Making Gifts for Life

Monday, December 31, 2012

New's Years Eve


2013
It will be a better year then last. 

All my dreams, I dream will come true. All my needs will be met and some of my wants. While I try to make the needs and wants of my loved ones top priority. All their dreams will come true.

My son will be safe when he enters the Marines and always come home happy and healthy. This is the one thing I wish for the most. My son is an amazing man already. But I need him here in my life. This July, letting him go will be the hardest thing I have ever done. I am dreading the day, as time is moving ever so fast towards that date. 

2013
It will be a better year then last.


I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's. 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Merry Christmas Layout


Merry Christmas Layout -

I want to admit something, I love lots of embellishments but sometimes I want to do a layout that focuses on the pictures and not the embellishments. I want something simple.

I used K&Company papers to create this layout, set in rich colors of black, cranberry and evergreen. Adding cream for an accent color.

For the title and circle embellishment, I used new stamps I got, made by Recollections. I found them at Michael's. If you look close I added the date in the strips near the circle embellishment with cream paper and   a Martha Stewart writing pen. I inked the edges of the strips with black ink. The black strip above them, is a piece of cardstock I cut with decorative scissors.

The black doily was white and I colored it with a black sharpie marker. It worked out perfectly for this. It gives the page a little bit of elegance.

The buttons are from this awesome manufacturer called Spare Parts and you can find them at Hobby Lobby. Spare Parts makes all kinds of wonderful scrapbook embellishments, from buttons and flowers to brads.

I hope you enjoy the page. Please ask any questions if you have some.

Have a blessed day.

Blog Challenge - 1 Day Left!!!!


 
November/December Giveaway
(Reminder)
 
Here are the rules of the challenge:

First, become a member of my blog, if you aren't already, and comment on a post of mine.
(Make it a long comment, not a one worder.)

Second, make a layout using the above sketch and submit it my blog. Using the link button on the right side of this post.
(The link button will stay at the top right side of the blog until the end of December.)

After January 2nd, 2013; two lucky people will be picked for prizes.

First prize wins: A random assortment of 12x12 scrapbook paper (50 sheets), a Dusty Attic chippie, and a 8x8 album.

Second Prize wins: A random assortment of 12x12 scrapbook paper (25 sheets) and a Dusty Attic chippie.

Due to shipping costs, this is a USA only challenge. But if you are an international subscriber, please enter the challenge anyway, I can't wait to see everyone's layouts.

Good luck to all. I am excited to see the results. Pass this challenge onto friends and family.

Sunday, December 23, 2012


Days leading up to Christmas Day -

I hope you are getting to enjoy the time leading up to the day we prepare for months. I am trying to take little moments, in between all the wrapping, baking, cooking and cleaning, to enjoy myself and this holiday. This year I do realize that people have too much stuff and it's not about the amount you spend, but about the thought itself. I have known this for some time but I love to give, so it's really hard for me to put the brakes on and not overdo it.

On Christmas Eve, it is tradition to have my mom, dad and two brothers over to exchange gifts, play games and eat good food.

Christmas Day is spent with my hubby's family. They come around noon and we hang out, eat, open gifts and play gifts.

Then we have the night to spend time alone with the kids, this is my favorite time. I love to get to spend the quiet time with my babies. I know they are old now, but my mind, goes back to when they were little and it would take hours and hours to unwrap gifts, because they would get something they really wanted, and they would play with it. 

This could be our last Christmas together as a family for a while, so I am trying to make this one as special as I possibly can.

I hope you all have a blessed holiday.
Merry Christmas.






Thursday, December 20, 2012

November/December Giveaway

 
November/December Giveaway
(Reminder)
 
Here are the rules of the challenge:

First, become a member of my blog, if you aren't already, and comment on a post of mine.
(Make it a long comment, not a one worder.)

Second, make a layout using the above sketch and submit it my blog. Using the link button on the right side of this post.
(The link button will stay at the top right side of the blog until the end of December.)

After January 2nd, 2013; two lucky people will be picked for prizes.

First prize wins: A random assortment of 12x12 scrapbook paper (50 sheets), a Dusty Attic chippie, and a 8x8 album.

Second Prize wins: A random assortment of 12x12 scrapbook paper (25 sheets) and a Dusty Attic chippie.

Due to shipping costs, this is a USA only challenge. But if you are an international subscriber, please enter the challenge anyway, I can't wait to see everyone's layouts.

Good luck to all. I am excited to see the results. Past this challenge onto friends and family.

Another cool gadget that I put on my blog today is chat. If it says online, that means I am here and you can chat with me. If you are scrapbooking then we can bounce ideas off each other, so click the on the live support button and say hi.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Christmas is coming...

 
Christmas is coming...
 
Christmas is in less then a week. Are you ready?
I am not.
Not by any means.
 
I have so much to do before Friday. After that, all the actual stuff for Christmas day is done, but before I get my week off from work, I have too much to accomplish.
 
I love this season.
I love giving and seeing people smile.
 
