{sketch} cardabilities

Cardabilities has a great sketch up this week!

Here is my card:  XO



I combined this challenge with a "cardstock only" challenge Bev is having at My Sketch World.   I created the grid on my base with some mist and a plastic cross stitch canvas.  At the last minute I added some glitter to the end of my flower petals and it got all over so now it looks like the glitter exploded on the card!  :)  Live and learn, right?  Next time I will glitter before the flower goes on the card.  *laugh*

Thanks for a fun sketch Cardabilities and an equally fun challenge, Bev!

Happy Friday, friends!

{friendship quote} the paper variety

This week's challenge at The Paper Variety is all about a wonderful quote on friendship!

Here is the inspiration:



Let this piece of wise decor inspire your creativity with a friendship card, layout or project. Use the quote as your journaling or sentiment - or substitute your own favorite friendship saying.  Easy, right?

We have a new sponsor this week!  That's a prize worth playing for, right?

How sweet is that?  If you want to be considered for the "Submission Spotlight" link your project (not more than 2 weeks old please) before Sunday evening.  Otherwise have linked by Tuesday noon EST to be in the running for the prize!  I cant wait to see how our challenge inspires you!

Here is how it inspired me:

I cant help myself, I see a cross stitched project and I think hoops!  Before scrapping and card making came into my life, cross stitching was a hobby I really enjoyed.   I have plenty of these hoops laying around so I knew I wanted to incorporate it into my project.  This picture of Brian & Maggie (they are cousins and friends), along with that Cosmo Cricket bird paper inspired the quote! 

So, go play with some paper, get your fingers sticky and make something that you love.

{the girl's loft} guest designer

Thrilled doesn't even begin to describe how I felt when I was asked to be the Guest Designer at The Girl's Loft this month!  I think you all know my affection for Margie.  :)   The Girl's Loft is a Kit Club that she runs with her beautiful daughters, Meg and Brooke.  January's kit was full of wonderful papers by Cosmo Cricket,  Fancy Pants and Sassafras, some fun trims, bling and some awesome odds and ends!  :)  I had a lot of fun creating with this kit!  I even altered a few things, which I haven't done in a while!

Here is a layout I made in a cheap plastic clock from Target:  I Love You 24-7

Here is a German Gift Cone:

A close-up:

 

I cut the end off of the treat bag we received in the kit and lined it inside the paper cone.  Added some bling to the flower centers and tied it up with a bit of twine. 

Here is an antique washboard Ive had for years.  I turned it into a message center:  Loads of Love

Some close-ups:

No, I didn't name my boys, "1,2 & 3".   :)  They do however all have the same initials, so I had to figure out a way for them to know who the message was for so I numbered them in their birth order.  

 Here is some wall art.  I found this frame at Target on clearance for $2. 

This will be something I can eventually change out with new papers.  Cant wait to see the new Girls' Paperie lines!

Another layout, this one of my niece with her very special babysitter:  (she)



 

And finally a card:  thanks





Thanks for letting me share my exciting news with you!

Happy Monday, friends!

{snr} decemeber projects

Yay, I get to share some of the projects I had in the December issue of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine!    Have you checked them out recently?  Katie is revamping the site and adding some new features that will make it a very exciting place to hang out!  We work hard to make the message board fun and exciting.  If you are interested in Mixed Media, check out that thread on the message board!  Whether you are a beginner or well versed in the mixed media arts, there is something for you!  Some very talented, knowledgeable folks post some really great information there!  Stamping? Cards? Scrapping?  All there.

Here are some of my favorite projects I had in the December issue:

My love for the Girls' Paperie Tinsel and Twig line is unmatched!  :)

 Here is a close-up of the stitching I did on the big photo:

I love the texture it gives this photo. 

 

Here is a stocking GC holder I made.  Looking at it now with fresh eyes, I think it needs some contrasting stitching on the heel and toe patches!

 

Here is a simple layout of my parents.  I tucked little journaling strips in the ruffle, things they liked to do and little facts about their life together:

A layout, based on a sketch, of one of my favorite photos of my Dad.



Thanks for stopping by my blog.  I appreciate your kind comments more than I can say!

{one hour} sketch challenge

About once a month, My Sketch World does a fun activity, a One Hour Sketch challenge!  Lucy gives us a brand new sketch (or sketches for a card challenge) and we have one hour to complete a layout using the sketch.  We are generally given a few hints by the challenge hostess before hand so we know what size/orientation of photos we will need and maybe a few hints about embellies and such.  Bev was this week's hostess and did a wonderful job, throwing in a bit of a twist with an inspiration photo to go with the sketch.  I have yet to complete the sketch in one hour! *laugh*  But, I like to play along and watch the other gals do their stuff!  I finished mine today and wanted to share it.

