This Papered Heart

New Adventure

2011-10-14T16:17:00.000-05:00

Hello! I just wanted to update this blog to let everyone know that the best place to find me now is at www.alterediris.com. Would love to have you come and join me on my new adventure!

Thank you!

A Gift Album, last minute...

2011-04-18T07:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Over the weekend my Dad celebrated his 60th birthday! I'd had this in the back of my brain for several months so it didn't completely sneak up on me, but I did put off the gift until (somewhat) last minute. In the past I've had this notion that I needed to plan *months* in advance and work for hours upon hours to make a meaningful mini album as a gift, well, this time I only had a month from the time I first decided that I wanted to make one... don't worry, no need to panic... it turned out fine! Once I rounded up some photos of my childhood and photos of my Dad and I, scanned a few in and reprinted them, and chose some product and found a few quotes to include it only took a couple of hours to put together!

I used an 8x8 album with one photo on each page, a block of plain cardstock and a block of coordinating patterned paper (I used an older line from We R Memory Keepers called Coppered Out). Once I had all the pages put together I went back and stamped a round journaling stamp onto an ivory sheet of cardstock, wrote my journaling and added into the page where the 3 blocks meet. For the title page and closing page I did the same thing without a photo. So, see there you too can make a quick little mini album in a few hours, it doesn't have to be a masterpiece, just some photos and meaningful words written from your heart. And, if you get as lucky as I did, maybe you'll even make the recipient cry! ;)

A New Love: Mixed Media Canvas Art!

2011-04-12T07:56:00.002-05:00

So, a few weeks ago I finally did a project I'd been wanting to do for a while...

Thanks to Christy Tomlinson's wonderful tutorial here I was able to create this little piece of art. I knew that I would really enjoy this type of project and I was so right. I've loved using paint and rub ons and collaging scraps on my scrapbooking layouts for a while and this seemed like such a natural thing to play around with. I love the process and the result and have been dreaming up other things I can make. And this weekend I had the perfect opportunity to make an original piece for my niece who turned 10 yesterday. Her parents gave her a room re-do for her birthday and so my sister-in-law sent me the link for her new bedding which was my inspiration for this wall art I made for her new room!

Here's the bedding set she got from Pottery Barn:

And here's the art I created for her new bedroom!

A little closer up view:

And the card I made to go along with it.

I am happy to say she loved it! And I'm excited to make more art soon! :)

Project Life | Week 12 & 13

2011-04-11T10:54:00.000-05:00

Project Life update! Here's my week's 12 & 13, click to view larger.

Spring is always a busy time of year for most, I think. I'm finding myself being a bit more flexible with this project, going more in the direction of a weekly overview instead of day by day. At first I was fighting this and now, I'm embracing it, realizing IT IS OK! :) Anywho, hope you enjoy and please do share how you're doing on your Project Life or a 365 or 52 project your working on!

Project Life | Week 10 & 11

2011-03-22T13:32:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone! Here's my week's 10 & 11 as promised! Whoo hoo!

Week 10: You can see I'm missing a photo here on this layout, that's because I forgot my phone and had no way of taking pictures when we went out to an extended family dinner, so I'm waiting on photos from my sister-in-law to get this on fully completed.

Sun- Tues photos

Wed - Sat photos

And another 6x12 insert with 6 photos from our weekend road trip to the lake/st. paddy's parade.

Week 11:

A very sparse week in the way of words and somewhat even photos... definitely a challenging week... I'm starting to realize the true benefit of taking those few minutes each day to jot something down and have a photo in mind that I've taken that day or plan to take the next day. There's something to be said for not waiting until the end of the week (for me anyway). I know there will likely be more weeks like this one, but I'm feeling reenergized and refocused on this project. I stumbled upon a new resource over the weekend: captureyour365.com. Although I haven't taken time to explore the actual site too much, I did sign up for the daily emails that give inspiration/ideas for your photo-a-day project. Very helpful if you are struggling with an idea for the day or you're just looking for a new idea, so check it out.

Here's the left side of week 11

and the right side of week 11.

Thanks for stopping by!

Project Life | Catching Up

2011-03-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

Hello! YES, I am still alive!!! My sincerest apologies for being the biggest blog slacker ever! The saddest part is that I have no decent excuse. The good news is that I have not been a Project Life slacker... I have been faithfully keeping up with it, just not done a good job at taking pictures and posting them. :( But, I am catching up with that today and will do my absolute best to keep up with it going forward... because I love sharing and inspiring you in your own Project Life or other creative journey! :)

So, here is... Week 7

In the bottom right photo spot, I usually put Tuesday's photo, but for this Tuesday I just wrote out a conversation between my son and I and didn't have a photo that went with it, and when I saw that the back side of that spot from week 6 was this, I liked the way it looked and just went with it. So, don't feel like you have to have something "significant" filling each spot if you don't have anything to put there, just "make something up", take the pressure off...

I put in another 6x12 insert in this week. My daughter painted her hand and did this handprint all on her own... I loved how she did each finger a different color and new instantly it had to go in PL! I paired it with a photo of her being goofy and a strip of one of the sheets of patterned paper that came with the kit.

On the back side of the 6 x12 I put in a portion of one of the 22 paintings Noelle did over that weekend.

Week 8:

A few weeks back I bought Ali's digital journaling blocks... one set of long journalers and one of the 4x6 sets. I was excited to use the 4x6 set this week and love how it adds into PL perfectly! Definitely looking forward to using more of these in the future. On this one I wrote our the kids' bedtime routine and put it next to the photo of Daddy reading them bedtime stories (part of the routine).

Close up of Sun-Tues

Close up of Wed-Sat

Week 9:

One thing I like to do sometimes if my photo turns out off lighting wise or even sometimes if it's blurry I'll turn it black and white which makes it more artsy-looking instead of looking like an obvious bad photo. So, now the secret's out... and you should try it to! ;)

Close up of Sun-Tues

Close up of Wed-Sat

Come back on Tuesday when I'll share week 10 & 11!

Project Life | Week 6

2011-02-17T21:10:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Project Life Week 6! Yippee! It's late, but it's here so better late than never, right!?! My little boy celebrated his 3rd birthday on Saturday, so much of the week I focused on things about him, things he likes, little quirks, etc... I am wanting to also include an insert with more details about him at this point in time. I purchased volume 1 of Ali's long journalers and am hoping to get some time this week/weekend to put one of those together to add!

Here's a look at Sun-Tues... the far right journaling block is Parker's stamping artwork that he did while I was working on writing some journaling! :)

and Wed-Sat...

Project Life | Week 5

2011-02-08T12:46:00.001-06:00

Here's my Project Life Week 5!

Sun-Tues... We got even MORE snow this week! The top right photo is of our under cabinet TV in our kitchen showing the blizzard warning, the bottom right is of my dear, sweet, hard working husband who spent nearly 24 hours solid out plowing the white stuff!

Wed-Sat... A few of the things we did/enjoyed the 2nd half of the week... while we had cabin fever (minus Friday when we finally got out to go to the store!) :)

I also did a little insert page from a photo I took of my 2 kiddos that turned out well and a journal entry I put into my Momento iPhone app on Friday.

On the back side I slid in a family portrait Noelle drew at church. The big guy with 6 arms is Daddy, the one to the right is Mommy with the crazy hair, Noelle is on the other side of Daddy & that's little brother Parker with the long arms! :)

Linking to:

PS. How do you like my new little blog button over there ----> "Be Intentional" found here. Thought it quite appropriate and a good reminder since Intentional is my One Little Word this year! :)

Project Life | Week 4

2011-02-01T14:31:00.000-06:00

Project Life Week 4!!! Wow, I can hardly believe it! This year is flying by already!

One of the things that I think is essential for this project is having a camera with you at all times, whether that be a little point and shoot you keep in your purse or your cell phone, without something portable that you can have with you all the time, you won't be able to capture spur of the moment shots. 6 of my 7 photos this week were taken with my iPhone, including photos taken at the library, in our car and inside Target. It's so fun to be able to capture those little things of everyday life that often get overlooked or may seem unimportant at the time, but it's those little things that are what take up the majority of our days and moments and are so worthy of documenting! So, here's a look at week 4!

