Scrappin' it Sweet 'n' Simple

2012 my one little word. . .

2012-01-21T23:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years for 2012. . . Resolutions, not me - I've given up on New Year's resolutions years ago and for good reason. . . who really follows them anyways. Talk about setting yourself up for failure and so, I've opted to go with the "one little word" from Ali Edward's blog site. In 2011, my one little word was "advance". 2011 definitely held plenty of "advancement", and so now that I've seen my share of advancement for one year . . i need some time to grow some roots, increase nourishment, freedom to pursue new ideas, create some balance and most of all, grow to love myself.

So in 2012 i will:

File Folder Mini Album

2011-12-22T01:03:00.000-08:00

I happened upon this tutorial/video from Splitcoaststampers, it was a "File Folder Notebook, by Jenn Diercks"

The idea of using a file folder definitely got my attention, I've been wanting to make a mini out of one of these for quite awhile now. Well here is my take on this tutorial.

I chose to use papers from Prima's Printery Collection along with their diecuts and embellishments and made it into a mini album with plenty of pockets and tags. I used one of Tim Holtz's swivel clasps and a locket from Melissa Francis for the closure.

Hope you like it. . .

MERRY CHRISTMAS. . .

2011-12-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

"HOW MANY KINGS" by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

All for me

All for you

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas filled with the Revelation of God's Great Love!

MAS 2012 Flip Calendar

2011-12-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Mini Album Scraps had a Flip Calendar Swap for 2012 and I chose the months April and September. . . This challenge was a little tougher as we were only allowed to use the colours: black, cream, & kraft cardstock and one other colour for each month.
Here are my pages for April and September:

MAS Recipe Card Swap

2011-12-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

So here is my take on the Mini Album Scraps Recipe Card Swap. . . We make six recipe cards exactly the same, keep one and ship off the other five to the Swap Coordinator, where she in turn sends us recipe cards from five other participants. I can hardly wait to get my recipes in the mail.

I absolutely love the vintage look and so I chose Graphic 45 papers for this recipe card. The graphics are from the Graphics Fairy; one of my most favourite places to hunt down amazing vintage graphics.
I created a pocket on the opposite side of the card so I could tuck in the recipe for the Cream Cheese icing, along with an extra tag for any alterations they may want to make to the recipe.
I sure hope my swap team enjoys their recipe and card!

MAS - Toilet Paper Roll/Soap Box Mini

2011-11-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

Finally got this one done. . . the whole idea behind the toilet paper roll/soap box mini is going green and recycling what we use around our homes. Nice way to turn trash to treasure! My swap partner was Audrey Hannaford from Muncie, IN and it was definitely an honour to get to know her while doing this mini for her.

I used a combination of toilet paper rolls and soap boxes on this mini and tried to create as many pockets, flaps and foldouts as possible for additional journaling and pictures.

I asked her what line of papers she liked and she chose the Basic Grey, Indie Bloom Collection. Got to say this wasn't an easy line of papers to find here in Alberta or in the Okanagan Valley. To bad, because the colours are all so vibrant definitely great for beach/ocean pics.

I sure hope you enjoy it Audrey. . .
I've decided to revamp the cover. . . I'm not happy with it. . . grrrrrr!

MAS Swap - Coffee Sleeve and Coin Envelope Group with Steampunk Theme

2011-10-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well here it is my version of a "Steampunk Mini" made from coin envelopes, which I made from a tutorial I found on Youtube. Mini Album Scraps (MAS) has really been good for me, moving me out of my scrapping comfort zone and bringing some great challenges for me to grow ~ I'm loving it!

I chose to use Prima Printery Collection along with Graphic 45 Debutante paper collections. I loved them both and couldn't decide which way to go - so I combined them. You will see a lot of Tim Holtz hardware throughout the album along with bits and baubs I picked up in around jewelry department at Michaels and at Hardware stores. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I sure hope my swap partner loves it. She asked me to gear the album toward "Friendship" and so that is what I did.

I am so fortunate, as this time around my swap partner is from Calgary, AB and because we live fairly close we have decided to meet for lunch and do a "One on One" Swap. . . I'm really super excited to meet her - it's really been fun getting to know her.

Well there you have it. . . my first "Steampunk Mini".

Supplies:
To follow. . . .

MIA - uh huh. . .

2011-10-14T18:50:00.001-07:00

...but i will be back shortly with lots of pics to show you

Simply Smashing - Junk Journal Swap & PP #31

2011-09-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

This Junk Journal was for my very first swap. . . I sure hope this is what she was looking for. My partner is from Maryland, USA. She is a wife and mother of one preteen daughter. I tried to accomplish everything on her "Wish List" but the album just kept getting fatter and fatter. . .LOL!

I will also use this for the Scrapbooker's Playing in Paradise Challenge #31 - Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!

SCT's P12 Layout - June 2011

2011-09-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

So here is my layout for June's P12 Challenge. Finally. . . after fiddling with the final details I'm done! Had to position the snowflakes just right. I've had this sitting on my dining room table for over a month now (how sad).

Now onto August's sketch. . . looks so fun!

SUPPLIES:
Paper: SEI - Winter Song Collection; MME Bella Bella - French Flea Market Collection; Matting - Bazzill Cardstock
Snowflakes: EK Success Punches & Edgers; Maya Road Chipboard
Alpha: Me & My Big Ideas - Silver
Embellishments: Decorative Brads - Pink Paislee, Lush Collection
Inks/Mists: Donna Dewberry - Med Gray; TH Distress Embossing Ink; SU Embossing Powder - Hologram Highlights; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Twilight & Graphite

SCT's P12 Layout - July 2011

2011-09-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my layout for July's P12 Challenge . . . . finally (phewww) and June's is on it's way, just putting the final details on it. Slightly behind schedule, but I'm almost caught up and August's P12 layout should be on time. . . Yahoooo!

I wanted to take advantage of this challenge to get all my vacation pics scrapped and into my album. So you will definitely be seeing more of our trip through the western states. Day One (1) we left Alberta and headed into Montana, absolutely gorgeous going through the mountains and the pastures where we found this young foal; ohhh so adorable!

I've created a little accordion file on the layout for plenty of journaling and a few extra pics. Tried to keep it pretty natural, using jute, copper coloured eyelets and choosing earth tones for the layout. I also used TA Chalkboard Mist to darken the jute, just to give it a lil pop. And of course lots of distressing and sewing on the paper, two of my most favourite things to do. . . Well I hope you like it - June's should be coming out shortly, then August. . . I know I'm a lil backwards. . . LOL!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: Kraft Cardstock; MME - Out & About, No. 1 Floral Paper; BoBunny - Timepiece Collection

Matting: Bazzill Cardstock

Alpha: Creative Imaginations - Western; Pink Paislee - Daily Junque Wood Alpha

Embellishments: Jute - Western Crafts; Eyelets - American Crafts; Star Clip - Dollar Store

Inks & Stains: TH - Black Soot, Vintage Photo & Pine Needles

Mists: TH - Perfect Pearls Heirloom Gold; Tattered Angels Chalkboard - Decadence

just trying a lil Mixed Media - PP#31

2011-08-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

This works perfectly for the Scrapbooker's Playing in Paradise Challenge #31 - Flowers, Flowers, Flowers.

Playing in Paradise Challenge 26: Tags, Twine and Buttons

2011-08-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

While on vacation in Seattle we located a scrabooking store called "Paper Zone" ; very nice store, bright, spacious and lots of stock to chose from. Well in my shopping adventure there, I found these very cute little paper bags and they just happened to fit a tea bag perfectly, who knew. . .
SUPPLIES:
Paper: Cosmo Cricket - ; Kraft Card Stock
Small Paper Bag( to hold tea bag): Paper Zone
Stamps: Stampin' Up
Crinkle Ribbon: Pixie Dust Paperie
Button: MME - Tres Jolie Collection
Ink: TH Distress - Vintage Photo
Twine; and 1- Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea ~ yummy!

German Plum Küchen

2011-07-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I finally took the time to find a recipe for German Plum Küchen. Talk about a walk down memory lane, I can remember when my German Grandmother use to make this. . . so I can hardly wait til it's down to see if it tastes the same. . .

So once I made the base and patted into the bottom of the spring form pan I put lots and lotsa plums on it. . .

