creatingwiththegirls

Strong

2012-01-28T08:30:00.002-05:00

My oldest daughter is notorious for taking self portraits. Going through them this one begged to be scrapped.

The paper is Glitz Designs, Creative Imaginations and a bit of 7 Gypsies. All torn, distressed and layered. The flowers are from Petaloo with a Prima flourish. The word strong is made using Tattered Angels chipboard letters covered with Lumiere (by Jacquard) silver paint. I journaled around the edges using a river marker.

This layout was featured in the October issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Have a great day and thanks for visiting!

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow....Forever

2012-01-25T06:45:00.004-05:00

Just playing around for a few minutes led to the creation of this tag.

Using a plain manila tag as a base I covered it entirely with a script stamp from Kaisercraft using Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Heat set it and the over stamped some flourishes in areas using Versamark watermark ink and covered with Clear Embossing Powder. Melt and cool.

Using my foam applicator I then went over the whole tag with Aged Mahogany, Brushed Corduroy, and Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Added the large collage image to the lower left.

The word stickers were rubbed with the leftover ink on the foam applicator and applied.

A piece of lace on my desk finished it off.

Not a bad use of 15 minutes of free time lol.

Thanks for visiting and as always have a great day!

This one picture....

2012-01-24T06:40:00.003-05:00

Says it all.

The background is masking tape covered with a light layer of Gesso followed up with Pelikan Water Color Paint. I had laid row after row of tape onto wax paper to paint then once dry tore and reassembled onto a piece of Cardstock.

Adding some Rub Ons by Daisy D and Creative Imaginations and a little bit of bling from Recollections it was done.

This layout was featured in the October issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Wish

2012-01-21T10:51:00.003-05:00

I ordered some Gessobord from Ampersand the other day. A rainy Saturday was the perfect day to play.

Several layers of Golden Acrylic paint, followed by some dripping of Liquitex Acrylic Ink created the start of the background. Stamping with paint on bubble wrap for the next layer. Rubbed the whole piece with Neutral Grey Pan Paste. The Acrylic Ink acted as a resist for the Pan Pastel which was really cool.

Some stamping with Pink Paislee & Hampton Arts stamps using StazOn ink in Stone Gray.

The heart was torn from a piece of My Mind's Eye patterned paper and applied with Gel Medium. A layer of Gel Medium was applied ver the whole piece and let dry. The heart was then outlined with a charcoal pencil and smudged.

Finally the word WISH was applied using 7Gypsies rub ons.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

Family is....

2012-01-12T17:08:00.003-05:00

Family is Something Special!

Done for the monthly scrapbooking challenge over at PAO. My youngest daughter and my niece at Christmas.

The background paper is from Pion Design (a Swedish company) and gorgeous to boot. There is a bit of gesso painted randomly and then some Inka Gold rubbed in for the gold accents.

Just a few snowflakes and ribbon for accent and that is it.

Have a great day

Male Birthday Card

2012-01-09T08:16:00.002-05:00

I'll admit it. In a house full of mostly girls with DH as the lone male I am a bit challenged when it comes to creating more masculine projects.

With DH's birthday today though I had to step up lol.

Using Graphic 45 papers I whipped this up for him last night. Had to throw a teeny tiny bit of bling on, just because.

Have a great day

Adventure!

2012-01-08T08:20:00.003-05:00

Adventure!

Layout done for the Jan Round Robin challenge at Swirlydoos.

The second part of the challenge for bonus points was to use a title based on a song (now I lisread and thought we had to come up with our own song instead of seeing it was already posted...oh well)

My song is from Sesame Street called Adventure. Seemed perfect for this. The little one catching salamanders in the driveway. No Fear on that girl!

I used all supplies from past Swirlydoo kits. Prima Printery Paper, Bazzill card stock, Flourish & Crystals from Prima.

The background was misted with Coffee Shop Glimmer Mist and then strips of Gesso painted for my lyrics.

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Tis the Season (well it was lol)

2012-01-06T06:32:00.002-05:00

Now that thing s are settling back into just crazy instead of insanely crazy I can catch up on my creations.

This was done for the December Round Robin challenge over at Swirlydoos. I used the December kit to complete the layout.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

1, 2, 3 Jump

2012-01-04T07:36:00.002-05:00

I love this.

The little one is always in motion, running, skipping, jumping.

Fancy Pants and Basic Grey patterned paper over a base of Core'dinations card stock.

Grunged up a bit with Ranger ink and Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.

This layout was featured in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Have a great day

My very own She Art girl

2011-12-31T08:44:00.003-05:00

I have the best friends in the whole wide world! Before Christmas I hosted a Secret Sister swap over at PAO. Everyone received a name to shop for. Also included in the package there needed to be a handmade item.

Pam C. made this for me. I smile every time I look at it. You can bet it will be hanging in my craft room.

Happy New Year all!

Peace

2011-12-21T08:00:00.003-05:00

My girlfriend asked me to make a present for her MIL using a photo of the kids.

Latest kit from Swirlydoos in hand I went to work.

All patterned paper is from BoBunny. I used Vintage Photo ink from Ranger to distress all the papers. Layered a bit of Prima packaging under the photo. Ribbon strips and Prima flowers to finish.

Sisters

2011-12-12T07:25:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite pictures of the 2 older ones. Taken on the coast of Maine.

The background is a piece of Bazzill card stock, sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer mist over a Tim Holtz mask and then splattered with Watercolor Paints.

The tag is from a swap several years back, but was perfect for this.

The letters are fabric covered with Watercolor Paints.

This layout was featured in the Sept issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

As always have a great day.

Christmas Proclamation

2011-12-09T06:59:00.003-05:00

Gothic Arch I created for SNR 12 Days of Christmas. The step by step instructions are down the page.

This is a super easy one to do using up those scraps you have lying around. Add a layer of watered down gesso and a layer of ink and you have the perfect background.

Piece of muslin and image cut from Graphic 45 paper. Final touch of a ribbon and you have a beautiful tag to tie to a gift .

Have an awesome day.

