in the moment

Cocoa Dasiy

2012-02-21T10:28:00.000-05:00

I did a challenge over at Cocoa Daisy using the January and the February kit. Since I will be heading to the SDV in just 2 short days (insert hoots and hollers here), it seemed fitting to finally scrap these pics.

I did get a little carried away with the blue mist but had fun making it! Thanks for stopping by!

Crazy 4 Coffee

2012-02-09T14:37:00.001-05:00

LOAD Day 9. I did a layout based on a challenge over at the KITCHEN . Janet's Kitchen sink challenge was to use all of these things:

Hot or Cold

It's winter here but I know it's not the same season for everyone. It's can also be a really long season if your in the snow and cold.
For this challenge I want you to create a layout that showcases your favorite drink- hot or cold is fine.
Then a countdown about it-
5 embellishments
4- patterned papers
3- word title
2- circles ( can be buttons or brads)
1- photo

Here's what I came up with

It was so fun to make this page! And I used some mist. I'd been itching to use that!

Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Loving LOAD

2012-02-08T08:16:00.001-05:00

So I have been doing LOAD again. Layout-a-day. So far, so good. I figured out this is my fourth go around with the process and yesterday I realized that it has changed the way I scrapbooked.

While I still scrapbook important events......I also delve into the everyday moments. Since completing Project Life last year and always having the camera around, I captured much of our everyday that I now can turn into a page.

Yesterday's prompt was to scrap something about....."I always thought"......... Originally, I went looking for a photo of my siblings since I have lost 2 sisters and always thought they'd be around. I couldn't find the photo I had in my head but kept thinking about the picture I took last month when I heard that Waldbaum's was closing. I knew I wanted to do a page about how a piece of my history was going away. The picture printed kinda wonky but it was fine, really.

So here's what I came up with. TFL!

Winter Yarn Wreath

2012-02-02T15:50:00.001-05:00

I needed something for my front door and was inspired to make a winter yarn wreath after seeing a bunch of examples on Pinterest. They are pretty quick and very easy to create.

Step 1-- Gather supplies. I purchased 2 contrasting colors of yarn because originally I thought I might make some stripes. In the end, I just went with the gray because I liked the way it looked in just one color. The yarn I used was a nice thick strand. It goes faster to wind it around when it's thicker.

I had the idea to string some pretty beads and wind those around my wreath so I purchased beads and some beading wire plus a wreath form.

I used this straw wreath form but I left the plastic packaging attached. I have unwrapped one before and it was a huge mess. Also, it was easier to attach the yarn to the plastic when getting started.

Step 2---- I simply taped the yarn end to the plastic and started to wind the yarn around until it was covered. I used a dab of hot glue to attach the other end. It took me about an hour to fully cover my wreath. Here's how it looked at this stage. It doesn't bother me that it isn't perfect. It is handmade!

Step 3----I knotted a long length of beading wire and started stringing some pretty beads.

After I had a section that I liked, I knotted that off and attached it to my wreath with some hot glue.

I did this until I had the design of the wreath the way I wanted it.

Step 4---I added some nice ribbon and hung it on my front door. I love the way my wreath came out. I hope you give it a try!

Thanks for stopping by!

I am linking up to

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/02/laundry-room-reveal.html

Yarn Wreath

2012-01-28T14:13:00.001-05:00

I finally finished my wreath for the front door! Stop by tomorrow for step-by-step instructions!

Sweet & Salty

2012-01-28T10:54:00.002-05:00

Another layout to share for a Kitchen Keepsakes challenge. This time it was to scrap a recipe for a treat you only make at Christmas. Jessica is a pro at making these pretzel hugs! It also helps that we have a waffle pretzel connection!

I used Pebbles pp (including the merry christmas strip), a sticker from Echo Park, Ormolu circle die cuts and chip letters from BG. TFL!

Have I ever told you?

2012-01-27T08:19:00.000-05:00

Did I ever post about how I won a fabulous prize over at TWO PEAS?

I submitted a whole bunch of product reviews between Christmas and New Year's and my name was drawn as a winner of a Tim Holtz Vagabond diecutting machine!

So I finally got my prize delivered.

and I noticed that the box had been opened and then taped back shut. Hmmmm, regifting a prize? Not so excited about that. So I took the machine out for a test run and it turns out the box had been opened because the machine itself was signed by Tim Holtz!!!

How cool is that! Thanks two peas!! =)

still scrapping

2012-01-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

Another day, another layout! The prompt over at Kitchen Keepsakes was to make a thankful page. Here's mine.

Patterned papers are all MME. Cardstock is Coordinations.

Thanks for looking!

Still in the Kitchen

2012-01-25T14:01:00.000-05:00

Another page for another KITCHEN KEEPSAKES challenge. This time is was from a few creative muse prompts.

Brown paper packages tied up with string = kraft background and some Doodlebug twine.

and
Use some mist--done! Studio Calico Mister Huey in red

I really layered it up on this LO. All patterned papers/ chipboard/label stickers are Crate Paper. Letters are Thickers and October Afternoon. Brad and transparency are MME. Thanks for looking!

Blue Christmas

2012-01-24T18:21:00.000-05:00

I did this page for a challenge over at kitchen keepsakes. The challenge was to use shades of blue. My page sort of went in a different direction but I like it anyway!

a few detail shots

Thanks for stopping by!

Some cards

2012-01-10T18:49:00.000-05:00

Sharing some cards I made today. There is a Card-a-Week Challenge over at Two Peas In A Bucket.
It would be awesome to have a stock pile of cute cards for when I need one.

For this one, I used a 4x4 piece of Jenni Bowlin's new Extension II release, a small card from Cosmo Cricket, some washi tape and a little bit of Studio Calico Mr. Huey Shine.

My second card used up some scraps of Crate Paper Random collection. The Jenni Bowlin butterfly stamp was a most coveted item that I finally used. I also broke out the embossing powder and heat gun. So much fun!!

I stamped and embossed the butterfly on a plain piece of white cardstock, rubbed some Tim Holtz Distress Stain (Victorian Velvet) over the image and cut it out. I then used a few pop dots for dimension. Label is October Afternoon and all stamps are CTMH.

