to the full

Five for Friday

2012-03-02T07:56:00.002-06:00

1. Well, we finally got winter! LOL! Sure, we've had some cold days, but our temperatures have been very mild and above seasonal this year. However, on the weekend, we finally got snow! The kids have been very happy about this, to say the least.... Better late than never?

2. I completed two months of no-sugar/no-deep-fried-foods & am currently on day 62. :) However, I weighed myself yesterday and had only lost one pound in two (or was it three?) weeks, which was a little discouraging.

3. February is I Love to Read month and at Sage & Jonah's school, the theme this year has been fairy tales. To cap off their month, they were suppose to dress as their favourite fairy tale characters. Sage chose Little Red Riding Hood, so I made her a costume.... (I'm not going to lie-- it was frustrating! Especially because I wasn't using a pattern for the cape, just some ideas I got off the internet. But with a lot of fussing, I got it done. But the end result was definitely worth it....)

For Jonah, I found an idea online to make him a Big Bad Wolf costume using a brown hoodie. We went to the thrift store and scored a dark grey hoodie (a perfect match for my Smokey Shadow felt) for $1.50. We added some ears, eyes, a nose and some teeth ("All the better to eat you with!") We also added a Hello my name is... tag on the front to cover the NorthFace emblem.

Here are some photos I took before they went to school... (they were such troopers, seeing as it wasn't warm out that morning!) I apologize for the "over-exposed-ness" of the photos. I took these, thinking they were fine, and then the phone rang, calling me into work.... Anyway, sorry they're not the greatest.

That name tag just totally makes me smile!

4. On the weekend, I'd brought my crafting supplies upstairs to work on making some cards. When I went to clean everything up, I decided to go through my scraps and patterned paper and reorganize them. I sort them by manufacturer, but my favourite or more popular manufacturers have changed over the years, so I needed to change some categories, etc. I ended up giving quite a bit to Sage and to Jonah's teacher. A bit painful to think of what I paid for it originally, but it felt quite freeing to pass it on.

5. While I was doing #4, I came across a few scraps from one of my favourite manufacturers, Scenic Route. They're no longer in business, but I couldn't let these pretty scraps go to waste, so I challenged myself to make a card with them, as well as with this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: creating large frames with smaller frame stamps:

I used PTI cardstock (berry sorbet), stamps (basic labels, signature sentiments: dress form) & dies (love lives here).

Thanks for looking!

Pages with Papertrey -- Challenge #7

2012-03-01T07:00:00.005-06:00

Good morning!

Today, I'm posting this month's Pages with Papertrey Challenge, which is to use a PTI sentiment stamp on your layout. You can stamp the whole sentiment or just part of it. You can use it as a title, subtitle or an extra little embellishment, like I did here on my layout:

I used PTI cardstock (Fine linen) & stamps (Love Lives Here: Holidays). I also used My Mind's eye (cream floral & teal woodgrain) patterned paper and decorative brads, Crate Paper patterned paper (orange) and October Afternoon letter stickers.

Here's a close up of my journaling:

And a close up of my PTI sentiment stamp: I selectively inked the "Homespun" from the "Homespun Hugs" stamp:

If you play along with this month's Pages With Papertrey Challenge, I'd love to see it! Please post a link either in this thread or in my comments.

Thanks for looking!

A couple of challenges

2012-02-29T06:58:00.000-06:00

Happy Leap Day!

I had a prof in University who got married today, 20 years ago. So, I guess today he's celebrating his 5th annivesary. ;) (He'd actually told us that was why they picked the date.... so he'd only have to buy her a gift every four years! LOL!)

Anyway, today I want to share a card that I made using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: creating large frames with smaller frame stamps, as well as the latest Papertrey Princess challenge posted by Diane, who challenged us to create a card with a Hawaiian feel.

This is for Sage's teacher, Mme Schofield, who came out of retirement to fill in since the starting of the school year, while Mme. Vigier was on her mat leave. Now Mme. Vigier is back and I wanted to let Mme. Schofield know how much we appreciated her and how much Sage enjoyed having her for her teacher.

To create my larger frame, I used Fillable Frames #8, which I stamped twice.

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (canyon clay, rustic white), stamps (Fillable Frames #8, Happy Day, Think Big Favourites #3), buttons & dies (Happy Day.) The patterned paper is Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

A birthday card

2012-02-28T13:50:00.002-06:00

My friend, co-worker and fellow scrapbooker, Lindsay, celebrated a birthday yesterday, so I made her a card to honour the occasion. I used some new My Mind's Eye patterned paper, as well as this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: creating large frames with smaller frame stamps. I decided to use my Basic Labels set to create a larger frame for my sentiment and blooms (the not so lined up edges are hidden by the leaves.)

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (rosie posie, label basics, communique sentiments) and dies (rosie posie). The patterned paper is My Mind's Eye.

Thanks for looking!

An award & a card

2012-02-26T15:22:00.001-06:00

In the past few weeks, I've been very kindly awarded a blog award from Kara, Crystal & Laurence. Thank you, my friends!

Liebster' is German for 'dearest'. The award is a 'share-the-love' arrangement, given to inspirational bloggers with less than 200 followers.

Here's the to-do list of any Liebster award recipient:

Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
Reveal your five blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
Copy and paste the award on your blog (see above).
Hope that those you award forward it to their favorite bloggers.

Here are my five nominees, in alphabetical order:
Deb
Denise
Joyce
Sherri
Tara

And before I go, here's a card I wanted to share...

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white, aqua mist, new leaf), stamps (iconic images, love & marriage, happy trails) & dies (limitless layers ovals). The patterned paper is Crate and the music note stamp (which I "kissed" the iconic image bird stamp) is Hero Arts.

I hope you're having a great Sunday!
I've been spending my afternoon making cards on my dining room table and tonight, Cameron & I will go play volleyball at our church.

Thanks for looking!

PTI February Blog Hop

2012-02-25T08:01:00.004-06:00

Once again, I'm playing along with the Papertrey Ink Blog Hop. This month's challenge is to include an interactive element in your project. I decided to make a card and a layout for the challenge...

First, the card:

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white, canyon clay), stamps (boy basics: game on, basic labels) and dies (tag sale #3, basic labels.) The patterned paper and label diecut (on the front of the card) are My Mind's Eye.

The interactive elements are the banners that lift to reveal...

And, finally...

And, here is the layout that I made:

I used American Crafts cardstock (12x12), PTI cardstock (soft stone, stamper's select white), stamps (tiny tags, tiny tags II), buttons, twine & dies (tag sale #5, half & half, tiny tags). The patterned paper is My Mind's Eye.

Some of the banners I diecut myself and others were MME diecuts...

For the title, I actually diecut it with my Half & Half die from the packaging from my My Mind's Eye product pack, thinking it was the perfect title. I trimmed down the edges slightly and then layered it over a piece of cardstock diecut from soft stone cardstock.

Then, when you lift the title, you reveal the journaling behind it:

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday

2012-02-24T07:04:00.000-06:00

1. What a great week! We had Monday off for Louis Riel Day, early dismissal on Wednesday and today off for professional development. I love it!

2. Well, I'm currenly on Day 55 of no-sugar, no-deep-fried-foods. :)

3. With Lent starting this week, I put some thought into what I could "give up" this year...

Sugar? Already did.
Deep fried foods? Already did.
TV? I only watch a few shows a week, so this didn't seem like a good fit.
Scrapbooking? This was Cameron's suggestion, to which I replied: "No." (I've found with going back to work that I really need my crafting time to keep me sane and happy.)
Buying scrapbooking supplies? I actually did this a few years ago and it was okay, but not something I wanted to do again this year... ;)
Eating after supper? We have a winner! It will be a little challenging (I've gotten used to making popcorn with Cool Ranch seasoning while I want the Mentalist on Thursday evenings) but Jonah said he'd do it with me, which was nice. :)

4. I saw this on Facebook the other day and it totally made me laugh!

5. I wanted to share another layout that I made using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Glitter buttons.

I used Bazzill cardstock (kraft), Echo Park patterned paper, Papertrey Ink cardstock (stamper's select white, pure poppy), stamps (leaf prints), button & dies (tag sale #5, alphabet block uppercase).

This layout has an interactive element.... you can untie the baker's twine and open up the little folder I made to reveal some more photos from the day and my journaling.

And here's a close-up of my glittered button on the banner "flag" I made:

Thanks for looking!

Happy Birthday, Marlo

2012-02-23T07:29:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was my wonderful friend, Marlo's birthday. I took her to lunch and, because we share a love for scrapbooking, I gave her some new My Mind's Eye decorative brads & matching 6x6 paper pack.

I also gave her this card, that I made using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Glitter buttons. (Isswear I'm getting addicted to this technique!)

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (think big favourites #12, stitches & swirls) & buttons. The strip of patterned paper is Cosmo Cricket. I was inspired by this card by Betsy Veldman (just scroll down a little.)

Thanks for looking!

Furry bliss

2012-02-22T10:57:00.000-06:00

As someone who never uses glitter on my cards and layouts, I'm super surprised at how much I'm enjoying this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Glitter buttons. Here's another layout I made with this technique (adding Dazzling Details to my buttons to make them sparkle!) For this layout, I used some photos that I took last Canada Day of Sage at the petting zoo.

I used American Crafts cardstock (12x12), Crate Paper patterned paper and my Quickutz cotton candy alphabet dies. I also used Papertrey Ink buttons & dies (tag sale #3, heart prints).

Thanks for looking!

Everyday moments vs. events

2012-02-21T10:13:00.001-06:00

I actually enjoy scrapbooking both "event-type" layouts (places we go, things that happen in our lives, birthdays, etc.) and "everyday moment" type of layouts (funny/cute things the kids said or did, just using a photo of them to tell them how special they are to me, etc.) However, it seems lately, that I've been concentrating more on the everyday moments and neglecting some "event-type" photos taken over the past couple of years. So yesterday, I decided to grab some photos from my photo box and scrapbook some events.

