Lunch Note-HSS 176

It's an image inspiration week over at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  Take a look:



Super cute, but I own no birds, no feather stamps.  So I improvised, take a look:

I love making little cards for my girls' lunches.  This is a 4.25" square card.

The embossing with the wood grain was a no brainer.  Then I scratched my head.  The branch reminded me of a banner.  The print on the DSP reminded me of feathers, though I flagged on the wrong ends :/  oops!  Then I added this little heart with an owl inside.  My oldest is still owl crazy! 

I'd love to see what you can do with the photo!  Remember you have 2 weeks to play!, and be sure to check out what the rest of the team created.

Thank You-HSS 175

After some headaches with Google and Blogger, I think I'm all set to go with this blog again.  Why do people find the need to hack others?!?!?  It's sketch week at Hand Stamped Sentiments and I went the Holiday thank you route, can't have enough of those right?  Here's the sketch:



Here is my card:

I've been doing a lot of nontraditional colors lately on tags, so I thought I'd go back to some good 'ole red and green.  This frame had a different sentiment, this is why I love my markers!

Be sure to head over and see what the others have created, and have yourself a Merry little Christmas!

Thankful Bag-HSS 173

It's our sketch rotation over at Hand Stamped Sentiments, and I a bit of liberty.  Here's the sketch:



I spent some time this weekend trying to get my craft room back in order, as some items from our renovation lingered in there...and I found SU's chevron bags that I ordered (way back) that sadly hadn't been open.  It all started there!  Here is my project:

I decided to do some decorating of the bag, added a "Thankful For" note and tied it onto a bottle of wine for a hostess gift.

If you have questions, let me know.  I have a sick kiddo tonight and she would rather me snuggle then type on my laptop!

Be sure to head over and see what the rest of the talented ladies have created...I wasn't the only one with leaves on the brain!

Daddy's Girl

I'm not sure where my post went.  ugh.  Blogger and I are not friends lately!

Let's try again...

I'm back from a house renovation hiatus with Hand Stamped Sentiments this week and I really like what I cooked up!  Here is the challenge:



Yum, right?!?!  I found a black and white photo sitting on my desk and went for it.  Take a look:

Kendall is a complete Daddy's girl and I love these moments!  It's a fairly simple layout, but I wanted to draw you to the photo.

I started by "flicking" my Crumb Cake paper with some White Craft refill.  I also added some of those tiny pearls to the specks.  (I don't know about you, but those tiny ones are always the ones I have left over, I'm glad to have come up with an idea how to use them!)

Once that was dry, I added a piece of Blushing Bride chevron DSP from the Subtles collection.  I roughed up and sponged the edges.  Next was a piece of the Core Soft Sky paper that I ran through with a non SU emboss folder, again sanding and sponging.  I added a doily that I inked up with Calypso Coral ink.  Then I created my arrow-a sucker stick, some Brushed Gold pieces from the Chevron punch (that I trimmed a bit) and the smallest heart framelit.  Love it!  Next I added a piece of Brushed gold banner and heat embossed the letters using the gold paper and White Emboss Powder.

Again, super simple, but I love saving these memories!  Now head over and check out the rest of the team's projects!  You have two weeks to play along!

Thowback Saturday

I know it's supposed to be Thowback Thursday, but this week's layout for Simple Sketches is really a throwback!  First take a look at the sketch:



I loved it the minute I laid eyes on it!  But I couldn't get over the "tags" being upside down--have I mentioned my OCDness?!?!

Here is my layout:

This is my Linnea way back in 2005!

The tags on the layout reminded me of a cork board you might see in your message area.  I took a piece of 12 X 12 cork and went to work!

I made my own tags, just notching the corner and then used a framelit to get the center hole. 

I went embellishment crazy!  Here are a few of my favorites:

I love the middle lower tag--that was all hand stamped using some old SU calendar stamps.

The top right corner has a Candy "flair"--I stamped, punched and then layered with Crystal Effects to make it button like.  The trick or treat bag on the lower left is done the same.

