life in the slow lane

Cookin' Up Creations DT Call

2011-12-12T04:54:00.001-08:00

Do you love scrapbooking challenges? Do you enjoy chatting on forums and making new online friends? Then you may have what it takes to be a member of our Master Chef Challenge Team at Cookin' Up Scrapbook Creations!

Cookin' Up Creations focuses on our Blue Plate Special Challenges, and we want YOU to be a part of it! We offer a NEW challenge each day except Monday (weekly make up day) on our forum, with a prize drawing at the end of the month. We are looking for five to six team members for a six-month term.

Your responsibilities will include:

-Presenting a “Blue Plate Special” challenge once a week

-Posting regularly on the forum message board and initiating at least four new topics each week

-Posting comments regularly in our members' gallery

-Assisting with and participating in special events, such as crops, blog hops and special challenges

-Promoting Cookin' Up Creations on your personal blog, Facebook and wherever else allowed

We offer you the opportunity to showcase your work and a chance to expand your creativity through participation on our active, dynamic Challenge Team. Challenge Team members are eligible for the prize drawings.

All past and present members are encouraged to reapply.

Submissions will be taken from today thru Sunday December the 18th, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. Challenge Team members will be notified no later than December 23rd, 2011 via email. Your position will begin immediately after your acceptance. Your “official” term will begin on January 1, 2012 and end June 30, 2012.

To apply:

Send the following requirements to tammy@cookinupcreations.com. Please put "Design Team Entry" in the subject line.

-Your name, address, email address and contact information

- A paragraph or two about yourself and your experience in scrapbooking and paper crafting

-Four recently completed layouts and two cards or other paper crafting project

-Links to your personal blog and online gallery

-A paragraph about why you wish to join our team

Each applicant must have at least 25 posts on our forum. We would like to have the opportunity to get to know you before making our decision, and encourage you to share your work with us, and for you to become a part of our online Family here at Cookin' up Creations.

We encourage each applicant/participant to check out our Blue Plate Special Challenge Forum, and familiarize yourself with it, and how it works.

*If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

I look forward to seeing your submissions! Best of luck to you.

What's up with this crazy freakin' weather!!!

2011-11-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

For the past three days I have been walking around in a pair of shorts and tank top! Hello......it's November!!! I feel sticky and I don't like feeling sticky. I have the ceiling fans running and the only window in this old house that will open, is open! I finally broke down yesterday and turned the a/c back on so I could get some housework done. But alas, we had a rain shower last night and again this morning so hopefully that will cool things off a bit.

I've been doing some blog hopping lately and ran across a link to a photo editing software that you can download to your computer. It's called Pixlr-o-matic and it adds a vintage, retro look to your photos.

Here's a before photo of the windmill just outside my office window.

And here's an after.

Here's a before photo of my son Kyle.

And and after using an effects layer and grunge frame.

I love it!

Saturday is World Card Making Day

2011-09-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I always need a thank you or birthday card. And even though I try to keep a stash of cards built up there are those times when I need a special card. So grab your supplies and head on over to Citrus Tree Studio tomorrow for some fun card challenges brought to you by the CTS design team.

I hope to see ya there!

Mini Crop at CUC!

2011-09-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

One of the DT members (Sandy Liles) is hosting a mini crop over at Cookin' Up Creations this weekend. Challenges have already been posted and you have until Wednesday, Oct. 5th 11:59 CST to complete the challenges. Wanna play along? Grab your supplies and head on over.

I'll see ya there!

Goodbye Long Hot Summer!

2011-09-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Am I sad to see you go.....hell no! This has been one of the hottest summers on record. We've had very little rain fall this summer, not to mention weeks of record breaking temps. It's been one of those stay inside under the air conditioner type of summers. But alas fall is approaching, and you know what that means.......brisk mornings and evenings spent on the front porch, crock pots of chili, jalapeno cornbread, flannel pj's and pumpkin spice candles......oh how I love this time of year!

Here are a few layouts that I created over the summer months.

For the Record - Echo Park.

Basic Grey and Pink Paislee.

Origins - Basic Grey.

Urban Prairie - Basic Grey.

and Life of the Party - Basic Grey.

That's it for now. I have a pork loin in the crock pot that is smelling pretty damn good right now and I want to get the boys fed, kitchen cleaned so I can settle down on the couch and watch me some NCIS!

Paper Smooches and EAD Designs Blog Hop

2011-07-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Paper Smooches has partnered up with EAD Designs to make rub ons and stickerz. For a chance to win a prize pack from both of these companies all you have to do is visit the Paper Smooches blog and leave a comment by midnight pacific time July 24. One lucky winner will be announced the following Monday, July 25th. For an even greater chance at winning just Facebook, Tweet or post about the hop on your blog. Well, what are you waiting for???

Kraft Core Cardstock!

2011-07-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

Oh em gee! Coredinations has gone and did it again!!! They have come out with a kraft core cardstock!!! Some of you know how much I love using my kraft cardstock so imagine how excited I am right now!!!

Check it out!!!
http://www.coredinations.com/index.php/ ... raft-core/

Is this cool or what!!! I so want some of this!!!

I'm Back!!!

2011-02-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

What can I say? Sometimes life and all it's little pressure's get in the way and you just need to take a step back and reevaluate things. Well that pretty much happened to me. I have stepped down from design teams, forums, blogging and pretty much crafting all together over the last 6 months. It didn't help that shortly after that I was introduced to Facebook and Farmville. Yes, I Jan Mosier am a Farmville addict. And I'm not alone in this addiction......my entire family is playing it too! My husband and son (who I hold responsible because they needed a new neighbor) my mom, aunt, sister and niece all play and are just as addicted as I am. Although my mother refuses to admit it. She says to me, "you and Sandra (my sister) stay on that computer all the time!" And how would she know if she wasn't on too.....huh, huh? Try to figure that one out. lol. The good news is I have started crafting again and last months use your stash BPS (Blue Plate Special) challenges over at Cookin' Up Creations have really helped.

Here's a few projects that I completed last month.

I love how this one turned out. And I even dusted off the baby Cricut to cut the letters.

I did these for a Christmas tag swap. I thought they were a little big but one of the ladies said she hung hers on the tree so that wasn't so bad.

A simple layout of my beautiful stepdaughter Jackie and her handsome husband, Adam.

This next layout is so not my style but I really liked the results. Sometimes you just have to let the photo choose which papers you use and that's exactly what I did.

And I will never look at an empty toilet paper roll the same way again. lol. It's now a gift card holder. Just add a gift card to a tag and slip it in the opening at the end. BTW, if you're grossed out about the TP roll you can always use a paper towel roll.

If you're still here, thank you for taking the time to look. Happy Valentine's Day and be sure to hug the ones you love!

Cookin' Up Creations Cyber Crop

2010-08-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

It's round up time at Cookin' up Creations...so saddle up those horses and mozy on over to the CUC message board and join us for a rootin' tootin' good time, August the 27th-29th. There will be lots of challenges as well as games and PRIZES! Yee Haw!

Core'dinations Cardstock and MSE Stamps

2010-08-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's been a while but what can I say, it's summer time and there's a lot going on. Mr. K finished up summer classes at the Technical College and will start fall classes at the end of this month. Mr. J and I have been staying busy with little projects around the house. Oh, and let's not forget all the rain we've had this summer! It has been keeping us ALL busy mowing the lawn every few days. I've been trying to hide inside under the a/c where it's cool, but it never fails Mr. J somehow finds me and commissions my help.......have I ever mentioned that Jan doesn't like to sweat? No, well she don't and she don't like bugs either, and as hot and humid as it's been here lately all she does is sweat and swat bugs! Please bring on the fall! lol.

I did manage to get a little scrapping in though, using the wonderful and generous assortment of cardstock that Core'dinations and the stamp set that My Sentiments Exactly sent the Cookin' Up Creations design team to work with.

Here's what I came up with.

First up, is a layout of my adorable grandson Jackson using the Black Magic cardstock that I distressed by sanding the background paper to show the color underneath.

And a few cards using the stamps and cardstock together. Did I mention that this cardstock is great for embossing!

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful weekend!

Sketch Inspiration Sketch #133

2010-07-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Just poppin' on real quick to share a new (new to me) sketch site called Sketch Inspirations. Be sure and check 'em out if you get the chance.

Here's the sketch:

And here's the layout I came up with:

Thanks for looking! Off to watch Burn Notice and Royal Pains with the hubs!

I have the house all to myself....

2010-07-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

today and what am I doing you ask? Laundry, dishes, cleaning out the fridge and scrubbing toilet bowls! UGH! What the hell is wrong with me? I should be using this time to scrap my little heart out or veg out on the couch with the remote control in MY hands watching sappy movies on Lifetime. Have I neglected the house so much that I find the need to give it a good thorough cleaning on the only day that I have it all to myself! For the life of me, I can't understand how some women could ever be bored when there is always something to do! Let me tell you, I am not one of those women. I can always find something to do.....like scrubbing the toilet for pete's sake! Hey, I know it's not a pretty job, but I'm pretty damn pleased with my life, even if it means that everything I've done in the house today goes unnoticed and unappreciated by my two boys. And by the end of the day I will have another sink full of dishes and another load of clothes to wash......but for now it is done and I can sit back and enjoy all my hard work.

Hope you all are having a wonderful Wednesday and you're doing something you enjoy!

Yo Yo Flowers

2010-07-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

I created these little flowers back in May for the flower contest over at Cookin' Up Creations....needless to say, I didn't win but it was fun anyway. I used my large circle nestabilities to cut the fabric and then did a running stitch around the edge of the circle, pulled it taut, stitched the button on and voila.....a yo yo flower!

and here they are used on a card.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful weekend!