Thanks for looking. I hope you find some crafty time soon.

CSI-Color, Stories, & Inspiration

2012-01-07T13:47:00.000-05:00

A cool new scrapping site just debuted. CSI--Color, Stories & Inspiration. The first challenge really got me inspired!

Here's what I created:

and a little detail......

Thanks for stopping by!

2012--It's here!

2012-01-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

A brand new year.

A clean slate.
New beginnings.
Do overs.
Starting fresh.

This is my year.

I am going to do what it takes to lose the weight that I have carried around since my sister died in 2007.

I have a plan.

Eat less. Move more. Stop eating chocolate, for now.

Wish me luck!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-28T21:27:00.000-05:00

I finally got the tree decorated! This is the first year it took until December 23rd for a variety of reasons.

December starts now

2011-12-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

The only decorating I've done is the floral arrangement on the mantle.

More Creating

2011-11-18T15:23:00.001-05:00

For Cocoa Daisy crop last weekend.

Christmas Past

2011-11-18T09:25:00.002-05:00

Here I am on Christmas Eve 1971. I loved that glass jar filled with tiny Christmas balls. It always seemed so magical to me. I was so excited for Santa to come and fill my Christmas stocking!

Here's a layout I did to go along with the photo.

scrap space

2011-11-13T20:24:00.002-05:00

This is where I create.

And here's a card I did for the Cocoa Daisy crop.

Plus another layout for a "repurposing' challenging. TFL!

Christmas comes early

2011-11-13T14:01:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick card I made for Shimelle's crop. Used ancient stash! =)

photo mosaic!

2011-11-13T12:50:00.000-05:00

Cocoa Daisy Crop!

2011-11-13T11:55:00.002-05:00

I've been playing at THIS crop all weekend! So much fun!

One of the challenges was to make a name tag with the scraps from your desk. Mine has to be large since

my name is so long!

Then I made a Christmas card inspired by a piece of clothing in the challenge post.

And for the Ceramics challenge, we had to use only black and white..as inspired by some beautiful pottery.

Thanks for looking!

Nook Blog Hop!

2011-11-03T09:12:00.000-04:00

The Nook is having a blog hop. Lots of great projects and prizes!

http://myscrapbooknook.org/forum/showthread.php?6937-%26%239829%3B%26%239829%3B%26%239829%3Bblog-hop%26%239829%3B%26%239829%3B%26%239829%3B

Kitchen Keepsakes

2011-10-31T12:50:00.000-04:00

I scrapped this recipe for Apple Crisp since it is a family favorite! It usually looks a little better than this picture shows but this particular time I made it, I messed up the measurements! It still came out tasting delicious!

Thanks for stopping by!

Some Fall Photos

2011-10-27T20:17:00.002-04:00

Backyard squirrels.

A little fall foliage from upstate NY

Krissy at the pumpkin patch.

Mojo Monday Sketch

2011-10-02T21:56:00.000-04:00

I loved this sketch from Mojo Monday

and paired it some cool resist paper from Pink Paislee.

I colored 2 squares with some Tim Holtz Distess Stain. I love the softness of this card. Thanks for looking!

Sketchy Thursday

2011-09-28T17:20:00.000-04:00

I played along with this fun sketch from Sketchy Thursday this week.

Here's my layout. I used some MME papers and a little bit of Crate Restoration. Border sticker is from Sass.

Thanks for coming by!

Random-ness

2011-09-15T17:48:00.001-04:00

I have been loving the Random line from Crate paper that came in this month's Nook kit. So far this week, I've made two layouts!

Although God blessed me with 2 daughters, I am lucky to also share my days with 2 adorable boys that I babysit for. This one, Aidan, is obsessed with all kinds of trucks and cars and things that 'go'. I love his happy face on his tractor!

Supplies used: Crate Random: denim, paint swatch, exposure, victorian. Crate Random buttons and journaling sticker. Letter stickers, October Afternoon, My Mind's Eye. Ampersand, and sticker letters (brown) Jillibean Soup. Chatterbox buttons and chipboard. Crate buttons, Bo Bunny brad. Authentique word sticker. Studio Calico paper swatch, journal sticker ,rickrack.

I used a Martha Stewart pinked circle punch to create a off center grid which I filled with a bunch of fun buttons from my stash.

This layout came together quickly using some of the sweet, pretty patterns from Random. I also broke out some of my Tim Holtz distress stain and tried it out on the edges of some Pink Paislee Mistables that I had.

Supplies used: Crate Paper Random: denim (floral), curtains, Pink Paislee Mistables. Tim Holtz Distress stain ( Victorian Velvet) and Distess Ink (Spun Sugar), Crate Paper Random Stand-Outs, Webster's Pages Push Pins, Studio Calico diecut sticker, MS butterfly punch, scallop circle punch, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Thickers, lace, buttons, Basic Grey bling.

Of course, I had to add in a few butterflies because I'm obsessed with them and I used one of those adorable Webster's Pages Push Pins that came in the kit. I also punched a few scalloped half circles out of the Webster's packaging and stuck that down as an added layer.

Thanks for visiting!

Some Crate

2011-09-12T20:00:00.000-04:00

This girl here, she's got spunk! This is A when she was 8 years old! Time does fly, right? She will be 16 next month. Still spunky!

I made this page for the color combo challenge at the Crate Paper blog. I mixed some Restoration and Emma's Shoppe(my absolute fave!) together to come up with a not so Halloween-ish page.

TFL!

Summer in the City

2011-09-10T18:32:00.001-04:00

I loved August's Studio Calico kit Boardwalk. I used the exclusive SC pp on this Lo along with some Crate paper and 7 gypsies metal numbers. The coffee stain stamp is also awesome!

It's true! While maybe we weren't THISCLOSE to JT we were.......this close. He was filming "Friends with Benefits" in Times Square as we were passing through. That totally counts.

Thanks for stopping by!

Bella Blvd

2011-09-08T14:23:00.001-04:00

I've been having some fun with Bella Blvd products lately. Here's a paper apron I made for my little dress form that sits on my scrapping desk. I used the Socialite line plus a mini Martha Stewart doily.

