How Sweet It Is...

Sweet Boy

2012-03-02T10:44:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post today.

I have been cleaning out my crowded and cramped scrap space lately and in doing so have re-discovered alot of supplies that I had and forgotten about.

Case in point, the yellow paper is from a pack of Stampin' Up paper that I got last summer at a friend's house, came home, put away and TOTALLY forgot about!

Most of the rest is made out of scraps & some fun V-day supplies from K& Co that I picked up at Michael's a few weeks ago.

You'll also notice that I used baker's Twine (the Twinery) to make a grid on my page and then finished it off with little vignettes of odds & ends hanging around.

It was a rather quick LO and lots of fun.

Additional supplies: Grey paper: October Afternoon, alphas-My Little Shoebox.

Thanks for popping in!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

(and T.G.I.F.!!!!)

New York 2010

2012-03-01T11:00:00.003-04:00

When I got this project assignment, my first thought was to ask for a different project.

I usually run out of steam and inspiration with mini's. I guess I get bored too easily.

While I still may not be the biggest fan of mini albums, I can tell you working with this one was quite different from my normal experience. I think because this album differs so much from page to page, I found it easier to keep my pages and entries unique (which kept my mojo going).

Once I had settled on a theme and selected my papers & photos, the rest was much easier for me and I pretty much had this completed in a few hours. I still anticpate adding some more of my experiences from New York (it was such a fun place to spend a few days) but the format of this book makes it very easy to add to it and make it your own.

Here are a few of my favorite pages.

I LOVED that the cover has a protective covering on it. I added some adhesive fabric from The Amy Tangerine line to the cardstock cover and then layered some stickers & buttons to the top for a more dimensional look.

I also wanted to note the back cover as well (I left it pretty much bare BUT used my new Knock Out punch (Tiny Holes design) and threaded some embroidery floss through it and secured it around to the button on the front cover which acts as a great closure)

Supplies: Day Book, Off the Map (76212) - Amy Tangerine, Mustard (71036) - Cardstock, Is it Any Wonder Paper (35556) - Amy Tangerine, Daisy's Diner Paper (35539) - Garden Cafe, Mark Paper (35576) - Chap, Jim Paper (35567) - Chap, Scott Paper (35575) - Chap, Maple Pineapple (53221) - Thickers, Wonder Kale (53263) - Thickers, Daybook: Mixed Envelopes (78082) - Amy Tangerine, Plastic Buttons (85573) - Daydream, Premium Ribbon (89417) - Amy Tangerine, Mixtape: Washi Tape (61748) - Amy Tangerine, Daybook Die Cut Shapes (77288) - Bits

Thanks for popping by!

Happy March!!

You are the Joy

2012-02-29T20:55:00.000-04:00

Can you believe how quickly this month went by?

I almost forgot to post these 2 American Crafts projects this month.

This first project was inspired by the 'quilted' LOs that were featured on the AC blog this month

and went with a chevron pattern that is so so hot right now.

If you missed it, you can see it here (and the 4 other posts before it).

Supplies (all American Crafts unless otherwise noted): White (71081) - Cardstock, Orange You Glad Paper (35544) - Amy Tangerine, Daisy's Diner Paper (35539) - Garden Cafe, Cheery Day Paper (35611) - Daydreams, Wonderful Day Paper (35601) - Daydreams, Great Day Paper (35602) - Daydreams, Round Buttons White (85447) - Elements, Plastic Buttons (85573) - Daydreams, Just Write Journalling Cards (64011) - Garden Cafe, Wonder Kale (53263) - Thickers, Sunny White (53122) - Thickers, Remarks Stickers: Friends (42228) - Daydreams

**Burlap strip & white buttons from stash.

Supplies: (all American Crafts unless otherwise noted): White (71081) - Cardstock, , Happy Day Paper (35600) - Daydreams, Gleeful Day Paper (35604), Remarks Stickers: Friends (42228) - Daydreams, Remarks Book Smile (42227) - Daydreams, Everyday 1 (93610) - Flutterbys

Thanks for popping in.

Hugs and Happy Surfing!

Little Character

2012-02-22T13:00:00.000-04:00

This was the 4th LO I did on the weekend (once I got my scrapper's block in check).

I have been holding onto this die cut FOREVER.

I paired it with some hand-cut elements (the chevron pattern, the star and the scalloped circle), layered some bright colors & sewn buttons and called it 'done'.

I really like using bright colors on 'boy' pages, especially the little guys in my family-

they have such large personalities. The colors in this LO just make me happy ;)

Supplies: Cardstock: American Crafts, Paper: Stampin Up, My Mind's Eye, Fancy Pants,

Die cut border-My MInd's Eye, Alphas- My Little Shoebox, My Mind's Eye, American Crafts,

Tag-Creative Cafe, Twine from the Twinery, Buttons: unknown

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS and Happy Surfing!

Scrapper's Block

2012-02-21T22:21:00.000-04:00

Do you ever get scrapper's block? I do. Alot.

I get into a rut and have a hard time getting out of it.

I feel like everything I do is sub-standard.

This happened to me last week - everything I put together, I ripped apart.

BLAH.

So, this weekend, I put some of my own scrappy goodies together for a Sunday crop.

And then Little Man came down with a tummy bug.

I scrapped anyway but at home.

And I had fun picking out old supplies and mixing them with different brands.

The below LO is a hodge-podge, but it got me out of my rut and then I ended up with a few completed LOs (imagine that! Although a few don't have the photos printed yet-I will have to do that tomorrow)

Photo: Flewelling photography.

Supplies: Cardstock:American Crafts, Paper: Stampin Up,

American Crafts, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon,

Fancy Pants, Stickers: Fancy Pants, My Mind's Eye,

Lace Cardstock: KI Memories, Alpha Stickers: Sassafras, My MInd's Eye,

Ribbon: American Crafts, Twinery twine,

Adhesive buttons: Creative Imaginations, Buttons & Brads: Unknown (from stash)

I will have another LO to share tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Stuffy Love

2012-02-14T13:07:00.002-04:00

PURGE!!!!

I have been cleaning my scrappy space again (picture any scene from Hoarders (minus all the icky grossness) and you can visualize my scrap room)

And in doing so, I have found a whole lot of odds & ends that I have been hanging onto.

Case in point - little bits of ribbons - too little to stow away but too big to discard (I keep these in a jar on my desk), so I got creative on the weekend and cut pieces similar in size and stapled them to a scrap strip of cardstock - kind of in a rainbow order. I then hid all the ugly staples with a narrow border strip (and you'll notice, I used another on top of my LO) - score 1 point for me for using hoarded scrappy supplies!!

I added another strip of ribbon (black with white stitching) to the top of my LO.

And then I spotted these cute little birds that are so old, I can't even remember who made them (Prima or Maya Road, maybe?) I know I bought them several ~~decades~~ years ago and whenever I clean my supplies out, I always hold back on getting rid of these cuties.

I made a little home for them using more disgarded white cardstock that I punched ( I SERIOUSLY cannot throw out even the smallest scrap of white and I am the same with black and other neutrals) and finished my LO off with a neutral pattern from October Afternoon (which gave me a wonderful spot to fit my jouralling in).

Supplies: Cardtock: American Crafts, Paper: October Afternoon, Ribbons: from stash, Paper strips: Pink Paislee, Alphas-Thickers, Cosmo Cricket, Chipboard: (unsure), Die Cut: Making Memories Journalling book

Hopefully this post gives you a bit of inspiration to use up some of those ancient scrappy supplies that we ALL keep!

(BTW, if you happen to recognize these little birdies, can you drop me a line? Thanks!)

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Have a Happy Valentine`s Day!

Creative Scrappers

2012-02-10T07:02:00.026-04:00

Do you LOVE sketches?

Me too!

I was SO excited when Kristine asked me to do layout for her new

E-book and was even more thrilled when I got a copy last week week.

The ebook version - which is a PDF file (13MB) is available TODAY!

You can download it to your computer, iphone or ipad using your favorite reader you can also print your own copy!

This publication has 100 plus 1 sketches, 50 international AMAZING TALENTED SUPER DUPER designers, and NO ADS! 50 fabulous pages of inspiration for you.

You can also PRE-ORDER a copy of the printed version HERE.

I promise, you will NOT be disappointed!

This is the LO I did for Kristine`s e-book about my Little Man skating last month.

I can`t wait to get my printed copy!

Thank you for stopping by today

& SPECIAL thanks to Miss Kristine for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful project!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Thanks Card

2012-02-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday!

I have a couple more cards to share today from the January Hip 2-b Square Kit.

Both are pretty mini (I think they are about 4x4-4.5").

I just can't seem to fill them up if they are any bigger than that. ;)

And they both have a bit of a butterfly theme.

The butterfly button is from Crate Paper Random line.

The butterfly on this card is also from Crate Paper.

I cut it out from this sheet.

I also hand cut this element (for a different LO) from the same sheet & added buttons.

I am really loving the vintage-y feel of this line.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS and Happy Surfing!

Berry Sweet

2012-02-08T17:00:00.002-04:00

Isn't it amazing how quickly you forget what supplies you have until you look through them?

I discovered these gorgeous Imaginisce papers not long ago and got another page of my friend's little girl scrapped. I had alot of fun adding some buttons and playful butterflies to the page.

I also added an envelope and hidden journalling card, in case my friend wants to add some details about the photo.

Cardstock-Bazzill Basics, Papers-Imaginisce, Chipboard- Imaginisce

Alphas-Thickers (American Crafts) & Cosmo Cricket, Kraft envelope- Maya Road,

Bling- Kaiser, DMC embroidery floss.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Baby Girl

2012-02-07T17:00:00.002-04:00

I had a good friend ask me to scrap some baby pictures of her Little Miss awhile ago

and this January kit gave me the perfect oppertunity to get them scrapped!!

Supplies for both LOs January Hip 2-b Square kit + Add-ons.

This LO is a pic of Little Miss and her great-grandparents.

Thanks for stopping by & Happy Tuesday!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

I (heart) U

2012-02-06T17:00:00.002-04:00

I have a couple of Valentine's inspired cards to share

with you today using the January Hip 2-b Square kit.

Thanks for stopping by today!

HUGS and Happy Surfing!