Making the crumb topping. . . I can't believe how easy this recipe is! Although the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon; I'm making this for a surprise for my mom and she does NOT like cinnamon, I know it's hard to believe!

sprinkling the crumb topping on . . . so I'm just about done and ready to put the Plum Kuchen in the oven, I turn around to look for my little helper and this is what I find. . . she's definitely a Princess - doesn't like to get her lil paws into da flour ;D

and Ta da ~ here is the finished product!

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 lb butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 pinch salt (only if you use unsalted butter)
1 teaspoon lemon, rind of
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups plums, pitted and sliced into thin wedges

TOPPING:
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, cream the butter, add the sugar, vanilla, egg, lemon peel, sour cream and salt (if desired).

Mix the flour and baking powder and add that into the mixture.

Grease the base of a round baking pan and spread the dough over the pan.

Liberally spread plums over the dough.

To make the optional topping, cream the butter, add flour, sugar and cinnamon.

Sprinkle over the plums and bake for 30-45 minutes in the middle rack at 375 F.

Be careful not to let the bottom burn!

Serve with lots of freshly-made whipped cream.

If you like, you may also sprinkle rum or cinnamon over the fruit before baking.

{Sketchy Thursdays} 7.14 Sketch

2011-07-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

I know it's hard to see with these photos but I've hand-cut the flowers and have layered them, using various heights of pop dots to give lots of dimension.

SUPPLIES:
Paper: Pink Paislee
Alpha: Girl's Paperie
Rub-Ons: MME
Ink: TH Distress - Vintage Photo
Date Stamp: Dollar Store

Rip it Up for Ribbon Challenge

2011-07-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Here is my Rip it Up for Ribbon Challenge Entry

This wasn't my original project. . . but as I had to leave town unexpectedly. . . I decided to use this piece (one of my favourites) as the entry for the "Rip it Up for Ribbon Challenge". Sooooo, when I get back home I will post the piece I originally designed for this challenge. I had great fun with the ribbon and look forward to using more ribbon in my upcoming projects.

My Fabric Arrived. . . .

2011-07-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Look what I got in the mail yesterday ~ oh the colours make me so happy. I found this company online, as Red Deer's fabric stores are so limited (there is only one store).

Lattice in Seaside

Dahlia Lama in Seafoam

Dancing Rain in Seaside

http://hawthornethreads.com/home

Hawthorne Threads is where I got these fabulous pieces of fabric. I was very impressed with their quick service (even while the postal strike was on).
Their prices are reasonable and the shipping and handling is even more reasonable. . .
I only purchased 1/2 yard of each pattern just to ensure the quality and to determine whether the company was a reliable source. Well they definitely are and I'm definitely getting more! I am one "Happy Camper". I'm going to be busy making basket liners, several small lumbar cushions and who knows where else it will lead me. These fabrics will coordinate well with the others I've already chosen (pictures on a previous post).

You should check them out, bet you can't buy just one piece of fabric. . . LOL!
You an also check out their blog at: Hawthorne Threads Blog.

Playin' in Paradise Challenge #22

2011-07-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Wooo Hooo another Playin' in Paradise challenge! And one of my most favourite scrapbooking techniques "SEWING". I enjoyed this challenge along with a few techiques I learned last week at Scrapbooker's Paradise at their "Toonie Thursdays", using Tim Holtz Distressing Inks. . . "sew" much fun!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: White & Black Cardstock

Digital Graphics: Graphics Fairy and French Laundry - 2007 Sande Krieger (Two Peas in a Bucket)

Lace/Ribbon: American Crafts - White; Dashes, Dots & Checks - Red Velvet

Font: dafont.com

Button: my Grandma's collection

Pin: JBS - Superior Stick Pins

Distressing Inks: TH Ranger - Wild Honey & Vintage Photo

Misc: Ranger - Glossy Accents for the Dress Form & Spool

Royal Watching & Happy Birthday Canada

2011-07-03T00:36:00.000-07:00

I have been so intrigued with the Dutch and Duchess of Cambridge, . . . I've been enjoying their "Royal Visit" to Canada from a distance and can hardly wait until they get to Calgary, AB. What a wonderful memory of Canada's 144th Birthday, What a Celebration! I think I could become a Royal Watcher.

This is one of my favourite photos of them since they've arrived in Canada.


(Geoff Robins / AFP - Getty Images)

Have you seen the "Stampede Facinators" ~ Little, Tiny Cowboy Hats, they are so hilarious and so much fun (not for me. . but still fun). A group of Canadian friends were so excited over the royal visit coinciding with the Calgary rodeo festival this weekend that they decided to give the British facinator a western twist. Ride 'em Cowgirl. . . Yahoo!


(Anne Fraleigh, Nancy Cherniwchan, Jennifer Waslen Doepker)

(Nancy Cherniwchan)

Happy 144th Birthday Canada. . . this one will go down in the History Books!

"Some of my Favorite Things"

2011-07-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

I was reading a blog post over at "The Vintage Moth" about what her "5 Favorite Crafting Products" were and it got me thinking, what tools or products do I love or use the most when when I am scrapping or re-purposing. So I've listed a few (to me a few is 7) of my favorites other than your basic scrapbooking kit:

1. "Scor-Tape" - this double sided tape actually sticks ~ I love this stuff!

2. "We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper". This baby cuts through thick chipboard and I use it for more than scrapbooking.

3. "We R Memory Keepers Cropadile" - again another top notch product that punches through even metal.

4. "Creative Memories Personal Trimmer" (and yes this is what mine looks like, I still have one of the old ones and it works like a charm) It's especially good for making smaller cuts and trimming photos. Think I will have to upgrade soon to the newer model with the little accessory drawer underneath.

5. Also from Creative Memories their "All-Purpose Scissors" - they are a professional-grade scissor with a comfortable grip and are honed to stay sharp, cut after cut. I've had mine for years and to me it's a must have!

6. A good "Self-Healing Cutting Mat" - I have the MS Foldable Mat and I love it!

6. "EK Success Non-Slip 3x15 in Ruler" or a Quilters Lip Edge Ruler along with a good rotary cutter or blade.

7. "Anna Griffith Ink Pad - Chocolate". I absolutely love this ink and colour, especially for distressing the edges of paper, cardstock, chipboard. . . and of course for stamping. It just never seems to run out of juice - amazing! I usually order 3 or 4 of these at a time from Quirks of Art in the States. Can't seem to find them in Canada anymore - what a cryin' shame!

Well there you have it. . . just a few (7) of my "Favorite Things". Really, I could probably list another 7 but these would probably have to be my Top 7 right now.
So what about you, what are some of your favorites?

SCT's P12 Layout - May 2011

2011-06-28T10:17:00.001-07:00

Here is my play on this month's P12 Challenge:

SUPPLIES:
Paper: Bazzill cardstock; MME fine and dandy - Tickled Pink "Delicate" & "Wonderful"
Rub-On: MME fine and dandy - Tickled Pink "Delicate" & "Wonderful"
Alpha: Colorbok - XY&Z Craft Paper Stickers
Buttons: Dollar Store
Lace: Random lace dyed with Twilight Glimmer Mist
Tags & Birds: Colorbok - Flea Market Die-cut Accents
Punch: EK Success Bracket Edger

Playing in Paradise Challenge #21

2011-06-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

I got the joy. . . I got the joy. . . of playing along with the gals from Scrapbooker's Paradise this week. Every week they run the "Playing in Paradise Challenge" and you just never know what they will come up with. This week it was "Let's Do Christmas in June".

Here is my take on Nancy's Christmas Challenge. A Christmas Journal, 'cause it's only 6 more months 'til Christmas you know! So I might as well get started with writing down gift ideas, recipes, card lists, etc. . .

Playing in Paradise #20 at Scrapbooker's Paradise Blog

2011-06-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my take on this week's challenge at Playing in Paradise. . . my first attempt at a waterfall card. I really loved making it and it wasn't as hard as i thought it was going to be, and more scraps of paper are used up too!

My Scrapbooking Room Redo - Update II

2011-06-19T01:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a little peek at what I've been working on, and I'm so glad I incorporated the turquoise and chartreuse. . . these pictures don't even do it justice! I've been so busy spray painting, sewing, sorting and reorganizing.

Michaels had there Jetmax storage modules on sale for 50% off this week ~ so I definitely took advantage of that sale. I also found these gorgeous storage bins and boxes at the Homesense store in Red Deer, they were still unpacking them as I got there. . . oh what a find! I especially like the fabric boxes below - the colours are so crisp!
Think I will try my hand at sewing a dust cover for my Cricut and Cuttlebug too, and if they turn out who knows what else I may create. . .

