Crystals Sparkle

a sign for Jill - Scrappy Bowl Challenge #4

2012-02-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

During a recent trip to Home Depot (not my favorite place, btw), I came across the glass & acrylic section. Bored out of my marbles, I picked up 2 thin sheets of acrylic that measures 8"x10". I knew I wanted to make a sign with them, but wasn't sure how I wanted to go about decorating it. The 4th challenge from the Scrappy Bowl was to make a project with some kind of pennant or flag. Aha!

I made this...pink...sign for my lovable, but sometimes crazy friend - Jill. :)

I used paper from a collection that I got at Ross some time ago - Vintage by Tapestry.

At the bottm of the sign, I made a small cluster of flowers, 2 Prima leaves, and I cut 1 pearl swirl bling in half.

I made the pennants by hand and they did not come out perfect. I added the small pink flowers at the bottom of each pennant to hide the goofs. :) I used Delight fabric Thickers in pink to spell out Jill.

I used the acrylic sheet as the base of the sign. With some muscle, I rounded the corners with my Corner Chomper. I don't think it liked that very much. Hmm... Might have to get some more. :D

"Be Mine" Valentine cards - Scrappy Bowl Challenge #2

2012-02-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

Hello again! Two projects in two days...as Joey says..."WHOA!" You know how much I love challenges.

For the 2nd challenge from this year's Scrappy Bowl (hosted by the fantastical Kathryn), I created two matching cards. The challenge was to use red, white, and blue - the colors of both the Giants and the Patriots. The card I made is pretty simple, so I created an identical card using different background paper from my stash.

The heart is a digital image from Tiffany Doodles. I colored the image using Rambunctious Red marker from my Bic Mark-It collection. As I said before, the background paper is just from my stash. Happy Valentine's Day!

"Be Mine" Valentine sign - Scrappy Bowl Challenge #1

2012-02-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I purchased 12 heart shaped chipboard pieces and I've been hoarding them for the perfect project. On Superbowl Sunday, Kathryn from The Scrap Beach hosted the 2nd Annual Scrappy Bowl Ustream. The first challenge was to create a project using a grid. Aha! Finally, a perfect project. :) And I created this "Be Mine" Valentine sign.

For the grid, I used paper from Making Memories "Love Struck" collection from 2010. Love this paper!

For the "Be Mine," I used the adorable font from the QuikCutz set Jolly. Love it! The paper I used came from DCWV's "Ghosts & Goblins" cardstock matstack. Sorry for the glare...

** Interruption for a previous project** Now this part is kinda funny. Last Friday, I tried to make heart shaped pins for Valentine's gifts. They looked so pretty with the glitter red foam...until my Glossy Accents attacked them. For some reason, the GA didn't dry correctly and the hearts were ruined. Bummer. Of course, I didn't throw them away because I hoped that I would be able to salvage them for another project. **Back to the project**

I was able to use one of the hearts from the precious project and I created a flower cluster around the heart. Luckily, it covered the crappy portion of the glitter heart. Flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. The black swirl bling is from a $1 set that I got last year at Expo.

Lastly, I added red lace around the heart that I've had for years. Hope you like the sign as much as I enjoyed making it. :)

"Sketch Book" - Scrappy Bowl Challenge #3

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

This one was really a challenge for me because I am not a fan of layers. No clue why, although I think it has something to do with the fact that my layers never seem to come out correctly. ::sigh:: I'm layer challenged...

For this challenge, I turned a regular $1 store sketch pad into my new sketch book that I think I'm going to use for card challenges. I hope...

Since I did not want to completely cover the front of the sketch pad, I included the original brown into the new design. I used paper from Colorbok's "Truffle" collection pack. It's a collection filled with beautiful browns and creams. I just adore this collection (even though I'm not a brown kinda girl).

For the title, I used foam "Cream Soda" Thickers. The name alone went perfectly with the "Truffle" paper. To give more dimension, I outlined the letters with a brown marker.

In case that wasn't enough layers, I pushed my luck and added 2 more. The first is from a very chocolaty brown ribbon. Yum! And last, I added 2 star/flower shaped brads just for kicks. :)

So...whatcha think? I want to get back into card challenges this year and I hope the sketch book will help me be more organized. If not, it'll be a cute gift to someone. :)

Wow...

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years! I hope you all had a happy and safe holiday season.

I know I am always saying this everytime I go missing, but I think I have a decent excuse this time. Why was I gone? Someone stole my mojo...

...not buying it? Some of you may know that I went to the Scrapbook Expo last February in Anaheim, CA. Shortly thereafter, I lost all of my paper crafting creativity for the majority of 2011. I did a few projects here and there, but my desk remained untouched for the better part of the year. Sad, I know. It is slowly coming back and I am wanting to create more cards as the new year starts.

Now, I wasn't completely out of the crafting loop. With my papercrafting mojo gone, the jewelry-side of my brain took advantage and I've been making a lot of new pieces. Which came in handy with my craft fair last month. Yay! I have a brand new jewelry/bead center (which has been hit by a tornado and has to be cleaned) and it is almost complete. Double yay!

I am looking forward to what 2012 has in store. Hopefully it includes my crafting. Just a heads up, I may be creating a new blog in the near future. I love this blog, but I think I need a change in name... Or something. I am not sure, but once I figure it out, I will let you know.

So... I am back! Finally going strong and I hope to have new projects to share with you in the upcoming week. One of which I made LAST YEAR (when I had a spurt of creativity), but totally forgot to share. Thanks for sticking by me.

Many Hugs!

P.S. I have learned my lesson... NO EXPO THIS YEAR!

July 2011 Crop Challege #4: Get 'Er Done!

2011-07-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

July 2011 Crop Challege #4: Get 'Er Done!

I'm on a roll! Ok, this one isn't a layout. :) The 4th challenge from Life on the {Scrap} Beach was to complete a kit or project that has been hidden from the light of day. A few months ago, I purchased the Basic Grey Indian Summer card kit from Big Lots. When I first got it, I went through a whirlwind of making all but 2 of the cards. I figured that this was the perfect time to finish them. Wahee!!

Thanks for stopping by!

July 2011 Crop Challenge #5: Home, Sweet, Home

2011-07-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

July 2011 Crop Challenge #5: Home, Sweet, Home

12" x 12" layout: The Houses of Wisteria Lane

For the 5th challenge from the July crop at Life on the {Scrap} Beach, I created this 1 page layout titled "Wisteria Lane." It features the beautiful homes that make up the famous neighborhood from the television show "Desperate Housewives." The show is filmed on the backlot of Universal Studios Hollywood and is one of the sets that is visited during the Studio Tour. This is the 3rd of many layouts that I will be creating for our trips to the theme park.

Once again, I used paper from K&Co. Roam (the entire album will be made using this paper collection). I also used paper from Making Memories Ledger pad, Colorbox chalk ink, and Recollections pearl bling.

I used Heidi (my Cricut) and the Jasmine cartridge to create the title "Wisteria Lane."

I printed out all of the photos in several different sizes. The first set were 4" x 6" and the second sized I used (on the row of smaller photos) was 3" x 2".

A close-up of the main photo and a bit of the journaling.

Recollections pearl bling. I used two for both corners on the right edges of the page.

The journaling... :)

Thanks for stopping by!

July 2011 Crop Challenge #3: Stars & Stripes Forever

2011-07-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

July 2011 Crop Challenge #3: Stars and Stripes Forever

12" x 24" layout: War of the Worlds

This is the 2nd layout I created this weekend for July's crop at Life on the {Scrap} Beach. This challenge was to make a layout or other project using stars, stripes, buttons and other embellishments to tell your story.

This two page layout is featuring photos from a recent trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. One of the attractions/scenes on the Studio Tour is the Boeing 747 crash site from the 2005 movie "War of the Worlds." Here is a brief clip from the Studio Tour. In awe of the plane (and because I seriously take a ton of pictures), I ended up with lots of photos that I wanted to use. I used Tim Holtz filmstrip die and cropped photos small enough to fit inside the die as if it was a film reel. I love how it came out! The only other embellishment I used was filmstrip ribbon and brads. Other than that, this is a simple layout. :)

The full 2 page layout. I used paper from K&Co. Roam, black Thickers, white cardstock, TH Filmstrip die, and TH Filmstrip ribbon.