I also challenged myself to incorporate this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Glitter buttons.

I'd taken these photos on the last day of school last June, because the kids' excitement was so palpable (okay, and mine was, too!) I love summer and the anticipation leading up to it. (These photos also make me laugh, because try as I might, I couldn't get both Sage & Jonah in the air at the same time! LOL!)

I used My Mind's Eye patterned paper. Webster's paper letter stickers & SU! Dazzling Details on my buttons to get them glittery. I also used Papertrey Ink buttons & dies (journal tabs & heart border).

Here's a close-up of the buttons and journaling:

Thanks for looking!

Blue belts

2012-02-20T14:32:00.002-06:00

On Friday, February 3rd, Sage & Jonah tested for their blue belts. They both did really well! Last Monday, they received their promotions-- I'm so proud of how well they're doing!

When I gave Sage her 18" doll for Christmas, I'd mentionned how there was a taekwondo outfit that you could buy for her, but I thought that maybe I could make one instead.... So I found a pattern for some pyjamas and a robe and decided to modify that instead... Easier said than done, though! I must be too used to sewing on paper, because sewing that little outfit was a challenge! LOL! Shortly afterwards, I called my mom to thank her for all the doll/Barbie clothes she sewed for me when I was little! Here are Sage & Alex (her doll) posing in their blue belts:

And while I'm sharing some taekwondo pictures, I thought I'd share the layout I made today, using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Glitter buttons. At first, Ashley suggested that we use spray adhesive & glitter (of which I have none and the stores are closed today), but then she showed how she added some glitter to her buttons using stickles. I had purchased some Dazzling Details from SU! before Christmas, so I added some of that to my buttons.

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white), buttons, twine, stamps & dies (tiny tags II). I also used Crate Paper patterned paper, a My Mind's Eye decorative brad & Sassafras (grey) & Jillibean (red) alphabet stickers.

Thanks for looking!

Merci

2012-02-19T13:53:00.003-06:00

On the PTI forum, Joyce organized a Release Party Redo this week. Its purpose is to show appreciation & honour to the PTI behind the scenes cast, Nichole and Jennifer.

So, I thought I'd share a thank you card that I made with one of my favourite sets that Nichole designed, Stitches & Swirls.

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white, spring moss), stamps (stitches & swirls, think big favourites #3) and dies (limitless layers ovals).

I actually tried a version of the ghost masking technique that Betsy did for a MIM last month, except instead of it being a one layer card, I layered the sentiment oval on a decorative oval over the card base.

Thanks for looking!

Make It Monday #53 -- attempt #2

2012-02-19T08:36:00.000-06:00

Here is the second card that I made for this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: creative coasters. I diecut my coaster with my Mat Stack #5 die, stamped the sentiment & accent, ran it through my diecutting machine with my woodgrain impression plate and then added some distress ink with my Tim Holtz distresser:

I used PTI coaster, cardstock (canyon clay), impression plate (woodgrain), stamps (think big favourites #12, modern wood mats) & dies (mat stack #5, tag sale #5). I also used My Mind's Eye patterned paper.

Thanks for looking!

Make It Monday #53 -- attempt #1

2012-02-18T18:18:00.002-06:00

This week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink is to use the PTI coasters in a creative way. I've actually never purchased coasters, but my friend, Mandy, gave me a couple to try several months ago. So I found one in my stash and was able to use it for two cards. Here is the first one I made, where I diecut my coaster, stamped the sentiment, ran it through my diecutting machine with my woodgrain impression plate and then added a little soft stone ink with my tim holtz distresser:

I used PTI coaster, cardstock (canyon clay), stamps (wonderful words additions) & dies (double-ended banner die, alphabet block). I also used My Mind's Eye patterned paper & decorative brads, as well as their latest sketch on the MME blog.

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday

2012-02-17T11:28:00.000-06:00

1. I had so much fun playing along with the Papertrey Ink challenges/contests this past week.... although, I'm just shocked that I never won! I'd check for my name and be so surprised that it wasn't listed as a winner for their draws..... ;)

2. I was very excited to get some emails last week from Papercrafts (they requested two of my submitted cards for their next Stamp It magazine) and CARDS (they requested one of my cards for their July 2012 issue---- they acutally requested the wedding card that I'd recently made for my nephew, so I had to call him and ask for it back (temporarily, of course!)

3. I've been sugar-free & deep-fried foods-free now for 48 days! Woohoo! I feel really good (physically) and I went to the clinic to weigh myself on Monday and discovered that I'd lost 3 lbs. It might not seem like much in three weeks, but I'm happy with a slow, but steady loss of weight. :)

4. We had a great Valentine's Day this week, which included a few little gifts & cards for Cameron & the kids, lunch out at Boston Pizza with Cameron (where I got a heart shaped spicy perogy pizza!) & heart-shaped pancakes for supper. Cameron gave me a pretty pendant shaped like a key, which I love!

5. When I took the kids to see the Muppet Movie before Christmas, I fell in love with this song and thought it would be great to add to a layout. So I made this:

I used Papertrey Ink (text) & Fancy Pants (all other) patterned paper, My Mind's Eye decorative brads, PTI cardstock (ocean tides) & dies (alphabet block, bloom builders #3, lunchbox note). I printed out the lyrics on the neutral side of the patterned paper to fit in the lunchbox note die. Then I diecut it and added it to my layout with a flower on the front of it, so when you open it up, it reveals the lyrics:

(Sorry for the poor photos-- I took them in the evening...)

Thanks for looking!

Day 10 Contest -- attempt #4

2012-02-14T22:32:00.000-06:00

Here is the fourth project that I made for Day 10 for the Anniversary Celebrations at Papertrey Ink, where the challenge was to make an interactive card, in honour of their new interactive dies. This time I made a layout (which I hope is okay!) I also used the Blog Challenge Sketch on the My Mind's Eye blog.

I used my new My Mind's Eye patterned papers & diecuts that came in the mail yesterday, as well as some decorative brads. I also used PTI cardstock (soft stone, simply chartreuse), twine, buttons & dies (half & half, filligree border, double-ended banner, wonderful words).

Here's a close-up of the journaling:

For the interactive element, I used a half & half diecut that slides into the strip of MME patterned paper, behind the journaling. When you pull it out...

... you see the Bible verse I included.

Thanks for looking!

Day 10 Contest -- attempt #3

2012-02-14T22:15:00.000-06:00

Here is the third card that I made for Day 10 for the Anniversary Celebrations at Papertrey Ink, where the challenge was to make an interactive card, in honour of their new interactive dies.

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white, aqua mist, ripe avacodo), twine, stamps (happy trails, communique sentiments) & dies (tag sale #3, edgers #3, happy trails). The patterned paper is My Mind's Eye.

For the interactive element on my card, I sewed a pocket, into which I slipped the tag. When you take it out of the pocket, it reveals a second sentiment:

Thanks for looking!

Day 10 Contest -- attempt #2

2012-02-14T22:06:00.000-06:00

Here is the second card that I made for Day 10 for the Anniversary Celebrations at Papertrey Ink, where the challenge was to make an interactive card, in honour of their new interactive dies. I also made this card for Steph's Papertrey Princess challenge to make a card using white & one other colour. I picked pink (& added a little bit of black for the sentiments-- I hope that's okay!)

I used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white, raspberry fizz), twine, stamps (half & half, botanical silhouettes) & dies (half & half, bloom builders #3). The patterned paper is Echo Park.

For the interactive element on my card, I sewed the half & half diecut over an extra stamped sentiment and picture on the patterned paper as a little surprise:

Thanks for looking!

Day 10 Contest -- attempt #1

2012-02-14T21:50:00.000-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it's already Day 10 for the Anniversary Celebrations at Papertrey Ink. I made four projects for today's contest, which was to make an interactive card, in honour of their new interactive dies. Here is the first of three cards that I made for the challenge:

I used PTI cardstock (vintage cream), twine, stamps (wonderful words additions) & dies (mat stack #4, layerz mat stack #4). The patterned paper is Pink Paislee and the chipboard flower is Fancy Pants.

For the interactive element on my card, I slipped a piece of patterned paper, adhered to a strip of cardstock, into a pocket I made with stitching, that you can pull out to reveal the rest of the sentiment:

Thanks for looking!

Day 9 Contest -- attempt #4

2012-02-13T23:24:00.000-06:00

Here is the fourth card that I made for Papertrey Ink's challenge to include both butterflies and leaves on a project. I searched through my embellishment box and found two of these large chipboard butterflies...

I used PTI cardstock (sweet blush, vintage cream), patterned paper (Dearest Jane), stamps (Think Big Favourites #12, Turning a New Leaf) & dies (mega mat stack 4). The chipboard butterfly is Pink Paislee.
Thanks for looking!

Day 9 Contest -- attempt #3

2012-02-13T23:16:00.000-06:00

Here is the third card that I made for Papertrey Ink's challenge to include both butterflies and leaves on a project. I searched through my embellishment box and found two of these large chipboard butterflies...

I used PTI cardstock (sweet blush, berry sorbet), stamps (Think Big Favourites #12, Turning a New Leaf) & dies (heart border die). The patterned paper & chipboard butterfly are Pink Paislee. It's hard to see, but for my leaves, I stamped them on the sentiment strip with Versamark.

Thanks for looking!

Day 9 Contest -- attempt #2

2012-02-13T23:07:00.000-06:00

Here is the second card that I made for Papertrey Ink's challenge to include both butterflies and leaves on a project:

I used PTI cardstock (hibiscus burst), buttons, twine, patterned paper (Dearest Jane), stamps (Communique Sentiments) & dies (limitless layers ovals, love lives here). The floral patterned paper is The Girl's Paperie.

Thanks for looking!