I had the best person to be Secret Santa to this year. She is one of the many great teachers I work with. And I love her dearly, like all the others.
 
I hope you are enjoying your holiday season and that you are taking time to cherish the memories that you get to make this year. My son might not be here for Christmas next year, so I am trying to make this one as special as can be.
 
Love you all.
Have a blessed holiday and hopefully this weekend I will post some pages.
 
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Glittery Gifts


Glittery Gifts

I opened a jewelry boutique, that has beautiful inexpensive, fashion jewelry.
Please check out my website.
If you order now until the end of the month, you get FREE SHIPPING!

Here is the website addy:
https://glitterygifts.kitsylane.com/index.php  


Sunday, December 16, 2012

O Christmas Tree...


O Christmas Tree

I made this layout using a sketch by Beggahuna. So first let me first say thank you for the sketch. Because I love it.

OK on to the details.

The papers I used are made by SEI, the paper line is Alpine Frost. And I just love, love, love the green paper. 

I used acrylic stamps by Inkadinkado with dark brown ink by Cat's Eye Queue, from Colorbox. I use these inks for everything I do. I use them so much that I bought the refills for my most used colors. And boy, am I glad I did.

The small white snowflakes I got when I went to the CKC in Buffalo a couple years ago and I have been hoping to use them on something.

I used small silver bling made by Recollections.

The trees, two striped strips, and background paper have inked edges. I used the dark brown ink on that also.

The two strips are 1" x 10.5" and 1" x 11". The trees stand 6" tall and have a base of 4". The large photo mat is 3" x 4". And the two small photos mats are 2" x 2".

I hope you enjoyed my layout.

Tis the season to be thankful for all we have, and this time of year be ever more mindful of how we act towards others. Just because we are in a hurry to get this or that done, doesn't mean that we can push and shove our way to this holiday. It's not about what we get for who or how much we get, it's about family and our love for each other.

**Let us keep the town and families of Newtown, CT in our hearts this holiday.**




Thursday, December 13, 2012

2nd Runner Up in the November Challenge

 PMB Winner Badge Appetizer Small
I won the 2nd runner up for the November Recipe Challenge for The Paper Mixing Bowl.

And my first challenge as a design team member will be January 2013.
Please visit and check then out when it's time.

The November/December Challenge is still going on and we are still accepting submissions until the end of December.

Please submit them using the add your link button at the top right hand side of this blog.

Thank you for visiting.

Have a wonderful day!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Heart & Soul


Heart & Soul -

This was actually a Dusty Attic Challenge in April of 2012, but I got stumped and really didn't like the pictures I had printed out. So I set it aside. I meant to finish it before now, but you know how life is. 

The picture of my daughter is in front of this awesome and very colorful store, called Craft Company No. 6. I thought that with the doors, being the same color as the background circle, it ended up being the perfect picture.

I love taking pictures of my kids. I wish they would both sit nice and pose, not make faces and act like fools but hey that is what they do and I love them anyway. I do the same thing when people take my picture, I am not a huge fan, so maybe the kids get it from me. Ha!

I hope you enjoy my layouts. If you have any questions or would like to leave a comment, do so below.

Thank you for visiting my blog. 
Have a great day.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Believe


Believe -

Very simple layout. It requires four pieces of paper. These papers are all for Authentique and they are double sided.

The "believe" title was a tag on a present that my son got a couple years ago. The poinsettia flowers are made by Prima, as well as the giant white flower, I used a decorative brad in the middle of the white flower. I layered many Prima flowers together, they all vary in size.

I inked all the papers with chestnut roan, Cat's Eye Queue by Colorbox. It gives them an vintage look and separates each piece from the next, just with a little ink. I really like the Colorbox inks, they go on smooth and dry fairly fast.

This picture was of my kids on Christmas Day 2009. 

I love Christmas. Because I love to give presents to everyone. It's my favorite thing to do. I wish I had time and money to either make something for people all the time, or buy them something they really want. If it makes them smile and makes them happy, I did my job. And that is the best gift ever.

I hope you all are having a blessed day.
Please leave a comment or ask any questions, in the comment section below. 

Friday, December 7, 2012

In the Spirit of Christmas


In the Spirit of Christmas Layout -

I made this layout for The Paper Mixing Bowl December challenge. I loved the idea of it. I wanted to stick close to the sketch because I loved it. I got to show my special doggie, Piper. She is an amazing Lhasa Apso, who is 13 years old and still running around like she is 1 years old. She does have some trouble seeing  but other then that the vet says she is very healthy. I love her so.

She gets so excited on Christmas morning. She knows she has presents and she will sniff them out. And try on her own to open them. 

I can't wait to see how she is this year. 

For the ornaments in this layout I outlined them in stickles for a shimmery effect. I added bows on each on for dimension. 

For the rub on title, I used stamp border scissors, then inked it with Olive cat's eye queue by colorbox.
I used a vintage round die cut, from K&Company, that I really liked.

I used bright yellow/gold cardstock for a color pop on this page.

The papers were from Authentique. I really like them a lot. I found them available at A.C. Moore.