Left side of the 2 page layout.

Right side of the 2 page layout.

The filmstrip die and tiny photos. Love how this came out.

Close-up shot of the title, journaling, and one big motor.

Filmstrip ribbon and 2 of the brads I used.

Thanks for stopping by!

July 2011 Crop Challenge #1: Lazy Summer Days

2011-07-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

July 2011 Crop Challenge #1: Lazy Summer Days

Nothing like a fun challenge to bring me out of a blogger slump! Hi ladies, I'm back (...again) and I have a layout to share with you. ::shocked:: I haven't finished a layout in a very long time. :) This layout is for a challenge from July's crop on Life on the {Scrap} Beach. The challenge was to create a layout, card or other project about the lazy days of summer. What is a better way to spend a nice summer day than at a theme park? I recently went to Universal Studios Hollywood with my folks for my mom's 55th birthday. Since we bought annual passes, I figured that there were going to be enough photos for a full 12"x12" scrapbook album. This layout is the first of many...

If you have ever been on Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Hollywood or Orlando, it is a fun ride! As usual, they take the corniest photo of you when you least expect it. We don't normally buy the photo, but we just had to buy this one. The look on our faces is PRICELESS! Between my mom literally graying in front of your eyes and the guy behind us scared to death, everyone looks terrified in one way or another. Since the theme of the ride is Egypt, I based my layout on traveling.

Enjoy!!

The majority of the items I used is from K & Co. "Roam" collection.

My journaling and ticket board from K & Co. "Cut 'N Paste."

The ride photo is hysterical. I can't believe I'm showing it to you. YIKES!

I wanted the tag to look a like a luggage tag. I used a mini Making Memories Safety Pin to attach a Tim Holtz token that says Journey.

The guy behind us...the look of terrified.

Thank you for stopping by!

Easter ATC's

2011-04-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

After hosting a fun (and rather large) Valentine swap on The Scrap Beach, I thought it would be fun to host an Easter/Springtime theme ATC swap. Now I have to tell you, I have a difficult time creating ATC's. I don't know what about them give me fits (it is probably the size). Here are my Easter themed ATC's that I created for my group.

My ATC's are also an entry into this week's bunny challenge over at Crafty Creations Challenge.

Enjoy!

I used a recycled cereal box for the base of my ATC.

The background cloud paper I used was My Mind's Eye ~ True Blue "Daydream" ~ Fine and Dandy paper collection. I used the opposite side of the double-sided paper for the back of my ATC's.

The bunny is from Provo Craft's Create-a-Critter cartridge. So cute!

I used two different Cricut cuts in this picture. The grass on the bottom of the ATC is from Plantin Schoolbook. The Easter basket is from Create-a-Critter. I simply cut tiny pieces of a light green cardstock for my Easter grass and used my Crop-a-Dile to punch out the small Easter eggs in pink, yellow, and light purple. The glittered eggs are brads that I got at the Scrapbook Expo from Eyelet Outlet. Love them!!

Here are all 8 of my ATC's (5 for my partners, 1 for myself, and 2 for friends) in their packages and with my information on the back.

Thanks for stopping by!

CPS #210 - sketch challenge

2011-03-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have a new card to share with you tonight. For this one, I used Card Positioning Systems CPS #210 challenge. Love it! I thought it was a good opporunity to use some more of my BG Kioshi. Gorgeous paper, but I needed to use it again. :)

Enjoy!

The sentiment came from Hero Art's "Everyday Sayings" clear stamp set. Love this set!!

I stamped this flower from a Recollections stamp set that I found on clearance a few weeks ago. Then I colored it in using my Bic Mark-It Markers. I wanted to try my hand at paper piecing and the flower is from Kioshi.

The sketch called for three squares along the side of the card. Perfect! I used some of my smaller pieces of Kioshi for this.

Thanks for stopping by!

some cards I've been making...

2011-03-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some cards that I've been making for various card challenges for the past month or so. I've gotten a bit lazy when it came to posting the cards on the blog. I take pictures like I normally do after finishing the card. Making blog posts for them is where I got lazy and before I knew it...the challenge was closed. ::sigh::

I have been on a pretty big organization kick lately. The area that I have been focusing on was my smaller paper scraps and I think I finally found a solution that works great for me. Yay! I will share it when I am completely finished with it. In the meantime, it has encouraged me to use more scraps. In the majority of the cards, that is what I did.

Enjoy!

The paper I used on the two cards above was Making Memories "Chloe's Closet."

The three cards above were made using Cosmo Cricket's "DeLovely."

The tag shaped card above was made using Cosmo Cricket's "Material Girl."

The two cards above were made with Basic Gray's "Kioshi."

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm back!

2011-03-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

Wow. Have I been neglecting my blog or what? I appologize for not posting for over a month. Things got a bit crazy for a while with one of our kitties. Poor Fluff (our three year old white male) was near death two weekends ago. He was mis-diagnosed as constipated for well over a month. For awhile, he would be fine and then it would come back. Well, he took a major turn for the worse and we took him to a different vet. Fluff was diagnosed with a blocked bladder/urinary tract. It was to the point where his bladder was a solid mass and his kidneys were shutting down. He was admitted for an emergency drain of the blockage. Two hours later, we got the call that he was going to be fine and his kidneys resumed working. For 48 hours, Fluff had to be hooked up to a catheter to drain his bladder. He came home last Thursday and got a clean bill of health this afternoon. Yay!

I have been working on some projects while I've been away. I will have some new cards to share tomorrow and some wall hangings that I made for friends. Still have to make videos for them and ship before I can share them with you. Sorry! Hopefully it'll be soon. Anyway, thanks for sticking it out with me.

Hugs,
Crystal

CPS Sketch #206 - "Hello"

2011-02-21T22:42:00.000-08:00

Before going to the Scrapbook Expo in Anaheim, CA this Saturday, I wanted finally use some of my older stash. I am happy to say that everything I used on my entry for CPS Card Sketch #206 has been in my stash since last year. Yay!

All of the paper I used came from Making Memories "Chloe's Closet." I love the bright, cheerful colors that are in the designs.

The green scalloped paper is one of the die-cut paper that came in the 8"x8" paper collection I won during my friend Kim's ustream last year. The grid paper is from the same collection.

The flower is a chipboard accent that I found in my stash is from Creative Imaginations "Narratives" by Karen Russell. I love how it just happened to match the colors in the card.

The "hello" is from American Crafts Trademarks "Lulu" rub-on transfers.

Thanks for stopping by! :)

ELC ~ Music Monday Challenge ~ "XOXO"

2011-02-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

As you all probably know by now, I love challenges. This is my first time entering Erin Lee Creative's Music Monday Challenge (eventhough I have been following her blog for a couple of months now). Love Erin's blog! For this week's challenge, she posted the music video for Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." Now I admit, I really haven't listened to her music before watching this video and I'm hooked. She's got an amazing voice. After watching the video, this is the card I came up with.

If you've seen the music video, you are probably wondering how the heck I came up with this card from the video. :) In one scene, there is a room filled with clear glasses with water. That gave me the inspiration to use a polka dot background (paper from DCWV "The dots, stripes, & plaids" matstack). The main colors used in the video are black and white. I added the red Prima flowers for a splash of color. The lace was simply from my stash.

Erin also gave an additional challenge of being destructive to the card. I had a difficult time with this and the only thing I could come up with that would work was to ink the edges of the white card base with Blackbird Colorbox Chalk Ink.

The three flowers are Prima Fabric Fancies. The white pearls are from Recollections.

The "XOXO" is from the Hero Arts clear stamp set called "Everyday Sayings." I love this set!

Thanks for stopping by. :)

a notebook...

2011-02-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

While cleaning and organizing my supplies for the past couple of days, I found my mojo. YAY! I also came across an old sketchbook that time was not nice to. Instead of just throwing it out, I tore out the pages and came up with this brand new notebook.