Because I included Wednesday & Thursday's journaling on one block & I didn't have a photo or any memorabilia I wanted to put there, I used an extra filler card on the 2nd half of the week.

Sunday - Tuesday

Wednesday - Saturday

For my Wednesday shot I used an idea from Becky's Blog about using Google Maps to map where you live. I then just took a photo of the screen with my iPhone to get this POTD! Thanks Becky!

And thank you for stopping by today! I'm linking up to Project Life Tuesday on The Mom Creative.

Twisted Sketches #86

2011-01-27T08:16:00.000-06:00

Here's my layout for sketch #86 for Twisted Sketches. This is my final assignment as a Twisted Sister, it's been such a fun and rewarding experience to be on such a great team and have the opportunity to share my work!

Products Used: Patterned Paper - Sassafrass, American Crafts, October Afternoon; Stickers - October Afternoon (label), Cosmo Cricket & Sassafrass (alphas); Rhinestones

Project Life | Week 3

2011-01-25T13:24:00.000-06:00

Project Life... week 3! Yippee... still LOVING this project, more and more as I go I think! There are some days I think "What in the world am I going to capture today and then at some point later on something happens and I'll think "aha!" this can be my POTD! :) I'm wondering if this is going to get easier or harder as the year goes on... although I am sure that some weeks will be easier than others (like this week was). Such a great & doable project and the great thing is you don't have to do a photo a day, there are SO many fabulous different ways you can use this album! For lots of ideas visit Becky's site.

So here is the first part of week 3.

We've gotten a lot of snow the past couple of weeks and I've taken quite a few photos, so I decided to insert an American Crafts 6x12 page protector with some of those additional photos & a journaling block I made out of some lined paper I had in my stash.

And here is the 2nd page of week 3. On the bottom left 4x6 block I slipped in part of the hot chocolate packet that says "Making Warm Chocolatey Memories". I loved it and knew that it needed to be included... how fun is it going to be to look back at that in 10-20 years (or more) and see how the graphics and things have changed over time. I also included a ticket from the arcade/play place we went to on Saturday for a birthday party... loving including these little bits!

Just a side note: If you happen to look closely & you notice the stamped dates look a bit odd, well that's because I somehow got confused on what date it was! ;) I had to go back and "fix" them so they showed the correct dates with the correct days. Ooops!

Linking to:

2011 Goals | Read More

2011-01-23T09:12:00.000-06:00

So, one of my goals for 2011 is to read more. In the past I get eager about reading but rarely, if ever finish a book. It's sad, but true... but this year that's going to change! Hubby and I have both set out to read more, which should help, since we can help keep each other accountable and remind each other. So, our goal is 12 books this year (1 book a month)... secretly I am hoping to read more like 15-16... but, I don't want to get in over my head. :)

Right now I am reading this book. I'm over half way and my goal to finish is 1/31... totally doable! :) Next on my list is this book. And what I'm so excited for about this one, is the community that I'll be reading along with. The club reading will start on February 7th and will discuss a chapter a week. One of the coolest things is that the author will be discussing with us in the weekly videos! How cool! I am so excited to be joining this community as well as reading this book! I hope that if you've set out to read more this year you'll consider joining the (in)courage community! The book is on sale for $10 on Dayspring through Monday, so hurry and get your book and join in! :)

Project Life | Week 2

2011-01-20T11:18:00.000-06:00

Hello! I'm here to share my Project Life Week 2 with you! This week I included a few "bits of life" rather than just photos/journaling blocks. I included the card that came with the flowers my hubby surprised me with and our receipt from the grocery store.

Sunday's photo spot was actually a sheet of paper my daughter was practicing writing on.

On Wednesday I took a photo of the gas pump that showed how much gas is and how much we spent.

Linked to:

The Simple Things

2011-01-17T15:05:00.000-06:00

These are the flowers my husband brought home for me just because, just to thank me for all I do. What a day brightener! It's the simple things that have the power to bring great joy! Being appreciated and enjoying a vase full of beauty, especially during these cold, snowy, winter months!

Twisted Sketch #84

2011-01-12T14:48:00.001-06:00

Here's my Twisted Sketches layout for this week! The twist was Winter. This photo was taken last year when my son was just under 2 years and he experienced playing in the snow for the first time. I had fun with some paint on the patterned paper background, and even used some bubble wrap to get the turquoise dots... I have been wanting to play with bubble wrap for a while. See below for the complete list of products used.

Patterned Paper: American Crafts, Reminisce; Diecuts (snowflakes): Making Memories; Journaling Block: Making Memories; Alphas: Pink Paislee; Stickles & Paint

Thanks for stopping by!

Project Life Tuesday

2011-01-11T21:45:00.000-06:00

Can I just first start off by saying... I LOVE PROJECT LIFE!!! Seriously, this is my first year doing it and I have to say, it is so manageable, so doable, so fantastic... totally loving this new (to me) way of scrap booking our family's daily life! You would think that with taking a photo a day I would have more photos than normal so far, and maybe I do but, it feels like the ones I have taken have more meaning and it's also given me permission to stop when it's been a moment or event that I could become snap happy. Granted, there are certainly events/times/moments where you definitely want to be snap happy, but in other moments, those first few photos you took... were probably plenty to capture the memory. Wait... did I just say you can take too many photos? :) Well, I know I can and snapping a lot of photos (for me) can mean I'm not present in the moment and I feel that Project Life already has given me the freedom to put the camera down after a bit and just enjoy life. (Probably not what you thought you were going to hear). So, here's my example... Thursday afternoon we had beautiful weather here in Kansas. The kids and I spent an hour outside enjoying the much needed fresh air (as I shared in Sunday's post). I was definitely snapping a lot of pictures and I certainly got some great shots, but after a little while I thought... Ya know, I think I've taken plenty, I know I have at least 2 or 3 good ones to choose from for my album, so, I'm just going to enjoy this moment. Knowing what I'm going to do with those photos already, gives me the freedom to stop and enjoy life. And the other few that turned out good I had already started planning a separate layout for them. I never do this... I rarely take photos with a plan already in place for doing something with them. Project Life has given me that plan in a simple, easy, doable format! Whoo hoo for Project Life... now... on to my first week's layout! ;)

Entire layout (click photo to make it larger).

Left Side (Sunday-Tuesday)

Right Side (Wednesday-Saturday)

I hope that if you are doing Project Life yourself you will share your pages with me... it's so much fun to get ideas and inspiration from each other. Also, come join me and a ton of others at the Big Picture Classes Project Life FREE Community. And, share your pages on Project Life Tuesday at The Mom Creative! If you are on the fence about PL, I hope that I've convinced you that you can do it! :) It's not too late to start! And, if you aren't planning on doing one, I hope you'll follow along with me anyway! :)

A few things...

2011-01-10T15:23:00.000-06:00

So... it's here... 2011! Can you believe it? 2010 was a great year for our family, but I have a feeling 2011 is going to be even better. A new year is such an exciting time isn't it? This year I think I'm the most excited than I have ever been... at least in a while. I feel like this year I have a real vision for what I want to be different and some tangible/measurable ways to do that. Although I still have a bit of work to do in some areas, I feel like I'm well on my way in other areas.

If you follow Ali's blog you have certainly heard of the One Little Word idea. I have chosen a word for the past several years and this year was no exception. My word this year is intentional. It is my desire to be more intentional in many areas of my life, actually now that I think about it, every area of my life. The two biggest though are time and relationships... intentional with how I spend my time and more intentional with the relationships/friendships in my life. I'm taking Ali's One Little Word class at Big Picture Classes and I can tell already that I have a greater awareness of my word this year than I have in the past.

I also want to be more intentional with my scrap booking. Last year I had a goal of completing 75 layouts... and I did accomplish that goal (although I did lose count about 1/2 way through the year!). This year I want to spend more time on bigger more significant projects. These projects have always intimidated me in the past, but I'm quite excited about them this year. One of these is the One Little Word class as it spans the entire year, but I am also doing Becky Higgins' Project Life doing the Picture a Day approach and I'm also signed up for 2 of Jessica Sprague's Photoshop Elements classes in order to learn my way around the software that I got for Christmas (thanks again Mom!) :)

I'm quite excited about this transformation/transition in my scrap booking... and am excited to be learning so many new things and taking on some new challenges. I also hope to share more often on my blog... but we'll see... it's not a goal this year just a desire. I do hope you will check back though and follow along with me in 2011!