Day 9 Contest -- attempt #1

2012-02-13T23:02:00.000-06:00

I can't believe we're already on Day 9 of the Papertrey Anniversary celebrations! Today's contest is to include both butterflies and leaves on a project. Here is the first of four cards that I made for the challenge:

I used PTI cardstock (vintage cream), buttons, twine, stamps (Think Big Favourites #4) & dies (double-ended banner, love lives here, heart border). The patterned paper is The Girl's Paperie.

Thanks for looking!

Day 7 Contest -- attempt #4

2012-02-11T18:31:00.000-06:00

Here is the fourth layout that I made for today's contest at Papertrey Ink which is to add hearts to your project.

I used PTI cardstock (simply chartreuse), button, stamps (lace bouquet) & dies (double-ended banner, heart prints, uppercase block alphabet). The patterned paper is Echo Park & the cardstock and black thickers are American Crafts.

Thanks for looking!

Day 7 Contest -- attempt #3

2012-02-11T18:26:00.002-06:00

Here is the third layout that I made for today's contest at Papertrey Ink which is to add hearts to your project. I also used a sketch from the October Afternoon blog.

I used PTI stamps (wonderful words additions) & dies (wonderful words, heart prints). The patterned paper is Echo Park & the cardstock is American Crafts.

Thanks for looking!

Day 7 Contest -- attempt #2

2012-02-11T17:29:00.000-06:00

Here is the second layout that I made for today's contest at Papertrey Ink which is to add hearts to your project.

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (stamper's select white), stamps (love & marriage), button & die (heart prints). The patterned paper is Echo Park & the letters are American Crafts thickers.

Here's a close-up of the tag:

Thanks for looking!

Day 7 Contest -- attempt #1

2012-02-11T16:46:00.000-06:00

Today's contest at Papertrey Ink is to add hearts to your project. I made several Valentine's cards last night (& probably have more now than I need), so I decided to work on some scrapbooking layouts for today's challenge. Here's the first one I made (I actually started this one last night while I was scrapbooking with my friends, but still hadn't added any finishing touches (i.e. embellishments) so this challenge was a perfect one for today!):

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (aqua mist), stamps (stitches and swirls), buttons & dies (mat stack #4 & heart prints). The stickers are Crate Paper, the patterned paper is Fancy Pants and the chipboard letters are Making Memories.

Here's a close-up of the journaling:

Thanks for looking!

Day 6 Contest -- attempt #4

2012-02-10T23:55:00.000-06:00

Nichole posted some sketches on her blog for today's contest for Day 6 of the Papertrey Ink Anniversary festivities.

Here's the card I made using Sketch #4:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (Think Big Favourites #11) & dies (tag sale #5, love lives here). The patterned paper is Crate Paper and the brads are Build a brads, by SU! that I made by punching a 1/2" circle from the Crate Paper text patterned paper and adding a tiny punched heart from the butterfly die in Love Lives Here.

Thanks for looking!

Day 6 Contest -- attempt #3

2012-02-10T23:41:00.000-06:00

Nichole posted some sketches on her blog for today's contest for Day 6 of the Papertrey Ink Anniversary festivities.

Here's the card I made using Sketch #3:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (Think Big Favourites #11) & dies (tag sale #5, heart prints). The patterned paper is Crate Paper & Authentique and the decorative brads are My Mind's Eye.

Thanks for looking!

Day 6 Contest -- attempt #2

2012-02-10T23:37:00.000-06:00

Nichole posted some sketches on her blog for today's contest for Day 6 of the Papertrey Ink Anniversary festivities.

Here's the card I made using Sketch #2:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (Think Big Favourites #12) & buttons. The patterned paper is Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

Day 6 Contest -- attempt #1

2012-02-10T23:32:00.000-06:00

Today, for Day 6 of the Papertrey Ink Anniversary festivities, Nichole posted some sketches on her blog for today's contest. Out of the five sketches, I managed to use four of them to make some cards.

Here's the card I made using Sketch #1:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (sweet blush, rustic white), stamps (Happy Day) & dies (tag sale #5, mat stack #1 & Happy Day). The patterned paper is Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday

2012-02-10T16:28:00.000-06:00

1. I miss taking photos. I find I hit this lull in wintertime and hardly take any photos (mainly because of poor indoor lighting issues.) I can't wait for Spring! I was pretty happy with these two photos, though, spontaneous as they were....

2. Sage is so strong! She always has been but it still takes me a little by surprise to see her pick up her older brother and give him a piggy back ride!

3. Today marks Day 41 of no-sugar, no deep-fried foods. I haven't weighed myself in a couple of weeks though.... maybe next week. ;)

4. I've been having a great time making cards this week for the fabulous PTI challenges this week! I've made 21 so far (and have plans to tackle today's sketches tonight when I get together to scrapbook with some friends!)

5. Lastly, I wanted to share with you the layout that I made for the Crate Paper's latest colour challenge:

Here's my layout:

I used Crate Paper patterned paper & stickers, Papertrey Ink stamps (rosie posie, wonderful word additions) & dies (flower fusion #3, double-ended banner dies). The letters are made using my Quickutz dies & the brads are My Mind's Eye, except for the butterfly one, which, okay, it is a MME brad, but I covered it with a Crate Paper sticker.

Thanks for looking!

Day 5 Contest -- attempt #3

2012-02-09T23:01:00.002-06:00

Here's the third card that I made for today's contest at Papertrey Ink... where I used Danielle's pinned photo as inspiration.

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (aqua mist, rustic white), stamps (label basics, botanical silhouettes) & dies (quatrefoil cover plate, love lives here). I also used The Girl's Paperie, October Afternoon & My Mind's Eye patterned paper.

Thanks for looking!

Day 5 Contest -- attempt #2

2012-02-09T22:57:00.000-06:00

Here's the second card that I made for today's contest at Papertrey Ink... where I used Betsy's pinned photo as inspiration.

I used Papertrey Ink stamps (think big favourites #4, wonderful words additions) & dies (block alphabet, wonderful words). I also used Crate Paper patterned paper, an October Afternoon letter sticker, a Webster's ampersand sticker and Bo Bunny chipboard letters.

Thanks for looking!

Day 5 Contest -- attempt #1

2012-02-09T22:47:00.001-06:00

Today, Nichole announced that Papertrey Ink would be partnering with Pinterest and offered another contest. The DT each shared a photo they'd pinned and made a card using the photo as inspiration. We were to choose a photo the DT had chosen (or choose our own from Pinterest) and use it as inspiration to create a project of our own. While I was at work today, I perused the DT member's blogs, sketching out ideas for each of the pinned photos before checking out their lovely projects. However, when I got home from work, Mom duty, a stop at the library, taekwondo (our monthly black belt class) and The Mentalist (my favourite show!) got in the way of me making all of them. Instead, I got three done.

Here's the first one... where I used Ashley's pinned photo as inspiration.

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (stamper's select white, vintage cream, aqua mist, kraft), stamps (label basics, bb:woodgrain, botanical silhouettes), buttons, twine and dies (label basics).

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest -- attempt #8

2012-02-08T22:44:00.000-06:00

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!)

For the eighth card I made, I used Lisa's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (kraft, spring moss), stamps (half & half), die (mat stack #4) & button. The patterned paper is Cosmo Cricket.

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest -- attempt #7

2012-02-08T22:39:00.000-06:00

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!)

For the seventh card I made, I used Jessica's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic cream, dark chocolate), stamps (think big favourites #12, modern wood mats) & buttons. The patterned paper is Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest -- attempt #6

2012-02-08T22:29:00.000-06:00

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!)

For the sixth card I made, I used Heather's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (vintage cream), stamps (lace bouquet, think big favourites #3), button & twine.

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest -- attempt #5

2012-02-08T22:23:00.001-06:00

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!)

For the fifth card I made, I used Erin's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (aqua mist, true black) stamps (wonderful words additions), button & dies (double ended banner die, wonderful words.) The striped patterned paper is October Afternoon and the other two are Pink Paislee.

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest -- attempt #4

2012-02-08T22:17:00.000-06:00

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!) Seeing as I have the afternoon off today, I'm definitely going to be playing along...

For the fourth card I made, I used Dawn's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white, ripe avocado) & stamps (iconic images, distressed stripes, botanical silhouettes). The little pearls are SU!

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest -- attempt #3

2012-02-08T22:11:00.001-06:00

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!) Seeing as I have the afternoon off today, I'm definitely going to be playing along...

For the third card I made, I used Danielle's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white, summer sunrise), stamps (bb: houndstooth, communique sentiments), buttons, twine & dies (limitless layers ovals).

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest -- attempt #2

2012-02-08T21:59:00.001-06:00

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!) Seeing as I have the afternoon off today, I'm definitely going to be playing along...

For the second card I made, I used Betsy's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (kraft, melon berry), stamps (happy trails) & buttons.

Thanks for looking!

Day 4 Contest-- attempt #1

2012-02-08T21:52:00.001-06:00

It's been so much fun participating in the Anniversary Celebrations at Papertrey Ink this week! I love seeing the sneaks of new stamp sets, packaging and products-- very inspiring!

Today, on Nichole's blog, the designers have chosen their favourite colour combinations and have challenged us to create a project using them (for a chance to win a fabulous prize!) Seeing as I have the afternoon off today, I'm definitely going to be playing along...

Here's the first card I made, using Ashley's colour combination:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (berry sorbet, melon berry, simply chartreuse, rustic cream), stamps (think big favourites #3, happy day), buttons, twine and dies (heart border, happy day.). The patterned paper is Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

Pages with Papertrey -- Sketch #6

2012-02-07T19:08:00.016-06:00

I can't believe it's already February 15th--- this month is flying by!

I'm here to post this month's Pages With Papertrey sketch. This is one that I designed myself:

And here's my layout:

I used Bazzill cardstock, Simple Stories (text print, brown journal lines) and My Mind's Eye (all others) patterned paper. The little sticker is also MME. I used my Quickutz Classic Alphabet dies to create my title and a PTI die (mat stack #5) to create a spot for my journaling.