Since I do not own a Bind-it-All, I just punched holes using my three hole punch and used binding rings. For the front and back cover, I used cardboard recycled from a Costco box. :) The paper I used was Autumn Leaves Foof-a-la "Red, Black, & Cream." Pretty sure that is the name of it...

For the front cover, I wanted it to be simple since I wasn't sure what kind of notebook it would be yet. I covered a top note shape with cream cardstock, inked the edges with Fired Brick distress ink, and added faux stitching.

I used black "Poolside" Thickers to spell out notebook. I didn't have enough letters, so the first "o" in book is a bit wonky. Oh well. :)

I covered the inside covers using the same paper. The white paper came from the not-so-pretty sketchbook. :) I trimmed off the original spiral edge and then cut the pages in half.

Video to follow... maybe.

happy birthday...

2011-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I'm back! Wow, two card challenges in one night...my head hurts now. :) I need to get back into cardmaking shape. :) Anyhoo, this card is for Annabelle Stamps January Bling Sketch Challenge. It's been a long time since I've participating in their challenges.

It's just a simple card this time around. I used paper from Cosmo Cricket's DeLovely 6"x6" mini deck.

I used light blue bling from Recollections and the "happy birthday" stamp is from Hero Arts "Happiness Messages" clear stamp set.

This is a stamp that I won from Annabelle stamps...all I am saying is that it was last year. Yes, this was the first time I've stamped her. I colored her in with my new Bic Mark-It Markers. Have I mentioned that I love them? They are really making me dust off my stamps (thankfully!). I still need a lot of practice, as you can tell. :)

Anyhoo, thanks for stopping by!

your kindness warms my heart!

2011-01-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to be back making cards and participating in challenges. For awhile there, I thought my mojo would be gone forever. Phew! My stamps are sure glad it is back...especially my sentiment stamps. Anyhoo, to celebrate I thought I would participate in a card challenge that I've been watching for a while now but never participated in ~ Crafty Creations Challenges. Their challenge this week is called "Let's Heat it Up."

The inspiration from this card came from Basic Grey's new online class ~ Countdown to Valentine's ~ spotlighting their Hopscotch collection. The design is one of the cards Kristina Werner created this week for the 2nd week video.

I used paper from Autumn Leave's Thrift Store Collection. Yes, it is a couple years old. I wasn't scrapbooking or cardmaking a couple years ago and I just bought it a few weekends ago. :) So it is *new* to me.

For my *warm* cup of coffee (or tea), I used my new Fiskar's stamp set "Latte Love." I used my new Bic Mark-It Markers to color in the stamp. I am LOVING these markers. I still need a lot of practice, though.

Well, there is my card for this week's challenge. Thanks for stopping by!

thanks a latte...

2011-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, my aunt got me a $20 giftcard to Joann Fabrics. Yay! I wanted to make her a simple card using some of the new goodies I bought today with the card. This is the card I came up with tonight.

See? I told you it was a simple card. :)

Items I used:

Cardbase: Recollections Kraft Cardstock

Pattern Paper: DCWV's "The dots, stripes, & plaids" matstack

Stamps: Fiskar's "Latte Love" clear stamp set

The coffee cup stamp was colored with my brand new set of Bic Mark-It's (another birthday present). Love them!!

In case you were wondering what else I got with my giftcard (and because I do not do haul videos), I got a brand new bead board (because my old one is UGLY), a new pair of long nose pliers, and a couple new $1 stamps because apparently I can't say no to them. :)

altered picture frame

2011-01-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I have a new project to share with you today. Yay! This is an picture frame that I altered for a friend of mine. She wanted a frame for a picture of her parents. :) I used paper and some embellishments from Colorbok "Truffle" collection. I also used a gorgeous flower that two dear friends of mine, Sandy and Sue. They sent me some goodies for my birthday. Thanks!!

Enjoy!!

I'm ba-ack!

2011-01-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, I can't believe I've neglected my blog (and my followers) for a whole month. Yikes! The craft fair I did in December literally took the wind out of me and my mojo needed a serious vacation. We're talking a world tour vacation. I'm happy to say that it is offically back and we're roaring to go. It'll still be slow going because my scrapbooking corner and my beading corner are in shambles. Well, my scrapbooking is somewhat better after a huge cleaning push today. Yay! And I was able to sit down and make a birthday card for my grandmother and some chipboard butterflies (video and pictures to come later). Anyhoo, thanks for sticking it out. I'm back and ready to get to work. :)

In the meantime, here's a video that I made late December on some Poinsettia pins I made as small Christmas gifts. Enjoy!

12th month of Christmas entry

2010-12-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Sorry I have been MIA for the past week or so. I'm still recovering from the craft fair. Hopefully I'll be at 100% back to normal in a few days. Well, I'll be happy at 90% at this point. :)

Here is my entry for Kathryn's 12th Months of Christmas giveaway. Even though Kathryn's blog has it out for me, I still really enjoy entering her challenges and I knew I had to work with this new challenge.

This is also my tag for the gift tag swap that I hosted on The {Scrap} Beach. I hope my swappers like it. :)

Thanks for looking!

Happy Birthday, Heidi!

2010-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was one year ago today that I met my scrappy friend, Heidi. I was new to scrapbooking and I didn't think I deserved her just yet. After days of debating, I gave in to temptation. So dad and I ventured out on a crazy Black Friday morning to a store that was packed wall to wall of people. While dad searched for a parking spot, I ran into the store. After searching the crafting aisle to no avail, I asked an employee and thankfully, I was lead to the location. And there she was in all her blue glory. She sat there, waiting for me to find her, looking pretty on the display. I snagged her box and held her close ~ I didn't dare let her out of my sight. We waited for nearly 2 hours before we could finally leave the store and she was safely with us on our way home. Sadly, she sat in her box for a few weeks until I was brave enough to take her out during the December 2009 crop on the {Scrap} Beach. We were still getting to know each other's quirks and she was a bit of a pill that night. As time wore on, we became friends. She knows my quirks and I...well...she's still a mystery to me sometimes. In January, Heidi and I got our new scrapbooking nook {as we like to call it now}. She sits next to me and keeps me company while I scrap away. As I started working with my beads more, she now cringes as wire and beads go flying. I know she will always sit in her special spot next to me.

I hope you join me wishing Heidi a happy 1st birthday. She may only be a Cricut Expression, she will always be a machine with an attitude to me. ;)

Thank you for reading this. If you got to the very end of this post without bursting out laughing, then you are stronger than most. ;)

BIG Update & Etsy Promotion

2010-11-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello!

No, I'm not back with another project. Sorry. :) I am here with a craft fair update. Guess what ~ I'm in the craft fair!! Now I have to buckle down and get cracking. The fair is on December 4th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For those of you who are Beach Gals, that means I am going to be zonked out the night of the December crop.

Funny story ~ I've suspected for a couple of weeks now that I was accepted in the show. While doing some online shopping (and some banking) one night, I noticed a check had cleared. Now, I don't write checks at all. So I knew that was the craft fair organizer cashing it. I am so glad to finally know 100% that I am in the fair and that my booth number is 326.

To celebrate being accepted, I am having a free shipping weekend in my Etsy store. I will refund the shipping costs via Paypal. To visit my Etsy store, click here ~ Crystal Sparkles ~ or click on the neat widget in the sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a grrrrrreat weekend!!

New Dangles in Etsy!!

2010-11-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I have been a busy bee working on new charms for my Etsy store. I finished (and listed) 6 new dangles so far. And I have more in the works as I play around with my beads. Gotta say ~ I'm having lots of fun working with beads again.

You can reach my Etsy store by clicking HERE or by using my new widget on the sidebar. You can also click on a picture to be taken to that dangle's Etsy listing. :)

On to the dangles...