This quick card is for my daughter's lunchbox. She's a junior this year but it's a tradition that I put a handmade card in with her lunch every first day of school. I forgot this year so it's going in there tomorrow!

I used the Sophisticates line along with this adorable wood mounted Unity/Bella stamp that I got dirt cheap HERE

I used CTMH White Daisy pigment ink and CTMH white embossing powder. Quick, easy cute!

More Bella projects tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by!

MME Card Sketch

2011-09-06T19:17:00.000-04:00

School started today and the house was deliciously quiet! I tried my hand at the card sketch challenge over at the MME blog.

I used up some scraps I had from the August Scrapbook Nook kit which was filled with MME Lime Twist.

Here's my take on it with just a little bit of Jillibean Soup added in.

Bird Lover

2011-09-03T10:20:00.004-04:00

We love to go to the Elizabeth Morton Wildlife refuge. You bring some sunflower seeds and place them in your hands and soon enough a little birdie will alight on your hand and steal a few. I know this would freak some people out but I LOVE it!!

My husband is awesome at capturing the few seconds that the bird sits there with the camera. I have lots of pics like these to scrap!

I used BG Curio line on here as well as some Pink Paislee Daily Junque and some pretty lace. The circle frames are a cuttlebug die.

The pinked edge circle is a Martha punch. Thanks for stopping by!

Fine and Dandy

2011-08-31T17:20:00.003-04:00

We finally got our power back last night! Hurricane Irene has come and gone and aside from losing electricity, we did just fine. We were lucky we didn't lose any of our trees although our neighborhood is a complete mess. Most stores are up and running today and life is just about back to normal. School and work start next week so I am trying to enjoy the last few days of summer! I hope you also do something fun for Labor Day!

Waiting for Irene

2011-08-27T23:09:00.002-04:00

We have a supply of water and candles and flashlights and bagels. Now we are waiting for the storm to come. They say it will hit tomorrow morning between 8am and 10am. Already, the rain and wind have started and we are currently under a tornado watch as well. I know we will be safe tonight and that the sun will shine again on Monday!

2011-08-20T14:26:00.003-04:00

It's crop time at My Scrapbook Nook.

This challenge was use something from the kitchen. I raided Jessica's cupcake liner stash to make this fun embellishment for a quick Thank You card.
Danni challenges us to make a masculine card with a feminine twist. Lots of manly patterns and a girly heart.
A challenge from Stacey had us draw inspiration from the fashion of Elizabethan times. Hence the sheer floral doily I used on this Mary Poppins page.

Lots of layering on here.
Thanks for looking!

Christmas comes early

2011-08-15T16:28:00.004-04:00

I got another challenge done for Shimelle's online crop. This one was for the From The Heart challenge. I used the new Haven line from Jenni Bowlin that I think was June's kit.
I added some bits and pieces of sticker letters and Christmas embellishments along with these cute holly leaves and brads from Making Memories which I had in my ~~hoard~~

stash.

Lots of inky edges and lots of layering! Thanks for looking!

Free printable

2011-08-14T14:28:00.003-04:00

Using this free digital download at Shimelle.com , I made this quick card.

(You may have to scroll down on Shimelle's blog to see the download.) I used the girl circles.

I also added a scrap of old Ki Memories, some ribbon, 2 stickers from LYB and a wee little butterfly from a Martha punch. TFL!

More cropping @Shimelle.com

2011-08-14T14:09:00.003-04:00

This one is for the Chop up your paper challenge at Shimelle.com online crop. I layered patterned paper from Bella Boulevard to embellish the page. Plus, pink glittery Thickers make everything better.

I also snuck one of those free digi downloads from the crop.
Thanks for looking!

Shimelle.com online crop

2011-08-13T18:59:00.005-04:00

I completed this layout for the grid challenge at shimelle.com

The theme for this challenge for me was..."just cut it". And the ever popular, "it's only paper."

Can you tell sometimes I have trouble using some newest product that I'm in love with?

So, I sliced into my Five and Dime collection from October Afternoon. It only hurt a little. Plus, I got some pictures of myself scrapped. Forty years later =)
I am loving all the challenges from the crop! Thanks for stopping by!

Online Crop at Shimelle.com

2011-08-13T14:19:00.004-04:00

Loving Shimelle's crop! So far I've done the Starting Point challenge,

I used Basic Grey's Curio line plus lots of fun stuff from my stash. I had so much fun with this challenge! Lots of inky edges.

Love the little Maya Road canvas banner pieces and the prima flower buttons. Calendar card and dot pp is also Prima.
Title is Basic Grey curio alpha stickers and BG milk chocolate chip letters.

Finally used one of those pretty Studio Calico notions.

Loved using up some stash! Thanks for looking!

Week in the Life-Friday

2011-07-31T11:35:00.007-04:00

Montauk in the morning. On my way to the bakery to get some much need coffee. I also scored 4 lemon poppy seed muffins for Rich and got breakfast for the girls.

Look at these girls still in bed! They are like slugs!!
I love how A's little head and bun are peaking up from the air matress.

A little beading.

I love the ocean.

Her beach read.

My beach read (which I finished!)

J is trying to convince A to go in.
No luck so she heads in alone!
Success! They are both in!
J is a great kite flier!
Yay! Krissy finally came! Unfortunately, so did the drizzle. We had snacks and wine and dance party time before dinner. This is just the time my camera battery called it quits. We went to The Lobster Roll to eat. I had (of course) a lobster roll. A had fish and chips, Dee and Kris had flounder and J had chicken fingers. Deesert was some kind of smores sundae which was delish!

