Good-bye July & Willow Traders' Blog Hop

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.

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!

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...

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!

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...

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!

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***