Teeny Tiny "Grateful" Sign

2010-11-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

Hello!! Happy November everyone. Wow...where has the year gone? Anyhoo, I'm here to share a teeny tiny sign that I made for Kathryn's 12 Months of Christmas giveaways. For November, the challenge was to create a project or layout using the theme "gratitude." The sign came out to 2 1/2" square using chipboard. I covered it with paper from last year's Recollection paper pack and then stamped with "Grateful." I thought it would make a cute magnet. Maybe another craft fair idea.... :)

Enjoy!!

more jewelry (lots of pictures)

2010-11-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

I tried to sit down and get caught up on cards last night. Needless to say...I failed miserably. I did finish a couple new necklaces and took more pictures for inventory.

Enjoy!

A bright silver butterfly paired with blue dyed Jade beads.

Gorgeous Green Adventure pendant and beads with gunmetal findings and wire.

I'm not 100% sure if this necklace will remain the same. I love all of the funky shades of green mixed with the funky shaped glass beads.

The two necklaces above were made with glass stones that you find in the floral section. I got a baggie of stones and these two were fantastic. I thought the green looked like a tulip and the blue looked like a wave.

Love this necklace. I don't remember if I had it at my last show or not. The grey heart and beads are ceramic paired with black glass beads.

The three necklaces above were all reconstructed from $1 store jewelry. BRIGHT! I think I'm going to start a collection of inexpensive jewelry with them that might appeal to younger people and kids. However...I love the middle necklace.

This necklace was made using two all white bracelets from Claire's during their 10 for $10. I added some black beads and gunmetal wire for contrast. Really like how it came out.

EARRINGS!! :) This set is my "mod-circle" set. I have no clue where I got the beads, but I love how colorful they are. :)

More earrings! This is my darker set of earrings made with gunmetal charms (except for the pearl flowers), chain, and ear hooks.

Some Necklaces...

2010-10-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hello out there in blog land! :) I took some pictures tonight for an inventory list that I need to put together and I thought I would share them with you.

Enjoy!

I love Carnelian! It comes in a wide variety of gorgeous oranges and goes great with a vintage vibe. That is what I was going for with this necklace. I used links from a gunmetal chain to connect the 6mm Carnelian beads.

This necklace was reconstructed from a vintage necklace that I found at a local antique store. It was originally strung on string. I dismantled it and used gunmetal chain to bring out the marble look on the beads.

This is just a very simple black and pink bead necklace with a pendant that I *borrowed* from a pair of earrings. :)

This faux pearl necklace is another reconstruction. It was originally a costume necklace from 1980's. I took it off the original string and used gunmetal wire to make the new links.

Yep! Another reconstruction from costume jewelry from the 80's. I call this necklace "My Blue Heaven."

These two "Peace" necklaces I made for fun. They were originally a full white and a full black necklace that I bought at a $1 store. After dismantling them, I mixed the beads together to get this black and white look. I like them and I think a younger audience might like them too.

I am not positive if I am going to keep this necklace intact. It's from my last craft fair. Got a lot of attention, but no new home. The large pendant is a gorgeous Watermelon Jade and the beads are Cherry Quartz.

I love this necklace. It is also from my last craft fair. I don't remember the attention it got, but I like it too much to take it apart. The beads are a collection of Tiger glass beads and the pendant is Strawberry Quartz.

some updates...

2010-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It has been a few days since I last checked in. I'm hard at work on another altered box and mini album. I've gotten addicted to boxes. While cleaning a few weeks ago, I unearthed a large wood box that I purchased years ago with the intent to alter somehow. It is now waiting in the wings along with another box I bought at Michaels over the weekend. Yay!

Remember those rings that I showed you months ago? Well, if you don't...you can find them HERE and HERE. I am finally putting them in my Etsy store. I have a couple up right now and I hope to have the rest up by Wednesday evening. If you don't already have the link to my Etsy store, you can either click HERE or on the link in the sidebar.

Beads...beads...BEADS! I have come to the conclusion that is time for me to reorganize the chaos I call my beading stash. I have been putting this off long enough. I am finding myself wanting to make more jewelry lately (I even bought new beads online tonight...wahoo!) and I really need to take stock of what I have. Can't wait until my new beads arrive (I bought some gemstones). Excited! Who knows...maybe I'll do a video when I'm done. ;)

And my final update for the day...I am still waiting to hear from the craft fair. I submitted my application and check a few weekends ago along with 15 (gasp) photos. :) In the meantime, I am working on new items. I don't have anything set in stone yet, but I am having fun trying new ideas. I'm so excited with the thought of going back into craft fairs. Not so excited with the idea of purchasing two new tables. Oy!

Well, that's all of my updates for the day. Keep an eye out for a blog post regarding the rings when I finish listing them on Etsy.

altered canvas with Graphic 45

2010-10-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

Yep! My first Graphic 45 project. While I was at my local scrapbooking store, I decided to purchase three sheets from "Domestic Goddess" to use for a specific project. The original idea didn't look the way I wanted it to look. Bummer! But I have an idea of how I can fix it...stay tuned!

Anyhoo, I decided to use the paper to alter a canvas that Bev sent me in a big box of goodies. Thanks Bev! The canvas started out bright purple and I had to use three coats of black acrylic paint to cover it. After that I mod-podged the entire canvas to seal it because the paint was chipping in some places. I used flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and lace from my stash. The bling I used also came from my LSS. Not quite sure what I am going to do with it yet, but I do like how it came out. Even though I did goof on it...my lips are sealed!

Hope you like it...

Pictures!

new items in my Etsy

2010-10-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am starting to get the hang of adding new items into my Etsy store. Since it was a rainy day today, I got lazy and sat at my desk for three hours doing videos, taking pictures, and listing lots of new things on my Etsy. Yay me! :)

Last night, I finally finished the two new coffins that I made for Etsy. Love how they came out. All three (including the original coffin) are different in subtle ways. I used the same paper (Recollections "Ravenhead Manor"), glimmer mist, and various other supplies. I made a video for each of the coffins (they are unlisted so they wouldn't clog YT) and I also made a short video quickly explaining the coffins. That is the video I have for you below. I hope you like them (and enjoy the video).

To visit my store, you can click HERE or click on my shop logo on the sidebar.

In addition to the coffin minis, I've also been working on new charms. It took me forever to list all of them, but they are on my Etsy.

My Etsy is OPEN!

2010-10-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wow. How long as it been since I've been promising my Etsy store? Ok, that was a retorical question. :) Well, it is finally OPEN! Yay!!! I am working hard uploading the first set of dangles as I type this. Up next is a 2nd set of charms and then some of my rings. I have been working hard of different items not only for Etsy, but also for my (hopefully) upcoming craft fair.

Anyhoo, don't forget to check out my brand new store by clicking HERE. Or you can also click on my store badge on the sidebar.

Thanks!!

skull charms & etsy update

2010-10-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hi! I have some new charms to share with you. I picked up a pair of adorable skull earrings the other day. Just as I always do, I came home and took them apart to make skull dangles for Halloween mini albums. They will be up on my Etsy (along with my other charms) this Monday. Yay!

Enjoy!!

tiny altered canvas

2010-10-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Not quite sure why I bought a canvas this small (it is 3"x3"), but I picked it up at Joanns last Friday and it was sitting on my table...looking at me. So, I gave in and worked with it. Altered objects are not normally my cup of tea and neither are canvases. But I decided to give it a go and this is what I came up with.

I made it for Kathryn's 10 month challenge for October. The paper is from Lemonade. Love it! I used one of the background sheets and tore the edges. The canvas itself is painted with pink acrylic paint. I edged the top with the same pink paint mixed with white and a tint of yellow. All of the flowers are Prima and the bling is from either Prima or Recollections. I made the butterfly with a cotton trim that I tied in half. I made the butterflies antena with silver wire.

Enjoy!

fragment charm on a bracelet

2010-10-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

For Kathryn's Tenth Month of Christmas challenge, I had to use my very best stuff on a layout or project. I've been hoarding BG's Lemonade for the past couple of months. This challenge made me dust it off and finally use it. I made a cute charm for a bracelet using Tim Holtz Fragment Charms. I love the concept of it, but the end result could be better. I can't wait to play with the idea more in the coming weeks.