Week In The Life-Thursday

2011-07-31T11:22:00.003-04:00

Car is almost packed for our trip to Montauk.
We're there! Lunch at Gosman's Dock where A had a traumatic event happen. A seagull attacked her while eating her lunch. I guess we were sitting too close to the water. She was very upset and was not herself the rest of the day. My advice was to "suck it up."
Jess and I headed to town looking for a pedicure place. Instead, we ended up at White's where we bought a kite.
Nice shoes! Nice floor in Coffee Tauk,
Beautiful sunset! We hung out in the hot tub (where there was an altercation between this woman who didn't want kids in there with a man who thought it was ok). The pool was nice too. Quick dinner in our room of pizza and salad then we headed to the world's smallest movie theater to watch "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2" It was the second time Diana and I had seen it and the third for A and J. A hated it even more the 3rd time due to the inconsistencies between the movie and the book. Back in the room. A amswered all questions related to Hary Potter for Dee and I while J struggled to read her dumb summer assignment book.

WITL/ Monday and Tuesday

2011-07-28T00:36:00.004-04:00

I took a few photos on Monday and Tuesday.

Monday--just a regular day spent at home catching up on some housework. Cleaned the bathroom, washed the bath mats. I also headed out to Goodwill and St. Vincent De Paul to see if I could find some treasures. I bought 2 wood shelves(2.99 each) a mason jar (1.99) and a crystal sugar bowl (2.99). I got bagels for lunch and stopped in at 7Brothers market and picked up ground beef to make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.

Tuesday--the girls slept very late. I did a little crafting, a little web surfing. We went over Dee's so the girls could go swimming. Came home and made dinner.....grilled bbq chicken and salad. Dee stopped over later to hang out.

Week in the Life-Wednesday

2011-07-28T00:25:00.004-04:00

No pictures yet but I have them. Wednesday was all about preparation for the short trip we are taking to Montauk.

I did a few loads of laundry and uploaded about 350 photos to Walgreens so I can catch up on Project Life. I woke the girls up at 12:15.

Jess and I headed to Michael's since she had a list for some jewelry making supplies she wanted. I ended up getting some beads to make an ankle bracelet and maybe a necklace.

We also went to Shop Rite..after a quick drive through at Starbucks. Grande iced non-fat latte with 2 equals for me, grande passion fruit iced tea(sweetened) for Jess.

Amanda had gone to Tanger to see Captain America with Megan.

After the supermarket, I put groceries away and did some laundry. I headed out to pick up Amanda and Megan, stopping at The Christmas Tree Store first to get 2 boogie boards for vacation. I gathered the girls and we stopped at Chipolte to get dinner. Came home and ate quickly so I could get to Dee's by 7pm for angel class. We saw a cute little rainbow on the way. Great class! Lots of laughs with Rosemarie. I got home around 11pm and did yet another load of laundry and got the suitcases from the basement. I had a piece of cake and some milk and surfed the web for awhile. I better get to bed because I have a lot of packing to do in the a.m!

Lucky Me!

2011-07-18T11:23:00.002-04:00

This is what my 2 awesome daughters created for me for my birthday! They hung 45 rainbow hued origami cranes over my scrapping desk. Amazing! I feel very loved! :)

Drama free!

2011-07-08T20:00:00.000-04:00

This about sums it up!

Recipe Challenge

2011-06-12T16:39:00.002-04:00

Here's my recipe challenge for June at Challenge Masters

Ingredients:

3 patterned papers (at least)

2 or more photos

1 or more circles

1 hand made embellishment

Bonus ingredient******something music related whether it be a picture, patterned paper or an embellishment.

Mojo Monday Card

2011-05-29T19:47:00.002-04:00

Loved the sketch at Mojo Monday so I tried it out. Thanks for the inspiration!

Jenni Bowlin Challenge

2011-05-29T19:40:00.004-04:00

Finally getting a chance to upload this for the Jenni Bowlin Inspiration blog challenge.The challenge was to use 4 things....

1. stars

2. stamping

3.butterflies

4. ledger paper

Thanks for looking!

Playing in the rain

2011-05-12T07:56:00.000-04:00

Rainy day Shea.

NSD at Two Peas

2011-05-10T14:55:00.004-04:00

This is the layout I lifted from Garden Girl Jamie Waters.

I did this layout for the "scrap lift a garden girl" challenge over at http://twopeasinabucket.com/

It's a new day.

2011-05-09T11:01:00.001-04:00

Day 1 of Operation Do Something Different.

This means...no more chocolate and no more bad food choices. I am going to "do something different." I know that I can.

I have gained back 5 pounds of the 14 pounds I had lost. I will NOT allow the number to get bigger.

STOP THE MADNESS!

Challenge Masters NSD Crop!

2011-05-05T23:25:00.002-04:00

"National Scrapbooking Day Crop!"

The fun has started at Challenge Masters with an NSD crop. This is for the Card Challenge. Create a card with at least one butterfly and one button on it. Some details…..

This layout is for the color challenge.Use red, black and white as the primary colors in your layout.

My sample:

Some details

Thanks for looking. I hope you’ll join in on the fun. Lots of great prizes!

National Scrapbooking Day Crop!

2011-05-05T10:07:00.005-04:00

The online crop at Challenge Masters has started. This layout is for the color challenge.
Use red, white and black in a layout.

Card Challenge: Use at least one butterfly and on ebutton on an any occasion card! Like this one.

Easter Cookies!

2011-04-23T15:39:00.001-04:00

Some Scrappy Stuff

2011-04-18T09:54:00.003-04:00

Spring break is here so I've been scrapping. I did this one for the Shabby Challenge at Challenge Masters.

Lots of distressing and layering.
And a title that sums up how lucky I feel to be a mom. Photo is from 2001.

I also tried my hand at making cake balls. They came out delicious!

Happy Passover!

April Recipe Challenge

2011-04-09T16:38:00.003-04:00

I'm the new Recipe Diva at Challenge Masters. This month, the recipe calls for 2 pictures, 3 different patterned papers, letter stickers, chipboard and a deco edge.

Here's a closer look at my sample.

Here's a picture of my ribbon stash for a storage thread in the ScrapChat forum at CM.

Thanks for stopping by!

Journaling Challenge!

2011-03-31T09:14:00.001-04:00

I used my Counterfeit kit to make my sample for the March journaling challenge at Challenge Masters. Just in the nick of time, since April starts tomorrow :)

There is a slight misting mishap on here but I carried on anyway! I only completed 4 layouts and 1 card with my Counterfeit kits this month. I had high hopes at the beginning of the month but real life and she-art creating took over!

