubons because I messed up the pic on the bottom one and needed a rub to cover it! LOL!This is another two-fer! LOL! I combined a the two page layout challenge for Tuesday's Mini Crop over at Memory Book Inspirations and the Ad/Art challenge at From Here 2 Scrapternity. The splotches are emboss resisted flourishes... didn't quite turn out how I imagined, but you CAN see the splotches in real life.
Sketch Challenge Layout for Gettin' Sketchy and the Color challenge at From Here 2 Scrapternity. We were supposed to pick 2-3 main colors and a 'splash' of a contrasting color!

Caard{varks} Challenge

2008-03-13T00:26:00.005-08:00

Its been awhile since I've done a Caard{varks} challenge. I am subscribed to their blog, but for some reason I haven't been receiving the updates... hmm... Oh, and did you know that Caard{varks} and Itty Bitty Scrap Shack are teaming up to offer a monthly Caard kit!!! Check it out on their site! COOL!

Anyway, this week's challenge is to make a card with a transportation theme. Um, I own exactly ZERO things with cars, planes, trains, buses, etc on it!!! GRRR!! But you can 'transport' things in a wheelbarrow! Hey, it works, right! LOL! So here is my card for their Transportation Theme. Thanks for peeking!

Craft Fair This Weekend

2008-03-07T13:00:00.007-09:00

Here is what I made for the craft fair this weekend:

8x8 black and white and pink girly album - 10 pages total - GONE

8x8 Disney Princess Album - 20 pages total - GONE

Some mini books, from left to right:
Friends
Happy Birthday
Minnie Mouse
BG Brag
Friends/Family: GONE
Matchbook w/flower: GONE

2 Accordion albums, one is 6x6, the other 4x6 - GONE
This one is my favorite and I'm secretly hoping it doesn't sell so I can keep it!! I used the MM Noteworthy journal book pages and made a cover of transparencies - GONE

13 12x12 Layouts complete and ready to add pictures. Click on pic to view larger
Ariel
Vacation - GONE
Pooh - GONE
Butterfly - GONE
Blue and Green stripe
Birthday - GONE
Love
Boy Star
Love this face
Purple and green flower
Belle
Pink and Yellow
Blue and Green swirl

3 5x7 altered frames

2 Altered clip boards - GONE

5 altered mini books for notes

IBSS So You Think You Can Scrap Contest update

2008-03-03T01:09:00.003-09:00

This last weeks entries were awesome!! So awesome that I didn't make it to the next round :( Oh well, I got some awesome layouts out of it and can't wait to see what the wonderful ladies come up with next!!! To see all the rounds (trust me, some great inspiration there!) visit the gallery!

Now I'm going to work on getting mini books and layouts ready for the Craft Fair this weekend... why do I always wait until the last minute!!! LOL! I've made 4 mini books and 8 layouts since Saturday though!

More Layouts!!!

2008-02-27T11:30:00.005-09:00

Here is my Round 3 entry for the So You Think You Can Scrap contest over at Itty Bitty Scrap Shack. The challenge this week was to use fabric, doodling, handwritten title and journaling and a two page layout. Here is mine, wish me luck!
This LO was for the Birthday Challenge over at Scrapbook Takeout. They are celebrating their 1 year anniversary this month :D
This LO was done using the January ScrapBook Takeout kit. Just a fun pic of me and my sister.

Emboss Resist and Tone on Tone Designs

2008-02-21T23:35:00.005-09:00

Our very first MBI Embossing Party is up over at Memory Book Inspirations!!! Join us over there to learn two different heat embossing techniques. I am offering RAKs to everyone who posts both techniques in the Embossing Party thread over there. So sign up for some scrappy goodness!!!!
Here are some examples:
Emboss Resist with white EP

Emboss Resist with clear EP on patterned paper

Tone on Tone Embossing

and the finished LO

I love Challenges

2008-02-19T00:28:00.013-09:00

Challenges really get my mojo going. They are tons of fun and I love doing them! So here are a few that I've done recently:

YAY! I made it to the next round of the 'So You Think You Can Scrap' contest over at Itty Bitty Scrap Shack. The challenge was to use: 4 photos, rubons, bling, 3 pieces of PP and ribbon in a creative way (the ribbon is the cut scallops framing the sides of the main pic). Here is my entry this week! Hope I make it to the next round!