2010-06-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

What a CRAZY month it's been! Without getting to personal and spilling my guts for everyone to read......well maybe not "everyone" more like 10.....maybe even less. lol. Anyhoo, where was I....oh, crazy month right. Let's see, Master K started summer classes at the Technical College, it's something his Dad and I wanted but he was the one that had to do it. I celebrated my 45th birthday, Happy Birthday to me! Do I feel it? Hell yeah, some days I do. lol. Mr. J was hospitalized for several days and then was home with me for awhile.....he went back to work Monday, and although I'm glad to have the afternoons to myself again, I still kinda miss him.

I also got a new laptop....YAY!!! Master K decided he wanted a bigger one so he gave me his old one, and by old I mean, he only had it about 6 months. lol. So Mr. J ended up with my old laptop, and by old I mean, 6 years. lol. Poor man, always getting the hand me downs, but does he care? Uh no......as long as it works, he says.

On a non personal note. Cookin' Up Creations is also celebrating a birthday this month! YAY, Happy Birthday CUC!!! The website is officially 1 year old and it has been celebrating all month long with daily door prizes, challenges and even more prizes! Did I mention, PRIZES?
Angela Lewis, who is a DT member over at CUC also started a weekly photo challenge and so far they've been a lot of fun!
And......we were also sponsored by BoBunny Press!!! Each DT member received several papers from the Persuasion collection, acrylic stamp set, buttons and bling, acrylic album and a whole roll of ribbon!!! Talk about generous!
I was in charge of the cards and this is what I came up with:

Thanks for looking and be sure to head over to the Cookin' Up Creations blog or gallery to see what the rest of the Design Team did.

Sweet Magnolia

2010-06-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Aww, the sweet smell of Magnolias. Right now the Magnolia trees in our little town are in full bloom and boy are they GORGEOUS! I drove Mr. J to Columbia last week and stopped in Camden on the way home to snap a few photos.

Beautiful, eh? When I look at this flower I imagine a group of Southern women sitting on a covered veranda in there big fancy hats and their white gloves sipping on a glass of mint julep ice tea. lol.

Gettin'Groovy with KI Memories

2010-05-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

This month the Cookin' Up Creations Design Team had the opportunity to work with some AMAZING new products from KI Memories. Not only did I receive the newly released Groovy paper collection but I also received ALL the embellies that go along with it!!!

Here's what I came up with.

8.5x11 layout of my niece Nikki.

8.5x11 layout of my favorite little girl, Lulu.

Another 8.5x11 layout of Nikki.

And a 12x12 of Nikki.

And a couple of cards.

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out the Cookin' Up Creations gallery and blog to see what the rest of the design team came up with. And be sure to join us for our upcoming birthday celebration in June!

Etsy Inspired Challenge #88

2010-05-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's vintage week over at the Etsy Inspired Challenge blog and I have THE perfect card for this challenge! I created this card using an old vintage dress pattern I picked up at the Salvation Army this past week. I used the tissue pattern to create my flower, the instruction sheet for pattern paper and I even cut out the little teeny tiny dresses off the front of the envelope to use as embellishments. Can it get more vintage than that? lol.

If you would like to participate in this weeks challenge all you have to do is visit Creation Designs and become inspired! I immediately fell in love with this Vintage Door Knob Coat Rack.

I love the distressed aqua color but it's the door knobs that I went crazy over! We use to have those same glass door knobs on some of the doors in our house and I have been saving them for something like this!!!

CUC DT Reveal With Jillibean Soup

2010-04-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

This month the Cookin' Up Creations design team had the opportunity to work with the Egg Drop Soup collection from Jillibean Soup! If you love pastel colors in check, dots and flowers then this collection is a must have! Whether you're scrapping those Spring photos are making cards....this collection has something for everyone! Be sure to check it out HERE.

Here are a few cards I created using the Egg Drop Soup collection.

Thanks for looking.....and be sure to check out the gallery over at CUC and see what the rest of the design team created with the Egg Drop Soup collection!

2010-04-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a few cards I created from last weeks Card Crop over at Cookin' Up Creations. If you missed the card crop no need to worry.......we are getting a jump start on National Scrapbooking Day so please feel free to drop by and join us for lots of fun challenges, games and prizes!!!

Here are my cards.

Scraplift a layout challenge.

Graduation card challenge.

Recipe card challenge.

Punch and pattern paper challenge.

Thanks for looking.....will post more later!

Clean and Simple FTL86

2010-04-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I never seem to have enough masculine cards so when I ran across this simple sketch on the Clean and Simple blog I knew it would be one that I would use over and over again! This sketch can easily be adapted to a congrats card just by changing the sentiment and it can also be easily adapted to a more feminine card just by changing the colors......not to mention it's a great way to use up those scraps and you could quickly crank out a batch of these in no time!

Here's the sketch.

And here's my card.

As you can see, I stayed with the sketch because I loved it so much!

Thanks for looking!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm pressed for time so I will make this short and sweet! Here's a really quick and simple card I created in a matter of minutes this morning using some recycled materials and Pink Paislee pattern papers. For my flower, I cut up a pair of denim jeans that I was gonna toss and paired it with a page I ripped out of an old Reader's Digest book I picked up at a thrift store some years back.

Thanks for looking!

Pre Cut Card Kits By Sweet Tooth Scrapbooking

2010-04-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Whether you're a seasoned card maker or have never made a handmade card in your life, then these card kits from Sweet Tooth Scrapbooking are for YOU! These two ladies (Cindy and Shelly) have thought of EVERYTHING.......right down to the last tiny detail!!! Everything in the kits are pre cut so all you need to do is add adhesive! Also included in each kit is a step by step instruction sheet with colorful examples so you can see what your cards will look like before you even add the glue! Now I ask you, can it get any easier than that....I think NOT!

I created the first two cards using the Sympathy Card Kit featuring Close To My Heart pattern papers. I embossed the ivory cardstock, added the ribbon and made the flower out of an old text book but everything else you see was included in my kit!

The next two cards I created using the Baby Girl Congratulations Card Kit featuring Reminisce pattern papers. I used my large scallop nestabilities to cut the scallop card and embossed the white cardstock but everything else you see was included in the kit.....right down to the adorable little dry embossed elephant.......cute eh?

And the last two cards I created using the Baby Boy Congratulations Card Kit also featuring Reminisce pattern papers. I found a onesis template HERE - printed it out and taped it to the front of a cardstock base that was included in the kit. The little round card - again I embossed the white cardstock and added a little Heidi Swapp heart to the front.....everything else was included in the card kit.

Thanks for looking and be sure to stop by the Cyber Card Crop going on over at Cookin' Up Creations this weekend!

Go To Sketches Magazine

2010-04-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

I found this sketch in my email last week from the very talented Go To Gal, Maren Benedict....no I don't know her personally I just happen to subscribe to her blog (Zany Not Crazy) and well you know how it goes.......when she updates I get an email!

Anyhoo, this is the sketch that I received in my inbox.

It's just one of over 60 sketches found in the new - must have Go To Sketches magazine by Paper Crafts.....whether you're a card maker or not this magazine is chocked full of inspiration to get those creative juices flowing!

And this is the little card I created using more Jillibean's Egg Drop Soup Paper Collection!

To make these little flowers all you have to do is follow the step by step instructions below.

Step 1: Punch a couple of different size circles out of pattern paper. I used a 1 1/4 and 1 inch circle for the large flower and a 1 and 3/4 inch for the smaller one.

Step 2: Spritz circles with water and scrunch into a tiny ball and let dry completely....or if you're like me and don't like waiting you can use a heat gun to speed up the drying process.

Step 3: Once they're dry, carefully open them up and layer them together....decorate the centers with a brad or button and you're done!

Thanks for looking and happy hump day!

CPS 161 and Jillibean's Egg Drop Soup

2010-04-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Here's another quick card I created using this weeks CPS 161 sketch over at Card Positioning Systems. I also used more of Jillibean's Egg Drop Soup Paper Collection. BTW, Jillibean Soup was generous enough to sponsor the Design Team over at Cookin' Up Creations so be sure to stop by the blog or forum and see what the rest of the girls have done with these papers!

This is the sketch I used.

And here's the card I created......and because I used a kraft card base it also fits in with this weeks challenge over at the Crazy 4 Challenges blog.

Thanks for looking and have a safe and happy Wednesday!

Clean and Simple Egg Drop Soup

2010-04-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

This month over at Cookin' Up Creations the design team have the opportunity to play with Jillibean's Egg Drop Soup Paper Collection and oh what a CUTE collection it is!!! It's just perfect for all your Spring creations...if you haven't seen it yet then head on over to the Jillibean Soup and check it out and be sure to stop by the Cooking' Up Creations blog all month long to see what the design team does with it!

I used this sketch (FTL84) from the Clean & Simple Stamping blog.

Here's what I came up with using Jillibean's Egg Drop Soup Collection......and because it's a Spring card it fits in with this weeks Challenge #22 - Rolling Into Spring over at the Little Red Wagon blog.

Thanks for looking and have a safe and happy Tuesday!

Spring time and Bathroom Remodel

2010-04-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

The Dogwood trees are in full bloom, as is the Bradford Pears and my Wisteria bush is going to bloom any day now and will be covered in bees.....and when the wind blows I get the sweet scent of Honeysuckle. Yep, it's finally Spring here in my neck of the woods and Mr. J has me cooped up in the bathroom hanging bead board paneling, molding and painting.......soooo not fun but I'm already seeing a major transformation! Next week we get to pick out a new sink and I'm torn between a pedestal style sink or vanity. Right now we have this 50's style cast iron sink that hangs from the wall so anything in my opinion will be an improvement. We only have a little room to play with so I'm really leaning toward the pedestal sink but Mr. J wants something with counter space as well as storage underneath (roll eyes).

