Thank you 2008

Here's a quickie card using Becky Fleck's latest fun sketch. Many thanks to my loyal blog followers for all the supportive comments you have left for me this year. Here's to twelve new months full of creative possibility! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Family A-Faire

I got a chance to knock out this layout before 2008 winds to a close. I had some fun photos from the Renaissance Faire held at Conner Prairie back in October. Mind you, I still have a ton of photos from this event in 2007 that I want to put into a mini album...but that's a story for a whole different blog post! This layout uses an awesome sketch by Becky Fleck of PageMaps fame. She just plain rocks. Details for this layout are here.

Merry Christmas!

It's not too often that I get to scrap photos so quickly. I really loved how this photo from Ian's gingerbread party turned out, so I ended up getting it onto a layout pretty fast. Thanks to my friend Jen for taking such a great pic for us! I used some stash stuff on this layout and some new stamps from Hero Arts. Details for this layout are here. Click the photo for a closer look.

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Spend time with the ones you love, take photos of all of it, then scrap like the wind! ☺

Walk Down Memory Lane

In November I flew home to Pennsylvania with my son Matthew to help my mother recover from open heart surgery. While we were there I was able to share some childhood memories with Matthew - like walking down the wooded lane to the house. He sat in the tree where I escaped to read books as a child, and he jumped in piles of leaves from the very same tree. For me this trip was as much about connecting with him as it was about helping my mother. I am grateful for the family time we shared.

I made this layout using the November sketch by Di Hickman which was also her 1000th blog post. Isn't that wild? Congrats on all your hard work, Di - you are an inspiration to so many! Happy birthday wishes, too!

The coolest thing on this layout for me (besides the fun photo ♥ ) is the tree border cut with my new QuicKutz Silhouette. Click the photo for a closer look. Details for this layout are here.

Super Savings!

Here's a little reminder about the store closing sale at SBO. Everything must go and the savings are big. Check out all the great products available at the Scrapbooker Online Store!

ALL ORDERS RECEIVED BY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18TH

WILL BE SHIPPED NO LATER THEN DECEMBER 20TH.

ALL ORDERS WILL RECEIVE A FREE GIFT!

Scrap in the New Year!

Scrapbook Express VS Memories From The Attic

If you are any or all of these: an avid scrapper, love to share your unique creations, love to chat on the message board and encourage others with praise, then Scrap in the New Year is just the contest for you! Not only will you be playing as an individual, you are playing towards bragging rights for your favorite site! Regardless of whether you are on the winning site, 5 players will win prizes!

Contest starts January 1, 2009 but contest activities are taking place right now! Please join us for a good time and get ready to scrap away the month of January!

Sweet Success!

Ian's second grade class made gingerbread houses today, so I was lucky enough to go along and help. It's so fun to hear the ideas of these kids - why they choose certain types of candy and how they turn them into architectural and landscaping details. We attended Conner Prairie's gingerbread event last weeked looking for ideas, so today was especially fun.

Here's Ian's finished house, complete with mailbox and raised flag. There's a patio in the backyard and plenty of snowballs. I wonder which one will taste the best? ☺

Cuddly Critters

Apparently I am going through a warm and fuzzy stage. (Someone please sedate me!) Perhaps it's temperatures that are sitting in the 20's that have me making projects covered with sparkly snow and furry critters. In any case, I really ♥love♥ them! Here's a card made with awesome Core'dinations Black Magic cardstock and a Cuttlebug embossing folder. The darling little fox is a QuicKutz die. Don't forget to check out Caardvarks for our current cardstock-only challenge!

This card also uses a double-whammy helping of the embossing folder as well as more Core'dinations. (Do you see a little trend here?) The large snowflake is also QuicKutz, the smaller two are Martha Stewart punches. I threw in some sparkly stuff and that adorable Changito monkey stamp by Stampendous. It doesn't get much better than this. ☺

Creative to the Core!

You've probably seen advertisements for Core'dinations Cardstock...it's fantastic, heavy-weight, specialty cardstock. The Core'dinations Group sent gobs of it to the Caardvarks Crew to play with, and we couldn't stop ourselves! Who needs patterned paper when working with a color-core cardstock? We didn't. You can sand Core'dinations Cardstock, tear it and antique it to reveal a hidden core color. Try it with your favorite embossing tool...you'll be amazed at the result. Visit Core'dinations for ideas and how-to videos.