I love, love how this turned out!!  Now head over and see what the rest of the design team has created.

BOO

Sorry, it would help if I had scheduled this correctly.

It's our color rotation over at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  Take a look:



I thought Halloween immediately.  My craft room has become a bit of a holding space as we redo our floors with wood flooring.  It's going to be worth it, but right now my room is not the space that is good for creativity.  I went looking for some inspiration and found this sketch:



Retro sketches is a great site to look at if you need a good sketch to get the mojo flowing.  So here is my card:

Let me tell you this was quite easy with washi tape!  I found a couple of scraps to bring in the Eggplant and Garden Green.

I so miss this little witch!  It is so fun for my kid's Halloween cards, but sadly she retired.  I stamped Boo without a SAMJ--super easy!

Now be sure to head over and see what the rest of the Design Team have created and play along with us--remember you have two weeks!

Pop of Color

I'm not sure about you, but the weeks seem to be just flying by!  I can't believe this is my third up to bat with Simple Sketches.  It has been such a blast!-so happy I took the leap and auditioned.  Here is this week's sketch:



I have to admit, I was sort of scared of this one.  My mom teases me that all the photos of my layouts are straight.  Again, I've professed I'm bit of an OCD scrapper.  After digging to find three photos, this is what I created:

Totally loved it when it was done!  These pictures are from New Year's Day 2009-see what I mean when I said I dug!  Linnea had received ice skates for Christmas and couldn't wait to use them....thank goodness for Dad!  I didn't skate as a kid, don't skate as an adult.

I took out the Crumb Cake polka dot paper as I knew I wanted to use this...I could use an entire pack of this sheet! From there I just kept building.  I pulled out a sheet of Wisteria Wonder to play off her snow suit.  Found an ice skate stamp.  All of the white on here is heat embossed:  the splatters from Gorgeous Grunge, the skates, the snowflakes, the letters...let's discuss the "1st Time."  I took my Alpha and Number builder wheels and cut them...yep, pulled the rubber off the wheel and cut the individual letters/numbers.  An entire alpha and number set for $4.50 each!  I lined them up on my clear block and had part of my title!  To finish the page, I did a bit of "faux" stitching and a small amount of journaling.

I can't believe how intimidated I was looking back.  Now head over and see what the rest of them team has created!  Some of you are playing along, and I love seeing your pages---Keep It Up!!

Then and Now

Did you catch the new Simple Sketches sketch this past Saturday?  I was luckily enough to see it weeks ago and put it to use quickly, but the weekend was such a blur I'm only getting to post it now.  First take a look at the Sketch:



I flipped it so it would work better for me, and here is what I came up with:

Insert squealing from delight!  I've never scrapped a then and now page, but had to for these photos.  Our youngest loves, loves her baby.  I took the now photo one night as I loved how she was holding her with her very own blanket...then I remembered I had a photo from back in the day too!

I printed these photos with some distortion added to them.  My husband questions this, "why do you have a good camera and then make them look terrible?"  Well...I like it.  From the photos, I knew I wanted to use Pool Party, Real Red, and Pretty in Pink...love this combo!

I originally had taken out my  '&' mask to do some spritzing, but thought it may not stand out.  Instead, I traced it and then brayered my Embossing Folder and ran it through my Big Shot.  From there, I found some patterns of paper I liked, added some flags, and did some random "spritzing" using the Gorgeous Grunge set.  I added some little pearls among the speckling.

This is one of my favorites!!  Thanks for peeking, and be sure to check out what the designers have created.  I'll be back Saturday as I'm up with another fun sketch and a layout of the other daughter!

Six!

Yesterday I shared with you the layout I made using Kendall's three year photos.  Today I'm back with her six year shots.  I woke up and saw this sketch over at Stampin' Celebration:



Many of the designers did a scrapbook layout and it got my wheels-a-turning!  Take a look at my layout:

I loved her skirt and thought I'd use it as the background, a la Erica Cerwin, but without MDS.  I took out the circle from the bitty punch pack and some scraps of Pretty in Pink (retired, but it matched best),  Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Coastal Cabana, Pacific Point, and Daffodil Delight.