I hope you enjoy my layout.
Any questions or comments, please post them below.

Have a blessed weekend.

Thank you for viewing my blog.


Christmas Party

Christmas Party
This weekend we are going to our first of many Christmas parties. Where there will be lots of food, cookies and some touch football between the men.
I can't wait to see all my aunts, uncles and cousins. We have so much fun together, laughing and eating until we have to rolled to our cars.
I hope to get a lot of good pictures to scrapbook.
What are you doing this weekend?


Sunday, December 2, 2012

Be Merry - While cutting down your Christmas Tree

Be Merry Layout -

This year, like last year (which was our first year), we went to a tree farm and cut down a fresh Christmas tree. We spent a lot of time looking for the right one. Every one had an opinion and no tree was the "perfect" one for us, until we saw this one. We all fell in love with it.

I used the Lost & Found Christmas Stack from My Mind's Eye. I love the colors of this stack. The olive greens and the cranberries.

The only thing I am not sure about with this layout is the stamped sentiment. I don't think I like it. I am thinking of ripping it off and replacing it with something else. I might.... I might.

But these papers, they are so pretty. Even more so in person. All the papers were inked with dark brown cat's eye ink by Colorbox. The vintage metal title frame is made by Tim Holtz's. The flowers are made by Prima and Recollections.

I made the pennants with tiny scalloped edged scissors. The green layer is 1.5" x 1", the damask layer is 1" x 0.5". I used a small heart punch to make the hearts.

The awesome, super intricate snowflakes are made by Dusty Attic. I love them. I love them so much I left them the way they were. I didn't ink them or paint them. They just happened to matched the layout perfectly.

I hope you like my layout.

Post a comment if you like.

Have a great day and be safe.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Fantastic News

PMB Designer Badge - Small

I made the design team for
The Paper Mixing Bowl!!!!

I am very excited about this opportunity. 
I hope to make some great layouts to share.

I can't wait to dive into it.

Let's see what I can create!

Have a great day!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Busy Time of Year


Busy Time of Year

I know this time of year is busy for everyone. You are all busy going to parties, making gifts or buying them (or both).

I wish I could share all the awesome crafts I am making to give as gifts. But since my BFF and some others read this, I sadly can't. Well, that is until after the holidays are over.

It's too early to make cookies, but I am trying to narrow down what ones I am making this year. My kids and family that visits don't seem to eat them. I like making them, but I feel like I am throwing them out right after Christmas because everyone is sick of looking at them. So maybe this year, I will only make two kinds. Plus of course magic bars. I don't think it's Christmas unless I make those. I don't know why I don't make them any other time of year. They fly so fast out of the pan, just between my hubby and the kids.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I hope you all got to enjoy being with family and enjoying their company. My son had to work that night, so we left grandma's kind of early and came home, he got a good nap in then headed off to work. I wasn't nearly as tired as I expected so I went shopping. Even though I did feel bad for the workers, and I could have waited for the sales, I got some great deals. And I didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn to get them either.

Well I hope to have a new layout on here sometime this week, been so busy here my head is spinning. (Plus you know I still have to clean and cook, etc.)


Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; 

they are the charming gardeners 
who make our souls blossom.


Marcel Proust



Don't forget about the contest, I don't see any layouts posted yet.
Remember the submit button is on the top right column.


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Fall

Fall Layout -
I used Basic Grey paper for this layout. It's the Mellow collection. White cardstock provides the background for this layout with distressing ink sprays, in eucalyptus and terracotta.

I didn't have the right ribbon for this layout so I made it myself. I took a green ribbon that matched the layout and with the help of my daughter, I used a white out pen to make the dash marks.

The buttons are from Spare Parts and just happened to match all the colors of the layout.

"Fall" is spelled out with stickers that came in the Basic Grey Mellow line.

I hope you like the layout. Please comment if you would like.

Also, don't forget about the contest. To add your submission layout, to my blog please click the add your link button on the right side of my blog.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday if you celebrate, if you don't, then I wish for you to have a blessed weekend.

Monday, November 12, 2012

November/December Giveaway


November/December Challenge



Over the next month I know things at home and with our families gets, well to put it nicely, a tad nuts. With the holidays fast approaching, we need some "me" time. So.... I decided to run a challenge.

Here are the rules of the challenge:

First, become a member of my blog, if you aren't already, and comment on a post of mine. 
(Make it a long comment, not a one worder.)

Second, make a layout using the above sketch and submit it my blog. Using the link button on the right side of this post.
(The link button will stay at the top right side of the blog until the end of December.)

After January 2nd, 2013; two lucky people will be picked for prizes.

First prize wins: A random assortment of 12x12 scrapbook paper (50 sheets), a Dusty Attic chippie, and a 8x8 album.

Second Prize wins: A random assortment of 12x12 scrapbook paper (25 sheets) and a Dusty Attic chippie.

Due to shipping costs, this is a USA only challenge. But if you are an international subscriber, please enter the challenge anyway, I can't wait to see everyone's layouts.