This is the style of sink I want.

I would even settle for this..........

but unfortunately we don't have a large enough space for it.

Yep, I can already see that Mr. J and I will be fighting over the sink before we even get it installed! LOL!

Okay, enough talk about bathroom sinks. I would like to leave you with a couple of photos that I snapped yesterday between projects. I wish I knew what kind of tree this is......all I know is, it is the ugliest thing in the yard but during the Spring it puts out these pretty pink blossoms and the bees seem to love 'em!

And how can I resist not sharing a picture of my Tommy boy with pollen up his nose! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Easter!

Clean and Simple Thank You

2010-03-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just need a quick and simple way to say thank you! Here I used some of SEI's Black Orchid designer paper and a simple sentiment stamp from Stampin' Up to create my card. I was able to combine two challenges: the clean and simple challenge for this week over at the Saturday Spotlight challenge blog and the black and white challenge over at the Little Red Wagon challenge blog.

Thanks for looking and I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

Cookin' Up Creations - March DT Reveal

2010-03-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

This month the design team over at Cookin' Up Creations have the opportunity to work with the Garden Party monthly kit from Pinecone Press Design....and what a kit it is!!! It comes with everything you need to create fun and whimsical layouts, cards and mini albums........plus a flap book with easy to follow techniques! Here are a few cards that I've created with the kit so far.

Garden Party monthly kit mixed with Jillibean Soup embellishments.

Garden Party and a Dustin Pike digital image.

Garden Party using one of the techniques found in the flap booklet.

and lastly, Garden Party mixed with die cuts created with the From My Kitchen Cricut cartridge. This card also meets all the requirements for this weeks Just Buggin' challenge - dry embossed die cuts.

Thanks for looking and have a safe week ahead!

Nikki Sivils U R My Favorite!

2010-02-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

This month over at Cookin' Up Creations the design team had the opportunity to work with some of the cutest papers in the industry..... U R My Favorite collection by Nikki Sivils. If you haven't seen them yet be sure to check them out!

Here's a few simple projects I created using these cute papers. First up are these little paper Chinese fortune cookies I created using THIS tutorial. These little cookies were so quick and easy to make and I think a big bowl of these sitting around during Valentine's Day and Christmas would make a nice decoration and you can print out your own fortunes and put them inside.........and the best part is, you can make them in less than an hour!

I also made a few sour cream containers with the same line. These were also really easy to make and I think these could be used as party favors......just fill them up with little toys or trinkets and some candy and seal 'em up. I could also see these being filled with mints and used at baby showers or wedding receptions.

To make these you will need the following supplies:

pattern paper
crimper (optional)
strong double face tape
hole punch
ribbon

Directions:

Step 1. Cut pattern paper to 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 and add adhesive to one short side and both long sides.

Step 2. Roll the short ends together (overlapping the adhesive) until it looks like a toilet paper roll.

Step 3. Pinch one end together and fill with candy or little toys.

Step 4. Pinch the other end together in the opposite direction and crimp both ends.

Step 5. Decorate tops with ribbon and tags and voila!

Have fun creating!

And what would a post of mine be without a few simple cards.

Thanks for looking........enjoy your Tuesday!

IT SNOWED!!!

2010-02-15T07:50:00.000-08:00

Can you say, FINALLY! All we usually get is rain while everyone else gets the snow, but not this time! We got SNOW......and almost 5 whole inches of it too! It started about 5 p.m. Friday evening and by 12:30 p.m. we had a whopping 4 3/4 inches! I know that doesn't seem like a whole lot to some but to us South Carolinian's, it's A LOT! Dh wanted to got to Lowe's and pick up some fast food that evening so we jumped in the car and drove to town and by the time we started home we could barely see the lines in the road. The secondary roads had not been salted and we had about 10 miles of snow covered roads to drive home on. By the next morning all was covered in a sheet of white snow. Here's a few pics of the animals playing in the snow.

little miss maddy hopping around like a bunny rabbit. LOL.

my Lulu....all she wanted to do was sniff it.

my fat cat Zoey.

another pic of Zoey.

the view from the front porch.

some old farm equipment.

and the pines.

Thanks for looking!

Happy Birthday Kyle!!!

2010-02-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that 5 days ago my one and only baby turned 20 yrs. old! I snapped this picture of him last year and even then I had to beg, plead and help him clean out his fish tank. I told him today I wanted some new pictures of him and all I got was ARRRGH. lol.

I also want to share a recent layout I created using the U R My Favorite collection from Nikki Sivils and a sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. Can I just say that I LOVE the way this one turned out! This is also one of my favorite photos of Kyle that I snapped it back in 1999.

Thanks for looking!

Coming Soon......

2010-02-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

That's right, The Scrapbook Get Away is having a Crop N' Kisses crop Feb. 12 - 15. There will be lots of challenges, games, prizes and FUN!

Sweet Treats Cupcake

2010-02-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

I had read on several sites that some of the Sweet Treats cartridges were defective - something about not all the cupcakes would cut, so I wanted to try mine out to see if it was defective too.....so far no problems, but then again I've only cut the one cupcake. lol.

Here's my card using some old paper from WRMK's and a couple of Cuttlebug embossing folders.

This card fits the challenges over at:

Practical Scrappers - to use Die Cuts.

The Pink Elephant - to use the color pink.

and Saturday Spotlight - Bigger is Better - what's better than a big no calorie cupcake! lol.

Thanks for looking!

SRM Sticker Challenge

2010-01-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday over at the SRM Sticker blog Jenyfur challenged us to create a project incorporating the color orange and stickers. Here's what I came up with.

I chose to use a kraft card base and K & Co. pattern papers. I also used a Basic Grey stamp, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch and the sticker and ribbon I've had in my stash forevah.

If you would like to participate in this challenge, all you have to do is create a project using the color orange and stickers and upload it HERE.

Thanks for looking!

Let The Sunshine In......

2010-01-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

I combined the Saturday Spotlight Challenge ( yellow) with this weeks sketch over at Card Positioning Systems.

Here's the sketch.

CPS 151

And here's my card.

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Bazzill and Coredinations

Pattern Paper: K & Co.

Martha Stewart: butterfly and button punch.

Fiskars: Apron Lace Border punch

Thanks for looking!

Chalking Embossed Images

2010-01-27T18:02:00.000-08:00

It's our last week of chalk techniques over at the Cookin' Up Creations forum and this week I decided to close the month out with two final techniques. The first one is simple enough - use chalks to add color to dry embossed images.

Here I dry embossed the tulips with a Pebbles Inc.stencil, flipped my paper over and placed the stencil over the top of my embossed image and applied color using a q tip and Craf-T Products chalk.

Thanks for looking!

Creating Unique Backgrounds:

I wanted to squeeze in another easy technique so I decided to create a one of a kind background for my stamped image. I was a bit stumped for colors at first, and then I remembered the cute little tutus I spotted over at the Sweetie Pie Tutu shop on Etsy.

The one on the right is the one I drew my colors from.

Cute eh? And here's the card I came up with!

First, I punched a small circle out of white paper and adhered it to my cardstock using repositionable adhesive. I then used chalks and cotton balls to rub color onto my cardstock in a circular motion. Once I was done, I sprayed my background with hair spray to set the chalks. I then removed my punched circle and stamped my image over the top. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, but I think the card needs a little something else, hmmm......a black cord and silver beads, perhaps?

Thanks for looking!

Love is in the air....

2010-01-22T05:32:00.000-08:00

With Valentines Day fast approaching it seems that everywhere you look you see hearts......red hearts, pink hearts, scallop hearts....hearts, hearts, hearts! After all, what says I love you better than a big red heart! This week several of the card challenge blogs have challenged it's participants to created a card incorporating, what else......HEARTS!

Caardvarks challenge to use red and hearts.

Practical Scrappers blog hop challenge to create a love project.

Etsy Inspired challenge. I was inspired by the trio of turquoise soap.

Cookin' Up Creations Friday challenge to create a Valentine's card using a non traditional color.

Here's my card:

Thanks for looking!

Highlighting With Chalk

2010-01-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

We're going into week #3 of chalk techniques over at the Cookin' Up Creations forum. This week I chose to share a tip instead of a technique and I'm sure for most of you, this is nothing new, but for those just starting out might just appreciate it. Did you know that you can use chalks instead of inks to highlight words and it's much more cost efficient because you can purchase a palette of colors for what a couple of ink pads would cost you!

Here's a couple of cards I created using chalks! For this first card I ran the sunflower cardstock from CTMH through the Cuttlebug using a Swiss Dots embossing folder and then sanded it lightly. I also used my computer and printer for the quote. And as you can see, I used my chalks to highlight certain words in the quote.

Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co., Stampin' Up and Close To My Heart. Stamp: Rubber Stampede. Chalks: Craf-T Products. Ribbon: Offray.
I also used Spellbinder's large rectangle and large scallop rectangle nestabilities and a Making Memories metal clip.

For this next card, I used my computer and printer to create the words you see and my chalks to highlight the word, "friend".

Deets: Cardstock: Coredinations and Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Basic Grey. Chalks: Craf-T Products. Ribbon: Offray. Button: Foof-a-la.
I also used a EK Success heart punch.

Thanks for looking!

Winter Wonderland of Embellishments Blog Hop

2010-01-14T20:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first ever Coookin' Up Creations Winter Wonderland of Embellishments Blog Hop. This month the Cookin' Up Creations design team had the opportunity to work with some amazing products by some very generous sponsors and we wanted to share with all of you!