On a side note: I have not yet finished my December Daily... whooops... I've gotten so excited about these new projects that the DD has gone on the back burner. I am realizing that I really need to keep up with projects like that in the moment, because it kind of loses its excitement come December 26th! :) LOL! I do intend to finish it still, but am already thinking ahead to this year and thinking I may go all digital (if I learn Photoshop well enough this year) or just include it with my Project Life and call it good... we'll see! :)

The Simple Things

2011-01-09T18:30:00.000-06:00

Thursday the thermometer reached nearly 50 degrees. This is not very common for a January in Kansas, so we were excited to enjoy some playtime outside sans jackets!!! :) The hour we spent outside did wonders for all of us!

Linking to:

Twisted Sketches #82

2010-12-29T11:24:00.000-06:00

Here's my layout for Twisted Sketch #82!

A few weeks ago I finally printed some photos that were on a roll of film that had been laying around for a few years! Yes... I said years... and this little gem of a photo was one of the ones on there! My daughter when she was just a few months old! Now... she's 4 1/2!

Journaling says: "You rolled over for the first time at four months old. I was so proud of you and so amazed at watching you learn and grow so quickly that I cried happy tears. You are so special to us. We love you!" Photo: 9/2006 Journaling: 12/2010

Products used: Patterned paper: Pink Paislee, Photo corners, border sticker & journaling spots: Crate Paper, Alphas: Pink Paislee, Flowers: Sassafrass Lass

Thanks for looking!

My First EVER Digital Page!

2010-12-27T23:09:00.000-06:00

Yippee! I am so excited to share with you my first ever digital scrapbook page! I was so excited to get Photoshop Elements 9 for Christmas and am taking Jessica Sprague's Up & Running with Photoshop online class! This was completed with a digital "quick page" but by the end of the class I will be creating my own page from scratch! So excited to finally be learning Photoshop and I'm excited to see how my scrap booking is going to evolve and change due to all the new things I'm learning/am going to learn!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T13:50:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas!!!

Twisted Sketches #80

2010-12-15T22:41:00.000-06:00

A simple layout today for Twisted Sketches #80. The twist was pop dots and although it's hard to tell in the photos I put dots under the gingerbread man "baked for you" sticker, the "It's the most wonderful time of the year embellishment as well as some of the stars.

The photos are of my son from last Christmas season when he was baking (or should I say flouring) with wild abandon! I found a quote that seemed appropriate enough for the photos (I was looking for one about flour and baking but was unable to find one)... anyway the quote says "Baking is like love... it should be entered into with abandon or not at all."

Products used: Patterned paper-Basic Grey, Journaling Spots/Stickers-October Afternoon, Shabby Chic Crafts, Making Memories & Jillibean Soup, Alphas-Making Memories.

December Daily Update: I have photos waiting to be put in my album, photos yet to order and pages yet to be made. Our printer ran out of ink and it took me a couple of days to get to the store to replace them... busy, busy... however, I hope to have some pages complete to share with you soon!!! How's your album coming along?

December Daily {Day 1 & 2}

2010-12-05T15:26:00.000-06:00

Day 1: I did end up recording "the incident". It was the best and most memorable story of the day... and what's great also, is that it's real life... no reason to always pick the good or fun stories... include the bad/ugly stories too... it'll add depth and reality to your album, not to mention I'm sure this will cause for quite the entertainment and laughter for many years to come!

Day 2: I recorded the story on the back of the page from Day 1 and then adhered 2 wallet sized photos on a large journaling block from 7 Gypsies. I cut an October Afternoon journaling circle in half that says Made for You Made with Love.

And here, is the culprit of the TV mishap, re-living the adventure... ;)

Twisted Sketches and December Daily

2010-12-01T13:44:00.000-06:00

Twisted Sketches #78 is up today! Here's my contribution. I LOVE the new Mix & Mend Paper from Sassafrass!!! That is the patterned paper (Handmade Hobnob) I used on this layout. It looks like a complicated layout, but I promise you it's the Sass paper! I added an old My Mind's Eye frame, a Mix & Mend cardstock flower sticker, a brad from Pink Paislee's Queen Bee collection and some old alpha stickers from Heidi Grace and some handwritten journaling and voila! :)

This page was created as a reminder to myself of where my priority is and where I want my focus to be each day. The scripture is Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I can hardly believe it's DECEMBER!!! Happy December! I am so ready for this season!!! I ended up putting my December Daily album together... it was easy this year because as I went to gather things for the album I realized my album from last year (that I barely got to) was still in tact and all I needed was to replace the first 2 days because that was all I managed to get to last year! :( Well, I changed the cover a bit too and so now I'm ready and determined to get this one finished!

I took a look back at my 2008 album (my first Dec Daily) and it was so fun to see those moments all in one album. One thing though that stuck out to me was the journaling, there wasn't a lot and it seemed like there were a lot of questions about certain things I had already about some of the photos. So, I am hoping this year to get a little more detailed with my words. I am also planning to go through the 31st (or maybe even the 1st of Jan) instead of the 25th. We are celebrating Christmas with my side of the family on the 26th and there is also a lot of fun that comes after Christmas with enjoying family time and new Christmas toys and such that I would like to document as well.

Here's a look at a few other pages... I am hoping to update my completed pages at least once a week... I will be having my photos printed at a developer so I will not be able to post daily.

I think I may already have my story for the first unless I come up with a better story throughout the day, which I kinda hope I do...

THIS is what our TV looks like at the moment. My little guy... bless his heart... decided to take his plastic golf club to the television this morning!!! I was upstairs getting ready for Bible Study, he was supposed to be sitting quietly watching PBS! My daughter comes upstairs and says "Mommy, come look at the TV." in a very calm, no big deal way... I had a terrible feeling... and it was true... needless to say he got in big trouble and the golf clubs went straight to the dumpster (they had nearly made it there many times before now, but this was the straw that broke the camel's back for that troublesome toy). So, I guess Santa will be bringing us a new TV for Christmas... UGH!

It's Here! It's Here!

2010-11-20T10:32:00.000-06:00

The new Sketches to Scrapbook iPhone App!!! See more details here! What an exciting project to have the honor to be a part of! Thanks to Anam for all her hard work and for the opportunity to work on this project! I have played with the app a little and I must say it is great! Make sure you download yours!!! :) There's a free app with 12 sketches or the full version with over 100 sketches for 4.99!

Here are the layouts I did for the app:

Twisted Sketch #74 & 76

2010-11-17T09:28:00.000-06:00

Here's my layout for Twisted Sketch #74 :

The twist was animal and so I used these photos I took when we fed the birds at the zoo. One landed on Noelle's head and she was so cool and calm about it!

Products I used: Patterned Paper - Glitz Design & Lilybee, Alphas - American Crafts & Making Memories, Stickers: American Crafts, Jenni Bowlin & 7 Gypsies, Crepe Paper Ribbon - Jenni Bowlin

And here's my layout for sketch #76. The twist was history. I used these photos of Noelle & myself only a few months apart in age in the same rocking chair that I received as a gift from my parents, that is still around today!

Products I used: Patterned Paper - Sassafrass & October Afternoon, Alphas - My Little Shoebox & Cosmo Cricket, Rubons- American Crafts, Stickers - American Crafts & Creative Imaginations

Thanks for looking!

Friends - Twisted Sketch #72

2010-10-22T16:10:00.000-05:00

My apologies for getting this week's twisted sketch layout up late, it's been one of those weeks! Anywho, here's my interpretation of sketch #72 you can see here.

Supply List: Cardstock - Solar White by the Paper Company, Patterned Paper - Sassafrass, Stickers - American Crafts + Jenni Bowlin, Ribbon - American Crafts, Paint - Pebbles, Mists - Maya Road (Hydrangea) + Tattered Angels (Lemongrass)

So Excited!!!