Enjoy!

an altered picture frame

2010-10-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

While shopping at Joanns last Friday, I picked up a plain wood frame thinking it would be a neat new item for the craft fair. Fairly easy to make with not a lot of steps. I used paper from My Mind's Eye, metal embellishments from Making Memories, flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts and Recollections, and bling from Recollections.

I tend to give proto-types or practice items to various friends and family members. Last December, I took pictures for a friend of mine while her granddaughter bowled. I just happened to have our camera with me that night. After she finished bowling, I took an adorable picture of Christy (my friend), her husband and their granddaughter Lexi. Even though I copied the photos onto a cd for them, I also printed out the picture hoping to give it to her as a gift. I really like how the frame came out and I hope she does too.

Enjoy!

(I only have a video for now. I will be taking pictures later tomorrow. Stay tuned!)

October 2010 Crop Challenge #3: Howl at the Moon!

2010-10-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

October 2010 Crop Challenge #3: Howl at the Moon!

For this challenge, we had to transform an every day scrap item into something extraordinary & use a product in a way it wasn't intended. A couple of months ago (back in July actually), Kristina Werner's Make-a-Card Monday included a really neat idea for ribbon scraps. You can view the video here. I wanted to try this technique and I thought that this would be the perfect challenge to give it a go. Instead of using a card, I went really simple and just cut out a rectangle.

Enjoy!

October 2010 Crop Challenge #1: Fangs for Noticing!

2010-10-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, we were to use a paper piercer {or a large needle} to create a design elements on a project. I used a large yarn needle to poke holes around the edge of the pattern paper. Then I used DMC floss to weave in and out of the holes to create a stitch effect.

Enjoy!

Guess what...

2010-10-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

I am finally ready to get my Etsy store up and running. Yeah...just a few months past my deadline, but I'm ready to go. What am I going to list first? Charms! I am not addicted to making charms for mini albums. Quick...easy...and I'm using my jewelry stash again. Love it! As I am gearing up for a craft fair in December (cross your fingers that I'm accepted), I've been dusting off my jewelry tools a lot more often lately. This is just a sneak peak of what I have already made and are ready to be listed.

Thank you for looking and I hope you enjoy.

Decisions, Decisions...

2010-09-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

Ok all my crafty friends, I would like your imput on something... I'm considering doing a craft fair this December (if I get accepted).

A little background information ~ Back in 2006 and 2007, I took part in a local craft fair with my jewerly. I did okay and made my booth fees (and a little more) back. Most of all, I had a blast doing them. I'm painfully shy in person, so for me to even think about craft fairs was difficult. But I had so much fun! When I transfered to the university which I graduated from, I was forced to skip '08 and '09. Now that I graduated and have more free time on my hands, I would love to get back into fairs.

As far as items I would sell, it would be mainly jewelry (which you can see examples here and here) and some paper crafts (cards, bookmarks, etc).

So...any thoughts?

a coffin and a mini

2010-09-24T23:39:00.000-07:00

When an idea is rattling around in my brain, it usually doesn't go away until I attempt it. That was the case with this mini. A couple of weeks ago, Arlene (YouTube: MyButterflyKisses12) made a beautiful mini that fit inside one of those tiny wood boxes that were at Michaels for $1. Well, the idea played around until I came across the small wood coffin boxes at Michaels. I picked one up thinking it would be fun to try. It was a challenge, but I did have fun working on them.

Some of you know that I am celebrating my one year scrapbooking anniversary on October 3rd. The first time I ever scrapped was at last year's October crop on The {Scrap}Beach. Everyone was so supportive and have helped me grow as a scrapper over the year. To celebrate my anniversary, I decided to donate the coffin and mini to be a prize at the October virtual crop next month. Yay!

Enjoy the video and pictures!

My first tag!

2010-09-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know what has gotten into me lately. I seem to be having a lot of scrapping firsts. I made my first wall hanging for my parents (which they loved, btw). Then I made my first sign (it wasn't the fall sign ~ my first sign should be posted shortly). Then I distress with my TH inks for the first time. And now...my first tag. Ok...who slipped something into my drink? ;-)

This is a tag that I made for a lovely lady as a thank you. She shared some of her coin envelopes with me. Everything I used came from my stash. The tag was a chipboard die cut that Friday sent me. Thanks Tee! The paper is from K&Co. Greenhouse stack. I stamped the tag with a small butterfly stamp and then embossed on in white. And then I edged the tag with white acrylic paint. The flowers are all Primas. I just lightly misted them with Pearl Glimmer Mist. The pearls are from Prima and Recollections (the two white pearls). The ribbon and lace are also from my stash. I love the butterfly charm that I used. I connected it to a simple white bead and hung it from a small piece of chain.

I am pleased with how it came out. I still don't like tags, though. :)

Enjoy!

Autumn Card

2010-09-11T21:26:00.001-07:00

It's a sign for fall.

2010-09-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have a new project to share with you. Yay! :) I made this "Fall" sign last night for Kathryn's 9th month of Christmas challenge. Summer is almost over and we're moving into autumn. To celebrate the change of seasons, we were to make a project (card, layout, etc) that shows we are ready for fall. I got ready for fall by making this cute little sign. I started out not wanting to make a distressed sign because it does scare me. I nearly cried when it changed course on me and started going towards a more distressed look. I'm better now and I love how it came out.

I used the Baroque movers & shakers die from Tim Holtz Alterations. Everything I used came from my stash. Thank you Hope for sending me a couple. I must have this die! :) I used autumn inspired paper (not sure which collection). The flowers are from Wild Orchid (thank you Dawn for sharing some with me) and Prima. They were glimmer misted with Creme de Chocolate, Burnt Red, and Peach Delight. I cut out the leaves from the same paper collection and I used distress inks (Fired Brick and Vintage Photo) to color it. The lace was colored with Broken China and Vintage Photos. Lastly, the letters are acrylic letters that I got from Michaels last year.

Pictures!

I used wooden beads and wire to make the hanger. The beads are simple wood beads that have been stained dark brown. The wire is gun metal. I would like to color the lanyard hooks and the eyelets when I get some alcohol inks.

Thanks for looking. I hope you enjoyed and like my project.

Anniversary Gift for My Parents

2010-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have a new project to share with you. I made this simple and elegant wall hanging for my parents for their 32nd wedding anniversary this Thursday. I tried using items only from my stash. The only item I purchased specifically for the gift was the wood frame. The paper is from a K&Co. box I got at Joann's. I used lace and pearl bling from my collection. The title "Smile" was cut using Heidi and the Jasmine cartridge. And of course, I used my favorite picture of them from their wedding.

I have a video and a couple close-up pictures. Enjoy!

my first "grunge" mini

2010-09-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

A few months ago (I refuse to say just how many months), I took part in a 6"x6" paper swap with a handful of ladies. The paper that I recieved in the swap is what I've been using lately for card sets. I'm doing my best to finally use it. Yay! One of the collections was Cosmo Cricket's "Halfway Cafe." It is a very grunge/rustic/Americana collection. When I saw it, my friend Michele imediately popped into my head. The style fits her to a "T".

Fast forward a few months to a week ago. I came across the paper again and I didn't want to use it on just a bunch of cards. Instead, I decided to make Michele a little quote/story mini album. We've been internet friends for nearly 12 years and I'm going to fill it with funny stories of the both of us. I really hope she likes it.

Anyhoo, here is a video I made for the "Friends" mini I made for Michele. Enjoy!

"thanks for everything" card

2010-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! I have a new card to show you. Sorry I've been MIA for a week. I'm trying to work on my very first grunge mini for a friend of mine. It's coming along...but it is like pulling teeth. More on that later.

For this thank you card, I used the current sketch challenge from Friday Sketchers (#117). This is my first time participating in their challenges. I've been watching their blog for a month or so. Thought it was finally time to jump in. The paper I used came from DCWV's Pocketful of Posies matstack. The butterfly and sentiment are new $1 stamps that I got from Michaels on Saturday. Love them!

Enjoy!

August Beachiversary 2010 Crop Challenge #1: A Palette for All Seasons

2010-08-23T14:38:00.001-07:00

August Beachiversary 2010 Crop Challenge #6: Move Over, Mr. Rogers!