God Jul

2011-12-04T18:00:00.003-05:00

Scrapbook News and Review is having a 12 Days of Christmas Tags.

This was my day one.

Want to learn how to copy this?

Head on over to SNR for step by step directions.

Have a great day!

The eyes....

2011-11-26T06:40:00.002-05:00

are Windows to the Soul.

My oldest daughter has a tendency to take extreme close ups of her eyes. They are fascinating in that the color seems to change on an almost daily basis. I had to scrap this one, you can see 3 colors in one picture.

I used Prima paper. Fussy cut some butterflies from a second piece and glued down only 1 wing to give a more 3d appearance.

The letters are American Crafts Thickers. Bits of lace and ribbon to finish it off.

This layout was featured in September's issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Thanks for looking and have a great day

Prom 2011

2011-11-21T06:43:00.002-05:00

So I am just getting to Prom.

Oldest DD on her way.

I used patterned paper from Creative Imaginations and My Mind's Eye.

Taking a square piece of paper I turned it into a circle matte using a Martha Stewart Corner Punch.

Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist and Tattered Angels Glimmer mist were sprtzed randomly on the background. Kaisercraft chipboard covered with Shimmerz to make it sparkly.

The flowers and flourish are both from Prima.

Thanks for looking. Have a great day

Right Now

2011-11-18T07:54:00.003-05:00

This is one of my favorite photos.

My middle daughter and her Dad looking out over the Musee' D'Orsay's wide expanse.

I used paper from ANW Crestwood, My Mind's Eye and Bo Bunny.

The big letters are all from Tattered Angels.

Layout was featured in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Free To Be

2011-11-16T06:22:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it is fun to pull out the paints and mists with no particular plan in place.

That kind of play led to this layout.

A piece of cream Bazzill card stock as my base I started adding color. Sprayed with several Starburst Sprays from Lindy's Stamp Gang. The shots of color they instantly give just takes me to a happy place.

Then I pulled out some stamps from Inkadinkadoo, Clearsnap, and Club Scrap. Instead of using a regular stamp pad with them I dug through my collection of Pitt Big Brush Artist Pens. I colored and stamped with them .

A frame made with Golden Fluid Acrylics and a few rub ons in the corner and I was done.

The photo (one that I surprisingly like of me) was taken by my then 4 year old. She has a knack for getting the just right ones....or maybe it's because she snaps a gazillion pics every time she gets the camera. Either way I'm not complaining.

The layout was featured in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Thanks for stopping by and as always have a great day.

November 2011 issue of Scrapbook News and Review us Now Available

2011-11-15T06:45:00.003-05:00

The November 2011 issue is now available!!!

Head on over and check it out SNR.

And even better...

There is subscription sale ---- $19.99 for the ENTIRE YEAR

How cool is that!

Ich Liebe Dich

2011-11-14T09:28:00.003-05:00

My turn for the sketch relay over at Swirlydoos.

My Oldest dd and my German dd while in Krefeld Germany this summer.

Paper is Prima and Printery. Some Smooch Candleglow mist across the background.

Flowers are Prima and Kaisercraft.

as always Have a great day!

Surfing the Spillway

2011-11-11T09:58:00.003-05:00

Surfing the Spillway in Munich. The Eisbach runs through the English Garden in Munich. At one point it creates a Stationary Wave. Which means if you can keep your balance you'll always have a wave to surf.

Even though it was about 55 degrees F while there the place was packed with surfers all lined up waiting their turns. And spectators lined the bridge over it watching them. Lucky for the little one there were openings in the wall just her height so she had a great view.

Bazzill cardstock, Glimmer Mist, Starburst Sprays and Tattered Angels stamp.

Thanks for visiting. Have a great day.

It's Fall

2011-11-09T08:10:00.003-05:00

A quick card I did up for a friend.

I used the sketch from Let's Capture These Sketches. Paper is all from old Swirlydoos kits. The rub ons are some found in my stash.

Happy Fall everyone. Have a great day.

2 Girls in Germany

2011-11-08T11:54:00.003-05:00

2 Girls in Germany.

My oldest and youngest standing on the balcony of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.

I used all Prima paper this time around. Glimmer mist and Starburst Stains spritzed across my background.

The fabric flowers are from an Etsy shop owned by Funtoolas. Her flowers are out of this world.

Have a great day and thanks for visiting.

Why????

2011-11-07T13:31:00.003-05:00

The folks at Once Upon a Sketch have a great challenge this month. A 2 parter, involving the sketch and JOURNALING (gasp I know right? lol)

Anyway this was my take. I mostly used my Oct Swirlydoos kit. Lots of Smooch Mist (I love how it dries so quick) and a Kaisercraft Script stamp.

My journaling took a few tries, and I printed it out on card stock with the computer (someday I'll get over my handwriting fear).

I think this is one of my favorite layouts to date. Oh for those of you wondering--me and the littlest one riding the train through the German countryside. :)

As always have a great day and thanks for visiting

Possibilities

2011-11-06T10:35:00.003-05:00

Yet another layout done for the Scraplifting Challenge at PaperArtistsOnline. This time I was person number 4.

It's always fun to see how the sketch progresses from the 1st to last person.

I copied from Nancy Y this time. My layout uses a piece of Bazzill card stock with the Chicken Wire mask and Starburts Spray from Lindy's Stamp Gang.

Then it was just my photos and a die cut from Bo Bunny. The journaling is hidden under the large photo.

My girls and the horses again lol

As always have a great day and thanks for visiting.

Remembering Germany

2011-10-31T11:02:00.003-04:00

Remembering Germany.

Night time in Dussledorf ,Germany. I used a Swirlydoos kit with a few additional pieces.

The sketch is this weeks Sketchy Thursday sketch. Background is the Brick stencil from Crafter's Workshop and Smooch mist is Candle Glow & Log Cabin.

My little banner is made from wood veneer pieces by Studio Calico.

Thanks for looking and as always have a great day

Dream

2011-10-26T06:13:00.003-04:00

This is my middle sitting on the beach in Kiawah at sunset.

I wanted a bit of a more arty page just because the picture was so dreamy.