Heart Pew Marker

2012-02-05T17:23:00.000-04:00

Happy February!

Since this is the month of LOVE, I have a few love inspired projects to share with you.

The first is this pew marker (my assignment from Glue Dots this month was a wedding themed project).

This was a fairly quick project to do. The hardest part was punching out and adhering the mini-flowers (which I adhered with Glue Dots Craft Dots)

Supplies: Paper- Jenni Bowlin, Glue Dots Craft Dots, ribbons of varying widths,

deco pins, foam heart shape, small flower punch & paper doily.

After I adhered my paper flowers (bending some of the petals up), I adhered my heart for to the doily, added the bow with pins and an additional ribbon to hang it with.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Sunday!

Birthday Boy

2012-02-02T21:57:00.000-04:00

Finally, I can say I have finished my December layouts for Hip 2-b Square.

This one has been done for 3 or 4 days but I didn't get the pictures printed until Tuesday (and they didn't get added until today). I am such a procrastinator!

This LO is about Little Man's b-day party almost 2 weeks ago and I am sad to say that most of the pics I took were greatly underexposed or blurry :(.

These are the small few that made it through. Thankfully, pics don't always have to be perfect to still be able to tell the story.

(journalling is hidden in behind picd on right side).

Check out his FAB POwer Ranger Head cake!

I also wanted to note the title-ing here.

I usually really struggle with alpha stickers that are mismatched in size/colour and/or font but I find it a bit easier to work with if I stick them on a newtral background and then cut a thin border around them.

I then add them to my page as one element and it feels a bit more cohesive for me.

Supplies: December Hip 2-b Square kit + add-ons

That's all I have for today, thanks for stopping by!

HUGS and Happy Surfing!

You Stole My Heart

2012-01-31T13:08:00.000-04:00

I have a LO and card so share today from American Crafts using some of the new goodies that they have out. This LO uses Knock Outs (which are FAB because you can store so many more punches in such a little space- the punch feautre is interchangable from the base!! Where were these things 5 years ago when I started collecting punches!!??)

and Flutterbys

(These things rock becaue they are pre-stitched and give the look of having them machine stitched to your LO with none of the fuss and work!)

My LO is a simple one about my Fave Little Man.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Black (71082) - Cardstock, Scott Paper (35575) - Chap, Mike Paper (35572) - Chap, Happy Day Paper (35600) - Daydreams, Everyday 4 Banners (93610) - Flutterbys, Daydreams Plastic Buttons (85573) - Elements, Chipper (78061) - Details, Border Punch Value Kit (63013) - Knock Outs, Daybook Die Cut Shapes (77288) - Bits, Wonder Kale (53263) - Thickers, Sunny Banana (53121) - Thickers

And the fanciest part of my card is the bi-fold of it.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Scott Paper (35575) - Chap, Mike Paper (35572) - Chap, Yes Peas Paper (35549) - Amy Tangerine, Savor (42210) - Remarks, Merangue (42211) - Remarks, Daydreams Plastic Buttons (85573) - Elements

AND

Don't miss out on the chance to win some

American Crafts products that you LOVE!!

Us 3

2012-01-27T15:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, Scrappy Peeps!

(and an equally Happy SNOW Day to my local Peeps!)

This is 3rd of my 4 LO assignments for Hip 2-b Square and I couldn't love it more.

The bright colors from this kit have really perked me up ;)

It is based on the January Sketch from PageMaps using the December kit.

I really LOVE using sketches-it always gets me to look at my

scrapbook pages differently and always inspires

me for my next project. Hopefully, I don't lose this mojo.

Wish me luck!

(sketch credit)

As you can see, I made a bummer of a mistake on my LO-I journalled around the

outside of the white paper and it was an EPIC FAIL! So then, I had to cover it up

(using thin strips of white cardstock) and then needed to cover THAT up, so I did a

zig zag stitch over it. At least I didn't have to rip it apart like I thought I would.

And now my LO has a bit more texture.

It's all a journey, right?

That's all I have for today, I think I may need to get out and shovel a bit.

Thanks for popping in!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

A couple of cards...

2012-01-25T10:00:00.004-04:00

Hello!

I have a couple of cards to share today from the December Hip kit.

It features paper accordian flowers from American Crafts Chap line.

This card just makes me feel happy when I look at it.

All supplies for both cards from December Hip kit + add-ons.

Thanks for popping by!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Little Reader

2012-01-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

This LO and card were both ripped apart multiple times.

I think I made changes to my completed LO 3 times and

I am sure I was up to 5 huge adjustments on the card.

Do you get like that or do you just let it go and move on?

I may have issues when it comes to getting my projects 'just right'-LOL.

On this LO, I orginally had the paper with the letter pattern

all the way up to the top of the page on both sides

(with no paper layered for a border). It was too busy.

Then I added a layered border underneath, to see if it would anchor it better. No dice.

So then I trimmed it down (as well as my bordered layer) on both sides-

I made one side shorter by mistake but ended up liking the non-symmetry

of it and went with it (some of my fovorite scrapbook pages

have been mistakes, BTW.)

Now it was too plain. so I added a couple of neutral pieces

of pattern paper and feel like this something I can live with.

(although the bottom might still be a bit too busy ;) )

All supplies from Hip 2-b Square December kit + add-ons.

**The banner stamp is from a June 2011 Hip kit (Maya Road).

Thanks for popping by!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Hello Friend

2012-01-23T16:00:00.001-04:00

How is the weather where you are?

Here it isn't too bad as far as the snow goes but it has been

dark, dreary & cold (I know---the horror of it all, right?? ;) )

and I am longing for the days when I can go out and sit in the sun again.

I think that is why so many of my projects feature the yellow hues

included in the December Hip 2-b Square kit.

I look at this card and I feel like Spring maybe coming eventually.

All supplies from December Hip Kit + Add-ons.

For this LO, I was inspired by the colors of C-man`s

Power Ranger Collection and ended up lining my papers up in a

rainbow-style pattern. Of course, I needed to include a penant of some sort

and angled the bottoms of my strips to mimic a penant shape.

Supplies from December Hip 2-b Square kit + Add-ons.

Thank you for popping in! I have some more new

layouts to share from this kit later this week.

Thanks for popping in!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Oh Snap!

2012-01-22T23:43:00.000-04:00

My Hubby let Little Man play with his camera alot over

Christmas holidays and we got some wicked self- portraits.

This one was just too funny though. I love that Little Man is

totally pictured and you get half of me and Hubs in the pic too.

I had alot of fun with this LO.

Supplies (all American Crafts unless otherwise noted): Rust (71465) - Cardstock, Here and There Paper (35562) - Amy Tangerine, Stars, Stripes and Stitches Paper (35550) - Amy Tangerine, Falling For You Fabric Paper (35559) - Amy Tangerine, Remarks: Good Times Accent Stickers (42213) - Amy Tangerine, Elements: Buttons (85573) - Daydreams, Wonder Kale (53263) - Thickers, Daybook: Die Cut Cardstock shapes (77288) - Amy Tangerine, Daybook: Mixed Envelopes (78082) - Amy Tangerine

Navy Blue ABC Stickers-Pebbles Fresh Goods (732074)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs and Happy Surfing!

Little Man

2012-01-21T10:15:00.000-04:00

7 short years ago, our lives did a complete

180 degree turn and changed completely.

Little did I know what a wonderful

blessing this little miracle would be.

And I am so glad I do now.

Happy 7th Birthday

to my favorite Samurai.

I am so honored to be your Momma.

Hip 2-b Square

2012-01-18T01:21:00.010-04:00

Wow! Have you seen the December Hip kit?

I just got it in the mail and it is even better IRL.

If you want to reserve yours, go here for details!

December Kit Details HERE.

And since I am chatting it up about kits, I thought I'd share this peek of the January kit as well!

January Kit details HERE.

Thanks for peeking in, I should have some LOs to share from this great kit in the very near future.
Happy Thursday!
HUGS & Happy Surfing!

My Boo

2012-01-14T00:22:00.000-04:00

Do you ever get a line of paper that you save every. last. scrap. of?

I love love LOVE the Amy Tangerine line from American Crafts and can't seem to get enough of it and constantly find myself hoarding every little scrap. I especially love the fabric papers (see the top heart fabric paper) and the pre-stitched designs (the section around the title). They both add alot of texture and detail to my LO and save me from doing the added work.

Also, the color scheme suits me perfectly and I love all the little 'extras' that go with this line too.

I think it suits my Little Man as well. :)

This is a LO that I have had in my head for awhile.

I think there was a song a few years ago with this as the title by Alicia Keys & Usher and I always think of it when I call my Little Man by his nickname of Boo Boo (which often gets shortened down to Boo).

Supplies-All American Crafts: Get Around Paper (35561) - Amy Tangerine, Falling For You Paper(35559) - Amy Tangerine, In Stitches Paper (35545) - Amy Tangerine, Buttons (85573) - Daydreams Assortment, Daybook Mixed Envelopes (78082) - Amy Tangerine, Goodness Slate Thickers (53249) - Amy Tangerine, Remarks Stickers, Hi Friend (42214) - Amy Tangerine, Daybook Die Cut Cardstoock Shapes (77288) - Amy Tangerine

Thanks for popping in!

Have a great Saturday!

Clawzord

2012-01-08T17:00:00.001-04:00

Boy Toys.

Last Fall, our little late bloomer moved onto 'big boy' toys and TV shows (with some encouragement from his little buddies). In our excitement to be crossing a new thresh-hold in Little Man's interests, my hubby and I have indulged him. The Power Rangers action figures aren't crazy-expensive, however, so we completed his collection pretty fast.This monstrosity however, was quite a bit more than we wanted to spend and told him if he wanted it, he would have to save his piggy bank $$ (he really cleans up when he loses teeth and the grandparents have been adding to the fund pretty regularly).

He was pretty excited when we counted it all up and he had enough (and BONUS! it was on sale when we went to get it)

It took Hubby & I awhile to figure out how it went together and then even longer to change it into the shell-fish version. But since it was LM's fave toy, he has been able to master it and do it on his own at this point.

(Thank goodness for small miracles! ;) )

Of course since it was all such a big deal at Casa Stevens, I had to make a LO about it. ;)

This LO and is more of a grid look.