2010-08-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

August Beachiversary 2010 Crop Challenge #2: Trash to Treasure

2010-08-23T10:28:00.001-07:00

For this challenge, we had to use an object that was destined for the trash or recycle bin. Can you guess what I used? If you said those annoying subscription inserts from magazines...then you are correct! Kathryn gave me this neat idea and I ran with it. To color the insert, I used a range of blue Glimmer Mist. I started with the lightest blue and sprayed 4 or 5 different shades of blue. To get the tie dye look, I crumpled the paper and sprayed it with Sapphire. Neat, huh? I think I'll be doing this a lot in the future since I love magazines.

Enjoy!

August Beachiversary 2010 Crop Challenge #5: All Buttoned Up!

2010-08-22T00:46:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, I created a very simple card and used a button as the center of the flower (I normally use brads). I used the "Sand It, Tear It, Emboss It" paper from Recollections which I embossed with my new Big Shot (LOVE IT!) and a flower embossing folder. I glimmer misted the flowers with Perfect Peach and Starfish. I just used a simple pink ribbon to finish the card. I also distressed the edges of the background paper. :)

Enjoy!

August Beachiversary 2010 Crop Challenge #4: White on White on White

2010-08-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, I turned to my all white inspiration: Snowball. So I did a small 6" x 6" layout to hang on the wall. I used K&Co. paper for the background and I inked the edges with white paint. I also used the same white paint to ink the edges of the photo. The two flowers are from Recollections. I glimmer misted them with Creme de Coco for a cream tint and then Pearl for more glimmer. Add some hot glue and pearls...there you go! :)

Enjoy!

another collection bites the dust...

2010-08-08T00:19:00.000-07:00

So I sat down tonight with a small collection of paper that I got in a swap and my two card magazines. My goal was to use up as much of the paper as I could. And seven cards later, all I am left with are scraps. Woohoo! All of the paper came from GCD Studios "No Worries."

Enjoy!

Layer-riffic!

2010-08-04T12:00:00.001-07:00

I had the most difficult time with this card. I was on a mission to use up the tiny collection of DCWV's Craft Stack (more on that later) and by the time I got to this card...I had enough. It's not really my color style. With that said...I like how it came out. :)

I used the current card sketch (MMSC65) challenge from Priscilla Styles Midnight Madness. I love playing along with their challenges. :) This card ended up being layer-riffic. I'm not sure why, but the final layer count was seven. I think...there may be more lurking in there somewhere.

Enjoy!

I'm getting there...

2010-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Girls! I have been true to my word and I haven't purchased a new mini deck since I started my goal of using what I have. I've actually made big dents in two of my mini decks (BG's Kioshi and WeR's MVP) with recent projects. I tackled a smaller collection of 12 sheets from DCWV's Craft Stack that I got in a paper swap. From those 12 sheets, I was able to make 6 cards. Yay! When I was left with scraps that I could not figure out what the heck to do with them...I cut flowers using Heidi and Plantin Schoolbook.

Here are five of the six cards I made using the paper. The sixth card is for a challenge and it'll be posted later today.

Enjoy!

And here are the flowers that I cut out using the remaining scraps.

A "Cross Stitched" Just a Note...

2010-08-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

I love the paper that I used for this card. You can't really see it, but the paper has tiny little X's on it like it was cross stitched. Anywhoo, I used the current card sketch challenge from Annabelle Stamps. I changed the sketch a little bit by moving the scalloped edge down and I used a different decorative edge scissor for it. Yeah...I think that made sense. :) I used two flowers from the Recollections Flower Pillar and I glimmer misted them with two shades of blue. Finished off the card with green ribbon and a "Just a Note" stamp from Annabelle's Sentimental Bluebell set.

Enjoy!

For the Love of the Game

2010-07-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't posted a project in awhile. I've been busy working on a mini that I completed Wednesday night and gave to my friend Thursday night. Talk about a quick turnaround. :)

The mini is called "For the Love of the Game." I used a combination of MVP 6"x6" paper pack and a kit that I purchased from Tiffany (Stamping at Tiffany's). The mini started out as a chipboard topnote shape, but for some reason, I just wasn't feeling it. The pages were coming out a lot darker than I wanted and I didn't have the motivation. Actually...I hated it. Sunday night, I decided to start over and came up with this design. I cut out six file folders using Fabulous Finds (at 6" in black cardstock) and Heidi. Much better! It turned out to be a very simple mini. The embellishments and ribbon came from the kit from Tiffany.

I filled the mini with pictures of my friend and her son that were taken at my graduation lunch last June. We had so much fun. I gave her the mini last night and she loved it. Yay!

I hope you enjoy the video.

Books!

2010-07-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of a trip to Borders book store tomorrow, I decided to straightened up my "small" library of books. It didn't take very long considering I've been purging books like they have been going out of style for the past year. I donated numerous bags filled to the brim to a local thrift store. At first, I cried like a baby. But now...it feel's good. Here are some pictures of my new library. Thankfully, no pictures survive of the way it used to be.

To purge my books, I only had one method. I decided who were my favorite authors were and whether or not I would re-read the books. For favorite authors, I only have four: Tess Gerritsen, Iris Johasen, Alex Kava, and Rachel Gibson. As for books that I would re-read, I kept 6 Nora Roberts books. I do have a small classical collection of books like Jane Eyre, Pride & Prejudice, etc., that I would never donate. I just haven't found a place to keep them. When I purchase a new book, I either donate it or pass it on to a friend when I'm done.

So, this is my library. It is small, but I like it and my books are better off now. :)

Enjoy!

BELOW: My library lives on three shelves on a bookcase from IKEA.

BELOW: This shelf has my Harry Potter books (yes, I love HP) along with my high school and college diplomas, PKP certificate, honors cord, and PKP stole. The little white container holds various office supplies.

BELOW: This shelf is mainly for mystery novels. Yes, that is a cd player on the right. No, I am not that far behind in the times. It has an AM/FM radio that I use to listen to Duck games.

BELOW: This shelf has a mixture of mystery novels (that don't fit on the shelf above) and my small collection of romance novels.

Pink Owl

2010-07-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

For this card, I used DCWV Spring Flower stacks. The owl was cut out from the 12"x12" stack and the background pink came from the matstack. Flowers are from Prima Essentials and the bling is plain 'ol Recollections from Michaels.

The sketch for the card came from the current Priscilla Styles Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge (MMSC62). It has been awhile since I participated in their weekly card challenges, but I am glad to be back. Love them!

Enjoy.

Just A Note

2010-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

After a short hiatus, I'm back to making cards. Yay, right? :) My good friend Dawn-Marie was so kind enough to send me Cosmo Cricket's De Lovely mini deck and oh my gosh...LOVE IT! It inspired me to make this summery card. Thanks Dawn-Marie! The stamps I used are Annabelle Stamp's "Sentimental Bluebells." I adore this stamp set. And I also used Prima E-Line pearls.

This card was made using the current sketch challenge from Annabelle Stamps.

Enjoy!

Life on the {Scrap} Beach Challenge #6 ~ "Socks"

2010-07-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

July 2010 Crop Challenge #6: All My Memories

For the final challenge from this month's crop, I had to find a picture that brings a smile to my face. I choose what has to be the cutest picture of Socks. When she first joined our family exactly one year ago, she loved to play on the bed. Snowball sat nearby to keep a very close eye on her. Socks (as usual) was obvilious to just played to her heart's content. I still laugh when I watch a short video clip I made of Socks that day.

At this point, I was so tired of 12"x12" pages, so I went with a 6"x6" mini layout that I am going to hang in my bedroom.

Enjoy!

Life on the {Scrap} Beach Challenge #5 : "4th of July"

2010-07-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

July 2010 Crop Challenge #5: Raise Your Glass!

For this challenge, I had to use a clear dimensional glaze. Well, the only one I have is Glossy Accents and I used it on the circles at the top right hand corner of my 4th of July fireworks layout. I wanted to give me a shiny look and I think I accomplished it. Sorry that it is hard to notice in the pictures. Special shout-out to Heidi for cutting the "4th of July."