The background is card stock covered with several colors of acrylic paint. Splattered with Glimmer Mist and dry brushed with Gesso.

Transparency layered under the photo, along with a bit of black tulle (hard to see in the photo).

The Chipboard flourish is Dusty Attic painted black. To finish it off a bit of Ultra Fine glitter was sprinkle over and the word Dream stenciled.

Layout featured in the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Have a great day

Cousins

2011-10-21T11:06:00.002-04:00

Layout done of my youngest and my nephew. Poor little man, only boy in a sea of girls. He holds his own though lol.

Layout done for the sketch challenge at Stuck On You Sketches. Used the September kit from Swirlydoos.

More Bo Bunny and Prima, I'm telling you I love these 2 lines.

I sanded the background of the pic to edit out a hand, ugly mattress and a shoulder. Brush off the dust and applied a layer of Golden glaze.

The background is spritzed with more Smooch mist and then using my Chicken Wire stencil from Crafter's Workshop added a bit more pattern.

Embellished with a bit of Prima flowers and bling.

Thanks for looking and have a great weekend.

Little Moments Big Memories

2011-10-19T11:06:00.003-04:00

My middle daughter is an animal lover. All shapes all sizes, but what makes her the happiest are horses. We are lucky enough to have friends who own so that she can ride when she wants.

Layout done for monthly scrap challenge at PaperArtistsOnline. You needed to have odd number of pictures, 3 circles and cloud shapes. Now I really really don't like the whole cloud trend so my clouds are tucked behind the polka dot paper lol.

I used the September kit from Swirlydoos and a sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. The patterned papers are from Prima Printery and Bo Bunny Et Cetra. 2 lines I am in love with right now.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

If

2011-10-18T12:48:00.002-04:00

My middle one at her 5th grade graduation.

Easy layout using one piece of White Bazzill Cardstock. Drybrushed over with Black Acrylic.

Once dry Stamped over using a Prima stamped painted with Silver Jacquard paint. I also pushed some paint through sequin waste to create the circles.

Painted a frame with Gesso and sprinkled extra fine glitter into the wet paint.

Painted a spot for journaling with Gesso. Journaling is done with a mix of letter stickers and Pitt Pen.

Layout featured in August issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Thanks for stopping by.

ersten Tag der Schule

2011-10-16T09:55:00.004-04:00

First day of school.

The little one goes to a German kindergarten. This is her third year there. It's amazing how she can flip back and forth between the 2 languages without even thinking about it.

I used a sketch from Sketchy Thursdays that I had been saving.

Used the July kit from The Treasure Box Club.

Painted over the Creative Imaginations background paper with Gesso then watered down Golden acrylic paint and splattered it about.

Bit of machine stitching and Rub on letters and it was done.

As always thanks for visiting and have a great day.

Always Dream

2011-10-14T16:10:00.004-04:00

Layout done for a sketch relay challenge at PaperArtistsOnline. Littlest one walking the horse back to his stall after riding him.

All the patterned paper is from Bo Bunny. The gate is Dusty Attic colored with Chalk ink and spritzed with Smooch Mist.

Used my newest kit from The Treasure Box

Thanks for looking and as always have a great day

Heart You

2011-10-12T06:34:00.004-04:00

My oldest DD loves to do photo shoots with the youngest. I love it in that I always get photos to work with that usually aren't what I normally take.

Prima Flowers and Bling. The chipboard heart and letters were first painted and then while slightly tacky run through the embossing folder. Doing this distressed them a bit and pulled paint off in spots (though makes cleaning you folder a pain-live and learn). StazOn ink was then rubbed over to highlight the embossing.

That's it for today. A simple layout showcasing my little one who is growing up way to fast.

Layout was seen in Aug issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

have a great day and as always thanks for stopping by.

Bliss

2011-10-09T09:39:00.003-04:00

Bliss...pretty much describes this photo.

I did this layout for the sketch relay over at Swirlydoos.

The background is BoBunny paper that I dry brushed Gesso over. Once dry I sprayed with Smooch Mist in Candle Glow and used my new Chicken Wire stencil from Crafter's Workshop (love it!) with some Prima ink.

The photo is matted on corrugated paper from Creative Imaginations and layered over twine, flowers and vintage lace from my Grandmother's collection.

As always...thanks for looking and have a great day.

Courage

2011-10-06T07:54:00.003-04:00

It's not often that I get pics of my niece and nephew to scrap. This one is from a few years back and I had been holding on until just the right inspiration struck.

The background is done using Pan Pastels and a Crafter's Workshop stencil. I love that you can blend over on the Pan Pastels and they never get muddy.

Keeping it simple I sprayed some book text with Glimmer Mist and then tore into strips for a photo matte.

Little Prima flowers sprayed with Glimmer Mist and a bunch of Prima flourishes to add some bling.

Finished it off with a stamp from Oxford Impressions.

This layout was featured in Scrapbook News and Review Aug issue.

As always---Have a great day!

Leave Your Mark ATC

2011-10-04T07:01:00.002-04:00

Here is an ATC I did up for a swap at ATCsForALL.

The background is sewing pattern paper collaged onto a watercolor base.

Tim Holtz paper tape and is the second layer. The ruler is from a collage sheet. Stamp from Club Scrap and the beautiful woman is my Mom way back in the day :).

Just a little bit of art for the day.

As always have a great one and thanks for visiting

Happiness

2011-10-03T07:15:00.003-04:00

A card I made up for a good friend.

The book text was colored with several Glimmer Mist colors.

The Sunflowers are an Inkadinkadoo stamp. Stamped with StazOn, colored with Pitt Pens. To finish it off I put several layers of UTEE over it to make it all shiny.

Thanks for looking and have a great day

Beach Feet

2011-09-29T07:58:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite bases for layouts is canvas cloth.

For this one I cut a piece 12x12" and then painted with Gelatos. I love how they smooth and blend so easily.

Stamped on the canvas using Staz On black with Artistic Outpost and Tattered Angels stamps.

The shells were stamped on card stock and fussy cut. Flourish by Prima.