Good luck to all. I am excited to see the results. Past this challenge onto friends and family.

Another cool gadget that I put on my blog today is chat. If it says online, that means I am here and you can chat with me. If you are scrapbooking then we can bounce ideas off each other, so click the on the live support button and say hi.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Varsity

Varsity Football Layout -
Inspired by The Paper Mixing Bowl challenge for the month. I dove right in and made this layout for submission. This is my darling son, Brandon after football season had ended for the season, and sadly this will probably be his last game ever, except maybe the family backyard game during the annual Allis Christmas party.

This picture was printed on my new printer, I wish you could see how clear it is. I used Photoshop CS 2 to edit the photo and Topaz Labs Lens Effect to give the photo the rusty edge.

Chicken wire from Dusty Attic was used, as well as burlap and stickers on the layout.

To make the background, I used white cardstock sprayed with green ink. I centered the spray under the photo and mat so if it did drip (which it did) that the drips would mainly be underneath the photo and you wouldn't see them.

I hope you like my layout. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Come back to my blog everyday, there will be a surprise soon.



Ok don't judge me. I am sitting all snug in my craft room, listening to Christmas music, designing a layout, sipping Chai tea. The only thing missing is my BFF. But she has two new little ones to take care of so I highly doubt there will be any Christmas craft making for us this year. It's out favorite time of year to do crafts. Now, mind you, we do crafts all year in some form or another but we really really enjoy Christmas time. We normally make gifts for all the people we will be gifting.

Personally, I like giving so much more then receiving. Ok, I know what you might be thinking; yeah right! But no, I am serious. I love to give gifts, especially when I  made them. Although there are people that when you make them a gift, they think that you are being cheap. Sooooooooooo, not the case. I have one person in my family, that I have made a gift once or twice for, and that particular person acts like, "this is it?" It really hurts my feelings. As I am sure you can imagine, you put hours and hours into something, only for someone to be like that. Heartbreaking. Needless to say, that particular person, will no longer be getting a homemade gift.

But then there are others, that really appreciate it. Most people can buy what they want or need themselves. Christmas is not about the gifts but about family and love. I spend tons of time making gifts because I truly love the people I am giving too. All of them.

So again, don't judge me. I have a big list of people I am crafting for this year, so I need to start early and nothing to better get you in the mood, then some CHRISTMAS MUSIC on Pandora! :)

Have a blessed night and enjoy all you have, someone else out there has nothing and would give anything to have what you have.

Monday, November 5, 2012

New Printer!

My New Printer!
I got it!
I got it!
I got it!

Can you tell I am happy? lol

I tested it out and it prints beautifully. Although I haven't had a second tonight to print anything to go in my scrapbooks. I set it up, set up the wireless on 2 of the 3 laptops and printed one picture. But then motherly duty took over and I had to make dinner and do laundry. I probably will not get a free second besides the one I am using right now to tell you about my NEW printer, til tomorrow. Also I ended up doing some yoga (and was intending to walk on the treadmill too) but again I had mom things to do. There is always tomorrow. Right?

I can't wait to show you all how wonderfully it prints. And that the whole house can use it without having to track down a flash drive is a bonus.

Well... I hear hubby calling which means I have something that needs mom.

So I will see you all tomorrow.

Have a great night and enjoy the simple things.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Trick or Treat


Trick or Treat Layout - 
This is a double page layout spread. I used the Authentique paper pack, like I used in the Poison layout. I told you I really love the papers. I used various embellishments from K&Company, Jolee's Boutique, Making Memories, Recollections and Creative Imaginations.

Lots of room for pictures or journaling on this layout. And if all else fails, add more embellishments!

To make the scalloped edge on the spider webbed paper, I used some old school products. A glass cutting board, Fiskars template with decorative edge and a rotating cutting knife. It worked for this layout. Quick and I had it on hand.

For rounding the corners on the papers, I used the Zutter corner rounder in 1/2 inch.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed your extra hour of sleep.

Please let me know what you think of my layout. Post a comment if you would.

Thank you and have a blessed day.


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Poison

Poison Layout -
What a perfectly spooky Halloween layout, complete with creepy flowers and an eerily scary skull embellishment.
The papers are from the Authentique Paper line, all made in the USA. I love these papers! AC Moore just stated carrying them and I am excited. I am hoping it wasn't just for Halloween, I hope they are getting them for Christmas and so on.
The flowers are made by Recollections. The poison tags are made by K & Company. The skull embellishment is made by Jolee's Boutique. The base of the layout is simple black cardstock.
I can't wait to add a photo on this layout, but won't be able to until Monday.

My awesome hubby just bought me a new wireless printer. And it's arriving Monday!!!! The inks for the printer are cheap! Very cheap, and they use less ink then my current printer when printing pictures with the same outcome. The kids are excited, because there will no longer be a need to hunt down a flash drive to copy school work on to, then open it on the desktop computer we have, just to print it out. They will be able to print from their laptop where ever they are in the house. Ahhh, that will solve a lot of issues here. LOL!