2010-10-15T19:56:00.001-05:00

A few months ago I was asked to be a part of a "secret" project. I was too curious to turn down the opportunity and really how can I turn down any opportunity to have an excuse to scrapbook more! But, when I found out what this secret project was I was even more excited! Enter, Sketches 2 Scrapbook! Sketches to Scrapbook is an awesome iPhone & iPad application that is about to launch in early November 2010 which will allow you to think creatively on the go with over 100 unique sketches and layouts to keep you inspired. Two of my layouts will be featured on this new app and I am beyond thrilled and so honored to be a part of the first app of it's kind!!! Although I can't yet share the layouts or sketches with you I wanted to let you know about it! To learn more and to keep updated on the release of the app, check out the following:

Sketches 2 Scrapbook Website

Sketches 2 Scrapbook on Twitter

Sketches 2 Scrapbook on Facebook

Also, keep checking back here, because I may just have an app to giveaway to one lucky blog reader!!!

Thinking About December?

2010-10-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

December Daily that is... Ali's got her December Daily foundation pages posts up with some great video tutorials and such. I'd been giving some thought to mine as well. I did one 2 years ago (although it wasn't finished until the end of Jan!) and had intentions of doing one last year but failed miserably... I am planning to do one this year but keep it a bit simpler than in years past... giving some thought to an 8x8 diving into a 4x4 grid pattern... have you thought about yours yet? What's your plan? Please, do share! :)

October Challenge

2010-10-13T13:59:00.000-05:00

So, I'm going to start hosting a monthly challenge here on the ol' blog-o! I hope you'll find some time to join in the challenge and of course share your work with me! :)

The challenge this month is the challenge of three! Use 3 photos, 3 different patterned paper, 3 different alphas and three different additional embellishments!

On my example above you see my 3 photos, 3 patterned papers are the floral, the pink polka and the green polka, yellow, brown and pink alphas in my title and then 3 embellishments are the crochet flowers, the yellow button and the yellow ribbon down the left side. I also used a bit of stickles, hand written journaling and some cardstock.

So, go forth and gather some groups of three and get to creating!!! :)

Sparkly Shoes

2010-10-06T15:32:00.001-05:00

This week's Twisted Sketch #70 is up! The twist is "pin" and you can see where I added some Maya Road pins to my flower in the bottom left.

Products used: Cardstock, Patterned Paper: SEI, Gesso, flowers: American Crafts & unknown, Journal Spots: Making Memories, Alphas: Making Memories and K&Co., Bling: My Minds Eye

Journaling Reads: Your favorite shoes. You have worn them so much the sparkle is coming off! Thankfully they've lasted until Halloween so you could wear them with your Snow White costume! 10/31/09

Thanks for looking!

Celebrate!

2010-10-02T16:23:00.000-05:00

So, not only is today World Card Making Day, but it's also my birthday!!! Yay! So, I thought I would share a birthday card today in honor of both celebrations! I used Teresa Collins Celebrate paper and a bit of My Minds Eye Alphabet Soup for matting the cupcake greeting, a bit of paint, mist and ink and of course what's a good birthday without some bling! :)

I'll come back later this weekend to share my thoughts on turning... thirty-two! Right now it's off to get ready for a night out with my hubby!!!

Use What You Have: Back to School

2010-09-28T13:55:00.000-05:00

It is still September right? Barely, I know, but I figure as long as it's still September it's still ok to share a back to school layout!!! Maybe you've yet to put yours together because it's not in the budget for your to purchase any cool new back to school products or maybe you've just not been inspired to yet. Well, let me inspire you and no worries, you can use what you already have!!! That's the great part! :)

So here's my back to school layout... my first one actually since this is my oldest's first year of preschool. There are many more of these school layouts to follow but, I definitely didn't want to miss the chance to share the first one!!! :)

I used some basic "back to school" colors with the red and green but added in a bit of turquoise to pull together with her turquoise Tinkerbell backpack. A bit of paint, distressing, kraft/cardboard and some math symbol brads to top it off! All of these items I pulled from my stash! The "abc123" in the top left corner is a stamp:

It didn't turn out quite as dark as I had wanted, so to solve the problem...

I went over it with my black Stickles which darkened it and added some fun bling to my page!

So pull out your back to school photos and dig through your stash to see what kind of things you can pull together to create a back to school layout without running to the store!!! Please come back and share! I'd love to see what you create using what you have!

It's Time...

2010-09-24T21:45:00.001-05:00

1. Cuba Gallery: Retro / vintage / alarm clock / time / typography / orange / photography, 2. The Great Clock, 3. Clocks slay time... time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life~, 4. Dandelion clock, 5. Cuckoo Clock, 6. miserable-clock, 7. Downtown clock, 8. Clock Top, 9. Vintage Clocks, 10. Genie III - wall&clock, 11. old clock, 12. The clock is ticking,, 13. doily clock, 14. clock - craft 365 - day 178, 15. Town clock, 16. Wall of Clocks

It's time for Fall... For leaves turning colors, for pumpkins, Honeycrisp apples & warm apple cider.

It's time for birthday celebrations & making memories with family.

It's time for holiday planning; maybe this will be the year of the multitude of homemade gifts? I hope so...

It's time to get started!

It's time to stop worrying, to stop letting fear control our actions.

It's time to step out of the boat in faith, to trust God.

It's time to move forward, to make progress in the direction of our dreams.

Its time to stop making excuses.

It's time to stop waiting for a better day. Today is the best day. It may be all we've got.

It's time to slow down, to be present in each moment, to enjoy and savor this season of life.

It's time to be patient and be slow to get angry.

It's time to seek God, to make time with him my greatest priority, to learn and grow, to become less so He can be more.

It's time for change...

Our Day

2010-09-23T08:53:00.000-05:00

Here's my layout for Twisted Sketches #68 the twist is Vintage. A simple layout, but I was happy with how it turned out!

Products used:

Patterned Paper - 7 Gypsies, Fancy Pants, Crate Paper, Teresa Collins; Die Cuts - Glitz Design;

Stickers - Glitz Design; Alpha Stickers - My Mind's Eye; Border Punch - Stampin' Up;

Bling - My Mind's Eye

Thanks for looking!

Believe

2010-09-09T09:02:00.001-05:00

The Twisted Sketches #66 was posted yesterday and here's my layout! This is likely my new favorite... I have loved this Lilybee paper since I got it, but wasn't sure how to use it until I started putting this layout together and it just seemed perfect for this photo!! I was so excited to be able to use it finally!!!

The twist this week is "Fabric" any way, you can view the sketch here... those little fabric flowers I used are from one my daughter's shirts when she was a baby... I was so excited to give them a second life and use on this page. I stacked a couple on top of each other and then embellished with buttons.

Here's my complete supply list:

Patterned Paper: Lilybee, SEI, Making Memories, Chatterbox + Pennant Flag: Pretty Little Studio + Journal Spot: K&Co. + Trims: Rusty Pickle + Alphas: American Crafts + Metal Flower: Making Memories + Other: Fabric flowers, buttons

First Day of School

2010-09-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Noelle's first day of preschool! I can hardly believe she's starting this new chapter in her life. She is so excited and honestly, I am too. I know that she is going to have so much fun, make great new friends and learn so much. Not to mention all the fun new things I'm going to have to scrapbook! :)

A Lucky Weekend!

2010-08-30T17:33:00.000-05:00

I had quite the lucky weekend!! Look at all the goodies I managed to win!

These two items I won the Cocoa Daisy September kit reveal night party!

And this... the entire "Hello Beautiful!" collection from the Bella Blvd. Studio Blog!!!

Whoo hoo! I am so excited to get these amazing new goodies... I'll make sure and share with you what I create with all these new lovelies! The wheels are already turning! Until then... maybe I should go get a Powerball ticket!!! Lol! :)

Favorite Tree

2010-08-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

Here's my layout for Twisted Sketches #64. The twist is "tree", you can see the original sketch & other design team interpretations here.

My Supply List:

Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey, Prima + Rub Ons: Hambly + Stickers: Basic Grey + Alphas: Making Memories + Brads: Making Memories + Ribbon: Prima

Layout to Share

2010-08-12T09:53:00.000-05:00

The latest sketch is up over at Twisted Sketches. Here is my take on the sketch.