Toes courtesy of the little one :)

Layout featured in Aug issue of Scrapbook News and Review

Shimmerz Event at SNR

2011-09-25T10:47:00.002-04:00

New event this week at Scrapbook News and Review.

SHIMMERZ!!!!!

Lots of eye candy and tutorials all for your viewing pleasure.

Stop on by and check it out!

You I Love

2011-09-22T06:42:00.003-04:00

This is a bit different that what I usually do. Boy was it a challenge--I kept wanting to add "stuff". In the end though, sometimes simple really is better.

All I did was mist a piece of Bazzill card stock with Glimmer Mist for the background, and distress the edges. 2 pieces of card stock scraps to matte the photo and a few Prima flowers (got to have my flowers). The sketch was from the archives at Sketchy Thursday.

Thanks as always for looking and have a great day

The Cat's Pajamas Stamps and Dies Event at SNR

2011-09-17T19:07:00.002-04:00

Tonight's event over at Scrapbook News and Review features The Cat's Pajamas Stamps and Dies.

Head on over to see some great artwork and a bunch of cool tutorials. Leave some love for all the talented ladies who created for this.

Have a Voice

2011-09-16T16:35:00.003-04:00

Here is a quick ATC I did up tonight.

I joined an ATC swap hosted by Roni over on her blog Inkstains. And while I have some already made up I wanted to make more.

This one came about from a paper towel I had on my desk that I use to clean up paint. Once it dried I stamped on it with a script stamp from Kaisercraft using Staz On ink. The flower and vine stamp is from Club Scrap and I added a few highlights with Shimmerz glitter paint.

The collage image is from Ten Two Studios. The stickers come from sheets of words I have--I wish I knew who made them because they are my favorite thing to use right now. I put a tiny bit of pink watercolor paint over the white on them to help them fit in more with my card.

Thanks as always for looking and commenting.

In the Alps

2011-09-15T18:43:00.001-04:00

Me and the girls in the Alps. It was a bit chilly but seeing as my husband made us hike up to the castle we didn't mind much.

All paper is Bo Bunny. The flourishes were made by painting a stamp with Shimmerz Glitter paint. My chipboard was painted with Magical Micas from Lindy's Stamp Gang.

Climbing the Stairs

2011-09-13T17:01:00.004-04:00

This is the littlest one climbing the stairs in our hotel in Amsterdam. All I can say is thank goodness for elevators.

I did this page up for a challenge over at Swirlydoos called emerging color.

Taking the butterfly stamps from Pink Paislee I stamped in color on the right sided paper. Over stamped with Kaisercraft script stamp and embossed with clear EP. Rubbed several shades of Distress inks over and the embossed script resists the ink showing the cool underneath.

The hinges are from Dusty Attic. Sprayed with Glimmer mist and embossed with UTEE.

All the patterned paper is from the BoBunny Gabrielle line

Korea

2011-09-10T08:54:00.002-04:00

My FIL was an Air Force pilot during the Korean War. Stationed in Japan and running missions into the battle zone. It was a time he rarely talked about. Not until his funeral did we hear the true scope of how dangerous his missions were and the obstacles he had to overcome on a daily basis as an African American Pilot in the fifties.

The background was a piece of Kraft card stock crumpled and smoothed. Distress Stain and Ink run over the peaks and Shimmerz Glitter Paint rubbed in as well. Just a few scraps of patterned paper and lots of gears from Tim Holtz to round it out.

We're Going Places

2011-09-08T08:09:00.002-04:00

Sketch relay over at PAO. I'm the leader for my group and this was my take on the sketch.

Our arrival at BMW Welt in Munich, Germany.

All the paper is Simple Stories. I bought this months ago and finally am able to pull it out and use it. I really like all the journaling tags included

Grow

2011-09-06T07:00:00.002-04:00

I did up this little wall hanging for the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

The background is a recycled, distressed piece of corrugated cardboard. Covered with a bit of molding paste for texture, gesso and Glimmer Mist.

The stamps are from Club Scrap, and a few rub ons for accent.

I added some eyelets, wire and a few beads to hang it up.

Travel The World

2011-09-01T18:19:00.003-04:00

I finally had a free minute to play along this with with Sketchy Thursdays sketch challenge. I love the different layouts they inspire each week.

I have over a thousand pictures from our trip to Germany this summer. This picture is the perfect way to start the album. Only 999 to go....

Patterned paper is Best Creations and We R Memory Keepers

What A Face!

2011-09-01T06:14:00.002-04:00

Over at Swirlydoos I am one of this months challenge hostesses.

I created this layout as my sample of a Not Your Typical Scrapbook page. The base is corrugated cardboard covered with torn strips of Kaiser Craft paper and a layer of Gesso. Misted all over with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and Stone Grey StazOn rubbed around the edges.

Children are Like FLowers

2011-08-27T09:33:00.003-04:00

Scrapbook page done on a piece of canvas. Watered down Acrylic Paint to create a wash and drippings. I made some flowers using fabric and text, others are Prima. Ribbon for the stems and crumpled Bazzill for the leaves.

Published in July issue of Scrapbook News and Review

Treasure

2011-08-23T08:15:00.003-04:00

A layout done on a piece of recycled cardboard. The background is layers of book text, covered with gesso.

I followed that with modeling paste applied in random spots with varying thickness.

Using acrylic paint and Glimmer mist I added color all over, then sprayed with water to make the colors run and drip.

The letters were painted with Lumiere and accents added with oil pastels.

The layout appeared in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review

The Importance of Being Me!

2011-08-19T07:56:00.002-04:00

Not often do I do a scrapbook page about, well ME. My 4 year old recently took this picture though and it just begged to be scrapped.

I had a piece of Prima canvas that I dripped and sprayed acrylic paint all over. Stamped the flowers with StazOn across the bottom and sewed a frame around my picture, using a loopy ribbon.

This appeared in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review

Do What you Love.

2011-08-15T06:05:00.002-04:00

My oldest DD is constantly taking self portraits. Now while her younger sisters all do this hers ACTUALLY turn out really good.