Here's one girl I did. I love the decoupaged background and frilly dress accents.

A closer look.

Thanks for stopping by!

Counterfeit Kit Layouts 1 and 2

2011-03-22T07:05:00.002-04:00

Here are 2 layouts I did with my main kit.

The red polka dot paper was the "B" side of one of my picks and I used up some of my embellies on here. My daughter needs to journal since she is the one who visited Universal.

I love the woodsy feel of this one!

Thanks for looking!

Spring Wreath

2011-03-20T15:01:00.007-04:00

Happy Spring!

I have seen a few yarn wreaths around the web and was dying to try my hand at one! I love the way it came out and it was totally easy to do.

First, I started with some green yarn, a styrofoam wreath and some picks and little birdies from the craft store.

Next, I hot glued one end of the yarn to a starting point on the wreath and wound the yarn around the wreath, trying to keep it even on one side. This took me about 45 minutes. When I was done, I decided which part of the wreath was the top and wound some florist wire around and into a loop for a hanger, hot gluing the loop to make it a little hidden on the back.

Next, I cut some picks apart and started to layer and hot glue them as I went.

in progress................

I added in a little birdie!

and a butterfly which I punched out of paper and glittered.

and viola!

Here it is hanging on my front door. I may add a ribbon to the top. Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my wreath. I also hooked up to the Sunday Showcase over at Under the Table and Dreaming.

March Ad/Art Challenge!

2011-03-13T13:34:00.003-04:00

Here is the inspiration piece for the ad/art challenge over at Challenge Masters.

I love the beachy feel of this ad and used the colors as inspiration for my layout also.

We stayed at the Yacht and Beach club at Walt Disney World this past May and we loved it. The cool colors in the Vera Bradley ad reminded me of the hotel. Here's a close up of that beautiful flower that I cut from a yard of trim.

March Counterfeit Kit !

2011-03-09T17:44:00.013-05:00

This month, the Counterfeit Kit Club chose Studio Calico as the inspiration for our kits. There is a main kit, plus four add-ons! I did three. Since I am leaving on Thursday for a long scrapping weekend, I know that my kits are going to get a workout this month!

First up, the Studio Calico main kit called "Into the Woods".

I loved the earthy look of this collection yet it is really not my style at all. I picked anything that looked wood-like and stuck it in my kit. I accented it with oranges and greens. I used some partial sheets as well as a squirrel pattern that I had in my stash. (I love squirrels...from afar!) Here's what my kit looks like.

Plus some embellishments....

and some more embellishments =)

Next up, an add on kit called Babbling Brook

Lots of pretty yellow and teal in this one but once I started picking paper to go with some photos I know I am going to scrap, it morphed into yellows and grays with some pretty blues added in. Here's mine.....

And some embellies!

Another add on called Wildflower from Studio Calico

This kit is really soft and pretty and reminds me of springtime and easter and baby girls. I went through my scraps and picked a few partial sheets plus hoping to use up some old stash. Here's mine.....

Kinda loving these embellishments I picked out.

Last add-on I did was called Sunny Clearing.

I went with bright colors here and lots of October Afternoon plus some more scraps.

Gotta have some cute embellishments

I added in some cardstock although I never worry about adding that because I always have so much on hand.

So I am off to pack my bags for my annual scrappy getaway. Can't wait! Thanks for checking things out!

Please scroll down to leave a comment! =)

Here She is!

2011-03-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

My first she art canvas!

Most Viewed!

2011-03-01T20:11:00.002-05:00

If you are here for the Counterfeit Kit Club Blog Hop click here.

In other news, my layout was Most Viewed at Two Peas on Sunday. I was soooo excited!!!

Counterfeit Kit Blog Hop!

2011-02-27T12:46:00.011-05:00

Welcome to the Counterfeit Kit Club Challenge Blog hop!

If you didn't start at the beginning of the hop, here's where to go.....Counterfeit Kit Club blog.

This month we were challenged to create a layout based on a sketch from Scraps of Darkness.

Here's the sketch

And here's my layout.

Some details...................

Everything I used was from my kit! I love putting my embellishments to good use! =)

Including this layout, I created 6 layouts and one card this month from my kit! Here's one I hadn't posted on my blog yet.

I hope you had fun hopping by. Your next stop is Jemma's blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

Counterfeit Kit Mini Challenge Paper piecing

2011-02-26T14:37:00.005-05:00

I was once a master paper piecer! I mean look at this masterpiece from 2000!

I made my own pattern from a coloring book and painstakingly recreated baby Minnie!

Scrapbooking has come a long way, right?

For the mini challenge to paper piece at Counterfeit Kit club, I went to the pattern experts at Scrapbooks etc and found something I liked.

I used this pattern to create a card from my kit.

I added an old rub on, an Ali Edwards sticker and some bling from my stash but all the paper is from my kit...including the red felt. Hello stamp is Hero Arts.

I hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by today!

Counterfeit Kit Layout

2011-02-21T20:07:00.005-05:00

This is the third page I've done using my kit. I am still sticking with the wedding pictures because I have a whole stack of them and the kit goes with them perfectly!

Here's a page about my brother-in-law's sister; Aunt Lu-ann.

I used a half sheet of pp from my kit and I added a deco border from a Martha Stewart punch.

I made the flower using a Tim Holtz Alterations diecut. I used the french script stamp that I had in my kit and I stamped black on cream cardstock. Then I ran it through my cuttlebug with the flower die and assembled my flower according to the directions I found on this blog. I smeared some Distress Stickles on the petals and heated with a heat tool (who knew you could do THAT?) to create a little dimension......sooo cool! Also finished off the flower with 3 pearls from my kit.

I used one of the Daisy D tags from my kit and added a few flowers which I also used the distress stickles and pearls on. I tied a little piece of black ribbon around the stems that actually came from the Narratives tag I used on LO#1. Loving the way this page looks and thrilled that not only did I do technique, I made my own flower and used some really old stash! I love this counterfeit kit thing!

I added one 7 Gypsies sticker and some old Wordsworth sticker letters that were not in my kit.