Here are just a few of the fabrics I've managed to find in Red Deer. We only have one fabric store so it can make it difficult to find what you are looking for. So glad we can order online now - so that's exactly what I did. I have a few more coordinating fabrics on the way.

Another great find were these cute little metal flower pots from IKEA - not sure what I'm going to use them for yet, but the price was great and I love the laced top on them. One thing all scrapbooker's know, you can never have too much storage ;o)

And the great finds just continue, with this 2-Tier Basket in black rod iron. Yuppers I found it at Costco for $14.97. I think I'm going to use it for the loose ribbons, antique laces and trim I have.

Well there you have it. . . so far! I have a lot more work to do - plan on reupholstering my $2 yard sale chair to match my room. . . Thanks for checking in!

Playing in Paradise #19 at Scrapbooker's Paradise Blog

2011-06-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

What a fun challenge. . . I love purses, so here's my take on Allison's Playing in Paradise Challenge for this week!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: All the papers used for this card are leftovers from other projects. I am determined to use up some of my scrap paper ~ it's a tough job but somebody has to do it ;o)

Purses: Dollar Store

oh what to do. . . so many colour choices?

2011-06-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

Color by COLOURlovers

So what do you think of this colour palette for my scrapbooking room? I just happened upon a piece of fabric that I fell in love with from Michael Miller. It's called "Sanctuary Dahlia Lama Seafoam"; or

Should I stick with the black and white damask and possibly a few retro prints? Remember my room is BM's Sundried Tomato! (as seen below). My desk, shelves and table are all white.

Color by COLOURlovers

PS - thx for your help Sara!
Well I guess you will just have to wait and see what I end up with as soon as I finish cleaning up this mess. . .

Under Construction . . . again!

2011-06-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

My scrapbooking room is such a mess! So.... when I went to Edmonton on the weekend, for official business of course, i decided to make a quick stop at IKEA and pick up a few more shelving units to house some of this clutter. I am still not finished my update from last July - i just keep getting so distracted with all this paper ;o)

I was even thinking of repainting - but I stopped myself! I'm having to remember that energy is in short demand these days and so I must finish what i started! I am so in love with the robin egg blue, but i will stick with the Sun-dried Tomato, and the white and black damask. . . think i will still incorporate some bird cages, Parisian and Shabby Chic items into the mix - just no Robin Egg Blue (sigh, sniff, sniff).

I'm struggling with the layout - lately my brain has been so scrambled - i know it will work better when i get organized - i am so much more effective in an organized workspace. Now . . . if I can only get there?

Here are just a few of the pics - and so if you have any ideas for me, i am so open to them! Especially regarding layout. . .

Honestly, I can hardly wait for the finished result. . . sometimes the idea of waving a magic wand seems grand. . . Well no fairies live here so off I go with a hammer in one hand, a level in the other, gyproc dust on my face, paint in my hair and a very perplexed look upon my face. . .

~ oh how i love colour, it refreshes my weary soul ~

. . . puttering in the flower garden

2011-06-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

. . . my energy levels still seem so low and so I have to find something to do other than sleep! Something I enjoy and won't take up too much energy - puttering in the flower garden seems like the perfect thing. Bright coloured flowers, fresh air, warm sun. . . So yeah, I headed off to Co-op Garden Center here in Red Deer; amazing place, will lift your spirit and make you soar - they have so many varieties of plants, trees, shrubs and a lot of wonderful ideas and displays.

Here are just a few of the flowers we got:

I can hardly wait til they get established and are in full bloom where I can see them from my craft room window!

Beachcombing on the Oregon Coast. . . BBL

2011-05-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

. . . will be back after June 4th sometime!

Travel Journals. . . continued

2011-05-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

For this "Travel Journal" i began with an 8x8 album from SEI. It's such a nice little album where you can easily add more sheet protectors. They used Acco Fasteners for this little album, so you can easily add more inserts - love it!

On a previous post I gave some highlights of a travel journal i was creating. Photos for the inside of that one are still to come. However, here is the one I created for my friend:

The front cover has a pocket with a tag of a vintage blueprint of a map of the Oregon Coast. You can use this pocket to stick brochures, ticket stubs, etc until you have a chance to post them in your Travel Journal.

I used Basic Grey's Writer's Block Journaling Sets on the inside cover, along with a micro marker and a small calendar of the month of May. . . the month we will be traveling.

I also created "Travel Log Sheets" for each day we will be away - so easy to fill in and make a list of everything you did that day. From where you started that day to where you ended, all the sites you saw, where you took pictures, etc. Each sheet can be removed and added to your layout if you like. I found some additional Acco fasteners at the Dollar Store - I got a whole package of 25 for a buck. . .

Back Cover

I found plastic pouches with zippers at Staples - they are usually used for a Day Runner time management system, but work perfectly for this little album. I just had to readjust the holes with my Cropadile.
. . . and it can't be a road trip without "Road Trip Bingo" - so I created several sets; one with vintage images of sites you will still see and then this very funny one for my friend, of very funny/strange signs. I doubt very much she will find any of these signs - < grin > and of course I made mine really easy. . . < snicker, snicker > I placed the Bingo Cards into a plastic folder so you can use a white board marker on the card and when finished you can wipe clean.. . . Voila!

I created some journaling tags as well as ordered some online from Jessica Sprague's Digi Store and House of Three for additional journaling for those special moments on the road.

here is a close-up of that gorgeous blue vintage map. . .

what better paper pack to use than "Seaside" by October Afternoon, which I found on sale at Scrapbooker's Paradise in Red Deer, AB - i love that store! They are always so helpful and friendly!

This has got to be the find of a century - a Steve Madden Travel Kit at the Winners store for a mere $15 - uh huh! Which I then turned into a Scrapbooking Traveling Kit. . . as you can see below:

in the first pouch i have a vinyl eraser, pencil, 6" ruler, hole punch, precision scissors, and a small exacto blade.

second pouch contains Travel themed stamps, and clear blocks.

third pouch contains several coloured inks, stamp cleaning wipes, a date stamp, stapler & staples, photo splits, adhesive and more. . .

and here it is all laid out for you. . . so functional - I sure hope I didn't forget anything?

Then to top it off I created this little booklet called "Scrapbooking En Route". It's a list of all the Scrapbooking Stores I could find from Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington states, all in alphabetical order according to town/city in each State . . . phewwww this was a labour intensive project. I used a free digi pack from Sara Schmutz - Thank you so much Sara!

She will also be getting the "Chocolate Survival Kit" for the road, along with a "healthy junk food kit" I sure hope she enjoys all these little "Road Trip" extras - she's been an amazing friend over the years!

Chocolate Survival Kit . . .

2011-05-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

oh yes, yes, yes . . I discovered a "Chocolate Survival Kit" from Trish's Blog at WIP's.

So here is my version:

Thanks so much for the inspiration Trish!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: Bazzill Cardstock; Dream Street - Rue Collection; Pink Paislee Sweetness Collection - Sweetest Day

Vintage Graphics: Graphics Fairy
Font: dafont.com

Stamp: Gel-a-tins - Chocolate Bliss

Beads: Queen & Co Beadifuls - Kissy Fit

Vintage Lace: my mom's old stash

Bead Box: Dollar Store
Chocolate: Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Almond Roca, Werther's Originals Caramel Chocolate & York Peppermint Patties

a true story of " the Princess and the Pea"

2011-05-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this little dog ~ she is so funny, always has me laughing or a smile on my face. She is so well behaved and is such a good listener. Everything you need in a good fur-friend. . . she does the funniest things ever - oh how i love her!

One night i was able to capture one of these very funny fur-baby moments (ha ha ha). However, she was so annoyed that i was awaking her from her sweet sleep with a bright flash and clicking of the camera. "A photo shoot in the midnight hour. . . really Mama do we have to do this now?" I often catch her sleeping with her tongue sticking out, but this night it was really sticking out and I just could not miss this very precious moment ;o)

Hope you enjoy a little peek into my daily routine with a very special little fur-baby "Princess Mya". Oh yeah. . . she definitely lives up to her name. . . LOL!

Stay Tuned. . . a layout with Sir Chauncey my other furbaby (Maltese) - who is like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh - he is always happy and bouncy!

