My Creative Life

Nuts About Sketches #200!

2012-02-13T12:41:00.003-05:00

Wow, Shawn has published sketch #200! Congratulations Shawn! I love this sketch and enjoyed creating this layout:

Please be sure to head over to Nuts About Sketches to see the Sketch #200 and the other wonderful layouts created using it!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T11:58:00.002-05:00

And here's a new layout with Nuts About Sketches #195:

Be sure and go over to Nuts and check out the other layouts! And Shawn has a new Design Team call going on right now, so page down to the Jan. 4 blog post and read all about it!

We started 2012 in Mississippi at Grandma's house... we left here in 2011 right after Christmas and returned home the 2nd day of 2012 to finish Math and Science projects, lots of football watching, lots of XBox and iPod Touch playing, and a minor surgery for me. All is well and we are feeling quite blessed already in 2012!

It's December...

2011-12-12T09:04:00.003-05:00

and that means we have recently had our annual Christmas Card Photo Shoot. It's a tradition. PJs, Santa hats, humoring mom for 15-20 minutes...

Today I share some of the photos on a layout done for Nuts About Sketches #191. I loved working with this sketch!

While our photos don't show it, we do cherish this Christmas season for it's true meaning, the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. And just in case I do not post in December again, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Oh, what a glorious day!

2011-11-14T12:34:00.005-05:00

I don't have many pictures to share yet, but Saturday 11-12-11 was a glorious day! We celebrated Ken & Annette's wedding and the beginning of their life together. Kent was Best Man, Seth and Tessa were Junior Attendants. The wedding ceremony was beautiful and touching. Don't ask about Friday... let's just say we are giving glory to God and thanks to the many who prayed for Tessa to be well on Saturday (she felt fine and was a lovely junior bridesmaid). We are so happy for Annette and Ken and hope they are having a wonderful honeymoon/vacation this week. I look foward to having more photos to share in the future (esp. since I don't have one of the "boys" in their tuxes!) And my apologies to Pastor Chris for the blurry photo, but the expressions on the bride's and groom's faces were so perfect and so "them" that I had to share!

Nuts About Sketches #183

2011-10-17T10:07:00.003-04:00

Today you can see fun, festive sketch #183 from Shawn at Nuts About Sketches! Here is my layout of my precious and much missed Nanny:

Head over to Nuts and see more inspiring layouts of this sketch!

Sketch #181

2011-10-03T08:33:00.004-04:00

For Shawn's Nuts About Sketches #181 layout, I went back a while and scrapped some older photos of our "Tessa the Messa" when she was just earning her nickname... now she's almost 8 and her face often looks this messy when she eats a popsicle... or ribs! Go to Nuts About Sketches and see a lot of other great layouts using this fun sketch!

Nuts About Sketches...

2011-09-06T08:19:00.003-04:00

I'm so happy to announce a new "gig" with Nuts About Sketches! Shawn makes scrapping easy with her fun sketches and she has a great mix of one and two-pagers. I am honored to be a part of her design team and have my first layout to show you today! Here's my layout:

Now you have to go over to Nuts About Sketches to see the sketch (week 177) and all the other wonderful layouts that the team did with this sketch! Shawn reveals a new sketch each week, so be sure to bookmark her blog (or become a fan or FB follower) so you won't miss any!

Almost "Back to School"

2011-08-19T16:16:00.004-04:00

Sunday are the kids' Open Houses. Next Tuesday is the "Welcome Back Breakfast" at the elementary school. Since I'm in charge of PTA's Staff Appreciation, I'm working on the table decorations for the breakfast, as well as a little something for Tessa to give her 2nd grade teacher and English teacher (she attends Spanish immersion school, so will start taking English this year). Here's what I've done so far:

I hot glued the crayons around a $1 tin (and another one that is larger and will hold the napkins). The "supply centerpiece" is mostly held together by glue dots and rubber bands (so it can be disassembled and most of the supplies used later.)

For these little "survival kits" I found the free printable labels online at Bee in our Bonnet's blog and the little storage boxes in the clearance section at Staples.

I also plan to put bundle some pens, expo markers and pencils for all Tessa's "specials" (Music, Art, Computer, Library, etc.) and use these cute labels from Itsy Bitsy Paper by Lindy.
Now, if only the kids supplies would label themselves, we would be ready!

Summer's flying...

2011-07-22T14:24:00.004-04:00

Summer has been quite busy here so far... a few hightlights:

Soccer Camp for T

VBS for all of us

Basketball Camp for S

Swim Fanatics Camp for T (and an afternoon trail hike)

A 4th of July visit to "the cousins" in Hendersonville

Grandma comes from Mississippi

Day trip to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte

Dress shopping & a Bridesmaid's Tea at the O'Henry for T (junior attendent)

T's first sleepover party

S hanging out @ Isaac's

Soccer Camp for S (indoor, thankfully, since temps are ~99 this week!)

and still to come, dog-sitting for a week and a half (a nice test for T to see if she likes having a dog as much as she thinks she will), Art Camp for T, Basketball Camp for T (with S volunteering), some playgroups, trip to NatSciCtr, maybe the NC Zoo... and who knows what else August will hold!

Haven't been scrapping much but I posted one recent layout (from this July 4). Hope your summer is going great!

Saying good bye...

2011-06-10T07:53:00.006-04:00

It's the last day of school and my kids are saying good bye to their teachers and friends for the summer. I'm always sad to see the school year end when they've had a wonderful teacher (or teachers), and both have been blessed with some incredible teachers this year. I am hoping my son will snap i-photos with some of his today (middle school = 7 teachers). My daughter is pictured here with her 1st grade teachers, Senora Alen and Senora Geniac. They had a terrific class this year, learned so much and had a lot of fun, too! She is also saying good bye to one of her favorite "specials" Senorita Castillo, who we think is returning to her home country of Chile in July. I am so thankful for all the amazing teachers she's had so far at Jones Elementary (Spanish Immersion Magnet).

I'm also saying good bye to my design term at The Scrapping Spot. For the last 10 months I had the honor to create with Jill and Cathy's wonderful kits and I had a blast! Their June kit is perfect for your summer fun photos and memories. I'll show you the projects I made using it:

Today I say "good bye" to some peace & quiet and "hello" to summer, hopefully not one spent with a "referee whistle" in my mouth, but one filled with fun activities and enjoyable memories for our whole family... we'll see, wink!

Project 12 March... using TSS May Kit

2011-04-26T10:24:00.003-04:00

I love the whole concept of "Project 12" and am so grateful to Davinie for her inspiration and for the wonderful Pagemaps sketches! I also love using new kits from The Scrapping Spot for my layouts! This one is the May kit (on sale May 1... another blog post with more layouts later.)

The Scrapping Spot's April Kit - no April Fool's joke!

2011-04-01T08:30:00.005-04:00

I had so much fun designing with The Scrapping Spot's April kit, on sale now in the store.

I thought I'd share my projects with you today.

This kit is a fun way to welcome spring; I highly recommend it!

Project 12 - Feb. Captured

2011-03-28T10:51:00.005-04:00

Wow, it's snowing a bit here in NC on March 28 - you can be sure I took a photo of that this morning!

I'm enjoying the "Project 12" monthly summary layouts. You can find all the details here at Davinie Fiero's blog: Project 12. I used the sketch this month and The Scrapping Spot's April kit with Bo Bunny's Ad Lib line.

I can't wait to do a March layout, but there's still a few things to enjoy this month, especially for Seth, who will be turning 12 in a few days!

The Scrapping Spot's "Twig-licious" March Kit

2011-03-09T08:16:00.006-05:00

I ♥ the March kit from The Scrapping Spot.

It is sold out but they have some more wonderful kits coming this Spring, so stay tuned! Here are my March designs:

March "marching on" and I'm just trying to keep up! Dr. Seuss celebrations, basketball (for Seth and on TV... ♥ March Madness), soccer starting for the kids, other school activities, and Seth's birthday at the end of the month are making for a busy but fun March! I'm glad Spring Break is in April this year (what we have left of it after losing days to snow make-up days). Hope your March is "marching on" in the direction you'd like! Thanks for stopping by!

Janurary 2011 Layout (Project 12)

2011-02-28T08:32:00.003-05:00

I love the idea of doing one summary layout for each month of the year. That way, if my mojo is slumping or I haven't been scrapping much for some reason, I'll still have a complete picture of our year. So, I've found Project 12 on Davinie Fiero's blog and thought this would be a great way to get started and keep up in 2011! I intended to use the sketch provided, but found I wanted to do something a bit different and include a calendar with many of the details. I found the free printable calendar at Creative Mamma. I used the March kit from The Scrapping Spot and Unity's Bella Doilies stamp set. I look forward to doing a monthly layout all year!