Supplies: Cardstock American Crafts, Paper- Fancy Pants, My Mind's Eye, Stickers-My Little Shoebox

Buttons-Assorted (from Stash)

Thanks for popping by!

Happy Sunday!

Sweet Summer (re-do)

2012-01-07T21:30:00.000-04:00

Hi Scrappy Peeps!

It occurred to me as I was posting my favorite projects from 2011 that I never actually posted this one to my blog (although it has already appeared on the AC blog). I hope you don't mind the re-cap!

********************************

Did you ever scrap a page and then thought, 'Meh.'? I do. ALOT. Sometimes I just move on to the next project and sometimes I don't. I put these LO's in my 're-do' pile. EEK!

When I got my American Crafts' DT assignment last month and saw that it was a page make-over project, I knew just the LO to make over.

This was a page I was never really happy with. I always felt that the colors were too cool for the photo, the pic was too small, the punched edge on the circle was too fussy.. etc.

The paper line was beautiful, it just never 'worked' with this page.

This page has alot more visual balance, it is in my favorite

8.5x11" format & the color scheme fits my picture much better.

This one is a definate keeper!

However, when I gently removed the elements from my photo, there was some left over torn paper that remained in the right hand corner, so I had to be a bit creative with burlap & tags ;) .

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Geyser (71469) - Cardstock, James Paper (35574) - Chap, Tim Paper (35577) - Chap, Mike Paper (35572) - Chap, Journaling Cards (64012) - Just Write, Plastic Buttons (85569) - Elements, Variety Tabs (77261) - Bits, Variety Tags (77260) - Bits, Emelio (42220) - Remarks Books, Sunny (72024) - Delights, Wonder Kale (53263) - Thickers, Lovely Straw (43243) - Thickers

Thanks for popping in - I hope you are having a wonderful and peaceful weekend.

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Love - Love - Love

2012-01-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

My December DT assignment for Glue Dots was a 'Love/Wedding' theme.

It was nice to take a break from the Christmas projects that I had going on but I was TOTALLY stumped about what to do.

I decided to go with a fail-safe project- a Valentined themed card.

I had a bit of fun with my paper doilies & clear glitter.

I really liked how the clear glitter looks on the raw chipboard alphas.

The chipboard is an old supply that I have been hording forever-made by Polar Bear Press, if my memory serves me. Anyway, enough rambling. ;)

Supplies: Adhesive-Glue Dots Glue Lines, Cardstock- American Crafts, Paper- Bella Blvd, Pink Paislee

Chipboard- Polar Bear Press, Paper trim- Doodlebug, Glitter- unknown, Glossy Accents- clear, Paper doilie- Dollarama

The second project was much more of a stretch. It`s an altered 5x7canvas and I got dirty on this one.

I wanted to make sure that all of my elements stayed adhered REALLY well, so I again went with the Glue Dots Glue Lines- They stick WONDERFULLY. I even used it on the burlap hanger on the back :)

Supplies-Glue Dots Glue Lines, 5x7`` canvas- Dollarama, Burlap-borowed from my friend Ann ;), Cardstock- American Crafts, Momenta, Pattern Paper-Bella Blvd, Stickers- American Crafts, Button & DMC thread, Pearl Bling- Dollarama, Ink-Tim Holtz.

As always, thanks SO MUCH for popping in.

Have a Happy Friday!

HUGS & Happy surfing!

Top 10 in 2011

2012-01-01T08:00:00.003-04:00

Happy 2012!

Can you believe a year has gone by already??

I had some fun peeking through my work from last year-I hope you like some of these too.

I have been so extremely blessed to play with paper this year and

contribute to the galleries for Hip 2-b Square, American Crafts, Glue Dots, My Little Shoebox.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your

scrappy teams, it has truly been an honor to take part!

I also want to take a minute to thank you, my Blog Friend.

It truly humbles me that you take time out of your day to

visit me here and it means more to me than you can ever know.

I hope 2012 is a FABULOUS

and

SUCCESSFUL year for you.

HUGS & Happy Surfing :)

Paper Snowflakes

2011-12-31T09:16:00.000-04:00

Are you on Pinterest??

I have developed a SERIOUS addiction to it.

There are just SO many wonderful ideas out there, especially if you are the DIY type of girl (or guy).

I found a link for snowflakes HERE and set to work (along with my Little Man).

photo credit

It's safe to say that we were hopelessly addicted to making pretty flakes out of paper. So many, in fact, that I was running out of room to display them (I hung some from my dining room light, made a banner for the mantle and Hubby had to take some to work!)

I even used a few on my LO as well (I find that they are easier to cut if you use white printer paper or even loose leaf (with the holes cut off)). I tried using cardstock but it was incredibly difficult to cut-it's just too thick.

This LO highlights a few of my faves along with Little Man's banner that I put on the mantle.

Supplies: November Hip 2-b Square kit

Thanks for popping in.

Please have a safe and happy New Year!!

New Hair

2011-12-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday!

I just wanted to pop on to share a few more projects from the November Hip 2-b Square kit.

The kit was chock full of lots of seasonal, Christmas-y goodies BUT I was able to squeeze in a non-holiday LO since the reds in this kit matched Little Man's shirt so well in the photo.

And I am SURE you can tell I am loving this red & white chevron paper (I think I was able to squeexe a bit in on every LO that I did this month!)

Kit supplies: November Hip 2-b Square kit + Add-on's

I was also able to make a 3x3" mini-matchbook album using 1 piece of cardstock and lots of the scraps & extra embellishments that I had left over. I am pretty sure this album is pretty easy to duplicate but if you have questions, feel free to drop me a line and I will post instructions.

As you can see, there is lots of rooom in this mini for journalling and it fits 2x3" pictures perfectly!

***To see whole image-double click on picture.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Dear Santa

2011-12-29T15:27:00.000-04:00

MERRY (belated) CHRISTMAS!!

I really had to pressure my Little Man to write his letter to Santa this year, as Santa likes to make sure to have time to check everything off his list ;) Not surprisingly, LM asked for all things Power Rangers (and Daddy even got in on the action and added a PS request :) )

Luckily, I remembered to snap a quick pic of the letter before we mailed it off to Ol' Saint Nick.

Supplies: November Hip 2-b Square kit + Add-ons.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you are having a joyous holiday season!

HUGS and Happy Surfing!

Deck the Halls!

2011-12-20T12:13:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday!

Today I plan on hanging out with Little Man's class and decorating gingerbread houses with them.

I am loving all the fun little things that we have been doing this season and am really looking forward to this.

But first, I wanted to share a little something that I worked on this weekend with my November Hip kit.

I always have so much extra left over every month with these kits because they are SO JAM PACKED(especially since I cut most of my pages down to 8.5 x 11" now-it makes ALOT of paper scraps) but this month I found a happy little remedy for all of that.

I decorated my 2' C-mas tree with them!

I started with a mini paper garland (by cutting strips of paper about 1/2" x3"). I then set to work by cutting out alot of the designs on the pattern paper and matting them with these:

and attaching them with this:

I then jazzed my ornaments up with a bit of bling & glitter for holiday sparkle.

Thanks for popping in!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Merry

2011-12-19T12:13:00.000-04:00

I could seriously go on and on about the November Hip 2-b Square kit.

(see entire kit HERE)

I have not been able to stop working with it!

So far, I have done 3 LOs, 5 cards, a mini matchbook album, an altered bag AND a special little project that I plan on sharing tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs and Happy Surfing!

Oh BTW...

2011-12-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

EEEK!!

Did you see a 'certain someone's' LO included in

the December edition of the Bella Blvd. newsletter?? ;)

Check it out HERE.

HUGS and Happy Surfing :)

Holiday Joy

2011-12-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the November kit from Hip 2-b Square?

It is chock-full of some FABULOUS products and I have been having SO much fun playing with it!

Kimberly has been diligantly posting 29 days of Cards on the Hip blog which includes cards designed by her and the rest of the team using this month's kit. If you are needing some Christmas card inspiration, I highly reccomend ypo pop in and take a peek at what she has been sharing :)

Below are three of my contributions using the November kit.

I really struggle with cards and procrastinated a bit on this (I couldn't inspire myself to get on with the task) but ended up having so much fun with it that I did an extra card at the end.

I will be sharing them in the coming days.

Thanks for popping in, Happy Thursday!

HUGS & Happy Surfing :)

Gingerbread Man

2011-12-14T02:04:00.000-04:00

WOW! 'Tis the Season to be busy!

I have been attempting to finish this post for several days and then something always happens and it doesn't get done. I am currently typing this at 2:01AM as I have had waaaaay too much caffiene and suddenly have an energy burst (which I am sure will bite me on the backside in the AM-LOL)

I am always so amazed when my picky little eater takes a liking to something new. This pic was taken when he was 4. I was convinced he would want nothing to do with a gingerbread cookie (and that I would be the one to finish it off when he turned his nose up at it ;) ) but as usual, he surprises and delights me when I least expect it and ate the whole thing (although he was a bit tentative at first). Gingerbread men have since become a holiday tradition for us :) Now, he would eat one every day and twice on Sunday if I would allow it. :)

For this LO, I mostly used the new American Crafts Hollyday line and 'grinched it up' a bit with some lime-y greens from a couple of other lines for a more playful colour scheme. I finished it up with a few of the pre-fab paper flowers and felt embellishments for added texture.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Bellsnickle Paper (35487) - Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Whiskers Paper (35502) - Hollyday, Clover Cantina Paper (35537) - Garden Cafe, Cafe Iris Paper (35541) - Garden Cafe, Details, Shiny (78052) - Details, Bright (78053) - Details, Printed Variety Tags (85555) - Bits, Peppermint (72014) - Delights, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarksk Books, Eclair Cucumber (53226) - Thickers

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock , Whiskers Paper (35502) - Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Shiny (78052) - Details

Remember I said last month that I have been giving my poor Cuttlebug a workout?

This was another project that I did using my Spellbinders penant dies.

Again, it was an easy peasy project-the most time consuming part was picking papers out of my scrap pile.