I was looking on her computer for a different picture she had when I found this one she had taken. It just begged to be scrapped.

Almost all the supplies used came from Swirlydoos kits. The layout was featured in the July issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Changing up the Sizes

2011-08-11T07:20:00.003-04:00

Upon occasion for Scrapbook News and Review I will do a layout that is 6x12 in size. The first time I about freaked--Not a Square EEEKKK.

Cutting my paper I began to work. This has quickly become one of my new favorite sizes to work with. Still lots of room to get your ideas down but the different size makes you look twice.

Next time you are in a rut why don't you try a different size. Who knows what it will spark.

Both layouts appeared in June issue of Scrapbook News and Review

Stamping with Gelatos

2011-08-10T15:57:00.002-04:00

Donna Downey's Inspiration Wednesday this week involved stamping with Gelatos. Now I love love love my Geltaos but hadn't stamped with them before.

I let the 4 yr old help this time as she was practically squealing with delight every time Donna stamped a new image. Course she wasn't seeing flowers, she thought they looked like Mickey Mouse--Oh well in the eyes of a little one.

Because I had some ahem--help, most of the flowers were definitely a bit "smooshy". The stamps are from Club Scrap and my flower colors were whichever ones Ry chose.

Donna used watercolor pencils for her background and stems--For the life of me I couldn't find a single one in the house (I think they went on vacation with my oldest). So I used my Neocolor IIs.

I did learn that when stamping with the Gelatos there is a very fine line between just enough water and TOO MUCH WATER. And it's really easy to cross. That being said this is a really easy and fun technique to play with

Look Mom!!!!!

2011-08-09T16:44:00.002-04:00

I wrote all our names!

Not exactly what you want to hear from your 4 year old. Especially when upon investigating you discover that yes indeed she did write all of our names, but with a PERMANENT MARKER and ON HER SISTER'S DOOR.

Didn't know if I should punish or praise. Sigh

Mr Clean Eraser is my friend.

Puddle Love

2011-08-09T10:18:00.002-04:00

What little one doesn't enjoy a good puddle? Mine sure does -LOL.

Layout featured in June issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Enjoy The Moments

2011-08-08T14:00:00.002-04:00

Donna Downey posted her Collage Monday piece this morning.

I love the design and wanted to play immediately. Squeezing time in today was a challenge but oh so worth it.

I used some We R Memory Keepers paper from 2007 (maybe I should clean my stash), various stamps and Rub Ons.

It was fun to sit and tear with not much thought or planning. A quick little piece, simple in design, but a good reminder to Enjoy the Moments.

It all Starts Aug 6

2011-07-31T07:21:00.001-04:00

Some totally awesome and exciting news from Scrapbook News and Review !!!

What does the following list of 27 totally awesome scrapbooking and stamping companies have in common? Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, of course! To help us celebrate the last bits of summer and usher in fall with zip and zeal, SNR will be featuring weekly events that will truly blow your mind and each event will be chock full of amazing artwork and technique tutorials galore!

Treat yourself to a weekly dose of learning, inspiration and fun – not to mention the chance to win some seriously cool prizes and play with some seriously cool products.

Each Monday, we’ll release all the delightful details of the upcoming week’s schedule. This way, you’ll be ready to rock n’ roll your way through the week and have everything ready to go so you can get your creative groove on.

Each spectacular scrap or stamp company will have their own event (read absolutely fabulous chance to shine in the spotlight!) AND also have a huge article inside the magazine just bursting to the gills with fresh, fun, funky paper crafting projects that will get you creating and learning in brand spankin’ new directions as well as with tried-and-true methods -- with that infamous SNR tweak cause you know we’ve gotta put our special spin on everything we do and touch! Otherwise it wouldn’t be SNR worthy, right?

And get a gander at the list of participating scrap and stamp companies that the spectacular SNR staffers will be working with (listed in alphabetical order):

Artistic Outpost

Copic Markers

Cosmo Cricket

Crate Paper

Creative Inspirations Paint

Dog Gone Stamps

Donna Salazar

EK Success

Jenni Bowlin Studios

Lindy's Stamp Gang

My Favorite Things Stamps

Nikki Sivils

Pan Pastel

Petaloo

Prickley Pear Stamps

Prima

Rubbernecker

ScorPal

Serendipity Stamps

Shimmerz

SRM Press

Studio Calico

TaDa Creative Studios

Technique Tuesday Stamps

The Cat's Pajamas

Tsukineko

We R Memory Keepers

Stay tuned for more info! You won’t believe your eyes or your ears!

M is for Memories

2011-07-30T07:33:00.003-04:00

M is for Memories....how true is that.

This photo was taken in 1955 of my Great Grandparents. The woman is my namesake. Now I know that to have photos of Great Grandparents is a plus but even better when they are in as good condition as the one I have. (ok it helps that a Great Uncle was a professional photographer but still)

When I did up the layout and added the title I wasn't thinking so much on what it REALLy meant-it just looked good. Then I began sharing with my family, and they all began thanking me for reminding them about the fun times that were had. They began sharing stories about memories had on the farm, remembering stories that hadn't been told in years and sharing them again.

This is why I scrapbook, why I share my photos and layouts and spend time and money. Years from now my girls will still know family, even if they never met. Their children will know the family and the stories and memories will continue to be passed on.

M truly is for Memories

layout featured in June issue of Scrapbook New and Review

Art Is an Adventure

2011-07-28T07:36:00.002-04:00

Over at Paper Artists Online my friend is hosting a 4x6 challenge. You take a 4x6 piece of paper and cut it into pieces. Decorating each piece with a theme in mind.

For mine I pulled out a piece of paper I painted eons ago and stamped text (Club Scrap) embossing after. I used a piece of ribbon vine, metal flowers from Tim Holtz, and of course Prima flowers.

I cut a 4x4, a 2x2 and 4 inchies from my 4x6 sheet. This is my 4x4

Rock Hunting

2011-07-26T08:10:00.002-04:00

This layout came about after a visit to the Coast of Maine. Famous for its "rocky beaches" I had to do something to showcase one of the many Rock Hunts we went on while there. The rocks are all shapes and sizes, most smooth after being beaten for years by the water. The search was on to find the PERFECT one.