Dr. Seuss Door Decoratons

2011-02-25T21:31:00.004-05:00

Next week, my daughter's class will celebrate READING and DR. SEUSS (his birthday is March 2). Her school is having a door decorating competition, so I volunteered to decorate theirs. After visiting Seussville.com, I got an idea for the door. I wanted the kids to each draw their favorite Seuss character (or a self-portrait) in whimsical paper frame, which I then "hung on the wall" from buttons and twine. Added a bunch of other room elements, including a vase with Horton pom-pom flowers (one has the Whoville dust spec on it) and filled it with Dr. Seuss "books." The kids love seeing their creations on the "wall" of the door and it was a lot of fun!

They'll also go see "Seussical the Musical" on Monday, make "Cat in the Hat" hats, eat green eggs and ham, make Oobleck, and read lots of Dr. Seuss books!

Hello, February...

2011-02-01T13:02:00.004-05:00

It's Feb. 1st and you know what that means? For much of the country, it means more snow and ice. Here in NC, we're not getting this winter storm, but we've had our share of snow this winter! I'm ready for a breath of spring (even if it comes in the form of a cute papercrafting kit!) So, today, I share with you The Scrapping Spot's February kit and a couple of my creations:

My blog header was also made using this adorable kit. If you'd like to see more, head over the The Scrapping Spot's Blog. This kit makes me smile and brings me a feeling of hope for Spring. We'll see what the groundhogs have to say about that tomorrow!

Happy "New" Year

2011-01-28T11:39:00.003-05:00

January 2011 is almost over and I haven't posted to my blog once - what's up with that? So, I thought I'd post a few photo highlights of the last month. This year we've seen science experiement, lots of snow (and snow days), and lost teeth! Stay tuned because next week I'll have designs from The Scrapping Spot's Fabulous February kit!

Fabric, Felt and Paper Christmas Wreath

2010-11-30T16:46:00.003-05:00

I love taking these $1 wreaths and covering them with creative goodies. Here's the one I just made for Christmas. Cut strips of a heather red T-shirt, wrapped and glued. Poinsettia is from the Dollar Tree too. Made the paper rosettes using the Tim Holtz Rosette Die. You can see how to make the felt "roses" at an earlier post where I made them for my autumn wreath (my placement here is a bit "Rudolphish", don't ya think?) I'm working on another one that is lime green, red and white with yo-yos and pom-poms... so fun! Thanks for stopping by!

December Daily Tag Album & Memory Box

2010-11-28T22:21:00.003-05:00

I'm trying again this year to keep a December Daily. I've made a small Tag Album where I'll journal little tidbits of our December activities, as well as include small index or 2x2 photos. I also decorated a photo box to use as a Memory Keepsake box and in it I'll collect Christmas cards, programs, etc. I'm thankful for Ali Edward's inspiration, The Scrapping Spot's December kit, and a lot of other online scrapping friends' wonderful ideas about preserving special holiday memories.

Vacation to Disney and Sea World

2010-11-03T08:26:00.003-04:00

Last week we went to Orlando. We went to Disney (Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Hollywood Studios with our "Give a Day, Get a Day" volunteer tickets) and Sea World. It was HOT (record hi temps for 3 days), and a lot of fun. Here are a few photos from our trip:

As Seth and Tessa approached Mickey, he gave Seth a "thumbs up" for his Perry the Platypus shirt! You don't see Perry (or any of the other Phineas and Ferb gang) much yet at Disney World. But the Cast Members like them! We found Mickey at the exit of Disney Animations in Hollywood Studios.

Feeding the dolphins was a delightful treat (but it's an extra $7 per person, so I took photos).

Snow White's witch made Tessa a bit nervous. She was quite curious about those hands!

Finally (we didn't see them when we went 3 years ago), Tessa gets to see the Princesses (and the Princes, too!) She saw Cinderella and Prince Charming, Snow White and her Prince, and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Prince Phillip.

Kent's not wearing his Dr. Doofinshmirtz costume yet, but here you see Phineas and Isabella from Phineas and Ferb... Perry, Ferb and Pinky were in the backpack too (Dr. D used his "shrinkinator" on Ferb I guess... and hooked him to a keychain... oops! I was "Mom" (yes, my name is Candace but somehow wearing a short red and white go-go dress didn't do it for me).

Tessa is now "Daddy's RCG: Roller Coaster Girl" - she rode Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and Rockin' Roller Coaster multiple times! I am the new Buzz Lightyear family champion - Galactic Hero (999,999 maximum score thanks to getting stuck in just the right spot and Seth showing me a 100,000 point target). But I think I like Toy Story Mania even better, and Seth has our family high score on that one! It was a wonderful vacation, filled with many magical memories!

Autumn Wreath

2010-09-30T12:42:00.005-04:00

I've been seeing so many beautiful handmade Autumn wreaths so I decided to try one myself. I bought a round styrofoam ring at The Dollar Tree, wrapped it in some burlap and hot glued it down. Then I used a Leaf Template to print the leaves on brown paper and book paper, spritzing the bookpage ones with Chalkboard mist. I made some felt spiral flowers (tried to show you how below) and added some pearl beads to them. For the acorns, I used my Fiskars acorn punch and leftover scraps from The Scrapping Spot's October kit. The metal butterfly is also from that kit. Had some burlap trim from an etsy shop (Frog Feathers) and used it to hang the wreath. Voilá, in about an hour I now have a new fall decoration for my door!

The Scrapping Spot October Designs

2010-09-25T18:46:00.003-04:00

I hear it is Autumn. It's been in the 90s here for a while, so I'm not sure. But I've gotten more into a "Fall" frame of mind lately as I have designed with The Scrapping Spot's fabulous October kit (it's sold out, sorry... there may be some papers left in the store!)

Here are my layouts and a card. Almost everything is from the kit or an add-on. I did add a piece of brown cardstock and a little alpabet from my stash. Had fun using my acorn, leaf and border punches.

Now I'm longing for cooler temperatures, leaves blowing off the trees, picking out a pumpking and many other fun Autumn activities!

A new book from Proverbs 31 Ministries author Rachel Olsen

2010-09-08T11:30:00.003-04:00

I receive daily email devotions from Proverbs31 and find them encouraging, convicting and always a blessing. Today a willow scrapbooking friend posted a link to Rachel Olsen's blog where she has a giveaway of her newest book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know. Rachel is giving away a copy of her book and a necklace from Lisa Leonard designs.

What a wonderful gift this would make for a friend, a relative, or maybe even for myself. :-) I'd need to give that some thought if I won. Be sure to go check out her giveaway and get entered yourself! I believe this is a book I will be reading in the future, perhaps after I complete the next Bible Study I'm doing (The Patriarchs by Beth Moore).

A TSS September challenge to use paint

2010-09-05T15:35:00.004-04:00

One of the September challenges at The Scrapping Spot is to use paint on a layout. I used the August kit from The Scrapping Spot for this one (yes, I do believe there are a few left in the store, as well as the "delovely" September kits). I took some ivory paint and a wood grain tool to do the background that is behind the photo. Also painted the edge of the acrylic star that was in the kit. I wanted more of a "showcase" layout to put in a shadow box or display on our entertainment center, so the journaling about Seth is on the back. This kit is great for boys and men, but stay tuned because I have a layout of Tessa planned too!

And I will have something very special to write on the back, since today Seth "went down" at church and will be baptized soon. I've decided to "take the plunge" or "dive in" as well. It's time to make the transition from Presbyterian to Baptist. It's taken me a long time. And I'm really not making light of a very serious life decision (for both of us). Given a choice, I'd prefer non-denominational because it's really all about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That said, Lawndale is a wonderful church that teaches God's truth, where the people love and care for each other and the community. I've been serving and worshipping at Lawndale for over 15 years, but now I'll be "official." And we pray that Tessa will come to the same decision in her time, and then our whole family will be members.

More TSS September Layouts and a card

2010-09-02T09:12:00.004-04:00

Wow, August is gone and September is here. Once school starts back, time really starts flying. Speaking of school, here's a picture of S and T on the first day of school, August 25, 2010. A 6th grade middle-schooler and a 1st grader. So far, so good. It's hard to get back into a routine, but they both seem to be doing fine.

Now I'd like to share the rest of the creations I made with The Scrapping Spot's gorgeous September kit. In this layout, I got a collage print from Winkflash of our summer hightlights. In addition to the papers and journaling cards from the kit, I pulled out a template from The Crafter's Workshop and my sharpie pens.

In "Scootin' along" I used a sketch from Nuts About Sketches (you have to check out Shawn's site!) I used sketch #123.

I made a card and will probably get to use it this fall as I have several friends in my Life Journey Group due to have babies before Christmas!

Tessa had a big "summer of firsts" and I had to give her an "award" for them. Made the medallion/ribbon using some crepe streamer and a gold foil sticker, in addtion to the kit papers. Also used some My Mind's Eye acrylic stamps on this one.