Cardstock: Momenta, Paper- Echo Park, Cosmo Cricket, Lace Cardstock- KI Memories

Alphas-My Little Shoebox, Trim-from Stash

Circle Punches-EK Sucess, Dies-Spellbinders

Embossing Folders- Cuttlebug (Swiss Dots)

Thanks for popping in-I will have some fun projects from the November Hip 2-b Square kit to share with you soon! Until then, HUGS and Happy Surfing!

Gobble 'Til You Wobble

2011-12-07T02:16:00.002-04:00

These are a few more cards and one last layout that I made with the October Hip 2011 kit and add-ons.

Thanks for peeking!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

12345 Six

2011-12-04T08:00:00.004-04:00

Anyone who is my FB friend has been swarmed with pics of Little Man and his lost tooth updates this year. He is up to 6 lost teeth now-AND he has lost THREE in the last month and caught up to his younger friend Tom (which he is THRILLED about!! Why-oh-why are kids SO stinking competetive at this age???!!??)

Needless to say, the Tooth Fairy has been pretty busy around these parts!

The below LO is a progression of pics starting with his first lost tooth and includes his most recent. Just look at him grinning from ear to ear!

And OMGosh! Say it ain't so!!

It's a 12x12!!!

(But if you look closely, it was really an 8.5x11 that just felt WAY too busy for my liking but that all went away when I matted it on a 12x12 sheet of cardstock.)

**All supplies from the October Hip 2-b Square kit & add-ons.

This LO is a pic I got of Little Man last week during our day spent home, using some of Little Yellow Bicycle's new Twig line that I got at Scrap Your World :)

Supplies: Cardstock American Crafts, Papers- Little Yellow Bicycle, My Mind's Eye

Alphas-Jillibean soup, Stickers-Little Yellow Bicycle, DMC floss (yellow), Scalloped Deco scissors

Buttons-unknown

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Whew!

2011-12-03T01:29:00.000-04:00

Good Morning, Blogland!

Sorry that I haven't posted in what seems like FOREVER (well, to me anyway) but the week that I have been dreading all month is finally over - and I am happy to report I made it through the last week and a half with nothing but minor injuries (but more on that later!).

Last week I chaired our Fall school book fair (which involved setting up, taking down and working at). We had Hubby's annual office party here (which involved much cleaning of the homestead). Plus a snowday (thank goodness I could get some of that cleaning done! But it did end up hurting my book sales :( ), the Santa Claus Parade and a birthday party. Sunday was to be my day of rest but I decided that spending four hours at the emergency department was really the way to go. And then this week, I played catch up on all the things I should have been doing LAST week (plus a bit of C-mas shopping) and some visits to the Opthamologist (spelling?) just in case I was getting bored. BUT I got a bit of scrapping in and have some projects to share :)

** Double click on image to see full picture

I got my October Hip 2-b Square kit a few weeks ago and had some time to play that weekend but didn't have pics on my layouts. I knew what pics I would use (and what sizes), so it was fairly easy to make my LO without them but it took me a week and a half to find time to get to the photo center to print them.

The next 2 projects are using my FAVE product from the October kit (which also happens to be an American Crafts product) -Amy Tangerine's Adhesive Fabric. Not sure if it's the texture, color scheme, chevron pattern or the fact I don't need adhesive to use it but I simply LOVE this stuff and hoard every last piece.

By the way, if you haven't been by the Hip 2-b Square blog lately, there are some fabulous ideas there. Kimberly is doing a 29 days of Christmas card post daily using past kits AND has a super fun December Daily kit available that you should definately check out. PLUS she has posted pics of her newly organized scraproom & I am a bit green with envy. It looks super clean, organized and inviting (which I simply cannot say about my scrap space.)

If you have made it through my whole post and are still awake-THANK YOU!

I appreciate the visit!!

I have more to share but I have a scrappy play-date today :) :)

So hopefully I can post more tomorrow!

HUGS and Happy Surfing!!

Autumn Wreath

2011-11-19T16:35:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you cross Spellbinders dies, a drawer FULL of paper scraps & Autumn inspiration?

This fun little wreath project!

I literally could not close my scrap paper drawer (and I purge this thing pretty regularly). I love to pare down but I also feel guilty about not using some of these beautiful supplies that I have. I pulled out my Cuttlebug, some nested leaves dies that I bough from Trish (I am quite certain that I gasped out loud when I first spotted them) and this pile of paper. I set about choosing colours that reminded me of the Fall foliage that we see here and grabbed most of my browns, red, greens, yellows and oranges.

I cut a circle as my base out of extra chipboard that I had from an old paper pack (I picked a sheet that was a bit on the thinner side to make it easy to cut). I then traced a smaller circle on the inside and cut that as well, leaving myself with a ring about 10`` in diameter.

The die set that I used (see below) is really awesome because I could cut more than one leaf at a time and that saved me LOADS of time. I next took my leaves & embossed them (again with my Cuttlebug and my Swiss Dot embossing folder), inked and distressed most of them and then set to work on gluing them using my Glue Dots Craft 1/2" dot runner.

I finished my wreath off with some floral wire for hanging and some tulle to dress it up a bit and hung it on my fromt door. At first I wasn`t sure how much I liked it (after all of that work-LOL) but the next day when I saw it, I thought it really dressed up the entry way, so it`s grown on me.

I am also happy to say that I decreased my scrap paper by about 1/3rd which is pretty wonderful as well.

I love using up my scrappy supplies.

Thanks for popping in, have a wonderful Saturday!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-17T10:20:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday!

One more day until the weekend.

I am SO stoked! Not sure why, but it has seemed like a longer week than usual.

I have done ALOT of scrapping & crafting (more to come later-PROMISE!) this week and surprisingly, it hasn't all been scrappy pages. BUT this is one that I have done using American Crafts new Chap line.

At first this page was NOT coming together-my friend Ann watched me cut paper after paper and ask her opinion-to which she would reply 'I don't hate it'. And I would LMH(ead)O. When all else fails with busy patterns-just add white cardstock. It's a super easy way to neutralize them. I knew this but I thought it was somehow taking the easy way out. Regardless-I am super-THRILLED with my end result and glad that I caved. I also added some punched and embossed clouds to add a bit more texture and interest (remember I said I have been giving my poor Cuttlebug a workout this past week on yesterday's post?? I have LOADS more to share in the coming days-I PROMISE)

Supplies Used (all American Crafts unless otherwise noted): White (71081) - Cardstock, Pomegranate (71025) - Cardstock, Dave Paper (35569) - Chap, James Paper (35579) - Chap, Jim Paper (35567) - Chap, Scott Paper (35579) - Chap, Bits Decorative Tags (77260) - Chap, Plastic Buttons (85569) - Chap, Bits Printed Tabs (77261) - Chap, Remarks Book Stickers Emelio (42220) - Chap, Straw Lovely (43243) - Thickers

Punch: Fiskars Cloud (Large & X-Large)

Embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dot Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Sk8er Boy

2011-11-16T13:09:00.001-04:00

Happy Hump Day, Peeps!

We are having UNCOMMONLY nice weather up here in the Great White North, so much so that they children are still running around in t-shirts & sweaters most afternoons although the mornings are starting to get a bit chilly. I think we will be in for a rude awakening when the cold and snow does eventually hit. EEK!

In the meantime, I have a new LO to share made with American Crafts new release: Chap.These pics are of Little Man doing 'tricks' (which needless to say is him flipping it over with his foot ;) ) about a month ago. As you can see, I have been giving my Cuttlebug a tremendous workout lately-embossing and die cutting for almost every project it seems. I did the embossing using the swiss dot embossing folder.

Supplies used(all from American Crafts unless otherwise stated): White (71081) - Cardstock, James Paper (35574)- Chap, Richard Paper (35573) - Chap, Persimmon Josh Foil Stickers (35254) - Thickers, Black Foam () - Thickers, Elements Epoxy Brads (85568) - Chap, Plastic Buttons (85569) - Chap, Bits Variety Tabs (77261) - Chap, Just Write 4x6 Journalling Cards (64012) - Chap, Remarks Book Stickers Emelio (42220) - Chap; Chipboard frames () - Chap

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

October Hip 2-b Square

2011-11-15T09:25:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday!

I wanted to share some pics the fab October Hip kit with you!

Kimberly has such a great eye at mixing paper lines-I just love the bright and cheery mix here (and you'll notice some American Crafts fabulous-ness as well-the Nightfall line is probably my fave Halloween/Autumn line of all time-that pale blue in the colour scheme really adds a nice touch :) )

AND Kimberly added a sheet of my ALL TIME fave AC product right now-This cloth paper from Amy Tangerine has found it's way onto a few of my projects and I have been hoarding every last scrap. ;)

**Double click on image to see full view

•1 sheet October Afternoon - Campfire - Campfire Stove Paper

•1 sheet Echo Park Paper - Apothecary Emporium Full Moon Paper

•1 sheet American Crafts - Amy Tangerine - Is It Any Wonder Fabric Paper

•1 sheet American Crafts - Nightfall - Halloween Night Paper

•1 sheet American Crafts - Nighfall - Fall Fun Paper

•1 sheet Jillibean-Soup - Apple Cheddar Soup - New Milk Paper

•1 sheet Jillibean-Soup - Apple Cheddar Soup - Green Peppercorns Paper

•1 sheet Bella Blvd. - Finally Fall - Borders Paper

•1 sheet My Mind's Eye - Mischievous - Happy Halloween Paper

•2 sheets American Crafts Black Cardstock

•2 sheets Paper Accents Recycled Paper Bag Cardstock

•2 sheets American Crafts Melon Cardstock

•1/2 pkg. Prima Marketing Vintage Wood Distressed Buttons

•1 pkg. American Crafts - Nightfall - Scarecrow Remarks 3D Stickers

•1 pkg. American Crafts - Nightfall - Spells Delights 3D Stickers

•1 pkg. American Crafts Elm Foam Alphabet Thickers (Rust)

•1 sheet Lilybee Design - Harvest Market - Cardstock Stickers

**Double click on image to see full view

•1 My Mind's Eye - Mischievous Chipboard Accent Sheet

•1 pkg. My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday Everyday Fun Neutral Layered Stickers

•1 sheet Bella Blvd. - Finally Fall - Mini Cardstock Stickers

•1 sheet Jillibean-Soup - Apple Cheddar Soup - Soup Label Stickers

1 pkg. American Crafts - Nightfall - Fabric Brads

1 sheet Echo Park Paper - Apothecary Emporium Alphabet Stickers

1 pkg. Prima Marketing Fairy Flora Flowers

I have been busy as can be and I have a few projects to share very soon.