Enjoy!

Life on the {Scrap} Beach Challenge #4 ~ "So Happy Together"

2010-07-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

July 2010 Crop Challenge #4: The First Cut is the Deepest

For this challenge, I had to use pattern paper that I've been saving for the perfect layout. Now I have a confession...I don't have a lot of 12"x12" pattern paper. What I do have, I usually rip right into it. So there really isn't paper that I've been saving. BUT! I did get a page kit from Making Memories that I adore and haven't had the perfect project for it...until now. :) "So Happy Together" is a layout about my parents. The picture is from my mom's birthday dinner at Joe's Crab Shack last month.

Enjoy!

Life on the {Scrap} Beach Challenge #2: Baseball game layout

2010-07-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

July 2010 Crop Challenge #2: Back to Basics

For the second challenge, we had to create a layout without any pre-made embellishments. I decided that it would be a perfect challenge for a recent baseball game I went to with my folks. I took about 500 photos. Ok...more like 100. :) But that is still a lot! So I knew it would be a photo heavy layout and I decided to not add any extra embellishments other than a ticket stub that serves as a title.

Enjoy!

Life on the {Scrap} Beach Challenge #1 ~ "Smile"

2010-07-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

July 2010 Crop Challenge #1: Head in the Clouds

For the first challenge, you were to create a layout that captures what it was like to be a kid in the summer. When I think about the summer, I think about baseball games. I love seeing the excitement on Jarrett's (my friend Pauline's son) face when we go to an Angels game. Her boss treats his employees to a baseball game each summer. Since they are allowed to invite family and friends, Pauline has invited myself and my folks the past three years. I took this cute picture of Pauline and her son last year's baseball game.

Enjoy!

Life on the {Scrap} Beach Challenge #3 ~ "Let's Go!"

2010-07-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

July 2010 Crop Challenge #3: Sketching the Night Away

For this challenge, we had to use a recent sketch from Becky Fleck's Page Maps. Yes, I did another layout of Snowball.

Enjoy!

new laces and trim

2010-07-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

There is a local thrift store that is owned and opperated by a local church. I love shopping there. We got to make a side-trip to the store today and I found some really pretty laces and trim that I thought I would share. Can't wait to work with them in some upcoming projects. :)

a new card

2010-06-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Yes, I am back with a card. :) This card is for the current challenge from Annabelle Stamps. Check out their adorable blog and the awesome new stamp sets they are releasing.

For the card, I used paper from GCD Studios "No Worries" collection. The butterfly is from a $1 Inkadinkado stamp from Joann's. I heat embossed it with white embossing powder and popped it up with dimensionals.

Enjoy!

cards for my friend

2010-06-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I have a friend that is battling cancer. She was recently admitted to the hospital for an unknown amount of time. Last night, I got to talk to her husband for a little bit and got an update on her condition. She is out of intensive care and is in DOU. I wanted to do something for her that would make her smile. At first, I thought about making a card for her, but that didn't seem enough. Instead, I made her seven cards. One card for her to open each day of the week. To hold the cards, I took a larger mailing envelope (similar to a manilla envelope) and covered it with K&Co. Chocolate Neopolitian paper and embellished it with Primas that I glimmer misted. I also used Heidi (my Cricut) and the Jasmine cartridge to cut out "my friend." It's not a big gift, but I hope it is something that will continue to bring a smile to her face for the upcoming week.

I totally forgot to take pictures of the completed gift, but I did make a video. I hope you enjoy the project and possibly get ideas. Thanks!

Annabelle Stamps New Releases

2010-06-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Annabelle Stamps has new releases that will be coming out soon. To celebrate, they are giving away 4 of their adorable stamps sets to 4 very lucky winners. To enter, go to their blog, grab a blinkie for your blog, and spread the word. The contests ends June 21st. Good Luck!

Two new card sets.

2010-06-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

In my mission to use more of my paper, I spent the past couple of days working on two new card sets.

The first set I made using the terrier cut from Create-a-Critter. That paper I used all came from DCWV's Pet Stack matstack. Such cute paper! I have had a tough time trying to work with it and I'm glad to use it again. I used Kraft cardstock for the cardbase.

This next set of cards, I also used a cut from Create-a-Critter. In addition to the cutest animals, Critter also has other adorable cuts like this flower. I used white cardstock for the flower and leaves so I could glimmer mist them in various colors. The paper is from DCVW's Spring Shower Stack (another matstack I own). I made eight cards total in this set, but only six of them will get packaged. The other two will be sent off to friends.

Thanks for looking!

Rally Monkey

2010-06-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I have a new layout to share with you. I used the current layout sketch challenge from Posh Designs Scrapbook Store for this layout I titled "Rally Monkey." The sketch uses 3 pictures, but since I didn't have 3 pictures (of my mom with her monkey), I used the middle picture space for my journaling spot. I used paper from We R Memory Keeper's MVP collection. Love it and I am so glad that I'm finally using it.

Enjoy!

A card "for you."

2010-06-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

I told you I would be making more cards. :) For this one, I didn't use a sketch challenge. I used paper from Cosmo Cricket's Nerdy Bird mini deck (purchased from Live. Teach. Create). I simply adore this collection. It took a lot for me to really cut into it.

Enjoy.

No More Paper!

2010-06-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

I have a slight addiction to paper. Not 12"x12" paper...my addiction is with smaller stacks. Matstacks, mini decks, 8"x8" stacks...you get the picture. When I started making cards and minis, my attention shifted and resisting mini decks became harder and harder. My collection just kept growing until it no longer fit it the drawer unit I was storing it in and a stack of paper that I kept nearby kept growing until I knew something had to change. As fun as it sounds, digging through paper to find the right collection was not condusive to my creativity.

After some pondering, I came up with this solution to store my smaller packs of paper. I used this container to store other scrapbooking supplies (I moved those supplies to the drawer the paper was in). Thankfully, all of my packs fit. It is snug, but I can easily flip through them to find what I need.

To keep my collection under control, I made a promise to myself. I decided that I am not allowed to buy a matstack until I clean out atleast 4 of my smaller paper collections that I recieved in trades, make a dent in atleast 1 matstack (those things are HUGE!), and make a dent in a mini deck. It may seem a bit harsh, but not only will it make me use my paper, but it will also encourage me to make more cards. A win/win situation. :)

Three years ago today...

2010-06-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Taking a quick break from scrapbooking to honor a very special day. It was three years ago today, my Anaheim Ducks became the 2007 Stanley Cup Champions. I laughed, I cried. I'm surprise I didn't pass out. Those two months took 10 years off my life. A few days following game 5, we stood (baking) outside the Honda Center for several hours to celebrate the Cup with the team and thousand of screaming fans. That was such a fun time.

Ok...back to scrapbooking. :)

"Hello"

2010-05-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Another simple card that I made using the current card challenge from Posh Design Scrapbook Store. The paper I used came from Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl mini deck. Very fun paper!

Enjoy!

"Green Eyed Monster" layout

2010-05-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

It's not a card! WOW! :) This is a 12"x12" layout that I completed using the current challenge from Posh Designs Scrapbook Store. The layout is about our kitty cat Fluff (titled "Green Eyed Monster" for his beautiful green eyes). I used paper from DCWV Pet Stack and chipboard stickers from Heidi Grace.

I have yet to take pictures of the layout. Until then, enjoy the video.

Happy Birthday, Cupcake.

2010-05-27T20:46:00.001-07:00

A birthday cupcake for Bev. :)

Pack of Notecards.

2010-05-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to share a quick gift I made for my friend Michele. Michele and I are book/craft buddies. We meet in an AOL chat back when they were popular and she stuck by my through a difficult time. I made her my first ginuea pig for notecards. I was thinking about making notecards a possible item to sell at craft fairs and in my Etsy store (should I ever get my butt in gear) in the future. What do you think? Yay or nay? :)

The paper I used was K&Co. Chocolate Neoplotian Stack. I made 6 very simple cards and envelopes. The circle was cut with Platin Schoolbook and the M came from Jasmine. The clear bag the cards are packaged in is Darice Treat Bags that I got at a party supply store.