On "like a kid again" I used another template from The Crafter's Workshop and some homemade mist (I put a few drops of yellow acrylic paint in a spray bottle with water and misted away).

I promise that if you get the September kit with all it's "Delovelies", you will ♥ using it! Thanks for stopping by and visiting my blog!

September Kit from The Scrapping Spot

2010-08-26T12:11:00.003-04:00

The September kit from The Scrapping Spot is gorgeous! I'm having the best time designing with it. The Cosmo Cricket "Delovely" papers are wonderful, and Jill and Cathy chose some seriously beautiful embellies!

I've done 2 layouts so far and have several others in the works. I'll be finishing them up in the next few days, so check back soon!

Layouts Galore!

2010-08-17T11:48:00.004-04:00

I had fun participating in Noel Mignon's "Fun in the Sun Crop" this past week. I loved all the challenges and was able to complete a few of them.

This page is for Virginia's "Freaky Friday" challenge (inspired by the movie where the 13-year-old girl switches places with her mom). I used the June kit from Color Me Miki:

This layout was inspired by Noel's Summer Recap challenge (I've ordered a photo collage of summer photos to do a true recap layout later, but wanted to do this one of the movies we saw this summer):

Michele's challenge was to make a banner (and I made an Autumn one, using items from last Nov's The Scrapping Spot kit):

Jill's challenge was to make masculine cards:

And I did this layout for Jana's sketch challenge (and also The Scrapping Spot's August challenge to rip something on the layout):

I'm looking forward to LOTS more scrapping soon since I have just joined The Scrapping Spot's Design Team and will be starting with the September kit soon! I'm so excited!

Scrappy Weekend

2010-07-25T21:37:00.004-04:00

I participated in an online crop over at Simply Obsessed this weekend and got 4 of the challenges done. It felt so good to do some scrapping! I used some of the July kit from The Scrapping Spot, as well as some stash. Spray painted the green cardstock with a fabric paint and a doily mask on the "Me" layout. Thanks for stopping by!

A layout and a gift card holder

2010-07-18T15:28:00.003-04:00

Seth is invited to a birthday party today for a girl who was in his class this year. He said to me "Mom, I don't want to give her anything too girly... just a gift card, okay?" Well, you know I had to try to think of a "cute but not too girly" way to package it. I've been recycling old denim jeans to use for projects and one of my favorite things to do is use the pockets. Tag made with Unity stamp.

Yesterday, I did this layout of us celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. Nikki Silvils papers, Unity stamps and assorted embellies. Thanks for stopping by my blog this weekend!

And one more...

2010-07-15T13:05:00.003-04:00

Also did this layout using the Sweet Peach Crop Shop Juicy Themed kit for July and The Scrapping Spot challenge to use at least 5 buttons (sorry for the crooked picture):

A 2-pager

2010-07-14T10:08:00.004-04:00

Angie posted a challenge over at Sweet Peach Crop Shop to use spray mist on a layout. I happened to "steal" a Sweet Peach kit during our recent Willow Desperate Traders game, and I thought some of the papers and embellies were just right for my Lake Lure layout, but the cream cardstock needed something. I mixed a few drops of a Stampin' Up re-inker and some water in a "used and cleaned" candy flavor spray bottle and sprayed the cardstock (it's subtle). Then I also misted the Bazzill cardstock strips (click images to see details).

I made the torn fabric flower, used a Martha Stewart punch, and alphas. from my stash. Thanks for stopping by!

Finally, some layouts!

2010-07-10T14:24:00.004-04:00

I've been scrapping with some friends this weekend and it felt GREAT!

I took a couple of kits with me; the April kit from The Scrapping Spot and the Juicy Themed July kit from Sweet Peach Crop Shop (I won this kit in our recent Desperate Traders game over at Willow Traders). I used the July Scrap Your Stash challenges from The Scrapping Spot as my inspiration. The first layout uses a sketch from Nuts About Sketches: The next layout was scraplifted from Julie's TSS July layout "blooming". I used some Martha Steward doilies and punch, and the bicycle is a Unity stamp.This summer will be one of "firsts" for Tessa. She lost her first tooth, is learning to ride a bike without training wheels, and is learning to swim (stay tuned for that layout soon!)

I need to post more.

2010-06-18T13:15:00.005-04:00

Tessa, rising 1st grader... had an amazing Kindergarten year and loves school! She's terrific!

Seth, rising 6th grader and middle schooler... wow, time flies! Had a great academic career at Jones Elementary - very proud of him!

So, I'm spending a lot of time with these 2 cute kids for the next 2 & a half months. School's out! It's been a week now and it's been filled with friend playdates, a few cleaning projects, Tessa's first swim lesson and quite a few reminders to get off the computer or turn off the TV. Next week we have VBS at church. The rest of the summer we have basketball camps, Lego and Farm camps at the Nature Science Center, Safety Town, more swim lessons, visits to Hendersonville and Mississippi, lots of summer reading program activities and other fun things yet to be planned. So far, it's been quite hot. We're all really excited about seeing Toy Story 3 soon. Tessa's embraced 1 and 2 (finally) and spent some of her savings on Jessie and Bullseye toys ( and small Woody, Buzz, Rex and Slinky). I'd forgotten how much we ♥ Toy Story. Seth was Buzz Lightyear one Halloween... he watched 1 and 2 over and over again. Good times...

I have been crafty (mostly in the "arts and crafts" sense)... but I have not remembered to take photos of the things I have made. Most were for year-end teacher gifts (tote bags, earrings, flower pins, etc.) Perhaps soon I will make something and remember to take a photo. In the meantime, catch a few fireflies, run in the sprinkler, have an icy pop and enjoy the summer - I will!

Addicted to making fabric flowers!

2010-05-14T21:57:00.003-04:00

First, I was making fabric flower pins (see this post) and I still am. After seeing Lisa Andrew's blog post about making flower clips (which she learned from Rhonna Farrar's video), I am loving these torn fabric flowers. I haven't decided how I will use them all yet (hair clips, necklaces, purse embellishments... so many possibilities!) but I know I can't wait to make more!
I haven't scrapped a layout in a few weeks, but I did create a new blog header this week (it even has a few sheer fabric flowers in it!) So if I can get my fingers out of the fabric and glue, maybe I'll scrap or make some cards soon! Of course, with all the end-of-school activities coming up and soccer in full swing, I should have lots of photos and memories to record!

Appreciation...

2010-05-09T18:40:00.006-04:00

This week has been about appreciation. Mainly, teacher (and staff) appreciation at my kids' school. I'm the PTA chair for Staff Appreciation, so "Teacher Appreciation Week" looms large in my life. I ♥ showing the hard-working school staff how much we ♥ them; they work so hard and do so much for our kids. Thought I'd share a couple of pics from the week (didn't take any at the Breakfast or Luncheon). The Strawberries & Chocolate Snack is a big hit (local farm berries picked that morning) and the mailbox treats were fun (made 85 felt butterfly pins).

I ♥ crocheted doilies... and a source!

2010-04-27T11:44:00.003-04:00

I am loving crocheted doilies and have found some beautiful ones on etsy.com lately. One of my "favorites" has started a new blog and she has other lovely vintage supplies and handmade embellishments available as well. Check it out:

Fresh Vintage Crafts (Blog)

Fresh Vintage Crafts Etsy store

She has a contest running through April 28 where you can become a follower and blog about it, or make a purchase in her shop and be entered to win a fun prize!

Now I'm off to think about projects using lovely crocheted doilies...

Spring Layout Tag

2010-04-23T18:41:00.004-04:00

I did this layout a few weeks ago but couldn't share it yet... had to wait until everyone finished their layouts. It was fun playing "layout tag" with the designers and scrappers from Noel Mignon. If you'd like to see the whole slide show in the order we created our layouts, go here:

http://www.slide.com/r/oJ25Ndl3qz8CdwteXYj61SFJRUSduVW1

Baby Shower Decorations

2010-04-21T08:30:00.004-04:00

Tessa's teacher is having a baby girl in May! All the kids (and parents) are so excited for her and couldn't wait to have her "classroom baby shower." I was in charge of decorations and thought I'd show you a few (most ideas came from other blogs).

In the top photo you can see the decorations in progress. I made paper pinwheels by accordion folding 12x12 sheets (3 for each one), folding them in half like a fan and adhering them together. The tissue paper blooms were from a Martha Stewart kit but you can easily make them with about 12 sheets of tissue paper, again accordion folded, tied in the middle with some tulle or ribbon, then pull apart all the layers to make the bloom. The baby shoes are sewn on a felt scallop circle with a pin back for a corsage (socks are just stuck in the shoes and there is a ribbon sewn on as well). And the banner was made with stamps and crepe paper (it says Welcome Baby in spanish).