Well I hope you like my layout. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Rose - Flower Tutorial


Here is the flower tutorial that I promised when I did my daughter's first day of school layout.
This is how I made the small rose looking flowers, it's very simple and you only need a couple of supplies.

Here is the supply list (so you can make one while you watch the video):
ruler
pencil
strip of  cardstock or double sided paper - 1/4 inches wide by 12 inches long
water paintbrush or a small cup with water in it and a paint brush
quilling tool
and
glue, either liquid or glue dots will work 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

October 31st

October 31st - I made this layout for the Dusty Attic Monthly Challenge. I have been waiting to come up with an idea to use the Spooky Border. The flourishes are made with the Making Memories Slice machine. The flowers are all made by Recollections.

The papers are a mixture of My Mind's Eye, Paper Loft and plain cardstock. I love the halloween papers that MME put out last year, they were all in one pad of just craft paper with different designs on them. The sheet I used on the background has a very light design in white. It's simple and subtle enough to work with the layout, without overpowering it.

The Recollections brand has some pretty new embellishments out, whether it's flowers or jewels, they have some really nice extras that are fairly reasonably priced. I love the flowers, the big ones come in a can, with glittery,  sheer or different shape paper flowers.

To age the papers I used the Zutter distressing machine. Then I inked the white and pumpkin color papers with black ink, and the black cardstock with white ink.

For the moon, I used vellum paper. And to cut a perfect circle I used my circle cutter by Memory Keepers. I love that thing so much, I use it so often for a lot of my layouts, in some way, shape or form. I thought about inking the edges of the moon, then decided against it. I like the crispness of it and didn't want to ruin that. Sometimes, I think, not everything needs ink on it. Ha!

I hope you enjoy this layout.
Please post a comment and let me know what you think.

And since tomorrow is Halloween, I hope you all have a very Happy Halloween. To those of you still trick or treating, get loads of candy and stay safe. I hope the weather stays dry for you.

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Beware Altered Tag

Beware Altered Tag -
I submitted this for the Dusty Attic Design Team call, along with 3 of my previous layouts with DA chippies. I really like how this turned out. I used up some products that I bought last Halloween for a book I made, plus I got to use Stickles! I love glittery things, they make me happy :)

This tag represents what a perfect Halloween night would be like. Witches and bats flying in the moonlit sky. While little ones trick or treat for a bag of goodies.

I hope you enjoy this project.

We are taking the kids to this weekend coming up to Sleepy Hollow, NY. The town has a Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride and Cemetery Walk. The kids and I are so excited. I can't wait to get scared. I will let you know how it is and share all the pictures when we get back.

Have a great day. Give thanks for everything you have, because someone somewhere is wishing they were you.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Last game

Last game -
Last night was Brandon's last game. It's sad to see something he loves so much end. I really enjoyed watching him play. And as we drove away, after the final play had been run, I started to tear up. This is it. My son's senior year in high school. His last year playing football. His last year being a kid. Next year starts adulthood and responsibilities. (I know he has them now also. But you get what I am saying.)

Oh, how I have loved every second. Watching how strong he is, and praying he doesn't get hurt. Watching him learn and grow, as a player and a teammate. Especially watching him connect with other people and grow friendships. That is something, when in high school, you don't realize is so important. But ends up being  a great memory.




Saturday, October 6, 2012

Homecoming...

Homecoming, Senior Year -

Brandon's senior year of high school. This weekend is homecoming and tonight is the dance. We lost the football game, so hopefully the dance is more fun. Brandon isn't too excited about the dance. But he is going to go for his girl friend. I am sure they will have a lot of fun.
I won't reminisce about my senior year of high school because mine is long gone. But I wish that I could show Brandon how important making all these memories is. You don't really realise it until you are older, that high school was about the most fun you are going to have as a kid. And all those friends and memories, whether you stay friends or not, will get you through some pretty lonely times when you get older. Embrace each moment, they pass too fast. <3

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Toga Day

Ahhh, senior year of high school, I forgot how much fun it is to participate in all the fun activities that it has to offer. Toga Day is today. Brandon woke early enough for me to wrap him in his toga, put pins in all the right places, so no butt showed and he could get himself and sister off to school on time. He is taking very good care of her. He takes Vanessa to school 4 out of 5 days and I take her the 1 other day. And every day when he drops her off, he tells her, he loves her.

Doesn't that melt your heart?

I can't say enough about my kids, they are frustrating and sometimes push me to the edge, but I love them more than anything. They are two amazing people and most of the time I watch in awe as they are growing up right before my eyes into two amazing adults. Since they pretty much parent themselves and have since they were little, I am just here to guide them. They know the value of work and the difference between right and wrong. If they know it would make me mad, they don't do it. That was probably the best thing I ever taught them, besides every action has a re-action. I wish some adults understood this....

Well, I hope the kids are taking loads of pictures. I will share when I have some.

Feel free to share any thoughts in the comment section.