I did the layout for the June issue of Scrapbook News and Review. Painted Gesso in areas. The brackets are Pink Paislee covered with Lumiere paint

Je T'aime

2011-07-25T09:07:00.002-04:00

Here is a super sized tag I decided to sit down and make. The background was made by taking a piece of cardstock and covering it with Sewing Pattern tissue paper. I then added color with a bit of Distress Stains and Gelatos.

I stamped the large Eiffel Tower and embossed it with Ranger EP.

stamped some various other images, added some canceled postage stamps from France, and finally a vintage magazine image.

Last touch was a bit of bling in the form of a Prima flourish I cut up.

My Routine

2011-07-23T06:44:00.002-04:00

Given a prompt of 1 word--ROUTINE. I created this layout featured in the June issue of Scrapbook News & Review.

Now my morning routine is exactly the same every single day. I grab a cup of coffee and the local newspaper, sit at the kitchen table and read until I am done.

In order to showcase this I took an issue of the paper and tore it into pieces. Took make it more relevant to me (but hard to see in the pic) I focused on current events I was interested in or world events affecting us all.

Using Gel Medium I covered a piece of cardstock with the newspaper, then applied a light coat of Gesso to tone it down. Covered with a brown Glaze then spray with Mist from Tattered Angels and Luminarte. Finally using stamps from Blockheads and Club Scrap I stamped coffee beans, spill marks and cup stains, embossing a few for added texture.

Took a pic of my favorite coffee cup, added some foam letters and journaling.

These Days

2011-07-18T14:26:00.001-04:00

Layout published in June issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

The background was made by tearing an old map into pieces, then using gel medium to completely cover a piece of cardstock with the map pieces.

I scribbled with Gelatos for color, then added chalkboard mist by Tattered Angels. Stamped in places with Prima and Club Scrap stamps using StazOn ink. Free stitched a circle to frame my photo using my machine.

Rubbed VersaMark ink in spots and sprinkled with UTEE to give added texture and finally finished it off with RubOns by LilyBee designs

Trail Blazer

2011-06-22T08:27:00.002-04:00

On a recent visit with family we headed over to Hershey Park. The littlest one was FINALLY big enough to go on a real roller coaster. The whole time she rode she refused to let her Daddy hold her hand and she kept insisting "I'm a big girl now!"

Patterned Paper is Chatterbox, Crate Paper and October Afternoon. The layout was featured in the May issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Art reminds you...

2011-06-16T09:00:00.003-04:00

I did this tag at the beginning of May for the front page of Scrapbook News and Review.

Colored cardstock with 3 Distress Stains then ran through my Cuttlebug with the Script embossing folder.

Added a little bit of shine with some Shimmerz over the raised text, made flowers using book text and my Tim Holtz floral die.

The stems and leaves were backstitched using embroidery floss. And finally printed out the quote on Vellum and attached with Glossy Accents.

A Moment of Pure Perfection

2011-06-14T10:37:00.004-04:00

My husband recently bought a new camera. Which means he follows us EVERYWHERE with it. I can't complain though, he is giving me some great shots to work with.

This layout was done on a piece of recycled cardboard that I distressed. Using Gel Medium I applied torn strips of patterned paper. Followed it up with a very light layer of gesso, then modeling paste in spots for added texture. Light was of blue acrylic paint and then Chalkboard Mist by Tattered Angels.

Stencils by Club Scrap.

This layout was published in the May issue of Scrapbook News and Review

I can hear the little one's goggle every time I look at it.

Really????

2011-06-13T08:04:00.002-04:00

Recent layout published in the May issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Oldest DD and Youngest at the Aquarium in Charleston SC.

Oldest is giving me the look that says "Really, I have to smile AGAIN?"

I used the BoBunny Mammarazzi line for paper. Distressed with a bit of paper tearing and gesso. Spritz with Smooch ink & Glimmer mist.

At least she laughed when I showed her the finished product. I'm glad they are such good sports about the whole pic taking/ scrapping for a lifetime thing :)

Art Colors Life

2011-06-08T07:02:00.004-04:00

I have to say that this is about my most favorite saying about art. It's true though--can you imagine living without it.

This card was published in the April Issue of Scrapbook News and Review. The background is just several colors of Distress Stains that I pounced on my craft mat and rub cardstock in until I was happy with. Stamps from Oxford Impressions and Club Scrap. A few little flourish rub ons and butterfly transparencies and finished off with a rub of Shimmerz.

Have a great day and make sure your life stays colored

Believe x2

2011-06-04T06:31:00.002-04:00

So I am really really like this Believe quote I used the other day. When my girlfriend's art journal showed up in my mailbox for me to work on I knew she needed her own version as well.

Text for the base layer,, covered with gesso, sunny yellow paint and some stamps colored with Pitt pens.

The flower is a toner copy gel medium transfer. I have always had hit or miss with them, with more misses than hits. I just opened a brand spanking new jar of gel medium and I just HAD to believe it would work this time.

Once I breathed my sigh of contentment that it did, I added some drippage, colored the chipboard letters with more Pitt Pens and blended some more in with my finger.

Some days you really just got to BELIEVE!

Attitude

2011-05-31T06:14:00.002-04:00

This layout was published in the April edition of Scrapbook New & Review.

I'm pretty sure the title says it all. :)

Celebrate Everything

2011-05-27T13:47:00.002-04:00

Just a quick AJ page I did up. Lots of paint dripping here and there. The flower is a Donna Downey stamp that I painted with watered down Gesso, then outlined with charcoal.

Believe--an Inspiration Wednesday inspired piece

2011-05-26T07:06:00.003-04:00

So I was messing around yesterday not doing much of anything when I put on Donna Downey's Inspiration Wednesday video. It was die cut derby day and honestly I didn't think I would do much with it since I don't have a die cutter.

Funny how things work though because 2 minutes in I was cutting hearts out of book text and making my own die cuts.