SUPPLIES

Paper: Deja Views - The Sharon Ann Little Ones Collection {my sweet girl}; SEI Cardstock

Alpha: AC Thickers - Delight; K&Company - Handmade Mini Alpha

Bling: Recollections Rhinestone Embellishments

Buttons: Autumn Leaves

Crinkle Ribbon: Pixie Dust Paperie

Punch: EK Success - Diamond Lace

Excerpt taken from: "The Princess and the Pea" by Hans Christian Anderson

SCT's P12 Layout - April 2011

2011-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my take on April's Scrapbook & Cards Today Project 12.

It's been a long cold winter here in Alberta and these two little "Sun Dogs" could hardly wait for a day to bask in the in the warm rays of the SUN. They were so funny, just sitting there together! Yeah. . . it was one of those times you just had to be there - so glad I captured it on camera and this layout.
I included a lot of sewing and distressing in this layout - two of my favourite techniques!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: Cosmo Cricket - Girl Friday Collection; Kraft Cardstock

Tag: Studio Calico

Alpha: Tim Holtz Grungeboard (painted)

Paint: DecoArt Americana - Hauser Light Green, Royal Fuchsia, Indian Turquoise, Cadmium Orange

Flowers: Petaloo

Buttons: Dollar Store

Punch: EK Success Large Circle

Ink: Anna Griffith - Chocolate; Versa Fine - Onyx Black

Appreciation Post-It Note Holders

2011-05-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

Both my niece and nephew have been involved in bible quizzing for a few years now and they absolutely love it! As the season is wrapping up much appreciation is given to all the coaches and volunteers who give of themselves. . . this year as part of "The Appreciation Package" I was asked to make a few "Post-It Note" holders - here are just a few of the results...

SUPPLIES:

HOLDER #1

Papers: MME - Jen Wilson's 29th Street Market, Fresh "Beauty" Summer Dress/Blue Sash; Kraft Cardstock

Graphics: Cover - Graphics Fairy; Inside - House of Three, Quick Cards

Ribbon: Pixie Dust Paperie - Crinkle Ribbon

Punch: EK Success - Dotted Scallop

HOLDER #2

Papers: Cosmo Cricket - Hey Sugar Candy Girl and Be Mine

Lace: Prima - Alencon Collection; Twine - Pixie Dust Paperie; Velvet Ribbon - scrap

Graphic: Cover - House of Three Daily Junque Postcard Elements; Inside - Eleanor Roosevelt quote

Stamp: MME Lost & Found - Portobello Road "Boy" Stamps

Alpha: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Kindergarten Alpha Rub-ons - Turquoise

Button: MME - Tres Jolie

HOLDER #3

Papers: October Afternoon Campfire - Star Gazing; Kraft Cardstock; Fancy Pants - LH Strips

Graphic: Cover - House of Three, Fall Junque in the Trunque; Inside - House of Three, Quick Cards

Twine: Pixie Dust Paperie

Button: old pair of jeans

Punch: EK Success - Scallop Diamond

Post-It Notes - 3x5"

...more layouts - just about finished

2011-04-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Just about finished 2 more layouts. . .

Mya and Chauncey are the best lil travelers and we go almost everywhere together. . . they weren't too sure about the ferry ride. . . as you can see. Every where I go with them is definitely an adventure. They are wonderful little companions and great travelers.

I plan on putting my "Ferry Receipt" in the blank (red) spot on the right LO.

If you are interested in a real cute "Freebie" check out Scrapbooks etc. for the "Travel Journal Cards".

Under Construction: This layout definitely needs to be reworked. . . on this layout I recycled the package from House of Three's "Daily Junque". There are 2 holes under the "you" where I plan to weave through a ribbon. Thinking I may add a few more buttons or rain drops to the bottom edge. I love these pictures!

It takes Mya less than 5 minutes to remove the stuffing from her little toy. She usually goes for the squeaker first, if there is one, then the eyes and nose; next the ears and legs. . . LOL!

She is very intentional about tearing her stuffies to pieces. It's like she has a real live animal. And of course Mya has her very own Wicker Toy Box, filled with stuffies we purchased at yard sales; they way she shreds the poor lil things, we have to keep a lot on hand. She is so funny!

SUPPLIES:

LO #1

Papers: October Afternoon - Seaside; The Girl's Paperie - Tinsel & Twig; White mesh; Bazzill cardstock

Alpha: AC Thickers - Dear Lizzy Bliss; K&Company - Handmade Mini Alpha

Twine: Pixie Dust Paperie

Red Buttons: Dollar store

Journal Tags: Free printable tags from Scrapbooks etc.

Edge Punch: Embossed Curve

LO #2

Papers: MME - Front Porch; SEI Cardstock

Alpha: AC Thickers - Patchwork & Darling

Tag: House of Three - Daily Junque

Buttons: MME - Tres Jolie & Dollar Store

Twine: Pixie Dust Paperie

Edge Punch: EK Success - Large Circles

SCT's Project 12 - March 2011

2011-04-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

This is such a special layout for me too. . . this is my best friend forever, or bossiest friend forever. . . LOL (inside joke). When I come to visit her she always makes my favourites, like dirt cake, which you see in this picture and we play Yahtzee and scrapbook and have a great time together. We are kindred spirits for sure!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle - Twig Collection

Carstock: Bazzil

Crinkle Ribbon: Pixie Dust Paperie

Flowers: Prima Fleurs

Bling: No Name

gettin ready for a break. . .

2011-04-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

ooooh just wait until you see the inside. . . but not yet - i'm still working on the final touches! I'm making one for me and one for my BFF. . .along with a little scrapbooking kit which includes, journal stamps, sm. versa fine black ink pad, scissors, 6" ruler, hole punch, adhesive, stapler. . . and so much more - I really hope she likes it!

A special thank you to Laura from Scrapbooker's Paradise in Red Deer, for all your help and ideas.

just a few things i'm workin on . . .

2011-04-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

i love how this layout turned out. . .the layout is of my first born son, Kris - who is so creative, smart, insightful and absolutely hilarious. . . i love spending time with him! 09.10

This is part of the same trip. . . Kris took me to the Old Farm Market in Duncan, BC where they are suppose to have the best Reuben Sandwiches on Vancouver Island. . . well believe me they did not disappoint! There fresh vegetables and fruits didn't either. . . I loved the all the bright colors and the open air restaurant. More good times! 09.10

this layout is from a baby girl's mini album i am making. i love Teresa Collin's papers for baby girl and i also purchased a baby's first year digi kit from House of Three to complete all the journaling required. I'm almost finished the album.

I'm not sure about you. . .but i usually have 3 or 4 projects on the go at one time, so when i get tired of one or run out of ideas, i move on to the next project.

. . . on the move

2011-04-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

I loved these pictures so much I had to do two layouts. . .LOL!

This was our big move to Kelowna BC, that's where I was going to Ministry School. My little blue car was packed to the brim and the seat where you see the dogs was pushed to front as far as it could go. . . they really didn't have very much room at all, but they sure made the best of it, as you can see! They are such good lil travelers.

During the same summer we took a trip to Vancouver Island to see my oldest son, as you may have seen in some of my previous layouts. It was another adventure with Chauncey & Mya and there very first BC Ferry ride. . . I haven't scrapped those pics yet. . .

8.10

Pixie Dust Paperie Order

2011-04-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo. . . I got my order for Pixie Dust Paperie today! Everything was wrapped so elegantly. I don't know about you, but I really appreciate all the little extras that make a package look extra special! As you can see below my very special package came with a handmade stamped tag tied with a soft pink crinkle ribbon and red twine, along with white tissue paper and a tan lace edged paper that make this package complete, and oh so pleasing to the eye! It was so pretty, I didn't want to open it up ;o) But so glad I did - cause I found a few handmade paper butterflies in there too!

Just look at all those cheerful Spring colors, they are all so delicious and Kirsty, Pixie-In-Chief sent me an "Appreciation Pack" of Crinkle Ribbon too. . thanks so much Kirsty, I am lovin all these lil goodies! I will definitely put them to good use and will be back to do some more shopping.