Thanks for popping by, I REALLY appreciate your visit!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Sweet Little Man

2011-11-12T09:00:00.002-04:00

HAPPY Saturday!!

So...I'm not sure if you've noticed BUT I am LOVING the 8.5 x 11" scrappy page lately.

Seriously. I could never imagine in a million years when I started scrapbooking that I could scrap this size very often but I have been finding myself doing it more and more. I still enjoy a good 12x12" page but I find that these pages get put into albums MUCH faster than their larger counterparts.

This LO is my Little Man when he was an itty bitty, teeny tiny Little Man.

6 weeks old to be exact. I remember thinking how the days seemed to drag on sometimes and now what I wouldn't give to just hold and rock that precious little bundle to sleep again.

Be careful what you wish for.

I pulled out ALOT of old goodies for this page and made a dent in my stash.

It's a nice feeling to finally find a use for papers that you have been holding onto.

Supplies: Cardstock-American Crafts, Papers- Jillibean Soup,, Little Yellow Bicycle,

Rub-ons-Prima, Alphas-American Crafts (Thickers), Cosmo Cricket (Tiny black alphas)

Buttons & Twill- From my stash

Thanks for popping in!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Party!

2011-11-11T21:08:00.000-04:00

Let's just say when I saw that the November assignment for Glue Dots was a party theme in orange and teal, I was a pretty happy girl. I just recently ordered in this Spellbinder Nested Lacey Pennants die cut set from Scrap Your World and was quite excited to use them.

(If you are a local scrapper & see something you like on the Spellbinder's site, give Trish a call. She can order them in most times, her prices are very reasonable and they were shipped pretty quickly!)

For the banner project, I used my dies (along with my trusty Cuttlebug) and an assortment of papers.

I used the 1/2" Craft Glue Dots to adhere all of my layers as they stick REALLY well (word of caution-make sure you know where you want everything to go before adhering because once it's stuck, it's pretty much going to stay put!) . I traced the inside of the largest die (I am pretty sure I am going to have to order THIS set next since I am a lazy bones when it comes to scrapping and hate hand cutting if I don't have to)

Supplies: Adhesive: Glue Dots Glue Lines & Glue Dots Craft Dots 1/2", Cardstock-American Crafts & Bazzill, Paper: Crate Paper, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon, Stickers-Crate Paper, Dies-Spellbinders, Punches-Marvy, Alphas-Colorbox

Thanks for popping in!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

Family Photo Op

2011-11-06T09:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Sunny Sunday!

How is the weather in your area?

We have had a MUCH nicer Autumn than we did Summer but that's OK.

I have been enjoying it so much on school afternoons that I stay at the school playground with the boys (I have 2 extra 'after school' kids this year) as long as I possibly can.

I wanted to share this LO that I did a couple of weeks ago of a failed photo shoot attempt.

I have been trying to get a nice pic for quite literally for YEARS of my Little Guy, his cuz and Nanny & Grampy and it just never works out.

In the below photos, you can see my child making ALL SORTS of crazy expressions. No matter what I promised him, he just wouldn't stop.

ONE of these days, I will prevail (but they will probably BOTH be in highschool by then ;) )

Supplies: Cardstock- American Crafts, Papers-My Little Shoebox, American Crafts, Scenic Route

Stickers/layered stickers- American Crafts, Alpha stickers-Thickers Buttons-from Stash.

Fabric Flower-Basic Grey, Punches- Martha Stewart (zigzag) & EK Success (circles)

Corner Rounder-Close to My Heart

Thank You for stopping by-

I TRULY appreciate your visit!

HUGS & Happy Surfing!

You're So Sweet

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

TGIF!!

I have a few more things to share with you today made with the September Hip 2-b Square Kit + Add-ons.

It's hard to believe this picture was taken a month ago and it was so seriously H O T.

Now I am back to freezing, it seems to be that there is no real happy medium in Canada as far as the weather is concerned.

Layout uses September Hip 2-b Square Kit.

Details can be seen HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great Weekend!

Wicked Smart

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

Remember when I said I was playing catch-up on yesterday's post?

Well this pic is of Little Man graduating from his treatment program before he started school :)

I don't know how Mom's with more than one child get it all scrapped. It is hard enough with just one.

I made this LO using the September Hip kit + Add-ons.

See kit details HERE.

I had a photo of his certificate as well and placed it underneath his photo.

This is a 2 page 8.5x11ayout I did of our Thanksgiving dinner several weeks ago, again using the September Hip kit.

I guess I was in the mood to hide alot of things this month.

This LO houses Little Man's Turkey art (made using his outlined hands as the feathers)

Thanks for popping in. Have a Happy Thursday!

Power Rangers

2011-11-02T13:14:00.000-03:00

Happy November, Peeps!

I have been battling a rotten cold these past 3 days-although I am hoping and praying that yesterday was the worst of it. I have been drinking fluids like CRAZY and trying every cold med that I can get my hands on.

I am not too sure if the cold meds are working or not-maybe they are and I would just feel that much worse.

EEK!

In the meantime, I took my sweet little boy out trick or treating Monday night.

I try not to be too preachy about our struggles with Autism on my blog-I like to think that this is a scrappy blog more than anything and I really love sharing my passion for this hobby with you.

However, I must share this: Little Man never used to really 'get' what holidays were all about. He never really knew what to say and had to follow another child's lead to figure out what to do- so we always end up doing alot of things with other families.

In fact, Mark and I were still opening up most of his Christmas presents for him up until 2 years ago.

Well that is NOT the case this year!

I am THRILLED to report that it was just the 2 of us on Monday night (The weather even cooperated-it was cool but not cold). He knew what he was supposed to say, opened his treat bag without prompting and even remembered to say 'thank you' and 'Happy Halloween' (most of the time ; 0) ) He even picked out his own costume this year and managed to stay out for two WHOLE hours!!

It's amazing how I used to take all of these little things for granted before I was a Mom but now I see how hard some things are for my little guy and I cherish each and every accomplishment that he makes.

**Having a totally proud 'Mom Moment' here. ;)

I hope you don't mind me sharing pics of my Little Power Ranger.

Moving on- here are a few projects that I have been working on with my Hip 2-b Square September kit.

I still haven't quite gotten around to getting the Kindergarten milestones scrapped so I have been playing a bit of catch-up and this was the perfect kit to do it with.

See Kit details HERE.

I also squeezed in a few cards-This one is my fave.

Hip 2-b Square September kit & Add-ons.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great Wednesday!

Trick Or Treat

2011-10-30T09:00:00.000-03:00

Isn't it hard to believe that Halloween is just around the corner already?

I have another holiday idea to share with you. It's an altered gift bag that I prettied up a little.

I love using kraft coloured supplies. They are so easy to dress up and can handle any colour pallette that you have in mind. This project is an easy peasy one.

Supplies:1/2" Glue Dots runner (Craft), Glue Dots - Glue Lines, Craft gift bag - Craft store, Bazzill Just the Edge (Black & White), Cardstock, pattern paper, sticker, buttons- American Crafts (Nightfall line), Burlap, Raffia - Craft Supply

**Designer note: To make coiled paper ringlets, cut papers 3-12"x.75". Gently distress by curling with fingers or scissors. Tightly wrap each piece around a thin pencil or pen; pull off and loosen curl a bit with fingers until desired curl is acheived.

Thanks for peeking in!

Happy Sunday!

Boo!

2011-10-29T16:33:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone!

Normally, I am not a huge fan of Halloween but with a little guy running around and LOVING the holiday, I can safely say it is beginning to grow on me a bit more.

Here are a few cards that I made that were recently featured on the American Crafts Blog.

New projects are posted daily so make sure to check often for TONNES of inspiration from my fabulous teamates!

Supplies: Geyser (71469) - Cardstock, Decorative Tags (77256) - Bits, Moonlit Night Paper (35510) - Nightfall, Pumpkin Patch (78054) - Details, Daydreams Plastic Buttons (85573) - Elements, Harvest (89409) - Ribbon

Supplies: Geyser (71469) - Cardstock, Good Night Paper (35516) - Nightfall, Jack-O-Lantern (42206) - Remarks

Supplies: Geyser (71469) - Cardstock, Autumn Gathering Paper (35524) - Nightfall, Spells (72015) - Delights, Halloween (42204) - Remarks

Thanks so much for checking in!

Happy Saturday!

Thankful

2011-10-23T11:54:00.001-03:00

Even though we have already celebrated the Canadian Thanksgiving several weeks ago,

Fall still keeps me thinking of all the blessings I have in my life, namely my beautiful little family.

I thought a good way to show them would be to make a display using chalkboard paper & embellishments from American Crafts. Since I wanted to use this little decoration year after year, I also used 1/2" Glue Dots runner (Craft) to adhere my paper and embellishments.

This way it is sure to withstand the abuse it will take being packed up and then pulled out, year after year.

Supplies: 1/2" Glue Dots runner (Craft), Frame-Michael's, Raffia-Craft supply

Chalk-from the playroom ;), Chalkboard Paper, Alphas & all paper embellies American Crafts (Nightfall Line)

Thanks for checking in!

Happy Sunday!

Winner, Winner..

2011-10-23T08:08:00.002-03:00

The winner for the Pretty Paper Party is Melanie Jarocki! I have sent Shimelle you email addy, Melanie!
To anyone who didn't win, you can still register for Shimelle's class here. It's really worth checking out and the class prompts are archived, so you can work at your own pace!

Thannks for checking in! Happy Sunday!

Pretty Paper Party

2011-10-21T09:13:00.003-03:00

(And a class giveaway!)

There are online classes for everything these days, and Shimelle has been teaching online scrapbooking classes for years - but she's decided it's time to kick it up a bit and go from online class to a four-week online party, and you're invited. Pretty Paper Party is the party to attend if you have a collection of paper stacked up for a rainy day, if you have more scraps of paper than you know what to do with (but you know you don't want to throw them away!) and if you've ever put a piece of paper back in your stash because it was just too special for the photos at hand. Through printable prompts and tutorial videos, Shimelle and dozens of special party guests will share beautiful and innovative techniques you can achieve with the paper you have already collected.