Okay, so here's how to play.

Your first stop on the hop should have been the Cookin' up Creations Blog. There you will find a complete list of all the participating blogs. Please visit all 12 blogs, leaving a comment at each one. Then return to the Cookin' up Creations Blog to let us know you're finish. This will get you an entry to win one of two prizes that will be given away at the end of the week.

You should have come here from Angela's blog, if not, head back to the Cookin' up Creations Blog and start from the beginning! I should be your 11th stop on the hop and from here you will go to Tammy's blog before heading back to the Cookin' up Creations Blog. Once you make your way back to the main blog, make sure to leave a comment letting us know that you have completed the hop.

Okay, my challenge for you is to create a card using chalk.......that's it!

Here is a card I created using THIS tutorial. I used Bazzill cardstock, Making Memories and K & Co. pattern paper, Stampin' Up stamps, Craf-T Products chalk and Offray ribbon. I also used my Spellbinders square scallop nestabilities to create the little scallop around the main image.

You will have until January 22nd to complete all challenges on the participating blogs and be sure to upload your creations to the Embellishment Blog Hop gallery over at Cookin' Up Creations. You must register in the gallery before uploading.

How to Make Tissue Paper Flowers

2010-01-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

I was browsing the web this past weekend when I ran across a little tutorial on how to make tissue paper flowers.....stupid me forgot to save the link but it was easy enough that I was able to recreate it. Anywhooo, this is it in a nutshell.

Supplies needed:
tissue paper
glimmer mist
brad
scallop circle punch, or nestibilities in a couple of different sizes - I used the flower cookie cutter dies from Quickutz

Step 1: Fold your tissue paper several times - you want about 10-12 layers of each size.

Step 2: Stack the layers and add a brad to the center to hold the layers together. It doesn't matter what color brad you use because you won't see it at the end anyway.

Step 3: Separate each layer and scrunch as you go - this will form your flower.

Step 4: Place your flower in a box and spritz with glimmer mist.

And your flower should look like this:

These can be added to cards or layouts!

Winter Wonderland of Embellishments

2010-01-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Cookin' Up Creations is having their first ever Blog Hop starting Friday, January 15th - Friday, January 22nd. We would love for you to join us!

Embellish Hearts Color Challenge

2010-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

For my card I used a free SVG download called Cecile The Valentine Bear I found over at the SVG Cuts blog - if you would like to download it for yourself, you can find it HERE. I also used my SCAL to cut the letters "be mine" using the Bauhaus 93 font.

Okay now for the deets:

Cardstock: Bazzill, Stampin' Up and The Paper Co., everything but the card base was cut with my Cricut using SCAL 2.0.

Thanks for looking!

How To Use Chalk Enhancer!

2010-01-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

While I was browsing the web looking for a few chalk techniques I ran across this video on You Tube.

I gotta tell ya, I had never used chalk enhancer before so after watching the video I had to pull out my chalks and enhancer and play!

Here's a card using Stampin' Up cardstock, K & Co pattern paper and a stamp I purchased at Walmart or Michaels - can't remember which at the moment but in case you're wondering it is manufactured by Stampcraft. I also used my Spellbinders large scallop rectangle nestabilitie to create the little scallop strip you see next to my stamped image.

Chalks and enhancer are by Craf-T Products who is sponsoring us over at the Cookin' Up Creations site this month!!! Thank you so much Craf-T Products for my new set of chalks! I now know how a child feels when he or she gets a new box of crayons!!!

Okay here's my card.

And here's another card using the same technique as above but this time I added Magic Mesh - who is also sponsoring us over at Cookin' Up Creations this month! Thank you Magic Mesh!!! And no, I have never used this before either....shocker, I know!

For this card I used Stampin' Up cardstock and stamp from the Classic Convertibles set, Craf-T Products chalk and enhancer, Magic Mesh and eyelets from Making Memories.

Thanks for looking!

Etsy Inspired #68 - Gypsy Rose Handbags

2009-12-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

When I saw this bag I immediately thought of some Jenni Bowlin Paper that I won as blog candy.....oooh sometime earlier this year.

And this is the card I came up with......hopefully, I will remember to give it to the hubby this Valentine's Day!

Thanks for looking !

Adornit and Flipbooks from 2 Charm Products

2009-12-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

This month the design team over at Cookin' Up Creations had the pleasure of working with products from Adornit/Carolees Creations and the new flipbooks from 2 Charm Products.

The BBQ collection from Adornit and the flipbook from 2 Charm Products worked perfectly together to create a small recipe book for my hubby..........this mini book will hold some of our favorite grilling recipes!

Here's a little party invite that I made using scraps from the same collection.

I also made a little bag and card using papers from the Graduation collection also from Adornit/Carolees Creations.

And a couple of layouts using papers from the Nancy Jane collection also from Adornit/Carolees Creations.

And with the scraps I had leftover from the same collection as above I decided to make some little gift tags.

Thanks for looking!

Bath Salts Recipe

2009-12-21T04:35:00.000-08:00

We all know how stressful this time of year can be with all the shopping, decorating and baking that has to be done. So here's a little bath salt recipe to help you relieve some of that holiday stress.....not to mention, it's easy on the old pocket book.

INGREDIENTS:
Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt - I found Epsom Salt and my local Walmart
Baking Soda
Essential Oil - You should be able to find this at a craft store
Food Coloring - optional
Glass jar

DIRECTIONS:
In a large plastic bag, mix.....

2 cups Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt - or 1 cup of each....do not use table salts, they will dry out skin!

1-2 teaspoons of baking soda, if desired.....makes skin soft.

10-12 drops of essential oil (Lavender is best for a relaxing bath, Vanilla and Eucalyptus are also fabulous!) It's best if you add a drop or two at a time to prevent the oils from melting the salt.

Add the food coloring one drop at a time until you get the color you desire - this is optional.

After you have mixed the salt really well, pour into pretty glass jars and attach lids.

For the Glass Jars:
I used an old candy jar that I purchased at a discount store years ago, but you can also use mason jars, spaghetti jars, mayonnaise or pickle jars - just make sure they're clean and dry when you add the salts.

Thanks for looking!

O' Christmas Tree

2009-12-16T05:10:00.000-08:00

It's December 16th, do you have your tree up? We usually put our tree up on Thanksgiving Day here at our house. The boys would drag the fake tree and all it's decorations down from the attic while I cook dinner. They would stand it up and try to make sure all the lights are working - I say try, because after a while they would lose patience and I was the one who would spend the next couple of hours looking for a lose bulb! After dinner and the table was cleared off I would fluff the branches and we would all add the ornaments. Jack would take all the Hallmark ornaments out of their boxes and Kyle and I would place them on the tree. It was a great family tradition, until this year! Our house is small and the only place to sit the big tree is right smack dab in front of the front door..........and the truth is the boys really didn't want to fool with the big tree this year so we opted for what I call, "our Charlie Brown tree". At first I wasn't too keen on the idea, but I gotta say this little tree is starting to grow on me.....and it will be so much easier to take down this year! LOL. So here it is blog readers, my Charlie Brown tree.

It stands 3 feet high and it's decked out in a wide hot pink ribbon and pom pom garland. I have a total of 47 hot pink and chartreuse ornaments hanging from it's little branches and a hot pink velour skirt wrapped around the bottom. Kinda cute, eh?

BTW, I found this cool new program on the web where you can turn your digital photos into a polaroid. It's called Polardroid and you can make a donation or download it for free. It even makes the same noise that the old polaroid camera's would make when it spit the picture out and then you sit and wait for the picture to appear on your screen - just like the real thing I tell ya! You gotta check it out!

Wann win with Emmie Lou

2009-12-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

My friend Emily is celebrating her birthday and blogiversary by giving away blog candy! How sweet is that! If you would like a chance to win, just head on over to her BLOG, become a follower and leave a comment. For two chances at winning, post about the giveaway on your blog! Here's what's up for grabs!

Unity coffe cup single

Unity Floral Friends set

{ippity} Merry Kissmas set

Stampin' Up Pocket Silhouettes set

MFT Annie LaPointe Chives stamp

Heidi Swapp Clear stamp

Studio G Valentines set

Creative Memories album

Creative Memories sticker and paper pack

Alphabet sticker pack

Recollections felt border pack

DCWV Chrstmas card kit

Lala Land Crafts Trick or Treat LaLa stamp

Make it personal rub on pack

set of fall clear stamps from Target

Elle's Studio journaling tabs

Treats For Your Best Friend.......

2009-12-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

It's been said that a dog is man's best friend, well in my house a dog - or should I say 3, is a woman's best friend - so why not do something special for your four legged friend this holiday season. Here's a dog biscuit recipe sure to leave your favorite canine licking his lips and begging for more......and most of the ingredients you probably have in your kitchen pantry already!

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup water

GLAZE:
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk

1. Preheat oven to 275.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, wheat germ, peanut butter, vegetable oil, honey, baking powder and water.
3. Mix ingredients until thoroughly combined.
4. Roll dough out to a 1/2 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes and place on baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, mix together milk and egg. Brush glaze on biscuits.
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Rotate pans and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, until biscuits are golden and firm.

Here's our new pup Maddy trying to eat my display!

As you can see, my dogs LOVE 'EM

You can find this and lots more recipes by visiting THIS site.

I've put off updating......

2009-12-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

this old blog of mine long enough. I promised myself when I entered into the blogging world that I was going to update it everyday! Well, everyday turned into a couple times a week and now I'm lucky to update it a couple times a month! I guess when life gets crazy something has to suffer, and for me, it's this old blog of mine. Too bad it can't be the cooking or laundry but I guess it wouldn't be fair to make the boys walk around hungry and wearing dirty underwear! LOL. Anyhoo, here's a few cards I made during the Card-A-Day challenges over at the Cookin' Up Creations and Classy Scrapper forums.