If you make a layout using this sketch, I'd love to see it! You can either post a link in my comments below or here on the PTI forum.

Thanks for looking!

PTI's Anniversary Event Day 2-- attempt #4

2012-02-06T22:45:00.000-06:00

Here's the fourth card that I made for using one of the Papertrey Ink Design Team's free downloads. For this card, I used Melissa's lovely tag:

I also used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white), stamps (modern wood mats), & dies (edgers #3).

Thanks for looking!

PTI's Anniversary Event Day 2-- attempt #3

2012-02-06T22:38:00.001-06:00

Here's a third card that I made for using one of the Papertrey Ink Design Team's free downloads. For this card, I used Beth's adorable tag:

I also used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white, smokey shadow), stamps (rosie posie, label basics), buttons & dies (label basics). I coloured in the little bee with my SU! watercolour pencils.

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 2 -- attempt 2

2012-02-06T21:19:00.000-06:00

Here's a second card that I made for using one of the Papertrey Ink Design Team's free downloads. For this card, I used Maile's super pretty tag:

I also used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white, smokey shadow) & dies (half & half, doily details). The patterned paper is Crate Paper (my current fave!)

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 2-- attempt 1

2012-02-06T18:44:00.002-06:00

Day 2's anniversary post featured PTI's fabulous stamp designers and they had a download for us to print and enjoy. I wanted to share a card that I made with the beautiful label Dawn designed:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic cream, sweet blush), stamps (BB: Text Style 1), buttons, twine & Happy Day die. The patterned paper is Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 1 -- attempt 6

2012-02-05T22:46:00.000-06:00

Here is the fifth card that I made for Day One of PTI's anniversary celebration. This time, I took my inspiration from Debbie's favourite project, specifically the green background with the Fancy Flourishes stamped on it and the picket fence that ran all the way across the card. (I apologize for the poor photo-- it's pretty late here!)

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic cream, spring moss), stamps (fancy flourishes, rosie posie, think big favourites #12) & dies (rosie posie, picket fence).

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 1 -- attempt 5

2012-02-05T22:40:00.000-06:00

Here is the fifth card that I made for Day One of PTI's anniversary celebration. This time, I took my inspiration from Dawn's favourite project (she makes such great cards!):

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic cream, hawaiian shores), stamps (rosie posie, think big favourites #9 & #12) & dies (mat stack #4 & layerz mat stack #4). The patterned paper is Authentique and Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 1 -- attempt 4

2012-02-05T22:28:00.001-06:00

Here is the fourth card that I made for Day One of PTI's anniversary celebration. This time, I took my inspiration from Danielle's favourite project (she's so fabulously talented!) and made a glassine treat bag for a friend for Valentine's:

I used Papertrey Ink glassine bag, stamps (stitches & swirls, signature series: cupcake), button & dies (edger #3, tiny tags).

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 1 -- attempt 3

2012-02-05T17:11:00.000-06:00

Here is the third card that I made for Day One of PTI's anniversary celebration. This time, I took my inspiration from Ashley's favourite project (PTI's newest addition to their fabulous design team!).

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white, true black), stamps (think big favourites #7, tiny tags) & dies (heart border, tiny tags, tag sale #5. The patterned paper is My Mind's Eye & Crate Paper. Since I don't own the banner builder dies, I used my tag sale #5 die to cut their shape and then trimmed down the edges.

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 1 -- attempt 2

2012-02-05T17:02:00.000-06:00

Here is the second card that I made for Day One of PTI's anniversary celebration. Once again, I took my inspiration from Betsy's favourite project (everything she makes is so amazing!).

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white, sweet blush), stamps (think big favourites #3, #4 & #7, modern wood mats). The patterned paper is Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking!

PTI Anniversary Event Day 1 -- attempt 1

2012-02-05T16:56:00.001-06:00

Papertrey Ink is celebrating their 5th anniversary this month! And I'm excited because it was during their anniversary celebrations last year that I discovered PTI (and their wonderful products!) and began to enjoy stamping. :)

They are having 10 days of release goodness and offering prizes each day. Today's challenge is to visit their amazing design team's blogs, take inspiration from their favourite projects and create a project of your own. I had so much fun visiting all of the design team's blogs, my immediate goal was to create a project for each one. But with some beautiful weather outside, tempting us to go for a walk, I've gotten three done so far.... we'll see if I can get anymore done when the kids go to bed.

Anyway, here's my first one, inspired my Betsy's favourite project:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white, hawaiian shores), stamps (think big favourites #12, think big favourites #9, modern wood mats). The patterned paper is Crate.

Thanks for looking!

Better Late Than Never

2012-02-04T09:21:00.000-06:00

I'm a little late in posting my project for the latest Papertrey Princess challenge posted by Anna: which was to create a border using non-border dies.

I decided to use this great technique on a layout:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (vintage cream, sweet blush), stamps (wonderful words additions, Think Big Favourites #4, Happy Trails, Fancy Flourishes) and dies (wonderful words, heart prints). The patterned paper is Authentique.

Thanks for looking!

Pages with Papertrey -- Challenge #6

2012-02-01T07:00:00.023-06:00

Today, I'm posting the Pages With Papertrey Challenge for February, which is to use your PTI stamps to create your own patterned paper, like I did here in my layout...

I used American Crafts cardstock (12x12) and Papertrey Ink cardstock (stamper's select white, hawaiian shores, harvest gold, pure poppy) stamps (Journaling Lines, Tag it's #6) & dies (two triangles, alphabet block). The red-polkadot patterned paper is My Mind's Eye, which I cut with my star punch.

To create my journaling strip, I printed out my journaling on white cardstock (after figuring out the spacing in Word that would work best) and then I stamped the Journaling Lines stamp in Hawaiian Shores.

Another idea I wanted to share.... I did some recycling on this page! The banner across the top of the page was orginally made for the cake we enjoyed at our back to school feast. I saved it to adhere to my layout.

If you play along with this month's Pages With Papertrey Challenge, I'd love to see it! Please post a link either in this thread or in my comments.

Thanks for looking!

A do-over challenge

2012-01-31T09:19:00.000-06:00

I noticed that the wonderfully talented Amber posted a "do-over challenge" on her blog. The idea is to create a fresh, new take on an old project.

So, I decided to play along, but needed to choose a card. I'm pleased to say that in searching through my cards, I didn't find very many that I felt I needed to "do-over". However, I did find this one, that I made last summer, for a MIM at PTI (you can see the original post here.)

It was for a decreasing apertures challenge. I liked the patterned paper I chose, but wasn't crazy about the triangle (I really struggled with the Tranquility Trilogy set!) AND, I strongly dislike the placement of the flowers. I'm not sure what I was thinking on this one....

Anyway, I decided to try to repeat the design and I challenged myself to use some striped patterned paper again. Here's what I came up with:

I used PTI cardstock (true black), rustic twine, buttons, stamps (Think Big Favourites #12) and dies (Mega Mat Stack #5, Mat Stack #5). The patterned paper is We R Memory Keepers.

Thanks for looking!

Engaged

2012-01-30T15:37:00.001-06:00

In October, as an engagement present to my nephew and his fiancée, I took some photos of the happy couple (one of which they ended up using for their wedding invitations.) I decided to make a layout using some of my favourite shots that day...

I used American Crafts cardstock (white) and Papertrey Ink cardstock (fine linen), stamps (love & marriage, bb:woodgrain), rustic twine & dies (mega mat stack 4, tiny tags, heart border). The patterned paper is Fancy Pants.

Here are a few close-ups:

Thanks for looking!

A birthday layout

2012-01-29T13:28:00.002-06:00

I scrapbooked some of the photos I took of Sage's cowgirl-themed birthday party in September. I used Picasa3 to create a photo collage and had it printed as an 8x10.

I used Bazzill (white) & Papertrey Ink (sweet blush, dark chocolate, stamper's select white) cardstock, Studio Calico patterned paper. For the title, I printed it out on my computer using the font Bleeding Cowboy and stamped over it with my PTI stamps (stitches & swirls). For the star embellishment, I had made Cowgirl cookies to give to the girls. The site had some Free downloads. I used the pink ones to decorate the cookie jars and decided to die cut one of the cowboy cookies labels with one of my PTI Seeing Stars dies.

Thanks for looking!

Six for Saturday

2012-01-28T11:19:00.005-06:00

Because I missed my usual "Five for Friday" post yesterday, I thought I'd post a "Six for Saturday" today.

1. The reason for missing my post is because we took a day trip to Brandon yesterday. The kids didn't have school and the weather was good, so we drove there to pick up some parts for Cameron's cattle oiler and did a little shopping, too. I found a three quarter length black wool coat for $40 (it was regularly priced at $150!) It's very classic and warm-- I'm sure I'll wear it for years!

2. AND, I wasn't the only one to get a new winter jacket.... When we went to Children's Place to exchange a top for Sage, I spotted a pink & black winter jacket for Sage on the sales' rack. It was regular $79.95, marked down to $19.99, PLUS I had a 25% coupon code, so I got it for $15! I also snagged a matching toque for $2.25. I love successful shopping trips!

3. I'm on Day 28 of No Sugar/No Deep-Fried foods. Yay! It's been a little easier lately, probably because I don't want to break my streak. ;) I actually had a dream that I'd had some sugar and was so disappointed in myself. I've been doing taekwondo three nights a week, but haven't started the 30 day shred up again.... yet... ;)

When I stopped at the clinic to drop off something for a friend, I noticed that they had a scale there for the public to use. Since I hadn't weighed myself in months, I thought it might be a good idea to see where I was at. Well, it probably wasn't the greatest idea, because I weighed 5 lbs more than I thought I would... It was a little depressing, to tell you the truth. However, I decided that it would only strengthen my resolve to keep going. I'll wait another 6 weeks or so before I weigh myself again...