Can you imagine how stoked I was to be asked as a Special Party Guest?!! The below sneak is part of my layout which is being included in the class. And Shimelle generously told me that I could invite one of you to the Party!!

The class started on Monday, but as with any good party, it's okay to arrive fashionably late. The class has no deadlines and everyone receives permanent access to all the class materials, so anyone can RSVP to the party at any time! Just leave me a comment on this post telling me your favorite paper crafting go-to technique (along with your email addy, so we can email your access info ASAP). You have until midnight tonight EST!

Autumn & Fall Beauty

2011-10-20T15:43:00.001-03:00

WOW!

I'm not sure what the weather is like in your neck of the woods but it is pretty damp here on the East Coast.

Luckily, we made it home in one piece (albeit a bit soggy) and our jackets and boots are drying out.

In the meantime, I have a couple of projects to share.

The first of which is an 8x11.5" LO of my Little Man a few years ago.

I had mUcho-o fun with the Nightfall line from American Crafts.

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Rust (71465) - Cardstock, Moonlit Night Paper (35510) - Nightfall, Night Light Paper (35517) - Nightfall, Autumn Gathering Paper (35524) - Nightfall, Night Watch Paper (35508) - Nightfall, Is It Any Wonder Paper (35556) - Amy Tangerine, Buttons (85561) - Nightfall, Flair - Thanks Metal Buttons (70072) - Nightfall, Remarks Halloween Stickers (42204) - Nightfall, Remarks Stickers Scarecrow (42207) - Nightfall

* * *

This LO I did with some beautiful papers that I have been holding onto WAAYYY too long.

I bought them last fall from Scrap Your World. My intention was to do a class with them at the store BUT they were wonderfully (and unfortunately) out of stock-so it was back to the drawing board for me!

The LO is of Little Man last year playing in our ever growing mountain of leaves.

Supplies: Cardstock- Prism, American Crafts (Rust), Paper-Glitz (Orange), 7 Gypsies (B&W stripe), American Crafts (B&W chevron), Pennants- Girls' Paperie, Stamps- Studio Calico, Ink - Stazon (Black), Dew Drop, Hemp & Buttons from Stash.

Thanks for peeking in!

Happy Thursday!

Re-Do : "Lucky"

2011-10-14T10:34:00.003-03:00

Happy Friday, Everyone!!

One question I have often asked my scrappy friends is, 'If you do a LO that you're not happy with, do you re-scrap it?' Most people say they don't. Scrap it and move on. And I can totally see the case for people who have more than one kiddie, it could really take forever to get things scrapped this way BUT I have one little dude and if I am not feeling a project when it's finished, I leave it out until I can figure out where it went wrong.

Sometimes, I just need to add a bit more (or lose an element or two ;) ) but sometimes, I just rip it apart and start over. The below LO was actually ripped apart after completion (if you look closely, you can see that I had it matted on green originally and then cut the green mat off and re-matted on yellow). And I still hated it.

I am actually pretty sure that this version didn't make it to my blog either. :(

So earlier this week, I ever so gently ripped off my pics, removed my buttons and started over.

I am much happier with the LO now and it's even already found it's home in an album :)

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Poppy's Pub Paper (35542) - Garden Cafe, Rose's Kitchen Paper (35540) - Garden Cafe, Good Company Paper (35557) - Amy Tangerine, Is It Any Wonder Fabric Paper (35556) - Amy Tangerine, Remarks Smile Stickers (42227) - Daydreams, Remarks Friends Stickers (42228) - Daydreams, Feildhouse Paper Leaves (77258) - Amy Tangerine, Elements Buttons (75573) - Daydreams, Cucumber Eclair (53226) - Thickers

Other Supplies: Banner Sticker - Pink Paislee, Krafts Envelope - Maya Road.

Thanks for stopping by!

TGIF!

2011-10-05T11:00:00.000-03:00

Happy Wednesday!

I have a couple of new Hip 2-b Square LOs to share today.

They are both in 8.5 x 11", which I used to find very difficult but am slowly getting used to.

This Valentine LO (which includes a pocket sewn on to hold Little Man's Valentines from last year) will go into is Kindergarten binder that I am making for him. I decided to keep my cost down on the school scrapbooks a bit by using a regular 3 ring binder. The binders are easier to organize than post bound books and page protectors are less expensive (especially in the summer when school supplies are often on sale) and will be a bit easier to store and organize his school years.

I also have been hanging on to this great shot I got of the fog rolling into our city last summer.

We live right on the coast and deal with quite a bit of fog but it is never really something I consider beautiful, it is always WAY more of a hindrance. I think it might almost be safe to say that I really hate fog.

BUT on this day, I happened to have my camera in the truck and snapped this photo (while driving across a bridge). The way the wall of fog is rolling in almost looks as if a giant cotton ball is swallowing the city.

I really liked the way the papers in this kit provide an awesome contrast to the blue sky in the photo.

And as you can see I am breaking in my new Fiskars XL cloud punch.

Thanks for checking in!

Have a happy day!

Aarrrh!

2011-10-03T11:15:00.002-03:00

Hello Scrappy Peeps!

I have a 2 pager that I did with my August Hip 2-b Square kit. This kit has some papers from the FABULOUS Amy Tangerine line (American Crafts) and I have just been itching to cut that big sun out of.

***Click on image to see both sides.

I always get the paper add-on for projects just like this,

I cut a second sun out and layered it with pop

dots on top of the original for a 3-d effect.

I had a bit of fun paper piecing as well.

I free hand cut a boat and gold fillled treasure chest

(at least that is what I hope they look like ;) )

I made the waves by using my scallop scissors

on the 'wrong side' or by flipping them.

This LO was also using the August kit from Hip 2-b Square and is

based on a sketch by Lisa Day. I really love sketches,

they really shorten the process when you are a bit

strapped for time or if you get stuck and need a scrappy push.

( LO is about a movie night we hosted for our family and friends

in our backyard this summer.)

Thanks for popping by!

Have a happy Monday!

Chap & Hip 2-b

2011-09-28T09:27:00.001-03:00

WOOHOO!

I love it when mid-releases happen and American Crafts has some FAB new lines coming your way!!

Yesterday, they teased us with a peek of the new Chap line and have promised us peeks of another new release later today that you will NOT want to miss.

You can see more peeks HERE.

Don't Miss This!
Leave a comment on this post, telling us what you think and you'll be entered to win the entire line! Enter your comment by the end of the day Friday. The winner will be chosen at random.
Good Luck!

And check out the AC deliciousness in the August kit from Hip 2-b Square!

I will have some scrappiness to share from this kit fab & versatile kit this week and next!

Thanks for popping in!

Happy Wednesday!

Winner Winner....

2011-09-26T10:39:00.002-03:00

Hello! Happy Monday!!!

I picked 3 random numbers from my comments and the winner of the Halloween stamps is :
WonderbreadWoman http://wonderbreadwoman.blogspot.com/

I was so overwhelmed by the amount of wonderful comments that I received during the blog hop I decided to send out another little something to the following 2 commenters:
Maya http://mayadahan.blogspot.com/2011/09/scrapbook-express-here-i-come.html
Renee http://charmsbuttonsbows.blogspot.com/

Please email me your mailling addy's to cindysinfo (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Have a wonderful week, Everyone!

Prom Night

2011-09-22T12:17:00.000-03:00

This layout is a picture I took of my little sister the night of her prom last June. I played with my editing program (I upgraded my Picnik account and have been very happy with it) and tinkered a bit.

As you can see, I gave my scissors a pretty good workout on this LO. I cut elements from these 2 sheets:

I knew as soon as I saw the black chackboard sheet (and yes, you CAN write on it with chalk and wipe it off) that I would cut that gorgeous scroll detail out. I also knew that I would have alot of flower elements to play with on the grey sheet and cut that up as well.

**apologies for the crooked shot, I just could NOT get it straight that day.

Supplies: Rose Ave. Paper (35551) - Amy Tangerine, Hello Doilie Paper (35558) - Amy Tangerine, Good Night Paper (35516) - Nightfall, Petunia's Pastries Paper (35532) - Garden Cafe, Paper Flowers, Spice (72016) - Nightfall, Fabric Stickers, Wishing (42216) - Amy Tangerine, Accent & Phrase Stickers, Good Times (42213) - Amy Tangerine, Buttons, Variety (85558) - Hollyday, This to That Dimensional Dots (61709)

The pleated circle is from the Halloween line (Nightfall). I simply peeled off the brown button & added the small doilie sticker from the Amy Tan line to change the look of it.

Thank you again for visiting my blog!

Happy Thursday!

First Day of School

2011-09-21T10:47:00.000-03:00

Happy Wednesday!

First of all, I have to say that the amount of comments I have received from the American Crafts blog hop has blown my mind! I am so humbled by the amount of wonderful feedback I have received (and thank you even more for the sweet things most of you said about my son's art work-I am truly touched!!)

In fact, I am SO blown away that I have decided to pick three comments for a little something from me, so make sure that you comment on THIS post-you have until tonight (Sept 21) Midnight EST to be eligible). And don't forget to check back to the American Crafts blog today to see if you are one of the two lucky winners of two complete lines from our new releases!

In the meantime, I am sharing another LO using my AC goodies.

This LO is the start of Little Man's grade 1 album-I rarely scrap in any order, but I am trying to stay on top of this album-I guess we will see if I can keep this up ;)

The photos are at home before we left for school (complete with lunch bag, back pack and our new friend 'Boo Boo Bear') and then a very quick shot of him before I got chased out of his new classroom (by my darling hubby at that).

I was happy to find an ambundance of apples in my sticker book from the Daydreams line. I added some fun patterns in primary colors which made putting a 'school' LO together easy peasy. I also used papers from the Amy Tangerine line (stars) and from the Hollyday line (polkas).

Design Note:

**I also left a pocket behind my pictures to include his welcome letter from his teacher.

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock White (71081) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Peacock (71471) - AC Cardstock,

12x12 Cardstock Crimson (71104) - AC Cardstock, Stars, Stripes & stitches Paper (35550) - Amy Tangerine, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Thickers, Eclair (53226) - Cucumber, Thickers, Typo (42979) - Mustard, Thickers, Maple (53221) - Pineapple, Letter Stickers, Amy (42212) - Remarks, Journalling & Accent Stickers, Smile (42227) - Remarks, Fabric Brads, (85567) - Amy Tangerine

Thanks for visiting!