The Brights Candy Dots also came in great use for the title square!

Super simple, but I love how it turned out! Thanks for the sketch ladies!

Three!

I'm up again over at Simple Sketches.  Have you played along with us yet?  What are you waiting for?  Take a look at Sketch #3:



I was totally digging the 5 X 7 addition.  I rarely print my own photos larger than 4 X 6, but I did have some from when Kendall had her 3 year old photos taken...that I hadn't scrapped yet!  Here is my layout:

Isn't she so darn cute!?!?  I was owed these!  She was such a stinker at her 2 year photos, that I asked the photographer if we at least got one good one.  I'm one of those that if it isn't happening, I'm not going to torture everyone involved!

It worked out perfectly that I had this large photo and a few wallets.  I never journal on these pages.  I was sort of stuck on what to do on the right side of the page...until I thought why not copy her dress!  Out came the scraps!  Super simple, super fun...and my husband calling me a nerd.

For the top portion, I added some ribbon and buttons.  The lower portion uses SU's burlap ribbon and chevron border punch.

Some heat embossing on a Décor Framelit, a button, and done!

Now be sure to head over and see what the remaining team has created...and play along.  Again, a sketch is a great way to get those creative ebbs flowing!

Hold On!

Ever have a project get a way from you.  My card for this week's Hand Stamped Sentiments did just that!  Oy!  First, here are the colors for our newest color challenge:



I thought Christmas right away...and I was pleasantly surprised that others on the Design Team did too!

Okay, Hold ON:

Ready for the book?!?!  Here is my creative process:

Mind thinks use the new Snowflake set and framelits.

While reaching for those, I see the Deco Framelits, "ah, that would work."

Which color to use?  How about making your own gingham?  Check. Lets add some sponging and Gorgeous Grunge dots because that set is my go to!

Oh, I could use the new Expressions framelits too!  Check...after a few choice words while trying to get paper out of the die.

Okay, lets stamp those framelits.  Versamark on Brown Sugar with gold glitter.  OH NO!  I left my heat gun in WI! (ugh!)  Wonder if a hair dryer will work.  Gold Glitter.  Ah, I don't think so.  How about Dazzling Diamonds?  Ah, don't like that either.  How about white?  In the middle of trying to heat with the hair dryer, I notice I must have used clear powder.  Oh, well.  I like the look!, but the hair dryer is not working.  Sad face.

Now what?  Raspberry card base?  That works. Lots of empty space.  Burlap ribbon is on my desk.  What if I put some of that on there.  Now I need something to break up the similar colors.  How about a couple of strands of Raspberry and Gumball ribbon, tied with a button.  Like that.  Down the center?  Nah.  Off to the side.  Okay.  Still too much Raspberry.  How about a few more layers.  Works.  Okay, needs something.  How about some white spritzing? Okay, walk away!

So if you held on and read my novel, you should be sure to head over and get rewarded with some delightful eye candy.

Love, Love, Love!

Did you see the new Simple Sketches sketch yesterday?  I'm off this week, but I couldn't help myself, I had to play along!  I loved it the second I saw it!!



I love multi-photo sketches-mostly because I take a ton of photos-but I rarely print photos smaller than 4 X 6.  Because of this, my layouts with many photos end up being double (sometimes more) layouts.  I dug through my photos and found the perfect photos!, however I ended up sending them to my print place using a collage print in order to get 2-3 X 4's.  Luckily, I had some room to spare.  Okay, take a look at what I did:

If this isn't proof that a good sketch leads to a great (in my opinion) page, I don't know what will convince you!

This is where taking tons of photos in a moment worked to my advantage.  Though a couple of these photos look the same, they aren't!  L was feeding Prince oats and trying to sneak in some kisses, and I just sat back and snapped photos.