4. I got a couple of new additions to my craft space this week.... so I thought I'd tidy up my area and share some photos with you...

My scrap space is located in a corner of our basement. I have a long table that I use as my desk and a wooden shelf (that used to be a window valence at my church) where I display some favourite photos & my wooden stamps:

On the left-hand side of my table, I store my 12x12 patterned paper in hanging file folders, sorted by manufacturer, as well as my Papertrey Ink cardstock, sorted by colours. The little basket in front of the cardstock stores extra diecuts. The little angel hanging there was given to me at church on Christmas Eve (everyone got one-- they're to remind us that God is always with us.)

This is my new revolving four tray storage container that I got this week. Cameron helped me put it together. :)

In it, I'm storing...
Top tray: PTI felt, thread and bling
Second tray: my PTI ink
Third tray: adhesive, tools and twine
Botton tray: my A Muse Studio inks and acrylic block

I have several sections empty, which will leave room for new inks, etc.

Beside this, I have a black metal caddy that holds my scissors, bone folder, large adhesive gun, pencils, pens & craft knife.

Then, I have these three storage boxes:

In the first one, I store my PTI stamps, in Tim Holtz stamp folders. I love this system, as it's super easy to flip through my stamps to find the perfect one for my project! I always think I should store them in alphabetical order, but it usually ends up that I just store them with the ones I used recently at the front.

The second box holds embellishments (diecuts, journaling cards, a few stickers, flowers, etc.)

The third box holds my photos, which are sorted chronologically (most of the time!)

Beside the boxes, I have a card display rack that I use to store my non-PTI stamps & punches.

Adjacent to my table...

I have a diecutting station set up, with my new Big Shot (which I love! Isn't it pretty?) and my PTI dies stored in Tim Holtz stamp folders, a system that works for me.

5. If you're wondering why my Big Shot is new, it's because I replaced my Cuttlebug with it. I found that my Cuttlebug just didn't cut my dies properly. I always needed the shim, even with the "non-intricate" dies, like mat stack 4. I also found that my impression plates didn't impress very well at all. And some of my intricate dies didn't cut well, even with the shim. So, after trying my friend, Marlo's, Big Shot, and finding a great deal online on Amazon.com, I sold my Cuttlebug (& some of my Tim Holtz, Cuttlebug and Quickutz dies) and used that money to pay for my Big Shot and the 12" revolving trays.

6. I had the week off this past week (it was exam week at the high school where I substitute teach), so on Wednesday, my friend, Susan, invited me over for the day to scrapbook (so fun!)

Here's one of the layouts I made that day:

I used Studio Calico patterned paper & letter stickers, a Pink Paislee metal embellishment ("The Best"), My Mind's Eye decorative brads and PTI cardstock (stamper's select white) & dies (mega mat stack #4, doily details).

Here's a close up of the journaling:

Thanks for looking!

PTI January Blog Hop

2012-01-25T07:13:00.006-06:00

Once again, I've decided to play along with the Papertrey Ink blog hop and this month the challenge is to choose a favourite project that I made in 2011 and then use that as inspiration to create another project.

I decided to choose the card I made for the October Blog Hop, orginally posted here:

I love the fall feel of this card and wondered if I could create something with a similar design, but using a different season...

Here's what I came up with:

I used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white, raspberry fizz), stamps (rosie posie, botanical silhouettes), impression plate (woodgrain) & dies (picket fence). The patterned paper is My Mind's Eye (blue polka dots, text) & Crate Paper (green).

Thanks for looking!

Doubling up

2012-01-22T08:56:00.000-06:00

I made another card using both the My Mind's Eye Blog challenge card sketch and this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Ghost Masking.

I used My Mind's Eye patterned paper, decorative brad and banner, star & number stamps. I also used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white, hawaiian shores, true black) & stamps (label basics, wonderful words additions) & dies (seeing stars, wonderful words).

Thanks for looking!

My Mind's Blog Challenges #31

2012-01-21T13:34:00.002-06:00

I decided to participate in My Mind's Eye Blog Challenges #31 this weekend.

I tackled the layout sketch first:

I used Bazzill cardstock (cream, dark grey), My Mind's Eye patterned paper, decorative brad and "favorite" & banner stamps, Papertrey Ink stamps (delightful doilies, label basics) & dies (beautiful blooms II #1, label basics). The alphabet stickers are Webster's Pages.

Here are some close-ups of the title and journaling:

Then, I tackled the card sketch, using some of the same elements:

I used My Mind's Eye patterned paper and "so much" stamps, Papertrey Ink cardstock (smokey shadow) & stamps (delightful doilies, label basics, happy trails). I also used this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Ghost Masking.

What are you working on this weekend?

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday

2012-01-20T11:25:00.002-06:00

1. Yay, it's Friday! I'm so ready for the weekend! I worked four days this week, which I find pretty busy. I told the kids this morning that I think tomorrow will be a "Jammies Day." So, I'm hoping to tidy up the house after school today so that tomorrow can be free for some scrapbooking (with a little laundry thrown in, you know, just for fun. ;) )

2. I'm pretty excited about some new additions to my craft space which should be arriving shortly... I sold my Cuttlebug and some Tim Holtz/Cuttlebug/Quickutz dies to a friend of mine and decided to use that money towards purchasing a Big Shot and a stacked revolving tray.

3. So far, I've been doing pretty well with my New Year's Resolutions (which is saying something for me, because I usually tend to drop them in the first two weeks!) I've gone 20 days without sugar and deep-fried foods! Yay! The exercising part hasn't gone as well, though. I'm going to TKD three days a week, but I only made it to day 8 of the 30 Day Shred... and that was a week ago. I need to get back on that...

4. Jonah really likes the old typewriter that I picked up in the summer at a garage sale for $8. Even though the ribbon needs to be replaced (I really need to figure out where to get new ribbon for it), he'll type out notes and messages to give to me. They often include requests for Lego Star Wars and/or chicken noodle soup. Well, before Christmas, they were starting to get a little more demanding, with requests for "$" or he would stop doing the "dishis." They were so cute, I just knew I had to save them! And, what better way to do so than on a layout?

I used the back of a sheet of kraft Fancy Pants patterned paper for my background and added a Crate Paper border strip along the bottom. For the block of patterned paper, I started with a scrap of Crate patterned paper that had polka dots on it, to which I added some PTI Grunge Me, Modern Wood Mats and Label Basics stamps. I created the title with PTI Smokey Shadow cardstock and my PTI alphabet block dies. The little brad is Basic Grey and the other two I made using some left-over stamped images and my SU! Build a Brads.

Here are a couple of close ups of the letters he wrote us:

I used this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Ghost Masking, to add a decorative element to the patterned paper block I stamped:

5. A friend of ours from taekwondo is moving away, so I thought I'd make him a card to let him know how much we'll miss him. We've been training together for several years and he & I tested for our black belts together in May. Since I was making a layout using the ghost masking technique, I decided to repeat it on a card:

I used PTI cardstock (soft stone, smokey shadow, kraft), stamps (grunge me, basic labels, wonderful words) and dies (wonderful words). The patterned paper I stamped on is, again, Crate Paper.

Thanks for looking & have a great weekend!

I'm not sure....

2012-01-19T11:11:00.000-06:00

...if this would be a better wedding card or anniversary one... I made it several months ago using a sketch for an upcoming PaperCrafts magazine, but, unfortunately, it didn't get chosen, so I figured that it would be safe to share it here. ;)

I used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white), stamps (Big & Bold Wishes) & dies (Beautiful Blooms II #1). The patterned paper is Fancy Pants (grey check) and Cosmo Cricket and the decorative brads are My Mind's Eye.

Thanks for looking!

For the record

2012-01-18T10:05:00.001-06:00

We had piano lessons this morning. I drive all three kids there for 8am (Sage's lesson). Then, when Jonah starts his lesson at 8:30, I drive Austin & Sage to their schools and then go back to pick up Jonah. I really love listening to him play! I'm amazed at how quickly he picks things up-- he's very gifted!

While I was driving him to school after his lesson, after telling him how great he is, I thought of how special Jonah is to me. I've always been conscious that he not feel like the stereotypical "middle child" and I'm pretty sure he doesn't. He is probably my most "low-maintenance" child, but he is so good-natured & easy to be around-- I just love spending time with him!

I made this layout last week and realized I hadn't shared it yet...

I used PTI cardstock (kraft) & stamps (turning a new leaf), My Mind's Eye patterned paper & diecut and my SU! scalloped edge punch.

Thanks for looking!

Pages with Papertrey -- Sketch #5

2012-01-16T10:20:00.004-06:00

I apologize for being a day late with this...

I made my own sketch this month for my Pages With Papertrey sketch. I wanted to include room for many photos...

And here's the layout I made with it:

I used Echo Park patterned paper, PTI cardstock (vintage cream, simply chartreuse), stamps (I selectively inked the "the" from Wonderful Words Additions), button & dies (alphabet block, layerz mat stack #4, love lives here.)

Here's a close up of the journaling:

If you make a layout using this sketch, I'd love to see it! Please post a link either in this thread or in my comments.

Thanks for looking!

MIM #48 -- attempt #5

2012-01-15T22:35:00.000-06:00

I decided to make one more project with this week's Make it Monday at Papertrey Ink: creating backgrounds with border dies: a layout featuring a photo of my best, best girl.

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white, pure poppy), stamps (wonderful words additions, journaling lines, tag it's #6) and dies (mat stack #4, layerz mat stack #4, heart border). The polka dot patterned paper is Echo Park (red) and Simple Stories (green).

Thanks for looking!

MIM #48 -- attempt #4

2012-01-15T12:59:00.002-06:00

I decided to attempt this week's Make it Monday at Papertrey Ink: creating backgrounds with border dies with a layout.

I chose some photos of my favourite boys taken at this past summer's Corn & Apple Festival.