The most fun items were the "faux cupcakes" where I rolled up baby washcloths and burp cloths, put them inside a nice stack of coffee filters and tied a ribbon. One of them is a baby outfit rolled up so the ruffles looked like fluffy icing. The other booboo bunny is a washcloth with a little freezable packet inside. We also asked the kids what they would name the baby and for any advice they had about being a mommy (these tidbits were shared on the poster you can barely see in the banner photo... they each wrote their name, their suggested name and I typed up their advice). They all painted thumbprints on a onsie and we tie-dyed some cloth diapers to be used as burp cloths.

Now I'm moving on to Teacher Appreciation Week, so there will be a few more crafty ideas coming in another week or two!

Because He lives...

2010-04-04T16:34:00.003-04:00

we celebrate Easter! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving us. Thank you, Father God, for sending your son to earth. Really, this holiday is too big for words. I am so thankful and amazed at the depth of God's love for us.

We celebrated with a visit from the Easter Bunny (much to Tessa's delight... she also had a nice surprise from her special next-door neighbor friends), a wonderful morning of celebration and worship at church, an egg hunt with eggs from Grandma (Papa helped hide the eggs and contributed a few of his own), and dinner on the grill with Papa. What a gorgeous day to celebrate our Savior's resurrection!

I've been scrapping!

2010-03-24T15:55:00.003-04:00

I have not scrapped a layout all year... maybe one... maybe. But this week I've done several and I thought I'd share them. Noel Mignon had a Spring Crop with some fun challenges. I also have a nice list of March challenges from The Scrapping Spot, so between the two kit sites, I found some inspiration!

Blue skies and blue shirts - a great day!

2010-03-20T14:26:00.004-04:00

What a gorgeous Carolina day! 70 degrees (or more), sunshine and blue skies! A great day for a walk, specifically The Human Race where our family walked to support Caroline's Promise (an organization that supports orphans through adoptive family assistance, orphan care, and education.) We weren't sure Tessa was going to make it (5K) but she did it!

We hurried home to catch the Mississippi State vs. UNC game and guess what? Believe it or not, Carolina won! Kent's not happy at all about the outcome of this game... and I am sorry the Bulldogs lost in this round, but I'm thrilled to see the Tarheels win! They are looking more like the Tarheel teams we know and ♥!

March Madness, on a smaller scale

2010-03-18T19:24:00.006-04:00

Well, the '09-10 basketball season is one that most UNC fans (those Tarheels of which I am proud to be one... most of the time) would love to forget. The team just didn't gel, but I have high hopes for next year. They did make the NIT and played the first game in Carmichael Auditorium, where I used to attend basketball games when I was in college. Where I saw Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins play. Brought back good memories. And they managed to win (even though William & Mary made 14 3-pointers). So now Carolina plays Mississippi State on Saturday. Kent's alma mater... cowbells and all. I'm going to be out-numbered... I do believe the kids will be pulling for MSU with their dad.

To get into the spirit, I decorated for the "big game." I expect Mississippi State to win, but you can be sure I'll be pulling hard for my Tarheels!

So, if you don't have anything to do on Saturday at noon eastern, watch ESPN (or ESPNU) and pull for the Tarheels (okay, you can pull for the Bulldogs if you really want to... I'm just hoping for a good game!) Oh, and I believe the winner of this game will play the winner of the NC State/UAB game - it could be another interesting match-up!

March is marching by...

2010-03-15T08:46:00.006-04:00

Wow... March is halfway over... this week, St. Patrick's Day... then a couple more weeks and Seth turns 11... and then Easter. Time truly does "march on by" and I haven't blogged much lately. Or created much. I have been making fabric flower pins using my Big Shot and the SU Folding Flowers die. Here are a few:

I've got all these great intentions to scrap... and yet I don't. I have managed to get my "new" camera out of the box after 10 months and am starting to learn how to use it. Took a few pictures of Tessa this weekend at the Bicentennial Gardens:
The last 2 are very similar to a photo I took of Seth a few years ago in the same spot, also conducting the imaginary orchestra... something they both love to do when we visit this park. Such a small thing that brings them great joy. I'm thankful for these little moments and memories.

Oh, and one last photo of my new Earth shoes (here they are, Sis... are they like yours?)

Trying to walk more and get more exercise. These shoes and my new sneakers (New Balance with good orthodic footbed) should help my feet get healthier while the rest of me tries to do the same! Finally managed to get to 10,000 steps on Saturday (am using my pedometer for some accountability). In fact, it's about time for a walk this morning! The birds are singing and the sunshine is calling my name. I'm so thankful that Spring is just around the corner!

This makes me happy...

2010-02-18T11:51:00.003-05:00

♥ Nanny's pie safe ♥

It sat in the bedroom that my sister and I used as "our" room, right beside the kitchen. Just brought this from storage at my dad's now that we have room for it in our dining nook. I plan to keep my most-used craft tools in it. Maybe I'll post a picture of that after I have put things away (right now just my sewing machine and basket are inside).

This pie safe was one of Nanny's favorite pieces of furniture, the one thing she said I should keep from her home. I never knew her to use it for pies, just for storage of things like books and games for us to play, maybe some table linens and pantry extras. It makes me happy to have this reminder of Nanny in my home. I miss her so much. How I wish she could have known Tessa; Nanny died when Seth was 2... oh how she loved him and she would have adored T. She's always in my ♥...

Worry is a waste of imagination...

2010-02-12T11:15:00.004-05:00

♥ this quote I read a few minutes ago on one of those church signs by the road:

"Worry is a complete waste of imagination."

(googled it and I think it can be credited to Gary Lockwood)

So true... the Bible tells us not to worry... but we do. Forgive us, Lord, for not obeying you and laying our burdens at your feet. But oh, how human we are and how quickly we forget.

I haven't been crafting much lately. I seem to be in more of a purge mode and for some reason, I can't seem to do both things simulaneously. However, yesterday I went to stamp club and we made some wonderful fabric flower pins (something I've started collecting supplies to make lots of). I ♥ them.

Hmmm, you may be thinking, well that's pretty but where's the stamping? We used the Stampin' Up Flower Folds die to cut the flowers (it works in the Big Shot). But never fear, we stamped too. Made these cards:

Happy ♥ Day! May you find time to spend with your loved ones, may you be free from worry and may you find some time do be creative!

Heated seat... really?

2010-01-14T16:12:00.003-05:00

So, our 1st "laugh out loud" at yourself moment for 2010 is this: after getting our van back from being serviced, Kent and I both kept thinking to ourselves, "Wow, why is my back so hot?" when we were driving. We've had our 2002 Odyssey for about 5 years and neither of us realized the driver's seat is HEATED! Once I read the manual and finally located the switch, turned on to "High", the mystery was solved. Just had to laugh about it!

And I've finally crafted this year! Made a birthday banner for a friend. Not great photos (it's been too cold to go outside and take photos til today):

And, while I had my stuff out, I made a new blog banner too... but you probably already saw it :-) Felt good to create!

Hello, 2010!

2010-01-01T18:39:00.004-05:00

We've been letting the kids stay up to see the ball drop on New Year's Eve for a couple of years now. Tessa (6) was tired this year, so we decided we'd do our "toast" early. When I mentioned doing our "toast", she said "Can I have 2 pieces 'cause it's really yummy." So Tessa's "toast" was the buttered variety.

Then we all had a more traditional toast to welcome 2010 with "special glasses" and Wink (yes, plain Wink... Kent and I used to love Diet Wink... then they quit making it... so we got the "real thing" last night for New Year's Eve... since we drink ginger ale all the time).

Cheers! And may the new year bring us a renewed spirit of gratitude and a constant state of thankfulness. We are truly blessed.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2009-12-19T18:16:00.003-05:00

Snow in NC in December! Yay, what fun for the kiddos (and grown-ups too!) We missed out on sledding this time (those garbage can lids just don't do the trick) but I've ordered some for next time! We went 5 years without a good snow, until last winter. So now I'm thinking we'll have some more... hope so, anyway! Here are the kids enjoying the snow:

Hello December... finally...

2009-12-06T21:35:00.006-05:00

Wow, it's almost a week into December and I haven't posted a thing! Just to let you know, (you being the wonderful handful of blog readers that I have), all is fine. Just really busy. Thanksgiving (a completely photoless affair) was wonderful and we really enjoyed having Kent's mother here with us for a week. She sewed and I don't know what I did, honestly... cook and do dishes maybe...but it wasn't crafting!

So, we are getting into the Christmas spirit at our house, just a little more slowly this year. The Friday after Thanksgiving Kent and I had a date night at Table 16 for dinner and then saw the play "Beautiful Star". It was terrific (the food, esp. the Roasted Pumpkin and Feta cheese soup, the night out, and the play)!

This past Friday night we attended a community festival of lights downtown and since I did take photos, I'll share a few:

I'm woefully behind in my Dec. Daily again, but I plan to catch up this week, really... and I did scrap a layout this weekend after we decorated our tree... but I can't show it to you... it's part of a fun Fall Layout Tag I'm participating in over at Noel Mignon... you really should check out the community there for some great holiday ideas in "Santa's Workshop!"