The rest of the page came together quickly.  I took out my sewing machine and ran my paper around a couple of times.  I can't sew a straight line to save my life so I purposely make it look messy!  The top journal spot I can't take credit for.  Somewhere in blog land I saw the Horseshoe from the set Horse Frontier used as a U.  *Luckily* my letters just fit!  The lower left journal spot I added a doily, heart, and a few buttons.  The image on the right spot is also from that set.  I added a banner using the Fabulous Phrases set.  (I did warn you last week that I love buttons and banners!)  The title is where I got stuck....until I remembered the new Expressions framelits.  I think it worked perfectly for the page!

Now head over and see what this week's team has created for your viewing pleasure!  ...and play along!

Simple Sketches!

Hip Hip Hooray! The Simple Sketch blog is releasing it's first sketch today and it's a good one!  Take a look:

 

 

I can't begin to tell you how much I am loving being on this design team.  As soon as I saw our first assignment I went to work and created this: 

 

 

This is our oldest.  She was on the Student Council last year and I wanted a photo at the end of the year with her advisors.  She wasn't too thrilled....can you tell.  Us camera wielding moms get a bad rap!

 

As soon as I saw the sketch I thought chalk board!  Hence, a school related photo.  Now Mind's Eye has just released a paper line that looks like chalkboard, but I think it's too easy to do this on your own!  Black card stock, some white craft ink, and a sponge!-that's all you need!  Linnea happened to be in my craft room when I was starting this and asked to help.  I'm type A.  But, I'm trying to let go.  Is there a bit more ink that I would have done.  Sure, but the memories of watching her do the background are worth it!

 

From there I used my most favorite Stampin' Up paper.  Ever have paper you bought paper and took a deep breath when you cut into it.  This is the I Am Me paper, and I love the colors!

 

For the circles, I created a mask using my Circle Framelits and again took out my craft ink and sponge.

 

Since Linnea only "allowed" me one photo, I decided to make a journaling tag in place of the small photo on the sketch.  I took out my Chalktalk Framelits and cut a tag, added some notes, and lots of ribbon....I love ribbon.  This is about the time she came back in my room to check on my progress.  She didn't like the blank space on the sides of the tag, so she suggested some arrows.  Again, great memories.

 

For the bottom detail, I cut a small piece of scrap, and layered it on top of more ribbon.  The only thing I like more than ribbon, is buttons.  You'll probably see one on each layout. And a button loves to be tied with bakers twine.  This one was tied with 3 yummy colors!

 

I sure hope you head over and see what the rest of the group has created.  I've gotten to have sneak peeks and I'm telling you, it's worth your time!  The only other thing I would like more, is if you play along with us!!  I love, love seeing how people interpret sketches!

 

Before I go, I thought I'd share my page that I submitted as my Design Team Audition.  When I heard the news that I was asked to join I was on vacation, and then I sort of forgot to post it here.  Take a look:

 

 

There's some pages that I love.  And then there are pages I really love.  This would be one of them!  From the photos, to the colors, to Melissa's A-MAZ-ING sketch, I just adore it. 

I won't go into the specifics, but if you have a question-PLEASE ask!

Now get over and check out the blog!!!

Thankful For

I'm a bit early for Thanksgiving, but the past month I've come to realize I have a lot to be thankful for.  I want to thank all of my design team members and blog visitors that took the time to leave such nice words of encouragement lately.  I remind myself often that there are people in worse situations than mine so thankful is all I can be!

So on with the show...  It's sketch week over at Hand Stamped Sentiments.  Take a look:



It was pretty easy because I just received a box from the UPS man...love those days!  Here is what I came up with:

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a complete sucker for fall paper!  The circle and banners are from the new Sweater Weather DSP.  (The saying "Measure twice, cut once" was forgotten when it came to trimming my banners.)

I also used the new Burlap ribbon, I apologize in advance if you see it on every project in the future...I'm in love.

I put a new sentiment in the inside:

and a left over banner.  Remember you have two weeks to play along. Be sure to hop over and see what the rest of the team has created. We also welcome a new member, Breelin Renwick.  I adore her style, be sure to say hi!