Thanks for looking!

Counterfeit Kit Mini Challenge Pen-to-Paper

2011-02-21T19:41:00.004-05:00

Counterfeit Kit Club's mini challenge this month was to basically make a page with only journaling, no photos. I have done this type of page before and find it very therapeutic.

Since the colors in my kit this month fit with a family wedding, I used this opportunity to journal

about the bittersweet occasion.

Basically, the story is this.......my sister passed away in 2007. She had been married to Danny(my brother-in-law) for 31 years. This past May, he married my sister's best friend, Diane, whom I also know and love. While I was happy for them, it was also painful.

I used an old Daisy D's sheet of patterned paper from my kit and basically let that do the work.

I sliced a hole in the side of the heart to slide my journaling sheet in there, inked and scalloped the edges of the cardstock and used some stamps from my kit to add a little something to the page. Very old sticker letters from CI and some Hero Art stamps finished off the title. TFL!

Journaling Challenge!

2011-02-20T17:27:00.001-05:00

Challenge Masters February Journaling challenge is up! This month, I challenge you to use different mediums and fonts in your journaling.

In this example, from 2003!, I used itty bitty rubber stamps and also highlighted some words by matting them.

On this page, also scrapped in 2003, I highlighted certain words with chalk.Wh

en I look at this layout, I am still happy with the look of it.

Soup's on!

2011-02-13T14:21:00.006-05:00

The ad/art challenge is up at Challenge Masters. This month, I chose artwork by Lord Fredrick Leighton called "Flaming June".

Here's what I came up with.

I loved the colors and the luxuriousness of the draping.

Makes 6 servings.

I never claimed to be a gourmet cook! It is VERY semi-homemade! =)

I hope you are inspired to create.....or cook! Adieu!

Counterfeit Kit layout #1

2011-02-08T19:23:00.004-05:00

I whipped up this layout this morning with my counterfeit kit. And when I say whipped up, I mean it took me a little under an hour which is speedy for me! It was so freeing to only use the paper from the kit and it really streamlined my process since paper picking is always the most time consuming and overwhelming part of scrapping for me.
I added American Craft sticker letters and a BG naked ampersand

which I sprayed with the TA charcoal chalkboard mist. Looks lighter in the photo than in real life and I'm happy with how it turned out. TFL!

February Counterfeit Kit

2011-02-07T16:54:00.017-05:00

I have been following a new challenge blog that encourages you to make your own kit out of your stash. Very cool concept. I didn't play last month because I happen to subscribe to the kit they lifted. It seemed a little silly to go through my stash to make a copycat kit when I had the real deal right in front of me. This month, I waited patiently for the 5th of the month to see what kit they picked. I wasn't disappointed with the selection and got right to work!

This is the main kit from Scraps of Darkness

Although the original kit had pinks and purples amongst the red and blacks, I decided against those and just stuck with this palette instead.

Red, kraft,black, cream and white.

Not that I am not a pink and purple girl, because I am, but I was just feeling the black and red thing so I went with it.

I had the best time going through my stash to find papers that felt just right!

I chose 13 patterned papers......some are doubled sided which is a bonus! I also stuck a sheet of 12x12 printed transparency which is ancient. I can't wait to see how I will use it!

Teresa Collins/Tags and diamonds
7 Gypsies/ red script
Jenni Bowlin/Uncle Jim
7 Gypsies/Pisa
Daisy D's/Antique Lace
Pink Paislee/Love potion
Daisy D's/chocolat
Pink Paislee/flower garden
Basic Grey/Blush
Making Memories/Love story
Mambi/ red flowers
Collage press/postmark
Narratives/ transparency quote paper

Some of this pp I've had in my stash for, I'm gonna guess, 8 years or so! Daisy D's and the 7gypsies specifically. Feels good to get a chance to use it.
It was pretty hard to stop adding embellishments. I picked a bunch of stuff that coordinated with the Scraps Of Darkness kit and made myself call it a day!
I had 2 of the same embellishments as the main kit...the bingo card and the prima pebbles. Other embellies are:

LYB clear stamps
Prima newsprint flowers
Prima black, gray, ivory flowers
MME red bling
Queen and Co. black pearls
1 small bunch flowers
2 small white doillies
2 cardstock scalloped edges diecuts
2 Webster's Pages journaling cards
Fancy Pants scroll chipboard
4 Daisy D's tags/1 frame
2 Narratives tags
Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type alphas
4 stick pins

I also did the add on.

Scraps of Darkness version

My version.

I've got some red strip bling, BG bling it, Imaginesce red/black flowers, Jenni Bowlin vellum butterflies, Melissa Frances vintage embellishment pack, 7 Gypsies stickers, silver Glimmer Mist, black rosette trim, black satin ribbon, sheer black ribbon,black/beige twill.

For the color add on, I put in some sprays that I had never used.

TA chalkboard glimmer in charcoal and chalk
TA Glam in hayride
Heidi Swapp mask
Tim Holtz mask
SU diamond glitter
Art Institute black glitter
xmas red Stickles
Antique Linen Distress stickles
Stamp Rosa french script stamp
piece of red felt
2 heart charms
2 key charms

Thanks for checking things out. I am ready to go create something with my kit!

2011-02-05T17:09:00.002-05:00

I made this mixed media canvas for Kristin's birthday. I have been itching to paint something on a canvas and I love the way this came out!

I am totally inspired to make something else. Maybe tomorrow?

Project Life!

2011-02-03T10:42:00.004-05:00

I am loving the way the first few weeks have come out. At first, everyone around here was grumbling about me taking a photo of them doing typical stuff. Now it has morphed into,

"Is that going to be your picture of the day??" :)

Winner!

2011-02-01T07:56:00.001-05:00

The winner of a small RAK from me is..................

Ziggyeor said...

Cute LO!

I managed to follow your blog!

Congrats Ziggyeor!

Email me at Scrapnatya@aol.com with your mailing info!

BLOG HOP!

2011-01-27T20:19:00.009-05:00

It's Challenge Masters Blog Hop time!

Love is in the air and the Challenge Master Divas are celebrating by having a blog hop!