Candlelight Coffee

2009-11-14T18:08:00.005-05:00

Last night was our church's annual Candlelight Coffee held to kick off the holiday season. We had over 50 tables decorated and hosted by ladies using their personal china, centerpieces, etc. It is so much fun to see all the creative touches and sweet little favors everyone does. This year my friend Pam helped me decorate and host our "Season of Blessings" table (you can see the favors in my post below). We also gave them some "Indian Corn" candy. Here is our table:

Almost 500 women attended! Our pastors' wives sang 2 lovely songs for us, our Children's & Preschool Pastor showed us how to make lovely Boxwood Christmas trees (he has such a talent with floral arrangements), we dined on little sandwiches and "coffee cup cakes", and were inspired by PJ's stories (PJ is our Pastor's wife). It was a fun evening and maybe by next year I'll be ready to do it again, lol!

Here are a few other tables that were just amazing:

Fall favors... blessings booklets

2009-11-08T14:43:00.003-05:00

This weekend I've been working on table favors for the dear ladies that will sit at my table Friday at our church's Candlelight Coffee. It is fun to see all the beautiful decorations and china the women use to decorate an assortment of holiday tables. I'm so thankful to Pam, who is co-decorator and is providing our pottery!

I've made little "blessing booklets" for each place setting... a little something they can use to record their own blessings, or they can take out the cards and have others write their blessings (maybe at Thanksgiving), then re-assemble and have a special little memory booklet. I used my Stampin' Up Top Note die and brown ink, trimmed index cards, oval, leaf and acorn punches, fall felties, stickles, ribbon, and Unity stamps.

Made a mini...

2009-10-16T13:08:00.003-04:00

We're having another challenge over at Willow Traders this month (THAW - three a week) and the one for today was a scraplifing challenge from a gallery of the generous sponsors of prize kits. I've been admiring a mini album of Kindergarten Favorties by Michelle Lanning at Work In Progress kits. I don't have that WIP kit (tho' I do have others and LOVE them), so I finally opened up my Core Curriculum kit from Noel Mignon Kit Club and made a mini for Tessa, to record her favs this year. I was also inspired by Noel's school year mini album.

Happy Birthday, Tessa!

2009-10-10T14:55:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Tessa's 6th birthday. She's been so excited (and thinks we'll be celebrating her the whole month of October). Here are a few photos from our "family dinner". Tomorrow, she'll celebrate with friends at the Natural Science Center's "Creature Feature" party.

And I am also including a layout of her "galloping" (this is when she was 4.5 or so). She still loves to gallop and prefers it over running... wonder if she can do a "mile gallop" instead of the "mile run" at school this week? Whatever works!

Hello, October... one of my favorite months!

2009-10-01T09:15:00.004-04:00

I've always loved October. We get "picture perfect" days here in NC - crisp cool air, clear blue skies, beautiful leaf colors and my favorite daytime temps (70s). Of course, Tessa thinks October is "her" month since she celebrates her birthday (9th) and Halloween (she adores the decorations and costumes... the candy isn't too bad, either).

Under the willow tree (Willow Traders), we're finishing up our September LEO challenge today (Layout Every Other day) and a new challenge is starting THAW (THree A Week), so come join us for some creative fun! Here is my last LEO layout (where the challenge was to use paint or ink). I painted some chipboard and used my woodgrain tool (also pictured below... I bought it in the paint dept. at Lowe's). I scraplifed Lisa (check out her blog, she's so talented), I used papers from the Scrapbook Circle Sept. kit, and a bunch of assorted embellies I had around here. This photo goes back about 10 years - Seth is 9 months old and Grandma is "teaching" him piano.

Thankful for friends...

2009-09-21T12:07:00.004-04:00

Today for the LEO "then and now" challenge, I scrapped my prayer group. My friends, the "th club" (Beth, Ruth, Beth... and they added honorary member Candath way back in '93...) So thankful for their friendship and prayers. Was fun documenting a few highlights. Have journals of our prayers over the years and it is so cool to go back and read them, to see the answered prayers (some the way we hoped, some not... but always in His will and His timing). God is so good and I am so glad he put us in each others' lives.

09-09-09... one week later...

2009-09-16T12:31:00.003-04:00

Taking on online class "Fabric Scrapbooking" at Get It Scrapped and participating in a LEO challenge over at Willow Traders. This layout combines the two. Last week, on 09/09/09, I jotted down 9 things I did that day, and gave Tessa the camera to snap some random shots. Now it's recorded. Fairly typical day here, but one we are thankful to God for giving us... for some of us have more days here on earth than others, but it really is about what we do with them. Sometimes, typical or routine days are A-okay... as long as we are thankful. And I am... even though my garage is a mess and my house is cluttered, I am blessed.

There will be a day...

2009-08-28T13:26:00.002-04:00

Just need this today. Hope it blesses you if you need an encouraging word as well.

There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp

And they're off...

2009-08-25T11:58:00.003-04:00

It's the first day of school! Tessa's first day of "big" Kindergarten and Seth's first day of 5th grade. One year together at the same school... I'm guessing I'll be at the school A LOT! Didn't boo hoo at the "Boo Hoo Breakfast"... thought I'd cry when I got home, but not so far. I always get emotional at school milestones, but perhaps I'm growing up. Or maybe it's because I am THRILLED with Tessa's teacher and know that Seth is happy with his class. Fingers crossed and many prayers said for a wonderful school year! Here are a few pictures:

A little more crafting...

2009-08-20T08:56:00.005-04:00

I'm still squeezing in a bit of time here and there during this last week before the kiddos go back to school. Mixed feelings about that... have to admit I'm looking forward to some peace & quiet around the house but Tessa's starting "big" Kindergarten... sniff sniff... and Seth will be a 5th grader! Big year... the only one they'll be at the same school!

Here's what I've been making. Played along in a couple of challenges at Noel Mignon's Summer Sizzlin' Crop, a scraplift challenge (scrapped Tara aka Tay) and a color challenge:

Mix It Up! Challenge Layout

2009-08-14T11:42:00.004-04:00

Here's a layout I completed for Mixer #26 over at the Mix It Up Challenge Blog:

Thought it was a great sketch to capture a "favorite things" layout. Also, had gotten this fabric in a grab bag recently and the colors worked with the inspiration piece! This is my first "mixer" but I'll be watching these fun challenges and playing along some more in the future. Saw it posted at Scrapbook Circle and just had to try!

Also, yesterday the kids and I made some "faux marbled paper" using a technique I saw posted by Samantha over at Vintage Plum:

So much fun - will definitely be doing this again! Happy August Creating!

Last LEO layout (about me...)

2009-08-05T00:01:00.003-04:00

So, I'm sad to see "LEO" go, but it's only for now... the "Layout Every Other day" challenge will return to Willow Traders in Sept., so come join us then! I joined late (using my 3 skips at the beginning of July) but am proud to report that I completed 12 of the 15 challenges. Here's my last one (yes, that is me riding a carousel):
Since we are now in the "Construction" challenge for August (to spend time creating every day... or at least every other day), I hope to get some cards and sewing done. And, we are also having blog hops every weekend, as well as a possible stamping blog hop on Wednesdays, so there's lots of creating going on under the willow tree. Won't you join us? We love kits, food and each other. Come on over to Willow Traders.

Hello August!

2009-08-02T16:43:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm a day late welcoming August! But I wanted to complete one more layout for the Willow Traders Blog Hop last night and post it. I'm sort of "overlapping" challenges (LEO and Construction), but I had so much fun scraplifting a layout for LEO#14 that I just had to do another one, so I'll count it is my "construction" challenge. Here it is. I scraplifted Nicole Samuels' fabulout cover layout from the July Scrapbook Trends (you can see it here: Style).

Yesterday I completed this scraplift of Gigi Kennedy at Kenner Road (see her layout: four).

I had the best time using all those buttons and making a more "masculine" flower embellie! Thanks again for stopping by my blog this weekend!

Good-bye July & Willow Traders' Blog Hop

2009-07-31T13:00:00.003-04:00

I created this layout today for Leo#13 (challenge to use something old). Well, in the "scrapping world", I think an intact/untouched kit from 2006 classifies as "old", lol. I loved opening Stacy's Zany Zinnia kit "Keeping Warm" and finding that it has a really timeless feel. I cut out the circle and sewed it on, spray inked the background cardstock, and used the fabric strip to make a ruffle behind the precut embellie (things I would not have done had I used the kit 3 years ago). Thanks for stopping by this weekend! Come back Saturday for another creation!

Oh, and good-bye July! Wow, the summer is flyin'...

Life is good.