Thanks for looking and my you all have a fun and safe holiday season!

Join us.............

2009-12-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

Cookin' up Creations will be counting down the days until Christmas, and even a few days beyond. Beginning December 1st, 2009 and each day thereafter, until the end of the year, our Design Team will be posting a daily challenge. These challenges can be anywhere from making homemade gifts & ornaments, to making dog treats for your favorite pooch, to sharing their favorite cookie recipes with us. And let's not forget some scrapping challenges thrown in there as well!! Each day we'll be inspired once again to make something different in this season of giving!! It'll be a month jammed full of fun and games, so please be sure to come join us as we celebrate the reason for the season and countdown the days until Christmas and beyond!

2009-11-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

As this month's guest designer over at Cookin' Up Creations I had the opportunity to work with some retired papers from My Mind's Eye. I was pleasantly surprised when I received my package because although the papers ARE retired, I didn't have any of them. And since I was also in charge of the card-a-day challenge over there this month the papers really came in handy!

Here are a few projects using some of the retired papers.

Thanks for looking.

Giving Thanks - December Guest Design Team Member Contest

2009-11-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

The time of year has come when we’re reminded to look around and think about all of the things we’re grateful for. Take this opportunity to scrap the blessings of your life and share them with us here at Cookin' up Creations'.

Once you've created or chosen your favorite layout(s), please upload them into our "Giving Thanks" Album in the gallery. The image should be no larger than 150kb, and should include journaling. If the journaling cannot be read, please include it seperately.

The deadline is Thursday, November 26th ....so enter today!

*You must register in the forum and the gallery.
* You may enter more than one project.
* Submissions will be judged on creativity, originality, and overall design and will be determined by the Current Design Team Members.
* The winner will be announced on Friday November 27th, 2009.
* Winner will receive free sponsor product for the month of December
* Sorry, but no international entries at this time unless you have a U.S. mailing address.

Guest Design Team members will receive:
* Photo and personal bio on our Design Team Page & our Blog
* Guest Design Team blinkie to use in your signature as well as any other sites

Guest Design Team members will be responsible for:
* Creating at least 3 layouts and and 1 card/altered item using supplied product
* Uploading layouts/projects to the December Sponsor Spotlight Gallery on Monday the 14th of December
* Providing photo and bio for use on the site and blog

Wanna win.............

2009-11-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking from the Inside Out has launched their November kit Generosity, perfect for this time of year........and the best part is, it could be all yours!!!

All you have to do to win this beautiful, rich looking kit is post it on your blog and link it back to the Scrapbook Trends blog here. Good luck!

I can't believe it's been.............

2009-11-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

a month since my last post. Up until this week, I have been enjoying the cooler temps and have been piddling outside with the hubby. We are working on clearing the pecan orchard, the pasture behind the house and we're also working on a brick patio so we will have a nice place to grill. I sorta took a hiatus from the old blogo for a little while but I'm back and will be posting again real soon.

I still design for UYS but this is the last month. Due to the lack of participation Kimmie and Corey have decided to stop with the challenges at the end of November. Come January, they will be deleting the site altogether. Although I will miss the challenges and the blog, I understand and I want to thank them for giving me a chance to design for them - So Kimmie, Corey, thank you, I have truly enjoyed the ride! You can still find me hanging out at Classy Scrapper and a new site that I found a few months ago called Cookin' Up Creations - it is now my new home on the web.....and Tammy, the owner asked if I wanted to design for her, (toot toot), so of course I said yes. Right now, we have a Card-A-Day challenge going on at both sites so feel free to pop on over to either one to register and join in.

Here's a few projects that I don't think I've shared yet.

Oh, and did I mention we have a new dog - yeah, I know, like we don't have enough already (roll eyes) but this is the last one, I promise. Her name is Maddy and she's a little spit fire. She was headed to the pound and we said we would take her......and I'm here to tell ya, our lives haven't been the same since. Don't let this innocent face fool ya.......this is one mean pup!

Thanks for looking and I hope you all are enjoying nicer weather than us.

UYS Challenge

2009-10-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

This week Kimmie and Corey challenged the design team to create a project using the color purple, polka dots and paint. I gotta tell ya, I'm not a big fan of purple. I don't know why, it's not like I avoid it or anything, it's just a color that I rarely use. Anyhoo, this is what I came up with.

I used Basic Grey's Junebug collection as my paper of choice. There's a sheet in the collection that looks lavendar so that was my purple. I also used a polka dot ribbon and burnt umber acrylic paint for distressing. You can find the tutorial for this flower pot card HERE. If you would like to join in this weeks challenge all you have to do is create a project of any kind and link it HERE. Be sure to stop by the Use Your Stash blog and see what the rest of the team came up with.

Halloween cards

2009-10-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

As September's Guest Designer for Scrappy Jo's Scrapbook Supplies I had the opportunity to play with some of the Mango Luau collection from Bo Bunny. When I opened my package and saw the Back to Basics pattern paper I knew right then I wanted to make Halloween cards - and by golly that's just what I did!

I got the idea for this first card while browsing the SCS gallery.

This next card was inspired by K Werner . You can see her card HERE.

Thanks for looking and I hope you all are having a much drier Monday.

It's Recess Time........

2009-09-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

over at the Use Your Stash blog this week. To participate all you have to do is dig deep in that stash of yours and create a project - any project! When you're done link us HERE. Need ideas? Check out the blog and see what the DT created with their old stash.

Here's a simple card I made using some old MME paper, a definition sticker and page pebbles from Making Memories.

Thanks for looking! Hope you all have a blessed Monday!

Addition challenge over at UYS!

2009-09-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge over at the Use Your Stash blog is addition! Kimmie and Corey have challenged the DT to create a project using one piece of paper, add 3 stars and some chipboard and you will get one amazing creation!

Here's what I came up with.

The inspiration for this card came from the talented Kristina Werner, you can see her card HERE - I just love her work! I kept the same basic design but changed the colors and embellishments.

If you would like to participate in this weeks challenge all you have to do is create a project with the items listed above and link them HERE. If you need some inspiration then check out what the rest of the team did with this challenge.

Just wanted to share.....

2009-09-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

a few projects that were in the August September issue of Ready, Set, Create.

Here Basic Grey Lime Rickey meets The Jelly Bean Joint. Aren't these little doodled journaling spots cute?

My first hybrid card using Katie Just So Scrappy digital kit.

And who could resist these cute owls by Paper Wicks. This is a 12x12 layout of my 81 yr. old mother-in-law with all four of her children.

12x12 layout of my niece using beautiful tags by Ormolu.

WRMK and MME meets The Paper Pixie.

That's all for now. Thanks for taking the time to look!

Happy Labor Day and UYS Challenge

2009-09-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

TGIM!!! I'm so glad it's Monday! I had a nice weekend cooking, eating and watching tv with dh - we have free HBO and Showtime for 3 months. We watched P.S. I Love You, Baby Mama and The Secret Lives of Bees all three of these are good movies. But alas, it's time for him to go back to work and it's time for me to get some much needed housework done. Not to mention, I haven't had any scrappy time this weekend. I feel like I'm going into withdrawals. lol.

Anywho, the UYS challenge for this week is to create a project using alphabet stickers, a bookplate and crayons - this can be die cuts, stickers, you can use crayons to color in an image or use an actual crayon. I chose to use an actual crayon on my card - 3 to be exact! I also used pattern paper from Cosmo Cricket and Jillibean Soup. The apple is a clip art image I found on the internet. If you want it let me know and I will supply the link.

If you would like to participate in this weeks challenge all you have to do is create a layout/card/or altered project using alphabet stickers, a bookplate and crayons and link it HERE. Lost for ideas? No problem. Head on over to the UYS blog and check out all the wonderful creations made by the DT this week.

Thanks for looking and I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day!

Sketch-A-Day Layouts

2009-08-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a few more SAD layouts that I forgot to share. This first layout is of my sweet little Lulu using the Junebug papers from Basic Grey - this is by far one of my favorite collections by Basic Grey.

This next layout is of my 19 yr. old son who was dressed up because he had a job interview with Walmart that day - can't you just see the excitement on his face. lol. I'm glad to report that he actually got the job! He's not very excited about working but his dad and I are. lol. BTW, I used Junebug papers on this layout too.

And last but no least, this is a layout of my other son Tommy, who just turned a big 10 years old this year! I used Scenic Route's Cape Town collection and my old sizzix dies to create this layout.

Thanks for looking and I hope you all enjoy what's left of your weekend!

New Challenge Over @ UYS

2009-08-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

This week Kimmie and Corey have challenged the DT to create a project using a matted photo or embellishment and chipboard title. As usual, I waited until the last minute and came up with this quick layout of Lulu - who, by the way just turned 5 this past Sunday! Happy Birthday my sweet girl! It took me less than 30 minutes to put this layout together and I really like how it turned out - or maybe it's just these fun Junebug papers by Basic Grey. Either way, I love it!

If you would like to participate in this weeks challenge all you have to do is create a layout of any size/card or altered art and link it HERE.

Thanks for looking and I hope you all have a scrap happy Monday!

UYS Paper Piece Challenge

2009-08-18T15:03:00.002-07:00

This week the girls over at the Use Your Stash blog has challenged the team to paper piece our own design. And this is what I came up with. I'm not quite sure what I was going for at the time but I'm pretty happy with the results. I just think that pop of red is so cheerful!