. . . and just think, all I was going to order was the glassine bags, so glad I didn't! Even the glassine bags were tied together with crinkled ribbon, lace edged paper and tags. . . Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Note: Shipping & Handling is so reasonably priced I will definitely be shopping from Pixie Dust Paperie

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC76

2011-04-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES:

Paper: K&Company Addison Collection - Teal & Green Lace Flower; Blue Lace Column; Blue & Green Bouquet; Blue Gingham; White Cardstock

Stamp: Stampin' Up - Elegant Inspirations

Ink: Stampin' Up - Blue Bayou

Punch: EK Success - Open Scallop

Flower: Prima Whisper Collection Celebrate

Ribbon: Celebrate It from Michael's

Playing in Paradise Challenge #10

2011-04-07T23:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the Sketch for Scrapbooker's Playing in Paradise Challenge #10 and "YES" I got to play along with them this week. I hope you have fun with the colors, the rhythm and the silhouettes, they are so cheerful!

Here is my version of the PPC #10 Challenge. This stamp set came to mind as soon as I saw the sketch. I wanted to keep things clean and crisp trying to create a rhythm with the four seasons and bright colors. . . sometimes keeping it sweet 'n' simple can really work.

SUPPLIES:

Cardstock: Black & White cardstock; Embossed White

Stamps: Hero Arts - "Nature's Silhouettes"; Unity Stamp Co. - "Something Within"

Inks: Stampin' Up - Classic "Taken with Teal"; "Regal Rose"; Kaleidacolor "Celebration"; & Color Box - Black

Playing In Paradise Challenge #09

2011-04-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here is my "Banner Project" made for my niece's "Sweet 15" Birthday. . .The full banner reads "Happy Birthday" just didn't have room to hang the "Happy" ~ LOL!

This project was so much fun and it is so easy to fold up and put away for the next special occasion. I plan on making more for the upcoming holidays, like a "Happy Easter" banner. . . and the colors are perfect!

SUPPLIES FOR BANNER:

Paper: white card stock with printed music sheet image from Free Music Sheet and inked with Anna Griffith - Robin's Egg; and miscellaneous pieces of cardstock. Ribbons are from Offray and are 5/8" - the colors used are Iris & Light Pink, along with Silver Pearl Strings glued above the dyed cotton lace. I used 5" - lace paper doilies inked with Stampology - Aquamarine (i love their inks for distressing). Letters were cut with the Cricut using the Base Camp cartridge and then embossed with silver embossing powder. Buttons: pink, purple and aquamarine. I used a hot glue gun to keep it all together, went a lot faster than using my glue runner (cheaper too). Circles and scalloped circles were made with the Mini Monograms Cricut cartridge, so quick and easy. An EK Success Punch - Embossed Curve was used for the scalloped edge on top of the pennant.

Note: the music sheets were chosen especially for my niece, who plays piano and guitar, and has a real love for music.

"Little Robin Red Breast"

2011-04-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

"Little Robin Red-breast
Sat upon a hurdle;
With a pair of speckled legs
And a green girdle."

. . . oh yes - I saw my first robins this weekend, well I actually heard them first. It was such a gorgeous weekend with the warm rays of sun streaming through the windows - it felt so good! So I decided to open up the windows to get some fresh air blowing through the house and sure enough there it was, the chirp, chirp of robins, such music to my ears. Always a first sign of spring in the air. And shortly after, I spied one and then two. . . in the tree right outside my kitchen window.

I'm so glad to see you Mr. & Mrs. Robin. . . you do my heart good after a long cold winter!

Playing in Paradise Challenge #08

2011-03-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

.... ohh kay, I'm gettin ready so I don't miss another deadline. My project must be linked up by noon on Thursday, April 1st - no Foolin' LOL!
I really, really like how soft the colours are in the above challenge photo. I found some Anna Griffith paper in my stash that reminds of the duvet cover on the bed and I went from there, making a Mother's Day card for my dear mother. . . <3 I sure hope she likes it!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: Anna Griffith - AG012 & AG155

Cardstock: Bazzil & DCWV Neutrals Mat Stack

Trim: Prima - Alencon Collection Tea Stained Apron Border; other laces/tulling were from my Mom's old stash

Graphics: The Graphics Fairy

Inks: Anna Griffith - Chocolate & Robin's Egg

Button: MME - Tres Jolie Collection

Paper Doily sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Simply Khaki

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC74

2011-03-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

Shucks. . . I missed the deadline, I forgot about EST - oh well I'm posting the card on my blog anyways. . . LOL! I will be ready next time - just another learning curve :o)

SUPPLIES:

Graphic: The Graphic Fairy

Paper: K&Company Wedding Collection Mat Stack; SEI Coordinating Cardstock - Grape; Miscellaneous Cardstock

Pearls: Recollections

Stamp: Stampin' Up - Much Appreciated

Inks: Stampin' Up and Hampton Arts

Ribbon: Offray

Paper Doily: Dollar Store

SCT's Project 12 - February 2011 "Green Things Growing"

2011-03-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well here's my SCT P12 project for February. . . think I'd still like to put a title on this layout. . . but there's a slight problem, half my sbooking supplies are still in Kelowna, including all my alphas - sigh. Yeah so. . . will definitely have to get more creative or go shopping. . . LOL!

Excerpt is taken from Dinah Marie Mulock Craik's "Green Things Growing" - "O the green things growing, the green things growing, The faint sweet smell of the green things growing!. . . " this poem is so beautiful and reminds me of Spring and with the sun shining today. . . i thought this poem would be so beautiful for this layout. . . where all things growing are so green, even the slug. . . LOL! This slug is called a "Banana Slug".

SUPPLY LIST:

Paper: MME - Bella Bella "French Flea Market" Sophie; MME - Mabel "Joy" Woodgrain; Ooh La La "Checked Out"; Teresa Collins - Noel: Cards & Notes; Dream Street - Clubhouse Dungarees; Basic Grey - Figgy Pudding - Nestled; Cardstock - Miscellaneous

Ribbon: Maya Road Satin Pleat - Brown; Prima - Alencon Collection Tea Stained Apron Border

Elm Tree: Kaiser Crafts (their new line of scrolled wood products is so awesome)

Chipboard: Maya Road Scroll Frames;

Die Cut: MME So Sophie Graceful "Little Lady";

Vintage Buttons: from my Granny's button tin;

Cricut Cartridge: - Serenade;

Glitter: Hampton Art Glitter Glue

Owls: Paper Piecing from Jane Beljo at Design House Digital

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #73

2011-03-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

SUPPLIES:

Paper: Karen Foster Design - Doodle Flowers

Ribbon: American Crafts Premium Ribbon - Plum; Prima Alencon Collection - Tea Stained Apron Border

Flower: Maya Road Trinkets - Crochet Shimmer Blossoms

Inks: Stampin' Up - Classic Rose Red

Stamp: Kolette Hall

Leila's Happy Birthday Banner

2011-03-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

It’s my nieces "Sweet 15" party on Monday. Perfect opportunity to make a banner. I’ve been itchin’ to make one of these Banners for quite a while now. Nothing like leaving things to the last minute... so I went digging through my mom's old sewing stuff and hit pay-dirt. A box full of laces, seam bindings, tulling and many more bits and bobs I will be using in the future, they already have the "vintage" thing going on... LOL!

I used one of the cotton crocheted laces and dyed it with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Twilight. I just poured a little of the mist into a glass bowl and soaked the lace until all the mist was absorbed. Then I spritz’d it a couple times with water to give it a more stippled and shabby look.

In order to speed up the process I just threw the wet lace into the dryer. It came out all crinkly, so I pulled out my straightening iron (yup, the one I use for my hair - works great!), heated it up and ironed the lace... I absolutely love the results and will definitely be doing this again with a few other colors of TA Glimmer Mist. I love, love this product!

I really like how the banner turned out. The colours have a soft vintage feel and the lace, ribbon and sliver pearls give it a very elegant look. Perfect for a teenage girl. I didn't hang the "Happy" my sister is on her way to pick up all the party decorations... phew, just finished in time!

And to keep the invited guests busy we put together a lil scrapbooking project, which I found on Making Memories blog just this morning - Je t'Adore Gatefold Album by Leah Fung - Woo Hoo! It's so beautiful and perfect for a teen girl's birthday party. However, instead of making the whole album we will just make the gatefold album cover and place a 4x6 notepad on the inside (time restrictions).

Isn't it absolutely gorgeous! Can't believe the timing on this post from Making Memories. Thank you, thank you, thank you! They even have the tutorial on how to make those gorgeous flowers on their blog post. I know the girls will be having a grand time making this project.