2009-07-27T19:14:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I was privledged to have a ladies' weekend away with my prayer group friends (almost 16 years and going strong). We went to Blowing Rock, NC. Lots of laughter, Rummikub, and relaxing (including rocking on the deck, watching the sunset, and then the bats came out... many of them, I'm afraid... enough to send us in the house to resume our Rummikub marathon, lol). Here are a few photos and the layout I did to capture this wonderful weekend away:

I'm very blessed to have such special friends and a dear hubby who let me enjoy this much-needed weekend away from home!

Sis, this is for you!

2009-07-21T17:50:00.005-04:00

Just loved this photo of Tessa & Emma checking out the outhouse, lol! So here's a little layout I did to showcase it:Am having so much fun doing a layout every other day over at Willow Traders this month (LEO challenge). Might have to join the "Construction Challenge" in August too (it'll be to create anything every other day, not just layouts) - we'll see - with back to school, August can get busy!

Summertime... ah...

2009-07-16T12:50:00.002-04:00

Here's a little layout I did yesterday that shows one of the reasons I enjoy summer... who doesn't love a visit from the Ice Cream Truck (even if it does mean chasing it down)?

We also enjoyed our annual visit to Mississippi to see Grandma and family! This week, Seth's enjoyed Flag Football camp and today, Tessa and I explored the Children's Museum. I'm having fun playing under the willow tree in the "LEO" (layout every other day) challenge at Willow Traders. Hope you are enjoying your summer... or if you live elsewhere in the world, your winter :-).

Hello, July... happy birthday, America!

2009-07-02T08:26:00.005-04:00

Wow, June flew by! It was a blast being a guest designer for Unity Stamp Co. and I've still got a few more projects I am working on to post in July. The next big project on my list is to learn how to use my new digital SLR camera, so hopefully I'll also be posting some "new & improved" photos soon as well.

Here are a few close ups of my "Liberty" banner, inspired by Trish at Work In Progress, and her Banners & Garlands class, as well as a few items from her July Project kit. Also used my Maya Road Mist, Unity stamps, cupcake liners from Target, and assorted craft goodies.

Happy Independence Day!

A little more Unity...

2009-06-28T18:43:00.004-04:00

My term as guest designer for Unity Stamp Co. is ending in just a few days. June has been a blast - I have loved it! It truly has been an honor, and I appreciate Angela and the team giving me the opportunity! Of course, I LOVE Unity stamps and will continue to create with them, so feel free to stop by and visit my blog after June!

I thought I'd share a few more things I have created this month. First, a wedding shower gift.

As you can tell, I love using Unity to make coasters and to adorn other items like photo albums or gift bags (this is a JJill bag I "repurposed"). I had a gift card to Williams Sonoma, but wanted something a little more personal for the bride & groom-to-be. I love the "Home is where your story begins" stamp from the November 08 Kit of the Month, the row of houses stamp from the September 08 KOTM, and the adorable house from the Jan 09 KOTM. I also used Loopy Queen and the Fancy Frame from Tiny Trinity.

I also found some fun little aprons for less than $1 each at Home Depot and used some Unity stamps and fabric scraps to decorate them a bit. Thought they would be cute for crafting or keeping your yard sale supplies & money.

Unity stamps used: Retro BBQ... Sweet Summertime kit, Wish Sticks, and the cherries from the June 2009 KOTM (just a few more days to order this one at the kit club price, so hurry!) Other items: Stazon ink, fabric scraps, and Fabritac glue.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll come back soon!

Holiday Hip Hop!

2009-06-25T10:57:00.005-04:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... well, not really... at least not here with 90 degree days. BUT there is one adorable Unity Christmas set releasing today so you can start your projects and cards early! Be sure and check the Unity Blog to start your blog hop and to see today's specials. Bright & Merry Winter Wishes is such a great set. I used it for a simple and easy gift idea: Christmas coasters!
I bought the tiles at Lowe's (less than .50 each), felt stickies from the dollar store or Wal-mart, and Stazon ink. Oh, and the pine bough is a Unity stamp I already had. Tie them up with some pretty ribbon and they are ready to give to a teacher, neighbor, or friend!

I also used Bright & Merry on this layout:

The other stamp I used is my "journaling box" from Something Within. I also used Kraft CS, Maya Road Mist, Kaisercraft Rhinstones, SU watercolor crayons, Lace tape from etsy, Baker's twine, and AC Remarks alpha. stickers (which I also stamped on).

I have had the best time as a guest designer for Unity this month - what an honor and privilege it has been! Stop back by my blog early next week for a few more projects and THANK YOU for visiting!

Now, hip hop on over to see the marvelous and incredibly talented

***Maren***

Hip Hop Rewind!

2009-06-18T10:58:00.003-04:00

It's Hip Hop Rewind today, where we are showing you quite an assortment of projects and stamps today! Love getting new ideas for "old" stamps (not that most of these are very old, but they aren't June releases, so I've had them for at least a month or so). If you didn't start your blog hop at the Unity blog, go back and start there... that's where you'll find the specials for today as well!

Today I have a couple of projects for you. First, I used the Unity May kit and Royal Chandelier background stamp to make a "Heart & Home" banner for a wedding shower gift:

Here are some close ups:

Supplies: Unity stamps, Tinkering Ink Chipboard garland, Jennie Bowlin "&" and pp, crepe streamers, fringe, fabric, felt & gems.

Next, I repurposed a bed sheet set container to make an "On the Go" crafts bag for my daughter. Inside, I also recycled lemonade and nuts containers. I used many different Unity stamps from past Kits of the Month, "just my type" alphabet kit, as well as Basic Grey Lime Rickey patterned paper and Stazon ink.

Now it's time to "hop" on over to see what amazing creations

***Jeanne***

has for you today!

Hip Hopping for Father's Day!

2009-06-11T10:58:00.005-04:00

Today we're getting ready for Father's Day! Be sure and start the blog hop at the Unity Blog, where you'll also find the specials for today!

My daughter and I created a "Coupon Book for Dad." I used a rather large assortment of Unity stamps, including Distressed Dots background, the dotted ribbon stamp from the Oct. KOTM, and many others, including the "Sweet" frame and "Relax" from the June KOTM.

I printed the coupons in Word, cut them apart, and drew the borders. A few others not seen here are "Help with a Car Wash," "Help with Yard Work," "1 Hour of peace & quiet," and "15 minutes of Snuggling, no complaints." Tessa (age 5) drew the illustrations (she saved a couple for her brother to do). Then I used my Bind-It-All to finish the book. Other supplies used: Kraft cardstock (Bazzill and Stampin' Up), Memories ink, trim from Wal-mart, and alphabet stickers by Scrapworks.

Don't forget to check out Jeanne's Hip Hop Challenges and play along if you can! My coupon book used Kraft. For the Paper Piecing challenge, I used the fun NEW "Retro BBQ... Sweet Summertime" kit to do a layout of my father's birthday cookout. I pieced the lanterns, grill and lemonade glass.

Supplies: Unity stamps and Studio Calico June Kit containing PP from Collage Press & Cosmo Cricket, Journaling spots from Collage Press, Red Baker's Twine.

Now, hip hop on over to wonderful & talented ***Jimmi*** to see what she has for you today!

"i before e, except after c"

2009-06-07T16:27:00.004-04:00

So, who noticed that I had an error on the layout that I posted on Thursday? Yes, indeed, I misspelled one of the words in my title. I had to fix it, so here's the corrected layout with "view" spelled correctly! Hope I don't ever do that again! Of course, I'm sure I will make some more mistakes in my scrapping (no body's perfect, right?)

Hip Hop into June!

2009-06-04T10:59:00.004-04:00

As you know by now, we are Hip Hoppin' today with Unity Stamp Company's June Kit of the Month! To enjoy all the artists' creations, be sure to start your "hip hop" with Angela at the Unity Blog. That's where you will also find the specials today!

My first project today using the June KOTM "perfect in every way" is a card, using the cute polka dot teapot stamp and "friend to friend."

Other supplies used: Cupcards{to go} kits, Stampin' Up oval & scallop punches, button, cupcake liners, and ribbon from stash.

The June KOTM stamps were perfect for a gift set. A little something for a friend to take to the pool this summer.

I picked up the insulated lunch bag at Goodwill (brand new with tag), stamped it with the ladybugs and added a couple of charms. Then I stamped some Wal-mart flip flops. Next, I used the ladybugs to decorate a liner for an insualted "to go" cup, as well as the water bottle card with a little packet of lemonade. Included a favorite magazine and it's a handy little "keep cool at the pool" bag. All stamps are from the June KOTM except for "cool."

Other supplies: Martha Stewart lace doily punch, Stampin' Up patterned paper, Tim Holtz charms and chains, Stazon ink and crepe paper.

Last, a layout combining Jeanne's Hip Hop Challenges today (we lost power last night, so only had time to do one). I used the adorable owl and "let's hang out" from the June kit. I also used "you" and "it's all about you" to stamp the background and "just my type" alphabet.