If you would like to participate in this weeks challenge all you have to do is create a paper piece project - card, layout of any size or altered art and link it HERE.
Thanks for looking and hope you have a scrap happy day!

Use Your Colored Pencils!

2009-08-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

This week over at the Use Your Stash blog, Kimmie and Corey have challenged us to use our colored pencils. It had been a while since I pulled mine out so I was a little excited about this one.
Here's what I came up with. I used my Prisma pencils with a little baby oil to color in my image. I also used chalk for the sky and grass - I think I might have went a little overboard with the chalk. LOL. Anywhooo. If you would like to join us in this weeks challenge, all you have to do is get out those pencils and CREATE! When you're all done, you can link your creations up HERE.

Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Basic Grey's Offbeat collection. Stamp: Craft Lounge's Pat the Dog. Buttons: Autumn Leaves. Other supplies used: Spellbinder's Labels 2 dies and Stampin' Up chalk.

UYS Recipe Challenge

2009-08-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

There's a new recipe challenge posted over at the Use Your Stash blog. Kimmie and Corey have challenged us to use a frame of any kind, ink and brads. Now I'm challenging you to do the same. It can be a layout of any size, card or altered art - the choice is yours. So get those supplies out and join us in this weeks challenge. You can link us up HERE.

Here's a layout the I created using the new Junebug collection from Basic Grey.
Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co. Pattern Paper: Basic Grey's Junebug collection. Brads: Making Memories. Buttons: Jesse James. Other supplies used: Sizzix jelly frame and shadow letters dies, Quickutz labels die, EK Success heart punch and Fiskars apron lace border punch.

Home Sweet Home meets Basic Grey

2009-08-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

When I was still in junior high school, my mom and aunt ran a craft shop called, Needles and Crafts. It was a little hole in the wall craft store that specialized in cross stitch and embroidery. It was not unusual for them to work on a piece for weeks at a time. I on the other hand, had very little tolerance for sitting still long enough to finish a piece. What can I say, I was a teenager and all I had on my mind was......you guessed it, BOYS! After I got married and moved into my first house, my Christmas gifts consisted of cross stitch pieces that they had lovingly worked on for days and weeks at a time. Some of my favorites are the samplers featuring my new last name and the year I was married.

So Mom and Auntie Faye, if you read my blog, this is for you! Although mine didn't take me days or weeks to complete I'm still pretty damn satisfied with it.

Deets: Pattern Paper: Making Memories and Basic Grey's Urban Prairie collection. Other products used: Quickutz, Fiskars Scallop border punch and Spellbinders oval nestabilitie. The little crocheted flower can be found HERE.

TFL and I hope you all enjoying your weekend!

Welcome to the Adornit Blog Hop!

2009-07-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

If you have come here from Lisa Archer's blog then you are on the right track. If not, you need to start HERE at the very beginning so you don't miss anything. These are some projects that were published in the June/July issue of Ready, Set, Create.

Let me start out by saying, if you have never shopped on the etsy site then I encourage you to do so. There's a lot of neat stuff there, and you can shop in your jammies! Check out these cards using Evalicious products! Aren't they delicious!

Deets: Pattern Paper: Basic Grey's Urban Prairie collection. Ribbon: Offray. Button: Autumn Leaves. Other products used: Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, Quickutz Nesting Label and Blossom Alphabet dies. The little yellow embellishment is Evalicious.

Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Basic Grey's Offbeat collection and Making Memories Chloe's Closet collection. Stamp: Stampin' Up. Eyelet: Making Memories. Other products used: Fiskars Treading Water border punch, twill, Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip ink pad and marker. The little text print flowers are Evalicious.

The next five cards uses products by The Pink Owl Paperie.

Deets: Pattern Paper: SEI's Black Orchid collection. Ribbon: Offray. Other products used: Spellbinders Labels 1 die and Martha Stewart Butterfly punch. The vintage sheet music button is The Pink Owl Paperie.

Deets: Pattern Paper: Anna Griffin's Darcey collection. Ribbon: Offray. Button: Autumn Leaves. Other products used: Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder and the A2 Combo Die - With Gratitude. The vintage sheet music button is The Pink Owl Paperie.

Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co. Pattern Paper: Colorbok. Stamps: Hot Off The Press and Clearly Wordsworth. Other products used: bright and sassy swanky chipboard blossom - The Pink Owl Paperie.
Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co. Pattern Paper: Colorbok. Stamp: Stamp Craft. Other products used: Corner rounder, and bright and sassy swanky chipboard blossom by The Pink Owl Paperie.

These next two cards use products by Crafty D's Creations.

Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Cosmo Cricket's Wanted collection. Other products used: Twill and Fiskars Treading Water border punch.

This next card uses a journaling spot by Two Girlz Stuff.

Deets: Pattern Paper: Basic Grey's Lime Rickey collection. Chipboard letters: American Crafts. Other products used: Orange sheer ribbon from Michael's, Spellbinder's Large Scallop Circle die and Labels 1 die.

Thanks for looking and from here you need to hop on over to Holly's blog.

Sketch-A-Day and UYS

2009-07-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of layouts I created for the Sketch-A-Day Club and the Use Your Stash blog. This first layout is of Kyle ripping and playing with his niece and nephew. He was trying to tire them out but I think they tired him out instead. He was hot sweaty and out of breath but Katie and Jackson were still bursting with energy.

The pattern papers are Anna Griffin and I had to hand cut the large arrow. I flipped the paper over and used a ruler and pencil to sketch it out and used an exacto knife to cut it out. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co. Pattern Paper: Anna Griffin. Letter Stickers: Doodlebug Designs. Other products used: Quickutz and buttons.

The second layout is of my beautiful boy, Tommy. He turned a big 10 years old this year. I thought the title was fitting because bless his empty tummy, he is always hungry.

Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up and Coredinations. Pattern Papers: Martha Stewart. Buttons: Bazzill. Eyelet: Making Memories. Other products used: Quickutz, Fiskars border punches, Sizzix die and Stampin' Up punch.

TFL.

Stamp Challenge @ UYS

2009-07-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

This weeks challenge over at the Use Your Stash blog is STAMPS! And we know you got 'em, so dust 'em off and create a NEW card, layout or altered art project and link 'em up here. If you participate in all the challenges for the month of July you could win a chance to be a Guest Designer for the month of September. If you missed the first challenge, that's okay, you still have until the end of the month to upload a project and link it to the correct post before July 31st.

Here's a quick and easy card that I created for the challenge. I used the new Lemonade paper and stamps from Basic Grey.

Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co. and Georgia Pacific. Pattern Papers and Stamp: Basic Grey. Ribbon: Offray. Other: Corner Chomper from WRMK.

Cuttlebug Giveaway!

2009-07-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

Wanna win a Cuttlebug? All you have to do is go here and follow the directions for your chance to win. How cool is that! Let me just say, that these little machines are wonderful! I use mine all the time! And if I'm the lucky winner (fingers crossed), I plan to give it to my 21 yr. old niece, Nikki who just started scrapbooking.

Changes at UYS.

2009-07-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

If you haven't visited the Use Your Stash blog in awhile you might want to do so. As of July 1st there have been some major changes made. You can check them all out here. While you're there check out the clip challenge that was issued on Monday. If you have a bunch of these items in your stash that you've been hoarding or have purchased and don't know what to do with, then check out the blog and see what the UYS team created. If you would like to participate in this weeks challenge all you have to do is create a new project - card, layout (any size) or altered art using clips and link it here.

Here's what I came up with.

Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co and Bazzill. Patttern Paper: Colorbok and Basic Grey. Stamp: Paper Inspirations. Flowers: Prima. Buttons: Autumn Leaves. Journaling Block: YMBD. Letter Stickers: K & Company. Photo Corner: Sassafras Lass. Brads and Clip: Making Memories. Metal Book Plate: Marcella. I also used the Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch and the Quickutz Nesting Label Die.

Thanks for looking and I wish you all a safe and happy weekend!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to say Thank You to all the men and women that are fighting for our freedom and to their families that are left behind. And if you're the praying type, say a little prayer tonight that our heroes will one day return home safely. Dh is gone to town to have the oil changed in my car and he's going to stop by the grocery store to pick up some hamburger, hot dogs and brats to throw on the grill tonight. It hasn't rained in 10 days so there will be no fireworks this year, don't want to have the fire department out here tonight. lol. It's probably a good thing, since the dogs are afraid of them anyways. Sooo, what's your plans for this holiday weekend?

Sketch-A-Day layouts for the month of June

2009-06-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know the month is almost over but things have been a little hectic around here. My hubby has turned into a Mr. Fix It this past month and has been putting new doors and windows on the outside storage building and guess who his little helper was, ME! Let me just say, summer and I don't mix. It was too hot, I don't like getting sweaty and the mosquitoes ATE ME UP! At least the storage building looks nice with it's new doors and windows and a fresh coat of paint.

Anywho, here are some layouts I created back in May for the Sketch A Day Club.

I kept the next three layouts pretty simple because I didn't want anything to distract the eye from the beautiful photos that my son had taken.

Thanks for looking. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

Pattern Paper Challenge

2009-06-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

This week the Use Your Stash blog is challenging YOU to use your pattern paper. And let's face it, we all have plenty of paper in our stash. All you have to do is create a layout, card or altered project using 3 or more different manufacturers of pattern paper. Now don't be nervous, it's a lot easier than you think.

Here I mixed 4 different manufacturers: Anna Griffin, Martha Stewart, SEI and I have no idea who manufactured the black and white dot paper. I bought it at a local scrapbook store when I move away from El Paso almost 10 years ago. Yes, it's that old! I told you before I never throw anything out. LOL.
Now head on over to the UYS blog and link your entry up here for a chance to win some really cool prizes!