New to Me

I love finding new Scrap blogs that have sketch challenges!  Recently I discovered ScrapFriends and they had a fab sketch that I knew I had to work with....and it just happens that I had some me time to play before the deadline.  Take a look at the sketch:



I know...right?!?!  Here is my layout:

I know some fear white and vanilla together, but I kind of like it.

This is a photo of my youngest (nickname: Trucker Kenny) riding with my Father in Law in his work dump truck.  She (absolutely) loves doing this, so I was quite excited to scrap this photo.

I stuck a neutral tones and threw in a mix of red as the letters of the truck have a red tone. 

I can't wait to keep up with this challenge site!   Thanks for stopping by!

Life

I had these great photos I wanted to scrap for this week's Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge, but then life happened.  My husband was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on Sunday night.  He's okay, but I didn't get the page completed.  So...change of plans.  I made a card that I will keep in a little basket of cards that end up in my little ladies' lunch boxes. 

Here are this week's colors:



Ugh.  As I put that up, I realize I used  Summer Starfruit on my card.  Please bear with me!!

Here is my card:

My ladies are horse nuts and so I pulled this set out.  I paired it with the Deco Framelits and the (yummy) Pear ribbon.

Super simple, yet it will be a fun little surprise.  Anyone else leave notes in lunches?

Be sure to hop over and see what the rest of the team made...I really feel unworthy this week :/

MIA!

I know I've been bad at this blogging thing.  Anybody else love creating, dislike blogging?!?!  Don't get me wrong, I love "meeting" new people, sharing ideas, but sometimes the last thing I want to do is photo, edit, and write after I've done a project.  I also had a week of vacation which I can't wait to start scrapping.  Anyways.....  I couldn't help playing along with Dynamic Duos this week.  I love bright and colorful and this color combo was right up my alley!



I was lucky enough to find a photo quickly and it worked perfectly:

Another oldie but goodie!  Our girls love being little mommies. For a long time, Erik and I would struggle to tie a blanket around them so they could carry their babies in them.  It typically never stayed or the girls didn't think it was right, so luckily a good family friend sewed these up and sent them.

I paired the colors with black.  I also used lots of different patterns and hand stitched the banner with black thread.  Super simple layout, but lots of fun memories!

Hello Sketch

It's a sketch this time around at Hand Stamped Sentiments and I didn't stray a bit!



Here is my card:

These colors were on my desk from a previous project and I love the trio:  Melon Mambo, Coastal Cabana, and Calypso Coral. 

I started with a piece of Mambo Core paper.  I used a new emboss folder, sorry name eludes me, that has quickly become a go to.  I chose to use only one design from the Six Sided Sampler set so the card didn't get too busy.

Like I said I stuck to the sketch!  I took out a couple of other framelits and punches for the sentiment and I just didn't like them.  I have to admit this Modern Label Punch was probably cheering to get some use...it's been a while!

I added the Coral bakers twine, but thought it needed something more.  I found this little bubble clip and thought it worked perfect!  Sometimes I don't like how they wiggle around, so I added a glue dot and then another on a Melon button to cover it up.

Now go over and check out the other projects.  I'm off to finish packing for our family trip to the Gulf Shores!  We leave Thursday, and I can't wait!!

Dare to Dream

I must have been dreaming when I wrote down this week's color challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments:



I made my project with Coastal Cabana rather than Pistachio Pudding.  Sorry Ladies!!  I linked up my project and noticed then.  It's been much too crazy of a day to go back and change now!

Here is my card...yes, card.  I couldn't find a photo that fit, but my husband was pretty impressed by what I came up with so let's see if he was just being nice.

One of the first items I fell in love with in the new catalog was the Butterfly Collection wheel.  I have to admit, none of the rubber stays on the wheel when they make it here.  I find it easier to stamp them using blocks.  This also helped in coloring the butterflies for my background!

From there I really didn't know where I wanted to go.  I had a doily laying on my desk...it was white, my cardstock was Vanilla.  (See Mindy, you're not the only one!)  I laid it on my Cantaloupe ink pad, but then it was too big, so I folded some over.  Yes, I'm a fly by the seat of my pants creator!