SUPPLIES FOR BANNER:

Paper: white card stock with printed music sheet image from Free Music Sheet and inked with Anna Griffith - Robin's Egg; and miscellaneous pieces of cardstock. Ribbons are from Offray and are 5/8" - the colors used are Iris & Light Pink, along with Silver Pearl Strings glued above the dyed cotton lace. I used 5" - lace paper doilies inked with Stampology - Aquamarine (i love their inks for distressing). Letters were cut with the Cricut using the Base Camp cartridge and then embossed with silver embossing powder. Buttons - pink, purple and aquamarine. I used a hot glue gun to keep it all together, went a lot faster than using my glue runner (cheaper too). Circles and scalloped circles were made with the Mini Monograms Cricut cartridge, so quick and easy. An EK Success Punch - Embossed Curve was used for the scalloped edge on top of the pennant.

Note: the music sheets were chosen especially for my niece, who plays piano and guitar, and has a real love for music.

So sorry about the photos, i know they are not great, but I've misplaced my battery charger for my Nikon DSLR and so I'm using my point and shoot - sigh! And yeah I know my blogging stinks too LOL! Still discovering how all this stuff works ;)

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC #73

2011-03-16T22:27:00.000-07:00

OMG. . . i love these colours together, so creamy, rich and delicous! I can hardly wait to see what i come up with! Just wanted to thank all the ladies at PDCC for their kind words and encouragement!

... oh yeah for Challenge #72 i got "The Cream in our Coffee" award!

(now if anyone could tell me how to keep this at the top of my blog i sure would be grateful)

Gift Card Wallet

2011-03-16T13:53:00.001-07:00

... a little gift card wallet for a special couple, who are always willing to help me out. I found this little gc wallet design on Martha Stewart's site.

SUPPLIES:

Paper: BG's Nook & Pantry Collection - dishes

Stamps: Stampin' Up's "Much Appreciated" collection & Tag - Inkadinkadoo stamp set "Tickets & Tags"

Paper Doily: from the Dollar Store and sprayed with TA Glimmer Mist - Twilight

Ribbon: discovered in my mom's sewing stuff - yuppers i found a whole whack of white seam binding which I sprayed with TA Glimmer Mist - Twilight

Flowers & Bling: Dollar Store (after all I am on a budget)

Inks: Anna Griffith (my favourite inks eva)

Cardstock: scraps

and of course to finish it off a Tim Horton's Gift Card (mmmmm....)

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #72

2011-03-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

This is my first time playing along with the PDCC and am so excited. I've always wanted to try making the little pennants, which I adore! So after measuring and cutting and measuring and cutting and more measuring and cutting. . . . I finally got it together - LOL! So much for "Measuring twice, cutting once". I may still make a few changes, like the bottom left corner... what to do? The card is for my nieces birthday and so I really wanted it to be special.

The Play Date Cafe Challenge (PDCC) was created to be unique and fun. Just follow the COLOR COMBINATION as closely as possible making those colors the FOCUS of your creation. You can make anything you like: cards, layouts, 3-D, home decor...pretty much anything!

... so I thought I would give it a go. Deadline is prior to Tuesday, March 15th.

Distressing Trick. . .

2011-03-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Thought i was so cool that i discovered my seam ripper for distressing paper - uh huh! So I decided to place it on my blog, only to find out that other women, just like me have discovered the same thing. . . LOL Oh well just wanted to share with you how well the seam ripper works - I actually like it better than my distressing tool, which I left back in Kelowna :) It's amazing what can happen when you need something in a pinch.

Wilna's Sunday Challenge. . .

2011-03-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Phew. . . just barely made the deadline for Wilna's Sunday Challenge . Was just doing some surfing and found her challenge a little too late Sunday afternoon so I quickly pulled together some papers and started up the old sewing machine. . . I'm not totally happy with this LO and so I may have to do a lil fine tuning later. . . like straightening out the letters. . . LOL!

My phrase is the title of a song from Suzy Yarei "Praise is Beautiful" . . . it's a beautiful worship song that i absolutely adore!

SUPPLIES:

Paper: Teresa Collins - Giving Thanks Collection; MME - Ooh La La For Him Collection; Fancy Pants - Road Show; and random pieces of card stock

Inking: Anna Griffith Inks (my favourite - so juicy)

Alpha: American Crafts Thickers - Marquise Pearls; K&Company - Handmade Mini Alpha.

Embellishments: Prima Lace - Alencon Collection; Ribbon -seam binding sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Twilight; Butterfly - K&Company Flora & Fauna Botanical Butterflies Layered Accents; Diecut - Teresa Collins Giving Thanks Collection

. . . Celebrate Cards

2011-03-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

. . . a card made with leftover scraps from my Project 12 layout below. I used MME Stella Rose – Mable “Love” Letters Paper and MME BellaBella – “French Flea Market” Sophie Paper and Dream Street Papers – Clubhouse Dungarees. The stamp is from Stampin' Up Set "All About U". Punches used are from EK Success - Open Scallop and Stampin Up - Ticket Corner Punch. Design is from Becky Fleck at Page|Maps.

I love this stamp by Daisy Bucket Designs . . . it's so adorable! I used paper from DCWV Pocket Full of Posies Mat Stack; buttons and ribbon were from my leftover stash and 2 little purple rhinestones for her gorgeous eyes :)

Til Debt Do Us Part. . .

2011-03-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

I have loved watching Gail Vaz-Oxlade's show "Til Debt Do Us Part" for several years now. She has definitely impacted my life as I've applied her techniques to my own personal life. In the past I've contacted Gail regarding a few financial issues and within a day or two I received a very helpful and practical response. This woman is to the point, she believes in tough love and it works. . . Gail I really appreciate you and the gift you walk in "Common Cents".

Gail also has her own website, blog, tv show, clubs and has just released a new book called "Never Too Late - Take Control of Your Retirement and Your Future". Her website has tons of resources, interactive worksheets and just common cents articles, you can find it at, "Gail Vaz-Oxlade Debt-Free Forever".

Thanks to God and to Gail I have been debt free for several years now and am loving my financial freedom. So get rid of those credit cards, debit cards and begin to live on cash - it's amazing!

So this year I decided to add a little flair to my Budget Binder and my $$ Jars using some recycled materials, here is the result:

My supply list:

5 - Jars (you can add an additional jar for "Surplus")
1 - New or used binder

PAPER:
October Afternoon - Detour Series, Fruit Salad; Hometown Series, Woolworths & Depot Park

EMBELISHMENTS:
Flower - Prima
Ribbon - Random scraps
Bling - Dollar Store
Labels, Alpha and Worksheets were created on my computer

Note: This project cost less than $5

SCT's Project 12 - January 2011

2011-02-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to start the year off with Project 12 from Scrapbook & Cards Today. This will be my first post and my first two-page LO for Project 12. This is just the motivation I need to get some scrapbooking done.

Here is the January's sketch from Becky Fleck at P age|Maps. For more information on Project 12 just click on the link above or on my sidebar.

In September 2010 I went to visit my son and his girlfriend in Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC. He was a great tour guide as this layout shows. On Day 1 he took us to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, it was breathtaking! Yeah so here is my January, 2011 layout:

SUPPLIES:
Paper: MME Stella Rose – Mabel “Joy” Woodgrain; MME Stella Rose – Mable “Love” Letters;MME BellaBella – “French Flea Market” Sophie; Dream Street Papers – Clubhouse Dungarees; Tree: Graphic 45 – Once Upon a Springtime Collection Pixie Post and Websters Pages – Sweet as Cherry Pie . . .fly a kite
Cardstock: Random leftover pieces
Birds & Butterfly: K&Compnay - Flora & Fauna Botanical Butterflies Layered Accents
Alpha: Tim Holtz Grungeboard sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Graphite
Film Strip: Graphic from my files
Ink: Anna Griffith – Chocolate
Buttons: from my grandmother's button tin

Merry Christmas. . .

2010-12-21T02:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas always seems so busy and in one day it's all over! But this year is going to be different, I will definitely be slowing things down. And through all the transition in my life, now is definitely time to create some enjoyable memories and traditions not to be forgotten any time soon. . .

It's not difficult with all the pressures of today to forget exactly why we celebrate this amazing holiday - but just maybe, some things in our lives need to change, maybe we just need to say "STOP" and re-evaluate what's really important in life.