Here is the fabulous sketch:

 

Here is my take on it: Snow Fun

Here is a close-up of the foam snowflakes that I sprayed with 2 colors of Glimmer Mist:

I love the way they turned out.  I dried them a bit with my heat gun so they curled up a bit, which I like.

Happy Monday, friends.  



{twisted} card

I loved last weeks card sketch at Twisted Sketches!  And get this, the twist? Ribbon.  I love it when the scrappy planets align and I can combine an awesome sketch using an embellishment I adore!

Here is the fabulous sketch:

Here is my card: Happy Birthday

My friend Patti sent me some beautiful Strano ribbon for Christmas. While I was working on this card and kind of stuck on what to do, Patti called me!  Such a nice surprise, love chatting with her so much!  So, I got off the phone, saw the lovely jar of ribbon she had sent and found the solution to my dilemma, that pretty pink polka dot ribbon!  Thanks, friend!  :) 

I'm also using this card for a challenge Amy has going on over at My Sketch World.  Her challenge is to use a recycled item on your card.  See that cute little snowman on my card?  My sister used it as a tag on her gift to me at Christmas.  I hid the ribbon hole in his hat with the snowflake button.  :)  There are lots of great challenges going on at MSW this month!  The message board is full is wonderful people and there is some awesome inspiration in the gallery!  

Brian and I are taking this card to a birthday party this afternoon.  He is happy with it and that's all that matters to this momma.  Happy Saturday, friends! 

{8,9,10,11} art journal

It has been a busy week and today the boys are all home after a half day of school.  Just wanted to share my art journal tags I've done.  I love that I am staying on task with this project-I'm hoping to see it though.  That isn't always the case with me and projects that last longer than my attention span.  *laugh* 

Day 8:  grow

Some cut out of fabric (Amy Butler) and little misted chip bird.

Day 9:  never stop

I loved school.  I love to learn new things. See that gold star?  That was the prize when I was in elementary school and I worked really hard to get them!  :)  Oh boy, did I just date myself.  ;)

Day 10:  light

This tag is really pretty in real life, the gold pearlex shimmers beautifully.

Day 11:  special date

simple. simple. simple.

Day 12: inspired

A new technique for me: molding paste with distressed embossing powder.

Thanks for indulging me, friends!  Have a lovely weekend!

{the paper variety}

The Paper Variety has gone pink!  The second challenge of the new year is being sponsored by My Pink Stamper.  Robyn has donated 2 awesome sentiment stamp sets for the winner of this challenge!  And what is the challenge, you ask?  Use the fabulous color combination of pink, black and/or white to create a project!  It can be a card, a layout or an altered item, as long as there is paper involved!  :)  (and please be sure your project has been created in the last 2 weeks!)

Link your project by noon on Tuesday, January 18th to be considered for the prize.  If you would like a chance at having your project featured on The Paper Variety blog make sure you link your project  by Sunday, January 16th.  Check out the blog for the rest of the DT's projects!  Loads of inspiration!

I did a little treat card as a thank you for my son's former teacher.  I followed this tutorial of Paul's. I changed up the dimensions of the add on paper a bit to my liking, but it is an easy tutorial to follow.



Here is the treat!

I can't wait to see your creations!  Happy Wednesday, friends!

{day 7} art journal

My mom died almost 18 years ago of early onset Alzheimer's Disease.  We lost her long before she died.  It was very sad.  :(  She was 65 when she died.  Now, when I forget things, it has a whole new meaning. I worry.  I don't let it dominate my life, but it is always there.  When I cant find my car keys,  when I walk out of the house without my purse or I forget the name of a book I read a few years ago.  All normal things everyone forgets from time to time, but for me there is always a little added anxiety that comes with it.

So, today's tag is in honor of my Mom and for a friend's Mom who is suffering now.

Day 7: remember

(had to remove photo for now, will put it back up next month)

Happy weekend, friends!  Be good.

{days 5&6} art journal

Despite my initial skepticism, I am really enjoying working on this art journal.  I know it isn't your typical art journal, but tags were a lot less intimidating to me that doing an actual page in a book every day.  And seriously, I'm trying my best to stick to the "10 minutes of fun" that Julie suggested! 

Day 5: Heart's Desire

 

The snow that is falling today inspired today's tag. 

Day 6: be yourself

 

Here is a close up of the snowflake. 