AC BLOG HOP!

2011-09-17T11:00:00.000-03:00

Hi Hoppers!

Hopefully you just arrived here from the fabulous Amy Heller's blog!

I have LOVED Amy's work for some time now and still cannot begin to tell you how stoked I am that I am on the same team as she is!! SQUEAL!!!!

If not, you need to check it out!

If you just happened here by chance, then you need to start hopping HERE.

One thing I LOVE (seriously, LOVE - and YES, I am showing my 'nerdy inner crafter' side here ;) )

to do when working with one manufacturer is mixing their product lines.

As you can see on my LO, I was inspired by my Little Man's use of colour on his

drawing of the world map (well his interpretation at least).

I mixed ALL FIVE of American Crafts' new lines (you can see product details below) on this LO.

***

Not too sure if this is neccesary BUT

(I think it's really cute, so I am going to share anyway)

just in case you are trying to decipher the 'countries' on LM's map, from left to right:

**The top island is 'PEI', where we travel in the summer and is broken into:

'Sub' (the Subway where we always stop for lunch)

'house' (the cabin we stay at with our family)

'faire' (the Sandspit Amusement Park that we visit)

**The blue country in the ocean is named 'Santa'. (tee hee)

**And the country below is made up of 'Canada' (red), 'beach' (orange)

'mud' (brown) & 'jungle' (green)

(Proud Mom moment here, I really love his whiteboard drawings.)

Fall Leaves (35530) - Nightfall Paper,Santa Baby (35482) - Hollyday Paper, Sunny Day (35608) - Daydreams Paper, Is It Any Wonder (35556) - Amy Tangerine Fabric Paper, Petunia's Pastries (35532) - Garden Cafe Paper, Love Struck (59151) - Amy Tangerine Stamps, Slate (53249) - Thickers Chipboard Letter Stickers, Plastic Buttons (85573) - Elements Brads & Buttons, Smile (42227) - Remarks Books Journalling & Accent Stickers, Friends (42228) - Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Amy (42212) - Remarks Letter Stickers, White (71081) - Cardstock, Black (71082) - Cardstock

***Additional Product- Mister Huey's (orchard)

PLUS - I have an American Crafts prize to share with one of you!

Leave me a comment for a chance to win this fun little set of stamps:

***(if you follow my blog, I will put your name in twice-just note it in the comments!)***

**edted**Don't forget to head back to the AC blog and leave a comment and let us know you commented on all the DT blogs and also which two lines you'd love to receive and why! The winner will be drawn randomly at 9am PST on Wednesday September 21st 2011

Now make sure you hop on over to Cindy Tobey's blog (another scrappy idol of mine!!)

Thanks for visiting!

Pinterest Inspiration

2011-09-10T12:09:00.003-03:00

Happy Saturday!

I have a bit of a secret to share-I applied for the Bella Blvd design Team a few weeks ago.

Although I'm kinda bummed didn't get a spot - I made some LOs that I really REALLY LOVE (I hope it's OK to say that and that I don't sound full of myself-I do make PLENTY of LOs that I don't love and they never see the light of day ;) so I am sharing them.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again ;)

Right?

In the meantime, here are some papers that I have been hoarding (Bella Blvd is another paper line I tend to buy and not use because I am too afraid to cut into it. I wonder if there is a name for that 'almost' phobia ;) ) There should be - I am sure I am not the only one who does this.

I got my title/jounalling from Pinterest.

It reads, 'The thing I love most aboput my home is who I share it with'.

Which is TOTALLY true for me.

I find I never get homesick, if I am travelling with my family.

By the way, if you haven't been to Pinterest, you should check it out.

But you absolutely should NOT check it out if you have an addictive personality (like me).

Seasons can change while are surfing this site, there are simply SO many wonderful ideas, eye-candy, DIY projects, etc.

Most Supplies Bella Blvd EXCEPT:

Cardstock- American Crafts & Bazzill

Mini Alphas - Cosmo Cricket (yellow), Websters (Green)

Buttons-Assorted

This next LO is of my sweet Little Man and his Cuz at C-mas Dinner at a local resterant.

Eating C-mas dinner out is always a favourite of mine (we do it every other year). It's a wee bit on the expensive side BUT no one has to slave in a hot kitchen all day, no one has to clean up for hours aftyerward and we really take our time and enjoy the process, usually 2-3 hours. Last year, the boys brought new toys and were wonderfully quiet and well behaved (which is not always the case- they SO have a tendancy to make each other just WILD at family gatherings.)

This LO is also all Bella Blvd EXCEPT:

Cardstock-American Crafts & Bazzill, Tags-Creative Cafe,

Journalling tag-Heidi Swapp, Felt alphas-Prima

Thanks for stopping by!

I will have a few new American Crafts projects to share next week.

I hope you have a happy & peaceful weekend.

((HUGS))

Like PB & J

2011-09-09T16:24:00.001-03:00

20 years ago, this man asked me out on my 18th birthday and then asked me to the prom which was happening the following month.

(BTW pardon the HUGE 'aqua-net' 80's hair-do I am sporting ;)

and YES, he really is that pale )

Prom 1991

11 years ago today, I married this man.
He is the peanut butter to my jelly.
He is the Beavis to my Butt-Head and the salt to my pepper.
He is the the spaghetti to my meatballs, the Sonny to my Cher.
He is my other half.
He can pull me out of a funk with only a few words.
He makes me laugh so very effortlessly.
I have had some of the best times of my life with him and some of my worst.
BUT..

Even though life isn't always smooth sailing for us-we have had many ups and downs,
I honestly cannot imagine taking this wonderful journey with anyone else but him.

Candid shot on our wedding day 2000.

Thank you for so many great years, Markie.

I love you.

Happy Anniversary.

xox

Quirky Me (part 2)

2011-09-07T16:38:00.000-03:00

Happy Wednesday!

Have you all been checking out all the wonderful spotlights and projects on the American Crafts blog from the new team members? There has been some FABULOUS eye candy.

If you haven't been, I highly reccomend you check them out daily for a new team member AND a new project!

The below LO is a complete view of my first project.

The team is stellar and to say I was slightly intimidated emailing my first assignment would be putting it mildly.

I ended up doing THREE different LOs but still kept coming back to the first one I did.

This one uses alot of fun colours and embellishments-which is my kind of scrapping. ;)

Supplies: Oh Happy Day Paper (35565) - Amy Tangerine, Hanging Out Paper (35560) - Amy Tangerine, Yes Peas Paper (35549) - Amy Tangerine, Wonderful Day Paper (35601) - Daydreams, Playful Day Paper (35607) - Daydreams, Wishful Day Paper (35610) - Daydreams, Mousse (78057) - Details, Santa Baby (35482) - Hollyday, Eclair (53226) - Thickers, Maple (53221) - Thickers, All Together (42219) - Remarks, Accents and Phrases (42210) - Remarks, Decorative Tags (77256) - Bits, Journalling Cards (64011) - Just Write, Daydreams Plastic Buttons (85573) - Elements, Dot Glue Runner (61713) - This to That, Dimensional Dots (61709) - This to That

I have some exciting news to share too!!

I was extremely surprised to learn that I was selected as a Glue Dots Dottess!

(it was announced on the blog, so I had no idea until someone posted a congrats message to me)

I am so humbled and excited by this, I can't even BEGIN to explain it.

Congrats to all the new DT members at Glue Dots!

Thanks for stopping by!

Quirky Me

2011-09-05T14:05:00.000-03:00

Happy Monday!

These are just a couple of sneaks of my first project up on the American Crafts blog today!

I hope you can pop by!

Thanks for checking in!

Playing a bit of catch up!

2011-08-30T10:48:00.000-03:00

Hello Everyone!

Blogger is NOT cooperating with me today :( and is still flipping my pics (and I can't figure out how to flip them back)-so I am uploading to my 2Peas gallery & then copying them from there. It's great, I get to get everything uploaded in one shot BUT it's taking me twice as long and now I don't have as much time to blog. But I DO have a few projects that I really wanted to share today.

The first few are some cards.

These cards are from my July Hip 2-b Square kit. I am normally not a fan of my cards -they are REALLY something that I tend to overthink and never know when to stop- but I REALLY ended up liking these -ALOT!

This first one uses mostly AC Tape.

This card was inspired by a quilt pattern I was recently swooning over. ;)

And isn't that bumble bee just TOO CUTE??

And this one uses one of my favorite color combos ever!

I am a DIE HARD orange/pink fan!

And lastly, a simple tag that I made using up my scraps!

*****

This LO is about Little Man's Yogi love. We got him this Yogi Bear stuffy on vacation and he has been carrying it around ever since. I'm not sure if it really stands out or not, but I wanted to point out my use of pink as a background paper. I know alot of people don't think that pink would work on a 'boy' page but the color is so soft, I really think that it becomes neutralized by the vibrant oranges, greens, yellows & reds in the LO.

That's all I have for today but-

Thanks for checking in!

I still have a few more things to share this week.

Happy Tuesday!

Sweet Boy

2011-08-26T08:04:00.000-03:00

Happy Friday!!

I have another LO to share with you today using the July Hip 2-b Square kit.

This one is about a magna-doodle message I found from him. :)

That's all I have for today!

Happy FRIDAY!!!

Thanks for popping in!

Splishin & Splashin

2011-08-25T11:04:00.000-03:00

Hello Blog Friends!

I have been trying to squeeze some last minute fun into Summer vacation (as well as getting hair cut, school clothes/supply shopping done). I have also been scrapping up a storm (as you will see) using the July Kit from Hip 2-b Square. Tonnes of Studio Calico, Pebbles, American Crafts & even some Sass in this kit.

You can see entire kit details HERE.

Supplies: Papers-Studio Calico, Sassafras, MME, Sassafras, Stickers-Sassafras (journal spot) MME (chipboard), Alphas-Sassafras (blue) & American Crafts (brown), Ric Rac-MME, Flags-Pebbles, Buttons-assorted

I also did a simple little card from the kit as well.