Have a great day all. Smile =)

Monday, October 1, 2012

Brandon's First Day of Senior Year

Brandon's First Day of Senior Year Layout -

This layout is for the Dusty Attic September challenge. (Sorry the picture is not that great, my son has my good camera, so I ended up scanning this.)

The paper line used is My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Two. The Dusty Attic product is the two corner flourishes, I left them naked. I just like them like that. And it matched the layout. :)

The flowers are from Prima, and I have to say, I love them. If you didn't notice I tend to use them on a lot of layouts.

The teal strip behind the photo pulls out to show another photo of Brandon rubbing his eyes, because he was tired. I desaturated the photo, because after many attempts of sepia and black and white, I settled on this.

Please let me know if you like the layout in the comment field below.

Have a great day all!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Working on a new layout

New layout I am working on -

This is a layout I am doing for Dusty Attics monthly challenge. I am thinking about turning this into Brandon's first day of school layout. It is not finished yet, I am trying to decide what else I want on here, etc. Part of their challenge is that it must contain a dusty attic product. Dusty Attic makes very intricate, laser cut chipboard and flowers (new). If you are interested in some chipboard I have some to purchase in my Etsy store. They are all much more beautiful in person and so delicate. I love their products. I don't think I can ever go back to the boring bulk cut chipboard.

These papers are all from the Lost & Found collection by My Mind's Eye. They are my favorite manufacturers of scrapbook paper. I love almost every line they put out. And I love how the papers all coordinate together so wonderfully.

Let me know what you think of the layout so far in the comments section.

I hope you all have a great day.
TGIF!

** This weekend Apple Fest and some football, my favorite of all fall weekends.  **

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Bambi - Amigurumi

 Bambi -

First, let me say, I know the pictures aren't great. My son is now taking photography in school, so my expensive camera is with him 24/7. But isn't this little guy the cutest ever?

I am making 2 of these as a gift and I love them so much. They are floppy and so cuddly.

When you see them in person, they are even more impressive and you just want to lay down and snuggle with them. Even though I am an adult, I have
a soft spot for these guys.

They are time consuming to make and you have to make sure everything lines up in the end, or you have a mess on your hands. And a finished project that is not so pretty.

The pink nose could be black instead. Since I have to make two, I was going to do one with a black nose and one with a pink nose. The kids that go to the school I work at said this one reminded them of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. :) That is a cute idea for a Christmas one.

Let me know what you think in the comment section.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Many blessings.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Piper's New Bed

Piper's New Bed -

Good Day Everyone!

My hubby and I went to the public market, garage sale day here in Rochester, this past weekend and we got a great deal. (Well, in my opinion, anyway.)

We purchased a doggie bed for Piper, for $10! Yeah, I said $10!

It's a full metal frame and a embroidered covered cushion (which you can't really see in the picture).

She loves it! I thought maybe she would not like it or maybe that our other dogs would steal it from her, but no. I am probably going to recover the cushion, only because it doesn't match our living room, but the frame is great and to think I was going to make her one. Hahahaha. Less work this way. I wish you could have seen me when the guy told my husband that he only wanted $10, I wanted to do a cartwheel, but he probably would have up'ed the price. Ha!


Sunday, September 23, 2012

Finished.... finally

Finally, finished....

1st day of school layout -

Select your papers, I chose one distressed pink solid, two pattern papers with the same shade of pink in them and one black patterned background paper. You also need white cardstock, one 8.5 x 11 sheet will do.

Cut the solid pink paper into 11.5 x 11.5, ink the edge with brown ink.

Trim the other pattern papers to 6 x 8, inking the edges brown also.

Find a Queen card of a deck of cards that you have a few missing, unless you don't care, then steal one of any deck you have and color the center rectangle with a pink colored pencil. Ink the edges of the card with brown ink.

Then I made four polaroid looking frames with the white cardstock, two different sizes. Three of the frames are 2.25 x 2.75, then one big one measures 4 x 5.5.

Print or have your picture printer 4 x 6 with a thin border.

I made three flowers for this layout, and I will post a tutorial on how to do those soon.

The circular frame and the butterfly  were stamped on white cardstock and cut out with precision scissors. I inked around the circle frame with brown ink.

I felt that I needed to add that this was a 1st day of school layout, and it was her ninth grade year. So I just added the title in my handwriting.

I hope you like this layout. If you have any comments or questions, please post them in the comments section.

Have a wonderful day!




Monday, September 10, 2012

Delight - 1st day of school page

Delight - 1st day of school layout for my daughter -

I started this layout, I am working on it in between cooking, cleaning, laundry and work. I know that is how every one's life is. I am used to being able to scrapbook for hours, but I do not have time with my schedule as the way it is now. At 430pm my house is a crazy place to be, teenagers running in and out of the house. Homework... football... dinner.... more homework (if not done).... cleaning/laundry.... Dinner clean up... then maybe a little time to read, something I haven't had time for lately either. Only thing is, by the time I get to actually sit or lay down to read, I get one page in and I am out cold. lol
Oh what fun life is. I love being busy. I really do. This week is packed, the nights and weekend included, I think I may have a free time to sit at 11pm Thursday, that is how busy I am. But I just wanted to say that because I want you to know why I am not churning out pages like I was trying to do in the summer.