CAS19 and YSS Challenge

2009-06-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

It was my first time participating in the CAS challenges over at SCS and I think I am hooked! What does CAS mean - Clean and Simple! And these days I'm all about keeping things simple. The cards below were so quick and easy to make that they can be easily mass produced.
And because I dug deep into my stash for the materials, I'm combining this challenge with the use your stash challenge going on over YSS. I think 10 yr. old paper and 5 yr. old stamps qualify, don't you?

Okay the deets for this first card is: Cardstock: Core'dinations and Georgia Pacific. Pattern Paper: Making Memories. Stamps: KI Memories and Stampin' Up. Ink: Stampin' Up - Pink Passion and StazOn - Jet Black. Ribbon: Offray. Buttons: Discount Store.
This next card: Cardstock: Core'dinations, The Paper Co. and Georgia Pacific. Stamps: Discount Store and Wordsworth. Ink: StazOn - Jet Black. Ribbon: Offray. Thanks for looking and I wish you all a scrap happy day!

Paint Challenge

2009-06-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

The challenge this week over at the Use Your Stash blog is PAINT! Don't fret, it's not as intimidating as you might think. I simply used it in place of ink to stamp an image on a sheet of paper I cut out of an old Readers Digest book. If you would like to participate in this weeks challenge, all you have to do is create a card, layout or altered item using paint and upload to the UYS blog here for a chance to win some cool prizes. And don't forget to check in with us all month for our month long birthday celebration.

Sketch-A-Day Layouts

2009-06-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more Sketch-A-Day layouts I wanted to share with you.

This first one is of my handsome 19 yr. old son using Basic Grey's Granola collection. Big boys or little boys it doesn't matter this paper works great for boy pages. It also works great with black and white photos as well as sepia toned. I love this paper! I still have a few strips of journaling that I want to add to the upper right hand corner. But all in all, I'm very pleased with the way this one turned out.

This second layout is also of my hansdsome boy when he was about 4 yrs old. Yes, I know I'm a little behind in my scrapping, but hey, I do this for therapeutic reasons so I work at my own pace. lol. Mmm, mmm, mmm, I just love a man in a tux, no matter how old he is. BTW, the papers used here are SEI's Black Orchid collection.

Thanks for looking and I hope you all have a scrap happy day!

and the winner is....

2009-06-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

#8 - Stacy!!!

Congratulations Stacy - please drop me an e-mail (link in side bar) with your mailing address and in the subject line please include "Jan's Blog Candy Winner" and I will get this mailed out to you ASAP!

A big thank you to all for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. It looks like we are all paper collectors and this is why you should join me over at the UYS blog and start using up some of that paper you all say you have sooooo much of - that way, you can go out and buy more - 'cuz you know you're gonna. LOL.

Oh, and be sure to check out the UYS blog on Monday, June 8th for this month's first challenge.

Gotta a sweet tooth.....

2009-06-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

for scrappin' supplies, that is! Well then, you should check this out. I couldn't believe my eyes. Did you get a look at that Sizzix machine! This is one blog candy I would love to win! Hmmm..... I wonder if Melissa takes bribes. LOL.

Use Your Stash Blog Hop!

2009-06-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it, UYS is 1 year old! Happy Birthday UYS!!! Okay, before we get things started, we would like to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to all the participants that we have had over the past year and we are especially excited to celebrate our first birthday with YOU!

Please join us in our month long celebration. There will be lots of challenges, games and giveaways. You can check out the prizes here. In order to win my blog candy all you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me what you have the most of in your stash. For a second chance to win, follow my blog and post the UYS Birthday invite on your blog and link back here.

SU Cherries, Checks & Posies Stamp Set (RETIRED)

Doodlebug Designs Christmas Clear Stamps

Inkadinkado Doodle Flowers Clear Stamps

Eva Chip Stickers by Basic Grey

Doodlebug Designs Crushed Velvet Brads

Now let'get this party started, shall we. I'm sure most of you already know how it works. If you didn't arrive here from Kelli's blog then you need to go back and start at the beginning here. To be entered in a drawing for the Core'dinations cardstock you must leave a comment on everyone's blog. Easy peasy, right! From here you need to head on over to Patti's blog to see what she's up to. Oh, and don't forget to join us over at the UYS blog this month.

See ya there!

Celebrate with UYS!

2009-05-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate the 1 year blogaversary with Use Your Stash! Starting June 1st there will be lots of fun challenges, games and prizes! Don't miss out!

Scouts honor!

2009-05-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

I am scrapping I swear! I've been working on layouts and cards and even have an altered art project but it's all DT stuff so I can't post it just yet, but I do have a few layouts I can share with you now.

These first two I did for the Sketch-A-Day Club. As you can see, I finally broke down and used my 12x12 sheets of Chloe's Closet papers by Making Memories - love these papers! I had been using the 6x6 pad and hoarding the big paper. I thought it was 'bout time I pulled it out and used it. I also used a butterfly stamp from Stampin' Up and my Labels 1 die from Spellbinders. This second layout is of my handsome son (if I do say so myself). Yeah, I'm a little bias. What can I say, I'm his mother. I used Basic Grey's Hang 10 Collection for this one. I struggled with it for a couple of hours until it finally dawned on me to print it out again in a sepia tone - I'm such a dumb ass sometimes. lol. Once I did that, it came together in about 10 minutes! Love the smirk on my sons face -this was as close to a smile as I could get that day! lol.

And this last one I did for the UYS blog. This month the challenge was to use glitter. GLITTER! YIKES! I panicked - I have never used glitter before! But hey, a challenge is a challenge so I did the best I could. This is not one of my favorite layouts, but nonetheless, it is a completed page.

I used 3 different paper manufacturers - Bo Bunny, Scenic Route and The Paper Studio. I ran the letters through my Xyron machine so that the glitter Corey sent would stick to 'em. And it did for the most part, as long as you don't touch it anyways. lol. Have I mentioned that I suck at glitter. lol. Anywho, the glitter is by Pink Paislee and if any of you have any tips for me I would greatly appreciate them.

Be sure to check out the new look over and the Use Your Stash blog and follow along because there are going to be some major changes starting next month!

2009-04-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple more Sketch-A-Day layouts I wanted to share with you. This first layout is one of my faves. The sweet feet in the picture belong to my great niece, Annaleigha. She is my sister's first grandchild and she is already spoiled ROTTEN!

This next layout is of my niece Nikki. I used SEI's Black Orchid papers and the flowers are Making Memories.

Thanks for looking and I hope you all have a wonderful and safe week ahead!

UYS and William Sonoma Inspiration Challenge

2009-04-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

I love it when I can combine two challenges in one. I created this card for the tag challenge over at UYS and the William Sonoma Inspiration Challenge that Jackie, my fellow Creatively Cute Blogger issued last week. Incidentally, thanks for the great challenge! I was inspired by the beautiful summer colors found here. Are they not scrumptious? They remind me of sherbert ice cream. Oh, how I wish for summer!

If you want to join in on the tag challenge over at UYS you still have time. Deadline is Tuesday, April 20th.

Sketch-A-Day Layouts

2009-04-14T01:52:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share a few layouts with you that I created for the Sketch A Day Club using some of Tiare's wonderful sketches.

This first one is my favorite. I used a stencil and one of those dauber duos to create the pink dot background. The pics of the flowers are from my backyard.Here's a really simple layout of my grandson, Jackson. I just love that little pouty face!
And this last layout is of my cat, Jingle trying to scale an old post. It's not one of my faves but it's a completed page - sometimes you just have to say the heck with it and move on! lol.TFL. Hope you all have a nice day!

What is UYS.........

2009-04-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

up to now? Why TWITTER of course! Now you can get the 4-1-1 on what's happening over at the Use Your Stash blog. So follow along and see what we have to tweet about!

April's stash item......

2009-04-07T05:06:00.000-07:00

over at the Use Your Stash blog is TAGS! If you would like to join in on the tag challenge this month all you have to do is create a NEW layout (no lifts or sketches please) and link it to this post HERE by April 20th for your chance to win a $10 gift card.

Here's what I came up with.Now be sure to head on over to the UYS blog and check out all the wonderful creations by the rest of the team! While you're there, become a follower and tell them Jan sent ya by posting it HERE. April is also Refer A Friend Month and we would love to have a 150 followers by the end of the month.

I'm baaaaack!!!

2009-04-01T09:36:00.001-07:00

First, I want to apologize for neglecting my poor little blog over the past couple of weeks. I think I might have mentioned in an earlier post that we live next door to my 81 yr. old mother in law. Well, since October 31 of last year it has been one thing after another. In January, she fell in her bathroom and broke her wrist and underwent surgery to have it repaired - one hurdle out of the way! Shortly after the surgery, she started complaining of a back ache. They told her it was her sciatic nerve and for a couple of months it pained her to stand or walk - another hurdle out of the way. Then, this past month she started complaining of a stomach ache and back ache. Dh took her to the emergency room on Saturday, March 14th and after 12 long hours in the ER, they finally decided to admit her. After one week of hospital stay and numerous tests later they decided to remove her gall bladder. As of today, she is once again next door and doing well - despite a chest cold that developed over the last day or so. Thank you Jesus! I'm hoping and praying that the worst is behind her now and things will finally get back to normal - or at least for a little while anyway. lol.

Okay, enough about my woes. lol. Here are some cards that I made during a month long card a day challenge over at YMBD. I didn't complete all 31 challenges but I did manage to make 21 cards last month and I'm pretty dang happy about it - it doesn't take much to please me these days. lol. I LOVED working with the new Chloe's Closet line by Making Memories!