I pray you will not be pressured to spend beyond what you are able, but to give from your heart to those who are most important in your life. Relationships that have been waiting for this break just to spend time with you and love on you! Here is an opportunity to give of yourself and receive all that others have to pour into you.

I wish you all a very Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous, Healthy and Happy New Year and pray you honour the time with the ones who are most important in your life and celebrate the birthday of Jesus with all your heart!

Blessings to you all!

Where Are My Creative Juices?

2010-08-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

I've lost them and don't know where to find them. . .

Too tired, getting things ready for school again in the fall and I have to finish my craft room, find housing for me and my babies, pack up all their stuff and mine. . . . Yeah, no wonder the creative juices aren't flowing!

I miss my paper crafts! Definitely will be taking some stuff with me to do in my spare time!

This is Sir Chauncey and he is as adorable as he looks. He is my 11 year old Maltese. He's a happy lil fellar and bounces around like Tigger. He's also an escape artist - so I've had a special id tag made with his name, address and phone number on it. He amazes me at the small holes he finds to squeeze through. He is now 11 years old and has lost his hearing, so we've begun to teach him sign language (our own version) and he is such a quick learner, quicker than me. . . I still find myself calling for him, and then realize, ahhh yes, he can't hear me. . . LOL!

Then there is little Miss Mya, she is my 6 year old Miniature Dachshund and she lives up to her name! But she is so lovable and so very comical. She loves her stuffies and toys and actually gets attached to them. I also just discovered that she's afraid of mosquitoes. . . she tries to snap at them and then runs and hides. She obviously can feel them biting her and she is not impressed.

I am so glad I am taking them with me for my 2nd round of schooling. Even though they had great care last year I missed them way too much to do it again.

Well there they are. . . my little family and I love them, they are such a blessing to me!

I Need HELP. . .

2010-07-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

. . . okay, just about pulling my hair out here! Honestly, this has become the "Nine Irons in the Fire Redecorating Project". What have I done? or maybe I should ask, What haven't I done?

I'm still on the look out for a beautiful black damask fabric to cover my $2 bargain chair and I've just about finished spray painting everything I could get my hands on and now back to the organizing and looking for black damask fabric. I always seem to get this picture in my mind of what I want but then can't seem to find what I need to pull it together. I usually end up on ebay, Kijiji, Craigslist or Googling to see if i can locate it's where abouts. I can still see it in my minds
eye and will not be content until it can be seen in the physical.

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle, here it is - Michael Miller Dandy Damask on ebay. This $2 bargain chair is going to end up being not such a great bargain if I can't get a deal on this fabric. Oh the life of a decorator (slash), organizer (slash), bargain hunter (slash), scrapbooker (slash), dog lover (slash), blog writer by night. . . yup that's me! Sure keeps life exciting ('.')

Well that's the update for now. . . hope to have a few pictures for you shortly of the new improved, organized scrapbook room. Tootles for now - hope y'all are enjoying the sunshine; I think I'm fading. . .

* Under Creative Construction *

2010-07-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back from school, and dealing with my brother's estate in Tahsis, BC and now it's definitely time to spend some "Me Time". Right, so I've decided to organize my Scrapbooking Room, which has led into a makeover. . . LOL! I love organizing stuff, just ask any of my friends I shop with - I end up organizing the stores shelves and almost forget about the shopping part :o)

For me organizing, scrapbooking, stamping, creating, etc. are just a few of the ways I like to spend "Me Time". I listen to worship music or some awesome teachings and away I go. This is some of my most creative times and I walk away feeling so rejuvenated and alive.

So yeah, my "Scrapbooking Room" is painted "Sundried Tomato" by Benjamin Moore. It's so rich and warm I just love it. The trim and molding are painted an off white and the window treatments are by Hunter Douglas, "Silhouette window shades". They are so light and airy and allow lots of natural light into the room.

I will see if I can find my "Before" picture so you have an idea of what it looked like prior to all these creative ideas I've had.

Of course I went to IKEA and purchased a new shelving unit and desk to match the existing shelf I have in my SB Room. The desk/shelf unit is from the Expedit series, perfect for all your scrapbooking paraphernalia. I already have a very roomy Fredrik desk I purchased from IKEA along with 2 Lack shelves, some Branas baskets and bits and baubles I've picked up from yard sales. IKEA is great for storage and organizing ideas. . . so I ended up walking away with 2 Bygel Rails, 2 Bygel Baskets, 8 Rajtan jars to go with all the others I found at yard sales and a long narrow shelf to house all those jars.

The SB Room is coming together slowly, and better than I expected ;) I can hardly wait to get back to my scrapbooking!

I've also placed several ads on Kijiji looking for a tacky 70's gold plastic ornate mirror (which i planned on painting white) and an old crystal chandelier. Well I no sooner had my ad listed and I got an email, someone had the mirror and it was already painted white. . . $10 you say "I will take it" and they delivered it right to my house too - yahoo! Now just waiting for the chandelier to come through.

I also have a retro sitting chair I purchased a few years ago for $2, so I've stripped it down and am now looking for the perfect fabric to pull it all together.

Yeah so, if you have any storage ideas, creative suggestions, or just want to comment I am so open, just drop me a line, I would love to hear from you.

I can hardly wait to show you the "After" pictures.

Posh Blog Candy Alert - Deadline May 4th

2010-05-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Blog Candy doesn't get much better than this, thanks to Nini at Posh Designs Scrapbook Store

Tell Nini Gail sent you!

Vintage Birthday Greetings

2009-12-06T00:10:00.001-08:00

Birthday card made for a very special young lady here at School. I used papers from the lastest SEI Christmas line of papers along with embellies from Gypsy7.

"Blessed By U" Starbucks Holder Mini Album

2009-11-26T14:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, finally time to be able to post!

I met this young couple here in Richmond, B.C. and they have been such a blessing to me. Lane & Ronny both inspire me so much, I just love being around them. Well it was Ronny's birthday and I wanted to do something special for him, something from the heart; and so I decided to use several of the many Starbucks cup holders I've been saving to create a little booklet. They love Starbucks out here! I kept seeing all these cups and their holders being either recycled or trashed and decided it's time to get creative - ya! Because this little booklet was for a man who loves the Word of God" I used the "Beatitude" scripture verses from Matthew 5, and used colours and embellishments that would not be too glitzy but still give it some zing. Using garden twine for the binding finished it off nicely with a very earthy look. Happy Birthday Ronny!

I used Fancy Pants "All Fall" 8x8 paper pack, 1 sheet of "My Minds Eye" Tres Jolie paper; embellishments are from Fancy Pants, Making Memories, Kaiser and some random chipboard pieces. I hope you enjoy!

Journal Covers

2009-09-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few note book covers I made for school, starting this Sept. 14th.

"God's Grace" I used Graphic 45, and K & Company papers; Bazzill cardstocks; Pictures is from Inspiks and is being used with permission. Chipboard letters are from the $ Store. I started with inking the letters black then using Pink Paislee's Pixie Stix Glitter and th bottom letters I used black embossing powder. I did quite a bit of sewing on this cover. . . to finish it off.

"God's Kingdom Keys" - Making Memories - Paperie Greenhouse Collection - Times Nouveau Collection, Graphic 45 and October Afternoon - Good Cheer Collection papers really brought this cover together. I used Bazzill cardstocks; Glitter letters from Making Memories. I printed the image onto a transparency and stitched it onto a piece of ivory cardstock. Chipboard button is from ?

"Boogie Babes" Road Trip '09

2009-09-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

"Zoo Fun" Accordion Mini Album

2009-08-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun at the Calgary Zoo, with my special girl Sarah and her baby boy Maliki.

Taking a baby to the Zoo is an adventure in itself ~ in fact there were lots of Zoo Babies to be seen throughout the Zoo. Maliki's favourite being the baby giraffe, he was running and kicking about, he was so adorable.

This mini accordion album was a nice way to capture some of those lifetime memories with two of my most favourite people in da whole world!

This was such a fun little project passed on by another special friend Sara (yup, another Sara), whose creative ideas never seem to run dry - she is a real inspiration to me. Thx Sara!

To bring it all together I used Bazzil cardstock, papers from Glitz, MME and DCWV, along with embellishments from SEI, Kaiser, Fancy Pants and Cosmo Cricket; Letters and Chipboard from MMemories and Chatterbox; Inks from SEI and Anna Griffith.

I even found some cork circles in the hardware section of the $ Store that added a little extra interest to the pages.