Journaling reads: "Life is pretty smooth sailing right now, especially when compared to last Summer. We've been pretty much just "going through the motions" this Summer.... with much joy of course! It is definitely a big blessing to have so few trials & challenges as we know things can change in an instant, but for now we bask in the sails! 8/2010"

We're Back!

2010-08-11T10:09:00.000-05:00

We pulled into the driveway about 10:00 last night and although it feels good to be home we truly miss the mountains not to mention the 30-35 degree cooler weather! No joke, as you can see we were wearing jackets and pants in Breckenridge! The weather was absolutely gorgeous!!! There were several times yesterday while driving home we wanted to just turn around and go back!!! We are already looking forward to our next trip to the mountains, hoping it's sooner than later!

Colorado or Bust!

2010-08-03T17:40:00.001-05:00

We are preparing for a family trip to Colorado, we're leaving tomorrow and I am SO ready!

Ready for family time, ready for cooler weather (highs there are mid 60's, highs here are mid to upper 90's!) bring it on!, ready for crisp mountain air, ready for hiking, biking, shopping, campfires, ready for being one with nature, ready for watching the kids see the mountains for the first time, ready for a break from the mundane routines of everyday life, ready for a date night with my hubby while we're there, ready for fun, ready to make new memories!

Hoping that I can get over (or at least mostly over) this cold before we hit the road, hoping no one gets altitude sickness (or any sickness for that matter) while we're there, hoping it's not too chilly, hoping I don't forget to bring anything, hoping for sunshine and little or no rain, hoping I still want to stay another day when it's time to leave because, it's always better to wish for more time than to be ready to go!

{Above photo was taken in Estes Park on our last trip to Colorado in 2005}

Coffee Mug Project

2010-07-29T08:44:00.007-05:00

So this week I've been working on my first layout for Twisted Sketches and also my NYC album (decided to work on it first out of my lengthy list of "to do" projects I shared last week.) So, since I have no photos of those to share just yet I thought I would share this little coffee mug I created a couple of weeks ago! My hubby gave me the mug about two years ago. It sat on my shelf for that long because I was totally intimidated by it. I was scared to create something that I would actually be carrying around with me! LOL! Anyway, I finally got up the courage after getting those adorable American Crafts Abode dimensional stickers. This Cup of Joe one seemed most appropriate for my mug and so... there you have it I got to work and, thankfully I am pretty pleased with how it turned out and will carry it around shamelessly!!! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T20:54:00.001-05:00

I'm Now a Twisted Sister!

2010-07-26T09:54:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to share that I have been chosen to join the Twisted Sketches Design Team! I am so honored to be among the other talented designers. Go check it out and be sure to visit Twisted Sketches for weekly sketch inspiration for layouts as well as cards! Also please visit the other design team members blogs for additional inspiration!

This is the layout I created for the design team call!

Book Paper Wreath

2010-07-24T11:31:00.000-05:00

So a few days ago I shared my crazy paper wreath that I was a bit nervous about how it was going to turn out... well, here's the finished project and I ended up liking it enough to actually hang it on my wall!

I ended up spraying a bit of Tattered Angels Mist onto it to add a bit of color. I used the colors Coffee Shop and a bit of Lime Green although what green I did spray I tried to cover most of it with the coffee shop because it was a bit too much.

One of the best parts of this project to me is that I used stuff I already had sitting around. The wreath I had purchased a couple of years ago intending to do another wreath project I never got around too. I used a couple of books I had just sitting in storage I didn't think I would ever read again, and then of course the hot glue and mists I already had as well! I LOVE that!! The other best part was that my 4 year old daughter and I worked on this together. She did a large majority of the rolling up of the book paper. I think she was excited to see it hanging up as well.

It really is fun and rewarding to see my own work grace the walls of our home. What a great and inexpensive way to make it ours! You will definitely be seeing more home decor projects from me soon!

What do you think?

2010-07-22T06:00:00.003-05:00

So, did you notice I changed my template? What do you think? I really wanted something that looked a bit more polished and clean. Something to make my photos/projects pop instead of getting lost in a busy background. I think I accomplished it, but I'd like to get a personalized header at some point too! Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas?

Inspired: Yes, Time: Not so much

2010-07-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling really inspired lately and have a ton of ideas of things I want to create, but of course, time is not always easy to find! I need to get these things down on paper, so maybe I'll just share them here! :)

#1: A little mini album I want to make for a friend, saw the idea at Memory Bound when Mom & I went to Des Moines a couple weeks back. I wish this store was closer, it was so cool! It had a ton of newer products and really neat ideas on display as well! Highly recommend it if you are ever in or near Des Moines!

#2: Finish a little home decor project I started for my daughter's room.

#3. Mini albums for us and our friends that we went to the lake with last weekend.

#4: Mini Album with photos from our trip to the berry patch this Summer.

#5: Another mini album with photos from NYC 2005. I had started making 12x12 layouts from this trip thinking that I would one day get around to making an entire 12x12 album. Well, I realize this will likely never happen and after Jody's inspiration last week on Write.Click.Scrapbook I got to thinking about those lovely trip photos and the awesome journaling I have just waiting for me to use. You see, my husband and I spent the plane ride home writing down our top 100 memories from the trip, most of which have photos to go along with them (or at least ones that would work), so I think if I kept the album fairly simple I could complete it pretty quickly!

#6: A couple of layouts I have had swirling in my head for a while are on the docket as well!

WHEW! It feels good to get those down! Quite a lot, but thankfully I'm going to get some scrap time on Friday night with my mom at my church's bi-monthly crop and maybe I can squeeze in a bit of time here and there in the next couple of weeks too! As long as Kelly doesn't keep me off track like she did today! I tried to create Lindsay's book paper wreath (posted on Kelly's blog) this afternoon, but mine is not looking quite as cute as hers! :( Despite that, Noelle and I had a fun time together... she rolled the pages, while I glued. We make a pretty good team! We'll see if I try and finish this project, or just chuck it... as I'm looking at it it kinda looks like a paper afro gone bad... really bad! What do you think? Honestly...

{Memories Documented}

2010-07-16T07:10:00.000-05:00

Noelle and I have been on a High Seas Expedition with our church's VBS this week. We've had a great time! I've had the joy of leading her group of kids (her and 5 boys!). We've learned new songs, played games, made some fun crafts, eaten some fun snacks and learned a lot about our God! We've learned that God's Word is true, comforting, surprising, life-changing & for everyone! This definitely ranks up there as a highlight of our Summer. It's been great to experience this week together with her!

2010-07-08T06:59:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the blog absence as of late. I have been "recovering" (aka catching up) after last months layout a day. And actually I haven't scrapped since the 30th and I'm having withdrawals! :) I really didn't want to lose the momentum I had going, but at the same time, there were other things getting a bit neglected!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to heading on a little road trip to CKC Des Moines with my mom for a bit of shopping tomorrow! Then the rest of the weekend will be spent with family visiting from Texas. Next week is VBS at our church and a lake trip with friends next weekend, so unfortunately my scrap time will be limited but, I hope to squeeze out a layout or two that are floating around in my brain right now!

Another one of my layouts was featured on Scrapdango's blog this week! You can see it here.

On another note, I have to share this photo of my daughter's new do...

She got about 4-5 inches cut off!!! Mommy cringed a bit with the first cut, but isn't she a cutie? Growing up way to fast!

Layout A Day in June - I DID IT!!!

2010-06-30T22:44:00.000-05:00

#29 You Make Me Smile Card & Make a Wish Card - A couple more cards to share. The first one I used up a bunch of scraps I had lying around my scrap desk. For the Make A Wish card I used the remaining rub-ons I had left after the Cutie Pie layout.

And last, but definitely not least is this one #30 A Prayer 4 You - This was Ali inspired. I had printed this photo free from Walgreens about a month or so ago and thought it would be great on a layout. I don't usually do larger photos, but this one was quick and simple and I think the result beautiful. I also do not usually do computer journaling, but once in a while it seems most appropriate & this was one of those times. The journaling is from the Scriptures (Psalm 18:30-36). j

So... 30 days, 30 layouts {technically 28 layouts & 4 cards, but who's counting?) I made it, I did it, what an accomplishment. There were a few times I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but it definitely ended on a high note today when both my kiddos took over 2 1/2 hour naps so I was able to complete the last 2 layouts & card. I will share some additional reflections & favorite moments from this layout a day project soon. Until then, I would love to hear from you... which layout(s) is your favorite and why? Thanks for joining me and I hope you'll stay tuned into my blog for more creative inspiration & encouragement!