This one was for the inking challenge.

Embossing challenge.

Button challenge.

Bird challenge.

Stitching challenge.
Thanks for taking the time to read my long post and looking at my cards. Hope you all have a wonderful day and happy scrappin'!

UYS Eyelet Challenge

2009-03-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

How long has it been since you used eyelets on a project? If you're like me, it's probably been awhile. Well, this month over at UY S we were challenged to use them on our projects and I must admit I enjoyed pounding away them - although my son was not very happy with all the noise I was making. Yeah, yeah, I know that they have come out with a silent setter and the crop-a-dile but I'm still using the old 10 tap hammer method - you know the one, where you hit the eyelet ten times before it sets - yep, that's the one! LOL. Anywho, if you want to join in all you have to do is create a "new layout" - no sketches or scraplifts please, and link it to the UYS bl og by March 20th for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Scrapbook.com.

Here's the layout and card I made for this challenge.

For the layout, I started out with an 8.5x11 sheet of Bazzill cardstock, distressed some of Martha Stewart designer paper with Tim Holtz's Walnut Stain ink - added some Making Memories eyelets and flowers and created a title with Sizzlets Girls Are Wierd and Spellbinders oval dies. After I set the eyelets, I decided I liked the distressed flower shape on the back side so I just flipped the paper over and glued it down. The library card and photo turn are part of my stash.

For the card, I used the same Martha Stewart designer papers and distressd them with the same Tim Holtz ink, added some eyelets - after all, that is the stash item for this month. I used the Sizzix Vine and Spellbinders Label 1 dies, added some tiny alphas by Making Memories, added some twill to finish it off.

Now head on over to the UYS blog and check out all the wonderful creations from the rest of the team!

YMBD Card -A- Day and Jazzy Inspirations Challenge

2009-03-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

I'm still plugging away trying to stay caught up with the card challenges over at YMBD and combine them with challenges on a few blogs I like to visit as well. This particular card I combined with this weeks challenge over at Jazzy Inspirations. We were to use the colors in this album cover. Cool huh? And here's my card. I started out by using a 5x5 card base, added a layer of pattern paper, a layer of blue cardstock and finally a layer of white cardstock. I used my square nestability to create a template and then sponged the entire area with Adirondack ink. Stamped my images in black and cut around the entire image leaving a small border of white. Added some black and white sheer dot ribbon and called it DONE!

Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up and The Paper Co. Pattern paper: Daisyd's. Stamps: Inkadinkado and Paper Inspirations. Ribbon: Offray.

YMBD Card-A-Day & TPE Challenge

2009-03-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

It took me longer to pull out all the stuff than it did to actually put the card together. I used Stampin' Up's chocolate chip cardstock for my base. Added a mellow moss scalloped square and then a square of white cardstock for the center. I punched 3 circles out of pattern paper and adhered them to the white square, added a felt flower with an orange button center and some pink ribbon and called it DONE!
Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up. Pattern paper: Imagination Project. Ribbon: Offray. Other: Sizzix flower die, Spellbinder's Square and Scallop Nestabilities, Creative Memories circle punch, button and floss from my craft supply.

YMBD Card & TPE Card Challenge

2009-03-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

I combined the Your Memories By Designs March's month long card a day challenge with this weeks The Pink Elephant's ribbon and die cut challenge. I used the large butterfly from the Wonderful Wings set and stamped it just off center using Rose Red ink. The pattern papers I used on the card are from a Colorbok paper pad that I purchased at my local Walmart sometime last year and the envie liner is from an 8x8 paper pad that I purchased at Target several years ago - sorry forgot the manufacturer.
Deets: Stamp: Wonderful Wings, Stampin' Up. Ink: Rose Red, Stampin' Up. Pattern paper and best buds sticker: Colorbok. Accessories: button and ribbon: craft supply, scallop circle and circle: Nestabilities. TFL.

Another Sketch A Day layout and a card

2009-02-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

First, I want to share a card that I created for the ribbon challenge over at UYS. I used some old paper and stickers that I purchased in a slab at my local Walmart sometime last year. I keep telling myself not to by slabs of paper because it lasts for freakin' evah - and what do I do? I buy more paper! (roll eyes). This particular slab of paper is from Colorbox and the colors are so bright and vibrant - just perfect for these winter blues. Anywho, the challenge was to use ribbon in a creative way so I chose to use ribbon for the balloon streamers. Hope you like.
Deets: Card base: Halcraft. Pattern Paper and Stickers: Colorbox.
Accessories: balloon dies (Sizzix). Buttons and Ribbon: craft supply. Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities: Spellbinders.

Second, is a 11x8.5 layout I created for the Sketch A Day Club. I love, love, love this picture of Lulu wearing her Santa hat. Ain't she a cutie! Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper and Letter Stickers: Basic Grey (Blitzen). Stamps: Studio G. Rubons: Creative Imaginations and The Paper Studio. TFL.

Another Sketch A Day Layout

2009-02-18T05:19:00.000-08:00

This is a 12x12 layout of my ds carving pumpkins October of 2007. Yes, I know, I'm a little behind, but you ain't seen nothing, I still have baby pictures I haven't even scrapped yet! LOL. I'm a scrap in the here and now and whatever inspires me at the moment kinda gal - but hey, that's why it's called a HOBBY! Right!

Again, I used some really old pattern paper from Scenic Route and American Crafts. Creative Memories circle punches, Spellbinder Scallop Rectangle Nestie and my trusty ole' Quickutz for the title. Accessories: Photo turn: 7 Gypsies. Brad: Making Memories. Buttons: Jesse James and craft supply. I also used a Ranger Distress Ink Pad in Walnut Stain to distress the pattern papers. TFL.

Sketch A Day Club Layouts

2009-02-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a couple of layouts I did for the Sketch A Day Club over at Classy Coordinates Scrapbook Club. For this first layout I used my printer and a transparency to create the title. I also used a sanding block on the background paper.
Deets: Pattern Paper: Crate. Flowers: Prima and Making Memories. Brads: Making Memories.

This is the second layout I created with one of February's sketches. I used an 8.5x11 format for this one and a very old pic of ds that I cropped and switched to black and white. All pattern paper, title letters and cardstock stickers are Pebbles Inc.

Deets: Cardstock: Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Pebbles Inc. Buttons: Craft Supply.
TFL.

Valentine for hubby!

2009-02-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

Hmm...I wonder what he will say when he opens it. I will probably get a "that's nice, did you make that" and maybe even a "thank you" and then he will lay it down somewhere in the house for me to pick up later. LOL. Does any of that sound familiar? Yea, I thought so!

Okay, my card base is Chocolate Chip and the pattern papers are all Dream Street. For the letters I used my Quickutz Diesel font and stamped over them with SU French Script background stamp using Chocolate Chip ink. I used my Spellbinders Nestabililities to cut my two circles and Quickutz Nesting Hearts. I ran all the hearts through my Fiskars paper crimper to give them some texture. Added some ribbon and a button and called it DONE!
Deets: Cardstock, Ink and Slot Punch: Stampin' Up. Pattern Paper: Dream Street. Ribbon: Maya Road. Button: Craft Supply. I also used Spellbinders Circle Nestabilities, Quickutz Nesting Hearts, Diesel font and Fiskars Paper Crimper.

UYS Ribbon Challenge!!!

2009-02-06T04:32:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I have yards and yards of beautiful ribbon. I have some stuffed in glass jars, some rolled up neatly in floss organizers and some still on the rolls and don't have a clue how to use it on my layouts. Cards - sure, no problem! Layouts - not so sure! And just my luck the stash item for this month over at UYS is RIBBON! (roll eyes) After trying to come up with an idea for almost a month I finally broke down and searched the web for some ideas when I ran across this tutorial on Candice Carpenter's typepad for making ribbon flowers.....finally, I had a starting point and this is what I came up with! It's by no means one of my favorite layouts but it's growing on me! Oh, and the little girl with the scraped nose - is my great niece, Annaleigha!

Deets: Lots and lots of ribbon, craft supply. Stamps: Birds Galore and Expressions, Inkadinkado. Buttons: Autumn Leaves. Bling: Heidi Swapp. Rub-on: Basic Grey.

Now be sure to head on over to the Use Your Stash blog and see how the rest of the DT used ribbon this month! While you're there check out the prize - a one year subscription to Ready, Set, Create Ezine!!! How cool is that! Please remember, that all layouts must be new and linked to the blog by February 20th!

Hooray!

2009-02-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

for Stampabilities! I just love this little owl image by Stampabilities! I ran across it while I was at Hobby Lobby a couple of weeks ago and it has been sitting on my desk calling out for me to ink it up ever since! I stamped it just off the bottom right side of my circle with Adirondack eggplant ink and used Hero Art's Dot Letter Alphabet Stamps for my sentiment. Added a scallop border, some ribbon and a button for a splash of color and a couple of slaps later it was DONE! I just love when a card goes together like that! LOL.
Deets: Cardstock: SU. Pattern Paper: A slab of paper purchased at my local Walmart. Ribbon: Offray. Button: craft supply.

2009-01-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay in posting but life has been a little crazy around here the last several days. My 81 yr. old mother in law who lives next door to me fell in her bathroom the 10th of January and broke her wrist and severely bruised her hip and back. She is slowly recovering from her physical injuries but psychologically she still has a long way to go. She seems to be afraid of staying alone in fear of falling again. My sister in law came to get her today so that she can watch her for a few days to give us a little break. If you're the praying kind, please remember her in your prayers tonight.

Here's a quick little card I created between loads of laundry today.
Deets: Cardstock: The Paper Co. Pattern paper: Sassafras Lass. Ribbon: Offray. Button: Bazzill