Challenge: Create a *new* card using no patterned paper! Upload your entry to our Flickr Gallery for a chance to win a generous prize package from Core'dinations. Be sure to 'tag' your entry with "core". This prize package is a prize that you can sand, tear and antique to make your crafting projects truly unique! The winner will receive $55 worth of Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock! Prize includes an assorted Black Magic pack and an assorted Vintage Collection pack. Also included will be 4 different Super Assortment 4.5"x6.5" packs that have 2 sheets each of 160 colors.

We couldn't fit all of our Core'dinations creations into one post - the Caardvarks Crew put together an entire gallery full of Core'dinations Cardstock-only items...check it out here. We can't wait to see your stuff, so be sure to join our Flickr Group and post your entry!

Each and every one of my projects uses at least one Cuttlebug embossing folder. I seriously think these things are amazing!! The embossing pops through so well - all you have to do is sand a little and voila! Now go make some amazing cards. That prize pack ROCKS! ♥

'Tis the Season with SAR

Fa la la la laaaa la la la la! (Are you actually singing? I was! ☺)

Join us at (Some) Assembly Required this month for a new challenge. Many times the holidays mean an extended family meal. This challenge is all about helping your table shine a little brighter! We challenge you to alter something, candle holders, napkins, table runners, place mats and place holders come to mind, to add to your holiday table.

When you are done, take a photo of your beautiful creation and link it to us in the comments section of this SAR post by midnight on Dec. 31st. We will add it to our Holiday Table gallery. If it is easier for you, please email us a photo. On January 1st we will choose a winner who will receive a lovely RAK of holiday crafting goodies!

My little box is open inside - perfect for a flower arrangement, silverware bundles, breadsticks, candy canes...basically anything that will fit inside. I used paper and flowers from Making Memories and a Martha Stewart snowflake border punch. Click here for the details. Can't wait to see what you make!

Of Good and Evil

I got an order from SnapFish this week, so I'm back to scrapping layouts a bit. The bulk of my projects lately have been cards and altered items, so it was fun to scrap some photos again. This is for Ian's album, but I had to sneak that awesome photo of both boys on there. This layout has a ton of new products from Making Memories, My Mind's Eye, Jenni Bowlin and Teresa Collins. Click for a closer look. Throw in a little Stickles and I'm one happy scrapper! ♥

Scrapbooker Online Sale

It's a sad day for sure, but the Scrapbooker Online is closing its doors. Be sure to stop by and check out the huge discount being offered on remaining supplies.

*Price in cart reflects discount. Limited to in stock merchandise only. Not valid on furniture, gift certificates, or SBO classes. No backorders! While we do our best to keep the inventory accurate if an item is out of stock a full refund will be issued for that item and you will be notified at the time of shipping. Free Shipping for all orders over $100!

Me So Corny

Ok, that title just cracks me up! For the new challenge at Caardvarks, we're gathering inspiration from a photograph...create a card that is inspired by this photo. Upload it to the Caardvarks Flickr Gallery by December 3rd at Midnight PST for a chance to win a spot as our Guest Designer for the Caardvarks 2009 kick-off challenge on January 1st! We'll be choosing several Guest Designers to help us begin a creative 2009 with a card challenge.To find instructions on posting to our Gallery, click here. Good luck!

My card features an OLD stamp that was just gathering dust. After some hand coloring I knew that I wasn't going to be happy with just that. Something bit me to dig deeper in my stash, and I came up with some wonderful tiny amber, rust and brown beads. I glued each one on individually using Glossy Accents, turning each bead to the side to make sure that the hole did not show. It was piddly work, but totally worth it! Can't wait to see what you make.

Creative Concepts - Fourth Quarter 2008

Sharing time again! Here are the projects that I had published in the Fourth Quarter 2008 issue of Creative Concept's magazine, available at Hobby Lobby stores. Click on each photo for a closer look!


This "Boo Bag" started as a clearance paper mache bag and ended as a fun treat holder or decoration. Here's a little shout out to my bud Di Hickman who's on the same page with me! ♥


I experimented with flocking several months ago, and this card was one of my examples. The holly paper came pre-flocked, so they matched up perfectly. Lots more projects are on the way!