Layout a Day in June - #28 Your Laughter is My Best Medicine

2010-06-30T22:32:00.000-05:00

#28 Your Laughter is My Best Medicine - I used Twisted Sketch #56 for this layout! This one came together so quickly and I love how it turned out... Love that the photo of my sweet boy pops off the page!

Layout a Day in June - Catch UP!

2010-06-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

#23 Cutie Pie - This layout was seriously the most fun layout I've done... it is 95% rub ons!!! I used almost an entire book of American Crafts rub ons on this page. The only product that is not a rub on is the paint I used in the background, the title alphas, the little strip of Dear Lizzy Sweet Strawberry patterned paper and the yellow scalloped ribbon beneath the patterned paper with a bit of stitching... oh, and the gemstones. This was SO fun, I definitely want to do this again!!!

#24 Four Wheelin' with Papa

#25 Hot Air Balloon Fest - Another fun page... I used some repurposed packaging for my painted circles in the background and a lot of bits & pieces from here and there.

#26 Sweet Treat - photos are of my sweet little girl from 2 Summers ago... amazing how quickly they grow up! :)

#27 UR Sweet & Stylin' - I used another Studio Calico Sunday Sketch as inspiration for this layout! I LOVE their Sunday Sketches!!!

I will share #28, 29 & 30 Tomorrow!!!! It's hard to believe the month it's the last day of the month!

Layout a Day in June - Lots to Share

2010-06-29T08:13:00.003-05:00

I have a lot to share, however... I left my camera at my in-laws over the weekend and so I have not been able to get any photos yet, I will get them posted tomorrow (the last day of June!!!)

On another note, I won the Week 3 prize on the Scrapdango site!!!! Yippeee! The prize is a pack of 16 sheets of the new Basic Grey Basics line!! I've been in love with that collection since it came out earlier this year, but had yet to get any! So excited!

Layout A Day in June #22 - Still Such A Beautiful Smile

2010-06-25T07:55:00.000-05:00

Here's #22!!! I'm still going, still loving it, still getting inspired and motivated. Yet, still a little behind, hoping to get caught up this weekend... June is almost over! :)

Layout a Day in June - #20 & 21

2010-06-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

For #20 I decided to show a couple of cards I made this week... trying to get caught up! :) This one I made for my niece, Jeorgia for her first birthday!

And this one is made using my new Martha Stewart Classic Butterfly punch! :)

Then, for Layout #21 I did this eclectic mix of products for this page using a sketch from Twisted Sketches. I found this quote and thought it was so appropriate for a layout about myself as a good reminder to believe in myself and my abilities. "The woods would be a quiet place if only the birds that thought they could sing were singing." -Unknown

Layout a Day in June - #18 & 19

2010-06-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

Layout #18 - You Are Amazing. So, I finally felt like my scrappin' mojo returned on Sunday evening when I completed this layout! Most products are from the Scarlet Lime May kit.

And here's #19 - Gift. Love this photo of my Daughter & Hubby on her 4th birthday. This layout was based on the Studio Calico Sunday Sketch. Used mostly 7 Gypsies & Jenni Bowlin products.

This Week's Favorite Photo

2010-06-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

I took a ton of photos this week (over 200) and this was definitely a favorite! My sweet little guy, I love the lighting, his sweet smile, the way he is looking directly at the camera with those big, big eyes! Love, love, love it! I started cracking up when I looked at it on the camera after I took it, tickled pink I caught the photo I was trying to get! Love it when that happens!

I thought this would be a good photo to do some journaling on the photo's white space, like Ali talks about here in her Weekend Creative feature a couple of weekends ago. I have yet to get Photoshop but, a friend told me about Gimp, so I might give that a try or I may just handwrite on it. I'll be sure to share the finished product with you!

Layout a Day in June - #16 & 17

2010-06-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, yes, I am still here! Sorry for the absence the last few days. I've been in a bit of a funk this last week and it's been difficult to find the inspiration and desire needed to scrap. So sorry! I am hoping to catch up between today and tomorrow. But, for now I will share #16 & 17 with you.

#16 Quite Particular, I have been wanting to do this one for a while and finally dreamed up a design that would work with the 2 different sized photos. I used the Cocoa Daisy February kit products for this one.

And for #17 Us, a simple yet (I think) lovely layout with a treasured photo of my Sweetie and I. It's been rare lately to get a photo of just the 2 of us with no kids in it. This one was taken back in December at Crown Center, the kids were actually with us but I asked some strangers to take the photo of just the 2 of us. Sweet memories.

I'll be back soon to share more!

Layout Featured on Scrapdango

2010-06-16T08:39:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share that my "Why I Create" layout was featured as a Layout of the Week on the Scrapdango Blog yesterday! Thanks Scrapdango!

Layout a Day in June #15 - St Patty's Day 2010

2010-06-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

Whoo hoo! Layout #15, half way there!

This layout is based on the Studio Calico Sunday Sketch .

Layout a Day in June #14 - Good Times

2010-06-15T07:47:00.000-05:00

Here's layout #14! For this layout I used the My Mind's Eye Challenge #12 sketch and used mostly My Mind's Eye products!

Layout A Day in June #13 - Yum Tasty

2010-06-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

For this layout I used an inspiration sketch on the Scrapdango site. I also used one of my all time favorite collections, Nook & Pantry from Basic Grey!

Layout #14 coming later today! Thanks for stopping by!

Layout A Day in June #11 Sleigh Ride & #12 Why I Create

2010-06-12T15:23:00.000-05:00

Layout #11 Sleigh Ride

Layout #12 Why I Create

On this one I wanted to use up some of the scrap strips I had laying on my desk (this is one of the beauty's of creating each day is that I try and use the bits & pieces just lying around... normally I would likely end up just pitching them.

Layout A Day in June Update

2010-06-11T22:27:00.000-05:00

Today was filled with some wonderful play time with some wonderful friends and the evening was filled with a wonderful dinner out with wonderful family. What more can you ask for, really?

Today's layout is complete and I'm pleased with it but, photos will have to wait until tomorrow when there's better light and a brighter, more awake me... I'm beat and tomorrow holds more adventure.

So... until then...

Layout A Day in June #10 - Friend or Foe?

2010-06-10T22:06:00.000-05:00

Here's layout #10. This one was a bit tricky for me today... I usually have a design idea, story idea or an idea of what photos I'm going to use before sitting down at my scrap table. Today... none. I did some online searching and found this sketch at Studio Calico. It was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I decided to go with it after looking through some photos and coming across this one. I had the idea for the story a while back but never got to it. It's a bit personal and a bit out of the ordinary of things I scrap about, but it's good to challenge ourselves as well as to be real and authentic in our pages, although this is sometimes hard for me, but Stephanie had a good post about this very thing today which is maybe what helped me to just go for it.

The little swirl flowers on the left side are from a little scrap of fabric that was in the May Scarlet Lime kit. I was inspired by the inspiration of the day at Scrapdango (thanks Lynn!).

Thanks for stopping by today!

What Joy!

2010-06-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

I think to myself... uh oh, it's quiet... I wonder what they are up to... what they are getting into, what mess I am going to find, and then... as I walk up the stairs I see this... the two of them sitting on her bed, reading a book. Ah, a sigh of relief and a pause to admire, to love and then to give thanks to their Creator for trusting me, only me to be their Mommy. What joy!

Layout A Day in June #9 - Wayo Mwa

2010-06-09T15:52:00.000-05:00

Here's today's layout... complete with toddler speak as the title... I love it! I know this is one of those things I would totally forget tomorrow if I hadn't written this down and now I will forever be able to look back and remember this little thing Parker said/did for only a short time of his life.

The journaling reads: Your latest saying "Bye Daddy! Wayo (love you) Mwa!" with a smacking of your lips like a kiss. It's the sweetest, cutest thing!

Another layout inspired by Diana

Layout A Day in June #8 - Dying Eggs

2010-06-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

For today's layout I used some photos of Noelle dying eggs this Easter. I had to get a little creative with the "g's" in my title as I only had 1 "g" in my set of letters, so for the 2nd "g" I used a 9 instead. Thanks for stopping by today!