Anyway, back to the page. Every year I do a 1st day of school layout. This year I wanted to make something girly but vintage and sophisticated at the same time. I have a few more things to add, plus of course the picture! I wanted you to see what I have been up too. I get to work on it in 15 minute spurts. I am making all my own flowers for this so that is another time consuming part. I will post a tutorial when I am done with the page, that way if you like the flowers, you can also make them yourself.

I used three different paper packs by MME for this layout. They are Paris, Lost & Found One, and Lost & Found Two.

All the papers were inked with chestnut roan ink.

When I post the finished layout, I will post instructions on how to duplicate it if you would like.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Major wrench in my plans

Sorry everyone, I did not get to scrapping on Friday or yesterday morning as planned. These migraines are bad enough that it hurts to keep my eyes open. But on a good note, I think laying on my halsa mat and taking my prescription helped some. So after a fast paced house cleaning this morning, I hope to get to at least one page.

But I did want to tell you all about my son's football game yesterday. It was amazing, they played extremely well and they were robbed in double overtime, by a bad call, even the other team knew it. But it seemed the refs were sick of being there, and just wanted to go home. :( But Brandon played so great! It was a super game, I wish I had been brave enough to bring my camera out, but it was raining when we first got there, and I was scared to death that it would get wet. So no pictures :( BOO rain!

Anyway, I have to go clean, so I can do something fun (like scrappy) before the Green Bay Packers make their appearance on the TV.

Have a wonderful day!


Friday, September 7, 2012

Sports

Sports-
For me, these are some of the hardest pages. Because you don't want to do the same thing over and over, even if you found a layout that works, and the pages can get quite boring if not presented right. I struggle with these type of pages, but you should see some coming soon, my son is playing varsity football again this year, and I happily snap away in sports mode, trying to get the ever perfect shot. That is another challenge, all in itself. I absolutely love football, which I guess is a good thing, because it's happening again and I try to watch a game every night (my husband says, I even watch high school on TV, I must be nuts).

I hope everyone is doing well. I hope to have a layout posted soon, it's been a long week, and I have come home to having a migraine every night this week (I think due to the heat in the school where I work, no A/C). So I haven't felt much like scrapbooking, but I am going to do so tonight, even though I have another migraine, maybe I can wind down and relax.So here is hoping, I can post one for you soon.

Good wishes to all.

For the upcoming months, I would like to do a Halloween chip book for October, and a I am thankful mini album for November. Let me know what you think or if you would rather me make something else and share the directions, I can do that also.

Leave a comment!!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Baby Teddy Bear Crocheted Hat

Teddy Bear Crocheted Hat for Baby -
I made two hats for my BFF's brand new twin boys. I love these hats. The pattern is my own my own design. I think they came out superb. If you are interested in the pattern I will have it available in my Etsy store shortly, you can email me for more information or leave a comment in the comment section and I will get in touch with you.

The picture doesn't do the hat justice.  It would be much better with a model! I will be sure to take a picture of the twins wearing there matching hats.

I used special baby yarn, so that it was nice and soft on their heads.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Timeless...

Timeless -
This is a photo of my daughter that I took recently (last week) at the Sunken Garden in Highland Park. I absolutely love this place! I haven't really taken a bad picture there, the place is just gorgeous. The flowers, leaves and textures of the bricks, are just spectacular. My BFF turned me onto this place and I recently took my son, his friends and my daughter there to do a series of senior pictures, even though my daughter is not a senior, I want to take pictures of her, I love to take pictures of her.

On this layout, I made the butterflies and flowers out of light pink paper, using my Slice die cutting machine and then stamped the pieces with a script stamp after they were cut out. For the flowers, I crinkled the paper into a ball and flattened it back out, inked all the edges and added a pearl brad center.

I inked around the entire layout with brown ink, then once more with a dark shade of brown to get a variation.

I used a hat pin through the lace trim in the lower right corner of the mat.

In order to get the stamped images around the mat, I cut the mat to size, then marked off where I needed to stamp, removed the mat; then I just stamped around in a square using a flourish stamp. Gluing the mat down once I used the border punch on it. Then I cut a dark gray mat and a cream mat to go over the black mat. To pop the picture, so you can see it more and for it to be defined from the layout, I matted that in black also. A black frame would work here too but I couldn't find one I really liked, I tried several. So I just went for the simple solution and matted the picture on black cardstock.

For the two black leaf sprigs, I cut those out of cardstock using the Slice machine also.

The butterflies have depth, because I cut two for each butterfly, then layered them, leaving the wings of the top butterfly free and not glued down. Then I added pearls to make the butterflies bodies, giving them dimension and a hint of elegance.

And as for the title... I came up with this, because once you take a photo, you are that age in that photo and that is timeless. (Title was cut using my Slice die cutting machine also.)