Other supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Jillibean Soup pp and alpha., prima felt sticker, SU star punch, assorted labels from Jenni Bowlin and office stores.

Guess what? You are almost to the end! So HIP HOP on over and see what the extremely talented Renee' has for you today!

Oh, happy day! It's June 1st!

2009-06-01T10:00:00.003-04:00

Can you believe it's June 1st? I've been so excited for June to come (although a little sad to see May go... May's one of my favorite months...) I am so honored to be one of Unity Stamp Company's Guest Designers for June. And, there is a new contest posted today where you can try to win a guest spot for July! Be sure and look for the details in the Splitcoast Forum!

And here is Unity's FABULOUSLY cute June KOTM!

Just have to share a few things I made with it. First, my blog header - I love making a new blog header every month or two! Next, I used Tim Holtz's acrylic elements and Diamond Glaze to make these pendants (which could be worn or used to adorn layouts or cards).

And last, a layout:

Thanks for stopping by! June is going to be a blast! A huge THANK YOU to Unity for the opportunity!

June is coming!

2009-05-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

Not that I am wishing away May (it's flying by fast enough on it's own), but I am very excited for June. Why? Because I am priviledged to be the Unity Stamp Company's guest designer! The June KOTM is on it's way and I can't wait to start creating with it! I mean, come one, how cute is this first sneak peak?

So stay tuned and I'll have some fun Unity for you on Monday! Oh, and don't forget to keep checking the Unity Blog for more sneak peeks!

Loose Ends for May

2009-05-21T15:41:00.005-04:00

May is flying by and I haven't even had a chance to do half of the projects I've been planning. Celebrated my birthday (see layout below if you want to know my age... grrrr) and Mother's Day the same week. Seth made me a lovely pendant from a stone he found while mining for gems on a field trip this year. Kent gave me "Photoshop Elements for Dummies" and I am looking forward to using it and FINALLY doing something with PSE7, which he gave me for Christmas!

For this layout, I used the Vintage Plum May kit, Unity stamps (from Birdie Inspiration and the Plaid Journal Box). I was inspired by a challenge from the class I'm taking at Get It Scrapped, Doris Sander's Product Pizzazz 102; we were to use "dressed chipboard" and eyelets (see the stars? when's the last time you used eyelets?).

Busy week for Tessa (and me, her "room Mom"). She "graduated" from Kindergarten at our church preschool on Tuesday and was evaluated for Jones Kindergarten the same day. Her last day of school is tomorrow and we are both feeling somewhat sad... she's been at Lawndale Children's Learning Center since she was 11 months old! I feel a layout coming on (right after I finish the cards for her teachers and the director).

And even though I don't think he ever reads my blog, I'd like to wish a belated happy anniversary to my dear husband, Kent. We've been married 14 years yesterday. Love you, Honey!

Unity KOTM Blog Hop!

2009-05-15T06:33:00.009-04:00

Thanks for "hopping by" to see what I created with Unity Kits of the Month!

You can view the Unity Kit of the Month Blog Hop by starting at http://theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

I made an assortment of tags:

I used these KOTMs:

January 09 (for the peacock):

March 09 (for the coffee cafe tag):

April 09 KOTM (for the kites, best friends, and trees):

Supplies used: office tags, Memories Ink, Stampin' Up watercolor crayons, Cosmo Cricket and American Crafts pp, Bazzill cardstock, Fiskars & McGill punches, ribbon scraps.

Now HOP HOP HOP on over to Lisa's blog:
My Little Creative Escape
to see what wonderful Unity KOTM goodness she has for you this weekend!

I'm so excited!

2009-05-04T19:31:00.003-04:00

I am thrilled and honored to have won the Unity Guest Designer contest this weekend! Friday, we (and that means anyone with an April KOTM who wanted to participate) were given a sketch by Jennifer Buck and had until Saturday evening to complete cards and layouts, and post them over at Splitcoast Stampers. My layout, "Oh, she sewed" won! You can see it in my post below. I will have the honor of being the June Guest Designer and I am so excited!

In the meantime, you really need to check out the May KOTM (kit of the month). It's adorable and I have a few projects in mind for it already.

There are also some Unity First Birthday/Anniversary challenges still going on this week (they were posted last week and they are due this week)! You can see them in the Unity Forum at Splitcoast. If you have some Unity, ink it up and come play!

Celebrating National Scrapbook Day...

2009-05-03T17:31:00.004-04:00

I scrapped quite a bit this week and yesterday. Creating projects for Unity's contests this week as well as NSD. I'm such a "spread it out everywhere" messy scrapper (my poor family... well, the kids prefer eating on a blanket on the floor in the living room)!

Today, I worshipped, rested, read the newspaper, played, and did a little laundry. Tomorrow, Teacher Appreciation Week begins and I'll be busy at Seth's school almost all week. Might be able to scrap or create a few more projects... hope so!

Happy May, my favorite month (wonder why? I get to celebrate my birthday, Mother's Day and our wedding anniversary, lol)!

Good-bye April (or was it June?)

2009-04-30T16:28:00.003-04:00

Wow, the weather has been unseasonably warm in April. Lots of 80+ degree days... more like we usually see in June. Wonder what May and June will hold? These last few days of April I've been inspired to scrap. Here are a couple of layouts completed this week:

In "Caterpillar Spring" (my untitled yet titled layout), I used lots of Unity stamps. In "my NO Denim duo", I used The Scrapping Spot's May kit and some denim fabric. I am feeling quite inspired by all the celebrations going on and foresee more layouts completed this weekend!

First Birthday Celebrations!

2009-04-27T11:40:00.003-04:00

This weekend I had fun participating in challenges, games and chats over at Get It Scrapped, where Debbie Hodge and her wonderful team were celebrating their first birthday! I love taking online classes there and the forum is so friendly! I completed a couple of layouts and uploaded my PSE7 (finally... now if I can just learn to use it properly, lol)!

This week, the party is over at Unity Stamps who is also celebrating a first birthday/anniversary! I LOVE Unity stamps and can't wait to participated in the challenges this week!

And don't tell anyone, but I just machine-stitched on a layout... Shhhhh... it's not finished yet, but I hope to post it later this week!

Happy Birthday/Anniversary to two of my favorite online sites for education & inspiration!

And the winner is...

2009-04-23T08:30:00.002-04:00

I asked Tessa to draw a name for me this morning. As I started to fold the slips of paper, she said "Why are you folding them, Mama? I can't even read!" So funny. Of course, she can read a little, so I wanted to be sure the drawing was fair.

Linda! I'll contact you over at Get It Scrapped so you can send me your address! Congratulations and a big thank you to all of you for visiting my blog!

I knew it!

2009-04-20T16:30:00.003-04:00

This weekend, I knew that when I bought the May/June issue of Simple Scrapbooks (the very last one ever, sniff sniff), it would appear in my mailbox on Monday. And it did. So as a little thank you to those few and faithful blog readers (and willow friends), I thought I'd do a little "blog candy" and give the extra copy to someone who comments here before Wednesday 4/22 at midnight! I'll do a random drawing and post a winner on Thursday! And if you are interested in learning more about the making of the last issue, check out Angie Lucas's blog: Yeah, Write.

Reflecting...

2009-04-18T22:01:00.006-04:00

We just celebrated Easter (Resurrection Day) a week ago. Honestly, I am overwhelmed when I reflect on the meaning of this most significant Christian holiday. He is ALIVE and because of Christ, we can also live with God forever! Amazing and beyond comprehension, really. I am so thankful for His love for us.

Grandma came to spend Easter and spring break with us, and we all love having her here. We spent the weekend going to church, having an Easter lunch with her and Papa, and watching the Masters while resting that afternoon. Seth wore his very first tie ever! Aren't he and Tessa cute in their Easter finest?

I took her to lunch at a new favorite, The Madison Park Cafe, and we did some shopping. The rest of the week, she sewed a new bedskirt and window topper for Tessa's room. I hope we didn't work her too hard!

I am also a little sad that my design team experience at Scrapbook Circle is ending. Lisa is wonderful, generous and kind-hearted. I'm so thankful that she took a chance with me; designing with her kits was an honor and a pleasure! My blog header was made using the April kit, as was this card I posted this week over on the SC blog:

The new team starts with the May kit and I wish them all the best! I know they will inspire us with some incredible creations and I look forward to seeing what they do!

If April Showers...

2009-04-02T10:41:00.005-04:00

bring May flowers...with all the rain we're getting, those flowers should be plentiful and gorgeous this May!

Speaking of flowers, I used the lovely Scrapbook Circle April Kit and this terrific Pagemaps Sketch to do this very flower-filled layout of me & Tessa... so hard to believe how big both of our children are getting... they do grow up in the "blink of an eye."