The hop runs from Friday January 28th until Sunday January 30th. We have lots of prizes, fun and inspiration for you this weekend. If you have arrived from Liz's blog you are on the right track.

If you just got here than you need to head over to our Stash/Tag Diva Tammy's blog to get started.

All of the Divas are creating love inspired projects for you to enjoy. We also each have a word for a secret phrase. You need to stop by each blog and collect the words (they are all jumbled so you will need to visit each one) and once you have unscrambled them, send the phrase to tealeaf@shaw.ca to be entered to win one of the two grand prizes.

We each have a small blog prize as well so you want to make sure that you stop by all the blogs and leave us some love, so that you have multiple chances to win! Another way to win, is to create your own love inspired project and remember it can be anything you love (a person, a place, a thing, a hobby..whatever love means to you) and upload it to the Challenge Master’s Gallery in the forum. You will have until Sunday February 13th to enter your projects and then after careful deliberation a winner will be announced on our challenge blog!

The grand prize winner will receive a great prize pack donated by our Stash & Tag Diva Tammy! You don’t want to miss out on this so start creating! You can enter as many times as you wish as long as you create new projects each time.

The word you need to collect from my blog is ............we

I created a layout that focuses on my family's love of Walt Disney World. We took a trip there in May and I still have a ton of photos to scrap!

I used all SEI patterned paper and chipboard frames. Sticker letters are American Craft and Doodlebug. Doily is Martha Stewart.

Bling is Doodlebug. I also used some bling cardstock from Bazzill and pink Stickles from Ranger.

I hope you will take a few seconds to leave a comment for your chance to win a small RAK from me. I would also love it if you became a follower, but you don't have to in order for a chance to win.

Winner will be notified by Feb. 1st.

Don't forget to create a love inspired project and upload it over at Challenge Masters for a chance at the Grand Prize! Good Luck and Happy Creating!

Now you are off to Colette's blog for some more creative love! You don't want to miss what she has got in store for you!

Richard Scarry & Me

2011-01-25T07:47:00.004-05:00

I have always loved books. Some of my earliest memories include me begging for someone to read to me. My mom was a big reader and I get my love of the printed word from her.

One of my very favorite children's author is Richard Scarry. I specifically remember this story about chipmunk's birthday party. How wonderful it would be to have a big bowl of something pink to drink! I think Mr. Scarry also helped to foster my love of all small and furry creatures. Look at how cute that chipmunk is!

I made sure that when my girls were toddlers there were always a load of his books around. Both Jessica and Amanda know who Huckle the Cat and Lowly the Worm are. Now, I have also gotten Aidan and Shea in on the act and although

both their parents are teachers, neither one knew who Richard Scarry was! Oh the calamity!

I found this set of books at an antique store not long ago. It was buried under a bunch of books and was just waiting there for me to discover it.

Some of the books seemed like they had never even been opened. I brought them home and spent the afternoon pouring through them. They are a treasure! Life would not be the same without Richard Scarry and BusyTown!

Blog Hop!

2011-01-25T07:14:00.002-05:00

Love is in the air and the Challenge Master Divas are celebrating by having a blog hop! The hop is going to run from Friday January 28th until Sunday January 30th. We have lots of prizes, fun and inspiration for you this weekend!

2011-01-16T12:05:00.004-05:00

Week three challenges are up at Challenge Masters. I am hosting the journaling one, which is to make a list. Here's my example.

Please note that my fave things are NOT listed in order of preference! =)

Gratitude

2011-01-05T07:46:00.003-05:00

I am grateful for this body because it gets up and goes everyday.

I am grateful for the beauty of the world outside my window. Mother Nature is an awesome artist!

I am grateful for my hard working husband and my smart and beautiful daughters. I am grateful for the abundance of material things in my life. I have all that I need. I am grateful.

October Sketch at Challenge Masters

2010-10-17T10:32:00.004-04:00

It's October sketch time!

Here's my sketch.........................

and here's my sample:

The pictures are of me from when I was almost 5. My sister Judy must have told me to make model poses because I don't know how else to explain the strange stances! I love looking at pictures of myself from days gone by because there are so few.

I used all MME patterned paper except for lined background paper, that's BG. Patterned butterflies are spellbinder die cuts, chipboard butterfly is Scenic Route. Fired Brick and Peeled Paint Distress inks, Sizzix flowers, CosmoCricket sticker letters, MM sticker letters, Fontwerks date sticker, Kaiser pearls.

Fall Blog Hop!

2010-09-17T00:01:00.007-04:00

Welcome to the Ch{all}enge Masters F{all} into a Ch{all}enge Blog Hop! The challenge Divas have gotten together to create some fantastic Fall themed projects for you to be inspired and enjoy!

You should have arrrived here from //http://lovinglife-liz.blogspot.com/

Liz's blog.

If not, then you need to start back at Tammy's Blog (Stash & Tag Diva) (http://tampatha.wordpress.com/).

We all have a secret word that you need to collect to spell an autumn phrase and to be entered to win one of the grand prizes. All the details are on her blog and you don't want to miss out on any great prizes along the way as we all have something special that you can win!

I hope you are enjoying all the eye candy you have seen so far. My project looks so much better in real life (I swear ;0) Unfortunately, it is storming as I am trying to take photos,and you know how that goes, so I hope you like it!

It is actually really dimensional which is not showing up so well in these photos. I plan on putting it on the mantel as soon as October starts. I used Making Memories cream polka dot pp from a few years ago and JillyBean Orange polka dot pp. The haunted house photo is from Jenni Bowlin's Halloween kit (which is to die for!)

I love hunting through my stash for just the right touch of something and for this project I came up with an old Jolee's (don't judge me) witch hat with spell book, wand and broom. I busted out an old black bottlecap from Lil Davis(remember them?) and topped it with a new sticker from Studio G. A few other Making Memories halloween embellishments from their collection from a couple of years ago add to the fun along with a Pink Paislee rub on and a Jenni Bowlin sticker. Alphabet letters are Basic Grey, American Craft Thickers,and a Heidi Swapp "H" covered with black glitter. All edges have been inked and distressed!