For the Love of Ambrosia

Did you ever find a new product line that you want to absolutely SWIM IN? Every few releases from Basic Grey I find myself completely immersed in a new line. This time it's Ambrosia. I bought the 6 x 6 paper pad (which I adore for cardmaking!), the glazed brads and some cream flourish rub ons. I have been having a lot of fun making cards including this one for my sweet friend Leslie. Here are a few more:

You can find the complete line of Basic Grey Ambrosia at Scrapbook Express. Stop by, check out their "Give Thanks" sale and tell them I sent you! ☺

Thankful Notebook

Since I was away in Pennsylvania helping my mom recover from open heart surgery, I was without internet (is that even legal?) and unable to post the new (Some) Assembly Required November challenge. Better late than never I guess!

With Thanksgiving on the way, we decided to alter notebooks with a Thankful theme. Link us a photo of your creation in the comments section of the SAR post or email us a photo by midnight, November 30th. On December 1st we will randomly draw a winner for a Making Memories "Noteworthy" prize pack including papers, a journaling notebook, tiny alpha stickers, glittered flower stickers and a few other surprises!

NOEL - Say It WIth Letters

How exciting! Here is my first official project as a new Say It With Letters Design Team member. This new Fancy Noel set of letters was so fun to alter. I was inspired by the graceful curves of the N and the clean lines of the other letters.

For many of my altered letter projects, I paint all the letters the same base color regardless of what patterned papers I am going to use. For this set, I painted the letters to match the main color of each paper - two red, one ivory and one green. I love the end result! The papers are from the new Little Yellow Bicycle "Sharon Ann Christmas Magic Collection" which help accentuate the elegant feel of this graceful font style. A few simple embellishments finish this set of letters - they are ready for holiday decorating or gift giving!

Making Memories rub on, Strano ribbon, Michael's ribbon

Prima flowers and holly leaf, Making Memories glitter brad

Prima mulberry paper ornament, Ranger Stickles, Offray ribbon

Unknown resin wreath

Each letter is outlined with Holly Stickles which helps unify the classy look. Be sure to check out Damboise Designs online store for tons of new holiday letters, shapes and kits!

Our Creative Outlet

It is with sadness that I share the news that Scrapbook Corner is closing. I have been teaching there for about two years. Several store designers have joined forces to create an exciting new business called Our Creative Outlet. Our papercrafting projects are now being sold at Logan Village Mall in Noblesville, Indiana. You can also check out our blog and contact us for custom orders or to purchase items featured on the blog if you are not an Indiana local. We'll be happy to ship projects to you!

Chocolatey Goodness!

We're cuckoo for cocoa at Caardvarks! This challenge is about *NEW* cards made with chocolate - the color, the food and drink, or both! Check out the new uploading instructions at Caardvarks and submit your card(s) by midnight on November 18th. My card uses some fun supplies. The mug and steam come from the Christmas Cheer Cricut cartridge. The font is QuicKutz Moonlight. It also uses two of my favorite scrap products in the world - Ranger Stickles and a Cuttlebug embossing folder. You can find nearly all of these products at Scrapbook Express. Can't wait to see your chocolatey creations!

Carmen and Jack

Who says that Halloween is just for kids? Scott and I decided to get in on the fun this year and attended a superb party on Friday dressed as Carmen Miranda and Captain Jack Sparrow. I'm fairly certain that this was both the first *and* last time that Scott wore more eye makeup than I did!!

Initial Reaction

It's challenge day at Caardvarks! Create a *NEW* card with a monogram and link it to us the comments section at 'Varks by November 3rd at Midnight. We'll be happy to upload your creations but please keep in mind that only new items will be considered for the prize. The Caardvarks Crew will choose the winning entry and the creator will receive a Cosmo Cricket Crafting Kit along with a Cosmo Blackboard Memory Box!

I created the card above using my Cricut (Opposites Attract cartridge), some wire and a fun Studio G stamp. What could be easier? Details for this card are here.

Cards Magazine - August 2008

Today I'm just catching up with sharing a recent publication with you. This card was published in the August 2008 issue of Cards magazine. It was a card that I made on a crop weekend with some dear friends. I just love how this magazine photographs the projects they publish - it only enhances the overall design in my opinion. Click the image for a closer peek. Thanks for looking. ♥

I'm in Great Shape!

Well, ok, maybe I'm not in *that* great of shape...but I am a proud new member of the Say It With Letters design team! ☺ I have been fortunate enough to work with letters and shapes from Deb Damboise several times this year, and now I'll be getting my monthly fix of her products. Special congrats to Julie Masse and Heather Simpson-Bluhm who are joining the team with me for this term. We have some very talented designers to keep up with! Stay tuned for my first project coming soon!