I used American Crafts cardstock (white 12x12) and PTI cardstock (stamper's select white), PTI stamps, buttons (boy basics: simple circles) & dies (simple circles border, alphabet block). The chevron patterned paper is My Mind's Eye and the label where I put the date is Crate.

Thanks for looking!

MIM #48 -- attempt #3

2012-01-14T07:45:00.001-06:00

I'm loving the idea of using border dies as backgrounds (this week's Make it Monday at Papertrey Ink), so I decided to use it again on a card for my brother's girlfriend, Tatiana.

I used PTI cardstock (kraft, raspberry fizz, rustic cream), stamps (stitches and swirls, happy day) and dies (mat stack #4, layerz mat stack #4, fillagree border die).

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday

2012-01-13T13:47:00.002-06:00

1. Well, our Christmas holidays have come to an end this week and it's been back to school/work for our household. Sigh.... Thankfully I get a week off at the end of January for exams at the high school. There's always something to look forward to, right? ;)

2. I got some happy mail this week! Scrapbook Trends magazine requested one of my layouts for their June issue.

3. I wanted to share a layout I made last weekend, using a favourite photo of my boys.

I used Crate Paper & Simple Stories patterned paper (which I used for the title) and some My Mind's Eye (green), Girls' Paperie (map) and Basic Grey (new york) decorative brads. I added a PTI Wonderful Words stamp ("together") to the subtitle with some Versafine Onyx ink.

Here are a couple of close ups:

4. We have a big event tomorrow for Cameron's side of the family. The first grandchild, our nephew, Luke, is getting married. I still remember meeting him when Cameron and I were dating.... he was four years old! And now he's getting married! How time flies....

5. In honour of #4, I thought I'd share the card I made for Luke and his bride, Laura, which I used several techniques, including this week's Make it Monday at Papertrey Ink: creating backgrounds with border dies.

I used PTI cardstock (kraft, aqua mist), stamps (love & marriage), twine, button, impression plate (woodgrain) and dies (heart border).

I cut several strips of the heart border die out of kraft cardstock and adhered it to a kraft base. Then, I ran the whole thing through my Cuttlebug with my woodgrain impression plate. For the sentiment/tree image, I first stamped the sentiment in Versamark and heat embossed it with black embossing powder. Then, I stamped the tree image over the sentiment in Versamark and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. I added some twine and a button to finish it off.

Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for looking!

MIM #48 -- attempt #1

2012-01-12T13:07:00.000-06:00

This week's Make it Monday at Papertrey Ink is creating backgrounds with border dies. Since my new favourite PTI product is the Fillagree border die, I just knew I had to play along.

I used PTI cardstock (pure poppy, rustic white), stamps (happy day, communique sentiments), button and dies (happy day, fillagree border.) I die cut some Echo Park patterned paper with the border die cut and added some baker's twine from my LSS.

Thanks for looking!

Another Christmas layout

2012-01-11T13:00:00.001-06:00

I made another Christmas layout, using some photos I took of the kids on Christmas morning, with their gifts:

I used Bazzill cardstock (white 12x12), PTI cardstock (stamper's select white), stamps (love lives here: holidays, Christmas labels, holiday lights (I selectively stamped "Christmas")) & dies (Christmas labels). I also used Echo Park patterned paper and Lily Bee stickers.

Here's a close up of the bough and ornaments I stamped with LLH: Holidays.

Thanks for looking!

Some Christmas layouts

2012-01-10T09:56:00.004-06:00

After birthday layouts, I think my least favourite layouts to scrapbook are Christmas ones. I know, strange, right? I think a lot of it has to do with the poor photos I take on Christmas morning. I'm never happy with the quality of them-- eight am in southern Manitoba just isn't bright enough in my living room to take a good picture. And for some strange reason, my kids don't want to wait until 10am to open their presents..... ;)

Anyway, even if they're not my favourite to scrapbook, I know that I'll want to look back and remember these moments, as well as preserve them for my kids. So, I try to get most of them done in January, while the memories are fresh and I'm still enjoying the Christmas patterned paper I bought.

So, that being said, here are two layouts that I made at my friend, Susan's house the other day. We got together to scrapbook while our kids played together-- it was a great afternoon!

Now, I was pretty happy with these photos. Sage had written and illustrated a story for Austin called "The Monster." She'd wrapped it up and everything. I love how he took the time to read it right away-- it was such a sweet moment on Christmas morning!

I used Simple Stories (pointsettia with text, green polka dot) & Echo Park (cream) patterned paper, Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic cream) and stamps (I stamped three Peace Be Still snowflakes in the bottom right hand corner to balance out the snowflakes on the patterned paper in the top left hand corner.

And all I used for this next layout was some Simple Stories patterned paper. I had to get a little creative with my placement, as the "Christmas Top Five" journaling card was printed on the back of the background sheet I used.

Here's a closeup of the journaling:

Thanks for looking!

Homemade patterned paper

2012-01-09T09:40:00.002-06:00

Elena issued a really fun Papertrey Princess challenge this week: she challenged us to make our own patterned paper. I decided to use my PTI Delightful Doilies stamp set, along with my BB: Text Style I on some Rustic Cream cardstock to make mine. Then I used it to make a layout and two cards.

First, the layout:

I'd bought the top My Mind's Eye patterned paper because I loved it, but didn't have any coordinating paper to use with it. So, when I created my own patterned paper, I pulled my colours from it, so they would go together.

I used PTI cardstock (rustic cream, kraft), stamps (modern wood mats) & dies (half & half, alphabet block). The twine & brad are both My Mind's Eye.

Here are a few close-ups:

And the journaling:

And here's one of the cards I made:

In addition to the other supplies I've already mentioned, I used the Happy Day stamp set and die and a smokey shadow button.

And here's the other card:

I used some stamps from Botanical Silhouettes and Wonderful Words to create my sentiment, as well as a Love Lives Here die.

Thanks for looking!

Good stuff

2012-01-08T08:01:00.001-06:00

Sage just makes me smile.

She is always doing something cute or sweet or unique and it thrills me to no end when I can capture it on film! These are the things I want to remember. This is one of the reasons I scrapbook.

I scrapbooked this photo of her from last fall. Cameron and I had been working on painting our house when all of a sudden, while Cameron was taking a short break to answer a phone call, she comes out of the house with a magazine and perchs herself up on our scaffolding to read it! Too cute!

Here's the layout:

I made this layout using the recap of all the Make It Mondays from the last year. This one is for MIM #5: distressing edges.
I used PTI cardstock (rustic cream, canyon clay), felt and dies (layerz mat stack #4, flower fusion #3). The brown cardstock is Bazzill, the patterned paper is Simple Stories and the decorative brads are My Mind's Eye.

Thanks for looking!

A trio of thank you cards

2012-01-07T09:52:00.001-06:00

I brought a bunch of my stamps and inks upstairs to the dining room table on Monday and made a bunch of thank you card with the kids. Their assignment was to make four each: one for each grandma and their two uncles (& their families). They enjoyed using my stamps (I'm glad I have so many thank you ones to go around!) Some of their favourite stamps were the tiny treats: Valentines and Boy Basics: Game On.

I made three thank you cards, as well. I wanted to keep them one layer, if possible, so that they'd be easier (read: cheaper) to mail.

This first one I made for the recap of all the Make It Mondays from the last year. I chose the very first MIM: the go to sentiment card.

I used PTI cardstock (aqua mist) & stamps (rosie posie, think big favourites #4 & #5, mat stack #1 & botanical silhouettes).

I used PTI cardstock (hawaiian shores, stamper's select white) & stamps (happy day, think big favourites #3 & guide lines 2) & dies (happy day).

And for this third card, I used PTI cardstock (canyon clay) & stamps (stitches and swirls, think big favourites #5). I added a few little gems for flower centres.

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday

2012-01-06T10:56:00.000-06:00

1. We've been thoroughly enjoying our Christmas holidays! Lots of movie nights, reading, crafting, going for walks (it's been gorgeous outside!) and relaxing. Very perfect!

2. Jonah won a spot at Winter Camp at Winkler Bible Camp this week. So he spent a fun-filled two days and one night there this week and had a great time!

3. I wanted to share some cards that I made with the leftovers of my Generations line by Simple Stories patterned paper:

This first card was made using a card sketch from Sketch 135 at Got Sketch?.

I used PTI cardstock (rustic cream, kraft, scarlet jewel), stamps (on the couch & additions) and dies (doily details). The twine is SU!

I used PTI cardstock (kraft, scarlet jewel) & stamps (love & marriage).

I used PTI cardstock (fine linen), stamps (happy trails), buttons, twine and dies (fillagree border).

I used PTI cardstock (fine linen, scarlet jewel), stamps (half & half) and dies (half & half).

4. I made several resolutions this year and I'm happy to say that so far, so good!

5. One of my resolutions was about losing weight. (I know, surprise, surprise!) This is my constant when it comes to resolutions it seems... However, this year I turn 40 (can you believe it?) and I don't want to be this heavy when I do so. So, my plan it to cut back on what I eat, eliminate sugar and deep fried foods from my diet and exercise more. So, for the last five days, I've been successful on the eating part and I've done 4 days of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred (Austin is actually doing the work-outs with me, which has been fun!) I'm definitely taking it one day at a time, but I'd love for 2012 to be a year of success!

Thanks for looking!

Finally...

2012-01-05T11:40:00.006-06:00

Last fall, after reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, I decided to make a Gratitude Journal in which I would record the things for which I was thankful. I got as far as making the title page and first entrey, which you can see here, and that's as far as I got.

I think part of what I struggled with was that I had made it with a fall theme, but I knew that this would be something I wanted to work on year round.

So, using some of my Generations line by Simple Stories, I decided to start over. Here's what I made...

For the title page, I decided to layer, but not too much, as I didn't want it to interfere with my journaling.