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Match Book Calendar

 Match Book Calendar -
I made this for my desk at work. I wanted to bring some of my crafting to my desk so it's not so dull and boring. I used paper scraps in the Linen Stack by DCWV. I printed the calendars out on two sheets of white cardstock and cut around them. I matted them with dark brown cardstock and then adhered them to tan cardstock that has been stamped with dark brown ink, and various stamps with themes for the season. I then inked around each page with the dark brown ink, stacked them together and then stapled them into the book.
I made the actual book with chipboard and two pieces of cardstock, one for the lining and one for the cover.
I added a title with a piece of scrap paper and stamps.
I like that it is simple and that the stamped theme changes with each month.
They are fairly easy to make, I winged it all, never really measured the chipboard, just trimmed and started covering, then made the pages to fit. It took me less time to make this then a layout. lol

Make one for your desk today!

Tomorrow I go back to my full time job, I hope to add a different layout a couple days a week if I can. But it's also football season, for my son and the NFL, this is my season, I love fall!!!!! I love the food and the smells and the colors of this beautiful season. I can't wait for the temperature to dip a little (like it was last week).

Have a wonderful Monday!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Just being a girl....

Just being a girl layout -
This layout was a pretty fast one due to the embellishments I used being already premade. I use the My Mind's Eye, Lost & Found 2 paper stack. I really just had to trim the papers to the right sizes and on the pink one use an edge punch. The three chipboard pieces are all from the same collection, something that has been in my stash for a long time. The jewel flourishes are made by Recollections. The teal circle tag I cut in half then used zigzag scissors on the edge. The "I remember when" journaling tag is from Making Memories, another thing that I have had for a long time in my stash. I also used daisy fabric trim that had come off a dress I made my daughter when she was younger, I added the bling snaps to it (they are also Making Memories). The three white mats are for pictures of course, and in this case I would either use black and white photos, or photos with muted color, so that they don't compete with the layout itself and over power it. Of course you could also make two of the supporting photos black and white, and one photo color, that would look great too.

Let me know what you think. If you would like to make this layout, post a comment and I would be happy to forward or post the dimensions of all the papers.  You need 4 pieces of coordinating papers, a piece of white cardstock and one accent color, you don't need alot of this one color, make sure it matches two embellishments that you have or that you make by hand.

A trick I learned early on in scrapbooking, and it works well with photography also is the law of thirds or it's called Fibonacci's square sequence. Basically when using the law of thirds, you are leading the viewer through the layout by the placement of the three embellishments or accents.
If you view the rectangle above as only 3 squares, you see the focal point. You can turn and manipulate this anyway you want, but you always want to have a certain focal area.

Use it on your next layout, and see how much it helps the look and feel of it. Post images of your finished layouts for us to see!

Thank you again for visiting my blog. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy peace and serenity.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

I want to remember...

I want to remember -
This layout was made using My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 2 stack.
Here are the steps:
1. Pick a base piece of paper, this one should be solid. Lay a ruler down on the back side of the paper and trace a square about 10 x 10. It doesn't have to be exact, we are just trying not to waste paper, plus we need part of the left over for a strip on the layout.
2. Using a Martha Stewart around the page punch, punch all the way around the page.
3. Cut 7.25 circle in yellow and a 7.75 circle in blue. Using large scallop scissors, cut the blue circle.
4. Cut the strip of your background paper to 3.5 x 8. Use a border punch for one long side.
5. Cut a 2.5 x 8.5 coordinating strip, use a border punch on the left short side.
6. Cut a dark piece of cardstock 1.5 x 9, use a border punch on the bottom edge.
7. Cut a strip .25 x 10.
8. Arrange as shown in the picture. (The white mat is to represent the picture).

Flowers are Prima and Spare Parts. The frame is from my stash of supplies. I made the sun myself, adding watercolor pencils to the rays to give definition.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Feeling a little better, so here is what I have started

Here is what I have to start with. The papers I am using are from the MME Lost & Found Two stack, which is quickly becoming my favorite paper stack.
If I ramble on in this post, it's because I have been taking alot of medicine to fight the virus I have and I think it's making me loopy.
I went shopping at Hobby Lobby the other day, my son was sweet enough to drive me. (This was before I got sick.) And I found some flowers that will match what I what to do with this layout. I also found some decorative brads, that I just love, so I grabbed those also, even though I am not sure I will use them with this. We shall see. The metal frame is from my collection of scrapbook stuff that I am thinning out slowly.
I have been selling my excess paper and supplies on ebay. I sold 7 lots of scrapbook stuff over the weekend. That brought in some extra money. Which is always nice.
My kids pretty much have been staying out of the house, while the doctors figure out what the heck is wrong with me. But today my son surprised me with soup, a snickers bar and a iced coffee (cookies and cream). Isn't that so sweet of him? I couldn't believe it. I raised two amazing kids. And my daughter came home to take care of me, while her brother is at a concert and my hubby is working. I am so blessed.
Well let me get working, and let me stop rambling, and see what I can come up with for this layout.
I hope you are all well. Please have a blessed day and be kind to one another.