Stamps Used: Sassafras Lass - Trim Trimmery and Autumn Leaves - Messy Dates.

i Believe. . .

2009-07-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

. . . in you and the things you will do! It's really an amazing feeling when someone believes in you! Personally it motivates me beyond words. I made this little booklet for my youngest son who will be turning 22 shortly. I want him to know "I Believe in Him" and "Love Him" beyond measure; this lil album is one small way of being able to do that.

So here is my spin on the "Matchbook Mini Album". Instead of making individual pages, I've created three fold-out pages, that tell a story of some of our special times together and some of the important things in his life. I've enjoyed stitching on some of the pages to add a little extra detail.

I'm planning on including some personal journaling on the large orange flower and then I'm done and ready to ship it off.

You will find Tim Holtz, Prima, Fancy Pants, . . . to name a few in this lil mini album. The size of this album is perfect for using up your scraps from other projects.

I hope you enjoy it. If you require the measurements and scoring details feel free to contact me.

Happy Birthday to a Special Friend. . .

2009-07-02T08:51:00.001-07:00

I found my inspiration for this card in an older edition of the Paper 'n Crafts Magazine. Sure hope my friend likes it?

Mixed Emotions. . . .

2009-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well this is it. . . . exactly what I've been waiting for - my acceptance letter. I've been accepted as an intern to attend Streams Canada Ministry School in Vancouver, BC - Yahooo!

I'm overwhelmed with joy, yet I know that something is going to have to give. . . and that means my scrapbooking is going to have to take a back seat for a few terms and I definitely won't be able to spend time blogging. However, I am taking some of my favourites tools and supplies with me, just in case I have an opportunity to put something together.

This means another move. . . So here I go again - packing my bags and leaving for BC at the beginning of September ~ LOL!

I will surely miss you all - I've made some awesome friends on here and will continue to try and stay in touch as much as I can but just wanted to thank you all so much for your encouragement and support.

Blessings to y'all <3!

Moving Again. . . .

2009-06-13T12:20:00.001-07:00

Well I'm almost finished moving, the unpacking is almost complete and my furniture should be arriving shortly. . . I've gotten several scrapbooking projects almost completed, but am still looking for some of my supplies. I feel like I'm suffering from withdrawal, totally starving from my quiet times of scrapbooking therapy. It's amazing how therapeutic paper crafting can be, my mind is totally filled with creative ideas fueled from the amazing designs and colours of papers, embellies and ribbons. OMG. . . I can hardly wait to get my scrap room ready for hours of therapy.

Here is just a little sample of one of the projects I'm working on. . . it's a lil book for all my computer passwords. I tried my hand at making a paper flower. . . this is my first shot. . . hope to get a more of a ragged and uneven edge on the next ones.

Blessings to you all!

Sympathy. . .

2009-05-15T10:56:00.001-07:00

GRATITUDE. . .

2009-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

I made these cards for my niece's Bible Quizzing Leaders. She wanted to show them how thankful she was for all they had done through out the year! The kids have an amazing time all year, practicing and traveling to other Quizzing meets for competitions. They not only have to learn the Word of God, but have to know what it means as well.

Great job Leila, your Auntie is so proud of you, you are always so thoughtful!

A Mother's Love. . . Mother Theresa

2009-05-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here is my Mother's Day LO in honour of Mother Teresa. Her life has been a great inspiration to me. The selfless lifestyle, along with her unending compassion for the hurting has impacted my life greatly.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there ~ Praying GOD's richest blessings upon you!

The 3 "R's" of Scrapbooking

2009-04-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Is there anyone else out there who likes to recycle items for scrapbooking?

For my chipboard ~ I use cereal, cracker, cookie. . . boxes or any other sturdy piece of cardstock I can find. Corrugated cardboard too can give a nice effect.

I also like to use clothing tags. You can find some really cool and unique ones from jeans. I've found little dog tags, with a beaded chain, large tags with words like "Contrast" written across them with a gorgeous red cotton ribbon and fabric swatches you can stamp on. I use cellophane windows from tea boxes or envelopes to highlight a sentiment, word or embelli. . . I also like to use vintage/cotton laces or buttons found on old clothing that is going to be thrown out. For the laces you can hand wash them add a lil starch and iron them or use tea/coffee to stain them to give them more of an aged look - they look amazing.

These are only a few of the ideas. . . I have recently found toilet paper rolls to make wonderful picture slides ~ what about you?

What do you use?

Recycled Toilet Paper Roll Picture Slide

2009-04-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute idea for kids to make for their mom for Mother's Day ~ it's a recycled toilet paper roll made into a picture slide. I found the idea on Youtube and thought I would put my own spin on it. Isn't cool what you can find on Youtube ~ who woulda ever thought eh? Next I will have to try the Paper Towel roll picture slide - LOL!

Blessings & Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's out there!

Canada's Earth Day. . .

2009-04-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

In honour of Canada's Earth Day, to help you discover the greener way to craft, I made this simple lil card from recycled paper.

Under the fancy papers in my mini albums you will find cereal, cracker, cookie. . . boxes. On the pages you will find tags, pins, strings, fringes from jeans and clothing. There is so much more to discover out there, even the tabs from pop cans can be used for ribbon buckles and cotton laces, buttons and fabric swatches make great embellishments. Use your imagination to see what you can recycle, reuse and re-invent.

"Cherish Family" Purse Mini Album

2009-04-10T00:20:00.000-07:00

Here it is, my version of the "Purse Album" created from cereal boxes. . . and a lot of help from ABOVE.
I created this especially for my niece's 13th birthday. She has been such a blessing to me and continues to make her Auntie feel so very special. She is a very caring and compassionate young lady and I absolutely adore her!
First I created the design on graph paper, then made a cardboard template, traced the pattern onto cereal boxes (I had to eat lots of cereal) and cut out each page, rounding the bottom corners. Sanding the edges helped give a nice finished edge. There is lots of "BLING" throughout the album ~ that's one of her favourite embellishments. I also created a pocket in the album to house some of her favourite family pictures. I can hardly wait to give it to her!

"Something Within"

2009-04-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about my new stamp set from the Unity Stamp Company. . . I could hardly wait to use them.
Here is my first attempt - at a 4" x 8" card using the "Something Within" stamp set from Unity Stamps; Ribbon is from Maya Road; Green Flower Bling is from Jesse James Beads; Background is embossed with my Cuddlebug using "d'vine swirl" folder, I then inked the embossing using a dry brush method and sanded lightly; I also got to use my new EK Success Punch - Dotted Scallop to make the fringe under the ribbon; Ink is by Anna Griffith (they are my absolute favourite inks) in color "Green". Of course I inked everything ~ I love inking, sanding, distressing. . . There is also a 1/8" border paper pierced around the sentiment and I stamped another cross, cut it out and popped it for a lil extra dimension. I hope you like it?

Celebrate Faith Mini Album

2009-01-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

. . . this is a very special album I created for my Mom's Christmas gift this year. I shared some of her favourite bible passages along with some gorgeous photo's of God's own handiwork. . . I hope you enjoy it.
Using the 8x8 "Old World" paper pack made coordinating the paper easy. I use any kind of cardboard/chipboard I can get my hands on, mostly cereal boxes. I like to design my own albums from scratch, so I'm on the look out for cardboard/chipboard all the time.
On the cover i stamped flourishes in grey ink and then placed a black rubon flourish over top to give it more dimension (I had a lil help from a friend for this). I made the title using my trusty Cricut and sprayed it with Tattered Angels "Glimmer Mist".
To frame the bible verses I used a digi-frames pack from Rhonna Farrer and coordinated coloured fonts to match the "Old World" paper.
There are a few more pages to this album, however my blogging skills are still in da works and this gives you an idea of what the album looks like.

Sweet & Simple

2008-12-14T00:49:00.000-08:00

In November, 2008 I was offered an opportunity to teach a group of home-school teen girls the art of scrapbooking. November's project was a small accordion album and to be really honest with you I was amazed at their talents and creativity.
For December's project we made a Christmas Paper Bag Album (I didn't finish-off the binding so the girls could see how I strung ribbon through each hole and tied it off).
Using "We R Memory Keepers White Out Christmas Collection" made this project easy. We finished off the project using various colours of opalescent ribbon that had a beautiful sheen to it, just to add a lil extra bling for the Christmas season.
The girls had fun with the bright coloured papers, all the pockets, tags and ribbon in this lil album.