Layout A Day in June - My Front Row View #7 {photo}

2010-06-08T08:21:00.000-05:00

Day 7's layout... My Front Row View.

Layout A Day in June - My Front Row View #7

2010-06-07T23:25:00.000-05:00

I just completed today's layout, but I will share in the morning when I have better light to get a good photo!

Layout A Day in June - First Pony Ride #6

2010-06-06T15:08:00.000-05:00

Here's layout #6, 1st Pony Ride. I used a sketch from Citrus Tree Studios June Sketch Challenge. I loved that the Tim Holtz tickets coordinated perfectly with the older Cosmo Cricket & Fancy Pants papers. For the little flowers on the tickets I cut out the flowers from the same patterned paper that I used and put a little pearl embellishment in the center. My favorite element is the corner punch on the title block. Thanks for looking today!

Layout A Day in June - Welcome Summer #5

2010-06-05T21:44:00.000-05:00

Yea! Here it is! Layout #5! I managed to get caught up! I had to get a little creative on this one as I really wanted to use yellow letters to spell out Summer, but I had no "S" of these particular letters and no other yellow letters the right size, so I tried cutting a couple of other letters to make an "S" to no avail, so I opted to use this yellow sun/flower and pop a little tiny "S" into the center of the button on the flower! This is one of my favorite recent photos of the kiddos! I'm thrilled to get it scrapped!

Layout A Day in June - Goofy #4

2010-06-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

Here is layout #4! Whoo hoo! I was able to accomplish this one in just over 30 minutes. I had a blast... I really do enjoy setting my timer and trying to get it done in 30... it makes me make quicker decisions and I'm usually happier with the end result. Although I do spend some time thinking about the layout ahead of time (like while I'm laying in bed or taking a shower or other quiet times of the day) and then it goes much more quickly and smoothly when I sit down at my scrapping table.

I just finished reading this post by Karen who just completed a layout a day in May and I really appreciated everything she shared. I can already agree with some of what she said and I've only been at it for 5 days. I also definitely want to use some of the pointers that she mentioned like getting an inspiration folder together and having a deadline with which to have it complete and uploaded.

I can already tell you I've decided I like limiting my time and using paints and mists. I would like to try to do more stamping and sewing. If you are thinking about doing this Karen will tell you to go for it & I already agree with her... it's already been a L.O.A.D. of fun! :)

Until tomorrow...

A Layout A Day - #3 The Two of You

2010-06-04T23:21:00.000-05:00

And, here it is layout #3! Only 24 hours late! ;) The colors are a bit off due to poor lighting at 11pm! I spent quite a bit more time on this one... but it's Friday night and I was having a good time! The layout design and even some of the product was inspired by this layout by Diana.

I am beginning to wonder if I was a bit crazy when I decided to embark on this 30 day journey of doing a layout a day... but, I am having fun, so I guess that's what matters... and, my housework is still getting done, my kids are still getting fed and I'm still sleeping at night, so I guess it's all good! :) Since I'm a day behind though, I may just have to shoot for having 30 layouts done by the 30th, there's really not much difference right?

Stay Tuned

2010-06-04T08:56:00.002-05:00

So... yesterday ended up being a bit of a wild and crazy day! Look for layouts #3 & 4 later today!

Layout A Day in June - Swim Lessons 09 #2

2010-06-02T15:04:00.000-05:00

Today's layout was inspired by this Studio Calico sketch. It took me a bit longer today because I had a little helper! :) Noelle chose the button and punched out the circles on the frame. It's been a fun afternoon together!

Layout a Day in June - The Good Stuff #1

2010-06-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

This month I will be participating in the Layout a Day challenge on the Scrapdango site. I am also challenging myself to complete each layout in less than an hour. I've found I scrap better under pressure. This layout took 38 minutes! Not too shabby for day one! I'm already thinking about tomorrow's! And I just ordered a bunch of pics from Shutterfly over the weekend so I will have some new photo inspiration to work with soon! Thanks for looking... and, maybe you'll even consider joining me! :)

Welcome Summer!

2010-05-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

This weekend is the unofficially beginning to Summer and I think the kids and I are SO ready for the fun and adventure that lies ahead! We've already gotten a taste of it this week after setting up the sprinkler yesterday, the only thing missing were the popsicles! :)

Remembering the Fallen...

2010-05-27T13:43:00.002-05:00

This morning we watched the funeral procession for the fallen Shawnee, KS firefighter who lost his life while on duty last weekend (you can read the story here). There were over 100 fire trucks and other emergency vehicles in the 12 minute long procession. The above photo is the sight that brought me to tears. Although I am almost ashamed to admit it, we originally went because we thought the kids would enjoy seeing all the fire trucks. But, after seeing the first truck, with the casket and those guarding it, I was moved and struck with the greatness of the loss of this one whose dedicated his life to serving and saving others lives & in the attempt to do so lost his own life. To us all, the definition of a true hero.

And, on this Memorial Weekend, I will now be much more aware of the great sacrifice of so many heroes who've lost their lives out of service & duty for others. We pray that the families and friends of these heroes will be blessed with strength & peace from our Heavenly Father.

So Happy

2010-05-20T13:44:00.002-05:00

Here's a layout of my little Parker at 2 years old, for the My Mind's Eye Challenge #11: Anything Goes. The challenge is based on this sketch. I used mixed some old and new product (Bohemia, Just Dreamy 2, Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue & Sun Kissed) along with some Bazzill cardstock and one other embellishment & letter stickers from other manufacturers to make this layout. Thanks for looking!

Thanks Card

2010-05-14T16:06:00.000-05:00

Here's a card I did for Twisted Cards #006 Challenge. It was a really fun sketch to use and I like the way it turned out! I used some of the leftover bits from my October Cocoa Daisy kit!

A Mother-Daughter Celebration

2010-05-10T21:26:00.000-05:00

As you know yesterday was Mother's Day, but it was also my daughter's 4th birthday! We enjoyed celebrating together yesterday and I was so pleased to get this treasured photo taken by my hubby to end our day yesterday. What a sweet, sweet memory!

Mother's Day Cards

2010-05-07T15:10:00.000-05:00

My kids and I made these Mother's Day cards this week inspired by this post from Simple Kids blog. Noelle really got into this which surprised me because she is not usually interested in painting or coloring much, but she really had fun and humored me when I asked her to paint a little more (we had 4 of these to make)! She painted on standard 8 1/2 x 11 paper and then once she was done painting I cut the paper into smaller pieces to fit on top of a standard sized card. I ran them through the printer to print "Happy Mother's Day" on them and then I mounted them with solid cardstock! And voila, a cute Mother's Day card for the grandmas & great grandmas in our life! The great thing for me about this was I didn't have to stress about when I was going to find time to make 4 cards, I made it an activity the kids and I did together and then put a few finishing touches on it that took about 15 minutes during naptime instead of spending an hour or more once the kids were in bed! Not to mention these will be much more treasured I am sure! :)

Scrappin' Wednesday

2010-03-10T16:45:00.000-06:00

I have really been rocking out the scrapbook pages lately... many may wonder how I have the time to do this but, I don't watch much tv and lately I have been spending less time on the computer so that I can spend more time scrapbooking... it's truly more than a hobby to me... it's an escape and something I can use as an emotional outlet as well... I love looking back at the words and photos together on a pretty page & I look forward to sharing them all with Noelle & Parker when they are older and reminiscing together.

There are so many different forms of scrapbooking and I think most of us do some form of this... for example if you blog, you are a virtual scrapbooker; if you write a note on the back of your photos you are a scrapbooker; if you put your photos in an album and jot a few notes to the side of the photos you are a scrapbooker; if you keep a journal and throw a photo between the pages once in a while, you are a scrapbooker... capturing your life through your words and your photos... there's no wrong way to record your memories!

Anyway, I thought I would share another scrapbook page with you today... enjoy! Hope you spend some time this week to record your moments/memories whatever your style! :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Parker!

2010-02-12T09:15:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe this little guy is 2 today! He has brought such joy, such fun, such messes, such laughter and even such tender & affectionate moments. Life is definitely more full since he's been around! Happy Birthday little buddy! We love you!