I used Papertre Ink cardstock (rustic white for the journaling pages, as well as kraft, rustic cream, fine linen, scarlet jewel and dark chocolate), stamps (gratitude journal, delightful doilies (on the journaling pages), happy day) and dies (mat stack #5, doily details, happy day, jounaling tabs). The patterned paper is Simple Stories and the brad is Basic Grey.

Here's a close up:

I decided to make a little bookmark to mark my place, using a Simple Stories journaling tag and a Mega Mat Stack die. The border is stamped with Love & Marriage stamp set.

Here's my first page, which I stamped and added some Simple Stories stickers (to hide my "oops!")

And some stamping on my second page. The rest of the pages are yet unstamped. I figure I can add to them later if I want.

I also included some sections with the names of my husband and children, so if I wrote something down that included them, I could repeat it in their section.

And that's it. Now that it's done, I'm hoping to write in it daily.

Thanks for looking!

Kind of like a kit

2012-01-04T11:02:00.006-06:00

I don't know if it's from working with scrapbooking kits for so long or what, but when I get a new collection of patterned paper & coordinating elements, I find it easier to treat it as a kit and select many photos that would suit it to scrapbook with it. Then once I'm finished one layout with these papers, I don't need to put them all away. Instead, I just pull out another photo and make another layout. I find this helps me to use my stash a little better, plus, it just feels more efficient.

You'll notice I did this with my Generations line by Simple Stories. I packed it up to take to my friend, Marlo's house last week (which really made it quite simple to pack to go scrapbook at someone else's house-- I fit everything in a 13x13 plastic case and away I went!), where I made the following two layouts. Then, I used it to make a mini-album, the layout I shared yesterday and one more project that I plan on sharing tomorrow.... Which now leaves me several scraps that I think I'll use to make some cards. ;)

So here are the layouts I made at Marlo's:

The first one I made was using this fabulous photo of Jonah that I took in the fall, when we were on a hike. I just love it!

I used Bazzill cardstock (kraft), Papertrey Ink cardstock (kraft, rustic cream, scarlet jewel), stamps (wonderful words, bb:newsprint) & dies (double-ended banner builder, mega mat stack #4, block alphabet). The decorative brad is Basic Grey.

Here's a close-up of my title treatment. I love that with the block alphabet dies, I can spell out "blessed"! I dislike the word "lucky" so is a better way for me to use those stamps.

And the second layout, also taken this past fall, but on a differnt day, on a different hike, in a different location.

I used Bazzill cardstock (french vanilla), Papertrey Ink cardstock (kraft, rustic cream, scarlet jewel), stamps (Think Big Favourites #11) & dies (double-ended banner builder, fillagree border).

This paper was just so pretty, I couldn't resist cutting out some of the flowers.

Thanks for looking!

A layout to share

2012-01-03T10:39:00.007-06:00

Anyone who visits my blog regularly know that I am a huge fan of Papertrey Ink's Make It Mondays. Well, this week, they're having a recap of all the MIMs from the last year-- we can go back and choose to make something using a technique that we missed. In looking back, there weren't very many that I'd missed (only the first 7 and then anything involving glitter or Copics.) So, seeing as I don't own any glitter or Copics (the reason I never did those challenges in the first place), I decided to tackle a few of the first challenges I missed.

I made this layout using two techniques: #5 (Distressing Edges) and #6 (Impression Plate Tricks 1):

I used Bazzill & PTI cardstock (scarlet jewel, rustic cream), Generations by Simple Stories patterned paper, Papertrey Ink stamps (Gratitude Journal), felt, impression plate (woodgrain) & dies (heart border, Mega Mat Stack #4, Heart Prints). The decorative brad is Bo Bunny.

When I ordered prints for my mini-album, I ordered some copies of my favourites to scrapbook. I took this photo last spring in the Pembina Valley.

Here's a close up of the impression plate technique, where you just impress a portion of the diecut:

I just love all the texture in this layout!

Thanks for looking!

A mini- album

2012-01-02T09:31:00.005-06:00

Ever since I got some papers from the Generations line by Simple Stories and some 8x6 photos printed through a special at Black's (50 6x8 photo for $5), I've had an idea to make a mini-album using some favourite family photos.

However, for me, mini-albums are always something I can push off until another day, so I was really thankful for Lee's Papertrey Princess challnge to make a mini-album. It was just the motivation I needed to get it done.

I loved the vertical journaling card elements that were 4x6 inches. So I cut apart some of my boxes that my Papertrey Ink stamps came in and sewed one to a card, stitching them together with my sewing machine. These made great pages to separate some of my photos.

For the album, I used Simple Stories patterned paper & letter stickers, Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic cream), stamps (love & marriage) and dies (mega mat stack #4, heart border, fillagree border) & twine. The key is My Mind's Eye.

To bind it together, I took it to our local print shop where they coil bound it for me for $4.

Thanks for looking!

Pages with Papertrey -- Challenge #5

2012-01-01T12:57:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year!!

I'm totally excited for a new year! I've made some resolutions, have set some goals and am thrilled with the thought of new beginnings! This year is going to be great!

To kick things off, I have a new challenge for Pages With Papertrey and this month, it's a colour challenge: create a layout using these three colours:

And bonus points if you scrapbook a holiday photo! ;)

Here's the layout I created:

I used American Crafts cardstock (white), My Mind's Eye patterned paper & decorative brads & Papertrey Ink dies (mat stack #4, mat stack #4 layerz & fillagree border).

If you'd like to play along with this month's Pages With Papertrey Challenge, just post a link to your layout here -- I'd love to see what you create!

Thanks for looking!

In 2011...

2011-12-30T20:59:00.006-06:00

I made 354 posts on my blog
--- that's almost one per day!--
the most I've ever posted.

.............................

I created about 100 layouts
and a whole whack of cards.

.............................

I was sad to end a 5.5 year
term as a DT member for My Scrap
Shoppe when Marcy sold her store
and closed the forum and gallery.

.............................

I tested for my 1st Dan
(1st degree black belt)
in taekwondo.
.............................

I discovered a new online stamping store
which has provided me with not only lots of
wonderful product, but also with many new
wonderful online friends.

.............................

I fell in love with the Harry Potter
book series (which I read through twice--
the first time in July and again in December).
I also watched all eight movies with Austin
(& the first three again a second time).

.............................

I worked quite a bit and continued to
struggle with finding a balance
between working and being at home.
Because of this, my word
for 2012 will thrive.

.............................

I played, laughed, sang,
took photos, prayed, cried,
groaned, kissed, hugged,
thought, felt, tried,
learned & grew.

.............................

And, I made a layout to document it all:

I used PTI cardstock (rustic cream) & die (fillagree border), Simple Stories patterned paper and Pink Paislee chipboard letters.

Happy New Year!
Thanks for looking!

2011 top 11

2011-12-30T09:15:00.000-06:00

As 2011 comes to a close, I thought I'd post my favourite layouts that I made during the past year...

I don't think my style changed very much, but my tools certainly did. This time last year, I got a Cuttlebug die cutting machine and immediately wondered why I hadn't gotten one sooner. The first couple of months of 2011 saw me adding Alphabet dies to my stash and in March, I discovered Papertrey Ink & many of their lovely dies and stamps (& paper & buttons & felt & impression plates & twine...) came to live at my house!

I made this layout for using a sketch from Page Maps:

I used some lovely Crate Paper for this layout, along with a sketch from Kelly Purkey's Sketchbook 3 class and it was featured on the Crate blog:

A layout using more Crate Paper and felt, dies & stamps from PTI:

The first layout I made as part of the Scrapping Everyday Miracles DT:

I had won some of the Rocket Age products on the October Afternoon blog and was really happy with this layout that I made with them:

My very favourite line from 2011-- My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose -- Mabel and a photo of one of my very favourite boys-- they go perfectly together:

I loved this self-timer photo I took of Austin & I reading the Harry Potter series at the beach:

One of my favourite things about scrapbooking-- documenting little stories that make me smile that I don't want to forget:

I love how the colours, patterned paper and stamps came together for this great photo of my three favourite people:

It's not often that I know what I want to do with a piece of patterned paper when I see it in the store, but with this one, I did. And look, it's a layout about me:

And one final layout, that I made earlier this week:

Thanks so much for looking!

A few holiday layouts

2011-12-29T13:54:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd share a few layouts I made with some December photos...

For this one, I used Bazzill (green embossed) & PTI (white) cardstock, PTI, My Mind's Eye & Simple Stories patterned paper, PTI felt, twine, stamps (2011 holiday tags) & dies (fillable frames #9, damask snoflake, mat stack #5).

I don't know where this shimmer cardstock came from but I found it in my stash and was pleased with how well it matched the PTI & Simple Stories patterned paper. I also used PTI stamps (think big favourites #10) & dies (block alphabet, Christmas poinsettia). The little green brads are MME.

And for this one, of some photos of Cameron and me, I used American Crafts cardstock (white), PTI cardstock (kraft), stamps (love & marriage, happy day) and dies (happy day, fillagree border.) The large brad is MME, the smaller one is Pink Paisllee and the patterned papers are MME & Simple Stories.

Thanks for looking!

My secret Santa gift

2011-12-27T20:48:00.003-06:00

For the past few years, with Cameron's sister's family, we've been choosing names to exchange gifts for each other and calling it a Secret Santa. We have a few rules we follow...

The gift can be:
1. under $6
2. regifted
3. homemade
4. second hand
5. a "time spent with" gift

This year, I got Jonah. And as soon as I read his name, I knew exactly what I would make for him.

Last year, I made Sage a quilt for Christmas. After she'd opened it, Jonah was looking around under the tree. When I asked him what he was looking for, he said: "Where's mine?"

"Where's your what?"

"Where's my quilt?"

"You want me to make you a quilt?"

"Yes."

So, we went shopping at a few fabric stores to find some fabric to make his quilt. And I cut out the squares.... but that's as far as I got.