This card was done for a sketch challenge over at Memory Book Inspirations. There is a new card sketch posted every Friday - here is my take on this week's sketch:
This Layout is for the Telephone Scraplift Challenge at ScrapGoods. Our names are put on a list and the first person is emailed a layout, they lift it and mail to the next, and so on. Its neat to see how the layouts evolve from the original. Here is my entry for February:
Isn't this painting ADORABLE!!! I love it, it was the inspiration for the Ad/Art Challenge over at From Here 2 Scrapternity.
I loved the painting so much that I basically copied the owl and branch for my layout. Everything is paper pieced together (took me forever!) Pics are of me about 1990-92 being crazy:
This layout is for another Ad/Art Challenge at FH2S. It was a Gymboree (I think) Ad that I took my inspiration from. This is Karis at Halloween - note the candy stash in the bottom left corner of the picture. Title reads Every little girl is a PRINCESS at least one day a year.
This layout is the cover page of my BOM. This was done for the January Contest over at FH2S. What's in a name... yep - that ME!

Layouts using Making Memories Products

2008-02-18T11:18:00.001-09:00

Easter Card and Jelly Bean Box

2008-02-17T10:59:00.004-09:00

Just wanted to show you all the class I have planned over at Memory Book Inspirations. We will be making a coordinating card for Easter and Jelly Bean Box. The class will be held Saturday, March 15th, just in time to get a few of these made for your Easter Bunnies! Please join us over there next month. Registering is easy and FREE!

SYTYCS Round 1

2008-02-13T04:50:00.003-09:00

Round One over at Itty Bitty Scrap Shack is closing Thursday Feb 14 at 8pm PST. The challenge was to use the following items - and NOTHING ELSE!!! It really was challenging, but I'm happy with what I came up with.

1 piece of cardstock
2 pieces of patterned paper
Any alphabet letters
buttons
handwritten journaling

yep, that's it, no ink, paint, doodling, etc! Jeez!!! Here is my entry:

How To: Heat Emboss Tutorial

2008-02-08T00:16:00.002-09:00

YAY! My first tutorial is up over at MBI University! There was a lot of interest in learning how to Heat Emboss and other Heat Embossing techniques. I posted a basic tutorial and then I will be holding 'Embossing Parties' every month focusing on new embossing techniques! So head on over to Memory Book Inspirations and sign up for the forum to join us in the fun!! Here are some of the examples I posted.

TOOT!! and a Tag

2008-02-03T06:00:00.000-09:00

Okay, so I am totally PSYCHED!!! on becoming a part of the 'Mod Squad' over at Memory Book Inspirations. Salina and Jennifer have asked me to moderate the MBI University forum over there!! I will be showcasing new techniques and how to classes. I have tons of ideas and fun things planned - can't wait! And they have monthly challenges and contests as well. So sign up on their forum and join me over there for some fun!

Oh, and Andrea tagged me!
al
FAVORITE SITES

I'm a message board addict! My favorites are linked in the sidebar ;-)

I'm also addicted to stamps... besides the obvious, here are a few of my favs:
Wildflower Stamps
Sideshow Stamps
Stampin Bella

CHALLENGE FAVES

{Caardvarks}
Gettin Sketchy

GUILTY PLEASURES

Sleeping in until my kids have dragged me out of bed (9:30-10 sometimes)

Pecan Cinnabons

CREATIVE FAVS

oh wow... I have TONS of blogs on my blog reader list

CLOTHING FAVS

jeans and t-shirts... although jamas are might comfortable too!

Now I will tag...
Tara
Marinka
Betsie

Valentine's Schmalentines!

2008-02-02T03:50:00.002-09:00

So I have been making tons of Valentines!!! Challenges, Contests, Crops - its the month of love and they all want Valentine cards. LOL! Um... I only have one Valentine - looks like he's getting cards for a week straight ;-)

First, this card was made for the {Caardvarks} XOXO Lovefest Challenge. Used Love, Elsie PP, rubons and sticker. Some doodling and Queen&Co felt ribbon cut up for flowers.
This lovely Valentine was made for the Valentine Card Contest over at Happy N Scrappin' She has awesome deals in her online store. Make sure you sign up for the newsletter email list to be eligible to vote in the contest if you enter. SU red cardstock, Polar Bear Press black PP, some Heidi Swapp flowers and a white button I made black with embossing powder. Be Mine K&Co icicle and misc. ribbon.

This one was just because. LOL! Actually, Jen over at Itty Bitty Scrap Shack inspired me with her card based on the PageMaps sketch here. Stamped white CS with an Autumn Leaves flourish... red PP is leftover from my christmas layout I did... it has some glitter in it too. 3 Bugs in a Rug sticker and heart cut from cuttlebug.

And these last three were done as part of the challenges over at All Moments Remembered for the online crop last night. I got three challenges done before I hit the sack.

This one was to make a card using black CS as a base, 4 hearts, ribbon, buttons, and pink and white paper. I only had my scrap box and a few other things because Dustin was sleeping in my scraproom (our bedroom).