I made it with molding paste and a brass stencil and then covered it with micro beads.

Happy Thursday, and thanks for stopping by!

{snowflake} the paper variety

The first challenge of the year is up at The Paper Variety!   The challenge is to use snowflakes.  And the best part?  You can make a layout, a card or any other paper project!  Isn't that cool?  As long as it has paper, snowflakes and your project isn't more than 2 weeks old it's good to go!   Your Scrapbook Stash is our sponsor this week. Erica is offering up a wonderful Basic Grey "Wander" mini album kit!  I know you have a snowflake of some sort in your stash, right?  Go get creative with it!  Link it up to The Paper Variety blog before noon on Tuesday, December 11th to be eligible for the prize.  If you want a chance at having your project featured on the blog, link it up before Sunday night!  Here is the card I made.

I made it using a Christmas tag I found on clearance at Krogers, of all places.  :) 

I hope you get a chance to play with us this week, I look forward to seeing your creations!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

{january} card sketch

Lucy at My Sketch World has given us a wonderful card sketch this month! 

Here is the card I made: Do Something

Check the blog out to see the rest of the DT's cards and the layout sketch too!

{days 3&4} art journal

I feel kind of silly calling my tags an art journal.  Can a bunch of tags on a jump ring be classified as a journal?  I'm not sure, but Julie says this is low pressure and all fun so I'm not going to worry about it.  :)

Day 3: fly

Here is a close-up.  I sprayed Perfect Pearls Mist over a plastic cross stitch canvas.

Day 4:  grow

I cant tell you how old that date stamp is, but I'm so happy to be using it.  :)  I'm working on a bunch of other things, but I cant show them here just yet.  :(  Just didn't want you to think I was slacking.  *laugh*

Happy Tuesday, friends!



{day 2} art journal

I adore reading books.  Reading anything really, a well written cereal box can hold my attention, at least for a little while.  :)  I used to read the newspaper from start to finish too.  My favorite book growing up as a child was this:

I still have it and love to look at it every once in a while.  The illustrations are wonderful.

The first book I remember reading on my own was this one:

I remember reading a lot of Beverly Cleary's book after enjoying this one so much!

I'm partial to mysteries and thrillers now.  But any well-written book with meaningful characters will keep me up late into the night.  I got a Kindle for Christmas this year and wasn't sure about.  I hadn't asked for it, DH surprised me with it.  I love the feel (and smell!) of a book in my hands and wasn't sure about this little electronic device.  I downloaded a book and am happy to say, I love it.  I love the convenience of throwing it in my purse and not have it way 5 pounds.  I love that it keeps track of what page I'm on.  I love that if I finish a book I'm only a download away from another. Will I give up reading paper books?  Not a chance!  I love the turn of a page.  I adore book stores and libraries.  I can spend hours in both if I let myself. 

Reading is a life-long adventure for me.  In honor of that, I give you my ode to a good book.

Day 2: Books Are

Thanks for stopping by, friends!  Have a great day!

{everyday} art journal

With the turning of the clock last night and the passing of another year came a realization that I need to make some changes in my life. Not resolutions. Changes.  Resolutions are too easy to give up on, too easy to forget. Too easy to let go of half way through.  Changes should be permanent, if not adjustable. 

While there are a few things I need and want to work on, an art journal is something I really didn't have an interest in.  From what I have seen, they looked like a lot of work and I'm so not "artsy".  But Ive watched Karen work on hers and I had an aha moment.  An art journal doesn't have to be perfect.  It doesn't have to be pretty.  All it needs to be is mine.  My ideas.  My words.  My creativity.  The freedom to do and write what I'm feeling.  AHA!   Then I saw my friend, Val was participating in  Julie's Art Journal Project and thought, why not?  Why not indeed.  It has me very excited.  Julie's philosophy is simple; take 10 minutes a day to nurture your creative self.  10 minutes.  I can do that.  I need to do that.  I think this is a good way to start working on the changes I need to make.  Art heals.  Art nurtures. Art breaths life. 

Here is to changes, an art journal and a word for 2011:

Day 1:  renew

I will be making my art journal out of these manila tags.  Incorporating a bit of my stash into each of my projects is one of the changes I'd like to make this year.  While I'm renewing, I would like to be reducing the amount of stuff I have.

Happy New Year. 

(new)

A new year.  A clean slate.  A blank canvas.

Let's fill it up with peace, love and happiness.

And hope.  And peace.  Just for good measure.

My word for 2011?

renew.

All the best to you and yours in 2011, friends!