So, in November & December, I've been working away on Jonah's quilt in my basement, the whole while keeping it a secret from everyone else (this was trickier than it sounds!) And, a few days before Christmas, I got it done:

It's a twin size quilt. And here's how I made the back:

Jonah was quite happy when he got it (he'd been a little worried he'd been missed, as he didn't get it until later in the exchange!)

Now to find some time to work on one for Austin....

Thanks for looking!

PTI December Blog Hop

2011-12-26T08:17:00.000-06:00

Once again, I've decided to play along with this month's PTI blog hop. This month's challenge is their traditional "Holiday Leftovers Challenge": to use some of the left-over wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, tags, canceled postage from holiday cards you have received, photos from holiday cards and anything else you might have laying around after the holiday preparations have ended to create a project.

I was honestly a little stumped by this challenge, until I was helping Sage wrap a present and some of the left-over wrapping paper caught my eye. I decided to run the scrap through my Cuttlebug with a Tag Sale #5 die and make a tag for my mom's Christmas gift:

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (kraft, soft stone), stamps (tremendous treats: Christmas), twine, button and dies (Tag Sale#5, double ended banner).

Thanks for looking!

Playing with new goodies -- part II

2011-12-25T14:28:00.003-06:00

I got some new PTI goodies in the mail on Friday and decided to make two more tags using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag.

This tag is for mother-in-law who will celebrate her birthday tomorrow.

I used my new Happy Day & Rosie Posie stamp sets as well as some new dies:

Thanks for looking!

Playing with new goodies -- part I

2011-12-25T14:07:00.002-06:00

I got some new PTI goodies in the mail on Friday and decided to make two more tags using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag.

This tag is for my sister-in-law's mother-in-law who will be at our family gathering tomorrow. I thought she might enjoy a little something to open...

I used my new Happy Day stamp set and dies:

Thanks for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 12

2011-12-25T07:53:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

I hope you're enjoying this day with friends and family!

I just wanted to pop in and share my last tag for my 12 Days of Christmas Tags. I made this one for Austin, using October Afternoon patterned paper, PTI cardstock (rustic cream, white) and dies (love live here: holidays, picket fence). I also added some SU! Daxxling Details, which might have been a mistake in hindsight, but what's Christmas without a little glitter, right?

And again, I used this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag.

Thanks so much for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 11

2011-12-24T07:51:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it's Christmas Eve!

Today, I need to tidy up the house, bake some cinnamon buns for brunch tomorrow, as well as make a fruit salad, ice & decorate the cake for tomorrow night's dessert and my dressing for the turkey. I also need to make two more gift tags & some place cards. Hopefully, there'll be some time in there to relax before our Christmas Eve service tonight...

But before I run off to tackle these tasks, I wanted to share the tag that I made for Jonah's gift. Once again, I used this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag:

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white, white), stamps (holiday lights, postmarks), button, twine and dies (picket fence, tag sale #3). The teal cardstock is SU!

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday: The Christmas edition

2011-12-23T08:13:00.000-06:00

1. This felt like a great week in terms of getting things accomplished!

I worked on Monday, but on Tuesday, I didn't, so I took advantage of my empty house to wrap gifts, make tags and work on my Secret Santa gift. I got almost all of my gifts wrapped, including all the stuff for the teachers' gifts and my gift tags.

We also went to Winkler in the evening and picked up some skates for Sage & Austin (Austin's old skates thankfully fit Jonah this year), so there all set for ice skating my sister-in-law's Christmas gathering. I also picked up some pretty plaid napkins and a new tablecloth for Christmas supper. And, we got a turkey. This is our first Christmas at home (not counting the year that Sage, Cameron & I had the flu-- there was no nice Christmas supper that year, let me tell you!), so I'm hoping to make it a nice memorable day. :)

On Wednesday evening, I stayed up late to finish my Secret Santa gift (I was tempted to share some pictures, but I think I'll wait until next week... Hee!) and got it wrapped.

On Thursday, I volunteered at Sage's & Jonah's school in the am, which thrilled them to no end.... In the afternoon, I tackled some prep for food for the weekend (sunshine salad dressing, carmalized pecans, a cheese ball, and the cake to make a version of Martha Stewart's Gingerbread House Cake...) So much to do, but it'll be fun, I know it!

2. I wanted to share the card sets that I made for my kids' classroom teachers this year, using PTI cardstock and the Happy Trails stamp set:

They each got two of each card.

3. And here's how I packaged the sets, using my left-over PTI stamp boxes, by Nichole Heady, some PTI cardstock (vintage cream, spring moss, autumn rose, scarlet jewel) & dies (Christmas label, Christmas Poinsettia):

And some close-ups...

Once again, I used this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag:

4. I also decided to use a similar packaging idea to wrap up some homemade cards for my friend, Val:

The supplies are the same as above, although I added some Christmas labels & Holiday Lights stamps.

I gave her the cards (which she loved!) on Wednesday, along with these (which she also loved!)

5.

Sage had her class assembly on Wednesday and was so excited that I was able to attend. She played the part of Dancer the Reindeer in the skit they presented and did a fabulous job!

Thanks for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 9-- Part II

2011-12-22T07:56:00.003-06:00

I didn't realize that I had more than twelve days worth of Christmas tags to share, so I'm doubling up today. You can see today's Part I post here.

This is the tag I made for Sage's present, using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag.

I used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white, sweet blush), stamps (love lives here: holidays), twine and dies (damask snowflakes, double-ended banner).

Thanks for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 9-- Part I

2011-12-22T07:14:00.001-06:00

I made this tag for Cameron's gift, once again using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag.

I used PTI cardstock (rustic white), stamps (tremendous treats: Christmas, fillable frames #9) and die (mat stack #1).

Thanks for looking!

Ooops!

2011-12-21T19:34:00.003-06:00

After school today, I was trying to organize the teacher gifts for the kids to take to school tomorrow. Austin came home from school and saw the Butter Crunch bags that I'd made for Jonah & Sage's gym teachers and asked where his were for his gym teacher and his health teacher.

Ooops, I guess I forgot a couple of teachers....

So, after supper, I whipped up another double batch of Butter Crunch. I was out of the small clear bags I'd used yesterday and wondered about making a trip to the store, when I remembered these cute containers I'd gotten at Walmart earlier this fall with exactly this purpose in mind.

And so, voilà:

Two more treat containers for Austin's teachers. Here's a close up of the tags, which I made super quickly with some pre-made blooms that I had on hand...

I used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white), stamps (BB:text style I, fillable frames #9), dies (tag sale #5, bloom builders #3), twine and buttons. The patterned paper on the blooms is Fancy Pants.

And because I love it so much, I used this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag.

Thanks for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 8

2011-12-21T07:15:00.000-06:00

I made some Butter Crunch for Jonah & Sage's phys. ed. teachers this year... and thought I'd share the recipe here:

Butter Crunch:

35 to 40 saltine crackers (unsalted works well, too)
1 cup butter (or margarine)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1.5 cups chocolate chips
1/4 to 1/3 cup toffee pieces (like skor pieces or bits o'brickle)

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and grease it. Line the foil with crackers, cutting them in half if necessary to cover the pan.

In a pot, bring butter and brown sugar to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 4 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over crackers and spread it out evenly.

Bake at 350F for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and top with chocolate chips. Let the chocolate chips melt and then spread them evenly over the surface. Sprinkle toffee pieces over top. Put in fridge for several hours. Remove from fridge and remove foil backing. Cut into pieces. Store in fridge, with waxed paper between the layers.

And even though the butter crunch is perfectly fine on its own, I decided to dress up the bags with some tags using this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag.

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (Holiday Lights) and die (tag sale #5). For the inside, I used my Fillable Frames #9 stamps.

I used some glossy accents on the lights to give them a little shine.

Thanks for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 7

2011-12-20T08:19:00.004-06:00

I had a bag of Ghiradelli chocolates left over from my Crop for the Congo in October, so I decided to wrap them up with a pretty tag & give them to our taekwondo instructor.

For this tag, I used this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: any die into a folded tag, as well as for the latest papertrey Princess challenge by Joyce to include some snowflakes.

I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (pure poppy, aqua mist), stamps (peace be still, tremendous treats: Christmas) and dies (Mat Stack #5, double ended banner). I stamped the snowflakes in Versamark and then heat embossed them with white embossing powder.

And here's how it opens up (I love this technique!):

Thanks for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 6

2011-12-19T12:14:00.000-06:00

Here's a tag that I made for my mother-in-law's gift:

I used PTI cardstock (stamper's select white, kraft), stamps (2011 holiday tags) , twine & dies (damask snowflakes). I also used some Simple Stories patterned paper, a Marvy Uchida scalloped punch and my SU! circle punch.

Thanks for looking!

12 Days of Christmas Tags -- Day 5

2011-12-18T16:09:00.006-06:00

For today's tag, I wanted to share another set of cards that I made as a gift for Jonah & Sage's science teacher. She was Austin's kindergartin teacher and I remember that she used to take the kids to look at her apple tree throughout the year, so they could observe it during the different seasons. This memory prompted me to make her a set of cards using my PTI Falling Leaves stamps set, with the sentiment from Happy Trails. I made them all using PTI rustic white cardstock. She'll get two of each card.

And a close up of the tag:

I used PTI cardstock (kraft, dark chocolate, simply chartreuse, harvest gold), felt ((dark chocolate, simply chartreuse), stamps (tremendous treats: Christmas, Christmas labels), twine, button, woodgrain impression plate & dies (tag sale #5, double ended banner, love lives here: holiday, Christmas labels).

Since we were all dressed so nicely for church this morning (Jonah & Sage have their Christmas concert tonight at church), I suggested that we take some photos in front of the tree. I got this shot of Sage to test the lighting-- she was making goofy faces, but then I got this one when she laughed:

We took this group shot with the timer & tripod, which is always a little hit or miss:

And Austin took this one of Cameron and me:

Thanks for looking!