Layouts to Share!

2009-11-18T22:26:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful time at the Cocoa Daisy online crop last weekend! I managed to get a lot more done than I had planned, which is always wonderful! I cropped Friday evening and off and on all day Saturday (in between caring for the kids, running an errand and such), but the kids were great and hubby helped out a lot! I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family!

Anyway, I thought I would share a couple of the layouts I completed for a few of the challenges they had going!

The first one was for the 1 hour layout challenge. I had one hour to put together a layout from start to finish... The catch was that I had to have 10 different elements not counting paper and photos! Here's what I put together:

This second layout was for a sketch challenge:

I'll post a couple more before the weekend! Looking forward to a craft night with some friends tomorrow evening. I'm going to put together some Basic Grey calendars that I purchased for Christmas gifts and then Friday night I'm getting together with Tammy to put together our December Daily album! Yea! I'm so looking forward to this!

It's Friday Already!?!

2009-11-13T14:19:00.000-06:00

How did Friday get here so fast! Seriously, it feels like it was just Monday... yesterday!

I'm going to be over at Cocoa Daisy this weekend for their Online Fall Crop! I have never done an online crop and was a bit curious as to how this would be but, I can tell you it only started 15 minutes ago and I'm already excited and having a ton of fun! I hoping to actually get some croppin' done and have fun with other scrappin' gals all over the world!!! That's one of the coolest things so far! There are ladies from the UK, Greece, Italy cool!

So, come over and join us! You don't have to subscribe to the Cocoa Daisy kit to participate! So, what are you waiting for!?!

Week in the Life Update

2009-11-09T14:43:00.000-06:00

Sorry for not being around at all last week. I have been busy working on a project that I hope to share with you all soon! In the meantime here's an update on my Week in the Life project. So far Monday is complete and I am going to be on mission over the next 2 weeks to complete this project because I have an important date on the 21st to put together my December Daily with my friend, Tammy.

Here's a look at page 1 & 2 of Monday. I have 4 pages total for each day. The first has the day & date stamped along with journaling from that day. The 2nd page is a collage of photos, patterned paper and a few small embellishments. See below for close ups.

The 3rd page has another collage with photos, paper and embellishments and the 4th page just has 2 large photos that take up the entire 8x8 page. I was able to get some fun photo sizes for this album from scrapbookpictures.com. They have an amazing assortment of sizes along with different ways to spruce up your photos including overlays and metallic printing!

Check back as I plan to be blogging a lot more this week. I have a couple of fun Fall projects to show you, a new layout that I stitched on with my new sewing machine and some other fun things! Have a great day!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T23:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

CK & Me

2009-10-27T14:43:00.001-05:00

Head over to Creating Keepsakes Blog today to see one of my layouts featured in their CK & Me post! I'm so ecstatic and honored to be chosen!!!

I'll be back later in the week with an update on my Week in the Life project!

Until then!
Cheri

What I've Been Up To

2009-10-21T22:13:00.001-05:00

So, I've been a little distracted from my planned project this week (you'll learn this is not abnormal for me). ;) A month or so ago I moved my scrap area into a new space in our basement... I loved my area before, but we were doing some rearranging of other things which made my scrap area almost a necessity to move... which I am not complaining because I now have a BIGGER area! So, now that my area is bigger and I have a new sewing machine I have expanded my space. I've been dabbling a little here and a little there at reorganizing... not really sure what or how I wanted to do things because it was really functional before and I really liked it! But, today changed things a bit all thanks to Target!!! Love that place! I scored some great finds... all on clearance! Including a few of the items below:

This white bookcase I found over half off!!!! A mostly perfect home for my new sewing machine (although there's no place to scoot under it, I figure as much as I plan to use it in the near future it'll work and for under 20 bucks I thought I couldn't lose! Plus with the additional shelves I have more storage space. I also got the green and blue bowls (on clearance $1.38) and...

These cute little bowls too (on clearance for $.98)! They may not stay in this home, but I thought it was sweet that the fit so perfectly. I hope to go back and get at least 2 more for another area of my space. I also got some adorable hooks (on clearance for $2.78). They each have a number on them (1, 2, & 3)... I am not sure yet if I'm going to hang them in my scrap room or behind the door in my son's room... I will wait and see...

And, now... for my project... A Week in the Life... I took some time a few weeks ago to document our comings and goings for 7 days, uploaded all my photos and had them printed in various sizes at scrapbookpictures.com and am now working on the album. This is about as far as I've gotten, a cover page and the intro page for each day (minus journaling)... I attempted to hand write the journaling but didn't really have enough space so I'm planning to do it on the computer. I am hoping to get some more time this week and weekend to continue organizing my space and work more on this album! Until then... enjoy the rest of your week!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

2009-10-18T13:05:00.000-05:00

Today is my husbands' birthday! Happy Birthday Sweetie! Here is a card I made for him using the September Cocoa Daisy kit! We are going to be celebrating today by attending a Matthew West concert this evening! We are excited!

Check back early in the week for a little peek at a project I've been working on over the weekend!

Right Now...

2009-10-17T15:45:00.001-05:00

Outside my window... dead leaves, and old planter pot (I'm in the basement).

I am thinking...about and wondering if we'll make it to our friends' Halloween party this afternoon, Parker is still napping.

I am thankful for... all the creative time I have had lately.

From the kitchen... banana oatmeal pancakes this morning for breakfast.

I am wearing... My favorite gray fleece hoodie with a green tee underneath, jeans and white socks.

I am creating...a "Week in the Life" album.

I am going... to drink more water the rest of the day.

I am reading... Living the Lazarus Life by Stephen Smith

I am hoping...to do some more creating tonight. When there are good sports on at night, I get scrappin' time! :)

I am hearing... Blue's Clues in the DVD player.

Around the house... Rodney is out golfing, Parker is still napping, Noelle is watching Blue's Clues, the floor needs to be swept and mopped, laundry is going and there are toys scattered.

One of my favorite things... Having the computer and my scrap room in the family room where I can create and be close to my family at the same time!

A few plans for the rest of the weekend... a Halloween party with friends, church tomorrow, celebrating Rodney's birthday, taking a family photo for our Christmas cards, going to a concert.

A picture to share...

I love that these two love books and reading, and I love that Noelle can "read" to Parker... such sweeties.

This post inspired by Ali's post here.

Our Family Mini Album

2009-10-15T15:26:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I went to a crop with my favorite friend, Tammy. We spent most of the day Friday, Friday night and all day Saturday and Saturday night cropping at our LSS!!! We had a blast! I had a mini album in mind that I wanted to create, but didn't have an album until we got there and I saw this adorable Maya Road album... my mind started imagining what this could look like and after getting Tammy's thoughts, I went for it! It turned out even better than I'd imagined! :) Most of the products I used are from the September Cocoa Daisy kit.

Celebrating National Sewing Month

2009-09-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

September is National Sewing Month and I'm celebrating! Over the weekend I ordered a sewing machine!!! I've never owned one which is surprising considering that my mom was and still is quite the seamstress. She made all my clothes when I was a kid (at least until I wanted them from the store like other kids), she also sewed many a sequin on my dance costumes along with many other accessories and clothes for my dolls and such. So, it seems a bit strange that I wouldn't own a sewing machine much less even know how to sew!!! But, that will soon change! I'm excited to get it and play around with it... I've wanted one for at least a year now and can't wait to finally be able to sew on some scrapbook pages and maybe even make some throw pillows for my home!!!

What are you doing to celebrate National Sewing Month?

Cocoa Daisy Subscriber!

2009-09-03T14:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, so a little bit of self indulgent giddiness going on in my world today! I just subscribed to the Cocoa Daisy monthly kit! This month the guest designer is Ali Edwards... who just happens to be my favorite celebrity scrapbooker!

I've just spent a little time browsing the gallery at Cocoa Daisy and absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the kit! I have a few ideas about what photos I might use and I'm sure I'll spend a bit more time daydreaming and planning before my kit arrives. Hopefully it arrives before the crop I am going to next Friday!

Anyway, just wanted to share my excitement with you today! Feeling like a kid on Christmas morning! ;)