It's meant for a little girl and the type says 'Sugar & spice and everything nice.'

I did this by cutting one of these elements apart (at the very bottom).

It was a great way to add some interest AND a sentiment at the same time.

CS-American Crafts, Paper-Pebbles, Stickers-My Mind's Eye

Blooms-Basic Grey, Buttons-Assorted

Thanks for popping by!

I will have some more July Hip to share tomorrow!

Happy Thursday!

Monkey Bars

2011-08-16T15:06:00.000-03:00

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Have you been checking out the new DT's blogs for American Crafts?

I have been and all I can say is WOW!!!

I just wanted to drop a quick line today-I am coming up on my 24th hour of a migraine and NOTHING is working, although I am sure if I just stopped and rested for a bit I would feel much better. Maybe I can convince my 6 year old that we both need a nap ;)

Well, I can always dream, right?

In the meantime here is a LO that I did for my Little Man.

My little, late bloomer has been conquering his monkey bar fear. Mind you, he still isn't across them yet but he is able to get up, hang and drop on his own-which is a million miles further than we were last September :)

Supplies: Cardstock/scalloped strip- Bazzill,

Papers/Thickers/Buttons-American Crafts

Thanks for checking in!

Have a Super-Fun Day!!!

Somebody pinch me, PLEASE!

2011-08-15T19:59:00.000-03:00

INTERNATIONAL

Cindy Stevens – from New Brunswick, Canada (me-can you believe it??!!??!)

Lilith Eeckles – from Bertogne, Belgium

Michelle Clement – from British Columbia, Canada

Piradee Talvanna – from Singapore

Revlie Schuit – from Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands

Shimelle Laine – from London, England

UNITED STATES

Amy Heller – from Newtown, CT

Cindy Tobey – from Kentwood, MI

Corrie Jones – from Dallas, GA

Heidi Sonboul – from Torrance, CA

Jamie Harper – from Phoenix, AZ

Jenny Chesnick – from Brooklyn, MD

Leah Farquharson – from Lauderhill, FL

Leslie Ashe – from Fort Worth, TX

Mandy Koeppen – from Hastings, MI

Melissa Mann – from Pensacola, FL

Paige Evans – from South Pasadena, CA

Pamella Brown – from Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Rahel Menig – from Gilroy, CA

Suzy Plantamura – from Laguna Niguel, CA

To say I was surprised would be a complete and utter understatement, yet there is my name and can you believe the talent pool I will be swimming in?? OMGosh! My jaw hit the floor when I got the acceptance email and I am pretty sure it is still there somewhere. I am truly honored and humbled to make this team.

I am SO excited to finally share this and have to thank my good friend Tracey for giving me the much needed nudge to apply.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

I am off to pinch myself again! ;)

Thanks for popping in!

School Librarian & Yogi Bear Park

2011-08-15T09:20:00.000-03:00

Happy Monday!

It's hard to believe that school goes back in 3 short weeks. I am sad that I will have to give my Little Man back to the school system 5 days a week but I know that the separation is good for both of us. He really misses his friends and the structure that school brings and I do miss my little bits of quiet time.

Last year I kept myself busy by volunteering at the school library (the 'helicoptor Mom' in me LOVES being closer to her Little Guy). I ended up filling in when other parents couldn't be there and was at the school 3 days a week most of the time :). I really enjoyed getting to know the other parents and teachers and found it a very fulfilling experience. I can't wait to get started again this year.

This LO was created using the June kit from Hip 2-b Square.

Contents can be seen HERE.

This next 2-pager is just a simple one about your Yogi Trip last month.

If you can't tell, I am REALLY loving the 8.5x11" format lately.

I LOVE my 12x12" albums but when you scrap as much as I do, you start to get a little out of control in the storage department. These end up fitting on my book shelves alot better and I can store them much easier.

This LO also uses the June Hip 2-b Square kit.

That's all I have for now although I am sure I will have MUCH more to share in the very near future!

Have a FABULOUS day and thank you for dropping in!

Fun

2011-08-09T11:00:00.001-03:00

Sunshine!

Thankfully the downpours have stopped (for the time being anyway) and the sun is shining BUT I still wanted to get a post in this morning, so this will be a bit on the short side.

This LO is about my Little Man's first time playing in the waves at the beach. He was never a big fan of water and once he started to enjoy it, we stuck with the safety of pools with lifejackets. It`s safe to say this won`t be our last time dipping our toes in the ocean. :)

Special thanks goes out to my friend who remembered to bring her camera (Mine was still getting fixed on this day).

*photo credit to Belinda H.

Using June Hip 2B Square kit-see detail list HERE.

Thanks for popping in!

I hope you are having a sunny day where you are!

I Scream, You Scream...

2011-08-08T23:24:00.000-03:00

Happy Rainy Monday!

I think if you are anywhere near the Eastern seaboard, you can relate to the rainy weather today.

From what I have seen on the Weather Network, it is pretty much the same all around.

So I can say, that these pics of my June Hip 2B Square projects are less than stellar :( I really struggle to get a decent picture indoors when it is overcast but here they are anyway.

I knew as soon as I saw this die cut sheet from Jillibean Soup that I would break apart these circles (upper left hand corner & middle bottom of sheet) and use them as a focal point on my LO.

The floral paper REALLY reminded me of a fabric, so I was inspired to layer that inside my circles & stitch around the outside to give them some definition. This ended up being my favorite LO from this kit, I have never done a LO with circular pictures before, I have tried but they never seemed to look right. so I have always ended up re-doing them. I carried the circular theme through the LO using the ample supply of buttons (Kimberly ALWAYS gives me a generous supply in her kits and I think I end up using every. last. one ;)

Supplies used can be found at Hip2BSquare: HERE.

I picked up a couple of little 4x6" frames from the Dollar Store a few weeks ago and have been wanting to do some small inspirational pieces. I used the Out Of Print (Basic Grey) paper as my background design (I placed this under the glass). I really loved the shabby look of it.I then adhered some Jillibean Soup alpha stickers from the kit and placed my message right on the glass (this will allow me to easily change up my design at a later date). I finished it off with an oval fram from the JBS die cuts (layered with a neutral cardstock) and added a JBS corrugated kraft butterfly & buttons.

This little gem will find a home somewhere in my craft room.

I will definately have some more projects to share this week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Create

2011-08-04T04:25:00.002-03:00

I find the BEST way to use up my stash is to look trough it periodically.

(which I don't do often enough)

But I love it when I do - I always find things that I forgot I had (sometimes, I find multiples-EEK!)

That was the case with the below projects.

I found some Dear Lizzy patterns I have been holding onto WAY too long (2 Peas doesn't even have most of this stuff listed anymore) but I think the patterns are still as pretty as I did when I bought hem.

Supplies: Pattern Papers, rub-ons-AC Dear Lizzy, Alphas-American Crafts Thickers

Ribbon-American Crafts, Punch (bird & greenery)-Stampin' Up!

Chipboard pieces (bases) Maya Road Mini Albums (taken apart)

This colors on this card just make me happy. Again, this is using paper that I have been hoarding.

I also have a HUGE pile of alphas that I should really put a dent in as well.

Supplies-Cardstock-Kraft, Paper, ribbon & alphas-American Crafts

Buttons-from stash.

Thanks for checking in today-

Happy Thursday!

Yogi Bear & Ice Cream

2011-08-03T16:23:00.000-03:00

Happy August!

I wanted to share a new LO with you but first, I wanted to share where I've been the past few days.

We went to Jellystone Park and tented for the first time as a little family.

We had a few kinks in the road (like POURING rain for 2 days straight and -ummm- we didn't think we needed a tarp- we bought one the next day-:D ) All in all, we had a great time with Yogi, swimming, mini-golfing ad relaxing a bit. I think it was a great experience overall and would definately do it again.

(not with scheduled rain in the forcast, however ;) )

Jellystone Park was quite wonderful and had LOTS of scheduled activities with the kiddies, as well as lunch with Yogi & a nightly hayride with YB as well. The pool was heated (and exceptionally clean and maintained) and there were waterslides, a canteen & mini-golf all on-site. Little Man got a hug in with Yogi at every oppertunity - there was alot of 'Yogi love' going on last week.

This LO is Little Man's first experience with a Drum Stick Ice Cream.

As you can tell, I got a bit playful with the color pallette and used up a bit of my ever growing stash.

Supplies: Cardstock-Bazzill & AC, Papers-American Crafts (Dear Lizzy and Botanical)

Thickers, Alphabet beads ($1 Store), Rub-ons- AC Dear Lizzy, Buttons-AC & assorted

Punchs-EK Success (notebook) & Stampin' Up! (greenery)

I used my deco edge scissors when fashioning the flowers, which gave them a bit of a playful look.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a Happy Wednesday!

Sandspit 2011

2011-07-24T14:29:00.000-03:00

This post marks the last of my May assignments from Hip 2B Square.

I really had ALOT of fun with this kit.

This LO is of my nephew and my Little Man on a recent family vacation.

Unfortunately, my camera died on Day 2 but luckily, my Mother/Sister-in-laws both like to take as many pictures as I do (photo credit on this LO goes to both of them).

This next LO is about a day off from school Little Man had due to an eye infection, so I decided we make and decorate some cupcakes. While playing around with the pink and blue frosting, I asked him what he was decorating his cupcake with and he said, 'Pink eyes. ;) ' Only a 6 year old would think of this. And only a crazy, scrapbooking Momma would take a picture and scrapbook it. :)

I wanted to show how versatile the cloud punch by Fiskars is. I used it to make the 'frosting' on my cupcake and then doodled a thin outline for added interest.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Have a Happy Sunday!

Family Time

2011-07-19T11:00:00.001-03:00

Hi! It's Me (again ;) )

I told ya that I have been scrapping like crazy! LOL

This is another LO that I did using the May Hip Kit.

On this LO, I challenged myself to NOT use any pattern paper and opted to use only the embellies, buttons & die cuts that came with this kit. I traced a circle on my LO and then added my photos and embellies around inside of it. The stitching took a bit of time and the overall effect is a little kitchy but I am happy with the way this came out.

I also managed a little Thank You tag with some of my scraps.

I used the packaging from my Studio Calico rubons as the tags base (the background grid pattern)