My absolute favorite part of this project is the teeny tiny JB Halloween Bingo cards. It really is part of the packaging that I cut apart. Totally not my own idea yet brilliant!

I was inspired by the Jenni Bowlin designers especially http://www.jbsmercantile.com/page.asp?Page=141 Ranjini Malhatra and http://www.jbsmercantile.com/page.asp?Page=298 Kerry Lynn Yeary.

There a few ways to win during this blog hop:

1. You can leave a comment here (by Sunday, Sept 19th by 11pm EST)telling me your favorite part of fall. If you do this you will be in the running for a cute little RAK from me. (photo coming soon)

2. Create a fall project. Whatever kind of project you come up with(a card, a scrapbook page, or something else ) it must be fall themed. Then go to http://www.challengemastersonline.com/ and upload it to our gallery. If you are new to Challenge Masters, you must register twice (once for the forums and once for the gallery although it can all be the same user names and password) There will also be a thread in our forums dedicated to our blog hop so make sure to post your creation there as well. A great kit could be yours by entering!

3. Visit each blog in order of the hop and write down the secret words. Details on Blog 1 (Tammy) about how to win this prize.

Don't forget while you are at Challenge Masters to check out all our other challenges. We have new ones starting on Sunday that run through the end of the month. Jump right in!

Thanks for visiting my blog. My secret word is

Next stop on the blog hop is Anne. You can visit her here at http://www.annemade-anne.blogspot.com/

Happy Fall!

scroll down to leave a comment =)

Blog Hop!

2010-09-14T09:10:00.002-04:00

This weekend, Challenge Masters is having its first blog hop! There are several ways to win and a bunch of great prizes. Check back on Friday for all the details!

Challenge Masters Sketch Challenge

2010-08-15T13:03:00.002-04:00

Here's my latest sketch for the Challenge Masters site. I did it in MS Word and I think next month I will go back to doing it my own way.

Nook Stuff

2010-08-09T11:57:00.002-04:00

I couldn't wait to dig into the August Scrpbook Nook kit that came the other day. It was packed with Sassafrass Lass Indigo Girl and some fun embellishments.

Here's a layout of Amanda and Jessica. I love this picture although they have grown up a lot in the 2 years since this photo was taken!I am a sucker for decorative tape. The green one here is from Basic Grey. I folded it into a loop to make faux leaves. LOVE it!

More BG deco edge tape on this card and more Indigo Girl! I can't sew but it looks like I did by adding some DCWV colored rubons over my little banner letters.
A card I made with some October Afternoon papers that came in a Nook kit from a few months ago. The card is based on a sketch from The Nook's forum. I also used some Chatterbox felt and chipboard stickers, some cute Bo Bunny brads, flowers I punched out of some vintage dictionary paper and some Heidi Grace flourish rubons.

A few of my favorites

2010-08-09T11:35:00.006-04:00

When my nieces came over the other day, they went looking through all my old albums. I came across a few that are my faves.

I love this one because I was inspired by some angel cards. I try to take notice of the signs that come my way.

This one is for Cindy. I think scrapbooking is very theraputic for me.

I love this layout because it expresses how I feel about this life I lead.

I only have a handful of baby pictures of myself (the curse of being the youngest of 6) so this one is precious to me.

2010-07-12T12:14:00.000-04:00

I created this layout after seeing color combo #150 at http://colorcombosgalore.ning.com/

I bought the postcard a few years ago in an antique store beacuse it captured the feeling I had about summer vacations spent at a motel in Massachusetts when I was little.

If I hadn't just come a cross it a few days ago, I would have totally forgotten I had it.

After creating it, I went right out to the antique store in search of treasure. More on that later!

Crate Paper Creations

2010-06-26T08:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I spent my first day of summer vacation scrapping. Hooray! This birdhouse had been in my "to-be-altered" pile for about 5 years.

I used some Crate Paper Little Sprout patterned paper for the roof and fringed it. The birdie peeking through the hole is actually a fabric button from Brenda Walton that had just been sitting on my desk. It worked perfectly with the Crate Paper Lillian"Home" pattern that I used to cover the front. I had a bunch of coordinating Crate Paper die cuts so I layered a few
for the peak. I love the little leaves with the words on them. Too Cute!I used the backside of the Home pattern (pink) for the eaves. I cut them with a scallop edge and then adorned them with some Basic Gray rub ons that I always have in my stash. Lots of rub on surgery required but I happen to love that kind of thing. Some pretty mini wired prima's wound around the front perch finished off the front.
I used one of the pretty glittered diecuts as a hanging tag off the perch too.

I love the way it turned out and I think it will grace our mantel for the summer.

Today is my niece Diana's 28th birthday! Can that be right? I love the woman that the spunky little girl has become. I made her this glittery birthday card. I hope she likes it!

I cut out a large hydrangea image from a piece of Crate Paper Samantha Collection and glittered the edges with purple glitter. I then pop dotted the image over the same piece of patterned paper for a 3D effect. I also added some green glitter to the leaves and stem.

I topped the card off with a doily, some buttons, a blingy inked butterfly and some pretty sheer ribbon.

2010-06-22T20:04:00.000-04:00

This page I made for Color Combos Galore was chosen as a featured page last week. I thought it was so cool to click on the gallery and see Jessica's sweet baby face staring back at me!http://www.colorcombosgalore.ning.com/

Only a few more days and I will be done with work. I am looking foward to the lazy days of summer! I am also looking foward to spending some time at my scrap desk.

I did this layout for the sketch challenge at Challenge Masters where I am part of the design team. Loved Audrey Yaeger's sketch!

http://www.challengemastersonline.com/forum/index.php

Mom

2010-04-22T16:03:00.000-04:00

My latest page. I made the tag for a challenge at Ch{all}enge Masters. I loved digging through my stash and finiding stuff I had long forgotten about. See, there is a reason that I didn't purge everything.

Earth Day

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

Happy 40th Earth Day! Amanda made me promise to plant something today in honor of this day. It's wonderful to have the day off and besides gardening and laundry, I'm hoping to get some scrapping done!