Scrap Etc. Event

2009-03-31T20:33:00.002-04:00

Last year in April I attended the Scrap Etc. event in Nashville and it was GREAT! This year it is in Atlanta. See all the details at the Scrap Etc. blog (fabulous teachers and project peeks)! Also, right now there are 5 ways you can try to win a free spot! Read about that here in the Scrap Etc. forum. Get posting and if you need a friend referral, tell them I sent ya! I'd love to go this year! How could my dear hubby say no if I WON a spot, right?

10 years...

2009-03-31T07:45:00.012-04:00

Happy Birthday, Seth!

Wow, I can't believe it's been 10 years. Well, I can but that still sounds like so much more than 9... something about double-digits, I guess. Yesterday, we started your celebration with lunch at your favorite spot, Golden Corral. Then you celebrated with your friends at a LazerX party (nothing like 12 boys and lazer guns and arcade games for a party!).

Let's take a little "look through layouts" at Seth over the years:

We are so blessed that you are our son. Love you, buddy! Now let the celebration continue... waking up to streamers, a surprise gift, a family dinner with Papa and Uncle Ken tonight, a birthday song from Grandma, a call from your cousins, chocolate cake, and more gifts! We love to celebrate birthdays!

Unity Stamps World Record Inspirational Blog Hop!

2009-03-28T11:00:00.002-04:00

So happy to share a card I made using the fabulous Unity Stamps today! View the Inspirational Blog Hop by starting at http://theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

And the inside:

Supplies Used:

Unity Stamps
Star: Jan’09 KOTM
Asterisk: Oct.’08 KOTM
Happiness: Grab Box
inside message from “Simply Said”

Stazon and Ranger Ink
Acrylic Star: Clearscraps
Glitter Glaze: Lil Davis Designs
Grid paper: Scenic Route
Prima Tape
Border: Bazzill Basics
Gems: Kaisercraft

Here's a favorite quote of mine that I thought was appropriate for today's inspirational hop:

“To love what you do and feel that it matters. How could anything be more fun?”
- Katherine Graham

Now hop on over to Tami's blog for your next inspirational Unity project:
http://journeyoflifetamijo.blogspot.com/

Banners!

2009-03-24T19:38:00.003-04:00

I am taking 2 great classes right now over at Get It Scrapped: Garlands and Banners for Spring taught by Trish Turay and Scraproom with a View taught by Doris Sander. Today I used ideas from both classes and made this fun banner to celebrate the UNC Tarheels in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Go Heels!

Hip Hop Happy

2009-03-20T07:41:00.005-04:00

I made a couple of Easter cards yesterday during Unity's Hip Hop. I used the stamp set "Blessings from Him" and some papers and ribbon from Cupcards{to go}.

March has also been a fun month over at Willow Traders, celebrating it's 4th anniversary. Almost every day a different kit club is hosting the festivities, with challenges, games, and prizes. I've made a few layouts I really like and won a couple of kit prizes. I'll share a few layouts:

Touches of Unity & more Scrapbook Circle Layouts

2009-03-05T19:47:00.004-05:00

As I have been working on a few more layouts using the Scrapbook Circle March kit, I have found myself reaching for some Unity stamps recently acquired from their Grab Bag special. You'll find a wonderful "T" in this layout of Tessa as she learns to read & write:

And I used the "Sisters" stamp for the title of this 6x12 layout.

I love using more Unity on layouts and cards, but I also love these little touches! And I have been having so much fun designing with the Scrapbook Circle kit this month!

Finally, real snow!

2009-03-02T19:18:00.002-05:00

5.75 inches. Biggest snowfall we have had in 5 years (last time, Tessa was a baby). Shoveled driveway, tried to make a snowman, Seth went sledding all afternoon, and we made snowcream (they don't like it). Fun times! Just wish it was going away a little faster 'cause after a week home with one or more sick kids (last week) and a snow day today, I'm ready for them to go back to school!

Scrapbook Circle March Kit!

2009-02-27T12:40:00.005-05:00

The Scrapbook Circle March kit is fabulous! So many fun papers and embellishments to use on layouts and other creative projects. You can see some peeks of the kit and layouts at the Blog and in the Gallery. I've just started using my kit, but will post what I've made so far.

In "almost 10", everything is from the March kit (except for the little definition I typed on my computer):

In "Celebrate 2009" I just added some black cardstock and a Unity "party horn" stamp:

And everything for the card is included in the kit except for the word "Thanks" which I made with my Cuttlebug:

There will be lots more creations being posted by the DT over the next week, so keep stopping by the Gallery, Blog or Community!

Online Classes at "Get It Scrapped"

2009-02-20T08:12:00.002-05:00

I love taking online classes to enhance my scrapping. My favorite site is Debbie Hodge's "Get It Scrapped", where I think I have now taken almost a dozen classes (well, a few were from Debbie over at another site before she started GIS). Right now I am taking Product Pizzazz 101 taught by Doris Sander and have just finished Embellishments: Beautifully Handmade taught by Tania Willis. I also took the 3 classes offered in the Sense & Sensibility Symposium, so that's a grand total of 5 classes since the beginning of the year!

Here are a few layouts I have created during a GIS class:

Have I done all the projects or layouts for each class? NO! But I have done some. And I have been inspired by all the lessons, which are printed out and in binders for me to review again and again, whenever I need a little extra motivation or instruction. So check them out! You can even download some free sample classes here in the "Freebie" section! The forum is full of wonderful scrappers, free digital tips/challenges, and it won't be long before the site has 1000 members! There are some great classes lined up for this spring and there's a pretty good chance I'll see you in class!

A favorite photo...

2009-02-19T11:02:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite photos that I have ever taken. My "B&W" home photo shoot of Seth one hot August afternoon when he was about 4 months old (hard to believe he is almost 10.) Sun streaming in our skylights, my Ricoh manual film camera loaded with B&W film, and it was a good shoot. I got several shots I loved. This one most of all because of the way he's holding his hands and his expression. Sigh... wish my photo shoot of his little sister had turned out as well... never did get wonderful B&W shots of her as a baby. But I have lots of fun beautiful color shots done digitally that I bet I could learn to make into beautiful B&W photos. :o)

Zing Zang Zoom

2009-02-16T08:00:00.003-05:00

We went to the CIRCUS yesterday (took the kids for a Valentine's treat). It was the first time Tessa had been to the official "greatest show on earth"! She's been to a "Cirque" type show, but not Ringling Bros. B&B, so it was so fun to see her wide-eyed with mouth hanging open quite a few times. I didn't take many photos, but here's a glimpse of our afternoon:

Saturday, Papa came to see Seth play basketball. He's playing Upward ball and Kent's his coach. Their record was 5-0, with one game in which Seth scored the winning goal with 4 seconds to go - Yay! But alas, Saturday was not so exciting. They lost by over 20. Let's just chalk it up to a "learning experience" for the Badgers and hope for a better game next week!

"Chick Flick" Crop at Scrapbook Circle and using Unity on a Layout!

2009-02-06T07:56:00.005-05:00

It's here, the "Chick Flick" weekend crop over at Scrapbook Circle! All the fun challenges will be posted Friday morning in the SC Forum and you'll have til Sunday to complete as many as you can. Each completed challenge will earn you a ticket into a drawing for the Scrapbook Circle February kit!

I'm not going to tell you what my challenge is yet, but I will post the layout I did for it:

And they may be hard to see, but I used Unity stamps on the Kraft cardstock background with a fun new ink pad, Versamark Dazzle, for a suble shiney image. The little heart circle and stamped alphabet are from Unity's Just My Type set, I stamped on the buttons with stazon and a stamp from the Jan. KOTM, and the ribbon stamp is from the October KOTM!

Scrapbook Circle's February Kit!

2009-01-31T13:07:00.003-05:00

I've been designing with Scrapbook Circle's beautiful February kit, "Will You Be Mine?". Here are my projects:

I used the JanBonus sketch from Inspired Blueprints for "wHOOP" and I made the fabric yo-yo flower that I learned in the "Embellishments: Beautifully Handmade" class over at Get It Scrapped! The layout below, "Why" was inspired by yet another wonderful class at Get It Scrapped, Get with the Times, part of the Sense & Sensibility symposium. Can you tell I love the classes offered by Debbie Hodge? She is a terrific teacher and finds other terrific teachers and topics to offer.

I think this last layout is my favorite. I took old photos of my parents (before they were my parents, lol), scanned them, and printed them on white textured cardstock. My mom died 10 years ago. I enjoy seeing these pictures of a young, happy, healthy Ann and a young, dashing, adoring Cooper. Perfect for Valentine's Day, or any time.

Hip Hop Unity Challenges

2009-01-22T21:14:00.004-05:00

I made 2 cards today for the Unity Hip Hop challenges at Splitcoast Stampers. I used stamps from the Unity Dec. and Jan. KOTM and "Simply Said" and the "Cupcards {to go}" January kit for all paper and embellies.