Mini warmup for the AMR crop last night. 4x4 card using scraps and a heart stamp from my new Fancy Pants Garden set.
And last but not least, this challenge was to make your own PP. FINALLY! I could do an un-valentine! LOL! Paper is stamped with cherry blossom stamp from Fancy Pants Garden set and colored in with Twinkling H2Os. Sentiment is on foil paper - this card is really shimmery and gorgeous in real life, I promise!

Thank you so much for looking and I appreciate all your comments!!

Lots of Happenings this Weekend!!!

2008-01-31T23:39:00.000-09:00

First off, I have to tease you all with the goodies I got in the mail yesterday!!! Dustin brought home my order from Stampin' Up and Memory Works! YUM! I'm going to have fun playing this weekend!

Next... the lovely ~~enablers~~ ladies over at From Here to Scrapternity showed me this today. Its going to be the QVC Special Value on Monday! Good thing Dustin just got paid! YUMMY!

Stacey over at All Moments Remembered has her very first monthly kit debut! The kit sold out the first day sight unseen!!! You can check her blog for the yummy sneak peaks and the reveal should be sometime today! I'm bummed I didn't get one (my credit card is not, however) but it looks too yummy! Their message board is also having a Kit Reveal Crop tonight 4pm- Midnight EST. So go sign up for the message board and join us for some fun!

And last but CERTAINLY not least...

The Itty Bitty Scrap Shack is holding a "So You Think You Can Scrap" contest. Open auditions start today and go through Feburary 7th!! Check out their message board and kits while you're over there!! And make sure you sign up. Every member of the MB will have one vote every week in the contest!

Want to win an Itty Bitty Kit??

2008-01-28T17:42:00.000-09:00

The Itty Bitty Scrap Shack is hosting a "Get in the Mood for Love" Contest. Here are the details:

Create a layout (12x12 or 8 1/2 x 11) about the love(s) of your life. Maybe it's a person, maybe a place, animals, etc. Whatever you love, we want to see it! Send your entries to designteam@ittybittyscrapshack.com by February 1st. The winner will receive the February Itty Bitty Kit!

So head on over and check it out! GOOD LUCK!

Black and White Just Because

2008-01-28T09:17:00.002-09:00

Did this card for a challenge over at Memory Book Inspirations. The challenge was to make a card only using the colors black and white. So here are the layers: black cardstock embossed with white EP, white cardstock, black stitched paper, white organza/satin ribbon, and white cardstock with a flower stamp embossed with black EP. Thanks for looking!

I've been tagged

2008-01-28T05:41:00.000-09:00

by Kylie... I could just copy and paste her answers, we do have the same middle name... BWAHAHAHA!!!

Rules :
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name.
(Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)

So, my middle name is Marie - which means I have to come up with five hopeless souls to tag

M - mommy
A - adorable
R - real
I - intelligent
E -enough

Okay, I played, even though I did't want too... but I have concluded the tag stops with me!

LOOKEE WHAT I'VE GOT COMING!!!

2008-01-24T01:52:00.000-09:00

Okay, I know I'm addicted... but my mom is an SU demo and needed some help with her quotas - YEA!

Here are the stamps I have on their way to my house right now. Really loving the All Scallops and Trimtastic... and how cute is A Tree for all Seasons! YUM!! Oh, and since it was a party order I got a hostess set too! I know, I know, I'm addicted to stamps! I have more stuff coming and already making my list for Sale-a-Bration!

8.5 x 11 Layouts

2008-01-20T15:00:00.001-09:00

Here are some 8.5 x 11 Landscape Layouts. This first one is the title page for our Book of Us (BOU) It's like a Book of Me, but I'm doing me on the left page, and Dustin on the right.

Another BOU layout. I love this picture! Dustin's not smiling, but hey, I look good! :D All items are from the ScrapBook Takeout January kit. Journal spot from Elle's Studio.

I have a Christmas album that is 8.5 x 11 and I do one two-page layout a year hitting the highlights. Pretty neat to look back on past Christmases and see what the HOT toy was or the girl's reaction to Santa. This is 2007's layout.

Before and After

2008-01-19T04:43:00.001-09:00

I am posting before and after pictures of my scrap area. I have resolved to keep my space clean and straighten up at the end of every day. So far so good! Now if I can just get Sierra to put all her Cuttlekids stuff away and pick up all the cuts of paper!

BEFORE

My desk and random catch all of empty boxes and other trash!

Trash Can, sewing stuff... more boxes

Way too much stuff in this room!!