I appreciate any feedback. Enjoy!

Birthday Bee!

2010-05-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I couldn't let a day pass without showing you a new card I did with...wait for it...Create-a-Critter. Surprise! :) This time, I made the bee (changed it up a bit and didn't add the cheeks). The yellow paper is from K&Co. (not sure which collection). I used my scallop scissors to do the scallop edge. Yes, I am that far behind and I do not own edge punches.

Enjoy!

For you...

2010-05-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Before looking at this new card, I just wanted to say that from here on out, I will just be posting cards in groups. One per day or per week, I'm not sure. I will post cards for challenges seperate. I wouldn't want you to get bored with my cards.

Here is the last card for today. A simple card using the Sun from CAC.

Enjoy!

For Cass...

2010-05-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Just a simple card I made for my good friend Cass. I used Create-a-Critter (surprise!) and the paper is from DCWV Green Stack.

Enjoy!

Hoot!

2010-05-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I love Create-a-Critter? Although the owl had issues, I still think he came out cute.

Enjoy!

Merci!

2010-05-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

I love Create-a-Critter! Just another simple card with the poodle. I'm not 100% in love with it, but I think it is a cute card. The background is just black cardstock and the ribbon is pink with white polka dots.

Enjoy!

A flower for you.

2010-05-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

My final card for tonight is just a simple card with no sentiment. I'm not sure where the paper is from. But I love the different colors in it and how it matches well with the brown. The vase stamp is from Annabell Stamps. I watercolored it when my Prisma Watercolor pencils. Love them! Then I added a Prima for the flower in the vase. And the ribbon is a brown satin which I tied in a knot.

Enjoy!

Buttons & Butterflies

2010-05-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

Buttons, buttons...who's got the buttons? Oh, thats right. This card does! Ok yeah, that was a tad corny. Sorry. :)I used this week's challenge from Priscilla Style's Midnight Madness as inspiration for this "Hello" card. I'm not quite sure where the blue paper is from, but I love it. I embossed the butterfly ($1 Inkadinkado stamp from Joann's) and hello with white embossing powder. I was so happy to finally use my buttons! After organizing them, they were just sitting in their jars looking sad. :)

Enjoy!

Simple Birthday

2010-05-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I come to you with a simple birthday card. I modified the card challenge from Annabelle Stamps Blog just a bit and this is what I came up with. I used paper from GCD Studios "No Worries" collection. Very cute paper that Bev sent me. I added 6 rhinestone bling and stamped "Happy Birthday."

Enjoy!

My Craft Buddy

2010-05-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Isn't it a dream of every crafter to have a craft buddy? Someone to sit and chat with you. Someone to bounce ideas off of. Or someone to just keep you company while that project is driving you insane. I'm happy to say that I have a craft buddy. She loves to sit with me while I'm working on a project. Just sits there and watches me. Wherever she may be...she is a constant source of inspiration. Even if she sits in glossy accents before they are dry.

My craft buddy is....Snowball!

Who is your craft buddy?

Create-a-Critter!

2010-05-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know about my recent obsession with Provo Craft's Create-a-Critter cartridge. I adore this cartridge and I am now a proud owner of it. Wahoo!! Critter arrived on Thursday and last night (Friday), Heidi and I sat down to play with it. Oh, which adorable critter to choose first. We went with the cutest little alligator and made a simple card. So cute! I am in love and I can't wait to make more projects with Critter.

Enjoy!

BG Card

2010-05-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! I have another card for you. This card was made with the PDSS sketch challenge #14. I already complete the layout sketch earlier this week (Blue Eyed Beauty). For the card, I used paper from Basic Grey's Marrakech. I love this collection! :) As usual, I added a Prima flower. The three smaller flowers were made by my friend Dawn-Marie.

Enjoy!

"Hi!"

2010-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another card that I made for a friend. The idea came from my new magazine "Just Cards." I love it! You will be seeing more cards from that magazine in the future. :) This is just a simple card that I made to say "Hi". The paper is from Imaginsce (really cute paper...wish I had bought more of it). This is the first card I've made with Kraft cardstock! Yay! :)

Enjoy!

Flower Card

2010-05-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I have another card for you. This one comes from Priscilla Styles Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge (MMSC53). I just made the card really simple. The background paper is from DCVW Glitter Stack (which has flowers on it). I used three loops of ribbon, 3 brads, and three flowers. I'm not quite sure what I think of it, but here's the card. :)

Enjoy!

"Blue Eyed Beauty" 12" x 12" layout

2010-05-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Your eyes aren't deceiving you. I actually made a layout! I know it has been forever, but it's good to get back to my neglected photos. :) This is a layout that I made for Snowball titled "Blue Eyed Beauty." The paper I used came from Deja Views "Home Collection" (the polka dot and brown circle). The idea came from PDSS's first ever layout challenge.

Enjoy!

White Primas that I glimmer misted with Denim Blue and Creme de Chocolate.

It's Snowball! Sorry for the funky colors on her face. I had my blinds open and the sun reflected from windchimes and made her face all pretty.

"Beauty" was cut using the Jasmine cartridge.

I made my own mini alphas using my computer. Then I glimmer misted them with Denim Blue and cut them out.

Small Box

2010-05-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

Let me get this out first...I hate boxes. No matter what I do, they are never even. Phew, glad that is off my chest. I found this cute jewelry box at Clearly iStamp. For some reason, I thought I could do it. Well, it resembles a box. Sadly...it is no where as pretty as her jewelry box. I do like that it is small enough to fit on my desk and hold flowers from the small Prima tubes. Yay!

Enjoy!

NSD cards

2010-05-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few cards that I worked on this past weekend. I didn't have the creative mojo to scrapbook on NSD, but I did make lots of cards over the weekend. I posted these before, but I decided to take them down and post them all in one blog entry. Thanks for looking!

Enjoy!

For this simple card, I just used scraps from the pink and black card I made a few nights ago.

For this card, I used paper that I bought years ago from Joann's. Not sure why I bought it, but I'm glad that I was finally able to use it. The able was cut with Heidi using Serenade cartridge.

This super simple card was made with Nerdy Birdy music paper and bright yellow Primas.

Although I don't like pink, I adore this card. I used DCWV's Flower Shower pack for the two pattern paper. Just a super quick and PINK card.

2010-05-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

Just another simple card. I used PDSS CSC13 over at Posh Designs Scrapbook Store. I used paper that I bought years ago and just found (woohoo). Using Heidh, I cut out the circle and scallop border in a coordinating blue cardstock. Added a thin yellow ribbon for extra interest. :)

Enjoy!

"For my friend..."

2010-05-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

Guess what ... I'm back! I haven't been paying much attention to my blog and for that, I'm sorry. My creative mojo hasn't been around much. I think it went on vacay. I have also been concentrating on a mini album that I did for a swap (video to follow in a day or two). I am back and I hope to show you more projects. :)

I made this simple pink, black, and white card for a friend of mine. The creative woman that is getting the card gives off an elegant vibe, so I thought these papers (which came from DCWV All Dressed Up) fit her perfectly. The idea of the card came from this week's sketch is Priscilla Style's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #51.

Enjoy!

a new card

2010-04-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Girls! I have a new card for you. The sketch for this card came from PDSS Sketch Challenge #12. I used paper from the matstack of DCWV's Blossoms & Butterflies. I embossed the flowers in white and added Prima flowers.

Enjoy!

Smiles

2010-03-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

For this card, I used the new PDSS Sketch Challenge. Yay! :) The paper is K&Co. McKenna (I got it last November in a paper swap and I'm finally using it). Lovely paper! This card is part of a card RAK from Cricut's message board. I don't know the recipient, but I hope she likes it.

Enjoy!

Potted Flowers

2010-03-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight I have a new card to show you. It is from a flower pot card challenge from Project Tuesday. Heidi (the Cricut) and I used Serenade cartridge to cut the flower pot. I cut it twice to make a pocket for the insert. The flowers are Prima and the paper is from DCWV Glitter Stack.

Enjoy!