To make my letters I traced these old chipboard letter pieces I had. I didn't even have every letter I needed so I had to create my own for a couple.

In the end Die Cut Derby day proved to be quite inspirational after all.

Your Belief Determines Your Action and Your Action Determines Your Results, But First You Have To Believe.

Hansen

The Road to a Friend's House...

2011-05-24T07:56:00.003-04:00

is Never Long.

An Art Journal double page spread for a good friend of mine.

Acrylic paints, 7 Gypsies paper, cork and fabric flowers

Fabric making with Donna Downey

2011-05-23T17:17:00.004-04:00

So this weekend while hanging out in Donna Downey's studio I was inspired by a piece of fabric she was working on.

I had to try my had at my own piece immediately. I pulled out a 12x12 piece of canvas not sure if I'd like it and man oh man I wish I had done more.

I stamped the Poppy flower (Unity) with StazOn, then painted them in with NeoPaque & DyeNaFlow Paints (love them!). Overstamped with a script stamp then painted in black dots with more DyeNaFlow.

I think my head may explode I have so many more fabric ideas right now.

ATC tutorial

2011-05-23T08:39:00.001-04:00

I have an ATC tutorial on the front page of the Scrapbook News & Review blog.

check it out :)

Thank You 4x4

2011-05-18T08:27:00.002-04:00

A group of us are getting together this weekend for some scrappy fun. We'll be taking some classes from Donna Downey and playing in the studio.

As a Thank You to her all of us are making 4x4 pieces that we'll bind into a chunky book.

I did up mine using layers of paper I then tore and added Distress Stains to. Some Clear Embossing powder for shine and then added flowers.

I'm really liking the texture I managed to get.

Love

2011-05-16T06:23:00.003-04:00

This is my entry for this month's Round Robin over at Swirlydoos. Each month we do this and it is so much fun, and it definitely takes you away from what you normally do.

I used the May kit from Swirlydoos. The picture is of my youngest dd and was taken by my oldest dd. The Dusty Attic Love was covered with Mica Gloss and Glimmer Glam. This month's twist was to included misting on your layout, so I spritzed with various Tattered Angels Mists and used some new Hampton Arts Spritz Screens for my design.

Art Journal for today

2011-05-10T08:36:00.002-04:00

I seem to be on a bright color kick lately. This is a 2 page spread in a friend's Art Journal.

I used Pitt Pens, Gelatos, Acrylic Paint, StazOn, and NeoColor IIs for the color. I drew my house and then stamped the flowers before coloring. A house always needs flowers around it (my opinion)

Putting it in the mail today

A Happy Hello

2011-05-05T07:26:00.003-04:00

Just a quick card I did up today.

I stamped the image(Hero Arts) using StazOn, colored with Pitt Pens (telling you I LOVE them) went around the outside with Gelatos and then covered the bird with clear Distress Stickles.

Something bright and cheery to send in the mail

Inkstains with Roni HUGE GIVEAWAY

2011-04-29T07:33:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite blogs to follow

Inkstains with Roni is having a huge (and when I say huge I mean HUGE) give away on her blog.

Check it out

Inkstains Giveaway

Seriously, it's awesome!

Milestones

2011-04-29T06:44:00.003-04:00

My layout for this week's Round Robin over at Swirlydoos. I swear these are some of my favorite challenges, and boy do they push the comfort zone.

I used supplies from March's kit to create this. Paper is all Prima. The twist this month was lots of handmade swirls etc. I altered my 3 pieces of Dusty Attic chipboard, and made my swirls using Liquid Pearls (love it).

The picture is my Great Grandparents in 1973. My middle daughter has been doing a family tree project at school and I have been pulling out lots of old family photos for her. I am so lucky my family has always been prolific picture takers.

Isn't Life Beautiful?

2011-04-26T14:14:00.002-04:00

New layout for today.

Used Sketchy Thursdays weekly sketch challenge as my jumping off point.

Paper is Bazzill & Crate Paper.

Another one done sitting around waiting on one of the kids. Some days I think I do more in my car than at home....

Tag for today

2011-04-26T07:41:00.001-04:00

Just a little bit of art for today.

The background is layers of Distress Stains. The stamps are Club Scrap

Art Journal for today

2011-04-21T15:39:00.002-04:00

We are dealing with my Father in Law dying right now, and in between the numerous discussions about death I have been having with my girls I needed to make something light and happy.

I have a friend's art journal in my possession and decided that was where I would play today.

The background is made using collaged dictionary pieces, covered with a Golden Glaze. Then laid over a Crafter's Workshop Stencil a spray with Memories Mist. Removed Stencil and sprayed Glimmer Mist in yellow.

Used a plaid Stencil for the circles, cut up a doily and sprayed with Memories mist & glimmer Mist in yellow. Yellow is not a color I typically choose but it seemed to lighten my mood and so it was used.

Found a quote I like a wrote with a Pitt Pen.

Now back to real life

Spring Tags

2011-04-18T09:32:00.002-04:00

I made up 5 tags for a swap over at PAO.

The theme was Spring. I had a lot of fun working on these. Old maps, Pitt Pens, Gelatos, Staz On ink, Stamps and Rub Ons all used to create each tag.

4ever

2011-04-16T11:45:00.002-04:00

We are having nasty weather here in NC so all the girls activities. I tried to act sad but it meant play time for me.

There is a challenge over at Swirlydoos to use odd papers (non cardstock/ non patterned) on your layout.

I have this pic that DH took of me and the girls while we were in Charleston that I love. Time to showcase it.

I used velvet paper and book pages as my "odd" paper. All the supplies came from the April Swirlydoos kit.

Tulips on my mind

2011-04-14T14:11:00.002-04:00

Made up some ATCs for a swap at ATCs FOr All. You needed to incorporate maps some how.

My backgrounds are collaged pieces of a vintage map of China. Covered in gesso, then stamped & stained and stamped again.

Rubons from 7 gypsies, Tulip stamp from Blockheads then colored with Pitt Pens.