Octoberville

Well, this is it! We are fully into the month of October which is my personal favorite of the entire year. If you have ever stood at the bus stop with me or walked through a pumpkin patch with my family, you know how I feel about blue skies, cooler temps, pumpkins and the smell of fall. I fully intend to build a dome over my property, climate control the entire thing, and charge admission to my own version of paradise, OCTOBERVILLE. Who's coming?

Well, until that happens, I'll have to take great pictures and scrap them to cherish these precious times. Here are the pictures we took of the boys at Potter's Bridge and Russell Farms, both located in Noblesville, IN.

Scor-It!

The Design Team members at Caardvarks were recently given the mini Scor-It tool to try for demo purposes. What a cool product! The mini is great for smaller projects and cards that require specific measurements. (Wendy, don't laugh at me!) The scoring tool itself comes on a chain to attach it directly to the board, which on my disaster of a desk is a total necessity!

I created the treat box above with a single sheet of patterned paper, some eyelets and ribbon through the top, and a clear bag that holds the treat inside. I was thinking that it would make either a fun gift for an expecting mom (spa gift card, chocolates, baby sitting coupons!) or even a baby shower favor for guests.

I tried using the mini Scor-It board for more of a design purpose on my Halloween card. I embossed lines in a web-like pattern on Coredinations cardstock and sanded away the black surface. On another attempt I might get better at lining up my web lines. Clearly mother nature has me beaten at this skill!

This envelope required a bit more engineering, but the Scor-It mini made it very easy! I used one sheet of double-sided Reminisce paper for the entire thing. I trimmed an 8 x 12 inch piece and created the main folds for the outside of the folder. The remaining 4 x 12 piece was cut into two 4 x 6 pieces, and accordian folds were added using the Scor-It mini. When I added the accordian folds to the sides of the folder I turned the paper around to see the pattern on the back. You can just as easily keep all the patterns together when assembling...your choice! A fun pom pom trim and two velcro dot closures were the finishing touches for this project.

I also created cards for inside the envelope with a Scor-It embossed, inked and stamped border.

My final Scor-It project also used the embossing and sanding technique. This Cosmo Cricket Cogsmo paper already has distressing on it, so adding real sanding fit right in! The mini Scor-It makes even spacing a snap for this embossed and sanded border.

A very big thank you goes out to HAMMONDSgroup, Inc. for their generous donation of tools for the team. Be sure to check out the Scor-It Gallery at Caardvarks for all the amazing projects created by our designers. The Scor-It website also has a project gallery, downloadable PDF instruction files and video webisodes to help you get started. Check it out!

And if you're up for a challenge, use scoring of some kind of any type of papercrafting project and link back to this Caardvarks post by midnight on October 18th to be eligible to win a Scor-It mini of your very own! ☺

World Cardmaking Day

Happy World Cardmaking Day! Check out all the challenges being offered at Scrapbook Express in honor of today. See you there!

Pick a Perfect Pumpkin

Or at least alter one! That's the challenge for October at (Some) Assembly Required. Alter a pumpkin of any kind and link us up by All Hallow's Eve at witching hour to be eligible for our hauntingly wonderful prize. You can alter pumpkins made of wood, carvable faux ones, ceramic, even the real deal! This little beauty was made with my recent favorite product - crackle medium. If you heat up the final paint layer with an embossing gun you get a very cool bubbled look which conveniently resembles pumpkin rind. Just think of the possibilities!

Big congrats to our September winner Kelli Smith! Take a peek at her altered lunch pail here.

And Mrs. Loftus, if you read my blog, SURPRISE! ☺

Christmas is Coming...

at least in terms of cards! I have been having a lot of fun making Christmas cards for various challenges. This one is for the Simple Saturday bling challenge at SBO. Go check it out! Details for this card are here.

eek!

More fun from Say It With Letters! When I earned my recent guest design spot with Deb, I took the opportunity to buy an extra set of her products to alter. Here's what I made!

The bat uses Doodlebug sugar coated cardstock, red bling and Platinum Stickles. Click on the image for a closer look at the pattern on the bat.

This e uses the Verbal Creep paper from Reminisce.

This white e uses spiderweb paper by Art Warehouse/Creative Imaginations.

The k features Halloween Whimsy Orange Swirl paper by K & Co. All three letters have Orange Peel Stickles around the edges and share one pack of Jolee's Boutique dimensional stickers.