Then sentiment?  I recently ordered Loving Thoughts, I know, not sure why it took so long.  Dare to Dream seemed to go with the butterflies.  A couple of butterflies, and some linen thread...because I'm a ribbon or twine to finish a card  kind of person.

SO, other than my big color flub, I'm happy.  Be sure to head over and see what the other ladies have created.  I never look at the  post until my project is done because I don't want to be influenced....I had to giggle when I saw so many butterflies and another half doily.  I knew I loved these Ladies!!

Cheater

It's our sketch rotation over at Hand Stamped Sentiments and I'm feeling like a cheater.  Take a look at the sketch:



I used the sketch for a layout instead...and I may have added a few banners.  Here's my page:

These are my girls with my brothers.  The girls adore them, and since we are four hours apart, the visits are treasured.  I love taking a photo of the four of them during these weekends...this one turned out silly! 

I rarely ever scrap on a full sheet of DSP, but this sheet comes from the I Am Me DSP and I'm loving this suite.  I couldn't just leave it plain though, so out came my Gunge set (which I don't think will ever find it's way off my desk) and used Pool Party Emboss Powder to add some dimension.

My favorite color combo has to be Pool Party with Real Red and thankfully Kendall's mismatched PJ's fit the bill!  The title is done with another new Alpha set-again, a great size for scrapbooking!

Now be sure to head over and see what the other designers have created!

Hexagon Overload

I have a couple of layouts to share today-basically two of the same.  These are the girls school photos from this past year.  Can't believe I have a 1st and 4th grader!?!?

I found these great Kraft hexagon over lays at my local scrapbook store and loved them!  Much to my delight the new SU hexagon punch and stamp set were a match made in heaven.

I did a LOT of heat embossing and texture embossing to add interest to the pages.

Kendall had on a pair of pink owl earrings so I pulled in Melon Mambo and Night of Navy.  For Linnea's page I used Raspberry Ripple.

Rides!

We've got a color challenge for you at Hand Stamped Sentiments:



Luckily I found some photos I thought worked with these colors and I was able to create a pretty fab (double) layout in my opinion.

These are from the MN State Fair a few years back.  Here are some closer views:

Sorry for the shadows.  Super windy day and the pages kept blowing over :/

I saw this card some time back and thought it was genius! I loved how Sarah created the fringe and thought why not...before I remembered I have to do double pages.  (For those of you who have suggested to make a color copy, I just can't.  It's the same reason I can't see myself switching to digital.  I love the texture, the dimension, but thank you!)

The package includes 4 rectangle sheets.  I sponged the heck out of them, folded them in half and then used my snips to make the fringe.  So much fun! When I had them layered, I did some stitching with my machine.

Then I went Alpha crazy!  I love this new sketch alpha set, such a great size!  I made the banners first and then thought I need some border detail.  Since I have more photos from the day, I'll continue the theme-such as EATS for all the yummy food we consume!

I had to add a couple of tickets, these are cut out from the wheel stamp.

Now head over and see what the other ladies have created, and remember you have 2 weeks to join us!

A Couple of Layouts

Happy Saturday!  Today I'm sharing a couple of layouts I did last weekend when I had some crafting time.  I had hoped to share them sooner, but you know how the week days go...

First up:

I found this layout on my Pinterest board and thought it looked like fun.  This layout kind of took on a life of it's own.  I had the chipboard circle and covered it with Daffodil craft ink, but I didn't like the coloring.  I added some Crystal Effects but was too impatient for it to dry, so I took out some Champagne glitter and sparkled it up...still not sure if I like it.  I also did some sewing on it-hard to see I know!  I always get nervous after I put so much work onto a layout to stitch on it in fear that I'll mess it up, but it worked out well.

Next up:

I have stacks of leftover Christmas cards that I haven't scrapped so I pulled out 2011's and made a simple layout...have to have 2!

I love the vintage feel of the page.  Between the patterns, the colors, and the embellishments, this turned out to be one of my favorite layouts I've done lately!

Thanks for stopping and taking a peek, I hope to get in some crafting this long weekend.