I was so happy with how these turned out

Reading Terminal and Sketchy Thursdays

2011-04-12T13:19:00.002-04:00

I seem to be on a roll with Sketchy Thursdays sketch challenges. And this week it's sponsored by Addicted to Scrapbooking. Yippee!

The youngest dd's class ended early today, didn't make sense to drive home only to turn back. I brought 4 pieces of paper, some ink, sheet of letter stickers and a punch and the weekly sketch. Found an empty classroom and went to work.

The patterned paper is all My Mind's Eye, letter stickers are Jenni Bowlin.

Our yearly visit to Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. A must stop every time we are near.

Run Like the Wind

2011-04-11T13:57:00.002-04:00

Sketchy Thursdays has this sketch posted for their Guest Designer Challenge. As soon as I saw it I knew exactly what picture I wanted to use with it.

My youngest running on the beach in Kiawah. I didn't want the page to be too cluttered I wanted her to be the focus and this sketch was perfect (most of their sketches are perfect :) )

Bazzill Cardstock sprayed with Chalkboard Mist & Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels, Radiant Rain by Luminarte and Smooch Ink. (Lots of spray ink-I had to iron my paper flat after)

Then some Clearsnap ink rubbed through Sequin Waste for a bit more texture.

The larger Circle is actually Tulle (couldn't get a good pic of it) and the patterned paper scraps were from Crate Paper & The Girls Paperie.

All letters are from my stash--I NEED to start using them up I have so many.

Thanks Ladies for another awesome sketch

Happy Day

2011-04-11T07:26:00.002-04:00

After making my latest scrapbook layout I had a few scraps left on my desk. I also had a sort of ATC on my desk I had whipped up when trying my gelatos & shimmerz together. Not fancy enough to be a full fledged ATC but too pretty to get rid of.

Lucky for me I needed to make a birthday card for Anne (Happy Birthday Anne).

I took scraps of Prima and Basic Grey paper and just layered til I was happy. The ATC in the center was made using Gelatos by Faber Castell, Stencil by Club Scrap, and lots of Shimmerz paints for extra bling. The small stamp is Stampin Up and to finish it off I had a super small piece of ZVA Crystals flourish left over from my layout. It turned into a perfect swirl for my dragonfly.

Off to the mailbox.

Special Event

2011-04-09T11:27:00.002-04:00

Got a page done this morning before we head off to soccer.

My middle daughter's birthday is Feb 14-Valentine's Day. While I did want to acknowledge it I didn't want the hearts to dominate the layout.

I covered 4 chipboard hearts with Distress Ink and Utee. The background of the paper is done on Basic Grey using Pan Pastels (tell you I am loving them) and Crafters Workshop Stencil. Cut up some bling to get the swirls I wanted and used some flowers found in my stash.

Perfect layout for an 11 year old (at least that's what she said)

Pan Pastel Play

2011-04-08T12:57:00.002-04:00

So I ordered a selection of Pan Pastels from Dick Blick after everyone was raving about them on Scrapbook News and Review.

OH MY GOD!!!! I don't know why I hadn't ordered these before. The coloring of chalk application like paint. Definitely going to be my new "go to" item. All other chalk pastels in my possession are heading up to the High School as a donation. Seriously-try them and you'll be hooked as well.

Pulling them out to play I decided to use them in a friends Art Journal Signature (for a swap I am hosting over at PAO). I used some Crafters Warehouse & Club Scrap Stencils, Pan Pastels and a quote printed on vellum. The butterflies are made using a House of 3 scrap piece, sprayed with 2 glimmermist colors and Stampin Up butterfly die.

Perfectly Springy :)

Always Original

2011-04-01T12:32:00.002-04:00

another layout for Sketchy Thursdays

oldest and youngest at the beach.

All the paper is American Crafts. Tattered Angels & Smooch Spritz used to color the paper, Gelatos along the edge

Flourish by ZVA, and Rub Ons by 7Gypsies.

Always Original--what these 2 most definitely are

Play

2011-03-30T12:34:00.002-04:00

The rainy weather is giving me a perfect reason to stay inside and create today.

I've been wanting to play along with Sketchy Thursdays again and finally got the chance.

I love the sketches they post each Thursday.

This is my take on this week's sketch.

I used ScrapWithin Reach & Fancy Pants paper, bit of paint, Smooch Spray & Bobunny Chipboard to create.

Pics are one of my favorite subjects-Maya playing soccer.

Courage

2011-03-30T09:42:00.002-04:00

So Pam over at PAO issued a Poppies Challenge, and then I needed to get to work on my Art Journal Signature for our next swap. I combined the 2 into this piece.

The base is 140lb watercolor paper. I covered it with scraps from my bin cut into squares and rectangles applied with gel medium. Light coat of gesso, then several colors of Faber Castell Gelatos. The Poppy stamps are from Blockheads, colored with Copics & Faber Castell Pitt Pen Big Brushes.

Breathe

2011-03-23T15:40:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we are running around so much and everything seems to be topsy turvy. We need to remember to just BREATHE.

I covered a 5x7 canvas with 1" squares punched from Crate Paper Portrait collection, covered with Gesso & a light wash of Golden acrylic (yellow).

Stamped the flower (Blockheads) with StazOn & colored with various Copics, paints pens and Pitt pens.

Stamped Breathe (Club Scrap) and used gel Medium to apply.

Now it's time to stop and Breathe

Vintage Photo ATCs

2011-03-18T13:58:00.004-04:00

couple ATCs I did up today for a swap over at ATCsForAll.

Theme was Vintage photos, and as I love anything vintage I had to jump all over this.

Coach's Gifts

2011-03-14T10:40:00.002-04:00

So my oldest DD is the manager of her High School Wrestling team. As the season wound down she volunteered me to make the Thank You gifts for the coaches.

While she was the manager she was also the official team photographer as well. So she handed me so pics and said get to work (nicely I'll add)

I went to Michaels and bought 3 of these wooden frames for a dollar each (don't you love a bargain?). Covered them with gesso and then used Bazzill paper in school colors. The stamp is from Club Scrap.

Not to time consuming, and they look great on the wall.