AFTER
I had to move everything into the master bedroom and Karis now has her own room! These Ikea shelves were given to us for free! Can't beat that! They now hold ribbon, buttons, brads, all my inks and paints, underneath has all my chipboard and some other random stuff stashed.

My shelf with stamps, file cabinet with non-scrappy stuf in there but my SG kits on top! And the large sterilite container is how I sort all my patterned paper. They are mostly in large ziplocks by brand and line with matching accessories in it.

My desk with my Clip it Up on it! I had to buy two extra packs of clips and I still don't have all my stuff up there! Behind it is a tool bit sorter I got in the hardware section. I keep eyelets and odds and ends in there.

Here is my desk with my sizzix and cuttlebug and Sierra's cuttlekids on it. I moved my cricut by the computer in the other room so I had room to leave my sewing machine out. I've actually used it quite a few times just in the last few weeks!

And for all you organized perfectionists out there... this is as good as its gonna get!!

Thank You!

2008-01-14T02:55:00.002-09:00

Here is the Thank You card I did for the current challenge over at {Caardvarks}. I used BG Infuse collection and my cuttlebug scalloped flowers nesting die. CTMH doodle alphabet stamps too. Thanks for looking!

Bling and Alcohol Ink!

2008-01-09T23:03:00.002-09:00

So I have these bling swirls by Me and My Big Ideas that were clear. I say 'were' because I COLORED THEM PINK!!! I was working on a LO for a contest and one of the requirements was to use bling. I wanted to use these swirls, but they were clear, and I wanted them pink. This is when I got my ingenious idea! I got out my alcohol ink out and started playing. IT WORKED!!! I am now able to color bling in about 10 different colors! LOL!

I placed a drop of alcohol ink on a piece of felt and dabbed it on my bling - VOILA! colored bling. However, I didn't have a light pink ink, and I wanted light pink bling. So I added a couple drops of rubbing alcohol to the felt and dabbed it over the bling. Some more dabbing and rubbing alcohol and I got the lovely light pink bling swirls pictured below.

So have fun! I need more colors of alcohol ink!!! And more bling!!

Christmas and Pumpkins!

2008-01-07T03:11:00.001-09:00

Did this LO for SG's December Scraplift Challenge. Everything is from SG December kit, save for the red glitter glue on the chipboard. Pictures are from Christmas long long ago... I think around 1989. This is me opening my prized possessions (at that age) - My porcelain dolls!Sierra carved her pumpkin, and then decided she wanted to paint it!

Our Pink Meow Meow

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and RAK winner

2007-12-25T14:02:00.000-09:00

Congratulations Barbara (ladynurse4)!!! I will get your album off after the New Year as we are going to Paris!

RAK Christmas Album

2007-12-24T02:00:00.001-09:00

I have a mini Christmas Album (about 6x6) that is just collecting dust, so if you leave a comment on this post telling me one of your Christmas Wishes I will choose a winner at random on Christmas Eve. Anyone can enter - you have until Dec 24th! Be sure to check back to see if you've won!

Good Luck!

I know its Christmas time

2007-12-14T14:49:00.002-09:00

But I'm still scrapping Halloween. Here are a few layouts of the girls painting pumpkins.

RickRack Patty-Whack

2007-12-14T12:53:00.001-09:00

Here is the card I did for the new {Caardvarks} challenge. Challenge was to use Ric Rac on a card. Okay, I know I'm not very original, I had a better idea, but it just didn't pan out! LOL!

Toot Toot

2007-12-11T10:09:00.000-09:00

My 'You Have 4 Minutes' layout was featured on the Multi-photo Scrapbook Layouts blog! But what makes this extra cool is my friends (from ScrapGoods), Tara - Create the Perfect Snowman, and Rina - Fun Winter Memories, are both featured in this post as well! Great job ladies!!!

Glimmer mist and mica layouts

2007-12-07T05:04:00.000-09:00

Uploading some of my layouts I did with the November ScrapGoods kit. The technique was Glimmer mists and Twinkling H2Os. Pictures don't really show very much, but they have a wonderful shimmer :D

Me and Ruby> This LO won the 'Best use of Stamp' category for the SG Nov Challenge. I stamped the frame, heat embossed with red embossing powder, and then painted with green mica and water. Then, I made my own shimmery brads by covering them in glue and dipping in the green mica.
This LO was for the Nov 'Scraplift' Challenge. The corner frame of the pic is Prima Paintables watercolor paper that I painted with twinkling H2Os. Flourish in the bottom left is blue glimmer mist sprayed on white cardstock. I then hand cut a flourish and accented with pearl mica powder. I took my Versamarker and drew flourishes around the big one and rubbed a burgandy mica on it to pick up the color. This was lots of fun, and once again, MUCH more shimmery in person!